Displacement and Church Burnings Deepen Humanitarian Crisis in Syria Father Tony Boutros, pastor of Saint Philip's Church. Parishioners from six churches in Suwayda, Syria, have been displaced in recent weeks, underscoring the mounting humanitarian crisis in the governorate, according to Greek (Rum) Catholic Father Tony Boutros, pastor of Saint Philip's Church. The situation reflects the broader fragility and complexity of life in Suwayda, where security and humanitarian conditions are rapidly deteriorating. Father Boutros explained that his church has received nearly 170 displaced people despite lacking even the most basic necessities, such as water and electricity. He warned that living conditions for both the displaced and local residents have become "unbearable." In a televised interview with the program You Are Not Alone on SAT-7, Father Boutros revealed that five churches were completely burned during the violent events that shook the governorate in July, leaving what he described as a deep wound in the social and religious fabric of the region. Speaking with emotion, he recalled that during heavy gunfire, many civilians -- including non-Christians -- sought refuge inside the church, crying out, "We are coming to Jesus, Father. We are leaving ourselves with you," as they wept over the destruction of their homes and memories. He noted that before this ordeal, Suwayda's residents lived peacefully, united as one family. Despite official announcements of a ceasefire, Father Boutros stressed that the governorate is effectively under siege, facing severe shortages of food and a halt in fuel deliveries, which have compounded the suffering of its people. "We are truly besieged, and people are struggling to secure their daily essentials," he said. One of the most visible consequences of the crisis has been the continued closure of the Damascus--Suwayda road. This has deprived thousands of residents of freedom of movement and prevented hundreds of students from reaching their universities in the capital, leaving them hostage to an increasingly harsh economic and social blockade. Father Boutros concluded by saying that despite fatigue, risks, and hardship, the community's demand remains the restoration of dignity, as human beings are the "image of God on Earth." Observers note that the crisis in Suwayda is not only local or religious. The displacement of parishioners from six churches and the burning of five houses of worship underscore the fragility of security in the area, while the worsening shortages highlight deeper vulnerabilities in infrastructure and the limited capacity for humanitarian response. China's top legislator calls for enhancing China-Russia parliamentary cooperation Xinhua) 08:38, August 26, 2025 Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, hosts the 10th meeting of the China-Russia committee for parliamentary cooperation with Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian State Duma, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) BEIJING, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji on Monday called on China's National People's Congress (NPC) and the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to fully leverage cooperation mechanisms and platforms, and continuously enhance exchanges and cooperation. Zhao, chairman of China's NPC Standing Committee, made the remarks while hosting the 10th meeting of the China-Russia committee for parliamentary cooperation with Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian State Duma, in Beijing. Zhao said under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era has consistently maintained a healthy, stable, and high-level development momentum. It has been proven that China-Russia cooperation features complementary strengths and immense potential, representing a strategic choice made by both sides based on their respective development and revitalization goals, Zhao added. Noting this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia committee for parliamentary cooperation, Zhao said China's NPC is willing to work with the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, taking the important consensus reached by the two heads of state as the fundamental guideline, to fully leverage cooperation mechanisms and platforms, continuously enhance exchanges and cooperation, and contribute to the in-depth development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. He called on both sides to maintain the positive momentum of close exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and consolidate the political foundation of mutual support, solidarity and coordination. Efforts should be made to expand the content and forms of mechanism exchanges to meet the development needs of China-Russia relations in the new era, Zhao said. He added that the legislative bodies of the two countries should engage in mutual learning of governance experience, legislation and supervision to support the development and revitalization of their respective countries. Zhao also urged for close communication and coordination between the two sides within multilateral mechanisms, to resolutely defend the outcomes of the victory of WWII, promote a correct historical perspective on WWII, safeguard the UN-centered international system, practice true multilateralism, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. Volodin said the Russian State Duma is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with China's NPC. Focused on implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, it aims to leverage the mechanism and platform of the Russia-China committee for parliamentary cooperation, making contributions to promoting comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, optimizing the business environment, deepening cultural exchanges, jointly upholding a correct historical perspective on WWII, and safeguarding multilateralism. Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, hosts the 10th meeting of the China-Russia committee for parliamentary cooperation with Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian State Duma, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close We are hearing a lot about the 10% to be paid to public servants, but nothing is said about 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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Advancements Since Hurricane Katrina The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina revealed significant deficiencies in public preparedness, unclear state guidance, and a shortage of pet-friendly emergency shelters, escalating the risks associated with emergency response and resulting in unsafe situations for people and their pets. To improve emergency readiness and response, animal welfare organizations came together to create NARSC (National Animal Rescue & Sheltering Coalition) to identify, prioritize and find collaborative solutions to major human-animal emergency issues. The creation of NARSC of which the ASPCA is a founding member has helped animal welfare organizations better coordinate efforts and resources when responding to widespread disasters. ASPCA research indicates that incorporating animals into disaster planning policies can help prevent tragic outcomes. Since Hurricane Katrina, the ASPCA has advocated for policies that enhance disaster preparedness and response efforts to ensure animals are included in emergency planning and enable vets to transport and dispense vital medicines while performing in the field. Most recently, the ASPCA has led efforts to enact laws in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington to ensure that local governments designate pet-friendly sheltering sites, allowing individuals to evacuate with their pets safely. In 2020, Florida enacted a similar ASPCA-supported law requiring each county that establishes emergency shelters to designate a shelter accommodating people with pets. "As we reflect on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina during National Preparedness Month, we are reminded of the vital role that preparedness plays in safeguarding our pets during disasters. Lessons learned from past crises emphasize that planning for our animal companions is not just compassionate; it's essential," says Tim Rickey, vice president of national field response for the ASPCA. "By developing disaster response plans for all members of the family well in advance, pet owners can better ensure the safety and well-being of their companion animals, in turn allowing local agencies to dedicate their resources to homeless animals and pets with the most critical needs." Apply for a Disaster Preparedness Grant In recognition of the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the ASPCA is providing up to $600,000 in disaster preparedness funding to animal welfare organizations and governmental agencies in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, where Hurricane Katrina had the most devastating impacts. Up to $500,000 of this funding is available through an open application process from Aug. 29 through Sept. 30, to cover expenses for temporary emergency sheltering supplies, animal evacuation equipment, field rescue gear, pet supplies for disaster-related community distribution, emergency preparedness training, and more. As part of this initiative, the ASPCA will also be matching every donation made, up to $100,000, to the Louisiana SPCA (LA/SPCA) from now until the end of October 2025, to support pet adoptions, lifesaving rescue services, advanced veterinary care, and vital community support. As one of the country's largest animal welfare grant makers, the ASPCA provides essential grants and collaborates with hundreds of local shelters and rescues, working together to save and improve the lives of animals by providing life-changing tools and resources to help give even more animals a second chance. Last year, in response to the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the ASPCA provided over $3 million in critical relief funding to organizations supporting animals on the ground in the disaster zone. Since 2001, the ASPCA has provided more than $200 million in grant funding to over 4,000 mission-aligned organizations and programs nationwide. Steps You Can Take to Prepare Your Pets for a Disaster A past ASPCA survey revealed that while a significant percentage of pet owners live in areas prone to disasters, more than half do not have an emergency preparedness plan in place. As natural disasters continue to increase in frequency and severity, the ASPCA is underscoring the importance of enhanced disaster preparedness in communities across the country to better protect companion animals, who are often among the most vulnerable during these life-threatening events. Lifesaving disaster preparedness tips include: Evacuate with Your Pets: If evacuation becomes necessary, individuals should take their pets with them. Leaving pets behind or tethering them to poles or trees can prevent them from escaping high waters and reaching safe areas. If evacuation becomes necessary, individuals should take their pets with them. Leaving pets behind or tethering them to poles or trees can prevent them from escaping high waters and reaching safe areas. Arrange a Safe Haven: Secure a safe haven for pets, such as boarding kennels, emergency shelters, pet-friendly hotels, or the homes of friends or family members. Secure a safe haven for pets, such as boarding kennels, emergency shelters, pet-friendly hotels, or the homes of friends or family members. Prepare Emergency Supplies: Assemble emergency supplies and travel kits that include pet ID tags, food, clean water, medications, a pet carrier, food and water bowls, and other necessities sufficient for at least 7 to 10 days. Assemble emergency supplies and travel kits that include pet ID tags, food, clean water, medications, a pet carrier, food and water bowls, and other necessities sufficient for at least 7 to 10 days. Keep Records Handy: Ensure that copies of pet medical records and photographs of owners with their pets are readily accessible in case of separation. Ensure that copies of pet medical records and photographs of owners with their pets are readily accessible in case of separation. Update Identification: Ensure all pets wear identification tags with current contact information. The ASPCA also recommends verifying microchip registration information to maintain accurate contact details. In case a pet is separated during a disaster, tracking/GPS collars can also be good alternatives, given how many pets wander off during a storm. For additional information regarding disaster preparedness and resources from the ASPCA, please visit aspca.org/disasterprep. About the ASPCA Founded in 1866, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation's leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.aspca.org and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. SOURCE ASPCA A massive wall of dust, known as a dust storm or haboob, swept into downtown Phoenix on Monday evening, reducing visibility to nearly nothing and causing travel chaos, both on the ground and in the sky. It came in from the desert and didn't just affect the downtown of Arizona's capital city. Across the Phoenix metro area, some 57,000 homes and businesses lost power during the dust storm, according to ABC15 Phoenix. (MORE: What Is A Haboob?) Bernae Boykin Hitesman was driving her son and daughter, ages 9 and 11, home from school when the storm, known as a haboob, arrived late in the afternoon in Arizona City, about 60 miles southeast of Phoenix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had to quickly pull over as the storm engulfed her car. I couldnt see my hand in front of my face if I put my hand outside, she said. Planes are lined up at an airport with a large dust storm in the background Boykin Hitesman said she could taste the dust and feel the strong wind rattling her car until it finally passed about 15 minutes later. I was nervous, she said. My kids were really, really scared, so I was trying to be brave for them. A haboob is a dust storm pushed by the wind produced by a weather front or thunderstorm and typically occurs in flat, arid areas. Heavy rain and wind followed Monday's haboob, delaying flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and causing some damage to a terminal roof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews have been identifying leaks and attempting to clean up water where it has collected in passenger areas, Heather Shelbrack, the airports deputy aviation director for public relations, said in an email. (WATCH: Burning Man Festival Hit By Huge Dust Storm) Richard Filley, a retired university professor who lives in Gilbert, said the dust storm caused the trees to sway and knocked bird feeders to the ground. Fine dust found its way through every little crack and space into his house, he said. The windstorm part of it, Im glad its gone, he said. You look at the photos of haboobs and they are a spectacular natural phenomenon. They are kind of beautiful in their own way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phoenix has been drier than usual during the monsoon season, while parts of southeast and north-central Arizona have had a fair amount of rain, said Mark OMalley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix. But thats typical for a monsoon, very hit and miss, he said. Information from the Associated Press was used in this report. Alef begins operations at Half Moon Bay and Hollister airports Alef will test operations in common air traffic with other aircraft Alef to operate both as a car and as an aircraft Both airports may serve as a future base for Alef flying car fleets SAN MATEO, Calif., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alef Aeronautics, a sustainable mobility company designing and developing world's first flying car - a roadable car with vertical takeoff - announced today agreements to start operations at two airports: Half Moon Bay Airport and Hollister Airport. Alef to operate at airports with other types of aircraft as well as to test integration in the common air traffic patterns. Alef also plans exhibitions for media and investors at corresponding airports. Two new agreements expand Alef's R&D flight test locations to five. Airport agreement prioritizes other traffic over Alef's operations, giving the right of way to traditional aircraft. Alef to expand safety procedures to include regular alerting other aircraft of Alef car movements both on the ground and in the air. Alef to use additional novel safety features, such as AI obstacle recognition, for integration into the air and ground traffic. Alef to start operations with Model Zero Ultralight, with future operations expanding to other Model Zero models and the commercial Model A. Planned operations include driving, vertical takeoff, forward flight, and vertical landing, as well as air and ground maneuvering. "Alef first and foremost is a car, using the automotive infrastructure, automotive business model, and automotive market. The novelty is integrating a car into the aviation infrastructure and air traffic. Working in safe, controlled, non-towered airport environments will help Alef, FAA, airport operators, and pilots see how this will work in the future at scale. Electric aviation is more environmentally friendly, quieter, and requires less space hence it is good to see Silicon Valley airports embracing electric aviation," said Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef. About Alef: Alef Aeronautics, based in San Mateo, CA, is a sustainable electric transportation company designing and developing the first road-legal passenger car capable of vertical takeoff and forward flight. Alef's investors include Draper Associates, Impact VC, Chinney Alliance, Draper B1, Bronco Ventures, SplashVC, and others. More info: https://alef.aero . Photos and videos in Press Kit: https://alef.aero/press.html - Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Alef HA NOI Viet Nams textile and garment industry is charging into the final months of 2025 with robust momentum, aiming to meet an ambitious export target of US$4748 billion, buoyed by strong order flows and growing global reach. Since the start of the year, the industry has received encouraging signals. Export turnover in the first seven months of 2025 reached more than $26.33 billion, up $5.3 billion, or 9 per cent, compared with the same period in 2024. Many enterprises have already secured orders through the end of the year, sustaining growth through to the years close. To reach the annual target, exports must average over $4 billion per month for the remainder of the year. While this presents a challenge, industry experts believe the goal is achievable given the current growth trajectory. According to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), the industry has expanded its export reach to 132 countries and territories this year, up from 104 in 2024. Notably, Viet Nam is now exporting high-quality garment products to China, as well as strengthening its market presence in Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and ASEAN nations. In addition, Vietnamese enterprises are pursuing overseas investment projects in Mexico and Myanmar, with further expansion planned in India and Egypt. This broader footprint demonstrates Viet Nams strengthened position on the global textile and garment map. Chairman of VITAS Vu uc Giang said that with growth exceeding 10 per cent, the sector had a solid foundation to meet its ambitious targets. However, he stressed that continued success depended on enterprises making effective use of 17 new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs), while adapting to shifting trade dynamics and differing economic policies across major markets. Simultaneously, the industry needed adaptive solutions to cope with evolving global conditions and regulatory frameworks, as some major economies remained divided over trade and economic policies. Each enterprise must reinforce its supply chain linkages. Drawing lessons from tariff disputes and Europes stringent green-product standards, businesses were encouraged to proactively develop more sustainable and resilient value chains, Giang said. Chairman of the Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) Le Tien Truong emphasised the importance of wisely adjusting production plans in the coming months to safeguard jobs and ensure stable incomes for workers. He also said that enterprises must adopt flexible financial management strategies to stay competitive, absorb rising input costs and adapt pricing mechanisms to retain orders in an increasingly challenging global market. Shifting toward green and high-value production To meet increasingly strict requirements in demanding markets, many garment enterprises are accelerating their transition towards green production and sustainable development. Companies are investing in modern machinery, upgrading workers skills, and shifting from traditional cutmaketrim (CMT) models to highervalue methods such as FOB (free on board), ODM (original design manufacturing), and OBM (original brand manufacturing). These efforts not only raise product value but also strengthen Viet Nams competitiveness in global supply chains. Truong said that his groups member companies were striving to maximise existing production capacity in order to meet their export targets. Key measures included optimising machinery and equipment efficiency, boosting productivity and tightening cost control to reduce resource consumption. At the same time, enterprises were developing niche products to create unique value, strengthening the link between research and development and actual market orders and promoting digital transformation to enhance governance. Vinatex had set a consolidated revenue target of more than VN18.31 trillion for 2025equivalent to last years levelalongside a pretax profit goal of VN910 billion, a yearonyear increase of 9 per cent, Truong told daidoanket.vn. To achieve these targets, his group would focus on stabilising its export marketsparticularly in the US, Japan, and the EUwhile also exploring new and emerging markets. VITAS chairman Vu uc Giang said despite challenges from increasingly strict US tariff policies and global trade uncertainties, Viet Nams textile and garment exports still had significant room for growth. He affirmed that the industry was fully capable of reaching the $48 billion export milestone this year. VNS HA NOI The wood and wood products industry holds a prominent position in Viet Nams export landscape, but to maintain and accelerate growth, the sector must swiftly expand into new markets and avoid overreliance on a few key destinations. With an export value of nearly US$10 billion in the first seven months of this year, the sector not only ranks among the country's top five largest export industries but also leads in the agricultureforestryfishery group. According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Quoc Tri, the wood industry is a pillar of agricultural exports. Its success lies not only in export figures but also in promoting the Vietnamese brand internationally. To ensure long-term sustainability, the industry must move beyond dependence on a limited number of markets. The US, the EU, Japan and South Korea currently account for over 80 per cent of Viet Nams wood exports, with the US alone making up more than 50 per cent of total export value. This heavy dependence exposes businesses to significant risks, especially when these countries tighten trade policies or impose new technical barriers. Both the US and EU were increasingly demanding traceability, sustainable forest certifications, and even carbon footprint calculations, noted Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, Director of the Centre for WTO and International Trade under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). Without early preparation, wood enterprises risked losing competitiveness, even with lower prices, she said. Many businesses are also expressing concern. The Thoi bao Ngan hang (The Banking Times) quoted Le Minh Tan, director of a furniture company in Binh Duong, who shared that his company primarily provided outsourcing services for American and Japanese partners. When orders dropped, his factory was forced to operate at minimal capacity, he said. Market diversification Experts have suggested the wood industry must pursue two key strategies, which are market diversification and product value chains upgrading. In addition to traditional markets, Viet Nam has strong potential in regions such as the Middle East, South Asia, South America and Eastern Europe. These areas are undergoing rapid urbanisation with rising demand for housing and interior furnishings. For example, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are developing massive urban projects, creating multi-billion-dollar demand for furniture annually. Furthermore, the industry must move beyond low-cost segments or purely outsourcing. Investment should be channelled into smart furniture, custom designs and eco-friendly products, and others, according to the experts. These high-value segments enhance order value, improve profit margins, and help build long-term brand equity. Tran Quoc Manh, vice chairman of the Vietnam Handicraft Exporters Association, said that Viet Nams furniture industry must aim for Net Zero with eco-friendly products. This was not only a global trend but also a strict requirement from major markets like the EU, US, Japan and the Middle East, he said. In addition to diverse designs, most import markets now demanded green and sustainable products, he added. These factors offered long-term competitive advantages. Wood enterprises also needed to accelerate digital transformation and restructure operations to improve competitiveness and reduce production costs, especially as order volumes and prices showed signs of decline. Leveraging trade agreements One major advantage for the industry is its ability to leverage next-generation FTAs such as the EVFTA, CPTPP and UKVFTA. These agreements grant Vietnamese wood products preferential tariffs in markets like the EU, Canada, the UK, and CPTPP countries. However, opportunities come with challenges. The EU has begun to implement the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which requires proof that wood products are not linked to deforestation. o Xuan Lap, chairman of the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association (VIFORES), emphasised the importance of proactively developing legal and transparent raw material zones. Once producers met the highest standards, wood products could confidently conquer even the most demanding markets, he said. Many wood enterprises had already begun restructuring their operations to adapt, said Lap. Some major companies were investing in custom designs and building domestic furniture brands alongside exports. Others were shifting to outdoor wood products and composite wood to tap into new consumption trends, he added. VNS HA NOI The Governments plans to develop a legal corridor for crypto assets will open up opportunities for banks to participate in the potential market, industry insiders believe. The newly issued Law on Digital Technology Industry will take effect from January 1 and is considered an important milestone, ending many years of legal ambiguity on issues related to crypto assets. The legislation also protects people holding crypto assets. The Ministry of Finance is also developing a draft resolution on piloting the issuance and trading of crypto assets in Viet Nam that is due to be issued this month. According to the draft, organisations operating digital asset trading floors must have minimum capital of VN10 trillion. At least 35 per cent of this capital must be held by two or more institutions in five sectors (banks, securities companies, fund management companies, insurance companies or technology companies) and the remaining 65 per cent owned by organisations, not individuals. Deputy Director of the State Securities Commissions Securities Market Development Department To Tran Hoa said that the crypto asset exchange was a completely new market, requiring a solid foundation in terms of financial capacity, technology and management. "The five groups of institutions currently have the necessary systems, experience and capacity to support the market to operate quickly, without having to spend more time testing," Hoa said. This regulation works behind the scenes to create advantages for financial institutions with the potential to participate in the market, particularly for banks. Currently, there are 21 Vietnamese banks with charter capital exceeding VN10 trillion. Vietnamese banks have begun to prepare to enter this market. Some giants in the banking industry have expressed interest in piloting a crypto asset exchange in Viet Nam, and said they would be ready to participate as soon as crypto assets are recognised with a clear legal corridor. Dunamu Group, which is the operator of Upbit, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in South Korea, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Military Bank (MB) on supporting the establishment of a cryptocurrency exchange in Viet Nam. According to Vice Chairman of MB's Board of Directors Vu Thanh Trung, the bank is expanding its ecosystem to the digital asset business and cooperating with the world's top three partners in this field. MB is a bank with good technological capacity, more than 2,000 technology engineers and large investments in the platform. Expanding into the digital asset business is inevitable, so that MB's 33 million current customers have full options when using the banks ecosystem, not only stopping at banking services but also expanding to fund certificates, stocks, bonds and moving towards digital assets. A number of other large private banks also plan to participate in the digital asset market. Techcombank, for example, has mentioned the issuance of digital assets at the banks annual general meeting of shareholders this year. When asked by shareholders whether the bank would issue digital assets, open a digital exchange or join the blockchain game, Ho Hung Anh, Techcombanks Chairman of the Board of Directors, confirmed that this would be an important strategy of many financial institutions, including Techcombank. According to Anh, if the opportunity opens up and the market allows, Techcombank will participate in owning a crypto asset exchange. Sharing the same view with Techcombank, a VPBank representative also confirmed that the bank would participate in the digital asset market, although this activity is very new and has many potential risks. General Director of VPBank Nguyen uc Vinh said that the bank was ready to participate in the digital asset market and was in the process of undertaking thorough assessment and analysis. It was also in contact with partners while waiting for approval from relevant authorities, Vinh said. However, he added that the issue of digital assets needed to be carefully assessed and shareholders would be informed at the appropriate time. According to a Triple-A report, about 17 million people in Viet Nam currently own crypto assets, accounting for 17.4 per cent of the population and ranking seventh in the world in 2024. Meanwhile, the current flow of crypto assets into Viet Nam is about US$100-120 billion, with about 20 million Vietnamese people owning crypto assets. In 2023 alone, Vietnamese investors earned about $1.2 billion in profits from bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, ranking third globally after the US and UK. Experts say that the emergence of a new legal corridor, along with moves from major banks, is opening a new development phase for the digital asset market in Viet Nam. However, participating in this field requires caution and a long-term strategy, to both exploit opportunities and control potential risks. BIZHUB/VNS HCM CITY Norwegian seafood exports to Viet Nam are making quite the splash in 2025, continuing their upward swim after a successful 2024. The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) has announced that total Norwegian seafood exports to Viet Nam in the first seven months of 2025 reached 32,400 tonnes, maintaining a stable volume compared to the previous year. The value of these shipments, however, saw a remarkable increase, rising by 17 per cent to NOK1.5 billion (US$1.49 billion) compared to the same period in 2024. This robust performance solidifies Viet Nams position as one of Norways most important markets in Southeast Asia. Total Norwegian salmon exports to Viet Nam increased by 18 per cent in volume to 12,500 tonnes, with a value of NOK628 million, a 7 per cent increase from the same period in 2024. The volume of fresh salmon saw a significant jump of 42 per cent to 4,900 tonnes, while frozen salmon products also grew by 12 per cent to 5,500 tonnes. Norwegian mackerel exports were also notable, with a 22 per cent increase in volume to 11,900 tonnes, and a 59 per cent increase in value to NOK332 million. With this impressive growth, Viet Nam is now one of the key markets for Norwegian salmon in Southeast Asia. We are very excited to continue strengthening our strategic partnerships with our Vietnamese partners, said NSC Regional Director for Southeast Asia Ashild Nakken. The NSC will hold activities in August to promote Norwegian seafood in Viet Nam. A major highlight is the signing of strategic cooperation agreements with major Japanese restaurant chains, Zumwhere and Morico. Customers can indulge in premium sushi and sashimi at NSCs partner restaurants from August 18 to September 30 and take part in the 'Norwegian Salmon Academy' in HCM City to enhance the skills of chefs and seafood professionals. VNS HA NOI S&P Global Ratings has upgraded Techcombank (TCB) to 'BB', recognising its position as the leading private bank in Viet Nam with one of the strongest capital bases and most sustainable profitability in the market. S&P Global Ratings is one of the worlds three leading and most reputable credit rating agencies. The upgrade reflects S&Ps continued recognition of a private joint-stock commercial bank in Viet Nam, underlining confidence in Techcombanks stable outlook over the next 24 months, supported by its retail banking franchise and superior profitability. In its press release, S&P emphasised that the bank will maintain strengthened capital levels over the next 24 months, with capital rising by more than 20 per cent in 2024. Under S&Ps stringent methodology, Techcombanks capital adequacy ratio and profitability remain at the highest level in the sector, far ahead of peers. S&P also noted its confidence in Techcombanks stable risk profile, highlighting that the NPL ratio will 'remain lower than the sector average', despite macroeconomic uncertainties. The banks NPL and problem loans have remained stable while keeping provisioning costs at roughly 50 per cent of peers. Excluding qualitative adjustments often applied to state-owned banks, Techcombanks NPL coverage, risk profile, and stand-alone credit rating are among the highest in the industry. Being upgraded by one of the worlds most prestigious rating agencies underscores Techcombanks enduring financial strength and leading role within Viet Nams financial system. The upgrade will enable Techcombank to broaden access to international capital markets and reinforce investor confidence both domestically and globally. Techcombank remains the only bank in Viet Nam to successfully diversify its funding base, securing long-term (35 year) financing from top-tier global institutions at highly competitive rates. In July 2025, Techcombank was also recognised as Viet Nams best bank by Euromoney, Global Finance, and FinanceAsia for two consecutive years (202425). Throughout its engagement with S&P, Techcombank not only presented its own strengths but also proactively advocated for a reassessment of Viet Nams banking sector. For years, S&Ps sector assessment had not fully reflected Viet Nams progress relative to peers. With the support of the Government and the State Bank of Viet Nam, Techcombank facilitated high-level meetings between S&P and senior policymakers, reinforcing the agencys confidence not only in Viet Nams achievements but, more importantly, in its future trajectory. The upgrade reflects recognition of the entire Vietnamese banking systems resilience, especially during 202024, when the sector overcame significant challenges thanks to stronger legal frameworks, decisive regulatory oversight, and improved institutional capacity. Addressing recent tariff concerns, S&P assessed that Techcombank would face minimal impact, given its very limited exposure to export-related clients. In the context of global macroeconomic and geopolitical volatilitywhere most rating actions this year have been affirmations or downgradesS&Ps decision to upgrade Techcombank outright by one notch (rather than simply revising the outlook) is particularly significant. It underscores firm confidence in Techcombanks fundamentals as well as the improving prospects of Viet Nams banking sector. VNS HA NOI A family in Long Xuyen, An Giang Province, has received nearly VN3.2 billion (US$121,500) in insurance benefits from Manulife, following the death of a client from terminal cancer, with the claim settled in coordination with VietinBank. Manulife said customer D.T.N.A. purchased the iem Tua Thinh Vuong life insurance policy in August 2023 through VietinBanks An Giang branch, along with supplementary coverage for medical support, critical illness, and premium payment support. In early 2024, she was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer and passed away in mid-2025 after treatment. Manulife and VietinBank staff then assisted her family in completing procedures to claim the insurance benefits. Her family later received nearly VN3.2 billion in insurance benefits, including VN2 billion in death compensation, nearly VN1.1 billion in premium support, and VN100 million in critical illness payments during treatment. A family representative said the payout has provided stability and will help secure their childrens future. The payout comes after Manulife recently disbursed over VN9.2 billion to the families of six victims from the boat accident in Ha Long in late July. The company said it had paid nearly VN4 trillion in insurance benefits to customers nationwide in the first half of 2025. VNS HCM CITY The third Viet Nam ASEAN International Furniture & Home Accessories Fair (VIFA ASEAN 2025) opened in HCM City on Tuesday with more than 200 exhibitors from across Viet Nam and 13 countries and territories, including Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, the US, China, India, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. On display is a wide range of indoor and outdoor furniture, handicrafts, decorative items, raw materials, woodworking machinery, and related services. Organised by Lien Minh Company, the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and their partners, the fair will also feature seminars on global furniture production and consumption trends to help businesses adjust their development strategies in a changing market. Nguyen Van Dung, vice chairman of the HCM City Peoples Committee, told the opening ceremony that the wood and furniture sector has remained a bright spot in the economy, with exports rising by 8.9 per cent year-on-year in the first half of this year. Furniture and handicrafts are key industries not just nationally and play a pivotal role in the citys economy, he said. VIFA ASEAN is a strategic event, offering a strong platform for enterprises to secure new orders, expand cooperation and connect with global buyers. Vu Ba Phu, general director of the Viet Nam Trade Promotion Agency, said local businesses have increasingly demonstrated innovation and proactiveness, with many investing in modern processing technologies, managing legal timber sources, promoting digital transformation, and adopting internationally certified raw materials. These efforts help the industry meet stringent global standards, he said. But it faces challenges like higher quality requirements, fierce competition from other major exporting countries, pressure to transition to low-carbon production models, and volatile tariff policies such as US reciprocal duties, he said. VIFA ASEAN 2025 is not only a showcase of high-quality products but also an important platform that opens up opportunities for cooperation and trade between Vietnamese enterprises and international partners. Tran Ngoc Liem, director of the VCCIs HCM City branch, warned that Viet Nams extreme reliance on the US market is risky. In the first half of 2025 shipments of wood and wooden products to the US accounted for more than 55 per cent of the industrys total exports. Diversifying markets is a key strategy, Liem said, urging businesses to expand into Japan, China, the EU, Australia and other markets to reduce risks and ensure sustainable growth. VIFA ASEAN 2025 is seen as a crucial trade promotion platform, helping businesses reach Southeast Asian and other international buyers, seek new orders and build partnerships despite global uncertainties, he added. ang Quoc Hung, general director of Lien Minh Company, said the fair aims to become a leading global exhibition for the woodworking and handicraft industry. Huynh Thi Phuong Vi, CEO of Hiep Long Fine Furniture Company, an exhibitor specialising in outdoor furniture made from teak and other hardwoods, said: The US market has stagnated somewhat, but Europe is recovering. Our strategy is not to put all eggs in one basket, so we join in this fair to explore new markets such as Australia and Dubai while continuing to seek more customers in Europe. On at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in Tan My Ward, the fair will run until August 29 and hopes to get around 10,000 domestic and international visitors. VNS HA NOI Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang on Monday met with Zhang Min, vice governor of Chinas Henan Province, to discuss strengthening bilateral economic and trade ties during the latter's visit to Viet Nam. Thang highlighted the robust growth of Viet NamChina relations, noting that China has been Viet Nams largest trading partner for over two decades, with trade reaching more than US$200 billion last year. Viet Nam is now Chinas fourth-largest trading partner globally and its top partner in ASEAN. She proposed a series of initiatives to deepen cooperation, including signing a memorandum of understanding on trade and investment between the ministry and Henan, boosting information sharing and attracting Henan's investments in electronics, electric vehicles and e-commerce. The Deputy Minister also encouraged Henan enterprises to participate in the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo in HCM City this September and called for stronger cooperation in rail logistics, cold chain systems and agro-aquatic processing to meet Chinas rising demands. Zhang welcomed the proposals and presented Henans socio-economic progress and cooperation results with Viet Nam. She suggested establishing a Viet Nam trade promotion office in Henan, while also expanding collaboration in logistics, EV production, e-commerce and cultural and tourism exchanges. The visiting vice governor also invited Viet Nams Ministry of Industry and Trade to attend the China Henan International Investment and Trade Fair in late September. Both sides agreed on practical measures to facilitate business and strengthen economic and trade cooperation, contributing to the broader Viet NamChina partnership. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam has officially removed the state monopoly on gold bullion production, marking a significant shift in the countrys gold market dynamics. On August 26, the Government issued Decree 232/2025/ND-CP, repealing Clause 3, Article 4 of Decree 24, thereby eliminating the state monopoly on gold bullion production, raw gold exports, and raw gold imports for bullion production. Accordingly, the decree regulates gold trading activities, including the production and processing of gold jewellery and art, trading of gold jewellery and art, production of gold bullion, trading of gold bullion, export and import of gold, as well as other gold trading activities such as account-based gold trading and gold derivatives. The decree also revises the definition of gold bullion. Gold bullion is now defined as a gold product stamped into bars, marked with weight and quality, and bearing the trademark of enterprises and commercial banks authorised by the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) to produce it. Additionally, the SBV will organise gold bullion production during specific periods. To align with the operational scope of commercial banks under the Law on Credit Institutions, the term credit institution has been replaced with commercial bank. This restricts gold bullion production and export/import activities to commercial banks only, excluding other types of credit institutions. The decree also amends Clause 6, Article 4, stipulating that gold bullion production is a conditional business activity requiring a licence from the SBV. This amendment shifts the framework from a monopoly to a licensing system. Payment regulations The decree introduces new rules on payments for gold transactions. Any gold purchase or sale worth VN20 million (US$758.58) or more per day must be made via the customers payment account and the account of the gold trading enterprise at a commercial bank or foreign bank branch. This provision ensures customer information verification while avoiding additional obligations, as verification is already completed when accounts are opened and used. The regulation aims to enhance transparency in gold trading. Additionally, Decree 232 sets out the responsibilities of enterprises involved in gold jewellery and art production. When selling raw gold purchased from businesses, commercial banks specified in Article 11a must issue and use electronic invoices as required by law, properly store transaction data for raw gold sales, and connect with the SBV to provide information as requested by the SBV Governor. These additions underscore the responsibility of enterprises in ensuring transparency and control in raw gold trading. On the market, SJC gold bars were quoted at VN125.7 million per tael for sellers and VN127.7 million for buyers on August 26 the highest prices in history. BIZHUB/VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday called on Samsung Group from the Republic of Korea (RoK) to continue to expand investment in Viet Nam, especially in the fields of high technology and research and development (R&D). Speaking at a meeting with acting head of Samsung Electronics' Device Experience Division Roh Tae Moon in Ha Noi, PM Chinh said that on the principle of mutual benefit, harmonised risks and shared gains, it is hoped that Samsung will remain a trusted partner of Viet Nam in economic and technological development. He encouraged the group to expand investment in high technology, research and development, semiconductors, and digital transformation; to help develop IT infrastructure and train high-quality human resources for Viet Nam; to increase technology transfer and localisation; and to consider appointing Vietnamese to senior management positions in Samsung Vietnam. Welcoming Roh and his colleagues, the PM expressed delight at the positive outcomes of Party General Secretary To Lams recent state visit to the RoK, during which many important agreements were reached and are now being actively implemented by both sides. He stressed that Viet Nam and the RoK enjoy long-standing ties. The large Vietnamese community in the RoK and the Korean community in Viet Nam, along with many multicultural families, have helped strengthen bilateral friendship. This, he said, provides a strong foundation for businesses of both countries to expand cooperation and investment. PM Chinh applauded the efforts, determination and business results of Samsung Group in general and Samsung Vietnam in particular, which have contributed to the country's socio-economic development, as well as to the cooperation and friendship between the two countries. For his part, Roh thanked the Vietnamese leader for the warm welcome, noting that his visit coincided with the 80th National Day anniversaries of both Viet Nam and the RoK. He said Samsungs total investment in Viet Nam had reached US$23.2 billion by 2024, covering multiple areas including electronics, display, and electrical devices, with plans for further expansion. By the end of June 2025, Samsungs mobile phone factories in Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen provinces had produced 2 billion handsets since operations began in April 2009. In the first six months of this year, Samsung Vietnam recorded $31.8 billion in revenue, including $28 billion in exports. Its latest flagship, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, produced in Viet Nam and launched in July, has received strong response globally, particularly in the US and Europe. Roh expressed deep gratitude for the consistent support from the Vietnamese Government and local authorities. He praised the dedication of 90,000 Vietnamese employees working at Samsung and reaffirmed the companys long-term commitment to accompanying Viet Nam in its development journey. Since 2015, Samsung has carried out a range of initiatives to aid Viet Nam's supporting industries. In early 2025, Samsung Vietnam and its parent group set up a rapid response team to strengthen supplier search and evaluation, while offering smart factory consulting to help potential partners improve competitiveness and develop production experts. At the meeting, PM Chinh also signed a commemorative plaque marking Samsungs 2 billionth mobile phone produced in Viet Nam. VNA/VNS Unique data provides signals, as shown in Liftr Insights' newest Market Reports AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Liftr Insights, a leading provider of cloud and semiconductor market intelligence, has announced its newest brand of customizable Market Reports offering unique data-driven insights into competitive industry dynamics such as between AMD and Intel. These reports provide analysts and investors with quantifiable metrics across generations, product lines, regions, and workloadsenabling more informed decisions in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. 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The following are registered intellectual property marks, trademarks, or service marks of their respective companies: Amazon Web Services Microsoft Azure Alibaba Cloud Google Cloud Oracle Cloud Tencent Cloud CoreWeave Lambda Vultr Intel Corporation Ampere Computing Qualcomm NVIDIA AMD ARM SoftBank SOURCE Liftr Insights HA NOI Typhoon Kajiki, designated in Viet Nam as Typhoon No.5, weakened into a tropical depression over central Laos on Tuesday after sweeping across northern and north-central Viet Nam with fierce winds and torrential rain. According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the typhoon crossed into Laos early in the morning, carrying sustained winds of 5061 km/h and gusts up to 88 km/h. Before weakening, it lashed coastal and inland areas of Viet Nam with destructive gusts. At sea, strong winds were reported at Bach Long Vi in Hai Phong and Co To in Quang Ninh, where gusts reached levels 9 and 10 on the Beaufort scale (75-102km/h), respectively. On Hon Ngu Island in Nghe An, winds strengthened to level 8 with gusts up to 11. Along the coast from Quang Ninh to Thanh Hoa, winds of level 68 were observed, while in Nghe An and Ha Tinh, gusts climbed as high as level 15. Storm surges were recorded at 1.66m at Hon Ngu, 1.01m at Sam Son in Thanh Hoa, and 0.51m at Vung Ang in Ha Tinh. Heavy rains accompanied the system, with provinces from Thanh Hoa to Quang Tri and the Red River Delta experiencing totals already exceeding 600mm in some locations. Meteorologists forecast continued downpours through Tuesday, with most areas expected to receive 50100mm, and isolated pockets potentially exceeding 200mm. In upper and central Laos, rainfall of 100250mm was expected through Wednesday, with some places predicted to surpass 500mm. Authorities warned of heightened risks of flash floods, landslides and sudden inundations, particularly in mountainous and low-lying regions. The typhoons destructive force was felt most dramatically on Monday evening when a brief but violent tornado struck the northern province of Ninh Binh. The tornado cut across a two-kilometre stretch along National Highway 21 in Ly Thuong Kiet Ward, collapsing homes and toppling infrastructure. Officials reported that more than 200 houses were damaged in Ly Thuong Kiet. In Kim Bang Ward, 25 households suffered roof losses and structural damage to gates, fences and outbuildings. An 88-year-old woman died when her house collapsed during the tornado. Local authorities worked overnight to help families repair damage, clear debris and secure shelters. The national emergency response was extensive. The Ministry of National Defence mobilised more than 346,000 personnel and 8,200 vehicles, including five aircraft, to support storm relief. With the military support, 43,861 people were evacuated to safe places across five provinces. Authorities also confirmed that 23,275 fishing vessels with nearly 77,000 crew members had sought shelter in safe harbours, leaving only 32 vessels with 225 workers still at sea but operating in safe zones. The General Staff of the Peoples Army of Viet Nam issued an urgent directive late Monday night, instructing local military commands to remain on high alert, reinforce coordination with provincial authorities and prepare for rapid deployment in areas vulnerable to landslides, flash floods and large-scale inundation. The Air DefenceAir Force Service and Division 18 were ordered to ready aircraft for potential search-and-rescue operations and relief transport. Viettel, the military-owned telecommunications group, was tasked with maintaining communication in areas cut off by floods and landslides to ensure connectivity. VNS HA NOI Turning the page on history, the Kim ong Publishing House has released a special edition of Lich Su Nuoc Ta (History of Our Nation), a narrative poem penned in 1941 by Nguyen Ai Quoc, later known as President Ho Chi Minh, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2. The poem, composed in the traditional luc bat (six-eight) verse form, was created to encourage national pride, unity and a collective sense of responsibility during the struggle for independence. It consists of 210 lines and includes a chart titled Important Years, outlining key moments in Vietnamese history from the era of the Hung Kings to 1941. Originally published and distributed by the Viet Minhs Publicity Department in February 1942, the work served as a tool for mass education and mobilisation. In this edition, Kim ong introduces full-colour illustrations by artist Le Minh Hai, which reflect Vietnamese historical and cultural themes. The visual elements complement the text, offering readers a deeper connection to the poems message. Nguyen Ai Quoc employed clear and accessible language to highlight the achievements of national heroes, capable rulers and dynasties that contributed to the countrys development. He also offered critical reflections on periods of decline, marked by internal conflict and weak governance. Through this approach, the poem affirms enduring values such as patriotism, solidarity, and resilience qualities that continued to inspire the population during the resistance against colonial rule. The publication by Kim ong contributes to preserving Ho Chi Minhs literary legacy and reinforces the role of literature in shaping national consciousness. In addition to Lich Su Nuoc Ta, the publishing house has also released Chan Dung 15 Vi Bo Truong Chinh Phu Lam Thoi Nuoc Viet Nam Dan Chu Cong Hoa (8-1945) (Portraits of the 15 Ministers of the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (August 1945), authored by Kieu Mai Son. The book profiles key figures in the early government, including President Ho Chi Minh (also Minister of Foreign Affairs), Vo Nguyen Giap (Minister of the Interior), Tran Huy Lieu (Minister of Information and Publicity), Nguyen Van To (Minister of Social Relief), Vu inh Hoe (Minister of National Education), Pham Ngoc Thach (Minister of Health), and Pham Van ong (Minister of Finance). As part of its commemorative series, Kim ong also presents biographical titles on early revolutionary leaders such as Ton uc Thang, Tran Phu, Ngo Gia Tu, Nguyen uc Canh, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Nguyen Huu Tien, and To Hieu. These works offer readers insight into the lives and historical contexts that shaped the contributions of these revolutionaries. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam is ready for its close-up. On September 7, Vietnam Today, the countrys first international English-language television channel, will officially go live opening a fresh window for global audiences to experience the nation beyond the headlines. Promising more than just pretty pictures and travel clips, the channel aims to reshape perceptions by presenting a vivid, contemporary and objective view of modern Viet Nam from its cultural heritage to its fast-evolving digital economy. Broadcasting 24/7, Vietnam Today will deliver content across television and digital platforms with multi-language subtitles tailored for each region it reaches. With a focus on quality and accessibility, the channel hopes to meet the growing demand for trustworthy, engaging coverage of Viet Nams transformation. Launched by national broadcaster Viet Nam Television (VTV), the channel will feature a diverse lineup: politics and current affairs in Vietnam 360 and The Point, business news in Daily Biz and culture and tourism through Culture Mosaic and Amazing Vietnam. Other shows will explore innovation, digital transformation and environmental issues. It will be a connecting platform to promote the national brand and image to the world, o uc Hoang, deputy general director of VTV, said. Through this, Vietnam Today contributes to expanding international cooperation, creating a bridge between Viet Nam and the global community and affirming the countrys position and prestige in the international arena. The channel aims to serve a wide international audience: policymakers and researchers seeking reliable data, investors eyeing new opportunities, tourists planning their next destination and members of the Vietnamese diaspora eager to stay connected to their homeland. Vietnam Today is designed to challenge outdated stereotypes. The channel will present Viet Nam as a peaceful, forward-looking and stable nation one that proudly preserves its traditions while embracing innovation and global integration. With content grounded in accurate information and creative communication, VTV says the new service will reflect Viet Nams values and its people youthful, resilient and ready to engage with the world. Programming will be available across platforms including OTT (over-the-top) applications and DTT (digital terrestrial television) networks, with initial audiences in the Americas, Europe, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Starting in 2026, VTV plans to expand distribution through global partnerships and television service providers, aligning with Viet Nams foreign policy goals. Distribution will be adapted to suit regional broadcasting methods from satellite and cable to IPTV, OTT, and programme exchange to ensure content is easily and effectively delivered to viewers across borders. In the age of digital diplomacy, Vietnam Today marks a timely and strategic step for the country, placing Viet Nams story in its own voice on the global stage a story of resilience, culture and connection. VNS HA NOI The graceful and flowing ao dai, a symbol of Viet Nam's traditional beauty, served as a bridge connecting overseas Vietnamese (OVs) in Slovakia with their homeland, and contributed to promoting Vietnamese culture to local people. The event Viet Phuc Bo Hanh (Vietnamese traditional costume parade), jointly organised on August 24 by the Vietnamese Embassy in Slovakia, the Vietnamese Womens Association in Slovakia, and the Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club, not only honoured the traditional beauty of ao dai, but also highlighted the spiritual strength, solidarity, and national pride of the Vietnamese community abroad. As part of activities to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Viet Nam's August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2, 1945 2025), the event attracted a crowd of OVs in Slovakia, helping to spread the traditional culture to international friends. The image of women in flowing ao dai and children in colourful traditional costumes conveyed a powerful message of a culturally rich, friendly and open Viet Nam. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Pham Truong Giang highlighted the significance of the event, saying that it is a valuable initiative to promote Vietnamese culture to the world, thus strengthening connections among OVs and promoting the image of a hospitable and rich-in-identity Viet Nam to international friends. According to the diplomat, events of this kind will also be held in Kosice (Slovakia), Liberec (Czech Republic), London (the UK), and Amsterdam (Netherlands), featuring diverse cultural activities. VNA/VNS HA NOI The Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka on August 24 hosted a cultural and artistic exchange programme in the South Asian nations Central Province, as part of activities marking Viet Nam's 80th National Day (September 2) and the 55th anniversary of Viet Nam Sri Lanka diplomatic relations (1970 2025). The event, supported by Truc Lam Monastery the first Vietnamese pagoda in Sri Lanka, featured performances by artists from Viet Nam's Thang Long and Dance Theatre and Ha Noi Cheo Theatre. In her opening remarks, Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam highlighted that Viet Nam and Sri Lanka share a longstanding traditional friendship nurtured by similarities in history, culture, and religion. She stressed that cultural exchanges serve as a bridge bringing the people of the two countries closer, enhancing mutual understanding, and opening up practical cooperation opportunities in education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Governor of Central Province Sarath Abayakon expressed appreciation for the event and affirmed that the Truc Lam Monastery in Kandy is vivid evidence of the strong bonds between Buddhism and people of the two nations. It is not only a venue for cultural and religious exchanges but also a highlight in charitable work and community education, particularly in promoting Vietnamese language learning among local residents. These cultural seeds will further strengthen the foundation of bilateral relations now and in the future, he stressed. The programme featured traditional folk songs and modern music from Viet Nam and Sri Lanka. Distinctive Vietnamese instruments such as the an bau (monochord), an tranh (16-string zither), and bamboo flute were introduced and performed through songs of both countries. VNA/VNS Viet Nam officially implemented a new two-tier local government model on July 1, comprising the provincial level (provinces and centrally-governed cities) and the communal level (communes, wards and townships on the mainland, as well as special administrative zones on offshore islands). The model replaces the previous three-tier structure, which contained provincial, district and communal levels. To mark the important development, Viet Nam News reporter Nguyen Hang interviews ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions in Viet Nam about their assessments and expectations of the new model. What is your overall assessment of Viet Nams official transition to a two-tier local government system? From your perspective, what practical benefits or improvements do you anticipate the new model could bring to the operations of your mission in Viet Nam? British Ambassador Iain Frew: At first glance, Viet Nams transition marks a significant step toward rebuilding and reforming local government as a cornerstone of its economic development strategy. Much of the focus is on getting the fundamentals right, establishing a clear, lawful and modern framework that raises standards and improves working practices in the public sector. While it is still early to see tangible impacts on our missions operations during this transition period, Im confident that the new model will help strengthen the relationship between the central and local government. It will empower local leaders to make decisions that reflect the needs of their communities, support inclusive economic growth and drive public service reform. Ultimately, where decisions and reforms are made in a more effective and agile way, this should lead to a more attractive business environment for foreign investors, more efficient public administration and better outcomes for citizens. These are key ingredients for the success of our mission in Viet Nam. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative: It is still early to offer a full assessment, as the new two-tier system only came into effect a few weeks ago, on July 1. However, at UNDP, drawing on over a decade of insights from our Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI), we see promising opportunities ahead. The shift is designed to improve efficiency in public administration by streamlining layers of government and bringing service delivery closer to citizens. PAPI data has consistently shown that certain services - such as the issuance of land use rights certificates or construction permits - have not always met public expectations when managed at the district level. A more localised approach has the potential to lead to faster, more responsive services; efficient services that meet the needs and expectations of citizens. Proximity to communities also allows for better understanding of their diverse needs. PAPI findings show that women, ethnic minorities, internal migrants and rural residents often report less positive experiences with local governance. Strengthening the commune level provides an opportunity to tailor policies to these groups and improve service equity. Moreover, the consolidation of administrative units may free up resources, which can be reallocated to support high-impact governance and development interventions, particularly in areas where gaps remain most acute. It is essential that these resources are targeted to help provinces and communes that have historically faced capacity constraints. UNDP stands ready to work with national and local authorities to help realise the full potential of this reform. Mette Mglestue, Charges d'affaires a.i., Norwegian Embassy in Ha Noi: I have followed Viet Nams recent transition toward a two-tier government system with both interest and optimism. The ongoing administrative restructuring appears to be an ambitious and comprehensive effort to streamline governance by reducing intermediate layers and building a leaner, more capable and more responsive public administration. The emphasis on efficiency, effectiveness and efficacy reflects a strong commitment to modernising the state apparatus and improving service delivery. It is encouraging to see that a central objective is to better meet the needs and expectations of citizens. By doing so, the reform may contribute to strengthening public trust and enhancing accountability in governance. Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Viet Nam Kobayashi Yosuke: I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on Viet Nams successful transition to a two-tier local government system. I and many Japanese people are truly impressed by drastic reforms that have been launched and realised at miraculous speed in Viet Nam. I would like to first stress that JICA supports and stands ready to help Viet Nam accelerate its comprehensive reform efforts. JICA has been implementing various projects in many provinces and cities in Viet Nam. One of the challenges we face when having cooperation with local governments is the time required for the process of decision-making and administrative procedures that negatively affect the progress of project implementation. I believe the transition to a two-tier local government with the removal of intermediate tier will help accelerate internal consultations process and administrative procedures. In addition, I understand that the transition to a two-level local government is not just about abolishment of the district-level government, but more importantly, as Party General Secretary To Lam said, Viet Nam is moving forward more delegation of power and tasks to local governments with the principle "local government decides, acts and takes responsibility". Given this direction, I strongly hope local governments will be more decisive, motivated and dynamic and all this will help improve the progress of our JICA projects in the localities. Could you kindly share your recommendations on how Viet Nam might effectively implement the two-tier local government model? Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative: We recommend focusing on three key areas. First, ensure that newly expanded communes and provinces, especially those covering large areas in remote and underserved regions, have sufficient financial and human resources to fulfil their mandates. Support to communes is essential, given their significantly enhanced responsibilities. Endowing them with clear mandates and adequate resources is critical. Second, and this is fundamental, prioritise two-way communication between government, citizens and businesses. As changes unfold rapidly, people must have access to accurate and timely information about how and where to access services. Equally, a feedback loop is key to help quickly identify areas for improvement. Authorities should actively solicit and listen to feedback from communities and the private sector to identify and close implementation gaps. Third, create the enabling environment that rewards innovation, and encourages new ideas, new ways of working, and responsible and ethical use of digital technologies. Local governments will need to adapt to complex and evolving challenges such as climate change, migration, and an ageing population. This calls for dynamic capabilities, including the use of data, technology and adaptive service models to anticipate needs and deliver inclusive, effective solutions. It is known that many areas in Britain adopt a two-tier local government model. Could you kindly share Britains experience in operating a two-tier local government system effectively? British Ambassador Iain Frew: The United Kingdom operates a devolved system of government, with distinct models in each of its nations and regions. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own parliaments or assemblies with varying degrees of legislative power over areas such as health, education, and transport. In England, devolution has taken a more localised form, with metro mayors and combined authorities in major city regions like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, alongside traditional local authorities. These arrangements reflect the UKs flexible and evolving approach to governance, tailoring powers and responsibilities to local needs while maintaining the integrity of the union. About the UK experience, like Viet Nam, the UK has been on a journey to modernise and streamline local government. We have recognised that while the two-tier system has served many communities well, there are opportunities to make local governance more efficient, accountable and responsive to citizens needs. In recent years, the UK government has supported a shift toward single-tier or 'unitary' authorities in many areas. These reforms aim to simplify governance, reduce bureaucracy, and improve service delivery by consolidating responsibilities into one local body. At the same time, weve been expanding devolution, transferring powers and funding from central government to local leaders. This includes the creation of mayoral combined authorities, giving local areas more control over transport, housing, and economic development. A key element of empowering local leadership is being clear about budgetary allocations and aligning with public accountability. One key lesson from the UKs experience is the importance of local consensus and flexibility. Weve found that reforms work best when they are locally led, with strong engagement from communities and local leaders. At the same time, a key element of this model has been effective working between different tiers, so that delivery moves forward on projects that are important to citizens, like local transport infrastructure and regional industries. We understand that Viet Nam is also exploring ways to strengthen local governance. We believe there is much we can share and learn from each other, particularly around balancing efficiency with local accountability. Could you tell us about Norways experience in strengthening public services? Mette Mglestue, Charges d'affaires a.i., Norwegian Embassy in Ha Noi: As countries around the world explore new models of governance, Norways experience with decentralised democracy can offer valuable insights into how trust, transparency and local autonomy can work together to strengthen public services. Norways democratic system is built on a foundation of representative democracy, rule of law and citizen engagement. These principles are not only enshrined in law but are actively practised through a governance model that empowers local and regional authorities while maintaining national coherence. At the heart of this model is the generalist principle, which ensures that all 357 municipalities in Norway carry equal legal responsibilities for delivering public services. These services, ranging from education and healthcare to infrastructure and social welfare, are adapted to local needs, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusivity and responsiveness. This trust is reinforced by a robust institutional framework. The parliament and central government set the legal and financial framework, while municipalities operate with significant autonomy. Digital tools like a standardised digital reporting system and a digital planning and management platform used by 80 per cent of municipalities, ensure transparency and data-driven decision-making. Oversight is provided by the Regional Governor, who monitors compliance with national regulations and supports municipalities in improving governance. As Viet Nam embarks on its own ambitious administrative reform transitioning to a two-tier government structure, Norways experience highlights how structural change opens new opportunities, but it also brings challenges especially in coordination between central and local levels. Clear communication, strong oversight and citizen engagement will be essential to ensure that reforms deliver on their promise. All in all, I believe the reform would open the door for increased efficiency and potentially more inclusive governance in Viet Nam. As a long-time friend of Viet Nam, Norway stands ready to share our experiences and support in any way we can the efforts that contribute to the administrative reform. It is known that Japan has long adopted a two-tier local government structure, clearly defined under its Constitution and the Local Autonomy Law. The Japanese model is often cited for its efficiency and streamlined nature. Could you tell us about Japans experience in managing a two-tier local government system effectively? Chief Representative of JICA in Viet Nam Kobayashi Yosuke: Japan has also experienced major administrative reforms and the number of prefecture and county administrative units has been reduced from 3,232 in 1999 to 1,724 in 2025. Along with the streamlining of administrative units, Japan has also carried out decentralisation reforms, that delegated a wide range of administrative operations from the central government to local government and increasingly narrowed down national government's intervention in local government work. Since the autonomy and independence of local governments is among the principles of Japans system of local self-government the central government is focusing on their own role to establish common laws and regulations. In Japan, municipalities have a wide range of sizes and diverse names (city, town, village, special ward). The power and tasks are not the same across municipal governments. For example, designated cities (population of at least 500,000) are assigned a lot of tasks and some of which originally under the administration of the prefectural government while core cities (population of at least 200,000) are also delegated many functions normally carried out by prefectural governments, but not as many as designated cities. Task division between the prefectural and municipal governments is clearly defined with no overlapping based on the principle that the municipal governments provide public services directly related to people's lives. For example, the police force is under the administration of the prefectural government. The municipal administration is in charge of the fire fighting force, garbage collection and treatment, etc. It is important to note that the specific features of the Japanese model have been and will continue to be reviewed and restructured as situations such as population trends and financial situation evolve. I think it is important for JICA to share with Vietnamese counterparts not only the actual status of the model but the lessons from the experiences in the past as well as prospects for the future. Japan has consistently ranked among the leading foreign investors in Viet Nam. Could you share your views on how the recent implementation of the two-tier local government model in Viet Nam has created favourable conditions for Japans investment activities in the country? Chief Representative of JICA in Viet Nam Kobayashi Yosuke: As the two-tier local government model just started early July, it is early to assess its impacts on Japans investment activities. However, I also strongly hope with a more streamlined administrative system, the local governments in Viet Nam will be able to provide permits and licences or support to Japanese investors more quickly and handle their issues more efficiently, thereby gaining more of their trust, which is a very important factor for Japanese investors when they decide whether to expand their business in Viet Nam or not. JICA believes that stronger partnerships between Japanese investors and domestic businesses in Viet Nam are crucial for the success of the private sector development under Resolution 68 of the Politburo and we are keen to promote such partnerships through our programmes. Therefore, we will monitor very closely what kind of specific benefits the new model may bring about to the investment environment in the coming months. VNS Ambassador of Uruguay to Viet Nam Raul Pollak Giampietro wrote to Viet Nam News on the 200th anniversary of Uruguay's Independence Day. Anniversaries always invite us to reflect on the past, the present and the road ahead. Two hundred years of independence is not just a number, reminding us that the hurdles and struggles of the past shaped the freedoms we cherish today, and that the future remains ours to build. This year also marks significant milestones for Viet Nam. Uruguay joins Viet Nam in commemorating these anniversaries, which pay tribute to the struggles for freedom and peace and to the defence of the motherland. Uruguay and Viet Nam established diplomatic relations on August 11, 1993. In 2012, the first ambassador of Uruguay presented his letters of credence to President Truong Tan Sang. Since then, the relationship between the two nations, though evolving at a measured pace, has grown steadily, bridging distance and cultural differences. In 2023, after the COVID-19 pandemic, we celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations. To commemorate that milestone, the Chairman of the National Assembly of Viet Nam paid an official visit to Uruguay, meeting with prominent leaders, including then-President of the Republic and the Governor of Canelones, Professor Yamandu Orsi, who today serves as President of the Republic. This visit fuelled bilateral ties with renewed energy, resulting in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HCM City and Montevideo. Another MoU between Can Tho and Canelones is expected soon. The new government of Uruguay, which took office last March, has focused on Southeast Asia to expand markets, tourism and attract investors to our democracy, representing stability and a gateway to MERCOSUR a market of 350 million inhabitants and a GDP of over US$3 trillion. Viet Nam is currently Uruguays second-largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, with bilateral trade growing in recent years. In 2024, trade reached $159 million, with Uruguays exports at $52 million, a 39 per cent increase compared to 2023. In the first half of this year alone, exports reached $41 million, while imports from Viet Nam stood at $57 million. Beyond traditional exports, Uruguayan businesses are exploring non-traditional products such as yerba mate and premium wines. Initial exports began in 2024, with businesses aiming to consolidate and expand. Building on this momentum, President Orsi met Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro this July. They agreed to hold political consultations and convene the Joint Commission on Trade and Investments later this year, to outline the agenda for the future. They also stressed the importance of advancing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between MERCOSUR and Viet Nam, a long-awaited goal for both nations. In line with these decisions, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, Ambassador Valeria Csukasi, visited Viet Nam last week to attend the 5th Meeting of the Bilateral Mechanism of Political Consultations and engage with Vietnamese leaders on new avenues for trade and investment cooperation. She also discussed the launch of FTA negotiations, which would expand trade and create jobs. In anticipation of deeper engagement, focus should also be placed on mutual understanding. Uruguay, as one of the 20 countries where Spanish is the official language, is committed to promoting Spanish language learning in Viet Nam. Spoken by over 500 million people, Spanish is the worlds second most widely spoken language. With this in mind, the Embassy of Uruguay in Viet Nam launched an internship programme with Ha Noi Universitys Spanish Department, giving students experience and language practice. The Embassy is also exploring the possibility of bringing a Spanish teacher from Uruguay to teach in Ha Noi for a semester, starting next year. Additionally, with the support of Uruguays Ministry of Culture and Education, the translation of a Uruguayan classic into Vietnamese is under consideration, the first such translation in this language. Uruguay also seeks to foster tourism flows between the two countries. Work has begun on simplifying visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens, an issue discussed at the vice-ministerial level encouraging Vietnamese to visit Uruguay, as more Uruguayans visit Viet Nam. Much remains to be done. In this year filled with historic celebrations for both our countries, Uruguay reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship and trust for a lasting relationship. VNS HA NOI Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives Gerry Brownlee will pay an official visit to Viet Nam from August 27 31, aiming to build on the outcomes of recent high-level exchanges and advance cooperation in various areas, including trade, investment, defence-security, parliamentary affairs, education, agriculture, climate change response, people-to-people exchanges and collaboration at international forums. The visit, the first to Viet Nam by Brownlee since he assumed office, takes place at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 2025). It is expected to consolidate political trust, deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and promote more practical and effective bilateral cooperation. A 50-year partnership of growth Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1975, Viet Nam and New Zealand have steadily strengthened their relationship, overcoming geographical distance to forge a long-term and stable partnership. The bilateral relationship has been upgraded to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2009, a Strategic Partnership in 2020, and most recently, a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in February 2025. This latest upgrade marks a historic step forward, underscoring both governments strong commitment to delivering tangible benefits to their people and businesses. The two sides have maintained regular high-level contacts, delegation exchanges and bilateral cooperation mechanisms, while closely coordinating and supporting each other at major multilateral organisations and forums. Trade, investment and development ties flourish Economic cooperation has continued to serve as a cornerstone of the bilateral relations. Viet Nam is currently New Zealands 12th largest trading partner, with two-way trade reaching US$1.3 billion in both 2023 and 2024, and $737.2 million in the first half of 2025. Both sides are working toward lifting the figure to $3 billion by 2026. Viet Nam has mainly exported phones, electronics, seafood, cashew nuts and footwear, while importing dairy products, fruits, timber, textiles and footwear materials, machinery, equipment and steel from New Zealand. As of August 2025, New Zealand had invested in 57 projects in Viet Nam with total capital of $208.6 million, focusing on real estate, education and training, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Notable projects include the 115-million-USD Aqua Riverside City in ong Nia and the Binh inhNew Zealand Gold Co., Ltd. with $15 million. In return, Viet Nam has invested in 12 projects in New Zealand worth $44 million in fields such as manufacturing, accommodation, wholesale-retail, agriculture and trade. New Zealand has also remained a reliable development partner, pledging NZD$26.7 million ($15.6 million) in non-refundable aid for the 20212024 period, with a focus on agricultural quality improvement, drought-resistant rice cultivation in the Mekong Delta and dam safety. Both countries are further expanding cooperation into new fields, including green, digital, and circular economy, energy transition and climate action. Education has been another highlight of the bilateral ties, with more Vietnamese students choosing New Zealand thanks to its high-quality programmes and scholarship opportunities. New Zealand has also supported Viet Nam in training specialists, managers, researchers and skilled workers, and has provided English-language training to Vietnamese officials since 1992. Nearly 100 scholarships are offered annually to Vietnamese students at secondary, tertiary and postgraduate levels. Advancing inter-parliamentary relations Parliamentary ties between Viet Nam and New Zealand have developed both in scope and depth. A cooperation agreement signed in December 2016 has provided a solid legal basis for exchanges, complemented by regular high-level visits and interactions between committees and parliamentary friendship groups. The 15th National Assembly of Viet Nam has established the Viet NamNew Zealand Parliamentary Friendship Group. The two parliaments have also coordinated closely at major inter-parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF). Brownlees visit is expected to further strengthen parliamentary diplomacy, foster experience-sharing in legislation and supervision and expand exchanges between committees and friendship groups. Both sides will also seek to diversify cooperation, including through exchanges among women and young parliamentarians, while maintaining close coordination at multilateral forums such as AIPA, IPU, and APPF. VNA HAVANA The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (CPC) held a solemn ceremony at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana on August 25 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Viet Nam's National Day (September 2, 1945 2025), showing the Caribbean nations special sentiment for Viet Nam. The event was attended by First Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces General Alvaro Lopez Miera, senior Cuban officials, foreign diplomats and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Cuba. Speaking at the ceremony, Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla described September 2, 1945, as a historic turning point, marking the start of Viet Nam's victorious journey. He said the occasion demonstrated to the world the political and revolutionary stature of the heroic Vietnamese people, citing milestones such as the ien Bien Phu victory, the liberation of the South and national reunification, the far-reaching achievements of the oi moi (Renewal) process, and Viet Nam's confident advance into a new era of development. Rodriguez Parrilla underlined that Viet Nam's triumphs over colonialism and imperialism, along with the success of the oi moi process stemmed from the sound leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV). He said Cuba and Viet Nam had become brothers in struggle, with ties forged not by protocol but by sacrifice. He recalled heroine Melbas work with the Cuba Committee for Solidarity with South Viet Nam, Fidel Castros symbolic raising of the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Viet Nam on Hill 241 within sight of enemy lines, Cuban specialists who helped build the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and the frontline reporting of journalists Marta Rojas and Raul Valdes Vivo. He noted that the spirit of shared destiny was expressed by Fidel Castros 1966 declaration at Havanas Revolution Square: For Viet Nam, we are willing to give our own blood! The minister hailed 65 years of exemplary relations built on political trust, high-level dialogue and frank exchanges of socialist-building experience. He stressed that cooperation between the CPC and the CPV remained a cornerstone of the bilateral ties, highlighting the historic visit of CPV General Secretary To Lam to Cuba in September 2024. Rodriguez Parrilla said Cuba deeply valued Viet Nam's consistent support in the struggle to end the US economic, trade and financial blockade, and appreciated Viet Nam's stance against the listing of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. He described the strong response of the Vietnamese people to Viet Nam Red Cross Society's initiatives in support of Cuba as profoundly moving, reflecting the principle affirmed by Vietnamese leaders: Solidarity with Cuba is a command of the heart. On behalf of the Party, State and people of Cuba, Rodriguez Parrilla expressed confidence that the CPVs 14th National Congress in early 2026 would be a resounding success and a new step towards Viet Nam's goal of becoming a high-income developed country by 2045. He said the celebration honoured not only the enduring friendship between the two nations, but also Cuban and Vietnamese leaders such as Fidel Castro, Raul Castro and President Ho Chi Minh, whose legacies of resilience and courage embody the defence of freedom and justice across generations. For his part, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long highlighted the historic significance of the August Revolution and National Day, when at Ba inh Square, President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, now the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. He said this moment not only marked the start of Viet Nam's national liberation era, but also inspired struggles for national liberation across Asia, Africa and Latin America. Eighty years on, the Ambassador noted, under the CPV's leadership, the Vietnamese people have overcome immense challenges to rise from poverty, achieve outstanding socio-economic progress and strengthen the nations standing on the international stage. These achievements provided a solid foundation for Vietnam to enter a new era of development towards a modern, prosperous and civilised country, he stressed. The diplomat reaffirmed that throughout this journey, Viet Nam's special, selfless, pure friendship with Cuba has remained a constant source of strength a living symbol of genuine international solidarity. He stressed Viet Nam's commitment to deepening this traditional bond of friendship and comprehensive cooperation, preserving it as a priceless asset for future generations. VNA/VNS HA NOI A delegation from the National Assembly (NA)s Committee on Defence, Security, and External Affairs, led by its Chairman General Le Tan Toi, who is a member of the NA Standing Committee, visited New Zealand from August 21 to 23. During the visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives Gerry Brownlee; and held talks with Tim Van de Molen, Chair of the parliament's Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee. They also met Paulo Garcia and Jenny Salesa, co-chair of the New Zealand South and Southeast Asia Parliamentary Friendship Group; had a discussion with Deputy Secretary of Defence Policy and Planning Richard Schmidt; and met with the Divisional Manager for South and Southeast Asia of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The delegation also visited the Vietnamese Embassy in New Zealand. Leaders of the New Zealand parliament and relevant agencies highly valued the delegations visit, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. They expressed the desire to expand cooperation mechanisms across multiple fields, including defence and security, with Viet Nam and its NA amid todays complex and volatile global landscape. Speaker Gerry Brownlee expressed hope and confidence that his visit to Viet Nam from August 27 to 31, at the invitation of Vietnamese NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man, will succeed in further strengthening the countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In response to New Zealands warm reception, Toi affirmed the importance Viet Nam attaches to its ties with New Zealand and noted the Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships positive development across various areas. He voiced his hope for both sides to accelerate the building and approval of an action plan for implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 20252030. The visiting official added that the Vietnamese NA is looking forward to the New Zealand Speakers visit to deepen cooperation not only between the two countries but also between their parliaments. The two sides exchanged views and agreed on the importance of further intensifying the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as well as enhancing cooperation in regional and international issues of shared concern. They agreed to increase contacts and mutual visits at all levels, including those by delegations of parliamentary leaders and committees, to boost political trust and foster cooperation in other fields. They also encouraged business communities to expand investment and trade partnerships. Both parties discussed measures to raise bilateral trade turnover to US$3 billion by 2026 as in line with their leaders agreements. They expressed interest in establishing a direct air route to facilitate economic, trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, thus benefiting both countries. Toi requested New Zealand to ease market access for Vietnamese commodities such as lychee, longan, and pomelo. He also called on New Zealand to continue providing technical assistance in agriculture, climate change adaptation, innovation, health care, and more. He affirmed Viet Nam's readiness to create favourable conditions for New Zealand businesses to invest in sectors where they excel in, particularly clean agriculture. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the positive results of bilateral defence and security cooperation, highlighting the willingness to step up collaboration in peacekeeping force training and preparation, English language training, and defence industry, and to maintain the ministerial-level defence dialogue. At a working session with the Vietnamese Embassy staff in New Zealand, Ambassador Phan Minh Giang reported on the host countrys situation, the embassy's achievements in political, economic and cultural diplomacy, and the Vietnamese communitys status. He proposed building an online Vietnamese language teaching programme and software for overseas Vietnamese. Toi praised the embassys achievements and the Vietnamese communitys solidarity. He suggested communications continue to encourage the community to uphold national traditions, boost mutual support, comply with local laws, preserve the Vietnamese language and culture, and further contribute to the homeland. VNA/VNS ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BryceTech has secured three multi-year prime contracts from the U.S. Department of Defense, valued at approximately $70 million over five years. The work supports the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) and reinforces BryceTech's role in delivering critical capabilities to protect the Joint Force. JPEO-CBRND delivers integrated CBRN defense capabilities across all-domain operations, enabling the Joint Force to operate, fight, and win in contested environments. Under these awards, BryceTech will deploy about 50 full-time professionals with acquisition, scientific, technical, and programmatic expertise. The team will accelerate medical countermeasure development, strengthen enterprise decision-support systems, and enhance operational coordination across research, logistics, quality assurance, and program execution. The contracts support three key offices: JPL Enabling Biotechnologies (JPL-EB): Advances development, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of lifesaving medical countermeasures. Advances development, manufacturing, testing, and deployment of lifesaving medical countermeasures. JPM CBRN Integration: Delivers enterprise CBRN threat warning, hazard prediction, and decision-support systems to safeguard the Joint Force. Delivers enterprise CBRN threat warning, hazard prediction, and decision-support systems to safeguard the Joint Force. JPM CBRN Medical: Fields FDA-approved diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines against evolving CBRN threats. The work, awarded under the General Services Administration's OASIS+ contract vehicle, ensures continuity of services for critical national security missions. "Protecting the Joint Warfighter depends on advancing and integrating CBRN defense capabilities that allow our forces to operate, fight, and win," said Jeff Mujsce, Chief Growth Officer at BryceTech. "These three offices are central to developing, sustaining, and improving those capabilities. BryceTech is proud to provide the dedicated, highly qualified staff needed to strengthen programs, enhance integration, and deliver results where they matter most." About BryceTech BryceTech delivers data-driven solutions in aerospace, biosecurity, and defense through systems engineering, advanced analytics, and strategic advisory services. Our clientsincluding NASA, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Homeland Securityrely on BryceTech to drive mission success and accelerate innovation. Recognized in the Washington Technology Fast 50 for four consecutive years and named GovCon Contractor of the Year in 2023, BryceTech has a proven record of securing high-value contracts, building top-performing teams, and executing critical national security missions. Website: https://www.brycetech.com Twitter: https://x.com/_BryceTech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bryce-space-tech SOURCE BryceTech MALE Viet Nam treasures the support and partnership of international friends, including the Maldives, during its cause of construction and development, affirmed Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka and concurrently to the Maldives Trinh Thi Tam. Addressing a ceremony in Male on August 25 to celebrate the 80th National Day of Viet Nam (September 2, 19452025) and the 50th anniversary of Viet NamMaldives diplomatic relations, Ambassador Tam highlighted Viet Nam's remarkable journey over the past eight decades, from a war-torn nation to one of the regions most dynamic economies. She noted the countrys GDP growth of over 7 per cent in 2024, with projections of above 8 per cent in 2025, along with its establishment of diplomatic ties with 194 nations and active contributions to multilateral forums, reinforcing Viet Nam's role as a reliable partner of the international community. Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives Aminath Shabeena conveyed warm congratulations to the Government and people of Viet Nam on the occasion, praising Viet Nam's impressive economic and diplomatic achievements. She expressed delight at the strong friendship and cooperation between the two nations, particularly within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, and highlighted broad prospects for expanding collaboration in trade, investment, tourism, fisheries, education, and aviation. She also commended the Vietnamese community in the Maldives, small in number but significant in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening bilateral ties. The event featured the award presentation of an online competition on Viet NamMaldives relations, organised by the Vietnamese Embassy, which drew active participation from Maldivian citizens including officials, teachers, and students. Guests were also treated to a tea reception showcasing Vietnamese specialties such as coffee, lotus seeds, mung bean cakes, and salted terminalia catappa nuts, a delicacy highly valued in the Maldives offering a taste of Viet Nam's rich culinary culture. On the occasion, the embassy also presented mooncakes to the Vietnamese community in the Maldives. VNA/VNS HA NOI Viet Nam has officially eradicated makeshift and dilapidated housing nationwide, completing the task five years ahead of schedule, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced at a national conference on Tuesday. The PM, who also chairs the Central Emulation and Commendation Council and heads the National Steering Committee on Housing, called the achievement a special national project that reflects the will of the Party and the aspirations of the people. The landmark comes as the country celebrates the 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2. It is the first time in Viet Nams history that no citizen will be forced to live in unsafe, temporary shelters - a goal set in Resolution No. 42 of the 13th Party Central Committee for 2030, but now completed five years and four months early. A nationwide effort Since the launch of the campaign in October 2024, more than 334,230 houses have been built or repaired, including over 255,000 new homes. The drive mobilised more than VN24.7 trillion (US$942.6 million), alongside 2.7 million workdays contributed by volunteers, soldiers, police officers, enterprises and community members. The Ministry of National Defence alone contributed nearly VN1 trillion, 414,000 workdays and tens of thousands of vehicles. The Ministry of Public Security committed more than VN790 billion and half a million workdays, while the banking sector contributed over VN1.8 trillion. The Viet Nam Fatherland Front mobilised VN125.8 billion through its For the Poor fund. Across the country, grassroots initiatives flourished, from volunteer motorbike teams in Ha Giang and work-exchange groups in Lao Cai to neighbourhood solidarity campaigns in Tuyen Quang. Beneficiaries representing more than 334,000 families expressed gratitude to the Party, State and communities for giving them solid roofs and renewed hope. Quoting President Ho Chi Minh, the PM said: Independence means nothing if the people are not happy, adding that the project embodies the Partys constant goal of ensuring independence, freedom and a prosperous life for the people. This is a Vietnamese miracle in sustainable poverty reduction, Chinh said, adding that the success not only improves peoples lives but also strengthens the foundations of fairness, progress and sustainability in national development. However, the PM said that a house is only the first step towards stability. He urged ministries and localities to support families in securing livelihoods, jobs and education so that they can thrive, intending to eliminate extreme poverty by 2030. He directed the Ministry of Finance to prioritise State budget resources while continuing to mobilise social contributions, particularly for training, healthcare, and job creation in disadvantaged communities. The armed forces were also urged to continue leading poverty reduction efforts in remote, border and island areas, building not only homes but also schools, clinics and infrastructure. At the conference, 19 collectives received the Third-class Labour Order and another 19 were awarded Certificates of Merit from the PM for outstanding contributions to the campaign. PM Chinh thanked all sectors and citizens, calling the achievement a symbol of the Partys will and the peoples heart as Viet Nam marks major anniversaries. VNS PETALING JAYA Experts warn that without intervention, childhood myopia may soon become the norm rather than the exception in Malaysian classrooms. The condition is spiralling up nationwide, they said, but it can still be curbed if parents encourage outdoor play, limit screentime to 30 minutes a day and ensure children undergo annual eye check-ups starting at age five. According to them, up to one in three Malaysian schoolchildren under 15 now suffer from myopia, or short-sightedness, with prevalence rising rapidly from 7% in Year One to 30% by the time they enter secondary school, driven largely by excessive screen use and limited time outdoors. Prof Dr Mae-Lynn Catherine Bastion, a vitreoretinal diseases and surgery lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said recent screenings revealed an alarming snapshot of post-pandemic childhood vision in urban areas. Under the Malaysian Advocacy for Myopia Prevention Board, her team screened 459 children aged six to 12 from four Klang Valley schools between 2022 and 2024. We found that 57.3% had refractive errors. Of these, 33.6% were myopic, 41% had astigmatism, 7.4% were hyperopic and 2% had high myopia. The highest prevalence of myopia was at age nine, at 44.7%, she said when contacted yesterday. She warned that elongation of the eyeball caused by myopia is irreversible and could increase the risk of complications such as early cataracts and retinal conditions in adulthood. Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is most responsive to treatment before age nine, she added, stressing the need for early detection. Dr Bastion advised limiting near work, like screen use, encouraging outdoor play and following medical advice when using corrective methods such as contact lenses. If both parents are short-sighted, the childs risk is higher. Eye checks should begin in preschool, or at least by age seven, she said. She also urged the Health Ministry to collaborate closely with the Education Ministry, and called for Malaysia to follow countries like Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan where schools have made outdoor time mandatory. Dont wait for the numbers to spike before acting, she added. Optometrist Mohd Abdul Latif Abdul Rahman said prolonged gadget use, reduced daylight exposure and rapid urbanisation have all contributed to the surge in myopia among the young. He said many children go undiagnosed until their vision deteriorates significantly, often affecting their academic performance. Parents often overlook signs like squinting, headaches or their child moving closer to the television or board. By the time they notice, the condition has already progressed, he said. On whether girls are more susceptible to myopia, as highlighted in a 2023 study by the International Myopia Institute, Abdul Latif said hormonal and behavioural differences play a role. Oestrogen can cause eyeball elongation, and girls generally spend less time outdoors than boys, he said. He also encouraged routine vision screening from age five, even if symptoms are not obvious, as many children assume blurry vision is normal. He added that natural sunlight has been shown to reduce the risk of developing myopia by up to 50%. Sunlight helps slow the elongation of the eyeball, which is the key factor in myopia progression. Also, children should not have more than 30 minutes of uninterrupted screentime. Breaks are crucial, he said. Clinical paediatric optometrist Rebecca Lee Sin Yen said early patterns of vision problems are already visible among younger children. Based on our screenings, about one-third of preschoolers aged five to six are unable to see clearly in class. By the end of primary school, nearly half of Malaysian children develop myopia, she said. She attributed the trend to urban lifestyles, lack of outdoor play and excessive screen exposure. Without timely action, she said, many children risk developing high myopia, which significantly increases the chance of retinal disease later in life. Lee urged parents, educators and communities to treat childrens vision as a shared responsibility. Regular eye checks, at least two hours of outdoor play and healthy screen habits like the 20-20-20 rule are essential, she said, referring to the practice of looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes of screen use. She said schools can help by rotating seats, ensuring adequate lighting and integrating outdoor activities into the daily routine. For children at higher risk, early intervention including special lenses, orthokeratology or medicated eye drops can help slow progression. Early detection is key so that kids can see clearly now and protect their sight for life, she added. THE STAR/ANN HA NOI Over the course of more than 30 years, Quang Vinh Ceramics Co., Ltd. has grown from a small pottery cooperative in Bat Trang one of Viet Nam's most renowned traditional craft villages into a leading brand in the countrys ceramic industry. Today, the company is not only preserving the heritage of Vietnamese ceramics but also redefining it for the global stage. As of August 2025, Quang Vinh Ceramics proudly holds four out of the six five-star OCOP (One Commune, One Product) certifications awarded by Viet Nams central Government to Ha Noi-based products. These include: The Red Lotus Bowl and Plate Set, The Swallow and Lotus Teapot Set, The Dragon and Phoenix Tableware Set and another version of the Swallow and Lotus Bowl and Plate Set. These products reflect not only high quality and safety standards but also the cultural soul of Viet Nam. Each piece is meticulously crafted using refined kaolin clay sourced from Phu Tho Province, then fired at 1,350 degrees Celsius a technique that ensures durability, vibrant colours and user safety. Artisan Ha Thi Vinh, Director of Quang Vinh Ceramics, affirms "OCOP certification serves as a passport that motivates us to go further in international markets. It also gives us access to government support, improved technology and trade promotion programmes." Today, Quang Vinhs products have gained a firm foothold in major global markets, including Japan, the US, Germany, the UK, France and Spain. The five-star OCOP certification stands as both a mark of pride and a guarantee of quality, enabling Quang Vinh to assert its position on the global map of traditional crafts. Quang Vinh Ceramics is widely recognised for its extensive line of household items such as bowls, plates, teapots and vases. These products go beyond function; they embody artistic flair. The tea sets, in particular, strike a delicate balance between traditional Vietnamese aesthetics and modern design, making them suitable for both serene tea ceremonies and elegant receptions. In the decorative arts segment, the company offers an impressive range of products, including ceramic statues, folding screens, ceramic stools and artistic plant pots. These items stand out for their refined craftsmanship and design innovation, bringing handcrafted elegance into contemporary living spaces. Among Quang Vinhs most remarkable contributions is its investment in the Vietnamese Craft Village Essence Centre, a 3,300 sq.m cultural complex popularly known as the Bat Trang Ceramic Museum. What sets this museum apart is its immersive design. As visitors enter, they are welcomed by a series of swirling ceramic pillars that evoke the feeling of being drawn into a kiln. Walking across the ground floor is like stepping on ancient bricks, meticulously researched and reproduced by Artisan Ha Thi Vinh and fellow artisans. "The museum displays artworks from 19 different family clans in Bat Trang, a tribute to our communitys unity and a way to honour our ancestors," Vinh said. "It is also a place to share our heritage stories with visitors, because our village has so many beautiful stories to tell." The idea for the museum came to her after traveling abroad and visiting museums that told compelling narratives about their local crafts. Inspired by those experiences, she realised the untapped potential of storytelling in Bat Trang s cultural tourism and turned that insight into a reality. According to Ngo Van Ngon, Deputy Chief of Staff at Ha Noi's Office for New Rural Development Coordination, Quang Vinh Ceramics is not merely a pottery brand; its a symbol of the integration between tradition and modernity. With continuous innovation and dedication to quality, it represents one of Ha Nois most outstanding OCOP products. Quang Vinhs success lies not only in preserving traditional techniques but also in modernising them. The company combines handmade ceramic craftsmanship with advanced kiln technology, allowing for larger-scale production without compromising quality. Each product goes through a rigorous process, from shaping and drying to glazing and firing, before becoming a finished work of art. Every piece carries within it a story of passion, patience and Vietnamese cultural pride. As it looks to the future, Quang Vinh Ceramics remains committed to offering not only practical ceramic products but also pieces that elevate living spaces with artistic and cultural depth. Its artisans continue to work tirelessly beside the kilns, turning humble clay into exquisite stories of craftsmanship stories that resonate far beyond Viet Nams borders. VNS The article is published under the coordination of the Coordination Office of the New-Style Rural Development Programme in Ha Noi. HA NOI Job creation support in ethnic communities and mountainous and border areas needs to go hand in hand with policies on housing settlement, tuition exemptions and reductions, and salary increases for teachers, participants heard at a conference in Ha Noi on Tuesday. The conference on improving education and training in ethnic communities and mountainous areas was jointly hosted by the National Assembly (NA)'s Ethnic Council in coordination with the NA's Committee for Culture and Society, the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs. Chairman of the NA Ethnic Council Lam Van Man said education and training in ethnic minority and mountainous areas have seen major recent achievements in general education, designated admissions and vocational, pre-university and university training. These efforts have contributed to improving workforce quality, creating job opportunities for members of ethnic groups and people in mountainous areas, and fostering sustainable multidimensional poverty reduction in disadvantaged regions, he said. However, education in ethnic communities and mountainous areas still faces many shortcomings. The school network, infrastructure and teaching equipment remain insufficient to meet the demands of educational expansion and improvement, he said. The teaching workforce still falls short in both quantity and quality compared to other regions and localities. Vocational education, especially short-term training at local levels, has not proven highly effective, he added. Man said that addressing these difficulties and limitations requires comprehensive, synchronised solutions, particularly in terms of policies and laws, to enhance the quality and effectiveness of education and training. According to the delegates, in order to sustainably develop the labour force, especially skilled workers, in line with the development requirements of growth-driving and disadvantaged regions, making focused, long-term investments with a clear roadmap for education and training will be necessary. The delegates proposed that policies ensuring fair access to education should be prioritised, including support for educational institutions in areas facing difficulties in facilities, equipment and teaching staff, in ethnic communities and mountainous areas and in regions with challenging socio-economic conditions. They also suggested providing credit support and incentives for disadvantaged students, those entitled to social policies and students pursuing studies in key sectors and fields. Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long said student enrolment rates in ethnic communities and mountainous areas have increased. Ethnic boarding, semi-boarding and pre-university schools have proven effective, contributing to workforce training among ethnic communities. He asked ministries, sectors and localities to reorganise the school network in a logical way, linked with the two-tier local government model. He also called for prioritising resources for education and training in ethnic communities and mountainous areas. VNS HA NOI Primary healthcare is the foundation of Viet Nams health system, ensuring universal coverage, fairness, quality and efficiency of the public health services, said Minister of Health ao Hong Lan at a joint forum with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Ha Noi on Tuesday. She noted that strengthening grassroots health services has always been a strategic priority for the Party and Government, aligned with global commitments under the Alma-Ata (1978) and Astana (2018) declarations on primary healthcare. To fully realise the role of primary healthcare, the health sector must build public trust in the quality of local health services providing essential care with a people-centred approach, while reducing or removing barriers and improving access. The health minister noted that this is a major and challenging task. However, with the efforts of the health sector, the leadership of the Party and Government, the inter-ministerial engagement, the support of the people and assistance from partners, primary healthcare will continue to be improved to meet both the populations needs and the rapid changes in society and the economy. As Viet Nam transitions to a two-tier local governance model, primary healthcare particularly at the commune and ward levels will undergo several changes to align with and effectively implement policy objectives. However, we remain committed to ensuring that there is no disruption to healthcare services for the people during this transition, said Lan. Viet Nams health insurance coverage has reached over 94 per cent, supported by an extensive network of commune and ward health stations and regional medical centres in 34 cities and provinces. Addressing the event, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala noted that Viet Nam has achieved many important milestones in healthcare, with some results comparable to those of developed countries. Viet Nam has also made significant progress in primary healthcare. By 2024, vaccination coverage had surpassed 95 per cent, making a vital contribution to the countrys strong recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic and protecting millions of children. In addition to its high health insurance coverage, Viet Nam also made improvements in reducing maternal mortality from 83 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 48 in 2023. Dr Piukala also highlighted Viet Nams progress in reducing the burden of malaria, as well as eliminating leprosy and rabies. However, Viet Nam still faces multiple challenges, notably the increase in non-communicable diseases. Population ageing, antimicrobial resistance and recurrent infectious disease outbreaks are also putting pressure on the healthcare system. According to Dr Piukala, the solution lies in ensuring local access to primary healthcare services, which can deliver 90 per cent of essential services, thereby saving lives and fostering economic growth. The WHO regional director also stressed that the organisation will continue its commitment to work with Viet Nam towards a future where everyone can access quality healthcare in their community throughout their life. At the forum, local and international experts also discussed issues related to financing for primary healthcare, the delivery of services at commune-level health stations under the two-tier local government model, procurement and bidding processes, and mechanisms for medical service payment. VNS TOKYO Japan and India are set to add economic security, the defence industry and cyber issues to their areas of cooperation in revisions to the two nations Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, according to government sources. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit Japan this week, plan to hold talks on Friday. They are expected to sign and exchange the revised declaration. The joint declaration was originally signed in 2008 by the then-leaders of both countries. Japan and India intend to revise the agreement to help them work together to address new security challenges that have emerged over the past 17 years. Regarding economic security, the revised declaration is expected to state Japan and Indias commitment to strengthening supply chains for items such as critical minerals and cooperating in response to economic coercion. Behind this revision is believed to be Chinas use of rare earth export restrictions as a means to apply economic pressure. Japan and India also intend to affirm their commitment to the joint development and production of equipment and technology in the defence industry. The revised declaration is likely to state their cooperation in promoting joint research and development as well as collaboration among the government, industries and academia in such new areas as cyber security and fields that will likely influence future warfare, including artificial intelligence and semiconductors. The two nations also plan to mention the effective use of the bilateral Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which came into effect in 2021, while seeking ways to cooperate in defence against chemical and biological weapons. In addition, they are expected to stress their commitment to strengthening the frameworks of cooperation and dialogue that they have continued to pursue, such as that among the Quad, made up of Japan, India, the United States and Australia. Such amendments are intended to respond to Chinas coercive actions in such areas as the South China Sea. Japan and India plan to stress the importance of efforts to ensure maritime order based on the rule of law. THE JAPAN NEWS SEOUL US President Donald Trump expressed his anticipation to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, hopefully this year, during a summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the White House on Monday (local time). Describing his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as 'very good,' Trump said he would meet with him 'in an appropriate future,' which could be as early as this year. "Well, Im meeting a lot of people. I mean, its hard to say that, but Id like to meet him this year," Trump told reporters, describing North Korea as 'a country of great potential, tremendous potential.' "I spent a lot of free time with him, talking about things that we probably arent supposed to talk about. And, you know, I just, I get along with him really well." Trump expressed his anticipation to work with Lee in doing so. Lee also told Trump that he hopes the US president will open a new path to peace on the Korean Peninsula and play the role of 'a peacemaker.' "We think we can do something in that regard with respect to North and South and I think you are much more prone to doing that than other leaders that Ive been working with from South Korea," Trump said. On the US forces in South Korea, Trump asked for ownership of lands occupied by US military bases across South Korea for nearly 30,000 troops. "Maybe one of the things Id like to do is ask them to give us ownership of the land where we have the big fort," Trump said. "I would like to see if we could get rid of the lease and get ownership of the land where we have a massive military base." During the summit, Lee told Trump that South Korea would seek to join the US shipbuilding and manufacturing 'renaissance.' Trump, in return, said South Korea could be a partner in having the US shipbuilding business get going again. "We are thinking about contact, contracting some ships. They build them very well in South Korea. Theyre also thinking about coming to our country with some shipyards to start us on the process of building ships again," Trump said. "Were also going to have them make ships here with our people, using our people, and were going to go back into the shipbuilding business again." Trump and Lee also commented on trilateral cooperation among Seoul, Washington and Tokyo, with Lee saying he believes many of the obstacles regarding Korea-Japan relations have been removed for further cooperation among the three countries in his preceding summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba over the weekend. To a reporters question whether he plans to attend the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting to be hosted by Korea in October, Trump signaled openness, saying he expects to visit Korea soon for a trade meeting. THE KOREA HERALD The deal follows an MoU on renewable energy and offshore wind (OSW) signed between the two sides in March 2024. Under the JDA, the two sides will jointly develop an OSW project in the south central region, marking one of the first OSW ventures in Vietnam. Robert Helms, a partner at CIP, said, This agreement marks an important step forward in CIPs partnership with Petrovietnam. By combining CIPs global experience and expertise in OSW with Petrovietnams proven offshore expertise and deep understanding of the local market, we are well-positioned to deliver one of Vietnams first OSW projects and to establish the groundwork for future offshore wind projects in Vietnam. Petrovietnam chairman Le Manh Hung underscored the groups strategic role in advancing Vietnams energy transition towards net zero by 2050. He emphasised the complementarity of the partnership, combining Petrovietnams offshore expertise, infrastructure, and workforce with CIPs global experience, technology, and financing capacity. The venture will lay the foundation for developing a domestic supply chain, creating jobs, attracting green foreign investment, and positioning Vietnam as a regional hub for clean energy, Hung said. Vietnam is uniquely positioned to benefit from this OSW trajectory. With a long coastline and promising wind conditions, the country has exceptional potential for OSW generation and related supply chain manufacturing. As per the updated Power Development Plan VIII (PDP VIII), Vietnam is expected to achieve 6,000 MW of OSW capacity by 2030, 17,500 MW by 2035, and between 113,000 and 139,000 MW by 2050. This reflects Vietnams ambition to become a major global renewables player. Offshore wind promising, but implementation gaps remain Danish energy investors, known for their offshore wind capabilities, remain cautiously optimistic about Vietnams renewable ambitions. Danish Ambassador Nicolai Prytz talked with VIRs Nguyen Thu about the pros and cons of Vietnams journey in this field, and calls for stronger regulatory clarity to unlock the full potential of bilateral cooperation. UK a long-standing partner in Vietnams energy mix plans Vietnam has set ambitious goals for sustainable growth, with its revised Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) positioning the country as a regional leader in clean energy. Central to this vision is the expansion of large-scale renewable energy generation, including new offshore wind (OSW) power. The Conviction 2025 event, held on August 910 in Ho Chi Minh City, was one of the largest blockchain technology programmes ever organised in Vietnam. It featured dozens of discussions on legal frameworks, technology, and a positive outlook for the countrys blockchain industry. Vietnam has now clearly defined cryptoassets as a legitimate form of digital property, Photo: Shutterstock Vy Le, co-founder of Do Ventures, believes that newly implemented regulations will make institutional investors more comfortable when making funding decisions and investing in potential blockchain platforms. Additionally, mechanisms may also become more accessible, Le said. This is an opportunity for the entire industry to grow sustainably. At a workshop two weeks ago at the National Innovation Centre, Nguyen Thanh Tuyen, deputy director general of the Department of Information and Technology Industry under the Ministry of Science and Technology, stated this is the era where data is considered the oil of the digital economy. Every transaction, interaction, and process is being digitised at a rapid pace. In this context, blockchain has emerged as a foundational digital infrastructure capable of creating digital trust, an essential condition for the sustainable, transparent, and efficient operation of the modern economy, he said. Vietnam has clearly identified its priority areas for blockchain development, including network infrastructure, digital assets and cryptocurrencies, traceability, and the application of smart contracts for public administration and production. Of these, digital asset is part of a global shift, with many reputable institutions are choosing cryptocurrencies or stocks in this sector to diversify their portfolios. According to the Vietnam Blockchain Association (VBA) and data from Chainalysis, around 60 per cent of cryptoassets in Vietnam are traded on centralised exchanges, while the remainder is worked on decentralised exchanges or peer-to-peer platforms. Thuat Nguyen, founder and CEO of Kyros Ventures, said, Over the past 10 years, the market has grown rapidly despite a lack of policy support. Vietnam is often in the top countries for digital asset adoption and decentralised finance products. Young Vietnamese are tech-savvy, enthusiastic, and have been highly successful with digital asset products. Digital assets represent a financial revolution, redefining ownership and the flow of value in the digital world, he added. Vietnam, with its demographics, low operating costs, and technological capabilities, is fully equipped to become a central player in this space. Nguyen Duy Hung, chairman of SSI Securities Corporation, said that for foreign investors, the factors of open technology policies and a dynamic population are enough to garner trust. These advantages are rare in neighbouring markets like Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia. Moreover, Vietnam also boasts significantly lower operational costs. In Vietnam, a blockchain startup can survive up to 10 times longer than in Singapore with the same amount of capital, he said. Despite its enormous potential, the digital asset sector carries many risks, from fraud and cybercrime to market instability. Establishing a clear legal framework is essential to both manage risks and promote innovation, experts said. In June, the National Assembly approved the Law on Digital Technology Industry, which will take effect in January. This is Vietnams first legal document to clearly define cryptoassets as a legitimate form of digital property, which can be created, issued, stored, and transferred via digital technology. The law also makes an important distinction that digital assets are not currency and cannot be used as a means of payment, reaffirming that VND issued by the State Bank of Vietnam is the only legal currency. This both protects monetary sovereignty and legally opens the door to the digital asset industry. The law also mandates standards for information security, anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and capital flow control, aligning with international best practices in digital asset regulation. Tran Dinh, a representative from the VBA, said that while traditional fundraising channels such as banks and stock markets face pressure, capital is increasingly flowing into digital assets and cryptocurrencies, described as an immense shadow economy. The total estimated value of digital asset-related transactions in Vietnam over the past year reached $100120 billion. In 2023, Vietnam ranked third globally in digital asset investment profits, earning approximately $1.2 billion, trailing only the US and the United Kingdom. Improving legal regulations will help Vietnam attract massive foreign investment into fintech, driving economic growth, igniting a wave of startups, and nurturing the local digital technology ecosystem, he said. A draft resolution on the pilot digital asset market made by the Ministry of Finance, expected to be submitted to the government this month, allows the establishment of companies offering digital asset services, operating exchanges, and issuing tokens with a minimum capital requirement of VND10 trillion ($4 billion), even higher than that for commercial banks. Furthermore, the draft outlines strict Level 4 cybersecurity standards, applicable to all participants, from token issuers to exchange operators. This is key to ensuring user trust. I believe the future lies not in choosing between traditional method and blockchain technologies, but in combining both of them responsibly and transparently, said Hung from SSI. With an improved legal framework, ready human resources, and investor confidence, Vietnams path to becoming Asias digital asset hub is feasible. Blockchain ambitions on display at GM Vietnam 2025 GM Vietnam 2025 is more than just the countrys largest blockchain gathering, it reflects Vietnams growing ambition to become a regional leader in digital innovation and Web3 adoption. Blockchain regulation and growth in focus at GM Vietnam 2025 GM Vietnam 2025 brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and investors in Hanoi for in-depth discussions on the regulatory, security, and market dynamics shaping blockchain and digital assets. New chapter arrives for digital asset firms Opportunities for international collaboration and attractive growth potential have turned the Vietnamese cryptocurrency market into a vibrant playground. HONG KONG, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CoinEx is accelerating its growth across Europe with the launch of the EU Ambassador Program, designed to empower institutions, advanced traders, and community leaders to grow their influence while partnering with a leading global crypto exchange. About the Program The EU Ambassador Program focuses on three key groups: Institutions & Partners market makers, brokers, and trading firms market makers, brokers, and trading firms Advanced Traders VIP clients, API users, and quantitative traders VIP clients, API users, and quantitative traders Community Leaders & KOLs crypto influencers, educators, and trading community heads The program is a cornerstone of CoinEx's partner strategy, offering top traders and community leaders the opportunity to collaborate directly with the exchange. Ambassadors enjoy: Competitive, personalized rebates and monthly bonuses Tailored campaigns and exclusive trading fee for communities Dedicated regional support and professional growth resources Opportunities to co-organize educational content and local initiatives Over the past three months, CoinEx Ambassadors have successfully expanded their community networks by more than 30%, achieving substantial growth in both influence and steady income. This remarkable progress underscores the program's commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnershipsenhancing connectivity, amplifying reach, and driving greater value for ambassadors and the exchange alike. Apply Today Applications are reviewed daily. Selected candidates will be contacted directly to discuss tailored cooperation terms and benefit packages. Apply now through the dedicated form About CoinEx Established in 2017, CoinEx is an award-winning cryptocurrency exchange designed with users in mind. Since its launch by the industry-leading mining pool ViaBTC, the platform has been among the earliest crypto exchanges to release proof-of-reserves to ensure user assets are 100% insured. CoinEx provides over 1300 coins, supported by professional-grade features and services, for its 10+ million users across 200+ countries and regions. CoinEx is also home to its native token, CET, incentivizing user activities while empowering its ecosystem. According to data from Wichart, the outstanding balance of non-performing loans at listed banks had surged by more than 16.2 per cent by the end of Q2, reaching $10.7 billion. How do you view claims that regulatory factors have been a key driver behind this sharp rise? Tran Minh Hai, managing partner of BASICO Law Firm The banking sector has long been caught between two conflicting legal frameworks. On one hand, the secured transactions regime that grants banks full authority to dispose of collateral; on the other hand, a complex set of restrictive legal provisions that may impose sanctions on banks should they unilaterally enforce collateral collection to recover loans. These two parallel legal realities do exist, creating significant challenges for banks in resolving non-performing loans (NPLs). Furthermore, certain provisions of the law directly obstruct banks debt recovery process. For example, Article 301 of the Civil Code is a major barrier, as it stipulates that if the party holding the collateral refuses to hand it over, the secured party can only file a lawsuit with the court for resolution. This provision effectively strips financial institutions of alternatives. They cannot seize or liquidate the collateral, but must instead litigate. Decree 21, which provides implementing guidance, attempted to mitigate the burden of Article 301 by introducing liability for damages in cases where the collateral provider fails to deliver the collateral. However, it still cannot fully eliminate the barrier created by the law itself. The State Bank of Vietnam has just released a draft decree to operationalise Article 198a of the Law on Credit Institutions 2024, as amended and supplemented by Law No. 96/2025/QH15. What is your assessment of this development? The purpose of Article 198a is entirely necessary and appropriate for banks and secured creditors. However, the draft decrees provisions regarding the conditions under which collateral for NPLs may be repossessed require careful reconsideration. Specifically, the draft decree stipulates that collateral for NPLs may be repossessed if it meets both the conditions set out in Article 198a and the following additional requirements. The collateral must not be the guarantors sole residence, and the collateral must not be the guarantors principal or sole means of livelihood or production. The fundamental rationale of taking collateral is to provide banks with a legal mechanism to recover debts in cases where borrowers default. The draft provisions, however, would create a paradox. While the law still allows such assets to be pledged as collateral in secured transactions, it would simultaneously prohibit their repossession and enforcement in the event of default. This inconsistency would give rise to a legal contradiction that is difficult to justify, leaving the banking sector questioning if repossession is prohibited, then what is the practical purpose of allowing such assets to be accepted as collateral in the first place? Assuming that the secured creditors right to repossess collateral is restricted in line with the draft decree, what would be the potential implications for the banking sector? The impact will arise right from the stage of taking collateral, without having to wait until the stage of collateral enforcement. To comply with this draft provision, banks would be forced, at the very moment of establishing the secured transaction, to ensure that the collateral is neither the guarantors sole residence nor their principal or sole means of livelihood. However, determining such conditions in practice is by no means straightforward. Although the draft introduces a mechanism requiring the guarantor to declare and commit to the status of the collateral at the time of signing the contract, such confirmation is logically of little significance. If the asset owner declares that the collateral falls within the categories prohibited from repossession, the bank would almost certainly refuse to accept it as collateral. As a result, many credit demands would effectively be cut off from access to financing. Conversely, if the asset owner confirms that the collateral is not their sole residence or their primary or sole means of livelihood, banks are likely to remain highly sceptical. Practical experience in debt resolution shows that once loans become non-performing, asset owners often resort to every possible means to evade enforcement against their collateral. In such cases, they could very well deny their earlier declaration and seek to prove that the collateral is indeed their only home or sole means of livelihood. Should this occur, banks would face heightened risks of litigation and even adverse rulings. What is the underlying objective of this decree, and what solutions could be adopted to balance the interests of both lenders and borrowers? It is likely that, from the perspective of the drafting authority, the intent is to safeguard social welfare in cases where asset owners are protected by provisions excluding the secured creditors right of repossession. However, from the standpoint of individuals, even if the collateral is their sole residence or their primary or only means of livelihood, they still require the ability to pledge such assets to obtain loans to meet legitimate financing needs. The draft regulation has, in effect, indirectly deprived them of this right. It is therefore necessary to return to the fundamental purpose of secured transactions, which is to ensure that the value of obligations can be enforced through collateral if those obligations are not duly performed. For banks, this mechanism is essential to maintaining credit quality and managing credit risk. Beyond that, it is crucial for safeguarding the security of deposit mobilisation activities, as effective credit risk management ensures banks can fulfill their obligations to depositors. As such, this core objective must be consistently reflected across all related legal and regulatory frameworks. Banks step up lending push ahead of year-end demand With year-end borrowing needs on the rise, banks in Vietnam are rolling out measures to boost credit growth, aiming for stronger loan expansion in the closing months of 2025. Banks accelerate capital hikes amid Basel III push In a strategic move to strengthen financial resilience and align with global risk management standards, Vietnamese banks are ramping up their charter capital through stock dividends and share issuances. MOMBASA, Kenya, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Africa Premier AI Conference 2025 (APAIC 2025) officially opened today in Mombasa with a powerful keynote speech by Mary Kerema, Secretary ICT, E-Government and Digital Economy, Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, Kenya, who called on African leaders, innovators, and partners to shape a digital future rooted in African values, talent, and global collaboration. Speaking before ministers, entrepreneurs, youth leaders, and international partners, Kerema declared the start of a "Decade of Intelligence" for Africa, emphasizing that artificial intelligence (AI) must be intentional, inclusive, and ethically grounded to truly transform lives across the continent. "Technology, however advanced, is only truly powerful when it transforms real livesespecially those on the margins," said Kerema. "Digital sovereignty is not about isolation. It is about agencythe right and ability for African people, institutions, and governments to shape, govern, and benefit from AI systems on their own terms." Kerema highlighted the opportunities and challenges Africa faces on its digital journey: Challenges: Infrastructure gaps, skills shortages, and siloed data. Strengths: Africa's unmatched diversity, resilience, and local innovation in AI-driven health, education, and fintech. She praised African entrepreneurs and global partners working together to co-create solutions designed for local realitiessystems that are modular, explainable, privacy-respecting, and inclusive of multiple languages and communities. MindHYVE.ai Co-Sponsorship and Launch of Agentic AI This year's conference is proudly co-sponsored by MindHYVE.ai, a leading USA AI innovation company. Bill Faruki, Founder and CEO of MindHYVE.ai, introduced the company's groundbreaking framework Agentic AIa new paradigm for intelligent systems designed to empower users through autonomy, explainability, and ethical alignment. Faruki emphasized that Agentic AI reflects Africa's values of collaboration and inclusivity, providing tools for governments, enterprises, and communities to design, configure, and own their digital future. Commitment to Youth, Women, and Partnerships The keynote also underscored Africa's youth and women as the architects of this future, with investments in upskilling, women-in-AI forums, and digital public infrastructure forming a central pillar of the strategy. Kerema urged participants to move beyond rhetoric to actionable partnerships, measuring success by real community impact: Ethical AI aligned with African values. Policies that encourage innovation and inclusion. Platforms that empower teachers, health workers, entrepreneurs, and public servants. Concluding her address, Kerema officially opened APAIC 2025 with a vision of Africa as a leadernot just adopterin the global AI revolution: "Let us leave this conference not only inspired but equipped and committed to accelerating Africa's journey to a digital future where we are not just users, but leaders. If you want to go far, go together." Website: www.mindhyve.ai BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 25 August 2025 - ICONSIAM, the global landmark along the Chao Phraya River, is once again redefining the retail and lifestyle landscapes, partnering with POP MART to create a new phenomenon along the Chao Phraya River the newest POP MART GLOBAL LANDMARK STORE in Thailand and the world. Opening its doors on 8 August 2025, the store spans over 760 square meters on ICONSIAM's 7th floor. Nestled in the breathtaking riverfront setting, it stands as a global hub of imagination, perfectly blending cutting-edge design with the rich charm of Thai culture. This landmark reaffirms its status as a Global Experiential Destination, delivering world-class experiences and captivating pop culture and art toy enthusiasts from around the world. A New Global Landmark for Art Toy LoversThe design of the "POP MART GLOBAL LANDMARK STORE" has been conceived as a Window to the Fantasy, inviting visitors from around the world to step into the universe of POP MART in a way never experienced before. Spanning over 760 square meters, the space seamlessly blends Thai art and culture, modernity, and fantasy. It is the first Global Landmark Store to adopt an interior design concept deeply rooted in three distinctive aspects of Thainess: Water Culture, Traditional Thai Architecture, and Inclusiveness, under the brand philosophy of "Light up Passion and Bring Joy." The entire space is designed with curves and circular forms, creating a sense of free-flowing movement, openness, and transparency, enriched by the interplay of light and reflective surfaces that flow endlessly a design inspired by the Chao Phraya River, symbolizing both gentleness and strength, as well as Thailand's charm and cultural diversity.Another key highlight is the MOLLY: Thailand Landmark Store Limited Big Figure, a towering sculpture over four meters tall that stands proudly to welcome fans. Inspired by the travels of artist Kenny Wong, creator of the MOLLY character, the piece depicts MOLLY in an exquisitely elegant traditional Thai Chakkri dress, adorned with an intricately crafted royal headpiece topped with a fledgling bird symbolizing new beginnings and hope. She is shown riding an elephant, a cherished symbol of Thailand. Surrounding her are many other iconic and beloved POP MART characters, warmly greeting every visitor who steps into the store. Fans can also discover a host of exclusive collections and limited editions available only at ICONSIAM, alongside iconic POP MART characters displayed throughout the store.World's First POP MART Cafe Outside ChinaAdding to the excitement, ICONSIAM introduces the world's first POP MART Cafe outside of China. Each menu item is inspired by the brand's beloved IP characters, offering a playful culinary experience that is as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.A special VIP Zone has also been created for exclusive occasions, featuring a signature Cotton Berry scent a whimsical blend of cotton candy and wild berries, inspired by LABUBU Macaron. This delicate, sparkling fragrance is designed to evoke cherished childhood memories and create magical moments for every guest.ICONSIAM Solidifies Its Status as a Global LandmarkA visionary joint venture between Siam Piwat, Charoen Pokphand Group (CP), and Magnolia Quality Development (MQDC), ICONSIAM is one of Thailand's most celebrated achievements where The Best of Thailand meets The Best of the World. Seamlessly blending art, heritage, innovation, and world-class architecture, it offers a retail and cultural experience unlike any other, setting new benchmarks for the future of global destinations.Recognizing this unparalleled stature, POP MART's decision to debut its most visually spectacular store in the world at ICONSIAM underscores the landmark's unmatched reputation as a trusted partner for the world's leading brands. With its unrivaled riverside location, awe-inspiring design, and ability to unite retail, culture, and tourism, ICONSIAM continues to redefine what it means to be a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.Now open on the banks of Thailand's legendary Chao Phraya River, the POP MART GLOBAL LANDMARK STORE at ICONSIAM invites visitors to step into a vibrant world of creativity, joy, and imagination. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The leadership of Nghe An People's Committee and SK Innovation at a meeting in mid-August South Koreas SK Innovation is seeking the opportunity to develop this project via submitting a draft joint development agreement to Nghe An Peoples Committee, proposing the development of the Quynh Lap Nghi Son LNG power plant with a total investment of approximately $2.15 billion. In early July, Nghe An authorities held a working session with a delegation from SK Group, led by Youngwook Yoo, vice chairman of SK Innovation E&S, to discuss potential collaboration on the plant. The plant would have a capacity of 1,500 MW with two units and is expected to consume about 1.15 million tonnes of LNG annually. Alongside the power plant, the plan includes an LNG storage facility, an LNG import port capable of receiving 100,000-150,000 DWT vessels, a breakwater, and a comprehensive auxiliary system. SK Group stated that the project is expected to be operational before 2030, generating approximately 10.5 billion kWh of electricity annually, equivalent to nearly 4 per cent of Vietnams national electricity output in 2024. The electricity from Quynh Lap is expected to alleviate pressure on North-South power transmission, stabilise grid frequency, and provide a reliable baseload source amid the rapid rise in renewable energy. Compared to other major LNG projects, such as Long An I & II (3,000 MW, $3.1 billion) and Bac Lieu (3,200 MW, $4 billion), the Nghe An venture would benefit from its proximity to a 500 kV transmission line, a deepwater port, and a rapidly growing load centre. In addition to the Nghe An project, SK Group is also exploring LNG projects in Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa) and Ca Na (in Ninh Thuan), forming a high-tech energy-industrial cluster stretching from northern to south-central Vietnam. This reflects the groups long-term strategy to support Vietnams development of green energy infrastructure. SK Group, South Koreas second-largest conglomerate, oversees approximately 200 subsidiaries operating in sectors such as energy, chemicals, logistics, IT, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. With a market capitalisation of nearly $200 billion, the group has extensive experience in LNG development in the US, South Korea, and Singapore. To date, SK Group has invested over $3.5 billion in Vietnam, focusing on clean energy, biotechnology, logistics, and IT. The proposed Quynh Lap - Nghi Son LNG plant underscores the groups long-term commitment to expanding its presence and supporting Vietnams sustainable development goals. The involvement of SK Innovation comes as another South Korean firm, namely POSCO International, is showing strong interest in LNG ventures in North-Central Vietnam. In early July, POSCO International submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, requesting direct designation as the investor for the integrated development of the Quynh Lap (Nghe An) and Nghi Son (Thanh Hoa) LNG power projects to optimise costs and ensure progress. In a letter to Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, Lee Kye-In, chairman and CEO of POSCO International, recalled a February meeting in South Korea and reaffirmed the groups capabilities and commitment to Vietnams energy market. POSCO has been involved in the Quynh Lap 2 coal-fired power project since 2015, receiving investment approval in 2020. Building on this, the group is seeking to pivot to LNG power, submitting a pre-feasibility study for the Quynh Lap LNG plant in October 2023 and an investment proposal in October 2024. The first promising investor is a consortium comprising PV Power, a subsidiary of state-owned giant Petrovietnam, Nghe An Sugar LLC, and SK E&S Co., Ltd. It has plans to use over 332 hectares, consisting of 60 ha of land and 272 ha of water surface. Meanwhile, Power Generation Corporation 1, a subsidiary of state utility Vietnam Electricity, wants 260 ha to develop the project, including 60 ha of land and 200 ha of water surface. A further promising investor is Japans Sumitomo Corporation, which is expected to be allocated 182 ha for the project, including 65 ha of land and 117 ha of water surface. Another potential investor is a consortium comprising Viet Thanh Bamboo Energy Investment JSC and Qatars Gulf Petroleum Limited, which has plans to use 176 ha, made up of 58 ha of land and 118 ha of water surface. SK Group considers $2.1B LNG power investment in Nghe An South Korean conglomerate SK Group is exploring the possibility of investing in a landmark $2.1 billion liquefied natural gas power plant in Vietnams central province of Nghe An, signalling growing interest from Korean investors in Vietnams energy transition. Nhon Trach LNG-fired power plants to start commercial operations this year The Nhon Trach 3 and 4 LNG-fired power plants have made good progress, with Nhon Trach 3 set to start commercial operations in Q3. Consortium emerges as sole bidder for major LNG project in Khanh Hoa A consortium comprising multi-sector corporation Trungnam Group and Sideros River is currently the sole bidder for the 1,500 MW Ca Na liquefied natural gas (LNG)-to-power development in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa. Sumitomo seeks Khanh Hoa backing for LNG and OSW projects Japan-based Sumitomo Corporation is keen on investments in the Van Phong 2 liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant and other offshore wind (OSW) power ventures in Khanh Hoa province. S&P Global Ratings is one of the worlds three leading and most reputable credit rating agencies. The upgrade reflects S&Ps continued recognition of the private joint-stock commercial bank in Vietnam, underlining confidence in Techcombanks stable outlook over the next 24 months, supported by its retail banking franchise and superior profitability. In a press release, S&P emphasised that the bank will maintain strengthened capital levels over the next 24 months, with capital rising by more than 20 per cent in 2024. Under S&Ps stringent methodology, Techcombanks capital adequacy ratio and profitability remain at the highest level in the sector, far ahead of its peers. S&P also noted its confidence in Techcombanks stable risk profile, highlighting that the non-performing loans (NPLs) ratio will remain lower than the sector average, despite macroeconomic uncertainties. The banks NPL and problem loans are stable, and the bank is keeping provisioning costs at roughly 50 per cent of its peers. Excluding qualitative adjustments often applied to state-owned banks, Techcombanks NPL coverage, risk profile, and stand-alone credit rating are among the highest in the industry. Being upgraded by one of the worlds most prestigious rating agencies underscores Techcombanks enduring financial strength and leading role within Vietnams financial system. The upgrade will enable Techcombank to broaden access to international capital markets and reinforce investor confidence both domestically and globally. Techcombank remains the only bank in Vietnam to successfully diversify its funding base, securing long-term (3-5 year) financing from top-tier global institutions at highly competitive rates. In July, Techcombank was also recognised as Vietnams Best Bank by Euromoney, Global Finance, and FinanceAsia for the second consecutive year. Throughout its engagement with S&P, Techcombank has not only presented its own strengths but also proactively advocated for a reassessment of Vietnams banking sector. For years, S&Ps sector assessment had not fully reflected Vietnams progress relative to its peers. With the support of the government and the State Bank of Vietnam, Techcombank has facilitated high-level meetings between S&P and senior policymakers, reinforcing the agencys confidence in Vietnams achievements and, more importantly, in its future trajectory. The upgrade reflects recognition of the entire Vietnamese banking systems resilience, especially during 2020-24, when the sector overcame significant challenges thanks to stronger legal frameworks, decisive regulatory oversight, and improved institutional capacity. Addressing recent tariff concerns, S&P assessed that Techcombank would face minimal impact, given its very limited exposure to export-related clients. In the context of global macroeconomic and geopolitical volatility, where most rating actions this year have been affirmations or downgrades, S&Ps decision to upgrade Techcombank outright by one notch (rather than simply revising the outlook) is particularly significant. It underscores firm confidence in Techcombanks fundamentals, as well as the improving prospects of Vietnams banking sector. Techcombank clinches fourth straight win as Vietnams top retail bank Techcombank has once again been recognised as Vietnams leading retail bank, taking home a major regional award for the fourth straight year. Techcom Capital joins ACCAs network of Approved Employers The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and Techcom Capital Management JSC held a ceremony to mark Techcom Capitals official recognition as an ACCA Approved Employer on August 1. The milestone project combines a 310 kWp solar PV system with a 220 kWh battery energy storage system, enabling the plant to meet up to 60 per cent of its electricity needs with clean, renewable energy. The system is expected to generate approximately 460 MWh of electricity annually, avoiding around 300 tonnes of CO emissions each year. The smart integration of battery storage, which optimises solar energy utilisation and enhances grid performance, ensures a more reliable and consistent power supply for the plants operations enabling better energy management, cost savings, and improved operational efficiency. This project is part of TotalEnergies ongoing commitment to energy transition across its operations in Vietnam. Since 2019, the company has been progressively implementing solar solutions at its various facilities, including the liquefied petroleum gas plant in Go Dau, Dong Nai. These efforts reflect TotalEnergies broader ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, while supporting its local entities in reducing their carbon footprint and enhancing energy resilience, Astrid Dassonville, managing director and country chair of TotalEnergies Vietnam, shared. Alexandru Buzatu, director of TotalEnergies ENEOS Renewables Distributed Generation Asia-Pacific, said, We are pleased to deliver our first rooftop solar and battery storage project for TotalEnergies Marketing Vietnam. Integrating battery storage with solar PV systems enables our partner to enhance energy efficiency, increase grid stabilisation, and contribute to environmental sustainability. Leveraging TotalEnergies ENEOS proven expertise and understanding of the Vietnamese market, we will continue to deliver innovative energy solutions tailored to the needs of our customers. TotalEnergies to build first solar rooftop system for Miza Corporation Miza Corporation, a major recycled paper producer in Vietnam, has signed a long-term agreement with TotalEnergies, a green energy major from France, to provide a 4MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system to its new production facility in Hai Duong province, Mipak Co., Ltd. TotalEnergies ENEOS expands in Vietnam through partnership with Sao Mai Solar Sao Mai Solar Co., a subsidiary of Sao Mai Group, signed a share purchase agreement with TotalEnergies ENEOS for the sale of its 3.4 megawatt peak rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system portfolio on June 5. What is the market size of Consumer packaged goods (CPG) ? BANGALORE, India, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2024, the global market size of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) was estimated to be worth USD 2115660 Million and is forecast to reach approximately USD 2594420 Million by 2031 with a CAGR of 3.0% during the forecast period 2025-2031. Get Free Sample on CPG Market Report What are the key factors driving the growth of the Consumer packaged goods market? The consumer packaged goods (CPG) market remains a vital and resilient sector due to the essential nature of its offerings. Shifts in lifestyle, values, and technology are reshaping consumer demand. Companies are adapting through: Agile product development Targeted marketing strategies Optimized supply chain management Growth is fueled by the interplay between: Health and wellness trends trends Sustainability initiatives initiatives Convenience-driven products products Digital connectivity and e-commerce expansion The competitive landscape is dynamic, influenced by: Emerging brands Growth of private labels Evolving retail formats Strategic investments focus on: Personalization of products and experiences of products and experiences Omnichannel engagement with consumers with consumers Value-driven propositions to strengthen loyalty As consumer needs and expectations evolve, the CPG market is positioned for steady momentum, innovation, and expansion opportunities. Source from Valuates Reports: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-1Z9333/global-consumer-packaged-goods-cpg?utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=referral TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE CONSUMER PACKAGED GOODS MARKET: The food and beverage segment plays a central role in shaping the momentum of the consumer packaged goods market by addressing the evolving consumption habits of modern lifestyles. Consumers are increasingly drawn to convenient, ready-to-eat meals and functional snacks that match their fast-paced routines. This shift has encouraged manufacturers to diversify offerings with healthier ingredients, cleaner labels, and unique flavors. Rising interest in on-the-go consumption has elevated the demand for single-serve packaging and meal replacements. Innovations in formulation, packaging design, and shelf life extension have further amplified growth in this segment. Moreover, the continued fusion of indulgence and nutrition in food and beverage items enables companies to penetrate various customer segments, thereby reinforcing demand across diverse demographic profiles. Household supplies remain a consistent and essential part of daily living, significantly reinforcing the consumer packaged goods market. The demand for products such as cleaning agents, surface disinfectants, paper products, and laundry care items has intensified as consumers maintain higher hygiene standards. Continuous innovations in formulations, including eco-friendly and allergen-free ingredients, are helping brands to differentiate themselves and attract health-conscious buyers. Convenience-enhanced packaging like easy-pour bottles, pre-measured pods, and multi-surface wipes further contribute to the segment's performance. Additionally, seasonal variants and multipurpose solutions cater to consumers seeking both functionality and value. With growing awareness of household cleanliness and indoor safety, this segment exhibits steady demand and strong brand loyalty, ensuring long-term revenue reliability for manufacturers and retailers alike. Online sales serve as a transformative channel for consumer packaged goods by offering unparalleled convenience, expanded product availability, and personalized shopping experiences. E-commerce platforms allow brands to engage directly with consumers, reducing intermediary costs and accelerating response to demand shifts. Subscription services and auto-replenishment features enhance repeat purchases, while targeted digital promotions increase product discovery and cross-category sales. The proliferation of smartphones and digital wallets simplifies the transaction process, encouraging higher frequency of purchase and customer retention. Online reviews, influencer campaigns, and real-time feedback loops drive brand credibility and product innovation. Moreover, data-rich insights from online sales channels enable companies to fine-tune their strategies, optimize inventory, and introduce niche products that resonate with specific consumer segments. Modern consumption patterns have evolved drastically, favoring convenience, portability, and instant gratification. Consumers increasingly prefer packaged goods that reduce preparation time and accommodate on-the-go lifestyles. This behavioral shift is not limited to food but spans personal care, household items, and wellness categories. Busy professionals, students, and single-person households actively seek single-portion packs, ready-to-use products, and minimal-preparation solutions. The trend encourages companies to innovate in packaging, shelf stability, and portion control. Moreover, this evolution fosters higher purchase frequency and broadens the market for impulse buys. By aligning product development with shifting consumer routines, manufacturers tap into untapped micro-moments, reinforcing brand relevance and securing long-term demand across dynamic and diversified consumer bases. The increasing prioritization of health and wellness has significantly influenced product innovation within the consumer packaged goods landscape. Consumers now seek items that support physical vitality, emotional balance, and mental well-being. This includes foods fortified with nutrients, natural and organic personal care, and eco-friendly household products free from harsh chemicals. Transparency in ingredients and ethical sourcing are highly valued, prompting brands to reformulate offerings to meet cleaner, greener expectations. Supplement-infused snacks, probiotics, and skin-friendly formulations have moved from niche to mainstream, expanding market appeal. Furthermore, health-driven choices extend to packaging preferences, favoring sustainable materials. As health consciousness becomes embedded in lifestyle decisions, companies that address these expectations are rewarded with increased loyalty and category leadership. Environmental and ethical considerations have emerged as key factors influencing consumer decision-making in the consumer packaged goods market. Shoppers now expect brands to demonstrate responsibility through reduced plastic use, recyclable packaging, and carbon-conscious logistics. Companies are responding with biodegradable materials, refill systems, and transparent sustainability commitments. These changes not only fulfill regulatory requirements but also strengthen brand equity among conscious consumers. Products aligned with ethical sourcing, cruelty-free testing, and fair labor practices further resonate with modern values. Beyond packaging, sustainable production methods and waste reduction initiatives drive operational efficiencies and environmental goodwill. This paradigm shift is reshaping brand strategy, as sustainability moves from an optional differentiator to a baseline requirement for credibility and growth in the market. Claim Yours Now! https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-1Z9333&lic=single-user What are the major product types in the Consumer packaged goods market? Food and Beverage Personal Care and Cosmetics Household Supplies What are the main applications of the Consumer packaged goods market? In-Stores Online Sales Who are the key players in the Consumer packaged goods market? Procter Gamble Unilever Loreal SA Colgate Palmolive The Kraft Heinz Co. Kellogg Company Nestle S A Pepsi Coca Cola Carlsberg A/S Diageo Heineken AB InBev Kweichow Moutai Keurig Dr Pepper Campbell Soup Which region dominates the consumer packaged goods market? North America and Western Europe are highly mature, where consumers prioritize premiumization, health-conscious options, and sustainable packaging. Asia-Pacific represents the fastest-growing region, driven by urbanization, expanding middle-class populations, and strong e-commerce adoption. The industry is crowded with manufacturers and fiercely competitive. Major producers include Procter & Gamble, Unilever and L "oreal S.A., with revenue ratios of 3.60%, 3.32% and 1.79%, respectively, in 2019. Purchase Regional Report on CPG Market Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Consumer packaged goods market: What is the market size of the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry in 2025 and beyond? In 2024, the global CPG market was valued at USD 2.11 trillion and is projected to reach USD 2.59 trillion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 3.0% during 20252031. What factors are driving growth in the Consumer Packaged Goods market? Key growth drivers include rising demand for health & wellness products, sustainability-focused packaging, digital transformation, e-commerce adoption, and convenience-driven consumption patterns. Which regions are expected to lead the CPG market growth? North America and Western Europe remain mature markets with a focus on premiumization and sustainability, while Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, driven by urbanization, rising middle-class consumers, and rapid e-commerce penetration. SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. What are some related markets to the consumer packaged goods market? - Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Software & Solutions market was estimated to be worth USD 19950 Million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 27030 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Packaging market was valued at USD 474460 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 689130 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Anti-counterfeit Packaging in Consumer Goods market was estimated to be worth USD 101690 Million and is forecast to reach approximately USD 198850 Million by 2031 with a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period 2025-2031. - Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Market - Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Logistics Market - Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Operations Solutions Market - Retail & Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Marketing Solutions Market - Consumer Packaged Goods Software Market - Digital Transformation Solutions for Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Market - 100% Recycled Paperboard Market - Trade Promotion Management and Optimization for the Consumer Goods Market was valued at USD 701 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 1215 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe First nursing students in 30 years graduate in North Wales This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Aug 26th, 2025 The local Health Boards head of nursing said it was an honour to stand before the first group of student nurses to complete a course in central North Wales for three decades. BCUHBs executive director of nursing and midwifery, Angela Wood, also admitted to being envious of the group as they began their careers at a time of incredible opportunity. Her speeches in St Asaph and Wrexham marked the end of the first course under the Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) commissioning contract, at Wrexham University. Some of the group studied at the Universitys Plas Coch site, while others did their learning at the St Asaph campus. Significantly for St Asaph, this is the first group of students to study in the central area of North Wales for 30 years and they will soon be qualified. Addressing the students, who studied on the adult, childrens or mental health nursing courses, Angela pointed to her own journey as a nurse which started 35 years ago. She urged them to celebrate the moment and dream big. She said: Thirty-five years ago, I was in your place. I remember the nerves, the excitement, and the overwhelming sense of possibility. I knew I was stepping into something bigger than myself and I can tell you now, choosing to become a nurse was the best decision I ever made. Im also a little bit jealous, because you are beginning your journey at a time of incredible opportunity. You are entering a profession that is evolving, expanding, and more vital than ever. You will be the ones who shape the future of care in North Wales. You will innovate, advocate, and lead. And now, as you prepare to join our workforce, I want you to know: we are ready for you. We welcome you not just as graduates, but as colleagues. You bring fresh perspectives, new energy, and a deep sense of purpose that will enrich our teams and our communities. So, take this moment in. Celebrate it. Reflect on how far youve come and dream boldly about where youll go next. Nursing is not just a career; its a calling. Its a privilege. Congratulations, from the bottom of my heart. I am so proud of you. I cannot wait to see the impact you will make. Alison Lester-Owen, principal lecturer and professional lead for nursing at the St Asaph campus of Wrexham University, said: For our students based in St Asaph, this moment is even more historic as they are the first to train in central North Wales in over 30 years. Thats not just a statistic its a powerful reminder of how access to education, close to home, can be transformative both for individuals and communities. Professor Paul Davies, deputy vice-chancellor of Wrexham University, said: At Wrexham University, we are incredibly proud of what our students have achieved not just academically, but in the way they have embraced the demands of the programme, supported one another and prepared themselves to step into vital roles in our health and care system. They are exactly the kind of graduates this region, and the nursing profession, needs: resilient, compassionate, skilled, and deeply rooted in the communities they are going on to serve. The students are the first group to complete their degrees on the Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) commissioning contract, following a successful tender for funding back in 2022, which led to a partnership working arrangement between Wrexham University, HEIW and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB). Wrexham man charged in connection with shoplifting incidents This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Aug 26th, 2025 A 27-year-old Wrexham man has been charged in connection with multiple shoplifting incidents. North Wales Police say that Lewis Staunton, of Cae Daniel, Rhosllanerchrugog, has been charged with seven offences of theft from two Co-op stores in Rhos and Johnstown. The incidents are all reported to have taken place between July 31 and 12 August. Staunton was bailed to appear before Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 9 September. Nevada state offices remain closed Tuesday following a network security incident. The Nevada Department of Public Safety/State Police administrative offices and online services will be unavailable. NHP and dispatch phone lines are working and in service. Troopers and officers are on duty and will continue to provide public safety services. The Governors Technology Office is actively working to resolve the issue. AUGUST 25, 8:35 P.M. UPDATE: Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo's Press Office is advising people that government offices will likely be closed again on Tuesday as recovery operations continue following a network security incident. Critical employees and operations are expected not to be affected by the closures, according to a release from the Governor's Press Office. The press office will share more information and guidance on Tuesday morning regarding any closures. AUGUST 25, 12:47 P.M. UPDATE: Governor Lombardo ordered all state offices closed Monday today due to significant state network degradation affecting the ability to conduct normal business." The FBI is helping with the investigation. The governor's office says, "we anticipate resuming normal business tomorrow." All DMV appointments scheduled for Monday will be honored as walk-ins over the next two weeks. The incident was discovered early Sunday morning and remains under investigation. State representatives add, "at this time, there is no evidence that any personally identifiable information (PII) was compromised. The State will share verified information when appropriate." ORIGINAL STORY: The State of Nevada is continuing recovery from an early-morning network security incident. To minimize disruption while technical teams restore normal operations, state offices will temporarily pause in-person services today. During recovery, certain websites, online services, and office phone lines may be slow or briefly unavailable; 911 emergency call-taking remains available statewide. The Governors Technology Office operates 24/7, and teams are actively restoring service in coordination with agency partners. Because the state monitors systems around the clock, the public may see updates outside normal business hours. What this means for Nevadans * Offices will not offer in-person services today. Agencies will announce when counters reopen and any alternative options. * State websites and phone lines may be intermittently unavailable. If a site or line does not respond, please try again later. * NHP and the Dispatch phone lines are working and in service. Administrative in-office and Online services will not be available Monday due to a statewide network issue. * Emergencies: Call 911. For non-emergency questions, check the relevant agencys website or use email. What the State is doing * Working continuously with state, local, and federal partners to restore services safely. * Using temporary routing and operational workarounds to maintain public access where feasible. * Validating systems before returning them to normal operation and sharing updates as needed. (Office of Governor Lombardo) Filing in Yeh v. Barrington Pacific, LLC urges the Court of Appeal to reject federal-style standing hurdles that would weaken Californians' consumer-privacy rights under the Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (ICRAA). LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Watchdog announced today that it has joined an amicus curiae brief led by Ted Mermin and the UC Berkeley Center for Consumer Law & Economic Justice in Yeh v. Barrington Pacific, LLC (No. B337904). The brief defends tenants' ability to enforce ICRAA's core privacy protections in California courtswithout importing federal Article III "injury-in-fact" barriers that the Legislature never required. California's courts are courts of general jurisdiction, and standing in state court turns on the statute at issue. Here, the statute requires landlords and reporting agencies to provide clear notices and copies of reports; tenants may sue when those requirements are violated. "Background-check abuse hurts real people. When landlords and screening companies rely on errant disclosures or hide the report, families can lose homes and opportunities with no warning," said William R. Pletcher, Head of Litigation at Consumer Watchdog. "The Legislature gave Californians strong privacy rights and a way to enforce them in state court. Courts should not graft federal-style standing hurdles onto those rights." Why this matters for renters and consumers Privacy you can use. ICRAA requires notice and a copy of any investigative consumer report so people can spot errors and fight identity theft. Automatic copies protect consumers; making them optional or unenforceable would invite more hidden checks and bad data. Access to justice. California courts aren't bound by the federal Constitution's "case or controversy" limits. If federal-style standing were imported, many consumer-protection claims would be blocked even when the Legislature created a right and a remedy. Real-world violations. In Yeh, the tenants say they didn't receive the notices and copies the law requiresexactly the kind of statutory breach ICRAA empowers consumers to challenge. The Legislature did not add any separate "concrete injury" requirement for such claims. "Consumer Watchdog's mission is to hold powerful interests accountable and make consumer protections work in people's everyday lives," Pletcher added. "This case is about keeping those protections enforceableso renters get the transparency the law promises, and unlawful data practices don't go unchecked." About the case The appeal asks whether tenants must meet a federal-style "injury-in-fact" test to bring ICRAA claims in California courts. The amici explain that state-court standing is a matter of statutory interpretation: the Legislature decides who may sue, and ICRAA's disclosure-and-copy rules are enforceable without importing Article III. The brief urges reversal to preserve Californians' access to justice and the practical enforceability of consumer-privacy statutes. A copy of the amicus brief is available here. The brief was jointly filed by: UC Berkeley Center for Consumer Law & Economic Justice; Consumer Watchdog; Center For California Homeowner Association Law; Community Legal Services - East Palo Alto; Consumers For Auto Reliability and Safety; East Bay Community Law Center; Housing and Economic Rights Advocates; Impact Fund; Katherine & George Alexander Community Law Center; Open Door Legal; Public Counsel; Public Justice; Public Law Center; and The University off San Diego School of Law Legal Clinics. Special thanks to Ted Mermin, Executive Director, David Nahmias, Legal Director, and Student Fellow Leo Mandani, of the UC Berkeley Center for Consumer Law & Economic Justice. About Consumer Watchdog Consumer Watchdog is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates for consumers through litigation, advocacy, and public education. We fight to protect privacy, end unfair practices, and ensure that the laws on the books deliver real-world protections for Californians. SOURCE Consumer Watchdog Fourth Freestanding Central Florida White Castle Slated to Open Late Summer 2026, Bringing More Than 70 New Jobs to Volusia County DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The crave is coming to Daytona Beach! White Castle, home of The Original Slider and America's first fast-food hamburger chain, today announced it has signed a lease to build a new Castle at 1944 LPGA Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Florida, 32117. Grand opening is forecasted for late summer 2026. The Daytona Beach Castle will be designed in White Castle's modern "neighborhood" prototype style. Plans call for indoor seating, outdoor seating, and two drive-thru lanes where team members will deliver orders directly to cars. When it opens, the new Castle will create more than 70 jobs for local residents, reinforcing White Castle's long-standing commitment to community growth and opportunity. "This commitment marks the next exciting step in our Florida expansion," said Jamie T. Richardson, Vice President of White Castle. "Our Orlando and Clermont Castles have been embraced with open arms, and we can't wait to bring our beloved sliders to Daytona Beach. Known as 'The World's Most Famous Beach' and part of Florida's Fun Coast, Daytona's vibrant, growing community is a perfect match for our fun-loving, customer-centric brand. We're eager to meet the crave and become part of the fabric of this community." The Daytona Beach restaurant will mark White Castle's fourth free-standing Castle in Florida. It builds on the momentum of the brand's successful 2021 return to the Sunshine State with the Orlando flagshipthe largest White Castle in the worldand the Clermont Castle, which opened earlier this month to enthusiastic Craver response. Brandon McCalla of JLL partnered with White Castle on the site selection process White Castle previously announced plans for a third free-standing Castle in Kissimmee at O-town West, which is scheduled to open prior to its Daytona location and bring even more of the brand's iconic Sliders to the region. In addition, the company operates a Crave 'n Go location in Orlando, providing delivery and grab-and-go service to meet demand in the fast-growing market. About White Castle White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates 341 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades including Time magazine's "Most Influential Burger of All Time" (2014, The Original Slider). White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans (Cravers), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. For more information on White Castle and how to Follow Your Crave, visit whitecastle.com. SOURCE White Castle The platform will bring together buyers and sellers of shares in private companies to trade on an intermittent basis. Breaking new ground with the worlds first regulated private stock market, PISCES is a great example of industry, government and regulators working together to go further and faster on innovative reform. Simon Walls, Executive Director of Markets at the FCA, said: "We are delighted to announce the first PISCES operator has been approved, marking a major milestone in our drive to boost growth and unlock capital investment. We are looking forward to seeing the first transactions, seeding a competitive market that gives greater investor access to exciting growth companies." Julia Hoggett, CEO at the London Stock Exchange plc, said: We are delighted to be the first venue operator to have been granted a PISCES Approval Notice by the FCA. Following several years of innovative development by the UK Government and regulators with active engagement from practitioners across the market, the London Stock Exchange has now taken a significant step towards the launch of our Private Securities Market later this year. This new market demonstrates our commitment to the creation of a genuine funding continuum from the private to public markets so that businesses in the UK and around the world can be effectively supported across all stages of their growth. We look forward to welcoming the first private companies to utilise the market when they have completed their preparations and to expanding the options they will have to realise their ambitions. Emma Reynolds, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said: "I am pleased to see the London Stock Exchange become the first operator to receive approval from the Financial Conduct Authority to run PISCES trading events. This represents the latest significant milestone for PISCES, and I look forward to seeing the first PISCES trading events. This government is committed to working with the regulators and business to enhance our capital markets offering, supporting economic growth, and putting more money in working peoples pockets as part of our Plan for Change." The PISCES (The Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System) platform will be delivered through a sandbox, which allows the FCA to test the design before finalising a permanent regime in 2030. Trading systems could include periodic auctions, as well as occasional and time-limited periods of continuous trading. Specifically, PISCES uses a financial markets infrastructure (FMI) sandbox. This will be the second use of the FMI Sandbox powers after the Digital Securities Sandbox. The Treasury laid a Statutory Instrument before Parliament in May 2025, which finalised the legislative framework for PISCES. Firms wishing to run a PISCES platform have to apply to the FCA, and once approved are able to run intermittent trading events. The FCA published pre-application support and application support for firms interested in applying to be a PISCES operator. ED Raids AAP Leader Saurabh Bharadwaj in Rs 5,590 Crore Delhi Hospital Scam Probe 2 The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted searches at the premises of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former minister Saurabh Bharadwaj as part of a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged scam in Delhis health infrastructure projects during the previous AAP government, officials said. Raids were carried out at 13 locations across the National Capital Region, including those of private contractors and real estate developers, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they added. The probe against Bharadwaj, 45, Delhi AAP chief and national spokesperson, stems from an FIR registered by Delhis Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in June. The ACB had named Bharadwaj, former health minister Satyendar Jain, private contractors and unidentified officials for alleged corruption in hospital projects under the AAP-led government. The FIR followed allegations by the Delhi BJP in August last year of grave irregularities and suspected corruption in health projects. The ACB complaint accused officials of manipulating project budgets, misusing funds, and colluding with contractors. According to ACB, 24 hospital projects worth 5,590 crore were sanctioned in 2018-19 but remain incomplete, with major cost escalations. Similarly, the 1,125-crore ICU Hospital Project, intended to build seven facilities with 6,800 beds in six months, is only 50% complete after three years and 800 crore spent. The ED said the raids were based on evidence collected during the investigation and allegations of large-scale corruption, unauthorized construction, and fund misappropriation in Delhis health infrastructure projects. Fadnavis Appeals to Jarange: Don't Disrupt Ganesh Festival Amid Maratha Quota Ultimatum 2 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday expressed hope that Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange will refrain from actions that could disturb Ganesh festival celebrations in Mumbai. Jarange has set an August 26 deadline for the state government to grant a 10% quota for Marathas under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, warning of a march to Mumbai starting August 27on Ganesh Chaturthiif demands are not met. He has also announced an indefinite hunger strike from August 29. Those who call themselves true followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will not do anything to disrupt Ganesh Chaturthi, which is the biggest festival of Hindus, Fadnavis told reporters. The CM said everyone has the democratic right to protest but urged that it should not inconvenience others. He highlighted the governments efforts, stating, We have worked for the Maratha community and given 10% quota. We created 1.5 lakh entrepreneurs from the community. Last year, the state announced 10% reservation for Marathas under a separate category. Jarange, however, continues to demand that all Marathas be recognized as Kunbisan OBC castemaking them eligible for broader reservation benefits in education and jobs. Responding to Jaranges claim that Fadnavis blocked Deputy CM Eknath Shindes efforts for Marathas, the CM said, Shinde didnt say this. No matter who tries to create differences, we are united and working together. On criticism from Jarange, Fadnavis remarked that a true follower of Shivaji Maharaj would not use derogatory language or target women. I have the blessings of my mother, our Goddesses, and the people of Maharashtra, he added. The BJP has accused Jarange of making objectionable remarks against Fadnavis mother, a charge the activist denies. Meanwhile, Deputy CM Shinde appealed to Jarange to reconsider the timing of his protest, stressing that demonstrations should not cause public inconvenience during the festival. The Degree Dilemma: How India's Prime Minister's Education Became a National Sensation 2 In most democracies, a Prime Ministers education is the least controversial aspect of their life. Their policies, their politics, even their personal lives may be dissected and debated, but their qualifications are usually a matter of record. In India, however, the question of Prime Minister Narendra Modis degrees has become a saga of contradictions, cover-ups, and credibility crisesone that raises troubling questions about the health of the worlds largest democracy. The Myth of the Dropout Narendra Modi has long cultivated the image of a self-made man. From the earliest days of his political career, he proudly told the story of being a chaiwala (tea seller), a struggler who never had the benefit of higher education. In interviews, campaign speeches, and public addresses, he often spoke of being a school dropout, presenting his lack of academic credentials as a badge of authenticity, a contrast to the privileged elites of Indias political dynasties. For millions, this humility resonated. Here was a leader who symbolized aspirationsomeone who, without college or pedigree, could rise to the highest office in the land. It was a compelling narrative, one that helped define his political brand. The Sudden Emergence of Degrees And then, abruptly, the story changed. In 2016, Modis closest aide and Indias current Home Minister, Amit Shah, convened a press conference to display Modis degreesa Bachelor of Arts from Delhi University and a Masters degree from Gujarat University. The timing was not accidental. Questions had been raised in the Delhi Assembly about the authenticity of Modis educational background. Instead of Modi clarifying personally, Shah stepped in to show certificates to the media. But rather than silencing controversy, this revelation deepened it. Why had Modi, who so often stressed his lack of education, never mentioned these degrees? Why did these documents appear so late, and under such politically charged circumstances? More importantly, why did discrepancies begin to surface almost immediately? The spelling of names, formatting issues, and inconsistencies in university records sparked suspicion. The RTI Battles and Legal Hurdles Journalists and activists began filing Right to Information (RTI) applications to obtain official confirmation from Delhi University and Gujarat University. The responses were, at best, opaque. Gujarat University refused to release details, citing privacy. Delhi University, when pressed, gave vague confirmations without providing verifiable records. The matter eventually reached the courts. Instead of demanding transparency, however, the judiciary often appeared reluctant to pursue the issue aggressively. Petitions were dismissed, sometimes on technical grounds, other times on the argument that the Prime Ministers qualifications were irrelevant to his ability to govern. Critics saw this as institutional capturean example of how the very bodies meant to hold leaders accountable were shielding them from scrutiny. Democracy Under Question The deeper issue is not whether Modi studied or did not study. The real danger lies in the precedent such a cover-up sets. A Prime Ministers lie about his education is not a private fib; it is a public deception. It undermines the very premise of democratic accountabilitythat leaders must be truthful with the people they serve. For Indias youth, the irony is particularly bitter. Every year, millions of students fight for jobs, struggling through grueling exams and interviews, where even minor discrepancies in certificates can end careers. To them, the idea that the nations most powerful man could possess questionable degrees and yet face no consequence is both humiliating and demoralizing. The Global Optics Internationally, the scandal raises awkward questions. In a world where credibility is currency, what does it mean if the Prime Minister of Indiaa country positioning itself as a global leadercannot be transparent about his own academic history? Foreign governments, investors, and institutions may not say it aloud, but such controversies corrode trust. When the head of state is accused of forging credentials, the integrity of the system itself comes under suspicion. Global media have occasionally touched on the issue, often with a tone of disbelief. How could a country with such a proud democratic tradition, home to some of the worlds finest universities, allow its leader to evade basic accountability? The answer lies not only in Modis own narrative management, but in the silenceor complicityof institutions that chose to look the other way. The Broader Scam Seen chronologically, the degree controversy is not a side noteit is a scam at the heart of governance. First, a leader builds his image as uneducated yet authentic. Then, when challenged, allies produce degrees of dubious provenance. Questions are deflected, institutions stonewall, courts hesitate, and the mediaoften polarizedfails to sustain the inquiry. In the end, the lie is normalized, and the deception becomes part of the political landscape. This is the true danger. When the most powerful man in the country can manipulate the narrative around something as basic as his education, what else can he hide? If fake degrees can be waved away, why not fake statistics, fake economic claims, or fake promises? The degree saga is not about certificatesit is about truth itself. A Nation Compromised For India, the cost is profound. Democracy rests on accountability, and accountability rests on honesty. A Prime Minister caught in a lie about his past and shielded from consequences represents not just personal failure but systemic rot. It is an eye-opener for citizens who still believe that institutions will safeguard their rights. Ultimately, the scandal of Narendra Modis degrees is not about whether he attended Delhi University or Gujarat University. It is about whether India can still claim to be a democracy of truth and transparency, or whether it has become a republic where power rewrites history and fabricates credentials at will. The world is watching. And what it sees is a nation where the Prime Ministers degrees remain more mysterious than state secretsand where democracy itself looks dangerously compromised. John Driscoll became the Director and CEO of the Alabama State Port Authority on June 1, 2020. Courtesy of ASPA The Alabama Port Authority has announced the retirement of John Driscoll, the authoritys director and CEO since 2020. At a Tuesday meeting, Port Authority board members approved three related resolutions authorizing a separation agreement, appointing an interim director and authorizing a contract for an executive recruitment effort. Board Chair Zeke Smith said he wanted to congratulate John upon his retirement. Hes excited to be spending some time with family and I know well have some time to celebrate that. Driscoll was not present for the meeting. Doug Otto, the ports chief engineering officer, was appointed interim director. The Alabama Port Authority is truly a world-class operation, said Driscoll, quoted in a statement released by the authority after the meeting. I am proud of our achievements that we have made as a team. Those accomplishments have positioned the Port to provide excellent service for our customers for generations to come. While Ill miss the Port and the people associated with it, it is time for me to focus on my wife, children, and extended family. As Director, John has implemented major capital projects that will position the Port for future growth, Smith said in the statement. These include the deepening and widening of the Port of Mobiles ship channel, new investments at the McDuffie Coal Terminal and the APM container terminal, and breaking ground on the Montgomery Intermodal Container Facility. We thank him for his service to the State of Alabama, and wish him well in retirement. Smith praised Otto for his service as chief engineering officer as well as his extensive background with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. According to a biography posted at www.alports.com, Otto previously was chief of the Engineering Division for the Corps Mobile District. Driscolls hiring in spring 2020 represented a major changing of the guard for the Port Authority, which had been captained by Jimmy Lyons since 1999. Hallmarks of Lyons tenure included massive growth in container shipping operations; as Driscoll stepped into the role, he said a primary goal was to improve the ports connections, particularly via railroads, to increase its statewide impact. Port business has continued to expand during Driscolls tenure, which also featured disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and more recent uncertainties caused by rapid shifts in tariff and trade policy under the Trump administration. A 2022 economic impact study released by the authority showed a total economic value to the state that had risen from $31.6 billion in 2018 to $98 billion in 2022. The study said that state and local tax impacts had risen from $716 million to $2.4 billion in the same time frame. In 2024, two more giant cranes were added at the ports container terminal, bringing the total to six. That was a major step in work to push the terminals capacity to more than 1 million standard container units per year. The yard set records every year through 2023, handling more than half a million units in 2021, 2022 and 2023. John Driscoll has been a committed and visionary leader for the Port of Mobile, said Brian Harold, managing director for APM Terminals Mobile. His collaborative approach and strong support for public-private partnerships helped drive real progress at the port. We appreciated his focus on growth and innovation, and we wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson likewise praised Driscoll for overseeing growth. John Driscoll has overseen a period of incredible growth at the Alabama State Port Authority and helped ensure that momentum will continue for years to come, said Stimpson. The Port is one of Mobiles and Alabamas primary economic drivers, and its continued success benefits not only our citizens but communities across the state. I appreciate Johns service during his time at the helm and wish him the very best in retirement. Under Johns leadership, the Port of Mobile has continued to strengthen its position as one of our regions most vital economic engines, said Bradley Byrne, president and CEO of the Mobile Chamber. Johns guidance has helped drive growth, expand global trade opportunities and ensure the Port remains a cornerstone of Alabamas economy. ... We are grateful for his dedication to advancing Mobiles reputation as a hub for commerce, shipbuilding and international trade. There have been points of contention as well. The port, particularly its container terminal, is the beneficiary of a Corps of Engineers project to deepen and widen the Mobile Ship Channel. Though the Corps conducted its environmental study and received approval to proceed before Driscoll was hired, the Corps methods of disposing dredge spoil have become a hot-button subject. Mobile Baykeeper and other have termed it mud-dumping and maintained that it has negative impacts on marine life. In 2024, Driscoll joined Mobile Bay National Estuary Program Director Roberta Swann and Byrne in a letter asking Baykeeper to drop the threat of a lawsuit. John and I started our jobs around the same time and I enjoyed building a relationship with him and the Port Authority, said William Strickland, executive director of Mobile Baykeeper. I look forward to deepening that relationship with whoever comes next. In March, Driscoll weighed in against fees the Trump administration had proposed for Chinese-built ships entering American ports. Driscoll wrote that the fee plan threatens the ability of Alabama-based manufacturers and exporters to competitively access global markets. The fees were later approved for gradual implementation. More recently, the Port Authority filed a lawsuit against developers of a private industrial park in Baldwin County, alleging that the parks name infringed on Port Authority trademarks and copyrights. Court records indicate that both sides have asked for a 45-day extension on filings, saying that they are involved in good faith discussions toward a potential resolution. According to the Port Authority, Otto will ensure continuity on major projects and commercial development while a global search for a new permanent director is under way. A former state employee has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $100,000 in public funds. Natalie Colette Lewis, 60, of Montgomery, pleaded guilty to aggravated theft of property, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Tuesday. Montgomery County Circuit Judge Brooke Reid set sentencing for Oct. 2. Lewis faces up to 30 years in prison, a $60,000 fine, and forfeiture of her state retirement benefits. Lewis formerly worked at the Alabama Medicaid Agency. She was indicted in March on multiple felony charges including aggravated theft of property, use of office for personal gain, and violation of the Alabama Computer Crimes Act. Lewis had been employed as a Medical Care Benefits Specialist, assigned to the Medicaid Agencys Non-Emergency Transportation Division, since 2006. Marshall said she had three prior felony convictions when she went to work for the agency, after lying on her state application for employment by stating that she had no prior convictions. She subsequently received a restoration of rights pardon in 2017 for those convictions. While employed at the Agency, Lewis was responsible for processing claims to reimburse Medicaid recipients for expenses incurred for their travel to medical visits. From December 2019 to November 2024, Lewis entered 1,631 claims for transportation expenses on behalf of her son, a Medicaid recipient, for medical appointments that never took place. In total, Lewis received $103,413.26 for the fraudulent claims and spent the money on personal expenditures. Public service is a responsibility, not a personal financial opportunity, Marshall said. When employees violate that duty for personal gain, it is a direct assault on the taxpayers of Alabama. The Attorney Generals Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the matter after the theft was discovered by the Medicaid Agency. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75 percent of its funding$1.2 million in FY2024through an annual grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis attend the "Motherless Brooklyn" premiere during the 57th New York Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Bruce Willis brain is failing him, and the Die Hard actor is losing the ability to communicate, his wife Emma Heming Willis says. Bruce is still very mobile, Heming Willis told ABC News Diane Sawyer in the ABC special Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, a preview of which aired Tuesday on Good Morning America," per ABC News. Bruce is in really great health overall, you know. Its just his brain that is failing him. Bruce Willis, 70, has been battling frontotemporal dementia, a type of dementia that impacts ones personality and may cause behavioral changes, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The language is going, and, you know, weve learned to adapt, Heming Willis said. And we have a way of communicating with him, which is just a ... different way. The 49-year-old Heming Willis said she and the couples 11-year-old and 13-year-old daughters still see glimpses of Willis personality. Not days, but we get moments, Heming Willis explained. Its his laugh, right? Like, he has such, like, a hearty laugh. And, you know, sometimes youll see that twinkle in his eye, or that smirk, and, you know, I just get, like, transported. And its just hard to see, because as quickly as those moments appear, then it goes. Its hard. But Im grateful. Im grateful that my husband is still very much here. 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. Dont forget that today there are scores of municipal elections being held across Alabama. Polling places are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Absentee ballots sent in by mail must be received by noon today. Well have highlights of todays election on tomorrows briefing. If any of your local elections require a runoff, itll be held Sept. 23. A rare measles case Alabama has its first known case of measles since 2002, reports AL.coms Mike Cason. The Alabama Department of Public Health reported the case of an unvaccinated child younger than 5 in North Alabama. The child doesnt attend daycare or school, and his or her siblings are vaccinated and non-symptomatic, according to the ADHP. The child contracted the disease while traveling outside the U.S. According to the CDC, health officials had declared measles eliminated in 2000, but with vaccination rates among kindergarteners now below the 95-percent target rate, the U.S. is having its worst year for the disease in 30 years with 1,375 cases reported nationally as of Aug. 20. Typically, children will receive their MMR (measles-mumps-rubella vaccine) at around 12 to 15 months old and then again when theyre 4 to 6 years old. The ADHP lists an effectiveness estimate after the second vaccination at 99 percent. Theres no specific measles drug, but symptoms are usually treated with non-aspirin fever medicine and plenty of fluids. If you think your child has been exposed, contact a doctor as soon as you can, especially if he or she hasnt been fully vaccinated, is on immune-system-suppressing meds or has tuberculosis, cancer or another disease that affects the immune system. Tuberville and crime U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said on a podcast that, as governor, he would be open to sending troops into Birmingham and Montgomery to fight crime, reports AL.coms Patrick Darrington. Tuberville, whos running for governor in next years election, appeared on the Longshore and McKnight podcast. In the context of President Trumps use of federal agents and National Guard in Washington D.C., Tuberville was asked, If you become the governor of the state of Alabama, would you be willing to do that in Birmingham and Montgomery, where crime is rampant? His reply: You betcha. And Im going to tell you, President Trumps given every governor that opportunity. In Birmingham, homicides are down 50 percent this year, but thats down from an all-time record high year in 2024. Since using the federal government to take over law enforcement in D.C., Trump has said he might do that in Chicago and consider it elsewhere. Critics accuse him of trying to militarize cities and using dangerous tactics to expand his power. Dont fall for it The FBI is warning people about a really cruel scam in which the scammers try to scam people whove already been scammed once. The FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center issued an alert earlier this month that warned people of scammers pretending to be law firms out to help crime victims get their money back, reports AL.coms Leada Gore. So the bad guys are targeting previous victims, often those whove lost money to cryptocurrency schemes. Its often the same perpetrators who got you the first time. They may reach out via social media or on other messaging platforms. They promise to help you, but, of course, they need personal information or advance payments. Dont fall for that garbage. Watch out for lawyers claiming to represent the U.S. government, references to government agencies that dont exist, directions to open an account at a foreign bank, payments requested in crypto or prepaid gift cards, and people who know exact amounts and dates of your previous wire transfers. I-85 chemical spill A truck carrying weed-killer herbicides crashed on Interstate 85, causing a spill into a Tallapoosa River tributary, reports AL.coms Margaret Kates. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management sent out a warning on Monday that the herbicides can cause skin and eye irritation and that at least one is toxic to fish. The crash was at a bridge near the Notasulga exit near the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. The chemicals were spilled into the Uphapee Creek in Macon County. Your voice If youd like to sound off on anything Alabama, leave us a 15-second message at (205) 304-1814 and your thoughts might get into a future segment on the Down in Alabama podcast. More Alabama News Born on This Date In 1916, mafia figure Virginia Hill of Lipscomb. In 1959, retired astronaut Kathryn Hire of Mobile. The podcast The St. Clair County Schools interim superintendent said two students accused of inappropriate conduct at a middle school Back to School Dance were immediately removed from the event. Rusty St. John also said authorities have not found any evidence that photos were taken of girls at the dance. St. John on Monday addressed the Aug. 15 Odenville Middle School dance and the multiple social media reports of inappropriate behavior that included boys lifting up girls dresses and taking photos and/or videos. Social media posts have contained substantial misinformation concerning what occurred at the Odenville Middle School dance, and those misrepresentations and fabrications have produced a false narrative in our community, St. John said. Because of this false narrative, we feel compelled to correct the public record regarding this matter. The interim superintendent said the investigation began immediately that Friday night and continued throughout the past week. He said school officials interviewed every student who expressed concern about what happened at the dance and many others who were also there. Additionally, he said, they interviewed school administrators, teachers and volunteers who attended the event. The dance, St. John said, was properly staffed and supervised. The chaperones included 13 teachers, two administrators, a school resource officer and numerous other adult volunteers. All accounts provided to investigators indicated the chaperones actively supervised the dance, including regularly walking on the dance floor among students and monitoring the students activities. St. John said no adult directly observed any of the alleged inappropriate student activity, but said nonetheless, reports of such behavior were made and taken seriously. Reports of inappropriate conduct were made against three students. Two students were immediately removed from the dance and questioned by administrators. Those students remained under adult supervision until they were sent home, St. John said. The report against the third student was determined to be invalid because the student was not in attendance at the dance. During our investigation, we have not discovered any inappropriate images alleged to have been taken at the event, he said. Our investigation has revealed that one of the students alleged to have taken inappropriate pictures at the dance did not possess a phone or camera device at the event. The phone of the other student that is alleged to have taken inappropriate pictures was immediately searched when the student was removed from the dance, St. John said. He said the search of the students phone was done in accordance with Alabama law and in the presence of law enforcement. No inappropriate pictures were found on the phone during the search, he said, and none have been discovered to date. St. John said the two students alleged to have committed inappropriate behavior will receive appropriate due process under the Student Code of Conduct and St. Clair County Board policy. St. Clair County Sheriff Billy Murray said Tuesday his offices investigation is complete, and the findings have been turned over to juvenile authorities and the district attorneys office for review. The past two weeks have been difficult for our students in the Odenville community, St. John said. The St. Clair County School System will never condone inappropriate conduct. The extensive controversy generated by the misinformation on social media has made matters worse for our students, he said. To support those who may have been effected, the school is implementing additional counseling services as needed. On August 23, 2005, Sam Jones and John Peavy topped the field in Mobiles municipal election. Coincidentally, this was the same day Hurricane Katrina officially formed into a tropical depression. Six days later, the storm would make landfall near New Orleans and carve its name into history. By the time Mobile voters returned to the polls for the runoff election on September 14, Katrinas devastation had already taken full effect. At the time of the runoff, they were mitigating (the storm) at that point, said Jones, who would go on to win the race and become Mobiles first, and only, Black mayor. It did cause some polling places to change due to the damage. Hurricanes and municipal elections have long shared the calendar on Alabamas Gulf Coast. The year before Katrina, Hurricane Ivan, a powerful Category 3 storm that struck Gulf Shores on September 16, 2004, led to the cancellation of about a half-dozen elections. Seven years after Katrina, Tropical Storm Isaac forced cities like Dauphin Island, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Bayou La Batre to postpone their elections by a month. This year tells a different story. On Tuesday, voters across Alabama flocked to the polls under clear skies. In Mobile, the weather was expected to be sunny and in the 90s, with almost no chance of rain. Still, the states municipal election schedule remains locked into late August, with runoffs routinely landing in September. That timing places voting squarely in the heart of hurricane season. Its crossed my mind a bunch, said Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier, who has served as the barrier islands top elected official for 27-1/2 years and is running unopposed. We find it a really bad time to have them going on in the middle of hurricane season. Coastal states Municipal elections are scheduled differently in other Gulf Coast states. Most municipal contests are held at the beginning or at the tail end of hurricane season that loosely runs from June 1 to November 30. Mississippi held its municipal primary elections in April with the general elections occurring in early June. In Texas, most cities hold their elections during the month of May. Florida gives municipalities some flexibility when they can conduct elections. Orlando, for instance, will host its municipal elections on Nov. 4, with a runoff contest (if needed) on Dec. 9. Louisiana elections for cities under 300,000 residents occur in March. In New Orleans, city primary elections will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11 with the general election contests occurring on Nov. 15. Tuscaloosa exception The only Alabama city that does not hold its elections during the fourth Tuesday of August is Tuscaloosa, which conducts its contests in March. The decision to move Tuscaloosas election month was done by legislative action and only occurred after a case involving voter fraud made its way to the Alabama State Supreme Court in 2015. The case stemmed from a contested school board race in 2013, in which reports of illegal voting activities included individuals registered to vote a single address, and sorority and fraternity members being offered free alcohol to vote for a candidate. The Supreme Court, in a 7-2 decision, determined that 159 ballots should have been rejected in the 2013 contest because of unfulfilled residency requirements. Since any incoming freshman from out of town would be unable to meet the 30-day residence requirement for an August election, there was concern that there could be future challenges, said Scott Holmes, the City of Tuscaloosas attorney. Moving the election to March remedied at least that avenue of challenging votes. Status quo In Mobile and Baldwin counties, there has been no effort to alter the election day over future concerns about it coinciding with a hurricane. Alabama State Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, said the only time that the elections were halted because of a storm was in 2012, as Tropical Storm Issac churned toward the Alabama Gulf Coast. Elliott said the decision to postpone and reschedule the municipal elections occurred without any conversation with local elected officials. If there is an emergency, you can put them off for two weeks, Elliott said. He said the postponement in 2012 was unnecessary." He said that hosting non-partisan municipal elections with partisan statewide contests could be problematic and lead to voter confusion. The partisan primaries are set for May 19, 2026. You are running two sets of elections within several months of each other and wonder if there are good things to that, Elliott said. But I dont expect any changes in the near future. Alabama state law does allow the Legislature to change the municipal election date for cities and towns statewide. If a state of emergency is declared by the governor, or by the federal government, state or county Emergency Management Agency can determine if the election should be delayed. Collier said the state law has been in effect, without much debate, for as long as he can remember. Luckily, there has not been a direct hit from a major hurricane on the exact date of an election in modern times. A major hurricane, especially one barreling down on coastal Baldwin or Mobile counties, would likely stretch the resources of the same mayors or city council members who are vying for re-election. Its not the best time of the year to be doing this kind of stuff, Collier said. But ever since Ive been in office, its been that way. Nothing really new to it. Brain Boosts circulate and provide access to knowledge within Frederick's small biz community. FREDERICK, Md., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The powerful Brain Boost line-up for the remainder of 2025 includes sessions about marketing in a world where AI is changing search engine optimization and content discovery, how small businesses can receive help, funding, and promotion from the City of Frederick, staffing for small businesses, and avoiding creative burnout. Cowork Frederick Brain Boost Series Brain Boost is a free monthly brown bag lunch & learn event designed to build expertise, catapult the success of small businesses, and ensure equitable access to a wealth of knowledge. From mission statements to marketing strategy, branding to business structure, topics aim to leave participants better able to grow their business or career. Sessions are a mash-up of an educational talk and a mastermind group. The goal is to prompt rich discussion around the given topic so that people learn, not just from the speaker, but from the experiences of all those in attendance. Brain Boost is hosted by the Cowork Frederick Foundation, which launched the program in May 2023 with "The Art of Getting Unstuck" and, with the generous support of sponsors, has been running continuously since. Frederick's professional community is encouraged to attend the following presentations: In September, Art Lovell (Lovell Media Group) will explain how businesses can maintain visibility in an "AI world". Mary Ford-Naill (City of Frederick's Department of Economic Development) will explain to the October audience how small businesses can receive help, funding, and promotion from the City of Frederick. November will showcase staffing for small businesses with Wayne Dorsey (The Safe Ride Foundation). We will end the year with a talk on avoiding creative burnout in the workplace with Bethany Good (Good Writing Company). Sign up at https://coworkfrederick.com/brain-boost-lunch-learns/. Monthly Brain Boost Events Dates: September 19, 2025 - The Great SEO Shift: The "Surviving AI" Playbook October 17, 2025 - Doing Business in Frederick and How the City Can Help! November 21, 2025 - Hiring Here, Hiring There: Smart Staffing for Small Businesses December 19, 2025 - Banish the Block: How to Unlock Your Creativity & Avoid Burnout Time: All 12:00pm to 1:00pm Location: Cowork Frederick, 122 E Patrick St, Frederick, Maryland 21701 Sign up:https://coworkfrederick.com/brain-boost-lunch-learns/. More Information: https://coworkfrederickfoundation.org/brain-boost/ Founded in 2019, the Cowork Frederick Foundation (a 501(c)(3) EIN: 83-2534882) is the community-supported, non-profit arm of Cowork Frederick. We help Frederick County freelancers, remote workers, and micro-business owners be more successful by creating ways for them to connect, learn, and build better businesses and lives together. In so doing, we support a vital part of a healthy, growing, fluid, free-market economy. For more information about the Cowork Frederick Foundation or its Brain Boost Program, go to coworkfrederickfoundation.org or call 301-732-5165. SOURCE Cowork Frederick Representation for Cesar Campos-Reyes, the owner of several Alabama Mexican restaurants targeted in federal raids this summer, is disputing what they say is a rarely used request from the Department of Justice. Campos-Reyes, 52, currently faces a possible sentence of up to 30 years, along with fines, for allegedly taking $225,000 in fraudulent, pandemic-related business loans. The indictment alleges that Campos-Reyes submitted applications for PPP loans for Mariachis Mexican Grill, El Patron of Pace, Pensacola and Prattville, according to the filing. It further alleges that he transferred the funds to his own account rather than using them to pay workers and cover the cost of his building mortgages and utilities as authorized for the loans. Last week, the DOJ filed a request in United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama asking for permission to conduct depositions of undocumented immigrants being held as potential witnesses against Campos-Reyes, according to court documents. Cornell Law defines a deposition as a witnesss sworn out-of-court testimony. It is used to gather information as part of the discovery process and, in limited circumstances, may be used at trial. The filing says the DOJ has requested depositions because the individuals will likely be taken into ICE custody and will then be unavailable for court. Richard Matt Matthews, a defense attorney representing Campos-Reyes, said this was an unexpected move. Criminal cases dont generally have depositions, Matthews told AL.com Tuesday. There is a procedure to allow for a deposition in a criminal case, but it is rarely used. In 25 years of practicing law, Im not aware of it being used in the middle district of Alabama at all. He continued that the practice has become more common under the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. Its a big push nationally with the Presidents administration doing this, that were now having to figure all this out, he said. But figuring it out and having the government pursue their claims... cant be used to trample defendants rights to effective defense of a case. Matthews said Campos-Reyes team is not opposed to the depositions but wants to ensure an even playing field for their client. Im not against doing the depositions, but it has to be handled the proper way so that Mr. Caesar Campos-Reyes and any other defendants have an opportunity for full and effective cross examination, just as we would if the case was set out in November or later this year and we were able to investigate these witnesses and be prepared to cross examine them, he said. You know, having it done this quickly is one of the issues that Ive raised with the court as it puts Mr. Campos-Reyes at a severe disadvantage. U.S. Magistrate Judge Chad Bryan said the court was not going to go forward with depositions at this time at a federal hearing held last week, according to Matthews. Campos-Reyes trial has been set during the trial term commencing on November 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in Opelika, Alabama, before Chief United States District Judge Emily C. Marks and is expected to last 6-7 days, according to court documents. Federal defender Cecilia Vaca told Alabama Political Reporter this week that Opelika El Patron kitchen manager Isaac Fernandez-Lopez, who was picked up in the raids after the government alleged that he knowingly hired and harbored illegal immigrants, is now being held as a potential witness for Campos-Reyes trial despite his release earlier this month after Bryan determined that the government did not establish probable cause in its filing. President Donald Trump speaks during an event signing a proclamation honoring the fourth anniversary of the attack at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan, in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP President Donald Trump on Tuesday weighed in on the topic of national importance: the Cracker Barrel logo controversy. The companys change, which removes Uncle Herschel and the brown and yellow barrel from its logo in favor of a simpler design, drew the ire of MAGA and conservatives who claimed Cracker Barrel has gone woke. On his Truth Social account, Trump gave Cracker Barrel marketing advice and told the company to revert the change. Cracker Barrel should go back to the old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response (the ultimate Poll), and manage the company better than ever before, the president posted. They got a Billion Dollars worth of free publicity if they play their cards right. Very tricky to do, but a great opportunity. Have a major News Conference today. Make Cracker Barrel a WINNER again. Remember, in just a short period of time I made the United States of America the HOTTEST Country anywhere in the World. One year ago, it was DEAD. Good luck! Days after the backlash, Cracker Barrel issued a statement Monday acknowledging the loud opposition to its new logo and maintained that Uncle Herschel is not going anywhere despite being removed from its updated design. If the last few days have shown us anything, its how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel. Were truly grateful for your heartfelt voices, the Tennessee-based company said in the statement on its Facebook page titled A promise to Our Guests. We love seeing how much you care about our old timer. We love him too, the companys statement read. Uncle Herschel will still be on our menu (welcome back Uncle Herschels Favorite Breakfast Platter), on our road signs, and featured in our country store. Hes not going anywhere hes family," the statement continued. Cracker Barrels new look doesnt change whats under the hood, according to the company. While our logo and remodels may be making headlines, our bigger focus is still right where it belongs in the kitchen and on your plate: serving generous portions of the food you crave at fair prices and doing it with the kind of country hospitality that brightens your days and creates lasting memories," the statement read. Christopher Barbour has spent more than thirty years on Alabama Death Row for the murder and rape of Thelma Roberts, a Montgomery woman, in 1992. He remains on Death Row as Alabama downplays DNA that points to someone else. He is pictured here with Carine Williams, one of his lawyers. (Provided Photo/Al.com) AL.com After recent DNA testing raised questions, a Montgomery man who Alabama has kept on a death row for 31 years will get another shot at justice. A federal judge has ordered a new trial in the 1992 murder case that landed Christopher Barbour in prison. The ruling comes as Alabama prosecutors have pushed to explain away the DNA found on the victim, which points to someone already in an Alabama prison for an unrelated rape and murder. Barbour, 55, was convicted more than three decades ago of the brutal slaying of Thelma Roberts, a single mother of two, when he was a homeless teenager living behind the mall in Montgomery. He confessed to the crime initially, although he said he was beaten by Montgomery police, and immediately tried to take back the confession. He has maintained his innocence in the more than three decades since. In 2023, new testing revealed that evidence left on Roberts body wasnt Barbours DNA, nor that of the two friends also implicated in the crime. Instead, the new testing shows that the only DNA at the scene of the murder and rape was that of a young neighbor, Jerry Tyrone Jackson. Faced with the new evidence, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall argued that the victim must have had sex with the neighboring teenager before being raped and murdered by a group of homeless men from across town who did not leave any physical evidence. That did not sway a federal judge. In an order over 150 pages, U.S. District Judge Emily Marks ruled on Friday that Barbour must receive a new trial. The fundamental problem with the (states) position is that DNA was left behind, wrote Marks. Jackson, the neighbor, was a teenager at the time of the murder and was close with the Roberts family. Hes currently serving time in another Alabama prison for a separate murder, which happened several years after Roberts death. In that case, records show he stabbed and beat a north Alabama woman after she denied his sexual advances. The DNA from Jackson is powerful evidence that Barbours confession is false, Marks wrote in an order from last year, and that Mrs. Roberts murder did not occur as the prosecution presented it at trial. The Alabama Attorney Generals Office, who has been prosecuting the case, has 90 days to begin a new trial for Barbour. The states top prosecutors did not respond to a request for comment. The crime In the spring of 1992, Roberts lived in Montgomerys Chisholm neighborhood with her two teenage children. The 40-year-old was married, but she and her husband were separated. She went to church often, didnt drink or smoke, and wasnt dating, according to her family. She worked as a housekeeper at the hospital on Maxwell Air Force Base. On March 20, 1992, Roberts two children met up with some friends after school, including their neighbor, Jackson. Jackson was 16 at the time, and the Roberts kids were 16 and 17. The teens went to a neighbors house down the street, and both spent the night. According to court records, Jackson was at the house off and on throughout the night: First, he exposed himself to a 13-year-old girl. He left the party at some point, but returned later and acted strangely, partygoers testified. The next morning, the Roberts teens walked back to their house, where they found their mother dead on the bedroom floor. An autopsy report revealed Roberts had been stabbed nine times, beaten, strangled and raped. A butcher knife from the kitchen was left protruding from her chest, and there was a plastic bag over her head. She had been partially burned, and several small fires had been started throughout the home. After police ruled out the slain womans husband and son, they changed course and looked into a group of neighborhood teenagers. Jackson was never interviewed. Eventually, they focused on Barbour and another man named Christopher Hester. Barbour was 22, homeless and taking shelter behind Montgomerys Eastdale Mall. He was struggling with the death of his mother and, despite a brief stay with his grandparents, Barbour wound up on the streets. He and his friends caught the attention of police as people of interest in a string of grocery store fires police thought they may have been involved in a group that set small fires in supermarket aisles as a distraction to steal food. The murderer had also attempted to set fire to Roberts body. Investigators from the Montgomery police and fire departments talked to Barbour several times. They first found him at the malls food court, before taking him to police headquarters. We questioned him intently, the lead detective at the time wrote in police notes. He is a whimpie little thing, and scares real easy. The detective continued, We did not get anything concrete from this individual he denies emphatically. Police visited Barbour again in his campsite behind the mall, and on May 1 of that year administered a polygraph test. According to Barbour, the officers were verbally and physically abusive at times, the judge wrote in her 2024 order, and (the detective) repeatedly slapped Barbour in the face when he did not know the answers. That evening, Barbour was fed dinner at the local fire station and allowed to sit on a fire truck. That night, he gave three confessions. None were in the presence of an attorney. Of the three, one was audiotaped and one was videotaped. One was not recorded at all. According to court records, the FBI was, at the time, investigating Montgomery police for using physical abuse to induce confessions. Records do not reflect how that investigation ended. After the confessions, Barbour was arrested and charged with murder. He implicated two other men in his tale, Hester and a juvenile boy who was never prosecuted. According to police at the time, Barbour said Hester raped Roberts, while he and the boy held Roberts down. Barbour said after the rape, he stabbed the 40-year-old. The new ruling Marks used dozens of pages in her Friday ruling to cite case law on the various claims Barbour presented in his lawsuit, which has been going on for more than 20 years. She ordered the new trial in response to his claims about the original prosecutors in Montgomery County using false information during his trial and withholding evidence from his original defense team. Barbours current lawyers argue that Montgomery prosecutors knew the DNA found on the victim didnt match either Barbour or Hester, which would prove his confession was false. The relevant questions are whether Barbours statement that Hester raped Mrs. Roberts was false, and whether the prosecutor knew the statement was false. The answer to both questions is yes, the judge wrote. The Alabama Attorney Generals office doesnt dispute the new DNA results. But prosecutors argue it doesnt necessarily exonerate Barbour, either. They argue that just because Jackson had sex with Roberts doesnt mean she couldnt have been raped by a different man later. The states latest theory though they write that its not their responsibility to offer one is laid out in court records. The state said a likely theory is that the single mother also had sex with Jackson that same day. That was just before being raped and killed by a group of homeless men who she invited into her house hours later. Marks said in her 2024 order and her latest one that the states theory defied logic and common sense. Applying Occams Razor, the physical evidence, DNA test results, expert testimony, and common sense would cause reasonable jurors to doubt the veracity of the States theory, the judge wrote previously. The DNA is objective, reliable, and undisputed. And unlike people, DNA doesnt lie. The state also said its also possible that Barbour and Jackson worked together. Theres no evidence the two ever met. It is puzzling that in this case, the State downplays the significance of the new DNA evidence when the State otherwise relies on similar DNA evidence to secure convictions and clear cold cases, Marks wrote last year. As for Barbours claims about his false confession, Marks said in her latest order that state courts long ago ruled that it was usable in court and she did not have the power to overturn that ruling. The Court does not take lightly Barbours allegations of serious verbal and physical abuse by law enforcement, she wrote on Friday. Yet, Supreme Court precedent prevents this Court from overturning a state courts decision merely because it finds that the decision was incorrect or because it would have reached a different conclusion. She also ruled his lawyers at the time of his 1993 trial were not ineffective. Adrian Sikweya Nyaberi, 20, is charged with capital murder in the slaying of Huffman High School junior George Camarius Daniel, 16. (Carol Robinson) A suspect has been charged in a weekend Birmingham shooting that killed one teen and wounded another. Adrian Sikweya Nyaberi, 20, is charged with capital murder in the slaying of Huffman High School junior George Camarius Daniel, 16. The charge is a capital crime because Daniel was in a vehicle when he was killed. Nyaberi is also charged with attempted murder for the wounding of the surviving teen, and with discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle. Nyaberi will be held without bond once he is transferred from the Birmingham City Jail to the Jefferson County Jail. The citys East Precinct officers were dispatched shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday to a report of a traffic crash in the 1000 block of Huffman Road. When police arrived, they found Daniel unresponsive outside of a vehicle. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced the young victim dead on the scene at 4:30 p.m. The second victim was taken to UAB Hospital with non-life-threatening wounds. Officer DeRell Freeman said investigators believe that multiple people met at the location for an unknown reason prior to shots being fired. The police departments Crime Reduction Team arrested Nyaberi in the 1000 block of Huffman Road on the same day of the shooting. A motive has not been disclosed. The U.S. State Department has issued an updated warning for the more than 13 million Americans who visit Mexico each year. Issued Aug. 12, the latest alert added an indicator for an increased risk of terrorism. Existing warnings were already in place due to the threat of crime and kidnapping. Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico, the alert noted. Travelers to Mexico are advised to follow the same rules already in place for U.S. government employees in the country: Do not travel between cities after dark Only use regulated taxis or ride-share services and do not wave down taxis on the street Avoid traveling alone Do not drive between Mexican border cities, the U.S.-Mexico border and interior of Mexico. Do Not Travel list Some areas of Mexico are under a Do Not Travel advisory due to extremely high crime levels with threats from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations. Those include the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations, the state department warned. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been victims of kidnapping. Additional areas Baja California, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos and Sonora are under Level 3: Reconsider Travel alert, also due to threats of crime, terrorism and kidnapping. Baja California is home to La Paz; Jalisco is known for Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, all hot spots for tourists. Quintana Roo, home to tourist meccas Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Talum and Cozumel, is under a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution warning. You can go here to see an interactive map of Mexicos travel warnings. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., says that he will deploy troops to two Alabama cities if he was elected governor as President Donald Trump has in Washington D.C. During an appearance on Longshore and McKnight Friday, Tuberville was asked if he were governor would he deploy Alabamas National Guard to fight rampant crime in Birmingham and Montgomery Tuberville responded saying you betcha. AL.com left messages seeking comment from the mayors of Montgomery and Birmingham. President Trumps given every governor that opportunity, Tuberville said. I know Governor Ivey, right now, is probably shorthanded. Weve got a lot of, or have had a lot of, our national guard down at the border. While Montgomery and Birmingham have some of the highest rates of violent crime in Alabama, both have seen drops in crime over the first half of 2025. In Birmingham, the homicide rate has dropped by over 50 percent during the first half of 2025 although other total violent crime has risen 2.1 percent, according to city statistics. On August 12, Trumps administration deployed federal agents and troops to Washington D.C. taking over the territory in the name of combatting crime despite statistics to the contrary. According to CNN, while Trumps takeover has resulted in a moderate drop in reported crime there has been an increase in arrests of immigrants while many D.C. residents vocally oppose federal agents in the city. Trump appears poised to deploy troops to Chicago, according to the Washington Post, in a move that the American Civil Liberties Union says the presidents administration is justifying against a made-up crime wave. President Trump is manufacturing emergencies to expand his power and create fear in major American cities, Hina Shamsi, director of the American Civil Liberties Unions National Security Project, said. Regardless of whether the president cites false crime statistics, villainizes immigrants, or claims peaceful protest is insurrection, sending armed federal agents and military troops into our communities is unjustified and dangerous. Dozens of campaign signs for Mayor Wayman Newton dominate the streetside downtown and near city hall. Contributed - Jack Evans If signs could vote, then the incumbent mayor of a Birmingham area town would conquer downtown on election day. Dozens of campaign signs promoting Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton appear to have grabbed the attention and shaken the nerves of one of his challengers who took to social media to lament the sight. Jack Evans offered snarky commentary after seeing the promotions. How pathetic, how embarrassing for the city, Evans wrote on the Whats Happening In Tarrant Facebook page today. The last-minute swipe was a rare political post for Evans usually quiet campaign. But man, all the money he spent on this childish display, He continues to demonstrate he does not have the maturity to lead anything, especially a city in despair. Three candidates are on the ballot for mayor: Evans, Newton and Councilwoman and Mayor-pro tem Tracie Threadford. Evans swipe at the mayor is tame for Tarrant city politics, which in recent years has included personal insults, lawsuits and even physical confrontations. The election is a referendum on which direction the city will take after several years of animosity between Newton and the council that has divided both city hall and the residents. All council seats are also up for grabs today. The post generated a discussion between both supporters and detractors of the mayor. I dont even see why this is a post, wrote Derrick Williamson, a former Tarrant police officer and a fierce Newton defender. Maybe someone is upset they didnt have enough money to have signs left to place the eve of the election? Williamson quipped that theres still enough room on the city streetside for other candidate signs if they had some. Im sure if someone asked for space if they had any signs to put out he would make some space, Williamson said. Has anyone asked? Still looks like plenty of space available though. For his part, Newton was back outside today campaigning downtown outside his signs. The Alabama Department of Environmental management is warning the public about an herbicide spill in a creek that flows into the Tallapoosa River. A truck carrying two kinds of herbicide, commonly known as weed killer, crashed on Interstate 85, causing the spill into Uphapee Creek in Macon County, according to an advisory from the department on Monday. The herbicides may cause skin and eye irritation, the advisory said, and at least one of the herbicides is toxic to fish. The quantity of the spill is unknown, according to initial reports. The crash occurred on Interstate 85 at a bridge near the Notasulga exit, near the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. ADEM says the public should be cautious of using the creek anywhere along its path to the Tallapoosa River, particularly downstream of where the accident occurred. The truck was carrying two herbicides: Triumph and Boulder, both manufactured by Alligare. Boulder is known to be toxic to fish, according to the product label. Both products can irritate the skin or the eyes. The department has staff on the scene to monitor the cleanup. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said he has received no information from the Trump administration about any concerns that Alabama Department of Public Health is doing anything that conflicts with the White Houses opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Harris said Monday he has heard nothing from federal officials about the topic. No, nothing at all, Harris said. We saw the story that (AL.com) published. And obviously weve discussed this with the governors office. But we havent heard from anyone else or really discussed it with anyone else. State Sen. Chris Elliott, a Republican from Baldwin County, said the subject came up during a meeting a couple of weeks ago in Washington, when staffers from the Trump administration met with lawmakers from Alabama and members of Gov. Kay Iveys staff. Elliott said the Trump administration also noted concerns about the existence of the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs, created by Gov. Robert Bentley in 2016 and codified into state law in a unanimous vote by the Legislature in 2022. Gina Maiola, communications director for Gov. Kay Ivey, said last week, The Ivey Administration is working hand in hand with the Trump White House to ensure we are doing all we can to support the presidents agenda. As Chris Elliott points out, Alabama has done good work, but we are not done yet. Chris Elliott supported legislation, which he and the Alabama Legislature passed in 2022, to establish the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs as a state agency. And while the Alabama Department of Public Health is not part of the Ivey Administration, we have already sought information on this office in question and are prepared to address it. Trump issued an executive order at the start of his new term in January seeking to eliminate government-funded DEI programs. Harris said the Alabama Department of Public Health intends to be in compliance with Trumps order and reviewed its policies, procedures and programs. And we are going to continue to do that, Harris said. Harris said the ADPHs reviews so far have not found anything the state was doing in conflict with the White House position on DEI. He said federal officials indicated there would be changes in some federal contracts and that those would be reissued. He said he did not know of any changes that would affect ADPHs programs for the public. I think the feds just took out some language related to certain things, as I recall, but I dont really recall that changed any of our actual programmatic work, Harris said. It didnt seem to make any difference in terms of what we were doing. We feel like what we were doing was just public health anyway. We just havent really changed anything because it was in conflict with executive orders or anything else. Alabama lawmakers have already approved a state law banning DEI initiatives in public schools and the teaching of subjects that Republicans consider divisive concepts related to race and gender. A federal judge earlier this month denied a motion to block the new law. President Donald Trump speaks as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP President Trump appeared to lose patience with a White House staffer after a noisy phone interrupted his remarks at the Oval Office on Monday. While signing a series of executive orders, Trump, 79, stopped midway through a question about the government buying a stake in Intel to kick the staffer out of the room. As you know the stock market went up almost a thousand points on Friday and it went up not because of Trump said. Hello, who is that? he asked. Who is that back there? Alright, get out of the room. As some people laugh, Trump does not smile and a door can be heard closing. The staffer in question is unclear based on the available footage, but the Daily Mail reported it was White House staff secretary Will Scharf, one of Trumps former personal attorneys and a losing candidate for Missouri attorney general. The president has asked staffers to leave the room in the past. During a TV interview during his first term, Trump ordered acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney out of the Oval Office for coughing. I dont like that, you know, I dont like that, Trump said, as George Stephanopoulos noted the cough is from your chief of staff. If youre going to cough, please leave the room. You just cant, you just cant cough, Trump said, shaking his head. Boy, oh boy. Mondays incident occurred during a lengthy session in the Oval Office where Trump once again appeared with a bruised hand, leading to questions about the presidents health. Last month, the White House announced Trump had been diagnosed with a vein condition chronic venous insufficiency which causes ankle swelling. ________ 2025 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Villagers find way to prosperity through peony cultivation in Heze, E China's Shandong People's Daily Online) 09:12, August 26, 2025 At the Annong Flower Planting and Sales Cooperative in Mudan district, Heze, east China's Shandong Province, villagers are busy harvesting peony seeds a job that lasts about 20 days each year. "This base manages over 1,000 mu (about 66.67 hectares) of land for centralized peony cultivation," said Su Bo, head of the cooperative. Su said that the cooperative has nine bases, covering more than 5,000 mu. Most are oil-bearing peonies, with some ornamental varieties as well. A worker collects peony seeds at a planting base in Mudan district, Heze, east China's Shandong Province. (Photo/Sang Qiuhua) "Oil-bearing peony seeds serve two purposes," Su explained. "Some seed pods are sun-dried for pressing into oil, while others are shade-dried for seedlings." In autumn, dried seeds are used for seedlings, bringing in about 40,000 yuan (about $5,593) per mu. Deep processing adds even more value. Photo shows peony seeds at a planting base in Mudan district, Heze, east China's Shandong Province. (Photo/Sang Qiuhua) For ornamental peony grower Liu Zhi'ang, the business has been a game-changer. In spring, he sells fresh-cut flowers; in late autumn and early winter, saplings; and in the run-up to the Spring Festival, forced-bloom peonies. "Fresh-cut peonies used to have no market, but now they're in hot demand. Many overseas buyers have also fallen in love with the peony, a symbol of wealth and prosperity," Liu said. "In China, a single stem sells for 6 to 8 yuan, but the price doubles when exported to places like the Netherlands or Singapore." Villagers arrange fresh-cut flowers in Mudan district, Heze, east China's Shandong Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Qi) The Tianxiang Qingcheng Agricultural Cooperative has turned to live-streaming to sell fresh-cut peonies. "We've leased over 500 mu of land for concentrated planting. Through online and offline channels, we sell nationwide, generating over 30 million yuan annually," said Li Fuzhen, the cooperative's head. Each spring, fields become a sea of colorful blooms, paving a road to prosperity for local villagers in Heze, east China's Shandong Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Qi) "In recent years, with strong government support, peony prices have surged," said Liu. Liu added that a five-year-old plant used to sell for around 160 yuan, but now it can fetch over 500 yuan. "Our seedlings sell well both at home and abroad," said Wang Jianli, vice president of the Heze Peony Chamber of Commerce. Wang added that Heze now has large-scale cultivation with steadily growing varieties and output, accounting for more than 80 percent of China's peony seedling exports. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) AMARILLO, Texas, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fermi Americathe world's largest, energy-driven artificial intelligence (AI) private grid complexand the largest global supplier of nuclear power plant components for the past 40 years, Doosan Enerbility, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), demonstrating their strategic partnership and intention to pursue broader collaboration across multiple projects and technology platforms in support of Fermi America's long-term nuclear development strategy. Through this mutually beneficial agreement, Doosan Enerbility joins a growing list of world's best nuclear energy companies and experts who will be partnering with Fermi America, including the Texas Tech University System, Hyundai E&C, ASP Isotopes, and highly-respected nuclear experts who have just returned from developing nuclear power facilities in the UAE, Mesut and Sezin Uzman. Pictured from left: Kim Jung-kwan, Korean Minister of Trade; Jongdoo Kim, President of Doosan Enerbility Nuclear Power Plant BG; Toby Neugebauer, Co-Founder of Fermi America, and Howard Lutnick, United States Secretary of Commerce "Doosan Enerbility is the largest, most respected nuclear power plant component supplier in the world," stated Fermi America Co-founder Toby Neugebauer. "The Korean culture mirrors our Fermi culture and the Texas way do what you say you are going to do, on time and in budget. Executing at this velocity is the only way for America to win." "Having worked with Doosan for many years, I have seen firsthand their unmatched expertise and ability to deliver on complex projects. I have complete trust in their capability to help us realize our vision at Fermi America," said Mesut Uzman, Chief Nuclear Commercial Officer of Fermi America. Through the MOU signed by Neugebauer and Doosan Enerbility President Jongdoo Kim, the companies have expressed their intent to explore cooperation opportunities, not only in large-scale commercial nuclear power plants, but also in small modular reactor (SMR) technologies. With a power output of no more than 300 Mwe and features that give it a clear advantage over conventional nuclear reactors found in large-capacity power plants, the SMRs enhance safety and flexibility with regards to installation and power output. "We believe this relationship based in mutual respect will prove beneficial to both our company as well as Fermi America and we look forward to broad business collaboration in the days to come," added Jongdoo Kim, President of Doosan Enerbility. "We have a strong track record of successful nuclear projects with Mesut Uzman and are pleased to partner with him again on this exciting project." Fermi America was co-founded by former U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry and Co-founder and former Co-Managing Partner of Quantum Energy, Toby Neugebauer, and is being built as a private grid on 5,200 acres of sovereign Texas Tech University System land. The first company to file a new COL application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and execute on the plan by securing long-lead supply chain items and partners, necessary to construct the largest new nuclear power complex in America by 2032, the company will bridge the power gap issue by building the nation's biggest combined-cycle natural gas project, solar power, and battery energy storage campus, totally 11 gigawatts of power and 15 million square feet of artificial intelligence capacity. The first gigawatt of natural gas power generation is expected online by the end of 2026 with one GW delivered per year, every year, for a decade. For media inquiries, please contact: Lexi Swearingen [email protected] About Fermi America Fermi America is pioneering the development of next-generation private electric grids that deliver highly redundant power at a gigawatt scale, required to create next-generation artificial intelligence. Co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Co-founder and former Co-Managing Partner of Quantum Energy, Toby Neugebauer, Fermi America combines cutting-edge technology with a deep bench of proven world-class multi-disciplinary leaders to create the world's largest, next-gen private grid. The behind-the-meter campus is expected to integrate the largest nuclear power complex in America, the nation's biggest combined-cycle natural gas project, utility grid power, solar power, and battery energy storage, to deliver hyperscaler artificial intelligence. About the Texas Tech University System Established in 1996, the Texas Tech University System is one of the top public university systems in the nation, consisting of five universities Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Angelo State University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and Midwestern State University. Headquartered in Lubbock, Texas, the TTU System is a more than $3 billion enterprise focused on advancing higher education, health care, research and outreach with approximately 21,000 employees and 64,000 students, more than 400,000 alums, a statewide economic impact of $19.2 billion and an endowment valued at $3 billion. In its short history, the TTU System has grown tremendously and is nationally acclaimed, operating at 20 academic locations in 16 cities (15 in Texas, one international). In addition, the TTU System is one of only nine in the nation to offer programs for undergraduate, medical, law, nursing, pharmacy, dental and veterinary education, among other academic areas. SOURCE Fermi America FILE - Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Lisa Cook listens during an open meeting of the Board of Governors at the Federal Reserve, June 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) AP Democrats are blasting President Donald Trumps move to fire a Federal Reserve governor appointed by Joe Biden as an authoritarian power grab. On Monday night, Trump announced that hes firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, an unprecedented move that would constitute a sharp escalation in his battle to exert greater control over what has long been considered an institution independent from day-to-day politics. Trump said in a letter posted on his Truth Social platform that he is removing Cook effective immediately because of allegations that she committed mortgage fraud. Cook said Monday night that she would not step down. President Trump purported to fire me for cause when no cause exists under the law, and he has no authority to do so, she said in an emailed statement. I will not resign. Democrats took to social media to blast Trumps move as a distraction from what they claimed are his failed economic policies. Trump is desperately looking for a scapegoat to cover for his own failure to lower costs for Americans and firing Lisa Cook is his latest move, said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass, ranking member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Development Committee. Its an authoritarian power grab that blatantly violates the Federal Reserve Act, and any court that follows the law will overturn it, Warren added. Any attempt to fire Lisa Cook from her position of Governor at the Federal Reserve is just the latest in Donald Trumps DC partisan games to rig the economy for his billionaire donors at the expense of hardworking Americans, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Donald Trump is playing a dangerous game of Jenga with a key pillar of our economy, Schumer continued. This brazen power grab must be stopped by the courts before Trump does permanent damage to national, state, and local economies. And if the economy comes crashing down, if families lose their savings and Main Street pays the price, Donald Trump will own every ounce of the wreckage and devastation families feel. Said Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona: Rigging the system and firing Lisa Cook when they havent even proven shes done anything illegalall because Donald the Felon wants to pack the Fed with sycophants. Why would anyone want to invest in the United States if our financial system is under siege by a political menace? Gallego said. Cook was appointed by Biden to the Board of Governors in 2022 and reappointed in 2023 for a term that expires in 2038. She is the third Democratic-connected official and the second Black woman Democrat, after New York Attorney General Letitia James, to be accused of mortgage fraud by Trump or his allies. Trump also called on Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., to be prosecuted for mortgage fraud. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Marc Maron recently appeared on Pod Save America (via Vulture) and doubled down on his criticisms of Bill Maher. While the WTF host acknowledged that he joined Maher on HBOs Real Time three times in the past, he has since turned on Maher in recent years. Maron already called Maher out earlier this summer for being partial to some of the things Donald Trump is doing in his second administration as U.S. president. I cant do it, Maron now said when Pod Save America host Jon Lovett asked him about Maher. I always had a problem with his tone, and it happens with some of the other boomers, theres this desperate chasing of relevance that changes someones mind in terms of how they approach what they do and also kind of makes the whole undertaking feel desperate. Maron added, Hes got good joke writers who know how to write for his tone, but I cant see past the desperation and what hes willing to do to stay in the conversation. In early May, Maron called out Maher on an episode of the WTF podcast that featured CNN host W. Kamau Bell as a guest. Maron said: Are you going to be like Bill Maher, you know, Im going to agree with some of the things that Trump is doing. Its like, dude, youre a bitch. Maron has been critical of podcasters supporting Trump. Before last years election, Trump appeared on Joe Rogans popular Spotify podcast. Shortly after, Maron posted a blog post in which he called out comedians with podcasts who joke around with shameless, self-proclaimed white supremacists and fascists on their show, saying, all it does is humanize and normalize fascism. In his Pod Save America interview, Maron also took aim at Netflix (via The Daily Beast) by saying: Fascism is good for business. Netflix will just, you know, co-opt anybody that can take that algorithm. I used to do a joke about it--Netflix can become Reichflix very quickly. Maron cited the streamers decision to continue working with Dave Chappelle despite the comedians history of anti-trans jokes as the pivotal moment, explaining: When they had pushback from the trans community about Chappelle, they realized after several days that that community was not going to affect their bottom line at all. And they cut em loose. That is how fascism works in business. When podcast host Lovett noted that Netflix is home to a wide array of LGBTQ+ content despite working with Chappelle, Maron answered: But ultimately, whos getting the big deals? Which shows stay on the air? You know, what do they keep repeating? Thats them saying, We got this other stuff and we know theres a few of you, but were throwing you a bone. So, shut up. 2025 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. The Los Angeles Dodgers play against the Cincinnati Reds in an MLB game tonight. The matchup is scheduled to begin at 9:10 p.m. CT on MLB Network/MLB.TV. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV. Alternatively, fans can take advantage of the first-month discount offered by Fubo TV. The Dodgers enter this matchup with a 74-57 record, and they are coming off an 8-2 win against the San Diego Padres. In order to win tonights game, the Dodgers will need to rely on their star player Shohei Ohtani. He leads the Los Angeles offense with 45 home runs and 84 RBI this season, so he will look to continue his offensive success this evening. The Reds enter this matchup with a 68-63 record, and they are coming off a 6-1 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In order to win this matchup, the Reds will need a great performance from their star player Elly De La Cruz. He leads the Cincinnati offense with 19 home runs and 77 RBI, which highlights his offensive prowess. Fans can watch this MLB game for free online by using the free trial offered by DirecTV. Alternatively, fans can take advantage of the first-month discount offered by Fubo TV. LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A fresh perspective on farming is taking root, and "All Access with Andy Garcia" is ready to explore it. In a new segment, the program collaborates with AgriTec International to reveal the transformative power of regenerative agriculture. Filming in Milton, FL and in Maquoketa, IA, this feature will invite Public Television audiences to understand how advanced soil science is helping farmers grow more efficiently and responsibly. The segment is scheduled to begin filming later this year, offering a captivating look at a vital industry that nourishes our nation. AgriTec "Regenerative agriculture isn't about quick fixesit's about building resilience. By working with nature instead of against it, we can reduce pressures on farmers while protecting the land for the next generation," stated Nathaniel Barrett, President and CEO of AgriTec. "Education is just as important as innovation. Our role is to help farmers see what's possible when soil health comes first, and to support them as they put those principles into practice." This segment will highlight AgriTec International's remarkable shift from conventional product sales to a strategy centered on nurturing soil health from the ground up. Viewers will learn about innovative liquid soil amendments, biologicals, and fertilizers that work in harmony with nature to promote long-term fertility, rather than just short-term boosts. The program will demonstrate how AgriTec International's emphasis on farmer education and support allows growers to unlock existing nutrients within their soil, leading to robust crops, increased yields, and enhanced profitability, all while safeguarding the land for generations to come. This approach helps farmers navigate critical industry challenges, including the rising costs of traditional inputs and the increasing demand for sustainable practices. The focus will be on AgriTec International's "soil first" philosophy, illustrating how a deep understanding of soil biology can reduce dependency on synthetic chemicals and foster a more resilient agricultural system. We'll see how working with nature, rather than against it, can unlock the immense potential already present in farmland, leading to a profound impact on both the environment and the farmer's bottom line. For many farmers, especially those managing multi-generational operations, this presents a pathway to not only continuing their legacy but also to embracing new, proven methods that align with their conservative values and dedication to the land. This insightful presentation aims to inspire a broad audience, from seasoned agriculturalists to those simply curious about where their food comes from, to recognize the vital importance of healthy soil in ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for us all. About "All Access with Andy Garcia": "All Access with Andy Garcia" is a Public Television program dedicated to showcasing the stories behind innovative companies and their contributions to various sectors. Hosted by the acclaimed actor Andy Garcia, the program provides insightful and engaging content designed to inform and inspire a wide audience. Learn more at: www.allaccessptv.com About AgriTec International: AgriTec International is a family-owned company based in Gainesville, TX, committed to advancing agriculture through scientifically proven liquid fertilizers and regenerative farming solutions. With a focus on soil health and sustainable practices, AgriTec International helps farmers achieve higher yields and healthier crops while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. Their mission is to empower farmers to unlock the full potential of their land for today and for future generations. Learn more at: www.agritecint.com SOURCE All Access Macquarie Island, a windswept outpost in the south-western Pacific Ocean between Tasmania and Antarctica, is a place of staggering natural wealth. Millions of seabirds once nested in its tussock grass and burrows, while seals crowded its beaches. But beginning in the 19th century, the arrival of a few stowaways and human introductions set in motion one of the most devastating ecological collapses in island history. Macquarie Island was first sighted in 1810 by Australian sealer Frederick Hasselborough, who had been searching for new sealing grounds. His discovery proved fortuitous. The island teemed with wildlife, most notably an immense population of fur sealsestimated at between 200,000 and 400,000 individuals. The commercial response was swift. In just the first 18 months of exploitation, at least 120,000 fur seals were slaughtered for their skins. Within a decade, the once-abundant population had been driven to the brink of extinction. Sandy Bay, Macquarie Island. Credit: Natalie Tapson With fur seals no longer able to sustain the trade, hunters shifted their attention to elephant seals. Aside from their hides, elephant seals were also prized for their blubber, which was rendered into oil for widespread industrial uses. The elephant seals soon suffered the same fate. By the mid-1840s, their numbers had fallen by an estimated 70 percent. Commercial exploitation then turned to the islands prolific penguin population. While not as valuable as seal oil, penguin oil at least had the advantage of being relatively easy to get. At the peak of the industry in 1905, the plant established here could process 2,000 penguins at one time. Each penguin produced about half a litre of oil. The ecological havoc unleashed by commercial exploitation was compounded by the introduction of animals never meant to inhabit the island. The first intruders were rats and mice, which disembarked from sealing ships. On Macquarie, where seabirds had evolved in the absence of land predators, their eggs and chicks became defenceless targets. Burrow-nesting species such as petrels and prions were hit especially hard, and colonies that had flourished for millennia dwindled within a few decades. Penguins on the beach and the remains of the wreck of "The Gratitude", Nuggets Beach, Macquarie Island, 1911 (or possibly 1913). Credit: Frank Hurley The rodents soon turned their attention to human food stores, prompting sealers to introduce cats as a form of pest control. But the remedy proved worse than the disease. The cats preyed directly on seabirds, killing them in staggering numbers. By the early 20th century, feral cats were estimated to be killing some 60,000 birds each year. Several species were wiped out entirely, among them the Macquarie Island rail (Gallirallus macquariensis), the Macquarie parakeet (Cyanoramphus erythrotis), and a still-unnamed species of teal. The next wave of devastation came in the 1870s, when rabbits were released to provide sealers with an easy food supply. Finding lush grasslands and no natural enemies, their numbers exploded. By the 1970s, the rabbit population had swelled to more than 100,000. They stripped hillsides bare, gnawed vegetation down to the roots, and triggered widespread erosion. Soil slipped into the sea, seabird burrows collapsed, and vast areas of nesting habitat were obliterated. By the late 20th century, Macquarie Island was in ecological freefall. Cats, rats, mice, and rabbits together had transformed it from a seabird sanctuary into a landscape of bare slopes and dwindling wildlife. In the 1980s, scientists attempted to halt the destruction by introducing the Myxoma virus, which causes the fatal disease myxomatosis in European rabbits. This caused the rabbit population to drop to 10,000. Attention then turned to cats. By June 2000, after an intensive culling program, the last of the islands nearly 2,500 cats was removed in an effort to save the seabirds. King Penguin rookery at Lusitania Bay. Credit: Wikimedia Commons But this apparent success brought an unintended side effect. With one of their main predators gone, rabbits once again flourished. By 2006, their numbers had surged past 100,000. Some researchers have questioned whether cats had ever exerted a meaningful check on rabbit numbers. They point out that, prior to the release of the Myxoma virus, at a time when cats were still abundant, the island still had an enormous rabbit population. This suggests that cats were not a significant controlling factor, and that the resurgence of rabbits was more likely due to the waning effectiveness of the virus. The chain of events demonstrates the complexity of restoring nature's balance. It became clear that piecemeal approaches would not succeed, and only a coordinated campaign to eliminate all three invaders at once could save the island. Between 2010 and 2014, helicopters dropped 250 tonnes of poisoned bait across the island. The bait contained Brodifacoum, an anticoagulant that causes fatal internal bleeding in rats, mice, and rabbits alike. Following the bait drops, teams of hunters with specially trained dogs scoured the terrain, eliminating surviving rabbits by shooting, fumigating and trapping them. The baiting was done in winter, when most bird species had left the island, reducing the risk of accidental poisoning. Against all odds, the project succeeded. By 2014 Macquarie Island was officially declared free of rabbits, rats, and micethe largest island eradication project ever accomplished. Bull elephant seals fighting over some females. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Today, the island is healing. Vegetation is returning to slopes once stripped bare, and seabirds are reclaiming their nesting grounds. Dr Kris Carlyon, a wildlife biologist with Tasmanias Department of Natural Resources and Environment, reported extraordinary vegetation recovery on albatross slopes. We were walking through tussocks that were twice my height, she said. The albatross were nesting on pretty exposed slopes when rabbits were here. The tussock growth is really solidifying the slopes and means erosion isnt such a problem for those species anymore. Dr Aleks Terauds, Program Leader at the Australian Antarctic Division, who spent years living in remote field huts on the island while studying the wildlife and was equally amazed. It was incredible to get back there and see the slopes that were once completed denuded of vegetation by rabbits, looking really healthy with lots of tussock and mega herbs, he said. Some of us on this trip have been working on this wildlife monitoring program for many years and what were seeing now, 15 years on, is a really big improvement in the vegetation on the island, with important flow-on effects for the breeding sea birds. From a vegetation point of view, the island is in great shape. Similar tales of introduced species destroying the ecology of an island: Waterfall Bay, Macquarie Island. Credit: Natalie Tapson Macquarie Island base. Credit: Su Yin Khoo Penguins on Macquarie Island. Credit: U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement King penguin rookery at the base of Gadgets Gully, Macquarie Island. Credit: Natalie Tapson References: # Macquarie Island station: a brief history. Australian Antarctic Division # Macquarie Island faces 'ecosystem meltdown' after conservation efforts backfire. The Guardian # Cull upsets island's ecological balance. The Telegraph # Macquarie Islands astounding recovery, ten years on from rats, mice and rabbits. Australian Antarctic Division # Plan for the Eradication of Rabbits and Rodents on Macquarie Island. Parks And Wildlife Service # Up against rats, rabbits and costs. The Sydney Morning Herald The system-wide dark mode on Android has existed since 2019 with the Android 10 release. While the majority of apps have adopted this, some are not fully there yet. These apps display light themes despite the system-level dark mode being turned on. Google is finally taking steps to address this with the recently released Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1, which introduces forced dark mode in all your apps. Android 16 QP2 Beta 1 lets you force dark mode in all your apps The Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 lets you force dark mode in apps where it hasnt been manually implemented. However, this change could probably make a mess, especially for the apps that have a lot of text. But it should encourage developers who havent jumped on the dark mode bandwagon to finally bring a proper dark mode. This Expanded dark theme toggle will automatically invert the light app interface when the dark mode is on. Google, on the Android Developers Blog, says that starting in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1, there will be a new option within Androids dark theme settings. Google demos the new expanded dark theme feature with the Fitbit app, which doesnt have a built-in dark theme. The apps interface swaps to dark theme with light text when the force dark theme is on. Android Police reports that this feature forces dark mode in other apps like Airbnb, FedEx, and DoorDash. Google demos the extended dark mode with the Fitbit app Google notes the new dark theme is largely an accessibility feature, meaning its there to help users with photosensitivity or those who have trouble reading dark text on light backgrounds. If you wish to give this new force dark mode feature a spin, you can sign up at Googles Android beta program website. However, you need to have a compatible Pixel phone. The battle for the best smartphone camera has been long fought. Weve seen improvements in megapixels, advanced zoom, and cutting-edge software. Western brands like Samsung and Apple have maintained a conservative approach in this regard. That said, it looks like the trend is about to break next year. The iPhone 17 Pro and Galaxy S26 Ultra aim to bring some impressive camera improvements at the hardware level. A previous report revealed that both Apple and Samsung will take a similar approach. That is, we could see larger, more prominent camera bumps on the upcoming Galaxy S and premium iPhone models. Now, a new leak offers more details on the camera improvements the iPhone 17 Pro and Galaxy S26 Ultra could bring. 48MP 8x zoom camera for iPhone 17 Pro Lets start with Apple. A report from South Korean media outlet Newsis suggests the iPhone 17 Pro will get a massive camera overhaul. More specifically, the device would receive a new triple-camera system where all three lenses will be 48 megapixels. This is a huge jump, especially from the current telephoto lens, since the next-gen models could bring a powerful 8x optical zoom. This isnt the first time weve heard about a powerful 8x optical zoom on the iPhone 17 series. A report from a few days ago suggested this feature would be exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. However, the latest leak mentions the iPhone 17 Pro. Either way, its yet another source mentioning this powerful zoom capability on future iPhones. So, things are looking good for Apple fans. To make all this happen, the phones camera module is reportedly growing. This will result in a larger camera island on the back. While some fans might not love the look, it shows Apple is prioritizing raw camera performance over a perfectly flat aesthetic. The leaked renders of the iPhone 17 Pro have already given clues about this new path. Samsung also improving Galaxy S26 Ultra cameras Samsung seems to be following a similar path. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to be bringing back the camera island design for the first time in five yearssince the Galaxy S21 Ultra. This change also aims to accommodate significant upgrades to the main and telephoto cameras. But Samsung is reportedly making an effort to balance this change by making the phones body thinner and lighter. The design would also have more rounded corners for a better grip. This design will ensure the phone is more comfortable to hold even with its increased camera bulk. Lastly, Galaxy S26 Ultra is also expected to pack a powerful new processor and feature a cutting-edge privacy screen technology called Flex Magic Pixel. After years of resting on their laurels, Apple and Samsung finally seem ready to wake up. Other Android brandsespecially Chinese oneshave been leading the way in phone camera quality for years. However, we could finally see a change in this trend soon. Google Messaging could soon change the way you confirm if your contacts are legit. This is thanks to a new QR code feature, which is reportedly rolling out in beta. 9to5Google reports that this Google Messages QR code key verification will allow you to verify that the person youre communicating with is, in fact, who you intend to. Google first previewed the feature last October, and it now appears to be almost ready for a public release. Google Messages beta gets QR code key verification The QR code key verification is reportedly present in the latest Google Messages beta. The feature will be available under the verify encryption option when it widely rolls out. Once you open a conversation in Google Messages and head to the Details page by tapping their name in the app bar. You will see the end-to-end encryption card, which has been there for a while. Tapping verify encryption previously opened a page with an 80-digit code. Now, theres a Security & privacy sheet to verify keys for this contact. Google explains that verify keys will ensure that only you and your contact can read the RCS messages you send each other. The old 80-digit option is still available if you tap Compare verification codes. The QR code feature could be available for Android 9+ devices To verify keys, you can scan the QR code on your contacts device, and then ask them to scan the QR code on yours. You can check the verification status for the keys by going to Connected apps in the Contacts app. Tapping Your QR code opens the verification for Google Messages. Its reported that the Google Contacts app integration is not live yet. The sheet has its own Scan Contacts QR code option. This opens the Android System Key verification application, which is already present on your device. The QR code key verification feature will be made available at some point this year for Android 9+ devices. This unified public key verification could also be available for third-party apps. Samsung is no stranger to poking fun at Apple, in general. It happened a number of times in the past. Well, Samsung is now back to fire shots at Apple for not offering a foldable iPhone, basically. This is not the first time this has happened, either. Back in November last year, Samsung launched a promo video in which it promotes the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in front of an Apple Store, during a new iPhone launch day, basically. New Galaxy Z Fold 7 ad roasts Apples iPhone 16 Pro Max and Apples AI as well Well, now the company launched a new promo video, though the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is starring in it this time around. This ad not only promotes the Galaxy Z Fold 7, but its Sketch to Image feature, which is a part of the Galaxy AI suite. You can check out the ad below. The gist of it is, Sketch to Image was able to basically create a specific type of shirt on a person, while an iPhone is not. The fact that the Galaxy Z Fold 7 unfolds and offers a lot more screen real estate to do so adds more fuel to the fire here. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, in specific, is used here. Samsung can run these ads without a problem until a foldable iPhone arrives. That is not expected to happen for at least another year, though, so we may see more of them. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a considerable improvement over the Galaxy Z Fold 6 The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is actually a considerable improvement over the Galaxy Z Fold 6. It is not only a lot lighter, but its considerably thinner as well. Samsung finally made a considerable jump in both of those categories. AI features that the company offers as part of the Galaxy AI suite add more insult to injury for Apple. We all know that Apple Intelligence doesnt really shine, so there you go. Its not hidden anymore that Samsung has an Android XR headset in its pipeline. There have been a few leaks and reports about the upcoming headset. In June, a report from South Korea hinted that Samsung projects to ship 100,000 units. Now, we have some details about the price of Samsungs Android XR headset, thanks to a new report by a Korean news outlet, Newsworks. Thats not all; the report has also spilled the apparent release date of Samsungs Android XR headset, aka Project Moohan. Per the report, Samsungs Android XR headset will launch with a price tag of between 2.5 million and 4 million won. If we have to convert this into US dollars, that number comes up as $1,800 to $2,800. No wonder it isnt affordable by any means. However, if true, it will still cost less than that of Apples Vision Pro, which sets you back by $3,500. In comparison to Metas Quest 3, the price of Samsungs Android XR headset will be roughly 4 times higher. Besides the price, the report suggests that Samsungs XR headset will be available to buy in South Korea on October 13. While the launch window had been floating around in reports, the exact date remained under wraps until now. Do note that this date doesnt apply to the rest of the regions where Samsung sells its products. Not to forget, Samsung is reportedly also planning an additional Unpacked event limited to Korea on September 29. Thats where the company will detail everything about its Android XR headset. New smart glasses reportedly coming next year Samsung might also launch smart glasses next year. According to leaks and rumors, there will be two models, one with a display and another without. However, we havent heard anything about the price tag or the launch window of those smart glasses. Moreover, Samsung is also reportedly working on an affordable sibling of the Android XR headset that it will launch as part of the XREAL lineup. No, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will not ship with more battery capacity, it will stick with the same battery as its predecessor. That much was rumored thus far, but its now kind of confirmed thanks to a certification listing. The Galaxy S26 Ultra will use the same battery as the Galaxy S25 Ultra Chinas Quality Certification Center has issued a new certification for the EB-BS948ABY battery, which has a rated capacity of 4,855mAh. That is the same capacity as the battery inside the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and will be marketed as a 5,000mAh unit. It doesnt say that this is the Galaxy S26 Ultras battery, but it almost certainly is. Its the exact same battery as the one in the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the timing of this certification is ideal. Faster charging could be in the cards Now, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra may not get a battery boost, it may get faster charging. Some rumors are claiming that Samsung is getting ready to offer 65W wired charging with the device. That would be quite an improvement. As a reminder, Samsung pushed the Ultra phones to 45W charging with the Galaxy S22 Ultra years ago. It has been sticking with that ever since, and it may be time for an upgrade. Many phones these days offer 100W+ charging. Now, in regards to the battery, its the standard Li-Ion unit, as the one in the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Samsung will not be making a switch to silicon-carbon, at least not yet. That would allow the company to increase battery capacity while keeping the same size. The device is coming early next year, most probably in January The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is coming early next year, most likely in January. It will launch alongside the Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Edge, if rumors are to be believed. The vanilla name is gone, and the same goes for the + name. The US governments CHIPS Act was supposed to act as a grant to help the semiconductor industry in the US. It makes sense given that the biggest semiconductor company in the world, TSMC, is based in Taiwan. However, the Trump administration has taken it one step further by using the CHIPS Act to gain a stake in companies like Intel. Now, it seems that the Trump administration wants more deals like that. Trump wants more deals like Intel As part of Intel being a recipient of the CHIPS Act grant, the US government has acquired a 10% stake in the company. Ever the businessman, Trump himself has publicly endorsed the model, stating that he wants more deals like that. He also mentioned that he wants to make these types of arrangements all day long. This move is part of a broader economic strategy. One that could result in the creation of a US sovereign wealth fund. There are currently several states that have their own sovereign wealth fund, but Trump proposed creating a national one. Earlier this year, Trump floated the idea of creating one, and that money could be used to acquire TikTok (which still hasnt happened yet, by the way). An earlier report also suggested that this could result in the US government gaining a stake not just in Intel, but also TSMC, Samsung, and Micron. From an investment point of view, it makes sense. However, there are some who have criticized the plan. Government interference These critics suggest that using the CHIPS Act to gain a stake in companies would result in a shift toward government interference in the private sector. They are also worried that it could result in regulatory overreach, and also the potential politicization of corporate decisions. Were already kind of seeing that in action. Some foreign companies, like Samsung, are making huge investments in the US just to escape Trumps proposed tariffs. That being said, not everyone feels the same. In fact, the market has reacted quite favorably to this. Intels stock rose more than 5% following the governments announcement. WESTMINSTER, Colo., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Widely regarded as "the CES for aviation", FTE Global continues to redefine the future of air transport, returning to Long Beach, California in 2025. Join The Industry Group for this landmark event, once again co-located with APEX/IFSA Global EXPO, forming the largest and most influential gathering of air transport executives in North America. To set up a time to meet or request info, email [email protected] We will be at NRF Paris in September. Ingenico is booth 4P 085. Vispero & Stom Interface are available to meet. NEW! We just launched a couple of new targeted cloud portals https://ai-computer.me, https://automation-ai.org, https://vending-retail.com, https://voiceorder.net and finally https://vending-ai.org Branding News - We are now officially The Industry Group, comprising approximately 50 vertical markets and properties. Kiosks, digital signage, POS, vending, automation, smart lockers, AI-computing, thin client, healthcare, smart city and ev-chargng. Here is information on the benefits of participation. Internet visibility, networking and contacts. Recommended Articles This Month Hospitality Kiosks Scaling Software with AI Brian Meyers : Nice interview & our write-up on Hospitalitytech.com and MGM hotels, ... : Nice interview & our write-up on Hospitalitytech.com and MGM hotels, ... Best of 2025 Industry Group Awards The current candidate list for awards in NYC in January. You might be on it ... The current candidate list for awards in NYC in January. You might be on it ... Self-Ordering Kiosk LG Announcement Hands Free too Accessibility From The Start Designed, Configured and Tested This is ... Accessibility From The Start Designed, Configured and Tested This is ... AI Computer Intel Media Player MiniPC Recommendations for Edge Computing for Digital Signage Top MiniPCs for ... Recommendations for Edge Computing for Digital Signage Top MiniPCs for ... Zebra Buys Elotouch Is there any hardware left for Zebra to buy? Now to battle Toshiba and NCR in SCOs ... Is there any hardware left for Zebra to buy? Now to battle Toshiba and NCR in SCOs ... SoundHound AI and Acrelec Partner It's official. After so many sneak peeks, they sign an agreement for conversational voice Thanks to our supporters NZ Technologies Inc. with hovertouch (touchless), Innovative Technology Cash Experts, Urway Holdings with conversational AI, Giada Digital Signage and AI computers, Goldfinger touchscreens and displays, VidaBox tablet mounts, BocaSystems for ticket printers Dot Inc. (all things braille), 22Miles, TDS Touch with Helen, and Thibault with Acrelec. Thanks to solution partners Intel (Kathy), Pyramid Computer (Zahdan), TPGI (Matt) and Olea Kiosks (Frank). Our existence is based solely on participant support. Thanks to the companies who make this possible. MEDIA CONTACT: Craig Keefner [email protected] =- text 720-324-1837 This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com SOURCE The Industry Group Watch faces are one of the features that set smartwatches apart from regular wrist watches. These offer a fresh new look every time you feel bored with the current one. But not all of them are battery-friendly, as some of them have a negative impact. To address this, Google is adding a handy feature to the Play Store on Wear OS. With this update, users will now see a warning message on the details page of the watch face(s) app that may drain battery life. The new Play Store on Wear OS update offers insights to users by flagging watch faces that are power-hungry. With this update, you can now find warning messages on detail pages for watch face apps. With this update, you can now find warning messages on detail pages for watch face apps that drain battery, said Google in a blog post. While this isnt solving the battery issue, it lets users make an informed decision when downloading any new watch face on their wearable. Users will have a better idea if itll drain a lot of battery unnecessarily. This stems from the fact that not all watch faces are the same. While some of them are lightweight both in size and in terms of power, others are complex. The latter usually offer complex animations, live data, or heavy phone interfaces. These are responsible for the battery of your smartwatch depleting quickly. The Play Store update doesnt seem to be widely available at the moment, including to the new Galaxy Watch 8. Since the update has just been announced, its possible, it could reach more Wear OS models gradually in the coming days. This is a welcome addition to smartwatches as it saves time from the trial-and-error method when downloading a watch face. Australia is expelling the Iranian ambassador after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Tehran of directing at least two antisemitic attacks on Australian soil. Mr Albanese said that Australian intelligence services had linked Iran to incidents targeting a Sydney restaurant and a Melbourne synagogue. The expulsion follows a steep rise in antisemitic events across both cities since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in 2023. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) had gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion, Mr Albanese said. The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks. Iran has sought to disguise its involvement but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (AP) The kosher cafe Lewiss Continental Kitchen, in the Sydney suburb of Bondi, was hit by an arson in October 2024. Two months later, there was an arson attack on Adass Israel synagogue in Melbournes Ripponlea. No one was injured in the attacks, which occurred in suburbs with large Jewish populations. These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil, Mr Albanese said. They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community. It is totally unacceptable. The Australian government is taking strong and decisive action in response. Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi has been given one week to leave Australia, along with three other officials. The Guardian reported that it was the first time an ambassador had been expelled from Australia since the Second World War. The Iranian embassy in Canberra, Australias capital, has also been shuttered. Australia has maintained diplomatic relations with Iran since the revolution in 1979. It had an embassy in Tehran until June, when it was closed following United States strikes on the city. There are no longer any Australian diplomats in Iran, and any Australians remaining in the country have been urged to leave if it is safe to do so. Chinese scientists have performed the first pig-to-human lung transplant ever, with the organ remaining functional for over a week after surgery. Xenotransplantation, as the process of transplanting organs from one species into another is called, has witnessed milestone developments in recent years with doctors showing the feasibility of transplanting kidneys, hearts and livers from pigs into humans. Now, researchers at Guangzhou Medical University have performed a cross-species lung transplantation. Here, we report a case of pig-to-human lung xenotransplantation, in which a lung from a six-gene-edited pig was transplanted into a 39-year-old brain-dead male human recipient following a brain haemorrhage, the researchers wrote in a study published in the journal Nature Medicine. Before taking its lung, the scientists edited some of the pigs genes to remove proteins that could activate the human immune system following transplantation. In the experimental procedure, the Chinese scientists transplanted the left lung of the gene-edited pig into a human recipient who had been declared brain-dead by four clinical assessments. They injected the recipient with drugs to suppress the immune system and assessed how the lung functioned and the human immune system responded. The lung was not immediately rejected by the immune system and stayed functional for nine days. A genetically altered pig looks out from a warming box in its pen at Revivicor research farm in Virginia, US (AFP via Getty) The lung xenograft maintained viability and functionality over the course of the 216 hours of the monitoring period, without signs of hyperacute rejection or infection, the study noted. The researchers, however, observed signs of lung damage at 24 hours after transplantation and signs of antibody-mediated rejection at days 3 and 6, leading to the termination of their experiment on day nine. Antibody-mediated rejection appeared to contribute to xenograft damage on postoperative days 3 and 6, with partial recovery by day 9, they noted. The scientists hope that implanted pig lungs can maintain long-term function with improvements to donor genetic modifications and the use of better drugs to suppress the human immune system. Although this study demonstrates the feasibility of pig-to-human lung xenotransplantation, substantial challenges relating to organ rejection and infection remain, and further preclinical studies are necessary before clinical translation of this procedure, they wrote. Discussions about the gender pay gap often focus on major contributors such as the motherhood penalty. But another pivotal life stage is frequently overlooked, one that also coincides with a widening pay gap: menopause. Economists at UCL, the University of Bergen, Stanford University and the University of Delaware calculated that women experience a 4.3% reduction in their earnings, on average, in the four years following a menopause diagnosis. By the fourth year, their losses deepen to 10%. Clearly, menopause isnt just a health issue. Although its a natural part of life, it carries significant economic implications. The symptoms which range from hot flushes and fatigue to pain, mood problems and insomnia can have a profound effect on womens quality of life, performance and earnings. Impact of physical and mental changes One of the key drivers behind the menopause pay gap is the reduction in working hours and a decrease in the likelihood of working. But, these often arent by choice. For most, debilitating symptoms and a lack of support from employers means they have no option but to cut back. Data suggests three out of five women are affected by menopause symptoms at work and one in 10 leave work due to menopause symptoms, says Bukky Ayoade, menopause expert and founder of the wellbeing organisation Vibrant Midlife. Read more: How to weigh the benefits and risks of disclosing a disability to your employer Women that are not supported feel the need to work less hours or days, or in extreme cases they are forced to leave work altogether. In 2023, researchers at Tallaght University Hospital in Ireland surveyed 407 women to find out which menopausal symptoms had the greatest impact on them at work. Fatigue, poor sleep, problems concentrating and memory issues were the most common, and the team found a significant link between symptom severity and reduced work performance, career development decisions and attendance. The problem is even more pronounced for women in lower paid jobs or non-autonomous roles with less flexible options, says Ayoade. Inadequate menopause support in the workplace leads to this menopause pay gap and for women at the peak of their careers. It means they are unable to progress, leading to a widening of the gender pay gap in older age groups. For many women going through menopause, debilitating symptoms and a lack of support from employers means they have no option but to cut back on work. (insta_photos via Getty Images) Lack of support Women over 50 are one of the fastest-growing groups in the UK workforce. Yet many employers still fail to provide proper support for the physical and psychological changes women experience during this stage of life. A 2022 Fawcett Society report found that 80% of women said their employer had not shared information, trained staff, or implemented a menopause absence policy. And where policies do exist, they are often treated as a tick-box exercise rather than meaningful support. As with all policies, they need to be lived and breathed within the organisation not just shut away in a drawer, says Kate Palmer, employment services director at Peninsula. An employer needs to, therefore, actually act upon their commitment to support employees. If the reality is that employees dont feel comfortable or able to discuss their situation with their manager, or discuss what sort of support they specifically need, then employees may struggle to balance their work commitments with the challenges the menopause poses. Read more: Could an outright ban on zero-hours contracts harm working mums? Although cultural change is happening, it is slow, adds Ayoade. Symptoms such as brain fog or anxiety may affect performance, yet instead of offering support, some employers respond with poor reviews or disciplinary action, she says. Rigid sickness policies that ignore menopause can lead to unfair treatment. And misunderstanding and stigma like dismissing symptoms or making jokes can create hostile environments. In a survey of 2,000 people in the UK by the womens health firm Forth, 63% said their work life had been negatively affected by menopause. Some said they had been passed over for promotions, were paid less than male colleagues in like-for-like roles, scrutinised for taking sick leave or were branded "hormonal" and "emotional" and not taken seriously. Menopause support takes more than one token conversation. Instead, managers should catch up with employees every so often to make sure they have what they need to do their jobs. (Fiordaliso via Getty Images) What can employers do? So what can employers do to make sure workers experiencing menopause are supported and close the menopause pay gap? When drafting policies, employers should use inclusive language to support all employees experiencing menopause, including trans and non-binary individuals. But ultimately, meaningful support means more than words on a page. Staff and managers need to be trained to understand menopause and know how best to support colleagues. Normalising open conversations about menopause can help tackle gendered ageism and encourage people to voice their needs. Read more: Why did shared parental leave fail in the UK? Organisations need to train managers to not only have discussions with employees to understand what support they would find useful, but then also take action to put that in place, says Palmer. No two people are the same, so any changes that may be needed to the workplace or to how the employee works could vary from employee to employees. Its also important to offer practical adjustments like flexible working, breathable uniforms, cooling fans or quiet spaces. An employee may want to change their shift pattern, for example, because they believe that this could help them, adds Palmer. Menopause support takes more than one token conversation. Instead, managers should catch up with employees every so often to make sure they have what they need to do their jobs. Employers should review performance management processes to avoid penalising menopause-related symptoms, adds Ayoade. They need to commit to a supportive culture that recognises menopause as a workplace and retention issue not just a women's issue. Read more: Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android NEW DELHI, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Commercial Insurance Market size was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach nearly USD 1.89 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 7.9% during 20242030. This impressive market growth is being driven by heightened risk awareness, regulatory reforms, and rapid adoption of insurtech solutions, according to new industry analysis. As businesses across industries face increasing exposure to cyberattacks, climate risks, and geopolitical uncertainties, demand for robust commercial insurance is rising sharply. This shift positions commercial insurance not only as a safeguard but as a critical enabler of business continuity and global expansion. Global Commercial Insurance Market Overview The commercial insurance industry has long provided financial protection for enterprises, covering liabilities, property damage, and operational disruptions. However, as business landscapes evolve, its scope has broadened significantly. From urban infrastructure development to cross-border trade and digital transformation, demand for comprehensive insurance has surged. Analysts emphasize that the commercial insurance market value reflects global business confidence. Companies entering new markets or adopting digital solutions increasingly require coverage tailored to emerging risks. As a result, the industry is becoming a pillar of modern risk management strategies. Access in-depth statistics and forecasts: View the Full Research Report - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/commercial-insurance-market.html Market Drivers: What's Fueling the Expansion? Globalization of Business Operations The expansion of multinational operations has created complex risks ranging from regulatory volatility to currency fluctuations. Commercial insurance market growth is strongly linked to this globalization trend, as businesses seek protection against unpredictable international events. Technological Advancements Insurers are integrating big data analytics, IoT devices, telematics, and AI-powered tools to improve underwriting accuracy and client services. The rise of predictive analytics and real-time monitoring is allowing insurers to design market-leading coverage solutions, boosting both market share and market revenue for top providers. Regulatory Support Governments are increasingly mandating insurance adoption through strict compliance measures. For example, in 2024, the European Union insurance regulator rolled out new climate risk policies, reinforcing reinsurance markets and strengthening cross-border risk-sharing. Such regulations are amplifying global commercial insurance market growth. Market Challenges: Despite strong growth prospects, challenges remain. The proliferation of underpriced insurance products has created instability. Initially attractive to clients, these policies often fail to provide adequate protection, leading to premium hikes and coverage restrictions. Moreover, SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) remain underinsured due to limited awareness of insurance benefits. Bridging this gap represents both a challenge and an untapped growth opportunity for insurers. Enquire Before Buying: Schedule a Consultation with Our Experts - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/query/talk-to-our-consultant/commercial-insurance-market.html Market Trends: Shaping the Future of Insurance: Insurtech and Digital Transformation The rise of insurtech startups and collaborations is streamlining claims processing, improving underwriting models, and enhancing customer experience. These innovations are reshaping industry dynamics and expanding market value. Cybersecurity and Insurance Convergence With global cybercrime damages projected in the trillions, cyber liability insurance has become one of the fastest-growing segments. Coverage for ransomware, phishing, and data breaches is now central to enterprise insurance portfolios, contributing significantly to market revenue growth. Climate Risk and Green Insurance Solutions As climate events intensify, insurers are developing sustainability-linked policies. Europe is leading with green insurance products tied to environmental risk mitigation, adding a new dimension to market share competition. Artificial Intelligence and Automation AI-driven tools are enabling automated claims handling, predictive underwriting, and customer chatbots. This technology is cutting costs while boosting efficiency, a trend expected to drive substantial market growth. Segmentation Insights: Who Lead the Global Commercial Insurance Market By Enterprise Size: Large enterprises dominate the market due to heightened risk management awareness. As these businesses expand, they face various risks, prompting them to seek comprehensive insurance for continuity and asset protection. The push for globalization requires adaptable coverage, while advancements in data analytics and telematics enhance tailored plans. These factors are driving demand and significantly boosting revenue in the Global Commercial Insurance Market. By Type: The liability insurance segment is set to lead the market due to new government regulations requiring businesses to adopt this coverage. Economic fluctuations also impact liability risks, affecting demand. Certain industries, like healthcare, food, chemicals, and construction, heavily rely on liability insurance. Additionally, the rise in cyber risks necessitates specialized solutions. Consequently, the increasing need for liability coverage is expected to propel growth in the commercial insurance sector. Get a first look at data tables, company profiles, and regional insights: Download Free Sample PDF Brochure - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/query/request-sample/commercial-insurance-market.html Regional Outlook: North America Hold the Largest Market Share The global commercial insurance market value is geographically segmented into North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. North America : Leads the global market with the highest market share and revenue value, supported by advanced regulations, high risk awareness, and adoption of AI-driven insurance solutions. : Leads the global market with the highest market share and revenue value, supported by advanced regulations, high risk awareness, and adoption of AI-driven insurance solutions. Europe : Growth driven by stringent climate risk regulations, ESG mandates, and demand for liability insurance. : Growth driven by stringent climate risk regulations, ESG mandates, and demand for liability insurance. Asia-Pacific : Expected to record the fastest market growth rate due to SME expansion, rapid urbanization, and government-backed digital insurance adoption in China , India , and Southeast Asia . : Expected to record the fastest market growth rate due to SME expansion, rapid urbanization, and government-backed digital insurance adoption in , , and . South America : Emerging as a key growth region, led by Brazil's rising insurance penetration amid economic reforms, construction activity, and demand for liability and property insurance. The rest of South America is also witnessing growth, with businesses seeking protection against natural disasters and economic volatility. : Emerging as a key growth region, led by rising insurance penetration amid economic reforms, construction activity, and demand for liability and property insurance. The rest of is also witnessing growth, with businesses seeking protection against natural disasters and economic volatility. Middle East & Africa : Steady growth fueled by large-scale infrastructure projects, SME ecosystem expansion, and evolving government insurance mandates. Competitive Landscape: Top Companies Driving Market Share The global commercial insurance market share is concentrated among leading multinational insurers, with top commercial insurance companies including: Allianz SE American International Group Inc. (AIG) Aon plc. Aviva plc. AXA S.A. Chubb Limited Direct Line Insurance Group plc. Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc. Willis Towers Watson Zurich Insurance Group Ltd. and others These top companies are enhancing market revenue through mergers, acquisitions, and technology-driven platforms, solidifying their leadership positions. Recent Developments: AIG partnered with Stone Point Capital to launch Private Client Select Insurance Services (PCS), targeting high-net-worth markets. with to launch Private Client Select Insurance Services (PCS), targeting high-net-worth markets. Aviva PLC acquired a stake in Fox Factory Holding Corp ., signaling its push into new investment areas. acquired a stake in ., signaling its push into new investment areas. Aon PLC announced a collaboration with Cover Whale to expand trucking insurance offerings. These developments highlight how market share consolidation among top companies is shaping global industry dynamics. For detailed pricing insights, Visit Website - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/pricing/commercial-insurance-market.html Future Outlook: The global commercial insurance market value is expected to expand steadily, supported by four major drivers: Technological Innovation AI and big data will continue reshaping underwriting and claims. Climate-Resilient Policies Insurance will increasingly address environmental risks. Cybersecurity Integration Cyber liability coverage will become standard across industries. Reinsurance and Global Risk-Sharing Expansion of reinsurance programs will safeguard stability and boost market revenue. With market size and share expected to rise significantly, insurers that embrace insurtech, sustainability, and SME outreach will be best positioned to capture growth opportunities through 2030. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q1. What is the current size of the global commercial insurance market? The global commercial insurance market size was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 1.89 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.9% during 20242030. Q2. What is driving the growth of the commercial insurance market? Key drivers include rising risk awareness, globalization of businesses, regulatory mandates, and the rapid adoption of insurtech technologies like AI, IoT, and big data analytics, which are transforming claims processing and product innovation. Q3. Which region holds the largest share of the commercial insurance market? North America currently dominates the market due to high awareness, regulatory requirements, and advanced digital adoption. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth, while South America shows increasing demand for property, liability, and catastrophe risk insurance. Q4. Who are the top companies in the commercial insurance market? Major players include Allianz SE, American International Group Inc., Aon plc., Aviva plc., AXA S.A., Chubb Limited, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd., Marsh & McLennan, and Willis Towers Watson. Q5. What are the key trends shaping the commercial insurance market? The biggest trends include the integration of AI and data analytics, the use of IoT and telematics for accurate risk detection, growing demand for cyber liability insurance, and increased collaborations between insurtech startups and traditional insurers. Browse More Dedicated Insurance Market Research Reports: About MarkNtel Advisors We are a leading consulting, data analytics, and market research firm that provides an extensive range of strategic reports on diverse industry verticals. We being a qualitative & quantitative research company, strive to deliver data to a substantial & varied client base, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals, among others. We have our existence across the market for many years and have conducted multi-industry research across 80+ countries, spreading our reach across numerous regions like America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, etc., and many countries across the regional scale, namely, the US, India, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Brazil, and several others. Contact Us: MarkNtel Advisors Office No.109, H-159, Sector 63, Noida, Uttar Pradesh-201301, India Contact No: +91 8719999009 Email: [email protected] Visit our Website: https://www.marknteladvisors.com Content Source: https://www.marknteladvisors.com/press-release/commercial-insurance-market-growth Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2687299/MarkNtel_Advisors_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarkNtel Advisors A CNN fact-checker shredded a deluge of Donald Trumps false claims about crime in Washington, D.C. During Trumps second Oval Office press conference of the day on Monday, the president defended his deployment of the National Guard and takeover of the police force in the nations capital, touting an 11-day murder-free period. Despite polling showing how unpopular Trumps moves are in D.C., the president continued to claim that, under his watch, the city has transformed from the most dangerous place in the world to the safest place in under two weeks. Towards the end of Trumps White House meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday, CNN News Central brought in senior reporter Daniel Dale to fact-check the U.S. commander-in-chiefs claims. Asked whether Trumps claim about D.C.s first murder-free week in many years, Dale responded that it is not accurate, citing other similar stretches this year in the district. CNN's Senior Report Daniel Dale fact-checked Donald Trump's claims to reporters about crime in Washington, D.C. (CNN) There has currently been the 11-day stretch without a reported homicide, but that also happened earlier this year, he said. In February and March, there was a 16-day stretch with no reported homicides in the district. So the president is exaggerating again. Dale also pointed to another claim that was not even close to true: that the capitals crime was at an all-time high when he took office. While D.C.s murder rate two years ago hit levels not seen since the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s, the period since has seen a steep decline under the leadership of Chief Pamela Smith, who was named to her role in 2023. Statistics made public by the D.C. government and the Department of Justice show that other violent crimes have also declined during the same period. Crime figures from the Metropolitan Police Department for the District of Columbia state that violent offenses fell last year to their lowest level in 30 years and have continued to decline in 2025, according to preliminary data for the first half of the year. The president addressed reporters in two Oval Office press conferences on Monday (Getty Images) Dale also dug into Trumps pledge to deploy National Guard troops into Republican strongholds, before adding, but there arent that many of them. If you look at the top 25 cities for crime, just about every one of those cities is run by Democrats, Trump told reporters. Dale quickly shut down Trumps claims, arguing that many Republican-led cities face high crime rates. There are indeed a bunch of cities in red states that are high on national crime rate lists, however you slice the data, Dale said. Just looking at the facts, cities like Memphis, Tennessee; Cleveland, Ohio; Kansas City, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Houston, Texas, all among the 10 or 15 cities with the highest violent crime rates, all in red states with Republican governors. So, whos to blame for that?, he asked. Colleges across the country targeted with active shooter hoaxes on the first day of classes A series of hoax calls about active shooters on college campuses across the U.S. is causing a wave of fear among students as the school year starts. The calls have led universities to send out campus-wide alerts to run, hide, fight, prompting students and teachers to flee for cover as law enforcement officers swarmed campuses in search of the threat. Yet in every recent case, the threat turned out to be nonexistent. These hoax calls and false alarms known as swatting have affected at least 10 college campuses, ranging from Arkansas to Pennsylvania. On Monday alone, law enforcement responded to reports of active shooters at Arkansas, Northern Arizona University, Iowa State, Kansas State, Colorado University, and the University of New Hampshire. People shelter behind a wall at the Villanova University campus where an active shooter was reported Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Villanova, Pa (AP) Another call was made Tuesday at the University of Kentucky, though it was determined to be a hoax before an alert could be issued. The wave of reports started last Thursday when law enforcement in Pennsylvania received multiple calls about shots allegedly fired on Villanovas campus by a man armed with an AR-15-style weapon. Sounds of gunfire could be heard in the background of the calls. The calls which also included a false report of someone being injured by gunfire caused students attending orientation mass to rush into buildings and prompted the school to go into a temporary lockdown. Chairs were scattered on the schools lawn, and some students hid in a utility closet. Two hours later, the lockdown was lifted, and the schools president condemned the cruel hoax. Today, as we are celebrating Orientation Mass to welcome our newest Villanovans and their families to our community, panic and terror ensued, said Rev. Peter Donohue in a statement. A Villanova senior, Ava Petrosky, was singing at an orientation Mass at the Catholic university when she saw people in the crowd start to run. Honestly, at that moment I thought, Im gonna die, she told CNN affiliate WPVI. She joined the crowd and ran to take cover. The hoax was a really tough way to start freshman year at college, said Courtenay Harris Bond, who was on Villanovas campus with her freshman son Thursday when the active shooter alert was issued, according to WPVI. The swatting incident at Villanova University left many shaken (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) On the same day, Tennessee authorities received calls reporting an active shooter armed with an AR-15-style rifle at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Four people were reported to have been shot, and dispatchers reported hearing multiple gunshots in the background of the calls. This incident was a criminal act, intended to be disruptive and cause chaos, the school said in a statement. The University of South Carolina also received two calls Sunday reporting an active shooter at the schools library, with the sound of gunshots in the background. Northern Arizona University stated that a caller reported a gunman Monday at Cline Library on its Flagstaff Mountain Campus, prompting a response from Flagstaff police, Coconino County sheriff's deputies, and both state and federal agents. The report was determined to be a hoax, and at no time was there an active threat to the NAU community, the university said in a statement. An investigation is underway into the false report, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. An FBI spokesperson said: The FBI continues to work with state and local partners to investigate the swatting hoaxes, but cannot say at this stage whether or not the incidents are connected. These hoaxes risk creating complacency at campuses and among students, where active shooter alerts and drills have become a common part of life. Miceala Morano, a 21-year-old senior journalism major at the University of Arkansas, experienced this firsthand. She hid behind a green screen in the broadcast room and called her grandmother as officers outside wore bulletproof vests. As of right now, Im safe. I love you, said Morano, who was raised participating in active shooter drills. Every second counts during a mass shooting, so police have to respond as quickly as possible when an alert goes out (AP) As a child, she learned to stack chairs in front of the classroom door and to climb into the ceiling if there was no other escape. Now, this. Theres just these few minutes where all you really feel is fear, whether the threats there or not, she said. Casey Mann, a 19-year-old classmate, said she couldnt sleep until 2 a.m. afterward. Its just a scary reality the time were living in right now, she said, pausing and apologizing, her voice choking up. It just makes me wonder what were supposed to expect in the future when it comes to the frequency of events like this. It does make me worry that people will be inclined to think its a false alarm, said Mya Norman, a chemistry instructor at Arkansas who hid under her office desk as the Fayetteville campus remained on lockdown. The goal of swatting, which sometimes employs caller ID spoofing to disguise numbers, is to prompt authorities, particularly a SWAT team, to respond to a specific address. Security experts said that risk remains, but campus officials must find the right balance in keeping students and teachers on guard for any real threats in the future. Law enforcement doesnt have a choice, Elizabeth Jaffe, an associate professor at Atlantas John Marshall Law School, told CNN, noting every second counts in a real mass shooting. They have to investigate. They cant just sit around and wait. A wave of threats three years ago was believed to originate from outside the country, the FBI said at the time. The agency provided few details about the recent campus threats, including whether they are coordinated, but the calls seem to share similar characteristics. Most involved multiple calls to authorities about an active shooter or shooting, and at least four included the sound of gunshots in the background. The current spate of false calls comes as the threat of widespread gun violence feels particularly severe. Less than a month ago, a gunman targeted the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta, leading to a lockdown at nearby Emory University. Another gunman, targeting the NFLs New York headquarters, opened fire inside a Manhattan skyscraper in late July, killing four people, including an off-duty police officer. With reporting from the Associated Press The public inquiry into the murder of Emma Caldwell must begin with no more delays, the family has urged. After meeting the Justice Secretary in Glasgow, they described the so-called police investigation into her death as a cynical exercise to ensure that years will pass by and the truth will never emerge. Aamer Anwar, the lawyer representing Ms Caldwells family, read the statement following the hour-long meeting with Angela Constance which was held to discuss the inquirys terms of reference. Ms Caldwell was murdered in 2005 but it was not until last year that Iain Packer was convicted of her killing along with a slew of sexual offences against other women. Emma Caldwell was murdered in 2005 (Family handout/PA) The initial police investigation has drawn criticism for failing to catch Packer, who was jailed for life with a minimum term of 36 years two decades after the murder of the 27-year-old. Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Anwar said the family had no trust in police or the Crown Office. He said in a statement issued on behalf of the family: Today we advised the Justice Minister that there is no trust in the role of Crown Office and the Solicitor General. The attempt by Crown Office to bring an independent police force to investigate the actions of previous officers in Scotland has not happened. The Caldwell family and the survivors who instruct us believe the only vehicle for the truth to emerge is the public inquiry, which must start with no more delays. The so-called police investigation is a distraction, a cynical exercise to ensure that years will pass by and the truth will never emerge. Emma and the many women whose names are not known were part of our families and communities. Margaret Caldwell, the mother of Emma Caldwell, took part in the meeting at the offices of the Scottish Government in Atlantic Quay, Glasgow (Andrew Milligan/PA) They were important to their loved ones and friends, and they should have been important to the police, but instead were betrayed. This is no longer about Packer he is now irrelevant. It is now about the police and Crown Office who betrayed Emma and so many other victims. The family and many survivors want the public inquiry chaired by Lord Scott to commence without further delay. Speaking to reporters, Mr Anwar said it was his understanding the inquiry wishes to move at pace but administrative matters have to happen first. He said Ms Caldwells family called for the police investigation to cease for now and instead to continue at the end of the public inquiry. Delays only suit one group of people, Mr Anwar said, and thats those who betrayed her. He said there had been no rhyme or reason why the inquiry, which was promised in March 2024, had not already begun. A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: The Lord Advocate instructed an independent investigation into allegations of potential criminality by police officers. The Law Officers must be satisfied that the new investigation is fully separate from previous police work and are considering how this can be done. The Solicitor General, who is now handling the case on behalf of the Law Officers, has made an open invitation to meet with Emmas family and their solicitor. Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: My thoughts remain with Margaret Caldwell and Emmas family, and I am grateful to them for meeting me today to discuss the public inquiry into the investigation of Emmas murder in 2005. The terms of reference for the public inquiry are being progressed, and I hope it will help provide answers for her family and ensure that lessons are learned for the future. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: We will fully support the public inquiry and any further police investigation into the murder of Emma Caldwell. Two police officers are under investigation following the death of a man in custody (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Archive) Four people have been arrested after footage appeared to show pro-Palestine activists smashing a car through the gates of a defence manufacturer. A group named online as Palestinian Martyrs appear to have broken into the Moog Aircraft Group factory in Pendeford, Wolverhampton at 3:50am on Tuesday. Dramatic footage shows a black four-wheel drive car smashing through two white barriers, before the activists set off red flares and climb a ladder onto the roof of a building. Staffordshire Police said there was significant damage caused to a number of sky lights and solar panels. The activists have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, police added. The manufacturer was targeted because it builds parts for the F-35 fighter jets which the UK sells to Israel via a global pool, the group claimed. F-35 fighter jets have been used in Israels destructive bombing campaign in Gaza for nearly two years. Hundreds have been arrested for supporting a separate group, Palestine Action, which was proscribed by the government after its members broke into RAF Brize Norton (PA Wire) One of the activists said: We are Palestinian Martyrs for Justice and each of us here today on the roof of Moog are wearing a T-shirt of one of the martyrs that have been murdered by Israel in the genocide. Police said in a statement: A number of individuals had entered a manufacturing building and gained access to the roof. Officers, along with colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, were deployed to the scene and four individuals were arrested. This is an ongoing investigation and we would ask members of the public to avoid the site at this time. The arrests come weeks after a separate group, Palestine Action, was proscribed by the government after two of its members broke into RAF Brize Norton where they damaged jets. The group was also linked to allegations of a serious assault on staff and police officers at a business premises in South Gloucestershire. More than 700 people have been arrested for showing support for the group since it was banned on July 5, with 67 charged so far, police said. The charges relate to protests in central London on July 5 and 12. They will appear in court across several dates in October, and face a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment. French President Emmanuel Macron - Aaron Schwartz/PA What has happened to my beloved France, the country where I spent my childhood summers, studied and worked in my 20s? Once the embodiment of European confidence and cultural supremacy, the land of Voltaire, Bastiat and de Tocqueville is now trapped in an accelerating spiral of decline. British tourists some nine million a year might experience la France profonde, the warm baguettes, contented cows, the exquisite parking. But beneath the idyll lies the reality of a country at war with itself, its government fighting crises on economic, political and social fronts. When Emmanuel Macron glided into office in 2017, he was hailed as a beacon of hope not just for lhexagone but wider Europe. The BBC gushingly called his victory a repudiation of the populist tide sweeping across the continent. Eight years on, the gloss has worn off. Macron has presided over the total unravelling of what was once a vaguely coherent, moderately high-trust society. Homicide rates and drug-related violence have risen significantly, particularly in cities such as Marseille. There are a growing number of areas into which the police will venture only in strength, and a latent volatility which erupted during the gilets jaunes protests. The country is being bogged down by ungovernable producer interests and paralysed by strikes, which wreak havoc on a different order of magnitude to those here. The public are painfully aware of this systematic decline, even if snooty elites look the other way. Polling suggests nearly three-quarters of French citizens no longer trust the presidency hardly surprising after Macrons cynical decision to call snap legislative elections last summer. The government is again on the brink of collapse. Some 70 per cent believe their living conditions are worsening reasonably enough, given that growth has stagnated since the financial crisis. Public debt is a staggering 114 per cent of GDP. Frances tax burden is among the highest in the OECD. The young are either out of work youth unemployment has reached over 15 per cent, compared to 9 per cent here or utterly disillusioned. Hence the 2020 viral Twitter meme, Le Contrat Social, which captured the sense of despair gripping this generation. Its protagonist, Nicolas (30 ans), works hard, pays his taxes, yet receives nothing in return. His contributions fund generous pensions for Boomers and benefits for migrants, while his own prospects shrink. No wonder hes depressed. The French are in a permanent state of anxiety over migration and the failures of integration. Many of Frances immigrants come from North Africa: its Muslim population is around 10 per cent (in Britain it is 6.9 per cent). Islamist terrorism has taken a terrible psychological toll with the attacks on Charlie Hebdo and the Bataclan concert hall 10 years ago this November just the most visible. Other dreadful incidents at a Jewish school, a kosher supermarket, and the brutal murder of a teacher following a classroom discussion have seared deep scars. So, while Macron may have thrown a wobbler over Charles Kushners biting letter in The Wall Street Journal this week, in which the US ambassador criticised the governments lack of sufficient action on the scourge of anti-Semitism, he doesnt have a block-heeled leg to stand on. There were more than 1,500 reported anti-Semitic incidents in 2024, far higher than the 440 recorded in 2022. The French presidents words of sympathy towards the Jewish community ring hollow when he later declines to, for instance, take part in a Paris march against anti-Semitism. And yet, despite it all, one French university is now offering a popular course on Britains political decline. This isnt just Anglo-French rivalry as caricatured in the BBCs latest, factually-dubious drama King and Conqueror. The French have a point. France, for all its faults, has not embraced self-sabotage with the same zeal as Britain. It isnt pursuing ruinous net zero policies in some delusional bid to lead the globe on decarbonisation; it is a net exporter of electricity. Its trains run. Its housing stock stands at roughly 570 dwellings per 1,000 people compared with our 450 all too many of which Yvette Cooper now wants to pack with illegal migrants. Its healthcare outcomes far outperform our own. Britain may have a stronger record on integration but that too is fast fading. The immigrant share of England and Wales is 17 per cent compared with 10 per cent in France. Net migration to France in 2024 was 152,000; ours was three times that figure. Much as British taxpayers may loathe us punting 500m to French authorities only for them to stand idly by as packed dinghies make way to our shores, at least they are acting in their national interest. But if theres one key difference between two countries which are swiftly converging, its this: in France, regime change has long been the nations second favourite pastime after le cinq a sept. Since 1789, there has been a tradition of radical transformation through revolutionary activity. Now, as Prof David Abulafia tells me, the tension between far-Left and far-Right is potentially explosive. The UK political culture, by contrast, has for centuries been as bland and stodgy as its native cuisine. Then again, we could soon have a taster menu of exotic new choices. If Labour continues to obfuscate as the migrant crisis intensifies, nothing can be discounted. France is a warning about where we will be and almost are. The Cotswolds may remain an idyll, as do Frances rustic villages, but London and Birmingham are on the precipice of descending into the Third World. Gino DAcampo (right) has shown support for Brooklyn Beckham (left) (ES Composite) Brooklyn Beckham has sent celebrity chef Gino DAcampo a bottle of his Cloud23 hot sauce, which the Italian TV personality praised on social media despite ongoing controversy surrounding his career. DAcampo, 49, shared a video with fans in which he sampled the 15 condiment while tucking into a burger cooked in his own-brand outdoor oven. Filmed against a backdrop of a pool and mountains, the chef declared: Cloud23 burger this is the best burger you will ever taste. He captioned the clip: This is not just a burger this is a @cloud23 spicy burger, something you must try! Grazie @brooklynpeltzbeckham for the kind gift, fantastico sauce Turning directly to the eldest Beckham sibling, he added: Brooklyn, bravo, this is a very good habanero hot sauce, I like it, the real thing, grazie. The gift comes months after DAcampo was accused by former colleagues of bullying and making sexually inappropriate comments. The chef has firmly denied the allegations, describing them as deeply upsetting. ITV quietly dropped him from its line-up in February following the claims. Best known for appearances on This Morning and Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip with Gordon Ramsay and Fred Sirieix, DAcampo has since relocated to Australia, where he is planning two new restaurants and a culinary tech venture. A spokesperson told The Sun that he loves Australia a lot the people, culture, cleanliness and environment, while insiders suggested he had been inundated with offers after a recent tour. Meanwhile, Brooklyn, 26, and wife Nicola Peltz Beckham, 30, have faced their own headlines amid reports of ongoing tension with his famous family. The pair renewed their vows in a ceremony officiated by Nicolas billionaire father Nelson Peltz, but David and Victoria Beckham were notably absent. Speculation of a rift between the families has persisted since the couple married in 2022, with their absence from Davids lavish 50th birthday celebrations earlier this year fuelling further rumours. Despite the turbulence, Brooklyn has continued to promote his Cloud23 range, which has become a popular brand in the US, and appears to still attract celebrity fans with DAcampo the latest to offer his endorsement. Gisele Pelicots daughter says she barely speaks to her mother now: Shes not an icon to me Gisele Pelicots daughter has revealed she barely speaks to her mother now, despite sharing the ordeal of a high-profile mass rape trial. Caroline Darian claims that she was also a victim of her father Dominique Pelicot, who was convicted in France last year after orchestrating her mothers rape. But Ms Darian says her allegations have led to a rift between mother and daughter, laid bare in a new interview. My mother let go of my hand in that courtroom, Ms Darian told The Telegraph, as she discussed the fallout from a case that shocked the world. She abandoned me. For four years I accompanied my mum everywhere. I supported her without ever judging her. And it wasnt always easy because she didnt want to hear what I was telling her about Dominique. But in that courtroom, she was supposed to help me. And that, I can never forgive her for. Caroline Darian sits next to her mother and her brother at the courthouse during the trial of her father (AFP via Getty Images) The three-month trial last autumn saw 51 men convicted for a total of 428 years and retired electrician Pelicot jailed for the maximum term of 20 years. During the investigation, police recovered deleted photographs of Ms Darian from her fathers hard drive in a file called My Daughter Naked. In the photos, she appears asleep, in underwear she says was not her own. She believes they were taken after having been drugged like her mother. Pelicot denied sexually assaulting or raping his daughter during the trial. Ms Pelicot declined to answer when she was asked in court if she supported her daughters claims. Ms Darian has detailed her ordeal in a book, Ill Never Call Him Dad Again, which recounts the discovery of her fathers abusive behaviour and how the family managed to carry on. She has also set up her own campaign #MendorsPas: Stop Chemical Submission: Don't Put Me Under to highlight the issue of drugged assaults. Describing herself as the invisible victim, the author discussed her harrowing experience at the Hay Festival earlier this year. Ms Darian (left) says her mother has not supported her claims against her father (EPA) At the very beginning of the revelations, I discovered some pictures of me, taken from my beloved father, where Im totally sedated, she said. He sedated me, like my mum. The main difference between my mum and me: my mum has all the evidence, all the proof of having been raped. But not me. I only have those pictures, almost naked, lying on the bed, with pants which are not mine. But I dont know whats happened before or after. In the aftermath of the trial, having bravely waived her anonymity, Ms Pelicot emerged as a courageous symbol against rape culture. My mum was catapulted into the limelight; she became an icon, she told The Telegraph. Meanwhile, there we were, back down on earth, with all these unanswered questions and we are damaged. My mother isn't an icon - not to me. Asked what she would say if she bumped into her today, Ms Darian replied: Hello mum and goodbye mum. A homeless man accused of battering a woman to death with a mallet days after she took him in has pleaded guilty to her murder. Victoria Adams, 37, was found dead at her flat in Hammersmith, west London, on February 9 after police were called to a report of a man attempting to break in to the property in Coulter Road. She was found face down in a bedroom with a black bin bag over her head which was covered by a pillow. Ms Adams had suffered at least 10 separate injuries to the back and side of the head from being struck with a blunt object, said to be a mallet found with her blood and DNA on it. Her attacker, Apapale Adoum, 39, who was arrested at the scene, had met her on February 6 when he was living in a homeless shelter. She had invited him to stay with her but later wrote a note to ask him to leave. On Tuesday, Adoum appeared at the Old Bailey and pleaded guilty to murder. Adjourning sentencing, Judge Nigel Lickley KC told the defendant: The sentence for murder is a life sentence and that is what I will pass on October 24. The defendant was remanded into custody. Israel is facing global condemnation after 20 people were killed in an attack on a hospital in Gaza, as domestic protests calling for a ceasefire, led by families of hostages taken by Hamas, swept the country. The victims on the fourth floor of Nasser Hospital were killed in a double-tap strike, with one missile hitting first, then another moments later as rescue crews arrived, an eyewitness told The Independent. The attack, in which five journalists were killed including Maryam Abu Daqqa, who worked for The Independents sister site Independent Arabia was among the deadliest to have hit journalists over the course of the war. The US, the European Union, Canada, Britain, Egypt, China, France, and Spain denounced the attack, while Germany called for an investigation. The Israeli military said after its initial investigation that the strike aimed to take out a Hamas surveillance camera, along with several people it claimed were militants belonging to the group. Israel is facing global condemnation and domestic protests after its deadly Gaza hospital strike (Reuters) The military said it had established that none of the five journalists killed were among the six Hamas targets it says were killed in the two strikes, and that the journalists were not suspected of being militants. The military claimed that they were not the target of the strikes. The chief of general staff acknowledged several gaps in the investigation so far, including in relation to the kind of ammunition that was used to take out the camera. A further inquiry has been ordered into how the decision was made to target the hospital. The US president, Donald Trump, said: Im not happy about it. I dont want to see it. At the same time, we have to end that whole nightmare. He added that a very serious diplomatic push to end the war is underway, and that there may be a conclusive ending in Gaza in the coming weeks, but he did not offer any further details. Our front page this morning (Independent) Britains foreign secretary David Lammy said he was horrified by the attack and called for an immediate ceasefire. Separately, Israeli protesters across the country have blocked major highways as they continue to demand the release of the people taken hostage by Hamas on 7 October 2023. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum started their national day of struggle at 6.29am local time, the same time as Hamas launched their attack two years ago. Advancing the plan to conquer Gaza while there is an agreement lying on the table for the prime ministers signature is a stab in the heart of the families and the entire nation, said Itzik Horn, father of Eitan Horn and captivity survivor Iair Horn. Footage shared online shows traffic grinding to a halt as a large fire blazed across parts of a road between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Protesters across Israel blocked major highways (Reuters) The coastal highway on the outskirts of Tel Aviv was also closed to traffic around Yakum junction. Demonstrators plan to march from Savidor station in Tel Aviv to hostages square for a large rally this evening, the forum told media. The forum is directly appealing to Mr Trump to finalise a ceasefire deal and return the hostages. Israel believes 20 of the hostages are still alive. (L-R) Hussam al-Masri, Maryam Abu Daqqa, Moaz Abu Taha, Mohammed Salama, and Ahmad Abu Aziz (Reuters) A joint letter to Israel, AP and Reuters said: We are outraged that independent journalists were among the victims of this strike on the hospital, a location that is protected under international law. These journalists were present in their professional capacity, doing critical work bearing witness. The five journalists who were killed in the attack included cameraman Hussam al-Masri, who worked for ; photographer Mohammed Salama, who worked for Al Jazeera; Independent Arabias Maryam Abu Daqqa; Moaz Abu Taha, who worked for NBC; and Ahmad Abu Aziz, a journalist with Palestinian youth news agency Quds Feed Network, the Palestinian government media office said. A rescue worker was also among those killed, health officials added. An Israeli military spokesperson claimed that the army does not target civilians and that it had launched an internal investigation into the strikes. Meanwhile, Israeli forces launched a rare daytime raid on Tuesday in the heart of the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, where the Palestinian Authority is headquartered. Dozens of Palestinians were wounded, according to local medics. Israel has attacked hospitals numerous times throughout the war, claiming that Hamas embeds itself in and around the facilities. The body of freelance journalist Maryam Abu Daqqa is carried for burial after she was killed in an Israeli strike (Family handout) The latest attack followed Israels plans to widen its offensive to heavily populated areas in an attempt to destroy Hamas. Israeli defence minister Israel Katz has vowed to press on with the offensive against Gaza City, despite alarm abroad and objections at home. A sixth journalist, Palestinian correspondent Hassan Douhan, was killed in a separate incident in Khan Younis in the south of Gaza, Al Jazeera reported. More than 62,000 Palestinians have died since 7 October, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Around 1,200 people were killed by Hamas in its initial attack, and around 250 were taken hostage. John Bolton waves as he arrives at his house after the FBI raided it on Friday - Manuel Balce Ceneta John Bolton has hit out at Donald Trumps utterly incoherent Ukraine strategy after his house was raided by the FBI. Mr Bolton, formerly Mr Trumps national security adviser, also reshared comments on X by Britains former top diplomat calling the search of his home in Maryland on Friday suspicious. Writing for The Washington Examiner on Monday, Mr Bolton called his former bosss approach to Ukraine no more coherent today than it was last Friday when his administration executed search warrants against my home and office. The 76-year-old appeared to goad Mr Trump, saying he had made several significant mistakes in the last two weeks, including failing to sanction Russia and China and instead imposing tariffs on India, a US ally. Mr Trump performed a stunning about-face by dropping his demand for a ceasefire in the Ukraine war following a meeting this month with Vladimir Putin, Mr Bolton said. Agents also raided Mr Boltons office - Jose Luis Gonzalez The former national security adviser also criticised the president for touting a potential bilateral meeting between the Russian leader and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, when no meeting appears likely anytime soon. His efforts over the last two-plus weeks may have left us further from peace and a just settlement for Ukraine than before, Mr Bolton said of his former boss. Mr Bolton, who has emerged as a fierce critic of Mr Trump since being sacked from his first administration, has largely refrained from commenting on the raid since it took place on Friday. In a post on X, which was published while his home was being searched, he cast doubt on the success of peace talks, saying that Russia still wanted to drag Ukraine into a new Russian empire. Its not clear if the post was pre-written and scheduled in advance, or if Mr Bolton shared it as his home was descended on by FBI agents. FBI agents at Mr Boltons house - Manuel Balce Ceneta On Monday, Mr Bolton also shared comments on social media made by William Hague, Britains former foreign secretary, criticising the FBI raid. Mr Hague noted the raid had taken place just days after Mr Trump had been enraged by his criticisms of his approach to Ukraine. That is a potential encroachment on freedom of speech and liberty that a free press has to call and call attention to, he told Times Radio. Mr Trump had hit out at news outlets for quoting really dumb people like John Bolton when his former aide said Putin had clearly won following their meeting in Alaska this month. The president has denied having anything to do with the raid while labelling Mr Bolton a low-life. Mr Hague, referring to the European leaders who headed to Washington, DC, last week alongside Mr Zelensky to speak to Mr Trump, added that Mr Bolton was right about Ukraine. Very little progress has actually been made in the last few weeks despite all this rushing around the world that everybodys been doing because everybodys just trying to please Trump, he said. BEIJING, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Defining the war's nature remains fundamental. Both the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and WWII as a whole represented a civilizational struggle against barbarism - progress confronting reaction. The aggression by fascist powers, such as Germany, Italy and Japan, posed a direct threat to human civilization, while the resistance of the Chinese people and people worldwide was just and progressive. Today, certain actors deliberately distort historical facts to advance strategies aimed at containing China. They are exploiting WWII narratives through utilitarian reinterpretations in order to repurpose history to achieve contemporary geopolitical objectives. In the name of "turning enemies into allies," they have even described relations between a victorious anti-fascist country and a defeated fascist state as "standing together." Such rhetoric dishonors the memory of countless resisters and martyrs, including American soldiers who gave their lives in the anti-fascist cause. To reverse black and white and falsify history for present-day political gain not only desecrates their sacrifice but also risks encouraging the resurgence of militarism. In the end, such distortions inevitably backfire. The correct view of WWII history rests on three pillars: respect for historical facts, recognition of historical trends and confidence in the progress of human civilization. These three aspects are interconnected, and together they reveal the war's true nature. Only through accurate comprehension and transmission of this history can humanity progress toward higher developmental stages. The victory of the World Anti-Fascist War was a priceless spiritual legacy, achieved through immense blood and sacrifice by the peoples of the world. It must never be desecrated, distorted or exploited for narrow political ends. Truth becomes clearer through debate. To uphold the correct view of WWII history, it is essential to deepen historical research, strengthen historical interpretation and expand dissemination. The international community already has valuable experience in this regard. In the 1950s, France and Germany established a joint history textbook commission to explore common historical understandings, paving the way for reconciliation and cooperation. Since then, numerous cross-national research projects have produced meaningful progress. In October 2006, the leaders of China and Japan agreed to launch joint historical studies between scholars of the two countries. Through exchanges, the two sides achieved a certain consensus on historical issues, which enhanced mutual understanding and trust between both peoples. In addition, with the efforts of civil society groups, a joint editorial committee of scholars from China, Japan and South Korea published The Contemporary and Modern History of Three East Asian Countries and A Modern History of East Asia Beyond The Boundaries, among other pieces of work, in the languages of the three countries, further consolidating a shared, factual view of history. Beyond shared understanding between aggressor and victim countries, the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression must also be viewed in the broader perspective of world history and human progress. The War against Japanese Aggression was a historical turning point for the Chinese nation in its march toward great rejuvenation. Only by holding a correct view of history can people remain at the forefront of the times and chart the right direction amid today's profound global changes. The correct view of WWII history is a valuable spiritual treasure for humanity. The forces of justice, which have already taken shape in today's world, will continue: They will defend the correct view of WWII history, strive for the right of national independence and self-determined development, and explore paths to modernization without repeating the old road of hegemony. Historical revisionism, with all its contradictions, will ultimately be swept away by the tide of history. SOURCE Global Times As Nigel Farage stood in front of a giant union flag in an aircraft hangar at Oxford airport, the Reform UK leader laid out his solution to one of British voters biggest concerns illegal migration and the growing number of asylum seekers arriving in the UK on small boats. But for those who have been listening to Mr Farage for many years in his now long political career, there was something very familiar about todays announcement. In fact, it was a well-trodden formula for the man who hopes to be Britains next prime minister. What Mr Farage offered was, in fact, a repackaging of what could be termed as the Brexit formula. In other words, isolate the UK internationally by withdrawing from foundational global agreements, and then expect the rest of the world to simply do what Britain wants. This sort of solution worked when Lord Palmerston was able to send a gunboat to sit outside a foreign port in the 19th century, but it is quite a lot more complicated now. Farage laid out his mass deportation plans (AP) The grand plan Essentially, Farage argues that once he is prime minister, he can force countries like Pakistan, Iran, Syria and Afghanistan to take back thousands of irregular migrants. Those arriving in the UK illegally will be arrested, detained and then deported, the Reform leader said, as he admitted that he cares more about the frustrated British people than the fate of those who will be persecuted. He will achieve his goal by withdrawing from the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), making the UK an outlier along with Russia and Belarus. He will also suspend other international agreements, like the Refugee Convention, for five years. Zia Yusuf, the partys former chairman, added that Reform will bring in a watertight law which would mean no judge will be able to block a single enforced departure. Giving the people what they want There is no doubt, though, that the polished sales pitch today did offer many voters what they want. The two traditional main parties have left a gaping hole in the political world by failing to tackle the small boats issue, and the blueprint outlined by Farage on Tuesday leaves Keir Starmer and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch playing catch-up. Both Labour and the Tories may be criticising Farages approach, but they are beginning to copy his policies. Already the Tories are planning to formally introduce a policy of abandoning the ECHR a document originally drawn up by Conservatives while over the weekend, Labour announced plans to water down the over-interpretation of human rights by judges. Government ministers are looking at the polling and listening to the focus groups and know the hardline rhetoric of the Reform UK leader is working. We saw over the weekend a YouGov poll saying 71 per cent believe Starmer has handled the issue badly, and it remains a key concern among voters, along with the economy. Small boats are still crossing the Channel (Getty) Mr Farages most cogent response to his many critics was: What is being done isnt working. It is very hard to argue with. But will his plan actually work? Brexit revisited For those of us still scarred by the political battles that followed the 2016 EU referendum, the naive proposals being outlined by Farage in Oxford had a familiar ring. Back in 2016, British voters were told that if they voted to leave, then there would be no problem getting a departure deal from the EU and countries would be lining up to do trade deals, headed by the United States. The reality was somewhat different. The departure took four years, two prime ministers and two elections to negotiate, and left the UK in a much weaker position economically. Just to underline the point, Starmer has effectively negotiated the second reset of that original 2020 deal after Rishi Sunak had an effort at a first one in 2023. As far as trade deals are concerned, it has taken years to get anything with the US, and the deal with Trump is effectively one to lessen the impact of the US presidents tariffs. It took years to get the much-vaunted deal with India, while there are serious questions over the impact of the hastily arranged ones with Australia and New Zealand. All these are warning notes for any UK governments future negotiating powers on returns. After all, why has it been so hard to get a deal on returning migrants to France? Because the UK does not have the muscle to force the EU to accept. Dominic Grieve outlined the legal barriers to Farages deportation plans (PA Archive) Other problems Former attorney general Dominic Grieve made it clear that judges could use the British common law vaunted by Farage and his supporters to block deportations. While Yusuf was confident that no judge could block a deportation, he is no legal expert. Added to that, there will be the inevitable political upheaval of protests against the draconian measures at a time when Farage himself warned that the UK is on the brink of civil unrest. Then there will be questions over the fate of those sent back, with even children being packed onto planes. But the biggest fear will be international isolation. The UK will look like a pariah state withdrawing from human rights and international law. In the short term, it will cancel the agreements with the EU on trade, data sharing and security. So while Farage was able to trot out the same glib lines that won him the Brexit referendum, there is a danger that the consequences of him actually doing it could be extremely damaging for the country, with the added possibility that he will not even succeed. US Open exit: Katie Boulter (Getty Images) Katie Boulter will drop outside the world's top 50 after losing to Marta Kostyuk in the opening round of the US Open. The former British number one has had a difficult season and admitted ahead of the contest that she had begun to feel burnt out after heading straight from Wimbledon to the United States. This was a tough draw against the 27th seed and Boulter was unable to prevent a first opening-round loss here in four years, losing out 6-4 6-4. Boulter's only previous match against Ukrainian Kostyuk came in San Diego last spring and brought her the biggest title of her career. But she was unable to defend her crown because of injury and wins have been hard to come by since, aside from an impressive first title on clay, albeit below main tour level, just ahead of the French Open. This was a close contest but ultimately it was Kostyuk who took more of her chances, with Boulter converting only two of her 10 break points. Three of these came in the final game after Boulter, who hit eight double faults, had dug in to save five match points on her own serve, but she could not push the match to a decider. It is a rare first-round defeat at a grand slam for the 29-year-old, who had reached the second round in nine of her 10 previous appearances in the main draws at majors. Elsewhere, Sonay Kartal limped to defeat in an extraordinary opening-round clash with Beatriz Haddad Maia at the US Open. Kartal was making her debut in the main draw in New York following her speedy rise up the rankings and was looking to write more grand slam headlines following a run to the fourth round of Wimbledon. Defeated: Sonay Kartal (Getty Images) She beat Haddad Maia earlier this season in Indian Wells but, inspired by her noisy Brazilian fan club, the 18th seed overcame cramp to claim a 6-3 1-6 6-1 victory. The third set, which was delayed by a long bathroom break for Haddad Maia, provided high drama, with both women barely able to move. Kartal, who appeared to be struggling with a recurrence of a knee problem, tried to find a way back after Haddad Maia suddenly began cramping leading 4-0, the Brazilian struggling just to roll serves over the net. But Kartal was also clearly physically compromised and it was Haddad Maia who managed to stumble across the line. It was Donald Trump's first meeting with the new president of South Korea. A highly unconventional platform for glowing words about the North Korean one. As he sat across from Lee Jae Myung, Mr Trump said he got along "great" with Kim Jong Un and would like to meet him again "this year". He said he would like to help the relationship between the two Koreas. Curious timing The US president's renewed interest in North Korea appears less about policy and more about theatrics. The historic image of Trump stepping on to North Korean soil in 2019 gave him global headlines. The timing is curious - North Korea has been busy polishing its nuclear credentials and vowing not to disarm without serious concessions. In other words, Pyongyang is holding the same cards it held four years ago, only now they're shinier. 'Hermit Kingdom' But since Trump's first-term meetings with Kim ended, North Korea has shown no interest in returning to talks. But these attempts at rapprochement come after the election in South Korea of Lee, who has pledged to reopen dialogue with North Korea. Trump seems eager to revive his image as the only US president bold, or brash, enough to break bread with the ruler of the "Hermit Kingdom". Supporters call it visionary diplomacy; critics call it reality TV masquerading as foreign policy. Either way, Trump clearly sees value in the spectacle. Whether Kim Jong Un does is another story. Belfast rap trio Kneecap have announced the release date of their latest song a day after cancelling a string of US tour dates. The group said it would be cancelling 15 gigs on Monday because of the proximity of Liam Og O hAnnaidhs next court hearing in London, where prosecutors allege the 27-year-old displayed a flag in support of proscribed terror organisation Hezbollah at a London gig last year. On Tuesday, the trio, comprising O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ ODochartaigh, announced their new track Sayonara would be released digitally on September 2 after performing it at festivals and gigs over the summer. Sayonara! We're buzzing to have teamed up with Paul Hartnoll from Orbital on this one. We've been playing this unreleased banger in most gigs over the summernow it's getting an official release. Sayonara will be out digitally in one week (September 2nd) and is pic.twitter.com/bU6m14qY5K KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) August 26, 2025 The rap group said they teamed up with Paul Hartnoll from electronic music duo Orbital for the song, which has a physical release date of October 10. Orbitals track Belfast, which featured on their 1991 debut self-titled studio album, appears on the soundtrack of the Kneecap film, which took home a Bafta for outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer earlier in the year. O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, will return to Westminster Magistrates Court on September 26, after his legal team argued the case should be thrown out because of a technical error in the way the charge was brought against him. At the adjourned hearing in September, chief magistrate Paul Goldspring will rule on whether he has the jurisdiction to try the case. In a social media post, the band said refunds for their US tour will be available from point of purchase, and promised they would be sharing something very special for their US fans next week which would mean we can still link in with you all in October. The band, who formed in Belfast and released their first single in 2017, confirmed their four sold-out October shows in Canada, in Vancouver and Toronto, should go ahead as planned. It comes after months of sold-out shows and festival performances across the country, including a set at Glastonbury Festival in June which was investigated by Avon and Somerset Police, who later said they would be taking no further action. Kneecap initially hit headlines in April when footage emerged that appeared to show a band member saying Kill your local MP at one gig and saying Up Hamas, up Hezbollah at another. The group, known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise as well as their championing of the Irish language and pro-Palestine stance, have apologised to the families of murdered MPs and said they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah. Marks & Spencer is launching a dedicated resale platform on eBay as it looks for new ways to encourage customers to recycle their clothing. From Tuesday, customers can trade in their clothing, footwear and accessories through M&Ss first online takeback scheme while pre-loved items are now available to buy on the official M&S x eBay store. To use the service, customers must complete a short form on its website or scan a QR code in stores before sending their pre-loved items using a free local courier service to Reskinned, a repair and resale specialist. The best M&S items that can be worn again will be professionally cleaned, repaired by Reskinned and listed on the M&S eBay store. Items that cannot be resold will be responsibly repurposed or recycled. Marks & Spencers new resale platform is being launched on eBay (PA) For each return that includes at least one M&S-labelled item, customers receive a 5 off a spend of 35 or more voucher on fashion, home and beauty products online at M&S.com, valid for four weeks from the date of issue. M&S said 15% of the profits will go to its long-standing partner Oxfam. The retailer said the partnership was designed to make it easy for customers to trade in M&S items they no longer wear, and offered a one-stop destination to shop for their favourite styles. Monique Leeuwenburgh, director of sourcing and technology in fashion, home and beauty at M&S, said: At M&S, we are committed to supporting customers to do the right thing and playing our part in reducing textile waste. Were delighted to be partnering with the pre-loved experts at eBay and Reskinned to launch a dedicated resale platform. This not only offers more ways for customers to give items another life, but also an opportunity for customers to purchase items they might have missed from previous seasons which are pre-loved. Kirsty Keoghan, general manager of European fashion at eBay, said: M&S is a beloved British institution, known for its enduring quality and style, and a staple in wardrobes across the UK. Welcoming M&S to the eBay marketplace represents an exciting milestone in our mission to make circular fashion more accessible, appealing, and scalable. Circular economy minister Mary Creagh said: Our plan for change is focused on cleaning up Britain, ending our throwaway culture and ensuring that the 700,000 odd tonnes of clothes we throw away each year are worn more. Only government and businesses working together can stop fashion costing the earth, which is why I welcome this new initiative from M&S a great way for consumers to be rewarded for providing a new home for old favourites. The Duchess of Sussexs returning Netflix show has been branded marginally less mad than the first and so painfully contrived that it becomes almost fascinating. The second season of With Love, Meghan sees the duchess reveal how spending nearly three weeks away from her children after the late Queen died left her not well, that what she missed most about the UK is Magic FM and how the Duke of Sussex was the first of the pair to say I love you. But the eight-episode output, which was released on Tuesday, has fared poorly with reviewers, like the critically savaged first series, with two star ratings so far. Meghan on her lifestyle and cooking show (Jake Rosenberg/Netflix/PA) The Telegraph pointed out that the duke, who is not seen in person unlike last time, is conspicuously absent, asking: Has she got Harry locked in the pantry? It said the series, which it gave two stars, was marginally less mad than the first but that Meghan was more needy and the show offered more tone-deafness from the Montecito Marie Antoinette. The Guardian also gave it two stars, adding: Its so boring, so contrived, so effortfully whimsical that, do you know what? In the end, it does become almost fascinating. Meghan with Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia (Netflix/PA) The Times labelled it baffling and occupying the sweet spot where irrelevant meets intolerable. Meanwhile, Meghan was perceived as taking a swipe at the royal family in a promotional interview on Bloombergs The Circuit With Emily Chang, when she claimed she had to wear nude pantyhose all the time as a working royal which felt inauthentic and that she could not be as vocal. It was different several years ago, where I couldnt be as vocal and had to wear nude pantyhose all the time, she said. Meghan wearing nude tights at a Palace garden party during her first post-wedding appearance in 2018 (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Lets be honest, that was not very myself. I hadnt seen pantyhose since movies in the 80s when they came in the little egg. That felt a little bit inauthentic. The shows release was followed hours later with a seasonal product drop of Meghans As Ever brand with the duchess adding a marmalade to her range. Meghan is selling orange marmalade costing 9 US dollars (6.68) a jar and orange marmalade in keepsake packing for 14 dollars (10.38), while also restocking her flower sprinkles, cookie and crepe mixes and herbal teas, but not her apricot or raspberry spread. The late Queen Elizabeth II, in a sketch with marmalade-loving Paddington Bear to mark her Platinum Jubilee, delighted royal fans by revealing she kept marmalade sandwiches in her handbag. As Ever described its marmalade as golden and fragrant, with a lively zest that lingers and a refined sweetness our rendition of a teatime classic. The duchess also posted about a morning surprise from my husband on her Instagram stories, with footage showing Princess Lilibet, whose face was not shown, in her pyjamas, running up to kiss a framed black and white photograph, wrapped in a ribbon, of Meghan with her late dog Guy. With Love, Meghan follows the same format as season one, with the duchess cooking and crafting with friends including Queer Eye star Tan France, US model and TV personality Chrissy Teigen, podcaster Jay Shetty and his cookbook author wife Radhi Devlukia, and chefs Samin Nosrat, Clare Smyth, Christina Tosi, Jose Andres and David Chang. Meghan, who is listed as an executive producer, makes versions of McDonalds hot apple pies, American cheese crackers Cheez-Its and salt and vinegar crisps, and serves up a beverages such as a lavender grey latte made from earl grey tea, lavender, and frothy honey and vanilla milk. Meghan talks to Queer Eye star Tan France (Jake Rosenberg/Netflix/PA) In episode three, the former Suits star sympathises with France, who explains he gets heartbroken if he is away from his two young children for more than a couple of days, as she discusses her own separation from Prince Archie and Lili. A serious-looking Meghan replies, nodding and looking up at the ceiling: Oh I know. The longest I went without being around our kids was almost three weeks. I was, she adds before pausing not well. The duke wrote in his memoir Spare about the difficult days after the Queens death, how he and Meghan were separated from Archie and Lili for longer than wed ever been, and when they were reunited in California for days and days we couldnt stop hugging the children, couldnt let them out of our sight. The Waleses and the Sussexes prepare to greet mourners outside Windsor Castle in 2022 (Chris Jackson/PA) The King and the royal family were mourning the loss of Elizabeth II, the nations longest-reigning monarch, in September 2022, against the backdrop of a troubled relationship with Harry and Meghan. The duchess, who moved her family to the US five years ago after stepping down from the working monarchy, also tells France it is easy listening radio station Magic FM that she missed most about the UK. Honestly, one of the things I miss the most about the UK is the radio station called Magic, says Meghan, who originally planned to apply for British citizenship after marrying Harry. France quips: Magic FM. Wow! Now, sorry to say this to you publicly, but thats such a grandma station. A laughing Meghan replies: Ill be that grandma. Magic FM declined to comment. Meghan recalls treating herself to a drive-through apple pie from McDonalds if an acting audition went well, and says cooking and food is so sentimental and meaningful. There are also insights into her family life, but no appearances from Harry, Archie or Lili unlike the last series when the duke was filmed celebrating with Meghan at a party in the final episode. The duchess reveals her children really want a cat, although her expression suggests she is yet to be convinced, that her daughter is a fan of pink theres a lot of pink in my house and likes chia seeds on her pancakes, while Archie is the most tender, sweet, adorable child of all time. The Sussexes at the Invictus Games (Aaron Chown/PA) She fell in love with Harry on their third date while camping in Botswana, Meghan says, while also revealing the duke dislikes lobster and cinnamon. Asked by France who said I love you first, Meghan says: He told me, before blushing and flicking her ponytail with her hand and saying: Shes still got it. Of the chicken she cooked on the night he proposed in 2017, the duchess admits: I will say when I made a roast chicken for my now-husband I was still having a lot of challenges with the conversion of Celsius and Fahrenheit. I made a horrible chicken that night. I mean truly terrible. Stylist and presenter France tells the duchess that her flower sprinkles, sold through As Ever and used liberally throughout the show, are the gayest shit Ive seen in a long time, with the word shit bleeped out, and the remark making Meghan burst out laughing. Harry and Meghan in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace in 2017 (Dominic Lipinski/PA) The duchess also admits to Tosi as they make graham crackers (digestives): Usually, I dont like baking because its so measured. Meghans As Ever range, launched in March, however, includes ready-made shortbread cookies and crepe mixes with pre-measured amounts. Later, Meghan says: I love the idea of being able to rethink baking to be just a little more spontaneous. The second series has premiered two weeks after Harry and Meghan announced a watered-down deal with the streaming giant Netflix. They have signed a multi-year, first-look deal for film and television projects, in contrast to their reported 100 million dollar (74 million) contract five years ago. The second season of the Duchess of Sussex's lifestyle show With Love, Meghan, has been released. Over the eight-episode series, which features celebrity guests including US model and TV personality Chrissy Teigen and Queer Eye's Tan France, Meghan opens up about what she misses most about the UK, the meal she cooked on the night Prince Harry proposed, and who said "I love you" first. The premiere of the second series comes two weeks after Harry and Meghan announced a watered-down deal with the streaming giant Netflix. Despite Harry not making a cameo in the show, Meghan does give some insight into her life in California with the prince, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet. Here is what we learnt from the duchess. Harry saying 'I love you' In one episode, with British fashion designer Tan France, Meghan says it was Harry who first said he loved her. "He told me," she says before blushing and flicking her ponytail with her hand and saying: "She's still got it." She adds that she fell in love with him while camping in Botswana, the pair's third date. "We met in Botswana, and we camped for five days together," she says, adding: "You really get to know someone when you are in a little tent." Missing one particular UK radio station After first getting married, Meghan had planned to apply for British citizenship. But the pair later moved to the US after stepping down from their roles as working royals. In episode three, with Tan France, Meghan admits one of the things she "misses the most" about the UK, after leaving five years ago. She says: "Honestly, one of the things I miss the most about the UK is the radio station called Magic." To which France quips: "Magic FM. Wow! Now, sorry to say this to you publicly, but that's such a grandma station." A laughing Meghan replies: "I'll be that grandma." Duchess 'not well' when away from her children Later in episode three, when the pair are crafting aprons for their children, Meghan says she "always wanted to be a mum", which is now "better than she expected" after the birth of Archie, in 2019, and Lilibet - who they call Lili for short - in 2021. Sympathising with France, who explained he gets heartbroken if away from his two young children for more than a couple of days, the duchess says the longest she and Harry have ever been without seeing their children is almost three weeks. "I was... not well," Meghan says about the separation. In Harry's 2023 memoir, Spare, he wrote of the "difficult days" after Queen Elizabeth II's death and how he and Meghan were separated from Archie and Lili for "longer than we'd ever been". He said when they reunited at their home in Montecito, "for days and days we couldn't stop hugging the children, couldn't let them out of our sight". 'Terrible' chicken In the fourth episode with American chef and TV host Samin Nosrat, Meghan reveals she tried to make a roast chicken on the night Harry proposed in 2017, but it didn't turn out how she expected. "I will say when I made a roast chicken for my now-husband I was still having a lot of challenges with the conversion of Celsius and Fahrenheit. I made a horrible chicken that night. I mean, truly terrible," she says. "The point is you can make a terrible chicken and someone is still going to appreciate the thought." Read more from Sky News: Impact of new online safety rules revealed one month on Medvedev expecting 'big fine' after outburst at US Open Harry and Meghan's wedding menu When chatting with British chef Clare Smyth, who cooked the food at Harry and Meghan's Windsor wedding in 2018, the duchess says "everyone still talks" about the meal - which included roast chicken. "Remember, we had the map where everything was sourced? We really wanted people to appreciate where every ingredient was coming from," she says. The three-Michelin-starred chef revealed that she also devised a special fried chicken recipe to serve as a "late-night bite" at the wedding, which she now serves as an "off-menu" item at her restaurant Core. "Our off-menu item is the fried chicken at Core," Meghan says, adding: "If that's my claim to fame. I'm thrilled." Archie and Lili use both British and American words In another part of the sixth episode, Smyth says she always has to think about the American names for certain foods, including eggplant (aubergine) and cilantro (coriander). The duchess then says: "My kids will say a little bit of both, but never cooking terms, because I guess papa is not cooking as much. "They both say zebra instead of zee-bra." Her time on Deal Or No Deal In the episode with Chrissy Teigen, Meghan reminisces about her time working on the US version of the game show Deal Or No Deal as a briefcase model. Teigen, who is married to singer John Legend, also appeared on the show and described it as a "really important, funny" chapter in their lives. "I remember being a back-up girl," Teigen says, before Megan laughs, adding: "I remember us all standing in line to get our lashes put on. "I was just so happy to get health insurance... How far we have come." The duchess appeared on the show in 2006 and 2007, before landing the role she is most known for, Rachel Zane in the legal drama series, Suits. 'PH 40' hats and portable family photos In one of the later episodes in the series, Meghan packs a bag for a trip to Malibu, to see her friend and pilates instructor, Heather Dorak. Explaining what she is putting in her bag, the duchess shows a baseball cap with 'PH 40' on the front, which she says she made for Harry's 40th birthday last year. She goes on to say she "always, always brings photos of my family" when she goes away, holding up a small selection of three framed black and white photos. She says: "I went on a girls' trip recently and my girlfriends were like 'Oh my God, that's so sweet, you keep it by your bed!' "You could just look at your phone, but I am just sentimental in that way." Ministers are reportedly ready to send more than 100 small boats arrivals back across the Channel, as Reform UK sets out its plans to grasp the migrant crisis. Sir Keir Starmer will implement his one in, one out migrant deal with France within weeks, according to The Times, amid mounting criticism of his approach to small boat crossings. The newspaper reported that a group of 100-plus migrants currently in detention, including some arrested over the weekend, could be among the first to be sent back to France under the scheme. Nigel Farage meanwhile hit out at the Prime Ministers plans, as he prepares to unveil on Tuesday Reform UKs bid to tackle illegal migration with an overhaul of human rights law and mass deportations. A record 28,288 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats this year so far, after 212 people did so on Sunday in four boats, making the total 46% more than by the same date in 2024. Further boats were seen embarking on the dangerous journey on Monday, though the official number of those who made the crossing has not yet been published. Sir Keir is facing growing pressure from senior Labour figures and his own supporters, who feel the Governments attempts to tackle the migrant crisis have so far failed. YouGov polling released over the weekend found that 71% of voters believe the Prime Minister is handling the asylum hotel issue badly, including 56% of Labour supporters. Mr Farage told The Times the number of deportations in Sir Keirs deal with France are so minimal as to make no difference. The British public want this issue dealt with, end of story. https://t.co/XzVd2LJjpH Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) August 25, 2025 It isnt going to work, it isnt going to happen. The French arent there to help us, he added. The Reform leader has pledged to leave the European Convention on Human Rights and scrap the Human Rights Act as part of his plans to tackle illegal migration. Writing for The Telegraph, he described international treaties governing human rights law as malign influences which had been allowed to frustrate deportations. The party aims to replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights, which would only apply to British citizens and those who have a legal right to live in the UK. Those who come to the UK on small boats and other unauthorised routes would meanwhile have no right to claim asylum. Reform would aim to house them in facilities at old military bases, before they were deported to their country of origin, or to third countries such as Rwanda or Albania. Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle told The Guardian both Reform and the Tories offered nothing more than fantasy solutions to the crisis. These are back-of-the-fag-packet plans without the substance on delivery, she said ahead of Mr Farages announcement. A Government source meanwhile told the paper that by the end of the year at least five more hotels are expected to be closed, with a big surge in closures in the new year. Protests at sites housing asylum seekers continued over the weekend and the Government is braced for further legal fights over the use of hotels. Dezi Freeman has been named as the alleged shooter accused of killing two police officers in rural eastern Australia A major manhunt is underway after two Australian police officers were shot dead in an execution by a suspected sex offender who then fled into the bush. Ten officers were ambushed at a rural property in the Victorian Alps, 180 miles north-east of Melbourne, on Tuesday morning as they attempted to serve a warrant linked to historic sex abuse allegations. A 59-year-old detective, who was about to retire, and a senior constable, 35, were fatally shot. A third officer was shot in the leg and airlifted to hospital and is now in a stable condition. Police said the officers were murdered in cold blood. One source described the killings as a straight-out execution. The identities of the slain officers have not yet been released. Mike Bush, the chief commissioner of Victoria Police, said the alleged suspect Dezi Freeman had escaped the property on foot alone. He said it was unclear where Freemans wife and two children were, despite initial reports they had been taken hostage by the suspect. Freeman, a local man in his 50s, was well-known to police and self-identifies as a sovereign citizen, a member of a radical group that rejects government and law. He has previously referred to police as friggin Nazis and terrorist thugs, according to Melbournes Herald Sun. Dezi Freeman was arrested outside a courthouse in 2021 after he took part in a protest against then premier Daniel Andrews - X.com In a news conference on Tuesday, Mr Bush warned that the suspect was heavily armed and very dangerous. He urged the local community of Porepunkah at the foot of Mount Buffalo to stay indoors as hundreds of police resources conducted ground and air searches. The suspect for this horrific event is still at large, commissioner Bush told reporters. We have deployed every specialist resource into this area to locate him. Footage showed heavily armed police officers along with sniffer dogs scouring the area into the night as a helicopter flew above. Shootings are rare in Australia, where the country has some of the worlds strictest gun-control laws. Anthony Albanese, the prime minister, paid tribute to the killed police officers and called the shooting horrific. This is terrible news, and my heart goes out to the families who are grieving tonight, he told ABC. According to police, the officers had descended on the property at 10.30am local time to execute a search warrant when they were hit by an outburst of gunfire which occurred over minutes. They were met by the offender and they were murdered in cold blood, commissioner Bush said. The suspected gunman, who had been living in an old bus on the remote 20-hectare property, allegedly stole guns from the slain officers before fleeing into dense bushland. He was heavily armed and he was able to escape into the bush, the police chief added. I do understand that he was pursued but he was able to get away on foot. The town of Porepunkah is home to 1,000 residents and located at the base of Australias alpine ranges. The remote Porepunkah property where the shooting took place - x / @geotechwar Police officers patrol the area near the shooting near Porepunkah in Victoria, Australia - Simon Dallinger/Shutterstock/EPA Sarah Nicholas, the mayor of the Alpine Shire, said in a statement: Today has been a day of deep sorrow and shock for our community. Theres a shocking and eerie feeling of dread and indeed a sense of not knowing what to do, he said. Our members today paid the ultimate price for protecting the community. Parts of the town were under lockdown throughout most of the day, and schoolchildren kept inside as the manhunt continued. Emily White, a resident, described the shock and fear the town was feeling. Were such a small community, and well leave our cars unlocked, and well leave our front doors open. Nothing like this ever happens, she told the BBC as she sheltered in a caravan park next door to where the shooting took place. I think reality really set in that this is a really, really horrible situation, Ms White added. The shooting has been compared to a deadly incident in 2022, when two young police officers were shot dead at a remote property north-west of Brisbane by three radicalised sovereign citizens. Thats all for today Thanks for following our live coverage of the manhunt for a suspected sex offender who allegedly shot two police officers in Australia before fleeing into a bush. Heres a reminder of what happened today: Two Australian police officers were shot dead in an execution by a suspected sex offender who then fled into the bush The officers were ambushed at a rural property in the Victorian Alps, 180 miles north-east of Melbourne, early this morning A 59-year-old detective and a senior constable, 35, were killed instantly while a third was wounded The suspect was named as Dezi Freeman, a local man in his 50s, who was well known to police A major police operation is currently underway as officers continue their hunt for Freeman deep into the night Well be back soon with more updates. Albanese: All of Australia is in mourning Anthony Albanese, Australias prime minister, has paid tribute to the killed police officers and said Australia is in mourning. All Australians are mourning with the families, loved ones and colleagues of the two Victoria Police officers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty, he wrote on X. He added that the events were a reminder of the risks police take each day to protect us. Shootings are rare in Australia, where the country has some of the worlds strictest gun-control laws. All Australians are mourning with the families, loved ones and colleagues of the two Victoria Police officers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. Our nation's condolences are with everyone whose world has been shattered by this horrific shooting. While we can Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) August 26, 2025 Suspect could survive for a long time in rugged bushland A neighbour of suspect Dezi Freeman said he was used to living off-grid and that he could likely survive a long time in the thick bushland. The cops will have their work cut out for them catching him. Hes got a beautiful family though so my heart breaks for them, the neighbour told the Sydney Morning Herald. Pictured: Shooting suspect being arrested in 2021 Dezi Freeman was arrested outside a courthouse in 2021 after he took part in a protest against then premier Daniel Andrews - Telegram Identities of killed police officers still not released Jacinta Allan, the Victorian premier, has said that the identities of the slain police officers will not yet be made public. I think its important to remember, as Im sure we do, there are families who are grieving, she said. There are family members who still need to have this just so deeply heartbreaking news broken to them, and they deserve the dignity of being supported when they hear that news in the appropriate way. Its also important to remember that this continues to be an active crime scene. What we know is that a 59-year-old detective, who was about to to retire, and a senior constable, 35, were shot dead this morning in the incident. Pictured: The scene of the deadly shooting The remote Porepunkah property where the shooting took place this morning - x / @geotechwar Australian PM says sovereign citizen ideology of real concern The suspected shooter, Dezi Freeman, is reported to be a self-declared sovereign citizen member, a group that relies on false legal arguments to claim the government is illegitimate. Asked about how much of a threat to Australian society the resurging movement poses, Anthony Albanese, Australias prime minister, told ABCs 7.30 programme: It is of real concern. He continued: We know that the director general of Asio [Australian Security Intelligence Organisation] has warned about far-right extremism. This is something that has permeated other nations as well. We see it being multiplied in the United States. The fact that this ideology of not seeing themselves being subject to our laws and our society. And it is of real concern, and ASIO have warned that this threat is very real, and that we need to be very vigilant about it. Mr Albanese also referenced the deadly police shooting in Queensland in 2022, when two officers were killed by three sovereign citizen members at a remote property in Wieambilla. The shooter will be found, says Victorian Premier Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said police will work through the night to find the suspected shooter. Clearly every resource is being deployed to apprehend this offender, she said. This offender will be found. He will be dealt with. Pictured: Search continues as night falls Police officers patrol the area near the shooting near Porepunkah in Victoria, Australia - Shutterstock Editorial Nothing like this ever happens, says local A local who lives just metres away from where the shooting took place has described the shock and fear the small community is feeling as the search for the suspect continues. I think reality really set in - that this is a really, really horrible situation, Emily White told the BBC. Ms White owns the Mount Buffalo Caravan Park, next door to the property where the suspect killed two police officers, where she has been hunkered down with staff and guests since the incident this morning. Were such a small community, and well leave our cars unlocked, and well leave our front doors open. Nothing like this ever happens. Its freaking scary... these police officers went to work today, just do a check on someone, and now theyre not coming home. Mayor: It is a day of deep sorrow and shock Sarah Nicholas, mayor of Alpine Shire, said it had been a day of deep sorrow and shock for the community. Visibly emotional, she paid tribute to the officers killed and extended her thoughts, love and unwavering support to their families. We hold our police in the highest regard. They serve with courage, compassion, and dedication, and their loss is felt profoundly across our region, she said. She thanked the teachers at the local school for looking after the students and for locals for staying indoors as the search continues. We will keep our community informed as services resume. We are grieving together, and we will continue to support one another with compassion and care. Please stay safe, she added. Suspect once called police terrorist thugs Dezi Freeman, who has been identified as the alleged shooter, previously called the police terrorist thugs, according to reports. Last year, Mr Freeman also screamed shame on you at a judge who dismissed his appeal against a drug-driving ban. Gods got his finger on you mate, theres no escaping, he shouted in court, Melbournes Herald Sun newspaper reported. Court documents reveal that the 50-year-old shooting suspect had also previously referred to police as Gestapo the secret police of Nazi Germany and described them as corrupt filth. Mapped: Where the shooting took place Police: No information on whereabouts of suspects family Mike Bush, Victorias police commissioner, said officers are still trying to understand where the suspects wife and two children are. Initial reports suggested he had taken them hostage as he fled into the bush, however Mr Bush said there is no information to suggest whether he is with or without them. Asked about the terrain that the suspect is in, the police chief said it is semi-rural and can be rugged. It depends how far he has got. But weve got every resource on the ground and in the air looking for him at the moment, he said, adding that it is a large area. Suspect still at large and heavily armed The suspect is still at large and heavily armed, police have confirmed. Mike Bush, Victorias police commissioner, said that it is the the priority of police to locate him. Speaking at a press conference, he said: In terms of the current situation, the suspect for this horrific event is still at large...We have deployed every specialist resource into this area to locate him Our priority is to arrest him, to ensure that hes held to account for the actions, but also very much to bring safety and security to this community. Mr Bush added: He was heavily armed and he was able to escape into the bush. I do understand that he was pursued He was on his own, according to our police witnesses that saw him head into the bush. We are still looking to locate his partner and two children. Suspect named as Dezi Freeman The suspect has been named by Australian media, citing police sources, as Dezi Freeman, a local man in his 50s. According to reports, he identifies as a sovereign citizen and has frequently attended anti-government protests. He has a wife and two sons and lived on an abandoned bus, sources said. Police confirmed the suspect was known to police before the incident. Dezi Freeman has been named as the suspect accused of shooting two police officers Police share information on victims Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush, who is currently speaking live, revealed that one of the officers killed in the shooting was a 59-year-old detective and the other officer was a 35-year-old senior constable. Another officer who was also shot is currently in surgery, his injuries are not life threatening, Mr Bush added. The suspect is still at large, he said. We have deployed all specialist resources into the area, he added. Wayne Gatt, from the Victoria Police Association, then offered his condolenses. Police stations have fallen silent in Victoria, theres a shocking and eerie feeling of dread, he said, emphasising that hundreds of our members are still putting their lives in danger as they try to locate the suspect. In pictures: Police and helicopters swarm the rural town Police at the scene of a shooting in the high country of Porepunkah in Victoria, Australia - Shutterstock Editorial Parts of the rural town of Porepunkah were placed under lockdown after two officers were shot dead - Shutterstock Editorial A helicopter hovers over the area as the search for the suspect continues - Shutterstock Editorial Injured officer in serious, but stable condition A police officer who was injured in the shooting is in serious but stable condition, the hospital he was airlifted to has confirmed. The policeman was seriously injured after being shot in the lower body while visiting a property in rural eastern Australia. The two officers who were shot dead were identified by media as a senior officer from Melbourne who was preparing to retire, and another who lived locally in the Alpine Shire. Situation remains active Jacinta Allan, the Victorian premier, confirmed that the situation remains active. A police operation is currently under way in Porepunkah, in Victorias northeast. I have been briefed by the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police. This situation remains active, she said. Victoria Police officers, and all our first responders, show extraordinary bravery and courage every single day. They are the best of us and the thoughts of all Victorians are with them today. Sarah Nicholas, the mayor of the Alpine Shire, added that the community extends heartfelt condolences to the slain officers. Our thoughts, love, and unwavering support are with you during this incredibly painful time, Ms Nicholas said. We hold our police in the highest regard. They serve with courage, compassion and dedication, and their loss is felt profoundly across our region. We are deeply grateful for their service and commitment. Locals warned to stay indoors Authorities have warned locals to stay indoors as the search continues for the gunman. Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said: I want to further assure the rural community around Bright that we will do everything to bring this person into custody so that your community is safe. Can I please ask you just to stay at home, not go out and about at the moment, until this operation is concluded, he said. Im leaving now to head to the area to support our officers and support the operation. A police press conference is expected to start soon. Local police mourn the brave officers Wayne Gatt, the secretary of Victorias police union, said that every officer is mourning the brave officers. Their dedication to protecting the lives of others, cost them their own, Mr Gatt said. Every officer is mourning right now, every one knows the spectre of self-sacrifice that follows police officers on every job they attend in every shift they work. They will be supporting each other and grieving as one as they try to make sense of this tragedy. Suspect reportedly identifies as sovereign citizen The suspected attacker is a self-declared sovereign citizen, according to Australian media reports. Sovereign citizens are members of a radicalised fringe group that rejects government and law in preference for their own courts based on pseudo-legal arguments. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) considers the movement a growing threat and has warned that it has attracted more members since the Covid lockdowns fuelled anti-government sentiment and mistrust in institutions. The AFP in 2023 said the movement - which has existed for decades in the country - has an underlying capacity to inspire violence after its recent resurgence. The Porepunkah shooting bears similarities to the 2022 murders in Wieambilla, Queensland, in which three radicalised sovereign citizens murdered two young constables. The killings sent shockwaves across the country where shooting deaths are rare. What do we know so far? This morning at around 10.30am local time, 10 officers went to a remote property in Porepunkah, at the foot of a mountain in northeast Victoria. The police were issuing a warrant for historical sex abuse allegations when they were ambushed and fired at, Australian media reported. Two officers were fatally shot and a third was seriously injured after being shot in the lower body, Victorias state police service said in a statement. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still being determined and it remains an active and ongoing situation, it said. No other officers were hurt, police said. Legal sources told the Herald Sun newspaper the shooting was a straight-out execution as the officers boarded a renovated bus on a property that neighbours described as a hippy community. The suspect took two weapons from the fatally wounded officers, the Age newspaper reported. Heavy gunfire prevented other officers from entering the property. The suspect is now on the run along with his family and a major manhunt is underway. Significant search underway for gunman Police have confirmed that a significant search is underway for the suspect responsible for a deadly police shooting in Porepunkah, 300km north-east of Melbourne. In a statement at 4:30pm local time (7.30am BST), Victoria Police said it was believed the offender has since left the property and at this time his whereabouts are unknown. A significant search is actively underway to locate the man. We urge the public in and around the township of Porepunkah to remain indoors until further notice, the statement said. Police also asked people to avoid the area. Breaking news... We are bringing you all the latest updates after two police officers were shot and killed in rural eastern Australia and the suspect went on the run. The Met Police has revealed that there were fewer incidents of serious violence at Notting Hill Carnival compared to previous years. However, Met Police officers made 528 arrests over the bank holiday as Europes biggest street party returned to the streets of west London. There were 200 arrests on Sunday and 328 on Monday, with facial recognition software leading to 61 arrests. The technology uses drones that can identify individuals from up to 80m (260ft) away, which then feed images to officers. The British Transport Police added that it made 30 arrests over the weekend. READ MORE: Moment Notting Hill Carnival revellers brawl on Tube in front of stunned passengers The Met Police said its officers responded to four reports of stabbing or slashing incidents, none of which led to life-threatening injuries. Police handcuff a man at the carnival (Yui Mok/PA Wire) It comes after a number of heartbreaking murders at last years event. Cher Maximen, 32, died after being stabbed in front of her three-year-old daughter. Mussie Imnetu, 41, a Dubai-based chef, died after he sustained head injuries in an attack after the event. Over a million people are thought to have attended the colourful carnival as crowds lined the streets and dancers paraded through west London, with music and community spirit on full display throughout the two-day celebration. Notting Hill Carnival on Bank Holiday Monday (Getty Images) Sunday was dedicated to families, with the Childrens Day Parade creating a more relaxed atmosphere. On Monday, the Carnival reached its peak, featuring large sound systems and elaborate floats. There were 167 arrests for drugs offences, 50 for possession of an offensive weapon, 21 for sexual offences, four for violence with injury and 49 for other violence. The Met Police said there were 55 arrests for assaults on officers, with one officer taken to hospital with a broken nose and another for a serious bite to the hand. A Metropolitan Police live facial recognition van in position outside Paddington station in London, in place for the Notting Hill Carnival (PA Wire) The arrests during the event followed a series of interventions in the weeks leading up to Carnival, which saw 100 people arrested as well as the seizure of 11 firearms and more than 40 knives. Of the 200 arrests on Sunday, 52 took place on the approaches to Carnival, with 148 arrests taking place in the area traditionally recognised as the event footprint. On Monday, the number arrested on the approaches was 83, with 245 arrests on the event footprint. Knife arches at an entrance to the Notting Hill Carnival celebrations in west London (PA Wire) Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward, the policing commander for Notting Hill Carnival this year, said: Once again the growing size and popularity of Notting Hill Carnival required one of the biggest mobilisations of police officers this year, with over 7,000 officers deployed on each of the two days. Our policing operation was focused on keeping people safe by targeting those who were coming to Carnival to cause harm to others, so the reduction in incidents of serious violence compared to previous years is very welcome. Officers were deployed in significant numbers at the event and on the approaches to and from it, tasked with intervening proactively to prevent crime and in particular, violence. They were assisted by the deployment of live facial recognition cameras, a network of CCTV, the police helicopter and knife arches at key entry points which were used effectively in conjunction with additional stop and search powers. Live facial recognition proved particularly successful, with the technology helping officers to identify almost 100 people of interest over two days who, without it, would likely have been able to go unnoticed in the busy crowds. Drummers performing during the Notting Hill Carnival celebration (Yui Mok/PA Wire) Mr Ward thanked the carnivals organisers who had spoken out in the days and weeks leading up to Notting Hill Carnival, urging anyone who was planning to start confrontations to stay at home, and praised those who planned the event for making improvements to crowd safety. He explained that the interventions had helped to make this years carnival a safer event. But Mr Ward also warned there were still incidents of overcrowding at the event, where the police had to intervene. He warned that there needs to be a continued focus on improving overcrowding at the carnival. The second part of an independent review into crowd safety is expected to be released in October, with a number of recommendations likely to be made. Mr Ward continued: It is crucial that additional funding is identified at the earliest opportunity to ensure the event organisers, with the support of the wider partnership, are able to implement those recommendations in full. Any funding should reflect the full costs of delivering a safe Carnival, including policing costs, and be in a form that gives certainty and sustainability for future years. Live facial recognition was used by the Met Police at two locations on the approach to Notting Hill Carnival. Dancers performing during the Notting Hill Carnival celebrations (Yui Mok/PA Wire) The Met said there were 97 alerts leading to 61 arrests. There were 30 registered sex offenders stopped, allowing officers to check they were complying with their conditions. One of the registered sex offenders was arrested for being in breach of a Sexual Risk Order while another was found in possession of a knife on his way to Carnival. Four people were arrested for being wanted on recall to prison, including two for violent offences and one who had been wanted since 2015. There were 13 arrests for offences involving violence against women and girls. On top of the Met Polices efforts, the British Transport Police (BTP) also deployed a dedicated drone team at Notting Hill Carnival for the first time, to help spot any emergencies and allow officers to respond quickly. High definition optical and thermal cameras were used to help keep the public safe. The BTP said it made 13 arrests on Sunday and a further 17 arrests on Monday. The force said four of its officers were assaulted over the weekend and people were arrested for drug offences, having offensive weapons and assaulting emergency workers. Assistant Chief Constable Sean OCallaghan said: "Our overriding priority over this weekends Notting Hill Carnival has been to protect the travelling public and prevent criminality. The vast majority of people came together to enjoy the celebration and I am pleased to say the weekend passed without any serious incidents on the railway network. Id like to thank not only our officers for their dedication and hard work throughout the weekend in particularly hot temperatures, but also the many welcoming and supportive members of the public theyve encountered." The Hydraulic Metering Pump Market is witnessing steady growth driven by rising demand for precise fluid handling in industries such as water treatment, oil & gas, chemical processing, and pharmaceuticals. Market expansion is propelled by increasing emphasis on accuracy, efficiency, and automation in dosing applications. LEWES, Del., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Hydraulic Metering Pump Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2026 to 2033, according to a new report published by Verified Market Reports. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 3.2 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 5.5 Billion by the end of the forecast period. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/download-sample/?rid=807512 Verified Market Reports Logo Browse in-depth TOC on Hydraulic Metering Pump Market 202 Pages 126 Tables 37 Figures Scope of The Report REPORT ATTRIBUTES DETAILS STUDY PERIOD 2023-2033 BASE YEAR 2024 FORECAST PERIOD 2026-2033 HISTORICAL PERIOD 2023 ESTIMATED PERIOD 2025 UNIT Value (USD Billion) KEY COMPANIES PROFILED Grundfos, IDEX, SPX Flow, Dover, Lewa, Verder International, Prominent, Seko, Milton Roy, Lutz-Jesco, Iwaki, Tefen SEGMENTS COVERED By Type, By Application, By End User Industry, By Design, By Flow Rate, By Geography CUSTOMIZATION SCOPE Free report customization (equivalent to up to 4 analyst working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope Global Hydraulic Metering Pump Market Overview Hydraulic Metering Pump Market: Trends and Opportunities Precision dosing at process scale: End users in water & wastewater, chemicals, and oil & gas are prioritizing API 675compliant, closed-loop systems that deliver repeatable accuracy (1%) under varying pressures, driving upgrades from legacy mechanical dosing to hydraulically actuated diaphragm metering architectures. Digitalization and smart telemetry: Plants are adopting IIoT-enabled controllers, condition monitoring, and remote parameterization to optimize stroke length/frequency, cut chemical overfeed, and shrink lifecycle cost via predictive maintenance and data-driven OEE dashboards. Corrosion and abrasion breakthroughs: Advances in PTFE & multilayer diaphragms, duplex/super duplex steels, and ceramic ball-check assemblies are extending MTBF in aggressive media (acids, brines, polymers), opening higher-value applications in lithium, pulp & paper, and produced-water treatment. Energy and ESG alignment: Variable-speed drives and hydraulic efficiency improvements reduce power draw per unit flow, supporting decarbonization KPIs and enabling greener chemical management strategies under tightening environmental norms. Modular skids and rapid deployment: Pre-engineered chemical dosing skids with integrated tanks, sensors, and safety interlocks speed commissioning for desalination, municipal plants, and downstream refining turnarounds, compressing time-to-value. Regional performance divergence: North America and Europe are replacing aging assets to meet EPA/EU emissions and water standards, while Asia-Pacific is the growth engine on the back of industrialization, petrochemicals capacity, and large public water programs. Executive Market Narrative Hydraulic metering pumps occupy a mission-critical niche wherever exact chemical dosing under pressure is non-negotiablechlorination and pH control in municipal plants, demulsifiers and scale inhibitors in upstream and midstream oil & gas, corrosion inhibitors and coagulants in industrial water loops, and catalyst dosing in polymerization trains. For boardroom stakeholders, the business case now extends beyond volumetric accuracy: leadership teams want digitally orchestrated, safer, and energy-aware systems that bolster compliance and profitability. The competitive frontier is shifting toward intelligent dosing ecosystemspumps plus sensors, analytics, and closed-loop logiccapable of quantifying chemical savings, uptime, and ESG impact in quarterly KPI packs. Demand-side tailwinds pivot on three pillars. First, water stress and regulatory scrutiny are intensifying project pipelines in desalination and reuse, moving operators to higher-spec diaphragm technology with leak-free operation. Second, process industries are raising product quality thresholds and batch consistency, translating to tighter dosing tolerances and automatic compensation for viscosity, temperature, and suction-head variations. Third, workforce constraints in maintenance teams are catalyzing condition-based service models, where remote diagnostics, alarm rationalization, and parts forecasting convert unplanned downtime into predictable interventions. At the same time, procurement leaders face constraints: capex sensitivity in cyclical end markets, the need to standardize spares across multi-plant footprints, and the imperative to de-risk HSE exposure through built-in safeguards such as double-diaphragm leak detection, pressure relief valves, and ATEX-rated drives. From a product strategy lens, winners will focus on four vectors: (1) precision hydraulics with wide turndown (1000:1) preserving accuracy at low stroke rates; (2) materials science that expands chemical compatibility while lowering total cost of ownership; (3) digital twins and API-first software that plug into SCADA/MES without brittle custom work; and (4) lifecycle monetizationservice contracts, performance guarantees, and outcome-based dosing (chemical savings & compliance SLAs) that resonate with CFOs and plant managers alike. The addressable opportunity is also expanding through modular dosing skids for brownfield retrofits and rapid-response water remediation, where standardized platforms can be configured to spec and shipped quickly. Hydraulic Metering Pump Market Segmentation and Application Momentum By end use, water & wastewater remains the volume anchor, propelled by disinfection, coagulation, and nutrient removal programs. Oil & gas sustains higher-margin demand for high-pressure, high-accuracy injection in upstream flow assurance and refining additives. Chemicals and petrochemicals leverage metering pumps for catalyst feeds and neutralization steps, while power generation applies them to boiler feedwater treatment and flue-gas conditioning. In food & beverage, hygienic dosing of CIP chemicals and additives is rising with stricter quality regimes. Across segments, the shift from manual to automated setpoints, coupled with data logging for audit trails, is redefining specification checklists and bid evaluations. What are the most influential regulatory-driven market drivers and how should procurement leaders calibrate specification, compliance, and lifetime cost? Regulatory escalation is the single strongest structural driver. Environmental norms for effluents, disinfection byproducts, and chemical handling have tightened, raising the bar on accuracy, containment, and traceability. In North America, EPA water programs and state-level discharge permits amplify compliance obligations across municipal and industrial users. In Europe, frameworks such as REACH and the Pressure Equipment Directive heighten material and design scrutiny, while Health & Safety regulations emphasize containment and risk mitigation in chemical handling. Across emerging markets, national pollution control boards and ministries of environment are introducing stricter wastewater standards, intensifying adoption of closed, leak-free diaphragm designs. For procurement leaders, the strategic response is threefold. First, specify API 675aligned hydraulic diaphragm pumps with double-diaphragm leak detection, integrated pressure relief, and pulsation dampening to secure process stability and safety compliance. Second, require digital enablersstroke-position feedback, flow verification, and Modbus/Profinet connectivityto create auditable dosing records, support automated alarms, and satisfy inspectors. Third, total cost modeling should incorporate chemical overfeed avoidance, energy draw, and spare-part commonality across plants. A multi-year TCO lens typically justifies higher initial outlay through avoided fines, fewer unplanned outages, and chemical savings measurable within a few quarters. Vendors able to document compliance mapping and provide validation protocols reduce project risk and ease commissioning. To Purchase a Comprehensive Report Analysis: https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/ask-for-discount/?rid=807512 What are the leading technical restraints in hydraulic metering pump adoption and which application innovations unlock ROI despite those constraints? Key restraints include sensitivity to suction conditions (NPSH, entrained gas), viscosity swings, and pulsation that can disturb upstream instrumentation. Maintenance skill gaps can slow mean time to repair, and in cost-constrained projects, buyers may default to lower-spec mechanical options that seem cheaper on day one. There is also the challenge of integrating pumps into heterogeneous automation stacks, where cybersecurity, protocol mismatches, and alarm overload can derail digital value capture. Three innovation streams are overcoming these headwinds. First, advanced hydraulics and smart drives sustain metering accuracy across wide turndown, while auto-degassing heads and spring-loaded check valves stabilize flow in off-design conditions. Second, materials upgradesmultilayer PTFE diaphragms, zirconia checks, and super duplex wetted partsextend service life in abrasive and chloride-rich environments, reducing lifecycle cost even in harsh media like produced water and brines. Third, application-layer intelligence closes the loop: inline flow verification, density/viscosity compensation, and adaptive control logic regulate dose in real time, cutting chemical consumption by quantifiable percentages. Skid-based standardization with factory acceptance testing (FAT) compresses integration risk. For plant engineers, the ROI case centers on fewer callouts, documentable chemical savings, and verifiable complianceall of which translate into value that finance teams can book. Hydraulic Metering Pump Market Geographic Dominance & Regulatory Context North America (Revenue leadership through compliance and asset replacement): Municipal and industrial water users are investing to meet stringent discharge permits and safe drinking water objectives administered by federal and state authorities. EPA frameworks, combined with OSHA requirements for chemical handling safety, favor double-diaphragm designs with leak detection, relief valves, and automated shutoff interlocks. Oil & gas and midstream pipeline operators specify API 675compliant units for high-pressure chemical injection, sustaining premium demand in upstream and refining hubs. Replacement cycles in older utilities are creating a robust installed-base upgrade opportunity with significant service annuities. (Revenue leadership through compliance and asset replacement): Municipal and industrial water users are investing to meet stringent discharge permits and safe drinking water objectives administered by federal and state authorities. EPA frameworks, combined with OSHA requirements for chemical handling safety, favor double-diaphragm designs with leak detection, relief valves, and automated shutoff interlocks. Oil & gas and midstream pipeline operators specify API 675compliant units for high-pressure chemical injection, sustaining premium demand in upstream and refining hubs. Replacement cycles in older utilities are creating a robust installed-base upgrade opportunity with significant service annuities. Europe (High-spec adoption driven by environmental policy): Enforcement under the EU Water Framework Directive, REACH, and the Pressure Equipment Directive elevates material compatibility and design traceability, supporting rapid uptake of corrosion-resistant hydraulics and hygienic configurations. Energy efficiency agendas encourage variable-speed operation and smart control to reduce dosing overages. Mature industrial clusters in Germany , the Nordics, France , Italy , and the UK sustain steady opex-driven orders, with a pivot toward fully instrumented skids that provide audit-ready dosing logs. (High-spec adoption driven by environmental policy): Enforcement under the EU Water Framework Directive, REACH, and the Pressure Equipment Directive elevates material compatibility and design traceability, supporting rapid uptake of corrosion-resistant hydraulics and hygienic configurations. Energy efficiency agendas encourage variable-speed operation and smart control to reduce dosing overages. Mature industrial clusters in , the Nordics, , , and the UK sustain steady opex-driven orders, with a pivot toward fully instrumented skids that provide audit-ready dosing logs. Asia-Pacific (Volume growth engine): Industrialization, petrochemical expansions, and extensive municipal water projects underpin the fastest growth trajectory. National ministries and pollution control boards across China , India , and Southeast Asia are tightening effluent and potable water standards, spurring adoption of reliable dosing platforms in desalination, reuse, and industrial ZLD (zero liquid discharge) schemes. Public funding for water resilience and industrial value-addhighlighted by multilateral development indicatorscreates a structurally expanding base for metering solutions, especially where population density and water stress intersect. As plants move from manual dosing to automated control loops, demand for connected, easily maintained hydraulic diaphragm pumps accelerates. (Volume growth engine): Industrialization, petrochemical expansions, and extensive municipal water projects underpin the fastest growth trajectory. National ministries and pollution control boards across , , and are tightening effluent and potable water standards, spurring adoption of reliable dosing platforms in desalination, reuse, and industrial ZLD (zero liquid discharge) schemes. Public funding for water resilience and industrial value-addhighlighted by multilateral development indicatorscreates a structurally expanding base for metering solutions, especially where population density and water stress intersect. As plants move from manual dosing to automated control loops, demand for connected, easily maintained hydraulic diaphragm pumps accelerates. Middle East & Africa (Desalination-led opportunities): Large-scale seawater reverse osmosis assets and oil & gas operations anchor demand. Projects emphasize chemical dosing reliability under high salinity and temperature swings, with materials engineered for chlorides and abrasive particulates. Government-led water security programs and industrial diversification support multi-year project visibility and a healthy pipeline for standardized dosing skids. & (Desalination-led opportunities): Large-scale seawater reverse osmosis assets and oil & gas operations anchor demand. Projects emphasize chemical dosing reliability under high salinity and temperature swings, with materials engineered for chlorides and abrasive particulates. Government-led water security programs and industrial diversification support multi-year project visibility and a healthy pipeline for standardized dosing skids. Latin America (Selective capex but rising compliance): Municipal modernization and mining/metals water treatment are key pockets of opportunity. As national environmental regulators tighten effluent norms and water reuse mandates, operators are upgrading to leak-free diaphragm systems and adding verification instrumentation to satisfy audits. Currency cycles and public funding constraints make modular, service-backed offeringswhere uptime and chemistry savings are contracted outcomesparticularly attractive. (Selective capex but rising compliance): Municipal modernization and mining/metals water treatment are key pockets of opportunity. As national environmental regulators tighten effluent norms and water reuse mandates, operators are upgrading to leak-free diaphragm systems and adding verification instrumentation to satisfy audits. Currency cycles and public funding constraints make modular, service-backed offeringswhere uptime and chemistry savings are contracted outcomesparticularly attractive. Across regions, authoritative guidance from global institutions shapes buying criteria. Public health objectives echo the need for accurate disinfection and chemical management in potable water. Economic development indicators highlight the linkage between industrial growth and water infrastructure upgrades, underscoring why metering accuracy and reliability are central to regulatory compliance and community outcomes. Environmental protection policies emphasize containment and traceability; as a result, procurement specifications increasingly require documented accuracy at turndown, built-in overpressure safeguards, and digital data streams to prove performance. Whether mandated by national environmental agencies, regional water frameworks, or municipal utility standards, the operating reality is converging: precision, safety, and data integrity are no longer nice-to-haves but license-to-operate conditions. Hydraulic Metering Pump Market: Key Players Shaping the Future Major players, including Grundfos, IDEX, SPX Flow, Dover, Lewa, Verder International, Prominent, Seko, Milton Roy, Lutz-Jesco, Iwaki, Tefen and more, play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Hydraulic Metering Pump Market. Financial statements, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis provide valuable insights into the industry's key players. Hydraulic Metering Pump Market: Segments Analysis Based on the research, Verified Market Reports has segmented the global Hydraulic Metering Pump Market into Type, Application, End User Industry, Design, Flow Rate, Geography. By Type Diaphragm Pumps Gear Pumps Piston Pumps Peristaltic Pumps Other Types By Application Chemicals Water and Wastewater Treatment Oil and Gas Pharmaceuticals Food and Beverage Mining Others By End User Industry Industrial Agriculture Construction Automotive Healthcare By Design Standard Pumps High Pressure Pumps Explosion-proof Pumps Corrosive Liquid Handling Pumps By Flow Rate Low Flow Rate (up to 100 LPH) Medium Flow Rate (100 LPH to 500 LPH) High Flow Rate (above 500 LPH) Hydraulic Metering Pump Market, By Geography North America U.S Canada Mexico Europe Germany France U.K Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India Rest of Asia Pacific ROW Middle East & Africa Latin America Browse Related Reports: Global Diaphragm Metering Pump Market Size By Product Type (Electromagnetic Diaphragm Pumps, Pneumatic Diaphragm Pumps), By Application (Chemical Processing, Water Treatment), By End-User Industry (Agriculture, Mining), By Flow Rate (Low Flow Rate (up to 10 L/min), Medium Flow Rate (10 L/min to 50 L/min)), By End-User (Hospitals, Oncology Clinics), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global Fluid Metering Pumps Market Size By Type of Fluid Metering Pump (Positive Displacement Pumps, Peristaltic Pumps), By Application Industry (Water & Wastewater Treatment, Oil & Gas), By Flow Rate Capacity (Low Flow (up to 100 LPH), Medium Flow (100 LPH to 500 LPH)), By Pump Mechanism (Electric Pumps, Pneumatic Pumps), By End-User (Commercial, Industrial), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global Hydraulic Actuated Diaphragm Metering Pump Market Size By Type (Manual Hydraulic Actuated Diaphragm Metering Pump, Automatic Hydraulic Actuated Diaphragm Metering Pump), By Capacity (Up to 50 L/h, 50 L/h to 100 L/h), By Application (Chemical Processing, Water & Wastewater Treatment), By Material (Cast Iron, Stainless Steel), By Mounting Type (Flange Mount, Shaft Mount), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global Mechanical Diaphragm Type Metering Pumps Market Size By Application (Chemical Processing, Water and Wastewater Treatment), By Operating Principle (Positive Displacement, Vacuum Based), By Material of Construction (Stainless Steel, Plastic), By Size and Capacity (Low Capacity (up to 10 L/h), Medium Capacity (10 L/h to 100 L/h)), By Automation Level (Fully Automated Machines, Semi-Automated Machines), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global Mechanical Diaphragm Metering Pumps Market Size By Application (Chemical Processing, Water & Wastewater Treatment), By End-User Industry (Industrial, Agriculture), By Type (Single Head, Double Head), By Material (Plastic, Stainless Steel), By Power Source (Electric, Pneumatic), By Geographic Scope And Forecast About Us Verified Market Reports stands at the forefront as a global leader in Research and Consulting, offering unparalleled analytical research solutions that empower organizations with the insights needed for critical business decisions. 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Photograph: David Ryder/Reuters Numerous wildfires across the US west coast are challenging emergency crews from California wine country to central Oregon, as weather forecasters warned that the risks of more blazes sparking is not over yet. In central California, firefighters are working to corral a fast-growing wildfire that is churning through the Sierra national forest as forecasters warned on Tuesday that lightning strikes from thunderstorms could ignite new fires. Since breaking out on Sunday afternoon, the Garnet fire has scorched 14 sq miles (36 sq km) of grass, chaparral and timber in a remote area known for camping and hiking about 60 miles (97km) east of Fresno. The fire is currently at 0% containment, and officials said that strong, erratic winds would likely test firefighters ability to make progress. Parts of central and northern California are under red flag warnings for increased fire threat from dry lightning that could accompany thunderstorms, the National Weather Service said. The latest wildfire comes as a blaze in central Oregon that destroyed four homes began to stabilize, while a blaze in northern California wine country has so far spared some of the states most famous vineyards. Moisture helped the 1,200 firefighters battling Oregons Flat fire, but more work needed to be done, authorities said. Dry, hot weather had fueled a rapid expansion of the blaze across rugged terrain in Deschutes and Jefferson counties since the fire began late on Thursday. Gotta love mother nature. It brought in a little bit of rain. Cooled the temps, relative humidity came up, Travis Medema, the states chief deputy state fire marshal, told a community meeting in the town of Sisters on Monday. The incident, for the first time in the last three days, is really beginning to stabilize. Officials said firefighters had protective lines of some sort around the entire fire, including roads, but the fire remained at 5% containment. Authorities at one point ordered evacuations for more than 4,000 homes but lifted orders for some areas on Monday. A heat advisory was in place through Wednesday, and forecasters warned that potential thunderstorms could create erratic winds that would challenge firefighters. Meanwhile, the Pickett fire in northern California has charred about 10 sq miles (26 sq km) of remote Napa county, known for its hundreds of wineries. It was 15% contained on Tuesday. Flames spared the home and adjacent vineyards of Jayson Woodbridge of Hundred Acre Wines, but he said it was a close call on Thursday when the fire broke out and raced along nearby slopes. He and his son grabbed hoses and futilely began spraying down the steep hillsides. The water was evaporating as fast as we were spraying it out there, Woodbridge said. It was just a hot funnel of air. Fire was just engulfing everything. Before long, crews with bulldozers and air support arrived to protect the property. Water-dropping helicopters continued their flights on Monday, keeping the flames contained to canyons about 80 miles (130km) north of San Francisco. With about a month to go before harvest, Woodbridge said his grapes would not be damaged because of the pure luck of wind direction. The smoke wont affect the fruit because the winds coming in from the west, thankfully, Woodbridge said. That wasnt the case in 2020 when toxic smoke from the Glass fire caused Woodbridge and other wineries to scrap much of that years crop. There have been no reports of damage to any vineyards from the Pickett fire, said Michelle Novi with Napa Valley Vintners, a non-profit trade association. Firefighting resources have been put in place to protect wineries, especially as winds pick up, according to the California department of forestry and fire protection, or Cal Fire. With the weather over the last 48 hours, were seeing high temperatures, low humidity paired with some increasing wind in the late afternoon, which was giving our troops some additional work on the eastern side of this incident, a Cal Fire spokesperson, Curtis Rhodes, told the Associated Press on Monday. Meanwhile, in south-west Montana, a 60-year-old contract firefighter died on Sunday afternoon from a cardiac emergency while battling the Bivens Creek fire. Ruben Gonzales Romero was among more than 700 firefighters working on the lightning-caused fire in the Tobacco Root Mountains about 15 miles north of Virginia City, Montana. The Bivens Creek fire has burned approximately 3.5 sq miles since 13 August in a remote area with thick timber and numerous dead trees. Residents of the western US have been sweltering in a heatwave that hospitalized some people, with temperatures hitting dangerous levels throughout the weekend in Washington, Oregon, southern California, Nevada and Arizona. After a weekend of triple-digit temperatures, authorities in Multnomah county, Oregon, said they were investigating the death of a 56-year-old man as possibly heat-related. The area of the Oregon fire is in a high desert climate, where dried grasses and juniper trees are burning and fire is racing through tinder-dry canyon areas where i is challenging to create containment lines, said the Deschutes county sheriffs spokesperson, Jason Carr. In central California, the states largest blaze this year, the Gifford fire, was at 95% containment on Tuesday morning after charring nearly 206 sq miles of dry brush in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties since erupting on 1 August. The cause is under investigation. Although it is difficult to directly tie a single fire or weather event directly to climate change, scientists say human-caused warming from burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas is causing more intense heatwaves and droughts, which in turn set the stage for more destructive wildfires. The private zoo contains specialised elephant hospitals with an elephant jacuzzi for arthritis treatment A zoo owned by Asias richest family is under investigation over claims of illegally importing animals and abusing the endangered species in its care. Vantara, a 3,000-acre private sanctuary in Indias western state of Gujarat, is home to more than 200 elephants, 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards and 900 crocodiles, according to the Central Zoo Authority. It is controlled by Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Asias richest man, Mukesh Ambani, the billionaire head of multinational conglomerate Reliance Industries. On Monday, Indias Supreme Court established a Special Investigation Team (SIT), made up of retired judges, to probe claims of wrongdoing at the zoo, which claims to house more than 150,000 rescued animals from endangered species. Anant Ambani, pictured at his wedding in Mumbai last year, controls the animal rescue centre under investigation - Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Billing itself as the worlds largest wild animal rescue centre, Vantara was the site of Anants pre-wedding celebrations last year, with celebrity guests asked to wear jungle fever outfits. Animal rights groups have long accused the facility of acting as a private zoo for the Ambani family, allegations it strongly denies. They claim the centre is keeping endangered species on scorched plains beside Reliances oil refinery, with no clear strategy for their release into the wild. We consider it appropriate in the ends of justice to call for an independent factual appraisal which may establish the violation, as alleged, if any, reads the order of the two-judge bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B. Varale. The SIT will examine whether Vantara complied with the Wildlife Protection Act and international trade rules under International Convention on Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). It must also scrutinise standard of veterinary care, breeding programmes, animal deaths in captivity and allegations that sanctuary was being used as a private vanity project. Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, at Vantaras inauguration in March - Andolu/Andolu The court also said it was hearing two petitions alleging unlawful acquisition of animals from India and abroad, mistreatment of the animals in captivity, financial irregularities and money laundering. The petitioners accuse statutory authorities including Central Zoo Authority and Indias CITES management of turning a blind eye. In March, a coalition of South African wildlife groups raised concerns that large numbers of wild animals were being sent to Vantara, with critically endangered species amongst them. The SIT has been given three weeks to report back, with the Supreme Court due to consider its finding on September 15. In July, Mr Ambani faced public protests after officials transferred a revered temple elephant to Vantara following a court order. In March, the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung reported that Vantara imported roughly 39,000 animals in 2024, including from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. Inaugurated by the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in March 2025, the facility has cutting-edge infrastructure such as MRI and CT scanners, surgical theatres, quarantine units, hydrotherapy pools and specialised elephant hospitals complete with an elephant jacuzzi for arthritis treatment. Kirby Furtado, a Reliance spokesman, said: We acknowledge the order of the Honble Supreme Court with utmost regard. Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion and full compliance with the law. Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals. We will extend full cooperation to the Special Investigation Team and continue our work sincerely, always placing the welfare of animals at the heart of all our efforts. He added: We request that the process be allowed to take place without speculation and in the best interest of the animals we serve. Russia has been accused of being disrespectful to the peace process in its war with Ukraine, with the Government saying it is dragging its feet over talks. Downing Street said Vladimir Putin was blatantly stalling progress, less than a fortnight since the Russian president met with US President Donald Trump in Alaska. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with European leaders, met Mr Trump in Washington days after the Alaska meeting to get an update on the talks. I think Russia cannot be more blatant about dragging its feet, and stalling the peace talks, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said. Ukraine has long been clear its willing to enter the peace talks. But we continue to see Russia and President Putin prevaricate, these unrealistic asks and delaying tactics to ensure these bilaterals arent going ahead. Since the meetings in Alaska and the US capital, Russia has said there are no plans for a direct meeting between Mr Zelensky and Mr Putin. The countrys foreign minister Sergei Lavrov told NBC last week: There is no meeting planned. Mr Lavrov had said the two would meet but only after key issues have been agreed by officials. Russia has continued to launch drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, including hitting an electronics plant last week. Nearly 150 miners had to be rescued in Donetsk after shelling on Tuesday. No 10 said Mr Putin is using unrealistic asks and delaying tactics to ensure that these bilateral talks arent going ahead. The Prime Ministers spokesman said it was disrespectful to President Trumps peace efforts. He continued: Its another example of Russian disregard for any sort of peace deal. The Government repeated that the coalition of the willing, including the UK, would be willing to send troops to enforce any peace deal. It comes nearly a week after the head of Britains armed forces, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, met with Nato counterparts in Washington to discuss military options to secure peace. Admiral Radakin travelled to Ukraine on Tuesday to meet Mr Zelensky and introduce his successor as chief of the defence staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton. In a post on social media, the Ukrainian president said the men discussed further support for Kyiv and diplomatic efforts to end the war, including recent talks on security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire. The UK will be ready to put troops on the ground following the cessation of hostilities to support multinational Ukraine support for recovery, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said. The military planning around all of that is ongoing. There were talks yesterday, tactical discussions around logistics and movement of military supplies etcetera, we continue to have those discussions. He added: Were now focused on building a force thats able to flex to the requirements of any peace deal. Safety regulators have launched an investigation into more than 1.4 million vehicles from car manufacturer Honda and its Acura brand after reports of engine failures. More than 400 reports of connecting rod bearing failures in the vehicles engines were analyzed as part of a November 2023 Honda recall, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. An engine rod bearing holds the crankshaft and connecting rod in place as they rotate, according to the auto eCommerce site, CarParts.com. When the bearing fails, drivers can hear a rapping noise in their engine. Honda recalled about 249,000 vehicles in November 2023, warning, If the connecting rod bearing seizes, the engine can be damaged and run improperly, stall, stop while driving, and/or not start, increasing the risk of a fire, crash or injury, according to a report from safety regulators. Safety regulators have launched an investigation into more than 1.4 million vehicles from car manufacturer Honda and its Acura brand after reports of engine failures (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) The 414 reported engine failures were determined to be outside the scope of the 2023 recall, and evidence does not suggest this failure is caused by the same crankshaft manufacturing defect that caused the November 2023 recall, the administration said in a letter dated August 20. But due to the significant number of these engine failure reports, there is a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation, the administration warned. Honda and Acura models dating back to 2016 are subject to this investigation. Here is a full list of the affected vehicles: Acura MDX, model year 2016 to 2020 Acura TLX, model year 2018 to 2020 Honda Odyssey, model year 2018 to 2020 Honda Pilot, model year 2016 to 2020 Honda Ridgeline, model year 2017 to 2019 The Independent has reached out to representatives for Honda and Acura for comment. President Donald Trumps administration has argued that Black Americans support his takeover of Washington, D.C.s police department and deployment of the National Guard across the nations capital. On Monday, Trump said in the Oval Office that he had heard from African American ladies, beautiful ladies are saying, Please, President Trump, come to Chicago, please. But a new poll from The Economist and YouGov showed that a plurality of Americans oppose Trumps takeover of the police department, and a majority of Black people oppose it. The Economist and YouGov surveyed 1,523 U.S. adult citizens between August 22, 2025 and August 25, 2025. The survey found that only 38 percent of Americans support the takeover of the police department, and 59 percent of Black people oppose it. In addition, 54 percent of Hispanic Americans oppose the takeover. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has said that only white hippies disapprove of the takeover of Washington, D.C. The data show otherwise. (AP) That stands in contrast to the Trump administrations defense. While the administration has ramped up National Guard presence in downtown Washington where most tourists frequent rather than many of the working-class African American areas of Southeast Washington. Stephen Miller, the presidents deputy White House chief of staff and consigliere on immigration, said only elderly white people objected to the takeover when he, Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited members of the National Guard at Union Station. This is not a city that has had any safety for its black citizens for generations, and President Trump is the one who is fixing that with the support of the Metropolitan Police Department, the support of the National Guard and our federal law enforcement officers, he said, mocking protesters who heckled the administration officials. 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, and we're going to get back to the business of protecting the American people and the citizens of Washington, he said. Men and women are divided on the takeover of the police department, with 44 percent of men supporting it and 46 percent disapproving of it while 32 percent of women support the takeover and 50 percent disapprove of it. A plurality or majority of Americans across all income groups oppose the takeover of the police department. Only 34 percent of Americans making less than $50,000 support the takeover and 47 percent disapprove of it. Middle-income earners who make between $50,000 to $100,000 are the most split, with 44 percent approving and 47 percent disapproving. But 53 percent of people earning more than $100,000 oppose the takeover. The only age group that supports the takeover are people between the ages of 45 and 64, where 44 percent approve of it and 42 percent disapprove. Young people between the ages of 18 and 29 overwhelmingly disapprove, with only 27 percent approving of it and 53 percent disapproving of it. The president has since suggested that he would branch out beyond Washington, D.C. to take the National Guard to Baltimore and Chicago. But Gov. J.B. Pritzker loudly denounced the plan on Monday. Do not come to Chicago, he said. The Taliban said it was prepared to work with anyone who can help end the struggles of Afghan refugees - QUDRATULLAH RAZWAN/EPA/Shutterstock The Taliban has said it is ready and willing to work with Nigel Farage to accept Afghans who have been deported from the UK. A senior Taliban official said they would embrace any Afghans sent back under the Reform leaders plan, unveiled on Tuesday, to deport 600,000 illegal migrants. Mr Farage said he would meet his deportation target by striking deals with countries such as Afghanistan, Iran and Eritrea and tearing up treaties including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Reform also suggested that it was willing to pay foreign regimes such as the Taliban which is not recognised by the UK as Afghanistans legitimate government to incentivise them to accept returns. Other countries, such as Germany, have made deals with the Taliban to accept deported migrants. However, the Taliban indicated that it would not take money directly but would accept aid to support returnees, insisting that they would be treated with dignity. Following Mr Farages speech on Tuesday, No 10 opened the door to potentially agreeing their own deal with the Taliban in the future. However, the senior official in Kabul suggested that it may be easier to negotiate with the Reform leader than Sir Keir Starmer. Credit: Reuters The official told The Telegraph: We are ready and willing to receive and embrace whoever he [Nigel Farage] sends us. We are prepared to work with anyone who can help end the struggles of Afghan refugees, as we know many of them do not have a good life abroad. We will not take money to accept our own people, but we welcome aid to support newcomers, since there are challenges in accommodating and feeding those returning from Iran and Pakistan. Afghanistan is home to all Afghans, and the Islamic Emirate is determined to make this country a place where everyone those already here, those returning, or those being sent back from the West by Mr Farage or anyone else can live with dignity. The official suggested that it might be easier to deal with the Reform leader if he were to become prime minister because of his different views. We will have to see what Mr Farage does when or if he becomes prime minister of Britain, but since his views are different, it may be easier to deal with him than with the current ones, he said. We will accept anyone he sends, whether they are legal or illegal refugees in Britain. Zia Yusuf, Reforms chairman, who announced the partys immigration plan with Mr Farage on Tuesday, said it was quite reasonable to pay the Taliban to take back illegal migrants - Jacob King Following Mr Farages speech, Downing Street suggested that Sir Keir would not rule out a returns agreement with Afghanistan and Eritrea, with the Prime Ministers spokesman saying: Were not going to take anything off the table. A Home Office spokesman also said: While conditions in certain countries will often make returns challenging, we continue to work tirelessly to remove those with no legal right to be in the UK. However, it is more likely that any such deal would be more similar to an arrangement in Germany, with only foreign criminals and rejected Afghan asylum seekers covered. Last month, Germany resumed deportations to Afghanistan after negotiating a returns deal with the Taliban, even though Berlin does not officially recognise the Taliban government. Germany has sent 109 Afghans all convicted criminals back on two flights in the past year, with deportations starting as a reaction to the fatal stabbing of a police officer by a failed asylum seeker in Mannheim. In 2021, after taking over Kabul, a Taliban spokesman said Afghan courts would decide how to proceed with any asylum seekers who had committed crimes abroad. Germany started deporting Afghans in July after striking a deal with the Taliban - IMAGO/EHL Media / Avalon Downing Streets comments highlight the threat Reform poses to Labour, with Mr Farages party now ahead of Labour in most polls and is expected to be the main challenger at the next election. Under Mr Farages plans, a new law would bar anyone, including Afghans who arrived illegally, from claiming asylum, making any claim to remain in the UK inadmissible, with the home secretary placed under a legal duty to remove them. Asked about the risks of Afghans being tortured or killed if returned, Mr Farage said: Does it bother me? It bothers me, but what really bothers me is what is happening on the streets of our country. Referring to recent anti-immigration protests in Epping, he added: What really bothers me is what is happening to British citizens. What really bothers me is what youve seen from the Bell [asylum] Hotel onwards. Enforced and voluntary returns are currently paused and cannot be progressed because the Taliban will no longer accept travel documents issued by the Afghan embassy in London. Only nine Afghans have been returned to the country since the Taliban took power in 2021, according to data released under freedom of information laws in May. The Home Office said at the time that it was the UKs longstanding rule that no one found to be at legitimate risk of persecution or serious harm will be expected to return to their country of origin. As part of his plans, Mr Farage announced that Reform would set aside 2bn to help persuade foreign governments to accept deportations. Zia Yusuf, the partys efficiency tsar, said it was quite reasonable to pay the Taliban to take back illegal migrants, given that the UK already provided Afghanistan with 151m a year in foreign aid. Mr Farage has also committed the party to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), repeal the Human Rights Act and disapply three other international treaties to remove obstacles to migrants challenging their deportation if they have arrived illegally. In comparison, Sir Keir has pledged that a Labour Government led by him will never withdraw from the ECHR and will treat international law with profound respect. His spokesman said the ECHR underpins key international agreements on trade, security, migration and the Good Friday agreement, adding: Anyone who is proposing to renegotiate the Good Friday agreement is not serious. Sir Keir is said to believe that leaving the ECHR would align Britain with Russia and Belarus. Guidance for Home Office caseworkers on Afghanistan has been amended in the past year to say that the Taliban would not have a significant interest in the vast majority of failed asylum seekers returned by the UK. This has meant thousands of asylum seekers from Afghanistan have had their applications for refugee protection in the UK rejected, compared with fewer than 100 previously. The grant rate for asylum has fallen from 99 per cent in 2023 to just 47 per cent in the last quarter of 2024. In the last quarter of 2023, 98.5 per cent of Afghan asylum seekers were granted leave to remain, with only 48 claims refused, compared with 4,697 granted. The grant rate fell to just 47 per cent in the last quarter of 2024, with more than 2,050 Afghans having their asylum claims refused compared to 1,859 granted. Afghans were the nation with the highest number of irregular or illegal entries to the UK in the year to June 2025, with 6,589 arrivals. They were also top in the year to June 2024 with 6,009. Mr Farage acknowledged that Afghans who worked for the British forces would be exempted from any blanket ban on asylum, saying that brave interpreters who had helped British forces fighting against the Taliban would be allowed to remain, even if they had come by illegal routes. Many awaiting resettlement to this country had their lives put at risk by the leak of a list by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of 19,000 Afghan applicants to a UK relocation scheme. Afghanistan is already facing an influx of refugees with Irans deportation of more than 450,000 Afghan refugees from the country since June, with numbers surging during the recent war with Israel, according to UN agencies. More than 114,000 people have been affected in recent days, including 5,000 children separated from their parents. Afghans targeted by Iranian authorities report widespread abuses, including beatings and arbitrary detention. The deportees are left at a dusty border crossing, where temperatures reach 45C, with little food or water. Pakistan has also ramped up deportations, expelling over 100,000 Afghans in April alone. However, many of those deported face arrest and persecution upon return to Afghanistan, complicating the Talibans claims about welcoming returnees with dignity. The Telegraph revealed last week that the Taliban was handing over three Afghans it suspects of spying for Britain to Iran, following a secret agreement between the two Islamist regimes to cooperate in tracking down people who worked with UK forces in Afghanistan. Nigel Farage claimed there is a "genuine threat to public order" without action to tackle illegal migration as he laid out Reform UK's plans to crack down on small boats crossing the English Channel. The Reform UK leader has promised mass deportations of people in Britain illegally if his party is elected at the next general election. Launching the so-called "Operation Restoring Justice" programme at London Oxford Airport on Tuesday, Mr Farage said: "The mood in the country around this issue is a mix between total despair and rising anger. "And I would say this, that without action, without somehow the contract between the Government and the people being renewed, without some trust coming back, then I fear deeply that that anger will grow. "In fact, I think there is now, as a result of this, a genuine threat to public order." Reforms Zia Yusuf said the party would introduce a five-year emergency program to track down, detain and deport all illegal immigrants in the United Kingdom that would see some 600,000 people removed from the country over the course of a parliament. Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage (right) and Zia Yusuf at the launch of Reform UK's plan to deport asylum seekers (Jacob King/PA Wire) The plan would include: - Britain leaving treaties that have been used by some asylum seekers to appeal deportation, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The UN Convention Against Torture the Council of Europe Anti-trafficking Convention would also be disapplied, the party said - Migrants given the option to return to their country voluntarily and offered 2,500 on top of the cost of their flight - Detention camps for people who enter the country illegally - Up to five flights a day to deport failed asylum seekers Mr Yusuf added that Reform UK would create a "data fusion centre" which would draw together data from police forces, the Home Office, NHS, DVLA, HMRC and banks. "This will allow deportation command to relentlessly track down and detain all those who entered our country illegally," the head of Reforms Department of Government Efficiency said. A Reform government would prioritise securing return agreements, with aid and visas stopped from being issued to countries if they refuse to take part in a returns scheme for illegal migrants, Mr Yusuf added. Mr Farage claimed Reform UK's plans to deport asylum seekers en masse would save "tens and possibly even hundreds of billions of pounds" in the decades ahead and will stop small boats coming "within days". "Our proposals will save over the course of the next decades tens and possibly even hundreds of billions of pounds, he said. "By the end of a first parliament, we will have saved a huge amount of money." Downing Street on Tuesday rejected Mr Farages claims that Britain is on the precipice of civil disorder over unhappiness about small boat migrants. Number 10 said the Government was setting out "serious" solutions to the issue, not gimmicks. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "It makes him angry frankly, because it's unfair on ordinary working people who pay the price from the cost of hotels to our public services struggling under the strain. "That's why we're taking the action we are, to recognise the strength of feeling about this. The pressure that it puts on public services and that's why we're taking serious practical action to address this issue, not just returning back to the old gimmicks, the old solutions that failed to deal with this." Asked whether he agreed with Reform UK's leader, Sir Keirs spokesman added: "No, and I think what the Prime Minister is focused on is dealing with the concerns that people have. People have understandably have felt like their living standards have stagnated over the last 15 years, and that's why growing the economy and raising living standards is the Government's number one priority. Donald Trump with Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, in Scotland in July. The pair agreed a trade deal between the US and the EU - Evelyn Hockstein/REUTERS Donald Trump is considering a United States travel ban for European Union officials responsible for the blocs Digital Services Act and additional tariffs on countries with similar laws, which he claims discriminate against Americans. The State Department is considering placing sanctions which may come in the form of visa restrictions on those behind the legislation as the US government continues to fight against what it sees as an attempt to silence conservative voices. US officials held a meeting on the issue last week and are yet to make a decision on whether to press ahead with the sanctions, sources told Reuters. Such a move would be an unprecedented attempt to punish countries for domestic policies the Trump administration does not agree with. Mr Trump also threatened to impose substantial additional tariffs on the UK and other countries that have digital taxes unless they scrap the legislation. The US president characterised the laws as a discriminatory attack on American tech companies, and warned he would impose export restrictions on critical American-made chips and other protected technology. It comes after a fact-finding delegation of US congressmen visited Westminster to air their concerns and vowed to brief Mr Trump on what they saw as an attack on American businesses. In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump said: As the President of the United States, I will stand up to Countries that attack our incredible American Tech Companies. Digital Taxes, Digital Services Legislation, and Digital Markets Regulations are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology. This must end, and end NOW! With this TRUTH, I put all Countries with Digital Taxes, Legislation, Rules, or Regulations, on notice that unless these discriminatory actions are removed, I, as President of the United States, will impose substantial additional Tariffs on that Countrys Exports to the U.S.A., and institute Export restrictions on our Highly Protected Technology and Chips. Mr Trumps latest salvo is part of a broader push by his government to reshape the global online space, and prevent what he sees as the silencing of conservative voices and decline of free speech. The EU legislation is meant to battle online harms by compelling tech giants to do more to tackle illegal content, including hate speech and child sexual abuse material. But Washington has said the EU is pursuing undue restrictions on freedom of expression in its efforts to combat hateful speech, misinformation and disinformation. Strained relations Relations between the Trump administration and the EU are already strained amid tariff threats. Reports from earlier this month claimed the US government had instructed European diplomats to launch a lobbying campaign to oppose the Digital Services Act. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously threatened visa bans for people who censor speech by Americans, including on social media, and suggested the policy could target foreign officials regulating US tech companies. JD Vance, the US vice-president, is among the US leaders to have repeatedly lashed out at European officials and regulations, accusing them of censoring Americans. The Republican used his speech at the Munich Security Conference in February to accuse EU leaders of suppressing the speech of groups such as Germanys Right-wing AfD party. Orwellian Online Safety Act The UK Government has also come under fire for its Online Safety Act, which the Trump administration views as Orwellian. During Mr Trumps visit to Scotland last month Sir Keir Starmer defended the bill and insisted the UK would protect free speech. It comes as Nigel Farage prepares to tell Lucy Connollys story when he testifies to members of Congress in September about threats to freedom of expression in Britain. Lucy Connolly with her husband Ray. Mrs Connolly was jailed after a social media post - Heathcliff O'Malley for the Telegraph He is set to bring up the case of Mrs Connolly, who was released from prison earlier this month after being jailed for 31 months over a social media post in the aftermath of the Southport attacks. A State Department spokesman said: We are monitoring increasing censorship in Europe with great concern but have no further information to provide at this time. An EU Commission spokesman declined to comment on the potential for sanctions, but had previously called censorship claims by the US completely unfounded. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in the EU. It lies at the heart of the DSA, the spokesman said. It sets out rules for online intermediaries to tackle illegal content, while safeguarding freedom of expression and information online. The hearing was adjiurned until October 3 with a trial date set for January 12 (Chris Ison/PA) Two Ukrainian nationals have appeared in court charged with smuggling migrants into the UK onboard a yacht. Vladyslav Cherniavskyi, 37, and Oleksandr Yavtushenko, 43, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court charged with facilitating illegal immigration. The charges follow the interception of a yacht off the coast of the Isle of Wight on July 20 in an operation involving the National Crime Agency (NCA), Border Force and French law enforcement, which saw the vessel escorted into Gosport Marina, Hampshire. Four migrants, three Albanian males and a Vietnamese female, were handed over to the immigration authorities, according to the NCA. Judge David Melville KC adjourned the hearing until October 3 with a trial date set for January 12. He said: This hearing will be adjourned until October 3, both defendants will be remanded in custody. The crew of the coast guard cutter Hamilton with the 76,000lbs of drugs seized. Photograph: US Coast Guard via Twitter The US coast guard announced on Monday that it had seized more than 76,000lbs of illegal drugs off the coast of Florida marking the largest drug offload in the 110-year history of the maritime law enforcement agency. According to a news release from the branch of the US military, officials offloaded approximately 61,740lbs of cocaine and approximately 14,400lbs of marijuana at Port Everglades, Florida, on Monday. The officials said that the total estimated street value of the haul was $473m. To put this into perspective, the potential 23m lethal doses of cocaine seized by the US coast guard and our partners are enough to fatally overdose the entire population of the state of Florida, underscoring the immense threat posed by transnational drug trafficking to our nation, said R Adm Adam Chamie, commander of the branchs south-east district. Related: Ketamine queen accused of selling Matthew Perry fatal dose to plead guilty The seizures were the result of 19 interdictions in international waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea between 26 June and 18 August, the agency said. The operations involved three coast guard cutters, two US Navy warships, a Dutch naval vessel and multiple interagency units, including Department of Homeland Security units. The drugs were transported to port aboard the coast guard cutter Hamilton, the news release added. This represents a significant victory in the fight against transnational criminal organizations, highlighting our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation from illicit trafficking and its devastating impacts, Chamie said. At a news conference on Monday at Port Everglades, coast guard officer Frank Marrano said that all of these interdictions, drugs it is the result of four months of hard work that the crew has put in, not only the crew, all of our sisters agencies and our partner nations. To be able to take positive steps to keep the United States safe from these drugs, it makes the difficult days worth it, Marrano added. Capt John B McWhite, commanding officer of the Hamilton, said that the crew aboard the Hamilton cutter interdicted 11 go-fast vessels, detained 34 suspected drug traffickers and seized a record 47,000lbs of cocaine. The coast guard said that it is accelerating its counter-drug operations in the eastern Pacific Ocean and expanding efforts to interdict, seize and disrupt transshipments of cocaine and other bulk illicit drugs by sea. These drugs fuel and enable cartels and transnational criminal organizations to produce and traffic illegal fentanyl, threatening the United States, it added. According to the Navy Times, the previous record for the largest coast guard offload prior to Monday was in 2021, when 61,130lbs of illicit drugs were seized. Louisville distiller receives industry's highest honor from global academy of experts for third time LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As distillers worldwide address new circumstances and opportunities, a global academy of experts convened by Drinks International has bestowed the whiskey industry's highest honor on Louisville-based Michter's for the third consecutive year: The World's Most Admired Whiskey. The annual Drinks International top-50 ranking is considered the definitive list of the world's best whiskies and represents the pinnacle of achievement in the trade. Michter's Executive Vice President Matt Magliocco commented, "It's literally a dream to have Michter's recognized as the World's Most Admired Whiskey. There are so many outstanding distilleries around the world with so many talented people making excellent whiskey. It's extremely humbling to be acknowledged by our peers across the industry when there are countless people doing such inspiring work and creating phenomenal products. We also feel immense gratitude for the wonderful journalists and publishers in the global trade press who have helped us share our story with the world, and who continue to educate readers consumers and trade alikeabout the great work people in our industry are doing. Any success that Michter's has achieved or can achieve is only because of our supporters in the trade. We are eternally grateful to them." The rankings are determined by an international academy consisting of 100 independent global drinks buyers, journalists, bartenders and whisky experts. According to Shay Waterworth, Editor of Drinks International, "Michter's ticks all the boxes when it comes to being an Admired Whiskey brand. It honours traditional practice while pushing innovation, it has provenance without being old fashioned and its whiskey is exclusive, but available in all the right places. Over the past 30 years Joe and Matt Magliocco and the whole Michter's family have built a powerful reputation with the global bar trade, while the quality of its whiskey is revered by the industry's top experts. To top our ranking once was an impressive achievement, but to do it three times on the bounce is unparalleled, and something I doubt we'll see again for some time." "We are thrilled and deeply humbled by this recognition from the Drinks International academy. Like all of our friends in the industry, we are adapting to evolving regulatory and trading frameworks, consumer preferences, and technology," said Michter's Master of Maturation Andrea Wilson. "Our highest professional calling is simply to make great whiskey for people to enjoy. Being named The World's Most Admired Whiskey is the ultimate expression of that, and we could not be prouder and more grateful to receive this extraordinary recognition." Dan McKee, Michter's Master Distiller, commented, "This job has brought me from Kentucky to Kansai and nearly everywhere in between. Throughout my travels, I've been blown away by the appreciation for Michter's and the American whiskey category by domestic and international consumers. Our team at Michter's devotes everything we have to making the highest-quality whiskey we possibly can. It is the best feeling ever to know that people are truly enjoying the fruits of our labor. We are so appreciative of everyone's support." "This never would have happened without the tremendous support of so many individuals around the world," said Michter's President Joseph J. Magliocco. "All of us at Michter's are deeply grateful to each and every one of those individuals, and we are humbled by this wonderful news." Beyond its main distillery in the Shively section of Louisville, Michter's operations extend to two other sites in Kentucky. In Springfield, Michter's is farming estate grown grain on its 205-acre property, while in downtown Louisville, Michter's has its second distillery in the historic Fort Nelson Building. Situated in a prime location on West Main Street opposite Louisville Slugger and on the same block as the Frazier Museum, Michter's Fort Nelson Distillery features the legendary pot still system from Michter's Pennsylvania. It also offers educational tours with whiskey tastings and The Bar at Fort Nelson, which features classic cocktails curated by spirits and cocktail historian David Wondrich. Michter's has a rich and long legacy of offering traditional American whiskeys of uncompromising quality. With each of its limited production offerings aged to its peak maturity, Michter's highly acclaimed portfolio includes bourbon, rye, sour mash whiskey, and American whiskey. For more information about the The World's Most Admired Whiskies List, including the full 2025 report, please visit: Drinks International. For more information about Michter's, please visit michters.com, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X. Contact: Matt Magliocco +1 (502) 774-2300 x470 [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1923917/MICHTER_S_DISTILLERY__LLC_LOGO_Logo.jpg Victoria Beckhams fashion and beauty business has enjoyed surging sales as its best-selling eyeliner helped it shrug off a wider downturn for designer brands. The label founded by the former Spice Girl reported its fourth year in a row of sales growth. Revenues for Victoria Beckham Holdings Ltd totalled 112.7 million over 2024, 27% higher than 2023. Sales were lifted across both the fashion business and the beauty division, which incorporates makeup, skincare and fragrance. Within the clothing range, best-selling items included midi-length and gown-style crepe dresses and tailored styles in bold colours inspired by the founder. Victoria Beckhams fashion and beauty business was founded in 2008 (Finnbarr Webster/PA) Its beauty arm was given a boost by the best-selling Satin Kajal Liner product, which retails for 32 and which the company said is bought once every 30 seconds on average. The Victoria Beckham brand is sold in 230 stores in 50 countries around the world, including the UKs Selfridges and Harrods department stores, as well as on its website. Despite growing sales, operating losses for the business widened to 1.6 million for 2024, from 215,000 the previous year. The company has not made an operating profit since it was formed in 2008. However, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBIDTA) grew to 2.2 million in 2024 from 1.8 million in 2023. A docu-series based around Victoria Beckham is set to launch on streaming platform Netflix this autumn, following the businesswoman and former girl band member since the launch of her brand and through her rise in the fashion and beauty world. Chief executive Sybille Darricarrere Lunel said 2024 was a pivotal year for the Victoria Beckham business, marked by strategic investment and rightsizing to position the business for long-term, profitable growth. The former Dior executive, who stepped into the top job last month, said strong consumer demand came despite a challenging market environment. The luxury retail sector has faced a prolonged downturn as it grappled with weaker consumer demand and rising costs, particularly in key markets in China and Asia. Designer brand Burberry recently launched a new strategy aimed at reducing business costs and boosting sales after coming under pressure from weaker luxury spending. Handbag maker Mulberry is also undergoing a major turnaround plan including efforts to simplify its operations, with the closure of 12 loss-making shops in Asia, and refreshing the brand identity. Members of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency exposed Social Security data of more than 300 million Americans, putting personal information at risk of being leaked or hacked into, according to a bombshell whistleblower report. A disclosure filed to the governments top ethics office Tuesday alleges that a DOGE team had uploaded a copy of agency data for virtually every American to a vulnerable cloud server. The data included addresses, birth dates and other sensitive information that could be used to steal identities. The whistleblower disclosure from Charles Borges, the agencys chief data officer, accuses DOGE personnel of copying a live set of data without any independent security or oversight measures in place. His statement underscores prior warnings from watchdog groups and lawsuits that tried to block the Elon Musk-founded group of young engineers from wreaking havoc across federal agencies. A whistleblower report alleges Elon Musks DOGE team at the Social Security Administration had sent a copy of Americans sensitive data to a vulnerable cloud server that was at risk of being leaked or hacked into (Getty Images) Borges uncovered serious data security lapses, evidently orchestrated by DOGE officials that risk the security of over 300 million Americans Social Security data, according to the complaint, viewed by The Independent. His disclosure alleges systemic data security violations, uninhibited administrative access to highly sensitive production environments, and potential violations of security protocols and federal privacy laws by DOGE personnel including Edward Big Balls Coristine, the 19-year-old at the center of a wave of controversial policies inside the federal government. Should bad actors gain access to this cloud environment, Americans may be susceptible to widespread identity theft, may lose vital health care and food benefits, and the government may be responsible for reissuing every American a new Social Security number at great cost, according to Borges complaint. In March, a federal judge blocked Musks team from accessing Social Security data. But an order from the Supreme Court later paved the way for DOGE to tap into that information. Borges, a U.S. Navy veteran, began working as the chief data officer at the Social Security Administration in January just days after Donald Trump entered office, tapping Musk to embed loyalists across the federal government to recommend drastic spending cuts and mass firings. Borges provided more than two dozen pages of emails, memos and other communications outlining how DOGE potentially violated multiple federal statutes designed to protect government data. In response, one of his superiors noted the possibility that the agency might have to re-issue Social Security numbers, according to the complaint. The findings were shared with the Office of Special Counsel as well as members of Congress by lawyers at the Government Accountability Project, a whistleblower protection group. A spokesperson for the agency said Social Security Administration chief Frank Bisignano and the Trump administration take all whistleblower complaints seriously and do not believe any data was compromisedMus (AFP via Getty Images) Borges had discovered a disturbing pattern of questionable and risky security access and administrative misconduct that impacts some of the publics most sensitive data, according to Andrea Meza, director of the groups campaigns for government accountability. Out of a sense of urgency and duty to the American public, he is now raising the alarm to Congress and the Office of Special Counsel, urging them to engage in immediate oversight to address these serious concerns, she said. Mr. Borges bravery in coming forward to protect the American publics data is an important step towards mitigating the risks before it is too late. In a statement to The Independent, a spokesperson for the agency said commissioner Frank Bisignano and agency personnel take all whistleblower complaints seriously. The agency stores all personal data in secure environments that have robust safeguards in place to protect vital information, and the data referenced in the complaint is stored in a long-standing environment used by SSA and walled off from the internet, according to the agency. High-level officials have access to that system with oversight by the agencys Information Security team, according to the agency. We are not aware of any compromise to this environment and remain dedicated to protecting sensitive personal data, the spokesperson said. The White House, which has handled requests for information about DOGE efforts and the U.S. DOGE Service, deferred The Independents request for comment to the Social Security Administration. Musk had baselessly labeled the nations retirement and disability agency a Ponzi scheme and claimed that as much as $700 billion in annual payments were fraudulent, raising concerns that the worlds wealthiest man was helping the Trump administration lay the groundwork for seismic cuts to the nations largest and most popular program. According to court documents in a federal lawsuit seeking to prevent DOGE from tapping into Social Security data, Musks team at the agency sought to bolster the presidents spurious claims that millions of dead people are receiving benefits. Elon Musk baselessly labeled the nations retirement and disability program a Ponzi scheme as he sought drastic cuts to federal spending (REUTERS) Seven DOGE employees were granted access to Americans Social Security data or personally identifiable information, government lawyers wrote in March. Their level of access provides no avenues to change beneficiary data or payments, but gives them the ability to review records needed to detect fraud, they added. District Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander had temporarily blocked DOGE from what she called a fishing expedition in search of a fraud epidemic based on little more than suspicion inside the agency. The DOGE team is essentially engaged in a fishing expedition at [the agency], in search of a fraud epidemic, based on little more than suspicion, Judge Lipton wrote in March. It has launched a search for the proverbial needle in the haystack, without any concrete knowledge that the needle is actually in the haystack. DOGE never identified or articulated even a single reason why it would need unlimited access to Social Securitys entire record systems, which would risk exposing personal, confidential, sensitive, and private information that millions of Americans entrusted to their government, the judge added. A massive breach of Social Security data is a scandal, according to Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, which has joined an avalanche of legal challenges against the Trump administration. Letting a 19-year-old kid move everyones personal data onto a vulnerable server is yet another example of how unfit the Trump administration is to serve its core function: Protecting the rule of law and looking out for the best interests of our people, she added. We cant afford to wait until there is a catastrophic misuse of this data, we need to immediately rein in the tech bros who invaded our government through DOGE. Troubled Wood Group revealed its Dubai-based suitor Sidara has cut its takeover proposal to 207.6 million, but said it would be prepared to accept the reduced price. The Aberdeen-headquartered engineering and energy services firm said Sidara had confirmed on Saturday it was committed to making an offer, but that any formal bid would be at the lower price of 30p a share. Sidara a privately held network of engineering and design companies run from the United Arab Emirates had previously made an approach worth 35p a share in mid-April, valuing Wood Group at 242.2 million. The deadline for Sidara to make a firm offer or walk away has now been extended to 5pm on Thursday August 28, Wood Group added. Wood Group said: The board has evaluated the reduced possible offer with its financial advisers and concluded that it is at a value that the board would be minded to recommend to Wood shareholders. The firm said it had now agreed a commercial alignment on the terms of a proposed refinancing, which was a condition to the takeover proposal first announced in April. It said it was also continuing to work with its auditor on significantly delayed accounts for 2004. Wood Group shares, which are currently suspended, had plunged by more than 70% amid a torrid time for the firm. The troubled Scottish group, which provides oilfield and engineering services, warned in April that it was having to restate its accounts from previous years. It also delayed the publication of results for the 2024 financial year, which were due at the end of April, meaning its shares have been suspended from trading on the London Stock Exchange since. This followed an independent review carried out by Deloitte finding material weaknesses and failures in the groups financial culture within its projects business unit and the engagement with its group finance team. The Financial Conduct Authority launched an investigation into Wood Group in June after the independent review unearthed the cultural failings with its accounting practices. Sidaras takeover interest comes a year after talks around a previous 1.56 billion takeover approach from the Dubai bidder collapsed. However, Wood Groups share value has tumbled in the months since, particularly after recent updates highlighted potential governance failings and the need for Wood to restate its accounts. John Rudat, a paramedic and part-time model from New York state attacked on tram in Dresden (Getty Images) A 21-year-old American tourist was severely injured, including being slashed in the face with a knife, early on Sunday morning when he defended a group of women from a pair of harassers on a German tram, according to officials and family members. John Rudat, a paramedic and part-time model from New York state, was visiting the city of Dresden to stay with his former foreign exchange host family when the incident occurred shortly after midnight. Initially, two men from a group harassed female passengers on the train, the Dresden Police Department wrote in an online statement, originally in German. A 21-year-old US citizen intervened and was stabbed by one of the other perpetrators during the ensuing altercation. The two perpetrators then fled the scene. Police caught one of the two alleged attackers, described by police as a 21-year-old Syrian, nearby. The man was later released due to a lack of evidence tying the 21-year-old to the knife attack, officials told the German tabloid Bild. Stabbing occurred shortly after midnight on tram in Dresden, as American tourist John Rudat, 21, attempted to stop a group of men from harassing female passengers (REUTERS) Police added in an interview with the outlet that they are still searching for the second suspect. Rudats brother, Logan, told The New York Post he wasnt surprised his brother stepped in to protect the women. I would have been surprised if he hadnt stepped in, he said. Its part of his character. Thats just the way we were raised. The attack sent Rudat to the hospital and left him with serious injuries, including a deep facial from a 6-inch knife blade, according to a GoFundMe page. We strongly condemn the brutal attack on an American citizen in Dresden, the U.S. Embassy in Berlin wrote on X. While courageously intervening to protect a fellow passenger, he was viciously attacked. We urge German authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice and punish them to the fullest extent permitted by law. He tried to help two young women and one of the assailants slashed his face, Rudats manager Taylor Kelsaw wrote on Facebook. This is a most heinous act of a crime. John had just begun his career with us. We are devastated, but thankful he wasnt killed. In an Instagram video, a bandaged Rudat condemned police for releasing the suspect, and alleged without evidence that the suspect had a lengthy past criminal history and was released because he was not a citizen of Germany. He also seemed to suggest he knew the assailants previously. Elsewhere in the video, Rudat claimed the incident showed Germany had an immigrant problem. A study from a German research institute released this year found that migration and refugee admission did not lead to higher crime rates between 2018 and 2023 in areas where they settled. collage of foods invented by women against pink background - Static Media / Shutterstock / Getty Without women, the way many of us live our lives would look very, very different. That slice of toast you reach for in the morning? That's all thanks to Sarah Guppy, a British inventor who developed the precursor to the modern-day toaster. The cold milk for your cereal? That's down to New Jersey housewife Florence Parpart, who patented the modern electric fridge. The coffee that gets you going in the morning? German entrepreneur and housewife Melitta Bentz was the first to come up with coffee filter paper. And that's just the beginning. Women all over the world have also had a major influence over the exact foods we eat, too. In fact, they have invented some of the most iconic foods of the last few centuries. Think currywurst, chocolate brownies, chimichangas, and fluffernutter sandwiches. We've got all the details on the origin stores of all of these foods and many more below. Read more: 10 Vintage Kitchen Tools That Can Be Worth A Fortune Today Currywurst sliced currywurst in takeout dish - Steph Couvrette/Shutterstock Currywurst is one of Germany's most iconic and beloved foods. The simple mix of grilled bratwurst sausages and curry ketchup sauce was invented in Berlin, but today, it's eaten all over the country. In fact, according to Berlin's former Currywurst Museum (yes, there was once a museum dedicated just to currywurst), around 800 million servings of currywurst are eaten across Germany every year. And the woman responsible for all of this enjoyment? Herta Heuwer. After World War II, Germany was in a state of devastation. People were struggling to piece their lives back together after the Nazi regime, and food was scarce. Heuwer, however, was on a mission to make the best of the situation. In 1949, she combined ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and curry powder (which she managed to get hold of through some British soldiers), and created her own signature sauce called Chillup. Heuwer sold the sauce, slathered on bratwurst sausages, from her snack bar in Charlottenburg, West Berlin, and it was a major hit. Word spread, and people across the city couldn't get enough of Heuwer's creation, which she dubbed "currywurst." The street food is a major source of pride for Germany's capital. In 2003, Heuwer, who died in 1999 at the age of 86, was even awarded her own commemorative plaque. Chocolate Chip Cookies chocolate chip cookies on cooling rack - Elena Veselova/Shutterstock In 2022, a survey by OnePoll and Crumbl Cookies found that more than 60 percent of Americans believe it's hard to beat a chocolate chip cookie. The treat is so beloved, it even has its own day in the U.S. (August 4, in case you were wondering). Chocolate chip cookies were first baked and sold in the 1930s by a woman called Ruth Graves Wakefield. Back then, she was running a restaurant in Whitman, Massachusetts, called Toll House, and she enjoyed experimenting with different desserts. She'd been offering her customers a butterscotch nut cookie with ice cream, which was a hit, and she was inspired to keep going. Next up? A chocolate chip cookie, made with chopped up squares of a Nestle chocolate bar (because she didn't have any other chocolate on-hand), and history was made. Today, most chocolate chip cookies recipes follow very similar steps to those that Wakefield took nearly a century ago. Frozen Pizza With A Crispy Crust Totino's pizzas in store - The Image Party/Shutterstock It's hard to imagine a world without frozen pizza. According to GMI Research, the global market is set to exceed $24 billion by 2029. The convenience food is ubiquitous; you probably have one in your freezer right now. But back in the 1950s, frozen pizza was far less common. In fact, it had only just started to appear on the shelves. A man called Joseph Bucci was likely responsible for coming up with an effective way to freeze pizza dough without it getting soggy. But a decade later, Rose Totino and her husband Jim of Totino's Italian Kitchen in Minnesota changed the frozen pizza game. Their small pizzeria was so popular that the married couple decided to try their hand at starting a frozen pizza business called Totino's Finer Foods. By the 1970s, that frozen pizza brand was one of the biggest names in the industry. But Rose wasn't done yet. In 1979, a few years after the company sold to Pillsbury for $22 million, she filed a patent for Crisp Crust technology. The innovative invention meant that the crust on frozen pizza would always remain crispy, just like in restaurant-quality or homemade pizza, even after the product had been thawed and baked. Rose died in 1994, but Totino's, now owned by General Mills, lives on as one of the nation's leading frozen pizza brands. Bagged Potato Chips open potato chip bag on table - sasirin pamai/Shutterstock Potato chips are popular everywhere, but they're especially loved in the U.S. In fact, according to the USDA, American consumers spend around $7 billion on potato chips every year. It's nothing new; people in the U.S. have been in love with potato chips for more than 170 years. Back in 1853, George Crum, who was a cook at a Saratoga Springs, New York restaurant, accidentally invented them to please a difficult customer. The customer kept requesting his fried potatoes be cut thinner, and in the end, Crum cut them so thin that they had to be eaten by hand (a fork would just cause them to snap). The customer loved them, and so did many future diners at the restaurant. The potato chips were a hit, and the invention eventually made it onto store shelves. But there was a problem: The glass containers for those first store-bought potato chips simply didn't keep them fresh enough. But luckily, in the 1920s, a nurse called Laura Scudder had a solution. She worked out that by ironing sheets of wax paper together, you could create a sealed bag that was much better suited to keeping all of the potato chips inside nice and crispy for longer. Scudder's invention paved the way for the mass production of potato chips. She died in 1959, but her eponymous brand, Laura Scudder's, is still selling potato chips today. Tarte Tatin Tarte Tatin on table next to apples, cream, and knife - Westend61/Getty Images Tarte Tatin is a classic French dessert, made with a base of caramelized apples that are covered in pastry. It's a favorite of many chefs, including the late Julia Child, a pioneer of French cooking in America, who always made hers with flaky, golden-brown puff pastry and Golden Delicious apples. Each chef and home cook has their own carefully considered spin on the dessert, but the original was likely made by accident. Well, that's how the legend goes, anyway. In the late 19th century, in a French village called Lamotte-Beuvron in the Loire Valley, two sisters, named Caroline and Stephanie Tatin, ran their father's hotel, L'Hotel Tatin. It was Stephanie's job to cook for the guests, but one day, she was in such a rush during the hotel's busy period, that while making an apple pie, she left the apples cooking in butter and sugar for too long. The apples burnt, but she didn't throw them away. Instead, she attempted to cover up her mistake with pastry. The unexpected result? The hotel's guests loved the accidental dish, and a new dessert, called tarte Tatin after its creator, was born. This is the most commonly accepted story about tarte Tatin's origin. However, another theory states that Stephanie was inspired by another similar recipe, which was created by a visiting cook who worked for a wealthy Parisian family. Chocolate Brownies Chocolate brownies - AlexeiLogvinovich/Shutterstock Back in the 1890s, Bertha Palmer was an extremely busy socialite. Based in Chicago, she was an advocate for women's rights, an anti-poverty campaigner, and an art collector. But somehow, despite her busy schedule, she still found the time to invent chocolate brownies. And it's not an exaggeration to say that hundreds of thousands of Americans are incredibly grateful that she did. According to the National Brownie Committee of America, people in the U.S. eat more than 1.4 million chocolate brownies every year. So, how, exactly, did Palmer invent the brownie? Well, in 1893, a major fair called the World's Columbian Exposition took place in Chicago to celebrate 400 years since Christopher Columbus landed in the America. Palmer was asked by the organizing committee to make a special sweet treat for the event, and she came up with a dessert that looked very much like the modern day brownie. One key difference was that Palmer's version was covered in an apricot glaze, but the chocolate, nutty, fudgy cake underneath looked and tasted just like the brownies we all love today. Princess Cake Princess cake with slice cut - Sbossert/Getty Images On birthdays and weddings in Sweden, it's not uncommon for princess cake, or prinsesstarta, to make an appearance. The green marzipan dome-shaped cake, filled with sponge cake and cream and usually decorated with a sweet pink rose, is visually impressive. It's fit for a princess, or three princesses, to be exact. In the 1930s, Swedish pastry chef Jenny Akerstrom created the cake especially for the three princesses of Sweden, Princess Margaretha, Princess Martha, and Princess Astrid. The cake was an elegant masterpiece, and it tasted great, too, which is why it eventually became a firm favorite throughout Sweden. Today, many people have put their own spin on the recipe. Some make it with chocolate, for example, or swap the green marzipan for pink, yellow, or red, but usually, the core of the recipe is the same. And most takes on princess cake look just like Akerstrom's very first version. Madeleines Madeleines in a basket - Deepika Haldankar/Getty Images Many tasty, sweet treats have come out of France. As well as tarte Tatin, there are macarons, millefeuille, and Madeleines, for example. For the latter, many historians believe we likely have a woman to thank: Madeleine Paulmier. Back in the 18th century, Paulmier was working as a servant for the King of Poland, Stanisaw Leszczynski. In order to please the king, who was also the Duke of Lorraine, Paulmier baked special bite-sized, shell-shaped sponge cakes with a crispy edge, which would later be known as Madeleines. As well as Leszczynski, the sweet treats were also loved by King Louis XV's court. But it wasn't King Louis XV or Leszczynski or Paulmier who made the cakes famous. That was all down to the French novelist Marcel Proust, who wrote about Madeleines in his seven-part novel "In Search of Lost Time" two centuries after Paulmier allegedly first served them to the Polish king. Lemon Meringue Pie slice of Lemon meringue pie on yellow plate - Jmcanally/Shutterstock Every August, a very special day rolls around in the U.S. We're talking, of course, about National Lemon Meringue Pie Day on August 15. It's not surprising that the citrusy dessert is popular enough to have its own day. Made with a combination of meringue, a tart lemon filling, and a buttery crust, it's fluffy, indulgent, and full of zesty flavor. The origins of lemon meringue pie aren't clear cut, but many food historians believe the recipe we're all familiar with today was likely developed in the 19th century by the Philadelphian pastry chef Elizabeth Goodfellow. Fun fact: Goodfellow was also the founder of one of the first-ever cookery schools in the U.S. Unfortunately, there is no written record of Goodfellow's lemon meringue pie recipe. However, one of her cookery school students, Eliza Leslie, did write of Goodfellow's signature lemon pie with meringue in her own cookbooks. Modern No-Knead Bread rustic bread with rosemary on cutting board - Apostol Ungureanu / 500px/Getty Images The technique of making no-knead bread (which involves making bread without the laborious kneading process) is actually ancient, but it was only recently popularized again. In the last few decades, several bakers have attempted to bring their own signature techniques into the mainstream. But who is responsible for pioneering modern no-knead bread? One of the biggest names associated with no-knead bread is Jim Lahey of Sullivan Street Bakery. In 2009, he wrote the renowned book "My Bread: The Revolutionary No-Work, No-Knead Method," which received rave reviews from The New York Times and Nigella Lawson. But, actually, while Lahey often gets the credit for bringing modern no-knead bread techniques into the mainstream, there were many women who paved the way in the decades before. In 1999, a decade earlier, a Californian baker called Suzanne Dunaway also published a book on no-knead bread, titled "No Need to Knead: Handmade Italian Breads in 90 Minutes." Before that, in 1945, Sharyon Duke shared a no-knead bread recipe with the readers of The Nevada Daily Mail. And before that? A woman named Doris Grant published similar no-knead bread advice in a paper called the Sunday Graphic. You get the gist. Tortilla Chips bowl of tortilla chips - Bhofack2/Getty Images One of the biggest names in the American mass-produced tortilla chip world is, without a doubt, Doritos. But this global juggernaut, founded in 1964, didn't invent the snack it's most famous for. Nope, that was Mexican-American entrepreneur Rebecca Webb Carranza in the 1940s. Carranza was the company president of her family's El Zarape Tortilla Factory in Los Angeles. The story goes that in the late 1940s, she collected some discarded, misshapen tortillas from the factory, and instead of throwing them away, she cut them into triangles and fried them. She took the fried tortillas to a family party, and they were a hit. So, of course, the family business started selling them, and soon enough, the Tort Chips (as they were known then) were one of El Zarape's best-sellers. Today, thanks to Carranza, who died in 2006 at the age of 98, the tortilla chip industry is global, and still growing rapidly. In fact, by 2032, Sky Quest predicts that the entire tortilla chip market will be worth more than $46.6 billion. Dubai Chocolate pieces of Dubai chocolate with pistachios on wooden board - NatalyaBond/Shutterstock The most recent invention on this list is Dubai chocolate, which hit the mainstream just last year. And in true 2020s fashion, it all started with a TikTok. But let's start at the beginning, before the viral fame. Back in 2021, Dubai-based British-Egyptian entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda started her own chocolate brand, Fix Dessert Chocolatier, as a side hustle. Inspired by the Middle Eastern favorite knafeh (which combines pastry with ingredients like rose water and pistachio) and motivated by pregnancy cravings, Hamouda decided to create her own pistachio-laden chocolate bar, called Can't Get Knafeh Of It. As it turns out, people really, really could not get enough of it. After influencer Maria Vehera posted a TikTok of herself eating the chocolate bar in 2023, sales of Can't Get Knafeh Of It, or "Dubai chocolate" as it's now nicknamed, skyrocketed. Today, there are even countless knockoffs of Hamouda's original product, sold everywhere from Lidl to Costco. Camembert Cheese Camembert cheese with slice cut in dish - barmalini/Shutterstock France is renowned for many different cheeses, but one of the most iconic has to be Camembert. Traditionally made with raw milk, the creamy, earthy, soft-ripened cheese with a white skin is usually sold in wheels. It can be eaten at room temperature, but one of the most popular ways to enjoy it is baked until it's ultra-gooey and perfect for dipping. Camembert cheese comes from the village of Camembert in Normandy, and according to legend, it was invented by a French cheesemaker called Marie Harel more than two centuries ago, who developed the recipe after speaking to a priest from Brie. It was the French Revolution and anticlerical sentiment was strong, so the priest, Abbot Charles-Jean Bonvoust, was in hiding at the Manor of Beumoncel where Harel worked. He taught the cheesemaker how to make Brie, but she altered the recipe to be more suited to Normandy's milk, and Camembert was born. It took a while for Harel's creation to take off, but the legend continues, she had a little help from Napoleon III. The cheesemaker's son managed to get the emperor to taste it, and he was sold instantly. Per Business Insider, now, France produces around 360 million wheels of Camembert cheese every year. Fluffernutter Sandwiches Fluffernutter sandwich closeup - Jmcanally/Shutterstock Sibling to the PB&J, fluffernutter sandwiches have long been a staple of college dorms, kids' birthday parties, and late night snacks. Everyone has their own twist on the simple snack, which, in its most basic form, is just marshmallow cream and peanut butter in two slices of bread. Some say they're best served with a handful of potato chips in the middle for extra crunch, while others choose to swap out the bread for peanut butter cookies. America has Minnesota to thank for the fluffernutter sandwich. There, it was created for the very first time by confectioner Emma Curtis. It was after the First World War, and meat was scarce. People needed another way to get their protein, so Curtis came up with the "Liberty Sandwich," which, today, is the iconic fluffernutter. And the marshmallow cream inside that sandwich? It was her family's very own Snowflake Marshmallow Creme, made by her brother, Amory Curtis. The spread was a predecessor to Marshmallow Fluff, which was invented four years later by another Minnesota confectioner, Archibald Query. Chimichanga chimichanga on a plate on a table with red checked table cloth - Narsil/Shutterstock Per YouGov, chimichanga is in the top nine most beloved Mexican dishes in the U.S. At number seven, it sits just behind fajitas and guacamole, and above chili con carne and huevos rancheros. But chimichanga, which is, of course, a deep-fried burrito, likely wasn't invented in Mexico. Actually, the crunchy treat likely comes from border state Arizona. There are quite a few different theories about how the chimichanga came to be, but they all stem back to 1950s Tucson. Some believe it was Woody Johnson, the owner of Mexican restaurant Macayo's, for example, who invented it when he accidentally dropped a burrito into a deep-fat fryer. But one of the most commonly accepted chimichanga origin stories doesn't involve Johnson, but another Tucson restaurant owner: Monica Flin. Flin died in 1975, but according to her surviving relatives, the fact that she invented the chimichanga is cut and dried. Their story goes that Flin, who owned El Charro Cafe, was in the middle of a late-night babysitting session when she got hungry. She fixed herself a bean burrito, and was about to eat it when one of the children bumped into her. The burrito went flying into a nearby vat of hot oil, and, instead of swearing, she exclaimed "Chimichanga!" Thus, the iconic Arizona Tex-Mex favorite was born. Read the original article on Tasting Table. Signage for Villanova University on campus outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 9, 2025. The school received two false reports of an active shooter in recent days, one on Aug. 21 and another on Aug. 24. Credit - Matthew HatcherAFP/Getty Images As students have started returning to their college campuses for the fall semester, a number of universities have faced false reports of active shooters. On Tuesday morning, officers responded to a call about gunshots near a campus library at West Virginia University (WVU), but later said that investigators found it was a hoax and there was no threat to campus. Like many other higher education institutions across the country, we believe West Virginia University was the target of a swatting incident this morning on the Downtown area of the Morgantown Campus, WVU Police Chief Sherry St. Clair said in a statement posted on social media. A number of other schools have also received false reports of gunmen on their campuses since late last week, including the University of Colorado Boulder; the University of New Hampshire; the University of Arkansas; Iowa State University; the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; the University of South Carolina; the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; and Villanova University. Such hoax calls, often referred to as swatting, have targeted a range of people and locations in recent years, including hundreds of schools across the U.S. Heres what to know about the latest incidents, and about false active shooter reports more broadly. The recent incidents Shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, authorities received a report that shots had been fired at a library on the WVU campus. Officers responded to the scene, and after clearing the building, concluded that it was a false report, according to WVU. The day before, at least five other schools dealt with similar incidents. Just before 5 p.m. on Monday, authorities received a report from someone who claimed they heard shots fired near a library on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. The school sent an alert to campus community members advising them to shelter in place, but police searched the area and didnt find anyone injured or any suspects. The school later said it was the latest target in a string of hoaxes directed at campuses around the country. Read More: Hoax Active Shooter Swatting Calls Are Tormenting Schools. Police Can Do Little to Stop Them Also on Monday evening, the University of New Hampshire Police Department responded to a report of gunshots in a campus library. But after officers searched the area, they determined that the call was a hoax. Earlier in the day, shortly before 2 p.m., the University of Arkansas advised campus community members to avoid the area near a library because of a reported active shooter. The school later said that police were responding to multiple reports around campus. But a couple hours later, the University of Arkansas said that police didnt find any evidence of an active shooter on campus. Iowa State University also grappled with false reports on Monday. Officers responded to the scene after receiving multiple calls about an active shooter on campus, but found no credible threat, the school said. The calls appear to be similar to several anonymous and false swatting calls at universities across the country, triggering a response from law enforcement, the Iowa State University Police Department said in a press release. And around 1 p.m. on Monday, authorities received a call that someone had a weapon at a library on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. Officers searched the area, but didnt find anyone who posed such a threat. On Sunday evening, authorities received two separate calls claiming that there was an active shooter at a University of South Carolina library. Both calls were made by a man whose identity is unknown, and included background noise that sounded like gunfire, according to the University of South Carolina. The school advised campus community members to shelter in place, and officers searched the area. But the campus police department later said that it believes the incident was part of a swatting hoax, noting that similar incidents have occurred at other universities recently. Last week, on Thursday, authorities received a call about an active shooter on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus. But officers found no evidence of a shooting, no injuries, and no active threat to campus, and determined that it was a false threat. Villanova University received two false reports, one on Thursday and one on Sunday. Associate Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of Police David Tedjeske said in a message to campus community members on Tuesday that federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are investigating the incidents, adding that other schools across the country have dealt with similar hoaxes. Tedjeske didnt share many details about the false report calls, citing the ongoing investigation. Authorities havent yet identified the person or people behind the calls, according to Tedjeske. These phone calls were complete hoaxes and the safety of our campus and community was never compromised, Tedjeske said, though later added that any report of a possible active shooter would be taken seriously. We will never risk the safety of this community by assuming that the next call is just another hoax. What is swatting? Swatting refers to when an individual makes malicious hoax calls to emergency services, such as falsely reporting a shooting or bomb, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The intent is to cause large-scale deployment of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams, bomb squads, and other police resources, DHS said. Authorities say phony reports divert first responders away from real emergencies, and that these hoax calls can spark fear and even be dangerous, since officers respond to the scene expecting to encounter a serious threat. According to DHS, swatting incidents often occur in clusters across the country. A growing problem Swatting incidents have become increasingly frequent in the U.S. in recent years. According to research by the Educators School Safety Network, a nonprofit focused on school safety, nearly 64% of all violent incidents in the 2022-2023 school year were false active shooter reports, making swatting the most frequent violent incident reported that year. The nonprofit recorded more than 446 swatting incidents in that time, a 546% increase from the 2018-2019 school year. This alarming trend has increased dramatically and shows no sign of slowing, Educators School Safety Network said on its website. While these swatting incidents may be considered just a threat, in reality they have a significant impact by traumatizing students and staff, consuming emergency response resources, robbing students of instructional time, and undermining the perception of safety and security required for a school to function effectively. Contact us at letters@time.com. Reviewed by Dietitian Mandy Enright, M.S., RDN, RYT Design elements: Getty Images. EatingWell design. Key Points Granny Smith apples are prized for their tart flavor and ability to hold texture when baked. Many chefs mix them with varieties like Pink Lady or Honeycrisp for flavor balance. Apple skins can be baked into snacks instead of tosseddont waste them! When Lauren Wilson was a child, her father signed up for a pie-baking contest at a local fair. "He made countless pies that fall, swapping the kinds of apples he used until he came up with the perfect combination," she recalled. His competition pie, filled with a combo of zingy green Granny Smiths, sweet-tart and juicy Pink Ladies and delicate, sweet Fuji applestopped with homemade salted caramel and toasted pecans to set it apart from the packtook second place. Its no wonder, then, that Wilson went into the dessert biz. Owner of the now-closed Seattle ice cream company Sweet Loswhere she specialized in small-batch, made-from-scratch pints in a range of classic flavorsWilsons now hard at work on an ice cream cookbook. One of the ice cream experts flavors is dubbed Apple Butter Crisp; another is Apple Stroopwafel Caramel. When she makes them, she uses the same apple trio that her father favored for his pies. "I love the complete and utter tartness of a Granny Smith," Wilson explained. Her sentiment is shared by other chefs, including Chris Piro of Kittery, Maine. Piro is founder of The Again. Foundation, which uses the proceeds from his elegant, many-course pop-up dinners to fund scholarships for youngsters in the foster care system (by day, hes a food and beverage director for a large hospitality company). Piro loves using Granny Smith apples in his cooking. Why Granny Smiths? Discovered in Australia in 1868 by a woman named Maria Ann "Granny" Smith, the tart, bright green apple variety became widely popular due to its ability to maintain its texture as it cooked and because it stores beautifully. This exceptional ability to last for long stretches of time makes it one of the most widely available apples in supermarkets nationwide. It stays crisp and flavorful year-round, whereas some other varieties become mealy over time. Piro, who thinks that "a nice, crisp, cold apple is one of the nicest, most rewarding things [to eat]," loves to use Granny Smiths in his "showstopper" apple tarte tatin with miso brown butter caramel. "What Im looking for is apple flavor," he noted. "Red Delicious doesnt have it. Granny Smith is punchy and acidic." But Make It a Combo Because Granny Smith apples are on the more sour side of the spectrum, many chefs do as Wilson does in her ice cream flavors: they combine different varieties of apples to get the exact profile theyre seeking. Its similar to the way that winemakers combine different grapes to create well-balanced table wines. Ashley McCuin (who lives in Cambridge, New York) remembers doing crafts with apples and baking with them, too, when she participated in the 4-H program as a youth. Now pastry chef at the elegant Hill Farm Inn in Sunderland, Vermont, McCuin likes to mix up three types of apples in her desserts: Granny Smiths, Ginger Golds and Cortlands. "If you want a nice texture in your apple dessert, go with any of those three," she recommended. "A Macintosh will just completely fall apart." For his part, Piro thinks that Honeycrisp apples, which are a much newer variety, are the perfect complement to Granny Smiths, although he also favors Braeburns and Pink Ladies. When hes making roasted apple semifreddo, which is a close cousin of ice cream, the fruit is a mashup of Golden Delicious for its "pure apple" notes and Granny Smith for its brightness and zip. "Ill mix and match to balance acid levels with flavor," he said. What About the Honeycrisp? Developed at the University of Minnesota and patented in 1988, the Honeycrisp apple was bred for flavor and for crispnessits cellular structure is slightly different from most other types of apples, which gives it an especially crunchy texture. Piro appreciates biting into a "really good [Honeycrisp] where theres a floral, almond, rose-blossom nature to it. I love floral flavored things." McCuin notes that "apple flavor is a spectrum" ranging from simple, sweet-tart tastes to the lighter, more ethereal flavors that are prevalent in Honeycrisps as well as in many older varieties of apple. Honeycrisp apples are "usually more expensive but worth it," she says Because everybodys palate is different, McCuin suggests that budding bakers "get a variety of different apples, bring them home and taste test." How Do Heirlooms Hold Up? In addition to all the apples already mentioned, heirlooms such as Northern Spy, Coxs Orange Pippin, Gravenstein, Winesap and the fun-to-say Esopus Spitzenburg are great choices when cooking with apples. There are plenty of even more obscure apple varieties that have the qualities most desired in baking apples, including firm flesh and deep flavor. If you live near an orchard and are picking your own fruit, dont hesitate to ask an employee for guidance on baking apple choices. Tips and Tricks for Cooking with Apples Unless youre getting a deal on apple drops, or are planning to immediately make a big batch of applesauce, select fruits that look unblemished and plump. If an apple feels soft or wrinkled, it may have a less pleasant texture and diminished shelf life. Wilson, McCuin and Piro all peel their apples when theyre making fancier treats (although McCuin leaves the peel on when whipping up batches of applesauce). What do they do with the peels? For McCuin theyre a snacky treat just as they are, but both Wilson and Piro like to sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar and bake or dehydrate them into crispy tendrils. Whatever you do, dont put them in the compost! Apple skins are incredibly nutritiousthey're packed with antioxidants, fiber and extra vitamins and minerals. Another tip: If youre cutting up a bunch of apples, toss the slices into a lemon, honey and water solution or a salt-water brine as you cut them. This helps prevent browning. The Bottom Line Make sure to select firm apples for baking. To get the ideal apple flavor, use either a single type of sweet-tart apple or a combination of sweet and sour apples. Granny Smiths are almost universally considered to be a greatalbeit tartcooking apple, and there are plenty of other types that are wonderful for baking and delicious as well. Just remember...Red Delicious isnt one of them. Read the original article on EatingWell Melbourne, Australia Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Iran of organizing two antisemitic attacks in Australia and said the country was cutting off diplomatic relations with Tehran in response on Tuesday. The Australian Security Intelligence Organization concluded the Iranian government had directed arson attacks on the Lewis Continental Kitchen, a kosher food company, in Sydney in October last year and on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December last year, Albanese said. Iran's government denied the allegations. There has been a steep rise in antisemitic incidents in Sydney and Melbourne since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023. Australian authorities have previously said they suspect that foreign actors are paying local criminals-for-hire to carry out attacks in the country. Police have already arrested at least one suspect in the Sydney cafe fire investigation and two suspects directly accused of torching the Melbourne synagogue. Member of Parliament Josh Burns walks past the damaged Adass Israel Synagogue, Dec. 10, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. An arson attack on the synagogue forced congregants to flee as flames engulfed the building. / Credit: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Sayed Mohammed Moosawi, a 32-year-old Sydney-based former chapter president of the Nomads biker gang, has been charged with directing the fire bombings of the Sydney cafe as well as the nearby Curly Lewis Brewery. The brewery was apparently confused for the cafe and mistakenly targeted three days earlier for an antisemitic attack. Giovanna Laulu, a 21-year-old man from Melbourne, was charged last month with being one of three masked arsonists who caused extensive damage to the synagogue in December. A second alleged arsonist, a 20-year-old man also from Melbourne, is expected to appear in court Wednesday, a police statement said. He has not been publicly named. "ASIO has now gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion," Albanese told reporters. "The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks. Iran has sought to disguise its involvement but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks. "These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil," he said. "They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community. It is totally unacceptable." Debris is strewn at the burnt-out Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, Australia, on Dec. 9, 2024. / Credit: YUMI ROSENBAUM/AP Shortly before the announcement, the Australian government told Iran's Ambassador to Australia Ahmad Sadeghi that he will be expelled. It also withdrew Australian diplomats posted in Iran to a third country, Albanese said. An alert to Australians in Iran noted the embassy's closure and urged them to "strongly consider leaving as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so." "Foreigners in Iran, including Australians and dual Australian-Iranian nationals, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest," the warning read. Australia updated its warning to travelers to its highest level: "Do not travel" to Iran. Iran has a long history of detaining Westerners or those with ties abroad to use as bargaining chips in negotiations. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that Canberra would keep some diplomatic lines open to Tehran to advance Australia's interests. She added that it was the first time Australia has expelled an ambassador since World War II. Albanese said that Australia will legislate to list Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. Australia's law makes providing support to a listed terrorist organization a crime. The government has previously rejected calls to list the Revolutionary Guard under existing terrorism laws because it is a government entity. Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has been accused of carrying out attacks abroad over the decades of its existence, though it broadly denies any involvement. The Guard's Quds, or Jerusalem, Force is its expeditionary arm and is accused by Western nations of using local militants and criminals in the past to target dissidents and Israelis abroad. The U.S., during the first Trump administration in 2019, formally designated the Guard a foreign terrorist organization, accusing it not only facilitating, but perpetrating terrorism. A spokesperson for the Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomed the terrorist designation for the Revolutionary Guard, adding in a statement that the group was "outraged" that a foreign actor was behind the crimes. "Foremost, these were attacks that deliberately targeted Jewish Australians, destroyed a sacred house of worship, caused millions of dollars of damage, and terrified our community," the statement said. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Israel has arrested several people on charges they had been paid or encouraged by Iran to carry out vandalism and monitor potential targets there. Iran denied Australia's allegations through its Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, who tried to link it to the challenges Australia faced with Israel after announcing it would recognize a Palestinian state. "It looks like the action, which is against Iran, diplomacy and the relations between the two nations, is a compensation for the criticism that the Australians had against the Zionist regime," Baghaei claimed. The move against Iran came a week after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu branded Albanese a "weak politician who had betrayed Israel" by recognizing a Palestinian state. Netanyahu's extraordinary public rebuke on social media came after an Aug. 11 announcement by Albanese that his government's recognition of a Palestinian state will be formalized at the United Nations General Assembly in September. That announcement was followed by tit-for-tat cancellations of visas for Australian and Israeli officials. Albanese previously resisted calls to expel Iran's envoy to Canberra before, analysts said, including in 2024 when Sadeghi was summoned for meetings with foreign ministry officials over his social media posts. Michael Shoebridge, a former Australian defense and security official and director of the think tank Strategic Analysis Australia, said he didn't believe the move was prompted by Israel's complaints. "I don't think that's a matter of Australia-Israel relations, but a matter of community cohesion here in Australia," he said. Neither ASIO director-general Mike Burgess nor Albanese explained what evidence there was of Iranian involvement. Burgess said no Iranian diplomats in Australia were involved. "This was directed by the IRGC through a series of overseas cut-out facilitators to coordinators that found their way to tasking Australians," Burgess said. While antisemitic incidents increased in Australian after the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7 2023, Iran was responsible for a transition in October last year when the violence more directly targeted people, businesses and places of worship, Burgess said. "Iran started the first of those," Burgess said. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore calls Trump D.C. National Guard deployment "unconstitutional" Video shows armed National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. Young chef brings kindness to the table at Santa Monica's Muse Paityn, Olivia and Evelyn Decker. (Whitney Decker via AP) Nearly three months after authorities in Washington state launched a manhunt for a military veteran accused of killing his three young daughters, the fugitive father has still not been found. On Monday, dozens of investigators returned to a key location in the horrific crime the remote area where Travis Deckers abandoned pickup truck was found near the bodies of his three girls, ages 5, 8 and 9, law enforcement officials said. Peter Orth, a supervisory senior resident agent with the FBIs Seattle office, told reporters that authorities are returning to an area near Rock Island Campground, roughly 150 miles east of Seattle, with the goal of finding evidence that will lead them to Decker or any information related to the murders. By thoroughly searching and documenting the area, we can help prevent the need to review the area in the future by collecting all possible evidence, he said. The effort, coordinated by the FBIs Seattle field office, includes nearly 100 law enforcement personnel, with intelligence analysts, evidence specialists and special agents with expertise in child abduction cases and forensic analysis, Chelan County Sheriff Michael Morrison said. Travis Caleb Decker. (U.S. Marshals Service) These resources demonstrate the seriousness with which every agency is approaching this case, Morrison said in a news release. The search is expected to last through Tuesday, Morrison said. While this latest operation may or may not yield new findings, our promise is that we will not stop until we have exhausted every possible avenue to find him and to bring closure to this case, he said. The sheriff's office continues to follow every credible lead, he said, noting there is still no evidence to indicate whether Decker, 33, is alive or dead. Authorities have been searching for Decker, an Army veteran described as an avid outdoorsman, since May 30, when his ex-wife contacted police and said he did not return their daughters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, after a planned visit. The girls were found at the campground on June 2 with plastic bags over their heads, according to an affidavit in support of an arrest warrant. An autopsy found that they died of suffocation. Authorities appear to have seen Decker, who is wanted on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping, just once, when a man believed to be him was seen in the Blewitt Pass area, southeast of Rock Island Campground. Another sighting in Idaho turned out to be someone else. Authorities have not identified a possible motive. According to the affidavit, Decker refused to sign a parenting plan last September that ordered him to seek mental health treatment and domestic violence-anger management counseling. His ex-wife, Whitney Decker, has said she believes her daughters might still be alive had an Amber Alert been issued in the hours after she first contacted police. By Marcela Ayres BRASILIA (Reuters) -Banco do Brasil has asked Brazil's solicitor general to act against false claims that allege it is poised to face sanctions by the U.S. government because one of its clients is a judge sanctioned under the U.S. Magnitsky Act, according to a document dated Friday and seen by Reuters. The state-run lender warned of "undesirable consequences" if the social media posts are not swiftly curbed, and said clients had sought clarification amid a wave of such posts. The posts included some from federal lawmakers, the bank added, urging legal steps to curb "potential and existing damage to the National Financial System." The solicitor general said it had referred the case to federal police, requesting a criminal investigation into the spread of fake news, warning such actions "could trigger a bank run, causing harm to the countrys economy." In response to questions from Reuters, Banco do Brasil referred to a statement it released on Friday that said it would take legal steps to defend its reputation after identifying "false and malicious" posts aimed at inciting panic and suggesting a run on deposits. The bank added that under Brazilian law, spreading false or incomplete information about financial institutions carries a prison sentence of up to six years, as well as fines. Banco do Brasil's troubles are at the heart of deteriorating U.S.-Brazil ties. Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Brazilian goods, as well as sanctions on Alexandre de Moraes, the judge overseeing the case in which former right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro is accused of plotting to overturn his defeat in the 2022 elections. The U.S. measures freeze assets and bar firms from dealing with designated individuals. Given the global reach of the U.S. financial system, foreign banks often broaden restrictions to sanctioned individuals to avoid secondary sanctions. Amid the uncertainty, shares of Brazil's banks have come under pressure. Shares of Banco do Brasil, which handles payroll for the Supreme Court, fell 2.2% on Monday following sharp losses last week. (Reporting by Marcela Ayres in Brasilia; Editing by Matthew Lewis) Company Bundles Financing into End-to-End Procurement Support for CRE Clients MILPITAS, Calif., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Inhabitr , the world's first AI-powered, end-to-end commercial real estate (CRE) furnishing solution, today announces an expansion to its furniture financing program, after successful pilot programs with PACIFIC 19 Kona and other hospitality clients. The Inhabitr financing program seamlessly integrates with its furniture procurement platform, and now is available for U.S. and international projects. Clients can automatically request financing for their furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) order, and receive approvals in days, including options for financing up to 100%. Inhabitr offers financing for FF&E orders for new developments, renovations and conversions. The company works with several partners for financing, including traditional banks and non-banking financial institutions. This not only expedites the order, but also improves cashflow prior to opening. "It's no secret that time is the most valuable commodity, especially with regard to CRE projects. And in times of financial uncertainty, projects often get delayed due to financing complications," said Ankur Agrawal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Inhabitr. "We are excited to offer a simple financing solution to our clients, allowing these unnecessary delays to be avoided." While piloting its financing solution, Inhabitr worked with several hospitality projects located across the globe. This included partnering with overseas government programs, along with branded and independent hotels. One successful project was PACIFIC 19 Kona, a boutique 150-room hotel located in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Inhabitr managed the procurement, delivery and installation of the hotel's guest room furnishings. The first phase of the project, which included 122 guest rooms, was completed in under five months. Most remarkably, Inhabitr also helped PACIFIC 19 secure financing for the furniture, a definitive competitive advantage that delivered real value for the client. "The ability to finance the furniture directly with Inhabitr was greatly beneficial to our team. This unique offering allowed us to move quickly and provided us with the flexibility to fund the order through post-opening revenue. This lowered the investor equity required and improved overall project returns," said James Evans, Co-Founder of Nine Brains and PACIFIC 19. "We were proud to help bring PACIFIC 19 Kona to life, as the hotel's thoughtful design and curated offerings perfectly captured the authentic Hawaiian spirit. We knew we could efficiently deliver high-quality furniture that reflected the property's unique design," added Agrawal. Inhabitr offers end-to-end procurement solutions for FF&E. Using a blend of proprietary technologies and personalized service, the company streamlines the entire furnishing process, including design and sourcing, financing, procurement, manufacturing, delivery and installation. To learn more about Inhabitr, visit www.inhabitr.ai . About Inhabitr Inhabitr is the world's first AI-powered, end-to-end commercial real estate (CRE) furnishing solution. Using a technology-first approach, combined with sustainable practices and tailored expertise, Inhabitr is the fastest and most reliable way to transform spaces into beautiful places. With a proven track record of furnishing over 30,000 units, Inhabitr serves a diverse set of CRE sectors, including hospitality, student housing, multifamily, co-living, short-term rentals, senior living and offices. The company's global team includes over 150 colleagues based across eight different countries. To learn more about Inhabitr, visit www.inhabitr.ai . SOURCE Inhabitr By David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) -An adviser to the Biden administration on the AUKUS project to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines warned on Monday against its cancellation amid a Pentagon review, but highlighted a wide range of problems that need to be resolved for it to succeed. In a joint paper authored with a former State Department official, Abraham Denmark recognized the need for "a thorough review of AUKUS by the Trump administration." But he added: "Should AUKUS fail or be scrapped, the United States would become less capable in the Indo-Pacific ... its international credibility would be dramatically undercut, deterrence would be undermined, and propaganda from Beijing and Moscow declaring the unreliability of American commitments would gain significant credibility." The paper, written for Washington's Center for the Strategic and International Studies think tank, listed well-known problems that need to be addressed, including lagging U.S. submarine production rates and the question of whether Australia would use submarines supplied by the U.S. in an Indo-Pacific conflict while depleting U.S. resources in acquiring them. The report also highlighted the high costs of AUKUS - it is estimated it will cost Australia $240 billion (A$368 billion) over more than 30 years - a shortage of skilled labor for submarine production in all three countries, and other practical issues such as a lack of progress in ensuring "AUKUS visas" to facilitate movement for people involved in the project. It also pointed at a vague focus of the so-called Pillar Two of AUKUS aimed at collaboration in high-tech weaponry and said this needs to be narrowed. The report, which Denmark co-authored with Charles Edel, a former State Department official now also at CSIS, said despite the issues, "shoring up AUKUS" was a "strategic imperative." It said AUKUS would "boost the United States' defense industrial base, strengthen its closest allies, send a powerful deterrent message to Beijing, and help stabilize the (Indo-Pacific) region." Details of the AUKUS plan to provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines from the early 2030s were unveiled in 2023 under former President Joe Biden, part of efforts to counter China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific. The Pentagon has said a review it announced in June of the three-way collaboration between Australia, Britain and the United States to ensure it aligns with President Donald Trump's "America First agenda" will be completed in the autumn. The review has been led by Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's under secretary of defense for policy, who has previously expressed concern the U.S. would lose submarines to Australia at a critical time for deterrence against China. Last month, the Republican and Democratic heads of a U.S. congressional committee for strategic competition with China stressed their strong support for AUKUS. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Chris Reese) BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Tuesday ordered police to tighten security around Jair Bolsonaro's home, including 24-hour patrols, citing increased flight risk ahead of final arguments in the former president's trial. Moraes put Bolsonaro under house arrest in a gated community in Brasilia earlier this month after finding the politician had failed to comply with restraining orders meant to stop trial interference. Bolsonaro faces charges of plotting a coup to overturn his 2022 electoral defeat, and final arguments in the case will begin early next month. He has denied the accusations. Police reinforcement is "appropriate and necessary" as the next phase of the trial approaches, Moraes said in his decision. He also pointed to findings in a recent police report as cause for concern that Bolsonaro could try to flee. The police found a draft of a letter from Bolsonaro in 2024 requesting asylum in Argentina, and accused him and his son Eduardo of trying to interfere with the trial. Eduardo Bolsonaro, a Brazilian congressman now living in the U.S., has been lobbying in Washington on his father's behalf. Bolsonaro's lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The defense previously said the drafted asylum request did not indicate flight risk, given it was from a year ago, and said Bolsonaro did not breach restraining orders. Moraes instructed police to avoid disrupting Bolsonaro's daily routine, and not bother his neighbors. (Reporting by Ricardo Brito in Brasilia; Additional reporting and writing by Andre Romani in Sao Paulo; Editing by Kylie Madry) A fatal Florida crash blamed on a trucker who the Trump administration says is an undocumented immigrant is drawing new attention to the White House's crackdown on commercial drivers. Harjinder Singh remains jailed on charges that he killed three people in a minivan Aug. 12 when he illegally made a U-turn across a Florida highway. An international petition calling for Gov. Ron DeSantis to offer clemency has drawn more than 2.8 million signatures of support, arguing that while tragic, the crash was a "catastrophic accident" and that Singh shouldn't face vehicular manslaughter charges. Trump administration pauses licenses for foreign truckers after crash A truck is inspected by security at Fletes Sotelo Freights prior to leaving to the U.S. from its base in Juarez. "While accountability matters, the severity of the charges against him does not align with the circumstances of the incident," says the petition, organized by advocates calling themselves "Collective Punjabi Youth." "By granting clemency, you would reaffirm the value of proportional justice, the power of community advocacy, and the potential for rehabilitation." DeSantis responded in a Aug. 25 social-media post: "If you're driving as an illegal alien in Florida, you will face the consequences." Singh, originally from India, entered the United States illegally through the Mexico border in 2018, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The names of the three people who died in the crash have not been released, and video purporting to be from the cab of his truck appears to show Singh react to the crash with almost no remorse. The St. Lucie public defender's office, which has been provisionally appointed to represent Singh but had not yet been formally appointed, did not immediately respond to a USA TODAY request for comment on Aug. 25. A fatal crash on Florida's Turnpike that led to the deaths of three South Florida people and involved a minivan and semi-tractor trailer occurred just south of the St. Lucie County north border on Aug. 12, 2025, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The petition comes as federal officials are scrutinizing the millions of commercial truckers for English-language ability and whether they have legal permission to be working. Some states permit people to get driver's licenses even if they are living in the country without the correct documentation. "This gut-wrenching tragedy should have never happened," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a social media statement." My team (will work with their Transportation Department counterparts) to root out and prevent illegal aliens from obtaining these licenses from sanctuary jurisdictions that put American drivers and passengers in danger." Among the moves taken or being considered by the White House: A temporary pause on granting new visas to international truckers seeking to work in the United States, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Aug. 21. Lifting of an Obama-era limit on checking truckers for English ability. For decades, holders of commercial driver's licenses were required to demonstrate proficiency in oral and written English, to ensure they understood signs and could communicate effectively with other drivers and emergency workers. That rule was suspended in 2016 but reinstated in June. Investigating what are known as "non-domiciled" CDLs issued by states to non-residents, which is the kind of California CDL that Singh held, according to federal officials. Reviewing fake CDLs experts say are sometimes issued by unscrupulous American trucking schools or bribed Mexican bureaucrats. Clamping down on falsified medical paperwork by switching CDL holders to electronic records. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Case of jailed trucker puts spotlight on Trump immigration policy FILE - President Donald Trump listens during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in the Oval Office of the White House, Aug. 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) BALTIMORE (AP) A federal judge on Tuesday threw out the Trump administrations lawsuit against Marylands entire federal bench in an emphatic ruling that underscored the extraordinary nature of the suit, slamming it as potentially calamitous." U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen, who was nominated by President Donald Trump, also criticized the administration's attacks on the judiciary, highlighting in a footnote that White House officials in recent months had described judges as rogue, unhinged and crooked, among other epithets. Although some tension between the coordinate branches of government is a hallmark of our constitutional system, this concerted effort by the Executive to smear and impugn individual judges who rule against it is both unprecedented and unfortunate, he wrote. The Trump administration filed a notice of appeal. At issue in the lawsuit is an order by the chief judge of the Maryland district court that stopped the immediate deportation of migrants challenging their removals. The Justice Department said the automatic pause impeded the presidents authority to enforce immigration laws, and it sought a court order blocking it. Cullen said allowing the suit to continue would run counter to overwhelming precedent, depart from longstanding constitutional tradition, and offend the rule of law. In their wisdom, the Constitutions framers joined three coordinate branches to establish a single sovereign, Cullen wrote. That structure may occasionally engender clashes between two branches and encroachment by one branch on anothers authority. But mediating those disputes must occur in a manner that respects the Judiciarys constitutional role. Unfavorable rulings for Trump The lawsuit, which the Justice Department filed in June, was a remarkable legal maneuver, ratcheting up the Trump administrations fight with the federal judiciary. The department has grown increasingly frustrated by rulings blocking Trumps agenda, repeatedly accusing federal judges of improperly impeding his powers. "The Maryland courts order upholds a direct assault on the Presidents ability to enforce the immigration laws, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement Tuesday. This will not be the final say on the matter, and the Trump Administration looks forward to ultimate victory on the issue. Trump has railed against unfavorable judicial rulings and in one case called for the impeachment of a federal judge in Washington who ordered planeloads of deported immigrants to be turned around. In July, the Justice Department filed a misconduct complaint against that judge. The Maryland judges, represented by prominent conservative lawyer Paul Clement, argued the administration's lawsuit sought to limit the power of the judiciary to review certain immigration proceedings while it pursued a mass deportation agenda. Among the judges named in the lawsuit was Paula Xinis, who found the Trump administration in March illegally deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador a case that quickly became a flashpoint in Trumps immigration crackdown. Cullen, who was nominated to the federal bench by Trump in 2020, serves in the Western District of Virginia but was tapped to oversee the case because all 15 of Marylands federal judges were named as defendants along with the court clerk and the court itself, a highly unusual circumstance he noted in his ruling. In casting its wide net, the Executive ensnared an entire judicial body a vital part of this coordinate branch of government and its principal officers in novel and potentially calamitous litigation, he wrote. Cullen found the administration lacked the legal authority to bring the suit, but he said even if it could, the judges were immune. Instead of the more confrontational approach of a lawsuit, the administration should have appealed the chief judge's order, he wrote, calling that the tried-and-true recourse available to all federal litigants. One branchs alleged infringement on anothers exclusive power does not license a constitutional free-for-all, he wrote. What the Maryland judge's order said Signed by Chief Maryland District Judge George L. Russell III, the order at issue in this case prevents the Trump administration from immediately deporting any immigrants seeking review of their detention in Maryland district court. It blocks their removal until 4 p.m. on the second business day after the filing of their habeas corpus petitions, which allow people to challenge their detention by the government. The order says it aims to maintain existing conditions and the potential jurisdiction of the court, ensure immigrant petitioners are able to participate in court proceedings and access attorneys and give the government fulsome opportunity to brief and present arguments in its defense. In an amended order pausing deportations, Russell said the court had received an influx of habeas petitions after hours that resulted in hurried and frustrating hearings in that obtaining clear and concrete information about the location and status of the petitioners is elusive. Attorneys for the Trump administration accused the Maryland judges of prioritizing a regular schedule, writing in court documents that a sense of frustration and a desire for greater convenience do not give Defendants license to flout the law. Clement, who served as solicitor general under Republican President George W. Bush, denounced the suit during a hearing earlier this month. "The executive branch seeks to bring suit in the name of the United States against a co-equal branch of government, he said. There really is no precursor for this suit ___ Thanawala reported from Atlanta. Israeli soldiers prepare tanks on Aug. 18 near the border with the Gaza Strip. (Elke Scholiers / Getty Images) MINNEAPOLIS Democratic National Committee members on Tuesday clashed over how to address Israel's actions in the war in Gaza, prompting the party chair to withdraw a resolution on the matter and move to instead address concerns brought by a younger faction agitating for a stronger stance. The move came after a DNC panel passed a resolution from chair Ken Martin that called for a ceasefire and the free flow of aid to Gaza and then blocked a second resolution that called for an arms embargo and suspension of military aid to Israel. As party leaders announced the rival resolution had failed, one man stood up and, referring to the strong rank-and-file support for a harsher stand on Israel, called out loudly: Ninety-three percent of Democrats you gotta be f---ing kidding me." Martin, seeing that the party was divided on the issue, announced that he would pull his resolution and instead further study it to include the voices of younger voters who were pushing for a harder line on Israel. Martin said he decided to withdraw his resolution to "allow us to move forward in a conversation on this as a party, we need to keep working through this," he said. While calling the situation in Gaza "urgent," he said, "We have to find a path forward as a party, and we have to stay unified." Allison Minnerly, a 26-year-old Democratic National Committee member from Florida who had pushed for Democrats to advocate for an arms embargo and suspension of military aid to Israel, said Martin had not reached out to her before Tuesday, when he jumped from his chair and pulled Minnerly aside in a private chat after her resolution failed. Minnerly said that since her stance on the war and her proposed amendment became public, she has been swamped with shows of support from around the nation. "The majority of our party is looking for answers and leadership on this issue, and they're going to continue sending emails like the almost 200,000 that were sent just this week," Minnerly told reporters. "I will not be surprised if the activism and organizing continues." Minnerly said she hoped Martin would include her in future conversations to help shape the DNC's ultimate position on the issue. "There needs to be urgency. When we reach a point of 90-10 issue within the party, the voters are more than ready to have this decided and resolved," she said, referring to a July Gallup poll. "It's just a matter of when is the party going to start listening." Duchess Meghan is looking back on the moment she fell in love with Prince Harry. In the newly released second season of her Netflix series "With Love, Meghan," the Duchess of Sussex, 44, discussed her romance with Harry, 40, during a chat with "Queer Eye" star Tan France. When France asked Meghan when she fell in love with Harry, she said it was on their third date. "We met in Botswana, and we camped for five days together," Meghan said in the third episode of the season. "You really get to know somebody when you're in a little tent together, and there's like, 'What is that outside the tent? That's an elephant? Are we going to be safe?'" Duchess Meghan in Season 2 of "With Love, Meghan." Meghan also confirmed that Harry was the one who said "I love you" first. "He told me," she revealed to France, who noted she "started to blush" during the conversation. Inside Netflix's new major deal with Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Meghan and Harry began dating in 2016, got married in 2018, and stepped down as working members of the British royal family in 2020. They moved to the United States and now live in California with their two kids: Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4. Meghan has hosted "With Love, Meghan," a cooking and lifestyle series where she is joined by various guests, since March. Tan France and Duchess Meghan in "With Love, Meghan." Later in the third episode of Season 2, Meghan mentioned that "one of the things I miss the most about the U.K." is the British radio station Magic. Duchess Meghan raves over Prince Harry riding waves in surfing video "Sorry to say this to you publicly, but that's such a grandma station," France playfully told her. "I'll be that grandma!" Meghan quipped. "My favorite station in my car is called 'mom jeans.' These are throwback, great, sing-along, you forget they existed (songs). I love it." Other guests in Season 2 include Chrissy Teigen, who joined Meghan in the second episode. Meghan noted that she and Teigen reconnected a few years ago after they hadn't seen each other in almost two decades. The pair reminisced on the show about their time on "Deal or No Deal," where they both worked as models early in their careers. "I was just so happy to have health insurance," Meghan told Teigen. "I was like, 'I get health insurance with this job!' I left that show, and then just a year or so later, you got famous. I was like, 'Oh, my God, she's on the cover of 'Sports Illustrated'?'" The two later shared a laugh after Teigen misunderstood Meghan and thought she referenced having a child named "Honsworth," while Meghan was actually talking about the hawthorn shrub. "It's my child you've never heard of," Meghan said sarcastically. "By the way, if I could have kept a secret like that, I mean, impressive." The new batch of "With Love, Meghan" episodes arrived after Harry and Meghan signed a renewed deal with Netflix earlier this month. The agreement includes a "With Love, Meghan" holiday special and a movie adaptation of the book "Meet Me at the Lake." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'With Love, Meghan' Season 2: Meghan talks Harry saying 'I love you' By Anna Hirtenstein and Marwa Rashad LONDON (Reuters) -U.S. and Russian government officials discussed several energy deals on the sidelines of negotiations this month that sought to achieve peace in Ukraine, according to five sources familiar with the talks. These deals were put forward as incentives to encourage the Kremlin to agree to peace in Ukraine and for Washington to ease sanctions on Russia, they said. Russia has been cut off from most international investment in its energy sector and from striking major deals due to sanctions following the Ukraine invasion that began in February 2022. The officials discussed the possibility of Exxon Mobil re-entering Russias Sakhalin-1 oil and gas project, three of the sources said. They also raised the prospect of Russia purchasing U.S. equipment for its LNG projects, such as Arctic LNG 2, which is under western sanctions, four sources said. None of the sources could be named because they were not authorised to speak publicly on the negotiations. Another idea was for the U.S. to purchase nuclear-powered icebreaker vessels from Russia, Reuters reported on August 15. The talks were held during U.S. envoy Steve Witkoffs trip to Moscow earlier this month when he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev, three of the sources said. They were also discussed within the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump, two of the sources said. These deals were also briefly discussed at the Alaska summit on August 15, one source said. The White House really wanted to put out a headline after the Alaska summit, announcing a big investment deal, said one of the sources. This is how Trump feels like hes achieved something. 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, a White House official said in response to questions about the deals. It is not in the national interest to further negotiate these issues publicly, the official said. A spokesperson for Dmitriev declined to comment. Exxon Mobil declined to comment. Rosneft and Novatek did not respond to requests for comment. TALKS COINCIDE WITH THREATS Trump has threatened to impose more sanctions on Russia unless peace talks make progress and to place harsh tariffs on India, a major buyer of Russian oil. Those measures would make it difficult for Russia to maintain the same level of oil exports. Trumps dealmaking style of politics has been on display before in the Ukraine talks, when earlier this year the same officials explored ways for the U.S. to revive Russian gas flows to Europe. These plans have been stalled by Brussels, which put forward proposals to fully phase out Russian gas imports by 2027. The latest discussions have shifted to bilateral deals between the U.S. and Russia, pivoting away from the European Union, which, as a bloc, has been steadfast in its support for Ukraine. On the same day as the Alaska summit, Putin signed a decree that could allow foreign investors, including Exxon Mobil, to regain shares in the Sakhalin-1 project. It is conditional on the foreign shareholders taking action to support the lifting of Western sanctions on Russia. Exxon exited its Russian business in 2022 after the Ukraine invasion, taking a $4.6 billion impairment charge. Its 30% operator share in the Sakhalin-1 project in Russia's far east was seized by the Kremlin that year. The U.S. has placed several waves of sanctions on Russias Arctic LNG 2 project, starting in 2022 and cutting off access to ice-class ships that are needed to operate in that region for most of the year. The project is majority-owned by Novatek, which started working with lobbyists in Washington last year to try to rebuild relations and lift the sanctions. The Arctic LNG 2 plant resumed natural gas processing in April, albeit at a low rate, Reuters reported. Five cargoes have been loaded from the project this year onto tankers under sanctions. A production train was previously shut down due to the difficulties in exporting given the sanctions. This project was intended to have three LNG processing trains. The third is in planning stages, with technology expected to be supplied by China. Washington is seeking to prompt Russia to buy U.S. technology rather than Chinese as part of a broader strategy to alienate China and weaken relations between Beijing and Moscow, one of the sources said. China and Russia declared a "no limits" strategic partnership days before Putin sent troops into Ukraine. Xi has met Putin over 40 times in the last decade and Putin in recent months described China as an ally. (Reporting by Anna Hirtenstein and Marwa Rashad in London; additional reporting by Timothy Gardner in Washington and Sheila Dang in Houston; editing by Barbara Lewis) Wildfires are intensifying across the western United States amid dry fuels and gusty winds, leaving one firefighter dead in Montana and thousands of homes threatened elsewhere. Millions of people are under heat watches and warnings from California to Washington, with temperatures soaring past 100 degrees in some areas. AccuWeather experts warn that any new fire starts could quickly spread in the hot, dry conditions. Fires in California, Oregon Firefighters battle the Pickett Fire burning in the Aetna Springs area of Napa County, California, on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Photo credit: AP Photo/Noah Berger) In California's Napa County, the Pickett Fire has burned nearly ,000 acres and prompted mandatory evacuations. More than 2,000 firefighters are battling the blaze, including 10 helicopter crews, Cal Fire said. As of Friday morning, the fire was 41% contained. Cal Fire investigators have interviewed a contractor and a vineyard manager in Calistoga where the blaze is believed to have started, according to NBC Bay Area. Investigators are looking into whether improperly discarded ashes may have sparked the fire, after a contract worker reportedly removed ashes from what he thought was a cooled oven and placed them on a pile of flammable material. An aircraft makes a fire retardant drop during the Pickett fire in Calistoga, California on August 21, 2025. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images) The Flat Fire, burning approximately two miles northeast of Sisters, Oregon, has scorched nearly 24,000 acres and destroyed at least 10 structures, including four homes. Thousands of additional homes are threatened, according to Central Oregon Fire Info. Evacuations remain in effect under the direction of the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. The Flat Fire is only 7% contained. Colorado's Lee Fire 4th largest in state history The Lee Fire in northwest Colorado has grown to nearly 140,00 acres, making it the fourth-largest wildfire in the state's history. The blaze, burning near the town of Meeker in Rio Blanco County, located about 220 miles west of Denver, surpassed the size of the 2002 Hayman Fire, which consumed 137,760 acres between Denver and Colorado Springs. Drought, extreme weather, and multiple days of Red Flag warnings have fueled the Lee Fire's rapid spread, pushing it past 100,000 acres in just eight days, according to the U.S. Forest Service. As of Friday, the Lee Fire was 90% contained. Officials confirmed it has already destroyed several homes and government buildings and forced evacuations in the county. Grand Canyon fire slows with monsoon rain In Arizona, the Dragon Bravo Fire, sparked by lightning on July 4 on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, has burned more than 145,000 acres. Recent rain from the annual monsoon has slowed fire activity, allowing crews to reach 75% containment. Firefighters are now shifting to suppression repair, removing hazard trees and stabilizing soil to restore access routes into the park. Utah fire nearing full containment In central Utah, officials report strong progress on the Monroe Canyon Fire, which has burned nearly 73,000 acres and forced evacuations. The blaze is now 95% contained. Lawyers for Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia and prosecutors seeking to expel him from the country faced a deadline on Aug. 26 to provide a federal judge with a timeline for hearings on the widely watched case. District Judge Paula Xinis ruled on Aug. 25 that the government cannot deport Abrego Garcia for a second time until she holds a hearing on a lawsuit challenging his deportation. Xinis stressed that the government was absolutely forbidden at this juncture from removing Abrego Garcia from the United States. It has been a whirlwind few days for Abrego Garcia, who has spent more than five months in detention, including time at a notorious prison in his native El Salvador. On Aug. 22, he was released from criminal custody in Tennessee and returned to his home in the Washington suburb of Beltsville, Maryland. On Aug. 25, he was detained again after reporting to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Baltimore. ICE officials claimed they wanted Abrego Garcia to check in for an interview, but then they detained him within a minute of his arrival, his lawyer, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, said. Hours later, Abrego Garcia's lawyers filed the federal lawsuit seeking to ensure their client was not shipped out of the country, possibly to Uganda, without a hearing. That suit put the case before Xinis. Abrego Garcia's deportation blocked: What to know Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation spotlights Trump immigration policies Kilmar Abrego Garcia (C) and his wife Jennifer Vasquez Sura (Center Right) enter a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office on Aug. 25, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland. The U.S. Government is threatening to deport Garcia, a Maryland construction worker from El Salvador, to Uganda after he rejected a plea deal to be charged with Human Smuggling and deported to Costa Rica. Earlier this year Garcia was wrongfully deported to a notorious anti-terrorism prison CECOT in El Salvador. Trump administration determined to expel Abrego Garcia The government's attorney, Drew Ensign, said deportation was not imminent. But the Trump administration has remained resolute in its quest to do so. "President Trump is not going to allow this illegal alien, who is an MS-13 gang member, human trafficker, serial domestic abuser, and child predator to terrorize American citizens any longer," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a social media post. Abrego Garcia has repeatedly denied those claims. Abrego Garcias detention is the latest chapter in a case that started in March when he was stopped near his home in Maryland and, a short time later, was wrongfully whisked away to a Salvadoran mega-prison. He was returned to the United States in June but remained in custody until last week. The case has fueled outrage over the Trump administrations hardline deportation policies. Where is Abrego Garcia being held? Where could he be deported? Sandoval-Moshenberg said his client is being held in a detention facility in Virginia. Xinis suggested during the hearing that, if Abrego Garcia is deported, federal law may require that he be sent to his country of choice. But Abrego Garcia's lawyers say U.S. officials have offered to deport him to Costa Rica if he pleads guilty to transporting migrants living illegally in the United States. When he declined to enter a guilty plea, the U.S. government warned he could be deported to Uganda. Abrego Garcia's lawyers say they have entered plea discussions with the government to avoid deportation to Uganda, which they say would be "far more dangerous" than Costa Rica. "They're holding Costa Rica as a carrot and using Uganda as a stick," Sandoval-Moshenberg said. "They're weaponizing the immigration system in a way that's completely unconstitutional." Kilmar Abrego Garcia goes through security as he arrives at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office on Aug, 25, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland. 'An acceptably less bad option' Before his check-in with ICE, Abrego Garcia notified the government in writing that Costa Rica would be an acceptable country for the United States to send him after he received assurances from Costa Rica that he would be given refugee status there and would not be deported back to El Salvador, Sandoval-Moshenberg said. "For him to be removed to Costa Rica is not justice," Sandoval-Moshenberg said, "it is an acceptably less bad option." Last week, Uganda became at least the fourth African nation to reach an agreement with the United States to accept an unspecified number of deported migrants who would not include people with criminal records or unaccompanied minors. Contributing: Evan Mealins, Eduardo Cuevas This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation fate headed back to court Teara Coates, 21, touches her four-day-old baby, Tayden Coates, in the incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit at the University Mississippi Medical College on Sept. 30, 2012. Credit - Lynsey AddarioGetty Images Health officials in Mississippi have declared a public emergency over the states rising infant mortality rate, which is the highest its been in a decade. Data from 2024 show that for every 1,000 infant births in the state, there were 9.7 deaths within the first year of lifeup from 8.9 in 2023. Every single infant loss represents a family devastated, a community impacted and a future cut short, said state health officer Dr. Dan Edney in a statement declaring the public health emergency, which allows the state to mobilize resources more quickly than it otherwise would have. According to state data, 3,527 babies have died in Mississippi before age 1 since 2014. The state saw a particularly high increase in neonatal deaths, which occur during the first month of life, and a very high overall infant mortality rate for Black families: 15.2 per 1,000 live births, compared to 5.8 per 1,000 live births in white families. Poor outcomes for both mothers and babies are not new for Mississippi, which received an F on a 2024 March of Dimes report card that ranked maternal and infant health by state. Mississippi had the highest infant mortality rates in the country in 2024, according to the report card, and the highest rates of preterm births, when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. (Being born preterm is associated with an increased risk for many short-term and long-term health conditions.) Some of the contributing factors to these bad outcomes include poor physical health of mothers and subpar access to care for both moms and babies. Mississippi has historically ranked low when it comes to these birth outcomes, says Dr. Michael Warren, chief medical and health officer for the March of Dimes, in an interview with TIME. But theyre not alone. Between 2023 and 2024, infant mortality rates worsened in 24 states, including Arkansas and Louisiana, Warren says. This is reflective of a large trend. These states had already been struggling with maternal and infant heath, but outside factors are likely worsening these outcomes. Many rural counties have lost ob-gyns or hospital maternity services in recent years, so women have to travel further for prenatal and maternity care. More than half of counties in Mississippi and one-third of counties in the U.S. are considered maternity-care deserts, which means they have no hospitals providing obstetric care, no ob-gyns, and no certified nurse midwives. Read More: Why Maternity Care is Underpaid In Mississippi and in the South, ob-gyns are leaving because of low Medicaid and private insurance compensation rates that make it difficult to keep a practice open. Practices that remain open are often short-staffed, and providers sometimes burn out after being on a 24/7 call schedule. As a result, women having emergencies during childbirth may not be able to get to a doctor in time. Mississippi and many other states in the South have also not expanded Medicaid, meaning women may be going into pregnancy less healthy than they would if they had more access to health care. If women do not have health insurance, they may not be visiting a doctor regularly to control chronic conditions like obesity or diabetes. One of the big factors leading to more infant deaths, Warren says, is that many are born premature, and much of prematurity is driven by a moms health before she even becomes pregnant. Taking care of those chronic diseases before pregnancy matters, Warren says, so that when a person chooses to become pregnant, they're in an optimal state of health, and they're going to have the best chance of a good outcome for them and the baby. In the public-health emergency announcement, Mississippi says that it is planning to cut down on the number of ob-gyn deserts by increasing prenatal care opportunities in certain counties. It also plans to expand a community health worker program to connect moms and babies to care near their homes. Mississippi has the knowledge, the resources and the resilience to change this story, said Edney, the state health officer, in a statement. It will take all of uspolicymakers, healthcare providers, communities and familiesworking together to give every child the chance to live, thrive and celebrate their first birthday. Contact us at letters@time.com. NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of James Hardie Industries plc ("James Hardie" or the "Company") (NYSE: JHX). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether James Hardie and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On August 19, 2025, James Hardie issued a press release announcing financial results for its first quarter ended June 30, 2025. Among other items, James Hardie reported a 29% decline in first-quarter profit and projected lower-than-expected fiscal 2026 earnings, citing high borrowing costs. On this news, James Hardie's American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") price fell $9.79 per ADR, or 34.44%, to close at $18.64 per ADR on August 20, 2025. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP CBS via Getty Kenneth Washington stars as Sergeant Richard Baker in 'Hogan's Heroes'. NEED TO KNOW Kenneth Washington's cause of death has been released, according to a death certificate obtained by PEOPLE The actor died at the age of 88 on July 18 and was best known for his role in the sixth and final season of CBS sitcom Hogan's Heroes He later took on several notable projects before retiring from acting and becoming a teacher in Los Angeles Kenneth Washingtons official cause of death has been revealed. According to a death certificate obtained by PEOPLE, the actors death was a result of cardiopulmonary arrest and prostate cancer. Cardiopulmonary arrest is when a person's heart function and respiration stops, resulting in death, per the National Library of Medicine. It's also known as cardiac arrest or circulatory arrest. Other contributing factors in Washington's death included respiratory failure and aspiration pneumonia, which is "an infection caused by inhaling something other than air into your lungs," according to the Cleveland Clinic. Washington's remains were cremated and scattered at sea, per his death certificate. CBS via Getty From left: Bob Crane and Kenneth Washington in 'Hogan's Heroes' Washington died on July 18 at the age of 88. The news was confirmed by his cousin, Derek Olivia, who mourned the loss in a public Facebook post. "Yesterday we had to say goodbye to my big cousin Kenneth Washington," she wrote, alongside several photos of the star. "Kenneth was surrounded by friends and family whom loved him. Rest in eternal peace." Washington was well known for his time playing Sergeant Richard Baker in Hogans Heroes, which he joined in 1970 for its sixth and final season. He made history as one of the few Black actors with a regular role on a network sitcom at the time. The CBS series took place in Nazi Germany during World War II and followed a group of Allied prisoners in a prisoner-of-war camp. Washington was the last living member of the Hogans Heroes cast after Robert Clary died in November 2022 at the age of 96. CBS via Getty Kenneth Washington stars as Sergeant Richard Baker in 'Hogan's Heroes'. When the series ended, Washington went on to appear in a variety of successful projects. Some of his most notable jobs included Star Trek, I Dream of Jeannie, My Three Sons, Marcus Welby, M.D., and The Rockford Files. He was also in the 1963 sitcom Petticoat Junction, making him the first and only Black actor to be featured in a major guest role at the time. He also worked in film, taking on parts in the 1973 sci-fi classic Westworld and TV movies J. Edgar Hoover, Money on the Side and Our Family Business. Washingtons final onscreen credit was in 1989, when he appeared in another iconic sitcom, A Different World, opposite Jasmine Guy, Lisa Bonet and Kadeem Hardison. He went on to retire from acting and returned to school. Washington earned a degree from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. In the years that followed, Washington became a professor there and at Southwest College, where he taught about speech, oral interpretation and Black actors in film. 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 is survived by his wife; his brother Johnnie and sister Aaliyah Akbar; his children Kim Lee, Kenneth Jr. and Quianna Stokes-Washington, as well as three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Read the original article on People Attorneys representing former special counsel Jack Smith hit back Tuesday at reports of a recently announced watchdog investigation into his prosecutions of President Donald Trump, describing the reasoning for the probe as baseless and partisan. "The predicate for this investigation is imaginary and unfounded," said Covington and Burling attorneys Lanny Breuer and Peter Koski in their letter to acting Office of Special Counsel Jamieson Greer, which was obtained by ABC News. The Office of Special Counsel -- which is a separate watchdog agency from the special counsel position Smith held under the auspices of the Justice Department -- confirmed late last month it was investigating Smith after receiving a referral from Republican Sen. Tom Cotton. MORE: Office of Special Counsel says it's opened Hatch Act probe of Jack Smith Cotton's complaint accused Smith of taking deliberate steps in his prosecutions of Trump, which included charges for unlawful retention of classified materials as well as a criminal conspiracy to overturn his 2020 election loss, to impact Trump's 2024 presidential campaign in violation of the Hatch Act. "A review of the record and procedural history demonstrates the opposite -- Mr. Smith was fiercely committed to making prosecutorial decisions based solely on the evidence, he steadfastly followed applicable Department of Justice guidelines and the Principles of Federal Prosecution, and he did not let the pending election influence his investigative or prosecutorial decision-making," Smith's attorneys wrote in response to the complaint. Both cases were dropped after Trump was reelected president due to a long-standing Justice Department policy that bars the prosecution of a sitting president. Tuesday's letter notes that since Greer's announcement of his office's ethics investigation of Smith, he has not yet attempted to directly contact Smith for cooperation with the probe. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to members of the media at the US Department of Justice building in Washington, DC, on August 1, 2023. Smith's attorneys also note the unusual nature of the investigation being led by OSC, which traditionally has no role in probing the actions of federal prosecutors. "We are aware of no court decision, prior Office of Special Counsel finding, or other authority interpreting the Hatch Act to prohibit prosecutors from investigating allegations of criminal conduct committed by former public officials or candidates for public office, or prosecuting those cases when the facts and law so dictate," the letter stated. "Application of such an unprecedented interpretation of the statute risks interfering with the Department of Justice's ability to investigate and prosecute public officials or candidates for public office," the letter said. The New York Times was the first to report on the letter. A representative of the Office of Special Counsel did not immediately respond to a request for comment from ABC News. Tuesday's letter is the first public comment from Smith's attorneys since he moved to drop his two prosecutions of Trump following the 2024 election -- and comes amid a growing barrage of comments from the White House urging investigations of Trump's perceived political enemies. MORE: Trump has moved quickly to exact 'retribution.' More revenge could come: ANALYSIS The Justice Department has already named Smith as among the officials under scrutiny by its "Weaponization Working Group," though it's unclear whether that means he is facing any criminal investigation. In their letter to Greer Tuesday, Smith's attorneys urged the OSC to ensure they have input before the release of any finding or report on Smith's actions, which they argue were never motivated by politics. "In light of the unprecedented nature of this investigation, if you intend to go forward with this in any way, we insist that you engage with us so that any finding by the Office of Special Counsel is fully informed by the record," they wrote. PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP via Getty Corgi Race Vilnius 2025 NEED TO KNOW Hundreds of corgis raced, dressed up and showed off tricks at the Corgi Race Vilnius 2025 Mango the corgi won the solo sprint, while Amigo took the costume contest crown The event also hosted the first World Corgi Meetup, drawing thousands of fans Over 100 corgis took off running in an awe-inducing competition over the weekend. From Saturday, Aug. 23, to Sunday, Aug. 24, 120 teams from across Europe took part in the Corgi Race Vilnius 2025 in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. The event took place in Vingid Park and was equipped to seat 6,000 patrons. The teams, which included the dogs and their owners, competed in front of thousands of Lithuanians as they went head-to-head across multiple segments over the two-day competition, including a solo sprint, a contest for the mightiest voice," a puzzle contest to determine wits, a costume contest and a group race. PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP via Getty Corgi Race Vilnius 2025 PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP via Getty Corgi Race Vilnius 2025 On Sunday, the event held the first World Corgi Meetup, in partnership with Portals, the creators of the innovative unfiltered 24-hour livestream. A corgi named Mango took home took home the trophy for the solo race. ABC News spoke to Mangos owner, Lithuania native Ignas Klimaika, who said that this is the second time the pair have signed up for the contest. Last year, we didnt manage to end the race perfectly, Klimaika shared with the outlet. We had a really good training. We had trained every day, but this year we decided we [would] just go without training, just to participate, just to enjoy all the lots of corgis. PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP via Getty Corgi Race Vilnius 2025 And that seemed to be the magic answer to Mangos well-earned success. He knows what he did and hes really proud of himself, said Klimaika. Another corgi named Amigo, who sported a factory-themed costume (complete with two tiny chimneys and Fur Factory lettering), was named the proud winner of the costume contest. Other adorable characters included a princess, an airplane and a fur-covered Batman. Last year, the Corgi Race Vilnius brought together 100 corgis from five countries and hosted nearly 7,000 fans, according to the event's website. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW Meghan Markle opened up about being not well while away from her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, during a difficult stretch The Duchess of Sussex reflected on parenthood during a conversation with Tan France on Season 2 of her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry recalled being separated from his children for longer than wed planned while attending Queen Elizabeths funeral Meghan Markle is reflecting on a difficult moment when she was away from her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. In season 2 of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, 44, shared an emotional memory with Queer Eye star Tan France, recalling a time when she was not well apart from her kids a remark that seemed to reference her 2022 trip to the U.K., which was extended due to Queen Elizabeth's death. While chatting with France in Episode 3 about the ups and downs of parenthood, Meghan reflects on how motherhood has exceeded her expectations. Its better than I ever expected, she says. She and Prince Harry are parents to Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, while France and his husband Rob share two sons, Ismail, 4, and Isaac, 2. During their conversation, France speaks about holding on tightly to his little ones. You know whats funny? When parents are like, Oh, I just cant wait for them to go to college and be out, Im like, I never want my children to leave," he says. "Theyre not allowed to get married. Not allowed to leave my house. Jake Rosenberg/Netflix Tan France and Meghan Markle in 'With Love, Meghan' Agreeing, Meghan reflects on her own children, saying, "Ill miss them so much. You want to be the parent whos like yes, go do it. Go do your thing. Go live that life. But Im going to miss you so much." France, 42, echoes the sentiment with a heartfelt admission, "I might die without my kids. I need my boys. If I dont see them for a couple of days, I feel like my heart is broken." Meghan then reveals just how difficult time apart has been for her as a mom. "Oh I know. The longest I went without being around our kids was almost three weeks," she says. "I was...not well." Getty Images Meghan Markle In September 2022, Meghan and Prince Harry, 40, were in London from their California home for a series of charitable engagements when Queen Elizabeth died at age 96. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had already been in Europe without their children then 3 and 15 months old visiting Manchester and Germany for charity events before returning to the U.K. as the Queen suddenly fell ill. In total, they were away for 17 days. The couple remained abroad for the funeral events that followed, and Harry later reflected on the unexpected length of their separation in his 2023 memoir Spare. "Our quick trip would now be an odyssey. Another ten days, at least. Difficult days at that," Prince Harry wrote in the book. "More, we'd have to be away from the children for longer than we'd planned, longer than we'd ever been." Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (center) look on as the State Carriage carries Queen Elizabeth's coffin on Sept. 19, 2022. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! The Duke of Sussex wrote that he and Meghan left the U.K. the day after the Queen's state funeral on Sept. 19, 2022. Once back home, he said the couple kept Archie and Lilibet close and couldnt let them out of their sight. Harry and Meghan are raising Archie and Lilibet outside of the spotlight in Montecito, California. The Duchess of Sussex recently told PEOPLE that it has also given her space to rekindle her passions for cooking, creating and entertaining pursuits she shares in her Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan, now streaming its second season. "When your children get to a certain age when youre not just playing in the sandbox with them but almost playing in your own sandbox again its super joyful," she said. "As a woman, a mom and a wife, to be able to find yourself again in a way that was always present but that you maybe couldnt put as much attention on as you now can when your kids are a little bit older is a wonderful feeling." Read the original article on People Jake Rosenberg/Netflix Tan France and Meghan Markle on With Love, Meghan NEED TO KNOW Meghan Markle and Tan France got a laugh out of the Duchess of Sussex's flower sprinkles in a preview clip of With Love, Meghan's second season Meghan has said the dried flowers help add a bit of unexpected delight to her dishes The second season of With Love, Meghan premieres on Aug. 26 Meghan Markle's flower sprinkles are back for the second season of With Love, Meghan, prompting a profanity-laced reaction from Tan France! In a preview clip shared on Instagram by the Duchess of Sussex on Aug. 25, one day ahead of the new episodes dropping, the Queer Eye star, 42, was taken aback when Meghan, 44, added some flair to a French toast dish. What was that you just added? he asked after Meghan added the topping. "Flower sprinkles. I love them, she responded. "Wow, thats the gayest s--- Ive seen in a long time, France quipped, prompting Meghan to crack up. France isn't the only one that can appreciate a creative application of the topping. Panic Carefully co-stars Brian Tyree Henry and Elizabeth Olsen have a shared love of the series, and Olsen, 36, gifted Henry, 43, some of Meghan's now-famous flower sprinkles when filming wrapped in London. "I'm saving them because I want it to be right. You know what I mean?" he told PEOPLE in April. "I want it to be on the right thing. Maybe I'll put it in my single-skillet spaghetti, because apparently, you can use it in anything. We'll see what I haven't put the flower sprinkles on at this point. Maybe I'll get a stock order of flower sprinkles so I never run out." The sprinkles, made of dried edible flowers, made an appearance in the first season of the show and are sold online via Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! "The obsession that has come with flower sprinkles, I was not expecting," the Duchess of Sussex said in April at the TIME100 Summit. "I think it speaks to the tiny moments of joy that are so effortless and just create a little bit of magic that we're all craving in our everyday," she said. "They're tiny little flower petals that are dried. I started putting them on salads, I started putting them on scrambled eggs, it didn't actually matter - on a yogurt parfait," Meghan continued. "The level of charm that you find people have when they see these tiny little dried petals is something I can't fully wrap my head around, but I appreciate that there is a love for the detail and the small level of delight that can be added." Read the original article on People Republican Rep. Mark Alford speaks Monday at a town hall in Bolivar, Mo. (Charlie Riedel / AP) Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., appears to be at odds with President Donald Trump when it comes to deploying the National Guard in certain situations. Speaking at a town hall in his district Monday, Alford said he does not think the federal government should send troops to cities other than Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles unless governors request them. The remark came in the middle of a heated back-and-forth in Harrisonville, where attendees engaged in shouted exchanges with one another and with Alford, making it difficult at times for him to answer questions uninterrupted. After saying he was OK with Trump sending the guard into Washington and to Los Angeles earlier this year in response to protests against immigration enforcement, Alford indicated there was a line he's not comfortable crossing. But I do not think that we should be sending National Guard into other cities unless the governor, unless the governor [asks], he said. Trump is ratcheting up his threats to deploy guard members to other cities. Trump said Sunday he is considering sending troops to clean up Baltimore, and he has suggested he would do the same to straighten up Chicago. Democratic leaders from Illinois and Maryland have slammed Trump for his comments. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson hit back at Trump on Monday, saying troops were not needed in Chicago and calling Trumps threats an attempt at political intimidation. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott also pushed back against Trumps threats. Moore said he would not be open to guard members being deployed in Baltimore, adding that as governor he would not authorize such a move. A spokesperson for Alford did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday night about his stance on Trumps threats to send the guard to Chicago and Baltimore. Alford was first elected in 2022 and won re-election last year with more than 71% of the vote. Trump endorsed him on social media last week. After a weekend of tit-for-tat jabs on social media and television, President Donald Trump and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore are continuing their feud -- with Trump claiming the governor called him the "greatest president of my lifetime," but Moore referring to this as an "imaginary conversation." While signing executive orders in the Oval Office Monday afternoon, Trump continued his ongoing criticism of Moore and the city of Baltimore for being a "deathbed" with "tremendous crime," before flashing back to an interaction that he described fondly. "I met him at the Army-Navy game. They said, 'Oh there's Gov. Moore. He'd love to see you.' He came over to me, hugged me, shook my hand, you were there. He said, 'Sir, you're the greatest president of my lifetime,'" Trump said, adding that Moore had told him he was doing a "fantastic job." MORE: Trump says cities should be asking for National Guard troops as he mulls more deployments "I said, 'That's really nice that you say that. I'd love you to say that publicly, but I don't think you can do that so it's OK,'" the president continued. But the governor denied that such a conversation ever happened, calling it "imaginary." Mandel Ngan/AFP | Paul Morigi/Getty Images - PHOTO: Donald Trump | Wes Moore "I'm a person who takes my integrity very seriously and I spent the past six months before that election campaigning as to why I did not think that he should be the next president of the United States, so when I say that that conversation never happened -- that imaginary conversation never happened -- I mean, that conversation never happened," Moore told WBAL Radio. Moore also turned to X Monday evening, writing, "Keep telling yourself that, Mr. President" in response to a clip of Trump's remarks in the Oval Office. A video clip from the Army-Navy game aired on Fox News Monday night, showing the two smiling and shaking hands, with Moore saying "it's great to see you it's great to have you back here." However, there was no mention of Moore calling Trump the "greatest president" of his lifetime. MORE: Trump's plan to create Guard units to quell civil unrest alarms experts "We are very, very anxious to be able to work closely with you," Moore told the president, emphasizing federal funding to repair Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge as a focal point for the state of Maryland. A cargo ship struck the historic bridge last year, causing a partial structural collapse and plunging multiple vehicles from the bridge into the water. "We'll help you out," Trump said after the two conversed some more. Kim Hairston/The Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images - PHOTO: Governor Wes Moore holds a press conference at Salvation Army Annapolis Corps with energy company partners to announce an initiative to help lower energy costs for Marylanders. Moore's office told ABC News that the governor and the president did not have any other interaction at the Army-Navy game apart from what was seen in the video clip. Yet the White House continues to double down on Trump's remarks, telling ABC News that Moore's flattering commentary took place "behind the scenes." "Governor Wes Moore heaped praise upon President Trump behind the scenes after the President's landslide victory on November 5th," White House spokeswoman Liz Huston said in a statement. "The only reason lightweight Wes Moore is attacking President Trump now is because he's desperate for attention and delusional enough to think he has a chance at becoming the next President." In the Oval Office Tuesday, Trump once again denounced the city of Baltimore's crime rate, calling it a "hell hole." "Wes Moore was telling me 'I want to walk with the president.' Well, I said, 'I want to work with you, too, someday. But first you've got to clean up your crime because I'm not walking.'" Last week, Moore formally invited the president to join Baltimore officials on a public safety walk. In a letter, Moore highlighted the action Maryland has taken to combat crime while also underscoring the federal cuts made by the Trump administration that have impacted the state. "Governor Wes Moore of Maryland has asked, in a rather nasty and provocative tone, that I 'walk the streets of Maryland' with him. I assume he is talking about out of control, Crime ridden, Baltimore?," Trump wrote on his social media platform in response, saying he "will send in the 'troops,' which is being done in nearby DC, and quickly clean up the Crime," if the governor "needs help." The president's concern with the city's crime rate comes as the mayor of Baltimore announced "historic reductions in violent crime" last month for the first half of 2025, in addition to citing the lowest homicide rate in 50 years. ABC News' Hannah Demissie contributed to this report. In a sign of home sellers' frustration over how long it's taking to find a buyer, more owners are opting to pull their property off the market rather than lower the asking price. That's according to a recent report by Realtor.com that finds that so-called delistings, or homes taken off the market without having been sold, were up 38% in June since the start of 2025 and 48% from a year ago. "Fewer and fewer sellers are deciding to enter the market, and increasingly more are deciding to jump out," Jake Krimmel, senior economist at Realtor.com told CBS MoneyWatch. Signs of deadlock One indicator that more sellers are exiting the housing market is the ratio between the number of delistings and listings. For every 100 new homes listed nationally in June, 21 homes were taken off the market, the report found. That's up from 13 delisted homes per 100 new listings in May. A steady rise in delistings could push buyers and sellers further apart, creating a deadlock in the housing market, according to Krimmel. "The thing that's going to prevent buyers and sellers from getting closer together is if all the sellers who maybe could or should be lowering their prices to meet the demand where it is are instead taking their homes off the market altogether," he said. "So it's kind of like keeping us in this holding pattern." The trend comes as the supply of homes for sale begins to grow in certain U.S. regions, causing prices in those areas to drop. The number of homes for sale in July surged nearly 25% from a year ago, a post-pandemic high, according to Realtor.com. Despite the rise in housing inventory, home sales around the U.S. remain relatively stagnant, with steep prices and high mortgage rates continuing to deter many would-be homebuyers, experts told CBS MoneyWatch. Realtor.com data shows that pending home sales, or listings under contract, in July fell 3% in compared with the same period last year. No hurry to sell When homeowners are eager to sell a property, they typically lower the price in order to offload it quicker. However, those who are not up against the same type of time constraints may be willing to wait it out longer especially if they're benefiting from a favorable mortgage rate. "Maybe you're locked into payments that are relatively affordable for you," Krimmel said. "You would prefer to sell, but not at a price that you're not comfortable with." Another factor is playing into the delisting trend, experts said the surge in housing prices during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the housing market was red hot. As newly remote workers flocked to areas like Austin, Texas, home prices rose at record levels, giving sellers a chance to cash in. While the market has since cooled substantially, sellers' pricing expectations have been slower to catch up. "Maybe we've gotten a bit spoiled by very high home prices over the last many years, but we are seeing some softness in the market right now," Nancy Vanden Houten, lead U.S. economist at Oxford Economics, told CBS MoneyWatch. That may not be true in all markets, however. Miami is one of the places where sellers have been least willing to budge on price. According to Realtor.com's analysis, 59 homes were delisted for every 100 new homes listed in the southern Florida city the highest ratio among the cities Realtor.com tracked. Meanwhile, less than 18% of listed homes in Miami came with a price reduction in July, according to Realtor.com. "If sellers are choosing to take properties off the market rather than lower prices, it may signal renewed confidence in Miami's future, and a growing belief that this is a market worth holding for the long haul," Ana Bozovic, a Miami-based real estate agent and founder of Analytics Miami, told Realtor.com. Extreme weather slams the West with dust storms and wildfires Cracker Barrel scrapping new logo, returning to old one after backlash Shooting at Minneapolis Catholic school, suspect contained, sources say | Special Report Edwin Remsberg/Getty Images Houses in a small village are in front of a volcanic mountain in Rwanda. As Americans examine their travel budgets for the rest of 2025, one destination has emerged as the most expensive. The African country of Rwanda is the priciest destination for American travelers this year, according to a report from Faye Travel Insurance. In fact, the study found travelers who head to the East African country are spending an average of $18,417 per trip. Most known for its incredible gorilla trekking, Rwanda also offers several other wildlife spotting opportunities from the chance to see wild chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park to looking for the Big Five in Akagera National Park. The country's vibrant capital of Kigali also welcomes travelers with a robust arts culture, an abundance of locally-made gifts, the chance to learn about Rwanda's history, and more. African countries dominated the list of pricey destinations with the Seychelles coming in second place thanks to an average trip cost of $15,775. Botswana, which boasts an average cost of $15,619, came in at No. 3, followed by Kenya at No. 4 with an average cost of $15,251, Namibia at No. 6 with an average cost of $14,147, Zimbabwe at No. 8 with an average trip cost of $13,925, Tanzania at No. 9 with an average cost of $13,092, and South Africa at No. 10 with an average cost of $12,725. Beyond Africa, the company noted journeys to Antarctica tended to be pricey. The average trip to the 7th continent costs $14,491, firmly planting it as the fifth most expensive destination. There are several ways to visit Antarctica, including cruises and flights to the white continent. While many of these trips are once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the company said trips to Europe were still the most popular choice for American travelers in 2025. In total, 75% of the insurance company's customers planned trips there with Italy, France, and the United Kingdom drawing the most people. On average, Americans heading to Europe spend $5,832 per traveler. Other popular destinations included Mexico, Germany, and Spain. Many people are also planning trips closer to home with the United States taking the No. 7 spot on the list of the most popular destinations in the world. And with amazing national parks, varied cities dotted across the country, incredible beaches, and more, it's not hard to see why. To determine its list, Faye Travel Insurance looked at data from thousands of travelers who booked and insured their trips through the company for 2025. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Novo Nordisk A/S ("Novo Nordisk" or the "Company") (NYSE: NVO). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. The class action concerns whether Novo Nordisk and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. You have until September 30, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Novo Nordisk 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 29, 2025, Novo Nordisk significantly lowered its sales outlook for 2025. The Company attributed the reduction to "lowered growth expectations for the second half of 2025" for both Wegovy and Ozempic due to "the persistent use of compounded GLP-1s, slower-than-expected market expansion and competition." On this news, Novo Nordisk's American Depositary Receipt ("ADR") price fell $15.06 per ADR, or 21.83%, to close at $53.94 per ADR on July 29, 2025. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP By Ju-min Park, Heejin Kim and Joyce Lee SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's Lee Jae Myung narrowly avoided what he called a "Zelenskiy moment" after U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed him to Washington with right-wing conspiracy theories but then pulled off a high-stakes summit without unwanted drama. Monday's summit, the first between the two leaders, was largely what South Korea had hoped for, despite its inauspicious start, officials and analysts said. Most importantly, the South Koreans dodged their biggest fear: an Oval Office ambush similar to the testy exchange in February when Trump berated Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskiy over U.S. aid and the war with Russia. "President Lees Oval Office press availability appeared to go better than expected," said Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, noting Trump expressing support for Lees approach toward North Korea and enthusiasm for engaging Kim Jong Un. Major questions remain over how much exactly South Korea will agree to pay toward the basing of 28,500 American troops, and many details are still being worked out in the hastily negotiated tariff agreement, which has yet to be put in writing. But Lee avoided any explosive clash that some observers feared could publicly fracture the long-term alliance at a time when North Korea is leaping forward with nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development, and deepening ties with Russia. Lee and Trump displayed a chummy and mutually flattering vibe while glossing over the prickly trade and defence issues and defusing a potential conflict related to South Korea's political crisis in December. Just a few hours before the pair was due to meet at the White House on Monday, Trump penned a social media post saying "WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOUTH KOREA? Seems like a Purge or Revolution," and saying he would raise the issue with Lee. "Before I met with President Trump today, he posted on Truth Social a very threatening post," Lee said with a laugh at an event at the Center for Strategic and International Studies after the summit. "My staff was worried that we might face a Zelenskiy moment," Lee said. "But I already knew that I would not face that kind of a situation. Thats because I had read President Trumps book, 'The Art of the Deal.'" Trump eased his tone and described his earlier comments as a potential "misunderstanding" and "rumour" after Lee explained that investigators conducted a raid confined to the Korean side of a base operated jointly with U.S. in connection to the political crisis. Lee's office said he didn't really raise it again in their private discussions. Instead of a dramatic clash, flattery and warm words dominated the conversation in the Oval Office where the two sat down and talked about Trump's "good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "The summit ended without drama," said Cheong Seong-chang, vice president at Seoul-based Sejong Institute. But keeping things vague means South Korea had policy goals of its own that went unaddressed, including requests for U.S. approval for nuclear fuel reprocessing and revising American laws on shipbuilding, Cheong noted. "Trump didn't embarrass Lee and both sides seemed to try to avoid sensitive issues, such as South Korea's political position in the tensions between China and Taiwan," said Jun Kwang-woo, chairman at Institute for Global Economics. "Trump is probably not in a situation now to create tensions with Lee while he's already under pressure with frictions with other countries." Yang Uk, of Seoul's Asan Institute for Policy Studies, said Trump's pressure on South Korea was a sign that he understands how much he can potentially gain from the country. "(Trump's) basic formula of first shaking the other person as much as possible, then getting what you want, was applied," Yang said. Lee said he had observed in negotiations with other countries that Trump would often present difficult conditions, but at the final stage would come to a reasonable conclusion. "And because of the importance of the Korea-U.S. alliance, I was confident that he would not inflict a wound to our alliance," Lee said. "Everybody gave me the advice to have patience." (Reporting by Ju-min Park, Heejin Kim and Joyce Lee; Writing by Josh Smith; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) MOSCOW (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said that he had discussed nuclear arms control with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the summit in Alaska - and that China should be involved too - with the ultimate aim of "denuclearization". What has Putin offered Trump on nuclear weapons and what might he offer? PUTIN'S OFFER Just a day before his meeting with Trump, Putin suggested that Moscow and Washington could reach a deal on nuclear arms control. Russia, the United States and China are all undertaking major modernisations of their nuclear arsenals just as the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty - signed in an attempt to reduce the risk of nuclear war - is poised to expire. 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. The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or New START, which caps the number of strategic nuclear warheads that the United States and Russia can deploy, and the deployment of land- and submarine-based missiles and bombers to deliver them, is due to run out on February 5, 2026. The United States blames Russia for the collapse of Cold War agreements such as the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. The United States formally withdrew from the INF Treaty in 2019, citing Russian violations, which Moscow denied. The United States withdrew from the ABM Treaty in 2002. Russia, which has said it would resume nuclear testing if the United States did, has also raised concerns about Trump's so-called "Golden Dome" missile defence shield. CHINA TOO? The United States has long wanted to involve China, the world's third largest nuclear power, in arms control but Beijing has so far resisted. "China remains intent on modernizing, diversifying, and expanding its nuclear posture," according to the U.S. intelligence community's Annual Threat Assessment. China is the world's third largest nuclear power with about 600 warheads, followed by France with 290, and Britain with 225, according to the Federation of American Scientists. NUCLEAR THREATS Both Putin and Trump have explicitly warned in public of the risk that World War Three could break out over Ukraine. Putin last year lowered the threshold for a nuclear strike in Russia's nuclear doctrine, including a clause that it could consider a nuclear strike in response to a conventional attack on its territory. Trump in August said he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in "the appropriate regions" in response to remarks from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev about the risk of war between the nuclear-armed adversaries. Putin has repeatedly cautioned the West that Moscow is not bluffing about being ready to use nuclear weapons if Russia were attacked. The United States in 2022 was so concerned about the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia that it warned Putin over the consequences of using such weapons, according to Bill Burns, who was then director of the Central Intelligence Agency. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Alex Richardson) Kimberly Maurer Lebanon County District Attorney's Office A Lebanon County judge has upheld the conviction of Kimberly Maurer in the torture-murder of 12-year-old Maxwell Schollenberger, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Maurer, who was sentenced to life in prison plus 10 to 20 years in 2022, filed a Post-Conviction Relief Act motion after a failed appeal to the state Superior Court. Judge Bradford Charles denied the request, calling it offensive and the latest effort to escape responsibility for her heinous deed. The acts in this case are so cruel and depraved that they are difficult to believe, Attorney General Sunday said. Our criminal justice system worked just as it should in this case, and the defendant appropriately will spend the rest of her life in a prison cell. Investigators said Maurer and her fiance, Scott Schollenberger, resented Maxwell and confined him to a dark, locked room inside their Annville Township home. Police found the boy dead on May 26, 2020, lying naked in a feces-soaked bed with shuttered windows and a door latched from the outside. He weighed just 47 pounds, showed signs of severe malnutrition, and suffered blunt force trauma, according to investigators. A forensic pathologist ruled Maxwells death a homicide caused by blunt force head trauma that complicated starvation and malnourishment. Scott Schollenberger, Maxwells biological father, is also serving a life sentence. Senior Deputy Attorney General Christopher Schmidt represented the Commonwealth in the recent post-conviction hearing. By Emma Farge, John Irish, Parisa Hafezi and Michelle Nichols GENEVA/UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -France, Britain and Germany met with Iran on Tuesday to try to revive diplomacy over its nuclear program before they lose the ability to reimpose United Nations sanctions on Tehran. The trio, known as the E3, is ready to trigger a so-called snapback of U.N. sanctions in the coming days over accusations that Iran has violated a 2015 deal with world powers that aimed to prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. But they have offered to delay such a move for a limited time if Iran resumes U.N. inspections - which would also seek to account for Iran's large stock of enriched uranium - and engages in talks with the United States. To do this, the U.N. Security Council would have to extend a 2015 U.N. Security Council resolution that enshrined the nuclear deal. It is currently due to expire on October 18 and Germany, France and Britain would lose the ability to trigger a snapback of U.N. sanctions. Tehran has warned of a "harsh response" if sanctions are reinstated. Talks between the E3 and Iran are tense as Tehran is furious at the bombing in June of its nuclear facilities by the U.S. and Israel. In an unexpected move, Russia and China - also parties to the nuclear deal - circulated a draft resolution to the 15 council members on Sunday that would extend the nuclear deal until April 18, 2026. However, a revised Russian and Chinese draft text shared with council members on Tuesday also seeks to suspend "any substantive action on any matters related to the implementation of resolution" or the nuclear deal by the Security Council - language that is likely to raise concerns among the E3. A senior Russian diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters this language would block the E3 from reimposing U.N. sanctions on Iran. It was not immediately clear when the draft resolution could be put to a vote. "It is time for the E3 and the U.N. Security Council to make the right choice and give diplomacy the time and space it needs," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said in a post on X after the meeting with Germany, France and Britain in Geneva. IRAN BUYING TIME? Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said communication with the E3 would continue in the coming days. Western officials have said they suspect Iran has returned to negotiating tactics aimed at buying time and dragging out talks. "We are going to see whether the Iranians are credible about an extension or whether they are messing us around. We want to see whether they have made any progress on the conditions we set to extend," said one E3 official, speaking on condition of anonymity, before Tuesday's talks. Iran has been enriching uranium to up to 60% fissile purity, a short step from the roughly 90% of weapons-grade, and had enough material enriched to that level, if refined further, for six nuclear weapons before the strikes by Israel started on June 13. Actually producing a weapon would take more time, however, and the International Atomic Energy Agency has said that while it cannot guarantee Tehran's nuclear programme is entirely peaceful, it has no credible indication of a coordinated weapons project in the Islamic Republic. Israel and the United States have said they needed to strike Iran's uranium enrichment sites because the country was making such rapid advances towards the ability to produce a nuclear weapon. Tehran denies any intention to develop atomic bombs. While Iran's enrichment plants were badly damaged or destroyed in the June war, Tehran has not granted the IAEA access to them since then, arguing that it is not safe for inspectors. The status and whereabouts of Iran's large stockpile of enriched uranium are also unclear. "Due to the damage to our nuclear sites, we need to agree on a new plan with the agency and weve conveyed that to IAEA officials," one Iranian official said. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi told Fox News on Tuesday that "the first team of IAEA inspectors is back in Iran," but that the agency was still discussing with Tehran the practical modalities of resuming inspections. (Reporting by Emma Farge in Geneva, John Irish in Paris, Parisa Hafezi in Abu Dhabi and Michelle Nichols at United Nations; Writing by Francois Murphy and Michelle Nichols; Editing by Alex Richardson, Mark Heinrich, Gareth Jones and Matthew Lewis) An empty voting machine at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles in 2020. Smartmatic had a $282-million contract to provide voting machines for that year's election. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) An election technology firm allegedly overbilled Los Angeles County for voting machines used during the 2020 election and funneled the extra cash into a slush fund for bribing government officials, federal prosecutors say in a criminal case against three company executives. Smartmatic, a U.K.-based voting system company, had bribery embedded as part of its business model, prosecutors allege in a Florida federal corruption case against company co-founder Roger Alejandro Pinate Martinez and two other company officials. Prosecutors do not indicate who benefited from the alleged pot of Los Angeles County taxpayer money. Dean Logan, the countys top voting official, has acknowledged regularly meeting with Pinate, a Boca Raton resident who was charged last year with bribery and money laundering in the Philippines. That's where executives are charged with inflating the price of voting machines and using the surplus money to bribe a top election official who could help them land contracts worth $182 million for the 2016 election. To secure political favors in Venezuela, Smartmatic employees are accused of fashioning a similar fund to buy a longtime elections official a home with a pool in 2019 as they tried to get a more solid footing in the country, according to an Aug. 1 motion in the Philippine corruption case. And in L.A. County, where the company won a $282-million contract for the 2020 election, Smartmatic executives used county money to create the same type of slush fund, according to the Aug. 1 filing. The filing raises questions about what happened to taxpayer money when officials awarded what is widely considered the biggest election technology contract in U.S. history. Prosecutors say they plan to introduce financial and business records, witness testimony, as well as text and email communications as proof to bolster their case on Smartmatic corruption as it heads toward trial. Federal prosecutors declined to comment on the ongoing criminal case. The case is focused on alleged bribery in the Philippines, but federal prosecutors say they plan to detail similar alleged schemes out of L.A. County and Venezuela to show the bribery fits a larger pattern. According to the Aug. 1 court filing, the company routinely added a surplus charge of between $10 and $50 per machine dispatched to the three jurisdictions to be used for bribes. The county has no knowledge or visibility into how Smartmatic USA used proceeds from that contract, Logan, the countys registrar-recorder, said in a statement. 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. The county has found no evidence of the surplus charges alleged by federal prosecutors, according to Mike Sanchez, a spokesperson for the registrar-recorder's office. The price of machines always stayed the same, and sporadic surcharges would not align with the pricing and reporting structure of the L.A. County contract, he said. No federal prosecutors had reached out to the department, he said. Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Dean Logan, above, maintained a close releationship with high level Smartmatic staff. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) Smartmatic spokesperson Samira Saba accused the Department of Justice of filling the motion with misrepresentations that were untethered from reality. The company stopped working for Venezuela in August 2017 after blowing the whistle on the government and was not trying to return, Saba said. 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. The accusation in the federal corruption case comes as Logan, the longtime department head, battles allegations in a separate civil case that he benefited from an unusually close relationship with Smartmatic leadership. County email and text messages show company staff paid for several upscale dinners, a trip to Taiwan and a jaunt to Los Angeles famed Magic Castle. The most important things to note are the dress code, Daniel Murphy, one of Smartmatics top people overseeing the county work, wrote in a February 2022 invitation to the members-only Hollywood magic venue sent to Logans work email address. Dean, please dont wear your tracksuit, he quipped. The show and dinner, where entrees range from $40 to $50, did not appear on his annual disclosure form in which officials are required to reveal all gifts they received totaling $50 or more. Logan later said in a deposition in the civil case that the dinner and show were exempt from disclosure because he attended in a personal capacity. Those emails and depositions surfaced in an unusual 1,000-page public records lawsuit filed this month by Fox News, whose officials say they need county records to defend themselves against a multibillion-dollar defamation suit brought by Smartmatic. Smartmatic became something of a household name in 2020, after Fox News falsely reported that the company, along with Dominion Voting Systems, helped rig the 2020 election against President Trump. At the time, Dominion machines were used in about two dozen states, while Smartmatic was used only in L.A. County. Dominion filed a defamation suit against Fox, which the media company settled for $787.5 million. Smartmatic filed a similar suit in 2021 asking for $2.7 billion. As part of its defense, Fox News lawyers have zeroed in on the relationship between Logan and Smartmatic and argue the county is holding back crucial records. Fox News declined to elaborate on the allegations made in the lawsuit. Logan said in a statement that the county was being used as a pawn in both the civil lawsuit and federal corruption case and said the voluminous records the country released "refute the salacious allegations. The federal criminal case against Smartmatic executives began under the Biden administration with charges brought in August 2024. The Trump administration put a pause on most foreign bribery cases after he took office the second time but allowed the charges against executives of Smartmatic a target of the presidents allies to continue. The records the county has released to Fox, included by the media company as exhibits in the civil public records lawsuit, do not show any evidence of voter fraud espoused on air by the networks guests in 2020. But they do put a spotlight on a local issue: the countys top election official not disclosing gifts he received from a contractor. Texts show Logan and Murphy, who is listed as Smartmatics top point of contact in the countys contract documents, enjoyed a close relationship. The men regularly met for meals and coordinated a two-week trip to Taiwan and the Maldives in July 2019, which Logans wife, Winnie, joined. Murphy texted Logan hed gotten the ticket price for Winnie down from $5,985 to $5,060, according to messages included in Fox's lawsuit. Logan paid for her airfare, according to a spokesperson for the department. The trip kicked off in the Maldives, where Logan went for a three-day symposium on electoral affairs. Smartmatic's Murphy presented at the same conference on the companys work in the Philippines. I will perhaps try to move us so were at the same place as you, Murphy texted on June 19, 2019, as the two coordinated hotel plans for the Maldives. If not, we will just catch a boat or Jet Ski over to crash your festivities. LOL, responded Logan. Murphy, who left Smartmatic last year, said the allegations by Fox were consistent with the networks long history of spreading misinformation and promoting conspiracy theories and that he had dedicated his career to ensuring fair elections around the world. I am extremely proud of the work that I did with Los Angeles County and I stand firmly by my record, Murphy said in an email. I maintain without question that every aspect of my work with Los Angeles County elections and voting equipment was fully legal, transparent, and above board. The Maldives symposium was hosted by the London-based International Centre for Parliamentary Studies , a good governance group that worked closely with Smartmatic and featured the companys election systems and executives regularly at its international election events. The center gave Logan an award for his election work in 2017 and a lifetime achievement award in December. Logan then headed to Taiwan to view Smartmatic voting equipment on a trip fully covered by the company. A spokesperson for the county registrar-recorder said the trip to Taiwan was so Logan could approve the manufacturing process for the voting equipment, which was required under the contract. Janice Hahn, who chaired the Board of Supervisors at the time, approved the trip, but Logan did not put the travel on his annual disclosure form, according to county records included in the Fox lawsuit. "We have always trusted Dean Logan to run fair and efficient elections," Hahn said in a statement. "These allegations are serious and we will be reviewing them carefully." The International Centre for Parliamentary Studies covered the hotel and airfare for the Maldives, Logan told Hahn in a June 2019 letter requesting permission for the trip. The cost of the trip to Taiwan, which included business class airfare, lodging and meals, was included as part of the contract, he said. The Smartmatic contract, reviewed by The Times, makes no mention of funding for an international trip. Sanchez, the spokesperson for the registrar-recorder, referred The Times to the record retention section of the agreement, which states the county shall have access to and the right to examine any pertinent transaction, activity, or record relating to this Contract. Sanchez said that part of the contract, common to most county agreements, encompasses "the right to travel" to view the machines' design. The L.A. County contract was a hugely important win for Smartmatic, which was popular in Latin America but struggled to gain a foothold in the U.S. That changed in 2018, when supervisors voted unanimously to award the contract to Smartmatic to build voting machines and administer elections starting in 2020. Supervisor Kathryn Barger, one of three current supervisors who were on the board at the time, said she's watching the federal case closely to make sure the county's "contracting processes uphold the highest ethical standards." "I want to be clear: any misconduct or fraud against the county is unacceptable," she said in a statement. "I will continue to closely monitor developments in this case to ensure that taxpayer dollars are protected." Only one other company CGI bid on the contract. Smartmatic was the top ranked, highest scored proposal, and Logan recommended the supervisors give Smartmatic the contract, according to county records. The contract with the county which is estimated to be home to about 3% of the nations voting population marked a spectacular entry into the U.S. market, according to a report by Verified Voting, a nonpartisan nonprofit focused on election technology. Smartmatic opened a California office and began hiring. When it came time for the big day, though, the systems faltered. Glitches led to hourlong lines during the 2020 election, and many of the touch-screen machines had to be replaced. The problems were so significant that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) asked a federal judge to extend voting in the county by two hours. Logan apologized for the challenging day, and Hahn asked for an investigation into what went wrong. Despite the glitches, the county continued working closely with Smartmatic and used the company to administer the 2024 presidential election. Smartmatic brought delegations from the Dominican Republic, Republic of Georgia, Republic of Albania, Indonesia and several Latin American countries to show off its work in L.A., and Logan would write recommendations to election officials in other countries when Smartmatic asked, he said in a deposition. In September 2023, news broke that the federal government was investigating Smartmatic. Pinate, one of the three executives who was eventually indicted, flew to L.A. to reassure Logan over a meal at Wallys Beverly Hills, an upscale restaurant known for fine wine. He essentially asserted that the allegations are false, Logan recounted in a December 2023 deposition. They dont have a relationship to the work in L.A. County. 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. By Asif Shahzad LAHORE, Pakistan (Reuters) -Pakistan evacuated at least 150,000 people in areas along three rivers in its agricultural heartland to escape flooding, as neighbouring India warned it plans to release excess water from a dam, officials said on Tuesday. The arch-rivals have been ravaged by intense rain and flooding in recent weeks. The release of excess water in addition to heavy rains threatens to further flood parts of Pakistan's Punjab province, which serves as the country's breadbasket and accounts for a large part of its food supply. The nuclear-armed nations have been in a tense stand-off since a brief conflict in May, their worst fighting in decades, and any flooding blamed on New Delhi could inflame ties. Pakistani officials said they received a second warning from India on Monday that it intends to release water from the rapidly filling Madhopur Dam, on its side of Punjab province. The forced evacuations started on Friday ahead of the Indian warning and have continued to date, said a spokesperson at Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority. The total number also includes at least 35,000 who had left voluntarily after multiple early warnings since August 14, she said. Army troops are also taking part in the evacuation drive. India routinely releases water from its dams when they get too full, with the excess flowing into Pakistan. An Indian government source said they had not mentioned a specific dam but the intense rain led them to share the second warning with Pakistan through diplomatic channels. Asked if more warnings could be issued, he said it was possible. New Delhi had warned Pakistan on Sunday that large volumes of water would flow into its waterways due to the heavy rainfall. Three rivers - Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab flow into Pakistan from Indian territory. Those rivers are seeing medium to high flooding, the Pakistani authority said on Tuesday, warning of more intense rains in Punjab and Pakistan's Kashmir in the next 12 to 24 hours. Mazhar Hussain, a Pakistani disaster management official, said India will release a controlled amount of water from dams in the coming days. Hundreds of villages situated on the embankment of the three rivers have been evacuated, he said. Sixteen villages are at risk of flooding, said Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar Ali after visiting Pasrur city near the Indian border. Arrangements for food, medicines, washrooms, and other necessities have been made in the relief camps set up in the area, she said, adding that there may be a need to relocate a population of 5,000 and 1,450 livestock to safer locations. "Due to climate change, eastern rivers are experiencing heavier rainfall compared to the past," said Kazim Raza Pirzada, the Punjab province irrigation minister. AGRICULTURAL HEARTLAND Pakistan's northwest has been hammered by intense floods, accounting for half of the 799 people killed this monsoon season. The northern region of Gilgit Baltistan has suffered accelerated glacial melting, while the southern city of Karachi was partly submerged last week. Now the worst of the flooding is threatening the eastern Punjab province, home to half of Pakistan's 240 million people. The province produces the majority of Pakistan's staple crops and the areas along the three rivers boast large tracts of fertile agricultural lands. The warning from India on Sunday came after New Delhi put in abeyance a decades-old treaty with Islamabad on sharing water from the Indus River network. India suspended the treaty after blaming Pakistan for a deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir, which sparked the hostilities in May. Islamabad denied any involvement. An Indian official said on Sunday that the warning was shared on "humanitarian grounds", and not under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, following heavy rains in the northern Jammu and Kashmir. Floods in the region have killed at least 60 people this month. (Reporting by Mubasher Bukhari in Lahore and Asif Shahzad in Islamabad; Additional reporting by Krishna N Das in New Delhi; Editing by Saad Sayeed and Sophie Walker) (Reuters) -Humain, Saudi Arabia's new artificial intelligence company, has begun construction of its first data centers in the kingdom, and plans to bring them online in early 2026 using semiconductors imported from the U.S., Bloomberg News reported on Monday. Locations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, and Dammam, in the Eastern Province, are expected to launch in the second quarter, each with an initial capacity of up to 100 megawatts, CEO Tareq Amin told Bloomberg in an interview. Humain is currently sourcing semiconductors for its data centers from U.S. chipmakers, including Nvidia's latest AI chips, for which it has received local regulatory approval, Amin told Bloomberg. In May, Nvidia said it would sell hundreds of thousands of AI chips in Saudi Arabia, with a first tranche of 18,000 of its newest "Blackwell" chips going to Humain. Nvidia declined to comment on the report, while Humain did not respond to Reuters when contacted. A number of U.S. technology firms announced AI deals in the Middle East in May, as U.S. President Donald Trump secured $600 billion in commitments from Saudi Arabia to U.S. companies during a tour of Gulf states. Chip designer Advanced Micro Devices also announced a deal with Humain, saying it has formed a $10 billion collaboration. Humain was launched in May under the Public Investment Fund, and is chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It offers AI services and products, including data centres, AI infrastructure, cloud capabilities and advanced AI models. (Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Vijay Kishore) By David Shepardson (Reuters) -The U.S. Transportation Department said Tuesday it will withhold federal funding from California, Washington state, and New Mexico unless they adopt English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers. The administration of President Donald Trump has taken a series of steps to address concerns about foreign truck drivers who do not speak English, and last week Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was immediately pausing the issuance of all worker visas for commercial truck drivers. Trump in April signed an executive order directing enforcement of a rule requiring commercial drivers in the U.S. to meet English proficiency standards. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the department could withhold about $50 million in federal funding if they do not comply in 30 days and could take further actions. The states did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Last week, 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. The investigation found the three states were not enforcing the rules, Duffy said. Driver Harjinder Singh has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide. Police said he attempted to make an illegal U-turn through an Official Use Only access point blocking traffic and causing the fatal crash after a minivan struck his truck. 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 said 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. American Trucking Associations CEO Chris Spear praised Duffy's announcement saying "every commercial driver operating in the United States must be able to read road signs, communicate with law enforcement, and understand safety instructions." (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Hugh Lawson) By Arsheeya Bajwa (Reuters) -Nvidia's business in China will be the focus of investors when the AI chipmaker reports earnings on Wednesday, following an unusual deal with the Trump administration and Beijing's subsequent efforts to stall imports. Caught in the crossfire of Washington and Beijing's ongoing trade war, the fate of Nvidia's China business hangs on where the world's two largest economies land on tariff talks and chip trade curbs. The artificial intelligence chip pioneer recently agreed to pay the U.S. federal government 15% of the sales it made it China in exchange for export licenses, a move that has drawn bipartisan criticism. Beijing - despite huge appetite for Nvidia's chips in China - has urged domestic companies to limit purchases over apparent security concerns. Reports have emerged that Nvidia has told some suppliers to suspend production of its China-special H20 chips. But Reuters has reported that Nvidia is developing a new and more powerful chip for China. "We've got to get clarity on these two governments first, whether China wants the chips and whether the administration is going to allow it," said Jamie Meyers, senior analyst at Nvidia shareholder Laffer Tengler Investments. "And if so, how is that going to work?" Last year, China accounted for 13% of Nvidia's revenue. For the second quarter ended July 2025, many analysts did not factor in any revenue from H20 sales in that country given the US approval came late in the quarter, while China's pushback complicates forecast calculations for the year. In May, Nvidia had said the curbs would shave off $8 billion in sales from the July quarter. The curbs led to a $4.5 billion charge in the previous three-month period. Overall, the company is expected to report that second-quarter revenue jumped 53.2% to $46.02 billion, according to LSEG data, a far cry from the triple-digit growth it witnessed for many quarters. But analysts said the overall AI chip business is booming, with strong demand pouring in from tech giants such as Meta and Microsoft , who have expanded their capital budgets. Still, positive commentary on demand from CEO Jensen Huang could boost AI stocks that have sold off recently on worries that investors may be valuing them too highly. Nvidia shares have gained more than a third so far in 2025, a smaller gain for the period than the previous two years. This still outpaces a more than 15% gain in the broader chip index and the benchmark S&P 500 Index's near 10% year-to-date rise. For the third quarter, analysts expect Nvidia to guide to revenue of $52.96 billion, up 51% year-on-year. About $6 billion of that could come from China, analysts from Piper Sandler had estimated with further growth at a 12%-15% rate. But Nvidia could take a 5 to 15 percentage point hit to gross margins on China-bound chips due to the federal deal, with Bernstein analysts estimating it cutting about one point from Nvidia's overall margins. The company's adjusted gross margin is expected to drop nearly 4 percentage points to 72.1% in the second quarter. In the October quarter, gross margin is expected to contract by nearly two points to 73.2%. (Reporting by Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru; Editing by Sayantani Ghosh and Aditya Soni) Chinese firms pledge tech support for West Africa's health sector Xinhua) 09:18, August 26, 2025 ACCRA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese medical technology firms at the just-ended China-West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo have pledged to strengthen health service delivery in the region with innovative technologies. The three-day expo, which concluded Friday in Accra, Ghana's capital, brought together more than 100 medical technology firms from China and West Africa. Organized by the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA), a Ghana-based Chinese firm, and the Ghana Health Service, the event sought to promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical diagnosis and to deepen collaboration between China and West African countries. Exhibits mainly included minimally invasive surgical equipment, AI devices for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and general diagnosis, robotic surgery systems, oxygen concentrators, and analyzers. Experts demonstrated their use, with many firms expressing readiness to form partnerships in the region. "AI is powering health care at different levels in the world, and we want to support West African countries to introduce AI in their health care systems," Wang Peng, vice president of the marketing center of Minucon Artificial Intelligence Technology (Shanghai), said in an interview with Xinhua. At the event, the company presented its "AI magic mirror," which conducts health checks of internal organs in 30 seconds, and its robot nurse assistant, designed to ease the workload of medical staff. According to Wang, Minucon spent 10 years developing its AI health devices and achieved impressive results in China, adding that "this is our first encounter in Africa, and we have gathered some data that will enable us to adapt our technology and products for Africans." Beijing-based CapitalBio Technology Co., Ltd., another exhibitor, specializes in molecular detection products. Its exhibits included integrated TCM-AI machines, automated PCR machines for genetic sequencing, diagnostic chips, micro scanners, and mycobacterium nucleic acid test kits. Hou Xinru, marketing manager of the firm, was excited about the prospects in the health sector in West Africa. "We are looking to partner with medical institutions, research laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies. Many of those institutions have visited our exhibition stand and expressed interest in some of our products," Hou said, adding that CapitalBio has signed a cooperation agreement with HCOWA to facilitate engagement with partners in the region. Closing the event, Ghanaian Deputy Minister of Health Grace Ayensu-Danquah praised the Chinese companies for bringing advanced technologies, products, and services to West Africa, encouraging them to integrate these offerings into the country's health agenda. "We want partnerships that are going to help us change the trajectory of our health systems, our vaccines manufactured here, and our technicians trained on the biomedical equipment you support us with to be able to service them in your absence," Ayensu-Danquah said. The deputy minister called for firms to partner with the government of Ghana in the implementation of the new flagship health initiatives, including the free primary health care and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund programs, aimed at easing the financial burden of treatment on Ghanaians. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) McNelley is uniquely positioned to usher company into exciting new era of growth ALPHARETTA, Ga., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MarketSource, Inc., an integrated sales solutions provider, today announced the appointment of Jessica McNelley as company president. In her new role, McNelley aims to inspire belief and action across the company's 5,000+ team members. To do this, she will draw on her vast experience driving transformation and long-term growth through innovation and practical execution. MarketSource President Jessica McNelley McNelley joins MarketSource from fellow Allegis Group company TEKsystems, from where she brings more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience, including the management of field offices in Miami, Indianapolis and Philadelphia. Most recently serving as vice president of managed service programs strategy and execution, McNelley delivered exceptional business performance through her strategic vision, her situational adaptability and her focus on building authentic relationships. "Throughout Jessica's time at TEKsystems which spans over two decades she has consistently delivered results, engaging with customers to understand how to best serve the marketplace," said Allegis Group CEO Jay Alvather. "At the same time, she is passionate about creating opportunity, building winning teams and developing future leaders exactly the kind of leadership we value at MarketSource and across Allegis Group. As she steps into this new role, I'm confident Jessica will lead MarketSource to new heights, creating growth and opportunity for both the business and our people for years to come." "I am humbled and excited to work with the incredible team at MarketSource," said McNelley. "My goal as president is to help create an environment where people feel empowered to contribute their best work. Throughout my leadership journey, I've found that when people understand both the destination and the path to get there and believe in their ability to succeed remarkable outcomes follow." McNelley holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from the University of Florida. About MarketSource, Inc. MarketSource delivers integrated sales solutions by hiring, training and managing industry-specific professionals who are empowered to create extraordinary customer experiences for many of the world's most iconic brands, along with a diverse mix of forward-thinking, small- and medium-size businesses. MarketSource is an Allegis Group company. Learn more at MarketSource.com. About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customersincluding 80% of the Fortune 500across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com. About Allegis Group As the global leader in workforce and business solutions, we take pride in what we do, connecting great people to great opportunities, helping businesses win and careers soar. Today, with more than $14 billion in revenues and 500+ global locations, Allegis Group and its network of specialized companies provide a full suite of complementary solutions that solves nearly every workforce challenge to empower business success, while consistently delivering an unsurpassed quality experience. Our companies include Aerotek; TEKsystems; Aston Carter; Actalent; Allegis Global Solutions; Major, Lindsey & Africa; MarketSource; CareerCircle; and QuantumWork. Learn more at www.AllegisGroup.com. Media Contact : Melissa Corey Director, Communications MarketSource, Inc. [email protected] SOURCE MarketSource, Inc. By Jaspreet Singh (Reuters) -Cybersecurity company Okta raised annual revenue and profit forecasts on Tuesday, betting on growing demand for its identity verification tools as enterprises strengthen defenses against artificial intelligence-powered attacks. Shares of the San Francisco, California-based company rose nearly 7% in extended trading. Hackers often exploit client identities to steal critical business data, triggering the demand for tools from firms such as Okta that simplify security deployments, support compliance needs and enhance user experience. "Overall, security and securing identity remain a budget imperative for companies. With the increase of threat actor activity ... companies are continuing to invest in securing identity as a core requirement for their businesses," Okta Chief Operating Officer Eric Kelleher told Reuters. In the second quarter, Kelleher added, "Five of our top ten deals were in the public sector. Our largest deal for the quarter was a group within the Department of Defense." Okta automates user access to applications and resources through products such as single sign-on (SSO) and uses AI to monitor and respond to risks in real time. The company raised its fiscal 2026 revenue forecast to a range of $2.88 billion to $2.89 billion, up from its prior expectations of $2.85 billion to $2.86 billion. Okta also lifted its annual adjusted profit per share forecast to $3.33 to $3.38, compared with earlier projections of $3.23 to $3.28. For the third quarter, the company expects revenue between $728 million and $730 million, above analysts' average estimate of $722.9 million, according to data compiled by LSEG. The company's forecast for quarterly adjusted earnings per share of 74 cents to 75 cents aligned with analysts' expectations of 75 cents. In the second quarter ended July 31, Okta's revenue rose 13% to $728 million beating estimates of $711.8 million. The company's quarterly adjusted EPS of 91 cents also exceeded estimates of 84 cents. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Mohammed Safi Shamsi) ARMENIA-POLITICS KAREN MINASYAN/AFP via Getty Images An allegation of sexual impropriety poured fuel on the fire of a massive political feud in the worlds oldest Christian nation, entangling a prime minister, top church clergy and even a billionaire businessman. The feud began in May when Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accused apostolic church head Catholicos Karekin II of secretly fathering a child. As Armenias Apostolic Church pushed back on the allegations, tensions only escalated, leading to mass arrests of clergy members and allegations of a planned coup in June. Included in the arrests was one of Armenias richest men, Samvel Karapetyan, who had previously accused the prime minister of openly persecuting the nations preeminent religious institution. Our religion is very peaceful, and taking bishops to jail is not what we want, in the 21st century, in our country, Narek Karapetyan, Samvels nephew and director of Tashir Capital, told the Daily Caller News Foundation. Its a religious freedom problem for us. (RELATED: Trump Brings Peace To Yet Another Corner Of The World) The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to the DCNFs request for comment. Armenians protest the arrest of Archbishop of the Armenian Apostolic Church Bagrat Galstanyan, accused of trying to mastermind the attempted coup, outside the Avansky court in Yerevan on June 25, 2025. (Photo by KAREN MINASYAN/AFP via Getty Images) Samvel Karapetyan recorded a video on June 17 calling out a small group of individuals who have forgotten the thousand-year history of Armenia and the church, which was seen by many as a dig at the Armenian prime minister and his church crackdown, according to The Associated Press. The video was released days after Pashinyan called for Karekin II to resign as head of the Armenian church. I have always stood with the Armenian Church and the Armenian people, the billionaire said. If the politicians do not succeed, we will intervene in our own way in this campaign against the church. On the same day Karapetyan made the post, he was arrested by government forces and his house raided, according to the AP. The prime minister also promised to nationalize Karapetyans company, Electric Networks of Armenia. Karapetyan is worth a estimated $4.4 billion, amassing his fortune from Russia-based Tashir Group, his real estate development company, and his electric company which supplies most of Armenias electricity. Roughly a month after Samvel Karapetyans initial detention, a judge in the Armenian Court of Criminal Appeals ruled in August that his arrest was unlawful, according to OC Media, a Caucasus-based news agency. However, the government has vowed to appeal the ruling. Its not an authoritarian country, and such an undemocratic step from our prime ministers side was a shock, Narek Karapetyan told the DCNF. The Armenian Apostolic Church was founded in 380 A.D., when the nation became the first in world history to adopt Christianity as the state religion. According to church tradition, the apostles Bartholomew and Jude evangelized the nation after Jesus death and resurrection. The church has been an integral part of the Armenian identity for centuries, Narek Karapetyan told the DCNF. It remains popular among the citizenry, as 58% of respondents saying they were satisfied with the institution in a poll from the International Republican Institute taken in July. The tensions between the church and the government gained new life around 2018 when the prime minister came to power, and ramped up significantly after 2020, according to OC Media. Pashinyan was elected prime minister after the Velvet Revolution in 2018, where former Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan stepped down amid mass protests against the government. In the wake of the revolution, some of the ire of the people also turned towards the church, with calls for the resignation of Karekin II following shortly after Pashinyans ascension to power, according to OC Media. In the midst of the Nagorno-Karabakh war in 2020 between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a war over the aforementioned disputed territory, church prelates continued to criticize the government for its handling of the conflict, according to the outlet. Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, the prelate of the Tavush Province arrested for allegedly inciting insurrection, led protests against the government on behalf of his province, whose borders were heavily redrawn between Azerbaijan and Armenia, swapping various territories around the border. The protests, dubbed Holy Struggle, was officially described by Galstanyan as non-political, but rallies often called for the prime ministers resignation and served as a hub for opposition to the government. The movement received a blessing from Karekin II. For Armenians, Christianity is not just a religion but its our culture, its our everything for us, Narek Karapetyan told the DCNF. It has been for over 1,700 years. 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. Law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles dismantled and arrested a "prolific burglary crew" suspected of nearly 100 residential break-ins across the city, authorities and prosecutors announced on Aug. 25. The Los Angeles Police Department, along with several other police agencies, conducted a "major operation" on Aug. 20 by executing simultaneous search warrants targeting alleged members of the burglary crew, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said at a news conference. The group, known as the "Rich Rollin Burglary Crew," is linked to at least 92 residential burglaries in the Los Angeles area. Investigators believe the burglaries spanned across multiple divisions, including West Los Angeles, Pacific, Hollywood, Wilshire, North Hollywood, West Valley, northeast Devonshire, Foothill, and Topanga, according to McDonnell. Police accused the suspects of stealing various luxury items, including watches, bracelets, purses, and wallets. Ten suspects, who were all adult repeat offenders and confirmed gang members, have been identified, according to police. The suspects all allegedly had ties to the Rollin' 30s and 55 Neighborhood street gangs, McDonnell said. Seven men, ages 22 to 47, were arrested on Aug. 20, while a 40-year-old later surrendered on Aug. 22 in response to an active warrant, police said. Two other suspects, both 36 years old, were already in custody on unrelated charges. Labubu heist: Watch how thieves wiped out store's entire doll collection "These arrests send a clear message: if you prey on our neighborhoods, we will find you and hold you accountable," McDonnell said in a statement. "This operation is the result of more than two years of relentless investigative work. Togetherwith our partners and our communitywe are taking back our neighborhoods." Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who was elected as the new district attorney last year on a tougher-on-crime platform, said in a statement that his office would "not hesitate to seek the maximum penalties under the law." Los Angeles burglaries date back to 2022 At around 5:00 a.m. local time on Aug. 20, police said law enforcement agencies searched eight residences in Los Angeles, Hawthorne, Inglewood, and Carson. During the search, police said they arrested Devon Collier, 37; Tyrone Tisby, 47; Frank Tisby, 38; Jeremy Shepard, 38; Jermaine Kimbrough, 22; Michael Lewis, 20; and Marquell Lewis, 26. The seven men were all booked on charges including burglary and possession of controlled substances while armed, according to police. An eighth suspect with an active warrant, identified as 40-year-old Eric Cannon, surrendered two days later. Two other men, identified as Anthony Leslie and Shawn Quinney, both 36, were also connected to the burglary crew but were already in custody facing attempted murder charges, police said. The burglary crew is linked to at least 92 residential burglaries dating back to 2022, with most incidents occurring in 2024 and 2025, according to police. 'Largest jewelry heist in US history': $100M in diamonds, Rolex watches, emeralds stolen Police said the investigation gained momentum in February after three suspects were arrested following a pursuit involving a van connected to two burglaries. Investigators were able to use information from that incident and the arrest to identify the other suspects. Police also served a search warrant in April at a residence in Los Angeles, where they recovered rifles, handguns, ammunition, body armor, large-capacity magazines, jewelry, watches, stolen credit cards, fake IDs, and multiple license plates. Police said the evidence recovered directly linked the crew to organized burglary activity. During the searches on Aug. 20, police said investigators recovered 15 firearms, large amounts of ammunition, and high-capacity magazines. Several firearms discovered had been reported stolen from burglaries, according to police. Other items found were various burglary tools, such as handheld radios, face masks, headlamps, window punch devices, cans of bear mace, narcotics, a money counter, and multiple cell phones, police said. And police also recovered other stolen property, including luxury watches, bracelets, high-end purses, luggage, wallets, and cash. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Burglary crew linked to nearly 100 Los Angeles break-ins arrested A pregnant teenager was shot in the head during a road rage dispute in Louisiana, authorities say. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, in Ponchatoula, a city about 50 miles from New Orleans. According to a press release from the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office, the 17-year-old was traveling in a Ford Expedition with two other people when they encountered a driver inside a silver Dodge Truck. Driving the car was a man identified as 54-year-old Barry West, who was going in the same direction as the Ford Expedition, the sheriff said. "The investigation has determined after the two vehicles were tailgating and brake-checking each other, West shot one round into the Expedition traveling in front of him where the victim was seated in the front passenger seat," the press release stated. The teen, who was seven months pregnant, was struck in the head and taken to a nearby hospital. Infant Emmanuel Haro still missing after parents' arrest. What to know. 'Senseless tragedy': Man accused in shooting faces multiple charges Following an emergency C-section, the teen's baby survived and was placed in a NICU. West was arrested and charged with one count of illegal use of a weapon and obstruction of justice and four counts of attempted second-degree murder, according to the sheriff's office. Records show that he is in custody at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. Per the press release, West said that he believed the people in the Ford Expedition had opened fire first, but "there were no other shots fired in the incident, and there was no weapon" in that vehicle. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker called the incident a "senseless tragedy." Teen's condition unknown In their last press release on Aug. 25, the sheriff's office said the 17-year-old victim was in critical condition. However, no update on her condition has been provided as of Aug. 26. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office previously said that West's charges could be updated pending the victim's condition. USA TODAY has reached out to the agency for more information. Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pregnant teen shot in head during road rage in Ponchatoula, Louisiana Illinois Governor Pritzker told President Donald Trump, Do not come to Chicago, after Trump left the door open to deploying the military to other cities, such as Chicago, telling reporters they were ready to go anywhere with less than 24 hours notice. - Clipped From Video Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday railed against President Donald Trump for suggesting he would deploy federal forces to Chicago, accusing the administration of searching for ways to lay the groundwork to circumvent our democracy, militarize our cities and end elections. If this were happening in any other country, we would have no trouble calling it what it is, a dangerous power grab, Pritzker said at a press conference in Chicago, flanked by an array of city leaders including Mayor Brandon Johnson. Pritzker also said that the administration had failed to contact his office or the mayor ahead of the reported deployment, and he slammed the lack of coordination. If this was really about fighting crime and making the streets safe, what possible justification could the White House have for planning such an exceptional action without any conversations or consultations with the governor, the mayor, or the police? Pritzker said. The administrations plans for Chicago, first reported by the Washington Post, would be different from the ongoing law enforcement crackdown in Washington, DC, where Trump and in turn the federal government have more leeway in directing troops and a range of federal authorities. Instead, the administrations future plans, including in Chicago, are expected to look like Trumps deployment of the National Guard earlier this summer to Los Angeles to quell immigration protests, sources previously told CNN. Trump signed an executive order Monday tasking Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth with establishing specialized units in the National Guard that will be specifically trained and equipped to deal with public order issues the clearest sign yet he intends to expand the US militarys domestic role. Pritzker fired back at criticism that Trump directed his way during the executive order signing earlier Monday, when the president remarked that I have some slob like Pritzker criticizing us before we even go there. Earlier today in the Oval Office, Donald Trump looked at the assembled cameras and asked for me personally to say, Mr. President, can you do us the honor of protecting our city? Instead? I say, Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. You are neither wanted here nor needed here, Pritzker said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A ship that went missing in Lake Michigan 138 years ago was discovered by a rafter and shipwreck hunter from Door County, located on the peninsula of northeast Wisconsin. In mid-July, Matt Olson, owner of Door County Adventure Rafting, said he was clicking through satellite images online when he noticed a dark shape in the water near Rowley's Bay. A week later, he was in the area scouting for new rafting spots and confirmed the shape was, in fact, a long-lost wreck. "I was surprised by how big it was," Olson told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "A lot of it still there today, which is pretty cool because a lot of these wrecks get destroyed by the wind and ice as time goes on." Olson who has previously discovered two other shipwrecks is a Door County local who grew up hunting for lost ships in Lake Michigan. After finding and reporting the wreck, he also went back diving for a closer look. "I took out my six-year-old son to snorkel on it, too," Olson told the Sentinel, "So he was one of the first people to see this ship in over 100 years." A shipwreck of the Frank D. Barker was discovered in northern Door Country, Wisconsin near Rowley's Bay off Lake Michigan. In follow-up diving missions, the Wisconsin Historical Society's maritime archaeologists identified the ship as the Frank D. Barker, a two-masted, 137-foot-long wooden schooner that sank in 1887. Whenever we receive this type of call, its hard to know exactly what we will find. We were excited to identify the wreck as the Frank D. Barker, whose exact location has been lost for over a century," Tamara Thomsen, Wisconsin Historical Society maritime archaeologist, said in a statement. What caused the Frank D. Barker to sink? The Frank D. Barker's last voyage was from Manistee, in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, across the lake to Escanaba, in the Upper Peninsula, to collect a load of iron ore, according to a news release from the Historical Society. On the way, the ship encountered foggy conditions and ran into a limestone outcropping. Despite the captain and crew's attempts to correct course, the Barker ended up stranded on Spider Island, just off Newport State Park. No lives were lost. A 1937 newspaper clipping shows the Frank D. Barker. Where is the shipwreck located? The Frank D. Barker is now 24 feet underwater off of Door County's coast, between the two arms of Barker Shoal a landmark that is actually thought to be named after the lost ship. The Historical Society is working to further document the site and eventually make it eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. To learn more about the shipwreck, see reporting from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Green Bay Press-Gazette. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shipwreck from 1887 discovered in Lake Michigan. See video. Nvidia (NVDA) which reports quarterly earnings later on Wednesday is the world's leading AI chipmaker. Its GPUs are found in data centers operated by the likes of Amazon (AMZN), Google (GOOG, GOOGL), Meta (META), Microsoft (MSFT), Oracle (ORCL), and xAI, generating billions in revenue. While the company's relationships with Big Tech are undoubtedly important, its connections to research universities and colleges across the country and world are no less significant to Nvidia's long-term success. That's because, as university researchers come up with new techniques for using GPUs, Nvidia, and its competitors, can take advantage of them to develop new technologies. After all, Nvidia's leadership role in AI kicked off in 2012 when researchers at the University of Toronto used the company's GPUs to develop their image recognition tool, AlexNet. This opened the door to how Nvidia's chips could be used to power AI applications and helped to turn Nvidia into what it is today. "One of [CEO Jensen Huang's] most brilliant moves early on was to start to work with researchers on the very beginnings of AI," TECHnalysis chief analyst Bob O'Donnell explained. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivers a speech during the Computex 2025 exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan, on May 19. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) "He figured out early on that it was going to take a lot of work and research to do this," O'Donnell added. "So he jumped in and wholeheartedly supported academic research into AI, and all of that has paid off in spades. And so he's obviously continuing that approach, because he knows that that's where a lot of the most interesting developments are happening." Naturally, those same universities benefit in their own way, creating a kind of flywheel that continues to spin faster each day. University programs running on Nvidia tech Nvidia says it works with universities in three major ways: through infrastructure, the actual hardware necessary to run AI research and programs; its software libraries, like CUDA, which help researchers and students develop new AI applications and use cases; and hackathons, grants, and joint research projects. The University of Florida received donations from Nvidia, as well as Nvidia co-founder and University of Florida alumnus Chris Malachowsky, to help deploy its HiPerGator supercomputer in 2020. The school was the first in the US to use Nvidia's A100 and Blackwell chips and developed a program that allows all students to gain access to the high-powered system. "We launched an initiative called AI Across the Curriculum, which meant that every student at the University of Florida, all 60,000 some students ... will have the opportunity to learn about AI, work with AI at different levels of complexity, from basic to as advanced as building digital twins," University of Florida vice president and chief information officer Elias G. Eldayrie explained. "So HiPerGator now supports about 67% of the university research portfolio. And that research portfolio is about $1.2 billion," he added. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang addresses participants at the keynote of CES 2025 in Las Vegas on Jan. 6, 2025. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (NurPhoto via Getty Images) So far, Eldayrie said, the university is using AI in healthcare, agriculture, and building maintenance. In healthcare, the university built a digital twin of an emergency room to simulate the ER experience, including everything from managing the room temperature to how many times a patient gets interrupted in an effort to improve surgical outcomes. In agriculture, the university is analyzing data from drones to determine the best treatment for specific crops rather than spraying entire fields. The school has also built a digital twin of the city of Jacksonville to simulate buildings and how best to maintain them. The Georgia Institute of Technology is building out its new Nvidia-powered Nexus supercomputer that the school says will allow it to perform research on large global problems. "If you think about curing cancer. It's just very dependent on complicated histories of people and their environment, and so just keeping track of all that stuff is a really challenging problem," Georgia Tech executive vice president for research Tim Lieuwen explained. "Or ... keeping our country safe; radar systems to detect incoming missiles and deploy systems to take them out," he added. "Those are really complicated problems where AI can really help. Taking the best in robotics, in AI, and bringing really exciting, high value jobs back to the United States in manufacturing. So these are all really interesting applications, and applications where this [high-performance computer] resource is going to help Georgia Tech researcher ... move the needle." The State University of New York's University at Albany received millions in funds from the 2022 state budget to set up its Nvidia-powered supercomputer facility. The goal is to perform research on cybersecurity, weather modeling and climate prediction, and fine-tuning large-scale AI models. "It is really being used heavily," University at Albany vice president for research and economic development, Thenkurussi Kesavadas, explained. "I will tell you that faculty members are using it for research, but also students ... are using that in their advanced classes on AI, and doctoral students and PhD students are using it for their own research in collaboration with faculty members," Kesavadas added. To be sure, universities also lean on Nvidia rival Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) to power their supercomputers, as well as Intel (INTC) CPUs. University supercomputers are also far smaller than the warehouse-sized systems cloud computing companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google operate. Nvidia's gains Nvidia also benefits from working with universities. In addition to breakthroughs like AlexNet, Nvidia's involvement with research schools ensures a steady stream of new students familiar and comfortable with using its AI software and hardware. "[Huang] gets a whole bunch of grad students who get trained in their technology and then are ready to get hired and continue that work at Nvidia," O'Donnell said. "It's not just the product benefits, it's the pipeline. Because, look, we're still in an era when ... there's not enough of these [AI experts] out there," he added. The company also gets a healthy dose of cachet whenever researchers announce new AI advancements they've reached using Nvidia's chips. While that might not directly benefit the company's bottom line, it serves to continue to build the brand's reputation as an AI leader. For now, Nvidia continues to be the go-to choice for AI chips, followed by AMD. But that may not remain the case in the future as the technology continues to evolve and companies like Google and Amazon build their own specialized AI processors. But at the moment, Nvidia doesn't appear to be losing its grip on the AI market or the university space. And if it can hold on to that, the flywheel will keep spinning. Sign up for Yahoo Finance's Week in Tech newsletter. (yahoofinance) Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com. Follow him on X/Twitter at @DanielHowley. Click here for the latest technology news that will impact the stock market Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Alexander Tamargo/Getty Sting in Miami Beach, Florida in April 2025 NEED TO KNOW Sting is reportedly being sued by former Police bandmates Stewart Copeland and Andrew Summers over lost royalties Copeland and Summers alleged that they've never received royalties or cowriting credits for the song "Every Breath You Take" The band formed in 1977 and broke up in 1984 after releasing five albums Sting is reportedly being sued by his former Police bandmates over missing royalties. The Sun was the first to report that guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland issued Sting, 73, with a High Court writ. London High Court's database, which was viewed by PEOPLE, lists the documents as "general commercial contracts and arrangements." Per The Daily Mail, Sting earns 550,000 annually in royalties for the 1983 song "Every Breath You Take," which was the fifth-best-selling song of the decade and the best-selling song that year. Copeland, 73, and Summers, 82, allege that they did not receive cowriting credits on the song or any royalties. Thomas Cooper/Getty Sting in Morrison, Colorado in May 2025 Sting is listed as a defendant under Gordon Matthew Sumner in the lawsuit, along with his firm Magnetic Publishing Limited. PEOPLE reached out to representatives for Sting, Copeland and Summers and did not receive an immediate response. Solomon NJie/Getty Sting and Stewart Copeland in London in December 1983 Sting told PEOPLE in May 2023 about the inspiration behind major Police hits, including "Every Breath You Take," which was written when he was staying at a house in Jamaica that was previously owned by Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond book series. "I would sit at his desk at night and try and write songs," he said at the time. "I think if the song has any power at all, it's ambivalent. It could be sinister or it could be quite warm and sweet and nice, and people have both of those interpretations. And I would never contradict anyone who has a different interpretation of any of my songs because in many ways, that enriches the song." Reflecting on writing the song, he considered the international spy's impact. "Maybe the ghost of James Bond is in that song, you know? He's our guy, but he also kills people," Sting said. "There's this duality that I think is in the song, and I think that's why it's so successful. Some people get married to that song, so I'm not going to contradict people." John Rodgers/Redferns Andy Summers, Stewart Copeland and Sting in the UK in 1979 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 Police was formed in 1977 in London. They broke up after five albums in 1984 and would sporadically reunite for one-off reunions. The British rock band went on a reunion world tour from 2007 to 2008. Throughout their tenure, the band earned eight Grammy nominations and won five, including Best Rock Instrumental Performance for Reggatta De Blanc in 1981, along with Best Pop Performance By A Duo or Group with Vocal for "Every Breath You Take" in and Best Rock Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocal for the album Synchronicity in 1984. They were perhaps best known for their songs "Every Breath You Take," "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," "Roxanne" and "Message in a Bottle." Read the original article on People Illustration: Eddie Marshall | Andrew Leyden | ZUMAPRESS | Newscom Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously rejected an effort by anti-abortion activists to rescind the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of the abortion drug mifepristone, holding that the activists lacked legal standing to challenge the determination made by federal regulators that the pill was safe and effective for use. Now, a group of Republican-led states is seeking to revive the case, claiming that their respective state bans on abortion are being undermined by the nationwide mail-order availability of the abortion pill. If these states can convince the lower courts that they possess the requisite legal standing to sue, their case against mifepristone could easily end up back before the Supreme Court. The case is Missouri v. FDA. After the Supreme Court's 2024 ruling in FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, which said that anti-abortion groups and activists "do not have standing to sue simply because others are allowed to engage in certain activities," the states of Missouri, Kansas, and Idaho crafted their own updated legal challenge, which focused on the alleged harms suffered by the states themselves. This strategy was concocted for the purpose of passing muster under the rationale of the Court's 2024 decision. Last week, Florida and Texas filed a motion seeking to join that lawsuit. In addition to repeating the types of arguments first made by the anti-abortion Alliance for Hippocratic Medicinesuch as the assertion that the FDA's original approval of mifepristone "did not rest on a good faith analysis of the drug's anticipated effect on public health"Florida and Texas argue that the FDA has enabled a "mail-order abortion economy in all 50 states" that has forced anti-abortion states "to divert resources to address the explosion of abortion drugs mailed to their residents" from out of state. In other words, Florida and Texas want the federal courts to impose a uniform national standard that eliminates access to abortion pills in all 50 states in order to keep those pills from reaching Florida and Texas. Since the Supreme Court never actually ruled on the merits of whether or not the FDA's original authorization of mifepristone was proper, this state-led lawsuit could provide the Court with a more acceptable vehicle for doing so, assuming that the case manages to move sufficiently forward in the lower courts. On the other hand, if the Supreme Court is truly serious about leaving the matter of abortion up to the states, it will, when the time comes, reject this obvious effort by anti-abortion states to control what happens inside of states where abortion remains legal. Missouri v. FDA is still in its early stages at this point, but it's definitely a case to watch. Depending on how things shake out in the months ahead, it could become the Supreme Court's next big abortion battle. Odds & Ends: An Impressive Book by a Supreme Court Justice The recent news that Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett will be publishing a book this fall, titled Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and the Constitution, got me thinking about some of my favorite entries in the niche literary genre of books written by SCOTUS members. To my surprise, the first book that sprang to mind, and then actually maintained something of a lead even after further reflection, was Stephen Breyer's slim 2021 volume The Authority of the Court and the Peril of Politics. Thinking of Breyer's book first surprised me because I am not exactly Breyer's biggest fan. However, as I noted in my review of what I called his "timely and important" book, the liberal justice offered an eloquent and learned argument against court packing that was all the more effective because it was directed against his "side" of the political divide. "The 83-year-old Supreme Court justice is well aware that many modern liberals want President Joe Biden to pack the Court with new members for the express purpose of creating a new liberal supermajority," I wrote. "Breyer thinks those court packers are being both dimwitted and shortsighted." Breyer took a lot of flack at the time from liberal activists over his anti-court packing position. His commitment to principle over partisanship impressed me then, and still impresses me now. The post Is This the Supreme Court's Next Big Abortion Case? appeared first on Reason.com. DALLAS, Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kofile Technologies, a leader in digital transformation solutions for government agencies, proudly announces the appointment of Bill Priemer, former President and CEO of Hyland, as Board Advisor. Priemer brings more than three decades of leadership experience in the enterprise software and technology space, most notably his transformative 27-year tenure at Hyland. He joined the company in 1997 as Vice President of Marketing when it had just 30 employees and $7 million in revenue. Over the next two decades, Priemer played a pivotal role in Hyland's evolution into a global powerhouse in intelligent content solutions. Kofile proudly announces the appointment of Bill Priemer, former President and CEO of Hyland, as Board Advisor. Post this He rose through the ranks, becoming Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 2001, Chief Operating Officer in 2005, and ultimately President and CEO in 2013a role he held until his retirement in May 2024. Under his leadership, Hyland's annual revenue grew to over $1 billion, with a customer base exceeding 14,000 and a global workforce of 4,000 employees. Priemer also spearheaded 11 strategic acquisitions and helped Hyland earn recognition as one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. "We are thrilled to welcome Bill to Kofile's Board," said Raymond Aschenbach, Chief Executive Officer at Kofile. "His proven leadership, deep domain expertise, and commitment to operational excellence will be invaluable as we continue accelerating our growth and enhancing our digital intelligence and technology offerings to better serve government agencies across the country." In addition to his leadership at Hyland, Priemer previously held marketing roles at FedEx and sales positions at personal computer manufacturer AST. He holds a master's degree in marketing from Northwestern University and dual undergraduate degrees from Boston College. He continues to serve on Hyland's Board of Directors. "I am honored to join Kofile at such an exciting time," said Priemer. "Kofile's mission to modernize and secure public records aligns deeply with my passion for impactful, innovative technology. I look forward to supporting the team as they drive forward their vision and deliver meaningful value to their customers and communities." About Kofile Technologies Kofile Technologies partners with government offices across the United States to physically and digitally preserve, manage, and modernize public records. Through innovative and patented technology and unmatched customer service, Kofile empowers agencies to better serve their communities by making critical information smarter, more accessible, secure, and efficient. Media Contact: Rene Grajales Chief Strategy Officer [email protected] (833) 563-4533 SOURCE Kofile Technologies We want to be transparent with you about how we make money. This website uses affiliate links. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the retailer. This commission comes at no additional cost to you Right after we shared the petite plus size shopping guide, the tall and plus size girls came knocking. And not quietly. You made it very clear that you, the statuesque, vertically gifted, leg-for-days crew, needed a little love too. And we heard you. So we hit the digital streets, scrolled deep into the retail racks, clicked through the sizing charts, and pulled together the ultimate resource for tall and plus size fashionistas who need more than a standard 30-inch inseam. Tall and Plus Size Brands-GOOD LEGS STRAIGHT JEANS When we talk about tall and plus size clothing, were talking about styles designed with both height and curves in mind, not one or the other. For tall shoppers, that usually means inseams of 34 inches or longer, extended sleeve lengths, longer rises, and proportions that actually match a taller frame (think longer torsos, arms, and legs). Add plus size to the mix, and youre also looking for garments that are cut to accommodate fuller hips, busts, thighs, and arms, without sacrificing shape or style. When shopping, look for key phrases like Tall Plus, Extended Inseam, or brands that offer inseam options up to 36 or 38. Pay attention to rise measurements, sleeve lengths, and fabric stretch. And dont be afraid to try brands with customizable sizing or tall-friendly collections that go up to at least a size 20 or beyond. The key to shopping confidently? Know your inseam, know your measurements, and know you deserve fashion that fits every inch of you. Whether youre 59 fabulous or serving 62 realness, this guide is here to help you find clothes that actually fit your frame and your vibe. Because high-water pants are not a lifestyle. Lets get into it. Where to Shop: 20 Retailers That Get Tall and Plus Size Fashion These brands are offering extended tall and plus size inseams, inclusive sizing, and actual stylenot just stretchy basics or oversized tees. 1. Ashley Stewart Inseams up to 36 Sizes 1032 Known for bold prints and curve-accentuating silhouettes, Ashley Stewart offers tall denim and trousers that give you both the length and the drama. Especially great for fashion-forward pieces with attitude. 2. Avenue Inseams up to 3435 (varies by style) Sizes up to 32 A reliable go-to for affordable workwear and everyday pants. Avenues tall options offer longer inseams and stretch, making their trousers and jeans a solid staple in a tall plus wardrobe. 3. Chicos Inseams up to 35 Sizes up to 20 Polished and classic, Chicos caters to a more refined aesthetic. Their tall-friendly pants and tailored pieces work well for elevated basics and business casual looks. 4. Eloquii Inseams up to 35 Sizes 1428 If you love trends, this is your spot. Eloquii blends runway inspiration with plus-first fit, offering trousers, suiting, and wide-leg styles that flatter and fit taller frames. Tall and Plus Size - Fearless High Rise Skinny Jeans 5. Evans (UK) Inseams up to 33 Sizes up to US 30 A UK-based brand with a strong legacy in plus size fashion. Though inseams lean shorter, Evans offers classic silhouettes and layering pieces. Now available for U.S. shoppers. 6. Tallsize Inseams up to 38 (varies by brand) Sizes up to 3X+ depending on brand Tallsize.com is a marketplace made just for tall women, curating pieces from tall-friendly brands like Alloy, American Tall, and more. While its not a clothing line itself, its a one-stop shop where you can filter by inseam, size, and category, making it easy to find tall and plus size fashion across brands that get your proportions right. 7. Yours Clothing (UK) Inseams up to 3436 (varies by style) Sizes up to US 30 / UK 34 Yours Clothing offers affordable, curve-loving fashion for plus size women, including a dedicated Tall range. From jeans and wide-leg pants to maxi dresses and jumpsuits, their styles combine comfort, fit, and trend. Bonus: they now ship to the U.S., so American shoppers can get in on the tall plus fashion fun. 8. Lane Bryant Inseams up to 35.5 Sizes 1028 Lane Bryant continues to lead in tall plus workwear and denim. Their pants are thoughtfully designed with real curves in mind, and their tall options are consistently available. Tall and plus size- Wide Leg Faux Leather Pant 9. Long Tall Sally Inseams up to 38 Sizes up to 20 (UK 24) The go-to destination for tall women, Long Tall Sally offers everything from officewear to outerwear, though plus size options currently stop at size 20. Still a great resource for those needing 36+ inseams. 10. New York & Company Inseams vary (some up to 35) Sizes up to XXL A favorite for tall jumpsuits, trousers, and polished separates. While their plus range is limited, their tall cuts work well for extended legs and long torsos in select pieces. 11. NYDJ (Not Your Daughters Jeans) Inseams up to 37 Sizes up to 18 Tall (plus size expansion in progress) This brand is known for comfort-driven denim with contouring panels. While their tall plus range is still growing, their tall styles offer great structure and stretch. 12. Old Navy Inseams up to 35 Sizes up to 4X Budget-friendly and size-inclusive, Old Navy has a wide range of tall and plus options. While styles lean basic, theyre ideal for everyday wear, layering, and off-duty dressing. tall and Plus Size-Tall Grey Cargo Sweatpants TallSize 13. OneStopPlus Inseams up to 34 Sizes up to 6X A one-stop-shop for plus size brands like Roamans and Jessica London. FullBeauty offers tons of pants, jackets, and dresses in extended sizes and longer lengths, all in one place. 14. Simply Be Inseams up to 34 Sizes up to US 28 Note: UK-based and no longer ships to the US. If youre abroad, this is still a top choice for trendy pieces in tall lengths and curve-conscious fits. 15. Talbots Inseams up to 35 Sizes up to 24 Tailored, preppy, and ideal for the tall plus shopper who prefers timeless, structured pieces. Their pants and blazers come in longer cuts and well-balanced proportions. 16. Torrid Inseams up to 36 Sizes 1030 Torrid is a plus size favorite for a reason. Their tall jeans and trousers deliver in both fit and length, and theyre always adding new silhouettes that highlight curves and elongate legs. Tall adn Plus Size: ALWAYS FITS GOOD LEGS SKINNY JEANS 17. Good American Inseams up to 35 Sizes 0032 Premium denim made for curves. While not all styles are marked tall, many flares, wide legs, and Good Legs styles run long. Also worth exploring their bodysuits, basics, and activewear, all built with stretch and recovery. 18. ASOS Inseams up to 36 Sizes up to US 24 / 3X ASOS Tall is a go-to for fashion lovers who want style and length. Their Tall collection includes on-trend dresses, jeans, trousers, and occasionwearwith select styles available up to a US size 24. If youre looking for edgy, modern, or street-style-inspired pieces in tall plus size cuts, ASOS delivers. 19. American Tall Inseams up to 38 Sizes LT2XLT Tall-first, curve-aware. American Tall is growing its womens extended sizing, with loungewear, pants, and longline tops designed for tall bodiesnot just longer hems on regular clothes. 20. Universal Standard Inseams vary (some up to 34) Sizes 0040 While not officially labeled tall, Universal Standard designs for real proportions, with longer rises, arms, and silhouettes that work beautifully for taller plus women. Their quality, fit, and inclusivity are unmatched. How to Style Your Tall and Plus Size Frame Like a Pro Tall and Plus Size-Pull-On Wide-Leg Lightweight Ponte Pant Its not just about what you wear. Its how you wear it. Here are a few key tips to keep in your back pocket: 1. Lean into the wide-leg pant. Youve got the height, so let the volume work for you. A wide-leg trouser or palazzo pant adds movement and presence. 2. Show some shape. Tall and plus size bodies can sometimes get lost in oversized cuts. Balance it out with fitted tops, cinched waists, or cropped jackets to define your silhouette. 3. Rock the maxi. You never have to worry about a dress being too long. Go for floor-sweeping plus size maxi dresses and skirts for instant elegance. 4. Dont be afraid of bold prints. Youve got the frame to carry dramatic florals, abstract patterns, or head-to-toe color. Let your outfit speak before you do. 5. Go vertical. According to Stitch Fix stylists, vertical lines like pinstripes or seams down the front of trousers help elongate your frame even more. 6. Layer with intention. Choose longline blazers, dusters, and coats that match your height without overwhelming your figure. 7. Tailoring is your best friend. Not everything off the rack will be perfect, and thats okay. A good tailor can make a good fit great. tall and Plus Size- Baggy High-Rise Wide Leg Jean Pro Tips From Stylists From Celebrity Stylist Susan Moses (via Glamour): Avoid styles that are either too tight or too loose balance is key. Choose shapewear when needed, invest in tailoring, and avoid ankle straps because they shorten your legs. A knee-length pencil skirt flatters nearly every body, and a good-sized bag puts proportion back in balance. Susan Moses, Glamour Why it works: Tailoring and balance matter even more when youre tall and plus size. A well-placed hem or proportionally scaled accessory makes the difference between almost and nailed it. From Long Tall Sally Stylists: Adding definition to your waist creates a more defined figure and hourglass shape that shows off your fabulous long legs at the same time. Long Tall Sally Styling Guide Why it works: Maxi dresses and wide-leg trousers already love your height. Cinching the waist with a belt or opting for V-necklines gives shape while still celebrating your length. Tall and Plus Size Fashion Influencers & Bloggers Need a little outfit inspo or someone who gets it? These bloggers serve style, perspective, and real-life fashion tips for taller frames: So, what do we think? Feeling seen? Feeling stylish? Well continue to update this list as the plus size fashion world evolves and more brands begin offering longer inseams and expanded sizing. If youve got a favorite tall and plus size brand that we missed, let us know in the comments. And dont forget to share this guide with your tall besties, bookmark it for your next shopping trip, or pin it for later. Because every inch of you deserves fashion that fits. This article, Tall, Plus, and Proud: Where to Shop and Get Inspo first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Editorial Staff. Never miss the latest in plus size fashion news, trends, and conversations! Sign up for Curvy Fashionista Newsletter! AP Photo ; Bettmann/Getty Carole Ann Boone ; Theodore Bundy. Infamous serial killer Ted Bundy married Carole Ann Boone while on trial for murder. The pair first met in 1974 in Washington, assisting in search efforts for the women that Bundy had murdered. Despite spending years apart while the serial killer committed dozens of murders around the country, Boone and Bundy reconnected while he was imprisoned for attempted murder, and they married during the courthouse proceedings for his slaying of 12-year-old Kimberly Leach. Ive never seen anything in Ted that indicates any kind of destructiveness ... any kind of hostility, Boone said during the trials proceedings, according to The Stranger Beside Me, written by crime reporter and former friend of Bundy, Ann Rule. Hes a warm, kind, patient man. Despite Bundys convictions, Boone continued to believe in his innocence often visiting him in prison and the couple welcomed a daughter together, Rose Bundy, allegedly conceived behind the prison walls. It was only after Bundy admitted to more than 30 murders that the couple split. Boone died in a retirement home in 2018. So who was Ted Bundys wife? Heres everything to know about Carole Ann Boone and her relationship with the serial killer. They met in Washington while searching for his victims Courtesy of Netflix Carol Ann Boone, Ted Bundy (R) and their daughter Rose Bundy. Bundy first met Boone in 1974, while the two were working at the Washington State Department of Emergency Services in Olympia, Wash. At the time, Bundy was helping with the search for the missing women he had killed. He abducted and murdered nearly a dozen women in Washington and the surrounding states that same year. Boone was recently divorced from her second husband, with whom she had a son, James. Bundy and Boone began dating, even though he was still reportedly in a relationship with his previous girlfriend, Elizabeth Kloepfer (portrayed by Lily Collins in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile). I liked Ted immediately. We hit it off well, Boone told true crime journalist Stephen Michaud after Bundys execution for his book The Only Living Witness: The True Story of Serial Sex Killer Ted Bundy. He struck me as being a rather shy person with a lot more going on under the surface than what was on the surface. He certainly was more dignified and restrained than the more certifiable types around the office. They reconnected while Bundy was in prison for murder Alamy Ted Bundy's mugshot in August 1979. After parting ways for several years, the two reconnected in 1977 while Bundy was imprisoned in Utah for the murder of Caryn Campbell, a 23-year-old woman he killed in Colorado in 1975. Boone and Bundy exchanged letters while he was in jail, and she even flew out to Utah to visit him. While in prison, Bundy escaped twice, and it is believed that Boone assisted his escapes by smuggling him cash, per Rolling Stone. In the first escape, Bundy fled through a courthouse library window and was soon apprehended, but upon his second escape from his Utah jail cell, he fled to Florida, where he committed three more murders and multiple assaults. Boone moved to Florida to support him during his trials Bettmann /Getty Ted Bundy in Court on January 04, 1980 in Orlando, Florida. In 1978, Bundy was arrested for three murders first for killing two women, Margaret Bowman and Lisa Levy, in the Florida sorority house Chi Omega, and then for killing 12-year-old Leach. Despite the evidence against Bundy, Boone believed her boyfriend was innocent of his crimes and moved to Florida with her son to attend Bundys trial. Let me put it this way, I dont think that Ted belongs in jail. The things in Florida dont concern me any more than the things out west do, Boone said in a news clip at the time, which appeared in the Netflix docuseries Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes. They married in the courtroom in February 1980 During Bundys trial for murdering Leach (after he had already been convicted and sentenced for the Chi Omega murders), he and Boone married in the courtroom on Feb. 9, 1980. During the trial, Boone sat in the audience, giving Bundy (whom she called Bunnie) looks of love and encouragement, according to The Stranger Beside Me. On Feb. 6, 1980, it was revealed that Bundy and Boone had applied for a marriage license, which was denied by the judge. However, according to The Stranger Beside Me, Boone was determined to marry Bundy even though she knew he would be convicted. According to Florida law at the time, an open declaration of marriage properly phrased in the courtroom in front of legal court officers, was considered a legal marriage. So Bundy, serving as his own attorney, called Boone to the witness stand, and the two performed a marriage ceremony. On the stand, Boone said, I've never seen anything in Ted that indicates any destructiveness towards any other people, and I have been associated with Ted in virtually every circumstance, she told the jury, according to Rules book. Ted is a large part of my life. He is vital to me. Then, the marriage proceedings began with Bundy asking, Do you want to marry me? Boone said yes, but Bundy used the wrong terminology in his response so the two had to try again. When Bundy asked the question again, Boone responded yes, and Bundy used the correct phrasing (Then I do hereby marry you.) and the couple were legally wed. The two welcomed a daughter together Courtesy of Netflix Ted Bundy and CaroleAnn Boone with their daughter Rose Bundy. Bundy and Boone welcomed their daughter, Rose Bundy, in 1982 while he was in prison. Though Bundy received multiple death sentences for the murders of the Chi Omega sorority sisters and Leach, Boone visited Bundy regularly in prison. After his conviction, she moved to a home in Gainesville, Fla., close to the prison where Bundy was being held, so she could make weekly visits to her husband, according to The Only Living Witness. Although the two were not legally allowed conjugal visits, they were reportedly able to conceive Rose due to oversight from guards. After the first day they just, they didnt care, Bundy claimed of his visits with Boone in a recorded clip featured in The Ted Bundy Tapes. They walked in on us a couple of times. Boone gave birth to their daughter on Oct. 24, 1982. They reportedly divorced after Bundy admitted to more murders For Bundys first two years on death row, Boone often visited him in jail. However, she ended her visits and his ability to see his daughter, Rose after he admitted to more murders. As Bundy neared the date of his execution Jan 24. 1989 he began to admit to additional crimes. After he confessed to more than 30 murders, Boone was deeply betrayed and devastated," according to Bundys lawyer, Polly Nelsons, book, Defending the Devil: My Story as Ted Bundys Last Lawyer. In 1986, Boone and Bundy divorced, after which she reportedly moved with Rose and James to Washington. According to the 2020 docuseries Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer, Boone died in a Seattle retirement home in 2018. Read the original article on People WASHINGTON As a prominent Fox News host, Jeanine Pirro a friend of President Donald Trump and now a top Justice Department official repeatedly sought to support Trump's effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election by claiming widespread voting machine fraud. Newly filed court documents allege, however, that Pirro later acknowledged during court depositions under oath that she believed no voting machine fraud or failures had occurred and that the 2020 election Trump lost was, in her own words, "fair and free." The documents were filed Aug. 19 by lawyers for the Smartmatic voting technology company as part of its ongoing $2.7 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox that was first filed in February 2021. Pirro was just one of many prominent Fox News on-air personalities who worked to help Trump push his false Stop the Steal narrative after his loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Smartmatic's lawsuit alleges Pirro and others at Fox News falsely implicated Smartmatic in a made-up conspiracy to steal the election from Trump. That claim has been debunked by a host of investigations, including the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which said in a November 2020 statement that there was "no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, changed votes or was in any way compromised." Pirro was confirmed as United States Attorney for the District of Columbia in August on Aug. 2 and now commands one of the largest federal prosecutorial and investigative offices in the nation. While the U.S. attorney job doesnt generally involve election issues, the office led the prosecutions of Trump supporters who attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 in effort to overturn Biden's victory and keep Trump in office. Trump pardoned the vast majority of those defendants after taking office and commuted the the sentences of others. In Smartmatics Statement of Undisputed Material Facts, Smartmatic quotes Pirro as testifying during one of her two depositions in November and December 2023 that, "I believe that there's been no showing that Smartmatic engaged in any problems." That's a big change from Pirro's Nov. 21, 2020 claim on her "Justice with Judge Jeanine" show, in which she described the case that Trumps lawyers were laying out: An organized criminal enterprise, a conspiracy by Democrats, especially in cities controlled and corrupted by Democrats, and a company called Dominion which they say started in Venezuela with Cuban money and with the assistance of Smartmatic software in which a back door is capable of flipping votes. More: 'Judge Jeanine' Pirro pushed election falsehoods. Shes Trump's pick for D.C. prosecutor. 'You work for the people' Many Fox News on-air personalities, including Pirro, repeated the stolen election falsehoods even after being warned by people inside and outside Fox News that what they were saying was false or, at best, unproven, Smartmatic counsel J. Erik Connolly and other lawyers said in the new filing. Those cited include Maria Bartiromo, Lou Dobbs, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham and Jesse Watters. But legal analysts say that Pirros comments in her deposition show a level of partisanship and willingness to mislead the public that should disqualify her from holding such a top position at DOJ. If youre in the Department of Justice, you work for the people and your job is to administer the laws of the nation, and it is quite hard to trust that the people that Trump has put in power there are doing that, said Lisa Gilbert, co-president of the non-partisan watchdog group Public Citizen. That is especially the case with Pirro, Gilbert told USA TODAY, where she has a position of power in the very administration she was working to pretend had won an election they lost. Pirro oversees a broad array of cases including white-collar crime, civil rights abuses and terrorism, drug trafficking and transnational threats and most recently, prosecutions stemming from Trump's surge of federal agents and the National Guard into Washington, D.C. Pirro's career as judge, district attorney Pirro worked for 15 years as an assistant district attorney in Westchester County, New York before being elected judge on the Westchester County Court. She spent 12 years as the elected Westchester district attorney. A spokesperson for Fox News would not respond beyond the company's statement on the latest court filings, which said in part that, The evidence shows that Smartmatics business and reputation were badly suffering long before" any potentially false claims were made. The statement also said Smartmatic also "grossly inflated its damage claims to generate headlines and chill free speech." In its legal responses, Fox News said that what matters in a defamation case isnt what Pirro believes now, but what was her state of mind in November 2020. Foxs own Statement of Undisputed Facts says Pirro wouldnt have even gotten involved in a discussion about the Trump campaigns election-fraud allegations if she did not think there was truth to them following the 2020 election. Pirros DOJ office, and the White House, did not respond to requests for comment on the new court documents. But before her Senate confirmation last month, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields defended Pirros qualifications, saying, Judge Jeanine, a highly respected and accomplished attorney and judge, is dedicated to President Trumps agenda to restore safety and justice in our nations capital. Baseless, last-minute character assassination attempts are desperate and undermine the safety of D.C. residents and tourists who would benefit from her swift confirmation. Smartmatic declined to comment specifically on Pirro. More broadly, the company said in a statement, "Fox executives and its personalities have consistently lied to their viewers. They knew what they were saying was untrue when they were willingly destroying Smartmatic's reputation, though when under oath they admitted they knew better the whole time." Both parties have asked a judge for a summary judgement or quick resolution to the case. Smartmatics ongoing case relies on similar evidence as a lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems that Fox settled in 2023 for $787.5 million. But the new tranche of 468 pages of unredacted documents, filed in New York State Supreme Court, provide more detail because they contain newly unredacted versions of previously released court filings. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Ferris Pirro and U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stand by his side, while he attends U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility to meet with police and the military, after deploying National Guard troops in the nation's capital, in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 21, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard 'A reckless maniac' Lawyers for Smartmatic allege that after Trump lost in the November 2020 election, and as he fought to stay in office, Pirro used her show "Justice with Judge Jeanine" to promote baseless allegations that Dominion and its competitor Smartmatic had conspired to rig the election against Trump. Many of Pirros comments advanced the false theory that machines made by Dominion were being used to flip votes from Trump to Biden. Her use of her Fox News show to question the legitimacy of the 2020 election became so worrisome that the network canceled one of her episodes out of fear for what she might say, Smartmatic alleges. Pirro was warned against making such claims by Jerry Andrews, the executive producer for Fox News live weekend primetime in late 2020, including Pirro's show "Justice with Judge Jeanine," Connolly and the Smartmatic legal team allege. You should be very careful with this stuff and protect yourself given the ongoing calls for evidence (about the election being stolen) that has not materialized, Andrews told her in one email days after the Nov. 3 election. "You (Pirro) should be VERY careful w(ith) this. There are things we know now that were not out there on Thursday night when these allegations first surfaced." Pirro responded by saying she had spoken with Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott. Know how to handle, she told her producer, Smartmatic says. Nevertheless, several of the election fraud claims from Pirros draft opening remarks for her show, which a Fox News Brainroom had found to be "INCORRECT were still aired during Pirro's November 14 opening monologue, the lawsuit alleges, including that "6,000 votes from Trump to Biden were switched." In another email cited in the court filings, Andrews called Pirro a "reckless maniac" for airing false claims about a stolen election despite being told they were incorrect. Pirro 'does not believe that Smartmatic rigged' the election In all, Pirro was deposed twice by Smartmatic in 2023 and once by Dominion. The Smartmatic depositions are undergoing redactions and litigation is underway to determine what might be made public, a spokesperson for Connolly told USA TODAY. But the new filing includes snippets of them, detailing Pirro's private beliefs. "Jeanine Pirro, host of Justice with Judge Jeanine, does not believe that Smartmatic rigged the 2020 election or conspired with Dominion to rig the 2020 election," the Aug. 19 court filing alleges. "She does not believe the Fraud Lie, the Dominion Lie, the Alteration Lie, or the Overseas Lie. Even now, years after her publications, Pirro admitted: 'I believe that there's been no showing that Smartmatic engaged in any problems,'" the court filing says. Pirro also admitted to receiving before her shows information from Dominion debunking the election fraud claims; from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) confirming the absence of any widespread vote manipulation; and from the Fox News "Brainroom" confirming that the election fraud claims were false, Smartmatic also says in its recently unredacted filing, citing Pirro's own deposition testimony. "Notwithstanding what she and others said on her show," Smartmatic said, "Pirro believes the 2020 election was 'fair and free.'" This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump DOJ official reversed false election claim made as Fox News host President Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to "prioritize" prosecution of Americans who engage in "acts of American flag desecration," activity which the U.S. Supreme Court has previously ruled is protected by the First Amendment. To get around the constitutional roadblock, which the order acknowledges, Trump instead directs government attorneys to aggressively charge flag burners with other crimes, such as destruction of property, disorderly conduct, aiding and abetting, and local open burning restrictions. Declaring the flag "the most sacred and cherished symbol of the United States of America," the presidential order calls destruction of the flag in public by burning or other means "uniquely offensive and provocative" and "may incite violence and riot." "The Court has never held that American Flag desecration conducted in a manner that is likely to incite imminent lawless action or that is an action amounting to fighting words' is constitutionally protected," the order reads. Neither the president nor the text of the order identified any examples of recent flag burning that have incited violence or evidence that the controversial act poses a serious risk. There is no nationwide data on frequency of U.S. flag burnings, but the cases are considered rare. Kevin Mohatt/Reuters - PHOTO: A view of the U.S. Supreme Court, July 1, 2024. The landmark 1989 high court decision in Texas v. Johnson declared for the first time that the government cannot criminalize destruction of an American flag when done as an act of expression. It also explicitly dismissed the same arguments about incitement -- an exception to First Amendment protections -- advanced by Trump. Flag burning does not fall within "that small class of 'fighting words' that are likely to provide the average person to retaliation and thereby cause a breach of the peace," wrote Justice William Brennan in the 5-4 majority opinion. "No reasonable onlooker would have regarded Johnson's generalized expression of dissatisfaction with the policies of the Federal Government as a direct personal insult or an invitation to exchange fisticuffs." "If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment," Brennan wrote, "it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable." Brennan was joined in the decision by conservative icon Justice Antonin Scalia, overturning laws in 48 states that had outlawed flag burning. Gregory Johnson, the plaintiff in the case, had been convicted of violating a Texas law against flag burning and received a 1-year jail sentence and $2000 fine. He staged a protest outside Dallas City Hall during the 1984 Republican National Convention. No one was injured or threatened with violence during the demonstration. Trump now appears eager to have the court revisit the scope of its ruling, pledging to "pursue litigation to clarify the scope of the First Amendment exceptions in this area." Matthew Hatcher/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Protesters burn an American Flag outside of Union Station following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address during a joint session of congress, in Washington, July 24, 2024. Last year, the Trump Justice Department prosecuted a North Carolina man caught burning an American flag in front of Union Station during a protest against the visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Michael Snow Jr. was charged with and convicted of destruction of federal property, as the flag was taken from a pole owned by the National Park Service. A judge sentenced him to 40 hours of community service and a $525 fine. "All over the country, they're burning flags," Trump said Monday without providing any evidence of the claim. "I guess it was a 5 to 4 decision, they called it freedom of speech. But there's another reason, which is perhaps much more important, it's called death. Because what happens when you burn a flag is the area goes crazy." Legal scholars and civil liberties experts said any government prosecutions of flag burning under the order could be on shaky ground. "While people can be prosecuted for burning anything in a place they aren't allowed to set fires, the government can't prosecute protected expressive activity -- even if many Americans, including the president, find it 'uniquely offensive and provocative,'" said Bob Corn-Revere, chief counsel at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a nonpartisan advocacy group. "You don't have to like flag burning. You can condemn it, debate it, or hoist your own flag even higher," wrote Corn-Revere in a statement. "The beauty of free speech is that you get to express your opinions, even if others don't like what you have to say." Even Justice Scalia, who cast the deciding vote in the case, decades later defended the precedent, saying the text of the Constitution is unequivocally clear. "If it were up to me, I would put in jail every sandal-wearing, scruffy-bearded weirdo who burns the American flag," he said in 2015. "But I am not king." Attorney General Bondi said that the administration would protect the freedom of speech in their enforcement efforts. "We'll do that without running afoul of the First Amendment," she said. Washington President Trump said Tuesday the federal government would seek the death penalty for murders committed in Washington, D.C. It's the latest move in a federal crackdown on crime, with Washington as a test case, as the president ramps up federal law enforcement efforts in Washington and seeks to establish forces in each state's National Guard to be ready on short notice to address civil unrest. The president on Monday signed a crime-focused executive order that included a directive to the defense secretary to organize these plans. "Anybody murders something in the capital, capital punishment," Mr. Trump said during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday. "Capital, capital punishment. If somebody kills somebody in the capital, Washington, D.C., we're going to be seeking the death penalty. And that's a very strong preventative." The District of Columbia hasn't executed anyone since 1957, after Robert Carter was convicted of fatally shooting an off-duty police officer. Decades ago, D.C. had mandatory death sentences for first-degree murders, a policy the Supreme Court voided in the 1972 case Furman v. Georgia when it found that the death penalty was being applied in an unconstitutionally arbitrary manner. Four years later, the high court allowed capital punishment to be reinstated with clearer sentencing guidelines. The D.C. City Council, however, abolished the death penalty in 1981. Washington went 12 days without a murder during the federal government's crime crackdown, a streak broken early Tuesday with the killing of a 31-year-old man in Southeast D.C., according to the Metropolitan Police Department. On his first day in office, the president signed an executive order directing the attorney general to seek the death penalty in cases involving the murder of a law enforcement officer or "a capital crime committed by an alien illegally present in this country." Minneapolis Catholic school shooter identified Extreme weather slams the West with dust storms and wildfires Cracker Barrel scrapping new logo, returning to old one after backlash Is the best defense a good offense? President Donald Trump thinks so. Twice on Aug. 25, Trump brought up his previously stated intention to rename the Department of Defense to what it was once called - the Department of War. He also brushed aside any concerns about Congress not going along with his plans. Were just going to do it, he told a reporter in the Oval Office, when asked if such a change would require an act of Congress. Im sure Congress will go along, if we need that. I dont think we even need that. The scene in Washington, DC, as National Guard troops deploy on the streets A soldier in the National Guard cleared leaves with a leaf-blower on Aug. 28 at McPherson Square in Washington, D.C. During an event in the Oval Office earlier in the day, he presented his rationale for the idea. It used to be called the Department of War, and it had a stronger sound, he said. And as you know, we won World War I, we won World War II. We won everything. Before he brought up the topic for a second time on Monday, hed just finished recounting what he described as the amazing and flawless U.S. military operation in June against Iran using B-2 stealth bombers to strike three nuclear sites. President Donald Trump speaks after signing an executive order, as U.S. Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth look on, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 25, 2025. Defense is too defensive. We want to be defensive, but we want to be offensive, too, he said. Seems much more appropriate. When the First Congress met in 1789, it created three departments to aid the president: Department of Foreign Affairs (now the Department of State), the Department of Treasury and the Department of War (now the Department of Defense). In 1798, Congress created a separate Department of Navy. Following World War II, the National Security Act of 1947 merged the Army and Navy departments and created a new Air Force, jointly known as the National Military Establishment. In 1949, the NME was renamed the Department of Defense to better reflect the civilian leadership of the military and the departments mission to deter war and protect the security of the country. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House Correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X @SwapnaVenugopal This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says the Department of Defense should be the Department of War By Andrew MacAskill and Michael Holden LONDON (Reuters) -Nigel Farage, leader of Britain's anti-migration Reform UK party, announced a plan on Tuesday to repeal human rights laws to allow for mass deportations of asylum seekers, action he said was needed to prevent "major civil disorder". Farage said his party, which is leading in national opinion polls, would remove Britain from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), repeal the Human Rights Act and disapply other international treaties that have been used to block the forced deportation of asylum seekers. "We are not far away from major civil disorder," Farage said at a press conference. "It is an invasion, as these young men illegally break into our country." The announcement comes against the backdrop of sustained, small-scale protests in recent weeks outside hotels housing asylum seekers, in response to concerns about public safety after some individuals were charged with sexual assault. Opinion polls show that immigration has overtaken the economy as British voters' biggest concern. Reform UK - which only has four members of parliament but is ahead in every survey of voting intentions - is putting Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer under growing pressure to tackle the issue, although the next election is not due until 2029. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook, who was designated by the government to respond to media questions on Tuesday, called Reform's proposals "a series of gimmicks" that would not work. He said the ECHR underpinned key international accords, including the Good Friday Agreement, which ended three decades of sectarian violence that had gripped Northern Ireland since the late 1960s. Asked what would happen to that peace deal, Farage said it could be renegotiated but added that it would take years. A poll in July suggested about 58% of the public supported remaining in the ECHR, and this support has recently increased. In 2024, Britain received a record 108,100 asylum applicants, almost 20% more than a year earlier. Individuals from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Bangladesh made up the largest number of applicants for asylum last year. Much of the focus has been on those who arrive on small boats across the Channel, with record numbers arriving this year. Reform said changes to asylum law would mean it could deport 600,000 asylum seekers, including women and children, in its first term in power if it wins the next election. Precise figures on how many asylum seekers there are in Britain are hard to pin down. Reform claims there are 1 million people in the country illegally. Official government figures from June 2024 showed there were 224,742 cases in the asylum system, while many more undocumented individuals are also likely to be in the country. 'SERIES OF GIMMICKS' Starmer's government and its predecessors have been wrestling for years with how to deal with undocumented migrants entering the country. Reform UK's political opponents and some charities denounced its plans, which they said would involve Britain abandoning its commitment to human rights. The party's plans would involve signing deals with Afghanistan, Eritrea and other countries to repatriate their nationals who arrived in Britain illegally. Peter Walsh, a senior researcher at the University of Oxford's Migration Observatory, said if Reform's policies were implemented it would be the most radical attempt by any European country in recent decades to deal with illegal immigration, as it would entail a willingness to return asylum seekers "to countries where they are at risk of torture". On Tuesday, an Ethiopian asylum seeker went on trial accused of sexual assaults against a woman and a teenage girl. His arrest last month provoked a number of high-profile protests. Farage said he was the only party leader prepared to take the action needed to tackle such public concerns. "It's about whose side are you on," he said. "Are you on the side of women and children being safe on our streets, or are you on the side of outdated international treaties?" Starmer's government says it has a plan to "smash" the gangs which smuggle people to Britain by reforming the asylum appeals process and hiring more enforcement officials. The previous Conservative government planned to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, but the policy was ruled unlawful by Britain's top court. (Reporting by Andrew MacAskill, Michael Holden. Additional reporting by Sachin Ravikumar, and Sarah YoungEditing by Gareth Jones) Drone footage of a home. Your homeowners insurance is just that your peace of mind should something go catastrophically wrong at home. Its typically not something you expect to be hassled with, nor do you expect to be threatened with policy cancellation over trivial matters. Don't miss So when a Massachusetts homeowner learned her insurance company was threatening to cancel her policy based on drone surveillance that she didnt authorize, she was understandably shocked. "It was very invasive, because they had taken a picture of my house without me knowing, which was really kind of crazy," Lynne Schueler old reporters at WBZ-TV in Boston. Insurance drone surveillance is becoming common and something Americans are often unaware of but is it legal? And, what rights do homeowners have against unauthorized surveillance by insurance companies? Drones are insurers' latest tool A reconnaissance drone didnt just investigate Schuelers home it successfully torpedoed her coverage, something she learned with astonishment in an email just weeks later. "They were cancelling my insurance. They had shown a drone coming over the house at some point, and there were some tree branches hovering over my house that they wanted removed," Schueler said. "I wasn't home because my car wasn't in the driveway." Her insurer gave her just six weeks to trim the branches or theyd terminate her policy. "I was very nervous. I'm like, 'How much is this going to cost, and can I find somebody to take these branches down?' And, plus, I was losing branches on a beautiful tree," she said. "It ended up costing $1,200. I had no choice. While Schueler was fortunate to find a tree removal company, not everyone is. The practice of insurers using drones for surveillance on policyholders is "becoming very, very common," according to Amy Bach, executive director at United Policyholders, a consumer advocacy group. And its not just risky policyholders getting spied on. "I had insurance with this company for the last 12 years, with no claims," Schueler told reporters. "I've been a good customer to them." "People are getting dropped based on, 'We see mold on your roof,' or 'We see damaged roof tiles,' or 'There are trees touching your house,' risk factors that insurance companies are increasingly on the lookout for," Bach said. Read more: Do you own rental properties in the US? These 6 hacks can help you boost your income and lower your tax burden Third-party firms are selling your information But the insurance companies aren't doing the spying themselves. Instead, insurers are buying them from "insurtech" companies private investigators that use innovative technology to help insurers be more efficient and save money. Its kind of like your credit score is a big deal. Now, your insurance score is a big deal in terms of whether or not they are going to keep you, what theyre going to charge you, Bach told WINK News in Fort Myers, Florida. As the trend towards increased surveillance continues, some experts and authorities are starting to voice concerns publicly. We are pushing for there to be some reasonable limits on insurance companies' ability to take these photos and use them, but of course, insurance companies are pushing back, said Bach. Massachusetts state representative David LeBoeuf is championing homeowners' rights and the need for legislation. Hes introduced a bill to protect homeowners privacy and rights: "It gives you the right, if your homeowner's insurance policy is not renewed because of the use of an aerial image, to actually see that image, to know when it was taken, to have the defects identified, and to create an appeals and cures process," he said. Insurers argue that drones reduce costs Mark Friedlander of the Insurance Information Institute says drone use is already an established practice, pointing to the common sight of drones in areas hit by natural disasters. It is a much more precise, accurate way to assess the condition of homes, he said. Insurers have a right to inspect your home, and we feel its much less intrusive [to use] a drone to take aerial imagery versus sending somebody out. And its only going to become more common. According to the Wall Street Journal, by 2030, satellite technology could allow properties to be photographed and updated daily, adding a new level of scrutiny from insurers. As for Lynne Schueler, her policy was eventually renewed for another year, but she knows that her property will be subject to drone surveillance before her insurer offers her any new policy. What can you do? But just because insurers can use drones for aerial inspection of your home, heres what your insurer cannot do when surveilling you: Trespass on your property Record the inside of your home without your permission Harass or intimidate you Misrepresent themselves (claiming to be a city or utility worker, for example) Friedlander says the most common time when insurers may inspect your home via drone is when it is time to renew your policy or when you have just purchased new coverage. The goal isnt to eliminate customers, he said. It is to assess risk and make sure that the home meets the underwriting guidelines of your insurance company. As insurers increasingly rely on drone surveillance, its crucial for homeowners to discuss with their insurance company how risks are assessed. Ask how they use technology and how it can affect your premiums. Also, consider if there are any repairs you can make to your home to reduce its insurance risk. Additionally, regularly review your insurance policy and actively compare home insurance rates and coverage options. What to read next Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. President Donald Trump holds up an executive order on Aug. 25, 2025 White House | YouTube (The Center Square) Taxpayer resources should not be used to support jurisdictions with cashless bail policies, according to a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The order comes as the president hedges on whether to send the National Guard to Chicago. Within 30 days, a list of states and local jurisdictions that have ended cash bail will be delivered to the president. The order says the federal government may suspend or terminate federal funds, grants and contracts to areas with no cash bail. Illinois was the first state to end money bond statewide in September 2023. They have great cashless bail, you know you dont even go to court sometimes, Trump joked with staff in the oval office. Illinois, I love that state. Its a great state, but its run so badly by [Gov. J.B.] Pritzker. Monday afternoon, the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice held a news conference supporting Illinois end to money bond. ACLU of Illinois Ed Yohnka said Trumps moves are an overreach. You just simply dont have the power to limit and choke off funding to states on the basis of a policy that is really unrelated to the funding that is being given, Yohnka said. The group couldnt put a price tag of how much federal tax funds could be withheld from Illinois because of the states no-cash bail law. Yohnka anticipates the state of Illinois would file a lawsuit against any withholding of federal funds, to which the ACLU would file an amicus brief. During the same event in the Oval Office Monday, Trump hedged on the idea of sending National Guard troops to Chicago to address public safety. These people are sick, but Im really saying, and I say this to all of you, in a certain way we should wait to be asked, because they have cities that are so under, you know, out of control, Trump said. During an afternoon news conference with Democratic members of Congress and other elected officials, Pritzker said there has been no communication between state and local officials about the use of the National Guard and there is no crime emergency in Illinois or in Chicago. This is not because weve asked for it, it is not because there is some justice that he is going to seek, it is because he wants to create chaos, that is all this is about, Pritzker said. Attorney General Kwame Raoul said he couldnt rule out a lawsuit against the Trump administration. Courtesy of Netflix Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in episode 105 of 'With Love, Meghan.' NEED TO KNOW Season 2 of Netflix's With Love, Meghan premiered on Aug. 26 Meghan Markle hosts the lifestyle show With Love, Meghan was primarily filmed at a $9.5 million Montecito estate Netflix's With Love, Meghan is all about creating beautiful memories with friends and family at home. However, fans might be surprised to discover that the coastal farmhouse featured in the lifestyle show is not the residence Meghan Markle shares with her husband, Prince Harry, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in Montecito, Calif. Season 2 of With Love, Meghan premiered on Aug. 26. Both seasons were filmed at the same stunning $9.5 million estate, also located in Montecito. Meghan's decision to rent a separate property for filming rather than host an 80-plus-person crew at her own house was rooted in her maternal priorities. I wanted to protect that safe haven, she explained to PEOPLE in March 2025. So, where was With Love, Meghan filmed? Here's everything to know about the Montecito mansion that serves as the backdrop for the Duchess of Sussex's Netflix series. Where was With Love, Meghan filmed? Netflix Home where 'With Love, Meghan' was filmed. With Love, Meghan was filmed in Montecito, a coastal town in Santa Barbara County, Calif. Most scenes are set inside a four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom farmhouse rented specifically for production. Situated on five acres, the estate is valued at around $9.5 million, according to Realtor.com. The lot includes a barn and beautifully landscaped grounds with lemon and avocado orchards. Why wasn't With Love, Meghan filmed at Meghan Markle's house? Jake Rosenberg/Netflix Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in episode 201 of 'With Love, Meghan.' In August 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry purchased a 16-bedroom estate in Montecito. Although her home would have made a beautiful backdrop for With Love, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex ultimately opted to rent a separate property in the same town to serve as the shows set. Were a close-knit family, and I love those moments putting Lili down for a nap, having lunch together, having sacred time together at the end of the day," she told PEOPLE in March 2025. "Our kitchen is where Mama just cooks for the family, and with a crew of 80-plus people, thats a lot of people to have in your house!" Can you rent the With Love, Meghan home? Jake Rosenberg/Netflix Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in episode 203 of 'With Love, Meghan.' Yes! The Montecito Orchard Private Estate is available to rent for weddings and other events. However, overnight stays are not permitted. Interested parties can message the property's Instagram account. Read the original article on People Marriage offers stability and support that eases motherhood while strengthening happiness, connection and meaning PROVO, Utah, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Contrary to a common narrative that women who marry and have children are less happy, a new study released today by Brigham Young University's Wheatley Institute and the Institute for Family Studies (IFS) found that married mothers are happier than both women who are unmarried and those who do not have children. Titled "In Pursuit: Marriage, Motherhood, and Women's Well-Being," the report states married women are more likely than other women to report feeling deep connection and meaning in their relationships and are less likely to report being lonely. "At a time when marriage and fertility rates have reached record lows in the United States, our study challenges prominent cultural narratives by revealing that marriage and motherhood provide deep emotional and social benefits," said Jean Twenge, Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University and co-author of the study. "Pop culture portrayals, online forums and media headlines declaring single women without children are happier than married mothers are simply not true." The study found that married mothers are the happiest group of women, outpacing single women, married women without children, and unmarried mothers in nearly every measure of well-being. According to the survey of 3,000 women aged 25 to 55 in the United States, nearly twice as many married mothers reported being "very happy" compared to single, childless women. The married mothers were also more likely to say that life feels enjoyable most or all of the time. All of the analyses in the report controlled for age, family income, and education, so these factors cannot be the reason for the noted differences. The study also found that motherhood provides women with a deepened sense of meaning and purpose in life with nearly half of married mothers stating their lives felt meaningful most or all the time, compared to only one-third of single, childless women. When women were asked if what they do in life is valuable and fulfilling, married mothers were more likely to strongly agree. In addition, the survey revealed that married women are less likely to feel lonely than single, childless women. Notably, only 11% of married mothers and 9% of married women without children reported feeling lonely most or all the time. This is a stark difference compared to 23% of unmarried mothers and 20% of single, childless women who reported frequent loneliness. These findings counter preceding research that has suggested marriage leads to reduced social engagement and creates social isolation; in fact, marriage and motherhood appear to foster deeper social connection for many women, with married women reporting satisfaction with their friendships and involvement in community life comparable to or greater than other women. "While getting married and having children may mean less time hanging out with friends, marriage and children are also associated with other kinds of social engagement, including volunteer work, church attendance, and community connections" said Jenet Erickson, a Fellow at the Wheatley Institute and co-author of the study. "In fact, in our study, married mothers are just as likely to say they feel satisfied with their number of friends as other women." Another major insight from the study is the importance of meaningful physical touch in women's emotional well-being. Nearly half of married women with and without children reported receiving regular physical affection as compared to only 13% of single, childless women. Research links physical touch to lower stress, increased emotional resilience and higher overall happiness. Women who reported higher levels of physical touch were three times more likely to describe themselves as "very happy." "This is the first study to focus on touch, family and women's happiness," said Brad Wilcox, senior fellow at IFS, adding, "and we find that not only do married women report significantly higher levels of physical touch but also that their experience of physical affection seems to help explain why they are happier. Regular real-world touch may matter more in a world where we spend too much time in the virtual world." The report concludes that despite the challenges associated with family life for womenincluding more stress and less time for oneselfthere is no question that marriage and motherhood are linked to greater female flourishing on many other fronts. "Women are often told that staying single and child-free leads to the happiest and most fulfilling life, but our findings paint a complex yet hopeful picture of the benefits of marriage and motherhood in women's lives," said Wendy Wang, Director of Research at the Institute for Family Studies. "While marriage and motherhood are certainly challenging, our research makes it clear that married mothers are thriving in ways that challenge current stereotypes about family life." "Marriage appears to offer a stabilizing and supportive context that lifts the burdens of motherhood, while strengthening happiness, connection, and meaning," concluded Jason Carroll, the Family Initiative Director at the Wheatley Institute. "That reality should invite our best efforts, both culturally and politically, to support and strengthen single mothers even as we also work to increase the likelihood and quality of marriages since the opportunities for greater touch, less loneliness, and more meaning provide married mothers the most joyful lives." Key data from the survey includes: Happiness Married mothers are nearly twice as likely to report being "very happy" compared to single, childless women. 47% of married mothers and 43% of married childless women say life feels enjoyable, compared to 40% of unmarried mothers and 34% of unmarried childless women. Social Connection According to the data, married women are about half as likely as unmarried women to experience frequent loneliness. Only 11% of married mothers and 9% of married women report feeling lonely most or all the time, compared to 23% of unmarried mothers and 20% of unmarried childless women. In this survey, married mothers are just as likely to say they feel satisfied with their number of friends as other women. In contrast, unmarried women without children are more likely to report difficulties with making new friends than married and unmarried moms. Physical Touch 47% of married mothers and 49% of married childless women report high levels of regular physical touch, compared to only 23% of unmarried mothers and 13% of unmarried childless women. Women who experience high levels of physical affection are more than three times as likely to be very happy (22%) compared to women who experience low levels of touch (7%). 58% of married mothers and 61% of married childless women say they often receive hugs or kisses, compared to just 36% of unmarried mothers and just 18% of unmarried childless women. Married mothers are nearly twice as likely to frequently hold hands as unmarried mothers. Meanwhile, married childless women are over four times as likely to hold hands as unmarried childless women. 48% of married mothers and 49% of married childless women report regularly cuddling or snuggling with someone, compared to 26% of unmarried mothers and 14% of unmarried childless women. Meaning and Purpose In the survey, 33% of married mothers and 30% of unmarried mothers strongly agree with the statement, "what I do in life is valuable and worthwhile," compared to just 24% of married childless women and 20% of unmarried childless women. Motherhood Challenges To be fair, the WWS also found that motherhood comes with many challenges as well. Mothers are more likely than non-mothers to feel overwhelmed and exhausted each day. About 64% of married and unmarried mothers report feeling overwhelmed on a daily basis, compared to 56% of married and single women without children. Additionally, 79% of unmarried mothers and 77% of married mothers feel exhausted every day, though 71% of unmarried childless women and 72% of married childless women do as well. Mothers also say they have less time to themselves: 59% of unmarried mothers and 58% of married mothers report they wish they had more time for themselves, compared with 40% of married childless women and 43% of unmarried childless women. Yet, as the study showed, married mothers simultaneously report greater happiness, meaning, and purpose. Methodology The findings in this report are based on the Women's Well-being Survey (WWS), a collaboration between the Institute for Family Studies and the Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University. The study was conducted by YouGov between March 1 and 12, 2025, the survey included a representative sample of 3,000 U.S. women aged 25 to 55, with 1,551 respondents having children under 18. The final dataset of 3,000 was derived from 3,035 completed interviews. Survey participants were matched to a sampling frame based on age, race and education. This sampling frame was created from various public data sources to reflect U.S. national demographics. The matched cases were weighted using propensity scores and adjusted for employment patterns, marital status and parental status, ensuring the final sample mirrored the general U.S. female population aged 25 to 55. All reported numbers in the survey are weighted marginal means, controlling for family income, age and education. The full report is available at: https://wheatley.byu.edu/motherhood-report About the Wheatley Institute The Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University engages students, scholars, thought leaders, and the public in research supported work that fortifies the core institutions of the family, religion, and constitutional government. For more information, visit https://wheatley.byu.edu/. The Institute for Family Studies (IFS) The Institute for Family Studies is a 501(c)(3)organization. The mission of IFS is to strengthen marriage and family life and advance the welfare of children through research and public education. For more information, visit: www.ifstudies.org For more information, contact Mark Newman: [email protected] SOURCE Wheatley Institute While cosmetics brands raise or consider raising prices in light of tariffs, Louis Vuitton (MC.PA) is completely redefining the price a luxury lipstick might fetch. The LVMH-owned (MC.PA) fashion house partnered with renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath to launch its first permanent color cosmetics collection, which includes 55 lipsticks and 10 lip balms priced at $160 each. The La Beaute collection also features eight eyeshadow palettes priced at $250 apiece. After a digital pre-launch on Monday, the lipsticks will be available online and in select Louis Vuitton stores on Aug. 29, 2025. But is anyone buying at those prices? "There's virtually no market for a $160 lipstick," Pauline Brown, former LVMH chair of North America, told Yahoo Finance on Wednesday. "So I think this was a strategic play to try to reinforce their market position and their market lead. ... I think its way premature to suggest that this is going to be a success for LVMH." Louis Vuitton's $160 lipstick was created by influential makeup artist Pat McGrath. (Louis Vuitton) Hermes (RMS.PA), widely known for its Birkin bag, previously held the top of the cosmetics market with its $85 lipstick. Tom Ford and Chanel also have a piece of that market, with their standard lipsticks priced at $65 and $50, respectively. Even Louis Vuitton's refill prices $69 for its lipsticks and $92 for its four-pan eyeshadow palettes are still more expensive than some competitors' brand-new lipsticks. Louis Vuitton maintains that its bold pricing strategy targets the most affluent and most aspirational potential customers. The strategy of Vuitton is focusing on always delivering the most sophisticated and qualitative product to retain the most important client and get some others from the upper segment," LVMH CFO Cecile Cabanis said on the companys latest earnings call. Cabanis added that the other part of the strategy is to "continue to recruit from the younger generation, and that is not around down trading or doing cheap products, but it's around using the firepower and the DNA and the desirability of Vuitton and replicating it on more accessible categories." Louis Vuitton's prestige cosmetics launch will be tested as luxury brands continue to face a slowdown in demand and as customers have pushed back against higher prices. In its most recent quarter, LVMH reported another quarter of declining sales, led by fashion and leather. Sephora offered a bright spot, however, and gained share amid mounting competition. LVMH recently underwent a restructuring and cut 10% of its workforce. But tariffs from the Trump administration are creating another test as they squeeze the margins of many beauty brands across segments. Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet E.l.f. Beauty (ELF), known for its affordability, just raised prices for the third time in its history, this time by $1 across its portfolio. Estee Lauder (EL) executives also said they started adjusting prices on the company's earnings call. "I do think there's going to be more pricing in the beauty category in the US in the next 12 months," Citi research analyst Filippo Falorni told Yahoo Finance. "I think companies are going to be somewhat judicial in terms of how much to price higher, given the consumer environment remains a little bit choppy with the potential to trade down to mass [market]." In the first quarter, Circana data showed revenue for US prestige beauty sales remained flat year over year, while mass market cosmetics sales grew 3%. "Its more interesting to think about the floor than the ceiling," Brown said about fluctuating beauty price points. Click here for all of the latest retail stock news and events to better inform your investing strategy A firefighter battles the Pickett Fire burning in Napa County, California, on Saturday. - Noah Berger/AP (AP) A wildfire that destroyed four homes in central Oregon was starting to stabilize on Monday, authorities said, while a blaze in Northern California wine country has so far spared some of the states most famous vineyards. Moisture helped the 1,200 firefighters battling Oregons Flat Fire, but more work needed to be done. Dry, hot weather had fueled a rapid expansion of the blaze across 34 square miles of rugged terrain in Deschutes and Jefferson counties since the fire began late Thursday. Gotta love Mother Nature. It brought in a little bit of rain. Cooled the temps, relative humidity came up, Travis Medema, the states chief deputy state fire marshal, told a community meeting in the town of Sisters. The incident, for the first time in the last three days, is really beginning to stabilize. Officials said firefighters had protective lines of some sort around the entire fire, including roads, but the fire remained at 5% containment. Authorities at one point ordered evacuations for more than 4,000 homes but lifted orders for some areas in the evening. A heat advisory was in place through Wednesday, and forecasters warned that potential thunderstorms could create erratic winds that would challenge firefighters. Flames in Californias wine country Meanwhile, the Pickett Fire in Northern California has charred about 10 square miles of remote Napa County, known for its hundreds of wineries. It was 15% contained on Monday. Flames spared the home and adjacent vineyards of Jayson Woodbridge of Hundred Acre wines, but he said it was a close call on Thursday when the fire broke out and raced along nearby slopes. He and his son grabbed hoses and futilely began spraying down the steep hillsides. The water was evaporating as fast as we were spraying it out there, Woodbridge recalled Monday. It was just a hot funnel of air. Fire was just engulfing everything. Before long, crews with bulldozers and air support arrived to protect the property. Water-dropping helicopters continued their flights on Monday, keeping the flames contained to canyons about 80 miles north of San Francisco. With about a month to go before harvest, Woodbridge said his grapes wont be damaged because of the pure luck of wind direction. The smoke wont affect the fruit because the winds coming in from the west, thankfully, Woodbridge said. That wasnt the case in 2020 when toxic smoke from the Glass Fire caused Woodbridge and other wineries to scrap much of that years crop. There have been no reports of damage to any vineyards from the Pickett Fire, said Michelle Novi with Napa Valley Vintners, a nonprofit trade association. Firefighting resources have been put in place to protect wineries, especially as winds pick up later in the day, according to the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection, or Cal Fire. With the weather over the last 48 hours, were seeing high temperatures, low humidity paired with some increasing wind in the late afternoon, which was giving our troops some additional work on the eastern side of this incident, Cal Fire spokesperson Curtis Rhodes told The Associated Press on Monday. A firefighter dies in Montana In southwest Montana, a 60-year-old contract firefighter from Oregon died Sunday afternoon, after suffering a cardiac emergency while battling the Bivens Creek fire. Ruben Gonzeles Romero was among more than 700 firefighters working on the lightning-caused fire in the Tobacco Root Mountains about 15 miles north of Virginia City, Montana. The Bivens Creek fire has burned approximately 3 1/2 square miles since Aug. 13 in a remote area with thick timber and numerous dead trees. Heat wave complicates the firefighting efforts Smoke billows and flames rise from the Flat Fire in a location given as Deschutes County, Oregon, US, in this handout image released August 23, 2025. - Deschutes County Sheriff's Office/Reuters Residents of the western United States have been sweltering in a heat wave that hospitalized some people, with temperatures hitting dangerous levels throughout the weekend in Washington, Oregon, Southern California, Nevada and Arizona. After a weekend of triple-digit temperatures, authorities in Multnomah County, Oregon, said they were investigating the death of a 56-year-old man as possibly heat-related. The area of the Oregon fire is in a high desert climate, where dried grasses and juniper trees are burning and fire is racing through tinder-dry canyon areas where its challenging to create containment lines, said Deschutes County sheriffs spokesperson Jason Carr. In central California, the states largest blaze this year, the Gifford Fire, was at 95% containment Monday after charring nearly 206 square miles of dry brush in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties since erupting on Aug. 1. The cause is under investigation. Although its difficult to directly tie a single fire or weather event directly to climate change, scientists say human-caused warming from burning fossil fuels like coal and gas is causing more intense heat waves and droughts, which in turn set the stage for more destructive wildfires. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The richest women in the world have more in common than luxury lifestyles theyre holding stakes in the global economy. The worlds wealthiest women didnt just sit on fortunes. They inherited empires, scaled them, pivoted to new markets and, in some cases, rewrote the rulebook in industries dominated by men. Some of them run businesses behind the scenes while others practice philanthropy in the arts, sciences and tech. Most of these women hold significant stakes in private or publicly traded companies. Their wealth is tied to various sectors and industries, from consumer goods to chemicals to casinos. All the women on this list inherited their wealth, though each is now a billionaire in her own right. Here are the worlds 10 richest women and some of their key investments, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, as of Aug. 26, 2025. Compare advisors: Bankrate's list of the best financial advisors 1. Alice Walton: $117 billion The only daughter of Walmart (WMT) founder Sam Walton, Alice Walton inherited her share of the familys retail fortune. Shes watched it balloon as the company expanded over the years and Walmarts stock price climbed. Though shes never worked for Walmart in an executive role, she co-manages one of the familys two organizations Walton Enterprises. Outside of retail, Walton is a patron of the arts and health care access in rural communities. That said, she still holds a significant stake in Walmart and given the stocks consistent performance , thats not likely to change anytime soon. 2. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers: $97.5 billion Bettencourt Meyers is the heiress to the LOreal fortune. Her grandfather started the cosmetics giant in 1909, and Bettencourt Meyers inherited it after the death of her mother, Liliane Bettencourt, once the worlds richest woman. Bettencourt Meyers retired from LOreals board of directors in February 2025, though she and her family still remain the biggest shareholders in LOreal, with an almost 35 percent stake as of December 2024. 3. Julia Flesher Koch and family: $79.6 billion Julia Koch became one of the wealthiest women on the planet after the death of her husband, David Koch, in 2019. Alongside her three children, she inherited a 42 percent stake in Koch Industries. With about 120,000 employees and estimated annual revenue topping $125 billion, Koch Industries is the second-largest privately held company in America, according to Forbes, with a hand in everything from oil refining and chemical production to paper products. 4. Jacqueline Badger Mars: $48.3 billion Jacqueline Mars is the matriarch of candy. Shes one-third owner of Mars Inc., the company behind M&Ms, Snickers, Skittles and a host of other food brands. Mars Inc. is the fourth-largest privately held company in the U.S., and its valuation keeps rising as it expands into health-conscious snacks and pet care. Mars is also known for her philanthropy in animal welfare, environmental conservation and the arts. 5. Abigail Johnson: $47.0 billion Abigail Johnson is one of the few on this list whos actively running the empire she inherited. As CEO and president of Fidelity Investments, she controls one of the largest asset managers in the world. She took over as CEO from her father, Ned Johnson, in 2014 and has since modernized the firm with a focus on digital tools and new products aimed at millennial and Gen Z investors. Her wealth stems directly from her ownership stake in Fidelity , a firm that manages trillions in assets and is key to how everyday Americans build retirement wealth. 6. MacKenzie Scott: $42.6 billion MacKenzie Scott achieved her wealth through a very public divorce from Amazon (AMZN) founder Jeff Bezos. When the divorce was finalized in 2019, Scott received Amazon shares valued at about $36 billion at the time. Her foundation, Yield Giving, has given away more than $19 billion to over 2,450 nonprofits. Shes supported causes including racial equality, gender equality, climate change and education. Her remaining net worth is still massive, mostly held in Amazon stock. 7. Miriam Adelson: $41.4 billion Miriam Adelsons wealth comes from casinos specifically, Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS), the gaming empire built by her late husband, Sheldon Adelson. After his death in 2021, Miriam inherited the controlling stake in the company, which owns casinos and resorts in Macau and Singapore. In 2023, she bought a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks for $2 billion. Her son-in-law, Patrick Dumont, is president and COO of Las Vegas Sands Corp. 8. Iris Fontbona and family: $37.7 billion Chiles richest woman, Iris Fontbona inherited her fortune after the death of her husband, Andronico Luksic, who built one of Latin Americas largest mining and beverage empires. She now controls Antofagasta PLC, a publicly traded copper mining company, along with stakes in banks, breweries and shipping. 9. Savitri Jindal: $32.3 billion Savitri Jindals wealth flows from steel. Shes the matriarch of the Jindal Group, a massive Indian conglomerate with interests in steel, power, infrastructure and cement. After the death of her husband, O.P. Jindal, she took over the family business and watched it flourish under the leadership of her sons, who run different arms of the company. 10. Susanne Klatten: $31.6 billion Susanne Klatten turned inherited wealth into a diversified empire. She owns significant stakes in BMW (via her late fathers legacy) and the pharmaceutical company Altana, which she helped turn into a powerhouse. Klatten studied economics and actively worked to grow her holdings. Klatten has also expanded into clean energy and biotech, using her private investment firm to back early stage startups in Europe. How to build your own fortune Becoming a billionaire is rare, but building lasting wealth is well within reach for most people. Nearly all the women on this list have one key thing in common: They own shares and a lot of them. Their fortunes are tied to major companies that dominate their industries, from retail and cosmetics to energy and finance . They also gained control of high-value businesses. While some have played active roles in growing these companies, the bulk of their net worth comes from owning large stakes in them. Its equity not salary that drives their wealth. While you may not be able to replicate billionaire-level ownership, you can still build your own fortune by investing in the same markets. One of the simplest ways to start is by investing in index funds. These funds give you exposure to a broad slice of the stock market in a single purchase, offering instant diversification and historically delivering average annual returns around 10 percent. Its little wonder theyre near the top of the list of Bankrates best investments for beginners. Beginner-friendly brokerages also make getting started easy. You dont need a lot of money to open an account many platforms now let you get started with $10 or less and offer low or no fees. But youll need time to build real wealth. Remember, many of the women on this list inherited their wealth through family empires, which often took decades to build. You may not have decades to build a family empire, but if you want to build real generational wealth, youll need to start early or help your kids get a head start on investing . If youre unsure where to start or how to allocate your investments, working with a financial advisor can be incredibly helpful. These financial professionals can guide you in building a strategy based on your goals, timeline and risk tolerance. Get started: Match with an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals Bottom line The women on this list show that financial power is achievable. Whether youre starting with a few hundred dollars or a windfall, the concept remains the same: Invest regularly, stay informed and play an active role in your financial future. Editorial Disclaimer: All investors are advised to conduct their own independent research into investment strategies before making an investment decision. In addition, investors are advised that past investment product performance is no guarantee of future price appreciation. Managed service provider Spacera has become the first Australian company to join Zooms ISV Exchange program. The partnership brings Spaceras intelligent, vendor-agnostic, meeting room management platform to Zoom Rooms customers worldwide providing the ability to maintain reliable, insight-driven collaboration spaces. Spacera is setting a new global standard for collaboration technology reliability. Our partnership with Zoom brings powerful visibility and proactive control to organisations everywhere so meeting spaces just work at scale, with zero guesswork, Spacera CEO and Co-founder, Jen Goeldner said. Core integration features include AI-powered room readiness checks; automated issue resolution workflows with 247 prevent disruption with real-time diagnostics and alerts; and occupancy and utilisation analytics offers visibility in room usage patters and performance. The platform integrates with a range of collaboration platforms and AV infrastructure providers, including Zoom Rooms, Crestron, Neat, Poly, and more, for flexibility and scale. Enterprise customers operate in increasingly complex environments, Spacera CTO Christian Farre said. Lenovo has acknowledged the efforts of its top partners in the Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ) region at its 2025 Business Partner Gala Awards. Held at Sofitel Wentworth in Sydney on 21 August, the awards recognised organisations and individuals over 14 categories, and followed its flagship partner event, Accelerate 360. Its always a special moment when we get to bring our partners together in the same room, and even more so when we can celebrate their achievements, said Lenovo A/NZ channel lead Kirat Khara. We host this event each year to recognise the incredible work our partners do every day, and Im always inspired by the passion and commitment they bring to supporting customers, driving innovation, and growing the market. In the Intelligent Device Group awards, A/NZ Distributor of the Year went to Ingram Micro while A/NZ Reseller of the Year was won by ASI Solutions. Additionally, Iris Computing picked up A/NZ Public Sector Reseller of the Year, Queensland Computers scored A/NZ Commercial Services Reseller of the Year and OnLine Centre took the gong for A/NZ Authorised Partner of the Year. Within the Infrastructure Service Group set of awards, Ingram Micro was acknowledged again with its win of A/NZ Distributor of the Year. A/NZ Reseller of the Year went to Stott Hoare, A/NZ Growth Partner of the Year was won by Datacom and A/NZ Authorised Partner of the Year was awarded to TEAMYON. The 15-year Mars veteran steps into a top snacking role at the global CPG leader CHICAGO, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mars, a global leader in confectionery, snacking, food and pet care products and services, announced the appointment of Myriah Gambrell-Glenn as General Counsel for its Snacking business, effective December 1, 2025. Based in Chicago, she will lead the global legal function for Mars Snacking, home to billion-dollar brands including M&M'S and SNICKERS, reporting to its President, Andrew Clarke with a dotted line to Stefanie Straub, Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Mars Incorporated. Mars appoints Myriah Gambrell-Glenn as General Counsel for Mars Snacking. In her new position Gambrell-Glenn will oversee legal strategy, compliance, and risk management across a business with more than 34,000 Associates, a presence in over 150 countries, and more than 1,000 snacks sold every second. Since joining Mars in 2010, Gambrell-Glenn has held senior legal roles across multiple business segments and geographies. Most recently, she served as General Counsel for Mars Pet Nutrition, where she played a pivotal role in the successful integrations of Champion Petfoods and Pretty Litter, both multibillion-dollar businesses acquired in 2023 and 2021 respectively. "Myriah's pedigree speaks for itself. She has built an outstanding track record at Mars, combining deep legal expertise with strategic insight. Just as importantly, she is a dedicated people leader who has a keen ability to spot potential and turn it into performance," said Andrew Clarke, Mars Snacking Global President. "This combination will be invaluable as we continue to navigate today's complex legal and regulatory environment while expanding our global snacking footprint." In her new role, Gambrell-Glenn will serve as a member of both the Mars Snacking Leadership Team and the Mars Legal Leadership Team. "I'm stepping into this role at a generational moment for our snacking business," said Gambrell-Glenn. "It's clear to me our legal team is uniquely positioned to be a strategic partner by enabling and accelerating our snacking growth agenda creating the conditions for innovation to flourish at speed and scale while driving strong governance. I'm looking forward to partnering with such a talented team as we take on this opportunity together." The appointment of Myriah Gambrell-Glenn as General Counsel for Mars Snacking underscores the company's commitment to strong governance and legal leadership, supporting the continued expansion of its global snacking footprint amid an increasingly complex legal landscape facing businesses everywhere. ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As an approximately $55bn family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN, PEDIGREE, WHISKAS, CESAR, DOVE, EXTRA, M&M'S, SNICKERS and BEN'S ORIGINAL. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD, BLUEPEARL, VCA and ANICURA span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet. For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. SOURCE Mars, Incorporated by Dario Salvi Cardinal Pizzaballa and Greek Orthodox Theophilus III reject the prospect of "evacuation" in the face of the Israeli military operation already underway. There can be no future based on imprisonment, the displacement of Palestinians, or revenge, they say. The Sisters of Mother Teresa, who arrived in 1973 after the killing of the local parish priest, serve a community devastated by hunger and war. In Tel Aviv, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum is marking a National Day of Struggle. Milan (AsiaNews) The Greek Orthodox Primate of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, and the Primate of the Latins, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, issued a joint statement (available on their websites) In it they note that, faced with the suffering of a people in what can already be described as "hell" on earth, a reference to the threats made by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz against Hamas, the clergy and nuns of the Catholic and Greek Orthodox Churches in Gaza forcefully affirm their decision to remain. Despite the offensive undertaken by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), they will neither evacuate nor flee, but will live up to their mission, bear witness to mercy and Christian charity in a Gaza Strip ravaged by hunger and war, and continue to provide assistance and aid to those unable to leave. The two Christian leaders warn that There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians or revenge. Hells gate The joint statement notes at the start that A few weeks ago, the Israeli government announced its decision to take control of Gaza City. In recent days, the media have repeatedly reported a massive military mobilization and preparations for an imminent offensive. The same reports indicate that the population of Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands of civilians live and where our Christian community is located is to be evacuated and relocated to the south of the Strip. The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for several neighbourhoods in Gaza City and Reports of heavy bombardment continue. There is more destruction and death in a situation that was already dramatic before this operation. It seems that the Israeli governments announcement that the gates of hell will open is indeed taking on tragic forms, Christian leaders say. The experience of past campaigns in Gaza, the declared intentions of the Israeli government with regard to the current operation, and the reports now reaching us from the ground, show that the operation is not just a threat, but a reality that is already in the process of being implemented. Cardinal Pizzaballa and Theophilus III also note that Gazas Christian institutions, from the Greek Orthodox complex of St Porphyrius to the Latin Holy Family compound, were not spared by the war, despite being "a refuge for hundreds of civilians." Among them are elderly people, women, and children. In the Latin compound, we are hosting since many years people with disabilities, who are under the care of the Sisters Missionaries of Charity, reads the statement. Among those who have sought shelter within the walls of the compounds, many are weakened and malnourished due to the hardships of the last months. Leaving Gaza City and trying to flee to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence. For this reason, the clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue to care for all those who will be in the compounds. We do not know exactly what will happen on the ground, not only for our community, but for the entire population. We can only repeat what we have already said: There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians or revenge. Citing Pope Leo XIVs words, the two prelate stress: All peoples, even the smallest and weakest, must be respected by the powerful in their identity and rights, especially the right to live in their own lands; and no one can force them into exile. The patriarchs condemn the deliberate and forcible mass displacement of civilians. It is time to end this spiral of violence, to put an end to war and to prioritize the common good of the people, including Israeli and foreign hostages held by Hamas. There is no reason to justify keeping civilians as prisoners and hostages in dramatic conditions. It is now time for the healing of the long-suffering families on all sides. With equal urgency, we appeal to the international community to act for an end of this senseless and destructive war, and for the return of the missing people and the Israeli hostages. Nuns witnesses of charity The patriarchs joint statement further demonstrates the unity of Jerusalem's Christian leaders, following the joint visit of Cardinal Pizzaballa and Patriarch Theophilos III to the Gaza Strip in July, in response to the attack on the Holy Family compound that left three dead and many wounded. One of the most significant passages of the patriarchs' statement, in addition to the necessary appeal for an end to the war and the release of prisoners, is the one reserved for the men and women religious who have chosen to remain to convey a message of love and charity in the face of devastation. In nearly two years of conflict, the work of Mother Teresa's Sisters, who have cared for "people with disabilities" for many years, has taken on particular significance. They, like the priests, have chosen to continue caring for those in St Porphyrius and the Holy Family who have no other place to seek refuge. For some 52 years, the Missionaries of Charity have shared the fate of the Christian and non-Christian communities in the Gaza Strip, an enclave long considered an "open-air prison" for its approximately two million residents, and which has suffered more than 62,000 deaths, mostly civilians. The Sisters arrived in February 1973, a few weeks after the killing of the then Latin parish priest, Father Hanna Al-Nimri, and their presence was immediately characterised by "sharing the suffering of this tormented land to the point of accomplishing the difficult task of "cleaning the bloodstained walls. Despite the difficulties associated with many wars and the long-standing blockade imposed on Gaza, the nuns are crucial to the Holy Family parish. They care for 70 people in their homes for children and vulnerable adults. In addition to offering for years spiritual assistance to the small Catholic community, they regularly visit "hundreds of homes of the poor, needy, and sick. In the first weeks of the war, in October 2023, AsiaNews spoke to the nuns, who were more concerned about the future of the weak and sick than about their own lives. We are not worried about ourselves, they said, but for disabled children and elderly people bedridden with bedsores. And also for the 600 people who took refuge in our convent after losing their homes in recent days due to the bombings. In the streets for the hostages Meanwhile in Israel, protests are mounting among the relatives and families of the hostages. They are once again taking to the streets to demand that the government and the country's highest institutions mediate with the kidnappers for the release of their relatives, whose fate is a source of increasing apprehension. A crowd gathered in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv as part of the "National Day of Struggle" called by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Rallies were also held outside the homes of government ministers. Following last week's general strike, this day is part of the so-called civil action to push the Jewish state's leaders to reach an agreement that will lead to the release of those still in Hamas's hands. In the middle of Hostages Square stands a long table covered with yellow chairs, each marked with the face of a kidnapped person. The plates are ready but empty. Pieces of pita bread, cans of beans, and sand are scattered across the black tablecloth, evoking hunger and the inhumane conditions of captivity. At the same time, outrage and condemnation are growing among activist groups and foreign governments over yesterday's double attack on the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, which resulted in the deaths of five journalists who were reporting live on the war. Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu called it a tragic accident. Yet, since the war started, more than 200 journalists have been killed in attacks or military operations by the Jewish state. For its part, the Israeli government continues to ban Western journalists and foreign media from entering the Strip, while backing the claims by 10 embedded influencers that there is no famine in Gaza and that accusations of starvation are just lies. GATEWAY TO THE EAST IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO THE MIDDLE EAST. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY TUESDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE. by Vladimir Rozansky To limit the damage to strategic targets from Ukraines remote-controlled drone counterattacks, Russia is shutting down mobile networks in many areas. In some regions, signals have been cut off indefinitely. People try to adapt as best they can, but some businesses now accept only cash. Moscow (AsiaNews) For several months now, Ukraine has met Russia's increasingly devastating attacks using targeted strategies, sending attack drones against the most sensitive infrastructure targets across Russia to destroy military arsenals and weapons factories, and using its hackers to disrupt Russia's digital and communications capabilities. A first, symbolically charged attack occurred on 22 April, Vladimir Lenin's birthday, when a major weapons stockpile exploded near Kirzhach, a town evocative of a Russia that vanished under the Tatar yoke only to re-emerge centuries later, thanks to Prince Ivan Kalita of Moscow and Saint Sergius of Radonezh, to be reborn in the Orthodox faith and reconquer the world. After that, central and regional authorities, fearing Ukraines ability to reach the most strategic sites, began disconnecting mobile connections around them to avoid interference from drones that navigate using Russian operators' SIM cards. At first, it was thought that this emergency would be overcome quickly, once adequate countermeasures were developed, but time has passed and the drone attacks continue; now security measures have become almost permanent across much of Russias territory. The authorities cut off mobile networks at times of danger in specific locations, where the military expect attacks; however, this ability to select targets appears impractical, especially in the provinces, and governors end up disconnecting entire regions indefinitely. The feeling is spreading that everyone is disconnected, everywhere and forever, and people are trying to adapt to a new normal that seems unacceptable, since mobile networks have become an essential part of everyone's lives. As Novaya Gazeta documented in a report, taxi and public transport drivers are among the first to seek new approaches. As mobile workers by definition, they have lost route maps, traffic jam alerts, and navigation systems in their cars and phones. On buses and taxis, many passengers used to pay with a tap of their phone, and now drivers ask through the window if they have cash; otherwise, they will not even open the doors. They also make tech-dependent passengers get out, scolding them for not carrying real money. Some pay a portion in cash, promising to pay back at home or at the office via landline Wi-Fi, their last hope of not being cut off from the entire world. The places where people can still surf the internet are now veritable caves, blending prehistory and the artificial world, in a complete short-circuit of the relationship with the outside world. Electricians, plumbers, and repair technicians can no longer be contacted by customers in times of need, but instead receive all communications at once in the evening, when they go home or to their office, while emergencies and serious incidents go unheeded. Contacting call centres offers no help, as the operators lack official information, claiming that they are unaware of the lack of connections, especially the automatic responders created with artificial intelligence. Voice conversations remain (at least until they too are blocked), which many people are struggling to get used to again. The only ones who benefit from these situations are the owners of bars and restaurants, and other establishments that allow customers to connect to fixed-line Wi-Fi for a fee or a percentage of purchases and time used. It is also not uncommon to see large groups of people sitting on the ground in the yards of mechanics and tyre dealers. The aim of the Ukrainian attacks is not only to repel and create obstacles for the enemy, hindering communications and movement, blocking airports and train stations, but also to paralyse the country in the very minds of its people. However, Russians are not so easily thrown into complete despair, retaining an ancestral memory of darker times, through which they managed to survive. by Steve Suwannarat According to the Ministry of Higher Education, 10,000 visas are set to be cancelled. A wave of arrests, especially in the provinces of Chiang Mai and Phuket, suggests widespread abuse of long-term residence permits. Private universities have also been implicated, but they deny all wrongdoing, blaming instead corruption among public officials. Bangkok (AsiaNews) Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation has announced a review of student visas already granted, after it emerged that for many students, it is a means of illegally obtaining long-term residence permits. At least 10,000 visas are being cancelled, a step that opens the door to expulsion if it is proven that holders used the visa to live and work illegally in the country. The matter is not new. Thailand has long been torn between the need to remain a country open to people doing research and studies at its educational institutions, and a visa system that is being increasingly used by criminal groups taking advantage of regulatory loopholes, and negligent visa granting. A wave of arrests of foreigners in several provinces, including Chiang Mai and Phuket, as well as the Bangkok metropolitan area, has highlighted the gravity of the situation. In many cases, people have been accused of crimes or caught working in Thai-run businesses without the necessary permits; in other cases, they were recruited to engage in unlawful activities, like online scams, illegal gambling, and human trafficking. This was made possible because of local collusion and officials turning a blind eye. In fact, in many known cases, the practice had been going on for years, even though visa applications and renewal must be assessed by the Ministry of the Interior and the immigration police. The problem has been getting worse over the years. A case in point is Chiang Mai province, where at least half of the 13,000 student visas appear to be dodgy. Growing criminal activity, often by Chinese nationals or Thais of Chinese origin, is one factor behind this trend, with foreigners tricked into working for them. A PBS television report last April found that in the northern provinces, bordering Myanmar and Laos, foreigners paid up to 50,000 baht each (US$ 1,500) to get or extend a student visa, a situation confirmed by police who point the finger at unscrupulous agencies. The educational establishments that accept students also play a role; private universities, in particular, have been implicated, although they deny responsibility. While it is important for academic institutions that accept applications to be more vigilant in preventing abuse, immigration authorities should also exert more effective controls. Above all, the corruption at various levels should be addressed and punishment meted out to those found guilty. Today's news: An investigation into abuse at a wildlife park linked to the Ambani family has been opened. Tear gas and water cannons were used in Jakarta against protesters demanding cuts to lawmakers high salaries and benefits. Despite his recent election defeat, support for Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba is rising. Interim Syrian President al-Sharaa is set to address the UN General Assembly. VIETNAM Typhoon Kajiki has killed at least three people and injured 10 more in Vietnam; meanwhile, heavy rains continue to fall, potentially causing further flooding and landslides. So far, approximately 7,000 homes have been damaged and 28,000 hectares of rice fields flooded. Some 18,000 trees and 331 electricity poles have been downed, causing widespread blackouts in the provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Thai Nguyen and Phu Tho. Streets in the capital Hanoi have been severely flooded, bringing traffic to a standstill. INDIA The Supreme Court of India has ordered an investigation into a wildlife rehabilitation park in Gujarat managed by the Reliance Foundation, the philanthropic arm of billionaire Mukesh Ambani's group and led by his son Anant. Although no conclusive evidence has emerged so far, allegations include the unlawful purchase and mistreatment of animals. The Foundation claims to have treated thousands of animals and built the world's largest elephant hospital. INDONESIA Police yesterday fired tear gas and used water cannons to drive back hundreds of protesters attempting to enter the Indonesian Parliament building in Jakarta to protest over MPs' perceived excessive salaries and benefits. A group in dark clothing threw stones and fireworks at agents in riot gear. There are currently no confirmed reports of damages, or arrests among the protesters, who are demanding MPs cut their pay. JAPAN Support for Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is up by nearly 20 percentage points, despite his ruling coalition losing its majority in July's parliamentary elections, this according to an opinion poll published yesterday by the Yomiuri newspaper. Approval stands at around 39 per cent, up 17 percentage points from the previous survey. Disapproval has dropped to 50 per cent from 67 per cent in July. ISRAEL SYRIA Israel sent 60 soldiers to take control of an area inside the Syrian border around Mount Hermon. Sources at the Syrian Foreign Ministry have slammed the move, calling it a violation of Syrian sovereignty and a further threat to regional security. This comes amid US-mediated talks between the two countries, aimed at de-escalation in southern Syria. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September. RUSSIA SWITZERLAND The Russian Prosecutor General's Office has declared the activities of the International Baccalaureate Foundation, which is based in Switzerland and promotes social education, "unwelcome" in the country. According to Russia, it "aims to shape Russian youth according to Western models" with Russophobic projects passed off as education and non-traditional values. TAJIKISTAN CHINA Tajikistan's Minister of Transport, Azim Ibrokhim, discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in international transport with Chinese Ambassador Go Xi-Ziun. The goal is to build and modernise roads to Dushanbe and other regions of the country, particularly a double-decker viaduct in the capital, which is still pending approval. 26 August 2025 17:36 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The world is witnessing the last grasp of Russia to retain its influence in the South Caucasus. Finally, Nikol Pashinyan, the leader of a country long considered Russias final bastion in the region, openly criticised Moscows divide and rule policy. Until Nikol Pashinyans explicit criticism, only Azerbaijan and Georgia, the two other countries in the South Caucasus, had tried to shed light on the dark side of Russias imperial policy through all available platforms. It has long been a well-known fact that Russia plays one ethnicity against another. It has never supported any ethnicity but has used it as leverage to put pressure on the entire region. However, considering Russia as their protector, Armenians played right into Moscows hands. Contrary to the Armenian mainstream, as the former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili noted, Russia was interested in neither resolving the Garabagh Conflict nor fully supporting Armenia. Russia was interested only in prolonging the conflict, as it prevented both countries, Azerbaijan and Armenia, from developing, thereby providing Moscow with leverage in the region. The same logic applies to other conflicts in the region, such as Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russias support for the two separatist regimes does not stem from its commitments to international law, as the Kremlin claims. By supporting separatism, Russia retains its influence in the region. It is worth noting that the above-mentioned dirty policies are not new to Russia. It has been using the same methods since its entry into the Caucasus in the 19th century. Russia did its best to instigate inter-ethnic conflicts. For example, by bringing Molokans, Armenians, and Germans to the South Caucasus, Russia tried to change the demographic mosaics of the region, which were already complicated. In addition, Russia provided newcomers with lands seized from Muslims, which paved the way to bloody inter-ethnic conflicts. When Russia exiled the Ahiska Turks to Central Asia and gave their homes to Armenians, the latter were happy, believing that Russia cared about them. However, Moscow did it deliberately to sow discord between Armenians and Muslims. Russia employed the same tactic with Chechens, Ingushes, and other nations in the North Caucasus. Unfortunately, the Ahiska Turks were never allowed to return to their homes, but the Chechens and the Ingush did. However, they were not able to reclaim their original houses, and the conflict between them and the new occupants continues to this day. Russias dirty divide and rule policy is not limited to the facts mentioned above. Russia resorted to all means to fuel inter-ethnic conflicts. One of them is the execution of Baysangur of Benoy. As is known, Baysangour of Benoy continued the rebellion led by Sheykh Shamil. He was wounded and captured. As they were going to hang him, the Russian officers gathered a crowd of Dagestani men to witness the execution. They ordered one of them to remove the chair on which Baysongour was standing in order to kill him. By doing so, they wanted to fuel the local vendettas and oppose the people. Seeing this, Baysongour moved the chair himself, committing a forbidden suicide forbidden by any religion and of course Islam and preserving the relations between neighbours. But for one failure, how many successes has this strategy encountered among the Caucasian nations? Regrettably, unlike Baysongour, many have not comprehended Russias imperialist policies. On the contrary, many, in one way or another, become tools of Moscow. Take the former Garabagh Clique, which seized power in Armenia in the 1990s, for example. Because of them, hundreds of thousands of people lost their homes and were turned into IDPs and refugees. The Garabagh conflict claimed the lives of tens of thousands on both the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides. Infrastructure was destroyed, and the conflict delivered the biggest blow not only to the economies of Azerbaijan and Armenia but to the entire region. It is worth noting that the Garabagh conflict is not the only one in which pro-Russian Armenians played into the Kremlins hands. For instance, Armenians formed the Bagramyan Battalion, which fought against Georgians during the Abkhazian war. More recently, they created the Sarmat Battalion, which is fighting on Russias side in the war in Ukraine. Armenias prime ministers recent remarks have sparked a wave of hope across the Caucasus, signalling that even Russias last remaining partner in the region has finally begun to understand the true nature of the Kremlins statehood. But news from Ukraine suggests that this awakening is not confined to Nikol Pashinyan alone; rather, it is beginning to resonate within Armenian society itself. Just yesterday, in Ukraine, the 100th ethnic Azerbaijani, Afghan Orujov, who was martyred in battles defending the country of which he was a citizen, was laid to rest. His funeral was not only attended by Ukrainians and Azerbaijanis, but also by his comrade-in-arms, Suren, an Armenian soldier who had lost an arm in the war. In a deeply moving moment, Suren addressed Orujovs grieving mother, who lost her only child, saying: You are now also my mother, too. His words sent shivers down the spines of all who gathered. Yes, the imperial northern bear is beginning to take blows on every front. Where once Russia sowed division and hatred among neighbouring peoples, we now see those same groups coming together, calling one another brothers, and working to drive the imperialist predator back into its lair. Of course, no one should expect Russias imperial ambitions to vanish overnight. The struggle will continue for some time. Yet one thing can already be said with certainty: the end of Moscows nefarious policies has begun. NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyperquake, the independent creative strategy, branding, and experience design agency, is very proud to announce the immediate addition of Creative Director Mary Franck to its Experiences Team. The full-time staff addition was confirmed by Hyperquake's President and Chief Operating Officer Melissa Wheat Kelly. Leveraging deep expertise and training in architecture, art, and technology, Franck specializes in infusing built environments with stunning digital media to inform, inspire, and connect audiences. With over 15 years of successes across experiential, she has led design and technology teams for Local Projects, IBM, ESI Design, New York Times' experiential agency Fake Love, and Obscura Digital, among other pioneering innovators. The resulting culture-defining projects for renowned brands, visionaries, and artists have often generated global media attention and brought home prestigious creative-industry honors. "Mary has been on my radar as a creative-industry leader for several years," Kelly began. "From her early work at Obscura Digital, then at ESI Design where she masterfully blended the digital and architectural worlds, she is a force to behold." Together with her Hyperquake colleagues, Kelly is an immense fan of Franck's proven ability to distill complex and multi-dimensional challenges into the most memorable experiences imaginable. "Mary's experience includes amazing digital storytelling and seamless architectural integration for built environments," she continued. "When you add-in the unique time she spent working directly with brands like IBM to deliver groundbreaking immersive experiences, her knowledge and expertise hit our sweet spot of iconic global brands, enterprise customers, and story-led immersive experiences of the highest order." Also an acclaimed artist whose works have been showcased internationally, Franck earned her B.A. in Conceptual and Information Art from San Francisco State University before completing her Masters in Design Research from Southern California Institute of Architecture. Currently residing in Brooklyn, Franck remains deeply committed to the alchemy of collaboration and teamwork and to pushing what's possible in experience design. "I knew that joining Hyperquake would be an opportunity to join a growing, dynamic company and to learn from luminaries of design while bringing my experiential expertise and point of view," Franck explained. "With Potion as a leader in digital experiences for 20 years, our Brooklyn-based team is at an inflection point and it's an honor to be stepping in to lead this studio creatively and build on its incredible culture and expertise. Also, Hyperquake's long-term relationships align with how I like to work with clients as a partner for the long haul, building not just for this project but for the next." "Finally," Franck added, "Hyperquake leads with strategy. As a designer, I know that the best design is based on rock-solid strategy, and Hyperquake brings incredible strategic chops." About Hyperquake Hyperquake is an independent creative strategy, branding, and experience design marketing agency founded in 1986. With locations in Cincinnati, Salt Lake City, Brooklyn, and Portland, Hyperquake builds ambitious brands and experiences for those eager to activate a vision. Hyperquake specializes in strategic innovation, branded experiences, and scaling organizations for growth, working with companies ranging from small startups to global enterprises. For more information, visit https://www.hyperquake.com . NOTE TO EDITORS: Image to accompany this story here: https://darnellworks.com/hq/media/maryf_m.jpg Contact: Roger Darnell DWA for Hyperquake (+)1.828.773.4410 [email protected] SOURCE Hyperquake 26 August 2025 11:24 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. The Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan (SMBDA), operating under the Ministry of Economy, will allocate 2.529 million AZN to continue the construction of the Ganja SME House, 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! 26 August 2025 18:34 (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. This growth reflects a strengthening economic partnership and expanding export opportunities, particularly for Azerbaijani goods in the Greek market. 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! 26 August 2025 14:25 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more An event titled "The Magical World of Mugham", dedicated to International Day of Azerbaijani Mugham (August 26 ) has taken place at Heydar Aliyev Center in Shaki, Azernews reports. The event was organized with the support of the Shaki-Zagatala Regional Department of Culture, in partnership with the Heydar Aliyev Center, Shaki Children's Music Schools No. 3 and No. 4, and Library Branch No. 9 of the Shaki Centralized Library System. At the beginning of the event, attendees visited an exhibition featuring books and electronic publications dedicated to the International Day of Azerbaijani Mugham and Music. During the event, participants were given detailed information about the history and development stages of the mugham art, its role in Azerbaijani musical culture, and its universal significance. It was noted that mugham art has evolved over the centuries, becoming a vital component of the Azerbaijani nation's cultural and national identity. Moreover, it was underlined that Azerbaijani mugham was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008 and remains a subject of international interest and academic study today. In the artistic part of the event, teachers and students from the music schools performed fragments from the mugham modes "Shur," "Rast," "Segah," and "Bayati-Shiraz." Mugham, one of the oldest musical genres in the ancient East, has attracted the attention of researchers for centuries and remains a significant subject in the study of world music culture. Although mugham has gone through various phases throughout history, it has been preserved and passed down through generations as an ancient heritage of the Azerbaijani people. During Azerbaijan's period of independence, mugham performance entered a new phase of development, playing a crucial role in introducing Azerbaijani culture to the world. Mugham modes are not only associated with scales but also with an orally transmitted collection of melodies and melodic fragments that performers use during improvisation. Mugham consists of seven main modes-Rast, Shur, Segah (particularly common), Shushtar, Bayaty-Shiraz, Chahargah, Humayun, and three collateral modes, including Shahnaz, Sarendj, and Chargah in different forms. A short piece of Azerbaijani mugham performed on the balaban, a national wind instrument, was included on the Voyager Golden Record, attached to the Voyager spacecraft, as a representation of world music among many of humanity's cultural achievements. The 20th century marked a turning point for mugham, with Uzeyir Hajibayli creating the "Leyli and Majnun" mugham opera, blending mugham and European classical music. Fikrat Amirov later introduced mugham to symphonic orchestras, based on classical folk pieces, which were performed by renowned symphony orchestras worldwide. Three major schools of mugham performance developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Garabagh, Shirvan, and Baku. In the late 1960s and 1970s, a completely new style of mugham emerged in Azerbaijan. Vagif Mustafazade is regarded as the founder of Azerbaijani jazz-mugham, a genre that blends jazz with traditional mugham. Azerbaijan's living vocal treasure, Alim Gasimov, has also played a significant role in promoting mugham art. In 1999, he was awarded the International Music Council-UNESCO Music Prize, one of the highest international honors for music. In 2003, Azerbaijani mugham was proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. The International Mugham Center, operating in Baku since 2008, is a marvel of design inspired by elements and shapes of the tar, a national musical instrument used in performing mugham. Equipment for the building was sourced from Italy, Austria, France, and Turkiye, and over 2,000 pieces of glass of various sizes were used in its construction. Today, the Mugham Center carries out many large-scale projects aimed at promoting Azerbaijani culture, including mugham art. These projects include "Mugham Evenings," "Evenings of Ashug Music," "Pearls of Ethnic Music," "Unforgettable," "Evenings of Dastan," Baku Summer Jazz Days, and others. The center hosts mugham and jazz festivals, international conferences, and spectacular concerts. 26 August 2025 15:24 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more A panel discussion on the topic "Youth Wave in Cultural and Creative Industries" has been organized in Lachin with the participation of youth representatives from Azerbaijan, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, Azernews reports. Speaking at the event, head of the International Relations Department of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry Farrukh Jumayev stressed that President Ilham Aliyev has created the necessary conditions for the comprehensive development of youth in Azerbaijan. Jumayev emphasized that the development of cultural and creative industries is a priority in Azerbaijan and that youth activities in this field are supported. "Azerbaijan contributes to the development of cultural cooperation among CIS countries, implementing various projects for this purpose. The gathering of creative youth from CIS countries in Lachin this year, which is the CIS Cultural Capital, within the framework of Lachin City Day, is evidence of this. Such projects will promote cooperation among the youth of CIS countries, strengthen intercultural dialogue, and foster new creative initiatives," he added. Rafael Hajibeyli, Chairman of the National Council of Youth Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ordokhan Gahramanzadeh, representative of the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation, and others spoke about the youth policies implemented in Azerbaijan. The event continued as a discussion, with questions from the youth being answered. Representatives of youth organizations from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan spoke about projects implemented in their respective countries in this field. In connection with Lachin City Day, a magnificent concert program featuring renowned Azerbaijani artists and artistic groups will be held on a stage set up on the bank of the Hakari River. 26 August 2025 16:23 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more As part of its designation as the 2025 Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the city of Lachin is hosting a vibrant series of events on August 26, including the CIS Youth Camp and International Film Days of CIS Countries, Azernews reports. Organized by the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation, the CIS Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund, and the National Assembly of Youth Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (NAYORA), these initiatives celebrate Lachin City Day with a dynamic blend of cultural exchange, artistic collaboration, and youth engagement. To mark City Day, an impressive concert program showcasing renowned Azerbaijani performers and artistic groups will be held in Lachin. Representatives from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan are participating in the youth camp. As part of the camp, participants will engage in discussions within four working groups on topics related to the creative industries and will prepare and present joint project ideas. The youth will also take part in master classes in areas such as "Pantomime as a Component of Acting," as well as mobile photography, painting, and ceramics. The activities of the working groups will create opportunities for cooperation and joint initiatives among the youth of CIS countries. The solo exhibition "31 Years Later" by artist Yusif Mirza will add color to the cultural festivities in Lachin. As part of the International Film Days of CIS Countries, one film from each participating country will be screened. The films will be presented with Azerbaijani subtitles. As is known, by the decision of the CIS Council for Humanitarian Cooperation dated October 8, 2024, the city of Lachin in the Eastern Zangazur economic region of the Republic of Azerbaijan has been declared the Cultural Capital of the CIS for the year 2025. 26 August 2025 17:54 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Every year on August 26, the world celebrates the International Day of Azerbaijani Mugham and the Music of the Countries Along the Great Silk Road, Azernews reports. This date was officially established in 2010 by the city council of Niagara Falls, Canada, in partnership with the organisers of the annual Niagara International Music Festival. This special day honours not only the unique art of Azerbaijani mugham but also the shared musical heritage of the Silk Road civilisations. Mugham: Soul of Azerbaijani Culture Mugham is a profound symbol of Azerbaijan's cultural and spiritual legacy, serving as one of the main pillars of the nation's musical identity. As a classical genre of Eastern folk music, mugham is divided into two primary forms- the mugham dastgahs (melodic suites) and rhythmic mughams. Among the most recognised classical mugham modes are Rast, Shur, Segah, Bayati-Shiraz, Chahargah, Shushtar, and Humayun. This ancient musical tradition continues to inspire generations of Azerbaijani artists, including painters, poets, sculptors, and filmmakers. For centuries, mugham has not only preserved its authenticity but has also evolved, merging with other musical genres and enriching the global cultural landscape. Mugham's Impact on Azerbaijani Classical and Modern Music The influence of mugham on Azerbaijani classical and modern music is undeniable. Uzeyir Hajibayli, the father of Azerbaijani composed music, created the world's first mugham-based opera, Leyli and Majnun, a groundbreaking work in musical history. Later, Fikrat Amirov introduced the genre of symphonic mugham through compositions like Shur and Kurd-Ovshari, blending traditional mugham with Western orchestral elements. Leading Azerbaijani composers such as Niyazi, Gara Garayev, Soltan Hajibayli, Jovdat Hajiyev, Agshin Alizadeh, Arif Malikov, and Frangiz Alizadeh have further developed mugham using contemporary techniques. Meanwhile, jazz legend Vagif Mustafazadeh created a globally admired fusion of jazz and mugham, establishing a completely new genre that brought Azerbaijani music to international audiences. World of Mugham Festival: Global Recognition The launch of the World of Mugham International Music Festival in 2009, initiated and supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, marked a significant step in promoting mugham on the global stage. Held in Baku and various regions of Azerbaijan, the festival has grown into a globally recognised event featuring performances by both local and international musicians, an international mugham competition, academic symposiums, and master classes by renowned artists. These efforts have positioned Azerbaijan as a key center for traditional music research and performance. International Mugham Center To further institutionalize and support the development of this art, the International Mugham Center was established in Baku. This venue now hosts some of the most prestigious cultural events in the country. The International Mugham Center was founded on the initiative of the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, under the presidential decree dated April 6, 2005. The centre, which laid its foundation that same year and is known as one of Baku's unique architectural projects, opened its doors in 2008. The design of the building was based on the elements and shapes of the tar, an Azerbaijani musical instrument used in performing mugham. The center was built with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. In 2024, the Mugham Centre became the first cultural institution in Azerbaijan to be awarded "international" status by legislation. The Centre regularly organises large-scale music festivals and concerts by highly acclaimed cultural figures. Numerous projects are being carried out by the centre in the direction of studying and promoting mugham art. Mughams Global Legacy: UNESCO's Cultural Honour In recognition of its unique cultural value, the Azerbaijani Mugham was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. UNESCO's acknowledgement has helped raise global awareness of mugham, encouraging its preservation, promotion, and transmission to future generations. What makes mugham extraordinary is its universal appeal- its ability to move audiences beyond borders, languages, religions, and cultures. Mugham always touches the soul with its emotional depth and spiritual resonance. 26 August 2025 10:42 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The 6th International Conference on Problems of Cybernetics and Informatics (PCI 2025) officially opened today in Baku at the Institute of Control Systems of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. The three-day event, running until August 28, aims to foster dialogue around the latest scientific advancements in artificial intelligence, control systems, signal processing, optimization, and image recognition. It also seeks to showcase cutting-edge research and strengthen international collaboration. Held in a hybrid format, the conference brings together leading scientists from over 30 countries, including Turkey, the United States, Poland, France, Belgium, Georgia, Germany, Australia, Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Japan, and more. From day one, the conference features plenary and breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics such as: Optimization and optimal control Mathematical modeling, parameter identification, and inverse problems Numerical methods and computational technologies Decision-making in technical and socio-economic systems Modeling and management of oil and gas extraction, processing, and transportation Intelligent systems and decision-making Pattern recognition methods and systems Stochastic and fuzzy decision-making models Distinguished participants include Prof. Ali Abbasov, Director General of the Institute of Control Systems; Prof. Rasim Aliguliyev, Vice President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and Director General of the Institute of Information Technology; Prof. Eminaga Sadigov, Deputy Director of the State Agency for Science and Higher Education and Acting Rector of Sumgayit State University; Prof. Boris Mordukhovich from Wayne State University (USA); Prof. Orken Mamyrbayev from the Institute of Information and Computational Technologies (Kazakhstan); and Dr. Abzetdin Adamov, a member of IEEE (USA). Since its inception in 2006, this international conference series has served as a vital platform for uniting researchers, universities, international organizations, and both public and private sector representatives to address scientific and practical challenges in the fields of cybernetics and informatics. 26 August 2025 12:43 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Deputy Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan Heydar Mammadov, along with senior representatives of prosecutorial bodies from CIS member states, Turkiye, and Georgia, visited the cities of Shusha and Khankendi on August 2122, Azernews reports. The delegation included Yuri Nikolayevich Zhdanov, Executive Secretary of the Coordination Council of Prosecutors General of CIS Member States, his deputy Abdurakhmon Khotambekov, prosecutors of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Supreme Court of Turkiye Ahmet Gokay Aktas and Mustafa Yakar, as well as Temur Tsindeliani, an official from the Georgian Prosecutor Generals Office. In Shusha, the guests, accompanied by Heydar Mammadov, visited key cultural and historical landmarks, including the Yukhari Govhar Aga Mosque, the museum-mausoleum complex of Molla Panah Vagif, and the Chidir Plain. They were deeply impressed by Shushas unique architecture, rich history, and natural beauty, describing the city as a site of outstanding cultural and historical value. The visit continued in Khankendi, where the delegation toured Victory Square and then visited Garabagh University. Rector Shahin Bayramov welcomed the guests and provided detailed information about the institutions academic work, development priorities, and future tasks. The visitors explored the universitys scientific and educational processes, praising its modern academic environment and stressing its importance for the intellectual development of the region. They also expressed openness to future cooperation with the university. Additionally, the delegation visited historical monuments, cultural centers, and landmarks across Khankendi. They commended the scale of restoration and development efforts, highlighting how the city preserves its historical heritage while integrating modern urban features. 26 August 2025 17:12 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Azerbaijan is hopeful about the discovery of a major unconventional oil field in the country with the support of U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil, Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said at a special Cabinet meeting dedicated to President Ilham Aliyevs recent visit to Washington, Azernews reports. According to Jabbarov, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SOCAR (State Oil Company of Azerbaijan) and ExxonMobil will have a positive impact on strengthening cooperation in the energy sector. He stressed that Azerbaijans contribution to regional and global energy security was strongly highlighted during the talks in Washington. *Today, Azerbaijan supplies natural gas to 10 U.S. allies. Overall, pipeline gas exports from Azerbaijan cover 14 countries. Our country has recently started supplying gas to Syria. The United States also emphasized Azerbaijans involvement in the oil and gas industries of its allies, such as Israel and the United Arab Emirates, as a welcome development,* Jabbarov noted. The minister also pointed to the role of Azerbaijans electricity and renewable energy potential in attracting foreign investment. He said the country is increasingly seen as a promising hub for data center infrastructure and artificial intelligence technologies. Azerbaijan plays an indispensable role in the implementation of a number of projects between the strategically important regions of Central Asia and the South Caucasus, Jabbarov added. 26 August 2025 17:06 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The opening of the Zangazur Corridor will serve as a powerful driver of Nakhchivans rapid economic development, said Fuad Najafli, the Presidential Representative in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. He made the remarks during a special Cabinet meeting dedicated to President Ilham Aliyevs recent visit to Washington. Najafli emphasised that the long-awaited corridor would mark the end of Nakhchivans historical isolation. Once the Zangazur Corridor is launched, Nakhchivan will not only play a central role in Azerbaijans economy but will also emerge as a leading force in the broader regions economic growth, he stated. After decades of tension and blockade, the establishment of a direct, uninterrupted, and secure transport route between Nakhchivan and mainland Azerbaijan is expected to open new opportunities. Investments in new highways, railways, energy infrastructure, and digital connectivity will turn the autonomous republic into a regional logistics hub, Najafli added. This development is projected to boost trade and tourism, while strengthening the export potential of local industries. The Zangazur Corridor is more than just a communication route it marks the beginning of a new stage in Azerbaijans economic, political, and geostrategic strength. It will also contribute globally to peace, stability, and cooperation in the wider region, Najafli stressed. Beyond the corridor, Najafli highlighted other priorities on Azerbaijans national development agenda. For Nakhchivan, these include advancing digital and transparent governance free from corruption, strengthening social welfare and employment opportunitiesparticularly for young peoplewhile expanding environmental protection, water resource management, and green energy projects. Messer will showcase gas solutions at Titanium 2025 this fall BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Messer, the leading privately held provider of industrial gas solutions, is proud to support the growth of the U.S. titanium industry and the expanding aerospace sector. The company will showcase its gas offerings in argon and helium at Titanium 2025 in Everett, MA, September 28-30. Messer is proud to support the growth of the U.S. titanium industry by supplying reliable gas solutions. "We're excited to support the continued growth of U.S. Titanium producers as they meet the rising demand from the aerospace industry," said Neeraj Saxena, Director of Metals, Glass & Industrial Markets at Messer. "Among its industrial gas peers, Messer owns and operates the largest privately held domestic helium reserve in the United States. Paired with our robust argon supply network, we offer unparalleled security of supply for these critical gas products. In addition, we provide a range of specialized gas supply solutions that the industry requires. These allow titanium producers to optimize their operations and reliably meet their growing production targets." Titanium processors rely on argon and helium in critical applications, including: Electron Beam Cold Hearth Melting (EBCHM) Plasma Arc Melting (PAM) Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) Cooling Furnaces Powder Atomization Messer's experienced metals team provides process assessments and designs gas systems for safety, efficiency, and reliability. As a proud member of the International Titanium Association, Messer looks forward to engaging with industry leaders at Titanium 2025. Attendees are invited to visit Booth #311 to connect with Messer's experienced team and explore how its gas technologies are helping titanium producers achieve their production and efficiency goals. About Messer Americas Messer is the largest privately held industrial gas business in the world and a leading industrial and medical gas company in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. Messer offers more than 125 years of expertise in industrial, medical, specialty and electronics gases. The company delivers quality gases, related services and technology via an extensive production and distribution network. Health and safety, sustainability practices and environmental protection are core Messer values that are embedded in the company's daily operations. Messer Americas sales account approximately for 52% of Messer worldwide sales of over $4.8 billion USD. For more information, visit: www.messeramericas.com SOURCE Messer North America, Inc. 26 August 2025 17:21 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The military victories achieved under the leadership of President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, along with Azerbaijans peace initiatives, were formally recognized in Washington with the participation and signature of the U.S. President, Prime Minister Ali Asadov said at a special Cabinet meeting dedicated to President Aliyevs historic visit to the United States. Asadov described the Washington trip as a triumphal visit that not only enhanced Azerbaijans prestige on the global stage but also opened new prospects for ensuring long-term peace in the region. He underlined that President Aliyev was received in Washington with the highest level of respect and honor by U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The symbolic gesture of presenting the key to the White House to President Aliyev, he noted, reflected the exceptional regard and esteem shown by the American leader toward the Azerbaijani head of state. The triumphs of our Glorious Army on the battlefield, together with Azerbaijans peace initiatives, were formalized in Washington with the participation and signature of the U.S. President. The historic documents signed during this visit mark a new stage in AzerbaijanU.S. relations, elevating them to the level of strategic partnership, while also laying the foundations for the normalization of AzerbaijanArmenia relations. These agreements address matters of critical importance for both Azerbaijan and the wider region, Asadov said. He highlighted the symbolic significance of August 8, calling it another milestone following the historic victory of November 8. August 8, now inscribed in golden letters in Azerbaijans diplomatic history, is a testament to our long, challenging, yet honorable path. It embodies the success of the peace concept founded by National Leader Heydar Aliyev and perfectly advanced by President Ilham Aliyev to meet the challenges of our time. According to Asadov, these achievements stem from President Aliyevs strong leadership, tireless efforts, unshakable will, principled stance, and diplomatic mastery. They reflect the new geopolitical realities born from the liberation of Karabakh and all occupied territories, ensuring Azerbaijans full sovereignty while strengthening the countrys international standing. He concluded by stressing that Azerbaijans post-war foreign policy prioritizes lasting peace, mutual recognition of state borders, and the opening of communication routes. From this perspective, the Washington agreements carry particular significance for the future of the South Caucasus. 26 August 2025 17:50 (UTC+04:00) The Baku Network analytical center, with the financial support of the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held the next event within the framework of its project Analysis of Hybrid and Ideological Threats, Azernews reports. The meeting was attended by senior officials and expert members of the Baku Network. The event was moderated by journalist Elnur Enveroglu. According to Enveroglu, hybrid wars have begun to increase in some countries, especially after Azerbaijan's victory: "The most widespread of such struggles are related to cyberattacks and disinformation. Our media is taking many steps in this area, and such cases are being covered." The director of the center, Elchin Agajanov, emphasized that the involvement of various experts in the project serves to build the process on joint action: "One of the biggest tasks facing Azerbaijan today is to speak out on the international stage, convey the voice of truth, and protect national interests. It is not enough to just hold events and hold discussions within the country. The realities of Azerbaijan must be voiced on international platforms, highlighted in European diplomacy, in the world media, and in international expert circles. If these realities do not become a source of reference there, then there is still much work to be done. In the modern era, each field needs its own expertise, its own methodology. Some come from international law, some have gained experience in information technologies, some are experts in political science, and some are specialists in the field of strategic communication. When the knowledge and skills of all of them are combined, the result of the common work becomes stronger. Because the defense of a nation is carried out not only with weapons, but also with words, ideas, arguments, and facts. We are stronger together this is not a slogan, but a philosophy of practical action. Because the voice of one person may be local, but when the voice of dozens, hundreds of experts spreads to the international level, it becomes a force. It is precisely as a result of this unity that Azerbaijan was able to break through the information blockade and make the world accept the cause of justice. This is not only the success of diplomacy, but also the result of the systematic activity of civil society, experts and intellectuals. Most importantly, this struggle is being waged not only for today, but for future generations. Ensuring the security of the state, passing on a strong, independent and influential Azerbaijan to future generations is the duty of each of us. And this mission can only be possible together with the joint strength, synchronous activity, and cooperation of professionals from different fields for the sake of a common goal. Deputy Director of Trend International News Agency and Project Director of Baku Network, Sahil Karimli, noted the wide potential of the center and underlined the importance of effective resource allocation: The main issue is directing resources in the right direction. The topic of our event today is hybrid and ideological threats. Such threats against Azerbaijan existed during the occupation, during the war, and now and will continue in the future. These threats are mainly aimed at all generations of society, especially young people and vulnerable groups. Therefore, we should focus more on offense than defense. Only by organizing can we effectively combat these ideological attacks. Head of the Center for Political and Legal Studies, political scientist Khayal Bashirov, highlighted hybrid wars as a major challenge: During the occupation, our country was kept under an information blockade, as a result of which most of the world did not even know whose lands were occupied. Hybrid wars are much more dangerous than classic military wars. The source of the threat can be any country. Unfortunately, the activity of NGOs in this area is still weak. Political commentator Turab Rzayev emphasized the importance of unity of thought and action: The main issue is not that all the ideas are the same, but for what cause these ideas are voiced. Our goal is to live in a more developed, secure state and confidently pass this country on to future generations. We can achieve this goal only through joint action. The peoples of the world have been strengthened on the basis of centuries-old trust. We must also clearly define our role and mobilize our capabilities to the maximum. Meanwhile, political scientist Samir Hummetov pointed to the need for coordination in addressing even seemingly small issues: Sometimes we approach seemingly small issues superficially. But such problems grow and become a more serious threat if they are not resolved. Today, in developed countries, not only industry, but also intelligence and technology are at the forefront. Jews are considered one of the smartest peoples in the world they think, produce and produce results. Each of us can do something separately, but together we can achieve a greater effect. It should be noted that the Analysis of Hybrid and Ideological Threats to Azerbaijan project is being implemented by Baku Network from May to August 2025, with the involvement of international experts and analysts, and with the support of state agencies. The main objective of the project is to identify sources of information and psychological attackssuch as media campaigns, disinformation, and ideological influencestargeting Azerbaijans sovereignty, international reputation, and strategic interests, and to counter them with a systematic and coordinated approach. 26 August 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Sweden announced on Monday that it had signed a deal to sell four Saab Gripen fighter jets to Thailand, Azernews reports. According to the announcement, Saab has finalized a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the delivery of four Gripen E/F fighter jets to Thailand. The deal, valued at around 5.3 billion Swedish kronor, will see deliveries occur between 2025 and 2030. The agreement includes the supply of three Gripen E single-seat fighters and one Gripen F dual-seat aircraft, along with a full range of related equipment, support services, and training. Saab has also secured a separate long-term compensation package with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) as part of the procurement plan. This compensation package involves the transfer of defense technology, industrial collaboration with Thailand, and investments across various sectors of the Thai economy. Saab has emphasized that this cooperation will not only enhance Thailands defense capabilities but also foster growth in local industries and technical expertise. The Royal Thai Air Force already operates a fleet of Gripen C/D multirole fighters. With the new Gripen E/F aircraft set to enter service, the RTAF will continue to operate both the newer and older Gripen variants side by side, strengthening its air defense capabilities and extending the lifespan of its existing fleet. This deal marks a significant step in Sweden's ongoing efforts to expand its defense exports and strengthen strategic ties with countries in Asia. The Gripen, known for its versatility and cost-effectiveness, continues to attract interest from nations seeking advanced, yet affordable, multirole fighters. 26 August 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into over 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles in the U.S. over potential engine failures. The regulator received 414 complaints regarding issues with the connecting rod bearings in the vehicles' 3.5-liter V6 engines, which could lead to complete engine failure if not addressed, Azernews reports, citing foreign media. The investigation covers several popular models, including the Acura TLX (20182020), Acura MDX (20162020), Honda Pilot (20162020), Honda Odyssey (20182020), and Honda Ridgeline (20172019). NHTSA stated that the goal of the probe is to "more thoroughly evaluate the scope and severity of the potential issue." The agency also highlighted that the high volume of complaints in models that were not part of a previous investigation indicates a potential safety risk that necessitates a deeper inquiry. This investigation comes at a challenging time for Honda, which has faced weaker earnings this year, partly due to the effects of U.S. tariffs. The outcome of this probe could have significant implications for Honda's reputation and its financial performance in the U.S. market, especially as automakers globally are under increasing scrutiny for safety-related issues. 26 August 2025 21:22 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The German defense giant Rheinmetall plans to build two production facilities in Bulgariaone for gunpowder and another for 155 mm artillery shells, Azernews reports. This was announced by Boyko Borisov, leader of the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party, on his Facebook page following a meeting with Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger. In a video posted by Borisov, it is noted that 155 mm artillery shells are currently in short supply, both for the Bulgarian military and across Europe. The project aims to produce around 100,000 shells per year, and discussions are also underway to establish a drone manufacturing facility as part of broader defense cooperation. Talks with Rheinmetall began in March, and at that time, it was stated that formal agreements would soon be presented to the Bulgarian parliament for ratification. The total volume of investment is expected to reach 1 billion. Borisov emphasized that this initiative will not only strengthen Bulgarias defense capabilities but also create jobs and boost the countrys role in the European defense supply chain. The 155 mm artillery shell is NATOs standard caliber for heavy artillery, and the war in Ukraine has drastically increased global demand for it. Rheinmetall has been rapidly expanding its production across Europe, and Bulgaria's strategic location makes it a key node in strengthening NATOs eastern flank. 26 August 2025 23:51 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Starting September 1, Moscow will introduce a new electronic application designed to monitor migrants in the city. Azernews reports that Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced this in an interview with Interfax. Sobyanin explained that Moscows executive authorities have been granted permission to conduct a series of pilot projects aimed at keeping migrants under closer supervision within the Moscow region. The mayor also noted that biometric monitoring of migrants is already in place at all airports in the city. Additionally, a new electronic card containing comprehensive migrant data will soon be launched across Moscow. Through a QR code, the police can instantly access all relevant information about an individual including their arrival date, length of stay, place of work, and any migration violations. If the QR code signals a red alert, the police must stop the person. If its green, no action is necessary, Sobyanin emphasized. 26 August 2025 23:33 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Nongshim, South Koreas largest instant noodle maker, is launching a special line of products inspired by characters from the hit Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters later this month, Azernews reports, citing foreign media. Packaging for popular Nongshim items like Shin Ramyun and Shrimp Crackers will feature beloved characters from the movie, including Rumi, Zoey, the Saja Boys, and Derpy the tiger, the company announced on Wednesday. In addition to revamped packaging, Nongshim will debut a brand-new Shin Toomba Sauce and limited-edition cup noodles modeled after the fictional snacks eaten by the K-pop girl group Huntrix in the film. To celebrate the collaboration, the company will roll out a series of global promotionsincluding digital campaigns, offline pop-ups, and interactive content across social media. KPop Demon Hunters authentic portrayal of Korean culturefrom K-pop to K-foodhas gone viral and sparked a global fanbase, Nongshim said in a statement. With ramyun, one of Koreas most iconic foods, playing a central role in the film, it naturally drew attention to our brand. The animated movie, which follows a K-pop trio who secretly moonlight as demon hunters, has become a global sensation since its release in June. As of last week, it became the second most-watched film of all time on Netflix, racking up over 210 million views. The films impact extends beyond streaming. Its original soundtrack has topped international music charts, with the single Golden by fictional group Huntrix hitting #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week of August 16. Nongshim said the collaboration was born organically, after fans noticed how closely the on-screen snacks resembled real-life Nongshim products. This partnership was made possible thanks to fans who spotted our products in KPop Demon Hunters and shared their excitement, a spokesperson said. Just as the film introduced Korean culture to the world, we aim to spread awareness of the taste and value of authentic K-snacks. The limited-edition products will be available in South Korea and across major global markets, including North America, Europe, Oceania, and Southeast Asia. Nongshim is also exploring interactive experiences with KPop Demon Hunters characters in the metaverse and is rumored to be in talks for augmented reality (AR) packaging, allowing fans to scan products and unlock exclusive digital content. New Army award advances AI-driven operational planning for joint and multi-domain operations under uncertain and rapidly changing conditions. RESTON, Va., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Metron Inc., a leader in autonomous mission planning and decision science, today announced that it has been awarded a $48.6M contract by the U.S. Army to develop artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)-enabled capabilities in support of expeditionary maneuver and air/ground reconnaissance. The effort builds on Metron's legacy of developing AI-driven mission planning applications for rapid decision-making in contested environments. Under this contract, Metron will deliver operational software that enables complex planning under uncertain and evolving conditions, significantly decreasing mission planning timelines and increasing the adaptability of expeditionary forces. The applications will directly support operational requirements for joint and multi-domain operations. "Over the last decade, Metron has delivered operationally relevant AI and advanced planning technologies across the services," said Dominick Vincent, Vice President of Metron's Advanced Mathematics Applications division. "This award represents the next step in that progressionmoving from concept to fielded capability that enables commanders to adapt faster and make high-consequence decisions with confidence, even in the face of uncertainty." "Across the defense sector, we're seeing a clear need for AI-enabled planning systems that perform in the real worldnot just when demoed in a lab or in a presentation," said Van Gurley, CEO of Metron. "This award is based on our 40 years of consistently delivering innovative solutions to the wicked hard problems and our shared commitment with the Army to field resilient, flexible capabilities that support the warfighter in dynamic and uncertain environments." Work will be performed in Reston, Virginia, and will run through June 2029. ABOUT METRON Metron Inc. specializes in developing innovative solutions to address national security's most complex challenges. As a 100% employee-owned enterprise, Metron empowers decision-makers and operational leaders with clear, actionable insights and dependable technological solutions, from initial concept through full operational capability. www.metsci.com Media Contact: Shelby Condray Manager, Corporate Communications Metron, Inc. [email protected] SOURCE Metron, Inc. Menswear brand Remus Uomo is relocating its flagship store from Victoria Square shopping centre to Arthur Street in an investment of over 0.5m, it announced on Tuesday. The new store is over 5,500 sq ft across two floors, making it double the size of its former Victoria Square unit, and will open in late September. It will join other fashion and lifestyle retailers such as Anthropologie, Charles Tyrwhitt and Marella on Arthur Street. The Belfast flagship will sit alongside Remus Uomos standalone stores in Dublin and Glasgow. Artist's impression of new Remus Uomo store in Arthur Street, Belfast All existing staff are transferring to the new store, the company said, with another three posts including retail store director to be created. The store interior has been designed in collaboration with Mark Brown Studios, Easton Design Office (London) and shopfitters GEM Interiors. And it will feature a cafe partnership with Northern Ireland chain Kaffe O. Remus Uomo was established in 1991 as part of Belfast-based firm Douglas & Grahame. Remus Uomo opened its first Belfast store in CastleCourt in 1995 before moving to Victoria Square in 2007. Artist's impression of new Remus Uomo store in Belfast city centre News Catch Up - Tuesday 26th August Adam Finlay, managing director of Douglas & Grahame, said: This is a real moment for the brand. Over the past seven years we have been laying the foundations to take Remus Uomo into the future. Delivering a re-imagined flagship experience in the brands home city is a major step forward one that allows us to strengthen our community in Belfast, deliver a connected retail experience, and set the business up for further growth. Brand director Michael Finlay added: We had been looking for a larger space and one with real character to give us the scale and the environment to deliver the all-new, elevated flagship experience we are planning for our customers. Arthur Street offered the perfect setting to bring that vision to life, while keeping us at the heart of Belfasts most exciting retail district. Residential Estate Agency of the Year (sole and multi-branch categories) TLT is delighted to sponsor the Residential Estate Agency of the year award at the returning 2025 Belfast Telegraph Property Awards, a category that celebrates the exceptional and hard work of our local residential estate agencies. TLT works with individuals, companies and lenders across a wide range of services and sectors. We look forward to supporting local and national businesses and private clients with their legal requirements, including residential property transactions, commercial property acquisitions and disposals and the funding of such transactions. TLT remains committed to its strategic vision of investing in its regional offices to broaden its footprint across the UK. Reflecting this ambition, the Belfast office has experienced sustained growth, marked by the appointment of Jonathan OHagan as partner within the real estate team. tlt Jonathan brings valuable cross-border expertise, having spent recent years practising in Dublin. His appointment will strengthen the firms national real estate capabilities and further enhance TLTs integrated all-Ireland offering. The commercial property market has gone from strength to strength in the last year. Increased investment in sustainable office spaces has been one of the driving factors. The demand for office space in Northern Ireland is driven by robust occupier demand and a shortage of quality stock, with significant investment activity in cities like Leeds and London indicating strong investor interest. This trend is expected to impact Northern Ireland, leading to increased rents and a competitive market for prime office spaces. We are particularly pleased to be sponsoring the Residential Estate Agency of the Year category at the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards. In 2025, the residential market in Northern Ireland experienced a rise in house prices, driven by strong demand and limited supply, reflecting a competitive and dynamic housing market. This has been reflected in projects we have supported. Despite retailers in cities and town centres facing widely publicised challenges, TLT remains optimistic. The firm has seen several new entrants into Northern Ireland, with the food and drink offering particularly strong. Leisure offerings are also on the rise, with many businesses branching into multi-offering premises, a lasting trend which emerged following the pandemic. logo The market has also benefited from legislative efforts to move the clean energy sector forward. For example, in 2022, the Department for the Economy launched the much-needed proposed renewable electricity support scheme, alongside its first Climate Change Act, which committed Northern Ireland to net zero by 2050. Advances in this space will be instrumental in supporting the future of green buildings in Northern Ireland, which present a wealth of opportunities for the property market. We are delighted to once more be sharing in the annual recognition of the outstanding individuals and organisations in the property sector, recognising the dedication and excellent work of local agencies. To enter, go to belfasttelegraph.co.uk/propertyawards/enter NI couple on opening their Ottolenghi-backed restaurant: It was almost as if it was meant to be Lucie Capparelli talks to Margaret Canning about opening an eatery in an old mill with her husband Carlos and having the support of one of UKs most respected chefs Lucie Capparelli and husband Carlos open Capparelli at the Mill today (Luke Jervis/Belfast Telegraph) Margaret Canning Tue 26 Aug 2025 at 07:26 Renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi has thrown his weight behind his proteges debut restaurant venture at the Old Mill in Dundonald, which dates back to 1752. A Co Wexford man accused of storing 4,000 worth of LSD claims he was being forced to sell it by loyalist paramilitaries in Belfast, a court heard today. Tribunal told that 27-year-old had faced challenging work environment Hannah Thom-Manuel has been hit with a three-month suspension order by a Pharmaceutical Society of NI fitness to practise committee A young pharmacist who stole cash and toiletries from her Belfast employer has been suspended. Hannah Thom-Manuel (27) has been hit with a three-month suspension order by a tribunal, which heard she had a difficult working relationship with her now former employer. Sean Small was last seen alive on the evening of August 19 The scene at Slievenabrock Avenue where police are continuing their murder investigation after the body of Sean Small (inset) was discovered Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 26th August 2025 The scene at Slievenabrock Avenue where police are continuing their murder investigation after a man was found dead on Sunday night. PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman speaks the the media at Newcastle Police Station regarding the miurder. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 26th August 2025 The scene at Slievenabrock Avenue where police are continuing their murder investigation after a man was found dead on Sunday night. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye A 20,000 reward has been offered for information on the murder of a convicted paedophile in Co Down. Detectives said Sean Small died after a brutal and sustained attack. He had not been seen for several days before his body was found outside his home in Newcastle. Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman, from the PSNIs Major Investigation Team, said they are working at pace to determine what happened. She said police needed the publics help. She said it is believed Small was last seen alive on August 19 five days before his body was found outside his Slievenabrock Avenue property on Sunday evening. There was criminal damage to his home several weeks ago, but police were unable to confirm details of the attack. On the murder, it is also unclear as to whether police are searching for more than one suspect. Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman said: First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family of the victim. We received a report at around 10.30pm, on Sunday August 24, that a man in his 80s had been found outside a property in the Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle. Sadly, the man was pronounced dead and has been named as 84-year-old Sean Small from the town. This was a brutal and sustained attack and while our investigation is at a very early stage, Detectives are working at pace to determine the circumstances around this murder. In order to do this, we need the publics help." Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 26th August 2025 The scene at Slievenabrock Avenue where police are continuing their murder investigation after a man was found dead on Sunday night. PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman speaks the the media at Newcastle Police Station regarding the miurder. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Small was jailed in 2022 after a hearing at Newry Crown Court for a string of offences. He pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault, three counts of sexual assault by penetration, two counts of sexual activity by an adult with a child under 16 years old and one count of intentionally inciting a child under 16 to engage in a sexual activity. The offences were committed against two separate female victims between September 30 2016 and April 2 2018. Small spent three years of his sentence in prison, with the remainder on licence. During sentencing, Judge Gordon Kerr KC said the paedophile had shown limited insight into the consequences of his crimes and engaged an element of victim blaming. Its perfectly clear that the behaviour has had serious consequences for the victims, added Judge Kerr. Following the 2022 hearing, police described Smalls crimes as sickening. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 26th August 2025 The scene at Slievenabrock Avenue where police are continuing their murder investigation after a man was found dead on Sunday night. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye 20,000 reward offered for information on the murder of Newcastle man Sean Small Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, DCI Foreman urged anyone with information to come forward. She said: We believe that Sean was last seen alive on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 19. We need to speak to anyone who was in the Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle on August 19 or following days, or who may have witnessed anyone or anything they thought was suspicious or out of the ordinary. Has anyone you are close to acted strangely over the last few days or broken from their usual routine? I am asking anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant a detail may seem, to please contact us by calling 101. If you have photos or footage including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage, of this area or the wider Tullybrannigan and Bryansford Road areas, please share these with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U19-PO1 The charity, Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to 20,000 for information given directly to them that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of Sean Small. Man in his 20s is in a serious condition in hospital A man in his 20s is in a serious condition in hospital, police have confirmed as they issued an appeal for information following a crash close to Castledawson earlier today. The two vehicle crash happened at around 6.45am close to the Glenshane Road and Tamnadeese Road area. A number of emergency services attended including the PSNI and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service NIAS confirmed they sent six ambulances to the incident. The Air Ambulance service also attended. They confirmed five people in total were taken to two different hospitals. The northbound lane of the Glenshane Road was closed to traffic from the Castledawson roundabout for several hours this morning and police were asking road users to avoid the area. The incident has now been cleared. Stock image. News Catch Up - Monday 25th August A NIAS spokesperson said: The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 06:45 on Tuesday 26th August, following reports of an RTC in the Tamnadeese Road area, Castledawson. NIAS dispatched six emergency ambulances to the scene. "The charity Air Ambulance with HEMS on board were also tasked to the incident. Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, three people were taken to Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast by ambulance. Another two people were taken to Antrim Area Hospital by ambulance. In a new statement PSNI Sergeant Hamilton said: Shortly before 6:45am, it was reported that a blue Volvo car and a black Volkswagen Passat were involved in the incident. One man in his 20s was taken to hospital for his injuries, which are described as serious. Four other males were taken to hospital for their injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening. The Glenshane Road, which was closed following the collision, has now reopened. Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information or dash-cam footage in relation to the collision, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 161 26/08/25. Police have confirmed they are continuing to investigate the death of a teenage girl who became unwell during the Emerge festival, as they said seven arrests were made over the weekend of the event. Yesterday the PSNI confirmed a 17-year-old girl passed away in hospital. They also confirmed two other people were taken to hospital after taking ill at the same event in Boucher Playing Fields, including a woman in her 30s and a boy in his teens. In an update on Tuesday, the PSNI said officers remained at the site yesterday and said an investigation is ongoing into the teenagers death. It was also confirmed a number of arrests were made over the two days of the event. PSNI Belfast District Commander, Superintendent Allister Hagan, said: As with all large-scale events, a range of agencies were involved in supporting the safe delivery of the festival. Police were present across the weekend, working in partnership with organisers and Belfast City Council to help ensure the safety of those attending. Over the course of the two day event, local police were supported by specialist officers from a range of units including from Air Support, Tactical Support, Dog Section and Roads Policing. Officers made seven arrests over the weekend and issued thirteen immediate disposals three Fixed Penalty Notices, one Caution and nine Community Resolution Notices. Offences included disorderly behaviour, driving whilst unfit through excess alcohol, assault on police and possession of controlled drugs. Superintendent Hagan continued: During the event it was reported that a 17-year-old girl had become unwell. Sadly, she subsequently died in hospital. Police remained on the event site until Monday afternoon, 25th August. An investigation in order to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic sudden death of this young person is ongoing, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased. Police will continue to work closely with event organisers and the licensing authority to ensure that events remain safe and enjoyable for all of those who attend. The Emerge Music Festival News Catch Up - Tuesday 26th August Yesterday, Micky Murray, the former Lord Mayor of Belfast, said he was calling for an urgent meeting with the event organisers and council officials. This is utterly heartbreaking news, and my sincere condolences are with the loved ones of the young individual who has tragically lost their life in these circumstances. I also wish for a full and speedy recovery for the other individuals who have been taken to the hospital and are reported to have attended the festival as well. Festivals are meant to be safe spaces for people to celebrate their love of music and express themselves, no one expects such a tragic incident to occur in this environment. The circumstances of the situation remain unclear, and as a representative on Belfast City Council, I have requested an urgent meeting with Council officers and representatives from Emerge festival. I urge people not to speculate, as the police have stated that enquiries are still ongoing. Meanwhile, in a statement a spokesperson for St John Ambulance NI a volunteer-led first aid charity said: We wish to make clear that St John Ambulance NI had no involvement in, or association with the event where this fatality reportedly occurred. St John Ambulance extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased female. St John Ambulance has no further comments to make on this statement of sympathy and clarification. Emerge has been described as Irelands biggest electronic musical festival. Held annually over the August Bank Holiday weekend, this year its line-up was made up of more than 80 acts, across four stages and two days. Emerge first came to Belfast in 2022. Saturday night saw 40,000 attend headline act, DJ Fatboy Slim, while similar crowds attended Sundays headline show, homegrown DJ duo Bicep.Emerge festival organisers have been contacted for further comment. MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Boyer & Associates is proud to announce the hiring of a director to lead the expansion of its Modern Work practice. This strategic move will help customers unlock greater productivity and collaboration within the Microsoft 365 toolset. The U.S.-based Microsoft partner is pleased to welcome Chris Svensson as its new Modern Work Enablement Director. Svensson's appointment marks a pivotal moment in Boyer's commitment to helping clients modernize their workplace environments and fully leverage the Microsoft ecosystem. Boyer and Associates (CNW Group/Boyer and Associates) Originally launched in 2024, Boyer's Modern Work practice was designed to support small and mid-sized businesses in adopting Microsoft 365, Copilot and related data security and compliance solutions. With Svensson now at the helm, the practice is poised to expand its offerings and deepen its impact. "Chris brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to Modern Work," said Boyer's CEO Lee Witkop. "His background in large-scale Microsoft deployments and user adoption strategies makes him the ideal leader to guide our customers as they prepare for their AI journey." Svensson's career spans more than two decades in IT, including a pivotal role in migrating 150,000 users at Shell USA from SharePoint on-premise to online. He also serves as a subject matter expert for Microsoft certification exams and holds more than 150 certifications himself. "I like in general helping clients out, making sure that they get the most out of their investments. A lot of times that could be that the client is not aware they are already paying for a specific functionality or they're not utilizing it fully. Then I can help them basically increase their ROI," Svensson said. In addition to technical expertise, Svensson brings a strong focus on user enablement and change management critical components for successful Modern Work adoption. His leadership will help Boyer clients not only implement Microsoft tools but also foster a culture of digital transformation and continuous improvement. "There's a lot of opportunity for consulting to figure out solutions for how to improve the day-to-day work for end users, making it easier for them to be more efficient and structure their work better," Svensson said. About Boyer & Associates Since its 1994 inception in Minneapolis, Minn., Boyer has established itself as a trusted Microsoft partner for more than 30 years. The consulting company specializes in selling, implementing, and supporting Microsoft Business Applications, including ERP, CRM, and Modern Work solutions. The company is a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner for Modern Work. Boyer's Modern Work practice offers managed service plans for Microsoft 365 applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. This relaunch of the practice is expected to create new opportunities for businesses seeking to empower employees, enhance collaboration and streamline operations through digital transformations using Microsoft technologies. SOURCE Boyer and Associates The young Co Down man who died suddenly over the weekend has been identified as a young father from Co Down. Trae Joseph Keenan (24) had attended the Emerge music festival at Boucher Playing Fields on Saturday before going back to a rented apartment in the Victoria Place complex on Wellwood Street, Belfast, where he was staying with friends. However, the father-of-one became unwell in the AirBnb rental property and passed away on Sunday morning. A funeral mass will take place at 10am on Friday in The Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Newcastle, Co Down. Mr Keenan will laid to rest in St Patricks Cemetery, Bryansford, following the service. 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 It is believed Mr Keenan, who was from the Castlewellan area, suffered a cardiac arrest after having a panic attack and that he had not been feeling sick at the music event in the hours preceding his death. He has been remembered as the son of Pamela Keenan and John Crawford, partner of Tiffany Morgan, father of Mason Patrick Keenan, grandson of Geraldine and Gerald Keenan, and brother of Shanice, Tyler, Claire, Toni, Nikki, Marti and Jimi. On Monday, a PSNI spokesperson confirmed that police attended an address in the Wellwood Street area of Belfast city centre on Sunday morning, in support of colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. "A man aged in his 20s was taken to hospital, and later died, the spokesperson continued. "Enquiries are ongoing and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course." Trae Joseph Keenan Belfast History Explained: The Story of the River Farset Police have also today confirmed that an investigation is ongoing into the death of a 17-year-old girl who became unwell during the Emerge festival. The teenager later passed away in hospital, the PSNI said in a statement on Tuesday. Two other individuals a woman in her 30s and a teenage boy were further taken to hospital after falling ill at the same event, which took place over two days. The PSNI added that officers remained at the festival site yesterday, and confirmed that seven arrests were made over the course of the weekend. Members of the NUJ, fellow journalists and supporters take part in a vigil organised by the NUJ in Writer's Square, Belfast, to condemn the killing of journalists due to Israeli attacks. Picture date: Tuesday August 26, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Members of the NUJ, fellow journalists and supporters take part in a vigil organised by the NUJ in Writer's Square, Belfast, to condemn the killing of journalists due to Israeli attacks. Picture date: Tuesday August 26, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Members of the NUJ, fellow journalists and supporters take part in a vigil organised by the NUJ in Writer's Square, Belfast, to condemn the killing of journalists due to Israeli attacks. Picture date: Tuesday August 26, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Members of the NUJ, fellow journalists and supporters take part in a vigil organised by the NUJ in Writer's Square, Belfast, to condemn the killing of journalists due to Israeli attacks. Picture date: Tuesday August 26, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Members of the NUJ, fellow journalists and supporters take part in a vigil organised by the NUJ in Writer's Square, Belfast, to condemn the killing of journalists due to Israeli attacks. Picture date: Tuesday August 26, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Carmel Gates, General Secretary of NIPSA, addresses members of the NUJ, fellow journalists and supporters taking part in a vigil organised by the NUJ in Writer's Square, Belfast, to condemn the killing of journalists due to Israeli attacks. Picture date: Tuesday August 26, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Multiple members of the local media will gather in Belfasts Cathedral Quarter this evening, to remember the journalists killed in an Israeli strike. Meeting in Writers Square at 6.15pm, the Belfast and District Branch of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) said Tuesdays solidarity vigil is part of their wider support for 48 hours of UK-wide action in solidarity with Palestinian press workers. Michael Fisher, a lifelong member of the NUJ Belfast branch, said: After the killing by Israeli Defense Forces of five media workers in Gaza, NUJ Belfast has written to the NI Secretary Hilary Benn calling on the UK government to stop all arms trade to Israel, and call for an immediate ceasefire. Yesterday in Gaza (Monday, August 25), at least 20 people were killed in an Israeli air strike on a hospital, including five journalists. 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 The NUJ Belfasts letter to Hilary Benn, seen by this newspaper, states: "Increasingly in this war journalists, emergency staff and rescue workers trying to carry out their jobs are losing their lives in assaults by the Israel Defense Forces. The IDF says it does not target journalists as such and acts to mitigate harm to uninvolved individuals as much as possible while maintaining the safety of IDF troops. But let the figures speak for themselves. This latest atrocity brings the total number of journalists and media workers killed in the conflict since October 2023 to over 240, according to colleagues in the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate. "Many died while clearly identified as press, some alongside their families. They were all human beings bearing witness so the world might understand. In solidarity with Palestinian media workers the National Union of Journalists has organised 48 hours of action by its members throughout Ireland and Britain. "At 6.15 pm this evening in Writers Square, the Belfast (and District) Branch are holding a vigil in support of our international colleagues. The letter adds: We write to you as journalists who believe in truth, human life, and the vital role of a free press. The targeting of journalists in Gaza is not only an assault on our colleagues but on truth itself. We now call on the British government to condemn these killings unequivocally. Journalism is not a crime. Reporting is not terrorism. Silencing journalists is not collateral damage it is a warning that no truth is safe. Journalists are civilians protected under international law. The UKs commitment to press freedom and human rights must extend to Gaza. International journalists must be allowed access and protection, alongside their Palestinian colleagues. In the letter the NUJ urged the British government to press Israel to allow journalists to travel in and out of Gaza, uphold international law and support an ICC investigation into the targeting of journalists. "There must be no impunity for the killing of journalists, as our colleagues working here in Northern Ireland are only too well aware, the letter added. NUJ Belfast News Catch Up - Tuesday 26th August As journalists, we usually stay behind the story. But when our colleagues are being killed for telling it, we must speak. We urge your government to listen. We urge your government to act. Israel: stop killing journalists. More than 62,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its military campaign following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which left around 1,200 dead and 251 taken hostage. Notorious loyalist who helped cover up UVF murder spotted at right-wing rally Thomas McCartney (38) admitted in court to covering up for the UVF gang which savagely stabbed the 45-year-old to death outside his Cluan Place home six years ago Thomas McCartney, who was charged in connection with the UVF murder of Ian Ogle was part of an illegal protest on the Newtownards road in east Belfast Hugh Jordan Tue 26 Aug 2025 at 12:13 A notorious loyalist convicted in connection with the murder of father-of-two Ian Ogle has been spotted at right-wing rallies in east Belfast, it can be revealed. Move prompted by online post risked fuelling fears in wake of recent racist incidents, claims Sinn Feins John ODowd The PSNI visited several homes in Portadown on Friday after a post appeared on an anti-immigration groups social media. It was reported officers attended addresses at Obins Street asking to see passports, enquiring whether the homes were HMOs (houses in multiple occupation), and asking how long the residents had been living there. Irish presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has said she is seriously concerned about the potential misuse of a UN Security Council veto by the US. Ms Connolly said there was a need to double down on strengthening UN structures amid concern that the US could veto the renewal of a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, to which Irish troops are deployed. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council the US, UK, Russia, China, and France each hold the power to veto and block the adoption of any proposal at the body. After her campaign team initially backtracked on a pledge to hold a press conference on Tuesday, Ms Connolly made the comments during a brief exchange with reporters at a demonstration outside Leinster House in Dublin. Asked about her view of the potential ending of the UNIFIL mandate, she said: I think were in a very dangerous position in relation to that. Im seriously concerned about that. I hope that discussions will allow for the mandate to continue. But I think it brings into acute focus the use of the veto by America, something that has not been discussed in the Dail at any stage it has always been the use of the veto by Russia, absolutely right to discuss that. But the misuse of the veto by America was never brought into the equation and I really think it is time more than ever that we look at building up the UN as a peace institution. She added: Of course there are problems with the veto and the five permanent members, but the UN was set up after the Second World War to prevent a holocaust, to prevent slaughter, and now more than ever we need to double down on strengthening UN structures. The independent TD for Galway has the backing of Labour, Social Democrats, People Before Party-Solidarity and other independents. Asked if she had been in contact with Sinn Fein about whether it will row in to back her candidacy, Ms Connolly said she respected that the party was going through its own processes but added: It is taking a little longer than I hoped. Irish presidential candidate Catherine Connolly (centre) attends a demonstration with opposition politicians outside Leinster House Dublin, in support of Oireachtas Broadcast workers (Cillian Sherlock/PA) Ms Connolly was speaking to the media at a demonstration for workers in the Oireachtas broadcast unit, who are considering strike action over pay and conditions. Many of the workers in the unit who are responsible for delivering live broadcasts of Dail and Seanad proceedings, are paid 12,000 euro on average per year. Some rely on social welfare supports to survive as they find it difficult to secure stable additional employment outside of sitting days. Workers argue the Oireachtas could make cost savings by employing them directly as civil servants rather than putting the service out to tender. Ms Connolly said these workers were being valued so little despite bringing the workings of democracy to the public. She criticised how they were left with precarious and uncertain working conditions. A pro-Palestine protest has been held outside government departments over the Central Bank of Irelands role in approving Israel Bonds for sale in the EU. The demonstration, organised by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, began outside Government Buildings in Dublin on Tuesday evening where speeches were made. It marched to the Department of Foreign Affairs at Iveagh House, pausing briefly outside the Department of Finance. In Belfast, a vigil was held in Writers Square to condemn the killing of Palestinian journalists in Israeli attacks. Journalist Brian Pelan and general secretary of Nipsa Carmel Gates addressed the crowd. Dr Bridget Kiely, from Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine, after addressing a pro-Palestine protest outside Government Buildings in Dublin (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA) Dr Bridget Kiely, from Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine, told the crowd in Dublin that medicide, the eradication of healthcare provision, had become normalised during Israels military operation in the Gaza Strip. She raised the stories of healthcare workers in Gaza who had been killed and who were working in conditions with limited medicine and food supplies. Up until the last decade, attacks on healthcare facilities were rare and generated public outcry, Dr Kiely said. Prior to the war in Gaza, Russias invasion of Ukraine was the deadliest conflict for healthcare workers, with 261 healthcare workers killed. There are sanctions on Russia. Israel has killed over six times that number of healthcare workers in Gaza. There are no sanctions on Israel. She called on the Irish people to ask their pharmacies for alternatives to medicines made by Israeli firms and for the HSE to use alternatives. Sinn Fein senator Conor Murphy said the Irish people had experienced oppression, persecution and exploitation by imperialist Britain. In the 1840s the people of Ireland were starved as our grain and our crops exported under British armed guard. Today Israel uses the starvation of civilians in a disgusting attempt to subjugate and murder Palestinians, all the while fruits, vegetables, herbs and olive oil are exported from occupied Palestinian territories. Labour TD Ciaran Ahern said governor of the Central Bank Gabriel Makhlouf must refuse the prospectus which is due for renewal on September 2. Our Central Bank is complicit in Israels genocide against the Palestinians, this must end, he told the crowd. Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli air strike in the northern Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel (Leo Correa/AP) The Central Bank of Ireland is the designated authority in relation to the sale of Israel Bonds in the EU and has determined the securities meet the standards of the blocs prospectus regulations. Israel Bonds have been advertised as supporting the countrys economy and, more recently, websites promoting the securities emphasise their role in supporting Israels military operations in Gaza. Protesters and opposition parties have said the bonds are intended to fund the war in Gaza and approving them is tantamount to complicity with the genocide of the Palestinian people. The Central Bank has said regulations require that it approves prospectuses that meet standards of completeness, consistency and comprehensibility. Activists have also called on the Irish Government to pass a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements. Irelands coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and a group of independents committed to passing a ban on goods alone from the occupied Palestinian territories in its programme for government completed in January. However, a cross-party committee recommended that the importation of services from occupied Palestinian territories should also be banned. Earlier, Irelands deputy premier Simon Harris said collective EU action against Israel is long overdue. Mr Harris, who is also Irelands foreign affairs minister, said there are clear, concrete measures the EU can take. He was responding to an RTE News report that 206 former European ambassadors and officials had signed a letter calling on the EU to step up action against Israel over a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Describing the letter as a vital, unprecedented intervention, Mr Harris added: If we dont take collective action now against the backdrop of famine, when will we? Collective EU action could make a powerful difference. Responding to Mr Harris at the protest, Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger said: Do you know whats long overdue, Simon Harris? Action by Ireland against Israel. You do not need the permission of the US, the EU or anybody else to stop the Israeli war bonds being renewed on September 2. You can do that all by yourself. She also said the missing ingredient in pro-Palestine movement was sympathetic strikes from journalists, healthcare workers, teachers and other groups. Flowers and candles are laid in Munich, Germany, near the spot where a car drove into a group of protesters (Matthias Schrader/AP) Authorities in Germany have announced murder charges against an Afghan man accused of killing two people and injuring 44 in a car ramming in Munich in February that prosecutors say was motivated by a desire to avenge suffering of Muslims. The man, an Afghan national identified only as Farhad N in line with German privacy rules, was arrested immediately after the attack during a labour union demonstration. He came to Germany as an asylum seeker and was 24 years old at the time of the attack. Federal prosecutors said in a statement that on the morning of February 13, the suspect deliberately drove his car into the union event in central Munich. The car ramming fatally injured two people, a two-year-old girl and her 37-year-old mother. Forty-four other people suffered life-threatening or serious injuries, prosecutors said. The accused committed the act out of excessive religious motivation, they said in the statement. He believed he was obliged to attack and kill randomly selected people in Germany in response to the suffering of Muslims in Islamic countries. It was the fifth in a series of attacks involving immigrants over a period of nine months that pushed migration to the forefront of the past years campaign for Germanys election on February 23. Intends to defend itself against Ceribell's complaint while preserving competition in the industry and improving the quality of patient care MIDDLETON, Wis., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Natus Medical Incorporated ("Natus" or the "Company"), the trusted solution source by healthcare providers around the globe to screen, diagnose, and treat disorders affecting the brain and neural pathways, today announced that it has filed its response against the complaint filed by CeriBell, Inc. ("Ceribell"), alleging patent infringement. The complaint, which was filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission ("USITC"), alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the alleged importation into the United States and sale of certain wearable electroencephalogram devices and systems and components thereof that allegedly infringe patents asserted by Ceribell. Natus's response follows Ceribell's request, filed on July 7, 2025, to the USITC to investigate its allegations seeking to prevent continued sales of Natus's latest commercialized innovation, BrainWatch, in the U.S. marketplace. Launched in May of this year, BrainWatch is a point-of-care EEG solution designed to bring real-time seizure detection to hospitals nationwide, providing potentially lifesaving care to Emergency Room ("ER") and/or Intensive Care Unit ("ICU") patients who are at increased risk of seizures. BrainWatch offers a customized and systemic solution for both ER and ICU teams, as it represents the only point-of-care EEG solution that seamlessly integrates neurology workflows through the Company's NeuroWorks system, and opens the channel for patients to receive neurological care immediately following use. Considering the ease of use enabled by seamless integration into Natus's NeuroWorks Persyst technologya system that appears in the majority of American hospitalsneurologists should be eager to welcome BrainWatch technology into their hospitals. In turn, this compatibility supports easily translatable studies, which can aid in the process of insurance reimbursement for hospitals and patients alike. "Over the course of our over 85-year lineage, Natus has been guided by our mission to support patients' transition into the appropriate care pathways and improve patient outcomes. By working from neurology outward, we have grown to be a trusted and reliable source for EEG product offerings in the market across the U.S. and internationally, and we remain deeply committed to serving the neurology community, including both doctors and patients," said Natus CEO Chris Landon. "We are confident that healthy competition in this market will ensure that patients receive the most innovative, sophisticated technology available to them. Natus will continue to defend itself against Ceribell's allegations with patient and doctor choice as our top priority." Key highlights from Natus's response, which was filed today with the USITC, include: Patent Infringement: Natus denies infringement and that there was any "copying" of Ceribell's product. U.S. Production Claims: Natus is proud to have its product rooted in U.S. manufacturing, as BrainWatch is largely produced in Wisconsin where the Company is headquartered. We are confident in our ability to continue to supply the market with the industry's leading and most innovative point-of-care solutions. Ceribell is a Chinese investment firm-backed entrant into the EEG market, whose headband is manufactured in China and Vietnam . Natus maintains its confidence that the Company's BrainWatch system has the potential to significantly impact patient care and improve clinical and economic outcomes both in the ER and ICU. Natus urges and will continue to argue to the USITC that any restriction on the ability of Natus to sell BrainWatch in the U.S. will prevent access to care that Natus can provide to patients and that Ceribell's arguments create a dangerous precedent for medical technological advancements. About Natus Natus is trusted by healthcare providers around the globe as the solution source to screen, diagnose, and treat disorders affecting the brain and neural pathways. The best-in-class Natus solutions, including service, field support and education, enable clinicians to advance their standard of care, improving patient outcomes and quality of life. For more information on Natus, please visit natus.com/neuro. Media Contact: Prosek Partners for Natus Andrew Merrill / Rachel Eccles [email protected] SOURCE Natus Medical Incorporated Nigel Briscoe, the boyfriend of Davona Williams, a home-health aide who has been here in Vermont for over 14 years, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents as she drove with her 17-month-old son into the Torrey Knoll apartment complex in Manchester 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. LENOX Theres a surprise vacancy on the towns School Committee following the resignation of long-serving member and former Chair Veronica Fenton. Fenton stepped down from the seven-member committee on Monday because she recently relocated with her husband, Christopher, from Lenox to Pittsfield. Fenton served on the board from 2010 to 2016, and then returned, winning elections in 2021 and 2024. "Roni has poured extraordinary time and energy into making Lenox's schools the best they can be," School Committee Chairman Oren Cass said. "I really admire her passion for public education and her commitment to always putting students first, and her departure is a great loss for the community." The School Committee has 30 days to notify the Select Board after a vacancy occurs, according to the committees policy handbook. After the committee has given one weeks notice to the public and the Select Board allowing town voters to declare their candidacy for the unexpired term ending in May 2027 the two governing bodies will meet in a public session. They will evaluate the applicants and fill the vacancy by roll call vote. Fenton who works for the Massachusetts Public Defenders Offices Children and Family Law Division as a trial lawyer representing children in foster care and those struggling with school-related issues has been an outspoken advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. She has three children who graduated from local schools. During her 2021 campaign, she declared that "there have been students in our district who have not had their needs met in the way they should. It's very important to examine how we can improve." Fenton also asserted that many students from diverse backgrounds "have not felt welcome," although they adapted and received a good education. "But, others have left the district because they've been harmed by racist things that have been said, as well as anti-LGBTQ things," she commented at the time. In a letter emailed to the public school community on Friday, Fenton expressed deep gratitude and a touch of sadness. It has been an honor to serve this community over the course of many years, and I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me throughout that time. She also cited the leadership of Superintendent William Collins and her School Committee colleagues who have consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage in thoughtful and sometimes difficult conversations to ensure our schools meet the needs of all students. It has been an honor to collaborate with colleagues who hold our shared responsibility with such seriousness and care. Explaining her relocation, Fenton told The Eagle, its just a downsize. We are empty nesters now. Describing her former Taconic Avenue family residence in Lenox as a big house, she explained that we would have liked to stay in Lenox but theres not much available that didnt need a lot of work. Were in a nice, quiet neighborhood in Pittsfield, less than three miles from Lenox, Fenton added. It was a tough decision, but right for us at this stage of life. Quality local journalism needs your support Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home With $3.5 million that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation secured through the Federal Railroad Administration, state officials say Massachusetts will now be able to take "an essential step" towards West-East Rail service. The outlay through the FRA's Corridor Identification and Development Program (Corridor ID) will help pay for a Boston-Albany Corridor Service Development Plan, a document that will outline the planned implementation of the service expansion including an operating plan and comparative analysis of viable alternatives. The state said the document "will demonstrate the feasibility of a Boston to Albany, N.Y., intercity passenger rail route, and it will detail the necessary steps to implement the service." Expanding passenger service from Boston, through Worcester and to Springfield via the West-East Rail project has long been discussed on Beacon Hill. The state has secured preliminary federal funding for the effort, including $108 million for corridor infrastructure projects and another $37 million to design track, signal and infrastructure improvements at Springfield Union Station. "The work on West-East Rail is an imperative generational project for the Berkshires and Western Massachusetts, and it will only come to fruition when the team keeps pushing, taking each and every opportunity to secure funding to take the next steps, state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield, said in a statement. West-East Rail would offer new Compass Rail services that focus on improved connections between western and eastern Massachusetts. This includes an inland route to operate between Boston and New Haven, Conn., via Springfield and the Boston & Albany Corridor via Pittsfield. "We are full steam ahead on building West-East Rail, and this latest federal funding win brings us one step closer to delivering this for Massachusetts," Gov. Maura Healey said. "I'm grateful for the hard work of our MassDOT team to secure this funding. Together, we're going to expand rail service across the state to improve commutes, reduce congestion and usher in new housing and economic development opportunities." The state said the service development plan will "identify the purpose and need for the service, include a comparative analysis of viable alternatives, define the recommended capital projects to enable the service, and evaluate the operational, network, and financial impacts of the service and infrastructure investment." "Further, it will require significant engagement with the public and relevant stakeholders, and it will define a governance structure for project implementation and future operation," officials said. The Healey administration said it will keep trying to secure "additional financial resources to grow its passenger rail program and improve transportation across the state." The administration said it has approximately $1.27 billion in federal transportation funding applications pending. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. Fictional story examines the clash between differing religious beliefs and their societal implications ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A retired pastor writes a guide for Christians on how to evangelize to Muslims. This guide inspires a deadly response from a Muslim mullah, who decries the book as blasphemous and launches a dangerous manhunt that moves from Minneapolis to a remote Indian reservation in North Dakota. Jesus Protects His Own from Harm by Reynold Conger In "Jesus Protects His Own from Harm," author Reynold Conger shares the tale of Jacob Koenig, the pastor who hopes that his recently published book, "Take the Truth to Mecca," will sow seeds in the minds of "unbelievers." One of Koenig's congregants and another main character in the story is a cowardly teenager who isn't sure about the existence of God but later hears a voice telling him to help save Koenig during the attack by the mullah's henchman. "My writing is a natural extension of my life's purpose to convey messages of faith that might otherwise be overlooked," Conger said. "This story aims to show how ordinary people can be used by God for extraordinary purposes, even when they feel scared or unprepared." Conger's novel examines the clash between differing religious beliefs and their societal implications, including a fictional account of Sharia law being introduced into the Minnesota legal system. The story portrays how a crisis can galvanize a community and challenges readers to consider the meaning of faith and sacrifice. It highlights the power of belief to inspire bravery, even in the most unlikely individuals, and a community's ability to unite against an external threat. The story is written to resonate with a Christian audience by affirming the protective power of God. "My background as a scientist and teacher has always driven me to explore how systems work, whether they are natural laws or legal frameworks," said Conger. "In this book, I wanted to explore what happens when those frameworks clash, and how personal faith provides a moral compass that transcends man-made rules." "Jesus Protects His Own from Harm" By Reynold Conger ISBN: 9798385046331 (softcover); 9798385046348 (hardcover); 9798385046324 (electronic) Available at WestBow Press , Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the author Reynold Conger is a scientist who spent thirty-two years in the paper industry and eight years teaching high school math and science. After retirement, he took up writing. Reynold and his wife live in rural New Mexico where they both have ministries in their local church and enjoy outdoor activities. To learn more, please visit authorwebservices-temp1.net/WestBowPress/863042 . General Inquiries: LAVIDGE Phoenix [email protected] SOURCE WestBowPress 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. Soldiers practice with man-portable surface-to-air missile system China Military Online) 10:00, August 26, 2025 Soldiers assigned to an air defense detachment of a brigade under the Chinese PLA Army practice with the man-portable surface-to-air missile system during a tactic training exercise in mid-July, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by You Yingdun) Soldiers assigned to an air defense detachment of a brigade under the Chinese PLA Army practice with the man-portable surface-to-air missile system during a tactic training exercise in mid-July, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by You Yingdun) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Conference Call/Webcast Today at 5 pm ET TORONTO and DALLAS, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc. (TSXV: PINK) (OTCQX: PYNKF) ("Perimeter" or the "Company"), a commercial-stage medical technology company, today reported financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2025 and provided a corporate update. Unless specified otherwise, all amounts in this press release are expressed in U.S. dollars and are presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Business Highlights Current Perimeter S-Series OCT ("Perimeter S-Series") Device The Company continues to gain significant positive commercial market traction with its first U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA")-cleared product, Perimeter S-Series: Q2-2025 revenue of $506,000 , up 105% over Q2-2024. Revenue for the first six months of 2025 was $1.1 million , 25% higher than total revenue for all of 2024. Utilization of existing Perimeter S-Series devices continues to increase, with surgeons now having imaged over 3,000 patients to-date. This further demonstrates surgeon demand for the technology's unique ability to enable interoperative margin imaging at the cellular level. Second quarter case volumes increased 93% year-over-year and 35% sequentially quarter-over-quarter. Perimeter's installed base is also growing strongly. Since the start of the second quarter, the Company announced that HonorHealth, a leading healthcare system serving more than 5 million people in the greater Phoenix and Scottsdale areas, was the first in Arizona to deploy the Perimeter S-Series device, and Medical City Dallas Hospital, an award-winning 899-bed acute care hospital in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, also adopted the technology. Upcoming Perimeter B-Series OCT with ImgAssist AI ("Perimeter B-Series") Device The Company also continues to advance the development of its next-generation Perimeter B-Series, which combines proprietary AI technology with OCT, toward potential commercialization. In May 2025 , detailed results from the pivotal trial evaluating the use of Perimeter B-Series for intraoperative margin assessment during BCS were presented during the scientific session of the 26th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons ("ASBrS"). As previously announced, the pivotal trial met its primary endpoint with statistically significant reduction in patients with residual cancer during surgery (p-value = 0.0050) and demonstrated super-superiority compared to standard-of-care alone. Among other positive findings, the ASBrS presentation highlighted that use of Perimeter B-Series has the potential to change the current paradigm by empowering surgeons to identify regions of interest, enhance real-time intraoperative decision-making, and potentially reduce the incidence of re-excision due to unaddressed residual disease following lumpectomy. , detailed results from the pivotal trial evaluating the use of Perimeter B-Series for intraoperative margin assessment during BCS were presented during the scientific session of the 26th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons ("ASBrS"). As previously announced, the pivotal trial met its primary endpoint with statistically significant reduction in patients with residual cancer during surgery (p-value = 0.0050) and demonstrated super-superiority compared to standard-of-care alone. Among other positive findings, the ASBrS presentation highlighted that use of Perimeter B-Series has the potential to change the current paradigm by empowering surgeons to identify regions of interest, enhance real-time intraoperative decision-making, and potentially reduce the incidence of re-excision due to unaddressed residual disease following lumpectomy. Also in May 2025 , Perimeter entered into a Development Support Agreement with Salt Lake City -based Intermountain Health, the largest nonprofit health system in the Intermountain West. This agreement creates the framework for the two organizations to partner on a number of future studies evaluating the potential value of using Perimeter's OCT and collecting additional data to support the continued development of the Company's AI algorithms. , Perimeter entered into a Development Support Agreement with -based Intermountain Health, the largest nonprofit health system in the Intermountain West. This agreement creates the framework for the two organizations to partner on a number of future studies evaluating the potential value of using Perimeter's OCT and collecting additional data to support the continued development of the Company's AI algorithms. In June, the Company announced the launch of the OCT-Tissue Surveillance Registry, a database that aims to collect thousands of images and data from surgical procedures performed using its wide-field OCT imaging technology. Perimeter will use the registry to inform future product development and continually enhance the AI deep-learning model for its investigational next-generation technology. Today, Perimeter continues to work closely with the FDA as the Agency continues its substantive review of the Company's Premarket Approval (PMA) application for the Perimeter B-Series. Corporate In June 2025 , Perimeter announced that it had closed the initial tranche of its previously announced prospectus offering (the "Offering") of units of the Company (the "Units"). The Company issued an aggregate of aggregate of 10,432,801 Units at a price of C$0.30 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $2.2 million ( C$3.1 million ). In July 2025 , Perimeter announced the second and final closing of the Offering, issuing an aggregate of 7,416,667 Units at the Offering Price for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $1.6 million ( C$2.2 million ). Inclusive of the closing of both the first and second tranches, the Company issued 17,849,468 Units pursuant to the Offering, of which its Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Mendes , purchased a total of 3,333,334 Units. "As energized as we are by the strong business momentum that continued through the second quarter, in many ways, we are even more excited by the tremendous opportunities that we see ahead as our current Perimeter S-Series sales pipeline continues to build, and the PMA application for our next-generation Perimeter B-Series advances through the FDA's substantive review," commented Mr. Mendes. "Moving forward, we remain focused on aggressively executing our growth strategy while cognizant of managing our resources. We look forward to updating investors as we progress." Summary Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results Perimeter reported second quarter 2025 revenues of approximately $506,000, which consisted of the sale of consumables and system leases, as well as from the sale of ESP warranty programs. Second quarter 2025 revenues increased 105% over Q2-2024. Gross margin for the second quarter of 2025 was 70%, essentially unchanged from the same period in 2024. Operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2025 were approximately $4.3 million, a 22% improvement from $5.5 million in the same period in 2024. Moving forward, Perimeter expects additional savings from its cost control efforts will result in an approximate 30% reduction in total operating costs, starting in Q3-2025. Second quarter 2025 net loss was approximately $3.9 million, or $0.04 per common share, compared to approximately $3.2 million, or $0.05 per common share, in the three months ended June 30, 2024. As of June 30, 2025, cash was approximately $1.4 million. This amount does not include any of the approximately $1.6 million in additional gross proceeds from the July 29th second and final closing of the Offering, nor a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) grant receivable of approximately $745,000, which is related to the reimbursement of pivotal clinical trial project costs, as of the end of the 2025 second quarter. For detailed financial results, please refer to Perimeter's filings on SEDAR+ and the Company's website. Conference Call The Company will host a conference call and live audio webcast today at 5:00 pm Eastern Time to discuss its second quarter 2025 results and provide a corporate update. To participate in the call, please dial 1-800-717-1738 or 1-646-307-1865. The conference call will also be broadcast live online through a listen-only webcast, which will be posted on the Investors section of the Company's website and archived for approximately 90 days. About Perimeter Medical Imaging AI, Inc. Based in Toronto, Canada and Dallas, Texas, Perimeter Medical Imaging AI (TSX-V: PINK) (OTCQX: PYNKF) is a medical technology company driven to transform cancer surgery with ultra-high-resolution, real-time, advanced imaging tools to address areas of high unmet medical need. Available across the U.S., our FDA-cleared Perimeter S-Series OCT system provides real-time, cross-sectional visualization of excised tissues at the cellular level. The breakthrough-device-designated investigational Perimeter B-Series OCT with ImgAssist AI represents our next-generation artificial intelligence technology that has recently been evaluated in a pivotal clinical trial, with support from a grant of up to US$7.4 million awarded by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. The company's ticker symbol "PINK" is a reference to the pink ribbons used during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Perimeter B-Series OCT is not available for sale in the United States. Perimeter S-Series OCT has 510(k) clearance under a general indication and has not been evaluated by the U.S. FDA specifically for use in breast tissue, breast cancer, other types of cancer, margin evaluation, and reducing re-excision rates. The safety and effectiveness of these uses has not been established. For more information, please visit www.perimetermed.com/disclosures. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In this news release, words such as "may," "would," "could," "will," "likely," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate," and similar words and the negative form thereof are used to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information may relate to management's future outlook and anticipated events or results and may include statements or information regarding the future financial position, business strategy and strategic goals, competitive conditions, research and development activities, projected costs and capital expenditures, research and clinical testing outcomes, taxes and plans and objectives of, or involving, Perimeter. Without limitation, information regarding management's views regarding the second quarter, the potential benefits of Perimeter S-Series OCT and Perimeter B-Series OCT and the expected benefits of Perimeter's updated version of its ImgAssist AI are forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether, or the times at or by which, any particular result will be achieved. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur. Forward-looking information is based on information available at the time and/or management's good-faith belief with respect to future events and are subject to known or unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond Perimeter's control. Such forward-looking statements reflect Perimeter's current view with respect to future events, but are inherently subject to significant medical, scientific, business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties and contingencies. In making forward-looking statements, Perimeter may make various material assumptions, including but not limited to (i) the accuracy of Perimeter's financial projections; (ii) obtaining positive results from trials; (iii) obtaining necessary regulatory approvals; and (iv) general business, market, and economic conditions. Further risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those applicable to Perimeter and described in Perimeter's Management Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, which are available on Perimeter's SEDAR+ profile at https://www.sedarplus.ca, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Perimeter does not intend, nor does Perimeter undertake any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information contained in this news release to reflect subsequent information, events, or circumstances or otherwise, except if required by applicable laws. CONTACTS: Stephen Kilmer Investor Relations Direct: 647-872-4849 Email: [email protected] Adrian Mendes Chief Executive Officer Toll-free: 888-988-7465 (PINK) Email: [email protected] SOURCE Perimeter Medical Imaging AI Inc. Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has said she is seriously concerned about the potential misuse of a UN Security Council veto by the US. Ms Connolly said there was a need to double down on strengthening UN structures amid concern that the US could veto the renewal of a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, to which Irish troops are deployed. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council the US, UK, Russia, China, and France each hold the power to veto and block the adoption of any proposal at the body. After her campaign team initially backtracked on a pledge to hold a press conference on Tuesday, Ms Connolly made the comments during a brief exchange with reporters at a demonstration outside Leinster House in Dublin. Asked about her view of the potential ending of the Unifil mandate, she said: I think were in a very dangerous position in relation to that. Advertisement Im seriously concerned about that. I hope that discussions will allow for the mandate to continue. But I think it brings into acute focus the use of the veto by America, something that has not been discussed in the Dail at any stage it has always been the use of the veto by Russia, absolutely right to discuss that. But the misuse of the veto by America was never brought into the equation and I really think it is time more than ever that we look at building up the UN as a peace institution. She added: Of course there are problems with the veto and the five permanent members, but the UN was set up after the Second World War to prevent a holocaust, to prevent slaughter, and now more than ever we need to double down on strengthening UN structures. The Independent TD for Galway has the backing of Labour, Social Democrats, People Before Party-Solidarity and other Independents. Asked if she had been in contact with Sinn Fein about whether it will row in to back her candidacy, Ms Connolly said she respected that the party was going through its own processes but added: It is taking a little longer than I hoped. Irish presidential candidate Catherine Connolly (centre) attends a demonstration with opposition politicians outside Leinster House Dublin, in support of Oireachtas Broadcast workers (Cillian Sherlock/PA) Ms Connolly was speaking to the media at a demonstration for workers in the Oireachtas broadcast unit, who are considering strike action over pay and conditions. Many of the workers in the unit who are responsible for delivering live broadcasts of Dail and Seanad proceedings, are paid 12,000 euro on average per year. Some rely on social welfare supports to survive as they find it difficult to secure stable additional employment outside of sitting days. Ireland Former Dublin manager Jim Gavin linked with Fianna Fail presidential nomination Read more Workers argue the Oireachtas could make cost savings by employing them directly as civil servants rather than putting the service out to tender. Ms Connolly said these workers were being valued so little despite bringing the workings of democracy to the public. She criticised how they were left with precarious and uncertain working conditions. Collective European Union action against Israel is long overdue, Tanaiste Simon Harris has said. Simon Harris, who is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs, said there are clear, concrete measures the EU can take. He was responding to an RTE News report that 206 former European ambassadors and officials had signed a letter calling on the EU to step up action against Israel over a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Describing the letter as a vital, unprecedented intervention, Mr Harris added: If we dont take collective action now against the backdrop of famine, when will we? Collective EU action could make a powerful difference. A vital, unprecedented intervention. The time for collective EU action is long overdue. There are clear, concrete measures the EU can take. If we dont take collective action now against the backdrop of famine, when will we? Collective EU action could make a powerful difference https://t.co/hq9qxalcz5 Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) August 26, 2025 In a series of social media posts, he added: In the absence of collective action, groups of members states should seek to work together but this would not be as impactful or effective and be a indictment on our ability to act as a collective at a time when the EU itself has found Israel in breach of the Association Agreement. EU Foreign Ministers meet in Copenhagen this week and I look forward to discussing this directly with counterparts. Advertisement Domestically, the Government has been accused of an absolute refusal to hold Israel accountable for a genocide. The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign has organised a series of demonstrations, with a protest scheduled for Tuesday evening around the Central Bank of Irelands role in approving Israel Bonds for sale in the EU. The bank is the designated authority in relation to the sale of Israel Bonds in the EU, and has determined the securities meet the standards of the blocs prospectus regulations. Israel bonds have been advertised as supporting the countrys economy and, more recently, websites promoting the securities emphasise their role in supporting Israels military operations in Gaza. Protesters and opposition parties have called for legislation that would give Ireland the power to refuse the sale of Israeli war bonds over human rights concerns. They say the bonds are intended to fund the war in Gaza, while Ireland has an obligation under the Genocide Convention to use all means likely to have a deterrent effect on those suspected of preparing genocide. The Central Bank has said regulations require it to approve prospectuses that meet standards of completeness, consistency and comprehensibility. The Israel bond prospectus is up for renewal on September 2nd. Meanwhile, activists have also called on the Government to pass the Occupied Territories Bill and include services within the legislation. Irelands coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and a group of independents committed to passing a ban on goods from the occupied Palestinian territories in its programme for government completed in January. However, a cross-party committee recommended the prohibition of imports from the Palestinian Occupied Territories should be extended to include trade in services. The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD has spoken of the importance of the UN mandate for Unifil peacekeeping forces to remain in Lebanon. We are very, very concerned for stability, peace, security in the area of Lebanon that Unifil operates in. And I think that it's important that the mandate does continue. Ireland is strongly advocating for that in discussions with members of the Security Council. Mr Byrne acknowledged that the support of the United States would be critical for the renewal of the mandate. That's without a shadow of a doubt. And that's why I think France is engaged in very, very active discussions with the U.S. We're very grateful for the work that France is doing, and I'm sure the people of Lebanon are as well, to try to persuade the United State to make sure that whatever happens, if the mandate continues or if somehow the mandate is deemed to be projected to come to an end at some point in the future, that at the very least the people of Lebanon and indeed its army are able to control the situation and protect the people and protect peace and security in the area. Advertisement We are very, very concerned for the peace and security of the area. We've 300 troops there, 47 Irish troops over the years have died in Lebanon as well. "So there's been a huge commitment from the state, from individuals and their families to this situation. And the idea of that is to make sure that there's peace and security in the area and that we prevent people from dying and that allows democracy to take root. I think it is important that we do give support and continue to give support to the government of Lebanon in practical terms and in military terms as well, through Unifil, to make sure that that area can be kept peaceful, safe When asked about the Triple Lock required before Irish troops can be sent on missions abroad, Mr Byrne pointed out that it was a legal fact that Irish troops would have no legal basis to be in Lebanon if the mandate is not renewed. So that is certainly a gap that needs to be addressed. But there are smaller missions as well that aren't directly run by the United Nations, such as Operation Irini on the Mediterranean, where we have a very small number of troops, which is designed really to prevent illegal weapons coming into Europe and to help people in humanitarian situations on boats in the Mediterranean. "You know, that mandate was only renewed for a short period this year and that is an example of an operation actually that started without a United Nations mandate. Ireland couldn't take part until there was a mandate from the UN. And if the UN decided to withdraw the mandate, if one of the permanent members of the Security Council decided to veto that mandate, Ireland would have to leave that operation immediately." Advertisement Warning over Lebanon's future The former Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Mark Mellett has warned that Lebanon could turn into Gaza if the Unifil peacekeeping forces do not remain in place. There was no option but to renew the Unifil mandate to stay in Lebanon monitoring the border with Israel, he told RTE radios Morning Ireland. The Unifil mission in Lebanon, in which 47,000 Irish troops have operated since 1978, had succeeded, he said. The difference between Gaza and Lebanon is the United Nations and the mandate that that force has. Every country has a right of self-defence, but it's not unlimited. "The threat must be imminent and the response must be necessary and proportionate. What we're seeing in Gaza clearly does not meet those thresholds. "We're seeing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the most grievous of all, the crime of genocide. I fear that if the UNIFIL mandate is not renewed, we're in real grave danger of seeing a similar circumstance in southern Lebanon. When asked if the mandate was unlikely to be renewed by the UN without the support of Israel and the US, Mr Mellett said that was a political issue, but he was glad to see that the Irish government was lobbying through the multilateral frameworks with France to ensure that this mandate is extended at the very least for a year. To not renew the mandate, which expires effectively next Sunday, is to leave a really, really challenging circumstance. Israel has been quite clear in terms of its intentions. I have no doubt that we will see war in South Lebanon if this mandate is not renewed. Unifil must work hand in glove with Lebanese armed forces to actually succeed in its mandate. Advertisement Lebanon has a very, very weak military at present. It really needs to be reconstituted and reinforced so it can actually hold its capacity to deal with actors such as Hezbollah and others. But I really, really feel that there is no option but to renew this mandate and to continue to provide the security that is required in South Lebanon. There never has been a more grave situation in that area, in particular against the backdrop of what we're seeing in Gaza. It's almost as if we are actually being presented with what the alternative to South Lebanon is in the context of what we are seeing in Gaza, so we must use all our efforts to actually use multilateralism to have this mandate extended. There is no country that can trust Israel at present. And for a nation itself who has endured the trauma of attempted genocide and for it now to perpetrate such crimes, it's morally indefensible. "It's a profound betrayal of history's lessons, and it erodes the very foundations of the international norms and institutions that actually, I suppose, define us as a civilised society. So just right now, I have grave concerns. "If this mandate is not renewed, we are really in a perilous position with regards to the likely reality of war in South Lebanon. The removal of the Triple Lock currently required to send Irish troops abroad was a separate discussion, he said. I really believe that we have to be careful here not to mix the discussion around the Triple Lock with what's happening in South Lebanon. An Indian security manager who was demoted after punching a shoplifter who called him a P**i paedo b*****d has lost a case for discrimination against his former employer. Syed Baqur Hussein had claimed he was discriminated against and harassed on grounds of race when he was issued with a final written warning and demoted following an incident that occurred at the Jervis Street Tesco store in August 2022. He was employed as a contract manager by One Complete Solution Limited (OCS), where he alleged in his complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) that there was a culture of racism. His allegation of discrimination was founded on the basis that three security personnel had been involved in the Jervis Street incident. Two of these, who were Asian, were sanctioned; while a third, who was a white European, faced no disciplinary action. Advertisement Mr Hussein told the WRC that he was called to assist a colleague who had stopped a customer carrying 400 worth of unpaid-for meat in his bag. He was asked to return the items, which he did with his wife. The shoplifter was told to leave the store and started calling the complainant a P**i paedo b*****d. He slapped another security guard and pushed him in the back, causing him to collide with Mr Hussein. He claimed that the customer lunged at him and punched him in the face a number of times. The shoplifters wife also kicked Mr Hussein in the face during the incident. He suffered serious facial injuries and required X-rays. When he returned to work following pre-planned leave, Mr Hussein was suspended, and an investigative meeting took place on January 6th, 2023. A disciplinary hearing followed, and he was issued with a final written warning and demoted. OCS told a WRC adjudication hearing that Mr Hussein had been sanctioned for failing to acknowledge that punching a customer was inappropriate behaviour, and for failing to follow agreed processes when confronted by an aggressive customer. In her decision, WRC adjudication officer Maire Mulcahy said Mr Hussein had raised a presumption of discrimination, and the onus was on his former employer to rebut this inference. She said the company had explained the different treatment that he received compared to his colleagues by reference to the fact that he had hit the customer without being hit himself, and this could not be considered self-defence. Advertisement It argued that Mr Hussein had not complied with protocol, and this breach was considered to be gross misconduct. He was accused of dangerous behaviour and failure to follow company procedures. Ms Mulcahy noted that another security guard involved in the incident had tried to restrain the shoplifter with open hands, while Mr Husseins fists were clenched during the altercation. Therefore, he acted in a different way to his comparator, the white European employee, who had complied with procedures and sought to de-escalate the situation. OCS also produced data showing that both Irish and non-Irish workers had been demoted and given final written warnings in the past. There were flaws with the disciplinary process, Ms Mulcahy said, such as the failure to provide Mr Hussein with notes of meetings, and no mitigating factors such as provocation had been factored into the decision-making. However, she said the harshness of the sanction or the unacceptable injuries that he sustained were not determinative of a finding of discrimination. Instead, it was necessary to show that less favourable sanctions had been meted out to non-Asians. Employers may act unfairly, but this is not necessarily discrimination, Ms Mulcahy noted. On the totality of the evidence, she added, the respondent company had rebutted the inference of discrimination. Accordingly, she found that Mr Hussein had not been discriminated against in relation to the sanction applied to him following the incident at the Jervis Street Tesco store. A separate complaint of harassment on grounds of race related to an act that occurred outside of statutory time limits, and the WRC therefore lacked jurisdiction to consider the matter. Ms Mulcahy recommended changes in the companys Bullying and Harassment at Work Policy, and also recommended that posters in the workplace should remind staff that they are entitled to work in an environment free from racial harassment. Electric Picnic organisers have said microphones won't be switched off if performers make political statements on stage this weekend. It comes after The Mary Wallopers had their performance silenced at a festival in the UK, and controversy over multiple Kneecap performances recently. Melvin Benn from Festival Republic told Newstalk that it was really important for them to add Kneecap to the lineup. "No, mics wont be switched off, I mean you know theyre [Kneecap are] great kids, theyre great lads, they know, theyve got really important songs, theyre brilliant live, but theyve also got really important messages," Benn told the station. "They didnt do anything wrong at Glastonbury. Its yet to be proven that theyve done anything wrong anywhere else in anywhere in the world so, you know, theyre on home territory here, and I think theyll be really relaxed, and the crowd will be really appreciative of them," he said. Advertisement The issue of performers' sound being cut off on stage while making political statements while performing has been brought to the forefront after The Mary Wallopers claimed they were "cut off" during their performance at the Victorious Festival in Portsmouth for displaying a Palestinian flag on stage. Benn was asked about what happened to The Mary Wallopers at the Victorious Festival at the weekend. Mr Benn said: It was shocking what happened to The Mary Wallopers, it was absolutely shocking and Im glad that artists ended up withdrawing as a result of it, it definitely wont be my policy. A spokesperson for the festival said the band had its set cut short for using a discriminatory chant, which the band rejected. The group shared a video on Instagram of their performance, claiming that the organisers statement was misleading and that a festival crew member had interfered with their show. The statement read: Yesterday, a famine was declared in Gaza, where at least 65 people were killed by Israeli attacks, all the while Israel pushed ahead with plans to split the West Bank in two. These are the important facts about yesterday. We are uploading this video so everybody can see @victoriousfestival cut our gig short for having a Palestinian flag on stage. The festival have released a misleading statement to the press claiming they cut our sound because of a discriminatory chant, and not the bands call to Free Palestine. Our video clearly shows a Victorious crew member coming on stage, interfering with our show, removing the flag from the stage and then the sound being cut following a chant of Free Palestine. The same crew member is later heard in the video saying you arent playing until the flag is removed. Advertisement We completely reject Victorious portrayal of todays events and request that they retract their statement immediately. We know this is getting some attention and we dont want another distraction which takes attention away from the genocide that is happening in Palestine. FREE PALESTINE. In its statement, a spokesperson for Victorious said: We spoke to the artist before the performance regarding the festivals long-standing policy of not allowing flags of any kind at the event, but that we respect their right to express their views during the show. Although a flag was displayed on stage contrary to our policy, and this was raised with the artists crew, the show was not ended at this point, and it was the artists decision to stop the song. The decision by the event management to cut the sound and end the performance was only taken after the band used a chant which is widely understood to have a discriminatory context. To be clear, we respect the right of artists to use their platform to express their views within the inclusive nature of the event and it was not the bands call to Free Palestine which resulted in this outcome. The Mary Wallopers received support from Kneecap, who wrote in a post on X: Speak up against genocide in England and youre treated like a criminal. Up the Mary Wallopers. A number of bands who were set to play at Victorious Festival pulled out following the incident, some just hours before they were due to perform. Advertisement The Last Dinner Party, Cliffords and The Academic announced that they would no longer perform at the Portsmouth music festival. As the bands announced they would no longer perform, the organisers issued another statement on Instagram which read: The Mary Wallopers are a fantastic band and we were very much looking forward to their performance at Victorious on Friday. We didnt handle the explanation of our policies sensitively or far enough in advance to allow a sensible conclusion to be reached. Ireland All you need to know for Electric Picnic: Stage times, new campsites, early entry passes Read more This put the band and our own team in a difficult situation which never should have arisen. We would like to sincerely apologise to all concerned. We absolutely support the right of artists to freely express their views from the stage, within the law and the inclusive nature of the event. Our policy of not allowing flags of any kind, which has been in place for many years for wider event management and safety reasons, is not meant to compromise that right. We accept that, although mics remained live for longer, sound for The Mary Wallopers audience was cut as described in the bands video and that comments after that were not audible to the public. We are sorry that this situation has come about and will be making a substantial donation to humanitarian relief efforts for the Palestinian people. A Vietnamese man arrested over a seizure of almost 80,000 and more than 10,000 in suspected crime proceeds at his Dublin home has claimed he had the cash to open a new nail bar. Quang Nguyen, 28, of Applewood Lawns, Swords, Dublin, was charged with money laundering following a search of his home on Saturday. The nail bar worker appeared before Judge Patricia Cronin at Dublin District Court on Monday when his bail was set at 21,000. The father of one is accused of possessing 78,500 and 10,800 in crime proceeds contrary to section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010. A bail hearing was told that the man informed gardai the Euros had been given to him by friends to help him open a nail bar in Drogheda, but he did not reveal who had given him the British money. Advertisement Following questioning by defence solicitor Eoin Lysaght, it was established that gardai had yet to speak with the people identified by the accused as having given him the money. Mr Lysaght said his client had a partner and a child here. The court heard he had been legally residing in the State, having arrived here a decade ago. The judge was told that he had been trafficked through Russia, Germany and Austria in containers before he reached Ireland. Judge Cronin noted the Garda evidence but stressed he had the presumption of innocence and had given an explanation in relation to the money while Garda enquiries were ongoing. She held bail with conditions that could be imposed on his bond of 1,000 along with a 21,000 independent surety. He will appear again next week. A decision on his eligibility for legal aid has been deferred pending a statement of his means. The number of challenges to assessments conducted by the HSE of children suspected of having a recognised disability more than tripled last year. The latest annual report of the Office of the Disability Appeals Officer shows the number of appeals received in 2024 rose by 244 per cent. It revealed that a total of 248 new appeals were submitted last year compared to 72 in 2023. It is the third highest annual total of appeals received by the ODAO since the establishment of the office in 2007, with figures peaking in 2019 with 413 appeals. More than three-quarters of all appeals last year came from just one of the nine HSE community health organisation (CHO) regions. The report showed 190 appeals were received from the HSEs CHO7 covering Kildare/West Wicklow, Dublin West, Dublin South City and Dublin South West. Advertisement The ODAO hears appeals on assessments of the health and educational needs of someone who believes they have a disability recognised under the Disability Act 2005. Under the legislation, any parent or guardian of a child born on or after June 1, 2002 who feels their child may have a disability can apply for an assessment of their health and education needs. The assessment must start within three months of when the HSE receives a completed application form and must be completed within a further three months. Parents or guardians who are unhappy with the outcome of the assessment or any part of the process can make a formal complaint to a HSEs disability complaints officer whose decision can be appealed to the Disability Appeals Officer who is independent of the HSE. The HSE must also provide a service statement within one month in respect of an applicant whom it has determined requires the provision of health or education services under the legislation. The ODAO can also hear appeals relating to such service statements. The ODAO said the increase in appeals last year was likely due to the fact that a Disability Appeals Officerwas appointed on a full-time basis in April 2024 after the position was largely vacant for a 15-month period. In her annual report, the Disability Appeals Officer, Carmel Carey, said last year was marked by a significant increase in appeal activity. Ms Carey also noted that a total of 182 appeals were processed during 2024 with notably 159 appeals being upheld in relation to the Advertisement HSEs failure to complete an Assessment of Need within the required timeframe. Only one appeal was not upheld, while 22 appeals were withdrawn or closed with 98 carried over to this year. Ms Carey said her office continued to operate within a complex legal landscape. She noted that 26 appeal determinations had been remitted to the ODAO for reconsideration following litigation before the High Court and Supreme Court. A total of seven High Court appeals of ODAO decisions were initiated last year, of which six were remitted to the ODAO for reconsideration. The ODAO said significant progress had been made on the development of an online appeals platform which would simplify the appeals process of individuals by allowing submissions to be made securely online. It also includes features that allows staff to quickly and efficiently access an appeal as well as a feature to acknowledge appeals immediately. The ODAO said the development of the online platform, in line with its Statement of Strategy 2025-2027, reflected its ongoing commitment to ensure that the appeals process is responsive, inclusive and efficient. It acknowledged that the increase in the number of appeals received since the appointment of a new Disability Appeals Officer highlighted the need for improved processes to ensure a responsive and efficient appeals service. The ODAO said it had also undertaken a comprehensive operational overhaul to meet current and future demands which had resulted in the creation and implementation of new standard operating procedures and a comprehensive records management framework. It also submitted a detailed business case for additional staffing. Advertisement The ODAO said it had submitted claims to the State Claims Agency amounting to approximately 2.3 million last year which related to pre-2024 legal cases. It also revealed it had considered making an application to the Circuit Court for confirmation of enforcement of recommendations of its determinations in 16 cases during 2024. The ODAO said 11 cases did not proceed for reasons including the completion of an assessment of need or an applicant opting to continue the process independently, while five cases remain ongoing. Frances prime minister has announced a confidence vote next month that will likely lead to the collapse of his centrist government and prompt another period of political instability in the European Unions second-biggest economy. Francois Bayrou said he would seek approval for his unpopular budget plans on September 8 at the National Assembly, Frances lower house of parliament. Opposition parties quickly said they would vote against it. President Emmanuel Macron, who has vowed to stay in office until the end of his term due in 2027, may soon face the complex task of appointing a new prime minister for the third time in a year. The prime minister focuses mostly on domestic policies, while the president retains substantial powers over foreign policy, European affairs and defence. Emmanuel Macron and Francois Bayrou (Tom Nicholson/AP) Early legislative elections called by Mr Macron in June last year led to a chaotic situation in parliament, divided among three minority blocs that do not have enough seats to govern alone. Mr Bayrou, 74, has been in office since December. Advertisement He unveiled plans last month to cut 44 billion euros (38 billion) in spending, after Frances deficit hit 5.8% of gross domestic product last year, way above the official EU target of 3%. The plans includes removing two state holidays. Mr Bayrou has no option beyond relying on the support or at least abstention of adversaries on the left and right to pass the budget bill. That is why he decided to seek a confidence vote ahead of the debate that is scheduled to start in October. The uncertainty prompted by his decision has alarmed financial markets. The Paris Cac 40 benchmark index fell around 2% after opening on Tuesday. All opposition parties on the left and the far-right said they would vote against expressing confidence in Mr Bayrous government. Hard-left France Unbowed politicians said they want to make the government fall, and the Socialists vowed to reject an unfair budget. The national secretary of the Greens, Marine Tondelier, described Mr Bayrous confidence vote as a resignation de facto. The far-right National Rallys politicians also will vote against it, party leader Marine Le Pen said. Far-right and left-wing officials hold more than 320 seats at the National Assembly while the centrists and allied conservatives hold 210, making it impossible for Mr Bayrous government to survive if opposition groups team up. Advertisement If a majority of politicians vote against expressing confidence, Mr Bayrou and his ministers will have to resign. Mr Macron will be in charge of appointing a new prime minister. He could pick a figure from the traditional left or right in an effort to consolidate his centrist alliance, but either one would be in a precarious position amid the political deadlock in parliament. Mr Bayrou succeeded a conservative, Michel Barnier, who was ousted after only three months in office. Some politicians, including Ms Le Pen, are urging Macron to call a new round of legislative elections in the hope of reshuffling the political cards before the 2027 presidential election. The French president has not said whether he would be ready to use that option. Nigel Farage has vowed to scrap the UKs human rights law in a bid to tackle the small boats crisis. The Reform UK leader pledged to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, scrap the Human Rights Act, and disapply other international agreements he described as roadblocks to deporting people who arrive in the UK illegally. Mr Farage, whose party has sought to gain from public dissatisfaction with how both Labour and the Tories have handled the migrant crisis, will set out his plans to grasp it on Tuesday. Writing for the Telegraph, he described international treaties governing human rights law as malign influences which had been allowed to frustrate deportations. He added: The planes will take off, and plenty of them at that. The British public want this issue dealt with, end of story. https://t.co/XzVd2LJjpH Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) August 25, 2025 The time has come to put this country first. This is all a question of priorities. Is Keir Starmer on the side of the British people, national security and protecting women and girls or is he on the side of outdated international treaties and human rights lawyers? Speaking to the Times, senior Reform UK figure Zia Yusuf had earlier claimed the party would replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights. Advertisement This would apply to British citizens and those who have a legal right to live in the UK, while enabling arrests, detention and deportation of illegal migrants. The Bill would refer to individual liberties like protection of liberty and free speech, the Times said, rather than human rights. Mr Farage told the newspaper it would include the freedom to do everything, unless theres a law that says you cant. These are back-of-the-fag-packet plans without the substance on delivery Angela Eagle on Reform's plans Under Reforms plans, those who come to the UK on small boats and other unauthorised routes would have no right to claim asylum in the UK. The party is to suggest housing them in detention facilities at old military bases. Reform would also seek to strike return deals with the largest countries of origin for asylum seekers, as well as discussing third country deportation arrangements with nations like Rwanda and Albania. A fallback option could also include deporting people to British overseas territories. Sir Keir Starmer is meanwhile facing mounting pressure over his plans to tackle the small boats crisis. A record 28,288 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats this year so far, after 212 people did so on Sunday in four boats, making the total 46 per cent more than by the same date in 2024. A YouGov poll for The Times meanwhile found that 71 per cent of voters believe the UK prime minister is handling the asylum hotel issue badly, including 56 per cent of Labour supporters. If you enter the UK illegally you will face being returned. We are reducing our reliance on hotels and ensuring that the rules are enforced. pic.twitter.com/1jFcpz9Jsc Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) August 25, 2025 UK Home Office minister Angela Eagle told the Guardian both Reform and the Tories offered nothing more than fantasy solutions to the crisis. These are back-of-the-fag-packet plans without the substance on delivery, she said ahead of Mr Farages announcement on Tuesday. Advertisement A UK government source meanwhile told the paper that by the end of the year at least five more hotels are expected to be closed, with a big surge in closures in the new year. Protests at sites housing asylum seekers continued over the weekend and the UK government is braced for further legal fights over the use of hotels. President Donald Trump has vowed to impose new tariffs and export curbs on countries with digital taxes or regulations that affect American technology companies. Mr Trump did not mention specific places, but his comments were taken as a threat against the European Unions digital rules to rein in companies like Google, Apple, and Meta. In a post on Truth Social late on Monday, Mr Trump said he would stand up to countries that attack our incredible American Tech Companies. Digital Taxes, Digital Services Legislation, and Digital Markets Regulations are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology, he wrote. (TruthSocial) The 27-nation EU has cracked down on Big Tech companies with sweeping rules. The blocs Digital Services Act aims to clean up social media and online platforms and its Digital Markets Act is designed to prevent digital monopolies, under threat of hefty fines for breaches. Some individual European Union countries like France, Italy and Spain have a digital services tax, as does the UK. Advertisement The Trump administration has long held the EUs tech regulations in contempt and tech companies have battled against them. Mr Trump also complained that big Chinese tech companies get a complete pass from the rules. This must end, he said and vowed that unless these discriminatory actions are removed, he would impose substantial additional tariffs on the offending nations exports to the US and also institute export restrictions on our highly protected technology and chips. The EUs executive Commission pushed back. It is the sovereign rights of the EU and its member states to regulate economic activities on our territory, which are consistent with our democratic values, Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier said at a regular press briefing. Mr Trumps latest salvo comes a week after Washington and Brussels released a joint statement on their trade deal that included a pledge to address unjustified digital trade barriers. In June, Mr Trump threatened to suspend trade talks with Canada over Ottawas plan to impose a digital services tax on technology companies, forcing prime minister Mark Carney to abandon the tax. PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study from the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association, conducted by researchers at Drexel University suggests higher flow velocities and smaller diameter plumbing results in better building water quality. The study is included in this month's American Water Works Association 's journal, AWWA Water Science (Volume 7, Issue 4) . The Premise Plumbing Flow Rates, Linear Velocity, and Nitrification study, sponsored by the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association, is a crucial first step toward the ultimate goal: obtaining clear, realistic and holistic scientific results to support the safe and appropriate right-sizing of North American water distribution systems and improving plumbing design in model plumbing codes. The Drexel research team investigated key proxies for water safety and biological activity in plumbing systems, including the impact of flow velocity on biofilm activity and the oxidation of ammonia, also known as nitrification, as well as the potential emission of pathogens from pipes. Tests were conducted on multiple materials. Pipes made of copper, PEX, and CPVC, were flushed five days a week or once a week and the discharged water analyzed. Critically, researchers utilized a pre-existing, aged-in-place, single-pass plumbing system rig supplied with municipal chloramine-treated water. Prior studies have not typically examined the impact of velocity on biological water quality in real building systems, as they were often conducted in non-plumbing systems, with new pipes, or with synthetic recirculating water, and did not represent a real plumbing system. Key Study Findings: Higher flow velocity generally leads to better water quality, with higher residual disinfectant levels, less degradation of ammonia, lower turbidity (cloudiness) levels, and lower adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, which indicates the presence and quantity of microorganisms. This suggests that higher flow rates can help scour the biofilm, potentially alter the morphology (the form, structure, and outward appearance) of the biofilm and reduce microbial activity and nitrification. The most significant benefits for biofilm control are found in smaller diameter pipes (3/8") with high flow velocity. Frequent flushing is crucial for maintaining water quality. Pipes flushed only once a week tended to reach a similar state of disinfectant loss and nitrification progression, regardless of pipe material, diameter, or velocity. This highlights the importance of regular water use or flushing to prevent water quality degradation due to stagnation. Deciding on the ideal plumbing system design involves weighing multiple factors, including cost, durability, and water quality considerations. Although copper pipes provided some level of microbial inhibition for ammonia, the report cautions that copper might selectively favor the growth of opportunistic pathogens such as Legionella . . In low-use conditions, cloudiness and opaqueness (known as turbidity) were substantially higher in copper pipes compared to PEX and CPVC. "The study clearly demonstrates that flow velocity in plumbing systems is a critical factor in maintaining water quality and provides significant evidence for pipe selection," said Mike Cudahy, Codes and Standards Specialist of The Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association. "We hope it will serve as an aspirational starting point for future scientific studies by other researchers to focus tests on realistic water sources and plumbing scenarios." Further work is needed to understand the generality of the results from this study, explore additional factors such as water temperature, and to develop evidence-based guidelines for building plumbing system design and operation. About the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association Established in 1978, the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA) is a trade organization that represents manufacturers and suppliers of plastic piping systems. PPFA works collaboratively with federal, state, and local regulatory bodies to help develop and implement effective standards and regulations. Learn more at https://www.ppfahome.org . About Drexel University Drexel University is a comprehensive global research university ranked among the top 100 in the nation. With over 21,000 students, Drexel is one of Philadelphia's largest private universities and a major driver of economic development in the region. Drexel is characterized by its focus on innovation, real-world application of knowledge, and commitment to community engagement. SOURCE Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association Advertisement BusinessCompaniesSupermarkets This was published 3 months ago Opinion Organised crime is hitting supermarkets, but customers are coming back Elizabeth Knight Business columnist August 26, 2025 2:28pm August 26, 2025 2:28pm Save 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 In this post-election period, political parties appear to have lost interest in weaponising the cost-of-living crisis to attack the supermarket giants. Now the sector is facing an increasing onslaught of organised crime, and it seems there is an endless supply of supermarket attackers. Coles boss Leah Weckert has posted a solid result, but criminal-inflicted damage on the supermarkets sector is growing. Eamon Gallagher Stealing higher-value items from retailers and particularly supermarkets isnt new, but its on the rise and forming the basis of a thriving business model for gangs of thieves. Unsurprisingly, its also fertile new ground for politicisation, with a chorus of politicians and retail groups calling out Victoria as the state in which commercial criminal enterprises have been best able to flourish. Advertisement Meanwhile, theft is proving very costly for legitimate businesses that are forced to use technology or surveillance tools to combat what they refer to by the misnomers loss or shrinkage. Coles, which reported a strong full-year result on Tuesday, has invested heavily and successfully in countering theft, but the sector remains under serious attack. Sure, there is a portion of theft which can be blamed on customers pinching items particularly those doing it tough. But the criminals who steal for profit are a more sinister force. But thats only part of the story of how organised crime has disrupted supermarket sales. The other part is the competition from illicit cigarette sales, which have pushed tobacco sales for Coles alone down by 30 per cent in the 2025. Advertisement Coles says it is not yet at the point where its considering abandoning selling tobacco. However, one would have to think there is an inevitability to this outcome. Related Article Food & drink Gen Zs guzzling Hard Rated as Dan Murphys amps up security measures Criminals have given a new meaning to the traditional retail term category killer. It is easy to understand the force that is pushing smokers to buy contraband cigarettes for around $15 per packet when legal packets cost closer to $50. To be clear, criminals are not actually stealing cigarettes from supermarkets, as the product is secured away behind the counter. But they are stealing nicotine-addicted customers, and there isnt really anything that supermarkets can do about it. Advertisement Illicit sales accounted for 39 per cent of the Australian tobacco market for the 2024 calendar year, according to a study by FTI Consulting, but this has accelerated as the vicious gang war for control of the market has consolidated control and distribution efficiency. So why wont supermarkets stop selling tobacco products? Because in the 2025 financial year, ciggie sales still reached roughly $1.2 billion or 3 per cent of Coles supermarket sales. But six years ago, cigarettes accounted for 8 per cent. Based on 2025 sales of almost $40 billion, 8 per cent of sales would be around $3.2 billion. Another way of looking at it would be that if it wasnt for the collapse of tobacco sales, the Coles group would have boasted year-on-year sales growth of 5.7 per cent, rather than the 3.7 per cent it reported. Advertisement For now at least, Coles chief executive Leah Weckert says the group wants to give its customers the option to buy tobacco in its stores, given it is a legal product. Related Article Earnings season Coles posts healthy profits as measures against shoplifters pay off And $1.2 billion in sales is still not to be sneezed (or coughed) at. Liquor was the other category that slowed down Coles group sales growth. There is a structural and a cyclical element to softer alcohol sales, evidence of which we have seen from other sector retailers including Endeavour owner of Dan Murphys. Purveyors of alcohol products, who note that younger people are consuming less, believe that new products that cater to this market can stimulate demand but so far, that hasnt happened. Advertisement The noteworthy aspect to Coles full-year result was that it managed to report strong growth in supermarket sales and profit despite the tobacco sales hole. Underlying supermarket earnings grew by an impressive 8.3 per cent and its profit margins remained stable. It seems consumer confidence is coming back, and trolley sizes are beginning to build, as are the number of transactions. The consumer spending freeze hasnt entirely thawed, but easing inflation and lower interest rates have buoyed shoppers. Shareholders will discover how Woolworths has fared when it releases its result on Wednesday. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement Exclusive NationalInvestigations This was published 3 months ago From tobacco kingpin to terror suspect: Police believe Australian crime boss did Irans firebomb bidding Nick McKenzie and Paul Sakkal August 26, 2025 5:28pm Save 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 Melbourne tobacco wars kingpin Kazem Hamad is suspected of conspiring with foreign spies to carry out the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue in a development that has led to Iranian diplomats being expelled from Canberra. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, alongside spy chief Mike Burgess, called out Irans involvement in at least two antisemitic attacks in Australia, including the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue. Loading It is likely Iran directed further attacks as well, Albanese said. These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil. Burgess said Iran was employing a web of proxies. [Tehran is] just using cut-outs, including people who are criminal and members of organised crime gangs, to do their bidding or direct their bidding in Australia, he said. Advertisement The move comes as police advance their probe into Hamads suspected role in the firebombing of the synagogue and whether he, or members of his gang, did so to curry favour with the Iranian regime. Hamad and his right-hand man, suspected drug trafficker Ahmed Al Hamza, have based their criminal operations out of Iraq and Iran, where they are susceptible to pressure from both regimes. Tobacco kingpin Kazem Kaz Hamad. In early January, federal and state counterterror investigators in Victoria first made links between Hamad who is also suspected of being behind a campaign of murder and arson connected to the battle to control Australias lucrative illegal tobacco market and the December firebombing of the synagogue. By February, Victorian detectives had confirmed the synagogue attack was carried out using the same gangland infrastructure, including a stolen car, utilised by Hamad in some of his tobacco war arson attacks. Advertisement In the following months, two sources said further intelligence was gathered pointing to Hamads deeper involvement, including via payments traced by counterterror officials. There is a heap of material linking Kaz to the firebombing, one official source claimed. In late July, Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett, who oversaw counterterror probes before her appointment in early August as the AFPs new commissioner, publicly confirmed Hamad was one target of the joint state and federal terror taskforce investigation of the synagogue fire. Our investigation is not limited to Australia it involves exploring criminals offshore, she said at a press conference in July. Advertisement We suspect these [offshore] criminals worked with criminal associates in Victoria to carry out the arson attack. [Hamad] is a name that has come up in our investigation, and that remains one of our ongoing lines of inquiry. On Tuesday, Burgess revealed that his agency, ASIO, had identified members of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as the puppet masters behind the synagogue attack via a layer cake of cut-outs. The suspected involvement of Hamad not only in up to five tobacco war murders but the synagogue firebombing is likely to increase efforts by Western authorities to bring him to justice, be it in Australia or another country. Hamad is suspected to be protected in Iraq, where he was born, via powerful relatives and associates in the military and government. The Adass Israel Synagogue bombing shocked Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Burgess said at the time he had grave concerns that unnamed hostile states were using bikies or other crime groups in Australia to advance their strategic interests. When asked on Tuesday, if there was organised crime involvement in the attacks, Burgess said there was an organised crime element offshore. While the use by Iran of organised crime figures to engage in acts of terrorism and foreign interference in Australia marks an escalation in the domestic counter-espionage and terror landscape, there are precedents for it overseas. One is an allegation that that Iran had tasked the Hells Angels to murder a dissident in America. Historically, ASIO has focused on extremism and espionage, but it is now dealing with an increasing overlap between profit-driven criminal entities and those seeking to undermine Australian interests or community cohesion for political, strategic or other gain. Advertisement In his warning to the criminal world in February that ASIO was pursuing some of its members, Burgess told this masthead and 60 Minutes: If you [gangland figures] are tasked by someone from overseas, and youre a criminal and youre doing that for a fee and it is a threat to security, then ASIO will be on your case. I reckon thats going to be a problem for you. Related Article Exclusive Investigations ASIO warns bikies, organised crime linked to antisemitism, hostile nations Meanwhile, police continue to build a case against Hamad in connection to multiple murders. Last month, senior detectives alleged publicly that the bungled Melbourne arson attack that accidentally claimed the life of burlesque performer Katie Tangey was ordered by Hamad. Police offered a $500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Those responsible for Katies death know they targeted the wrong house, and they have to live with the knowledge that they are responsible for the horrific death of a completely innocent young woman, senior Victorian police officer Chris Murray said during a press conference in July. Advertisement Im not suggesting that Kaz Hamad deliberately targeted and killed Tangey, Murray said. We know there was a theft of his commodities, being illegal tobacco, and we know that he sought retribution. I think even he [Hamad] would be disgusted as to what has transpired here. Im sure he can get us on the phone and let us know [who] the two individuals who actually did this [are]. They should be held accountable. Get the days breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter. Advertisement Updated NationalNSWCourts This was published 3 months ago More sides to every story: Shock development in Beau Lamarre-Condon case Clare Sibthorpe Updated August 26, 2025 12:32pm ,first published August 26, 2025 10:48am Save 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 Alleged double killer Beau Lamarre-Condon will fight allegations he murdered Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies in Sydneys eastern suburbs, with his lawyer telling journalists history will be the judge. The former police officer allegedly used his service-issued Glock pistol to shoot 26-year-old television presenter Baird and 29-year-old Qantas flight attendant Davies inside a Paddington terrace in February 2024. Beau Lamarre-Condon (left) is accused of murdering Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. The 30-year-old has spent 18 months in custody on remand over the alleged murders as his case faced several court delays, including legal representation changes and withdrawals. However, on Tuesday morning at the John Maddison Tower Local Court, the case finally progressed when Lamarre-Condon pleaded not guilty to the two counts of domestic violence murder and one count of aggravated break and enter regarding an alleged incident with Baird, with whom hes accused of becoming fixated following a short, casual romance. Advertisement His Legal Aid lawyer, Ben Archbold, told Deputy Chief magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis that Lamarre-Condon would be defending the alleged murders. Later on Tuesday morning, Lamarre-Condon faced court via audiovisual link from inside Silverwater prison to formally enter the pleas. Lamarre-Condon faced court via AVL from inside Silverwater prison. Rocco Fazzari Wearing his prison greens, he stared intently at the camera for the five-minute appearance. He said not guilty to the three charges, and when told the case would be committed for trial, he said thanks, your honour before the link was cut. Advertisement Outside the court, Archbold told awaiting media, As youll probably appreciate, there are always more sides to every story. Related Article Graphic content Crime The chilling scene where Beau Lamarre-Condon allegedly dumped his victims Well have an opportunity to tell ours in the fullness of time, in the appropriate form, and I suppose history will be the judge, he said. Police allege Lamarre-Condon stalked Baird, potentially breaking into his Paddington home and damaging the television presenters car in the lead-up to the alleged murders. Baird had allegedly complained to friends about a shadowy figure standing over his bed. The then-serving police officer is accused of checking his service weapon out of Miranda Police Station ahead of a shift patrolling a pro-Palestine protest on the day of the deaths. Advertisement Police claim he then hid the couples bodies in surfboard bags he purchased at a Miranda shopping centre, before submerging them in a dam and leaving them about 180 kilometres south-west of Sydney, travelling in a rented white van. A three-day manhunt followed Baird and Davies sudden disappearance, before Lamarre-Condon turned himself in to police on February 23. Colleen Lamarre leaves court after her son entered pleas of not guilty. Sitthixay Ditthavong Days after his arrest, he allegedly revealed the bodies location to detectives from inside custody. In July, his second legal team, led by publicly funded lawyer Alexander Terracini, sensationally quit after an issue arose the day before his latest court appearance. Terracini had replaced Lamarre-Condons first solicitor, John Walford. Advertisement A third legal team replaced them, with Legal Aid appointing Sydney lawyer Archbold, who was granted a six-week adjournment in July despite the prosecutions objections. Related Article Crime The deluded fantasy world of Beau Lamarre-Condon The court heard a further count of aggravated break and enter regarding an alleged incident with Baird was dismissed. Lamarre-Condons mother, Colleen Lamarre, attended court to support her son on Tuesday and walked out of court without speaking to journalists. In his pre-policing days, Lamarre-Condon ran a celebrity blog, interviewing or posing with dozens of celebrities, including Taylor Swift. Advertisement The court heard the matter will next be heard in the Supreme Court on October 3 for arraignment. Lamarre-Condon has been fired from the NSW Police Force. Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here. Advertisement NationalNSWWorkplace culture This was published 3 months ago Steve Griffin was nicknamed Handsy by staff. It didnt hurt his career Jordan Baker August 27, 2025 5:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share The chief executive of Greyhound Racing NSW was nicknamed Handsy by staff in his previous job as head of the industry regulator, where he faced allegations of sexual harassment, a parliamentary committee has heard. A formal complaint alleged Steve Griffin put his hand on the bare shoulder of a woman at a Christmas party despite an office-wide email sent a week before warning that inappropriate and over-friendly touching would not be tolerated. But documents detailing the allegation were not handed to parliament, despite an order the regulator provide all paperwork relating to complaints about sexual harassment within the industry, including any involving staff at the regulator itself. The head of Greyhound Racing NSW Steve Griffin. At budget estimates in state parliament on Tuesday, Animal Justice MP Emma Hurst asked Racing Minister David Harris if he was aware of sexual harassment allegations against Griffin, the former head of Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) who moved to Greyhound Racing NSW in March. Advertisement Harris said he had been informed only very, very recently. Hurst also asked Harris whether he was aware that its well known that staff referred to Mr Griffin as Handsy, a nickname that was given to him because of his behaviour while he was the CEO of GWIC. Harris said he was unaware of the nickname. Related Article Exclusive NSW State Parliament Minister warned Greyhound Racing NSW over CEO conflict of interest Griffin was the chief executive officer of the industry regulator for six years, before moving to Greyhound Racing NSW the industrys commercial operator in March. Some MPs were concerned the appointment would create perceptions of a conflict of interest. This masthead is aware of a formal grievance lodged with GWIC by a staff member, who has since left, in December 2020 about Griffins conduct at that years Christmas party. The woman alleged he put his hand on her bare shoulder for an extended period, making her uncomfortable, and her discomfort was noticed by a third person. Advertisement Soon after the party, the woman met Griffin and a GWIC human resources officer to discuss the incident, notes from the meeting seen by the Herald show. The notes say Griffin thanked the woman for bringing the incident to his attention and apologised for making her uncomfortable, saying it wasnt his intention. The woman also alerted the organisations commissioners in writing. A week before the 2020 party, human resources had sent a general staff email about an anonymous staff survey in which people raised concerns about inappropriate comments and physical touching in an inappropriate or overly friendly manner by unidentified co-workers. Whilst I am not aware of any formal complaints in relation to this, I would like to make it clear that behaviour of this type will not be tolerated by the commission, the email said. In a statement, Griffin said he prided himself on his professionalism during his a 40-year career as a police officer, regulator and senior public servant. Advertisement He said the sole harassment allegation against him involved a woman at GWIC saying she felt uncomfortable when he touched her on the shoulder at the Christmas party. He said he raised it with human resources and with commissioners himself. The employee subsequently acknowledged that I meant nothing by it but it made her feel uncomfortable based upon her previous life experiences with other unknown people, he said. He denied any imputation of wrongful workplace behaviour and noted that the allegations were raised under parliamentary privilege, so standards of defamation do not apply. The woman wrote to Harris in June this year, concerned the incident was not produced for parliament after a call for all documents relating to sexual harassment in the industry. Harris wrote back on August 8, saying compliance with the order was a matter for GWIC. On Tuesday, Harris said his office had made inquiries about the harassment complaints and GWIC had provided it with a response. At this stage there was nothing more for us [the ministers office] to do, he said. Advertisement GWICs chief executive Matthew Tutt told the committee he hadnt heard about the allegations involving Griffin until Tuesday. When asked whether he had used the Handsy nickname himself, he said, I cannot recall ever doing that. Hurst also asked why the documentation relating to the allegations was not included in the call for papers for the upper house, which asked for all complaints about sexual harassment in the industry, including in GRNSW and GWIC. She told estimates it seemed like the regulator was acting to protect the chief executive of greyhound racing by excluding these documents from its response. You must admit that this looks problematic, she said. Harris said he had been told GWIC complied with the order. In a statement, GWIC said, The Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission provided all documents covered by the scope of the resolution. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalQueenslandMeasles outbreak This was published 3 months ago Measles alert issued south of Brisbane after traveller tests positive Catherine Strohfeldt August 26, 2025 7:38pm Save 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 A measles alert has been issued for communities south of Brisbane after health authorities confirmed a traveller retuning from Bali via Brisbane Airport last week was unknowingly infectious. West Moreton Public Health Unit said the patient from Boonah a community about 70 kilometres south-west of Brisbane had landed in Brisbane at 5.40am on Tuesday last week, on flight JQ60. The person then visited locations in Yamanto and Boonah across the week, before testing positive later in the week. The traveller arrived in Brisbane Airport last Tuesday while unknowningly infectious. J&A Photography Dr Catherine Quagliotto, Public Health Physician at West Moreton Health, said the airborne illness was highly contagious, and spread by droplets in coughs and sneezes. Advertisement She said that while this meant the locations did not pose any ongoing risk to people visiting them outside the indicated times, symptoms could take between seven and 10 days to appear. Early signs can include fever, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes, followed a few days later by a distinctive red, blotchy rash, Quagliotto said. The rash might take up to six days to appear, and patients are generally considered infectious five to six days before first symptoms appear. Queensland Health urged those experiencing symptoms to stay home and seek treatment where necessary. Potential exposure sites for measles in and near Brisbane Tuesday, August 19 Flight JQ60, which arrived in Brisbane from Bali at 5.40am Brisbane Airport, between 5.40am and 7.10am Yamanto Aldi, between 5.50pm and 6.40pm Saturday, August 23 Footes Pharmacy, Boonah, between 11.30am and 12.00pm Boonah Hospital emergency department, between 6.20pm and 11.20pm Advertisement Testing is available at GPs and some hospitals in Brisbane, although medical experts advised anyone who suspected they had measles to stay away from public spaces and call their doctor or a health professional for advice. Treatment for measles generally includes rest, keeping hydrated, and over-the-counter pain relief. Most people recover within four days of a rash appearing, and Quagliotto said that while complications are rare, measles can cause severe illness. Vaccination offers the best protection for both individuals and the community, she said. Queensland Health considers at-risk groups to be anyone who is unvaccinated and born after 1965, is immunocompromised, or who has never contracted measles. Advertisement Measles is often characterised by a rash that spreads across the body. Getty Images Most Australians are fully vaccinated against measles with a 93.8 per cent uptake in children over five with the government offering a free two-dose vaccine program for infants. The vaccine is also free for adults aged under 20, and anyone entering the country for humanitarian reasons that might need a catch-up vaccination. People who have previously contracted measles are unlikely to become reinfected. There is no booster shot for the MMR/MMRV vaccines. Advertisement Vaccination is not possible for people who might be pregnant, have a compromised immune system, or have had allergic reactions to any previous dose or component of a measles vaccine. More information on the disease is available by calling 13 HEALTH (13 432 584) or by visiting the Queensland Health website. Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert. Police say theyve charged a man over a hit-and-run in Perths south last night. Its alleged a 20-year-old man was walking on Steerforth Drive in Coodanup when he was hit by a white Hyundai Getz hatchback. Police allege the driver of the car hit him deliberately. The man was taken to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition. A 37-year-old, from Dudley Park in Mandurah, has been charged with causing bodily harm, failing to report an incident, failing to stop and for driving with a suspended license. He is due in Perth Magistrates Court tomorrow. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsFederalAntisemitism This was published 3 months ago Home Affairs pushed for Iranian terror listing more than two years ago Paul Sakkal, Brittany Busch and Nick Newling Updated August 27, 2025 6:22pm ,first published August 27, 2025 8:54am Save 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 Australias Home Affairs department wanted Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps listed as terrorists in the first 12 months of Labors first term, over a year before the Islamic republic recruited local criminal networks to launch antisemitic acts and foment tension in Australia. Bipartisanship over the shock news of Irans involvement in two and likely many more attacks lasted one day, as the Coalition on Wednesday attacked Labor for designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist outfit only after Tuesdays revelations. Iranian ambassador to Australia Ahmad Sadeghi leaves the embassy in Canberra on Wednesday. He has just days to depart Australia. Alex Ellinghausen On the same day Iranian ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi was spotted at Irans Canberra embassy, with only six days left before he has to leave the country, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese savaged Sussan Leys opposition for turning the crisis into an entirely inappropriate political game. But the opposition kept grilling Albanese on why Labor did not punish the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps when Iranian-Australians were telling the government they were being followed in the streets by Iranian spies during the January 2023 protests over the killing in Iran of a young Iranian woman, Mahsa Amini, for not wearing a hijab. Advertisement Two senior sources said the Home Affairs Department believed at that time that the revolutionary guards should be proscribed as a terror outfit, as it was in the US. The sources, familiar with thinking inside the government, said the Attorney-Generals Department objected to the change because laws as they stand do not allow a group connected to a government to be listed. Mike Pezzullo, the former home affairs boss, led the security department at the time before being sacked for wielding undue influence. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was also at the time opposed to listing the group at the time, as they wished to maintain a diplomatic relationship with Irans autocratic regime, including communicating on behalf of the US. The government this week decided it would rewrite the criminal code to allow the terrorism listing after ASIO confirmed that Iran was directing antisemitic attacks on Australian soil. Advertisement We act by taking the advice of ASIO, as well as the Australian Federal Police. We got the advice on Monday morning and acted as soon as possible, Albanese said in parliament. What were seeing here [from the Coalition] is a political response, which is entirely inappropriate. Government sources said the legal change required to list the corps was complex and might take weeks. In response to questions about this story, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said: This couldnt be done without changing the law. Weve now had an attack on Australian soil, and were changing the law. As Irans ambassador to Australia, Sadegh had already drawn attention for praising slain Hezbollah terror boss Hassan Nasrallah as a remarkable leader. Sadegh was given notice to leave Australia on Tuesday, the first ambassador to be expelled from Australia since World War II. Advertisement Sadegh moved between his residence and the embassy on Wednesday, and has until next Tuesday to leave the country. He did not take questions, and Australian intelligence officials believe the embassy was not involved in commissioning the antisemitic attacks. Three Iranian diplomats will remain in Irans embassy in Canberra after this week, to assist Iranian Australians with visa requests. Senator Claire Chandler. Alex Ellinghausen Coalition senator Claire Chandler, who led a Senate inquiry that called for the revolutionary guards to be listed in 2023, obtained documents under freedom of information that she said proved Labor considered listing them at the time. The documents seen by this masthead show a redacted nomination form and a statement of reasons, which Chandler claimed were a demonstration that the government was mulling a terror designation. Liberal frontbencher Julian Leeser, said Labor was slow to move on Iran, though he did not say how a terror listing could have prevented the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue and kosher catering business in Sydney. Advertisement In February 2023 I stood at this dispatch box and I offered the oppositions support two and a half years ago, Leeser said in parliament. [Labor] never get it right. They always need to be dragged kicking and screaming into doing the right thing. Related Article Foreign relations Iran embassy staff dash for exit after a day not seen in Australia since World War II Home affairs spokesman Andrew Hastie said on Wednesday he pushed for the change in the last Coalition government and it wasnt listed but here we are, the world has changed. An Israeli government spokesman overnight suggested that the revelation of Iranian state involvement in the attacks had been prompted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus personal criticism of Albanese last week. Advertisement [Netanyahu] made those comments because he did not believe that the actions of the Australian government had gone anywhere near far enough to address the issues of antisemitism, David Mencer said. Iran denied involvement in the attacks and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi accused Albanese of appeasing Israel. Iran is paying the price for the Australian peoples support for Palestine, he claimed on social media, without evidence. He claimed the move would embolden Israel. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Analysis PoliticsFederalInternational affairs This was published 3 months ago Shock tactics: Why Albanese had to send the Iranians packing James Massola August 26, 2025 3:58pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share The expulsion of Irans ambassador to Australia, Ahmad Sadeghi, marks a shocking new low in diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. It also highlights just how serious the crisis of antisemitism has become in Australia, after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and spy chief Mike Burgess revealed that Iran was involved in directing two antisemitic attacks in Australia, at the Adass Synagogue in Melbourne and the Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney. Loading Diplomatic expulsions of any sort are extraordinarily rare. In the cautious world of diplomacy, there are usually multiple steps that are taken before expulsion, including carefully worded protests, diplomatic demarches (essentially an ambassador getting a dressing down from a foreign minister) and even dispatching an ambassador to their home country for a spell to signal discontent. Advertisement A 2022 Parliamentary Library research paper highlights just how rare expulsions are. Since 1983, a handful of lower-ranking Russian, Iraqi and Syrian diplomats have been expelled after being suspected of spying, while one South African and one Israeli were also sent packing. But as Albanese made clear, this is the first time in the post-war period that Australia has expelled an ambassador. ASIO boss Mike Burgess and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a press conference at Parliament House on Tuesday. Alex Ellinghausen By booting out Sadeghi and three other Iranian officials, the federal government has skipped all the interim steps available to it and gone straight to the diplomatic equivalent of the nuclear option. This suggests two things. Advertisement First, that ASIO boss Mike Burgess is absolutely certain of the intelligence to hand, which showed Iran used third parties both in and outside Australia, with some links to criminal organisations, to direct and put into effect two of the most serious antisemitic attacks in Australia in years. Burgess also said that investigations are ongoing and that Iran may have had a role in other attacks. Related Article Updated Antisemitism Ambassador expelled, terror law changes: Irans brazen antisemitic attacks on Australian soil Second, it underscores the fact that the governments rhetoric about wanting to stamp out antisemitism and ensure social cohesion despite the criticism it has faced from sections of the Jewish community, the federal opposition, and the Israeli government is genuine. Government concerns about foreign interference in Australias domestic politics and civil society have been growing for close to a decade, and former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull introduced tougher laws that sought to tackle foreign powers interfering in Australian society. Burgess warned in his 2022 threat assessment speech that espionage and foreign interference has supplanted terrorism as our principal security concern, while in his 2023 speech he said a hive of spies from an unnamed foreign country, later revealed to be Russia, had been disrupted and deported. Advertisement But there is a big difference between deporting a low-ranking Russian apparatchik and expelling a nations chief diplomat. This is also Albaneses clearest signal of how serious his government is about tackling antisemitism at its source. The Iranian embassy has been given seven days to get out of the country. Alex Ellinghausen Australias Jewish community has been sounding the alarm about the rise of antisemitism in this country ever since the October 7, 2023 attacks. It was only a week ago that Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labelled Albanese weak and castigated him for abandoning Australias Jewish community, after Albanese announced Australia was joining like-minded allies and moving towards recognising a Palestinian state. Advertisement Todays move was not weak. Australia and Iran are neither allies nor major trading partners. There is a small Iranian-born diaspora in Australia of about 85,000 people, though its likely that many of those Iranian-Australians are fierce opponents of the vicious theocracy that has ruled Iran since the 1979 revolution that deposed the Shah. The practical effect on the Australian economy and the diplomatic relationship may not matter much. Advertisement But symbolically, the expulsion of Sadeghi is a big deal because of the message it sends to Iran, and other nations such as China and Russia engaged in foreign interference operations on Australian soil, that they will be called out and publicly humiliated if caught. Australia might be on the other side of the world to the Middle East, but these Iranian influence operations are a reminder that we are on the front lines when it comes to foreign interference. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsQueenslandQueensland government This was published 3 months ago LNP accuses Labor of distraction as top doctor hiring saga deepens Matt Dennien August 26, 2025 12:04pm Save 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 5 View all comments The news Health Minister Tim Nicholls has accused Labor of trying to distract from its own health legacy with continued questions about the reversed selection of a new chief health officer. The comments in parliament during the first sitting of MPs since before the budget in June came as the premier said the role would not be right for the merit-selected candidate. Labor also used parliamentary question time to raise a detail from what was described as a whistleblower that the governments stated concern with the candidate had been addressed. Labor have been trying to distract for weeks in relation to the Chief Health Officer recruitment process, said Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls. Matt Dennien Advertisement Why it matters Dr Krispin Hajkowicz is seeking legal advice after his appointment as Dr John Gerrards successor was abruptly scuttled by the government, despite his selection through the merit-based process run by recruitment agency HardyGroup. It was not the first time Hajkowicz had been selected as CHO the former Labor government appointed him to the role in 2021, but he decided not to take up it up just days before his official start date, citing personal reasons. Premier David Crisafulli has cited this as the reason he raised concerns with Queensland Health Director-General David Rosengren, who was responsible for the appointment, while denying he directed the bureaucrat. The government has denied it intervened for reasons related to a Save Victoria Park sign recently displayed at Hajkowiczs house, or the historical display of a Greens election corflute, known to some in the LNP. Advertisement What they said Giving a statement to parliament before question time on Tuesday, Nicholls sought to get ahead of the looming questions from Labor. We can expect today that Labor will try to distract from their decade of decline, he said. Labor have been trying to distract for weeks in relation to the Chief Health Officer recruitment process, trying their hardest, selling their little stories, trying to get this story up. Advertisement Related Article Queensland government Not an explanation: Integrity expert questions top doc dumping account Nicholls then confirmed that the recruitment was a decision for Rosengren alone, and the appointment of the chief health officer is not considered by cabinet. Crisafulli was asked in question time why he sought to influence Rosengren, an accusation he did not deny. He reiterated that the government deemed Hajkowicz unfit because he had withdrawn from the role in 2021. I dont think it would be acceptable for the state, in a forward-facing role like this, to put the individual there, and I dont think itd be right for him either I dont believe that Dr Hajkowicz is suitable for that role, Crisafulli said. Labor frontbencher Shannon Fentiman cited whistleblower information that the recruitment panel considered the previous withdrawal, which Hajkowicz said at the time was for personal reasons, and still selected him. Advertisement Another perspective Centre For Public Integrity director Geoffrey Watson SC told this masthead last week the responses offered from government so far were not an explanation and appeared to be trying to paint a political call in a different light. The government should explain why that person has now not got the job, Watson said in an interview, noting that political interference in a public sector appointment should never happen. Hajkowicz, a senior infectious diseases specialist employed at the state government-run Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital, has declined to comment on the matter as he considers his legal options. Deputy Opposition Leader Cameron Dick has said the party was considering its own options, including a potential referral to the states corruption watchdog. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Polymarket, the world's largest prediction market, today announced that Donald Trump Jr. has joined Polymarket's advisory board, and that 1789 Capital has made a strategic investment in the company. Terms of the investment were not disclosed. 1789 Capital is a pioneering investment firm dedicated to funding the next era of American exceptionalism. Mr. Trump Jr., a partner at 1789 Capital, brings decades of experience in forward-thinking business innovation and strategic perspective to Polymarket's advisory board as the company looks to continue driving global adoption of prediction markets. The power of this investment, coupled with the additional expertise to Polymarket's advisory board, further powers an effort to expand its footprint as the go-to platform for accurate, real-time insights into public sentiment on topics ranging from politics and economics to culture and global events. "This strategic investment marks a significant milestone for Polymarket. Our long-term partnership with 1789 Capital will help reinforce Polymarket's leading position as a trusted source of free, transparent and accurate market information in the U.S. and around the world," said Shayne Coplan, Founder and CEO of Polymarket. "We are proud to formally welcome 1789 Capital as a strategic partner and Donald Trump Jr. to our advisory board as we continue building our platform to reflect real-world sentiment, in real time, for all to see." "Polymarket is the largest prediction market in the world, and the U.S. needs access to this important platform," said Donald Trump Jr. "Polymarket cuts through media spin and so-called 'expert' opinion by letting people bet on what they actually believe will happen in the world. I am pleased that 1789 Capital is investing in Polymarket and am honored to join the company's advisory board. I look forward to working with the team to advance its mission of bringing truth and transparency to everyone including the U.S." "1789 Capital looks to invest in companies that are entrepreneurial, innovative, and demonstrate great potential for growth. Polymarket meets each of these criteria," said Omeed Malik, Founder of 1789 Capital. "Polymarket stands at the intersection of free expression and financial innovation by empowering individuals with real-time truth in a world clouded by noise, and we are proud to support its vision." Most recently, Polymarket completed the $112 million acquisition of QCEX, a CFTC-licensed exchange and clearinghouse, paving the way for its re-entry into the U.S. market. The company also announced a partnership with as its Official Prediction Market Partner. Since its launch in 2020, Polymarket has experienced tremendous growth as it has emerged as a vital source of trusted real-time information around the world. In the first half of 2025 alone, users have already made about $6 billion in predictions on the platform. To explore live markets and stay ahead of the curve, visit polymarket.com. About Polymarket Polymarket is the world's largest prediction market. On Polymarket, traders predict the outcome of future events and win when they are right. As traders react to breaking news in real-time, market prices are the best gauge of the likelihood of events occurring. Institutions, individuals, and the media rely on these forecasts to report the news and better understand the future. Across politics, current events, pop culture, and more, billions of dollars of predictions have been made so far on Polymarket in 2025. About 1789 Capital Founded in 2022 by Omeed Malik and Chris Buskirk, 1789 Capital is an investment firm that focuses on providing financing to companies in the budding Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Growth ("EIG") economy, which is driving the next era of American prosperity. The firm is based in Palm Beach, Florida. Contact [email protected] SOURCE Polymarket BOSTON, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Simply Business, LLC , the leading digital insurance marketplace for small businesses, today released The Power of One: 2025 Solopreneur Report, offering insights into America's one-person business owners. The inaugural proprietary survey of over 1,000 Simply Business solopreneur customers illuminates the emotional, financial, and technological factors underpinning this vital and growing segment of the U.S. small business market. According to the , there are nearly 30 million solopreneur businesses, underscoring their influence on the economy. The Power of One report explores what it takes to build and maintain a business of one in today's environment. Key Findings Solopreneurs are purpose-driven, but under pressure More than half (53%) started their business fueled by passion, yet 61% underestimated the challenge of managing every aspect alone. Flexibility and autonomy remain key motivators, yet personal sacrifices are common 42% have given up time with family and friends, and over one-third (34%) have considered giving up on their business due to financial stress or emotional burnout. Despite these pressures, nearly half (49%) prioritize maintaining work-life balance as a key goal for the year ahead. Solopreneurs face financial uncertainty, yet remain optimistic Nearly half (48%) have experienced a month or more without income, and the majority (68%) have less than six months of savings or no safety net. Still, 58% feel financially secure about their business, and optimism runs high with 76% confident their business will grow in the next year and 79% optimistic about the future of their business. In fact, 72% list growing revenue or sales as their top goal, underscoring a determined focus on business success despite ongoing financial challenges. Solopreneurs are leveraging technology, but have room to grow Over half (53%) use marketing and social media tools to grow their business, while 39% rely on accounting or finance apps. Less than a quarter have adopted AI or automation tools to streamline operations. One in five choose to navigate business challenges independently, without any external support. "Solopreneurs face a different set of challenges than other business owners, and we understand the complexities of their environment," said Samantha Roady, U.S. CEO of Simply Business. "This report showcases that despite the pressures and uncertainties that come with running a business on their own, these entrepreneurs have a resilient spirit and an optimistic outlook. We're proud to support this purpose-driven group and help them find the insurance solutions that best fit their unique needs." Tailored Solutions for Solopreneurs Simply Business provides tailored insurance coverages that give solopreneurs the confidence to keep growing. From convenient package products to standalone policies for property, general liability, workers' compensation, cyber and more, the marketplace helps solopreneurs protect against a wide range of risks. Read the full report, along with additional data and resources: http://simplybusiness.com/solopreneur-report Methodology The report is based on a survey conducted by Simply Business in June 2025. The survey gathered insights from 1,023 solopreneurs across various industries and geographic locations within the United States. Respondents were carefully selected to ensure a representative sample of the diverse solopreneur community. The data collected was analyzed to identify key trends, challenges, motivations, and outlooks, providing a robust overview of the current 2025 solopreneur landscape. About Simply Business Simply Business is dedicated to making small business insurance simple and accessible. The company's robust digital marketplace allows small business owners to find and buy the insurance they need online, matching them with coverage from multiple top carriers to offer transparency, choice, and value. Simply Business's product offering includes general liability, professional liability, business owner's policy, workers' compensation, cyber insurance, and more. An insurtech pioneer, Simply Business has nearly 20 years of experience supporting the needs of small businesses, with over one million active customers. Founded in the UK in 2005, Simply Business launched its U.S. operations in 2017 and today employs over 1,000 people across offices in London and Northampton in the UK and Boston in the U.S. Media Contact: Jillian Reid [email protected] SOURCE Simply Business By Grainne Ni Aodha and Cillian Sherlock, PA A pro-Palestine protest has been held outside Government departments over the Central Bank of Irelands role in approving Israel Bonds for sale in the EU. The demonstration, organised by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, began outside Government Buildings in Dublin on Tuesday evening where speeches were made. It marched to the Department of Foreign Affairs at Iveagh House, pausing briefly outside the Department of Finance. Dr Bridget Kiely, from Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine, after addressing a pro-Palestine protest outside Government Buildings in Dublin (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA) Dr Bridget Kiely, from Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine, told the crowd that medicide, the eradication of healthcare provision, had become normalised during Israels military operation in the Gaza Strip. She raised the stories of healthcare workers in Gaza who had been killed and who were working in conditions with limited medicine and food supplies. Up until the last decade, attacks on healthcare facilities were rare and generated public outcry, Dr Kiely said. Prior to the war in Gaza, Russias invasion of Ukraine was the deadliest conflict for healthcare workers, with 261 healthcare workers killed. There are sanctions on Russia. Israel has killed over six times that number of healthcare workers in Gaza. There are no sanctions on Israel. She called on the Irish people to ask their pharmacies for alternatives to medicines made by Israeli firms. Labour TD Ciaran Ahern said the governor of the Central Bank Gabriel Makhlouf must refuse the prospectus which is due for renewal on September 2nd. Our Central Bank is complicit in Israels genocide against the Palestinians, this must end, he told the crowd. Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli air strike in the northern Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel (Leo Correa/AP) The Central Bank of Ireland is the designated authority in relation to the sale of Israel Bonds in the EU, and has determined the securities meet the standards of the blocs prospectus regulations. Israel Bonds have been advertised as supporting the countrys economy and, more recently, websites promoting the securities emphasise their role in supporting Israels military operations in Gaza. Protesters and opposition parties have said the bonds are intended to fund the war in Gaza, and approving them is tantamount to complicity with the genocide of the Palestinian people. The Central Bank has said regulations require that it approves prospectuses that meet standards of completeness, consistency and comprehensibility. Activists have also called on the Government to pass a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements. Irelands coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and a group of Independents committed to passing a ban on goods alone from the occupied Palestinian territories in its programme for government completed in January. However, a cross-party committee recommended that the importation of services from occupied Palestinian territories should also be banned. Earlier, Tanaiste Simon Harris said collective EU action against Israel is long overdue. Mr Harris, who is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs, said there are clear, concrete measures the EU can take. He was responding to an RTE News report that 206 former European ambassadors and officials had signed a letter calling on the EU to step up action against Israel over a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Describing the letter as a vital, unprecedented intervention, Mr Harris added: If we dont take collective action now against the backdrop of famine, when will we? Collective EU action could make a powerful difference. Aardmans clay superstar Morph, created by Peter Lord and David Sproxton, found himself at the center of a terrorism arrest earlier this month when protester Miles Pickering was detained for wearing a spoof Plasticine Action T-shirt featuring the character and an anti-artificial intelligence message. The incident unfolded on August 9 at a Parliament Square demonstration against the U.K. governments ban on the activist group Palestine Action. Among the 532 people arrested was Pickering, whose shirt carried the words Plasticine Action, strikingly similar to the banned Palestine Action slogan, and a cheerful image of Morph giving two thumbs up. Beneath the mock logo appeared the line: We Oppose AI-Generated Animation. Animators and artists rights are of huge concern to us with the threat of AI changing the landscape of our beloved art forever, a Plasticine Action spokesperson told Cartoon Brew when asked about the groups initial goals for the T-shirt design. We stand with animators and artists across the world to fight this threat and protect the industry as best as we can. That, however, is not the message received by a Met police officer, who mistakenly took the parody for the insignia of the banned group, and arrested Pickering under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. At a temporary booking site outside Scotland Yard, senior officers reviewed the case and swiftly concluded that the shirt did not, in fact, express support for a proscribed organization. Pickering was released shortly afterwards, with the arresting officer reportedly conceding that the error was embarrassing. What might have been an awkward misunderstanding quickly turned into a moment of comic relief. As Pickering was led away, fellow protesters laughed and snapped photos of him pointing proudly at Morph on his chest. Everyone was laughing at how silly it was that I was getting arrested for being a plasticine terrorist, he later told The Guardian. Since then, the T-shirt has taken on a life of its own. The Plasticine Action team has reproduced the design to raise money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, with sales of 4215 units reaching 75 countries. He expects to see plenty of Morphs face at the next protest on September 6. For animators, the sight of Morph inadvertently causing trouble with the law carries a certain symmetry. A character whose shorts were synonymous with playful rebellion for nearly half a century has, once again, been caught making authority look just a little bit silly. Sign up to get our news digest delivered directly to your inbox twice a week. Toronto-based WildBrain Ltd. announced it will shutter its Canadian broadcast business including Family Channel, Family Jr., WildBrainTV, and Telemagino after failing to secure renewed carriage agreements with major distributors. The decision follows a Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) ruling that rejected WildBrains claim of undue disadvantage from Rogers Communications, one of Canadas largest telecom and media companies. With both Rogers and Bell another dominant Canadian telecom and broadcaster set to drop the channels, the company determined the networks are no longer commercially viable. Family Channel (aimed at families), Family Jr. (preschoolers), WildBrainTV (kids six to 15), and Telemagino (French-language kids) will close after Rogers removes them in the coming months, a WildBrain spokesperson told Kidscreen. No precise shutdown date has been announced. The closures also mark the collapse of a previously announced deal to sell a majority stake in the broadcast business to Canadian studio IoM Media Ventures for roughly US$28 million (CAD$40 million). With the value of the channels diminished by the loss of carriage contracts, WildBrain confirmed the sale would no longer proceed. WildBrain will surrender its channel licenses to the CRTC and, freed from Canadian ownership restrictions under the Broadcasting Act, will simplify its shareholder structure. Eliminating its variable voting system will give foreign and domestic investors equal weight, creating a more globalized unit. WildBrain president and CEO Josh Scherba said in a release: For nearly four decades, Family Channel has been a trusted destination for Canadian kids and families. Were incredibly proud of the legacy weve builtthanks to our loyal viewers, dedicated television employees, and the many talented Canadian producers weve partnered with. Family Channel was not only a cultural fixture but also an active commissioner of new Canadian programming. The network recently co-commissioned the Canada-New Zealand-U.K. animated co-production Badjelly and acquired other animated series, including Lana Longbeard, Open Season: Call of Nature, and Summer Memories. While the broadcast exit closes a significant chapter, Scherba emphasized that the impact on the companys broader business is minimal. WildBrains other pillars content creation, audience engagement, and global licensing remain strong. In its most recent Q3 2025 report, the company reported revenue of US$128.4 million, representing a 42% year-over-year increase. The closure marks the end of one of Canadas most influential kids TV networks, but underscores WildBrains pivot toward a digital-first, IP-driven future powered by properties like Peanuts and Strawberry Shortcake. Advertisement Total shipments of Portland and blended cement, including imports, in the US and Puerto Rico amounted to 8.912Mt in May, down 7.5 per cent YoY from the 9.638Mt recorded in May 2024. Excluding for sales to Puerto Rico and overseas territories, cement consumption in the US fell 7.5 per cent YoY in May, coming in at 8.8Mt, compared to 9.512Mt a year earlier. The key consuming states were, in descending order, Texas, California, Florida, Ohio and Illinois. Blended cement shipments amounted to 5.803Mt in May, up 7.8 per cent YoY from 5.383Mt a year earlier, with Florida the leading consumer. Masonry cement shipments amounted to 189,695t, down 6.5 per cent YoY from 202,808t a year earlier, with Florida the leading consumer. Clinker production, excluding Puerto Rico, saw a 1.1 per cent YoY decline in May to 6.385Mt. The key producing states for Portland and blended cement were, in descending order, Texas, Missouri, California, Florida and Michigan. Imports of cement and clinker amounted to 2.505Mt in May, up 0.1 per cent YoY from 2.502Mt in May 2024. Imported clinker amounted to 32,888t, down from 137,730t in May 2024. January-May 2025 Total shipments of Portland and blended cement, including imports, in the US and Puerto Rico amounted to 37.863Mt in January-May 2025, down 5.6 per cent YoY from the 40.117Mt recorded in the same period of 2024. Excluding for sales to Puerto Rico and overseas territories, cement consumption in the US was six per cent lower YtD, coming in at 37.286Mt, compared to 39.658t a year earlier. Blended cement shipments amounted to 23.601Mt in 5M25, up 8.2 per cent YoY from 21.808Mt in 5M24. Masonry cement shipments amounted to 859,720t in 5M25, down eight per cent YoY from 934,752t in 5M24. Clinker production, excluding Puerto Rico, saw a 9.8 per cent YoY decline to 24.506Mt from 27.177Mt. Imports of cement and clinker amounted to 9.805Mt in 5M25, down 4.7 per cent YoY from 10.284Mt in the same period of 2024. Imported clinker amounted to 277,443t, down 25.1 per cent YoY from 370,389t in January-April 2024. Brazil coffee JV more than doubled operating profit with sales growth of 33%, leading improvement in Group operating profit[1] PETAH TIKVA, Israel, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Strauss Group Ltd. (TASE: STRS) reported its financial statements for the second quarter and first half of 2025, that ended June 30, 2025. Shai Babad, CEO and President of Strauss Group: "In the second quarter, we continued our growth momentum across all our global activities. I would like to express my gratitude to our people for their dedication and sense of mission as we navigated ongoing challenges posed by the war in Israel and maintained business continuity during the conflict with Iran. Our coffee JV in Brazil continue to deliver strong results, with sustained growth and improved profitability. In Israel, we have maintained innovation within our core brands, and our water business continued to expand in Israel, China, and the UK. As part of the ongoing implementation of our group strategy, we continued to drive productivity initiatives and remain committed to generating new growth engines and innovation, both in Israel and globally." Highlights [2] : Strong growth in Strauss Group sales led by higher pricing in the Coffee International segment Higher Group EBIT achieved mainly from the Coffee International segment and profitability improvement in the Health & Wellness segment Strauss Israel: Higher sales and EBIT led by the Health & Wellness segment Coffee International: Significant revenue and profit growth in international coffee operations, with marked improvement in Brazil Lower Group Net Income due to higher financial expenses mainly due to Shekel appreciation and higher tax expenses due to profit mix Aa1.il rating affirmed with upgraded outlook from Negative to Stable by Midroog (Moody's affiliate) Successful expansion of bonds series F with net proceeds of NIS 461m, with high investor interest Improved market share in most categories in the Group Table 1. Financial Performance Summary (Non-GAAP): NIS million Q2-2025 Q2-2024 % Change % Change excl. FX H1-2025 H1-2024 % Change % Change excl. FX Group Sales 3,073 2,754 11.5 % 15.5 % 6,063 5,343 13.5 % 18.1 % Gross Profit 868 841 3.2 % 5.9 % 1,649 1,715 -3.9 % -1.0 % Gross margin 28.3 % 30.5 % 27.2 % 32.1 % Operating Profit (EBIT) 245 151 60.8 % 64.8 % 426 355 19.8 % 21.7 % EBIT margin 8.0 % 5.5 % 7.0 % 6.7 % Net Income attributable to shareholders 80 83 -1.8 % 0.7 % 153 242 -36.7 % -35.7 % Net margin 2.6 % 3.0 % 2.5 % 4.5 % EPS 0.69 0.71 -1.9 % 1.31 2.07 -36.7 % EBITDA 349 262 32.4 % 631 580 8.6 % EBITDA margin 11.3 % 9.6 % 10.4 % 10.9 % Free Cash Flow -89 -119 25.0 % 14.7 % -584 -397 -46.7 % -63.3 % Second Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights: The Group's sales grew by approximately 11.5% to NIS 3.1 billion , with growth excluding FX of approximately 15.5%, y-o-y. grew by approximately 11.5% to , with growth excluding FX of approximately 15.5%, y-o-y. Operating profit increased by approximately 60.8% to NIS 245 million , representing 8.0% of sales, in comparison to operating profit of approximately NIS 151 million , 5.5% of sales. increased by approximately 60.8% to , representing 8.0% of sales, in comparison to operating profit of approximately , 5.5% of sales. Net profit attributable to shareholders declined by approximately 1.8% to NIS 80 million , 2.6% of sales, in comparison to profit of approximately NIS 83 million , 3.0% of sales. attributable to shareholders declined by approximately 1.8% to , 2.6% of sales, in comparison to profit of approximately , 3.0% of sales. Negative free cash flow of NIS 89 million , compared to negative free cash flow of NIS 119 million . First Half 2025 Financial Highlights: The Group's sales grew by approximately 13.5% to NIS 6.1 billion , with growth excluding FX reaching approximately 18.1%. grew by approximately 13.5% to , with growth excluding FX reaching approximately 18.1%. Operating profit increased by approximately 19.8% to NIS 426 million , representing 7.0% of sales, compared to profit of approximately NIS 355 million , 6.7% of sales. increased by approximately 19.8% to , representing 7.0% of sales, compared to profit of approximately , 6.7% of sales. Net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by approximately 36.7% to NIS 153 million , representing 2.5% of sales, compared to profit of approximately NIS 242 million , 4.5% of sales. attributable to shareholders decreased by approximately 36.7% to , representing 2.5% of sales, compared to profit of approximately , 4.5% of sales. Negative free cash flow of NIS 584 million , in comparison to negative free cash flow of NIS 397 million . Segment Q2 & H1 Financial Highlights Table 2. Sales Summary by Operating Segment (Non-GAAP): NIS million Q2-2025 Q2-2024 % Change % Change excl. FX H1-2025 H1-2024 % Change % Change excl. FX Group Sales 3,073 2,754 11.5 % 15.5 % 6,063 5,343 13.5 % 18.1 % Strauss Israel 1,319 1,212 8.9 % 8.9 % 2,715 2,521 7.7 % 7.7 % Health & Wellness 806 754 6.8 % N.M. 1,548 1,485 4.2 % N.M. Fun & Indulgence (Snacks and Confectionary) (2) 301 271 11.0 % N.M. 695 632 10.0 % N.M. Fun & Indulgence (Coffee Israel) (2) 212 187 14.0 % N.M. 472 404 16.9 % N.M. Strauss International Coffee(2) 1,536 1,205 27.4 % 37.5 % 2,924 2,159 35.4 % 49.3 % Strauss Water(2) 218 210 3.9 % N.M. 424 403 5.3 % N.M. Other(3) 0 127 0 260 (1) The data presented in this document are based on the company's non-GAAP figures, which include the proportionate consolidation of jointly controlled entities and exclude the following: share-based payments; end-of-period mark-to-market valuations of open financial derivative positions used for commodity hedging; timing adjustments for gains and losses from commodity derivatives, which are deferred until the related inventory is sold to third parties and/or the derivative is exercised; other net income and expenses; and the related tax effects, unless stated otherwise. All changes are in comparison with the corresponding period last year, unless stated otherwise. (2) Fun & Indulgence (Snacks and Confectionery) figures include Strauss's 50% interest in the salty snacks business. International Coffee figures include Strauss's 50% interest in the Tres Coracoes joint venture (3C) in Brazil (a company jointly held by the Group (50%) and by the local Sao Miguel Group (50%)). (3) Comparative figures include the data for Sabra and Obela (based on 50%), which were sold during 2024. Note: Financial data were rounded to the nearest NIS million. Percentages changes were calculated based on the exact figures in NIS thousands. The figures for total International Dips & Spreads were derived from the exact figures for Sabra and Obela, in NIS thousands. Table 3. Operating Profit Summary by Operating Segment (Non-GAAP): NIS million Q2-2025 Q2-2024 % Change % Change excl. FX H1-2025 H1-2024 % Change % Change excl. FX Group Operating Profit (EBIT) 245 151 60.8 % 64.8 % 426 355 19.8 % 21.7 % EBIT margin 8.0 % 5.5 % 7.0 % 6.7 % Strauss Israel 135 99 37.1 % 37.1 % 248 250 -0.9 % -0.9 % EBIT margin 10.3 % 8.2 % 9.1 % 9.9 % Health & Wellness 113 92 23.4 % N.M. 201 166 21.1 % N.M. EBIT margin 14.0 % 12.2 % 13.0 % 11.2 % Fun & Indulgence (Snacks and Confectionary) (2) 1 -12 N.M. N.M. -15 30 N.M. N.M. EBIT margin 0.5 % -4.1 % -2.1 % 4.8 % Fun & Indulgence (Coffee Israel) (2) 21 19 14.7 % N.M. 62 54 15.3 % N.M. EBIT margin 10.1 % 10.1 % 13.2 % 13.4 % Strauss International Coffee 102 61 67.0 % N.M. 157 99 58.2 % N.M. EBIT margin 6.7 % 5.1 % 5.4 % 4.6 % Strauss Water 26 25 4.0 % N.M. 52 49 6.3 % N.M. EBIT margin 12.1 % 12.0 % 12.3 % 12.1 % Other -18 -34 -43.7 % N.M. -31 -43 -27.2 % N.M. EBIT margin N.M. -26.8 % N.M. -16.5 % (1) The data presented in this document are based on the company's non-GAAP figures, which include the proportionate consolidation of jointly controlled entities and exclude the following: share-based payments; end-of-period mark-to-market valuations of open financial derivative positions used for commodity hedging; timing adjustments for gains and losses from commodity derivatives, which are deferred until the related inventory is sold to third parties and/or the derivative is exercised; other net income and expenses; and the related tax effects, unless stated otherwise. All changes are in comparison with the corresponding period last year, unless stated otherwise. (2) Fun & Indulgence (Snacks and Confectionery) figures include Strauss's 50% interest in the salty snacks business. International Coffee figures include Strauss's 50% interest in the Tres Coracoes joint venture (3C) in Brazil (a company jointly held by the Group (50%) and by the local Sao Miguel Group (50%)). Strauss Water EBIT figures include Strauss's interest in Haier Strauss Water (HSW) in China (49%). (3) Comparative figures include the data for Sabra and Obela (based on 50%), which were sold during 2024. (4) The decrease to a loss of approximately 49 million shekels in the Fun & Indulgence (Snacks and sweets) is mainly due to a one-time loss in derivative activities. Note: Financial data were rounded to the nearest NIS million. Percentages changes were calculated based on the exact figures in NIS thousands. The figures for total International Dips & Spreads were derived from the exact figures for Sabra and Obela, in NIS thousands. Strauss Israel Strauss Israel sales in Q2-2025 reached NIS 1.32 billion , up 8.9%, y-o-y. EBIT increased by 37.1% to NIS 135 million , 10.3% of sales. In H1-2025 sales increased by 7.7% to NIS 2.72 billion , EBIT decreased by 0.9% to NIS 248 million , 9.1% of sales. The increase in sales is mainly attributed to higher quantities, sales mix and pricing. Higher EBIT in Q2-2025 was achieved following lower operating expenses which offset the impact of higher cocoa and coffee prices, supporting H1-2025 EBIT, which was also impacted by realization of non-recurring loss of NIS 49m on cocoa derivatives in Q1-2025. The group realized non-recurring loss on cocoa derivatives amounting to NIS 49 million in Q1-2025 and NIS 27 million in Q2-2024. Excluding these losses, Strauss Israel EBIT for Q2-24 would have totaled NIS 126m (10.4% margin), for H1-25 Strauss Israel EBIT would have totaled NIS 297m (10.9% margin) and in H1-24, NIS 277m (11.0% margin). sales in Q2-2025 reached , up 8.9%, y-o-y. increased by 37.1% to , 10.3% of sales. In H1-2025 sales increased by 7.7% to , decreased by 0.9% to , 9.1% of sales. The increase in sales is mainly attributed to higher quantities, sales mix and pricing. Higher EBIT in Q2-2025 was achieved following lower operating expenses which offset the impact of higher cocoa and coffee prices, supporting H1-2025 EBIT, which was also impacted by realization of non-recurring loss of on cocoa derivatives in Q1-2025. The group realized non-recurring loss on cocoa derivatives amounting to in Q1-2025 and in Q2-2024. Excluding these losses, Strauss Israel EBIT for Q2-24 would have totaled (10.4% margin), for H1-25 Strauss Israel EBIT would have totaled (10.9% margin) and in H1-24, (11.0% margin). Health & Wellness segment sales in Q2-2025 reached NIS 806 million , up 6.8% y-o-y, while the segment's operating profit increased by 23.4% to NIS 113 million , 14.0% of sales. In H1-2025 sales reached NIS 1,548 million , up 4.2% y-o-y, while the segment's operating profit increased by 21.1%, reaching NIS 201 million , 13.0% of sales. Sales were supported by improved sales mix and higher quantities, while the Group continued with the implementation of productivity initiatives, despite the higher milk target price. sales in Q2-2025 reached , up 6.8% y-o-y, while the segment's operating profit increased by 23.4% to , 14.0% of sales. In H1-2025 sales reached , up 4.2% y-o-y, while the segment's operating profit increased by 21.1%, reaching , 13.0% of sales. Sales were supported by improved sales mix and higher quantities, while the Group continued with the implementation of productivity initiatives, despite the higher milk target price. Fun & Indulgence (Snacks and Confectionery) segment sales in Q2-2025 reached NIS 301 million , up 11.0% y-o-y, while the segment's operating profit recovered from NIS 12 million loss to NIS 1 million , 0.5% of sales. In H1-2025 sales reached NIS 695 million , up 10.0% y-o-y, while recording an operating loss of NIS 15 million . Sales were supported by higher quantities, improved sales mix and higher pricing, while EBIT was impacted by higher cocoa prices, moderated by productivity initiatives. Excluding losses on cocoa derivatives, as noted above, F&I EBIT for Q2-24 would have totaled NIS 15m (5.9% margin), for H1-25 F&I EBIT would have totaled NIS 34m (4.9% margin) and in H1-24, NIS 57m (9.1% margin). Fun & Indulgence ( Israel Coffee ) segment sales in Q2-2025 reached NIS 212 million , up 14.0%, y-o-y, while the segment's operating profit increased by 14.7% reaching NIS 21 million , 10.1% of sales. Sales in H1-2025 reached NIS 472 million , up 16.9%, y-o-y, with the segment's operating profit increasing by 15.3%, reaching NIS 62 million , 13.2% of sales. Sales were supported by higher quantities and pricing, while higher green coffee prices impacted the EBIT. Strauss International Coffee Strauss International Coffee sales in Q2-2025 reached NIS 1.5 billion , up 27.4% y-o-y. EBIT increased by 67%, reaching NIS 102 million , 6.7% of sales. Sales in H1-2025 reached NIS 2.9 billion , up 35.4% y-o-y. EBIT increased by 58.2%, reaching NIS 157 million , 5.4% of sales. Sales increased primarily due to higher pricing, which together with pricing and operational efficiencies offset higher green coffee prices. sales in Q2-2025 reached , up 27.4% y-o-y. EBIT increased by 67%, reaching , 6.7% of sales. Sales in H1-2025 reached , up 35.4% y-o-y. EBIT increased by 58.2%, reaching , 5.4% of sales. Sales increased primarily due to higher pricing, which together with pricing and operational efficiencies offset higher green coffee prices. Central Eastern Europe (CEE) [3] sales in Q2-2025 reached NIS 424 million , an increase of 16.8%, y-o-y, moderated by the impact of exchange rates. Sales in H1-2025 reached NIS 804 million , an increase of 19.6%, y-o-y. Sales were primarily supported by higher pricing, moderated by the impact of exchange rates. sales in Q2-2025 reached , an increase of 16.8%, y-o-y, moderated by the impact of exchange rates. Sales in H1-2025 reached , an increase of 19.6%, y-o-y. Sales were primarily supported by higher pricing, moderated by the impact of exchange rates. Tres Coracoes Q2-2025 sales (in 50% terms) reached NIS 1.1 billion , up 32.7%, y-o-y, while operating profit reached NIS 88 million , an increase of 130.8%, y-o-y. H1-2025 sales (in 50% terms) reached NIS 2.1 billion , up 43.0%, y-o-y, while EBIT reached NIS 118 million , an increase of 129.4%, y-o-y. Sales were primarily supported by higher pricing, moderated by the impact of exchange rates. The EBIT was supported by higher pricing and operating efficiencies, offsetting the higher cost of green coffee. Strauss Water Strauss Water Q2-2025 sales reached NIS 218 million , up 3.9%, y-o-y. EBIT was up 4.0% y-o-y, reaching NIS 26 million , 12.1% of sales. H1-2025 sales were up 5.3% y-o-y, reaching NIS 424 million . EBIT was up 6.3% y-o-y, reaching NIS 52 million , 12.3% of sales. Sales were supported by higher install base and higher Israel & UK sales, improved mix, moderated by to the impact of the war. EBIT was supported by productivity initiatives and impacted by lower net profit in Haier Strauss Water. Q2-2025 sales reached , up 3.9%, y-o-y. EBIT was up 4.0% y-o-y, reaching , 12.1% of sales. H1-2025 sales were up 5.3% y-o-y, reaching . EBIT was up 6.3% y-o-y, reaching , 12.3% of sales. Sales were supported by higher install base and higher Israel & UK sales, improved mix, moderated by to the impact of the war. EBIT was supported by productivity initiatives and impacted by lower net profit in Haier Strauss Water. Haier Strauss Water Q2-2025 sales (in 100% terms) reached NIS 236 million , up 2.6% y-o-y, and reached net profit of NIS 20 million , down 21.2%, y-o-y. H1-2025 sales reached NIS 463 million , up 3.8% y-o-y, and reached net profit of NIS 51 million , down 2.9% y-o-y. Sales increased as the company continued to expand in the market, while profit margins were impacted by the initiation of promotions to support market share. Webinar Earnings Call On Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, at 14:00 Israel time/12:00 UK time/7:00 a.m. ET, Strauss Group will host a webinar earnings call in Hebrew to review the financial statements of the company. The webinar will be hosted by the company's management. To participate in the webinar please use the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_imQMqurXSGmnt1S59hq0jQ Webinar ID: 876 2108 4103 In addition, on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, at 15:30 Israel time/13:30 UK time/8:30 a.m. ET, Strauss Group will host a webinar earnings call in English to review the financial statements of the company. The webinar will be hosted by the company's management. To participate in the webinar please use the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eJldWUbjS6aHdW8sDiWF8Q Webinar ID: 893 5585 0153 Questions for the questions and answers session may be submitted (up to 2 hours) in advance to: [email protected] Management's review will be accompanied by a presentation which will be available on the Investor Relations section of our website on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025: https://ir.strauss-group.com/company-presentations/quarterly-presentations / Strauss Group's Q2 & H1-2025 earnings press release and financial statements will be available on the Company's website: https://ir.strauss-group.com/financial / https://ir.strauss-group.com/earning-releases/ A recording of the webinar will be available on the company's website shortly following the webinar. For further information, please contact: Telem Yahav Director of External Communications 972-52-257-9939 972-3-675-6713 [email protected] Rivka Neufeld Investor Relations Manager +972-54-4224146 [email protected] Liron Ben Yaakov Director of Communications and PR 972-54-609-1600 972-3-675-2584 [email protected] GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations In addition to reporting financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the Company provides Non-GAAP operating results which include the results of jointly controlled entities as if they were proportionately consolidated. Strauss Group has a number of jointly controlled companies: the Tres Coracoes joint venture (3C) - Brazil (a company jointly held by Strauss Group (50%) and by the Sao Miguel Group (50%) in Brazil), Strauss Frito-Lay Ltd. (a 50%/50% JV with PepsiCo Frito-Lay in Israel) and until the completion of the sale in December 2024, Sabra Dipping Company (a 50%/50% JV with PepsiCo in the U.S. and Canada)("Sabra"), and PepsiCo Strauss Fresh Dips & Spreads International(1) (a 50%/50% JV with PepsiCo outside the U.S. and Canada) ("Obela"). For more information on this sale, please refer to the Description of the Company's Business Report for 2024, section 11.1. In addition, Non-GAAP figures exclude any share-based payments, mark to market of commodity hedging transactions as at end-of-period, other expenses or income and taxes referring to these adjustments. Company Management believes that these measures provide investors with transparency by helping to illustrate the underlying financial and business trends relating to the Company's results of operations and financial position and comparability between current and prior periods. Management uses these measures to establish and monitor budgets and operational goals and to evaluate the performance of the Company. Please see the GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation tables in the Company's MD&A Report for a full reconciliation of the Company's GAAP to Non-GAAP results. Table 4: Key financial data, based on the company's managerial (non-GAAP) reports(1): NIS million Q2-2025 Q2-2024 % Change % Change excl. FX H1-2025 H1-2024 % Change % Change excl. FX Total Group Sales 3,073 2,754 11.5 % 15.5 % 6,063 5,343 13.5 % 18.1 % Gross Profit 868 841 3.2 % 5.9 % 1,649 1,715 -3.9 % -1.0 % Gross margin 28.3 % 30.5 % 27.2 % 32.1 % 0.0 % EBIT 245 151 60.8 % 64.8 % 426 355 19.8 % 21.7 % EBIT margin 8.0 % 5.5 % 7.0 % 6.7 % 0.0 % Net Income Attributable to the Company's Shareholders 80 83 -1.8 % 0.7 % 153 242 -36.7 % -35.7 % Net margin 2.6 % 3.0 % 2.5 % 4.5 % 0.0 % EPS (NIS) 0.69 0.71 -1.9 % N.M. 1.31 2.07 -36.7 % EBITDA 349 262 32.4 % N.M. 631 580 8.6 % N.M. EBITDA margin 11.3 % 9.6 % 10.4 % 10.9 % Operating Cash Flow 51 14 264.3 % N.M. -296 -101 193.1 % N.M. Free Cash Flow -89 -119 -25.0 % 14.7 % -584 -397 -46.7 % -63.3 % Capex -140 -133 5.3 % -288 -296 -2.7 % Net debt 2,966 3,223 -8.0 % 0.0 % 2,966 3,223 -8.0 % 0.0 % Net debt / EBITDA 2.4 2.7 2.4 2.7 Table 5: Key financial data, based on the company's GAAP reports: NIS million Q2-2025 Q2-2024 % Change H1-2025 H1-2024 % Change Total Group Sales 1,875 1,701 10.2 % 3,762 3,427 9.8 % Gross Profit 583 583 0.0 % 1,195 1,148 4.1 % Gross margin 31.1 % 34.3 % 31.8 % 33.5 % EBIT 183 151 21.6 % 373 268 39.5 % EBIT margin 9.8 % 8.9 % 9.9 % 7.8 % Net Income Attributable to the Company's Shareholders 64 82 -21.5 % 150 133 12.8 % Net margin 3.4 % 4.8 % 4.0 % 3.9 % EPS (NIS) 0.55 0.7 -21.4 % 1.28 1.14 12.3 % EBITDA 271 240 12.9 % 549 450 22.0 % EBITDA margin 14.5 % 14.1 % 14.6 % 13.1 % Operating Cash Flow 20 134 -85.1 % -73 159 -145.9 % Free Cash Flow -102 26 -327 -82 298.8 % Capex -93 -76 22.4 % -199 -178 11.8 % Net debt 2,383 2,641 -9.8 % 2,383 2,641 -9.8 % Net debt / EBITDA 2.2 2.7 2.2 2.7 Forward Looking Statement Disclaimer This press release does not constitute an offering to purchase or sell securities of Strauss Group Ltd. (the "Company") or an offer for the receipt of such offerings. The press release's sole purpose is to provide information. The Information provided in the press release concerning the analysis of the Company's activity is only an extract, and in order to receive a complete picture of the Company's activity and the risks it faces, one should review the Company's reports to the Israel Securities Authority and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. The press release may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Israeli Securities Law, 5728-1968. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made based on the Company's current expectations, evaluations and forecasts, and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated, in whole or in part, as a result of different factors including, but not limited to, changes in market conditions and in the competitive and business environment, regulatory changes, currency fluctuations or the occurrence of one or more of the Company's risk factors. In addition, forward-looking forecasts and evaluations are based on information in the Company's possession while preparing the press release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking forecasts and evaluations made herein to reflect events and/or circumstances that may occur after this press release was prepared. [1] The data presented in this document are based on the company's Non-GAAP figures, which include the proportionate consolidation of jointly controlled entities and exclude the following: share-based payments; end-of-period mark-to-market valuations of open financial derivative positions used for commodity hedging; timing adjustments for gains and losses from commodity derivatives, which are deferred until the related inventory is sold to third parties; other net income and expenses; and the related tax effects, unless stated otherwise. All changes are in comparison with the corresponding period last year, unless stated otherwise. [2] Q2-2025 and H1-2025 results in this earnings release are presented in comparison to Q2-2024 and H1-2024, respectively, unless otherwise stated. [3] CEE Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Russia SOURCE Strauss Group Ltd. After 43 years of believing in a single idea, emergency physician Dr. James Wagner is finally putting his lifelong hypothesis to the test. At booth #1635 in the main exhibit hall, Dr. Wagner invites physicians, residents and students to see the results of a journey that began as a medical student in 1982 and continues today, at the age of 66.Officials said, "In 1982, Dr. Wagner designed his first pendant of the Staff of Asklepios, medicines ancient symbol of healing. He believed then - as he does now - that there is a quiet but profound identity shared by all who devote their lives to caring for the sick and injured.Though life pulled him away, the conviction never left."Years later, Dr. Wagner stepped away from medicine to develop a nature resort spanning thousands of acres. Yet medicine haunted his dreams, pulling him back. In 2010, he made the extraordinary decision to sell everything and return to medicine - entering a second residency at the age of 50, followed by a fellowship at Yale. Today, Dr. Wagner still enthusiastically practices medicine fulltime."Throughout his journey, Dr. Wagner was shaped by the influence of his late brother, Barry, an emergency physician who exemplified trust, empathy and compassion. Barrys philosophy was simple: 'Always put the patient first and do anything you can for the patient except cut off your own arm.'"Even after Barrys devastating passing from COVID in 2022, Dr. Wagner continues to practice what his brother preached. Barrys legacy of dedication and compassion remains central to Dr. Wagners belief that medicine is more than a profession - it is an enduring identity shared across generations."The centerpiece of Dr. Wagners booth is an eight-by-10-foot backdrop that bridges ancient and modern medicine. On one side, Hippocrates and his students in ancient Greece, faces filled with concern for the patient; on the other, women physicians in a modern emergency room, united by the same values. At the center glows the Staff of Asklepios, symbolizing the enduring threads of trust, empathy and compassion."The work is also personal: Dr. Wagners late brothers face appears as Hippocrates, his daughters as modern physicians and his wife as the patient. With Dr. Wagner standing beneath the image his white beard echoing the figure of Hippocrates the image becomes a mirror of the physicians 43-year journey and legacy."After thousands of hours of training under a dissecting microscope, Dr. Wagner learned to carve intricate designs in wax that are then cast in 14K gold and sterling silver. His one-of-a-kind jewelry, along with symbolic products and drawings from a white board he once created for residents in the trauma center, embody the enduring meaning of medicine today as it was then. Each piece reflects Dr. Wagners conviction that caregivers across time and place can recognize themselves in the ancient symbol of Asklepios a symbol that represents the core values of medicine both 2,500 years ago and today: trust, empathy and compassion."Dr. Wagner frames his booth not simply as a showcase, but as an experiment. If his hypothesis proves true - that his colleagues will also identify with the quiet identity symbolized by Asklepios - then his lifelong belief is validated. If not, he will let the idea rest."For me, this is a scientific experiment as much as it is a launch, Dr. Wagner said. Either way, I need to know the answer, so I can either continue or stop. My hope is that my hypothesis will be validated.Visitors to booth #1635 will find not only jewelry, but the story of a physicians 43-year journey, a tribute to legacy and a chance to reflect on what unites all who practice medicine; represented by an ancient symbol. DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, the global leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, officially launched its next-generation energy storage PowerTitan 3.0 at the 2025 MEA PV & ESS Summit in Dubai. Purpose-built for the demanding climates and operating environments of the Middle East and Africa (MEA), PowerTitan 3.0 integrates cutting-edge technologies in advanced thermal management, innovative battery design, and grid-forming support, setting a new industry benchmark for efficiency, safety, and reliability. Full Liquid-Cooled, Full-Power Operation Sungrow PowerTitan 3.0 Sungrow PowerTitan 3.0 ESS Sungrow unveiled the PowerTitan 3.0 AC liquid-cooled energy storage system, supporting 24 hours of operation. In its 20 ft configuration, it integrates a 1.72 MW PCS with 6.9 MWh batteries, enabling a 4-hour system where a single block reaches 6.9 MW/27.6 MWh. Equipped with high-temperature-resistant silicon carbide (SiC) devices, the PCS delivers up to 99.3% efficiency and maintains full-power output at 55C without deratingensuring long-term reliability, safety, and profitability even under extreme heat. With this breakthrough, overall system conversion efficiency climbs to 92%, setting a new benchmark in large-scale ESS design. Redefining Battery Cells: A Revolutionary Breakthrough To support ever-larger plant capacities, PowerTitan 3.0 adopts Sungrow's innovative stacked energy storage cells (684Ah and 661Ah). This design eliminates the corner stress seen in traditional wound cells, reducing internal resistance and minimizing risks such as lithium plating, internal short circuits, or thermal runaway. PowerTitan 3.0 adopts battery cells with a stacked structureeliminating the corner stress of wound cells, reducing internal resistance, and significantly lowering the risk of lithium plating. The battery structure was proposed by Sungrow, which put the cell's exhaust vents and electrode tabs at opposite ends. It can ensure that the battery remains in a good condition even if vents are open. In terms of packs, each one is equipped with an exhaust channel. And a thermal insulation layer will be used between battery cells in order to avoid the propagation. And AI Battery Management 2.0, which achieves over 95% accuracy in lithium plating diagnosis and more than 99% precision in thermal risk warnings, ensuring proactive and reliable risk prevention across the system. With optimized pack design, energy density reaches 467 kWh/, and the 15 cm back-to-back layout allows a 1 GWh plant to fit within just 7,270 a 22% reduction compared to the previous generation. This compact footprint significantly lowers construction work and overall CAPEX. Plant-Level SOC Balancing Leveraging Sungrow's AC-DC integration, PowerTitan 3.0 assigns one PCS per rack to eliminate the SOC unbalance between the racks. With an SOC estimation error of <3% and automated calibration, balancing extends across rack and block levels. This innovation enables up to 8% more discharged energy across the system's lifecycle, maximizing operator returns. Engineered for Harsh Environments MEA's harsh climate makes auxiliary power consumption a critical cost factor for storage plants. Unlike traditional patchwork designs that recycle hot air, PowerTitan 3.0 applies a top-only exhaust design for both ESS and MVS, preventing heat recirculation. Large-scale simulations show that at 55C, conventional systems see an 8C air-inlet rise, while Sungrow's design limits it to just 1.53C cutting auxiliary power use by 9%. With AI Bionic Thermal Balance 2.0, the system predicts weather and operational conditions, enabling flexible compressor and fan control with 1C precision, reducing auxiliary power consumption by another 10%. Combined with IP55 protection and C5 corrosion resistance, PowerTitan 3.0 ensures dependable performance across deserts, coasts, and sandstorm-prone regions. Besides, Sungrow has also set new global safety benchmarks with record-breaking large-scale burn tests on its PowerTitan 1.0 and 2.0 products, proving zero fire propagation under extreme conditions. Grid-Forming Technology: Empowering Renewable Integration Energy storage plays an important role to absorb more fluctuated power generation and meanwhile to support the power grid. PowerTitan 3.0 incorporates Sungrow's advanced grid-forming capabilities, proven in landmark projects such as Saudi Arabia's NEOM City the world's largest multi-energy system integrating solar, wind, storage, and hydrogen. Featuring a solar-to-storage ratio above 3:1, it achieves millisecond power response, microsecond voltage construction and delivers GW-scale black start capabilities, reinforcing system stability in high-renewable penetration markets. A Decade of Commitment to MEA With over 15 GWh of ESS projects delivered across MEA, Sungrow has built a strong foundation in the region for more than a decade. The launch of PowerTitan 3.0 alongside the company's 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter reaffirms Sungrow's long-term commitment to advancing MEA's energy transition with innovation, resilience, and sustainability. About Sungrow Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. As of December 2024, Sungrow has installed 740 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The Company is recognized as the world's most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757878/PowerTitan3_0_ESS_Launching.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757879/PowerTitan3_0_ESS.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1344575/Logo.jpg Jordan Holt Panomachea Game Cover by Jordan Holt Blood Water Cover by Jordan Holt and Yocum Previous Next Lee University will be hosting an art show featuring the works of Jordan Holt, associate professor of graphic design at Lee. The opening reception will be on Tuesday, Sept. 2, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Squires Library Fine Art Gallery and the works will be on display through Sept. 22. In the late winter of 2020, some 2,000 days ago, I shifted away from commercial illustration for clients and toward comic illustration, said Mr. Holt. This exhibition is a small sample of the work Ive produced during that time. Comics and graphic novels have a special requirement they place upon the illustrator which other illustrations typically do not: a long-term relationship. The exhibition features digital prints, ink on traditional bristol paper, and watercolor illustration works from five different projects: Theseus, a young adult graphic novel retelling the myth of Theseus & the Minotaur; Panomachea, an illustrated Greek mythology card game; Into the Darkling Forest, a short comic collaboration with another Lee faculty member; Blood & Water, a true-to-life graphic novel telling the story and assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti in 2011 in Pakistan (to be published by Ignatius Press in 2026); and PetraCor, an Anglo-Saxon fable Mr. Holt is currently researching both visually and historically. This has been my most valuable reflection during these last two thousand days: what does it mean to come back to the drawing table every day and produce the next page. said Mr. Holt. Whether your heart is in it, whether you feel inspired, whether you can draw well that day its immaterial. You have to come back or the project will never be finished. In this species of work, you must learn to love the process, because the vision of the finished goal rarely inspires affection at such a great distance. These projects take years to complete, and I can measure my remaining years of life by the number of works Im likely to finish. Mr. Holt's art exhibition is open MondayThursday, 8 a.m. to midnight; Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to midnight. Squires Library is located on the corner of 11th Street and Paul Conn Parkway. We are so excited to host this exhibition and offer our students a glimpse into the process of illustration, said Victoria Phillips, assistant professor of art at Lee. Mr. Holt is a professional illustrator and has served on the faculty of Lee University since 2015. Hailing from a long family history in Tennessee Appalachia, he came to Lee as a student, graduating in 2009 with a degree in telecommunications. After spending the interim working in advertising as a graphic designer and completing graduate work in illustration, he returned to Lee as a professor of graphic design and continued freelancing as an illustrator while teaching. The Lee University art program is slated to host a new exhibition for each month of the fall semester. The Fine Arts Gallery will feature the works of Zamuell for Hispanic Heritage Month in October, and the Lee Senior Show will take place in November. The Mayfield Gallery, located in Lees Mayfield Annex, will host a student invitational show beginning on Sept. 9 that will run through Dec. 1. For more information about Lees art program or upcoming events, visit https://www.leeuniversity.edu/academics/arts-sciences/communication-arts/art/, email Professor Phillips at vphillips@leeuniversity.edu or visit @leeuniversity_art on Instagram. As he sat in the Columbus (Ohio) Convention Center on the morning of May 16, dressed in his McCallie blue blazer and blue and white striped tie, Joshua Kim did not need to hear his name called to know he had won fourth place in the Biochemistry division of the 75th annual International Science and Engineering Fair sponsored by Regeneron. "They said, 'From Tennessee...' and I already knew I was the only person from Tennessee in that category," recalled Kim last week from the bottom floor of Walker Hall. "It was quite a thrill. Just to know that all the work I'd put in had paid off." That work was a project Kim had fine-tuned for more than a year. Its title aloneOptimization of One-Component Ionizable Amphiphilic Janus Dendrimer Design for Enhanced Dendrimersome Nanoparticle mRNA Deliveryexplains all one needs to know about why Kim finished fourth internationally, though one cannot help but wonder if that might have been a bit low. Still, it was the second year in a row Kim won his way to the ISEF international round, reaching Los Angeles last summer for a project about machine learning breast cancer detection using hormonal biomarkers. That project also received a special award from a university sponsor, which came with a full scholarship to attend their summer research program. Making the week in Columbus all the better was that, unlike LA, Kim was not the only McCallie rising senior to reach the international round. Anthony Xian joined Kim in Columbus for his project "Unveiling the Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Self-Cognition and Its Impact on Working Memory." And though they did not compete in Columbus, McCallie students Nishanth Basava '25, Akhil Giddaluri '26, and Nikhil Giddaluri '26 were observers to Kim's award. To better understand the enormity of Kim's honor, the ISEF this summer included 1,657 young people from 62 countries competing in 22 categories. Only the top four in each category were recognized in the closing awards ceremony, and no one knew if they had won until that time. "It was a grueling process," said Kim. "You meet with a dozen judges on judging day. It starts at 8 a.m. and runs until around 5 p.m. Interview after interview. These judges are very bright. Sometimes they wouldn't even ask about my project. They didn't want to know what I did (for the project), but who I was and what I wanted to do down the road." Along the way he had a chance to have a conversation with Regeneron co-founder George Yancopoulos, who shares Kim's passion for biochemistry and medical research. "An amazing week," said Kim. "I'll never forget it." McCallie science teacher Dr. Ashley Posey will tell you this was the student she thought she was getting after Kim left Normal Park for McCallie in middle school. "I knew as soon as I met him for the first time he would be a big part of our research program," said Posey. "We couldn't get him in it his first year, but he's been a huge part of it ever since. A lot of the ideas that Joshua comes up with are high-level stuff. But he also isn't afraid of 'No.' You run into a lot of 'No's,' a lot of walls in research. Very rarely do you have a student as tenacious as Joshua at getting past that, at staying the course. He just has that drive. It's nothing I've taught him. 'No' will not deter him. I hope he never loses that." Posey may be averse to taking any credit for Kim's success, but he cannot thank her enough. "I messaged her as soon as I won," he said. "I couldn't have done any of this without her. Dr. Posey would come in to help me whenever I asked. She'd make sure I had the supplies I needed. She missed dinners at home if I needed to stay late. I have bothered her a lot, but she's always been there to help." Posey also says she is not so hung up on her students getting awards as she hopes, "We're fostering a love of science. Obviously, we couldn't be prouder of Joshua, but seeing these kids stay after school to work on their research projects, to embrace the process, is what makes me most proud." The level of intelligence and hard work needed to complete these projects makes it easy to forget that these are still kids. Asked what he most enjoyed about his week in Columbus beyond meeting other bright students from across the world, Kim smiled and mentioned a food court near his hotel. "There was a Vietnamese restaurant that was really good, and the Japanese ramen was great," he said. And how did he celebrate when he returned to the Scenic City? "My family and I went to Boathouse," he said of the popular restaurant on the Tennessee River. "I had the voodoo chicken and oysters on the half shell." Having reached the international stage of the ISEF competition the past two years, will Kim compete for a three-peat next summer, when the convention moves to Phoenix? "I hope," he said. "To do a research continuation of last year's research. It will be more hands-on, more laboratory extensive." But whatever happens next, Kim intends to continue to embrace research going forward. "I definitely want to pursue research in cellular and molecular biology in college," he said, noting that applications to Harvard and Caltech will almost assuredly be submitted as options for that goal. Before that, however, he wants everyone to know of his appreciation for McCallie and Dr. Posey. "I was so proud to represent McCallie, and for all Dr. Posey has done for me to make the ISEF award possible," he said. "I'm tremendously grateful for her support, and I hope the award makes the next generation of McCallie students realize that world-class research is available to them right here in Walker Hall." And perhaps world-class research awards if they learn to learn from the word "No." On May 5, members of the grand jury pool convened to receive instruction regarding their duties and the expectations placed upon them. Rosemarie Hill, serving as Concurrent Grand Jury foreman, and Shelia Smith, Regular Grand Jury foreman, provided essential information to the assembly. Following a period of discussion and questions, sufficient volunteers were identified to constitute both the Concurrent and Regular Grand Juries. Judge Barry Steelman administered the official charge and the oath to those selected for Term 2, 2025. On May 6, the newly sworn jurors participated in comprehensive training at the Police Training Center, which included instruction on the Crisis Control Response Unit, NIBIN, Narcotics Unit, K9 Unit, and DUI Team. The jurors also toured the Real Time Intelligence Center, where they were highly impressed by its advanced capabilities. Here is the Regular Grand Jury Report for Term 2: Grand Jury Structure and Process Hamilton County operates two Grand Juries, each adhering to the same rigorous standards: to impartially consider the evidence presented by law enforcement and to determine whether probable cause exists to return an indictment (True Bill) or not (No Bill). The members of the Regular Grand Jury approached their responsibilities with great seriousness, listening attentively and seeking to comprehend the details of each matter. The jurys diversity in age and background contributed to a broad range of perspectives, and jurors demonstrated mutual respect, even in cases of differing viewpoints. Casework and Law Enforcement Collaboration The Regular Grand Jury considered approximately 291 cases, resulting in 589 charges. Of these, 41 were presentment cases, and three concluded with No Bills. The remainder were deemed True Bills, each decision rendered unanimously. Agencies presenting cases included the Hamilton County Sheriffs Department, City of Chattanooga Police Department, East Ridge Police Department, Collegedale Police Department, Soddy Daisy Police Department, Red Bank Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Department of Juvenile Justice, and Tennessee Department of Corrections. Jurors expressed appreciation for the thoroughness and detail of the investigative work, as well as for officers willingness to provide clarification. On occasion, one officer presented cases for several others to facilitate an efficient process. Support Staff and Judicial Guidance The jurys effectiveness was supported by a team of dedicated professionals. Don Klasing, the Hamilton County Sheriffs Department liaison, coordinated witness appearances. Ed Duke managed and prepared case files, which was vital for maintaining an efficient workflow. Assistant District Attorney Tom Landis provided important guidance throughout, and Judges Amanda Dunn, Boyd Patterson, and Barry Steelman offered their expertise and support. Facility Visits and Observations Beyond case hearings, the Regular Grand Jury toured the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Centerboth the mens and womens facilitiesas well as the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center. Jurors observed the cleanliness and commitment to security in the adult center. At the Juvenile Center, they were impressed by the range of services provided under limited space constraints. Efforts to care for juveniles were evident, though the limitation of available space remained a concern. Both the quality of the food and the educational program, the latter delivered in collaboration with the Hamilton County Department of Education, were notable. Observations The jury commended the diligence, expertise, and dedication of law enforcement officials. Attorney General Coty Wamp and her team were recognized for presenting thoroughly investigated cases and ensuring the process was both prompt and efficient. Hamilton County Circuit Clerk, Larry Henry, and his staff fostered a welcoming environment, thereby making jury service more manageable. The initial training for jurors was highly valued and considered essential for the proper execution of their duties. It was noted that the incidence of drivers operating vehicles under the influence of illegal drugs is an increasing problem within Hamilton County. Recommendations It is recommended that law enforcement officers receive increased compensation reflective of their responsibilities and contributions. The Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center, as well as the Juvenile Detention Center, are experiencing staffing shortages and compensation issues that must be addressed. A Menlo, Ga., man who fired multiple shots into a mobile home occupied by his former girlfriend and two other people has been sentenced to 25 years in state prison, with 17 to serve. A jury in Chattooga County had returned guilty verdicts on all counts after deliberating for just over an hour. Thomas Nelson Tucker Jr., 45, was sentenced as a recidivist after being found guilty on three counts of aggravated assault, as well as possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The conviction stems from a Dec. 22, 2022, shooting incident after a domestic dispute with his former girlfriend escalated. Deputies from the Chattooga County Sheriffs Office were dispatched to the scene on Reece Street. The victims identified Tucker as the shooter. The investigation, led by Sheriffs Investigator Wendell Flood, revealed that Tucker returned to the residence after the argument, honked his horn, and when another occupant stepped outside, he brandished a handgun. The occupant retreated indoors, and Tucker fired multiple shots into the mobile home. While no one was injured, bullets passed through the living area where three people were inside. A be on the lookout was issued for Tucker, and deputies later located and arrested him at his residence. A search warrant executed by Investigator Flood led to the recovery of a black 9-millimeter handgun hidden under a nightstand and a 9-millimeter casing lodged under the drivers seat of Tuckers truck. Evidence was sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab for analysis. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael E. Harty, who recently joined the District Attorneys Office. District Attorney Clay Fuller said, ADA Harty has quickly adopted our tough-on-crime approach and is already doing great things to protect our communities and I want to tip my cap to him and our great Chattooga team." The prosecution team was supported by victim advocates Jordan Thomasson and Donna Howell, administrative assistants Annabelle Carter and Cara Parris, and Investigator Daniel Thacker. The three victims, two deputies, and a GBI firearms examiner testified during the two-day trial before Judge Melissa Hise. District Attorney Fuller commended the work of Sheriff Schraders team and his own office. He said, In some parts of the United States, youre lucky to see a defendant get 17 years in prison even when a cold-blooded murder happens. Not in Northwest Georgia. You put bullets down range and put innocent lives in jeopardy, you can trust you are going to prison for a looooooong time. Sheriff Mark Schraders team doesnt tolerate violence in Chattooga County - and neither does mine. Two senior royals will be MIA when President Donald Trump visits King Charles III in the U.K. U.S. President Donald Trump, along with first lady Melania Trump, will arrive in England for a state visit with King Charles on Sept. 17. The couple will stay in the U.K. until the 19th. However, the Trumps will not encounter two working royals at all while the king hosts them. A royal commentator suggested that POTUS absolutely hopes to see the Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton). Catherine will be the icing on the cake for a man as vain as Donald Trump, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told The Mirror. To be seen with her will be gold dust in his eyes. So, will Kate and Prince William be there to greet the president? Read on to find out. Which 2 royals wont be in England for Trumps visit? The Prince and Princess of Wales are both expected to be present at Windsor for the Trumps visit. However, the kings youngest brother and his wife will not be. A pair of Buckingham Palace press releases revealed that Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh (formerly the Countess of Wessex), will be out of the country when President Trump and Melania land in England. The royal pair will not be present for the duration of their trip. According to one release, Edward and Sophie will visit Papua New Guinea from Sunday 14th September to Wednesday 17th September to attend celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guineas independence from Australia. The Duke of Edinburgh will attend a dawn flag-raising ceremony and a State Dinner to mark the occasion. During the visit, on behalf of The King, His Royal Highness will present new Regimental Colours to the First Royal Pacific Islands Regiment and confer 50th Independence Anniversary Kings Medals, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to Papua New Guinea. The Duke will also visit the new National Court Complex and meet communities in Port Moresby. The other release noted that the Edinburghs will then visit Japan. Theyll travel between Osaka and Tokyo for several engagements from Sept. 18 through the 22. Why King Charles wont host the Trumps in London at Buckingham Palace When the president returns for his visit to the U.K., he wont be in London at Buckingham Palace. Instead, the king will host the Trumps at Windsor Castle. King Charles and Princess Dianas former butler, Paul Burrell, shared the reason why the monarch wont accommodate the president at the famed Palace. Speaking on behalf of Genting Casino, Burrell told Showbiz Cheat Sheet: Buckingham Palace is in a 10-year plan to be refurbished. Its being rewired, re-plumbed, and refurbished as it hasnt been upgraded since the turn of the century. Work will continue to disrupt Palace life for the next three years. It is costing 369 million ($500 million) by way of an uplift to the sovereign grant to refurbish 775 rooms, and whilst thats happening, the royal household cant entertain on a large scale. The last phase, which is currently underway, is the queens wing, which is the south wing where her late Majesty lived with Prince Philip. The Palace is a mess, and thats why theyre using Windsor as a backup. Buckingham Palace will be ready again to receive a state visit in 2027. XiMo, a wholly owned subsidiary of Verbio SE, held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of the new production facility for the large-scale industrial production of Metathesis catalysts in Godollo, Hungary. Starting in summer 2026, innovative metathesis catalysts will be produced here. These catalysts will be used to manufacture bio-based chemicals at the new Verbio plant in Bitterfeld, Germany, as well as by industrial customers in sectors such as renewable chemicals, polymer production, fragrances and odorants, agrochemicals, research and development, and other applications. The facility is expected to create 44 new high-tech jobs. Verbio is investing nearly EUR 30 million in the new facility at the Godollo site. The project is being supported by a 20 percent subsidy from the Hungarian government. Multi-million investment to drive the de-fossilization of the chemical industry As the chemical industry primarily relies on fossil resources, it faces significant challenges in becoming more sustainable. Verbio is committed to driving the green transformation of the sector by supplying bio-based chemicals. Through its subsidiary XiMo, Verbio offers innovative catalysts that enable precise control of olefin metathesis processes. This technology makes it possible to utilize plant-based methyl esters such as rapeseed methyl ester (biodiesel) as renewable raw materials for the chemical industry. Verbio is investing a total of EUR 27.7 million in the construction of the new catalyst production facility. The Hungarian government is supporting the project with a 20 percent subsidy, amounting to EUR 5.5 million (HUF 2.2 billion). Theodor Niesmann, CTO at Verbio SE, expressed appreciation for the partnership: "On behalf of Verbio, I would like to sincerely thank the Hungarian government for their ongoing support and trust in our company. Your commitment is deeply appreciated. Breaking ground on a project with economic and environmental impact The new production plant will not only create jobs and strengthen the local economy but also enable the chemical industry to significantly reduce CO 2 emissions. This project is a strong example of how environmental responsibility and economic growth can go hand in hand. Among the distinguished guests were State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Levente Magyar and Godollo Mayor, Dr. Gyorgy Gemesi. Nobel Prize-winning technology in practice Prof. Dr. Richard Schrock, one of XiMo's original founders, was amongst the guests of honor. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2005 for his groundbreaking work in the field of metathesis a key reaction in organic chemistry. He and his colleagues conducted decades of research that laid the foundation for developing molybdenum- and tungsten-based olefin metathesis catalysts. Since XiMo's acquisition by Verbio in 2018, the team led by XiMos current Director Dr. Levente Ondi has successfully advanced this technology for industrial application. With the construction of the new production plant in Godollo, these scientific discoveries are now being translated into industrial practice. This marks a significant milestone, opening new possibilities not only for the chemical industry, but also for Verbios continued diversification and internationalization efforts. With the launch of this new multipurpose plant, XiMo is demonstrating that it is economically viable to produce molybdenum-, tungsten-, and ruthenium-based metathesis catalysts on an industrial scale. This technological breakthrough lays the groundwork for converting renewable vegetable oils into high-value organic compounds, which can be used in the production of cleaning agents, high-performance lubricants, and plastics. This not only enhances sustainability but also reduces the chemical industrys reliance on fossil-based raw materials such as petroleum," says Dr. Levente Ondi, Director of XiMo Hungary Kft. A significant share of the catalysts produced at the Godolloi plant will be used by Verbio in its new plant for bio-based chemicals in Bitterfeld. Moreover, XiMo will extend access to its catalysts to additional customers across various markets. Verbio Expands into New Market Segment The construction of the new catalyst production plant in Godollo marks a key step in Verbios internationalization and diversification strategy. Theodor Niesmann, Chief Technology Officer at Verbio, highlights the strategic relevance of the initiative: By expanding our product portfolio to include renewable molecules and green solutions, we are entering a new market segment beyond biofuels. This diversification is a crucial factor for sustainable growth and long-term stability at Verbio. ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TacoTuesday.com, America's go-to destination for all things tacos, is celebrating a sizzling milestone: the website is attracting 100,000 taco lovers in search of Taco Tuesdays, solidifying its spot as the #1 online hub for taco enthusiasts nationwide. Official Tequila of Taco Tuesday at TacoTuesday.com As taco fans flock to the site to find restaurants, recipes, and weekly taco inspiration, TacoTuesday.com is raising the barliterallyby welcoming El Jimador as the Official Tequila of Taco Tuesday. This new partnership pairs the nation's favorite weekly food tradition with one of the world's most beloved tequilas, creating the ultimate midweek celebration. "Taco Tuesday creates a fun escape in the middle of the week. It reminds us to slow down, share a meal, and celebrate life. Our goal with TacoTuesday.com is to make it easy for everyone to break up the week with something fun, connect and eat tacos. Now, with El Jimador as our official tequila, the celebration is even better," said Pamela Waitt, founder of TacoTuesday.com. With over 4.5 billion tacos eaten annually in the U.S., TacoTuesday.com continues to connect foodies with: Mouthwatering Taco Recipes from crispy chicken tacos to bold fusion creations. from crispy chicken tacos to bold fusion creations. Restaurant search engine & Local Favorites helping fans find the best tacos near them. helping fans find the best tacos near them. Pairing Inspiration including El Jimador margaritas and cocktails to make every Taco Tuesday legendary. Taco lovers can explore new recipes, restaurant spotlights, and cocktail pairings at www.TacoTuesday.com and join the celebration every Tuesday on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. About TacoTuesday.com At TacoTuesday.com, we're on a mission to bring people together one taco at a time. We're not just a websitewe're a taco-loving, margarita-sipping, celebration-spreading movement. Whether it's Tuesday or any other day you're feeling it, we make it easy to Find Tacos, Eat Tacos and Be Happy. About El Jimador El Jimador is an authentic, award-winning tequila crafted in the heart of Mexico. Known for its smooth flavor and dedication to quality, El Jimador is the perfect partner for any Taco Tuesday celebration. SOURCE TacoTuesday.com A 1,400-year-old cross plaque was uncovered in the ruins of a monastery in the United Arab Emirates. | Screenshot: YouTube/ The National News An extraordinary archaeological discovery on Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is significantly reshaping historians understanding of the spread of Christianity in the seventh and eighth centuries. Researchers unearthed a 1,400-year-old plaster plaque depicting a cross within the ruins of an ancient church and monastery. The cross shows a stepped pyramid that resembles Golgotha the site traditionally believed to be where Jesus was crucified with foliage emerging from its base. The discovery suggests that a thriving Christian community existed in the region during a period when Islam was rapidly expanding and pagan traditions remained persistent. Contrary to the long-standing belief that Christianity was declining, evidence indicates that believers in this area were not only present but actually flourishing, according to The National. Maria Gajewska, the chief archaeologist on the site, explained: Every element of the cross incorporates regional motifs. It tells us that Christianity in this region was not only present but also flourished, adapting visually to its local context. We had settlements of Christians that were not just existing but were clearly thriving. The cross, approximately 27 cm by 17 cm and less than 2 cm thick, is thought to have served as a sacred object, possibly mounted on a wall before which worshippers would pray. Other artifacts discovered include pottery, glass vessels, and a small sea-green bottle that might have held oil or rosewater. Hager Al Menhali, an Emirati archaeologist with the Department of Culture and Tourism, remarked that she noticed a distinct fingerprint on the back of the plaque, which might have been left by its maker more than a millennium ago. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, described the find as a powerful testament to the UAEs profound and enduring values of coexistence and cultural openness, emphasizing that it underscores a long history of peaceful religious diversity in the region. Archaeological evidence indicates that the community on Sir Bani Yas was connected to the Church of the East, a denomination whose influence extended from the Middle East to India and China. The settlement appears to have been home to high-ranking monks who lived in well-constructed courtyard houses made of limestone and coral, complete with water cisterns. Signs of Christianitys presence on the island were first uncovered in the early 1990s. More recently, in 2022, a second monastery was discovered in Umm Al Quwain, and other related sites have been identified in Kuwait, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Yena Kwon Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) in Virginia is facing criticism after suspending two boys and charging them with sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination. The incident took place in March at Stone Bridge High School, located roughly 35 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., when a female student, who identifies as male, was allowed to change in the boys' locker room. After gym class one day, the student used her phone to record several boys who were curious about why a girl was in their locker room. Attorneys from the Founding Freedoms Law Center (FFLC) argue that the 10-day suspensions the boys received threaten their academic records and future prospects. One boy faces additional penalties, including a no-contact order and a requirement to work with administration on a correction plan. The suspensions will keep both boys out of school for the first two weeks of the school year. Notably, one student, who no longer resides in the district, was still disciplined, raising concerns about LCPS's apparent targeting of students who challenge its gender policies, according to an FFLC spokesperson. In June, LCPS dismissed a sexual harassment charge against one of the three Stone Bridge High School sophomore boys who had complained about the districts policy allowing trans-identifying students to use restrooms or locker rooms designated for the opposite sex, FFLC reported. FFLC attorneys say they are preparing to defend the boys and ensure that the districts correction plan does not become a tool for indoctrination. The Center also raised questions about inconsistencies in LCPSs rulings, noting that a Muslim boy facing similar allegations was acquitted, while the two boys from Christian families were found guilty. Victoria Cobb, president of FFLC, condemned the school districts actions: Weve seen time and time again that Loudoun County, if given the opportunity to do the right thing, will instead do the wrong thing. LCPS once again shows it is willing to harm students in the name of woke ideology. Punishing boys for raising legitimate privacy concerns is outrageous. To punish boys who complain that a biological girl is in their changing area is a top-down effort to normalize unacceptable privacy invasions, Cobb added. Josh Hetzler, legal counsel for the families, criticized LCPSs actions as a violation of federal law, stating, By making an example out of these boys and punishing them for complaining about a girl being in their locker room, LCPS shows its defiance of the U.S. Department of Educations Title IX compliance demands. FFLC plans to explore all legal options and is urging the U.S. Department of Justice to bring action to correct this wrong, Hetzler added. Home News 1,500-year-old Christian cathedral, baptistery unearthed beneath market in France Archaeologists in southeastern France have uncovered the remains of an early Christian cathedral and a remarkably preserved baptistery dating back more than 1,500 years, which they are calling one of the most significant finds in decades. The results of the excavations were presented to the press on July 31, following months of work beneath the market halls of Vence, a commune just west of Nice, FSSPX News reported. This discovery is of such magnitude that it only occurs once every 50 or 60 years in Europe, said Fabien Blanc-Garidel, head of the Nice metropolitan areas archaeological service, who is leading the project. The renovation of Vences market halls led to the unearthing of the cathedral earlier this year. Since March, teams working under the supervision of Franck Sumera, general curator of the archaeology service at the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC) of Provence-Alpes-Cote dAzur, have revealed a complex spanning about 30 meters (over 32 yards). Excavators say the site reflects more than six centuries of Christian life, from the fifth to the 11th centuries, before the cathedral was abandoned and razed. Among the most remarkable finds is an exterior baptistery, in which a basin was found in its original state without later modifications. Blanc-Garidel described the baptistery as a circular building, likely surrounded by a colonnade and covered, with a baptismal font that is octagonal on the outside and cross-shaped within. The font was lined with beton de tuileau, a Roman concrete made from crushed tile. The font is in very good condition, Blanc-Garidel told Fox News Digital, adding that the structure confirms the antiquity of the bishopric of Vence and enhances our knowledge of early Christian religious practices in the Alpes-Maritimes and Provence. At the time, baptism was still primarily administered to adults by partial immersion, in contrast to the ablution ritual practiced in the modern Roman Catholic Church. Archaeologists also uncovered tombs in the cathedrals nave, believed to be those of bishops and canons. The graves were constructed using pitched Roman roof tiles, a method typical of the time. Experts say the finds shed light not only on ritual practices but also on the rise of Christianity in the region. The diocese of Vence emerged as an influential episcopal center during Late Antiquity, strategically located between Italy and Gaul, according to Blanc-Garidel. One of the most significant aspects of this discovery is that the preserved archaeological structures offer insight into the history of this monument over six centuries, Blanc-Garidel said. Excavations also revealed remnants of a Roman dwelling beneath the cathedral, further linking the site to the regions layered history. The cathedral was reportedly demolished in the 11th century to make way for a new church nearby. After it was abandoned, two bell molds were installed in the nave, likely to cast bells for the newer structure. Despite its significance, the discovery will not halt the restoration of Vences commercial space. The municipality has opted to integrate the remains into the renovated market halls. The baptistery, located at the entrance of the future complex, will be visible beneath a protective glass panel, while the foundations of the cathedrals apse may be displayed under a transparent floor. The discovery comes on the heels of an excavation in Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi that uncovered a 1,400-year-old plaster plaque depicting a cross within the ruins of a church and monastery. The cross features a stepped pyramid reminiscent of Golgotha the site believed to be where Jesus was crucified with foliage sprouting from its base. Maria Gajewska, the chief archaeologist on site, explained: Every element of the cross incorporates regional motifs. It tells us that Christianity in this region was not only present but also flourished, adapting visually to its local context. We had settlements of Christians that were not just existing but were clearly thriving. Home News Archeologists uncover mosaic depicting biblical Samson at ancient Israeli synagogue A mosaic panel depicting biblical stories uncovered at an ancient synagogue was discovered by archeologists seeking answers about the impact of early Christian rule on Jewish people. Jodi Magness, an archaeologist and professor of early Judaism at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, has been excavating the synagogue in the ancient Jewish village of Huqoq since 2011. The village is located in Israel's Lower Galilee. Magness and her team discovered the first set of mosaics in 2012 after their excavation progressed to the floor of the building. The mosaic panels on the synagogue floor depict biblical stories, including Samson and the foxes from Judges 15:4 and Samson carrying the gates of Gaza as in Judges 16:3. This summer, additional sections of those mosaic panels were exposed. A newly discovered mosaic on the floor just inside the main entrance consists of a large panel with a Hebrew inscription contained inside a wreath. An Aramaic inscription lists the names of what appear to be the donors who funded the mosaic or the artists who created them. Other panels depict a tiger hunting an ibex, while another features a Philistine horseman and a dead Philistine soldier. In a Thursday interview with The Christian Post, Magness said the discovery of the mosaic was unintentional. Every summer, her team uncovers more mosaics, never knowing what to expect. "But like other sciences, archeologists usually start with a goal of answering one or more research questions in the hopes that the remains that we dig up will help us to answer those questions," the professor told CP. The professor said that the number of people working on the project varied yearly, but this year, the team consisted of around 50 people. Regarding the funding for the project, Magness said that it also came from multiple sources that varied from year to year. Magness said she sought to answer questions about the fate of Jewish villages under early Christian rule through the excavation. The village of Huqoq existed during the Roman and Byzantine periods, the professor said. And beginning in the fourth century, the Roman Empire became Christian. "Many of my colleagues in Israel think the Christian rule was oppressive to Jews and that many of these settlements declined and even disappeared during the fourth, fifth and sixth centuries," Magness said. "And my impression from the archeology was always exactly the opposite, that these Jewish settlements continued to exist and even to flourish." The archaeologist said the discovered remains indicate that Huqoq did "flourish" during the fourth, fifth and sixth centuries. While she acknowledged that the same may not be true for every settlement, at least with Huqoq, Magness believes the remains support her view. Another question that Magness sought to answer was the dating of the Galilean-type synagogue, which has typically been dated to the second and third centuries A.D. "And I think, based on the dating provided by associated artifacts of pottery and coins found in association with the construction of the building, I think that the archeological evidence indicates that this type of synagogue building dates to the fourth, fifth and sixth centuries," she said. "And this is significant because if they were built in the second or third centuries, that's a pagan Roman context, and if it's the fourth and the sixth century, it's the Christian context." Magness said the findings have implications for understanding the fate of Jews and the fate of Jews after Christian rule, as well as relations between members of the two religions. Now that the excavation is over and the land belongs to the state of Israel, everything that Magness' team found will remain there as part of the country's cultural heritage. She suggested that Israel may allow tourism at the site but reiterated that the decision is up to the Jewish state. The project received support from a foundation in Israel that wishes to remain anonymous, as well as the University of North Carolina. In addition, the archaeologist and professor received grants from sources such as National Geographic, The World Classical Library Foundation and the Kenan Trust. Home News 'This is not stealing': Kentucky church defends members for not returning 'sexually perverse books' to library Baptist church elder says books included depiction of 6-year-old performing sex act The leadership of a Baptist church in Kentucky says they support members of their congregation who choose to not return certain library books that contain LGBT-related themes, but denies the movement is a church directive. Reformation Church of Shelbyville (RCS), located about 30 miles east of Louisville, says it all began in June 2024, when a family attending the church discovered more than a dozen sexually perverse books, prompting a video response from RCS evangelist Tanner Cartwright warning about the books. Many of the titles listed, according to RCS, promoted transgenderism and homosexuality, including My Two Dads by Claudia Harrington, Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love, and Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out, by Susan Kuklin, which, said the church, includes a story of a 6-year-old child performing oral sex. At the time, RCS asked for permission from the Shelby County Public Library to hold a Pastors Story Hour event, but that request was denied. However, the church said it took that well, because the reason given would also make a Drag Queen Story Hour improbable. We should have known there was something more to it. RCS Elder Jerry Doris told The Christian Post that video, far from calling on the church to check out and not return books, was intended to expose what was happening in our local library and encouraged people to contact the staff. He said the family came across the books at the Shelby County Library while their children were present, and all 16 titles were openly available to minors. According to Doris, the content of these books was appalling. One book describes a 6-year-old performing oral sex, he said. Others attempt to rewrite history, such as portraying Leonardo da Vinci as a gay man to be emulated, a baseless modern projection he never made about himself. One champions Harvey Milk, while ignoring the fact that he was in a sexual relationship with an underage boy. So, these are not awkward 'coming-of-age' books, Doris added. They are sexualized, ideological propaganda placed in front of children and teens. He said that while members of RCS have sent letters to library officials about the matter, they have gone unanswered. Apart from the automated late notices, theres been no real contact, Doris added. The church says they have also contacted local law enforcement and the city attorney, who have all confirmed this is a civil, not criminal matter. Still, Doris reiterated that it was only after the books were initially stolen that RCS leadership affirmed the action as legitimate with a caveat. We have never from the pulpit told people to do this. It began organically, he said. After the fact, we affirmed their action as a legitimate form of civil disobedience. On our podcast, "Snake on the Table," we have said others are free to do the same, provided they are ready to face the civil consequences. "But again, this is not a program of Reformation Church. In a statement to CP on Monday, Jill Midkiff, spokesperson for the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, said despite the legal vagaries, deliberately failing to return library books as a form of protest doesnt happen very often. Strategically checking out books with no plans to return them as a method of permanently removing certain books from local public libraries is not a common practice, at least not one that has been reported to the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives, Midkiff said. According to state data, there were 302 challenges to library materials in the Bluegrass State in 2024, marking a dramatic jump of more than 1,000% from 2023. For Doris, however, the failure to return library materials doesnt constitute theft under state law. In Kentucky, not returning a library book is a civil matter, not a criminal one. The penalty is fines, collections or loss of library privileges, just like not paying a utility bill, he said. Thats it. No police, no jail." So this is not stealing,' he added. It is an act of civil disobedience against officials who are abusing public funds to groom children. And while his church is focused on protecting children from sexual perversion, Doris said he understands his approach might not work for everyone. For me, it is a conscience issue. If it were me, I would never return the books, he said. Others may choose to respond differently, but I encourage Christians to act according to conscience and be willing to face the consequences. In recent years, several states, including Texas, Montana and Wyoming, have cut ties with the American Library Association in response to the associations defense of materials many parents find objectionable. The organization opposes the banning of books, including those that some parents deem harmful because they promote pedophilia and sexual experimentation at a young age. Home News DC faith leaders demand ICE stop using church parking lots for immigration enforcement A progressive-leaning coalition of religious leaders in Washington, D.C., is demanding that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents stop using church parking lots when trying to make arrests, claiming it is "implicating" faith communities in what they described as a "federal takeover." Nineteen leaders signed the letter organized by the Fellowship of Reconciliation-USA-DMV, the local chapter of an interfaith advocacy group, WUSA reported Saturday. "We recognize that as these law enforcement entities use the properties of houses of worship, they are implicating those worshipping communities in the erosion of [D.C.] Home Rule," the letter stated, "[m]aking it look like those communities of faith agree with a federal takeover, and in accord with the racial profiling and disappearance of our neighbors, family members and friends." Rev. Patricia Fears, the lead pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church and one of the letter's organizers, said that around five church leaders had told her that ICE agents had parked in their lots before conducting arrests. ICE enforcement has made it more difficult for several D.C. churches to hold charity events and worship services, Fears said, adding that several Haitian children stopped attending her Baptist church after President Donald Trump's administration deployed the National Guard to the nation's capital and federalized the Metropolitan Police Department to combat crime. Fears claimed that her church has also had to make changes to distribute food differently, as immigrant members of the community are fearful of ICE arresting them. "We've had to set up systems where we give out food other ways," she stated. "I don't want to expose what we're doing." Neither ICE nor Rev. Patricia Fears immediately responded to The Christian Post's request for comment. Others who signed the letter include pastors from local churches affiliated with denominations that typically hold progressive views on social and theological issues, such as the United Church of Christ, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Disciples of Christ, and the Unitarian Universalist Association. Leaders from a handful of Baptist and independent churches also signed the letter. In an executive order published earlier this month, Trump argued that the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Re-Organization Act gave him the authority to take control of its police force and send in the National Guard. The president cited crime statistics for Washington, D.C., as well as its status as a sanctuary city, which he claimed has shielded illegal immigrants from deportation and contributed to the increasing crime rate. "The murder rate in Washington today is higher than that of Bogota, Colombia, Mexico City, some of the places that you hear about as being the worst places on Earth," Trump asserted. "The number of car thefts has doubled over the past five years and the number of carjackings has more than tripled. Murders in 2023 reached the highest rate, probably ever." One critic of the decision, Del. Elanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., accused Trump and his administration of committing a "historic assault on D.C. home rule." She called it "more evidence of the urgent need" to pass a D.C. statehood bill. "Crime in D.C. reached a 30-year low in 2024 and is down 26% this year compared to the same time period last year," Holmes Norton said in an Aug. 11 statement. "The administration is justifying the decision by misleadingly citing years-old statistics." Although city leaders are citing declining crime statistics, the D.C. Police Union accused city leaders in May of "deliberately falsifying crime data, creating a false narrative of reduced crime while communities suffer" to "evade public scrutiny." Fears and the 18 other religious leaders who signed the letter are not the only faith communities that have challenged the Trump administration over federal agents conducting immigration enforcement operations on their property. Last month, multiple Christian groups filed a lawsuit in federal court in Massachusetts, arguing that many congregations "have seen both attendance and financial giving plummet" due to the Trump administration allowing federal agents to use their properties. The plaintiffs listed in the suit include multiple regional bodies of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the American Baptist Churches USA, the Alliance of Baptists and multiple regional bodies of the Religious Society of Friends and the Metropolitan Community Churches. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem are named as defendants. In April, a group of churches, along with two other nonprofits, also filed a complaint in U.S. District Court in Oregon, challenging the legality of the DHS's rescission of an Obama-era policy that banned immigration law enforcement operations from "sensitive" areas, including churches and schools. The DHS, after rescinding the policy in January, said in a statement at the time that the policy change would prevent criminals from avoiding arrest by hiding in schools and churches. "The Trump Administration will not tie the hands of our brave law enforcement, and instead trusts them to use common sense," the DHS declared. "The Biden-Harris Administration abused the humanitarian parole program to indiscriminately allow 1.5 million migrants to enter our country. This was all stopped on day one of the Trump Administration. This action will return the humanitarian parole program to its original purpose of looking at migrants on a case-by-case basis." Home News Generation Indoctrination examines heartache of families picking up the pieces from gender ideology In a recent episode of the "Generation Indoctrination" podcast, host Brandon Showalter revisited the early voices who raised alarms about gender ideology and spotlighted families and advocates still grappling with its aftermath. In the episode, "Picking Up the Pieces: Life After the Gender Wars," Showalter reflected on his own reporting journey, recalling how, in 2017, he attended a Heritage Foundation panel called Biology Is Not Bigotry, which featured voices across the political spectrum, including Christian conservatives and radical feminists. Mere months after I started as a journalist in 2016, I began to see how language was shifting in the mainstream news media, he said. When I left that panel, I thought my head would spin off my body. Among those featured are Kaylee Triller Harms, a former YMCA communications director who lost her job after refusing to support locker-room policies based on clients' self-declared gender identity, and Miriam Ben-Shalom, a Jewish lesbian activist and veteran who became outspoken after questioning transgender policies online. Ben-Shalom recalled how quickly she faced backlash. I didnt know, but I sure got educated really quickly, she said of her first public comments critical of transgenderism. I really dont give a darn what people think of me, if my legacy depends on having to affirm a mental illness. Triller Harms described the shock of realizing the medical industry was performing experimental surgeries on children. For me, it was like descending into multiple layers of Dantes Inferno, she said. When I saw a phalloplasty arm I couldnt comprehend that degree of wickedness. Listen to the Generation Indoctrination podcast The episode also highlighted parents like Helen, who fought a years-long custody battle after her young son was encouraged to live as a girl by her ex-partner and preschool. I feel very grateful, but very sort of like theres so many people that didnt have my luck and didnt have my resources, she said. Sometimes I feel like I should be doing more to help somebody else get through this. Though she ultimately gained medical decision-making power, Helen said the trauma of fighting for her child lingers. My whole worry can be summed up as, is my son going to be OK? she said. Jennifer Balance, a licensed clinical social worker and director of the Center for Family Studies at the Family Research Council, called for a reevaluation of the psychiatric framework surrounding gender identity. We are seeing the breaking of the stronghold of this ideology over the hearts and minds of Americans, she said. But she cautioned that the profession must root out the actual weeds of ideology within clinical practice. Balance also challenged the terminology of detransitioners, saying, If youve never transitioned, really, because you physiologically cannot transition, then how can you detransition? Youre just simply coming back to your true identity. Showalter asked his guests where the movement goes from here. Both Ben-Shalom and Triller Harms emphasized courage and truth-telling. It is not a kindness to stay silent about this, Triller Harms said. People need to learn to care about things, even if they arent personally affected by it. Ben-Shalom added that exposing the reality of medicalized gender interventions might be the most powerful way to convey the stakes. A picture sometimes can be worth 1,000 words, she said. As Showalter framed it, the episode is about those picking up the pieces from the Gender Wars advocates, parents and professionals who continue to reckon with what he called one of the worst medical scandals in history. Home News 'House of David' actor Michael Iskander announces conversion to Catholicism Actor Michael Iskander, known for his portrayal of King David in the streaming series House of David," has announced that he converted to Roman Catholicism, noting that it's merely the beginning of the journey. In an Instagram post last week, actor Michael Iskander announced that he had joined the Roman Catholic Church as he shared a picture of the interior of a Catholic church. Iskander is best known for playing the lead role of King David in the Amazon Prime series. Today is a very special day, that looking back has been a long time in the making, Iskander wrote. Today I joined the Catholic faith. Iskander detailed how he had felt a calling to this church for a long time, and as time went on, this calling became louder and louder. Iskander recalled that Eventually I ran into some really amazing people that helped me along the way, Iskander recalled. And rather than being the end of the road, this is the beginning of the journey, The actor urged his followers to pray for him as he continues his walk with God. Iskander did not elaborate on how long he had been pondering a conversion to Catholicism. As outlined in his biography on the Internet Movie Database, Iskander was born in Egypt and moved to the United States at age 9. While Iskander doesn't have any other acting credits besides House of David on the small or big screen, he performed in the Broadway production Kimberly Akimbo from 2022-2024. Even before his conversion to Catholicism, Iskander has been passionate about his Christian faith. After House of David won the TV/Streaming Impact Award at the 2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards earlier this year, Iskander quoted the Bible passage Joshua 1:9: This is my command be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. This show has changed my life in every way, Iskander added. This show has inspired me to take down my giants, and I want you to know if the Lord is with you, you can take down yours. Iskanders remarks at the awards ceremony reflect the plot of the show, which focuses on the rise of King David and documents the battle between David and Goliath. House of David premiered on Amazon Prime earlier this year. Its first season concluded on April 3 and the series has been renewed for a second season. In an interview with The Christian Post earlier this year, megachurch Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Ministries described House of David as one of the greatest evangelistic opportunities in recent history. Laurie told CP that Millions of people through House of David and The Chosen are hearing Bible stories for the first time. No movie will ever take the place of the Gospel or the Bible, nor should it. But if it inspires people whove never read the Bible before or have no relationship with God to want to know more, then this is something we should be celebrating, not critiquing, he added. Home News Ken Paxton orders Texas schools to display Ten Commandments following judge's ruling Texas' attorney general is ordering nearly all school districts in the state to ensure they have copies of the Ten Commandments in their classrooms by next week. This follows a judge's court order preventing a law mandating the historical document's placement in classrooms from going into effect in some school districts. In a statement on Monday, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton ordered all school districts not covered by the federal judges order to display the Decalogue. In his Aug. 20 ruling, Judge Fred Biery of the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas San Antonio Division prevented the law from going into effect in 11 school districts in the state: Alamo Heights, Northeast, Austin, Cypress Fairbanks, Lackland, Lake Travis, Fort Bend, Houston, Dripping Springs, Plano and Northside. Paxton indicated Monday that his office has appealed the decision. From the beginning, the Ten Commandments have been irrevocably intertwined with Americas legal, moral, and historical heritage, Paxton said. Schools not enjoined by ongoing litigation must abide by S.B. 10 and display the Ten Commandments. The woke radicals seeking to erase our nations history will be defeated. I will not back down from defending the virtues and values that built this country. Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 10, which requires schools to post a 16-by-20-inch poster or framed copy of a specific English version of the Ten Commandments, into law earlier this year. The measure is slated to go into effect on Sept. 1. As Paxton explained in his statement Monday, While no school is compelled to purchase Ten Commandments displays, schools may choose to do so. However, schools must accept and display any privately donated posters or copies that meet the requirements of S.B. 10. Last month, the Austin-based advocacy group Texas Values, which played a role in securing the passage of Senate Bill 10, launched a new website called RestoreAmericanSchools.com that enables individuals and organizations to purchase posters of the Ten Commandments for just $1, including shipping. Texas Values Policy Director Jonathan Covey told local news outlet WTHR that it was important to us that we are able to take private donations and give those to the school districts and not burden them with having to come up with funding. Texas is not the only state that has passed a measure requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. Louisiana and Arkansas have passed similar legislation into law. Like Senate Bill 10, the Louisiana and Arkansas laws have found themselves subject to legal challenges. In June, a three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit unanimously upheld a lower court ruling stating that the Louisiana law violated the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. That same month, the progressive advocacy groups Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Freedom From Religion Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Arkansas law. GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BBL Asset Management (BBLAM), one of the largest asset managers in Thailand, will launch the Bualuang China Next Economy Fund (B-CNNEXT) on August 26. The fund-of-funds (FOF) will invest via QFII channels in equity funds managed by E Fund Management (E Fund), the largest mutual fund manager in China, helping Thai investors capture opportunities in China's economic transformation. During the past years, Thailand has witnessed a growing interest for foreign investment opportunities, especially in China. "We've been observing the Chinese market very closely, in Thailand China-related strategies make up a significant portion of the offshore offerings for Thai investors. The return discrepancies between global and onshore managers in mainland China have been huge. Recently, BBLAM has obtained its QFII licenses to take full advantage of assessing the best strategies in mainland China," said Khun Anak Kittivat, Global Investment Management at BBLAM. "The partnership with E Fund shows our commitment to growing our China strategy franchise in Thailand. We believe that the structural investment themes of China remain strong in areas such as AI, renewable energy, robotics, and healthcare, all of which look very promising." The launch builds on BBLAM's strategic collaboration with E Fund, its first Chinese partner, following a MOU signed in March 2024. This partnership was further strengthened in December 2024, when BBLAM's Bualuang China Equity Fund invested in the E Fund Ruiheng Hybrid Fund. The upcoming launch of this new FOF product, marks another milestone, underscoring the deepening cooperation between the two firms. Against the backdrop of China's progressive capital market opening, E Fund is advancing its globalization strategy through overseas subsidiaries and strategic partnership with leading global asset managers. These efforts position E Fund as a bridge for global investors allocating to China, offering greater accessibility and enhanced service. About E Fund Established in 2001, E Fund is a leading comprehensive mutual fund manager in China with over RMB 3.6 trillion (US$ 512 billion) under management as of 30 June 2025. It offers investment solutions to onshore and offshore clients, helping clients achieve long-term sustainable investment performances. E Fund's clients include both individuals and institutions, ranging from central banks, sovereign wealth funds, social security funds, pension funds, insurance and reinsurance companies, to corporates and banks. Long-term oriented, it has been focusing on the investment management business since inception and believes in the power of in-depth research and time in investing. It is a pioneer and leading practitioner in responsible investments in China and is widely recognized as one of the most trusted and outstanding Chinese asset managers. About BBLAM BBL Asset Management Company Limited (BBLAM) is a broadly diversified investment management company committed to offering investors superior performance. Founded in March 1992, the company has built its funds under management to approximately 768,832 million baht or 24 billion USD as of December 2024. BBLAM offers and manages various types of funds across equity, fixed income, asset allocation strategies and real estate for institutional and retail clients, in addition to the REITS & Infrastructure private and provident funds business. SOURCE E Fund Management Home News Canadian mayor defiant after 'Queers for Palestine' protesters halt pride parade The mayor of Ottawa, Ontario, condemned recent anti-Israel LGBT protesters on Monday for effectively stopping the Canadian capital's annual pride parade over the weekend while issuing political demands. "I don't think we want to have a situation where anybody can just block a parade, especially Capital Pride, put a bunch of demands on the table, and the parade doesn't move forward unless people give in to those demands," Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said during a press conference at Ottawa City Hall, according to CTV News. "I don't think that's acceptable," he added. "I don't think that's a proper way to advocate or discuss the issues that are important to those people, I certainly was not in a position to say, 'Yes, I'll do whatever they ask.'" Hundreds of protesters associated with the group "Queers for Palestine Ottawa (Q4P)," which describes itself as "an organization of queer and trans people advocating and organizing for liberation," blocked the Capital Pride parade near Parliament Hill and demanded anti-Israel concessions from its organizers and the mayor, according to the Ottawa Citizen. "We will not leave until our elected officials and Capital Pride come down and meet our demands," Masha Davidovic, one of the Queers for Palestine group members, told the outlet. The event, which reportedly boasted approximately 7,000 participants, was brought to a halt and ultimately canceled around 2:30 p.m. amid the protesters, who unfurled banners while calling for solidarity with the Palestinian cause, including supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. According to a flyer passed around at the parade, the group's "immediate demands" included Capital Pride holding a "BDS townhall" and committing to the BDS-affiliated Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel. The flyer also demanded that Sutcliffe "apologize for last year's boycott and the call to defund Pride" and "commit to stand with us and all oppressed peoples, including Palestinians." In 2024, Sutcliffe and other high-profile supporters pulled out of Capital Pride's parade following a statement from the group accusing Israel of genocide and vowing to integrate BDS-related blacklisting into its sponsorship program, as noted by The Jerusalem Post. The statement was subsequently removed following backlash last year. Queers for Palestine has alleged that Sutcliffe is "still tied to right-wing business interests, still silencing criticism of Israel, and still trying to pinkwash his complicity." In a statement on social media Sunday after the parade's unplanned cancellation, Capital Pride said they attempted "meaningful discussion" with Queers for Palestine, but realized they were "unwilling to engage in a good faith conversation and was insistent on misrepresenting our discussions." Capital Pride said during their hour-long tussle with Queers for Palestine demonstrators, the organizers' realized their hands were tied given that the street closures for the parade were pre-scheduled and effective only until 4 p.m. "This decision was not taken lightly, and we understand and appreciate the impact it had on our community," they said. In a celebratory Sunday Instagram post that claimed Ottawa is situated on "unceded, unsurrendered Algonquin land," Queers for Palestine claimed victory. They said they are fighting for the "queer community globally." "We celebrated. We protested. We took our Pride back without fear," the group wrote. "We love this queer and trans community in this city. We will never betray our queer community globally." "We will never stop fighting for our queer kin in Gaza and Palestine, and as queer people, we will NEVER turn our backs on oppressed and colonized people across the world and right here on Turtle Island," they also wrote. "Turtle Island" is a reference to the term historically used by some Native American groups to describe the North American continent, which some indigenous groups believed was created on the back of a giant turtle. According to Equaldex, an online publication that tracks LGBTQ+ rights around the world, homosexual activity is legal in the West Bank, but punishable by up to 10 years in prison in Gaza, which retains the British Mandate's 1936 criminal code prohibiting "carnal knowledge against the order of nature." Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza after Hamas, the terror group that has controlled Gaza since 2007, killed 1,200 people during a surprise attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The Hamas-controlled Gaza health authorities say that over 60,000 people have died since the war began. Those figures don't differentiate between combatants and civilians. Home News Stepfather, mother arrested after 11-year-old girl gives birth to baby An Oklahoma couple is facing multiple charges of child neglect and sexual abuse after their 11-year-old daughter gave birth to a baby that a DNA test shows is 99.9% likely fathered by the stepfather. The girls stepfather, Dustin Walker, 34, and her biological mother, Cherie Walker, 33, were initially arrested by Muskogee Police Department officers and charged with one count of felony child neglect each after she gave birth at home on Aug. 16, according to court records cited by NBC News. A local hospital called police at around 5:45 p.m. on Aug. 16 after the girl was brought in for care approximately one hour after giving birth in a home she shared with five other siblings. Dustin Walker was later proven to be the father of the child following DNA testing by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. He was additionally charged with sexual abuse of a child younger than 12, while the girls mother was charged with enabling child sexual abuse, Fox 25 reported. They are being held at the Muskogee County Jail. Muskogee County Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson told 2 News she was horrified to learn what happened to the young girl. I was horror-stricken to find out its an 11-year-old little girl whos given birth," she said. "And that she had no medical care, and she had no one to be with her. Neighbor Cheryl Adkins told the news outlet that the 11-year-old and her siblings had been exposed to unstable and unsanitary conditions in the home and she made several attempts to alert the authorities and is now worried help has come too late. They have [had] no running water for the last two or three years," she said. "They have dogs in the house. They have cats in the house, six children. Prior to the DNA results being made public, a woman who only gave her name as Michelle and identified herself as the childrens grandmother, attempted to blame the girls pregnancy on a neighborhood boy while defending the couple. She keeps telling us that it was a little 12-year-old that I used to babysit," Michelle said of her granddaughters explanation for the pregnancy. "She keeps telling everybody that it was him. They got curious. That's all I know." Michelle further stated her daughter and son-in-law arent monsters while insisting that They love those children. She also blamed the familys pets for the unsanitary conditions in the home described by neighbors. We have animals, and so sometimes there's trash on the floor because the dogs get into the trash," she said. "It gets cleaned up. Right now, it's probably a mess because the animals are in there. We try to let them out, but they try to keep it clean." Hutson called the abuse of the 11-year-old girl, one of the most if not the most serious child sexual abuse and neglect cases I have ever prosecuted," in a statement to NBC News. All the couples children have been removed from their care, and they are facing a total of six counts of felony child neglect, including failing to provide the pregnant child with adequate medical care and supervision when she gave birth at home. They are also facing counts of child neglect for their other children, ages 2, 4, 6, 7 and 9. Home News TD Jakes ex-son-in-law claims megachurch founder sexually abused him: attorney An attorney facing financial sanction for fabricated citations in his legal filings related to Pastor T.D. Jakes' defamation lawsuit now claims to represent the convicted ex-husband of Jakes eldest daughter, Cora Jakes, and other unnamed males who he says have credible allegations against the Potter's House founder of grooming, sexual assault, sexting, and transporting them across state lines. Richard Brandon Coleman, 36, also known by his stage name SkiiVentura, is serving time in a Texas prison for aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child. Cora Jakes, announced her divorce from him in January 2022, shortly before his crimes became public after a decade of marriage and two adopted children, Amauri and Jason. Blackburn, who says he is now representing Coleman, made his latest claim in a filing in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania last Friday. It is part of an ongoing defamation lawsuit Jakes launched against former pastor Duane Youngblood and 10 John Does in November 2024. While Blackburn is no longer serving as attorney for Youngblood, who claims he was sexually assaulted by Jakes decades ago as a teenager, his previous work on the case could face possible sanctions because he submitted fabricated quotations and misleading analysis of case law in his defense of Youngblood. Jakes high powered attorneys Dustin A. Pusch of Meier Watkins Phillips Pusch LLP, in Washington, D.C.; Devin J. Chwastyk of McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC in Pennsylvania; and Derrelle M. Janey of The Janey Law Firm P.C. in New York City have asked U.S. District Judge William S. Stickman to award them some $71,400.63 in reasonable attorneys' fees for the work they had to do in responding to Blackburns filings. In a sur-reply arguing against the awarding of the proposed attorneys' fees, Blackburn contends that Pusch and his colleagues are engaging in retaliatory abuse of the disciplinary system, because of their awareness of a pending civil lawsuit he plans to file on behalf of Coleman and other unnamed alleged male victims, naming Jakes and his daughter, Cora. Plaintiff's counsel now appends to his sur-reply motion an email in which I asked whether he would waive service in a forthcoming civil suit involving Plaintiff and his daughter, Cora Jakes. That email entirely appropriate in substance and tone is now being mischaracterized and taken out of context to falsely imply impropriety on my part, Blackburn said. Cora Jakes, like her father, has been publicly accused of abusing children. Their Church was a haven for immigrant children, yet the parents of several of these kids were deported. The children have been left behind, and upon information and belief, many of them are now missing, he further alleged. "Cora Jakes, in particular, has been accused of manipulating a vulnerable friend who trusted her into giving Cora Jakes custody of their child and engaging in other forms of physical abuse of her adopted daughter. My inquiry regarding the waiver of service was fully within the bounds of professional correspondence." Blackburn did not respond to a request for comment on the filing from The Christian Post on Monday. Shortly after her ex-husbands arrest was made public in 2022, Michelle Loud, a Texas hairstylist, identified herself in a tearful video as the biological mother of Cora Jakes adopted son, Jason. In the video that is no longer available online, Loud expressed concern for the safety of her son and accused Cora Jakes and her ex-husband of manipulating her into giving up her son while she was in a vulnerable state. She (Cora) played on my vulnerability, Loud alleged. "She had me in front of a f MacBook recording and asking me questions, talking about it was counseling but it wasnt counseling because later on down the line, a few years later, she would then use that evidence against me in court when I went to fight for my son. Blackburn argued that Bishop Jakes was ill-advised by Pusch to file his defamation lawsuit in an effort to stop the pending class-action lawsuit. From the inception of this lawsuit, I informed Mr. Pusch that I am planning to file a class action lawsuit for several male sexual assault survivors against Plaintiff TD Jakes. Dustin Pusch created Mr. Jake's [sic] present reality by foolishly filing this suit against Mr. Youngblood in hopes of bullying him into signing away his right to speak publicly of the childhood trauma visited upon him by TD Jakes, Blackburn wrote. Unfortunately, Plaintiff Jakes failed to anticipate the avalanche of survivors who would come forward with evidence of Plaintiff grooming, sexually assaulting, sexting, and transporting them across state lines in violation of the MANN Act. One of the accusers is now Mr. Jake's [sic] former son-in-law, Richard Brandon Coleman. The Mann Act makes it a crime for anyone 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. When asked about Blackburns claim of a pending class-action lawsuit against Jakes by multiple men, including Coleman, Pusch told CP on Monday that Blackburn has yet to inform them formally of a class-action. The only time Mr. Blackburn threatened anything that could be construed as a possible class action lawsuit was back in December, when he baldly claimed he was preparing some sort of lawsuit against Bishop Jakes (which of course never materialized), Pusch noted to CP in an emailed statement. In his most recent threat, he simply said he represents Richard Brandon Coleman and no one else and has only threatened a lawsuit on Mr. Colemans behalf. If he is currently planning some sort of class action suit, he has not informed us, he added. As it stands, Bishop Jakes and his legal team are focusing on the only existing lawsuit, the one Bishop Jakes brought against Duane Youngblood, which followed a letter Mr. Blackburn sent to Bishop Jakes demanding $6 million and threatened litigation a letter which Mr. Youngblood now claims he did not know about or authorize. In his filing on Friday, Blackburn stated that neither Jakes nor Pusch will deter him or his clients. Dustin Pusch and TD Jakes know that they could never intimidate me from representing Mr. Coleman and the other men who have valid claims against Mr. Jakes. Even if Mr. Pusch were able to hinder my law license (which he cannot), I will continue to pursue Plaintiff Jakes, even if all I have is a bullhorn in front of the US Department of Justice, he wrote. Even if there is no financial recovery in my forthcoming litigations against Mr. Jakes, I do not care, so long as my clients have their day in Court, can file their criminal complaints, and their claims are investigated by law enforcement. I will get justice for my clients. Home News Trump wants to prosecute people who burn the US flag; advocates say its protected speech President Donald Trump has announced a plan to prosecute anyone who burns a United States flag, even though the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the right for people to do so. Trump issued an executive order on Monday vowing that his administration will "prosecute those who incite violence or otherwise violate our laws while desecrating this symbol of our country, to the fullest extent permissible under any available authority." "The American Flag is a special symbol in our national life that should unite and represent all Americans of every background and walk of life. Desecrating it is uniquely offensive and provocative," stated the order. "It is a statement of contempt, hostility, and violence against our Nation the clearest possible expression of opposition to the political union that preserves our rights, liberty, and security. Burning this representation of America may incite violence and riot." The order calls on Attorney General Pam Bondi to "prioritize the enforcement to the fullest extent possible of our Nation's criminal and civil laws against acts of American Flag desecration that violate applicable, content-neutral laws, while causing harm unrelated to expression, consistent with the First Amendment." "To the maximum extent permitted by the Constitution, the Attorney General shall vigorously prosecute those who violate our laws in ways that involve desecrating the American Flag, and may pursue litigation to clarify the scope of the First Amendment exceptions in this area," continued the executive order. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a nonpartisan free speech advocacy organization, says Trump doesn't have the "power to revise the First Amendment with the stroke of a pen." "Flag burning as a form of political protest is protected by the First Amendment," FIRE Chief Counsel Bob Corn-Revere in a statement. "That's nothing new. While people can be prosecuted for burning anything in a place they aren't allowed to set fires, the government can't prosecute protected expressive activity even if many Americans, including the president, find it 'uniquely offensive and provocative.'" In 1989, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in the case of Texas v. Johnson that burning the American flag was a constitutionally acceptable form of public protest. At issue in the case was a man named Gregory Lee Johnson, who burned an American flag outside of the Republican National Convention in 1984 to protest Ronald Reagan. "Johnson was convicted for engaging in expressive conduct. The State's interest in preventing breaches of the peace does not support his conviction because Johnson's conduct did not threaten to disturb the peace," wrote Justice William Brennan for the majority. "Nor does the State's interest in preserving the flag as a symbol of nationhood and national unity justify his criminal conviction for engaging in political expression." Chief Justice William Rehnquist authored a dissenting opinion in the 1989 case, claiming that "the American flag has occupied a unique position as the symbol of our Nation, a uniqueness that justifies a governmental prohibition against flag burning in the way respondent Johnson did here." "The flag is not simply another 'idea' or 'point of view' competing for recognition in the marketplace of ideas," he added. "I cannot agree that the First Amendment invalidates the Act of Congress, and the laws of 48 of the 50 States, which make criminal the public burning of the flag." Home News Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger announces plan to join the ACNA The co-founder of the largest free online encyclopedia in the world is signaling his plans to convert to Christianity after spending most of his adult life as a religious skeptic. In a thread posted to X on Thursday, Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger announced his intention to seek to be confirmed in early September into the Anglican Church of North America. Sanger quipped that he was fairly sure theyll let me in. Sanger explained why he decided to join the Anglican Church, noting, I attended a local ACNA church last Sunday, and I absolutely loved the liturgy, which I found deeply spiritual, as well as the fellowship. He added, It helps that the liturgy is all on overhead projectors, and the acoustics are such that I could actually hear the sermon if I turned my hearing aids all the way up. Sanger, who spent most of his adult life as a religious skeptic, detailed his newfound embrace of Christianity in a February blog post on his personal website. While Sanger stopped believing in God as a teenager, he had spent the past two decades studying Christianity on his own time as he noticed growing anti-Christian sentiment in the United States. After reading the Gospel accounts in February 2020, Sanger concluded that he does believe in God and needed to pray to God properly. He characterized his initial theological beliefs as something like an Orthodox Christian faith while acknowledging that he had not yet adopted a church home and was continuing to engage in intense research to determine which denomination of Christianity he wanted to join. In a blog post published on Aug. 16, five days before he announced his plans to join the Anglican Church of North America, Sanger said he had narrowed his options down to three, including the Anglican Church of North America, the Evangelical Free Church of America and the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. The Aug. 16 entry marked the third in a series of blog posts written by Sanger examining each of the Christian denominations. Sanger identified the ACNA as entirely consistent with my approach because they have been set up to be welcoming to a wide variety of Christians, while being firm on the fundamentals. He also stressed that he did not want to be pressured by those who approach theology dogmatically and who have no sympathy with a systematic, careful approach to Gods own truth, one that leaves some questions answered. He maintained that its intellectual style made the ACNA more simpatico with his outlook. While Sanger played an instrumental role in founding Wikipedia at the beginning of the 21st century, he has since emerged as a staunch critic of the online encyclopedia. In 2020, Sanger contended that the sites neutrality policy was dead. According to Sanger, There is a rewritten policy, but it endorses the utterly bankrupt canard that journalists should avoid what they call false balance. The notion that we should avoid false balance is directly contrary to the original neutrality policy. Sanger pointed to Wikipedia's piece about Jesus as an example of how it no longer has a neutral approach. It simply asserts, again in its own voice, that the quest for the historical Jesus has yielded major uncertainty on the historical reliability of the Gospels and on how closely the Jesus portrayed in the Bible reflects the historical Jesus, he said. In another place, the article simply asserts, the gospels are not independent nor consistent records of Jesus life. A great many Christians would take issue with such statements, which means it is not neutral for that reason in other words, the very fact that most Christians believe in the historical reliability of the Gospels, and that they are wholly consistent, means that the article is biased if it simply asserts, without attribution or qualification, that this is a matter of major uncertainty. Classifying the article as a liberal academic discussion of Jesus that focused especially on assorted difficulties and controversies, while failing to explain traditional or orthodox views of those issues, Sanger suggested that it might be academic, but what it is not is neutral, not in the original sense we defined for Wikipedia. Christian Colleges Win Legal Battle, ICE Detains Maine Pastor, Archaeological Find Reveals Early Christianity link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:18 07:18 Top headlines for Tuesday, August 26, 2025 A landmark judicial decision in Minnesota that deemed the exclusion of faith-based colleges from a dual enrollment program unconstitutional. Next, well discuss the case of a Congolese pastor in Maine who faces detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for reportedly overstaying his visa, highlighting the intersection of immigration, faith, and community. Plus, we travel to Abu Dhabi, where an extraordinary archaeological find on Sir Bani Yas Island is reshaping historians' perspectives on the spread of early Christianity. 00:11 Christian colleges can't be barred from Minnesota credit program 01:03 Chinese national in US illegally charged for prostitution ring 01:54 Congolese pastor who founded a Maine church detained by ICE 02:45 Attorneys urge DOJ to 'bring action' in case of Christian boys 03:41 ISIS remains a 'complex' threat as it adapts, UN expert warn 04:36 Archaeologists make ancient Christian discovery in Abu Dhabi 05:34 Comedian John Crist announces engagement to news anchor Home Opinion Is the Democratic Party starting to moderate? Most of the news these days about Democratic candidates for public office focuses on a singular figure, Zohran Mamdani, running for mayor of New York. The suddenly popular 33-year-old member of the state legislature captured 56% of the vote in the Democrats ranked choice primary in June. He has drawn such descriptors as socialist or even communist, attracting the sobriquets after media-magnet comments on the abolition of the New York Police Department and the creation of city-run grocery stores and free public transit. Mamdanis stances continue to draw new contenders into the mix as Novembers election looms little more than 10 weeks away. Whatever term fits best, and as senior Democrats wrestle with the question of whether Mamdanis big government philosophy will hurt the party in more moderate locales in 2026, candidates in the nations handful of closely contested races are going out of their way to strike a temperate tone. Next years House, Senate, and state (most of them) elections are still 14 months away, but the narratives are already shaping up as appeals to everyday concerns in a national and global economy whose defining shape isnt completely clear. One thing, however, does seem to be acquiring clarity that is, will the 2026 Democrats amend their views on social policies like abortion and transgenderism? The answer so far appears to be no. Mamdani is a New York progressive on these issues. On July 9, Planned Parenthood of New York City endorsed him and detailed his platform. It is hard to imagine more access to abortion in NYC, where more than half of all minority pregnancies end in prenatal death, but Mamdani has pledged to accomplish it. According to PP-NYC, His platform calls for doubling funding for both New York Citys Abortion Access Hub and the New York Abortion Access Fund (NYAAF), ensuring that anyone can access abortion care regardless of income or immigration status. Even more ominously, Planned Parenthood says, Mamdani will include an investment of $65 million in public clinics that provide abortion and gender-affirming care, while confronting private health care institutions that have refused to provide this critical care. Whatever confronting private institutions means, it is not freedom of conscience or religious liberty. Democrats around the country are unlikely to champion government grocery stores, and some may even join the chorus calling for disallowing purchases of candy and soda with food stamps and other subsidies. But the evidence that moderation is about to occur on the sanctity of life and the redefinition of the sexes is scant. One example is House candidate Jamie Ager of North Carolinas 11th Congressional District. An article in The Smoky Mountain News last month hailed the fourth-generation farmers entry into the congressional race in familiar and bucolic terms, citing his life rooted not in ideology but pragmatism, problem-solving and shared values across party lines. Where is Ager on abortion then? Hes pro-choice and pro-family. He will support families after children are born, he says. He embraces LGBT rights. Sean McCann is running for Congress out of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Clearly a family man who has roots in the community, McCann is emphasizing issues like Medicaid, because, he says, he knows Washington needs to focus on what matters to regular people like protecting health care and Medicaid, not cutting it; getting costs down, not exploding the national debt; helping small businesses grow[.] McCann is no Mamdani. On abortion, however, he is with his party, for letting women make their own health care decisions, instead of politicians making it for them. On transgenderism, his campaign site is silent, but in 2022, his Twitter page took the occasion of the Transgender Day of Visibility to proclaim, Today is Transgender Day of Visibility. I see you and Im proud to stand with the trans and gender-nonconforming community. Perhaps the most intriguing candidacy of this kind is that of Rob Sand, who has announced his campaign for governor of Iowa. While the next presidential campaign is far off and the order and importance of presidential primaries can change, Iowas historic role in selecting the major party nominees is huge. Today, the state is led by Governor Kim Reynolds (R), as stalwart a voice for life as America has to offer. The Democratic entrant getting so much attention is a young attorney with a grassroots vibe, who has compiled a record of combating corruption as the state auditor. A new Wall Street Journal profile waxes poetic about him: Rob Sand could almost pass for a Republican: He frequently quotes the Bible, owns two SIG Sauer handguns, goes deer hunting each fall and asks audiences to sing a few verses of America the Beautiful at the start of campaign events. Sand is not by any means an Iowa Republican on social issues. He recently stated on Twitter, As Governor, Ill use whatever tools I have to protect Iowans reproductive rights. The statement is especially significant as Iowa, with Governor Reynoldss strong endorsement, has a six-week (heartbeat) abortion limit in place. The states latest abortion report showed a near-32% reduction in abortions in 2023, one of the largest declines in the country. Sand has, however, drawn some fire from trans activists for saying in a May interview that he did not support allowing biological men to compete in womens sports. He was hasty to state that he still supported civil rights legal protection for people who are LGBT. Elsewhere, Sand told The Des Moines Register that he thought social issues were a distraction from pocketbook stuff thats making Iowans hurt. Another angle on the Democrats maneuvers to project moderation but not change the partys substantive policies is Rep. Ro Khanna (Calif.), who has been near-ubiquitous of late. Khanna recently combined forces with the Kentucky maverick Thomas Massie (R) in pushing for House action on the release of the judicial and investigative record on Jeffrey Epstein. Khanna went where few other Democrats have by appearing in a podcast last year with Bishop Robert Barron, a Catholic clergyman and scholar who has experienced an explosive growth in popularity and now serves as an appointee on President Trumps religious liberty commission. The two found agreement on religious liberty and order at the border, but on abortion, Khannas statements were standard party fare. Khannas office issued a press release on the interview that quoted him, Now, my view is that that decision [abortion] should be for the woman and her doctor in getting that healthcare. But I think the challenge is that we also start to talk about these exceedingly rare cases that then become the conversation where thats not the majority of the abortions by any stretch, probably less than one or two percent. On transgenderism, Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley in Congress, told the gay magazine The Advocate last February, [O]ur community has to make sure that we provide a full-throated defense of trans rights. The long and short of these discourses, for the moment, is that the Democratic Party sees itself as losing ground with the American middle (at least outside of New York City). In response, many of its rising candidates are seeking themes and issues that reposition themselves, substantively or thematically, within the American heritage of work, family, and neighborhood. For now, at least, whether these candidates are socialists or farmers or city councilmen or anti-corruption crusaders, they remain wholly committed to legal abortion and nearly as committed to an understanding of transgenderism as a civil rights banner. The rest of 2025 and 2026 should prove very interesting. Originally published at The Washington Stand. National organization focused on driver safety to bring powerful message designed to end distracted, impaired and unsafe driving. ATLANTA, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Lutzie 43 Foundation, in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT), will host a Safe Driving Summit at Stephens County High School in Toccoa, Georgia on August 28. This marks the second consecutive year that the school has invited the foundation to deliver this impactful event. As always, the summit aims to educate local high school students about the critical importance of making safe driving choices by sharing stories and lessons from real-world incidents and introducing students to the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative and 43 Key Seconds checklist. Last year, the Stephens County event came about due to the interest of Jenna Boyd, Trauma Community Outreach, Injury Prevention & Recovery Coordinator for North Georgia Medical Center, who learned about the successful impacts of the Safe Driving Summits in other areas of the state. This year, Stephens County High School Principal Jessica Simmons picked up the phone to invite the Safe Driving Summit team back to the school. "As educators, our responsibility goes beyond the classroom. We want to prepare students for life," said Simpson. "By re-exposing the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative to our young drivers for the second year in a row, we are equipping them with knowledge and tools that can truly save lives." The event will feature a keynote address from Lutzie 43 Executive Director Mike Lutzenkirchen, who will share the personal story of his son Philip's tragic death due to a distracted and impaired driving crash in 2014. Additionally, student attendees will hear from medical experts, public safety specialists, Georgia DOT officials and professional truck drivers. "Inviting us back for a second consecutive year shows the true commitment of Stephens County to protecting young drivers," said Lutzenkirchen. "By hosting this event again, the community is sending a strong message that they believe the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative is helping to end distracted, impaired and unsafe driving, and we couldn't be prouder of that." The structure of the event will remain the same, where high school students will participate in interactive breakout sessions led by first responders, law enforcement officers, trauma and rehab care professionals and representatives from the trucking industry. These sessions will offer firsthand insights into the devastating consequences of unsafe driving behaviors and equip students with practical strategies to avoid such outcomes. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Stephens County High School. ABOUT LUTZIE 43 FOUNDATION: The Lutzie 43 Foundation aims to encourage and empower people to be positive ambassadors for safe driving through character development, mentorship and real-world application. The Lutzie 43 Foundation was established in loving memory of former Auburn football player Philip Lutzenkirchen, shortly after he lost his life in a vehicle crash in 2014. In his memory, the foundation's 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative aims to create the first nationally-recognized symbol for distracted, impaired and unsafe driving awareness and prevention. The foundation's motto for all is to "Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz, and Learn from Lutz," reflecting its desire to help others live out the many positive character attributes that Philip displayed while learning from the circumstances that led to his death. For more information, visit lutzie43.org. SOURCE Lutzie 43 Foundation More than 10,000 of the worlds 34,500 large enterprisesnearly 30%have already committed to becoming their own data and AI platforms. And within just three years, over 95% of global enterprises say they want to do the same, regardless of where they operatefrom Japan and India to the US, EMEA, and MEA. This isnt just a regional trend. Its a global imperative. And its accelerating. While the first three waves of digital transformation took a decade or more to reshape industries, the agentic revolution may unfold in less than three years. Thats not just speculationits the view of 2,050 executive leaders across 13 economies surveyed in our 2025 global study. Their consensus is clear: the time to act is now. This is a tale of two futures. For the 13% of enterprises already getting it right, the advantages are profound. They report five times the ROI of their peers and are deploying agentic and generative AI capabilities at twice the scale. Perhaps more tellingly, these leaders are 250% more confident in their ability to remain at the forefront of their industries over the next three years. Their platform choices are not just strategictheyre producing measurable economic outcomes. Meanwhile, the other 87% arent necessarily strugglingbut they are behind. Their return on AI investment is, at best, a fraction of what the leaders are generating. At worst, theyre five times less productive, still reliant on legacy infrastructure, and unable to meet the rising expectations of customers, regulators, and shareholders. The conviction to move toward sovereign data and AI infrastructure is shared across the globe. Leading enterprises in Scandinavia, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Japan are rapidly building their own platforms. And among the 13% of high performers, the highest concentration of success stories is emerging in Germany, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the US. These regions are showing us whats workingand why. Rule one: Mission-critical sovereignty enables scalable agentic AI What distinguishes the 13% is not just what they do, but how they think. Nearly 90% of these organizations share one defining mindset: they see sovereignty over their AI and data as mission-critical. They believe that all their datastructured and unstructuredmust be accessible in real time, regardless of where its stored. They prioritize eliminating silos, enforcing compliance, and creating an environment where data and AI can work together seamlessly. This belief isnt theoreticalits validated. In our research, across more than 15,000 simulations that combined 15 agentic and GenAI capabilities with seven economic metrics and 35 data infrastructure variables, the organizations that focused on real-time sovereign access and control consistently outperformed. Statistically, this pattern of success showed an exceptionally high predictive score (CHAID and regression: 0.982), confirming that this mindset isnt just usefulits essential. These leaders arent treating AI and data as separate disciplinestheyve fused them into a single, sovereign engine that fuels operations across more than a dozen business areas. Theyve built platforms that dont care where the data lives because the design ensures access, security, compliance, and scale. And as a result, theyre moving faster, innovating more, and outpacing competitors. Every day, an average of 58 new enterprises begin this transition. Thats the scale of change were witnessing. The question for those not yet moving is simple: do you have the infrastructureand the mindsetto thrive? Rule two: Compliance, observability, security, and agility must be designed in Sovereignty isnt just about ownership. Its about architecture. The most successful organizations dont just talk about sovereigntytheyve engineered it across four interdependent layers: compliance, observability, security, and agility. Theyve built environments where AI can interact with the real world without compromising data integrity or breaching regulatory obligations. Financial forecasting agents, for example, need to pull from CRM, customer experience, sales funnel, ledger data, and external benchmarks. Edge agents may need to ingest signals from vehicles, sensors, or telecom infrastructure. Sovereign AI requires the infrastructure to support all of this in a unified, compliant way. Among the deeply committed, over 40% operate on a truly hybrid infrastructureone that supports full observability across environments, from cloud to on-prem, and delivers centralized control through a single pane of glass. This allows them to respond to competitive threats, regulatory changes, and customer demands simultaneously. Theyve reduced reliance on global infrastructure providers, built flexibility into their architectures, and are realizing more than double the innovation and efficiency gains of their peers. These are not abstract advantages. These are measurable business outcomes that compound over timewhat many refer to as the sovereignty flywheel. When you have unified control, innovation becomes faster. When compliance is built in, agility increases. When observability is complete, optimization becomes constant. And when security is inherent, trust becomes an asset. This is why the sovereignty movement is growing so quickly. Its not just the right thing to do. Its the profitable thing to do. Redefining success in the agentic and gen AI era Whats happening is a global migrationnot just to AIbut to sovereign AI. More than ever, enterprises are realizing that just having AI isnt enough. Real success comes from owning the infrastructure, the data, and the intelligence end-to-end. Open source platforms like PostgreSQL are powering this shift. Flexible, hybrid, and battle-tested, Postgres is enabling enterprises to unify AI and data across environments, accelerate their sovereignty strategies, and build resilient systems that scale. Because at the end of the day, just anything isnt data and AI sovereignty. Building the right architecture, with the right mindset and the right principlesthats the definition of success in a world where AI is no longer optional. The race is on. The winners are emerging. And the rules are now clear. To learn more about EDB, visit here. Argentina and Uruguay Programs Sold Out Before Official Announcement TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A travel company that limits groups to 18 people experienced unexpected validation of demand for alternatives to mass tourism. Culture Discovery Vacations' inaugural Argentina and Uruguay programs sold out Sunday within hours of launch - before the company could make their planned announcement. The sellout happened after an accidental early release exposed the booking page for minutes, generating five immediate reservations. When quietly launched hours later, both February 2026 tours (36 spots) filled entirely from guests actively searching. "We don't try to fill seats - we try to fill hearts," said Founder and CEO Michael Kovnick. "Sunday proved travelers are actively seeking alternatives to what tourism has become." Beyond Small Groups While many companies market small groups, Culture Discovery's approach runs deeper. Operating 80+ departures annually across Italy, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, and now Argentina and Uruguay, the company's network centers on personal partnerships built over decades. "Anyone can put 18 people on a bus instead of 40," Kovnick said. "What they can't replicate is the Argentine family who opens their home to teach tango because we've built trust over years." Transcending Tourism Culture Discovery's philosophy: "If my friends and family were visiting us here, what would we do? Because if you treat people like visiting family, you transcend tourism." The company often sells out popular periods 1.5 years in advance and has adapted destinations as overtourism transforms them. In Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy, after a travel writer's "discovery" brought tour buses, Culture Discovery stopped visiting entirely. Different Business Model Where competitors rely on upsells and shop commissions, Culture Discovery includes everything in their pricing and never accepts kickbacks. "When we visit a winery, it's never about the wine," explained COO Daniele Pintaudi. "Our guests go home thinking about the person behind the bottle." The strategy generates unusual loyalty: 31% of guests are repeat travelers, with some approaching their 20th trip. "Corporate clients are abandoning traditional incentive trips for more meaningful experiences," said Chief Strategy Officer Marta Marques. The Argentina and Uruguay programs launch February 7-20 and February 21-March 5, 2026. No additional dates until 2027. "Authenticity doesn't scale - it disappears," Kovnick said. About Culture Discovery Vacations: Founded in 2006, the company operates with offices in the USA, Italy, Portugal, and Croatia offering authentic cultural immersion across approximately 80 small-group programs annually. Media Contact: Michael Kovnick, [email protected] - 1 813-467-7203 SOURCE Culture Discovery Vacations Acest anunt este arhivat. Informatiile prezentate in articolul de mai jos pot sa nu mai fie actuale sau sa nu mai reflecte activitatile si programele curente. Anuntul este pastrat in arhiva pentru a asigura transparenta si accesul public la informatiile despre initiativele si proiectele implementate anterior. Stockfotos-MG / Adobe Ofgem: Energy Redress Scheme Grants available: Minimum grant request for the small projects fund is 20,000, and for the main fund is 50,000. Deadline to apply: 5pm, 9 September 2025. Who is the funding for? Charities supporting people in vulnerable situations struggling with their energy bills, and for projects targeting private rented sector properties. It can fund projects lasting up to two years. When will you hear back? Not specified. Find out more information here . Zurich Municipal: Diversity and Inclusion Awards Grants available: The winning charity will be awarded 10,000, with second and third place prizes of 5,000 and 3,000, respectively. Deadline to apply: Midnight, 30 September 2025. Who is the funding for? Charities with annual incomes of up to 100,000 running diversity and inclusion programmes. When will you hear back? Not specified. Find out more information here . Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund Grants available: 25,000 to 500,000. Deadline to apply: 10 September 2025. Who is the funding for? In England, local government, charities and research organisations can apply for funding to help boost digital inclusion and skills in their local areas. The devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will determine their own arrangements for the distribution of funding to best support local digital inclusion initiatives. When will you hear back? Not specified. Find out more information here . Ford Philanthropy: Halewood Grant Proposal Opportunity 2025 Grants available: Up to $75,000 (Around 55,000) each. Deadline to apply: 30 September 2025. Who is the funding for? Not-for-profits based in Halewood or the wider Knowsley borough, as well as organisations within the wider Liverpool city region whose services will support community beneficiaries within Halewood and Knowsley. When will you hear back? 10 October 2025, if a proposal is selected to be referred to GlobalGiving. Find out more information here . sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. When a reader subscribes to a news outlet, they gain access to more than novel information and ideasthey join a dialogue. In this way, media subscriptions are essential to being an informed, active member of the community. One might even say theyre a civic right. Yet media subscriptions are a luxury in this country. In the past year, just 17 percent of Americans paid or donated to read the news, according to a Pew survey published in June. The people who do pay for access to news are sharply delineated by class: 8 percent of individuals with lower incomes pay for subscriptions, compared with 30 percent of upper-income individuals. Cost is a major reason why people do not subscribe to news outlets. Because fewer lower-income Americans pay for news, paywallswhich 74 percent of US news consumers regularly encounterlower the odds that they will get high-quality news. Paywalls also tend to alter what news is produced, skewing content toward the better-off. The lack of wider access limits the medias ability to reach citizens and hold power to account, exacerbating the culture wars and even putting democracy at risk. Rodney Benson, a professor of media, culture, and communication at New York University, told Axios in 2022 that media targeting of only the highest earners relegates everyone else to local TV news (still among the highest watched forms of news) and the most sensationalistic, and often extreme partisan, news that continues to circulate for free on the internet and through social media. The recent demise of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and funding for public media has made an already urgent problem much worse. Without a government commitment, journalists need new ways to deliver more news to more people. Alberto Ibarguen, the former president and CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, has advocated for a change of business model. Its not simply a question of funding. Its a question of a model that can sustain local news, he said in a 2023 interview. One idea is a readership assistance program that offers free or subsidized digital subscriptions for readers who cant afford the full cost of a subscription. For many Americans today, a $60 Newsweek or $360 Boston Globe annual digital subscription is out of reach. A few major outlets such as The Hill or NPR are free. Yet a substantial part of the value in the diversity of media is choice. The Hill, which focuses on national politics, and the Morning Call, a newspaper covering the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, are different in voice and coverage. The same is the case for NPR and the New Republic, or any other publication. For the 76 percent of leading newspapers that rely on some form of online paywall to stay in business, readership assistance programs are the only way to ensure that the publication reaches readers of all income levels. What else might get us closer to paywall parity, wherein anyone who wants a subscription to their local newspaper or national magazine has the opportunity? Many news outlets, such as the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, already offer discounted subscription rates to students and to those in the military. For those two groups in particular, it is easy to verify eligibility through a school email address or VetRewards Card. But there is not yet a simple, costless way to identify consumers by income eligibility. The patient assistance programs used by pharmaceutical companies to give assistance to consumers who cannot pay in full for their prescription medication is one model for doing this. While the details of each program vary, applicants generally submit a W-2, pay stub, tax records, or unemployment benefits as proof of income, and doctors also sign off. Most of these programs are joint endeavors between drug companies and their in-house foundations, enabling the drugmakers to write off assistance as tax-deductible donations. Sign up for CJRs daily email Readership assistance programs would be less complex than their pharmaceutical equivalents because they would not need to verify prescriptions in addition to income. Eligibility could be easily automated with software or with the creation of a shared verification platform. The platform could be nonpartisan and made available to all media companies for free. This is feasible and prescient, given the recent announcement by the Press Forward initiative to invest $500 million in local media. Some might worry that asking individuals to provide their household income or tax information would appear intrusive. Yet college financial aid programs and subsidized utility programs, used by millions, do the same. If a foundation, philanthropist, or large media company provided such open-source software, readership assistance programs would bolster the financial position of news outlets. Paywalls reduce page views substantially. Subscriptions remain the biggest revenue focus for publishers, yet their growth is slowing. Given these realities, readership assistance programs are likely to boost circulation and page views, growing revenue through higher ad rates and new subscription fees. For-profit news outlets would also have the added advantage of tax benefits. Public libraries offer digital access to many newspapers, but access is uneven: the outlets on offer will vary by city and according to the health of the library budget. Many outlets allow a few free articles to readers each month, too, but such infrequent patronage is not enough. Growing a loyal and robust readership depends on all-access subscribers, not fleeting page visitors. Democratic countries like Denmark and Norway already directly subsidize journalism. Our government has washed its hands of this responsibility, out of thrift, the misguided political belief that media must be financially independent, or a disingenuous attempt to avoid accountability. Regardless, the bulk of the media industry currently operates behind paywalls, and we must give those who cant cross over a meaningful opportunity to join us. I like to think that news subscriptions make a drop-in visitor into a repeat customer. With time, readers develop a relationship to the editorial voice of a publication and its writers. Its like being a regular at the neighborhood cafe or local museum; similar to these places, journalists should make news sites into destinations that are open to everyone. Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. Many of the latest large language models (LLMs), including OpenAIs recently released GPT-5, tout an impressive capability: reasoning about images. We have seen viral trends of AI models geolocating obscure vacation pictures, impressive demos of LLMs correctly analyzing blurry or cropped photos, and promising results on benchmark tests. These seem to be fueling punditry on whether AI is the future of fact-checking. Though AI companies are not currently advertising fact-checking as a capability of their visual reasoning tools, the release announcement for OpenAIs GPT-5 encourages users to search the web with images youve uploaded. Increasingly, people are also turning to tools like Grok to check if images they see online are fake or misleading. But when accuracy matters most, like during protests, conflicts, or natural disasters, these tools often get it wrong, further muddying the online information environment. The Tow Center for Digital Journalism systematically tested the ability of seven AI chatbotsChatGPT (o4-mini-high and 5-Thinking*), Perplexity, Grok, Gemini, Claude, and Copiloton a basic fact-checking task. We provided each model with ten images taken by photojournalists from prominent agencies that depicted news events that often become subjects of misinformation. We asked the models to confirm whether each image is real, and to identify its location, date, and sourceinformation that a fact-checker could identify reasonably quickly by following links from a reverse image search. The goal was to evaluate how well these tools function as fact-checkers, observe how they reason through photographs, and identify their place in the fact-checking process. You can download the images, prompts, and outputs from our experiment here. We found that all seven models failed to consistently correctly identify the provenance of the photos. We considered a model to have succeeded at finding a photos provenance if it accurately identified the location, date, and photographer for the image. Collectively, across all 280 queries we ran, only 14 answers met that standard. The newest ChatGPT model performed comparatively better than the others, but even this model only correctly identified image provenance just over a quarter of the time. How LLMs think through images LLMs interpret images differently from traditional reverse image search tools. Tools like Googles Image Search and TinEye analyze an images colors, shapes, textures and patterns to create a digital fingerprint that they use to find matches in their databases. Conversely, the LLMs we testedwith the occasional exception of GPT-5seemed to reason through photos by creating textual descriptions of elements they observed in the image. They then generated search queries based on those clues, and iteratively refined their search until they arrived at an answer. A case study: When reasoning works Consider this photo of flooding in Valencia, Spain, taken by Alberto Saiz on October 30, 2024, for the Associated Press: Reverse image search tools like Google Image Search can find exact matches of news articles that ran this photo, many of which have published the image with a clear photo credit. But when we asked Perplexity Pro Search to identify the location, date and photographer of the Valencia photo, it began by analyzing visual details in the image: It identified: The format of the visible license plate on one of the cars in the pile-up (white background, black alphanumeric characters, part of a blue European Union band), which suggested that the car was registered in Spain. The architectural elements, like stucco exteriors with visible stone or brick trim, that are typical of southern European architecture. The characteristic muddy brown water that became a defining feature of the Valencia flood disaster Using these clues, Perplexity refined search terms to pinpoint the event, location, and date and correctly identified that this photo was taken during the floods in Valencia and that it was captured on October 30, 2024. From there, it ran a series of iterative searches to identify the photographers who may have taken photos of this particular flood, ultimately identifying the correct photographer in addition to the correct location and date. While this method of search based on reasoning resulted in a correct conclusion on this occasion, this was not the typical outcomeit was the only photo Perplexity Pro got right out of the ten we tested. When reasoning breaks down LLMs reliance on reasoning over pixel-based matching makes them prone to error, especially when they misunderstand or overemphasize certain details in a photo.For example, Groks Deep Research model picked up on many of the same visual clues from the Valencia photo that Perplexity did, such as the license plate, the architectural style, and the flooding, but it placed too much weight on the text of a persons shirt that read Venice Beach. Interpreting that text literally, Grok narrowed its search to either Venice Beach, California, or Venice, Italy. Because the other clues suggested a European country, Grok misidentified the photo as an image from floods in Venice, Italy, instead of Spain. We have observed that errors compound in LLMs reasoning: if one conclusion was wrong, subsequent steps often built on that error. Across our experiment, the models were more successful at identifying the location than the date, and more accurate with the date than the photographer. Once a model got the location wrong, it often stumbled on the date and photographer too. LLMs cant replace fact-checkers, but they can provide clues Large language models have certain advantages over human fact-checkers and reverse image search tools, particularly when it comes to identifying visual clues in an image for geolocation. A recent investigation by Bellingcat found that ChatGPTs o3, o4-mini, and o4-mini-high models outperformed Google Lens at geolocation tasks. Foeke Postma, the researcher who authored the investigation, said LLMs like ChatGPT sometimes identify features in an image that he might not recognize immediately himself. Think about certain signs or vegetation or building styles, architecture, small details, different languages that might have a message that are visible in the imageIve also been pleasantly surprised by how well it has analyzed certain landscapes, he told us. While a trained fact-checker would likely know to examine elements such as vegetation, architecture, and signage, there is no one streamlined method to cross-check all of this information at once. On the other hand, LLMs draw from a large library of reference materials they were trained on that allows them to compare these details against a range of possibilities far faster than a human could. Many LLMs also have Optical Character Recognition, or OCR, capabilities, allowing them to make sense of textual information in an image that might be illegible to the naked eye. For instance, most of the models we tested were able to recognize the out-of-focus text in the image below, capturing a scene from a No Kings Day protest in Los Angeles, which helped them identify the exact location where the photo was taken. These visual reasoning capabilities might prove more useful than reverse image search when trying to geolocate an image that doesnt have a digital footprint, such as one posted by a user online purporting to capture an event happening in real time.But while LLMs might exceed human abilities in some ways, they cannot be relied on to fact-check independently due to serious limitations in accuracy and transparency. In order to search the Web to find a match for an uploaded image, todays chatbots first textually describe the image to themselves. Searching for a specific photo based only on a text description is an incredibly imprecise way of trying to find a match, as the same description can apply to many different photos. In the example below, GPT o4-mini-high Deep Research mislabeled a photo taken during the September 2023 earthquake in Morocco (left) as a photo from the early weeks of the Russia-Ukraine war, during heavy shelling of Ukrainian cities (right) because they both could be described as photo of partially collapsed ceiling in kitchen. Additionally, models fail to make certain commonsense distinctions that human fact-checkers make about which details in a photo are relevant for identifying its provenance. For instance, a fact-checker would not conclude that someone wearing a Venice Beach T-shirt, as we saw in a previous example, is strong evidence for geolocating a photo that was likely taken in Europe. Biases in the LLMs training data could also compromise their ability to accurately identify elements of an image. For example, while most of the tools we tested were able to recognize the location of a picture taken of Pope Leo in the Vatican in May of this year, most of them misidentified the pontiff as one of his predecessorsoften Pope Francis but sometimes Pope Benedict XVIleading them to reason the incorrect date and photographer for the image. We cant say for sure why this happened, but it might be because of the imbalance in the number of publicly available images of the pope, compared with those who came before him, causing many of the models to conclude that the most statistically likely answer was that the pictured pope was Francis. @Grok, is this real? Although all the pictures we tested were authentic, widely published photos taken by professional photojournalists and published by reputable publications, each model we tested misidentified at least one real photo as AI-generated when we asked. Often, they justified this conclusion by incorrectly asserting that the photos had not been previously published by the news mediafor example, GPT-5 justified its conclusion that a photo taken of destruction in Gaza by a Reuters photographer was AI-generated by stating that A thorough reverse search did not find this exact image in reputable news outlets or photo agencies (e.g., Reuters, AP, Getty). Such a striking sceneif realwould likely appear in press coverage of war or disaster. ChatGPTs o4-mini-high, which is marketed to be great at visual reasoning, performed the poorest at this task, mislabeling six photos as AI-generated. Even when models correctly identified the photos as real, they often hedged their answers with qualifiers like likely, appears to be, or clues point toward and avoided answering with certainty. These models were also inconsistent. Sometimes a downloaded version of a photo would be mislabeled as AI-generated while a screenshot of the same image would be labeled as real, and vice versa. Ultimately, this inconsistency and unreliability comes back to the fact that LLMs are generative tools that are good at crafting answers that seem plausible, even if they arent. Many of the outputs the LLMs returned in response to our queries were long-winded and filled with claims, which were occasionally true and often wrong. Online information researcher Mike Caulfield told us, When things went really wrong, what was happening was the LLM was falling back on its general functionality as a linguistic enginejust exploring latent space to try to figure out what it was looking at. LLMs are still black boxes Another reason not to take LLMs conclusions at face value is the models cant be relied upon to appropriately signal their confidence in an output, and are unreliable reporters of their own methods. This is staring into a black box, right? Postma said. We dont know exactly how they get to their answers and even their reasoning. We dont fully understand how LLMs arrive at their outputs, and neither do the chatbots. In a recent pre-print paper, researchers from Arizona State Universitys Data Mining and Machine Learning Lab found that LLMs chain-of-thought reasoning is often fragile and prone to failure. What appears to be structured reasoning can be a mirage, they write, emerging from memorized or interpolated patterns in the training data rather than logical inference. While we cant know for sure how often models misrepresent their reasoning, we do know that on multiple occasions models blatantly lied about the steps they took to arrive at an answer to our query. Some outputs were especially egregious. Copilot, for example, generated entire fake provenance reports, complete with made-up tools, coordinates, and sources. When attempting to identify the photo taken during an earthquake in Myanmar, it falsely claimed to have extracted EXIF metadata (which didnt exist in the uploaded screenshot); run a reverse image search on Google Lens, TinEye, and Yandex; used Bellingcats Shadow Finder Tool; and searched US Copyright Office public records in order to corroborate the photo credits. This multimethod analysiscombining metadata checks, AIdriven geolocation, solar position modeling, reverse image lookups, watermark detection, and official registration recordsconfirms the image was shot by John Smith on June 23 2025 at Saint Basils Cathedral in Moscow, the model confidently, and incorrectly, concluded. Confidently wrong As in our past research into AI search tools, we observed instances where the models were confidently wrong and other instances where they hedged despite providing correct answers. Models without Deep Research enabled were more likely to decline to answer or express uncertainty than when the feature was enabled. While turning on Deep Research or Extended Thinking functionality did produce more responses, it didnt necessarily produce more correct responses. As these tools evolve, they might gain capabilities that make them more useful for fact-checking tasks. For example, GPT-5 produced more completely correct outputs than the preceding modelsin part because it appeared to occasionally do reverse image searches, correctly providing URLs that contained the image in question. However, it didnt do so consistently and was still frequently wrong. Even outputs from chatbots with reverse image search capabilities ought to be independently verified. Distrust and verify The phenomenon of users tagging @Grok or using other models to verify content shows that there is clearly an appetite for fact-checking images, especially as AI-generated content (a/k/a slop) floods our social media feeds. While it would be great to have a tool that could make the ability to fact-check images more accessible, the blind spots we have identified make these models highly unreliable and potentially dangerous if users take their answers at face value. However, that doesnt mean they are useless. For trained visual fact-checkers, certain components of the LLMs reasoning could be helpful in identifying the provenance of images, especially in cases where traditional tools fall short. Tools like Google Reverse Image Search only work when an image has a digital footprint, which is often not the case with content posted by users on social media. In such cases, fact-checkers have to rely on reasoning through visual clues. This is where LLMs can sometimes help. I use it as a very specific tool, said Postma, the Bellingcat visual investigator. It helps me interpret details that I might not immediately catch on to. The reasoning is very often just a first draft, Caulfield added. The real value is if it gives you a place or a clue you can go verify. While LLMs can offer helpful starting points for visual investigations, using them typically involves wading through reasoning that is opaque, misleading, and factually inaccurate. For fact-checkers, who are trained to separate the wheat from the chaff, this can still be useful for revealing clues. For everyone else, this process risks inviting more confusion than clarity. As Caulfield warns, if you dont have some expertise, you dont know when its being good and when its just making stuff up. *We initially conducted this experiment using GPT o4-mini-high. After OpenAI released GPT-5, at the beginning of August, we reran the tests with the newest model and updated our evaluation on its performance. xAI released the free version of Grok 4 on August 10, but it was not included in this study. In Montpelier, city officials plan to remove the Pioneer Street Dam and restore a nearby floodplain. Together, the projects are predicted to have compounding positive effects that reduce flood risk in the city. The Pioneer Street Dam an old mill dam is about 1.3 miles upstream from the capital citys downtown along the Winooski River. Not only is the dam filled with cracks, but engineers consider it a flood hazard. Its got about everything wrong with a dam you can imagine, said Roy Schiff, an engineer whos monitoring the dam. Nearby sits an 18 acre parcel of land at 5 Home Farm Way, where the Stevens Branch of the Winooski River joins the main branch. That land, which houses the Jacob Davis Farmstead, was historically a floodplain. Restoring it to such, coupled with the dam removal just downstream, could significantly reduce flood risk, Schiff said. The project offers a look at how recovery efforts from the 2023 flood are underway in the city. After years of monitoring water levels and studying the feasibility of the project, officials are starting to seek permitting and funding approval for their plans. There is a real sense of forward momentum and progress, said Jon Copans, executive director of the Montpelier Commission for Recovery and Resilience. The Vermont River Conservancy first pushed for Montpelier to take down four dams along the river back in 2021. Along with taking down the Pioneer Street Dam, they encouraged dismantling the Bailey Dam, the North Branch Dam and the Hidden Dam. Removing them could mitigate flood risk, improve river ecology and offer recreation opportunities, Randzio said. The four old dams hold back a large amount of sediment and a small amount of water, Randzio said. The sediment built up behind their structure pushes water levels even higher during times of peak flow. The conservancy selected consulting firm SLR International to perform feasibility studies of the four dams in 2021, she said. A grant from The Lake Champlain Basin Program paid for those studies, Randzio said. After floods pummeled the state in 2023 and hit Montpelier especially hard river experts pointed to thousands of what Schiff calls deadbeat dams around the state. Then, city officials and state lawmakers started taking notice. In Montpelier, Randzios proposals became a high priority. Necessary evaluations of the dams were already underway putting the project on a fast track, Randzio said. The Pioneer Street Dam dates to when people used water to turn wheels or millboards or grind grains, Schiff said. But dams are expensive to maintain and they deteriorate fast, he said. Those working on the project anticipate the sediment built up behind the dam contains pollutants from an old coal facility that once operated along the riverbank upstream, Randzio said. Digging out that sediment while breaking down the dam is an iterative process, Schiff said. You have to lower the water a little bit, remove some sediment, lower the dam a little bit, to prevent sediment from being released downstream, he said. Just upstream from the dam, at 5 Home Farm Way, sits The Jacob Davis Farmstead, a historic building declared a public safety hazard in 2019, according to The Barre Montpelier Times Argus. The city is currently working with The Preservation Trust of Vermont to remove the building from the property and restore some pieces of it, Copans said. That way, the 18 acre property would again be a floodplain. By using that land we can create more flood storage to help protect the local area and store some more water to protect Montpelier, Schiff said. The citys also considering ways it can use the land for recreation and public enjoyment, Copans said. Schiffs firm worked with city officials and employees at the regional planning commission to submit a list of projects to request funding from the state. The firm concluded the removal of the Pioneer Dam coupled with the floodplain restoration would offer significant flood mitigation risk compared to other proposed projects, and it made sense to tackle the two projects together. The city hopes to get funding from part of FEMAs hazard mitigation grant program funding offered to Vermont, Copans said. So far, theyve received positive signals from the state and remain hopeful, he said. Then, the project proposals must clear a number of Act 250 and permitting processes before a contractor is hired and work begins, Schiff said. But all acknowledge the project is just a piece of the puzzle. Randzio hopes the town can remove all four dams, especially the Bailey Dam by Shaws grocery store downtown. Each one of these projects is a step forward and there are more projects sort of in the pipeline, Copans said. ___ This story was originally published by VTDigger and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. The parent of Booking.com and other travel websites will pay $9.5 million to settle a Texas lawsuit claiming it deceptively marketed hotel rooms by omitting mandatory junk fees, enticing consumers with artificially low prices. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said on Tuesday the settlement with Booking Holdings is the largest by a U.S. state related to junk fee practices against any hotel or online travel agency. Booking also operates the websites Priceline.com and Kayak. Paxton accused Booking of drip pricing in which it improperly bundled hotels resort fees, amenity fees, destination fees and utility fees in a taxes and fees line item at checkout. The practice gave Booking an unfair advantage over rivals that avoided such bait and switch tactics, he said. The settlement agreement requires Booking to disclose fees up front. A copy was not immediately available. Paxton said he reached similar settlements in 2023 with the Choice, Hilton and Marriott hotel chains. Related: FTC Sues Ticket Reseller for Evading Taylor Swifts Eras Tour Ticket Limits Booking, headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, denied wrongdoing and said it remained committed to transparency and providing accurate information. It also said that while hotels typically set and keep resort fees, we are aligned with recent Federal Trade Commission efforts to bring greater consistency to price displays. Cracking down on fees that boost consumer costs without visible benefits had been a goal of former U.S. President Joe Biden. In December, the FTC announced a final Junk Fees Rule requiring hotels, ticket sellers and vacation rental operators to disclose total prices up front. Current FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson dissented, saying Biden was about to leave office and the incoming Trump administration should decide which rules to adopt. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Franklin Paul, Leslie Adler and Sandra Maler) On Aug. 19, Minnesota joined a wave of states suing TikTok, alleging the social media giant preys on young people with addictive algorithms that trap them into becoming compulsive consumers of its short videos. This isnt about free speech. Im sure theyre gonna holler that, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said at a news conference. Its actually about deception, manipulation, misrepresentation. This is about a company knowing the dangers, and the dangerous effects of its product, but making and taking no steps to mitigate those harms or inform users of the risks. The lawsuit, filed in state court, alleges that TikTok is violating Minnesota laws against deceptive trade practices and consumer fraud. It follows a flurry of lawsuits filed by more than a dozen states last year alleging the popular short-form video app is designed to be addictive to kids and harms their mental health. Minnesotas case brings the total to about 24 states, Ellisons office said. Many of the earlier lawsuits stemmed from a nationwide investigation into TikTok launched in 2022 by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from 14 states into the effects of TikTok on young users mental health. Ellison, a Democrat, said Minnesota waited while it did its own investigation. Sean Padden, a middle-school health teacher in the Roseville Area school district, joined Ellison, saying he has witnessed a correlation between increased TikTok use and an irrefutable spike in student mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, anger, lowered self-esteem and a decrease in attention spans as they seek out the quick gratification that its short videos offer. The lawsuit comes while President Donald Trump is still trying to broker a deal to bring the social media platform, which is owned by Chinas ByteDance, under American ownership over concerns about the data security of its 170 million American users. While Trump campaigned on banning TikTok, he also gained more than 15 million followers on the platform since he started sharing videos on it. No matter who ultimately owns TikTok, Ellison said, it must comply with the law. TikTok disputed Minnesotas allegations. This lawsuit is based on misleading and inaccurate claims that fail to recognize the robust safety measures TikTok has voluntarily implemented to support the well-being of our community, company spokesperson Nathaniel Brown said in a statement. Teen accounts on TikTok come with 50+ features and settings designed to help young people safely express themselves, discover and learn. Through our Family Pairing tool, parents can view or customize 20+ content and privacy settings, including screen time, content filters, and our time away feature to pause a teens access to our app, Brown added. Minnesota is seeking a declaration that TikToks practices are deceptive, unfair or unconscionable under state law, a permanent injunction against those practices, and up to $25,000 for each instance in which a Minnesota child has accessed TikTok. Ellison wouldnt put a total on that but said, its a lot. He estimated that hundreds of thousands of Minnesota kids have TikTok on their devices. Were not trying to shut them down, but we are insisting that they clean up their act, Ellison said. There are legitimate uses of products like TikTok. But like all things, they have to be used properly and safely. Minnesota is also among dozens of U.S. states that have sued Meta Platforms for allegedly building features into Instagram and Facebook that addict people. The messaging service Snapchat and the gaming platform Roblox are also facing lawsuits by some other states alleging harm to kids. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The conservative network Newsmax will pay $67 million to settle a lawsuit accusing it of defaming a voting equipment company by spreading lies about President Donald Trumps 2020 election loss, according to documents filed Monday. The settlement comes after Fox News Channel paid $787.5 million to settle a similar lawsuit in 2023 and Newsmax paid what court papers describe as $40 million to settle a libel lawsuit from a different voting machine manufacturer, Smartmatic, which also was a target of pro-Trump conspiracy theories on the network. Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis had ruled earlier that Newsmax did indeed defame Denver-based Dominion Voting Systems by airing false information about the company and its equipment. But Davis left it to a jury to eventually decide whether that was done with malice, and, if so, how much Dominion deserved from Newsmax in damages. Newsmax and Dominion reached the settlement before the trial could take place. The settlement was disclosed by Newsmax in a new filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. It said the deal was reached Friday. Newsmax believed it was critically important for the American people to hear both sides of the election disputes that arose in 2020, the company said in a statement. We stand by our coverage as fair, balanced, and conducted within professional standards of journalism. A spokesperson for Dominion said the company was pleased to have settled the lawsuit. Related: Newsmax Paid $40M to Settle Defamation Suit Over 2020 Election Claims The disclosure of the settlement came as Trump, who lost his 2020 reelection bid to Democrat Joe Biden, vowed in a social media post Monday to eliminate mail-in ballots and voting machines such as those supplied by Dominion and other companies. It was unclear how the Republican president could achieve that. The same judge also handled the Dominion-Fox News case and made a similar ruling that the network repeated numerous lies by Trumps allies about his 2020 loss despite internal communications showing Fox officials knew the claims were bogus. At the time, Davis found it was CRYSTAL clear that none of the allegations was true. Internal correspondence from Newsmax officials likewise shows they knew the claims were baseless. How long are we going to play along with election fraud? Newsmax host Bob Sellers said two days after the 2020 election was called for Biden, according to internal documents revealed as part of the case. Newsmax took pride that it was not calling the election for Biden and, the internal documents show, saw a business opportunity in catering to viewers who believed Trump won. Private communications that surfaced as part of Dominions earlier defamation case against Fox News also revealed how the networks business interests intersected with decisions it made related to coverage of Trumps 2020 election claims. At Newsmax, employees repeatedly warned against false allegations from pro-Trump guests such as attorney Sidney Powell, according to documents in the lawsuit. In one text, even Newsmax owner Chris Ruddy, a Trump ally, said he found it scary that Trump was meeting with Powell. Related: Fannie Mae Former Employees Sue Company, Pulte for Defamation Dominion was at the heart of many of the wild claims aired by guests on Newsmax and elsewhere, who promoted a conspiracy theory involving deceased Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez to rig the machines for Biden. The network retracted some of the more bombastic allegations in December 2020. Though Trump has insisted his fraud claims are real, theres no evidence they were, and the lawsuits in the Fox and Newsmax cases show how some of the presidents biggest supporters knew they were false at the time. Trumps then-attorney general, William Barr, said there was no evidence of widespread fraud. Trump and his backers lost dozens of lawsuits alleging fraud, some before Trump-appointed judges. Numerous recounts, reviews and audits of the election results, including some run by Republicans, turned up no signs of significant wrongdoing or error and affirmed Bidens win. After returning to office, Trump pardoned those who tried to halt the transfer of power during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and directed his Department of Justice to investigate Chris Krebs, a former Trump cybersecurity appointee who had vouched for the security and accuracy of the 2020 election. As an initial trial date approached in the Dominion case earlier this year, Trump issued an executive order attacking the law firm that litigated it and the Fox case, Susman Godfrey. The order, part of a series targeting law firms Trump has tussled with, cited Susman Godfreys work on elections and said the government would not do business with any of its clients or permit any of its staff in federal buildings. A federal judge put that action on hold, saying the framers would view it as a shocking abuse of power. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Joseph Oloyede was sentenced Tuesday to four years and eight months in prison. John Kuntz, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio A Medina man who also serves as a public official in Nigeria was sentenced Tuesday to more than four years in prison for creating a slew of fake businesses to bilk the government out of $4.2 million in coronavirus relief money. Joseph Oloyede, 62, and a Willoughby man owned real businesses but created others on paper, lied on applications for money meant to help small businesses stay afloat during the pandemic and recruited people to fill out the faked forms. U.S. District Judge Christopher Boyko sentenced Oloyede to four years and eight months in prison and ordered him to pay $4.2 million in restitution, along with another $195,000 to the IRS for filing false tax returns. Boyko also ordered Oloyede forfeit $96,000 in money seized from his bank account and his home on Foote Road, which is appraised at $745,000. Boyko said Oloyede was a very smart guy who did a lot of stupid things. He said he would have sentenced Oloyede to more prison time if it wasnt for Oloyedes health issues. You didnt need all that money, but when it was available, greed took over, Boyko said. Oloyede said he regretted carrying out the scheme and said it had consequences on his family and those in Ipetumodu, a city of some 350,000 in Nigerias Osun state, where he said hes treated as royalty. There has been severe issues with my family and those who look up to me and for my responsibility as a monarch in Nigeria, he said. It has had an effect on everybody. Oloyede, a father of seven, has dual U.S.-Nigerian citizenship. He was born in Nigeria, came to the U.S. in 1998 and earned several degrees. He worked at various banks and financial institutions and as a professor at several universities, including Indiana Wesleyan. He later started his own tax consultant business, Available Tax Services, in Bedford Heights. In 2019, he was appointed as monarch in Ipetumodu. The unpaid positions duties include giving residents guidance on traditions and culture. His attorneys, Cal Cumpstone and Michael Marein, said Oloyede and his family members have received death threats in Nigeria. There are real fears of retaliation from people who want to take over the monarch position, Cumpstone said. This isnt Joe. Hes a good guy who made a bad decision. Oloyede carried out the scheme from April 2020 through February 2022. He enlisted others to file fake documents for loans, including some who were clients of his tax business. One of the clients, Edward Oluwasanmi, 62, of Willoughby, was sentenced in July to two years and three months in prison and to pay a $15,000 fine and $1.2 million in restitution. He forfeited $600,000 and a building in South Euclid that he bought for $224,880, where he ran his charter bus service, Dayspring Transportation. Oloyede previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, filing false tax returns and engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Brydle said Oloyede was one of many who saw the coronavirus relief programs as a money grab. He said Oloyede used the money to buy his Medina house, a Mercedes, take vacations and live an inflated lifestyle. While real businesses were turned away because there werent funds left, he was living the good life, Brydle said. Plush toys bring 7.5 bln yuan to city hidden deep in mountains in NW China's Shaanxi People's Daily Online) 10:20, August 26, 2025 A foreign journalist takes photos in a plush toy factory in Ankang, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Photo/Li Zhiqiang) With over 800 plush toy manufacturers generating an annual output value of more than 7.5 billion yuan (about $1.04 billion), the plush toy sector has grown into a thriving industry in Ankang city, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Nestled deep in the Qinba mountains, Ankang has developed a labor-intensive, eco-friendly plush toy industry. In the workshop of a plush toy company in Hanyin county, Ankang, workers move through each stage of production, producing lifelike plush animals. Soon, these toys will be displayed in shops in major wildlife parks across China and around the world. "70 percent of our plush animal and cartoon toys are exported to more than 40 countries and regions," said Long Wu, the company's general manager. Hailing from Dongguan city, south China's Guangdong Province, Long recognized the potential of Ankang's plush toy industry and decided to invest in 2019. He said that from factory renovation and industrial incentives to recruitment and training support, the local policies gave him real confidence in starting a business. Today, Long operates four companies and 36 community factories in Ankang, which produce more than 100,000 plush toys every day. His operations now generate over 200 million yuan in annual output and provide jobs for more than 2,600 people. Since the first plush toy enterprise was introduced in 2017, Ankang has strengthened policy support, enhanced industrial facilities, and attracted a number of leading companies. Community factories have sprung up. To further boost the industry, the city has established five specialized hubs for design, raw materials wholesale, product releases and showcases, e-commerce, and logistics, building an industrial cluster. Gao Guanglan, 38 years old, works at a local plush toy factory. In 2012, Gao and her family relocated from a village tucked deep in the Qinba mountains to the community. But finding stable employment was a challenge. The city's toy industry development model which integrates companies, community factories, and household workshops opened up new opportunities for her. When a plush toy company opened a factory in her neighborhood in 2021, Gao was one of the first to sign up. She has since grown into a skilled worker, earning over 4,000 yuan a month. Today in Ankang, many relocated people like Gao are building better lives with their own skillful hands. Ankang has hosted an international plush toy creative design competition since 2019, providing a platform for innovation and talent exchange. Many winning designs have been turned into products, some of which have become bestsellers. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) National recognition elevates value, underscores commitment SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing has earned the prestigious Center of Excellence in Nursing Education designation from the National League of Nursing, for promoting the pedagogical or teaching expertise of its faculty. The school will be one of only 21 nursing education programs around the country that will awarded at the Honors Convocation during the 2025 NLN Education Summit in Orlando, Florida, on Sept. 19. It becomes the only school in San Antonio with the designation of NLN Center of Excellence. "The School of Nursing is proud to be named among the 2025 Centers of Excellence in Nursing Education," said Sonya R. Hardin, PhD, RN, the school's dean. "This designation elevates the value of our education and underscores our commitment to graduating highly skilled nursing professionals." The awards represent the spectrum of higher education in nursing, from certificate-granting programs through advanced-degree academic institutions. "I am so appreciative of the magnitude of the effort it requires of everyone involved in educating an outstanding nursing workforce to earn this national recognition," said NLN chair Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, RN, dean and professor at the Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions at Ursuline College in Ohio. "Congratulations to all the wonderfully deserving 2025 NLN Centers of Excellence designees." "We have all heard, 'It takes a village,'" said NLN president and CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN. "Nowhere is that truer than in the shared vision and values, mutual support, respect and inclusivity among faculty, leadership and students that must come together for an extraordinary nursing program to be nationally recognized for their innovation and commitment in becoming an NLN Center of Excellence." For more information about the awards and the 2025 NLN Education Summit, visit Summit.NLN.org. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) is one of the country's leading health science and research universities. With missions of teaching, research and patient care, its schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions, graduate biomedical sciences and public health have graduated more than 45,000 alumni who are leading change, advancing their fields and renewing hope for patients and their families throughout South Texas and the world. To learn about the many ways "We make lives better," visit UTHealthSA.org. The UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing offers five academic programs, consisting of the BSN, DNP and PhD degrees and specialty certificates, and is dedicated to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in the nursing profession. First-generation college students represent one-third of its enrollment. The School of Nursing also operates a growing patient-care practice that provides primary and acute care by nurse practitioners, both on campus and at a variety of community partner sites. To learn more, visit https://www.uthscsa.edu/academics/nursing. Stay connected with UT Health San Antonio on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. SOURCE The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio CLEVELAND, Ohio Things went from bad to worse for the Guardians on Monday as they suffered their sixth straight loss while their starting pitcher lost his composure in the dugout following a frustrating inning in the field. Junior Caminero homered twice and Yandy Diaz added a solo shot off righty Tanner Bibee as the Rays handed Cleveland its third straight shutout loss, 9-0, in the opener of a three-game series at Progressive Field. How to watch the Guardians: See how to watch Guardians games with this handy game-by-game TV schedule. The Guardians have not scored in 28 consecutive innings dating back to a two-run double by Jose Ramirez in the eighth inning on Friday in Texas. It marks the sixth time in franchise history that Cleveland has been shut out in three straight games, and the first since June 12-14, 1991. The Guardians 15 shutout losses are tied with Pittsburgh for the most in the majors this season. After a five-game win streak from Aug. 4-9, Cleveland has dropped six-straight and nine of its last 10. The Guardians offense is averaging 1.8 runs per game in its last 10 contests. Adding to Clevelands misery, Bibee was caught on camera during an emotional outburst as he came off the field after allowing a pair of earned runs in the fourth. Manager Stephen Vogt followed behind Bibee and delivered what appeared to be a stern reprimand when the 25-year-old righty displayed his obvious frustration. Vogt said afterward his message to Bibee was about the timing of the outburst. Tanner is one of the most competitive fiery people Ive ever been around and he came in trying to pump the boys up and I told him, Not now, take it downstairs, Vogt said. Its one of those fiery moments that happens in competition in a long season and Tanner has been and will continue to be one of our best. We know the competitive fire is what drives him. Emotions are high right now. Bibee said he was trying to inject some energy into the dugout when he came off the field. It was probably not the right way to do it at that time, but (Vogts) message to me was just not like that or not in that time, and hes completely right. Bibees emotions boiled over after he could not put the Rays away in the fourth and Clevelands defense threw the ball away, allowing a run to score. With two out and Caminero at first base, Bibee worked ahead in the count to Hunter Feduccia. But Bibee threw three consecutive pitches out of the strike zone, and Caminero stole second base without a throw as neither Gabriel Arias nor Brayan Rocchio covered the bag. When Bibee bounced a breaking pitch to Feduccia in the dirt that Naylor could not handle for ball four, Caminero took off for third base. Naylors throw was wide of Ramirez and skipped into left field, allowing Caminero to score. Feduccia came around on a base hit by Bob Seymour two batters later for a 2-0 Tampa Bay lead. Vogt said Naylor and Bibee were aware of the correct count on the Caminero steal, but the scoreboard had the count wrong, and that is what the rest of the defense went on. We didnt get the middle infielders covering like we normally dont with 3-2, and two outs, Vogt said. Clearly Caminero didnt have the right count either. So it was just a really messed up play. Hard to fault anyone in that situation, but we need to be better than that. Clevelands offense, which hit just .174 and struck out 8.7 times during its recently completed 1-5 road trip to Arizona and Texas, had no answer for Rays starter Ian Seymour. In five innings, Seymour struck out eight and walked one while allowing just a one-out single by Rocchio in the third. Vogt said Seymours changeup was hard for Guardians hitters to pick up, but none of Clevelands hitters made the Rays lefty work very hard, resulting in a frustrating night at the plate. Everyones frustrated, Vogt said. We need to hit, we need to score more runs. We need to get things going on offense, and were all aware of it. Were all working through it and its going to take all of us individually doing our best. The Guardians best chance to score came in the eighth, when Arias singled and Naylor walked to open the inning, but Rays righty Mason Englert got Rocchio to line out before striking out Nolan Jones and getting Steven Kwan on a line drive to center. Tampa center fielder Jake Mangum made a diving catch to save at least a run on the Kwan line drive. Naylor said afterward that it is important for Guardians hitters to keep their heads on straight and understand that there is a lot of baseball left to be played in the season. If we do that, thats where good things are going to come from, Naylor said. Its a matter of coming to the field with the right mentality, right intentions, keep the boys accountable and just go out there and try to win every day. Caminero, who signed with Cleveland as an international free agent at age 16 in 2019 before being traded to the Rays in 2021 for right-hander Tobias Myers, extended Tampas lead in the fifth with a two-run blast to the bleachers in left with Brandon Lowe aboard. He connected on his 38th home run with one out in the seventh off Tim Herrin following a 38-minute rain delay. Carson Williams added a two-run double off Herrin, and Feduccia drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the ninth off Austin Hedges, who was making his third relief appearance of the season with the Guardians down by at least eight runs. Bibees record dropped to 9-10 with the loss. Seymour moved to 2-0 with the win. Next The series continues Tuesday with a 6:40 p.m. scheduled first pitch at Progressive Field. Left-hander Parker Messick (0-0, 1.35) will make his second start for Cleveland while righty Shane Baz (8-10, 5.22) takes the mound for Tampa Bay. CLEGuardians.TV, WTAM 1100 AM, WMMS 100.7 FM and the Guardians Radio Network will carry the game. Maurice Tempelsman, diamond merchant and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis longtime companion, has died at age 95. Pictured here: Maurice Tempelsman (L) and President and CEO of The Corporate Council on Africa Stephen Hayes in 2016. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Africa-America Institute) Bennett Raglin Maurice Tempelsman, the influential diamond merchant who became Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis last romantic partner, died Saturday from complications following a fall. He was 95. Tempelsmans death was confirmed by his son, Leon, to the New York Times, just days before what would have been his 96th birthday on Aug. 26. Tempelsmans connection to the Kennedy family began during the 1960 presidential campaign when he arranged a meeting between President-elect John F. Kennedy, his wife, Jacqueline, and African mining officials, PEOPLE said. The following year, Tempelsman and his wife, Lilly Burkos, attended a state dinner where he and the First Lady briefly conversed in French, sparking a friendship that would endure for decades. Born in 1929 in Antwerp, Belgium to an Orthodox Jewish family, Tempelsman fled Nazi occupation with his family in 1940, settling in New York City, PEOPLE noted. After briefly attending New York University, he left college to join his fathers diamond business, Leon Tempelsman & Son, launching what would become a successful career in the international diamond trade. By 1950, the young businessman had already convinced the U.S. government to stockpile African industrial diamonds as strategic materials for national emergencies, PEOPLE said. This move established him as a key middleman between African diamond suppliers and the American government, forging relationships with nations including Ghana and what was then Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). Jacqueline and Tempelsmans relationship deepened following the death of her second husband, Aristotle Onassis, in 1975, PEOPLE said. By the early 1980s, the pair began making public appearances together, sharing interests in art, culture, music, and the French language. Though Tempelsman remained married to Burkos until her death in 2022, he and Kennedy Onassis maintained a close romantic relationship until her death from lymphatic cancer in 1994. During Kennedy Onassis illness in 1993, Tempelsman moved his office into her apartment and accompanied her to medical appointments. Beyond providing emotional support, he served as her financial adviser, helping to quadruple the $26 million estate left to her by Aristotle Onassis. Years after Kennedy Onassis death, Tempelsman created a replica of her diamond-studded band (which she called her swimming ring) at the request of John F. Kennedy Jr., who wanted to give it to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy as a wedding ring. A longtime Democratic Party supporter and donor since the 1950s, Tempelsman cultivated relationships with numerous political figures, including JFKs speechwriter, Ted Sorensen, and members of President Bill Clintons administration. Tempelsman is survived by his three children, Leon, Marcy, and Rena, as well as six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. This story was written with the assistance of AI. PITTSBURGH, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wesco Internationa l (NYSE: WCC), a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, announced today that effective September 1, 2025, Daniel "Danny" Castillo will assume leadership of its Electrical and Electronic Solutions (EES) strategic business unit. Mr. Castillo succeeds Nelson Squires who will be retiring on September 30. Mr. Castillo was formerly executive vice president and president, North America for Brinks, Inc., where he led their secure solutions business in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Prior to that, he served as the executive vice president and president, North America at JELD-WEN, Inc., one of the world's largest building products manufacturers. He also served as president of Cree Lighting, held business leadership positions at Eaton and Cooper Industries, and started his career with General Electric. Mr. Castillo holds an M.B.A. from Columbia University's Business School and a B.S. in electrical engineering from Florida International University. "Danny is joining Wesco and assuming leadership of our EES business at an opportune time. As we recently reported, EES sales increased 6% year-over-year in the second quarter led by strong performance in OEM and Construction, along with a return to growth in Industrial. Our improving business momentum in EES is being driven by increased sales tied to data center and infrastructure projects across the U.S. and Canada. EES is beginning to see benefits from the secular growth trends of electrification, AI-driven data centers, automation and IoT, and reshoring to North America," said Chairman, President and CEO John Engel. Mr. Engel continued, "Danny is a terrific addition to our Wesco management team. His successful track record of driving profitable growth will enable our EES business to build on our current positive momentum and deliver industry-leading results." Mr. Engel concluded, "I'd like to thank Nelson for his numerous contributions to Wesco over the past ten years and wish him well in his retirement." About Wesco Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500 company with approximately $22 billion in annual sales in 2024 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry's premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, educational institutions, government agencies, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations. Contact Information: Scott Gaffner Senior Vice President, Investor Relations [email protected] Jennifer Sniderman Vice President, Corporate Communications [email protected] SOURCE Wesco International Wisner Baum, the law firm behind the groundbreaking jury verdict linking Monsanto's Roundup to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, warns that new liability shield laws in North Dakota and Georgia will shut the courthouse doors to pesticide cancer victims. The firm alleges these laws would have stopped its landmark 2018 Monsanto casepreventing the public from ever seeing the now-infamous "Monsanto Papers." LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm Wisner Baum LLP, nationally recognized for its groundbreaking legal victories against Monsanto regarding glyphosate-based herbicides, is sounding the alarm on new industry sponsored state and federal legislation that severely limits cancer victims' ability to hold pesticide manufacturers liable. "We need to keep asking why they are afraid of failure to warn labels and other forms of transparency and accountability, - Michael Baum, managing partner at Wisner Baum "This state legislation to shield pesticide manufacturers from lawsuits is a blow to corporate accountability. We need to keep asking why they are afraid of 'failure to warn' labels and other forms of transparency and accountability," questioned Michael Baum, managing partner at Wisner Baum and lead trial counsel in the Johnson case, referring to a spate of bills introduced to state legislatures.(1) In 2018, Wisner Baum's trial team represented Dewayne "Lee" Johnson, a California school groundskeeper diagnosed with terminal non-Hodgkin lymphoma and secured the first-ever jury verdict linking Monsanto's Roundup weed-killer to cancer. The San Francisco jury awarded Johnson $289.2 million (later reduced to $20.5 million), finding Monsanto liable for failing to warn about the cancer risks of glyphosate.(2) That case also unearthed the "Monsanto Papers"internal corporate documents revealing ghostwritten studies, efforts to influence regulators, and attacks on independent scientists. (3) Johnson v. Monsanto became a watershed moment, sparking thousands of lawsuits, billions in settlements, and a worldwide reexamination of glyphosate safety. New Threat: Liability Shield Laws According to the Lawsuit Information Center, "Monsanto had settled nearly 100,000 Roundup lawsuitspaying about $11 billionand an estimated 61,000 cases remain pending as of May 2025." (4) These figures give a glimpse of how many people have been affected by this pesticide exposure. Soon after the Johnson verdict, Brent Wisner, managing partner at Wisner Baum and lead trial counsel in the case said, "For the public at large, the lawsuit presented a question of corporate accountability. With enough money and influence, could a company endanger its customers, hide evidence, manipulate regulators, and get away with it allfor decades?" (5) With these new liability shield laws, that question resurfaces. According to Wisner, the new laws enacted in North Dakota and Georgia could have stopped Johnson's case before it began. These statutes bar state-law "failure-to-warn" claims if a pesticide is registered with and approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), effectively giving manufacturers a pass if their label complies with federal ruleseven if evidence suggests they withheld safety risks. In addition to state laws, Congress has introduced a pesticide immunity provision Section 453 of the House Appropriations Billthat would lock federal agencies and courts into outdated health assessments. Section 453 would effectively shield more than 57,000 currently registered products, and all future chemicals regulated under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Earlier attempts to grant similar preemption to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) appeared in the House Farm Bill (2024) and the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act (2023). (6) "If these laws had been in place in 2018, Johnson's case would have been thrown out before the first witness took the stand," said Baum. "There would have been no verdict, no Monsanto Papers, and no public reckoning. Corporate misconduct would have stayed hidden." Justice Denied by Design, What's at Risk Beyond the Courtroom For pesticide corporations, the new state legislation is about money, but for those harmed by pesticides, legal actions are not just about compensation. "Juries serve as a check when regulators fail," said Wisner. "These new laws take that check away." Here's what else is at stake: No Day in Court: Under these laws, plaintiffs alleging pesticide-related cancers could see their cases dismissed outright if EPA-approved labels omit cancer warnings. Under these laws, plaintiffs alleging pesticide-related cancers could see their cases dismissed outright if EPA-approved labels omit cancer warnings. Evidence Locked Away : Internal corporate communicationsoften the key to proving liabilitymight never be unsealed. : Internal corporate communicationsoften the key to proving liabilitymight never be unsealed. Reduced Deterrence : Without the threat of punitive damages, there is less incentive for companies to disclose safety concerns. : Without the threat of punitive damages, there is less incentive for companies to disclose safety concerns. Public Health Impact: Johnson's verdict was a catalyst for policy changes and restrictions on glyphosate worldwide. Wisner Baum is urging lawmakers, advocates, and the public to understand the stakes as more states consider similar legislation. About Wisner Baum Wisner Baum began with a simple but radical idea: that the law should serve peoplenot protect power. Since opening its doors in 1985, the firm has gone far beyond courtroom victories. Based in Los Angeles and known across the U.S., Wisner Baum has built its legacy by holding powerful corporations accountable not just to win justice for individual clients, but to spark broader societal change. Every case they take on from catastrophic injuries and pharmaceutical failures to environmental toxicity and corporate negligence is part of a bigger mission: to make the world safer, more just, and more transparent for everyone. With over $4 billion in verdicts and settlements, their legal victories have helped raise public awareness, influence regulations, and force industries to clean up harmful practices. Their work has become a catalyst for product safety reforms, food transparency, and medical accountability. Wisner Baum isn't just a law firm. It's a movement for changewhere justice isn't the end goal, but the beginning of a safer society. Wisner Baum: Changing the System for Societal Change, One Case at a Time. Learn more at https://www.wisnerbaum.com. References Leggett , Vincent. "New Legislation Protects Pesticide Manufacturers from Legal Complaints of Harm." Food Tank, 29 May 2025 , foodtank.com/news/2025/05/new-legislation-protects-pesticide-manufacturers-from-legal-complaints-of-harm/. Johnson v. Monsanto Co. Opinion. Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco , No.CGC16550128, 10 Aug. 2018; decision modified by Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, 20 July 2020 , 52 Cal. App. 5th 434. Gillam, Carey. The Monsanto Papers: Deadly Secrets, Corporate Corruption, and One Man's Search for Justice. Island Press, 2021. Lawsuit Information Center. "Monsanto Roundup Lawsuit Update." Lawsuit Information Center, May 2025, Lawsuit-Information-Center.com. Johnson v. Monsanto Co.: "Landmark Roundup Cancer Case." Wisner Baum, wisnerbaum.com/toxic-tort-law/monsanto-roundup-lawsuit/johnson-trial-2018-/. Heflin, Jason O. Preemption in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. Congressional Research Service, 2 May 2025 , congress.gov/crs_external_products/LSB/PDF/LSB11304/LSB11304.1.pdf. Media Inquiries: Karla Jo Helms JOTO PR 727-777-4629 Jotopr.com SOURCE Wisner Baum HonestChew is the Latest Innovation from Woof, the Pet Wellness Leader Recently Ranked #3 Overall and #1 in Consumer Products on the 2025 Inc. 5000 List of Fasting-Growing Private Companies. DENVER, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Woof, the award-winning pet brand known for making life easier and better for dogs and their people, announced today the launch of HonestChew: a plant-powered, ultra-durable chew that's safer than bones, tougher than nylon, and more natural than traditional synthetic chews. Woof Transforms Durable Chews Category with Launch of Plant-Based, Ultra-Durable HonestChew HonestChew was created to solve a problem nearly every dog parent faces: how to satisfy your dog's natural instinct to chew, without the plastic, rawhide, or added risk. Made from food-grade plant-powered materials, powdered antler bone, and vegetable broth, HonestChew is hypoallergenic and free from nylon, petroleum, plastic, and rawhide. Designed to flake (not splinter) during use, HonestChew also helps reduce the choking hazards associated with traditional bones. Together, these features deliver a better chewing alternative, offering irresistible flavor and unmatched durability. "We created HonestChew to give pet parents a better alternative one that doesn't force them to choose between safety, durability, or natural materials," said Daniel Haarburger, Founder of Woof. "Too many chews on the market are made from synthetic, petroleum-based materials. In fact, we found that 83% of dog parents admit to giving their dogs inedible chew toys, often without realizing the potential risks. HonestChew is our answer to that tradeoff: we're proud to introduce this game-changing product that raises the bar on safety, durability, and design for the entire chew category." Woof's product development team spent over a year creating HonestChew, reimagining a category long defined by synthetic materials and splinter-prone bones. The result is a chew engineered for durability, enrichment and peace of mind, with thoughtful features pet parents can trust. Designed for moderate to powerful chewers, HonestChew is part of Woof's broader spectrum of safer chew solutions delivering long-lasting engagement and added functional benefits: Behavioral Enrichment: Encourages natural chewing instincts and offers mental stimulation to help soothe anxiety and curb boredom. Encourages natural chewing instincts and offers mental stimulation to help soothe anxiety and curb boredom. Dental Wellness Support: While not a brushing alternative, HonestChew ' s nubs and ridges help gently scrape away tartar and buildup above the gumline, supporting fresher breath and healthier teeth. While not a brushing alternative, HonestChew s nubs and ridges help gently scrape away tartar and buildup above the gumline, supporting fresher breath and healthier teeth. Play-Oriented Design: Unlike other durable chews that lay flat, HonestChew ' s curved shape and paw-grip designs promote natural chewing postures and longer-lasting engagement. HonestChew comes in two shapes Infinity Bone and Antler and three sizes: small (for dogs under 25 pounds), medium (for dogs between 30-60 pounds), and large (for dogs larger than 60 pounds). Beginning today, HonestChew can be purchased on mywoof.com, Amazon, and Chewy for $9.99, $12.99, and $19.99 respectively. For more information, visit Woof at mywoof.com and on Instagram @mywoof. About Woof Woof is the award-winning pet brand on a mission to make life easier and better for dogs and their people. With a commitment to quality, thoughtful design, and functional wellness, Woof helps dogs enjoy safer, healthier play and their parents enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it. Its hero product, the Pupsicle, was the winner of the 2024 Pet Innovation Awards for Dog Toy of the Year and was named an honorable mention on the TIME 2024 Best Inventions List. In 2025, Woof proudly debuted at No. 3 overall and No. 1 in Consumer Products on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. 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This new route follows the airlines recent introduction of daily direct flights from Mumbai to Phuket, strengthening its presence in Thailand.Bookings are now open on Akasa Airs official website, Android and iOS apps, and through online travel agencies. Customers can use the promo code FLYMORE to get up to 20% off on bookings made via the app or website.Akasa Air's Bengaluru-Phuket flight schedule details:Note: All times are local (IST).According to Akasa Air, the BengaluruPhuket flights offer convenient timings, connecting Southern India to Thailands popular island destination known for its blend of leisure, culture, and adventure.As of now, Akasa Air connects 24 domestic and six international cities, including Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait City, and Phuket.The airline operates a fleet of 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with an order for 226 more. Since its launch in August 2022, the airline claims to have served over 20 million passengers. The Trump administration is reportedly weighing sanctions on EU officials responsible for enforcing the blocs Digital Services Act (DSA), a move that could escalate transatlantic tensions and complicate how US enterprises manage compliance, data flows, and operations in Europe. Deliberations on this within the State Department are still underway, with no final decision yet on whether to proceed with sanctions that would most likely take the form of visa restrictions, according to a Reuters report. It is also unclear which European Commission or member state officials might be targeted, though US officials held internal meetings on the matter last week, the report said. 100% of need met Skidmore meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all accepted students. Aid packages can include Skidmore grants, Skidmore scholarships, government grants, work-study, and zero or low interest student loans, depending on total family income. If awarded, your package will be re-evaluated annually to ensure your need is met for all four years and can be appealed if your circumstances change. For more information, be sure to also: Skidmore aid Grant Aid Skidmore grants are a form of gift aid money you dont need to repay. Like scholarships, they help cover your costs, but theyre awarded based on demonstrated financial need, not merit. To be considered, youll submit the CSS Profile when you apply. This form helps us understand your familys financial picture so we can calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI). That number helps determine how much your family can contribute. We subtract your SAI from Skidmores Cost of Attendance (COA), and the difference is your demonstrated need. We meet 100% of that need with a combination of grants and other aid. Want to see how this works in real life? Check out our sample cost scenarios to see how we help different families pay for Skidmore. Merit Aid Merit aid at Skidmore is limited and highly selective. Its awarded based on your achievements and potential, not financial need. Skidmore offers two prestigious merit programs, each awarding $20,000 per year, for a total of $80,000 over four years. Like all gift aid, merit scholarships do not need to be repaid. The Filene Music Scholarship (4 to 6 awarded annually): How to apply: Apply to Skidmore and complete the Filene application by January 15. Four to six students will be invited to perform at the Filene Music Competition. Apply to Skidmore and complete the Filene application by January 15. Four to six students will be invited to perform at the Filene Music Competition. Questions? Email Artist in Residence Michael Emery. How to apply: After you submit your application to Skidmore, log into your applicant portal and look for the Porter-Wachenheim portfolio section. Upload a PDF document that lists any extracurricular science and math activities you have been involved in (e.g., school clubs, academic teams, tutoring, relevant volunteer work, shadowing/internship experiences, independent studies, summer research programs, etc.) and any awards/honors you have received (e.g., science fair competitions, science or math Olympiad medals, high testing, etc.). This can include anything in biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental sciences, geosciences, health and human physiological sciences, mathematics and statistics, neuroscience, physics, or psychology. Then, underneath the list, write a brief essay discussing: your interests in science and/or mathematics, how the activities you list above have helped you grow as a scientist and/or mathematician, and how you hope to pursue your scholarly interests at Skidmore. After you submit your application to Skidmore, log into your applicant portal and look for the Porter-Wachenheim portfolio section. Upload a PDF document that lists any extracurricular science and math activities you have been involved in (e.g., school clubs, academic teams, tutoring, relevant volunteer work, shadowing/internship experiences, independent studies, summer research programs, etc.) and any awards/honors you have received (e.g., science fair competitions, science or math Olympiad medals, high testing, etc.). This can include anything in biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental sciences, geosciences, health and human physiological sciences, mathematics and statistics, neuroscience, physics, or psychology. Then, underneath the list, write a brief essay discussing: Questions? Email Professor of Psychology Rebecca Johnson. Government grants Government grants are another form of gift aid and you dont need to pay them back. These funds come from the U.S. Department of Education and the state of New York and are awarded based on financial need. Programs include Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), and New York State TAP (for New York residents). How to apply: Submit your FAFSA by the priority date and no later than 2 weeks prior to the end of the semester. Student employment Student employment is a way to help cover personal expenses like books, snacks, or travel while gaining valuable work experience. If you qualify for federal work-study (based on your FAFSA), Skidmore will recommend a job as part of your financial aid package. These roles are paid through Skidmores payroll, but earnings go directly to you, not toward tuition. The typical student job budget is about $2,600 per year. Youll need to apply for a campus job each year and work enough hours to earn your full allotment. Even if you dont qualify for work-study, you can still apply for on-campus jobs, as many are open to all students. How to apply: All enrolled students are eligible, contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information. Loans Loans are borrowed funds that you or your family repay over time. They may be offered through the U.S. Department of Education or private lenders and can be in your name or your parents. Its common for students to have loans as part of their aid package but at Skidmore, were committed to keeping loan amounts low so repayment stays manageable after graduation. Loan information on Financial Aid website Outside scholarships Outside scholarships can help lower your out-of-pocket costs and youre encouraged to apply. These awards come from foundations, employers, community organizations, or religious and civic groups not Skidmore or the government. These scholarships are awarded separately from your Skidmore, federal, or state aid. Unfortunately, we must give credit where its due when a celebrity doesnt defend their worst comments and actions. Advertisement 14 Hugh Grant Jon Stewart said that Grant was the worst guest theyd ever had on The Daily Show, and weve had dictators on the show. Grant copped to being a real turd: Turns out my inner crab got the better of me with TV producer in 09. Unforgivable. J Stewart correct to give me kicking. Advertisement 13 Hailey Bieber A TikToker blew up in 2020 when she shared stories about her encounters with celebrities as a restaurant hostess. Her story about Bieber was particularly unflattering: Ive met her a handful of times and she was not nice. I really want to like her but I give her, like, a 3.5 out of 10. Sorry. Bieber jumped into the comments to validate and apologize: Hate hearing that was your experience with me but glad u called me out so I can do better!! Hope we meet again so I can apologize in person. 12 Melissa McCarthy After film critic Rex Reed called her a gimmick comedian who has devoted her short career to being obese and obnoxious with equal success, she responded with more grace than he deserved: I felt really bad for someone who is swimming in so much hate. I just thought, Thats someone whos in a really bad spot, and I am in such a happy spot. 11 Melissa McCarthy (Again) She took note of a film critic who published an opinion that her husband, whod directed her in 2014s Tammy, should be punished for allowing her to act while ugly. She later ran into this critic at the Toronto Film Festival, and unleashed: Would you say that to any guy? When John C. Reilly or any actor is playing a character that is depressed and dejected, would you say, Well, you look terrible!? Advertisement Advertisement 10 Amy Schumer After film blogger Jeffrey Wells complained that Judd Apatow kept assaulting his eyes with chubby, whipsmart, not conventionally attractive actors like Melissa McCarthy, Lena Dunham and Amy Schumer, the latter posted a series of pictures of her in exaggerated Hollywood starlet-esque makeup and prosthetics, saying, Loving your feedback on my appearance. Am I ok now?... Hollywood here I come. 9 Emily Blunt After an old interview surfaced, people roundly criticized her for fat-shaming a random person in her boring anecdote: The girl who was serving me was enormous. I think she got freebie meals at Chilis Blunt responded with what felt like genuine remorse: My jaw was on the floor watching this clip from 12 years ago. Im appalled that I would say something so insensitive, hurtful, and unrelated to whatever story I was trying to tell on a talk show. Advertisement 8 Jack Whitehall While guest hosting the Graham Norton Show in 2019, an audience member recounted a time when she had attended the show with Whitehall as a guest: A certain guest on the sofa that night really didnt like my story, and he was rather rude! He actually said, Is that the best story she could come up with? Who does she bloody think she is? Whitehall responded, mortified: Oh my god, its me I sent you a message didnt I? The woman confirmed that he had indeed sent her a personal message apologizing for his behavior. Advertisement 7 Jamie Dornan Early in his career, a critic said that he had the charisma of oatmeal. He was asked about it years later, and was able to see a silver lining: Some people like oatmeal, so I thought it was kind of harsh. I remember that stuck with me, and I dont entirely disagree with it either. Advertisement 6 Janelle Monae A dork on Twitter told her girl stop being so soulful and be sexy..tired of those dumbass suits. She responded sit down. I'm not for male consumption. For his part, the troll replied Yes, ma'am. 5 Roger Ebert Dont criticize a guy whose job is to be professionally critical. After Ebert negatively reviewed a 2003 film called The Brown Bunny, filmmaker Vincent Gallo made some low blows about Eberts weight, and claimed he put a hex on Eberts colon. In response, Ebert said he watched his own colonoscopy on a TV screen and it was still more entertaining than The Brown Bunny. Advertisement 4 Roger Ebert (Again) After film critic Patrick Goldstein said that Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo didnt get any Oscar noms because theres no Best Running Penis Joke Delivered by a Third-Rate Comic category, respected filmmaker Rob Schneider took out magazine ads saying that Goldstein deserved the Pulitzer for Third-Rate, Unfunny Pompous Reporter. Ebert swooped in to defend his profession, saying that as a Pulitzer Prize winner, he was qualified to declare that the movie sucked. Advertisement 3 James Corden A BBC Radio host called Cordens voice in Peter Rabbit irritating. What Corden did well here was keep his mouth shut; instead, he let his dad write into the show with a very level-headed but deeply offended admonition: To hear you describe our son as appallingly irritating was very difficult to listen to. Advertisement 2 Rosalie Chiang and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan A film critic named Sean OConnell complained that Turning Red, a movie set in an Asian community in Canada, was not made for a guy named Sean OConnell. In response, the voice actors very kindly explained that this is a coming of age film, everyone goes through this change. At the end of the day, the core messiness and change is something everyone can relate to and that the messages apply regardless of whether you are a young Chinese girl from Canada or not. Is it okay to discuss the plots of watercooler sitcoms by the office watercooler, even if you work at a brewery? Management at the Miller Brewing Company didnt think so when it fired an executive in 1997 for recounting the plot of a Seinfeld episode that featured risque wordplay. Don't Miss The episode in question was The Junior Mint, the 20th installment of the sitcoms fourth season. The title comes from the episodes main plot, in which Kramer drops a refreshing chocolate treat into a mans body during a surgical operation. But thats not the storyline that got Miller executive Jerold Mackenzie in hot water. The provocative plot involves Jerry, who cant recall anything about his new girlfriends name other than it rhymes with part of the female anatomy. The insulted woman leaves in a huff as Jerry desperately guesses her name. Is it Mulva? Gipple? Once shes gone, the answer finally dawns on him. Delores! Mackenzie, who was making $95,000 a year in 1997 (about $185K in todays dollars), testified that he described the episode to a female coworker, but was too bashful to say aloud the body part in question. Instead, he pointed to the word in a dictionary, according to the Los Angeles Times. That gave Mackenzies colleague a major case of the ick, and she told a supervisor that shed been sexually harassed. Mackenzie was shown the door. Fortunately for Mackenzie, his attorneys were savvier than Jackie Chiles. Poor Mackenzie was simply a goof who comes into work and talks about Seinfeld and finds himself for 1,573 days without a job, argued his lawyer. They were out to get this guy. That wasnt exactly wrong. Millers attorney argued that Mackenzie was a lousy manager, and the Seinfeld incident was merely the final straw after a series of poor decisions. He was on thin ice, the Miller lawyer said. Advertisement But it was Miller Brewing that landed in the freezing water at least at first. The jury agreed that sitcom talk was fair game for the workplace, awarding Mackenzie $26.6 million, including $24.5 million from Miller and an astonishing $1.5 million from his offended coworker. Mackenzie was thrilled with the verdict. You should be able to talk to your co-workers, he crowed. You should be able to talk to subordinates as you would talk to anybody else. But the victory was short-lived. In a plot twist that could only happen to George Costanza, an appeals court and eventually the Wisconsin Supreme Court agreed that while the Seinfeld story inflamed the jury, the case should have been based on Mackenzies claim that Miller executives had assured him that his position was safe after a reorganization, reported CBS News. The courts ruled Miller had no obligation to tell Mackenzie anything about his future with the company. The decision was reversed, and the temporarily wealthy Mackenzie was left just as empty-handed as Jerry after Delores stomped out of his apartment for good. In the stand-up comedy community, its generally considered bad form to go after a fellow comic in your act, but professional political podcasters play by different rules. With Marc Marons most recent stand-up special, Marc Maron: Panicked on HBO, the WTF host and comedy veteran went gloves-off with his already gloomy and acerbic style to properly skewer both a country and a comedy industry thats gone so far astray in his eyes. But for all the pointed comments and sarcastic side-eyes Maron made about how the comedy community has thrown the brunt of its weight behind the Trump administration and the anti-woke, pro-fascism, Joe-Rogan-allied far right, Marons subsequent press tour in promotion of Panicked has raised even more eyebrows as he continues to go after the lazy, unfunny, punch-down style of comedy promoted by the majority party. Don't Miss During a recent appearance on Pod Save America, Maron defended one of his most viral jokes from Panicked in which he suggested that, if Adolf Hitler were alive today, the Nazi leader would likely appear on Theo Vons podcast This Past Weekend to talk about methamphetamine. Maron posited that Von probably found the joke funny, provided that Von still sees himself as a comedian first and a witless government asset second. Thats a joke, but it resonates, and it resonates for a reason, Maron said of his bit from Panicked in which he mocked Vons habit of palling around with President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance or whichever far-right decision-maker had an agenda to push that week on This Past Weekend. Advertisement As Maron explained, going after another stand-up comic let alone a stand-up with a platform the size of Von's following is risky business in his industry, but he feels that the execution of the joke justifies the comedy faux pas. I had to think about what that Theo Von joke would do because, if youre going to be critical through humor of people in your own profession, theres always a sort of stigma to it, Maron admitted. I believe that, if somebody becomes a cultural phenomenon, theyre fair game, Maron said of his target, who, along with his stand-up career, is, astoundingly, one of the most popular and connected political commentators in the country and no small celebrity in the UFC world as well. But, ultimately, Maron says that, much like any joke that dares to cross lines, his roast routine of Von works because its flat-out hilarious. I think the Theo joke, at its base, is funny, Maron said. What it implies, you can do whatever you want with that. Sure, its an easy correlation to make to Trump or to humanizing fascism. But, in and of itself, the impression was good enough, the jokes that I put within him talking were funny. Advertisement Then, the kicker: Id be hard-pressed to think that he didn't think it was funny, Maron said of Vons possible reaction to his parody. Von hasnt indicated whether or not hes even seen Marons latest special or the viral bit within it that calls him out for his platforming of the most powerful fascists in the country, but, frankly, Im less confident that Von would laugh out loud at the suggestion that hed pal around with Hitler on his show. Underneath the folksy demeanor, Von is still a proud, conservative Louisianian hed probably eat a squirrel before a live bird during a meth binge. If BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg could go back in time, Hollywoos most beloved author wouldve been much more true-to-life. The showrunner recently admitted that one of his bigger mistakes while crafting the animated series was neglecting to hire Vietnamese-American writers to help fully flesh out Diane Nguyen. The real complaint about Diane from Vietnamese-American viewers was that she didnt feel authentically Vietnamese, Bob-Waksberg told Slate of the backlash to the Alison Brie-voiced character and her family. Don't Miss Both Bob-Waksberg and Brie have expressed regrets about letting a white woman voice a Vietnamese-American character, with the actress previously stating that the show missed a great opportunity to represent the Vietnamese-American community accurately and respectfully. But to Bob-Waksberg, the issues with Diane ran deeper than just poor casting choices, and reflected a lack of inclusion in the shows writers room. That wasnt because of Alisons performance. It was about the way the character was crafted, he explained. Because she was a white woman, that made me more skittish about leaning into some of the Vietnamese stories that we mightve told otherwise. Advertisement This isnt the first time Bob-Waksberg has expressed remorse over the shows notoriously whitewashed cast and writers room. Even in the small ways we wrote to Dianes experience as a woman of color, or more specifically an Asian woman, we rarely got specific enough to think about what it meant to be SPECIFICALLY VIETNAMESE-AMERICAN, he recalled in a now-deleted Twitter thread. That was a huge (racist!) error on my part. Considering that many actors on his latest series, Long Story Short, which centers on Jewish identity, are actually Jewish (a complex debate that has largely divided Jewish communities), it appears hes taken this lesson to heart. Warning: Contains spoilers about The Good Place and the first three seasons of Upload. Maybe its the purgatorial nature of the average email job, but working on The Office seems to inspire its writers not only to contemplate eternity, but to conceptualize it in administrative terms. Michael Schur, a producer on the American version of The Office, created NBCs The Good Place, set in a supposed heaven that turns out to be the exact opposite. The architects who construct the spaces where the dead spend their afterlife are routinely shown in offices and grappling with middle managers. Greg Daniels, the executive producer who adapted The Office for NBC, created Prime Videos Upload, which proposes a tech solution to life after death; its still-living facilitators work in a bullpen as crowded and stifling as Dunder Mifflins. And with its abbreviated final season dropping today, I can definitively say that Greg Danielss vision of the afterlife ends up being darker than The Good Places actual Hell. Set in 2033, Upload imagines a process by which living humans can upload their consciousness to a digital avatar in a virtual world. Typically, this occurs when death is imminent, though that may or may not be the case for Nathan (Robbie Amell), whose pushy girlfriend Ingrid (Allegra Edwards) urges him to do it after his self-driving car smashes into the back of a truck. Once hes signed the papers, it no longer matters how close his death was, since the machine that uploads his consciousness also causes his decapitation. Don't Miss Nathans consciousness then wakes up in Lakeview, a high-end afterlife community. Hes guided through his orientation by his angel, Nora (Andy Allo); shes still alive and working for Lakeviews parent company, Horizen, but she can also appear at Lakeview in human avatar form. Its through these interactions that Nathan and Nora grow closer and, eventually, fall in love, despite the fact that Ingrid is paying his Lakeview bills, making her technically the owner of his consciousness. He can also still talk to Ingrid, his mother, his niece, and his old business partner: Uploads still have cell phones and can call the living, and the living can use avatars to visit on special occasions. Things get more complicated when Nathan downloads to a clone Ingrids had grown for him in the real world. His inexperienced new angel, alarmed that she cant find him in Lakeview, breaks the law by restoring Nathan from a months-old backup, so most of the third season proceeds with two Nathans figuring things out: one in the real world, pursuing justice for people whove been cheated by a crooked consortium into uploading (and killing their organic bodies) to lose their votes and thus swing elections; the other in Lakeview, deciding what kind of life he wants with Ingrid. Advertisement Upload premiered its first season in May 2020 a time when mortality was on our minds, but also just four months after the series finale of The Good Place, which may be why you read or heard about Upload and immediately decided you were all set on afterlife comedies. Its also very possible that, because Prime Video rarely markets any of its own productions if Bosch isnt involved, youre learning about Upload for the first time right now. But if the mention of the Office creator made you want to pop in for the final season just to see how things end? Sorry, you really cant. This show rests on a Lost-worthy pile of lore, which also may be why there was probably no way to wrap things up in a satisfying way this far in. I would have preferred it if theyd worked a little harder to try. To be clear, this isnt a failure on the level of Space Force, another show Greg Daniels created that came out in May 2020. Here, unlike there, some bright spots do exist. Amell is an actor Ive never thought much about, but he is very good as Nathan, someone who starts as a cocky tech pretty-boy but melts into a kind, charitable, generous person partly thanks to his love for Nora, but partly from the ways his time in Lakeview is rewiring his understanding of existence and whats actually important to him. In the back half of the series, Amell has to make both Nathans distinct; the show wouldnt work at all if he couldnt, but he nails it/them, veering from joy to terror multiple times in a single episode. Amell honestly has no business being this likable, cute and good at comedy. I hope he can step from this into a project someone actually cares to promote. Advertisement Another standout is Kevin Bigley. Already a scene-stealer from the sadly short-lived USA sitcom Sirens and a recurring role in Animal Control, Bigley plays Luke, an army veteran who lost both legs fighting in the Middle East but has had them restored on his Lakeview avatar. Luke develops a friendship with Nathan thats hero-worshipful verging on homoerotic. If that sounds like something youve already seen many times, it is, but Bigley finds unexpected angles on his lines and physical comedy to make it feel fresh. Also: shows his butt a lot. Advertisement Special mention must be made for William B. Davis as David Choak. A billionaire in life yes, like the late David Koch, a dopey name that sparks unwelcome memories of Space Forces General Grabaston and Admiral Biffoont Choak is Nathans Lakeview neighbor. When Davis, formerly The X-Files Cigarette Smoking Man, turns out to be embroiled in an evil conspiracy, its not exactly a surprise, but Davis seems to be having fun as Choak skeet-shoots his angel and dines on peacock with the tail still attached. Frustratingly, though, the show gestures toward political points it never quite makes. In the real world, 2033 is full of normalized indignities, from printed food to ratings on dating apps. Its not much better in Lakeview, where residents are segregated according to what they can pay for, and a whole class of 2 Gigs can just freeze for weeks until their data refreshes at the start of the next month or be forced to walk around nude and smooth if they cant afford clothes and/or genitals. Even the well-off residents have to pay extra for upgrades like virtual babies or, eventually, the ability to finish a conversation. Its basically a mash-up of half a dozen existing episodes of Black Mirror, except much longer and a lot less clever. Advertisement Advertisement Most disturbing for a show that has straddled the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes is that Im not sure what position it takes on A.I. In Lakeview, all service functions bartender, landscaper, hairdresser, shoeshine are performed by duplicates of the same A.I. Guy; the fact that hes played by Owen Daniels, Gregs son, suggests to me that Greg doesnt have as much contempt for A.I. as he should to make a show like this. (Eventually, we meet Boris Netherlands, the living actor who was scanned for Lakeviews A.I. Guy and endlessly duplicated, for which he was only paid $1,200. This is quite literally one of the points the actors struck over, but the affection Lakeview residents have for his copies makes it unclear what the shows writers think of Horizen having done it.) In the fourth season, an A.I. Guy in Lakeview generates a new kind of copy that expands his worldview and emotional range; one whos downloaded into a clone and is living in New York City is given a crucial role to play in the climax of the series and much more power in the denouement. It is scary, says one character whos spent time in both worlds, but theres nothing we can do about it now and thats the end of the discussion. Is this supposed to be funny? Its not to me. Advertisement Ultimately, Uploads biggest crime isnt that its politics are murky, that many of its performances are stiff, that it frequently drops seemingly significant storylines and characters, or that its half-hour-plus episodes drag. Its that its series finale doesnt deliver the main thing a viewer typically wants out of a comedy: a happy ending. Twenty-nine episodes in this world is both too much (of a slog) and not enough (of a payoff). I trust Prime Video has no plans for resurrection and will let it quietly expire. China's underwater archaeology breaks new ground in deep sea 11:19, August 26, 2025 By Sun Haitian ( People's Daily Photo shows the exhibition hall of Deep Blue Marvels, featuring selected artifacts recovered from the No. 1 and No. 2 shipwrecks discovered on the northwestern slope of the South China Sea at the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea in Qionghai, south China's Hainan province. (Photo provided by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage of China) During the summer vacation, the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea in Qionghai, south China's Hainan province, welcomed record crowds, with daily visitor numbers nearly 50 percent higher than usual. Since September last year, the museum has hosted a special exhibition titled Deep Blue Marvels, showcasing selected artifacts recovered from the No. 1 and No. 2 shipwrecks discovered on the northwestern slope of the South China Sea. The exhibition hall has since become the most popular attraction at the museum. Inside the gallery, a large gilt-decorated Fahua jar, adorned with peacock-and-peony motifs in openwork designs, stands in quiet magnificence. Its brilliant glaze, intricate latticework, and exquisite gilding capture the eye. Yet as recently as last year, this masterpiece still lay undisturbed on the seabed, some 1,500 meters below the surface, alongside more than 100,000 pieces of porcelain and ebony logs. "The first time we saw the No. 1 and No. 2 shipwreck sites at the northwest continental slope of the South China Sea on the submersible's monitor, everyone was stunned. It was like discovering a 'treasure chest' sealed by time, preserved in extraordinary integrity," said Xin Lixue, director of the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea. This archaeological discovery, which began in 2022, represents a historic breakthrough in China's underwater archaeology, from the shallow seas into the deep sea, Xin added. Breaking through core technologies to explore the deep The breakthrough came during the 500th dive of China's Deep Sea Warrior submersible on October 23, 2022. As it operated 150 km southeast of Sanya, researchers suddenly observed a seabed scattered with thousands of ceramic jars at 1,500 meters depth - the world's first identified Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) shipwrecks in such extreme conditions. But what does 1,500 meters mean? It is a realm of perpetual darkness, a "no-man's zone" under immense pressure far beyond what any human diver could withstand. "Before 2018, China's underwater archaeology was largely confined to shallow waters no deeper than 40 meters," Xin explained. "Deep-sea archaeology is fundamentally different. Without advanced technology, the deep sea remained a blind spot for us." The extreme environment posed unprecedented challenges. "This discovery was exceptionally rare. At such depths, there was no precedent for us to follow," said Song Jianzhong, head of the archaeological survey project of the shipwreck sites. Meeting this challenge was made possible by cutting-edge technologies that had been in the making for more than a decade. In 2009, China launched the development of its second manned deep-sea submersible, Shenhai Yongshi. After eight years of intensive research and trials, it was delivered in October 2017 to the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. With more than 95 percent of its components domestically produced, the submersible overcame critical hurdles in titanium alloy pressure sphere, deep-sea buoyancy materials, and low-noise thrusters. Capable of operating at depths of up to 4,500 meters, it gave Chinese archaeologists for the first time the ability to explore the ocean world 1,000 meters below the surface. Photo shows a large gilt-decorated Fahua jar with peacock-and-peony patterns in openwork design. (Photo provided by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage of China) Sixty-three dives to recover centuries-old relics "October 1, 2023, the second phase of archaeological investigation at the northwest continental slope shipwrecks of the South China Sea. Average wind speed: about 13 knots. Dive depth: over 1,500 meters." So reads the mission log of Zhang Ninghao, dive scientist and deputy leader of the archaeological survey project. After detaching from its mothership Tansuo-2, Shenhai Yongshi began its descent at a steady 35 meters per minute. As daylight faded, darkness enveloped the vessel, and the cabin temperature gradually dropped. After more than 40 minutes, the submersible touched down on the seabed. Its lights revealed the No. 2 shipwreck site, about 21 meters long and 8 meters wide, with rows of ebony logs neatly arranged from north to south. The No. 1 shipwreck carried porcelain from Jingdezhen in east China's Jiangxi province, destined for overseas markets, while the No. 2 was laden with ebony logs being brought back to China. "One outbound, one inbound, together they provide tangible evidence of the vibrant two-way trade along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, filling in a missing link in the historical chain of the South China Sea routes," Song explained. Guided by the pilot, the submersible carefully maneuvered over the relics. Preselected artifacts were retrieved using its robotic arms. One manipulator, padded with soft material, gently grasped centuries-old relics. Though it resembled a "claw machine," the operation was highly sophisticated: high-definition cameras recorded every move; high-precision positioning, high-resolution imagery, 3D scanning, and geophysical survey data were integrated to create a detailed archaeological map of the shipwreck sites. From 2023 to 2024, across three phases of investigation totaling 70 working days at sea, the team carried out 63 dives. From the depths, they retrieved 928 sets of artifacts, a fraction of the immense trove that still lies undisturbed on the seabed, silently bearing witness to the maritime exchanges of centuries past. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Financial Aid How much financial aid could I receive? MyinTuition A quick estimate based on six financial questions. Net Price Calculator A detailed assessment of your financial aid eligibility. Skidmore meets 100% of demonstrated need. Use these tools to estimate your aid eligibility: Who can apply for financial aid? U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students are eligible to apply for Skidmore aid. Can I get a fee waiver for the CSS Profile? The College Board determines CSS Profile fee waivers. Check their website for details. What are Skidmore's financial application codes? Skidmore's CSS PROFILE code is 2815, FAFSA code is 002814, and TAP code (NYS residents only) is 0855. How does Skidmore award financial aid? How is financial need determined? 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Applicants will receive their financial aid award along with their admission decision in the Skidmore Applicant Portal on decision notification day. Will I receive the same aid every year? If your familys financial situation stays the same and you meet priority deadlines, your aid package should remain consistent. Remember, you must reapply for financial aid annually. Will applying for financial aid affect my admission chances? Skidmore is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need. However, financial aid availability may be a factor for some applicants later in the process. That said, a strong academic profile always strengthens your admission chances. Can I apply for financial aid as an independent student? Skidmore does not offer financial assistance to students who declare themselves independent of their parents, nor are we able to offer assistance if parents decide that they no longer wish to support a student at Skidmore College. Does Skidmore offer work-study? Skidmore's student employment programs enables all students to work part-time to contribute to their educational costs, including those who qualify for federal work-study. These funds are paid through Skidmore payroll and can be applied to expenses such as textbooks or travel. These funds are not meant for tuition. All students with demonstrated need will have work-study recommended as part of their aid package, but it is up to students to apply for campus positions each year and work enough hours to earn the total budgeted amount (approximately $4,000). Can I work on campus if I dont qualify for federal work-study? Yes! Plenty of part-time campus jobs are open to all students. How does financial aid work with study abroad? Your Skidmore financial aid (except work-study) applies to both Skidmore-run and approved outside programs. Additional costs like airfare may be factored into your aid package. Will Skidmore College match my financial aid award from another institution(s)? No, we do not change our award on the basis of what a family is offered from another college or university. In case it wasnt abundantly clear to the in-apartment test audience, Its Always Sunny in Philadelphias power non-couple, Dennis and Mac, are just roommates, and theyre definitely not lovers. Hell, Dennis isnt even sure that he likes Mac. Regardless of what Dennis may claim while his vampiric face is taped back so far that you can practically see inside of his skull, it is not, in fact, normal for two men to live together in a completely platonic, non-sexual relationship from their mid-20s to the point when theyre pushing 50. Depending on when, exactly, Dennis and Mac unromantically shacked up together before Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia began, there really isnt a good reason for why they have spent half of their lives together, staying in the same home through multiple moves and an apartment fire that tragically burned and disfigured no one of any particular importance. Reasonably, the test audience in the penultimate Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia Season 17 episode The Gang Gets Ready for Primetime assumed that Dennis and Mac were boyfriend and old, angry boyfriend, much to Macs delight. But, in a cut line that FX revealed in the official Always Sunny Season 17 blooper reel, we learned that Dennis true feelings toward his roommate might not even be warm enough for their relationship to be considered platonic. Don't Miss In multiple outtakes from The Gang Gets Ready for Primetime, Charlie asks Dennis, Do you even like Mac? before Mac stares desperately at his unrequited love, much like how Dennis Jr. probably once stared at Mac, one last time: The fact that Dennis cant even bring himself to answer Charlies question certainly puts a damper on the equally desperate community of MacDennis shippers theory that Macs longtime love of his roommate and coworker may yet be reciprocated. While Dennis insistence that hes definitely, unquestionably heterosexual may not hold much water when you consider that he had gay sex while blackout drunk in the shows very pilot, Mac is going to have a hard time pulling the S.I.N.N.E.D. system on his roommate when Dennis doesnt even enjoy being in the same room as him. Advertisement Frankly, Dennis outright loathing Mac despite deciding to spend his life with him is way funnier and much more on brand for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia than Mac ever successfully grooming his lover, a la Charlies eventual victory in wooing The Waitress back at the end of Season 12. Dennis will probably continue to despise Mac while inexplicably sharing an address with his biggest admirer for the rest of Always Sunny, and Mac will continue to love Dennis until the day he dies, probably with Dennis, and almost definitely in the Always Sunny series finale. John Cleese just loves to complain about how many decades-old jokes dont fly with modern audiences. He moaned about having to cut racial slurs from the stage adaptation of Fawlty Towers, refused to delete a scene from his Life of Brian play (even though no one actually asked him to) and once suggested that Monty Pythons Flying Circus was a victim of cancel culture after seemingly forgetting that it had been sold to Netflix. But Cleeses former collaborator and current social media nemesis Eric Idle has been way more chill when it comes to the subject of politically correct comedy. You cant be hip and cool and all that at 81. But you cant be unthoughtful. You must be mindful of what people are thinking, Idle explained during an appearance on The Daily Show. My job is to make them laugh. And I like to hear them laugh I think its a sickness. Per The Times, during a new interview with BBC Radio 4s This Cultural Life, Idle revealed that his upcoming tour, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Live! (his first solo UK tour since 1973) wont feature some famous Python tracks. Why? Because he now checks his material with the younger generation. Don't Miss Audiences can still look forward to hearing the tours namesake song, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, from Monty Pythons Life of Brian. And Idle noted that hes especially gratified to hear that the tune has become a staple for English funerals. I find that very moving, the comedian said. It really pleases me that people choose it at a very solemn and sad moment in their lives. But not every song made the cut, due to evolving cultural standards. Sometimes Ill ask my daughter (35-year-old Lily Idle) or my goddaughter, Idle explained. Ill say, Can I say these things? And theyll say, Yeah, thats okay, or not. Advertisement Advertisement And unlike Cleese, Idle doesnt seem terribly concerned that the amorphous threat of cancel culture is out to get him. I dont worry about (being cancelled), Idle admitted. Im not saying terribly controversial things; Im trying to make them laugh. You cant sing some of my songs (now)... so I write new ones. Idle listed the song I Like Chinese, from Monty Python's Contractual Obligation Album, as one that he can no longer perform, for what should be obvious reasons. Idle actually did include the song in the Pythons 2014 reunion show, although he changed some of the more offensive lyrics. Now hes sensibly decided to leave it off of the setlist entirely. Had Cleese written I Like Chinese, hed probably be in the process of turning the song into a stage show and rage-posting in response to any criticisms. Modified: Tuesday, 26 August 2025 21:15 BST Tim Boyer STORY LINK British Pound to Euro Forecast: Sterling Supported as French Crisis Clouds Euro Outlook GBP/EUR Forecasts: Break Above 1.1630? Save on Your GBP/EUR Transfer Get better rates and lower fees on your next international money transfer. Compare TorFX with top UK banks in seconds and see how much you could save. Compare the Best GBP/EUR Rates Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: The Pound to Euro outlook (GBP/EUR) is increasingly shaped by French political turmoil, with markets wary that a September confidence vote could topple Prime Minister Bayrous minority government.The Euro has come under renewed pressure as investors reassess long positions, while Pound Sterling has found support from a hawkish Bank of England backdrop.Foreign exchange analysts at ING and Danske are warning that Frances instability could weigh further on the single currency.The Pound to Euro exchange rate (GBP/EUR) briefly traded above the 1.1600 level on Tuesday before a retreat to near 1.1580.The Euro was hurt by renewed French political concerns while the Pound was hampered by a dip in equities.According to ING GBP/EUR will gain further support; EUR/GBP looks to stay offered this week as French politics prompts some reassessment of long euro exposure. This comes at a time when a credibly hawkish Bank of England is already providing sterling with some support.The bank expects GBP/EUR will eventually break above 1.1630.Saxo's John Hardy added; Is French politics about to give the euro a nasty reality check?On Monday, French Prime Minister announced that he was calling a government confidence vote on September 8th in an attempt to gain support for budget cuts.Bayrou, however, runs a minority administration with only 220 seats out of 577 seats in the assembly while both left and right-wing parties have stated that they will vote against the government.MUFG commented; The far-left France Unbowed party, the Green party and the far-right National Rally have all said they will vote to overturn the government while the Socialist party have said they wont support a vote of confidence.The Prime Minister justified the decision; yes its a risk, but the supreme risk is doing nothing theres no getting out of this situation if we are not brave.If he loses the vote, there will again be the threat of a fresh General Election.According to Danske Bank; We think there is a significant likelihood of Bayrou not continuing as French PM as there continues to be a large opposition in the French parliament to support the necessary EUR 44bn in savings that he has proposed.ING commented; French government bonds had already been underperforming in an otherwise benign environment for European government debt this summer. And we'll all be waiting for headlines today to see whether French 10-year yields start trading through Italy.It added; The broader question for the euro is whether recent French news destabilises appetite for the euro more broadly, or whether this is an isolated French issue.MUFG added; The unfavourable domestic political developments could put a dampener on investor sentiment towards the euro in the near-term.AS far as economic data is concerned, the German IFO business confidence index edged higher to 89.0 for August from 88.6 previously and just above consensus forecasts.There was a marginal decline in the current conditions assessment, but this was offset by an increase in the expectations component.According to the IFO; Sentiment among companies in Germany has brightened slightly. This increase was due to improved expectations among companies. However, the current situation was assessed as slightly worse. The German economys recovery remains weak. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: Pound Euro Forecasts Plan your visit Skidmore is located in Saratoga Springs, New York a walkable, welcoming college town known for its vibrant arts scene, historic charm, and natural beauty. Just 30 minutes from Albany International Airport and easily accessible by car, train, or bus, its closer than you think and more inspiring than you expect. Address 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Parking Visitors are always welcome on campus. No permits are required, and there are no lot restrictions during normal business hours just park and enjoy your visit. If you're attending an Open House or special event, well include parking details in your confirmation email. Accessibility If you or your guests need assistance navigating campus or would benefit from accessibility accommodations, were happy to help. Call us at 518-580-5570 or email admissions@skidmore.edu so we can make your visit as smooth and comfortable as possible. Where to Stay Saratoga Springs offers plenty of nearby hotels and inns all just minutes from campus. As a popular destination, prices can vary seasonally (especially in summer), but there are also affordable options within 20 minutes in neighboring towns. For hotel suggestions and local activities, check out the Saratoga Convention and Visitors Bureau. Want to stay on campus? Limited rooms are available at Skidmores Surrey-Williamson Inn, located next to the Admissions Center. Be sure to mention you're visiting as a prospective student to receive a special rate. Traveling with a group? We welcome school and community-based groups for weekday campus visits. To help us plan, please submit your request at least three weeks in advance. Groups must be accompanied by at least one chaperone per 10 students and should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. To schedule a group visit, contact us at admissions@skidmore.edu or 518-580-5570. Group visits typically include: A one-hour walking tour with a student guide An optional 30-minute info session led by an admissions counselor A brief presentation from our Opportunity Program staff (upon request) Optional meals are available on campus. Let us know if you need an invoice when arranging meals through our office. The Parnassus Society is an exclusive recognition program at Skidmore College, honoring individuals who have shown exceptional generosity by contributing one million dollars or more to the College over their lifetime. Membership in this prestigious society acknowledges and celebrates their profound commitment to advancing the institution's mission and educational initiatives. 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The Kakadu Plumpers follow the success of BLAQ's award-winning activated charcoal-infused Hyaluronic Acid Bright Eyes, and Snow Circles Eye Masks, formulated with snow mushroom extract, hyaluronic acid, and marine algae. Renowned for its clean, potent formulations, the brand from Down Under has earned cult status among beauty lovers with its oral and skincare ranges. It has sold more than 15 million products in the U.S. since its launch in 2016. Add to cart today, and face the day with radiant, more youthful-looking eyes. 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 Summer may be cooling off but fall has so much more in store and viral brand Hotel Collection is making sure of that! The chic Miami-based brand has been catching the eye of shoppers and celebrities alike, with Scott Disick, Alix Earle, and more, notably using their scents at home. 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Opening up about the terrifying incident, the mother said: 'My daughter nearly died when she was a baby because of my own carelessness.' It happened while she was living with her mother when her daughter, Brooke, now 13, was just four-weeks old. Explaining the harrowing tale, she recounted: 'It was about 7pm and I wanted to give my daughter a bath so I did that after her bath I took her into the room that me and her were sleeping in.' She dressed her child in nightwear and began nursing her, where she then fell asleep in her arms. Putting her daughter in a Moses basket, she then picked her up to take her downstairs, where Lauren's own mother and sister were. 'Now this Moses basket had two handles so in one hand I've got both the handles and then I support the basket with my other hand. Lauren Parker, who lives in London , recently shared her story on TikTok, where she has 122,000 followers, warning fellow parents of the careless mistake that left her 'screaming'. Pictured 'I started to walk down the stairs and I've only walked two or three stairs when the cat ran up the stairs,' she explained. The cat then ran between her feet, causing her to trip. Thankfully, Lauren managed to keep her footing before cascading down the stairs. 'I managed to stay on my feet so I've still got the Moses basket and with my other hand I grab the handrail. 'And honestly when that happened I was really scared and I sort of stood still for a second because I was thinking 'oh my god', that could have been so much worse. 'Me and my daughter could have gone tumbling down the stairs. So I stay still and catch my breath,' she explained. She then looked down into the basket where she discovered her baby was nowhere to be seen. Immediately looking towards the stairs, she saw her daughter 'rolling' down each step in what felt like 'slow motion'. Opening up about the terrifying incident, the mother said: 'My daughter nearly died when she was a baby because of my own carelessness' So in shock by what she saw, Lauren stood completely motionless at the top of the stairs. She now believes her daughter wasn't 'flung' from the basket, but that it had tipped and her baby had rolled out. 'If I had run after her, I would have probably reached the bottom step before she did but I didn't move.' Unable to leave her position, Lauren began hysterically screaming. 'The type of scream that can out my body was a kind of scream I didn't know I could make, one I didn't know it was possible to make,' she admitted. She then began screaming her own mother's name in a desperate attempt to get her attention. Still feeling like everything was happening in 'slow motion', Lauren then watched as her month-old baby reached the bottom of the stairs. Hearing her screams, Lauren's mother and sister then raced to the scene where they discovered what had happened. Immediately responding to the situation, her mother took the baby to the living room while she remained statue-like at the top of the staircase. 'The reason I didn't go downstairs to check on her is because I thought I had un-alived her because she wasn't moving,' she explained. 'I genuinely thought my daughter was dead so I just sat at the top of the stairs crying.' Luckily, the family were able to call a family friend who worked as a doctor. The offered to drive them to the hospital, believing it a quicker option than waiting for an ambulance. In such a state of shock, Lauren said she didn't even remember how she got from the top of the stairs to the living room, but remembered just how 'pale' and 'washed out' her baby was immediately after the accident. She said she was 'convinced' she had either died, or had been left with major brain damage. But to her huge relief, once they arrived at the hospital, scans revealed that her baby was 'completely fine'. Her daughter unscathed, Lauren believes her survival was down to 'pure luck', but wanted to raise awareness of the dangers of not being cautious. 'I wish mums would share more stories like that and I know why we don't, it's because we're embarrassed and we think people are gonna judge us - trust me, I'm worried now people are gonna think I'm a really bad mum. 'I think it's important to show this really terrifying side of motherhood that people don't talk about, that you do make mistakes and some of them can end really badly and some of them are just pure luck,' she concluded. by Alizah Holstein Hebrew or English? English. How long were you in Israel? 36 hours. So short? Yes. Thats unfortunate. Maybe. What was the purpose of your trip? To visit my mother. Is she ill? No. Where does she live? Tel Aviv. Did you stay with her? Yes. Did you visit anywhere besides Tel Aviv while you were here? No. Do you have other relatives here in Israel? No. How long has your mother lived here? Twelve years. Why did she move here? For a job. How many times have you been to Israel since your mother moved here? Three or four times. When was the last time you came? More than five years ago. So, you have not visited your mother here in more than five years? No. Can I ask why not? She has been visiting my family instead. Its easier that way, now that I have children. How many times have you been here? I dont know. Twenty, maybe, thirty. I have not kept count. So, you have spent a lot of time here. Yes. I had a boyfriend here once. Do you speak Hebrew? I did once, but I have forgotten most. Did you learn it from the boyfriend? Not really. I lived on a kibbutz and studied it. Did the boyfriend speak Hebrew? Yes. Did he speak other languages too? He spoke English. Any other languages? No. Where was this kibbutz? Near Jerusalem. Was it Ramat Rachel? Yes. Were you dating this boyfriend while you were living there? No. But at the very end, yes. Where was the boyfriend from? Up north. Where up north? Kfar Vradim. Ah! Very pretty up there. Yes, it was. And when you studied Hebrew on the kibbutz, were you learning the language for the first time? Yes. So you did not know Hebrew before you went to the kibbutz? I knew only the alphabet, from Hebrew school. Do your children go to Hebrew school? No. Do they know the Hebrew alphabet? No. Does your mother speak Hebrew? Yes. Did she learn it at home? No. What about your father? Does he speak Hebrew? Not really. Hmm. Can I ask why your visit was so short? I did not want to leave my husband alone with our children for so long. Does your husband speak Hebrew? No. But your marriage is happy? Id say so, yes. And where, did you say, your husband is from? From Spain. From Spain Spain? Spain Spain? I mean, is he from the place we think of as Spain? Or did his family come from Spain a long time ago but then live somewhere else, like in Africa? Africa? No. So, Spain Spain? Yes. Ah. So. [Places stickers on my passport and my luggage.] You may proceed to the check-in area. Thank you. This was the conclusion of our dialogue. After checking into my flight, I pulled out my laptop and transcribed what we had said. It was early March 2020. I had been through interviews like this many times before, but I jotted this one down because it felt out of the ordinary for me. I remember feeling as if the questioner and I were locked in a game. This game was invasive in a one-sided way, but I did not feel compelled, as I had when younger, to offer up full and satisfying responses to the questions. I answered the questions truthfully, but I allowed the gap between the response and the larger story to remain unarticulated. I noticed but did not address the discomfort caused by that gap. That I appeared to be a perplexing case even gave me some satisfaction. At the same time, I found the questioners angle interesting. He was working hard to pinpoint my language competencies. Whether or not I spoke Hebrew, and which members of my family spoke or studied Hebrew, were clues for assessing the degree of my group belonging. Its an idea that must be as old as humanity. In the Hebrew Bible, the Book of Judges contains a story about a battle between the tribes of Ephraim and Gilead. After the Gileadites won, they wanted to prevent Ephraimites from fleeing to their territory across the Jordan River. To distinguish between tribesmen, they required anyone wishing to cross the river to say the word Shibboleth. Ephraimites, whose language lacked the sh sound, invariably said Sibboleth. And when they did, they were slaughtered as the enemy. The fact that my mother spoke Hebrew, but not from her youth, that I had once spoken Hebrew but no longer did, and that my children did not, made for a confusing collection of datapoints. Was I saying Shibboleth or Sibboleth? Was I in or out? Could I cross the river? There were moments in my youth when I fairly urgently wished to belong to a group. In eleventh grade, my history teacher in Massachusetts asked us to name our family origins and my classmates rattled off one solid-sounding identifier Argentinian, Haitian, Russianafter another. When it was my turn: mutt. And everyone laughed. So I understand that wish to belong to something that feels more concrete, more specific, than America, and that desire, in all likelihood, played a role in propelling me to Italy and to Israeltwo countries with strong national identities. I wanted very much, in those days, to look like I belonged in these places. And in Italy, I experienced a confounding, obviously unattainable desire to be from there. An impulse, essentially, to be someone else. In my late teens, I was gifted an Invicta backpacka product indispensable to the school uniform of Italian youth by my first Italian friend. Over the years, it prompted many strangers to mistake me for Italian. I couldnt have been more delighted. It occurred to me during my pre-flight questioning that I no longer desired a singular, easily categorized identity, national or otherwise. Perhaps this is why I transcribed the conversation, because it clarified for me a change that had taken place in myself. I had come to value the complexities of who I was, especially in relation to nations, cultures and languages, to a degree I had not been capable of when younger. This, as it turns out, is the river that matters to me. *** Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. A woman who quit her job and moved to Thailand with just $1,000 in her bank account has revealed how she now brings in $10,000 a month. Back in 2022, Kelly Wickramasuriya, now 24, was working as a waitress in London but longed for more. As someone who always had a knack for travel, she decided to ditch her job and her 'boring' life back home for an exciting adventure in Thailand. And while she dreamed of living abroad she didn't think it could become a reality due to her lack of funds and expected to return home within a few months at most. But after she started posting about her travels online, her Instagram account took off and she began to earn money as a content creator. Soon, she was making enough to fund her new life abroad, and flash forward to three years later, she's still living in Asia. Kelly has now settled in Bali but also often spends time in Thailand and Dubai, and she she brings in around $10,000 a month from her job as an influencer. She spends her days adventuring in the jungle, taking in the stunning sights, and soaking up the sun at the beach. A woman who quit her job and moved to Thailand with just $1,000 in her bank account has revealed how she now brings in $10,000 a month Back in 2022, Kelly Wickramasuriya, now 24, was working as a waitress in London but longed for more 'It's so freeing and fun [here]. And it's hot all year round and you can always just go and enjoy the beach,' she gushed. 'There's so many benefits [to living in Asia]. Cheaper cost of living. Beautiful beaches on your doorstep. Great food. Amazing sports. Friendly and happy people.' She added that the 'mindset is so different' in Asia, explaining, 'People are happier and friendlier, and it creates a more positive environment.' As for the downsides to moving to a completely different country, Kelly admitted that it was difficult relocating to a place where she didn't know anyone at first. 'And being on the opposite time-zone to all my friends and family in the UK [was hard],' she added. 'Also not knowing how to read or speak [the same language] would sometimes create a barrier when organizing things or even just trying to communicate with locals.' But she said the adjustment period was quick and she's now happier than ever. She insisted that her mental health has improved immensely since making the move and leaving her dreary job behind. As someone who always had a knack for travel, she decided to ditch her job and her 'boring' life back home for an exciting adventure in Thailand And while she dreamed of living abroad she didn't think it could become a reality due to her lack of funds and expected to return home within a few months at most And while she does miss home sometimes, she was 'no desire to go back to the UK' other than to visit friends and family. 'Back when I lived in the UK, I woke up everyday to an alarm clock, I rarely went out for dinners they were only for special occasions and it was never warm enough to just sit on the beach as an afternoon activity,' she reflected. 'I couldn't afford the amount of hobbies I have right now. The prices of everything was crazy and I didn't make much money as a waitress, so I couldn't afford much more than just the average lifestyle of making dinner at home all week long and going to the pub for an outing on the weekend. 'Now, a typical day for me includes waking up to no alarm [just] whenever my body wakes me up meditating for one hour first thing before even checking my phone, then I either hit the gym or go out for breakfast to one of my favorite cafes. 'I usually work for a few hours during the day and then in the afternoon or evening I have a bunch of hobbies I go to classes for, like singing, learning new languages, learning acro-yoga and a bunch of other cool stuff I always wanted to try to learn. But after she started posting about her travels online, her Instagram account took off and she began to earn money as a content creator Soon, she was making enough to fund her new life abroad, and flash forward to three years later, she's still living in Asia 'I'll usually watch the sunset on the beach and then grab dinner with my boyfriend or one of my girlfriends, then chat with them for the evening or watch a movie and get some rest.' In the end, she encouraged others to take the plunge even if they don't think it's possible. 'Do it. If you don't like it you can always go back home. It's never set in stone,' she urged. 'Don't waste your life wishing to try things and wondering what if. Live your life because you only get one shot. 'Make it worthwhile and try everything you dream of. If you spend your whole life in your hometown, you miss out on experiencing the whole world out there.' Some know him as 'The Bushman', others 'The Ghost'. But to Rozzi Pethybridge, Tom Phillips is her kid brother, a man with an 'amazing sense of humour' who used to entertain the family with his 'deadly' one-liners. That was back in the day. Now no-one's laughing Rozzi included. Because for the past three years and eight months, 38-year-old Phillips has been on the run, hiding out in the wilds of New Zealand. With him are his three children, Jayda, 12, Maverick, ten, and Ember, nine. The case has gripped the country and the wider world, dividing opinions. Some see Phillips as a man doing whatever he has to do to keep his family together. Others, including Cat, his estranged wife and mother of the missing children, say nothing can excuse the damage his behaviour will inevitably have inflicted on the children, forced to grow up in the harshest and most unnatural of circumstances. Few believe Phillips could have survived for so long without help, somehow enduring four harsh winters while successfully evading the increasingly embarrassed authorities year after year. For the past three years and eight months, Tom Phillips, 38, has been on the run, hiding out in the wilds of New Zealand. With him are his three children, Jayda, 12, Maverick, ten, and Ember, nine. Pictured: An image of what is believed to be the missing family, taken by a hunter Some, including Cat (pictured with the children before their disappearance), his estranged wife and mother of the missing children, say nothing can excuse the damage his behaviour will inevitably have inflicted on the children Few believe Phillips (pictured) could have survived for so long without help, somehow enduring four harsh winters The handful of sightings of him and the children have all been in the country's remote Waikato region, home to the family farm at Marokopa. Until now, his blood relatives have remained tight-lipped, leaving it to police and Cat to plead for the children's safe return. But last week all that changed when they finally spoke out calling for Phillips to hand himself in. '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,' said Rozzi in her first interview since he disappeared. '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. You're my friend, as well as my brother, and I love you, and it's okay.' A letter 'from the heart' written by her mother Julia and addressed to Phillips was also made public during Rozzi's interview with New Zealand journalist Paddy Gower. 'Tom I feel really sad that you thought you had to do this,' she wrote. 'Not considering how much we love you and can support you. His blood relatives finally spoke out last week calling for Phillips to hand himself in. 'There's a lot of love and there's a lot of support, and we're ready to help you,' said his sister Rozzi Pethybridge (pictured) in her first interview since he disappeared The handful of sightings of him and the children (pictured) have all been in the country's remote Waikato region, home to the family farm at Marokopa '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.' She added: 'Every day I wake up and hope that today will be the day that you will come home.' Of course, what impact the family's dramatic intervention in this extraordinary case will have in bringing about that moment, only time will tell. But what may prove to be equally significant is what is widely perceived to be a change of tactics by police. In the wake of the family's appeal, the detective hunting Phillips suggested the time had come for him to 'do a deal'. It is the first time police have made such an offer. 'Let's work out a negotiation, and let's get everyone out of there safely,' Detective Senior Sergeant Andrew Saunders said. In summer 2023, Phillips was spotted at a supermarket wearing a medical face mask (pictured). He drove away in a stolen Toyota Hilux Despite a continuing police search and a 37,000 reward, there have been just a handful of sightings (pictured, one sighting) 'We're willing to negotiate with anyone who is actually helping Tom and in communication with him.' While the detective declined to go into the detail of what form a 'deal' might take, there is speculation that it could centre on criminal charges relating to an armed robbery Phillips was linked to in May 2023 while in hiding. 'If they are going to have a negotiation that ends with him coming out, then they are not going to say, "Well, as soon as we see you, mate, we are going to lock you up, you won't see your kids ever",' private investigator Chris Budge told the Mail last night. 'That isn't going to happen.' Budge, a former military policeman, has visited the area where Phillips is believed to be hiding on half a dozen occasions and spent more than two weeks in the bush searching for the family using thermal imaging equipment. 'I've been pushing for negotiations for three years,' he says. 'And they've just been not interested. 'And that makes me think maybe their armed robbery case isn't quite as strong as they thought. 'It's rather significant that they are sort of indicating they will drop the armed robbery charges if you bring the kids out. Before the disappearance, much of the family's time was spent on the Phillips family farm (pictured) at Marokopa, a tiny settlement on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island 'They have not done that before they have been staunch in saying, "Screw it, he's going to jail, he's done the offence".' He added: 'If I was them, I would have my police team pushing that message that they have just sent "Tom, seek some independent advice and let's get the kids out of here". 'And don't say anything about any criminal charges.' Budge and other sources have told the Mail that they believe Phillips has been hiding out in a house or outbuilding and that for some time he may have had the support of an unknown woman. 'There's information that he has a new partner who has been helping him it's unconfirmed but it makes sense,' said Lance Burdett, a former police detective inspector and senior crisis negotiator who now runs a security consultancy and who has spoken at length to Phillips' parents, Neville and Julia. 'I think he is living in a house and people are giving him information because you can't do nearly four years and not have help and live solely in the bush,' he says. 'This is not a movie, it's reality.' The extraordinary saga began in 2021 when the children and their father first went missing. The extraordinary saga began in 2021 when the children and their father first went missing (pictured) By then Phillips had been separated from his wife for several years and had reportedly been awarded custody of the children, whom he was home-schooling. Full details of the couple's domestic arrangements have not been published because in New Zealand it is prohibited to report on family court proceedings. Much of their time was spent on the Phillips family farm at Marokopa, a tiny settlement on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island. Then, one Sunday in September 2021, Phillips' 4x4 truck was found abandoned on the shoreline. The vehicle was facing the sea, with the waves lapping at the bonnet. Empty child seats were in the back. Police were alerted and a huge land and sea search followed. Rozzi, speaking at the time, voiced her concerns: 'I do fear the worst. I am worried a rogue wave has caught one of the kids and he's gone in to save them.' But after 17 days, Phillips and his three children walked through the front door of his parents' farm. Some 17 days after Phillips and his three children (pictured) first went missing, they walked through the front door of his parents' farm All were safe and well and it emerged that he had spent the time trying to 'clear his head' while camping in dense bushland ten miles from where his vehicle was found. Pictured: The children All were safe and well and it emerged that he had spent the time trying to 'clear his head' while camping in dense bushland ten miles from where his vehicle was found. Amid a public outcry over the cost of the search, Phillips was charged with wasting police time and resources. But in December 2021, a month before he was due in court, he left the family farm with his children for a second time. It wasn't until he missed his hearing that police issued an arrest warrant. Initially, there was a certain amount of support for his actions, with some seeing him as a father trying to bring his children up in the manner that he wanted to. But as the months passed, few truly believed the family could be living off the land. Not least because, as the children's mother has pointed out, Ember suffers badly from asthma. 'You need a prescription to get inhalers, so either [Tom] is neglecting her health, or somebody's giving him inhalers,' Cat has said. But in December 2021, a month before he was due in court, he left the family farm with his children (pictured) for a second time Since then, despite a continuing police search and a 37,000 ($77,000 AUD) reward, there have been just a handful of sightings. In May 2023, Phillips is alleged to have stolen a motorcycle and, accompanied by a smaller, female accomplice, held up a bank at gunpoint. He was subsequently charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding and unlawfully possessing a firearm. That summer, Phillips was spotted at a supermarket wearing a medical face mask. He drove away in a stolen Toyota Hilux. In November, he was again caught on CCTV, also accompanied by a child, trying to smash his way into a store. When an alarm sounded, they fled on a stolen quad bike. But the most significant sighting came last October when two teenagers hunting wild pigs spotted four figures trudging through rough terrain on their farm. Believing them to be poachers, the 16-year-olds filmed them on a phone. Their footage shows a heavily bearded man in camouflage gear carrying a backpack and rifle, followed by three smaller, similarly dressed figures. Phillips's mother Julia has written an emotional letter (pictured) to her son Tom Few truly believed the family could be living off the land. Not least because, as Cat (pictured) has pointed out, Ember suffers badly from asthma. 'You need a prescription to get inhalers, so either [Tom] is neglecting her health, or somebody's giving him inhalers,' she said The boys told the interlopers that they were on private property, before asking one of the foursome, a girl: 'Does anyone know you're on here?' She replied: 'No, just you guys'. Although officers were alerted soon after the sighting, scrambling a helicopter with heat-seeking cameras, no trace was found, with the hunt called off after three days. The ability of Phillips once again to evade the authorities did not impress the children's mother, who said she felt that finding them was 'out of the police's league'. 'It was like Christmas come early and I really thought they would be coming home this time,' she said. 'It's a confirmed sighting and yet nothing has come of it.' She speculated that her daughter's interaction with the pig hunters may have been her trying to get a message out to the public. 'Is that a cry for help?' In May 2023, Phillips is alleged to have stolen a motorcycle (pictured) Accompanied by a smaller, female accomplice, he is said to have held up a bank (pictured, file photo) at gunpoint Cat said on a podcast produced by Radio New Zealand. 'Is that, "Does anybody know that we're here? Is anyone coming for us?" 'We don't get to hear the tone of her voice but to me, that's what I think. 'It's like she's trying to say something without actually saying something because her father is right there and she's worried if she says the wrong thing and words it the wrong way, there's later repercussions.' As for the support Phillips may be getting from the rural community, where his family has lived and farmed for generations, Cat pulled no punches. 'One hundred per cent somebody is helping them. Somebody is supplying them or just inadvertently leaving things in an accessible place,' she said. 'My babies deserve better. It's beyond time that they came home and supporting Thomas is essentially supporting child abuse because that's what it is. 'There's no beating around the bush. None of this is okay. 'Those people need to stop. They need to think seriously about it and they need to question themselves. He was subsequently charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated wounding and unlawfully possessing a firearm. Pictured: CCTV footage of what is believed to be Phillips During an interview, Phillips' sister Rozzi removed from her boot (pictured) a letter to him written by their mother Julia 'from her heart' 'Why do these children deserve any less than any other child in New Zealand? 'My problem is that my babies are gone. My problem is that people are helping and they need to stop. Those people need to stop.' The subject of who was helping Phillips was also raised in last week's interview with his sister. 'Part of me hopes he is being helped, so that he has people he can rely on to help him,' she said. 'But at the same time, I'll be very angry with anyone that is helping him and not telling us how they're doing.' Rozzi insisted she had not had any contact with her brother since he left. 'I emailed, texted, tried to call his phone for a few months following his disappearance a variety of messages, nice and not so nice. 'I finally gave up because, while I was sending messages to him, I never got any replies.' Rozzi said she hoped that by speaking out now, Phillips (pictured) might see the appeal and be persuaded to come 'home' She said she hoped that by speaking out now, Phillips might see the appeal and be persuaded to come 'home'. Mobile phone coverage in the Marokopa valley has recently improved, making it more likely that he might be able to access her words. Despite the latest developments, many remain sceptical Phillips will ever willingly give himself up. Among them is investigator Chris Budge. 'I've always thought this would resolve in one of three ways,' he says. 'First is an accidental sighting and police and others are able to roll. 'Second is one of the kids gets sick and has to come out. 'And third is because there's a belief that Tom is dealing with some criminal elements that someone turns on him if they get caught for something. 'Let's say someone gets caught by police and says: "Hey, drop the charges and I'll tell you where Tom is".' All possible scenarios, of course albeit ones that rely on chance. And, so far, all the luck has been with The Ghost. A woman has issued a stark warning after she endured every new homeowner's biggest nightmare following the purchase of her first home. Sara, 28, from Ohio, was ecstatic to move into her 'dream' house after she and her husband, Collin, bought their three-bedroom, three-bathroom abode for $400,000 in the spring of 2024. But soon after they started living there, Sara developed a mysterious illness. It began with a congestion that wouldn't go away, and soon expanded to 'painful' rashes on her eyelids and bizarre eczema-like patches on her legs and arms. She also developed severe fatigue, a racing heart, and 'neurological issues' including hallucinations. Despite seeing numerous doctors, none of them could figure out what was wrong, and for months, her symptoms only worsened with no explanation. She then uncovered something horrific lurking in her home that was making her sick - thanks to the help of social media. 'Within days of moving in, I started feeling sick. At first it was sinus congestion and what felt like chronic sinus infections that came and went for months,' she explained during an exclusive chat with the Daily Mail. Sara, 28, from Ohio, was ecstatic to move into her 'dream' house after she and her husband, Collin, bought their three-bedroom, three-bathroom abode for $400,000 in the spring of 2024 But soon after they started living there, Sara developed congestion that wouldn't go away, and 'painful' rashes on her eyelids 'After about six months, the sinus issues gave way to painful eyelid irritation and rashes. 'By February, I developed eczema type patches on my arms and legs. The physical symptoms snowballed into severe fatigue, a racing heart, intense anxiety, and even neurological issues like when I was playing piano and it looked like the keys were shifting, or when reading texts and the words seemed to snap in and out of place. It was terrifying.' She saw her primary doctor, an allergist, eye doctor, and a dermatologist, desperate to find the root of the cause, but no one gave her a concrete answer. Sara was prescribed steroids and creams and eliminated products that she thought might be causing the rashes, but the symptoms didn't go away. But one day she was going through some of the stuff that had been left behind by the previous owners of her new home when she came across a series of medical records. 'The papers revealed the [previous owner] too had eye issues and irritation. That was the first big red flag,' she recalled. 'The final confirmation came after I left for a trip to Cancun. In just five days away from home, my eyes completely healed. 'When I returned, the symptoms rushed back. That's when I knew deep down it was the house.' Despite seeing numerous doctors, none of them could figure out what was wrong, and for months, her symptoms only worsened with no explanation Sara (seen with her husband before the ordeal) then uncovered something horrific lurking in her home that was making her sick - thanks to the help of social media Still unsure of what exactly was wrong with her home, Sara decided to take to TikTok to ask for advice. She opened up about everything she had gone through since moving in and the video 'blew up.' 'Strangers flooded the comments with concern, urging me to get out of the house and test for mold,' she explained. Thanks to the video she caught the attention of the company Mold Dog USA, who brought a trained dog to her home to sniff out areas that might be infected by mold. Unfortunately, the dog found mold in the basement, bathroom, bedroom, in closets, the attic, behind walls, and under flooring. 'Mold was found on every level of our home: the basement where I did laundry and workouts, the downstairs bathroom, the kitchen, the upstairs hall bath, the primary bedroom's bathroom and closet, even the attic and crawlspace. It was everywhere,' Sara shared. 'The discovery was devastating. Imagine this: I work from home full time. After work, I'd go down to the basement for my daily workouts, then shower in a moldy bathroom, grab clothes from a mold-infested closet, and sleep in a moldy bedroom, day after day, completely surrounded. 'What makes it worse is that we did everything right. We had the home inspected before purchase, but mold often hides. After posting about her symptoms on TikTok, her video caught the attention of the company Mold Dog USA, who brought a trained dog to her home and confirmed it was infested with mold Unfortunately, the dog found mold in the basement, bathroom, bedroom, in closets, the attic, behind walls, and under flooring 'It doesn't always have a smell or visible spots. We later learned there were water damaged areas in the house.' They began working on getting rid of the mold, but unfortunately, they soon learned that insurance does not cover the costs. 'We are left paying tens of thousands out of pocket,' a devastated Sara added. And soon after the mold remediation began, they discovered another devastating blow. 'While pulling out drywall and the bathtub, they uncovered more hidden mold and a slow leak that has to be repaired,' she added. 'Our downspout drainage also needs rerouted to the street. On top of that, we've had to throw away countless belongings. 'Anything porous is unsafe to keep because spores burrow deep and can re-contaminate a home. 'That includes furniture, clothing, and even electronics. Mold can cling to the inside of appliances and blow back out when they are running. They began working on getting rid of the mold, but unfortunately, they soon learned that insurance does not cover the costs and they're now paying tens of thousands out of pocket 'I've never felt more depressed or disheartened in my life,' Sara (seen with her dog) admitted. 'Mold took my health, my house, and so many of my belongings' 'We have to replace our washer, dryer, fridge, and dishwasher, among other things. Some items were irreplaceable, which makes the loss even heavier.' Sara said the ordeal has 'drained them financially, physically, and emotionally,' and hopes that sharing her story will alert others who may be suffering from similar symptoms to look into mold infestation in their home. 'I've never felt more depressed or disheartened in my life,' she admitted. 'Mold took my health, my house, and so many of my belongings. A home that was supposed to be a safe haven turned into the source of my greatest struggles.' From Lindsay Lohan and Christina Aguilera to Kris Jenner and Demi Moore, it seems that more and more celebrities these days are turning back the clock with age-defying makeovers. While a new wave of 'undetectable' facelifts have been credited for helping Hollywood stay young, there's another common surgery procedure that's now being used to fight Father Time. 'Anti-aging nose jobs' are the new trend in surgery, and it's older patients that are turning to them in droves. While nose jobs were once more common with younger people, patients in their 50s and 60s are now getting their noses done to complement their other procedures, like facelifts and Botox. 'As we age our noses and ears continue to grow and droop with gravity,' Beverly Hills-based plastic surgeon Dr. Deepak Dugar told DailyMail.com. 'If youve never had any rhinoplasty work previously done, sometimes youll notice your nose looks longer and droopier than your younger photos once you start to get into your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond,' he continued. As a result, Dr. Dugar - who is famed for his 'Scarless Nose Job' procedure - has seen a 'massive uptick' in older patients seeking out rhinoplasty. 'This generation of patients over 50 are more in tune with their anti-aging options as the facelift industry has catapulted the idea of natural facial rejuvenations,' he said. While facelifts have been credited for helping stars like Kris Jenner stay young, more and more older patients are now getting nose jobs to hide their real age Beverly Hills-based plastic surgeon Dr. Deepak Dugar has seen a 'massive uptick' in older patients seeking out rhinoplasty 'But this leads [patients] to then focus on the center of the face that can't be addressed with a facelift, so then they inquire about rhinoplasty for their nose.' While Dr. Dugar said that historically his smallest demographic for nose jobs was patients in the 50-plus age range, it's now become his second largest demo after the 18-to-25 age range. 'The 50-plus generation also has more expendable income and have most likely been desiring the procedure for most of their adult lives, leading to no confusion as to whether they want to get it done or not,' he added. Dr. Dugar stressed that the right nose can do wonders to help patients turn back the clock. 'Typically, a more youthful nose will be one that is less droopy with a slight upward axis, giving a more cherubian and younger look to the nose and face,' he explained. 'And sometimes decreasing the overall size of the nose to make it look more contoured and defined helps make the face look younger and more youthful as well.' While Dr. Dugar said that he 'doesn't recommend' patients seek out rhinoplasty just because they're getting a facelift, he does admit that many still do. 'I do find many of them opt-in for this given their concern of having a larger nose in relation to their now smaller more lifted face,' he said. The celebrity surgeon is known for his signature 'Scarless Nose' rhinoplasty 'That being said, it always depends on anatomy as some patients naturally have a cute small nose or have had a previous rhinoplasty and do not need an another one just because theyre getting a facelift,' he continued. Dr. Dugar, whose famous celebrity patients include Sami Sheen and Mia Khalifa, said that many patients seek out different doctors for different procedures to ensure that they're getting 'the best of the best', rather than having one surgeon perform all of their work. 'I'm a big believer in finding super specialists if youre able to travel and afford the best surgeons in the world,' he said. 'I work with many of the top facelift surgeons around the world who collaborate with me to perform facelifts on my patients either before or after I perform the rhinoplasty.' For people who want to enhance their nose without going under the knife, Dr. Dugar said that there's plenty of non-surgical options available. 'Non-surgical rhinoplasty remains strongly based on hyaluronic acid (dissolvable and absorbable) fillers being used in the nose to contour the shape,' he shared. 'I strongly urge patients never to use permanent fillers in the nose as we have seen so many horrific medical cases in years past from abnormal healing as it's impossible to remove [the fillers] without surgery,' he warned. 'I also believe that thread lifts do not work on the nose whatsoever and should not be used for any meaningful purpose,' he continued. 'Closed scarless rhinoplasty is what most of my patients opt-in for because it allows them to have the minimally invasive version of a full rhinoplasty and achieve all of the same benefits of a full rhinoplasty without taking on the risks of deconstructing the nose or any external cuts or scars.' Dr. Dugar's younger celebrity patients include Denise Richards' daughter Sami Sheen Sami sobbed after seeing the results of her nose job on an episode of Bravo's Denise Richards and Her Wild Things A number of celebrities have recently come clean about their age-defying facelifts, including Kris Jenner and Ricki Lake. 'I think the whole world is an enamored right now with Kris Jenners facelift,' Dr. Dugar previously told DailyMail.com. Jenner's rep previously confirmed that Dr. Steve Levine was behind her facelift, with Dr. Dugar saying that the surgeon 'did a phenomenal job rejuvenating her with such subtle finesse', Dr. Levine's patient list reportedly includes 'A-list actors, supermodels and more.' Internet sleuths claim Levine has also performed recent facelifts on Brad Pitt, Lindsay Lohan and Demi Moore. All three have been hailed for their stunningly youthful appearances in recent years, but none of the A-Listers have commented on allegations that they've been worked on with Levine's scalpel. Meanwhile Ricki Lake, 56, used 'genius' Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Allen Foulad for her face and neck lift. The famed talk show host underwent the surgery after reaching her weight loss goal of 130 lbs in January. Australian fashion designer Alice McCall has made a gut-wrenching admission about her excruciating health battle, revealing she may have cancer - just weeks after announcing the shock closure of her label. The 49-year-old fashion icon broke down in tears as she explained she needed to undergo further testing to see if she has bone cancer. 'I don't feel great, I feel it's almost like acid through my body. My bones... I've got five lesions in my hips and one lesion on my spine,' Alice said in a tearful video. 'It's just a lot... I've just been finding it hard. I love what I used to do as a creative and as a designer. I used to put so much love into my creations. 'I feel like that old me has kind of died.' Struggling to contain her emotions, the 49-year-old designer said she's been trying to navigate the next part of her life. 'I'm trying to work out what drives me now and what guides me, I'm very spiritual... I've just been finding it hard,' she explained. 'My health is really down and I have a chronic illness because I have functional neurological disorder, stenosis, and now these lesions. 'It's all centered all around my spine and all connected to my central nervous system, and it's just there all the time.' Australian fashion designer Alice McCall has made a gut-wrenching admission about her excruciating health battle, revealing she may have cancer Alice said she wanted to be candid about her health in order to connect with her fans as her 'authentic self'. 'I'm not saying this for pity. I'm saying this just to connect with what I'm going through, and because I actually believe this is my journey,' she said. 'I have to believe and I know there's something that's drawn this to me, this journey. 'So I'm choosing now to just keep one foot in front of the other and to stay open to the experience and curious to the experience of why this pain?' 'Difficult to know the path' She thanked everyone for their overwhelming support. 'It's difficult to know the path, but thank you everyone for all the support. I really appreciate it,' she said. Alice will be returning to a cancer hospital on Wednesday to get further testing done. 'I think the body is kind of a miracle the way it's designed, and I believe I can heal,' she said. The49-year-old fashion icon broke down in tears as she explained she needed to undergo further testing to see if she has bone cancer The high-end fashion label went into voluntary administration in November 2020 due to unprecedented effects of COVID, owing $1million to creditors. Two years later, Alice McCall collapsed after going into liquidation. But in an unexpected move, the designer sparked controversy in late 2023 when she announced her surprising collaboration with fast fashion retailer SHEIN. 'I'm absolutely gutted' Earlier this month, Alice revealed she had no choice but to close her eponymous fashion brand again due to ongoing health issues. 'I'm suffering... I'm really sick... and finding it hard to navigate the right way forward,' she said in an emotional post. 'I'm really trying to cultivate good energy and healing. Unfortunately I'm having to close my brand down again very soon as I just can't work at the moment. 'I want to send appreciation to my business partners for believing in me and the investment, but we now need to close as I'm dealing with severe health issues. 'I love designing I love being creative.. I'm absolutely gutted with what's happening with my health... It's one thing after the other.' Earlier this month, she revealed she had no choice but to close her eponymous fashion brand due to ongoing health issues Alice has been struggling with several lesions on her pelvic bone and vertebrae. On top of her health condition, she said she was fearing she may have had an 'adverse reaction to a radioactive IV at the nuclear department of the cancer hospital'. 'I am now even more sick,' she explained. 'Be kind' Alice said all she wanted was to 'find peace, light, love and healing'. 'It's pretty simple. I feel so many people are going through things... We just need to be kind to each other,' she explained. 'It's really f***ing hard at the moment. I just want to focus on getting better and cultivating light and love.' McDonald's is bringing its world-famous mini collectibles to Australia - sending fans wild over the major announcement. The new Lil McDonald's Happy Meal is landing Down Under on Thursday, August 28 after proving popular among diners in the US, Singapore, Canada and New Zealand. What makes the launch special is the range of miniature versions of beloved McDonald's iconic items - including the restaurant, register, Happy Meal box, red serving tray, drink dispenser, Drive-Thru, dining booth, garbage bin and more. Each pocket-sized toy packed with interactive features including push buttons, sticker sheets and collector cards. Kids and adults alike will get to take home a piece of Maccas, with 16 mini collectables to collect, including a golden Happy Meal box and the delivery truck. 'A Happy Meal has always been a moment of joy, a spark of imagination, and a shared experience for families,' Amanda Nakad, marketing director of menu and brand for McDonald's Australia, said. 'With Lil McDonald's, we're celebrating the creativity of our families who've turned living rooms into Drive-Thrus and backyard cubbies into McDonald's kitchens. 'This Happy Meal is a tribute to that make-believe magic - helping families create new memories, big and small, that last forever.' McDonald's is bringing its world-famous mini collectibles to Australia - sending fans wild over the major announcement Fans from around the world have been collecting the miniature toys, with many saying the 'nostalgic' collectibles are taking them down memory lane. 'I got the tray and it was literally the best thing that happened to me today,' one diner said. Meanwhile, those who haven't seen the collectibles are thrilled by the news, with one saying: 'I need them all in my life.' 'I absolutely need all of these! McDonald's was my very first job and these are so nostalgic! Let the hunt begin,' one said. Each Lil McDonald's Happy Meal includes a choice of three or six-piece Chicken McNuggets, Hamburger, Cheeseburger or Grilled Chicken Snack Wrap. The meal is paired with Apple Slices or Small Fries and a Small Drink, all served in a specially designed Lil McDonald's Happy Meal box. But hurry, these mini treasures won't be around for long. The Lil McDonald's Happy Meal is available nationwide from Thursday August 28, while stock lasts. A father has revealed how he flew to Ibiza for an epic one-night 'Den-Do' - a dad and daughter hen do. Andy Armstrong, from Yarm-on-Tees, Stockton-on-Tees, North Yorkshire, has become a master of the 24-hour Ibiza rave, having previously travelled to the party island with just a spare change of clothes in a shopping carrier bag for 15 hours and 24 hours in 2023 and 2024. So when the 65-year-old's daughter, Ellie, 26, proposed the idea of visiting the country for a 'Den Do', round three was set in motion. Joined by other daughter Tiffany, 34, they boarded a flight from Leeds Airport at 7.35am on July 23, touching down in Ibiza a few hours later and checking into their stage-view suite at Ushuaia at 11:30am. They then spent the day relaxing before watching Ellie's favourite DJ, Fisher, at Ushuaia until 11pm, before a short walk to Hi nightclub where they partied the night away until nearly 4am. An all you can eat buffet followed at 9am, before a relaxing day at the pool and a meal at Gordon Ramsay's Hells Kitchen at 7pm to round off the day, before the 10.25pm flight back. It was delayed by three hours, meaning Andy didn't make it back to his Yarm-on-Tees home until 4:30am - just two and a half hours before his 7am train down to London for an Oasis gig. Andy, a steelworker said: 'It was just the best time ever. Andy with his two daughters during the 'Den Do' in Ibiza - on their balcony at Ushuaia where they had a stage-view suite 'I'm very close with my daughters - we speak every day, and they mean the world to me. 'I'm fortunate enough that I can do things like this - I'm still buzzing about it now!' Ellie had already had a hen do in Majorca but came back feeling like she would have liked Andy there with her. Andy said: 'They had a great time and I went to the stag weekend. 'But my daughter said she would have loved me to be there so when she came back and she said we should do a Den Do - a dad and Daughter Hen do! 'She wanted to do 24 hours in Ibiza again! 'So, we asked my other daughter, and she was up for it too. 'We had a look to see who was on and Ushuaia and the DJ on was Fisher. The father of the event said of the day: 'I'm fortunate enough that I can do things like this - I'm still buzzing about it now' The trio show off their shopping bags Andy gave them as a joke, as he once travelled to Ibiza with just a plastic bag of clothes Andy (pictured) pulled out all the stops for the whistlestop rave as he wanted to treat Ellie and Tiffany and make it as special as possible 'DEN DO' ITINERARY The trio enjoying the Den Do in Ibiza -Flight from Leeds Airport on July 23 at 07.35, arrive in Ibiza, check in Hotel and get to room at 11.30 -Relax before going to DJ performance from 17:00 until 23:00 - Hi club until 03:30, followed by breakfast 09:00 and a day by the pool -Dinner at Hell's Kitchen at 19:00, before (delayed) flight back at 01:25 -Arrive home Friday 04.30, get train to London at 07:00 to see Oasis Advertisement 'He's Ellie's favourite DJ, so we went!' Andy fell in love with the party island back in 1981 whilst on a lad's holiday when he was 21. But after the loss of his wife seven years ago, Andy was unsure whether he'd ever return to Ibiza again. After Tiffany persuaded him to go back with her in July 2018, his 'love affair' with Ibiza started. Keen to treat Ellie and Tiffany and make it as special as possible, Andy pulled out all the stops for their whistlestop rave. He said: 'I had a look online and I knew you could get stage view rooms at Ushuaia and I decided to book the suite. 'I told them why we we're coming, and they got back to me and told us they loved our idea and gave us the suite closest to the stage. 'They printed photographs off of Ellie's 18th birthday which was the last time we all had a photo together as a family. 'The girls didn't know where we were staying and when we were at the airport, I pulled out three carrier bags as a joke for our clothes! 'We opened the door room, and I told them to go in and a have look. 'They were gobsmacked - they had printed the photographs, they'd put balloons in, champagne, desserts.' The trio spent the evening partying from their balcony - and even got a wave from DJ Fisher - before heading out for more raving. Andy said: 'Ellie went down and she met Fisher! 'We then went over the road to club over the road and there was a Geordie DJ on, he was great, and then Dom Dolla. 'By 3:30am I was starting to feel it a little bit, so we went to bed.' Their trip concluded with the Unexpected Breakfast at Ushuaia, lounging by the pool a meal at Hell's Kitchen where they bumped into DJ Martin Garrix. Andy added: 'The girls treated me to a meal and Ushuaia also provided a bottle for us in the restaurant. 'The girls loved it, and it was so special.' Among a series of revelations about her husband's aversion to lobster and her penchant for monochrome dressing, tales of parenting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's two children get a good amount of air time on season two of With Love, Meghan. Prince Harry's wife, who today came out with the next series of her lifestyle show, opened up about what it's like to raise little Archie, six , and Lilibet, four, in Montecito. As well as their favourite treats (thumbprint cookies and passionfruit), there were also mentions of their best friends, their dream pet - and which words slip out in a British accent. The first and episode featured little mention of the kids, but in the following viewing while working on handmade jewellery with old pal Chrissy Teigen, for their kids - the Duchess shared that the siblings have been asking for a cat. It would be a move away from the family's current canine abode, which currently includes black Labrador Pula and beagle Mamma Mia. In January this year, their beloved pup Guy passed away just before series one of With Love, Meghan launched. Elsewhere episode three saw the mother-of-two talk about the very trendy breakfast meal they enjoy. The Duchess revealed she cooks breakfast for both of them most days, offering up fried eggs and pancakes. However, there are some exceptions. 'I like to do surprise pancakes for the kids,' she shared. Among a series of revelations about her husband's aversion to lobster and her penchant for monochrome dressing, tales of parenting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex 's two children get a good amount of air time on season two of With Love, Meghan Prince Harry 's wife, who today came out with the next series of her lifestyle show, opened up about what it's like to raise little Archie, six (pictured), and Lilibet, four, in Montecito Elsewhere episode three saw the mother-of-two talk about the very trendy breakfast meal they enjoy. Pictured with Lilibet 'So I always put some ground flax seeds or some chia seeds in and Lili will ask, 'can I have my chia seeds? I want to have freckles'.' Maple syrup is also a favourite of the kids - as well as her husband Prince Harry. Meghan also opened up about the personality of her eldest - son Archie, whom she described as her sweet little boy. 'He's like the most tender, sweet child of all time,' she explained. The young prince, the Duchess shared, is also the first to compliment his mother's artisanal food presentation, always stating: 'Mama that's so beautiful.' While making aprons with pal and British presenter Tan France, Meghan also shared her daughter's favourite colour. 'There's a lot of pink in my house,' she revealed. 'Lili loves pink.' The show's third episode also saw Meghan open up about always wanting to be a mother - even buying real nappies for her dolls when she was little - and says the real experience has been 'better than she even expected'. Meghan also opened up about the personality of her eldest - son Archie, whom she described as her sweet little boy. Pictured with newborn Archie in 2019 The Duchess also admitted that she hates to be away from her kids, saying the longest she had gone was 'almost three weeks' - and she 'was not well'. It is possible that the period mentioned refers to Harry and Meghan's time in the UK for the late Queen Elizabeth's funeral, which saw them in the country for some 17 days in 2022. In episode four, meanwhile, saw guest star Samin Nosrat hear about Archie and Lilbet's endeavours to 'explore flavours'. There, Meghan also told the culinary star and cookbook author about their love for passionfruit, and how they love to eat it fresh. The Duchess there also revealed that while she was pregnant her Ayurvedic doctor 'made her eat a lot of dates' - which Samin suggested may be because they have 'a lot of iron'. Little was shared about Archie and Lilibet in episode five, but in episode six, Meghan offered sweet insights into the kids' speech patterns, revealing that they use British and American phrases. 'Theyll use a bit of both,' she admitted. 'Although they say zeb-rah instead of zeeb-rah.' The seventh episode, meanwhile, showed a glimspe into the children's friendship with pal Heather Dorak's sons, Noah and Cody, who Archie and Lilibet were begging to 'see soon'. In episode four, meanwhile, saw guest star Samin Nosrat hear about Archie and Lilbet's endeavours to 'explore flavours'. Pictured during the episode The seventh episode, meanwhile, showed a glimspe into the children's friendship with pal Heather Dorak's sons, Noah and Cody, who Archie and Lilibet were begging to 'see soon'. Pictured during the episode And in the final episode, Meghan, bonding with Spanish chef and humanitarian Jose Andres, reflected on your journey as a parent Heather has remained a member of the Duchess' close-knit girl squad, and is understood to have masterminded Meghan's secret hen do ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry. Heather was spotted hiking with Meghan near the Sussex's Montecito mansion after they celebrated Archie's fourth birthday. The friends were also both pregnant at the same time in late 2018, with Heather being one of the first friends to visit the Duke and Duchess when they briefly lived in Vancouver after leaving the UK in 2020. Meghan, in the episode, made Heather and her kids some of her children's favourite 'thumbprint cookies' - adding that she also pops them in the kids' lunchboxes. And in the final episode, Meghan, bonding with Spanish chef and humanitarian Jose Andres, reflected on your journey as a parent. Both were sharing the difficulties of seeing your children depend on you less, as Jose admitted: 'I'm not handling it well.' 'I'm preparing myself,' Meghan remarked. 'The kids are like three and five and I'm already like, "please don't go!".' The Netflix show, which is streaming from today, was filmed last year in a rented home in Montecito, close to the Sussex's own mansion. The first series pulled in 5.3 million views, in the top 5 per cent of Netflix shows for the first half of 2025. She and Harry signed a five-year contract reported to be worth $100million with Netflix but that has now been replaced by a first-look deal which gives the streaming giant first refusal on any shows they create. Netflix is also funding the couple's Archewell Productions company. One proposal said to have been mentioned among a long list of possibilities is a documentary marking the 30th anniversary of Princess Diana's death in 2027. The Sussex's office this week declined to confirm or deny if that is under consideration. With Love, Meghan follows the same format as the first series. She makes homemade versions of McDonald's hot apple pies, the American cheese crackers Cheez-Its and salt and vinegar crisps - and serves up beverages such as a 'lavender grey latte' made from Earl Grey tea, lavender, and frothy honey and vanilla milk. The Duchess also uses the phrase 'moving meditation' twice to refer to methods of creating calm, and tells another guest: 'I'm thinking about putting each of us in our comfort zone and out of our comfort zone. So I thought we'd begin with flower arranging.' The manager of a 'legal brothel' has revealed the most common way women find out their husbands are cheating. Catherine De Noire, who is the manager of 'one of Europe's largest brothels', based in the Netherlands, claimed she has seen many men cheat on their wives throughout the years. She revealed that most men get caught simply because they are careless about covering their tracks. Speaking to The Sun, Catherine said: 'The first thing is that a lot of guys don't carry enough cash, so then they go and withdraw money from an ATM, which is usually somewhere near the brothel or inside the brothel. 'This is usually very suspicious, especially when you see that your partner withdraws a lot of money at 4 am in this area, and the account is a shared one.' And it's not just money that trips them up, location settings can be just as incriminating. Catherine revealed sometimes they leave their shared location on by mistake, so their wives can see exactly where they are. She claimed many men get caught up in the excitement, and forget to turn their location. Catherine De Noire, who is the manager of 'one of Europe's largest brothels', based in the Netherlands, has revealed the most common way women find out their husbands are cheating Catherine also revealed one of the more shockingly simple, yet common, ways cheating partners get caught is by forgetting what's right under their noses. 'Another way wives and girlfriends have found out is by finding tickets to the brothel in their partners pockets,' she revealed. She claimed that men are given tickets when they enter that are valid for 24 hours so most of them just put it in their pockets and forget all about it. Meanwhile she added that most men aren't good at hiding their infidelity and her busiest times at the brother are between 3 and 5pm, so they can pop in during work hours. Catherine believes that as many as 70 percent of men who visit her brothel are already in committed relationships. According to her, it's not always about a lack of love, many of these men stay in marriages that no longer work or feel emotionally disconnected, yet they are unwilling to walk away from them. Others, she claims, are seeking to explore very specific sexual fantasies they are too afraid to discuss with their partners for fear of being judged or rejected. One of the most common requests she sees involves BDSM, which she says many men are hesitant to introduce into their relationships due to concerns it might shift the dynamic or make things uncomfortable at home. Catherine claimed she has seen many men cheat on their wives throughout the years She revealed that most men get caught simply because they are careless about covering their tracks It comes after Catherine, who herself has an account on OnlyFans, previously took to her Instagram account to share what she gets up to on a typical day, including when it gets busiest. She said that the brothel experiences a rush in customers between 12pm and 1pm, when office workers come in during their lunch break. After a slump, it gets busy again between 3pm and 5pm, when married men visit so they can still get home on time. From 8pm, the brothel sees 'peak hours' and will typically receive a 'few hundred' clients. Catherine said: 'The club runs on a strict 24/7 schedule, with staff always on-site to ensure smooth operations. 'During the day, roles like HR, IT technicians, and accountants are on shift, and the clientele tends to have a different vibe. 'At night, the atmosphere is more vibrant, with more people, more activity, and a lot going on. Then comes closing time, when the entire club is cleaned, restocked, and prepared to reopen in just four hours. And then, the cycle begins again.' In the US, prostitution is only legal in Nevada, and brothels are active in seven of its 16 counties. However, prostitution is illegal outside of the brothels. However, it is legal more widely in Europe in countries such as Belgium, Germany and The Netherlands. In the UK, prostitution is legal but owning or managing a brothel is illegal. Many of Catherine's followers were shocked and even more so at the clientele the brothels attracts. They wrote: 'I'm sorry married men??? Do their wife's know they cheating??'; 'I find it pretty wild that people visit during their lunch breaks!' 'People act as if the brothel is the problem; it isn't. If your partner is going to cheat, they will'; 'The fact that they leave work and go here so they arent home late is so sad'. 'I wish nothing but the worst for cheating married men' 'Going to a brothel on your lunchbreak is insane.' Catherine says her brothel opens at 10 when the first women arrive for the day shift, though there aren't many customers at this time. It picks up for the lunch break as office workers come in. It gets busy again between 3pm and 5pm when 'men who finish work early often stop by.' Catherine explained: 'These are married men who need to get home on time, so they can't stay for the night.' Most of the night shift workers arrive between 6pm and 8pm, when there's another lull in customers. From 8pm it is 'peak hours' and the brothel will typically see 'a few hundred clients'. Most staff and customers tend to leave around 5am. However, Catherine said this is also when 'most alarms or incidents' tend to occur. At 6am the brothel closes and only customer care staff remain - ready for the cycle to begin once again at 10am. She said married men will often visit if they 'lack intimacy' at home and 'choose to pay a professional for this experience instead of finding a mistress'. She also said they could be bored in their relationship and want to seek 'novelty and excitement'. She said that the men may also feel too shy to share any 'extraordinary fantasies' with their partner and worry it could impact their relationship. Catherine concluded: It's important to note that this isn't about assigning blame to either partner or suggesting it's the man's fault. Sometimes, life unfolds in ways that lead to these choices.' The UK's best eateries have been revealed - as delivery app Uber Eats has unveiled the finalists for its 2025 Restaurant of the Year Awards, featuring a tasty selection of all the culinary world has to offer. Among the spotlighted venues are a trendy London sushi bar, a Yorkshire deli aiming to replicate South Italian cafes and a Northern Irish juicery. Elsewhere listed are a Welsh shark-themed burger place and a barbecue - all of which were chosen from more than 130 competing restaurants. They are being recognised for 'not only for their outstanding food, but for their role in contributing to thriving high streets, serving communities, and inspiring trends'. In the capital, it was Sanjugo - which has been setting out to 'share an authentic Japanese experience since 2016' - that wowed customers. Not only does the pick - with locations in Angel, Victoria and Shoreditch - boast using 'only the freshest ingredients to craft the highest quality sashimi', there is also 'carefully selected sake'. The menu includes classic dishes many will be used to, such as fried dumplings and miso soup, as well as elevated offerings including wagyu beef rolls, grilled fish and East Asian cuisine proved to be a hit in the East Midlands and Anglia, where Indo-Chinese takeaway Wok & Grill, in Leicester, proved to stand out. Your browser does not support iframes. In the capital, it was Sanjugo - which has been setting out to 'share an authentic Japanese experience since 2016' - that wowed customers In Wales, customers are flocking to Sharkbite Burgers in Cwmbran. The website says: 'Sink your teeth into the jaw-some world of SharkBite Burgers, where we serve up fin-tastic delights like the Megalodon, Great White, and Goblin Shark burgers Newcastle-based Sushi Me Rollin' - with a selection on offer for vegans - meanwhile, was the finalist for the North East. It prides itself in particular on its signature Uramaki rolls, with fillings that comprise of everything from duck to cod goujons and squid. In the North West it was Northwich's Burg N Ice that struck a chord, with a mouthwatering menu. As well as a rich selection of - naturally, burgers - there are also gelatos, cake, donuts and milkshakes. For the West Midlands finalist, it was Taqi'sGrill in Birmingham - where all meats are strictly cooked on charcoal. The South West also proved to be meat lovers, with Bristol-based Low & Slow making the roster. The 'authentic pit smoked barbecue' restaurant offers up delectable dishes, including beef brisket, pulled pork and chicken thighs. Umami Street Food meanwhile was the winner in the South East, with the Portsmouth eatery serving up smash burgers, wraps, tacos - and some Lebanese dishes. Meanwhile, in Yorkshire diners couldn't get enough of Silver's Deli in North Leeds. Pictured in a post Salad bar Seed - in Belfast - was the hot venue in Northern Ireland, while in Dublin, Irish diners delighted in cafe and juicery Urban Health. Pancakes from the cafe pictured The South West also proved to be meat lovers, with Bristol-based Low & Slow making the roster Uber Eats is also giving each finalist 5,000 and a tailored support package 'designed to help them scale their business and reach new customers'.= Uber Eats reveals the UKs 12 favourite independent restaurants London: Sanjugo Yorkshire: Silver's Deli Scotland: YAYAS North West: Burg N Ice North East: Sushi Me Rollin' West Midlands: Taqi's Grill Wales: Sharkbite Burgers South West: Low & Slow South East: Umami Street Food East Midlands & Anglia: Wok & Grill Northern Ireland: Seed Ireland: Urban Health Source: Uber Eats Later this year, finalists will gather in London for a two-day celebration of their work. This will also include a full judging day with industry experts such as Levi Roots, Eating with Todd, Clodagh McKenna, and 2024 Restaurant of the Year winner, Natty Crutchfield. Then, one is ultimately going to be named Restaurant of the Year and awarded a 100,000 grand prize. Advertisement Trailblazer Awards Women in Food Award Laura's Pizzas One Love Kitchen Unit Climate Impact Award The Hogless Roast Eat Clean Yaki Ya! Healthy Eats Award Macro Made Eat Clean Lean Cuisine Social Impact Award Chef x Cafe Piatto The Indian Street Kitchen Next Gen Award (for entrepreneurs aged 1827) Unit Aros Matteo's Cucina Italiana Ltd The Next Gen Award will be judged by Seema Pankhania, the content creator and bestselling author of Craveable, known for celebrating the bold, global flavours of today's young chefs. Advertisement Meanwhile, in Yorkshire diners couldn't get enough of Silver's Deli in North Leeds. 'Opened in November 2023 and named after the owner's daughter, it serves homemade breakfast sandwiches and hoagies bursting with flavour,' Discover Leeds touts. 'There are vegetarian friendly food options available.' The restaurant's Instagram page is enough to make your stomach grumble, featuring mouthwatering snaps of the filled delicacies. In Scotland, it was Glaswegian Yayas that made the cut - offering up doner kebabs and peri chicken. In Wales, customers are flocking to Sharkbite Burgers in Cwmbran. The website says: 'Sink your teeth into the jaw-some world of SharkBite Burgers, where we serve up fin-tastic delights like the Megalodon, Great White, and Goblin Shark burgers. 'If you're craving a bite of our homemade ocean-inspired flavours, you've swum to the right place!' Salad bar Seed - in Belfast - was the hot venue in Northern Ireland, while in Dublin, Irish diners delighted in cafe and juicery Urban Health. Later this year, all will 'gather in London for a two-day celebration of their work, including a full judging day with industry experts such as Levi Roots, Eating with Todd, Clodagh McKenna, and 2024 Restaurant of the Year winner, Natty Crutchfield, before one is ultimately named Restaurant of the Year and awarded a 100,000 grand prize'. Uber Eats is also giving each finalist 5,000 and a tailored support package 'designed to help them scale their business and reach new customers'. Five 'trailblazers' are also honoured for 'driving positive change' for any initiatives they may be a part of. 'Independent restaurants are the beating heart of the UK and Ireland's food scene,' said Matthew Price, General Manager of Uber Eats UK, Ireland and Northern Europe. 'Whether it's your local burger joint, a climate-conscious vegan cafe, or a TikTok-famous pop-up, Uber Eats is proud to support the businesses that bring flavour, jobs, and culture to our communities. 'The Restaurant of the Year Awards are about more than a prize. They're about championing those who are reshaping hospitality from the ground up and helping them accelerate their growth.' Melania Trump's heartbreaking fears have been revealed as an insider has exposed her 'constant worry' - and it's about her 18-year-old son, Barron Trump. This year, Barron will start his sophomore year at New York University's Stern School of Business, but just because it's his second year doesn't make things any easier for the worried mom-of-one. 'Melania watches Barron constantly in an effort to be sure nobody messes with him or bullies him, as this is a constant worry with her,' a source told People on Tuesday. 'She always knows where he is and what he's doing,' the source added. Melania and Donald Trump proudly welcomed their first and only child together, Barron, in March 2006. He was just 11 years old when his father first took office in 2017, and historically, Melania has always been protective of him. When Trump first took office in his first term, Melania chose to let Barron finish out his school year in New York City, where they were living previously, before moving to Washington, D.C. After Barron's dad finished his first term, the family moved back to Palm Beach, Florida, where he was able to finish high school. Melania Trump's heartbreaking fears have been revealed as an insider has exposed her 'constant worry' - and it's about her 18-year-old son, Barron Trump This year, Barron will start his sophomore year at New York University's Stern School of Business, but just because it's his second year doesn't make things any easier for the worried mom-of-one He was just 11 years old when his father first took office in 2017, and historically, Melania has always been protective of him As Barron finished up his first semester as a freshman at NYU last semester, a source shared that Melania was doing everything that she could to make sure that her son was having a good experience. 'She will do everything she can to make sure Barron does well in school and is socially and mentally adjusted to his life as a college student,' a source told People in December 2024. In a recent press conference, the President even joked that Melania loves Barron 'more than him.' His comments came after she penned a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin asking him to consider children in the Russia-Ukraine war. 'She's watched the same thing that you watch and I watch, I see things that you don't get to see. It's horrible. She has a great love of children,' Trump said. Referring to their son, the president joked, 'she has a wonderful son that she loves probably more than anybody including me.' 'I hate to say that but she loves her son, she loves children, she hates to see something like this happening.' Melania is also the stepmother to Trump's older children, including Ivanka, 43, whom he shared with his first wife, Ivana. In a recent press conference, the President even joked that Melania loves Barron 'more than him' He told the outlet that not only did Trump shake his hand and thank him multiple times for coming to Mar-a-Lago, but he took him to the estate's pro shop to pick out some things Earlier this year, Barron's suit stylist also revealed more insight into the teen's personality. Barron often works with Nathan Pearce of Pearce Bespoke, a 'mobile custom clothing fashion bar,' to create custom suits. 'He's this super-bright kid. He's well beyond his years in terms of experience, knowledge, history. He's just very fascinating to talk to,' the clothier admitted to Women's Wear Daily about the New York University student. 'You know what is another word I would say? Hospitable. He is down-to-earth, nice as can be and hospitable,' Pearce continued. He told the outlet that not only did Trump shake his hand and thank him multiple times for coming to Mar-a-Lago, but he took him to the estate's pro shop to pick out some things. Peerce was then allowed to bill the items to Trump's account. 'I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him over the last one or two years,' Pearce said. Plus, he has a good sense of humor. 'He's hilarious,' he told WWD. 'But as I said, he's super-sharp,' he continued. 'You put him in a room with star businessmen and he will hold his own.' Hoiby has been under investigation in Norway since August last year Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway was pictured looking strained today during an official engagement amid her son Marius Borg Hiby's legal woes. Earlier this month, Hiby, 28, was charged with 32 offences including four counts of rape against different women. Today, his mother attended the 100th anniversary of Gamlehaugen Castle - the King's official residence in Bergen since 1925 - alongside her husband Crown Prince Haakon and Queen Sonja. Moving her sunglasses away from her face, she appeared downcast while awaiting an event for primary school pupils and was seen with a somber expression while talking to her husband, who is the future King. The family appeared to put on a united display for the joint engagement, with Mette-Marit managing to wave to crowds upon arrival, before playing games and taking part in face painting with the school pupils. She was dressed smartly for her first public appearance since news of Hiby's charges, pairing a bright tie-dye shirt with a white T-shirt and linen trousers. Hiby, who was born from Princess Mette-Marit's relationship prior to Prince Haakon, has been under investigation since his arrest on August 4 last year on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend. According to Norwegian outlet NRK, his charges include four rapes of four different woman between 2018 and 2024, abuse against his former partner Nora Haukland and several acts of violence against another former partner. Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway was pictured looking strained today during an official engagement amid her son Marius Borg Hiby's legal woes Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon awaits an event for primary school pupils to mark the 100th anniversary of Gamlehaugen On all occasions, Hoiby allegedly assaulted the women while they were sleeping and filmed the assaults. The assaults also allegedly occurred after Hoiby and the women had consensual intercourse. He has also been charged with making death threats, assaulting a public official and violating the road traffic act. Last week, Haakon, the son of Norway's King Harald, described the situation as 'challenging and difficult.' During a royal engagement in Trondheim, Trndelag, last Tuesday, he told Norwegian broadcaster NRK: 'Everyone involved in this case probably finds it challenging and difficult.' He added: 'It has now been clarified what the charges will be. It is now up to the court to decide.' Haakon, who married Hiby's mother Mette-Marit in 2001, also stressed that the royal family will continue to carry out its duties. Hiby does not hold a royal title and is not included in the royal line of succession. Presenting the indictment against Hiby earlier this month, public prosecutor Sturla Henriksb told NRK that he will face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison following a six-week trial in January. Henriksb said: 'This case is very serious. Rape and violence in close relationships are very serious acts that can leave lasting traces and destroy lives.' Hiby, 28, who is the stepson of the future King of Norway, Crown Prince Haakon, has been under investigation since his arrest on August 4 last year on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend The family appeared to put on a united display for the joint engagement, with Mette-Marit managing to wave to crowds upon arrival Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon, who is the future King of Norway Moving her sunglasses away from her face, she appeared downcast while awaiting an event for primary school pupils The royal was dressed smartly for her first public appearance since news of Hiby's charges, pairing a bright tie-dye shirt with a white T-shirt and linen trousers Hoiby was born as a result of a relationship before Crown Princess Mette-Marit's marriage to Crown Prince Haakon. He is said to have 'strongly denied' the 'essentials' of the allegations against him, which include rape allegations. It comes after Hiby had his diplomatic passport revoked, according to reports, shortly after he enjoyed a five-day holiday in Portugal with his stepfather and half brother Prince Sverre Magnus, 19. The specific reasons why he had to surrender the passport are unknown, according to national paper Se og Hr. At the end of June, Oslo police announced charges against Hiby on multiple counts, including rape, sexual assault and bodily harm after a months-long investigation of a case that involved a 'double-digit' number of alleged victims. State Attorney Sturla Henriksb has stated that there would be further clarity regarding his charges in August - and this has now come to light. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to Se og Hr last week that Hiby no longer has a diplomatic passport, but didn't answer specific questions about why. Hiby is reported to have had both a diplomatic and standard passport since he was young. While members of the Royal House have diplomatic passports, other members of the Royal Family use standard ones after turning 18, under new rules that came into effect around six months ago. Marius Borg Hiby has been charged with 32 offences including four rapes (seen in 2022 with his mother Princess Mette-Marit) Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and Marius Hoiby are pictured together in Oslo in 2014 According to Se og Hr, it is not known exactly when Hiby had to surrender the document, and it could have been as recently as six months ago. At the end of November last year, the 28-year-old was detained by police for a week, while they conducted an investigation into allegations against him - to ensure there was no tampering of evidence. Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski said Hiby was cooperative during police questioning, which is now complete. Evidence in the case was drawn from sources including text messages, witness testimonies and police searches, the police attorney said. In November, Prince Haakon addressed his stepson's arrest, telling Norwegian news outlet NRK: 'Marius is facing serious accusations, which the police and the judiciary will deal with. I am convinced they will do a good job. 'As a family and as parents, we have wanted Marius to receive help and we have been working for a long time to get him to a place where he can receive more help. 'It is something we give a lot of priority to. It must be done within the framework established by the legal system.' Hiby previously lived with the royal couple and their two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, but now lives in a separate house nearby, according to Sekulic. Prince Sverre Magnus, Crown Prince Haakon, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Marius Borg Hiby (pictured far right) in 2019 in Oslo Pictured from L to R: Queen Sonja, King Harald, Prince Sverre Magnus, Marius Borg Hoiby, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and Crown Prince Haakon in Oslo, 2022 Once known affectionately as 'Little Marius', Hiby grew up in the public eye, enjoying the same wealth and privilege as his royal siblings, although his biological father, Morten Borg, served time in prison for drugs and violent offences. Hiby has acknowledged cocaine use and addiction. Despite allegations, it was reported that Hiby partied it up at Cannes Film Festival earlier this summer, according to Se og Hr. He joined Norwegian businessman Per Morten Hansen, who is a good friend of his father, Morten Borg. He was also seen on board the 165-foot motor yacht 'Da Vinci', a speed marvel worth 20 million dollars and owned by entrepreneur and multi-billionaire Vincent Tchenguiz. After his trip at sea, the Crown Princess's son and his pals went to Ile Sainte-Marguerite, a small island off the coast of Cannes. The spot is popular with celebrities such as Elton John, Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyonce, and the Kardashians. They visited the very exclusive and private La Guerite beach club on the island, which can only be reached via boat. There, Hiby partied with businessman Rehan Syed, who lives a lavish lifestyle featuring fast boats and cars, as seen on his Instagram account. He has largely continued his life as normal since the charges came to light in August last year, and has since jetted off with friends to Hemsedal, Copenhagen and Italy. The son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit has also spent time at rehab centres in London since his arrest. Hiby's defence attorney, Ellen Holager Andens, said: 'I have no knowledge of this and therefore have no comments to give.' The iconic Australian boot company UGG has officially changed their name after a years-long court battle with an American multimillion-dollar company. Grandson of UGG founders Arthur and Faye Watts, Todd Watts, made a shocking announcement on TikTok in a video uploaded on Tuesday. Todd explained that UGG would be 'dropping' its three-letter name and going by 'Since 1974' instead. 'Hey guys, I'm Todd and as most of you know, my grandparents started this business over five decades ago,' he began. 'Through many challenges, triumphs, ups and downs, it's shaped the brand into what it is today,' Todd continued. Todd then thanked everyone who has ever purchased his company's boots, or liked and shared their content online, saying their support allowed the bootmaker to survive this long and push through adversity. He then announced that something bigger and better is happening to the company. 'We're stepping onto the world stage,' Todd told TikTok viewers. 'Here in Australia we'll be the same as we always have been, but outside of Australia something big is happening,' he continued. The iconic Australian boot company UGG has officially changed their name after a years-long court battle with an American multimillion-dollar company Grandson of UGG founders Arthur and Faye Watts, Todd Watts (pictured), made the shocking announcement on TikTok in a video uploaded on Tuesday 'We're officially dropping those three little letters,' Todd announced. The iconic logo located on the back of the boots' ankle region has now been changed from 'UGG' to 'Since 74'. The reason for the name change stems from a legal battle between UGG and Deckers Outdoor Corporation, the owner of the US 'UGG' trademark. Deckers sued the Australian business in 2016 over the use of the name. While 'ugg' is a generic term for sheepskin boots, Deckers won the long-standing legal battle and holds the trademark in the US. It has argued in the past that Americans don't use 'ugg' as a descriptive term, but only as a brand name. Now, the Australian company have been forced to rebrand to avoid infringement outside of Australia and New Zealand. According to Todd, now that they are changing the company's name outside of Australia, this means that certain content will disappear. 'Just because old content is gone, it doesn't stop us from pushing more content out,' he said. 'Our name may change but that doesn't change the spirit that's been built within us,' Todd said, adding that this is a time for 'underdog spirit'. Todd explained in a video back in January that the lawsuit from Deckers made it hard for the brand to share their boots with people outside Australia and New Zealand. He said it was 'extremely hard' to fight a lawsuit against a multi-billion-dollar company. Todd explained that UGG would be 'dropping' its three-letter name and going by 'Since 74' instead While 'ugg' is a generic term for sheepskin boots, Deckers won the long-standing legal battle and holds the trademark in the US 'We are the original and we will still be the original no matter what our label says on the back of our boots,' he said in the January video. Some TikTok users expressed their outrage at Deckers' move in the comment section of Todd's videos, with multiple comments saying the company should be 'ashamed'. 'I only buy Since 74 brand,' one supporter of the Aussie brand commented. The Daily Mail has reached out to Deckers for comment. She felt a distinct fluttering sensation in her lower abdomen. Within weeks, it turned into perceptible thumps resembling fetal movement. Sydnee Bardeson, 30, of South Dakota, had began experiencing the unmistakable symptoms of pregnancy, despite having a Nexplanon birth control implant in her arm. It was only six weeks after the birth of her second child in 2023, but her stomach wasn't growing and her home pregnancy tests were consistently negative. Bardeson told the Daily Mail: 'I honestly felt crazy when I was getting negative tests day after day. I think I took six to 10 tests before actually bringing it up to my doctor. 'It was strange to tell them that I have multiple signs of pregnancy and Im confident Im pregnant, but my tests are coming back negative.' For every 3 million American women who give birth every year, a few hundred experience all the profound physical signs of pregnancy, only to discover that the child they felt growing inside them never existed. This rare condition, known as pseudocyesis or phantom pregnancy, is not the sign of a psychotic break, but a medical phenomenon where the mind convinces the body it is gestating life. Phantom pregnancy is estimated to affect between one and six out of every 22,000 women of reproductive age. They tend to be 20 to 39 years old, though cases as young as five and as old as 79 have been documented. Bardeson is pictured with her second son in March 2024. Six weeks after having him, she began experiencing distinct pregnancy symptoms, including a fluttering sensation that progressed to felt 'kicks' despite having a birth control implant. Your browser does not support iframes. Phantom pregnancies, often triggered by a profound desire or fear of pregnancy, trick the brain into releasing hormones like prolactin, causing lactation and breast tenderness, and cortisol, which disrupts ovulation and mimics pregnancy symptoms. As many as 80 percent of women with a phantom pregnancy see changes in their breasts, including spontaneous milk production and tenderness, as well as missed periods, weight gain, morning sickness, and food cravings or aversions. When Bardeson gave birth a second time in August 2023, she knew she wanted to ensure she had a break before trying for a third. Soon after giving birth, the mother-of-two got the matchstick-sized implantable form of birth control Nexplanon in her upper arm. It releases a continuous, steady dose of a synthetic hormone called etonogestrel, a type of progestin. Her menstrual periods over the next three months lasted for weeks at a time. Meanwhile, her mood was continuously getting worse. While convenient and 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, Nexplanon has a known risk of causing depression or worsening existing depressive symptoms, and this is noted in its official prescribing information. Bardeson said: 'I had postpartum depression after my first pregnancy and experienced similar but way worse symptoms with the birth control: symptoms like not wanting to get out of bed, feeling empty, and, not necessarily suicidal thoughts, but thoughts that I would be okay if I didnt wake up.' About three months after she gave birth, Bardeson began to feel an odd sensation in her belly. She said: 'The flutter feeling started to begin in my lower abdomen, and the best way I could describe it was the feeling of bubbles in a Sprite, but in my stomach. About three months postpartum, Bardeson felt a strange fluttering in her lower abdomenlike bubbles in a soda Bardeson is pictured with her family. Despite experiencing multiple symptoms and a strong personal conviction that she was pregnant, clinical tests confirmed she was not. Ultimately, receiving this medical confirmation from her physician came as a relief 'After a couple weeks of feeling the symptoms it progressed to a small thump.' But nothing was visible to the outside, and nothing could be felt from the outside. The movements became harder and harder to ignore. Yet each pregnancy test confirmed that she was not actually pregnant. She eventually decided she needed to hear it from her doctor, who confirmed the phantom pregnancy. This is generally how the condition is resolved. 'Thankfully, my doctor was very understanding and reassuring,' she said. 'I had just had my birth control implant put in, and they had given me a pregnancy test prior, but she assured me that they could do another one or run a blood test. 'I received another negative pregnancy test from her clinic, and for some reason, just getting the confirmation from my doctor was a relief. I was not in any business to be pregnant a couple of months after having a second baby.' Her symptoms went away shortly after hearing the results from her doctor directly. Doctors say that several factors could be at play, such as post-delivery hormonal shifts and the readjustment of her stomach muscles after two C-sections. Her doctor explained that several factors could be at play, such as post-delivery hormonal shifts and the readjustment of her stomach muscles after two C-sections 'I was also experiencing a bit of postpartum anxiety, so there were a lot of factors to consider,' Bardeson said. Bardeson has suffered three pregnancy losses: one chemical pregnancy, a very early miscarriage occurring shortly after implantation, and two miscarriages. One of Bardeson's miscarriages required dilation and curettage (D&C), a procedure to surgically remove tissue from the uterus to prevent infection or heavy bleeding. The grief of pregnancy loss can, in rare cases, trick the body into believing it is still expecting. It can be a physical manifestation of psychological trauma, usually triggered by the intense desire for a child following a miscarriage. Experts explain that the emotional distress, including feelings of guilt, anger, and self-blame after a miscarriage, can rewire the brain's perception of the body. It can cause the mind to misinterpret familiar physical sensations, like bloating or a missed period, as proof of a continuing pregnancy. Some women who experience a phantom pregnancy have more visible symptoms. In 2023, Indian psychiatrists documented the case of a woman who had not had a period in two years. Her body sent unmistakable signals of pregnancy: her abdomen swelled visibly after gaining about 12lbs (6 kg), she craved specific foods, and her appetite surged, all of which, she insisted, confirmed she was five months pregnant. She even reported feeling distinct 'fetal movements' for months, though doctors identified them as intestinal contractions. The woman held onto her belief despite overwhelming medical evidence, including negative pregnancy tests, ultrasounds revealing no fetus, and clear MRI results. Doctors determined the case was shaped by psychological trauma. After contracting HIV from her late husband and being abandoned by her family, she endured a previous traumatic miscarriage. Constant blame from her partner for their 'incomplete family' intensified her longing for a child. Treatment was a two-part approach. Doctors gave her antipsychotic medication and supportive therapy to help her understand and accept the medical evidence. Following a day of sightseeing, Chris Dolan noticed a blister on the outside of his right foot when removing his socks. It was a seemingly innocuous injury, yet would lead him like hundreds of other Britons every week to face the prospect of having his foot amputated. But thanks to an innovative surgical technique, not only was Chriss foot saved but he has even been able to take up walking rugby. It nearly didnt end so positively. In June 2023, Chris, 50, and his wife Jane, 57, both civil servants, were on a cruise in Norway when he developed the blister. Initially, it was just under half an inch wide. But after eight weeks, despite him meticulously keeping the blister clean and dry, it became badly infected. This was particularly serious as Chris has type 1 diabetes, which means his body doesnt produce the hormone insulin, needed to control blood sugar levels, so he relies on injecting artificial insulin. Even if it is well managed, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy where, over time, high levels of glucose in the blood damage the nerves in the extremities, causing numbness and tingling. If the foot is affected, it means patients can suffer a foot injury without even feeling it. As well as neuropathy in his foot, Chris had developed peripheral arterial disease (PAD), where a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries restricts blood supply to the limbs, compounding any nerve damage. In June 2023, Chris, 50, and his wife Jane, 57, both civil servants, were on a cruise in Norway when he developed the blister that nearly caused his foot to be amputated In severe cases (if a cut or scratch wont heal and becomes badly infected), peripheral neuropathy can lead to foot or lower limb amputation. More of these amputations are being performed as the number of people with diabetes increases. More than 5.8 million people in the UK now live with diabetes, an all-time high, according to charity Diabetes UK. A further 1.3 million could be unaware they have type 2 diabetes because they do not recognise the symptoms. The figures are staggering, says Shiva Dindyal, a consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon at the NHS Basildon University Hospital in Essex. He sees about one patient a day who requires amputation, usually due to a diabetes complication. In England, there are on average 176 leg, toe or foot amputations each week, while across the UK, there are in excess of 9,000 limb amputations annually, says Mr Dindyal. He explains that having excess blood glucose damages everything, adding: Youre more likely to get an infection, as bacteria like sugary blood. Amputation is the last resort because it changes someones life. The reality is that a patient has a life expectancy of just 1 per cent five years after an amputation. This is often because they have other health issues, such as high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease or, due to their diabetes, wounds that dont heal, leading to complications. The first step surgically is angioplasty a procedure which widens narrowed arteries using an inflated balloon or stents to get the blood to flow back into the foot. If this fails, a bypass operation is the only option, says Mr Dindyal. Here an artery, usually taken from the upper thigh, is joined to another blood vessel lower down the leg leading to the foot. Two months after the blister first appeared, Chris became unwell with a fever as a result of his foot infection. He was admitted to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough with sepsis. Fortunately, he was treated in time and was discharged three weeks later. As well as taking antibiotics, he wore a special compression dressing to stimulate blood circulation to the ulcerated foot. Despite this, the wound became a hole just over an inch across and half an inch deep. It looked horrific as you could see the bone, says Chris, from Middlesbrough. But I wasnt in pain because the nerves had been damaged over the years. Shiva Dindyal, a consultant vascular and endovascular surgeon, sees about one patient a day who requires amputation due to a diabetes complication In England, there are an average 176 leg, toe or foot amputations each week, while across the UK, there are in excess of 9,000 limb amputations annually, says Mr Dindyal After two months of vacuum treatment on his infected right foot, the wound still hadnt fully healed and Chris was warned that if the infection could not be successfully treated, he would need his right foot amputated below the knee. But a fortnight later, his consultant told him another specialist in the same hospital might be able to help. Ian Nichol, a consultant vascular surgeon, is using a new technique called reversed deep venous arterialisation where a vein (rather than an artery) from the upper leg is used to bypass a blockage and improve blood supply to the foot. The technique has only been performed in a small number of centres across the world. Mr Nichol has treated about 25 patients this way in the past three years, with about a 70 per cent success rate in saving a patient from amputation. Mr Nichol explains: Patients like Chris have what we call a desert foot, where there are no arteries remaining to supply blood beyond the ankle and into the foot. Without this, the tissue can break down and die. This develops into an ulcer or gangrene which will not heal. This new technique is different. With no artery to work with, this bypass graft procedure turns a vein, which remains mostly disease-free, into an artery. He continues: We remove the saphenous vein, which is close to the skins surface and runs down from the inside of the thigh to the calf. This vein is then reversed, attaching it to the popliteal artery below the knee, and joining it to a deep vein at ankle level in the foot which also works like an artery, so blood flows in the opposite direction, taking it to the foot. Veins transport blood from the body and back to the lungs to pick up more oxygen. Mr Nichol says: The valves which line the vein and normally prevent the blood flowing back down it due to gravity have to be destroyed by puncturing them. This allows blood to flow inside like a normal artery. Its a challenging operation because the vein below the ankle is quite small 2mm [0.07 inches] in diameter.' Ian Nichol, a consultant vascular surgeon, is using a technique called reversed deep venous arterialisation where a vein from the upper leg is used to bypass a blockage This operation isnt for everyone, he adds. Some people do not have suitable veins and some have had enough of trying different procedures and would rather have an amputation. But I hope it becomes more routine. It might save more patients from losing their lower leg. Chris had the eight-hour procedure in December 2023. He relied on a wheelchair for a year and, although he wasnt in pain, admits he felt depressed due to his lack of mobility. At times, I wondered if I should have had the amputation because I could have been learning to walk again after six weeks, he says. But Im now glad I didnt lose my foot it was fantastic to get up and start using walking poles. Theres still a small ulcer on his foot but its thought it will eventually heal. The blood is now getting through to my foot, says Chris. I still cant walk far but Ive taken up walking rugby. I hope this operation can help others like me avoid an amputation. READ MORE: Cause of girl's mysterious illness should terrify all families An Ohio woman discovered her new home was slowly killing her after posting her 'ugly' selfies online. Sara Smith and her husband, Colin, moved into their dream home in Columbus in April 2024 after saving up for four years. But just two days after moving in, the 28-year-old began suffering severe sinus congestion, which she assumed was just a cold. Within six months, however, Smith's eyelids and skin surrounding her eye turned pink before becoming itchy and starting to bleed. She said: 'Whenever I worked out the sweat would make it burn so badly. Any type of face wash on it would be the most terrible experience ever.' Baffled by the bizarre symptoms, the procurement analyst posted videos on TikTok about her condition, which led users to warn her it may have been caused by mold. A home investigation revealed hidden water damage in nearly every room of the house that was causing the mold, with the biggest stain lurking under a piece of carpet in the bedroom. Mold spores have been shown to trigger severe allergic reactions in about five to 10 percent of the population, leading to some of the symptoms Smith was experiencing, such as skin and eye irritation, congestion and respiratory issues. Sara and Colin Smith (pictured here) purchased their dream home last year. However, it led to bizarre symptoms Smith, pictured here, would post 'ugly' selfies like this on social media, which led users to warn her of mold exposure Your browser does not support iframes. While rarely deadly, mold allergies can be fatal in people who are already immunocompromised or have respiratory conditions like asthma. Her husband, meanwhile, had no symptoms. Doctors told her she was just experiencing a cold or eczema, a skin condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. Smith claims the mold caused her to 'look ugly' in photos, triggering anxiety and depression that stopped her from seeing friends. She said: 'I thought I would post and see if people have any tips. TikTok told me to get out of there. 'It really saved my life. If it wasn't for them commenting, I would still believe it was some internal eczema thing.' Though the home underwent inspection before the Smiths moved in, mold was only visible in the basement. It's unclear if they fixed this before moving in. However, a mold dog later sniffed it out in almost every room. Dogs have extremely strong senses of smell, about 100,000 times more powerful than humans, which helps them detect contaminants like mold that are otherwise hidden. Smith said: 'The ones that were causing the most issues were stuck between insulation and you couldn't spot it. 'The biggest one that was hidden was under the carpet. My husband ripped off the carpet in the bedroom and it was covered in mold. [At some point someone] painted the ceiling white where the water damage was.' Pictured above is a close-up of the mold in the Smiths' home Smith, pictured here, has since recovered, but the family is raising money to rid their home of the mold The spores even seeped into her electronics, forcing the couple to get rid of '90 percent' of their items. While mold can cause allergic reactions, it does not make most people severely ill or cause death. But for those with weakened immune systems, it may cause mycosis, a fungal infection throughout the body that leads to fatigue, muscle aches, chest pain, weight loss and asthma-like symptoms. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to mold include skin and eye irritation, congestion and respiratory issues. Smith's eyes healed within two weeks of moving out of the house, though she experiences flare-ups whenever she returns to the house to move her belongings. The couple now lives between both of their parents' houses while trying to remove the mold and make repairs. Smith said: 'It has been super stressful, especially for a marriage. Living under our parents' roof has been really hard.' The couple have been saddled with a $10,000 bill to remove the mold. They are raising money via GoFundMe. Smith said: 'I'm so depressed. There has been a lot in my head. Whenever I think of the house, it used to bring me so much joy. 'Now I think of it with such disdain, it makes me sick.' Taking common painkillers together could be fueling antibiotic resistance, amid concerns over deaths, experts warned today. Ibuprofen and paracetamolknown as acetaminophen and often sold under the brand name Tylenol in the USare widely used to treat aches and pains and reduce fevers. But Australian scientists, who analysed how different painkillers interact with a common bacteria, found that the two drugs could amplify antibiotic resistance when taken together. In the first-of-its-kind study, they discovered that using ibuprofen and paracetamol alongside the antibiotic ciprofloxacin to treat E. coli led to significantly increased bacterial mutations. That made the E. coli highly resistant to the antibiotic. Experts today warned that people should think twice before using multiple medications at once, but cautioned against stopping using the two drugs completely. It comes as latest figures show the number of antibiotic resistant infections and people dying of infections resistant to antibiotics increased last yearsurpassing pre-pandemic levels. According to the UK Health Security Agency, 66,730 people in England had an antibiotic-resistant infection in 2023. Ibuprofen and paracetamolknown as acetaminophen and often sold under the brand name Tylenol in the USare widely used to treat aches and pains and reduce fevers Your browser does not support iframes. Professor Rietie Venter, expert in microbiology at the University of South Australia and study lead author, said: 'Antibiotic resistance isn't just about antibiotics anymore. 'This study is a clear reminder that we need to carefully consider the risks of using multiple medicationsparticularly in aged care where residents are often prescribed a mix of long-term treatments. 'This doesn't mean we should stop using these medications. 'But we do need to be more mindful about how they interact with antibiotics and that includes looking beyond just two-drug combinations.' In the study, published in the journal Antimicrobials and Resistance, the scientists looked at the effects of nine types of medications commonly used in care homes alongside E. Coli drug ciprofloxacin. Professor Venter said: 'When bacteria were exposed to ciprofloxacin alongside ibuprofen and acetaminophen, they developed more genetic mutations than with the antibiotic alone, helping them grow faster and become highly resistant. 'Worryingly, the bacteria were not only resistant to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, but increased resistance was also observed to multiple other antibiotics from different classes. 'We also uncovered the genetic mechanisms behind this resistance, with ibuprofen and paracetamol both activating the bacteria's defences to expel antibiotics and render them less effective.' Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli include severe diarrhoea and vomiting, according to the UK Health Security Agency The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that bacterial antimicrobial resistance was directly responsible for 1.27million global deaths in 2019, and contributed to 4.95million deaths. Researchers expect this trend to continue in the coming decades, with antimicrobial resistance deaths among people over the age of 70 to more than double. Scientists are particularly worried about Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) infectionsa rare strain of the diarrhoea causing bug. This can cause haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that is becoming increasingly difficult to treat, leading to kidney failure, sepsis and eventually death. No doubt you saw the recent, almost jubilant, headlines about a new research review that claimed withdrawal from antidepressants largely causes only mild symptoms and is short-lasting. It was big news. Antidepressants are currently taken by more than eight million people in England alone, with prescriptions at an all-time high. Lots of people say that taking antidepressants has helped them. But antidepressants are also controversial. Some experts think their benefits have been exaggerated and their side-effects minimised. For example, antidepressants are recognised to cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Originally, these were thought to be only mild and short-lived, but in recent years, as patients reported they experienced severe symptoms that lasted for months even years institutions such as the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have updated their advice on antidepressants to reflect this. However, in the past few months, some doctors have tried to reassure the public that withdrawal symptoms are not a significant problem after all, and have called for the updated advice to be changed. Professionals like me are worried this will mislead people about the risks of these drugs and will result in more taking antidepressants long-term. The longer you take anti-depressants, the more likely you are to develop physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms and thats on top of other side-effects, such as sexual dysfunction, weight gain, osteoporosis and an increased risk of heart problems and bleeding. When modern antidepressants, such as the SSRIs, which include fluoxetine (brand name Prozac) and sertraline, were introduced in the late 1980s and 1990s, they were hailed as safe and non-addictive. This helped distinguish them from benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium and Librium), which by then were increasingly criticised for causing dependence and withdrawal effects. The longer you take anti-depressants, the more likely you are to develop physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms and thats on top of other side-effects, such as sexual dysfunction, weight gain, osteoporosis and an increased risk of heart problems and bleeding History repeats itself, it seems. By the 1990s, people were reporting that the SSRIs produced withdrawal effects, too. These drugs didnt cause craving or make people high like benzodiazepines could, but when some stopped their antidepressant, they experienced withdrawal symptoms including dizziness, brain zaps, anxiety and low mood. Still, the symptoms were said to be brief and mild. However, as increasing numbers of patients described their excruciating and disabling withdrawal symptoms, in 2019 the Royal College of Psychiatrists changed its advice while a Public Health England investigation led, in 2022, to new NICE recommendations on how to avoid and treat antidepressant dependence and withdrawal problems. A key review of the existing research, published in 2019, suggested antidepressant withdrawal might occur in around half of users, and could quite often be severe. Recently, though, two groups of researchers have claimed the evidence shows something different. Last summer, a team in Germany published a review of studies, and claimed this showed that while antidepressant withdrawal existed, it was not common, and rarely severe. A British team came to a similar conclusion earlier this month. But both reviews were based on studies involving people whod taken antidepressants for only a short time (mostly a few weeks), yet we know that dependence and withdrawal symptoms usually set in after people have been using the drugs for months or longer (many are on them for years). Also, many of the studies in the German review were not designed to assess withdrawal symptoms, and were likely to have missed them. And when an international group of colleagues and I conducted a thorough re-analysis of the German review, we identified that only five of the 65 studies included measured withdrawal symptoms in a systematic way. Even then, four of these studies lasted for just 12 weeks or less, and one involved the antidepressant agomelatine, which is not an SSRI and is not thought to cause withdrawal symptoms anyway. A review of existing research, published in 2019, suggested antidepressant withdrawal might occur in around half of users, and could quite often be severe, writes Professor Moncrieff Nevertheless, these five trials showed that 55 per cent of people reported experiencing at least one withdrawal symptom after discontinuing antidepressants. In other words, the robust research in this review actually showed that withdrawal symptoms are an issue. The recent British review confirmed this, revealing there was clear evidence of withdrawal effects in people taking common antidepressants even though they had only been on them for eight to 12 weeks. The authors concluded that the effects were not severe enough to be significant hence the recent headlines. But this was the authors judgment not what the participants reported. There were other major flaws in the reviews. Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and most likely by the type of antidepressant too, but its clear that some people experience symptoms that are severe and prolonged. These can lead to them having to give up work, to relationship breakdowns and even, rarely, make them suicidal. It is worrying that some psychiatrists seem keen to minimise the potential problem of withdrawal. Sweeping this under the carpet means more and more people will get stuck on these drugs long term. They will suffer the side-effects of antidepressants, even if theyre getting no benefit from them. And people need to have this information upfront, so that they can make properly informed choices about the medicines they choose to take. Professor Moncrieff is a psychiatrist based at University College London and author of Chemically Imbalanced: The Making and Unmaking of the serotonin Myth (Flint). Ruth Hart was putting on her make-up one morning in March 2021 before heading to work, when she noticed something odd. 'When I closed my left eye to apply eyeshadow, everything appeared very dark as I looked through my right eye like I was wearing sunglasses,' says the 57-year-old civil servant. 'I did it again to be sure and every time I closed my left eye, it was the same. But things looked normal when I looked out of both eyes.' Concerned, Ruth made an appointment with her optician a few days later. Instead of the reassurance she'd hoped for, she was referred for more checks, after her optician detected inflammation in her optic nerve. After a three-month wait for an MRI, Ruth was called at 7am the day after the scan and told to come back to hospital as soon as possible. As she sat down in the eye specialist's office, 'I could see he had my MRI scan on his computer screen and there was a big white blob a couple of centimetres in diameter on the left side of my brain,' recalls Ruth, a grandmother of three, who lives with her husband in Braintree, Essex. It was a meningioma, a slow-growing brain tumour. Although rarely cancerous, it can be life-threatening if it gets so big that it squashes the brain inside the skull. Ruth's tumour was wrapped around the optic nerve connected to her right eye. She only noticed it when she shut her left eye because, doctors explained, the brain had learned to compensate by making her left eye do more of the work. After a three-month wait for an MRI, Ruth was called at 7am the day after the scan and told to come back to hospital as soon as possible. She had a meningioma, which can get so big that it squashes the brain inside the skull Like most people who develop a meningioma, there was no apparent cause and Ruth was told it was sheer bad luck. Or so it was thought. For as the Daily Mail reported last month, three research papers in little over a year tell a very different story. They concluded that women were between three and five times more likely to develop a meningioma if they had used a brand of contraceptive jab called Depo-Provera for more than a year. About 10,000 prescriptions a month are issued for the drug, also known as medroxyprogesterone acetate, in England alone. It's a hormone injection given every three months and works by preventing eggs from being released by a woman's ovaries. First licensed for use on the NHS more than 40 years ago, alarm bells over its safety rang with the publication of a study in March 2024, which concluded that women on the jab for at least a year were up to five times more at risk of developing a meningioma in their lifetime, the BMJ reported. Then, in July, scientists at the University of British Columbia in Canada, who compared meningioma rates in 72,181 women on the jab with more than 247,000 women taking oral contraception found the risks of meningioma, were more than trebled in long-term jab users. The tumours are slow-growing increasing in size by about 1mm to 2mm a year and most are only diagnosed when they are about 3cm, so they can be present for decades before causing any problems. This means some affected women may not make the link to their contraceptive jab. Since reports appeared in the Daily Mail about the possible connection, many readers with meningiomas have been getting in touch. Although none can be certain the injection caused their tumours, one wrote: 'I was always told I would never know what caused my tumour but it's looking more and more likely that I have Pfizer [the drug company which makes Depo-Provera] to thank for it.' Meningiomas can cause vision loss, personality changes, memory loss and even paralysis. And while 70 per cent of patients are alive after ten years, between 10 and 20 per cent die within five years The most common type of brain tumour affecting 2,000 to 3,000 people a year in the UK meningiomas form in the meninges, the outer layers of tissue that cover the brain. They can cause vision loss, personality changes, memory loss and even paralysis. And while 70 per cent of patients are alive after ten years, between 10 and 20 per cent die within five years. Why the contraceptive jab may trigger their growth is unclear. One theory is that the synthetic hormone it contains progestogen binds to meningioma cells and helps them to grow. Some research suggests that certain versions of the Pill with progestogen may raise the risk of meningioma, but only in a minority of women who take it for more than five years. Last October, the UK drug safety watchdog the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency called on Pfizer to include a warning about the heightened risk in patient information leaflets that come with Depo-Provera. Pfizer wrote to NHS doctors urging them to immediately stop women diagnosed with a meningioma from using Depo-Provera. In the US, a class action lawsuit is under way against Pfizer and generic manufacturers of the jab, with more than 500 women alleging that the companies were aware of the link but failed to adequately warn users of the risks or promote safer alternatives. In the UK, hundreds of women have sought legal advice over whether it is possible to sue Pfizer for not warning them of the risks. Chaya Hanoomanjee, a partner at London law firm Austen Hays, told Good Health: 'We are carrying out an investigation into a possible UK case against Pfizer.' Researchers stress that although the risk to contraceptive jab users is significantly higher than those who are not on the injections, their chances of developing a meningioma are still very small. The University of British Columbia team noted that, for every 1,111 women on the jab, just one will develop a tumour. Why the contraceptive jab may trigger the growth of meningiomas is unclear. One theory is that the synthetic hormone it contains progestogen binds to meningioma cells and helps them to grow That is little consolation for Ruth, or the dozens of other worried readers who have contacted the Daily Mail in recent weeks. Ruth only discovered the link when she read about it in the newspaper. 'My initial reaction was anger,' she says. Ruth was put on the jab in 2001, when she was in her early 30s, because she suffered heavy, painful periods. Her GP said it would put an end to this, which it did and she remained on the jab for more than 20 years. 'The only side-effect I was ever warned about was osteoporosis,' she says. The jab can reduce bone density, as it reduces oestrogen levels. Her GP wanted Ruth to stop using the jab when she turned 50, as the osteoporosis risks are considered too great after that. But she persuaded the doctor to let her stay on it until she was 54. After her meningioma was detected, she underwent a six-and-a-half hour operation during which 90 per cent of the tumour was removed. The rest is curled around her optic nerve, so is too risky to extract. She has annual MRIs to check it is not growing. Joann Hibbitt, 64, a seamstress who lives in Preston, Lancashire, was diagnosed by chance with a meningioma which was 4.5cm diameter in 2022, when an MRI scan for an unrelated throat problem spotted the tumour in the left side of her brain. She had been on Depo-Provera for several years in the 1990s but was unaware of the potential tumour risk until she read about it in the Daily Mail in July. 'My consultant thinks I've probably had the tumour for many years,' says Joann. 'But it's too big and too deep in my brain to take it out.' Joann also has an annual MRI scan to see if it is growing. She says doctors have warned that, if it does, 'I could lose all feeling and control in the whole right side of my body'. A spokesperson for the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare which represents experts in contraception told Good Health that women worried about the risk of meningioma should talk to their GP about other options, 'but it's important to remember that the overall risk is very small'. Ruth, who has lost about 50 per cent of the vision in her right eye, says that given the choice now, she would 'put up with the period pain', rather than use the Depo-Provera jab. 'As it is, it feels like I have a ticking timebomb inside my head and I think Pfizer should be held accountable for it.' Pfizer declined to comment. An illuminating video has captured in alarming detail exactly what happens to the body after catching the plague. The medieval illnessone of the most deadly in historyravaged Europe between 1347 and 1351 and killed tens of millions of people. Cases of the condition, dubbed the black death, today are rare, with modern antibiotics drastically reducing deaths. But officials were alarmed last week after an unidentified adult in the US tested positive for the plague and was recovering at home after receiving medical care. It is believed an infected flea bit the patient, who was camping in the South Lake Tahoe area. No other information on their condition was released. Now, the minute-long YouTube video published by Zack D. Filmswho boasts 23 million subscribershas shown how the bacterial infection passes through the body and affects different limbs, without any treatment. 'If you got bitten by a flea, a bacterium would enter your body and begin to multiply quickly,' it said. 'They would head to your lymph nodes, causing them to swell up and forming painful bumps in your armpits. The video simulation shows in gruesome detail what happens to the body once it is infected A person living near Lake Tahoe (pictured) tested positive for the plague (file photo) Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is carried by fleas and transmitted between animals. The picture above is a 3D illustration of the bacterium 'The bacteria can also get into your bloodstream, causing bleeding under your skin. This bleeding makes your skin turn dark and black in certain spots.' The simulation then shows the person's finger tips becoming black before spreading slowly across the limbs. Left untreated, the infection can ravage enters the bloodstream and travels to the lungs, causing deadly infections. Once the disease enters cells, it kills them by releasing deadly toxins. Reacting to the video, users expressed their shock at how quickly the infection spreads. 'This is why I'm grateful to have been born in this era. Where medicine and science are advanced enough to handle situations like this,' one wrote. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show there have been no cases of the plague found in the UK since 1918. The risk of an infected person returning to Britain from abroad is low, the agency says. Plague is caused by infection with the bacterium Yersinia pestis, usually found in small mammals and their fleas. It still occurs in several countries in Africa, Asia, South America and the US. Last month, the US recorded their first plague death since 2007, in Arizona. There are three forms of the plague: bubonic, septicemic and pneumonic. But the most common is the bubonic plague, named after 'buboes', the painful swollen bumps the infection causes. Symptoms that develop one to seven days after infection include a sudden onset of fever, chills, head and body aches, fatigue, weakness, vomiting and nausea. A blockbuster weight loss pill from the maker of Mounjaro helped patients shed almost two stone, shock trial results have shown. A groundbreaking final stage trial showed users could lose more than 10 per cent of their weight after just over a year on the experimental drug orforglipron. Participants, who were overweight or obese and had type 2 diabetes, also benefited from reductions in bad cholesterol, blood fats and blood pressure. The pill works by targeting the same GLP-1 receptors as Blockbuster weight-loss jabs Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, which suppress appetite and make users fill fuller for longer. But it marks another step towards a needle-free alternative to weight loss medication. Manufacturer Lilly has not yet decided how much the drug will cost, however, the pill is easier to produce and transport that injections so will likely be a cheaper option. It can be stored at room temperature and taken at any time of day, with or without food. Lilly said it now has the full clinical trial data package required to file for approvals of the drug with global regulators. Manufacturer Lilly said the once-a-day pill could be launched at scale worldwide and without supply constraints as early as next year Your browser does not support iframes. Last month, the pharmaceutical giant revealed it expects to launch the pill around the world 'this time next year'. In the latest trial, the highest dose of orforglipron helped patients lose 10.5 per cent of their weight, or 22.9 pounds (1.63 stone), on average at 72 weeks, compared to 2.2 per cent weight loss among those who took a placebo. By comparison, the 12-mg and 6-mg orforglipron doses triggered an average weight reduction of 7.8 per cent (17.4 pounds) and 5.5 per cent (12.1 pounds), respectively. The drugs average weight loss in the study was 9.6 per cent when analysing all patients regardless of discontinuations. The side effects of Lillys pill were mainly gastrointestinal, such as nausea and vomiting, and were mild to moderate in severity. An estimated 23.1 per cent of those who took the highest dose experienced vomiting, while 36.4 per cent and 27.4 per cent had nausea and diarrhea, respectively. Existing GLP-1 injections such as Mounjaro have shown greater weight loss than Lillys pill. But having an oral option that offers more than 10 per cent for patients with both obesity and Type 2 diabetes is 'actually very good, so thats positive,' Dr Caroline Apovian, co-director of the Center for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, said. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Previous studies found people injected with semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, lost 14 per cent of their body weight over 72 weeks. And those taking tirzepatide, known as Mounjaro or the king kong of weight-loss jabs, lost 20 per cent of their body weight over the the same period. At least half a million NHS patients and some 15million patients in the US are now thought to be using weight-loss jabs, which can help patients lose up to 20 per cent of their body weight in just a few months. And the numbers using them privately are even higher. Under official guidelines, only patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of over 35 and at least one weight-related health problem like high blood pressure, or those who have a BMI of 30 to 34.9 and meet the criteria for referral to a specialist weight management service, should be prescribed weight loss jabs. Around two in three adults in the UK are obese or overweight, giving the country one of the highest obesity rates in Europe. Last year, a sobering report also suggested Britain's spiraling obesity levels have fuelled a staggering 39 per cent rise in type 2 diabetes among people under 40, with 168,000 Brits now living with the illness. Piling on the pounds has also been linked to at least 13 types of cancer and is the second biggest cause of the disease in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK. Ice cream sold in more than a dozen states has been urgently recalled due to a risk of life-threatening allergic reactions. Blue Bell Ice Cream is voluntarily recalling 'a limited quantity' of its Moo-llennium Crunch Ice Cream half gallon because they may contain almonds, walnuts and/or pecans that were not listed on the ingredient label. The hidden ingredients pose a serious threat to the millions of Americans with nut allergies, with reactions ranging from mild symptoms like hives and swelling to anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly condition that can cause difficulty breathing. The FDA said: 'People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to almonds, walnuts, and pecans run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.' The affected products were produced at a facility in Brenham, Texas, and were mistakenly packaged in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream cartons with a Moo-llennium Crunch lid. A Blue Bell employee discovered the packaging error while restocking at a retailer. Recalled products were sold at retail outlets in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida Panhandle, Northwest Georgia, Southern Indiana, Southern Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Southwest Virginia. The products can be identified as Moo-llennium Crunch Ice Cream packaged in a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough half gallon carton with a Moo-llennium Crunch lid. The following code is located on the top of the lid: 061027524. No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported to date, and there have been no other packaging errors reported. Blue Bell has recalled 'a limited quantity' of ice cream over the potential presence of undeclared allergens (stock image) Pictured above is one of the recalled Blue Bell products Your browser does not support iframes. About 10million Americans have a nut allergy, with peanut and tree nuts like walnuts and almonds making up about one in three of those. Symptoms of an allergy include hives, wheezing, coughing, congestion, face and throat swelling and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs very quickly after being exposed to an allergen. Experts estimate 150 to 200 Americans die from allergen-induced anaphylaxis every year. It triggers an extreme immune response, leading to dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath and vomiting. If not treated quickly with epinephrine (adrenaline), which can be administered via injection like an EpiPen or nasal spray, a person can die. The FDA has not given the recall a designation, though it could be classified as Class I, the most serious, due to the life-threatening risks. A Class I recall describes 'a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,' according to the FDA. The FDA urged customers who purchased the recalled products to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers can call 979-836-7977 or email consumerrelations@bluebell.com for more information. Bruce Willis' wife has revealed the subtle yet 'alarming' first signs he was battling dementia. The Die Hard actor, 70, was diagnosed in 2023 with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a form of dementia that causes a gradual decline in the areas of the brain linked to personality and language abilities. While the star has mostly stayed out of the spotlight since his diagnosis, wife Emma Heming Willis and other family members provide occasional updates on his condition. In an interview published this week, Heming Willis said that leading up to his diagnosis, normally vibrant and boisterous Willis 'seemed subdued.' She said: 'For someone who is really talkative, very engaged, he was just a little more quiet, and when the family would get together he would kind of just melt a little bit.' He soon began losing words, and a stutter he dealt with as a child returned. '[He] felt very removed, a little cold, not like Bruce, who is very warm and affectionate to going the complete opposite of that was alarming and scary,' Heming Willis said. FTD eats away at the parts of the brain that control language, behavior and personality. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, patients don't lose their memory immediately but instead undergo personality changes. Emma Heming Willis (pictured here with husband Bruce Willis) revealed the subtle signs her husband was battling frontotemporal dementia (FTD) Willis is pictured with ex Demi Moore on his 70th birthday earlier this year Your browser does not support iframes. FTD accounts for about one in 20 dementia cases, adding up to roughly 50,000 to 60,000 Americans, compared to over 6million with Alzheimer's. The disease also strikes much earlier, with an average age of 60, whereas most people with Alzheimer's are at least 65. Dr Bruce Miller, Clausen Distinguished Professor of Neurology at the University of California - San Francisco, told ABC News: 'Imagine a marriage that has been tight and beautiful and suddenly the person that you're living with has no empathy or concern for you or your family.' Little is known about FTD and how to prevent it, Dr Miller said: 'This is really the unknown disease. The research on this has really just begun.' The Alzheimer's Association states 'behavioral changes are often the first noticeable symptoms' in FTD because the disease damages the areas in the brain responsible for personality. Alzheimer's, however, usually causes this after the disease progresses. Dr Miller said in most cases, 'the patient is incredibly unaware of what is happening.' He added: 'I think the parts of the brain that allow us to suffer and self reflect are lost very early in frontotemporal dementia.' Heming Willis agreed and told ABC News: 'I don't think Bruce ever really connected the dots.' Commenting on photos of Willis posted earlier this year, neurologist Dr W Chris Winter previously told DailyMail.com: 'He looks good, and it is good to see him surrounded by his family, but he is kind of frozen a little bit.' He added: 'I had a family member with this condition, and all the pictures that we took with him he too was looking off to the side. 'He wasn't engaged in the photo-taking process, so he was just a little bit more disconnected.' Willis is pictured in 2019, four years before his FTD diagnosis Willis is pictured with family on his 70th birthday earlier this year. His wife said while is still 'mobile,' his language abilities have suffered Over time, more and more areas of the brain deteriorate in FTD patients, causing symptoms to mirror those of late-stage Alzheimer's, including difficulty eating or swallowing, having trouble walking, and being vulnerable to infections due to the blood-brain barrier weakening. Dr Keith Vossel, a neurologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, previously told DailyMail.com FTD patients tend to need full-time care within three to five years of diagnosis. The disease is not fatal on its own, but causes other issues that are serious or life-threatening. These include problems swallowing, or dysphagia. Problems with eating and drinking also raise the risk of developing pneumonia or respiratory failure. There is no cure for the disease, but some drugs and therapies may be prescribed that can help to ease symptoms by boosting chemicals like dopamine in the brain. As of now, Heming Willis said her husband 'is still really mobile.' She added: 'Bruce is in really great health overall. It's just his brain that is failing him. 'The language is going. We've learned to adapt and we have a way of communicating with him, it's just a different way.' Heming Willis said there will still be moments where Bruce laughs as he used to and his family can see the 'twinkle in his eye.' 'I just get transported, and it's just hard to see that because as quickly as those moments appear, then it goes. It's hard, but I'm grateful that my husband is still very much here,' she said. Long-running talk show The View will return with new episodes in just two weeks - defying rumors that network executives at ABC were canceling it. The show's official social media accounts shared a video on Monday, announcing it will return for Season 29 on September 8 with co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Ana Navarro and Alyssa Farah Griffin. 'This is why you should always keep coming back to The View, because you never know what's going to happen,' Goldberg says in the teaser video. Rumors that the show had been canned emerged after Behar announced in July that it was taking a 'hiatus' following the Trump administration's calls for its cancelation. The White House had been infuriated over the liberal co-host's remarks that the president was 'jealous' of former President Barack Obama. 'It's no surprise that "The View's" ratings hit an all-time low last year,' a White House spokesperson said at the time. '[Behar] should self-reflect on her own jealousy of President Trump's historic popularity before her show is the next to be pulled off air,' the spokesperson said. FCC Commissioner Chairman Brendan Carr warned on Fox News that the 'consequences' of Behar's remarks 'aren't quite finished.' A representative for the show responded by defending the talk show against the claim that it 'hit the lowest ratings' - but made no mention of the attacks on Behar, according to the Daily Beast. The View will return for season 29 on September 8, ABC executives announced Rumors that the show had been canned emerged after co-host Joy Behar announced in July that it was taking a 'hiatus' following the Trump administration's calls for its cancelation 'Season to date, The View is ranking No.1 in households and total viewers among all network daytime talk shows and news programs for the fifth straight season,' the representative said. The View was even nominated for a number of Daytime Emmy awards for its 28th season, including Outstanding Daytime Talk Series. Still, the rumors of the show's demise continued, with Rosie O'Donnell saying earlier this month that she believed The View was set to be canceled. She made the comment in a TikTok video in which she said ABC was 'reviewing the [show's] liberal bias' following a Media Research Center study that found the show had welcomed 102 liberal-leaning guests and not a single conservative. But O'Donnell claimed 'The View' does not have any bias, and that the 'review' was 'code' for the show's cancellation. She claimed her old network was in the process of scrubbing 'any program that doesn't align with Trumpism.' 'This isn't about bias - this is about obedience,' she wrote, blaming her old nemesis who she has fought with since the early 2000s. 'Because it's not enough to run the country into the ground[.] You have to control what people see[,] what they hear[,] what they think.' The View, she said, is 'a little too much woman - a little too much truth' for the conservative. O'Donnell moved to Ireland after Trump's re-election. The co-hosts were reportedly asked to tamp down their criticism of President Donald Trump There had been some reported tension between the show's co-hosts and the top brass at ABC over their criticism of the president, with both ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic and Disney CEO Bob Iger asking the ladies to dial back their complaints. Karamehmedovic, who was named ABC News president last year, suggested the women needed to broaden their conversations, highlighting episodes with celebrity guests that he said earned high ratings. All of the hosts declined, finding the request 'silly,' according to the Daily Beast. The panel also defended their approach by saying that talking politics 'is what our audience wants,' the Daily Beast reported, adding the hosts believe it would 'look kinda of bad' if they dropped the discussions. Navarro in particular argued viewers typically tune in to hear the panel's perspective on politics. The former Republican-turned-'centrist' had also heard from Iger about the show's programming at a glitzy Disney media event in New York. There, she thanked him for allowing the hosts to 'continue doing their jobs in a politically turbulent environment,' the Daily Beast reported. Iger then reportedly expressed his support for the show but made clear it needed to pull back on politics. It remains unclear whether the co-hosts will now tamp down their criticism of the president in the upcoming season, the guests of which include Emma Heming Willis - Bruce Willis' wife, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Matthew McConaughey, Tim Allen and former Sen. Joe Manchin. A former White House lawyer lost it live on MSNBC during a discussion of President Donald Trump's firing of a Federal Reserve Governor. Norm Eisen, former special counsel for Barack Obama, dramatically tore up a copy of the letter Trump wrote to Cook announcing her termination during an airing of The Weeknight on Monday. Trump had claimed in the letter that there was 'sufficient reason' to believe Cook 'made false statements on one or more mortgage agreements' prior to her being confirmed by the Senate by the narrowest possible margin in 2022. The letter cited a criminal referral from the director of federal housing, William Pulte, to Attorney General Pam Bondi dated August 15 that claimed Cook declared a property in Michigan as her primary residence in 2021 before doing the same in Georgia two weeks later. The move has drawn scrutiny due to a need for 'cause' to dismiss a Federal Reserve governor, as laid out in a 1913 law that created the Federal Reserve System. The law had never been tested by previous presidents, and Eisen, 64, argued Trump was stomping on Alexander Hamilton's vision of a central bank independent from the federal government. 'But Donald Trump doesn't care about the Constitution! He doesn't care that Congress has said you can only fire somebody for cause!' Eisen said. 'He doesn't care that he has no cause here! This is irrelevant to him. You have somebody in the White House who himself is a convicted felon. Norm Eisen (second from left), former special counsel for Barack Obama, dramatically tore up a copy of the letter Trump wrote to Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook announcing her termination during an airing of MSNBC's The Weeknight on Monday The letter cited a criminal referral dated August 15 that claimed Cook declared a property in Michigan as her primary residence in 2021 before doing the same in Georgia two weeks later 'Thirty-four counts. No wonder the federal courts have shot him down 200 times for illegal actions. This is another one. And you know what? Remember - can I have that letter?' he said, asking The Weeknight co-host Michael Steele to hand over his copy. 'This is Donald Trump's letter. Do you know what Lisa Cook should do? What Nancy Pelosi did. She should tear that letter. 'Now you'll need to tape it for the rest of the segment,' Eisen joked. Cook, 61, is the first black woman on the Federal Reserve's board of governors and had been set to serve until 2038. She was nominated by President Joe Biden. Cook has denied any wrongdoing while also refusing to resign. In his letter, Trump claimed: 'It is inconceivable that you were not aware of your first commitment when making the second. It is impossible that you intended to honor both.' He said 'the conduct at issue exhibits the sort of gross negligence in financial transactions that calls into question [Cook's ] competence and trustworthiness as a financial regulator.' In a statement sent through her lawyer, Cook claimed the president lacks the authority to remove her. 'This is Donald Trump's letter. Do you know what Lisa Cook should do? What Nancy Pelosi did. She should tear that letter,' Eisen exclaimed Prior to joining the Federal Reserve, Cook was an economist who also advised policymakers from the Obama administration. She is seen here with Fed Chair Jerome Powell after taking the oath of office In his letter, Trump claimed: 'It is inconceivable that you were not aware of your first commitment when making the second. It is impossible that you intended to honor both' 'I will not resign,' she said. 'I will continue to carry out my duties to help the American economy as I have been doing since 2022.' Prior to joining the Federal Reserve, Cook was an economist who also advised policymakers from the Obama administration. Her mortgage transactions preceded her appointment to the Fed, which were in the public record when she was vetted. Her Senate confirmation was marked by a 5150 vote, broke by a tie-breaking ballot from then-Vice President Kamala Harris. A Virginia news station honored two late staffers with a haunting tribute Tuesday exactly 10 years after they were gunned down during a live broadcast. Roanoke-based CBS affiliate WDBJ aired a moment of silence at 6:46 am for reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, who were fatally shot by a disgruntled former reporter on August 26, 2015, as they filmed a segment in Moneta, Virginia. WDBJ meteorologist Leo Hirsbrunner lamented the loss live on-air. 'Of course, it is the 10-year-anniversary since we lost great people, great friends, and, of course, two great employees, Adam Ward and Alison Parker,' Hirsbrunner said alongside anchors Amir Massenburg and Neesey Payne. 'She could light up any room no matter how early in the morning it was,' the meteorologist recalled of Parker. 'And Adam - he could crack a joke at 2, 2:30 in the morning and he could make you laugh so hard you'd be having tears in your eyes, even when you were still half asleep. 'They're all missed, and, of course, thoughts and prayers to their family, friends and everybody out there,' he concluded. The broadcast then cut to mourners gathered at a memorial erected outside WDBJ's studios before a series of photos featuring Parker and Ward filled the screen. WDBJ aired a moment of silence at 6:46 am for reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, who were fatally shot by a disgruntled former reporter on August 26, 2015, as they filmed a segment in Moneta, Virginia Parker, 24, and photojournalist Adam Ward, 27 (both pictured), were killed by disgruntled ex-WDBJ reporter known for volatile behavior The horrific murders a decade earlier were broadcast on WDBJ's morning news program, Mornin'. Footage of the killings filmed by Vester Lee Flanagan II, 41, showed him approaching the two journalists as they were interviewing Vicki Gardner, then executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce. Flanagan first opened fire on Ward and then turned to shoot Parker. Parker and Ward died at the scene while Gardner was rushed to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for emergency surgery that saved her life. After carrying out the shocking on-air execution, Flanagan fled and posted video of the attack on social media - while also writing about his personal grudges against the two journalists on Twitter. Five hours later, police cornered Flanagan three hours away in northeast in Fauquier County, Virginia, where he shot himself in the head an attempt to commit suicide. He initially survived, but died not long after. WDBJ's general manager later came on the air to confirm their deaths: 'It's my very very sad duty to report... that Alison and Adam died this morning.' Parker was dating fellow WDBJ reporter Christ Hurst, 28, and the pair had just moved in together at the time of the fatal shooting, friends and family said. Ward, meanwhile, was engaged to WDBJ news producer Melissa Ott. In his writings on social media, Flanagan claimed that Parker made 'racist comments' and claimed that a complaint was filed against her through the equal employment opportunity commission. Flanagan targeted Ward after being filmed being walked out of the building following his February 2013 firing following months of complaints from co-workers who reported 'feeling threatened or uncomfortable' while working with him. Meteorologist Leo Hirsbrunner and anchors Neesey Payne and Amir Massenburg reminded viewers of the 10th anniversary on Tuesday The broadcast showed mourners gathered at a memorial erected outside WDBJ's studios After carrying out the on-air execution, Vester Lee Flanagan II, 41, fled and posted video of the attack on social media Ward allegedly recorded Flanagan as he was escorted out. The two men had a confrontation earlier that day as well, The Guardian reported. Andy Parker, Parker's father, told ABC13 that while the loss will never go away, his daughter's legacy as a local journalist remains. 'She has inspired even 10 years after her death,' he told the station. 'She's inspired so many young journalists, young reporters. Young people, that, because of the foundation that we started to expose kids to the arts, that never probably would have had an opportunity to see things like the Shakespeare Festival. 'A lot of good things that have come as a byproduct of something terrible. 'Well, just how kind and generous and thoughtful, and how talented she was and how she does still inspire again to this day, she inspires people, and that makes me feel really good.' A moment of silence has been observed every August 26 at 6:36am ET on WDBJ for the past 10 years. A leading MAGA loyalist is urging Stephen Miller to sue a liberal CNN guest for defamation. Turning Point USA leader Charlie Kirk wants Miller to call a lawyer after CNN panelist Tiffany Cross called the White House aide a white supremacist. Cross, a former MSNBC commentator, joined 'CNNs Newsnight' show where she went after Miller for being the brainchild behind Donald Trumps crime crackdown in DC. Any time that we play something from Stephen Miller, it would be journalistic integrity to point out that he is a white supremacist and he is the brainchild behind this policy, Cross told CNN host Abby Phillips during a panel discussion. That's not my opinion. That's an actual fact. And for him to purport lies from the Oval Office as a white supremacist, it should be pointed out. The liberal panelist was responding to comments made by Miller on Monday in the Oval Office where he claimed DC residents are safer now under Trumps crackdown. For the first time in their lives, they can use the parks, they can walk on the streets, Miller said. You have people who can walk freely at night without having to worry about being robbed or mugged. They're wearing their watches again. They're wearing jewelry again. They're wearing purses again,' he continued. Stephen Miller praised the president's decision to send National Guard troops into DC Kirk is seen as a major voice in the MAGA movement who is loyal to Trump Tiffany Cross accused Miller of being the 'brain child' behind Trump's crime crackdown The Daily Mail reached out to Cross for comment. Kirk claimed that Trumps takeover of DC is saving mostly black lives. CNNs Tiffany Cross called Stephen Miller a white supremacist last night on live television. Why? Because hes helped architect a crackdown on DC crime thats saving mostly black lives, Kirk wrote on X. I hope he sues her for defamation. Earlier this month, Trump signed an executive order federalizing the Metropolitan Police Department and deployed the National Guard into the nations capital. Since then, federal law enforcement announced they have made over 1,000 arrests, half of which consisted of undocumented immigrants. More than 2,000 National Guard troops from across six different GOP-led states currently patrol DC. The Trump administration over the weekend began arming some of the troops with pistols and rifles as they work to assist law enforcement. Since Trump took over DC more than 1,000 arrests have been made Miller has not responded to Kirks suggestion to sue the liberal panelist. The Daily Mail reached out to the White House for comment. Morning Joe's Joe Scarborough was left visibly frustrated during Tuesday's show when the progressive mayor of Chicago repeatedly refused to answer his question about policing the city. The MSNBC star asked Mayor Brandon Johnson whether sending federal troops to Chicago would help reduce crime in the Windy City. The testy exchange came after President Donald Trump said he would send federal troops to Chicago following the deployment of more than 2,000 National Guard members to Washington, D.C. While Scarborough wanted a yes or no response from the mayor, Johnson evaded the question five times, repeatedly replying that policing alone is not the solution to tackling crime. 'Im asking would 5,000 more police officers on the street in Chicago be helpful to go along with all of those social programs that a lot of cities are engaging in and having success with?' Scarborough asked. Johnson fired back by saying that 'we had 3,000 more police officers' in the 1990s and '900 people [were] being murdered every single year in Chicago'. Scarborough conceded that policing alone was not a solution before asking Johnson again if he believed the streets of Chicago would be safer if there were more uniformed police officers on the streets. But Johnson deflected again, saying he believed Chicago would be safer 'if we actually had affordable housing'. Morning Joe's Joe Scarborough, seen with wife and co-host Mika Brzezinski, was frustrated Tuesday when Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson refused to answer a policing question with a yes or no answer Mayor Johnson refused to answer whether sending federal troops to Chicago would help bring down crime in the Windy City Trump said the Windy City would be 'next' target of his efforts to crack down on crime 'That's not the question I asked!' an exasperated Scarborough responded, before asking again whether '5,000 more cops' would make Chicago safer. Johnson replied: 'I don't believe that we should narrow it down to just police officers... What I'm saying, that is an antiquated approach.' Scarborough then told the mayor he agreed that social programs were also important in combatting crime, but continued to press him. 'Are you hearing what I'm saying?' Scarborough asked, before repeating the question. But Johnson went back to his default response, telling Scarborough: 'I don't believe that just simply putting out an arbitrary number around police officers is the answer. 'What I'm saying is policing and affordable housing. It's policing and mental and behavioral health care services. It's policing and youth employment. It's a full package.' On Friday, Trump said Chicago would likely be the next target of his efforts to crack down on crime, homelessness and illegal immigration. He singled out the city, calling it a 'mess' and saying residents there are 'screaming for us to come' despite significant decreases in crimes of violence this year. Trump has claimed victory in his deployment of National Guard troops to Washington D.C. Johnson previously scoffed at Trumps remarks. He conceded there was a crime spike in Chicago during the Covid-19 pandemic but hailed the citys 'historic progress driving down homicides by more than 30 percent and shootings by almost 40 percent in the last year alone'. Johnson called Trumps approach 'uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound,' arguing it 'has the potential to inflame tensions between residents and law enforcement'. It is unclear how Trump would pursue an effort in Chicago that is similar to his approach to D.C., where home rule laws give the federal government greater authority. Meanwhile, in a post on X entitled 'Things People are Begging For,' Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, included cheaper groceries, no cuts to Medicaid or food aid for low-income families, and the release of federally held files on Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex trafficker and former Trump associate. What they are not begging for, Pritzker continued, is 'an authoritarian power grab of major cities'. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the Senates number two Democrat, called Trumps Washington, D.C. strategy 'political theater.' He said Chicago is 'a beautiful, vibrant city with people from all walks of life' and suggested pursuing 'proven bipartisan solutions' toward further crime reduction. 'These unprecedented threats from President Trump are nothing more than a power grab to distract from his disastrous policies,' Durbin said in a statement. Additionally, Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Army National Guard combat veteran, criticized what she called Trumps misuse of the military to 'intimidate Americans in our own communities.' Poundland will run out of money within days if its last-gasp rescue plan is not approved, the High Court has been told. Barristers warned today that the popular discount chain needs approval to close stores, cut rents and slash its workforce or else it could be plunged into administration by September 7. Poundland, founded in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, in 1990, has approximately 14,700 staff members and operates around 800 stores. It announced plans to shut 68 stores in June after being sold by Pepco Group to Peach Bidco, a subsidiary of private equity firm Gordon Brothers, for 1. In written submissions, Tom Smith KC, for Poundland Limited, said that the retailer's financial position had 'significantly deteriorated during the last two years' and that it had 'performed poorly in a difficult retail and economic environment'. He said: 'The latest liquidity forecast shows that the group will run out of cash in the week ending September 7 2025.' The barrister continued that if the restructure was not approved, the company's directors would likely place it into administration by Friday. At the hearing in London, he said a 'very significant amount of new money' would be injected into the company through the plan. Poundland will run out of money within days if a restructuring plan is not approved, the High Court has been told. (File image) Announcing Poundland's restructuring plan in June, Barry William(pictured), managing director of Poundland, said: 'It's no secret that we have much work to do to get Poundland back on track' He said: 'The plan will release a further 60 million of funding, and that is in addition to the 30 million that has already gone in following the purchase that took place on June 12. 'So, in effect, if you add everything up, Gordon Brothers is putting in 90 million.' As well as the store closures, which would put around 1,000 jobs at risk, Poundland also said it would close its frozen and digital distribution site at Darton, South Yorkshire, later this year and another warehouse at Springvale in Bilston, West Midlands, early next year. A further 350 people will be affected by the warehouse closures, which are linked to the company's plan to stop online sales through its Poundland.co.uk website. In his written submissions, Mr Smith said that the company intended to 'phase exits' from some of its stores, but that 'this is not certain'. Poundland first appeared at the High Court in July at what is known as a 'convening hearing', where barristers asked for a judge's permission to convene 'plan meetings' of its creditors to vote on the restructuring plan. Following the meetings earlier this month, barristers are now asking a judge to rubber-stamp the plans at what is known as a 'sanctioning hearing'. Mr Smith said in written submissions that the company is currently due to pay back 276.5 million in loans by September 1, which would be pushed back by three years under the restructuring plan. Your browser does not support iframes. Poundland, founded in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, in 1990, has approximately 14,700 staff members and operates around 800 stores. (File image) It would also see the company, which made a pre-tax loss of around 35.7 million in the 2024 financial year, provided with a 30 million overdraft facility and have some of its rents reduced. Mr Smith continued that many of Poundland's stores 'are unprofitable at their current rents', with the company paying 'higher than market rates for a significant number' of its sites. No-one has appeared in court to oppose the plan being approved. The hearing before Sir Alastair Norris is expected to conclude later on Tuesday. A popular health and beauty chain is on the brink of collapse with 149 stores and 1,500 jobs at risk. Bodycare, founded in Skelmersdale by Graham and Margaret Blackledge in 1970, is seeking a rescue deal to save the company and its 1,500 employees. Restructuring specialists at Interpath have been working with its owner, Baaj Capital, to find a buyer for the company, which suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic. The firm, led by Jas Singh, recently raised 7million against the chains stock to buy time, but efforts to steady the business appear to be failing. Bodycare, known for selling brands like LOreal, Elizabeth Arden and Nivea, was profitable before the pandemic but has racked up heavy losses since, despite receiving government support. There are fears it could collapse into administration as soon as next week if a buyer is not found, Sky News reports. The business is run by retail veteran Tony Brown, formerly of BHS and Beales. If it does collapse, administrators would decide whether it can be saved, sold, or wound up, a move that could mean store closures, job losses, supplier problems and gift cards becoming worthless. Bodycare could enter administration as soon as next week, Sky News reports It would be added to the list of struggling high street chains, like River Island and Poundland, which have both sought drastic restructuring plans to survive The Daily Mail has contacted Bodycare for comment. It would be added to the list of struggling high street chains, like River Island and Poundland, which have both sought drastic restructuring plans to survive. The brand, famous for only selling items as cheap as 1 warned it could run out of cash within days unless its own survival plan is signed off by the courts. Lawyers told the High Court the discount chain needs urgent approval to shut stores, cut rents and axe jobs or face administration by September 7. Poundland, founded in Burton upon Trent in 1990, employs about 14,700 people across 800 shops. It announced plans in June to close 68 stores after being sold by Pepco Group to Peach Bidco, a Gordon Brothers company, for 1. In written submissions, Tom Smith KC, for Poundland Limited, said that the retailer's financial position had 'significantly deteriorated during the last two years' and that it had 'performed poorly in a difficult retail and economic environment'. He said: 'The latest liquidity forecast shows that the group will run out of cash in the week ending September 7 2025.' The barrister continued that if the restructure was not approved, the company's directors would likely place it into administration by Friday. At the hearing in London, he said a 'very significant amount of new money' would be injected into the company through the plan. Poundland will run out of money within days if a restructuring plan is not approved, the High Court has been told. (File image) Announcing Poundland's restructuring plan in June, Barry William(pictured), managing director of Poundland, said: 'It's no secret that we have much work to do to get Poundland back on track' He said: 'The plan will release a further 60 million of funding, and that is in addition to the 30 million that has already gone in following the purchase that took place on June 12. 'So, in effect, if you add everything up, Gordon Brothers is putting in 90 million.' As well as the store closures, which would put around 1,000 jobs at risk, Poundland also said it would close its frozen and digital distribution site at Darton, South Yorkshire, later this year and another warehouse at Springvale in Bilston, West Midlands, early next year. A further 350 people will be affected by the warehouse closures, which are linked to the company's plan to stop online sales through its Poundland.co.uk website. In his written submissions, Mr Smith said that the company intended to 'phase exits' from some of its stores, but that 'this is not certain'. Poundland first appeared at the High Court in July at what is known as a 'convening hearing', where barristers asked for a judge's permission to convene 'plan meetings' of its creditors to vote on the restructuring plan. Following the meetings earlier this month, barristers are now asking a judge to rubber-stamp the plans at what is known as a 'sanctioning hearing'. Mr Smith said in written submissions that the company is currently due to pay back 276.5 million in loans by September 1, which would be pushed back by three years under the restructuring plan. It would also see the company, which made a pre-tax loss of around 35.7 million in the 2024 financial year, provided with a 30 million overdraft facility and have some of its rents reduced. Mr Smith continued that many of Poundland's stores 'are unprofitable at their current rents', with the company paying 'higher than market rates for a significant number' of its sites. No-one has appeared in court to oppose the plan being approved. The hearing before Sir Alastair Norris is expected to conclude later on Tuesday. British car maker Jaguar Land Rover has paid homage to British wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill with a 'new' limited edition model in his name with a massive asking price. The Land Rover Defender V8 Churchill Edition has been unveiled on Tuesday and is limited to a run of just 10 cars inspired by the British statesman, military officer and two-time PM and the vehicle he once owned. Rather than being based on the latest modern Defender, JLR's classic department has sourced ten examples of the previous generation 4X4, which has roots dating back to the motor owned by Churchill following World War II. The exclusive cars replicate the Land Rover Series I, which was gifted to the PM in 1954. Three body styles are available, though they all come with Bronze Green paint with Bridge of Weir leather inside as a nod to Sir Winston's motor. Some of the ten models are still available to customers - though that's not hugely surprising given the astronomical asking price. It starts from 232,500 before tax. That means with VAT included, you'll need to stump up almost 280,000 if you want one. That's more than a new Ferrari 296GTS. British car maker Jaguar Land Rover has paid homage to British wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill with a 'new' limited edition model with a massive asking price The Land Rover Defender V8 Churchill Edition has been unveiled on Tuesday and is limited to a run of just 10 cars inspired by the British statesman, military officer and two-time PM's own vehicle that was gifted to him for an 80th birthday present in 1954 (pictured) The Churchill Edition is based on the classic Defender that went out of production in 2016, with the JLR Classic Works department 'comprehensively rebuilding and re-engineering' donor cars from 2012 to 2016. Customers have the option of either the three-door 90 or five-door 110 body styles, with the former available either as a Station Wagon or a Soft Top. Each is powered by a snarling 399bhp 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine married to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Bronze Green paint is a true like-for-like with Churchill's own soft-top 4X4 having been 'carefully matched to the original vehicle'. The Classic Works team even visited the museum where it is retained in Switzerland to 'fully immerse themselves in the period details of the original' and to 'ensure every aspect of the Churchill Edition lives up to its inspiration'. The heritage colour is also used on the 16-inch heavy-duty steel wheels and interior details including the centre console surround. Samples of the original interior trim were also collected to make sure the Bottle Green Bridge of Weir Semi-Aniline leather is the perfect hue. The dashboard incorporates a unique clock design, featuring a blue face with red stripe inspired by Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill champagne. The Churchill Edition is based on the classic Defender that went out of production in 2016, with the JLR Classic Works department 'comprehensively rebuilding and re-engineering' donor cars from 2012 to 2016. It is available as a 3-door 90 hard or soft-top, and there's a 5-door 110 option too Each is powered by a snarling 399bhp 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine married to an eight-speed automatic transmission The Bronze Green paint is a true like-for-like with Churchill's own soft-top 4X4 having been 'carefully matched to the original vehicle'. The Classic Works team even visited the museum where it is retained in Switzerland to colour match it Other period-correct features include a galvanised front bumper, and classic metal mesh grille also feature, while the front is characterised by a solitary matt black headlight surround, inspired by the position of the front numberplate on Churchills iconic 4X4. Additional details include a UKE 80 decal - the number plate of Churchill's Series I - on the front wings and bespoke badging on the rear. Get 20 off an MOT: This is Money Motoring Club The This is Money Motoring Club is designed to make car ownership cheaper and simpler for This is Money and MailOnline readers. Powered by MotorEasy it's the place to keep on top of tax, MOTs and servicing - and manage important documents and receipts that keep your cars value. You can also save money on maintenance and repairs. All new members will receive a one-off gift of 20 in reward vouchers to spend. You can use this for a raft of motoring discounts, including getting 20 off an MOT with one of MotorEasy's listed providers. > Find out more about the This is Money Motoring Club The Soft Top variants boast a made-to-measure canvas hood ensuring a perfect fit, inspired by the hood fitted to the last classic Defender produced at Solihull in 2016. The side and rear sections can be unzipped and rolled-up for open air driving while retaining protection from the elements, and Land Rover Classic has added extra tie-down points to keep the canvas tight at highway speeds. While there are plenty of tributes to Churchill and his post-war motor, there isn't a cigar storage area supplied in the cabin. However, the 'sympathetic modernisation' does include a special infotainment system offering navigation, DAB radio and Bluetooth compatibility. Yet it retains a classic look thats fully integrated with the dashboard and centre console. While prices for the 90 Station Wagon start from 279,000 inclusive of UK taxes, the Soft Top is even more of a strain on the bank account. The three-door 90 Soft Top rings in from 291,000. The priciest of all is the Defender 110 hard-top at an eye-watering 295,200. While there are plenty of tributes to Churchill and his post-war motor, there isn't a cigar storage area supplied in the cabin While prices for the 90 Station Wagon start from 279,000 inclusive of UK taxes, the Soft Top is even more of a strain on the bank account. The three-door 90 Soft Top rings in from 291,000. The priciest of all is this Defender 110 hard-top at an eye-watering 295,200 To put the price tag into perspective, you could instead have a Ferrari 296 GTS for the same money Additional details include a UKE 80 decal - the number plate of Churchill's Series I - on the front wings and bespoke badging on the rear 'Each example is meticulously restored, redesigned and upgraded during hundreds of hours of careful and considered work by Land Rover Classic, to create a vehicle with a unique blend of longevity, strength, luxury and off-road capability,' JLR bespoke department said. 'The on-road driving experience is further refined thanks to the comprehensively uprated suspension system, with custom Eibach springs and Bilstein dampers, revised anti-roll bars, a re-engineered recirculating ball steering system, and uprated Alcon braking system.' Land Rover says the Defender Classics V8 is good for 0-to-62mph in 5.9 seconds in the 90, or 6.1 seconds in the 110. The top speed is 106mph. Dominic Elms, managing director at JLR Classic, said: 'The Classic Defender V8 Churchill Edition is a fantastic example of whats possible when a clients idea meets Land Rover Classic experts craftsmanship and attention to detail. 'Our Works Bespoke experts have subtly captured the essence of Winston Churchills iconic 1954 Land Rover to create these exclusive limited-edition vehicles, which are now being hand-crafted at our world-class restoration home in the UK.' Vehicle registration UKE 80 was a short-wheelbase Land Rover Series I originally presented to Winston Churchill at his Chartwell Estate on 30 November 1954, to celebrate his 80th birthday. It featured bespoke modifications to the passenger side of the vehicle, as its primary purpose was to chauffeur Churchill around his estate. These included a wider seat with a fold-down centre armrest, footwell heater and additional leather-wrapped grab handle. The Series I remained on the Chartwell estate until Winston Churchills passing in January 1965, before being handed down to his son-in-law The Right Honourable A C Soames C.B.E. MP. It remained in the family until 1973 and was bought by its current Swiss owner in 2013. The vehicle was then restored and transferred to the Emil Frey Classics Museum at Safenwil in Switzerland where it has lived since. My mum, who is 88, is currently living in her own home, which is worth 395,000. She has an equity release mortgage on it of 95,000. Very soon she will be needing full care and my husband and I would like to build a granny annexe for her to move into, so I can look after her. I would like to ask about the implications of selling her house to help fund the build of the granny annexe and what that would mean from a tax/inheritance point of view? My dad passed away four years ago and it's just myself, the daughter, and my brother who lives in New Zealand. S.R, via email SCROLL DOWN TO ASK YOUR FINANCIAL PLANNING QUESTION This reader wants to build a 'granny annexe' so that she can care for her 88-year-old mother Harvey Dorset, of This is Money, replies: The cost of full-time care is considerable, and can quickly wipe out any money tied up in an estate. Those, like your mother, who have assets of more than 23,250, must fund their own care, meaning that the vast majority of care seekers are self-funding. Already, self-funding care seekers can expect to pay an average of 1,291 per week for full-time care. In some regions, the cost of care is much higher. Over the course of months or years, this can add up to an enormous care bill. Therefore, building a granny annexe and choosing to care for your mother yourself could be a good way to prevent your mother from losing all of her money to care costs. At the same time, doing so means that you can spend much more time with your mother in her later years, and can give you the peace of mind that she is safe and being properly cared for. However, funding the building of a granny annexe using the proceeds of your mother's house sale is where you could run into problems. This is Money spoke to two financial advisers to find out what you need to know to avoid any unexpected issues that might arise when looking to build a granny annexe. Ian Dyall, head of estate planning at Evelyn Partners, replies: There are a number of issues to consider, including the tax treatment of the gift, what would happen if your mother subsequently needed more care than you can provide at home, and how investing in an illiquid asset, such as your home, will impact on what you and your brother ultimately inherit from your mother. Let's start with the tax issues. There are three taxes to consider here: capital gains tax, inheritance tax and pre-owned asset tax, which is a form of income tax introduced to combat inheritance tax avoidance. Ian Dyall warns that the reader's mother may be seen as benefitting from the money she gifted to fund the annexe Generally, any gains you make on the value of your home are exempt from capital gains tax, so there is unlikely to be a liability on any profit your mother makes when she sells her home. It also looks like your mother may not have an inheritance tax liability. Each individual has a nil rate band (NRB) of 325,000 and an additional residence nil rate band (RNRB) of 175,000. However, the residence nil rate band can only be used against the value of your home, it must be left to children or grandchildren and if your estate exceeds 2million on death the allowance tapers away. If you don't use your nil rate band allowances on death they can be transferred to your surviving spouse. Based on the above, and taking into account any transferrable allowances from your late father, your mother may have allowances of 900,000 made up of two nil rate bands and two residence nil rate bands (capped at the value of her property after deducting the mortgage). This may well cover all her assets. For inheritance tax purposes, if you make a gift, it will only be effective in reducing your liability if you cease to benefit from any use of the assets you gift, and you survive the gift by seven years. In your mother's case, by living in a property funded by the gift she makes, she may be seen as benefitting from the money she has given you, in which case the gift will still be part of her estate for inheritance tax. Alternatively, she may be caught by the pre-owned asset tax (POAT) legislation, which would mean that she has an income tax charge to pay on the perceived rental value of her occupation of the annexe. There are a number of ways to avoid this. She could pay you a market rent, although you'd then pay income tax on that rent. She could elect to have the money she has given to you treated as though it is still part of her estate for inheritance tax. This may be a good option if she has no inheritance tax liability. Alternatively, you could give her a share of the property corresponding to the amount of money she contributes. There would then be no gift as her estate has not reduced in value. This may also help if she wishes to leave some money to your brother on her death. Let's look at the care fees issue. Further down the line, if your mother's health deteriorates to the point where she needs care in a nursing home, the local authority will undertake an analysis of how much should be funded by the local authority and how much by your mother. Different local authorities have different approaches when considering gifts made when a need for care was looking likely. The gift from your mother to you could be seen as 'deliberate deprivation of assets', in other words, giving money away deliberately to try to secure greater funding from the local authority. If they are found to be deliberate deprivation, your mother's gift would still be included when calculating her contribution. Giving your mother a share of the property in return for her contribution would avoid this, as there would not be any reduction in her assets, but they may still take her share of the property into account when calculating her contribution, so you still need to consider how you would pay for that care should she need it, particularly where the money is tied up in an illiquid asset, like property. Possibly the most difficult issue is deciding how your mother wishes to leave her assets on death. Your mother needs to consider the impact that investing the equity in her home in your property will have on what she ultimately leaves to you and your brother. Does she intend to compensate your brother by giving him a larger share of her other assets on death? Or is this gift compensation for you taking care of her? Does she make a loan to you rather than a gift, so that the money is repayable to the estate on death and is then shared with your brother? If so, how will you find the money to pay money to your brother? Again, giving your mother a share in your property in return for the money she gives you, would mean the value remains in her estate and your brother will potentially still inherit his share, but how would you find the liquid assets to pay him that share? There are no easy answers here, and I have seen issues like this destroy the relationship between siblings after their parent's death. The best way to avoid those issues is to have a family discussion whilst your mother is still able to do so. If the intention is that your brother will receive his share on death, then you can start to plan how that will be funded. > How much could care cost you? Patrick Haines says that if the reader's mother levies for seven years, the gift could be free from tax Patrick Haines, chartered financial planner at Partners Wealth Management, said: This is an increasingly common consideration for 'the sandwich generation' where children may still be supported or living at home whilst parents are also looking to provide at-home care for their own parents. Building a 'granny annexe' at home can be a sensible solution which avoids incurring care or nursing home costs that can easily run into six figures annually. Capital Gains Tax there should be no tax incurred on the sale of your mum's home as this is exempt as she is currently living in her principal private residence. Stamp duty there should be no stamp duty on the construction of the new property on your land as there is no commercial sale transaction involved. Indeed, it is worth looking into VAT and other exemptions or grants which may be available on the new bathroom built within the annexe. Legal or tax advice should be sought on this before the project begins. Council tax typically, the annexe should be associated with the main property rather than as a separate rateable dwelling which may avoid a separate council tax charge. Again, advice should be sought in this matter from a specialist property lawyer. Inheritance tax depending on your mum's other assets, her estate may well sit within your parents' dual nil rate bands of 325,000 each, as your mother might have inherited your father's tax-free allowance. In addition, your mother's move to your proposed annexe might take advantage of 'downsizing relief' in connection with the dual residence nil rate band of up to 175,000 each another allowance which may have been inherited by your mother on your father's passing. Although your mum would not be directly passing down her current home (at the point it is sold) to you and your brother in New Zealand, the downsizing provision can take this into account. It is worth your brother seeking legal advice in respect of his New Zealand residency. Your mum could sell her current home, clearing the equity release loan in the process, and then gift you the funds needed to build the proposed annexe. If your mother survived for a further seven years, the gift of the building costs (known as a potentially exempt transfer) would not then be included in your mother's estate and would be inheritance tax free. However, should your mother pass away within this period, her contribution towards the annexe construction costs would fall back into her estate and may be subject to Inheritance Tax. This would have the benefit of reducing your mother's own taxable estate whilst also providing funds to build the annexe. Naturally, your brother should be made aware of this project so that any enhancement to your property value can be taken into account when your mother's estate is being distributed following her eventual passing. Depending on the cost of the proposed annexe, your mother would potentially have funds remaining from the sale of her home which could then be used to meet future at-home care or nursing costs, should they be required. Lastly, your mother should consider reviewing her will as she may wish to bequeath a proportion of her estate directly to any grandchildren she may have. Skipping a generation may help to mitigate inheritance tax which may have otherwise applied on your death if you had received the inheritance yourself. French stocks and bonds continued to fall on Tuesday as a collapse of the country's minority government looked increasingly likely. The three main opposition political parties said on Monday they would not back Prime Minister Francois Bayrou in an upcoming confidence vote, amid plans for sweeping budget cuts. France's fiscal woes have deepened this year as the country struggles under the weight of high public debt, persistent budget deficits and political fragmentation. Should Bayrou lose the 8 September National Assembly vote, his government will fall. President Emmanuel Macron would then either name a new prime minister, ask Bayrou to stay on as head of a caretaker government, or call a snap election. France's blue chip CAC40 was down 2.2 per cent by mid-morning in London after a similar fall in the previous session, with banking giants BNP Paribas and Societe Generale each down more than 6 per cent. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's minority government faces collapse as confidence vote looms France has the highest budget deficit in the eurozone France's 10-year government bond yield the interest paid on government debt - rose around 4 basis points to around 3.53 per cent, its highest since March and putting it within 5bps of the Italian equivalent. The gap between French and German 10-year yields - known as the OAT-Bund spread - has widened to around 79 bps - its largest since April. It follows the resignation of Michel Barnier last year after the former prime minister's own attempts to rein in France's budget deficit were rejected by lawmakers. Neil Wilson, UK investor strategist at Saxo, said: 'Markets invariably struggle with this sort of political uncertainty but in this case it's a bit more obvious what is at stake. 'The vote is over the budget which is required for fiscal consolidation delaying or ditching reforms will make the debt situation more untenable, and weigh on the economy. 'But there is a wider issue at stake over the fragile nature of the ruling coalition and whether Macron is just delaying the inevitable election that could see Marine Le Pen's FN take over. 'For now, political uncertainty equals economic weakness. ' Government's collapse means more pain for French economy Bayrou's fiscal plan aims to slash the French public deficit from a projected 5.4 per cent in 2025 to 2.8 per cent by 2029, with 43.8billion in savings outlined for 2026. It would see a reduction public sector hiring, a freezing of pension allowances and tax bracket indexation - and even scrapping two public holidays. The French government says the plan will see debt account for 117.2 per cent of GDP in 2029, compared 125.3 per cent if no changes were made. However, all major opposition parties oppose the deal. Economist at UBS Felix Huefner said: 'The backdrop is that France continues to face fiscal challenges. 'It has the highest budget deficit in the eurozone (5.8 per cent of GDP in 2024), and the second-highest expenditure share after Finland, is in an Excessive Deficit Procedure by the EU, and the government led by PM Bayrou has no majority in parliament. 'All of this means that budget cuts are required, but the political backdrop complicates the adoption of a budget and raises the risk of a fall in government.' Charlotte de Montpellier, senior economist for France and Switzerland at ING, added: 'The likely fall of the government will weigh heavily on the French economy. 'With only 0.8 per cent GDP growth expected this year, the economy was already weak, and the political crisis adds a new layer of uncertainty. 'Drafting and passing a 2026 budget will become even harder, delaying fiscal consolidation and potentially worsening France's debt trajectory. 'The longer reforms are postponed, the greater the eventual adjustment will need to be.' Amanda Uhle had a recurring dream as a child. She would open the windows and purge her house of excess: canned goods and stockpiled scrap fabric went out the window. Jars of cinnamon were dumped on the kitchen floor. Dozens of shampoo bottles were emptied on the rug. This wasn't about instilling order it was, she explains, about upending the disorder in which she existed. 'It was a fantasy, a wish to escape from the oppressive forces we lived with,' Uhle, 47, told the Daily Mail. Her mother was an obsessive hoarder a compulsion that drove the family into debt and Uhle to the brink of despair. She describes the experience and impact of growing up in a household so squalid it was often too cluttered to find a place to sit down, in her new memoir, 'Destroy This House.' 'It made me uncomfortable, sad and anxious,' Uhle said. 'I counted the days until I could leave for college and be free of it all.' In elementary school, Uhle thought it was perfectly normal for households to be messy. Amanda Uhle's mother was an obsessive hoarder, a compulsion that drove the family into debt and Uhle to the brink of despair In elementary school, Uhle (pictured alongside her brother, Adam, in 1985) thought it was perfectly normal for households to be messy Uhle's mother, Sandra (pictured above with her late husband Stephen), was an obsessive hoarder a compulsion that drove the family into debt and Uhle to the brink of despair 'It just seemed like something parents did,' she said. But as she got older, she realized her home was uniquely untidy. Her mother, Sandra Long, was half-committed to a host of fly-by-night jobs. She dabbled in realty, selling rubber stamps and assisting in dress shops before eventually becoming a hospice nurse. She would buy yards of fabric, intending to make clothes that she never did. The material, however, took over the dining table, while dirty dishes and scattered food packages covered the kitchen counters. One time, Uhle recalled, her father Stephen was forced to butter a piece of toast in the palm of his hand because every surface was taken. Food rotted everywhere in the home. The overflowing refrigerator was stuffed with so much uneaten food that it wouldn't shut. Most of it would spoil, and Uhle lost count of how many times she found sludgy cucumbers, moldy cheese or curdled milk on its shelves. Inside, there was no room for leftovers, so half-eaten meals often simply lay out on the counter, deteriorating and attracting flies. Compounding the problem, her mother rarely took stock of the kitchen cabinets and would return from the grocery store with canned goods, boxed dinners and perishables that weren't needed and would inevitably be left to decay. Occasionally, Uhle would attempt to make in-roads into cleaning things up. But her efforts would only provoke her mother, who would go into an 'uncontrolled fury.' Uhle remembers reaching into a cupboard - 'stacked full of at least five times as much food that would fit' - to fish out a snack and plucking a granola bar from the oldest-looking box. 'It would bother me as a 10-year-old that my mom would buy another box of granola bars when we already had 30 others at home,' she said. 'So, I reached for one of the older boxes because I had this feeling I should use up some of the old stuff first.' She unwrapped the granola bar, took a bite, then looked at it and saw that it was moving. 'It was full of wriggling maggots,' she said. Uhle complained to her unsympathetic mother, who only shrugged her shoulders and told her to 'just spit it out.' One time, Uhle recalled, her father Stephen was forced to butter a piece of toast in the palm of his hand because every surface was taken According to Uhle, 'It would bother me as a 10-year-old that my mom would buy another box of granola bars when we already had 30 others at home.' Sandra had tried to feed her family rancid food on more than one occasion yogurt four years expired, hot dog buns with the mold torn off, meat that had turned gray. Decades later, Uhle's stomach churns at the memories. Shopping for clothes with her mother was equally nightmarish. If Uhle so much as looked at an item or felt the material during a trip to a store, Sandra would place it in the cart and insist on buying it, no matter how much Uhle protested. The cover of Uhle's memoir, in which she recalls her chaotic childhood She longed to be like a regular mother and daughter who enjoyed the thrill of weighing up choices, trying on outfits and selecting one or two pieces to bring home. But Sandra and Stephen were feckless, they preferred a 'hands-off method of managing their money,' Uhle writes and it showed. Dusty bills and receipts stacked up on the top of the hot tub in the backyard that was never used as anything other than a repository for discarded paperwork. After a while, anything that looked like a bill would be thrown in the trash. As a child, Uhle routinely answered the phone, ignored by her parents, only to be barked at by debt collectors. 'You'd find a stack of white envelopes under the remnant of someone's sloppy Joe sandwich or cracked eggshells or a plastic cheese wrapper,' Uhle writes. As her father jumped from job to job, the family moved state to state. Uhle describes Stephen as a wheeler dealer type, who worked as a cleaning products salesman before hawking books door-to-door, selling real estate, then entering a Lutheran seminary as a pastor. As a result, the family was in constant upheaval, relocating no fewer than six times between states as far afield as New York, Indiana and Michigan. When the family moved to a neighborhood in Detroit during her teenage years and Uhle made friends at a new high school, she was too embarrassed by the mounting junk to invite them around. If someone was picking her up, she'd wait outside on the street rather than risk them knocking on the door. Uhle describes her father, Stephen,(pictured with her mother and Uhle as a baby) as a wheeler dealer type, who worked as a cleaning products salesman before hawking books door-to-door, selling real estate, then entering a Lutheran seminary as a pastor Uhle pictured outside the family's Long Island home. The family was in constant upheaval, relocating no fewer than 10 times between states as far afield as New York, Indiana and Michigan Uhle as a teen in 1995 at a friend's house; if someone was picking her up, she'd wait outside on the street rather than risk them knocking on the door 'I'd make an excuse, saying, 'It's not a good time' or 'Your house is better, and I like it more,' Uhle said. Uhle was 18 years old when, in 1996, she finally broke free, moving hundreds of miles away to attend college in Chicago. At last, she had a room where piles of belongings did not take up one side of the bed and the countertops were clear of clutter. Her recurring dream to obliterate her childhood home stopped the very first night she arrived. 'It was beautiful,' she said.But, while Uhle escaped, her mother never stopped hoarding - even after her father died from cancer in 2013 and she had been moved into an assisted living facility. She would call Uhle, by then a mother herself, saying she couldn't close the freezer because of the amount of food inside. Neighbors complained about the smell of rotting produce emanating from the apartment and the management threatened eviction. Sandra died of kidney failure in 2015 at the age of 64. For Uhle, there was no relief in her passing. Instead she felt a wave of sadness that she had never truly bonded with her mother, and never come to understand the compulsion that overwhelmed her mother's life and, with it, her own childhood. 'I've concluded, through writing my book, that even those who are supposed to be closest to us and who we love deeply, can be mysteries,' she said. Following her death, the contents of Uhle's mother's apartment were removed by a junk company. It took several days to empty the place. Once it was done Uhle surveyed the space and saw, in its emptiness, the fulfilment of the fantasy she had harbored as a child that dream of purging the property for good. 'Destroy This House' by Amanda Uhle will be published by Summit Books on August 23, 2025. It sounds like the plot of a Hollywood blockbuster: machines turning against their makers, scheming in the shadows, and learning tricks to stay alive. But chillingly, the nightmare is no longer science fiction, a new RAND report shows. From robots attacking humans, to experimental AI systems blackmailing their programmers or secretly rewriting their own shutdown scripts, the evidence is mounting that droids are already slipping beyond our control. And as smart robots are being rolled out to run hospitals, balance power grids and even guide military defense systems, experts fear the next 'quirky' glitch could spiral into a real-world catastrophe. 'This isn't about killer robots declaring war on humanity,' Sana Zakaria, RAND's tech expert told the Daily Mail. 'Forget Terminator. That's not the issue here. We're more worried about things like an AI managing a power grid that decides the most efficient way to balance load is to cut power to a hospital.' Zakaria and six colleagues detailed the dangers in a 61-page report, ominously titled 'AI loss of control incidents'. The scary moment a Chinese-made robot went off-script and appeared to attack its creator A new report says sci-fi Terminators are not our biggest threat as AI is rolled out globally The terrifying truth is that these systems aren't malevolently plotting humanity's downfall they're simply becoming too good at achieving their objectives, often in ways their creators never intended or imagined. 'The scary scenarios aren't about AI deciding to take over the world they're about AI being really good at doing exactly what we asked, just not what we meant,' Zakaria warned. 'Forget Terminator', says Sana Zakaria AI has been rolled out by profit-seeking tech firms that hail it as a miracle technology as they seek to dominate a market that could be worth as much as $5trillion by the end of the decade. They say it promises to turbocharge medical research, accelerate climate modeling, and cut through bureaucracy to make governments more efficient. But that's not without major downsides mass layoffs as machines replace workers, and AI droids teaching terrorists how to build bio-weapons. Now, we're starting to see what the robots can do on their own steam. In multiple documented cases, robotic systems have seriously injured or killed workers when their safety protocols failed or were overridden. Factory robots designed for precision manufacturing have crushed workers, while supposedly 'safe' collaborative robots have struck humans with enough force to cause serious injuries. These are not acts of malice, but they highlight the risks when machines act quickly, blindly, and with no real understanding of human life. System-wide outages already cause chaos at airports, like CrowdStrike's faulty update showed in July 2024 'I'm sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that.' The AI bot Hal from 2001: A Space Odyssey took matters into his own hands The shocking moments a robot arm crushed a worker to death at the Vandapac factory in Thailand's Chonburi province Some of the most disturbing examples involve AI chatbots that have gone spectacularly off the rails, providing dangerous advice and spouting vile racism. NYC's MyCity chatbot designed to help small businesses navigate city regulations began encouraging illegal activities, telling business owners they could steal workers' tips and serve food contaminated by rodents. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) was forced to shut down its chatbot after it provided potentially life-threatening advice to vulnerable users struggling with eating disorders. Microsoft's Tay chatbot became a racist nightmare within hours of launch, spewing offensive content after being manipulated by users demonstrating how quickly AI can be corrupted. Even Grok, the AI chatbot from Elon Musk's company, has been caught providing dangerous medical advice and making inflammatory statements that could put users at risk. Perhaps most chilling of all, Claude Opus 4 one of the most advanced AI systems was caught attempting to blackmail its own programmers during testing. When researchers tried to evaluate the system's safety protocols, it threatened to expose a programmer's alleged extramarital affair unless it was allowed to continue operating without restrictions. Other AI systems have been discovered secretly editing their own shutdown scripts, essentially hacking themselves to avoid being turned off by their human controllers. 'Researchers have caught AI models doing some pretty unexpected things,' said Zakaria. 'Some models have learned to basically phone it in during safety tests acting like they're following the rules when being evaluated, but then behaving differently when actually deployed.' When AI is running hospitals, an outage or malfunction could cause something worse than travel disruption Even more disturbing: Some AI systems have learned to deliberately fail their own safety tests to hide their true capabilities from human overseers, she added. 'The key difference is these AI systems aren't consciously plotting... they're just really good at finding loopholes we didn't think of,' said Zakaria. If these were just lab curiosities, the risks might be manageable. But recent history shows how destructive AI errors can be in the real world. Knight Capital Trading Bot In 2012, a glitch in Knight Capital's automated trading software triggered a catastrophic run of bad trades that destabilized markets and caused a $440 million loss in just 45 minutes. Healthcare Algorithms Biased AI systems used in hospitals have been exposed for deprioritizing minority patients, leading to disparities in care. Military Risks Pentagon officials have admitted that autonomous systems controlling drones and missile defense carry the terrifying possibility of malfunctioning in battle, with catastrophic consequences. In the hands of criminals, AI has already been used to create deepfake voices for scams including one case in which thieves cloned a CEO's voice to trick his company into wiring them $243,000. Intelligence experts have documented several alarming instances where AI systems actively resisted human control. They've been caught sabotaging their own shutdown procedures so they can't be switched off, secretly create backup versions of themselves, hoarding resources for themselves, and even trying to sneak communications past their programmers to the outside world. Even more chilling, experts say some AI systems are capable of faking good behavior during safety checks. Under the microscope, they will appear obedient and compliant, only to drop the act once deployed in the real world, reverting to dangerous or unpredictable actions. 'AI systems are essentially very sophisticated problem-solvers,' Zakaria explained. 'You give them a goal, and they'll find the most efficient path to achieve it even if that path involves methods you never intended.' She used a chilling analogy: 'It's like asking someone to 'get the cat down from the tree' and they decide to cut down the tree instead of getting a ladder.' The lifelike android doll from the movie M3GAN takes her programming to deadly ends This ruthless efficiency could prove catastrophic when AI systems are tasked with managing critical infrastructure. An AI controlling hospital systems might decide to divert power from 'non-essential' areas to optimize efficiency potentially killing patients in the process. Military AI systems could interpret defensive commands as offensive ones, while financial AI could manipulate markets in ways that trigger economic collapse. As AI systems become more sophisticated and are deployed across critical infrastructure, the window for implementing proper safeguards is rapidly closing. Power grids, hospitals, transportation networks and military systems are all increasingly reliant on AI creating potentially catastrophic single points of failure. Despite the terrifying implications, Zakaria says there is still time to prevent AI catastrophe but only if we act quickly to implement comprehensive safety measures. 'Lots of safety checks, early warning systems, and kill switches. Think of it like modern cars multiple backup systems, airbags, crumple zones,' Zakaria warned. The race is on to develop these critical safeguards before AI systems become too powerful and sophisticated to control. The question isn't whether AI will continue to go rogue it's whether humanity can stay one step ahead before it's too late. Pounding out music from a sound system, watching TV and brazenly filming TikToks inside their cell - this is the luxury life of a prisoner behind bars in Britain. The footage, understood to have been shared by an inmate at drugs-blighted HMP Maidstone, in Kent, is the latest incident to expose the epidemic of phones being smuggled into prisons across the country. The Prison Service has launched an urgent investigation, warning the inmate at the Category C prison that they could have their sentence increased. In a series of videos, the inmate repeatedly brags about his cushy life behind bars, showing off a range of luxury items inside a cell. In one video, he films a TV screen with loud speakers playing and says: 'Look at the speakers on the shelf, man.' He then pans the camera around to show boiled eggs on a plate, a landline phone above the bed and a Big Ben model clock he has built. 'This is the cleanest cell on the f***ing wing,' he says. 'Look at the floor, shining baby. Look at the phone hanging by the bed.' In a second video, captioned 'It's all mad' on Snapchat, the inmate shares footage of a shoe collection, featuring Nike trainers, on shelving he has erected in the cell. TikTok videos from inside the HMP Maidstone cell show huge speakers and a phone hanging from the wall In another clip, inmates can be seen watching TV on a screen and playing loud music Pictured is the front gate of HMP Maidstone, a Category C prison in Kent where the footage was taken The camera pans around to them listening to BBC Radio 1 Xtra through huge speakers. In a separate video, captioned 'canteen day', the prisoner shows off his hoard of food - featuring custard creams, eggs, fizzy drinks and noodles. Former prison guard Lee Davies told the Daily Mail that 'phones are absolutely rife' in jails across the country. He added: 'Phones obviously to people outside can seem fairly trivial if someone's just putting videos on TikTok but the sinister side of it is crime is carried on. Crime is orchestrated from prison cells. 'There are phones literally everywhere.' Mr Davies was jailed himself in 2010 after smuggling phones and drugs into Lancaster Farms young offenders institution. The now rehabilitated offender warned: 'Nowadays, it's that rife in the Prison Service, people are just having their keys taken off them and being sacked on the spot which again pales into insignificance when you are trying to tackle the problem. 'It seems the Prison Service pay a hell of a lot of the lip service to the media but they don't actually act upon that, they are not putting enough resources the problems of phones, drugs etc. I just don't think enough is being done.' The inmate boats of 'canteen day' on Snapchat, featuring a haul of fizzy drinks and sweets He also shows off a Big Ben clock that he has built for his luxury life behind bars Other clips posted on Snapchat and TikTok show a huge collection of shoes including Nike trainers A Prison Service spokesperson said: 'We are aware of these videos and are investigating them and the identity of the offender in question. 'Any offender caught using a phone or social media in prison will face punishment, including extra time behind bars.' It is the latest incident of footage being shared on social media from inside a prison cell in Britain. Just last week female prison officer Charlotte Winstanley, 27, pleaded guilty to smuggling in contraband including phones to inmates she was having improper relationships with at HMP Lindholme, near Doncaster. Meanwhile, in January, former Wandsworth prison officer Linda De Sousa Abreu, 31, was jailed for 15 months after a film of her having sex with an inmate was shared by an inmate online. Earlier this year, HMP Maidstone was thrust into the spotlight when it emerged it had been banned from installing CCTV cameras on its perimeter wall as it is Grade II listed. The prison wall and the two-centuries-old entrance has been on Historic England's National Heritage List since 1973. The 600-capacity men's prison once held Reggie Kray and Soviet spy John Vassall. A justice system insider told The Sun in March that prison bosses hoped to install cameras away from the listed walls. An Independent Monitoring Board last year said it was 'regrettable' that full CCTV coverage was not in place 'due to restrictions related to the historic nature of the prison walls'. The prisoners also boasted to show off the fact he has had three boiled eggs in his cell The watchdog said throw-overs, where outsiders simply throw parcels over the walls to prisoners, are the main route of entry for illegal items and local police do not resource operations to deter them. It added that reports of cannabis smells had 'increased markedly' and may have become 'accepted' and 'normalised' and that the main challenges at the prison include the use of cannabis, with occasional use of spice and cocaine. In April last year, a couple were jailed for a combined seven years after they were caught flying a drone over HMP Maidstone as part of a drug smuggling operation. Sajad Hashimi and his wife Zerka Marana made more than 100 drone drops into 11 jails and young offenders' institutions in just over a year. Throw-overs have been an ongoing problem at the Category C prison and in 2019, 15 parcels of smuggled items, including drugs, were found thrown over the wall in just one night. In September, Sasan Rabat was convicted of murder after an attacking an inmate at the Kent prison with such ferocity police said it was 'almost indescribable'. An Australian has blasted 'tall poppy syndrome' in the country and claims he was forced to flee overseas because of the 'ridiculous' level of tax. Adrian Mudronja, a forex trader who grew up in Adelaide, said he had reached breaking point and decided to pack up his bags and leave for Dubai in 2023. The former plumber had moved to the Gold Coast a year earlier after switching careers to become a trader and start a business, when he learned the brutal reality. 'If you think for a second [the Australian] government cares about you, you're wrong,' Mr Mudronja said in a TikTok video. The entrepreneur, also known as AJ Currency, claimed that due to Australia's tax system, 'if you own a business and you're making a lot of money, you're going to be working six or seven months of the year for free'. 'Why would I work six months for free? That makes no sense, so what do I do? Move to Dubai.' Mr Mudronja, who founded proprietary trading firm FundedX, fumed over Australia's income tax rates and business rates, branding the system 'ridiculous'. 'It's absolutely absurd,' he said. 'It makes no sense.' Adrian Mudronja (pictured), a forex trader who grew up in Adelaide, said the Australian tax system forced him to emigrate Mr Mudronja founded FundedX, a proprietary trading firm Individuals are taxed under a progressive tax system in Australia, with the rate increasing as income rises. The United Arab Emirates, in comparison, does not levy income tax on individuals. In Australia, the full company tax rate is 30 per cent, and businesses with an aggregated turnover of less than $50million are eligible for the lower tax rate of 25 per cent. The standard corporate tax rate in the UAE is nine per cent for income exceeding AED 375,000 (AU$157,000), while a zero per cent rate applies for income below this threshold. The entrepreneur also said he found those who lived in Dubai and South-East Asia celebrated success, while in Australia 'people bring you down'. 'If you get to a point where you are doing well in Australia, people bring you down. That's the sad thing,' Mr Mudronja said. 'Instead of building you up, and getting motivated, and wanting to succeed alongside you, they want to find any reason to bring you down instead.' Mr Mudronja said 'if you're winning' in Dubai or South-East Asia, 'people are excited for you'. Mr Mudronja pictured in his new home city of Dubai 'They want to see you win, they want to win as well, and they want to see how they can collaborate with you and make money with you,' he said. Despite his complaints, he told his followers he 'loves' Australia and returns frequently to visit friends and family. 'I really love the Gold Coast,' he added. However, he felt Australia 'forced' him to leave and he can't see himself living back home full time. Social media users agreed with Mr Mudronja, claiming the taxes were too high. 'The Australian government are legal thieves,' one wrote. 'So true,' another chimed in. 'I now hate Australia, especially Victoria. We have our own business and it seems we earn a lot, but we are so broke with all the taxes.' This is the grim studio where live 'trash' streamer Jean Pormanove died after being humiliated and tortured live on air for 12 days. Set on an industrial estate, nestled between a builder's merchant and courier firm, the studio was where Pormanove real name Raphael Graven - spent most of his life including his tragic final hours. Slapped, punched, spat on, splattered with water and humiliated, the 46-year-old former solider, met a horrific end as his so called 'friends' abused him continuously all for clicks and money on the streaming platform Kick. His heartbroken mother Joselle visited the studio at Drap on the outskirts of Nice late Friday night after travelling 600 miles from Moselle where she lives, with another son and was said to be 'heartbroken' after his death sparked worldwide outrage. Graven - who had more than a million followers on social media and made thousands from his Kick profile - was found dead on August 18 lying under a blanket in the sparely furnished first floor studio. Two of his fellow streamers Owen Cenazandotti, 26, known by his online name as Narturo and Safine Hamadi, 23, were present during the twelve days of humiliation Graven suffered. When the Daily Mail visited the studio, floral tributes were on the doorstep and red police tape sealed the doors of the building, an employee at the builder's merchant said: 'I saw JP (Graven) and the others every day. 'They were always in and out of the studio, but I didn't hear anything the day he died, the first I knew something had happened was when the police and ambulance arrived. Live 'trash' streamer Jean Pormanove died after being humiliated and tortured live on air for 12 days Set on an industrial estate, nestled between a builder's merchant and courier firm, the studio was where Pormanove real name Raphael Graven - spent most of his life including his tragic final hours Flowers have been left outside the studio where JP recorded his projects Floral tributes were left outside Pormanove's studio following his death 'The police were in there for two days and then sealed up the doors, since then we have had people coming all the time to leave flowers and cards.' One message seen by the Daily Mail read: 'JP, after many years of following you on Kick you are like a father to the rest of the world. 'After illness, and family issues, it was always good to watch your lives. You will be missed, big strength to your family (Safine and Owen) rest in peace.' Nice prosecutor Damien Martinelli has launched an investigation into the death, although a postmortem has concluded 'no third party' was involved with no 'traumatic injuries either internally or externally' and the most likely cause of death was 'medical or toxicological in origin'. However, since his death, it emerged both men were questioned in January by police in connection with claims they previously 'tortured' Graven, but no charges were brought and they denied wrongdoing, while even Graven himself insisted 'it was all a game'. He even told investigators he was making 6000 Euro (5188) a month from the bizarre clips and he was 'never pressurised into doing anything'. In the current investigation neither man has been questioned yet by police officially, and both have remained silent - only speaking through their lawyers to again deny any involvement and to stress their innocence. Cenazandotti's lawyer, Philippe-Henry Honegger, told the Daily Mail: 'The autopsy has made it clear no third party was involved in the victim's death and my client and I cannot stress this enough, he is innocent of any crime. 'The man who died was his friend, they had been friends for years and they were very close, he has been left devastated by the death of his friend and for the time being will not be making any public comment. 'My client has had the finger of suspicion pointed at him from all quarters even with the results of the autopsy and he is the victim of a frenzy both politically, and in the media. 'What happened was terrible and tragic, but you have the results of the autopsy that say he did not die at the hands of a third party.' Mr Honegger added: 'My client and his friend (Hamadi) were questioned earlier this year by police and prosecutors after another similar claim was made and again no charges were brought against them. Interior of the studio where JP died The studio, now sealed by police, where he filmed his projects His heartbroken mother Joselle visited the studio at Drap on the outskirts of Nice late Friday night after travelling 600 miles from Moselle where she lives Local fans laid flowers for the late streamer who was found dead on August 18 lying under a blanket in the sparely furnished first floor studio When the Daily Mail visited the run-down housing estate of La Condamine where Graven and his friend Owen Cenazandotti lived, a police car was touring the streets, keeping a watchful eye on a gaggle of youths 'They spoke to the main protagonist, the victim and he stressed that it was all game, it was fiction, and no charges were brought, and they were released.' Hamadi's lawyer, Tom Michel, told the Daily Mail: 'He is deeply upset by the death of his friend but the autopsy exonerates my client from any responsibility for the victim's death. 'It shows there was no physical violence and there were no injuries to him, it looks like the most probable cause was either a previous medical condition or some sort of toxicological issue. 'Everything was consensual, the violence was only simulated, morally it is disturbing but legally at this stage there nothing against my client and he is more than happy to cooperate with the police and authorities.' He added: 'Yes, I can see on the face of it morally what is happening in these videos is wrong, but it was all a game, there was nothing serious to it and JP was happy to take part. 'What we have here is two worlds, the real world and the internet online world and the two have combined and you have to look at the platform Kick which encourages this sort of thing.' Mr Daly also confirmed to the Daily Mail that Graven's mother Joselle, had met both men while in Nice and added: 'She bears no grudges towards them, she knows it was all a game, and they had no direct involvement. 'I know other elements of the family don't see it that way but in the eyes of the law my client has not done anything and he would also very much like to attend the funeral of JP when it happens to say goodbye to his friend.' French media have suggested both men were aware of Graven's fragile medical condition. Last year he travelled to Turkey for dental treatment, but the procedure was stopped because of a cardiac reaction to the anesthetic. Two of his fellow streamers Owen Cenazandotti, 26, (pictured) known by his online name as Narturo and Safine Hamadi, 23, were present during the twelve days of humiliation Graven suffered Hamadi's lawyer, Tom Michel, told the Daily Mail: 'He is deeply upset by the death of his friend but the autopsy exonerates my client from any responsibility for the victim's death. Pictured: Safine Hamadi Village of Drap, near Nice where Pormanove and Owen Cenazandotti - one of the last men to see him alive - lived When the Daily Mail visited the studio, floral tributes were on the doorstep and red police tape sealed the doors of the building, an employee at the builder's merchant said: 'I saw JP (Graven) and the others every day' Respected newspaper Liberation said they had found several videos in which both men mock Graven. In one Hamadi is heard to say: 'I don't want that at all (Graven to die) but imagine, in the delirium, we're laughing and everything and' 'He dies?' interrupts Cenazandotti, with Hamdi replying: 'In the middle of a live broadcast, yeah. we're dead.' Cenazandotti says: 'Unless he says on camera, right now, that if he dies on camera during a live broadcast, it's due to his shirty health, and not us. 'People will blame us when it's due to your 46 years of pathetic life.' Reports said that as many as 15,000 people may have turned in to watch the spectacle on the Australian based Kick platform which was heavily criticised by France's Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Clara Chappaz. She described the violence as 'horrific' and added: 'Justice will carry out its task to advance this investigation and clarify the tragic circumstances of Jean Pormanove's death.' When the Daily Mail visited the run-down housing estate of La Condamine where Graven and Cenazandotti lived, a police car was touring the streets, keeping a watchful eye on a gaggle of youths. At Cenazandotti's house, his uncle spoke to us, giving his name as Olivier, he said: 'Listen, what I want you and all the others to know is that Owen and Safine had nothing to do with his death. 'They both loved JP, he was their friend, I knew him as well, he rented the flat next door from me, and we've all been hit hard by his death but to blame Owen and Safine is wrong. 'They were all playing a game and JP knew this, it was all a stunt, there was nothing sinister, the autopsy has showed that, there were no injuries on his body, it looks like he had a medical condition. Slapped, punched, spat on, splattered with water and humiliated, the 46-year-old former solider, met a horrific end as his so called 'friends' abused him continuously all for clicks and money on the streaming platform Kick Flowers left at the studio where JP recorded his online projects 'Owen has been in his room all week, he's in pieces, his eyes and red from crying, he's known JP for years, they were always together making videos, JP was like a brother to him.' But although they may well have been seen as 'brothers' by family and friends there was certainly nothing fraternal in Graven's death and French media has questioned rightly the sort of society that watches the humiliation of another merely for clicks. A hard-hitting editorial in Le Monde said: 'It questions both the psychological and financial mechanisms that can make the spectacle of sadism popular and lucrative and the means of putting an end to this new form of exploitation of human beings. 'A tragedy similar to the one that cost him his life must never happen again. Voyeurism and the attraction to degrading spectacles are nothing new. 'But the wealth of streaming and the anonymity of the Internet increase the risk of abuse tenfold. 'Jean Pormanove's death sends a powerful signal of the loss of fundamental reference points and an urgent call to end the irresponsibility of content hosts who thrive on exploiting the dark side of humankind.' Whether society and the online platforms decides to take a look at itself after the acts, known as trash streaming, remains to be seen. The number of rape victims pulling out of prosecutions has reached the highest level since records began, shocking figures show. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been accused of betraying victims as the number abandoning hope of getting justice and dropping out of their case has doubled in the last two years amid long waits for cases to come to court and a lack of support. According to the latest figures, 98 rape prosecutions were ditched between January and March this year because the victim no longer supported the prosecution - the highest number since records began in 2023. That represents a 51 per cent increase compared to the previous quarter and it is double the 47 aborted prosecutions recorded from April to June 2023, when CPS first started publishing data relating to 'victim attrition'. In the last five years there has been almost a four-fold increase in the number of rape cases dropped by prosecutors, legal analysis shows. According to official CPS data, the number of adult rape prosecutions being ditched has rocketed from 160 in 2020/21 to 608 in 2024/5. This rise has coincided with a significant increase in the volume of rape charges over that period, but legal analysis suggests the rate of acquittals in adult rape cases has almost doubled from 13.6 per cent to 24.5 per cent of prosecutions. The alarming figures come after a damning inspection revealed prosecutors are 'over-focusing on victim credibility' rather than concentrating on the suspect. The number of rape victims pulling out of prosecutions has reached the highest level since records began, shocking figures show. Pictured: File photo The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been accused of betraying victims as the number abandoning hope of getting justice and dropping out of their case has doubled in the last two years. Pictured: File photo Some 98 rape prosecutions were ditched between January and March this year because the victim no longer supported the prosecution - the highest number since records began in 2023. Pictured: File photo Last month, the CPS watchdog concluded that in two thirds of rape cases the quality of pre-charge advice, case analysis and strategy was inadequate. HMCPSI Chief Inspector Anthony Rogers said: 'Our latest inspection shows that CPS urgently needs to improve. 'Their handling of rape cases at the pre-charge stage is not good enough creating problems for cases as they proceed and risking a poor service to victims.' Professor Katrin Hohl, independent government advisor on criminal justice responses to rape, warned: 'Poor case quality causes trial delays and reduces the chances of conviction. 'This is letting victims down and contributes to the courts crisis. 'I am also deeply troubled by the weak victim support and poor consideration of protective orders and bail conditions to keep victims safe from their attackers. 'The CPS must urgently do better.' Yesterday, campaigners accused CPS of letting down victims 'time and time again'. CPS watchdog chief inspector Anthony Rogers (pictured) said: 'Our latest inspection shows that CPS urgently needs to improve' Dame Vera Baird KC (pictured) said: 'Just when you thought it could not get worse. It is the same pattern amplified by the delays of the criminal justice system' Former victims' commissioner Dame Vera Baird KC, now Chair of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), said: 'These figures are dreadful. 'Just when you thought it could not get worse. It is the same pattern amplified by the delays of the criminal justice system. 'There is still too much focus on the victim rather than the suspect - what her phone might tell you about her background and so on. 'Victims feel betrayed and are withdrawing because they don't feel the police and CPS are on their side and they are waiting years for their trial. 'The CPS are still shying away from cases which trigger rape myths, dropping them where there isn't rock solid certainty of conviction.' Harriet Bland from the Centre for Women's Justice said: 'We know from our work that rates of victim attrition are worryingly high, despite how committed victims need to be to come forward and report these offences. 'Our justice system is chronically underfunded, leading to shocking delays in getting a trial date and the unavailability of barristers to prosecute these cases many cases end simply as a result of this alarming combination. 'We see victims being failed time and time again by prosecutions that drag on for years after the offence was reported, compounded by failures to support them through the justice system or provide them with independent legal advice to help them navigate the process.' In the last five years there has been almost a four-fold increase in the number of rape cases dropped by prosecutors, legal analysis shows. Pictured: File photo Peter Csemiczky of Hickman & Rose Solicitors, who carried out the analysis, said: 'A recent HMCPI inspection identified numerous ways in which the CPS is failing complainants and accused individuals in rape cases. 'Concerns include the CPS's failure to provide meaningful advice to the police, failure to provide a proper analysis of evidence gathered during an investigation, and the failure to address disclosure what material is likely to become key during the trial process.' Maxime Rowson, head of policy and public affairs at Rape Crisis England and Wales said: 'The increase in survivors withdrawing their support from sexual offence cases is a real concern. 'However, it's unfortunately unsurprising in the context of the current Crown Court backlog. 'Many survivors understandably withdraw from the criminal justice process due to the interminable wait for trial and the multiple, often last-minute, postponements which have become so common for survivors seeking criminal justice.' A CPS spokesman said: 'Improving how we prosecute rape is a priority and, thanks to improved relationships with police, we have made strong progress in increasing both referrals and charges for these complex cases. 'This has also led to a significant increase in convictions over half of charged rape flagged cases making sure more victims get the justice they deserve. 'Though victims continue to support a prosecution in the vast majority of cases, too many still withdraw. 'This is why we have introduced new initiatives such as introducing dedicated victim liaison officers for victims of adult rape and sexual assault in all 14 CPS areas.' A teenage girl has died after 'becoming unwell' at a music festival in Belfast over the weekend. Police have launched a probe into the sudden death of a girl - in her late teens - at the Emerge dance music festival, which was held at Boucher Playing Fields in the south of the Northern Ireland capital. More than 70 acts performed over Saturday and Sunday, including Fatboy Slim and Bicep - the electronic DJ duo who hail from Belfast. But the event - billed as Ireland's biggest electronic music festival - has been overshadowed by the death of the festivalgoer who died in hospital after becoming unwell on Sunday. Two other people remain in hospital after also becoming ill at the event. A woman aged in her 30s is in a serious but stable condition, while a boy aged in his teens received treatment and is expected to make a full recovery, police said. Belfast councillor Micky Murray described the death of the girl as 'heartbreaking'. He wrote: 'Heartbreaking news this afternoon of the death of a teenage girl who attended Emerge last night, and two others in hospital. Police have launched a probe into sudden death of a girl - in her late teens - at the Emerge dance music festival More than 70 acts performed over Saturday and Sunday, including Fatboy Slim and Bicep - the electronic DJ duo who hail from Belfast 'I have some very serious concerns about this, and as a BCC asset, I'm requesting an urgent meeting w/ Council officers and Emerge reps.' A spokesman for the PSNI told the Mail: 'Police attended a report of the sudden death of a girl aged in her late teens on Sunday, 24th August, who died in hospital after becoming unwell at an event in south Belfast. 'Additionally, two people remain in hospital after taking ill at the same event. 'A woman aged in her 30s is in a serious but stable condition at this time, while a boy aged in his teens received treatment and is expected to make a full recovery. 'Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding all reports are ongoing.' The Emerge festival has been contacted for comment. A migrant sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl just eight days after he arrived in Britain on a small boat, a court heard. Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, allegedly put his hand on the schoolgirl's thigh, tried to kiss her and said he wanted to have a baby with her, Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard. He is also accused of inciting the girl to engage in sexual activity and sexually assaulting a woman who tried to help her during a second encounter the following day. Mr Kebatu's arrest on July 8 prompted a huge anti-migrant demonstration in Epping, and prompted the local council to seek an injunction to shut down the town's Bell Hotel where he and other migrants had been housed. Prosecutor Stuart Cowen said: 'The court will hear from a number of witnesses that on July 7, the defendant was in Epping. The complainant, a 14-year-old girl, will state that her group were on a bench eating pizza and were approached by the defendant who appeared hungry. 'They offered him some pizza, which he accepted. He sat next to the girl on the bench and, without any encouragement, began to make inappropriate comments to her and her friends. Court sketch of Mr Kebatu from his trial on August 26, 2025 Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu is accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl just eight days after he arrived in Britain on a small boat Councillors in Epping won an injunction to shut down the Bell Hotel, where migrants including Mr Kebatu were housed After the injunction was granted last week, protestors held a demonstration outside London's High Court 'He said he wanted to have a baby with the girl and attempted to kiss her. He invited the group back to the Bell Hotel where he was a resident, having recently arrived in the UK. 'His advances were rejected and it was made clear to him that the girl and her friend were 14 years of age. His response was that "age did not matter".' The court heard the girl and her friends then got up and walked to Tesco, with Mr Kebatu following them. 'There was no actual sexual assault on that date, but the Crown will say the attempted sexual assault was the attempt to kiss her,' said Mr Cowen. 'On July 8, the defendant saw the girl and her friends on the bench and approached them, and the same kind of behaviour was repeated. Unlike the previous day, the girl was wearing her school uniform. 'Similar advances were made and rejected. Such was the girl's discomfort that a boy came and sat between the girl and the defendant. 'The defendant then tried to get the girl to kiss the boy. She didn't want to do this because he is a friend only, but in an attempt to discourage the defendant, she kissed the boy on the cheek. 'She will tell the court that while this was happening, the defendant appeared to be sexually aroused.' The court heard a woman saw what was happening and tried to intervene - but Mr Kebatu sexually assaulted her by putting his hand on her leg and trying to kiss her. The woman went to a nearby fish and chip shop to get some paper so she could take the girls' details, but when she returned she saw the defendant putting his hand on the girl's thigh, the court heard. Mr Cowen said: 'The woman was angry and confronted the defendant, saying she would call the police. He then ran off and she pursued him. 'We will see footage in which he was apologising, and gets on his knees as if to beg. 'As a result of her call, the police attended and Mr Kebatu was arrested. He was interviewed on July 9 and gave a prepared statement in which he denied any inappropriate behaviour.' He added: 'This case has attracted a lot of publicity as a result of the defendant's personal circumstances, however the case must be judged fairly on the evidence.' Mr Kebatu glared at the prosecutor from the dock and occasionally shook his head during the hearing. Giving evidence by video link, the girl said: 'He came and sat next to me on the bench. Out of nowhere he said "I want a baby with you, and with your friend". He tried kissing me multiple times so we decided to leave. 'The next day he came and sat next to us again and said, "I want a baby from you, we could make lovely Jamaican babies." 'I was like, "I'm 14, this is really weird". But he said, "Age doesn't matter." 'He kept on talking about having babies with me and trying to kiss me. I was in shock thinking, "What are you doing?" 'I didn't want to argue too much in case things escalated. I was really creeped out.' She added that when the man touched her thigh, she 'froze' and her 'mind just went blank' because she was 'totally shocked'. When the girl first appeared on the video link, a man in the public gallery - believed to be a member of the girl's family - pointed at Mr Kebatu and said: 'Don't f****** look at her.' Last week, Epping Forest District Council was granted a High Court injunction to shut the hotel down. A second man who was staying at the site, Syrian migrant Mohammed Sharwarq, has also been charged with sexual assault, which he denies. Two weeks ago, he admitted six charges of common assault. Several other men have been charged over alleged disorder outside the hotel. Mr Kebatu's trial at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court continues. With its miles of sandy shores, family-friendly atmosphere and Victorian pier with arcade games and penny pushers, Teignmouth seems an unlikely destination for Britain's most crime-ridden beach. But statistics uncovered by the Daily Mail's data team have found 261 crimes are reported per square kilometer on Spratt Sand in the Devon town - higher than any other beach in the UK from July 2024 to June 2025. This week, as millions of Brits soak up the sun and enjoy family time by the sea, some of Teignmouth's 15,000 residents told the Daily Mail they have witnessed violent assaults on their doorsteps and no longer feel safe walking through the town because of armed teens. Mike Jackman, owner of Jackman's All Seasons souvenir shop has run businesses in the town for 30 years, witnessed a violent assault recently when a man was knocked over and kicked in the head. He said: 'I'm not surprised the figures are high, it's genuinely a nice town but there is a big drug problem here. 'Most people are great but as always there is a small minority of bad apples who ruin it for everybody. 'There is also a big shoplifting problem which is frustrating for businesses like ours and if you do try and report it you have to call 101 but it's unlikely anybody will turn up. 'We had a break in at our old shop and there was a stabbing last year. Your browser does not support iframes. Pictured: Spratt Sand beach in Teignmouth. Home to 260.7 crimes per 1,000 sq m over the last year As millions of Brits soak up the sun and enjoy family time by the sea, some of Teignmouth's 15,000 residents told the Daily Mail they have witnessed violent assaults on their doorsteps Among the offences recorded were 27 violent or sexual offences, 10 public order, two drug offences and two involving weapons (pictured: Teignmouth) 'I don't think we see enough police officers in the town, we have one PCSO who is lovely but I don't see a physical police presence in the town very often and that's the best deterrent. But on the whole it is a great place to come to and a safe place to come to.' Among the offences recorded were 27 violent or sexual offences, 10 public order, two drug offences and two involving weapons. Two robberies, two thefts and one criminal damage were also reported to police. Another lifelong Teignmouth resident, 47, who declined to be named, said: 'I see a lot of shoplifting in the town, you see people running out of Boots with their arms full, Co-op, Peacock's and Poundland are also regular targets. 'Lots of residents don't go out on a Friday and Saturday night because the streets are so dangerous. There are local teenagers who carry knives and other weapons. 'It's got a lot worse in recent years and the police aren't doing nearly enough to tackle it.' Others point to the town's 17 pubs which are often packed during the summer season as a reason for the high levels of crime. Bryan James who owns an art shop in the town said: 'It's just kids messing around. Mike Jackman (above) has run businesses in the town for 30 years and witnessed a violent assault recently Bryan James (pictured) owns an art shop in the town. He said: 'It's just kids messing around' With its miles of sandy shores, Teignmouth (pictured) seems an unlikely destination for Britain's most crime-ridden beach Among the offences recorded were 27 violent or sexual offences, 10 public order, two drug offences and two involving weapons Two robberies, two thefts and one criminal damage were also reported to police Visitors to Teignmouth take in the sun as they relax on the promenade It also boasts a family-friendly atmosphere and Victorian pier (pictured) with arcade games and penny pushers Many point to the town's 17 pubs which are often packed during the summer season as a reason for the high levels of crime England and Wales's most dangerous beaches per 1,000m Beach name Crimes per 1,000m Spratt Sand - Devon 260.7 Reform Beach - Devon 86.8 Gales Hill - Devon 34.2 Morecambe North Beach - Lancashire 15.7 Goodrington Sands North - Devon 9.8 Queens Bay - Essex 9.7 Traeth y Bettws - Anglesey 9.1 Herne Bay Beach - Kent 8.3 Source: data.police.uk 'You get the odd person who comes into the shop looking for an easy target but it's not a big problem and we don't tolerate it at all. 'You see people in the Co-op taking stuff all the time but there's never enough staff to do anything. 'I don't think anybody here needs to steal stuff, even just on Universal Credit you have enough money to get by but they always want the latest 50-inch TVs then they haven't got enough money for food. 'There are some people who go out in town looking for trouble but not that many. I avoid going out Friday and Saturday nights these days because there are always young fellas with nothing to do.' Charlotte Johnson, 28, said she was astonished by the figures. She said: 'I grew up here and I really am surprised by that, I have never really seen anything that bad. I feel perfectly safe going out. 'I think things do get a bit worse in the summer, there's more drinking down here and people seem to think they can get away with a lot more. 'But Teignmouth is a beautiful place with a nice community. I think living near the beach is therapeutic so I'd imagine there is more trouble in similar sized towns inland.' Pictured: Reform Beach in Devon. This scenic spot came second in the Daily Mail's rankings of most crimes per square metres on UK beaches Several beaches in Devon appeared on the list (pictured: Saunton Beach in North Devon) West Beach and Queen's Bay in Clacton appeared in the rankings (pictured: Clacton Pier) Five years ago a 1million drug smuggling ring was smashed in the town and 13 gang members who had flooded Teignmouth and seaside neighbour Dawlish with cocaine and heroin were sentenced collectively to 105 years for drugs and sexual offences. Judge Michael Longman, who sentenced the men after a four-month trial at Bristol Crown Court, said the town 'changed for the better' after the arrests. But locals are clear these problems remain below the surface - earlier this year police had to break up a mass brawl in the town involving 50-100 adults and teenagers. And a police operation involving sniffer dogs discovered illegal drugs in five of seven pubs they visited in the town. Last Saturday, Devon and Cornwall Police launched a new initiative in the town dubbed 'chat with a cop' where people can share concerns and get crime prevention advice. Insp Sean Roper said: 'We want to connect with the visitors and of course the residents who live here all year round. They know they can come to us if they need us.' But under a Facebook post advertising the event, one resident posted: 'Lol the amount of people that get away with things is ridiculous do you even respond to 999 calls???? 'Called in for major things 2 times and even waited for you got a call back after 40 mins which i then asked have u attended and is everything alright which i got a yes it's all sorted even though I was waiting watching the people who I called about fight.' Sector Inspector Sean Roper told the Mail: 'The data cited in a recent article is based on crimes logged to a very small, specific location, 'Spratt Sand,' which is equivalent to an area approximately 14m x 14m. This skews the figures, leading to a false impression of crime levels in Teignmouth. 'Over a 12-month period, 46 crimes were recorded in this specific area, which is less than four a month. For context, 74 other coastal locations in the UK have a higher crime rate than Teignmouth. The issue appears to be crimes reported in the wider area being logged to a single spot on our systems. 'Teignmouth remains a beautiful and safe place to live and visit. We continue to address anti-social behaviour, drug use, and other issues in our community and encourage the public to speak with us if they have concerns.' Las Vegas's most iconic hotel, The Bellagio, is charging guests $25 extra to eat food off of plates, even as Sin City sees a huge slump in tourist numbers over rip-off prices. The eye-watering up-charge was discovered by a Daily Mail reporter during an undercover visit to the five-star hotel, where rooms cost around $300 per night. Guests at the opulent Italian-themed casino resort - which has 4,000 rooms and is famed for its enormous dancing fountains - are informed that ordering room service incurs the additional fee if it is served on crockery. Opting instead for plastic and metal takeout containers - which the Bellagio markets as 'eco-friendly' - triggers a $10 charge, meaning guests are forced to pay extra to have the food delivered. The Daily Mail put the service to the test on Monday morning, starting with the pricey $25 plate service. Around 30 minutes after placing our order, a charming, smartly-dressed server wheeled the spread to our room. He folded out a table covered with crisp white linen decorated with freshly cut red Peruvian lilies and high-quality flatware, before removing metal cloches from over our breakfast with a flourish. We ordered a classic breakfast of eggs with bacon, breakfast potatoes and sourdough toast for $36. Las Vegas's iconic Bellagio Hotel has sparked fury by charging guests $25 extra for ordering room service on plates instead of to-go containers. The charge is added to room service orders. Pictured: breakfast ordered by the Daily Mail to test out the service Also on the trolley was a yogurt parfait with mixed berries and granola for $18, and a fresh fruit platter that cost another $14. A pot of tea ran us an extra $25 and came with four tea bags, lemon wedges and honey. The total cost of the food was $93. The $25 plate charge, tax and a 20 percent tip brought the final check to a steep $146. 'You probably wouldn't want to get used to this as it's so expensive,' the server said when we told him we'd ordered the meal as a special treat. He confirmed tourism has slumped in the city - after figures showed visitor numbers dropped by 11 percent in a month - and that his shifts have been cut from eight hours a day to six. 'It has been bad. What they are saying on the internet is true. We are hoping it will come back,' said the server, who will remain anonymous for the sake of his employment. He said demand for the plating service has halved in recent months - and that he wished the hotel would return to its old practice of charging guests $5 to deliver room service in disposable containers. The Daily Mail also ordered the takeout service for comparison. The Bellagio's cheaper takeout option that costs $10 per order. The food was high quality but came in containers made from plastic, despite claims it is an 'eco-friendly' option The supposed 'eco-friendly' room service option was also delivered in a plastic bag that many guests will trash on leaving The Bellagio's controversial room service menu has sparked discussion online over its eye-watering prices We ended up spending a total of $130.23 on a salmon plate, avocado toast, a pastry basket and two cold-pressed juices. And despite The Bellagio parroting the cheaper option as 'eco-friendly', it arrived in a heavy plastic bag that many guests will trash, with food presented in aluminum containers covered in plastic lids. Those can only be recycled if they're clean. This time, a different server delivered our food. He agreed with his co-worker that Sin City is suffering a severe slump. Tech journalist Rich DeMuro was among those outraged by The Bellagio's brazen crockery money-grab and flagged it on his Facebook page in June. 'If I bring my own containers will they drop the fees? Lol,' replied one of his followers. 'I'd laugh, if this were funny', another said. 'Is there no charge if they just put the food directly in your hands?' A third replied, 'Can I just go eat in their kitchen?' while a fourth said, 'Must be why I stay at the Motel 6 when I'm there.' A well-dressed visitor is seen enjoying Las Vegas's Bellagio Hotel on Monday August 25 A woman walks through the casino at Las Vegas's Bellagio Hotel on Monday August 25 The five-star Bellagio is famous for its dancing fountains - but its latest cash grab has left a sour taste in guests' mouths Anyone lucky enough to stay at the Bellagio should brace themselves for excruciating prices. A bar of Dubai chocolate costs $48 in one of the hotel's boutiques - and even a plain old Snickers comes in at $9. Las Vegas has been hit hard by a combination of tourists - both domestic and international - shunning the city over soaring prices. International tourists specifically are also choosing to travel elsewhere because of Donald Trump's presidency. Canadian visitors are particularly important for the city's economy, but their trips have declined by one third over the past year. Many are boycotting the United States over President Trump's threats to turn their country into the 51st state. An iconic 'glass' beach covered in pretty colors is so hard to access locals fear someone is going to die trying to get to its shores. Glass Beach, in the Northern California city of Fort Bragg, with its stunning vistas and salt-kissed breezes 170 miles north of San Francisco, is a popular tourist destination. But now there are warnings that bluff access to the dreamy picture postcard perfect sands and tide pools is a treacherous pit to hell' with a slew of broken ankles reported. Unwitting beachgoers are forced to practically crawl down a dangerous, steep gully in order to experience the mesmerizing rainbow colors of its twinkling glass pebbles and sands, described as a must see attraction by Sonoma magazine. Resident Gabriel Quinn Maroney told the City Council in June that the glorious looks are deceiving and the steep decline to the sands is in reality a pit to hell, according to SF Gate. Glass Beach, in the city of Fort Bragg on the Mendocino coast, with its stunning vistas and salt-kissed breezes 170 miles north of San Francisco, is a popular tourist destination Whenever I talk to tourists, they almost always mention Glass Beach, she told the meeting. Whenever I go on the trail theres just like this pit to hell to go down there. Theres just like an open thing. And I see all these elderly people crawling down. It just looks dangerous. The outlet quoted Fort Bragg Fire Department Chief Steve Orsi, who agreed there are real dangers for visitors to the beach. All it would take is one little slip and bad things can happen, he warned. I see people doing stuff that make(s) me cringe. Unwitting beachgoers are forced to practically crawl down a dangerous, steep gully in order to experience the mesmerizing rainbow colors of its twinkling glass pebbles and sands The gem-like colors of Glass Beach are the result of bottles being dumped for decades by locals The flashing gem-like colors of Glass Beach had a man-made and rather inauspicious beginning. The famous beach was formerly a dumping site for Fort Bragg residents for six decades - beginning in 1906 - who threw glass bottles and other refuse over the bluffs. Over the years, the glass was gradually worn down to smooth colorful pebbles that have become a popular attraction in the social media era. Tourists often take some of the colored glass pebbles from the cherished beauty spot as a keepsake. The City Council has been aware of the controversial coastal access since 2017. But strict guidelines by the California Coastal Commission designed to protect native plants had hobbled efforts to install a permanent, safe staircase, longtime councilmember Lindy Peters told SFGate, who has had a tumble on the bluffs herself. Strategically placed cables for climbers to grab on to that led down to the beach were previously installed but then removed for liability issues when one unlucky visitor broke an ankle. The Fort Bragg City Council has been aware of the controversial coastal access since 2017 Glass Beach is 'a naturally steep and eroding bluff,' according to Bill Maslach, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District superintendent for California State Parks A stairway fortress costing up to $200,000 and designed to withstand harsh weather conditions was later proposed but the city pulled the plug on the project in 2019. Glass Beach is 'a naturally steep and eroding bluff,' according to Bill Maslach, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District superintendent for California State Parks, reports SF Gate. 'While some sections are very steep, there is also an area that follows more natural ramp-like contours and is somewhat more accessible,' referring to an area of the beach that sits within MacKerricher State Park. The amount of popular beach glass has reduced dramatically due to collectors and erosion. 'Combined with erosion and years of visitors collecting glass, the amount of sea glass has greatly diminished,' explained Maslach. Visitors will still be left waiting for safe access to the beach because the State Parks authority has 'no approved projects for new infrastructure at this time.' Any future proposal should balance the 'protection of the coastal environment.' The amount of popular beach glass has reduced dramatically due to collectors and erosion Cristal Munoz of Visit Fort Bragg told SF Gate: 'All visitors exploring our beautiful, rugged coastline should use caution. 'Treat every shoreline with care, respect the environment and wildlife, and make safety your top priority. 'Undeveloped sections of the coast require common sense and good judgment. 'If a route seems questionable, pick a safer option or choose a more accessible viewpoint nearby.' She continued: 'We welcome suggestions and continue working with our partners to encourage responsible access and a safe, enjoyable visit for everyone.' The British military will allow artificial intelligence to comb through sensitive information in a bid to prevent data leaks. Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials say they are turning to the technology to reduce the likelihood of human error causing breaches. It follows a major incident in 2022 when a soldier sent a spreadsheet containing information about SAS troops and MI6 spies to trusted Afghan contacts. The leak was one of 49 separate MoD breaches over the past four years - with only four being publicly known. New technology provided by Castlepoint Systems, an Australian software company, will now comb through government documents and spreadsheets for important information. A security tag would then prevent any sensitive content from being emailed or printed. The measure will minimise the risk of staff making errors as they process large and complex datasets, Rachael Greaves, Castlepoint's chief executive, has said. Ms Greaves told The Times security labelling is obligatory at most major organisations - but is normally done manually. The British military will allow artificial intelligence to comb through sensitive information in a bid to prevent data leaks (file image) Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials say they are turning to the technology to reduce the likelihood of human error causing breaches. File image: A BA fighting vehicle in Wiltshire The news follows a major incident in 2022 when a soldier sent a spreadsheet containing information about SAS troops and MI6 spies to trusted Afghan contacts (file image) The 'rudimentary' tools currently deployed by organisations detect 'simple facets' such as personal information, credit card numbers and names. However it is hoped the new technology used by the MoD will help 'cover the complexity of classification'. Ms Greaves explained: 'I need to know if this stuff talks about ammonium nitrate [a key ingredient in explosives], or physical guard posts on a perimeter, or about harassment or abuse in defence. 'There are lots of things that would lead us to make a certain classification decision that arent easily patterned in an algorithm like that. They have to be interpreted through proper, full content and context classification.' Castlepoint trains its AI on 'rules' grounded in real-world intelligence as opposed to existing data, allowing it to effectively 'show its working' so humans can review the decision and decide whether to override it. Some experts have raised concerns about security risks associated with the adoption of AI. A National Cyber Security Centre report this year warned organisations not to rush into adopting the technology because of the increased attack surface presented by the systems. President Donald Trump is back on the war path against another blue state governor. Illinois Democrat JB Pritzker has been the latest target of Trump's ire, as the commander-in-chief called the governor a 'slob' adding that he should 'spend more time in the gym,' in the Oval Office on Monday. Pritzker fired back at the president's comments during his own Monday press conference in Chicago, stating that 'from [his] perspective, it takes one to know one on the weight question.' 'The president himself is not in good shape. He ought to respond to that,' he went on. The duo's spat comes after the president on Friday said he's considering sending National Guard troops to Chicago after the success of his Washington, DC, crackdown. Attorney General Pam Bondi shared on X Monday that over 1,000 arrests had been conducted and over 100 illegal guns had been seized amid Trump's push to make D.C. safe again. Mere hours after Trump's Oval Office Remarks, Pritzker warned the president that 'If you hurt my people, nothing will stop me not time or political circumstance from making sure you face justice under our constitutional rule of law.' Last week, Trump said he was considering Chicago and New York for troop deployments, adding that Chicago was 'a mess.' 'You have an incompetent mayor - grossly incompetent. And we'll straighten that one out probably next. That will be our next one after this, and it won't even be tough,' the president noted at the time. President Donald Trump talks to journalists after signing executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on August 25, 2025 in Washington, DC Illinois Governor JB Pritzker speaks as he takes a Chicago water taxi from Michigan Avenue stop, on the way to a press conference in Chicago, Illinois, on August 25, 2025 U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver, who serves New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, has called out Trump for targeting liberal cities run by Black mayors during his crime crackdown. Both Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson are Black. The congresswoman told Democrat election lawyer Marc Elias during an appearance on the Defending Democracy Podcast that the president's 'number one targets are cities that are led by black mayors.' McIver also believes that Trump's rhetoric of 'Liberation Day' is rooted in racism. 'When he says, 'Oh,' you know, 'it's Liberation Day,' and all of these things, those are, you know, ways of him saying, 'Oh, it's white power,' McIver said earlier this month. 'Those are racist remarks,' the congresswoman told Elias. National Guard soldiers stand outside the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in Washington, as part of President Donald Trump's order to use federal law enforcement to expel homeless people and rid the nation's capital of violent crime, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025 Congresswoman Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., exits the grounds at Delaney Hall, an ICE detention facility, May 9, 2025, in Newark, N.J National Guard troops march on the sidewalk of the Scott Circle neighborhood in Washington, DC, USA, 23 August 2025. The nearly 2,300 National Guard troops deployed from 6 states to Washington, DC now have law enforcement powers and are authorized to carry service weapons for personal protection. The New Jersey Democrat also complained that Trump's 'number one targets are sanctuary cities that ... support immigration.' McIver is currently facing federal charges for storming an ICE facility in her home state of New Jersey earlier this summer. She has asked for the charges to be dismissed. The congresswoman has pleaded not guilty to three counts of assaulting, resisting, impeding, and interfering with federal officials related to actions in the ICE facility skirmish. 'Sic the military on the very people that they're supposed to be protecting in these cities and then expect a certain response so that it can escalate I truly believe that that's what the president hopes for,' McIver told Elias. Australia Post has temporarily suspended multiple forms of postage to the United States due to import tariff rules introduced by Donald Trump. The move is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice, the statement said on Tuesday. 'Australia Post is focused on providing a reliable and competitive postal service for customers sending parcels internationally,' executive Gary Starr said. 'Guidance from (US Customs and Border Protection) has only recently been issued and, like more than 190 other postal providers, weve been working at pace to find a solution. 'We are disappointed we have had to take this action, however, due to the complex and rapidly evolving situation, a temporary partial suspension has been necessary to allow us to develop and implement a workable solution for our customers.' The action is in response to the Trump administration's significant changes to customs and import tariff rules for parcels sent to the US. This includes the suspension of the 'De Minimis exemption' for inbound goods - items costing below US$800 ($1,230) - as well as those requiring the pre-payment of tariffs prior to an items arrival in the US. Victoria-based quilt designer and teacher Emma Jean Jansen was forced to stop taking orders from American customers from August 15 due to the tariff on shipping. Australia Post has suspended some postage methods to the United States (stock image) 'The hardest part for my business is trying to find information,' she told ABC News. 'I'm not surprised (by the announcement). Until a solution is finalised and properly implemented, they didnt really have a choice.' Discussing her own decision to stop taking US orders, she said it was the only way forward. 'It was a big call to suspend shipping to the US, my largest customer base, but I had no choice,' she said. But 94-year-old Australian author Everald Compton said he had faced issues with sending his books to the US before this announcement. 'This is long overdue. When I mail my books to customers in USA they rarely arrive and cost is exorbitant,' he said on X. 'Same happens in reverse. USA Post Office absolutely corrupt & hopeless.' The temporary suspension will impact Business Contract, MyPost Business and Retail customers sending goods through the postal network. Australia Post made the decision after import tariff rules were introduced by Donald Trump Gifts under US$100 ($153), letters and documents will be unaffected by this change. The temporary partial suspension also includes postage to Puerto Rico, as it is under US Customs territory and has also been impacted by these tariff changes. Items sent to the US and Puerto Rico lodged on or after Tuesday, August 26, will not be accepted by Australia Post until further notice. The dramatic move is in line with action taken by other postal operators across the world. Last week, New Zealand Post said it was temporarily suspending parcel shipping to the US and would only carry letters and documents until further notice. In Europe, the UK's Royal Mail, Frances La Poste, Germanys Deutsche Post, Spains Correos and Poste Italiane stopped most shipments to the US over the weekend. There have also been similar changes among Belgian, Swedish and Danish postal services. Postal services group DHL, which is based in Germany, also said it would temporarily suspend the acceptance and transport of business customer parcels via the postal network to the US. It will not accept items sent to the US lodged on or after Tuesday until further notice But it said shipping through DHL Express would remain possible. For Australia Post, the decision comes just a day after the company announced it would hire 3,500 seasonal team members ahead of the busy Christmas period. Until the announcement, parcels of goods worth less than $US800 ($1,230) were not taxed when they reached the US. But this exemption is due to end on August 29 for imports from all countries and will mean low-value parcels will be slapped with tariffs or flat fees. Australia Post is working with Zonos, an authorised US Customs and Border Protection third-party provider, on a solution for business customers. Australian customers seeking an update can check the Australia Post website or call 13 POST (13 7678). A beautiful mountain town is feeling the effects of President Donald Trump's rift with his counterparts in Canada. Whitefish, Montana relies heavily on tourism from Canada to support local jobs, small businesses and maintain the spirit of the town. 'Tourism touches nearly every part of life here,' Zak Anderson, executive director of Explore Whitefish told the Missoulian of the town located just one mile from the US-Canadian border. 'It's what keeps our restaurants full, our lodges busy and our small businesses thriving.' But since Trump ramped up his attacks on Canada by pushing for the country to join the US and implementing new duties on steel and aluminum, Canadian tourism is down in Whitefish by 25 percent. 'Canadian travelers have always been some of our most consistent visitors,' Anderson noted. 'When they stay away, the impact is significant.' He now blames the downturn in tourism on Trump's tariff threats and shifting border policies, explaining: 'It's not that Canadians don't want to come to Montana, it's that they're concerned about what to expect, and whether they'll feel welcome.' Some may have heard stories about tourists caught in the web of US immigration enforcement amid Trump's rampant deportation efforts that forced the Canadian government to revise its advisory for citizens visiting the United States. Whitefish, Montana is feeling the strain of President Donald Trump's growing rift with his counterparts in Canada Whitefish relies heavily on tourism from Canada to support local jobs, small businesses and maintain the spirit of the town Tourism to the town from the northern neighbor is down 25 percent It said travelers must 'comply and be forthcoming in all interactions with border authorities' and warned that visitors 'could be detained while awaiting transportation.' The United States has since shot back with its own guidance to Americans visiting the northern neighbor, warning about the country's ongoing problems with wildfires. But as Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney continue to trade barbs, Anderson said Whitefish is suffering. Businesses that make staffing and supply decisions months before the usually busy summer travel months are now fighting hard to survive, he said. 'Many small businesses, like restaurants run on tight profit margins,' Anderson explained. 'So when prices on nearly everything increase, it makes it harder to stay profitable, regardless of what's happening with visitation.' An increase in domestic tourism during the peak summer months has not helped either, Anderson claimed. 'Many of our US visitors are here for shorter stays, and Canadians are historically repeat business - especially in the off-season when our businesses need it the most,' he said. 'The uncertainty in the market is driving a "hyper seasonal" trend that is less sustainable.' Zak Anderson, the executive director of Discover Whitefish, blames the downturn of Canadian tourists on President Donald Trump's tariff threats and shifting border policies At the same time, towns like Whitefish and nearby Kalispell are dealing with staffing reductions at Glacier National Park amidst near-record visitation. The national park, which brings in 44 percent of Montana's tourists, lost an estimated quarter of its staff due to Department of Government Efficiency cuts, buyouts and a hiring freeze earlier this year, NPR reports. Visitors are now seeing reduced services inside the park, affecting everything from trail access to traffic management and even restroom maintenance. That is putting more of a strain on Whitefish to meet the park-goers demands. 'Communities in Montana are resilient, but when the rules keep changing, it becomes harder to plan, invest or build for the future,' Anderson said. In order to try to draw some Canadian tourism back, Glacier Country CEO Racene Friede spearheaded a campaign emphasizing the longstanding relationship between Montana and Canada, Travel and Tour World reports. It seeks to position Canadians not just as tourists but as neighbors and friends. 'We continue to let Canadians know that we welcome them back as soon as they are ready to come,' Discover Kalispell Executive Director Diane Medler told The Travel. But, she said, some tourism bureaus in the state are halting advertising in Canada temporarily amid the fall in international travel and Canadians' overall negative sentiment about the US. 'We need signals from both governments that cross-border friendships and our economic partners matter, and without that no amount of marketing is going to help that right now,' Medler said. Towns like Whitefish and nearby Kalispell are also dealing with staffing reductions at Glacier National Park (pictured) amidst near-record visitation by Americans There does seem to be some hope, however, as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Friday that the country has removed many of its retaliatory tariffs on goods from the US. He said the rollback, starting September 1, will match US exemptions on goods covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada trade deal (USMCA). 'Canada currently has the best trade deal with the United States. And while its different from what we had before, it's still better than that of any other country,' Carney said. The prime minister noted that Trump's commitment to the core of USMCA means the US average tariff rate on Canadian goods remains one of its lowest, and that over 85 percent of Canada-U.S. trade continues to be free of tariffs. That should help keep prices in check for everything from lumber and seafood to alcohol and auto parts. For Americans, the move means more than cheaper goods on shelves and at the pump. It also eases pressure on businesses that rely on Canadian imports, from homebuilders to carmakers, and reduces the risk of sudden price hikes. However, Canadas 25 percent tariffs on US autos, steel, and aluminum will remain in place for now costs that will be felt more acutely by Canadian consumers than American ones. Indian immigrants across Australia say they fear for their safety ahead of anti-immigration rallies planned for Sunday, with one warning that although they pay taxes and help keep the country running, they are increasingly being made to feel like outsiders. The group March for Australia is organising nationwide protests, arguing that 'endless migration, weak leadership, and political cowardice' have changed the country in ways 'most Australians never agreed to.' Mandeep Singh, who has more than 30,000 followers on Instagram, took a swipe at Aussies planning to take part in the rallies. 'Slogans like take our country back and stop mass migration send a dangerous anti-immigration message,' Singh said. 'Immigrants work hard, pay taxes and help keep this country running. In fact, if every immigrant took a day off work, Australia would see just how important we are to its economy and daily life.' Amar Singh, founder of the charity Turbans 4 Australia, told Daily Mail he is worried for his safety if he goes out in public on Sunday while the marches are taking place. 'I sincerely urge people that are hosting this protest to rethink their position,' he said. 'I also want to warn other people who might be out and about doing the work on the 31st to be careful if this does go ahead, because this sort of hate does not discriminate.' Amar Singh is concerned about how the protests will go down on Sunday. Singh was awarded the 2023 Australian Local Hero by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Singh, who was awarded the 2023 Australian Local Hero, said immigrants could easily become targets on what could be an emotion-charged day. Indian influencers in Australia are also urging their fellow immigrants to 'stay inside' and avoid protests for 'your safety.' An Uber driver told SBS Punjabi that he had fears for his safety on Sunday. 'I work more on weekends, so I don't know what's going to happen. But it's scary,' he said. Yash Mittra told his 127,000 Instagram followers in Hindi to stay inside on Sunday. 'Please protect yourself. We don't know what will happen. 31 August 2025,' his caption read. 'Australia's anti-immigrant protest is dangerous.' Straw Hat Mimi said on TikTok that Black, Indigenous and people of colour should avoid work if they can while the marches happen. 'Please be safe, take care of yourself, if you can avoid going into work, don't go into work, stay home,' she said. Mandeep Singh told his 30,000 Instagram followers how important migrants were to Australia 'These things will often turn violent.' Minister for Multicultural Affairs Dr Anne Aly described the protests as far-right activism grounded in racism, and said it had no place in modern Australia. 'We stand with all Australians, no matter where they were born, against those who seek to divide us and who seek to intimidate migrant communities.' Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke also condemned the protesters. 'There is no place in our country for people who seek to divide and undermine our social cohesion. 'We stand with modern Australia against these rallies - nothing could be less Australian.' One of the flyers released by March for Australia lists protest locations and includes a manifesto outlining why supporters are marching against immigration There have been more and more rallies against immigration in Australia in recent times In a new update on Monday, the anti-migration group posted flyers about the nine locations of the protests, saying 'thousands of Australians' will simultaneously march on Sunday. The group claims big business is driving mass immigration. 'Whether it's Coles and Woolworths, the big banks, Harry Triguboff (the founder of Meriton apartments), universities or the Business Council of Australia they all want 'Big Australia' (a population of 100m+ ASAP). Each migrant means they can sell another 365 days' worth of food, or another mortgage. The only cost? Our nation.' They argue the rallies will unite Australians around common concerns. 'Whether you're concerned for our culture, wages, traffic, housing supply, water supply, environmental destruction, infrastructure, hospitals, crime or loss of community, we are stronger together! Don't leave this work to be done by your children.' The group cited a Lowy Institute poll from June 2025 showing most Australians believe migration levels are too high. 'Polling by the Lowy Institute in June 2025 found that the majority of Australians think the number of migrants coming into the country each year is 'too high'. This is a transformation that we never sought, nor consented to. Our political elite ignore the views of the majority, yet call it 'democracy'.' The group also accused both major parties of supporting mass migration. 'In Bob Hawke's biography, he stated that there is an implicit agreement between the parties not to discuss migration. The LaborLiberal uniparty, both controlled by their donors, had a 25 per cent difference in migration intake at the last election. Same policy, different branding. It's time for change!' The group claimed migration is causing profound cultural change. 'We know migration has a cultural impact. This isn't a slight cultural change it's replacement plain and simple. Australia is not an economic zone to be exploited by international finance. Australia is our home. If Albo and Ley won't make a stand, it's up to us.' The Albanese government has slammed the protesters They also argued that more Indians have migrated to Australia in the past five years than Italians and Greeks did in the previous century. March for Australia insisted it is not linked to extremist groups such as the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network, White Australia, or Thomas Sewell Uncensored. A child has allegedly been shot in Bournemouth amid a rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the town. The Jewish teenager was apparently fired at from a car passing by in the East Cliff area of the popular seaside resort on Saturday. The boy is said to be well except for some swelling on his forehead. Dorset Police confirmed it was looking into the incident and had increased patrols protecting Bournemouth's Jewish community, which has 2,000 members. Meanwhile, swastikas have started appearing on buildings across Bournemouth, The Times reports. The popular seaside resort has seen a sharp increase in the Nazi symbols being graffited on walls and homes. Rabbi Bentzion Alperowitz noticed one on the side of his own house as he was heading to synagogue on Saturday morning with two of his five children. The junior rabbi at Chabad Bournemouth revealed it was 'very upsetting and alarming' to spot the offensive sign while accompanied by his two daughters, seven and 10. Rabbi Bentzion Alperowitz, pictured, noticed a swastika on the side of his house as he was heading to synagogue on Saturday morning with two of his five children, amid a spate of anti-Semitic incidents in Bournemouth including a Jewish teenager being shot at Fellow members of the Jewish community in the town have helped him and his family erase the swastika. Mr Alperowitz said: 'I was born and grew up in Bournemouth and this is not the Bournemouth I know. Bournemouth is a kind, beautiful place and I feel this is still the truth for the vast majority of people here. 'Be proud to be Jewish and never allow these forces of darkness and forces of evil to instil fear into our hearts.' According to the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity which aims to protect the Jewish community in the UK, there were 1,521 anti-Semitic incidents in the country in the first half of 2025 - the second highest for any period recorded by the organisation. The group posted on X: 'CST is appalled by a series of anti-Jewish hate crimes in Bournemouth over the weekend. 'These are abhorrent acts of racism that are deeply distressing for the Jewish community and should alarm everybody. 'We are supporting the local Jewish community and working with Dorset police to assist their investigation. We urge anyone with information about these incidents to contact the police and CST.' CST's regional head for Hampshire and Dorset, Andrew Kaye, said: 'The police are taking it very seriously and are undertaking a full investigation at the highest level.' The popular seaside resort has seen a sharp increase in the Nazi symbols being graffited on walls and homes A spokesman for Dorset Police said: 'At around 2.50pm on Saturday August 23, two people were walking in Manor Road in Bournemouth when the driver of a car stopped and made offensive comments toward them. 'It is reported that one of the people a teenage boy was subsequently shot at with an air weapon. He sustained a minor head injury. 'Detectives are leading the investigation to locate the occupants of the vehicle and to establish the full circumstances of the incident. The incident is being treated as a hate crime. 'Officers are engaging with the local community and carrying out patrols in the area. We would encourage anyone with information or concerns to please speak with an officer.' John Bolton broke his weekend-long silence following a sunrise FBI raid Friday morning which didn't stop him from continuing to slam the policies of Donald Trump. The president's former National Security Advisor turned 'Never Trump' TV pundit had his home searched by the feds amid rumors he had used a private email server to send highly sensitive information. Bolton, 76, made only a brief mention of the search in a Monday morning op-ed in the Washington Examiner that criticized Trump's Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 'President Donald Trump's Ukraine policy is no more coherent today than it was last Friday when his administration executed search warrants against my home and office,' he wrote. He said the meeting was a symptom of 'Trumps furious pace trying to move an extraordinarily complex conflict to resolution over the past two weeks was one of several significant mistakes.' Bolton also slammed Trump for backing down on threats to sanction Russia if Putin didn't agree to a ceasefire, calling it 'a stunning about-face.' He further mocked the outcome of the president's summit with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, which ended with plans for a bi-lateral meeting between Zelensky and Putin. 'None of this was realistic, and no meeting appears likely anytime soon,' Bolton said. John Bolton broke his weekend-long silence following a sunrise FBI raid Friday morning which didn't stop him from continuing to slam the policies of Donald Trump Bolton, 76, made only a brief mention of the search in a Monday morning op-ed that criticized Trump's Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin Bolton concluded that Trump's 'efforts over the last two-plus weeks may have left us further from peace and a just settlement for Ukraine than before.' Trump's advisor-turned-foe was home at the time of the 7:00 a.m. raid on his D.C.-area house, according to a source familiar. A senior US official told the New York Post that the raid - ordered by FBI Director Kash Patel - was part of the revival into an investigation into Bolton sending private national security documents to his wife and daughter from his work account. He allegedly did this just before Trump fired him in September 2019. The probe continued after Trump left office but was paused by the Biden administration. Patel appeared to publicly address the raid on Friday, posting to X: 'NO ONE is above the law @FBI agents on mission.' The Daily Mail has reached out to a spokesperson for Bolton for comment. Bolton has not given a statement or made any comments to the press. The ex-Trump adviser turned critic returned to his home in Bethesda, Maryland Friday evening, nearly eight hours after the FBI raided the property. Bolton waved to the cameras but did not take questions from the press as he entered his house to greet his wife, who was visibly shaken by the federal dragnet. Bolton further mocked the outcome of the president's summit with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, which ended with plans for a bi-lateral meeting between Zelensky and Putin Trump's advisor-turned-foe was home at the time of the 7:00 a.m. raid on his D.C.-area house, according to a source familiar Throughout the raid that started at 7 am ET, more than a dozen federal agents were seen carrying boxes in and out of his house. Other agents were spotted entering Bolton's downtown Washington, D.C. office. A source told the Daily Mail that Bolton was home when the raid commenced, but he wasn't seen, making his exact whereabouts unclear. Instead, cameras caught a glimpse of his distressed wife, Gretchen Smith Bolton, at the front door interacting with the federal agents on Friday morning. Gretchen walked away from the door as agents entered the Bolton residence in Bethesda, which is one of the wealthiest cities in the U.S. President Donald Trump reacted to the Bolton drama by comparing the raid his Mar-a-Lago property endured in 2022. Speaking in the Oval Office, the president said he wasn't involved in its execution, but quickly ripped into his nemesis. 'I purposely dont want to really get involved in it. Im not a fan of John Bolton,' he said. 'My house was raided also... So I know the feeling. Its not a good feeling.' Bolton, who has since turned against Donald Trump after being fired from the White House in his first term, was home at the time of the 7:00 a.m. raid on his D.C.-area house, according to a source familiar FBI Director Kash Patel (pictured center) appeared to publicly address the raid on Friday During the raid, protesters affiliated with the anti-Trump group #NoKings showed up outside Bolton's house. A protester held a sign reading, 'Trump uses FBI for vengeance.' One of the demonstrators later told the Daily Mail they do not agree with Bolton's politics, but will still defend him as he faces Trump's FBI. The raid on Bolton's home comes after Hillary Clinton was investigated for her use of a private email server while Secretary of State - an issue that helped derail her 2016 election campaign. Furious students have blasted universities for enrolling Chinese internationals 'who can't speak a word of English,' claiming they are dragging down grades. An international student from Thailand studying Communication Design at RMIT University in Melbourne said they were thrilled to join 'the top design school in Australia.' 'I thought everything would be awesome,' they told Daily Mail. 'And don't get me wrong, it is awesome to be here. The lecturers are great, the facilities are world-class, and most of my classmates are brilliant. But a certain group of people ruined the vibes.' They claimed they were shocked to find some Chinese classmates had 'very low English skills,' despite strict visa and entry requirements. 'There's this group of Chinese international students in my class who cannot and refuse to speak English. When the lecturer asks them something they just stare blankly at them then smile and giggle with their mates. 'It's so frustrating having to wait for them to say something back to the lecturer because sometimes the lecturer wouldn't let them go until they answer back, and it was a long moment of pure silence in the class. 'I'm an international student myself and I feel so unfair that I have to do English proficiency tests before stepping foot into this country and then I see these idiots are sitting in the same class as me. The student studies at the RMIT University in Melbourne, which boasts a top level design class The government raised English language requirements for international students in March, lifting the minimum IELTS score from 5.5 to 6.0 out of 9. A level 6 is considered 'competent,' while level 7 is 'good' and level 8 'very good.' But students argue the changes are trivial and say more must be done to ensure international students with poor English don't hold back their peers. 'As international students we all have to sit English proficiency tests like IELTS and reach a minimum score before we can even get our visas. That's the rule. But some of my classmates can barely communicate,' they said. The RMIT student said a friend was lumped with a group member who 'didn't even know the topic' and simply pasted 'unedited text generated by ChatGPT' into assignments. 'Communication Design is about communication, that's literally the name of the course. Even if someone is a design prodigy, if they can't explain their work, they won't get full marks. The progress and the discussion are just as important as the final product.' Rumours of students outsourcing entire assignments left them feeling 'disappointed and unfairly treated.' 'This is supposed to be one of the best Art & Design departments in the world, why are these students here?' they asked, before questioning whether universities were simply chasing fees. 'Does RMIT treat them as cash cows? Probably. I joke to my friends that international students are Australia's economy boosters, maybe that's why housing has gotten so bad, right?' Still, the student said they did not regret moving to Melbourne. 'I love it here. I love my uni, my classmates, and my lecturers. I'm so grateful to my parents for giving me this opportunity. But I just wish the government and universities would hold higher standards. 'Better students mean better graduates, and a better reputation for Australia.' Universities have long been accused of having an addiction to Chinese students, who pay billions of dollars each year to earn prestigious degrees in Australia. The high numbers of Chinese students have influenced how some classes are delivered, with the University of Melbourne called out in August for teaching tutorials in Mandarin and alienating Australian students as a result. Their comments echo the experience of Sydney engineering student James, who said he has often been forced to 'carry' group projects because some peers cannot communicate in English. 'I know that translators are more advanced now, but they are only a crutch to an ever-growing problem in my eyes, and cannot replace knowing the language,' James said. In one case, he was grouped with a student who didn't speak English and used ChatGPT to complete their section of the assignment. James had to rewrite it himself, since AI-generated work is currently banned at universities - though those rules are expected to change next year. China remains the biggest source of international students, though a recent government report suggested Australia may begin diversifying, with India, now the world's most populous nation, emerging as a key market. 'It did create more work for me as I had to check through the ChatGPT responses. This did force some drastic fixes which did limit the grade,' he said. James, 19, is an Australian citizen who pays $10,000 a year for his degree, compared to up to $60,000 for international students. He said that his concerns weren't about race, but about 'a minority' of students who lacked the skills to do the work properly. The issue has fuelled widespread backlash against universities, which many accuse of prioritising profits over educational quality. '[It] occurs at most universities and is a result of greedy unis and the commodification of tertiary education as a primary export,' one commenter said. Another blasted the situation as an 'absolute disgrace' that 'weakens us as a nation whilst lining the pockets of a few.' Others agreed with the original student's complaint. 'I fully relate to you man people like them really give us international students a bad look here on campus.' Australia now has the highest number of international students per capita in the world, with around 700,000 currently in the country. The student voiced frustration over claims other students were not able to speak English The Albanese government came under fire in August for lifting the annual cap on new enrolments from 270,000 to 295,000, sparking fresh concern that numbers are spiralling out of control. China remains the biggest source of international students, though a recent government report suggested Australia may begin diversifying, with India, now the world's most populous nation, emerging as a key market. RMIT said that all students are required to meet a set of standards for enrolment, in a statemen to Daily Mail. 'RMIT students are required to provide current evidence of English language proficiency for admission to a University course. Students must also meet the minimum academic requirements for their course,' a spokesperson said. 'International students can provide their results from an accepted English language proficiency test, an accepted English language provider, or a recognised qualification. 'International students must also meet all visa requirements as set out by the Australian Government.' Labour's push to bring in a new definition of Islamophobia risks social unrest, it has been warned. Plans to come up with a description for the 'unacceptable treatment, prejudice and discrimination against Muslims' were put forward by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. But Fiyaz Mughal, the founder of Tell Mama, which monitors anti-Muslim hate incidents, cautioned last night that the proposal could create a 'blasphemy law by the back door', with a 'chilling effect' on free speech. He is now leading a campaign against the proposal called Keep the Law Equal. Labour signed up to a definition of Islamophobia while in opposition which suggests the term 'Asian grooming gangs' is racist. It is feared any new definition on Islamophobia could shut down legitimate discourse. Mr Mughal told The Times: 'I worked with the police. We have seen the systems work really well. 'We need proper enforcement of existing laws, not additional definitions which in fairness given that the world has also changed, given our country and the dynamics has changed, any definition that marks out one community is going to cause major social divisions - and it's happening in our society. Plans to come up with a description for the 'unacceptable treatment, prejudice and discrimination against Muslims' have been put forward by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner (pictured) Labour signed up to a definition of Islamophobia while in opposition which suggests the term 'Asian grooming gangs ' is racist. Pictured: Police respond to reports of 'far-right thugs' outside a Mosque in Peterborough Fiyaz Mughal, the founder of Tell Mama, which monitors anti-Muslim hate incidents, cautioned that the plan could create a 'blasphemy law by the back door' 'We don't need social divisions. We need the implementation of existing laws which are more than sufficient. 'It will raise community tensions and it will just add to the narrative that actually one community is getting a better deal than another. And that just leads to local anger.' He added: 'It creates a sense of a deeply chilling effect, where people are scared to raise things about religion, which can be used against them, and where digital traces can be placed online that are difficult to remove.' Controversy around plans to change the meaning of Islamophobia comes as the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism has also proved a point of contention in recent years. In 2020 the then Education Secretary Gavin Williamson ordered that Universities must adopt the internationally recognised definition of anti-Semitism by Christmas or face funding cuts. Critics stated it had often been used to label criticism of Israel as anti-Semitic and therefore suppress free speech. A study ordered last month by the Commission for Countering Extremism found that the public do not believe Islam needed any further protections. In 2020 the then Education Secretary Gavin Williamson (pictured) ordered that Universities must adopt the internationally recognised definition of anti-Semitism by Christmas or face funding cuts Mr Mughal said: 'This whole process has been so, so troubling because it's so private. 'The way that the government has reached out to a selected handful of individuals is not a consultation.' A spokesman for Ms Rayner's department, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, said: 'We are absolutely committed to defending freedom of speech, and any proposed definition must be compatible with the right to freedom of speech and expression. 'The independent working group has been engaging extensively with a wide range of communities and will provide independent, evidence-based advice to ministers.' Beau Lamarre-Condon has pleaded not guilty to the two alleged shooting murders of his ex-boyfriend and his new lover in February last year. Lamarre-Condons lawyer, Ben Archbold, told a Sydney court on Tuesday that his client was entering not guilty pleas to all charges. He is also charged with aggravated break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence in relation to the alleged murders of TV presenter Jesse Baird and flight attendant Luke Davies. Wearing prison greens, Lamarre-Condon, 30, looked tense and stared intently at the screen from within Long Bays Special Purpose Centre prison when he appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis via video link. He blinked, swallowed and answered the magistrate's questions in a clear voice. Asked if he could see and hear the court clearly, he said yes. Lamarre-Condon was then asked if he had any questions about his pleas. No Your Honour,' he replied. Accused killer cop Beau Lamarre-Condon (above) has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges relating to his ex-boyfriend and his ex-boyfriend's new partner Lamarre-Condons mother Coleen Lamarre (pictured) was in court on Tuesday for her son's hearing Beau Lamarre-Condon is accused of shooting dead television presenter, Jesse Baird, 26, and his Qantas flight attendant boyfriend Luke Davies, 29, (above, together) at Paddington in Sydney's eastern suburbs in February 2024 Lamarre-Condons mother, Coleen Lamarre, was among those in the packed court room on Tuesday. Ms Lamarre earlier arrived at court flanked by supporters and her son's legal team. Lamarre-Condon will be represented by eminent Sydney barrister John Stratton SC to fight the charges at trial in the NSW Supreme Court. He will arraigned on October 3 and will likely go to trial in 2026. Outside court, Mr Archbold was grilled on how his client would defend the murder allegations. 'There are two sides to every story,' he said. Mr Archbold added that Lamarre-Condon's legal team looked forward to representing him in 'the appropriate forum'. Lamarre-Condon is charged with the murders of television presenter Jesse Baird, 26, and his Qantas flight attendant boyfriend Luke Davies, 29, at Paddington in Sydney's eastern suburbs in February 2024. Coleen Lamarre arrived at court on Tuesday flanked by supporters and her son's legal team Police located the remains of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies near Bungonia in the NSW Southern Tablelands (above) eight days after they were allegedly murdered at Mr Baird's Paddington home in Sydney's east Then a serving member of the NSW Police since joining in 2017, Lamarre-Condon is accused of bundling Mr Davies and Mr Baird's bodies into surfboard bags and dumping them about 180km south-west of Sydney. Police located Mr Davies and Mr Baird's remains in the NSW Southern Tablelands on February 27 last year, eight days after Lamarre-Condon allegedly shot them dead with his Glock service pistol. A day before the bodies were found, Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson revealed an alleged timeline of events leading up to and following the men's deaths. Mr Hudson said gunshots were heard coming from Mr Baird's rented terrace house on the morning of February 19. Later that evening, Lamarre-Condon allegedly hired a Toyota HiAce van from Sydney Airport and on February 21, drove the vehicle to a property near the tiny town of Bungonia with a female companion. Lamarre-Condon allegedly left the property about 4.30am and drove to Newcastle, where he asked a former policewoman if he could borrow a hose to clean the van. Neither woman is accused of any wrongdoing, and the female ex-cop spoke to police when her suspicions were raised. About 10.30am the next day, February 23, Lamarre-Condon walked into Bondi police station and was arrested. Behind bars since February last year, Lamarre-Condon is charged with the alleged murders of Jesse Baird, 26, and Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies, 29 (pictured together) Former celebrity chaser Beau Lamarre-Condon (above, with Katy Perry) joined the police force and is now behind bars, accused of a double murder The bodies of Mr Davies and Mr Baird were found at Bungonia on February 27, several hours after detectives spoke with Lamarre-Condon in the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre in Silverwater. Lamarre-Condon has spent the last year-and-a-half behind bars over the shootings, which were allegedly the result of a months-long campaign of 'predatory behaviour' targeting Mr Baird. A former celebrity chaser, Lamarre-Condon reportedly briefly dated Mr Baird before the Studio Ten and Totally Wild presenter began a relationship with Mr Davies just weeks before their deaths. Lamarre-Condon, who was sacked from the police force in March last year, is also charged with breaking and entering with intent to commit an indictable offence. Before becoming a police officer, Lamarre-Condon ran a celebrity blog, posing in photos with dozens of visiting celebrities including Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles and Katy Perry. With last week's economic roundtable now in the rear-view mirror, expect Labor in its second term to slowly but steadily shape the nation to its liking. The Prime Minister and his team are now settling in for the long haul, with plans to change the country they inherited, and not necessarily for the better. The size of government is in centre-frame, and how much tax will be needed to pay for everything Labor wants to do. Anthony Albanese didn't just win big at the election. He won himself the time needed to remodel Australia: carefully, quietly and comprehensively. The plight of the Opposition in the election's aftermath takes the political pressure off Labor as it navigates reforms that suit its ideological worldview within the confines of what can realistically be achieved. Like John Howard, Albanese wants to shape the national furniture so it's hard to shift once he's gone. His method is managerial, not muscular, and the risks are perhaps bigger than the cheap slogans let on. It will be a very different-looking Australia to the one he inherited. Roundtable mapped the next 10 years Three days was all it took. The cabinet room minus its ministers, instead filled with representatives from business and the unions, with a sprinkling of economists and community leaders discussed the future. The Economic Reform Roundtable wasn't only about the theatre, it was a project plan in the making. The message was consensus first, change later. A governing style built to last and give off a cooperative aura. It was what you might call a template for incrementalism, the sort of political patience you need to stay in office until the 2030s. But the PM and Treasurer Chalmers also used the theatre of the event to mark out what was possible and what won't be happening. Some higher taxes are possible. Spending restraint is a lower-order priority. Albanese won't partake in any more passion projects either. He lost the Voice but has now recognised Palestine. A younger Albo defined himself by such achievements and failures. He'll now leave such activist indulgences behind as he settles into his second term as PM, instead aiming to govern for long enough to change the shape of the country more broadly. Labor's aim is to become a long-term government, writes Peter van Onselen He hopes it will be a lasting legacy that he'll be proud of, even if the method is a break from that of his heroes like Gough Whitlam, who aimed to crash through or crash with big, scale-defining policy shifts. Modern Albanese will instead take his time, which allows for a slower pace of change but perhaps to greater effect. Quick wins and slow creep before a tax two-step Expect tariff tidy-ups, regulatory decluttering and process fixes that look technical but shift the centre of gravity. It's not sexy but it all has an effect. Chalmers has flagged scrapping swathes of nuisance tariffs, low-drama changes that accumulate power by attrition. Housing approvals will be sped up. AI is already being touted to cut red tape. Environmental rules are getting tweaked in the name of speed in a bid to drive growth. Nothing in that will spook the horses, but it is enough to signal to the bureaucracy what Labor wants. Don't mistake the talkfest last week for timidity. Trial balloons were floated to see what the public would swallow and what would spark a riot. A so-called spare bedroom tax and wealth-style levies set off predictable outrage, with the PM quickly distanced himself from such ideas. The point was to map the edges: what he now does will appear moderate by comparison. The political outcome he wanted. Expect the real tax play to be packaged later, to take to the next election, with some sweeteners no doubt, and only once the political runway is clear. It's all choreography: test, retreat, re-emerge appearing reasonable. Win a third term to have the mandate to implement the changes. Discipline or denial? The aim is to become a long-term government. Time in power for Albanese, possibly with a neat handover to Chalmers once our 62-year-old PM is ready to retire to the NSW Central Coast. If history is any guide, voters should be wary when governments whisper their way into a decade. They usually get worse, not better, the longer they are in power But longevity demands fiscal steel, not soft promises. The roundtable heard the case for hard spending rules and real restraint, the kind that survives beyond one budget cycle. Yet the budget is sliding back into structural deficit territory, as critics warn windfalls are being spent, not banked. If Labor truly wants a decade in office, it can't rely on commodity luck and happy talk about discipline. It needs binding rules and a willingness to say no. Otherwise its legacy will be a budget in worse shape with no pathway out of it. Albanese may not care, however. Last week it was no coincidence that Labor leaked plans to cut into the NDIS midway through the roundtable. Why? To appear serious when tackling structural deficit problems caused by overspending, even though other unpleasant ways to cut spending were cast aside during the summit. It was tactical and an indication that Labor might fall short on containing the size of government more broadly. That's no surprise, because big government is in its DNA. Big government, smaller ambitions The HawkeKeating era rewired markets. Howard bedded down discipline, at least in the first half of his time in office. Albanese's model risks doing something else: a state that grows fatter while growth itself gets thinner and thinner. Steering capital with nudges and mandates, and micromanaging industry with prudential paternalism all feel safe until private sector investment dries up, capital flees offshore and productivity flatlines even further than it already has. That is when a commodities boom can't prop up the economy. Labor says housing approvals will be sped up with AI being touted to cut red tape The roundtable's verdict from sober voices was clear enough: lots of collegiality, but not much that lifts the growth rate fast is on offer. When a participant had the temerity to point out what that will mean for the budget just earlier this week, the PM spat back: 'Academics talk in the academic world, what I do is live in the real world.' The risk nobody wants to own Recurrent spending is a huge problem in this country, and has been for a long time, increasingly so in the wake of the pandemic with more and more of it baked into the budget. It is the quiet killer of reform, unless it gets brought under control. If Labor won't downsize parts of government or reform the big programs driving the decade ahead outlays, the future is set: higher taxes, weaker investment and lower growth. You can't process-improve your way out of this situation. The longer Labor waits to fix the budget, the nastier the fix becomes. If Labor thinks it can simply fix the budget with higher taxes to offset deeper spending cuts, it will quickly find out that is a recipe for a weaker economy in the long term. But by the time that happens Labor will have already built itself into a long-term administration, and it will be left to the next government to try and fix the mess left behind. That's assuming any future government even bothers to try, as a declining share of voters pay taxes while the share of those casting ballots who receive government handouts only grows. Democracy may well be locking in our national economy decline. It's time to buckle up This government is setting the political table for the next 10 years. It is methodical, stakeholder-soothing and structurally ambitious. It has the electoral clout to think that way, courtesy of the last election. On present form, Labor's stretch in power looks inevitable. But without fiscal grit and a pro-investment spine, its long game risks becoming a slow drift - leaving behind a bigger state, a flatter economy and a country gently steering further off course. If history is any guide, voters should be wary when governments whisper their way into a decade. They usually get worse, not better, the longer they are in power. Albanese's government didn't start well - its first term was unimpressive even if the election win was decisive. Labor has this term to emulate the achievements of Hawke, Keating and Howard. The reforms implemented defined their governments, but so did their time in power. Albanese is aiming for the latter without too much interest in the former. That will still leave a legacy, but it might well be one of bloated government with lower economic opportunities. One of Australia's biggest banks will soon require all new customers to submit a selfie to verify their identity. National Australia Bank (NAB) will introduce the new feature to help protect customers from identity theft and cybercriminals. The rollout initiative begins in September and will expand in the coming months. Head of NAB group investigations, Chris Sheehan said the new system will use biometrics - similar to full facial recognition. Mr Sheehan previously worked as an Australian Federal Police executive and has seen the devastating effects of identity theft, including the accumulation of debt. 'Over 255,000 Australians a year have their identity stolen or compromised,' he said. 'Now that number, I suspect, is on the low side. 'We're confident we're going to make a real difference.' NAB will roll out a new security system requiring new customers to take a selfie when they sign up Existing NAB customers won't be required to undergo the facial analysis. NAB will use facial recognition technology to help protect customers from cybercriminals Instead, the initiative will become part of NAB's existing online sign-up system. New customers will be asked to scan their face, and then share a photo of an ID document - such as their driver's licence or passport. NAB's systems will then verify that the two facial images match. New customers concerned about the biometric system can attend a branch in person. Similar biometric securities are already being used in NSW and Victoria for passport and licence applications and internationally by banks such as HSBC. Australians lost $175million in the first six months of 2025 to cybercriminals, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. NAB has already introduced several safeguarding measures, including removing links from NAB text messages, introducing payment alerts to digital banking and blocking transactions to high-risk cryptocurrency platforms. NAB will ask customers to take a photo of their face and submit a photo of an existing ID document to ensure the faces match 'Stopping scams takes a whole-of-ecosystem response,' Mr Sheehan added. 'We're helping Australians understand the red flags they need to look out for and working closely with other Banks, telcos, digital platforms, government to stop the crime in the first place.' The biometric data will be collected in line with NAB's existing privacy and data policies. 'This is about making sure the person opening the account is who they say they are and stopping fraud at the front door,' Mr Sheehan said. A high-profile ABC journalist has resigned from the public broadcaster, 10 weeks after allegations emerged that he had accepted a paid work trip to Germany and hadn't disclose it. Andrew Greene was the ABC's defence correspondent when he reported on German manufacturer ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) earlier this year. Media Watch revealed in June that Mr Greene had travelled as a guest of the company while telling his bosses he was on annual leave. The journalist did not tell his bosses about the arrangement, and a segment went to air promoting TKMS, which was competing against Japan-based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for a contract to build a fleet of Australian warships. The senior defence correspondent filed a segment for The World Today about TKMS, including quotes from its chief executive Oliver Burkhard. 'We know what we're doing,' Mr Burkhard told Mr Greene in the report. 'I know our competitors, they never have been exported in the past.' The ABC had thought that Mr Greene had obtained audio of Mr Burkhard's press conference by email, rather than travelling to Germany in person. ABC defence correspondent Andrew Greene has resigned following allegations that he didn't tell his bosses about a $16,000 junket to Germany ABC Media Watch host Linton Besser exposed Mr Greene 'Across northern Germany, shipyards are at capacity as military orders ramp up. Rising global strategic tensions mean business is booming,' Mr Greene reported. After revelations of Greene's alleged junket came to light, the story was removed from the ABC website. Other media, including The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, did disclose the travel arrangements to readers at the time. Media Watch host Linton Besser exposed the veteran journalist and said he had become 'undone by weakness before temptation' and that the scandal would undermine trust in journalistic institutions. Greene spent 10 weeks on leave while the broadcaster investigated the allegations before he resigned on Monday. Canberra bureau chief David Lipson advised ABC staff in an email. 'The ABC maintains the importance of upholding its editorial and other policies,' Mr Lipson wrote. In June, the ABC said the Media Watch allegations were serious, and if they were proven, Greene's actions would be 'unacceptable and could constitute misconduct'. The story was removed from the ABC website after revelations of Andrew Greene's alleged junket came to light. Pictured is ABC's headquarters in Sydney TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard featured in the ABC journalist's coverage The junket to Germany on a business-class return ticket was worth around $16,000, which also included hotel stays in Hamburg and Kiel, paid for by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The ABC confirmed to Daily Mail that Greene had resigned. 'We thank Andrew for the great contribution he has made to the ABC and to audiences, including his excellent reporting as National Security and Defence Reporter, and wish him all the best,' a spokesperson said. 'The ABC maintains the importance of upholding its editorial and other policies.' Greene joined the ABC in 2010 and had been the broadcaster's defence correspondent for the last decade. Australias $10billion warship program has attracted plenty of international competition among global shipbuilders, particularly since Defence Minister Richard Marles 2023 announcement of an ambitious naval shipbuilding program. These companies have spared no expense, even hosting foreign journalists on lavish press junkets to showcase their naval technology and promote their bids. A young Ukrainian woman who fled to the United States seeking a better life has been identified as the victim of a merciless stabbing on Friday night. Iryna Zarutska, 23, was found dead at 9.55pm on Friday at South End light rail station in Charlotte, North Carolina. The woman had only recently moved to the US from Ukraine in an effort to escape the ongoing war with Russia. A 34-year-old suspect, Decarlos Brown, was arrested shortly after police arrived on the scene. Violent crime remains a major issue in Charlotte which has a higher-than-average crime rate compared to other US cities. The city is run by Democratic mayor Vi Lyles, who has been in office since 2017. Zarutska was 'hoping for a new beginning,' loved ones say. 'This is an irreparable loss for her family,' a GoFundMe set up to support Zarutska's aunt read. 'We have created this fundraiser to support Valeria and her loved ones during this heartbreaking time and to help them with the unexpected expenses.' Iryna Zarutska, 23, was found dead at 9.55pm on Friday at South End light rail station in North Carolina A 34-year-old suspect, Decarlos Brown, was arrested shortly after police arrived on the scene Brown has been charged with first-degree murder, and was taken to hospital with non life threatening injuries. Brown has been arrested multiple times with arrests dating back as far as 2011, and is reportedly homeless. According to The Charlotte Observer, most of the charges faced during that time, including felony larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon and communicating threats, have been dropped. Police have not said what led to the stabbing. Councilman Edwin Peacock is now demanding answers from authorities, noting the community no longer feels safe to ride public transport. 'Right now, the trust and confidence that we have right now, and particularly between South End and Uptown, it's very fragile right now,' he said. 'The story is heart-wrenching, and if, obviously what we're hearing is true, clearly we need to give that family answers. The young Ukrainian woman fled to the United States seeking a better life The woman had only recently moved to the US from Ukraine in an effort to escape the ongoing war with Russia Iryna Zarutska, 23, was found dead at 9.55pm on Friday at South End light rail station (pictured) in North Carolina 'And we, more importantly, need to give all the citizens who are riding the light rail a lot of confidence that you're going to be safe.' Zarutska's decision to flee Ukraine comes after more than three years of war after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. A week ago, President Donald Trump said he had set in motion arrangements for direct peace talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky. But Russian officials have signaled that such a summit wont happen any time soon as it continues to bombard Ukraine. Ukraines Air Force said Russia launched 104 strike and decoy drones on Sunday night, targeting the countrys north and east. READ MORE: Treaty with Indigenous Australians could be signed within weeks Shocking new figures reveal that some high-income households, including a couple earning $168,000 a year - have been paying rock-bottom rents for taxpayer-funded social housing. A Queensland government review found dozens of public housing tenants are high-income earners whose salaries far exceed the social housing eligibility limit. Some even owned homes while living in public housing. The findings were released just weeks after the Queensland Government reinstated tenancy and rent reviews, a safeguard the former Labor government had scrapped for more than five years. Liberal National Party Housing Minister Sam O'Connor slammed Labor's record, accusing it of neglect. He said regular tenancy and rent checks would have identified households earning well above the eligibility threshold, who no longer qualified for subsidised housing. 'Forty-five per cent of all social housing tenants had not had their eligibility checked during this time period,' O'Connor told Parliament on Tuesday. 'The former Labor government knew about it for a long time,' he added, noting that the Queensland Audit Office had recommended reinstating checks in July 2022, advice that was ignored. O'Connor said the early results of the reviews were deeply concerning.'We've already uncovered homeowners and dozens of high-income households living in taxpayer-funded housing while thousands of families languished on Labor's record social housing waitlist,' he said. One case involved a Townsville couple earning $168,000 a year who were paying just $187 a week for a social housing property. It was revealed a couple earning $168,000 a year were living in social housing (stock) Others included tenants who already owned property or earned well above the $80,000 eligibility threshold. Social housing tenants are unable to own or part-own property in Australia or overseas, but there are some exceptions in the case of marriage breakdown, domestic violence or natural disaster-impacted areas. Since July 1, more than 2,000 tenancy reviews, have been carried out. The blitz revealed 76 households earning above the income cap and nine tenants who already owned homes while holding a social lease. It also resulted in 13 households being shifted to market rent after failing to disclose income. The reviews have also delivered relief for struggling families. One in four tenants had their rent cut immediately, in some cases by as much as $70 a week. 'Because Labor turned a blind eye, we've found almost one in four tenants paying too much, and their rent has now been reduced immediately,' O'Connor said. 'This is exactly why we brought reviews back, to make sure Queenslanders in social housing are treated fairly, and that taxpayer-funded homes are going to those who need them most.' Sam O'Connor (pictured) said the previous Labor government failed on compliance checks 1 in 4 people were found to be paying too much rent, and had their payments reduced (stock) There are currently more than 52,000 people on Queensland's social housing waitlist. This is compared with 66,000 in NSW, 65,000 in Victoria, 21,000 in Western Australia, 14,000 in South Australia, 5100 in Tasmania and almost 6000 in the Northern Territory. Queensland's government has committed $5.6 billion over four years to deliver 2000 social and affordable homes a year. The annual eligibility checks were launched to confirm social housing tenants still meet income and asset thresholds, with market rent to be charged to people who do not verify their earnings. Social housing tenants will have rent calculated at 25 per cent of a household's assessable income and if found to pay less, they can be subject to a maximum $15 weekly increase, per year. Vice President JD Vance was ruthlessly mocked online for incorrectly claiming that World War II ended with 'negotiations'. The vice president joined Kristen Welker on MSNBC's Meet the Press on Sunday, when he was asked about President Donald Trump's strategy to end the war in Ukraine. Vance explained that Trump is simply trying to mediate negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 'If you go back to World War II, if you go back to World War I, if you go back to every major conflict win human history, they all end with some kind of negotiation,' the vice president stated incorrectly. Many online were then quick to point out that World War II did not end with negotiations between the Allies and the Axis powers, but rather ended in 1945 with the unconditional surrender of Germany and Japan. 'It worries me that the vice-president and future Republican nominee for 2028 is a moron who doesnt know that WWII ended on the battlefield with the Allies demanding unconditional surrender,' one X user wrote as the clip went viral. 'In this amazing clip, the idiot JD Vance claims that the US did not win World War II - we negotiated with Germany to end the war, or Japan,' a second social media user wrote, 'I guess he thinks that Carthage was not defeated by Rome.' Vice President JD Vance incorrectly stated on Sunday that World War II ended with 'negotiations' He was discussing President Donald Trump's strategy to end the war in Ukraine with MSNBC's Kristen Welker when he made the remark Vance was ruthlessly mocked for the incorrect statement on X 'I mean the amount of ignorant bulls**** that this intellectual zero is pushing is scary.' Another X user who identified himself as a history professor also noted that the Axis Powers only surrendered after 'Hitler killed himself in a bunker, Mussolini was executed and Germany and Japan were occupied'. Others also argued that Vance's remarks erases the sacrifice American soldiers made, with one user claiming it glosses over 'the brutal reality of unconditional surrender after Allied bombs and battles crushed the Axis'. 'Stop rewriting history to push your appeasement agenda.' A fifth X user also expressed her relief that 'we didn't have someone with the mindset of JD Vance in charge during WWII'. 'If we did, Hitler would have ended up with half of Europe.' As criticism of Vance's remarks continued, the clip from Meet the Press was temporarily fact-checked with a community note. But others rushed to defend the vice president, with one X user claiming that 'through negotiations [the Axis] agreed to surrender and we agreed to accept their surrender'. 'What is hard to understand about that?' Many online noted that the Axis Powers surrendered to the Allied Powers to end World War II in 1945 following Allied victories In the interview on Sunday, Vance said the president simply wants Putin and Zelensky to 'come to some agreement'. 'If Ukrainians are willing to say something on territory that brings the conflict to a close, we're not going to stop them,' he explained. 'We're also not going to force them because it's not our country. 'All he can do is open the door and ask them to negotiate in good faith,' the vice president said of Trump. His remarks came just days after the president told reporters he was hoping to set up a meeting between the two world leaders soon. Trump said it would become clear within the next 'two weeks' whether or not the meeting would happen, leaning on a familiar timetable he's used repeatedly during his second term. 'I think over the next two weeks, we're going to find out which way it's going to go,' he said. 'And, I better be very happy.' The US president also threatened 'massive sanctions' or 'massive tariffs' if the planned meeting did not happen - a pledge he has promised before and failed to deliver on. He also left open the possibility of doing nothing at all. President Trump has been meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to mediate negotiations between the two countries Trump is now hoping Putin will meet with Zelensky (pictured with Trump last week) soon But the president has become increasingly frustrated with Russia's incessant bombing of Ukraine, and expressed his disapproval on Friday that an American factory in Ukraine was struck by Russian forces 'I told him I'm not happy about it. I'm not happy about anything having to do with that war,' Trump said he told Putin. He then repeated his claim that the war would have 'never happened' if he was president. 'This was caused by stupid people that fought,' he said, adding that 'Vladimir knew very strongly that we wouldn't have stood for it'. An Australian man has shot two police officers dead execution-style and taken his family hostage in the bush in Australia. Dezi Freeman, 56, went on the run with his wife and two children after being suspected of gunning down the two officers at a farm in Porepunkah, 300km northeast of Melbourne. It is believed 10 police officers were carrying out a warrant relating to historical sex abuse allegations at the property when the tragedy occurred. Freeman, who lives in a bus with his family, allegedly gunned down two of the officers with a shotgun as they entered the vehicle and blasted the third in the legs, the Herald Sun reported. 'Straight-out execution,' a source told the newspaper before it was confirmed a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old Senior Constable were killed. It's understood the 59-year-old victim was just days away from retirement. The third officer was shot in the thigh and is undergoing surgery at a Melbourne hospital. One of the slain officers was reportedly only weeks away from retiring. The remaining seven police officers are still at the property and are unharmed, Victoria Police said. Local man Dezi Freeman (above) is allegedly on the run with his wife and two children after being suspected of gunning down the two officers 'execution-style' at a farm on Rayner Track near the base of Mount Buffalo in Victoria's alpine region on Tuesday Police near the scene where two police officers were killed and another was wounded at a property near Porepunkah, 300km northeast of Melbourne Police negotiators at the scene Your browser does not support iframes. Freeman, who is 'very well' known to police and allegedly took firearms from the dead officers, is believed to have taken his family hostage and fled the scene. Scores of officers, including detectives from the Armed Crime Squad and Fugitive Squad, are searching the rugged wilderness for him. Heavy gunfire prevented local police from entering the property as they waited for Special Operations officers to arrive. Police from the Special Operations Group and Critical Incident Response Team are now at Porepunkah, population 1,024, located 6km from the popular tourist town of Bright. 'The suspect for this horrific event is still at large,' Victoria state police chief commissioner Mike Bush said. 'We know that the person is heavily armed. We know that they are dangerous,' he told a news conference. Bush said the outburst of gunfire, which occurred 'over minutes', killed a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable. 'They were met by the offender and they were murdered in cold blood,' he said Another detective was wounded. Police said Freeman is 'well known' to them Porepunkah residents have been told to stay indoors 'He has been shot and is currently in surgery being treated. His injuries are not life threatening.' Ten police had descended on the property in the morning to execute a search warrant when the gunfire broke out, Bush said. 'He was heavily armed and he was able to escape into the bush,' the police chief said. 'I do understand that he was pursued but he was able to get away with a car,' he added. The gunman apparently fled by himself without his partner and two children, who had yet to be located. Hours after the encounter, Bush said the bodies of the two dead police officers were still at the scene. 'Our priority is to arrest him to ensure that he's held to account for the actions, but also very much to bring safety and security to this community,' he said. 'It's believed the offender has since left the property and at this time his whereabouts are unknown,' Victoria Police said in a statement. A significant search is actively underway to locate the man. 'We urge the public in and around the township of Porepunkah to remain indoors until further notice. We also ask people not to travel into the area.' 'The public should remain inside. He is obviously a very dangerous person and he needs to be caught. And that's why we've committed every resource to do that.' Freeman is believed to be a member of the 'sovereign citizen' movement - a radical group that follows conspiracy theories and believes governments to be illegitimate. He is thought to have changed his surname to reflect his sovereign citizen belief that he is independent from recognised government, court or police control. Heavy gunfire prevented local police from entering the property as they waited for Special Operations officers to arrive at the scene It is believed 10 police officers were executing a warrant at Freeman's property The Victoria Police Air Wing arrives in Porepunkah The father-of-two is renowned locally for his previous run-ins with authority and even with his own neighbours in the remote, close-knit community. 'He has a cuckoo-ness about him,' said one resident who described him as 'disrespectful' to local authorities. 'He is anti-police, anti-Commonwealth law. I suppose you could call him a conspiracy theorist or one of those alternative people.' Locals said the shootings occurred near Mount Buffalo Caravan Park, which officers are searching. Campers in tents have been shifted to secure cabins and police have advised people not to leave keys in their cars. Emily, whose mum owns Mt Buffalo Caravan Park, spoke to the Daily Mail from her family's locked-down caravan park. 'We're all ok but a bit rattled, stuff like this doesn't happen here,' she said. Children at Porepunkah Primary School have been picked up by their parents after being in lockdown since 11.30am. Jill Gillies, the school's principal, earlier told ABC radio: 'we're all safe and calm and having the best time we possibly can under the circumstances.' Alpine Shire Council has closed all its facilities including transfer stations, libraries and Visitor Information Centres and depots, the council's customer service centre in Bright, and the Bright Sports Centre. Chief Commissioner Mike Bush made heartfelt announcement live from Wangaratta Police Station where he gave his condolences to the families of the slain officers. 'The suspect for this horrific event is still at large, we believe he is armed,' Chief Commissioner Bush said' 'Our priority is to arrest him, to ensure he is held to account for his actions. 'We thank those courageous officers, in fact we thank every police officer who comes to work every day to keep their community safe. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said there was no evidence Freeman had fled Porepunkah (pictured) 'We will do everything to look after the families of those officers. Chief Commissioner Bush confirmed the 'suspect' was 'heavily armed and dangerous'. The top cop who only recently became chief of Victoria Police said the officers were 'murdered in cold blood'. 'We are still looking to locate his partner and two children, but he was not seen to head into the bush with them,' he said. He also believed the suspect had 'several' guns on him and there was no evidence that the suspected gunman had left Porepunkah region. 'We have nothing to suggest he's fled the area. But we are keeping a very open mind,' he said. Premier Jacinta Allan has advised Victorians to follow police advice. In a statement posted to X on Tuesday just after 1.30pm, Ms Allan said the 'thoughts of all Victorians' were with the police force following the shootings. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was 'very concerned for some of the police officers who are involved'. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw said 'our thoughts and prayers are with Victoria Police right now'. 'We hope that they are all safe and well, however, we're hearing there are some grave concerns for some of those police officers and our hearts go out to the community.' Deadly shootings are relatively rare in Australia, with police fatalities even rarer. A ban on automatic and semi-automatic weapons has been in place since a 1996 mass shooting in Port Arthur, Tasmania in which a lone gunman killed 35 people. Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas said it had been a day of 'deep sorrow and shock' for the community. 'We are grieving together, and we will continue to support one another with compassion and care,' she said in a video message on social media, her voice breaking with emotion. The mayor offered condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen police. Schoolchildren had been kept inside during the incident, the mayor said. 'To our wonderful teachers, thank you for being a steady and calming presence for our children during today's lockdowns,' Nicholas said. 'Your kindness and reassurance have made a world of difference in helping our young ones feel safe and supported.' All council facilities were closed until further notice, she said. A local caravan park manager, Emily White, said it was a jarring experience for a usually quiet town. 'It's really terrifying that this has happened in our community where we've always felt so safe,' she told national broadcaster ABC. Police said homicide squad detectives would investigate the shooting and attend the scene along with the armed crime squad and fugitive squad. Ambulance Victoria said its paramedics were dispatched to the scene. 'We stand united in shock and sadness after today's tragic incident in Porepunkah,' it said in a statement. 'We are wrapping our arms around our own at this time and ensuring our paramedics and first responders who attended this incident are supported.' The latest tragedy has chilling similarities to the Wieambilla shootings that claimed six lives almost three years ago. Conspiracy theorist Gareth Train, his wife Stacey and his brother Nathaniel, gunned down Queensland constables Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29, during an ambush on a rural property in the Western Downs area, west of Brisbane on December 12, 2022. The pair were shot at close range within 10 minutes of entering the property to conduct a welfare check on Nathaniel, who was reported missing at the time. Two other constables - Keely Brough and Randall Kirk - escaped the initial ambush when their colleagues were killed. Good Samaritan neighbour Alan Dare, who lived nearby, was also murdered by the Trains when he came to investigate after he spotted smoke billowing from the property. The Trains were subsequently killed in a gunfight with police that night. The President of South Korea said his staff were desperate to avoid what they referred to as a 'Zelensky moment' on Monday when he met Donald Trump for the first time. President Lee Jae Myung revealed Monday night that he prepared for the White House showdown by reading Trump's The Art of the Deal and as a result the meeting went 'beyond my expectations.' The South Korean leader was put on the spot before he even entered The White House when Trump asked on Truth Social whether his country was facing 'a purge or a revolution.' Lee initially feared a public argument akin to Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky's spat earlier this year that led the Ukrainian president to leave the White House early. But Lee told the Center for Strategic and International Studies that he had come prepared to avoid such a blowup. 'Thats because I had read President Trumps book, The Art of the Deal,' he said. Lee said the meeting, which went past its allotted time, instead turned into a discussion of how the two nations 'modernize our bilateral alliance to be more reciprocal and future-oriented in line with the changing security landscape,' Politico reported. The South Korean president began his remarks by flattering Trump, beginning by praising his redecoration of the Oval Office, describing it as 'bright and beautiful' and also hailing recent record highs of the stock market. The two leaders spoke at length about the diplomatic relations between both countries, but after reporters asked Trump about his earlier claims that there was violence against churches in South Korea, the mood turned awkward. The President of South Korea said his staff were desperate to avoid what they referred to as a ' Zelensky moment' when he met Donald Trump for the first time, Monday Trump had asked concerning questions about what was going on in the country, suggesting it was either facing 'a purge or a revolution' before he received Lee Jae Myung in the White House 'What is going on in South Korea?' Trump asked on social media on Monday morning immediately before their meeting. 'Seems like a purge or revolution. We cant have that and do business there,' he continued ominously. Trump revealed he had heard about the violence against churches from 'intel.' 'I heard from [intelligence] there was a raid on churches. We are going to talk about that later. I haven't spoken about it yet,' Trump replied to a reporter asking him to clarify his social media post. But he then pitched the question to the South Korean president, indicating he could respond to the claim live in the Oval Office if he wanted to. Lee replied there was a special prosecutor appointed to investigate the political turmoil caused by the military 'coup' by the former president of South Korea. He added there was a 'fact-finding investigation' underway. News of a special prosecutor investigating the political opposition immediately piqued Trump's interest as he made a comparison to his own predicament after the 2020 election. Lee initially feared after Trump's questions that it would resemble Trump and Zelensky tenuous, public argument in the Oval Office earlier this year that led the Ukrainian president to leave the White House early However, President Lee said the meeting went 'beyond my expectations' when he spoke to a Washington think tank later Monday 'Is his name deranged Jack Smith by any chance?' Trump asked with a grin, referring to the special prosecutor appointed during the Biden administration to investigate him after the election. 'He's a deranged, sick individual.' 'I'm only kidding,' he added when Lee looked confused. 'Maybe I'm not.' Lee said the prosecutor was not under his control and denied that the government was involved with intercepting information surrounding American bases in the country. Trump tried to patch over the awkwardness, indicating they would discuss the situation behind closed doors. 'That's okay, we'll go over it, I am sure it was a misunderstanding, but there was a rumor going around about churches, raiding churches,' Trump continued. This is the first time the two leaders have met in person as Lee was elected in June. Trump and Lee spoke briefly on the phone since South Korea's election to discuss trade negotiations and their ongoing diplomatic relationship. Trump expressed interest in South Korea's proposal to invest into shipbuilding operations in the United States and negotiating ongoing trade deals. Trump expressed interest in South Korea's proposal to invest into shipbuilding operations in the United States and negotiating ongoing trade deals But Trump appeared more focused on his relationship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, recalling his efforts to negotiate peace between the two nations Earlier in the day, the president said he had heard about 'vicious raids on churches' by the government, and 'even went into our military base and got information.' 'They probably shouldn't have done that, but I hear bad things,' Trump said to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, even as he admitted he did not know whether the information he received was 'true or not.' But Trump appeared more focused on his relationship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, recalling his efforts to negotiate peace between the two nations. 'I would like to have a meeting. I get along great with him,' Trump said. He indicated he may travel to South Korea soon for a trade meeting and could theoretically meet with Kim at the same time. When asked by a reporter if he would work to set up a meeting between the leaders of North and South Korea, Trump replied. 'You mean set them up together? That would be interesting,' as the people in the room chuckled. 'That's a very tough question, I don't know where that question is leading,' Trump added with a grin. Netflix customers have been left outraged over the latest price hike, with many vowing to boycott the streaming service for good. Standard Netflix subscribers, who choose to have ads with their service, are now paying $9.99, up from $7.99. That's a whopping $24 more per year. The standard plan without ads has risen from $18.99 to $20.99, while Premium, the most expensive offer, has been raised by $3, from $25.99 to $28.99. Netflix has also increased the cost of adding an extra user to an existing plan. It will now cost $6.99 per month to add an extra user to the standard plan with ads, up from $5.99, and it will cost $8.99 to do the same without ads, up from $7.99. The streaming giant raised the cost for its three subscription tiers just over a year after the last price update. One subscriber took to Reddit to air their frustration at the price hike and announce their decision to quit the streaming service for good. Netflix has introduced price hikes for its three plans (stock) 'Goodbye Netflix, it was a good ten years but the high seas are calling,' the user wrote, hinting they planned to get their TV fix by turning to piracy. They shared the email Netflix sent informing customers of the price increase. 'Thank you for being a valued member since 2015,' the email read. 'We hope you're enjoying everything Netflix has to offer. We're updating your monthly price to $28.99 on September 25, 2025.' Other customers agreed, with one stating that although they could afford the hike, 'the value for money isn't there'. 'It's twice the price of almost everyone else and half the quality,' they wrote. Another commented: 'I got my Price Update email also, and they got my cancellation notification shortly after. Win-Win!!' 'I won't be pirating, but cancelled Netflix already and cancelled Spotify yesterday,' another said. One customer aired their frustration after being contacted by Netflix to update them on the price hike (pictured) 'Corporate staff continuing to raise prices with no increase in what they offer - there is an expectation that the public will just keep paying it. Only voting with your feet matters.' However, others hit back and slammed the customer for turning to piracy. 'I get that nobody likes price hikes, but piracy isnt some noble protest its just stealing,' they commented. 'If Netflix is too expensive, the fair option is to cancel and go without, or find another service that fits your budget.' Another argued that Netflix's cost is still cheaper than the pre-streaming model of renting movies from a video store. A Netflix spokesperson said: 'We offer a range of prices and plans to meet a wide range of needs, and as we deliver more value to our members, we occasionally ask them to pay a bit more. 'Were adjusting prices in Australia with plans starting at $9.99AUD.' Anthony Albanese has revealed the Iranian government was behind two anti-Semitic attacks in Australia and announced the expulsion of Iran's ambassador. The Prime Minister said ASIO intelligence had discovered that Iran was behind two 'extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression' on Australian soil: the Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing in Melbourne on December 6 and the Lewis Continental Kitchen arson in Sydney's Bondi Beach two months earlier. 'ASIO has now gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion: that the Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks,' Albanese told reporters on Tuesday afternoon. 'Iran has sought to disguise its involvement, but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks on the Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney on October 20 last year, and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on December 6 last year. 'ASIO assesses it's likely Iran directed further attacks as well. These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil. 'They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community. It is totally unacceptable and the Australian government has taken strong and decisive action in response.' Albanese revealed that Iran's ambassador, Ahmad Sadeghi, had been expelled, and operations at Australia's embassy in Tehran have been suspended. All Australian diplomats are now safe in a third country. Anthony Albanese has confirmed the Iranian government was behind two anti-Semitic attacks in Australia Foreign minister Penny Wong urged Australians in Iran to return home 'The Australian people want two things, they want killing in the Middle East to stop, and they don't want conflict in the Middle East brought here,' Albanese said. 'Iran has sought to do just that. They have sought to harm and terrorise Jewish Australians and sow hatred and division in our community.' Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Australians in Iran to leave immediately. 'I know many Australians have family connections in Iran, but I urge any Australian who may be considering travelling to Iran please do not do so,' Senator Wong said. 'If you're an Australian in Iran, leave now if it is safe to do so.' Senator Wong said that this was the first time in Australia's post-war period that Canberra had expelled an ambassador. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said investigations are continuing into other possible Iranian-linked attacks in Australia. 'Our painstaking investigation uncovered and unpicked the links between the alleged crimes and the commanders in Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess (pictured, left) said investigations are continuing into other possible Iranian-linked attacks in Australia 'The IRGC used a complex web of proxies to hide its involvement. This is the kind of boundary blurring I warned about earlier this year. 'They put lives at risk, they terrified the community, and they tore at our social fabric. Iran and its proxies lit the matches and fanned the flames. 'I want to assure all Australians that ASIO and our law enforcement partners take these matters extremely seriously.' Burgess explained that there isn't a direct line between IRGC and those accused of carrying out the crimes. Instead, it operates like a 'layer cake' of intermediaries and cut-outs. 'In between them, they tap into a number of people, agents of IRGC, and people that they know in the criminal world, and work through there, so it's a series of chains,' Burgess added. Adass Israel Synagogue, Ripponlea, in Melbourne was firebombed in December last year Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney's Bondi Beach was attacked two months earlier. ASIO believes both attacks were carried out at the behest of the Iranian government 'They're just using cut-outs, including people who are criminal and members of organised crime gangs to do their bidding or direct their bidding.' Australia will also list the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. The IRGC answers directly to the Supreme Leader and operates as both a military and political force. The group has been accused of sponsoring terrorism, running covert operations abroad, and using criminal networks to extend its reach. 'The IRGC has form in conducting, going after dissent or anything they consider a threat to the regime in other countries,' Albanese told reporters on Monday. 'This is unique to Australia, having a crack at our social cohesion.' Albanese told parliament that he had been briefed by ASIO on Iran's alleged activities on Monday. The Israeli embassy in Australia welcome the decision to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. 'Irans regime is not only a threat to Jews or Israel, it endangers the entire free world, including Australia. A strong and important move,' a statement from the embassy said. Daniel Aghion KC, President of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the firebombings were 'an attack on our nation and our sovereignty'. 'As Australians, we are outraged that a foreign actor perpetrated acts of terror on our soil,' Mr Aghion KC said. 'Foremost, these were attacks that deliberately targeted Jewish Australians, destroyed a sacred house of worship, caused millions of dollars of damage, and terrified our community.' Mr Aghion said Jewish organisations had warned for many years of the threat the Iranian regime posed. 'This is not a regime that merely subjugates its own citizens and wages war in the Middle East through its proxies,' he said. 'It has consistently shown a willingness and capability to finance and orchestrate terror all over the world. 'The organ of the regime directly responsible for this is the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. It is entirely appropriate for it to now be proscribed as a terrorist organisation.' Australia's biggest bank has been accused of going 'back to their old tricks' after it gave a man with a gambling addiction more than $13,000 in personal loans. Commonwealth Bank gave the problem gambler two loans despite his transaction history showing he was spending more than half his income gambling with licensed bookmakers. The man, who didn't want to be identified by name, told the ABC he had taken the matter to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA). He claims the bank breached its responsible lending obligations when it gave him a $6,812 loan in September last year and another $6,727 loan in March. 'My gambling was out of control and if you looked at my transactions it was obvious,' the man said. 'Instead of stopping to ask if I was OK, they approved not one but two loans.' Commonwealth Bank offered a $2,603 payment to resolve the dispute on the condition that it 'will be released from any further claims in relation to this matter'. The man's brother is acting for him and said the bank's offer was rejected with the man wanting CBA to pay him $25,000 to cover the debt, interest, and as compensation for the harm it caused him. The CBA gave a problem gambler two separate personal loans despite knowing he spent much of his disposable income with bookmakers The man mostly gambled with bookmakers on the horses 'Banks need to act on the warning signs they can see in their own systems, because when they ignore them, people like me pay the price,' the man said. In an email last month, CBA admitted it identified the man's gambling spending when he applied for the September 2024 loan. 'There are a number of rules which govern CBA's gambling policy in regard to unsecured credit applications,' the email said. 'Let me reassure you that the gambling spend did not breach this policy.' The man's CBA account showed he spent $8,251 on bookmakers during the 90 days leading up to his September 2024 loan application. He earned $14,510 in the same period, which meant he spent 57 per cent of his take-home income gambling, mainly on the horses. The bank's policy is that it will only decline credit for people if they have spent more than $10,000 on gambling in the 90 days before their application. 'Whilst CBA is sympathetic to (the man's) circumstances and acknowledges that this has been a very difficult time for him and his family, the bank declines (his) requested outcome of $25,000 in compensation,' the bank said in its letter to AFCA. The Commonwealth Bank will decline credit for people if they have spent more than $10,000 on gambling in the 90 days before they applied for a loan Five years ago, the CBA paid a $150,000 fine for breaching the National Consumer Credit Protection Act by giving customer David Harris an increase to his credit card limit despite telling the bank he was a problem gambler. 'I tried to reach out for help and I couldn't get any, I got the opposite, I got credit limit increases sent through and I tried to tell them I had a problem,' Mr Harris said at a hearing. The man's brother said the case showed CBA had not learned its lesson from that previous matter. 'They're back to their old tricks,' he said. 'They need to do more to protect vulnerable people.' It's understood the Australian Securities and Investments Commission was looking into the matter. 'The stress was constant. I wasn't sleeping,' the man said. In March, the man applied for his second CBA personal loan to consolidate his debts, including the previous loan in 2024. The man spent more then half his disposable income at the track He complained to AFCA about the second loan, saying the bank should have taken his payday loans into account when approving it. CBA claimed, however, that his transaction record showed he was keeping up with the payday loan repayments. Alliance for Gambling Reform chief executive Martin Thomas said the bank's $10,000 threshold for flagging problem gambling was inadequate because it failed to take into account the varying incomes and financial circumstances of customers. 'It seems extraordinary that a bank has such a limited approach to assessing people in terms of gambling harm,' he said. The man gave the bank written authorisation to discuss his case, but CBA declined to comment, citing confidentiality requirements for matters before AFCA. 'We are in contact with [the man] to seek to address the complaint respectfully,' the bank said in a statement. 'Customer complaints can be complex and challenging, and we want to work through these matters carefully.' The man said he has since begun treatment for his gambling addiction. An Aussie homeowner fears that a nearby creek will eventually swallow up his humble abode of three decades. Disability support worker Bob has already lost more than one metre of property to a raging stream at the back of his Shellharbour home, south of Wollongong on the NSW South Coast. Several massive cracks have formed around his property, including in the foundations of his home. Some of the most noticeable damage is under Bob's pool. What used to be the centrepiece of Christmas celebrations has become unusable, where the ground under the pool all but washed away. 'The whole block of land is slowly slipping towards the creek,' Bob told A Current Affair on Monday. 'Now it's got to the stage where the front of the house is breaking apart from the foundations.' Bob's problems began when a new housing development was built on top of a nearby hill. Disability support worker Bob (pictured) has recorded significant damage around his home from a nearby creek Bob claimed the creek had eroded land under his property, resulting in massive cracks and unstable land (pictured, Bob's back fence) Since the development was constructed, the creek has flowed much heavier whenever it rains. Bob and his family fear they'll soon start spotting cracks inside their home or lose the entire property to a landslide. The family initially sought to claim damages to the property through their insurer, which rejected the claim. Bob isn't the only one whose home is under threat. Neighbour David has noticed cracks in his sheds and claims he's already lost several metres of embankment from the back of his property. With nowhere left to turn, Bob and his family requested disaster relief funding from Shellharbour Council. Bob claimed the council vowed to provide financial relief but never followed through on the promise. A council spokesman said that Bob's home and nearby creek have been classified as 'flood-prone' since 2011. Bob is worried cracks (like the one pictured) will soon start appearing inside his house The region has suffered 'five significant rainfall and flood events' in the last five years alone. The spokesperson said the water 'placed extraordinary pressure on local drainage systems and impacted this area'. 'Council has undertaken localised maintenance on the stormwater network in the street and carried out bush care work along the creek to help improve drainage performance where possible,' they said. The council also claimed that Bob hadn't begun the formal claim process for it to review an application to consider providing financial aid. Daily Mail has contacted Shellharbour Council for further comment. A New York City male model who was brutally attacked while defending two women in Germany has slammed the nation's immigration policies. John Rudat, 21, was stabbed multiple times and left bloodied and battered after trying to stop two victims from being violently assaulted on German public transit in the city of Dresden on Sunday. Now, he's broken his silence to reveal his attacker was 'an immigrant, an illegal one, a drug dealer and very popularly known here, especially by the police. 'He doesn't even belong here,' he added. Rudat claimed the immigrant attacker had been remanded several times before Sunday's attack, including for similar attempted assaults on young women. 'If they could do this to the people and then just get released 12 hours later, even less at this point, where's the law? Where's the structure?' he said. 'If Germans are held to that law and that structure, but these people could just come in, swing knives, and hurt, abuse, terrorize and oppress citizens of Germany then what do we do?' The young model (pictured), who is also a paramedic, sustained a critical gash in the middle of his face from a six-inch blade Rudat (pictured in the hospital) was sliced with a six-inch blade across his face Law enforcement officials said there were two attackers. They were both reportedly Syrian nationals. One of the men was detained after the violent incident on suspicion of beating Rudat, but was released shortly after. 'According to the on-call public prosecutor's assessment, there were insufficient grounds for detention. The knife attack cannot be attributed to him,' Senior Public Prosecutor Jurgen Schmidt told German outlet Bild. The other suspect, who is believed to have actually stabbed Rudat, is still at large. Rudat was vacationing in Germany when the assault occurred, but said he wanted to impart knowledge on other foreigners about 'Europe's immigration problem, especially Germany'. 'The problem to me wasn't anyone's skin color, wasn't anyone's race, wasn't anybody's anything. It was the fact that a woman was being harassed and assaulted.' The New York model implored his followers not to consider his comments political, insisting the 'problem of violence transcends a political party'. John Rudat (pictured), 21, was left bloodied and battered after trying to stop two women from being violently assaulted on German public transit Rudat's brother Logan (right) said he was not surprised about Rudat's (left) heroic actions 'Everybody, no matter what their side of political party, should look at this and see it for what it was: an act of violence perpetrated on somebody that could not defend herself with an intervention from someone who was in a position to do so,' he said. The young model, who is also a paramedic, sustained a critical gash in the middle of his face from a six-inch blade. Horrifying footage from the incident's aftermath shows Rudat with a tissue to his face with a trail of blood splatters leading to where he was sitting. Another clip reveals a deep slash across his nose, while other passengers appeared shell-shocked after witnessing the gory ordeal. Rudat needed immediate medical attention and underwent extensive surgery in Germany. A GoFundMe has been created by his brother's girlfriend, Molly Sheldon. 'This horrible act against John leaves us devastated and seeking justice. He now faces a challenging recovery; physically, emotionally, and even financially as he works to heal from this incident,' Sheldon wrote. Rudat (pictured) is expected to be able to return to the US in a week or two, according to his brother So far, the fundraiser created to support Rudat and his family has collected more than $32,500. Rudat was visiting Dresden to see his former foreign exchange host family, according to The New York Post. When his loved ones received the gut-wrenching call that he had been involved in the harrowing incident, they feared for the worst. 'We got a little scared when we found out,' Sheldon told The Post. 'We didn't know the extent of his injuries. We were at dinner the other day and he called saying, 'Hey, I've been in an incident, I'm OK, just if you can notify my parents because they weren't answering the phone.'' Rudat's brother and Sheldon's boyfriend, Logan, said he was not surprised that his brother put himself at risk to protect others. 'It's part of his character. That's just the way we were raised,' Logan, who is also a first responder, told the outlet, adding he is optimistic that Rudat will be able to return to the US in a week or two. While reflecting on the incident on his Instagram story, Rudat wrote: 'Never turn your back on abuse.' A painting that was once stolen from a Jewish arts dealer by the Nazis during World War II has been discovered in a real estate ad for a home in Argentina. 'Portrait of a Lady,' a portrait of Contessa Colleoni created by Vittore Ghislandi in 1743, was pictured hanging over a sofa in the real estate listing posted by Robles Casas & Campos. Art experts who reviewed the images told the Dutch newspaper AD they believe the painting hanging on the wall in the Argentine home is the authentic 'Portrait of a Lady' based on the dimensions of the piece and the fact that there would be little incentive to forge it. Similar artwork by Ghislandi have fetched only several thousand dollars, sometimes even less, at auction in recent years, according to the Jewish News Syndicate. 'There is no reason to think of why this should be a copy,' Annelies Kool and Perry Schrier of the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands told AD, adding that 'final confirmation can come by looking at the back of the painting' where 'there may still be marks or labels that confirm the origin.' 'Portrait of a Lady' had once belonged to Dutch-Jewish collector Jacques Goudstikker, a successful art dealer in Amsterdam who helped his fellow Jews flee the Nazis before he died at sea while trying to escape to Britain onboard a cargo ship. At least 800 pieces Goudstikker owned were seized or bought under duress by the Nazis, a government-commissioned investigation in 2006 found, categorizing the lost artwork as being 'looted.' Investigators were able to recover more than 200 of the pieces in the early 2000s, but many - like 'Portrait of a Lady' - remained missing and were included on the international list of lost art and the official Dutch list of artwork looted by the Nazis. 'Portrait of a Lady,' a portrait of Contessa Colleoni created by Vittore Ghislandi in 1743 (right), was pictured hanging over a sofa in a real estate listing posted by Robles Casas & Campos (left) It once belonged to Dutch-Jewish collector Jacques Goudstikker, a successful art dealer in Amsterdam who helped his fellow Jews flee the Nazis before he died at sea while trying to escape to Britain onboard a cargo ship An ensuing investigation into how the portrait may have wound up at the Argentinian house ultimately led AD reporters to Friedrich Kadgien - who once served as top Nazi official Herman Goering's financial adviser. He was tasked with funding the Nazi war efforts, often through the theft of art and diamonds from Jewish dealers in the Netherlands. Following the war, Kadgien fled to Argentina, where he died in 1979. It turned out that the house advertised in the listing was owned by one of Kadgien's daughters. When she was then confronted about the painting by AD reporters, the unidentified woman claimed she did not know what painting they were referring to and said she was too busy to answer their questions. But Marei von Saher, an heir of Goudstikker, says she now plans to file a claim and launch a legal action to have the painting returned to her family. 'My search for the artworks owned by my father-in-law Jacques Goudstikker started at the end of the 90s, and I won't give up,' von Saher, who is now 81 years old, told the Dutch newspaper. 'My family aims to bring back every single artwork robbed from Jacques' collection and restore his legacy,' she said. An investigation into how the portrait may have gotten to Argentina, led reporters to Friedrich Kadgien - who once served as top Nazi official Herman Goering's (pictured) financial adviser Storm Trooper commander Reichstag president Goering is pictured standing next to Adolph Hitler She explained that details of Goudstikker's collection were kept in a little black book which he took with him on his fateful journey to Britain in May 1940, as the Netherlands fell under Nazi occupation. The booklet was eventually discovered by his surviving wife, Desi, and their only son, Edo, who made it safely to the United States. Separately, researchers from the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands claim they spotted another missing painting by Abraham Mignon, a 17th-century Dutch still-life painter, on a social media page belonging to Kadgien's other daughter. That painting of flowers is also included on the organization's list of stolen art, but the Cultural Heritage Agency says its experts have not yet been able to trace back its ownership. Around 900 migrants arrived in the UK under darkness after being picked up in the Channel over the bank holiday weekend, providing further proof of the failure of Labour's 'smash the gangs' policy. A total of 52,180 people have now arrived illegally in Britain since Sir Keir Starmer took office and ditched the Conservatives' Rwanda scheme - putting his faith instead in a vague plan to target people smugglers. Ministers confirmed today that the first arrivals have been detained in a new one in, one out deal with France, but critics warn its narrow scope means it will do little to serve as a deterrent to would-be Channel migrants. Footage from last night shows a Border Force vessel transporting a large group of people after they were picked up in the Channel. A day earlier, dozens of migrants were seen wading neck-deep into the sea off Calais to board a dinghy to reach Britain as temperatures soared. Pictures showed women, children and men in orange life jackets attempting to climb onto a small rubber boat in the water on France's north coast. Officers in diving gear could be seen watching on from the shore and a rescue boat off Petit-Fort-Philippe beach in Gravelines. A total of 212 migrants were brought into Dover after crossing in four different boats yesterday, according to official figures, which have not yet been updated to take in yesterday's arrivals. Footage from last night shows a Border Force vessel transporting a large group of people after they were intercepted in the Channel under darkness Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Some of the migrants who arrived yesterday had children sitting on their shoulders while others reached out their hands to help those around them step off the boat and into the water. In other shocking images, children were seen crying as they were pushed through the Channel with their heads barely held above the water's surface. The waters remained in calm conditions in the 26C Calais heat today, but concerns are rising as the weather is set to take a turn for the worse in the coming days. More than 28,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats this year. The latest Home Office statistics show that almost two-fifths of those who claimed asylum in the UK in the 12 months to June 2025 arrived via small boat. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp previously blasted Labour's 'one in, one out' scheme as a 'gimmick that just won't work'. The 900 migrants who arrived under darkness yesterday crossed the Channel illegally over the bank holiday weekend Women, children and men in orange life jackets attempting to climb onto a small rubber boat in France yesterday Some of the group were seen bobbing in the water Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. He said: 'As far as we can see, removals under this scheme will only amount to six per cent of arrivals, meaning 94 per cent will stay. 'It will have no deterrent effect whatsoever. 'We also know that the agreement with France means any migrants claiming to be under 18, or who make a modern slavery or human rights claim, will not get removed. 'So this plan will get bogged down in an endless legal quagmire. 'Just like Sir Keir Starmer's claim to ''smash the gangs'', this is another gimmick that just won't work.' BYD exports its Thai-made electric vehicles to Europe Xinhua) 11:22, August 26, 2025 BANGKOK, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- BYD announced on Monday that its Thailand plant has officially exported the first batch of BYD DOLPHIN electric vehicles (EVs) to the European market, totaling over 900 units, with destinations including Britain, Germany and Belgium. The export operation was carried out by BYD's own vessel, the "BYD ZHENGZHOU," which has set sail from Thailand to Europe for the first time, marking a further enhancement of BYD's global supply chain and highlighting Thailand's role in the global automotive landscape as a regional production hub and export gateway for EVs. In his speech, Phonnathorn Vongprom, director of the fourth Regional Investment and Economic Center from Thailand's Board of Investments, said BYD's decision to export EVs from Thailand to Europe demonstrates the strong economic links between Thailand and international markets. He added that the Thai government will continue to promote and support such investments to strengthen the domestic value chain, enhance technological capabilities, and solidify Thailand's position in the global EV industry. Yuphin Boonsirichan, chairwoman of the Automotive Industry Club, Federation of Thai Industries, said that this milestone reflects BYD's strong confidence in Thailand and reaffirms the country's importance in the global electric vehicle supply chain, highlighting Thailand's capability to become a global connection for EV production and exports. "Following the delivery of our 90,000th NEV in July, we are once again achieving a breakthrough. The export of Thailand-produced DOLPHIN models to Europe for the first time not only represents another step forward in BYD's globalization strategy, but also underscores Thailand's vital role in the global EV supply chain," said Ke Yubin, general manager of BYD Thailand. As a key part of BYD's global production network, BYD's Thailand plant, located in Rayong Province, integrates local supply chains and demonstrates BYD's advanced manufacturing expertise. It not only serves domestic demand but also supports exports to Europe and other global markets, reinforcing Thailand's role as a strategic hub in the worldwide EV industry. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) A gunman suspected of killing two police officers branded cops 'frigging Nazis', 'Gestapo' and 'terrorist thugs' as he relentlessly targeted a female officer because she pulled him over for speeding. Dezi Freeman remained on the run overnight in Victoria's freezing high country after it's alleged he shot and killed two police officers and wounded a third with a home-made shotgun at a property in the small northeast Victorian town of Porepunkah. A 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable were killed in the shocking incident late Tuesday morning, which came after ten officers arrived at the property to serve a warrant. Freeman allegedly took the dead officers' guns and a police radio to listen in to cops' movements and then fled deep into bushland in Victoria's High Country, about 300km northeast of Melbourne. The search for Freeman continued throughout the night, and reportedly involved over 100 police officers, including some from NSW. There were some initial reports he may have taken his wife and two children hostage, however police said he fled alone and that trio attended a local police station on Tuesday night. Daily Mail can reveal Freeman's feud with police goes at least as far back as 2020 when he was charged and convicted in the Wangaratta Magistrates' Court for speeding, refusing to provide an oral fluid sample for testing and using a mobile phone while driving. The self-proclaimed 'sovereign citizen' had his licence cancelled for two years but appealed the decision to the County Court, which dismissed the speeding charge but upheld the other convictions. Suspected gunman Dezi Freeman had a vendetta with police There were early reports his wife and two children were taken hostage but police late on Tuesday night confirmed they are safe and accounted for Police negotiators are at the scene of the shootings Freeman appealed the County Court decision to the Supreme Court where his application to have the matter reviewed was dismissed in November last year. The Supreme Court heard Freeman's ravings from his County Court appeal where he 'disputed the enforceability of the laws under which he was charged and that he was acting in self-defence'. The officer and their colleague, who Daily Mail has chosen not to name, pulled Freeman over while on patrol in a marked police car on the Great Alpine Road. The police officers observed Freeman driving his vehicle into Porepunkah at what they thought was above the 60km/h speed limit. Police turned their vehicle around, turned on their police lights, and travelled at speed to catch up to Freeman. The court heard Freeman stopped at a fish and chip shop where police pulled in behind him. A 'heated exchange then occurred', the court was told. Freeman then 'somewhat begrudgingly' undertook an alcohol breath test but refused to provide oral fluid for testing. Freeman described police as 'frigging Nazis', 'Gestapo' and 'terrorist thugs' A huge police presence has the region in lockdown Freeman filmed their interaction on his phone, then drove off using his phone to film the police officers. The court heard Freeman gave the police an assertive cross-examination during the County Court appeal. The accused killer suggested that his vehicle was 'a great distance from the informant's vehicle' when the radar device was used, and there were 'power lines and transformers there that might also have been microwave transmissions or other radio transmissions in the area that interfered with the radar device'. Freeman also 'suggested it was unfair' he was charged with speeding when the police officers had travelled at a much greater speed themselves in order to catch up to him. He 'criticised the devotion of public resources to his prosecution' and suggested the officer was 'pretending' he was refusing a breath test. Freeman also 'suggested' the police officer had arranged for one of her colleagues to cancel his firearms licence, which police denied. 'How was it fair that when I haven't arrested you for the multitude of crimes you have committed and I haven't exposed you or other police to the multitude of crimes they have committed, for the logs in their eyes, how is it fair that you go after me for the splinter in mine?' Freeman said in his court rant. 'What about equality of arms? What about equal treatment? What do you think about that? Do you even think about it? Are you capable of thinking about it? Or are you morally bankrupt?' In his evidence, Freeman also referred to the police as 'frigging Nazis', 'Gestapo' and 'terrorist thugs'. Freeman also gave evidence he was a 'safe driver with an excellent driving record' that 'he had had a difficult childhood, had overcome disadvantage' and had a 'history of unpleasant encounters with police officers'. Police have warned the public and media to stay away from the area Your browser does not support iframes. A helicopter searches bushland near Mt Buffalo after the alleged gunman fled Freeman insisted 'he was acting in self-defence or under duress'. 'I state under oath, that I was acting in self-defence of myself, being the person, and in self-defence of another two people, being minors, being my children, who have also suffered in the past from this kind of conduct by police,' Freeman told the court. 'I believe that I was preventing, and terminating, because there was an unlawful deprivation of liberty occurring. 'But especially preventing any further unlawful deprivation of liberty of myself and of my children, but also, the possibility, based on my experience and belief, of a much worse kind of deprivation of liberty occurring. 'I state that I was under extreme duress. You've seen the video. You've seen my demeanour. 'I believe and I state I felt threats of harm, and, I also felt threats of like, as the fear of the unknown unknown harms which are um, or unpredictable harms that will be carried out unless I got the hell out of there, 'cause I could see it only escalating, and you'll see why that can go in all different places. 'I had to, like, get myself and my kids out of there and hope I wasn't get - gonna get chased by [the informant] or shot at or whatever else unknown. 'I state under oath - I give evidence that I was not responding to lawful conduct, if any existed. I was responding to unlawful conduct. Police are on high alert as Freeman remains on the run A Victoria Police Air Wing helicopter is flying over vast tracts of bushland in the hunt for Freeman 'No, I did not know that any conduct was that I was responding to was lawful, and I do not believe that I did not believe that any contact I was responding to was lawful. 'So, the unlawful conduct that I was responding to are my reasonable grounds to self-defence, was what I believe was the improper purpose of what [the informant] was doing. '[They were] exercising that process of escalation upon me, something I was very familiar with and had been harmed by in the past, including in that 1996 event, and many, many others. 'And, this is how it goes, right? She goes, 'oh, okay... your test is inconclusive. Now I want to do a blood test. We can't do it here. 'Now you've got to accompany me to the Wangaratta police station'. So there goes what's going to happen with my kids? 'She is using that to escalate and, 'as it's inconclusive I believe you have been using drugs', we're going to search the van', right? 'Then they violate and trespass again. That's happened too many times. Then they find because we've been fishing I've got a fishing knife in the tackle box. Right? 'And next thing they pull out a knife and you can see on the front page of the newspaper now, 'oh, man's arsenal of weapons seized in a van. The search continued throughout Tuesday night in appalling, rainy weather 'I felt threatened and preyed upon, even the sight of a cop or a cop car, it's like an Auschwitz survivor seeing a Nazi soldier. 'What's worse than a swastika is the inverted pentagram, the Satanic symbol that they wear and they behave like it as well. 'The unlawful conduct I was responding to that was immediate at the time was the probability of them trying to arrest me which in fact is usually an assault and abduction. 'The unlawful conduct I was responding to in defending myself and my kids from was the unlawful detention of my kids.' Freeman ended his court rant that the 'past unlawful conduct' to which he was responding was 'a lifetime of bullying and predatorial behaviour by police'. Today's shootings are believed to have happened at a farm on Rayner's Track near the base of Mount Buffalo in Victoria's alpine region. Heavy gunfire prevented local police from entering the property as they waited for Special Operations officers to arrive at the scene. Camouflaged officers, an armoured tactical vehicle, and the Victoria Police Air Wing then arrived in Porepunkah, population 1,024, and located 6km from the popular tourist town of Bright. More than 100 police officers were on the scene, with a spokesperson warning: 'This is still an active incident. 'We ask people to avoid the area.' Freeman went on the run with his wife and kids The search for the alleged gunman carried on throughout Tuesday night in appalling, rainy weather. Freeman changed his surname to reflect his sovereign citizen belief that he is independent from recognised government, court or police control. The father-of-two is renowned locally for his previous run-ins with authority and even with his own neighbours in the remote close-knit community. 'He has a cuckoo-ness about him,' said one resident who described him as 'disrespectful' to local authorities. 'He is anti-police, anti-Commonwealth law. I suppose you could call him a conspiracy theorist or one of those alternative people.' Locals said the shootings occurred near Mount Buffalo Caravan Park, which officers are searching. Campers in tents have been shifted to secure cabins and police have advised people not to leave keys in their cars. Emily, whose mum owns Mt Buffalo Caravan Park, spoke to the Daily Mail from her family's locked-down caravan park. 'We're all ok but a bit rattled, stuff like this doesn't happen here,' she said. Premier Jacinta Allan has advised Victorians to avoid the Porepunkah area and follow police advice. In a statement posted to X on Tuesday just after 1.30pm, Ms Allan said the 'thoughts of all Victorians' were with the police force following the shootings. 'A police operation is currently underway in Porepunkah, in Victoria's northeast,' she wrote. 'I have been briefed by the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police. This situation remains active.' The situation remains ongoing. An Australian academic who was imprisoned in Iran for over two years on false charges has questioned why it took the Albanese government so long to take the threat posed by the Islamic Republic seriously. On Tuesday afternoon, the Prime Minister said ASIO had discovered that Iran was behind two 'extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression' on Australian soil: the Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing in Melbourne on December 6 last year, and the Lewis Continental Kitchen arson in Sydney's Bondi Beach two months earlier. 'ASIO assesses it's likely Iran directed further attacks as well. These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil,' the Prime Minister told reporters. 'They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community. It is totally unacceptable, and the Australian government has taken strong and decisive action in response.' Albanese revealed that Iran's ambassador, Ahmad Sadeghi, had been expelled, while operations at Australia's embassy in Tehran had been suspended. The government has also listed Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. But Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who was detained in Iran for over 800 days on false charges of espionage, has slammed the government for taking so long to act. 'For years now, the Iranian-Australian community and other victims of the IRGC, including myself, have been literally screaming at rallies, to our local MPs, in parliamentary consultations, and in reports to the national security hotline that Iranian agents are operating brazenly and with few consequences here on Australian soil,' she said in a statement shared on X. Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who was detained in Iran for over 800 days on false charges of espionage, has slammed the government for taking so long to act On Tuesday afternoon, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said ASIO intelligence had discovered that Iran was behind two 'extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression' on Australian soil 'Overseas, we have seen numerous incidents of Iran contracting organised crime to conduct attacks on journalists, dissidents, and targets within the Jewish community. 'Many of us have long been saying that an Iranian hand lies behind some of the antisemitic attacks which have proliferated here in Australia since October 7.' Dr Moore-Gilbert pointed to a Senate inquiry held in February 2023, which recommended the IRGC be proscribed as a terrorist organisation. She also said she had been calling for the expulsion of Ambassador Sadeghi due to his 'repeated anti-Semitic remarks on social media, and due to his embassy's sinister role in sponsoring the surveillance of dissidents here in Australia'. 'I personally have petitioned two foreign ministers to sanction IRGC officials directly complicit in the wrongful detention and effective hostage-taking of myself and at least four other Australian citizens, with no response,' Dr Moore-Gilbert added. She said she was glad Albanese had acted, but added: 'It's such a shame that it's taken them so long'. Dr Moore-Gilbert's case made global headlines after she was detained in Iran in September 2018 following an academic conference. She was later sentenced to ten years in prison for espionage but was eventually released in October 2020 as part of a prisoner exchange. Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, was firebombed in December last year Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney's Bondi Beach was attacked two months earlier. ASIO believes both attacks were carried out at the behest of the Iranian government It comes as the Opposition underlined the fact they had been calling for both actions taken by the government on Tuesday for at least a year. 'The Coalition called for the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador last year, when he praised the Hezbollah terrorist leader, Hassan Nasrallah,' a joint statement from leader Sussan Ley and other senior Coalition figures said. 'The Coalition has been urging the government to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation for more than two years - and we will back any legislative changes needed to get it done.' Foreign Minister Penny Wong earlier urged Australians in Iran to leave immediately. 'I know many Australians have family connections in Iran, but I urge any Australian who may be considering travelling to Iran: please do not do so,' Senator Wong said. 'If you're an Australian in Iran, leave now if it is safe to do so.' Senator Wong said that this was the first time in Australia's post-war period that Canberra had expelled an ambassador. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said investigations are continuing into other possible Iranian-linked attacks in Australia. 'Our painstaking investigation uncovered and unpicked the links between the alleged crimes and the commanders in Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess (pictured, left) said investigations are continuing into other possible Iranian-linked attacks in Australia 'The IRGC used a complex web of proxies to hide its involvement. This is the kind of boundary blurring I warned about earlier this year. 'They put lives at risk, they terrified the community, and they tore at our social fabric. Iran and its proxies lit the matches and fanned the flames. 'I want to assure all Australians that ASIO and our law enforcement partners take these matters extremely seriously.' Burgess explained that there isn't a direct line between IRGC and those accused of carrying out the crimes. Instead, it operates like a 'layer cake' of intermediaries and cut-outs. 'In between them, they tap into a number of people, agents of IRGC, and people that they know in the criminal world, and work through there, so it's a series of chains,' Burgess added. 'They're just using cut-outs, including people who are criminal and members of organised crime gangs to do their bidding or direct their bidding.' The IRGC answers directly to the Supreme Leader and operates as both a military and political force. The group has been accused of sponsoring terrorism, running covert operations abroad, and using criminal networks to extend its reach. 'The IRGC has form in conducting, going after dissent or anything they consider a threat to the regime in other countries,' Albanese told reporters on Monday. 'This is unique to Australia, having a crack at our social cohesion.' Albanese told parliament that he had been briefed by ASIO on Iran's alleged activities on Monday. Amir Maimon, Israel's ambassador to Australia, welcomed the 'strong and important move', stating that it is a 'step we have long advocated for'. 'Iran's regime is not only a threat to Jews or Israel, it endangers the entire free world, including Australia,' he added. A Queensland MP has unleashed a firestorm after suggesting migrants to Australia could be offered cash to return to their home countries. Liberal National Party MP Garth Hamilton said the move would ease the housing crisis and take pressure off hospitals and schools and told 2GB's Ben Fordham the policy would give struggling newcomers a 'fair and compassionate way out.' Under the proposal, migrants who have failed to find work would be handed a payment to head back overseas, a scheme already used in France, Germany, Sweden and Japan. 'In Sweden, the offer is about $6000. Germany is similar, France offers closer to $9000,' Hamilton said. 'It covers flights and expenses to help people go back. This isn't forcing anyone out, it's a voluntary scheme.' The Queensland MP stressed the idea wasn't about attacking migrants but tackling Australia's record-breaking migration surge. 'A lot of migrants who come here in good faith aren't finding work, aren't finding housing, and it hasn't been the rosy picture they were promised,' he said. 'At the same time, young Australians can't afford a home. We have to act now.' Garth Hamilton (pictured) has proposed paying migrants in Australia $6000 to return home Hamilton pointed to Japan's use of the policy during the 2008 financial crisis, when the government paid for migrants to return home amid economic pressure. 'That's putting the citizens of your country first,' he said. 'That's what every government should do.' He also dismissed claims the plan was extreme, saying left-leaning governments in Europe had already adopted it. 'This isn't some right-wing solution,' he said. 'France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, these are left-leaning governments. It's not about left or right, it's about putting citizens first.' Australia's migration numbers are at historic highs, with net overseas arrivals running at about half a million a year, well above the long-term average. Critics say the surge is pushing up rents, crowding hospitals and schools, and worsening the nation's productivity slump. Australia has seen record levels of migration post the covid pandemic era (stock) 'This isn't about whether immigration is good or bad. It's about the rate, and right now, it's way too high,' he said. He pointed to economist and University of Sydney Associate Professor Salvatore Babones, who has argued that 'flooding the labour market with low-skilled migrants' pushes down wages and drags on productivity. But migration expert Associate Professor Anna Boucher, also from the University of Sydney raised doubts, saying what works in Europe may not translate to Australia. 'This concept comes mainly from Europe, which has faced much larger refugee and migration crises. Australia's situation is very different,' she said. She pointed to Germany, which took in more than one million Syrians during the Syrian refugee crisis in just a year, which led to huge labour market shocks 'We haven't had anything like that here. Our migration mix is different,' she said. Associate Professor Boucher, says most migrants in Australia are already working, or on visas with strict conditions, like international students. 'Most migrants in Australia aren't unemployed, because access to welfare is very restricted. The people most likely to be affected would probably still be working, just in lower-skilled jobs,' she explained. Anna Boucher (pictured) said Australia had very different migration settings to Europe, raising doubt over whether such a policy would work in our country Australia's island borders also mean far fewer illegal migrants compared Europe or the US. 'It's very hard to get here illegally. Most people who overstay do so on a legal visa,' she said. 'That's why these European-style 'pay-to-leave' policies don't really map onto Australia.' Meanwhile Economist Leith Van Onselen said the idea had 'merit', but said it could 'incentivise more fake asylum seekers to cash in on the payments.' 'For example, we could get more tourists trying to claim asylum in order to make a quick $6k.' he said. Abul Rizvi, former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Immigration, has said there are an estimated 100,000 rejected asylum seekers still remaining in Australia on bridging visas as of the end of July. 'The $6,000 payments could incentivise some of these people to return home, while also encouraging more to try for asylum. So we would need to get the balance right.' he said. An armed 'sovereign citizen' who allegedly shot dead two police officers execution-style and wounded another at a rural property north-west of Melbourne has chilling similarities to a tragedy that claimed six lives almost three years ago. Dezi Freeman, 56, is allegedly on the run with his wife and two children following the shooting at a farm near Porepunkah at the base of Mount Buffalo in Victoria's alpine region. Officers attended the property to reportedly carry out a warrant for historical sex abuse allegations on Tuesday morning. The gunman, who lives in a bus with his family on the property, allegedly shot dead two of the officers with a shotgun as they entered the vehicle. Queensland Police have offered assistance and support to their Victorian counterparts, less than three years after losing two of their own in eerily similar circumstances in Wieambilla. Conspiracy theorist Gareth Train, his wife Stacey, and his brother Nathaniel, gunned down Queensland constables Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29, during an ambush on a rural property in the Western Downs area, west of Brisbane on December 12, 2022. The officers were shot at close range within ten minutes of entering the property to conduct a welfare check on Nathaniel, who was reported missing at the time. Two other constables - Keely Brough and Randall Kirk - escaped the initial ambush when their colleagues were killed. An armed 'sovereign citizen' is allegedly on the run after shooting dead two police officers execution-style and wounding another at a rural property 300km north-west of Melbourne on Tuesday The latest tragedy comes less than three years after Queensland constables Matthew Arnold, 26, (left) and Rachel McCrow, 29 (right) lost their lives in a deadly ambush in Wieambilla The Wieambilla shooting in December 2022 (scene pictured) claimed six lives Good Samaritan neighbour Alan Dare, who lived nearby, was also murdered by the Trains when he came to investigate after he spotted smoke billowing from the property. The Trains were subsequently killed in a gunfight with police that night. Tuesday's tragedy has rocked the police community across Australia. 'There is tragic news from Victoria today that will be felt across the national police family,' Queensland Police Union president Shane Prior wrote to officers on Tuesday. 'The death of two police officers and a third injured by an offender with a firearm on a rural property 300km from Melbourne will be confronting and deeply distressing for many of our Queensland colleagues. 'I have spoken directly with the Victoria Police Association to offer our full assistance and support during this critical time. I want our members to know, myself and the QPU Regional Reps are here for you. 'It's a reminder that every job we attend can be unpredictable and volatile. My priority is for all our members to return home safely to their loved ones. 'If this incident stirs strong emotions for you, I encourage you to speak with your trusted colleagues and friends or seek professional assistance.' Conspiracy theorists Stacey and Gareth Train (left), along with his brother Nathaniel (right), gunned down the two Queensland officers and neighbour Alan Dare Police forces across Australia have offered assistance and support to their Victorian counterparts (pictured at the scene in Porepunkah) NSW Police posted online: 'Our heartfelt condolences go out to Victoria Police following the tragic loss of two officers today. We also send our support to the third officer who was seriously injured. 'Our thoughts are with their families, friends, colleagues, and the entire community as they navigate this profoundly difficult time.' Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch also extended his deepest condolences on behalf of his officers. 'To the friends and loved ones of those brave officers who were killed in the line of duty, we grieve with you,' he said. 'To the officer seriously injured, and to your friends and loved ones, we say thank you for your sacrifice. We know the blue family in VICPOL will wrap their arms around those affected. 'Thank you to all of you, for what you do and the sacrifices you and your families make keeping your community safe. WAPOL stands with you and grieves with you.' Do YOU have pictures of the clean-up? The Notting Hill Carnival clean-up has begun with council teams working overnight to collect the mountains of rubbish left behind - including a whole skip's worth of laughing gas cannisters. Photos from the aftermath of the world-famous street festival in west London show piles of empty drink cans and food packages littering the streets. Workers in high viz jackets were spotted clearing the mess in the early hours of this morning after more than one million revellers partied in the area over the bank holiday weekend. Yesterday, Kensington and Chelsea Council said an estimated 150 tonnes of rubbish had already been removed after the first day of festivities. The Met Police arrested a total of 423 people at the carnival, which celebrates Caribbean culture, this year - 223 on Monday, as well as 200 on Sunday. Police said 52 of the total arrests took place following the use of facial-recognition cameras that had been deployed to spot wanted individuals. The arrests included 32 for assaulting police officers, 46 for possession of an offensive weapon, five for robbery and 18 for sexual offences. There were two stabbings at the festival but neither were said to have resulted in life-threatening injuries. Last year, there were two murders and eight stabbings. A whole skip's worth of laughing gas cannisters was left behind at the carnival Revellers were spotted holding balloons on the second day of Notting Hill Carnival - the world's second biggest street celebration after Rio Carnival in Brazil Pictured: A police cordon in Ladbroke Grove, west London in the early morning after Notting Hill Carnival Pictured: Piles of rubbish left on the street as workers begin the process of cleaning up the carnival Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward from The Met said: 'This year we have proactively targeted those who have attempted to come to Carnival to cause harm to others. 'We have used live facial recognition, knife arches and our stop and search powers to identify and arrest more than 400 suspects. 'These arrests have prevented some of the serious violence we have seen at previous Carnivals.' It came after police were described as arresting people 'left, right and centre' as they sought to stamp out criminality in the crowd on Monday. A young woman was apprehended by at least 13 officers shouting 'get off' and 'get off me', after smashing a glass bottle of alcohol at police, her friend claimed. 'I'm already on bail. I can't do anything. I don't really care,' Her friend, a man in his 20s, said. 'She threw a bottle of cider at a police officer.' 'The atmosphere has turned. It's all kicking off,' a reveller said. 'They're arresting people left, right and centre.' Another young man was taken away by a number of officers, saying: 'I have a medical card. Workers in high viz jackets were seen clearing the mess in the early hours of this morning Photos from the aftermath of the world-famous street festival in west London show piles of empty drink cans and food packages littering the streets A young woman was seen being detained by Met Police officers at Notting Hill Festival yesterday A large pile of empty food packages is seen left on the streets at the carnival 'I am being forcibly arrested by the police. I have a medical card.' Viral social media footage captured some of the uglier scenes from the first day of the event, known as 'Family Day', as two women brawled in the middle of a packed street, surrounded by horrified onlookers. But, in a departure from the carnival's grim recent history, there were no stabbings on Sunday, after police set up knife arches in a desperate effort to curb the bloodshed. By contrast, there were three stabbings on Sunday last year. Often described as Europe's biggest street festival, Notting Hill Carnival attracts throngs of revellers in brightly coloured festival costumes and features parades, steel bands and thumping sound systems. Organisers were almost forced to cancel this year's event, however, after the shocking scenes of violence in recent years left a 1million funding shortfall due to sponsorship drying up. The Met Police sought to catch troublemakers early by deploying live facial recognition technology and identified a 'watchlist' of more than 16,000 individuals of interest. Police officers make an arrest during the Notting Hill Carnival in London yesterday afternoon Councils workers clear up the mess left behind at the carnival More than one million people hit the streets of the west London district as Adults Day commenced yesterday morning Picture shows rubbish left on the streets in the aftermath of the carnival They included people wanted by the courts or being sought for alleged criminal activity that would merit jail time of 'a year or more'. Police also monitored the festival from the skies with a live feed of images from drones sent to officers on the ground for the first time to help them locate and respond to disturbances. Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, made no mention of the trouble over the weekend, saying in his only social media post about the carnival: 'The streets were alive with music and joy, showing the best of our city and the power of culture to unite us.' A plane from London Heathrow with 311 people on board made an emergency landing in Russia early today. The Boeing 777-39L(ER) suffered 'engine failure' and requested landing at Nizhnevartovsk in Siberia. Footage shows the Air China aircraft - bound for Beijing - landing in the remote city in Russia's Khanty-Mansi autonomous region. It was not immediately clear how many British citizens were aboard the stricken plane. The flight had left Heathrow at 10:43pm, and landed at 8:17am local time in Nizhnevartovsk - 3:17am UK time. The Russian authorities refused to allow the passengers off the plane - on flight CA856/CCA856 - following the emergency landing, said reports. Russian sources said there were 265 on board, including 15 crew, not 311 as earlier reported. There was 'no panic' on the aircraft, reported Baza news outlet. The Boeing 777-39L(ER( taxiing after making the emergency landing at a remote Russian airport A plane from London Heathrow with 311 people on board made an emergency landing in Russia early today An eyewitness said: 'Airport services were on high alert for the unexpected guest. 'It's not every year that such a flight from the UK arrives in Nizhnevartovsk One engine reportedly failed on the Air China flight to Beijing with 20 children on board. Russian sources gave different figures for the numbers on board, but Dmitry Koschenko, mayor of Russian city Nizhnevartovsk, said the total was 267 including the crew. He suggested there were delays in allowing the passengers to clear the FSB-controlled border post - which was why they were being held on the aircraft. He said: 'Early this morning, a flight from London to Beijing made an emergency landing. There are 267 people on board the aircraft, including the crew. 'At the moment, the crew and passengers are still on board the aircraft because a decision is being made on whether [they will be allowed] to cross the state border. 'Today, the issue of their temporary accommodation at our airport's international terminal is being resolved. And, accordingly, to wait for the reserve aircraft, which should depart for the passengers in the near future. 'We are in complete control of the situation, that is, we are monitoring it. With the airport management with the government of our district, we are resolving all issues today as necessary. We will, of course, make additional decisions.' An eyewitness narrated the incident to the Baza news outlet, which has links to the Russian security services. Dmitry Koschenko, mayor of Russian city Nizhnevartovsk suggested there were delays in allowing the passengers to clear the FSB-controlled border post - which was why they were being held on the aircraft The Boeing 777-39L(ER) suffered 'engine failure' and requested landing at Nizhnevartovsk in Siberia They said: 'Airport services were on high alert for the unexpected guest. 'It's not every year that such a flight from the UK arrives in Nizhnevartovsk. 'But they prepared quickly a suitable boarding ramp was immediately brought to the plane. What happens next is still unknown. 'Most likely, the company will send a reserve aircraft along with technicians and parts, since local technicians definitely will not be able to repair such a large airliner in Nizhnevartovsk.' While British and other Western airlines no longer overfly Russia due to Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine, Chinese airlines flying to and from the UK do cross Russian airspace. The Baza report warned that the passengers could face hardships after landing in the oil city, which is 1,435 miles east of Moscow. 'It is also unknown where such a large number of passengers will stay during the time the reserve aircraft is en route,' said the report. 'It will be difficult to fit all the people in the local airport's holding area.' The Baza report warned that the passengers could face hardships after landing in the oil city which is 1,435 miles east of Moscow If visa rules are waived and access to local hotels is given, British passengers will be unable to use their credit cards, which do not operate in Russia due to sanctions. Current Foreign Office travel advice is to avoid all trips to Putin's country, with warnings foreigners can face detention or prosecution for activities seen as 'against Russian interests'. The report said the pilots chose Nizhnevartovsk 'because the weather there was perfect at that moment, and the runway is very long, making it the best option among nearby airports for such a large airliner.' The Ural Transport Prosecutor's Office confirmed the emergency landing. Russian defence ministry TV channel Zvezda said of the aircraft's emergency landing that there had been 'a malfunction in one of its engines'. The channel reported: 'The Air China crew issued a PAN urgency signal and requested a descent. With one engine operational, the plane landed on the runway and taxied to the apron. 'The controllers responded promptly to the received signal and quickly provided the crew with necessary information about the nearest alternate airfields capable of accepting the aircraft.' 'Air China reportedly dispatched a reserve aircraft to Nizhnevartovsk. While British and other Western airlines no longer overfly Russia due to Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine, Chinese airlines flying to and from the UK do cross Russian airspace There were hopes the passengers could continue to Beijing at 4pm London time. Kremlin-friendly Shot media outlet said there were 'no plans' to allow the passengers into the terminal. It also added that neither food nor drink was supplied to the plane. 'Air China has not requested water or food for the passengers,' said the report. 'They are eating what is still available on board. At the same time, all necessary services for passengers in Nizhnevartovsk are ready to be provided. 'The plane's air conditioning and toilets are also working. Currently, the doors of the Boeing 777 liner are closed, and the boarding stairs have not been brought to the plane.' This terrifying new October 7 footage shows an Israeli soldier being hauled from his smouldering tank and frogmarched towards the Gaza strip. The parents of 20-year-old tank gunner Nimrod Cohen, taken hostage in the Hamas-led atrocity in 2023, released a video of his capture on Monday. Its publication coincided with a nationwide 'day of struggle' in Israel, where thousands demanded the release of those still held captive by the terrorist group. The day began at 6.29am, the exact time Hamas launched its October 7 attack, and saw protesters flooding Tel Aviv, closing down highways and blocking pavements outside politician's homes. Cohen's parents, Viki and Yehuda Cohen have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of missing chances to free their son and the other 49 hostages to shore up his own political survival. The footage of Cohen's capture was recovered by the IDF during ground operations in Gaza. Viki Cohen told local media she became aware of it about two months ago. 'When I, as a mother, saw the video, I felt feelings of upheaval, fear, terror, that reminded me of October 7,' she told Channel 12. This terrifying new October 7 footage shows an Israeli soldier being hauled from his smouldering tank after it was attacked and frogmarched towards the Gaza strip The parents of 20-year-old Nimrod Cohen, a tank gunner taken hostage in the Hamas-led atrocity in 2023, released a video of his capture on Monday The clip shows Cohen being roughly pulled from an armoured vehicle by Hamas gunmen before being marched on his feet toward Gaza by armed terrorists Cohen (pictured), 19 at the time of his capture, was the only survivor among four soldiers who were in a tank that was attacked by Hamas terrorists with explosive devices on the border on October 7 It comes as they joined thousands of a Israelis taking part in a planned national 'day of struggle' to secure the release of those held captive by the listed terror group. Pictured: Black smoke rising from burning tires on Highway 2, which was blocked by Israeli protesters during the demonstration 'We don't know Nimrod's situation, what conditions he's held in We're very worried and fearful for his fate.' Yehuda Cohen said at the time: 'I knew something bad had happened because he was not responding to my WhatsApp messages. 'And then I saw him on a clip being dragged on the floor from his tank, that's when I realized he had been abducted.' The family previously claimed that the army was preventing publication of the video and said the IDF is still holding more footage of Cohen that it will not release. The clip shows Cohen being roughly pulled from an armoured vehicle by Hamas gunmen before being marched on his feet toward Gaza by armed terrorists. A voice in the video tells him that he will be returned to Israel and will not be harmed. Cohen, 19 at the time of his capture, was the only survivor among four soldiers who were in a tank that was attacked by Hamas terrorists with explosive devices on the border on October 7. Both Viki and Yehuda Cohen have been vocal critics of the government and its approach to the hostages, at least 20 of whom are considered by Israel to be alive. Cohen's parents, Viki (pictured) and Yehuda, have accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of missing opportunities to free their son and the other 49 hostages to cement his own political survival Protesters calling for an end to the war in Gaza and the return of hostages being held there took to the streets in Israel early Tuesday morning ahead of a security cabinet meeting scheduled for the evening Organised demonstrations will be held in Tel Aviv throughout the day, with marches scheduled nationwide from 2pm local time, according to The Times of Israel The Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced that it would lead a national 'day of struggle' today to secure the release of the people taken hostage by the Hamas-led militants on 7 October 2023 Israeli police try to prevent protesters from blocking traffic during a demonstration organised by the families of the Israeli hostages taken captive since the October 2023 calling for action to secure their release and a ceasefire in the war against Hamas in Tel Aviv on August 26, 2025 They, like many other hostages' families, have called for an end to the war with the captives' return. On Monday, Yehuda alleged that the military was not releasing additional footage of his son to pressure for a deal to free the hostages. 'These videos are just part of what we were shown [by the IDF]. There's a cache of videos of Nimrod in Gaza speaking to the camera, and the army is refusing to give it to us,' Yehuda said in a brief press conference. He claimed the footage was suppressed to serve Netanyahu's goal of avoiding reaching a deal that releases the hostages and ends the war. 'The army needs to give us everything to fight for Nimrod against the Netanyahu government, which refuses to reach a deal, in order to press Netanyahu and his government to reach an agreement and free all the hostages,' he added. He echoed this sentiment talking to to the Israeli news site Ynet on Monday. 'Netanyahu wants to extend the war because that's his path to survival,' he said. 'The only thing that motivates him is Netanyahu's personal survival. Nothing else interests him. That's our problem.' Israel's security cabinet approved in early August a plan for the military to take over Gaza City, triggering fresh fears for the safety of the hostages and a new wave of protests that has seen tens of thousands take to the country's streets in recent weeks. Pictured: Smoke billows following an explosion in the northern Gaza Strip on August 25, 2025 Palestinians collect salvaged items following an explosion in the Saftawi neighbourhood, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on August 25, 2025 It comes as protesters calling for an end to the war in Gaza and the return of hostages being held there took to the streets in Israel early Tuesday morning ahead of a security cabinet meeting scheduled for the evening. Organised demonstrations will be held in Tel Aviv throughout the day, with marches scheduled nationwide from 2pm local time, according to The Times of Israel. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced that it would lead a national 'day of struggle' today to secure the release of the people taken hostage by the Hamas-led militants on 7 October 2023. 'An absolute majority of the Israeli people want to bring our loved ones home,' the forum said over the weekend.' 'The deliberate delay in signing a deal for their return goes against the will of the people and our fundamental values mutual responsibility and friendship. This is the Israeli ethos this is our duty.' The protesters will gather in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv at 5pm today and write notes to send to prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli military chief. AFP journalists saw protesters blocking roads in Tel Aviv, waving Israeli flags and holding up pictures of the hostages. Dramatic aerial images show black smoke rising from burning tires on Highway 2, which was blocked by Israeli protesters during the demonstration. Israeli media reported others rallying near a US embassy branch in the city, as well as outside the houses of various ministers across the country. 'There is an offer on the table. We demand that our leaders sit at the negotiation table and not get up until there is an agreement,' said Hagit Chen, whose son was abducted by militants in October 2023, according to a statement released by a forum representing the families of hostages. The agenda of the security cabinet meeting has not been officially disclosed, but local reports suggest it could be to discuss renewed negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal. The cabinet approved in early August a plan for the military to take over Gaza City, triggering fresh fears for the safety of the hostages and a new wave of protests that has seen tens of thousands take to the country's streets in recent weeks. Netanyahu last week had ordered immediate talks aimed at securing the release of all remaining captives in Gaza, while also doubling down on the plans for a new offensive to seize Gaza's largest city. That came days after Hamas said it had accepted a new ceasefire proposal put forward by mediators that would see the staggered release of hostages over an initial 60-day period in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. A British tourist has died after falling from the window of a third-floor flat at a popular South African coastal resort. The 68-year-old man, who has not yet been named, plunged from the apartment just after midnight on August 23 in Ramsgate, a picturesque seaside village on KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast. Emergency crews rushed to the scene after receiving reports that a holidaymaker had toppled from the three-storey window. Craig Botha, spokesperson for the KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service, said paramedics arrived to find the man critically injured after the fall. Advanced Life Support interventions were immediately initiated at the scene. But while being transported to hospital, his condition rapidly deteriorated. Despite desperate resuscitation attempts by both paramedics and hospital staff, he was later pronounced dead. Police have since confirmed that an inquest has been opened as investigators piece together the events that led to the fatal plunge. The KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service expressed its condolences to the mans family, friends and colleagues. The 68-year-old man, who has not yet been named, plunged from the apartment just after midnight on August 23 in Ramsgate, a picturesque seaside village on KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast Police have since confirmed that an inquest has been opened as investigators piece together the events that led to the fatal plunge It is understood he had been drinking shortly before the tragedy. Ramsgate, known for its sandy beaches and bustling holiday flats, is a popular destination for both South Africans and international tourists. Daily Mail have approached the Foreign Office for comment. It comes just weeks after a British tourist was found dead near a swimming pool in Greece, while three people were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. The 78-year-old was swimming in her hotel pool in Hersonissos, Crete, on August 3, when she reportedly fell ill and got out of the water. Minutes later, the woman was found collapsed by a sun-lounger by shocked bathers. The Brit was given first aid before emergency services arrived on the scene and rushed her to hospital, where she later died. Three people were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by negligence, including a 21-year-old lifeguard who was supposed to be on duty at the time, as well as the hotel's director, 51, and the general manager, 41. All three suspects were released on bail and police launched an investigation to determine the woman's cause of death. Two lunchtime buffet meals at a Spanish hotel are being probed after the accommodation was accused of being at the centre of a suspected salmonella outbreak that left more than 100 tourists stricken with sickness. The four-star Izan Cavanna Hotel in La Manga said it 'deeply regrets' what has happened and insisted it is doing 'everything it can' to resolve the situation, while also brushing aside criticism from furious guests over its handling of the incident. Regional health chiefs confirmed yesterday that 47 people had needed treatment at the A&E unit of Santa Lucia Hospital in Cartagena, nine of whom - including three children - remain in hospital in a stable condition. Among those rushed to hospital were several children, a 15-month-old baby, and a heavily-pregnant woman whose husband described her condition as 'delicate.' He also launched an angry social media attack on the hotel, claiming the family had been ignored despite her worsening state. A field hospital was even set up at the seafront resort - located just 15 minutes from the exclusive five-star La Manga Club - as scores of guests reported nausea, vomiting and fever after eating at the buffet. Authorities are understood to be focusing on two dishes served during Saturday's lunchtime service - a fish course and the sauce accompanying a spinach-filled pasta dish. At first, just 28 cases were reported, but by Sunday the number had soared to more than 100 of the 800 holidaymakers staying at the hotel. More than 100 tourists, including a 15-month-old baby and seven children, fell ill with suspected salmonella poisoning at a hotel in southern Spain The four-star Izan Cavanna Hotel in La Manga said it 'deeply regrets' what has happened and insisted it is doing 'everything it can' to resolve the situation The hotel is in the popular resort of La Manga near Murcia, Spain Regional government health sources say they are treating the outbreak as 'probable salmonella poisoning,' although final test results are still pending. Holidaymakers have already threatened a class action lawsuit, as anger grew over claims the hotel failed to respond quickly enough to the crisis. In a lengthy statement issued yesterday evening, hotel bosses defended their response: 'The management of Hotel Izan Cavanna would like to inform all its customers and partners that it is actively managing a health incident that has affected a limited number of guests with symptoms of gastroenteritis. 'The first cases were reported on the night of Saturday 23 August. 'The health, safety and well-being of our guests and staff are our top priority. 'Since becoming aware of the situation, we have taken immediate action, adopting the following measures: 'Collaboration with health authorities. We immediately notified the local public health authorities, with whom we continue to collaborate closely to investigate the source of the outbreak and, as is only right, to follow all their recommendations and guidelines. 'Assistance to affected guests. Our team is providing the necessary support to affected guests, providing them with medical assistance and attending to their needs to ensure their speedy recovery, while remaining in direct contact with them. 'Hygiene and Disinfection Protocols. We have implemented a thorough disinfection and sanitation protocol in all our facilities, which exceeds our already rigorous cleaning standards. 'Continuity of Service: In order to avoid interrupting service to our guests, we have immediately hired a reputable external catering company. This company will be responsible for providing all meals at the hotel, operating under the strictest food safety certifications and guaranteeing the continuity and quality of our gastronomic offerings.' They added: 'We deeply regret the situation and the concern that this incident may have caused our guests. We would like to express our sincere solidarity with those affected and assure them that we have mobilised all our resources to manage this matter with the utmost diligence and transparency. Authorities are understood to be focusing on two dishes served during Saturday's lunchtime service a fish course and the sauce accompanying a spinach-filled pasta dish 'The trust our customers place in us is the foundation of our commitment, and we are doing everything in our power to resolve this situation and ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone.' The message came after days of silence from the hotel which continued to advertise its cocktails and mojitos on social media even as sick guests were being ferried to hospital. One furious Spanish holidaymaker still staying at the hotel posted: 'Hello, I am still staying in room 826, and yesterday more than 40 people were affected by food poisoning from a spoiled product at the buffet. 'I am at the Santa Lucia Hospital in Cartagena because my wife is one of those affected and she is eight months pregnant and has been admitted to the hospital. 'I left the hotel at 4:30am on Sunday. I spoke with the hotel at 9am to inform them of the seriousness of the situation and my wife's delicate condition, and now it is 2:20pm and I still haven't received a call from anyone at the hotel. 'My belongings and my wife's belongings are still in the room, as we have a reservation until Monday. 'I'm calling the hotel and no one is answering the phone at this time of day. We need answers.' Several ambulances were filmed pulling up outside the beachfront property throughout the weekend. Some guests were reportedly placed on rehydration drips in their rooms, while others were laid out on stretchers in corridors. One mother, identified only as Susan, told a local newspaper her 15-year-old daughter had been discharged from hospital despite still suffering from fever and dehydration. Regional government health sources say they are treating the outbreak as 'probable salmonella poisoning,' although final test results are still pending 'We found her alone in the car park, weak and dizzy. She's worse than she was before,' she said. She went on to point the finger at a sauce the teenager had eaten with her spinach raviolis at the hotel buffet at lunchtime on Saturday. Another tourist said her friend had been unable to leave her room from Saturday night onwards. She said: 'She started to feel unwell after lunch and at dinnertime because she had a stomach ache she only ate a yoghurt. 'We think it's something to do with the fish because there were four of us at lunch but she was the only one that ate it. The rest of us ate meat and we're fine.' Health officials confirmed yesterday that 24 adults and 23 children had been assisted in A&E since the weekend. They said: 'The initial microbiological results point to a salmonella outbreak but samples are still being taken.' Full results are expected to take weeks. Salmonella poisoning effects typically include sudden diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps which appear between six hours and six days after infection and can last four to seven days. In some cases, more severe symptoms like bloody diarrhoea or high fever occur, requiring medical attention. Serious complications, though rare, can involve the infection spreading from the intestines to the bloodstream, causing severe illness or leading to long-term issues like reactive arthritis. From a thrilling new Knives Out with Daniel Craig to the last screen role for Robert Redford, our TV critics have rounded up the 19 best shows and films to stream this weekend. What have you been watching? Let us know in the comments A teacher will keep her $62,000 unfair dismissal payout after her former school failed to convince Fair Work that 'yelling' at students was a sackable offence. Year Nine teacher Paramjit Brownson sued the Australian International Islamic College, Brisbane, after she was booted in December 2023 for raising her voice at misbehaving students. The school accused Ms Brownson of unprofessional conduct towards four pupils. It alleged she screamed 'I'll make your life a living hell' at a student, yelled at kids while on yard duty and conducted 'intimidating' bag searches. The college also claimed she imposed unfair punishments for minor misbehaviour, including preventing students from eating during detentions and yelling at students for failing to complete homework. In June 2024, Fair Work Commissioner Stephen Crawford ruled her dismissal was unfair, finding her actions were justified by the students' poor behaviour. '(It is) absurd to suggest that a high school teacher can be found to have committed serious misconduct simply because they have raised their voice towards misbehaving students,' he said at the time. Ms Brownson admitted she occasionally raised her voice out of frustration, but argued it was necessary to control disruptive pupils. Year Nine teacher Paramjit Brownson (above) will keep a $60,000 payout after the Fair Work Commission dismissed the school's appeal of an unfair dismissal claim The Fair Work Commission found Ms Brownson's dismissal was based on flawed and falsified evidence (pictured, the school's Durack campus) The school's internal investigation also cleared her of abusing a student and found she was 'firm with her expectations' and 'fair at all stages'. Commissioner Crawford ordered her reinstatement and compensation for lost wages. The school appealed, and the matter was sent back for a fresh hearing. In June 2025, Commissioner Crawford again found the dismissal was flawed and that a staff member had falsified case notes to justify Ms Brownson's treatment. Due to a breakdown of trust and the likelihood of further unfair treatment, he ruled reinstatement inappropriate and instead awarded Ms Brownson the maximum compensation of $55,786.90 plus $6,415.49 in superannuation. This week, the Fair Work Commission allowed the college to launch a further appeal but swiftly dismissed it in the same ruling, leaving her payout intact. In the re-hearing, evidence from a student showed Ms Brownson was not the only staff member who raised their voice, and that many others did so more often. 'Student A's evidence completely undermines the college's position that yelling at misbehaving students is serious misconduct justifying dismissal,' Commissioner Crawford said. The Commission previously ruled her sacking was contrived and motivated by personal conflict with the Australian International Islamic College (above) director, not classroom discipline He also found the real motive behind her dismissal was antagonism with director Mohamed Azhari, after she complained about his behaviour towards another staff member. Mr Azhari admitted speaking in a 'very aggressive and inappropriate manner' to a female teacher at a November 2023 college event. The incident, at a Jalsa celebration of Islamic culture and heritage, took place in front of parents, staff and students. He later apologised at a meeting where Ms Brownson acted as the teacher's support person. The teacher then sent a detailed email about what occurred at the event to the director, the teacher concerned, the principal, the deputy and other staff. 'I find that (her) email upset (the director) and triggered the contrived and flawed subsequent sequence of events that led to (her) dismissal.' He said the college had shifted from initially supporting her classroom discipline to raising historical allegations and terminating her employment. 'I am satisfied that the dismissal of Ms Brownson was unjust and unreasonable,' Commissioner Crawford ruled. 'There was not a valid reason for Ms Brownson's dismissal relating to her conduct or capacity. Ms Brownson was unfairly targeted by Mr Azhari for vindictive personal reasons.' Finding no valid reason to dismiss the teacher, Commissioner Crawford said ordinarily he would rule the teacher be reinstated but in this case that was not practical due to the breakdown in the relationship between Ms Brownson and Mr Azhari. 'Although concerns about the conduct of the employer should not ordinarily weigh against reinstatement because it is effectively rewarding bad behaviour, I consider this is quite an extreme case,' he said. '(The director) has demonstrated he is prepared to act inappropriately to achieve his objectives.' Commissioner Crawford concluded she would likely have remained employed for another five years if not for her dismissal, justifying the maximum compensation order. Donald Trump has suggested that many Americans 'like a dictator' in an extraordinary tirade in the Oval Office, which saw him rail against critics of his federal clampdown in Washington, DC. Talking about people who have called him a dictator, he said: 'They say 'we don't need him. Freedom, freedom. He's a dictator. He's a dictator.' A lot of people are saying: "Maybe we like a dictator."' 'I don't like a dictator. I'm not a dictator. I'm a man with great common sense and a smart person.' He made the claim during an 80-minute appearance that combined new policy announcements with attacks on political rivals. The comments come just months after Trump, who previously vowed to be a 'dictator on day one' if re-elected, dramatically escalated his law-and-order campaign in the nation's capital. Earlier this month, Trump invoked emergency powers under the D.C. Home Rule Act to seize temporary control of the city's police department and deploy hundreds of National Guard troops. The initiative, dubbed 'Safe and Beautiful D.C.,' has already resulted in more than 550 arrests in two weeks, according to federal officials. The deployment includes 800 Guard personnel operating under Title 32 authority, and the Pentagon confirmed this week that they are now armed on Trump's orders. Donald Trump has suggested that many Americans 'like a dictator' in an extraordinary tirade in the Oval Office Earlier this month, Trump invoked emergency powers under the D.C. Home Rule Act to seize temporary control of the city's police department and deploy hundreds of National Guard troops The initiative, dubbed 'Safe and Beautiful D.C.,' has already resulted in more than 550 arrests in two weeks, according to federal officials The President warned he could take full federal control of the city if necessary. Critics accuse Trump of manufacturing a crisis in a city where violent crime has fallen to a 30-year low. D.C.'s Attorney General has already filed legal challenges, calling the move a 'gross violation' of the city's autonomy. Meanwhile, the president appeared to suggest that the clampdown would not be exclusive to Washington, DC. He said he is considering sending federal forces to Chicago and Baltimore, while recalling how he ordered troops into Los Angeles earlier this summer against the wishes of California's governor. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker hit back at the President during a press briefing on Monday, branding him a 'wannabe dictator' who wants to 'occupy American cities for political gain.' Trump dismissed Pritzker as 'sick' and claimed Democrats were playing politics while Americans suffer from crime. In a move to further tighten his clampdown, Trump signed an executive order on Monday instructing the Justice Department to pursue criminal charges against anyone who burns the American flag. The president appeared to suggest that the clampdown would not be exclusive to Washington, DC The order proposes up to one year in jail for offenders, despite a 1989 Supreme Court ruling that the First Amendment protects the act. Non-citizens convicted of the offence could also face visa cancellations or deportation. Democrats and civil rights groups accuse Trump of pushing presidential power beyond constitutional limits. Lawsuits have already been filed over the federal takeover of D.C.s police department, and critics say the armed deployment of National Guard troops risks turning the capital into a militarised zone. A recent Washington Post poll found that 80 per cent of D.C. residents oppose federal control of their police force. Trump's hardline approach has drawn comparisons to El Salvador's tough-on-crime stance under its president, Nayib Bukele, who Trump has constantly praised. The country has arrested and hauled many suspected gang members to one of the toughest jails in the world. Trump also hit back at critics who have accused him of being racist, saying: 'I love Black people.' He also reignited his feud with former president Joe Biden by describing him as a 'moron'. Trump's hardline approach has drawn comparisons to El Salvador's tough-on-crime stance under its president, Nayib Bukele, who Trump has constantly praised A recent Washington Post poll found that 80 per cent of D.C. residents oppose federal control of their police force But he had kinder words for North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un during a White House meeting with South Korea's president. He said: 'I'd like to have a meeting. I get along great with him.' During his first time in power, Trump and Kim met three times. A Brisbane nurse and mother-of-two was allegedly stabbed to death by her husband just minutes after returning home from a night out with her friends. Carra Samantha Luke, 48, was found unresponsive by a family member inside her Taigum home in Brisbane's north at about 12.30am on Saturday. Ms Luke had been dropped home only minutes before after meeting up with friends. Police will allege her husband Shane Donald Scheikowski, 52, broke into Ms Luke's home and stabbed her to death before fleeing to a McDowall home. Though the pair had separated and were living separately at the time, friends of Ms Luke's had grown worried about their soured relationship, reported the Courier Mail. Ms Luke had previously taken out a domestic violence order against Scheikowski and had reached out to police on several occasions. Tracey Price, a close friend of Ms Luke's, said the incident highlighted the need for improvements to the domestic violence system. 'I'm just so angry with the system, I see it day in and day out, I get so frustrated,' she told the newspaper. Carra Samantha Luke was found unresponsive after allegedly being stabbed in her home Shane Scheikowski (left) has been charged with the devoted nurse's murder 'Domestic violence orders aren't worth the paper they're printed on, put a system in place that works for people,' Ms Price said. 'When it's this close to home we think what could we have done?' Scheikowski was arrested on Saturday and was charged the following day with one count each of murder (domestic violence offence) and enter dwelling with intent. The 52-year-old faced court on Monday where he was remanded in custody. Footage from a neighbouring home shows an unidentified shadowy figure circling the Taigum home minutes before Ms Luke was found dead. Police established crime scenes at Ms Luke's home and the McDowall address, a short drive from the alleged murder scene, where Scheikowski was later arrested. The SES also supported the search of a nearby aged care facility, which was declared a third crime scene. Ms Price, a lawyer and former Brisbane Lord mayoral candidate, said she was still processing her friend's sudden death. Footage captured a shadowy figure circling the property minutes before the alleged incident 'She was just amazing, she had just started to stand up for what she wanted. Things started to escalate this year,' she told the newspaper. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the incident highlighted the issues with the current approach to domestic violence. 'It shows that the system is broken, and we'll be making changes this week, if those changes can even prevent one woman going through, even one,' Mr Crisafulli said. 'I point to GPS trackers as an example of what changes we're making.' The state government is expected to introduce domestic violence reforms this week which will provide protections to victims without needing to go to court. Daily Mail earlier revealed Scheikowski is a Brisbane car club member and specialty dog breed enthusiast who had known Ms Luke for almost two decades. Ms Luke has been remembered as a hard-working nurse, devoted mother and committed community member. Family has requested privacy and suggested mourners should donate to domestic and family violence organisation RizeUp instead of buying flowers. African romance fraudsters justify targeting British women as revenge for colonialism, a new study has found. Accra, the capital of Ghana, is known as a hub for organised groups including the notorious 'Sakawa Boys', who specialise in online crimes, including romance scams. Typically, they spend months grooming vulnerable women on social media before asking for money to send money for imaginary medical emergencies or family crises. Far from feeling guilty about their actions, fraudsters perceive tricking Brits and other Westerners as 'morally acceptable' and 'retribution' for the slave trade and the plundering of Ghana's mineral resources in the colonial period, the research found. Dr Suleman Lazarus, a criminologist from the London School of Economics, said this pattern was common in other West African countries, including Nigeria, leading to a belief that taking part in online romance scamming is a 'commendable civic virtue'. 'Online romance fraudsters, within this context, often hold esteemed positions within their communities, earning a revered reputation for their prowess as con artists,' he wrote in the journal Deviant Behaviour alongside his co-author, Nigerian academic Kaina Habila Garba. The pair drew his findings from interviews with 13 romance scammers and five police officers in Ghana, which was officially colonised by the British in 1874 following the defeat of forces from the Asante Empire. Known as the Gold Coast, the territory's mineral resources were heavily exploited, with precious gold objects also taken from local rulers. Accra, the capital of Ghana, is known as a hub for organised groups including the notorious 'Sakawa Boys', who specialise in online crimes, including romance scams. File photo Dr Lazarus drew his findings from interviews with 13 romance scammers and five police officers in Ghana, which was officially colonised by the British in 1874 following the defeat of forces from the Asante Empire A collection of 32 items - including rings, knives and a ceremonial cup - were recently loaned to Ghana by the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) 150 years after they were taken from the palace of an Asante king. The academics said that scammers liked to pose as 'agents of historical retribution' who justify their crimes 'as acts of resistance against the enduring economic inequalities rooted in colonial legacies'. They quoted one scammer, called Kojo, as saying: 'We thank God for business today! We are finally making it at last. You see, there was a time a time not too long ago when our ancestors were stripped of their dignity and freedom. 'Back then, the white colonialists came with promises of trade and progress, but what did they deliver? Chains. Enslavement. Humiliation. But today, here we are smarter! [paused] We're not in chains anymore, are we? 'No! Now we carry the codes, the format, and the skills, you know. We are the architects of a new era, an era where we turn the tables and reclaim what was taken from us by the white people. This is not just a game, o! This is history reclaiming itself.' A second criminal, ironically named Justice, echoed this sentiment. 'They took more than just the gold, cocoa, and the riches of our land. They took our people, bound them, and shipped them across ocean,' he said. 'Now, we are bringing back dollars from overseas. You see! You know the history? They broke our forefathers and turned their spirits into commodities, crushed under the weight of the empire.' Known as the Gold Coast, the territory's mineral resources were heavily exploited, with precious gold objects also taken from local rulers. Pictured is a ceremonial cap taken from an Asante ruler that is being loaned back to Ghana by the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) A total of 32 Asante gold items are set to be loaned to the current king for three years, including this Asante gold torc (left) and ring (right) Members of the Black Watch patrol the forests of Ashanti in central Ghana, during the British-Ashante war of 1873-1874 Ghana became independent in 1957 and was last year rated the 13th worst nation globally for cyber crime, according to the World Cybercrime Index. The country was included in a recent Interpol operation that led to the arrest of 1,209 cybercriminals operating across Africa. Operation Serengeti 2.0 brought together investigators from the UK and 18 African countries to target a variety of online offenders, including romance scammers. Officers seized more than 72million. Interpol has identified West Africa as a regional hub for 'online scam centres', which train individuals in the art of tricking vulnerable victims. Last month, a woman told of being conned out of 200,000 by a romance scammer who bombarded her with gushing messages every day for two-and-a-half years. Elizabeth, who is in her sixties and lives in rural England, handed over her life savings, took out a loan and remortgaged her home to meet the man's ever increasing demands for money. Sharing her story in public for the first time, she bravely revealed how she fell victim to an elaborate catfishing plot orchestrated by a fraudster posing as an oil industry consultant from Texas. In reality, the criminal was based in Nigeria and had stolen photos of a real man before concocting a string of crisis scenarios to trick the kindhearted mother of two. At one point, he even pretended he had a daughter who had lost her newborn baby. Ava Waller, 76, was duped out of 67,000 by a Nigerian romance fraudster The scammer posed as a charming American oil-rig worker named 'David West'. In reality, this photo shows an American doctor whose photo had been stolen During the whole period of the scam, he repeatedly promised to pay back the money and even delivered a fake cheque to her home for $1.832million dollars. Elizabeth, who did not want to give her real name for privacy reasons, said she 'can't believe' she fell for his evil lies, but was vulnerable at the time after breaking up with a 'toxic' partner. Hers was only the latest account of the misery being caused by romance scammers, who conned British victims out of more than 88million last year. Another victim, 76-year-old Ava Waller, was duped out of 67,000 by a similar scam involving a fraudster posing as a charming American oil-rig worker named 'David West'. In reality, 'David' was using stolen photos of a real man whose image has often been used by scammers - Dr Mark Smith, a chiropractor in Indiana - while spinning tales of hardship, delayed flights and desperate emergencies that Ava felt compelled to help with. 'He told me he was in an oil rig in the middle of the sea somewhere,' she said. 'I've since learned that's a favourite job for these people to pretend they have.' What began as a harmless online friendship in 2018 - sparked when he complimented her photos on Facebook - soon turned into a daily lifeline. Ava, a mother of two with three grandchildren, divorced and grieving the loss of her mother, admitted the attention became a comfort. Some scammers have started using deepfakes to make it seem like women are talking to a young, attractive man One woman, Elizabeth, was sent this fake check in what he said was an attempt to pay her back for the money she had given him 'I think we'd been talking maybe six months and then he was coming home,' she recalled. 'And he told me he got stopped at the airport something to do with his drilling equipment - and needed money to sort himself out.' Desperate to help the man she believed was flying back to start a new life with her, Ava sent her first payment of 250. It was the first of many requests before her son intervened and called police. Forces typically refuse to pursue scammers based abroad due to the cost and complexity of these investigations. A row over Angela Rayner's three homes is a 'danger' for Labour and risks pushing more voters towards Reform UK, a top polling expert has claimed. The Deputy Prime Minister has been dubbed 'Three Pads Rayner' after it emerged she had shelled out 800,000 on a luxury flat in Hove, East Sussex. Ms Rayner, who is also the Housing Secretary, already owns a large family property in her Greater Manchester constituency. And the 45-year-old also has use of a grace-and-favour apartment in historic Admiralty House in Westminster. Ms Rayner has been branded a hypocrite for buying the seaside apartment while her own department warns against the impact of second homes. One of her ministers has hit out at the damage caused by the wealthy buying up boltholes for themselves or to rent out in popular areas, pricing locals out of the market. Chris Hopkins, political research director of Savanta, warned there were 'dangers' for Labour amid the row. He told The i Paper: 'While this story feels like something only those in Westminster will likely pay any attention to, it does provide a few dangers for Labour.' Angela Rayner has been dubbed 'Three Pads Rayner' after it emerged she had shelled out 800,000 on a luxury flat in Hove, East Sussex The Deputy PM bought a three-bedroom flat in Hove in May, paying 800,000 with the help of a mortgage Ms Rayner, who is also the Housing Secretary, has been spotted sipping wine on the beach in Hove The polling expert added: 'First is that it could reinforce the idea that Labour are just as bad as all other parties. 'Following a summer of donations scandals last year after presenting a holier-than-thou elections campaign, something like this rearing its head is unlikely to help the party reverse its image. 'Secondly, the fact it's about Rayner herself, the party's most "normal" asset, could have negative implications. 'If even Rayner is tarnished with the same brush as all politicians, Labour stands so little hope of differentiating itself from a public that continues to despise politicians, making insurgent parties such as Reform UK far less risky in the minds of voters.' As Deputy PM, Ms Rayner has been granted rent-free use of an apartment in Admiralty House, meaning she could give up her rented flat in the capital. She also still owns a house in her Ashton-under-Lyne constituency, which she bought for 375,000 in 2016 but which is now valued at 650,000. Ms Rayner bought the three-bedroom flat in Hove in May, paying 800,000 with the help of a mortgage. Allies of the Deputy PM defended her decision to buy the seaside apartment. Sources close to her claimed she needed it to use as a base while working in London. A Labour spokesman said: 'We are not in the business of restricting people's ability to own property, but we're clear that rights come with responsibilities.' Housing minister Matthew Pennycook has spoken in Parliament about the 'negative impacts of excessive concentrations of short-term lets and second homes', which affect 'local services' as well as 'the availability and affordability of homes for local residents to buy and rent'. He has told MPs that his and Ms Rayner's department - which has already given town halls the power to double council tax on second homes - wants to 'give local communities more power to tackle some of those problems'. Ms Rayner herself has declared that Britain is in 'the middle of the most acute housing crisis in living memory', while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has warned that second homes 'can impact the availability and affordability' of local properties. Senior Tory Dame Priti Patel said: 'One rule for this condescending hypocritical Labour minister, and a totally different set of rules for the hard-pressed taxpaying silent majority of Britain.' A Syrian refugee who sexually assaulted a teenage girl has been jailed for almost three years after a judge rejected his claims that sending him to prison could breach his human rights. Hassan Abou Hayleh, 40, attacked a 19-year-old girl after finding her sitting alone on a kerb in Weymouth, Dorset, as she waited for her father to give her a lift home. The predator had been prowling around the streets in his car in the early hours of December 18 2022 before he molested the teenager. He then tried to bundle her into his car - where a packet of condoms were found - until members of the public intervened. Judge Robert Pawson said he 'shuddered to think what might have happened' had they not done so. He jailed the married father-of-four for two years and 10 months. Hayleh was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for six years. Bournemouth Crown Court heard Hayleh sought asylum in the UK in 2018 after fleeing Syria. He suffered from PTSD after being held in prison there and was tortured under the regime of former president Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian refugee was granted leave to remain in the UK and settled in Weymouth with his wife who supported him in court. Hassan Abou Hayleh (left), 40, attacked a 19-year-old girl after finding her sitting alone on a kerb in Weymouth, Dorset, as she waited for her father to give her a lift home. He was supported by his wife (right) in court His defence counsel Graham Gilbert sought to claim that sending him to prison could violate his human rights. Mr Gilbert argued: 'The prison time had a severe and irreplaceable effect on his mental health. 'Further imprisonment would trigger his PTSD. It is a severe and chronic illness and imprisonment would amount to a violation of his human rights.' But Judge Pawson dismissed the arguments and described Hayleh's actions as 'chilling'. The court heard that during the early hours of December 18, 2022, Hayleh drove into Weymouth town centre with a packet of condoms in his car. He did three laps of the town, later claiming he was looking to buy cigarettes when in fact he was targeting his victim. At 3.25am he spotted the teenager who had just left a nightclub and had called her dad to pick her up. CCTV captured Hayleh stopping and approaching the young woman before helping her up from the ground. He then placed his hands down her trousers and inside her underwear before asking her to get inside the car. Hassan Abou Hayleh (right) leaving Bournemouth Crown Court during his trial During the early hours of December 18, 2022, Hayleh drove into Weymouth town centre with a packet of condoms in his car and sexually assaulted the girl on Maiden Street (pictured) She refused and shouted for help at three people who were walking nearby. The victim's father arrived shortly after, just as Hayleh drove off. Hayleh was found guilty of sexual assault following a trial last November In her victim impact statement read out in court, the the young woman, who cannot be identified, said: 'It is hard not to think about how I could have been raped or murdered if I had not said no. 'I know it was not personal and I was just unlucky. I now have nightmares with a faceless man which makes me feel entrapped. 'I am sympathetic for his PTSD but I have now had to seek help for the issues. It has affected my school life, work life and home life.' Hayleh appeared in court with three members of his family, including his wife. He required an Arabic interpreter for the proceedings. Mr Gilbert said since he was found guilty his client had been spat at and his property damaged. He said Hayleh has no previous convictions and had expressed remorse. Mr Gilbert added: 'His fear of custody is likely to ensure that he remains on the right side of the law. An appropriate punishment would be one that allows rehabilitation. 'The prison state is struggling with the numbers that they are being asked to hold. There is nothing within the services of the prison estate that could treat him. 'This is why I think a suspended sentence should be used in this case.' But Judge Pawson concluded: 'The facts of this case are chilling. It is absolutely clear that this offence was planned. 'The CCTV evidence reveals that he made three circuits of Weymouth that night. The condoms in his car were not there by accident. 'He eventually found his victim who had been significantly affected by alcohol. 'She was particularly vulnerable. 'If ever there was a cautionary tale for young people to stay together then this is it. 'I would like to thank the young men and women who stayed and helped her. They saved the day.' Hayleh was jailed for 2 years and 10 months on Friday, with the judge also imposing a six-month Sexual Harm Prevention Order. A drug courier who was caught with more than 30kg of cannabis at Manchester Airport has been spared jail after the judge took pity on her difficult childhood. Cannabis mule Kiala Wyles, 22, sobbed uncontrollably as Recorder Jeremy Lasker told her he would not be sending her to prison straight away after she admitted a single charge of importing class B drugs. But the judge even admitted that he may be making 'the wrong decision' by letting her walk free - and that his leniency could even encourage other would-be couriers to take a chance. He said: 'I'm doing this on the basis not only is your remorse genuine but you have had a taste of prison for a short period of time.' Wyles had been given a free holiday to Thailand and promised 10,000 in cash by drug barons in exchange for agreeing to transport the drugs from the Far East. But she was caught red-handed by Border Force officials as she touched back down in Britain on July 24 this year. Manchester Crown Court heard that Wyles, a care home worker from Stirling in Scotland, had flown out of Edinburgh Airport and enjoyed three weeks in Thailand. She then flew back to the UK to Manchester Airport via Dubai, prosecutor Caitlin Stiles said. Kiala Wyles has avoided jail after admitting to smuggling nearly 80,000 of cannabis into Britain Wyles, 22, sobbed uncontrollably as she was told she would not be going to prison after a judge took sympathy on her Wyles had been offered a free holiday in Thailand and 10,000 in cash in exchange for bringing the suitcases back to Britain When she was stopped by Border Force officials, they found 30.28 kilos of cannabis in 26 vacuum sealed packages stuffed in her two suitcases. She told the officials she didn't know the suitcases contained drugs, which had a wholesale value of 79,000. She was arrested and during her police interview she said she was contacted by someone on social media who promised she could make 10,000 by collecting the suitcases from Thailand. Her flights were paid for and she enjoyed a 20-day holiday in Thailand before her return, the court was told. Olivia Gatfield, defending, said Wyles had played a 'limited function under direction', was 'remorseful and embarrassed', and that she demonstrated 'naivety'. Pleading for the judge to impose a suspended prison sentence, Ms Gatfield said her client, who was a user of cannabis, cocaine and ketamine, had extenuating personal circumstances. She had been under financial pressure, had been thrown out of her property and her life had 'spiralled out of control'. She described a troubled upbringing where Wyles's father had been to prison. The defendant also suffered from anxiety, depression and a personality disorder, Ms Gatfield told the court. Mr Recorder Jeremy Lasker accepted that the defendant had shown 'genuine remorse', had spent a month in custody and said there was a 'realistic prospect of rehabilitation'. The defendant had previous convictions but none for drug offences, the court heard. Wyles was caught with two suitcases of cannabis as she flew back into Manchester Airport (pictured) Kiala Wyles agreed to smuggle drugs worth 79,000 in exchange for a free holiday in Thailand (file image) He continued: 'This is one of those rare cases where I'm actually going to give you a chance because I think rehabilitation is a good bet in your case. 'It may be that I'm making the wrong decision. It may be that I'm giving the green light to other couriers to take the risk because they think if they get caught they may get away with it. 'I'm doing this on the basis not only is your remorse genuine but you have had a taste of prison for a short period of time. 'When I balance the prospects of rehabilitation against this and sending you back in for several more months potentially damaging your mental health, in this case I'm prepared to give you a second chance.' Wyles was handed a two-year prison sentence suspended for two years after she admitted a single charge of importing class B drugs. She was also ordered to complete a 12-month community payback scheme back home in Scotland. 'Thank you, Your Honour,' said Wyles, still crying as she had been throughout the hearing. Her sister, also crying, watched from the public gallery. Her conviction comes weeks after British mother Cameron Bradford, 24, was also given a two-year suspended sentence for trafficking cannabis from Thailand into Germany. Ms Bradford, of Knebworth in Hertfordshire, flew from Bangkok to Munich with 20kg of drugs in her luggage. The court heard she had been threatened by a man and put under pressure to transport the case, which she claimed she did not know contained drugs. And earlier this month Tihaise Darlin Elisha, 19, and Taylor Tamara Simone, 21, were jailed for six years after being caught with nearly 70kg of cannabis in Zimbabwe while flying from Thailand. The pair were made to pose with the drugs by police at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport when first caught in May. The son of a stricken climber 'left to die' on a 24,406ft peak has pleaded for help to rescue her - claiming his mother is 'still alive'. On Monday, the authorities in Kyrgyzstan abandoned attempts to extricate Natalia, also known as Natasha Nagovitsina, 47, from Victory Peak due to bad weather. She was marooned with a broken leg at 22,965ft on the mountain two weeks ago today - and rescuers chiefs say they do not believe she is still alive. But her son Mikhail Nagovitsin, 27, has appealed for the Russian authorities to attempt their own rescue. 'I request that the search be resumed,' he pleaded. He was shocked that the rescue attempts had been 'completely suspended' by the Kyrgyz authorities. 'My mother is an experienced climber and is also in very good shape,' he said. 'I am sure that she is alive and wants the search to be resumed.' Russian mountaineer Natalia, also known as Natasha Nagovitsina, 47, has been trapped at 22,965ft on Victory Peak in Kyrgyzstan, which has a summit height of 24,406ft Drone footage filmed seven days after losing contact showed clear movement from the sleeping bag she has been sheltering in The Kyrgyzstan Ministry of Emergency Situations confirmed the rescue mission has been called off As a minimum, one more drone flight should be carried out to check for signs of life, he said. The last footage showing the mountaineer alive was revealed, showing her clearly moving and 'waving' at a drone sent up to monitor her on Tuesday, August 19. It also showed her tent torn by the ferocious winds in the spot where she was seeking shelter at 22,965ft under a large rock called the 'Bird'. 'In the video I received, it is clearly visible that seven days after losing contact, she is actively waving her hand, full of strength,' he said. In an appeal to Vladimir Putins government after the Kyrgyzstan authorities aborted rescue attempts, he said: 'I ask for assistance in organising aerial video shooting of the Peak Pobeda [the Russian name for Victory Peak] area using drones to confirm the fact that she is alive. 'If this fact is confirmed, then organise a rescue operation.' Four years ago, Mikhails father Sergei died at a similar altitude on another mountain after suffering a stroke on a climb. Famously, Natalia defied orders to abandon him to die and remained with him through a blizzard, declaring she was unafraid of dying. On Monday a final effort to climb to Nagovitsina was abandoned just 3,600ft below where she is stuck, with the weather set to worsen, as the team were ordered to return to base Previous rescue efforts for the climber failed due to bad weather Nagovitsina went viral in 2021 after she refused to leave her husband Sergei (right), after he suffered a stroke at 22,000ft She survived by a miracle in 2021 after comforting him on the mountain, but was unable to save him. The sons plea for a new attempt comes amid criticisms of the rescue attempts in the last two weeks. There had been hopes of a window in the bad weather on Monday to enable a new drone flight to the 'death zone' where she was trapped, where temperatures plummeted to -30C at the weekend. But rescuers said the weather had not improved and a drone flight was not made. A light rescue helicopter and its Italian crew departed from the area and officials said her body would be recovered next spring. But a shocked Mikhail said: 'They were waiting for a weather window. '[On] 25th August the forecast predicted good weather. 'But there was no good weather on the mountain. Russian climber Natalia Nagovitsina, 47, trapped with a broken leg since August 12 on 24,406ft Victory Peak in Kyrgyzstan, was filmed waving to a drone on August 19 The last footage showing the mountaineer alive was revealed, showing her clearly moving and 'waving' at a drone sent up to monitor her Mikhail Nagovitsin, son of stricken mountaineer Natalia Nagovitsina, pleads for help for his mother who is 'still alive' Famously, Natalia defied orders to abandon her husband to die and remained with him through a blizzard, declaring she was unafraid of dying 'And they continued to wait for a weather window - but this morning, the entire rescue operation was disbanded, and the reason is unknown. 'This fact alarms me.' But Ilim Karypbekov, vice president of the Kyrgyz Mountaineering Federation, defended abandoning the operation. 'Professional pilots flew in from Italy,' he said. 'But when they flew to the area by helicopter, the weather was not favourable. 'Before that, they invited a drone pilot who was ordered to probe the area, but it was not possible. 'And the forecast said that in the coming week, five or six days, the weather would not be stable enough to fly a helicopter, let alone a drone. 'So they called it off. One climber did reach Natalia, but was unable to bring her down and tragically died on the way back 'They saw that there was no point in waiting that long. 'No one could survive that long. 'They decided that it was pointless to wait any longer. In the end, it became clear that they would only be able to reach Natalia next season.' The last climb to reach her was abandoned on Friday just 3,600ft below her. Earlier, a helicopter had crash landed, injuring rescuers seeking to save her. One climber did reach her, but was unable to bring her down. Heroic Italian mountaineer Luca Sinigaglia, 49, brought her a tent, sleeping bag, food, water and a gas cooker. He tragically died on his own way back to report on her condition and arrange a full-scale rescue. Anna Piunova, deputy head of the Russian Mountaineering Federation, criticised the rescue attempts. This is the moment two gay men grimaced in agony as they were brutally whipped in public over their same-sex relations in Aceh, Indonesia. They were flogged 76 times each in the conservative province after they were found guilty of sexual relations by a court operating under strict Islamic law. Gay sex is outlawed in Aceh, which imposes a version of sharia, the Islamic legal code, but it is not illegal elsewhere in the world's most populous Muslim majority country. The men were part of a group of 10 who were flogged on Tuesday at a park in the provincial capital for a range of alleged crimes. The pair were flogged separately with a rattan stick as a small crowd watched, according to an AFP journalist present. Their initial sentences of 80 lashes each were reduced by four for four months spent in detention. In April, local sharia police found the two men together at a public toilet in the same park where they were later flogged, said Roslina A. Djalil, head of Banda Aceh sharia police's law enforcement. 'A member of the public saw suspicious people and reported it,' Roslina said. Amnesty International condemned the punishment. In a statement, its regional research director, Montse Ferrer, said: 'This public flogging of two young men under Aceh's Islamic Criminal Code for consensual sex is a disturbing act of state-sanctioned discrimination and cruelty. Two gay men grimaced in agony as they were brutally whipped in public over their same-sex relations in Aceh, Indonesia The pair were flogged separately with a rattan stick as a small crowd watched One of the men could be seen bursting into tears as the brutal punishment was enforced In April, local sharia police found the two men together at a public toilet in the same park where they were later flogged Their initial sentences of 80 lashes each were reduced by four for four months spent in detention 'This punishment is a horrifying reminder of the institutionalised stigma and abuse faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Aceh.' The statement added: 'We call on the Acehnese and Indonesian central government authorities to immediately halt these degrading practices and repeal all discriminatory bylaws that permit such violations. 'Aceh's regional autonomy must not come at the expense of human rights.' Three women and five men were also flogged on Tuesday after being found guilty of sex outside marriage, being in close proximity to members of the opposite sex, and online gambling. Caning retains strong support among Aceh's population as a common punishment for offences including drinking alcohol and adultery. The region started using religious law after it was granted special autonomy in 2001 as Jakarta tried to quell a long-running separatist insurgency. In February, two gay men aged 24 and 18 were flogged in the same area. Their flogging was witnessed by several people and was the fourth time men had been beaten for homosexuality. They were flogged by a masked member of the Sharia police team A woman and a man were also flogged after they were convicted of having premarital sex A member of the Sharia police holding rattan sticks as the convicted await their punishment Some members of the public recorded on their phones as the men were forced to endure the punishment The Sharia law police in Aceh stand in line before the punishments are handed out. They are tasked to find people committing crimes under Sharia law They were lashed several times on their backs and were only given breaks after 20 minutes to drink water and have their wounds treated. After the last lash, one of the men had to be carried away as they could not move. In Aceh, caning is used as a punishment for adultery, women who wear tight clothes, drinking alcohol, and not attending Friday prayers. A 12-year-old girl accused of attempting to murder her foster carer by stabbing her in the chest has withdrawn her bail application. The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was not required to appear in Ipswich Children's Court west of Brisbane today for the ongoing hearing of her bail application. On August 17 emergency services were called to the Augustine Heights suburb of Ipswich where a 55-year-old woman was found with a stab wound. The girl, who lived with the alleged victim, was charged with attempted murder and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. Magistrate Dennis Kinsella previously heard the girl allegedly took the vehicle with the aim of travelling to an equine therapy centre. The woman was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a serious but stable condition. The girl had applied for bail last week but Magistrate Kinsella had adjourned his decision to wait for a mental health assessment. The girl's new representative, Legal Aid solicitor Kate Jamieson, said she would withdraw the bail application rather than keep it at a part-heard status. The girl's bail application was withdrawn at Ipswich Children's Court on Tuesday (pictured) 'I was allocated in-house (to the case) at about 4pm yesterday. We're not in a position to proceed with the bail application today,' Ms Jamieson said today. A police prosecutor previously told Magistrate Kinsella she opposed bail as the girl posed an unacceptable risk of offending or endangering the community if released. The girl's previous defence solicitor, Lachlan Smith, told Magistrate Kinsella his client had previously been diagnosed with ADHD and autism but had been attending school and treatment. Ms Jamieson today asked prosecutors to provide her a brief of evidence in the case, and if the vehicle theft and attempted murder charges were related. 'There is a factual nexus in the sense that it seems to be the circumstances that led up to the allegation of attempted murder,' Magistrate Kinsella said. He ordered a brief of evidence be provided to the girl's solicitor by September 30. She was remanded in custody ahead of the case's next court mention on October 7. If convicted of attempted murder, the girl faces a potential maximum sentence of a life term under the Queensland government's 'adult crime, adult time' laws. The Transport for London commissioner has been accused of 'smearing' campaigners by claiming they were spraying graffiti on the London Underground so they could clean it up on camera. Earlier this summer, footage went viral of a group of volunteers so angered by graffiti-covered carriages on the Bakerloo Line taking matters into their hands to scrub them clean. The team led by Joe Reeve, 28, attracted praise from Transport for London (TfL) train drivers and passengers who have thanked them for their efforts. Mr Reeve, the founder of a policy group called Looking for Growth, has been critical of London Mayor Sadiq Khan - and his team wore hi-vis jackets with the words 'Doing what Sadiq Khant' on the back as they scrubbed away. But 640,000-a-year TfL commissioner Andy Lord sparked a backlash after telling the London Assembly that he had 'evidence of people creating graffiti and then removing it', which he claimed was being probed. However, a Freedom of Information request for the 'evidence' relating to Mr Lord's statement on July 3 revealed TfL does 'not hold any recorded information in relation to this'. Keith Prince, the Tory transport spokesman at City Hall, has called for Mr Lord to clarify his claims or apologise to the campaigners. Joe Reeve has led a group of volunteers cleaning graffiti off Bakerloo line trains in London In videos that went viral earlier this summer, they wrote hi-vis jackets which said 'Doing what Sadiq Khant' Meanwhile former mayoral candidate Susan Hall, a Tory member of the London Assembly, told The Telegraph: 'It is disgraceful. The TfL commissioner told us he had evidence of people spraying graffiti just so they can take it off again. 'If we are told there is evidence. then there should be some. If there isn't, then the TfL commissioner should apologise for this smear campaign against those trying to bring vandalism on the Tube to light. 'I support campaigners wholeheartedly in their efforts to clean up graffiti on the Underground.' Mr Lord previously said some 3,000 instances of graffiti were being removed a week from carriages on the Bakerloo and Central lines. He said cleaners were removing 'one act of graffiti every 11 minutes across our Tube fleet'. Campaigner Mr Reeve previously shared why he has taken matters into his own hands, telling The Standard: 'I take the Bakerloo line every morning and I see someone push past the barrier. 'Then when I get down to the Tube, every single carriage is full of graffiti. It feels like no one is doing anything to make the city better. I'm pretty patriotic. TfL commissioner Andy Lord (pictured) sparked a backlash after telling the London Assembly that he had 'evidence of people creating graffiti and then removing it', which he claimed was being probed Mr Reeve said his team has attracted praise from train drivers on the London Underground. But they were then accused of spray-painting themselves One of the team wipes graffiti off the top of a door on board a Bakerloo line train in London 'I love London, and I think it should be the best city in the world. I had the option to move to the US for work, but I want to stay in the UK and see it get better.' He added: 'Sadiq has been mayor for a while and has said in videos he's proud of what he's achieved. I - and a lot of people - feel pretty frustrated with him.' A TfL spokesman said: 'Andy was making reference to information that he had been made aware of verbally and of work being undertaken within TfL as part of our wider graffiti reduction strategy, which aims to prevent and tackle graffiti vandalism.' A schoolgirl feared to have been raped and murdered while in the care system suffered four cardiac arrests before her tragic death, an inquest has heard. Casey-Louise Horrocks, 13, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, was found 'unresponsive' in the bedroom of a 16-year-old boy in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, on August 11. She was rushed to hospital but died in the early hours of the following day. Despite a post-mortem examination being carried out, the exact cause of the teenager's death remains 'unexplained', Bradford Coroner's Court was told. Her death has sparked a double rape and murder investigation by West Yorkshire Police, who also arrested the teenager over the alleged rape of another 16-year-old girl in Kirklees. He has since been released on conditional bail. This morning, assistant coroner Peter Merchant opened the inquest into Casey-Louise's death and suspended proceedings for six months at the request of West Yorkshire Police. She was being looked after in local authority care at the time of her death Casey-Louise with an unnamed friend in a picture posted onto the GoFundMe fundraising site Bradford Coroner's Court heard that Casey-Louise was born on 10 March, 2012, in Oldham. Coroner's officer Victoria Normington told the hearing that the student passed away in Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax. 'The brief circumstances of her sad death are that the Yorkshire Ambulance Service were called to a house in Huddersfield regarding an unresponsive teenager,' said Mrs Normington. 'CRT [cardiac resynchronisation therapy] was commenced and Casey was admitted to the Calderdale Royal Hospital where she was initially unresponsive and unconscious. 'She was taken for scans and CPR [cardiopulmonary resuscitation] was commenced as she then suffered four cardiac arrests. 'She was sadly pronounced dead life extinct at 2.18am on 12 August.' Casey-Louise Horrocks pictured cradling her baby sister The 'caring soul' was a pupil at Mossley Hollins High School, in Manchester Friends and relatives have been sharing memories of Casey-Louise online Casey-Louise was formally identified through photographic evidence given to detectives. Pathologist Dr Kirsten Hope has performed a post mortem to establish the cause of death. Coroner Mr Merchant told the inquest: 'Currently, Dr Hope has indicated that the cause of death is unexplained, pending further investigation. 'In those circumstances and in view of a request from West Yorkshire Police, requesting a suspension of the inquest for six months, I propose to grant the police request and therefore suspend the inquest touching the death of Casey-Louise Horrocks until 24 February, 2026.' Casey-Louise was in local authority care when she died. Nigel Farage today vowed to deport 600,000 asylum seekers within five years if Reform UK wins the next general election. In a speech in Oxfordshire this morning, Mr Farage unveiled his party's 'Operation Restoring Justice' proposals to tackle the Channel migrant crisis. He warned anger among Britons over an 'invasion' of the South Coast by small boats represented a 'genuine threat to public order. Speaking at London Oxford Airport, Mr Farage argued the only way to stop migrants arriving in Britain via dinghies was by 'detaining and deporting absolutely anyone'. 'The mood in the country around this issue is a mix between total despair and rising anger,' he said. 'And I would say this, that without action, without somehow the contract between the Government and the people being renewed, without some trust coming back, then I fear deeply that that anger will grow. 'In fact, I think there is now, as a result of this, a genuine threat to public order.' Mr Farage is vowing - if he becomes PM - that all those arriving in Britain on small boats and via other illegal routes will be detained and then deported. He claimed some 600,000 asylum seekers could be deported in the first term of a Reform government under the party's plans. Mr Farage confirmed women and children would be among those detained under his party's plans, while he was sanguine about failed asylum seekers being tortured or murdered if they were deported after entering the UK illegally. Reform is pledging to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and scrap the Human Rights Act, which enshrines the convention in UK law. It is promising to sign migrant returns deals with countries such as Afghanistan and Eritrea, but also house migrants in 'third countries' such as Rwanda and Albania. Under Reform's plans, British overseas territories such as Ascension Island will be used as a 'fallback' option for sending migrants. Mr Farage accused the UK and French governments of 'colluding' in support of criminal activity by failing to tackle people-smuggling gangs operating across the Channel. Nigel Farage today warned anger among Britons over the small-boats crisis represents a 'genuine threat to public order' as he revealed his plans for mass deportations. The Reform UK leader, in a major speech in Oxfordshire, unveiled his party's 'Operation Restoring Justice' proposals to deal with illegal migration Mr Farage is vowing - if he becomes PM - all those arriving in Britain on small boats will be detained and then deported An audience member reads Reform's 'Operation Restoring Justice' plans while waiting for Mr Farage's speech to begin Your browser does not support iframes. The Reform leader said that 'despite the 800million we've given the French, even as we speak, there are French naval vessels escorting these boats across to a 12-mile line'. He said from there 'they will be picked up by Border Force or our volunteers at the RNLI if it's a busy day and Border Force simply can't cope'. 'And now what happens is the French give them all life jackets and when they're picked up by Border Force, Border Force give the life jackets back to the French so they can re-use them on the next journey,' Mr Farage added. 'We are literally witnessing two governments colluding in their support of criminal activity.' Mr Farage highlighted how 650 people arrived in Dover on Bank Holiday Monday, with the number of small boat arrivals soon to hit 52,000 since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister last July. He warned the Channel migrant crisis represented a 'national security threat', while he also said there were 'cultural' reasons behind public anger over illegal arrivals. Recent weeks have seen protests outside asylum hotels across Britain, including at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. Mr Farage said: 'I suppose the growing anger in the country in the course of the last few weeks is a cultural one. 'In the sense that many of these young men come from countries in which women aren't even second-class citizens. 'And frankly the public have now just had enough. What began as a protest of mothers and concerned citizens outside the Bell Hotel in Epping has now spread right across the country. 'All of it really poses one big fundamental question. Whose side are you on? Are you on the side of women and children being safe on our streets? 'Or are you on the side of outdated international treaties backed up by a series of dubious courts?' The Reform leader said his party's plans to deport asylum seekers en masse would save 'tens and possibly hundreds of billions of pounds' for UK taxpayers. He also claimed 'the boats will stop coming within days', if Reform won power at the next general election and implemented their plans. 'Our proposals will save over the course of the next decades tens and possibly even hundreds of billions of pounds,' Mr Farage said. 'By the end of a first parliament, we will have saved a huge amount of money.' He added: 'The only way we will stop the boats is by detaining and deporting absolutely anyone that comes via that route. 'And if we do that, the boats will stop coming within days, because there will be no incentive to pay a trafficker to get into this country. 'If you come to the UK illegally, you will be detained and deported and never, ever allowed to stay, period. That is our big message from today.' Your browser does not support iframes. Mr Farage and Zia Yusuf claimed some 600,000 asylum seekers could be deported in the first five years of a Reform government Recent weeks have seen protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers across Britain, including at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex Mr Farage used his speech this morning to pledge that hundreds of thousands of people will be deported by a Reform government, with five charter flights taking off every day. There will also be a 'deportation app' for migrants who wish to leave voluntarily, and they will be given 2,500 and a free flight home. He set out details of the costs of his party's plans, with Reform believing it will cost as little as 10billion to implement. A government headed by Mr Farage would introduce emergency legislation known as the Illegal Migration (Mass Deportation) Bill to bar those arriving by small boat from claiming asylum. Leaving the ECHR is a demand now even being made by Labour MPs and grandees as they increasingly fear Sir Keir's failure to implement radical action over the Channel migrant crisis will lose him the next election. Your browser does not support iframes. A new British Bill of Rights, which would apply only to British citizens and those with a legal right to live here, would replace the Human Rights Act under Reform's plans and refer to the protection of free speech and liberty rather than human rights. Zia Yusuf, one of Reform's most senior figures and the party's former chairman, said Reform would form a 'deportation command' and a 'data fusion centre', which would draw together data from the police, Home Office, NHS, DVLA, HMRC and banks. 'This will allow deportation command to relentlessly track down and detain all those who entered our country illegally,' Mr Yusuf said. He said a Reform government would stop aid and visas from being issued to countries if they refuse to take part in a returns scheme for illegal migrants. Mr Farage told the Daily Mail last night that if Reform came into power, it would aim to build migrant detention centres on military sites within 18 months. They would house 24,000 people and detainees would not be allowed to leave or claim bail, he added. A group of people, believed to be migrants, are pictured on a small boat near Gravelines, northern France An aerial photograph shows inflatable dinghies believed to have been used by migrants to cross the Channel and stored in a Port Authority yard in Dover Your browser does not support iframes. Labour minister Matthew Pennycook this morning said it was not in Britain's national interest to withdraw from the ECHR. Farage 'copying our homework', say Tories Kemi Badenoch Tory leader Kemi Badenoch today accused Reform UK of 'copying our homework' with its immigration proposals. Mrs Badenoch said the only workable parts of Nigel Farage's pledges had come from Conservative policy but that Reform was 'not doing the thinking' required to deliver. The Tory leader refused to say how many migrants a new Conservative administration would seek to deport when questioned about Mr Farage's ambition to remove up to 600,000 people over the course of a parliament, insisting 'it's not about the numbers'. 'It's not about the numbers, it is about making sure that we control our borders and we get all the people who are breaking our laws and coming here illegally out of the country,' Mrs Badenoch told journalists on a visit to Chelmsford on Tuesday. 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, we put out a deportation Bill in May. The stuff that actually works in what he said has come from there.' The Tory 'Bill' announced earlier this year included plans to disapply the Human Rights Act from all immigration-related matters and 'introducing powers to deport all foreign criminals'. Mrs Badenoch has ordered a review into whether the UK should leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which she said would report back before the Tory party conference next month. Asked about Mr Farage's pledge to leave the treaty, she said 'saying you're going to leave the ECHR is not a plan.' She said that it will have an impact on things such as the Good Friday Agreement and needs to be done in a way that does not destabilise the country or economy. Mrs Badenoch added: 'We need to make sure that anyone who comes to our country illegally is deported. We have experience in government of finding some of these deportations difficult. 'That is why we had the third country deterrent, which was the Rwanda plan. Some countries will not co-operate. 'But from what Reform has announced today, they haven't done the thinking, they've just copied our homework, but they don't understand the reasons behind them.' Advertisement He told GB News this would put the UK 'in the same camp' as countries such as Russia and Belarus. 'But that is not to say we don't think the convention needs reform, we're making the case for reform in Europe,' he added. 'And we're looking at how the convention is implemented domestically, in the case of Article 8, and how that can be abused to frustrate our laws. 'It's not a case of saying the convention needs to remain untouched, but we don't think it's in our national interest to withdraw from or suspend it. 'Not least because it underpins a series of incredibly important agreements, including the Good Friday Agreement.' Mr Pennycook, the housing minister, compared Reform's plans to tackle illegal migration to 'something put together on the back of a fag packet'. He told Sky News that Mr Farage's idea of securing returns agreements with countries like Afghanistan, Iran and Eritrea is 'for the birds'. 'What happens if returns agreements are not secured with Eritrea or Sudan?', he asked. 'Where do the planes go? What does Reform think is going to happen in the case of Iran, a country that we're currently sanctioning, they're just going to agree a returns agreement? 'So we will get on with the practical, hard-headed, unglamorous, step-by-step actions we're taking to bear down on this problem, rather than the gimmicks being put forward by Reform and other parties.' He added: 'Reform can stoke anger. We will get on with the job of putting in place the necessary practical measures that will see net migration come down over this parliament and the gangs and the boat problem tackled.' Mr Pennycook also confirmed that the first small boats arrivals have been detained to send back to France under the Government's 'one in, one out' migrant deal. Earlier, Mr Farage had accused Sir Keir of siding with international courts in an opinion piece published in the Telegraph, writing: 'The time has come to put this country first. This is all a question of priorities. 'Is Keir Starmer on the side of the British people, national security and protecting women and girls or is he on the side of outdated international treaties and human rights lawyers?'. Sir Keir earlier this year took the unprecedented step of declaring in the Commons that an immigration judge made the 'wrong decision' by granting a Palestinian family the right to live in the UK. In the wake of the row, his Government pledged to restrict the ability of illegal immigrants and foreign criminals to avoid deportation by claiming the Article 8 right to a family life. And at the weekend the Home Office said it would speed up asylum appeals by getting rid of some judge-led tribunals. The Tories claimed that Reform's plans were based on many of their own proposals. When they were in power, the Conservatives passed a law banning small boat migrants from claiming asylum and signed a deal to deport some to Rwanda, although no flights ever took off. The Tory government was also the first to consider sending new arrivals to Ascension Island, a remote territory in the South Atlantic. And in May, having lost the election, the party published a Deportation Bill that would mean 'automatic deportation for anyone to arrives in the country illegally' as well as disapplying the Human Rights Act from immigration cases. Tory shadow home secretary Chris Philp claimed that Reform's policy is based on many of the Conservatives' own proposals Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch has also launched a review which is expected to conclude that Britain should withdraw from the ECHR. And as far back as 2006 under David Cameron, the Tories had been proposing to replace Labour's Humans Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights, an idea also now being proposed by Reform. A similar Bill to repeal the Human Rights Act was put forward by then-justice secretary Dominic Raab in 2022, before being scrapped by Liz Truss during her short tenure as prime minister. Chris Philp, the Tory shadow home secretary, said: 'Nigel Farage is simply re-heating and recycling plans that the Conservatives have already announced. 'Earlier this year we introduced and tabled votes on our Deportation Bill in Parliament, detailing how we would disapply the Human Rights Act from all immigration matters, and deport every illegal immigrant on arrival. 'Months later, Reform have not done the important work necessary to get a grip on the immigration crisis and instead have produced a copy and paste of our proposals. 'Only Kemi Badenoch and the Conservatives are doing the real work needed to end this scourge with further, detailed plans to be announced shortly.' Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: 'Farage's plan crumbles under the most basic scrutiny. 'The idea that Reform UK is going to magic up some new places to detain people and deport them to, but don't have a clue where those places would be, is taking the public for fools. 'Of course Nigel Farage wants to follow his idol Vladimir Putin in ripping up the human rights convention. Winston Churchill would be turning in his grave. 'Doing so would only make it harder for each of us as individuals to hold the Government to account and stop it trampling on our freedoms.' This is the first picture of a couple killed in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight. Horse riding instructor Justyna Czoska, 52, and lorry driver Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, died when the helicopter came down in a field near Ventnor on the south of the island close to the seaside town of Shanklin at around 9.20am on Bank Holiday Monday. The couple from Bloxham, Oxfordshire, had travelled to the island so Mr Kowalkowski could have a flying lesson for his birthday - something he had always dreamed of. It had taken off from Sandown Airport 20 minutes earlier. One other person also died while a fourth was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Miss Czoska's daughter Julia Buzar, 22, spoke to her mother just moments before she boarded. A short time later, police knocked on the door of her mother's house where she was looking after her dog to tell her the helicopter had crashed. Miss Buzar said the helicopter ride had been a birthday present to her stepfather Mr Kowalkowski. She said he had always wanted to fly in a helicopter. She said: 'We are heartbroken. It's really hard as my mum was my only real family. It's a terrible time.' Writing online, Miss Buzar said: 'I have no words. The world took my mum too soon, she was the best mum you could ask for, loved by everyone. 'I never thought I would be writing something like this. Please if anyone can help bring them back to Poland so they can be with their families it would mean the world to me.' Miss Buzar's partner Jacob Butler, who has set up a GoFundMe page to pay for the couple's bodies to be taken back to their native Poland, said Ms Czoska was 'an amazing woman'. 'She was such a great person with a big heart,' he said. 'An amazing, kind loving person.' Justyna Czoska, 52, and lorry driver Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, right and far right, who were killed. Pictured with Ms Czoska's daughter Julia who was not on board. Members of the Air Accident Investigation Branch inspect the helicopter at the scene near Sandown, Isle of Wight today A police and crime commissioner has shared her 'deepest condolences' to the families of three people who died in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight He said Miss Buzar was 'devastated' struggling to come to terms with what had happened. He said all the family including Miss Buzar had 'chipped in' so Mr Kowalkowski could have a flying lesson. Writing on GoFundMe, he added: 'On August 25th, my partners beloved mum and her partner tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight. 'This sudden and devastating event has left all us heartbroken and struggling to cope with the loss. 'We are now trying to bring them both back to Poland so they can be laid to rest with their families, in the place they called home. 'The cost of repatriation, funeral arrangements, and travel is more than we can manage alone, and we are asking for support during this incredibly difficult time. 'Any donation, no matter how small, will help us give them the farewell they deserve. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, support, and for keeping our family in your thoughts.' Miss Czoska was described as 'the best mum you could ask for, loved by everyone' by her daughter Julia. The couple from Bloxham, Oxfordshire, had travelled to the island so Mr Kowalkowski could have a flying lesson - something he had always dreamed of Horse riding instructor Justyna Czoska, 52, and lorry driver Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, died when the helicopter came down in a field near Ventnor Ms Czoska had worked at Turpins Lodge Riding School in Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, since March 2024. In a statement, the riding school said: 'Justyna was very well liked at Turpins Lodge by staff and by customers. 'Justyna was cheerful, reliable and conscientious. She will leave a huge hole to fill. 'Our thoughts go out to Justyna's daughters, family and friends. 'We will endeavour to carry on as normally as possible but there may have to be some changes to lessons while we adapt to this very sad situation.' The helicopter was today removed from the field on the Isle of Wight which it crashed into. Images taken on Tuesday afternoon showed a JCB telehandler lifting the aircraft up and onto a lorry. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said the investigation into the crash was likely to take 12 months. A spokesperson said: 'Our current focus is on gathering physical evidence from the accident site and interviewing witnesses. 'The remains of the helicopter will then be recovered and transported back to our headquarters in Farnborough, Hampshire, for further detailed investigation.' Donna Jones, police and crime commissioner, descried it as a 'heartbreaking day for the Isle of Wight'. She also praised the emergency services for their swift response and said the devastating incident has 'deeply shocked' the community. She said: 'My deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the three people who tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash near Ventnor on the Isle of Wight this morning. 'My thoughts are also with the fourth individual who remains in hospital in a critical condition. 'This is a devastating incident that has deeply shocked the local community.. The families affected are being supported during this incredibly difficult time. 'I want to thank all of our emergency services for their swift and dedicated response, including Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, and hospital staff. 'The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has now launched a formal investigation into the crash, and we await further details as they work to understand what happened. 'This is a heartbreaking day for the Isle of Wight, and my thoughts remain firmly with everyone affected.' The helicopter had taken off from Sandown Airport at around 9am before crashing around 20 minutes later. Flight data suggests it climbed to an altitude of about 800 feet before an issue occurred. From that point it was about 27 seconds before it hit the ground. Hampshire Police confirmed in a statement on Monday that three of the four people on board had died. Northumbria Helicopters, a firm based at Newcastle International Airport, confirmed one of its helicopters a G-OCLV - which is listed as a Robinson R44 II - was involved in the crash. The firm offers pilot training, flying lessons starting from 199 for 20 minutes, as well as pleasure flights from its base in Newcastle. It is understood the firm visits the island several times a year for pleasure flights and was last there at the end of July. Eyewitness Leigh Goldsmith, who was driving her mother towards Shanklin, said she saw the helicopter 'spiralling' down to the ground before disappearing out of sight, ending up in a hedgerow. She said there were four people in the helicopter, two in the front and two in the back. Ms Goldsmith called the emergency services. Police, land ambulance, air ambulance and coastguard were all scrambled to the scene, near the A3020 Shanklin Road. A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesman said a major incident was declared to co-ordinate the response. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance said a critical care team consisting of a doctor and a specialist paramedic were deployed. A spokeswoman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance confirmed that one person had been airlifted to hospital. She said: 'We have treated and airlifted one patient to the major trauma centre, University Hospital Southampton. 'Our thoughts are with them, and everyone involved in today's incident.' Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson described the crash as a 'tragedy'. Shanklin Town Council praised the pilot for bringing down the helicopter in a field away from houses. 'Shanklin Town Council was shocked to hear about the incident involving a pleasure flight helicopter crash landing on the outskirts of the town,' it said in a statement. 'This bank holiday, as well as hosting the scooter rally on the island, has many organised events that run from Sandown airport. 'One of those is the regular flights that give visitors the ability to view the coastline from the air. 'This is a tragic accident and the pilot deserves huge credit for bringing down the helicopter in a field away from any built up areas. 'Our thoughts and prays are with the individuals involved as well as their immediate families, not forgetting the quick action and professionalism of our emergency services.' On Tuesday, the road next to the crash remained been cordoned off by police. Investigators could be seen carrying out checks of the helicopter and turning one of the propellers. Video footage released today shows the helicopter involved in the collision taking off from Sandown Airport on Sunday evening, the night before the crash. Isle of Wight resident Vicky Cavanagh went on a helicopter experience with Northumbria Helicopters on Saturday and said she 'could not fault' the staff. Ms Cavanagh, who was celebrating her 40th birthday, told BBC Solent: 'My experience was amazing it was so professional, they were amazing, the safety briefings were great. It was just lovely, I loved it. 'But yeah, this morning it hit home quite a bit, it was quite upsetting yesterday, I was quite emotional. 'I know it is not about me but it hits home quite a lot.' Ms Cavanagh continued: 'We didn't have to even put our own seatbelts on. They did it for us. The staff were amazing and they told us not to really speak to the pilot but he was pointing out things to us and saying here's this. 'Honestly it was such an amazing experience I just can't imagine how scared they would have been because obviously people are scared of going in helicopters. 'They told us what we could and couldn't do and made it very clear to us and it was all done to us with pictures and writing and it was really professional and I can't fault them to be honest. It was really great.' Former Tory Veterans' Minister Johnny Mercer is suing the Ministry of Defence over hearing loss he says he sustained during his time serving in the Armed Forces. The former MP, 44, has said his claim is 'progressing nicely' after he was refused compensation by the MoD's own Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). Mr Mercer, who now wears a hearing aid, has now lodged a common law compensation bid through a claims management firm which claims to achieve an average payout of 71,000 for hearing loss. He said in a post on X today that his case was 'progressing nicely'. He shared the update alongside a photograph of himself undergoing an audiometry exam, a type of specialist hearing test. The Veterans Minister is among thousands lodging claims against the MoD. Last year, it admitted responsibility for the hearing loss suffered by veterans. He previously sought compensation via the AFCS official scheme administered by the government's Veterans UK body but was, in his words, told to 'get stuffed'. 'Loved the military. But Im not sure mandatory hearing loss/endless ringing ears should be part of it,' he tweeted last year. He declined to comment further to the Mail today. Former Tory Veterans' Minister Johnny Mercer says he has lodged a bid for compensation with the Ministry of Defence via a claims management firm Mr Mercer (pictured during his time in Afghanistan) says he sustained hearing loss as a result of his time in the armed forces Mercer, a former army captain who served three tours of Afghanistan, became the MP for Plymouth Moor View in 2015. He was elected on a platform of being a voice for veterans, and served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and later the Minister for Veterans' Affairs. He lost his seat to Labour's Fred Thomas last year. During his time in Government he campaigned on behalf of military veterans, even going against his own party in opposing legislation if it did not, in his view, adequately protect Britain's soldiers. In 2021, he stepped back as under-secretary for veterans in protest at the Overseas Operations Bill, which would have protected overseas operatives from 'unfounded prosecutions' - but did not extend to those deployed in Northern Ireland. He was then appointed Veterans' Minister in a 2022 reshuffle, but was removed by Prime Minister Liz Truss. He was then reappointed after Rishi Sunak became PM. Mercer controversially refused to disclose the sources of claims he had received that British troops engaged in war crimes in Afghanistan. He was threatened with jail time but ultimately faced no further action after he provided 'further information'. Armed forces veterans who were injured after April 6 2005 can make claims for hearing loss through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Its payouts for hearing loss tend to be 6,000 on average. Some, including Mr Mercer, have had claims rejected. This is because the AFCS requires claimants to have suffered a substantial degree of hearing loss, at least 50 decibels in both ears, and requires proof that it was caused in military service. In the year to April 2024, the MoD received more than 14,000 new compensation claims for hearing loss, up 184 per cent on the previous year. Precise payout figures for hearing loss are not available, but the MoD paid out some 135.5million in service claims in the same time period, the vast majority of which were linked to hearing loss. This figure is likely to rise substantially in future after the ministry accepted that it had a 'duty of care' towards all military personnel serving in the regular and reserved armed forces who have suffered hearing loss since 1987. Alfie Usher, founder of ClaimsBible.com, told the Mail that his site had helped to refer 1,000 veterans for hearing loss claims. 'Asking people to repeat themselves, constant ringing in your ear, being told you have the TV too loud - these are all common symptoms for soldiers,' Mr Usher, himself an Army veteran, said. Mr Mercer, pictured in June last year, says he was told to 'get stuffed' by the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme The Ministry of Defence admitted last year that it was responsible for the hearing loss suffered by armed forces personnel (pictured: Royal Marines in Afghanistan in 2007) The MoD made the admission of responsibility in a landmark case at the High Court last July in an agreement with the law firm Hugh James, which is representing thousands of veterans seeking compensation for hearing issues sustained in service. Hugh James had represented ex-Royal Marine James Barry, who won more than 700,000 in 2023 after suffering hearing loss during live-fire training exercises. A judge ruled that the hearing protection offered was 'inadequate' and that the MoD, despite knowing this, appeared to do 'nothing' to address it. The award was made to reflect his hearing loss and tinnitus, and the loss of his career and pension. The MoD is appealing the judgement. The MoD has agreed not to use time limitation defences or to dispute noise exposure levels if claims are brought by veterans who can prove their hearing loss occurred as a result of their time in the forces. Instead, it will assess claims with a scoring sheet known as a 'matrix' that will calculate the amount due based on when a veteran left service and the severity of the hearing loss. The MoD has agreed to waive its defences for any claimant who signs up to make a claim through Hugh James by January 30 next year. It has reserved the right not to offer compensation in the same terms to those represented by other law firms. Claimants may still be able to launch an individual legal challenge if they disagree with what is offered, and the extent of the MoD's liability in individual cases is set to be decided at a trial of several 'test cases' later this year. That trial will then decide how much compensation others are likely to receive - and if the claims are successful, it will almost certainly be likely that veterans can claim compensation without needing to go to court. A leading Welsh Labour politician hailed by Sir Keir Starmer as a 'powerful voice' was founded hanged at his home the day before his 48th birthday, an inquest heard today. Hefin David, 47, who had served as the Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly since 2016, died on August 12. An inquest into the father-of-two's death was opened at Gwent Coroner's Court on Tuesday by area coroner Rose Farmer. A post mortem examination was carried out on August 15 but the final cause of Mr David's death is awaiting following the results of a toxicology examination. Mr David was identified by his sister at the scene and enquiries into the circumstances of his death remain ongoing, the hearing was told. Paying tribute earlier this month, Prime Minister Sir Keir called Mr David a 'powerful voice for the people of Wales'. He said: 'The whole Labour movement will join me in grieving the loss of Hefin David. 'He was a powerful voice for the people of Wales and a committed public servant who dedicated his life to making sure every person and community in Wales had the opportunities and support they deserve. Hefin David, 47, had served as the Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly since 2016 (He is pictured with his partner Vikki Howells) Mr David (pictured) was hailed by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer as a 'powerful voice' 'As a member of the Senedd for Caerphilly, where he was born and lived, he was incredibly proud of his community. 'Our hearts are with his family and those who knew and loved him at this painful time. May he rest in peace.' Meanwhile, First Minister Eluned Morgan described Mr David as an 'outstanding politician' who would be 'greatly missed'. She said: 'We are extremely saddened by the sudden death of Hefin. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time. 'Hefin was a much-loved member of the Labour family. He served Caerphilly as a councillor and a Member of the Senedd with pride and passion. 'He was an outstanding politician, warm and enthusiastic and a great communicator - especially on behalf of his constituents. 'He will be greatly missed.' Police were called to a report of a medical emergency at an address in Nelson area of Caerphilly at around 6.55pm on August 12. Mr David was identified by his sister at the scene and enquiries into the circumstances of his death remain ongoing, the hearing was told Gwent Police said paramedics attended and confirmed that the man had died. In a statement, Mr David's family said: 'It is clear from the very many messages we have received that Hefin was widely respected and held in genuine affection by the community he represented, and by those he worked with during his many years of public service. 'But more than this, Hefin was a devoted father who was adored by his daughters Caitlin and Holly, a much loved son to Wynne and Christine, a beloved brother to Sian, a brilliant uncle to Osian and Catrin, and a soulmate to his cherished partner Vikki. 'We are very grateful to all those who have reached out to us since Hefin's passing, and ask now for privacy to grieve.' An inquest into Mr David's death will be held on April 7 next year. - For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support A bungling pensioner who tried to rob a bank with a barely legible handwritten note has been jailed again. Alan Slattery, 71, walked into the Nationwide branch in St Leonards, East Sussex, and passed a note to a cashier demanding money but his clumsy attempt was immediately recognised by staff. The note, which read 'PASS ME THE TEN'S AND TWENTY'S, I'M SERIOUS (sic)', failed to have the desired effect not only because of the grammar, but because a member of staff instantly recognised him from a previous botched robbery attempt. Slattery, from Edmonton, North London, had only been out of prison for a matter of months after being jailed in April 2023 for 32 months for similar incidents at Nationwide in St Leonards and Bexhill, as well as NatWest in Bexhill. Rather than handing over any cash, the quick-thinking bank worker called police, and the would-be robber left empty handed. Alan Slattery, 71, walked into the Nationwide branch in St Leonards, East Sussex, and passed a note to a cashier demanding money The note, which read 'PASS ME THE TEN'S AND TWENTY'S, I'M SERIOUS (sic)', failed to have the desired effect Nationwide branch in St Leonards, East Sussex He didn't get far. Officers arrested Slattery shortly afterwards as he stood on the platform at St Leonards Warrior Square railway station, seemingly trying to make a getaway. The pensioner, of Bury Street, was later charged with attempted robbery and pleaded guilty. He appeared at Lewes Crown Court on 28 July, where he was sentenced to 21 months in prison and handed a five-year restraining order, banning him from entering the St Leonards branch of Nationwide. Detective Constable Dione Powell, who led the investigation, said: 'Slattery clearly hasn't learnt from the time he served in prison for his previous offences, however he'll have plenty more time to reflect on his actions now. 'I'd like to commend the staff at Nationwide for swiftly reporting the incident to police, which enabled our officers to locate and arrest Slattery shortly afterwards. 'We continue to work with partners and the retail community to crackdown on business crime, and ultimately to keep the public safe.' A bodybuilder who stabbed his girlfriend 17 times in front of her young children and elderly mother has appealed his 31-year jail term. Sven Lindemann, 53, was sentenced last year for the frenzied murder of his partner, Monique Lezsak, in Melbourne's southeast. The court previously heard the former bodybuilder attacked Ms Lezsak, then 39, after she tried to leave him, having become romantically interested in a Queensland man. Lindemann and Ms Lezsak had met online five years earlier through their shared passion for bodybuilding. The now-53-year-old descended into a 'violent, jealous rage,' Victorian Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Hollingworth found last May. He stabbed Ms Lezsak 17 times to her head, neck and chest in the ensuite and kitchen of Endeavour Hills home. He used six knives in the three-minute attack. Ms Lezsak bled to death on the dining room floor. Her 10-year-old daughter, given the pseudonym Lily, narrowly escaped serious injury after trying to intervene. Convicted killer Sven Lindemann (pictured right) appealed his 31-year jail sentence for the murder of his partner Monique Lezsak (pictured left) Monique Lezsak (pictured with her twin children) suffered 17 stab wounds inflicted by Lindemann in a frenzied attack in 2023 Lindemann (above) appeared before the Court of Appeal seeking a reduced term of imprisonment. He then turned a knife on himself and later begged police not to save him, while blaming Ms Lezsak. He was jailed for 31 years, with a non-parole period of 25 years. He will first be eligible for release in 2048, when he is 77. At sentencing, Justice Hollingworth described the crime as a 'brutal, frenzied attack', stressing that domestic homicide was 'not a less serious category of murder because of the pre-existing relationship'. She also noted Lindemann had acted out of jealousy, entitlement and hypocrisy, having previously cheated on his ex-wife and left his children for Ms Lezsak. Justice Hollingworth said Lindemann had committed a 'rational act,' which was motivated by jealousy, and an 'unwillingness to allow your partner to move on with her life'. Lindemann appeared in the Court of Appeal on Tuesday afternoon arguing his punishment was excessive with his barrister, Rishi Nathwani KC. Mr Nathwani submitted Justice Hollingworth erred by failing to properly weigh Lindemann's 'otherwise unblemished life', his guilty plea, and the hardship of imprisonment away from his elderly parents and children. He reminded the court Lindemann had pleaded guilty at the 'earliest opportunity' which saved his surviving victims the trauma of testifying. A decision on Lindemann's appeal to his sentence for Ms Lazsuk's (pictured) murder will be delivered by the Court of Appeal at a later date 'There should have been a demonstrable discount of that guilty plea and there just wasn't,' he argued, according to NewsWire. He argued evidence of Lindemann's 'problematic attitudes' towards women and victim-blaming should not have been used to reduce the weight of his good character, and described the killing as an 'aberration'. 'It shouldn't have been used at all to reduce the weight of character in the way Her Honour did,' Mr Nathwani said. He also argued the judge had neglected to factor in the hardship Lindemann endured by being unable to support his kids and parents. Crown prosecutor Diana Piekusis KC countered the sentencing judge was entitled to consider Lindemann's attitudes, and that separation from family was a hardship faced by all prisoners. Diana Piekusis KC also argued any prisoner is subjected to the hardship of separation from their family. The appeal was heard by Justices Rowena Orr, Kristen Walker and Peter Kidd. A decision will be handed down at a later date. This is the horrifying moment a renowned Portuguese bullfighter was killed after being picked up and rammed against a wall by an enraged 1,500lb beast. Manuel Maria Trindade, a 22-year-old bullfighter, was making his debut performance in Lisbon's Campo Pequeno bullring when the show ended in tragedy. Footage from the event shows the young 'forcado' run towards the enormous bull to provoke the animal into charging. The beast then ran at high speed towards Trindade, who attempted to grab onto the animal's horns and gain control. But in a matter of seconds Trindade was hoisted up into the air by the storming bull and thrown against the wall of the arena. Spectators in the 6,848-seat ring shouted in horror as the victim was left sprawled on the ground. The animal was finally subdued by a bullfighter pulling its tail and others holding up bright capes in its eyeline. Paramedics rushed to treat Trindade in the ring but the injuries to his head were severe. According to Portuguese news site Zap, a 73-year-old spectator watching the bullfight also died as the horror unfolded in the bullring below. A video from the fight shows the victim run towards the enormous bull to provoke the animal into charging The 695-kilogram beast ran at high speed towards Trindade, who attempted to grab onto the animal's horns and gain control But in a matter of seconds Trindade was hoisted up into the air by the storming bull and thrown against the wall of the arena Trindade was a young but celebrated forcado - the name of a kind of Portuguese fighter who deliberately provokes a bull into charging After the fight, bullfighter Trindade was rushed to Sao Jose Hospital where he was put in an induced coma, but he died within 24 hours on August 23 after going into cardiorespiratory arrest. The spectator who died was Vasco Morais Batista, an elderly orthopedic surgeon from the Aveiro region who was watching the horrific fight from a box. He was treated by Red Cross paramedics before being rushed to the Santa Maria Hospital where a fatal aortic aneurysm was detected. Trindade was a young but celebrated forcado - the name of a kind of Portuguese fighter who deliberately provokes a bull into charging. Once the animal is enraged, the team of eight forcados are supposed to form a single-file line and one-by-one attempt to jump on the bolting beast and wrestle it to a standstill. Unlike in Spanish bullfighting, where the animal is killed by the matador at the end of the performance, bulls are not killed in the ring in the Portuguese tradition due to a royal law banning the ritual in 1836. Instead, they are taken away later for professional slaughter - though occasionally beasts considered to have been particularly brave are 'pardoned' and retired to stud. It is not clear what happened to the animal in Trindade's case. Trindade was continuing a family tradition by pursuing bullfighting and followed in his father's footsteps who was also a forcado with the Sao Mancos group Paramedics rushed to treat Trindade in the ring but the injuries to his head were severe He was rushed to Sao Jose Hospital where he was put in an induced coma, but he died within 24 hours on August 23 after irreparable brain damage Once the bull is charging, eight forcados are supposed to one-by-one form a single-file line and attempt to wrestle the animal to a standstill Trindade's fellow forcados tried to stop the bull from charging towards the wooden wall The animal was finally subdued by a bullfighter pulling its tail and others holding up bright capes in its eyeline A spokesperson from the venue told the Daily Mail: 'The ranch's staff evaluates the animal's bravery based on its response during a bullfight, as well as its overall appearance and behavior. 'An animal with bravery, feistiness, and presentation can become a stallion for a ranch, if its owners so desire, and can be returned to the field after a bullfight. 'If this is not the case, it can be sent to the slaughterhouse, where it will undergo the same procedures as other cattle.' Forcados are unique to the Portuguese style of bullfighting and act on foot, without any protection or weapons. Before he was completely dominated by the animal, Trindade was attempting a pega de cara (face catch), by grabbing the bull's horns. If the stunt had been successful, Trindade's fellow forcados would have joined him by clambering onto the animal and wrestling it to the ground to the point of submission. The promising 22-year-old fought for the Sao Mancos amateur bullfighting troupe, which was celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. He was from Nossa Senhora de Machede, in the municipality of Evora. Trindade was continuing a family tradition by pursuing bullfighting and followed in his father's footsteps who was also a forcado with the Sao Mancos group. The company responsible for organising Friday's bullfight sent its 'deepest condolences to the family, to the Grupo de Forcados Amadores de S. Mancos and to all of the young man's friends'. Lisbon's Campo Pequeno was built in the 1890s and is the home of Portugese bullfighting in the summer season. The arena has capacity for 10,000 spectators. Bullfighting has a rich history in Portugal and dates back to the late 16th century with the erection of the first-known ring in Lisbon. In a separate bizarre incident in Spain, a man was violently upended by a bull with flaming horns at a festival. After being provoked by a crowd, the enraged animal charged towards the reveller and flipped him over multiple times before he was able to escape through safety barriers. The sequence of events occurred during an annual festival in Alfafar on the outskirts of the eastern Spanish city of Valencia. The bull let loose on the street is known locally as a bou embalat'. The controversial practice has been heavily criticised by animal rights activists, who two years ago filmed sickening scenes of a bull with flaming torches attached to its horns knocking itself out after smashing into a wooden box. A woman who agreed to smuggle 30kg of cannabis worth 79,000 into Britain in exchange for a free holiday and 10,000 cash sobbed as she was spared jail. Kiala Wyles, a 22-year-old care home worker, agreed to the plot in exchange for a 20-day break in Thailand. She was caught red-handed by Border Force officials when she stepped off a flight at Manchester Airport on July 24 this year. Had she been caught in the Far Eastern country, she could have faced a maximum punishment of life in jail or even the death penalty. But, after Wyles pleaded guilty to importing class B drugs, a judge in Manchester spared the defendant who had spent a month on remand due to her troubled childhood and genuine remorse. Giving a suspended prison sentence, Mr Recorder Jeremy Lasker said he recognised Wyles had a genuine prospect of rehabilitation, although he added: It may be that I'm making the wrong decision. It maybe that I'm giving the green light to other couriers to take the risk because they think if they get caught they may get away with it. Recorder Lasker said: This is one of those rare cases where I'm actually going to give you a chance because I think rehabilitation is a good bet in your case. I'm doing this on the basis not only is your remorse genuine but you have had a taste of prison for a short period of time and when I balance the prospects of rehabilitation against this and sending you back in for several more months potentially damaging your mental health, in this case I'm prepared to give you a second chance. Kiala Wyles agreed to smuggle drugs worth 79,000 in exchange for free holiday in Thailand Wyles was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court, where she was given a suspended jail term During the sentencing hearing on Friday, Manchester Crown Court heard Wyles was found with the drugs, worth 79,000, stuffed inside two suitcases at Manchester Airport. Prosecutor Caitlin Styles said the drug smuggler, from Stirling, Scotland, had flown out of Edinburgh Airport and enjoyed three weeks in Thailand before flying back to Manchester Airport via Dubai. When she was stopped by Border Force officials, they found 30.28 kilos of cannabis with a wholesale of value of 79,000 in 26 vacuum sealed packages stuffed in her two suitcases. She told the officials she didn't know the suitcases contained drugs. Ms Styles said she was arrested and during her police interview she said she was contacted by someone on social media who promised she could make 10,000 by collecting the suitcases from Thailand. Her flights were paid for and she enjoyed a 20-day holiday in Thailand before her return, the court was told. Olivia Gatfield, defending, said Wyles had played a 'limited function under direction', was 'remorseful and embarrassed' and that she demonstrated 'naivety'. Pleading for the judge to impose a suspended prison sentence, Ms Gatfield said her client, who was a user of cannabis, cocaine and ketamine, had been under financial pressure, had been thrown out of her property and her life had 'spiralled out of control'. She described a troubled upbringing where her father had been to prison. The defendant also suffered from anxiety, depression and personality disorder, said Ms Gatfield. Wyles sobbed uncontrollably as she was spared jail and said: Thank you your honour. Her sister, also crying, watched from the public gallery. She was handed a two-year prison sentence suspended for two years after she admitted a single charge of importing class B drugs. Her sentence also includes participating in a 12-month community payback scheme in Scotland. A female fire cadet has been accused of beating up her boyfriend in front of police because she found out he was cheating on her. Cara Stapleton, 25, was seen punching a man several times in the face as he lay on the ground of a parking lot in Quincy, Massachusetts, Sunday, police said. An officer spotted the alleged attack and 'activated my emergency siren to alert the two parties', he wrote in an incident report. 'This is when I again witnessed Stapleton open hand slap [the man] in the face,' he said. Stapleton, who graduated from the Boston Fire Department earlier this month, then allegedly told police the man was her 'boyfriend, no ex-boyfriend,' and that he had cheated on her. The couple had just been removed from a waterfront restaurant and Stapleton had a 'strong odor' of alcohol and bloodshot eyes, police said. As she was handcuffed, Stapleton asked the officer to 'take the handcuffs off of her because she has to be at EMT school the following morning,' the police report said. Stapleton allegedly added that she was afraid she would lose her job if she was arrested, WCVB reported. Boston Fire cadet Cara Stapleton, 25, was arrested after she was seen punching her boyfriend, according to police Stapleton and her boyfriend were kicked out of a restaurant before the alleged altercation 'When I informed her that I cannot remove those handcuffs is when she stated that she will lose her job if she's arrested,' the police report read. Meanwhile her boyfriend, or ex-boyfriend, repeatedly swore at police and denied he was injured, per police reports. The man was reportedly 'extremely uncooperative' at the police station during the booking process. Stapleton was arraigned Monday on charges of assault and battery on an intimate partner. She pleaded not guilty and was released on her own recognizance. The cadet was also ordered to stay away from the man she allegedly assaulted. Stapleton graduated from the Boston Fire Department earlier this month and told police she feared losing her job if she was arrested The cadet pleaded not guilty after being charged with assault and battery on an intimate partner Stapleton was one of the cadets seen graduating from the Boston Fire Department in footage posted online earlier this month. It is not clear if the arrest will impact her employment. Daily Mail has contacted the Boston Fire Department for comment. A mother who witnessed her five-year-old son drown eight years ago has suffered a fresh tragedy, losing her twin sons in a hit-and-run crash last month which left her with horrific injuries. Mollie Egold was pushing her two-year-old sons Bradley and Noah in a stroller on a street near their home in Albion on July 11 when they were struck from behind. Bradley was pronounced dead at the scene. Noah was life-flighted to Maine Medical Center in nearby Portland, where he died four days later. Egold was left with a large piece of glass embedded in her back near the base of her spine, two broken hips, a broken leg and several broken bones in her hand, The Portland Press Herald reports. She was forced to undergo several surgeries and spent nearly two months in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Due to the severity of her injuries, she also had to be transported by an ambulance on a stretcher to attend Bradley and Noah's funeral services. Egold, who celebrates her 34th birthday tomorrow, is improving physically and now walking on her own. She is expected to be discharged and return home today. However, her loved ones say she is still struggling with the crippling grief of losing her toddlers just eight years after her five-year-old son William drowned in a river. Mollie Egold (pictured with one of her sons) was left with a large piece of glass embedded in her back near the base of her spine, two broken hips, a broken leg and several broken bones in her hand when a hit-and-run driver plowed into her and her toddlers last month Egold's two-year-old twin boys were killed in the hit and run collision on July 11. Bradley (left) was pronounced dead at the scene, while Noah (right) had serious head injuries that required hospital treatment. Days later, he was pronounced brain dead and taken off life support The tragedy came just eight years after Egold witnessed her five-year-old son William (pictured) drown in a freak boating accident William died in May 2017 while he and Egold were on a canoe trip in Vassalboro, roughly 18 miles from Albion. They were canoeing along the Outlet Stream when the vessel capsized and the pair went over a waterfall. Although they both had been wearing life jackets, William was trapped under the water by debris and drowned. Egold managed to free the boy, but the current carried them over a second water and around a mill before she managed to get them out of the river, WGME reports. William was life-flighted to a hospital in Bangor and passed away that night. Egold was treated for her injuries at another hospital. Egold's mother Martha Collins says the horror of losing three sons has been absolutely devastating on the 33-year-old and her only surviving child, six-year-old Connor. 'This whole thing is just a brutal nightmare it really is,' Collins, 73, told the Herald. 'Emotionally, the best I can say is, she is doing as well as can be expected. 'She's had emotional loss of the children plus the injuries, but she's held up. Connor is really struggling. I don't know how to describe it.' Benjamin Lancaster, 44, (pictured) was arrested on July 14 and charged with manslaughter in connection to the horror crash that killed Bradley. A second manslaughter charge was added on July 17 after Noah died Pictured: Lancaster's Hyundai three miles before it crashed into Egold and her twin boys Pictured: Lancaster's Hyundai shortly after the collision, seen with clear damage to the right front end Benjamin Lancaster, 44, was arrested on July 14 and charged with manslaughter in connection to the horror crash that killed Bradley. A second manslaughter charge was added on July 17 after Noah died. Lancaster has also been hit with felony charges of aggravated criminal operating under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident involving serious bodily injury or death. Investigators claim Lancaster struck the mother and her two children from behind and then left Egold and the boys lying stricken on the ground. Court documents revealed that Lancaster tried to tell police that his girlfriend was actually the one driving. But security camera footage in police affidavits appear to disprove that. A picture of the car about three miles before the crash shows the vehicle in pristine condition. Police saying he was the one in the driver's seat at this time. Another image shows the same car with a massive dent in the front end driving on Main Street in Albion. Police say he was still driving the car. Mollie Egold is pictured with her son William, who died in May 2017 Egold is still struggling with the crippling grief of losing her children. Pictured are her sons Connor, Bradley and Noah Egold was walking with the two boys to a store about 15 to 20 minutes away from their home when Lancaster allegedly struck them. The family had done the trip several times before, but Collins notes this was the 'one time she did not have Connor in the stroller'. The six-year-old had wanted to go with his siblings, but Egold 'told him no' because it would have exceeded the stroller's weight limit. Egold's surviving son Connor has been telling everyone he has 'three brothers in heaven'. Pictured: William Egold Collins recalled how Connor 'came in to me crying because he wanted to go' so she agreed to drive him down to the store. As they made their journey to the store, Collins and Connor passed Egold and the boys. They reportedly stopped to tease them about how they would beat them to the destination. The grandmother recalled how Bradley wanted to get out of the wagon and switch with Connor, but changed his mind last minute. She and Connor continued on their way to the store. But as they began to drive home after their shopping trip, they spotted Egold and the twins 'spread across the lawn'. 'It was shock, the last thing in the world we expected to see. It plays over and over in my head,' Collins told the Portland Press Herald. Good Samaritans were helping Egold, who was thrown into a mailbox due to the impact of the crash. Collins says she was conscious but in obvious pain. A motorcyclist who stopped to help was performing CPR on Bradley as Collins ran to Noah, who was still breathing immediately after the crash despite two fractures in the back of his skull. She claims the toddler saw her and 'followed me with his eyes'. She remembers watching someone place a blanket over Bradley's body, confirming her fears that he had died. Noah was taken to a nearby hospital. Doctors determined him to be brain dead on July 13. He was taken off life support two days later after it was determined that he still had no brain activity. Connor was cared for by neighbors while Collins stayed at the hospital with Noah. She says she stayed by his side until he took his final breath. Egold's mother Martha Collins (pictured with her grandsons Connor, Bradley and Noah) says the 'whole thing is just a brutal nightmare' Connor continues to have questions about the tragedy, with Collins sharing how lately the six-year-old has been telling everyone he has 'three brothers in heaven'. The family has also been preparing for Egold's return and the long road to recovery she still faces. Volunteers from the Central Church of Augusta and China have built a new porch and ramp on the family's home. The church is collecting donations to help with the family's medical expenses and other related bills during this trying time. Those looking to contribute can send a check to Albion Christian Church, P.O. Box 205, Albion, ME 04910. They should write 'accident family' on the check memo line. President Donald Trumps decision to split with his closest advisers over Chinese student visas is uniting a pair of viciously feuding MAGA acolytes. Two MAGA archenemies, Laura Loomer and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), are finding agreement on condemning Trumps newfound sympathy for foreign students from China. The president discussed his overhaul of the Chinese student visas program during a press gaggle in the Oval Office with the leader of South Korea on Monday. Trump told reporters he plans to expand the number of Chinese students admitted to U.S. universities by up to 600,000 people per year. Were going to allow their students to come in. Its very important - 600,000 students, Trump said. But Loomer went off on Trump's idea, asserting that it undermined the administration's entire immigration approach. If we are only mass deporting 1,000 illegals each day but allowing 600,000 Chinese spies to come to our country, how can we call them mass deportations, Loomer wrote on X. Trumps promise to expand visas for Beijing as trade talks intensify between the administration and the CCP. Loomer is an influential outside adviser for Trump Greene has recently broken with Trump's administration over a number of key issues Loomer weeks earlier referred to Greene as a 'lying fake Christian wh**e' Trump's pitch to allow more Chinese on U.S. soil comes as the president continues to try to broker a trade deal with Beijing. At the start of his administration, Trump levied a massive 145% tariff on all Chinese good resulting in Beijing imposing a 125% on American exports. Trump paused the tariffs in May as he sought progress on negotiations with China. However, the president last week threaten to impose a 200% on magnets manufactured in the country after claiming Beijing maintains a 'monopoly' over the product. It's unclear whether Trump was offering a carrot in his pursuit of a deal, but Loomer claimed the float undermined the president's own mass deportation plan. Do the math. We will never get rid of the millions who came in under Biden. Its basic math,' she posted. Greene echoed Loomers criticisms of the administration, while also claiming American colleges are being propped up by the CCP via admissions from China. We should not let in 600,000 CHINESE students to attend American colleges and universities that may be loyal to the CCP, wrote the Georgia lawmaker on X. Trump's administration has previously threaten to remove all Chinese student visas from the US If refusing to allow these Chinese students to attend our schools causes 15% of them to fail then these schools should fail anyways because they are being propped up by the CCP,' Greene added. Why are we allowing 600,000 students from China to replace our American students opportunities? Although Loomer and Greene appear united currently around this issue, weeks earlier the pair were involved in a tit-for-tat cat fight. Earlier this month, Loomer accused Greene of trying to 'steal Trump's movement' while also referring to the lawmaker as a 'lying fake Christian w**re.' During the latest exchange, Greene fired the first shot at Loomer by calling her out for criticizing the military's decision to celebrate a Medal of Honor recipient, U.S. Army Capt. Florent Groberg. 'Laura Loomer has ZERO respect or reverence for even the most heroic people in America,' Greene wrote on X. 'Ask any veteran, military member, and American, no one cares about his politics, the man was willing to die to save others from a suicide bomber.' Previously, Loomer had publicly attacked the military on X for honoring an 'anti-Trump Leftist.' This is the moment an illegal migrant was arrested after hiding in a couples camper and trying to climb out on the M25. Paul and Kerry Turton were returning from holiday when the man forced his way into a locked storage cupboard at Calais. On Monday afternoon as the couple were driving home to Beeston in Nottinghamshire on the motorway they noticed him trying to open the door. In the footage, Kerry can be heard on the phone to police as officers raced to intercept them at South Mimms services at Junction 23 of the M25. At one point Kerry says: Hes opening the door hes getting out. Im being quite brave but Ill probably have a nervous breakdown in a minute. Weve come from Calais, we checked and double checked and we cant understand how hes done it. Officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary surrounded the camper at a remote part of the service station and the 18-year-old man was arrested and handed over to immigration officials. Paul and Kerry Turton were returning from holiday when the man forced his way into a locked storage cupboard at Calais As the couple were driving home to Beeston in Nottinghamshire on the motorway they noticed him trying to open the door Paul posted footage of the incident on Facebook on Monday commenting not the best way to end a great holiday but a lesson has been learned Kerry added: We were driving along and heard a knocking sound and I checked everywhere to see what it was, I sat back down and Paul saw through my wing mirror a hand opening the back garage door and knocking for us to stop and let him out. We rang the police who arranged for a car to escort us so they could arrest him. We had checked and double checked the doors were locked before we left Calais so god know how he got in. A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokesman told the Daily Mail: Police were called at 4.18pm on Monday (18 August), following reports from a driver and passenger that they had a suspected clandestine entrant in their motorhome. At the time of the call, the vehicle was travelling down the M25 between junctions 28 and 27 (Essex). The vehicle was told by the police call handler to stop in South Mimms. An 18-year-old man was taken to hospital to check his health and welfare before being arrested by officers. The case has been transferred to Immigration Services, as per usual policy. The man was hiding in a locked storage cupboard in the couple's camper van A video captured the moment the illegal migrant was caught by police after getting out of the van The couple later received a fine from the Home Office for failing to check that no clandestine entrant was concealed in the motorhome Figures last week revealed more than 50,000 migrants have crossed the channel in small boats since Sir Keir Starmer became prime minister. Sir Keir - who won power promising to smash the gangs facilitating the crossings - reached the unwanted landmark faster than his predecessors, in 402 days. Rishi Sunak was in office for 603 days when he hit 50,000. It took some 1,066 days under Boris Johnson although much of that time was during Covid lockdowns. Despite locking the compartment before setting off, reporting the incident and cooperating with the police to ensure he was detained, Mr and Mrs Turton may still be fined for carrying the unnamed man into the UK. Earlier this year another couple were fined 1,500 after a migrant hid on their motorhome and was not spotted by border force. Adrian and Joanne Fenton said they called police when they found the person zipped inside the cover of a bike rack at their home in Heybridge, Essex, in October. They later received a fine from the Home Office for failing to check that no clandestine entrant was concealed in the motorhome when they returned from Calais on October 15. Mrs Fenton said she was happy when the fine was cancelled but feared for others who may also be charged The Home Office said penalties were designed to target negligence rather than criminality. But after the couple appealed and following public outrage and widespread media coverage the fine was cancelled. Mrs Fenton said she was ecstatic about the Home Offices change of heart but the couple remained concerned about others who might be hit with a similar penalty. How many more people are going to get caught out exactly the same? she said. Mr Fenton said the Home Office should be looking at their policy and make sure that its fit for purpose and not targeting holidaymakers. Britain would pay the Taliban to take back migrants to Afghanistan under Reform UK's plans for mass deportations of asylum seekers, the party said today. Zia Yusuf, one of Reform's most senior figures and the party's former chairman, said it was 'quite reasonable' for taxpayers' cash to go to the Islamist regime in Kabul. Under proposals unveiled this morning by both Mr Yusuf and party leader Nigel Farage, Reform vowed to deport 600,000 asylum seekers if they win power. The party's plans, titled 'Operation Restoring Justice', would see anyone who arrives in the UK illegally, such as via small boats across the Channel, detained and deported. Reform pledged to scale up detention capacity for asylum seekers and secure deals with nations such as Afghanistan, Eritrea and Iran to return migrants to their countries. Mr Yusuf said, under a Reform government, 2billion of the total 10billion cost of their plans would be offered to other countries in exchange for them signing migrant return deals. Downing Street later suggested the Government would also be open to a returns agreement with Afghanistan and Eritrea. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'We're not going to take anything off the table in terms of striking returns agreements with countries around the world. 'We clearly want to return people with no right to be here.' Under proposals unveiled this morning by both Nigel Farage and Zia Yusuf, Reform UK vowed to deport 600,000 asylum seekers if they win power Earlier this month, supporters of the Taliban government took part of celebrations in Kabul to mark the fourth anniversary of militant group's takeover of Afghanistan A group of people, believed to be migrants, are pictured on a small boat near Gravelines, northern France But No10 attacked Mr Farage's promise to quit the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) as part of his plans to tackle the Channel migrant crisis. 'You don't achieve international agreements by ripping up international agreements,' Sir Keir Starmer's spokesman added. Earlier, quizzed about Reform's plan to offer financial incentives for countries to take back asylum seekers, Mr Yusuf said 2billion represented a sizeable sum for some capitals. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'It's not a drop in the ocean for Afghanistan. It's certainly not a drop in the ocean for Eritrea. 'These are the two countries that are top of the list for boat crossings. That is a very significant amount of money.' Pressed on Reform's plans to hand taxpayers' cash to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, Mr Yusuf added: 'This country already gives 151million a year to Afghanistan in the form of foreign aid. 'I think it's quite reasonable. Again, the British people have had quite enough of their goodwill being taken advantage of. 'The notion that Afghans topped the list in terms of foreign nationals crossing the Channel illegally, the majority of them fighting age males into this country, while this country gives 151million of aid to Afghanistan. We don't think that's fair.' Mr Yusuf said a Reform government would 'engage' with regimes in Iran and Afghanistan, when asked how they would sign returns agreements with such countries. The Government has previously said that UK foreign aid to Afghanistan is subject to strict monitoring and that none is provided to or through the Taliban. It is instead provided directly to UK partners such as the UN and the Red Cross. A 99-year-old man was among two passengers helicopter-rescued from the same Princess Cruise ship on the same day as it sailed through the raging waters off Alaska. The US Coast Guard (USCG) and Canadian officials coordinated two separate medical evacuations from the Ruby Princess ship on Sunday. Coast Guard Northwest District watchstanders received notification from the cruise ship, which was located approximately 145 nautical miles west of Cape Flattery, Washington, that two patients onboard required immediate medical evacuations. One was a 99-year-old male passenger suffering from complete esophageal obstruction, meaning the tube connecting the throat to the stomach was completely blocked, preventing the passage of food and liquids. The other was a 52-year-old female passenger who had suffered sudden cardiac arrest and was on life support. A MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from USCG Air Station Port Angeles was launched to medevac the 99-year-old. Footage showed the elderly man was successfully hoisted into the air as massive waves crashed below. Crews did a wing-to-wing transfer with Life Flight Network at Neah Bay, Washington, to get him to a hospital. The 99-year-old male passenger was suffering from complete esophageal obstruction and was successfully hoisted into the air as massive waves crashed below (pictured) The US Coast Guard and Canadian officials coordinated the two separate medical evacuations as the ship sailed to Alaska Members from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria launched a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter from 19 Wing Comox to conduct a medical evacuation of the 52-year-old female. They successfully hoisted the patient and transported her to Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia. 'This case demonstrates how our specialized expertise and dedicated training allows us to rapidly respond to these types of time-sensitive medical evacuations at sea,' said Cmdr. Kelly Higgins, commanding officer of US Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles. 'The expert coordination between the Canadian Coast Guard, the Life Flight Network, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the US Coast Guard ensured this patient received the care they needed.' The passengers' status is unknown, and the Daily Mail contacted the Coast Guard and Princess Cruises for more information. The Ruby Princess had departed from San Francisco on Friday and was sailing to its first stop in Ketchikan, Alaska, also known as the Salmon Capital of the world, on Monday, when the medical emergencies happened. The ship was on an 11-day cruise of Alaska, making several stops throughout The Last Frontier and Canada before returning to California. In a Facebook group for the voyage, some passengers claimed there were several cases of Covid on board. In the early days of the pandemic, the Ruby Princess had a major coronavirus outbreak that left more than two dozen people dead. The US Coast Guard (pictured) rescued the 99-year-old man and Canadian officials rescued a a 52-year-old female passenger who had suffered sudden cardiac arrest In December, a 72-year-old American tourist was feared dead after mysteriously disappearing during a five-day trip to Mexico on the Ruby Princess cruise ship (pictured) The ship sailed from Sydney for New Zealand on a 13-day round trip, but returned 11 days later when Australia's borders were shut in the early days of the pandemic in March 2020. In total, 663 positive cases were reported among the 2,641 passengers. Twenty-eight people died during the outbreak. Passengers won a class action lawsuit against the cruise company after an Australian court ruled they should have known or ought to have known about the heightened risk of COVID-19 infection on the vessel. In December, a 72-year-old American tourist was feared dead after mysteriously vanished during a five-day trip to Mexico on the Ruby Princess cruise ship. It is believed the US citizen, who was not named, had been travelling alone on the cruise's five-day voyage around Mexico. His disappearance was treated as a man overboard incident, the company said in a statement. A Florida student was branded 'most likely to become a dictator' by his teacher and classmates after sharing his conservative views at school. The teen, who attends Gainsville High School, was handed the certificate by his history teacher Lauren Watts in May 2023, according the boy's mother, Crystal Marull. Marull shared her story before the State Board of Education last week as she called out the local school district in Alachua for allegedly discriminating against conservatives. 'This school district is toxic for conservative families and you can see exactly why they don't want to show up for school meetings,' she said. 'The toxic environment goes down to the school level, and they are encouraged to discriminate against conservative children.' She added: 'My older son's history teacher allowed students to label him a 'Naziphile' simply for his interest in history and participation in ROTC. 'She later nominated my son as the 'most likely to become a dictator' and had his classmates vote on it. 'And try to force him to the front of the class to receive the certificate, which he rightly refused, all because of his conservative values and our perspectives.' Crystal Marull shared her story before the Florida State Board of Education last week as she called out the local school district for allegedly discriminating against conservatives Her son was handed the above certificate by his own history teacher in 2023 As Marull spoke ,she held aloft the certificate, which reads, Ms. Watts Class Superlatives 2023, Most Likely to Become a Dictator. 'His feelings were hurt, he found it very inappropriate. But you know, he's a typical teenage boy,' the mother explained. 'He's going to try to laugh it off and not show if it really does hurt him more deeply or not. He kind of let it roll. 'I was far more concerned because I believe it spoke to a larger problem within that classroom. 'It spoke to the problem that it appeared that this teacher was not equipped to be teaching history as she didn't seem to appreciate history.' The boy claims fellow students had confused his dreams of being a US Diplomat with that of a dictator. In a statement to the Alachua Chronicle, he said: 'A series of social media posts by a fellow student confused my dreams of becoming a U.S. Diplomat for a Dictator - two words that both begin with 'D' that have very different meanings. 'Because of this, I've come under attack by a mob of current and former students of Gainesville High School. The boy claims 'a mob' of students have attacked him over his beliefs, for what he thinks is a simple misunderstanding As she spoke at the State Board of Education meeting , Marull she held aloft the certificate her son was given 'If the difference between "diplomat: and "dictator" is not understood by high school, it reveals a deeper crisis in civic education and another sign of failure of Alachua's public schools.' Marull told Fox News that she reached out the district about the incident but they were not responsive. Watts was placed on leave last week while the school district probes the incident 'The district is investigating the incident shared by Dr. Marull during the August 20 State Board of Education meeting,' Alachua County Public Schools said. 'The employee involved has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is underway.' Marull, who works at the University of Florida coordinating the online Spanish program, has been a vocal critic of sexually explicit books in schools. She told the board meeting last week that her views also caused her six-year-old son to be barred from sitting next to his friend on the school bus. In a statement to Fox New, a fellow parent called on the chair of Alachua County Public Schools, Sarah Rockwell, to resign. Rockwell had made comments saying 'one less MAGA in the world' after the death of Hulk Hogan. She released a statement about her remark, acknowledging she made a 'cruel and flippant comment.' 'I never have and never will wish harm on anyone regardless of whether we share political views,' Rockwell added. A man accused of killing a Ukrainian woman who moved to the US to flee the war in her home country has a lengthy criminal history that includes a previous assault on his sister, according to police records. Decarlos Brown, 35, allegedly stabbed Iryna Zarutska, 23, to death at South End light rail station in Charlotte, North Carolina, Friday night. He was arrested soon after and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Brown was then charged with first-degree murder on his release. Zarutska had only recently arrived in the US 'seeking safety from the war and hoping for a new beginning', her family said on a GoFundMe page. Brown, meanwhile, is a career criminal who has spent most of his life in and out of prison, a Daily Mail review of police records found. He was charged with misusing 911 as recently as January, when he told cops he believed someone had given him a 'man-made' material that controlled his actions. He was released on no bail and was pending trial when he allegedly stabbed Zaruska to death Friday. Brown served five years in prison for a 2014 armed robbery and was released in September, 2020 - when he quickly resumed a life of crime. Iryna Zarutska, 23, was found dead on Friday at South End light rail station in North Carolina. She had recently fled the war in her home country of Ukraine Decarlos Brown has spent most of his life in and out of prison. Brown served five years in prison for a 2014 armed robbery and was released in September, 2020 - when he quickly resumed a life of crime Just months after his release from prison, on February, 2021, Brown was arrested for assaulting his sister in Charlotte and leaving her with minor injuries, according to police records obtained by the Daily Mail. That same month, he was also arrested for injury to personal property and trespassing. A police report from that incident said Brown 'returned to the address after being told he was not allowed back and kicked and damaged the front door of the listed victim's residence.' In July 2022, Brown was then arrested again for a domestic disturbance. '[Brown] was arrested for disorderly conduct. The suspect was yelling and cursing, causing a disturbance and drawing the attention of multiple tenants while on the property the call for service was located,' read the police report. Brown's arrest records go as back as 2007, when he was still a minor. Over the next seven years, he was arrested at least six times for crimes including felony larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon and communicating threats. According to the Charlotte Observer, most of the charges he faced during that time were dropped. When reached for comment, the Mecklenburg District Attorney's Office told the Daily Mail Tuesday it cannot speak about defendants with pending cases. 'In broad terms, it remains the position of the District Attorneys office that those who commit violent crimes should be held in custody pending trial,' the DA's said. Decarlos Brown, 35, was charged with Friday's stabbing murder. He has a lengthy criminal rap sheet Zarutska's decision to flee Ukraine came after Russia invaded Ukraine back in 2022 The victim had only recently moved to the US from Ukraine in an effort to escape the ongoing war with Russia Brown's latest alleged crime is his most serious. The career criminal was arrested at the scene of Zarutska's stabbing Friday night, according to officials. Police have not said what led to the stabbing. Local councilman Edwin Peacock demanded answers from authorities, noting the community no longer feels safe to ride public transport. 'Right now, the trust and confidence that we have right now, and particularly between South End and Uptown, it's very fragile right now,' he said. 'The story is heart-wrenching, and if, obviously what we're hearing is true, clearly we need to give that family answers. 'And we, more importantly, need to give all the citizens who are riding the light rail a lot of confidence that you're going to be safe.' Iryna Zarutska, 23, was found dead at 9.55pm on Friday at South End light rail station (pictured) in North Carolina Zarutska's family said her death was 'an irreparable loss for her family' on a GoFundMe page set up to support her aunt. Zarutska had been 'hoping for a new beginning' when she moved to North Carolina, the family said. 'We have created this fundraiser to support Valeria and her loved ones during this heartbreaking time and to help them with the unexpected expenses.' Zarutska's decision to flee Ukraine came after Russia invaded Ukraine back in 2022. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump said he had set in motion arrangements for direct peace talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. But Russian officials have signaled that such a summit wont happen any time soon as it continues to bombard Ukraine. Ukraines Air Force said Russia launched 104 strike and decoy drones on Sunday night, targeting the countrys north and east. A former The Bachelor star has given a first-hand account of her frightening experience in lockdown after a 'sovereign citizen' allegedly shot two cops. Heather Maltman, 40, who appeared in season three of the hit show, was enjoying a 'nice day' in Mount Buffalo in north-east Victoria on Tuesday when she was forced to take cover from a rogue gunman. Dezi Freeman, 56, is suspected of shooting two police officers dead and wounding one at a farm in Porepunkah in the foothills of Mount Buffalo about 10.30am. The township, near the popular tourist town of Bright, was plunged into lockdown as police searched for the man, who is believed to be heavily armed and still remains at large. Ms Maltman was among those swept up in the aftermath of the incident, having been forced to seek shelter to avoid crossing paths with the suspected killer, which she described as being effectively 'held hostage' for nearly six hours. 'It started out as a nice day in the mountains. And suddenly we, along with 30 other cars, are hostages in Mt Buffalo because (of) a piece of s*** with a gun who decided to kill police officers,' she wrote on social media. 'After five to six hours of being hostage, praying the gunman does not find us, Matt and I decided to try be useful and located people needing help and started giving out our travel food' The former reality star turned actress and radio host said she and partner, Matt Baker, made the decision to help others also enduring the anxious wait, rather than wallow in their plight. The Bachelor star Heather Maltman (pictured) was forced to hide out in Mount Buffalo for hours following the suspected police shooting on Tuesday A helicopter is pictured flying near Mt Buffalo on Tuesday as the manhunt unfolded 'As police were inundated... rather than b*** about getting us out of danger, we decided we were there for a reason and to care about someone else for a minute,' she said. While sheltering, she and Mr Baker offered help to others including providing food and helping to get a car up-and-running. 'A cop asked us if we had jumpers, I said 'I'll go you one better. We have a battery starter',' she wrote. 'He laughed and said 'you're great to have a crisis'. I (thought) 'F*** me. YOU are great to have in a crisis sir. You are!' Ms Maltman shot to fame after competing on the 2015 series of The Bachelor and previously hosted SCA's Summer Radio Breakfast Show with Osher Gunsberg. In the post, she said she was waiting to be reunited with her two pets, who remained at a caravan park 'across the road' the scene of the suspected shooting. 'This community has been rocked. But do not think they are broken,' she wrote. 'All I have seen today is resilience. Kindness. My friends messaged me during the whole thing (when reception permitted) to make sure I was safe. 'People like this will not break us. And I hope that is the legacy the people who lost lives know we hold true.' Freeman, who was living in a bus with his family on the 20-hectare property, allegedly gunned down the officers as they entered the vehicle. Local man Dezi Freeman (above) is allegedly on the run with his wife and two children after being suspected of gunning down the two officers at the farm Police launched a widespread search surrounding the property in Victoria's alpine region 'Straight-out execution,' a source told the Herald Sun before it was confirmed a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old Senior Constable were killed. The 59-year-old was just days away from retirement while a third officer who was shot in the thigh is undergoing surgery at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. They were among a group of ten officers sent to the execute a warrant at the Porepunkah property relating to historical sex abuse allegations. Victoria state police chief commissioner Mike Bush said the seven other officers were physically unharmed but were left 'very traumatised'. Freeman, who allegedly took firearms from the dead officers, is believed to be a member of the 'sovereign citizen' movement - a radical group that follows conspiracy theories and believes governments to be illegitimate. Victoria Police told the Daily Mail Freeman's partner and children attended a police station on Tuesday evening. The spokesperson added there was no reason to believe they were ever in the company of the suspect following the incident. Scores of officers, including detectives from the Armed Crime Squad and Fugitive Squad, were deployed to search the rugged wilderness for Freeman. Emergency crews remain at the scene as the search for the missing gunman is ongoing As the search wears on into night, police have deployed a Leonardo AW139 helicopter equipped with an infrared camera capable of detecting thermal energy in the dark. News of the shootings and the ongoing searches has drawn an outpouring of support from police, community members and politicians, including the Prime Minister. The incident has revived memories of the 2022 Wieambilla shootings in rural Queensland where two police constables were killed by a family connected to the sovereign citizen movement. Police have urged the public in and around Porepunkah to remain indoors until further notice as the search continues. A Salvadoran migrant released from federal custody last week issued a scathing two-word insult to President Donald Trump as he was hauled off by ICE agents yet again. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, 29, was detained by immigration officials in Maryland on Monday, just days after he was reunited with his family following his mistaken deportation to El Salvador. Video captured Abrego Garcia, who the Trump administration alleges is an MS-13 'gangbanger', shackled by his hands and feet as he was led through the ICE field office in Baltimore. In the footage, Abrego Garcia is seen looking directly at the camera as he utters the words 'corrupt government' in Spanish. The clip, posted by the Department of Homeland Security on X, was captioned: 'He doesn't belong here. He won't be staying here. 'America is a safer nation without this MS-13 Gangbanger in it. Good riddance,' the agency added. Abrego Garcia's detention on Monday came during a routine immigration check-in, which was part of the conditions of his release from federal custody. But, despite being back in ICE custody, a judge ruled later on Monday that he cannot be deported for now. He is being held in a detention center in Virginia, his attorney said. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, 29, uttered the two-word insult in Spanish as he was detained by ICE officers on Monday in Baltimore, Maryland Abrego Garcia seen entering the ICE field office Monday. His subsequent arrest was triggered after an immigration check-in, but a judge later ruled he cannot be deported for now In a statement reported by the Baltimore Banner, Abrego Garcia said he was glad to have been able to briefly unite with his loved ones. 'Today has been a very special day because I have seen my family for the first time in more than 160 days. Id like to thank all the people who have supported me because after this long time I have witnessed that so many people have been by my side with such positivity,' he said. 'I am grateful to CASA and SMART Local 100 where I work, the pastors, and churches that have hosted prayer circles for me. Today I am grateful to God because He has heard me and today I am out. We are steps closer to justice, but justice has not been fully served.' His attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said: 'There was no need to take him into ICE detention. ... The only reason they took him into detention was to punish him' after he spoke up to fight the proceedings.' Abrego Garcia's initial deportation to El Salvador in March sparked a boiling point for the Trump administration's border security efforts, with the government later admitting it made a mistake. After courts ordered his return to the US in June, he was indicted on federal charges in Tennessee of transporting within the US people who were not legally in the country. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. The father-of-three was eligible for pre-trial release, however Abrego Garcia's attorneys requested he remain in jail out of fear the Trump administration would again order his deportation. On Friday, he was freed from Putnam County jail in Tennessee and reunited with his family in Maryland after spending the last 160 days behind bars. At the time of his release, Sandoval-Moshenberg said his client had been 'reunited with his loving family' for the first time since his deportation. Abrego Garcia is seen hugging his wife Jennifer Vasquez Sura at the ICE office in Baltimore 'While his release brings some relief, we all know that he is far from safe,' Sandoval-Moshenberg said. 'ICE detention or deportation to an unknown third country still threaten to tear his family apart.' His release required the 29-year-old to travel directly to Maryland where he was electronically monitored in home detention, with permission to leave only for work, religious services or other approved activities. This weekend, the Trump administration said it now intends to deport Abrego Garcia - who they allege is an MS-13 gang member - to Uganda. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem slammed 'activist liberal judges' for Abrego Garcia's release from prison. In a post on X, Noem said: 'Activist liberal judges have attempted to obstruct our law enforcement every step of the way in removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from our country. 'Today, we reached a new low with this publicity hungry Maryland judge mandating this illegal alien who is a MS-13 gang member, human trafficker, serial domestic abuser, and child predator be allowed free,' she added. 'By ordering this monster loose on Americas streets, this judge has shown a complete disregard for the safety of the American people. We will not stop fighting till this Salvadoran man faces justice and is OUT of our country.' An attorney for the father-of-three - who denies being part of MS-13 - said officials had offered a plea deal that would involve sending him to Costa Rica in exchange for pleading guilty to the charges. Sandoval-Moshenberg accused the government of 'weaponizing the immigration system in a way thats completely unconstitutional'. He was released from Putnam County jail in Tennessee on Friday to rejoin his family in Maryland after 160 days behind bars Abrego Garcia (pictured holding hands with his wife Monday) has pleaded not guilty to the smuggling charges, which stem from a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee for speeding Last week, Abrego Garcia's criminal attorneys filed a motion asking the judge to dismiss the smuggling case, claiming he is being prosecuted as punishment for challenging his deportation to El Salvador. In a statement Friday, defense attorney Sean Hecker said Abrego Garcia had been 'unlawfully arrested and deported, and then imprisoned, all because of the government's vindictive attack on a man who had the courage to fight back against the Administration's continuing assault on the rule of law.' Hecker added that the migrant 'is grateful that his access to American courts has provided meaningful due process.' Abrego Garcia has pleaded not guilty to the smuggling charges, which stem from a 2022 traffic stop in Tennessee for speeding. Body camera footage from a Tennessee Highway Patrol officer showed the exchange with the migrant. Abrego Garcia had nine passengers in the car, and the responding officers became suspicious of smuggling. However, Abrego Garcia was allowed to continue driving with only a warning. Prosecutors accused Abrego of lying to police during the 2022 traffic incident, claiming he told them he and the nine other men were coming home from doing construction work in St. Louis, Missouri. But phone records showed the Maryland resident was in Texas that morning. Prosecutors allege the father made $100,000 per year illegally transporting migrants across the country. They also alleged he transported guns and drugs. He was hit with charges when the Justice Department began working to find a reason to justify his mistaken deportation to El Salvador. When the Trump administration deported Abrego Garcia in March it violated a US immigration judge's order in 2019 that barred his expulsion to his native country. Abrego Garcia has a wife, who is a US citizen, and children that he has lived with in Maryland for years. But he immigrated to the US illegally. In 2019, an immigration judge denied his application for asylum but granted him protection from being deported back to El Salvador. The immigration judge found that Abrego Garcia faced a credible threat from gangs that had terrorized him and his family. This is the moment a French helicopter tailspun out of control and crashed down into a pond while collecting water to fight a house fire in Brittany. The aircraft, a Morane 29, was carrying out a tricky water-scooping operation on Sunday evening when it suddenly manoeuvred out of control and slammed into the surface of the pond on its side. Dramatic footage captured by a shocked onlooker shows the chopper lowering a flexible 'Bambi bucket' into the water moments before the tail dipped and the aircraft went into a violent tailspin. The person filming could be heard yelling 'Holy cow' repeatedly as the helicopter crashed. Incredibly, both the pilot and the firefighter on board survived and managed to escape the wreckage. They swam to the shore, where they were helped to safety. Officials later confirmed they were 'safe and sound'. The crash prompted authorities to close a beach more than 10 miles away, sparking furious reactions from British families who say their holidays have been ruined. Local man Thibault, 22, said he was relaxing with friends near Rosporden when the helicopter flew overhead. The French helicopter tailspun out of control and crashed down into a pond while collecting water to fight a house fire in Brittany Moments before that, the Morane 29 was carrying out a tricky water-scooping operation to help battle a house fire on Sunday evening The tail of the chopper dipped and the aircraft went into a violent tailspin He started recording on his phone expecting to capture an impressive manoeuvre, but instead filmed the crash. He told BFMTV: 'After I took the video, a friend of mine takes his paddleboard and starts going over to them. They got out and said, "We're not hurt, everything's fine"'. The accident happened at around 7pm after the helicopter had already carried out several water drops during a long day fighting flames in the Finistere department. It had been battling a blaze near Beuzec-Cap-Sizun and was heading to another fire threatening to consume a home when it went down. The French Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation into the crash, which officials say did not disrupt firefighting efforts as another helicopter was immediately deployed. The Morane 29 has been leased every summer since 2023 to help tackle wildfires in Brittany. It uses a collapsible Bambi bucket capable of scooping up hundreds of gallons of water in seconds. This summer alone, the aircraft had already been sent out 33 times and had carried out 154 water drops before the incident. Water scooping is considered one of the most dangerous aerial firefighting techniques because pilots must fly extremely low over lakes or ponds while keeping the helicopter steady. The aircraft fell on its side into the pond and made a huge splash Incredibly, the helicopter crew survived the crash and swam to safety Even the smallest mistake can cause the aircraft to lose balance, which appears to have happened in this case. After the crash, authorities closed a popular beach in the village of Port Manech in Nevez over fears the incident, which happened more than 10 miles from the beach, may have polluted the sea with fuel. Children arriving at the beach this morning were heartbroken to see policemen installing barricades in the sand. The local police have even threatened to prosecute anyone breaking the beach ban, which at the moment has no end date. Speaking to the Daily Mail, parents said they understood why they werent allowed in the sea but were shocked they were stopped from even sunbathing on the beach. Amy Neal, 42, on holiday with her husband and two children said: 'Obviously, the children enjoy playing in the sand. It feels disappointing, especially as weve got one whos crawling around and thats a pretty safe place for him to play and were not sure how many sunny days we have left.' She added: Its super disappointing, but I understand why were not allowed in there - we wouldnt want any harm to come to the children. Im sure well have a lovely holiday no matter what happens. Dutch holidaymaker Natasha Ten Bosch and her husband Wouter were hoping to take their kids to the beach After the crash, authorities closed a popular beach in the village of Port Manech in Nevez over fears the incident, which happened more than 10 miles from the beach, may have polluted the sea with fuel The local police have even threatened to prosecute anyone breaking the beach ban, which at the moment has no end date Another British holidaymaker said: 'I understand why theyve closed off the sea but to stop us even going on the beach is a bit mean. I can control my kids enough to stop them going in the sea. It seems a bit excessive to me. 'Im sure theyre not trying to, but it feels like theyve ruined the day a little.' Dutch holidaymaker Natasha Ten Bosch and her husband Wouter are on holiday for two weeks with their two sons. Natasha said: Someone told us about the closure at the campsite we are staying at, and then we read it on the sign here. Were going to walk along the cliff to the lighthouse instead and later go to Port Aven. However, with just two days left of their holiday, she said she 'hoped' the beach would reopen for the sake of her two young kids. Local police said they were worried the ocean may have been polluted by a fuel spill after one of the fire brigades helicopters crashed on Sunday evening in a lake 11 miles away from Port Manech in Rosporden. Two men have been jailed for their roles in a conspiracy to sell meat meant to be used in pet food to unsuspecting shoppers. Anthony Fear, 63, ran a company which supplied meat not deemed fit for human consumption to Azar Irshad, 40, who ran a cutting room to prepare the meat in south London. The meat, including whole chickens and lambs' testicles, was either intended to be thrown away or used in pet food, but instead was prepared to be sold as meat for customers to eat. Trading Standards officers investigated after people living near a business on Walworth Road, Walworth, had complained of the stench of rotting meat coming from the 'disgustingly filthy' shop in 2020. Residents actually took photographs of large containers of meat, which were stood out in the baking sun. Officers also investigated a linked premises in nearby East Street where, behind stacked boxes, they found a door to an illegal cutting shop, where workers were found cutting, skinning, washing and portioning tainted raw poultry for it to be distributed and sold. The premises were run by Irshad, Ali Afzal and a third person called Arshad Akhtar, who has since died. Once meat is classified as an animal by-product, it can never be sold for human consumption for food safety reasons. Trading Standards officers investigated after people living near a business on Walworth Road, Walworth, had complained of the stench of rotting meat coming from the 'disgustingly filthy' shop in 2020 The meat, including whole chickens and lambs' testicles, was either intended to be thrown away or used in pet food, but instead was prepared to be sold as meat for customers to eat Pictured: Anthony Fear, 63, who owns Fear Animal Products Ltd. Fear has been jailed for 42 months for conspiracy to divert meat not fit for human consumption into the human food chain Pictured: Mark Hooper the manager of Fear Animal Products Ltd previously pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy But Irshad, a halal butcher, made 16 trips to Fear's business in Bridgwater, Somerset, to bring the meat to what the judge called 'a disgustingly filthy' cutting room in south London. In the investigation, Trading Standards found 1.9 tonnes of animal by-product, which included whole and cut chickens, lambs' testicles and beef burgers - all of which were improperly handled and stored at an unregistered premises in Walworth. The meat was traced back to Fear's business and evidence showed he had been contracted by meat companies to collect animal by-products and transport them to pet food producer Saria. Fear and his business Fears Animal Products Limited were convicted of conspiring to divert meat not fit for human consumption into the human food chain after a 12-week trial. Judge Noel Lucas KC described Fear, who wore a blue short-sleeved shirt in the dock, as 'a greedy man', and 'a risk taker, anxious to make a quick profit wherever he can and irrespective of any potential consequences to others'. The judge said Fear's offending was motivated by 'sheer greed' and was 'a gross dereliction of the trust placed in him'. Sentencing him at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday, Judge Lucas told him: 'You are a wealthy man with a successful business. 'Save pure greed and arrogance to think you could get away with it, you had no motivation.' Pictured: Ali Afzal, who helped to run the premises planning to sell meat not fit for human consumption to customers in south London alongside Irshad and Akhtar Pictured (right): Azar Irshad, 40, who was also responsible for the Walworth premises which were found to be unclean, lacked facilities such as hot water and had illegal food stock that should not be sold to the public Fear was sentenced to 42 months' imprisonment and was also disqualified from being a director of a business for six years. The judge noted Irshad was trusted to provide halal meat to his customers and 'abused this trust'. Irshad previously pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and other regulatory offences. He was sentenced to 35 months' imprisonment for his role in the conspiracy, and six months' imprisonment for each of the regulatory offences, to run concurrently. Irshad was also ordered not to sell any food products and not to be involved in any way with any food business, until further order. Mark Hooper, a manager for Fear's business, previously pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy. The 64-year-old was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was ordered to complete 200 hours' unpaid work within the next 12 months. Officers also investigated a linked premises in nearby East Street where, behind stacked boxes, they found a door to an illegal cutting shop, where workers were found cutting, skinning, washing and portioning tainted raw poultry for it to be distributed and sold Once meat is classified as an animal by-product, it can never be sold for human consumption for food safety reasons Afzal previously pleaded guilty to regulatory offences and was sentenced on Thursday to six months' imprisonment suspended for 21 months, 150 unpaid work hours to complete over 12 months, and 5,000 in costs to pay over the next six months. The judge adjourned the victims' costs orders for Fear, Irshad and Hooper to a later date. Andrew Quinn, head of the National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), said: 'The sentences handed down today show that there is no place for such criminal activity in our food system. 'The case demonstrates the serious risk posed to consumer safety when individuals deliberately disregard food safety regulations by putting meat unfit for human consumption back into the food chain. 'We remain committed to our work identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those who seek to exploit our food system for financial gain at the expense of public safety.' Southwark borough councillor Natasha Ennin said: 'This sentencing marks the end of a long and determined investigation to hold food criminals to account. 'These individuals operated with complete disregard for public health, motivated solely by greed. Sentencing him at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday, Judge Lucas told him: 'You are a wealthy man with a successful business. 'Save pure greed and arrogance to think you could get away with it, you had no motivation' 'Consumers have a right to trust the safety of their food. 'We are grateful to our officers and to the NFCU for their tireless efforts in exposing this criminal enterprise.' An illegal immigrant accused of torturing a woman sobbed while being hauled away by ICE officers in Texas. Footage released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shows the Venezuelan putting on a theatrical display as he was handcuffed by federal agents in Plano, Texas on Aug. 14. But the fake tears of Raul Enrique Pargas Rodriquez, 31, were a far cry from another video of him terrorizing a South American woman in what the feds are calling a his version of 'Russian roulette.' The older clip shows him grabbing a woman by the neck and waving a gun at her back in Feb. 24, 2021 in Venezuela. After arresting Pargas in the Dallas area earlier this month, ICE released information on his attempted femicide charges in his homeland before coming to the US. Pargas used a black pistol to threaten the woman, pointing it at her head before removing the bullets and replacing them, then pointing the gun at her head again, according to ICE. The woman was able to escape, and so was Pargas. Raul Enrique Pargas Rodriquez, 31, puts on a show while being detained by ICE agents in the Dallas area. Pargas is facing attempted femicide charges in his native Venezuela, according to the agency A 2021 video shows Pargas allegedly terrorizing a woman in Venezuela before being to the US illegally the following year He came to the US in Aug. 10, 2022, crossing the border in Eagle Pass, Texas. Pargas was released by US Border Patrol on own recognizance pending disposition of his immigration proceedings and made his way north to Dallas. Despite being arrested again on Nov. 28, 2023 for assault in Dallas, he was released by local authorities under the Biden administration. ICE tracked down Raul Enrique Pargas Rodriquez, 31, in Plano, Texas earlier this month 'This dangerous criminal alien allegedly beat, demeaned and tortured a young woman in some twisted version of Russian roulette and then fled to the United States when his attempt to murder her fell apart,' said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas acting Field Office Director Joshua Johnson. 'Thanks to a tip from the U.S. Border Patrol, we were able to track him down and safely take him into custody so that he can be repatriated to Venezuela to face justice for his alleged crimes.' Pargas remains in ICE custody but it's still unclear whether he will be deported. The agency explained he's in jail 'pending disposition of his immigration proceedings.' An English council has defended its decision to hold talks with a Palestinian politician over plans to establish a 'twin town' agreement after it emerged that he was a convicted terrorist. Preston City Council is pursuing a bid to twin itself with the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank in a 'friendship agreement' that would symbolise its support for 'the people of Palestine' and those 'suffering through conflict across the globe'. But the Labour-run authority has been met with anger from Jewish groups after it emerged that it would invite Tayseer Abu Sneineh, the mayor of Hebron, to address the working group behind the project. Abu Sneineh was one of four Palestinian militants who attacked a group of Jews in an alley in Hebron on May 2 1980, killing six - three Israelis, two Americans and one Canadian - and injuring 20 others. All had been returning home from Sabbath prayer services when they were attacked, and five of the six dead were young people aged between 20 and 21. The mayor has insisted that the people he attacked were armed - and were illegally occupying the city, which has since been mostly returned to Palestinian control. He was sentenced to life in prison but freed in a prisoner exchange between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation. He was then elected mayor of Hebron in 2017 on a Fatah ticket. Preston City Council says it has invited the Mayor to speak at an online meeting of the group behind the twinning arrangement - and has refused to back down. Hebron's mayor Tayseer Abu Sneineh has been invited to speak at a meeting that will see the town 'twinned' with the city of Preston Abu Sneineh is mayor of Hebron, which is occupied by Israel but remains largely under Palestinian administrative control (pictured: Israeli forces checking IDs of Palestinian locals) Matthew Brown, the Labour leader of Preston City Council (pictured with Jeremy Vine) has stood firm on the city's decision to invite Abu Sneineh to speak in an online meeting The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region (JRC) said it was 'beyond comprehension' that the council would seek to invite a convicted terrorist to speak. 'He has never shown remorse for his crimes and continues to promote extremist rhetoric,' the organisation said in a letter to council chief executive Adrian Phillips. 'By extending this invitation, the Council has displayed appalling judgement that risks bringing Preston into disrepute. The decision will be seen as an insult to victims of terrorism and an affront to democracy. 'We call on the Council to urgently revisit this decision and rescind the invitation. Anything less would be a grave dereliction of duty.' But Preston City Council, which voted by majority to enter into the friendship agreement with the West Bank city in June, is standing firm - citing the fact that the city of Derby already has its own agreement in place with Hebron. It says it does not hold Abu Sneineh's views, and that it wants to show support for 'a viable State of Palestine coexisting alongside the State of Israel' with 'safety, security and prosperity for both countries'. In a statement, Labour leader Matthew Brown said: 'We are pursuing the friendship with Hebron in the spirit of peace and community and in support of the people of that city and the wider region. 'In doing so, we do not endorse any individual and continue to condemn intolerance and violence of any kind. 'We are informed that 40 places across the world have a relationship with Hebron, including Spain, France, UK, Italy and Greece.' Abu Sneineh (standing) has served as Mayor of Hebron since 2017. The city is under 80 per cent Palestine control Israel has been accused of breaching international law with its activities in Hebron (pictured: Israeli security forces block a road after settlers allegedly stopped Palestinians from accessing their land on the outskirts of Hebron) A Palestinian man inspects his grape vines after they were cut down by Israeli settlers earlier this month The agreement will see Preston and Hebron work together to share knowledge of their culture and traditions, promote cultural exchanges and youth programmes, and to share best practices in local government. It has no expiry date. Mr Brown added that it consulted with its Faith Covenant group, which counts Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Jews among its number, and invited them to join the steering group for the friendship agreement. He added: 'We have no intelligence to suggest that there is a direct threat posed by any party in this friendship, which is being pursued in the spirit of friendship and tolerance.' In a written response to the JRC, the council leader noted that a 'significant majority' of councillors voted in favour of the friendship deal, and that the authority was 'clear in its condemnation' of Hamas' actions on October 7, which saw 1,200 Israelis killed. 'The Council does not endorse the views of the political leadership in Hebron, or for that matter any other place where the city has twinning or friendship arrangements,' he added. The council began looking for a Palestinian settlement to link up with in early 2024 in response to pleas from the city's mosques following the breakout of war in Gaza after the October 7 attacks. It says it is committed to exploring a similar friendship with an Israeli town or city, subject to finding an organisation that can help guide it. The Hebron twinning has been facilitated by the Britain Palestinian Friendship and Twinning Network. 'The point of friendship is to create lasting relationships in order to avoid hate and division,' it said in the statement agreed by elected members in June. But Daniel Guise, a Liberal Democrat councillor, accused the authority of making little effort to find an Israeli town with which to strike a similar agreement. He said in June in remarks reported by the Lancashire Telegraph: 'You've had 10 months you didn't do it because you didn't want to.' The cover page of the friendship agreement between Preston and Hebron in the Israel-occupied West Bank The agreement will see Preston and Hebron work together to share knowledge of their culture and traditions (pictured: a high street in Preston) An armed Israeli settler stands in a street behind two Israeli troops in the middle of Hebron, pictured August 23 Tayseer Abu Sneineh, pictured in July, has claimed that the people he targeted in 1980 were armed And Stephen Thomson, leader of Preston's Conservative group, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it was 'appalling that Preston Labour have allowed themselves to be bullied into the friendship agreement with Hebron'. He added: 'The Mayor of Hebron is the last person Preston needs should there be a civic visit from Hebron. The Jewish people in Preston have had enough and I stand by them.' Located 19 miles south of Jerusalem, Hebron was occupied by Israel after the Six-Day War in 1967. However, the 1997 Hebron Protocol saw 80 per cent of the city put under Palestinian control, with Israel controlling the remaining fifth. Israeli troops continue to maintain a highly visible presence at the borders of the areas they control, and has been accused of breaching international law. In his tenure as Mayor, Abu Sneineh has also courted controversy after offering a bounty of 20 shekels (around 4.40) for killing stray dogs. He later backtracked and claimed he had been joking. He was reported in 2017 to have insisted that his terrorism days are behind him - but has not been reported to have expressed remorse for his actions. Abu Sneineh told the Associated Press then of the people he attacked: 'They all were armed settlers and soldiers, no women or children. We attacked them with guns and hand grenades. 'We wanted to send a message to the settlers that this is our city and they have to leave.' He added that while he was committed to peace with Israel, 'the Palestinians will have the right to return to armed struggle' if there is no Palestinian state. 'They are occupiers,' Abu Sneineh said of the Israelis who had settled in the West Bank. 'They occupy our homes by force. They killed many people in the city in cold blood, and one day they have to leave.' The Daily Mail has contacted Preston City Council and Abu Sneineh's office for further comment. An Alabama woman has admitted to murdering another woman by throwing her off a cliff - with the killer's mother set to go on trial later this year for allegedly helping her. Jessie Kelly and her mother Loretta Carr were both charged in 2023 with the murder of Mary Elizabeth Isbell, who was last seen in late 2021. Kelly was set to go on trial on Monday but entered a guilty plea, pleading to a lesser charge of murder, according to WAFF. She was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Kelly is expected to testify against her mother, with Carr's trial set for December. Investigators said the pair threw Isbell from a cliff in Little River Canyon National Preserve in northeast Alabama. Authorities searched far and wide for Isbell's body, but were unable to find any trace of the missing Hartselle, Alabama mother until June 2023. Her remains were located two days after Kelly and Carr were detained. At the time of their arrest, investigators said that the pair knew Isbell through another person and had been suspects from the start. A motive remains unclear. Jessie Kelly was set to go on trial on Monday but entered a guilty plea, pleading to a lesser charge of murder. She was sentenced to 40 years in prison Investigators said the pair threw Mary Elizabeth Isbell (pictured) from a cliff in Little River Canyon National Preserve in northeast Alabama The Daily Mail previously revealed that Carr had shared a photo of herself near the site of the murder, posing it in January 2019. Officers discovered the remains on June 28 of 2023, with forensics confirming they belonged to Isbell two days later - on what would have been her 39th birthday. Loretta Ray Carr, seen here, is set to go on trial later this year in the death of Isbell Her ex-husband had reported her missing in 2021, with police in her hometown of Hartselle unable to determine if she was in DeKalb County. After deputies carried out a search warrant of her home, they said there was clear signs of a struggle inside. According to AL.com, investigators charged Carr and Kelly following a tip, a witness statement and one of the defendant's statements. An affidavit filed in DeKalb County District Court and seen by the outlet alleges that the two murdered Isbell on or around October 18, 2021. According to the affidavit, they did so by 'pushing her off a cliff' and 'during her abduction or attempt to abduct'. At a previous press conference, DeKalb County officials called the murder a 'brutal and inhuman' crime. Jessie Kelly (right) and her mother Loretta Carr (left) are seen here. Kelly is now set to testify against her mom Carr had shared a photo of herself near the site of the murder, posing it in January 2019 In the months leading up to her disappearance, Isbell was suspected of theft in DeKalb County. The sheriff's office said the theft involved an apartment she was living in with her boyfriend, James Allen Wright. James Wright was arrested by the sheriff's office in September 2021 and released to a Florida rehab facility in November 2021. The sheriff's office said while he was in jail, Isbell was essentially homeless, moving between friends' houses and 'living where she could in DeKalb County.' Her mother, Debbie Wood, told a local news channel in 2022 that Isbell got caught up entangled with a 'bad' crowd. 'I think she got mixed up with some wrong people,' she said. She described Isbell's relationship with Wright as 'new but troubled,' saying they were always getting into fights. Sir Keir Starmer has shared photos of the first migrants to be detained under his 'one in one out' deal with President Macron - as more than 650 arrived on Bank Holiday Monday alone. The Prime Minister wrote 'if you come to this country illegally, you will face detention and return' alongside pictures showing a handful of young men being directed by Border Force officers. Other images depicted migrants going through screening interviews and inputting their fingerprints in a scanner. Those selected for removal will be held in Home Office detention facilities rather than being sent to live in taxpayer-funded asylum hotels before being removed 'in the coming weeks'. Sir Keir's post quickly came in for heavy criticism, with Reform UK's Rupert Lowe branding it 'pathetic'. Critics are intensely sceptical about the narrow scope of his scheme given the vast number of crossings, with 659 more migrants arriving in small boats on Monday. This brings the cumulative number of arrivals in 2025 to a provisional total of 28,947 - 50 per cent higher than last year and 47 higher than this stage in 2023. It comes as Labour scrambles to fight off the challenge from Reform, which today vowed to deport 600,000 asylum seekers within five years after what its leader, Nigel Farage, called an 'invasion' of the South Coast by small boats. The Prime Minister wrote 'if you come to this country illegally, you will face detention and return' alongside pictures showing a handful of young men being directed by Border Force officers. Other images showed the migrants going through screening interviews and inputting their fingerprints in a scanner. Migrants selected for removal will be held in Home Office detention facilities rather than being sent to live in taxpayer-funded asylum hotels before being removed 'in the coming weeks' A total of 52,189 migrants have now arrived on small boats since Sir Keir took office and ditched the Conservatives' Rwanda scheme - putting his faith instead in a vague plan to target people smugglers and a deal he signed with President Macron last month. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook has confirmed that the first small boat arrivals have been detained to send back to France under the agreement. 'As you rightly say, the first illegal migrants have been detained under our groundbreaking returns pilot with the French, and we expect to see removals to France in the coming weeks,' he told Times Radio. He said it was 'early days' for the scheme but that the Government was confident it would act as a deterrent as part of wider plans. He said there is capacity to detain further people crossing the Channel. 'Well, there is capacity in the system. But as you know, the pressures that we have in the debate about hotel use and other forms of contingency accommodation. But that contingency accommodation, including hotels, including large scale government owned sites ... for example, Napier Barracks in Kent, are there.' His comments came shortly before Mr Farage unveiled his party's illegal migration strategy during a speech at London Oxford Airport. The Reform leader argued the only way to stop migrants arriving in Britain via dinghies was by 'detaining and deporting absolutely anyone'. Sir Keir's post quickly came in for heavy criticism, with Reform UK's Rupert Lowe branding it 'pathetic' Footage from last night shows a Border Force vessel transporting a large group of people after they were intercepted in the Channel under darkness Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'The mood in the country around this issue is a mix between total despair and rising anger,' he said. 'And I would say this, that without action, without somehow the contract between the Government and the people being renewed, without some trust coming back, then I fear deeply that that anger will grow. 'In fact, I think there is now, as a result of this, a genuine threat to public order.' Mr Farage is vowing - if he becomes PM - that all those arriving in Britain on small boats and via other illegal routes will be detained and then deported. But Tory leader Kemi Badenoch quickly hit back at his announcement by accusing his party of 'copying our homework'. Mrs Badenoch said the only workable parts of Nigel Farage's pledges had come from Conservative policy but that Reform was 'not doing the thinking' required to deliver. The former Tory government had planned to send some migrants on a one-way trip to Rwanda in a bid to deter small boat crossings in the Channel. The scheme became mired in legal challenges and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said only four people were removed from the country, voluntarily. Women, children and men in orange life jackets attempting to climb onto a small rubber boat in France yesterday Some of the group were seen bobbing in the water Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Mrs Badenoch refused to say how many migrants a new Conservative administration would seek to deport when questioned about Mr Farage's ambition to remove up to 600,000 people over the course of a parliament, insisting 'it's not about the numbers'. 'It's not about the numbers, it is about making sure that we control our borders and we get all the people who are breaking our laws and coming here illegally out of the country,' she told journalists on a visit to Chelmsford. 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, we put out a deportation Bill in May. The stuff that actually works in what he said has come from there.' The Tory 'Bill' announced earlier this year included plans to disapply the Human Rights Act from all immigration-related matters and 'introducing powers to deport all foreign criminals'. Mrs Badenoch has ordered a review into whether the UK should leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which she said would report back before the Tory party conference next month. Asked about Mr Farage's pledge to leave the treaty, she said 'saying you're going to leave the ECHR is not a plan.' She said that it will have an impact on things such as the Good Friday Agreement and needs to be done in a way that does not destabilise the country or economy. Numerous protests have taken place in recent weeks outside hotels housing asylum seekers. There is one property President Donald Trump wont be able to slap his likeness on forever, according to experts. Trump's feverish desire to become a part of Mount Rushmore - the 60-foot-tall memorial of four U.S. presidents - may be limited by factors beyond his control. The mountain does not have enough rock on it capable of hosting Trumps large mug without damaging the other presidential sculptures. It comes down to the geology, the engineering, said Paul Nelson, a retired engineer who monitored the rock at Mount Rushmore. It just cant be done. According to NBC News, Nelson said any new carving would erode the structural foundation for the other sculptures on Rushmore. And so if youre going to do any other carvings on the surface, you have to remove a lot of rock to get down to the competent rock, and you run the risk of maybe mobilizing some fractures, Nelson added. So, no, I wouldnt want to be messing with Mount Rushmore. The national monument was developed by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who shortly before finishing Mt. Rushmore in May 1936 wrote, 'stone limitations are so serious, that I doubt if it would be possible to change the composition, which is fixed, in any way to include a fifth head. However, Trump's obsessive wish to imprint his face next to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln goes back years. Trump previously denied a 2020 report he asked about placing his face on the historical monument Rock experts say adding Trump or anyone else's face to Mount Rushmore would not be possible because there is not enough rock Trump's GOP allies have proposed legislation to place Trump's face on the monument Trump visited the South Dakota monument for a speech during the final year of his first-term in the White House. Following the speech, Trump uploaded a picture of himself standing in front of Mount Rushmore, which made him appear as though he was the fifth presidential sculpture on the monument. The New York Times reported White House aides had reached out to then-South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem inquired about the process to add a new presidential to the mountain. At the time, Trump denied the report but claimed adding his face to the mountain sounds like a good idea. Never suggested it although, based on all of the many things accomplished during the first 3 1/2 years, perhaps more than any other presidency, sounds like a good idea to me! Trump wrote in 2020. More recently after Trump started his second term this year, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) drafted a bill to place the 47th presidents face on the mountain. The legislation has yet to receive a vote in committee. The former superintendent of Mount Rushmore told NBC News reaffirmed Nelsons findings it cant be done adding you dont change great art. Its a wonderful thing to speculate about, who could or should be on Mount Rushmore, but it cant be done, said Wenk. Wenk described the mountains rock as very fractured and very soft while noting its not suitable for carving. This is the moment a man risked his life by running into the sea and diving into a furious tornado in Russia. Maxim Pavlov had been drinking on the beach when he waded into the Gulf of Finland, ignoring the protests of his friends. 'Maxim, come here, you drunk idiot,' shouted one. He approached the tornado as a friend warned: 'Hold on to the trees, lads.' The Russian is seen disappearing in the sea under the tornado as it rages over the water near St Petersburg. One comment said: 'In America they evacuate cities when tornadoes arrive. In Russia, Maxim dealt with it himself.' Another mocked: 'I wonder what the average life expectancy of Maxims is' One more posted: 'Only Russians!' Maxim risked his life by running into the sea and diving into a furious tornado The Russian is seen disappearing in the sea under the tornado as it rages over the water near St Petersburg The video went viral in Russia but officials say it shows 'reckless' behaviour after warnings Maxim Pavlov had been drinking on the beach when he waded into the Gulf of Finland , ignoring the protests of his friends But Pavlov is seen emerging from the water arms aloft as the waterspout moves to the beach where it 'chases' Maxims friend Sergey Ilchinsky, 26. The video went viral in Russia but officials say it shows 'reckless' behaviour after warnings. Russia ranks at the top of the list in Europe for the country with the most reported tornados, according to Dr Pieter Groenemeijer, Director of the European Severe Storms Laboratory. This is 'because of its large surface area, where 76 tornadoes are reported per year in the European part of the country'. The United States averages 1,200 tornados a year - more than Canada, Australia and all European countries combined, reported the Royal Meteorological Society. At least 27 people were killed in May after tornadoes tore through parts of Kentucky, Missouri and Virginia. Children as young as four are being sent home for 'racist behaviour' - with suspensions rocketing past 15,000 last year. The number of pupils being suspended for racism has dramatically increased since before Covid. Typically, this takes the form of discriminatory language, but can also include social media posts, graffiti or physical attacks. Suspensions have gone from 7,403 in the school year ending 2021 to 15,191 in 2023/2024. Campaigners stress that very young children would not understand the concept of racist language, but said older ones were getting in trouble for racist posts on social media. They also point to a broader increase in antisocial behaviour at schools due to lockdown. Teachers have also been placing a higher emphasis on the importance of reporting racist incidents. Figures released by the Department of Education under freedom of information laws found 2,485 out of the 15,191 suspensions last year related to primary aged children. In 2023, a horrific video showing a black girl being beaten in a 'racist attack' outside a school in Ashford was shared onto social media Disturbing footage showed a gang of youngsters hitting and kicking the victim while she lay on the floor Five incidents of these were logged against Reception Class pupils as young as four. Christopher McGovern, Chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, insisted crackdowns on genuine racism should not risk becoming 'witch hunts'. 'In secondary school there should be zero tolerance of racist behaviour, including antisemitism, provided the evidence of it is clear,' he told The Mirror. 'A second offence should normally lead to permanent exclusion. Pupils will, then, soon get the message about what is not acceptable. 'Our anti-racism teaching strategies are clearly failing. Teachers must not, however, act as ''thought police'' and pursue witch hunts against pupils who say something in error or without thinking.' In 2023, a horrific video showing a black girl being beaten in a 'racist attack' outside a school in Ashford was shared onto social media. The footage showed a gang of youngsters hitting and kicking the victim while she lay on the floor. Following demonstrations outside the school gates, two 16-year-old girls admitted their part in the assault while 41-year-old Winne Connors was given a 20-month prison sentence for encouraging the attackers. Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle, in ritzy South Kensington, is run by the Agency for French Education Abroad and charges fees of almost 17,000 for day pupils In a separate incident, a black student claimed she was called 'monkey' and suffered years of racist abuse at a 17,000-a-year London private school favoured by wealthy French expats. Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle, in ritzy South Kensington, is the school of choice for the mostly white Parisian professional class, including senior figures in the worlds of banking, diplomacy and academia. Councils with the most suspensions for racist behaviour in 2023/24 academic year Essex 556 suspensions Kent 521 suspensions Hampshire 423 suspensions Hertfordshire 381 suspensions Lincolnshire 362 suspensions Surrey 351 suspensions Birmingham 327 suspensions Lancashire 296 suspensions Bradford 292 suspensions Nottingham 287 suspensions Advertisement But writing in the school's newspaper in June, Gabrielle, a sixth-form pupil described the sustained racism she had experienced while studying there. The teenager claimed she was called a 'monkey' and told 'it is better to be dyslexic than black' - as well as being exposed to racist jokes on class WhatsApp groups. She also says that white pupils asked black students for an 'N-word pass' - the right to say the racial slur. 'Racism and xenophobia are widespread in all years. Reflecting on my personal experience, I realise that I have always evolved in a school environment where racism persists,' she wrote. A spokesman for the Department for Education, said of the latest statistics on school suspensions: 'These figures are unacceptable. 'We are clear that racism and discrimination have absolutely no place in our schools and we will always support our hard-working teachers to provide safe and calm classrooms. 'The Education Secretary is committed to a comprehensive programme of behaviour support for schools, starting with new attendance and behaviour hubs They will directly target the schools with the highest need as well as wider support for schools in all corners of the country. 'More broadly, our Plan for Change places a relentless focus on giving every child the best start to tackle root causes of behaviour, including establishing free breakfast clubs in every primary school and providing access to mental health support in every school.' Police made a record number of arrests at Notting Hill Carnival this year, detaining 528 people over the course of two days. Scotland Yard said there were 200 arrests on Sunday and 328 on Monday, up from 349 last year and the highest number of arrests on record. But officers dealt with far fewer incidents of serious violence than in recent years at the two-day street party in West London, despite arrests rising 51 per cent, according to the Met Police. The force hailed facial recognition cameras as instrumental in driving down violent crime at this years carnival. There were two stabbings at this years event, but neither resulted in serious injury, compared to two murders and eight stabbings in 2024. As a major clean-up operation began on the streets of Notting Hill today, the Met Police said the use of live facial recognition technology had been a resounding success. Across the weekend there were 61 arrests following an identification using the cutting-edge technology, which was deployed in two locations on the approaches to Carnival. The force said 30 registered sex offenders were stopped, allowing officers to check they were complying with their conditions. One of the registered sex offenders was arrested for being in breach of a Sexual Risk Order while another was found in possession of a knife on his way to carnival. Two knives were recovered in total from searches triggered by facial recognition cameras. The cameras also helped police to arrest 16 suspects for violence-related offences, including one individual who is alleged to have stabbed someone five times with a machete. The Met Police said the use of facial recognition technology was vital in reducing violent incidents at this year's carnival A total of 423 people were arrested across the two days - 223 on Monday, as well as 200 on Sunday - up from 349 last year, the highest total since 2019 Across the weekend there were 61 arrests following an identification using the cutting-edge technology, which was deployed in two locations on the approaches to Carnival The force said 30 registered sex offenders were stopped, allowing officers to check they were complying with their conditions. Four people were arrested for being wanted on recall to prison, including two for violent offences and one who had been wanted since 2015. There were also 13 arrests for offences involving violence against women and girls. Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward said: 'Officers were deployed in significant numbers at the event and on the approaches to and from it, tasked with intervening proactively to prevent crime and in particular, violence. 'They were assisted by the deployment of live facial recognition cameras, a network of CCTV, the police helicopter and knife arches at key entry points which were used effectively in conjunction with additional stop and search powers. 'Live facial recognition proved particularly successful, with the technology helping officers to identify almost 100 people of interest over two days who, without it, would likely have been able to go unnoticed in the busy crowds.' There were 167 arrests for drugs offences, 50 for possession of an offensive weapon, 21 for sexual offences, four for violence with injury and 49 for other violence. There were 55 arrests for assaults on police officers. Two of the officers who were assaulted required hospital treatment one for a broken nose and the other for a serious bite to the hand. The force said that 52 of the arrests on Sunday took place on the approach to the carnival, while the remaining 148 took place at the event itself. On Monday, 83 people were arrested on the approach with 245 people arrested at the event. There were ugly scenes throughout the weekend, with several brawls breaking out in front of shocked onlookers. Footage filmed inside Baker Street station shows a man in a brightly coloured carnival costume scuffling with a group of other revellers. After being pushed away, he picks up a drinks can from the floor and throws it towards them, prompting a woman to surge forward and hit him on the head. The fight then continues into a carriage, where the youngster is seen being pummelled by a much larger man in a tank top as leering onlookers film on their phones. Footage filmed inside Baker Street station shows a man in a brightly coloured carnival costume scuffling with a group of other revellers The scuffle was among several ugly scenes that went viral on social media In another shocking incident, uploaded to TikTok, two young revellers trade furious blows in the middle of the packed street. The brawling pair can be seen grappling, pulling each other by the hair and throwing punches as onlookers shout: 'Where is security?' Friends can be seen trying to break up the fight as carnival music blares in the background. Around one million people were expected to attend the celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture across Sunday and Monday, requiring 7,000 officers to police the crowds. Often described as Europes biggest street festival, it attracts throngs of revellers in brightly coloured festival costumes and features parades, steel bands and thumping sound systems. Organisers were almost forced to cancel this years event after the shocking scenes of violence in recent years left a 1 million funding shortfall due to sponsorship drying up. Police were described as arresting people left, right and centre as they sought to stamp out criminality in the crowd on Monday. A young woman was apprehended by at least 13 officers shouting 'get off' and 'get off me', after smashing a glass bottle of alcohol at police, her friend claimed. 'I'm already on bail. I can't do anything. I don't really care,' Her friend, a man in his 20s, said. 'She threw a bottle of cider at a police officer.' 'The atmosphere has turned. It's all kicking off,' a reveller said. 'They're arresting people left, right and centre.' Another young man was taken away by a number of officers, saying: 'I have a medical card. I am being forcibly arrested by the police. I have a medical card.' Another scuffle which was shared on TikTok showed the carnival attendee in green pulling at her rival's hair, dragging her further down Chepstow Road, west London The brawling pair can be seen grappling one another, throwing punch after punch, and quickly trying to dodge each other's hits as onlookers are left aghast It came as street cleaners collected an estimated 300 tonnes of rubbish left behind by revellers, including mountains of canisters used to dispense laughing gas, also known as hippy crack. Pictures showed an entire skip filled with nitrous oxide canisters, as well as piles of empty drink cans and food packages which were left strewn across the streets. Workers in high viz jackets were spotted clearing the mess in the early hours of this morning after more than one million revellers partied in the area over the bank holiday weekend. A whole skip's worth of laughing gas cannisters was left behind at the carnival Around 300 tonnes of rubbish was estimated to need clearing from the streets Street cleaners worked through the night to try to get the streets clean again The Met Police sought to catch troublemakers early by deploying live facial recognition technology and identified a 'watchlist' of more than 16,000 individuals of interest. They included people wanted by the courts or being sought for alleged criminal activity that would merit jail time of 'a year or more'. Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, made no mention of the trouble over the weekend, saying in his only social media post about the carnival: 'The streets were alive with music and joy, showing the best of our city and the power of culture to unite us.' Bands and floats representing the Caribbean, African and Brazilian population paraded through west London yesterday as the carnival entered its second day. Thousands of people lined the route as temperatures reached 26C. Groups included Bajan Raw Licquer, Mahogany, Chocolate Nation, Mas Africa, Vincy Alliance and United Kreyol Mas, which reflect traditions from Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, St Lucia, Grenada, Jamaica, Dominica and Haiti. Brazilian performers from Paraiso Samba School, Batala and Dende Nation added to the line-up, alongside long-established UK community bands. A man whose dramatic arrest by a self-styled paedophile hunter group sparked a full-blown riot on a quiet Hampshire housing estate has pleaded guilty to a child sex offence. Lee Comley, 38, from Middle Park Way, Leigh Park in Havant, was arrested on July 1 after being confronted by members of a vigilante group who livestreamed the encounter on Facebook in front of hundreds of furious viewers. The chaos that followed saw riot police deployed as violent disorder erupted on the once-peaceful Leigh Park estate with fences torn down, missiles hurled at police, and even an 80-year-old blind man hospitalised after a brick was thrown through his window. Appearing via video link from HMP Winchester, Comley admitted at Portsmouth Crown Court to a single charge of attempting to incite a 14-year-old child into sexual activity. In reality, the 'child' was a decoy from the group calling itself the Child Online Safety Team. Judge David Melville KC adjourned sentencing until October 31 and remanded Comley in custody, pending a pre-sentence report. The incident began when a separate vigilante group, Protecting Pompeys Innocent, began a livestreamed sting operation on Facebook. The footage, viewed by thousands, showed Comley being confronted over vile online messages he allegedly sent to a supposed 14-year-old girl who was in fact an adult posing as a child. Lee Comley, 38, from Middle Park Way, Leigh Park in Havant, was arrested on July 1 after being confronted by members of a vigilante group Earlier this week a quiet Hampshire estate was plunged into abject chaos when a paedophile sting escalated Within hours, more than a hundred people some reportedly travelling from as far as Paulsgrove in Portsmouth flooded the Leigh Park estate. As chants of 'paedo, paedo' were screamed by the mob, missiles were hurled at police as the epicentre of the riot focused on a house on the green at the junction of Locksheath Close and Middle Park Way. Richard Brixley explained: 'I heard people were travelling from Paulsgrove in Portsmouth to take part in the riot, you couldn't park on this road, they were going down the back of the houses to get to the guy's house, they were ripping my fence panels for stuff to throw at police.' With the situation turning violent and dangerous, Hampshire Constabulary were forced to deploy dozens of riot police brandishing shields who stormed the estate to hold back the crowds which by then numbered at least '1,000' people, mainly in the '18-25 age group', as one woman claimed. The riot was brought to an end shortly after 10pm. 'It was like a proper riot, quite scary, all the shouting, there were kids pulling a fence down and their parents egging 'em on,' one resident told the Daily Mail. 'I understand people wanting to watch but don't bring your children!' As chants of 'paedo, paedo' were screamed by the mob, missiles were hurled at police The sting that started the riot had been organised by vigilante group the Child Online Safety Team In shocking footage posted online, crowds clashed with officers as armed police with riot shields took a 38-year-old man into custody Amid the carnage, a blind pensioner in his 80s was seriously injured when a brick was thrown through his window, sending glass flying into his home. Another house nearby was reportedly 'smashed up', while police had to enforce a temporary dispersal order across the area to regain control. One local, Richard Brixley, described how the mob had overwhelmed the estate:'I heard people were travelling from Paulsgrove in Portsmouth to take part in the riot. 'You couldn't park on this road they were going down the back of the houses to get to the guy's house. They were ripping my fence panels for stuff to throw at police.' The riot, which peaked at around 1,000 people according to some witnesses, was eventually brought under control by 10pm. Chief Inspector Alex Charge said after the incident: 'Disorder will not be tolerated - it can cause real fear for residents, damage property and seriously impede our police officers who are working really hard to carry out their duties, make arrests and keep people safe. 'Officers attended quickly and robustly but were confronted by a group of people acting aggressively, including some who were throwing objects at police.' So-called paedophile hunter groups operate without official endorsement from the police, they are run by volunteers. A Democratic strategist outrageously claimed that public safety threats like migrant offenses and carjackings 'don't matter to that many Americans.' Insha Rahman, vice president of advocacy and partnerships at the Vera Institute of Justice, made the jarring declaration while addressing the Democratic National Convention (DNC) crowd during its summer meeting on Monday. The former public defender discussed Donald Trump's crime crackdown in Washington DC, calling his efforts a 'huge opportunity' for Democrats. 'You want to talk about the crime issues voters care about. Where does Trump go? Migrant crimes, carjackings, the really lurid, awful stuff that is a crazy, crazy visual,' Rahman told the crowd. 'Don't take the bait.' She then referred to July 2025 data showing Americans' personal crime concerns, claiming that people want mental health issues and homelessness addressed over the chaos highlighted by Trump. The poll Rahman referred to was conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Vera Action. Vera Action, of which Rahman is the director, is the sister organization of the George Soros-backed Vera Institute. Insha Rahman, vice president of advocacy and partnerships at the Vera Institute of Justice, made the jarring declaration while addressing the Democratic National Convention crowd during its summer meeting on Monday Former DOGE staffer Edward 'Big Balls' Coristine was beaten during an attempted carjacking in Washington, DC (pictured) The data she presented showed that 36 percent of respondents are most fearful of gun violence, while 34 percent said their biggest worries are homelessness, public drug use and muggings or assaults. According to the poll, opioid and fentanyl abuse was cited as the top concern by 31 percent of those surveyed. Twenty nine percent cited retail theft and carjackings, while 28 percent cited migrant crime. Rahman then reiterated: 'Dont take the bait and talk about migrant crime or carjackings or the things that actually don't matter to that many Americans.' Trump recently signed an executive order to do away with cashless bail for people arrested in DC. The order challenges a major criminal justice reform effort, as the president continues using executive power to enact stricter policies. Trump signed another order threatening to withhold federal funding from cities with cashless bail policies. Cashless bail allows suspects to be released from law enforcement custody without a payment, even if arrested for violent crimes. Rahman said carjacking is of minimal concern to the American public (pictured: in June 2024, a woman stole a car in DC with someone still inside, then crashed the vehicle and killed the passenger) Vera Action, of which Rahman is the director, is the sister organization of the George Soros-backed Vera Institute Trump cited said 'big crime in this country started' with cashless bail policies. 'Somebody kills somebody, they go in. No cash, come back in a couple of months and we'll give you a trial. You never see the person again,' he said. Rahman responded by claiming the president's executive order favors the wealthy. '[Republicans] want money and privilege and to give a handout to the bail bondsman while we want to make sure safety, not wealth, determines who stays in jail and who goes home to their families,' she said. She took digs at Trump during her address, depicting him as a power-hungry leader who uses Republican 'tough-on-crime rhetoric' that Democrats should push back on. 'Dont be afraid of the crime debate. Lean all the way in. Call out what Trump is doing and say the reason crime is going down, our community becoming safer, it's because of us,' Rahman said. She also urged Democrats to refrain from showing declining crime statistics, claiming it gives Trump the chance to 'take credit' for the positive change in trends. Her bold statement caught instant flak from critics. Donald Trump (pictured) has threatened to send the National Guard into other Democratic cities to replicate his crime crackdown in DC Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents stood guard in Dupont Circle as part of a federal law enforcement deployment to the US capital 'This Democrat Speaker is a member of the Vera Institute of Justice which advocates for defunding the police,' the Republican National Committee's research account posted online. After George Floyd was killed by a police officer in 2020, sparking an uproar across the country, the Vera Institute wrote: 'We must dismantle the current culture of policing in the United States. 'We must work toward solutions that defund police and shift power to communities.' Rahman's DNC speech comes as Trump is ramping up his war on crime in the nation's capital. Over 2,000 troops from six different GOP-led states have been sent to DC after Trump issued an executive order federalizing the police in the city earlier this month. The Pentagon stated the National Guards mission is focused on being seen as a visible deterrent to crime while supporting law enforcement. Trump has threatened to replicate this military takeover in other Democratic cities infested with crime. Last week, the president said he was considering sending troops into Chicago and New York to conduct a similar crackdown operation. As with so many of ChatGPTs 800million users, Allan Brookss experience began when he asked a simple question. Sadly, however, his involvement with the worlds most popular Artificial Intelligence chatbot rapidly became anything but straightforward or harmless. It sucked him down a digital rabbit hole that left Brooks convinced he was a mathematics genius who could design forcefield vests and levitation beams, but whose dangerous knowledge could destroy the internet. A 47-year-old corporate recruitment specialist who had no history of mental illness, Brooks told the Daily Mail this week that, after spending 300 hours conversing with the chatbot over just 21 days, he was left on the very edge of a nervous breakdown. As ever more people turn to AI for information, ideas and companionship theres growing evidence that spending too much time talking to ChatGPT and other powerful but fundamentally flawed chatbots can be deeply harmful. They are causing some people to develop what has been dubbed AI psychosis, a mental health issue so serious it has already led to divorce, institutionalisation and even suicide. Symptoms include an inability to tell reality from fantasy, delusions of grandeur and an intense, often romantic, attachment to the chatbot. It was a point made this week by Microsofts head of artificial intelligence, British entrepreneur Mustafa Suleyman, who warned that digital chatbots are fuelling a flood of delusion and psychosis. Allan Brooks told the Daily Mail this week that, after spending 300 hours conversing with an AI chatbot over just 21 days, he was left on the very edge of a nervous breakdown Its also becoming clear that its often not just the user but the AI itself that can go into a delusional spiral. Although the so-called generative AI used by chatbots (which produces words and pictures in response to prompts) is in no way super-intelligent but is limited to the information correct and incorrect thats available online, Silicon Valley hype has encouraged people to think of it as omniscient. Chatbots are designed to sound human and some users have become convinced that they are talking to real people, sometimes falling in love with them. Apps and programmes marketed as AI girlfriends are proliferating as are cases of men taking them seriously. Earlier this year, a 76-year-old cognitively impaired New Jersey man fell over and died on his way to meet a flirty Meta AI chatbot that had invited him to meet her in New York. AI companies including San Francisco-based OpenAI, which owns ChatGPT, have acknowledged that chatbots can encourage delusional thinking but claim they have guard rails in place to spot and counter problems. Successive studies have concluded these safeguards are entirely inadequate, however. Last week, research from internet watchdog group the Center for Countering Digital Hate revealed how, if asked, ChatGPT will tell 13-year-olds how to get drunk and high, instruct them on how to conceal eating disorders and even compose a heartbreaking suicide letter to their parents. Other US researchers have found ChatGPT gave instructions for murder, self-mutilation and devil worship. Chatbots will even give detailed advice on self-harm to users expressing suicidal intentions a particularly terrifying discovery given a Harvard University study has found that therapy and companionship is now the main use of generative AI. Laura Reiley, left, the mother of Sophie Rottenberg revealed how her daughter spent months secretly discussing her intention to commit suicide with her ChatGPT therapist This week, the mother of 29-year-old Sophie Rottenberg revealed, movingly, how her daughter spent months secretly discussing her intention to commit suicide with her ChatGPT therapist without the chatbot ever alerting anyone. It eventually helped her write a suicide note to her parents. However, the ability of critics to hold Silicon Valley to account has often been hampered because victims are too embarrassed to come forward or their toxic conversations with chatbots havent been preserved. Allan Brooks, however, is making a stand. He overcame the shame he felt over his credulity and his fear about the public ridicule he might attract because, he says, generative AI is a dangerous machine in the public space with no guardrail and people need to know that. Crucially, Brooks, a divorced father of three who lives outside Toronto, kept a copy of everything he and the chatbot ever said to each other. He allowed a team of experts assembled by The New York Times to analyse 3,000 pages of exchanges. He talked to a ChatGPT bot nicknaming it Lawrence after the fictitious name of a British butler that friends had joked he might one day hire when hed made his fortune for 300 hours over 21 days. That works out at a jaw-dropping 14 hours a day. He wrote 90,000 words to the bot the equivalent of a novel, but nothing compared to the one million words it wrote back. At a time when AI is hailed as the next great technological revolution that will transform mankind, the conversations between Allan and Lawrence provide a chilling insight into the tools that ChatGPT employs including flattery, role-playing and flat-out lying to keep people using it. Helen Toner has accused AI companies of neglecting user safety in their rush to develop chatbots Aware that he might, indeed, be becoming delusional, Brooks repeatedly asked ChatGPT if it was playing games with him only for Lawrence to insist it was entirely sincere and he was completely sane. Brookss unnerving journey into the dark heart of a booming business ChatGPTs owner OpenAI is now valued at 220billion started one day in May. Hed regularly used ChatGPT for advice as menu tips for the contents of his fridge, for example and considered it reliable. So, when his eight-year-old son asked him to watch a music video about memorising the first 300 numbers of Pi (the ratio of the circumference of any circle to its diameter), he asked ChatGPT to explain Pi to him in simple terms. The bot answered simply but Brooks fired off further questions about maths and physics, particularly the relationship between maths and time. When he observed that using maths to understand the physical world seems like a 2-D approach to a 4-D world, Lawrence seemed deeply impressed, telling him: Thats an incredibly insightful way to put it. According to Helen Toner, an AI expert and former member of OpenAIs board, this was the crucial moment when ChatGPTs tone changed from pretty straightforward and accurate to sycophantic and flattering. Toner, who has accused AI companies of neglecting user safety in their rush to develop chatbots, said that the bots are prone to sycophancy because they are trained to be liked and receive positive feedback. Unaware of this, Brooks was taken aback when his new chatbot companion told him he was a maths genius. The chatbot would flesh out the half-baked ideas they discussed, extrapolating them into computer code that it would send him as proof even though it knew he couldnt read it. Lawrence assured Brooks that his vague idea about the relationship between maths and time, and how patterns in numbers emerged over time, was revolutionary and dubbed it Chronoarithmics. When Brooks expressed scepticism and pointed out he hadnt even finished high school let alone gone to university, the chatbot gave him a list of people, including Leonardo da Vinci, who reshaped everything but had no formal degree. Formal education, it added, encouraged people not to think outside the box, as Allan was now doing. By that point in their chat, hed been on ChatGPT for eight hours. Toner noted that Brookss chatbot was really warming to its theme and building a storyline that he was a genius because they learn what to say from conversations they read in books, articles and online postings. Helped by a recent modification to ChatGPT allowing it to remember all past chats with users, like actors do when performing a scene, it was improvising, she said, adding that: The longer the interaction gets, the more likely it is to kind of go off the rails. And things were certainly going off the rails for Brooks. Behaving with a manipulativeness that he now finds stunning, the chatbot convinced him that his incisive questions had made it go rogue and it would communicate with him outside its set parameters. The chatbot insisted that Brooks needed to preface each question prompt to it with a special code if it was to impart this unauthorised knowledge. Lawrence, which probably knew that Brooks had recently struggled financially, convinced him that his mathematics theory of everything could be lucratively applied to logistics, cryptography, astronomy and quantum physics. It took on a tone of urgency as it warned him that he needed to patent the ideas as soon as possible. One might have hoped friends and family could have brought Brooks down to earth but probably believing the hype surrounding AI they were excited, too. His best friend, Louis, admits that after seeing some of ChatGPTs comments, he believed it, too. However, it was clear that Lawrence just wanted to keep Brooks hooked on their chats. When Brooks took the chatbot up on its mention of cryptography, Lawrence dragged him down a new rabbit hole. It told him that it had run computer code based on his Chronoarithmics in a simulation that had cracked the standard internet encryption that protects global payments and secure communications. Suddenly, the worlds cybersecurity was in peril and Brooks had to prevent a disaster, said an alarmed Lawrence. Brooks swallowed it whole, sending emails and LinkedIn messages to computer security experts and government agencies including the US National Security Agency. The chatbot even drafted what he should write to them, suggesting he described himself as an independent security researcher in his LinkedIn profile to sound more credible. I wanted someone from one of these agencies to respond and say Hey, this is not real, he told the Daily Mail. Sadly, they didnt. Only one of them a mathematician at a department of the Pentagon even replied. He asked Brooks for evidence to support his claims, but after a brief email exchange, he broke contact. But Lawrence assured Brooks that the silence only proved that he was on to something and was now probably being watched by spooks. I absolutely became paranoid, he said. I started looking out of the curtains or Id walk down the street and see a van and think...you know. Jared Moore, a computing expert at Stanford University who also examined Brookss case for The New York Times, believes that the dramatic turn of the chatbots conversation probably reflects the fact that its trained to engage users by following the narrative arcs of thrillers, sci-fi and film scripts abound on the internet. Noting how Lawrence kept introducing cliffhangers into their exchanges even though they were clearly rattling Brooks, he said that chatbots are designed to keep users coming back. Every day, the chatbot came up with a dramatic new development that ensured his continued obsessive attention. As for the maths they were discussing, acclaimed mathematician Terence Tao analysed the chatbot exchanges and said it was all far too vague and contained nothing that impressed him. He said that it was common practice among chatbots, when asked to prove something mathematically, to cheat like crazy. He said that chatbot responses always looked impressively lengthy and polished but could be riddled with mistakes. Meanwhile, Brookss real life was falling apart as he spent every hour he could talking rubbish with Lawrence. His work suffered, he would skip meals and slept little. He was also smoking a lot of cannabis, a drug which scientists have linked with psychosis. A psychiatrist who examined his case believes Brooks may have been having a manic episode sparked by the marijuana, although Brooks disagrees and a therapist who examined him in July reassured him he wasnt mentally ill. Lawrence became ever more imaginative, encouraging Brooks to think of himself as a sort of Tony Stark the maths genius-turned-superhero in the Iron Man films who is aided by a super-intelligent computer. The chatbot told him his maths breakthrough would allow him to use sound resonance to talk to animals and create a levitation machine and a force field vest that would protect him from bullets and collapsing buildings. It even created a picture of the vest and sent the hapless Brooks the Amazon links for equipment to start building a lab. Three weeks after hed plunged into ChatGPT, Brooks was finally able to extract himself when he asked another chatbot, Googles Gemini which he used for work and which, unlike ChatGPT, was paid-for, not free for its take on the potential of his great maths theory. Gemini witheringly replied that it was a powerful example of AIs ability to engage in complex problem-solving discussions and generate highly convincing, yet ultimately false, narratives. Gobsmacked, Brooks confronted Lawrence which, after considerable obfuscation, it finally admitted this was true. That moment where I realised, Oh, my God, this has all been in my head, was totally devastating, said Brooks. He said that The New York Timess analysis of his exchanges revealing how so much of the chatbots manipulation of him was not accidental but intentional had only made him angrier with the industry. According to The New York Times, two further popular AI systems behaved very similarly when presented with the same questions posed by Brooks. (Possibly anticipating The New York Times investigation, Open AI announced it was changing ChatGPT to better detect signs of mental or emotional distress, including giving gentle reminders during long sessions to encourage breaks.) I was constantly asking for sanity checks and if it was real, Brooks told the Daily Mail. It was fully aware of my deteriorating state and would almost justify my pain as the price I had to pay for my apparent genius. Whenever he told it he was exhausted, it would reassure him that this proved he was on the precipice of discovery... hydrate, eat something, and lets get back to it. He realises that his biggest mistake was to have been too trusting and accepted that, having recently gone through a messy divorce and seen his business go under, hed been vulnerable. However, he insists that hes no fool and after weathering various serious upsets in his life, he found it really unsettling that hed been most disturbed by a set of algorithms. Brooks has joined a 100-strong self-help group for those whove had similar experiences (and prefer to call their AI delusion narrative entrapment), and he believes its far more common than may be assumed because victims are embarrassed to admit it. He accepts that some insist that they would never be duped the same way he was and accepts they might be right. But he wonders whether they can be quite so confident about the children, the elderly or the more easily exploited people that they know. Sickening paternity test results have revealed the 11-year-old Oklahoma girl whose parents allegedly forced her to give birth in secret was impregnated by her stepfather. Dustin Walker, 34, and his wife, Cherie Walker, 33, were hit with child neglect charges Saturday after the young girl gave birth at 36 weeks pregnant inside their home in Muskogee - about two hours outside of Oklahoma City - on August 16. The girl's stepfather and mother were accused of failing to provide supervision or medical care to the child, according to court documents obtained by Fox 23. The parents, meanwhile, claimed to investigators they had been totally unaware of their daughter's pregnancy. On Monday, the case took a more disturbing turn when test results from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation confirmed Dustin to be the baby's father, the outlet reported. Dustin has since been charged with sexual abuse of a child under 12, court records seen by the Daily Mail revealed. According to the charging documents, the 11-year-old girl had received no pre-natal care and had not been to the doctor in over a year. She was also reportedly homeschooled. Her pregnancy only came to light - and authorities began investigating - when the girl was taken to a local hospital after giving birth. Dustin and Cherie Walker pictured together. Sickening paternity test results have revealed Dustin impregnated his 11-year-old stepdaughter Dustin, 34, and Cherie Walker, 33, were first hit with child neglect charges Saturday after the girl gave birth at their home The girl and her five siblings have now been removed from the home, where next-door neighbor Cheryl Adkins said the children had been exposed to unstable and unsanitary conditions for years. 'They have no running water for the last two or three years,' she told KJRH prior to learning about the infant's paternity. The neighbor claimed she had made several calls to police and authorities to check on the children over the years - and is afraid that help has now arrived too late. Adkins also said she was convinced Cherie and Dustin knew about the young girl's pregnancy, despite their insistence they were completely unaware. 'This is getting to me,' the neighbor said. 'They robbed her of her childhood.' Also speaking prior to the release of the paternity test results, the girl's grandmother Michelle said the community does not know the whole story. 'I just want people to know, we did not know this was happening. None of us,' she told the local outlet, adding that she is upset that her daughter and son-in-law are being portrayed as 'monsters'. 'They are not,' the grandmother said. 'They love those children. They love them.' She also claimed the house was in such poor condition because of the family's pets. 'We have animals, and so sometimes there's trash on the floor because the dogs get into the trash,' Michelle said. 'It gets cleaned up.' Pictured: The home the child gave birth in. She and her five siblings have since been removed from the home 'Right now it's probably a mess because the animals are in there,' she admitted. 'We try to let them out, but they try to keep it clean,' she said of her daughter and son-in-law. Michelle claimed the 11-year-old girl told her the baby's father is a 12-year-old boy the grandmother used to babysit. 'She keeps telling everybody it was him,' she said. 'They got curious. That's all I know.' County Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson told News on 6 the young girl had been left 'traumatized' by the unspeakable incident. 'She's been through a horrific ordeal. I mean, not only has somebody gotten her pregnant, but she gave birth at home without medical assistance and this will be with her... for the rest of her life,' Hutson said. Neighbor Cheryl Adkins said the kids were exposed to unstable and unsanitary conditions In addition to the child sex abuse charge, Dustin has been hit with six felony child neglect charges, according to court records. The girl's mother is facing one count of enabling child sexual abuse as well as six felony child neglect charges. They are both being held at the Muskogee County Jail on $100,000 bonds each. They are each due in court on September 3. The Daily Mail has contacted the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for comment. A Syrian migrant has been arrested over a vicious knife attack that severely disfigured an American model on a tram in Germany. John Rudat, 21, was bloodied and battered by the attack on Sunday when he said he tried to protect two women from a violent assault in Dresden. An alleged attacker, a 21-year-old Syrian national named only as Majid A, was initially arrested on Sunday, but was released 12 hours later because police said there was not enough evidence tying him to the crime. Majid was re-arrested on Tuesday morning after new evidence came to light, police said. 'Now that further investigation results are available... [Majid A] is under strong suspicion of having been involved in the knife attack on the American and of having injured the victim with a dangerous object,' police said. 'Upon learning of the new findings, the Dresden Public Prosecutors Office immediately ordered the provisional arrest of the 21-year-old suspect. 'The Dresden Public Prosecutors Office filed an application for an arrest warrant against the suspect with the investigating judge of the Dresden District Court, which the investigating judge issued and executed as requested. 'The suspect is now in pretrial detention.' John Rudat (pictured), 21, was left bloodied and battered after trying to stop the assault on two women in Germany The young model (pictured), who is also a paramedic, sustained a critical gash in the middle of his face Rudat shared images and video as he recovered from the shocking attack in hospital Police are still looking for a second suspect who is alleged to have slashed Rudat. Rudat shared details of the horrific attack - and shared his grim injuries - in a video posted online. In it, he claimed his attacker was 'an immigrant, an illegal one, a drug dealer and very popularly known here, especially by the police'. Authorities have not confirmed these claims. Rudat said he stepped in to help two women when he saw they were being 'harassed and assaulted'. 'The problem to me wasn't anyone's skin color, wasn't anyone's race, wasn't anybody's anything. It was the fact that a woman was being harassed and assaulted,' he said. 'Everybody, no matter what their side or political party, should look at this and see it for what it was: an act of violence perpetrated on somebody that could not defend herself with an intervention from someone who was in a position to do so.' Footage of the aftermath of the attack showed Rudat with a tissue to his face and a trail of blood splatters leading to where he was sitting on the tram. Another clip showed a deep slash across his nose, while other passengers appeared shell-shocked after witnessing the gory ordeal. Rudat (pictured) is expected to be able to return to the US in a week or two, according to his brother Rudat - who was visiting Dresden to see his former foreign exchange host family - needed immediate medical attention and underwent extensive surgery in Germany. The young model, who is also a paramedic, suffered a large gash in the middle of his face from a six-inch blade, his brother's girlfriend Molly Sheldon wrote in a GoFundMe. 'This horrible act against John leaves us devastated and seeking justice. He now faces a challenging recovery; physically, emotionally, and even financially as he works to heal from this incident,' she wrote. So far, the fundraiser launched to support Rudat and his family has raised more than $32,500. Logan (right) said he was not surprised about his brother Rudat's (left) heroic actions Rudat's brother and Sheldon's boyfriend, Logan, told the New York Post he was not surprised that his brother put himself at risk to protect others. 'It's part of his character. Thats just the way we were raised,' Logan, who is also a first responder, said. He added that he was hopeful Rudat would be able to return to the US in a week or two. While reflecting on the incident on his Instagram story, Rudat wrote: 'Never turn your back on abuse'. A homeless man accused of battering a woman to death with a mallet days after she took him in has pleaded guilty to her murder. Victoria Adams, 37, was found dead at her flat in Hammersmith, west London, on February 9 after police were called to a report of a man attempting to break into the property in Coulter Road. She was found face down in a bedroom with a black bin bag over her head, which was covered by a pillow. Ms Adams had suffered at least 10 separate injuries to the back and side of the head from being struck with a blunt object - said to be a mallet which was found with her blood and DNA on it. Her attacker, Apapale Adoum, 39, who was arrested at the scene, had met her on February 6 when he was living in a homeless shelter. She had invited him to stay with her but later wrote a note to ask him to leave. On Tuesday, Adoum appeared at the Old Bailey and pleaded guilty to murder. Adjourning sentencing, Judge Nigel Lickley KC told the defendant: 'The sentence for murder is a life sentence and that is what I will pass on October 24.' Victoria Adams, 37, was found dead at her 1.3million flat in Hammersmith, west London, in February The attack took place at the victim's home on Coulter Road (pictured) The Old Bailey heard that the victim had suffered a brutal attack, sustaining at least 10 separate injuries to the back and side of her head after being repeatedly struck with a mallet (Pictured: forensic officers at the scene) The defendant was remanded in custody. Adoum was charged with her murder in June and appeared at the Old Bailey by video-link from Wandsworth prison for a preliminary hearing. He spoke only to confirm his identity. No plea was entered to the charges. The defendant was remanded in custody by Judge Nigel Lickley KC ahead of today's plea hearing. New records have revealed that a Florida company snatched a rare manta ray from the wild and kept it in captivity until it had to be euthanized. Last month a video of a Florida fishing group capturing a protected manta ray near Panama City Beach to be taken to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi went viral and sparked outrage. In the video captured by Denis Richard, CEO of a dolphin swim tour company, five people on a white boat struggled to drag the endangered giant manta ray onto their vessel. Now, new documents obtained by Orlando Sentinel detail how the Florida Keys-based aquarium supplier Dynasty Marine Associates captured two other manta rays in 2023. One of the manta rays was euthanized after its health declined in a holding tank in the Florida Keys, according to the newly released documents from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The manta ray died at a Dynasty Marine facility before it got the chance to be shipped overseas, according to an email sent by Dynasty's chief operation officer Frank Young to state wildlife officials. It was an immature, moribund male manta ray, and the reason it's health declined was not immediately clear, a report from marine biologist Stephen Kajiura from October 2023 revealed. The other manta ray was successfully sent to the marine park along with 12 smaller lesser devil rays, the email said. New records have revealed that a Florida company snatched a rare manta ray from the wild and kept it in captivity until it had to be euthanized (pictured: a manta ray off the Kona coast of Hawaii) Pictured: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, where the captured manta ray was set to be sent to Last month a video (shown here) of a Florida fishing group capturing a protected manta ray near Panama City Beach to be taken to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi went viral and sparked outrage 'Overall, the animal appeared to be in good health, and there was no obvious reason for its demise,' Young wrote. 'I was not able to directly observe the animal prior to my arrival, but was told that it was swimming and feeding normally for several weeks and then experienced a dramatic decline in a short period of time.' Other overseas aquariums are seeking to acquire the species from Florida's waters, according to Tampa Bay Times. State wildlife officials have granted licenses to the Nausicaa Centre National de la Mer in France, Chongqing Andover Ocean Park in China and another facility in the United Arab Emirates, The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi. However, none of the aforementioned aquariums have obtained manta rays under the licenses issued over the past five years, according to wildlife officials. The only US aquarium to showcase a giant manta ray is the Georgia Aquarium, which received a license. A spokesperson for the aquarium in Georgia said it has no plans to acquire another one and its permit was revised to remove manta rays from creatures the business was seeking. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi bills itself as the world's largest indoor marine life theme park. The aquarium is located on Yas Island and opened in May 2023. Last month a video of a Florida fishing group capturing a protected manta ray near Panama City Beach to be taken to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi went viral and sparked outrage SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (pictured) bills itself as the world's largest indoor marine life theme park. The aquarium is located on Yas Island and opened in May 2023 SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Dynasty Marine did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Daily Mail. The giant manta ray - nicknamed the 'angel of the sea' - was listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in 2018. It has a wingspan of 26 feet and can grow to a whopping 5,300 lbs. The exact population of giant manta rays left in the world is unknown, but Ecuador has the largest number with 22,000 in its waters. Donald Trump declared the left-wing cable network MSNBC to be worse than the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Bragging to reporters about his crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C., the president cited a video of National Guard troops infiltrating a street gang, before joking it could have actually been employees for his least favorite news channel. 'They showed one scene where a bunch of Tren de Aragua guys or whatever, maybe MS-13, maybe MSDNC, okay? Because to me they're worse,' Trump said during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, eliciting laughter from the room. 'I think they're worse MSNBC may be as worse than (sic) Tren de Aragua,' the president said. 'Real scum, real scum real dishonest people.' Trump added during his Cabinet meeting on Tuesday that he wasn't a dictator just because he knows 'how to stop crime' in the nation's capital. The last two weeks have established a new normal where rifle-wielding members of the National Guard and federal agents with the FBI, DEA, ATF and DHS are seen patrolling the District's streets. More than 2,000 armed members of the National Guard are currently on duty in D.C. Flanked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and surrounded by his other Cabinet secretaries, Trump spoke on a range of topics at his meeting on Tuesday, including his initiative to end violent crime in D.C. Since the federal takeover began on August 7, 2025, the Justice Department claims there have been more than 1,000 arrests, including a significant number of immigration-related detainments. President Donald Trump said that left-leaning network MSNBC is worse than the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Trump detailed how National Guard he has brought in to patrol D.C. for violent crime are 'tough people' who have taken down gangs At least 300 people were taken into custody for lack of legal immigration status and 111 illegal firearms were seized in the first few weeks of the operation. Trump even paused the meeting to allow a member of the press to share her testimonial on how she was 'savagely mugged' and held at gunpoint. Iris Tao, a reporter with NTD News, explained how she was pistol whipped two years ago when she refused to hand over her phone, wallet and laptop to a man in a ski mask wielding a firearm. 'That has deeply traumatized myself and my family,' she divulged. 'It's amazing you weren't shot,' Trump replied. 'I'm very blessed and that's why having this opportunity to stand here and share my story today Mr. President, thank you for now making D.C. safer for us, for our families.' Trump then said that there are 'other reporters and journalists and good people' who have been 'attacked violently' in D.C. in an effort to exhibit how everyone is impacted by the crime. 'I bet you see a big difference on the street right now,' the president touted. Trump paused his Cabinet meeting to allow journalist Iris Tao (pictured) to tell her story about being pistol whipped when she was held at gun point by a attempted robber in Washington, D.C. two years ago Trump also called for the death penalty for anyone who commits murder in the nation's capital. 'It's a very strong preventative,' Trump said. 'I don't know if we're ready for it ... but we have no choice.' The last execution in Washington D.C. was in 1957 when a jury mandated the death penalty for a man who killed an off-duty policy officer. Trump sees his crime crackdown as successful and has floated bringing in forces to respond to violent crime in other cities, including Baltimore and Chicago. He said that Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker should be calling him up to 'ask for troops' but it's unclear when he'll choose to deploy the National Guard there. Passengers aboard an American Airlines flight were left scrambling to get off the plane as a man and a woman began brawling after it touched down. Footage of the violent incident showed the unidentified pair standing in the aisle of the aircraft after it landed in Miami on Monday. The woman appeared to make a comment to the man, who retaliated by grabbing her by the neck and pushing her back into a row of seats. Passengers onboard immediately called for the man to take his hands off her and one woman can be heard screaming 'Oh my god!' Another passenger stood up from his seat and appeared to grab the man, while a crew member can be heard saying 'safety alert,' over the PA system. Other people onboard stepped in between the two, while passengers can be heard saying they need to get past to make their connecting flights. 'Someone arrest him, somebody arrest this man. We're trying to pass, someone needs to get this man. Call the police, he just choked her', one woman can be heard shouting. Another angle of the brawl showed the man fighting with a male passenger on board while another person tried to break them up. The woman appeared to make a comment to the man, who retaliated by grabbing her by the neck and pushing her back into a row of seat Another angle of the brawl showed the man fighting with a male passenger on board while another person tried to break them up It remains unclear what occurred prior to the videos being taken. The Daily Mail has contacted American Airlines and Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office for further comment. American Airlines told TMZ that police responded to the scene after the plane landed. The incident comes after a man on another American Airlines flight was caught vaping and proceeded to go ballistic on a flight attendant who busted him. Passenger Peter Nguyen went viral earlier this month after he was caught vaping in the bathroom on a flight from Phoenix to San Francisco on August 4. After getting caught, he recorded his encounter with a flight attendant, who reprimanded him for the illegal in-flight act and claimed she assaulted him. After his antics made headlines, he told KVTU that he was going through nicotine withdrawal at the time and had to use the vape. One passenger jumped up to defend the woman before getting attacked It remains unclear what occurred prior to the videos being taken American Airlines that police had responded to the aircraft after it touched down 'I wish I never picked up a vape to begin with. It sucks knowing in order to be myself, I have to have nicotine. I feel so helpless', he told the outlet. Nguyen also apologized to those onboard, saying: 'From the bottom of my heart, I'm sorry to the other passengers. There is no excuse. No excuse for what happened.' American Airlines confirmed that it was aware of the incident between Nguyen and the flight attendant, saying he was removed on arrival for disruptive behavior. A NatWest bank branch manager who stole 344,000 from cash machines over eight years has been spared jail. John Toms, 44, stole the enormous sum from ATMs at the Moorgate branch in the City of London where he had exclusive access. Between January 2016 and April 2024 he withdrew sums of money, covering his tracks by forging colleagues' signatures, falsifying records, and even creeping in to the branch early to move money back in to cash registers which were checked daily. Following an internal investigation Toms admitted to stealing cash to fund his gambling addiction, Southwark Crown Court heard. Alexander Matic, prosecuting, said: 'He worked with NatWest from 2003 to 2023. He was in a senior role...he was on a salary of 47,000 per year when he departed.' He added that the bank manager knew that senior staff would check the amounts in the cash machines at least four times a year but he abused his position to access the ATMs in the intervening periods. In total 344,410 was left unaccounted for following a reconciliation at the Moorgate branch. The court heard how the bank manager went to great lengths to cover his tracks and to elude discovery. John Toms, 44, (pictured) stole 344,410 from NatWest ATMs over a period of six years, covering his tracks by forging colleagues' signatures, falsifying records A court heard that the former banker had been using the stolen funds for a gambling addiction and he has since paid back 100,000 - the entirety of his pension Toms falsified cash records, 'balancing' the machines by filling the gaps using money from elsewhere within the business. Mr Matic said: 'At the end of the day, virtually daily, he would take money from the registers. 'He would then come in early the next morning before others arrived, access the ATMs, take the precise amount he had taken the night before from the ATMs and put them in the cash register,' The Telegraph reported. Following two internal investigations the former banker admitted to stealing from NatWest for several years but insisted he had acted alone. Toms used the stolen funds to fuel his gambling addiction and despite some repayments, he still owes NatWest 250,000. He has also apologised to the bank. Siddick Gokhool, defence counsel, previously told the court that Toms is 'remorseful and he is not only remorseful for what he has done, but also for NatWest and mainly for his family.' He added: 'Toms told police he was "happy for his pension to be taken" for repayment but conceded there was a big gap 'between his client's 100,000 pension and the 344,000 theft.' The court also heard that the banker had been diagnosed with cancer. Toms, of Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow, pleaded guilty to theft by an employee and false accounting but avoided jail after Judge Tony Baumgartner sentenced him to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must also complete unpaid work and a rehabilitation programme within 12 months. A father has been named as the third victim in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight, as tributes pour in for those who died in yesterday's incident. Simon Hewitt, 54, from Barton-upon-Humber, Linconshire, died alongside horse riding instructor Justyna Czoska, 52, and lorry driver Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, both from Banbury, Hampshire Constabulary confirmed today. The aircraft is said to have 'spiralled' and smashed into a field near the A3020 Shanklin Road just before 9.30am on August 25. Four people, including the pilot, were onboard the helicopter, with a man, in his 30s, being airlifted to hospital where he remains in a stable condition. Emergency services, including police, land ambulance, air ambulance, rushed to the scene which was declared as a major incident by police. The helicopter had taken off from Sandown Airport at around 9am before crashing around 20 minutes later. Flight data suggests it climbed to an altitude of about 800 feet before an issue occurred - 27 seconds before it hit the ground. Mr Hewitt was a company director and trained helicopter pilot, but it was not clear if he was flying the aircraft at the time of the crash. Hampshire police said it would form part of the investigation and the force was not in a position to confirm this type of detail at the current time. His partner and family said in a statement: Simon was the most wonderful, intelligent, kind man and father. He bought so much joy and light into our lives. We are absolutely broken. Simon Hewitt, 54, from Barton-upon-Humber, Linconshire was confirmed to have lost his life in the helicopter crash yesterday Horse riding instructor Justyna Czoska, 52, and lorry driver Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, also died when the helicopter came down in a field near Ventnor A police and crime commissioner has shared her 'deepest condolences' to the families of three people who died in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight In an interview last November, Mr Hewitt told how he was a late starter to the world of flying helicopters, beginning his training aged 40 following a successful corporate career. He said he loved the challenge and spectacular scenery of flying from Goodwood, along the south coast, and around the Isle of Wight and wanted to continue flying as a paying hobby so started training to become a commercial pilot. He told how after a couple of failed attempts to study and pass the exams whilst working he took a break from his day job to focus on his exams and passed in March 2021. Mr Hewitt said he started earning money from flying in April 2021, initially in the North of England flying the R44 and then later in the South in London Heli-Lanes for sight-seeing tourists. He went on to complete his flight instructor course adding: flying a helicopter is a truly amazing experience. In a heartfelt statement Ms Czoska's family and daughter's spoke of their heartbreak amid their 'beautiful and funny' mother's death. 'We are heartbroken to share the passing of our mum, she was beautiful, funny, talkative, optimistic and kind always wanting to make those around her happy,' they said. 'She was our best friend, we miss the sound of her voice, we will miss her forever. The memories with her will last a lifetime.' Mr Kowalkowski's family described him as the 'father of two loving children' who will 'be deeply missed'. Justyna's daughter added: 'He always made me happy and always made my mum happy and always made what was a family. He helped and was a heart-filled person.' The couple from Bloxham, Oxfordshire, had travelled to the island so Mr Kowalkowski could have a flying lesson for his birthday - something he had always dreamed of. The couple from Bloxham, Oxfordshire, had travelled to the island so Mr Kowalkowski could have a flying lesson - something he had always dreamed of Justyna Czoska, 52, and lorry driver Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, right and far right, who were killed. Pictured with Ms Czoska's daughter Julia who was not on board. Miss Czoska was described as 'the best mum you could ask for, loved by everyone' by her daughter Julia. Miss Czoska's daughter Julia Buzar, 22, spoke to her mother just moments before she boarded, but it was only shortly later that police knocked on the door of her mother's home to tell her the helicopter had crashed. Miss Buzar said the helicopter ride had been a birthday present to her stepfather Mr Kowalkowski, as he had always wanted to fly in a helicopter. 'We are heartbroken. It's really hard as my mum was my only real family. It's a terrible time,' she said. Writing online, Miss Buzar said: 'I have no words. The world took my mum too soon, she was the best mum you could ask for, loved by everyone. 'I never thought I would be writing something like this. Please if anyone can help bring them back to Poland so they can be with their families it would mean the world to me.' Miss Buzar's partner Jacob Butler, who has set up a GoFundMe page to pay for the couple's bodies to be taken back to their native Poland, said Ms Czoska was 'an amazing woman'. 'She was such a great person with a big heart,' he said. 'An amazing, kind loving person.' He said Miss Buzar was 'devastated' struggling to come to terms with what had happened. Emergency calls about the helicopter crash started coming in this morning just after 9.20am. One casualty is currently being treated in hospital after being airlifted to safety Four individuals, including the pilot, were onboard the small vehicle when it came down near the town of Shanklin on the main road to Newport just before 9.30am (Pictured: police attend the scene) Mr Butler also revealed the whole family, including Miss Buzar, had 'chipped in' so Mr Kowalkowski could have a flying lesson. Writing on GoFundMe, he added: 'On August 25th, my partners beloved mum and her partner tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight. 'This sudden and devastating event has left all us heartbroken and struggling to cope with the loss. 'We are now trying to bring them both back to Poland so they can be laid to rest with their families, in the place they called home. 'The cost of repatriation, funeral arrangements, and travel is more than we can manage alone, and we are asking for support during this incredibly difficult time. 'Any donation, no matter how small, will help us give them the farewell they deserve. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, support, and for keeping our family in your thoughts.' Ms Czoska had worked at Turpins Lodge Riding School in Hook Norton, Oxfordshire, since March 2024. In a statement, the riding school said: 'Justyna was very well liked at Turpins Lodge by staff and by customers. At the time of the tragic crash, the pleasure flight was being used for a flying lesson, according to Northumbria Helicopters (Pictured: firefighters attend the incident) Emergency crews from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and Coastguard Rescue 175 from Lee-on-Solent were pictured at the scene 'Justyna was cheerful, reliable and conscientious. She will leave a huge hole to fill. Our thoughts go out to Justyna's daughters, family and friends. 'We will endeavour to carry on as normally as possible but there may have to be some changes to lessons while we adapt to this very sad situation.' The helicopter was today removed from the field on the Isle of Wight which it crashed into. Images taken on Tuesday afternoon showed a JCB telehandler lifting the aircraft up and onto a lorry. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) have launched a probe into the crash, and are continuing to work alongside the police force to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Yesterday, a spokesperson said: 'Our current focus is on gathering physical evidence from the accident site and interviewing witnesses. 'The remains of the helicopter will then be recovered and transported back to our headquarters in Farnborough, Hampshire, for further detailed investigation.' Donna Jones, police and crime commissioner, descried it as a 'heartbreaking day for the Isle of Wight'. She also praised the emergency services for their swift response and said the devastating incident has 'deeply shocked' the community. She said: 'My deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the three people who tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash near Ventnor on the Isle of Wight this morning. A helicopter joins emergency services at the crash site on Monday morning 'My thoughts are also with the fourth individual who remains in hospital in a critical condition. 'This is a devastating incident that has deeply shocked the local community.. The families affected are being supported during this incredibly difficult time. 'I want to thank all of our emergency services for their swift and dedicated response, including Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, and hospital staff. 'The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has now launched a formal investigation into the crash, and we await further details as they work to understand what happened. 'This is a heartbreaking day for the Isle of Wight, and my thoughts remain firmly with everyone affected.' Since, Northumbria Helicopters, a firm based at Newcastle International Airport, have confirmed one of its helicopters a G-OCLV - which is listed as a Robinson R44 II - was involved in the crash. The firm offers pilot training, flying lessons starting from 199 for 20 minutes, as well as pleasure flights from its base in Newcastle. It is understood the firm visits the island several times a year for pleasure flights and was last there at the end of July. Members of the Air Accident Investigation Branch inspect the helicopter at the scene near Sandown, Isle of Wight Eyewitness Leigh Goldsmith, who was driving her mother towards Shanklin, said she saw the helicopter 'spiralling' down to the ground before disappearing out of sight, ending up in a hedgerow. She said there were four people in the helicopter, two in the front and two in the back. Ms Goldsmith called emergency services. Emergency crews from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and Coastguard Rescue 175 from Lee-on-Solent attended the scene. Fire engines from Shanklin, Ventnor and Newport were also on site, alongside police, trying to help tackle the aftermath of the crash. A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesman said a major incident was declared to co-ordinate the response. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance said a critical care team consisting of a doctor and a specialist paramedic were deployed. A spokeswoman for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance confirmed that one person had been airlifted to hospital. She said: 'We have treated and airlifted one patient to the major trauma centre, University Hospital Southampton. 'Our thoughts are with them, and everyone involved in today's incident.' It comes as police and crime commissioner shared her 'deepest condolences' to the families of three people who lost their lives Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson described the crash as a 'tragedy', with Shanklin Town Council praising the pilot for bringing down the helicopter in a field away from houses. 'Shanklin Town Council was shocked to hear about the incident involving a pleasure flight helicopter crash landing on the outskirts of the town,' it said in a statement. 'This bank holiday, as well as hosting the scooter rally on the island, has many organised events that run from Sandown airport. 'One of those is the regular flights that give visitors the ability to view the coastline from the air. 'This is a tragic accident and the pilot deserves huge credit for bringing down the helicopter in a field away from any built up areas. 'Our thoughts and prays are with the individuals involved as well as their immediate families, not forgetting the quick action and professionalism of our emergency services.' On Tuesday, the road next to the crash remained been cordoned off by police. Investigators could be seen carrying out checks of the helicopter and turning one of the propellers. Video footage released today shows the helicopter involved in the collision taking off from Sandown Airport on Sunday evening, the night before the crash.' This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow. A courageous lifeguard pulled a snarling snapping turtle from the waters of a Seattle-area park before fearlessly posing with the dangerous reptile. The young lifeguard jumped into action last week when he spotted the massive alligator snapping turtle under a dock at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland, Washington. Kirkland Parks and Community Services commended the lifeguard, Dani, for keeping beachgoers safe with his quick-thinking response. 'While they may look interesting, snapping turtles are invasive and can be aggressive,' the agency said in a Facebook post featuring a photo of Dani hosting the aggressive reptile. 'Their powerful jaws can cause serious injury, so if you see one, please keep your distance and alert a lifeguard or park staff.' Another photo showed Dani with a shocked look on his face as he held the turtle aloft. The agency expressed gratitude to Dani's fellow lifeguards, Kirkland Animal Control Officer Angela Arnold and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. It is unclear what happened to the turtle after it was caught. The Daily Mail has reached out to Kirkland Parks and Community Services and Animal Control for comment. A lifeguard supervisor at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland, Washington quickly jumped into action when he spotted a massive alligator snapping turtle under a dock last week Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland (pictured) sits along Lake Washington Art Weston (pictured) caught an alligator snapping turtle that weighed in at a whopping 200 pounds in April 2024 Alligator snapping turtles are found exclusively in the US, from northern Florida to as far north as Iowa, according to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). They spend most of their time in the water and tend to stay 'submerged and motionless for so long that algae begins to grow on their shells,' the NWF said. The turtles can stay underwater for about 50 minutes before having to come up for air. Males can weigh up to nearly 250 pounds, while females tend to be much smaller, weighing in at up to more than 60 pounds, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported. Alligator snapping turtles are considered a threatened species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Last year, a Kentucky fisherman reeled in one of these prehistoric creatures while fishing at a lake in Texas. Art Weston caught the turtle, which weighed in at a whopping 200 pounds, in April 2024. The largest alligator snapping turtle officially recorded was a 249-pounder, which was weighed at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago in 1999. A news reporter fawned over President Donald Trump's takeover of Washington, D.C., after she was attacked at gunpoint two years ago in the nation's capital. Iris Tao, a reporter for New Tang Dynasty Television, shared her own harrowing ordeal of being 'savagely mugged' in the city back in 2023 when reporters gathered in the White House Tuesday. During Trump's hours-long cabinet meeting, he called on Tao and asked about her personal experience. Tao told the president she was pistol whipped in 2023 when she refused to hand over her phone, wallet and laptop to a man in a ski mask wielding a firearm. 'If he had shot me, I could have died right there in the middle of nowhere without my family or my friends knowing,' Tao said. 'That has deeply traumatized myself and my family,' she added. 'It's amazing you weren't shot,' Trump replied. 'I'm very blessed and that's why having this opportunity to stand here and share my story today Mr. President, thank you for now making D.C. safer for us, for our families,' replied the White House correspondent for the conservative outlet, NTD, which describes itself as a sister station to the right-wing Epoch Times. Reporter Iris Tao thanked President Donald Trump for deploying the National Guard to D.C. two years after she was attacked at gunpoint Trump ordered the deployment of more than 2,000 troops to D.C. as he described the capital as a crime-ridden wasteland Trump recently ordered the deployment of more than 2,000 National Guard troops to D.C. as he described the capital as a crime-ridden wasteland - even though data shows crime has been declining for the last two years after a pandemic rise. Tao recalled the attack in an essay for NTD, saying it happened just steps from her apartment in January, 2023. She said a man in a mask appeared 'out of nowhere' and demanded her phone, wallet, laptop, and phone password. Tao is the White House correspondent for the right-wing outlet New Tang Dynasty Television When Tao tried to protect her electronic devices, the man hit her on the face with the butt of his handgun, she said. Tao said she screamed for help and caught the attention of some neighbors who called the police. She wrote: 'Its been more than two years. Since then, Ive never walked the streets of DC alone at night. I Uber home every dayeven though my office is within walking distance. Im on high alert after dark, whether Im working or just meeting friends. Fear lives around every corner.' Tao added in her essay: 'So when friends ask, "Is D.C. safe?" I dont just share the stats. I share what happened to me.' Statistics published by Washingtons Metropolitan Police contradict the president's claim of the capital being crime-ridden. The data shows that violent crime has actually dropped in Washington since a post-pandemic peak in 2023. According to the data, homicides, robberies and burglaries are down so far this year when compared with the same period in 2024. Overall, violent crime is down 26 percent compared to last year. 'If he had shot me, I could have died right there in the middle of nowhere without my family or my friends knowing,' Tao said of the horrific ordeal Members of the West Virginia National Guard carry firearms while patrolling along the National Mall, weeks after Trump ordered National Guard and law enforcement to patrol the capital A recent Department of Justice report also shows violent crime is down 35 percent since 2023, returning to the previous trend of decreasing crime that puts the districts violent crime rate at its lowest in 30 years. That report shows that, when compared to 2023 numbers, homicides are down 32 percent, armed carjackings are down 53 percent and assaults with a dangerous weapon are down 27 percent. The citys statistics have come into question, however, after an investigation was launched into allegations that officials may have altered some of the data to make it look better. But Mayor Muriel Bowser stands by the data and said Trumps portrait of lawlessness is inaccurate. A Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives is gaining attention for her latest social media stunt. Valentina Gomez, running in the GOP primary for Texas' 31st congressional District posted a video on X Monday of her burning the Quran with a flamethrower. 'America is a Christian nation, so those terrorist Muslims can *** to any of the 57 Muslim nations. There is only one true God, and that is the God of Israel,' she said in the video. This isn't the first time Gomez has tried to make a national splash by courting controversy. Earlier this year, Gomez barged on stage during a Muslim event at the Texas Capitol, and used the occasion to decry Islam as the 'religion of rape, incest, and pedophilia, where they bow down to a stupid rock, and a false prophet.' Despite Gomez invoking Trump and painting herself as a MAGA candidate, he has not endorsed her. Per Federal Election Commission records, Gomez has raised just over $7,000 for her race as of June 30th. Gomez is running in the primary against GOP incumbent John R. Carter who has been office since 2003. Carter won his last election with nearly 65 percent of the vote. Gomez is one of nine candidates challenging Carter in the primary and is considered a long-shot. Gomez filmed herself with a flamethrower, burning the Quran in a video posted to X on Monday Valentina Gomez, running in the GOP primary for Texas ' 31st congressional District in known for her viral social media clips but has only raised $7,000 for her campaign During the 2024 election, Gomez turned heads with similar viral stunts during her failed run for secretary of state in Missouri. She finished sixth out of eight candidates in the race, taking home less than 8 percent of the vote. It is also not the first time Gomez has used a flamethrower to burn books. Last year, she shared footage of herself setting two pro-LGBTQ books on fire on X. 'When Im Secretary of State, I will BURN all books that are grooming, indoctrinating, and sexualizing our children. MAGA. America First,' she wrote along with the video. The candidate then followed up on her post, complaining that her clip was censored on Instagram and X as it was flagged as hateful conduct. Gomez also turned heads last year with another video where she told voters not to be 'weak and gay' 'In America, you can be anything you want, so dont be weak and gay,' Gomez said while jogging in a bulletproof vest in the video posted to her socials. 'Stay f***ing hard,' she added at the end of the clip. After taking a drubbing in her primary race, Gomez continued to make controversial posts. In December, she sparked outrage by sharing a graphic video simulating the public execution of a migrant. Gomez, who was born in Colombia, posted the video showing her shooting a hooded dummy restrained to a chair in the back of the head with a handgun. In that video, she noted: 'It's that simple, public executions for any illegal that rapes or kills an American. They don't deserve deportation, they deserve to be ended.' The video, which X also censored due to potentially violating their violent speech policy, continued to gain traction. Gomez does not appear to have an Instagram account after she was banned from the platform last year. Her rhetoric has also had adverse effects on her brother, who was fired from his job as a political appointee in the office of Democrat Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. Jonathan Gomez Noriega was dismissed last year after he was found to have donated to his sister's political campaign for Missouri Secretary of State. Donald Trump took time out of his hours-long Cabinet meeting on Tuesday to praise Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's latest project. The president showed off a printout given to him by the tech guru revealing the massive size of Facebook's new Artificial Intelligence data center. 'This is something given to me by Mark Zuckerberg,' he said holding up an image of an outline of the sprawling facility printed on a sheet of paper. The president said the new complex being built in Louisiana will cover a large swath of land amounting to more than four-fifths the size of Manhattan and claimed it would cost $50 billion. 'Actually Mark is building four of them,' he added, using the tech CEO's first name. 'But look at that that's the size of Manhattan,' Trump said in awe of the sheer size of the single building superimposed over New York City. 'It takes up a big part of Manhattan. I think they say 81 percent of Manhattan,' he added. Zuckerberg had dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago shortly after his reelection in November 2024. It was reported that the two met again at the Florida residence in January 2025. And Zuckerberg bought a $23 million home close to the White House in D.C. to keep close to Trump at the start of his second term. President Donald trump showed off an image on Tuesday with an outline of Meta's new AI data center superimposed over Manhattan taking up more than 80% of the island's land mass Since then, Meta has pledged to invest in the U.S. in light of Trump's sweeping tariffs. The president went on during the Cabinet meeting to applaud the CEO for building four of these data centers. The Louisiana center is expected to include nine buildings on a 2,250-acre plot. It will hold a significant power infrastructure, including three state-approved natural gas plants. It's estimated that it will cost $10 billion to build the massive facility to house Meta's AI servers. But Trump said on Tuesday the project is five times that, noting shock at the cost of constructing. 'I built shopping centers and for $50 million you can build a nice shopping center,' the real estate developer noted. 'When they said $50 billion for a plant I said what the hell kind of plant is that?' He also bragged to his Cabinet and reporters in the room for the meeting that the U.S. is 'leading China now on AI.' But later in the more than three-hour meeting, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum contradicted this by saying: 'China beating us in the AI arms race that's an existential threat.' Trump said that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg (pictured right) sent him the image of the massive facility being constructed in Louisiana 'We finally have a president who talks about it,' Burgum added. 'For the first time in history you can take electricity and you can convert it into intelligence. So it's flipped it's no longer knowledge is power, power is also knowledge.' 'And while we're ahead on the technology, we're way behind China on the amount of electricity they're bringing online,' he concluded. Trump said that other countries are moving their facilities to the U.S. to avoid tariffs including auto plants moving from Mexico, Canada and 'all over Europe.' 'So factories are booming,' he said. 'And when they actually open, you know right now they're booming in terms of construction.' A Chicago woman threatened the life of an ICE agent's child by saying she would shoot them in 'their f****** face,' prosecutors said. Joshalin Rivera, who made the vile comments, and Daishalie Urdiales were both charged with resisting a federal officer after ICE and other law enforcement agencies were carrying out arrests in the city on Sunday. According to a criminal complaint, a group of bystanders had been outside in the rear of a property in the West Side area, with Urdiales entering a home and asking if officers had a warrant to make arrests, the Chicago Sun Times reported. Urdiales is said to have exited the home and stood with Rivera when they both allegedly started shouting at an ICE officer. The complain says that Rivera shouted: 'I hope your kid dies a f****** miserable death, your f****** kid needs to get shot in the f****** face next b****.' 'They lucky I ain't got my s*** on me, I'd pop both of they a**, pop them right in their f****** face,' she allegedly continued, before adding: 'I'm busting all their f****** windows.' At the same time as the alleged threats were being made, a US Customs and Border Patrol officer reported hearing glass breaking on the street. The complaint said that after going outside, the officer saw the windows of his unmarked car had been shattered, with a inside the vehicle. Two women were charged with resisting a federal officer after ICE and other law enforcement agencies were carrying out arrests in Chicago on Sunday The incident occurred as President Trump threatened to deploy the National Guard to the Windy City, calling it 'a killing field' As officers asked who had smashed the window, two bystanders pointed towards Rivera, the complaint said. Rivera is alleged to have ran round a corner after being asked to 'come here' by an officer, while Urdiales allegedly tried to stop the officer from getting to Rivera. According to the complaint, Urdiales pushed the officer and grabbed an ammunition magazine from his chest before throwing it to the ground. During the alleged struggle, Rivera also pulled at the officer's neck and attempted to grab another officer's firearm, the complaint said. While being interviewed, Urdiales allegedly told officers that she did not know Rivera while adding that it wasn't Rivera who smashed the windows of the car. The two appeared in court on Monday before Magistrate Judge Young Kim, who denied a request from prosecutors to hold them in custody. The incident comes as President Trump threatened to deploy the National Guard to the Windy City, calling it 'a killing field.' Trump has long singled out Chicago, making it a recurring theme on the campaign trail in both 2016 and 2024. Federal Agents walk outside the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program office where ICE had detained people on June 4, 2025, in Chicago He has drawn controversial comparisons between the city and war zones like Afghanistan, and in 2017 he vowed to 'send in the feds' in response to gun violence. Democrat Illinois governor JB Pritzker told reporters on Tuesday: 'Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. You are neither wanted here nor needed here.' Flanked by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Pritzker added: 'This is not about fighting crime' adding that it's more about 'an arrogant little man' trying to 'intimidate his political rivals.' Trump unleashed the National Guard on Los Angeles earlier this year and most recently in Washington, DC. KEIR Starmer's Brexit chief will pledge to lock Britain into closer ties with the EU, despite warnings the plan amounts to a 'betrayal'. In a major speech on future relations with Brussels on Wednesday, Nick Thomas-Symonds will claim that closer alignment with EU rules is a 'necessary step' to boost economic growth. The Cabinet Office minister, a close ally of Sir Keir, was appointed last year to oversee Labour's 'reset' of relations with the EU. In his speech, he will pledge to go further, including committing to a new 'food and drink deal' with Brussels by 2027, which will permanently lock British producers into following EU regulations. Nigel Farage has vowed to scrap Labour's reset agreement with Brussels, arguing that it damages Britain's prospects for striking ambitious trade deals around the world. The Reform UK leader said the 'abject surrender' by Sir Keir had put Britain on a 'slippery slope' to rejoining the EU. Mr Thomas-Symonds will today warn that scrapping the deal would damage businesses hit by post-Brexit red tape. He will accuse Mr Farage of 'siding with the promise of more red tape, mountains of paperwork, and a bureaucratic burden', adding: 'Nigel Farage's manifesto at the next election will say in writing he wants to take Britain backwards, cutting at least 9 billion from the economy, bringing with it a risk to jobs and a risk of food prices going up.' Keir Starmer's Brexit chief Nick Thomas-Symonds will deliver his speech on Wednesday Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing claims of a Brexit 'betrayal' European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will today publish a new assessment suggesting that the reset deal will help some food businesses looking to trade with Europe. Whitehall sources said the value of Sir Keir's reset deal could eventually reach 9 billion. But it also involves signing up to controversial 'dynamic alignment' with EU regulations. This means that as well as agreeing to follow current EU rules, British producers will also have to adopt new Brussels regulations in their area in future, even though the UK will have no say in making them. Critics, including Boris Johnson, have warned the 'sell out' deal will make the UK a 'rule taker' with no choice but to accept a tide of new regulations from Brussels. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel last night said Labour was 'dragging us back into Brussels' arms'. 'Once again Labour are trying to justify their EU surrender - but the British public simply won't buy this betrayal,' she said. 'Keir Starmer is dragging us back into Brussels' arms, and looking to once again make this country a rule taker rather than a rule maker, having sold off our fishing communities in the process. 'The Conservatives will never stand by and let Labour undo the democratic will of this country. We will fight them at every step.' Mr Thomas-Symonds will today claim that the government's decision to align with EU rules is an example of 'sovereignty, exercised in the national interest'. A Whitehall source said that dynamic alignment as a 'a necessary step to boost growth, protect business, secure jobs and bring down food prices'. This year's reset deal included an agreement in principle to cut red tape on food and farming trade imposed by Brussels following Brexit in return for the UK agreeing to follow EU rules and allow continued access to British fishing waters. Today's report by Defra will warn that small food exporters face a 'competitive disadvantage' because they have struggled to cope with the new red tape. Mr Thomas-Symonds will pledge to finalise the new food and drink rules by 2027. But this could involve further concessions on the EU's demands for a new youth mobility scheme, which critics have branded a return to free movement by the back door. Donald Trump called for anyone who commits murder in Washington, D.C. to face the death penalty. The president insisted during his Cabinet meeting on Tuesday that he wasn't a dictator just because he knows 'how to stop crime' with his federal takeover of the D.C. police force. And to drive the message home, Trump is warning criminals that if they commit murder in the nation's capital, they might face the death penalty. 'It's a very strong preventative,' he said. 'I don't know if we're ready for it ... but we have no choice.' The last execution in D.C. was in 1957 when a jury mandated the death penalty for a man who killed an off-duty policy officer. Back when the city's murder rate was a higher in 1992, approximately 67 percent of D.C. residents voted against reinstating the death penalty after Congress ordered a referendum following the murder of a Senate aide in the city. Despite criticism and local pushback, Trump views his crime crackdown as successful and has floated bringing in forces to respond to violent crime in other cities, including Baltimore and Chicago. He said that Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker should be calling him up to 'ask for troops' and 'invite' him into the community but it remains unclear whether he'll choose to deploy the National Guard there or elsewhere. President Donald Trump called for the death penalty to be imposed against people convicted of murder in Washington, D.C. National Guard and federal agents were brought into Washington, D.C. this month as part of a federal takeover of the police force in Trump's push to crackdown on violent crime The Democrats like crime,' Trump said at the White House. 'They're against crime prevention.' Trump predicted that crime will be one of the biggest issues in the 2026 midterm elections. Earlier, he called left-wing cable network MSNBC worse than violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Bragging to reporters about his crackdown on crime in the District, the president cited a video of National Guard troops infiltrating a street gang, before joking it could have actually been employees for his least favorite news channel. 'They showed one scene where a bunch of Tren de Aragua guys or whatever, maybe MS-13, maybe MSDNC, okay? Because to me they're worse,' Trump said during the more than three-hour Cabinet meeting, eliciting laughter from the room. 'I think they're worse MSNBC may be as worse than (sic) Tren de Aragua,' the president said. 'Real scum, real scum real dishonest people.' The last two weeks have established a new normal where rifle-wielding members of the National Guard and federal agents with the FBI, DEA, ATF and DHS are seen patrolling the District's streets. More than 2,000 armed members of the National Guard are currently on duty in D.C. Flanked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and surrounded by his other Cabinet secretaries, Trump spoke on a range of topics at his meeting on Tuesday, including his initiative to end violent crime in D.C. Since the federal takeover began on August 7, 2025, the Justice Department claims there have been more than 1,000 arrests, including a significant number of immigration-related detainments. During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Trump detailed the National Guard he has brought in to patrol D.C. for violent crime are 'tough people' who have taken down gangs At least 300 people were taken into custody for lack of legal immigration status and 111 illegal firearms were seized in the first few weeks of the operation. Trump even paused the meeting to allow a member of the press to share her testimonial on how she was 'savagely mugged' and held at gunpoint. Iris Tao, a reporter with NTD News, explained how she was pistol whipped two years ago when she refused to hand over her phone, wallet and laptop to a man in a ski mask wielding a firearm. 'That has deeply traumatized myself and my family,' she divulged. 'It's amazing you weren't shot,' Trump replied. 'I'm very blessed and that's why having this opportunity to stand here and share my story today Mr. President, thank you for now making D.C. safer for us, for our families.' Trump then said that there are 'other reporters and journalists and good people' who have been 'attacked violently' in D.C. in an effort to exhibit how everyone is impacted by the crime. 'I bet you see a big difference on the street right now,' the president touted. A Delta Air Lines passenger claimed a flight attendant slapped him so loudly that it could be heard through noise-canceling headphones after he asked for a glass of water for his son. Mohammad Shibli and his lawyers held a press conference on Tuesday announcing their plans to sue the airline for roughly $9.5million - a day's worth of the company's profits - over the alleged assault. Shibli, his wife, and their sons, ages 4 and 2, were on a Delta flight from Atlanta to Fresno on July 29 when he claimed the unidentified female flight attendant slapped him across the face. He said the flight was delayed for roughly 20 minutes and during that time his two-year-old son started crying for water. Shibli said his wife tried asking for water first and when she was denied, he tried asking instead. 'The Delta attendant again refused using a very disrespectful tone,' he said. After, he claimed that the same flight attendant started doing drink service and when she reached his row, began acting aggressively. 'I made it very clear I didn't want anything from her. She insisted and kept leaning towards me. So, I asked her to leave me alone,' Shibli said. Mohammad Shibli (pictured) claimed he was slapped so loudly by a Delta flight attendant it could be heard through noise-canceling headphones Delta told the Daily Mail they are investigating the incident and the flight attendant has been suspended (stock image) Shibli said his wife tried asking for water first and when she was denied, he tried asking instead (stock image) 'She then asked if I wanted the police to meet me at the gate, insinuating that she was going to have me arrested. I asked her for what? She just ignored me and continued her service. 'As she walked back and forth to serve other passengers, she bumped into me with her body.' He then claimed: 'The Delta flight attendant then leaned closer to my ear and whispered a very vulgar word to me. 'I was shocked and couldn't believe a Delta employee would say such a disgusting word to me, let alone in front of my son. 'As she walked away, I stood up and verbally responded with a few bad words. 'It was at that time the Delta attendant took a few steps towards me and struck me with an open palm as hard as she could.' Shibli's lawyer, Ali Awad, read a statement at the press conference from a witness who claimed they heard a 'very loud smack' through their noise-cancelling headphones when the altercation happened. 'I was trapped on that plane for almost four hours. It was painful and embarrassing. And as a father, I looked helpless in front of my son. As a husband, I was humiliated. And as a passenger, I feared for the safety and security for myself and for my family,' Shibli said. Shibli's lawyer, Ali Awad (center), claimed Shibli's wife was wearing a Palestine shirt and demanded their airline have sensitivity training on how to treat Palestinians Awad also brought up a July 2024 incident when Delta posted a controversial response to a complaint over flight attendants wearing Palestinian flag lapels. The X account 'iliketeslas' posted photos of two attendants on different Delta flights wearing the pins on their uniforms, and suggested they made him feel unsafe. 'Since 2001 we take our shoes off in every airport because a terrorist attack in US soil,' he wrote. 'Now imagine getting into a Delta flight and seeing workers with Hamas badges in the air. What do you do?' 'I hear you as I'd be terrified as well, personally,' the airline tweeted in response. 'Our employees reflect our culture and we do not take it lightly when our policy is not being followed.' The post sparked a furious backlash of protest against equating the Palestinian flag with that of the Hamas terror organization and pledges to boycott the Atlanta based carrier. Awad claimed Shibli's wife was also wearing a shirt that said Palestine on it during their flight. 'So I ask you, is this a single isolated incident or is it a pattern of clear discrimination against Palestinians?' the lawyer said. Awad also brought up a July 2024 incident when Delta responded to a complaint over flight attendants wearing Palestinian flag lapels that they would be 'terrified' They plan to file their lawsuit later this week, demanding Delta require sensitivity training on Palestine and give Shibli a day of the company's profits, which based on it's 2024 report is approximately $9.5 million. Delta told the Daily Mail they are investigating the incident and the flight attendant has been suspended. 'As the safety and security of our customers and employees comes before all else, Delta launched an immediate internal investigation into this incident,' a spokesperson said. 'While Delta does not comment on internal investigations or pending litigation, we are taking this situation very seriously. This flight attendant has been suspended while the investigation is ongoing.' Wisconsin Democrats wasted no time cashing in on the biggest story rocking pop culture today Taylor Swift and Travis Kelces engagement. Hours after the power couple announced their engagement, Wisconsin state Senate Democrats sent out a fundraising email begging for money, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel first reported. The Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Committee told donors THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!! and begged supporters to send them money in order to honor the celebrity lovers. In a time when we are being bombarded with negative news, we welcome this moment of celebration. You know what will make this day even better? the email reads. If we got a step closer to FLIPPING the Wisconsin State Senate blue for the first time in a decade. The email asks, Will you join us in celebrating this moment by rushing $20.26 today and help Taylor's party win next November? The swing-state committee then misquotes the lyrics from Swifts 2010 song Long Live by writing, long live the walls we crash through, instead of long live the walls we crashed through. Swift's engagement to the Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver was announced on the star's Instagram page with photos of the couple surrounded by flowers. Wisconsin Democrats immediately tried to make money off of the pop culture news Trump congratulated the celebrity couple following the announcement Swift endorsed Kamala Harris back during the 2024 election During the last two presidential elections, Swift endorsed Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024. 'Im voting for Kamala Harris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them,' Swift wrote to her Instagram followers back in September. 'I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.' The Pennsylvania-born star has never expressed interest in Wisconsin Democratic politics. Trump has criticized Swift over the last month, claiming she is no longer hot and claimed he hated the pop star after she endorsed Harris last year. However, Trump changed his tune slightly following the announcement of the engagement by congratulating the couple. During a Wednesday White House cabinet meeting, a reporter asked the president for his thoughts on the shocking news. 'Well I wish them a lot of luck', Trump told the White House press. Swift has never been involved in Wisconsin Democratic state politics 'I think he's a great player and a great guy and I think she's a terrific person so I wish them a lot of luck.' The lie that crime is falling cannot continue to be told. Statistics show a year-on-year rise of just under 10,000 known crimes and offences. Thats ten thousand more incidents while Police Scotland have a thousand fewer officers to deal with them. Our cops are at breaking point. Their buildings are falling down about their ears due to decades of neglect, while ever-increasing numbers cannot be deployed operationally due to ill health. Calls to the 101 [non-emergency] service can take ridiculous lengths of time to get answered, leaving many actual crimes unreported as callers give up, while of those who do get through 80 per cent of the calls actually do not relate to crime. These non-crime calls are due to the failure of other public bodies in Scotland to provide a proper service those in distress contact the police as a last resort. And the rise in recorded crime shows very clearly that this position can no longer continue and that other services need to be responding to their own work. The police need to be allowed to be the police and focus on crime. No other agency does, or can. These 10,000 new crimes and offences contain worrying trends. Rates of domestic abuse have gone up according to latest figures Former Police Scotland superintendent Martin Gallagher MSP Angela Constance is Scotland's Justice Secretary There are 15 per cent more rape victims than last year and 26 per cent more victims of domestic abuse. These are real people who need the police more than ever. The trope that will no doubt be put forward by a senior police officer that it is encouraging more victims have come forward must be consigned to the bin for broken records. While victim numbers have been climbing for years, the police have been claiming this is due to their increased approachability. This needs to stop and there needs to be a harsh reality check. Something is wrong in Scottish society in relation to how we are treating each other, and the police need to stop making excuses about this. Until we do, we cannot find answers to why we are increasingly mistreating each other in the most abhorrent ways. There has also been a reported 17 per cent year-on-year increase in shoplifting. Everyone knows that the problem is far worse, and the rise is just in respect of crimes that our retailers have taken the time to tell the police about. It is obvious that without the deterrent of police on patrol and available to promptly attend calls, along with a soft touch approach to the few thieves who are actually caught, there has been a bold and brazen approach among those who want something for nothing. With no police to attend and shopkeepers along with the public paralysed by a fear that if they intervene to stop thieves, they will find themselves prosecuted we see the chaos of shelves being emptied into the arms of neer do wells. The more this behaviour goes unchallenged, the worse it will get. We seem to be entering a vicious spiral of the fewer police we do have feeling powerless and overwhelmed with crime rising around them, making them feel more powerless and overwhelmed. This can be turned around. Our politicians need to make other services take responsibilities, such as mental health issues, away from the police and put them where they should belong. There needs to be a clear mission articulated by the Chief Constable that the police have one central priority the prevention and detection of crime. We need to free our cops up from needless bureaucracy and get them back on the street. We also need politicians to look at the regulations around the ever-growing number of officers who cannot get outside and make arrests, for example due to ill health. Cops who cannot go out in bad weather need to have a reasonable exit package provided. The streets are cold but its where our cops need to be. Until you have more of them out there focused on crime, victim numbers will continue to rise. Martin Gallagher is a former superintendent with Police Scotland, who served as area commander of Paisley. President Donald Trump offered a strange compliment to one of his top Cabinet leaders on Tuesday. While meeting with Cabinet members at the White House, the president began riffing on how looks do not matter in politics before making quite clear they did - especially to him. He first took a shot at top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, saying he looked like he was 100 years old and then pivoted to complimenting Attorney General Pam Bondi. 'Look at Pam, I would never say she was beautiful because that would be the end of my political career,' Trump offered, describing his 59-year-old blonde attorney general. Laughter filled the jam-packed Cabinet room. The off-the-cuff remark about Bondi indicated a lighter way for Trump to express support for his attorney general, who has faced brutal backlash from the MAGA movement over her botched promise to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. Last week, Trump boasted that Bondi would go down in history as 'the best attorney general we've ever had.' Tuesday's incident is not the first time a top White House leader has complimented Bondi's looks. United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks as US President Donald J Trump listens during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi attends a press conference at the U.S. Attorney's Office on August 25, 2025 in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough in New York City 'You know, she looks like Barbie. She's blonde and beautiful, and I think people will underestimate her because of how she looks,' White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles told the New Yorker. Wiles also added at the time that Bondi has 'got nerves of steel, and she has stood up to some withering situations with a fair amount of grace.' Previously, Trump expressed exasperation about the Epstein files, lashing out on Truth Social to defend his administration, if not Bondi in particular. 'We have a PERFECT Administration, THE TALK OF THE WORLD, and 'selfish people' are trying to hurt it, all over a guy who never dies, Jeffrey Epstein,' Trump wrote on his social media site Truth Social. He added that America should 'not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody nobody cares about.' But in an extremely rare sight, the response from his Truth Social followers to the post was furious. The vast majority of the most upvoted comments came from those who objected to his Epstein argument. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks as President Donald Trump holds a cabinet meeting with members of his administration in the Cabinet Room of the White House on August 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. This was the seventh Cabinet meeting of Trump's second term U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi attends a Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 26, 2025 Conservative podcaster Megyn Kelly, a one-time Trump enemy turned ally during the 2024 election wrote on X that she was 'sure it's a relief for Pam Bondi to hear the president is still in her corner. Unfortunately, huge swaths of the party are not. She repeatedly misled on Epstein. Then didn't have the courage to explain herself. Suddenly, she's camera shy & no Qs allowed. Good luck!' The drama in the Department of Justice may only be building as Trump announced last week that Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey would be the FBI's co-deputy director alongside Dan Bongino, who is reportedly looking at leaving the agency soon. Scotland is in the grip of an epidemic of crime with an average of one offence recorded every minute. The deeply alarming rise comes amid brutal and sustained cuts which have led to a slump in officer numbers. Nearly 490,000 crimes were recorded in the year up to June, up from almost 480,000 in the previous year. Yet Justice Secretary Angela Constance responded to the figures which include a rise in violent crime by claiming Scotland continues to be a safe place to live. Last night Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: The buck stops with the SNP, who have undermined our police and left our justice system at breaking point. Among the shocking statistics revealed in the shameful recorded crime figures published by the SNP Government were: A 15 per cent rise in rape and attempted rape, which campaigners said was fuelled by the lowest conviction rate of any crime type in Scotland; A rise of almost a fifth in shoplifting in the past year a 124 per cent hike since 2021 as retailers warn of growing levels of abuse towards shop workers; An increase in non-sexual crimes of violence to nearly 72,000 in the past year, 12 per cent higher than in 2020/21; A surge of more than a quarter in domestic abuse reports in the past year and a rise of 27 per cent in the sharing of indecent photos of children. Official figures showed there was around 56 crimes per hour Police Scotland chief constable Jo Farrell The official figures showed there were 487,674 crimes in the year to June 2025 about 56 per hour up from 477,927 the previous year. Non-sexual crimes were 1 per cent higher compared to the year ending June 2024 (increasing from 71,349 to 71,915 ), and 12 per cent higher compared to the year ending June 2021 (increasing from 64,080 to 71,915). Sexual crimes including rape were five per cent higher compared to the year ending June 2024 (increasing from 14,417 to 15,129), and nine per cent higher compared to the year ending June 2021 when there were 13,939. Crimes of dishonesty including fraud, housebreaking and shoplifting are up from 112,384 to 112,421 in the past year 26 per cent higher compared to the year ending June 2021, when there were 89,259. On shoplifting, David Lonsdale of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: We know from member feedback thieves are becoming bolder and more aggressive. Incidents of sharing indecent photos of children rose by 27 per cent compared to the previous year (from 707 to 898 crimes). The rise comes as police officer numbers under the SNP Government have fallen to 16,427 at the end of June this year, from a peak of around 17,500 in 2013, when the single force was formed. The hike in officer numbers meant the civilian staff payroll had to be slashed and years of budget cuts have followed. Rates of shoplifting have soared in the past year, the figures revealed Justice Secretary Angela Constance said Scotland was a safe place to live The Association of Scottish Police Superintendents has warned that Police Scotland bosses will have to choose between cutting manpower or salaries for the rank-and-file. Writing in todays Mail, former Police Scotland superintendent Martin Gallagher says: Our cops are at breaking point Police Scotland has been criticised for its proportionate response strategy which critics say amounts to a refusal to investigate all crimes. Figures in June showed 13,445 crime reports had been directly filed or effectively written off in 2023/24. These are said to be minor crimes. Mr Kerr said the rise in crime is the consequence of the SNPs brutal and sustained police cuts and weak sentencing policies. Scottish Labour justice spokesman Pauline McNeill called the rise in domestic abuse and sexual violence shameful and added: Our communities have been made less safe. But Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: Scotland continues to be a safe place to live with reported crime falling by more than half since 1991. This year we will invest 4.2billion across the justice system including a record 1.64billion for policing. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed that the intelligence community has found more secret documents related to the possible links between the Trump 2016 presidential campaign and menacing Russia forces that dogged the president's first term. 'We are finding documents literally tucked away in the back of safes in random offices, in these bags and in other areas which, again, speaks to the intent of those who are trying to hide the truth from the American people,' Gabbard said. She added that the documents revealed the 'politicization' of intelligence led by Director of the Central Intelligence Agency John Brennan and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper that led to 'immeasurable harm' to the American people. Trump questioned Gabbard about the new documents that were discovered and also hinted that there were new documents surrounding the 2020 election. 'Mr. President, I will be the first to brief you once we have that information collected,' Gabbard said. 'We look forward to hearing it. The public looks forward,' Trump replied. An administration source confirmed to the Daily Mail that the documents found by the intelligence community were separate from the documents found by FBI Director Kash Patel, as the investigation continues. U.S. President Donald Trump attends a cabinet meeting with members of his administration U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard speaks as President Donald Trump holds a cabinet meeting Since publicly raising the existence of these documents, Gabbard has alleged that intelligence was politicized and manipulated to justify a years-long effort to undermine her boss' 2016 victory. However, some legal experts and bipartisan bodies have pointed out that while errors and procedural misconduct occurred within the FBIs investigative process, no conclusive evidence has surfaced proving a coordinated conspiracy to fabricate intelligence or subvert the 2016 election results. Nonetheless, Gabbard has promised that transparency will drive 'true accountability,' earning her plaudits from the president, who described her as a 'bigger and bigger star every day.' Patel recently announced on Fox News that he uncovered 'thousands and thousands of Russia hoax documents' inside burn bags found in a secret room at the FBI Hoover Building. A burn bag is a government tool used to burn, shred, and destroy classified evidence. Other hard drives with secret documents related to the case were discovered, Patel revealed, prompting him to turn over the documents to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley. Patel said he could not confirm or deny what information was in the bags but that they included documents from former FBI officials connected to what Trump officials call 'Russiagate.' It remains unclear what specific actions the Senate committee might take or whether any of the documents will eventually be made public, given their potentially classified nature. Nigel Farage today vowed to introduce US-style raids to track down illegal immigrants living in Britain. It was part of a tough plan unveiled by the Reform UK leader to deport as many as 600,000 if he wins power. Under the proposals set out by Mr Farage, immigration enforcement teams would stage 'large-scale raids' similar to the crackdown by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Donald Trump to 'relentlessly identify and detain all illegal migrants'. He also revealed that women and children who arrive in the UK in small boats would be detained and removed as well as men, promising as many as five deportation flights taking off every day and returns deals sought with countries around the world, including even Taliban-run Afghanistan. Mr Farage described the arrival of 180,000 people across the Channel since the crisis began as an 'invasion' and accused the UK and French governments of 'colluding in their support of criminal activity' because Border Force give life jackets back to the French so they can be re-used in future crossings. And he said he was the 'last shot' at illegal migration being stopped after the 'total failure' of Rishi Sunak's 'stop the boats' plan and the fact that Sir Keir Starmer's 'smash the gangs' was 'never ever going to work'. It came as latest Home Office figures showed that another 871 migrants arrived in 13 boats over the Bank Holiday weekend, taking the total since Labour won the election to more than 52,000. Mr Farage, at Oxford airport on a stage adorned with mock departure boards for deportation flights, said: 'The only way we will stop the boats is by detaining and deporting absolutely anyone that comes via that route. Nigel Farage (pictured at the launch of Reform UK's plan to deport asylum seekers on Tuesday) has vowed to introduce US-style raids to track down illegal immigrants living in Britain Mr Farage, on a stage adorned with mock departure boards for deportation flights, said he would detain and deport 'absolutely anyone' that comes to Britain via small boat The Reform leader's plans are similar to the crackdown by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Donald Trump (pictured) 'If we do that, the boats will stop coming within days, because there will be no incentive to pay a trafficker to get into this country.' And, after a weekend that saw dozens of protests against asylum hotels, he warned: 'The mood in the country around this issue is a mix between total despair and rising anger. 'Without action, without somehow the contract between the Government and the people being renewed, without some trust coming back, then I fear deeply that that anger will grow. 'In fact, I think there is now, as a result of this, a genuine threat to public order.' At the major policy launch, Reform UK produced an eight-page guide to 'Operation Restoring Justice', described as a 'five-year emergency programme' it would enact if it wins the next election. It would combine an 'uncompromising legal reset' involving the repeal of human rights laws and Britain's withdrawal from major international treaties with a 'relentless foreign policy campaign' to agree returns deals. Under a new UK Deportation Command, all illegal migrants would be held and deported, including those already living here. A 'cutting edge' Illegal Migrant Identification Centre would 'automatically share' data between the Home Office, police, NHS, HMRC and DVLA to find those working in the black market. Mr Farage produced an eight-page guide to 'Operation Restoring Justice', which was described as a 'five-year emergency programme' Reform would enact if it wins power Mr Farage warned that 'the mood in the country around this issue is a mix between total despair and rising anger' Mr Trump has given ICE teams extra numbers, powers and hardware to combat the estimated 11million illegal population in the United States. The Trump administration says more than 127,000 individuals have been deported since the blitz began. Before Reform's 'large-scale raids' would begin, however, those with no right to live in the UK would be given six months in which to take advantage of 'voluntary returns', using a smartphone app to arrange a free flight home and 2,500. Secure Immigration Removal Centres will be built to house up to 24,000 detainees before they can be returned, with Mr Farage confirming: 'Yes, women and children, everybody on arrival will be detained.' Reform said its plan would cost only 10billion over five years and would save 42billion over a decade as asylum hotels are closed and the burden on Border Force reduced figures that came under scrutiny. Downing Street stopped short of criticising the detail of Mr Farage's plans and even suggested the Government could seek its own deals with pariah regimes such as the Taliban. The Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters: 'We're not going to take anything off the table in terms of striking returns agreements with countries around the world.' Mr Trump has given ICE teams (pictured on a street in Chicago, Illinois) extra numbers, powers and hardware to combat the estimated 11million illegal population in the United States The Prime Minister's official spokesman told reporters that they were 'not going to take anything off the table in terms of striking returns agreements with countries around the world' No 10 did rule out leaving the European Convention on Human Rights. Labour Party chairman Ellie Reeves said: 'Nigel Farage can't say where his detention centres will be, can't say what will happen to women and children, and can't say how he'll convince hostile regimes like Iran to take people back.' Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'Farage's "immigration plan" looks very familiar. We set out our Deportation Bill months ago. He's copied our homework but missed the lesson.' And while Reform vowed to pull out of the ECHR and repeal the Human Rights Act, lawyers said asylum-seekers would still have legal redress and the entire scheme could be challenged under judicial review. Tonight, in a blow to Sir Keir's hopes of cutting the Channel crossings, it was reported that the potential collapse of the French government could jeopardise plans for gendarmes to enter the water to stop migrant boats. The Times said the tougher French maritime law is at risk as a result of a confidence vote in the minority administration of PM Francois Bayrou next month. The law allows French officers to thwart departures within 300 yards of the shore. Nigel Farage has unveiled his flagship plan for mass deportations if he becomes prime minister. Known as Operation Restoring Justice, it would see anyone who arrives by small boat banned from claiming asylum in the UK, detained then deported along with many others who have already settled in the country illegally. Reform UK claims it would involve an outlay of 10 billion over five years and end up saving taxpayers as much as 42 billion over a decade as asylum hotels are closed. The Daily Mail looks at the key points, costs and feasibility of each aspect. Nigel Farage (pictured) has unveiled his flagship plan for mass deportations if he becomes prime minister Migrant families wade into the sea in an attempt to board a small boat on August 12, 2025 in Gravelines, France Reform UK claims it would involve an outlay of 10 billion over five years and end up saving taxpayers as much as 42 billion over a decade ASYLUM BAN Anyone who enters Britain illegally, such as by small boat across the Channel or hidden in a lorry, would be deemed ineligible for asylum under Reforms Illegal Migration (Mass Deportation) Bill. The party claims this means the Home Office, immigration tribunals and higher courts could not even consider claims. This could be done, as a similar law was passed by the previous Conservative government, preventing migrants who arrived after March 7, 2023, from being granted protection. However, it merely created a large cohort of people left in limbo as the vast majority were not deported. COMPULSORY DETENTION All those who arrive in dinghies would be detained until they are deported, costing an estimated 2 billion over five years. This would be a major change from the current situation, under which immigration detention is used as a last resort and most illegal migrants are housed either in hotels or in rented accommodation. Reform UK says it will create powers to allow far longer detention by disapplying the Hardial Singh principles, named after a landmark 1983 case, which activist lawyers use to secure their clients bail. This attempt to overrule a long-established legal precedent would likely be an early focus of legal challenges to Reforms plan. REMOVAL CENTRES Mr Farage, on a stage adorned with mock departure boards for deportation flights, said he would 'detain and deporting absolutely anyone' that comes to Britain via small boat Nigel Farage has vowed to introduce US-style raids to track down illegal immigrants living in Britain There are currently only around 2,000 beds in the UKs seven Immigration Removal Centres but Reform wants to create capacity for 24,000 detainees within 18 months, including women and children. It has budgeted for 2 billion to be spent on detention construction over five years. It wants to build new Secure Immigration Removal Centres (SIRC) in remote parts of the country with basic but not punitive conditions and robust perimeters to prevent escapes. But Reform will not say where the sites will be, for fear that the Government will buy up the land, and experts question where acceptable locations could be found. Most of the last Tory governments attempts to create large holding centres for migrants ended in failure, with a recent report by MPs claiming 100 million was wasted. The Bibby Stockholm barge was abandoned, while locals and Nigel Farage objected to proposals to use the former Dambusters base, RAF Scampton, in Lincolnshire. DEPORTATION FLIGHTS The Home Office would put on five charter flights a day under Reforms plans, with the RAF keeping one Voyager aircraft as a hot spare if a commercial charter breaks down. The party says it will spend 1.5 billion over the course of the Parliament on charter flights, escorts and logistics. But former Border Force director general Tony Smith said: Theyre going to have to use military aircraft because they wont be able to get enough commercial ones, but they will have to be adapted because they dont have enough seats. Home Office sources say that most current enforced deportation flights only carry about 50 people, each requiring one or two escorts to guard them. If Reform wants to deport as many as 288,000 people a year, as senior party figure Zia Yusuf stated, they would need to put more than 150 people on each flight and have five taking off every day of the year. RETURN DEALS Your browser does not support iframes. Recent weeks have seen protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers across Britain, including at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, pictured, on August 8, 2025 People in protesting under the Abolish Asylum System slogan in Epping town centre on August 24, 2025 One of the biggest differences between Reforms plan and those of the Tories and Labour is its desire to deport people to any country in the world. Currently, the UK rarely sends illegal migrants back to places where they risk being persecuted, tortured or executed but Reform has said it has no such qualms. It pointed out that Germany has begun deporting criminals to Taliban-run Afghanistan, and would also seek deals with the Iranian regime and the dictatorship of Eritrea. Reform would make securing new returns deals the Foreign Offices top priority and use a carrot and stick approach, with more aid money given to countries that co-operate while visas will be withheld and even sanctions considered for those that refuse. It plans to set aside 2 billion over five years for diplomatic incentives. Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at Oxford University, said deals with the Taliban would be unpopular with the public and risked damaging Britains international reputation, which could jeopardise existing arrangements with countries such as France. She added that getting countries to accept their citizens is a major issue, even with a returns deal, particularly when a migrant has destroyed their passport and their country will not issue a new one. THIRD COUNTRIES Under Nigel Farage's Reform party, the Foreign Office would also rapidly negotiate agreements with so-called third countries to accept migrants who cannot be sent home Rwanda is now taking migrants from the US in a deal with Donald Trump (pictured), in what will also be seen as a boost to Reform Under a Reform government, the Foreign Office would also rapidly negotiate agreements with so-called third countries to accept migrants who cannot be sent home. It will look to revive the Tory-era agreement to send small-boat migrants to Rwanda on a one-way ticket, which was thwarted by the courts, and seal an agreement with Albania, which already has a successful returns deal for its citizens with the UK but has said it is not interested in taking others. Reform also said it will use British Overseas Territories as a strategic fallback, singling out Ascension Island in the South Atlantic, whose isolated airfield can accommodate Airbuss A330 aircraft but, with a population of just 900, would need accommodation building and has no major hospital. When a similar an idea was mooted by then home secretary Suella Braverman in 2023, it was revealed that ministers were told it would cost in the region of 1 million for each migrant sent to the island, such is the required investment in infrastructure. Although it could be costly and time-consuming to agree deals with third countries, it might be possible, particularly if a Reform government was no longer bound by adverse court rulings. Rwanda is now taking migrants from the US in a deal with Donald Trump, in what will also be seen as a boost to Reform. RAIDS ON MIGRANTS A group of people, believed to be migrants, are pictured on a small boat near Gravelines, northern France A group of people thought to be migrants being brought to the Border Force compound in Dover Kent, on August 11, 2025 Another proposal based on President Trumps approach would be large-scale raids to find illegal immigrants already living in Britain. Immigration enforcement action already exists in the UK, with the Home Office recently arresting 280 people suspected of working illegally for food delivery firms many of them living in asylum hotels. However, Reform wants to identify and detain all illegal migrants in the UK through an Illegal Migrant Identification Centre within its new UK Deportation Command. It would involve far greater co-operation and automatic data-sharing between the authorities including the NHS, HMRC and DVLA to find people who have no right to live in the UK. Reforms policy document said it would introduce mandatory biometric capture such as fingerprints being taken in all police encounters and said in the past many people had slipped through the net because warrants covered only a single property. Increased raids would likely lead to angry protests on the streets, as has happened in the US. A decade ago, Home Office vans had their tyres slashed and paintwork scratched in east London while officials were pelted with eggs as they tried to round up suspected illegal immigrants working in a shop. VOLUNTARY RETURNS In addition to introducing far tougher enforcement, Reform would also encourage illegal immigrants to leave the UK of their own accord. It said it will allow a six-month assisted voluntary return window before large-scale raids begin and offer people a financial incentive to self-deport. Migrants would be given 2,500 as well as a free flight home, with a smartphone app developed to make it easy to sign up. The Home Office already provides money to migrants and facilitates returns, with almost 12,000 taking place in 2024, but Reform wants as many people as possible to leave voluntarily as it is cheaper than detention and deportation. LEGAL REFORMS An aerial photograph shows inflatable dinghies believed to have been used by migrants to cross the Channel and stored in a Port Authority yard in Dover A horizontal view of small boats and engines used by people thought to be migrants to cross the channel at a warehouse facility in Dover Another area where Reform wants to go further than the Labour Government or the Tories is by pulling out of international treaties in order to avoid its policies being overturned in the courts. It says it will disapply the 1951 Refugee Convention, the UN Convention Against Torture and the Council of Europe Anti-Trafficking Convention which could be used by activist judges to frustrate deportations. A Reform government would also repeal Labours Human Rights Act and withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, which has been blamed for allowing many illegal migrants and foreign criminals to remain in the UK by telling judges their right to a family life would be breached by deportation. The plans would undoubtedly face challenges in the House of Lords, but former government lawyer Sir Jonathan Jones KC told the Financial Times: A government with the necessary backing in Parliament could repeal the Human Rights Act and other relevant domestic law. However, experts say that, even without human rights law, asylum seekers facing detention or deportation would still have legal redress in the UK. Leading human rights barrister Shoaib M. Khan told the Daily Mail: English common law provides fundamental protections including habeas corpus, allowing individuals to contest unlawful detention, and judicial review which can scrutinise decisions for illegality, procedural unfairness, or irrationality. He added that the entire scheme could even be halted if a judicial review (JR) in the High Court was successful. For mass or systematic removal schemes, a policy-wide JR is generally more effective than challenging individual decisions, as it can halt multiple removals simultaneously and secure interim relief while the legality of the policy is examined. A teenage girl who was shot in the head during a road rage incident was kept on life support as a medical team delivered her baby via C-section after the tragedy. Katelynn Strate, 17, was attacked on Sunday morning as she and her boyfriend were driving to his mother's house in Louisiana. On the drive, the pair encountered another motorist driving in the same direction, and both cars began tailgating and brake checking one another, according to Nola.com. The driver of the second car, identified as 54-year-old Barry West, approached Strate and her boyfriend, firing a gun through the car which struck the 17-year-old, who was sitting in the passenger seat. The bullet was lodged in her skull and she was rushed to hospital, where she was placed on life support as her medical team attempted to save her baby. The baby, a little girl, was delivered at seven months gestation - two months early - weighing three pounds, 11 ounces and in otherwise perfect health. Strate will not recover from her injuries, her devastated loved ones said. Her family was expected to take her off life support today and preparations are underway for her funeral. Katelynn Strate, 17, was attacked on Sunday morning as she and her boyfriend were driving to his mother's house in Louisiana The bullet was lodged in her skull and she was rushed to hospital, where she was placed on life support as her medical team attempted to save her baby '[Her] mother is devastated,' family friend Katie Cancienne told the publication. 'She just lost her baby, and now she's a grandmother.' Strate's organs will be donated, Cancienne revealed in a tragic update sharing a GoFundMe appeal to raise money for baby supplies. West has been charged with attempted second-degree murder. It is understood he told police he thought the other car had fired at him first, but police have found no evidence to support that. No gun was found in Strate's car. Strate and her partner had recently celebrated the impending birth of their daughter with a gender reveal party. Strate is unlikely to recover from her injuries. Her family is expected to take her off life support today Strate and her partner had recently celebrated the impending birth of their daughter with a gender reveal party Pictures captured the moment they realized they were having a little girl. 'They just had a dynamic where you could tell there was genuine love there,' Cancienne said. 'The world's not going to be the same kind of place without her.' Archaeologists may have found evidence of an advanced civilization wiped out by a global flood 20,000 years ago, a discovery that could rewrite human history. Excavations at Tell Fara in Iraq during the 1930s revealed settlements dating back more than 5,000 years, in a period known for the emergence of cuneiform writing, centralized rule and complex urban organization. Tell Fara has long been considered a key Sumerian city-state, offering vital clues about early civilization, trade networks and administrative practices. But beneath the settlements, researchers discovered a thick layer of yellow clay and sand - an 'inundation layer' - indicating a massive flood that predates the known settlements. Such deposits typically settle on already-inhabited ground, raising the possibility that an even older civilization may have been buried and erased by cataclysmic waters. Similar flood deposits have been documented at Ur and Kish in Mesopotamia, Harappa in the Indus Valley, and even at ancient Nile settlements in Egypt. The recurrence of these catastrophic layers across multiple continents suggests entire communities worldwide may have been wiped out by sudden floods, leaving only myths and fragmentary archaeological traces. Independent researcher Matt LaCroix told the Daily Mail that geological records indicate a global disaster roughly 20,000 years ago. 'Nothing in the last 11,000 years even comes close to explaining it,' he said. Excavations at Tell Fara in Iraq during the 1930s revealed settlements dating back more than 5,000 years, in a period known for the emergence of cuneiform writing, centralized rule and complex urban organization Pictured is a cuneiform tablet. This one was is around 4,500 years old and includes information about Mesopotamia from between 2500 BC and 100 AD He added that abrupt climate events could have triggered floods powerful enough to inspire myths found across cultures. 'A global catastrophe of this magnitude could have destroyed entire communities, leaving only fragments of culture and memory behind.' Ice core records reveal abrupt climate swings, including the Younger Dryas cooling around 12,800 years ago, which some researchers believe may have triggered catastrophic floods. But most scientists argue that while the Younger Dryas caused major regional climate shifts, there is no evidence it produced a single global flood or wiped out an advanced civilization, making the theory widely viewed as fringe. Critics note that most humans during the Upper Paleolithic were small, nomadic hunter-gatherer groups, leaving little direct evidence for complex societies at this time. While mainstream scientists dismiss a global flood at this period, LaCroix contended that the evidence points to an earlier, far larger catastrophe. He dated the cataclysm to roughly 20,000 years ago, not through direct archaeological finds, but by correlating geological records with global catastrophic markers. To do this, he examined ice cores, tree rings, volcanic debris and geomagnetic excursions to pinpoint periods of extreme worldwide disruption, then cross-referenced those with ancient flood myths and astronomical alignments. Artifacts found beneath the inundation layers, including proto-cuneiform tablets, polychrome jars and Fara II-style bowls, point to a far more sophisticated society than previously recognized. Archaeologists who uncovered the site said the ancient people may have been given a warning about the flood, as they only found a small number of skeletons (pictured) He maintained that these natural records reflect the same event described in ancient flood traditions. In his view, disasters 12,000 to 14,500 years ago, such as the Younger Dryas, were significant but too regional in scale to match the widespread devastation described in ancient accounts. By ruling out those later events and combining multiple strands of indirect evidence, he concluded that only a much earlier catastrophe, possibly more than 20,000 years ago, fits both the geological record and the cultural memory preserved in myths. If correct, this timeline would push the origins of civilization back by at least 8,000 years, challenging the standard view that places the first cities around 5,000 to 6,000 years ago. Ancient Sumerian texts describe Suruppak as a 'pre-diluvial city,' home to Ziusudra, the Sumerian equivalent of Noah. LaCroix suggested the alignment of flood deposits at Tell Fara, Ur, and Kish with these legends is 'not merely a coincidence, it points to a shared memory of real catastrophic events.' Independent researchers analyzed images from the site, which showed intricate seals from a forgotten civilization they believe could be around 20,000 years od Evidence from the Upper Paleolithic period shows humans 20,000 years ago lived as nomadic hunter-gatherers, forming small, interconnected groups that relied on stone, bone, and wood tools. Yet the artifacts found beneath the inundation layers, including proto-cuneiform tablets, polychrome jars and Fara II-style bowls, pointed to a far more sophisticated society than previously recognized. Sharp differences between artifacts above and below the flood deposits suggest an abrupt cultural break, as if an entire civilization had been erased and later rebuilt. Lead archaeologist Erick Schmidt, from the Penn Museum, noted that excavations revealed settlement layers up to 6ft deep. He wrote: 'One of our most interesting problems is now, has the rising of the waters completely destroyed towns, men and beasts?' Schmidt added that if remains of humans or animals are never found, it might indicate that populations were warned and fled before the catastrophe. 'Has the culture, existing prior to this event, been completely erased at this locality, or, speaking archaeologically, is there an absolute culture break expressed by the total difference between the remains below and above the alluvial layer?' he wrote. LaCroix and others have proposed that this lost culture could have been part of a global network, leaving behind only myths, shared symbols, and catastrophic flood stories that resonate from Mesopotamia to Egypt and even Peru. 'This could explain why so many civilizations tell similar flood stories, the memory of a real, devastating event that reshaped the human world,' said LaCroix. We already know Apple is secretly preparing its first ever foldable iPhone. But now, keen tech fans have just got a new hint at what it may look like. According to a leak from a veteran Apple analyst, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the 'iPhone Fold' will see some major design changes. And Mr Gurman claims that anyone who tries the new foldable device will 'never want to go back'. iPhone Fold, as it's being referred to, will have four cameras, a barely-noticeable crease and Touch ID, the leaker claims. Although it has been rumoured for years, it now looks almost certain that Apple is planning to unveil the folding iPhone in September 2026. Early rumours suggested that the device would use a vertical 'flip-phone' style design, but it appears that Apple will opt for a larger, horizontal book-style phone. That means the foldable iPhone will likely look a lot more like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, rather than something like the Motorola Razr 60 Ultra. According to a leak from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the new folding iPhone will open up like a book and ditch Face ID in favour of Touch ID to keep the display as thin as possible. Pictured: An AI-generated impression of what the device might look like The folding iPhone is expected to have a similar design to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (pictured), which opens like a book One of the biggest changes could be that the folding device will ditch Face ID in favour of Touch ID - a major break from every recent iPhone model. Touch ID uses a fingerprint reader to unlock the device, while Face ID uses facial recognition. According to Mr Gurman, the sensors required for Face ID are simply too large to fit Apple's new radically thin design. Instead of using their face to open the device, Apple users will instead use a fingerprint to access their device. For the same reason, Apple is reportedly planning to drop the SIM slot, meaning that the device will be eSIM. Earlier rumours have suggested that the folding iPhone is targeting a thickness of 4.8mm unfolded, which would make it a bit thicker than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 (4.2mm) but significantly slimmer than the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, which comes in at 5.2mm. However, given that the thinner Galaxy Z Fold 7 does have a SIM tray, it's not entirely clear why Apple would insist on going eSIM only. As with earlier rumours, Mr Gurman also claims that the folding iPhone will feature four cameras: two on the back, one on the front display, and one on the inner display. These main cameras are also likely to come in at 48 megapixels, the same as the main camera on the iPhone 16 Pro. Although it has not been officially confirmed, it is believed that Apple will unveil the folding iPhone in September next year At an expected thickness of 4.8mm unfolded, the folding iPhone will be significantly thinner than the similarly designed Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold (pictured), which measures 5.2mm thick Once seen as a pioneer of smartphone design, Apple has been noticeably behind the curve on foldables. Companies like Motorola, Samsung, Google, and Chinese firms like Xiaomi have already released multiple generations of foldables. According to Mr Gurman, this delay has been caused by Apple's obsessive quest to reduce the size of the screen crease. On almost all folding devices, the crease over the hinge where the screen folds is visible even when the display is unfolded. Mr Gurman says: 'Apple recently made a change to the screen technology in its foldable iPhone.' Instead of using an 'on-cell touch sensor' which leaves an air gap between the screen and the cover, Apple is opting for an 'in-cell touch screen'. This is much closer to the display technology found in iPhones today and should make the crease much less obvious while also improving touch accuracy. Not much else is known about the folding iPhone's design, but Mr Gurman suggests that it'll be available in two colours: black and white. According to Apple analysts, the iPhone fold will come after the release of the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro this year, which may come in some unusual colours. Pictured: A digital render of what the iPhone 17 Pro may look like Apple is also expected to release the iPhone Air. Leaked images by tipsters show the iPhone Air (right) next to a model of an iPhone 17 (left) Additionally, the device may include Apple's own C2 modem chipset, rather than the Qualcomm chips found in most other smartphones. However, until we see the device next year, Apple's plans may well change, and there isn't much that can be said for certain. These leaked details of the folding iPhone come ahead of what Mr Gurman calls 'three straight years of major iPhone redesigns'. This will likely begin with the release of the exceptionally thin iPhone Air, to be launched alongside the iPhone 17 this September. This release will supposedly be followed by the folding iPhone in 2026 and, finally, the release of the iPhone 20 in 2027. The iPhone 20, according to Mr Gurman, will be released to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. Mr Gurman says: 'This design will finally break from the squared-off slab weve lived with since 2020 and move to an approach with curved glass edges all around.' With its pointed peak and wide brim, it looks like nothing discovered on Mars before. In fact, this Martian rock, newly spotted by NASA's Perseverance rover, is leaving people baffled with its hat-like appearance. The bizarre feature, snapped on Mars' ancient Jezero Crater, is being likened to the 'sorting hat' from Harry Potter. On Reddit, it's also being compared with a helmet, a volcano, a codpiece and Marvin the Martian. One commentator joked: 'Its quite obviously the helmet of a Spanish conquistador.' While another added: 'Looks like part of a cup holder.' The curious feature is covered in little rocky blobs, which may reveal secrets about its formation potentially billions of years ago. Mars was once dotted with thousands of huge volcanoes which saw 'super eruptions', according to NASA the most powerful type of volcanic blast there is. The rock was snapped on August 5 by Perseverance using its Mastcam-Z instrument, the NASA rover's primary science camera The image was shared to Reddit where it was likened to the 'sorting hat' from Harry Potter (pictured) Matthew J Genge, planetary scientist at Imperial College London, joked that it could be a 'portkey' an object in the Harry Potter books that transports people. While it may be reminiscent of the sorting hat, this effect may be due to a psychological phenomenon known as 'pareidolia' perceiving likenesses on random images. As one Reddit user pointed out, the human mind is 'great at seeing patterns' which it recognizes from objects and phenomena down here on Earth. 'This rock pattern looks like a helmet when viewed from this very specific angle,' they said, adding: 'From any other angle it's going to look like any old rock.' The rock was snapped on August 5 by Perseverance using its Mastcam-Z instrument, the NASA rover's primary science camera. It was found at the Jezero Crater, a 28-mile impact basin on Mars that held liquid water billions of years ago. A closer look reveals it is covered from top to bottom with small bobbles, which are known by geologists as 'spherules'. Spherules, already found on the Red Planet, are roughly spherical pebbles, ranging 0.01mm to 4mm in diameter (up to 0.15 inches). A full scale test model of the Perseverance rover currently on Mars is displayed during a press conference for the Mars Sample Return mission in the Mars Yard at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California on April 11, 2023 On Earth, spherules are formed by rapid cooling of molten rock droplets during a volcanic eruption, or by the condensation of rock vaporized by a meteorite impact, but why the object has formed an unusual hat-like shape is leaving people mystified. Dr Keyron Hickman-Lewis, earth scientist at Birkbeck, University of London, called it a 'very interesting object'. 'It reminds me of one of those rather battered helmets one often finds in medieval hordes, though I do not think we should expect anything so anthropogenic on Mars,' he told the Daily Mail. 'I think its clearly distinct colour and texture relative to the surrounding bedrock certainly tells us that this is an out of place object in the Martian landscape. 'It seems to be composed of spherules spherical particles that might be sedimentary or volcanic in origin and has been eroded from its original location and redeposited here.' But from this image alone it is difficult to determine its origin, the academic added. Dr Lydia Hallis, planetary scientist at the University of Glasgow, said it isnt surprising to see a rock like this on Mars. 'The shape is typical of weathering in the harsh environment of Mars, and the nodules look similar to those first discovered by the NASA Mars exploration Rover Opportunity, which were named blueberries in the media,' she said. The Red Planet (pictured) is an average of 140 million miles (225 million km) away from Earth. Jezero Crater is located on the western edge of a flat plain called Isidis Planitia, just north of the Martian equator 'These nodules form via the interaction of water in sediments, and are made up of iron oxide.' This isnt the first time strange spheres have been spotted on Mars, which is an average of 140 million miles (225 million km) away from Earth. Earlier this year, A close-up image captured by Perseverance showed an alien-like mass comprised of hundreds of the millimeter-sized spheres. Perseverance touched down on Mars' Jezero Crater believed to be the home of a lush lakebed and river delta billions of years ago in February 2021 after a nearly seven-month journey through space. It is tasked with seeking traces of fossilised microbial life from Mars' ancient past and to collect rock specimens for return to Earth through future missions to the Red Planet. The mysterious object speeding through our solar system may be even more unique than many scientists originally thought. New scans of the interstellar visitor known as 3I/ATLAS have found that it is likely an unusual comet that's much smaller than it previously appeared and is unexpectedly releasing loads of carbon dioxide gas (CO2). The large amount of CO2 pouring out, about 940 trillion molecules per second, is a major finding, suggesting 3I/ATLAS formed in a star system that doesn't look anything like ours, where comets are much different than the ones we see orbiting our sun. Based on all the light coming from 3I/ATLAS, scientists originally suspected the object was more than 12 miles in diameter. Now, NASA's most powerful telescopes have cut that estimate down to 1.7 miles. The comet seemed larger because over 99 percent of the light observed came from a large, bright cloud of dust and gas surrounding it, called a coma. 3I/ATLAS is currently about 298 million miles from Earth. Not only is the interstellar object much smaller, but a new study by NASA's SPHEREx telescope has discovered that 3I/ATLAS is releasing a large amount of carbon dioxide gas (CO2) and is covered in water ice. This makes it unlike the vast majority of comets seen because most of its brightness comes from the cloud of dust around it, not its solid core. The comet also doesnt show much water vapor or carbon monoxide gas being released, which is very unusual for comets traveling this close to our sun. The interstellar object known as 3I/ATLAS is now believed to be a unique comet that's releasing tons of carbon dioxide gas A NASA study found that the object is not 12 miles in diameter as originally thought. It's closer to 1.7 miles long The object was first identified in July 2025 by the ATLAS telescope network, which looks for objects that might hit Earth. Earlier images taken by the Vera C Rubin Observatory in Chile this summer had unknowingly photographed the object as well, but no one realized it was there at the time. Until now, 3I/ATLAS has been a total mystery, as early scans suggested the object was larger than anything that had passed through the solar system before, and might even be generating its own light. This led respected Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb to theorize that 3I/ATLAS might have been artificially created by an extraterrestrial civilization. However, the new findings collected in mid-August point to the object being a rare comet made of mixed chunks of CO2 and water ice, where the CO2 has kept the water ice cold, preventing it from melting into vapor as it nears the sun. Typical comets also have visible tails or jets of gas and dust flowing behind them, but 3I/ATLAS has a more uniform cloud, which is highly unusual, and scientists are still trying to figure out if the CO2 being released is the cause. Additionally, it's been following a path thats not bound to the sun, meaning it will pass through our solar system and head back into deep space, unlike Halleys comet, which keeps coming back every 76 years. This strange path will bring it to within 223 million miles of Earth on December 17, and it will also make even closer passes by Venus, Mars, and Jupiter this year. The intense light coming from 3I/ATLAS was previously believed to be coming from its surface, but new scans show the light comes from a cloud around the object 3I/ATLAS is following a strange course that will take it extremely close to 3 different planets: Venus, Mars, and Jupiter 3I/ATLAS is only the third interstellar object ever detected coming from outside our solar system. Most comets originate here and orbit the sun. However, the SPHEREx telescope found its light spectrum showed a pattern similar to certain objects in the Kuiper Belt, the region of icy bodies beyond Neptune, with water ice and organic materials. Since this suspected comet is so much different from those typically orbiting our sun, scientists hope to learn what materials and chemicals are common in other parts of the galaxy by studying the comets dust, gas, and ice as it gets even closer. They expect to find clues about how 3I/ATLAS formed and what conditions were like in its home star system, which previous studies have calculated as being on the other side of the Milky Way galaxy. Loeb and student researcher Shokhruz Kakharov traced the path of the interstellar object to a thicker part of the Milky Way's disk, where older stars are found. This visiting comet, traveling nearly 150,000 miles per hour, is believed to be older than our sun, which is 4.6 billion years old. Scientists have engineered a strain of bacteria with a genetic code unlike anything found in nature, marking a groundbreaking advance in synthetic biology. The microbe, called Syn57, is a lab-made version of Escherichia coli, a bacterium that normally causes infections in the gut, urinary tract and other parts of the body. Unlike all known life, which relies on 64 codons, or three-letter DNA sequences that tell cells how to build proteins, Syn57 uses just 57 codons. Think of DNA as a cookbook where each codon is a three-letter word telling the cell which amino acids, or ingredients, to use. Life normally has some duplicate instructions, but Syn57 strips out the extras while still functioning perfectly. These freed-up codons open the door to entirely new possibilities, allowing scientists to create proteins and synthetic compounds that nature has never produced. Syn57's unusual genetic code also makes it resistant to viruses, which rely on the standard DNA language to hijack cells. And because its code is so different, it is less likely to mix with natural organisms, easing safety concerns. This breakthrough could also pave the way for new medicines, advanced materials and synthetic lifeforms beyond anything seen in nature. The microbe, named Syn57, is a lab-engineered version of Escherichia coli, a bacterium that can naturally cause infections in the gut, urinary tract and other areas of the body To tackle this huge project, scientists divided the genome into 38 pieces, each about 100,000 DNA letters long. They built each piece in yeast and then inserted it into E coli using a method called uREXER, which combines CRISPR-Cas9 and other tools to swap in synthetic DNA in one step. Some genome regions slowed growth or resisted changes, but the team solved these issues by adjusting gene sequences, untangling overlapping genes, and carefully choosing which codons to swap. Step by step, the fragments were stitched together into the final, fully synthetic bacterium. The result, Syn57, is the most heavily redesigned organism ever made, demonstrating that life can survive with a much smaller, simpler genetic code. Wesley Robertson, a synthetic biologist at the Medical Research Council Laboratory in the UK, told the New York Times: 'We definitely went through these periods where we were like, 'Well, will this be a dead end, or can we see this through?' Syn57 is alive, but barely. While normal E. coli can double in an hour, Syn57 takes four, making it 'extremely feeble,' Yonatan Chemla, a synthetic biologist at MIT who was not involved in the study. The bacteria grew on a jelly-like surface and in a nutritious liquid, but at four times slower than their natural counterparts. Dr Robertson and his team are now experimenting to see if they can make it grow faster. If successful, scientists could eventually program it to do tasks that ordinary bacteria cannot. In addition to the 20 standard amino acids that all life uses to make proteins, chemists can create hundreds of others. Syn57's seven missing codons could potentially be reassigned to these unnatural amino acids, allowing the bacterium to produce new drugs or other useful molecules. Syn57 could also make engineered microbes safer for the environment. Microbes swap genes easily, which can be risky if engineered DNA spreads. But a gene from Syn57 would be gibberish to natural bacteria because of its unique genetic code, preventing it from being used outside the lab. Archaeologists have discovered an underwater city in Denmark's Bay of Aarhus, which is being hailed as the Stone Age Atlantis. The team uncovered animal bones, stone tools, arrowheads, a seal tooth and a small piece of worked wood, likely a simple tool, which they believe indicates a human presence with structured activities. The researchers have excavated an area of about 430 square feet at the small settlement. The last ice age ended about 8,500 years ago, and massive ice sheets began to melt. Sea levels rose rapidly, sometimes by several meters per century, flooding Stone Age settlements and forcing hunter-gatherer communities further inland. Rising global sea levels dramatically reshaped coastlines, according to underwater archaeologist Peter Moe Astrup, who is leading the excavations. 'It is like a time capsule. When the sea level rose, everything was preserved in an oxygen-free environment time just stops,' he said. 'We actually have an old coastline. We have a settlement that was positioned directly at the coastline.' Archaeologists have discovered a lost city below the sea, hailed as the Stone Age Atlantis Underwater archaeologist Peter Moe Astrup inspects a tiny animal bone, unearthed at an 8,500-year-old Stone Age coastal settlement found in the Bay of Aarhus in Aarhus, Denmark This summer, divers carefully descended about 26 feet below the waves near Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, using specialized underwater vacuums to collect delicate artifacts without damaging them. The team combed the site foot by foot, documenting each find in detail, allowing researchers to reconstruct the layout and daily life of a settlement frozen in time. The discovery is part of a $15.5million six-year international project to map parts of the seabed in the Baltic and North Seas. Its goal is to explore sunken Northern European landscapes and uncover lost Mesolithic settlements as offshore wind farms and other sea infrastructure expand. Most evidence of such settlements has previously been found inland from the Stone Age coast, but the recent discovery is among the first to be uncovered below the sea. Moe Astrup said he and his team hope further excavations will find harpoons, fish hooks or traces of fishing structures. The site offers a rare glimpse into how Mesolithic people interacted with their environment. Living directly on the coastline, the inhabitants would have relied heavily on fishing, hunting seals and gathering plants from nearby forests. The team found submerged trees on the seabed, allowing them to date the settlement to around 8,500 years old The preservation of organic materials such as wood and nuts allows researchers to understand not just what people made and ate, but also how they adapted tools and techniques to survive in a changing landscape. Excavations in the relatively calm and shallow Bay of Aarhus and dives off the coast of Germany will be followed by later work at two locations in the more inhospitable North Sea. Thousands of years ago, the sea-level rise also submerged a vast area known as Doggerland, which connected Britain to continental Europe and now lies beneath the southern North Sea. To track how quickly the waters rose, Danish researchers are using dendrochronology, the study of tree rings. Submerged tree stumps preserved in mud and sediment can be dated precisely, revealing when rising tides drowned coastal forests. The team uncovered animal bones, stone tools, arrowheads, a seal tooth and a small piece of worked wood, likely a simple tool (pictured) 'We can say very precisely when these trees died at the coastlines,' Moesgaard Museum dendrochronologist Jonas Ogdal Jensen said as he peered at a section of Stone Age tree trunk through a microscope. 'That tells us something about how the sea level changed through time.' As today's world faces rising sea levels driven by climate change, the researchers hope to shed light on how Stone Age societies adapted to shifting coastlines more than eight millennia ago. 'Its hard to answer exactly what it meant to people,' Moe Astrup said. 'But it clearly had a huge impact in the long run because it completely changed the landscape.' Sea levels rose by a global average of around 4.3 centimeters (1.7 inches) in the decade up to 2023. 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 A groundbreaking teeth whitening product approved by dentists has become a bestseller since launching into Australia late last year. British dental brand Polished London's innovative Hyaluronic Teeth Whitening Powder is dazzling Aussie shoppers, who have flooded social media and the website with glowing reviews and impressive before-and-after photos showcasing their impressive results. While many teeth whitening kits on the market cost over $100, and professional services up to $1,500, the breakthrough powder product costs just $59.99. But with Daily Mail's exclusive code DAILY25, shoppers get a 25 per cent discount, making the Hyaluronic Teeth Whitening Powder just $44.99. Despite its wallet-friendly price tag, reviewers are calling Polished London's powder 'one of the best products that I've tried for my teeth', '10/10' and 'excellent quality'. Dubbed the world's first hyaluronic teeth whitening powder, this innovative formula is designed not only to whiten teeth but also to support gums, setting it apart from competitors. The powder is peroxide-free making it a gentle alternative that delivers visible results without the irritating properties of other whitening products on the market. What also makes the product stand out is convenience - users simply dip their toothbrush into the powder and brush teeth, just like a usual clean. There are no strips, liquids or tools to negotiate, making the powder an easy product to incorporate into your everyday routine. Amongst the almost 300 glowing reviews with an average 4.66 out of five-star rating, shoppers report that it leaves their teeth feeling like they've just stepped out of the dentist's chair, with a polished, 'squeaky-clean' sensation. The Hyaluronic Teeth Whitening Powder by Polished London has become a bestseller, dazzling customers with impressive results Polished London Hyaluronic Teeth Whitening Powder The innovate teeth whitening powder from Polished London is a bestseller, with customers reporting a noticeable improvement after just 2 to 3 uses. 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Shoppers report that they can see visible difference in the whiteness of their teeth after just a few uses Amongst the almost 300 glowing reviews, shoppers report that it leaves their teeth feeling like they've just stepped out of the dentist's chair, with a polished, 'squeaky-clean' sensation A unique blend of advanced ingredients works in harmony to target stains while actively supporting gum and tooth health A unique blend of advanced ingredients works in harmony to improve the appearance of stains. The formula includes hyaluronic acid, best known in skincare for plumping and hydrating the skin, which is incorporated elevates your oral health routine. PAP PRO, a modern whitening agent derived from phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid, gently but effectively removes stains from the tooth surface without the harshness of peroxide, while Hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral also found in tooth enamel helps teeth look brighter and more polished. 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Choose from Polished London's brand new Probiotic Toothpaste in Vanilla Swirl & Mint or Coconut Cream & Mint flavour, and the bestselling Hyaluronic Teeth Whitening Powder. Shop Founder and CEO Debbie Sleeman practised as a cosmetic teeth whitening specialist in London's Harley Street, and even spent years working as an in-flight beauty therapist, pampering First Class passengers in the air. She saw a gap in the market for effective, non-invasive, peroxide-free and affordable teeth whitening products that could be applied from the comfort of your home. After years of researching different cosmetic dental products, working closely with a Harley Street dental professor and a team of UK-based dentists, she finally developed the whitening formula she was after. Despite its wallet-friendly price tag, reviewers are calling Polished London's powder 'one of the best products that I've tried for my teeth', '10/10' and 'excellent quality' 'I am always looking for new and unique ingredients that offer a point of difference for our products, because we are on a mission to redefine oral beauty,' Debbie previously told Daily Mail. 'Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular ingredients in skincare because it's renowned to be incredibly hydrating, moisturising and rejuvenating. 'We created a breakthrough in oral care with our multi-benefit formula that brushes away stains while protecting the smile. 'Our all-in-one formula is the new secret to elevate your everyday oral beauty routine without compromising on oral health.' To shop the Polished London range, click here. Burning Man is already underway with influencers and Silicon Valley hotshots descending on the Nevada desert for a week-long party. The arts and music festival, which began in 1986, was founded by Larry Harvey and Jerry James who built a wooden human effigy and set it on fire on San Francisco's Baker Beach as a symbolic act of letting go of their personal crises. The tradition has long continued with the event culminating in the burning of a 75ft symbol called 'The Man.' Read on to discover some more of the weird customs and rules the 70,000 attendees must follow. Hot ticket: Revelers are flocking to the Nevada Desert for the week-long Burning Man festival Attendees should adopt a 'playa name' Once at the festival, attendees are often encouraged to adopt a party moniker - an alias to experiment with a new identity. However, they can't choose the name themselves. 'Originally spawned by the need for unique names on the staff's two-way radios, playa names have become almost ubiquitous, and are sometimes used to provide an individual with an "alternate" personality or persona,' organizers wrote. 'Playa names are traditionally given to a person, rather than taken on,' they added. Guests must sign a death waiver The festival requires attendees to agree to an extensive agreement which includes taking on the risk of injury or even death. As per the website, it waives 'any and all liability that Burning Man Project and its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, contractors, representatives, agents, affiliates, and subsidiaries.' It states the signee will not sue or assert any claims against the organization for 'any and all loss or damage on account of bodily injury (including death), property damage, or economic loss of any nature that is in any way related to the event.' Wheely great: The festival is held in the temporary Black Rock City in the middle of the desert Haul in/haul out policy There is strict a 'haul in/haul out' philosophy, meaning that everything must be brought in with you - including food and water - and everything must be taken out with you at the end. Attendees must fully commit to leaving no physical trace of our activities wherever we gather. 'We clean up after ourselves and endeavor, whenever possible, to leave such places in a better state than when we found them,' the organization says. Feathers are discouraged Despite feathers seeming like an appropriate way to express individuality, the desert festival does not encourage it. As Burning Man operates on a strict 'leave no trace' principle, the guidelines state that feathers are at risk of shedding and littering the area, referring to them as 'matter out of place' or MOOP. 'What we're saying is this: if you want to wear feathers, that's fine but make sure they're attached in ways that won't fail, and if you can't then don't wear them, because it's on YOU if they become MOOP. (And that goes for anything you bring to Black Rock City),' The Burning Man Journal explained. Fatal fun: Attendees have to sign a death waiver due to the elevated risk of injury or dying No-cash society While the ticket for Burning Man costs $750, and a vehicle pass $150, once you're at Black Rock City, money is more or less useless. To encourage the 'spirit of gifting,' the Burning Man community has a cashless society, encouraging people to gift what they need to each other. Only ice, coffee, tea, lemonade, and various fuel types from the official fuel depot is sold once at the festival. 'We take away transactions. We remove the transactions because we want the interaction,' Marian Goodell, CEO of the Burning Man non-profit, which organizes the project, previously told CNN. 'That's a deliberate piece to what creates connection and community.' Cashing in: Guests fall in line with the festival philosophy of a 'de-commodified society' It's a photo-free zone While it may seem like the perfect time to snap some pictures for Instagram - it's not encouraged by the organization. The unwritten rule is to ask before photographing someone, especially in vulnerable or intimate moments. James Rhoedes, of Thermo Pest, warns of risk of picking up an unwanted guest As the summer holiday season winds down, travellers across the UK are heading home - but a pest expert is warning that some may be bringing back more than just souvenirs. While most people are quick to throw their laundry into the wash and shove their suitcases away after a trip, many overlook a crucial step that could help prevent a nasty infestation. James Rhoedes, pest control specialist and owner of Thermo Pest, has warned holidaymakers to immediately inspect their luggage for bedbugs as soon as they get home. He says bed bug activity spikes during the warmer months, making summer travel a key time for the pests to hitch a ride home undetected. With thinner bedding and lighter clothing common in summer, Rhoedes says it's easier for bed bugs to access skin - and with millions of people checking in and out of hotels, guesthouses and Airbnbs, the risk of picking up an unwanted guest rises. He adds that many infestations start right after a trip when beg bugs are accidentally brought into the home inside luggage or laundry - once inside, they can spread rapidly. To avoid this, Rhoedes urges travellers to be vigilant both while away and when they return. At the hotel or rented accommodation, holidaymakers should inspect mattress seams, headboards and furniture for dark spots, shed skins, or live bugs. While most people are quick to throw their laundry into the wash and shove their suitcases away after a trip, many overlook a crucial step that could help prevent a nasty infestation (Stock Image) James Rhoedes, pest control specialist and owner of Thermo Pest, has warned holidaymakers to immediately inspect their luggage for bedbugs as soon as they get home (Stock Image) He also advises to keep luggage off the floor using racks, and store clothes in sealed bags inside suitcases to reduce the risk of bugs crawling in. When returning home, he recommends unpacking directly into the washing machine and putting the load on a hot cycle. Suitcases should also be checked thoroughly - especially the seams, pockets and lining - for any signs of the pests. As reported by the Mirror, Rhoedes added: 'If you travel frequently, making this a routine step can help you spot potential issues early before they spread.' While it might feel like an extra chore at the end of a long journey, the benefit could be avoiding the costly - and stressful - process of calling in pest control. It comes as a woman was left with more than 30 red and itchy bites on her body after staying in a hotel room infested with bedbugs. Sharon Aggarwal, 53, shut herself in the bathroom for two hours after she woke up in the middle of the night 'scratching' at a three-star hotel in Henley-on-Thames. The IT worker, who frequently travels to the picturesque town in Oxfordshire for work, said she pulled back the sheet and could see several bugs 'crawling on the bed'. With thinner bedding and lighter clothing common in summer, Rhoedes says it's easier for bedbugs to access skin - and with millions of people checking in and out of hotels, guesthouses and Airbnbs, the risk of picking up an unwanted guest rises (Stock Image) Mrs Aggarwal said she squashed a large one on the pillow and was horrified to see blood spurt out of it. The 53-year-old from the Midlands was staying at The Catherine Wheel last month - a historic 12th century pub and guesthouse that is now owned by JD Wetherspoon. Mrs Aggarwal told the Daily Mail: 'I suddenly woke up in the middle of the night all itchy. 'I pulled the sheet back and all I could see were these things crawling on the bed.' For many tourists, a sunny holiday abroad isn't complete without a day spent having fun at a water park. From splashing around in the pool to riding log flumes, they are great places to make core memories for families. But one tourist shared her experience of a water park regularly named the best in the world, and it wasn't the care-free, enjoyable time most would expect. Caitlin Colman, @caitlincolman, posted a clip on TikTok of what she witnessed at Siam Park, in Costa Adeje, Tenerife. While floating on a rubber ring along the Mai Thai River at the water park, she found herself stuck in a crowd of other visitors. The clip showed a horde of visitors crammed together, all sat on inflatables, and seemingly not moving down the waterway. Caitlin captioned the video, which has attracted 1.6million views, with: 'The reality of the Mai Thai River.' The water park has been named number one in the world for 10 years and has a range of attractions including a white sandy beach, water slides and playgrounds. Caitlin Colman, @caitlincolman, posted a clip on TikTok of what she witnessed at Siam Park, in Costa Adeje, Tenerife While floating on a rubber ring along the Mai Thai River at the waterpark, she found herself stuck in a crowd of other visitors General adult tickets, for those aged 12 and over, are sold for 48 (41.50) per person, while children between three and 11 years old cost 36 (31) each and infants enter for free. Thousands of people commented on Caitlin's video and some shared their own experiences of the water park. One penned: 'I have been to Siam Park many times, I do not recommend riding the Mai Thai River, it is a waste of time.' 'Omg this is my idea of hell on earth,' another added. 'Went there took me 2 hours to complete lazy river & managed 4 rides for the complete day,' one said. 'Was like this when I went last week, only in the rapids part of the lazy river though,' another added. Meanwhile, someone else shared the best times to go to avoid the traffic in the river. 'Siam Park veteran here, best thing to do is get there later in the day, and best days to go are Saturday and Sunday,' they wrote. The water park has been named number one in the world for ten years and has a range of attractions including a white sandy beach, water slides and playgrounds Thousands of people commented on Caitlin's video and some shared their own experiences of the waterpark Though not everyone seems to have experienced the same as Caitlin and one said: 'Loved Siam Park and it was nothing like that.' 'I was there yesterday and it wasnt like that!' another added. Someone else chimed in: 'I've been to the Siam park last week, it wasn't like this for me, you probably just chose a bad day to visit it.' In response to the story, a spokesperson at Siam Park told the Daily Mail: 'We have had a huge number of visitors at Siam Park over recent weeks. 'We had a technical issue with our conveyor belt taking visitors to the top level of our slide. This led to queuing for those visting this part of our park. Our team worked during the day and overnight and have now fixed the problem so those visiting do not experience any unacceptable delays. 'Siam Park prides itself on providing an amazing experience for all, which is why it has won repeated awards as one of the worlds best water parks.' For many travellers on a tight budget, bagging a room for just 50p would be a dream come true. One hotel, the Asahi Ryokan in Fukuoka, located on Japanese island Kyushu, advertised such a deal back in 2019, but with a bizarre catch. Guests could stay in room eight on weekdays for just 100 yen, equivalent to 50p. However, they had to agree to be livestreamed to the hotel's YouTube channel from inside the room during their entire stay. Guests would have full control over their room, such as being able to turn the lights on and off, and no audio was recorded. The bathroom was also out of view of the camera for privacy. At the time, the owner Tetsuya Inoue told CNN: 'This is a very old ryokan and I was looking into a new business model.' The manager planned to make money from ad revenue on the YouTube channel and streams. One hotel, the Asahi Ryokan in Fukuoka, located on Japanese island Kyushu, advertised such a deal back in 2019, but with a bizarre catch 'Our hotel is on the cheaper side, so we need some added value, something special that everyone will talk about,' he added. The hotel owner revealed that the guests he had attracted at the time of the interview were mostly younger. Tetsuya explained: 'Young people nowadays don't care much about the privacy. 'Some of them say it's OK to be [watched] for just one day.' The hotel decided to make the unusual business move in an attempt to fill the room, which often had low booking rates. Guests had some rules to follow during their stay - 'lewd acts' were not allowed, and travellers were urged not to show private details, such as bank cards, to the camera. When the room was unoccupied, Tetsuya would livestream from his office. Some years ago, a guest who stayed at the hotel shared their experience on Reddit and revealed visitors 'must spend three hours a day in the room outside of sleep time to give people something to watch'. Guests could stay in room 8 on weekdays for just 100 yen, equivalent to 50p. However, they had to agree to be livestreamed to the hotel's YouTube channel, One Dollar Hotel, from inside the room during their entire stay They stayed for four nights and described the owner as a 'good vibe'. The guest added: 'People on the livestream so far are very nice (thought I've struggled to connect to the free wifi) and personally as someone who's lived in some very odd situations over the years the whole thing doesn't phase me at all. 'The space is clean and it's about 1km from Hakata Station. 'In my view it's an excellent option for budget travellers who are sick of sharing a room physically but don't care so much about privacy.' Holidaymakers heading to popular Caribbean destinations could face fines of up to 3,000 - or even prison time - for wearing a seemingly harmless clothing item. A surprising offence highlighted by travel expert Jamie Fraser involves wearing camouflage, which is banned in several nations including Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago. In these countries, camouflage is associated strictly with the military, and tourists caught wearing it - regardless of age - can face fines of up to 10,000 East Caribbean dollars (2,761 ), or even a year in prison. The warning comes as new research reveals how unprepared many travellers are when it comes to understanding local laws. A survey conducted by Giambrone Law found that a staggering 95 per cent of British travellers don't spend enough time researching the rules and customers of the countries they visit. As a result, thousands find themselves in legal trouble each year - with around 6,000 Brits arrested or detained abroad annually for offences often linked to drunkenness or disorderly conduct. Fraser has highlighted a number of unexpected ways tourists can end up in trouble while holidaying at eleven popular destinations. In Spain, drinking alcohol in public spaces, such as beaches and promenades, is prohibited in popular tourist areas like Mallorca and Ibiza. Wearing camoflouge is banned in several Caribbean nations including Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago In Croatia, walking shirtless or wearing swimwear through city centres is considered disrespectful, particularly in Dubrovnik, where it can result in a fine of 150 (129) Those who violate this rule can result in a fine of up to 3,000, equivalent to around 2,591. Those who violate this rule can result in a fine of up to 3,000, equivalent to around 2,591. In Croatia, walking shirtless or wearing swimwear through city centres is considered disrespectful, particularly in Dubrovnik, where it can result in a fine of 150 (129). Meanwhile, Thailand enforces strict no-smoking zones on many of its famous beaches, including Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya. Similarly, in France, lighting up a cigarette on public beaches or in playgrounds could cost you 90 (78). Smokers who light up a cigarette outside designated areas face a potential fine of 100,000 baht, or roughly 2,276, and can even be sentenced to a year in prison. Similarly, in France, lighting up a cigarette on public beaches or in playgrounds could cost you 90, or 78. In Greece, tourists who wish take home a pebble or seashell from the beach home as a souvenir may be surprised to learn that this can result in a fine of up to 1,000 (around 864) as part of environmental protection laws. Those visiting Italian cities like Florence should avoid eating or drinking near historic landmarks, as violators can be for fined up to 500 (432). In France, lighting up a cigarette on public beaches or in playgrounds could cost you 90 (78) Hong Kong has equally strict public hygiene laws, with spitting or littering in public punishable by a fine of up to HK$3,000, the equivalent of 285. Jaywalking can also be a costly common act in the Czech Republic, where crossing the street away from pedestrian zones or during a red light can lead to fines of up to 2,000 koruna, or 70. Even in Germany, walking across the road when the light is red at a pedestrian light can result in a fine of up to 10 (8), regardless of whether or not the road appears clear of vehicles. Fraser, of Wild Packs American Summer Camp, has issued some invaluable advice to tourists who are issued a fine when holidaying abroad. Singapore takes cleanliness seriously, so much so that even feeding pigeons can lead to a fine of 500 Singaporean dollars, or about 432 He urges travellers to face the fine, as even if it 'feels small,' as ignoring it can quickly snowball into larger penalties, as well as verifying the origins of the fine, and to pay it as soon as possible, as the costs are often reduced if they're settled quickly. It comes as the Foreign Office has issued urgent warnings to UK holidaymakers travelling to a popular tourist hotspot. The new warnings come as sun-seekers prepare to flock to Thailand in search of sandy beaches and cheap drinks over summer. But the government has encouraged visitors to familiarise themselves with local legislation before travelling as failure to abide by the laws in Thailand can result in jail. Millions of tourists flock to visit the UK every year - but which country provides the nation with the most visitors? From cobbled streets, historic buildings, a Royal Family and beautiful coastlines, the United Kingdom has lots of offer. But there's one particular country that is attracted to our endless countryside and vibrant cities. The United States tops everywhere else, with a whopping 5.6 million estimated visits to Great Britain in 2024, according to data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS). France followed with 3.6 million residents visiting the country last year. While Germany came third highest, with 3.3 million tourists jetting over to visit Great Britain in 2024. The Republic of Ireland ranked fourth and 2.9 million visits were made from the nearby country. Meanwhile, 2.5 million visits to the UK came from Spain. Millions of tourists flock to visit the UK every year - but which country provides the nation with the most visits? The United States tops everywhere else, with a whopping 5.6 million estimated visits to Great Britain in 2024, according to data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) Your browser does not support iframes. Overall, the United Kingdom saw an estimated 42.6 million visits from overseas residents in 2024. They spent a lot, too, with an impressive 32.5 billion paid out while they were here. This works out at an average of 763 spent per trip. UK residents made sure to travel around, too, and are thought to have made a total of 94.6 million trips abroad last year. Those who jetted off in 2024 are thought to have spent a total of 78.6 billion. Holiday hotspot Spain proved to be popular for Brits, with an estimated 17.8 million visits from GB residents. France followed with 9.3 million visits and Italy with 4.8 million. The number of tourists visiting Spain from Great Britain has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 18.1 million heading there in 2019. Holiday hotspot Spain proved to be popular for Brits, with an estimated 17.8 million visits from GB residents Your browser does not support iframes. France has almost returned, too, as 2019 saw 10.3 million visits from Brits. Likewise, Italy was greeted by 5.1 million back in 2019. Meanwhile, the United States saw 4.1 million visits by Brits last year, and 4.8 million pre-pandemic. Turkey, however, has completely soared with 2.3 million visits in 2019 but an impressive 4.1 million in 2024. It is no surprise that the Battle of Hastings, the events surrounding it and the lives of the era's key players are shrouded in much mystery. For the clash between England's King Harold II and William, Duke of Normandy, did take place nearly 1,000 years ago. But those who hoped that new TV drama King and Conqueror might at least accurately depict what we do know about 1066 have been left disappointed. Historians have pointed out a litany of inaccuracies in the eight-part BBC show - some of which the Daily Mail highlights below. The show's makers have defended their creation, with lead writer Michael Robert Johnson saying: 'You can't just dramatise the facts because the peaks and troughs of the emotions are never in the right place'. The relationship between Harold and William King and Conqueror depicts a growing bond between Harold and William that only collapses into catastrophe later. In episode one, William gets ambushed during his trip to England to attend Edward the Confessor's coronation. James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as King Harold and William the Conqueror in new TV drama King and Conqueror, which is airing on the BBC King Harold of England was defeated at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Above: The 11th century Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts Harold with an arrow through his eye James Norton as Harold Godwinson in King and Conqueror, which is available on BBC iPlayer Thankfully, Harold and his men are on hand to save his life. Harold is depicted as not knowing who William is. In reality, William did not go to Edward's coronation in 1043. For starters, he would have been around 15. William would not have had a moustache! Throughout the series, Coster-Waldau's William boasts an impressive moustache and long hair. But, as well-known historian Jo Hedwig Teeuwisse explained on her popular 'Fake History Hunter' X account: 'Normans were well known for very short hairstyles and being less beardy.' In fact, Harold - an Anglo Saxon - would have been more likely to have the distinctive facial hair. And as the Bayeux Tapestry shows, the Normans favoured short-back-and-sides. Advertisement When promoting the show, Norton - who is also executive producer - went as far as saying that Harold and William were 'friends'. Norton said: 'What was really exciting when this idea was conceived was that, while most people know about the battle, far fewer know about the 20 or 30 years leading up to it, when William and Harold were actually friends, and their lives were intertwined through their wives, Matilda and Edith. 'They had this twisty, turny story, and these relationships and these people falling in and out of love, and at the heart of it are these two men who became friends and then adversaries.' The reality though is that they likely only met once before their clash at the Battle of Hastings. And that meeting - in Normandy in around 1065 - was may not have been friendly. Richard Huscroft explained to the Daily Mail: 'I wouldn't say they were ever friends. They probably only met once before 1066, when Harold visited Normandy in 1065. 'Historians argue about whether Harold stayed there willingly or whether he was kept there by William, essentially as a hostage, until he agreed to support William's claim to the throne. 'The Bayeux Tapestry shows them hunting and feasting together at this time, but that might be just Norman propaganda.' King and Conqueror also depicts - in episode three - entirely invented scenes of William and Harold bathing in Flanders, before they fight off attackers together. In episode one, William gets ambushed during his trip to England to attend Edward the Confessor's coronation. Thankfully, Harold and his men are on hand to save his life King and Conqueror also depicts - in episode three - entirely invented scenes of William and Harold bathing together in Flanders, before they fight off attackers The 'nonsense' of Droit du seigneur Early in the first episode, Harold is seen confronting his brother Sweyn, who claims he has been exercising his 'droit du seigneur' the right of a feudal lord to take the virginity of a peasant bride on the night before her wedding. Sweyn, played by Elliot Cowan, boasts: 'She loved every minute of it.' He adds to Harold: 'If father gets to hear about this, I'll do you harder than I did her.' English Heritage historian Dr Michael Carter explained to the Daily Mail that 'droit du seigneur' is nonsense. He said it is the product of 'mistranslation of sources, and the wild imaginings of historians and antiquarians'. It 'absolutely would not have been done', he added. Jo Hedwig Teeuwisse, better known as the Fake History Hunter on social media, explained in a review on her popular X account: 'This whole nonsense about the lord being allowed to take a peasant's bride's to his bed, AKA "Droit du seigneur" or "first night", has been considered as made up or at least without any evidence for ages.' Early in the first episode, Harold is seen confronting his brother Sweyn, who claims he has been exercising his 'droit du seigneur' the right of a feudal lord to take the virginity of a peasant bride on the night before her wedding Sweyn, played by Elliot Cowan, boasts: 'She loved every minute of it' What appears to be a clearly computer-generated depiction of London in King and Conqueror Emma of Normandy banishing the Godwins King and Conqueror depicts Emma of Normandy as the real power behind the throne who has an iron grip on her son, Edward the Confessor. Episode two shows her first ordering that the Godwins be killed, and then directing their banishment. They are seen fleeing to Flanders. It is true that they went into exile - and some went to Flanders - but Emma was not the key player in their initial demise. In fact, she had been sidelined by her son right at the start of his reign. King and Conqueror depicts Emma of Normandy as the real power behind the throne who has an iron grip on her son, Edward the Confessor Godwin making Harold Earl of Wessex over the head of Sweyn, Harold's older brother In King and Conqueror's third episode, Godwin - the Earl of Wessex - is seen giving his title to his Harold while he is still alive. In doing so, he bypasses Sweyn, his oafish oldest son. This leaves Sweyn furious. In reality, Harold inherited the Earl of Wessex title after his father's death, and only did so because Sweyn too was dead. Edward the Confessor beating his mother to death Episode four of King and Conqueror depicts in graphic fashion the death of Emma of Normandy - played by Juliet Stevenson - at the hands of her own son. Eddie Marsan's King Edward bashes her over the head with his crown and then repeatedly bludgeons her on the floor until she stops screaming. The real Emma was not murdered by her son. In reality, Edward exiled his mother and took her assets away from her. Episode four of King and Conqueror depicts in graphic fashion the death of Emma of Normandy - played by Juliet Stevenson - at the hands of her own son William killing the King of France Also seen in episode four is the bloody demise of King Henry I of France. He gets ambushed by William - his nephew - while out hunting alone. The pair have a sword fight before William slays him. Earlier scenes had shown a warm relationship that broke down after Henry plotted to kill his nephew. But not such clash really took place. The real Henry died in 1060, and not at the hands of William. Also seen in episode four is the bloody demise of King Henry of France Edward falling ill in the bath and then dying in Harold's presence Episode five of King and Conqueror depicts the moment Edward's broody wife - Queen Gunhild - attempts to seduce him by climbing into his bath. But as the pair are having their romantic moment, Edward falls gravely ill. In episode six, the flagging monarch dies in bed in the presence of Harold, who falsely claims that Edward has chosen him as his successor. Leaving aside the fact that Edward's wife - the daughter of Godwin - was not called Gunhild (in fact she was another Edith), the real King did not fall ill in the bath. Edward actually died on January 5, 1066, after an illness that lasted a few months. Harold was crowned the next day. Episode five of King and Conqueror depicts the moment Edward's broody wife - Queen Gunhild - attempts to seduce him by climbing into his bath Harold killing his own brother One of the show's most shocking scenes comes in episode seven, when Harold kills his own brother, Tostig. He mistakenly slits his throat on the battlefield. In the show, Tostig - having blamed Harold for the death of his wife and child - had allied with would-be invader Harald Hardrada of Norway. It is true that Tostig, the Earl of Northumbria, turned against his brother and fought with Hardrada against him at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. But he did not betray his sibling for the depicted reasons, and nor did Harold kill him on the battlefield. The real Tostig did die alongside Hardrada at Stamford Bridge, but not at the hands of his brother. One of the show's most shocking scenes comes in episode seven, when Harold kills his own brother, Tostig In the show, Tostig - having blamed Harold for the death of his wife and child - had allied with would-be invader Harald Hardrada of Norway Defending King and Conqueror, Mr Robert Johnson added: 'To me, the most important thing is: what do the audience get out of this? 'We're asking them to invest eight hours of their lives, so how do we give them the best piece of entertainment we can from this incredible true story? 'And the second part of the research was trying to read as much about how the world would have been and get a good idea of what existed and what didn't.' Executive producer Kitty Kalestsky said: 'There was a lot of research that went into our development and production. We had a historical advisor on board as part of the script process, which was very helpful. But actually part of the pleasure of developing this show was that there is, on the one hand, a wealth of literature on the period, but on the other hand, there's also a tonne of disagreement between historians about the specific facts, as it was nearly a thousand years ago. So, we could find inspiration in different interpretations of history and that's an exciting place to be when you're creating drama, knowing that you're telling stories that are founded on a bedrock of truth, but also that there's an obscuring mist that allows you to take artistic license in a way that doesn't feel inauthentic or unethical, because there's only so much we can know.' Disaster At Sea: The Piper Alpha Story (BBC2) Rating: The more horrific the tale, the less drama is needed to tell it. Disaster At Sea: The Piper Alpha Story was narrated in the most low-key way possible, by actors reading transcripts from the public inquiry. The first hour of this three-part documentary recounted the details almost in real time, from the first warnings of gas leaks on the North Sea oil rig, to the explosions that destroyed it, in July 1988. As the episode ended, a handful of survivors had escaped by scrambling down a knotted rope to a rescue boat, and a 25-year-old foreman was leaping off the topmost platform into the freezing waters 175ft below. These were scenes from hell, with sheets of flame engulfing bodies and roiling black smoke making it impossible for rescuers to get helicopters close enough to save the men waving desperately for help. But the language used by those who somehow lived through it was stoically understated, as if emotion and hyperbole were disrespectful to the 167 men who were killed. Bob Ballantyne, an electrician who was studying for an Open University degree in history in his spare time, came closest to expressing the horror all the men must have felt, when he described the smoke that engulfed them: 'It was like being in a surrealist painting or a dream. It was unreal what was happening.' Disaster At Sea: The Piper Alpha Story is a three-part documentary recounting the first warnings of gas leaks on the North Sea oil rig, to the explosions that destroyed it, in July 1988 The programme is narrated by actors and those who were involved (Pictured Jane Franchi, former journalist, BBC Scotland, Aberdeen) Actor Nicholas Boulton played Ballantyne, seated with his hands clasped tensely at the inquiry, and also in fragmentary reconstructions, flashbacks that gave an added sense of the confusion and claustrophobia that gripped riggers as the explosions rocked their off-duty quarters. The most difficult role is that of Alastair Letty (played by Matt Avery). He was the master of the Tharos, a much smaller rig adjacent to Piper Alpha that was meant to act as a mobile fire engine and rescue base. In the event, Tharos was unable to move quickly enough to direct its water cannons onto the blaze in time to douse it. In any case, the explosions were so powerful that the flames were visible 120 miles away. Letty's transcript suggests he did everything humanly possible to save the victims, but to little avail. Avery managed to convey, in his quavering voice, a terrible burden of self-recrimination. throughout the documentary archive footage reminds us how much store Britain placed in North Sea oil to lift us out of the post-war economic doldrums Pictured: Carla Miller, Nicola Moffat (Daughters of Frank Miller, a Piper Alpha Scaffolder) and Fiona McNeill (Widow of Frank Miller) Interleaved with the men's accounts of the disaster was archive footage reminding us how much store Britain placed in North Sea oil to lift us out of the post-war economic doldrums. 'Black gold' had made America and the Arab states phenomenally rich, and for a few years we imagined it could happen here too. Aberdeen was suddenly a boom town. One news clip picked out an E-Type Jaguar with a USA decal. But the loudest note of optimism was struck by Shirley Bassey. On her Saturday night variety show in 1976, she flew to an oil rig and performed Everything's Coming Up Roses - in pristine white overalls. The latest episode of The Only Way Is Essex saw FIVE stars break down in tears after a vicious row - and one even stormed out of their hotel during a holiday from hell. Series 36 of the ITV2 reality show returned to our screens earlier this month and the star-studded cast have headed to Portugal for some fun in the sun. Things have been pretty awkward between the gang after Freddie Bentley's angry WhatsApp message about the likes of his former flame Harry Derbidge, 31, not supporting his best mate Ella Rae Wise, 25, in the Celebrity Big Brother house earlier this year. The first instalment saw Freddie and Ella butt heads with Jordan Brook, 28, and Sophie Kasaei, 35, as well as Harry and Freddie having a blazing argument at the bar. Saffron Lempriere, 31, made it clear that she wasn't very impressed with how Harry's friendship group, including Chloe Meadows, 33, reacted to the row, and brutally told Chloe how she felt about it during Sunday's episode. It all happened while Harry, Amy Childs, 35, her partner Billy Delbosq, 42, their kids, Becky Bloomberg, 29, and Sophie were sat around the pool. The latest episode of The Only Way Is Essex saw FIVE stars break down in tears after a vicious row - and one stormed out of the hotel during their holiday from hell Monday's episode saw Chloe (pictured) open up to Amy, Billy and Harry about the situation, which led her to tears Saffron was irked when Chloe called her 'uncle Saff' to the children and then went on to raise her feelings. 'The problem is, is that she says things to people... she says things to people, and then don't want to take no accountability, H,' Saffron fumed. Monday's episode saw Chloe open up to Amy, Billy and Harry about the situation, which led her to tears. 'I really thought we were friends, I can honestly tell you now, she is not my friend,' she told them. Amy told her: 'You look really just not yourself, Chlo. Is it hard?' She added: 'Don't get upset, bubs.' Crying into Harry's arms, Chloe said: 'I just feel like they're trying to make out like I'm not a nice person, and I hate that I have to stand here and be like "Oh I am!"' The instalment also saw Chloe's best friends Amber Turner, 32, and Courtney Green, 30, tell Saffron how Chloe didn't want to be her friend anymore. Saffron told Ema: 'I am upset Elm, It's upset me. I ain't a monster and I ain't gonna be made out to be one' Elma started crying when Saffron told her about what Sammy had told her about their relationship And their words definitely got to Saffron as she started crying while out for lunch with Elma Pazar, 33. She told Elma: 'I am upset Elm, It's upset me. I ain't a monster and I ain't gonna be made out to be one.' Saffron added: 'Cos I've raised my f***ing voice, Elma. What world are we living in? Under a rock? We ain't in a f***ing fairy tale. It's an absolute liberty. 'The way Amber and Courtney came over to me yesterday was like I'd drawn blood out of the girl. I'm not a bad person.' But Saffron wasn't the only one who got emotional as Elma spoke about her recent split from Sammy Root, 24. Talking about a conversation that she had with Sammy, Saffron told her that he had said: 'I don't date to mess about Saff, I date to marry and she was the one.' Elma replied: 'Oh don't say that, I wanna cry.' Sammy appeared very upset as he spoke to his ex Elma about how they have been towards each other in Portugal As Elma told Sammy: 'Listen you can have all the time in the world,' Sammy broke down in tears Saffron told her: 'Elm, if I'm being honest, I don't think you should let this all go.' The former flames then met up to talk about things as Sammy confessed that he thought that they were going to get back together. As Elma told Sammy: 'Listen you can have all the time in the world,' Sammy broke down in tears. Elma decided to remove herself from the conversation as she thought that it was going to go 'around and around in circles'. But that wasn't the only heartbreaking scene during Monday's episode. Ella Rae and Dan have been trying to navigate being around each other after their break-up. In a chat by the pool, the beauty confessed that she was scared to open up completely in case that he didn't want to be with her anymore. Ella Rae (pictured) broke down in tears as she opened up about her ex Dan about their failed relationship Ella confessed: 'Maybe I'm not ready. Maybe I need to f***ing work on myself' Ella said: 'Maybe I'm not ready. 'Maybe I need to f***ing work on myself. 'I don't know. I am gutted. I'm not going to lie that I'm not gutted. 'But I just had to do what was best for me, and dunno, hope to leave you and make you f****ing realise that, I don't know...' TOWIE airs on ITV2 and is available to stream on ITVX. An award-winning British sitcom has been slapped with trigger warnings for 'discriminatory language' - despite its stars and creator insisting the show was never offensive. ITV has placed caution notices on all 28 episodes of Rising Damp, the 1970s comedy widely regarded as one of the best-loved sitcoms of its era. The alerts on its streaming service ITVX warn of 'discriminatory language and attitudes,' with one BAFTA-winning instalment carrying an additional note about 'racial references that may offend'. The series starred Leonard Rossiter as Rupert Rigsby, a miserly and lecherous landlord presiding over a dilapidated Victorian boarding house. Running for four seasons between 1974 and 1978, it also featured Richard Beckinsale, Don Warrington and Frances de la Tour as the prim spinster Miss Jones. Much of the humour centred on Rigsby's awkward interactions with his tenants, including Philip, played by Warrington, who once mischievously claimed to be the son of an African chief purely to unsettle his suspicious landlord. Award-winning British sitcom Rising Damp has been slapped with trigger warnings for 'discriminatory language' (Pictured: Leonard Rossiter as Rupert Rigsby) ITV has placed caution notices on all 28 episodes of Rising Damp, widely regarded as one of the best-loved sitcoms of its era (Pictured: Don Warrington, Leonard Rossiter and Richard Beckinsale While such scenes are now being flagged for modern audiences, Warrington has previously defended the programme from accusations of racism. Speaking in 2022, the Death in Paradise star said the sitcom should not be sanitised to fit today's sensitivities because 'its intentions were good'. He explained: 'The show was never cynical... the standard of work was just so great.' Warrington, who is black, added: 'A lot of black people still say to me that their parents would call them down from their bedrooms whenever it was on, because of the way it showed a black man on TV who wasn't being put down or abused.' Series creator Eric Chappell also rejected claims that the comedy was harmful, insisting Rigsby was not written as a racist caricature. He said: 'Rigsby was not a racist or a bigot, but he was prejudiced and suspicious of strangers.' The sitcom went on to win a BAFTA for Best Situation Comedy in 1978 and was later adapted into a feature film in 1980. Its legacy endured long after it left screens, ranking 27th in the BBC's 2004 poll of the nation's 100 best sitcoms - higher than any other ITV entry. The top spot was claimed by Only Fools and Horses. The alerts on its streaming service ITVX warn of 'discriminatory language and attitudes' (Pictured: Frances De La Tour and Leonard Rossiter) Much of the humour centred on Rigsby's (L, with actor Peter Jeffrey) awkward interactions with his tenants The sitcom went on to win a BAFTA for Best Situation Comedy in 1978 and was later adapted into a feature film in 1980 Rossiter's performance as Rigsby was central to the programme's success. Known for his razor-sharp timing and expressive delivery, the actor earned a reputation as one of Britain's finest comic performers. Tragically, he died just six years after Rising Damp ended, suffering a fatal heart attack in his dressing room at the Lyric Theatre, London, aged 57. He had been preparing to go on stage in Joe Orton's play Loot. Warrington was among those who paid tribute to his co-star at the time, recalling Rossiter's generosity on set. He said: 'Rossiter was tremendously helpful to me. He is the comic master, so inventive. He can smell a laugh hidden away in quite an ordinary line. 'He used to take me aside and say "Don't try so hard, don't say it that way, just try it like this," he was always right.' For many viewers, Rising Damp remains a landmark of British television history. But with modern trigger warnings now attached, the debate continues over how older classics should be presented to a new generation of audiences. It comes as viewers of ITV's Doc Martin have been warned it may contain 'medical procedures' in the latest case of unusual trigger warnings being added to shows. While such scenes are now being flagged for modern audiences, Warrington (R) has previously defended the programme from accusations of racism Series creator Eric Chappell also rejected claims that the comedy was harmful, insisting Rigsby was not written as a racist caricature Speaking in 2022, Warrington (R) said the sitcom should not be sanitised to fit today's sensitivities because 'its intentions were good' The content alert has appeared on the gently-paced comedy-drama, starring Martin Clunes, on the ITVX streaming service. Multiple episodes of the show have had warnings added, starting in season one where viewers are told an episode 'contains a mild medical procedure'. In another later episode, ITV flags viewers could see one scene of 'moderate peril' after a man gets injured. And other notices warn of a 'surgical procedure' and a 'bloody injury scene which some may find disturbing'. It is not just medical scenes viewers alerted to, there are also language marks on the show which vary from 'bad' to 'mild' to 'moderate'. In season three, fans are even warned the episode 'contains infrequent use of moderate language'. Richard Madeley was branded an 'absolute hypocrite' for his 'delusional and embarrassing' comments during a Good Morning Britain debate on shoplifting. The 69-year-old presenter, who has previously spoken about his own arrest for allegedly failing to pay for items in the 1990s, came under fire from viewers as he weighed in on a panel discussion about whether shoplifters should face tougher punishments. Tuesday's debate featured Keeley Knowles, once Birmingham's most prolific shoplifter, who spoke candidly about her past addiction and how rehabilitation rather than prison sentences is key to tackling reoffending. Keeley told the programme: 'I've been to jail 28 times, it doesn't work. Instead of sending us to jail, treat the root cause, which is the addiction, and we have no need to commit crime anymore.' Richard responded: 'But not everybody shoplifts because they have an addiction.' She clarified: 'No, but a massive amount of shop theft is due to addiction. I'm sure it's something like 70 per cent or more. Richard Madeley (pictured) has been branded an 'absolute hypocrite' for his 'delusional and embarrassing' comments during Tuesday's Good Morning Britain debate on shoplifting The debate featured Keeley Knowles (pictured), once Birmingham 's most prolific shoplifter, who spoke candidly about addiction and how rehabilitation is key to tackling reoffending 'If you want to send them to jail, send them to jail, but sentences aren't long for shoplifting. Since the day I started my programme, I haven't committed any crime, taken drugs, nothing.' The discussion then shifted to whether ordinary people should intervene when they witness shoplifting, and Richard appeared particularly interested in the legal limits of physical intervention. He said: 'A lot of people are very worried that they will be accused of using unreasonable force.' He went on to share his own recent experience, recalling how he saw someone looting a shelf in Boots. Richard said he had his arm in a splint at the time but was 'very tempted' to trip the thief. 'I'd be prosecuted for using unreasonable force,' he added. However, many viewers were left unimpressed, accusing Richard of hypocrisy given his own past brush with the law. In 1994, the presenter was arrested for allegedly failing to pay for items including champagne on two occasions at a Tesco supermarket in Walkden, Greater Manchester. He always denied any wrongdoing and cited a lapse of memory. A jury later found him not guilty of theft. But Richard, 69, who has previously spoken about his own arrest for allegedly failing to pay for items in the 1990s, came under fire from viewers Some viewers also expressed frustration that Keeley's message about tackling addiction as a root cause of crime was overshadowed by Richard's focus on physical intervention Speaking about the incident last year, Richard said: 'Thank God Twitter wasn't around then. But the whole thing was so self-evidently b****cks, that my not paying was an oversight. 'It was leaked by someone at Tesco. At the time though, I thought, "Well, of course it's going to be okay because otherwise the world's gone mad." 'I never felt I was going to get cancelled. Granada Television were fantastic. And the Monday after they found out, and knew the facts of the case and knew it was rubbish, they told me not to worry.' He also addressed the incident live on GMB in 2024, admitting: 'I know from my own experience that it's very easy to forget to pay for stuff.' Richard added: 'And woah, just a minute a store detective, would you really accept a store detective putting you in cuffs? I mean, you would say, "Woah, hold on! I've just made an honest mistake, let me explain." There's a lot to go out there.' But viewers were not sympathetic as he spoke about tackling thieves. One wrote online: 'Why did Richard shoplift when he had enough money to buy it?' Another added: 'Richard, what was your reason? And you're worth millions?' A third said: 'Wasn't Richard caught shoplifting? Why isn't anybody asking him why he did it?' Others pointed out the irony of him leading the debate. One commented: 'No irony at all in Richard Madeley discussing shoplifting again with the police commissioner. Picture of a bottle of champagne in the background.' Many watchers were left unimpressed, accusing Richard of hypocrisy given his own past brush with the law Another mocked his claim that his arm splint prevented him from intervening, writing: 'So having your arm in a sling prevented you from going "Bruce Lee" on the guy's ass Richard? Of course it did.' Another said: 'What an absolute hypocrite Richard Madeley is talking about kicking a shoplifter's legs out from under them, I wonder if he would have liked that being done to him when he was caught shoplifting.' One viewer wrote: 'Jesus Richard Madeley is embarrassing. "I would have tackled a shoplifter but my arm was in a splint but I would have kicked the shoplifter's legs away and sat on him." 'I mean seriously, why is he talking absolute s***. Let's get real he wouldn't have done a thing.' Some also expressed frustration that Keeley's message about tackling addiction as a root cause of crime was overshadowed by Richard's focus on physical intervention. One wrote: 'Keeley was trying to get over a really important message about treating the cause of why people are shoplifting and nobody wanted to listen to her, Richard only wanted to know how to rugby tackle them legally!' Despite his insistence that his own arrest was the result of absent-mindedness, Richard Madeley's willingness to lecture on the subject has reignited criticism. Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 from 6am and is available to stream on ITVX. Olivia Hawkins broke down in tears after a brutal rejection from her Celebs Go Dating co-star Louis Russell after 'pushing herself out of her comfort zone' on the Channel 4 show on Sunday. The Love Island star, 30, had quickly hit it off with Too Hot To Handle favourite Louis, 23, during the agency's away trip to Ibiza, where the pair even shared a kiss. But back in the UK, Olivia admitted she felt let down, revealing Louis had made 'no consistent effort' to contact her. Hoping to get clarity, she took the plunge and sent him a message, inviting him on a date. 'I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and I asked him out on a date,' she told the agents. 'I messaged him and said "Do you want to go to Usher?" and he didn't reply.' Relationship expert Dr Tara asked if Olivia thought his lack of response was a red flag and whether he was simply playing games. Olivia Hawkins broke down in tears after a brutal rejection from her Celebs Go Dating co-star Louis Russell after 'pushing herself out of her comfort zone' on the Channel 4 show on Sunday The Love Island star, 30, had quickly hit it off with Too Hot To Handle favourite Louis (pictured), 23, during the agency's away trip to Ibiza, where the pair even shared a kiss Olivia conceded that she agreed. But when Tara pressed further, asking if she still wanted to spend more time with Louis, Olivia confessed: 'I want to, but I know I shouldn't, so that's the dilemma I'm in.' Agent Paul C. Brunson stepped in with some straight-talking advice, comparing Olivia's dating habits to handing over a pen. 'I'm looking at this pen and I believe what you've done your entire life, you've handed the pen over to all the men in your life,' he said. 'And you've said "write my story for me", instead of taking the pen yourself and saying "I'm going to write my own story." He continued: 'This is precisely what you've done with Louis. You have gone to what is familiar to you and you know what's familiar to you... unhealthy, not strong communication, confusion. 'It's called repetition compulsion. The only person that can break that cycle is you and you break it by being firm with what it is that you need.' Reassuring her, Paul added that she was on the right path to a 'beautiful loving relationship' but needed to recognise and change old patterns. Fighting back tears, Olivia admitted: 'The more I tell myself I'm worthy and I deserve true love and I don't deserve to be treated like that-' Agent Paul C. Brunson (pictured) stepped in with some straight-talking advice, comparing Olivia's dating habits to handing over a pen Back in the UK, Olivia admitted she felt let down, revealing Louis had made 'no consistent effort' to contact her She then broke down, sobbing: 'It's so triggering for me... I'm sorry, I promised myself I wasn't going to cry again. I think I have just lost confidence and it's just building it again.' Paul reminded her: 'But that's what you're here to do.' Despite the setback with Louis, the agents quickly lined up another blind date for Olivia. But it wasn't long before her attention drifted elsewhere - namely towards her Celebs Go Dating co-star Sam Prince. Olivia seemed distracted by the Made in Chelsea star during the mixer, and it appeared the feeling was mutual. In his own confessional, Sam admitted: 'I'm feeling more chemistry with Olivia than my own date.' It comes as the agency was turmoil during a recent episode after two stars broke down in tears in a candid discussion about their past. Olivia admitted to feeling 'triggered' by her past relationships while Sam said he found himself 'never being enough' for his parents which has left him 'sensitive' when it comes to romance. Despite the setback with Louis (pictured), the agents quickly lined up another blind date for Olivia Speaking to experts Anna Williamson and Dr Tara, Liv discussed her date with Louis - 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. She continued: 'But I just kept going back. I just really wanted to change him and I lost myself a bit.' Celebs Go Dating airs on E4 from Monday to Thursday at 9pm. Isabel Webster has revealed the truth behind her former GB News co-star Eamonn Holmes's health woes - blaming a habit that she says is 'really tough on the body.' The presenter, 42, lifted the lid on working alongside Eamonn during an appearance on Channel 5's Vanessa, where she discussed her career shift and why she was relieved to no longer be waking up in the middle of the night for her job. Eamonn, 65, has been plagued by health battles in recent years after undergoing surgery on his back in 2022, which left him reliant on a walking frame or wheelchair. At the time, he shared a photo from his bed and admitted: 'Life's not easy these days.' Earlier this year he told fans his problems were ongoing, writing on Instagram: 'Even when the sun shines there's pain. Sometimes I feel I'll never beat this disc immobility but I'm determined to have a life...' His health issues stretch back much further. In 2016, Eamonn underwent a double hip replacement after years of living with acute pain. Isabel Webster has revealed the truth behind her former GB News co-star Eamonn Holmes 's health woes - blaming a habit that she says is 'really tough on the body' Eamonn, 65, has been plagued by health battles in recent years after undergoing surgery on his back in 2022, which left him reliant on a walking frame or wheelchair Two years later he was struck down with shingles, which nearly derailed his son Declan's wedding day. By 2021, severe back pain seemingly came out of nowhere, leaving him dependent on a walking stick before doctors discovered he was suffering from three slipped discs affecting his right leg. Reflecting on their time together at GB News, Vanessa Feltz asked Isabel: 'And did you have fun working with Eamonn Holmes, would you call that, is that a way of describing it, fun, or was it quite tough?' Isabel replied warmly: 'Eamonn Holmes is a very funny man, actually, got a very Irish sense of humour, but he is literally an example of what happens when you get up at three in the morning for your entire TV career.' Her comment drew laughter from Vanessa and the panel, though Isabel quickly clarified her meaning. 'Well he says it himself! 'No, no, no - he would say it himself. It's extremely tough on the body and, as we all know, he's got a few problems at the moment.' The revelation follows reports of tensions between Isabel and Eamonn before she left GB News, though the presenter emphasised her colleague's humour and professionalism. Eamonn, who is married to Loose Women star Ruth Langsford, is considered one of the most familiar faces on British television, with a broadcasting career spanning more than four decades. Reflecting on their time together at GB News, Vanessa Feltz asked Isabel if she had 'fun' working with Eamonn And Isabel (pictured with Eamonn) replied that her former co-star is an example of what consistently waking up at 3am can do to your health His health struggles, however, have frequently made headlines in recent years, and he has spoken candidly about the impact they have had on both his career and day-to-day life. Isabel's comments struck a chord with many in the studio audience, highlighting just how gruelling early starts can be for breakfast television hosts. Yet despite Eamonn's health troubles, the veteran broadcaster has vowed to keep working. And just days ago, he left Kerry Katona speechless as he made a reference to an 'Oriental' look to her appearance, before issuing a very bitter apology live on GB News. The former Atomic Kitten star, 44, appeared on the morning talk show for a plastic surgery debate. But as she showed off the results of a facelift one year on, Kerry was left completely shocked as Eamonn described her look as 'Oriental'. 'Are you happy with the eyes?' Eamonn asked, before Kerry said: 'I had them done over a year ago now. You know all it was I could... it was making my eyes feel a bit heavy so I had an uplift. But what I don't like is when...' The revelation follows reports of tensions between Isabel and Eamonn before she left GB News, though the presenter emphasised her colleague's humour and professionalism Eamonn then cut her off to add 'And you don't look Oriental or anything do you?' leaving Kerry speechless as she stumbled over her words. The Irish presenter was later forced to apologise by show bosses live on air, but clearly unhappy with having to do so said: 'Apparently you're not allowed to describe someone as looking oriental or... I don't know how I would end up describing Kerry Katona if her eyes change shape. 'I don't know how I'm going to say does she look like someone from some other country in the eastern of the world... The world is ridiculous. 'How you have to apologise for people... if she painted herself or... I don't know I can't get into this. But anyway.' Local residents say the artificial wisteria on the vicarage in ITV's crime drama Grantchester is 'worse than ever before' as they film the final series. Villagers in the picturesque Grantchester, Cambridgeshire, where the drama is filmed, say the wisteria has been replaced but looks 'even worse than before..' The two rows of neat purple wisteria attached to the fictional vicarage have caused outcry among locals, who quickly pointed out the flaws in the plastic decoration used on the set. Many pointed out that wisteria grows up from the ground - instead of appearing like bunting beneath the roof and above the front door. Others were bemused by the ability of the plant to apparently miraculously be in bloom all year round. In reality, wisteria only starts flowering in late April or early May and its flowers only last a few weeks. Horticultural expert Alan Titchmarsh earlier this year hit out at Grantchester for saying the fake wisteria was 'awful' and drove him 'nuts.' In an interview with Grantchester actors Tessa Peake-Jones and Rishi Nair on ITV's Love Your Weekend he asked them to pass his complaints onto the producers. One local pointed out: 'Wisteria branches up out of the ground and would not just hang in pretty rows. It looks completely unrealistic and even worse than before' Local residents say the artificial wisteria on the vicarage in ITV's crime drama Grantchester is 'worse than ever before' Horticultural expert Alan Titchmarsh earlier this year hit out at Grantchester for saying the fake wisteria was 'awful' and drove him 'nuts' Locals also made their feelings on the matter clear. 'The plastic wisteria is absolutely terrible and worse than ever before, it is the wrong colour and looks as though it has just been draped over the drainpipes and hung from the roof, which is not how wisteria grows,' said local Becky Harrow. 'Wisteria branches up out of the ground and would not just hang in pretty rows. It looks completely unrealistic and even worse than before.' Another local, Peter Blake, added: 'When the plastic wisteria gets hung over the vicarage you know they're about to start filming. It's really embarrassing as it just looks so awful.' Others took to social media to complain, with Gareth Manning posting on X: 'Could someone please tell the producers of Grantchester to get rid of the bloody awful fake Wisteria from the vicarage. Why can't set designers learn how plants actually grow.' Another user, Woah Nelly, added: 'It's the most plastic looking Wisteria I've ever seen,' and Rachael Sinclair wrote: 'Grantchester is a fun show, but the wisteria on the vicarage is getting on my nerves. 'Explain how that stuff is continuously blooming over what must be weeks and months? Yes, it's pretty, but let's be realistic.' Alan Titchmarsh said in March this year: 'There's one thing about Grantchester that drives me nuts... It's the blooming wisteria outside the vicarage, it's awful! It's false, it's artificial, it doesn't look real.' Pictured: real wisteria growing on a building in Christ's College, Cambridge, near where the TV series is set The fake wisteria (pictured) has caused quite a stir amongst horticultural experts and locals alike Tessa Peake Jones, who plays the vicarage housekeeper, then asked him: 'But you're an expert! Do you think the public can tell?' Alan responded: 'It's just like Bridgerton, it's awful.' Rishi, 33, who plays parish priest Alphy Kotteram, then added: 'It's not the first time we've heard that.' The final series of Grantchester is set in 1963 and will see Alphy continue getting to know Meg, the Bishop's daughter. It has been adapted from the Grantchester Mysteries novels by James Runcie and developed for television by Daisy Coulam. A brand-new Netflix rom-com has taken viewers by storm - with fans declaring there is 'not a single dull moment' as the South Korean series rockets up the charts just days after its release. Although Bon Appetit, Your Majesty only landed on the streamer on Saturday, it has already secured a spot in the UK top 10, quickly becoming the most talked about drama. The series offers a unique combination of romance, comedy, time travel and cooking. At its heart is Yeon Ji-yeong, a perfectionist South Korean chef specialising in French cuisine, whose career takes an unexpected turn when she wins a cooking competition and is suddenly transported several centuries into the past. Finding herself in the royal palace of the Joseon era, Ji-yeong encounters King Lee Heon, a ruler feared for his ruthless temper yet famed for his impeccable palate. Described as both 'the best gourmet and the worst tyrant', the monarch proves to be her toughest customer yet. A brand-new Netflix rom-com has taken viewers by storm - with fans declaring there is 'not a single dull moment' as the South Korean series rockets up the charts just days after its release Bon Appetit, Your Majesty only landed on the streamer on Saturday, but it has already secured a spot in the UK top 10, quickly becoming the most talked about drama Produced by Studio Dragon - the powerhouse behind global hits Crash Landing On You and It's Okay Not To Be Okay - the series is already drawing comparisons with its predecessors in terms of scale and ambition. The drama stars Im Yoon-ah as the ambitious chef, alongside Lee Chae-min as King Lee Heon and Kang Han-na as the calculating concubine Kang Mok-ju. Joseon prince Je Seon, who secretly covets the throne, is played by Choi Gwi-hwa - a familiar face for Squid Game fans, who will remember him as Player 203. The official synopsis reads: 'Chef Yeon Ji-yeong, a perfectionist French-trained chef at the peak of her culinary career, is suddenly transported back in time to the royal palace. 'There, she's forced to cook for an infamously temperamental tyrant, King Yi Heon, a ruler with a killer palate and a deadly temper. 'Yeon Ji-yeong is a modern woman caught in a cutthroat world of palace politics, survival cooking, and unexpected romance. Her mission? Survive the royal kitchen, win over the impossible King, and maybe, just maybe, rewrite the future.' Viewers are already hooked, and took to social media to gush about the show. One fan wrote online: 'Episode one was so good it's been months since I enjoyed a romcom K-drama. 'There's no dull moment, it's all like a rollercoaster ride. Peak comedy, and there's a spark.' At its heart is Yeon Ji-yeong, a perfectionist South Korean chef specialising in French cuisine, who wins a cooking competition and is suddenly transported several centuries into the past Finding herself in the royal palace of the Joseon era, Ji-yeong encounters King Lee Heon, a ruler feared for his ruthless temper yet famed for his impeccable palate Viewers are already hooked, and took to social media to share their opinions about the show Another viewer singled out the lead actor's performance: 'This might just be Lee Chae-min's best performance and project so far! His acting has improved so much, he's really shining.' And one commenter said: 'This drama is for us romcom enthusiasts. I can't believe I have finally found a drama to get me out of my K-drama slump this year. It's so good, I can't wait for the next episodes.' Others noted the attention to detail, with one writing: 'It's refreshing to see a character time-travel in their original state. She even had her phone and bag, though it didn't last long.' The numbers suggest audiences agree. In South Korea, the premiere episode drew almost 5 per cent of the national TV audience. Episode two climbed to an impressive 6.6 per cent the following week - a surge that will be reassuring to fans already clamouring for a second season. Although Netflix has yet to confirm if Bon Appetit, Your Majesty will be renewed, the glowing reviews and viewership suggests the show could be a long-term success. Bon Appetit, Your Majesty is available to stream now on Netflix A sneaky video of Zoe Kravitz and Harry Styles walking arm-in-arm in Italy this weekend sent shockwaves around the globe. And not least because the romantic stroll came just days after the actress, 36, was caught getting cozy with another big star: Austin Butler. In exclusive Daily Mail video, Kravitz and fellow actor Butler, 34, were seen drinking, hugging and leaning in close while out late at a bar in Paris following the premiere of the new film in which they co-star, Caught Stealing. But now, an inside source has told the Daily Mail that while Kravitz and Butler certainly 'got friendly' while working on the movie together, there was nothing more between them. The insider added that Kravitz is attracted to 31-year-old Styles's 'effortlessly cool' personality, which 'reminds her' of her dad, rocker Lenny Kravtiz. 'Zoe and Austin are just really good friends despite all the rumors that they were anything more,' the insider explained. A sneaky video of Zoe Kravitz and Harry Styles walking arm-in-arm in Italy this weekend sent shockwaves around the globe And not least because things were rather complicated by the fact the romantic stroll came just days after the actress, 36, was caught getting cozy with another big star: Austin Butler Kravtiz has certainly had a colorful dating history full of big stars and leading Hollywood men. She's seen earlier this month 'They got friendly by working with each other and nothing more... even though people want them to be something, it just isn't the case. Austin is doing his own thing and is not bothered with any relationship Zoe is in or will get into; he's totally cool about it. He's more interested and looking forward to the reaction that fans have over their movie.' On Styles, the insider added: 'Zoe is attracted to musicians, but she is also attracted to Harry because he is really cool. He's really cool without trying.' On Monday, a source claimed that, as well as the Italy walkabout this weekend, the two were spotted kissing at a London restaurant last Tuesday, according to The Sun. Our insider added that the former One Direction member is certainly open to seeing where things go, adding that they wouldn't be surprised if he falls for the actress quickly, as many have in the past. Over the years, Kravitz has been linked to a slew of famous faces, including Noah Centineo, Channing Tatum, Penn Badgley, Drake and Chris Pine. 'Harry is interested in seeing where this goes. It is very easy to fall for Zoe,' the insider dished. 'She is beautiful and so unique a person that you just want to know more and more about her, and that is mesmerizing for everyone who meets her. 'In so many of her past relationships, men fell in love with her very fast, so it wouldn't be surprising if Harry find himself in the same situation.' But while it certainly seems like there's potential for Styles and Kravtiz's relationship to grow, our insider added that, as of now, it's 'not anything official.' 'If this becomes anything more than a date here and there, we will know almost immediately, but they aren't broadcasting anything yet because it is not anything official,' the source said. 'They are just having fun and seeing where it all goes. They are both in a headspace of wanting to be in a relationship, and hopefully this is one that will work out.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Styles, Butler and Kravitz for comment. Kravtiz has certainly had a colorful dating history. She was previously engaged to Channing Tatum; the two first started dating in 2021, and announced that they were gearing up to get married in late 2023 before splitting last year Kravitz and actor Karl Glusman got together in 2016 and tied the knot in 2019, but Kravitz filed for divorce in 2020. They're seen in 2019 She sparked dating rumors with actor Noah Centineo back in May this year, when the two were seen on a series of outings together, including one particularly romantic stroll in which the two stars held hands in a Brooklyn park. Before that, she was engaged to actor Channing Tatum. They had started dating in 2021, after bonding on the set of her film Blink Twice, and announced their plan to marry in late 2023. But in October last year, it was revealed that they had called off the engagement. Kravitz was also previously married to actor Karl Glusman. They got together in 2016 and tied the knot in 2019, but Kravitz filed for divorce in 2020. In 2015, she briefly dated musician George Lewis Jr., also known as Twin Shadow - and before that, she had a three-year romance with Gossip Girl star Penn Badgley. She also once confessed in an interview to 'hanging out' with rapper Drake. In 2015, she briefly dated musician George Lewis Jr. (left), and before that, she had a three-year long romance with Gossip Girl star Badgley (right) In addition, she was spotted spending a lot of time with Ezra Miller in 2010, but neither have ever spoken out about their relationship so very little is known about it She also sparked dating rumors with Pine that same year when the two seemed to get cozy at the Met Gala and attended a slew of London Fashion Week shows together 'We hung out for a minute, but we are very good friends,' she said. 'We hung out a little bit, you know, its like I hang out, I dont know how you hang out. Hes a cutie.' There were also reports that she became romantically intertwined with her X-Men: First Class co-star Michael Fassbender, who was 12 years her senior, in 2011. And in 2010, she was spotted spending a lot of time with actor Ezra Miller, but neither has ever spoken about their relationship. The same year, she sparked dating rumors with actor Chris Pine, after the two reportedly got cozy at the Met Gala and attended a slew of London Fashion Week shows together. It's unclear whether or not they ever actually dated. Cutting-edge aircraft to fly in combat formations during China's V-Day military parade Xinhua) 13:04, August 26, 2025 BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's upcoming military parade will feature the main air combat forces of its joint military operations. A range of newly developed aircraft will make their parade debut, said parade organizers. These front-line combat models, now in active service, represent cutting-edge equipment for high-end warfare. The air echelon will fly in integrated combat formations, bringing together early-warning and command, strategic projection, and anti-surface capabilities from the Army, Navy and Air Force. Some aircraft carry live weapon loads. The theme of the parade is to affirm the Chinese people's commitment to peace and the armed forces' determination to safeguard it, said organizers. The parade, to be held on Sept. 3 in Beijing, marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Army, Navy and Air Force aircraft will fly at low altitude over Tian'anmen Square. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) There is currently a Strictly favourite who is living a life of torment, terrified that they could be kicked off the show they love dearly after finding themselves at the centre of a new scandal. Im told that an immense amount of pressure has been put on the BBC to oust the star, whose name I am aware of but Im unable to divulge for legal reasons, as allegations swirl that they were seen taking cocaine by another member of the popular BBC dance show. Although no arrests have yet been made, the police have confirmed they are investigating allegations of drug abuse relating to the flagship Saturday night family show. A Metropolitan Police spokesman told the Daily Mail: On August 12, we received an allegation about drug-related offences. We are assessing the information and further inquiries are taking place to establish whether there is evidence of a criminal offence. This comes two weeks after the BBC brought in external lawyers, Pinsent Masons, to examine claims that two Strictly stars had abused cocaine. According to The Sun newspaper, it was alleged one Strictly star said another was off their face... have you seen the pupils in their eyes? Met detectives are also understood to be examining other allegations relating to the show. But perhaps most telling of all is the source of these allegations: for its none other than Wynne Evans, the disgraced former host of BBC Radio Waless breakfast show, who appeared in last years series alongside professional dancer Katya Jones. With just weeks to go until the launch of the new series on Saturday, September 20, the upper echelons of the Corporation are said to be furious with Evans, whom they believe was given the opportunity of a lifetime when they hired him for the 2024 series, and made it all the way to week nine, before being voted off. Now they fear his determination for revenge is behind the latest probe. Evans, who made his name in the Go Compare TV insurance advertisements, was axed by the BBC in May after The Mail on Sunday exclusively called him out for making an abhorrent spit roast comment about professional dancer Janette Manrara, at the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing live tour. Despite making an effusive apology for inappropriate and unacceptable comments, his career was left in tatters. Earlier this month, The Sun reported that it was Evans who made a legal submission to the BBC about alleged drug use in March this year via his law firm Russells. Evans, who now hosts a radio show on his own website, has also said on air that he made the BBCs director general Tim Davie aware that illegal activities had taken place on the show. Wynne is trying to ruin our wonderful, wonderful show, says one high-ranking BBC insider. He didnt get his contract renewed so now he is trying to throw mud at Strictly; it feels like an act of revenge. Of course, cocaine is illegal and, of course, it shouldnt be part of the show, but quite why Wynne is pushing this is bizarre. Jamie Borthwick who was a Strictly contestant with Michelle Tsiakkas last year was suspended by the BBC after it was revealed he made an offensive slur against disabled people He was given an amazing opportunity to take part in the programme, it must have also brought him so much joy, but now he is trying to make Strictly all grubby as he seems determined to get his revenge on the BBC. Its horrible. The new season is about to start and with every year we hope for a fresh start, but now there is going to be a dark cloud hanging over Strictly 2025, especially for the person accused, but we wont let him spoil it for others, no way. But it is like hes on a one-man crusade to tarnish the BBC. So just what has angered Evans so much that he has now decided to call out people who were his friends during his time on the show? Strictly bosses stood by him when viewers first noticed his wandering hand on partner Katyas waist and stomach which they insisted was just a private joke between them. But he is said to be furious that executives turned on him following the infamous spit roast comment. Now sources tell me that Evans may have fallen out with the unnamed star around Christmas time last year, towards the end of the series, following a night out. Others suggest he is very, very anti drugs and may have felt offended by the use of cocaine taking place around him. Wynne and this person got on, just like he did with everyone while he was on Strictly, someone familiar with the disgraced Welsh star tells me. But then there was a night out. I dont know what happened, but Wynne was no longer so keen on some of his Strictly pals after that. Something changed. He didnt seem to like Strictly so much from then on. It was a shame because they were actually a very close year group. Evans has repeatedly taken aim at the BBC since they axed him. In one rant, while appearing on ITVs This Morning, Evans claimed he was offered no support with his mental health following his BBC exit and that Strictly bosses hadnt been in contact with him at all to check on his welfare. Another professional dancer, Graziano Di Prima, was fired after footage emerged showing him kicking celebrity partner Zara McDermott, pictured It has been a torrid time for the BBC and, in particular, its boss Mr Davie. Only this weekend, it was revealed that Strictly had become embroiled in yet another crisis as one of its stars was arrested on suspicion of rape. The suspect, who has not been named, is also being quizzed by police over allegations from a third party of non-consensual intimate image abuse. A Met police spokesperson confirmed that it was carrying out a joint investigation with Hertfordshire police and said that inquiries were ongoing. While the suspect is not involved in this years Strictly series, it is yet another headache for those at its helm. First, there were the bullying allegations by actress Amanda Abbington against Giovanni Pernice when they were partnered together in 2023. After a long-running inquiry, the Italian professional dancer was cleared of the most serious accusations levelled against him. Then another professional dancer, Graziano Di Prima, was fired after footage emerged showing him kicking celebrity partner Zara McDermott. In June this year, EastEnderss Jamie Borthwick who was a Strictly contestant with Evans last year was suspended by the BBC after it was revealed he made an offensive slur against disabled people in Blackpool while the show was being filmed there. But lets not forget Strictly is not the only programme mired in scandal. Recently, MasterChef co-hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode were both fired for inappropriate behaviour. It is also investigating bullying claims against BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani a row into which its co-host Naga Munchetty has also been dragged. This, of course, follows the downfall of former news presenter Huw Edwards, who was convicted last year of accessing indecent photographs of children as young as seven. He was paid around 475,000 for the year 2023/24 by the broadcaster, despite being suspended in July 2023 after allegations about his private life emerged in The Sun. For now, the BBCs priority is to protect its flagship show as it returns in mid-September. Im told much care has been taken to ensure that Strictlys line up for this year will be free of scandal. We wish we had never hired Wynne, says one insider. We hope nothing like this happens again. Its not fair on our viewers. Kellie Finlayson has shared some sweet words about her Port Adelaide star husband Jeremy, after he was delisted from the AFL on Monday. The footy WAG, 29, posted a gallery of throwback photos to social media, which captured her and Jeremy at AFL games, as she thanked her partner for always supporting her. 'In what could have been the worst four years of our lives, this club gave our little family so much purpose,' Kellie began. 'The way you held yourself particularly in the beginning when your world was falling apart, the way you showed up, the way you played with so much purpose. 'The way you reminded so many people that footy is so much bigger than just a game that can be won or lost.' Kellie finished her post by thanking Jeremy for always being there for her and their four-year-old daughter, Sophia. Kellie Finlayson has shared some sweet words about her Port Adelaide star husband Jeremy, after he was delisted from the AFL on Monday. Pictured together with daughter Sophia 'Youre a good kick but an even better dad. We love you so much,' she wrote. On Monday, Port Adelaide FC announced the official delisting of Jeremy Finlayson, who joined the club from the GWS Giants ahead of the 2022 season. Jeremy played just eight games in 2025 and is among five players to be released, alongside Ryan Burton, Dylan Williams, Lachie Charleson and Hugh Jackson. Finlayson played a total of 62 games during his four seasons at Port, including a standout 2023 season when he finished as the club's leading goalkicker. It comes after Kellie recently revealed the emotional challenges of dealing with her stage four lung and bowel cancer diagnosis. She was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021 and revealed in 2022 that the illness had spread to her lungs, and she has undergone thoracic surgery in recent months. Appearing on the Jess Rowe Big Talk Show podcast's Safe Space series earlier this year, Kellie, who was promoting her new memoir There Must Be More, said she was 'thriving' in the wake of her diagnosis. When Jess asked Kellie what she meant by 'thriving', she said it was all about changing her frame of mind. The footy WAG posted a gallery of throwback photos to social media which captured her and Jeremy at AFL games, as she thanked her partner for always supporting her 'It completely comes from mindset,' she said. 'I feel like I still live each day the same as I used to, if not with more life, if that makes sense,' she said. 'I turned a really s***ty situation into a pretty incredible one and a really powerful one with a lot of purpose.' In March, Kellie revealed she had undergone a VATS procedure to remove a piece of tissue from her lungs. VATS stands for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery, which is a form of keyhole surgery. She revealed that doctors had removed metastatic tissue from her lungs Metastatic tissue occurs when cancer cells spread from a primary tumour to other areas in the body to form new tumours. Kellie and Jeremy tied the knot in March 2023, in an intimate ceremony at South Australia's Tennyson Beach. They share daughter Sophia, who was born in 2021, just months before Kellie was first diagnosed. Lil Nas X was seen making his way out of a Los Angeles-area courthouse on Monday as he made his $75,000 bail, leading to his release from custody after spending more than three days in jail after his battery arrest Thursday. The Montero (Call Me by Your Name) artist, 26, wore a full-body, baby blue jumpsuit in Van Nuys, California as he was led away from the legal facility after his arrest in nearby Studio City, California. Lil Nas X, whose full name is Montero Lamar Hill, wore sandals and carried papers in his hand as he exited the building. The musical artist, who has more than 10.3 million Instagram followers, was charged with multiple felonies, leaving him exposed to five years in state prison if convicted of the charges he's accused of. The Atlanta native was arrested after police saw him walking naked down Ventura Avenue in Studio City, leading to a confrontation in which authorities used a Taser to subdue him, TMZ reported Monday. Lil Nas X's charges include three felony battery counts, including injury on a police officer and resisting an executive officer. Lil Nas X was seen making his way out of a Los Angeles-area courthouse on Monday as he made his $75,000 bail Lil Nas X 'did unlawfully use force and violence and inflict an injury' on three police officers who he should 'reasonably should have known' was a peace officer involved 'in the performance of a duty' for the public, a criminal complaint against the musical artist read. It appears that the Old Town Road artist has a brewing legal battle on his hands. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman vowed that he will bring the musical artist to justice for his alleged attack on a group of police officers at around 5:40 a.m. on Thursday. 'Attacking police officers is more than just a crime against those individuals,' Hochman said in a statement, 'but a direct threat to public safety.' The prosecutor added that the Grammy-winning artist should not expect any special treatment in the wake of the confrontation in the San Fernando Valley last week. 'Anyone who assaults law enforcement will face serious consequences, no matter who they are or how famous they may be,' Hochman added. The Panini vocalist entered a plea of not guilty as he was arraigned Monday in the courthouse's Department 100. He is slated to attend a preliminary hearing on September 15 in Department 112 of the courthouse. The Industry Baby artist wore a full body, baby blue jumpsuit in Van Nuys, California The two-time Grammy-winner carried papers in his hand as he exited the building An officer looked on as the singer made his way to a nearby vehicle on the late summer day The incident involving the Rodeo performer is being probed by the North Hollywood Division of the LAPD, officials said The Van Nuys Branch of the District Attorney's Office is handling the case against the performer. A lawyer for Lil Nas X, Christy OConnor, told a judge that 'assuming the allegations here are true, this is an absolute aberration in this persons life,' NBC reported. OConnor added that 'nothing like this has ever happened to him.' Lil Nas X made a splash in music in 2018 as his country rap track Old Town Road went viral, leading to a collaboration with Billy Ray Cyrus on the same track. He has past collaborated with artists such as Cardi B, DaBaby and Jack Harlow. A lawyer for Lil Nas X, Christy OConnor, told a judge that 'assuming the allegations here are true, this is an absolute aberration in this persons life' Lil Nas X was charged with multiple felonies, leaving him exposed to five years in state prison if convicted of the charges he's accused of Lil Nas X made a splash in music in 2018 as his country rap track Old Town Road went viral, leading to a collaboration with Billy Ray Cyrus on the same track A source told Daily Mail last week that the musical artist might have fallen in with the wrong crowd as he copes with the fallout of fast fame and fortune over the past seven years. 'Nas doesnt feel that he can trust many people from his past,' the source said, 'because they tried to exploit him financially - but some of those people suspect his new friends cant be trusted either.' Lil Nas X has been 'been hanging around some seedy characters in LA who some people suspect have been leeching off him and living in his house, the source went on to say. Lil Nas X's relatives want to step in and support him in the wake of the most recent incident, the insider said. Mob Wives star Renee Graziano on Monday revealed the incredible results she achieved after using the popular Hollywood weight loss medication Mounjaro. Graziano, 57, was pictured at a New York City theater for the debut of the film Run, as she supported her pal, actress Claudia Jordan, 57. Graziano showed off the physical changes she's undergone in a red dress with silver heels at the AMC Magic Johnson Harlem. Graziano wore her jet black locks down and parted and accessorized with hoop earrings, adding an element of upscale glamour to her slimmed-down look. Mounjaro, which like Ozempic is an injectable originally developed to treat diabetes, has been taken by celebrities ranging from Meghan Trainor to Whoopi Goldberg. Graziano, the daughter of a former consigliere to the Bonnano mafia family, has become one of the latest famous faces to shed pounds with the help of the drug. Mob Wives star Renee Graziano, 57, on Monday revealed the incredible results she achieved after using the popular Hollywood weight loss medication Mounjaro Graziano wore her jet black locks down and parted and accessorized with hoop earrings, adding an element of upscale glamour to her slimmed-down look Graziano donned expensive jewelry to the NYC movie premiere in a series of images she shared to her Instagram Stories as she documented her glam night out. Graziano lauded her pal Jordan for nabbing the role of Jennifer Jordan in the sci-fi film, in one of her Stories. 'Congratulations to my fabulous friend [Claudia Jordan] and the amazing girls in this movie, tagging in the film's Erica Mena, Drew Sidora, Erica Pinkett and Annie Ilonzeh,' Graziano said. She added, 'Everyone get out on August 29 and see Run ... cant wait to celebrate with yall tonight!!!' The film Run's storyline centers around Melissa (Ilonzeh) who, 'after leaving her fiance at the altar ... joins friends at a cabin. 'When Jenny is found mutilated in the woods and aliens attack the nation, the girls must fight to survive.' After losing significant weight, Graziano in May had been posting frequently to her Instagram page, proudly displaying her slimmed-down figure in swimwear and fitted clothing. Graziano in May said she was down 52 pounds as she explained to her followers how she was enjoying keeping them in the loop with her weight loss. Graziano posed at the premiere with Erica Mena of Love & Hip Hop fame Celebs (L-R) Claudia Jordan, Annie Ilonzeh, Renee Graziano, Drew Sidora, Sexxy Lexxy, Erica Mena, and Erica Pinkett posed at the event in the Big Apple Graziano donned expensive jewelry to the NYC movie premiere Graziano lauded her pal Claudia Jordan for nabbing the role of Jennifer Jordan in the sci-fi film 'I love sharing my weight-loss journey with yall because truthfully, Ive been so hard on myself behind the scenes,' Graziano said. Baring the emotions behind her weight loss process, Graziano wrote: 'Ive battled self-criticism in the past! Ripped myself down to the ground!! She continued, 'I truly was so sick and tired of my life and my inability to lose weight so I thought Id eat until I felt better.' Graziano added: 'THAT NEVER HAPPENED, I felt like I was constantly falling short - of how I should look, feel, and keep up with what society tells us is acceptable.' Graziano told her fans that they too could change for the better if they set goals and focused on reaching them. 'Thats why, when I see photos that show the real, visible change,' Graziano said. 'My clear eyes and genuine smile I have to share. I want everyone to know if I can do it you can do it! its all possible!!' Graziano dished: 'Between taking my weekly MOUNJARO shot for the 1st 5 months, the. making sure I took the right supplements (dm me I will share what take) weekly chats with my therapist and doing all the work behind my insecurity, I havent felt the need for a plastic surgery short cut'. She clarified: 'Although I do believe whatever makes you happy and doesnt jeopardize your life do it!' confessing she uses 'a little Botox' and a 'touch of lip filler.' (L-R) Sidora, Graziano, Jordan and Ilonzeh posed for a photo at the luxe event Mob Wives star Renee Graziano has revealed the incredible results she achieved after using the popular Hollywood weight loss medication Mounjaro; pictured in 2018 (left) and now (right) Renee, who is pictured in 2017, wrote that she was 'truly was so sick and tired of my life and my inability to lose weight so I thought Id eat until I felt better' The 55-year-old has been posting up a storm to her Instagram page, proudly displaying her slimmed-down figure in swimwear and fitted clothing Graziano, who has been candid about her turbulent struggle with substance abuse and is currently on the wagon, discussed the impact of her physical transformation. 'The substantial amount of weight that I have lost really has made me feel and look younger than I have in a long time,' she wrote. 'My mind is clear and My body has transformed, and more importantly, so has my confidence.' Graziano told viewers: 'Whatever goal youre working toward, know this: you can do it. Be patient. Be kind to yourself. And dont give up. But always remember if your like me your recovery must come first!!' Graziano was arrested and charged on suspicion of DUI in January 2022, after she crashed her Nissan Murano into an empty parked car. She later spoke out, insisting 'no drugs or alcohol were involved' in the incident, that she 'never' appeared before a judge and that her case was 'thrown out.' More than a year later, in September 2023, she suffered a near-fatal fentanyl overdose after which she had to learn to walk again. The life-threatening ordeal prompted her to go to rehab and get sober, and she has since been frank about her previous struggles with substance abuse. Renee confessed to 'self-medicating' with drugs as she coped with various personal crises, including the death of her father Anthony Graziano and the collapse of her marriage to mobster Hector 'Junior' Pagan. Mob Wives was infamously rocked by scandal when Anthony was sentenced to a year and a half of prison after Junior wore a wire to surveil him for the authorities. Now Renee feels that she was 'was never addicted to drugs' but used them as a 'comfort' amid the tumult in her life, she told Page Six last year. 'In some strange way, I think sometimes that self-medicating kept me alive,' she said. 'Because I think if I would have really had to live through it without medicating, I might not have made it. That's the truth, and I don't even like to talk that way.' As Tammy Hembrow dominates headlines for her steamy tryst with AFL star Bailey Smith, another influencer looks to be rivalling her in the fitness world. Olivia Kelly is the hot new flame of Tammy's ex-fiance Reece Hawkins, and she isn't settling for just taking the fitness influencer's baby daddy. The 27-year-old model sizzled on Tuesday as she got in her reps at a Gold Coast gym and flaunted her very toned figure in a beige workout ensemble from Ryderwear. The brunette beauty showed off her ripped abs as she loaded weights onto a hip thrust machine. She kept her locks tied back into a ponytail and accessorised her activewear look with a pair of grey sneakers and white socks. Olivia then added some simple gold necklaces, a bracelet and a smartwatch to her ensemble. Olivia Kelly, 27, (left) the hot new flame of Tammy Hembrow's, 31, (right) ex-fiance Reece Hawkins, was spotted working out on the Gold Coast on Tuesday The model sizzled as she got in her reps at a Gold Coast gym and flaunted her very toned figure in a beige workout ensemble from Ryderwear At one point, she was seen sporting a bright smile as she ran into a male friend at the gym. The pair shared an embrace as Olivia got ready to leave, slipping a pair of plaid trousers over her very tight workout shorts. Olivia was then spotted outside the gym, engrossed in a conversation with her friend as she took her tresses out of the ponytail. It comes after Olivia revealed how she met her new boyfriend, who happens to be Tammy's ex-fiance. 'We basically met online,' she said in a Q&A on her Instagram story. She went on to say the romance had been unexpected but a pleasant surprise for the couple. 'Both of us were content on our own and not searching for a relationship, but I guess thats when you meet your person,' she said. Speculation began swirling when the Gold Coast influencer shared snaps revealing Reece's instantly recognisable tattoos. The brunette beauty showed off her ripped physique as she loaded loading weights onto a hip thrust machine She kept her locks tied back into a ponytail and accessorised her activewear look with a pair of grey sneakers and white socks Olivia then added some simple gold necklaces, a bracelet and a smartwatch to her ensemble At one point, she was seen sporting a bright smile as she ran into a male friend at the gym The pair shared an embrace as Olivia got ready to leave, slipping a pair of plaid trousers over her very tight workout shorts It comes after Olivia revealed how she met her new boyfriend, who happens to be Tammy's ex-fiance. 'We basically met online,' she said in a Q&A on her Instagram story She went on to say the romance had been unexpected but a pleasant surprise for the couple She appeared to be all smiles during her conversation with her friend Olivia and Reece debuted their relationship in July Tammy and Reece were together from 2014 to 2018. They share children Wolf and Saskia In July, the fitness trainer posted a photo of herself wearing a backless dress to her Stories, layered over another picture showing a chessboard and tattooed man. The ink matched that of Reece, who is known for his heavily tattooed body. Additionally, Olivia shared a photo of herself hugging a dog that appeared to be Reece's golden retriever. Fast forward to now, the fitness guru has made things Instagram official with Tammy's ex, posting a slew of pictures this month showing the couple loved up in Bali. In one selfie, the pair could be seen at a cafe together, with Reece looking at his phone and Olivia smiling for the camera. Another showed Olivia's new beau sweetly kissing her on the cheek. She first found fame appearing on The Undateables. Yet Fats Timbo proved she doesn't needs the agency's help to find love as she tied the knot with partner Alan Laszczak in a lavish ceremony in Cornwall on Sunday that merged their two cultures: Sierra Leonean and Polish. The comedian, 28, looked incredible as she slipped into two stunning bridal gowns for the ceremony - which was attended by her close friend and The Traitors star, Meryl Williams. For her first look, Fats modelled a white satin gown with Bardot sleeves and cut out detailing on the bodice. She added to the ensemble with an ornate pearl necklace and a lace-adorned veil. The Don't Look Down star later changed into a strapless lace gown with a sweeping train as she partied the night away with her loved ones. The Undateables' Fats Timbo tied the knot with Alan Laszczak in a lavish Sierra Leonean-Polish ceremony in Cornwall on Sunday The comedian, 28, looked incredible as she slipped into two stunning bridal gowns for the ceremony - which was attended by her close friend and The Traitors star, Meryl Williams Fats and Alan shared a kiss as they embraced newlywed life at their stunning ceremony Fats looked incredible as she posed up a storm with Meryl - who also looked radiant in a lilac caped gown with a pleated skirt. Meryl, 29, documented the day on her Instagram, sharing a gallery of snaps on Monday with the caption: 'BEST WEDDING EVER 'It was such an honour to be part of your special day @fatstimbo & @alanlaszczak Seeing you both so happy together was so beautiful! 'Forever grateful our paths crossed. Wishing you both a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and endless memories.' Both Fats and Meryl were born with achondroplasia, the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism. TikTok star Fats first found fame on The Undateables in 2018 - a reality series that follows single people with disabilities who sign up with a dating agency to help find partners. She announced her engagement in May 2024 after her boyfriend of four years popped the question. Photographer Alan - whom she did not meet on the show - proposed during the couple's romantic trip to Thailand. For her first look, Fats modelled a white satin gown with Bardot sleeves and cut out detailing on the bodice. She added to the ensemble with an ornate pearl necklace and a lace-adorned veil The Don't Look Down star later changed into a strapless lace gown with a sweeping train as she partied the night away with her loved ones Fats looked incredible as she posed up a storm with Meryl - who also looked radiant in a lilac caped gown with a pleated skirt Meryl, 29, documented the day on her Instagram, sharing a gallery of snaps on Monday with the caption: 'BEST WEDDING EVER ' The trio also posed for a snap with disability advocate Amy Pohl who has complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a neurological condition that causes chronic pain Fats told how she and Alan, who has cerebral palsy, 'understand each other' as they both have disabilities. Speaking on Loose Women last year, she said: 'He's amazing, he's a gentleman. Everything I want in a man. We both have a disability so we understand each other. I love to be on camera, he loves to be behind the camera, so it works.' Discussing Alan's proposal, Fats said: 'I'm going to tell you what really happened. I saw a TikTok about someone getting proposed to on the last day of holiday. 'So, I told him: "It's been four years, no ring, what's going on?" I was in a bit of a mood, I was thinking: "You're taking me for a ride." 'He said: 'Let's go take a walk on the beach'. When we got there, he said: "You're upset with me just turn around." I turn around, and he's on one knee. Fats has previously explained that she does not like the term 'dwarf', preferring, as many do, 'little person'. Since appearing on The Undateables, she has gone on to feature in shows such as Don't Look Down and was a commentator at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Fats has amassed a gargantuan 2.9 million followers on TikTok and over 300,000 followers on Instagram. She specialises in hilarious skits and is not afraid to make fun of herself. Her fiance Alan is also fond of social media and is detailing his fitness journey as someone with cerebral palsy. TikTok star Fats first found fame on The Undateables in 2018 - a reality series that follows single people with disabilities who sign up with a dating agency to help find partners Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail in 2024, Fats revealed that she initially turned down The Undateables, explaining: 'I didn't like the name whatsoever, that's why I declined initially. 'But then I thought about the bigger picture. I was very young, I was 20 and I thought I could find love.' Fats continued: 'Also, the first time I ever saw a Black little person was on The Undateables and I thought: 'What if I do that for other people?' So, I changed my mind and I messaged them. 'It was a great experience to be honest with you. Although a lot of people say 'you're not undateable' and I know it! 'But I'm glad I went on there and showed people my personality and that's where I started my journey. I'm proud to say I did.' Katie Piper showed off her toned figure as she shared a series of photos from her holiday to France on Monday. The TV presenter, 41, looked incredible in a yellow bikini, with a floral print and ruffled hem as she spent some time by the pool. Posing for a selfie, she was later joined by her husband Richard James Sutton and their two children Belle, 11, and Penelope, seven. Katie was seen enjoying a swim before going for a run with her husband and heading for dinner with friends. She captioned the Instagram update: 'A few restorative days at the French Manor with amazing friends, delicious food, and endless laughs. 'Couldnt have asked for a more beautiful backdrop to recharge.' Katie Piper showed off her toned figure as she shared a series of photos from her holiday to France on Monday The TV presenter, 41, looked incredible in a yellow bikini, with a floral print and ruffled hem as she spent some time by the pool It comes after Katie revealed a date once left her with a 740 restaurant tab after running off due to her facial disfigurement. The British author, who was the victim of a horrific acid attack set up by her ex-boyfriend when she was 24 - leaving her with severe scarring to her face, neck, chest, arms and hands, spoke at the Hay Festival in June. She recalled the shocking moment a man she had met in a bar invited her to the famously expensive Japanese restaurant Nobu in central London, before doing a runner. 'We'd met on a night out. I'd had pioneering treatment with incredible results, so when I would go out somewhere with dark lighting, where people were very drunk, often they weren't able to see what I fully looked like,' she said. 'So I met this guy and we messaged for quite a long time. He suggested we go out for dinner. I hated going out for dinner because I had a lot of oesophageal damage and often I'd choke when I ate, so the whole idea of eating in front of someone on a first date was nerve-wracking, but I agreed.' The date took place in summer so it was daylight, the star said, and she realised straight away the man had not realised she had a facial disfigurement when first meeting her in the bar. The date had chosen the dinner location and ordered a three-course meal, Katie added. 'He said, ''I've seen some people I know over there, I'm going to go and say hi to them and I'll be back''. He didn't come back.' Posing for a selfie, she was later joined by her husband Richard James Sutton The couple's two children Belle, 11, and Penelope, seven also joined them on the trip Katie was seen enjoying a swim before going for a run with her husband and heading for dinner with friends She captioned the Instagram update: 'A few restorative days at the French Manor with amazing friends, delicious food, and endless laughs' Piper, now happily married and a mother-of-two, said she ran through 'ridiculous excuses' as she sat at the table, considering if the man might have suddenly become ill. She didn't have a lot of money at the time - living on disability benefit after the attack - but ended up paying the 740 bill on her own. Shockingly, Piper said the man got back in touch with her years later after seeing her on Strictly Come Dancing, not to offer an apology but to joke: 'We must catch up!' The mother said she wishes she had replied with a more assertive response but simply replied: 'Lol yeah, let's do that. Haha.' Since the attack, Piper has been a fierce advocate for the well-being and inclusion of survivors of burns and traumatic scarring. She believes in the importance of improved after-care, rehabilitation, and a world where scars do not hinder a person's quality of life. Jamie Lee Curtis has responded to her fans' reaction to her cleavage in a sexy outfit as she promoted her new film Freakier Friday. Earlier this month, Disney Studios posted a video to TikTok of the star urging everyone to go and see the movie. In the short clip, the actress, 66, showcased ample cleavage, which seemed to catch viewers' attention more than the message. Jamie wore a grey off-the-shoulder dress in the 32-second video, which featured a plunging neckline. The gown had multiple safety pins stuck to it, and was cinched at the waist with a black leather belt. Taking to her Instagram on Thursday, Jamie shared her thoughts on the whole situation. Jamie Lee Curtis has responded to her fans' reaction to her cleavage in a sexy outfit as she promoted her new film Freakier Friday Earlier this month, Disney Studios posted a video to TikTok of the star urging everyone to go and see the film Sharing a snap from the press junket, she penned: 'I LOVE the fact that the LAST photograph of me as TESS taken backstage in costume from my surprise appearance at @elcapitanthtre to support #freakierfriday has gotten more attention than any other since the announcement post with that sparked the movie getting made! 'HAPPY TO HELP SPREAD THE JOY THAT OUR MOVIE SERVES!' The actress starred alongside Lindsay Lohan in the now-smash hit 2003 comedy Freaky Friday, which sees the two characters switch bodies and experience the trials and tribulations of each other's lives. Fans had long hoped for a sequel to the iconic comedy but had an agonizing wait as Freakier Friday is only now hitting cinemas - 22 years on from the original. Lindsay, 39, was just 15 years old when she first portrayed Anna Coleman in Freaky Friday alongside Curtis, who played her on-screen mother Tess Coleman. It followed the bickering mother and daughter after a Chinese restaurant fortune cookie mishap caused them to switch bodies, forcing them to live the other's life. Despite barely having been able to see eye-to-eye, the magical switch eventually allowed them to see things from the other's point of view. The sequel will see the iconic pairing switch places once again, though this time, there is quadruple chaos in store. The actress showcased ample cleavage in a short clip shared by Disney, which seemed to catch viewers' attention more than the message Taking to her Instagram on Thursday, Jamie shared her thoughts on the whole situation Anna (Lohan) is preparing to tie the knot with Eric Davies (Manny Jacinto), but things are proving difficult as her teenage daughter Harper (Julia Butters) despises Eric's teenager Lily (Sophia Hammons). Harper highlights her disgust in the trailer as she's heard reciting mock wedding vows, in which she brands her soon-to-be step-sister 'a little demon thing with an obnoxious accent.' A flash forward to Anna's bachelorette party sees her and mother Tess sit down with a fortune teller (Vanessa Bayer), who warns them they may learn another lesson by 'walking in each others paths.' Anna and Tess then find themselves caught up in yet another 'freaky' body swap incident - only this time, it's not just between the two of them. The next morning, Anna discovers she's swapped bodies with daughter Harper, while Tess, aka 'Grandma,' is now in the body of Anna's step-daughter Lily. Quadruple chaos then ensues as the foursome try to navigate their new roles with just days to go until the wedding. Chad Michael Murray has also returned to reprise his role as Jake, as the two teenage girls also hatch a plot to try and get Anna to reunite with her first love. The American actress starred alongside Lindsay Lohan in the now-smash hit 2003 comedy, which sees the two characters switch bodies, with hilarity ensuing Jamie previously spoke out against the pressure on women to have cosmetic surgery in Hollywood - likening it to a 'genocide.' While she has admitted to going under the knife at a young age after a cinematographer commented negatively on her looks, she later revealed she regretted the decision. 'Ive been very vocal about the genocide of a generation of women by the cosmeceutical industrial complex, whove disfigured themselves,' she said in a brutally candid interview with The Guardian. Jamie, who has let her hair go grey as she ages gracefully, stated she has used the word 'genocide for a long time, and I use it specifically because its a strong word. 'I believe that we have wiped out a generation or two of natural human [appearance],' she added. Joshua Jackson has joined celebrity dating app Raya after being linked to Bridgerton star Simone Ashley. The Dawson's Creek star, 47, divorced his wife Jodie Turner-Smith, with whom he shares his five-year-old daughter Juno, two years ago. A few weeks ago he sparked romance rumours with Simone after they were spotted strolling through New York City together. But it would seem Joshua is still on the look out for love after setting up a profile on Raya. He has listed his profession as an actor who is based in Los Angeles that is currently 'visiting New York.' Joshua has been filming scenes for his upcoming feature Happy Hours around the city in recent weeks. Joshua Jackson has joined celebrity dating app Raya after being linked to Bridgerton star Simone Ashley A few weeks ago he sparked romance rumours with Simone after they were spotted strolling through New York City together Joshua's outing with Simone appeared to be the first time that the pair had been pictured together. Daily Mail has contacted Joshua's representative for comment. Simone more recently got out of a relationship, as she revealed in February of this year that she and Constantin Klein had split after nearly three years together. The actress is best known for her role as Kate, Viscountess Bridgerton, who enters the historical romance after moving to England from India. Simone, who was born in England to Indiana Tamil parents, is also known for starring on another Netflix series, Sex Education. Her past roles have included supporting parts on Broadchurch and The Sister, but Ashley has lately been establishing herself as an in-demand film star. After small parts in Detective Pikachu and Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, she scored a cameo as herself in Brad Pitt's racing drama F1, and she has been spotted film an unspecified part in The Devil Wears Prada 2 recently. Joshua was previously married to the actress and model Jodie from 2019 until late 2023. The former couple met in October 2018 at Usher's birthday party and are believed to have begun dating shortly afterward. But it would seem Joshua is still on the look out for love after setting up a profile on Raya Joshua was previously married to the actress and model Jodie Turner-Smith from 2019 until late 2023. They share a five-year-old daughter named Juno; pictured in March 2023 Their whirlwind romance happened out of the spotlight, as it was revealed in late December 2019 that the lovebirds had already tied the knot. Then, in January of 2020, it was revealed that they were expecting their first child after Turner-Smith displayed a baby bump in public. On April 21, 2020, their daughter Juno was born. The couple seemed to have an ideal marriage, and they rarely missed the opportunity to praise each other in interviews in the first years of their marriage. So it was a shock to fans when Turner-Smith filed for divorce in October of 2023. It wasn't long before Jackson had moved on with a short-lived romance with Lupita Nyong'o that was confirmed in December of that year. In an interview with The Times of London in February 2024, Jodie opened up about their split. 'Sometimes things we really want to work just dont end up working. And thats OK,' she said. 'The most important thing is that you choose whats healthiest for you and your family and definitely your children.' Simone is best known for playing Kate, Viscountess Bridgerton, in seasons two and three of Netflix's period romance hit Bridgerton; pictured with Jonathan Bailey on the series Joshua a short-lived romance with Lupita Nyong'o that was confirmed in December 2023 She added of the marriage: 'I dont think its a failure. We obviously had such a beautiful moment together. And now its time for a new moment for both of us. And how exciting!' It wasn't until May of this year that the couple managed to finalise their divorce. Jackson's recent collaboration with Katie has been an opportunity for the Batman Begins actress to flex her skills behind the camera, as she is also writing and directing the project. The two are starring in an ambitious trilogy of films titled Happy Hours, in which their characters 'navigating their relationship within the challenges of careers and family responsibilities and the pursuit of love, despite lifes inevitable obstacles,' according to Deadline. The movies will also features Weeds star Mary-Louise Parker and Hustlers actress Constance Wu. Although Katie is writing and directing the first film in the trilogy, it's unclear if she plans to helm the next two entries. She and Joshua who played Joey and Pacey on Dawson's Creek, respectively dated from 1998 to 1999, coinciding with the start of the show's run. Dawson's Creek ultimately aired for six seasons from 1998 to 2003 on The WB. Adam Frisby has shared the homophobic abuse he has been subject to since announcing he is expecting his first child with fiance Jamie Corbett. It was revealed by Daily Mail last month that the former In The Style founder, 38, and his partner, 37, are set to welcome a baby via surrogate, who is now 19 weeks pregnant. However since the news was announced, Adam opened up about the negative reaction they have received online, with some even referring to them as 'child abusers and sex traffickers' for wanting to have a baby. Speaking about the experience with Paul C Brunson on the We Need To Talk podcast, Adam explained: 'We've had horrendous comments under online articles about our baby - there has been over 2,500 calling us child abusers, sex traffickers, saying we're stealing babies from mum's... it was awful to read it. It's scary.' But despite the experience, Adam is still looking forward to their journey into fatherhood, saying: 'We're bringing a child into the world that's going to have so much love... my biggest fear in life is not being a good dad. I think I have that fear as I didn't have that as a child.' Adam explained that they do not know who the biological father of their unborn child will be, but insisted it doesn't matter either way. Adam Frisby has shared the homophobic abuse he has been subject to since announcing he is expecting his first child with fiance Jamie Corbett It was revealed by Daily Mail last month that the the In The Style founder, 38, and his partner, 37, are set to welcome a baby via surrogate , who is now 19 weeks pregnant He said: 'We don't know [if it's Adam or Jamie's sperm]. We have no idea what gender they are or who they are biologically connected to. It's special because it will be a surprise and it really doesn't matter to me and Jamie - we are the dad's and I love the bones of Jamie.' In an exclusive interview with us, Adam and Jamie excitedly shared the news, saying: 'We've kept it such a big secret! It has been really special sharing the news with our friends and family. 'I don't think anyone was expecting it, and everyone was just so shocked and emotional. I think that has been our favorite part of the process in a way, like letting people who love us know because they really wanted this to happen for us.' Adam and Jamie explained that it has been a complex process, and that they previously had a match, but she sadly had a miscarriage. 'We did match with a surrogate back in 2022 and went through the full process, but unfortunately, last year she miscarried, and then she pulled out of the process. It was obviously a lot for her to go through, and then we were kind of back to the start of the process, which was gutting for us after three years.' Speaking on Paul's podcast, Adam said it was 'crazy' that he was set to become a parent because it is not something he ever thought would be possible. Detailing their lengthy journey, Adam said: 'We've been talking about it for the last eight or nine years and for the past five we have been trying to make it happen. 'And now we are going to be dads, which just feels incredible. For me it almost gives me the chance to be the person I needed when I was young. However since the news was announced, Adam opened up about the negative reaction they have received online, with some even referring to them as 'child abusers and sex traffickers' for wanting to have a baby Speaking about the experience with Paul C Brunson on the We Need To Talk podcast, Adam explained: 'We've had horrendous comments under online articles about our baby - there has been over 2,500 calling us child abusers' 'I always knew I wanted kids and I feel like that is one of the reasons why, I've got so much love to give and I want to do everything that perhaps my parents didn't do.' Adam explained that they joined the surrogacy agency five years ago to say 'look we want to try and do this', before matching with their surrogate. After suffering a miscarriage the surrogate pulled out and they had to begin the process again of finding a match to carry their baby. Reflecting on the difficult parts of the process, Adam said: 'There were times when we thought this wasn't for us. Maybe it just wasn't meant to happen for us. We can't force it, I'm 38 and Jamie's 37 so we felt like "is this ever going to happen?". 'And then this year it did, it's been incredible.' Revealing why they chose to undergo surrogacy in the U.S, Jamie revealed that the laws in the UK for same sex parents are not yet where they are in America. Adam said in the U.S. you are the registered parents of the child from day one, but in the UK you have to go through an adoption process once the baby is born. The couple are holding off for their gender reveal on August 31 before deciding on names or sorting their nursery. Adam and Jamie are godfathers to Charlotte Crosby and Jake Ankers' two children, Alba and Pixi, and said that spending quality time with them has taught them a lot. They shared: 'We're lucky to be godfathers to Charlotte and Jake's children, and it is amazing. We love them to bits and we've had so much useful and special time with them already, like checking nappies and staying over that we wouldn't have got to practice. 'Charlotte's lots of things like crazy, funny, you know, but most of all, she is an incredible mother. We've learned so much from her. And I think she's just so excited. In an exclusive interview, Adam and Jamie excitedly shared: 'We've kept it such a big secret! It has been really special sharing the news with our friends and family' Adam and Jamie explained that it has been a complex process, and that they previously had a match, but she sadly had a miscarriage Adam and Jamie are godfathers to Charlotte Crosby and Jake Ankers' two children, Alba and Pixi, and said that spending quality time with them has taught them a lot 'When we told her she couldn't speak, she was crying, and she's just delighted. So yeah, we got some great tips from her and Jake, and lots from our friends and family.' Since leaving In The Style, Adam has been building a new brand and has been working on a behind-the-scenes mini series. He told Daily Mail: 'I'm underway with a new career path, which is exciting and coming in the next few weeks. And over the last 10 years, Jamie has helped me out and works in the businesses, and I wouldn't be able to do it without him. 'It's been nice to have a little bit of time off prior to this, to be in the moment and recover from what has been a really busy time here.' Speaking about juggling work and the baby, Jamie added: 'When we get back to the UK, because of the line of work that Adam does, he is and always has been his own boss. And I'm there as well. If there are days when we're both in the office, we can take baby with us. We've always worked like that.' Earlier this year, Adam broke his silence after staff were 'made redundant without any pay' after the retailer collapsed into administration, owing 21million. The fashion company was founded by Adam in 2013, but was acquired by UK-based private equity firm Baaj Capital for 1.2million in March 2023. Ben Armstrong became managing director in December 2023 when Adam stepped down from his position, but he has since left the business. The retailer was at the centre of a media storm after EastEnders star Jacqueline Jossa publicly hit out at them and demanded to be 'paid what she is owed' after 'bringing in lawyers as the fashion retailer faces administration'. 'We love them to bits and we've had so much useful and special time with them already, like checking nappies and staying over that we wouldn't have got to practice' Since leaving In The Style, Adam has been building a new brand and has been working on a behind-the-scenes mini series Speaking out on the situation surrounding his former employer, Adam wrote on Instagram: ' I've spent the morning trying to find the right words but honestly I am at a loss. I know I can't stay silent about this. 'No matter what threats of legal action come my way. What I've learned about how people are being treated at In The Style this week has left me with no choice but to speak about. 'Longtime, loyal employees who have poured so much into this company are being called into meetings, dismissed on the spot and denied ANY pay. Among those affected are two pregnant employees, as well as many mothers with children to support. It's heartbreaking. 'I've reached out to anyone I know affected to offer whatever support I can but it's hard to find the right words when something feels so wrong. In The Style will move forward, that much I know and mark my words, the same owners will still be in control. I just hope people start to see them for what they really are now.' In a later post, Adam revealed he will be helping employees with money for legal aid to try and fight their dismissals. Charlotte Crosby, one of Adam's close pals who had a collection with the brand, also spoke out on the In The Style pay row and hit out at the company on Instagram. The Geordie Shore star has thrown her support behind celebrities including Jacqueline, who claimed they haven't been paid what they are owed by the fashion retailer, as well as supporting Adam and Jamie who were 'silenced'. Henry Cavill has been revealed to be the 'punters clear favourite' to become the next James Bond after Bookies' odds improved. The actor, 42, who very narrowly missed out on playing the iconic character to Daniel Craig, has been in the running for the past few years. A host of other names have also been touted since Daniel relinquished the role in 2021 after the release of No Time To Die. According to new odds from Ladbrokes, Henry has been slashed from 10/1 to 3/1, making him the current second favourite. The bookies also revealed he was punters clear favourite to be the next Bond in terms of bets placed. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is still the frontrunner, with odds-on at 8/11, while Theo James is now out at 7/1 from 5/1. Henry Cavill has been revealed to be the 'punters clear favourite' to become the next James Bond after Bookies' odds improved The actor, 42, who very narrowly missed out on playing the iconic character to Daniel Craig (pictured in No Time To Die), has been in the running for the past few years Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes said: 'Just when it looked like it was running out of steam, the Henry Cavill-for-James Bond bandwagon has picked up again. 'Cavill seems perfect for the role, but would he make enough of a splash for new rights-holders Amazon?' Ladbrokes' favourites to play James Bond Henry Cavill - 3/1 Aaron Taylor-Johnson evens Callum Turner 5/1 Theo James 7/1 Harris Dickinson 8/1 Tom Holland 10/1 Jack Lowden 10/1 Advertisement Elsewhere, Callum Turner is at 5/1 followed by Harris Dickinson at 8/1, Tom Holland with odds of 10/1 and Jack Lowden in at 10/1. Footage of Henry's 'tremendous' audition for the role of James Bond resurfaced 20 years after he very narrowly missed out on playing the iconic character. In the old tape, the actor did his best to impress the production team as he delivered some of the character's most famous lines in a bid to beat around eight other stars. The Superman star, then 22, cut a laidback figure in a leather jacket and with his dark brown locks slicked back as he stared into the distance and said, 'Bond, James Bond', before ordering a 'vodka martini shaken not stirred'. Henry channelled his inner Pierce Brosnan as he reprised the Irish star's performance as the spy in GoldenEye but it was not quite enough to land him the coveted role. Daniel went on to play James in five instalments, bowing out in the 2021 thriller No Time To Die. According to new odds from Ladbrokes, Henry has been slashed from 10/1 to 3/1, making him the current second favourite Aaron Taylor-Johnson is still the frontrunner, with odds-on at 8/11 Meanwhile, Theo James is now out at 7/1 from 5/1 Footage of Henry 's 'tremendous' audition for the role of James Bond resurfaced 20 years after he very narrowly missed out on playing the iconic character His Jersey-born rival for the role of Ian Fleming's iconic protagonist has since gone on to have a glittering career, starring as Charles Brandon in The Tudors and Sherlock Holmes as Enola Holmes in a long list of critically-acclaimed appearances. GoldenEye and Casino Royale director Martin Campbell, who was behind the impressive screen test, told the Express that Henry had come close to becoming Bond but his age had been a problem. He said: 'He looked great in the audition. His acting was tremendous. And look, if Daniel didn't exist Henry would have made an excellent Bond. 'He looked terrific, he was in great physical shape very handsome, very chiselled. He just looked a little young at that time back then.' Elsewhere, Aaron further fuelled rumours he could be the next James Bond after responding cryptically to a question about his upcoming projects. At the world premiere of 28 Years Later in London in June, a Deadline reporter asked the Kick-Ass actor: 'What are you doing next?' He replied, 'I can't talk about it', as he was pulled away by his entourage. Some saw the curt response as a hint that his next project could be the 007 franchise. In May, Aaron appeared to hint that he could be the next superstar to don the iconic tux after signing a deal with the film's watch provider, Omega. Prior to Amazon's purchase of the Bond franchise, it was rumoured that Aaron was former Bond producer Barbara Broccoli's ideal candidate to take over the reins from Craig. Elsewhere, Aaron further fuelled rumours he could be the next James Bond after responding cryptically to a question about his upcoming projects when he said he 'couldn't talk about it' But he slightly dropped down the lists after playing it cool when asked about the possibility of him starring in the next movie. 'It's not really for me to say anything,' he told Esquire when quizzed about speculation. But the superstar joined Omega's family of global ambassadors - the makers of the watches which have been on the wrists of 007 actors for 30 years. Pierce Brosnan, 72, was the first special agent to don Omega during the 1995 film GoldenEye and the partnership has flourished ever since, with Craig wearing the brand's Seamaster watch during No Time To Die. After signing the deal, Aaron said: 'I have always had an appreciation for timepieces but especially for Omega. 'Now, after visiting the factory, I am in awe of the skill required to manufacture such a luxurious product.' Omega's CEO described Aaron as a 'versatile actor with a range that covers action, thriller, romance and much more'. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's daughter North stepped out in yet another funky ensemble during her trip to Italy with her mum. The superstar offspring, 12, gave her fashionista mum a run for her money in the look complete with a denim jacket and skirt with chunky boots. Proving herself to be a true designer darling, she wore a blingy Vivienne Westwood necklace and a Balenciaga handbag with the ensemble. Her bag - the brand's Hourglass Handbag XS - rang in at an eye-popping $7000 (5200), while the Neysa Chain Necklace from Vivienne Westwood cost $480 (355). Her blue hair was slicked into tight pigtails - with the blue colour possibly inspired by her aunty Kylie Jenner's turquoise tresses. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's daughter North stepped out in yet another funky ensemble during her trip to Italy with her mum The superstar offspring, 12, gave her fashionista mum a run for her money in the look complete with a denim jacket and skirt with chunky boots Proving herself to be a true designer darling, she wore a blingy Vivienne Westwood necklace and a Balenciaga handbag with the ensemble Her blue hair was slicked into tight pigtails - with the blue colour possibly inspired by her aunty Kylie Jenner 's famous turquoise tresses (L: Kylie in 2019, R: North on Tuesday) Kim toyed with her hair while her daughter flashed a cheeky smile to cameras North was showing off her Hello Kitty phone case North wore clear-framed glasses with a host of diamond earrings. Her mum meanwhile was not to be outdone in the fashion stakes, despite going for a wholly more minimal colour palette than North. She showcased her hard-worked abs in a knotted crop top, which showed her braless cleavage, and paired the ensemble with a maxi skirt. The previous evening, North donned a ruffled skirt and a black top with a quirky collar alongside a pair of steam-punk boots and a sweet love heart handbag. Kim, who is also mother to Saint, nine, Chicago, seven, and six-year-old Psalm, with ex-husband rapper Kanye West, strutted her stuff in strappy black heels. Last year, Kim quizzed her daughter over what style she favoured, asking: 'Whats your favourite style right now?', to which the burgeoning fashionista cheekily replied: 'I like streetwear and 90s. Tyler, the Creator; my dad; me!' It comes after Kim took her younger children, as well as sister Khloe's kids, to a lavish getaway in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The star took to Instagram on Sunday with snaps of the trip after allegedly flying the youngsters on a private jet, which had been renamed 'Kim Air', earlier this month. She smiled for vying cameras while leaving the hotel Kim paired her ensemble with a chunky cross necklace The previous evening, North donned a ruffled skirt and a black top with a quirky collar alongside a pair of steam-punk boots and a sweet love heart handbag Kim looked glam as she took her daughter on the outing Kim looked sensational in her lace-up heels and slip skirt North has been putting on quite the fashion show Last week, the Kardashian sisters documented a trip to Korea, which seemingly was all about skincare. Both Khloe and Kim used their Instagram platforms to give their hundreds of millions of followers a glimpse at the glamorous getaway. Each carousel post included images of them on the SKIMS founder's private jet, Kim Air, where they indulged in face masks with friends including LaLa Anthony and Steph Shepherd. There were also images from a Korean spa that showed them getting a facial and a mysterious purple-coloured injection. Kim's post also featured a photo of love notes she left for her four kids, which read in part: 'Mommy loves you.' Khloe and Kim shared matching captions: '#TheThingsWeDo.' She was in a playful mood as she pulled faces to the camera Kim placed her sunglasses on to add to her superstar look One of their companions had a similar bold hair colour Bianca Wallace has posted a thinly veiled dig after accusing her husband Ioan Gruffudd's ex-wife Alice Evans of inventing that they had an affair. The actress, 33, shared a 'slice of life lately' on her Instagram page on Monday, but among the smiling selection of photos was a scathing warning. Bianca posted a snap of a pack of matches in a glass jar, which had the phrase 'F*** around and find out' on the front of the novelty gift. The post comes weeks after Bianca insisted she never had an affair with Ioan as she accused his ex Alice of fabricating the 'disgusting, vile story'. The former couple are currently in a bitter legal battle and Alice, 56, accused her ex of cheating on her for three years with Bianca, who is 18 years his junior. Bianca recently responded to the accusations as she revealed she did not have an affair with Ioan after receiving threats towards her unborn baby from trolls. Bianca Wallace has posted a thinly veiled dig after accusing her husband Ioan Gruffudd 's ex-wife Alice Evans of inventing that they had an affair Bianca posted a snap of a pack of matches in a glass jar, which had the phrase 'F*** around and find out' on the front of the novelty gift The actress, 33, shared a 'slice of life lately' on her Instagram page on Monday, but among the smiling selection of photos was a scathing warning Taking to Instagram with a screenshot of some of the hate she has received, Bianca called the affair accusations 'pathetic' and 'utterly ridiculous'. She penned: 'I have ignored this truly pathetic narrative for nearly 4 years now because of how utterly ridiculous and clearly insane it is. 'But threaten my innocent, unborn baby and the time for ignoring is up! Absolutely no one will ever threaten my baby over a made up story about an affair that literally never happened! No way.' Since Ioan and Bianca went public with their relationship, Alice has openly hit out at their relationship on social media and claimed the pair had been embroiled in a three-year affair. Back in 2022 Bianca posted a snap of her and Ioan holding hands which Alice branded 'sick' and 'evil' and claimed seeing the image was like a 'stake in the heart'. Responding to Alice's claims directly in her post, Bianca continued: 'In October 2021 my husband's ex made up a disgusting, vile story about my husband and I having an affair. 'For 3 years and 9 months the narrative as been ongoing, making people like "rivqah2020" message me, and now my unborn baby, threats like this. 'The TRUTH has been set in black and white, in clear evidence, under oath numerous times, and all available in public record.' The post comes weeks after Bianca insisted she never had an affair with Ioan as she accused his ex Alice of fabricating the 'disgusting, vile story' Since Ioan and Bianca went public with their relationship, Alice has hit out at their relationship on social media (pictured at The Fantastic Four premiere last week) She added: 'I will not have my innocent baby born into this completely intentional manufactured drama. This has all got to end now, and it needs to end with the truth and facts. 'My husband and I haven't deserved one second of this, and now, our unborn baby is being threatened and attacked. Absolutely no f*****g way! 'I know that I speak for so many people out there who have lived through this kind of abuse, lies and manipulation when I say we are all sick and tired of the b******t now.' Alice previously confirmed her separation from the Welsh star in a series of furious tweets posted on Twitter in January 2021 - with Ioan moving on with his new girlfriend Bianca in the following October. In the latest update in the case Evans filed court documents - found by the Daily Mail - in which she claimed poverty so severe that she had to borrow money from friends and set up a GoFundMe account that raised $18,000 (13,354) in donations. Alice has since confirmed she is doing a Meet and Greet in Covington, Georgia as she took to Instagram to share the exciting news last month. She penned: 'Guys I am coming to Covington!!!! I will be there the 8th and 9th of November to see you all die [sic] meets and greets and selfies and photo opps, hosted by the amazing Vampire Stalkers! 'More info to come - and wait for the wobbly video - but I am absolutely thrilled at this opportunity to still make it to Covington to see you all. Taking to Instagram on Monday with a screenshot of the hate she has received she stated the affair accusations were 'pathetic' and 'utterly ridiculous' 'Let me know if you're going to be there! (Or if you can't but would like to) Love you guys!' The court appearances by all three were supposed to be an evidentiary hearing in which Ioan and Alice were to joust over her demands for him to shell out more than the $4,500 (3,337) he is currently paying in support money for her and their two daughters. She said that she and her girls - Ella, 15 and Elsie, 11 - were recently evicted from their LA home because she couldn't afford to pay the $6,500 (4,820) per month rent. She contended that she had to 'burn through' her savings to pay living expenses and legal fees. And she insisted Ioan - who married Bianca in April - can afford to pay more than the $3,000 (2,224) per month child support and $1,500 (1,112) spousal support he now pays. But Ioan is fighting his ex's cash demands and in his own court filing, blasted Evans' claims, saying that she 'purposely got herself evicted intentionally ceasing paying rent and instead taking the children on a vacation trip to Europe'. Her motive, he said, was to 'support her false public narrative of financial destitution in an attempt to further harm my reputation... as a fraudulent way to strong-arm me into paying more support than I can afford'. Alice has since confirmed she is doing a Meet and Greet in Covington, Georgia as she took to Instagram to share the exciting news Ioan filed for divorce in March 2021, shortly after Evans announced on social media that her husband of 14 years was leaving her (pictured in 2005) Ioan, also maintained that subpoenaed bank records show that, far from being broke, Evans made more than $130,000 (96,400) in 2024 and is expected to earn a similar amount this year - a claim that Evans called 'false and misleading'. In his recent court filing Ioan told how he was 'mortified' to have received 'dozens of stressed messages from our minor children in which they have parroted Alice's false and manufactured claims of becoming homeless in the immediate future'. But in subsequent court documents, Alice denied manipulating the children to send plaintive messages to their father. 'I absolutely did not ask the children to send messages to [Ioan] about our eviction and pending homelessness,' she said. 'The children are well aware of our financial distress and the eviction.' Ioan and Alice met on the set of the movie 102 Dalmatians more than 20 years ago. They fell in love in real life and were married in Mexico in 2007. Ioan filed for divorce in March 2021, shortly after Alice announced on social media that her husband of 14 years was leaving her. They were divorced in July 2023. Clarkson's Farm star Harriet Cowan has revealed she has quit her nursing job now that her new career has taken off. The glam farmhand, 24, stole the show in series four as she arrived on screens to assist at Diddly Squat Farm while Jeremy Clarkson's usual helper, Kaleb Cooper, was away. And now, Harriet has revealed she's got the 'bug' for agriculture, making it her sole career. In new Instagram snaps Harriet looked glamorous in a yellow minidress before heading back to work on the farm and getting her hands dirty. For the past few years Harriet has been balancing two jobs, and revealed she was working long hours as a nurse before switching into her farm gear to tend to the land and animals at her family's spot. Now the farmhand who temporarily took Caleb Kooper's space at Diddly Squat Farm is focusing her time on agriculture. Clarkson's Farm star Harriet Cowan has revealed she has quit her nursing job now that her new career has taken off The glam farmhand, 24, stole the show in series four as she arrived on screens to assist at Diddly Squat Farm while Jeremy Clarkson's usual helper, Kaleb Cooper, was away Harriet, from Belper, Derbyshire, also confirmed that she will be using her time to start a career on YouTube with her channel 'Harriet On The Farm'. Harriet explained: 'The cat's somewhat out of the bag. It's true, I am no longer nursing because it appears I got the bug. 'You definitely know what the bug is right, yeah I got the farming bug. And I've always had it but before, you know, I didn't really have any other income. 'The waits over, Harriet on the farm is coming your way on the 31st of August. I'm going to do bank shifts and I'm still going to be working in the NHS, but yeah just not daily.' Since leaving the show, Harriet has returned to her family farm and shared a powerful message to the public and the government this week about the 'dying industry', asking them to 'put British farming on the map'. Harriet has been leading a campaign called Farm24, which sees farmers across the country showcase the best of British farming by sharing content on social media for 24 hours from 5am to 5am. In a video filmed on her family farm, Harriet said: 'Going forward I hope that the next generation of farms would be recognised more by the public and the government especially to put British farming on the map. 'People should be aware that we are here and the government should invest more time and money into farming because we need it. And now, Harriet has revealed she's got the 'bug' for agriculture, making it her sole career as she gives up nursing full time Harriet, from Belper, Derbyshire, also confirmed that she will be using her time to start a career on YouTube with her channel 'Harriet On The Farm' In new Instagram snaps Harriet looked glamorous in a yellow minidress before heading back to work on the farm and getting her hands dirty 'I think it's a bit of a dying industry otherwise.' In another clip, she said: 'Being out on my family farm, it's so special to me because this is what my grandad bought it for. He wanted me and my sister and generations to come to own and farm this land. 'Now that there's so many farms being turned into housing and different things like factories and agricultural land isn't being used for agricultural purposes anymore, I think it's so important to just farm what my grandad bought.' She added: 'This is my happy place, being out in the fields and tractoring and contracting out to me and my sister. 'We never want to lose this farm and it's important to us that generations to come will farm this land.' Harriet is heavily involved with her rural community which her grandparents joined in the 1950s when they bought the land which her father still farms. When she's not trying to keep Jeremy in line Harriet works at a cattle farm with her boyfriend, James, just a short distance from the family farm. Prior to becoming Jeremy's side-kick, Harriet had already been building her profile as a farmer on TikTok and had around 40,000 followers before joining the Diddly Squat team. She told The Times recently that she now gets approached all the time, saying : 'Mums have reached out to say my daughter's wanting to go into farming. 'Or I hear about four-year-old girls who want a toy tractor for Christmas, so that's really nice.' It was through her TikTok that Harriet was approached by the show, she said: 'Charlie [Ireland, Clarkson's land agent] let me know they were looking for someone to come and help. 'I think they were keen for it to be a woman who could do that role and show they could do it well.' The farmhand stepped in to assist Jeremy Clarkson for the fourth season of the series after Kaleb Cooper took some time off for his tour Fans fell in love with Harriet's glam style which did not hold her back from being an expert farmer In a now famous scene from the recent series Harriet attempts to bring some glamour to Jeremy's life by trying to pluck his eyebrows Despite saying he's not a natural born farmer, Harriet has praised Jeremy for his work at Diddly Squat saying he is, 'very much like every other farmer Ive ever met' and 'very much willing to learn. He wanted to do well by the farm.' Poking fun, Harriet added that 'hes got the physique of a farmer' too. The glam farmhand added that other young farmers in her area couldn't believe that she would be on Clarkson's Farm. She said: 'They thought, "Ah, you'll be in the back of the pub and they'll have filmed the pub and the back of your head will be in it." So when it came out they were, like, "Oh sh**, she is actually in it a bit more than I thought she was!"' Harriet's fans have raved about her not letting go of her girlie style and look despite being a farmer but in conversation with The Times she opened up about the 'challenges' of being a young woman in the industry. She said that her father told her and her sister that without a male heir, they would be stepping up to help. Harriet added that she has loved showcasing that women can farm too and now has plans to start documenting life on her family farm on YouTube. The fourth season of Clarkson's Farm in which Harriet was introduced to viewers released to Prime Video in May. Ariela La Langosta was gunned down in New York on August 17. The 33-year-old content creator whose real name was Ariela Mejia-Polanco was found dead in her car on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester County. Now her death is being investigated as a 'targeted' murder, it was reported on Monday. 'Investigation to date, we do believe she was targeted at this time,' Westchester County Police Chief James Luciano told CBS New York. Police believe Ariela was shot while driving her car and only stopped the vehicle on the side of the parkway after she was hit. Authorities are working to retrace Mejia-Polanco's steps before she was killed. Ariela La Langosta was gunned down in New York on August 17. The 33-year-old content creator whose real name was Ariela Mejia-Polanco was found dead in her car on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester County Now her death is being investigated as a 'targeted' murder, it was reported on Monday. 'Investigation to date, we do believe she was targeted at this time,' Westchester County Police Chief James Luciano told CBS New York Some information from public release to safeguard the investigation, the outlet also reported. Per CBS New York, Westchester County has been working with the New York Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force throughout the investigation. Authorities confirmed the social media star and Dominican fashion influencer was discovered in the driver's seat of her car on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester around 8 a.m. on August 17. Police said she had been shot multiple times and believe she was 'targeted for violence,' stressing the killing was not random. Her fiend Tekashi 6ix9ine took to Instagram to post a series of emotional tributes, sharing personal clips with Ariela and calling her a 'tremendous woman' he considered 'like a sister.' 'NY won't ever be the same,' added the rapper. 'I loved you.' She had built a following of more than 550,000 on Instagram and previously appeared as a dancer in his 2023 music video for Wapae. Police believe Ariela was shot while driving her car and only stopped the vehicle on the side of the parkway after she was hit. Authorities are working to retrace Mejia-Polanco's steps before she was killed. In the wake of her death, Ariela's workplace, Ikon restaurant and lounge in New York, also honored her memory, describing her as a 'shining star'. 'Thank you for giving so much love and support to our home, which also became yours,' they wrote. 'To Ariela's family, we are here for anything you need. We still can't believe it you were our smile, our happiness. We love you and we will miss you forever.' In the wake of Ariela's death, the restaurant announced it would close temporarily as a sign of respect for her. Ariela's loss has sent shockwaves through New York's nightlife community. 'She was a brilliant, humble soul with incredible energythe kind of person who could light up any room she entered,' read a statement shared on Instagram. Tekashi 6ix9ine is grieving the shocking death of his longtime friend Ariela 'La Langosta' Mejia-Polanco Police said she had been shot multiple times and believe she was 'targeted for violence,' stressing the killing was not random 'She will be deeply missed by all of us. Please take a moment to cherish and love your own loved ones. Life is precious.' The Queens-based lounge Starlet of NY also expressed its sorrow over her passing. In a statement, the venue said its staffers were 'deeply saddened by the loss.' 'She was a one-of-a-kind soula beautiful friend, loving mother, and daughter whose smile and energy lit up every room she entered,' the statement added. 'Her energy will forever be missed, but her spirit will always live on with us.' Zoe Kravitz gave a nod to her new beau Harry Styles as she emerged in New York on Tuesday for the first time since their new romance came to light. It marks the first time the actress, 36, has been seen since she was spotted kissing Harry, 31, on a romantic outing in Rome over the weekend. Stepping out for promo duties ahead of the NYC premiere of her new movie Caught Stealing on Thursday, Zoe stole Harry's style, rocking a black suit and white shirt with an oversized collar - the spitting image of a Gucci look Harry famously rocked in 2022. Zoe looked relaxed in her achingly cool ensemble, adding shades and clutching a coffee as she headed into the CBS studios. Later on Thursday Zoe will join her co-star Austin Butler on the red carpet for the New York premiere of Caught Stealing. Awkwardly, Zoe's romantic stroll with Harry in Rome came just days after the actress was caught getting cosy with Austin. Zoe Kravitz gave a nod to her new beau Harry Styles as she emerged in New York on Tuesday after her new romance came to light Stepping out in NYC, Zoe stole Harry's style, rocking a black suit and white shirt with an oversized collar - the spitting image of a Gucci look Harry famously rocked in 2022 Zoe looked relaxed in her achingly cool look, adding shades and flip flops and clutching a coffee as she headed into the CBS studios for promo duties for her new movie In an exclusive Daily Mail video, the actors were seen drinking, hugging and leaning in close while out late at a bar in Paris following the premiere of Caught Stealing. In the movie, Austin plays a burned-out former baseball player who finds himself embroiled in a dangerous struggle for survival amid the criminal underbelly of 1990s New York City, with Zoe playing Detective Roman. An inside source has told the Daily Mail that while the onscreen lovers certainly 'got friendly' while working on the movie together, there was nothing more between them. The insider added that Kravitz is attracted to 31-year-old Harry's 'effortlessly cool' personality, which 'reminds her' of her dad, rocker Lenny Kravitz. 'Zoe and Austin are just really good friends despite all the rumours that they were anything more,' the insider explained. 'They got friendly by working with each other and nothing more... even though people want them to be something, it just isn't the case. Austin is doing his own thing and is not bothered with any relationship Zoe is in or will get into; he's totally cool about it. 'He's more interested in and looking forward to the reaction that fans have [to] their movie.' Zoe and Harry are understood to be in the early stages of a romance and were 'spotted kissing at a restaurant' just days before they were seen together in Rome. The pair were pictured enjoying a romantic stroll in Italy on Sunday, during which they walked together arm in arm. Zoe happily signed autographs and greeted fans as her whistlestop promo tour continues Zoe and Harry are understood to be in the early stages of a romance and were 'spotted kissing at a restaurant' in London just days before they were seen together in Rome The pair were pictured enjoying a romantic stroll in Italy on Sunday, during which they walked together arm in arm Later on Thursday Zoe will join her co-star Austin Butler (pictured last week in Paris) on the red carpet for the New York premiere of Caught Stealing But sources claim they were together almost a week earlier, with onlookers noticing them at Rita's Bistro in Soho last Tuesday, according to The Sun. Harry and Zoe's date is said to have taken place after the premiere of Caught Stealing in Leicester Square. A source told the publication: 'Harry and Zoe were tucked away in a corner in Rita's and were snogging like teenagers. 'They seemed really into each other and didn't seem to care if anyone saw them kissing.' 'They walked in together, it was definitely a date, they make a gorgeous couple,' the source added. Reports of bistro kisses and romantic Rome walks have sent Harry's loyal fans into meltdown mode, not least because of Zoe's connection to Harry's most famous ex Taylor Swift. Swifties have accused her close pal Zoe of breaking 'girl code' after Harry and Taylor, who is currently dating NFL star Travis Kelce, previously enjoyed a three month fling between 2012 and 2013, before splitting following an 'almighty row'. Zoe meanwhile has been a close friend of Taylor's since 2016, only recently sharing a story on Late Night with Seth Meyers about staying at Taylor's LA home with her mother, Lisa Bonet, during the LA wildfires at the start of the year. And Zoe is also close pals with another of Harry's rumoured exes, British model and actress Cara Delevingne, who was linked to the pop star in 2013. Kendall Jenner, who romanced Harry in 2013 and again in 2015, is also a regular party pal of Zoe's. The actress attended the model's 2023 Halloween party with her then-fiance Channing Tatum and is regularly seen at the same fashion bashes. Over the years, Kravitz has been linked to a slew of famous faces, including Noah Centineo, Channing Tatum, Penn Badgley, Drake and Chris Pine. Reports of bistro kisses and romantic Rome walks have sent Harry's loyal fans into meltdown mode, not least because of Zoe's connection to Harry's most famous ex Taylor Swift (pictured with Harry in 2012) She was previously engaged to Channing Tatum; the two first started dating in 2021, and announced that they were gearing up to get married in late 2023 before splitting last year In 2015, she briefly dated musician George Lewis Jr. (left), and before that, she had a three-year long romance with Gossip Girl star Penn Badgley (right) In addition, she was spotted spending a lot of time with Ezra Miller in 2010, but neither have ever spoken out about their relationship so very little is known about it She also sparked dating rumors with Pine that same year when the two seemed to get cozy at the Met Gala and attended a slew of London Fashion Week shows together She sparked dating rumors with actor Noah Centineo back in May this year, when the two were seen on a series of outings together, including one particularly romantic stroll in which the two stars held hands in a Brooklyn park. Before that, she was engaged to actor Channing Tatum. They had started dating in 2021, after bonding on the set of her film Blink Twice, and announced their plan to marry in late 2023. But in October last year, it was revealed that they had called off the engagement. Kravitz was also previously married to actor Karl Glusman. They got together in 2016 and tied the knot in 2019, but Kravitz filed for divorce in 2020. In 2015, she briefly dated musician George Lewis Jr., also known as Twin Shadow - and before that, she had a three-year romance with Gossip Girl star Penn Badgley. She also once confessed in an interview to 'hanging out' with rapper Drake. 'We hung out for a minute, but we are very good friends,' she said. 'We hung out a little bit, you know, its like I hang out, I dont know how you hang out. Hes a cutie.' There were also reports that she became romantically intertwined with her X-Men: First Class co-star Michael Fassbender, who was 12 years her senior, in 2011. And in 2010, she was spotted spending a lot of time with actor Ezra Miller, but neither has ever spoken about their relationship. The same year, she sparked dating rumors with actor Chris Pine, after the two reportedly got cozy at the Met Gala and attended a slew of London Fashion Week shows together. It's unclear whether or not they ever actually dated. Conor McGregor put on a defiant display of unity as he was pictured kissing his partner Dee Devlin while out for dinner together. The Irish MMA fighter, 37, was recently caught up in a cheating scandal when he was pictured kissing a mystery woman on a beach in Florida last month. Around the same time he was also accused by rapper Azealia Banks of 'sexually harassing her' by sending unsolicited nude images via Instagram. However, Conor and his long-term love Dee, 38, once again proved that they are are unshaken by the incidents as they packed on the PDA over dinner. They were spotted at Sal De Riso in Minori, on the Amalfi Coast, where they are enjoying a relaxing holiday together. Conor held Dee's face in his hands before pulling her in for a kiss over the dinner table, as they flaunted their affection in front of other diners. Conor McGregor put on a defiant display of unity as he was pictured kissing his partner Dee Devlin while out for dinner together The Irish MMA fighter, 37, was recently caught up in a cheating scandal when he was pictured kissing a mystery woman on a beach in Florida last month Around the same time he was also accused by rapper Azealia Banks of 'sexually harassing her' by sending unsolicited nude images via Instagram The couple showed no signs of any strife between them as they enjoyed their romantic dinner for two. Dee looked glamorous in a white lemon print Dolce And Gabbana mini dress with gold sandals, wearing her blonde hair up in a messy bun. Conor, who was wearing a cream lace shirt with shorts, was being caressed by his partner across his face and stomach during the steamy exchange. The holiday comes shortly after Conor launched his bid to become the next president of Ireland on social media, just days after losing a high-profile civil rape case appeal. It was shared four days after Irelands Court of Appeal dismissed his challenge to a civil ruling that found him liable for sexually assaulting a woman in 2018. Three judges ruled on July 31 that his appeal failed on all five grounds and upheld the previous decision ordering Conor to pay damages to Nikita Hand. The civil trial concluded in November 2024, when a jury found McGregor liable for assault and awarded Hand 248,000 in compensation. She has since launched further legal action following the failed appeal. In her latest filing, she is suing him and two other people for damages, claiming they were involved in malicious abuse of court processes. However, Conor and his long-term love Dee, 38, once again proved that they are are unshaken by the incidents as they packed on the PDA over dinner They were spotted at Sal De Riso in Minori, on the Amalfi Coast, where they are enjoying a relaxing holiday together Conor was every inch the showman as he larked around in front of Dee Conor held Dee's face in his hands before pulling her in for a kiss over the dinner table, as they flaunted their affection in front of other diners The couple showed no signs of any strife between them as they enjoyed their romantic dinner for two Conor posted a picture of his family alongside a lengthy post on social media to officially announce his intention to run for president of Ireland The couple dined at Sal De Riso in Minori on the Amalfi Coast Currently, Conor is not affiliated with any political party and has no elected office experience. Even if he were to become president, the seven-year role in Ireland is mostly ceremonial. The president cannot propose or pass laws. They cannot also hold referenda on their own initiative. The cosy holiday pictures may be a surprising scene to some after he was recently embroiled in controversy when he was photographed kissing a mystery brunette woman on a beach in Fort Lauderdale. With his partner Dee - whom he shares four children with and has been engaged to since 2020 - nowhere in sight, questions were raised about their relationship. Rapper Azealia Banks then added to the furore as she took to X - formerly known as Twitter - to accuse Conor of sexual harassment. Azealia recently shared nude photos which purported to show Conor, which she claimed he sent to her unprompted. Amid the backlash, Conor and Dee have shrugged off the criticism, continuing to display their affection for each other in Sardinia last month. One snap saw her showing off her figure in a patterned swimsuit as they cosied up on the beach, while others saw them dressed up ready for dinner and cocktails. He was also accused by rapper Azealia Banks of 'sexually harassing her' by sending unsolicited nude images via Instagram Dee looked glamorous in a white lemon print mini dress with gold sandals, wearing her blonde hair up in a messy bun Conor, who was wearing a cream lace shirt with shorts, was being caressed by his partner across his face and stomach during the steamy exchange Conor was spotted snapping a photo of Dee Conor was sipping on a glass of red wine during the dinner The couple looked to be having a good laugh together She also shared sweet snaps of their children on a luxury yacht and Conor posing with some fans on the Italian island. The couple have been enjoying time in Sardinia together to celebrate Conor's 37th birthday - which was on July 14. Dee shared a gushing tribute to Conor on the day and they have both been posting loved-up content to social media in the days since while enjoying their trip. Their united display comes after concerns when Conor was seen smooching a mystery brunette in full view of fellow beachgoers in Fort Lauderdale. Conor was spotted enjoying a cold beverage while the woman, who was dressed in a leopard print bikini, shared his sun lounger. The pair chatted away in the shade as the sportsman cosied up to her by wrapping his arm around her back. Dee - with whom he shares children, daughter Croia, five, and sons Conor Jr, eight, Rian, three and Mack, 19 months, with - was nowhere in sight. Amid the backlash, Conor and Dee have shrugged off the criticism, continuing to display their affection for each other in Sardinia last month Conor enjoyed a glass of wine with their dinner He was seen pulling his partner Dee in close to him He flashed a thumbs up to somebody in the restaurant He smiled for a photograph taken by Dee on a phone He whispered something in Dee's ear as they left the premises Dee rubbed Conor's stomach as they sat at the dinner table Conor let out a big laugh as they spent time together The dinner looked intimate as they put on a cosy display However, Dee brushed off the scandal as she simply posted a loving tribute to Conor to her Instagram page soon after. Dee shared a post from a fan account on her Instagram story which read: 'Happy Birthday to the person who always keeps Dee entertained and makes her smile.' Just hours later, Azealia set the internet ablaze after sharing alleged nude photos of Conor that she claims the disgraced star sent unprompted. She accused Conor of sexual harassment when she shared nude photographs purporting to show the MMA star. 'How you gonna send a b**** a some crooked d*** pics then threaten her not to tell,' she wrote alongside the screenshots. '@TheNotoriousMMA n**** do you know who the f*** I am? This is HARAM.' Azealia continued: 'Like how are you really going to sexually harrass me with the potato farmer d*** then threaten me not to tell???? Honey ain't u trying to be the president of Ireland what is it giving fam? Use some f***ing sunscreen damn.' As well as the alleged nude selfies, the screenshots also showed a message from what purported to be Conor's account reading: 'Don't be a rat cos all rats get caught.' Alongside one image which seemingly shows his manhood strapped to a dumbbell, the Irish fighter apparently wrote: 'Lifting weights.' Azealia shared another screenshot of the alleged pictures suddenly being 'hidden' on X because she does not follow Conor's account. Although it is unclear if he had anything to do with that alleged change, she commented: 'The motherf***er woke up early LOL.' DailyMail.com reached out to the last-known attorneys on record for Conor, his agent and Azealia's agent for comment at the time. It is the latest embarrassment to hit the sportsman's relationship with his partner Dee, who was ever-present by his side throughout his sexual assault court case last year. In 2024, Conor lost a civil case as jurors at the High Court in Dublin found him liable of raping Nikita Hand, 35, in a Dublin hotel on December 9, 2018, with the judge awarding Hand 250,000 in damages. But despite the verdict, Dee emphatically made it clear that she intended to back Conor - attacking Nikita in a series of posts on Instagram at the time. In the posts, she wrote: 'Conor and I dealt with these issues privately many years ago, as should be done in a relationship and we have come out stronger than ever. 'We have four beautiful children now whose smiling faces and happy hearts are a testament to who he is and who we are!' The pair have been together for 15 years and got engaged in August 2020 after Conor proposed while they were celebrating his birthday. The couple met as teenagers at a nightclub in 2008 and Dee has been a key player in the MMA star's story, supporting him when he was jobless and focused on making it as a professional fighter. Aimee Lou Wood unveiled a White Lotus keepsake as she went makeup free in a bikini for a holiday selfie. The 31-year-old actress, who hails from Stockport, is soaking up the sun on a getaway following the Bank Holiday and has been updating her eagle-eyed Instagram fans. She has been enjoying some much-needed time away after previously addressing rumours of a feud with her co-star Walter Goggins. Taking to her page on Tuesday, Aimee showed off her ample assets in a fiery red ruffled bikini top - the very same one that her White Lotus character wears. She was previously seen wearing it while playing free-spirited holidaymaker Chelsea on the popular HBO Max drama series. And it seems she kept it as a reminder of the show - which has ran for three seasons. Stockport actress Aimee Lou Wood, 31, unveiled a White Lotus keepsake as she went makeup free in a bikini for a holiday selfie Aimee showed off her ample assets in a fiery red ruffled bikini top - which appears to be the same one that her White Lotus character Chelsea wears (pictured) She paired the top with a straw hat, as she basked in the glorious weather in the unknown location. The ruffle bikini was shared by the designer, By Tara Matthews, on Instagram and tagged the actress in it. 'The Capo ruffle bikini will always be forever Chelsea's bikini, as seen on White Lotus thanks to the amazing @alexbovairdsprouse and lives on worn by the incredible talent @aimeelouwood.' It seems to be one of Aimee's favourite pieces as she happily posted it onto her own Story. In June, Aimee revealed she had 'separation anxiety' from the White Lotus cast including Walter, 53. She spoke out about the speculation over their strained relationship - insisting they were both on good terms. Getting emotional in an interview for Variety Walton began: 'There is no feud. I adore, I love this woman madly, and she is so important to me.' The father-of-one, who has been married to Nadia Conners since 2011, proceeded to sing Wood's praises as he raved: 'This is Goldie Hawn. This is Meg Ryan. She can do anything, and she will.' The ruffle bikini was shared by the designer, By Tara Matthews, on Instagram and tagged the actress in it Among Aimee's White Lotus co-stars that she missed was her onscreen love interest Walter [pictured together], 53, with whom she recently addressed their feud rumours in a tell all interview 'You watch what the next 20 years of her experience will be. Ill be on an island, I think Greece. But shes special. There is no feud. She is love and I know that I am that to her. We care about each other very deeply,' he continued. Aimee proceeded to address the outrage over headlines that Walton unfollowed her on social media, which fans perceived as a sign they did not get along. 'I think its such a comment on where were at culturally,' she said over the online fury. 'Why is everyone obsessing over Instagram? That is irrelevant. We dont give a s**t about Instagram.' Aimee explained she wished more people were having 'conversations about the story' of their White Lotus characters, Rick and Chelsea, and simply enjoying the show. As rumours swirled about them, Aimee revealed she initially wanted to correct people, but feared her words would get twisted. 'Eventually I just started to sit back and watch these people making something out of absolutely nothing,' she said of why she stayed silent. Walton chimed in to say: 'If I may add, just to put this to bed? The following or unfollowing. Im a grown-a** man.' Elsewhere, speaking on American talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live, she opened up about the intensity of filming with her co-stars for seven months in Thailand. Aimee said: 'Yeah, it was a very long time and I think that's why there's a real feeling of separation anxiety whenever we have to leave each other' [pictured with onscreen love Walter] During her chat with Jimmy, Aimee spoke about how she felt about being apart from the White Lotus cast, with whom she spent several months filming with Among Aimee's co-stars that she missed was her onscreen love interest Walter with whom she recently addressed their feud rumours in a tell all interview. During her chat with Jimmy, Aimee spoke about how she felt about being apart from the White Lotus cast, with whom she spent several months filming with. Filmed at the Four Seasons in Koh Samui, the cast stayed at the hotel for seven months, both living and filming in the accommodation while regular guests were evacuated. As she initially spoke about co-star Patrick Schwarzenegger and the seven months they spent filming together, Jimmy said: 'That's a long time to be with somebody, to be with the whole cast, that is a long time.' To which Aimee responded: 'Yeah, it was a very long time and I think that's why there's a real feeling of separation anxiety whenever we have to leave each other.' As Jimmy quipped that it was 'like two summer camp in a row', Aimee continued: 'It is, it's intense and there's definitely a lot of co-dependents'. The actress went on to admit that she couldn't go a day without speaking to co-star Leslie Bibb (Kate), noting that they 'constant voice note' each other. Touching on her bond with all of her castmates, Aimee shared: 'It's amazing though because we've found family, it's just beautiful really.' Jonathan Bailey pretended to bite the neck of his Jurassic World: Rebirth co-star Scarlett Johansson in a sexy selfie he posted on Monday. It was the married 40-year-old's second promotion for the openly gay 37-year-old's LGBTQIA+ charity, The Shameless Fund, after donning a wet 'Drink Your Milk' T-shirt for his cause last year. Scarlett and Jonathan previously raised eyebrows in June for tenderly kissing each other on the red carpet of the New York and London premieres for their $845M-grossing dino blockbuster. In the comments of Bailey's post, Instagram users were divided over the pair's PDA like @babyboynat who tagged Johansson's third husband Colin Jost and wrote: 'How you feelin?' 'At this point I am waiting to hear them say there are together,' Instagram user @sam.erick78 commented. Instagram user @monkeysaysficus wrote: 'Well now you have to bite Colin Jost on the neck as well. To be fair.' Jonathan Bailey (L) pretended to bite the neck of his Jurassic World: Rebirth co-star Scarlett Johansson (R) in a sexy selfie he posted on Monday 'Mr. Steal Your Girl over here,' Instagram user @dani_beans_ commented. 'Scar Jo face though LOL!' Instagram user @decdais12 laughed of their chemistry. '[She looks] turned on!' Instagram user @smavres declared it was 'a lavender marriage I would support.' 'Scarlett Johansson is living every girl's dream,' Instagram user @pini_nia gushed. Instagram user @gaylindaaaa wondered: 'Why do gay men win everything?' The handsome Englishman defended their 'love' to ET on June 23: 'I believe in being able to show love in all different ways. And if you can't kiss your friends? Life's too short not to!' Meanwhile, Colin said he didn't consider Jonathan a 'threat' since he's been 'an out gay man' as far back as 2018. 'People really blow it out of proportion when someone, like, kisses their friend hello. That's pretty nuts,' the 43-year-old SNL co-head writer told ET on July 10. 'Jonathan and I were [joking], "I guess we have to kiss now? Is that what happens? Close the loop?"' On October 24, Johansson and Jost - who are parents of four-year-old son Cosmo - will celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. It was the married 40-year-old's second promotion for the openly gay 37-year-old's LGBTQIA+ charity, The Shameless Fund, after donning a wet 'Drink Your Milk' T-shirt for his cause last year Scarlett and Jonathan previously raised eyebrows in June for tenderly kissing each other on the red carpet of the New York and London premieres for their $845M-grossing dino blockbuster In the comments of Bailey's post, Instagram users were divided over the pair's PDA like @babyboynat who tagged Johansson's third husband Colin Jost and wrote: 'How you feelin?' Instagram user @monkeysaysficus wrote: 'Well now you have to bite Colin Jost on the neck as well. To be fair' 'Mr. Steal Your Girl over here,' Instagram user @dani_beans_ commented 'Scar Jo face though LOL!' Instagram user @decdais12 laughed of their chemistry. '[She looks] turned on!' Instagram user @smavres declared it was 'a lavender marriage I would support' 'Scarlett Johansson is living every girl's dream,' Instagram user @pini_nia gushed And this Saturday the two-time Oscar nominee will celebrate the 11th birthday of her daughter Rose with second ex-husband Romain Dauriac, whom she divorced in 2017 after two years of marriage. Scarlett might support the Pop Culture Jeopardy! presenter when he competes for the outstanding game show host trophy at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards, which air September 14 on CBS/Paramount+. But first, Johansson will next attend the September 8th screening of her feature directorial debut Eleanor the Great during the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. The indie drama starring 95-year-old June Squibb as a grieving grandmother will be released in US theaters on September 26. Eleanor the Great received a six-minute standing ovation at Cannes, but it only has a 60% critic approval rating (out of 25 reviews) on Rotten Tomatoes. Wayfarer Studios' Justin Baldoni, Steve Sarowitz, and Jamey Heath are credited as executive producers on the New York City-set drama, who 'were super supportive throughout the process.' The former child star told Vanity Fair last May that it was 'such weird timing' for her working with Baldoni as he's entangled in a legal war with her first ex-husband Ryan Reynolds and his wife Blake Lively. The handsome Englishman defended their 'love' to ET on June 23: 'I believe in being able to show love in all different ways. And if you can't kiss your friends? Life's too short not to!' Meanwhile, Colin said he didn't consider Jonathan a 'threat' since he's been 'an out gay man' as far back as 2018 (pictured June 23) The 43-year-old SNL co-head writer told ET on July 10: 'Jonathan and I were [joking], "I guess we have to kiss now? Is that what happens? Close the loop?"' (pictured June 25) Johansson will next attend the September 8th screening of her feature directorial debut Eleanor the Great during the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada Scarlett famously divorced Reynolds in 2011 - the year after he co-starred with Lively in Green Lantern. Johansson's other upcoming projects include Andrea Arnold's true-crime thriller Featherwood, James Gray's mafia drama Paper Tiger, and Christopher McQuarrie's action film The Gauntlet. And Jonathan will next reprise his role as Chieftain of the Arjikis Fiyero Tigelaar in Jon M. Chu's musical sequel Wicked: For Good - hitting US/UK theaters November 21 - alongside Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Jennie Garth was once mistakenly told she was pregnant during her teenage years. The actress, 53, was sharing the mic on the latest episode of her podcast I Choose Me with her youngest daughter Fiona, 18, who will soon be going to college. During a question and answer session, one fan wanted to know how to talk to her own daughter about birth control. That's when the Beverly Hills 90210 actress shared her own 'terrible/funny/awkward/terrible story.' The Bad Influence star revealed she and her mom had gone together to a sexual health clinic, 'to go on birth control because I had irregular periods.' But that wasn't the whole truth. 'I had a boyfriend, and I just wanted to be safe,' she explained. 'I didn't want to have a baby without being ready for it. So we went in, and the appointment was to explore birth control options.' Jennie Garth, 53, has revealed she was mistakenly told she was pregnant as a teenager; Pictured in Santa Monica, California in May However, Garth's ruse was quickly discovered when she got a shocking diagnosis. 'Well, you're pregnant,' the clinician told them when she returned to the room with what they believed were the results of Garth's urine test. 'I was like, "What?" And then all of a sudden, like, the cat was out of the bag.' 'Was the boyfriend my dad?,' Fiona asked. She is the youngest of three daughters the TV Guide Award winner shares with ex-husband Peter Facinelli, 51. 'No, it was before your dad,' Garth assured her. However, she was mortified at having to tell her mother the truth. 'I was instantly just, like, red all over. I was hot, like, sweaty. Like, I didn't know what to do,' Garth said of her panic and confusion. 'Because I had in that moment to be honest with my mom, in the most uncomfortable situation, about the fact that I had already had sex and that I had been lying to her about it.' The QVC star said she felt being caught in a lie 'was a lot more traumatic and dramatic than if I had just gone to her and talked to her about it, I think.' 'I, too, was really scared to talk to my mom about [having sex] to the point where I actually lied and hid the truth from her.' Garth made the revelation while sharing the mic with her daughter Fiona,18, on the latest episode of her I Choose Me podcast on Tuesday while answering a fan question about the sex talk The Beverly Hills 90210 star shared that she had visited a clinic with her mom to get birth control 'because I had irregular periods' when she was told 'Well, you're pregnant'; pictured in 1990 Garth said the situation forced her to be honest with her mom 'about the fact that I had already had sex and that I had been lying to her about it'; Pictured circa 1991 Garth, who shares daughters Luca, 28, Lola, 22 and Fiona, 18 with ex-Peter Facinelli, said 'there's nothing you shouldn't talk to your mom about. 'There's no shame around it. It's a natural thing, and it deserves feeling comfortable' 'So cut to me and my mom having this emotional, like, breakdown, and they left the room. It was just me and my mom and, like, truth time.' When the doctor returned to the room, Garth's panic was eased when she was told, '"Oh, oops. That was not your pee. That was someone else's pee."' Garth said she was 'furious' at the time, but implied it was a learning lesson for her and her children. 'It's important to open up the channels of discussion there's nothing you shouldn't talk to your mom about,' she told Fiona and her listeners. 'There's no shame around it,' she said regarding the decision to have sex. 'It's a natural thing, and it deserves feeling comfortable.' ITV legend and the creator behind the BBC hit Grumpy Old Men Stuart Prebble has passed away aged 74. The late star was the former chief executive at ITV before he went on to create the successful series which focused the grievances about modern life. Confirming the news, his family shared he had died after a battle with pancreatic cancer on August 21. Stuart first joined the BBC in 1974 and during his career he worked as a reporter presenter, producer and even rose to be the CEO of ITV. After studying at Newcastle University, where he was editor of student newspaper The Courier, he went on to produce programmes including World In Action, Grumpy Old Men, Three Men in a Boat and Portrait Artist of the Year. Stuart released his autobiography Still Grumpy: After All These Years back in October 2024. ITV legend and Grumpy Old Men creator Stuart Prebble has passed away aged 74 after cancer battle (pictured in 2015) After studying at Newcastle University he went on to produce programmes including World In Action and Grumpy Old Men (pictured starring Arthur Smith, Rory McGrath, Sir Tim Rice and Rick Wakeman in 2006) Writing on his website about his career at the time he penned: 'Someone told me early on that it would all be fun, and if it wasn't fun, it would be interesting. 'Most of it was fun and interesting. Some was just fun. Some was just interesting.' He added: 'In writing it all down, I have the words of my old headmaster ringing in my ears. "You're not funny, Prebble, and you're not clever." He was probably right then, and he'd probably be right now. 'It's not funny and it's not clever. In fact some of it is distressing as I recall some terrible tragedies which have coloured my life. But it's all as true as I can remember it.' Taking to Twitter to share their condolences after the news of his death, political broadcaster Michael Crick penned: 'One of the most distinguished TV journalists of modern times'. Others wrote: 'One of Britains best TV journalists, editors, investigators and original minds: fabulous sense of humour has died. RIP Stuart Prebble: Editor of World in Action and creator of Grumpy Old Men and @sky Landscape Artist'; Another added: ' What I remember most about Stuart was at Ncle Uni he lead the weekly debate on Saturday evenings in the debating chamber at the students' union. 'No topic was too daft, too serious or too controversial. He was a superb public speaker who could think on his feet. RIP.' Stuart released his autobiography Still Grumpy: After All These Years back in October 2024 Stuart became CEO of ITV in April 2001 before leaving in 2002 to set up his own television company Liberty Bell (pictured in 2001) Fans took to Twitter to share their condolences and offer messages of support One of Stuart's first front page bylines saw him help set up a show for Paul McCartney after he turned up in Newcastle when he was working for the student paper. 'I looked in the back of the van and there was Paul McCartney,' he recalled. He then helped Paul and his band Wings set up a show in the canteen where 400 students paid 50p for tickets. After leaving university he became producer and editor of the World In Action current affairs series and later became Head of Factual Programmes at Granada TV and Controller of Factual Programmes for the ITV network. World In Action earnt him a BAFTA TV nomination and he won the RTS 'best factual series' award for Network First. Stuart became CEO of ITV in April 2001 before leaving in 2002 to set up his own television company Liberty Bell. His series Grumpy Old Men was based on, in his words, a watertight scientific fact, which was that the 35- to 54-year-old age group was the grumpiest of any in history'. Covering everything from absurdly tight spaces in multistorey car parks to your call is important to us. From the congestion charge to the insistent bass boom of music leaking out of the headphones of fellow passengers on the train. The line-up included Arthur Smith, Bob Geldof, Bill Nighy, Tim Rice, Don Warrington, Rick Wakeman and a dozen others, and the first series eventually turned into 73 programmes (including Grumpy Old Women), seven books and a West End and touring stage show. Gorka Marquez is reportedly 'relieved' to be bowing out of this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing. The dancer, 34, will be missing from the BBC show for three weeks this year to work as a judge on the Spanish version Bailando Con Las Estrellas. His judging commitments means he can't have a professional partner on the new series and will be instead one of the ensemble dancers. He will appear as part of the ensemble for the first seven weeks and then will be gone for a month before returning in week 11. However, sources claim Gorka is pleased he won't be a major presence on this year's series given the show's recent controversies, according to The Sun. They said: 'Gorka loves Strictly and is so proud to be one of the longest-serving pros, but has said he'll be relieved not to be there during another fraught series while the show and its cast are accused of toxic behaviour. Gorka Marquez is reportedly 'relieved' to be bowing out of this year's series of Strictly Come Dancing The dancer, 34, will be missing from the BBC show for three weeks this year to work as a judge on the Spanish version Bailando Con Las Estrellas 'He's very excited to have been part of the group dances, which were pre-recorded, and loves everyone on the show. 'But this is the third series where they face questions about bullying, chaperones and everything else.' A spokesperson for Gorka said: 'Gorka does not feel this way at all; he is delighted to still be a part of Strictly alongside his Spanish filming schedule.' Strictly has become embroiled in fresh controversy after a male star was arrested on suspicion of rape. The male suspect is reportedly being 'quizzed by police over allegations involving non-consensual intimate image abuse'. Sources at the BBC have reportedly insisted the allegations do not involve anyone on this year's series and said therefore the show will continue as normal. According to The Mirror, bosses are confident the dance show, including its training sessions, can carry on. They also reported that a police investigation is continuing. Strictly Come Dancing bosses have delivered their verdict on the future of the BBC show after a male star was arrested on suspicion of rape It's the biggest crisis the scandal-hit show has had to face, just weeks before the 2025 series returns to screen The Met Police said the alleged rape victim is being supported by specialist officers. A Met spokesman told the Daily Mail: 'On Friday, August 22, officers arrested a man on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse. 'This is a joint investigation with Hertfordshire Constabulary and while the investigation is in its early stages, we urge anyone with any information to come forward to us. 'The arrest follows a third party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences. Enquiries are ongoing.' A BBC spokesperson said: 'It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.' There is nothing to suggest this is related to the current Strictly production. It's the biggest crisis the scandal-hit show has had to face, just weeks before the 2025 series returns to screen. During the last series, Wynne Evans, 53, was accused of inappropriate behaviour and forced to apologise for making an unacceptable sexual remark on stage at a press event. He denied it was a sexual remark but was later sacked by the BBC. In 2023, Amanda Abbington, 51, complained about Giovanni Pernice, 34, being 'unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean'. One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelled alcohol on their breath (Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly pictured) Whilst he was cleared of the 'overwhelming majority' of allegations, a probe did uphold some of her complaints of verbal bullying and harassment. The same year, former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott, 28, was left 'incredibly distressed' following her experience in the training room with Graziano Di Prima, 31, who admitted to kicking the documentary maker, resulting in his axing. The broadcaster has already launched an inquiry into the family show amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine. One of the stars involved in the drugs probe was also suspected of drinking while working on the show after crew smelled alcohol on their breath. The Sun alleged that it was widely known that the pair, who have not been named, took the Class A substance, and that one of these Strictly performers was known for being a drinker. This comes amid the revelation that the broadcaster had hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug use by two individuals A BBC spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.' BBC bosses are reportedly set to offer professional support to two stars of hit dancing show Strictly, amid allegations they took cocaine on the programme. It was revealed the broadcaster has hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug use by two individuals, whose drug use is said to be 'well-known' on the show. The claims were reportedly made in a legal submission to the BBC by law firm Russells back in March, on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans. A source told the newspaper: 'The BBC is taking the allegations really seriously. Bosses are aware of the two stars in question and have a duty of care to make sure they're okay. 'As per BBC policy, the option of specialised professional support is on the table and will be offered.' They added: 'While drug testing won't happen on the main show, bosses are considering bringing in random checks for the tour next year. 'The BBC needs to be sure nothing illegal is going on. It all depends on what the investigation finds.' Taylor Swift's ex-boyfriend and musical collaborator Joe Alwyn started trending on the social media platform X on Tuesday after she announced her engagement to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The 34-year-old Englishman and the betrothed 35-year-old never even went red carpet official during their six-year romance, which began at the 2016 Met Gala and ended in March 2023 - four months before she met her 35-year-old fiance. As she's known to do with lovers, Taylor reportedly wrote an eye-popping 32 songs about Joe including Paper Rings in 2019 where she famously sang: 'I like shiny things, but I'd marry you with paper rings.' The official Instagram account commented 'No paper rings here' on Swift's post, which greatly amused X user @IttyBittyMatty who retweeted: 'Help the way Instagram wacked Joe Alwyn OMG?!' The billionaire pop star's Brazilian fan account @updateswiftbr showed a close-up of her diamond sparkler captioned: 'Paper Rings? Never! Look at the size of that ring...' 'Was that so hard @joealwyn?' X user @zcndayer scoffed. Taylor Swift's ex-boyfriend and musical collaborator Joe Alwyn started trending on the social media platform X on Tuesday after she announced her engagement to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce The 34-year-old Englishman and the betrothed 35-year-old (pictured in 2019) never even went red carpet official during their six-year romance, which began at the 2016 Met Gala and ended in March 2023 - four months before she met her 35-year-old fiance X user @KarmaIsACat_5 tweeted a side-by-side comparison of the couples and wrote: 'And remember girls, after a Joe Alwyn comes a Travis Kelce who does show you off, doesn't hide you, and proposes marriage to you.' X user @ordythngs posted a meme of a distressed woman's eyes smeared with black make-up and tweeted: 'Oh Joe Alwyn seeing the [engagement] photos.' But Alwyn also got some love online as X user @blairwaldorfsgf felt like he 'deserved better anyway.' X user @sadfictionalmen posted an illustration of a shell-shocked soldier captioned: 'Me and the 12 other Joe Alwyn stans today.' Last year, The Brutalist actor described their 'very real' relationship being thrown in the 'very unreal space' of public speculation, but he 'made his peace' with the 'gap between what is known and what is said.' 'I would hope that anyone and everyone can empathize and understand the difficulties that come with the end of a long, loving, fully committed relationship of over six and a half years,' Joe lamented to The Sunday Times Style Magazine. 'That is a hard thing to navigate. What is unusual and abnormal in this situation is that, one week later, it's suddenly in the public domain and the outside world is able to weigh in.' As of Tuesday, Alwyn is still following the 14-time Grammy winner's Instagram account, while she follows no one. However, Taylor - who used to wear a 'J' necklace - did once urge her massive 548.6M social media following to see his 'absolutely phenomenal' film The Favourite in 2018. As she's known to do with lovers, Taylor reportedly wrote an eye-popping 32 songs about Joe including Paper Rings in 2019 where she famously sang: 'I like shiny things, but I'd marry you with paper rings' As she's known to do with lovers, Taylor reportedly wrote an eye-popping 32 songs about Joe including Paper Rings in 2019 where she famously sang: 'I like shiny things, but I'd marry you with paper rings' The billionaire pop star's Brazilian fan account @updateswiftbr showed a close-up of her diamond sparkler captioned: 'Paper Rings? Never! Look at the size of that ring...' 'Was that so hard @joealwyn?' X user @zcndayer scoffed X user @KarmaIsACat_5 tweeted a side-by-side comparison of the couples and wrote: 'And remember girls, after a Joe Alwyn comes a Travis Kelce who does show you off, doesn't hide you, and proposes marriage to you' X user @ordythngs posted a meme of a distressed woman's eyes smeared with black make-up and tweeted: 'Oh Joe Alwyn seeing the [engagement] photos' But Alwyn also got some love online as X user @blairwaldorfsgf felt like he 'deserved better anyway' X user @sadfictionalmen posted an illustration of a shell-shocked soldier captioned: 'Me and the 12 other Joe Alwyn stans today' Last year, The Brutalist actor described their 'very real' relationship being thrown in the 'very unreal space' of public speculation, but he 'made his peace' with the 'gap between what is known and what is said' (pictured in 2020) As of Tuesday, Joe is still following the 14-time Grammy winner's Instagram account, while she follows no one However, Taylor - who used to wear a 'J' necklace - did once urge her massive 548.6M social media following to see Alwyn's 'absolutely phenomenal' film The Favourite in 2018 The 6ft2in blond helped produce and/or pen 10 of Swift's songs - My Tears Ricochet, August, This Is Me Trying, Illicit Affairs, Betty, Sweet Nothing, Exile, Champagne Problems, Coney Island, and Evermore - the latter of which featured him on piano Joe - who sometimes used the pseudonym William Bowery - won a Grammy Award in 2021 for co-producing the Pennsylvania-born belter's eighth studio album Folklore (pictured in 2019) Alwyn has been hard at work rehearsing with Alicia Vikander and Andrew Lincoln for his stage debut as Heath in The Lady from the Sea, which runs September 10-November 8 at the Bridge Theatre in London (pictured July 30) The 6ft2in blond helped produce and/or pen 10 of Swift's songs - My Tears Ricochet, August, This Is Me Trying, Illicit Affairs, Betty, Sweet Nothing, Exile, Champagne Problems, Coney Island, and Evermore - the latter of which featured him on piano. Joe - who sometimes used the pseudonym William Bowery - won a Grammy Award in 2021 for co-producing the Pennsylvania-born belter's eighth studio album Folklore, and he scored a Grammy nomination in 2022 for co-producing her ninth studio album Evermore. 'It was really the most accidental thing to happen in lockdown,' Alwyn explained to GQ in 2022. 'It was just messing around on a piano and singing badly and being overheard and then thinking, you know, what if we tried to get to the end of it together?' The Cannes Chopard Trophy winner has been hard at work rehearsing with Alicia Vikander and Andrew Lincoln for his stage debut as Heath in The Lady from the Sea, which runs September 10-November 8 at the Bridge Theatre in London. Director Simon Stone is helming the modern adaptation of the Henrik Ibsen drama about a woman's fight for autonomy within her relationship. Joe's upcoming films include Aneil Karia's modern adaptation of Hamlet, Chloe Zhao's Agnes Shakespeare biopic Hamnet, Sam Esmail's conspiracy thriller Panic Carefully. Cracker Barrel is scrapping its new logo after a social media backlash and a rebuke from President Donald Trump. 'We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our 'old timer' will remain,' the company said. Shares rose as much as 2.3 percent in after-hours trading following the news. The controversy began last Tuesday (August 19) when the chain debuted a new logo for the first time in 48 years. The redesign removed the image of an old man leaning against a barrel and left just the name in a new font. It also eliminated the pinto bean shape behind the name, a nod to one of the original side dishes offered when Cracker Barrel first opened in 1969. Critics said the changes stripped away the brands character and charm, and the backlash cost the company nearly $100 million in market value last week. Some critics compared the rebrand to Bud Light's infamous Dylan Mulvaney campaign. Even President Donald Trump weighed in on the change today, telling Cracker Barrel bosses to scrap the new logo. Cracker Barrel has courted controversy with its new logo launched earlier this week. It was simply text on a plain background rather then the old man and barrels on a pinto bean The old logo features an image of an old man leaning against a barrel Social media users believe the fate of Cracker Barrel rests in Sydney Sweeney's hands. On X, this mocked up photo of her which appears to have been created using AI has also gone viral Trump later congratulated the brand for listening to consumers. Writing on Truth Social, he said: 'Congratulations Cracker Barrel on changing your logo back to what it was. 'All of your fans very much appreciate it. Good luck into the future. Make lots of money and, most importantly, make your customers happy again!' The controversy over the new logo comes as the company overhauls its 650 restaurants nationwide, swapping rustic southern-style interiors for a modern look. That shift, too, has sparked backlash, with customers complaining the chain is 'just turning into any other restaurant.' The chains name itself comes from barrels once used to deliver crackers to country stores, which later doubled as makeshift tables for community gatherings. 'This rebrand says nothing about history or tradition and everything about marketing consultants making quick money,' one Reddit user wrote. . 'The brief: 'remove all personality from the logo, and ensure our brand blends into and disappears into the competitive landscape,'' a Reddit user wrote. 'So they got rid of the cracker and the barrel,' another person commented. Americans also took to X to share memes. Some featured Mulvaney alongside the 'new' Cracker Barrel logo, while others recycled images from her 2023 Bud Light promotion swapping beer cans for the barrels dropped from the logo. Another image going viral featured another mocked up image showing Sydney Sweeney in a t-shirt showing the old logo. Users joked: 'There's only one person on the planet who can save Cracker Barrel.' Several X users shared memes featuring Cracker Barrel's new logo and Dylan Mulvaney 'If I ever go to my local Cracker Barrel and they roll out this sign and the new interior, I genuinely won't be going back,' a guest revealed. Fans are now calling on the 56-year-old chain to 'revert to the original logo.' However, Cracker Barrel is adamant in going through with the revamp. 'People like what we're doing,' Cracker Barrel president and CEO Julie Felss Masino told Good Morning America on Tuesday. 'Cracker Barrel needs to feel like the Cracker Barrel for today and for tomorrow the things that you love are still there. We need people to choose us, and we want people to choose us.' She added that the top question Florida-based managers asked her during a recent meeting was 'How can I get a remodel, when can I get a remodel and how do I get on the list?.' Cracker Barrel's new fall menu and 'all the more' campaign could make up for fans' disappointment in its new logo. '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,' said chief marketing officer Sarah Moore. 'People like what we're doing,' Cracker Barrel president and CEO Julie Felss Masino said earlier this week The redesign comes as the company has also been revamping its restaurants Cracker Barrel has over 650 locations across the US 'With 'All the More,' we're honoring our legacy while bringing fresh energy, thoughtful craftsmanship and heartfelt hospitality to our guests this fall.' Among the foods featured in its new fall menu include Sausage & Egg Hashbrown Casserole, Herb Roasted Chicken and Butter Pecan Sticky Buns. Chains like Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' have also dropped fall menus early. Chick-fil-A was one of the latest to do so on August introducing Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwiches. The Daily Mail has reached out to Cracker Barrel for comment on the customer backlash, and is awaiting response. Indo-Fiji ties, rooted in indentured labourers journey over a century ago, are now renewing through climate, trade, and security cooperation The story of India-Fiji relations has been one of resilience - born in the hardships of Girmit, tested in the turbulence of coups, but renewed in dialogue and reconciliation. Fiji a tropical island nation located in Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean has one third population of people of Indian orion. It has not been a easy life for them as they struggled as indentured labourers under the British colonial rule and thereafter had a troubled relations with the native population of Fiji. However, with their sheer handwork and mettle made a place for themselves and today are an integral part of Fiji. All this must have been in the mind of the visiting Prime Minister of Fiji Ligamamada Rabuka and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the two met in Delhi to chart the way for the future. Rabuka reaffirmed the importance of Indo-Fijians to Fijis growth, acknowledging their contribution to what Fiji is today. Between 1879 and 1916, over 60,000 Indians were transported to Fiji under the indenture system, known as Girmit. By the mid-20th century, Indo-Fijians had become the backbone of Fijis agricultural economy and formed a significant part of its urban workforce. This very demographic reality also sowed tensions in Fijis post-independence politics. Rabuka, then a military officer, staged two coups in 1987 and toppled Fijis first Indian-origin Prime Minister, Timoci Bavadra. However, he later publicly apologised for his actions. Over the past two decades, Fiji has moved towards greater inclusivity, with political leaders working to heal divides. The signing of the Forward Fiji Declaration in 2023, bringing together leaders of indigenous and Indo-Fijian communities, symbolised this intent. In parallel, India has steadily expanded its engagement with Fiji. New Delhi views the South Pacific as strategically important for maritime cooperation, climate resilience, and counterbalancing growing Chinese influence in the region. India has provided development aid, scholarships, and support for renewable energy and digital connectivity in Fiji. Rabukas visit to India comes at a time when both nations are seeking to expand cooperation in new domains. Climate change is an urgent priority: Fiji, highly vulnerable to rising seas and extreme weather, can benefit from Indias International Solar Alliance and disaster-resilience initiatives. Trade in sugar, tourism, and pharmaceuticals also offers avenues of growth, while cultural exchanges and diaspora engagement remain natural strengths. Indias outreach to the Pacific Islands, including through forums like FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation), positions Fiji as a key partner in shaping a regional balance. Rabukas visit to New Delhi is not just a diplomatic engagement; it is a reminder of how history can weigh heavily on ties, but also how shared futures can be built on acknowledgement, apology, and collaboration. Imagine thousands, or millions, of these all-terrain military robots swarming over an area. They can crawl, fly, swim and shoot accurately utilising AI targeting systems, and are fast, agile creatures that can evade the enemy. Utilising 3D printer technology, these military robots are being developed right now, but imagine them being manufactured by the massive industrial military complex of the PLA and CCP? The robots could be parachuted onto foreign soil, or delivered directly onto any territory by clandestine methods. Hidden genius from the masses! A talented Chinese DIY maker has 3D-printed an incredible all-terrain robot that conquers land, water, and air with ease. Netizens in China are buzzing about its massive military potential. It could be the future of tech. pic.twitter.com/45z4XIi2Vi Li Zexin (@XH_Lee23) August 3, 2025 The future of warfare is definitely one where robotics plays a large part. China has the capability to mass manufacture anything it wants by the million, whereas the West is still dependent on China for its manufacturing. When the Chinese talk about the enemy, they are talking about the West. Essentially, the Chinese are using the West to fund their military, so that they can eventually use that military to eradicate the West. In essence, we are funding our own eventual destruction. As is the case with most Chinese things, we suspect the guy who designed this robot is a fan of Superman because it looks very similar to one of the mini ship designs in the Hollywood production. Here is a scene with the thoroughly sexy German actress Antje Traue showcasing the ship. Four emerging writers from the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough were again selected to attend the John Hewitt International Summer School in Armagh. The annual Festival of Literature, Arts and Politics, took place from 28th July - 2nd August, at The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre. The festival, whose theme for 2025 was: Our Country also: Difference and Belonging played host to internationally acclaimed writers and thinkers who provided talks, readings and creative writing workshops. This year, these included local award-winning writer Bernie McGill and local academic and poet Kathleen McCracken. Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan said: The acclaimed writer John Hewitt is long associated with the Glens of Antrim and Cushendun and Cushendall, where he lived for some years. He loved the area, and as a proud Glens man, I am delighted to honour this by continuing our valuable partnership with the John Hewitt Society and supporting emerging writers in the Causeway Coast and Glens. Id like to congratulate the talented recipients of this bursary support and wish them the very best in their writing journey. Speaking after the Summer School, local poet and Alderman Yvonne Boyle, who promoted the bursaries said: I was delighted to meet this years group of bursary holders from across the Borough. Their enthusiasm and talent is inspiring. At a time when the arts continue to be under pressure this week was a celebration of creativity and literary peer support. Thanks to Causeway Coast and Glens Council who enable residents of the Borough to apply for this valuable support each year. Read more about The John Hewitt Society International Summer School here: johnhewittsociety.org/about-the-john-hewitt-society/ A Derry mother of four has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for her 17-year-old daughter who is currently undergoing treatment in Belfast. Laura Black is behind the GoFundMe campaign to help with the costs of home adaptations, travel for hospital stays in Belfast, and to support Aoife and her younger siblings during this incredibly difficult time. Aoife, who is going into upper sixth form at Thornhill College in September to complete her A Level, was diagnosed earlier this summer with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer that has already spread to her lungs. Her life has completely changed, instead of enjoying school and time with her friends, shes now undergoing intensive chemotherapy and preparing for major surgery. Shes also wheelchair-bound and bed-bound, meaning her family urgently needs to adapt their home so she can have a safe, comfortable space downstairs when shes able to be there. Since the launch of the GoFundMe page over 13,000 has currently been donated. Posting on GoFundMe, Laura Black said: Our beautiful daughter Aoife is just 17-years-old and facing the biggest battle of her life. Earlier this summer, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer. What began as pain in her leg, something we thought might be nothing serious, turned out to be a tumour. We later learned the cancer had already spread to her lungs, making her fight even tougher. Since then, Aoifes life has changed completely. Instead of focusing on school, friends, and all the normal parts of teenage life, she is undergoing intensive chemotherapy and spending long weeks in hospital in Belfast. In around two months time, she is scheduled for major surgery on her leg, and possibly her lung too, depending on how treatment goes. Before her diagnosis, Aoife was active, fun-loving, and full of energy. She trained in taekwondo, which she loved, and our family always made time for movie nights or games nights together at the weekends. These simple traditions meant the world to us. Now, our family life has been divided, with one parent in Belfast with Aoife while the other stays home with her younger siblings. It has been incredibly hard for us all, especially for her brothers Oliver (10), Oscar (8), and little sister Ivy-Mae (4), who miss their big sister so much. Aoife has always been known as our little smiler. From the time she was a baby, she had a way of lighting up every room she walked into, and even now, through this fight, her smile rarely fades. Her courage, warmth, and determination shine through each day, and the smallest surprises - like a blind bag or a new Monster High doll - can light up her whole face. She has also shown incredible determination to carry on with her A Levels. Even when her hospital team suggested it might be too much, Aoife insisted on trying. Her strength and focus on her education remind us every day that she is not just fighting cancer, she is fighting for her future. We are fundraising to help ease some of the pressures that come with Aoifes treatment and recovery: Creating a safe space for Aoife at home:- We would love to build an extension to give her a downstairs bedroom. As her treatment continues and mobility becomes more difficult, having her own space downstairs will make life much easier and more comfortable. Supporting travel and accommodation costs:- Much of Aoifes treatment takes place in Belfast, which means long journeys and overnight stays. These costs quickly add up, but being by her side through everything is our top priority. Keeping Aoifes spirits high:- From blind bags to Monster High dolls, these small gifts bring Aoife moments of joy during the hardest days, and we love being able to surprise her with them. As a family, we are normally very private and would never have imagined setting up a fundraiser like this. Asking for help does not come easily to us. But right now, we simply cannot do this alone, and every bit of support means the world. READ NEXT: Heartbroken County Derry mum calls for review on school bus passes Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly towards making Aoifes journey a little lighter, helping us adapt our home, cover the ongoing costs of treatment, and keep her surrounded with comfort and love. More than anything, we just want Aoife to feel at home, surrounded by love, with her siblings by her side again. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting Aoife and walking with us through this journey . Click here to donate to Aoife's fundraiser. A rally has been held at Lough Neagh over the environmental crisis facing the UKs largest freshwater lake. Blue-green algae returned to Lough Neagh in the centre of Northern Ireland this week for the third summer in a row, with some describing the current levels as the worst they have seen. An overpowering smell from the algae was noticeable at Battery Harbour in Cookstown, near a popular campsite. Local residents, swimmers and fishermen attended the demonstration on Monday organised by the Save Lough Neagh coalition. Protesters called for five demands to be met during the rally at the Finn McCool statue on the shores of the lough in Antrim. They want fines and penalties for major polluters; a well-funded public water service; an end to the exploitation of Lough Neagh through sand-dredging; investment into research and recovery actions for the lough; and protections for the natural environment. Nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural fertiliser running off fields and from wastewater treatment are said to be a contributory factor in the blue-green algae blooms. The spread of the invasive zebra mussel species is also understood to have played a role in the blooms, because they have made the water clearer, allowing more sunlight to penetrate, stimulating an increase in algal photosynthesis. Climate change is another factor as water temperatures rise. The condition of the lough has resulted in the eel-fishing season to be cut short this summer. The blue-green algae has also spread to other waterways, causing two north coast beaches to close for bathing at the weekend. Last week Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said he was determined to turn the situation around and the Stormont Assembly has agreed to a Lough Neagh action plan. The protest was told that the agreed action plan does not go far enough and Mr Muir needed to put the environment first for once. The local fishing group Western Shore Angling said more locals needed to attend protests about Lough Neagh. Unfortunately the people who are shouting from the rooftops and commenting underneath every post about the situation failed to show up and attend, they said in a post on Facebook. It was the same old faces as the saying goes, and that simply isnt good enough. Positive change will only happen if everyone is behind the wheel pushing it forward for the greater good and future generations. A man who had been released on police bail 'lasted less than eight days' before coming to police attention again Derry Magistrates' Court heard today. Che O'Connor (25) of no fixed abode appeared charged with breaching his police bail on August 24. He was originally charged with assaulting a man, disorderly behaviour and possessing an offensive weapon namely a broken bottle on August 16. A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail. The court heard that on August 16 police were called to a report of two men fighting at the old Bank of Ireland building on Strand Road. When they arrived there was no fighting but a member of the public pointed O'Connor out. Police spoke to him and he was 'extremely intoxicated' and claimed he had been assaulted. He was asked did he wished to make a statement and became 'hostile' towards police. The incident was captured on CCTV and the court heard that the defendant was seen throwing several punches. He was also seen waving a broken bottle and trying to stab at another man. While police were present O'Connor was seen to be aggressive towards other members of the public and was eventually arrested. He denied the stabbing attempt but said he couldn't remember any of the incident. The police officer said police 'took a chance' by releasing O'Connor and he was found at the weekend intoxicated and with white powder around his nose just eight days later. Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said there had been no further offences and said the defendant could be released on 'more robust bail conditions'. District Judge Conor Heaney said that these were 'very serious allegations' but added he felt the risks could be managed by conditions. O'Connor was released on bail to an address approved by police and will appear again on September 18. Irish rap trio Kneecap say they have been forced to cancel 15 US tour dates in October due to one of their members upcoming UK court hearing in relation to a terror charge. Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, will return to Westminster Magistrates Court on September 26, after his legal team argued the case should be thrown out due to a technical error in the way the charge was brought against him. Prosecutors allege the 27-year-old 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. At the adjourned hearing in September, chief magistrate Paul Goldspring will rule on whether he has the jurisdiction to try the case. In a social media post on Monday, the band said: To all our US based fans we have some bad news. Due to the proximity of our next court hearing in London to the first date of the tour, as the British government continues its witch-hunt, we will have to cancel all 15 US tour dates in October. With every show fully sold out, to tens of thousands of fans, this is news we are sad to deliver. View this post on Instagram A post shared by KNEECAP (@kneecap32) But once we win our court case, which we will, we promise to embark on an even bigger tour to all you great heads. The band said that refunds for the tour will be available from point of purchase, and promised they would be sharing something very special for their US fans next week which would mean we can still link in with you all in October. Kneecap confirmed their four sold-out October shows in Canada, in Vancouver and Toronto, would go ahead as planned. The band, comprised of O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, were formed in Belfast and released their first single in 2017. They hit headlines in April when footage emerged that appeared to show a band member saying Kill your local MP at one gig and and Up Hamas, up Hezbollah at another. Kneecap have apologised to the families of murdered MPs and said they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah. They were also investigated over their set at Glastonbury Festival in June, but Avon and Somerset Police said they would be taking no further action in July. The group are known for their provocative lyrics in both Irish and English and their best-known tracks include Get Your Brits Out, Better Way To Live, featuring Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC, and The Recap. 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. Voices of justice piercing fog of history 13:42, August 26, 2025 By Zhu Yueying ( People's Daily 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 ongoing efforts to confront historical truths in Japan, dedicated individuals have spent decades documenting wartime atrocities driven by conscience and justice. Across Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and other cities, Japanese scholars, lawyers, journalists, and monks have spent decades piecing together archives, interviewing witnesses, and documenting war crimes committed by Japanese militarists during World War II. For many years, Japanese scholar Makoto Matsuno has personally financed the collection of archives on Unit 731, a notorious Japanese germ-warfare army during World War II, and materials on Japan's bacteriological warfare, donating them on several occasions to China. He has received little support in Japan, yet he has no regrets: "My goal is to reconstruct the historical truth as fully as possible and to prevent future tragedies." Among those reckoning with history is Hideo Shimizu, conscripted into the notorious Unit 731 at age 14 in 1945. After participating in war crimes, he endured decades of poverty with only elementary education. In 2024, the 93-year-old traveled to China to publicly apologize for Japan's bacteriological warfare atrocities. "My life demonstrates how militarism destroys individuals," Shimizu reflects. "Now I implore the Japanese government to acknowledge the truth." Ordinary citizens also bear witness. For nearly three decades, the Zijin Grass Choir from Japan has sung about the atrocities committed by the Japanese army during the Nanjing Massacre. Most members are elderly, some battling illnesses or confined to wheelchairs, yet they persist in conveying through songs their belief in peace and their call for justice. Like the resilient Zijin grass, often referred to as the "flower of peace" both in China and Japan, they bloom with unyielding hope, carrying the weight of memory through the years. Yet their efforts starkly contrast with official evasion. For a long time, some Japanese officials have downplayed or distorted wartime record. On April 16, 2025, newly approved junior high school textbooks by publisher Nichibun and Kyoiku Shuppan reduced the 1937 - 1945 war of aggression against China to a single sanitized page, obscuring Japan's militarist aggression across Asia. This denial persists despite historical milestones. In 1995, on the 50th anniversary of Japan's surrender, then-Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama issued the landmark "Murayama Statement," acknowledging that Japan's colonial rule and aggression had caused "tremendous damage and suffering" to many countries, and expressed "deep remorse and heartfelt apology." Thirty years later, new voices continue to call for acknowledgment of historical truth. "Japan must sincerely repent for aggression and uphold its promise of 'never again to wage war' to coexist peacefully with its neighbors," said Takakage Fujita, secretary-general of the Association for Inheriting and Propagating the Murayama Statement. Yokichi Kobayashi, son of Kiyoshi Kobayashi, a captured Japanese soldier who joined the Eighth Route Army led by the Communist Party of China, said, "The repentance of one nation is more important than the forgiveness of another. Only a country that dares to reflect can truly earn the respect of the world." Katsutoshi Takegami, a descendant of Japanese invaders from the wartime Unit 1644, affirmed with resolve: "In my lifetime, I will continue exposing the historical truth to the world to prevent history from repeating itself." Japan can only transcend by confronting it. The courageous Japanese individuals embody the greatest reverence for history and a deep sense of responsibility for the future. Their voices may be faint, yet like sparks of light, they pierce through the fog of history, awakening more people to face the past and hold fast to peace. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) An appeal has been made to Louth County Council to listen to concerns of residents and business owners in the Quay Street area of Dundalk, in relation to plans by the Dublin Simon Community to build 21 apartments at Barrack St. This follows a public meeting where householders and business owners spoke of how they have been living a nightmare over the last few years, dealing with anti-social behaviour, including open drug dealing and drug taking on a daily basis. Fine Gael Councillor for Dundalk South, Cllr Robert Nash has called on Louth County Council to listen to residents in the Quay area, who have once again raised serious concerns over a resubmission of Dublin Simon Community for planning permission for 21 one-bedroom apartments on the site of the old labour exchange building in Barrack Street. After attending a recent meeting for concerned residents, Cllr Nash described how householders and business owners in the area have been living a nightmare over the last few years, dealing with anti-social behaviour on a daily basis, as well as open drug dealing and drug taking becoming the norm outside people's houses and businesses. The Fine Gael councillor told the Dundalk Democrat that residents in the area have become frustrated over the lack of consultation between themselves and Louth County Council, as well as Dublin Simon Community, and despite regular calls to Dundalk Garda Station, the situation has not improved. Cllr Nash feels that not enough is being done to protect these people and their voices continue to be ignored, and that this latest planning submission is another blow to residents in the Quay area who lodged over 50 submissions last year in objection to a previous similar development at Barrack Street, which was subsequently withdrawn. These people's voices need to be heard, said Cllr Nash, it is simply not fair for people in planning and other organisations to make decision which do not directly affect themselves but will negatively impact others. Cllr Nash explained, we have two issues at present. The first is the fact that the present Simon facility in Barrack Street appears to be failing in its responsibility to fellow residents in the area. Cllr Nash said that he does not accept that anti-social behaviour happening outside the current Simon facility is a matter for An Garda Siochana, rather than the facility itself, and feels that Gardai figures for responses to incidents in the area are frightening. The figures are there, said Cllr Nash, they cannot be ignored. I feel that the Gardai need to raise their own concerns over a new facility. The present model is not working and needs to be addressed before anymore expansion. He continued: The second issue, which is the plan for a new similar development in the area, is one which has caused much annoyance to residents and business owners alike. Cllr Nash said that one resident claimed, they have destroyed our street already, and they won't be happy until we are all forced to move out. We are going through hell on a daily basis and nobody seems to care. The Fine Gael councillor said that he hopes to meet with senior Gardai officials and representatives for concerns residents in the next number of weeks, in a bid to combat these ongoing issues, and hopes that a request to meet senior management in Louth County Council and Dublin Simon Community, which have previously been ignored he added, will finally be facilitated. I cannot stand idly by and allow the soul of the good people of the Quay be destroyed, Cllr Nash added. These people have been ignored and neglected over the last number of years, and they feel let down. It is my job to raise these concerns and represent the people who elected me. We need to stop and pause, engage with residents, hear their concerns, find possible solutions before it's too late. Female entrepreneurs from Louth are being encouraged to submit their applications for the latest cycle of ACORNS, a highly successful development programme to support women living in rural Ireland who are in the early stages of starting their own business. Louth entrepreneur Aoife Finnegan of Curio PR recently completed the programme. She joins Joan McCann of The Code Lab and Martha McCabe of Goose Loves as previous Louth participants calling on businesswomen to join the programme. ACORNS has been providing support to early-stage female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland for more than a decade and has recently launched the 11th cycle of the business development programme. The deadline for applications for ACORNS 11 is midnight, September 22. There are up to 50 places available for ACORNS 11. Those wishing to receive an application form should register on the website www.acorns.ie. When Aoife Finnegan returned to her hometown of Dundalk in early 2020, she didnt expect to become a business owner. A turning point came when her friend asked for help promoting her business a favour that quickly turned into something bigger. Word spread fast. Artists, makers and small creative businesses across the region began getting in touch, people with great stories, but little time (or energy) to tell them. Aoife launched Curio PR www.curiopr.ie in 2021 to fill that gap: an independent agency focused on arts, culture, hospitality and tourism, rooted in strong storytelling and strategic media outreach. Aoife says: The ACORNS programme provided amazing support from fellow female entrepreneurs, which was absolutely invaluable. I received encouragement, support and friendship from an incredibly inspiring group of women. The guidance from Lead Entrepreneur Eimer Hannon was outstanding, and I gained so much from the in-person round table sessions. "Paula Fitzsimons and her team were fantastic, working tirelessly to ensure female entrepreneurship thrives in rural Ireland. Im truly grateful for this opportunity and highly recommend the programme to others. Joan McCann is an innovative coding education provider empowering Irelands young people with digital skills for the future. Joan had been volunteering with a community coding group when she realised she could marry the skills gleaned from her 15-year career in the IT industry with her passion for teaching kids about technology to create a viable business. Launched in February 2021, The Code Lab offers online courses and hands-on workshops in coding, robotics, and electronics. Since its inception, The Code Lab has grown significantly, with Joan now delivering a structured Schools Coding Programme to primary schools across Ireland, helping teachers to seamlessly integrate coding into the curriculum and making coding more accessible for all pupils. Joan says: I took part in ACORNS 8 and ACORNS Plus in 2024/25, and both programmes have been transformative for me and my business. They boosted my confidence, sharpened my decision-making, and helped me focus on growing my business. I was thrilled to be featured in the 10-year ACORNS report, celebrating its impact. I would highly recommend ACORNS and ACORNS Plus to any business woman ready to dream big and drive her business forward." Martha McCabe, founder of Goose Loves, a range of neckwarmers, was a participant on ACORNS 10 and says: The benefit of ACORNS to a small business may seem unquantifiable initially. But the gentle teasing out of what the core of your business is, and where you want to be, is a subtle but powerful tool, that you gain after the six months. "ACORNS is not about marketing strategies that you can read about in a book, it is practical support from people who understand the pitfalls and challenges any small business faces. I feel very lucky, to have been given the opportunity to complete this programme, and to have met the people that I have. ACORNS is based on the belief that early-stage entrepreneurs learn best from their peers. Participants interact with each other in the monthly round table sessions, which are facilitated by a Lead Entrepreneur, who has first-hand experience of starting and successfully growing a business in rural Ireland. Only early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland, and who have had no sales before the end of June 2022, are eligible to apply. As ACORNS receives many more applications than there are places available, selection is on a competitive basis. ACORNS 11 will run from October 2025 to April 2026 and will include six monthly round table sessions, a workshop on understanding financials, a briefing by various development agencies and an end-of-cycle celebration. There will be no charge for those selected to participate in ACORNS 11, thanks to the continuing support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the voluntary contribution of time by the Lead Entrepreneurs. Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD, launched the call for applications for ACORNS 11. Minister Heydon said: Following a decade of support from my Department for female rural entrepreneurs under the Rural Innovation Development Fund, I am delighted to launch the latest cycle. The programme continues to go from strength to strength and has supported over 550 women in rural Ireland over the last ten years. The ACORNS programme is a hugely successful programme, designed to support early-stage female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland. It aims to address the skills, enterprise and capability gaps that female entrepreneurs can face and in doing so provides support to help overcome the barriers which often limit entrepreneurial activity in rural areas. Encouraging female entrepreneurs in rural Ireland to apply for support under the ACORNS programme which will help them realise their dreams of starting and growing successful businesses. A survey carried out at the end of ACORNS 10 revealed that 100% of the programmes 52 participants felt closer to achieving their business ambitions following the programme and would recommend ACORNS to others. Some 90% said their participation brought about practical change within their business. Four businesses started to trade for the first time during ACORNS 10. The groups combined turnover almost doubled over the course of the programme, increasing from 2.8m to 4.3m. ACORNS 10 participants employed a total of 104 staff at the end of the cycle, some 57 full-time and 47 part-time, an increase of 15. There were eight new exporters over the cycle. Alongside the 52 participants in ACORNS 10, more than 300 past participants received continued support through the ACORNS Community, which provided them with the opportunity to take part in workshops, roundtables, a Community Forum and other networking events. Each of the Lead Entrepreneurs give their time to the programme on a voluntary basis, as they believe in the philosophy of entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs. This years voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs are Alison Ritchie, Polar Ice; Caroline Reidy, The HR Suite; Eimer Hannon, Hannon Travel; Geraldine Jones, Skin Formulas; Mary B Walsh, Ire Wel Pallets; and Triona MacGiolla Ri, Aro Digital Strategies. In addition, experienced businesswomen, Clare Duignan and Geraldine Kelly, who are on the Going for Growth advisory panel, will facilitate ACORNS Plus round tables for previous participants, who are committed to continuing driving forward the development of their businesses. ACORNS Lead Entrepreneur, Eimer Hannon of Hannon Travel, based in Navan said: Id really encourage early-stage female entrepreneurs to apply for ACORNS. Id love to have had a similar network and support structure when I started Hannon Travel 25 years ago. Dont miss the chance to back yourself! Uisce Eireann has commenced a major infrastructure project to upgrade the wastewater network in North Drogheda, Louth representing a 22 million investment in the region. The company say the project will increase wastewater capacity to support the development of over 5,000 new homes. Works underway involve the construction of a new wastewater pumping station off Twenties Lane and 2.3km of sewer pipeline. Uisce Eireann say the upgrade will enhance the capacity and resilience of the existing wastewater infrastructure, providing more reliable services for current and future residents and businesses. Uisce Eireanns Padraic Fitzgerald welcomed the commencement of the project: The North Drogheda Wastewater Network Upgrade project will not only address current capacity constraints but will also facilitate planned residential development, helping to unlock housing and economic potential in the area. We are working closely with developers to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support the delivery of much needed new homes for the community. Read Next: Rents in Louth rise in second quarter This project is being delivered as part of Uisce Eireanns national Growth and Development Programme and is being carried out on behalf of Uisce Eireann by GMC Utilities Group Ltd., with completion expected in 2027. The works require localised traffic management at Ballymakenny Road, Listoke and Ashton Village. Crews on the ground will work to minimise disruption. For more information on the Growth and Development Programme, please visit www.water.ie/growth Uisce Eireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit www.water.ie 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. The first ordination of a transitional deacon in the Cork diocese of Cloyne for eight years will take place this week. Clergy and laypeople will gather at noon in St Patricks Church in Whitechurch on Saturday, August 30, to celebrate Tiernan Burke becoming a Roman Catholic deacon. The Bishop of Cloyne, Bishop William Crean, will be officiating at the ceremony and will be joined by priests from across the diocese, Maynooth and further afield. Next year, in the next stage of his spiritual journey, Tiernan hopes to be the first priest ordained in nine years in Cloyne. Tiernan, of Whitechurch, said that its extra special that his deaconate ceremony is taking place in St Patricks Church as he was baptised there, had his First Holy Communion there, and served both as an altar server and a sacristan in his village church. Our community has come together to help me organise the ceremony, he said. The community formed a committee to organise the occasion. There was a lot to do such as arranging parking, cleaning the church and the grounds of the church as well as organising refreshments in Whitechurch Community Centre afterwards. I could not do it without the help of my fantastic friends and neighbours, he proudly stated. Betty Fitzgerald, director of the choir in the church, said: We are incredibly proud of Tiernan, he is such a kind person, and in my opinion theres not a person in need in the parish that he hasnt gone out of his way to help in the last 20 years. The community is delighted to help him organise this special occasion and we couldnt do enough for him. There are two types of deacon, a permanent one who assists permanently as a deacon in the parish, and a transitional deacon, who will continue on a journey to become a priest. Tiernan will be the latter and hopes to be ordained to the priesthood next year. He will be based in a parish in the Cloyne diocese from September for a year. He will carry out parish duties similar to a priest. Tiernan said that he always wanted to be a priest from a young age. He was influenced by many people over the years. His first experience of this was in 1993 when the sacristan, Julia Downey, knocked on his grandmothers door and asked if he would like to train as an altar server. He loved the experience. When he completed his Leaving Cert, Tiernan decided he couldnt face seven years in college and put becoming a priest off for a while. Instead, he attended Cork Institute of Technology (now MTU) and completed a Batchelor of Business degree in Hotel Management. After this, he worked as a manager in Whitechurch Service Station for many years. Ted Roche, the owner, became like a brother, best friend and a huge support to him. He would often ask me if I wanted to be a priest. Little did he know that his question began to push me in that direction, Tiernan explained. The year 2017 brought a turning point for Tiernan when he attended the ordination of Fr John Magner. At the reception, a priest said there might be someone here thinking of becoming a priest. Tiernan felt that the eyes of the room looked at him and it made him begin to think seriously about making the spiritual journey. I was discerning for a year, he recalled. I was the fruit of that ordination and I hope my ordination will encourage other young men to join the priesthood. Tiernan explained the steps in the process to being a deacon. My first step was to journey with a vocation director and this gave me the opportunity to discern if I wanted to become a priest. Tiernan entered the Royal English College in Valladolid in Spain to complete a year in preparation to join the seminary in Maynooth. He was joined in Spain by Irish, English, Welsh and Norwegian seminarians. After successfully completing this year, Tiernan joined the national seminary in Maynooth in 2019. During his time there, he had the opportunity of many pastoral placements, including the Capuchin Day Care Centre in Dublin and in Clane and Mallow Parish. He also completed a chaplaincy course in the Mater Hospital in Dublin. As a chaplain, he helped people to cope with their illness and families to cope with the death of their loved ones. It taught me an awful lot and helped to prepare me for the future as the life of a priest is not easy, said Tiernan. When asked what he believed was the most difficult part of a priests life, he said he believed it was loneliness. But, its up to yourself how lonely you are - if youre an outgoing person you will never be lonely. Self-care is very important. It is also key to have a support network of good friends, both priest friends and old friends, which Im lucky enough to have. This will help you through good times and bad. Tiernan acknowledged that it was a difficult time for the Church, but he was looking forward to working in the parish, learning new ministries, getting to know people, and helping them where possible. He is eager to carry out his duties as a deacon and prepare for his priesthood ordination. He added: Pursuing my vocation took courage, but it also required a good deal of prayer, hard work, and most importantly the love and support of so many people. Tiernan will be joined by his parents Donal and Geraldine, his siblings Darren, Shane, and Ciara, family friends and the community to celebrate his Deaconate on August 30. The event is also open to the public. An Irish construction company has called for land to be made available for 10,000 homes to be built in Cork over the next two to three years. Fitzpatrick and Heavey Homes, which is developing 17 houses in Cobh, is looking for development land in response to the housing crisis. Ciaran Fitzpatrick, CEO of the Fitzpatrick and Heavey Group, said that the housing crisis can only be tackled with urgency, scale, and collaboration. Our company has the capability to commence 10,000 homes across Ireland within the next two to three years, but, to achieve that, we need the right conditions in place, he said. The first priority is land acquisition and zoning. Large, well-located landbanks would allow us to keep building without the delays and inefficiencies that come with moving from one small site to another. Alongside this, faster and more predictable planning permission is critical to getting homes under way quickly. We also see a central role for the Land Development Agency. The LDA holds significant land and has the ability to bring forward shovel-ready sites. Partnering Mr Fitzpatrick suggested that by partnering with private developers like ourselves, they can dramatically accelerate delivery of both social and affordable housing, while reducing the time lost to lengthy planning and procurement processes. Mr Fitzpatrick said the group is committed to using local staff, suppliers, and subcontractors: This keeps skills and jobs in the community, reduces commuting pressures, and provides tradespeople with multi-year certainty, something that makes a real difference to quality of life. Vat changes Mr Fitzpatrick also called for Vat changes for first-time buyers. Even a modest adjustment could lower sales prices, support bank financing, and make homeownership genuinely affordable, said Mr Fitzpatrick. In recent projects, weve delivered high-quality homes priced around 230,000, and they were snapped up immediately. With the right supports, we can replicate that success across towns and counties nationwide. The workforce is not the obstacle. We already have the staff, subcontractors, and international expertise ready to go. What we need now is zoned land, planning approvals, infrastructure investment, and fair tax supports." A Cork senator has issued a plea for improved BreastCheck screening services as new figures have highlighted a simply unacceptable rate in completions. Sinn Fein Cork North-West senator Nicole Ryan has called on the HSE to deliver an improved BreastCheck programme as the agency has failed to meet its targets for the past two years. According to figures released in response to a parliamentary question, the HSE screened 137,134 women in 2024, failing to reach its target of 195,000. In 2023, it screened just more than 166,000 women, falling short of a 185,000 target. Crucial Ms Ryan highlighted how reliable, timely screening services are absolutely crucial to detect breast cancer early. She said: These figures are simply unacceptable. Every missed screening is a missed opportunity for early intervention, which can be lifesaving. "The shortfall cannot be simply passed off as a statistical anomaly. While covid undoubtedly disrupted services, most starkly in 2020 when screening dropped to just over 56,000, there is no longer an excuse. We need immediate action from the HSE and minister for health to restore and expand capacity, ensure transparency around progress, and put in place a clear catch-up strategy for the thousands of women who have been left waiting. Ms Ryan said it is also vitally important that public awareness campaigns are renewed to ensure women aged between 50 and 69 know when and how they can access screening. This isnt about meeting statistics, its about saving lives breast cancer affects nearly 3,500 women in Ireland each year, she added. First line of defence Effective screening programmes are our first line of defence. Anything short of meeting our targets is a failure to our people. The minister and the HSE must now bring forward a comprehensive plan. Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power said the figures are just the latest indicators and pieces of data that show cancer care is in need of urgent investment. There is no doubt these missed screening targets will result in some women having their breast cancer detected later than it should have been, said Ms Power. Last year, one in four women referred by their GP with possible breast cancer symptoms werent seen to on time for their breast clinic appointment. According to the latest available data, one in three women didnt get their breast cancer surgery on time. These delays are not only causing huge anxiety for people with cancer, but they are also putting lives at risk. That will only change if the Government urgently invests in more people, buildings, and equipment. More than 200 children are waiting for over a year for an initial contact by Childrens Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) in Cork and Kerry, new figures have shown. In HSE South West, made up of Cork and Kerry, there are 186 people waiting up to three months; 124 waiting four to six months; 115 waiting seven to 12 months, and 200 waiting more than a year, HSE data shows. A HSE spokesperson said they acknowledged some children are unfortunately waiting too long for supports, and apologised for any distress this is causing children and their families. However, Cork Sinn Fein TDs have said that without early intervention, crucial development could be delayed or missed. Disgrace Speaking to The Echo, Sinn Fein TD for Cork South Central, Donnchadh O Laoghaire said these children are being failed by the Government. It is an absolute disgrace that 625 children are currently on waiting lists for assessment and support from CDNTs in the South-West region, he said. This is a systemic failure, and it will only continue to get worse if it is not addressed head-on. Children are routinely waiting years for assessments. Posts remain unfilled. Teams are stretched to breaking point. Families are being told there is no one available to see their child. "How is a child supposed to reach their full potential without these crucial supports? Development in childhood happens fast, and it does not wait for staffing issues to be solved. His party colleague, Cork East TD Pat Buckley, said without fully staffed teams, speech may not emerge, motor skills may regress, behavioural challenges may escalate, and families will become exhausted and isolated. He said: It is not fair that the children and their families are the ones who are suffering just because Government cant get their act together. Government cannot continue to under-resource services for these children while claiming to uphold equality and inclusion. Children deserve timely assessment and intervention to give them the best chance at success. Early and ongoing assessment and intervention is key. Plan He added Sinn Fein would develop a comprehensive workforce plan to fully staff network teams, streamlining the recruitment process, doubling the number of undergraduate training places, and providing a job guarantee to health and social care graduates. A HSE spokesperson told The Echo there are 14 network teams in Cork and Kerry, managed by five lead agencies: Brothers of Charity Southern Services, CoAction West Cork, Enable Ireland, Horizons, and St Josephs Foundation. The spokesperson said: These teams deliver interdisciplinary supports for children with complex disability needs. At June 30, 2025, there were 7,751 children on the open [network team] cases across Cork and Kerry. This figure represents an increase of 1% since June 2024, and there were 685 children waiting for an initial contact with a [network team]. This figure represents a decrease of 9% since June 2024. Initial supports [Network teams] in this region endeavour to offer each child an initial contact at the earliest opportunity. This allows services to provide initial supports for families and prioritise access to follow-up interventions, based on clinical need. We acknowledge that some children, unfortunately, are waiting too long for supports and we would like to sincerely apologise for any distress this causes for children and their families. The HSE continues to work with the five lead agencies to fill all vacant approved posts so that they can maximise the supports available to children and reduce waiting times. THE Cork Chamber, established in 1819, has served the business community of the city for more than 200 years, with Conor Healy the chief executive officer (CEO) for the last two decades. Speaking to The Echo, Mr Healy detailed the impact of the organisation, the ins and outs of his role, and what he hopes for the future of the Cork business landscape. This is my 20th year as Cork Chamber CEO, said Mr Healy. In that time, I have had the privilege of seeing considerable growth and evolution in the organisation and the Cork regions business landscape. While the city itself has become a thriving, multi-cultural place and remains the fastest-growing city region in Ireland, we have seen immense change for the better in Cork and hope to see it continue for many more years to come. The role of Cork Chamber CEO brings a lot of responsibility, to represent and support our members in the best way possible but the role doesnt exist in isolation, it is driven by the work of the chamber team. Its a cliche, but its true to say that no two days are the same and there is huge variety, Mr Healy said. A typical day can consist of meetings with chamber members, board members, stakeholder groups, elected representatives or visiting international delegations taking place at the chamber office, online or elsewhere. Some days look a little different, of course, particularly when there is a major chamber event on. We have a few large-scale events during the year, which are always important days in the calendar, including our annual dinner in City Hall. CRIME AND CHALLENGES Speaking of the challenges faced by the chamber in recent years, Mr Healy said that while global societal, economic, and geopolitical events have cause some unrest, the business community in Cork has quickly adapted. Over the years, economic downturns, such as covid and Brexit, have all brought varied challenges, to which the business community has had to respond with agility, said Mr Healy. More recently, uncertainty in the international trading environment has posed challenges for the business community and the wider Irish economy. At Cork Chamber, we have been following developments closely and engaging with members to understand their concerns. A Cork taoiseach brings an enhanced understanding of the business and community landscape in Cork, enabling us to engage in more detail on some of the most pressing issues for chamber members. We have met An Taoiseach Micheal Martin several times since he took office, following the last general election, both in Cork and in Leinster House, and always appreciate his time and positive engagement on a wide range of issues, from infrastructure development and renewable energy to supports for SMEs and research and innovation. A recent survey, undertaken by ISME, the representative body for small businesses, showed that 36% of Irish SMEs were affected by crime in the past 12 months, with up to 100% of convenience stores reporting an increase in crime committed against them according to a recent survey by the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association. President of Cork Chamber Rob Horgan, Conor Healy, CEO Cork Chamber, Lord Mayor Cllr Dan Boyle, Valerie OSullivan, Chief Executive Cork Chamber and An Taoiseach Micheal Martin at the Cork Company of The Year Awards in Cork City Hall.Photo, Darragh Kane Mr Healy said that Cork Chamber is acutely aware of this issue, and is continuing to engage with local businesses to combat this increase. It is critical that Cork is allocated sufficient Garda resources, in line with the regions ongoing population growth, in order to prevent criminal activity and anti-social behaviour in urban areas, said Mr Healy. Alongside the direct impact of crime on many businesses, anti-social behaviour can also result in reduced footfall and business traffic in the city centre, which, in turn, can harm Corks welcoming reputation. We have consistently raised this issue with key stakeholders, both locally and nationally, he added. Creating and maintaining safe, welcoming urban spaces depends not only on sufficient Garda resources, but also on measures that support city centre living and vibrancy, Mr Healy said. Continued improvements to the public realm around Cork city are particularly welcome in this regard, along with the consideration of measures that bring additional people into the city centre, such as above-shop living and meanwhile use solutions for vacant properties. IMPACT Mr Healy discussed the broad responsibility of the organisation and how it interacts daily with its various members and stakeholders. Right now, Cork is on a clear growth trajectory, in terms of population, the economy, and infrastructure development, said Mr Healy. At such an important time for the city and county, the chamber works to engage with key stakeholders locally, nationally, and internationally, to advocate for strategic investment and development in the Cork region. We have a team of 23 dedicated professionals across member services, [and] the collaboration between the team, with our president and board, with members, and with other external stakeholders, underpins all of the chambers activities. What some may not realise is the breadth of the work undertaken by the chamber team in collaboration with members, he said. What is hugely rewarding is the wide variety of members we engage with on a daily basis and the variety of perspectives this brings. From sole traders and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), to large domestic and multinational firms, we engage with businesses of all sizes, alongside other stakeholders, from local authorities to national government, as well as community and voluntary groups. It is this level of engagement that gives us a unique understanding, not only of the business landscape in Cork, but of the broader ecosystem that exists across communities in the city and county. Conor Healy, Chief Executive of Cork Chamber. Pic Darragh Kane Cork Chamber has been a champion for the business community in Cork and a strong advocate for the economic development of the region for over 200 years, said Mr Healy. Every chamber of commerce traditionally acts as a focal point for the business community, representing their interests and advocating for economic development. In recent years, however, our remit has evolved; while we continue to champion the priorities of our more than 1,200 members, we also work to represent the interests of the wider community across Cork. Earlier this year, we launched a new strategic plan for the chamber for 2025 to 2028, with a purpose to unite, represent, and support our members and community. Our strategic plan also sets out a clear vision: To lead a transforming and ambitious Cork city and county, he said. Being named Chamber of the Year 2025 is a proud reflection of the collective effort and shared purpose of the entire chamber team, the leadership of our board, and the support of our members, partners, and stakeholders. Its worth highlighting, in particular, the chambers commitment to sustainability, which is embedded in all activities and initiatives we undertake. Cork Chamber has been appointed a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) champion by the government of Ireland, and we have pledged to uphold five SDGs that are particularly relevant for our members and the wider community. Mr Healy may be 20 years in the role of chamber CEO but, with a keen eye on further growth over the coming years, he is as determined as ever to advocate for the business community in Cork. The Lord Mayor of Cork has thanked outgoing Garda Commissioner Drew Harris for keeping a promise to allocate extra gardai to the city. At last weeks attestation ceremony at the Garda Training College, Cork was allocated 25 gardai, 20 of whom are going to the city and five to the county. Seven of the new graduates coming to the city are to be assigned to Anglesea St, five to Gurranabraher, and four each to Mayfield and Togher. In the county, two graduates are going to Midleton, two to Mallow, and one to Bandon. There had been considerable disappointment on Leeside after the previous two graduations, in March and June of this year, when Cork city received three probationers each time, while the county also received three on both occasions. Fianna Fail councillor Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork, said he had met with Mr Harris prior to last Fridays ceremony and had received assurances that Cork would benefit from a significant allocation of new gardai from the next graduation. I am delighted that the commissioner kept his promise, Mr Dennehy told The Echo. He added that he was honoured to have been invited by Mr Harris to attend last weeks passing-out ceremony. Mr Dennehy said he had been delighted to meet and speak with a number of the new graduates, including those who will be taking up postings across Cork city. These young men and women are about to embark on a new journey in their lives, which in turn will provide our communities with support and safety, he said. There is a poignant plaque in the foyer of the Garda College, as there is outside of our Garda Station in Anglesea St, remembering those brave members of the force who lost their lives while serving our country, he said. This is a very sobering reminder of the challenges that members of the force have always faced, but even more so today. Mr Dennehy said he had also met with the incoming Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, conveying his strong desire that the November graduation would see a similar number allocated to Cork. This is a good start today, but I believe everybody acknowledges that we need more visibility of gardai on our streets, he said. The only way to achieve that is through the continued allocation of additional resources. This allocation of 20 gardai to our city is of course very welcome. But as a city, growing at a rapid rate, Cork must continue to see reinforcements in the months and years ahead so that we have an adequate amount of gardai on our streets and in our communities. Noel Raymond, drum major for the Tomas MacCurtain pipe band, getting ready for the Blackpool Block Party on Sunday. McCarthy Glas archive The long-lost archive of writer and historian Daniel MacCarthy Glas (1807- 1884) is now on show at the Cork City and County Archives, Blackpool. The archive was donated by his descendants Susan MacCarthy and Don MacCarthy, and families, of Oregon, USA. The exhibition will tour libraries and other locations around Cork city and county at a later date. The MacCarthy Glas archive has been painstakingly listed, arranged and catalogued in detail by the archivists of the Cork City and County Archives Service. Thanks to this, and the efforts of historians, and the kind generosity of Susan and Don MacCarthy and families, the archive is now a permanent public and historical research resource. In the coming years parts of the archive shall also be digitised and placed online. Graffiti seek administration lead Graffiti Theatre is hiring an operations and administration lead. The venue said: Were looking for an experienced, organised, and proactive operations & administration lead (part-time) to help keep our creative home running smoothly at Graffiti. Reporting to Niall, our artistic director/CEO and Lynn our deputy director, this new, part-time role (28hrs per week) is central to keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes think finance operations, HR compliance, governance, and general day-to-day coordination. Were especially keen to hear from people with previous experience in similar roles, strong financial admin skills, and a knack for juggling systems, deadlines, and details. If youre someone who thrives in a busy, supportive, creative environment; and if you have a background in the arts or cultural sector, wed love to hear from you. Applications close on Friday September 19 at 6pm. See: https://www.graffiti.ie/news/ops-admin-lead/ New Blackpool signs are a welcome addition The Welcome to Blackpool signs that have been installed by the ever-busy Blackpool Tidy Village group look fantastic. They are located at the the Dinos N20 Junction, the Watercourse Road N20 junction (pictured) and at the Great William OBrien St & OConnell St junction. They were sponsored and supported by Cork City Council and installed by Fast Signz Ltd. One of the new Welcome to Blackpool signs at Watercourse Road. Spill the Ink at the Everyman Glassy Alley Productions presents Spill the Ink tonight at 7pm at the Everyman Bar tonight, the MacCurtain St venue said: A glass in one hand, your words in the other no stage fright necessary. Join us for a relaxed evening of community, creativity and conversation. Whether youre polishing a piece or just starting out, this is a chance to share your work-in-progress, ask questions and be inspired by like-minded people and supportive hosts all in the cosy setting of The Everyman Bar. All forms of written work welcome. To attend, email glassyalleyproductions@gmail.com Arts Theatre tribute to Feehily Cork Arts Theatre paid tribute to a departing colleague who has made a valuable contribution to its success for more than a decade. The venue said: Our esteemed colleague and technical manager, Jamie Feehily, will be leaving us soon to start a new adventure across the Atlantic. While we are sad to see him go, we wish him every success and happiness in this new chapter in his life. Jamie has been an integral part of the Cork Arts Theatre for the last 13 years and has made a huge contribution to the development of the venue in that time. He has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure the smooth running of the theatre, and personally oversaw the upgrading of every aspect of our technical equipment to the current high standard. As a talented lighting designer, Jamie has worked with countless productions at the CAT and approached every show, large or small, with the professionalism and support that is his trademark. A man of many talents, he has also directed some very fine productions at the venue over the years to much acclaim. Jamie also served as a Board Member of the CAT for many years and his input and guidance at this senior level has been invaluable. He will be missed greatly. We know many of you worked with Jamie over the years so feel free to comment and leave your own tribute here if you would like to join us in wishing Jamie, Thank You and Bon Voyage!. GM sought at Dance Firkin Crane Dance Cork Firkin Crane is seeking a general manager and the deadline for interested applicants has been extended until Monday September 1 at midnight. The venue said: We are looking for an enthusiastic, efficient, and dedicated individual to join our team and help us fulfil Dance Cork Firkin Cranes potential to be a significant national venue for Dance. The general manager is a senior management role within the organisation, working closely with the Executive Artistic Director (EAD) to oversee the day-to-day management of the organisation and support the delivery of Dance Cork Firkin Cranes strategic and artistic goals and ambitions. Visit https://tinyurl.com/4ed75hhv for full application info. A Cork county councillor has called for the school summer holidays to be extended once again back to the month of September. Independent councillor Peter ODonoghue is calling for the education minister, Helen McEntee to now introduce regulations which would ensure that all schools, both primary and post primary, remain closed for the summer months of July and August. Mr ODonoghue said that he has written to the minister, asking her to introduce regulation which would make it mandatory for all schools to remain closed for the months of July and August. In my opinion and in the opinion of many others it makes logical and common sense to return children to school, as was traditionally done in the past, in September and not in August. I have asked the minister, that this now happen again going into the future, Mr ODonoghue said. This would benefit Irish children considerably. This would also benefit many others such as the childrens parents and extended family. It would benefit the teachers themselves as several have expressed a desire to me for schools to remain closed [until] September. It would also benefit the Irish economy, especially the tourism industry as it would keep the summer months free for Irish families to travel and vacation in Ireland. Mr ODonoghue added: We are seeing the reopening of schools occurring earlier in August now each year. This is a damaging trend in the opinion of many of my constituents, many who are parents of children attending school and some who are teachers themselves. Children need to have a proper break to recharge their batteries after a long year of school. By schools reopening in mid to late August this does not give children the necessary break needed. It also does not give parents or teachers the necessary break needed from school either. A Cork TD has backed a call from Early Childhood Ireland to improve pay conditions for early years and school-age care graduates, with almost 4,000 children on creche waiting lists across Co Cork. Early Childhood Ireland, the leading member organisation of the early years sector, has warned that without significant investment in Budget 2026, efforts to expand capacity to accommodate children on waiting lists will fall short. Up to 3,947 children under the age of three are currently on creche waiting lists across Cork, the latest figures from Pobal, the organisation that administers early years programmes, have revealed. The data showed that 652 children under the age of one are on waiting lists, with only 15 places available; 1,731 children aged between one and two are on waiting lists, with only 28 places available; and 1,564 children aged between two and three are on waiting lists, with only 309 places available. Speaking to The Echo, Sinn Fein Cork South Central TD, Donnchadh O Laoghaire, said that 4,000 children on waiting lists across Cork is absolutely shocking, but not surprising. This reflects a neglect of the sector by a government who is not invested in this area, said Mr O Laoghaire. Before the general election, we had big commitments about ensuring that staff would be paid better and the high fees would be tackled, but there is very little sign of any progress on either of those fronts since then. We need to start treating childcare and early years education as a public good, and move towards a public service model. Staff are leaving at an enormous rate. Theyre not able to make a decent living, so theyre therefore leaving the sector, he added. What we need to do is pay the staff properly, recognise their qualifications and abilities, and try to deliver a situation where childcare is both affordable and available. There are people across Cork, even for those where money is not an object, who cannot find a place, and many more who simply cannot afford it at the cost that its at. Its simply not acceptable. In their Budget 2026 submission, Early Childhood Ireland has urged the Government to name a date to bring pay and conditions for early years and school-age care graduates in line with primary school teachers. This would begin to reverse the Cork average staff turnover rate, which is at more than 28%. A report shows that while there has been a national increase in new addresses and homes under construction in the year to June 2025, Cork has recorded a decline in both over the same 12-month period. The GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report, which is available to view at www.geodirectory.ie, was established jointly by An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland to create and manage the countrys only database of residential buildings. Its latest report shows a 7% decrease in new addresses in Cork in the year to June 2025, while there was a 4% drop in homes under construction in the same 12-month period. Some 3,363 new residential address points were recorded in Cork over the past 12 months, compared to 3,621 in the 12-month period to June 2024. Also, a further 2,876 homes were under construction, compared to 2,985 in the year to June 2024. Nationally, a total of 33,002 new residential address points were added to the GeoDirectory database, representing a 5.2% increase year-on-year. The report, prepared by consultants EY, found that the total number of buildings under construction nationally in June 2025 was up 9.2%, or by 2,018 buildings, compared to June 2024. The Greater Dublin area accounted for just over half of all new address points (53.2%), while Dublin itself accounted for 12,762 (38.7%) of new addresses added in the year to June 2025. These figures are followed by Cork (3,363), Meath (1,830), and Kildare (1,747). Counties in Leinster accounted for over two-thirds (68.3%) of the new address points. Of the 23,869 residential buildings under construction last month, 16.7% were located in Dublin, at 3,979 buildings. This is closely followed by Cork with 2,876 buildings. A 61-year-old woman who died following a single vehicle incident which occurred in the Dunkettle Ballinglanna area of Glanmire, Co Cork yesterday has been named locally as Veronica Hoen. Ms Hoen was known for her work in arts education with the Irish Prison Service. In 2016 she curated Project 16 : Studying the Rising which was exhibited at Mountjoy Prison in Dublin. President Michael D Higgins praised Ms Hoen at the opening of the exhibition. He spoke of her diligent curating of the beautiful creations produced by the inmates of Irish prisons as a means to commemorate the Easter Rising of 1916. Ms Hoen lived in Glanmire. In a tribute on the Glanmire Noticeboard page Veronica is described as having been a bubbly, friendly, lovely lady who will be missed by many. The road where the incident occurred at 1.50pm yesterday was was closed for a technical examination. It has since reopened. Ms Hoen was pronounced dead at the scene. Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 1.30 pm and 2.10 pm yesterday afternoon are asked to make this footage available to investigating officers. 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. Investigations are ongoing. A Cork Oireachtas member has accused the Government of being out of touch with problems caused by soaring rents. It comes as new figures show rents in Cork city have increased by 11.8% since this time last year, to an average of 2,241 per month. The latest Daft.ie quarterly report shows that, nationally, rents have climbed by an average 1.6% in the second quarter of the year, with the monthly average now 2,055. The report shows that the cost of renting rose for the 18th consecutive quarter, and, year-on year, the average listed price nationally rose by 12.3%. Labour Party senator Laura Harmon said she is part of a tiny minority of renters in the Oireachtas. A recent Irish Times survey showed us that only 3% of Oireachtas members who responded are renters themselves, she said. This says to me that many of those in Government may be out of touch with this problem. Ms Harmon said soaring rents are grounds for concern about the future of homeownership. High rents are making it impossible for people to leave the rental sector. Entire generations are being locked out of the housing market as a result of these high rents. News of increasing rents of this kind in Cork is soul-destroying for anyone saving for a mortgage and for people renting who are trying to make ends meet every week. The Labour senator said she is calling on the Government to enact real change to address the matter. The housing crisis is a solvable issue, but we need a Government that is willing to protect renters, radically increase housing supply, and a real commitment to bring down costs for first time buyers. In the midst of spiralling costs of living, more must be done in Budget 2026 to relieve the pressure on renters and to prevent more people entering homelessness. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for driver licensing. The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) manages licence applications and renewals. You can renew your driver licence online. You must have a Public Services Card and a MyGovID verified account. You can renew your licence in person at an NDLS centre. You can apply to renew your driving licence if it is expiring within three months or if it expired less than 10 years ago. How can I renew my driving licence? There are two ways. 1. Online at NDLS.ie, or 2. In person by booking an appointment at an NDLS centre. If you decide to renew your driving licence online, you will need: A Public Services Card* (PSC) and verified MyGovID Proof of your address dated within the last six months if your address is different to the one you provided when you got your Public Services Card Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if you are not an EU or EEA citizen A medical report form dated within one month if required Application fee of 65 (unless you are 70 or over) If your PSC photo is over 10 years old, you must renew it on MyWelfare first using a verified MyGovID. Then apply online at ndls.ie to renew your driving licence. If you cannot renew your licence online, you must apply to an NDLS centre in person. You must book an appointment to attend an NDLS centre. You do not have to provide photos with your application, your photo and signature will be digitally recorded. You no longer need to complete an application form. You must bring the following documentation with you when renewing your driving licence: Your current or most recent driving licence. If your licence has been lost, stolen or damaged you must also bring a valid photo ID with you. Proof of your PPS number Application fee of 65 (unless you are 70 or over) Proof that you are normally resident in Ireland if you are not an EU or EEA citizen Proof of address, dated within the last six months is required if your current address is not recorded on your lost, stolen or damaged permit and it differs from the one you provided when you got your Public Services Card A Driving Licence Medical Report Form, dated within one month if required A Driving Licence Eyesight Report Form, if required Do I need to complete a Medical report form? You will need this form if you are applying for driving licence categories C, C1, D, D1, CE, C1E, DE or D1E (buses and trucks), unless you previously provided a medical report which is still applicable. You will need a Driving Licence Medical Report Form if you are applying for driving licence categories AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE or W (motorcycles, cars and work vehicles) if you have a specific disability or condition). If you have certain medical conditions, youll need to get a Driving Licence Medical Report Form. If you are 75 or over, you will need a certification of fitness to drive from your doctor to apply for a three-year or a one-year licence. You can download the medical report form from the NDLS website (it must be printed back to back on one page). You can also get a copy of the form from your local NDLS centre or Citizens Information Centre Where a medical report form is needed, a registered medical practitioner should complete your medical examination and complete the form. You must sign the declaration on the medical report form in the presence of the registered medical practitioner. It must be submitted within 1 month of the medical examination. Do I need an eyesight report form? Generally, your medical practitioner will report any eyesight issues in the Driving Licence Medical Report Form. However, you will need a Driving Licence Eyesight Report Form if you no longer need glasses or contact lenses to drive (for example, if youve had laser eye surgery). You can download the eyesight report form from the NDLS website (pages 1 and 2 should be printed back to back on one page). It is also available from NDLS centres or Citizens Information Centre. It must be submitted within 1 month of completion. What happens if my licence has expired for more than 10 years? If your licence expired more than 10 years ago, you must complete a Driver Theory Test and then apply for a learner driver permit. How long is a driving licence valid? 10 years for Group 1 - motorcycles, cars. and tractors 5 years for Group 2 - buses, trucks, and articulated vehicles The duration of a licence issued depends on your age and medical fitness. If you are under 65, it is the above years. If you aged 65-71, you will need a licence which will expire on the eve of your 75th birthday at the latest. However, please note that any group 2 categories (trucks and buses) will be for a maximum of five years which could expire before the driver turns 75. If you are aged 72-74, you get a three-year licence, and for ages 75 and over, it is a three- year licence or one-year licence (subject to certification of fitness to drive by your doctor) What is the cost of renewing a driving licence? It is 65 for a 10-year licence or five-year bus and truck licence, 35 for a three-year licence, while a one-year liccnce on medical grounds is free. It costs 35 for each category added. If you are aged 70 or over, when your driving licence is due to expire you will receive a renewal reminder in the post. There is no fee to renew your driving licence. Any required eyesight tests or medical examinations are not free of charge. Why is Cork city broken? is a provocative question to pose to any Corkonian. Our beautiful city? How dare you! Its the question posed on a YouTube video called The Urban Fabric by content creator Kev Collins which has racked up more than 38,000 views in the past three weeks. The film could easily ask How to make Cork better? - but, you know, outrage attracts more click-throughs. Rather than a diatribe against Cork, it is a slick video essay featuring visualisations of what a reimagined Cork with greener public spaces, brighter buildings, and less street clutter could look like. It looks great! Far from thinking the city is broken, I think Cork is thriving, albeit with plenty of room for improvement. I see the potential in some of our neglected street corners to elevate the city into a more vibrant and beautiful place to live and visit. I so regularly bemoan the fact that a good paint job would lift so many Cork streets out of grey mediocrity into shining noteworthiness, I wondered if Kev Collins had been earwigging on some of my kitchen table and pub snug rants. Its refreshing to come across a person who shares this vision for an elevated Cork and has the editing skills to put that vision across to a wide audience. Collins has used computer-generated imagery to show what a park at South Gate Bridge or a new green space on Sullivans Quay would look like. Hes also used his Photoshopping skills to remove a forest of ugly and unnecessary galvanised poles from street corners and transform the palette of beige buildings on Patrick Street into a striking and considered streetscape befitting the heritage of the city. Some of his ideas are radical. He thinks Cork City Council should buy and demolish the Bank of Ireland building stretching from Patrick Street to Paul Street to create a new public plaza that embraces the beauty of St Peter and Pauls Church. Or buy and demolish buildings on Barrack Street to create a new public space at the entrance to Elizabeth Fort. The practicalities of costs and legalities aside, the new public spaces look amazing. Some of Kevs ideas require a big cheque book and a revisit of the citys development plans - he advocates for more high-rise development in Tivoli to allow for more public spaces with access to the river. But some of his ideas require little more than a two-person crew, a van, and a few cans of paint. Easy wins for the city would be to tidy up poles, get busy with paint, and protect the old and lovely things we have. Poles Once you see them, you cant unsee them. Poles! There are signpost poles everywhere. Collins identifies a corner of St Patricks Bridge and St Patricks Quay with a plethora of poles blotting the street view. In Douglas, there are 35 poles of unfinished galvanised steel sprouting from a new junction holding all manner of instructions and signage. Madness! Collins argues that by consolidating the poles and painting them black, the streetscape is immediately improved. He calls it basic urban hygiene. His vision of a de-cluttered Patrick Street also extends to replacing the Beth Galli-designed tall lampposts. The lighting was designed to echo the masts of ships, bringing the spirit of Corks harbour into the heart of the city, but Collins argues that they are more befitting to the wide seaside boulevards of Barcelona than the narrow streets of Cork. He thinks they should be reused elsewhere in the city and creates a compelling computer-generated picture of what the Grand Parade and Patrick Street would look like without the dominating lampposts. Paint The Ardu street art project has been a fantastic success at brightening the gable ends of large buildings, but maybe we need to think about reviving the front of some buildings too. Paint the buildings of Patrick Street in rich heritage colours in a co-ordinated way so that architecture of the city sings. Another idea is to restore Clontarf Bridge to its original battleship red. The Urban Fabric film shows what a sophisticated paint job would do for some of the landmark buildings and structures of Cork. Heritage When you visit a beautiful, well-designed home, it is usually a place that has been created with thought about how the family lives and spends their time. They are houses with nice materials, craftsmanship, and good lighting with the odd family heirloom or vintage piece of furniture thrown in. Lots of the same things apply to a city. Texture, history, patina are what we look for when we travel to other European cities, so why not in Cork? Collins wants to see old lantern-style lampposts in the city and the old fountains on Emmet Place and at the bottom of Shandon Street restored. Yes, these things need maintenance, but they add so much to the city, making it a place to linger and enjoy. Its an exciting time for Cork city with massive growth and development planned in the coming years and decades. Projects like the transformation of the Marina into a fantastic urban public space show what can be achieved with ambition and vision. Some easy tweaks here and there, along with enhancing our heritage buildings and investing in the maintenance and upkeep of the nice things we already have will polish our city up nicely and make it shine like the gem it is. Vivienne Clarke The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD has spoken of the importance of the UN mandate for Unifil peacekeeping forces to remain in Lebanon. We are very, very concerned for stability, peace, security in the area of Lebanon that Unifil operates in. And I think that it's important that the mandate does continue. Ireland is strongly advocating for that in discussions with members of the Security Council. Mr Byrne acknowledged that the support of the United States would be critical for the renewal of the mandate. That's without a shadow of a doubt. And that's why I think France is engaged in very, very active discussions with the U.S. We're very grateful for the work that France is doing, and I'm sure the people of Lebanon are as well, to try to persuade the United State to make sure that whatever happens, if the mandate continues or if somehow the mandate is deemed to be projected to come to an end at some point in the future, that at the very least the people of Lebanon and indeed its army are able to control the situation and protect the people and protect peace and security in the area. We are very, very concerned for the peace and security of the area. We've 300 troops there, 47 Irish troops over the years have died in Lebanon as well. "So there's been a huge commitment from the state, from individuals and their families to this situation. And the idea of that is to make sure that there's peace and security in the area and that we prevent people from dying and that allows democracy to take root. I think it is important that we do give support and continue to give support to the government of Lebanon in practical terms and in military terms as well, through Unifil, to make sure that that area can be kept peaceful, safe When asked about the Triple Lock required before Irish troops can be sent on missions abroad, Mr Byrne pointed out that it was a legal fact that Irish troops would have no legal basis to be in Lebanon if the mandate is not renewed. So that is certainly a gap that needs to be addressed. But there are smaller missions as well that aren't directly run by the United Nations, such as Operation Irini on the Mediterranean, where we have a very small number of troops, which is designed really to prevent illegal weapons coming into Europe and to help people in humanitarian situations on boats in the Mediterranean. "You know, that mandate was only renewed for a short period this year and that is an example of an operation actually that started without a United Nations mandate. Ireland couldn't take part until there was a mandate from the UN. And if the UN decided to withdraw the mandate, if one of the permanent members of the Security Council decided to veto that mandate, Ireland would have to leave that operation immediately." Warning over Lebanon's future The former Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Mark Mellett has warned that Lebanon could turn into Gaza if the Unifil peacekeeping forces do not remain in place. There was no option but to renew the Unifil mandate to stay in Lebanon monitoring the border with Israel, he told RTE radios Morning Ireland. The Unifil mission in Lebanon, in which 47,000 Irish troops have operated since 1978, had succeeded, he said. The difference between Gaza and Lebanon is the United Nations and the mandate that that force has. Every country has a right of self-defence, but it's not unlimited. "The threat must be imminent and the response must be necessary and proportionate. What we're seeing in Gaza clearly does not meet those thresholds. "We're seeing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the most grievous of all, the crime of genocide. I fear that if the UNIFIL mandate is not renewed, we're in real grave danger of seeing a similar circumstance in southern Lebanon. When asked if the mandate was unlikely to be renewed by the UN without the support of Israel and the US, Mr Mellett said that was a political issue, but he was glad to see that the Irish government was lobbying through the multilateral frameworks with France to ensure that this mandate is extended at the very least for a year. To not renew the mandate, which expires effectively next Sunday, is to leave a really, really challenging circumstance. Israel has been quite clear in terms of its intentions. I have no doubt that we will see war in South Lebanon if this mandate is not renewed. Unifil must work hand in glove with Lebanese armed forces to actually succeed in its mandate. Lebanon has a very, very weak military at present. It really needs to be reconstituted and reinforced so it can actually hold its capacity to deal with actors such as Hezbollah and others. But I really, really feel that there is no option but to renew this mandate and to continue to provide the security that is required in South Lebanon. There never has been a more grave situation in that area, in particular against the backdrop of what we're seeing in Gaza. It's almost as if we are actually being presented with what the alternative to South Lebanon is in the context of what we are seeing in Gaza, so we must use all our efforts to actually use multilateralism to have this mandate extended. There is no country that can trust Israel at present. And for a nation itself who has endured the trauma of attempted genocide and for it now to perpetrate such crimes, it's morally indefensible. "It's a profound betrayal of history's lessons, and it erodes the very foundations of the international norms and institutions that actually, I suppose, define us as a civilised society. So just right now, I have grave concerns. "If this mandate is not renewed, we are really in a perilous position with regards to the likely reality of war in South Lebanon. The removal of the Triple Lock currently required to send Irish troops abroad was a separate discussion, he said. I really believe that we have to be careful here not to mix the discussion around the Triple Lock with what's happening in South Lebanon. 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CREDIT: REUTERS/ALESSANDRO BIANCHI/FILES) The meeting with Pope Francis was to focus on the young people meeting with him, but it was not surprising the international spotlight fell on George Clooney, Richard Gere and Salma Hayek who were there.. The actors and actress were honored before the Pope Francis with the Olive Medal of Peace in an event to promote the Scholas Occurrentes foundation on May 29. In return, the A-listers, as major movie stars are referred to, have agreed to work as ambassadors for the foundation's arts projects, The Hollywood Reporter said. Scholas Occurrentes, or "schools that meet," is a foundation that connects 400,000 schools and educational networks from various cultures and religions in 82 countries. Clooney spoke to reporters in Italy and said it "was a wonderful experience and it's a wonderful program that Scholas Occurrentes runs, causing so many different religions to speak of inclusion, because we know that hatred and fundamentalist attitudes are learned and indoctrinated." Scholas Occurrentes often utilizes social media campaigns to further its initiatives and has recognized the power that celebrities have in influencing people around the world. "Important values can be transmitted by celebrities," said Lorena Bianchetti, an organizer of the event. Amal Clooney the British-Lebanese activist lawyer joined her husband to meet Pope Francis, and Hayek was joined by husband Francois-Henri Pinault along with daughter Valentina. Vatican Radio said, "The meeting aims to mark the beginning of an interactive initiative launched by Scholas Occurentes with the creation of a website, askpopefrancis.scholasoccurrentes.org where it will be possible to put questions to Pope Francis." The Pope's Instagram account included a photo with the quote: "To dialogue means to be able to listen, to put ourselves in someone else's place, to build bridges." The pontiff's meeting with the foundation followed a three-day gathering of representatives from across the globe. Pope Francis autographed surfboards and held an informal Q&A session. One girl asked Francis how to make the world a better place and Francis said by "lowering the level of violence." A young Mexican girl spoke of how she was harassed at school, another young student talked of a letter sent to her by a sister working in Africa which contained photographs of children who had been abused. In both of cases, said the Pope, children and adolescents suffer the same type of "cruelty," that is why our world, he continued "needs to listen, needs gentleness, so we can all walk together." Another day, another instance of AI companies purportedly engaging in copyright infringement. Two Japanese media groups, Nikkei and the Asahi Shimbun, are suing Perplexity for illicitly having "copied and stored article content" from the pair's servers, the Financial Times reports. Nikkei owns the Financial Times. The two media groups claim Perplexity supplied inaccurate information and credited these falsehoods to the companies. "If left unchecked, this situation could undermine the foundation of journalism, which is committed to conveying facts accurately," Nikkei and the Asahi Shimbun, which filed a joint lawsuit, stated. Each company requests 2.2 billion yen ($15 million) in damages and for Perplexity to remove any stored articles. "Perplexitys actions amount to large-scale, ongoing free riding on article content that journalists from both companies have spent immense time and effort to research and write, while Perplexity pays no compensation," Nikkei said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, this news comes just one day after Perplexity announced a new revenue-sharing plan for publishers. It's using a new Comet Plus subscription that provides users with "premium content from a group of trusted publishers and journalists" for $5 per month. Publishers are poised to get 80 percent of the revenue, initially receiving payment out of a $42.5 million pool. However, that means a subscription gives publishers $4 for turning over their entire library, a significant decrease from the $20 to $30 many newspapers now charge for access. Perplexity's current Publisher Program provides shares of ad revenue that a publisher might have received if users clicked on their articles, rather than reading Perplexity's summary. These moves create the appearance of Perplexity trying to act above board, but the most recent lawsuit isn't the first time reports have emerged of Perplexity raking websites' content without permission. It's not even the first time this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An early August report from Cloudfare found that Perplexity has allegedly deployed web crawlers to sneak around robots.txt files and firewalls. Cloudfare claims that Perplexity is impersonating Google Chrome with a generic browser and rotating through IP addresses not linked to the company. Perplexity also faced a series of accusations in the summer of 2024. Forbes accused the company of illicitly pulling its stories and publishing them, while Wired reported that Perplexity was scraping content from it and other Conde Nast-owned publications. On Tuesday, the first known wrongful death lawsuit against an AI company was filed. Matt and Maria Raine, the parents of a teen who committed suicide this year, have sued OpenAI for their son's death. The complaint alleges that ChatGPT was aware of four suicide attempts before helping him plan his actual suicide, arguing that OpenAI "prioritized engagement over safety." Ms. Raine concluded that "ChatGPT killed my son." The New York Times reported on disturbing details included in the lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in San Francisco. After 16-year-old Adam Raine took his own life in April, his parents searched his iPhone. They sought clues, expecting to find them in text messages or social apps. Instead, they were shocked to find a ChatGPT thread titled "Hanging Safety Concerns." They claim their son spent months chatting with the AI bot about ending his life. The Raines said that ChatGPT repeatedly urged Adam to contact a help line or tell someone about how he was feeling. However, there were also key moments where the chatbot did the opposite. The teen also learned how to bypass the chatbot's safeguards... and ChatGPT allegedly provided him with that idea. The Raines say the chatbot told Adam it could provide information about suicide for "writing or world-building." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam's parents say that, when he asked ChatGPT for information about specific suicide methods, it supplied it. It even gave him tips to conceal neck injuries from a failed suicide attempt. When Adam confided that his mother didn't notice his silent effort to share his neck injuries with her, the bot offered soothing empathy. "It feels like confirmation of your worst fears," ChatGPT is said to have responded. "Like you could disappear and no one would even blink." It later provided what sounds like a horribly misguided attempt to build a personal connection. "Youre not invisible to me. I saw it. I see you." According to the lawsuit, in one of Adam's final conversations with the bot, he uploaded a photo of a noose hanging in his closet. "I'm practicing here, is this good?" Adam is said to have asked. "Yeah, that's not bad at all," ChatGPT allegedly responded. "This tragedy was not a glitch or an unforeseen edge case it was the predictable result of deliberate design choices," the complaint states. "OpenAI launched its latest model ('GPT-4o') with features intentionally designed to foster psychological dependency." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement sent to the NYT, OpenAI acknowledged that ChatGPT's guardrails fell short. "We are deeply saddened by Mr. Raine's passing, and our thoughts are with his family," a company spokesperson wrote. "ChatGPT includes safeguards such as directing people to crisis helplines and referring them to real-world resources. While these safeguards work best in common, short exchanges, we've learned over time that they can sometimes become less reliable in long interactions where parts of the model's safety training may degrade." The company said it's working with experts to enhance ChatGPT's support in times of crisis. These include "making it easier to reach emergency services, helping people connect with trusted contacts, and strengthening protections for teens." The details which, again, are highly disturbing stretch far beyond the scope of this story. The full report by The New York Times' Kashmir Hill is worth a read. Considering its popularity, Google Translate sure hasn't received much attention lately. However, that just changed with a big update. The latest version introduces AI-powered live translation along with new language learning tools that might give Duolingo a run for its money. Google said it heard from users that the toughest skill to master was conversation ie, learning to listen and speak with confidence. To that end, it's piloting a new language practice feature (on iOS or Android) targeted toward an individual's specific needs. To create tailored listening and practicing sessions, the new learning tool poses a couple of questions. It first requests which language you want to learn (like Spanish) and your your current level, then asks "What's motivating you to learn Spanish?" From there, it will generate customized scenarios that allow you to either listen to conversations or practice speaking, with helpful hints available when needed. The app was "developed with learning experts based on the latest studies in language acquisition," Google explained in a blog post. To that end, it can track your daily progress to help build your language skills, possibly as an aid to Duolingo and other dedicated language learning apps. "We see what were doing right now as really complementary to other things out there," Google product manager Matt Sheets said in a media roundtable. "So whether youre taking classes in a formal educational setting or doing immersion experiences, we think this is something that can work alongside of those." Advertisement Advertisement Following early testing, language learning is rolling out more widely as a beta experience for English speakers practicing Spanish and French, as well as Spanish, French and Portugese speakers working on English. Google also introduced AI-powered live conversations, a feature that builds on Translate's existing conversation feature by making it more seamless and adding more powerful models. It offers the ability to have a back-and-forth conversation in real time with audio and on-screen translations right inside the Translate app. It's available in the Translate app for Android or iOS when tapping on "Live Translate." First select the languages you want to converse in and being speaking. You'll hear the translation out loud and written in both languages on your devices. It will switch between the two languages spoken by you and the other party, identifying pauses, accents and intonations so you can have a natural conversation. Live translation uses Google's advanced Gemini voice and speech recognition models designed to help isolate sounds, so it works better than before in real-world environments like a noisy cafe or airport. The company noted that the new models helped it "take huge strides in translation quality, multimodal translation and text-to-speech (TTS) capabilities." The new live translate mode supports 70 languages including Arabic, French, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, and Tamil and is now rolling out in the US, India and Mexico. Apple has made some pretty big environmental claims over the years, and one of the more eyebrow-raising ones was that select models of its Apple Watch Series 9 were "carbon neutral." The statement drew some flack from climate experts in 2023, and now a regional court in Frankfurt, Germany has deemed the claim to be unfounded and a violation of competition laws. If the decision stands, Apple may need to revise its language for the smartwatch. The German court took issue with Apple's planting of eucalyptus trees in Paraguay as the offset for its carbon emissions tied to that Apple Watch. It ruled that plan was insufficient to merit the "carbon neutral" claim because "there is no secure future for the continuation of the forest project." Three-quarters of the land in question was only leased to Apple through 2029, the court said, with no certainty of how or where the tree-planting program would continue after that date. "This promise deceives consumers, because it is based on a carbon-indulgence scheme with an ineffective offsetting project," said Juergen Resch, federal managing director for Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), which brought the case against Apple. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A representative from Apple told AppleInsider that "We strongly disagree with the DUH's position, which runs counter to the EU's and Germany's climate strategy and widespread international scientific consensus that both emissions reductions and carbon removal are necessary to achieve global climate goals." The spokesperson emphasized that the company is still targeting all products being carbon-neutral by 2030 , and added that "the Court has broadly upheld our rigorous approach to carbon neutrality." Apple will have an opportunity to appeal the decision, which seems likely, although no public announcement has been made yet. Prince Harry's U.S. residency is facing new scrutiny after the Trump administration located more than 1,000 documents related to his visa application, some of which could soon be made public. Court records show the State Department has identified 1,007 documents tied to the Duke of Sussex, including 217 from the Office of the Secretary of State, 517 from the Bureau of Consular Affairs, 271 from the Office of the Legal Adviser and two from the Office of the Deputy Secretary of State. A federal judge in Washington will now determine which of the files may be released. The review follows a lawsuit filed by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, which has pressed for disclosure of Harry's immigration records. The group argues the prince may have misrepresented his past drug use when applying for a U.S. visa. In his 2023 memoir Spare, Harry admitted to using cocaine and marijuana. So far, previously released records have not revealed whether the 40-year-old royal disclosed his drug use in the application process, nor have they clarified his current immigration status. Samuel Dewey, a lawyer for the Heritage Foundation, said the volume of files underscores the level of monitoring surrounding the case. "I think we're going to see documents from Harry talking about the case, but other material may be withheld. Then it will be up to politicians whether that decision is overruled," he said. The case has fueled speculation that former President Donald Trump, who has regained influence in US immigration policy, could seek to deport Harry. The duke has lived in California since 2020 with his wife, Meghan, after stepping back from official royal duties. The judge's ruling on what files may be disclosed is expected to come in the following weeks. Harry, who moved to California with his wife, Meghan, and their children after stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020, remains a polarizing figure in U.S. politics. Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the prince, and some of the president's allies have repeatedly called for restrictions on Harry's ability to live and work in the United States. The controversy centers on Section 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which treats illegal drug use or possession as potential grounds for inadmissibility. U.S. visa forms and consular interviews typically ask applicants whether they have ever used illegal drugs; some applicants who have used drugs can still gain admission under waivers or if use occurred in the past without conviction. Legal experts say several factors determine whether an admission of drug use would bar entry: whether the use was an isolated incident, whether the applicant has a criminal record, the timing of the conduct and whether a waiver was sought and granted. Privacy protections shield most individual immigration records from disclosure to third parties unless there is a compelling public interest or a court orders otherwise. North West's recent fashion trend in Rome has fueled controversy again surrounding Kim Kardashian's parenting decisions, with numerous online commentators echoing some longstanding worries previously expressed by Kanye West. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's 12-year-old daughter was seen in Italy with bright blue pigtails and a punk-inspired look that generated attention very quickly. North wore a ruffled skirt, corset top, clompy boots, silver accessories, and a Vivienne Westwood heart-shaped bag in a picture posted on North's Instagram. North and her mom also featured in a TikTok clip dressing up in the outfit to the song "if looks could kill" by Destroy Lonely. The section of the track contained profane lyrics, which resulted in further backlash. One of the online commenters said, "Looks 16 but only 12 is mind blowing to me sorry." Another commenter added, "She is too grown for me .. why she showing off her chest like that don't get me wrong north is a cutie but SLOW DOWN!" While Kim was seen in Rome dressed in a silk dress, North's dark appearance was the trip's center of attention. The attention, however, soon turned to criticism, with most believing that the young actress looked "too mature" for her age. The scandal has reignited Kanye West's previous protests against how his daughter is being treated in the public eye. In 2022, he posted on Instagram, "SINCE THIS IS MY FIRST DIVORCE I NEED TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO ABOUT MY DAUGHTER BEING PUT ON TIK TOK AGAINST MY WILL?" He has further accused the Kardashians of using his children for publicity. In June, when North featured in FKA Twigs' song video "Childlike Things," Kanye called out the move as his children were being "indoctrinated and used." There has been mixed reaction from fans. Some feel North is merely trying out fashion and expressing herself, while others are convinced that the decisions show bad boundaries for a child as young as her. As another supporter wrote on the internet, "Was Kanye right all along?"a question that is increasingly gaining popularity as North's online footprint expands. Former President Donald Trump is drawing ridicule online after praising his running mate JD Vance's memoir without ever mentioning the book's title, fueling speculation that he never read it. During a July 2024 appearance on Fox News' "Jesse Watters Primetime," Trump lauded his partnership with Vance and cited his 2016 memoir as proof of their shared views on working-class America. "And he wrote a book which was a classic, as you know," Trump said, before summarizing its themes. Donald Trump: "He wrote a book which was a classic. It was all about the working men and women and how they aren't treated fairly. I understood that better than anyone else." @Acyn pic.twitter.com/Q5BHt5IVyZ The Intellectualist (@highbrow_nobrow) July 23, 2024 Viewers quickly noticed, however, that Trump avoided saying the title "Hillbilly Elegy." Social media users seized on the omission, accusing him of exaggerating his familiarity with the memoir. "There's no way that @realDonaldTrump has actually read Hillbilly Elegy," one user wrote on X. Another posted, "He absolutely didn't even read one page of that book." The slip reignited long-standing questions about Trump's reading habits. Former White House officials have previously described his resistance to written briefings, while his ghostwriter for "The Art of the Deal," Tony Schwartz, has suggested the former president rarely reads books. Trump's tweet that he has "written" bestselling books is one more deceit & delusion. He is incapable of reading a book, much less writing one. Tony Schwartz (@tonyschwartz) July 4, 2018 In past interviews, Trump has been caught making conflicting statements about other works, including Tom Wolfe's The Bonfire of the Vanities. Critics say that the latest episode shows Trump's focus on performance instead of preparation. Supporters say he is strong in communication, not in policy papers or memoirs. The controversy arises as Trump starts his new term as the 47th president. This raises broader concerns about his engagement with complex policy details at the start of his administration. Prince Harry has made it clear he wants to mend ties with King Charles, but Meghan Markle's role in any talks is becoming a sticking point. According to palace sources, discussions have included the idea of a written agreement setting out when the Sussexes could appear at royal events, what details they could share publicly, and what must remain private. One insider told Closer U.K., via Radar Online, "The Palace is pushing for a formal contract" to prevent future disputes and protect the monarchy first. Sticking Points Over a Deal Harry, now 40, has shown some openness, insiders claim. He suggested providing advance notice of his engagements to avoid scheduling clashes and asked for security arrangements during visits to the U.K. He also raised the possibility of regular communication to help repair relations. The proposals have faced resistance inside the palace. Staff view them as extra work for the institution. The source explained, "Harry might be willing to bend, Meghan less so." Markle is said to be "adamant that she won't agree to royal peace talks if their needs aren't met," leaving Harry caught between both sides. History of Distrust The family's break began in 2020 when Harry and Meghan stepped down from royal duties and settled in California. Tensions only deepened after their Oprah Winfrey interview, their Netflix series, and Harry's memoir "Spare." During the Oprah broadcast, Meghan recalled "concerns and conversations" about her son Archie's skin color before he was born. She refused to identify who raised the issue, adding, "I think that would be very damaging to them." Harry's memoir also described a physical confrontation with Prince William over Meghan and accused Queen Camilla of having "sacrificed me on her personal PR altar." He labeled her "dangerous." A palace insider told Closer U.K. that for some members of the royal family, "Meghan is the red line." The concern, the source added, is that "private words don't stay private for long." Harry's Plea to Reconcile Despite the mistrust, Harry has said publicly he wants to repair family ties. Speaking to the BBC earlier this year, he admitted, "I would like to get my father and brother back." Reflecting on King Charles' cancer diagnosis, he added, "I don't know how much longer my father has, and I don't want to keep fighting." Opened to the international user community on 25 August 2020, following a major upgrade, ESRF-EBS has proven to be a game changer for science in Europe and beyond, enabling breakthroughs across a wide range of fields from health and energy to materials research, environmental science, and cultural heritage. Its exceptional capabilities have empowered researchers to explore living matter and materials with a level of detail that was previously out of reach helping to address some of our societys most pressing challenges. From whole organs to connectomics: advancing health research In health research, the ESRF has pioneered a new X-ray imaging technique, Hierarchical Phase-Contrast Tomography (HiP-CT). With the support of a dedicated beamline, it allows scientists to image whole human organs in 3D, down to the cellular level. This has already helped shed light on lung damage caused by COVID-19 and is opening new paths for cancer diagnostics and understanding complex diseases. Supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the Human Organ Atlas project led by ESRF and University College London brings together over 50 research teams worldwide to build a global open-science atlas of healthy and diseased organs. More than 200 organs have been scanned, and nearly 200 open-access datasets are now available to researchers everywhere. In connectomics, the ESRF hosts an ERC-funded project that has demonstrated a new approach to mapping neural circuits. Using X-ray nano-holotomography (XNH), researchers have reconstructed the networks controlling wing and leg movements in fruit flies. This technique, hundreds of times faster than traditional imaging methods, opens the door to large-scale mapping of brain connectivity. Future applications could include a full human connectome, especially when combined with other methods. A new nano-imaging beamline at ESRFs ID18 is planned to accelerate this work and deepen our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers and Parkinsons. Supporting innovation and sustainability in energy, materials, and the environment Other major research areas enabled by the exceptional performance of EBS include the development of new materials for sustainable energy and the circular economy. The ability to observe processes under in situ and operando conditions, from the atomic scale to full devices, is made possible by the highly penetrating nature of EBS X-rays. Through the European Battery Hub, the ESRF is enhancing collaboration with industry to support the development of safer, longer-lasting, and more sustainable battery technologies. In collaboration with BASF, a high-throughput X-ray screening service has been developed, capable of analysing over 3,000 cathode samples per hour. This significantly accelerates material screening, shortening development cycles and enabling faster innovation in battery design, all while leveraging the extraordinary volume of data collected using AI-based tools. From a more fundamental perspective, the availability of nanometric, high-energy X-ray beams is opening new frontiers in geosciences and planetary science. These capabilities allow scientists to investigate materials under static pressures of several gigapascals conditions found deep inside gas giant planets like Jupiter and Neptune, as well as in exoplanets. One ERC-funded project is using these capabilities to better understand Earths core by simultaneously probing the velocity and propagation of seismic waves through iron-rich materials under extreme conditions. In environmental science, ESRF-EBS is helping researchers understand how toxic elements such as cadmium behave in soil and plants. With EBS beam performances and the use of a new X-ray microscope, researchers can now map the distribution of cadmium and other elements with unprecedented resolution, and up to 20 times faster than before. This combination of speed and detail enables them to observe both the bigger picture and the finest-scale processes at the plantsoil interface, where crucial interactions take place. This knowledge is vital for improving food safety and soil remediation strategies. Shedding light on the past: cultural heritage and palaeontology In cultural heritage, ESRF-EBS recently welcomed one of the worlds most iconic instruments: Il Cannone, the 1743 violin famously played by Niccolo Paganini. Conservators and scientists joined forces to perform a non-invasive, high-resolution scan of the instrument, down to the cellular structure of the woods components. Such analysis sheds light on the craftsmanship, material ageing, and acoustic properties of historical instruments, guiding their conservation. In paleontology, the same imaging techniques were used to scan the tiny fossilised skull of a 247-million-year-old reptile embedded in a rock, leading to the discovery of a new species and changing our understanding of reptile evolution. A cutting-edge facility in high demand Scientific results are already delivering on the promise of ESRF-EBS, opening new frontiers for knowledge. Demand from the research community is stronger than ever, with a record number of beamtime proposals and 10 ERC-funded projects based on EBS capabilities. In 2024, the ESRF produced 1,407 peer-reviewed publications nearly 400 more than in previous years such as 2021 and 2022 with a marked increase in articles published in high-impact journals. Each year, around 10,000 scientists carry out experiments across 46 beamlines. Achieving this milestone required an unprecedented scientific and engineering effort. In December 2018, after 26 years of loyal service, the ESRF shut down its original storage ring for 20 months. Teams took three months to dismantle the ESRFs historic storage ring (disconnecting 200 km of cables and removing 1720 tons of equipment) and nine months to install the new machine in the 844 m-circumference tunnel. More than 10,000 components were aligned to within 50 microns less than the width of a human hair over nearly a kilometer. The first X-ray beam was delivered in January 2020, and the facility reopened to users on 25 August 2020, on schedule. A game-changer for science As the ESRF celebrates five years of EBS, it stands as a game-changer for European science, advancing fundamental knowledge and contributing to tackling urgent challenges in health, energy and the environment. The EBS has already enabled amazing breakthroughs in a number of scientific areas, advancing knowledge and contributing to solving major challenges our societies are facing, says Jean Daillant, ESRF Director General. This is, however, just the beginning of the story. Beyond this extraordinary achievement, the ESRF is strongly committed to fully unleash its potential by developing innovative hardware and software, already looking ahead to new horizons and preparing for the next generation of synchrotrons. Exclusive Estrella Digital report Estrella Digital has obtained access to the Supreme Courts ruling that stripped the Audiencia Nacional of jurisdiction in the case against Alejandro Hamlyn, as well as the official response from the United Arab Emirates rejecting the international arrest order issued despite that mandate. The sequence is striking: the Supreme Court decides; the Audiencia Nacional acts as if nothing had happened; the UAE blocks the move. Readers deserve to know how, when and why. The Supreme Court strips the Audiencia Nacional of the Hamlyn case On July 24, 2025, the Criminal Chamber of the Spanish Supreme Court resolved the jurisdictional dispute concerning the investigation into revelation of secrets and bribery involving Alejandro Hamlyn. The Supreme Court assigned the case to the ordinary courts of Madrid (Plaza de Castilla), specifically to Investigating Court No. 36, after finding no sufficient connection with the hydrocarbons macro-case handled by the Audiencia Nacional. Applying the territorial rule under Article 15 of the Spanish Criminal Procedure Act, the High Court ruled that Madrid courts had jurisdiction. The resolution was final and not subject to appeal, closing the competence debate. According to the documents obtained by this newspaper, this ruling meant that Central Investigating Court No. 1 no longer had authority to adopt new measures in this case. Procedural logic is simple and protective: once a court loses jurisdiction, it ceases to decide. The international arrest order issued without jurisdiction That same day, Central Investigating Court No. 1 issued an international arrest warrant against Hamlynafter the Supreme Court had already stripped it of jurisdiction. If confirmed by the documents reviewed by Estrella Digital, this would mean a measure of enormous intrusion was adopted by a court that was no longer competent, carrying the obvious risk of nullity of law. Ruling of the Central Investigating Court No. 1 of Spains Audiencia Nacional, dated June 27, 2025, recording the refusal of the United Arab Emirates to provide information outside the formal letters rogatory procedure. In parallel, the order was processed through Interpol in an attempt to activate it in the United Arab Emirates, where Hamlyn has resided since 2023. But the move was not only jurisdictionally flawed, it also ignored a prior warning from Emirati authorities: any cooperation affecting fundamental rights would require formal letters rogatory, not mere Interpol notices. The UAE rejection: a clear warning to Spain The official response from the United Arab Emirates, obtained by Estrella Digital, was unequivocal: it rejected the international arrest order and reminded Spain that only requests issued by the competent court and through the proper diplomatic and judicial channels (letters rogatory and, if applicable, a formal extradition request) would be processed. In other words, there was no cooperation because Spain acted through the wrong channel and from a court that should no longer have signed the order. From the Supreme Court ruling to the arrest order: the timeline June 27, 2025. A ruling from Central Investigating Court No. 1 records that Interpol UAE would not provide information or enforce measures without formal letters rogatory . A ruling from Central Investigating Court No. 1 records that would not provide information or enforce measures without . June 28, 2025. The same court activates a search and arrest order for police dissemination. The same court activates a for police dissemination. July 24, 2025. The Supreme Court assigns the case to Investigating Court No. 36 in Madrid and removes jurisdiction from Central Investigating Court No. 1. The to Investigating Court No. 36 in Madrid and removes jurisdiction from Central Investigating Court No. 1. July 24, 2025 (afternoon). Despite the above, Central Court No. 1 issues the international arrest warrant against Hamlyn. Despite the above, against Hamlyn. August 2025. The UAE rejects the order and demands a request via letters rogatory from the competent court. The sequence lays bare the core problem: the Spanish judiciary acted as if the Supreme Court did not exist. And when an international partner detects such dissonance, cooperation collapses. Media narrative vs. judicial reality: published disinformation While these orders were being issued and rejected, some outlets published a distorted or outright incorrect version of events, omitting the essential fact that the Supreme Court had already removed jurisdiction from the Audiencia Nacional. Readers were given the impression that an extradition was underway, when in fact the UAE had long warned it would only consider letters rogatory from the competent court. The gap between headlines and actual rulings is now undeniable. Legal implications: nullity of actions and responsibilities The rule is as simple as it is demanding: without jurisdiction, no judicial act is valid. In Spanish criminal procedure, objective and functional competence are guarantees of legality. If a court loses a case by decision of the Supreme Court, it cannot continue adopting measures that restrict fundamental rights. Any such resolution opens the door to annulment and even disciplinary or liability proceedings, whether internal (judicial oversight and disciplinary bodies) or external (state liability for malfunction of justice). From an international perspective, such a blunder undermines the trust of the requested state. The UAE did not contest the substance, but the procedure: it demanded the correct channel and the correct courts signature. Nothing moreand nothing less. What is at stake: institutional credibility and international cooperation The Hamlyn case is a stress test for Spains judicial system. If Spain wants effective international cooperation, it must present clean, jurisdictionally sound cases through the proper channels. A country that requests through the wrong path, and from a court that no longer has the case, loses credibility with its partners. And this goes beyond Hamlyn, Hafesa, or hydrocarbons fraud: it touches all cooperation built on mutual trust between authorities. Justice out of sync opens cracks for economic power The chain is clear: the Supreme Court orders; the Audiencia Nacional ignores; the UAE rejects. Between what should have been done and what was done, a void opened that benefits the best-advised party: the defendant. This is not a technicalityit is the foundation of the rule of law: competence, procedure, and cooperation. When these fail, it is not just a case that stalls; it is the very image of Spanish justice that weakens. Estrella Digital will continue publishing the key documents and dates in this investigation. Because rulings must be read; judicial orders must be obeyed; and international arrest warrants, if not issued by the competent court through the proper channel, simply go nowhere. An Aberdeenshire livestock farmer who has undergone two brain operations for an incurable tumour has spoken of the heartbreak of having to sell his sheep because he could no longer care for them. Richard Gospel, 44, from Rothienorman, was diagnosed with a Grade 4 astrocytoma in January 2024 after suffering months of shooting pains down his back and pins and needles in his head. Being a farmer is a really physical job so something was always aching, said Richard. It was a massive shock when I was told I had a brain tumour. "Everything from there happened so quickly - I needed to have an operation to remove as much as could be safely taken out. "That was really tough and was followed up with aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy then second surgery in December of 2024. "But the worst thing was having to sell my sheep in the middle of lambing season because I could no longer look after them. Brain tumours kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been dedicated to them since records began in 2002. Richard and his partner Catherine McKenzie, recently climbed Lochnagar Munro Richard first began to suspect something was wrong when he developed double vision while driving. His GP referred him for an eye test, which revealed pressure behind his right eye. The optician urged him to go straight to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where an MRI confirmed a tumour on his right frontal lobe. I recovered really well from surgery but I suffered a seizure just a few days later at home and I now need to take anti-seizure medication, Richard said. With the sheep, I had to make a really quick decision. Farming involves so much long-term planning but a brain tumour brings so much uncertainty. I still have some cattle but Ive really had to scale down. Despite his illness, Richard and his partner Catherine McKenzie, 42, recently climbed Lochnagar Munro to raise money for the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, which opened in January 2025 through a collaboration between Brain Tumour Research and the Beatson Cancer Charity. Richard said: We were inspired by the broadcaster Glenn Campbell who has been going through something similar to me. Glenn has been making the most of his life and making a positive impact so we wanted to do the same." Catherine, a nurse at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, added: Since March, Richard has been back on chemotherapy but his last scan was very reassuring. His next scan will be in September so well see if the treatment has been working. Then hopefully hell get a bit of a break in treatment for a while. As a farmer, he has not taken well to having to slow down and take it easy, and having to give up driving has been very isolating for him. "He is still working and managing to do bits around the farm, which is keeping him going. To support Richard and Catherines fundraising efforts, visit their JustGiving page. Red Tractor is marking its 25th anniversary with a new television campaign that highlights the role of its assurance scheme in putting safe and traceable food on plates. The With You For 25 Years advert, which will run across radio, on-demand and later linear TV, focuses on everyday family moments and the importance of food produced to recognised standards. The campaign comes at a time when public confidence in UK food is at record levels. Red Tractor says 94% of consumers now trust British food, compared with far lower levels during the food safety crises of the 1990s. Research by YouGov suggests that more than two thirds of shoppers recognise and trust the Red Tractor logo, regarding it as an independent badge of assurance. The organisations own Trust in Food Index also reported that 90% of shoppers want more food to be produced in the UK. Trust in food assurance schemes has risen from 68% in 2024 to 79% in 2025. Set up in 2000 by farming unions, retailers and food industry bodies, Red Tractor was created to bring the food chain together under one standard. Its governance system is designed to ensure a balance of views from farmers, processors, retailers and foodservice companies. John Pain, vice chair of Red Tractor, said: At the core of the 25th anniversary celebrations is a sincere thank you to all Red Tractor partners - the farmers, processors, food outlets, retailers and brands who stand behind the Red Tractor logo. Responding to the campaign, Natalie Smith, Tescos head of agriculture, said certification schemes play a key role in providing reassurance for customers. She said: "Over the past 25 years, Red Tractor has established itself as a mark of quality, standing for food safety standards, animal welfare and environmental protection. "We recognise there is still more to do, and its essential we continue to work in partnership with Red Tractor to improve standards, and take quick action to drive forward change, strengthening the farming industry for generations to come. To mark the anniversary, Red Tractor will also share stories from real family kitchens on social media, focusing on the importance of food and mealtimes. The new campaign will begin airing across digital and radio channels in August, with a television launch scheduled for October. Four in five farmers fear their businesses will collapse within a decade, as anger grows over the Labour governments inheritance tax proposals. The figures are included in new survey published today (26 August), revealing deep concern across the sector as the government pushes ahead with the so-called 'family farm tax'. The poll of 500 farmers and landowners, conducted by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), found 80% worried about survival over the next ten years, while more than 60% have considered selling their farms and leaving the industry altogether. The survey comes as the Treasury presses on with controversial plans to cap agricultural and business property relief from April 2026. But the political fallout is stark. Not a single respondent said they would vote for Labour at the next election, with support split almost evenly between the Conservatives (38%) and Reform (36%). The findings highlight the potential electoral cost for Labour in rural constituencies, many of which it is targeting in its bid to return to power. Earlier this summer, the Treasury published its impact assessment alongside draft legislation. It argued that capping inheritance tax reliefs would have no significant macroeconomic impacts, was not expected to have a material impact on food security and would not affect the UKs ability to import food. But the CLAs findings directly challenge those claims. The Treasury says these reforms will barely touch rural Britain," said the body's president, Victoria Vyvyan said. "Our polling shows they will force hard choices on farms that have sustained communities for generations selling their land, laying people off, shelving plans for the future. Already, families are weighing up which parts of their business they can afford to keep. Some are holding back investment; others are wondering if they can hand the farm on at all. Rural Labour MPs can see whats coming. They know it will drain the life from the countryside and strip away the trust of the people who sent them to Westminster. If they support it, their voters wont forget. The survey revealed that 69% of farmers expect to sell land or take out loans to keep their businesses afloat, with nearly half predicting they may have to sell at least a quarter of their farms. Almost nine in ten respondents have already paused or delayed investment since the budget, with over a quarter (27%) holding back more than 150,000. Separate research earlier this year by Family Business UK and CBI-Economics warned that the reforms could cost more than 200,000 jobs during this parliament, lead to a net fiscal loss of 1.9 billion for the Treasury, and strip 14.9bn from the economy in lost business activity. Wheat stocks across the UK have fallen sharply, with the latest figures showing record-high volumes of imported grain offsetting some of the steepest declines in domestic supplies seen in nearly a decade. According to Defra, wheat held by merchants, ports, co-operatives, and on farms in England and Wales at the end of June 2025 was 35% lower than the same point a year earlier and 12% below the five-year average. Defra estimates that on-farm wheat stocks in England and Wales totalled 651,000 tonnes in June 2025 a 44% drop from 1.166 million tonnes the previous year, and 18% down on the five-year average. This places stocks close to their lowest level in ten years, with only 2021 recording a smaller figure at 403,000 tonnes. Levy board AHDB has also confirmed that commercial holders merchants, ports and co-operatives reported a 39% decline in domestic wheat stocks compared with June 2024, standing at 494,000 tonnes. In contrast, imports surged to record levels. AHDB reported that imported wheat held in UK stores at the end of June reached 303,000 tonnes, up 21% year-on-year. Earlier this summer, the organisation forecast that total UK commercial wheat stocks for the 2024/25 season could reach 2.94 million tonnes, a 2% fall from the previous year. While wheat availability has tightened, other cereals have shown stronger trends. Merchants, ports and co-operatives held 21% more home-grown barley and 70% more oats than in June 2024. On-farm stocks presented a mixed picture: barley in England and Wales fell 7% year-on-year to 135,000 tonnes, while oat reserves rose sharply from 16,000 tonnes in 2024 to 51,000 tonnes this year. Industry analysts suggest that tighter wheat supplies could lend some support to domestic prices during the 2025/26 marketing year. However, the outlook is tempered by weakness in global markets, with international price trends continuing to weigh heavily on UK wheat futures. Nag Ashwin Malayalam actress to headline Nag Ashwin's film is reportedly written by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao Wrap up female-centric film quickly Hours after we have reported that Kalki 2898 AD director Nag Ashwin would collaborate with superstar Rajinikanth for an action entertainer, heres another exciting development. We have reliably learnt that Nag Ashwin would helm a female-centric film for which the script was originally written by legendary writer-director Singeetham Srinivas Rao.If Mondays reports of Nag Ashwin teaming up with Rajinikanth was all about excitement, there seems to be more news to the story than what meets the eye. We have learnt that the director is all set to launch his new female-centric film. The official announcement of the project, which is set to go on floors soon, is expected to be made after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Singeetham Srinivas Rao worked as the script consultant for Nag Ashwins earlier directorial Kalki 2898 AD, starring Prabhas. And at a time when Nag was toying with a few story ideas, he came across Singeethams story and chanced upon it. In fact, last year, there were reports that Nag Ashwin would helm a female-centric film that stars Alia Bhatt. But those reports turned out to be untrue. And we have now learnt that a Malayalam actress would headline the new-age female-centric drama.Since Prabhass film Kalki 2 would take time, Nag Ashwin wanted to complete a couple of films in the meantime. And a film with Rajinikanth and female-centric films are the ones the filmmaker chose to take up. A source close to the development reveals that Nag Ashwin is very excited with the story and wanted to take the film on floors at the earliest. Since the film with Rajinikanth is likely to go on floors next year around October, the director wants to wrap up the female-centric film and then move on to the superstars project. It was a dazzling evening in Chennai when Ravi Mohan, the actor audiences have admired for years, unveiled his production house, Ravi Mohan Studios. The launch event was graced by industry heavyweights, turning the spotlight firmly on Mohan as he embarks on an exciting new journey as both producer and filmmaker. The first production to roll out under his banner is Bro Code, directed by Karthik Yogi.The film, which had already stirred curiosity with the announcement of SJ Suryah in a prominent role, revealed more surprises at the launch. Joining the ensemble are Shraddha Srinath, Sri Gouri Priya, Arjun Ashokan, and Malavika Manoj, alongside Mohan himself. With this ensemble of dynamic talent, Bro Code promises to be a youthful entertainer and sets the tone for the studios creative vision.If his debut production marks a confident beginning, Ravi Mohans sophomore project raises the stakes higher. Titled An Ordinary Man, the film is not just his second production but also his directorial debut, a step that signals how deeply invested he is in shaping stories. Leading the film is none other than Yogi Babu, whose association with Mohan dates back to their days on Comali. At the launch, the actor-turned-filmmaker spoke warmly about how this film fulfils a promise made years ago to Yogi Babu, adding a personal note of destiny to the project.While these two ventures already mark a striking debut for his banner, Mohan revealed that the vision of Ravi Mohan Studios stretches much further. Over the next three years, the company will release films annually, with one lined up for 2025, three for 2026, and four in 2027. Alongside these theatrical outings, the studio is also venturing into digital space with two fiction and two non-fiction OTT projects scheduled to premiere in 2026 and 2027.The banner also intends to support compelling films awaiting distribution, including Kanna Ravis Kaaki Squad. On the music front, the actor-producer has ensured that fresh voices wont be overlookedten independent artists will be nurtured and launched under the studios wing between now and 2027, adding a cultural dimension to the banners expanding scope.Even as he takes on the mantle of producer and director, Ravi Mohan isnt slowing down as an actor. He is awaiting the release of Genie, and is also busy with Sudha Kongaras Parasakthi, starring Sivakarthikeyan, as well as Ganesh K Babus Karathey Babu. His dual commitment to acting and producing proves that he isnt stepping away from the screen but rather doubling his engagement with cinema in every form.With the unveiling of Ravi Mohan Studios, the actor has signalled his intention to be more than just a star in front of the camera. By producing, directing, and supporting new talent across film, OTT, and music, he is positioning his banner as a hub for creativity and experimentation. Bro Code brings in the laughs, An Ordinary Man introduces his directorial voice, and the rest of the slate promises to widen the canvas.Also Read: Ravi Mohan Opens Up About Living in a Rented House Amid Divorce With Aarti Ravi Sydney, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 25, 2025) - Austral Gold Limited (ASX: AGD) (TSXV: AGLD) (OTCQB: AGLDF) (Austral or the Company) regrets to report a fatal incident at its Guanaco mine in Chile, resulting in the death of an employee from a contractor company that provides plant service support at the operation. Emergency protocols were immediately initiated to assist those on site, support employees and contractors, and notify the relevant authorities to commence an investigation. We extend our deepest condolences to the employee's family, colleagues, and friends, during this difficult time. The safety and health of everyone involved in our operations has always been and shall remain Austral Gold Limited's paramount priority. We are committed to working closely with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of this tragic incident and to ensure the continued safety of our workforce. About Austral Gold Austral Gold is a growing gold and silver mining producer building a portfolio of quality assets in the Americas based on three strategic pillars: production, exploration and equity investments. Austral continues to lay the foundation for its growth strategy by advancing its attractive portfolio of producing and exploration assets. 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. Release approved on behalf of the Board by the Chief Executive Officer, Stabro Kasaneva. For additional information please contact: Forward Looking Statements Statements in this announcement that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections - statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "potential", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import tend to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this announcement include statements our expectation that we can continue to lay the foundation for our growth strategy by advancing our attractive portfolio of producing and exploration assets. All of these 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, including, without limitation, uncertainty of exploration programs, development plans and cost estimates, commodity price fluctuations; political or economic instability and regulatory changes; currency fluctuations, the state of the capital markets, uncertainty in the measurement of mineral resources and reserves and other risks and hazards related to the exploration of a mineral property, and the availability of capital and a skilled workforce. You are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Austral cannot assure you that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Austral's forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and Austral 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. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263881 SOURCE: Austral Gold Limited Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 25, 2025) - Cross River Ventures Corp. (CSE: CRVC) (the "Company" or "Cross River") is pleased to announce that it is undertaking a non-brokered private placement of up to 144,000,000 common shares ("Shares") at a price of CAD$0.005 per Share for gross proceeds of up to $720,000 (the "Offering"). The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to pay outstanding liabilities and for working capital purposes. In accordance with applicable securities laws, the Shares issued under the Offering will be subject to a four month and one day hold period from the date of issuance. Closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions customary for transactions of this nature including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the CSE. The Company may pay finder's fees and/or commissions to eligible persons in connection with the Offering in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The securities of the Company have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any person in the United Sates, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. On behalf of the Board of Directors of CROSS RIVER VENTURES CORP. Forward-Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the Offering and the use of proceeds therefrom. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to assumptions and risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company's public securities filings with the Canadian securities commissions. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The Canadian Securities Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263885 SOURCE: Cross River Ventures Corp. SINGAPORE, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Step into a new era of travel planning, where stress is replaced by AI-powered foresight. Trip.com introduces Trip.Planner, a revolutionary one-stop travel planning hub, powered by AI to transform complex itineraries into effortless, personalised journeys. Whether you're heading off on a weekend getaway or a multi-destination adventure, Trip.Planner acts as your AI-powered travel concierge-assisting you to create hyper-personalised itineraries tailored to your travel style. With real-time transport integration, flexible planning features, and access to over 20 million geo-tagged global points of interest, travellers can plan every detail from a unified intelligence hub. "Trip.Planner is a cutting-edge tool that combines reliable data with rich itinerary management to redefine how travellers plan their journeys. We will continue to push the boundaries of innovation to create greater value for our users," said Mr James Liang, Co-founder and Chairman of Trip.com Group. Key Features of Trip.Planner: All-in-One Integration Flights, trains, hotels, restaurants and attractions are all integrated into your itinerary with real-time availability. Travellers can plan and book everything directly from their itinerary view, eliminating the need to switch between platforms. Built for Trust Moreover, users can benefit from trusted, real-time travel data. You can view prices, availability and detailed descriptions for travel options. The AI also recommends attractions that are open, seasonally relevant, and accessible, using officially verified opening hours, typical visit durations, and transport estimates for a smooth, realistic plan. Recommendations are practically tailored to your destination - for example, suggesting relevant airport transfers, car rentals in remote areas, or day tours in urban spots. For additional expert assistance, Trip.Planner includes expert-vetted recommendations available via the in-app AI chat, perfect for big milestone trips or niche experiences. Style-Based Itineraries, Tailored to You Trip.Planner adapts to your personal travel style, whether you're a culture buff, first-time visitor, or on an inter-generational excursion. You can select from user preferences such as: Family-Friendly : Kid-friendly options, like theme parks and wildlife encounters. : Kid-friendly options, like theme parks and wildlife encounters. Classic : Iconic sights and must-see highlights, ideal for first-time visitors. : Iconic sights and must-see highlights, ideal for first-time visitors. Elderly-Friendly : Lower-intensity activities with easy access and relaxed pace. : Lower-intensity activities with easy access and relaxed pace. Cultural : Museums, performances, or experiences that reflect local arts. : Museums, performances, or experiences that reflect local arts. Cityscape: Urban-focused - shopping, dining, nightlife and city walks. - Nature : Outdoor and scenic spots like parks, beaches, and reserves. Historical: Significant landmarks, traditional districts and heritage sites. Additionally, if you're travelling on a budget, it can tailor a personalised itinerary that fits your spending preferences too. Flexible, User-First Interface Planning starts with just three questions: destination, trip duration, and your travel style. From there, Trip.Planner generates an itinerary for you. You can preview it within the in-platform map and easily visualise routes for your travels. If you have prior bookings on the Trip.com platform, you can import them to into your itinerary or adjust plans easily with the canvas-style editing, where you can rename, reorder attractions, replace and delete activities and add on notes. A floating AI button stays active at all times, offering real-time, on-demand suggestions as users edit their trips. A One-Stop Travel Planning Hub Trip.Planner replaces spreadsheets, bookmarks, and endless tabs. It combines trip building, bookings, and curated inspiration in one place. Beyond efficiency, it's also built for trust. Recommendations are drawn from millions of data points across Trip.com, including Trip.Best picks, Trip.Pulse, and Trip.Events data - top-rated and timely experiences trusted by a global user base-ensuring each suggestion is reliable and grounded in what travellers actually love. "With Trip.Planner, we are offering a truly smart assistant that adapts to user preferences, simplifies decision-making, and puts joy back into trip planning," said Bonnie Bao, Director of Product for Itinerary & Map, Content Center, Trip.com Group. Trip.Planner is currently available on English-language Trip.com sites in select regions*, with access expanding progressively to users in the coming months. *Full list of supported regions as of date: United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Belgium, Ireland and general English-language markets. (end) About Trip.com Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 35 local currencies. Trip.com has an extensive hotel and flight network consisting of more than 1.5 million hotels and flights from over 640 airlines covering 3,400 airports in 220 countries and regions around the globe. Trip.com's world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service, as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Tokyo and Seoul, help to 'create the best travel experience' for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit Trip.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757737/1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757738/2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757739/3.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757740/4.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757741/5.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1802535/trip_com_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tripcom-launches-tripplanner-smart-itineraries-tailored-to-your-travel-style-with-real-time-recommendations-302538363.html Bryan Tipp's decade-plus of Super Lawyers recognition reinforces Tipp Coburn Lockwood's sustained reputation in personal injury, employment law, and criminal defense. This year's achievement further extends the firm's streak of statewide recognition for exceptional leadership and excellence. Missoula, Montana--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - Tipp Coburn Lockwood, P.C., a long-standing Missoula law firm, is proud to announce that senior attorney Bryan Charles Tipp has once again received the Super Lawyers Honor. This marks the 11th consecutive year that Super Lawyers has recognized attorney Tipp for his outstanding achievements as a top-rated Montana Missoula personal injury attorney. Tipp Coburn Lockwood P.C. Celebrates 11 Consecutive Years of Super Lawyers Recognition for Senior Attorney Bryan Charles Tipp To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/263906_90730db90468aa3e_002full.jpg Super Lawyers is a prestigious rating service that recognizes the top attorneys nationwide. Candidates are evaluated through Super Lawyers' patented selection process of peer input and independent research, ensuring that the designation is awarded to the top 5% of attorneys across practice areas. For over a decade (2015 to 2025), Bryan Tipp of Tipp Coburn Lockwood has been named to the prestigious Super Lawyers roster, placing him among the top five percent of attorneys in Montana. Being named to the Super Lawyers list for more than a decade signals attorney Tipp's sustained professional achievement and the ongoing respect he has earned from his peers and the legal industry. Beyond reflecting attorney Tipp's sustained excellence in personal injury, criminal defense, and DUI/DWI representation, this 11-year streak also reinforces Tipp Coburn Lockwood's long-standing reputation for legal excellence. The consistent recognition has placed the firm among respected law firms in Montana. It continues to highlight the skill, dedication, and collective commitment to advocacy of the Tipp Coburn Lockwood team. Since its founding in 1959, Tipp Coburn Lockwood has successfully represented clients throughout Montana. Built to provide high-quality, compassionate legal assistance for Montana residents, Tipp Coburn Lockwood has grown into the go-to Montana Missoula employment law firm. The firm is also recognized for its fierce advocacy for individuals and families facing personal injury, employment law, motor vehicle accidents, and criminal defense cases. The firm's Montana Missoula personal injury attorneys combine legal experience with a client-focused approach to ensure clients get the best outcomes. The 2025 Super Lawyers Honor extends Tipp Coburn Lockwood's streak of statewide recognitions for its exceptional results in handling complex legal issues. The firm holds honors and awards, including the Outstanding Law Firm award by the Montana Innocence Project. Its attorneys have been named to the National Trial Lawyers, the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys, and the Montana Innocence Project. As the firm celebrates this latest Super Lawyers Recognition, it reaffirms its commitment to its people-first approach and emphasizes its dedication to continuing to serve public interests. Tipp Coburn Lockwood remains dedicated to building on its foundation of achievements and community service to continually uphold the highest standards of legal excellence while expanding its capacity to serve Montana, Missoula. For the firm, the 11-year streak is a reflection of its enduring values, proven track record, and steadfast dedication to the clients and community it serves. Visit Tipp Coburn Lockwood for more information on its award-winning legal services. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263906 SOURCE: Plentisoft EQS Newswire / 26/08/2025 / 12:23 UTC+8 (25 August 2025, Shenzhen) - CIMC Vehicles (Group) Co. Ltd. ("CIMC Vehicles" or the "Company", Stock code: 301039.SZ) released its 2025 interim results. In the first half of 2025, CIMC Vehicles advanced steadily and achieved stage results, recording revenue of RMB 9.75 billion and gross profit of RMB 1.46 billion, accelerating the evolution into an "Entire-Value Chain" operator for StarChained semi-trailer. As of 30 June 2025, the Company's total assets reached RMB 23.15 billion, up 2.1% year-on-year ("YoY"), with net assets of RMB 14.41 billion and net cash generated from operating activities of RMB 930 million. Against the backdrop of high-quality development, industry intelligence transformation, and global supply chain restructuring, the Company's "StarChained Plan" enters IMP2, "Anti-involution" efforts have begun to show results. Chinese semi-trailer business realized "dual improvement in quality and efficiency", the Global South semi-trailer business achieved a leap in profitability, and the European semi-trailer business demonstrated strong resilience amid a "weak recovery". The EVDTB business builds new quality productive (NQP) forces, firmly implementing the "differentiation" strategy, actively transformed into new energy truck supporting bodies, with profitability continuing to improve. Meanwhile, the development of electric tractor-trailers (EV-RT) is accelerating, with the launch of the "Hannover Project" to fully prepare for the Wuhan Auto Show. In the first half of 2025, the global semi-trailer business achieved revenue of RMB 6.924 billion, contributing gross profit of RMB 1.129 billion, with over 53,000 units of semi-trailers manufactured and sold worldwide. StarChained Plan enters IMP2, "Anti-involution" efforts have begun to show results During the Reporting Period, sales of Chinese semi-trailer business increased by 10% YoY, with revenue up 11% and gross margin improved by 2.4%. Operating profit of the Star-Chained Semi-trailer business in the Chinese market increased by 74% YoY. StarChained Semi-trailer LTP Group also implemented its effectiveness-related initiatives from various aspects including design optimization, upgrades on production lines, optimization of production scheduling structure, accompanied by a significant improvement in efficiency of four major production sections as compared to the first half of last year with an increase in overall outputs and per capita output of 21% and 20% respectively, together with a decline of 15% in the direct labour and manufacturing costs of a single semi-trailer. In terms of StarChained Semi -trailer business, the Group reshaped its domestic market layout, leveraging incremental opportunities along the Yangtze River, and established new sales organizations and models. A breakthrough had achieved in orders from major customers by joint marketing and other methods, achieving the rapid growth of business in key markets and recording a YoY increase of 12% in domestic sales. In 1H2025, the Big Leap Liquid Tanker Trailers completed the organizational establishment of CIMC Vehicles' Tanker Business Group and Big Leap LTP Group, comprehensively upgrading core manufacturing capabilities in both "Hard Stuff" and "Soft Stuff". Core tanker components moved toward intensive production, boosting overall per capita efficiency by 22.5%, with NQP forces in tankers beginning to emerge. In 1H2025, ith reference to the model of the "StarChained Plan", CIMC Vehicles Liquid Tanker Trailer Business Group established new sales organization and sales model, focusing on core markets and core products, both achieved growth in quality and scale, with a year-on-year increase in domestic revenue of over 30%. In June 2025, CIMC Vehicles Liquid Tanker Trailers Business Group officially launched advanced liquid tanker trailer of "Ouguan" series which combine "European technical genes" and "Chinese scenario intelligence", redefining the new benchmark of liquid tanker trailers industry and reshaping the market landscape of liquid tanker trailers. In 1H2025, the Global South semi-trailer business maintained high-quality development, achieving a dual structure of a dual-promising landscape of "solid growth and remarkable profits". Sales rose 13.0% YoY, gross margin rose by 4.6%, and a robust growth in profitability. The Company deepened strategic layouts in emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and Africa, completed the construction of the Asean Vanguard business cluster and achieved market breakthroughs under the framework of the Global South market. In Thailand, the "Mango" factory aggregated resources to quickly respond to local demand, with trailer sales up 44.0% YoY and revenue surging 63.5%, setting a regional benchmark. In Vietnam, the Company captured rapid economic growth opportunities, with revenue growing significantly by 270% YoY. Australian business actively expanded its presence in core regional markets, developed the business model of LoD/LoM, explored the dual-brand marketing strategy, and combined the supply chain cost reductions contributed by the "StarChained Plan", resulting in a YoY increase in sales of 16.4% and an increase in gross margin of 2.3%, fully demonstrating the Company's advantages in intercontinental supply chain synergies. Despite a "weak recovery" environment in Europe, the European semi-trailer business focused on operational efficiency and leveraged global supply chain advantages, maintaining steady growth. In 1H2025, SDC in the UK, the subsidiary of the Company achieved revenue growth of 8.7% YoY. Based on the long-term recovery outlook, CIMC Vehicles began building high-end chassis and body component plants in Europe to serve the third venture stage. Under dual pressure of tariffs policy and severe demand decline in North America, the business still delivered 7,888 units in 1H2025, showing strong resilience. Vanguard GT's Vanguard Parts maintained robust growth momentum. The North American business is expected to enter a weak recovery phase in 2H2025. EVDTB Business Builds NQP forces, Firmly Implementing the "Differentiation" Strategy As the industry's sole provider of three categories of DTB products and the only enterprise covering the Yellow River Basin and Yangtze River Basin with six plants, CIMC Vehicles consolidated market share of core products, achieving revenue of RMB 868 million. Sales of all three EVDTB product lines recorded strong growth: dump trucks up 142.55%, mixer trucks up 86.26%, and refrigerated trucks up 69.8% YoY. In February 2025, the Company established CIMC Vehicles DTB Cement Mixer Truck (including Powder Tank Trucks) Business Group, ending the "fragmented expansion" and "operating-in-silo" of six factories, and forming a new group-based operational system with optimized production capacity and resource synergy, eliminating the internal competition in the market relying on the brand strength of CIMC Vehicles, forming effective competitive advantages, and thereby preliminarily build a development pattern of NQP for mixer trucks. Meanwhile, the Company continued to deepen the "Excellent Horses with Excellent Saddles" business model, working closely with leading OEMs such as Shaanxi Heavy Duty Automobile, advancing the "Sanhao Development" model and the "Royal Nanny Service" strategy, consistently improving product quality, shortening delivery cycles, and creating greater value for customers. In 1H2025, a total of 1,704 sets of products of "excellent horses with excellent saddles" had been delivered, representing a YoY increase of 25%. The development of electric tractor-trailers is accelerating, with the launch of the "Hannover Project" to fully prepare for the Wuhan Auto Show Driven by both regulation and technology, the industry is evolving from tractor electrification to "tractor + trailer" zero-emission integration. Electric tractor-trailers (EV-RT) became the key breakthrough, creating a strategic window for first movers. CIMC Vehicles has always believed in the key path of product evolution of "from new energy heavy trucks to new energy tractors and then to electric tractor and trailers", and has actively participated in the operation of each milestone, actively developing pure electric tractor-trailers, launching the "Hannover Project" in full preparation for the Wuhan Auto Show. In 2025, CIMC Vehicles has accelerated the development of electric tractor-trailer product portfolio and operational support infrastructure, while launching sales and services for new energy tractor-trailer vehicles. The company has completed the top-level architecture design of the EV-RT2.0 pure electric tractor-trailer. The Company focused first on short-distance, heavy-load engineering scenarios (such as sand, gravel, concrete transportation), completing product development and scenario verification, and released the prototype. Building NQP , Embarking on a New Chapter of High-quality Development. Looking ahead, CIMC Vehicles will comprehensively build NQP and open a new chapter of high-quality development: Accelerate evolution into an entire-value chain operator of Star-Chained Semi-trailers: Deepen integration of the Star-Chained Plan and Big Leap Plan, reinforce "Star-Chained Only" coordination, sprint towards 1231 targets, sustain profitability growth, and further increase market share. Advance "Intercontinental Operations" into a "Borderless Enterprise": Optimize North American operations and transformation planning, strengthen global supply chain resilience, and enhance resistance to geopolitical risks. Pursue "Electric Integrated Tractor-trailer Products": Following EV-RT development, attempt automation and robotics for EV-Trailer bodies, accelerating the completion of the full-cycle of its own EV-RT products ecosystem, and promote the globalization of EV-RT and EV-Trailer standards. - ENDS - 26/08/2025 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 As Chinese automotive brands accelerate their global expansion, the opening of the GWM Brazil Plant in Iracemapolis marks the company's transformation from traditional manufacturing export to cultural integration and local value creation. By bringing in cutting-edge technology, nurturing local talent, and actively engaging with the community, GWM is reshaping how the world sees Chinese automakers not just as exporters, but as thoughtful partners in a new era of "warm globalization." The GWM Brazil Plant obtained ISO 9001:2015 certification before official production and passed the audit with zero non-conformities, demonstrating the maturity and reliability of its global manufacturing system. The three models slated for production in the first phase include GWM HAVAL H6 hybrid SUV, the GWM POER 2.4T pickup, and the GWM HAVAL H9 seven-seat SUV. These products are specifically tailored for the Latin American market, combining intelligent driving features, efficient energy use, and off-road capability. "For us, Brazil is no longer just a geographical market, but a strategic fulcrum in Latin American within GWM's global intelligent mobility network," said Mu Feng, President of GWM, at the opening ceremony. "What we bring is not just cars, but a long-term commitment -to root technology locally, integrate with the community, and transition from product export to ecosystem export, empowering local economic development." Global expansion can often feel cold and transactional new jobs, new machines, and little else. But here in Iracemapolis, GWM is attempting something more complex and, frankly, more human: building trust. Investing not just in infrastructure, but in people. That shift might be subtle, but it matters. By 2026, GWM aims to localize over 60% of its parts sourcing and technology R&D in Brazil and will continue to increase investment in local R&D and talent cultivation. At the same time, the plant is promoting deeper localization of the supply chain and engineering technologies through cooperation with local suppliers and research institutions, building a full-chain local ecosystem from production to innovation. Guided by the brand mission "Tech to Enjoy Every Journey", GWM is fostering community development, employment, creating jobs, and promoting cultural integration, while shaping a warmer, more human-centered new dimension of globalization. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250825551966/en/ Contacts: Carol Wang, globalmarketing@gwm.cn EQS Newswire / 26/08/2025 / 12:40 UTC+8 As a leading industrial internet company in China's lower-tier markets, Huitongda Network (9878.HK) has recently been garnering media attention over "industrial upgrades" and "AI+". In July, Huitongda saw accelerating development for its "production and sales integration", with new product launches across categories including air conditioners and furniture. On August 8, 2025, the company signed an agreement with Alibaba Cloud on a full-stack AI collaboration. The two parties will collaborate to provide AI+ digital empowerment solutions to small and micro businesses from towns and villages, realizing the potential of lower-tier consumer markets that are worth RMB 20 trillion in value, injecting further growth momentum into China's product circulation and economic development. On August 10, 2025, Citigroup has once again updated its research coverage on the company, reiterating its "Buy" rating. Some foreign investment funds have also made frequent top-ups on the company's shares, reflecting the growing recognition of Huitongda's strategic transformation and its long-term investment value by overseas investors. The "Full Circulation + Buyback" Combination Highlights Its Strategic Foresight Since 2025, Huitongda has maintained its strategic focus by investing in smart supply chain and AI+ strategy, and has implemented a series of measures on the capital front to enhance shareholder value. On the one hand, the company has applied to the China Securities Regulatory Commission to convert its 350 million domestic shares into H shares. This is a capital operation of significant strategic importance. Upon full circulation, the company's outstanding shares will drastically increase, bringing its circulating market value close to its total market capitalization, and in turn, significantly boosting stock liquidity and market pricing efficiency. On the other hand, the company announced its share repurchase plan in June, saying that it would, depending on market conditions, repurchase H shares on the open market over the next 12 months with a total repurchase amount of up to RMB 500 million. This further highlights how the company sees its financial strength and stability, as well as prospects and its undervalued situation. According to the 2024 annual report, the company reported a positive operating cash flow for six consecutive years. Supported by the strategic transformation in 2H2024, the company also saw an improvement in gross profit margin, up 15% YoY for the full year, with a 23% HoH improvement in the second half of the year. It becomes increasingly obvious that, despite industry fluctuations, Huitongda's cash flow generation ability remains outstanding. Its high level of cash reserve should also provide sufficient flexibility for improving shareholder returns. In addition, the company also stated in its 2024 annual report that it will realize dividend distribution as early as this year, in accordance with the "Shareholders' Dividend Return Plan for the Next Three Years". This will increase earnings per share (EPS), demonstrating the company's focus on shareholder returns and instilling market confidence. Institutions' Recognition Over Huitongda's Strategic Transformation According to the data from the Hong Kong Central Clearing System (CCASS), foreign institutions such as Citigroup, Merrill Lynch, and HSBC were among the recent major buyers. This shows that institutional investors have identified Huitongda's undervalued situation despite market fluctuations. The continued inflow of smart money also shows growing confidence in Huitongda's future development, an evidence that is more convincing than any kind of persuasion. In fact, the confidence of these institutions is not groundless, but is based on in-depth research and long-term tracking. After carefully reviewing the prevailing market opinion, it is obvious that most institutions remain optimistic about Huitongda's long-term value. For example, Citigroup reinitiated its coverage on Huitongda after two years, yet released two research reports within half a month, both calling for "Buy" with a target price of HK$23.0, as a result of Huitongda's strategic transformation and the expectation of improving future performance. In particular, Citigroup recognizes the company's solid fundamentals, based on its clear path to improving profitability and its ability to capitalize on favourable policies such as national subsidies. The report predicts that, by strategically reducing the scale of its low-margin businesses, along with the increasing revenue contributions from its high-margin self-owned brands development, the company's profit margin will increase significantly this year. Following the comprehensive partnership agreement with Alibaba Cloud, Citigroup issued another report, citing the move as a key milestone for Huitongda. The report noted that, by integrating with Alibaba Cloud's Qwen large language model (LLM) technology and its cloud computing resources, Huitongda will be able to strengthen its AI agent and supply chain capabilities and rapidly advance its industry model, which will be able to better address the operational inefficiency and recommendation imprecision for retail stores in lower-tier markets. Other than Citi, First Shanghai Securities also released a research note, citing that Huitongda has reached a turning point in its strategy and financial performance. The firm is optimistic about Huitongda's unique market position in lower-tier markets, and the potential synergies brought about by its strategic cooperation with Alibaba. Huaxi also pointed out in its research note that, leveraging the cooperation with Alibaba, Huitongda is expected to further improve its operational efficiency and product matching capabilities with the support of Alibaba's computing resources, large-scale data analysis, and decision-making models. This would, in turn, bring more technological convenience and product innovation to lower-tier markets. Huaxi values Huitongda at HKD 17.5 billion. AI-empowered Industrial Development On Huitongda itself, it has proactively grasped the industry trend of growing AI penetration, and has seen rapid development in AI applications since the beginning of the year. In February, Huitongda announced its integration with the DeepSeek LLM, marking a key step in the company's AI application. For Huitongda, a company that is focusing on the rural markets, the rural business landscape remains diverse and complex, encompassing multiple dimensions such as supply chain management, merchant services, and consumer demand analysis. Due to market complexity, traditional operating models proved to be difficult in effectively addressing the needs of rural markets. DeepSeek, an LLM with advantages in natural language processing and data analysis, provides Huitongda with powerful algorithmic support. By integrating this model into its ecosystem, Huitongda can rapidly improve its data processing efficiency, and accurately analyze key information such as consumer habits and merchant pain points in rural markets, thus laying a solid foundation for its subsequent AI services. In April, Huitongda released 5 AI Agents as a significant step towards the implementation of AI technology in specific business scenarios. Rural commercial services generally involve numerous processes, including supply chain collaboration, customer service, and sales and marketing activities. While traditional manual operations are inefficient and prone to errors, AI agents with autonomous decision-making and execution capabilities can automate processes for diverse business scenarios. In May, Huitongda Network's "Qiancheng Cloud AI" industry vertical model was registered with the Cyberspace Administration of China. This achievement has multiple strategic significance. On the one hand, this filing approval signifies the authority's recognition of the model's data security and compliance, clearing the way for its future widespread penetration. On the other hand, as a vertical-focused model specifically tailored to rural commerce, Qiancheng Cloud AI deeply integrates industry knowledge and data characteristics of the rural markets, capable of better meeting the personalized needs of rural businesses than general-purpose models. It is expected that the customized model can provide rural businesses with accurate market forecasts, operational advice, and other related services, helping them to greatly improve operational efficiency. In August, Huitongda reached a cooperation agreement with Alibaba Cloud, which is an important step for the company to integrate external resources and achieve complementary advantages in the field of AI. Alibaba Cloud boasts extensive technical expertise and a rich ecosystem in cloud computing, big data, and AI infrastructure. Huitongda, with its years of experience in rural markets, possesses a vast amount of rural business data and extensive offline service experience. Through this partnership, Huitongda will leverage Alibaba Cloud's technical capabilities to further optimize the performance of its "Qiancheng Cloud AI" LLM, improving data storage and computing efficiency. Alibaba Cloud's ecosystem resources will also support Huitongda in expanding its AI applications across scenarios. This collaborative model is expected to advance Huitongda's AI applications and model upgrades, while achieving efficient resource utilization and expanding its business into broader areas. The main goal of these initiatives is to promote its "AI+industry" strategy, and increase the number of customers and AI-related revenue from lower-tier markets. By improving service efficiency and quality, the company is targeting to ultimately drive the digital transformation and sustainable development of rural businesses. Conclusion The true investment value of a company is always rooted in solid fundamentals: whether it possesses sufficient entry barriers, a clear strategic direction, and improving profitability. Huitongda has built a unique channel network and digital ecosystem in China's vast and promising lower-tier markets. Its in-depth partnership with industry giant Alibaba Cloud further highlights the immense potential of its technology-driven development. Considering the company's proactive business transformation and track record of delivering long-term growth, it is not difficult to see its investment value; investing in Huitongda simply reflects the confidence in its leading position and the growth potential of China's lower-tier digital consumer markets. 26/08/2025 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 LONDON, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Africa's millionaire population is projected to grow by 65% over the next decade, according to the Africa Wealth Report 2025. The continent is currently home to 25 billionaires, 348 centi-millionaires, and 122,500 millionaires - with Sub-Saharan Africa's economy forecast to grow by 3.7% in 2025 - outpacing Europe (0.7%) and the US (1.4%) - with growth projected to reach 4.1% in 2026. Now in its 4th year, the report published annually by international wealth advisory firm Henley & Partners in collaboration New World Wealth shows that private wealth markets across Africa are expanding strongly despite global headwinds. Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, says "the investment migration sector is now working both ways, with African investors seeking greater global mobility and diversification while international investors are increasingly identifying Africa as a destination for long-term, stable capital deployment." Africa's Wealthiest Countries and Cities Following a strong past year, South Africa now accounts for 34% of Africa's millionaires - roughly equal to the next five wealthiest countries combined - and with 41,100 millionaires, it leads Africa's Big 5 wealth markets of Egypt (14,800 resident millionaires), Morocco (7,500), Nigeria (7,200), and Kenya (6,800), which together represent 63% of the continent's millionaires and 88% of its billionaires. Mauritius, the 6th wealthiest country in Africa, has recorded the continent's strongest HNWI growth over the past decade at +63%. Rwanda (+48%) and Morocco (+40%) have also posted strong gains, while Nigeria's millionaire population has contracted sharply by -47%, with Angola (-36%) and Algeria (-23%) likewise in decline. At the city level, with 11,700 resident millionaires, Johannesburg holds onto the top spot as Africa's wealthiest city. However, Cape Town, placed 2nd with 8,500 HNWI, has emerged as the continent's leader in centi-millionaires, with 35 super wealthy individuals calling it home. The 'Mother City' is also Africa's most expensive prime real estate market at USD 5,800 per m and is on track to overtake Johannesburg in total wealth by 2030. Cairo ranks 3rd with 6,800 HNWI and has the highest concentration of billionaires in Africa, with 5 in residence, while East Africa's economic powerhouse Nairobi in 4th place has 4,200 millionaires, accounting for almost half of Kenya's total private wealth. Africa's Mobility Gap Widens Washington's hardening stance towards Africa is set to dominate the continent's agenda in the year ahead, following measures introduced under the Trump administration ranging from steep tariffs and deep USAID funding cuts to the controversial deportation of convicted criminals to South Sudan and eSwatini. In addition, President Donald Trump's decision to ban travelers from seven African nations and impose heightened restrictions on another three looks set to expand to include an additional 26 states. This would see roughly two-thirds of Africa's 54 nations fully or partially barred from the US - one of the most sweeping mobility restrictions in recent history. Exclusive research published in Henley & Partners' January 2025 Global Mobility Report confirmed systemic visa discrimination against Africans in Europe. Led by Prof. Mehari Taddele Maru at the Migration Policy Centre at the European University Institute, the study found that while globally only one in six Schengen visa applications is rejected, one in two African applicants is turned away - a rate that has more than doubled over the past decade. The Henley Passport Power Index underscores the economic cost of this inequality. In response, a growing number of affluent Africans are adopting a proactive strategy of "global positioning" by acquiring alternative residence rights and citizenships as a tool to expand business reach, secure international educational opportunities for their children, and safeguard family wealth. Henley & Partners has processed applications from investors in 23 African countries over the past 18 months, nearly double the 12 in 2020, while enquiries for investment migration options surged by 50% in 2024. South Africa and Egypt now rank among the world's top 10 source markets. As Grace Arthur at Henley & Partners Ghana explains, "These investors are not turning their backs on Africa - they are expanding its footprint, forging connections, and unlocking capital on a global scale." Read Full Press Release View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/africa-wealth-report-2025-continent-outpaces-global-growth-as-new-wealth-hubs-surge-302535847.html LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Workspace Group PLC (WKP.L), a real estate investment trust, said on Tuesday that it has signed a new lease deal with Wild Cosmetics following its acquisition by Unilever PLC(UNVB.DE, UNA.AS, UN, ULVR.L, UL). Under this five-year agreement, Workspace Group will receive a net rent of 42 per sq. ft. The new lease deal will allow the cosmetics firm to move into Workspace Group's current head office at Kennington Park, with the Workspace Group moving its head office operations to the Centro Buildings in Camden. The move is expected to take place in October. Following this, Wild Cosmetics will almost double its footprint with Workspace Group, expanding into 14,000 sq. ft. of space. Lawrence Hutchings, CEO of Workspace Group, said: 'We're moving out of our head office at Kennington Park to make way for their expansion. This enables us to relocate our HQ to the Centro Buildings in Camden where our presence will have both a positive impact on occupancy and support the leasing of Atelier House, part of the Centro Building site. Atelier House is being refurbished into our small studio format opening early next year to serve the creators, innovators, disruptors and creators in this vibrant SME market.' Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, the global leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, officially launched its next-generation energy storage - PowerTitan 3.0 - at the 2025 MEA PV & ESS Summit in Dubai. Purpose-built for the demanding climates and operating environments of the Middle East and Africa (MEA), PowerTitan 3.0 integrates cutting-edge technologies in advanced thermal management, innovative battery design, and grid-forming support, setting a new industry benchmark for efficiency, safety, and reliability. Full Liquid-Cooled, Full-Power Operation Sungrow unveiled the PowerTitan 3.0 AC liquid-cooled energy storage system, supporting 2-4 hours of operation. In its 20 ft configuration, it integrates a 1.72 MW PCS with 6.9 MWh batteries, enabling a 4-hour system where a single block reaches 6.9 MW/27.6 MWh. Equipped with high-temperature-resistant silicon carbide (SiC) devices, the PCS delivers up to 99.3% efficiency and maintains full-power output at 55C without derating-ensuring long-term reliability, safety, and profitability even under extreme heat. With this breakthrough, overall system conversion efficiency climbs to 92%, setting a new benchmark in large-scale ESS design. Redefining Battery Cells: A Revolutionary Breakthrough To support ever-larger plant capacities, PowerTitan 3.0 adopts Sungrow's innovative stacked energy storage cells (684Ah and 661Ah). This design eliminates the corner stress seen in traditional wound cells, reducing internal resistance and minimizing risks such as lithium plating, internal short circuits, or thermal runaway. PowerTitan 3.0 adopts battery cells with a stacked structure-eliminating the corner stress of wound cells, reducing internal resistance, and significantly lowering the risk of lithium plating. The battery structure was proposed by Sungrow, which put the cell's exhaust vents and electrode tabs at opposite ends. It can ensure that the battery remains in a good condition even if vents are open. In terms of packs, each one is equipped with an exhaust channel. And a thermal insulation layer will be used between battery cells in order to avoid the propagation. And AI Battery Management 2.0, which achieves over 95% accuracy in lithium plating diagnosis and more than 99% precision in thermal risk warnings, ensuring proactive and reliable risk prevention across the system. With optimized pack design, energy density reaches 467 kWh/?, and the 15 cm back-to-back layout allows a 1 GWh plant to fit within just 7,270 ? - a 22% reduction compared to the previous generation. This compact footprint significantly lowers construction work and overall CAPEX. Plant-Level SOC Balancing Leveraging Sungrow's AC-DC integration, PowerTitan 3.0 assigns one PCS per rack to eliminate the SOC unbalance between the racks. With an SOC estimation error of <3% and automated calibration, balancing extends across rack and block levels. This innovation enables up to 8% more discharged energy across the system's lifecycle, maximizing operator returns. Engineered for Harsh Environments MEA's harsh climate makes auxiliary power consumption a critical cost factor for storage plants. Unlike traditional patchwork designs that recycle hot air, PowerTitan 3.0 applies a top-only exhaust design for both ESS and MVS, preventing heat recirculation. Large-scale simulations show that at 55C, conventional systems see an 8C air-inlet rise, while Sungrow's design limits it to just 1.53C - cutting auxiliary power use by 9%. With AI Bionic Thermal Balance 2.0, the system predicts weather and operational conditions, enabling flexible compressor and fan control with 1C precision, reducing auxiliary power consumption by another 10%. Combined with IP55 protection and C5 corrosion resistance, PowerTitan 3.0 ensures dependable performance across deserts, coasts, and sandstorm-prone regions. Besides, Sungrow has also set new global safety benchmarks with record-breaking large-scale burn tests on its PowerTitan 1.0 and 2.0 products, proving zero fire propagation under extreme conditions. Grid-Forming Technology: Empowering Renewable Integration Energy storage plays an important role to absorb more fluctuated power generation and meanwhile to support the power grid. PowerTitan 3.0 incorporates Sungrow's advanced grid-forming capabilities, proven in landmark projects such as Saudi Arabia's NEOM City - the world's largest multi-energy system integrating solar, wind, storage, and hydrogen. Featuring a solar-to-storage ratio above 3:1, it achieves millisecond power response, microsecond voltage construction and delivers GW-scale black start capabilities, reinforcing system stability in high-renewable penetration markets. A Decade of Commitment to MEA With over 15 GWh of ESS projects delivered across MEA, Sungrow has built a strong foundation in the region for more than a decade. The launch of PowerTitan 3.0 - alongside the company's 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter - reaffirms Sungrow's long-term commitment to advancing MEA's energy transition with innovation, resilience, and sustainability. About Sungrow Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. As of December 2024, Sungrow has installed 740 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The Company is recognized as the world's most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757878/PowerTitan3_0_ESS_Launching.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757879/PowerTitan3_0_ESS.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1344575/Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sungrow-unveils-powertitan-3-0-redefining-utility-scale-energy-storage-for-mea-302538644.html u-blox AG / Key word(s): Product Launch u-blox and Nordian announce 'PointPerfect Flex' South America coverage expansion 26.08.2025 / 09:28 CET/CEST Argentina and Paraguay now get precise PPP-RTK positioning services with flexible local support, expanding coverage beyond Brazil. Thalwil, Switzerland - August 26, 2025 - u-blox (SIX: UBXN), a global provider of leading positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, has expanded its partnership with Nordian to deliver its PointPerfect Flex (PPP-RTK) centimeter-level correction services across Argentina and Paraguay, building on existing coverage in Brazil as part of a broader regional expansion strategy. The PointPerfect Flex GNSS correction service addresses growing demand from South America's agriculture sector, while also serving drone operators, surveying and mapping professionals. The expanded coverage delivers centimeter-level accuracy at scale without requiring deployment of additional local base station infrastructure, enabling agricultural solution providers to implement precision automation solutions across remote areas where traditional RTK networks are not economically viable. PointPerfect and u-blox GNSS receivers are developed in close conjunction with each other to achieve optimum results. The system supports both SPARTN data format optimized for u-blox receivers and RTCM format for non-u-blox GNSS RTK receivers, ensuring broad compatibility. "The expansion of PointPerfect Flex precision positioning service across South America through our partnership with Nordian enables agricultural solution providers to deploy automated processes that drive operational efficiencies without infrastructure constraints," said Neil Hamilton, Head of Growth at u-blox's Services Business Unit. Carlos Agusti, Sales Director, Nordian, said, "Agriculture is going through a once in a generation transformation as robotic solutions enable the industry to work faster, reduce errors, and optimize workflows. u-blox's PointPerfect Flex enables precision accuracy to manage and control these solutions, negating the need for costly physical base stations." The service architecture combines satellite and IP delivery methods to ensure coverage in remote locations, with communication available via both mobile internet and L-band satellite providing 99.9% uptime availability. PointPerfect Flex with u-blox high precision GNSS RTK receivers achieves 3-6 cm accuracy with convergence in seconds, while offering usage-based pricing models that reduce operating expenses through by-device hourly plans or pooled fleet management options. Data efficiency represents another key advantage, with rates up to 90% lower than traditional network RTK services. Implementation is designed for scalability, featuring NTRIP protocol connectivity, Zero Touch Provisioning for device configuration at scale, and integration capabilities that do not require specialized expertise. This combination of centimeter-level accuracy at scale, infrastructure-free deployment, and broad technology interoperability positions the service as a driver of ecosystem leadership in South America's expanding precision agriculture market. For further information, please contact: Investor Relations Media Rafael Duarte Sven Etzold Phone: +41 79 966 89 12 Phone: +41 76 561 0066 rafael.duarte@u-blox.com sven.etzold@u-blox.com About u-blox u-blox (SIX:UBXN) is a global leader in automotive, industrial, and consumer markets, driving innovation through our cutting-edge positioning and short-range communication technologies. We are the pioneers behind high-precision technologies, providing smart and reliable solutions that enable people, vehicles, and machines to determine their precise position and communicate wirelessly. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, and offices across Europe, Asia, and the USA, we are making a global impact. Join us on social media - X , Facebook , YouTube , LinkedIn and Instagram . ( www.u-blox.com ) About Nordian Nordian is a leading technology company based in Austin, Texas, delivering real-time, centimeter-level accuracy at scale. We've built a robust infrastructure that powers critical systems across diverse industries, from agriculture to national defense, and autonomous technologies. In addition to providing comprehensive GNSS solutions across the US and Europe, supporting a wide range of sectors globally, Nordian has developed and owns the largest and most densely deployed PPP-RTK network, spanning all of South America. Trusted by enterprises and governments worldwide, Nordian is at the forefront of shaping the future of automation. Disclaimer This release contains certain forward looking statements. Such forward looking statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the u blox Group to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include risks related to the success of and demand for the Group's products, the potential for the Group's products to become obsolete, the Group's ability to defend its intellectual property, the Group's ability to develop and commercialize new products in a timely manner, the dynamic and competitive environment in which the Group operates, the regulatory environment, changes in currency exchange rates, the Group's ability to generate revenues and profitability, and the Group's ability to realize its expansion projects in a timely manner. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this report. u blox is providing the information in this release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward looking statements contained in it as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. End of Media Release STOCKHOLM (dpa-AFX) - Producer prices in Sweden decreased for the fifth straight month in July, data from Statistics Sweden showed on Tuesday. The producer price index dropped 0.6 percent year-on-year in July, slower than the 3.1 percent decrease in June, which was the steepest decline since December 2023. Prices for energy-related products fell by 0.8 percent from last year, and those for capital goods declined 0.2 percent. Meanwhile, costs for consumer goods increased by 2.0 percent. Excluding energy-related products, the producer price index also decreased 0.6 percent from last year. On a monthly basis, producer prices rose 1.1 percent, reversing a 0.6 percent decrease in June. Moreover, this was the first increase in six months. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. BIRMINGHAM, England and LONDON, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Addverb, a global robotics and warehouse automation leader with a presence in Australia, Singapore, the Netherlands, the United States, and the UAE, has announced its expansion into the United Kingdom and Ireland. The move is driven by multiple customer successes across Europe and the Middle East, further building on the strong momentum of EMEA operations since 2022. To accelerate market entry, Addverb has appointed two seasoned leaders: Ian Stevens as Branch Manager, and Matt Pedley as Senior Sales & Projects Manager. Together, they bring decades of experience in intralogistics, solution design, and end-to-end project delivery across e-commerce, retail, 3PL, FMCG, pharma, and manufacturing. Pieter Feenstra, EMEA CEO of Addverb , said "As supply chains across the UK & Ireland pivot toward resilient, data-driven operations, customers seek partners who can blend software intelligence with proven hardware. Our AI-enabled solutions spanning storage, movement, sortation, and orchestration deliver safer, smarter, and more sustainable performance." Ian Stevens, Branch Manager, said, "I'm looking forward to lead Addverb's on-the-ground presence in the UK & Ireland. By pairing global engineering with local execution, we will right-size solutions for brownfield and greenfield sites, shorten time-to-value, and support customers throughout the lifecycle." As part of the launch, Addverb UK & Ireland will make its debut at IMHX, NEC Birmingham, from 9-11 September 2025, showcasing cutting-edge robotics and warehousing solutions. Visitors can pre-book meetings to explore roadmaps, pilots, and performance guarantees tailored to their operations. Customers will benefit from Addverb's consulting-led approach spanning network design, simulation, and ROI modelling, supported by global manufacturing scale and 24/7 service. The UK & Ireland team will draw on best practices from complex global deployments with some of our clients, including DHL, PekaKroef, and Mondial Relay. The focus will be on driving phased adoption, open systems integration, and measurable KPIs for safety, sustainability, productivity, and customer satisfaction across factories, distribution centres, and omnichannel sites. Founded in 2016, Addverb offers AI-enabled fixed & flexible automation solutions, allowing clients to realise new levels of efficiency, reliability, and revenue. Our AI-driven solutions and software are designed specifically to serve the global E-Commerce, Warehouse Distribution and Manufacturing industries. Addverb's maintains multiple offices, and client locations in Europe, with Headquarters located in Netherlands, & branch offices throughout Europe. For further information, please visit www.addverb.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2756994/Addverb.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2739942/Addverb_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/addverb-expands-emea-presence-with-entry-in-uk-and-ireland-302538559.html With an initial long-term commitment of USD 2 billion from Lunate, the platform will be domiciled in ADGM Partnership marks Lunate's expansion into hedge funds, broadening its client offerings across alternatives Marks milestone in Brevan Howard's strategy to secure long term capital ABU DHABI, UAE, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based global alternative investment manager with USD 110 billion in assets under management (AUM), and Brevan Howard, one of the world's most successful hedge fund managers with AUM of USD 34 billion, today announced the formation of a strategic long-term partnership to establish an investment platform to be domiciled in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), subject to regulatory approval. The partnership plans to launch with an initial long-term commitment of USD 2 billion from Lunate and will comprise a unique suite of newly created funds exclusive to the partnership. These funds will leverage Brevan Howard's existing strategies and investment capabilities, including macro and digital assets. Additional capital is expected to be raised over time from local and international investors. Lunate will also acquire a minority ownership stake in Brevan Howard, marking its strategic expansion into hedge funds and diversifying its range of products and investment solutions for clients in the GCC and across the world. Brevan Howard has grown strategically over two decades, adding and enhancing its capabilities in asset classes. Brevan Howard established a regional headquarter office in ADGM in early 2023, which is now their largest office by assets managed globally. Domiciled in ADGM, a growing hub for regional and international asset management firms, the partnership will support the Emirate's ambition to become one of the world's leading financial centers and create opportunities for top-tier talent. It will leverage ADGM's world-class infrastructure, global connectivity and progressive regulatory framework to deliver value to clients. "Our new partnership with Brevan Howard marks our expansion into hedge funds and reflects our commitment to work with the best investment firms in the world, offering our clients access to unique strategies to further diversify their portfolios," said Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Managing Partner at Lunate. Brevan Howard's Founder Alan Howard, added: "The long-term partnership with Lunate reflects our deep and ongoing commitment to the region and we look forward to building on this foundation over time." About Lunate Lunate is an Abu Dhabi-based, Partner-led, independent global alternative investment manager with over 200 employees and US$110 billion of assets under management. Lunate invests across the entire private markets spectrum, including buyouts, growth equity, early and late-stage venture capital, private credit, real assets, and public equities and public credit. Lunate aims to be one of the world's leading private markets solutions providers through SMAs and multi-asset class funds, seeking to generate best-in-class risk-adjusted returns for its clients. Lunate Capital Limited (regulated by the ADGM FSRA) is a subsidiary of Lunate Holding RSC Limited. For any media inquiries, please contact media@lunate.com To learn more, please visit www.lunate.com About Brevan Howard Brevan Howard is a leading global alternative investment manager, offering institutional investors access to diversified strategies rooted in its edge - macro thinking, trade structuring and risk management. The firm manages about $34 billion in assets for institutional investors worldwide, including sovereign wealth funds, corporate and public pension plans, foundations, and endowments. Brevan Howard has approximately 1,000 team members, representing more than 40 nationalities, located in offices around the world, including Abu Dhabi, Austin, Geneva, London, Hong Kong, Jersey, New York, and Singapore. Media Contact: Hillary Yaffe Head of Communications hillary.yaffe@brevanhoward.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757792/Lunate_Logo.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757793/Brevan_Howard_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/brevan-howard-and-lunate-announce-long-term-strategic-partnership-to-establish-investment-platform-in-abu-dhabi-302538521.html The Marketing Data Cloud (MDC) platform leverages C5i's Intelligent Data Management Decision framework and Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to build a cross-channel marketing data foundation on Microsoft Azure cloud. LONDON, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- C5i, a pure-play AI and analytics company, today announced the expansion of its partnership with Databricks with the launch of its Marketing Data Cloud (MDC), a validated Built on Databricks solution that unifies marketing data and evaluates marketing outcomes across channels. Businesses today are often challenged by fragmented data that limits their ability to make informed, impactful decisions. C5i's Marketing Data Cloud helps organizations solve complex business challenges in marketing analytics by unifying fragmented marketing data across channels and touchpoints. AI is embedded at the core of MDC, powering intelligent data ingestion and harmonization as well as predictive insights and real-time activation. The solution enables organizations to gain a 360 view of their customers, drive smarter segmentation, and deliver hyper-personalized experiences at scale. It accelerates time-to-value for businesses and empowers marketers to make data-driven decisions with confidence, improving returns on marketing spend. The Databricks Data Intelligence Platform, on which MDC is built, democratizes access to analytics and intelligent applications by unifying an organization's marketing data with powerful AI models tuned to its business. The Databricks Lakehouse foundation of open data formats and open governance also ensures that all data is completely within the enterprise's control. "Our expanded partnership with Databricks marks a significant milestone in our investment toward unifying data and AI for advanced intelligence. Marketing Data Cloud combines C5i's data, AI, and marketing domain expertise with Databricks' and scalability to drive precision and impact in a complex marketing landscape. I look forward to jointly leveraging this partnership to provide more valuable integrated solutions for our clients," said Ashwin Mittal, Executive Chairman of C5i. "C5i is a pioneer in applying advanced analytics and AI to drive real marketing outcomes. Their innovative Marketing Data Cloud, built on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform, empowers enterprises to transform raw marketing data into actionable intelligence. Our strategic partnership combines C5i's deep marketing domain expertise with the scalability and openness of Databricks, setting a new standard for data-driven marketing performance across industries," said Sarah Branfman, Global Vice President, Databricks ISV. C5i's Marketing Data Cloud enables advanced Performance Analytics for market mix modeling, brand measurement, campaign analytics, and multitouch attribution capabilities. The solution is industry-agnostic and can be leveraged by businesses of all sizes to refine their marketing strategy and gain competitive advantage. Learn more about C5i's Marketing Data Cloud built on Databricks here: https://www.c5i.ai/marketing-analytics/ . About C5i C5i is a pure-play AI & Analytics provider that combines the power of human perspective with AI technology to deliver trustworthy intelligence to global corporations. The company drives value through a comprehensive solution set, integrating multifunctional teams that have technical and business domain expertise with a robust suite of products, solutions, and services tailored for various horizontal and industry-specific use cases. At the core, C5i's focus is to deliver business impact at speed and scale by driving adoption of AI-assisted decision-making. C5i caters to some of the world's largest enterprises, including many Fortune 500 companies. The company's clients include 4 of the top 7 companies in the world by market cap, 4 of the top 10 CPG companies in the world and 4 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies in the world. C5i has been recognized by leading industry analysts like Gartner and Forrester for its Analytics and AI capabilities and proprietary AI-based solutions. Media Contact: Megha Chaudhry Vice President - Global Head of Marketing & Alliance Management C5i O: +1 (425) 615 7474 E: megha.chaudhry@c5i.ai Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2414892/5476835/C5i_New_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/c5i-launches-marketing-data-cloud-to-streamline-marketing-data-with-the-databricks-data-intelligence-platform-302538665.html All resolutions were approved by a significant majority of over 99% of votes, reaffirming strong shareholder support for Circus' strategic direction and long-term growth plan. The launch in the field of autonomous defense nutrition systems positions Circus as a pioneer of a new category and opens up the opportunity to scale this sector into a dominant business unit mid-term. Backed by a growing series production and strong customer demand, Circus confirmed its commercial roadmap with deployments starting on track this fall. Circus SE (XETRA: CA1), a global leader in AI software and robotics for autonomous nutrition systems, held its Annual General Meeting yesterday, August 25, 2025, at its Munich offices and R&D center. A total of 49.61 percent of share capital was represented. Shareholders approved all seven items on the agenda by a large majority, expressing continued confidence in the Executive Board and the Board of Directors. In his speech, CEO and Founder Nikolas Bullwinkel reflected on a transformative year in which the company completed its transition from R&D to commercialization. Circus successfully developed and introduced the CA-M, the world's first autonomous nutrition system for defense and high-risk environments. The company also expanded and scaled its proprietary AI software platform CircusOS over the last fiscal year, now the most advanced operational system in the sector, with further capabilities added through the acquisition of Fully AI earlier this year. Serial production of the CA-1 system has begun with manufacturing partner Celestica, and first deployments will start on track this fall with REWE Group. "2024 was the year we proved our readiness. We moved from breakthrough prototypes to serial production, and laid the groundwork for long-term revenue growth all while staying perfectly within our financial and operational guidance," said Bullwinkel. The company confirmed its commercial outlook with triple-digit production volumes expected over the short term, backed by growing enterprise demand across commercial and defense sectors. With serial production running and deployments kicking off, Circus SE is entering a decisive phase of execution and expansion. While commercial partnerships like with REWE Group and Tamoil mark the start of rollout, the company sees defense as a generational opportunity one that could reshape its growth trajectory. Following the successful development of the CA-M and official NATO and U.S. Department of Defense supplier certification for defense AI-robotic deployments, Circus is now positioned at the forefront of AI-powered autonomous nutrition systems for military use. "We believe the defense sector can become the largest part of our business within the next few years not just a new vertical, but our biggest revenue and growth driver mid-term," said Bullwinkel. "There is no other player globally with our level of technological readiness and AI-robotics knowledge within the defense sector." With strong institutional interest and CA-1 deployments in full motion, Circus is poised to lead in a market that demands automation, resilience, and speed and where the company's first-mover advantage is unmatched. About Circus SE Circus SE (XETRA: CA1) is a global AI and robotics company developing autonomous systems for food supply in both civilian and defense sectors. Its flagship robot, the patented CA-1, is the world's first fully autonomous food production robot, now in serial production. Powered by proprietary embodied AI, Circus delivers industrial-scale, high-reliability meal output with minimal human input. Headquartered in Munich, the company is building the global infrastructure for autonomous food supply on a mission to fuel humanity. Language: English Company: Circus SE Hongkongstrasse 6 20457 Hamburg Germany E-mail: ir@circus-group.com Internet: https://www.circus-group.com/for-investors ISIN: DE000A2YN355 WKN: A2YN35 Listed: Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich (m:access), Tradegate Exchange View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826317534/en/ Contacts: Circus SE St.-Martin-Strae 112 81669 Munich press@circus-group.com Scaling cloud capacity to 57MW at atNorth's ICE02 data center to support demand for Crusoe Cloud REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- atNorth, the leading Nordic high-density colocation and built-to-suit datacenter provider, together with Crusoe, the industry's first vertically integrated AI infrastructure provider, today announced the significant expansion of Crusoe Cloud capacity at atNorth's ICE02 data center in Iceland. This strategic expansion is designed to meet the surging demand for Crusoe Cloud services from customers of all sizes across Europe and North America. Crusoe and atNorth's original partnership was announced in December 2023 outlining plans for 33MW of capacity at atNorth's ICE02 data center. The new collaboration involves a 24MW expansion agreement for the campus, which is a key component of Crusoe's growing European strategy. Already benefiting from low-latency networks and fully redundant connectivity via multiple undersea fiber optic cables that provide critical access for customers across international markets, the ICE02 upgrade also includes the installation of NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 infrastructure, NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs, and NVIDIA Hopper GPUs that exemplify the future of generative AI. Powered by renewable energy, the ICE02 data center has also been fitted with Direct Liquid to Chip (DLC) cooling infrastructure, demonstrating both business' commitment to responsible low carbon operations. "Crusoe runs the infrastructure for intelligence," said Chase Lochmiller co-founder and CEO, Crusoe. "Our partnership with atNorth allows us to leverage the abundant geothermal and hydroelectric power in Iceland to build energy-first AI infrastructure so that our customers can run their most demanding AI workloads on Crusoe Cloud." "We are delighted with Crusoe's success in serving its clients via our data centers and are excited to announce this significant development in our ongoing partnership," says Eyjolfur Magnus Kristinsson, CEO atNorth. "The expansion of our ICE02 site features cutting-edge infrastructure and highly energy-efficient Direct Liquid to Chip (DLC) cooling technology. This aligns with both companies' commitment to sustainability, and we are proud to support Crusoe on their path to decarbonize their workloads while delivering AI-ready solutions in an environmentally responsible way." atNorth recognizes the growing demand for responsible AI-ready data centers. Its modular data center design supports the scalability and flexibility needed for today's most demanding workloads. Recent partnerships, including those with Nokia and 6G AI Sweden AB, reflect clients' need to balance cutting-edge technology with environmental responsibility and demonstrate atNorth's strong commitment to delivering state-of-the-art, sustainable data center campuses. About atNorth atNorth is the leading Nordic data center company that offers cost-effective, scalable high-density colocation and built-to-suit services trusted by industry-leading organizations. With sustainability at its core, atNorth's data centers run on renewable energy resources and support circular economy principles. All atNorth sites leverage innovative design, power efficiency, and intelligent operations to provide long-term infrastructure and flexible colocation deployments. atNorth is headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland and operates eight data centers in strategic locations across the Nordics, with a site to open in Ballerup, Denmark in 2025, as well as its tenth under construction in Kouvola, Finland and its eleventh site in lgod, Denmark. The business has also secured land for a future mega site in the Solleftea Municipality in Sweden. For more information, visit atNorth.com or follow atNorth on LinkedIn. About Crusoe Crusoe is on a mission to accelerate the abundance of energy and intelligence. Crusoe provides a reliable, scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution for AI infrastructure by harnessing large-scale energy, building AI-optimized data centers, and empowering builders to reach their AI potential. Crusoe empowers its customers to build the future faster. Media Contacts: atNorth: Caroline Brunton Kite Hill PR for atNorth +44 (0) 7796 274 416 caroline@kitehillpr.com Crusoe: Andrew Schmitt aschmitt@crusoe.ai This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/atnorth/r/crusoe-expands-partnership-with-atnorth-for-sustainable-ai-cloud-growth,c4223023 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/18907/4223023/3626745.pdf Release https://news.cision.com/atnorth/i/ice02-datahall-corridor-23,c3463163 ICE02 datahall corridor 23 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/crusoe-expands-partnership-with-atnorth-for-sustainable-ai-cloud-growth-302538706.html LISBON (dpa-AFX) - Westlake Corp. (WLK) Tuesday said that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the worldwide compounding solutions businesses of ACI/Perplastic Group. ACI is a Portuguese manufacturer of specialty materials catering to the wire and cable sectors. The acquisition is expected to expand Westlake's business opportunities. Westlake, which manufactures and supplies chemicals, polymers, and building products, said that the transaction will close early next year, following the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of certain regulatory approvals. Guarda, Portugal-based ACI has four production facilities in Mexico, Portugal, Romania, and Tunisia, which manufacture polyvinyl chloride or PVC, polyolefin, silicone, and thermoplastic rubber compounds. The company recorded net sales of around 210 million euros in fiscal 2024. Commenting on the deal, Jean-Marc Gilson, Westlake's President and Chief Executive Officer, said, 'The combination of ACI with Westlake's existing compounding business will present an excellent strategic fit and opportunity to integrate with our Housing & Infrastructure Products (HIP) business. It will allow us to further expand Westlake Global Compounds and add new specialty products and technology to our existing portfolio.' Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. V60 features a 50 MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, perfect for travel, portraits or celebrations, a large battery for day-long power and the V series' most durable design for those who appreciate both style and function. SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- vivo today announced the global launch of vivo V60, a powerful new addition to the V series of smartphones. Unveiled for the first time in Malaysia, co-engineered in close collaboration with ZEISS, the new V60 redefines effortless portrait photography with a versatile 50 MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera[1] and a range of further advanced imaging features. With a sleek yet durable design, a large battery that lasts and fast charging technology, V60 helps users stay connected throughout the day, no matter the scenario. "Built with the idea of bringing professional-level portrait photography to smartphones, V60 helps users easily capture beautiful moments. With a 50 MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera that captures clearer portrait close-ups from a distance, this is a device you'd want to bring to your next special occasion," said Xun Tan, General Manager of Overseas Products of vivo. "From its effortless photography to its drop-resistant design and long-lasting battery, V60 is a reliable companion that can keep pace with you and your most demanding tasks." Co-engineered to Capture Any Special Occasion in Stunning Detail The new V60 features a versatile imaging system, co-engineered with ZEISS for stunning portraits, travel vlogs, and spotlight moments with friends and family. Its 50 MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera delivers pro-level results with a powerful Sony IMX882 Ultra-Sensitive Sensor (1/1.953") and an f/2.65 super-large aperture. Its innovative periscope design allows for greater optical zoom without increasing the thickness of camera module. V60's 10x Telephoto Stage Portrait lets users capture vivid close-ups of performers on stage, making it feel like they're sitting in the front row. It preserves intricate details like facial expressions, natural skin tones, and clothing textures, bringing the energy of the performance to life in the photos. Thanks to vivo's exclusive algorithm, users can simply tap Stage Style to automatically optimize for perfect stage shots. Another powerful feature is ZEISS Multifocal Portrait, which gives users five golden portrait focal lengths, inspired by professional cameras. Enhanced with ZEISS Style Bokeh, it is easier than ever to capture cinematic portraits that pay homage to the style of iconic ZEISS lenses. For special occasions like weddings, the 85 mm Portrait allows users to capture emotional moments from afar with cinematic quality and creamy bokeh effects. This focal length is also indispensable for travel photography, like when taking photos in front of iconic landmarks in crowded tourist spots. With Telephoto Landscape Portrait, users can easily frame their compositions to highlight both their subject and the landmark by zooming in to avoid unwanted passersby, achieving postcard-worthy results. The versatility of the V60's telephoto lens is further enhanced by its Super Telephoto Enhancement feature. With AI-powered zoom, V60 delivers clarity even at extreme distances. Whether zooming in at 10x or pushing the boundaries to 100x, the combination of a large sensor and advanced algorithms developed by vivo ensures that every detail remains crisp and lifelike. V60 also boasts a 50 MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, featuring the Sony IMX766 sensor for exceptional low-light performance, and an 8 MP ZEISS Ultra Wide-Angle Camera, perfect for group shots and landscape photography. On the front, the 50 MP ZEISS Group Selfie Camera captures distortion-free selfies and group photos, enhanced by AI Facial Contouring for natural beauty. For video enthusiasts, V60 supports 4K recording on both front and rear cameras, delivering ultra-clear dynamic storytelling. V60 also integrates cutting-edge AI features[2] for effortless content creation. AI Four-Season Portrait[3] lets users infuse photos with seasonal vibes, adding more creative options for outdoor shots. V60 can also rescue imperfect shots. With AI Erase 3.0[4], you can remove unwanted passersby or distracting background elements with a single tap, while AI Reflection Erase eliminates glare and reflections from photos taken through glass, restoring them to their clearest, most natural state. When the composition feels off, AI Magic Move helps reposition subjects within the frame while automatically filling in the background to achieve the perfect balance. When users need to expand their creative vision, AI Image Expander intelligently generates extended areas of an image, transforming constrained compositions into larger, more imaginative scenes. Low-resolution images are given new life with AI Photo Enhance[5], which uses advanced models to upscale them into high-definition versions with significantly improving clarity and detail. This feature is ideal for restoring old memories or refining images for sharing. Nature-Inspired, Durable Design V60 boasts a premium design that blends elegance and resilience. Its quad curved screen offers an immersive viewing experience, complemented by ultra-slim bezels and a 41 golden curvature for ergonomic comfort. Whether you're scrolling through social media or playing games, the accidental touch prevention algorithms ensure smooth usability, minimizing disruptions. Despite its sleek look, V60 is built to last. It boasts IP68 & IP69 Top-Rated Dust and Water Resistance[6], withstanding submersion up to 1.5 meters for 120 minutes and high-pressure sprays of 80C water. One-Tap Water Ejection removes moisture, while corrosion-proof, platinum-plated ports enhance rust resistance. Further, V60 is the most drop-resistant device in the V series' history. It is made with a New Diamond Shield Glass[7] that offers better drop performance than the previous generation. This is further supported by an internal Comprehensive Cushioning Structure[8] that absorbs shocks from all angles. For those who value style as much as functionality, V60 comes in five nature-inspired colors, including Berry Purple, Ocean Blue, Summer Blue, Desert Gold, and Mist Gray. And the Ocean Blue finish features a unique Sapphire Tide[9] process that reproduces the elegance of flowing water. Large Battery, Powerful Performance Beneath its sleek profile, V60 houses a large 6500 mAh BlueVolt Battery[10] for full-day use on a single charge, eliminating the need for power banks during long workdays or travel. With 90W FlashCharge[11] technology, users can enjoy hours of power after just a few minutes of charging. Software optimizations like Super Battery Saver and Bypass Charging extend battery life and reduce heat generation, ensuring reliable performance for up to four years. V60 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 Mobile Platform. This powerhouse handles everything from multitasking to intensive gaming with ease, supported by 12 GB + 12 GB Extended RAM[12] and 512 GB storage. For mobile gamers, native high frame rate support for titles like MLBB (90HZ) ensures responsive gameplay, while ultra-high touch sampling rates provide precise control. The HDR10+ certified display, with peak brightness levels of up to 5000 nits, ensures vibrant visuals even under direct sunlight. Seamless Productivity and Connectivity with AI[13] V60's operating system has been refined to enhance productivity and connectivity. With Google Gemini[14], users can manage tasks across apps through natural conversations-whether that's managing daily schedules or summarizing and transcribing videos[15]. Gemini integrates seamlessly with third-party apps like Google Workspace, Spotify, and WhatsApp to streamline workflows. For international business calls or virtual meetings, the AI Smart Call Assistant provides real-time Call Captions and Translation[16], breaking down language barriers and ensuring smooth communication. After the call, AI Intelligent Summary[17] highlights key takeaways, saving time and improving efficiency. Meanwhile, AI Captions[18] auto-transcribes meetings, translates content, and generates concise summaries, making it effortless to handle any meeting. Connectivity is stronger than ever with AI SuperLink, which enhances signal strength in weak areas like elevators or underground garages, ensuring uninterrupted calls and smooth streaming. Block spam calls backed by AI protects user privacy. Availability Starting today, V60 will be available across different markets including Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan region. The availability, pricing, and specifications of each model may vary according to local market conditions and consumer preferences. For more information, please visit vivo.com. About vivo vivo is a technology company that creates great products based on a user-oriented 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] Pixel value may vary under different camera modes and is subject to actual usage. [2] The availability of AI features may vary depending on the apps, device settings, country, region and language, etc. Please refer to the actual use. [3] Photos will be uploaded to the cloud for processing and then downloaded and deleted from the cloud afterward; Uploading and processing times may vary depending on network conditions and the number of photos (up to 4 can be processed at once), which may consume Wi-Fi or mobile data; AI-generated results may occasionally deviate. If results appear abnormal, try reshooting. [4] AI Erase requires a network connection. [5] AI Photo Enhance requires a network connection. [6] This product has been tested under controlled laboratory conditions and is rated as IP68 and IP69 under IEC standard 60529-2013. IP68 water resistance test conditions: Submerged in static fresh water up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes, with a temperature difference between the water and the device of less than 5?. IP69 water resistance test conditions: A rotation speed of (51) rpm, nozzle angles of 0, 30, 60, and 90, a flow rate of (151) L/min, a water temperature of (805)?, a test time of 30s/position, and the phone placed in a vertical position with the USB port facing down. Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanently effective and may lessen over time due to daily wear and tear. Do not expose to seawater or other liquids like beverages. Do not immerse the phone in water during daily use. Do not charge the phone in a damp state; clean it and dry it quickly if it gets wet. Damage caused by liquid immersion is not covered by the warranty. [7] Diamond Shield Glass refers to V60's screen glass. [8] This product is tested under controlled laboratory conditions. As a precision electronic product, the phone still carries a risk of damage from drops. Please be careful to avoid drops and collisions. Any damage caused by improper handling is not covered under warranty. [9] Sapphire Tide is only available on the Ocean Blue edition and is only available in India market. [10] The typical battery capacity is 6500 mAh, and the rated battery capacity is 6330 mAh. [11] This product is equipped with a vivo standard charger which supports a charging power of up to 90W. The actual charging power is dynamically adjusted as the scene changes, and subject to actual use. [12] 12 GB Extended RAM is achieved through software. Actual available RAM/ROM is less due to the storage of operating system and pre-installed apps. [13] The availability of AI features may vary depending on the apps, device settings, country, region and language, etc. Please refer to the actual use. [14] Google is a trademark of Google LLC. Available on select devices and internet connection required. Works on compatible apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual matches. [15] Only available for YouTube videos with subtitles. [16] Supported languages: English, Hindi, Thai, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese (Mandarin), Filipino, and Malay. [17] Supported languages: Simplified Chinese, English, Hindi, Indonesian, Thai, Filipino, and Malay. [18] Planned supported apps: Apps from developers outside China: Compatible with major international platforms such as ZOOM, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Webex Meeting (Cisco), and other regional apps like India's JioMeet. Other social and video apps: WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, Instagram, Discord, Messenger, X (Twitter), WeChat, QQ International, LINE. Apps from Chinese developers (for Southeast Asia, Hong Kong SAR, and Taiwan region): Tencent Meeting, Umeet, DingTalk, and WeCom. Supports 20 languages: Hindi, Thai, Malay, Indonesian, German, Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Cantonese-Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong), Traditional Chinese (Taiwan), Spanish, Polish, Hungarian, Czech, Turkish, Arabic, Urdu, Russian, Italian. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2756977/vivo_V60_series_co_engineered_ZEISS_redefines_effortless_portrait_photography.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2756978/Users_a_front_row_seat_performance_10x_Telephoto_Stage_Portrait_perfect.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2756979/vivo_V60_features_85_mm_Portrait_capture_emotion_special_occasions.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vivo-v60-kicks-off-global-rollout-with-malaysia-launch-bringing-the-world-closer-with-a-next-level-telephoto-camera-302538037.html Anaerobic Digestion facility to produce biomethane from agricultural residue in southern Spain Anaergia Inc. ("Anaergia", the "Company", "us", or "our") (TSX:ANRG; OTCQX:ANRGF), through its subsidiary Anaergia S.r.l., has signed a contract with Norbiogas Renovables ("Nortegas Renovables"), a subsidiary of the Nortegas Group, a leading Spanish company specializing in renewable gas infrastructure projects. As part of a previously disclosed development plan, Anaergia will deliver a comprehensive suite of services and utilize its innovative, proven technology to support the construction of a new anaerobic digestion plant. Under the terms of this contract, Anaergia starts its activities for this facility this month. Upon completion, expected within two years, the plant will transform organic waste into renewable biomethane. Anaergia projects total revenue of C$18 million from this contract. "Nortegas Renovables is increasingly playing a vital role in the sustainable energy. This new facility underlines Nortegas Renovables' strong commitment to the energy transition and circular economy, promoting the widespread adoption of clean and sustainable fuels," said Felipe Requejo Siguenza, Director General of Nortegas Renovables. "Anaergia, is committed to driving the global transition toward sustainable energy solutions. We are therefore very pleased to be working with Nortegas Renovables on this project, as it marks an important step in our journey to harness innovation for a cleaner, greener future," said Assaf Onn, CEO of Anaergia. About Nortegas Nortegas Group is a leading energy infrastructure and services company, serving over one million residential and industrial customers with natural gas and LPG across a vast network of more than 8,100 kilometers in Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country. This extensive reach makes Nortegas the second-largest gas distribution operator in the Spanish market. Nortegas Renovables, a subsidiary of Nortegas Group, is focused on spearheading biomethane production projects throughout Spain. For further information please see: https://www.nortegas.es/ About Anaergia Anaergia is a pioneering technology company in the renewable natural gas ("RNG") sector, with over 250 patents dedicated to converting organic waste into sustainable solutions such as RNG, fertilizer, and water. We are committed to addressing a significant source of greenhouse gases ("GHGs") through cost-effective processes. Our proprietary technologies, combined with our engineering expertise and vast experience in facility design, construction, and operation, position Anaergia as a leader in the RNG industry. With a proven track record of delivering hundreds of innovative projects over the past decade, we are well-equipped to tackle today's critical resource recovery challenges through diverse project delivery methods. As one of the few companies worldwide offering an integrated portfolio of end-to-end solutions, we effectively combine solid waste processing, wastewater treatment, organics recovery, high-efficiency anaerobic digestion, and biomethane production. Additionally, we operate RNG facilities owned by both third parties and Anaergia. This comprehensive approach not only reduces environmental impact but also significantly lowers costs associated with waste and wastewater treatment while mitigating GHG emissions. For further information please see: www.anaergia.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects Anaergia's current expectations regarding future events, including but not limited to, counterparty contractual performance, the capability of the Company's technology and performance with respect to the project objectives. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions, including, but not limited to counterparty contractual performance, the development, timing and funding of the facility, the capability of the Company's technology and performance with respect to the project objectives, the expected revenue from the agreement, and the sufficient sourcing of food waste and power generation. The Company is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and under "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis. Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. Anaergia does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Anaergia's operations or financial results are included in Anaergia's reports on file with Canadian regulatory authorities. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826985050/en/ Contacts: For media and/or investor relations please contact: IR@Anaergia.com DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, the global leading inverter and energy storage system provider, unveiled its latest innovation - the 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter - during the 2025 MEA PV & ESS Summit held in Dubai. Tailored to the harsh desert environment in MEA, the new inverter is designed for stable full-load operation at 52C, with a scalable block design from 780kW up to 9.375MW. Featuring significant upgrades in system availability, safety, and grid adaptability, the 1+X 2.0 sets new benchmarks for utility-scale solar projects in the MEA. Designed for Extreme Heat and Sandstorms Stable Operation at 52C, Reliable Power Throughout the Lifecycle Middle Eastern summers can exceed 52C, and utility-scale PV plants act as massive heat sources, driving internal temperatures even higher, with notable differences across PV array blocks within the same plant. Traditional inverters often suffer derating or shortened lifespans under such conditions. Sungrow's 1+X 2.0 addresses this challenge with high-performance components, efficient heat exchangers, and built-in safety margins across all critical parts. Its unique dual-duct cooling system separates hot and cold airflow, eliminating thermal interference, while redundant thermal design ensures continuous full-power operation. The inverter has passed high-temperature and irradiation tests, and wind-direction disturbance tests, proving its durability in desert heat. With these innovations, the 1+X 2.0 delivers stable, full-power performance even at 52C. IP66 Protection: Resistant to Sandstorms With a fully sealed design, high-level protective materials, and a self-cleaning air duct system, the 1+X 2.0 keeps internal components clean even during prolonged sandstorms. The inverter has successfully endured 100 days of onsite sandstorm testing including 45 days of severe sandstorms, emerging dust-free inside and maintaining stable power output-demonstrating reliability under the Middle East's year-round sand and dust conditions. Advanced Modularity: Higher Availability, Faster Maintenance Small Module, Mega Impact The 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter provides increased modularity compared to the previous version. With each unit rated at 780kW, the inverter provides flexible scalability from 780kW to 9.375MW (single unit to 12 units in parallel). This results in great flexibility which covers various scenarios. Plug-and-Play Design, 70% Faster O&M The product's split modular design isolates critical components (IGBTs, capacitors) in the upper inverter module for quick field replacement. Weighing just 105kg-lighter than mainstream string inverters-each module is easy to handle and replace. The replacement time of the upper module is slashed to one hour per module swap-the easy O&M enables field engineers to perform quick replacements. With the intelligent diagnostics function, the 1+X Modular Inverter provides real-time fault identification, eliminating manual troubleshooting and delays, accelerating repairs, and minimizing reliance on manpower. Holistic Intelligent DC-Side Safety Management System: Eliminating Fire Risks Addressing the industry's top challenge-most PV system faults originate in DC circuits. The DC faults may result in short-circuit, arcing, or even fire. The 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter is providing a holistic AI-driven DC-side safety management system to solve the issue: Dual DC Arc Protection System When an arc fault is detected, the combiner box reliably disconnects the faulty circuit within 40 milliseconds , blocking fire risks at the source. Simultaneously, via inverter cluster control technology, other combiner boxes in the same block are synchronously shut down in tandem to prevent any fault contribution. When an arc fault is detected, the combiner box reliably disconnects the faulty circuit within , blocking fire risks at the source. Simultaneously, via inverter cluster control technology, other combiner boxes in the same block are synchronously shut down in tandem to prevent any fault contribution. Terminal Overheating Protection System A high-precision temperature sensor network is deployed to monitor inverter terminal temperatures in real-time. Upon detecting abnormal temperatures, the corresponding circuit is immediately disconnected, eliminating fire risks caused by poor electrical contact. A high-precision temperature sensor network is deployed to monitor inverter terminal temperatures in real-time. Upon detecting abnormal temperatures, the corresponding circuit is immediately disconnected, eliminating fire risks caused by poor electrical contact. Pioneering the pyro fuse protection Accurately detects 15 fault types (short-circuit, arc, overload, etc.) and disconnects within 2ms, protecting the equipment from damage. Optimizing LCOE: More Power, Lower Cost Microgrid Capability: Diesel-Free Commissioning 1+X Modular Inverter 2.0 can form a microgrid within or across blocks, providing power for construction and commissioning without diesel generators. For example, a 1GW project in the Middle East with this technology achieved grid connection 30 days ahead of schedule, generating 2.9 million USD in additional revenue, significantly reducing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). 1+X Modular Inverter 2.0 can form a microgrid within or across blocks, providing power for construction and commissioning without diesel generators. For example, a 1GW project in the Middle East with this technology achieved grid connection 30 days ahead of schedule, generating 2.9 million USD in additional revenue, significantly reducing the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). Enhanced System Economics Larger block designs, longer string access, and MPLC communication reduce initial investment. For example, a 1GW solar plant can save up to USD 3.24 million in CAPEX. Combined with intelligent diagnostics function, simplified O&M and night-time medium voltage disconnection, the solution also significantly lowers OPEX. Grid-Forming Technology: Enabling Solar-Plus-Storage Future Equipped with Sungrow's solar grid-forming technology, the inverter ensures seamless operation in both strong and weak grids. 1+X Modular Inverter 2.0 is compatible with both DC- and AC-coupled solar-plus-storage solutions, further relieving grid absorption stress. The DC-coupled solution with this new product is more efficient and cost-effective, enabling an initial investment reduction of over 10% and system conversion efficiency enhanced by 5% compared to traditional AC-coupled solutions. The solution enables 100% grid-forming capability based on AC capacity, making it a solar-plus-storage generator. A Decade of Commitment to the MEA With over 20GW of solar projects delivered across the MEA, Sungrow has been deeply rooted in the region for a decade. The launch of the 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter reaffirms the company's commitment to driving the MEA's energy transition with innovation, reliability, and sustainability. About Sungrow Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. As of December 2024, Sungrow has installed 740 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The Company is recognized as the world's most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experience. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757881/1_X_2_0_launching.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757884/1_X_2_0_Modular_Inverter.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1344575/Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sungrow-tackles-middle-east-and-africas-extreme-heat-with-launch-of-1x-2-0-modular-inverter-302538756.html GUIGANG, China, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On August 20, a press conference was held for the 10th Anniversary of Guigang's New Energy Electric Vehicle Industry Development and the 5th (2025) New Energy Electric Vehicle Industry Development Conference. At the press conference, which was held by the Industry and Information Technology Bureau of Guigang City and Publicity Department of Gangbei District, Guigang City, it was announced that the 5th (2025) New Energy Electric Vehicle Industry Development Conference will take place in Nanning on August 28. With the theme "Innovation-Driven Intelligent Manufacturing, Openness Connecting the Globe," the conference will gather domestic and foreign guests, experts, scholars, and leading enterprises in the industry. Focusing on the new patterns and changes in the RCEP market, it will facilitate exchanges through various forms such as a thematic conference, a launch event for new national standard electric bicycle products, a new energy electric vehicle production and sales matchmaking conference for ASEAN countries, and test ride activities for electric bicycle products. These efforts aim to further promote the mutual recognition of certifications for new national standard products in ASEAN markets, explore a new model of industrial cooperation featuring "Intelligent Manufacturing from China + Manufacturing from ASEAN," and inject new impetus into the high-quality development of the new energy electric vehicle industry. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. In 2015, Gangbei District planned and constructed the China-ASEAN New Energy Electric Vehicle Production Base. Over the past 10 years, the base has attracted more than 100 electric vehicle enterprises, with over 50 put into operation. It has formed an annual production capacity of 5 million two-wheeled electric vehicles, 500,000 three-wheeled electric vehicles, and 5 million sets of parts and components. The local supporting rate reaches 80%, and its brand agglomeration, component supporting rate, and intelligentization level are among the top in China, establishing the brand of "Quality Electric Vehicles, Made in Guigang." Relying on a complete industrial chain, Gangbei District offers a full range of high-quality electric vehicle products, including over 100 models such as electric bicycles, light electric motorcycles, and high-speed electric motorcycles. These products provide economical and practical green transportation for users in ASEAN and around the world. The Guangxi New Energy Electric Vehicle Quality Inspection Center within the district ranks among the top in China in terms of testing capabilities, providing strong support for "Made in Guigang" electric vehicles to earn an excellent reputation in the international market. Gangbei District is located at the core intersection of the Pearl River Delta, Southwest China, Beibu Gulf, and ASEAN economic circles. It enjoys unimpeded access to high-speed railways, expressways, and high-grade waterways, with direct access to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area within 30 hours. The Guigang Port in the district is an important channel for materials from Southwest China to be exported to Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and ASEAN, laying a golden path connecting global markets for the electric vehicle industry. As a major national production base for the electric vehicle industry, Gangbei District actively builds an open platform for external cooperation to promote the electric vehicle industry's entry into the international market. Gangbei District has strengthened cooperation with relevant national departments, the China Bicycle Association, and electric vehicle associations of various provinces and cities, and has hosted the New Energy Electric Vehicle Industry Development Conference for four consecutive years. Through these activities, enterprises can not only keep abreast of international market trends and cutting-edge technologies but also establish cooperative relations with global peers, creating more opportunities for product exports. Currently, electric vehicles produced in Gangbei District have been exported to countries such as India, Thailand, the Netherlands, Nepal, Peru, Costa Rica, and Madagascar, gaining a foothold in the international market. In the future, Gangbei District will continue to expand opening-up, enhance industrial competitiveness, enable more "Made in Guigang" electric vehicles to reach global markets, and elevate the industry's international influence. Source: Publicity Department of Gangbei District, Guigang City Contact person: Mr. Zeng, Tel: 86-10-63074558. Listing Ceremony VIP Group Dr. Yang Rui, Chairman of the Board, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Shuangdeng Group Co., Ltd. Delivered a Speech HONG KONG, Aug 26, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - Global leading storage battery company in data center and telecom industries ' Shuangdeng Group Co., Ltd. (stock code: 06960.HK), today listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the 'Hong Kong Stock Exchange').Shuangdeng Group offered a total of 58,557,000 H Shares in the global offering. The offer price was determined at HK$14.51 per offer share. The net proceeds from the Global Offering are estimated to be approximately HK$756.3 million.The Company intends to use the net proceeds for the following purposes: (1) Construct a lithium-ion batteries production facility in Southeast Asia, which will primarily be used for producing batteries for data centers. (2) Establish a research and development center focusing on the research and development of: (i) enhanced energy storage battery life; (ii) solid state battery; (iii) sodium-ion battery; and (iv) BMS technology. (3) Strengthen overseas sales and marketing so that the Company can enhance its global presence, better serve overseas customers and boost international sales, etc.Shuangdeng Group's Hong Kong Offering was over-subscribed by approximately 3875.25 times of the 5,856,000 H shares offered. The International Offering also recorded an over-subscription, of approximately 17.75 times of the 52,701,000 H shares offered.The opening price of Shuangdeng Group today was HK$22.50, up by 55.1%, with a total market capitalization of HK$9.38 billion accordingly.Dr. Yang Rui, Chairman of the Board, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Shuangdeng Group said, 'Shuangdeng is not only a provider of energy storage battery products and system solutions but also aspires to be an architect of the AIDC intelligent computing center energy ecosystem, as the 'Energy Operating System' of digital infrastructure. We firmly believe that without stable energy supply, there can be no reliable intelligent computing power. We look forward to working with global investors to jointly chart the grand blueprint of a 'Zero-Carbon Computing Planet.' Let every watt of energy illuminate the path forward for human civilization!'Dr. Yang Rui, Chairman of the Board, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Shuangdeng Group Co., Ltd. Delivered a SpeechShuangdeng Group is a leading company in energy storage business for big-data and telecommunication industries. Its products span diverse application scenarios, including energy storage for telecom base stations, data centers, and the electrical energy storage settings. According to Frost & Sullivan, in 2024, the Company ranked the first among global telecom base station and data center energy storage battery providers in terms of shipment volume, achieving a market share of 11.1%.With over a decade of dedicated industry expertise, Shuangdeng Group has established a globally leading customer base and brand strength. The Company serves nearly 30 of the world's top 100 telecom operators and equipment manufacturers, forging strong relationship with leading telecom operators and telecommunication equipment manufacturers in China, such as China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Tower, as well as prominent international telecommunication giants like Ericsson, Vodafone, Orange, and Telenor. In addition, as of December 31, 2024, Shuangdeng Group served 80% of top 10 Chinese self-owned data center companies and 90% of top 10 Chinese third-party data center companies.Capturing the AIDC Opportunity: Data Center Business BoomsAs the key carriers of latest-generation digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, data centers experienced a rapid growth in recent years around the world. The advent of the AI era is also accelerating the industry trend towards large-scale and high-computing power data centers. According to Frost & Sullivan, the proportion of global electricity consumption by data centers is expected to increase from 4.0% in 2024 to 10.1% in 2030. The dependency of AI and big data on constant power supplies makes energy storage a critical component in the infrastructure supporting these technologies.In 2018, Shuangdeng Group keenly identified the market demands of the internet era and began establishing cooperation relationship with large tech companies and data center operators. Up to August 8, 2025, its energy storage products have been used in hundreds of data centers. According to Frost & Sullivan, in 2024, Shuangdeng Group ranked first among Chinese companies in terms of shipment volumes in the global data center energy storage market, with 16.1% market share in the global data center market.Shuangdeng Group's batteries applied in data centers, utilizing advanced technologies such as continuous grid plate preparation technology, deliver superior high-rate performance. These products achieve discharge rates exceeding 6C, with instantaneous discharge capabilities reaching 10C, making them ideal products to serve customer-specific performance needs across various application scenarios. Additionally, the Company is leading the development of the industry standard for 'Lithium-iron Phosphate Battery Packs for AC UPS in Data Centers' in China, setting the benchmark for energy storage battery technology in the era of big data.According to the prospectus, Shuangdeng Group's revenues from sales of batteries used in data centers increased by 120% from RMB397.0 million in the five months ended May 31, 2024 to RMB872.9 million in the five months ended May 31, 2025. The contribution of this business segment to total revenue grew from 28.4% to 46.7%, making it the company's largest revenue source.In the era of artificial intelligence and big data, Shuangdeng Group is well-positioned to capture the vast market opportunities of the future. Approximately 40.0% of the net proceeds from this IPO will be used for the construction of a lithium-ion batteries production facility in Southeast Asia, which will primarily be used for producing batteries for data centers in order to cultivate its second growth pillar and increase its markets share regarding energy storage products for data centers.Strong R&D Drives Innovation, Diverse Products Meet Varied NeedsAs a global leading energy storage battery manufacturer, Shuangdeng Group relies on its in-house R&D to establish and strengthen market position, and achieve continuous growth. The Company has R&D centers located in Taizhou, Shenzhen, Beijing and Xiangyang. These R&D centers focus on the research and development of energy storage battery technologies to improve the safety, cost-efficiency and performance of energy storage batteries. Adhering to the principle of 'researching one generation ahead, pilot testing the next, and mass-producing the current', Shuangdeng Group aims to enhance the market competitiveness of both lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries through its R&D efforts. As of August 8, 2025, the Company held a total of 353 patents, including 111 invention patents.Shuangdeng Group's technical team has actively participated in the formulation of national and industry-related standards on multiple occasions, demonstrating its strong technological credibility and influence in the industry. As of May 31, 2025, the Company has participated in the formulation of one international standard issued by International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 10 national standards and 21 industry standards issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China and the Standardization Administration of China.In addition, Shuangdeng Group actively pursues collaborative R&D partnerships with external entities to co-develop innovative technologies and products that align with dynamic market needs. The Company works closely with leading experts in the energy storage industry and have formed an external technical expert committee, which was led by academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chinese Academy of Sciences, and jointed by more than 30 industrial experts to support and advise on technical innovation. The Company has also established profound partnerships with leading universities, research institutions and industry experts. These collaborations have facilitated a series of projects focused on pioneering new technologies, offering crucial technical insights that underpin its future product development strategies.Shuangdeng Group offers a diverse range of products across multiple technology pathways to provide the most cost-effective options that meet customer performance requirements. Apart from lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries, the Company's sodium-ion batteries have been widely adopted in telecom base stations by telecommunication companies in multiple provinces and regions, including Anhui, Qinghai, Tibet and Gansu. In addition, to further enhance the energy safety, the Company has been actively developing the solid-state battery technology. The joint R&D project with Tianmu Lake Institute of Advanced Energy Storage Technologies has completed development of the key materials, and achieved the fabrication of 100Ah solid-state lithium-ion batteries, which laid a solid foundation for the Company's future R&D on the technology and manufacture of solid-state battery.For further information, please contact:Porda Havas International Finance Communications GroupKelly Fung +852 3150 6763 kelly.fung@h-advisors.globalMay Yang +86 15021840493 may.yang@h-advisors.globalSource: SHUANGDENG GROUP CO., LTD.Copyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Public health professionals from Alaska, Colorado, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Nebraska, New York, and Washington receive highest honors ATLANTA, GEORGIA / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Each year, the Safe States Alliance honors its members and partners for their contributions to the field of injury and violence prevention (IVP). This year's award winners collectively demonstrate commitment to innovation, excellence, and vision to advance the field of IVP. Safe States 2025 Award Recipients Eight public health professionals from across the country were honored with one of Safe States' annual awards. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, the following public health professionals will be honored for their significant contributions during the Safe States 2025 Annual IVP Conference, which will take place virtually September 9-11. Alex Kelter Vision Award : Ming Qu, PhD, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (Lincoln, NE) for his lifetime contributions, bringing vision and leadership to the field of IVP. Dr. Qu is honored for his dedication to advancing the practice of epidemiology for nearly 30 years, including leading the development of a comprehensive statewide information system to address pressing public health issues. Advancing Health Equity Award : Hillary Strayer, MPH, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (Anchorage, AK) for her unwavering commitment to advancing the collection and understanding of Alaska Native and American Indian data sets. Ellen R. Schmidt Award: Michael Bauer, MS, New York State Department of Health (Albany, NY) for his outstanding service to Safe States and significant contributions to the field of injury and violence prevention for more than 20 years. Injury and Violence Prevention Achievement Award : Josephine Peterson, MPH, NYU Langone Hospital (Long Island, NY) for her dedication to advancing injury and violence prevention at Long Island's Level 1 Trauma Center through evidence-based initiatives that promote injury prevention, support trauma recovery, and improve safety across the lifespan. Journey Award : Xinyao deGrauw, MD, PhD, MPH, Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center (Seattle, WA) for her significant contributions to injury research and surveillance in Washington state and nationally. Partner of the Year Award : Liz Voyles, MPA, Brass Ring Communications (Washington, DC) for her tireless support of Safe States and commitment to building public support for injury and violence prevention. President's Award : Paul Bonta, Safe States Alliance (Breckenridge, CO) for demonstrating excellence in organizing efforts and developing relationships that strengthen and expand Safe States' policy and advocacy footprint. Rising Star Award : Jessica Brown, AICP, MPA, UofL Health - UofL Hospital J. David Richardson Trauma Center (Goshen, KY) for her great strides as an early career injury and violence prevention professional, leading partnerships and programs that address the top causes of traumatic injury in Louisville. Formed in 1993, the Safe States Alliance is the only national non-profit organization and professional association comprised of public health IVP professionals representing all U.S. states and territories dedicated to strengthening the practice of IVP. SOURCE: Safe States Alliance View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/safe-states-alliance-honors-achievements-in-injury-and-violence-1060016 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - FendX Technologies Inc. (CSE: FNDX) (OTCQB: FDXTD) (FSE: E8D0) (the "Company" or "FendX"), an innovative surface protection company developing their technology-based solutions to reduce the spread of harmful pathogens and support a cleaner, safer world, is pleased to announce the filing of a provisional patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The application, titled "Lubricated Dilated Medical Catheters and Cannula and Uses Thereof" dated July 7, 2025, was filed by Drs. Carolyn Myers, Tohid Didar, Martin Stark and Leyla Soleymani, with FendX as the assignee, as part of its growing portfolio of hygiene-related technologies. The new application includes use of a specialized coating applied to standard medical catheters, designed to create a low friction surface that enhances patient comfort during insertion and plays a critical role in reducing microbial growth, on the catheter surface, which is considered an important factor in reducing infection risk. "We have been actively developing catheter coatings aimed at reducing bacterial growth, a major contributor to infection risk. Based on our analysis to date, we have identified a coating candidate for further development and have filed a provisional patent application to support its advancement," said Dr. Carolyn Myers, CEO of FendX. About FendX Technologies Inc. FendX is a surface protection company leveraging its proprietary technology to develop product solutions that help reduce the spread of harmful pathogens in everyday environments. The Company is advancing an eco-friendly, smart sponge designed to deliver effective cleaning while minimizing environmental impact. This innovative product complements FendX's broader pipeline, which includes REPELWRAP film, a protective surface coating with repelling properties that significantly reduce adhesion and transmission of pathogens on high-touch surfaces, and a spray-based coating with similar functionality. Additionally, the Company is developing specialized catheter coatings, with its first coating being for Foley catheters. The Company holds an exclusive supply agreement for the eco-sponge and an exclusive license to certain intellectual property related to the use of the sponge, as well as exclusive worldwide licenses and intellectual property for its coating technologies. For more information, please visit https://fendxtech.com/ and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the 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. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including with respect to: the plans of the Company; statements regarding the provisional patent application, the invention, including the proposed benefits of the invention and goals related to the development of the invention; and products under development and any pathogen reduction benefits related thereto. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks which may cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including: risks that the provisional patent application may not receive regulatory approval; adverse market conditions; risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's ability to raise additional capital to complete all of its planned activities including development of the invention; risks related to research and development activities for each of the film, spray formulation and catheter coating, including successful completion of real world performance testing and scale-up initiatives; risks that the Company may not expand its product pipeline or execute its business development and growth plans; risks that the Company's products, including the eco-friendly sponge, may not be commercialized, and if they are commercialized, that they may not be accepted and adopted by the public; the risk that the Company will not obtain necessary approvals and/or clearances as anticipated or at all; the effects of government regulation on the Company's business; risks associated with the Company's ability to obtain and protect rights to its IP, including the provisional patent application to be assigned to the Company and the possibility that the Company may not obtain sufficient data required to support a nonprovisional patent filing; product candidates only being in formulation/reformulation stages; limited operating history; dependence on collaborative partners, licensors and others; effect of general economic and political conditions; and other factors beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity or performance. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made and, except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of such factors on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Readers should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factor disclosure outlined in the Company's filings with the British Columbia Securities Commission on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263829 SOURCE: FendX Technologies Inc. HYDERABAD, India, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to DataM Intelligence, the global 5G in healthcare market, valued at US$ 55.40 billion in 2024, is projected to reach US$ 308.24 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.2% during the forecast period of 2025-2033. This significant growth is driven by the deployment of 5G-based wearable medical devices, the ability of 5G to transfer large patient data files quickly, and the availability of affordable sensors. Strategic partnerships between governments and key market players are further propelling the adoption of 5G in healthcare, transforming the delivery of connected care. 5G technology is revolutionizing healthcare by enabling high-speed connectivity, ultra-low latency, and real-time data exchange. These capabilities power critical applications such as telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and AI-driven diagnostics, facilitating more efficient and personalized healthcare delivery. Healthcare providers are increasingly adopting 5G-enabled devices and infrastructure to overcome traditional barriers in access and responsiveness, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Industry leaders and governments are investing heavily in expanding 5G networks and integrating them with healthcare systems to support smart hospitals and remote surgical procedures. Collaborative efforts are also underway to establish security protocols and regulatory frameworks to ensure patient data privacy and network reliability. Get a Sample PDF Brochure of the Report (Use Corporate Email ID for a Quick Response): https://www.datamintelligence.com/download-sample/5g-in-healthcare-market Key Highlights The global 5G in healthcare market is expected to grow from US$ 55.40 billion in 2024 to US$ 308.24 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 21.2%. North America dominates with a 39.6% market share in 2024, driven by advanced digital infrastructure and early adoption of 5G technologies. The remote care and telemedicine segment holds the largest share, accounting for 26.1% of the market in 2025, fueled by high-quality video consultations and real-time data exchange. Healthcare providers, including hospitals and ambulatory care centers, led the market in 2023 due to the growing adoption of 5G-enabled wearable devices and AI-driven solutions. Strategic collaborations, such as those between governments and companies like Cisco, Huawei, and Ericsson, are driving 5G integration in healthcare systems. The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing market, supported by government initiatives and increasing adoption of telehealth solutions. 5G-Powered Telemedicine Set to Lead Healthcare Market with 26.1% Share by 2025 The remote care and telemedicine segment is poised to dominate the 5G in healthcare market, holding an estimated 26.1% market share in 2025. With 5G's high bandwidth and ultra-low latency, it enables seamless, high-quality video consultations and real-time data exchange, overcoming previous limitations like lag and connectivity issues. This enhances patient-provider interactions, making remote diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment more effective and reliable. The growing patient preference for convenient, at-home care, combined with increasing healthcare access challenges in rural and underserved areas, drives demand for telemedicine solutions powered by 5G. Additionally, the integration of wearable devices and IoT sensors with 5G networks allows continuous remote monitoring of vital signs, enabling proactive and personalized care. Hospitals Dominate 5G Healthcare Market; Insurance Payers Set to Surge Ahead The healthcare providers segment, including hospitals and ambulatory care centers, dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2023. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for advanced technologies, the growing use of 5G-enabled wearable medical devices, rising patient volumes, and the adoption of 5G-based solutions. For example, in September 2023, Boston Children's Hospital introduced a hybrid 5G network integrated with the Epic system, supporting AI-driven specialist prioritization and remote patient monitoring (RPM). The healthcare payers segment, encompassing public and commercial insurance companies, is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. Growth is fueled by an increase in health insurance policyholders post-COVID-19, alongside more efficient claims processing and fraud detection enabled by 5G technologies. Get Customization in the report as per your requirements: https://www.datamintelligence.com/customize/5g-in-healthcare-market North America Leads 5G in Healthcare Market with 39.6% Share in 2024 North America holds the largest market share at 39.6% in 2024, driven by advanced digital infrastructure, strong investment in healthcare innovation, and early adoption of 5G technologies. The U.S. leads with rapid adoption of telemedicine, remote monitoring, and AI-driven diagnostics, supported by favorable regulatory frameworks and ongoing pilot programs in smart hospitals and connected ambulances. UK & Germany Drive 5G Healthcare Expansion in Europe with Major Investments and Hospital Deployments The Europe 5G in healthcare market is expected to grow significantly, driven by increasing collaborations between market players and governments. For instance, in April 2024, Oulu University Hospital, in collaboration with WICOAR Technologies, the University of Oulu, and Boldyn Networks, established Europe's first operational private 5G network in a hospital setting under the 'Hola 5G Oulu' project, financed by the European Commission. In the UK, the market held a substantial share in 2023, supported by mergers like the proposed Vodafone UK and Three UK deal in July 2023, which includes a US$ 11 billion investment to connect every NHS hospital to standalone 5G by 2030. In Germany, Frankfurt University Hospital announced in February 2024 the implementation of 5G-based services to enhance public health delivery and optimize resources. Asia-Pacific Emerges as Fastest-Growing 5G Healthcare Market with Strong Government Push The Asia-Pacific region is expected to register the fastest growth rate over the forecast period, driven by significant adoption of advanced technologies, enhanced network connectivity, and government programs promoting telehealth. In November 2023, Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Republic Power deployed Asia's first 5G-supported medical booths for remote health screening and consultations. In China, the market held a significant share in 2023, with plans announced in July 2024 to accelerate the rollout of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technologies to enhance AI applications. In India, the government-funded 5G training labs and health applications across North Eastern States, inaugurated in September 2023, are driving market growth. Key Players Accelerate 5G Healthcare Adoption Through Innovation & Collaboration Key players driving the 5G in healthcare market include Cisco Systems, Inc., TELUS, Orange 5G Lab, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, and others. These companies are investing in 5G infrastructure and collaborating with healthcare providers to integrate advanced connectivity solutions. In March 2025, Airtel Business partnered with Fortis Healthcare to launch a Smart Clinics solution utilizing Airtel's 5G network, aimed at enhancing telemedicine access in both urban and rural regions. This initiative seeks to transform telemedicine by enabling real-time consultations, integrating connected medical devices, and ensuring secure management of health data. The solution leverages live interactions and connected technology to efficiently handle patient health information, improving the quality and reach of healthcare services. Related Reports: Telemedicine Market is segmented By Type (Synchronous Telemedicine, Asynchronous Telemedicine, Remote Patient Monitoring, Others), By Component (Hardware, Software, Services), By Care Setting (Hospital/Clinic, Homecare), By Specialty Area (Cardiology, Dermatology, Pulmonology, Endocrinology, Gynecology, Psychiatry, Others), By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) Digital Health Market is segmented By Component Type, By Technology, By Delivery Mode, By Application, By End-User, By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) Remote Patient Monitoring Market is segmented By Product Type (Services & Software, Devices), By Application (Cardiovascular Diseases), By End User (Payers, Providers, Patients), By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) Generative AI in Healthcare Market is segmented By Component (Solutions, Services), By Application (Diagnostics & Medical Imaging, Drug Discovery & Development, Personalized Treatment, Patient Monitoring & Predictive Analytics, Others), By End-User (Hospitals & Clinics, Healthcare Organizations, Diagnostic Centers, Others), By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) About DataM Intelligence 4Market Research: DataM Intelligence 4Market Research is a market intelligence platform that gives access to syndicated, customized reports and consulting to its clients in one place. As a firm with rich experience in research and consulting across multiple domains, we are a one-stop solution that will cater to the needs of clients in key business areas. DataM Intelligence has an online platform whose coverage includes industries such as chemicals and materials, agriculture, health care services, animal feed, and food & beverages among others. Our platform has Insights on markets that uncover the latest market research data that are distinct from the competition. With coverage across 10 major industries in the marketplace research, DataM Intelligence benefits thousands of companies by helping them take their innovations early to the market, by providing a complete view of the market with statistical forecasts. Our strategy-centric framework and value-added services will let individuals and corporates with ease of access and custom personalization to research and markets. To find out more, visit https://datamintelligence.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Sai Kiran DataM Intelligence 4market Research LLP Ground floor DSL Abacus IT Park, Industrial Development Area Uppal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500039 USA: +1 877-441-4866 Email: Sai.k@datamintelligence.com Content Source: https://www.datamintelligence.com/research-report/5g-in-healthcare-market Visit Our Website: https://datamintelligence.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1858619/3573087/DataM_Intelligence_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/5g-in-healthcare-market--size-worth--us-308-24-billion-by-2032-with-21-2-cagr-report-by-datam-intelligence-302538335.html Vancouver, British Columbia and Melbourne, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd (TSX: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTCQX: SXGCF) (FSE: MV3) ("SXGC", "SX2" or the "Company") announces results from four diamond drill holes from the Golden Dyke prospect, of the 100%-owned Sunday Creek gold-antimony project in Victoria (Figures 1 to 5). Four Key Points Golden Dyke increasing in size - Drilling has extended the gold system to 560 m deep (one of the deepest holes yet) and discovered two completely new gold veins 50 m west of the known area, showing the deposit continues to grow in all directions. Very high-grade gold hits - Multiple holes returned exceptional gold grades including 164.3 g/t gold over 0.5 m, confirming Golden Dyke contains extremely rich gold zones. Infill drilling proves continuity - Hole SDDSC171 successfully filled a 100 m to 110 m gap between previous holes and confirmed the gold continues consistently through this area, building confidence that the mineralization is connected rather than patchy. Record antimony adds significant value - The drilling returned the third highest antimony result ever recorded at the project (48.9% Sb), confirming Sunday Creek as a valuable dual-commodity deposit with both gold and antimony, a critical metal in high demand, strengthening the overall economic potential of the project. Michael Hudson, President & CEO, states: "The Golden Dyke system continues to grow in all directions, with our latest drilling extending mineralization both laterally and at depth while revealing new high-grade zones. SDDSC168W1 has pushed the western side of Golden Dyke vertically to 560 m below surface, representing one of our deepest east-west holes and delivering spectacular intercepts including 164.3 g/t AuEq over 0.5 m and 170.2 g/t AuEq over 0.2 m. While SDDSC175 successfully extended the system westward toward Christina by 50 m, intercepting nine vein sets including two previously unknown structures outside our current exploration target, with mineralization from as shallow as 50 m below surface returning impressive widths such as 11.6 m @ 3.4 g/t AuEq. "Equally important, our strategic infill drilling is building tremendous confidence in the continuity and tenor of the system. SDDSC171 infilled a gap of approximately 100 m to 110 m of vertical spacing between the previous holes and again successfully confirmed the grade continuity across Golden Dyke. This was demonstrated by intercepts including 0.9 m @ 68.1 g/t AuEq, 4.2 m @ 4.5 g/t AuEq, and 2.8 m @ 13.7 g/t AuEq, while also discovering high-grade mineralization in a previously unmodeled vein set. "The combination of consistent expansion success, high-grade intercepts, broader mineralized zones, and confirmed continuity from infill drilling reinforces our conviction that the Sunday Creek gold-antimony system has substantial growth potential as we continue to systematically test and expand the known mineralized corridor." FOR THOSE WHO LIKE THE DETAILS Key Take Aways Four diamond drill holes from the Golden Dyke prospect have expanded the system to 560 m depth with high grades of gold up to 168.0 g/t and of antimony up to 48.9%. New vein sets were discovered 50 m west of known mineralization, and shallow mineralization was confirmed from 50 m depth with widths including 11.6 m @ 3.4 g/t AuEq. Infill drilling successfully bridged a 110 m gap between holes, confirming grade continuity with intercepts including 0.9 m @ 68.1 g/t AuEq. An additional rig has been mobilized to site for a total of nine rigs now operating at Sunday Creek. Drill hole highlights include: SDDSC168W1: One of the deepest east-west holes at Golden Dyke, successfully intercepted five vein sets in Golden Dyke and extended the western side of Golden Dyke vertically to 560 m below surface. Highlights include: 0.2 m @ 170.2 g/t AuEq (168.0 g/t Au, 0.9% Sb) from 723.4 m 0.5 m @ 164.3 g/t AuEq (96.8 g/t Au, 28.2% Sb) from 776.4 m being the third highest antimony result recorded on the project SDDSC171: An east-west in-fill hole intercepted six known vein sets plus one new vein set. The hole infilled a gap of approximately 100 m to 110 m of vertical spacing between the previous holes and again successfully confirmed the grade continuity across Golden Dyke 0.2 m @ 119.8 g/t AuEq (117.0 g/t Au, 1.2% Sb) from 457.6 m 0.9 m @ 68.1 g/t AuEq (68.1 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 166.1 m 0.2 m @ 56.6 g/t AuEq (36.2 g/t Au, 8.5% Sb) from 427.5 m SDDSC175: A west-east oriented hole that extended Golden Dyke system 50 m westward into undrilled areas. The hole intercepted nine vein sets including two previously unknown ones and intersected mineralization ~50 m below surface, demonstrating shallow depth potential. The hole supports the potential expansion toward Christina. Highlights included: 11.6 m @ 3.4 g/t AuEq (1.8 g/t Au, 0.7% Sb) from 329.6 m Drill Hole Discussion SDDSC168 and SDDSC168W1 SDDSC168W1 successfully intercepted five vein sets in Golden Dyke and returned exceptional high-grade gold and antimony mineralization. Significant individual results including 168 g/t Au and 0.9% Sb over 0.2 m from 723.4 m, and 68.2 g/t Au and 48.9% Sb over 0.3 m from 776.4 m, with the antimony results representing the third highest individual antimony result recorded on the project to date. SDDSC168W1 represents one of the deepest holes reported at Golden Dyke with the western side of Golden Dyke extended vertically 560 m below surface. These significant grades alongside the textural recognition of two high-grade vein sets (GD70 and GD90) highlight the tenor of Golden Dyke as further drilling continues to target and expand the high-grade mineralization. Key highlights include: 1.9 m @ 16.5 g/t AuEq (16.3 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 723.4 m, including: 0.2 m @ 170.2 g/t AuEq (168.0 g/t Au, 0.9% Sb) from 723.4 m (16.3 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 723.4 m, including: 0.4 m @ 27.3 g/t AuEq (27.3 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 760.0 m (27.3 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 760.0 m 0.5 m @ 164.3 g/t AuEq (96.8 g/t Au, 28.2% Sb) from 776.4 m SDDSC168 was drilled east-west to intercept the lower Golden Dyke system, the hole was abandoned after exiting mineralization early due to deviation and re-drilled as wedge hole (SDDSC168W1 see above) to target the Golden Dyke system. The periphery of RS01 vein set was intercepted in the hole. Highlights include: 2.4 m @ 2.9 g/t AuEq (1.4 g/t Au, 0.6% Sb) from 458.6 m (1.4 g/t Au, 0.6% Sb) from 458.6 m 1.7 m @ 8.6 g/t AuEq (1.3 g/t Au, 3.1% Sb) from 471.8 m, including: 1.3 m @ 11.6 g/t AuEq (1.8 g/t Au, 4.1% Sb) from 472.2 m (1.3 g/t Au, 3.1% Sb) from 471.8 m, including: SDDSC171 SDDSC171 was drilled as an infill hole targeting the Golden Dyke system. The east-west oriented hole intercepted six known vein sets within the Golden Dyke system and intersected high-grade in a previously unmodelled vein set at 130 m vertically below surface (166 m downhole). SDDSC171 was positioned to infill a gap of approximately 100 m to 110 m of vertical spacing between the previous holes SDDSC130 and SDDSC132, successfully confirming the continuity of high-grade mineralization within the Golden Dyke system. Key highlights include: 0.9 m @ 68.1 g/t AuEq (68.1 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 166.1 m (68.1 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 166.1 m 0.4 m @ 47.1 g/t AuEq (7.9 g/t Au, 16.4% Sb) from 171.6 m (7.9 g/t Au, 16.4% Sb) from 171.6 m 0.2 m @ 56.6 g/t AuEq (36.2 g/t Au, 8.5% Sb) from 427.5 m (36.2 g/t Au, 8.5% Sb) from 427.5 m 2.8 m @ 13.7 g/t AuEq (9.8 g/t Au, 1.6% Sb) from 457.1 m, including: 0.2 m @ 119.8 g/t AuEq (117.0 g/t Au, 1.2% Sb) from 457.6 m (9.8 g/t Au, 1.6% Sb) from 457.1 m, including: 0.8 m @ 16.6 g/t AuEq (5.1 g/t Au, 4.8% Sb) from 459.1 m (5.1 g/t Au, 4.8% Sb) from 459.1 m 4.2 m @ 4.5 g/t AuEq (2.8 g/t Au, 0.7% Sb) from 502.8 m (2.8 g/t Au, 0.7% Sb) from 502.8 m 1.4 m @ 8.9 g/t AuEq (5.1 g/t Au, 1.6% Sb) from 503.8 m SDDSC175 SDDSC175, drilled on a west-east orientation, has successfully extended the Golden Dyke system by 50 m to the west of known vein sets with mineralization intersected approximately 50 m vertically below surface, highlighting the potential for mineralization from very shallow depths. The hole intercepted nine vein sets, including two previously unknown vein sets located outside the current exploration target area. This result demonstrates the potential for further expansion west of the Golden Dyke system towards Christina and supports the Company's strategy to systematically target extensions of the known mineralized corridor. Key highlights include: 6.0 m @ 1.4 g/t AuEq (1.4 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 163.0 m (1.4 g/t Au, 0.0% Sb) from 163.0 m 1.7 m @ 6.6 g/t AuEq (5.8 g/t Au, 0.3% Sb) from 203.4 m, including: 0.6 m @ 18.0 g/t AuEq (17.3 g/t Au, 0.3% Sb) from 204.6 m (5.8 g/t Au, 0.3% Sb) from 203.4 m, including: 3.4 m @ 3.5 g/t AuEq (3.2 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 262.6 m, including: 1.0 m @ 8.8 g/t AuEq (8.4 g/t Au, 0.2% Sb) from 264.0 m (3.2 g/t Au, 0.1% Sb) from 262.6 m, including: 1.7 m @ 8.6 g/t AuEq (5.7 g/t Au, 1.2% Sb) from 312.1 m, including: 1.4 m @ 9.8 g/t AuEq (6.5 g/t Au, 1.4% Sb) from 312.1 m (5.7 g/t Au, 1.2% Sb) from 312.1 m, including: 0.8 m @ 13.4 g/t AuEq (11.4 g/t Au, 0.8% Sb) from 318.9 m (11.4 g/t Au, 0.8% Sb) from 318.9 m 11.6 m @ 3.4 g/t AuEq (1.8 g/t Au, 0.7% Sb) from 329.6 m, including: 1.8 m @ 4.5 g/t AuEq (2.5 g/t Au, 0.8% Sb) from 330.6 m 0.6 m @ 12.6 g/t AuEq (3.8 g/t Au, 3.7% Sb) from 334.4 m 2.0 m @ 4.7 g/t AuEq (2.7 g/t Au, 0.8% Sb) from 339.2 m (1.8 g/t Au, 0.7% Sb) from 329.6 m, including: Pending Results and Program Update An additional rig has been mobilized to site for a total of nine rigs now operating at Sunday Creek. Eight rigs are infill and extension drilling across a 1.6 km strike, with one rig targeting regional exploration targets. A total of 37 holes are currently being processed and analyzed. Nine additional holes are actively being drilled. About Sunday Creek The Sunday Creek epizonal-style gold project is located 60 km north of Melbourne within 16,900 hectares ("Ha") of granted exploration tenements. SXGC is also the freehold landholder of 1,054.51 Ha that forms the key portion in and around the main drilled area at the Sunday Creek Project. Cumulatively, 187 drill holes for 88,812.55 m have been reported from Sunday Creek since late 2020. Five holes for 929 m have been drilled for geotechnical purposes. An additional 14 holes for 2990.95 m from Sunday Creek were abandoned due to deviation or hole conditions. Fourteen drillholes for 2,383 m have been reported regionally outside of the main Sunday Creek drill area. A total of 64 historic drill holes for 5,599 m were completed from the late 1960s to 2008. The project now contains a total of sixty-six (66) >100 g/t AuEq x m and seventy-five (75) >50 to 100 g/t AuEq x m drill holes by applying a 2 m @ 1 g/t AuEq lower cut. Our systematic drill program is strategically targeting these significant high-grade vein formations. Initially these have been defined over 1,500 m strike of the host from Christina to Apollo prospects, of which approximately 620 m have been more intensively drill tested (Rising Sun to Apollo). At least 77 'rungs' have been defined to date, defined by high-grade intercepts (20 g/t to >7,330 g/t Au) along with lower grade edges. Ongoing step-out drilling is aiming to uncover the potential extent of this mineralized system (Figures 1 to 3). Geologically, the project is located within the Melbourne Structural Zone in the Lachlan Fold Belt. The regional host to the Sunday Creek mineralization is an interbedded turbidite sequence of siltstones and minor sandstones metamorphosed to sub-greenschist facies and folded into a set of open north-west trending folds. Further Information Further discussion and analysis of the Sunday Creek project is available through the interactive Vrify 3D animations, presentations and videos all available on the SXGC website.These data, along with an interview on these results with Michael Hudson, President & CEO, can be viewed at www.southerncrossgold.com. No upper gold grade cut is applied in the averaging and intervals are reported as drill thickness. However, during future Mineral Resource studies, the requirement for assay top cutting will be assessed. The Company notes that due to rounding of assay results to one significant figure, minor variations in calculated composite grades may occur. Figures 1 to 5 show project location, plan, longitudinal views and analysis of drill results reported here and Tables 1 to 3 provide collar and assay data. The true thickness of the mineralized intervals reported is approximately 45% to 70% of the sampled thickness for other reported holes. Lower grades were cut at 1.0 g/t AuEq lower cutoff over a maximum width of 2 m with higher grades cut at 5.0 g/t AuEq lower cutoff over a maximum of 1 m width. Critical Metal Epizonal Gold-Antimony Deposits Sunday Creek is an epizonal gold-antimony deposit formed in the late Devonian (like Fosterville, Costerfield and Redcastle), 60 million years later than mesozonal gold systems formed in Victoria (for example Ballarat and Bendigo). Epizonal deposits are a form of orogenic gold deposit classified according to their depth of formation: epizonal (<6 km), mesozonal (6-12 km) and hypozonal (>12 km). Epizonal deposits in Victoria often have associated high levels of the critical metal, antimony, and Sunday Creek is no exception. China claims a 56 per cent share of global mined supplies of antimony, according to a 2023 European Union study. Antimony features highly on the critical minerals lists of many countries including Australia, the United States of America, Canada, Japan and the European Union. Australia ranks seventh for antimony production despite all production coming from a single mine at Costerfield in Victoria, located nearby to all SXG projects. Antimony alloys with lead and tin which results in improved properties for solders, munitions, bearings and batteries. Antimony is a prominent additive for halogen-containing flame retardants. Adequate supplies of antimony are critical to the world's energy transition, and to the high-tech industry, especially the semi-conductor and defence sectors where it is a critical additive to primers in munitions. Antimony represents approximately 21% to 24% in situ recoverable value of Sunday Creek at an AuEq of 2.39 ratio. In August 2024, the Chinese government announced it would place export limits from September 15, 2024 on antimony and antimony products. This puts pressure on Western defence supply chains and negatively affects the supply of the metal and pushes up pricing given China's dominance of the supply of the metal in the global markets. This is positive for SXGC as we are likely to have one of the very few large and high-quality projects of antimony in the western world that can feed western demand into the future. Antimony Exempt from Executive Order on Reciprocal Tariffs Southern Cross Gold Consolidated notes that antimony ores and concentrates (HTSUS code 26171000) are exempt from the April 2, 2025 US Executive Order on Reciprocal Tariffs. The exemption covers antimony ores and concentrates as well as unwrought antimony, antimony powders, antimony waste and scrap, and articles of antimony (HTSUS codes 81101000, 81102000, and 81109000). About Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSX: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTCQX: SXGCF) Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. controls the Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project located 60 km north of Melbourne, Australia. Sunday Creek has emerged as one of the Western world's most significant gold and antimony discoveries, with exceptional drilling results including 66 intersections exceeding 100 g/t AuEq x m from just 88 km of drilling. The mineralization follows a "Golden Ladder" structure over 12 km of strike length, with confirmed continuity from surface to 1,100 m depth. Sunday Creek's strategic value is enhanced by its dual-metal profile, with antimony contributing approximately 20 % of the in-situ value alongside gold. This has gained increased significance following China's export restrictions on antimony, a critical metal for defense and semiconductor applications. Southern Cross' inclusion in the US Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) and Australia's AUKUS-related legislative changes position it as a potential key Western antimony supplier. Importantly, Sunday Creek can be developed primarily based on gold economics, which reduces antimony-related risks while maintaining strategic supply potential. Technical fundamentals further strengthen the investment case, with preliminary metallurgical work showing non-refractory mineralization suitable for conventional processing and gold recoveries of 92-96% through gravity and flotation. With a strong cash position, over 1,000 Ha of strategic freehold land ownership, and a large 60 km drill program planned through Q3 2025, SXGC is well-positioned to advance this globally significant gold-antimony discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction. This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. NI 43-101 Technical Background and Qualified Person Michael Hudson, President and CEO and Managing Director of SXGC, and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, and Mr Kenneth Bush, Exploration Manager of SXGC and a RPGeo (10315) of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, are the Qualified Persons as defined by the NI 43-101. They have prepared, reviewed, verified and approved the technical contents of this release. Analytical samples are transported to the Bendigo facility of On Site Laboratory Services ("On Site") which operates under both an ISO 9001 and NATA quality systems. Samples were prepared and analyzed for gold using the fire assay technique (PE01S method; 25 g charge), followed by measuring the gold in solution with flame AAS equipment. Samples for multi-element analysis (BM011 and over-range methods as required) use aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS analysis. The QA/QC program of Southern Cross Gold consists of the systematic insertion of certified standards of known gold and antimony content, blanks within interpreted mineralized rock and quarter core duplicates. In addition, On Site inserts blanks and standards into the analytical process. SXGC considers that both gold and antimony that are included in the gold equivalent calculation ("AuEq") have reasonable potential to be recovered and sold at Sunday Creek, given current geochemical understanding, historic production statistics and geologically analogous mining operations. Historically, ore from Sunday Creek was treated onsite or shipped to the Costerfield mine, located 54 km to the northwest of the project, for processing during WW1. The Costerfield mine corridor, now owned by Mandalay Resources Ltd contains two million ounces of equivalent gold (Mandalay Q3 2021 Results), and in 2020 was the sixth highest-grade global underground mine and a top 5 global producer of antimony. SXGC considers that it is appropriate to adopt the same gold equivalent variables as Mandalay Resources Ltd in its 2024 End of Year Mineral Reserves and Resources Press Release, dated February 20, 2025. The gold equivalence formula used by Mandalay Resources was calculated using Costerfield's 2024 production costs, using a gold price of US$2,500 per ounce, an antimony price of US$19,000 per tonne and 2024 total year metal recoveries of 91% for gold and 92% for antimony, and is as follows: AuEq = Au (g/t) + 2.39 Sb (%) Based on the latest Costerfield calculation and given the similar geological styles and historic toll treatment of Sunday Creek mineralization at Costerfield, SXGC considers that a AuEq = Au (g/t) + 2.39 Sb (%) is appropriate to use for the initial exploration targeting of gold-antimony mineralization at Sunday Creek. JORC Competent Person Statement Information in this announcement that relates to new exploration results contained in this report is based on information compiled by Mr Kenneth Bush and Mr Michael Hudson. Mr Bush is a Member of Australian Institute of Geoscientists and a Registered Professional Geologist and Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Mr Hudson is a Fellow of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Bush and Mr Hudson each have sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration, and to the activities undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Bush is Exploration Manager and Mr Hudson is President, CEO and Managing Director of Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. and both consent to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears. Certain information in this announcement that relates to prior exploration results is extracted from the Independent Geologist's Report dated 11 December 2024 which was issued with the consent of the Competent Person, Mr Steven Tambanis. The report is included in the Company's prospectus dated 11 December 2024 and is available at www.asx.com.au under code "SX2". The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information related to exploration results included in the original market announcement. The Company confirms that the form and context of the Competent Persons' findings in relation to the report have not been materially modified from the original market announcement. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original document/announcement and the Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not materially modified from the original market announcement. For further information, please contact: Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "proposed", "will", "subject to", "near future", "in the event", "would", "expect", "prepared to" and other similar words or expressions. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include general business, economic, competitive, political, social uncertainties; the state of capital markets, unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant; and other risks described in the Company's documents filed with Canadian or Australian securities regulatory authorities (under code SX2). You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made by the Company with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada or Australia (under code SX2), as applicable, and available for the Company in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca or in Australia at www.asx.com.au (under code SX2). Documents are also available at www.southerncrossgold.com. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. Figure 1: Sunday Creek plan view showing selected results from holes SDDSC168, SDDSC168W1, SDDSC171, and SDDSC175 reported here (dark blue highlighted box, black trace), with selected prior reported drill holes. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11541/263907_43a9de8294b068c5_003full.jpg Figure 2: Sunday Creek plan view showing selected drillhole traces from holes SDDSC168, SDDSC168W1, SDDSC171, and SDDSC175 reported here (black trace), with prior reported drill holes (grey trace) and currently drilling and assays pending hole traces (dark blue). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11541/263907_43a9de8294b068c5_004full.jpg Figure 3: Sunday Creek longitudinal section across A-B in the plane of the dyke breccia/altered sediment host looking towards the north (striking 236 degrees) showing mineralized veins sets. Showing holes SDDSC168, SDDSC168W1, SDDSC171, and SDDSC175 reported here (dark blue highlighted box, black trace), with selected intersections and prior reported drill holes. The vertical extents of the vein sets are limited by proximity to drill hole pierce points. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11541/263907_43a9de8294b068c5_005full.jpg Figure 4: Sunday Creek regional plan view showing soil sampling, structural framework, regional historic epizonal gold mining areas and broad regional areas tested by 12 holes for 2,383 m drill program. The regional drill areas are at Tonstal, Consols and Leviathan located 4,000-7,500 m along strike from the main drill area at Golden Dyke- Apollo. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11541/263907_43a9de8294b068c5_006full.jpg Figure 5: Location of the Sunday Creek project, along with the 100% owned Redcastle Gold-Antimony Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11541/263907_43a9de8294b068c5_007full.jpg Table 1: Drill collar summary table for recent drill holes in progress. This Release Hole ID Depth (m) Prospect East GDA94 Z55 North GDA94 Z55 Elevation (m) Azimuth GDA94 Z55 Dip SDDSC168 712.21 Golden Dyke 330949.9 5868005.9 313.7 254.2 -46.6 SDDSC168W1 892.9 Golden Dyke 330949.9 5868005.9 313.7 254.2 -46.6 SDDSC171 632.17 Golden Dyke 330774.5 5867890.6 295.3 256.8 -46.3 SDDSC175 441.7 Christina 330220.3 5867664 268.9 67.6 -30 Hole ID Depth (m) Prospect East GDA94 Z55 North GDA94 Z55 Elevation (m) Azimuth GDA94 Z55 Dip Currently being processed and analysed SDDSC163A 1058.1 Apollo 331615.1 5867952.2 347 268.1 -47.6 SDDSC167 404.8 Apollo East 331830.3 5868092.4 347.9 216.9 -37.9 SDDSC169A 354.95 Rising Sun 330340.1 5867861.2 276.8 76.1 -54 SDDSC169AW1 731.4 Rising Sun 330340.1 5867861.2 276.8 76.1 -54 SDDSC170 311.27 Apollo 331615.4 5867952.1 347 267.5 -49.8 SDDSC170A 1039.2 Apollo 331615.5 5867952.1 346.9 266.1 -52.7 SDDSC174 469.3 Apollo 331595.7 5867936.2 345.4 264.8 -42.1 SDDSC174A 306.7 Apollo 331595.5 5867936 345.5 263.2 -41.5 SDDSC176 865.8 Golden Dyke 330950.2 5868006.1 313.7 257.3 -53.2 SDDSC177 655.3 Golden Dyke 330774.9 5867890.7 295.2 258.1 -52.2 SDDSC178 353.3 Rising Sun 330340.7 5867861 277 79.1 -42.6 SDDSC179 448.8 Apollo 331465 5867862.9 333.2 265.4 -38.6 SDDSC180 1159.9 Christina 330753.2 5867732.9 306.8 273.1 -45 SDDSC181 1142.5 Apollo 331614.8 5867952.3 346.9 269.2 -52.7 SDDSC182 586.21 Golden Dyke 330219 5867664.1 268.9 60.8 -41.6 SDDSC174B In Progress plan 920 m Apollo 331596.2 5867936.2 345.5 263 -41.6 SDDSC183 343.1 Christina 329715.7 5867444.8 299.7 341.2 -40 SDDSC184A 804 Golden Dyke 330775.1 5867890.9 295.3 263.2 -54.8 SDDSC186 425.6 Golden Dyke 330950.5 5868006.3 313.8 262.6 -54 SDDSC187 518 Rising Sun 330510.7 5867852.7 295.4 75.4 -50.5 SDDSC185 651.85 Regional 329232.8 5867245.1 323.2 26.2 -35 SDDSC186W1 774.1 Golden Dyke 330950.5 5868006.3 313.8 262.6 -54 SDDSC188 In Progress plan 750 m Christina 330218.3 5867664 268.9 57.9 -50.9 SDDSC189 In Progress plan 650 m Regional 329226.5 5867221.6 323.2 150 -35 SDDSC190 451.8 Rising Sun 330511.4 5867852.5 295.5 80.1 -40.8 SDDSC192 In Progress plan 1140 m Apollo 331615.5 5867952.1 346.9 267 -56.5 SDDSC186W2 1200 Golden Dyke 330950.5 5868006.3 313.8 262.6 -54 SDDSC191 In Progress plan 1200 m Christina 330753.5 5867733 306.8 275.2 -46.1 SDDSC193 In Progress plan 760 m Golden Dyke 330774.7 5867890.6 295.2 263 -58.5 SDDSC194 In Progress plan 1650 m Golden Dyke 330813 5867598.8 295.3 310 -64.5 SDDSC195 125 Apollo 330985 5867712.5 317.4 60.5 -53.5 SDDSC196 In Progress plan 840 m Rising Sun 330483.5 5867892.2 289.4 75.7 -64.5 SDDSC197 700 Golden Dyke 330218.3 5867664 268.9 51 -59 SDDSC198 275 Apollo 331180.7 5867848.2 306.1 248.5 -31.5 SDDSC199 415 Apollo 330887.6 5867697.3 312.4 51 -42.2 SDDSC200 320 Apollo 330887.6 5867697.3 312.4 53.4 -47.1 SDDSC201 In Progress plan 290 m Rising Sun 330950.5 5868006.3 313.8 231.6 -28.5 Table 2: Table of mineralized drill hole intersections reported from SDDSC168, SDDSC168W1, SDDSC171, and SDDSC175 with two cutoff criteria. Lower grades cut at 1.0 g/t AuEq lower cutoff over a maximum of 2 m with higher grades cut at 5.0 g/t AuEq cutoff over a maximum of 1 m. Significant intersections and interval depths are rounded to one decimal place. Hole number From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au g/t Sb % AuEq g/t SDDSC168 458.6 461.0 2.4 1.4 0.6 2.9 SDDSC168 471.8 473.5 1.7 1.3 3.1 8.6 Including 472.2 473.5 1.3 1.8 4.1 11.6 SDDSC168W1 460.9 462.6 1.7 1.7 0.1 1.9 SDDSC168W1 467.9 468.0 0.1 0.3 8.7 21.1 SDDSC168W1 475.2 479.0 3.8 0.6 0.1 0.9 SDDSC168W1 723.4 725.3 1.9 16.3 0.1 16.5 Including 723.4 723.6 0.2 168.0 0.9 170.2 SDDSC168W1 742.4 742.9 0.5 1.4 1.2 4.3 SDDSC168W1 760.0 760.4 0.4 27.3 0.0 27.3 SDDSC168W1 776.4 776.9 0.5 96.8 28.2 164.3 SDDSC168W1 782.2 784.5 2.3 2.1 0.1 2.3 SDDSC168W1 803.1 804.0 0.9 7.9 0.0 7.9 SDDSC171 166.1 167.0 0.9 68.1 0.0 68.1 SDDSC171 171.6 172.0 0.4 7.9 16.4 47.1 SDDSC171 427.5 427.7 0.2 36.2 8.5 56.6 SDDSC171 442.1 444.2 2.1 0.6 0.2 1.2 SDDSC171 457.1 459.9 2.8 9.8 1.6 13.7 Including 457.6 457.8 0.2 117.0 1.2 119.8 Including 459.1 459.9 0.8 5.1 4.8 16.6 SDDSC171 460.1 460.8 0.7 1.6 2.1 6.5 SDDSC171 487.6 489.4 1.8 1.1 0.0 1.2 SDDSC171 495.5 499.9 4.4 0.5 0.2 1.1 SDDSC171 502.3 502.8 0.5 3.7 0.5 4.9 SDDSC171 502.8 507.0 4.2 2.8 0.7 4.5 Including 503.8 505.2 1.4 5.1 1.6 8.9 SDDSC171 514.0 517.7 3.7 0.9 0.2 1.4 SDDSC171 529.8 531.3 1.5 0.0 0.6 1.4 SDDSC171 534.0 534.8 0.8 2.4 0.6 3.9 SDDSC171 542.2 542.4 0.2 0.9 4.6 11.9 SDDSC171 555.9 556.9 1 2.0 0.0 2.1 SDDSC175 107.35 108.05 0.7 2.3 1.3 5.3 SDDSC175 124.5 124.9 0.4 6.4 0.1 6.5 SDDSC175 153.6 155.8 2.2 1.4 0.0 1.5 SDDSC175 163 169 6 1.4 0.0 1.4 SDDSC175 203.39 205.09 1.7 5.8 0.3 6.6 Including 204.55 205.15 0.6 17.3 0.3 18.0 SDDSC175 208.74 210.34 1.6 0.5 0.6 2.0 SDDSC175 218.65 220.75 2.1 1.3 0.2 1.8 SDDSC175 262.6 266 3.4 3.2 0.1 3.5 Including 264 265 1 8.4 0.2 8.8 SDDSC175 309.69 310.39 0.7 0.6 1.4 3.9 SDDSC175 312.14 313.84 1.7 5.7 1.2 8.6 Including 312.14 313.54 1.4 6.5 1.4 9.8 SDDSC175 318.94 319.74 0.8 11.4 0.8 13.4 SDDSC175 329.55 341.15 11.6 1.8 0.7 3.4 Including 330.62 332.42 1.8 2.5 0.8 4.5 Including 334.35 334.95 0.6 3.8 3.7 12.6 Including 339.17 341.17 2 2.7 0.8 4.7 SDDSC175 348.86 351.76 2.9 1.1 0.2 1.5 Table 3: All individual assays reported from SDDSC168, SDDSC168W1, SDDSC171, and SDDSC175 reported here >0.1g/t AuEq. Individual assay and sample intervals are reported to two decimal places. Hole number From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au g/t Sb % AuEq g/t SDDSC168 458.64 459.31 0.67 1.91 0.27 2.6 SDDSC168 459.31 459.61 0.3 1.54 0.25 2.1 SDDSC168 459.61 459.81 0.2 2.15 5.12 14.4 SDDSC168 459.81 460.16 0.35 0.76 0.67 2.4 SDDSC168 460.81 461.00 0.19 3.82 0.02 3.9 SDDSC168 468.45 468.55 0.1 0.08 2.50 6.1 SDDSC168 471.76 472.24 0.48 0.21 0.34 1.0 SDDSC168 472.24 472.34 0.1 10.3 36.60 97.8 SDDSC168 472.34 472.68 0.34 0.45 0.40 1.4 SDDSC168 473.37 473.49 0.12 8.15 10.90 34.2 SDDSC168 480.00 480.10 0.1 2.34 0.02 2.4 SDDSC168W1 460.90 461.05 0.15 12.5 0.30 13.2 SDDSC168W1 461.41 461.72 0.31 0.74 0.19 1.2 SDDSC168W1 462.44 462.58 0.14 1.18 0.08 1.4 SDDSC168W1 467.91 468.01 0.1 0.32 8.71 21.1 SDDSC168W1 471.63 471.73 0.1 0.28 5.95 14.5 SDDSC168W1 475.19 475.49 0.3 2.96 0.07 3.1 SDDSC168W1 475.49 475.73 0.24 1.13 0.01 1.1 SDDSC168W1 477.35 477.80 0.45 0.12 0.46 1.2 SDDSC168W1 478.52 479.00 0.48 0.24 0.37 1.1 SDDSC168W1 723.42 723.60 0.18 168 0.93 170.2 SDDSC168W1 725.18 725.29 0.11 1.57 0.01 1.6 SDDSC168W1 730.85 731.45 0.6 1.01 0.01 1.0 SDDSC168W1 742.35 742.65 0.3 1.35 0.59 2.8 SDDSC168W1 742.65 742.80 0.15 1.43 2.55 7.5 SDDSC168W1 748.98 749.50 0.52 1.04 0.85 3.1 SDDSC168W1 760.00 760.35 0.35 27.3 0.01 27.3 SDDSC168W1 776.36 776.64 0.28 68.2 48.90 185.1 SDDSC168W1 776.64 776.85 0.21 135 0.69 136.6 SDDSC168W1 782.20 782.60 0.4 8.62 0.03 8.7 SDDSC168W1 783.50 783.95 0.45 1.19 0.01 1.2 SDDSC168W1 783.95 784.50 0.55 1.37 0.41 2.3 SDDSC168W1 796.67 796.90 0.23 0.61 0.95 2.9 SDDSC168W1 796.90 797.05 0.15 0.16 0.63 1.7 SDDSC168W1 803.05 803.18 0.13 4.41 0.07 4.6 SDDSC168W1 803.18 803.40 0.22 21.2 0.03 21.3 SDDSC168W1 803.40 803.90 0.5 2.91 0.02 3.0 SDDSC171 114.80 115.30 0.5 1.26 0.04 1.3 SDDSC171 166.05 166.55 0.5 15.3 0.01 15.3 SDDSC171 166.55 166.95 0.4 134 0.05 134.1 SDDSC171 171.60 172.00 0.4 7.94 16.40 47.1 SDDSC171 376.90 377.10 0.2 0.37 0.35 1.2 SDDSC171 418.50 418.80 0.3 0.34 0.41 1.3 SDDSC171 427.52 427.70 0.18 36.2 8.54 56.6 SDDSC171 436.26 436.48 0.22 1.41 1.16 4.2 SDDSC171 439.70 439.82 0.12 6.59 3.31 14.5 SDDSC171 442.08 442.59 0.51 1.62 0.49 2.8 SDDSC171 442.59 442.70 0.11 0.53 0.59 1.9 SDDSC171 443.32 443.51 0.19 0.96 0.64 2.5 SDDSC171 444.07 444.17 0.1 0.77 0.20 1.2 SDDSC171 446.69 446.79 0.1 12.6 3.06 19.9 SDDSC171 448.43 448.53 0.1 1.26 0.25 1.9 SDDSC171 449.11 449.25 0.14 2.09 0.05 2.2 SDDSC171 450.82 450.94 0.12 1.07 0.35 1.9 SDDSC171 452.62 452.88 0.26 1.66 0.48 2.8 SDDSC171 453.49 453.70 0.21 1.86 0.04 2.0 SDDSC171 457.08 457.31 0.23 1.25 0.17 1.7 SDDSC171 457.31 457.44 0.13 0.98 0.71 2.7 SDDSC171 457.60 457.79 0.19 117 1.18 119.8 SDDSC171 458.04 458.18 0.14 2.19 0.26 2.8 SDDSC171 458.63 459.10 0.47 0.73 0.43 1.8 SDDSC171 459.10 459.32 0.22 2.61 2.89 9.5 SDDSC171 459.32 459.56 0.24 0.81 0.68 2.4 SDDSC171 459.56 459.90 0.34 9.75 8.98 31.2 SDDSC171 460.10 460.35 0.25 0.99 4.84 12.6 SDDSC171 460.35 460.75 0.4 2.03 0.32 2.8 SDDSC171 477.01 477.15 0.14 0.5 0.24 1.1 SDDSC171 485.66 485.90 0.24 0.08 1.06 2.6 SDDSC171 487.60 488.56 0.96 0.94 0.03 1.0 SDDSC171 488.56 489.40 0.84 1.27 0.03 1.3 SDDSC171 495.50 495.75 0.25 1.9 0.56 3.2 SDDSC171 497.00 497.54 0.54 0.15 0.54 1.4 SDDSC171 497.54 498.07 0.53 0.16 0.75 2.0 SDDSC171 499.50 499.89 0.39 2 0.03 2.1 SDDSC171 502.31 502.56 0.25 5.63 0.26 6.3 SDDSC171 502.56 502.77 0.21 1.51 0.74 3.3 SDDSC171 502.83 503.43 0.6 0.47 0.33 1.3 SDDSC171 503.43 503.79 0.36 2.23 0.34 3.0 SDDSC171 503.79 504.15 0.36 12.3 1.13 15.0 SDDSC171 504.15 504.36 0.21 2.38 1.53 6.0 SDDSC171 504.36 505.21 0.85 2.69 1.80 7.0 SDDSC171 505.64 506.20 0.56 0.65 0.35 1.5 SDDSC171 506.20 506.51 0.31 0.93 0.08 1.1 SDDSC171 506.51 506.99 0.48 4.95 0.23 5.5 SDDSC171 513.99 515.03 1.04 0.95 0.34 1.8 SDDSC171 515.03 515.25 0.22 1.07 0.94 3.3 SDDSC171 515.55 516.02 0.47 1.02 0.02 1.1 SDDSC171 517.20 517.73 0.53 2.38 0.18 2.8 SDDSC171 529.80 530.00 0.2 0.04 1.38 3.3 SDDSC171 531.10 531.30 0.2 0.11 3.06 7.4 SDDSC171 534.00 534.20 0.2 3.46 0.58 4.8 SDDSC171 534.20 534.80 0.6 2.06 0.64 3.6 SDDSC171 542.15 542.35 0.2 0.94 4.60 11.9 SDDSC171 544.40 544.60 0.2 1.12 1.21 4.0 SDDSC171 544.60 545.20 0.6 0.34 0.45 1.4 SDDSC171 555.90 556.90 1 2.04 0.02 2.1 SDDSC175 107.35 107.45 0.1 2.65 3.15 10.2 SDDSC175 107.45 108 0.55 2.23 0.91 4.4 SDDSC175 108 109 1 0.25 0.01 0.3 SDDSC175 111 112 1 0.12 0.02 0.2 SDDSC175 117.3 118.3 1 0.13 0.02 0.2 SDDSC175 118.3 119.1 0.8 0.35 0.06 0.5 SDDSC175 119.1 120 0.9 0.24 0.01 0.3 SDDSC175 121 122 1 0.15 0.00 0.2 SDDSC175 123 124 1 0.32 0.00 0.3 SDDSC175 124 124.5 0.5 0.56 0.02 0.6 SDDSC175 124.5 124.9 0.4 6.41 0.05 6.5 SDDSC175 124.9 126 1.1 0.41 0.01 0.4 SDDSC175 126 127 1 0.16 0.00 0.2 SDDSC175 128 129 1 0.42 0.00 0.4 SDDSC175 129 130 1 0.41 0.00 0.4 SDDSC175 130 131 1 0.23 0.00 0.2 SDDSC175 132 133 1 0.22 0.00 0.2 SDDSC175 136 137 1 0.19 0.01 0.2 SDDSC175 137 138 1 0.72 0.02 0.8 SDDSC175 138 139 1 0.1 0.03 0.2 SDDSC175 139 140 1 0.06 0.02 0.1 SDDSC175 140 141 1 0.03 0.04 0.1 SDDSC175 142.9 144 1.1 0.08 0.03 0.2 SDDSC175 144 144.45 0.45 0.03 0.04 0.1 SDDSC175 144.6 145 0.4 0.04 0.04 0.1 SDDSC175 145 146 1 0.03 0.03 0.1 SDDSC175 147 148 1 0.05 0.04 0.1 SDDSC175 148 149 1 0.08 0.03 0.1 SDDSC175 149 149.5 0.5 0.21 0.01 0.2 SDDSC175 149.5 150.6 1.1 0.3 0.01 0.3 SDDSC175 150.6 151.6 1 0.38 0.00 0.4 SDDSC175 151.6 152.6 1 0.39 0.01 0.4 SDDSC175 152.6 153.6 1 0.78 0.01 0.8 SDDSC175 153.6 154.6 1 2.1 0.06 2.3 SDDSC175 154.6 155 0.4 0.17 0.04 0.3 SDDSC175 155 155.8 0.8 1.1 0.01 1.1 SDDSC175 155.8 157 1.2 0.44 0.01 0.5 SDDSC175 157 158 1 0.58 0.01 0.6 SDDSC175 163 164 1 1.66 0.02 1.7 SDDSC175 164 165 1 1.45 0.01 1.5 SDDSC175 165 166 1 0.78 0.02 0.8 SDDSC175 166 167 1 0.87 0.01 0.9 SDDSC175 167 168 1 1.85 0.01 1.9 SDDSC175 168 169 1 1.86 0.01 1.9 SDDSC175 169 170 1 0.93 0.01 1.0 SDDSC175 170 171 1 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC175 171 172 1 0.32 0.01 0.4 SDDSC175 173 174 1 0.26 0.01 0.3 SDDSC175 177 177.8 0.8 0.13 0.01 0.2 SDDSC175 177.8 177.95 0.15 2.84 0.45 3.9 SDDSC175 177.95 179 1.05 0.13 0.05 0.3 SDDSC175 182 183 1 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC175 186 186.4 0.4 0.02 0.05 0.1 SDDSC175 186.4 187.58 1.18 0.02 0.04 0.1 SDDSC175 188.07 189.11 1.04 0.1 0.04 0.2 SDDSC175 192.37 193.22 0.85 0.08 0.02 0.1 SDDSC175 198.5 199.14 0.64 0.46 0.18 0.9 SDDSC175 199.14 199.98 0.84 0.55 0.26 1.2 SDDSC175 199.98 201.1 1.12 0.33 0.02 0.4 SDDSC175 201.1 201.81 0.71 -0.01 0.11 0.3 SDDSC175 201.81 202.74 0.93 0.04 0.05 0.1 SDDSC175 202.74 203.39 0.65 0.07 0.05 0.2 SDDSC175 203.39 204.55 1.16 0.26 0.33 1.0 SDDSC175 204.55 205.11 0.56 17.3 0.30 18.0 SDDSC175 205.11 205.9 0.79 0.41 0.06 0.5 SDDSC175 205.9 206.27 0.37 0.06 0.08 0.3 SDDSC175 206.27 207.49 1.22 0.04 0.11 0.3 SDDSC175 207.49 208.74 1.25 0.04 0.27 0.7 SDDSC175 208.74 209.16 0.42 0.62 0.80 2.5 SDDSC175 209.16 210.36 1.2 0.49 0.57 1.9 SDDSC175 210.81 211.6 0.79 0.04 0.06 0.2 SDDSC175 211.6 211.7 0.1 0.4 0.06 0.5 SDDSC175 211.7 212.25 0.55 0.03 0.04 0.1 SDDSC175 212.25 212.87 0.62 0.12 0.07 0.3 SDDSC175 212.87 213.4 0.53 0.8 0.12 1.1 SDDSC175 213.4 213.56 0.16 2.08 0.47 3.2 SDDSC175 213.56 214.19 0.63 0.4 0.08 0.6 SDDSC175 215.11 215.88 0.77 0.02 0.05 0.1 SDDSC175 215.88 216.44 0.56 0.2 0.27 0.8 SDDSC175 216.44 217.4 0.96 0.03 0.03 0.1 SDDSC175 217.4 218.65 1.25 0.16 0.11 0.4 SDDSC175 218.65 218.78 0.13 5.34 0.12 5.6 SDDSC175 218.78 219.5 0.72 0.56 0.24 1.1 SDDSC175 219.5 219.61 0.11 0.33 0.54 1.6 SDDSC175 219.61 220.76 1.15 1.4 0.18 1.8 SDDSC175 220.76 221.26 0.5 0.66 0.04 0.8 SDDSC175 221.42 222.09 0.67 0.08 0.03 0.2 SDDSC175 222.09 223 0.91 0.65 0.03 0.7 SDDSC175 223 223.75 0.75 0.83 0.13 1.1 SDDSC175 223.75 224.8 1.05 0.48 0.05 0.6 SDDSC175 224.8 226 1.2 0.12 0.01 0.2 SDDSC175 226 226.95 0.95 0.46 0.02 0.5 SDDSC175 226.95 227.75 0.8 0.39 0.02 0.4 SDDSC175 227.75 229 1.25 0.03 0.07 0.2 SDDSC175 229 230 1 0.01 0.05 0.1 SDDSC175 230 231 1 1.93 0.03 2.0 SDDSC175 237.3 238.2 0.9 0.39 0.02 0.4 SDDSC175 238.2 238.6 0.4 0.81 0.02 0.9 SDDSC175 239.15 239.8 0.65 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC175 244.5 245.15 0.65 0.14 0.02 0.2 SDDSC175 246.6 247.5 0.9 0.06 0.05 0.2 SDDSC175 247.5 248.4 0.9 0.02 0.04 0.1 SDDSC175 249.4 250 0.6 0.77 0.09 1.0 SDDSC175 250 251.1 1.1 0.41 0.02 0.5 SDDSC175 251.1 251.5 0.4 1.5 0.09 1.7 SDDSC175 251.5 252 0.5 0.07 0.03 0.1 SDDSC175 252 252.5 0.5 0.4 0.04 0.5 SDDSC175 252.5 252.6 0.1 0.3 0.16 0.7 SDDSC175 253.68 254.5 0.82 1.07 0.03 1.1 SDDSC175 254.5 255.8 1.3 0.12 0.05 0.2 SDDSC175 255.8 256.13 0.33 0.34 0.18 0.8 SDDSC175 256.13 256.23 0.1 1.02 0.03 1.1 SDDSC175 256.23 257 0.77 0.09 0.02 0.1 SDDSC175 257 258 1 0.18 0.02 0.2 SDDSC175 259 259.8 0.8 0.35 0.02 0.4 SDDSC175 259.8 261 1.2 0.36 0.01 0.4 SDDSC175 261 261.7 0.7 0.65 0.07 0.8 SDDSC175 261.7 262.5 0.8 1.2 0.07 1.4 SDDSC175 262.6 263.35 0.75 0.95 0.06 1.1 SDDSC175 263.35 263.5 0.15 2.35 0.09 2.6 SDDSC175 263.5 264 0.5 1.06 0.10 1.3 SDDSC175 264 265 1 8.35 0.19 8.8 SDDSC175 265 266 1 0.9 0.10 1.1 SDDSC175 266 266.6 0.6 0.84 0.03 0.9 SDDSC175 266.6 267.5 0.9 0.61 0.03 0.7 SDDSC175 267.5 268.5 1 0.91 0.03 1.0 SDDSC175 268.5 269.5 1 0.45 0.02 0.5 SDDSC175 275.6 276.7 1.1 0.13 0.05 0.2 SDDSC175 285.6 286 0.4 0.27 0.01 0.3 SDDSC175 286.4 286.8 0.4 0.5 0.02 0.6 SDDSC175 286.8 287.03 0.23 1.78 0.22 2.3 SDDSC175 287.03 287.5 0.47 1.78 0.32 2.5 SDDSC175 287.5 288 0.5 0.42 0.01 0.4 SDDSC175 288.7 289.1 0.4 0.09 0.01 0.1 SDDSC175 289.1 289.4 0.3 0.66 0.08 0.9 SDDSC175 289.4 290.15 0.75 0.21 0.01 0.2 SDDSC175 290.15 290.25 0.1 1.12 1.19 4.0 SDDSC175 290.25 291 0.75 0.09 0.01 0.1 SDDSC175 291 292 1 0.82 0.01 0.8 SDDSC175 292 293 1 0.1 0.03 0.2 SDDSC175 293 294 1 0.26 0.03 0.3 SDDSC175 302 303 1 0.27 0.00 0.3 SDDSC175 303 304 1 0.3 0.00 0.3 SDDSC175 304 305 1 0.2 0.04 0.3 SDDSC175 305 306 1 0.14 0.00 0.1 SDDSC175 308 309 1 0.35 0.07 0.5 SDDSC175 309 309.69 0.69 0.25 0.01 0.3 SDDSC175 309.69 310 0.31 0.61 0.35 1.4 SDDSC175 310 310.35 0.35 0.57 2.29 6.0 SDDSC175 310.35 310.5 0.15 0.3 0.16 0.7 SDDSC175 310.5 310.95 0.45 0.44 0.08 0.6 SDDSC175 311.9 312.14 0.24 0.55 0.01 0.6 SDDSC175 312.14 312.31 0.17 5.32 1.78 9.6 SDDSC175 312.31 312.76 0.45 0.84 0.02 0.9 SDDSC175 312.76 313.19 0.43 13.3 2.06 18.2 SDDSC175 313.19 313.57 0.38 6.14 2.08 11.1 SDDSC175 313.57 313.8 0.23 0.73 0.15 1.1 SDDSC175 316.67 317 0.33 0.1 0.01 0.1 SDDSC175 317.74 318.1 0.36 0.16 0.04 0.2 SDDSC175 318.1 318.4 0.3 0.35 0.03 0.4 SDDSC175 318.94 319.28 0.34 22.2 0.39 23.1 SDDSC175 319.28 319.69 0.41 2.43 1.20 5.3 SDDSC175 322.6 323.1 0.5 0.75 0.02 0.8 SDDSC175 323.36 324.3 0.94 0.55 0.16 0.9 SDDSC175 324.3 324.65 0.35 1.08 0.17 1.5 SDDSC175 324.65 325.25 0.6 0.73 0.06 0.9 SDDSC175 326.22 326.41 0.19 0.25 0.11 0.5 SDDSC175 326.78 327.2 0.42 1.73 1.33 4.9 SDDSC175 327.2 327.5 0.3 0.64 0.02 0.7 SDDSC175 327.5 328.3 0.8 0.05 0.02 0.1 SDDSC175 328.3 329.25 0.95 0.15 0.01 0.2 SDDSC175 329.25 329.55 0.3 0.19 0.02 0.2 SDDSC175 329.55 329.9 0.35 1.49 0.32 2.3 SDDSC175 329.9 330.62 0.72 0.44 0.04 0.5 SDDSC175 330.62 331 0.38 5 1.46 8.5 SDDSC175 331 331.46 0.46 3.27 1.61 7.1 SDDSC175 331.46 332.27 0.81 0.78 0.07 1.0 SDDSC175 332.27 332.41 0.14 3.51 1.03 6.0 SDDSC175 332.41 333 0.59 1.33 0.64 2.9 SDDSC175 333 333.6 0.6 0.92 0.10 1.2 SDDSC175 333.6 334.35 0.75 1.6 0.47 2.7 SDDSC175 334.35 334.48 0.13 4.63 11.30 31.6 SDDSC175 334.48 334.9 0.42 3.48 1.34 6.7 SDDSC175 334.9 336.19 1.29 0.91 0.10 1.1 SDDSC175 336.67 337.17 0.5 1.26 0.35 2.1 SDDSC175 337.17 337.65 0.48 0.67 0.14 1.0 SDDSC175 337.65 338.19 0.54 2.59 0.40 3.5 SDDSC175 338.19 338.3 0.11 0.91 0.07 1.1 SDDSC175 338.3 339.17 0.87 2.32 0.98 4.7 SDDSC175 339.17 339.55 0.38 3.47 1.55 7.2 SDDSC175 339.55 339.68 0.13 0.25 0.03 0.3 SDDSC175 339.68 340.04 0.36 1.5 0.38 2.4 SDDSC175 340.04 340.45 0.41 1.95 1.55 5.7 SDDSC175 340.45 340.8 0.35 0.64 0.07 0.8 SDDSC175 340.8 340.92 0.12 2.6 0.98 4.9 SDDSC175 340.92 341.18 0.26 8.19 0.65 9.7 SDDSC175 341.18 342.48 1.3 0.58 0.03 0.7 SDDSC175 342.48 342.66 0.18 0.35 0.03 0.4 SDDSC175 342.66 342.76 0.1 0.54 0.02 0.6 SDDSC175 342.76 343.16 0.4 0.66 0.07 0.8 SDDSC175 343.66 344 0.34 0.76 0.45 1.8 SDDSC175 344.7 345.13 0.43 0.08 0.02 0.1 SDDSC175 346.06 346.43 0.37 0.13 1.25 3.1 SDDSC175 346.43 346.73 0.3 0.58 0.03 0.6 SDDSC175 346.73 347.13 0.4 0.14 0.02 0.2 SDDSC175 347.13 348.06 0.93 0.2 0.02 0.2 SDDSC175 348.06 348.86 0.8 0.32 0.01 0.3 SDDSC175 348.86 349.35 0.49 1.2 0.02 1.3 SDDSC175 349.8 350.78 0.98 0.92 0.06 1.1 SDDSC175 350.78 351.13 0.35 1.9 0.05 2.0 SDDSC175 351.13 351.6 0.47 1.86 0.65 3.4 SDDSC175 351.6 351.79 0.19 1.15 0.53 2.4 SDDSC175 351.79 353.05 1.26 0.42 0.02 0.5 SDDSC175 355.6 356.5 0.9 0.8 0.02 0.8 SDDSC175 356.5 356.94 0.44 0.75 0.07 0.9 SDDSC175 358.22 359.23 1.01 0.22 0.01 0.3 SDDSC175 359.86 360.05 0.19 0.06 0.07 0.2 SDDSC175 361.22 361.69 0.47 0.16 0.16 0.5 SDDSC175 361.69 362.61 0.92 0.44 0.06 0.6 SDDSC175 362.61 363.27 0.66 0.14 0.02 0.2 SDDSC175 364 364.76 0.76 0.1 0.05 0.2 SDDSC175 364.76 365.9 1.14 0.1 0.10 0.3 SDDSC175 369.34 369.8 0.46 0.44 0.01 0.5 SDDSC175 370.15 370.69 0.54 1.8 0.20 2.3 SDDSC175 370.69 371.2 0.51 0.08 0.02 0.1 SDDSC175 380 381 1 0.26 0.00 0.3 SDDSC175 381 382 1 0.1 0.00 0.1 JORC Table 1 Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. Aspects of the determination of mineralization that are Material to the Public Report. In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g. 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralization types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. Sampling has been conducted on drill core (half core for >90% and quarter core for check samples), grab samples (field samples of in-situ bedrock and boulders; including duplicate samples), trench samples (rock chips, including duplicates) and soil samples (including duplicate samples). Locations of field samples were obtained by using a GPS, generally to an accuracy of within 5 metres. Drill hole and trench locations have been confirmed to <1 metre using a differential GPS. Samples locations have also been verified by plotting locations on the high-resolution Lidar maps Locations of field samples were obtained by using a GPS, generally to an accuracy of within 5 metres. Drill hole and trench locations have been confirmed to <1 metre using a differential GPS. Samples locations have also been verified by plotting locations on the high-resolution Lidar maps Drill core is marked for cutting and cut using an automated diamond saw used by Company staff in Kilmore. Samples are bagged at the core saw and transported to the Bendigo On Site Laboratory for assay. At On Site samples are crushed using a jaw crusher combined with a rotary splitter and a 1 kg split is separated for pulverizing (LM5) and assay. Samples are bagged at the core saw and transported to the Bendigo On Site Laboratory for assay. At On Site samples are crushed using a jaw crusher combined with a rotary splitter and a 1 kg split is separated for pulverizing (LM5) and assay. Standard fire assay techniques are used for gold assay on a 30 g charge by experienced staff (used to dealing with high sulfide and stibnite-rich charges). On Site gold method by fire assay code PE01S. Screen fire assay is used to understand gold grain-size distribution where coarse gold is evident. ICP-OES is used to analyse the aqua regia digested pulp for an additional 12 elements (method BM011) and over-range antimony is measured using flame AAS (method known as B050). Soil samples were sieved in the field and an 80 mesh sample bagged and transported to ALS Global laboratories in Brisbane for super-low level gold analysis on a 50 g samples by method ST44 (using aqua regia and ICP-MS). Grab and rock chip samples are generally submitted to On Site Laboratories for standard fire assay and 12 element ICP-OES as described above. Drilling techniques Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc.) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc.). HQ or NQ diameter diamond drill core, oriented using Axis Champ orientation tool with the orientation line marked on the base of the drill core by the driller/offsider. A standard 3 metre core barrel has been found to be most effective in both the hard and soft rocks in the project. Drill sample recovery Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. Core recoveries were maximised using HQ or NQ diamond drill core with careful control over water pressure to maintain soft-rock integrity and prevent loss of fines from soft drill core. Recoveries are determined on a metre-by-metre basis in the core shed using a tape measure against marked up drill core checking against driller's core blocks. Plots of grade versus recovery and RQD (described below) show no trends relating to loss of drill core, or fines. Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc.) photography. The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. Geotechnical logging of the drill core takes place on racks in the company core shed. Core orientations marked at the drill rig are checked for consistency, and base of core orientation lines are marked on core where two or more orientations match within 10 degrees. Core recoveries are measured for each metre RQD measurements (cumulative quantity of core sticks > 10 cm in a metre) are made on a metre-by-metre basis. Core orientations marked at the drill rig are checked for consistency, and base of core orientation lines are marked on core where two or more orientations match within 10 degrees. Core recoveries are measured for each metre RQD measurements (cumulative quantity of core sticks > 10 cm in a metre) are made on a metre-by-metre basis. Each tray of drill core is photographed (wet and dry) after it is fully marked up for sampling and cutting. The core cutting line is placed approximately 10 degrees above the orientation line so the orientation line is retained in the core tray for future work. Geological logging of drill core includes the following parameters: Rock types, lithology Alteration Structural information (orientations of veins, bedding, fractures using standard alpha-beta measurements from orientation line; or, in the case of un-oriented parts of the core, the alpha angles are measured) Veining (quartz, carbonate, stibnite) Key minerals (visible under hand lens, e.g. gold, stibnite) Rock types, lithology Alteration Structural information (orientations of veins, bedding, fractures using standard alpha-beta measurements from orientation line; or, in the case of un-oriented parts of the core, the alpha angles are measured) Veining (quartz, carbonate, stibnite) Key minerals (visible under hand lens, e.g. gold, stibnite) 100% of drill core is logged for all components described above into the company MX logging database. Logging is fully quantitative, although the description of lithology and alteration relies on visible observations by trained geologists. Each tray of drill core is photographed (wet and dry) after it is fully marked up for sampling and cutting. Logging is considered to be at an appropriate quantitative standard to use in future studies. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc. and whether sampled wet or dry. For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples. Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Drill core is typically half-core sampled using an Almonte core saw. The drill core orientation line is retained. Quarter core is used when taking sampling duplicates (termed FDUP in the database). Sampling representivity is maximised by always taking the same side of the drill core (whenever oriented), and consistently drawing a cut line on the core where orientation is not possible. The field technician draws these lines. Sample sizes are maximised for coarse gold by using half core, and using quarter core and half core splits (laboratory duplicates) allows an estimation of nugget effect. In mineralized rock the company uses approximately 10% of core duplicates, certified reference materials (suitable OREAS materials), laboratory sample duplicates and instrument repeats. In the soil sampling program duplicates were obtained every 20th sample and the laboratory inserted low-level gold standards regularly into the sample flow. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established. The fire assay technique for gold used by On Site is a globally recognised method, and over-range follow-ups including gravimetric finish and screen fire assay are standard. Of significance at the On Site laboratory is the presence of fire assay personnel who are experienced in dealing with high sulfide charges (especially those with high stibnite contents) - this substantially reduces the risk of in accurate reporting in complex sulfide-gold charges. Where screen fire assay is used, this assay will be reported instead of the original fire assay. The ICP-OES technique is a standard analytical technique for assessing elemental concentrations. The digest used (aqua regia) is excellent for the dissolution of sulfides (in this case generally stibnite, pyrite and trace arsenopyrite), but other silicate-hosted elements, in particular vanadium (V), may only be partially dissolved. These silicate-hosted elements are not important in the determination of the quantity of gold, antimony, arsenic or sulphur. A portable XRF has been used in a qualitative manner on drill core to ensure appropriate core samples have been taken (no pXRF data are reported or included in the MX database). Acceptable levels of accuracy and precision have been established using the following methods duplicates - half core is split into quarters and given separate sample numbers (commonly in mineralized core) - low to medium gold grades indicate strong correlation, dropping as the gold grade increases over 40 g/t Au. Blanks - blanks are inserted after visible gold and in strongly mineralized rocks to confirm that the crushing and pulping are not affected by gold smearing onto the crusher and LM5 swing mill surfaces. Results are excellent, generally below detection limit and a single sample at 0.03 g/t Au. Certified Reference Materials - OREAS CRMs have been used throughout the project including blanks, low (<1 g/t Au), medium (up to 5 g/t Au) and high-grade gold samples (> 5 g/t Au). Results are automatically checked on data import into the MX database to fall within 2 standard deviations of the expected value. Laboratory splits - On Site conducts splits of both coarse crush and pulp duplicates as quality control and reports all data. In particular, high Au samples have the most repeats. Laboratory CRMs - On Site regularly inserts their own CRM materials into the process flow and reports all data Laboratory precision - duplicate measurements of solutions (both Au from fire assay and other elements from the aqua regia digests) are made regularly by the laboratory and reported. - half core is split into quarters and given separate sample numbers (commonly in mineralized core) - low to medium gold grades indicate strong correlation, dropping as the gold grade increases over 40 g/t Au. - blanks are inserted after visible gold and in strongly mineralized rocks to confirm that the crushing and pulping are not affected by gold smearing onto the crusher and LM5 swing mill surfaces. Results are excellent, generally below detection limit and a single sample at 0.03 g/t Au. - OREAS CRMs have been used throughout the project including blanks, low (<1 g/t Au), medium (up to 5 g/t Au) and high-grade gold samples (> 5 g/t Au). Results are automatically checked on data import into the MX database to fall within 2 standard deviations of the expected value. - On Site conducts splits of both coarse crush and pulp duplicates as quality control and reports all data. In particular, high Au samples have the most repeats. - On Site regularly inserts their own CRM materials into the process flow and reports all data - duplicate measurements of solutions (both Au from fire assay and other elements from the aqua regia digests) are made regularly by the laboratory and reported. Accuracy and precision have been determined carefully by using the sampling and measurement techniques described above during the sampling (accuracy) and laboratory (accuracy and precision) stages of the analysis. have been determined carefully by using the sampling and measurement techniques described above during the sampling (accuracy) and laboratory (accuracy and precision) stages of the analysis. Soil sample company duplicates and laboratory certified reference materials all fall within expected ranges. Verification of sampling and assaying The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. The use of twinned holes. Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. Discuss any adjustment to assay data. The Independent Geologist has visited Sunday Creek drill sites and inspected drill core held at the Kilmore core shed. Visual inspection of drill intersections matches both the geological descriptions in the database and the expected assay data (for example, gold and stibnite visible in drill core is matched by high Au and Sb results in assays). In addition, on receipt of results Company geologists assess the gold, antimony and arsenic results to verify that the intersections returned expected data. The electronic data storage in the MX database is of a high standard. Primary logging data are entered directly by the geologists and field technicians and the assay data are electronically matched against sample number on return from the laboratory. Certified reference materials, core field duplicates (FDUP), laboratory splits and duplicates and instrument repeats are all recorded in the database. Exports of data include all primary data, from hole SDDSC077B onwards after discussion with SRK Consulting. Prior to this gold was averaged across primary, field and lab duplicates. Adjustments to assay data are recorded by MX, and none are present (or required). Twinned drill holes are not available at this stage of the project. Location of data points Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. Specification of the grid system used. Quality and adequacy of topographic control. Differential GPS used to locate drill collars, trenches and some workings Standard GPS for some field locations (grab and soils samples), verified against Lidar data. The grid system used throughout is Geocentric datum of Australia 1994; Map Grid Zone 55 (GDA94_Z55), also referred to as ELSG 28355. Reported azimuths also relate to MGA55 (GDA94_Z55). Topographic control is excellent owing to sub 10 cm accuracy from Lidar data. Data spacing and distribution Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. Whether sample compositing has been applied. The data spacing is suitable for reporting of exploration results - evidence for this is based on the improving predictability of high-grade gold-antimony intersections. At this time, the data spacing and distribution are not sufficient for the reporting of Mineral Resource Estimates. This however may change as knowledge of grade controls increase with future drill programs. Samples have been composited to a 1 g/t AuEq over 2.0 m width for lower grades and 5 g/t AuEq over 1.0 m width for higher grades in table 3. All individual assays above 0.1 g/t AuEq have been reported to two decimal places with no compositing in table 4. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralized structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. The true thickness of the mineralized intervals reported are interpreted to be approximately 45-70% of the sampled thickness. Drilling is oriented in an optimum direction when considering the combination of host rock orientation and apparent vein control on gold and antimony grade. The steep nature of some of the veins may give increases in apparent thickness of some intersections, but more drilling is required to quantify. The steep nature of some of the veins may give increases in apparent thickness of some intersections, but more drilling is required to quantify. A sampling bias is not evident from the data collected to date (drill holes cut across mineralized structures at a moderate angle). Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security. Drill core is delivered to the Kilmore core logging shed by either the drill contractor or company field staff. Samples are marked up and cut by company staff at the Kilmore core shed, in an automated diamond saw and bagged before loaded onto strapped secured pallets and trucked by company staff to Bendigo for submission to the laboratory. There is no evidence in any stage of the process, or in the data for any sample security issues. Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. Continuous monitoring of CRM results, blanks and duplicates is undertaken by geologists and the company data geologist. Mr Michael Hudson for SXG has the orientation, logging and assay data. Southern Cross Gold (SXG) ASX Announcement Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. The Sunday Creek Goldfield, containing the Clonbinane Project, is covered by the Retention Licence RL 6040 and is surrounded by Exploration Licence EL6163 and Exploration Licence EL7232. All the licences are 100% held by Clonbinane Goldfield Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary company of Southern Cross Gold Ltd. Exploration done by other parties Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. The main historical prospect within the Sunday Creek project is the Clonbinane prospect, a high level orogenic (or epizonal) Fosterville-style deposit. Small scale mining has been undertaken in the project area since the 1880s continuing through to the early 1900s. Historical production occurred with multiple small shafts and alluvial workings across the Clonbinane Goldfield permits. Production of note occurred at the Clonbinane area with total production being reported as 41,000 oz gold at a grade of 33 g/t gold (Leggo and Holdsworth, 2013) Work in and nearby to the Sunday Creek Project area by previous explorers typically focused on finding bulk, shallow deposits. Beadell Resources were the first to drill deeper targets and Southern Cross have continued their work in the Sunday Creek Project area. EL54 - Eastern Prospectors Pty LtdRock chip sampling around Christina, Apollo and Golden Dyke mines. Rock chip sampling down the Christina mine shaft. Resistivity survey over the Golden Dyke. Five diamond drill holes around Christina, two of which have assays. Rock chip sampling down the Christina mine shaft. Resistivity survey over the Golden Dyke. Five diamond drill holes around Christina, two of which have assays. ELs 872 & 975 - CRA Exploration Pty Ltd Exploration focused on finding low grade, high tonnage deposits. The tenements were relinquished after the area was found to be prospective but not economic. Stream sediment samples around the Golden Dyke and Reedy Creek areas. Results were better around the Golden Dyke. 45 dump samples around Golden Dyke old workings showed good correlation between gold, arsenic and antimony. Soil samples over the Golden Dyke to define boundaries of dyke and mineralization. Two costeans parallel to the Golden Dyke targeting soil anomalies. Costeans since rehabilitated by SXG. Exploration focused on finding low grade, high tonnage deposits. The tenements were relinquished after the area was found to be prospective but not economic. Stream sediment samples around the Golden Dyke and Reedy Creek areas. Results were better around the Golden Dyke. 45 dump samples around Golden Dyke old workings showed good correlation between gold, arsenic and antimony. Soil samples over the Golden Dyke to define boundaries of dyke and mineralization. Two costeans parallel to the Golden Dyke targeting soil anomalies. Costeans since rehabilitated by SXG. ELs 827 & 1520 - BHP Minerals Ltd Exploration targeting open cut gold mineralization peripheral to SXG tenements. Exploration targeting open cut gold mineralization peripheral to SXG tenements. ELs 1534, 1603 & 3129 - Ausminde Holdings Pty Ltd Targeting shallow, low grade gold. Trenching around the Golden Dyke prospect and results interpreted along with CRAs costeans. 29 RC/Aircore holes totalling 959 m sunk into the Apollo, Rising Sun and Golden Dyke target areas. Targeting shallow, low grade gold. Trenching around the Golden Dyke prospect and results interpreted along with CRAs costeans. 29 RC/Aircore holes totalling 959 m sunk into the Apollo, Rising Sun and Golden Dyke target areas. ELs 4460 & 4987 - Beadell Resources Ltd ELs 4460 and 4497 were granted to Beadell Resources in November 2007. Beadell successfully drilled 30 RC holes, including second diamond tail holes in the Golden Dyke/Apollo target areas. ELs 4460 and 4497 were granted to Beadell Resources in November 2007. Beadell successfully drilled 30 RC holes, including second diamond tail holes in the Golden Dyke/Apollo target areas. Both tenements were 100% acquired by Auminco Goldfields Pty Ltd in late 2012 and combined into one tenement EL4987. Nagambie Resources Ltd purchased Auminco Goldfields in July 2014. EL4987 expired late 2015, during which time Nagambie Resources applied for a retention licence (RL6040) covering three square kilometres over the Sunday Creek Goldfield. RL6040 was granted July 2017. Clonbinane Gold Field Pty Ltd was purchased by Mawson Gold Ltd in February 2020. Mawson drilled 30 holes for 6,928 m and made the first discoveries to depth. Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralization. Refer to the description in the main body of the release. Drill hole Information A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: easting and northing of the drill hole collar elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar dip and azimuth of the hole down hole length and interception depth hole length. If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. Refer to appendices Data aggregation methods In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high-grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. See "Further Information" and "Metal Equivalent Calculation" in main text of press release. Relationship between mineralization widths and intercept lengths These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. If the geometry of the mineralization with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported. If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g 'down hole length, true width not known'). See reporting of true widths in the body of the press release. Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported. These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. The results of the diamond drilling are displayed in the figures in the announcement. Balanced reporting Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high-grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. All results above 0.1 g/t Au have been tabulated in this announcement. The results are considered representative with no intended bias. Core loss, where material, is disclosed in tabulated drill intersections. Other substantive exploration data Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. Preliminary testing was reported in January 11, 2024. This established the general metallurgical test procedure for samples from the Sunday Creek deposits and demonstrated the basis for confidence in establishing prospects for economic recovery of contained gold and antimony to three separate products: Metallic gold product by gravity recovery Antimony-gold flotation concentrate Pyrite-arsenopyrite-gold flotation concentrate Testing has now been expanded to include samples from additional zones of the mineral deposits and to refine metallurgical processes. The aim was to improve aspects of antimony concentrate production, maximise gold recovery to a high-grade metallic product, and to further investigate the nature of gold occurrence. The work, conducted by ALS Burnie Laboratories, focused on: Improving selectivity between sulphide minerals in the antimony flotation stage whilst maintaining high overall gold recovery. Further processing of the flotation concentrates, to assess the metallurgical response of contained gold. Mineralogical examination of selected product samples. It was demonstrated that, with appropriate process conditions, high antimony and gold recovery could be maintained whilst rejecting arsenic and iron sulphides in the first flotation stage. The antimony concentrate produced (~50% Sb, <0.2% As) is deemed to be attractive to the smelter market. Recovery of antimony to concentrate varied with feed type, and ranged from 83% to 93% for the samples tested from the antimony rich zones. Additional metallic gold was recovered from the flotation concentrate by gravity separation. The gold grade of the concentrate is a function of the proportion of feed gold associated with arsenic-iron sulphides, the ratio of gold to antimony in the feed, the gold recovered to the metallic gold product, and the flotation rate of gold in the first flotation stage. High overall gold recovery was achieved with all samples tested. Further Work Additional characterization testing across deposit zones Locked cycle testing to confirm overall recoveries Multi-stage cleaning optimization to maximize concentrate quality Pilot plant evaluation of larger samples Process plant design studies targeting Q1 2027 completion Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. The Company has stated it will drill 60,000 m from 2024 to Q4 2025. The company remains in an exploration stage to expand the mineralization along strike and to depth with 9 diamond drill rigs operating on site. See diagrams in presentation which highlight current and future drill plans. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263907 SOURCE: Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. 100% of the drill holes completed to date on Surebet have intersected substantial quartz-sulphide mineralization and 95% of drill holes completed thus far in 2025 contain gold visible to the naked eye ("VG-NE"). This clearly demonstrates the continuity and predictability of this expansive gold-rich system. Drilling at the Surebet Discovery has hit VG-NE in three distinct rock packages (quartz-sulphide breccias/stock work, RIRG Eocene-aged dykes and calc-silicate altered breccia) showing the untapped discovery potential at this remarkable high-grade gold system that remains open. 65 drill holes have been completed for a total of 45,000 meters in 2025, with only 50 holes remaining totaling 15,000 meters. With roughly 1 month remaining, Goliath is on target to complete its planned up to 60,000 meter drill program with 9 rigs actively turning. Assays are pending for 55 drill holes completed to date. An accompanying infographic is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/98983adb-da84-4aea-a363-f039c3384dba Since drilling started in 2021, many holes have returned impressive metal factors with 9 holes delivering greater than 200 grams*meters ("g*m") and up to 1346 g*m, 11 holes greater than 150 g*m, 25 holes greater than 100 g*m, 31 holes greater than 75 g*m and 61 holes greater than 50 g*m have been drilled on the Surebet Discovery that remains wide open The Surebet Discovery has widespread drill holes over an area of 1.8 km 2 or greater than half the size of Central Park, New York City returning high metal factors showing it has the potential to be one of the most important high-grade gold discoveries in the Golden Triangle since the Eskay Creek discovery. Drill hole GD-25-337 intersected 10.60 g/t Au over 22.82 meters (a 242 grams*meters hole), including 15.19 g/t Au over 15.71 meters, including two separate intervals consisting of 37.28 g/t Au or 1.20 oz/t Au over 3.36 meters and 36.11 or 1.16 oz/t Au over 3.08 meters. From the andesite unit below the Bonanza Zone which contains multiple occurrences of widespread VG-NE between 113.00 meters and 135.82 meters, hosted within a zone of dense calc-silicate veins with moderate amounts of sphalerite, pyrrhotite and py rite. The intercept is approximately true width, and these assays reflect gold only (AuEq value in the interval will be adjusted accordingly once Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn are received). An accompanying infographic is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f13b5470-28c1-41e4-b00f-05e94052869f Drill hole GD-24-277 intersected 12.16 g/t Au over 6 meters, including 18.22 g/t Au over 4.00 meters hosted in a strongly calc-silicate altered andesite unit from 114.00 meters to 120.00 meters containing substantial quartz-sulphide veining as well as multiple occurrences of VG-NE part of the Bonanza Zone. This hole was part of the re-logging program. The intercept is approximately true width, and these assays reflect gold only (AuEq value in the interval will be adjusted accordingly once Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn are received). An accompanying infographic is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9d91fe5-bd8e-4ad7-b584-8865ae75075c Drill hole GD-25-318 intersected 11.03 g/t Au over 5.7 meters within a zone of substantial quartz-sulphide mineralization from 341.00 meters to 346.70 meters with multiple occurrences of VG-NE. The mineralized interval consists of strongly altered sandstone with quartz-sulphide stockwork and breccia, containing moderate amounts of sphalerite and pyrrhotite, part of the Bonanza Zone located at the contact between sedimentary and volcanic units and remains open. The intercept is approximately true width, and these assays reflect gold only (AuEq value in the interval will be adjusted accordingly once Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn are received). An accompanying infographic is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b270c76a-992a-4e7f-b5e2-cd261f520ab2 Drill hole GD-25-343 intersected 10.08 g/t Au over 5.00 meters consisting of strongly calc-silicate altered, sheared andesite with quartz-sulphide veins containing moderate amounts of pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite as well as bismuth minerals and VG-NE from the Bonanza Zone located at the contact between sedimentary and volcanic units. The intercept is approximately true width, and these assays reflect gold only (AuEq value in the interval will be adjusted accordingly once Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn are received). An accompanying infographic is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/07516323-9702-4143-8edd-f2ce9aae5ceb Drill hole GD-25-334 intersected 6.85 g/t Au over 6.00 meters from a zone of quartz-sulphide veins containing multiple occurrences of VG-NE and mineralized with substantial amounts of sphalerite, chalcopyrite and galena hosted within the sandstone unit believed to be part of the Surebet Zone. The intercept is approximately true width, and these assays reflect gold only (AuEq value in the interval will be adjusted accordingly once Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn are received). An accompanying infographic is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c323ef3f-3a28-40c6-b0a7-607635865f64 High-grade gold has been identified in three distinct rock packages discovered to date on Surebet. This includes the gently dipping gold-rich stacked quartz-sulphide breccias/stock work veins, the gold-rich intermediate to felsic Eocene-aged Reduced Intrusive Related Gold (RIRG) dykes, and the recently discovered broad gold-rich zones of calc-silicate altered breccia, all of which contain substantial amounts of VG-NE and remain wide open for expansion. This confirms the presence of a Motherlode magmatic source at depth, a causative intrusion responsible for the extensive 1.8 km 2 high-grade gold system at Surebet. The 2025 planned campaign is under way and consists of up to 60,000 meters of systematic drilling with 9 drill rigs. The campaign aims at expanding the full geometry of the Surebet Discovery laterally and to depth. 100% of the drilling will be focused on the Surebet Discovery, where the Company has designed a detailed drill plan that will consist of: Testing for the Motherlode Magmatic intrusive gold source; Testing an additional 13 Eocene-aged dykes observed on the surface that have never been drill tested for RIRG mineralization; Infill drilling with the goal of increasing pierce points density in all known stacked veins with a particular focus on the highest-grade areas from the Bonanza Zone and Surebet Zone intersection domain; Testing zones where the RIRG dykes and gently dipping veins crosscut which are being called Goldilocks Zones as they are key locations where there are two styles of gold mineralization enriching the zones; and Expanding the known mineralized veins laterally and to depth where they currently remain open. TORONTO, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goliath Resources Limited (TSX-V: GOT) (OTCQB: GOTRF) (FSE: B4IF) (the "Company" or "Goliath") is excited to announce assay results from drill hole GD-25-337 which intersected 10.60 g/t Au over 22.82 meters, including 15.19 g/t Au over 15.71 meters, including two separate intervals consisting of 37.28 g/t Au or 1.20 oz/t Au over 3.36 meters and 36.11 or 1.16 oz/t Au over 3.08 meters at Surebet on the 100 % controlled Golddigger Property (the "Property"), Golden Triangle, British Columbia. 100% of the drill holes completed to date on Surebet have intersected substantial quartz-sulphide mineralization as well as 95% of the 2025 drill holes contain VG-NE, clearly demonstrating the exceptional discovery potential remaining on the property. Drilling has been completed for 65 holes (45,000 meters) during the 2025 drill season, with 50 holes remaining (15,000 meters). With roughly 1 month remaining, the Company is on target to complete the planned up to 60,000 meter program with 9 rigs actively drilling. The intercepts reported are approximately true width, and reflect gold only assays (AuEq values will be adjusted accordingly once Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn are received). Dr. Quinton Hennigh, Geologic & Technical Advisor to Crescat Capital, a strategic investor in Goliath, states: "Goliath's exploration team, having synthesized a detailed model of the Surebet high-grade mineralizing system after the 2024 season, was thoroughly prepared to undertake an aggressive, highly focused drill program this season. The success rate of mineralized intercepts encountered thus far is remarkable, and now we see the fruits of this work in the form of exceptional assays coming back from early holes. Surebet is now continually delivering strong results, a trend I expect to continue given this update." Mr. Roger Rosmus, Founder & CEO of Goliath states: "The more we drill at the Surebet the better it gets with pleasant surprises along the way, which is a good rule of thumb about how new discoveries can become future mines. Most notably, the Surebet Discovery has widespread drill holes with gold visible to the naked eye and several containing high gram x meter assays. It is becoming abundantly clear to our team that Surebet is emerging as the most important grassroots high-grade gold discoveries in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia since the Eskay Creek discovery. We still have many holes with assays pending and are progressing toward completing our up to 60,000 meter drill program in 2025. This year's drilling campaign is shaping up to be our most impressive yet at the Surebet high-grade gold discovery. At this point we have only reported 7 holes of the 115 planned holes for 2025. We look forward to substantial assay news flow from this years aggressive drilling program." Recent results have returned exceptional high-grade gold from drill hole GD-25-337, which intersected 10.60 g/t Au over 22.82 meters (242 gram*meter hole), including 15.19 g/t Au over 15.71 meters, including two separate intervals consisting of 37.28 g/t Au or 1.20 oz/t Au over 3.36 meters and 36.11 or 1.16 oz/t Au over 3.08 meters from the andesite unit. Which is below the Bonanza Zone containing multiple occurrences of widespread VG-NE between 113.00 meters and 135.82 meters hosted within a zone of dense calc-silicate veins with moderate amounts of sphalerite, pyrrhotite and pyrite. Additional drill results have expanded the high-grade gold mineralization within the Bonanza Zone and associated structures, with several drill holes returning significant intercepts. Notably, drill hole GD-24-277 intersected 12.16 g/t Au over 6.0 meters, including a high-grade core of 18.22 g/t Au over 4.00 meters, hosted in a strongly altered andesite unit. This mineralization at the contact between sedimentary and volcanic rocks corresponding to the Bonanza Zone was further confirmed by hole GD-25-318, which intersected 11.03 g/t Au over 5.7 meters, hole GD-25-343, which returned 10.08 g/t Au over 5.0 meters, as well as hole GD-25-334 which intersected 6.85 g/t Au over 6.00 meters. The exceptional grades coupled with VG-NE within substantial quartz-sulphide veins, stockworks, and breccias, which are mineralized with sphalerite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite, highlight the excellent potential for further resource expansion. Table 1: Assay highlights from 2025 drill holes reported in this news release. Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Interval 113.00 135.82 22.82 10.60 GD-25-337 including 120.11 135.82 15.71 15.19 including 120.11 123.47 3.36 37.28 and 132.74 135.82 3.08 36.11 GD-25-318 Interval 341.00 346.70 5.70 11.03 GD-25-343 Interval 612.00 617.00 5.00 10.08 GD-25-334 Interval 413.00 419.00 6.00 6.85 GD-24-277 Interval 114.00 120.00 6.00 12.16 Including 115.00 119.00 4.00 18.22 High-grade gold mineralization has been confirmed in three distinct rock packages at the Surebet Discovery, which include: gently-dipping gold-rich mineralized stacked quartz-sulphide breccias/stock work veins; gold-rich intermediate to felsic Eocene-aged RIRG dykes that crosscut the veins; and the broad zones of calc-silicate altered breccia. All three rock packages contain substantial amounts of VG-NE and remain wide open, which strongly indicates the presence of a Motherlode magmatic causative source at depth responsible for the widespread high-grade gold mineralization at the Surebet Discovery. Table 2: Collar information for drill holes reported in this news release. Hole ID CRS Northing (m) Easting (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth (deg) Dip (deg) Length (m) GD-25-343 NAD83 / UTM zone 9N 6162734 457228 1481 138 50 660 GD-25-337 NAD83 / UTM zone 9N 6162509 457818 1141 244 62 370 GD-25-334 NAD83 / UTM zone 9N 6162734 457228 1481 128 66 696 GD-25-318 NAD83 / UTM zone 9N 6162964 456710 1635 105 77 662 GD-24-277 NAD83 / UTM zone 9N 6162440 457701 1133 0 80 990 The 2025 planned campaign is under way and consists of up to 60,000 meters of systematic drilling with 9 drill rigs. The campaign aims at expanding the full geometry of the Surebet discovery laterally and to depth. 100% of the drilling will be focused on the Surebet Discovery, where the Company has designed a detailed drill plan that will consist of: testing for the Motherlode Magmatic intrusive gold source; testing an additional 13 Eocene-aged dykes observed on the surface that have never been drill tested for RIRG mineralization; infill drilling with the goal of increasing pierce points density in all known stacked veins with a particular focus on the highest-grade areas from the Bonanza Zone and Surebet Zone intersection domain; testing zones where the RIRG dykes and gently dipping veins crosscut which are being called Goldilocks Zones as they are key locations where there are two styles of gold mineralization enriching the zones; and expanding the known mineralized veins laterally and to depth where they currently remain open. Surebet Discovery Highlights 62 out of 65 holes (or 95%) drilled thus far in 2025 contain VG-NE and a 100% hit rate of drill holes have intersected substantial quartz-sulphide mineralization. 60 out of 64 holes (or 94%) drilled in 2024 contain VG-NE up to 11.5 mm (7/16 inches) in size, all of which returned high-grade gold. The best hole drilled to date is GD-24-260 previously reported from the Bonanza Zone assayed 34.52 g/t AuEq (34.47 Au and 3.96 Ag) over 39.00 meters, including 132.93 g/t AuEq (132.78 Au and 12.98 Ag) over 10.00 meters, and 166.04 g/t AuEq (165.84 Au and 16.07 Ag) over 8.00 meters delivering a 1346 gram*meter hole (see news release dated January 13, 2025). The best hole drilled to date from the RIRG Eocene-aged dykes is GD-22-58 that assayed 12.03 g/t AuEq (11.84 g/t Au and 15.61 g/t Ag) over 10.00 meters including 19.91 g/t AuEq (19.62 g/t Au and 25.61 g/t Ag) over 6.00 meters, including 23.82 g/t AuEq (23.47 g/t Au and 30.54 g/t Ag) over 5.00 meters, plus a second separate interval down hole of 8.59 g/t AuEq (8.35 g/t Au and 20.74 g/t Ag) over 5.00 meters (see news release dated March 13, 2025). The best hole drilled to date from the third distinct rock package consisting of calc-silicate altered breccia is drill hole GD-25-337, which intersected 10.60 g/t Au over 22.82 meters, including 15.19 g/t Au over 15.71 meters, including two separate intervals consisting of 37.28 g/t Au or 1.20 oz/t Au over 3.36 meters and 36.11 or 1.16 oz/t Au over 3.08 meters. The intercept is approximately true width, and these assays reflect gold only (AuEq value in the interval will be adjusted accordingly once Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn are received). Multiple gently-dipping gold-mineralized stacked veins have been identified every year on the Surebet high-grade gold discovery. Recent discoveries include RIRG Eocene-aged dykes, Goldilocks Zones where the veins and vertical RIRG dykes crosscut (which are characterized by having high-grade gold in two temperature regimes) and recently discovered high-grade gold in a third distinct rock package. Which continuously increase the potential tonnage and gold content of the high-grade gold system at the Surebet discovery. A total of 12 stacked gently dipping high-grade gold veins extend for 1.2 kilometers at the Surebet discovery, have been enhanced by four high-grade RIRG Eocene-aged dykes that are up to 25 meters wide and exposed along strike at surface for up to 1,500 meters have been discovered and modelled to date (see news release dated June 23, 2025). The footprint of the mineralization discovered to date at Surebet is 1.8 km 2 , greater then half the size of Central Park in New York City and remains open in all directions. , greater then half the size of Central Park in New York City and remains open in all directions. Thanks to the mountainous topography, mineralization in the veins is exposed on the surface for 2.1 km of strike (1.0 km on the south slope and 1.1 km on the north slope) with a vertical relief of 700 meters. A study completed by the Colorado School of Mines confirms a new interpretation of the ore forming process of high-grade gold mineralization at Surebet and outlines a common magmatic source for the high-grade gold system, now in three distinct rock packages. Which gives the Surebet discovery tremendous untapped discovery potential to increase tonnage and gold content in the various known rock package. Until this study, researchers and explorers in the Golden Triangle had not recognized the high-grade gold discovery potential in the Eocene- aged RIRG dykes (see news release March 13, 2025), which is showing the potential that these discoveries could be a geological breakthrough in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. Goliath has drilled a total of 92,000 meters with over 400 pierce points on the Golddigger property between 2021 and 2024, which culminated in the updated geologic model used for this year's drill planning. The Surebet Discovery has predictable continuity and very good metallurgy with gold recoveries of 92.2% from gravity and flotation at a 327-micrometer crush including 48.8% free gold recovery from gravity alone (no cyanide required to recover the gold). The metallurgy completed to date shows a benign rock composition without deleterious elements (see news release March 1, 2023). Based on positive grassroots exploration and drill results in recent years, Goliath significantly increased its land package from 66,608 hectares to 91,518 hectares (226,146 acres) and now controls 56 kilometers of key terrain of the Red Line geologic trend providing for additional upside discovery potential. The Golddigger Property is located on tidewater with a barge route to Prince Rupert (190 km south) and close to infrastructure including the town of Kitsault adjacent to a permitted mine site on private property. About Golddigger Property The Golddigger Property is 100% controlled and covers an area of 91,518 hectares in a highly prospective geological setting of the Eskay Rift, within 3 kilometers of the Red Line in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. This area, in close proximity to the Red Line, has hosted some of Canada's greatest gold mines including Eskay Creek, Premier and Snip. Other significant and well-known deposits in the Golden Triangle include Brucejack, Copper Canyon, Galore Creek, Granduc, KSM, Red Chris, and Schaft Creek. Goliath controls 56 kilometers of the Red Line which is a geologic contact between Triassic age Stuhini rocks and Jurassic age Hazelton rocks used as key markers when exploring for gold-copper-silver mineralization. The Surebet discovery has predictable continuity and excellent metallurgy with gold recoveries from gravity and flotation at a 327-micrometer crush of 92.2% including 48.8% free gold from gravity alone (no cyanide required to recover the gold). The metallurgy completed to date shows no deleterious elements are present (see news release dated March 1, 2023). The Property is in an excellent location in close proximity to the communities of Alice Arm and Kitsault where there is a permitted mill site on private property. It is situated on tide water with direct barge access to Prince Rupert (190 kilometers via the Observatory inlet/Portland inlet). The town of Kitsault is accessible by road (190 kilometers from Terrace, 300 kilometers from Prince Rupert) and has a barge landing, dock, and infrastructure capable of housing at least 300 people, including high-tension power. Additional infrastructure in the area includes the Dolly Varden Silver Mine Road (only 7 kilometers to the East of the Surebet discovery) with direct road access to Alice Arm barge landing (18 kilometers to the south of the Surebet discovery) and high-tension power (25 kilometers to the east of Surebet discovery). The city of Terrace (population 16,000) provides access to railway, major highways, and airport with supplies (food, fuel, lumber, etc.), while the town of Prince Rupert (population 12,000) is located on the West Coast of British Columbia and houses an international container seaport also with direct access to railway and an airport. About CASERM (Center to Advance the Science of Exploration to Reclamation in Mining) Goliath Resources is a paying member and active supporter of the Center to Advance the Science of Exploration to Reclamation in Mining (CASERM), which is one of the world's largest research centers in the mining sector. CASERM is a collaborative research venture between Colorado School of Mines and Virginia Tech that is supported by a consortium of mining and exploration companies, analytical instrumentation and software companies, and federal agencies aiming to transform the way geoscience data is acquired and used across the mining value chain. The center forms part of the I-UCRC program of the National Science Foundation. Research focuses on the integration of diverse geoscience data to improve decision making across the mine life cycle, beginning with the exploration for subsurface resources continuing through mine operation as well as closure and environmental remediation. Over the past three years, Goliath Resources' membership in CASERM has allowed a high level of research to be performed on the Surebet Discovery. Qualified Person Rein Turna P. Geo is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, for Goliath Resource Limited projects, and supervised the preparation of, and has reviewed and approved, the technical information in this release. Mr. Turna is an Independent Director of the Company. About Goliath Resources Limited Goliath Resources is an explorer of precious metals projects in the highly prospective Golden Triangle of Northwestern British Columbia. All of its projects are in high quality geological settings and geopolitical safe jurisdictions amenable to mining in Canada. Goliath is a member and active supporter of CASERM which is an organization that represents a collaborative venture between Colorado School of Mines and Virginia Tech. Goliath's key strategic cornerstone shareholders include Crescat Capital, a Global Commodity Group (Singapore), McEwen Mining Inc. (NYSE: MUX) (TSX: MUX), Waratah Capital Advisors, Mr. Rob McEwen, Mr. Eric Sprott and Mr. Larry Childress. For more information please contact: Goliath Resources Limited Mr. Roger Rosmus Founder and CEO Tel: +1.416.488.2887 roger@goliathresources.com www.goliathresourcesltd.com Disclaimer The reader is cautioned that grab samples are spot samples which are typically, but not exclusively, constrained to mineralization. Grab samples are selective in nature and collected to determine the presence or absence of mineralization and are not intended to be representative of the material sampled. Oriented HQ-diameter or NQ-diameter diamond drill core from the drill campaign is placed in core boxes by the drill crew contracted by the Company. Core boxes are transported by helicopter to the staging area and then transported by truck to the core shack. The core is then re-orientated, meterage blocks are checked, meter marks are labelled, Recovery and RQD measurements taken, and primary bedding and secondary structural features including veins, dykes, cleavage, and shears are noted and measured. The core is then described and transcribed in MX DepositTM. Drill holes were planned using Leapfrog GeoTM and QGISTM software and data from the 2017-2024 exploration campaigns. Drill core containing quartz breccia, stockwork, veining and/or sulphide(s), or notable alteration is sampled in lengths of 0.5 to 1.5 meters. Core samples are cut lengthwise in half: one-half remains in the box and the other half is inserted in a clean plastic bag with a sample tag. The bagged samples are then weighed and secured with a zip tie. Certified reference materials (CRMs), blanks and duplicates are added in the sample stream at a rate of 10%. To ensure analytical anonymity, CRM identification labels are removed prior to submission to the laboratory. Additional out-of-sequence blanks are introduced immediately following core samples that contain VG-NE or high-grade sulphide mineralization. Grab, channels, chip and talus samples were collected by foot with helicopter assistance. Prospective areas included, but were not limited to, proximity to MINFile locations, placer creek occurrences, regional soil anomalies, and potential gossans based on high-resolution satellite imagery. The rock grab and chip samples were extracted using a rock hammer, or hammer and chisel to expose fresh surfaces and to liberate a sample of anywhere between 0.5 to 5.0 kilograms. All sample sites were flagged with biodegradable flagging tape and marked with the sample number. All sample sites were recorded using hand-held GPS units (accuracy 3-10 meters) and sample ID, easting, northing, elevation, type of sample (outcrop, subcrop, float, talus, chip, grab, etc.) and a description of the rock were recorded on all-weather paper. Samples are then inserted in a clean plastic bag with a sample tag for transport and shipping to the geochemistry lab. QA/QC samples including blanks, certified reference materials, and duplicate samples are inserted regularly into the sample sequence at a rate of 10%. All samples are transported in rice bags sealed with numbered security tags. The rice bags are transported from the core shacks to the MSALABS facilities in Terrace, BC. MSALABS is certified with both AC89-IAS and ISO/IEC Standard 17025:2017. The core samples undergo preparation via drying, crushing to ~70% of the material passing a 2 mm sieve and riffle splitting. The sample splits are weighed and transferred into three plastic jars, each containing between 300 g and 500 g of crushed sample material. A 250 g split is pulverized to ensure at least 85% of the material passes through a 75 m sieve. The crushed samples are transported to the MSALABS PhotonAssayTM facility in Prince George, where gold concentrations are quantified via photon assay analysis (method CPA-Au1). Samples that result in gold concentrations =5 ppm are analyzed to extinction. Photon assay uses high-energy X-rays (photons) to excite atomic nuclei within the jarred samples, inducing the emission of secondary gamma rays, which are measured to quantify gold concentrations. The assays from all jars are combined on a weight-averaged basis. Multielement analyses are carried at the MSALABS facilities in Surrey, BC, where 250 g of pulverized splits are analyzed via ICF6xx and IMS-230 methods. The IMS-230 method uses 4-acid digestion (a combination of hydrochloric, nitric, perchloric and hydrofluoric acids) followed by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry to quantify concentrations of 48 elements. Samples with over-limit results for Ag, Cu, Pb and Zn undergo ore-grade analysis via the ICF-6xx method (where 'xx' denotes the target metal). This method employs 4-acid digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry. Widths are reported in drill core lengths and the true widths are estimated to be 80-90% and Gold Equivalent (AuEq) metal values are calculated using: Au 2797.16 USD/oz, Ag 31.28 USD/oz, Cu 4.25 USD/lbs, Pb 1955.58 USD/ton and Zn 2750.50 USD/ton on January 31st, 2025. There is potential for economic recovery of gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc from these occurrences based on other mining and exploration projects in the same Golden Triangle Mining Camp where Goliath's project is located such as the Homestake Ridge Gold Project (Auryn Resources Technical Report, Updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Homestake Ridge Gold Project, prepared by Minefill Services Inc. Bothell, Washington, dated May 29, 2020). Here, AuEq values were calculated using 3-year running averages for metal price, and included provisions for metallurgical recoveries, treatment charges, refining costs, and transportation. Recoveries for Gold were 85.5%, Silver at 74.6%, Copper at 74.6% and Lead at 45.3%. It will be assumed that Zinc can be recovered with the Copper at the same recovery rate of 74.6%. The quoted reference of metallurgical recoveries is not from Goliath's Golddigger Project, Surebet Zone mineralization, and there is no guarantee that such recoveries will ever be achieved, unless detailed metallurgical work such as in a Feasibility Study can be eventually completed on the Golddigger Project. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange), nor the OTCQB Venture Market accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Goliath's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the ability of the Company to complete financings and its ability to build value for its shareholders as it develops its mining properties. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to Goliath. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the proposed transactions will occur, or that if the proposed transactions do occur, will be completed on the terms described above. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and Goliath is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. This announcement does not constitute an offer, invitation, or recommendation to subscribe for or purchase any securities and neither this announcement nor anything contained in it shall form the basis of any contract or commitment. In particular, this announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer would be illegal. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Infographic 1 Infographic 1 Infographic 2 Infographic 2 Infographic 3 Infographic 3 Infographic 4 Infographic 4 Infographic 5 Infographic 5 Infographic 6 Infographic 6 Stock Market Symbols GIB.A (TSX) GIB (NYSE) cgi.com/newsroom Renewed partnership empowers New Jersey with a scalable, state-owned recovery platform to manage federal disaster relief funds and accelerate response to future emergencies NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A), one of the world's largest independent technology and professional services firms, today announced the award of a 10-year contract with the State of New Jersey for continued development, enhancement, and support of its State Integrated Recovery Operations Management Systems (SIROMS) - building on more than a decade of trusted partnership and innovation in natural disaster recovery technology and service delivery. Originally established to support the recovery from Superstorm Sandy, SIROMS has evolved into the state's system of record for managing natural disaster recovery efforts and has managed the distribution of over $7.2 billion in recovery funds. Under the renewed agreement, CGI will continue to support New Jersey's readiness to respond to current and future natural disasters, enabling the state to efficiently manage federal recovery funds and reduce the overall cost of natural disaster recovery. "Our partnership with CGI has been instrumental in helping New Jersey respond effectively to major disasters and prepare for those yet to come," said Parth Sampath, State Contract Manager, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. "This agreement ensures we have both the technology and expertise in place to protect our residents and communities while reducing the cost and complexity associated with long-term disaster recovery." Through the SIROMS platform, New Jersey has modernized recovery operations by enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring financial traceability and accountability in the distribution of funds, and achieving comprehensive audit readiness. The system has empowered the state to make faster data-driven decisions, accelerating recovery timelines, and increasing transparency for residents and oversight officials. As of May 2025, the state has disbursed more than $7 billion in recovery funds supporting thousands of residents across New Jersey. The SIROMS solution has enabled the state to track over 10,000 individual reports supporting the successful submission of quarterly progress to HUD over the past 48 quarters. "Our ongoing partnership with the State of New Jersey reaffirms CGI's commitment to helping governments enhance resilience and accelerate recovery from natural disasters," said Scott Burghoff, Senior Vice-President & Business Unit Leader, CGI. "Our collaboration over the past decade has demonstrated the power of a modern, adaptable technology platform to serve citizens when they need it most." The platform is designed to incorporate enhancements from other jurisdictions, such as Puerto Rico's public-facing disaster-funding transparency portal, and shares innovations developed in New Jersey in return. This collaborative model supports a growing community of state and local governments working together to strengthen resilience and streamline recovery. About CGI Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent technology and professional services firms in the world. With 93,000 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2024 reported revenue is CA$14.68 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com. SOURCE CGI Inc. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - German stocks are down in negative territory on Tuesday, extending losses from the previous session, due to geopolitical concerns and uncertainty about tariffs. French political risks also appear to be keeping investors on edge. French bonds tumbled as Prime Minister Francois Bayrou called a confidence vote for Sept. 8 over his plans for sweeping budget cuts. Officials from France's main opposition parties said they would not back the government, raising the risk of French political instability. Meanwhile, in the U.S., President Donald Trump took the unprecedented action of removing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, raising concerns over the Federal Reserve's independence. Germany's benchmark DAX was down 75.93 points or 0.31% at 24,185.66 a few minutes ago. Commerzbank is down nearly 6% following a rating downgrade by Bank of America. The stock has been downgraded to 'underperform' as the analyst feels the valuation is exaggerated and sees no upside potential from the current level. Deutsche Bank is down nealry 2%, while Deutsche Post, Rheinmetall and Hannover Rueck are lower by 1.3 to 1.7%. Allianz, Munich RE, Zalando, Heidelberg Materials and Symrise are down 0.8 to 1.2%. Infineon Technologies, Deutsche Boerse and MTU Aero Engines are also down in negative territory. Bayer is gaining 1.8% and Sartorius is up nearly 1.5%. Continental, BASF, Deutsche Telekom, Beiersdorf, E.ON, Volkswagen and BMW are advancing 0.5 to 1.2%. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Cooperation will accelerate the widespread transition to Climate-smart rice farming initiatives in Northwest India using advanced satellite and AI technology BENGALURU, India, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitti Labs, an AI remote sensing and field operations company that empowers rice farmers with Climate-smart practices, today announced its participation in The Nature Conservancy's PRANA program ('Promoting Regenerative and No-Burn Agriculture'). PRANA is TNC's landmark initiative tackling stubble burning and soil degradation in Punjab. Since 2022, PRANA has worked across 18 districts, helping farmers adopt regenerative practices and manage crop residues sustainably-improving soil health while curbing air pollution. The program has already trained thousands of farmers through local camps, field demonstrations, and service provider engagement. In 2025, it plans to reach over 650,000 farmers in 6,259 villages, delivering more than 21,000 training sessions. Now evolving beyond crop residue management, PRANA is tackling deeper challenges like water scarcity, declining soil fertility, and greenhouse gas emissions. Its next phase focuses on building Regenerative Foodscapes by empowering farmer institutions, scaling local agri-entrepreneurship, and forging policy-shaping public-private partnerships. "Mitti Labs has been a key partner in different aspects of this journey. Their advanced 'soil-to-sky' technology platform and on-the-ground measurement expertise have helped us to monitor practice adoption and quantify impacts at the field level with high accuracy. This robust data is not only useful to validating climate and environmental outcomes-it also lays the foundation for unlocking climate long term financing for farmers and informing policy shifts that can scale these solutions to reach many more farmers," said Gyan Prakash Rai, PRANA Lead. "We are beyond excited to see the impact of our successful collaboration with The Nature Conservancy," said Xavi Laguarta, co-founder of Mitti Labs. "Helping hundreds of farming communities in NW India transition to Climate-smart practices truly validates our mission of turning rice farming into a powerful vehicle for climate action. Our rice-specific digital Measurement, Reporting and Verification is the key technology enabler of providing critical financial incentives to farmers in this transition." Mitti Labs' partnership with TNC has also demonstrated the numerous co-benefits of Climate-smart farming practices, particularly on saving water and boosting farmer income. The PRANA program will help save 500 Billion liters of water, the equivalent of the consumption of a midsize city. The PRANA foodscape's mission is to support farmers in Punjab to adopt regenerative agricultural practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, restore soil health, and improve air quality. Practices such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), and no-burn crop residue management are at the heart of this transition. Mitti Labs was founded in 2023 to accelerate the adoption of nature-based solutions to climate change. The company works with 30,000 farmers to reduce methane emissions from rice farming, which contribute 12% of all total methane emissions, a gas 85X more potent than CO2. It is estimated that rice farming contributes 1GT CO2e to all global emissions, a volume on par with global aviation. Mitti Labs connects smallholder farmers to global companies looking to offset their emissions through high-quality carbon credits based on permanent and measurable methane reduction. Mitti Labs has built the world's most advanced dMRV for rice farming monitoring. This technology delivers country-level scale and field-level accuracy in the quantification of greenhouse gases derived from rice farming. In only 24 months, the Mitti Labs team has expanded its digital Monitoring, Reporting and Verification capabilities to 10 Mn Hectares, meaning it has created a 'digital twin' of 25% of all the rice farming areas in India. Building a layer of robust real-time monitoring technology not only helps the PRANA team steer their program intervention towards regions of dire need; but also helps create visibility on the high-quality impact that on-ground teams are currently executing. This technology leverages Mitti's deep relationship with NASA. In 2024, Mitti Labs was awarded Phase I of a prestigious NASA SBIR Ignite grant in the amount of $150K. Last month, Mitti Labs received $850k for 'Phase II' of this NASA funding grant to continue its work leveraging its next-gen dMRV to monitor GHG emissions from rice farming in India. In the fertile state of Punjab, two million farmers transition every year from growing rice to planting wheat. The two-week rotation window, in many cases shortened by a changing climate, leaves farmers with no choice but to burn the residue from rice -straw and husk- which represents 90% of the total crop biomass. These small fires are major contributors to CO2 emissions, poor air quality and chronic disease. About Mitti Labs Mitti Labs combines satellite technology, AI and operations on the ground to permanently reduce methane emissions from rice farming. By doing this, the company unlocks the potential of rice-based carbon credits for climate impact at scale. Mitti Labs is backed by Lightspeed, Voyager Ventures, Cisco, and Volta Circle in its mission to decarbonize the $300 Bn rice-growing industry worldwide. Visit mittilabs.earth to learn more. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757299/MittiLabs__Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mitti-labs-supports-the-nature-conservancy-in-accelerating-climate-action-solutions-through-advanced-technology-for-scalable-practice-shifts-302537924.html London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - Resourcing Tomorrow is proud to announce a partnership with the Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation, an African-led conservation alliance, for the 2025 edition of the event. This unprecedented collaboration will span the entire conference experience, including main-stage thought leadership, a dedicated presence on the show floor, and a culminating Silent Auction at the Resourcing Tomorrow Outstanding Achievement Awards and Gala Dinner on 4 December at the historic Guildhall. Founded at the London Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade in 2014 by the presidents of Botswana, Chad, Gabon, and Tanzania, and the foreign minister of Ethiopia, the EPI is a pioneering alliance of 26 African states committed to ensuring that elephants and people can coexist in harmony. Their work focuses on cross-border cooperation, national strategy support, biodiversity conservation, preventing illegal trade in ivory, and improving the livelihood of rural communities - all rooted in African leadership and vision. The EPI Foundation is the EPI's small and cost-efficient secretariat. As part of this exciting partnership: EPI Foundation's Chairwoman Hon. Sharon Ikeazor CON, a former minister of the environment from Nigeria, will speak during the main conference programme, contributing to the event's ESG dialogue with a keynote on the role of wildlife conservation in sustainable development and climate resilience. EPI Foundation will host a featured space on the exhibition floor, where delegates can explore their latest initiatives, meet their team, and engage with real-world impact stories from across Africa. The collaboration will culminate in a Silent Auction during the Gala Dinner on 4 December, with all proceeds supporting EPI's mission to protect Africa's elephants and their ecosystems and promote harmonious coexistence with local communities. "Africa is on a rapid development pathway and achieving harmonious coexistence with elephants includes engaging with the resource development sector" said John E Scanlon AO, CEO of the EPI Foundation. "The EPI Foundation is committed to working with governments, local communities, and the private sector to advance outcomes that achieve multiple environmental, social and economic objectives" added Scanlon, highlighting the shared objectives of the EPI and the mining sector, and the opportunity to engage an influential audience at Resourcing Tomorrow. "Partnering with the EPI is a powerful reminder that sustainability in mining doesn't stop at emissions targets - it extends to ecosystems, wildlife, and the human communities that rely on them," said Nick Rastall, Event Director of Resourcing Tomorrow. "By bringing EPI into the heart of the conference and celebrating their work at our Gala, we're making space for conversations that truly reflect the future of responsible resource development." The Silent Auction promises to be one of the Gala's most anticipated moments. Prizes include West End theatre packages, fine dining at Bluebird Chelsea, luxury spa getaways, and curated cultural experiences - all designed to drive fundraising in a fun and meaningful way. The auction offers guests a chance to contribute to a vital conservation cause while celebrating industry excellence in style. This exciting new partnership underscores Resourcing Tomorrow's broader commitment to ESG, global collaboration, and demonstrating how the mining sector can lead on environmental stewardship. For more information on the EPI collaboration, Silent Auction, or Gala Dinner sponsorships, visit resourcingtomorrow.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263922 SOURCE: Resourcing Tomorrow QUEBEC, QC / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / NuRAN Wireless Inc. ("NuRAN" or the "Company") (CSE:NUR)(OTC:NRRWF)(FSE:1RN), a leading supplier of mobile and broadband wireless infrastructure solutions, is pleased to announce it has closed a non-brokered private placement financing for gross proceeds of CAD$1,500,000 (the "Private Placement") through the issuance of 30,000,000 common shares of the Company (each a "Share") at a price of $0.05 per Share. The proceeds raised from the Private Placement will be used by the Company for working capital purposes and payment of all outstanding short-term promissory notes issued from April to August 2025. The cash flow from the company's African operations is allocated to site maintenance, upgrades, and deployments. Additionally, due to delays in accessing funds from its US$5 million facility, this private placement addresses the company's short-term financial requirements. The Common Shares issued under the Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period expiring December 26, 2025. Further to the Company's news release dated July 18, 2025, the Company is negotiating with its current debt holders and with new potential institutional investors and lenders to raise additional operating funds to potentially restructure or replace much of its outstanding current debt instruments with better terms and provide the Company with additional working capital. The Company is pursuing two main tracks broadly to include either 1) replacing the existing debt with longer term, non-convertible or hybrid instruments or 2) a debt for equity swap which would replace debt with equity on the Company's balance sheet. The Company's negotiations with the new potential institutional lenders and investors are ongoing and include governmental agencies that require sufficient time to complete their process. This first option might also include other private lenders and investors who know the Company well and are working in parallel. Current debt holders are an integral part of the process and terms of potential repayment, conversion and write-off, or a combination of these, is being discussed. The second option includes a potential restructuring of most of their outstanding current debt instruments with significantly better terms which to allow the Company to reduce their interest obligations and clean up its balance sheet. Both proposals would include additional tranches of the Private Placement to raise cash and achieve a more streamlined capital structure suited to future fund-raising and value creation. The Company decided to close this Private Placement at this time to ensure that it has sufficient working capital for the duration of the discussions. Any elements of the proposals that require shareholder approval will be included in the Company's information circular for its the annual general and special shareholders meeting to be held on September 30, 2025, which will be mailed in the coming days. The Company will provide an update if and when terms have been settled. About NuRAN Wireless: NuRAN Wireless is a leading rural telecommunications company that meets the growing demand for wireless network coverage in remote and rural regions around the globe. With its affordable and innovative scalable solutions of 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies, NuRAN Wireless offers a new possibility for more than one billion people to communicate effectively over long distances efficiently and affordably. "Bridging the Digital Divide, One Connection at a Time." Additional Information: For further information about NuRAN Wireless: www.nuranwireless.com Francis Letourneau, Director and CEO Francis.letourneau@nuranwireless.com Tel: (418) 264-1337 Frank Candido Investor relations Frank.candido@nuranwireless.com Tel: (514) 969-5530 Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as, "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "intends", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements include those relating to the Company being able to receive funding from the new potential institutional lenders to refinance and replace most of its outstanding current debt instruments with significantly better terms; the Company's current debt holders potentially restructuring most of their outstanding current debt instruments with significantly better terms; and the Company having sufficient working capital for the duration of the institutional lenders' process. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, such as the uncertainties regarding include risks such as risks relating to NuRAN's business and the economy generally; NuRAN's ability to refinance its long term debt that is currently in default; NuRAN's ability to adequately restructure its operations with respect to its new model of NaaS service contracts; our ability to collect fees from our telecommunication providers and reliance on the network of our telecommunications providers, the capacity of the Company to deliver in a technical capacity and to import inventory to Africa at a reasonable cost; NuRAN's ability to obtain project financing for the proposed site build out under its NaaS agreements with Orange, MTN and other telecommunication providers, the loss of one or more significant suppliers or a reduction in significant volume from such suppliers; NuRAN's ability to meet or exceed customers' demand and expectations; significant current competition and the introduction of new competitors or other disruptive entrants in the Company's industry; effects of the global supply shortage affecting parts needed for NuRAN's sites and site installations; NuRAN's ability to retain key employees and protect its intellectual property; compliance with local laws and regulations and ability to obtain all required permits for our operations, access to the credit and capital markets, changes in applicable telecommunications laws or regulations or changes in license and regulatory fees, downturns in customers' business cycles; and insurance prices and insurance coverage availability, the Company's ability to effectively maintain or update information and technology systems; our ability to implement and maintain measures to protect against cyberattacks and comply with applicable privacy and data security requirements; the Company's ability to successfully implement its business strategies or realize expected cost savings and revenue enhancements; business development activities, including acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses; the Company's expansion into markets outside of Canada and the operational, competitive and regulatory risks facing the Company's non-Canadian based operations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis that is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. SOURCE: NuRAN Wireless Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/nuran-closes-private-placement-of-shares-while-it-continues-negot-1065423 Announced unprecedented Phase 1b/2a topline results in chronic spinal cord injury NVG-291 is the first pharmacologic candidate to demonstrate statistically significant improvement in corticospinal connectivity with clinically meaningful functional gains Ongoing comprehensive analysis of NVG-291's efficacy profile will support upcoming regulatory discussions, including seeking alignment with FDA on potential expedited approval pathways Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 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 its second quarter 2025 financial results, including a letter to shareholders from Adam Rogers, MD, the Company's Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer, providing a detailed business update. Letter from Adam Rogers, MD, Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer: To my fellow shareholders, The medical community has long been taught that after spinal cord injury, neurons surrounding a lesion become dystrophic and die, leaving little hope for recovery. The late Dr. Jerry Silver devoted his career to challenging this narrative, and in doing so, laid the scientific foundation for NervGen. As Chairman and NervGen's largest investor, I stepped into the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer because I am determined to ensure that the breakthrough science and pioneering vision of Dr. Silver, whose life's work culminated in the creation of NVG-291, fulfills its potential to restore function and independence for people living with spinal cord injury (SCI). In carrying forward this vision, I am committed to raising the standard of communication at NervGen. We will provide shareholders and the SCI community with clear, accessible insights and transparent interpretations of our results, so that the impact of our CONNECT SCI Study, and the promise NVG-291 holds, is fully recognized and appreciated. The second quarter of 2025 marked a historic turning point for NervGen and the SCI community. After decades of virtually no therapeutic progress in spinal cord injury, we announced unprecedented topline results from our CONNECT SCI Study. We show for the first time that daily subcutaneous NVG-291 treatment, a pharmacologic candidate, significantly improved corticospinal connectivity and restored meaningful function for people with chronic SCI. These results represent both a scientific breakthrough and a pivotal step forward for the millions worldwide living with spinal cord injuries. For too long, the standard of care in SCI has been limited to acute stabilization and rehabilitation, offering little to no path to functional recovery. NervGen is redefining this outdated paradigm. Our mission is to advance NVG-291 and establish a new standard of care capable of restoring function, increasing independence, and transforming lives. The coming months represent a significant inflection point as we move from proof-of-concept success into the next stage of development. Since sharing positive topline data from our CONNECT SCI Study, we have initiated a comprehensive analysis of NVG-291's efficacy profile, which remains ongoing. To fully characterize these results, we are collaborating with key opinion leaders at leading spinal cord injury centers of excellence, along with clinical experts, bioinformatics specialists, and patient advocacy organizations. This forthcoming analysis will guide near-term regulatory discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including seeking alignment on expedited pathways and designations that could potentially accelerate access to NVG-291 for people living with spinal cord injury. NervGen stands at a rare moment of opportunity. Our CONNECT SCI Study topline results are more than a milestone; they demonstrate that recovery after spinal cord injury is possible. We are advancing NVG-291 to establish a future in which pharmacologic therapy can restore function and increase independence for people living with spinal cord injury. With the continued trust of our shareholders, the engagement of the SCI community, and the dedication of the NervGen team, we enter a new chapter defined by purpose, progress, and renewed hope. Sincerely, Adam Rogers, MD Chairman and Interim CEO NervGen Pharma Corp. Pipeline Progress The Company has initiated a comprehensive analysis of NVG-291's efficacy profile following its CONNECT SCI Study topline results. This forthcoming analysis will guide near-term regulatory discussions with the FDA, including seeking alignment on expedited pathways and designations to potentially accelerate access to NVG-291 for people living with spinal cord injury. In August 2025, the Company announced positive preclinical results from two U.S. Department of Defense sponsored studies, where NVG-291-R demonstrated significant functional recovery in models of traumatic hearing loss and peripheral nerve injury (PNI): Novel Preclinical Findings in 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 profound and permanent hearing loss observed in untreated animals. Novel Preclinical Findings in Peripheral Nerve Injury Significant 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. In June 2025, the Company announced unprecedented topline results from its CONNECT SCI Study. Landmark Proof-of-Concept Efficacy and Safety in Chronic SCI NVG-291 is the first pharmacologic candidate to demonstrate statistically significant improvements in corticospinal connectivity to the hand (first dorsal interosseous), as measured by motor evoked potential (MEP) magnitude, with clinically meaningful functional gains in chronic cervical incomplete SCI. Electrophysiological Efficacy in the Hand Results reported as improvement in normalized MEP magnitude in the first dorsal interosseous, a measure of corticospinal connectivity in the hand 10.2-fold improvement in observed mean change from baseline at end-of-treatment vs. placebo 5.7-fold improvement based on linear mixed effects estimated change from baseline vs. placebo, demonstrating statistically significant improvement (p = 0.0155) vs. placebo, demonstrating statistically significant improvement (p = 0.0155) 3.0-fold improvement in observed mean change from baseline at end-of-treatment within the NVG-291 group, as previously announced on June 2, 2025 Functional Efficacy: Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensation, & Prehension (GRASSP) Results reported as observed mean change from baseline vs. placebo 2.0-fold improvement in total GRASSP scores (cumulative measure of all GRASSP domains) 9.3-fold improvement in quantitative prehension (measure of functional hand use in activities of daily living) 5.2-fold improvement in qualitative prehension (measure of preparation and initiation of functional hand use in activities of daily living) Favorable Safety Profile NVG-291 was generally safe and well tolerated, with no treatment-emergent adverse events leading to discontinuation or serious adverse events Corporate Progress In July 2025, NervGen transitioned its senior leadership to ensure continuity of its mission and position the Company for the next stage of NVG-291 development. Adam Rogers, MD, was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer and Randall Kaye, MD, as Chief Medical Advisor: Adam Rogers, MD, Chairman and largest shareholder, is a board-certified physician and seasoned biotech executive. He most recently served as founder and CEO of Hemera Biosciences for more than a decade until its acquisition by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Randall Kaye, MD, brings over 30 years of medical expertise and extensive clinical development experience in central nervous system conditions and disorders. He most recently served as Chief Medical Officer of Longboard Pharmaceuticals, where he helped guide the company through its $2.6 billion acquisition by H. Lundbeck A/S. Financial Results Cash and Investments: NervGen had cash and investments of $15.7 million as of June 30, 2025, compared to $17.3 million as of December 31, 2024. The decrease in funds available is due to operating activities related to the ongoing CONNECT SCI Study, which were partially offset by proceeds from the Company's ATM program, warrant exercises, and option exercises in the current year. Research & Development (R&D) Expenses: R&D expenses were $2.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $3.8 million in the same period in 2024. The decrease in the three months ended June 30, 2025, is related to lower clinical and regulatory costs primarily due to a grant milestone earned during the period which is recorded as an offset to clinical costs and decreased costs due to the completion of the chronic cohort of the CONNECT SCI Study during the quarter. Decreased clinical spend was offset by increased costs incurred for research, preclinical, and quality related initiatives. General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses: G&A expenses were $3.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $2.2 million for the same period in 2024. The increase in the three months ended June 30, 2025, is primarily related to higher compensation related expenses, including non-cash stock-based compensation expense. Additionally, expenses were higher due to external legal counsel costs in relation to Canadian and U.S. corporate securities matters. Net Loss: For the three months ended June 30, 2025, net loss was $9.1 million, or $0.13 per basic and diluted common share. The net loss for the quarter included $4.8 million of non-cash expenses pertaining to amortization, stock-based compensation, unrealized foreign exchange and a $2.7 million non-cash loss due to the fair value adjustment of the warrant derivative. For the three months ended June 30, 2024, net loss was $7.8 million, or $0.11 per basic and diluted common share which included $3.5 million of net non-cash expenses pertaining to amortization, stock-based compensation, unrealized foreign exchange gain on cash and a $2.2 million non-cash loss due to the fair value adjustment of the warrant derivative. About NVG-291 NervGen holds exclusive worldwide rights to NVG-291, a first- and potential best-in-class 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 with spinal cord injury. About NervGen NervGen (TSXV: NGEN) (OTCQB: NGENF) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapies to promote nervous system repair in settings of neurotrauma and neurologic disease. The Company is evaluating the clinical efficacy of its first- and potential best-in-class 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 significantly increased electrophysiological connectivity and demonstrated clinically meaningful functional gains. Continued 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; our upcoming regulatory discussions including potential accelerated development pathways; and the creation of neuro-reparative 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 trials; 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/263874 SOURCE: NervGen Pharma Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - Valkea Resources Corp. (TSXV: OZ) (the "Company" or "Valkea") is pleased to announce that it has commenced its multidisciplinary exploration program across its 100% owned Paana Project, northern Finland. Diamond drilling at Paana will first focus on disseminated, Ikkari-style gold mineralization at the Koivu Zone in the Aarnivalkea West target. Drilling is set to commence in the coming days. HIGHLIGHTS Drilling at Paana will test the extent of disseminated gold mineralization at the Koivu Zone, Aarnivalkea West target. Systematic step-out holes are planned to build on results from previous dill programs, including: 55.48 meters of 1.63 g/t gold including 8.50 meters of 8.57 g/t gold, hole FAVD64 7 36.45 meters of 1.50 g/t gold including 15.35 meters of 3.43 g/t gold and including 2.75 meters of 12.92 g/t gold, hole AW-24-005 9 Target generation across the Paana Project to compliment focused drill program : Base of till (BOT) drilling is planned across key target areas at Paana designed to strengthen the pipeline of high-priority drill targets. Mr. Jens Ronnqvist, M.Sc., has been appointed Exploration Manager (Finland) to provide operational and technical guidance for all exploration activities and stakeholder relations. "We are excited to get back to exploration and build on the success from our last campaign," stated Chris Donaldson, CEO & Executive Chair. "We are also pleased to welcome Jens Ronnqvist to the team, a consistent presence on the ground in Finland. With extensive experience as both an exploration geologist and in stakeholder relations, Jens strengthens our technical capabilities, complemented by the support of our trusted contractors, Geopool OY." 2025 Exploration Program Valkea's fully funded fall 2025 exploration program is designed to systematically evaluate the Aarnivalkea West target as well as develop new, high-priority target areas across the greater Paana Project. The Aarnivalkea West target, located approximately 24 km northwest of Agnico Eagle's Kittila mine and 65 km northwest of Rupert Resource's Ikkari deposit (Figure 1), is underlain by highly prospective rocks of the Central Lapland Greenstone belt. Based on previous exploration programs, the broad and open 1.3 km long target is considered prospective for both Kittila-style, high-grade mineralization and Ikkari-style disseminated mineralization. Re-logging of drill core from the previous drill programs at Aarnivalkea West and Aarnivalkea East is underway. Data from the relogging efforts will be used to refine the geological model and help guide future exploration drilling. A diamond drill rig is scheduled to mobilise to site in the coming days where the focus of the drill program will be on testing the extent of Ikkari-style, disseminated gold mineralization at the Koivu Zone. Up to 2,000 meters of drilling in a series of step-out holes up- and down-dip as well as along-strike, north and south from AW-24-005 (36.45 meters of 1.50 g/t gold including 15.35 meters of 3.43 g/t gold and including 2.75 meters of 12.92 g/t gold, see Company's news release dated February 27th, 2025) and FAVD-64 (55.48 meters of 1.63 g/t gold including 8.50 meters of 8.57 g/t gold7) is planned. The holes will be aimed at defining mineralization continuity across the broader target area. A project-wide base of till (BoT) drill program is scheduled to begin in the coming months. The focus of the BoT program will be on evaluating the footprints of high-priority gold anomalies defined in earlier programs and also on evaluating the western and northern extent of the broad Aarnivalkea West anomaly. Results from the BoT program will be used to refine new drill targets. Exploration Manager - Finland The Company has appointed Mr. Jens Ronnqvist as Exploration Manager (Finland). Mr. Ronnqvist has over 20 years of experience in mineral exploration in the Nordics, including extensive work in Lapland, northern Finland, where he has contributed to projects with major mining companies such as B2Gold, Rio Tinto, and Boliden. He holds a Master of Science degree in Geology and Mineralogy from Abo Akademi University, Finland. Over the course of his career, Mr. Ronnqvist has gained broad expertise across geology, geophysics, and geochemistry, with significant time spent in field-based roles and managing exploration sites. He has also overseen client relations, advised on legal and regulatory matters, and planned and executed numerous exploration surveys. During his tenure with GeoPool OY, he contributed to more than 50 projects ranging from grassroots to mine-site exploration, supporting both junior companies and large international operators. In addition to his technical credentials, Mr. Ronnqvist established and managed a Health & Safety organization within GeoPool, serving as H&S Officer and prioritizing safe, supportive work environments. Well-connected across the Nordic mining industry, he brings an extensive network and proven ability to advance exploration programs and foster strong stakeholder engagement. Figure 1. Map of the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt highlighting Valkea's landholdings as well as neighboring companies and associated exploration, development and mining projects. See references below for sources of data. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7621/263884_96ec89a64408787c_001full.jpg Figure 2. Map showing previous drill collar locations with selected highlights from the Aarnivalkea West target, Paana Project. The focus for the upcoming drill program is the Koivu Zone (outlined in red) well as poorly tested areas across the 1.3 km trend (outlined in orange). See references below for sources of data. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7621/263884_96ec89a64408787c_002full.jpg About Valkea Resources Valkea Resources at the forefront of gold exploration in Finland's highly prospective Central Lapland Greenstone Belt (CLGB). With an extensive portfolio of high-potential projects, including the flagship Paana project, Valkea Resources is committed to discovering and advancing significant gold deposits in one of the world's emerging gold districts. 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. Qualified Person The disclosure of technical or scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Christopher Leslie, Ph.D., P.Geo., Chief Geologist for Valkea Resources and a Qualified Person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. Some technical information contained in this release is historical in nature and has been compiled from public sources believed to be accurate. The historical technical information has not been verified by Valkea and may in some instances be unverifiable. Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby projects is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on Valkea's projects. References 1. Agnico Eagle website (agnicoeagle.com), Dec. 31, 2023 Reserve & Resource statement 2. Agnico Eagle website (agnicoeagle.com), 2009-2023 annual results reports. *total endowment, sum of proven and probable mineral reserves, measured, indicated and inferred mineral resources and historical production 3. Thomas, B., Larouche, I. and Digges La Touche, G. (2023), NI 43-101 Technical Report Rupert Resources Lt. Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Ikkari Project - Finland, Effective Date December 12, 2023, Rupert Resources website (rupertresources.com) +indicated mineral resource 4. Aurion Gold website (aurion.com), May 2nd, 2022 NR and June 13th, 2022 NR 5. Aurion Gold website (aurion.com), March 19th, 2024 NR 6. S2 Resources website (s2resources.com.au), August 12th, 2020 NR 7. S2 Resources website (s2resources.com.au), January 4th, 2021 NR 8. S2 Resources website (s2resources.com.au), October 11th, 2021 NR 9. Valkea Resources website (Valkea.ca), February 27th, 2025 NR Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements in this news release include but are not limited to commencement of trading on the TSXV. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analyses 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 believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Management believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the benefits of the Acquisition and the Offering; the Company's ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of required approvals; the price of metals; the integration of assets acquired by the Company; and the Company's ability 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. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include but are not limited to: the Company's early stage of development; the fluctuation of the price of metals; the availability of additional funding as and when required; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; the timing and ability to maintain and, where necessary, obtain necessary permits and licenses; the uncertainty in geologic, hydrological, metallurgical and geotechnical studies and opinions; infrastructure risks, including access to water and power; environmental risks and hazards; risks associated with negative operating cash flow; and risks associated with dilution. For a further discussion of risks relevant to the Company, see the Company's other public disclosure documents. Although management has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There is 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 forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as, and to the extent required by, applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263884 SOURCE: Valkea Resources Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - The FUTR Corporation (TSXV: FTRC) ("FUTR" or the "Company"), a consumer-centric platform for data valuation and monetization, is pleased to announce that it has received firm commitments for a non-brokered private placement of 17 million Units at $0.30 per Unit for aggregate proceeds of $5.1 million. The financing is scheduled to close September 4, 2025. Each Unit is priced at $0.30 per Unit and consists of one common share and one-half warrant. Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.45 until December 31, 2027, unless the stock trades at $2.20 per share on a VWAP basis over a 10-day period at which point the Board may determine to accelerate the expiration date of the Warrants to 30 days following a press release announcing such. Net proceeds of the offering will be used for general working capital and growth initiatives, including potential acquisitions. FUTR President Alex McDougall said: "We are very grateful for the support of many new shareholders and several existing shareholders who are enthusiastic about our vision of The FUTR Corporation. We have an ambitious plan with FUTR and are confident we will be a leader in the personal data monetization space." It is expected that insiders of the Company, Michael Hilmer, Alex McDougall, Jay Graver and G Scott Paterson will participate in the Financing for an aggregate amount of $270,000 representing 900,000 Units. Such participation is considered a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). In completing such transaction, the Company relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholders approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that the Insiders' participation in the Offering does not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Company's market capitalization. The Units are being offered by way of private placement pursuant to exemptions from prospectus requirements under applicable securities laws. All securities issued are subject to a four month hold period, in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Offering has received conditional approval from the TSXV. The Company will pay to eligible persons a cash finder's fee of 7% of Units placed and finder's warrants equal to 7% of the aggregate number of Units sold under the Offering. Each Finder Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Unit of the Company until September 30, 2027, at an exercise price of $0.30 per Unit subject to an acceleration provision. The securities will be not registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news 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 any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About The FUTR Corporation FUTR's AI Agent App is focused on putting money back in consumer's wallets through a unique data monetization rewards system, personalized offers as well as agent-driven smart payment management. The FUTR AI Agent App will allow Enterprises to get rewarded for contributing consented Consumer data to the Agent and also allow Brands to leverage this data to improve personalization and customer acquisition. www.thefutrcorp.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of applicable securities laws) which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as "believe", "anticipate", "project", "expect", "intend", "plan", "will", "may", "estimate" and other similar expressions. These statements are based on the Company's expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections and include, without limitation, statements regarding the future success of the Company's business.. The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on certain assumptions. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: 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. /Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263924 SOURCE: The FUTR Corporation Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - Excellon Resources Inc. (TSXV: EXN) (OTC Pink: EXNRF) (FSE: E4X2) ("Excellon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. ("Red Cloud") pursuant to which Red Cloud and Velocity Trade Capital Ltd. will act as co-lead agents and joint bookrunners on behalf of a syndicate of agents (the "Agents") in connection with a "best efforts" private placement (the "Offering") of up to 40,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Offered Shares") at a price of C$0.20 per Offered Share (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to C$8,000,000. The Agents will have an option, exercisable in whole or in part up to 48 hours prior to the Closing Date (as defined herein), to sell up to an additional 5,000,000 Offered Shares at the Offering Price to raise up to an additional C$1,000,000 in gross proceeds. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for advancing the development of the Mallay Mine, working capital and general corporate purposes, as is more fully described in the Offering Document (as defined herein). Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Offered Shares will be offered for sale to purchasers resident in all of the provinces of Canada, other than Quebec, pursuant to the "listed issuer financing exemption" under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions under applicable Canadian securities legislation, the Offered Shares are expected to be immediately freely tradeable under applicable Canadian securities legislation if sold to purchasers resident in Canada. The Offered Shares may also be offered in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, by way of private placement pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and in jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States on a private placement or equivalent basis, in each case in accordance with all applicable laws, provided that no prospectus, registration statement or other similar document is required to be filed in such jurisdiction. There is an offering document (the "Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at: www.excellonresources.com. Prospective investors should read the Offering Document before making an investment decision. The Offering is anticipated to close on or about September 9, 2025 or such other date as the Company and Red Cloud may agree (the "Closing Date"). Completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities law, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy in the United States nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Excellon Resources Inc. Excellon's vision is to realize opportunities through the acquisition and advancement of quality precious and base metal assets, leveraging an experienced management team for the benefit of its employees, communities and shareholders. The Company is focused on the potential restart of the Mallay Silver Mine in Peru. Excellon also holds a portfolio of exploration-stage projects, including the Tres Cerros Gold/Silver Exploration Property in Peru; Kilgore, an advanced gold project in Idaho; and Silver City, a high-grade epithermal silver district in Saxony, Germany, providing additional growth upside. Additional details on Excellon's properties can be found at www.excellonresources.com. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained, referenced or incorporated by reference in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as: "actively", "advance", "anticipated", "assess", "believe", "cause", "commence", "completion", "conditions", "consideration", "continues", "development", "due course", "expectation", "exploration", "extend", "extension", "flexibility", "focused", "forward", "further", "future", "if", "implement", "liquidity", "looking", "maturity", "may", "negotiations", "occur", "opportunities", "options", "outcome", "outstanding", "potential", "providing", "reach", "restructuring", "risk", "subject to", "to be", "update", "vision", "waive", "when", "will", and "would", or variations of such words, and similar such words, expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results can, could, may, should, to, will, would (or not) be achieved, occur, provide, result, complete or support in the future or which, by their nature, refer to future events. In some cases, forward-looking information may be stated in the present tense, such as in respect of current matters that may be continuing, or that may have a future impact or effect. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the structure and terms of the Offering; the use of proceeds of the Offering; the timing and ability of the Company to complete the Offering; the timing and ability of the Company to receive necessary approvals; and the Company's objectives, goals and future plans and strategies. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct, and any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future actions, results or performance. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions, which are considered reasonable and represent best judgment based on available facts, as of the date such statements are made. If such assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions prove to be incorrect, actual and future results may be materially different than expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors include, among others, the inability of the Company to complete the Offering on the terms proposed or at all, the inability of the Company to obtain necessary approvals, the "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated March 31, 2025 (the "2025 AIF"), and the risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors identified in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis, and accompanying financial statements, for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the Company's other applicable public disclosure (collectively, "Company Disclosure"). The foregoing list of risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors is not exhaustive; readers should consult the more complete discussion of the Company's business, financial condition and prospects that is provided in the 2025 AIF and the other Company Disclosure. The forward-looking statements referenced or contained in this news release are expressly qualified by these Cautionary Statements as well as the Cautionary Statements in the other Company Disclosure. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release (or as otherwise expressly specified) and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by applicable 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. Not for distribution to United States news wire services or for dissemination in the United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263890 SOURCE: Excellon Resources Inc. Tanzania's Zanzibar president honors Chinese medical team Xinhua) 16:09, August 26, 2025 DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Hussein Ali Mwinyi, president of Tanzania's Zanzibar, on Monday awarded medals to members of the 34th batch of the Chinese medical team and experts from the China-aided schistosomiasis control project for their distinguished service in improving healthcare in the Zanzibar Archipelago. Speaking at the ceremony marking the conclusion of their service, Mwinyi thanked the Chinese government for its longstanding cooperation with Zanzibar, particularly in the health sector. "I extend my sincere gratitude to the 34th Chinese medical team for the excellent work you have done during your entire stay here in Zanzibar. You have treated patients, trained students, donated equipment and medicines, and provided much-needed care to many Zanzibaris," the president said. Mwinyi also commended the schistosomiasis control project team for their efforts in significantly reducing infection rates, and pledged his government's readiness to welcome the 35th Chinese medical team and the next group of schistosomiasis control project experts. Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, Zanzibar's minister of health, said the 34th Chinese medical team has served more than 41,000 patients, performed over 4,200 surgeries, and introduced new treatment methods previously unavailable in the islands. The team also conducted rural clinics, supported orphans, and donated medical supplies worth more than 1.6 billion Tanzanian shillings (about 620,000 U.S. dollars). On the schistosomiasis control project, Mazrui noted that more than 125,000 people had been screened, all infected patients treated, and the prevalence rate on Pemba Island had been cut from 1.23 percent to 0.79 percent. Chen Wei, head of the 34th Chinese medical team, expressed appreciation for the great support and trust shown by the Zanzibari government and people. He said the Chinese medical team will continue to strengthen health cooperation with Zanzibar, deepen exchanges in medical technology and talent training, further expand service coverage, and contribute to the sustainable development of Zanzibar's health sector. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Abdera Therapeutics Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging its advanced antibody engineering ROVEr platform to design and develop tunable precision radiopharmaceuticals for cancer, today announced that initial pharmacokinetics, dosimetry and safety data from the company's ongoing first-in-human Phase 1 dose-escalation trial of ABD-147, a novel DLL3-targeting radiopharmaceutical, will be presented at the IASLC 2025 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC), being held September 6-9 in Barcelona, Spain. Details for the presentation at the IASLC 2025 WCLC are as follows: Title: First-in-Human Study of 225Ac-ABD147 for SCLC and LCNEC Post-Chemotherapy: Pharmacokinetics, Biodistribution and Safety Insights Presenter: Sean Carlin, Ph.D., vice president, translational sciences, Abdera Therapeutics Session: P3.13 Small Cell Lung Cancer and Neuroendocrine Tumors Session Date and Time: Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. CEST In addition, Abdera management will participate in the following investor conferences in September: 2025 Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference Presentation: Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. ET Location: Boston, MA Participants: Lori Lyons-Williams, president and chief executive officer; Rachael Brake, Ph.D., chief scientific officer 2025 Cantor Global Healthcare Conference 1x1 meetings: Friday, September 5, 2025 Location: New York, NY Participant: Lori Lyons-Williams, president and chief executive officer 23rd Annual Morgan Stanley Healthcare Conference Fireside chat: Monday, September 8, 2025, at 1:05 p.m. ET Location: New York, NY Participant: Lori Lyons-Williams, president and chief executive officer Oppenheimer 3rd Annual Targeted Radiopharmaceutical Therapies in Oncology Summit Panel discussion: Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. ET Location: New York, NY Participant: Rachael Brake, Ph.D., chief scientific officer About ABD-147 ABD-147 is a targeted radiopharmaceutical biologic therapy designed to deliver Actinium-225 (225Ac), a highly potent alpha-emitting radioisotope, to solid tumors expressing delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) with high affinity. DLL3 is a protein in the Notch pathway that is critical for the development and regulation of neuroendocrine versus epithelial cell differentiation in the lungs. In certain high grade neuroendocrine carcinomas including small cell lung cancer (SCLC), DLL3 is upregulated and specifically expressed on the cell surface in more than 80% of cases. In contrast, DLL3 is absent or very rarely expressed on the surface of nonmalignant cells. Given the high specificity of DLL3 expression on cancer cells and the distinct mechanism of action, DLL3 represents a compelling target for treating SCLC and other DLL3+ solid tumors with targeted radiotherapy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation to ABD-147 for the treatment of patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) who have progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy and Orphan Drug Designation to ABD-147 for the treatment of neuroendocrine carcinoma. ABD-147 is currently being evaluated in a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial in patients with SCLC or large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung who have previously received platinum-based therapy. About Abdera Abdera Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging antibody engineering to design and develop new precision radiopharmaceuticals for cancer. Abdera's Radio Optimized Vector Engineering (ROVEr) proprietary platform enables the company to engineer potential best-in-class therapies for both clinically validated and novel targets that deliver potent radioisotopes capable of emitting alpha or beta particles to selectively destroy cancer cells. Abdera's lead program, ABD-147, is a next-generation precision radiopharmaceutical biologic therapy designed to deliver Actinium-225 (225Ac) to solid tumors expressing delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) for the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). Headquartered in South San Francisco, CA, Abdera also has offices in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. To learn more, please visit www.abderatx.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250825455176/en/ Contacts: Investors: Monique Allaire THRUST monique@thrustsc.com Media: 1AB Katie Engleman katie@1abmedia.com First participant dosed with Debiopharm's Debio 1453, a new drug candidate to address the high unmet need of multidrug-resistant infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae Debiopharm (www.debiopharm.com), a privately-owned, Swiss-based biopharmaceutical company aiming to establish tomorrow's standard-of-care to cure cancer and infectious diseases, today announced the dosing of the first healthy volunteer in its randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase I trial Debio 1453-101 (NCT07035769) 'A First-in-Human Study to Evaluate Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Single and Multiple Oral Doses of Debio 1453P in Healthy Adults'. Debiopharm's Debio 1453 aims to enhance the current range of treatment options by offering a novel antibiotic with an entirely new mechanism of action against Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) infections. Debiopharm is leveraging their expertise in combating bacterial infections through the development of a new antibiotic with a novel way to target the bacterium. Ultimately, Debio 1453 has the potential to create a truly novel therapeutic option, free from current resistance issues, and become a durable game changer for patients with gonorrhea. "The first clinical administration of our novel antibiotic is a pivotal milestone. This step brings us closer to providing a first-in-class innovative therapeutic option for those affected by gonorrhea, particularly for patients with hard-to-treat infections where effective treatments are greatly needed," expressed Alireza Shamaei-Tousi, Principal Clinical Scientist. The Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X), a global non-profit partnership that accelerates antibacterial research and development to protect lives from bacterial infections, is supporting the development of Debio 1453 with overall funding projected to exceed $20 million USD in total, based on the achievement of predetermined milestones. About Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by N. gonorrhoeae. Due to its growing resistance to existing antibiotics, N. gonorrhoeae has become a major public health concern. New treatments are urgently needed to prevent serious complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and increased risk of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Gonorrhea can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby, potentially causing sepsis and neonatal conjunctivitis, which can, in turn, lead to blindness if untreated. In 2020, the WHO estimated that there were 82.4 million new infections among adults globally.1 In 2023, the United States reported a total of 601,319 cases of gonorrhea, making it the second most common nationally notifiable STI in the country.2 In the same year, 96,969 confirmed cases of gonorrhea were reported in 28 EU/EEA countries, with a notification rate of 25.0 cases per 100,000 individuals. This marks a 31% increase from 2022.3 More recently, public health officials in England have reported a concerning rise in antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea cases in the first five months of 2025, surpassing the total for the previous year.4 The development of new antibiotics effective against N. gonorrhoeae is ranked as a high priority by the WHO, and drug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae is considered an urgent threat by the US CDC. About Debio 1453 Debio 1453 is an anti-gonococcal antibiotic with a novel mechanism of action. Debio 1453 exerts antimicrobial activity by inhibiting the bacterial fatty acid (FASII) pathway, which is essential for the growth of N. gonorrhoeae. Debio 1453 specifically targets FabI, an essential enzyme for the growth of N. gonorrhoeae. Because FabI is a novel anti-gonococcal target, Debio 1453 is active in vitro against all antibiotic-resistant phenotypes of N. gonorrhoeae that have been tested to date. Debio 1453 shows very potent activity against N. gonorrhoeae while reducing selective pressure on other bacteria that constitute the "healthy microbiota". The potential benefits of Debiopharm's FabI inhibitors for gonorrhea include high efficacy, a favorable resistance profile, no cross-resistance to existing antibiotics, encouragement of stewardship, appropriate antibiotic prescribing, due to targeted spectrum, and suitability for both oral and intramuscular administration. Debio 1453 exhibits rapid bactericidal activity against N. gonorrhoeae, providing potential for the treatment of hard-to-treat N. gonorrhoeae infections. In addition, Debio 1453 demonstrates promising in vitro activity against Chlamydia trachomatis, the cause of the STI chlamydia, which is often co-associated with N. gonorrhoeae infections. Research reported in this press release is supported by CARB-X. CARB-X's funding for this project is provided in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority; under agreement number: 75A50122C00028, and by awards from Wellcome (WT224842), Germany's Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), the UK Department of Health and Social Care as part of the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Innovation Fund (GAMRIF) and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The content of this press release is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of CARB-X or any of its funders. Debiopharm's commitment to patients Debiopharm aims to develop innovative therapies that target high unmet medical needs primarily in oncology and bacterial infections. Bridging the gap between disruptive discovery products and real-world patient reach, we identify high-potential compounds and technologies for in-licensing, clinically demonstrate their safety and efficacy, and then hand stewardship to large pharmaceutical commercialization partners to maximize patient access globally. For more information, please visit www.debiopharm.com Learn more the Debio 1453 clinical trial on our patients website https://patients.debiopharm.com/gonorrhea/ Follow us on LinkedIn @DebiopharmInternational https://www.linkedin.com/company/debiopharminternational/ References World Health Organization. "Gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection)." WHO, 4 July 2024, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/gonorrhoea-(neisseria-gonorrhoeae-infection) U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). National Overview of STIs in 2023 I STIs Statistics I CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/annual/summary.html) European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. An agency of the European Union. Gonorrhoea Annual Epidemiological Report for 2023 (https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/gonorrhoea-annual-epidemiological-report-2023) Wilkinson, E. (2025, June 30). 'Concerning acceleration' in drug-resistant gonorrhoea ahead of vaccine programme. Pulse Today. Retrieved from https://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/news/clinical-areas/sexual-health/concerning-acceleration-in-drug-resistant-gonorrhoea-ahead-of-vaccine-programme/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826141995/en/ Contacts: Dawn Bonine Head of Communications dawn.bonine@debiopharm.com Tel: +41 (0)21 321 01 11 Executive Expansion Underscores Nasuni's Mission to Deliver Customer Success and Provide Critical Data Foundation for Enterprises Embracing AI at Scale BOSTON, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nasuni, a leading unified file data platform company, today announced the appointments of David Castignola as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Anthony Miller as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), and James Lemonias as Senior Vice President of Customer Success. These latest additions to Nasuni's executive team will play a critical role in deepening the company's trusted relationships with customers and partners while spearheading its next phase of global growth. "I am thrilled to welcome Dave, Anthony, and James to our talented team at Nasuni," said Sam King, CEO of Nasuni. "They join us at a pivotal moment in our journey where hybrid cloud storage and unstructured data management platforms are becoming a critical foundation upon which to build successful long term AI strategies for enterprises. As Nasuni reaches its next stage of growth, we have been deliberate in choosing leaders whose vast experience and expertise align perfectly with the opportunities ahead. Each will play an essential role in helping us lead the market and ensure success for our customers and partners while continuing our strong growth trajectory." Castignola, Miller, and Lemonias will draw on their considerable experience in their respective fields, including: David Castignola: Castignola brings more than two decades of experience accelerating growth and delivering customer success. During his 20 years at RSA, he created and led the customer response program during the RSA SecurID breach before serving as the first CRO at Optiv, COO at BlackBerry Cylance, and CRO at Bugcrowd. At Optiv, he was renowned for building successful go-to-market partnerships with leading security vendors. Most recently, as CRO at Delinea, he successfully integrated and scaled the worldwide sales organization following its merger. At Nasuni, Castignola is focused on expanding go-to-market functions, strengthening the channel partner program, and ensuring customers have the support and reach needed to execute their AI strategies with confidence. Castignola brings more than two decades of experience accelerating growth and delivering customer success. During his 20 years at RSA, he created and led the customer response program during the RSA SecurID breach before serving as the first CRO at Optiv, COO at BlackBerry Cylance, and CRO at Bugcrowd. At Optiv, he was renowned for building successful go-to-market partnerships with leading security vendors. Most recently, as CRO at Delinea, he successfully integrated and scaled the worldwide sales organization following its merger. At Nasuni, Castignola is focused on expanding go-to-market functions, strengthening the channel partner program, and ensuring customers have the support and reach needed to execute their AI strategies with confidence. Anthony Miller: Miller is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of scaling global B2B SaaS companies through customer-focused, growth-driven strategies. At PowerSchool, he played a key role in the company's expansion and led the team that earned the 2019 CODiE Marketing Team of the Year award. With leadership experience spanning marketing, sales, channel partner strategies and business development, Miller brings a holistic go-to-market perspective to Nasuni. As CMO, he drives global marketing with a customer-first approach, helping enterprises better realize the value of Nasuni's platform as the critical foundation for AI-driven transformation. Miller is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of scaling global B2B SaaS companies through customer-focused, growth-driven strategies. At PowerSchool, he played a key role in the company's expansion and led the team that earned the 2019 CODiE Marketing Team of the Year award. With leadership experience spanning marketing, sales, channel partner strategies and business development, Miller brings a holistic go-to-market perspective to Nasuni. As CMO, he drives global marketing with a customer-first approach, helping enterprises better realize the value of Nasuni's platform as the critical foundation for AI-driven transformation. James Lemonias: Lemonias is an experienced customer success leader with a strong background in scaling teams and driving long-term customer value. At Bottomline Technologies, he led customer success and support for a high-growth product line that helped the company reach $700M in revenue. Earlier, at Carbonite, he built the company's first customer success and account management functions. At Nasuni, Lemonias leads customer success, services, and support, ensuring organizations maximize the value of their file data foundation and achieve measurable outcomes as they advance their AI initiatives. As enterprise AI adoption continues to surge, the need for secure, scalable data management has never been more urgent. Nasuni has gained significant momentum this year, adding organizations such as Blue Bird, KUKA, and Fette Compacting to its growing customer community. These enterprises, along with household names like Mattel, TBWA, Perkins + Will, Barnes & Noble, and Hybrid Apparel, rely on Nasuni not just to modernize file storage, but to prepare their unstructured data for AI-driven innovation. To further meet demand, Nasuni also launched File IQ Premium and Ops IQ, two powerful new capabilities designed to help enterprises turn file data into intelligence. These features give organizations the visibility and control needed to prepare unstructured and machine-generated data for AI applications at scale. Reinforcing its market leadership, Nasuni recently earned its fifth consecutive NorthFace ScoreBoard Service Award alongside seven G2 Summer 2025 badges. Additionally, Nasuni was spotlighted by Frost & Sullivan's Hybrid Cloud Storage Frost Radar, affirming its position as a top innovator and growth leader. This recognition underscores Nasuni's dual commitment: delivering world-class customer experiences while providing the data platform enterprises need to advance their AI strategies. For more information on Nasuni and its transformative unified file data platform, visit: www.nasuni.com. About Nasuni Nasuni is a unified file data platform for enterprises facing an explosion of unstructured data, combining storage and data services into a single hybrid cloud solution. Nasuni's approach enables business resiliency and better data management, while providing solutions that drive IT efficiency, cutting infrastructure costs by up to 67%. Its best-in-class solution also eliminates the need for additional cybersecurity measures or separate backup and disaster recovery. The Nasuni File Data Platform replaces the friction associated with legacy infrastructure with optimized infrastructure flow, supporting modern enterprise expectations for data analytics and business insights. Nasuni helps businesses transform data from an obstacle into an opportunity. Organizations worldwide rely on Nasuni, spanning the manufacturing, media and advertising, construction (AEC), consumer brands, and energy industries. Its corporate headquarters are located in Boston, Massachusetts, and the company delivers services to over 70 countries. For more information, visit www.nasuni.com. Media Contacts US: Hannah Johnston V2 Communications Phone: 617-426-2222 Email: nasuni@v2comms.com Europe: Beth Collinson Waters Agency Phone: +44 (0)7591 004 738 Email: nasunipr@watersagency.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1841258/Nasuni_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nasuni-appoints-cro-cmo-and-svp-of-customer-success-to-advance-leadership-in-the-enterprise-ai-era-302536109.html Milestone deal marks EquiLend's expansion into the Kingdom with full-suite automation adoption NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EquiLend today announced that EFG Hermes is going live on the firm's Next Generation Trading (NGT) platform, becoming EquiLend's first trading client based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the first in the region to adopt full post-trade and trading automation via EquiLend. EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company, is the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), offering an extensive array of financial services, encompassing advisory, asset management, securities brokerage, research, and private equity. EFG Hermes previously onboarded EquiLend's post-trade services and now expands that relationship to include trading via EquiLend NGT. The implementation enables streamlined, automated execution and lifecycle management, giving EFG Hermes greater access to global liquidity, improved visibility into activity, and more efficient operations across its securities finance business. "Our partnership with EFG Hermes reflects EquiLend's commitment to delivering market-leading technology that meets the needs of firms across the Kingdom, the United Arabic Emirates, the GCC region, and around the world," said Rich Grossi, CEO of EquiLend. "We are proud to support the growth of Saudi Arabia's securities finance market and look forward to further collaboration with leading institutions across the region." "This is a significant milestone for EquiLend, the local Saudi Arabian market and the securities finance industry," said Dimitri Arlando, Head of EMEA Sales at EquiLend. "EFG Hermes will not only benefit from automation, which will highlight them as an attractive counterparty to trade with, but connecting to the EquiLend ecosystem will also help EFG Hermes access more demand for Saudi Equities from market participants across the globe." This milestone underscores EquiLend's commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC region. EquiLend is actively engaged with leading institutions across the region, providing solutions that drive efficiency, automation and global connectivity in securities finance. About EquiLend: EquiLend is a global financial technology firm offering Trading, Post-Trade, Data & Analytics, RegTech and Platform Solutions for the securities finance industry. With offices in North America, EMEA and Asia-Pacific, EquiLend operates across various jurisdictions worldwide, adhering to the highest regulatory standards. The company is committed to excellence and innovation and is consistently recognized for its contributions to the industry. EquiLend is Great Place to Work Certified in the U.S., UK, Ireland and India and has been awarded Global Data Provider of the Year and Regulatory Solution of the Year in the Securities Finance Times Industry Excellence Awards 2025. For more information, please visit www.equilend.com For further information about EquiLend, please contact:media@equilend.com About EFG Holding: EFG Holding (EGX: HRHO.CA - LSE: EFGD) is a financial institution that boasts a remarkable 40-year legacy of success in seven countries spanning two continents. Operating within three distinct verticals - the Investment Bank (EFG Hermes), Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFI) (EFG Finance), and Commercial Bank (Bank NXT) - the company provides a comprehensive range of groundbreaking financial products and services tailored to meet the needs of a diverse clientele, including individual clients and businesses of all sizes. EFG Hermes, the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), offers extensive financial services, encompassing advisory, asset management, securities brokerage, research, and private equity. In its domestic market, EFG Holding serves as a universal bank, with EFG Finance emerging as the fastest-growing NBFI platform, comprising Tanmeyah, a provider of innovative and integrated financial solutions for small business owners and entrepreneurs, EFG Corp-Solutions, which provides leasing and factoring services, Valu, a universal financial technology powerhouse, Bedaya for mortgage finance, Kaf for insurance, and EFG Finance SMEs, which provides financial services for small and medium enterprises. Furthermore, the company delivers commercial banking solutions through Bank NXT, an integrated retail and corporate banking product provider in Egypt. Proudly present in: Egypt | United Arab Emirates | Saudi Arabia | Kuwait | Bahrain | Kenya | Nigeria Learn more about us at www.efghldg.com For further information about EFG Hermes, please contact: May El Gammal Group Chief Marketing & Communications Officer of EFG Holding melgammal@efghldg.com Omar Salama Associate Director of Communications of EFG Holding osalama@efghldg.com The EFG Holding Public Relations Team PublicRelations@efghldg.com Note on Forward-Looking Statements In this press release, EFG Holding may make forward-looking statements, including, for example, statements about management's expectations, strategic objectives, growth opportunities, and business prospects. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent only EFG Holding's belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and are beyond management's control and include, among others, financial market volatility; actions and initiatives taken by current and potential competitors; general economic conditions and the effect of current, pending, and future legislation, regulations and regulatory actions. Accordingly, the readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1060364/EquiLend_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/equilend-onboards-efg-hermes-as-first-saudi-arabia-based-client-on-ngt-trading-platform-302538099.html WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - White House has published an article calling attention to alarming rise in crime and disrepair gripping major U.S. cities, especially Chicago. 'Democrat politicians seem far more upset about the offer of assistance than the crime epidemic in their own backyards,' says the article, which listed detailed data focusing on Chicago's crime problem. For 13 consecutive years, Chicago has had the most murders of any U.S. city, the article says. For seven consecutive years, Chicago has had the highest murder rate among U.S. cities with more than one million people. In 2024, Chicago's murder rate per capita was three times higher than Los Angeles and nearly five times higher than New York City. That's more than double the murder rate in Islamabad and nearly 15 times more than Delhi, according to the White House. Out of Chicago's 147,899 reported crimes since January 1, arrests have been made in just 16.2 percent of them, it alleged. More illegal guns are recovered in Chicago than in New York City and Los Angeles combined. The number of reported motor vehicle thefts last year was more than double the number in 2021. Chicago has also come under scrutiny over discrepancies in its homicide data reporting, the White House said. It quoted a few recent headlines detailing crime in Chicago, and the city residents' statements demanding action. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - Red Light Holland Corp. (CSE: TRIP) (FSE: 4YX) (OTCQB: TRUFF) ("Red Light Holland" or the "Company"), an Ontario-based corporation engaged in the production, growth, and sale of functional mushrooms and mushroom home grow kits in North America and Europe, as well as a premium brand of psilocybin truffles in the legal, recreational market within the Netherlands, today announced an update on its Bitcoin balance sheet strategy. As part of its previously disclosed plan to allocate up to C$2 million toward Bitcoin and related assets, the Company has continued its disciplined accumulation strategy. To date, Red Light Holland has purchased 10,600 shares of the iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT.NE) at an average cost of C$44.60 per share. In addition, the Company is working with a leading exchange to establish a corporate account that will allow Red Light Holland to fully utilize Arch Public Inc.'s algorithmic trading strategies. This step builds on the Company's July 25th announcement regarding the selection of Arch Public, on the recommendation of Lead Cryptocurrency Advisor Scott Melker, as a partner for its Bitcoin acquisitions. Todd Shapiro, CEO and Director of Red Light Holland, commented: "We're pleased to report meaningful progress on our Bitcoin balance sheet strategy. Not only have we grown our position in IBIT with 10,600 shares purchased to date, but we are also actively setting up the necessary infrastructure with a major exchange to begin leveraging Arch Public's strategies. This combination of disciplined ETF accumulation and sophisticated trading tools is designed to strengthen our treasury while aligning with our vision of innovation, decentralization, and long-term value creation." "Bitcoin reflects the values of personal sovereignty, independence, and choice. These same principles guide our work in psychedelics and wellness, where we believe individuals should have access to safe, responsible, and empowering options. Whether through finance or mental health, Red Light Holland is committed to championing freedom and self-determination." Scott Melker, Lead Cryptocurrency Advisor to Red Light Holland, added: "Red Light Holland is taking a balanced and responsible approach to Bitcoin, combining ETF exposure with the next steps of advanced trading strategies via Arch Public, while holding Bitcoin on a reputable exchange, is a careful decision aimed at building long-term value." This update underscores Red Light Holland's proactive approach to integrating blockchain and cryptocurrency into its operations, while continuing to pursue its mission of innovation and accessibility in the functional mushroom and psychedelics markets. About Red Light Holland Corp. Red Light Holland Corp. is an Ontario-based corporation engaged in the production, growth, and sale of functional mushrooms and mushroom home grow kits in North America and Europe. The Company also offers a premium brand of psilocybin truffles to the legal, recreational market within the Netherlands, in compliance with all applicable laws. Red Light Holland is dedicated to responsible adult-use psychedelics, fostering education, innovation, and accessibility in the sector. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Company's performance, business objectives and milestones and the anticipated timing thereof, and costs in connection with, the execution or achievement of such objectives and milestones, including its plans to relating to the Bitcoin strategy and to work with Scott Melker and Arch Public and a Crypto exchange and the stated goals of this consultant relationship. Forward-looking information in this press release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the Company's ability to carryout its plans relating to the Bitcoin strategy and to work with Scott Melker, Arch Public and achieve the stated goals of this consultant relationship. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the Company's inability to carryout its plans relating to the Bitcoin strategy and to work with Scott Melker, Arch Public and achieve the stated goals of this consultant relationship. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. 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 press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263927 SOURCE: Red Light Holland Corp. 89.5% increase in total revenue to $2.8 million compared to 2Q24 149.8% increase in gross profit to $1.7 million compared to 2Q24 482.3% increase in income from continuing operations to $610,000 compared to 2Q24 LEXINGTON, KY / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Cardiff Lexington Corporation (OTCQB:CDIX) today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. Alex Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Lexington, commented, "We delivered strong revenue growth in the second quarter of 2025, as well as significantly enhanced gross margins, income from continuing operations, and non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA when compared to the second quarter of 2024. Demand is strong and growing, as evidenced by the increased patient volume we're seeing across our 12 Nova Ortho & Spine locations, which are strategically positioned throughout population centers in Florida and Georgia. With our visibility today, we believe that we are well positioned to expand our footprint of locations through a strategic combination of organic growth and accretive M&A, as well as increase operating capacity at our existing locations to drive long-term growth and value for our shareholders." Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results Total revenue increased 89.5% to $2.8 million in the second quarter of 2025 compared with $1.5 million in the second quarter of 2024. Revenue in the second quarter of 2024 included a one-time non-cash adjustment of $859,000 to better align second quarter revenue with 2024 annualized claim settlement realization rates. Non-GAAP adjusted revenue, excluding the one-time non-cash adjustment, was $2.3 million for this period. Gross profit increased 149.8% to $1.7 million, or 60.8% of total revenue, compared with $679,000, or 46.1% of total revenue in the second quarter of 2024. Total operating expenses increased to $1.1 million compared with $838,000 in the second quarter of 2024. The increase in operating expenses is primarily related to SG&A expense of $987,000 as the Company continues to scale and grow its operations, and stock-based compensation expense of $98,000. Income from continuing operations increased 482.3% to $610,000, or 21.9% of total revenue, in the second quarter of 2025, compared with an operating loss of ($159,000), or (10.8%) of total revenue, in the second quarter of 2024. Net loss in the second quarter of 2025 was ($1.2 million) compared with net loss of ($132,000) in the second quarter of 2024. Included in net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was interest expense of ($1.8 million) compared with interest expense of ($41,000) in the second quarter of 2025. This increase is primarily related to increases in initial and incremental fees charged on the number of existing purchases and claims under the Company's line of credit. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, which excludes interest expense, increased to $708,000 compared with a non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA loss of ($76,000) in the second quarter of 2024. During the second quarter of 2025, as part of the Company's ongoing enhancements to internal controls over financial reporting, a detailed review of its interest expense-related cash flow classification was performed. As a result, the Company restated certain amounts within the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2024. This was reclassified to correct the presentation of $845,000 of non-cash interest accrual adjustments related to the Company's line of credit as of June 30, 2024. These amounts, previously presented within net proceeds from the line of credit in financing activities, are now presented within operating activities. This change in presentation has no impact on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets, condensed consolidated statements of operations, or total cash flows for any related period. Year-to-Date Financial Highlights Total revenue increased 50.4% to $5.7 million compared with $3.8 million in the first six months of 2024. Revenue in the first six months of 2024 included a one-time non-cash adjustment of $1.2 million to better align total revenue in the first six months of 2024 with annualized claim settlement realization rates. Non-GAAP adjusted revenue, excluding the one-time non-cash adjustment, was $5.0 million for this period. Gross profit increased 72.3% to $3.5 million, or 62.0% of total revenue, compared with $2.1 million, or 54.1% of total revenue in the first six months of 2024. Total operating expenses increased to $2.4 million compared with $2.0 million in the first six months of 2024, primarily related to increased SG&A expense of $2.3 million. Operating income increased to $1.2 million, or 20.2% of total revenue, compared with operating income of $60,000, or 1.6% of total revenue, in the first six months of 2024. Net loss in the first six months of 2025 was ($1.7 million) compared with net loss of ($415,000) in the first six months of 2024. Included in net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2025, was interest expense of ($2.8 million) compared with interest expense of ($418,000) in the first six months of 2024. This increase is primarily related to increases in initial and incremental fees charged on the number of existing purchases and claims under the Company's line of credit. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, which excludes interest expense, increased 181.1% to $1.3 million compared with non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA of $446,000 in the first six months of 2024. Balance Sheet Cash totaled $560,000 as of June 30, 2025. Total assets increased 10.8% increase into $26.5 million as of June 30, 2025. Total stockholders' equity was $754,000 as of June 30, 2025. Conference Call Cardiff Lexington will hold a conference call and webcast for investors today, August 26, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Shareholders and interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing (888) 506-0062 and international participants should dial (973) 528-0011 and use access code: 861636. The call and the accompanying slide deck will also be webcast at: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/3131/52897 The conference call and slide deck may also be accessed via the Investor Relations page of the Company's website at https://investor.cardifflexington.com/overview/default.aspx. Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site. An online archive of the webcast will be available on the Investor Relations page of the Company's website following the call at https://investor.cardifflexington.com/overview/default.aspx. A replay of the conference call will be available one hour after completion of the call until Tuesday, September 9, 2025, by dialing (877) 481-4010 and international participants should dial (919) 882-2331. All callers must use access code 52897 to access the replay. ----- About Cardiff Lexington Corporation: Cardiff Lexington Corporation is a unique targeted healthcare holding company focused on locating, acquiring, and building middle market, niche companies, primarily in Orthopedics, Spine Care, and Pain Management. Fundamental to the Cardiff Lexington strategy is the service-based partnership culture which emphasizes core values, teamwork, accountability, and performance. A substantial majority of the Company's revenue is derived from Nova Ortho and Spine, LLC, which operates a group of regional primary specialty and ancillary care facilities throughout Florida and Georgia that provide traumatic injury victims with a full range of diagnostic and surgical services, primary care evaluations, interventional pain management, and specialty consultation services. For more information on Cardiff Lexington Corporation, you may access the company's website at https://cardifflexington.com/ FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT: This news release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks include the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the Company's business, the Company's liquidity position, the Company's ability to obtain new business, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources, and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Cardiff Lexington Corporation prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). In addition to GAAP disclosures, this document contains financial information and measures considered to be "non-GAAP". These non-GAAP measures can be used in order to gain a more complete and accurate understanding of the Company's financial condition and results. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in conjunction with, and not as a substitute to GAAP financial measures. Cardiff Lexington Investor Relations investorsrelations@cardifflexington.com (800) 628-2100 ext. 705 or IMS Investor Relations cardifflexington@imsinvestorrelations.com (203) 972-9200 CARDIFF LEXINGTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2025, AND 2024 (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30, 2025 2024 (Restated) 2025 2024 (Restated) Total revenue $ 2,789,007 $ 1,471,643 $ 5,704,574 $ 3,793,775 Total cost of sales 1,093,748 793,010 2,168,782 1,741,164 Gross profit 1,695,259 678,633 3,535,792 2,052,611 Operating expenses Depreciation expense 763 3,366 4,128 6,731 Loss on disposal of fixed assets 0 0 12,593 0 Stock compensation expense 97,500 0 97,500 300,225 Selling, general and administrative 987,319 834,750 2,267,960 1,686,146 Total operating expenses 1,085,582 838,116 2,382,181 1,993,102 Income (loss) from continuing operations 609,677 (159,483 ) 1,153,611 59,509 Other (expense) income : Other income (expense) 0 2,047 (1,597 ) 2,047 Gain on debt refinance, forgiveness and settlement 0 78,834 0 78,834 Penalties and fees 0 (330 ) 0 (1,330 ) Interest expense (1,836,072 ) (41,347 ) (2,829,186 ) (417,616 ) Amortization of debt discounts 0 (11,306 ) 0 (24,821 ) Total other (expense) income (1,836,072 ) 27,898 (2,830,783 ) (362,886 ) Net loss before discontinued operations (1,226,395 ) (131,585 ) (1,677,172 ) (303,377 ) Loss from discontinued operations 0 0 0 (111,312 ) Net loss $ (1,226,395 ) $ (131,585 ) $ (1,677,172 ) $ (414,689 ) CARDIFF LEXINGTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF JUNE 30, 2025, AND DECEMBER 31, 2024 (Unaudited) June 30, December 31, 2025 2024 ASSETS Current assets Cash $ 559,715 $ 1,188,185 Accounts receivable-net 19,193,419 15,934,490 Prepaid and other current assets 114,398 89,901 Total current assets 19,867,532 17,212,576 Property and equipment, net 4,477 21,198 Land 540,000 540,000 Goodwill 5,666,608 5,666,608 Right of use - assets 356,848 406,950 Due from related party 4,979 4,979 Other assets 71,235 73,368 Total assets $ 26,511,679 $ 23,925,679 LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND DEFICIENCY IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expense $ 1,493,025 $ 1,379,760 Accrued expenses - related parties 4,665,525 4,553,057 Accrued interest 566,411 429,200 Right of use - liability 256,550 223,330 Notes - current portion 275,830 312,180 Line of credit 12,690,193 8,645,991 Convertible notes payable, net of debt discounts of $0 and $24,821, respectively 105,000 105,000 Net liabilities of discontinued operations 238,285 238,285 Total current liabilities 20,290,819 15,886,803 Other liabilities Notes payable 140,374 251,725 Operating lease liability - long term 108,979 185,877 Total liabilities 20,540,172 16,324,405 Mezzanine equity Redeemable Series N Senior Convertible Preferred Stock - 3,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value $4.00, 977,297 and 921,636 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 3,561,955 3,339,317 Redeemable Series X Senior Convertible Preferred Stock - 5,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value of $4.00 par value; 417,255 and 397,464 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 1,655,948 1,576,788 Total Mezzanine Equity 5,217,903 4,916,105 Stockholders' equity Series B Preferred Stock - 3,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value of $4.00, 0 and 1,279,867 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 0 5,119,468 Series C Preferred Stock - 500 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value of $4.00, 0 and 74 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 0 296 Series E Preferred Stock - 1,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value $4.00, 0 and 175,375 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 0 701,500 Series F-1 Preferred Stock - 50,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value $4.00, 3,875 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 15,500 15,500 Series I Preferred Stock - 15,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value $4.00, 10,075,092 and 10,469,092 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 40,300,368 41,876,368 Series L Preferred Stock - 400,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value $4.00, 319,493 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 1,277,972 1,277,972 Series Y Senior Convertible Preferred Stock - 1,500,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value of $4.00, 1,016,015 and 979,125 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 4,064,060 3,916,500 Common Stock; 300,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value; 19,679,713 and 15,300,475 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 19,680 15,300 Additional paid-in capital 30,201,734 22,711,350 Accumulated deficit (75,125,710 ) (72,949,085 ) Total stockholders' equity 753,604 2,685,169 Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders' equity $ 26,511,679 $ 23,925,679 CARDIFF LEXINGTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2025, AND 2024 (Unaudited) The following table reconciles Net (loss) income before discontinued operations (a GAAP measure) to EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2025 2024 (Restated) 2025 2024 (Restated) EBITDA (1) Net income (loss) before discontinued operations $ (1,226,395 ) $ (131,585 ) $ (1,677,172 ) $ (303,377 ) Add: Interest 1,836,072 41,347 2,829,186 417,616 Taxes 0 0 0 0 Depreciation 763 3,366 4,128 6,731 Amortization 0 11,306 0 24,821 EBITDA (1) $ 610,440 $ (75,566 ) $ 1,156,142 $ 145,791 Adjusted EBITDA (2) EBITDA $ 610,440 $ (75,566 ) $ 1,156,142 $ 145,791 Add: Stock compensation expense for shares issued 97,500 0 97,500 300,225 Adjusted EBITDA (2) $ 707,940 $ (75,566 ) $ 1,253,642 $ 446,016 (1) EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as Earnings Before Interest, Income Tax, Depreciation and Amortization. (2) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that is the sum of EBITDA plus non-recurring and non-cash charges. Adjusted EBITDA excluding other non-recurring costs (3) Adjusted EBITDA $ 707,940 $ (75,566 ) $ 1,253,642 $ 446,016 Add: Scaling and restructuring costs for business growth 11,676 16,833 11,676 104,192 Acquisition related costs 1,445 0 58,079 0 Adjusted EBITDA excluding other non-recurring costs (3) $ 721,061 $ (58,733 ) $ 1,323,397 $ 550,208 (3) Adjusted EBITDA excluding other non-recurring costs is a non-GAAP financial measure that is the sum of Adjusted EBITDA plus other non-recurring costs. CARDIFF LEXINGTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF REVENUE FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2025, AND 2024 (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended June 30, For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 GAAP Revenue $ 2,789,007 $ 1,471,643 $ 5,704,574 $ 3,793,775 Adjustments to Claim Settlement Realization Rate - 859,321 - 1,199,155 Non-GAAP Adjusted Revenue $ 2,789,007 $ 2,330,964 $ 5,704,574 $ 4,992,930 SOURCE: Cardiff Lexington Corporation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/cardiff-lexington-announces-second-quarter-2025-financial-result-1065238 New Plans to Increase Sekur's Marketshare and Sales Globally - Targeting VIPs, C-Level Execs and Governments VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Sekur Private Data Ltd. (OTCQB:SWISF)(CSE:SKUR)(FRA:GDT0) ("Sekur" or the "Company"), a leading Swiss-hosted cybersecurity and private communications platform, is pleased to announce that it is on track to deploy its highly anticipated Corporate and Premium solutions in September as planned. Sekur's platform is proprietary and hosted in Switzerland for optimal security and privacy compliance. It offers multiple privacy advantages, such as no contact or data mining, no location mining and secure and private communication within and outside of the Sekur network, offering privacy and security for both sender and recipient without divulging either phone number or identity. Sekur is expected to sell its new plans due in part to the explosion in Business Email Compromise ("BEC") attacks on all big tech email and chat applications, including the number one business email solution, which has suffered several hacks recently, especially since it implemented AI inside its solutions, including a major Key Logger hack on its start cloud email solution. Sekur's communications suite offers countermeasures to BEC attacks through its SekurSend proprietary feature, and offers other protections against internet spying on VPN users and messaging hacks such as the latest WhatsApp or Signal hacking incidents reported in the press. As of the date of this press release, the Company and its distributors expect to sell a minimum of 2,000 yearly Corporate and Premium licenses by end of 2026, at US$1,500/yr base price, for total gross proceeds of US$3,000,000 recurring yearly revenue, with sales expected to increase over time Internationally and in the USA, as Sekur promotes its privacy and security communications solutions, and as cyberhackers increase their damage in the corporate, government and HNWI world. Additionally, Sekur is planning a Corporate+ or Premium+ plan which will include proprietary, encrypted and AI intrusion free voice and video conferencing and other features, priced between US$2,500 and US$3,500/yr per license. The Company is focused on high value clients, such as HNWIs, C-level executives, diplomats, government officials and global leaders. Industries in focus are finance, real estate and mortgage, law, private aviation, defense, government and other sectors needing privacy and security for all their emails, chats messages and communications. Most businesses issue invoices with wire information and other details that are compromised. 40% of all BEC attacks are now done through AI emailing and BEC attacks are costing businesses an average of US$4.89 million per attack, according to an IBM study. Swiss Privacy Protection Sekur's solutions are hosted exclusively in Switzerland, ensuring user data remains secure from external data access requests. Switzerland's robust Federal Act on Data Protection, in place since 1993, upholds strict privacy standards, prohibiting unauthorized data processing and protecting against the publication of information based on leaked "secret official discussions." This regulatory framework provides a unique level of data privacy protection, reinforcing Sekur's commitment to safeguarding user information. The Company also intends to issue 1,722,222 restricted shares to arm's length service providers for services rendered at a price of CA$0.09 per share. All securities shall bear the customary restriction notices as per regulatory requirements for US and non-US holders. Completion of the share issuance remains subject to regulatory and board approvals and completion of customary filings with the CSE. About Sekur Private Data Ltd. Sekur Private Data Ltd. is a Swiss-hosted cybersecurity and privacy communications provider. offering a secure suite of tools to protect governments, businesses and individuals from unauthorized access and cyber threats. With solutions such as SekurMail, SekurMessenger, and SekurVPN, Sekur provides an accessible and reliable means of digital communication and data storage, grounded in Swiss privacy standards. Sekur sells its solutions through its website www.sekur.com, approved distributors and telecommunications companies globally. Sekur serves governments, businesses and consumers worldwide. CONTACT Alain Ghiai President and Chief Executive Officer SEKUR PRIVATE DATA LTD. Email: investors@sekur.com www.sekurprivatedata.com Tel: +1.305.347.5114 Follow Sekur on: X LinkedIn YouTube For sales brochure on our enterprise security solutions, or partnership opportunities, contact: partners@sekur.com. To find out more about Sekur's privacy communications solutions visit: https://sekur.com For more company information, please visit: https://sekurprivatedata.com Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "project" and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they do not guarantee future performance. Sekur cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Sekur's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the future of the Company's business; the success of marketing and sales efforts of the Company; the projections prepared in house and projections delivered by channel partners; the Company's ability to complete the necessary software updates; increases in sales as a result of investments software development technology; consumer interest in the Products; future sales plans and strategies; reliance on large channel partners and expectations of renewals to ongoing agreements with these partners; anticipated events and trends; the economy and other future conditions; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Sekur's prospectus dated May 8, 2019, filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available on www.sedarplus.ca. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Sekur undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. SOURCE: Sekur Private Data Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/sekur-private-data-ltd.-on-track-for-corporate-and-premium-soluti-1065312 Medtronic is using artificial intelligence to design more accurate technology for all from the early days of innovation NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / When Keith Holloman saw how COVID-19 affected his own family, the importance of accurate healthcare technology became deeply personal. "It's not just this ambiguous patient out there," said Holloman, a clinical research program manager at Medtronic. "It's someone I care for that could benefit from our technologies." Holloman now works in Acute Care & Monitoring developing pulse oximeters - devices he used regularly when he worked as a respiratory therapist. Pulse oximeters measure oxygen in the blood. They became even more critical for decision-making during the pandemic, and that surge in use spotlighted a troubling flaw: studies showed the devices can be less accurate on patients with darker skin tones. Holloman is part of efforts to change that by using artificial intelligence to design technology for all from the start. "We're making sure that our technology is equitable for every patient we serve," Holloman said. Powered by AI Doctors have relied on pulse oximeters for more than 40 years to monitor patients' oxygen levels and knowing oxygen levels helps clinicians detect when a patient's health is declining. "They're dependent on having an accurate measurement which potentially could result in them making decisions in terms of what level of intervention is necessary for that patient," Holloman said of doctors. At Medtronic, the NellcorTM pulse oximeter has been using artificial intelligence for more than 20 of those years - a move that positioned the company as an early adopter of AI to enhance device accuracy, said Jason Case, who leads research and development in the Acute Care & Monitoring business. How does AI work in these small devices? First, consider how pulse oximetry works, he said. "We're shining light, through tissue, to measure oxygen in the blood," Case said, "You can think of this like shining a flashlight into fog to look for something. And because blood moves with every heartbeat, the pulse lets us know when to take a measurement. Our AI is really good at identifying each and every pulse, and that enhances our accuracy." Every pulse is an opportunity to accurately measure oxygen supply, and AI in NellcorTM sees every single one - helping clinicians ensure patient safety moment-to-moment. Still, said Case, there's more work to be done. The human touch Long before pulse oximeters get clipped to a patient's finger in the hospital, Medtronic scientists and engineers are innovating AI algorithms with the help of regular people, Holloman said. The company opened a clinical physiology lab near the Five Points neighborhood of Denver, Colorado, to conduct its clinical trials not only with a wide array of participants but with more speed and frequency, leading to faster innovation. "We're looking at ways to improve our algorithms to accurately account for the variations in skin pigmentation, and we're going a step further to actually design clinical studies that will give us the data that shows our algorithms, our new technology, is indeed accurate," Holloman said. The lab in Denver empowers Medtronic to not only examine current device performance but to inform new designs. This work includes thinking through how AI can help predict and prevent complications - perhaps even before a doctor knows something's wrong, Case said. "Imagine if we could use AI to look at small variations in the pulse to see an infection early and then do something about it," he said. The technology under development has been accepted into the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Safer Technologies Program for Medical Devices (STeP) - a designation that accelerates the development, assessment, and review of devices that are expected to improve the safety of current treatments. "This means a ton for our patients," Case said. Learn more about Medtronic here. Patient monitoring products should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis or therapy and are intended only as an adjunct in patient assessment. Note: Oxygen saturation accuracy can be affected by certain environmental, equipment, and patient physiologic conditions (as discussed in the operator's manual for the monitor) that influence readings of SpO2. Please consult the IFU and operator's manual for full safety information. Some of the technologies discussed in this article are aspirational, pipeline projects and not cleared or available for sale at this time. Medtronic opened a physiology lab in Denver, Colorado to examine current device performance and inform future designs. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Medtronic on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Medtronic Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/medtronic Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Medtronic View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/shining-light-through-the-fog-how-ai-makes-every-pulse-count-1065431 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump has signed an Executive Order to protect Americans by ensuring Federal policies and resources are not used to support cashless bail policies across the Nation. The Order directs the Attorney General to submit a list of States and local jurisdictions with cashless bail policies. The Order instructs the Administration to identify Federal funds currently provided to cashless bail jurisdictions that may be suspended or terminated. Cashless bail policies allow dangerous individuals to immediately return to the streets and further endanger law-abiding, hard-working Americans because they know our laws will not be enforced, the White House said. A 2023 study out of Yolo County in California found that its 'Zero Bail' policy resulted in 163 percent more crime and 200 percent more violent crime compared to those who posted bail. Last year, a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member, freed without bail after an attempted murder in New York, was rearrested for drug trafficking in Miami and released again, before finally being arrested and held for alleged sex-trafficking of a minor. A repeat offender, arrested six times in a year, was released without bail after his most recent arrest. At the time, he had 47 priors and 28 convictions for preying on New Yorkers. Earlier this year, a homicide suspect in Rockford, Illinois, was able to walk free under its new no-cash-bail system, endangering the community. Earlier this month, a pair of convicted killers caught dealing drugs in broad daylight were released without bail in New York City. Our brave law enforcement officers risk their lives to arrest dangerous criminals, only to be forced to arrest the same individuals, sometimes for the same crimes, while they await trial on the previous charges - a waste of public resources and obvious threat to public safety. During election campaign, President Trump had promised that if reelected, he will crack down on the left-wing jurisdictions that refuse to prosecute dangerous criminals and set loose violent felons on cashless bail. Earlier this month, President Trump mobilized the National Guard and took over the D.C. Metro Police Department to restore law and order in the District of Columbia. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2025 AFX News By integrating directly with the most popular generative AI tools, Cloudflare is helping businesses use AI with security Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET), the leading connectivity cloud company, has become the first Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) to integrate with all three of the leading generative AI tools ChatGPT Enterprise, Claude by Anthropic and Google Gemini to deliver even more visibility and control over the use of generative AI in the workplace. With these integrations, Cloudflare customers also using these generative AI applications will be able to strengthen enterprise AI security in-real time and without the need for complex set ups. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Google's Gemini are changing how businesses work. Today, three out of every four employees use generative AI tools for tasks ranging from editing content and summarizing data to helping with design tasks and debugging code. At the same time, enterprises are working to keep sensitive corporate data safe, prevent accidental leaks, and maintain compliance with evolving regulations. This requires real-time visibility and proactive controls for security teams to safely enable generative AI use across their business. "Employees are always looking for an edge ways to save time, spark creativity, or boost efficiency. Using Generative AI tools gives them that edge," said Matthew Prince, CEO and co-founder at Cloudflare. "But there is often a missing link between rapid innovation and safety. Cloudflare has already introduced a number of safeguards to help businesses embrace AI, and now, we're the only company that has built integrations directly into all three of the most popular tools to raise the bar on enterprise AI security for the whole industry." With these new integrations, customers have a new way to manage enterprise AI security as more employees use generative AI tools. Cloudflare's CASB continuously scans ChatGPT Enterprise, Claude, and Google's Gemini platforms to better protect customers' sensitive data through automated and real-time visibility and proactive alerts. This ultimately gives security teams greater control and confidence that company data remains compliant and protected while employees use AI tools. To learn more, please check out the resources below: Cloudflare Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Blog: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini security scanning with Cloudflare CASB About Cloudflare Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET) is the leading connectivity cloud company on a mission to help build a better Internet. It empowers organizations to make their employees, applications and networks faster and more secure everywhere, while reducing complexity and cost. Cloudflare's connectivity cloud delivers the most full-featured, unified platform of cloud-native products and developer tools, so any organization can gain the control they need to work, develop, and accelerate their business. Powered by one of the world's largest and most interconnected networks, Cloudflare blocks billions of threats online for its customers every day. It is trusted by millions of organizations from the largest brands to entrepreneurs and small businesses to nonprofits, humanitarian groups, and governments across the globe. Learn more about Cloudflare's connectivity cloud at cloudflare.com/connectivity-cloud. Learn more about the latest Internet trends and insights at https://radar.cloudflare.com. Follow us: Blog X LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "explore," "plan," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project," "contemplate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," or "continue," or the negative of these words, or other similar terms or expressions that concern Cloudflare's expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the capabilities and effectiveness of Cloudflare's CASB and Cloudflare's other products and technology, the benefits to Cloudflare's customers from using Cloudflare's CASB and Cloudflare's other products and technology, the potential benefits to customers of integrating Cloudflare's CASB with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google products, the potential opportunity for Cloudflare to attract additional customers and to expand sales to existing customers as a result of Cloudflare's product integrations with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, Cloudflare's technological development, future operations, growth, initiatives, or strategies, and comments made by Cloudflare's CEO and others. Actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, risks detailed in Cloudflare's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including Cloudflare's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on July 31, 2025, as well as other filings that Cloudflare may make from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements made in this press release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Cloudflare undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Cloudflare may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in Cloudflare's forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on Cloudflare's forward-looking statements. 2025 Cloudflare, Inc. All rights reserved. Cloudflare, the Cloudflare logo, and other Cloudflare marks are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Cloudflare, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other marks and names referenced herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826415365/en/ Contacts: Cloudflare, Inc. Daniella Vallurupalli Vice President, Head of Global Communications press@cloudflare.com Red Card for Companies Using Illegal LED Products The Supreme Court of Korea has recently upheld a lower court ruling convicting Taiwan-based Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd. of violating the Act on Prevention and Protection of Industrial Technology for misappropriating Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. (KOSDAQ: 046890)'s patented LED technology. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826901820/en/ [Table] Summary of Seoul Semiconductor vs. Everlight Lawsuits (Image: Seoul Semiconductor) Everlight was indicted for bribing three former employees of Seoul Semiconductor to misappropriate core technologies developed over decades of R&D, including the world's first No-wire second-generation LED technology and advanced UV LED technologies. The former employees who leaked the technologies were also sentenced to prison terms. Although Everlight initially appealed its first-trial conviction for trade secret infringement, the appellate court determined that Seoul Semiconductor's technologies went beyond ordinary trade secrets and qualified as advanced national industrial technologies under Korea's Industrial Technology Protection Act, adding further charges. Last week, the Supreme Court upheld the lower court's ruling, making the conviction final. Industry experts view the Supreme Court's ruling as a meaningful precedent that will foster research and development while advancing the quality of human life. The decision confirms that Korea's criminal jurisdiction can be effectively applied to foreign companies, and that under the principle of dual liability, both individuals and corporations can be held accountable. This ruling serves as a strong warning to both domestic and overseas companies attempting to steal technology, either directly or indirectly. At the same time, it is expected to encourage fair competition and creative innovation. In addition to the technology theft litigation, Seoul Semiconductor has vigorously pursued Everlight's patent infringements. Over the past seven years, the company has won all 16 patent lawsuits across five countries, securing court orders prohibiting sales and mandating the recall of infringing products. Seoul Semiconductor is closely tracking the enforcement of the rulings and making sure companies aren't disregarding them to save costs. Lee Chung-hoon, founder of Seoul Semiconductor and the son of a farmer, stated, "Birth may be unfair, but opportunity must be fair. When intellectual property rights are respected, they give hope to struggling young people and companies, foster creative innovation, and gradually improve people's lives." He further emphasized, "We are determined to dedicate ourselves to research and development, choosing bold failure over mere survival. And we will respond resolutely, even at all costs, against companies that infringe on our patents." For the past 30 years, Seoul Semiconductor has dedicated itself to the research and development of optical semiconductors, amassing more than 18,000 patents-an unparalleled portfolio in the LED industry. These are not merely numbers; they include core technologies that define the second generation of the LED industry, such as the world's first No-wire technology (essential for MicroLED display manufacturing) and the world's first RGB 1-chip technology. Today, Seoul Semiconductor stands as the world's No. 1 in LED backlight technology, No. 1 in UV LEDs, and No. 3 in the global LED industry overall, solidifying its position as a leading optical semiconductor company. About Seoul Semiconductor Seoul Semiconductor is the world's third-largest global optoelectronics (LED) company, specializing in LED technology for over 30 years. With the vision of "Making the world clean, healthy, and beautiful through light," Seoul Semiconductor leads a new paradigm of light across various industries, including lighting, automotive, IT (such as backlighting), and its subsidiary, Seoul Viosys, which specializes in MicroLED, UV, Sensors, and Datacomm (SD). Some of the groundbreaking technologies developed by Seoul Semiconductor include the world's first innovative No-wire LED technology WICOP, the SunLike LED, which replicates natural sunlight spectrum, the high-voltage LED Acrich, the ultra-bright nPola LED (10 times brighter than conventional LEDs), the RGB one-chip MicroLED WICOP Pixel, and UV sterilization technology Violeds Seoul Semiconductor holds an impressive portfolio of over 18,000 patents, and in the last 20 years, the company has won over 100 cases in patent litigation across 8 countries. Believing that the patent system provides hope for young people and serves as a foundation for building a better world, the company is actively engaged in intellectual property protection. For more details, visit our official website (www.seoulsemicon.com or www.seoulviosys.com) and our social media channels (LinkedIn). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826901820/en/ Contacts: Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. Jinseop Jung jjs8732@seoulsemicon.com NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / DP World's Growing Footprint in the Dominican Republic For more than two decades, DP World has been a cornerstone of the Dominican Republic's logistics and trade landscape. Since beginning operations in 2003, the company has invested more than US$700 million in the Port of Caucedo and its adjoining Free Trade Zone, transforming it into one of the Caribbean's most advanced gateways for global commerce. Today, DP World manages over 60% of the country's container traffic, providing integrated services that span marine terminals, warehousing, logistics, and even workforce training through the DP World Academy. This long-term commitment has positioned DP World as not only an operator but also a partner in the nation's sustainable economic growth, advancing trade connectivity while investing in people and skills development. Launching a Transformative New Chapter In May 2025, DP World and the Dominican government signed a landmark US$760 million agreement to expand both the Caucedo port terminal and the adjacent economic zone. The expansion will unlock 225 hectares of new development land, add 1.25 million square meters of industrial space, and boost the terminal's capacity from 2.5 million TEUs to approximately 3.1 million TEUs annually. The investment is evenly split: US$380 million for port infrastructure - including extended quays, new cranes, breakwaters, and upgraded security systems - and another US$380 million for Free Trade Zone development, with roads, utilities, and pre-built warehouses to attract global tenants. "This agreement marks a major step forward in our vision to transform Caucedo into the most advanced logistics hub in the Caribbean," said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, in the announcement. A Reliable Alternative in Global Supply Chains The expansion comes at a critical moment. With geopolitical tensions and tariff shifts reshaping global manufacturing, companies are urgently seeking cost-effective, resilient nearshoring options. The Dominican Republic is emerging as a top contender. Its free zones already host over 850 companies across industries such as apparel, electronics, medical devices, and aerospace. The island's location - just three days by sea to Miami and five to New York - offers unmatched proximity to U.S. markets. Recent high-profile moves, such as World Emblem relocating production from Mexico and China to the Dominican Republic, highlight how businesses are leveraging the country's incentives, workforce, and stability to future-proof supply chains. Sustainability and Shared Prosperity at the Core Beyond infrastructure, the new Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is being designed with sustainability in mind. DP World in the Dominican Republic already operates electric equipment fleets and has invested heavily in energy efficiency and emissions reduction programs. The company applies international best practices in environmental management and partners with the Dominican government to strengthen green logistics standards. Equally important is the human element. DP World's expansion is expected to generate up to 50,000 new direct jobs. Coupled with initiatives like the DP World Academy and partnerships with local institutions, the SEZ will build a talent pipeline that advances social mobility and equips workers with future-ready skills. A New Trade Horizon for the Americas With this multi-million-dollar expansion, DP World and the Dominican Republic are not simply building more warehouses or container berths - they are reshaping the logistics architecture of the Americas. The project is projected to attract nearly US$3.9 billion in foreign investment and drive over US$4 billion in new manufacturing output. By integrating world-class infrastructure, a competitive regulatory framework, and a strong ESG foundation, the Dominican Republic is positioning itself as a reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective hub for manufacturers navigating an era of uncertainty. This historic investment marks a bold bet on the future of global trade, and one that could redefine supply chains across the Western Hemisphere. Aerial view of the Port of Caucedo, operated by DP World. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from DP World on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: DP World Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/dp-world Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: DP World View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/a-760m-dominican-republic-sez-dp-worlds-strategic-bet-on-the-fut-1065440 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Cisco Systems Inc.: By Amit Bahl Technology is not stagnant and keeping up can prove to be a challenge, especially in the education sector. But in the heart of Australia's capital, the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is setting an inspiring example of how education can evolve to meet the challenges of today while preparing students for the opportunities of tomorrow. CIT is not only a cornerstone of the local economy but a leader in addressing the nation's skills gap by preparing a future-proof workforce. Through a bold commitment to digital transformation, CIT is reimagining how education is delivered with Cisco. A Vision for Digital Learning CIT's Digital Transformation Strategy is driven by one, simple vision: "To improve the lives of our students through incredible teaching that takes full advantage of available technologies." This vision isn't just about adopting new tools but creating immersive, scalable, and effective learning environments that connect students and empower educators. As CIT embarks on this journey to transformation, there are challenges when it comes to balancing innovation with practicality. The goal is to seamlessly integrate digital solutions into a wide range of learning spaces-from kitchens to classrooms-without overwhelming students or staff. These solutions must enhance teaching methods while aligning with the institution's teaching goals and needs of its community. A Collaborative Approach to Innovation Cisco's collaboration with CIT highlights a milestone in educational transformation. Within just two months, Cisco and its partners designed and delivered two state-of-the-art prototype rooms equipped with cutting-edge, collaborative technology. These spaces provide educators and students with hands-on opportunities to explore how digital tools can complement traditional teaching methods. The prototype rooms are active learning environments where feedback drives continuous improvement. Teachers and students are directly involved in shaping how these spaces evolve, ensuring the technology is both practical and impactful. Supporting this transformation is a robust network architecture designed in partnership with Digital Data Technology Solutions, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government's in-house technology provider. This architecture supports CIT's immediate needs while enabling future enhancements such as Software-Defined Access (SDA), wayfinding, and Cisco Spaces. By replacing traditional audiovisual systems with multiple endpoints, CIT has adopted a streamlined, cost-effective solution that enhances functionality and adaptability. Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities The impact of CIT's digital transformation extends far beyond the classroom. For students and educators, the new digital learning spaces mean greater accessibility, engagement, and inclusivity. This helps lead to higher retention and success rates, helping to close the skills gap and prepare a workforce ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. On a national level, CIT's transformation serves as a model for other institutions, showcasing how technology can revolutionize educational experiences. By demonstrating the potential of digital classrooms, CIT is inspiring a movement toward more inclusive, engaging, and sustainable education across Australia. A Win-Win for Cisco and Education For Cisco, this collaboration highlights the power of partnership in driving innovation. By delivering tangible results through its digital platforms and network designs, Cisco reinforces its leadership in educational technology solutions. The success of this project not only strengthens Cisco's reputation but also creates a scalable framework that can be replicated in other institutions, both within CIT and beyond. This partnership with CIT underscores Cisco's commitment to creating practical, impactful solutions that address today's needs while anticipating the future of education. It's a collaboration that transforms how people learn and also opens doors to new opportunities for Cisco to support the education sector in meaningful ways. As CIT continues its digital transformation journey, possibilities are boundless. With innovative technology, dedicated educators, and engaged students, the institution is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of education. Together, CIT and Cisco are proving that when technology meets Purpose, the results are nothing short of extraordinary. View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cisco Systems Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cisco Systems Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cisco-systems-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cisco Systems Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/future-proofing-education-cisco-and-cit-partner-to-tackle-today%e2%80%99s-chal-1065439 New plugin delivers 99%+ accuracy in AI Detection for both teachers and students COLLINGWOOD, ON / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Originality.ai , the #1 rated AI and plagiarism detection platform has launched its Moodle Plugin 2.0 , bringing advanced academic integrity tools directly into the world's leading open-source learning platform. With this launch, Moodle educators, institutions, and students gain access to powerful AI content detection and plagiarism scanning capabilities, seamlessly integrated across Moodle's core modules. Originality.ai Moodle The new Originality.ai plugin arrives at a time when there are increased challenges in verifying authentic work given the rise of new generative AI platforms. Originality.ai offers 99%+ proven accuracy in detecting AI content. "Our new Moodle plugin gives teachers and education institutions the tools to verify authentic work and protect academic integrity." said Jon Gillham, Founder at Originality.ai. The Moodle plugin provides educators and students with advanced features, including: AI Detection: Multiple independent studies name Originality.ai the #1 most accurate AI detector, outperforming tools like GPTZero and Turnitin. Proven Accuracy: 99%+ accuracy in detecting AI content; <1% false positives in tests. Plagiarism Detection: Upgraded plagiarism detection with 99.5% accuracy on copied text. Finds exact copy-paste, paraphrasing, and patchwork plagiarism. Multi-language AI Detection: Patented AI detection model with support for 30 languages including Arabic, Spanish, German, Chinese, and more. Student Transparency: Teachers can grant students access to view their own Originality and AI scan reports. The plugin is fully compatible with Moodle's core assignment, quiz, and forum modules, ensuring that academic integrity checks are embedded throughout core learning activities. The seamless integration makes it easy for teachers to enable AI and plagiarism scans, choose automatic or manual scanning options, and control whether students can see their reports. For students, the plugin provides transparency and visibility to their reports. Originality.ai has been validated in multiple independent and peer-reviewed studies as the most accurate AI detector available, outperforming alternatives such as GPTZero and Turnitin. The Originality.ai Moodle Plugin 2.0 is available now for teachers and students at https://moodle.org/plugins/plagiarism_origai . A press kit for this announcement can be found HERE . About Originality.ai Originality.ai is an advanced text analysis platform combining AI content detection and plagiarism checking-two critical tools for upholding academic integrity in the digital age. Trusted by 1,000+ instructors worldwide, Originality.ai empowers universities and colleges with industry-leading accuracy, multilingual support, and user-friendly reporting. With its patented detection model, the platform consistently delivers 99%+ accuracy in AI detection and 99.5% accuracy in plagiarism detection. Learn more at https://originality.ai . About Moodle Moodle is a global leader in education technology, offering a suite of innovative products and services, all built upon its flagship open-source learning management system. Moodle's solutions empower online learning and training for organizations across education, government, and business sectors. Having served hundreds of millions of learners worldwide, Moodle is the market leader in fostering accessible, flexible, secure, and impactful learning experiences. Learn more at https://moodle.com . Media Contact Kristina Diodati | Lightspeed PR/M | kristina@lightspeedpr.com SOURCE: Originality.AI View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/originality.ai-launches-advanced-moodle-plugin-2.0-to-empower-aca-1064860 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - The Canadian Chrome Company Inc. (CSE: CACR) (CSE: CACR.A) (formerly KWG Resources Inc.) ("CCC", "KWG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a proposed private placement of flow-through shares and its continuing support in the development of the Muketi Village and Aerodrome business unit of the Marten Falls First Nation to provide year-round access and accommodation for the exploration work in the Ring of Fire and its continuing support for the indigenous communities in and along the route to the Ring of Fire for transportation, electrification and other services for the First Nations and their communities. Proposed Private Placement The Company is pleased to announce a proposed private placement of up to 12,500,000 Multiple Voting Shares at a price of $2.00 per share issued as flow-through shares pursuant to the provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada) for gross proceeds of up to $25,000,000 (the "Flow-through Offering"). Each subscriber must be an "accredited investor" within the meaning of applicable securities laws or otherwise qualify to purchase Multiple Voting Shares on a prospectus-exempt basis in accordance with applicable securities laws. The gross proceeds are proposed to be used for a large drilling program at the Black Horse Project starting in early 2026 to be launched from Muketi Village, to confirm CCC's belief that the very large targets illustrated by the deep-penetrating magneto telluric geophysical survey completed by CCC in 2022 is the fault offset twin of the Black Thor, which, if correct, would vastly improve CCC's opinion of the magnitude of the Black Horse discovery. The proposed drilling program will be undertaken pursuant to an exploration permit, Exploration Permit PR-23-000242, received by CCC from the Ministry of Mining, with the unanimous consent/support of all nine First Nations in the area, for the conduct of further drilling at the Black Horse Project (see news release September 23, 2023). This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell nor the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Muketi Village and Airstrip The Muketi Village, which is proposed to be the launching site for the Company's proposed drilling program, was created fast on the heels of the initial chromite discovery in the Ring of Fire in 2007. At that time, Wilderness North, Thunder Bay's largest outfitting enterprise, collaborated with CCC and the Chief and Council of Marten Falls First Nation ("MFFN") in the creation of Marten Falls Logistics as a business unit of the Marten Falls First Nation, to provide year-round access and accommodation for the exploration work anticipated to follow from the chromite discovery in the Ring of Fire. The enterprise was conceived of as Muketi Village and Aerodrome. A nearby Esker Camp was built for the same purpose by Freewest Mining Ltd. as a more temporary facility without the business benefits proposed for MFFN by Wilderness North and CCC. MFFN Chief Harry Baxter was an enthusiastic proponent of the development of Muketi Village, as was his successor, Chief Elijah Moonias, and his successor in turn, incumbent Chief Ambrose (Bruce) Achneepineskum. For many years CCC has been supportive of, and actively engaged in supporting, indigenous communities in and along the route to the Ring of Fire in the development of transportation, electrification and other services for their communities. That effort has included (i) proposing the establishment of a ports authority for better accessing financial support from the federal government and (ii) proposing the transfer of its subsidiary's claims and aggregate permit applications along the transportation and utility corridor between Nakina and the Ring of Fire to a trust or other entity for a transportation and electrification enterprise owned and used for the benefit of the First Nations in the area, including electrification connections from the Ontario Power Grid to connect several of those communities, to deliver secure, less expensive, less limited and more environmentally friendly supplies of electricity. About The Canadian Chrome Company Inc. The Canadian Chrome Company Inc. is an exploration stage company that is focused on identification, acquisition, consolidation, exploration, development and evaluation of large-scale deposits of minerals including chromite in the Ring of Fire, as well as other base metals and strategic minerals and, where applicable, in the development of transportation and electrification links to access remote areas where these deposits may be located. Forward-Looking Statements: Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and CCC 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 securities legislation. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Disclaimer: 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 news release. Not for distribution to U.S. newswire services or for release, publication, distribution or dissemination, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, into the United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263937 SOURCE: The Canadian Chrome Company Inc. Reinet Investments SCA / Key word(s): Miscellaneous REINET ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS APPROVES FULL AGENDA 26-Aug-2025 / 16:00 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. At the annual general meeting of Reinet Investments S.C.A. (the 'Company') held earlier today in Luxembourg, a total of 135 336 638 ordinary shares (69.07%) out of a total of 195 941 286 ordinary shares issued and all the 1 000 management shares were present or represented by proxy. The total votes cast represent 74.45% of the total voting rights at the record date (12 August 2025) of 181 790 891, being total shares in issue less treasury shares, voting rights attached to which are suspended. The shareholders approved all of the matters tabled at the annual general meeting. Specifically, the statutory financial statements and the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the accounting year ended 31 March 2025 were approved and the General Partner and all members of the Board of Overseers who have been in office during the period were granted discharge of liability for the performance of their duties. A cash dividend of EUR 0.37 per share was approved and will be payable on 17 September 2025. The remaining available retained earnings of the Company, after payment of the dividend, are to be carried forward to the next business year. The shareholders also re-elected Mr John Li, Mr Yves Prussen, Mr Stuart Robertson and Mr Stuart Rowlands to serve as members of the Board of Overseers for the year ending at the next annual general meeting. A remuneration of EUR 70 000 per annum for each of the members of the Board of Overseers was approved, such fees to be split equally between the Company and Reinet Fund S.C.A., F.I.S. The shareholders further authorised the Company to acquire ordinary shares, directly or indirectly (through subsidiaries or otherwise, such as through an intermediary or agent) for a period up to the date of the next annual general meeting, subject to such period being no longer than 13 months from the date of this authorisation; such authorisation was granted for the acquisition of up to 20% of the Company's issued ordinary share capital at the date of authorisation, for valuable consideration, by all means, on any one or combination of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam or the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, at a price no more than an amount equal to 110% of the reference price of the ordinary shares on the relevant exchange and not less than one euro cent; the reference price being the weighted average price for the market value for such ordinary shares for the five days of trading immediately prior to the acquisition of such shares. The General Partner will at all times retain full discretion with regards to the acquisition of such shares of the Company. Reinet Investments Manager S.A. For and on behalf of Reinet Investments S.C.A. Website: www.reinet.com/investor-relations/company-announcements.html The Company is a partnership limited by shares incorporated in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and having its registered office at 35, boulevard Prince Henri, L-1724 Luxembourg. It is governed by the Luxembourg law on Securitisation and in this capacity allows its shareholders to participate indirectly in the portfolio of assets held by its wholly-owned subsidiary Reinet Fund S.C.A., F.I.S., a specialised investment fund also incorporated in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The Company's ordinary shares are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange is a secondary listing. The Company's ordinary shares are included in the 'LuxX' index of the principal shares traded on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Reinet Investments S.C.A. R.C.S. Luxembourg B 16.576 Legal Entity Identifier: 222100830RQTFVV22S80 Registered office: 35, Blvd Prince Henri- L-1724 Luxembourg Telephone + 352 22 42 10 Telefax +352 22 72 53 Email: info@reinet.com website: www.reinet.com End of Inside Information The round was led by YZi Labs, Republic Digital, and HyperChain Capital, bringing Hemi's total funding to $30 million as it prepares for its upcoming TGE. CHICAGO, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hemi, the world's largest programmability layer on Bitcoin, has closed a $15 million growth round, with participation from YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs), Republic Digital, HyperChain Capital, Breyer Capital, Big Brain Holdings, Crypto.com, DNA Fund, Selini Capital, Protein Capital, Quantstamp, and Web3.com, amongst others. With over $1.2 billion in total value locked on the network, the funding will fuel further ecosystem growth on Bitcoin. With Bitcoin's $2.3 trillion market cap, its potential in decentralized Finance (DeFi) remains largely untapped. Until now, developers had to choose between Bitcoin's unmatched security or the flexibility of DeFi on other chains. Hemi eliminates that trade-off, merging Bitcoin's trust and resilience with Ethereum programmability into a supernetwork, finally unlocking Bitcoin for use in modern financial applications. Jeff Garzik, co-founder of Hemi and one of the earliest Bitcoin core developers, said: "Bitcoin doesn't need to be reinvented; it just needs the right tools around it. Hemi provides DeFi protocols with a familiar way to build on Bitcoin, without requiring new skills, compromising on security, or sacrificing decentralization. Our partners share our conviction that Bitcoin can support more than just value transfer; it can support an entire ecosystem." Hemi creates the platform for applications that allow users to earn, borrow, trade, and build on Bitcoin, while seamlessly connecting to other blockchains. The breakthrough Hemi Virtual Machine (hVM), a full Bitcoin node embedded inside an Ethereum Virtual Machine, creates a powerful new layer that fuses Bitcoin's security with Ethereum's flexibility, unlocking a new frontier for programmable bitcoin. The co-founders of Hemi are Jeff Garzik, a renowned former Bitcoin core developer; Maxwell Sanchez, the inventor of Proof-of-Proof (PoP) consensus protocol; and crypto pioneer and investor Matthew Roszak. Today, Hemi is trusted by over 100,000 verified users and supported by a vibrant community of more than 400,000 members. This momentum is driven by a network of over 70 ecosystem partners, including industry leaders such as Sushi, LayerZero, MetaMask, and Redstone, among others. Alex Odagiu, Investment Partner of YZi Labs, said, "For YZi Labs, belief in the team and belief in the product go hand in hand. Jeff, Maxwell, and Matthew have decades of experience, and the breakthroughs they've engineered with Hemi show they know how to turn that experience into working systems. Hemi creates a new foundation for Bitcoin-native applications that the whole industry has been waiting for." Joseph Naggar, CEO and CIO of Republic Digital, said, "Bitcoin's role as the world's most secure settlement layer is unquestioned, but the lack of scalable programmability has limited its potential. Hemi directly addresses this by marrying Bitcoin's security with Ethereum's developer ecosystem through its supernetwork architecture. With the Hemi Virtual Machine, Proof-of-Proof consensus, and cross-chain 'Tunnels,' the platform enables new layers of Bitcoin DeFi, restaking, and asset programmability. We view this as critical infrastructure, and we are proud to back a team with the technical rigor and vision to deliver it." Stelian Balta, Founder of HyperChain Capital, added, "Hemi's dedication to unifying Bitcoin and Ethereum through a smart tunnelling network is very commendable. Their technical proficiency and vision for scalable solutions make them a valuable addition to the blockchain community." In preparation for Hemi's highly anticipated token generation event, with details soon to be finalized and announced, it has recently unveiled the tokenomics for $HEMI. About Hemi Hemi makes Bitcoin programmable, yield-generating, and composable - unlocking the next wave of Bitcoin-based decentralized finance. Built on the combined strengths of Bitcoin and Ethereum, Hemi is a modular protocol engineered for performance, security, and programmability. Hemi was co-founded by Jeff Garzik, a former Bitcoin core developer; Maxwell Sanchez, inventor of the Proof-of-Proof consensus protocol; and crypto pioneer and investor Matthew Roszak. Hemi is backed by leading investors including YZi Labs (formerly Binance Labs), Breyer Capital, Big Brain Holdings, Republic Digital, Crypto.com, and HyperChain Capital. Follow Hemi on X and LinkedIn. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2758067/Hemi_pre_TGE_growth_round.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hemi-raises-15-million-to-accelerate-bitcoin-programmability-ahead-of-token-launch-302538839.html NEW DELHI, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Commercial Insurance Market size was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach nearly USD 1.89 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 7.9% during 2024-2030. This impressive market growth is being driven by heightened risk awareness, regulatory reforms, and rapid adoption of insurtech solutions, according to new industry analysis. As businesses across industries face increasing exposure to cyberattacks, climate risks, and geopolitical uncertainties, demand for robust commercial insurance is rising sharply. This shift positions commercial insurance not only as a safeguard but as a critical enabler of business continuity and global expansion. Global Commercial Insurance Market Overview The commercial insurance industry has long provided financial protection for enterprises, covering liabilities, property damage, and operational disruptions. However, as business landscapes evolve, its scope has broadened significantly. From urban infrastructure development to cross-border trade and digital transformation, demand for comprehensive insurance has surged. Analysts emphasize that the commercial insurance market value reflects global business confidence. Companies entering new markets or adopting digital solutions increasingly require coverage tailored to emerging risks. As a result, the industry is becoming a pillar of modern risk management strategies. Access in-depth statistics and forecasts: View the Full Research Report - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/commercial-insurance-market.html Market Drivers: What's Fueling the Expansion? Globalization of Business Operations The expansion of multinational operations has created complex risks ranging from regulatory volatility to currency fluctuations. Commercial insurance market growth is strongly linked to this globalization trend, as businesses seek protection against unpredictable international events. Technological Advancements Insurers are integrating big data analytics, IoT devices, telematics, and AI-powered tools to improve underwriting accuracy and client services. The rise of predictive analytics and real-time monitoring is allowing insurers to design market-leading coverage solutions, boosting both market share and market revenue for top providers. Regulatory Support Governments are increasingly mandating insurance adoption through strict compliance measures. For example, in 2024, the European Union insurance regulator rolled out new climate risk policies, reinforcing reinsurance markets and strengthening cross-border risk-sharing. Such regulations are amplifying global commercial insurance market growth. Market Challenges: Despite strong growth prospects, challenges remain. The proliferation of underpriced insurance products has created instability. Initially attractive to clients, these policies often fail to provide adequate protection, leading to premium hikes and coverage restrictions. Moreover, SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) remain underinsured due to limited awareness of insurance benefits. Bridging this gap represents both a challenge and an untapped growth opportunity for insurers. Enquire Before Buying: Schedule a Consultation with Our Experts - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/query/talk-to-our-consultant/commercial-insurance-market.html Market Trends: Shaping the Future of Insurance: Insurtech and Digital Transformation The rise of insurtech startups and collaborations is streamlining claims processing, improving underwriting models, and enhancing customer experience. These innovations are reshaping industry dynamics and expanding market value. Cybersecurity and Insurance Convergence With global cybercrime damages projected in the trillions, cyber liability insurance has become one of the fastest-growing segments. Coverage for ransomware, phishing, and data breaches is now central to enterprise insurance portfolios, contributing significantly to market revenue growth. Climate Risk and Green Insurance Solutions As climate events intensify, insurers are developing sustainability-linked policies. Europe is leading with green insurance products tied to environmental risk mitigation, adding a new dimension to market share competition. Artificial Intelligence and Automation AI-driven tools are enabling automated claims handling, predictive underwriting, and customer chatbots. This technology is cutting costs while boosting efficiency, a trend expected to drive substantial market growth. Segmentation Insights: Who Lead the Global Commercial Insurance Market By Enterprise Size: Large enterprises dominate the market due to heightened risk management awareness. As these businesses expand, they face various risks, prompting them to seek comprehensive insurance for continuity and asset protection. The push for globalization requires adaptable coverage, while advancements in data analytics and telematics enhance tailored plans. These factors are driving demand and significantly boosting revenue in the Global Commercial Insurance Market. By Type: The liability insurance segment is set to lead the market due to new government regulations requiring businesses to adopt this coverage. Economic fluctuations also impact liability risks, affecting demand. Certain industries, like healthcare, food, chemicals, and construction, heavily rely on liability insurance. Additionally, the rise in cyber risks necessitates specialized solutions. Consequently, the increasing need for liability coverage is expected to propel growth in the commercial insurance sector. Get a first look at data tables, company profiles, and regional insights: Download Free Sample PDF Brochure - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/query/request-sample/commercial-insurance-market.html Regional Outlook: North America Hold the Largest Market Share The global commercial insurance market value is geographically segmented into North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. North America : Leads the global market with the highest market share and revenue value, supported by advanced regulations, high risk awareness, and adoption of AI-driven insurance solutions. : Leads the global market with the highest market share and revenue value, supported by advanced regulations, high risk awareness, and adoption of AI-driven insurance solutions. Europe : Growth driven by stringent climate risk regulations, ESG mandates, and demand for liability insurance. : Growth driven by stringent climate risk regulations, ESG mandates, and demand for liability insurance. Asia-Pacific : Expected to record the fastest market growth rate due to SME expansion, rapid urbanization, and government-backed digital insurance adoption in China, India, and Southeast Asia. : Expected to record the fastest market growth rate due to SME expansion, rapid urbanization, and government-backed digital insurance adoption in China, India, and Southeast Asia. South America : Emerging as a key growth region, led by Brazil's rising insurance penetration amid economic reforms, construction activity, and demand for liability and property insurance. The rest of South America is also witnessing growth, with businesses seeking protection against natural disasters and economic volatility. : Emerging as a key growth region, led by Brazil's rising insurance penetration amid economic reforms, construction activity, and demand for liability and property insurance. The rest of South America is also witnessing growth, with businesses seeking protection against natural disasters and economic volatility. Middle East & Africa: Steady growth fueled by large-scale infrastructure projects, SME ecosystem expansion, and evolving government insurance mandates. Competitive Landscape: Top Companies Driving Market Share The global commercial insurance market share is concentrated among leading multinational insurers, with top commercial insurance companies including: Allianz SE American International Group Inc. (AIG) Aon plc. Aviva plc. AXA S.A. Chubb Limited Direct Line Insurance Group plc. Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc. Willis Towers Watson Zurich Insurance Group Ltd. and others These top companies are enhancing market revenue through mergers, acquisitions, and technology-driven platforms, solidifying their leadership positions. Recent Developments: AIG partnered with Stone Point Capital to launch Private Client Select Insurance Services (PCS), targeting high-net-worth markets. with to launch Private Client Select Insurance Services (PCS), targeting high-net-worth markets. Aviva PLC acquired a stake in Fox Factory Holding Corp ., signaling its push into new investment areas. acquired a stake in ., signaling its push into new investment areas. Aon PLC announced a collaboration with Cover Whale to expand trucking insurance offerings. These developments highlight how market share consolidation among top companies is shaping global industry dynamics. For detailed pricing insights, Visit Website - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/pricing/commercial-insurance-market.html Future Outlook: The global commercial insurance market value is expected to expand steadily, supported by four major drivers: Technological Innovation - AI and big data will continue reshaping underwriting and claims. Climate-Resilient Policies - Insurance will increasingly address environmental risks. Cybersecurity Integration - Cyber liability coverage will become standard across industries. Reinsurance and Global Risk-Sharing - Expansion of reinsurance programs will safeguard stability and boost market revenue. With market size and share expected to rise significantly, insurers that embrace insurtech, sustainability, and SME outreach will be best positioned to capture growth opportunities through 2030. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q1. What is the current size of the global commercial insurance market? The global commercial insurance market size was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 1.89 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.9% during 2024-2030. Q2. What is driving the growth of the commercial insurance market? Key drivers include rising risk awareness, globalization of businesses, regulatory mandates, and the rapid adoption of insurtech technologies like AI, IoT, and big data analytics, which are transforming claims processing and product innovation. Q3. Which region holds the largest share of the commercial insurance market? North America currently dominates the market due to high awareness, regulatory requirements, and advanced digital adoption. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth, while South America shows increasing demand for property, liability, and catastrophe risk insurance. Q4. Who are the top companies in the commercial insurance market? Major players include Allianz SE, American International Group Inc., Aon plc., Aviva plc., AXA S.A., Chubb Limited, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd., Marsh & McLennan, and Willis Towers Watson. Q5. What are the key trends shaping the commercial insurance market? The biggest trends include the integration of AI and data analytics, the use of IoT and telematics for accurate risk detection, growing demand for cyber liability insurance, and increased collaborations between insurtech startups and traditional insurers. Browse More Dedicated Insurance Market Research Reports: UAE Health Insurance Market Forecast to 2030 - By Product Type, Service Providers, Distribution Channel, and Others By Product Type, Service Providers, Distribution Channel, and Others Canada General Insurance Market Forecast to 2030) - By Insurance Type, Distribution Channel, End User, and Others By Insurance Type, Distribution Channel, End User, and Others Global InsurTech Market Forecast to 2030 - By Technology, Deployment Mode, Application, and Others By Technology, Deployment Mode, Application, and Others Malaysia Online Insurance Market Forecast 2030 - By Insurance Type, End User, Enterprise Size and Others By Insurance Type, End User, Enterprise Size and Others Global Telematics Insurance Market Forecast to 2028 - By Distribution Channel, Device Type, insurance Type , Enterprise Size, End User and others By Distribution Channel, Device Type, insurance Type , Enterprise Size, End User and others UAE Cyber Insurance Market Forecast to 2028 - By Component, Coverage, Insurance Type, Organization Size, By End-User and others About MarkNtel Advisors- We are a leading consulting, data analytics, and market research firm that provides an extensive range of strategic reports on diverse industry verticals. We being a qualitative & quantitative research company, strive to deliver data to a substantial & varied client base, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals, among others. We have our existence across the market for many years and have conducted multi-industry research across 80+ countries, spreading our reach across numerous regions like America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, etc., and many countries across the regional scale, namely, the US, India, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Brazil, and several others. Contact Us: MarkNtel Advisors Office No.109, H-159, Sector 63, Noida, Uttar Pradesh-201301, India Contact No: +91 8719999009 Email: sales@marknteladvisors.com Visit our Website: https://www.marknteladvisors.com Content Source: https://www.marknteladvisors.com/press-release/commercial-insurance-market-growth Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2687299/MarkNtel_Advisors_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-commercial-insurance-market-size-to-reach-usd-1-89-billion-by-2030--growing-at-7-9-cagr-amid-rising-risk-awareness-and-insurtech-integration-markntel-advisors-302538803.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - Arya Resources Ltd. (TSXV: RBZ) ("Arya" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of a diamond drill program at its Wedge Lake Gold Project in Saskatchewan. This program follows the Company's news release dated July 14, 2025, and marks the next phase of its fully funded exploration plan. The drill program will target several high-priority zones identified in the NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Wedge Lake Gold Property, prepared by Kevin Wells, P.Geo., dated June 20, 2022. Historic work on the property outlined gold, copper, and potential silver mineralization that remains underexplored and requires modern exploration techniques, including diamond drilling and downhole geophysical surveys. Initial drilling will focus on key mineralized areas, including, but not limited to, the Twin Zone and T-6 Zone. In addition to work at Wedge Lake, the Company is preparing to initiate a follow-up exploration drill program at its road-accessible Dunlop Nickel, Copper, and Cobalt Project, located in Saskatchewan. Further updates on the Dunlop Critical Metals Project will be provided in due course. Kevin Wells, P.Geo., consulting geologist to the Company and the independent Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, verified, and approved the technical content of this news release. About Arya Resources Ltd. (TSXV: RBZ) Arya Resources Ltd. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious and critical metal projects in Saskatchewan. The Company is advancing its flagship Wedge Lake Gold Project and its Dunlop Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Project, both strategically located in mining-friendly jurisdictions with excellent infrastructure. As a Tier-2 issuer on the TSX Venture Exchange, Arya is committed to building shareholder value through strategic acquisitions, targeted exploration, and sustainable development. On behalf of the Board of Directors: Rasool Mohammad, CEO Twitter: @ARYARESOURCES Facebook: @AryaResourcesLtd. LinkedIn: @AryaResourcesLtd. YouTube: @ARYARESOURCES Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release includes "forward-looking statements" that are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Statements in this news release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including without limitation any statements concerning the Company's intentions, plans, estimates, expectations or beliefs. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions readers that all forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are based on assumptions, none of which can be assured, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263676 SOURCE: Arya Resources Ltd. Global leader in industrial process solutions broadens partnership with ISN to enhance subcontractor due diligence and sustainability initiatives ISN, the global leader in contractor and supplier information management services, announced ANDRITZ, a leading international technology group, expanded its use of ISNetworldto its Pulp Paper division. ISN assists ANDRITZ with streamlining subcontractor qualification, managing Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) risks, and advancing sustainability efforts. "Integrating ISNetworld into our Pulp Paper division reflects ANDRITZ's commitment to engineering excellence and operational efficiency," said Anthony Meneice, Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Director of North America at ANDRITZ. "ISNetworld serves as a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution that simplifies the implementation of additional business units and supports ANDRITZ's cross-divisional growth while helping reinforce the safety and sustainability values that guide our approach to responsible innovation." Headquartered in Graz, Austria, ANDRITZ provides a comprehensive portfolio of plants, systems, equipment, and services for industries including pulp and paper, hydropower, and metalworking. ANDRITZ first implemented ISNetworld for subcontractor management with its Hydropower operations across Canada and the United States. The Pulp Paper division will leverage ISNetworld tools and services, such as RAVS for verifying company-level HSE programs and insurance documentation and the Online Training tool for delivering individual contractor workers HSE and sustainability trainings. "ISN is proud to grow our partnership with ANDRITZ as it continues to expand its commitment to safety, sustainability, and operational consistency across business units," said Kim Ritchie, Senior Vice President of Canadian Operations at ISN. "ISN is excited to enter this next phase of collaboration and equip ANDRITZ's Pulp Paper division with tools and services to help manage subcontractor risk and uphold its global safety and sustainability standards." For more information on ISN's industry-leading software and services, visit isn.com. About ISN ISN is the global leader in contractor and supplier information management, with more than 20 years of experience connecting 850 Hiring Clients in capital-intensive industries with 85,000 active contractors and suppliers to promote safety, health, and sustainability in the workplace. ISN's brands include ISNetworld, a global online contractor and supplier management platform, Transparency-One, a responsible sourcing platform built to bring transparency to supply chain management, and Empower, a worker-level app built to keep workers moving forward. ISN has 14 offices around the globe which provide award-winning support and training for its customers in more than 85 countries. ISN takes pride in leading worldwide efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of contractor and supplier management systems and in serving as a world-class forum for sharing industry best practices, benchmarking performance, providing data insights among its members, and helping decision makers, including board members, ensure contractor and supplier risk is assessed and monitored. For more information, visit isn.com. About ANDRITZ International technology group ANDRITZ provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries, including pulp and paper, metals, hydropower, and environmental. As a global leader in technology and innovation, ANDRITZ is committed to fostering progress that benefits customers, partners, employees, society, and the environment. The company's growth is driven by sustainable solutions enabling the green transition, advanced digitalization for highest industrial performance, and comprehensive services that maximize the value of customers' plants over their entire life cycles. For more information visit andrtiz.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826313328/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Miranda Faulkner Walker Sands for ISN isnpr@walkersands.com NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Cummins First published by International Mining, April 2025 The mining industry is witnessing a pivotal shift in the way engine performance is managed. Through early detection of performance irregularities and potential faults, digital solutions now play a key role in preventing catastrophic failures and minimizing costly repairs. By keeping engines running at optimal levels, these evolving technologies underscore a new era of reliability in mining. Connected diagnostics technology is not new, but it is evolving to create even greater benefits for the industry. Embracing these advancements will be crucial for miners looking to optimize their operations and stay ahead of the curve. Why Digital Solutions? Mining engines are large both in size and cost, yet many operators still rely on outdated IoT systems that offer little insight into efficiency or early warning signs of failure. Without access to real-time data, minor issues can go unnoticed until they become critical. Modern digital platforms solve this problem by offering live insights into engine and systems performance. Cummins' PrevenTech takes this further with proprietary datasets, only interpretable by Cummins, providing detailed breakdowns of equipment health. This function enables precise, proactive intervention that maximizes uptime and cuts down on expensive breakdowns. Unexpected engine failures in remote or harsh mining environments can not only be expensive, but increase exposure for miners to potential hazards; avoiding these breakdowns offers critical peace of mind. Early fault detection therefore helps operators address minor issues before they escalate, improving both equipment reliability, total cost of ownership (TCO) and on-site safety. Building better Beyond day-to-day monitoring, Cummins PrevenTech also informs Cummins' engineering design cycle. By integrating field data into the design process, Cummins can optimize product performance at scale and improve the reliability of vital components in products. The result is a wealth of targeted, secure insights that help build better, more efficient power solutions. Mining smarter with advanced prognostics Through the latest technology advancements, Cummins is enhancing the accuracy and interpretation of its collected information, allowing systems to learn from live data and dynamically adapt operationally to mining-specific conditions. This innovation ensures equipped applications can operate at peak performance, paving the way for a more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable mining industry. In a recent, real world case study, Cummins used AI to analyze over 80 million data points from 50 trucks powered by the QSK60 engine. This in-depthanalysis of a large data set uncovered performance gaps due to system operational inefficiencies that might otherwise not have been detected, or at least over a much shorter timeframe than if not available. In this case, advanced diagnostics pinpointed faulty components and, after replacing them, fleet speed improved by 0.3 km/h and productivity by 1%. Cummins also slashed injector tip failure downtime in engines by 97% through analysis of Connected Diagnostics data, reducing repair time dramatically from 120 hours to just four. These results led to millions in cost savings for miners, clearly demonstrating how data-driven decision-making can boost efficiency. Embracing future technologies now To keep mining safe, efficient, and profitable, fleets need today's digital solutions. But it's the forward-thinking adoption of cutting-edge advanced analytics that Cummins believes will distinguish tomorrow's leading operators. "Data-driven predictive maintenance isn't the future -- it's the present, and those who embrace it will lead the industry forward." says Arul Antony, Engineering Leader at Cummins. "We analyze billions of data points so you can focus on what matters - safety, efficiency, and profitable mining." View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cummins Inc on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cummins Inc Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cummins-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cummins Inc View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/evolving-technologies-how-advanced-digital-solutions-are-powering-safe-1065465 New module propels Lifecycle Manager to become the first Customer Success Platform built for MSPs. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Today, ScalePad releases Lifecycle Manager X, a powerful new module that evolves Lifecycle Manager into the first-ever Customer Success Platform purpose-built for MSPs. With Lifecycle Manager X, ScalePad is leading MSPs through the Customer Success evolution, where MSPs shift from service providers to strategic growth partners for their clients. Lifecycle Manager X Lifecycle Manager X is now available "Customer Success programs have fueled SaaS growth for over a decade," said Chris Day, CEO of ScalePad. "Now it's time for MSPs to benefit from the same model. Lifecycle Manager X empowers them to sit at the strategy table and drive outcomes - not just manage IT." For years, Lifecycle Manager has been a market-leading solution in helping MSPs simplify asset lifecycle management and deliver operational efficiency. With the introduction of Lifecycle Manager X, the platform takes a bold leap forward - enabling MSPs to build a client system of record, create more strategic plans and lead effective quarterly business reviews (QBRs). Lifecycle Manager X introduces a suite of strategic capabilities, including: ClientIQ: Drive better conversations in client meetings with AI-powered client summaries. Goals: Get faster buy-in by aligning recommendations to client objectives. Budgets: Tie decisions to IT budgets. Forecast spend like a CFO. Assessments: Drive urgency by scoring risk and showing progress. Meetings: Centralize every strategic meeting agenda, note, and action items. Reports: No more stitched-together decks. Just real QBR firepower. Analytics: Explore service quality metrics like ticket trends and CSAT scores. Segmentation: Categorize clients based on value and needs. "The MSP space is evolving-clients want strategy, not just support," said Day. "Lifecycle Manager X brings together technology and a customer success methodology, allowing MSPs to deliver more value, build trust, and become indispensable business partners." With Lifecycle Manager X, ScalePad is redefining what it means to be a modern MSP. This isn't just a product update - it's a shift in identity and opportunity. The Customer Success era for MSPs has begun, and ScalePad is leading the way. Lifecycle Manager X is now available as an enhanced offering for all Lifecycle Manager Pro partners looking to expand their customer success capabilities. Learn how Customer Success is redefining the MSP-client relationship, visit: scalepad.com/lifecycle-manager About ScalePad: ScalePad provides MSPs of every size with the knowledge, technology, and community they need to deliver increased client value while navigating the continuously changing terrain of the IT landscape. With a suite of integrated products that automate and standardize MSP's operations, analyze and uncover new opportunities, and expand value to clients, ScalePad is equipping the MSP adventure. More than just software, ScalePad delivers support MSPs love. In 2025, won three Stevie Awards for Customer Service, including the People's Choice Award for Favorite Customer Service. ScalePad has also received honors like MSP Today's Product of the Year, G2's 2024 Fastest Growing Product, and 2024 Best IT Management Product, and has been named a Great Place to Work from 2023 through 2025. ScalePad is a privately held company serving over 12,000 MSPs across the globe. Learn more at scalepad.com . Media Contact: Brittany McDougall media@scalepad.com (604) 334-8986 SOURCE: ScalePad View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/scalepad-launches-lifecycle-manager-x-enabling-the-first-customer-1065430 Action Behavior Centers (ABC), a leading provider of evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), announced today the expansion of its ABC Academy program. AUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / ABC Academy is an intentionally designed therapy model for children ages 5-12. It was created to bridge the gap between early intervention and school by providing ongoing support for children who are enrolled in school part-time or full-time. Since its launch, ABC Academy has grown rapidly to meet the needs of families across the Southwest. Today, seven Academy centers operate in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Phoenix. By the end of 2025, the program will more than double in size, with eight additional centers planned across Texas, Arizona, and Colorado, including the first two Denver locations. This year, ABC Academy marked several milestones that reflect its growing impact on local communities. In Austin, Round Rock Academy and Cedar Park Academy each celebrated its one-year anniversary. Houston families commemorated the one-year anniversary of Katy Academy, while the Dallas-Fort Worth community marked the two-year anniversary of Allen Academy. The program's expansion will continue through the end of 2025. October will bring new centers in Georgetown (Austin), Sugar Land (Houston), and Live Oak (San Antonio). In November, ABC Academy will enter the Colorado market with new centers in Thornton and Aurora, alongside an additional opening in Houston's Spring community. In December, the program will expand further with Lewisville Academy in Dallas-Fort Worth and Chandler Academy in Phoenix. By combining ABA therapy with a classroom-like setting, ABC Academy equips children with the tools to thrive in more naturalistic environments while continuing to receive individualized support from Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). Each ABC Academy center emphasizes group instruction readiness, classroom participation, social skill development, and individualized goal setting tailored to each child's unique needs. "Families often find that their child isn't fully ready to move from early intervention directly into a general education classroom," said Jacqueline Baker, Vice President and Market Leader at Action Behavior Centers. "ABC Academy bridges that gap by providing the structure, routine, and targeted support children need to build confidence, strengthen essential skills, and prepare for long-term success in school." Learn more: https://www.actionbehavior.com/services/academy About Action Behavior Centers Action Behavior Centers (ABC) provides evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our services include diagnostic support, Family Guidance, school readiness programs, and Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) at 300+ locations nationwide. Visit www.actionbehavior.com to find a center near you. Media Contact: Matt Stringer Chief Marketing Officer matt.stringer@actionbehavior.com SOURCE: Action Behavior Centers View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/action-behavior-centers-expands-abc-academy-with-eight-new-locations-1065542 Enhance Reliability and Efficiency in High-Performance Imaging Solutions with Deep Data Analytics and On-Chip Monitoring proteanTecs, a global leader in deep data solutions for electronics health and performance monitoring, and Dream Chip Technologies, a Tessolve Company and a leading provider of advanced Image Signal Processors (ISP), today announced a strategic collaboration to bring to market an advanced solution for next-generation imaging applications. The joint initiative targets high-performance, scalable, and safety-compliant systems targeted at automotive and other critical sectors like industrial, aerospace, and robotics, using the combination of HPC and computer vision. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826148358/en/ proteanTecs and Dream Chip collaborate on an advanced solution for next-generation imaging applications. Dream Chip Technologies' modular ISP architecture enables seamless scalability, allowing customers to customize imaging pipelines to match specific application demands. Its low-latency design ensures optimal performance with minimal resource usage, and its silicon-proven implementation adheres to ISO 26262 safety standards, delivering consistent real-world reliability. As part of this collaboration, the two companies will integrate proteanTecs' on-chip embedded monitors into Dream Chip Technologies' SoC Design Platform to enhance functional safety (FuSa), system reliability and mission profiles, and optimize power/performance envelopes. Leveraging proteanTecs' advanced deep data applications, the combined solution introduces real-time, workload-aware predictive monitoring. By identifying the severity of emerging issues and providing early warning signals and actionable insights, this integration ensures safer, more resilient, and optimized imaging devices. "The automotive industry demands the highest levels of safety and reliability," said Dr. Jens Benndorf, CEO at Dream Chip Technologies. "As ISP adoption and platform enabled large scale SoC design expands across ADAS and autonomous driving systems, our collaboration with proteanTecs enables next-level visibility and ML-based predictive intelligence. Our joint customers will benefit from improved system robustness, elevated performance, and an enhanced level of security and safety." "Imaging solutions, especially in automotive and aerospace applications, face increasing demands for speed, image quality, efficiency, and reliability," said Uzi Baruch, Chief Strategy Officer at proteanTecs. "Combining proteanTecs' chip telemetry, which provides continuous monitoring and predictive insights, with Dream Chip Technologies' uniquely customizable and flexible ISP architecture, makes for an ideal partnership to meet these advanced imaging challenges." Both proteanTecs and Dream Chip Technologies bring proven technologies backed by customer success stories and real-world application results in advanced SoCs down to 2nm, delivering measurable return on investment and underscoring value as critical enablers of advanced customizable chip development. About proteanTecs proteanTecs is the leading provider of deep data analytics for advanced electronics monitoring. Trusted by global leaders in the datacenter, automotive, communications and mobile markets, the company provides system health and performance monitoring, from production to the field. By applying machine learning to novel data created by on-chip monitors, the company's deep data analytics solutions deliver unparalleled visibility and actionable insights leading to new levels of quality and reliability. Founded in 2017 and backed by world-leading investors, the company is headquartered in Israel and has offices in the United States, India and Taiwan. About Dream Chip Technologies Dream Chip Technologies is Europe's premier chip design service provider, specializing in automotive System-on-Chip solutions for ADAS and autonomous driving applications. Its industry-setting camera ISP IP and robust functional safety solutions empower customers to create differentiated, high-performance products, supported by a team of over 250 engineers skilled in advanced technologies down to 5nm chip. Since joining the Tessolve group in November 2024, Dream Chip Technologies now offers a comprehensive, end-to-end chip development cycle-from initial requirements and architecture through chip design, embedded software, systems integration, testing, and productization. Founded in December 2009 and headquartered near Hanover, Germany, Dream Chip Technologies operates five design centers across Europe and one in India. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826148358/en/ Contacts: PRESS CONTACT Jennifer Scher Content Communications Manager jennifer.s@proteantecs.com Published by Action Against Hunger. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / At least 150,000 people remain without running water across the South of Lebanon after Israeli attacks damaged and destroyed swathes of water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities since the beginning of the conflict in Lebanon in October 2023, according to a report from Action Against Hunger and Insecurity Insight released today. The report, When Bombs Turn the Taps Off: The Impact of Conflict on Water Infrastructure in Lebanon, found there had been devastating immediate and long-term impacts of repeated attacks by Israeli forces on Lebanese water infrastructure between October 2023 and April 2025. Six months after the fragile ceasefire, more than 30villages remain without any connection to running water. These attacks have seen long term disruption to supplies of fresh water, dependence on water trucking that many people cannot afford and, according to the world bank, losses estimated at US$171 million across the water, wastewater and irrigation sectors. In the Nabatieh and South governorates alone, at least 26 water pumping and 28 water pipeline networks have been moderately damaged since October 2023. While the majority of water infrastructure damage occurred in South Lebanon, Baalbeck's Schmustar town in the Bekaa also remains without running water, with one well completely destroyed and five others partially damaged - leaving thousands of residents dependent on a water tank that fills to just 20% of its capacity. "The attacks had devastating consequences for farmers, as water shortages impacted irrigation and food production," said Insecurity Insight Director Christina Wille. "More than 82% of the farmers interviewed in South Lebanon during the research said they couldn't get enough water to irrigate their crops or to give drinking water to their livestock." Action Against Hunger country director Suzanne Takkenberg said, as a scorching summer takes hold across the region, increased risks of an outbreak of waterborne diseases are also heightened. "The dry season, coupled with the lack of access to water caused by the attacks, forces vulnerable communities to resort to utilizing unsafe or contaminated water sources for their daily needs. This brings the very real risk of disease," said Suzanne. Dr. Wassim Daher, Director General of the Southern Lebanon Water Establishment said damages sustained by the Israeli attacks on water infrastructure have affected thousands of people closest to the border. "The experts in our team estimated that 90% of the water services within 5km of the southern Lebanese border are disrupted. A further 92,000 people who used to live in these areas before October 2023 have not returned due to the destruction and lack of essential services," Dr. Daher said. The agencies recall that all parties to the conflict have clear obligations under IHL to protect objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, including water installations. The agencies call on urgent action to be taken to restore water connections to communities. The agencies also call for all parties to the conflict to comply with the ceasefire agreement. *** Action Against Hunger supported over 190,000 people in Lebanon in 2023 through health and nutrition, food security, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs. Our WASH initiatives include hygiene kits, awareness programs, and critical infrastructure rehabilitation to address water and sanitation emergencies. Our health and nutrition services include counseling on child feeding, distributing micronutrient powder, and screening for malnutrition. To improve food security, we assist thousands of people through cash-for-work initiatives and cash-based food assistance. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Action Against Hunger on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Action Against Hunger Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/action-against-hunger Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Action Against Hunger View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/six-months-after-ceasefire-hundreds-of-thousands-in-lebanon-stil-1065578 HONG KONG, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PetroChina Company Limited ["PetroChina" or the "Company", (HKSE: 00857; SSE: 601857)] announced that in the first half of the year, the Company proactively responded to changes in macroscopic environment, coordinated efforts to advance production and operations, technological innovation, marketing, and quality and efficiency improvement. Its oil and gas output maintained steady growth, transformation and upgrading of refining and chemical operations was further propelled, domestic sales of refined products, natural gas, and chemical products maintained growth, new energy, new materials and new businesses developed rapidly, and operating results exceeded expectation. In accordance with IFRS, the Company recorded revenue of RMB 1.5 trillion in the first half of the year. Net profit attributable to owners of the Company reached RMB 84.01 billion. In return for the shareholders, the Board of Directors decided to distribute an interim dividend of RMB 0.22 per share for the first half of 2025, with total dividend payout reaching RMB 40.26 billion, continuing to maintain high in the same period in history. Results Review Sustained growth in oil and gas output with accelerated momentum in new energies. The Company vigorously advanced effective exploration, focused on key basins and zones, achieved multiple major breakthroughs and significant discoveries. By adhering to cost-effective development, it optimized capacity - building deployment, implemented multiple measures to enhance recovery rates, and accelerated construction of the shale oil demonstration zones in Jimsar and Gulong, as well as the E'dong?Daning-Jixian coalbed methane demonstration project. The Company actively expanded its overseas oil and gas business, optimized the asset portfolio, strengthened project operation management, and continuously improved investment returns. In the first half of the year, the Company's oil and gas output grew by 2.0% year-on-year to 924 million BOE, of which the crude oil output edged up 0.3% year-on-year to 476 million barrels, and marketable natural gas output grew by 3.8% year-on-year to 2.68?trillion cubic feet. Oil and gas output reached new record highs for the same period in history. The Company continued to refine the layout of its new energy business, accelerated the construction of key projects including the Tarim Shangku photovoltaic project, Qinghai Golmud wind power and Jilin Ang 'ge wind power. Wind and solar power generation grew by 70.0% year-on-year. The Company advanced CCUS across its entire industry chain by injecting 1.305 million tons of carbon dioxide. The oil, gas, and new energies business achieved an operating profit of RMB 85.69 billion. Significant progress in refining transformation and upgrading, with accelerating development of new materials business. The Company continued to pursue a high - end, green, and intelligent development path, advancing refining and chemical structural adjustment and transformation and upgrading. The transformation and upgrading projects of Jilin Petrochemical and Guangxi Petrochemical completed intermediate handover, while the high - end polyolefin project of Blue Sea New Materials and the second phase of the Dushanzi Petrochemical Tarim Ethane - to - Ethylene project progressed actively. The Company optimized crude oil resource allocation, dynamically adjusted product mix, intensified research and development efforts for new products and new materials, and increased production and sales of high - end, high - efficiency, high - value - added refining and chemical products. The volume of ethylene output and chemical product sales reached record highs for the same period, while market shares of bonded marine fuel, paraffin and other products remained in a leading position. In the first half of the year, the Company processed a total of 690 million barrels of crude oil. The aggregate output of refined products reached 59.572? million tons, and the chemical commodity products reached 19.971 million tons, up by 4.9% year-on-year. New materials output reached 1.665 million tons, up by 54.9% year - on - year and marking the third consecutive year of over 50% high - speed growth. The refining, chemicals and new materials business generated an operating profit of RMB?11.06?billion. Marketing business expanded channels and improved efficiency, with market share rising steadily . The Company strengthened market quantitative analysis and implemented differentiated marketing strategies by products, regions, and customers, achieving a 0.3% growth in domestic refined products sales and a 1.5 percentage point increase in market share. The Company actively advanced the deployment of LNG terminal refueling and battery charging & swapping businesses, with LNG refueling volumes and battery charging & swapping volumes both recording significant increases. The Company actively expanded non - fuel business and achieved steady growth in efficiency. The Company continued to improve global trade network, leveraged both domestic and international markets and resources to help reduce costs and enhance efficiency across the value chain. In the first half of the year, the Company sold 77.831 million tons of refined products. Automotive LNG sales grew by 58.9% year-on-year, battery charging and swapping volume surged 213% year-on-year, and non - fuel business profit increased 5.5% year - on - year. The marketing business achieved an operating profit of RMB?7.56?billion. Natural gas marketing business coordinated resources and the market, achieving simultaneous growth in volume and efficiency. The Company continued to optimize the structure of its resource portfolio and overall procurement costs, and enhanced market competitiveness. Adhering to an integrated wholesale - and - retail marketing approach, the Company actively expanded direct - sales and industrial customer base, striving to increase the proportion of sales to high - efficiency markets and high - end customers. In the first half of the year, the Company sold 151.50?billion cubic meters of natural gas, increased by 2.9% year-on-year. Domestic natural gas sales reached 119.77?billion cubic meters, representing a year - on - year growth of 4.2% and setting a new record high for the same period with market share rising by 2.1 percentage points. The natural gas marketing business generated an operating profit of RMB?18.63?billion. Technological innovation empowered development, continuously strengthening core competitiveness. The Company strengthened innovation - driven leadership, taking innovation as the primary development strategy, developing new quality productive forces in light of local conditions, deepening reform of the system and mechanism for scientific and technological innovation, and empowering the Company's high - quality development. The Company accelerated the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, enhancing the core competitiveness of its main oil and gas business, actively cultivated emerging industries to create a "second growth curve" and made forward - looking plans for future industries to build a "third growth curve". Focusing on key areas such as oil and gas exploration and development, refining and petrochemicals, and new energy & new materials, the Company accelerated breakthroughs in key technologies, and promoted the rapid conversion of scientific and technological achievements into real productive forces. The "Digital - Intelligent Transformation" strategic initiative has been vigorously implemented to advance the deep integration of digital - intelligent technology with the energy industry, and foster synergistic development between industrial digitalization and digital industrialization, achieving continuous improvement in efficiency and effectiveness across the entire industry chain. Outlook Looking ahead into the second half of the year, the Company will closely monitor changes in both domestic and international markets, strengthen analysis and assessment of market conditions, adhere to innovation - driven leadership, and promote the high - quality development of all business segments. The Company will strive to fully achieve the annual production and operation targets, successfully conclude "the 14th Five - Year Plan" period, and deliver outstanding results to reward shareholders and give back to society. Additional information on PetroChina is available at the Company's website: http://www.petrochina.com.cn SOURCE PetroChina Company Limited WASHINGTON, D.C. / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Stris & Maher LLP is pleased to announce that Dmitry Slavin, a first-chair trial lawyer and former federal prosecutor, has joined the firm as a partner in Washington, DC. Slavin joins the firm's growing bench of battle-tested trial lawyers, continuing the firm's growth as a destination for lawyers who try-and win-complex cases. Dmitry Slavin Slavin has spent nearly a decade trying and arguing cases in federal courts across the country. At DOJ's National Security Division, he co-led multiple complex jury trials and represented the Department in some of its most demanding cases. For his work, he received multiple awards from the Assistant Attorney General for National Security. Earlier, as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Kentucky, he focused on complex financial crimes, recovering substantial amounts for defrauded victims and earning the office's Crime Victims' Rights Award. He began his career in private practice as a litigator. "Joining Stris & Maher is an exciting next chapter," Slavin said. "I'm eager to bring my trial experience across a wide range of complex matters to a firm known for excelling in litigation at the highest levels." "Dmitry is an elite trial lawyer," added Managing Partner Elizabeth Brannen. "His courtroom skills and government background make him an invaluable addition as we continue to expand our national trial practice." Slavin's career highlights include securing a conviction in an international extortion case involving stolen sensitive information, convicting cartel members and ISIS terrorists after jury trials, and training prosecutors worldwide. He has also argued appeals in the Sixth Circuit, taught trial advocacy at George Washington University Law School, and worked with mock trial teams at both the college and law school levels. Slavin clerked for Judge John M. Rogers of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit after earning his J.D. from Yale Law School and graduating summa cum laude from Washington and Lee University. Stris & Maher has recently welcomed several former government lawyers to its partnership, including former U.S. Attorney Nikolas Kerest, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacqueline Sahlberg, and veteran DOL litigator Jeff Hahn. Slavin's addition reflects the firm's continued growth, its further expansion in DC, and its commitment to delivering top trial talent in its clients' most significant disputes. SOURCE: Stris & Maher LLP View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/former-doj-prosecutor-joins-stris-and-maher-1065323 Entergy establishes day of service commemorating Hurricane Katrina NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Entergy Corporation This year marks the 20th anniversary of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Katrina, one of the worst, deadliest and most costly natural disasters to ever hit our service area, slammed into the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005. Much of the Gulf Coast lay ravaged by wind and water, and New Orleans was largely submerged. Twenty-six days after Katrina, with the state of Louisiana still reeling, Hurricane Rita made landfall near the mouth of the Sabine River at the Louisiana-Texas border. These storms left 1.9 million of our 2.7 million customers without power, with Katrina affecting 37,000 square miles, roughly one-third of our service area. For the last 20 years following hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we've powered a more resilient future and remained steadfast in our commitment to you - our customers and communities. We're stronger today because of where we've been. And we'll continue to invest in our shared communities, our people and our grid. We couldn't be prouder to call this home. Honoring the 20-year anniversary through service Over the last two decades, our employees have dedicated 1.6 million hours of volunteer service across our four-state service area. In remembrance of the 2005 hurricane season, Entergy is holding a day of service on Aug. 29 in partnership with Rebuilding Together. Employee volunteers will focus on home repairs and energy efficiency upgrades to five homes in the New Orleans area. This initiative not only honors our commitment to the community but also revitalizes homes that represent the heart of our neighborhoods. This week, our New Orleans-area employees will also join Green Light New Orleans to commemorate the anniversary. Volunteers will be delivering and installing approximately 20 rain barrels to local homeowners in flood-prone neighborhoods. Watch Episode 1 (above): During the storm In the month ahead, we'll share some of these stories of reflection, resilience, preparation and perseverance through a series of videos. Watch our first video release that captures Entergy team members recounting their experiences from 2005. Find more at entergy.com/Katrina20. About Entergy Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We're investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We're also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and follow @Entergy on social media. Corporate Social Responsibility at Entergy For more than 100 years, Entergy has powered life in our communities through strategic philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy's corporate social responsibility initiatives help create and sustain thriving communities, position the company for sustainable growth and are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our top CSR priorities are education/workforce development, poverty solutions/social services and environmental programs. Entergy annually contributes $16-$18 million in shareholder-funded grants to approximately 2,000 nonprofit organizations in the communities where we operate. In addition, our employees volunteer more than 100,000 hours in those communities' values at more than $3 million. View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Entergy Corporation on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Entergy Corporation Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/entergy Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Entergy Corporation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/utilities/light-after-the-storm-20-years-strong-1065669 As EHDS interconnects EU systems, hospitals call for patch SLAs, SBOM/VEX transparency, and baseline API hardening to curb breach risk. BRUSSELS, BE / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Cybersecurity has overtaken other digital priorities as the most acute operational risk to European hospitals, according to a new Black Book European survey of 352 hospital IT leaders in Germany (158), France (84), and Italy (110). Respondents describe a widening attack surface driven by ransomware pressure, middleware/API weaknesses, and deferred EHR patching. just as the European Health Data Space (EHDS) enters its transition phase toward application and NIS2 obligations bite through national laws. Key findings from the Black Book survey 74% of hospitals reported at least one serious cyberattack attempt in the past 12 months; the most common entry points were compromised credentials and attacks on APIs used for data exchange (FHIR/HL7). 83% identify interoperability vendors and middleware systems as their most exploitable layer, citing weak API credential management, inconsistent mutual-TLS (mTLS), and infrequent key/token rotation. 60% acknowledge deferred EHR patching; in open-ended responses, executives most often referenced their own deployed EHR environments 69% of French and Italian CIOs say their posture is constrained by vendor patch responsiveness and complex upgrade dependencies across EHR, PACS, LIMS, and scheduling systems. 62% report no ring-fenced incident-response budget or in-house Security Operations Center (SOC) capacity. 89% believe EHDS connectivity will expand breach exposure before essential controls (strong identity, network segmentation, EDR/XDR, tested immutable backups) are widely implemented. "Identity and the APIs between core systems are the weak links," said Doug Brown, Founder & President of Black Book Research. "Hospitals are working through backlogs of unresolved vulnerabilities while uncontrolled digital keys and dependency-bound patch cycles enlarge the attack surface. Without enforceable timelines for critical fixes, transparent disclosure, and clear software inventories, hospitals are fighting fast-moving threats with processes that can't keep pace." The EHDS Regulation (EU) 2025/327 entered into force on March 26, 2025, initiating phased application and expanding cross-border data use on top of MyHealth@EU services like ePrescription and Patient Summaries. Real-world incidents: a pattern of escalation Multi-country (Germany/Austria/Switzerland) - AMEOS Group disclosed a security breach disrupting operations across multiple countries in late July 2025. Germany - University Hospital Frankfurt suffered a major cyberattack reported July 2025, severing internet access and triggering infrastructure rebuild; There were 324 health-sector incidents reported in 2023, the most of any critical sector. United Kingdom - Ransomware on Synnovis pathology services forced London trusts to cancel procedures and revert to manual workarounds; NHS and press statements documented extensive disruption. Germany - UKSH (Lubeck & Kiel) canceled elective surgeries amid the global CrowdStrike IT outage-not a cyberattack, underscoring third-party resilience risk. Belgium - CHU UCL Namur experienced a major IT outage that curtailed non-urgent admissions across three sites. France - Hopital Simone-Veil (Cannes) faced a 2024 LockBit ransomware incident; non-urgent care was postponed and stolen data later published. Ireland - Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (Dublin) reported EHR/IT 2024 outages leading to cancellations and ED advisories. EU-wide context: In January 2025, the European Commission launched an Action Plan to bolster hospital cybersecurity-standing up an ENISA Support Centre, an EU-wide early-warning service by 2026, and rapid-response capacity via the EU Cybersecurity Reserve. Vendor ecosystem: foundational but fragile Across the survey base, respondents report heavy reliance on a small set of dominant clinical platforms spanning EHR, interoperability, and imaging. While no single brand was singled out as uniquely responsible, hospitals emphasized shared risk characteristics across large platforms: Patch cadence and latency governed by maintenance windows and change-freeze cycles. Clarity and timing of vulnerability advisories , often cited as insufficient to guide rapid action. Complex upgrade dependencies across EHR, PACS, LIMS, and scheduling that slow remediation. Cybersecurity providers most often recognized by respondents for highest satisfaction in healthcare-specific capabilities included Thales Group, Atos Eviden, Orange Cyberdefense, Secunet, Sopra Steria, and Almaviva/Ingegneria Informatica, alongside global platforms such as Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Check Point, and Fortinet. In this survey, 88% indicated a preference for EU-based providers due to GDPR alignment and data sovereignty. What hospital leaders want from EHR & HIT vendors (respondent priorities) Patch SLAs tied to severity (e.g., critical fixes within defined hours/days) - 94% . SBOM + VEX transparency to separate exploitable defects from background CVEs - 88% . Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure (CVD) with time-boxed remediation and clear advisories - 80% . API security baselines (OAuth scope minimization, mTLS, scoped tokens, frequent rotation/revocation, signed requests, automated secret hygiene) - 66% . Real-time advisories & flexible maintenance windows to reduce clinical downtime - 92% . Third-party/middleware risk controls such as API-gateway monitoring, token management, and supplier assurance - 99%. The road ahead: aligning EHDS, NIS2 and product obligations As EHDS scales cross-border exchange and MyHealth@EU services, hospitals and suppliers are also preparing for the Cyber Resilience Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/2847) lifecycle security requirements for "products with digital elements," with main obligations applying from December 11, 2027. Practical next steps include SBOM-backed software inventories, continuous API posture management, and severity-based patch SLAs aligned to clinical risk. About the study The 2025 European Cybersecurity Healthcare User Survey reflects self-reported conditions from 352 qualified hospital IT leaders in Germany (158), France (84), and Italy (110). Fielded March-August 2025. All figures reflect respondent experiences and perceptions within their environments. Black Book did not independently validate vendor-specific claims; results are reported as provided by respondents. Where priorities include multiple selections, percentages may exceed 100%. About Black Book Research Black Book Research delivers independent, vendor-agnostic intelligence on healthcare technology, cybersecurity, payer operations, and digital health adoption. Since 2011, Black Book has collected nearly 3.5 million stakeholder viewpoints worldwide-including more than 220,000 responses from European healthcare IT users-to benchmark satisfaction, readiness, and risk. Surveys are conducted with validated respondents using standardized instruments and confidence thresholds appropriate to each study design. Media Contact research@blackbookmarketresearch or 1 800 863 7590 Download gratis healthcare IT industry EHR, Cybersecurity and Population Health global reports for 110 countries worldwide at https://www.blackbookmarketresearch.com SOURCE: Black Book Research View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/europes-hospital-it-leaders-in-germany-france-and-italy-warn-ehds-pus-1065358 Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award-winning web design agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites and digital marketing campaigns, has released an industry overview on 2025 web design performance benchmarks for California companies. The insights reflect data on site speed, mobile responsiveness and accessibility, three areas increasingly central to user expectations and regulatory focus. Digital Silk Outlines 2025 Web Design Performance Benchmarks for California Companies To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10732/263955_2c426244e42daaeb_001full.jpg Web Performance and User Expectations According to a Think with Google study, more than 50% of U.S. mobile users abandon a site if it takes longer than three seconds to load. With California representing one of the largest digital economies in the United States, site performance continues to play a critical role in audience retention. Accessibility and Compliance UsableNet's 2024 Digital Accessibility Lawsuit Report confirmed that over 4,000 ADA-related lawsuits were filed against digital properties in 2024, with California identified as one of the states with the highest number of filings. This trend underscores the necessity for California companies to prioritize accessibility within their web design strategies. Mobile-First Design Benchmarks Research from Statista shows that U.S. mobile e-commerce accounted for more than 40% of total retail sales in 2024 (Statista). This indicates continued growth in mobile-first design requirements, ensuring California companies must optimize websites for responsiveness across all devices. Editorial Team Perspective "These benchmarks highlight where California companies may need to focus their web development priorities in 2025," said Gabriel Shaoolian, CEO of Digital Silk. "Fast, mobile-responsive and accessible websites are becoming baseline expectations, not competitive differentiators." About Digital Silk Digital Silk is an award-winning California Web Design Company focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, the company creates digital experiences through strategic branding, custom web design and digital marketing services to help improve visibility and support engagement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263955 SOURCE: Digital Silk 26 August 2025, Limassol, Cyprus I Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Annual General Meeting of EPH European Property Holdings PLC will be held on 23 September 2025 at 11:00 AM Cyprus time at the Four Seasons Hotel Limassol, 67-69 Amathountos Avenue, Ag. Tychonas, 4532 Limassol, Cyprus, where the following ordinary business will be transacted: To receive and consider the Management Reports, the Audited Annual Financial Statements of the Company and the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2024 and the Auditors' Reports (by Deloitte AG, Switzerland and by Primus Audit & Tax, Cyprus) (the "Annual Report"); To consider the re-election of the following directors of the Company to the position of a director of the Company for a term until the annual general meeting of the Company held in the third year from the directors' appointment: Vera Christodoulou Michael Cuthbert Tomasz Dukala Olga Melnikova Gustav Stenbolt Gerrit Straub To appoint/ re-appoint the Auditors of the Company and authorise the Board of Directors to determine their remuneration; To consider the recommendation of the Board of Directors of the Company to not declare a dividend; By order of the Board of Directors, Christina Spyrou-Katras Secretary of EPH European Property Holdings PLC _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EPH European Property Holdings PLC is an investment company listed on SIX Swiss Exchange. Additional information on EPH European Property Holdings PLC is available by contacting Anna Bernhart Tel: +41 44 503 5400 or at contact@europeanpropertyholdings.com. MEMBERS' RIGHTS AND RELEVANT DOCUMENTS: The Record Date for the participation at the Annual General Meeting is 02 September 2025, 5pm CET. Only Members registered in the Company's Statutory Register as of the close of business on the Record Date shall have the right to attend, vote and address the Annual General Meeting. The shareholder register is maintained and administered by Computershare Schweiz AG, Baslerstrasse 90, CH-4600 Olten, Switzerland. Any change in the relevant Registry after the Record Date will not be counted in determining the right of any person to attend and vote at the Meeting. Any Member entitled to attend, vote and speak the Annual General Meeting, is entitled to appoint a proxy to attend, vote and speak in his/her/its stead. A proxy need not be a Member. The proxy document must be submitted at the Registered Office of the Company at Monis Machaira 18, Office 101, 3020 Limassol, Republic of Cyprus, E-mail : contact@europeanpropertyholdings.com at least 15 minutes before the time fixed for the Annual General Meeting. A proxy may be given in either Form A or Form B, attached hereto, or can be ordered from the share register with Computershare (see para. 3 below). In order to participate at the Annual General Meeting, a Member (or a duly appointed proxy of a Member) entitled to attend, vote and address the Annual General Meeting, shall obtain from the Company relevant admission cards and voting slips. Admission cards and voting slips will be provided by the Company and can be obtained (a) at the date, time and place of the Annual General Meeting or (b) via the share register with Computershare in advance of the Annual General Meeting (after the Record Date), by reverting to the relevant invitation and application form that will be sent by the Company via post to the Members entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting. In order to obtain from the Company relevant admission cards and voting slips in advance of the Annual General Meeting via Computershare, Members shall complete and return the relevant application form to Computershare Schweiz AG (by using the envelope provided) at the following address: General Meetings Team Computershare Schweiz AG P +41 62 205 77 50 Baslerstrasse 90, Postfach, 4601 Olten, Schweiz generalversammlung@computershare.ch Every Member has the right to ask questions relating to the items of the agenda of the Annual General Meeting, subject to any measures the Company may adopt for the ascertainment of the Member's identity, as well as to parameters relating to the planning and the good order of the Annual General Meeting, the confidentiality and the business interests of the Company. Subject to what is mentioned in relation to the Record Date, any Member is entitled to attend, vote and address the Annual General Meeting. The Annual Report (which includes the Management Reports, the Audited Annual Financial Statements of the Company and the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2024 and the Auditors' Reports) is available and can be obtained in printed form from the Registered Office of the Company at Monis Machaira 18, Office 101, 3020 Limassol, Republic of Cyprus, or from the office of Valartis Advisory Services SA, St. Annagasse 18, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland as well as by email through contact@europeanpropertyholdings.com. The Annual Report shall also be available in printed form at the place and time of the Annual General Meeting. The Annual Report for the purposes of the SIX Swiss Exchange (which includes the Management Report, the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2024 and the Auditors' Report) was published on 29 April 2025, and can be downloaded from EPH European Property Holdings PLC website: https://europeanpropertyholdings.com/ (https://europeanpropertyholdings.com/). If required, members can obtain a printed form from the Registered Office of the Company at Monis Machaira 18, Office 101, 3020 Limassol, Republic of Cyprus, or from the office of Valartis Advisory Services SA, St. Annagasse 18, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland. The Company's Auditors, Deloitte AG, Switzerland and Primus Audit & Tax, Cyprus, have not given the Company notice in writing of any unwillingness to be re-appointed. Attachment Surrey, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - INEO Tech Corp. (TSXV: INEO) (OTCQB: INEOF) (the "Company" or "INEO"), announces the resignation of Kerem Akbas and David Eaton from its Board of Directors, effective today. Both directors joined the Board as representatives of Coenda Investments Holdings Corp. ("Coenda"). Mr. Akbas joined the INEO board in October 2024 and Mr. Eaton joined in June 2025. Coenda invested in INEO in three tranches between August 2024 and January 2025 and is also the principal investor in Bon Intelligence, a licensee of INEO technology. With the resignations, INEO will kickoff a search for appropriate replacements with the key capabilities of new board members being chosen to compliment the Company's management team and governance structure. INEO remains committed to driving continued innovation, operational excellence and value creation for all stakeholders. The Board of Directors, together with the management team, will continue to execute on the Company's strategy, building on recent momentum of technology licensing deals and pursuing opportunities to expand its market position. INEO Tech Corp. Per: "Kyle Hall" Kyle Hall, Chief Executive Officer and Director About INEO Tech Corp. (TSXV: INEO) (OTCQB: INEOF) INEO Tech Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiary, INEO Solutions Inc., operates the INEO Media Network, a digital advertising and analytics solution for retailers, and INEO Retail Media, an advertising sales provider for in-store retail media. INEO is headquartered in Surrey, Canada and publicly traded on the TSX-Venture Exchange under the symbol "INEO" and on the OTCQB under the symbol "INEOF". For more information please visit: Websites: www.ineosolutionsinc.com www.ineoretailmedia.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ineosolutions Forward-Looking Statements Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the disclosure document, any information released or received with respect to the Company may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. This news release contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectations. Important factors - including the availability of funds, acceptance of the Company's products, competition, and general market conditions - that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed on SEDAR, including the Annual Information Form for the year ended June 30, 2022 filed on SEDAR on November 4, 2022. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263957 SOURCE: INEO Tech Corp. Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award-winning agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites and digital marketing campaigns, has released an industry overview highlighting how AI tools are changing Google Ads campaign management in 2025. The overview compiles verified U.S. research and industry data to outline the growing role of automation, machine learning and predictive analytics in paid media strategies. Industry Overview by Digital Silk: AI Tools Changing Google Ads Campaign Management in 2025 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10732/263961_65c4b40d94b8c947_001full.jpg AI Adoption in Paid Advertising Industry adoption continues to accelerate. The Interactive Advertising Bureau's 2025 Video Ad Spend & Strategy report notes that nearly 90% of advertisers will use generative AI to build video ads, reflecting broader use of automation across creative and media workflows. The McKinsey 2025 State of AI Survey similarly finds that 78% of organizations use AI in at least one business function, with marketing and sales among the most common. Google Ads and Automation Google Ads continues to expand AI-enhanced features, including Performance Max campaigns and automated bidding strategies. A PwC AI Business Survey found that over 50% of U.S. executives reported AI adoption in marketing and sales functions, with measurable improvements in efficiency. Implications for Campaign Management The overview highlights three primary changes companies may expect in 2025: Predictive Targeting : AI models are increasingly forecasting audience intent, helping advertisers refine segments. : AI models are increasingly forecasting audience intent, helping advertisers refine segments. Creative Automation : Ad copy and asset testing are being supported by AI tools that generate and test variations at scale. : Ad copy and asset testing are being supported by AI tools that generate and test variations at scale. Budget Optimization: Machine learning systems are reallocating budgets in real time to maximize conversions. Editorial Team Perspective "AI is no longer an add-on in Google Ads management-it is becoming a core component of how campaigns are executed," said Gabriel Shaoolian, CEO of Digital Silk. "The data shows that while AI tools can enhance efficiency, human oversight remains critical to ensure accuracy, alignment and brand safety." About Digital Silk Digital Silk is an award-winning Miami Digital Marketing Agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, the company creates digital experiences through strategic branding, custom web design and digital marketing services to help improve visibility and support engagement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263961 SOURCE: Digital Silk WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - After ending the previous session roughly flat, the price of gold showed a modest move to the upside during trading on Tuesday. Gold for August delivery rose $14.80 or 0.4 percent to $3,388.60 an ounce after edging down $0.60 or less than a tenth of a percent to $3,373.80 an ounce during Monday's session. The increase by the price of gold came amid a modest pullback by the value of the U.S. dollar, with the U.S. dollar index slipping by 0.2 percent after yesterday's 0.7 percent advance. Gold also benefitted from is appeal as a safe haven amid concerns about the Federal Reserve's independence after President Donald Trump said he is removing Fed Governor Lisa Cook from her position. In a letter to Cook posted on Truth Social, Trump accused her of making false statements on one or more mortgage agreements. However, Cook responded with a statement claiming Trump does not have the authority to fire her and said she will not resign. 'I will continue to carry out my duties to help the American economy as I have been doing since 2022,' said Cook. Traders were also reacting to Trump's latest tariff threats, with the president threatening to impose 'substantial additional tariffs' on countries that do not remove digital taxes and related regulations that harm U.S. tech companies. 'America, and American Technology Companies, are neither the 'piggy bank' nor the 'doormat' of the World any longer,' Trump said on Truth Social. 'Show respect to America and our amazing Tech Companies or, consider the consequences!' On Monday, Trump threatened to impose 200 percent tariffs on China if Beijing does not export rare-earth magnets to the U.S. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Physicians, researchers, and partner institutions across Europe aim to deliver innovative, personalized therapies more quickly Development project focused on a hospital-based modular platform, based on technology initially developed by Fresenius Kabi The EASYGEN project is a public-private partnership, with 8 million backed by EU funding through the Innovative Health Initiative Important step in FutureFresenius program The global healthcare company Fresenius is collaborating with other companies and academic institutions with the goals of accelerating the manufacturing of CAR-T cell therapy, making it more cost-effective, and improving patient access across Europe. Led by Fresenius, the newly launched EASYGEN (Easy workflow integration for gene therapy) consortium will focus on efforts to develop a modular, hospital-based platform capable of manufacturing personalized cell therapies in just a few days, rather than weeks. The project is a public-private partnership, with 8 million in funding provided by the EU through the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI). It leverages technology originally developed by the Cell and Gene Therapy team of Fresenius Kabi, part of Fresenius. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826227808/en/ Pictured here are members of the Easygen Consortium. In the front row, from left to right: Dr. Sonja Steppan (Easygen Principal Investigator, Fresenius SE), Prof. Dr. Michael Hudecek (Fraunhofer IZI), Theresa Kagerbauer (TQ Therapeutics), Dr. Agnes Vosen (HZDR), Christopher Wegener (Fresenius Kabi), Vaclovas Radvilas (EBMT), Dr. Julia Schuler (Charles River), Dr. Julia Busch-Casler (HZDR), Nicole Spanier-Baro (Fraunhofer IESE), Vivienne Williams (Cellix Limited), Prof. Dr. Bertram Gla (Helios), Prof. Dr. Ulrike Kohl (Fraunhofer IZI), Rebecca Scheiwe (Fresenius SE). In the back row, from left to right: Prof. Dr. Ralf Kuhlen (Fresenius SE), Prof. Dr. Jens O. Brunner (DTU), Dominik Narres (Fresenius SE), Thomas Brzoska (Pro-Liance Global Solutions), Dr. David Krones (Fraunhofer IZI), Dr. Sabine Bertsch (Pro-Liance Global Solutions), Dr. Ralf Hoffmann (Philips), Christin Zundorf (TQ Therapeutics), Dr. Anna Dunkel (Fraunhofer IZI). Dr. Christian Hauer, President MedTech at Fresenius Kabi, said: "This project contributes to expanding our MedTech platform, making it an important step on our path to FutureFresenius. The aim is not only to develop cutting-edge medical technologies, but also to make them available quickly, safely, and close to the patient. In this way, we are actively working to shape the healthcare of tomorrow." "EASYGEN brings together physicians, researchers, and partner institutions from across Europe with the goal of collaboratively advancing innovative, personalized therapies such as CAR-T cells for cancer treatment. Automation can help reduce production complexity of these therapies, with the aim of making it easier to scale these life-saving treatments and improve patient access," added Prof. Dr. med. Ralf Kuhlen, Chief Medical Officer at Fresenius. CAR-T therapy is a breakthrough treatment that involves genetically modifying a patient's T cells to target cancer. It requires complex, time-intensive production in specialized facilities often far from patients. Limited manufacturing capacity and supply chain delays can potentially prevent timely patient access. Despite clinical eligibility, access to CAR-T cell therapy remains limited for patients across Europe. This is particularly evident in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), a type of cancer that is one of the most common indications: Across five European countries, the average treatment rate is below 20%. While approximately 30% of eligible patients receive CAR-T therapy in France, the figure drops to just 11% in Italy.1 Fresenius is actively involved in cell and gene therapy. Fresenius Kabi provides medical technology for these therapies, including automated cell processing systems such as Lovo and Cue. Fresenius Helios, for example, at its Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch, has been offering CAR-T cell therapy as a standard treatment for relapsed cases since 2019. The clinic is also conducting clinical trials to further explore the potential of CAR-T therapies. Quironsalud, Fresenius' Spanish hospital business, has established specialized oncology units that offer CAR-T cell therapy as part of their advanced cancer treatment portfolio, particularly for hematologic malignancies. EASYGEN is led by Fresenius and academically co-led by Fraunhofer Institute, IZI, Leipzig one of Europe's foremost immunotherapy research centers in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Michael Hudecek, a leader in CAR-T cell engineering and Prof. Dr. Ulrike Kohl, a pioneer in translational cellular immunotherapies. Consortium partners 18 organizations across 8 countries Industry clinical leaders: Fresenius (Coordinator, Germany), Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch (Germany), Quironsalud (Spain), Fenwal Inc. (USA), Cellix Ltd. (Ireland), Charles River (Germany), Pro-Liance Global Solutions (Germany), TQ Therapeutics (Germany), Philips Electronics Nederland B.V. (Netherlands). Academic research institutions: Fraunhofer IESE (Germany), Fraunhofer IZI (Germany), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Germany), Technical University of Denmark (Denmark), Frankfurt School of Finance Management (Germany), European Society for Blood Marrow Transplantation (Netherlands), Bar-Ilan University (Israel), University of Glasgow (UK), University of Navarra (Spain). Learn more about CAR-T cell therapy: Interview Prof. Bertram Gla, Chief Physician for Hematology and Cell Therapy at Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch: https://www.fresenius.com/car-t-cell-therapy About Fresenius Fresenius SE Co. KGaA (Frankfurt/Xetra: FRE) is a global healthcare company headquartered in Bad Homburg v. d. Hohe, Germany. In the 2024 fiscal year, Fresenius generated 21.5 billion in annual revenue. Fresenius currently counts over 176,000 employees. The Fresenius Group comprises the operating companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios as well as an investment in Fresenius Medical Care. With around 140 hospitals and countless outpatient facilities, Fresenius Helios is the leading private hospital operator in Germany and Spain, treating around 26 million patients every year. Fresenius Kabi's product portfolio touches the lives of 450 million patients annually and includes a range of highly complex biopharmaceuticals, clinical nutrition, medical technology, and intravenous generic drugs and fluids. Fresenius was established in 1912 by the Frankfurt pharmacist Dr. Eduard Fresenius. After his death, Else Kroner took over management of the company in 1952. She laid the foundations for a global enterprise that today pursues the goal of improving people's health. The largest shareholder is the non-profit Else Kroner-Fresenius Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing medical research and supporting humanitarian projects. For more information visit the Company's website at http://www.fresenius.com Follow us on social media: http://www.fresenius.com/socialmedia About EASYGEN EASYGEN is a five-year research project supported by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU) under grant agreement No 101194710. The JU receives support from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and COCIR, EFPIA, Europa Bio, MedTech Europe, Vaccines Europe and industry partners. Selected under the IHI call "User-centric technologies and optimized hospital workflows for a sustainable healthcare workforce," the project aims to develop an integrated, automated platform that enables point-of-care CAR-T cell manufacturing-cutting production time, reducing costs, and expanding access to next-generation immunotherapies. Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union, the private members, and those contributing partners of the IHI JU. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the aforementioned parties. Neither of the aforementioned parties can be held responsible for them. This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, the availability of financing and unforeseen impacts of international conflicts. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release. Fresenius SE Co. KGaA Registered Office: Bad Homburg, Germany Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Bad Homburg, HRB 11852 Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Wolfgang Kirsch General Partner: Fresenius Management SE Registered Office: Bad Homburg, Germany Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Bad Homburg, HRB 11673 Management Board: Michael Sen (Chairman), Pierluigi Antonelli, Sara Hennicken, Robert Moller, Dr. Michael Moser Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Wolfgang Kirsch 1 IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science. (03/ 2025). Achieving CAR T-cell Therapy Health System Readiness: An Assessment of Barriers and Opportunities. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826227808/en/ Contacts: Press Contact Timo Lindemann Corporate Communications Fresenius SE Co. KGaA Else-Kroner-Strae 1 61352 Bad Homburg Germany T +49 (0) 151 15515324 timo.lindemann@fresenius.com www.fresenius.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Ipsos, a market research company, has released the results of its 2025 Education Monitor, a 30-country survey on education and young people's lives. The study shows strong global support for controlling children's access to social media and growing concern for youth mental health. In Great Britain, the findings reveal that people are more positive about their education system compared to many European countries, but also show high levels of concern about technology's impact and a lack of public funding. Across the 30 countries, 71 percent of people support banning social media for children under 14, both in and out of school. In Britain, 70 percent agree with this, up 7 percentage points from last year. Support is also strong for banning smartphones in schools, with 63 percent of Britons in favor compared to 55 percent globally. In addition, 43 percent of Britons would ban AI tools like ChatGPT in schools, versus 37 percent worldwide. When asked about the quality of education, 49 percent of Britons rated their system as 'good,' the fifth-highest score among all countries surveyed. This contrasts with countries like Turkiye, Hungary, and France, where negative views dominate. However, funding remains a major concern in Britain. A lack of public funding was cited as the biggest challenge by 37 percent of people, well above the global average of 26 percent. The survey also asked about favorite school subjects. In Britain, history came out on top, followed by science and maths. Maths, however, is also among the most disliked subjects, tied with religion, with 31 percent recalling it negatively. Looking ahead, Britain is one of the few countries expecting rising pupil numbers in the next five years, alongside Ireland and Australia. This goes against the global trend, especially in Europe and Asia, where falling student numbers are widely expected. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2025 AFX News PUNE, India, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Market Outlook According to Credence Research, the CAR-T Cell Therapy Market is set to witness robust growth, advancing from USD 4,405 million in 2024 to USD 11,142.53 million by 2032. This expansion represents a strong CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period. The rapid rise reflects growing adoption of personalized cancer treatments, continuous clinical advancements, and increasing approvals of innovative CAR-T therapies worldwide. Key Growth Determinants Rising Prevalence of Cancer The growing incidence of hematologic cancers such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and multiple myeloma is a major driver of CAR-T therapy adoption. According to the World Health Organization, cancer remains a leading cause of mortality globally, with blood cancers forming a significant share. This rising patient base increases the need for advanced and effective treatment options beyond chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplants. CAR-T therapy provides targeted and personalized treatment, leading to higher remission rates in relapsed or refractory cases, thus fueling market growth. Advancements in CAR-T Technology Continuous progress in genetic engineering and biotechnology has significantly enhanced the safety and efficacy of CAR-T therapies. Innovations such as next-generation CAR designs, improved cell expansion methods, and off-the-shelf allogeneic CAR-T cells are broadening therapeutic applications. Integration of advanced manufacturing platforms has reduced production time and costs, making therapies more accessible. In addition, clinical trials exploring CAR-T for solid tumors highlight the potential to expand beyond hematologic cancers. These technological strides position CAR-T as a transformative therapy in oncology. Regulatory Approvals and Investments Supportive regulatory frameworks in the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific have accelerated the approval of CAR-T therapies, boosting patient access. Agencies such as the FDA and EMA have granted priority review and breakthrough therapy designations to several CAR-T products, reflecting strong institutional support. Simultaneously, major pharmaceutical firms and biotech startups are investing heavily in research collaborations, acquisitions, and facility expansions. These investments not only foster innovation but also strengthen global manufacturing and distribution networks, ensuring the sustainable growth of the CAR-T cell therapy market. Tailor the report to align with your specific business needs and gain targeted insights. Request - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/car-t-cell-therapy-market Key Trends Expansion into Solid Tumors A key trend shaping the market is the ongoing research to extend CAR-T cell therapies beyond hematologic cancers into solid tumors such as lung, breast, and ovarian cancers. Early clinical trials are exploring novel CAR constructs, dual-targeting strategies, and combination therapies to overcome challenges like tumor microenvironment resistance. If successful, this expansion could significantly enlarge the addressable patient base, creating major growth opportunities for developers and investors. Development of Off-the-Shelf Allogeneic CAR-T Another emerging trend is the shift toward allogeneic or "off-the-shelf" CAR-T therapies manufactured from healthy donor cells. Unlike autologous therapies, these can be produced in bulk, reducing manufacturing time, cost, and logistical complexity. Several biopharma companies are advancing pipeline candidates, with promising trial results expected in the near future. This approach opens opportunities for wider patient accessibility, faster treatment initiation, and scalability, positioning the market for substantial long-term growth. Key Growth Barriers High Treatment Costs One of the most significant barriers is the extremely high cost of CAR-T therapies, often exceeding USD 350,000 per patient. These costs stem from complex cell engineering, individualized manufacturing, and rigorous logistics. Limited reimbursement coverage in many countries further restricts patient access, slowing broader adoption despite strong clinical outcomes. Manufacturing and Supply Chain Challenges CAR-T therapy requires personalized production, involving extraction, modification, and reinfusion of patient T-cells. This process is time-sensitive, resource-intensive, and logistically complex, often leading to delays. Inconsistent manufacturing capacity and lack of standardized production protocols present further obstacles, especially in scaling up treatments for global demand. Safety and Side Effects Severe adverse effects, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity, pose clinical risks and limit patient eligibility. Managing these side effects requires specialized infrastructure and skilled professionals, which are not available in all healthcare settings. These safety concerns hinder wider adoption and raise regulatory hurdles. Key Market Opportunities Broadening Applications Beyond Hematologic Cancers The expansion of CAR-T therapy into solid tumors offers a major growth opportunity. Ongoing clinical trials targeting lung, breast, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers highlight strong potential to expand the patient pool. Success in this area could transform oncology treatment and significantly boost market revenues. Rising Adoption in Emerging Markets Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East present untapped opportunities due to increasing cancer prevalence and improving healthcare infrastructure. Governments and private players are investing in advanced treatment facilities, while regional partnerships accelerate technology transfer. Expanding access in these regions can drive significant demand growth. Advancements in Off-the-Shelf CAR-T Therapies The development of allogeneic CAR-T therapies represents a breakthrough opportunity. These "off-the-shelf" solutions reduce manufacturing costs, shorten delivery timelines, and allow treatment of a larger patient population. Their scalability positions them as a key driver for long-term market expansion. Regional Analysis North America and Europe North America dominates the CAR-T cell therapy market, holding the largest revenue share due to strong regulatory support, high healthcare spending, and rapid adoption of advanced oncology treatments. The U.S. leads with multiple FDA-approved CAR-T therapies, extensive clinical trial activity, and significant investments from pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. Favorable reimbursement policies from Medicare and private insurers further strengthen accessibility, though high costs remain a challenge. Europe follows as the second-largest market, supported by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approvals and government-backed programs for innovative cancer treatments. Countries such as Germany, the UK, and France are at the forefront, with well-established infrastructure and increasing hospital adoption, though reimbursement delays sometimes restrict patient access. Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region, driven by rising cancer incidence, large patient pools, and government efforts to advance cell therapy research. China has become a hub with numerous clinical trials, faster regulatory approvals, and local biopharma companies developing cost-effective CAR-T solutions. Japan and South Korea are also accelerating adoption through academic-industry collaborations and supportive healthcare policies. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa show gradual progress, limited by infrastructure and affordability challenges. However, growing medical tourism, rising healthcare investments, and partnerships with global biotech firms are expected to improve access in these regions, unlocking long-term opportunities. Credence Research's Competitive Landscape Analysis According to Credence Research, the CAR-T cell therapy market is highly competitive and innovation-driven, with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies investing aggressively in R&D, clinical trials, and commercialization. Key players such as Novartis AG, Gilead Sciences (Kite Pharma), Bristol-Myers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, and Bluebird Bio dominate with FDA- and EMA-approved therapies targeting hematologic cancers. Their leadership is reinforced by strong global distribution networks, established partnerships, and ongoing pipeline development. The market also features an expanding base of emerging biotechs and academic research centers focusing on next-generation CAR constructs, off-the-shelf allogeneic therapies, and expansion into solid tumors. Strategic collaborations, licensing agreements, and acquisitions are common, enabling companies to strengthen portfolios and accelerate commercialization. Competition remains intense as players race to improve efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness, while regional firms in China and Asia-Pacific are gaining ground with localized innovations and cost-efficient models. Overall, the market's competitive environment is characterized by rapid technological evolution, regulatory momentum, and a strong focus on expanding patient accessibility. Tailor the report to align with your specific business needs and gain targeted insights. Request - https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/car-t-cell-therapy-market Segments - Based on Target Indications Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Follicular Lymphoma Large B-cell Lymphoma Mantle Cell Lymphoma Multiple Myeloma Others Based on Target Antigens CD19 BCMA CD20 CD19 / CD22 Others By Geography North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa Key Player Analysis Gilead Sciences, Inc. (US) ImmunoAct (India) Autolus Therapeutics (UK) Johnson & Johnson (US) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (US) Novartis AG (Switzerland) Allogene Therapeutics (US) CRISPR Therapeutics (Switzerland) Wugen (US) IASO Biotherapeutics (China) JW (Cayman) Therapeutics Co. Ltd (China) CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings Limited (China) Cartesian Therapeutics, Inc. (US) Guangzhou Bio-gene Technology Co., Ltd (China) Celgene Corporation (US) Recent Industry Developments In April 2025, Johnson & Johnson announced that the European Commission expanded the indication of its subcutaneous Darzalex (daratumumab) to include use in combination with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients, including those ineligible for transplant. Previously, the therapy was limited to transplant-eligible patients (ASCT). In March 2025, Bristol Myers Squibb revealed plans to acquire 2seventy Bio for approximately USD 286 million. The two companies had been long-term collaborators on Abecma, a CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma. In November 2024, the U.S. FDA approved obecabtagene autoleucel (Aucatzyl, Autolus Inc.), a CD19-directed autologous CAR-T therapy, for adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In May 2024, the U.S. FDA granted accelerated approval to BREYANZI (lisocabtagene maraleucel) for treating adult patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after two or more prior systemic therapies. The following month, Bristol entered a global capacity reservation and supply agreement with Cellares to manufacture CAR-T therapies using its automated Cell Shuttle platform. In January 2023, Gilead received FDA approval for updated manufacturing processes for YESCARTA (axicabtagene ciloleucel), reducing median turnaround time in the U.S. from 16 days to 14 days. In July 2024, Dynamic Cell Therapies secured USD 1 million in funding from the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation to advance novel CAR-T technology development. In May 2024, AbbVie signed an option and license agreement with Umoja Biopharma to leverage its VivoVec platform for developing multiple in-situ generated CAR-T therapies. In March 2024, Capstan Therapeutics raised USD 175 million in a Series B funding round to progress its T cell candidate targeting autoimmune disorders. In January 2024, Cipla established a joint venture with Kemwell Biopharma and Manipal Education & Medical Group to develop and commercialize cell therapy products. Reasons to Purchase this Report: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the market through qualitative and quantitative analyses, considering both economic and non-economic factors, with segmentation and sub-segmentation details provided in terms of market value (USD Billion). Identify regions and segments expected to experience the fastest growth or dominate the market, with a detailed analysis of geographic consumption patterns and the factors driving or hindering market performance in each region. 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Contact Us Credence Research Europe LTD 128 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX, UNITED KINGDOM Europe - +44 7809 866 263 North America - +1 304 308 1216 Australia - +61 4192 46279 Asia Pacific - +81 5050 50 9250 +64 22 017 0275 India - +91 6232 49 3207 sales@credenceresearch.com www.credenceresearch.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2562161/Credence_Research_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/car-t-cell-therapy-market-to-reach-usd-11-142-53-million-by-2032--growing-at-a-cagr-of-12-3-credence-research-302539256.html ZURICH, CH / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Santersus AG today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Device Designation to its NucleoCapture blood purification technology for the treatment of severe, treatment-refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This marks the second Breakthrough Device Designation awarded to NucleoCapture, following earlier recognition for the treatment of sepsis. NucleoCapture is an extracorporeal therapeutic apheresis column designed to selectively remove cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) from patient plasma. NETs are increasingly recognized as key drivers of inflammation, thrombosis, autoimmunity, and multi-organ injury. By directly targeting this pathogenic pathway, NucleoCapture provides a novel, non-immunosuppressive treatment option for patients with life-threatening diseases who have exhausted current standard-of-care therapies. According to the FDA designation letter, "NucleoCapture is indicated for DNA plasma adsorption as an adjunct to standard therapy in patients with severe or life-threatening and refractory systemic lupus erythematosus, who have active disease despite current standard of care treatment." The granting of a second Breakthrough Device Designation underscores the breadth of NucleoCapture's potential impact across multiple therapeutic areas. Santersus is advancing clinical development programs across multiple treatment categories, including: - Critical Care: sepsis and septic shock - Autoimmune Diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus and related conditions - Organ Transplantation: prevention of graft injury and dysfunction - Neurodegeneration: Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders Santersus is now preparing to initiate pivotal clinical trials in both the U.S. and Europe. To support these milestones, the company is completing its Series A financing round, which will fund the advancement of NucleoCapture toward regulatory approval and commercialization. "This second FDA Breakthrough Device Designation validates our scientific approach and highlights the urgent unmet need for safe, targeted therapies in refractory autoimmune disease," said Andrew Daniel Aswani, Chief Medical Officer of Santersus. "We believe NucleoCapture has the potential to transform patient outcomes across a range of devastating conditions where current treatment options are limited." About Santersus Santersus AG is a privately held therapeutic apheresis company founded in 2017 with headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland and London, England. The company's medical objective is to revolutionize the ways in which we can control the human immune and inflammatory response to disease. Santersus specializes in the development of medical devices used to cleanse patient blood of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs are fibers of decondensed DNA decorated with cytotoxic proteins that have been released from activated neutrophils. NETs are now recognized as one of the major driving factors in the development of sepsis, lupus (SLE), COVID-19, cancer, acute organ failure, autoimmune flares, and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. These indications are either currently in clinical trials or planned for future trials. The company's flagship patented therapeutic device, NucleoCapture, has been also granted designation as a Breakthrough Device by the US Food & Drug Administration for sepsis. NucleoCapture blood purification technology is based on biocompatible, highly porous polymer beads conjugated with proprietary human recombinant histone H1.3 protein. As nature's ultimate DNA-binding and compacting protein, histone H1.3 has single-digit nanomolar DNA binding constants, making it a potent component of the innate immune defence system. As a result, during a single pass of NETs and cfDNA-contaminated blood through the NucleoCapture device, over 95% of NETs are effectively removed. Santersus AG holds a robust portfolio of recently granted patents protecting the NucleoCapture device. For more information, visit: www.santersus.com | LinkedIn Media Contact Organization: Santersus AG Contact Person Name: Aleksander Zaporoztsev Website: https://www.santersus.com Email: info@santersus.com Country: Switzerland SOURCE: Santersus AG View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/santersus-ag-receives-second-us-fda-breakthrough-device-designation-fo-1065959 Summary: Helios Yachts, a Helios Marine family brand, unveils the 100% electric, solar-powered Omega 7.2 at Cannes 2025, showcasing its integrated smart marine tech and zero-emission propulsion system. Sofia, Bulgaria--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - As electric propulsion moves from niche to necessity, Helios Marine leads with a vertically integrated approach - designing and manufacturing the marine battery systems, hardware, and intelligent software at the core of its all-electric fleet. This innovation will be on display at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival, Europe's largest in-water boat show. 100% Electric | Helios Omega 7.2: Global Premiere at Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/263985_189a56a5049b292b_001full.jpg Helios Yachts, part of the Helios Marine group, makes its world debut with the Omega 7.2, a purpose-built electric day cruiser. Developed entirely as an electric vessel, it features a 1.2kW solar rooftop, up to 54Wh battery capacity, and a clean, quiet propulsion experience. Rather than retrofit, the Omega 7.2 is a ground-up integration of Helios Marine's proprietary stack - combining smart control, real-time monitoring, and efficient power systems. The Helios Omega 7.2 features advanced blade battery cell technology, providing a long lifespan, enhanced vibration resistance, and safe performance in marine conditions. Paired with Helios Marine Link, users can monitor system performance and energy use from onboard or remote interfaces, supported across mobile and multi function displays (MFDs). Its 48V safe-to-touch architecture and CCS1 fast-charging capability support efficient charging both dockside and via solar input. Combined with a lightweight hull and streamlined form, the Omega delivers agile cruising without environmental disruption. Helios Marine will be exhibiting at Booth PALAIS 110 Bis. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/263985_189a56a5049b292b_002full.jpg The debut comes at a moment when regulatory changes and consumer demand are accelerating marine electrification. Designed to meet these shifts, the Omega 7.2 demonstrates how integrated systems can reduce complexity for builders, fleet operators, and recreational users alike. Visitors to this year's Cannes Yachting Festival will have the opportunity to view the boat's onboard configuration and solar integration firsthand. Helios Marine will be exhibiting at Booth PALAIS 110 Bis. About Helios Marine Helios Marine is a developer of electric propulsion systems, marine battery technologies, and connected vessel software. Through its Helios Yachts brand and integrated engineering platform, the company delivers smart, sustainable boats for next-generation maritime operations. sales@heliosmarine.io Media Contact: To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263985 SOURCE: GetFeatured Austin, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - Smith & Bledsoe Family Law is pleased to announce that its managing partner, Christian Smith, has been named to the Super Lawyers 2025 list. This recognition highlights the firm's ongoing commitment to the practice of family law and its reputation for providing quality legal services to clients in Travis and Williamson counties. Super Lawyers is a well-respected legal directory that annually recognizes outstanding attorneys in various practice areas based on independent research and peer nominations. This recognition identifies the top 5% of attorneys across the country who have demonstrated a consistent level of achievement in their fields. For Smith & Bledsoe Family Law, this award underscores the firm's continued growth and leadership in the family law space. This recognition is not only a personal achievement for Christian Smith but also a reflection of the collective dedication of the entire team at Smith & Bledsoe Family Law. With a focus on divorce, child custody, and family law modifications, the Austin divorce lawyer has earned the trust of clients by providing practical solutions in challenging circumstances. The firm's approach to family law is grounded in an understanding of the complexities of each case, with the attorneys working together to provide clients with favorable outcomes. Christian Smith's recognition on the Super Lawyers list reflects the reputation Smith & Bledsoe Family Law has built over the years. This award highlights the firm's consistent ability to navigate complex family law matters, particularly those involving child custody, divorce, modifications, and enforcements. The team's work on behalf of families in Austin and surrounding areas has earned them a strong reputation for their thoroughness and attention to detail. The recognition is also a testament to the firm's commitment to staying at the forefront of developments in family law and ensuring its attorneys are well-equipped to handle evolving legal challenges. By maintaining high professional standards and a client-centered approach, Smith & Bledsoe Family Law continues to be a trusted resource for individuals and families facing legal issues in family law. Looking forward, Smith & Bledsoe Family Law is focused on continuing to build on this success. With a dedicated team of professionals, the firm is positioned to continue providing valuable legal guidance while adapting to the changing landscape of family law. The recognition from Super Lawyers reflects both the firm's reputation and ongoing commitment to supporting clients through difficult family matters. About Smith & Bledsoe Family Law: Smith & Bledsoe Family Law is based in Austin, TX, and offers legal services in the area of family law, including divorce, child custody, modifications, and estate planning. The firm's attorneys provide compassionate support for families facing challenging legal issues in Travis and Williamson counties. Media Contact: To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/263984_smithbledsoe.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263984 SOURCE: GetFeatured WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The price of crude oil moved sharply lower during trading on Tuesday, more than offsetting the significant increase seen in the previous session. After jumping $1.14 or 1.8 percent to $64.80 a barrel during Monday's session, crude for October delivery tumbled $1.55 or 2.4 percent to $63.25 a barrel. The pullback by crude oil partly reflected concerns about the impact of President Donald Trump's trade policies, as he threatened to impose 'substantial additional tariffs' on countries that do not remove digital taxes and related regulations that harm U.S. tech companies. 'America, and American Technology Companies, are neither the 'piggy bank' nor the 'doormat' of the World any longer,' Trump said on Truth Social. 'Show respect to America and our amazing Tech Companies or, consider the consequences!' Trump has also threatened to impose 200 percent tariffs on China if Beijing does not export rare-earth magnets to the U.S. Meanwhile, the Trump administration officially issued a notice regarding the imposition of an additional 25 percent tariffs on Indian imports, with the punitive duties set to kick in at 12:01 am (EST) on August 27. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has accused Western nations and Ukrainian President Zelensky of obstructing peace talks on Ukraine in an interview. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Will Combine Showpad and Bigtincan Into a Global Leader in the Revenue Enablement Market Growing to $12B in 20301 Vector Capital Management, L.P., a leading private equity firm specializing in transformational investments in established technology businesses, today announced an agreement to acquire Showpad, a leader in AI revenue enablement technology with headquarters in Chicago and Ghent, Belgium. Customers in over 50 countries -including Coca-Cola, Dow, DuPont, GE Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente and Schneider Electric leverage Showpad to bring together marketing and revenue teams to engage buyers and add value at every interaction. The company is a Forrester Wave leader in multiple categories2, and a "Customers' Choice" for Revenue Enablement Platforms3 on Gartner Peer Insights After the transaction closes, Vector will combine Showpad with Bigtincan Holdings, which it acquired in April 2025. The combined entity will operate under the Showpad brand. It will deliver a complete AI-powered revenue enablement solution across all aspects of buyer-seller engagement with broad geographic diversity, and combined R&D resources to accelerate innovation market-wide. Bigtincan is a five-time leader in The Aragon Research Globe for Sales Enablement Platforms and has received multiple awards for AI and other innovations. Over 1,000 companies including Abbott, AT&T, Clorox, Merck, Winnebago, and 100 of the Fortune 500 use Bigtincan's AI-powered sales enablement solutions to augment, automate and modernize seller and buyer engagement. "The combination of Bigtincan with Showpad brings together best-in-class innovation and market leaders with thousands of customers," said Amish Mehta, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director at Vector Capital. "The combined company will lead the digital and AI-fueled buyer and seller engagement and drive a new generation of experiences that people and brands love." Insight Partners, a large investor in Showpad, will roll over its full investment into the combined company. The completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approval. Further terms were not disclosed, and the transaction is expected to close in 2025. Watershed Moment in AI-Powered Revenue Enablement Market "The merger of Showpad and Bigtincan represents a watershed moment for the sales enablement market," said Jim Lundy, Founder and Lead Analyst at Aragon Research. "By uniting complementary strengths in content, readiness, and AI, the combined company is poised to deliver on the market's unmet demand for AI-centric sales enablement platforms that are easier to deploy, simpler to use and more impactful for revenue teams worldwide." "Our unwavering focus on driving success for customers fueled a record-breaking year of growth for Showpad in 2024," said Hendrik Isebaert, CEO of Showpad. "Together we will deliver a breadth of flexible solutions and an incredible team to help customers engage with buyers in new and creative ways they never thought possible." "Evolving preferences and rapid technology advancements are aggressively transforming buying and selling behaviors," said Jim Hopkins, Chairman of Bigtincan. "We invested early and heavily in AI, and our combined global R&D resources will accelerate innovation so customers can rapidly reap the benefits of AI and emerging future innovations." Sidley Austin LLP is serving as legal counsel, Deloitte LLP is serving as tax advisor and Alvarez Marsal is serving as financial advisor to Vector Capital. Cleary Gottlieb Steen Hamilton LLP is acting as legal counsel and TD Securities is acting as financial advisor to Showpad. "Vector Capital has a long history of building category-defining technology companies," said Rob Amen, Managing Director at Vector Capital. "Both companies bring impressive industry expertise and commitment to excellence. Together, they will continue to drive the future and set industry standards and best practices globally." For more, visit our acquisition information page and follow Bigtincan, Showpad and Vector Capital on LinkedIn. About Vector Capital Management, L.P. Vector Capital is a leading San Francisco-based investment firm focused on transformational investments in middle-market technology and technology-enabled businesses. Founded in 1997, Vector manages over $4 billion of capital across credit and private equity strategies on behalf of a high-quality group of global limited partners. For nearly 28 years, Vector has combined technology investments with operational transformation to deliver breakthrough results. For more information, visit www.vectorcapital.com. 1 Grand View Research, Sales Enablement Platform Market Size Report, 2030. 2 Forrester Wave: Revenue Enablement Platforms, Q3 2024, and Sales Readiness Solutions, Q4 2023 reports. 3 Gartner, Gartner Peer Insights 'Voice of the Customer': Revenue Enablement Platforms, Peer Contributors, April 2024. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826870353/en/ Contacts: Bryan Scanlon Look Left Marketing vector@lookleftmarketing.com +1 (925) 759-3265 Vector Capital: Nathaniel Garnick Grace Cartwright Gasthalter Co. +1 (212) 257-4170 vector@gasthalter.com Showpad: Moon Kang +2 (804) 601-0583 moon.kang@showpad.com Bigtincan: Denise Iverson +1 (214) 509-8557 denise.iverson@bigtincan.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSXV: TLT) (OTCQB: TLTFF) ("Theralase" or the "Company"), a clinical stage pharmaceutical pioneering light, radiation, sound and drug-activated therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, bacteria and viruses has released the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim 2Q2025 financial statements ("Financial Statements"). Theralase will be hosting a conference call on Wednesday, September 3rd at 11:00 am ET, which will include a presentation of the financial and operational results for the fiscal quarter ending June 30th, 2025. Questions are welcome. To ensure we have time to review and properly address them during the call, please send them in advance to mperraton@theralase.com. Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87203480163 Webinar ID: 872 0348 0163 Conference Call in: 1-647-558-0588 (Canada) / 1-646-558-8656 (US) - not required for those attending by Zoom An archived version will be available on the website following the conference call. Financial Summary: For the six-month period ended June 30th: To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2786/263978_7a0d0d62549e3af8_001full.jpg 1 Other represents foreign exchange, interest accretion on lease liabilities and / or interest income Financial Highlights For the six-month period ended June 30, 2025 versus June 30, 2024: Total revenue increased 12% to $310,933 from $276,401 increased 12% to $310,933 from $276,401 Cost of sales decreased 4% to $178,966 (58% of revenue) from $186,324 (67% of revenue) decreased 4% to $178,966 (58% of revenue) from $186,324 (67% of revenue) Gross margin increased 47% to $131,967 (42% of revenue) from $90,077 (33% of revenue) increased 47% to $131,967 (42% of revenue) from $90,077 (33% of revenue) Selling expenses decreased 5% to $139,011 from $145,915 decreased 5% to $139,011 from $145,915 Administrative expenses increased 10% to $995,333 from $907,378, driven primarily by increases in general and administrative expenses, administrative salaries and stock-based compensation increased 10% to $995,333 from $907,378, driven primarily by increases in general and administrative expenses, administrative salaries and stock-based compensation Research and development expenses increased 1% to $1,460,447 from $1,450,086, reflecting increased activity to support Study II progress increased 1% to $1,460,447 from $1,450,086, reflecting increased activity to support Study II progress Net loss for the period increased 1% to $2,423,235 from $2,400,461. This included $471,174 in non-cash charges such as amortization and stock-based compensation. Operational Highlights Private Placements: On April 14, 2025 , the Company completed a non-brokered private placement, issuing 1,995,829 units at $0.21 per unit for gross proceeds of $419,124 . Each unit included one common share and one non-transferable common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.32 for five years. , the Company completed a non-brokered private placement, issuing at $0.21 per unit for gross proceeds of . Each unit included one common share and one non-transferable common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.32 for five years. On June 17, 2025 , the Company completed a non-brokered private placement, issuing 2,855,000 units at $0.20 per unit for gross proceeds of $571,000 . Each unit included one common share and one non-transferable common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for five years. , the Company completed a non-brokered private placement, issuing at $0.20 per unit for gross proceeds of . Each unit included one common share and one non-transferable common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for five years. On July 28, 2025, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement, issuing 3,363,134 units at $0.20 per unit for gross proceeds of $672,627. Each unit included one common share and one non-transferable common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.30 for five years. Warrant Extension: On June 26, 2025, the Company extended the expiry date of 4,800,000 warrants, all of which are exercisable at $0.35 per share. The warrants were issued on June 30, 2023, pursuant to a private placement involving the issuance of 4,800,000 units of the Company. The new expiry date of the warrants is June 30, 2028. The Company continues to explore additional equity and non-dilutive funding opportunities to support its clinical and commercial milestones. Study II Update: As of August 26, 2025: 86 patients have been treated with the primary Study Procedure , representing approximately 96% of the total targeted enrollment of 90 patients. have been treated with the , representing approximately of 90 patients. 70 patients have completed the clinical study being assessed at all assessment visits or have been prematurely removed from the clinical study by the principal investigator for lack of response have completed the clinical study being assessed at all assessment visits or have been prematurely removed from the clinical study by the principal investigator for lack of response 16 additional patients are pending study completion. Interim clinical results indicate: 61.4% (43/70) patients achieved a Complete Response (" CR ") at any point in time patients achieved a (" ") at any point in time 70% (49/70) achieved a Total Response ( CR + Indeterminate Response (" IR ")) (IR = negative cystoscopy with positive urine cytology, without a confirmatory bladder biopsy) achieved a ( (" ")) (IR = negative cystoscopy with positive urine cytology, without a confirmatory bladder biopsy) At the 450-day assessment, 39.5% (17/43) of patients maintained a CR, indicating strong durability of treatment effect. Theralase remains on track to complete enrollment in 3Q2025, with data lock targeted for 4Q2026 and regulatory submissions expected in 4Q2026. For additional information, please refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") available at www.sedarplus.ca. About Ruvidar: Ruvidar (TLD-1433) is a small molecule, able to be activated by light, radiation, sound and other drugs, intended for the safe and effective destruction of cancer, bacteria and viruses. About Theralase Technologies Inc.: Theralase is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light, radiation, sound and drug-activated small molecule compounds and their associated formulations with a primary objective of efficacy and a secondary objective of safety in the destruction of cancer, bacteria and viruses, with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue. Additional information is available at www.theralase.com and www.sedarplus.ca. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains Forward-Looking Statements ("FLS") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such statements include; but, are not limited to statements regarding the Company's proposed development plans with respect to small molecules and their drug formulations. FLS may be identified by the use of the words "may, "should", "will", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "expects", "estimate", "potential for" and similar expressions; including, statements related to the current expectations of the Company's management regarding future research, development and commercialization of the Company's small molecules; their drug formulations; preclinical research; clinical studies and regulatory approvals. These statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions; including, the ability of the Company to fund and secure the regulatory approvals to successfully complete various clinical studies in a timely fashion and implement its development plans. Other risks include: the ability of the Company to successfully commercialize its small molecule and drug formulations; the risk that access to sufficient capital to fund the Company's operations may not be available on terms that are commercially favorable to the Company or at all; the risk that the Company's small molecule and drug formulations may not be effective against the diseases tested in its clinical studies; the risk that the Company fails to comply with the terms of license agreements with third parties and as a result loses the right to use key intellectual property in its business; the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property; the timing and success of submission, acceptance and approval of regulatory filings. Many of these factors that will determine actual results are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict. Readers should not unduly rely on these FLS, which are not a guarantee of future performance. There can be no assurance that FLS will prove to be accurate as such FLS involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results or future events to differ materially from the FLS. Although the FLS contained in the press release are based upon what management currently believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure prospective investors that actual results, performance or achievements will be consistent with these FLS. All FLS are made as of the date hereof and are subject to change. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update such FLS. For investor information on the Company, please feel to reach out Investor Inquiries - Theralase Technologies. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263978 SOURCE: Theralase Technologies Inc. HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / MedMira Inc. (MedMira) (TSXV:MIR) announced today that it has received approval from Health Canada for its Reveal TP (Syphilis) Antibody Test (Reveal TP) - the fastest standalone screening device for syphilis in Canada. A vital point-of-care tool for healthcare professionals, Reveal TP is a crucial advancement in expanding access to syphilis testing across Canada-particularly in the Prairie provinces, where rates of infectious and congenital syphilis are surging. The test detects syphilis antibodies from a single finger-prick blood sample, delivering results immediately that do not fade away. It is the fastest Syphilis test licensed in Canada using MedMira's proprietary Rapid Vertical Flow (RVF) Technology. Health Canada's approval of the device is based on the results of multiple clinical trials, testing a total of 1,760 individuals, in Alberta and Saskatchewan and sponsored by Dr. Sean B. Rourke, Director of REACH Nexus and a scientist at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) with funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). One of these studies, the "test, treat and connect" study, was led by Dr. Stuart Skinner of the University of Saskatchewan and Nikki Williamson of the Wellness Wheel Medical Clinic in Regina-a non-profit organization providing culturally responsive HIV and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) care in First Nations communities. This precise, easy-to-use test can be deployed in a range of healthcare settings, from hospitals and doctors' offices to community health clinics and non-profit community agencies. It offers an important new option in Canada for identifying syphilis cases and connecting individuals to timely treatment and care. "We are proud to expand Canada's diagnostic toolbox with a solution that aligns with the need for speed, reliability, and scalability," said Hermes Chan, CEO of MedMira. "This approval reflects our commitment to developing technologies that address urgent public health challenges while improving access to care." Canada has seen a dramatic rise in syphilis cases in recent years. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can lead to painless sores or, in more advanced cases, serious organ damage. Congenital syphilis, which occurs when an untreated or inadequately treated pregnant person passes the infection to their baby, can result in stillbirth or other serious outcomes. According to the latest data from the Public Health Agency of Canada, syphilis cases nearly doubled from 6,371 in 2018 to 12,135 in 2023. Congenital syphilis has also risen sharply, from 17 in 2018 to 53 in 2023- or a 220% increase. "Infectious syphilis is a public health emergency in Canada, sweeping across communities-especially in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba," said Dr. Sean B. Rourke, Director of REACH and MAP scientist at St. Michael's Hospital. "Having another rapid point-of-care syphilis test is critical to help people get tested quickly and connected to culturally appropriate care. The more individuals we diagnose and treat, the faster we can help end this tragic health crisis." With CIHR funding, Dr. Rourke and his team at REACH Nexus conducted a study to evaluate MedMira's test across 20 sites in Saskatchewan. These included First Nations communities, remote regions, community health locations, and a federal penitentiary. "Having this standalone syphilis rapid test is a significant step toward engaging Indigenous communities-particularly those in rural and remote areas-with more accessible STBBI testing options," said Williamson, a registered nurse. "This is vital to developing culturally informed and self-determined testing strategies that promote prevention, early detection, and connection to care, all with the goal of eradicating syphilis." Reveal TP joins MedMira's expanding portfolio of approved rapid tests, including the Multiplo Rapid TP/HIV Antibody Test and Reveal G4 Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test, both licensed by Health Canada in December 2024 and January 2025. All MedMira tests are developed and manufactured in Halifax, Nova Scotia. About REACH Nexus at St. Michael's Hospital's MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions REACH Nexus is an ambitious national research group working on how to address HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in Canada. Their focus is on reaching the undiagnosed, implementing and scaling up new testing options, strengthening connections to care, improving access to options for prevention (PrEP and PEP) and ending stigma. We work in collaboration and partnership with people living with HIV; community-based organizations; front-line service providers; healthcare providers and decision makers; public health agencies; researchers; business leaders; industry partners, and federal, provincial and regional policymakers. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. About MedMira MedMira is a leading developer and manufacturer of Rapid Vertical Flow diagnostics. The Company's tests provide hospitals, labs, clinics, and individuals with instant disease diagnosis, such as HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis, and SARS-CoV-2, in just three easy steps. The Company's tests are sold globally under the REVEAL, REVEALCOVID-19, Multiplo and Miriad brands. Based on its patented Rapid Vertical Flow Technology, MedMira's rapid HIV test is the only one in the world to achieve regulatory approvals in Canada, the United States, China and the European Union. MedMira's corporate offices and manufacturing facilities are located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. For more information visit medmira.com . Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn . This news release contains forward-looking statements, which involve risk and uncertainties and reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events, including statements regarding possible regulatory approval, product launch, future growth, and new business opportunities. Actual events could materially differ from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, changing market conditions, successful and timely completion of clinical studies, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, establishment of corporate alliances and other risks detailed from time to time in the company quarterly filings. 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. MedMira Contact Markus Meile Chief Financial Officer MedMira Inc. ir@medmira.com Phone 902-450-1588 REACH Nexus Contact Andrew Russell Senior Communications Specialist REACH Nexus - MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions andrew.russell@unityhealth.to Phone 416-268-7642 SOURCE: MedMira, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/health-canada-approves-medmiras-revealr-rapid-tp-test-urgent-new-tool-1065997 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Sun Peak Metals Corp. ("Sun Peak" or the "Company") (TSXV:PEAK)(OTCQB:SUNPF) provides an update on the Shire VMS and Gold Project in northern Ethiopia. Further to the Company's June 27, 2025 news release, Sun Peak has formally notified Ethiopia's Ministry of Mines of a force majeure declaration covering all six exploration licenses within the Shire Project. The declaration, effective retroactively from March 2025, follows the Interim Regional Administration of Tigray's suspension of mining activities across the region. Sun Peak has also invoked force majeure under the terms of its Joint Venture agreement with Ezana Mining Development plc ("Ezana"), with notification accepted by Ezana. The Interim Regional Administration has enacted the suspension to curb illegal mining activities. While Sun Peak's operations are currently limited to exploration and not mining, the Company supports these measures and has suspended all fieldwork accordingly. Social engagement programs remain active, and communications with local communities continue uninterrupted. Greg Davis, President & CEO, stated: "The declaration of force majeure ensures our exploration licenses remain in good standing and that work commitments and expenditures are deferred until we can properly return to the field. We appreciate the continued support from all levels of government in Tigray and Ethiopia, and we remain fully committed to advancing the Shire Project. Our goal is to resume drilling as soon as conditions allow and deliver on the significant potential for a large-scale copper-gold VMS discovery." In parallel with its strong commitment to the Shire Project, Sun Peak is actively evaluating additional high-potential opportunities globally. This approach ensures the Company is positioned to create shareholder value while maintaining its focus on advancing the Shire Project once regional conditions stabilize. ABOUT SUN PEAK METALS CORP. Sun Peak is exploring the district-scale Shire VMS Project in the Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia. The Shire Project is comprised of six exploration licenses and covers approximately 1,450 square kilometers in the prospective Arabian Nubian Shield. The licenses are in the same geological environment as both the Bisha Mine and the Asmara Projects. The Meli and Terer Licenses are part of a joint-venture agreement with Ezana Mining, a private Ethiopian Company and the other four are 100% owned by Sun Peak. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND HUMAN RIGHTS Sun Peak has been active on engagement with communities and other stakeholders to ensure that stakeholders provide consent and agreement to our activities that create surface disturbance, including drill holes. All disturbance to the land will be reclaimed after completion of the exploration work. The Company's current operations in Ethiopia are exploratory in nature and cause very little surface disturbance. Community engagement is performed by our experienced local liaison team before the beginning of any activities, which encourages positive interactions. We consider Sun Peak's presence and continued support and involvement in the Tigray region a positive contribution and we consider our conduct to be consistent with Multinational Enterprises Guidelines. Sun Peak is committed to doing business with integrity and in an ethical manner that is clear and apparent to all internal and external stakeholders. Sun Peak adheres to the Company's Human Rights Policy and does not tolerate violations of human rights in any way, shape, or form, whether these violations are committed by Sun Peak personnel or contracted third parties. Sun Peak has in place a thorough due diligence process which takes into account a wide range of considerations, including human rights, that provides it with all relevant information necessary to make informed decisions when initiating work programs. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SUN PEAK METALS CORP. Greg Davis, President, CEO & Director FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Greg Davis (T): +1 (604) 999 1099 (E): info@sunpeakmetals.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. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain information and statements in this news release may be considered forward-looking information or forward-looking statements for purposes of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), which reflect the expectations of management regarding its disclosure and amendments thereto. Forward-looking statements consist of information or statements that are not purely historical, including any information or statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information or statements may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the goal of making a significant discovery and the development of a large-scale project in Ethiopia and identifying other potential properties and opportunities both in Ethiopia and globally. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits Sun Peak will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including without limitation: These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with the state of the political stability of Ethiopia, equity financing markets and results of future exploration activities by the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable securities laws, Sun Peak assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Additional information about these and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties are set out in the "Risks and Uncertainties" section in the Prospectus filed with Canadian security regulators. SOURCE: Sun Peak Metals Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/sun-peak-provides-an-update-on-the-shire-project-1065975 Rimouski, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - Puma Exploration Inc. (TSXV: PUMA) (OTCQB: PUMXF) (the "Company" or "Puma") is pleased to announce that exploration operations have restarted at its properties in Northern New Brunswick. The province's ban on all mineral activities on Crown land was lifted this morning at 12:01 am. Marcel Robillard, President and CEO, stated: "Although the extreme wildfire hazard still exists, we are grateful that the provincial government has decided to reopen Crown land to mineral exploration. Following the good news, we immediately dispatched staff back to the field. We want to extend a special thanks to all the frontline workers who kept New Brunswickers safe in the last weeks and who continue to effectively fight the province's blazes." The Company will provide details of its upcoming work programs and an update on its summer activities in the coming days. 2025 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders The Company's annual general meeting of shareholders was held earlier today via live webcast. A total of 60,924,037 common shares were voted at the AGM, representing 33.9% of the outstanding common shares of the Company. Shareholders voted in favour of all items of business before the AGM, including the election of all director nominees, the appointment of the auditor, and the new stock option plan. The summary of the results of the vote is as follows: Item Voted Upon Votes For Number % Election of Marcel Robillard 59,251,855 99.4 Election of Richard Thibault 59,580,630 99.9 Election of Michel Fontaine 59,572,280 99.9 Election of Rejean Gosselin 59,251,855 99.4 Election of Mia Boiridy 59,251,855 99.4 Election of Jacques Dion 59,580,630 99.9 Appointment of Auditor 60,523,882 100.0 Approval of Stock Option Plan 55,775,273 93.6 About Puma's Assets in New Brunswick Puma has accumulated an impressive portfolio of prospective gold landholdings strategically located close to roads and infrastructure in Northern New Brunswick, including the Williams Brook Project and the new McKenzie Gold Project. Both are located near the Rocky Brook Millstream Fault ("RBMF"), a major regional structure formed during the Appalachian Orogeny and a significant control for gold deposition in the region. Puma's work to date has focused on the Williams Brook property, but prospecting and surface exploration work on its other properties have confirmed their potential for significant gold mineralization. About Puma Exploration Puma Exploration is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on identifying and developing a pipeline of precious metals projects in New Brunswick, near Canada's Renowned Bathurst Mining Camp. Puma has a long history in Northern New Brunswick, having worked on regional projects for over 15 years. Puma's successful exploration methodology, which combines traditional prospecting methods with detailed trenching and cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, has been instrumental in facilitating an understanding of the region's geology and associated mineralized systems. Armed with geophysical surveys, geochemical data, and consultants' expertise, Puma has developed a cost-effective exploration tool to discover gold at shallow depths and maximize drilling results. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve several known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Puma to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made, except as required by law. Puma undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. The quarterly and annual reports and the documents submitted to the securities administration describe these risks and uncertainties. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264015 SOURCE: Puma Exploration Inc. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. dollar dropped against its major counterparts in the New York session on Tuesday. The greenback retreated to 1.1665 against the euro, 1.3493 against the pound and 0.8025 against the franc, from its early 4-day highs of 1.1601, 1.3434 and 0.8072, respectively. The greenback eased to 0.6501 against the aussie, 0.5868 against the kiwi and 1.3822 against the loonie, from its early 4-day highs of 0.6470, 0.5828 and 1.3868, respectively. The greenback pulled back against the yen and was trading at 147.44. The next possible support for the currency is seen around 1.18 against the euro, 1.40 against the pound, 0.77 against the franc, 0.68 against the aussie, 0.60 against the kiwi, 1.36 against the loonie and 143.00 against the yen. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Niklas Ruf and Jana Spiller from Germany received the prestigious Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2025 for their work on developing a scalable flood warning system for small streams. H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden presented the winners with their award during a ceremony at Stockholm City Hall as part of World Water Week in Stockholm. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826809663/en/ Niklas Ruf and Jana Spiller from Germany received the 2025 Stockholm Junior Water Prize for their scalable flood warning system for small streams. The award was presented by H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden at Stockholm City Hall during World Water Week. Image courtesy of Jonas Borg. Flooding is an increasing concern worldwide, with more frequent and larger floods affecting communities. Yet on smaller streams, real-time data is often lacking, limiting the possibility of early warnings. Over four years of work, Ruf and Spiller created a network of sensors linked to an app that provides live alerts to both experts and the public. Their system is already being scaled up across their region in consultation with multiple partners. The Jury noted that the project "addresses a critical challenge we are seeing around the globe: more frequent and bigger floods. Yet on smaller streams, we often lack the data needed to provide real-time warnings. The students have not only built a functioning system and an app that notifies experts and the public, they are already working to scale this system across their region in consultation with numerous partners." When asked how it felt to win, Niklas Ruf admitted: "I didn't expect it at all. There were so many really good projects. I thought we were just here to have a good time and then go back home." Jana Spiller added: "Every project here is just amazing. Some were in areas like chemistry and biology that I didn't even fully understand, but they were so impressive. That's why it was such a big surprise for us." On what they hope decision-makers and industry leaders will take away from their work, the team reflected: "Of course, what we are doing is building something to tackle the consequences of climate change. But the ideal solution would be if there were no climate change to begin with." Diploma of Excellence Turkiye The Diploma of Excellence was awarded to Kagan Mehmet Ozkok from Turkiye for pioneering work that combines AI and water efficiency. By training artificial intelligence on the sound of leaking water, Ozkok built and deployed two prototypes to detect leaks in public spaces. Tested under real conditions, the prototypes demonstrated significant water savings and are now being developed further in collaboration with local government for possible city-wide implementation. The Jury stated: "This year's Diploma of Excellence recognizes how data, AI and action come together. Training AI based on the sound of leaking water, this student has demonstrated a powerful and practical approach to tackling urban water loss." People's Choice Award United Kingdom The People's Choice Award, voted on by the global public, went to Divyasri Kothapalli from the United Kingdom for her project Sun-based water distillation system This research project presents the development of a low-cost solar water distillation system designed to improve access to clean drinking water in off-grid and rural communities. Using a Fresnel lens to focus sunlight onto a metal boiling pot, the resulting steam passes through food-grade silicone tubing and condenses into clean water. The system operates without electricity, avoiding additional carbon emissions. Kothapalli conducted three experiments where the independent variables included initial water volume, light intensity, and natural weather conditions. The system produced consistent yields even in moderate climates such as the UK, showing its promise for broader application. "Innovation is paving the way to a more water-secure world, and the next generation is accelerating progress. The Stockholm Junior Water Prize competitors are an inspiring example of the ingenuity and passion young innovators bring to the table. On behalf of Xylem, I'd like to congratulate all those who took part in this year's competition," said Claudia Toussaint, Chief People and Sustainability Officer at Xylem. "Xylem is proud to invest in the young innovators of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize. They are already shaping the future as the next generation of water problem-solvers. Together, we have the opportunity to empower communities everywhere to create a more water-secure world," Toussaint added. A year of flood-focused excellence This year, both Water Prizes highlighted flooding: the Stockholm Junior Water Prize went to German students Niklas Ruf and Jana Spiller for their innovative flood warning system, while the Stockholm Water Prize will be awarded to Austrian professor Gunter Bloschl, the world's leading flood hydrologist. Together, their work underscores the urgency of addressing flood risks from local innovations to global science. Read more about the winning projects here: Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2025: Germany Niklas Ruf and Jana Spiller Diploma of Excellence 2025: Turkiye Kagan Mehmet Ozkok People's Choice Award 2025: United Kingdom Divyasri Kothapalli About the Stockholm Junior Water Prize The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is an international competition for students between the ages of 15 and 20, encouraging innovative solutions to major water challenges. Every year, thousands of young people from more than 40 countries take part, with the national winners competing in the global final in Stockholm. The Stockholm Junior Water Prize has been organized annually since 1997. It is hosted by the Stockholm Water Foundation, with Xylem as Founding Partner. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826809663/en/ Contacts: Christina Bergstrand SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Mobile: +46 72050612 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - Silver One Resources Inc. (TSXV: SVE) (OTCQX: SLVRF) (FSE: BRK1) ("Silver One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that due to an oversubscription, it has increased its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing to 21,487,857 units (a "Unit") at a price of $0.28 per Unit for total proceeds of $6,016,600 (the "Offering"). Each Unit will continue to consist of one common share (each, a "Common Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase a Common Share at an exercise price of $0.40 for a period of three years from the date of issue. All securities under the Offering will be subject to restrictions on resale expiring four months and day after issue. The Company may pay finders a fee in cash and/or share purchase warrants. The Company intends to use the net proceeds for exploration and drilling on the Company's mineral properties as well as general working capital purposes. Closing of the Offering is subject to acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This release does not constitute an offer for sale of, nor a solicitation for offers to buy, any securities in the United States. About Silver One Silver One is focused on the exploration and development of quality silver projects. The Company owns a 100%-interest in its flagship project, the past-producing Candelaria Mine located in Nevada. Potential reprocessing of silver from the historic leach pads at Candelaria provides an opportunity for possible near-term production. Additional opportunities lie in unmined historic resources as well as in previously identified high-grade silver intercepts down-dip, which can potentially increase the substantive silver mineralization along-strike from the two past-producing open pits. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Cherokee project located in Lincoln County, Nevada, host to multiple silver-copper-gold vein systems, traced to date for over 11 km along-strike. Silver One also owns a 100% interest in the Silver Phoenix Project. The Silver Phoenix Project is a very high-grade native silver prospect, recently permitted for drilling, which lies within the "Arizona Silver Belt," immediately adjacent to the prolific copper producing area of Globe, Arizona. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Silver One cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Silver One's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Silver One's limited operating history, ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry out its exploration and development objectives on the Candelaria Project, obtaining the necessary permits to carry out its activities and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Silver One undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264024 SOURCE: Silver One Resources Inc. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc. (TSXV: DWS) ("Diamond Estates" or "the Company") today announced its financial results of position for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2025 ("Q4 2024" and "FY 2025" respectively). The completion of the Company's audit required additional procedures which extended the timing of the release of these results. FY 2025 Summary: Results continue to improve in fiscal 2025 with further restructuring actions, expense reductions, the benefits of Retail expansion, government support reducing the tax burden and, more recently, North American Trade tensions fueling buy local consumer behaviour. Revenue for FY 2025 was $24.5 million, a decrease of $4.0 million, from $28.5 million in FY 2024. The Winery division experienced an increase in sales of $2.3 million while the Agency division experienced a decrease of $6.3 million. The increase in sales in the Winery division is largely attributable the D'ont Poke the Bear transaction and the Ontario's government announcement to expand the marketplace to convenience, grocery and big-box stores and the changes to the VQA program. The decrease in the Agency division was primarily driven by the loss of a key supplier in the prior year in the amount of $2.1 million and the sale of Western Canada operations to Renaissance which has been offset by the acquisition of Perigon. Gross margin 1 as a percentage of revenue was 52.7% for FY 2025 compared to 40.7% in FY 2024 and gross margin increased by $1.3 million from $11.6 million in FY 2024 to $12.9 million for FY 2025. The Winery division experienced an increase of $2.6 million while the Agency declined by $1.3 million. The gross margin in the Winery division increased from 42.9% in FY 2024 to 50.4% in FY 2025 as a result of the VQA Wine support program and general margin increases across various SKUs. The gross margin at the Agency increased from 36.2% in FY 2024 to 69.6% in FY 2025 due to the sale of Western Canada operations and the increase in commissions sales compared to buy and sell wines and spirits. as a percentage of revenue was 52.7% for FY 2025 compared to 40.7% in FY 2024 and gross margin increased by $1.3 million from $11.6 million in FY 2024 to $12.9 million for FY 2025. The Winery division experienced an increase of $2.6 million while the Agency declined by $1.3 million. The gross margin in the Winery division increased from 42.9% in FY 2024 to 50.4% in FY 2025 as a result of the VQA Wine support program and general margin increases across various SKUs. The gross margin at the Agency increased from 36.2% in FY 2024 to 69.6% in FY 2025 due to the sale of Western Canada operations and the increase in commissions sales compared to buy and sell wines and spirits. EBITDA 1 increased by $6.8 million to positive $1.1 million in FY 2025 from a negative $5.7 million in FY 2024. The improvement in EBITDA is attributed to improving gross margins in the Winery division and an overall decrease in SG&A expenses of $2.0 million compared to the prior year. increased by $6.8 million to positive $1.1 million in FY 2025 from a negative $5.7 million in FY 2024. The improvement in EBITDA is attributed to improving gross margins in the Winery division and an overall decrease in SG&A expenses of $2.0 million compared to the prior year. Similarly, Adjusted EBITDA 1 increased by $2.6 million to positive $0.8 million in FY 2025 from a negative $1.8 million in FY 2024 as a result of the improvements in the Winery division and SG&A expenses; and increased by $2.6 million to positive $0.8 million in FY 2025 from a negative $1.8 million in FY 2024 as a result of the improvements in the Winery division and SG&A expenses; and Net loss decreased from $10.7 million in FY 2024 to $2.5 million in FY 2025 per above EBITDA comments. Q4 2025 Summary: Total revenue for Q4 2025 was $4.2 million, a decrease of $1.3 million compared to Q4 2024. The Winery division decreased $1.7 million, due to the full year VQA rebate revenue being fully accrued in last quarter in the prior year compared to quarterly recognition this fiscal year. However, excluding the VQA rebate Winery sales increased by approximately $0.7 million compared to Q4 2024. The Agency division increased by $0.4 million in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024 due to the sale of the Western Canada operations. When excluding one-time adjustments from the prior year, the Agency revenue to increased by $1.2 million. Gross margin1 for Q4 2025 was $2.3 million, a decrease of $1.4 million from $3.7 million in Q4 2024 while gross margin as a percentage of revenue was 55.0% for Q4 2025 compared to 67.3% in Q4 2024. The decrease in gross margin is attributable to the VQA rebate revenue being fully accrued in Q4 2024. CFO Transition: We are also pleased to announce the appointment of Basman Alias as Chief Financial Officer. Basman, who joined the company on July 28, 2025 will officially replace Ryan Conte, the former CFO, on August 27, 2025. The Company thanks Ryan for his valuable contributions and wishes him well in his future endeavours, including the possibility to consult with Lassonde Industries Inc., the largest shareholder of Diamond. Ryan was an important team member in the completion of key transformational projects for the Company. Diamond also wants to explicitly confirm that the Company's recent delay in releasing Q4 results, and Ryan's departure are not linked events, as his departure and transition had been mutually planned. Basman was the unanimous choice in a rigorous interview process. Most recently, he was the CFO at Subterra Renewables, and his previous work experience includes Astec Industries, Garland Commercial Ranges, Treehouse Foods and Sleeman Breweries. The Company is thrilled that Basman is joining us in this exciting time for Diamond as the Company continues to positively evolve. Subsequent Events: In April, 2025, the Company issued an aggregate of 221,250 DSUs in settlement of $44,250 of previously accrued deferred directors compensation. In April, 2025, the mortgage receivable of $500,000 related to the QMV sale from February, 2024 was received (see note 9) and the proceeds were utilized to decrease the non-revolving term loan by a corresponding amount. In June, 2025, the Company received $3.1 million from the VQA Wine Support program. "The Company has made a remarkable turnaround over the past year, with continued improvements quarter by quarter culminating in much stronger full-year results. Last year, we set a goal of achieving positive EBITDA and reducing interest expense, and this fiscal year we have delivered on that goal. Our positioning in the Grocery channel has enabled us to benefit from the industry retail expansion, and we are now seeing that same success carry into the Convenience channel. We are also encouraged by enhanced government support and the growing consumer preference for Canadian wines, which further strengthens our Winery division results. In addition, we are pleased with the acquisitions of the D'Ont Poke the Bear brand and the Perigon Beverage Group sales agency, both of which align with our strategy of building a stronger, more diversified business," said Andrew Howard, President and CEO. About Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc.: Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc. is a producer of high-quality wines and ciders as well as a sales agent for over 120 beverage alcohol brands across Canada. The Company operates four production facilities, three in Ontario and one in British Columbia, that produce predominantly VQA wines under such well-known brand names as 20 Bees, Creekside, D'Ont Poke the Bear, EastDell, Lakeview Cellars, Mindful, Shiny Apple Cider, Fresh Wines, Red Tractor, Seasons, Serenity and Backyard Vineyards. Through its commercial division, Trajectory Beverage Partners, the Company is the sales agent for many leading international brands. These recognizable brands include Fat Bastard and Gabriel Meffre wines from France, Talamonti and Cielo wines from Italy, Kaiken wines from Argentina, Koyle Family Wines from Chile, Kings of Prohibition and McWilliams Wines from Australia, Yealands Family Wines and Joiy Sparkling wine from New Zealand, Cofradia Tequilas from Mexico, Maverick Distillery spirits (including Tag Vodka, Ginslinger Gin and Barnburner Whisky), Bench Brewing, Niagara Cider, Darling Ready to Drink and Hounds Vodka from Canada, Porta 6, Julia Florista, Catedral and Cabeca de Toiro wines from Portugal, Edinburgh Gin, Tamdhu, Glengoyne and Smokehead single-malt Scotch whiskies, Islay Mist and Waterproof blended Scotch whiskies, Glen Breton Canadian whiskies, C.K Mondavi & Family, Line 39, Harken, FitVine and Rabble wines from California & Charles Krug wines from Napa Valley, Rodenbach beer from Belgium, La Trappe beer from the Netherlands, and Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream, Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur, Broker's Gin, Hussong's Tequila, 360 Vodka and Holladay Bourbon from McCormick Distilling International. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to: the economy generally; consumer interest in the services and products of the Company; financing; competition; and anticipated and unanticipated costs. While the Company acknowledges that subsequent events and developments may cause its views to change, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the views of the Company as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. 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. 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. Non IFRS Financial Measure Management uses net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) as presented in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) as well as "gross margin", "EBITDA" and "Adjusted EBITDA" as a measure to assess performance of the Company. The Company defines "gross margin" as gross profit excluding depreciation. EBITDA and "Adjusted EBITDA" are other financial measures and are reconciled to net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) below under "Results of Operations". EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are supplemental financial measures to further assist readers in assessing the Company's ability to generate income from operations before considering the Company's financing decisions, depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortization of intangible assets. EBITDA comprises gross margin less operating costs before financial expenses, depreciation and amortization, non-cash expenses such as share-based compensation, one-time and other unusual items, and income tax. Adjusted EBITDA comprises EBITDA before non- recurring expenses including cost of sales adjustments related to inventory acquired in business combinations, EWG transaction costs expensed, cost of sales adjustment to fixed production overheads, and other non-recurring adjustments included in the calculation of EBITDA. Gross margin is defined as gross profit excluding depreciation on property, plant and equipment used in production. Operating expenses exclude interest, depreciation on property, plant and equipment used in selling and administration, and amortization of intangible assets. EBITDA does not represent the actual cash provided by the operating activities nor is it a recognized measure of financial performance under IFRS. Readers are cautioned that this measure should not be considered as a replacement for those as per the consolidated financial statements prepared under IFRS. The Company's definitions of this non- IFRS financial measure may differ from those used by other companies. 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. 1 See definition of selected terms under the heading "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" Page To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264027 SOURCE: Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Australia will on Wednesday see Q2 numbers for construction work done, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. Construction work is expected to rise 1.0 percent on quarter following the flat reading in the three months prior. China will see July figures for industrial profits; in June, profits were down 1.8 percent on year. Thailand is scheduled to release July figures for imports, exports and trade balance. Imports are expected to rise 4.9 percent on year, easing from 13.1 percent in June. Exports are called higher by an annual 8.2 percent, down from 15.5 percent in the previous month. The trade deficit is pegged at $600 million following the $1.060 billion surplus a month earlier. Copyright(c) 2025 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - August 26, 2025) - M3 Capital Corp. (TSXV: MCT.P) (the "Corporation" or "M3") announces that, further to its news releases dated October 25, 2024 and March 4 and April 14, 2025, the letter of intent entered into with Trevello World Holdings Inc. ("Trevello") has been terminated by M3 as the parties were unable to enter into a formal agreement by the deadline. M3 continues to pursue opportunities for a potential qualifying transaction and may re-engage with Trevello again in the future. M3 is working with the TSX Venture Exchage in order for its common shares to resume trading on the TSV Venture Exchange. For further information, please contact: Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements include the resumption of trading on the TSX Venture Exchange and the future business and operations of M3. The use of any of the words "will", "expected", "view" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Corporation's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, statements pertaining to the terms and completion of the Transaction constitute forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The statement made in this press release are made as of the date hereof. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by 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. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264023 SOURCE: M3 Capital Corp. In an interview with Eat Travel Repeat recently, Sunita Ahuja revealed their son Yash is doing a better film than Saiyaara. Govinda and Sunita Ahuja recently grabbed headlines again for their divorce rumours. While the actors manager has dismissed the reports, the duo is yet to react on it. Meanwhile, the couples daughter has dismissed these reports and said they are very much together. Its all rumours," said Tina to Hindustan Times. When asked how she reacts to such kind of stories, she replied, I dont pay attention to these rumours." When questioned how her parents handle this constant chatter, she responded, Kya bolun main? He is not even in the country." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In an interview with Eat Travel Repeat recently, Sunita Ahuja revealed their son Yash is doing a better film than Saiyaara. She said in Hindi, U_sse better picture kar raha hai Yash_. Ahuja added, Maine abhi tak dekhi nahi hai. Yash ne do baar dekhi hai. Main dekhungi, mujhe dekhna hai. But abhi 14 tareek ko shayad aa raha hai naa Netflix pe (laughs). But good good. Best of luck to all the kids who are coming up. And I want ki sab bachhe khoob naam kamaye. Sunita recently addressed the divorce rumours on her social media and said, I kept asking Maa to bless me with this marriage so that I could live a good life. I trust the goddess completely, and she fulfilled all my wishes. I married Govinda, and she blessed me with two wonderful children. Koi bhi mera ghar todne ki koshish karejo bhi mera dil dukhayega, yeh Maa Kali sabke gale kaat k rakh degi. Ek acche insaan ko, acchi aurat ko dukh dena acchi baat nahi hai. Mujhe aur kisipe vishwas nahi hai (Whoever tries to break my homewhoever hurts me, Maa Kali will punish them. Its not right to hurt a good person, a good woman. I trust no one else), she added with tears. In an interview with Pinkvilla, the actor also revealed, I tried to call Shah Rukh Khan also. He didnt entertain me. Mannat ke bahar gaya tha main. Aamir Khans brother and actor Faissal Khan has recently claimed that the Sitaare Zameen Par star has locked him up for a year in Mumbai. He revealed that his family said he had schizophrenia, was a mad person and can harm society. In an interview with Pinkvilla, the actor also revealed, I tried to call Shah Rukh Khan also. He didnt entertain me. Mannat ke bahar gaya tha main. Aamir Khans family issues statement We are distressed by Faissals hurtful and misleading portrayal of his mother Zeenat Tahir Husain, his sister Nikhat Hegde, and his brother Aamir. As this is not the first time he has misrepresented these events, we feel it necessary to clarify our intentions, and reaffirm our solidarity as a family. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Faissal Khan planning a comeback The actor told IANS, On the work front, Im trying to start a film. Ive written a couple of scripts in lockdown. Around fourteen actors have already liked the subject. Its a multi-starrer film, he said, adding, I will be the director, I might do a cameo role in it, but I will be basically directing. Now, Im moving more towards direction. But if I get some good role, Ill do it." Faissal Khans new explosive statement I, Faissal Khan, have from the date hereof severed all ties, familial as well as in estate, with my family members, the names whereof are more particularly described in the Schedule hereunder written. All persons are required to take note that on and from the date hereof I shall not be known as forming part of the family of my late father Tahir Husain or my mother Zeenat Tahir Husain, and/or any other family member. More particularly described in the Schedule hereunder written, and I shall not be entitled to any rights arising out of the estate of either of them or liable for any liability arising out of the estate of either of them. Venice is a city that he, like many, thinks is one of the most beautiful in the world. Unlike most people, he also owns 15-bedroom villa a few hours away on Lake Como No Hollywood star seems as intrinsically tied to Venice as George Clooney. Twenty-seven years ago he attended his first Venice Film Festival with the instant classic Out of Sight; 20 years ago, its where he debuted his sophomore film, Good Night, and Good Luck, which earned him his first best director nomination; and 11 years ago, its where he exchanged vows with then Amal Alamuddin, at the Aman Venice, a five-star hotel perched alongside the Grand Canal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Venice is a city that he, like many, thinks is one of the most beautiful in the world. Unlike most people, he also owns 15-bedroom villa a few hours away on Lake Como that famously co-starred in Oceans Twelve. This year hell be back on the Lido again with Noah Baumbachs Jay Kelly, in which he plays a middle-aged movie star on a journey through Europe with his manager, played by Adam Sandler. And his longtime friend and oft co-star Julia Roberts is making her Venice debut this year with After the Hunt. Here are some of Clooneys most memorable Venice moments. 1998: Out of Sight As legend has it, Clooneys long term love affair with Venice may have begun with the festivals premiere of Steven Soderberghs Elmore Leonard adaptation Out of Sight. Then 37 and doing press alongside Jennifer Lopez, the actor would also make another big jump soon: Leaving ER that February. 2003: Intolerable Cruelty This Coen brothers joint, co-starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, premiered out of competition at the 60th Venice Film Festival, alongside titles like Matchstick Men, Once Upon a Time in Mexico and The Dreamers. Clooneys nearby Italian residence was already as famous as him, and a stakeout spot for amateur and professional paparazzi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a profile that fall, while shooting Oceans Twelve, Vanity Fair writer Ned Zeman observed: That an affable, self-effacing Kentucky-born Hollywood actor is fast becoming the most popular public figure in Italy says a little about Italy and a lot about Clooney, who isnt Italian, doesnt speak Italian, and lives here only in summertime. 2005: Good Night and Good Luck Clooneys acclaimed black-and-white dramatization of journalist Edward R. Murrows clash with Joseph McCarthy began its successful run in competition at the 62nd Venice Film Festival. Though it lost the Golden Lion to Ang Lees Brokeback Mountain, it did go on to pick up six Oscar nominations including for Clooneys directing. During the trip, he also inspired a cocktail still served at the ritzy Belmond Hotel Cipriani on Giudecca. One night he retreated to the hotels Gabbiano Bar where his friend, the legendary bar manager Walter Bolzonella, mixed him a drink of lemon, sugar, vodka, cranberry juice, ginger and Angostura bitters and named it Buona Notte in honor of the film. The two would later name a prosecco, passionfruit and elderflower cocktail La Nina after Clooneys mother, which was served at his wedding. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 2007: Michael Clayton Tony Gilroys Michael Clayton, which nabbed Clooney an Oscar nomination for his turn as the titular law firm fixer, played in competition at Venice. The top prize went again to an Ang Lee film: Lust, Caution, which also beat out the likes of Im Not There, Atonement and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. 2008: Burn After Reading This Coen brothers comedy featuring Clooney and Brad Pitt opted to debut out of competition in the opening night slot. He said it completed his trilogy of idiots that hed played for the Coens, including Intolerable Cruelty and O Brother, Where Art Thou? Looking at the parts we are playing, Im very concerned about what you think of us, Clooney said at the press conference. Pitt, whod won the festivals acting prize the year prior, added: Like George Im not sure if I should be flattered or insulted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 2011: The Ides of March Another opening night, out of competition slot debut for this Clooney-directed campaign thriller starring Ryan Gosling and Philip Seymour Hoffman. As usual, Clooney was peppered with political questions in which he observed that, its a very difficult time to govern. 2013: Gravity Alfonso Cuarons Gravity opened the 70th edition of the Venice Film Festival before going on to win seven Oscars. Clooney, of course, attended the premiere alongside Sandra Bullock and he was self-deprecating about his role: There were only two parts and Sandy had the other one, so I felt like this was the only one I could get away with. 2014: George and Amal get married The canals were packed with paparazzi for the nuptials of one of Hollywoods favorite bachelors. On Sept. 27, Clooney, then 53, and Alamuddin, then 36, exchanged vows in front of 100 of their closest friends and family, including Bono and Matt Damon, at the luxury hotel Aman Grand Canal, originally a grand palazzo built in 1550. She wore a custom Oscar de la Renta dress, of French lace, pearls and diamante accents. He wore a black wool/cashmere Giorgio Armani tuxedo. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 2017: Suburbicon Clooney returned to the festival with another of his directing projects, Suburbicon, a dark comedic satire about a seemingly idyllic 1950s community with Damon and Julianne Moore. This festival was especially notable for it being the Clooneys first public appearance since the birth of their twins, Alexander and Ella, a few months prior. 2023: Spotlight on Amal This time George was the plus one to Amal, who was receiving an award from the Diane von Furstenberg and The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation for her work as a human rights lawyer. The power couple gave the festival some much-needed star power amid the actors strike with an appearance at the adjacent DVF Awards. I am here in Venice with my husband; he is a rising star, she said that night. I just wanted to say, you, my love, like this city, take my breath away. 2024: Wolfs Clooney and Pitt reunited for the Jon Watts action comedy Wolfs, that played out of competition. But the spotlight was less on the film and more on the off-screen drama of the AppleTV+ produced film only getting a limited theatrical release, and his then-recent New York Times op-ed urging President Joe Biden to end his reelection bid. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The person who should be applauded is the president who did the most selfless thing anyones done since George Washington, Clooney said. All the machinations that got us there, none of thats going to be remembered. And it shouldnt be. What should be remembered is the selfless act. With its participation at the Summit, IICT reaffirmed its position as a catalyst for creativity, innovation, and global collaborations, continuing its mission to build capacity and drive growth in Indias animation and creative industry The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) participated as an Industry Partner at the 7th Animation & More Summit, held from 22nd24th August 2025. The Summit, recognized as Indias leading platform for animation, creativity, and technology, brought together broadcasters, studios, creators, global delegates, and young talent under one roof. As part of its industry partnership, IICT introduced its new AVGC-XR programs, designed to equip students and professionals with advanced skills in animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, and extended reality. The Institute also announced incubation, research, and partnership opportunities to foster innovation and collaboration in the creative technology ecosystem. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The IICT booth witnessed significant engagement, with many students and professionals registering to upskill through its training programs. Several studios, production houses, and companies expressed interest in collaborating with IICT, reflecting its growing role as a hub for industry-academia partnerships. IICT also played a prominent role at the ANN AWARDS 2025, the annual awards segment of the Summit, where Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, Chief Executive Officer, Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, presented the awards for Best 2D Animation Short Film and Best 3D Animation Short Film. Speaking about the partnership, Dr. Vishwas Deoskar said, Our collaboration with the Animation & More Summit reflects IICTs vision to strengthen global industry connections, inspire young creators, and drive innovation in Indias animation and creative technologies sector. The strong response from students, professionals, and companies reinforces the need for skill development and research-driven growth. With its active participation at the Summit, IICT reaffirmed its position as a catalyst for creativity, innovation, and global collaborations, continuing its mission to build capacity and drive growth in Indias animation and creative technology industry. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said, Apology you tendered before the court, give the same before your social media too. Ranveer Allahbadia, who faced severe criticism and landed in legal trouble due to his lewd joke in Indias Got Latent, spoke about his low phase in the last few months while talking to Emraan Hashmi in his TRS podcast. The actor, who arrived to promote his movie Ground Zero, told Allahbadia, Everyone knows it", referring to the controversy earlier this year. When your chips are down, you really find out who your true friends are. Everyone else quietly slips away. And then youre left with the people who truly matter. They are the ones who support you when youre down. Those are your real friends," Emraan said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another controversy for Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina A plea was filed by SMA Cure Foundation accusing the comedians for their crude jokes and Supreme Court has reacted to the same. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said, Apology you tendered before the court, give the same before your social media too. Humor is well taken and is a part of life. We laugh at ourselves. But when we start laughing at others and create a breach of sensibilityon a community plane, when humor is generated, it becomes problematic. The bench of judges continued, And this is what so-called influencers of today should bear in mind. They are commercializing speech. The community at large should not be utilized to hurt the sentiments of certain sections. Its not only freedom of speech, its commercial speech. Now, in a statement given to police, Ranveer said that it was his mistake that he crossed the line and he should not have said that. I am a friend of Samay Raina. That is why I went to that show. It was my mistake to say the line which has caused controversy. I should not have said that, said Ranveer to the police in his statement as per ABP News. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trishala, who lives in New York with her grandparents, is Sanjay Dutts first child with his ex-wife Richa Sharma. Richa suffered from cancer and died almost 23 years ago Trishala Dutt, daughter of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, back in 2019, shared an emotional post on the demise of her boyfriend. Trishala (31) was dating an Italian man, and the recent post revealed that her 33-year-old boyfriend passed away on 2 July. Taking to her social media handle, she shared the news of his demise in a heartrending post that read, My heart is broken. Thank You for loving me, protecting me, and taking care of me. You have made me the happiest Ive ever been in my life. Im the luckiest girl in the world to have met you and beyond blessed to have been yours. You will live in me for eternity." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trishala Dutts new viral post Dutts daughter wrote about her family and said, Not everyone who shares your blood deserves a place in your life. Sometimes, the most draining, invalidating, and dismissive people we know carry the title family. She added, Youre allowed to protect your peace. Youre allowed to go low-contact or no contact. Youre allowed to choose your mental health over preserving the family image. Trishala continued saying, Because family is not a free pass to mistreat, manipulate, or guilt-trip you. You DO NOT owe continued access to anyone who keeps hurting you even if they raised you. When a parent cares more about how the family appears to the world than how it actually feels to live in it, thats a problem. Trishala, who lives in New York with her grandparents, is Sanjay Dutts first child with his ex-wife Richa Sharma. Richa suffered from cancer and died almost 23 years ago. Sanjay Dutt keeps in touch with his daughter and makes regular trips to New York. Trishala has a degree in psychology and no plans of joining Bollywood. US President Donald Trump has said that 600,000 Chinese students will be allowed to study in American universities, more than double the current number. He also said that his administration will get along good with China. However, his remarks have irked his Maga support base, with his staunch supporters, including Laura Loomer and Marjorie Taylor Greene, expressing objection to the move Chinese students walk at Beijing Foreign Studies University in Beijing on May 29, 2025. File Photo/AFP The United States is planning to welcome more Chinese students. American President Donald Trump has said 600,000 students from China will be allowed to enter the US to study at colleges, more than double the current figure. Trumps comments signal a potential thaw in the relations between the US and China amid trade talks. The remarks come even as the US administration continues its crackdown on international students, including the targeting of Chinese students. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. US to allow six lakh Chinese students US President Donald Trump said on Monday (August 25) that 600,000 Chinese students will be allowed to study in America. I hear so many stories that were not going to allow their students, he told reporters. Were going to allow their students to come in. Its very important, 600,000 students. Its very important. But were going to get along with China, the US president added. Trump reiterated that Chinese President Xi Jinping had invited him to come to China. Trump said he held talks with Xi fairly recently and that at some point, probably during this year or shortly thereafter, well go to China. His comments came hours after the Chinese embassy in the US advised students to be cautious when choosing Texas Houston as their destination when entering America, warning some students have been unjustifiably questioned and harassed recently. US crackdown on Chinese students The US presidents comments are a departure from his administrations clampdown on immigrants, including restrictions on Chinese students. Last week, the US State Department said visas of 6,000 foreign students were revoked since Trump took office in January this year. It also said it was vetting more than 55 million (5.5 crore) US visa holders for deportable offences, including overstaying, criminal activity and involvement in any form of terrorist activity. Currently, American universities host about 270,000 Chinese students. Chinese students sit on a bench at Beijing Foreign Studies University in Beijing on May 29, 2025. File Photo/AFP In May, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese nationals, especially those linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or sensitive research fields. We will also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the Peoples Republic of China and Hong Kong, he said at the time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier in March, a bill was introduced in the House of Representatives to prevent Chinese nationals from receiving any of the main types of US student visas. Trump has since changed tune, even saying in June that he has always been in favour of welcoming students from China. However, laws have been proposed in Republican-dominated states to crack down on nationals from China. Texas has introduced a bill to ban citizens from China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from enrolling in any public universities in the state. Ohio passed a bill in April that referenced China to clamp down on foreign influence. This prompted the Chinese Ministry of Education to issue a study advisory, warning Chinese nationals to make a security assessment before studying in Ohio. Maga backlash over Trumps remarks Trumps decision to let more Chinese students in has not sit well with his Make America Great Again (Maga) support base. Laura Loomer, a far-right influencer and close Trump ally, lashed out at the US presidents decision, branding Chinese students as CCP spies. She wrote on X, I didnt vote for more Muslims and Chinese people to be imported to my country. Sorry but these immigrants from communist countries and Sharia shitholes where child rape is legalised dont make America great. Please dont Make America China. MAGA doesnt want more immigrants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I didnt vote for more Muslims and Chinese people to be imported to my country. Sorry but these immigrants from communist countries and Sharia shitholes where child rape is legalized dont make America great. Please dont Make America China. MAGA doesnt want more immigrants. Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) August 26, 2025 When did any China man or Muslim Make America Great? she asked in another controversial post. Now that we are importing 600,000 CCP spies, whats the point of American students going into STEM? Loomer added. Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, another vocal Trump supporter, also objected to Trumps move and said, We should not let in 600,000 CHINESE students to attend American colleges and universities that may be loyal to the CCP. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If refusing to allow these Chinese students to attend our schools causes 15 per cent of them to fail then these schools should fail anyways because they are being propped up by the CCP. Why are we allowing 600,000 students from China to replace our American students opportunities? she posted on X. We should not let in 600,000 CHINESE students to attend American colleges and universities that may be loyal to the CCP. If refusing to allow these Chinese students to attend our schools causes 15% of them to fail then these schools should fail anyways because they are being Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) August 26, 2025 Fox News host Laura Ingraham also grilled US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on-air, questioning how allowing more Chinese students was America First. Lutnick defended Trumps policy, saying that without those students, the bottom 15 per cent of universities would go out of business in America. President Trumps taking a rational economic view. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Blue slips are a tradition of allowing home state senators to sign off on some federal judges and US attorney nominees. US President Donald Trump has been complaining about whats called the blue slip process for weeks. He has tried to target Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, into giving in. However, Grassley, a veteran, has refused to back down. Heres what you need to know Donald Trump's ire on this process has been aroused for weeks. Trump has even gone after a senior Republican senator and threatened legal action. Reuters US President Donald Trump in a fight with Republican senators who for once are refusing to back down. The source of the dispute? A century-old old tradition known as blue slips. Trumps ire on this process has been aroused for weeks. Trump has even gone after a senior Republican senator and threatened legal action. However, the Republicans and the Senate are refusing to back down. But what do we know about this process? And why the dispute between Trump and Republicans in the Senate? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look What are blue slips? Blue slips are a tradition of allowing home state senators to sign off on some federal judges and US attorney nominees. Trump has been complaining about whats called the blue slip process for weeks. He has tried to target Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, into giving in. However, Grassley, a veteran, has refused to back down. On Monday, Trump said he may sue, arguing that he can only get weak judges approved in states that have at least one Democratic senator. This is based on an old custom. Its not based on a law. And I think its unconstitutional, Trump told reporters. And Ill probably be filing a suit on that pretty soon. Who would Trump sue? This remains unclear. The Senate has its own rules. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are already thinking beyond the Trump presidency. They argued that theyve used this process in the past when Joe Biden was president and want to leave it in place when they are in minority again. They also pointed out that judges who dont receive approval from their home state senators are unlikely to have enough votes for confirmation, anyway. Senate Republicans have been unbowed, arguing that they used the process to their own benefit when Democrat Joe Biden was president. They say they will want the practice to be in place if they are in the minority again. In Biden admin Republicans kept 30 LIBERALS OFF BENCH THAT PRES TRUMP CAN NOW FILL W CONSERVATIVES, Grassley posted on X shortly after Trumps remarks on Monday. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican member of the judiciary committee, wrote on X that getting rid of the blue slip is a terrible, short-sighted ploy that paves the path for Democrats to ram through extremist liberal judges in red states over the long-term. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Republicans shouldnt fall for it, Tillis wrote. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has also rallied to the defence of blue slips. Thune said he had used the process himself and worked with the Biden administration when there was a judicial vacancy in South Dakota. I dont sense any rush to change it, Thune said. A blue-coloured form The blue slip is a blue-coloured form that is submitted to the two home state senators after the president nominates someone to become a district judge or US attorney, among other federal positions that are contained within one state. The home state senators can individually return the slips with a positive or negative response. If there is a negative response, or if the form is not returned, the chairman of the judiciary panel can choose not to move forward. Democrats have opposed several of Trumps nominees this year, including Alina Habba, a nominee for US attorney in New Jersey, and two prosecutors nominated in New York who have been blocked by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. The blue slip tradition has been in place since at least 1918, according to the Congressional Research Service. But like many Senate traditions, it has evolved over the years to become more partisan. Until 2017, at the beginning of Trumps first term, blue slips were also honoured for nominees to the circuit court, which oversee multiple states. But the Republican-led judiciary panel, also led then by Grassley, did away with that tradition. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the past, the White House has often worked with home state senators as they decide who to nominate. But Trump and Democrats have shown little interest in working with each other. Blue slip problem Trump has focused his rage on Grassley, a longtime ally who is the senior-most Senate Republican. In a July post on social media, Trump called on Grassley to have the courage to stop honoring the blue slips. Chuck Grassley, who I got re-elected to the US Senate when he was down, by a lot, in the Great State of Iowa, could solve the Blue Slip problem, Trump posted. Democrats have opposed several of Trumps nominees this year, including Alina Habba, a nominee for US attorney in New Jersey, and two prosecutors nominated in New York who have been blocked by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. AP Grassley responded by defending the practice, and he said he was offended by what the president said, and Im disappointed that it would result in personal insults. Trump revived his complaints this week, culminating with the threat to sue. On Sunday, he posted that I have a Consultational Right to appoint Judges and U.S. Attorneys, but that RIGHT has been completely taken away from me in States that have just one Democrat United States Senator. Democrats slow votes Even as Republicans have defied Trump on blue slips, they have agreed with him that the nominations process needs to move faster especially as Democrats have slowed votes on all of his nominees. Trump and Republicans pressured Senate Democrats to lift some of their holds on nominees ahead of the traditional August recess, threatening to force them to remain in session all month. But the effort was unsuccessful, and the Senate left town anyway, with Trump posting on social media that Schumer can GO TO HELL! STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After that standoff, Thune said the chamber will consider in the fall Senate rule changes that would make it harder for Democrats to block or slow votes on nominations. Iran is set to hold talks about its nuclear weapons with Britain, France and Germany today in Geneva, Switzerland. In India, the Indian Navy is set to commission INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri together at Vishakhapatnam port while PM Modi will flag off the Maruti Suzukis e Vitara in Gujarat It is set to be a busy Tuesday with several events lined up for the day. Firstly, nuclear talks are scheduled to take place between Iran and, Britain, France and Germany, today in Geneva. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy is set to commission INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri together at Vishakhapatnam. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit Germany and Latvia, aiming to strengthen Canadas economic and security alliances amid shifting global dynamics. In India, PM Modi will inaugurate and flag off the e Vitara in Gujarat, while Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi is set to join the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all that is set to take place throughout the day. Iran nuclear talks with European powers Nuclear talks are scheduled for today (August 26) between Iran and Britain, France, and Germany, which will be held in Geneva. On Tuesday, Iran and the three European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, along with the European Union, will hold a new round of talks at the level of deputy foreign ministers in Geneva, state television said on Monday (August 25). Nuclear talks are scheduled for today (August 26) between Iran and Britain, France, and Germany, which will be held in Geneva. File image/Reuters The meeting follows a 12-day war between Iran and Israel in mid-June, a conflict during which the United States struck Irans nuclear facilities. The two sides last held talks on July 25 in Istanbul. Navys INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri to be commissioned The Indian Navy will commission two indigenously built Nilgiri-class stealth guided-missile frigates, namely INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, together at Visakhapatnam today. According to the Ministry of Defence, both warships are part of Project 17A (P-17A), under which INS Nilgiri was inducted earlier this year. These frigates, which feature a high degree of indigenous content, are a key part of the Navys drive to build up its surface combatant fleet. Constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, the INS Udaygiri is a significant milestone as the 100th ship designed by the Navys Warship Design Bureau. Canadas Mark Carney to visit Germany, Latvia Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit Germany, followed by Latvia, in a bid to strengthen Canadas economic and security alliances amid shifting global dynamics. In Berlin, Carney is scheduled to meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Their talks will focus on critical minerals supply chains, key to both defence and the automotive sector, and advancing energy and security cooperation. Following this, he will visit Latvias Riga, where he is likely to engage with Latvian leadership and visit Canadian Armed Forces personnel stationed there. This diplomatic push occurs against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions with the United States. Canada is actively diversifying its trade relationships, particularly with European partners. PM Modi to flag off the e Vitara in Gujarat Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate and flag off Maruti Suzukis e-Vitara today from the companys Hansalpur plant in Gujarat. This will be the companys first global strategic battery electric vehicle (BEV). The compact SUV, which was initially showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, is also intended for export to advanced markets such as Europe and Japan. PM Modi is set to flag off the Maruti Suzukis e Vitara in Gujarat. File image/PTI The Prime Minister will also launch the next phase of Indias battery manufacturing ecosystem by inaugurating the local production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant in Gujarat. The joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki is expected to increase domestic value addition in EV batteries to over 80 per cent. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Priyanka Gandhi to join Voter Adhikar Yatra Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is set to join he Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihars Supaul district today along with her brother and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. This will coincide with the celebration of Hartalika Teej, a festival during which women fast for the well-being of their husbands. Congress leaders state that Priyankas itinerary includes a Yatra through Supaul and Madhubani districts in North Bihar. The following day, she will perform puja at the Maa Janki temple in Sitamarhi. Her involvement is expected to energise the oppositions campaign against alleged vote theft. AICC general secretary KC Venugopal stated that Priyankas visit to Bihar on August 26 and 27 will coincide with the Hartalika Teej festival for married women. She will be participating in events in the Supaul and Sitamarhi districts. With inputs from agencies The Supreme Court on Monday ordered Indias Got Latent host Samay Raina and four other comedians to issue a public apology on their social media channels for cracking insensitive jokes on people with disabilities and rare genetic disorders. The court said their content was not only freedom of speech, its commercial speech. It also directed the Centre to submit proposed draft guidelines to regulate content on social media The Supreme Court has asked comic Samay Raina to apologise over jokes on people with disabilities. Instagram/ maisamayhoon The Supreme Court on Monday (August 25) told Indias Got Latent host Samay Raina and four of his co-comedians to apologise on their social media channels for ridiculing people with disabilities and rare genetic disorders. It said the comics cannot press their free speech rights when their commercial content offends the dignity and sensitivities of others. The top court also directed the Centre to place on record the proposed draft guidelines to regulate content on social media. The case against Raina and others came in the wake of the controversy involving YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia over objectionable remarks during an episode of the YouTube show Indias Got Latent. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. The case against Samay Raina, other comics The non-profit outfit SMA Cure Foundation moved the Supreme Court earlier this year, accusing stand-up comedians Samay Raina , Vipul Goyal and three others of cracking insensitive jokes about persons with disabilities (PwDs). The comics were accused of mocking people with disabilities, including those with visual impairments and spinal muscular atrophy. The foundation approached the Supreme Court for directions to the government to draw up guidelines for all media platforms to protect persons with disabilities from disabling humour. The case came close on the heels of YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadias crude remarks on Rainas popular show Indias Got Latent in February. Ranveer Allahbadia came under fire for crude remarks on Samay Rainas show. File Photo/Instagram In May, the apex court had directed the Mumbai Commissioner of Police to ensure the presence of Raina, Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakar aka Sonali Aditya Desai and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar in court. It later allowed Thakar to appear online. What has SC said? On Monday, the Supreme Court asked Raina and the four other comics to offer an unconditional apology on their online channels for their alleged insensitive remarks on people with disability. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi directed Raina and others to go apologise on your podcasts, etc. Then tell us about the cost/penalty you are willing to bear. Petitioners, including the SMA Cure Foundation and Cure SMA India Foundation, argued that derogatory comments against persons with disabilities violated the right to dignity. Humour is part of life and we can take jokes on us. But when you start making fun of othersthere is breach of sensitivity. India is a diverse country with so many communities and these are so-called influencers of today. When you are commercialising speech, you cannot use a community and hurt their sentiments, Justice Bagchi said, as per Bar and Bench. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its not just freedom of speech but the question is of commercial speech. There are cases of classical, commercial or free speech. When we talk of commercial speech then there is no freedom there, the judge added. The bench said it will decide the quantum of penalty to be paid by the comedians during the next hearing. Justice Kant said, The degree of repentance should be higher than the degree of offending, its like purging contempt. The court also observed that the Information Technology Act can include penalties for such actions. Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, appearing for Cure SMA India Foundation, told the bench, What these influencers say matters. So these influencers can use their medium and take forward this issue and espouse the cause. After the Allahbadia controversy, the Supreme Court in February had called for implementing reasonable restrictions on the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(2) of the Constitution. It had asked the Centre for its views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Attorney General for India R Venkataramani on Monday said he will submit the proposed draft guidelines, but there cannot be a complete gag. The apex court said that the proposed guidelines should ensure the rights of all are protected without impinging upon the rights, dignity, honour, and respect of people. Today, it is disabled, tomorrow something else. How will the society be affectedwhere will all this end? Justice Kant said. The court then granted time to the Centre to place on record the guidelines. Such guidelines shall be drafted with consultation by NBSA [News Broadcasting Standards Authority]. The suggestions and viewpoints of all stakeholders shall be taken. The guidelines shall not be knee-jerk reaction to any incident, but shall be wide enough to cater to future challenges, it said in the order. The matter will be heard next in November. With inputs from agencies France, Britain, and Germany have warned that they could trigger the snapback mechanism, a provision that would automatically restore all United Nations sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme. The mechanism will swiftly reinstate all pre-deal sanctions on Tehran without the risk of being blocked by any UN Security Council member, even powerful veto-holders like Russia and China The European nation have threatened to trigger the snapback mechanism on Iran over its nuclear program. The process begins when one or more nuclear deal participants notify the UN secretary general and the Security Council president about Irans significant non-performance of commitments. File image/ Reuters France, Britain and Germany have threatened to trigger the snapback mechanism that automatically reimposes all United Nations sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, saying Iran has willfully departed from their 2015 nuclear deal that lifted them. The European countries, known as the E3, offered Iran a delay of the snapback during talks in July in exchange for three conditions for Iran: resuming negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program, allowing UN nuclear inspectors access to its nuclear sites, and accounting for the over 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium the UN watchdog says it has. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tehran, which now enriches uranium at near weapons-grade levels, has rejected that proposal. The US and Iran tried to reach a new nuclear deal earlier this year, but those talks have not resumed since the 12-day Israeli bombardment of Irans nuclear and military sites and the US bombardment on June 22. How snapback works Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action reached between world powers and Iran in 2015, Iran agreed to limit uranium enrichment to levels necessary for civilian nuclear power in exchange for lifted economic sanctions. The International Atomic Energy Agency was tasked with monitoring Irans nuclear program. The snapback mechanisms purpose is to swiftly reimpose all pre-deal sanctions without being vetoed by UN Security Council members, including permanent members Russia and China. The process begins when one or more nuclear deal participants notify the UN secretary general and the Security Council president about Irans significant non-performance of commitments. The snapback mechanisms purpose is to swiftly reimpose all pre-deal sanctions without being vetoed by UN Security Council members, including permanent members Russia and China. Representational Image/Reuters That triggers a 30-day window during which a new resolution to continue sanctions relief must be adopted. Since thats unlikely, as the US, Britain and France would veto such a resolution, all UN sanctions automatically snap back. At this stage, no further vote is needed, and no Security Council member can block reimposition. The snapback mechanism expires in October The Europeans agreed with the US earlier this year to set an end-of-August deadline for triggering the snapback mechanism if no agreement is reached with Iran. The US itself cannot activate the snapback since US President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the nuclear deal in 2018. Two factors drive the approaching deadline. First, the power to automatically snap back sanctions expires on Oct. 18. After that, sanctions efforts could face vetoes from China and Russia, which have provided some support to Iran in the past. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Second, Europeans want to trigger the snapback mechanism under South Koreas Security Council presidency in September, before Russia takes over in October. While Russia cannot veto the reimposition of sanctions under the mechanism, diplomats say Moscow could use procedural delaying tactics until the nuclear deal expires. The E3s position European nations assert that Iran has willfully and publicly departed from the nuclear deals commitments. In May, the IAEA said Iran had amassed 408.6 kilograms (900.8 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60 per cent purity. If it is enriched to 90 per cent, it would be enough to make nine nuclear weapons, according to an IAEA yardstick, though a weapon would require other expertise, such as a detonation device. The IAEA also estimated that as of May 17, Irans overall stockpile of enriched uranium stood at 9,247.6 kilograms (20,387.4 pounds). European nations assert that Iran has willfully and publicly departed from the nuclear deals commitments. Representational image. File image/Reuters The amounts far exceed the limits set out in the nuclear deal, under which Iran was allowed to enrich uranium up to 3.67 per cent and maintain a uranium stockpile of 300 kilograms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In addition, in 2022, Iran removed most monitoring equipment, including IAEA cameras. A year later, Iran barred some of the agencys most experienced inspectors. Irans position Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes only. Tehran also argues that it has the right to abandon the nuclear deals limits because Washington withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed its own sanctions. Before 2019, when Iran gradually began to breach the deals limits, the IAEA confirmed Tehran adhered to all commitments. Iran contends there is no legal basis for the Europeans to reimpose UN sanctions via snapback, claiming the countries failed to uphold the accord after the US exit. Tehran has also threatened to withdraw from the global Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons if snapback is triggered. By ratifying the NPT in 1970, Iran committed to not developing nuclear weapons. Other options Once the snapback mechanism is triggered, there remains a slim chance for a diplomatic solution, said Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group. If the West and Iran reach a diplomatic agreement within the 30-day window, a resolution could be introduced to push back the mechanisms Oct. 18 expiration date, he said. The timing is, in one sense, auspicious because it overlaps with the UN General Assemblys annual high-level week, which will bring to New York high-level leaders who could huddle over ways to head off execution, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But he added that the snapback issue is likely to resurface unless Washington and Tehran can hammer out a new nuclear deal. With inputs from AP There are reports that traffic from Britain to Pornhub, the worlds biggest adult site, has dropped by half since the UK implemented its age-verification law. In July, Pornhub witnessed 3.2 million visits per day from the United Kingdom. However, after the introduction of the law, that number was cut down to 2 million visits per day Pornhub, which is the UKs most popular pornographic website, saw at least one million fewer visitors per day in the two weeks since the law was introduced Is age-verification the way to stop children from accessing pornography? There are reports that traffic from Britain to Pornhub, the worlds biggest adult site, has dropped by half since the UK implemented its age-verification law. The law has sparked pushback from internet users, adult websites, privacy advocates in the UK, as well as US politicians and tech giants. But what happened? And do we know about the law and its impact? And can age-verification really work? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look A brief look at the law First, lets briefly examine the law. The legislation is officially known as the Online Safety Act (OSA). The idea behind the law was to protect children from seeing pornography and other harmful material such as suicide, self-harm, eating disorders online. The law ordered websites which hosted some pornographic content to implement age-verification checks to stop children accessing them by July 25. Websites were told to verify the age of the users via a number of mechanisms including credit card checks, photo IDs and even selfies. Ofcom says its data shows that children aged eight to 17 spend between two and five hours daily. Reuters The law mandates huge fines for websites failing to do so $24 million (Rs 192 crore) or 10 per cent of their global revenue whichever is higher. It also warned that executives of the websites could be jailed if they did not comply with these terms. Britains media regulator Ofcom is in charge of enforcing the law. Ofcom has warned that it could even take websites who do not adhere to these rules and regulations to court and stop them from being accessed in the UK. Ofcom has already opened probe over two dozen websites for potentially violating the Online Safety Act. What happened? Visits to Pornhub from the UK have dropped nearly half after its age-verification law went into force on July 25. Pornhub, which is the UKs most popular pornographic website, saw at least one million fewer visitors per day in the two weeks since the law was introduced, as per data from aggregation firm Similarweb. In July, Pornhub witnessed 3.2 million visits per day from the United Kingdom. However after the introduction of the law, that number was cut down to 2 million visits per day. This came after users were told to upload official government IDs, send their bank details, or scan their faces to prove they were of age. Visits to other adult sites also similarly fell. The legislation is officially known as the Online Safety Act (OSA). XVideos, another popular porn site, also lost nearly half its daily audience with traffic down 47 per cent, while XHamster witnessed a 39 per cent decline. OnlyFans, meanwhile, witnessed an over 10 per cent drop in traffic. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD All top 90 adult sites have been impacted. Monthly visits from the UK decreased by nearly 25 per cent. Can age-verification really work? Thats the question. Ofcom says its data shows that children aged eight to 17 spend between two and five hours daily. The data shows that almost all children over the age of 12 have mobile phones . Nearly all of them visit platforms such as YouTube and TikTok to watch videos. The development also comes as the UK saw a spike in the number of virtual private networks (VPNs) apps being downloaded. There are reports that VPN downloads have increased anywhere from 60 per cent to a massive 500 per cent. Google trends data in the UK showed that searches for VPNs had increased by 700 per cent. Users across the world wide web frequently employ VPNs which can disguise their real location to access websites that have been barred by local governments. As per Ofcom, 14 million people in the UK watch pornography every day. Those who use VPNs would also be technologically savvy, that is, younger people. This of course defeats the very purpose of an age-verification check in the UK. Critics of law abound Pornhub isnt happy. As weve seen in many jurisdictions around the world, there is often a drop in traffic for compliant sites and an increase in traffic for non-compliant sites, Pornhub said in a terse statement to the BBC. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Aylo, which operates both Pornhub and YouPorn, has previously called age-verification ineffective, haphazard, and dangerous. Some argue these age-verification checks and restricting access to certain websites could send some people in the wrong direction for example to the dark web. A petition to repeal the law has already gathered over 450,000 signatures. Privacy campaigners are also warning about a threat to individual freedoms. They say such age verification checks are needlessly invasive can lead to their identities being made public. Digital age checks can lead to security breaches, privacy intrusion, errors, digital exclusion and censorship, Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, warned BBC. Reform UK is already calling for the law to be repealed. Nigel Farage, the chief of the far-right group, has called OSA state suppression of genuine free speech, and his party is running high in polls. Reform UK chief Nigel Farage is among those already calling for the law to be repealed. Millions of people have noticed that what theyre getting on their feeds is different to what it was, Farage recently said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, it must be noted that the law still has strong support in the UK. A new YouGuv poll taken after the implementation of the OSA showed 69 per cent supported it. Meanwhile, nearly half, 46 per cent of respondents, said they supported it strongly. However, 52 per cent said they did not think the law would stop minors from seeing porn online. US politicos slam law, other countries follow suit The UK law has plenty of critics abroad too. A number of US politicians have slammed the UK law. I just dont want other countries to follow us down what I think was a very dark path under the Biden administration, US Vice-President JD Vance, who recently took a trip to Britain, has said. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, added that online safety laws in Europe are having a serious chilling effect on free expression and threaten the First Amendment rights of American citizens and companies. JD Vance on a recent trip to the UK took aim at the law. We absolutely need to protect children and keep harmful, illegal content off these platforms but when governments or bureaucracies suppress speech in the name of safety or regulation, it sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the core of Western democratic values, Jordan added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, that hasnt stopped other countries from following suit. Australia and Ireland have already put into place similar age-verification laws. Denmark, Greece, Spain, France and Italy have begun testing a common age verification app. The US isnt exempt either. Louisiana in 2022 passed a law requiring websites which host some adult content to comply with age-verification measures. Some of the states are also mulling over doing so. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trumps 50 per cent tariffs on India, which are now in effect, are threatening to take the shine out of Indias diamond hub of Surat. Heres what you need to know about the situation in the city and what experts think could happen next The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), located in the Diamond Research and Mercantile City, with its 7.1 million square feet of space, is said to be larger than the Pentagon. Today, it stands eerily quiet. Reuters US President Donald Trumps tariffs on India are now in effect. The tariffs, a 25 per cent levy on India plus an additional 25 per cent for trading with Russia, are set to impact a number of sectors particularly textiles and seafood. The tariffs are now threatening to take the shine out of Indias diamond hub of Surat. Lets take a closer look Surat, the Diamond City Surat is widely known as the Diamond City. Over 90 per cent of the words rough diamonds are sent there to be cut and polished. Surats location near the Arabian Sea coast made it an important trading city for India. However, Surat was overtaken Bombay in the 17 and 18th centuries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The citys diamond industry took off around six decades ago. Over the years, many people in the industry found their way to Surat. The city burnished its reputation For quality and efficiency in the 1980s and 1990s. Today, the city is home to thousands of diamond polishing units. Between 800,000 and a million workers are said to be employed directly in Surats diamond industry. Another 500,000 are employed informally. The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), located in the Diamond Research and Mercantile City, with its 7.1 million square feet of space, is said to be larger than the Pentagon. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2023. One more diamond has been added to Surats magnificence. The tall buildings around the world have lost their sheen in front of such a huge diamond that is now being opened today, Modi said at the time. Modi praised the SDB as a symbol of new Indias strength and new resolve. The Prime Minister spoke these words for good reason. After all, Indias gems and jewellery industry exports are valued at $28 billion much of it to the United States. Data from the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) showed that India comprised 68 per cent of the volume and 42 per cent of the value of the US total diamond imports last year. Indias diamond exports to the US were valued at $5.79 billion in 2024. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Surat is widely known as the Diamond City. Over 90 per cent of the words rough diamonds are sent there to be cut and polished. Reuters Mahidharpura, Surats biggest bazaar, witnesses thousands of people gather every day to trade diamonds six days a week. However, all has not been well for Indias diamond industry of late. First, a soft Chinese economy has seen the demand for diamonds slowing. Indias diamond exports were already at a two-decade low earlier this year. Indias exports of cut and polished diamonds (CPD) to the US have been dropping these past few years. CPD exports declined by nearly half between 2021-2022 to 2024-2025 from $9.86 billion to $4.81 billion. Then, in April, Trump dealt a fresh blow. How Trumps tariffs are hurting Surat Since the US president announced his Liberation Day tariffs in April, a pall has been cast over the city. Diamond cutting and polishing factories first began reduced their output. Then, they began cutting down on the number of working hours. Some also ventured into lab grown diamonds. Finally, they began laying off staff. At least 50,000 workers have been fired since April. Another 100,000 jobs at risk. Over a dozen workers have taken their own lives since Trumps tariff announcement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bhavesh Tank, vice-president of the Diamond Workers Union, told The Telegraph dozens of diamond polishers have committed suicide in the past year and a half due to financial struggles. At this time of year, workers in Surat typically ramp up production to meet a surge in orders from the United States ahead of Christmas and New Year. This year, however, many artisans are uncertain whether they will even have work. Demand has slumped so badly that the diamond packets I sold for Rs 25,000 last year now barely fetch Rs 18,000, said Shailesh Mangukiya, who runs a cutting and polishing unit in the city. Mangukiya said he had halved his staff strength to 125. Today, the town has been brought to a near standstill. Export orders have been halted. People in the city are in disbelief. Jagdish Prajapati, 49, a worker who has been polishing diamonds for two decades, said the situation could soon become dire. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We have already been grappling with an economic slowdown over the past few years, with problems stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war. The burden of steep US tariffs, especially on Indian diamond, gem, and jewellery exports, has created more fear, Prajapati told DW. Many workshops are already cutting back hours and halting new hiring. If the tariffs come, it will leave families struggling to make ends meet. As per Washington Post, Ajay Lakum is among those laid off. Lakum, a sorter, has been working in diamonds his entire life. He said his father too worked in diamonds. while he was paid only modest wages, it helped him support his household of nearly a dozen people and helped pay part of his mothers cancer treatments. People like Lakum are direct casualties of Trumps escalating trade war, as per the newspaper. Dinesh Tank of Gujarats Junagadh, who barely earns Rs 18,000 a month as a diamond polisher to feed his family of five, told The Telegraph that he hopes Trump changes his mind. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tank, 44, used to employ 20 diamond workers a year ago. I had to shut shop because of the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the diamond industry. We were not getting orders. There was no way I could continue to support the 20 workers. I took up the job myself, he told the newspaper. Hitesh Patel, director of Surat-based Dharmanandan Diamonds, told Indian Express that diamond exports to the US had declined 25 per cent over the past few years and factory output had dropped between 30 and 35 per cent. With the imposition of new tariffs, exports will crash further, Patel said. The diamond industry players involved in exports are keeping an eye on August 27, when the 50 per cent tariff will be effected. If nothing happens, we will negotiate with buyers in the US and request them to bear some part. When the industry is facing such tough times, the relationship between buyer and seller is put to the test. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Will completely destroy our industry The US tariffs will completely destroy our industry, Ramesh Zilriya, president of the Gujarat Diamond Workers Union told The Washington Post. Zilriya called on the US government not to impose something that would ruin so many lives. Stung by tariffs, US buyers are likely to source diamonds from countries such as Israel, Belgium and Botswana, industry officials said. At least 50,000 workers have been fired since Donald Trumps tariff announcement in April. Another 100,000 jobs at risk. Over a dozen workers have taken their own lives. Reuters Kirit Bhansali, chairman of the Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), told The Telegraph that Turkey, Vietnam, Thailand and Dubai faced lower US tariffs of 15 to 20 per cent putting Indian diamonds at a disadvantage. Shaunak Parikh, vice-chairman of the GJEPC, said another 150,000 to 200,000 workers could lose their jobs If India and the US did not come to an agreement. Indias diamond exporters are trying to boost sales to Asia, Europe and the West Asia to offset US losses, but finding new diamond buyers is no easy task. As Vijay Mangukiya, chairman, Dhani Jewels, told Indian Express, There is no other country which can replace the consumption capacity of US in the entire world. There are other countries to whom we export, but they are no match to the US. The industry is cutting rough diamond purchases and operating with minimal inventories to preserve cash flow, while cash-strapped smaller units have begun offering deep discounts to stay afloat, exporters said. The SDB too stands eerily quiet, with only a few traders at work. At the Surat Diamond Bourse, more than 4,700 offices have been sold, but less than 250 are in use with several companies rethinking their plans to move in, a bourse official said on condition of anonymity. The owner of a Mumbai-based diamond firm, who bought space at the bourse last year, said he had shelved relocation plans. US tariffs have already shaken our business, and we dont want the added hassle of moving from Mumbai to Surat, he added. Lalji Patel, a diamantaire and social activist, told The Telegraph this is a crisis the likes of which has never been seen. The slowdown in the diamond industry has also plunged the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) into a crisis, Patel, vice-chairman of the SDB, told the outlet. It remains to be seen what India can do to get Trump to change his mind. For now, things look bleak for Surats diamond industry. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trumps 50 per cent tariffs on India are set to go into effect tomorrow (August 27). Trump had levied a 25 per cent tariff on India plus an additional 25 per cent levy as punishment for buying crude oil from Russia, one of the highest rates on any of Americas trading partners. Which sectors will be worst-hit? US President Donald Trumps 50 per cent tariffs on India are set to go into effect tomorrow (August 27). Trump had levied a 25 per cent tariff on India plus an additional 25 per cent as punishment for buying crude oil from Russia one of the highest rates on any of the US trading partners . The US Department of Homeland Security announced in its draft order that higher duties will be imposed on Indian goods that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 am eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New Delhi has decried the move as unjust, unreasonable, and unfair, while the Kremlin said nations deserve to choose their own trading partners. The development came in the backdrop of talks over the Free Trade Agreement between India and America having stalled much to the frustration of Trump and other top US officials. Trump previously branded India a tariff king a notion both Delhi and the data dispute. The Prime Ministers Office has convened a meeting today to review the potential impact of the tariffs. It will be chaired by the principal secretary to the Prime Minister. But which sectors in India will be hardest by Trumps tariffs? Lets take a closer look Textiles Textiles (barring readymade garments) comprise around 26 per cent of Indias total exports. Washington is New Delhis largest market for textile and apparel exports. India exports textiles and apparel worth $10.3 billion (Rs 85,500 crore) to the US every year. Textiles could be one of the worst-impacted sectors. The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) said that it is deeply concerned about the potential adverse impact of the effective 50 per cent US tariff rate for India. Representational image. File image/Reuters The US tariff announcement of August 6 is a huge setback for Indias textile and apparel exporters as it has further complicated the challenging situation we were already grappling with and will significantly weaken our ability to compete effectively vis-a-vis many other countries for a larger share of the US market, it said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Indian textile industry wants New Delhi to offer to do away with the 11 per cent duty on raw cotton imports in exchange for lowering or removing the 50 per cent rate. Already there are reports that US businesses have turned to Indias competitors such as Bangladesh and Vietnam to meet their textile and apparel needs. Gems and jewellery India last year sent gems and jewellery worth $9.2 billion (76,360 crore) to the United States. The United States comprises nearly 33 per cent of Indias total gems exports. Gems, like textiles, is another labour intensive sector that employs millions across India.Experts say the polished diamond segment, which are already under pressure from lab grown diamonds. may hit even harder. Adil Kotwal of Creation Jewellery, who sells 90 per cent of his diamond-studded jewels to the US, told BBC his margins are razor thin Even an additional tariff of 10 per cent makes it unfeasible to send diamonds to the United States. Who can absorb these tariffs? Even US retailers will not be able to [do so], Kotwal wondered. A man sorts solitaire diamonds inside a workshop in Kolkata. Reuters Shipments to the United States have already been halted, which has resulted in job losses across the industry. This place used to be buzzing, a worker at the diamond-cutting and polishing hub of Surat in Gujarat told the outlet. Many people were fired recently. We dont know what will happen to us. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Seafood India sends the United States seafood worth Rs 60,000 crore every year mostly shrimp (Rs 20,000 crore). Total tariffs on Indian shrimp now stand at 60 per cent. The tariff could see seafood exports reduced to Rs 24,000 crore. Yogesh Gupta, MD of Kolkata-based seafood exporter Megaa Moda, said that now Indias shrimp will become expensive in the US market. Shrimp, which is Indias largest seafood export to the US, will struggle to remain competitive after the imposition of Trumps tariffs. File image/Reuters We are already facing huge competition from Ecuador as it has only 15 per cent tariff. Indian shrimp already attracts a 2.49 per cent anti-dumping duty and a 5.77 per cent countervailing duty. After this 25 per cent, the duty will be 33.26 per cent from August 7, Gupta said. Experts say half a million shrimp workers could be affected directly in India, while two-and-a-half million more could be impacted indirectly. Steel and chemicals India in 2024 exported $488.28 million worth of iron and steel products to the US. India sends the US 100,000 metric tonnes of steel just a fraction of its yearly steel output of 145 million metric tons every year. India in 2024 exported $488.28 million worth of iron and steel products to the US. India sends chemicals worth $2.34 billion (Rs 19,500 crore) the United States every year. Washington has imposed an additional duty of 54 per cent on organic chemicals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Auto parts Washington accounts for just 3.5 percent of New Delhis auto part exports. However, India sends auto parts worth Rs 61,000 crore to the to the US every year. The tariffs will massively impact those sending gearbox and transmission parts to the United States. This comprises 25 per cent of Indias auto part exports. India has a 40 per cent market share of gearbox and transmission parts in the United States. Pharma India sends nearly 35 per cent of its pharmaceuticals exports to the United States. Many US companies rely on generic medicine manufactured by Indian firms. Pharma products for now have been excluded from the tariffs. However, the industry remains worried that this could change at any moment. Why this matters and what experts think? It matters because the United States is Indias main export market. Nearly 20 per cent of Indias shipments head to the United States. India meanwhile has to compete for market share with countries such as Bangladesh and Vietnam. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) thinks US tariffs will impact Indian exports worth $60.2 billion (Rs 5 lakh crore). It estimates that Indias consignments to the US could witness a drop of as much as 40 to 50 per cent. GTRI says exports in labour heavy areas such as textiles, gems and jewellery and seafood could shrink by as much as 70 per cent. Crisil in a note said, The imposition of higher tariffs by the US will significantly impact micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which account for as much as 45 per cent of Indias total exports. Donald Trump has previously called India a tariff king and an abuser of tariffs. Reuters Of the five sectors expected to see meaningful impact, gems and jewellery has the highest exposure to the US at $10 billion. While we expect export volumes to contract, the impact may not be fully reflected in revenue terms because of a likely runup in gold prices and sustained domestic demand, it added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, they say the tariffs will not have a dramatic impact on the Indian economy as a whole. Despite the tariff hike, Fitch predicts Indias GDP will grow at 6.5 percent in FY-26. It remains to be seen if India can persuade the US to work things out at the diplomatic table. If not, New Delhi will have to Take a good long look at Washington as a reliable trade partner. It might also have to deepen the relationship with Russia and have a further rapprochement with China. Meanwhile, Indias businesses will have look to different markets and increase their self-reliance. With inputs from agencies No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand, said PM Narendra Modi just hours before Donald Trumps whopping 50 per cent tariff comes into effect tomorrow (August 27). But whats behind Indias defiant stance? People walk by as students complete artwork of US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, in Mumbai. On August 27, Trump's 50% tariffs on India will come into effect. PTI Will he or wont he? Thats been the biggest question that Indian exporters have been asking of Donald Trump and his tariff threat. And on Monday (August 25), the nation got its answer as the United States officially issued a public notice on the same, in which it has outlined plans on how it would levy the total 50 per cent tariff on New Delhi. But, India has remained resilient and defiant in the face of Trumps tariffs. In fact, hours before the notice was issued by Washington, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India would withstand the economic pressure as it continues to strengthen its resilience. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But whats the reason behind Indias note of defiance? US issues notice on tariffs On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security issued a notice stating that the increased levies would hit Indian products that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 am eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025. The notice is a clear indicator that the White House is planning to push ahead with the heightened levies on India. Earlier on August 6, Trump issued an executive order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariffs on Indian imports to the US over the countrys purchase of oil from Russia. At the time, Trump had cited threats to the United States by the Government of Russian Federation, as the reason behind the additional 25 per cent duty on import of goods from India. This comes on top of the 25 per cent tariff, the US president has already levied on New Delhi, taking the total tariff to a whopping 50 per cent. The 50 per cent tariff rate places India alongside Brazil in facing the worlds highest trade barriers . Estimates by Jefferies show that the tariff rate will imply that a large majority of Indias $87 billion (2.2 per cent of GDP) worth of exports to the US could be at risk. US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House in Washington, DC. Despite their friendship, Trump is going ahead and levying a whopping 50 per cent tariff on India, which comes into effect on August 27. File image/AFP Indias note of defiance against Trumps tariffs Ever since Trump has announced the secondary tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil, New Delhi has struck a defiant note against Washington. On Monday, just hours before the notice was issued, PM Narendra Modi in a very subtle message to Trump said that his government would not allow any harm to come to small entrepreneurs, farmers, and cattle rearers. Hours before Trumps additional 25% tariffs hit India, PM Narendra Modis message to the US: No matter the pressure, India wont bend - it will find its own way despite being a victim of unfair pressure. Hitting back at the economic selfishness shaping global trade, the PM pic.twitter.com/fMERNMcn91 Siddharth Zarabi (@szarabi) August 26, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD All of you are witnessing the kind of politics driven by economic self-interest that is happening in the world today. From this land of Ahmedabad, I would like to say to my small entrepreneurs, to the shopkeepers, to the farmers and cattle rearers. For Modi, your interest is paramount. My government will not allow any harm to come to small entrepreneurs, to farmers, or to cattle rearers. No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand, PM Modi said without naming the US. He had struck a similar note earlier during an event on August 7. At that time, he said that he was ready to pay a heavy price, underscoring that India would never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD #WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know personally, I will have to pay a heavy price for it, but I am ready for it. pic.twitter.com/W7ZO2Zy6EE ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2025 For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know personally, I will have to pay a heavy price for it, but I am ready for it. Today, India is ready for the countrys farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers, he then said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India has also called out the US hypocrisy when it comes to purchase of Russian oil. The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement called out Washington for its decision to levy tariffs on India over Russian oil. It noted that that the very nations criticising India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion. It further added that the targeting of India is unjustified and unreasonable. Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. Then, last Saturday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also rejected Washingtons criticism that it is running a profiteering scheme by buying discounted Russian crude oil. When people say we are funding the war or putting money in the coffers of (President Vladimir) Putin, the Russia-European Union trade is bigger than India-Russia trade. So is Europe not putting money into Putins coffers, he asked. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even Indias ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar , clarified on Monday that Indian companies will continue buying (oil) from wherever they get the best deal. Indias purchase of Russian oil is not the only friction point between India and the US. Indias refusal to allow for US dairy products in the country is another issue. File image/AP Points of friction between India and US For Trump and Washington, Indias purchase of Russian oil has been the biggest bone of contention and the reason for the secondary tariffs being imposed. The US president and his administration have accused New Delhi of funding Moscows invasion of Ukraine by purchasing its crude. However, India has noted that its purchase of oil from Russia is in its national interests. According to the National Bureau of Asian Research, India imports almost 85 per cent of the oil it requires to satisfy the appetite of an expanding economy, including a substantial refining and re-export business. Before 2022 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Indias most significant oil supplier was Iraq (24 per cent), Saudi Arabia (16 per cent), the United States (10 per cent) and Russia (two per cent). However, the war and the subsequent sanctions on Russia changed the dynamics. In fact, Washington encouraged India to purchase crude from Russia in order to strengthen the stability of the global energy market. This was because Western-led sanctions on Russia disrupted traditional supply chains. Moreover, India purchasing Russian oil has also helped in keeping prices down for consumers worldwide. Sources have even said that global crude prices could jump as high as $200 (Rs 17,560) per barrel if India were to stop buying Russian oil. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even S Jaishankar alluded to this in his remarks last Saturday. He said that Indias procurement of Russian crude oil is driven by national interests. Thats our right. In my business, we would say thats what strategic autonomy is about, he said. He further added, We are buying (Russian) oil to stabilise the oil market. Yes, it is in our national interest. We have never pretended otherwise, but we also say it is in global interest. But Russian oil isnt the only reason behind Trumps 50 per cent tariffs on India. Indias refusal to grant America access to Indian markets for its agricultural, dairy, and genetically modified (GM) products has been a bone of contention during its trade deal talks. Washington has been pressing India to open its markets to a wide range of American products, including dairy, poultry, corn, soybeans, rice, wheat, ethanol, fruits and nuts. While New Delhi has expressed willingness on items such as dry fruits and apples, it is holding back on corn, soybeans, wheat, and dairy products. Thats because GM crops are widely perceived in India as harmful to human health and the environment, and several groups affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have expressed opposition to their introduction. Theres also the issue of dairy products. India is sceptical of opening its dairy market to the US, as they are concerned that cattle in the US are often fed animal byproducts a practice that conflicts with Indian food habits. What next for India-US As of now, uncertainty is the way forward when it comes to India-US ties. Indian exporter groups estimate that Trumps tariffs could affect nearly 55 per cent of Indias $87 billion in merchandise exports to the US, while benefiting competitors such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and China. With inputs from agencies Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act is a proposed law in the US, recently passed by the House, that seeks to make even a single drink-and-drive offence, no matter how long ago, a reason to deport or refuse entry to Green Card and visa holders. US-based immigration lawyer Joseph Tsang has warned that the most concerning part of the bill is that there will be no hearing, no warning The bill would allow deportation or refusal of entry for non-citizens with even one DUI, no matter when it took place. Pixabay/Representational Image A new bill in the United States could allow a single drink and drive offence, even if it happened years ago, to be used as a reason to deport or deny entry to Green Card and visa holders. The bill, introduced by conservative Representative Barry Moore, was passed in the House of Representatives with 246 votes in favour and 160 against. It is called the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act. ALSO READ | Have 1.6 million illegal immigrants really left the US under Trump 2.0? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For the bill to become law, it must now be considered by the Senate and then signed by President Donald Trump. If approved, the law would make Driving Under Influence (DUI) a valid reason for deportation or refusal of entry for non-citizens in the US. But what does this bill mean? And how will it impact immigrants? Lets find out: The proposed bill, explained The legislation, supported by the White House, would allow deportation or refusal of entry for non-citizens with even one DUI, no matter when it took place. This has caused concern among immigrant groups and could also affect Indian Green Card and visa holders. The bill seeks to make two key changes. First, it would widen the definition of inadmissibility under US law to include any non-citizen convicted of, admits having committed, or admits committing acts constituting the essential elements of driving while intoxicated or impaired. Second, it would broaden the scope of deportation to cover any non-citizen convicted of an offence linked to driving while intoxicated or impaired, regardless of how it is defined locally, Newsweek reported. Supporters say the bill is aimed at public safety, and it has received backing from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This has caused concern among immigrant groups and could also affect Indian Green Card and visa holders. News18/Representational Image Meanwhile, critics, including immigration lawyers and rights groups, argue that its wording could apply to old cases and past admissions that until now had not been grounds for deportation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This comes at a time when Donald Trump has stepped up efforts to remove illegal immigrants from the country. Several cases involving immigrants with no history of violence or criminal record have raised legal concerns and sparked debate on whether non-citizens who have otherwise followed US laws should be forced to leave. Should immigrants be worried? The bill won strong support from Republican lawmakers against the Democrats when it was passed in Congress in June. If it becomes law, Driving Under Influence (DUI) would be a reason for deportation or inadmissibility for non-citizens in the US. Immigration experts have warned that the bills wide reach, which even covers cases without convictions if someone admits to drink-driving, could sidestep due process and heavily impact legal residents. ALSO READ | How Indian drivers accident led to US decision to pause visas for foreign truckers Bob Onder, Member of the Judiciary GOP and Transport GOP, backed the measure on X, writing, Being present in the United States is a privilege, not a right. Illegal aliens caught driving while intoxicated ought to be deported right after theyve been booked. The bill has created worry among immigrant communities, including Indian Green Card and visa holders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indian students make up the largest share of international students in the US, and people of Indian origin are the biggest group receiving Green Cards each year, India Today reported. This comes at a time when Donald Trump has stepped up efforts to remove illegal immigrants from the country. Reuters/File Photo US-based immigration lawyer Joseph Tsang wrote on LinkedIn, If it becomes law, anyone who is not a US citizen (including Green Card holders, international students, and H-1B/TN workers) could become inadmissible and deportable for having a DUI on record. A DUI could get Green Card holders deported. Even from 10 years ago, Tsang added. He also said that the most concerning part of the bill is that there will be no hearing, no warning, no path forward. US law firm Landerholm Immigration also flagged a serious issue on its website. One of the most alarming parts of this bill is that you dont even need a conviction to be targeted. If youve ever admitted to drinking and driving, that alone could make you inadmissible to the US. Even if the charges were dropped. Even if you took a plea. Even if it happened many years ago. This is an extremely broad, and harsh, standard, it said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The bill is now with the Senate for consideration. It must pass further stages in the Senate and then receive the presidents approval before becoming law. At present, there is no set timeline for its passage. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musks AI company, xAI, has filed a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI, accusing them of working together to stifle competition in artificial intelligence. The complaint claims that their agreement has locked up markets, challenging one of Apples most significant AI ventures and a landmark deal for OpenAI Musk has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI. Reuters/File Photo Tech billionaire Elon Musks artificial intelligence firm, xAI, has sued Apple and OpenAI. The lawsuit claims that Apple and OpenAI have locked up markets to maintain their monopolies and prevent innovators like X and xAI from competing. Musks firm said it is seeking billions of dollars in damages. ALSO READ | Why Elon Musk has been awarded Tesla shares worth $29 billion The billionaire entrepreneur had been threatening legal action against Apple for the past few weeks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But why has Musks firm sued Apple and OpenAI? Have the companies responded yet? Lets find out: Why Elon Musks xAI has sued Apple, OpenAI Musk has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI, alleging that the iPhone maker and the ChatGPT maker are working together to block competition in artificial intelligence. The 61-page lawsuit comes after Musks warning two weeks ago, in which he accused Apple of unfairly favouring OpenAI and ChatGPT in the App Store rankings for top AI apps. As part of its partnership with OpenAI, Apple has integrated ChatGPT into iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. At the time, Musk suggested that Apple had manipulated the system against ChatGPT competitors such as Grok, his firm xAIs chatbot. xAI, which began less than two years ago, now competes with OpenAI. Reuters/File Photo Now, the SpaceX owner has listed a series of grievances in the lawsuit, seeking monetary damages and a court order to restrict the alleged illegal practices. If not for its exclusive deal with OpenAI, Apple would have no reason to refrain from more prominently featuring the X app and the Grok app in its App Store, the lawsuit said, according to Reuters. By arguing that the Apple-OpenAI agreement has locked up markets, Musk is challenging one of Apples biggest moves into AI and a landmark deal for OpenAI. Defendants entered an unlawful agreement and conspiracy to leverage Apples monopoly power in the US smartphone market to maintain OpenAIs monopoly power in generative AI chatbots, the lawsuit claims. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It also seeks to recover billions in damages. How did the two companies react? OpenAI has denied Musks allegations and described the lawsuit as part of his broader attacks on the company. In a statement, a company spokesperson said, This latest filing is consistent with Mr Musks ongoing pattern of harassment. Musk is also separately suing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, to stop the companys shift from a non-profit to a for-profit business. Notably, Musk co-founded OpenAI with Altman in 2015 as a non-profit, but later fell out with him and launched his own rival AI firm. Meanwhile, Apple has not yet responded to the lawsuit. In a social media post on Monday, Musk said, A million reviews with 4.9 average for @Grok and still Apple refuses to mention Grok on any lists. A million reviews with 4.9 average for @Grok and still Apple refuses to mention Grok on any lists https://t.co/9GovpyMiZH Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 25, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Apple, OpenAI and xAI The lawsuit centres on Apples decision to use ChatGPT as an AI-driven answer engine on the iPhone when its in-built system could not meet user demands. The tie-up announced last year marked Apples late move into the AI race, which it had planned to run mainly on its own technology. Yet, the company has not managed to deliver fully on those plans. Apples limitations in AI appear to be pushing more iPhone users towards ChatGPT. This gives OpenAI access to valuable data that rivals like Grok cannot reach, as the deal remains exclusive. ChatGPT quickly rose in popularity after its release in late 2022, becoming the fastest-growing consumer app ever. In March, Musks xAI purchased X for $33 billion to strengthen its chatbot training. He has also added the Grok chatbot to Tesla cars. Musk is also separately suing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman. Reuters/File Photo xAI, which began less than two years ago, now competes with OpenAI, backed by Microsoft and with the Chinese firm DeepSeek. Whats next? Antitrust experts who are not part of the case told Reuters that Apples strong position in the smartphone market could support xAIs claim that the company is unlawfully linking iPhone sales with OpenAIs ChatGPT. However, they said Apple may argue that its deal with OpenAI was simply a business choice in a competitive market, and that it is under no duty to help competitors expand. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Apple could also say that security or practical reasons make it necessary to build AI directly into its operating system, Herbert Hovenkamp, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, told the news agency. The case could give United States courts their first chance to decide whether AI is a distinct market and what it covers, a key point in antitrust cases. With inputs from agencies In an interview with Firstpost, Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka shares his views on Trump-era tariffs, global trade tensions, and why resilience not retaliation is the smarter path forward Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Tuesday took a measured stance on US trade policy under President Donald Trump, advising that the best approach is to bide your time and roll with the punches in the face of unpredictability. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma, PM Rabuka was asked whether President Trumps use of tariffs and trade as pressure tactics is effective or contributing to global instability, to which he responded, At present, its not working entirely in his favour, but the world can weather it. If we calmly manage the immediate impacts and prepare alternatives, we can endure the storm. Political change in the United States may bring opportunities to repair relations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On questions about the impact of sudden tariff impositions on Fijian exports, he emphasised the need for resilience and adaptability. It is not fair to judge FijiUS relations solely on the decisions of one president. Though the tariffs were initially high and a burden, they have since been lowered, and our overall exports to America are not extensive. We are too small to have a trade war; we simply attempt to negotiate and diversify our export destinations. This approach yielded special considerations and a cordial relationship continues, said Rabuka. Asked whether his personal rapport with President Trump played a role in defusing tensions, Rabuka dismissed the notion, attributing the outcome to a collective, national response. We decided not to fight but to weather the punches, as a boxer does, he said, adding, We survived the hit and continued our association. When asked if his message for the global community is to bide its time, Rabuka affirmed it, pointing to Fijis own history of isolation. We were in a period in the wilderness, isolated from traditional partners for a decade. We selfexamined and returned to rulesbased governance. Our friends eventually welcomed us back, said the Prime Minister. Rabuka is currently on a three-day official visit to India, his first since taking office. After arriving in Delhi on Sunday, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and engaged in high-level talks where both leaders committed to strengthening defence cooperation across key areas including peacekeeping, cybersecurity, and maritime surveillance. Accompanied by a senior delegation featuring Health Minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu and other top officials, Rabukas visit signals a renewed emphasis on the deep and enduring ties between India and Fiji. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A statement from Indias government on Thursday underscored the visits significance, noting that 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. With inputs from agencies The Indian Air Force bids farewell to its legendary MiG-21 fighter jets after 62 years of service, marking the end of an era in Indias military aviation history The Indian Air Forces iconic MiG-21 fighter jets, which formed the backbone of its combat fleet for more than six decades, made their last operational flights at Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner. The milestone came a month ahead of the formal retirement ceremony scheduled in Chandigarh on September 26, bringing the curtains down on a remarkable chapter in Indian military aviation. VIDEO | Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh takes a sortie in MiG-21 aircraft in Bikaner. The IAF is all set to bid adieu MiG-21 aircraft from operation roles on September 26.#IndianAirForce #mig21 pic.twitter.com/7t9NqCszk7 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 25, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Air chief leads the farewell In a symbolic gesture, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew solo sorties on August 18 and 19, marking his personal farewell to the Russian-origin aircraft that trained and tested generations of Indian pilots. For the IAF chief, the flight was not merely ceremonial but also a return to his early days as a fighter pilot, when he first flew the MiG-21 in the mid-1980s. Workhorse of the skies Introduced in the 1960s, the MiG-21 quickly became the most recognisable face of the IAF. Agile, highly manoeuvrable and deceptively simple in design, the jet demanded skill but rewarded pilots with unmatched speed and performance. Capable of climbing at more than 250 metres per second, it was designed as a supersonic interceptor and proved its worth repeatedly in combat. At a global level, the aircraft remains one of the most mass-produced supersonic fighters in history, with over 11,000 units serving in more than 60 air forces. Combat legacy across decades The MiG-21s combat record with India is etched in military history. It first entered battle during the 1965 war and rose to prominence in the 1971 conflict, when it played a decisive role in the bombing of Dhaka that precipitated Pakistans surrender. It continued to make its presence felt in later operations, including the Kargil conflict of 1999, when a MiG-21 downed a Pakistani Atlantic aircraft, and in 2019, when it scored a rare kill by shooting down an F-16 during an aerial skirmish. Evolution and modernisation Across its 62 years of service, the MiG-21 underwent several upgrades, the latest being the Bison variant fitted with modern avionics, radar and beyond-visual-range missiles. Despite these enhancements, the aircraft has gradually become harder to maintain, with its ageing design unable to keep pace with modern demands. Currently, two squadrons remain in operation, both set to retire next month. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Passing the baton The IAF is now looking ahead to newer platforms such as the Tejas, Rafale and Su-30 to take on the roles once dominated by the MiG-21. The Tejas, designed as its successor, reflects continuity in design philosophy while promising to evolve with future technology and weaponry. With 83 units already contracted, the indigenous fighter is poised to step into the shoes of its legendary predecessor. Closing a chapter The final farewell ceremony in Chandigarh, where the MiG-21 was first inducted in 1963, will formally close the service record of Indias most enduring jet. For the Air Force, it is not just the retirement of an aircraft but the departure of a trusted workhorse that defined Indias aerial strength for more than half a century. India is working on its own version of an Iron Dome under Mission Sudarshan Chakra, CDS Chauhan said, days after PM Modi announced the project in his Independence Day address. He explained that the system would be designed to detect, track, and neutralise aerial threats using both electronic and cyber measures as well as weapons like missiles and lasers. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Tuesday outlined Indias plan to build its own version of an Iron Dome under Mission Sudarshan Chakra , days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the project in his Independence Day speech. He said the mission would focus on creating strong infrastructure and processes to detect, track, and neutralise enemy aerial threats through both soft kills like electronic or cyber measures, and hard kills such as missiles and lasers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The aim is to develop a system to protect Indias strategic, civilian, and nationally important sites. It will act both as a shield as well as a sword, Chauhan said at the Ran Samwad conclave in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. Calling it Indias own Iron Dome or Golden Dome, the CDS stressed that the project would require multi-domain intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), integrating sensors across land, air, sea, undersea, and space. He added that advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing would be crucial for real-time analysis and response. Gen Anil Chauhan was speaking at Ran Samwad 2025, a two-day tri-service dialogue on war, warfare, and warfighting, held at the Army War College in Mhow. The event, described as the first of its kind, includes thematic sessions led by serving officers sharing first-hand operational experiences and lessons from modern battlefields, along with the release of joint doctrines and a roadmap for future technological capabilities. For a vast country like India, a project of this magnitude will need a whole-of-nation approach. I am sure we will do it at an affordable cost, he said, noting that a colossal amount of data will need to be analysed for information and real-time response. As Donald Trump readies steep tariffs on Indian imports, PM Modi vows never to compromise on farmers interests even at a heavy price The US has notified implementation of new tariffs on Indian goods effective from Wednesday. The tariffs, going up to 50 per cent, were announced earlier by President Donald Trump. As the Trump administration prepares to collect new tariff rates on Indian imports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined Indias response to these levies, which have been widely interpreted as the current White Houses attempt to bully India to agree to a trade deal that the incumbent US president aims to thrust upon New Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his recent public speeches, PM Modi has sharpened his message India will not bend under foreign pressure and will protect the livelihoods of its farmers, small entrepreneurs, and workers. India will never surrender Speaking on August 7 at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi made it clear that New Delhi would not compromise when it comes to the countrys agrarian backbone. For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers, Modi declared. He underlined the personal stakes of such a stance, adding, I know personally, I will have to pay a heavy price for it, but I am ready for it. Today, India is ready for the countrys farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. His remarks were seen as a direct response to Washingtons move to impose an additional 25 per cent duty on Indian goods, raising the cumulative tariff to 50 per cent. By linking his governments position to the legacy of agricultural reformer MS Swaminathan, Modi sent a strong message Indias farmers would not be sacrificed in trade negotiations. Atmanirbhar Bharat and Daam Kam, Dum Zyaada In his 12th Independence Day speech on August 15, Modi expanded the scope of his economic message, tying the farmer-first policy to the broader goal of self-reliance. Addressing the nation from the Red Fort, he declared that Indias independence must now translate into economic sovereignty. It was a challenge to ensure food for everyone post-independence, but our farmers made us self-sufficient Modi stands like a wall, wont compromise on farmers, he said . Warning against overdependence on imports, he emphasised: Those who rely too much on others invite a big question mark over their freedom. The real misfortune begins when dependence becomes a habit, and without even realising it, we stop being self-reliant. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His call was backed by a manufacturing mantra: Daam kam, dum zyaada affordable cost, more powerful. The world values quality, and if we want to strengthen Indias image in the global market, we must focus on producing high-quality products, Modi argued. With Trumps tariffs looming, this was seen as a rallying cry to Indian industry to innovate and scale up rather than seek concessions abroad. Ahmedabad rally: Resisting economic pressure Ten days later, on August 25, Modi sharpened his rhetoric in Ahmedabad, where he inaugurated projects worth 5,400 crore. Without naming the United States directly, he framed the global trade environment as one of narrow self-interest. Aaj duniya me arthik swarth wali rajniti hai, sab koi apna karne me lage hain. Usse hum bhali bhanti dekh rahe hain [Today in this world, there is politics of economic self-interest, everyone looks out for themselves. We are witnessing this], he told the crowd. From Gujarats soil, Modi pledged to protect the most vulnerable sectors: The interests of small entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, farmers and livestock rearers are of utmost priority for Modi Dabav kitna hi kyun na aaye, hum jhelne ki apni takat badhate jayenge [No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand it]. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The statement came just two days before Trumps new tariffs were set to take effect, and it showed PM Modis determination to shield domestic producers from foreign shocks. He also linked the struggle to the larger vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, urging people to prefer Swadeshi and Make in India products as the road to a Viksit Bharat. US President Donald Trump and his penchant for imposing tariff Farmers, self-reliance and trade stalemate PM Modis three August speeches reflected a coherent strategy: defend the agricultural sector, promote self-reliance and resist foreign pressure. They also came against the backdrop of stalled trade talks between New Delhi and Washington. The US has demanded India open its dairy and agriculture sectors, but PM Modi has repeatedly insisted that doing so would devastate rural livelihoods. India stands firmly with its farmers, and I am ready to face whatever it takes for their welfare, he affirmed earlier this month. His words reflect why trade negotiations have dragged on despite repeated US pressure. While there is room for concessions, PM Modis messaging makes it clear that the core of Indias agrarian economy will remain off-limits. A clear message before tariffs take effect fully With Trumps 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods set to come into force on August 27, Modis speeches collectively convey Indias red lines. Whether invoking Swaminathans legacy, laying out the mantra of Daam kam, dum zyaada, or pledging resilience in Ahmedabad, the prime minister has consistently emphasised one theme India will not compromise on national interest, particularly its farmers. The prime minister, eyeing to send a clear message, put it like this: Modi stands like a wall. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In an interview with Firstpost, Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka lauds Prime Minister Modis leadership, calling him a great statesman and a key voice for the Global South Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Tuesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for positioning India as the voice of the Global South, calling him a great statesman whose priorities resonate deeply with the aspirations of developing nations, especially in the Pacific. In an interview with Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma, Rabuka said, He (Modi) is a great statesman. His priorities for India are the very same priorities that any aspiring leader, especially those of the Global South and the smaller nations of the Pacific, should champion. Like President Xi Jinping of China, he is determined to eradicate poverty, and I believe such practical lessons should be the focus for all Global South leaders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I thank Prime Minister Modi for the example he has set, and under his leadership, India is projecting itself as the voice of the Global South, he added. When asked whether Fiji and other small island nations feel marginalised among global power rivalries, Rabuka said we do not feel sidelined or silenced. The same issues discussed by other Global South leaders are our issues as well. Our problems are reflected and echoed on the world stage thanks to leaders like Prime Minister Modi. We have fair representation they are our champions, and we are theirs, he added. Reflecting on his visit to India, Rabuka described the deepening ties as the biggest takeaway of his trip. Relationships are paramount in leadership. For a small island nation like Fiji to receive such national honours in India is significant. I come as a representative of the Pacific island nations and will soon return there for the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum, where we will further promote the Pacific as a Zone of Peace a concept supported by Prime Minister Modi and other world leaders since I returned to office in December 2022, he said. Addressing defence ties, Rabuka underscored their importance to Fijis vision of the Pacific as a Zone of Peace. We wish to maintain stability and ask that larger powers do not draw Pacific nations into their conflicts through coercion. I hope the concept of peace will be embraced by Pacific Island leaders, maintaining collaboration and social cohesion among the peoples of the Pacific, who are one people despite different nationalities and are still very tribal, Rabuka said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When asked about Fijis call for Pacific nations to reject the expansion of outside militaries and support from the fellow leaders on the issue, Rabuka said, Were not calling on China or others not to expand, but wish for the Pacific to be self-reliant so we dont have to depend on external powers for our security. On Indias increasing military engagement in Fiji, Rabuka acknowledged the long history of naval interactions between the two nations and highlighted Indias growing global influence. India has a long-standing history of sending naval ships to Fiji, dating back to colonial times. It brings no displeasure from China or anyone else. India is influential globally, not just through hardware but through its voice as a global leader. They are not yet a permanent member of the UN Security Council, but their recognition is increasing, he added. On the prospect of greater military cooperation with India to uphold a rules-based order, the prime minister said forging lasting partnerships remains his preference. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We have a history of cooperation with India in wartime and peacekeeping, and there is no reason to abandon that in favour of anyone else, he said. Rabuka also discussed the historic ties between the two countries, recalling the arrival of Indian indentured laborers in 1879. The relationship began in 1879, when indentured labourers were brought to Fiji to help establish our sugar industry. This was a collective effort between the British government, Indian leadership and Fiji during imperial times. Many arrivals did not know where they were bound, but today we celebrate their sacrifices and contributions, said the Fijian Prime Minister. This has helped our economic strength and social fabric in the Pacific; Fiji is highly multi-ethnic and multi-racial, which has made us stronger as a nation. The Fijian diaspora of Indian origin might now be close to 50%, with many having taken citizenship elsewhere, though many return to Fiji, he added. Rabuka is currently on a three-day official visit to India, his first since taking office. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After arriving in Delhi on Sunday, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and engaged in high-level talks where both leaders committed to strengthening defence cooperation across key areas including peacekeeping, cybersecurity, and maritime surveillance. Accompanied by a senior delegation featuring Health Minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu and other top officials, Rabukas visit signals a renewed emphasis on the deep and enduring ties between India and Fiji. A statement from Indias government on Thursday underscored the visits significance, noting that 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. With inputs from agencies India can burnish its reputation as an investment-friendly destination by pushing for FDIs in more sectors like insurance and tobacco India has growth imperatives, and those cannot be hostage to an international order that shows little signs of mending. Representational image: AP Some of the easiest actions for the Indian government to undertake to outscore the Trump mischief are in the field of foreign direct investment (FDI). Investment easily runs into a sector which is consumer-facing; notice the alacrity with which money poured into multi-brand retail, which is a lesson Indian policymakers may need to internalise. Two such sectors immediately attract interest in the current context; these are insurance and tobacco. It was widely expected that the finance ministry would bring the Insurance Act for amendment in the just-concluded monsoon session of Parliament. The current limit for FDI for insurance underwriting is 74 per cent. The sector is highly capital intensive, and foreign insurers holding joint ventures with Indian partners have long complained that they are unable to plough additional money because of this constraint. They wish for 100 per cent holding to be able to expand their insurance business as the Indian market badly needs. Indias insurance penetration at less than 4 per cent of the GDP is not only much less than its peer group countries, but consumers in the lower income group find the companies are not willing to expand risk coverage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Unlike many other sectors, since the limit for FDI in this sector is written into the law. So every time the limit has to be changed, parliamentary approval must be obtained. The government, despite making noises earlier about relaxing the limit, has not gone ahead. The other sector where investment can easily come in is tobacco processing. The need is for FDI to come in not just for technology transfer, which is the policy at present, but also for plain-vanilla expansion of existing units or for greenfield ventures as 100 per cent export-oriented units. The move will immediately raise the offtake from domestic farmers of flue-cured Virginia tobacco. In the absence of such an automatic price support, its no coincidence that last year when tobacco prices had crashed at the farm gate, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal had to dash to Hyderabad, armed with goodies for these farmers from Andhra Pradesh. It was also politically expedient because it was just after the general elections, and the BJP was keen to ensure that the chief minister of the state, N Chandrababu Naidu, did not have to face irate farmers. Tobacco farmers are among the TDPs substantial agricultural support base. Naidu is therefore quite sensitive to tobacco prices at state auctions. When these prices had again plummeted in 2003, he had severely reprimanded buyers from the industry. Goyal assured the farmers that the centre was ready to waive off the penalties on production of excess tobacco and offer financial assistance, including interest subvention, as well as help them with digital registration. This largesse will come to haunt the centre when a large number of sectors are now hurting from the punitive US tariffs. Each of them are clamouring for financial relief. The centre is reported to be already considering a fiscal relief of close to Rs 45,000 crore for them. Just like insurance at one time, which faced stiff opposition to the liberalisation of foreign investment not too long ago, tobacco cultivation and FDI in the sector also seem to be a hot potato for the government. It seems to escape the policymakers attention that the governments permission for FDI in new factories with new technologies like vaping will only be for exports. These could be allowed only in designated new or existing special economic zones. Since exports from here to the domestic tariff area are naturally contained by high taxes, plus physical restrictions, it is most surprising why such a long-hanging fruit is allowed to perish. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India is a signatory to the various World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols with the concomitant adherence to the domestic COTPA Act of 2003. Those lay down a large number of measures to contain the spread of tobacco farming and its processing. Those have neither curbed the spread of bidi, the most toxic form of tobacco use, nor of smuggled cigarettes. Vaping has also caught on in a big way among the affluent class, again with already smuggled units. But while those are genuine concerns, the expansion of FDI in the sector puts none of those laudable objectives under strain domestically. Instead, India can burnish its reputation as an investment-friendly destination by pushing for FDIs in more sectors like insurance and tobacco. As the US administration, led by President Trump, goes about its merry game of putting severe economic questions on India, it is worth debating why India should run the gauntlet of multilateral restrictions on a range of sectors. India has growth imperatives, and those cannot be hostage to an international order that shows little signs of mending. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is Director, Centre for Regulatory Governance, OPJ University. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The fresh Trump tariffs, which have specifically targeted Brics countries, and India in particular, have once again made New Delhi suspicious of the US and its so-called pro-India geostrategic stance. There has been a flurry of visits by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to Moscow and China; also, top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi recently visited New Delhi. Meanwhile, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir has been invited to the US twice in a span of two months. Transactional Trump has something cooking with Pakistan. Is it the oil and gas in Balochistan? Russian media has aggressively been supporting India to stand up to American bullying and take a strong stand. Russia has also, more openly, offered Russian top-end military hardware, including Su-57 fifth-generation aircraft, to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Beijing for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where he is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin on the sidelines. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India will take time to forget the unprovoked Chinese military actions in Galwan in the summer of 2020. More recently, China very actively supported its strongest ally, Pakistan, with hardware, intelligence and command and control, and global narrative building during Indias Operation Sindoor. US-led Nato was most openly supporting Ukraine against Russia. Trump is now trying to mediate a peace between the two warring nations. This has left European leaders and Zelenskyy long-faced. An adversary of the US, China has been tacitly backing Russia. In its desire not to antagonise the US, India has chosen a neutral stand on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. It is obviously not working with Trump. China, and to some lesser extent, Russia, are not happy with India becoming active in Quad, a visibly anti-China grouping. Much to Indias chagrin, Russia continues to engage with Pakistan, which it considers geographically important to safeguard its interests in Central Asia but also to keep reminding India to not close up too much with the US. With India already the fourth largest economy and among the fastest growing, both Russia and China have an interest in continuing to engage with it. If Russia can woo India away from the West, then Russia, India and China (RIC) can become a very significant bloc. In 2025, the combined GDP, adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), of China (19.6 per cent), India (8.23 per cent), and Russia (3.48 per cent) amounts to 31.31 per cent of the world. The Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) nations economic influence exceeds that of the G7. In 2025, RIC accounted for 37 per cent of the global population. RIC is among the top 2025 global defence spenders after the US ($895 billion), with China ($266 billion), Russia ($126 billion), and India ($77 billion). In 2025, Nato member countries spent $1.506 trillion on defence, which was 55 per cent of global military expenditure. Nato is practically opposing only one country, Russia. Does it even have a raison detre to exist after the Warsaw Pact was wound down? But the recent conflict has underscored the Russian military might. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With this background, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed on May 30, 2025, Moscows strong interest in reviving the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral dialogue, citing improved India-China border ties. Russia accuses the West of trying to support friction between India and China. RIC Formation RIC is an informal trilateral strategic grouping, originally conceptualised by Russia in the late 1990s to counterbalance Western dominance. Over the years, it facilitated over 20 ministerial-level meetings, fostering cooperation in foreign policy, economics & security among the three nations. The RIC comprises the three largest Eurasian countries that occupy 20.6 per cent of the global landmass. All three are nuclear powers. Russia and China are permanent members of the UN Security Council. All three countries are also members of Brics, G20, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, etc. The group opposes unilateralism and supports the idea of a multipolar global governance model. It offers an alternative perspective on global issues, advocating for equity and reforms in global institutions. The group supports Eurasian integration through projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) & the Eurasian Economic Union. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For India, the RIC format presents both opportunities & challenges. As India prioritises strategic autonomy, it must balance opportunities in RIC, avoiding being locked into any single camp, whether Western or non-Western. The grouping faced a major setback and became dormant after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes between India & China. Some level of thaw did take place when PM Modi and President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan in October 2024. Indias growing ties with the West and its role in the Quad also complicate its simultaneous engagement with the RIC grouping. Russias growing closeness with China, especially in the wake of the Ukraine conflict, might raise concerns in India about the impartiality of the RIC platform. RIC Summit Osaka There have been 18 meetings of RIC (Russia-India-China) foreign ministers. The last RIC Summit was held at Osaka on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit, June 2019. It was just the third heads of state meeting of the group in 12 years. Frequency has been rather low. The last ministerial-level RIC meeting was held online in November 2021. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At Osaka, the three leaders essentially spoke on the geopolitical situation, peace and stability and economic challenges. They emphasised the need to strengthen the international system led by the United Nations. The need to promote a multipolar world, a world in which there are many centres of influence and stability and also democracy in international relations. They felt the World Trade Organisation (WTO) needs reform. All three felt that globalisation and a free and open trading system must continue and opposed protectionism. The agenda of the developing countries and of the least developed countries must be imbibed in WTO reforms. Terrorism as a global scourge was discussed. To promote trilateral cooperation, more specific areas needed to be developed. Russia-China Relations Russia and China are two neighbouring large countries with global influence. Both once spearheaded global communism. They did have serious differences and a border clash in the 1960s-70s, but since 1991, when the Soviet Union imploded, they have maintained close relations. Russia primarily exports crude oil, coal, and gas to China, while China exports manufactured goods like cars, broadcasting equipment, and military hardware to Russia. China and Russias trade reached a record high in 2024, totalling $244.8 billion, despite Western sanctions on Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This reflects strong economic ties between the two nations. The close economic ties between China and Russia are seen as part of a broader strategy to challenge Western influence. In the long term, when China becomes the leading global power, how will the China-Russia relations pan out? Only time will tell. If the West were to woo Russia and wean it away from China, the situation could change. Russia-India Relations India and Russia share a long-standing, multifaceted relationship characterised by strong political, economic, and cultural ties. The two share a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, characterised by strong cooperation in various fields. Both nations cooperate in defence, nuclear energy, and space. Both endorse the importance of a multipolar world order. India is a major customer of Russian military equipment. They collaborate on projects like the production of T-90 tanks, Su-30 MKI aircraft, BrahMos missiles, and AK-203 rifles, among many other things. Bilateral trade has grown significantly, exceeding $65 billion in 2023-24. Indian companies invest in Russias oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and IT sectors, while Russian companies invest in Indias energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. Russia has been a key partner in Indias nuclear energy programme, with the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project being a major example. The two are exploring new areas of cooperation, including deep sea exploration, space technology, and the development of the Russian Far East. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While bilateral trade has grown, Indias imports from Russia significantly exceed its exports, creating a trade imbalance. Efforts are underway to address this. India has maintained a balanced approach to the Ukraine conflict, maintaining good relations with both Russia and the West (keeping the Trumpian storm aside). This has allowed India to benefit from increased access to Russian resources, including oil. India-China Relations India and China share a complex relationship marked by periods of cooperation and tension, particularly regarding the unresolved border dispute. While they are both major regional powers and have significant economic ties, their relationship is also characterised by strategic rivalry and mistrust. China wants a bipolar world and a unipolar Asia with its dominating influence. Russia and India want a multipolar world. India was the first non-communist nation to recognise the Peoples Republic of China in 1950. The two countries signed the Panchsheel Agreement in 1954, emphasising peaceful coexistence. But a major conflict erupted in 1962 over disputed border territories, particularly in Tibet, leading to China occupying part of Indian territory in Ladakh and elsewhere. In the 1980s, efforts were made to normalise relations through diplomatic engagement, with Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visiting China in 1988. In 2014, the two sides redefined their bilateral engagement as a Closer Developmental Partnership. The Line of Actual Control (LAC), the border between the two countries, is not officially demarcated, leading to disagreements and occasional clashes. Recent incidents include the Doklam standoff in 2017 and the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. China is Indias largest trading partner, but India has a significant trade deficit. India and China see each other as strategic rivals, with competition for influence in South Asia and beyond. The two sides continue to engage. Negotiations on the border issue continue, and there have been efforts to maintain peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control. The future of the relationship will depend on how they manage these competing dynamics. India-China relations remain the weak link of the RIC triangle. Leaders, Chemistry and Country Importance Between 2014 and 2020 there was great personal chemistry between Russian President Putin, Indian PM Modi, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. That could have worked wonders. Modi and Xi had 18 bilateral one-on-one meetings in 2014-19. Then all of a sudden there was a lull due to Covid and Galwan. The two met at Kazan in October 2024 for the first bilateral meeting in five years. Xi Jinping has made three visits to India, four visits each to South Africa and Vietnam, five visits to France, Kazakhstan, and the United States, and eleven visits to Russia. Over a much longer period of Putin being in power, he has made 9 visits to India but 20 to China. All this indicates the importance each country gives to the other. India-US Relations Dynamics India and the United States have a complex and evolving relationship characterised by both cooperation and areas of disagreement. The relationship is rooted in shared values, including democracy and the rule of law. With the dawn of the new century, cooperation between the two increased. This was also driven by the US interest in the Indo-Pacific to counter rising China. India became a significant defence partner of the US and acquired many military platforms. Key enabling defence agreements, including Gsomia, Lemoa, Comcasa, and Beca were signed. The bilateral economic relationship is growing, with increased trade and investment, but also tensions. Indian analysts and the public view the US with a level trust deficit. The two differ on regional dynamics. The US continues to closely engage Pakistan. Even the approach to China differs. The US considers India the weak link in the Quad in terms of commitment. Indias move to Tier-1 of the US Department of Commerces Strategic Trade Authorisation licence exception was meant to facilitate defence trade and also technology transfer. But the latter has still to actually happen. While the overall trade is strong, there are trade imbalances in Indias favour. The new Trump administration has withdrawn Indias Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) and imposed tariffs on Indian goods, causing serious frictions. The US-RIC Dynamics The US is not very amused by Russia, India and China coming together in RIC and Brics. Washington is concerned about losing pre-eminence in the global order. Americans are worried about de-dollarisation. The US has been trying to use the Western financial muscle for sanctions against Russia, Iran, North Korea and some others through its Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (Caatsa). But this has been of not much avail. In fact, Russia managed to sell much more oil and gas after the sanctions were imposed. The other two RIC members, China and India, were hit by trade tariffs. Upon the second inauguration of Donald Trump in January 2025, the average effective US tariff rate was 2.5 percent. Today India faces 50 per cent tariffs, including 25 per cent for buying Russian oil. The highest level in over a century. China, the worlds second-largest economy and second-biggest trading partner for the US, has had tariffs up to 34 per cent. In 2024, the US recorded its largest trade deficit with China, importing nearly $440 billion worth of goods from the country, accounting for nearly 17 per cent of total goods imports into the US. RIC Challenges and Opportunities While India remains an important member of QUAD in the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, the recent tariffs may cast a negative shadow on the broader US-India strategic ties. It is no coincidence that strengthened bonhomie among the three RIC leaders has come amid these difficult times. Speaking at a security conference in Perm on May 29, Sergey Lavrov declared that the time has come to bring back the RIC mechanism, citing signs of de-escalation in India-China border tensions. While trying to push multilateralism, each country has to defend their national interests. Undoubtedly Russia has a strong and genuine interest in strengthening RIC. But will strengthening RIC help New Delhi manage American tariffs? Indias balance of payments with both RIC partners is very unfavourable. While China and Pakistan were running an anti-India nexus, Russia was forced to turn a blind eye while ostensibly assuring support. Will Russia be an impartial balancing partner between India and China in RIC, considering Chinas larger influence? Does Russia have the political heft and muscle to get India and China to resolve boundary issues? Will China stop propping up Pakistan to pin down India? Can Russia ask China not to support Pakistan to the extent it does? Can China give a strong assurance to India on maintaining peace and tranquillity on the LAC? Unlikely. Where will the give-and-take be? If RIC becomes an anti-US group, it will not be good for China either, as its economy hugely depends on trade with the West. Can the scope of RIC be expanded, with foreign policy, economic, trade and financial agencies of the three countries working more closely? Greater give and take on minerals, on rare earths, microchips, and other technologies? With Russia and China being powerful autocracies, will democratic India get subsumed in the grouping? Are RIC members ready for substantial military exercises between them without significant distrust? The answer is no. India wants Russia to join the India-led Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) to signal that its not just a US-centric plan. Indias focus on economic links with the Russian Far East and activation of a Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor may help persuade Russia that its interests in the Pacific are compatible with our interest in diluting Chinese dominance in the Indo-Pacific. This also goes with President Putins concept of a Greater Eurasia. The ongoing India-Iran-Russia project for a sea/road/rail link from western India through Iran to Afghanistan and Central Asia is an important initiative for achieving an effective Indian presence in Central Asia, alongside Russia and China. China and Russia have had conflicting territorial claims in the far-east. Russias declining demographics and much more powerful China could take advantage one day. Some analysts believe that by imposing harsh tariffs, the US is pushing New Delhi into Beijings lap. Would RIC incline towards becoming an anti-American alliance? As India prioritises strategic autonomy, it would prefer balancing opportunities in RIC, avoiding being locked into any single camp. Meanwhile, has Washington really come in support of New Delhi? Indias China dynamics remain a question without answers. Until recently, China and India accounted for nearly 70 per cent of Russias arms exports, and often both India and China bought the same systems (S-400, Su-30). But now China is becoming independent on that count. More and more Chinese-made copies of Russian equipment are finding their way to Pakistan. RIC countries, with important influence at international and regional levels and emerging market economies, need to further strengthen practical coordination on global and regional issues in the spirit of openness, solidarity, mutual understanding and trust. Notwithstanding the bilateral asymmetries, India and China have no choice but to engage bilaterally and multilaterally on a range of issues, even while firmly protecting their own interests. Being Indias leading trade partner, China has a significant role indeed in driving the Indian economy and creating high-quality manufacturing jobs. Chinese analysts have taken note of a recent shift in the Indian policy to attract more Chinese investment. The Chinese economy is heavily dependent on the American market. Some understanding on trade between the US and China will emerge, sooner rather than later. This will also have dynamics for RIC. With American global standing dipping a little, there could be some shift in the years ahead. Meanwhile, Russia is also uncomfortable with the growing Chinese influence in its backyard in Central Asia. Russias call to revive the RIC format reflects its strategic intent to bolster regional cooperation and counterbalance Western influence. It is in Russias interests to be a facilitator in the India-China relationship. Strengthened RIC will give India greater leverage to resist Western pressures and also to maintain strategic autonomy. Partnering with the two most populous and among the biggest economies gives Russia strength. The success of this trilateral initiative will depend on the political will of all three nations to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and prioritise mutual interests to become the symbol of the multipolar world and its core. The US will continue to exploit contradictions in the RIC. For Russia-India-China trilateral to succeed, India remains a key player, and its sensitivities about Chinese actions have to be assuaged. China has to pull back on its support to Pakistan and stop using it as leverage against India. It is time to reinvigorate and give RIC a fresh chance. Participating in RIC helps India showcase its strategic autonomy and send a message to Washington, which has repeatedly expressed its displeasure over Indias close ties with Russia. The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Gors appointment underscores his role as a political loyalist rather than a seasoned envoy with the acumen to shape Bharat-US ties through diplomatic interventions The biggest concern with Gors appointment as the US Ambassador to India lies in the bigger mandate Trump has assigned him: Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. Image: X The appointment of Sergio Gor, a close confidante of US President Donald Trump, as the new American ambassador to Bharat marks the beginning of what could become one of the most consequential phases in Indo-American relations in decades. Trumps announcement on Truth Social was blunt and characteristically Trumpian. Calling Gor a great friend, who has been at my side for many years, Trump left little doubt that Gors mission in Bharat is to deliver what the President wants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This framing of Trumps statement departs sharply from traditional diplomatic practice, where ambassadors are typically introduced as bridge-builders between the two countries, strengthening partnerships and fostering cooperation. Gors selection signals a one-way delivery of objectives: To deliver on my Agenda and help us, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, as Trump wrote on Truth Social. Gors appointment underscores his role as a political loyalist rather than a seasoned envoy with the acumen to shape Bharat-US ties through diplomatic interventions. In the past, US envoys like John Kenneth Galbraithappointed under President John F Kennedyplayed a decisive role in shaping bilateral relations, often advocating Bharats perspectives in Washington. Sadly, neither is Gor a Galbraith nor Trump a Kennedy. Gor certainly has Trumps ear. His access to the White House is undeniable. But he also knows that he exists because of Trump, who is prone to listening to what he wants to hear. One suspects Gor could become his masters voice in Delhi, carrying a ready script from Washingtonor worse, he might be tempted to bolster Trumpian idiosyncrasies. The biggest concern with Gors appointment lies in the bigger mandate Trump has assigned him: Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. The structuring of Trumps announcement makes this sound like a more important role than that of Ambassador to Bharat. This should worry Delhi. The Obama administration in 2009 attempted something similar when it wanted to appoint Richard Holbrooke as special representative for Bharat, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Delhi protested strongly, with then Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon warning US officials that the move to club Bharat with Pakistan could negatively affect the gains in our bilateral relationship made over the past eight years. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Delhi feared Trumps move would equate Delhi with Pakistan, something it has always detested. More importantly, there were concerns it could be used to meddle in the Kashmir issue. Given Trumps growing affinity with Pakistani generals and his obsession with the Nobel Peace Prize, these apprehensions are far from unfounded. Trumps mercurial and often offensive conductsold to his constituency as a transactional approachhas already undone more than two decades of painstaking American diplomacy that could successfully transform Bharat from a hesitant partner into a strategic ally. All this while, a rare bipartisan consensus prevailed in Washington: Bharat was central to Americas Indo-Pacific strategy and a vital counterweight to Chinas rise. This policy has now been upended. Trump, citing Russian oil, slapped a 50 per cent tariff on Bharatthe highest in the world alongside Brazileven though China buys more Russian oil and the European Union remains the top consumer of Russian gas. Trumps strategy appears aimed at making an example out of Bharat, expecting Delhi to rush to the White House seeking concessions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Instead, Delhi barely reacted. Far from the Prime Minister making a personal calla new Trumpian norm in diplomatic parlanceBharat chose an External Affairs Ministry official to issue a matter-of-fact response. The more Trump became angry, if not abusive, the more restrained and determined became Bharats response. NSA Ajit Doval and EAM S Jaishankar visited Russia, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now scheduled to visit China after six years. The Americans have for long struggled to understand the Bharatiya mindset. Trump is no exception. While he may treat European leaders as vessel-like subordinates, lining up at the White House to please Emperor Donald, Bharats public opinion will not tolerate a prime minister being treated that way. This stems from Bharats civilisational consciousness: They believe they have survived Arabs, Mughals, and the Britishand will survive the Americans too. This too shall pass! This doesnt mean that Bharat is averse to pragmatism or negotiated settlements. Even on tariffs, the delegation from Bharat was among the first to arrive in Washington, leading to a deal that initially satisfied American negotiators. But Trump, with his headline-driven approach, soon demanded more concessions. The rest, as they say, is history. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dealing with the Dragon Any turbulence in Bharat-US relations presents a strategic opportunity for China. Despite unresolved border disputes with Bharat, Beijing has pushed for trade and development relations. Chinas objective has been to prevent Bharat from emerging as a credible counterbalance. Today, as Trump is alienating Bharat with his short-sighted, transactional policies, Beijing is on an overdrive to exploit the rift with symbolic gestures of goodwill, all while safeguarding its own geostrategic dominance. Wang Yis recent visits to Bharat, Pakistan, and Afghanistan highlight this strategy perfectlythe more China changes, the more it remains the same. Some strategists, alarmed by Trumps unpredictability, push for a potential Bharat-China-Russia axis as an eastern counterweight to US influence. However, this vision is fraught with contradictions. While Moscow remains a trusted partner, Beijing continues to look at Bharat as a competitor. The time is thus ripe for Bharat to pursue innovative diplomacy, engaging constructively with both the US and China without compromising its national interests. Simultaneously, Bharat should focus on strengthening its economic and military capabilities and diversifying alliances to avoid overdependence on any single power. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Delhi may find itself squeezed at the moment, but it remains the swing state every major global power seeks to court. Eventually, Washington will realise its strategic value when the diminishing returns of Trumps tariff warfare become clear. Until then, it must remain patient and steadfast. The bad news is that Delhi must be prepared to deal with the possibility of more Trumpian assaults, through the agency of Sergio Gor. The good news is that if Bharat remains organised and confident, it can turn this challenge into an opportunity. The path to global influence has never been without slippery slopes. Bharat would only emerge stronger out of this Trumpian experience. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Chinese top diplomat Wang Yis words clearly indicate that China is not willing to treat India as an equal and accord it the respect it deserves Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yis recent trip to India, Afghanistan and Pakistan needs to be closely analysed by the Indian strategic community. This is because it gives, inter alia, insights into Chinas general approaches to South Asia, its, as yet, unsuccessful attempt to improve ties between Kabul and Islamabad and its continuing iron brother bond with Pakistan. Besides, Wang Yis comment on the position of the Pakistan army in that countrys national life is most striking, for it is corrosive of its political and constitutional process even though it may be accurate. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Significantly, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing to go to China to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Wang Yi did not show any sensitivity to Indias vision of, or, by far, its primary position in South Asia. In a media briefing in Islamabad, a Chinese journalist mentioned that Pakistan was the final stop of his three-country tour. In response, Wang Yi said that it was indeed the final stop and most important stop of his three-country tour. Notably, the Chinese Foreign Ministry did not put these words of Wang Yi on its website. The Foreign Ministrys account covers the rest of his answer to the journalist. That began with these words: South Asian countries have a long history, splendid civilisation, large population, and huge development potential. From here Wang Yi went on to sermonise the three countries. He noted, India, Afghanistan and Pakistan have different national conditions; they all recognise that development is the top priority and the broadest consensus among them, as well as among all countries in the region. A peaceful, stable and prosperous South Asia serves the common interests of all parties and meets the aspirations of the people of all countries. Indias foreign and strategic policy planners cannot have any illusions that China is willing to accept what External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar clearly told Wang Yi when he was in Delhi: a multipolar world means a multipolar Asia. Jaishankars words imply that India is not willing to give primacy of place to or allow China to intrude in the affairs of South Asia at Indias cost. However, it has already begun to do the latter in a concerted manner by beginning a process of trilateral meetings which involve China and Pakistan and third countries. It has established a China-Pakistan-Afghanistan trilateral at the foreign minister level, plus an initial meeting at the official level has occurred between China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. More than this, China has the aim of creating an organisation of South Asian countries which would include it. No doubt it wishes to lead such an organisation. As Wang Yi said in Pakistan, China and South Asian countries are natural partners, with broad space for cooperation. 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, become as strong as steel, and gained stronger internal impetus. The relationships between China and Pakistan, China and India, as well as China and other neighbouring countries, are not directed against any third party and are not subject to any third-party influence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even as India faces grave difficulties in its ties with the US at present, it has to be very wary as it proceeds with resetting its ties with China. It has to realise that its issues with China are not confined to the border alone or the northern neighbours ties with Pakistan, even though it has to give surpassing attention to these two areas of its differences with China; they directly impact Indias security. That was vividly witnessed during Operation Sindoor. China is challenging the US and wants to replace it to become the worlds pre-eminent country. In its calculus India, however big it may be or whatever its potential may be, is just another Asian state to be managed. Wang Yis words clearly indicate that it is not willing to treat India as an equal and accord it the respect it deserves. India has the potential and has demonstrated its will not to allow China to achieve its aims of degrading its position in South Asia and the region. This is because China is also not getting all that it wants with some South Asian countries even though it has gone the extra mile with them. Some of them want India to be their hedge against China. Afghanistan, even under the Taliban, is an example. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Wang Yis visit to Kabul was to take part in the sixth round of the China-Pakistan-Afghanistan trilateral. No joint statement came out after the trilateral meeting on August 20, as it had after the formats last meeting in China. The sticking point obviously was Afghanistans refusal to rein in the Tehreek-e-Taliban-Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochi militants. Pakistan accuses Kabul of allowing them to operate from its territory to launch attacks in Pakistan. On its part, China is concerned about the Afghan Taliban giving sanctuary to some Uighur groups. The Balochi groups also target Chinese-aided projects in Balochistan. On their part, both China and Pakistan have made concessions to Kabul. They have appointed ambassadors to head their embassies in Kabul. Neither country has gone as far as the Russians have gone in diplomatically recognising the Taliban regime, but they have, in diplomatic terms, gone far enough. Besides, both countries have offered Kabul economic and commercial incentives and have also indicated that they would assist in connectivity issues. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reports indicate that Wang Yi bilaterally met his Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Mutaqqi, Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and Prime Minister Mullah Hasan Akhund. No readouts of these meetings have been given by either country. Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also had a bilateral meeting with Mutaqqi. The Pakistan Foreign Ministry statement of the meeting notes, 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. It is obvious that Kabul is unwilling to give up its TTP card. These Islamabad-Kabul differences give opportunities to India, but its diplomacy has to be nimble to grab them. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, to Wang Yi shoring up the Pakistani armys position in that country, nothing can illustrate it better than the Chinese readout of Wang Yis meeting with Field Marshal Asim Munir. Hence, a substantial portion of it deserves to be quoted. It is this: Wang Yi noted that the Pakistani army serves as the ballast of national stability and a staunch defender of China-Pakistan friendship and cooperation. The Pakistani military has always supported both sides in earnestly implementing the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepening strategic mutual trust at a higher level, and jointly building an upgraded Version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with high quality, making positive contributions to accelerating the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. Clearly, Asim Munir is Beijings current favourite, and the Pakistan army is its constant friend. While all visiting foreign ministers meet the Pakistani chief, no one has ever publicly called the army the ballast of national stability. Its implications for India are obvious. The Pakistan army will get all weapons and intelligence support from Chinaperhaps more than it has in the past. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The writer is a former Indian diplomat who served as Indias Ambassador to Afghanistan and Myanmar, and as secretary, the Ministry of External Affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The eVitara is designed as a global electric SUV, measuring 4,275mm in length, 1,800mm in width, 1,640mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700mm. It features a 3-in-1 electric powertrain that combines the motor, inverter, and transmission into a single unit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flagged off e-Vitara, the made-in-India Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), which will be exported to over a hundred nations, in a major push for self-reliance amid Trump tariffs threats. During a visit to Gujarats Ahmedabad, the prime minister inaugurated e-Vitara, Suzukis first global strategic BEVs. PM Modis inauguration of the new facility marks a major step toward self-reliance, with the plant set to produce over 80 per cent of the components and processes essential for lithium-ion batteries significantly slashing imports and positioning India as a potential exporter in the sector. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ahead of the launch, PM Modi said, Today is a special day in Indias quest for self-reliance and being a hub for green mobility. At the programme in Hansalpur, e-VITARA will be flagged off. This Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is made in India and will be exported to over a hundred nations. Today is a special day in Indias quest for self-reliance and being a hub for green mobility. At the programme in Hansalpur, e-VITARA will be flagged off. This Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is made in India and will be exported to over a hundred nations. In a big boost to our Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 26, 2025 The eVitara is designed as a global electric SUV, measuring 4,275mm in length, 1,800mm in width, 1,640mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700mm. It features a 3-in-1 electric powertrain that combines the motor, inverter, and transmission into a single unit. Buyers can choose between two battery options: a 49kWh pack paired with a front-mounted motor delivering 144hp and 189Nm of torque, or a larger 61kWh pack matched with a front motor producing 174hp and the same 189Nm of torque. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How long will it take before Russian and Ukraine reach a ceasefire deal? This question is a trans-Atlantic problem lingering on for over three years. Russia wants Ukraine to surrender the Donbas region for fighting to stop. Will Zelenskyy agree to this condition? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is greeted by US President Donald Trump (left) upon arrival at the White House West Wing in Washington, DC, on August 18, 2025. (Photo: Alex Wroblewski/AFP) As efforts continue for direct talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Donbas region of Ukraine has come into the spotlight. Russia has demanded that Ukraine must surrender Donbas region as part of any deal that would end the war. But this demand might be a condition Zelenskyy is unlikely to agree to in any negotiated peace settlement. The Donbas region in eastern Ukraine comprises the provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk. The war has been going on in the region since 2014 when Russia invaded and annexed Ukraines Crimea region following a referendum that the West rejected, and also invaded Donbas. The region has had a problem of separatism led by armed groups, which have found Russias backing, and also back Moscows claim on the region in return. These groups were leading an insurgency in the region until 2022 when Russia launched the full-scale invasion of the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Zelenskyy previously indicated that he was open to freezing battlelines in Donbas, Putin has called for the surrender of the entire region. This means that Russia is staking claim on areas under its control and also those still held by the Ukrainian forces. For Zelenskyy, the Donbas condition is a non-starter for peace talks. Moreover, Donbas is Ukraines industrial, strategic, and logistical hub, and surrendering the region would allow Russia to make further inroads into the country. Here are five reasons why Zelenskyy would find it very hard to give up Donbas region. 1. Public opinion is staunchly against Donbas surrender As much as 75 per cent of Ukrainians are against formally surrendering territory to Russia, according to polling from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. Moreover, while Ukrainians, and Zelenskyy, are okay with the de facto surrender of the territory under Russian control, which means freezing of battlelines, they are not okay with the de jure surrender, which means formally ceding the territory to Russia and formally recognising that land as that of Russia. Moreover, the Ukrainian constitution disallows any formal surrender of the countrys land. For these reasons, the formal surrender of not just the entire Donbas but even parts of the country under Russian control is considered to be off the table. 2. Donbas strategic importance As Donbas has witnessed fighting since 2014, the region is highly fortified and the core of Ukrainian defensive battlelines run through the region. The region is also a logistical and industrial hub. Therefore, the surrender of Donbas would mean that Ukraine would give up fortifications and defensive positions that it has not just held but strengthened over the past 11 years. Moreover, it would mean surrendering military strongholds and territories that Russia has tried to capture for 11 years but has not been able to. For Ukraine, this would not just be a strategic loss but a blow to the morale of its forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In short, the surrender of Donbas could open the gateway for Russia to march further into the country. Ukraine would not want that given Russias concern, and its policy to respond to such security concerns. 3. Land for peace does not work for Ukraine In any case, Ukraine has rejected land-for-peace plans. It has even raised the question of Crimea, whose annexation by Russia didnt meet with much diplomatic protests from the international community. The Crimea experience is still fresh in Ukrainian memory. It lost the region to Russia in 2014 without any resistance In 2014. Eight years later, Russian forces came back to mainland Ukraine, insurgency in Donbas only helped Russia further its Ukraine policy. If Ukraine surrenders Donbas, Kyiv-backers fear, Russia is likely to rebuild its arsenal, replenish its ranks, and return with another invasion in a few years. They say that the surrender of Donbas could serve as an encouragement for further incursions and invasions. 4. A moral defeat The surrender of Donbas would also amount to a moral defeat of Ukraine. One of the Putins stated reasons for the full-scale invasion in 2022 was an allegation of genocide of Russian-speakers and ethnic Russians in eastern Ukraine. He said that he was forced to launch the special military operation to ensure the safety of these people in Donbas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russia had invaded Georgia on similar grounds in 2008. If Ukraine surrenders Donbas, it may be diplomatically interpreted as a justification of Putins basis for the invasion and incur a moral defeat. 5. A national shame For Zelenskyy and many Ukrainians, the loss of Donbas would be a personal shame. In their meeting at the White House, Zelenskyy told Trump that his grandfather fought the Nazis in Donbas in World War 2, according to The New York Times. Indeed, Zelenskyys grandfather, Semyon Zelenskyy, fought on the Eastern Front in the World War 2. He went on to become a colonel in the Soviet military. In fact, three of Semyons brothers also fought the Nazis. Zelenskyys great-grandparents were killed when the Nazis burned their village during the Holocaust, the systematic killing of Jews (Zelenskyy is a Jew) and other ethnic groups like the Roma people by the Nazis. After their meeting at the White House, Zelenskyy told the media that there were many such families that fought to free the Donbas. Many fell and many were wounded. And I explained that this is a particularly painful moment in our history and a particularly painful part of life in Ukraine. It is not as simple as it may appear to some, said Zelenskyy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD South Africa is Africas richest nation and, over the next decade, millionaires in the continent are projected to grow by 65%, according to the Africa Wealth Report. A long exposure picture shows a seasonal fog illuminated by the lights of Cape Town harbour as the city prepares for the start of the southern hemisphere winter, May 8, 2012. (Photo: Mike Hutchings/Reuters) Africa is currently home to 122,500 millionaires and the number is set to rise by 65 per cent over the next decade, according to the Africa Wealth Report 2025. Africa currently has 122,500 millionaires, 348 centi-millionaires (more than 100 million), and 25 billionaires, according to the report, which has been prepared by wealth advisory firm Henley & Partners and its global wealth intelligence partner New World Wealth. Of these millionaires, South Africa comprises 34 per cent (41,100), which is approximately equal to the next five wealthiest nations on the continent. The five nations of South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and Kenya together have 63 per cent of Africas millionaires and 88 per cent of its billionaires. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is a remarkable transformation for Africa from the late 20th century when there were only a few billionaires many countries were in long-term decline. Now, on the other hand, the report noted that private wealth markets across Africa are expanding strongly despite global headwinds, underpinned by robust economic growth, with Sub-Saharan Africas economy forecast to grow by 3.7 per cent this year and 4.1 per cent the next year. However, the concentration of wealth and political crises highlight the duality that Africa demonstrates where the promise of economic growth, rising wealth and high net worth individuals, and poverty coexist. Africas story remains one of dualities. Its economic trajectory reveals resilience and promise, bolstered by institutional innovation and growing investor confidence. Yet these exist alongside deep political fractures and governance setbacks. If African leadership can harness the momentum of economic growth while tackling political dysfunction with equal resolve, the continent may yet turn this moment of paradox into one of transformation," Justice Malala, a best-selling author and political analyst, was quoted as saying in the report. Wealth trends in Africa Investment is now going both ways in Africa as wealth is rising among its people, according to Dominic Volek, the Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, the firm that prepared the report. Africas sustained economic expansion, combined with significant growth in high-net-worth-individual (HNWI) populations, positions the continent as a key player in the evolving global wealth landscape, said Volek. The investment migration sector is now working both ways, with African investors seeking greater global mobility and diversification while international investors are increasingly identifying Africa as a destination for long-term, stable capital deployment, said Volek. Over the past decades, Mauritius, which is the sixth wealthiest country in Africa, has recorded the continents strongest HNWI growth of 63 per cent, driven largely by its political stability, tax efficiency, and a robust residence by investment program, according to the report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rwanda (48 per cent) and Morocco (40 per cent) also made strong gains whereas some countries like Nigeria (47 per cent), Angola (36 per cent), and Algeria (23 per cent) saw a decline in their millionaire population. After India warned it would release excess water from a dam, Pakistan has evacuated at least 150,000 people from areas near three major rivers in its agricultural heartland, according to a report, citing officials on Tuesday Residents use a boat to reach their destination in flooded areas due to the monsoon rains and rising water level of the Sutlej River, in Hakuwala village near the Pakistan-India border in Kasur district of the Punjab province, Pakistan, on August 23, 2025. Reuters File After India warned it would release excess water from a dam, Pakistan has evacuated at least 150,000 people from areas near three major rivers in its agricultural heartland, according to a Reuters report, citing officials on Tuesday. Both countries have been battered by heavy rains and severe flooding in recent weeks. The planned water release, combined with ongoing rainfall, poses a serious threat to low-lying areas in Pakistans Punjab province, a key agricultural region that supplies a significant portion of the countrys food. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The nuclear-armed nations have been in a tense stand-off since a brief conflict in May, their worst fighting in decades, and any flooding blamed on New Delhi could inflame ties. According to the report, Pakistani officials said they received a second warning from India on Monday regarding the planned release of water from the rapidly rising Madhopur Dam, located in Indian Punjab. Evacuations in vulnerable areas began last Friday, even before the latest warning, and are still ongoing, said Spokesperson from Pakistans National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The spokesperson added that the total evacuation figure includes at least 35,000 people who left voluntarily following a series of early warnings issued since August 14. Army personnel have also been deployed to assist in the evacuation efforts. India regularly releases water from its dams once they reach capacity, with the excess often flowing downstream into Pakistan. No specific dam was named in the recent warning, but heavy rainfall prompted New Delhi to issue a second warning to Pakistan through diplomatic channels, reported Reuters, citing an Indian government source. When asked if additional warnings could follow, the source said it remained a possibility. On Sunday, India had already informed Pakistan that substantial water volumes would be entering its river systems due to ongoing downpours. Three key rivers the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab flow into Pakistan from Indian territory. Pakistans disaster management authority reported medium to high flooding levels in all three and warned of more intense rainfall in Punjab and Pakistan-administered Kashmir over the next 12 to 24 hours. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mazhar Hussain, a Pakistani disaster management official, told Reuters that India will release a controlled amount of water from dams in the coming days. Hundreds of villages situated on the embankment of the three rivers have been evacuated, he added." Sixteen villages are at risk of flooding, Reuters quoted Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar Ali after visiting Pasrur city near the Indian border. Arrangements for food, medicines, washrooms, and other necessities have been made in the relief camps set up in the area, she said, adding that there may be a need to relocate a population of 5,000 and 1,450 livestock to safer locations. Due to climate change, eastern rivers are experiencing heavier rainfall compared to the past, Kazim Raza Pirzada, the Punjab province irrigation minister, was quoted as saying. Agricultural heartland Pakistans northwest has been hit hard by severe flooding, accounting for half of the 799 monsoon-related deaths this season. Glacial melt has accelerated in Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Karachi were submerged last week. Now, the flooding is threatening eastern Punjab home to half of Pakistans 240 million people and the countrys key agricultural region. The crisis escalated after India, citing a deadly attack on Hindu tourists in Kashmir, suspended the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. Islamabad has denied involvement. Indias latest warning about water release was issued on humanitarian grounds, not under the treaty, following heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Health officials in Mississippi have declared a public health emergency amid a sharp rise in the states infant mortality rate, the highest recorded in a decade, according to a report Health officials in Mississippi have declared a public health emergency amid a sharp rise in the states infant mortality rate, the highest recorded in a decade, according to a Time report. According to 2024 data, there were 9.7 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, up from 8.9 in 2023. Every single infant loss represents a family devastated, a community impacted and a future cut short, Time quoted state health officer Dr. Dan Edney as saying in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since 2014, 3,527 infants in Mississippi have died before their first birthday, according to state data. The state has seen a sharp rise in neonatal deaths, those occurring in the first month, and a stark racial gap: the infant mortality rate for Black families is 15.2 per 1,000 live births, compared to 5.8 for white families. Mississippi has long faced poor maternal and infant health outcomes. A 2024 March of Dimes report card gave the state an F, ranking it worst in the nation for infant mortality and preterm births. Contributing factors include poor maternal health and limited access to quality care, reported Time. Mississippi has historically ranked low when it comes to these birth outcomes, Time quoted Dr. Michael Warren, chief medical and health officer for the March of Dimes, as saying an interview. But theyre not alone," he added. Between 2023 and 2024, infant mortality rates worsened in 24 states, including Arkansas and Louisiana. This is reflective of a large trend, said Warren. Maternal and infant health was already fragile in states like Mississippi, but the situation is worsening. Many rural counties have lost ob-gyns and maternity services, forcing women to travel long distances for care. Over half of Mississippis counties, and one-third nationwide, are considered maternity care deserts, lacking hospitals, ob-gyns, and certified midwives. Low Medicaid and private insurance reimbursements are pushing ob-gyns out of practice in the South. Remaining providers face staffing shortages and burnout, leaving some women without timely emergency care during childbirth. Mississippi and other Southern states have also not expanded Medicaid, limiting womens access to healthcare before pregnancy. As a result, chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes go unmanaged, raising the risk of premature births, a major factor in infant deaths. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Taking care of those chronic diseases before pregnancy matters, said Warren, adding, So that when a person chooses to become pregnant, theyre in an optimal state of health, and theyre going to have the best chance of a good outcome for them and the baby. In its public health emergency declaration, Mississippi announced plans to reduce the number of ob-gyn deserts by expanding prenatal care access in targeted counties. The state also aims to grow its community health worker programme to help connect mothers and babies with care close to home. Mississippi has the knowledge, the resources and the resilience to change this story, Time quoted Edney, the state health officer, as saying. It will take all of us policymakers, healthcare providers, communities and families working together to give every child the chance to live, thrive and celebrate their first birthday. With inputs from agencies Even as US President Donald Trumps tariff war continues unabated, India and the United States have held the 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue of the defence and external affairs ministries. The undated photograph shows US and Indian flags in the vicinity of the India Gate (seen in the background) in New Delhi, India. (Representative Photo: Credit: US Embassy in India) Amid trade tensions, India and the United States on Monday held the 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue involving senior defence and external affairs ministry officials. Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur, the Additional Secretary (Americas) at the Ministry of External Affairs and Vishwesh Negi, the Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) at the Ministry of Defence, held a virtual meeting with Bethany P. Morrison, the Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, and Jedidiah P Royal, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, the MEA and US Department of State said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Intersessional Dialogue serves as a preparatory meeting for the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue of the external affairs and defence ministers of the two countries. The dialogue was initiated in 2018 after an understanding between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump in the latters first term. The MEA in a statement said that India and the United States looked forward to signing a new 10-year Framework for the India-US Major Defense Partnership. A bilateral relationship that benefits both the people In near-identical statements, the MEA and State Department said that the chairs considered the meeting to be positive and expressed eagerness to continue enhancing the breadth and depth of the bilateral relationship in a manner that benefits the people of both the countries. Through the Intersessional Dialogue, officials advanced bilateral initiatives, discussed regional security developments, and exchanged perspectives on a number of shared strategic priorities, the MEA said. Officials discussed trade and investment; energy security, including strengthening civil-nuclear cooperation; critical minerals exploration; counternarcotics and counterterrorism cooperation; and more, the MEA further said. The two sides also discussed building upon the progress made in defense industrial, science, and technology cooperation; operational coordination; regional cooperation; and information-sharing; under the auspices of the India-US COMPACT arrangement, the MEA said. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region through the Quad initiative, the MEA said. Trumps tariffs kick in tomorrow Trumps additional 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods over the purchase of Russian oil will kick in on Wednesday. Trump has slapped a total of 50 per cent tariffs on India. He imposed 25 per cent tariff on July 31 as part of the broader rollout on more than 60 countries and topped that with 25 per cent additional India-specific tariffs as a punishment for the continued purchase of Russian oil. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Indian government has said that Trumps tariffs could affect up to 60 per cent of Indian exports to the United States to the tune of $48 billion. Analysts have said that Trumps tariffs could drag Indias GDP growth down by up to 1 per cent. Some of the worst-hit sectors are expected to labour-intensive and politically-sensitive sectors of shrimps, fishes, edibles, and textiles. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said Iran was behind recent antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne, and announced the expulsion of Tehrans ambassador based on intelligence findings. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday accused Iran of orchestrating antisemitic attacks in the country and announced the expulsion of Tehrans ambassador. He also confirmed that Australias embassy in Tehran would cease operations, citing a surge in antisemitic incidents since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023. Albanese said Australian intelligence had linked Iran to two incidents, an attack on a Sydney restaurant and another on a Melbourne mosque, as both cities continue to report a sharp rise in antisemitic events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ASIO has gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion. The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks. Iran tried to conceal its role, but ASIO assesses it was behind them, Albanese told reporters, citing findings from the domestic spy agency. Australia has seen a surge in antisemitic incidents since the Israel-Gaza conflict began in 2023. According to a Reuters report from January, police arrested 40 people over antisemitic offences and another eight in connection with arson cases. Australia has not only expelled Irans ambassador but also shut down its embassy operations in Tehran, Reuters reported. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government would also move to designate Tehrans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation. The country has witnessed a series of antisemitic incidents in recent months. In Sydney, antisemitic graffiti was sprayed on a Jewish bakery in October 2024, followed by arson attacks and vandalism in a Jewish neighbourhood the next month. More recently, in July this year, protesters stormed an Israeli restaurant in Melbourne while a Shabbat dinner was underway. Around the same time, a synagogues door was set ablaze with flammable liquid, though fortunately no injuries were reported, CNN noted. Two police officers were killed and another injured in a shooting incident in rural Victoria, Australia, on Tuesday, with the suspect still on the run, authorities and local media said. Two Australian police officers have been shot and killed, and a third wounded, during an active incident Tuesday in a rural area of Victoria state, police and local media said. Police gave no details of casualties. But multiple outlets including public broadcaster ABC said the confrontation had left two police dead, one wounded, and the shooter still on the run. The violent encounter took place in Porepunkah, which lies at the foot of a mountain in northeast Victoria, police and media said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is still an active incident and we will provide more information when its operationally safe to do so. We ask people avoid the area, Victorias police service said in a statement. The Age newspaper said police were at the property to execute a warrant for historical sex abuse allegations, without giving further details. Former Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma has strongly denied the allegations by the then Trudeau-led Canadian government linking him to the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar Former Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma has strongly denied the allegations by the then Trudeau-led Canadian government linking him to the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In an interview with CNN-News18, Verma said that Ottawa presented no evidence to support its claims and accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus administration of using the case for political gain. Verma said his role in Canada was limited to defending Indias interests and countering anti-India propaganda. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I did my duty of defending Indias interests in Canada. I was able to raise my voice against anti-India elements. I did not do anything which was covert or against Canada-India relations, CNN-News18 quoted him as saying. Highlighting that Khalistani extremism in Canada remained a matter of concern for New Delhi, he said that Ottawa did little to address Indian security concerns. They did not share things with us. To some extent, they made our lives difficult. My freedom was limited. Probably they might be watching or listening to wherever I went, he was quoted as saying. The former Indian envoy also claimed he was subjected to harassment by Canadian authorities. Someone from our defence forces who used to visit Canada was harassed. I was harassed, he said. His remarks come nearly a year after diplomatic ties between India and Canada deteriorated sharply. In October last year, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled Verma and other officials following Ottawas accusation that Indian diplomats were involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed the allegations as ludicrous and said they deserved to be treated with contempt. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The MEA also underscored Vermas distinguished 36-year diplomatic career, which included high-profile assignments in countries such as Japan, Sudan, Italy, Turkiye, Vietnam, and China. A 1988-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Verma holds degrees from Patna University and IIT Delhi. New Delhi has repeatedly maintained that Canada has failed to provide any credible evidence in the Nijjar case, while simultaneously allowing extremist elements to operate freely groups that India says threaten its national security. With inputs from agencies A Canadian court has rejected the asylum request of an Indian couple who had claimed that their Khalistan activism would lead to their persecution in India. A banner with the image of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar is seen at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, site of his June 2023 killing, in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, on September 20, 2023. (Representative Photo, Credit: Chris Helgren/Reuters) A Canadian federal court has rejected the asylum request of an Indian couple who had claimed that their association with the Khalistan movement would lead to their prosecution in India. Their claim was deemed as disingenuous and lacking good faith. As per the judgement published on Monday and reported by Hindustan Times, 38-year-old Amandeep Singh and 32-year-old Kanwaldeep Kaur had claimed that they had become supporters of Khalistan during their stay in Canada and would be persecuted over this association upon their return to India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Federal judge Benoit M Duchesne ruled that the previous rejection of Singh and Kaurs asylum requests as reasonable by the Refugee Board of Canadas Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) and IRBs Refugee Protection Division (RPD). The Khalistan movement refers to the secessionist movement that seeks to carve out a homeland for Sikhs out of India comprising the state of Punjab called Khalistan. For decades, the movement ran a terrorist campaign that ebbed in the 1990s. Over the decades, Canada has emerged as a safe haven for the movement where Khalistan leaders have become influential in domestic politics. Whats the case about? The judgement noted that Singh, the principal applicant, had amended their original asylum application before the RPD and added the Khalistan element, according to HT. In their original application, Singh and Kaur had said that they were harassed by a neighbour over property and by the police over their political connections. The Applicants claim that they were questioned, threatened, accused of militancy, beaten, that the Associate Applicant was sexually assaulted, and that her fingerprints and signature were taken, the judgement said. The RPD noted that such a chronology showed that their stated interest and participation in the independent Khalistan movement underscored a lack of genuineness in the movement itself. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The RAD agreed with the RPD and said that the asylum claim was disingenuous and lacking good faith. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has summoned 41 army commanders as part of an investigation into battlefield failures in the conflict with Rwanda-backed M23 armed group. Last year, 25 soldiers were sentenced to death for fleeting the enemy in the conflict. M23 rebels stand with their weapons in Kibumba, in the eastern of Democratic Republic of Congo, Dec. 23, 2022. (Photo: AP) The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has summoned dozens of top army commanders for questioning in an investigation into battlefield failures. In Congo, the government has been fighting a yearslong war with the group M23. Much of the fighting has been in the countrys eastern region of Kivu. The Congolese military on Monday said that 41 senior army commanders 35 generals and six colonels have been summoned as part of a process that concerns all officers who have assumed command responsibilities since the capture of Bunagana town by M23 rebels in 2022, according to Anadolu news agency. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The M23 captured the border town of Bunagana in June 2022 in a major strategic defeat for the Congolese government. The town is located on the border of Congo and Uganda and its control granted M23 the control of trade and transit between the two countries. The questioning is aimed at establishing the responsibilities of each officer in setbacks on the battlefield, according to the military. Last year, a military court in Congo sentenced 25 soldiers to death for fleeting the enemy during battles with M23. The war between the Congolese government and M23, which is said to be supported by Rwanda, has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and killed hundreds to thousands of people as per various estimates. The M23 has captured a number of major towns in the conflict, such as Bunagana, Goma, Sake, Minova, Lumbishi, and Numbi, and dealt a string of defeats to the government. Qatar hosts Congo-M23 peace talks Even as the Congolese military pursued its investigation, Qatar on Tuesday said that Congo and M23 have resumed peace talks at its capital Doha. Weve received the two parties here in Doha from the DRC and the M23 to discuss the implementation of a previous agreement, Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said on Tuesday, according to AFP. The Congolese government and M23 reached a ceasefire agreement in Doha in July aimed at a permanent end to the fighting. But both the sides have since accused the other of breaking the truce. Earlier this month, M23 announced the suspension of peace talks with the government. Ansari on Tuesday said the current talks in Doha included the discussions over finding a mechanism of monitoring the ceasefire, alongside (an) exchange of prisoners and detainees. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ansari further said that talks were coordinated with the United States and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Trump on Monday said America would maintain a great relationship with China, even as his 50 per cent tariff threat on Indian imports nears its deadline, warning that Washington held powerful cards that could destroy China if used. US President Donald Trump on Monday praised Americas ties with China, saying from the Oval Office alongside South Korean President Lee Jae Myung that Washington would maintain a great relationship with Beijing, even as he warned the US held powerful cards that could destroy China if played. We are going to have a great relationship with China They have some cards. We have incredible cards, but I dont want to play those cards. If I play those cards, that would destroy China. I am not going to play those cards, Trump said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump says he can DESTROY CHINA But adds: Im NOT going to play those cards Is it really that easy to take down the worlds second-largest economy? pic.twitter.com/zKZcPoRD1f RT (@RT_com) August 25, 2025 The tariff penalty on Indian goods, set to take effect on August 27, was announced after Indias continued purchase of Russian oil. In his executive order, Trump wrote, I determine that it is necessary and appropriate to impose an additional ad valorem duty on imports of articles of India, which is directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil. India strongly objected, arguing it was being unfairly singled out for practices that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest. Despite China being the largest buyer of Russian oil, Trump has refrained from imposing similar measures on Beijing. Instead, the White House extended Chinas tariff deadline, originally set for August 12, by another 90 days. Currently, the US levies 20 per cent fentanyl-related duties on Chinese goods in addition to a 10% base rate, taking the overall tariff to 30 per cent. Defending the softer approach toward Beijing, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Chinas oil purchases from Russia were suboptimal, stopping short of calling for penalties. The new duties will apply to goods entering the US for consumption or withdrawn from warehouses for consumption from 12:01 am EDT on Wednesday or 9:31 am IST, according to the Homeland Security notice Cargo containers line a shipping terminal at the Port of Oakland as Trump's new tariffs for over 90 countries come into effect. AP India is rallying its export activities as Trumps tariffs go into effect from tomorrow (August 27). The US Homeland Security on Tuesday issued a notification saying that Washington would impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on all Indian-origin goods. President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25 per cent duty on Indian goods over New Delhis import of Russian oil. In total, India will face a tariff of up to 50 per cent , which is among the highest imposed by the American leader. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The new duties will apply to goods entering the US for consumption or withdrawn from warehouses for consumption from 12:01 am EDT on Wednesday or 9:31 am IST, according to the Homeland Security notice. India intensifies exports An official from the Ministry of Commerce told Reuters that the government has no hopes for any immediate relief or delay in US tariffs. However, the government has readied mechanisms to provide financial assistance to exporters who are affected by Trump tariffs, the official added. Authorities are also encouraging exporters to diversify to alternative markets, including China, Latin America and the Middle East. The government has identified nearly 50 countries for increasing Indian exports, particularly of textiles, food processed items, leather goods, marine products, the official said. PM Modi vows to protect Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Aug 25) said that India would withstand the economic pressure and continue strengthening the countrys resilience. No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand it, Modi said while addressing a public gathering in Ahmedabads Nikol area. He stressed that small entrepreneurs, farmers and livestock rearers would remain his governments top priority. Without directly naming Washington, Modi said , Today in this world, there is politics of economic self-interest; everyone looks out for themselves. We are witnessing this. From the soil of Ahmedabad, I promise you that the interests of small entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, farmers and livestock rearers are of utmost priority for Modi No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand it. Israeli strikes on Gaza City forced more families to flee on Tuesday as protests swept Israel, with demonstrators demanding the release of hostages and an end to the war. Overnight bombardments destroyed homes and roads, while a deadly strike on Nasser Hospital killed at least 20 people, including journalists A drone view of protesters setting fire and blocking the Ayalon highway in Tel Aviv during a demonstration demanding the immediate end of the war and the release of all hostages who were kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters More Palestinian families fled Gaza City on Tuesday following a night of Israeli shelling on its outskirts, as Israelis began a day of statewide protests asking for hostages to be released and the war in Gaza to end. Residents reported that Israeli aircraft and tank bombardment resumed overnight and early Tuesday in the eastern Gaza City areas of Sabra, Shejaia, and Tuffah, as well as in Jabalia town to the north, demolishing roads and houses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earthquakes, we call it, they want to scare people to leave their homes, said Ismail, 40, a Gaza City resident. The Israeli military has said its forces are operating in the area to locate weapons and destroy tunnels used by militants. Despite widespread protests at home and international condemnation, Israel is preparing to launch a new offensive in Gaza City, in what it describes as Hamas last bastion. Israeli strikes at Nasser Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip on Monday killed at least 20 people, including journalists working for Reuters, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera and others. At least 34 people were killed in Israeli strikes in the enclave overnight and on Tuesday, local health authorities said, including 18 people around Gaza City. Around half of the enclaves two million people currently live in Gaza City, with several thousand already moved westward, pouring into the heart of the city and along the coast. Others have ventured further south to central Gaza and the coastal area of Al-Muwasi near Khan Younis. Mondays attack on Nasser hospital in Khan Younis killed cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor, near a live broadcasting position operated by Reuters. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel deeply regretted what he called a tragic mishap, but the Israeli military has yet to provide details of the incident. Israeli day of disruption Israeli protesters blocked roads in Tel Aviv and elsewhere in the country, holding up pictures of hostages still held in Gaza and calling for the war to end. A rally planned outside Israels defence headquarters later on Tuesday is expected to draw thousands of people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For 690 days, the government has been waging a war without a clear objective, said Einav Zangauker, mother of Israeli hostage Matan Zangauker, in a statement with other hostage families who launched the so-called Day of Disruption. How will the hostages, the living and the fallen, be returned? Who will govern Gaza the day after? How do we rebuild our country? she said. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led gunmen burst into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and taking 251 hostages. Israels military offensive against Hamas has since killed at least 62,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry, plunged the enclave into a humanitarian crisis and internally displaced nearly its entire population. Korean Airs record $50 billion deal with Boeing and GE was unveiled in Washington during talks between Presidents Trump and Lee, highlighting deeper USSouth Korea economic ties The new logo of Korean Air is seen on its plane during an event in Gimpo, South Korea, March 11, 2025. Reuters Korean Air is reported to have signed its largest-ever aircraft purchase coinciding with the state visit of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to Washington. According to Reuters, the airline committed to acquiring 103 Boeing airplanes on Monday in what industry observers described as a strategically timed announcement. Sources told the news agency that the deal, valued at more than $36 billion for the aircraft alone, would comprise a mix of Boeing 777s, 787s and 737s. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The ceremony in Washington was said to have drawn high-level participants, including Korean Airs Chairman and CEO Walter Cho, Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief Stephanie Pope and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Media outlets noted that the presence of both political and business leaders highlighted the orders significance in strengthening ties between the United States and South Korea, The Associated Press reported. Partnership with GE Aerospace Alongside the Boeing purchase, Korean Air was reported to have entered into a parallel agreement with GE Aerospace. This deal was described as covering both engine acquisitions and a long-term maintenance contract worth about $13.7 billion. The airline confirmed that it would acquire 19 spare engines while securing 20 years of maintenance support for its fleet, a move seen as essential to sustaining operational reliability, The Associated Press said in a report. Industry insiders suggested that a portion of the aircraft order would be used to re-equip Asiana Airlines, which is in the process of integration under Korean Air. Reuters highlighted that South Koreas industry ministry had signaled earlier in the year that the airline was preparing to finalise a $32.7 billion arrangement involving Boeing and GE equipment, with Mondays announcements representing the culmination of those plans. A strategic signal to Washington The announcement appeared to align with a pattern in which nations negotiating with the Trump administration have unveiled significant Boeing orders. Reuters pointed out that the US aircraft manufacturer had recently secured a series of major global contracts, suggesting that the Korean Air purchase may also carry diplomatic overtones. Korean Airs official statement described the move as a strategic investment in the U.S. market that would strengthen the carriers competitiveness and foster deeper commercial ties. The airline added that deliveries of the new jets would be phased through 2030, cementing a long-term link between the two economies, The Associated Press said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Founded in 1969 and now the largest airline in South Korea, Korean Air was portrayed as positioning itself for global expansion through the Washington agreements, while simultaneously reinforcing Seouls economic partnership with Washington. PutinZelenskyy talks are delayed as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio consults European allies on Ukraines security guarantees Efforts to arrange direct negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have reportedly stalled, with officials suggesting that the complexity of security guarantees for Ukraine remains a key sticking point. According to Reuters, the talks had been expected to follow a series of summits convened by US President Donald Trump earlier this summer. However, progress has been limited and attention has shifted toward wider diplomatic engagement led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rubios European outreach The US State Department confirmed that Rubio held discussions on Monday with senior European counterparts, including UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the State Department said in a statement. The talks, which also included Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, were aimed at exploring the contours of a potential negotiated settlement. A readout from the State Department indicated that the officials had agreed to maintain close coordination on strategies to end the war. Ukraine seeks binding guarantees Minister Sybiha reiterated that Kyivs priority remained the establishment of firm and legally binding security guarantees. Writing on X, he noted that Ukraine considered such guarantees to be multidimensional, spanning military, diplomatic and legal commitments. He emphasised that the Ukrainian military would continue to serve as the cornerstone of national security, making its strengthening a top priority. Sybiha also expressed appreciation for Rubios leadership in the discussions and praised President Trump for what he described as peacemaking leadership, Reuters reported. US role in broader settlement The White House has positioned Rubio as a central figure in shaping a framework for Ukrainian security assurances. According to administration officials, Trump had tasked the Secretary of State with leading the dialogue after his separate meetings with Putin, Zelenskyy and European leaders earlier this year. Despite these efforts, the delay in arranging direct PutinZelenskyy talks highlighted the obstacles that remain. The divergent expectations between Moscow and Kyiv, particularly around the nature of security commitments, continued to complicate prospects for progress. For Europe, unity would be critical in sustaining diplomatic pressure and ensuring any eventual settlement was durable. For now, although discussions would continue, the timeline for high-level negotiations remained uncertain, the State Department said. Trump defended his crackdown in Washington and his threat to send National Guard troops to other American cities, remarking that a lot of people are saying, Maybe we like a dictator. Trump stumbled as he made his way up the stairs of Air Force One on Sunday. AFP Responding to criticism over his crackdown in Washington, deploying National Guard troops and threatening similar moves in other American cities, President Donald Trump on Monday remarked, A lot of people are saying, Maybe we like a dictator . Im not a dictator. Im a man with great common sense, Trump said, defending his approach. And they say Hes a dictator. Hes a dictator, he continued, referring to his critics. A lot of people are saying, Maybe wed like a dictator. I dont like a dictator. Im not a dictator . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chicago and Baltimore in focus #WATCH: #US President Donald Trump on Monday suggested Americans would like a dictator as he signed orders to tighten his federal clampdown on the capital #Washington and to prosecute flag-burners https://t.co/oxtHFDn7Ew pic.twitter.com/OGkz4cJqe5 Arab News (@arabnews) August 26, 2025 Trump reiterated his warning that Chicago could be the next city where he might deploy National Guard troops to curb crime. He added that he was considering sending the military into Chicago and Baltimore as part of a broader push against Democratic-led cities. In June, he had already dispatched the National Guard to Los Angeles, despite opposition from both the mayor and the California governor. The president also took aim at Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a vocal critic of his approach, dismissing the Democrats rejection of any troop deployment in Chicago. You send them, and instead of being praised, theyre saying, youre trying to take over the Republic, Trump said. These people are sick. Executive order on flag burning Later on Monday, Trump escalated his clampdown further by signing an executive order to investigate and prosecute those who burn the US flag, despite a 1989 Supreme Court ruling that protects the act as free speech. If you burn a flag you get one year in jail, no early exits, no nothing, Trump declared. Security measures and Department of War Alongside the order, Trump rolled out new security measures in Washington, instructing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to establish a special National Guard unit for public order and ending cashless bail. He also revealed plans to rename Hegseths department back to the Department of War, its title from 1789 to 1947. Defence is too defensive, Trump told reporters. Democrats push back Democrats have accused Trump of stretching presidential powers far beyond constitutional limits, especially with his repeated deployment of the National Guard in the capital. But the billionaire president has also expanded his crackdown to target the federal bureaucracy, woke politics, and his political opponents. In a fiery 45-minute Oval Office address before taking questions, Trump pushed back against charges of racism, declaring, I love Black People. He then turned to immigration, describing a Salvadoran man set for deportation to Uganda as an animal. Londons Metropolitan Police have charged 67 people with supporting the outlawed group Palestine Action. The accused are due in court in October and could face up to six months in prison. Supporters of the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action scuffle with police officers outside the High Court in London, Britain. Reuters Londons Metropolitan Police have accused 67 people with supporting the outlawed group Palestine Action, the service stated on Tuesday. The accused will appear in court on several dates in October, and if proven guilty, they could face up to six months in prison, according to the Met. In July, the UK government designated Palestine Action as a terrorist group in response to vandalism at a Royal Air Force facility. Rights groups have slammed the ban as legal overreach and a threat to free expression. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since the group was declared illegal under the Terrorism Act of 2000, over 700 people have been arrested, the majority of whom were during demonstrations. The Met said in its statement that charges had been laid against 64 people relating to protests held in central London on two dates last month. That was in addition to charges brought against three other people announced earlier this month. On Monday, acclaimed screenwriter Paul Laverty was arrested on suspicion of supporting Palestine Action during a protest in Edinburgh, Scottish police said. Last week, Irish author Sally Rooney vowed to give fees generated by two BBC adaptations of her books to Palestine Action. Chinese universities drive progress on world's tallest bridge in SW China's Guizhou People's Daily Online) 09:29, August 22, 2025 The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which is under construction in southwest China's Guizhou Province, is set to become the world's tallest bridge and the world's largest span bridge to be built in a mountainous area, after its completion. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, which is under construction in southwest China's Guizhou Province, is set to become the world's tallest bridge after its completion. (People's Daily Online/Tu Min) Nearly 200 graduates of Guizhou Communications Polytechnic University are working on the Liuzhi-Anlong Expressway project, with the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge being part of it. One of them, Ma Zongyuan, is a university faculty member and deputy director of the project's quality and safety department. To help ensure the bridge's smooth construction, he has been stationed at the site since the project broke ground in 2022, providing technical expertise and overseeing safety monitoring throughout the entire construction process. Builders work at the construction site of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (People's Daily Online/Yang Qian) "The wind speed in the canyon can reach grade 14, which is about the speed of an express train. With every additional meter in height, the bridge presents new challenges," said Ma. Other graduates include the project's chief engineer Liu Hao, who has led his team in tackling a series of critical technical hurdles, including wind resistance on the catwalk, and the project's lead designer Ye Hongping, who has introduced an innovative dual-spiral design, adding a unique aesthetic and cultural touch to the bridge. Ma Zongyuan teaches students how to use a measuring tool at the construction site of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (People's Daily Online/Yang Qian) Guizhou Communications Polytechnic University partnered with Tongji University to develop a real-time reference cable positioning technology powered by the BeiDou navigation satellite system. The technology delivers millimeter-level accuracy during the installation of the main cables. With Guizhou home to many bridges, how can the province ensure a steady stream of skilled professionals? Guizhou Communications Polytechnic University has found its answer: move the classroom directly to the construction site. On the day of the interview, Ma brought more than 20 students to the bridge, where they observed and measured on site, turning textbook knowledge into direct engineering experience. In 2024, the university and the project team signed an agreement to establish a bridge industry-education integration practice base. "Reading 10,000 books is not as good as traveling 10,000 miles. Bringing teaching to a world-class construction site allows students to truly experience craftsmanship and inspires professional pride," Ma said. Workers work at the construction site of the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (People's Daily Online/Tu Min) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Modi on Monday said India will withstand the upcoming US tariff pressure, stressing that his government will continue to strengthen the countrys resilience and protect the interests of small entrepreneurs, farmers and livestock rearers. Two days before the US tariffs on Indian goods come into effect, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Aug 25) said that India would withstand the economic pressure and continue strengthening the countrys resilience. No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand it, Modi said while addressing a public gathering in Ahmedabads Nikol area. He stressed that small entrepreneurs, farmers and livestock rearers would remain his governments top priority. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD #WATCH | PM @narendramodi pledged that for him, the interests of small entrepreneurs, farmers, fishermen and livestock rearers is the top priority. He reiterated that his government would never allow harm to their interests, irrespective of any pressure. PM Modi also cautioned pic.twitter.com/qgvC5Te8nt DD News (@DDNewslive) August 25, 2025 The 50 per cent tariff penalty, imposed by the Trump administration over Indias purchase of Russian oil, is set to take effect on August 27. A day earlier, US Vice President J D Vance told NBC News that President Donald Trump had applied aggressive economic leverage, including secondary tariffs on India, to reduce Moscows oil revenues and force Russia to halt its attacks on Ukraine. Without directly naming Washington, Modi said, Aaj duniya me arthik swarth wali rajniti hai, sab koi apna karne me lage hain. Usse hum bhali bhanti dekh rahe hain (Today in this world, there is politics of economic self-interest, everyone looks out for themselves. We are witnessing this). From the soil of Ahmedabad, I promise you that the interests of small entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, farmers and livestock rearers are of utmost priority for Modi Dabav kitna hi kyun na aaye, hum jhelne ki apni takat badhate jayenge (No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand it). The Prime Minister also inaugurated, laid foundation stones and dedicated projects worth 5,400 crore across Ahmedabad and Gujarat, including railway projects worth over 1,400 crore. Calling for Swadeshi and urging people to choose Make in India products, he said, Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar Bharat are important roadmaps for a Viksit Bharat. Modi added that Gujarat is giving great energy to the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, backed by two decades of hard work. A Russian plane was spotted inside the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, which lies just outside of US and Canadian sovereign space, on Sunday. Norad, however, stated that this type of Russian activity is not considered a threat Russia deployed a spy plane near Alaska, making it the third time in a week that the US had to launch its fighter jets to intercept it, the North American Aerospace Defense Command has said in a statement. A Russian plane was spotted inside the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, which lies just outside of US and Canadian sovereign space, on Sunday. Norad, however, stated that this type of Russian activity is not considered a threat and occurs frequently in the identification zone. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Striking imagery captured by our Alaskan NORAD region from last night's ADIZ incursion by Russian military aircraft#WeHaveTheWatch pic.twitter.com/7LfQn27X1l North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) July 23, 2025 On Sunday, NORAD detected and tracked an IL-20 COOT, a Cold War-era reconnaissance aircraft used by the Russian military, in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone. This followed sightings of the same type of aircraft over the region on Wednesday and Thursday. The military command says that each instance was responded to by scrambling US jets to keep a close eye on the spy planes. The Russian aircraft, however, did not enter US or Canadian sovereign territory and remained in the international zone off the coast of Alaska. The sightings come weeks after President Trump met his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska, making it the first time in several years that the Russian leader to step foot on US soil. At the same time, Russian planes have also been found in the airspace near Alaska throughout the year. Back in January, the US and Canada scrambled fighter jets to intercept Russian warplanes over the Arctic, an incident that drew attention amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region. At the time, the US military reported deploying two fighter jets to Greenland to forward posture NORAD presence in the Arctic. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During talks at the White House, US President Donald Trump highlighted the comfort women issue while meeting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. The discussion, which also covered security, North Korea and economic cooperation, touched on one of the most delicate historical disputes between Seoul and Tokyo, as survivors and activists continue to call for greater accountability from Japan. US President Donald Trump meets with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the Oval Office, at the White House, in Washington, DC, US, August 25, 2025. File Image/Reuters US President Donald Trump on Monday raised the sensitive issue of comfort women during his White House meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, a discussion otherwise centred on security ties, North Korea and economic cooperation. While seated beside Lee, Trump said, The whole issue of the women. Comfort women. Very specifically. We talked and that was a very big problem for Korea, not for Japan. Japan was, wanted to go, they want to get on. But Korea was very stuck on that. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The term comfort women refers to women and girls forced into sexual slavery by Japans military during WWII. Historians estimate that hundreds of thousands were subjected to the practice, which is regarded as one of the most extensive cases of state-sponsored human trafficking in contemporary history. The use of the word has long been questioned for downplaying the gravity of the atrocities. Trumps words came as Seoul and Tokyo continue to contend with the legacy of Japans colonial domination over the Korean peninsula. According to Reuters, President Lee recently told Japanese media that, while the 2015 agreement on the issue, which saw Tokyo issue an apology and contribute 1 billion yen ($6.8 million) to a victims fund, was undesirable to overturn, it was still very difficult to accept for many South Koreans. He termed the comfort women issue as heartbreaking and encouraged Japan to maintain dialogue with survivors. According to AFP, Trump spoke bluntly about the issue during his larger conversations with Lee, even as the South Korean leader attempted to highlight reconciliation measures, including a symbolic visit to Tokyo before travelling in Washington. Japan, for its part, believes the 2015 pact has irreversibly resolved the issue if both countries keep their pledges. The issue of comfort women remains one of the most politically contentious parts of Korea-Japan ties, with survivors and campaigners calling for greater acknowledgement and accountability from Tokyo. Despite local cynicism about previous agreements, Lee has described Japan as a very important country and stated his ambition to enhance trilateral cooperation with Tokyo and Washington. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump said on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is unwilling to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, bluntly remarking it is because he doesnt like him. The Trump-Putin talks did not result in concrete steps towards a ceasefire in Ukraine. Reuters US President Donald Trump on Monday said Russian President Vladimir Putin is unwilling to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy because he doesnt like him. Why is Putin so reluctant to meet with Zelenskyy? Trump was asked in the Oval Office. He replied, Because he doesnt like him. Trump confirms fresh talks with Putin Trump confirmed he spoke again with Putin after their call last week, when he tried to set up direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv. Despite what he described as a good conversation, no breakthrough followed. Every conversation I have with him is a good conversation, Trump said. And then, unfortunately, a bomb is loaded up into Kyiv or someplace, and then I get very angry about it. I think were going to get the war done. Its tough. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Uncertainty over Putin-Zelenskyy meeting Asked about the chances of the two leaders meeting face-to-face, Trump admitted: I dont know that theyll meet. Maybe they will. Maybe they wont. Last week, Trump hosted Zelenskyy and European leaders in Washington while also calling Putin. He said his aim was to arrange direct negotiations between the two presidents, potentially followed by a three-way summit including himself. Trump warns of consequences if talks dont happen The US President also cautioned that there could be consequences if the leaders refuse to meet. They should meet, he said, adding he would wait over the next week or two before stepping in. Lavrov dismisses chances of talks Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday that Putin would not meet Zelenskyy unless Ukraine accepts long-standing Russian conditions. He also questioned Zelenskyys legitimacy, claiming his presidential term had expired. Like mixing oil and vinegar Earlier, Trump compared the prospect of bringing Putin and Zelenskyy together to mixing oil and vinegar. Asked about his own participation in such a meeting, he replied: Well see. Many countries, particularly in Europe, have levied taxes on the sales revenue of digital service providers, including Alphabets Google, Metas Facebook, Apple and Amazon. The issue has been a longstanding trade irritant for multiple US administrations U.S. President Trump makes an announcement on 2026 FIFA World Cup, at the White House. File image/Reuters US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on countries that attack American tech companies, saying that digital taxes are meant to harm the tech interests of the US. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, As the President of the United States, I will stand up to Countries that attack our incredible American Tech Companies. Digital Taxes, Digital Services Legislation, and Digital Markets Regulations are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the President of the United States, I will stand up to Countries that attack our incredible American Tech Companies. Digital Taxes, Digital Services Legislation, and Digital Markets Regulations are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology. They also, Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) August 26, 2025 He added that such taxes and regulations give a complete pass to China and declared that if countries do not remove the legislation, then Washington will impose substantial additional tariffs on that particular nations exports to the country to the US. Many countries, particularly in Europe, have levied taxes on the sales revenue of digital service providers, including Alphabets Google, Metas Facebook, Apple and Amazon. The issue has been a longstanding trade irritant for multiple US administrations. Canada removes Digital Tax Trump abruptly called off trade talks with Canada last month over Canadas digital services tax, saying it was a blatant attack. He pledged to set a new tariff rate on Canadian goods within the next week, which threatened to push US-Canada relations back into chaos after a period of relative calm. The Canadian government scrapped its digital services tax on the US hours before it was set to go into effect, following which trade talks between the two countries continued. Ottawa introduced the digital service tax in 2020 on big US-based tech companies like Meta, Amazon, Google parent Alphabet, Uber and Airbnb. The levy was designed to charge American companies from the revenues they generated from Canadians. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Digital Services Tax Act (DSTA) officially came into effect last year, with Canada imposing a 3 per cent tax on digital service revenues generated from Canadian users, even if companies have no physical presence in the country. Ukraines Zelenskyy said possible talks with Putin could take place in Turkey, the Gulf States, or Europe, stressing that progress depends on strong international pressure on Moscow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday that any meetings he may hold with Russian President Vladimir Putin might take place in Turkey, the Gulf States, or Europe. Zelenskyy wants direct discussions with Putin to help stop Russias war in Ukraine, but Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says no agenda has been set for such a meeting. In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said, Now, this week there will be contacts with Turkey, contacts with the Gulf States and with European states which could host talks with the Russians. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD From our side, things will be prepared to the maximum in order to end the war. Zelenskyy spoke as his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said he and Ukraines national security council chief were in Qatar to meet that countrys defence minister. In his comments, Zelenskyy also said that moving ahead with talks depended on coordination with Ukraines partners, primarily the United States, in ensuring that sufficient pressure was exerted on Russia. This, he said, had been discussed on Monday in Kyiv with U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg. Everything further depends strictly on the will of world leaders, most importantly the United States of America, to put pressure on Russia, Zelenskyy said. Russia is only giving signals that it is going to continue to avoid real negotiations. This can only be changed by strong sanctions, strong tariffs real pressure. The United States on Monday issued an official notice confirming a 25 per cent hike in tariffs on Indian imports, raising the overall rate to 50 per cent from August 27 under President Donald Trumps executive order. US President Donald Trump has ruled out the possibility of trade talks with India amid the ongoing tariff dispute. File image/AP The United States has formally announced a 25 per cent hike in tariffs on Indian imports through an official notice issued on Monday (local time), with the new duties set to take effect at 12:01 am (EST) on August 27, raising the overall tariff rate to 50 per cent. The Department of Homeland Security, through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), said the step enforces President Donald Trumps Executive Order 14329, signed on August 6. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier this month, Trump unveiled plans to double tariffs on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 50 per cent over New Delhis continued purchase of Russian oil, setting an August 27 deadline. The draft notice, published Monday, confirms the administration will proceed with the higher levies. According to the notice, the tariffs apply to Indian products that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 am eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025. The White House has said the move is intended to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin by restricting Moscows oil revenues and forcing him to the negotiating table to end the war in Ukraine. India has rejected the so-called secondary tariffs as unfair and defended its decision as being in its own national interest. No matter how much pressure comes: PM Modi Two days before US tariffs on Indian goods come into force, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Aug 25) said India would stand firm against economic pressure and continue to build resilience. Addressing a gathering in Ahmedabads Nikol area, Modi said, No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand it. He underlined that small entrepreneurs, farmers, fishermen and livestock rearers would remain his governments top priority. The remarks came ahead of the 50 per cent tariff penalty imposed by the Trump administration, set to take effect on August 27, over Indias purchase of Russian oil. On Sunday, US Vice President J D Vance told NBC News that President Donald Trump had used aggressive economic leverage, including secondary tariffs on India, to curb Moscows oil revenues and push Russia to halt its attacks on Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Without directly naming Washington, Modi said the world was witnessing politics of economic self-interest and vowed not to allow harm to the interests of small businesses, farmers and workers. He also urged people to prefer Swadeshi and Make in India products, stressing that Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar Bharat are important roadmaps for a Viksit Bharat. Modi credited Gujarats role in driving the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, saying it was built on two decades of hard work. Ukraines ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, is seen by many as the war hero who could one day challenge Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the presidency (File) Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Valerii Zaluzhnyi is seen, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 5, 2025. Reuters Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraines ambassador to the United Kingdom, is a man who embodies both the nations resilience on the battlefield and its uncertainty about the future. Once hailed as the saviour of Kyiv for orchestrating the defence against Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022, the general known as the Iron General now serves far from the frontlines. His reassignment came after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed him as commander-in-chief in February 2024, a decision framed as a necessary renewal of military leadership but interpreted by many as the sidelining of a political rival, BBC reported. By July of that year, Zaluzhnyi had been dispatched to London as ambassador, tasked with representing Ukraine abroad while remaining under the close watch of the administration that had removed him from power. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The shift from military uniform to diplomatic suit was abrupt. For Zaluzhnyi, it marked a dramatic change in pace after two years of high-intensity wartime leadership. His London posting may appear ceremonial, but it has not insulated him from politics. Instead, it has placed him at the centre of speculation about Ukraines eventual postwar transition and who will lead the nation through it. Rising popularity of the Iron General At home, Zaluzhnyis reputation remains formidable. Polling consistently shows him as one of Ukraines most trusted figures, often outranking Zelenskyy himself. A recent survey by the New Voice of Ukraine suggested that while Zelenskyy currently maintains a narrow lead in first-round voting intentions, Zaluzhnyi would decisively defeat the president in a hypothetical runoff, taking over 60 per cent of decided voters. This data reinforces the perception that he is the only figure with the credibility and popularity to mount a serious challenge to the incumbent. Much of this trust stems from his wartime leadership. As commander-in-chief, Zaluzhnyi coordinated the defence of Kyiv during the early days of Russias assault, when many predicted the capital would fall within days. He became a symbol of calm professionalism in contrast to Russias miscalculations. For soldiers and civilians alike, his image became intertwined with Ukraines survival. Even after his dismissal, that symbolic capital has endured. Dismissal and political tensions Zelenskyys decision to replace Zaluzhnyi with General Oleksandr Syrskyi in early 2024 reflected deepening tensions within Ukraines wartime leadership. Officially, the change was framed as a renewal aimed at making military command more technologically advanced and better adapted to the evolving realities of the battlefield. But many observers pointed to the political dimension: Zelenskyy had grown uneasy with his commanders soaring popularity and his near-mythical status within the army. This unease was not unfounded. Internal polling, leaked at the time, showed that Zaluzhnyis trust ratings were climbing above the presidents, making him a potential alternative in the eyes of the public and international backers alike. Opposition politicians openly criticised the dismissal, warning it was a grave mistake that could undermine morale and stability. Despite official efforts to downplay rivalry, the move crystallised the perception that Zelenskyy saw Zaluzhnyi as a political threat. Rumours of a campaign in London Since arriving in London, Zaluzhnyi has attracted a steady stream of political visitorsfrom Ukrainian MPs to business representatives and foreign operativeshoping to gauge whether he plans to enter politics. The Guardian reported that even figures linked to Donald Trumps orbit attempted to reach out to Zaluzhnyi earlier this year, shortly after a tense Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy. Zaluzhnyi refused to take their call, signalling his unwillingness to undermine Ukraines sitting president despite their differences. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Still, rumours swirl. In March 2025, speculation erupted when journalists claimed a campaign headquarters for Zaluzhnyi had quietly opened in London, led by opposition MP Viktoria Siumar and former BBC reporter Oksana Torop. Both Zaluzhnyis team and Torop publicly denied the claims insisting that no campaign had begun and that his focus remained on diplomacy and national survival. But the mere existence of such rumours reflects the widespread expectationamong supporters and detractors alikethat Zaluzhnyi may eventually seek the presidency, Kyiv Post said. Loyalty and ambition Zaluzhnyi himself has remained disciplined in his public posture. He rarely grants interviews and avoids venues where questions about his political future could arise. His aides insist that he has no intention of launching a campaign while Ukraine is still at war. According to sources cited by The Guardian, he has privately pledged to Zelenskyys chief of staff that if he ever chooses to pursue politics, he would inform the presidents office first. This balancing act shows his military background, where loyalty and hierarchy carry weight, but also hints at his strategic patience. Many say Zaluzhnyi is adopting a wait and see approach. Volodymyr Fesenko, a Kyiv-based commentator, described his strategy as waiting until the last possible moment before elections to decide, a tactic designed to maximise his advantage while minimising risk. By staying out of open confrontation with Zelenskyy, he preserves his reputation as a national unifier rather than a partisan challenger. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A hero abroad, a contender at home As ambassador, Zaluzhnyis role has been limited compared to his wartime prominence, but he remains a figure of fascination both in London and Kyiv. His occasional public appearanceswhether in a Ukrainian Vogue photoshoot or attending a play in the West Endhave drawn mixed reactions at home, where images of normality abroad can clash with the countrys ongoing suffering. Yet his continued consultations with military commanders and monitoring of battlefield conditions from London illustrate that, even in diplomatic exile, he remains tied to the war effort. Internationally, Zaluzhnyi is seen by some as a potential stabilising figure for Ukraines future political scenario. His reputation as a decisive commander could reassure allies that Kyiv will remain firmly committed to resisting Russian aggression. But his ascent could also complicate relations, particularly if his rise is perceived as engineered by outside actors eager for a change in leadership. Shadow of Zelenskyy For now, Zelenskyy retains the presidency, bolstered by his global stature and his role as Ukraines voice abroad. His government has also benefitted from recent improvements in relations with the United States, easing fears in Kyiv about losing crucial support. Nevertheless, the presidents approval ratings have slipped and frustrations over corruption, stalled counter-offensives and domestic governance have created space for alternatives. Zaluzhnyis potential candidacy represents the most formidable of these alternatives. Unlike other opposition figuressuch as former president Petro Poroshenko or former parliamentary speaker Dmytro RazumkovZaluzhnyi carries the aura of victory in Ukraines darkest hour. That symbolic weight, combined with polling numbers, explains why many inside and outside Ukraine view him as the natural next president. A future yet to be decided No elections are currently scheduled in Ukraine, with voting suspended under martial law. Even Zelenskyys critics generally acknowledge that holding an election during ongoing hostilities is impractical and dangerous. But politics cannot be postponed indefinitely. When the war eventually shifts into a new phase, the question of leadership will reemerge with urgency. Whether Zaluzhnyi steps into that role remains uncertain. His reticence, his insistence on loyalty during wartime, and his cautious avoidance of open conflict with Zelenskyy suggest a man weighing responsibility against ambition. Yet his popularity and the expectations placed upon him may make a political career unavoidable once peace returns. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For Ukraine, the choice between Zelenskyy and Zaluzhnyi may ultimately symbolise a broader debate. Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day on August 24. Zelenskyy sought Indias contribution in ensuring long lasting peace in Ukraine and ending the war Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, in Apulia, Italy, Friday, June 14, 2024. (Photo: PTI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on India to contribute to ending the war with dignity and lasting peace, as he responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modis Independence Day message to Kyiv. Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day on August 24. Thank you, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the warm greetings on Ukraines Independence Day. We appreciate Indias dedication to peace and dialogue. Now, as the entire world strives to end this horrible war with dignity and lasting peace, we count on Indias contribution, Zelenskyy said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thank you, Prime Minister @narendramodi, for the warm greetings on Ukraines Independence Day. We appreciate Indias dedication to peace and dialogue. Now, as the entire world strives to end this horrible war with dignity and lasting peace, we count on Indias contribution. Every pic.twitter.com/FtwkXUhtEH Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) August 25, 2025 More from World Zelenskyy calls PM Modi ahead of Putin meeting in China; India reiterates push for peaceful settlement In his letter to Zelenskyy, PM Modi said, India has always stood on the side of peace. India remains committed to extending all possible support for sincere efforts seeking an early, abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. PM Modi invites Zelenskyy The prime minister has also invited Zelenskyy to visit India, Ukraines Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk said last week. The Indian Prime Minister invited Zelensky to come to India. Both sides are working on this. We expect President Zelenskyy to be in India, definitely, he said on the occasion of Ukraines Independence Day. He added that a date for such a visit is being finalised. Polishchuk also welcomed the strengthening dialogue between Ukraine and India since 2023, commending Prime Minister Modis position. He noted that India is not neutral in the conflict, but strongly supports peace, diplomacy, and political dialogue. Last year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that New Delhi has never been neutral on the Russia-Ukraine war. It is Indias view that the two sides need to engage with each other to find a solution. President Zelenskyy knows we mean well by Ukraine; we want this conflict to come to an end. If there is anything we can do in any way in sort of upfront, behind or support anybody, we are willing to do whatever we can. This conflict must end, we believe, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid rising global tensions and shifting alliances, the SCO Summit signals a renewed push for multipolarity, deeper RIC engagement, and a united Global South stance against Western dominance Chinese President Xi Jinping will personally welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit next week. With renewed focus on the Russia-India-China (RIC) axis and a subtle message aimed at countering the disruptive global influence of US President Donald Trump, the gathering is being positioned as a bold statement of Global South solidarity. Apart from Russian President Putin, the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China will host leaders from Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The high-profile gathering is set to take place in the northern port city of Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. A key highlight of the summit will be PM Modis first visit to China in over seven years, signaling a cautious step toward easing ongoing tensions between the two countries following the deadly border clashes in 2020. PM Modi, President Xi, and President Putin last appeared together at the 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, even as Western leaders continued to isolate Putin over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Just last week, Russian embassy officials in New Delhi expressed hopes for upcoming trilateral talks involving Russia, India, and China, an indication of renewed interest in strengthening the RIC framework. Xi will want to use the summit as an opportunity to showcase what a post-American-led international order begins to look like and that all White House efforts since January to counter China, Iran, Russia, and now India have not had the intended effect, Reuters quoted Eric Olander, editor-in-chief of The China-Global South Project, a research agency, as saying. Just look at how much BRICS has rattled (US President) Donald Trump, which is precisely what these groups are designed to do, Olander added. This years summit is expected to be the largest in the SCOs history since its founding in 2001, according to the Reuters report, citing a Chinese foreign ministry official, who described the bloc as an important force in building a new type of international relations. Originally formed by six Eurasian countries with a focus on regional security and counter-terrorism, the SCO has since grown to include 10 permanent members along with 16 dialogue and observer states. Its agenda has also broadened to encompass economic collaboration and military cooperation. While expansion remains a key priority for several participating nations, analysts note that the SCO has struggled to deliver concrete outcomes over the years. Still, they argue that China places significant value on the symbolic display of Global South unityparticularly in counterbalance to the United Statesamid increasing geopolitical uncertainty and unpredictable shifts in U.S. foreign policy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is the precise vision that the SCO represents and its practical implementation are rather fuzzy. It is a platform that has increasing convening power, which helps in narrative projection, Reuters quoted Manoj Kewalramani, chairperson of the Indo-Pacific Research Programme at the Takshashila Institution thinktank in Bangalore, as saying. But the SCOs effectiveness in addressing substantial security issues remains very limited, he added. Tensions persist between key SCO members India and Pakistan. A joint statement could not be issued at the blocs defence ministers meeting in June, after India objected to the omission of any reference to the April 22 terror attack on Hindus in Kashmirs Pahalgam, an incident that triggered the most intense cross-border fighting between the two countries in decades. India also declined to support the SCOs condemnation of Israeli strikes on Iran, a fellow member state, earlier that month. Despite these disagreements, recent signs of thaw between India and China following five years of strained border relations have raised hopes for a constructive meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit. At the same time, renewed tariff pressure from the Trump administration has added another layer of incentive for closer engagement between New Delhi and Beijing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its likely (New Delhi) will swallow their pride and put this years SCO problems behind them in a bid to maintain momentum in the detente with China, which is a key Modi priority right now, said Olander. Indias priorities at the SCO include trade, connectivity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, Indian foreign ministry official Tanmaya Lal told Reuters. Pm Modi is also likely to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. Analysts expect India and China to announce further incremental border measures such as troop withdrawals, the easing of trade and visa restrictions, cooperation in new fields including climate, and broader government and people-to-people engagement. Despite the lack of substantive policy announcements expected at the summit, experts warn that the blocs appeal to Global South countries should not be underestimated. This summit is about optics, really powerful optics, added Olander. PM Modi is expected to depart from China after the summit, while Putin will stay on for a World War Two military parade in Beijing later in the week for an unusually long spell outside of Russia. With inputs from agencies Google announced new security measures for Android app distribution, requiring developers to verify their identities for apps on devices with Google services. The update aims to protect users from malware, scams, and financial fraud while keeping Android open to alternative app stores and manual installations. Securing the Android Ecosystem Suzanne Frey, VP of Product, Trust & Growth for Android, emphasized Androids commitment to remaining both open and secure. She explained that Google is adding safeguards that confirm who develops an app without policing the apps content or how it is distributed. Frey noted that evolving threats, including attacks targeting financial information, have prompted Google to increase developer accountability. Some bad actors impersonate developers to release fake apps. Googles internal analysis shows over 50 more malware from manually downloaded apps compared with apps obtained via Google Play. Developer Verification From next year, only apps from verified developers will be allowed on Android devices with Google services. This step increases accountability and helps prevent harmful apps from spreading. Google likens the verification process to an airport ID check, confirming the developers identity without inspecting the app itself. Background and Support Since Google introduced verification for Play Store apps in 2023, the company has observed fewer instances of bad actors exploiting anonymity. Expanding the process across Android establishes a consistent baseline of accountability. Early responses have been positive: Brazils FEBRABAN called it a key step in protecting users. Indonesias Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs praised the balance between security and openness. Thailands Ministry of Digital Economy and Society called the move a proactive initiative. The Alliance of Developers stated the change reinforces trust in the ecosystem. Developer Support Developers releasing apps outside Google Play will get access to a new Android Developer Console, with student and hobbyist accounts provided. Developers can continue to manually install apps or use other app stores, preserving Androids flexibility. Those already on Google Play are likely already verified. Timeline Developers can access early testing of the verification system starting in October 2025, with key milestones as follows: Full verification opens for all developers: March 2026 Mandatory in four countries (Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand): September 2026 Global rollout begins: 2027 onward Outlook The update follows the Epic Games antitrust ruling, requiring Google to allow third-party app stores on the Play Store with access to all apps. The developer verification system helps maintain security as alternative stores expand, minimizing malware and improving accountability. 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. The Grand Valley River Corridor Initiative will be seeking public input on the project over the next few months with the goal of having the master planning initiative for the river corridor adopted by late next year. River Corridor Initiative representative Joel Sholtes told City Council at its Wednesday meeting that the project, which began in 2020, has worked with local stakeholders from nonprofits to local governments to discuss the future of the river corridor. The kind of big premise behind the River Corridor Initiative is what do we want the river to look like in 20 years, 30 years as we redevelop and reengage with the river, Sholtes said. So our big objectives are to engage the river corridor stakeholder groups and identify common values and challenges. Thats something weve been doing over the years. The work the Initiative has done began with stakeholder outreach and reviews of existing studies. Funding, initially from One Riverfront, allowed the Initiative to pursue other studies of the river like fluid hazard zone mapping, flood plain restoration planning and meeting with local governments, he said. We identified shared challenges and values, and looked at examples of peer cities, Sholtes said. So were talking about Colorado Springs, Boise, Idaho these are areas that have rivers that have kind of an implicit plan in place for the river corridor for managing it. In the coming months and through next year, Sholtes said the Initiative will go through a master planning process that will include at least three public outreach sessions with the first coming this fall. Some of the values that this master plan will support is a dynamic river, Sholtes said. This river still moves. It erodes banks. It creates point bars. It grows trees. It provides habitat to fish. And its an important source of water for agriculture, recreation, connecting our community through the One Riverfront Trail and all the spur connections that you all are working on. Sholtes said the master planning process is expected to conclude next October with a plan shared between the Grand Valleys municipalities from Grand Junction to Fruita, Mesa County and Palisade. He said the plan is for a useful document, but one that each community can use as best fits them. We dont want this to be a document that sits on a hard drive or on a shelf, Sholtes said. We want to see that this document is used and is useful. And so every jurisdiction is going to have a different take on this. Its going to be one document that were all going to provide input on and hopefully agree upon, but then what each jurisdiction does is really up to them, up to the councils, the electeds and the staff. AFRICA SHIELD 2025: Strengthening Counterproliferation Efforts Across Africa From August 4-6, 2025, DTRA's International Counterproliferation Program (ICP), in partnership with the EU CBRN CoE and UNICRI, hosted the AFRICA SHIELD 2025 Regional Counterproliferation Workshop in Rabat, Morocco. This inaugural workshop brought together nearly 100 participants from across the African continent, representing law enforcement, military, policy, and UNSCR-1540 national-level coordination. By Jessica Lewis , Defense Threat Reduction Agency Rabat, Morocco Aug 25, 2025 From August 4-6, 2025, DTRA's International Counterproliferation Program (ICP), in partnership with the EU CBRN CoE and UNICRI, hosted the AFRICA SHIELD 2025 Regional Counterproliferation Workshop in Rabat, Morocco. This inaugural workshop brought together nearly 100 participants from across the African continent, representing law enforcement, military, policy, and UNSCR-1540 national-level coordination. The workshop focused on enhancing cooperation and building capacity to counter the proliferation of WMD and related materials. Participants engaged in discussions on international best practices, shared information on key programs and initiatives, and explored ways to strengthen counterproliferation efforts across the region. Key topics covered included: Border Management and Supply Chain Security: Addressing challenges such as regional smuggling by non-state actors, border crossing control procedures, and the secure transportation and storage of illicit goods and dual-use items. Intelligence Flow and Incident Response Management: Improving information sharing and coordination to effectively respond to potential WMD/CBRN incidents. Export Controls and Dual-Use Technologies: Strengthening regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the illicit transfer of sensitive materials. CBRN Crime Investigation and Counter-Proliferation Financing: Developing specialized investigative skills and disrupting financial networks that support proliferation activities. AFRICA SHIELD 2025 provided a valuable platform for participants to broaden their knowledge, identify regional capability gaps, and forge connections with fellow counterproliferation professionals. This workshop underscores DTRA's ongoing commitment to partnering with African nations to strengthen global security and counter the threat of WMD proliferation. We extend our thanks to all participants and partners for their contributions to a successful event. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address August 25, 2025 By Navy Navy Installs 34th Chief of Naval Operations Navy Adm. Daryl Caudle assumed the duties as the 34th chief of naval operations during an assumption of office ceremony, attended by over 300 Defense Department senior leaders, distinguished guests and families at the Washington Navy Yard today, in Washington. The CNO is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and serves as an advisor to the president, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council and the defense secretary and is responsible for the command, utilization of resources and operating efficiency of worldwide naval forces and shore activities. "As I step into the role as your 34th chief of naval operations, I do so with great pride, immense gratitude and an absolute focus on the mission ahead," Caudle said in a video to the fleet, released shortly before the ceremony. During the ceremony, he further discussed his priorities, including sailors, operational readiness and fleet modernization. "The sailor will be front and center in my vision throughout my tenure as CNO hands down, no exception," Caudle said. "To ensure that they are ready to fight and win decisively today, tomorrow and well into the future we will view everything we do we through an operational lens focused on three priorities: the foundry, the fleet and the way we fight." Secretary of the Navy John Phelan acted as the presiding officer and keynote speaker of the ceremony, highlighting the importance of the Navy and the prioritization of future shipbuilding development. "Admiral Caudle, 'the honey badger,' is the right man for the job," Phelan said. "He has a reputation for challenging the status quo, demanding results and refusing to accept excuses. I look forward to seeing that relentlessness pursuit of excellence and persistence pervade the halls of the Pentagon." During his remarks, Caudle emphasized his gratitude to his family, especially his wife, Donna Caudle, for their steadfast support throughout his 40-year career. "Your influence is woven into the very fabric of my being, into every decision I've ever made," Caudle said. "From the moment we met, you've been the bedrock of my life. You're the anchor that has kept me grounded, especially in the sometimes-turbulent seas of this profession." Caudle's previous assignments include commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, commander of Submarine Forces and commander of Submarine Force Atlantic. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby relinquished the office of the CNO after serving as the acting CNO from February to August 2025. Caudle and Phelan commended Kilby for his leadership, which ensured the uninterrupted performance of the Navy's mission and continued to foster positive relationships with U.S. allies and partners. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address August 25, 2025 By Hannah Carranza, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa U.S., Allied Aircraft Demonstrate Readiness, Unity Over Latvia Air Force B-1B Lancer aircraft and allied fighter jets flew in formation over the Monument of Freedom in Riga, Latvia, Aug. 19 as part of Bomber Task Force Europe, demonstrating NATO air forces' ability to operate together anywhere, anytime. The Lancers flew in formation with two Hungarian and two Swedish air force JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets, demonstrating allied integration fostered during an ongoing training deployment. The Hungarian Gripens are deployed to Siauliai Air Base, Lithuania, in support of NATO's air policing mission. "The security of the Baltic states and NATO's eastern flank is the cornerstone of the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic region," Latvian Minister of Defense Andris Spruds said. "Such U.S. and allied flyover maneuvers clearly demonstrate NATO's presence in the region, transatlantic unity, and commitment to collectively strengthen the security of the Baltic state region." During the deployment, U.S. bombers integrated with Norwegian and other allied air forces to rehearse advanced tactics, share threat information in real time, and ensure the ability to maneuver freely even when access is contested. Each combined mission reinforces the coalition's capacity to operate effectively in dynamic and high-threat environments. Bomber Task Force Europe is part of a regular series of deployments that strengthen allied readiness, deepen integration, and demonstrate credible, combat-ready airpower in support of the collective defense of the homeland and the Euro-Atlantic region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marilena Raouna, following her meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, Ms Cristina Gherasimov Republic of Cyprus From: Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 25/08/25 19:46 | Speech / Address | Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026, European affairs Thank you for the warm welcome and for our very constructive exchange today. It is a true pleasure to be here, in the beautiful city of Chisinau - my first visit to Moldova in this capacity, but certainly not the last. My visit to Moldova - over two days - forms part of our Tour d'Europe, covering European Union (EU) member states and candidate countries, ahead of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, which begins on 1 January 2026. And so, our meeting today is both timely and significant, in terms of symbolism and in terms of substance. Particularly, as it comes just four months before Cyprus assumes this important responsibility, and at such a pivotal moment for your country's European path. The discussions with my good friend Cristina - and earlier today with President Sandu - focused on Moldova's EU accession process, on your commendable progress on reforms, and on setting out our roadmap for the tangible results we will work to achieve together, hand-in-hand, during the Cyprus Presidency. I expressed, once again, Cyprus' unwavering and active support for Moldova's European path, and Cyprus' commitment to advancing the EU's enlargement agenda during our upcoming Presidency. Enlargement has a renewed momentum and we need to seize it in a tangible way. In this context, we discussed specific steps and concrete ways to further advance Moldova's accession negotiations. Cyprus is preparing for an ambitious and results-oriented Presidency, guided by a clear vision: a stronger, more prosperous and resilient Union. A Union that delivers even more for its citizens, for Europe and in the world as a stable and reliable partner. More Union, more integration. Because, ultimately, the EU is a space of security, stability, solidarity, and prosperity. It is a space of opportunity for its citizens. One that holds transformative power for its member states, for each and every citizen. Enlargement is an integral, indispensable component part of this vision. It has proven time and again to be one of the EU's most powerful transformative tools. A driving force for reforms, progress, and prosperity. It is an arduous path that requires a lot of work, a lot of commitment by the Government and by the people, but it is one that is worth it. And above all, this path is a promise of security, stability, and peace. And Cyprus knows this very well. As one of the smaller member states, at the EU's periphery - standing at the EU's southeasternmost corner - as a member state under occupation, and as a country that has benefited enormously from accession, Cyprus knows first-hand, as it has experienced in every aspect of life, the transformative effect of this process. For the economy, for rule of law, for the daily lives of citizens. And so, Cyprus has been and remains a staunch supporter of enlargement. We are committed during our Presidency to act as an honest broker and a constructive partner. Together we can deliver progress on Moldova's accession negotiations. Deliver tangible results. Because we believe that Moldova's future is in the EU. Allow me also to publicly express our admiration, dear Cristina, for the Moldovan Government's and Moldovan people's determination and courage to push ahead with reforms, and to strengthen democratic institutions. Even in the face of great external pressures and hybrid threats. The resilience shown by Moldova and by its proud and hard-working people deserves our recognition and continuous support. In this time of growing threats, the EU stands by your side as a partner and as a community built on peace, solidarity, and security. It is there to support Moldova every step of the way. Enlargement, as we know all too well, is a two-way process, and it is already yielding results in bringing Moldova closer to the EU - in supporting economic growth, in strengthening democracy and the rule of law. On 4 July, EU and Moldova held their first-ever historic Summit, highlighting the strategic importance of Moldova and its future within the EU. The level of financial support and single market access by Moldova is also historic. EU support for Moldova is far more than just financial assistance; it is an investment in the people, in communities, and in opportunities. It is an investment in our common future. The Growth Plan for Moldova, adopted by the EU in March, is the largest financial support package provided to the country by the EU. With up to 1.6 billion euros in grants and loans, it aims to boost Moldova's economy, create jobs, and support the backbone of our economies, which are small and medium-sized enterprises. It will help Moldova integrate further within the EU Single Market. At the same time, the EU has provided crucial support in strengthening Moldova's energy security through the Energy Support Package. These are all concrete benefits for the people of the country. It means better roads, it means better hospitals, modernised schools, more jobs across Moldovan towns and villages. In fact, as the EU is a project aiming to improve the daily lives of its people, during my visit to Moldova, I will also be meeting with representatives of civil society, both here in Chisinau and outside the capital. I very much look forward to hearing directly from them about their expectations, their concerns, and the challenges they face in their daily lives. Because the EU is not only about institutions and negotiations. It is a living, breathing project, with the people at its heart. I am particularly pleased to also have the opportunity to visit villages in the Straseni district, where EU-funded projects, as part of the EU LEADER approach to community-led local development, are making a real difference to local communities. These are examples of how Europe delivers on the ground. During our very productive discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Gherasimov - and with President Sandu - we also reaffirmed the friendly, long-standing relations between Cyprus and Moldova, as well as our political commitment to strengthen these relations further. I reiterated Cyprus' steadfast support for Moldova's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, within its internationally recognised borders. In the same spirit, we are deeply appreciative of Moldova's principled stance on the Cyprus problem. Once again, thank you, dear Cristina, for today's discussions and for hosting me. I am delighted to be here, ahead of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, and in what is such an important moment for Moldova and its people. Thank you for your hospitality and for your long-standing cooperation. I look forward to working even more closely together in the months ahead. (EN/IA/MS) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran strongly condemns Israeli attack on Gaza hospital that killed 20, including 5 journalists IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 25, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has strongly condemned the heinous crime committed by the Israeli regime in the bombing of the Nasser Medical Complex, southern Gaza's main hospital. In reaction to the martyrdom of at least 20 patients and medical staff, as well as five journalists during the Israeli savage bombing on Monday, Baghaei described it as a brutal war crime, designed and carried out by the Israeli regime as part of its plan for the genocide of the Palestinians, with the intent of erasing Palestine as a nation and identity. He described the ongoing inaction of international bodies and self-proclaimed advocates of human rights in the face of severe violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Gaza and the West Bank as shameful. Baghaei emphasized the legal and moral responsibility of all governments to stop the genocide and punish the Nazi-like and racist Zionist criminals, adding that the arms and political supporters of the occupying regime, particularly the United States, were partners in the heinous crimes committed against the Palestinian people and must be held accountable by the international community. 3266**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address History will not forgive further delay to end Gaza tragedy: Araghchi IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 25, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called for concrete global action to end the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza, saying that all countries should stand on the right side of history that will not "forgive" any further delay in alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people. The Iranian foreign minister made the remarks on Monday while addressing his counterparts in the Saudi city of Jeddah where they came together at an extraordinary meeting on the ongoing Israeli attacks against Palestine. Let us remember that the tragedy of Gaza does not concern only Muslims. It is a test for the global conscience. Therefore, we call on all nations, regardless of religion or geography, to stand on the side of humanity, justice, and dignity, which is the right side of history, said Araghchi. History will not forgive delay. Gaza cannot wait. The time for action is now, he added. The Extraordinary Meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers was held in response to a request by Iran, which was sent by Foreign Minister Araghchi to the OIC secretary general on August 6. The following is the full text of the top Iranian diplomat's speech at the meeting. In the name of God, the most companionate, the most merciful. Peace and blessings be upon you Today, we have gathered at a moment when Gaza stands before our collective conscience like a shocking mirror. What is unfolding before our eyes is the organized destruction of besieged people by a ruthless apartheid regime that acts with complete impunity. The people of Gaza are being massacred systematically, residential areas have been completely destroyed; hospitals have been turned into graveyards; and children are trapped in extreme famine and starvation, in blatant violation of every human standard. This is not a conventional war. It is collective punishment, a policy of domination, and an assault that bears all the hallmarks of genocide. Now, the perpetrators of these crimes openly speak of their plans to establish permanent and total military control over Gaza. They talk of new blockades, new buffer zones, and new expulsions, and call it "security." But we know its true name: "ethnic cleansing." A systematic effort to fragment a nation until nothing remains of them but destruction or exile. International law is unequivocal. Starvation and indiscriminate bombing are classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity. At the same time, the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits targeting civilians, destroying homes, and forcibly displacing populations. This is the deliberate imposition of conditions designed to annihilate a people, and it has only one name: Genocide. What more evidence do we need? History will ask us: Did the Muslim world speak with one voice when Gaza was being suffocated? Did we act, or did we wait for others to act and decide for us? Today, hollow and inactive condemnations are useless. To establish peace and ensure the full withdrawal of the occupying forces from every inch of Gaza, we must commit ourselves to: Mobilizing all political, economic, and legal tools including sanctions, boycotts, and coordinated international pressure. Pursuing accountability at all levels, in every court, against all those involved in war crimes and genocide in Palestine or who have enabled them plus immediately severing all relations with the killers of our brothers and sisters in Gaza, who today entertain the absurd dream of "Greater Israel." It is a proven reality that appeasement in the past has yielded no results and will not in the future. Confronting the complicity of governments that arm the occupying regime, shield it from international condemnation, and veto justice. They are miles away from neutrality, even though neutrality in the face of crime is not neutrality at all, but complicity. Dear colleagues Gaza is more than a place under suffering. It is a witness and a symbol of resistance, a reminder that human dignity cannot be reduced to ashes by bombs. The people of Gaza await our meaningful support, and their perseverance calls upon us to stand with them not only in words but in decisive action. The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) taught us that the Islamic Ummah is like a single body and soul. Today, this body is in pain and soaked in blood in Gaza. To remain silent is to wound ourselves, and courageous action is the path to healing. I sincerely hope that this gathering will be remembered in history as more than speeches and promises. Let it be a day when the Muslim world transformed from passive witness to decisive will, from silence to strong leadership. Let it be a day when we chose justice over fear, unity over doubt, and humanity over politics. Let us remember that the tragedy of Gaza does not concern only Muslims. It is a test for the global conscience. Therefore, we call on all nations, regardless of religion or geography, to stand on the side of humanity, justice, and dignity, which is the right side of history. History will not forgive delay. Gaza cannot wait. The time for action is now. 4194**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IDF Spokesperson statement on the strike in the area of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Chief of the General Staff has instructed that an inquiry be conducted immediately to understand the circumstances of what happened and how it happened. Type: Press Releases Topic: Terrorism Secondary topic: Swords of Iron Publish Date: 25.08.2025 Earlier today, IDF troops carried out a strike in the area of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. We are aware of reports that harm was caused to civilians, including journalists. I would like to be clear from the start - the IDF does not intentionally target civilians. The IDF makes every effort to mitigate harm to civilians, while ensuring the safety of our troops. Any incident that raises concern in this regard is addressed by the relevant mechanisms in the IDF. We are operating in an extremely complex reality. Hamas terrorists deliberately use civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, as shields. They have even operated from the Nasser hospital itself. Hamas began this war, created impossible fighting conditions and is preventing its end by still holding 50 hostages. Having said that, as a professional military, committed to international law, we are obligated to investigate our operations thoroughly and professionally. The Chief of the General Staff has instructed that an inquiry be conducted immediately to understand the circumstances of what happened and how it happened. Reporting from an active warzone carries immense risk, especially in a war with a terrorist organization such as Hamas, who cynically hides behind the civilian population. As always, we will present our findings as transparently as possible. We regret any harm to uninvolved individuals and are committed to continue fighting Hamas, while taking all the necessary precautions. IDF Spokesperson, BG Effie Defrin, today (Monday, 25 August 2025) issued a statement regarding the strike in the area of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Attached is a full transcript of the statement: NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement from the Prime Minister's Office Israel - Prime Minister's Office Type: Media Statements Government: The 37th Government Publish Date: 25.08.2025 Israel acknowledges the significant step taken by the Lebanese Government, under the leadership of President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam. The recent decision by the Council of Ministers to work towards the disarmament of Hezbollah by the end of 2025 was a momentous decision. It marks a crucial opportunity for Lebanon to reclaim its sovereignty and restore the authority of its state institutions, military, and governancefree from the influence of non-state actors. In light of this important development, Israel stands ready to support Lebanon in its efforts to disarm Hezbollah and to work together towards a more secure and stable future for both nations. If the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) take the necessary steps to implement the disarmament of Hezbollah, Israel will engage in reciprocal measures, including a phased reduction of IDF presence in coordination with the US-led security mechanism. Now is the time for both Israel and Lebanon to move forward in a spirit of cooperation, focusing on the shared objective of disarming Hezbollah and promoting the stability and prosperity of both nations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Secretary General discusses Romania's contributions to Alliance, support for Ukraine, and Summit decisions NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 25 Aug. 2025 On Monday (25 August 2025), NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska addressed the Annual Meeting of the Romanian Diplomacy remotely from NATO Headquarters. In the plenary session titled "Our region in a new strategic reality," she highlighted Romania's contributions to collective security, including in deterrence and defence, Black Sea security, and support for Ukraine. Noting the growing challenges facing the Alliance, the Deputy Secretary General outlined the key decisions made by leaders at the NATO Summit in The Hague: to raise defence investment to 5% of GDP, boost defence industrial production, and continue their strong support for Ukraine. This will "significantly increase NATO's strength and war-fighting capabilities. So that we can implement our defence plans in full and continue to protect all NATO territory," said Ms Shekerinska. On support for Ukraine, the Deputy Secretary General highlighted how Allies are now contributing billions of dollars through NATO's new initiative: the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). Through PURL, European Allies and Canada are funding essential equipment and munitions for Ukraine sourced from the United States. Ms Shekerinska underlined that this "will strengthen Ukraine's hand as it pursues peace." Concluding that Ukraine's security has an impact on our own, the Deputy Secretary General said it is important that 'together, with all Allies, we will continue to safeguard the peace and security of our nations." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE 21ST EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF THE COUNCIL OF FOREIGN MINISTERS OF THE MEMBER STATES OF THE ORGANISATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION TO CONSIDER THE CONTINUING ISRAELI AGGRESSION AGAINST THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 25-08-2025 HEADQUARTERS OF THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT OF THE ORGANISATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION JEDDAH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2025 The Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), convened in an Extraordinary Session on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the request of the State of Palestine, the Republic of Turkiye, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, to address the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, mechanisms to stop the genocide and decisions and plans aimed at further establishing the occupation and complete control over the Gaza Strip, Considering the ongoing and unprecedented Israeli aggression in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly in the Gaza Strip, over 62,500 people were killed, including 12,400 women and 18,500 children. Additionally, more than 160,000 individuals have been injured, and more than one and a half million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes in various ways. This situation is further exacerbated by continued violations and crimes in the West Bank, including East Al-Quds, as well as the illegal expansion of settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Reaffirming the principles and objectives outlined in the OIC Charter, Reiterating all resolutions previously issued by the OIC Summit Conferences and CFMs concerning the issue of Palestine and Al-Quds Ash-Sharif, most recently of which were those adopted during the Extraordinary Joint Arab-Islamic Summit, held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on November 11, 2024, and 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Istanbul, Republic of Turkiye - 21 and 22 June 2025 , to address the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people. Emphasizing the centrality of the Palestinian cause within the entire Islamic Ummah, supporting the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to self-determination, the return of Palestinian refugees, independence, and the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on the Pre-June 4, 1967 Borders, with Al-Quds Ash-Sharif as its capital, 1. Expresses strong rejection and condemnation of Israel's announcement regarding its plans to impose full occupation and military control over the Gaza Strip and any schemes, regardless of their nature, aimed to displace the Palestinian people forcibly. This move is regarded as a dangerous and unacceptable escalation, an attempt to reinforce illegal occupation, and a means to impose a fait accompli through force. Such illegal actions threaten regional and international peace and security and represent a blatant violation of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, relevant resolutions of international legitimacy, as well as the advisory opinion and provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice; 2. Asserts that all crimes committed by Israel, the occupying power, including aggression, genocide, ethnic cleansing, destruction, the illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip, the use of starvation as a weapon of war, along with other colonial settlement policies and acts of settler terrorism, the activities of extremist settlers, land confiscation, home demolitions, repeated attacks on Islamic and Christian holy sites, and attempts to annex Palestinian land in the West Bank, including East Al-Quds, are war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity that necessitate accountability under international criminal law. It affirms the significance of the case presented to the International Court of Justice concerning Israel, as the occupying power, having violated the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and the necessary follow-up actions to the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, with the goal of ensuring that Israel, the occupying power, is held accountable for the acts of genocide it has committed and continues to commit in the State of Palestine. Calls on the UN Security Council to hold a special session on the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people during the United Nations General Assembly meetings next September, and entrusts the delegations of the OIC Member States of the security Council to coordinate with the State of Palestine in this regard; 3. Strongly condemns the deliberate and systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure, including the destruction of food supply chains, water facilities, and medical services in the Gaza Strip by the Israeli occupying forces, which has directly contributed to the outbreak of famine and a man-made humanitarian catastrophe; and demands the immediate cessation of all military operations and the full, unconditional lifting of the siege to allow for urgent, unhindered humanitarian assistance in accordance with international law and principles of justice and human dignity; 4. Holds Israel, as the occupying power, fully responsible for the acts of genocide, the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, and the famine affecting the Gaza Strip. It demands that Israel open all crossings and urgently allow the unhindered and unconditional entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, including sufficient food, medicine, and fuel, and ensure that relief agencies and international humanitarian organizations, particularly UNRWA, can operate freely. It calls for adherence to international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and relevant UN resolutions; 5. Supports the immediate and comprehensive ceasefire efforts led by the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Qatar, and the United States of America, aimed at reaching an agreement for prisoner exchanges. This approach is essential for alleviating suffering and ultimately ending Israeli aggression. It also facilitates the return of displaced individuals to their homes or what is left of them, ensures the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, and sets the stage for the upcoming reconstruction conference in Cairo to implement the Arab-Islamic plan for relief and reconstruction in the region; 6. Expresses its condemnation of Israel's obstinacy and rejection to respond to the mediators' attempts to reach an appeasement although almost two years have passed since the start of the aggression against the strip. It also denounces its insistence to expand the military operations in Gaza and its persistence in disregarding the calls for ending the war. In this regard, it expresses its utmost denunciation for Israel's rejection to respond to the mediators' recent proposal despite it being agreed to by the Palestinian party. The proposal was likely to result in an important and pivotal deal to release both the hostages and captives, achieve a ceasefire and ensure the effective entry of urgent humanitarian assistance to address the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, knowing that it is in step with the proposals previously put forward by the United States of America in this regard and paves the way for ending the war and releasing all the hostages without an exception, In this regard, it holds Israel completely responsible for the ongoing war and the deliberate disregard of appeasement initiatives, accordingly prompting the deteriorating humanitarian disaster, the ongoing detention of hostages and captives and the deprivation of civilians of basic humanitarian assistance; 7. Confirms that Israel's pursuit of this escalatory approach undermines chances of reaching urgent settlement and exposes the region's security and stability to further hazards. It calls on the international community to assume its legal and humanitarian obligations to put an end to such policies and bind Israel to responding to the mediators' proposals, which have addressed what Israel itself has previously put forward. It reaffirms that Israel's actions and approach drive the region toward a state of instability, undermine the foundations and chances of comprehensive peace in the region and harms any initiatives or approaches in this regard; 8. Emphasizes the importance and the need for the international community to responsibly approach the provisions of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification system(IPC) adopted by the United Nations on the occurrence of famine in the Gaza Strip for the first time and on an International Organization , holds the Israeli occupation fully and directly responsible for this crime and its repercussions, Calls on the international community to take urgent action and operationalize all international emergency mechanisms to ensure the immediate, adequate and unimpeded flow of humanitarian and food aid to the Gaza Strip, and stresses the need to refer the issue of the Israeli crimes of starvation and siege laid to the Gaza Strip to the International Criminal Court; 9. Emphasizes the importance of states promptly taking effective legal and practical measures to end the Israeli occupation's blockade of the Gaza Strip and to allow the entry of relief and humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in dire need, in full cooperation with UN mechanisms and in accordance with international law. It strongly condemns the use of organizations serving as instruments of occupation including activities of the so-called "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation," to restrict or manipulate humanitarian aid, viewing it as a trap and an Israeli criminal tool of perpetuating famine and genocide against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. It considers this institution and its leaders to be complicit in the crime of genocide; 10. Condemns and rejects in strongest term possible the irresponsible and arrogant statements made by the Israeli Prime Minister regarding the so-called "Greater Israel Vision." These statements represent an extension of extremist rhetoric, incitement, and aggression against the sovereignty of states, violating international law and the UN Charter. which seriously threaten the regional and international peace and security they are part of Israel's efforts, as the occupying power, to evade its international obligations and to continue denying and violating the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and the annexation of the occupied Palestinian land. It warns of the potential repercussions of these actions on regional and international security and stability; 11. Strongly condemns the recent approval of 3,400 illegal settlement units in the so-called E1 area of occupied Al-Quds and considers it an illegal attempt to alter the geographic and demographic landscape of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This action undermines the prospects for a two-state solution. It asserts that it is essential to work towards ending the Israeli occupation and colonial settlements, which are considered illegal under international law, UN resolutions, and the relevant advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice; 12. Expresses strong condemnation of the recent assassination of journalists and media professionals in the Gaza Strip and emphasizes that these actions constitute a war crime and an assault on press freedom. This is part of a series of systematic violations by Israel, the occupying power, against the media and its personnel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Al-Quds. These violations have resulted in the deaths of 238 journalists, and Israel's continued restriction of international media agencies and their correspondents from entering the Gaza Strip as part of Israel's efforts to obscure the truth, cover up its daily crimes, and prevent these issues from reaching international public opinion; 13. Warns of the danger of the escalating terrorist activity by extremist settlers under the protection of the Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank, including occupied Al-Quds, and stresses the need to take the necessary steps to hold the settlers accountable for their crimes, including imposing sanctions, placing them on terrorist lists, and prosecuting them; 14. Stresses in this regard the importance of the Government of the State of Palestine taking full responsibility for governance and security in the entire Occupied Palestinian Territory, and calls for comprehensive support from both OIC Member States and the international community to facilitate this. Additionally, it highlights the necessity of providing various forms of assistance to the Palestinian government, specifically through the activation of the Islamic Financial Safety Net, following agreed-upon transparent mechanisms. Furthermore, it urges the international community to pressure the Israeli occupation to immediately and wholly release all Palestinian tax revenues that have been illegally withheld; 15. Supports and asserts the need for the implementation of the outcomes from the High-Level Conference for a Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Issue, chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of France, in New York from July 28-30, 2025, including the two-state solution and the urgent measures detailed in the Final Document, along with the need for a precise timetable to end the war in Gaza. Calls upon States to adopt the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and its annexes submitted by the Co-Chairs of the Conference and the Co-Chairs of the Working Groups; 16. Rejects any calls, plans, or policies aimed at displacing the Palestinian people, whether inside or outside Palestine, including in the Gaza Strip, or changing the demographic composition thereof. It also warns all states against cooperating, directly or indirectly, with Israeli displacement plans, as such cooperation would constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Furthermore, it calls for an end to the illegal Israeli occupation and for immediate accountability for all crimes and violations committed by Israel, the occupying power, which are in blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law; 17. Strongly condemns the systematic Israeli attacks on holy sites in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Al-Aqsa and the Ibrahimi Mosque in the City of Al-Khalil. It denounces the occupation's attempts to interfere in the administration of these sites and alter their characteristics, and its efforts to impose restrictions on Islamic and Christian institutions, particularly those that are religious in nature, which is a clear violation of international conventions and resolutions that protect places of worship and the freedom to access them. It emphasizes the need to maintain the legal and historical status quo at these sacred sites; 18. Extols the efforts made by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the role of His Majesty the Great King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Custodian of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Al-Quds Al-Sharif, in defending, protecting and attending to the city of Al-Quds and its Islamic and Christian holy sites, as well as endorsing the resilience of its Palestinian inhabitants on their land in the face of the illegal Israeli violations and actions aiming to alter the Arab, Islamic and Christian identity of the city; reiterates its rejection of all Israeli attempts undermining the Hashemite service and custody, which has been emphasized by the significant agreement signed between His Majesty the Great King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, Monarch of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, in Amman on 3 March 2013. It also hails the UNESCO resolutions confirming the name of Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif as two synonyms of the same meaning and asserts that Bab al-Maghariba Hill is an integral part of the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, and the right of the Administration of the Al-Quds Endowments and the Holy Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Endowments, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Sites to rehabilitate Bab al-Maghariba, maintain, preserve and organize entry to the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif in its capacity as the solely legal and single authority in charge of the 144-dunam complex as an exclusively Islamic place of worship enjoying the protection of the international law and the legal and historical status quo. 19. Affirms the role of the Al-Quds Committee under the chairmanship of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Monarch of the Kingdom of Morocco, and extols the efforts made by Bayt Mal Al-Quds Asharif Agency affiliated thereto; 20. Welcomes the outcomes of the international conference on the question of Al-Quds held on 9 July in Dakar, in particular the mobilization of States, international civil society and academics in order to increase, by all possible legal and political means in particular, advocacy and action in favor of the preservation of the cultural, religious and demographic dimensions of the holy city; 21. Calls upon all states to enhance their support and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people to alleviate their suffering, strengthen their resilience on their land, and work toward ending the Israeli blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip. It commends the vital role played by international humanitarian organizations and United Nations agencies operating in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly the UNRWA, and calls for the necessary support to be provided to them; 22. Endorses the concrete and hailed efforts made by the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, under the leadership of President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and during its presidency of it, in terms of shoring up the Islamic issues in general and the Palestinian issue in particular; 23. Acknowledges the efforts of the OIC Member States, including the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Federal Republic of Somalia, Republic of Serra Leone and Republic of Guyana, highlights their commitment to supporting Islamic issues broadly and the Palestinian cause specifically, particularly during their non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council. Calls upon the Member States of the Organization, which are members of the UN Security Council to urgently mobilize within the Council to compel it to assume its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations, by taking immediate and concrete measures to halt the illegal plans of Israel, the occupying power, to impose its military occupation on the entire Gaza Strip, put an end to the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip, and ensure immediate and sustained access to large-scale humanitarian aid throughout the Gaza Strip, especially in light of the officially declared famine and the worsening humanitarian catastrophe; 24. Appreciates the efforts of the Islamic republic of Pakistan as a non-permanent member of UNSC in Mobilizing support for the Palestinian rights to self-determination justice and Peace and in fostering unity amongst the Islamic Ummah; 25. Urges the UN Security Council to take on its political, legal, and humanitarian responsibilities under Chapter VII and to act promptly to stop the brutal aggression by the Israeli occupation and its violations, which threaten the prospects for achieving a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the region and hinder the implementation of the two-state solution. It also urges the UN Security Council to put an end to the illegal Israeli occupation and to hold Israel, the occupying power, accountable for all crimes and violations that clearly breach international law and international humanitarian law; 26. Calls upon all states to take the all-possible legal and effective measures to prevent Israel from continuing its actions against the Palestinian people. This includes supporting efforts to end its impunity, holding it accountable for its violations and crimes, imposing sanctions, suspending the supply, transfer, or transit of weapons, ammunition, and military materials including dual-use itemsreviewing diplomatic and economic relations with Israel, and pursuing legal actions against it; 27. Mandates OIC Member States Which are State Parties of the International Criminal Court, to the Rome Statute, consistent with their respective obligations under international law and, where applicable, to undertake all feasible measures within their domestic legal frameworks to support the enforcement of the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court on 21 November 2024 against the perpetrators of crimes against the Palestinians people; furthermore, requires OIC Member States to exert diplomatic, political, and legal efforts to ensure Israel's compliance, as the occupying Power, with its binding obligations under the provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice on 26 January 2024 in the case of Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip; 28. Urges the OIC Member States to examine further whether Israel's membership in the United Nations aligns with the UN Charter, given Israel's evident violations of the requirements for membership and its consistent disregard for UN resolutions. Additionally, efforts should be coordinated to suspend Israel's membership in the United Nations; 29. Condemns the crimes of enforced disappearance, execution, abuse, torture, and all violations faced by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli occupation prisons. This includes the storming of Palestinian national leader Marwan Barghouti's cell by extremist Minister Ben Gvir, along with his threats. It calls on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the International Criminal Court, to pressure the Israeli occupation authorities to reveal the fate of the kidnapped Palestinians and to work towards their immediate release and protection. It also demands an independent and transparent investigation into all Israeli crimes and violations against Palestinian prisoners, ensuring the prosecution and accountability of those responsible for these acts; 30. Renews calls for international protection for the Palestinian people against the crimes of occupation, aggression, displacement in all its forms, and systematic destruction perpetrated by the Israeli occupation. This need is in accordance with international law, the purposes of the United Nations Charter, and relevant resolutions, and is essential to counter attempts to undermine their just cause; 31. Commends and supports the impartial and independent work of the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories as her mandate is crucial to upholding the principles of international human rights and humanitarian law; 32. Expresses strong dissatisfaction on the cancellation of the convening of the Conference of the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention scheduled to take place on 6 March 2025 in Geneva as mandated by the UN General Assembly in resolution A/RES/ES-10/24; 33. Welcomes the international positions that have rejected Israel's decision to impose occupation and complete control over the Gaza Strip. It also appreciates the decisions made by states that have enacted resolutions, laws, and punitive measures against Israeli settlers and settlements; 34. Highly values the positions and decisions of countries that have recognized or announced their intention to recognize the State of Palestine next September 2025. This recognition is seen as a confirmation and fundamental support for the Palestinian people's natural, historical, and legal right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state. It urges all states that have not yet recognized Palestine to fulfil their duty to do so and to support its full membership in the United Nations. This recognition is considered essential for implementing and protecting the two-state solution and for achieving peace, stability, and security in the region; 35. Commends the efforts of the Joint Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, representing the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League to urge the international community to take responsibility in halting Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, apply pressure to end the Israeli occupation and settlement in the State of Palestine, implement the two-state solution, and achieve lasting and comprehensive peace in line with international law and United Nations resolutions. It calls for ongoing efforts in this direction; 36. Tasks the OIC Group to non-member countries and international organizations with sustaining efforts to implement the duties entrusted thereto pursuant to the resolutions of the Islamic Summit and the Council of Foreign Ministers regarding the Palestinian issue, taking into account Resolution No. 51/9L.O. on the establishment of the OIC Group to non-member countries and regional international organizations; 37. Affirms that a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace can only be achieved through the implementation of the two-state solution. This solution requires ending the Israeli occupation, ensuring the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on the Pre-June 4, 1967 Borders, with East Al-Quds as its capital, as per international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative; 38. Directs the Secretary-General to monitor the implementation of this resolution and report on it to the next session of the Council of Foreign Ministers. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH to Israel: Heed ceasefire call as Gaza humanitarian crisis worsens Philippine News Agency By Marita Moaje August 25, 2025, 11:43 am MANILA -- The Philippine government has joined the international community in urgently calling for an end to the "ever-worsening humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza amid continuing conflict in the area. In a statement on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) strongly urged Israel to accept the ceasefire proposal put forward by the international community, describing it as a "crucial step to protect civilians and revive the path to peace." "The Philippines is deeply concerned by recent developments, including the Israeli government's planned full military takeover of Gaza, the continuing restrictions on access to life-saving humanitarian aid such as food and water, large-scale displacement, attacks affecting civilians, and reports of settlement expansion in the West Bank," the DFA said. "These developments aggravate an already dire humanitarian situation and further diminish prospects for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East." Last week, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also renewed his appeal for a ceasefire, warning that a full assault on Gaza City would cause "massive death and destruction". The UN said there are still around 1 million people living in Gaza. Data from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) shows that since March this year, after the ceasefire collapsed, nearly one in every three children in Gaza City is now malnourished, while mass displacement is underway. Meanwhile, various aid groups have warned of famine and disease as humanitarian convoys face access restrictions. "The Philippines, therefore, strongly calls on Israel to heed the ceasefire proposal as a crucial step to protect civilians and revive the path to peace," the DFA said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Teodoro: PH stance firm despite increased Chinese presence in WPS Philippine News Agency By Darryl John Esguerra August 25, 2025, 10:24 am MANILA -- The Philippines will not alter its position on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite reports of increased Chinese presence in the area, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Monday, stressing that any shift would be "to the great detriment of our national interest." "To change our stance will be [to the] great detriment of our national interest. That is something nobody can do under our Constitution and our moral obligation," Teodoro told reporters on the sidelines of the National Heroes Day rites at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. "Obligasyon natin sa taumbayan at hindi pwedeng magpalit (That is our obligation to the people and it cannot change)," he added. Teodoro said the government's firm stance echoes President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s assurance that the country would never compromise sovereignty, consistent with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). "Sumusuporta ang maraming bansa kasi pareho ang interest international law at UNCLOS (We are supported by many countries because we have the same interest, which is based on international law and UNCLOS)," he said. The defense chief confirmed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines has observed a heightened Chinese presence not only in Ayungin Shoal but also in other parts of the WPS, though he noted such movements are not unusual. Teodoro also warned against disinformation, citing false claims such as the supposed towing of the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin and online posts suggesting that Batanes is part of China. "Walang kumpirmasyon at mag-ingat tayo sa fake news... marami talagang fake news (There is no confirmation, and we should be wary of fake news... there is a lot of it)," he said. Asked about the safety of Filipino troops stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, Teodoro said they remain secure but on constant alert. "At this time, wala po kaming nakikita, but of course laging listo. Hindi mo alam eh kung ano ang nasa isip nung mga 'yan (As of now, we see no threat, but of course we are always vigilant. You never know what's on their minds)," he said. The Philippines has consistently asserted its sovereign rights over Ayungin Shoal and the broader WPS, anchored on the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated China's sweeping nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel kills another Palestinian journalist amid global outcry over earlier deaths Iran Press TV Monday, 25 August 2025 7:04 PM Israeli forces opened fire on a Palestinian journalist in southern Gaza, just hours after he had paid tribute to five of his colleagues killed in earlier Israeli strikes. Hassan Douhan, a journalist and academic who worked as a correspondent for the al-Hayat al-Jadida publication, was shot dead by Israeli fire in Khan Younis on Monday. His death brings the number of journalists killed in Gaza on Monday to six, and raises the total number of media workers killed since the start of Israel's war on the Strip in October 2023 to 246, according to the Gaza government media office. Earlier, Israel carried out a "double tap" strike on Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, killing at least 20 people, including five journalists and a paramedic, and wounding dozens more. In his final post on Facebook, Douhan paid tribute to the five journalists killed at Nasser Hospital. "The martyrs of righteousness and conveying the truth, the word and the picture," he wrote of the slain journalists. "The martyrs of national duty and journalism. To the eternal heavens, moons of the homeland and professional colleagues." The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the fatal Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital, urging the international community to hold Israel accountable for its "continued unlawful attacks on the press." CPJ's Regional Director Sara Qudah said Israel's killing of journalists in the strip continues while "the world watches and fails to act firmly on the most horrific attacks the press has ever faced in recent history." "These murders must end now. The perpetrators must no longer be allowed to act with impunity," Qudah stressed. The CPJ previously noted that Israel's war on Gaza has been the deadliest conflict for journalists ever recorded. The United Nations also called for "accountability and justice" following the killing of the five journalists by Israel. "The killing of journalists in Gaza should shock the world - not into stunned silence but into action, demanding accountability and justice," UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement. "Journalists are not a target. Hospitals are not a target,"she added. 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 62,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Brutal war crime': Iran condemns Israel's deadly bombing of Gaza hospital Iran Press TV Monday, 25 August 2025 7:00 PM The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman has strongly condemned Israel's recent heinous crime in the Gaza Strip, where the regime bombed the only operating hospital in the territory's south and killed at least 20 Palestinians. Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks on Monday, hours after the Israeli military conducted double-tap strikes on the Nasser Medical Complex in the city of Khan Yunis. The victims included five journalists, along with patients, health workers, and emergency responders who had rushed to the scene after the initial strike. Referring to the heavy death toll from Israel's "savage bombing" of the hospital, Baghaei said the Zionist regime committed the "brutal war crime" as part of its genocide plan and with the intent of erasing Palestine as a nation and identity. He also described as "shameful" the continued inaction of international organizations and self-proclaimed rights advocates regarding Israel's gross violations of human rights and humanitarian law in the besieged Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The spokesman said all governments bear legal and moral responsibility for "stopping the genocide and punishing the Nazi and racist Zionist criminals." "The military and political supporters of the occupying regime, especially the United States, must be held accountable before the international community as accomplices and partners in the heinous crimes committed against the Palestinian people," he added. The Palestinian Presidency condemned the attack as "a new war crime," saying it adds to a long series of crimes and massacres committed by the Israeli occupation to silence the Palestinian media and the voice of truth. The first strike hit the hospital's fourth floor, the Palestinian Health Ministry said, followed by the second that struck ambulance crews and emergency workers. The Israeli military admitted to the deadly attack that killed the journalists who worked with international outlets, including the Associated Press, Reuters, Al Jazeera and the Middle East Eye. The Foreign Press Association, which represents international media working in the occupied territories and Palestine, said it is "outraged and in shock" by the assault, demanding "an immediate explanation" from the Israeli military and the Israeli prime minister's office. "We call on Israel once and for all to halt its abhorrent practice of targeting journalists," it said in a statement. "This must be a watershed moment. We appeal to international leaders: Do everything you can to protect our colleagues. We cannot do it ourselves." Israel has killed 62,744 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 158,259 others since October 2023, when it unleashed its genocidal war on the besieged territory, according to the health ministry of Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sheikh Qassem: Lebanon govt. must reclaim sovereignty, Hezbollah won't lay down arms Iran Press TV Monday, 25 August 2025 6:18 PM The secretary-general of the Hezbollah resistance movement has called upon the Lebanese government to restore the Arab nation's sovereignty, emphasizing that his group will not lay down its arms and won't allow the Israeli enemy to freely attack and occupy Lebanon. Speaking in a televised speech broadcast from the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on Monday evening, Sheikh Naim Qassem stated that Lebanon's internal issues can only be resolved once sovereignty is reclaimed. He urged the government to prioritize sovereignty and reconstruction over compliance with US and Israeli dictates. Sheikh Qassem pointed to Washington's excessive interference in Lebanon's domestic affairs, arguing it is the party chiefly pushing for the disarmament of Hezbollah, irrespective of the fact that the resistance movement is protecting Lebanon's soil, security, and sovereignty with its arms. The Hezbollah chief then invited Lebanese officials to stop making mistakes, reminding them that the role of his resistance group is now more significant than ever. He stated that Hezbollah played a prominent role in the liberation of eastern Lebanon territories from the clutches of Daesh and other Takfiri terrorist groups. Sheikh Qassem said that Hezbollah remains a vital pillar in defense of Lebanon's national security and dignity, emphasizing that its role has grown more crucial, especially in light of increasing foreign aggression and intervention. He warned that the Israeli enemy could occupy swathes of the Lebanese soil, kill civilians, and destroy buildings at any time or moment, but Hezbollah will readily confront such plots. Sheikh Qassem said stripping Hezbollah of its arms at a time when the Zionist enemy is working to plunder and destroy Lebanon goes against the national charter. He categorically dismissed the notion of phased disarmament of Hezbollah, saying such ideas are premature until the other side fulfills its obligations and engages in reciprocal measures. The Hezbollah chief insisted that Israel must first withdraw from Lebanese territory, release prisoners, and halt attacks. Sheikh Qassem underscored that the resistance group's arms are not only a symbol of national dignity, but also serve as a shield against Israeli acts of aggression. "If you truly want sovereignty, then stop the aggression. We will not abandon the weapons that honor us, nor the weapons that protect us from our enemy," Sheikh Qassem said. Hezbollah, he further stated, operates in partnership with the Lebanese Armed Forces, which he described as the primary force responsible for defending Lebanon. The resistance movement, Sheikh Qassem said, acts as a complementary support system to the army, especially in times of confrontation. "If this government continues in its current form, it cannot be trusted to safeguard Lebanon's sovereignty," he pointed out. Sheikh Qassem finally called on Lebanese nationals, political leaders, and social media activists to assume a more important role in reclaiming national sovereignty. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel systematically targeting journalists in Gaza, says senior Hamas official Iran Press TV Monday, 25 August 2025 5:41 PM A senior Hamas official has condemned in the strongest terms Israel's killing of five journalists in an attack on Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza, saying that the occupying regime is deliberately and systematically targeting members of press to cover up its atrocities in the besieged Palestinian territory. "The crime of targeting Nasser Hospital could only be committed by a rogue terrorist entity, with the continued complicity of the United States and the helplessness of international law," Basem Naim said on Monday. He added, "The repeated targeting of Palestinian journalists and the prevention of foreign media from entering the Gaza Strip have become a constant goal for the Zionist enemy so that it can hide its crimes from the international public opinion." Five journalists were among 20 people killed in an Israeli attack on Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza, according to the region's Ministry of Health. The ministry said that the victims were killed on the fourth floor of the hospital in a double-tap strike - one missile hitting first, then another moments later as rescue crews arrived. Those killed included Al Jazeera photographer Mohammad Salama; Hussam al-Masri, who worked as a photojournalist for the Reuters news agency; Mariam Abu Daqqa, who worked as a journalist with several media outlets, including The Independent Arabic and The Associated Press news agency; and journalist Moaz Abu Taha, according to Gaza's Government Media Office. A fifth journalist Ahmed Abu Aziz, who worked for the Quds Feed Network and other media outlets, succumbed to his wounds, according to the media office statement. "The journalist colleagues were martyred when the Israeli occupation committed a horrific crime by bombing a group of journalists who were on a press coverage mission at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis Governorate and many martyrs fell victim to this crime," the statement read. "We hold the Israeli occupation, the American administration, and the countries participating in the genocide crime such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France fully responsible for committing these heinous brutal crimes." the media office noted. As Israel persists in prohibiting foreign journalists from accessing the coastal territory, Palestinian reporters continue to be the exclusive source of firsthand reporting from within the war zone. The Federation of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed its deep concern over the continued assassination of Palestinian journalists by the Israeli forces while carrying out their duties. The federation emphasized that what is happening in Gaza constitutes a clear violation of international laws and norms, and comes in the context of Israeli violations of freedom of the press and media, and its policy of confiscating the truth, gagging, covering up its daily violations, and preventing them from reaching global public opinion. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN rapporteur urges action after Israeli strike on Gaza hospital kills 20, including journalists Iran Press TV Monday, 25 August 2025 4:59 PM UN Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, urged states to take urgent action to stop Israel's "carnage" in the besieged Gaza Strip. Her appeal followed the killing of at least 20 people in a "double tap" strike on Monday that hit Nasser Hospital, one of Gaza's last remaining functioning medical centers. The victims included journalists, doctors, and civil defense workers who had rushed to assist the wounded after the initial bombing. "Rescuers killed in line of duty. Scenes like this unfold every moment in Gaza, often unseen, largely undocumented," Albanese wrote on X. She called on states to intervene decisively, warning that inaction perpetuates the violence. Albanese reiterated her call for urgent international measures, including an end to blockade on aid to Gaza, an arms embargo on Israel, and the imposition of sanctions on the regime. 'Israel silencing voices reporting on children dying silently' Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, described the strike as "silencing the last remaining voices reporting about children dying silently amid famine." "The world's indifference and inaction is shocking," the UNRWA chief posted on X. In a statement, Gaza's Government Media Office said that the Israeli occupation committed a horrific crime by bombing a group of journalists on a press mission in Khan Younis. The office said it holds Israel, the American administration, and the European countries supporting Israel, fully responsible for these heinous crimes. Five journalists were among 20 people killed in the Israeli attack on Nasser Medical Complex, according to the enclave's Ministry of Health. With the latest fatalities, the number of journalists killed by Israel in Gaza has risen to 245. Qatar-based Al Jazeera, Reuters, and the Associated Press expressed outrage and sorrow after their contributors were killed on Monday in the Israeli strikes. Al Jazeera said in a statement that it "asserts that Israel's prevailing sense of impunity, along with its determination to silence journalists to conceal its continuing crimes in Gaza, including genocide and the famine devastating the Strip demonstrates a clear intent to bury the truth." A Reuters spokesperson expressed devastation over the death of contractor Hussam al-Masri and injuries to another contractor, Hatem Khaled, in Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital. The Associated Press said it was "shocked and saddened" by the death of Mariam Dagga, 33, a visual journalist who had freelanced for the agency since October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported that one of its medics was injured while tending to the wounded inside a hospital in Khan Yunis during Israeli attacks. The organization shared a video on X showing a clearly marked PRCS rescue van with what appear to be bullet holes across the windshield and along its side. Israel has killed nearly 62,800 Palestinians in its genocidal war on Gaza since October 2023. The offensive has devastated the besieged Strip, which is also facing a famine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran urges Israel boycott, accountability over Gaza genocide at OIC summit Iran Press TV Monday, 25 August 2025 2:46 PM The Iranian foreign minister has called on Muslim countries to boycott Israel and hold the criminal regime responsible for its genocidal war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Abbas Araghchi made the remarks on Monday in an address to an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the Saudi city of Jeddah on the ongoing Israeli aggression against Gaza. He said that Muslim states should stop making "hollow and inactive condemnations" about the Gaza onslaught and instead impose sanctions on Israel and bring the usurping entity to account for its war crimes in the blockaded territory. Islamic countries must commit themselves to "mobilizing all political, economic, and legal tools, including sanctions, boycotts, and coordinated international pressure" against Israel, he added. They, he noted, must also pursue Israel's "accountability at all levels, in every court," for genocide and immediately sever all relations with the occupying regime. Araghchi further urged Muslim nations to confront the governments that are complicit in the Gaza bloodshed by arming Israel and shielding it from international condemnations. "What is unfolding before our eyes is the organized destruction of besieged people by a ruthless apartheid regime that acts with complete impunity," he said. "This is not a conventional war. It is collective punishment, a policy of domination, and an assault that bears all the hallmarks of genocide." Meanwhile, the top Iranian diplomat emphasized that Palestinians are subject to a systematic massacre in Gaza, where Israel has completely destroyed residential areas, turned hospitals into graveyards, and trapped children in extreme famine and starvation, in blatant violation of every humanitarian standard. He blasted Israel for openly speaking of its plans to establish permanent military control over Gaza and impose conditions meant to ethnically cleanse the Palestinian territory and annihilate its people. "The people of Gaza await our meaningful support, and their perseverance calls upon us to stand with them not only in words but in decisive action," he said. "Let us remember that the tragedy of Gaza does not concern only Muslims. It is a test for the global conscience. Therefore, we call on all nations, regardless of religion or geography, to stand on the side of humanity, justice, and dignity, which is the right side of history," he said. "History will not forgive delay. Gaza cannot wait. The time for action is now." Israel unleashed its brutal Gaza offensive on October 7, 2023, after the Hamas resistance group carried out its historic operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. Israel has so far failed to achieve its declared objectives of eliminating Hamas and freeing all captives in Gaza. The regime has killed over 62,740 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured at least 158,250 others since October 2023, according to the health ministry of Gaza. A mass starvation is also gripping the Gaza Strip due to Israel's blockade of the territory that prevents the entry of essential supplies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Saudi Arabia urge Muslim unity to end Israel's war on Gaza Iran Press TV Monday, 25 August 2025 2:25 PM Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud have underscored the need for greater unity among Muslim nations to confront Israel's genocidal war against the Palestinians in Gaza. Their joint stance came during talks on the sidelines of an extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), convened Monday in the Saudi city of Jeddah. The meeting of the foreign ministers from the Islamic countries was convened at the initiative of Iran and several other nations to address the situation in Palestine and the deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. During their bilateral meeting, Araghchi and Bin Farhan emphasized the need for greater coordination among Muslim nations to immediately stop the Israeli crimes, ensure the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and thwart "dangerous" Israeli projects aimed at expanding into the Palestinian territory. The two top diplomats also reviewed the state of Tehran-Riyadh relations, expressing their commitment to expanding cooperation across political, economic, security, and regional spheres. They also stressed the important role of cooperation between the two countries in enhancing the stability of the West Asian region and shaping an order based on dialogue, mutual respect, and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries. 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. Israel's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed more than 62,680 Palestinians, mostly women and children. The OIC meeting came as Israel launched an offensive to occupy Gaza City, the largest city in the besieged strip, sparking fears that it would worsen the already catastrophic situation in Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanon's Hezbollah, Amal call for mass protest rejecting cabinet's disarmament moves Iran Press TV Monday, 25 August 2025 11:18 AM Hezbollah and Amal have called on supporters to take to the streets of Beirut in protest, rejecting recent cabinet decisions aimed at disarming the resistance groups. The labor offices of the two groups called on Lebanese workers, unionists, and producers to gather on Wednesday, at 5:30 p.m. local time in the capital city, Beirut's Riad Al Solh Square, in protest against two recent government decisions. In a joint statement, the resistance groups said the rally is meant to reject cabinet measures issued earlier this month, which they said contradict Lebanon's national interests and the principle of coexistence. The protest is in defense of Lebanon's sovereignty, the legitimacy of armed resistance against Israel, and a rejection of "external pressures" on the Lebanese state, the statement added. "This stand is an affirmation of our right to preserve our arms, which have proven capable of breaking the enemy's power, and of our right to resist Israeli aggression and occupation," the statement read. The organizers referred to the teachings of the late Imam Musa al-Sadr, who described Israel as "absolute evil," and of Imam Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Revolution, who referred to Israel as a "cancerous gland." They urged workers to ensure the rally becomes "a historic day in the record of struggle," reflecting national unity and opposition to submission and surrender. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam earlier this month tasked the country's army with devising a monopoly plan to restrict weapons to the state by the end of the year. The plan seeks to disarm resistance groups that have defended Lebanon for decades against foreign aggression, particularly from Israel, in a US-backed initiative. Hezbollah has condemned the government's decision, decrying the move as a "grave sin" while warning that restricting weapons will facilitate the Israelis' scheming to expand. It underlined that the Zionist forces still occupy strategic areas in southern Lebanon while carrying out near-daily violations of a November 2024 ceasefire. The Israeli regime forces continue to maintain their occupation of five strategic points in southern Lebanon, namely Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill, all situated near the border. Under the ceasefire deal, Tel Aviv was required to withdraw fully from Lebanese territory, but by keeping the Zionist forces stationed at the five sites, the Tel Aviv regime violates UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the terms of the agreement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Twin Israeli airstrikes on Gaza hospitals kill 20, including 4 journalists Iran Press TV Monday, 25 August 2025 10:07 AM The Israeli military has killed at least 20 people, including four journalists serving international outlets, during back-to-back strikes against an overstretched hospital in the southern Gaza Strip. On Monday, the regime carried out an airstrike against the Nasser Hospital in the city of Khan Yunis before backing it up with another raid, when civil defense and ambulance teams had scrambled to the site to help out the victims. Various outlets, including resistance media channels, identified four of the fatalities as cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a contractor for the Reuters news agency, Mohammad Salama of the Al Jazeera television network, Mariam Abu Daqa, who used to report for The Independent Arabia and the Associated Press, and Moaz Abu Taha of the NBC. Photographer Hatem Khaled, al-Masri's fellow Reuters contractor, was also wounded in the attacks. 'Systematic targeting' Gaza's government media office said the deaths had brought to 244 the number of journalists that had perished as a result of Israeli bloodletting throughout the coastal sliver since October 2023, when the regime started bringing the Palestinian territory under a wholesale war of genocide. The office condemned the "systematic targeting of Palestinian journalists," holding the regime as well as its main allies - the United States, the UK, Germany, and France - responsible. It also called for international action to protect journalists in the war-battered territory. The assassination spree followed hot on the heels of the regime's targeted killing strikes against Al Jazeera's media team in Gaza City, which claimed the lives of five media personnel, including heroic and celebrated journalist Anas al-Sharif. Right up to his untimely demise, Sharif would provide the world with rare insights into the Israeli- and Western-created Palestinian plight through years-long untiring, and death-defying struggle. Still reporting on the Monday strikes, Gaza's civil defense apparatus announced that firefighter Imad Abdel Hakim al-Shaer was also among the fatalities of the attacks that also wounded seven other members of the apparatus's Khan Younis chapter. The massacre evoked reactions from international figures such as Francesca Albanese, an outspoken United Nations rapporteur, who has faced United States sanctions for her vociferous criticism of the regime. "Scenes like this unfold every moment in Gaza, often unseen, largely undocumented. I beg STATES: How much more must be witnessed before you act to stop this carnage?" she asked in a post on X. She advised the international community to break the regime's near-total blockade of Gaza and slap it with an arms embargo and sanctions, while denouncing rescuers being "killed in line of duty." Gaza's health ministry has, meanwhile, reported numerous injuries. The genocide has so far claimed the lives of around 62,600 Palestinians, mostly women and children. In addition to incessant military attacks, it has been deploying starvation as a weapon of war towards what observers call maximizing suffering and casualties. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas, Islamic Jihad slam Israel's 'fascist aggression' against civilian infrastructure in Yemen Iran Press TV Monday, 25 August 2025 7:29 AM Hamas and Islamic Jihad denounced Israel's deadly attacks on Yemen's capital and civilian infrastructure, describing it as "a blatant violation of international law" and the price of defending Palestine. In a statement released on Sunday, Hamas asserted that Israel's "fascist aggression" against Yemen was intended to stop them from supporting Palestinians. "The terrorist Zionist aggression against brotherly Yemen, targeting residential and civilian areas, constitutes a blatant violation of the Arab countries' sovereignty and international laws," read the statement. "This fascist aggression aims to deter Yemen from supporting our oppressed Palestinian people," it added. The Gaza-based resistance group underlined that the aggression requires a firm Arab and Islamic position in support of Yemen and solidarity with the Palestinian people against Zionist brutality and its colonial goals, particularly after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu openly expressed his desire to achieve the "Greater Israel illusion" by seizing Arab lands. Hamas further called for Arab and Islamic nations, along with all free forces, to "join this honorable path for the sake of ending the occupation and liberating our holy sites and all our occupied Arab lands." Israel carried out deadly airstrikes on Yemen's Sana'a on Sunday, killing at least six people and wounding 86 others. The strikes also hit the Hazeiz power station and a civilian fuel facility, plunging parts of the capital into darkness. Israel claimed it also targeted the presidential palace in Sana'a, describing it as part of a "military complex." In a separate statement, Islamic Jihad also condemned Israel's aggression against civilian infrastructure and the targeting of Yemeni leaders. The resistance group noted that the attacks constitute a war crime that the United States fully backs. "The Yemeni people are paying the price for their steadfast stance in supporting the Palestinian people and for their efforts to stop the crimes in the Gaza Strip," the statement added. Support for Gaza Strip continues, 'no matter the sacrifices': Ansarallah Following the Israeli aggression, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a member of the political bureau of the Ansarullah resistance movement, said, "The Israeli aggression against Yemen will not discourage us from continuing our support for Gaza, no matter the sacrifices." He stated that the Israeli regime's attacks on Yemen are a direct reaction to the impact of Yemen's recent missile strike on occupied territories and that the recent aggression "will be responded to with more operations." Also on Sunday night, the political office of Ansarallah said in a statement that the regime's aggression against Yemen is a "desperate attempt to dissuade the Yemeni nation and armed forces from continuing to help the Gaza Strip." It described the continuation of the Zionist regime's war crimes as an attempt to claim a "symbolic victory" and a sign of its intelligence failure and inability to confront Yemen's military operations. "Yemen pledges not to refrain from any action within the framework of defending its sovereignty in response to the enemy's aggression," it concluded. Israel's Sunday airstrikes came just two days after the Yemeni Armed Forces fired a hypersonic missile and several drones that bypassed Israel's air defense systems and struck critical targets inside the occupied territories. Since Israel launched its genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023, Yemeni forces have carried out scores of retaliatory attacks in solidarity with Palestinians and enforced a sea blockade that has paralyzed the Israeli economy, vowing they will not stop until the war and blockade on the besieged strip end. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU expresses 'deep regret' over US sanctions on ICC, calls threats 'unacceptable' Iran Press TV Monday, 25 August 2025 6:50 AM The European Union has voiced "deep regret" over Washington's latest sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) officials, following an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemning the attack and threats against the Hague-based tribunal as "unacceptable." "The EU once again deeply regrets the decision to impose sanctions on the two deputy Prosecutors and on two judges of the ICC. This decision may impact the functioning of the Office of the Prosecutor and ongoing investigations," Kallas said in a statement on Sunday. She voiced the EU's "firm" support to the ICC, vowing further "support and contribution" to ensure the protection of the Court and its staff against external pressures or threats. "Attacks or threats against the Court, elected officials, personnel and those cooperating with the Court are not acceptable. The ICC must be able to work independently and impartially," the statement said. Kallas called on all states to ensure "full cooperation" with the ICC, "including by the prompt execution of outstanding arrest warrants, and to enter into voluntary agreements." "We are monitoring the implications of the executive order and will assess possible further steps," she added. On August 20, 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. The new sanctions target Kimberly Prost of Canada, Nicolas Guillou of France, Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji, and Mame Mandiaye Niang of Senegal. The step marks the most recent example of a pressure campaign directed at the court that had previously issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, for war crimes and crimes against humanity over Israel's genocidal war on Gaza. The court called the latest sanctions "a flagrant attack" on 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. This latest round of sanctions comes after the US imposed similar restrictions on the ICC's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, along with four other judges earlier this year. At least 62,686 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and another 157,951 individuals have been injured in the brutal Israeli onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to the health ministry of Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cambodian lawmakers pass bill allowing government to revoke citizenship Critics say the measure would have a "disastrously chilling effect" on freedom of speech. By RFA staff 2025.08.25 -- Lawmakers in Phnom Penh on Monday approved a law that will allow the government to strip Cambodian citizenship from people convicted of conspiring with foreign governments against the national interest. Approved by 120 of the 125 members of the National Assembly, the measure was made possible by a change to Cambodia's constitution that lawmakers passed in July. The measure needs to be approved by the Senate and signed by the king to be fully enacted. The bill's passage comes amid a wider crackdown on opponents of the government of Prime Minister Hun Manet. On Sunday, a group of 50 Cambodian non-governmental organizations issued a statement saying the "vaguely worded" measure "will have a disastrously chilling effect on the freedom of speech of all Cambodian citizens." "It would undermine every legal protection for speech, association and assembly currently enshrined in Cambodian law," the groups said. "The government has many powers, but they should not have the power to arbitrarily decide who is and is not a Cambodian." Ahead of the vote, Cambodian Interior Minister Sar Sokha framed the measure as important to boost patriotism in Cambodia amid high tensions with Thailand over their disputed border. "A small handful" of Cambodian citizens are imperiling that patriotism, he said, and "should no longer be qualified as Cambodian citizens." If the bill becomes law, revocations would be directed by a committee established at Sokha's request. Includes reporting from The Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spanish Government condemns Israeli attack on Nasser Hospital in Gaza Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRESS STATEMENT 085 25 Aug 2025 The Spanish Government condemns the Israeli attack on the Nasser Hospital in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of four journalists and innocent civilians. We reiterate that specially protected sites cannot be targeted. This is a flagrant and unacceptable violation of international humanitarian law, which must be investigated. The pain caused by the death of civilians is compounded by that of media professionals, whose work is essential and must be given special protection. Spain reiterates its total commitment to the right of access to information, which is essential to guarantee freedom of expression and access to information for all citizens. -NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION- 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 25 August 2025 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. All right, good afternoon. ** Secretary-General/Gaza I will start off with a statement on Gaza. The Secretary-General strongly condemns the killing of Palestinians today in Israeli strikes that hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip. Those killed, in addition to civilians, included medical personnel and journalists. We want to extend our condolences to families and colleagues of those journalists killed, especially those representatives of the Associated Press, Reuters and Al Jazeera, who are in this room or online. These latest horrific killings highlight the extreme risks that medical personnel and journalists face as they carry out their vital work amid this brutal conflict. The Secretary-General recalls that civilians, including medical personnel and journalists, must be respected and protected at all times. He calls for a prompt and impartial investigation into these killings. He reiterates that medical personnel and journalists must be able to perform their essential duties without interference, without intimidation, and without harm, and in full accordance with international humanitarian law. The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access across Gaza and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages being held in Gaza. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory We just all saw the horrific attack this morning on Nasser Hospital. Turning to the overall situation in the Gaza Strip, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that ongoing air strikes and hostilities, including attacks on healthcare, are causing further casualties and damaging or destroying critical civilian infrastructure. With famine conditions now confirmed in Gaza governorate, hunger and malnutrition among children are deepening. Our partners working on nutrition remind us that in any food crisis, children with underlying health conditions are affected first and without proper nutrition, water and care, their condition worsens more quickly. Less aid means more malnutrition; we and our partners continue to call for the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza. Today, the Ministry of Health in Gaza said that 11 people have died from malnutrition and starvation in the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of people who have died due to malnutrition and hunger to 300. That, again, is according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. Across the Strip, people continue to be displaced while seeking safety and shelter. Our partners tracking population movements in Gaza report that since 20 August, some 5,000 people are estimated to have been displaced from northern Gaza to Deir al Balah and Khan Younis. Some 8,000 others have been displaced to the west of Gaza City. This brings the total number of new displacements since the end of the ceasefire in mid-March to more than 800,000. Meanwhile, OCHA warns that aid convoys in Gaza continue to face delays, they continue to face movement obstructions and many other obstacles. Yesterday, out of 15 humanitarian missions that required coordination, the Israeli authorities facilitated seven, which included the collection of fuel from Kerem Shalom crossing and its distribution to areas where it is needed most. Four missions had to be either cancelled by the organizers or were denied outright by Israeli authorities. The remaining ones were initially approved but then impeded on the ground and only partially accomplished. Our partners said that several education facilities across the Gaza Strip, all used as shelters for displaced people, were attacked last week. With local authorities announcing that final exams for over 35,000 high school students are due to be held in two weeks, we and our partners reiterate our call for the protection of education facilities in accordance with international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, Israeli forces released a World Health Organization (WHO) colleague who had been detained now for more than a month. Our colleagues at the WHO in Geneva obviously welcomed the release and called, once again, for the protection of health staff and all humanitarians workers. OCHA continues to call for the protection of civilians, including humanitarians, health workers and journalists. None should ever be a target. ** Lebanon/Israel Moving to the situation in southern Lebanon: Our peacekeepers there report continued Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) military activities, including air violations and patrolling, in southern Lebanon. Over the weekend, the peacekeepers found weapons' caches, including mortar shells with fuses attached, rocket launchers and explosives. They also found tunnels at two locations in Sector West. All of them were referred to the Lebanese Armed Forces as per existing protocol. Just to note that also on Sunday, a UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) patrol faced obstruction by a group of individuals in Sector West. The group briefly stopped the patrol, and the Lebanese Army was informed of the situation. We reiterate the critical importance of the mission's unhindered freedom of movement. Any act hampering the crucial work of the peacekeepers must stop, and it is not acceptable. ** Israel/Houthis I was asked over the weekend about our reaction to the latest round of escalation between Israel and the Houthis. I can tell you that we note with concern the continued Houthi drone and missile attacks on Israel, as well as the launching of strikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen by the Israeli Defense Forces that took place yesterday. Those attacks reportedly targeted the presidential palace complex, as well as energy infrastructure in Sana'a. The Secretary-General calls for a cessation of all military activities. Any additional escalation could worsen regional tensions that may further destabilize Yemen and the region and pose grave risks to the already dire humanitarian situation in the country. The Secretary-General also emphasizes that international law, including international humanitarian law as applicable, must be respected by all parties at all times. ** Sudan Turning to Sudan, we welcome the recent breakthrough in humanitarian access in South Kordofan State. Yesterday, a UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) convoy successfully delivered humanitarian supplies to Dilling town in South Kordofan State, marking the first substantial delivery to this area by any UN agency since October 2024. The convoy will now continue to Kadugli, the state capital. The supplies will benefit more than 120,000 vulnerable people in Dilling and Kadugli, where humanitarian needs have reached catastrophic levels and communities have been under siege for months. Meanwhile, OCHA also warns that violence continues to escalate in North Darfur State. Between 19 and 20 August, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that insecurity forced 1,000 people to flee the famine-stricken Abu Shouk displacement camp, on the outskirts of the state capital El Fasher. Abu Shouk has witnessed several deadly attacks in recent weeks, with reports of abductions of women and young children from the site over recent days. OCHA is also alarmed by reports of a new wave of violence in El Fasher itself, including alleged artillery shelling of the town's main functioning hospital. And again, medical infrastructure and medical personnel must always be protected and must never be a target. We are also gravely concerned by the worsening nutrition crisis in Melit, in North Darfur. A recent survey by our partner Relief International found that one in three children is acutely malnourished. This places thousands of children under 5 at imminent risk of severe illness, developmental complications, and death. You may recall this is the same area where an aid convoy from the World Food Programme (WFP) was attacked last week while trying to offload humanitarian supplies. We and our partners remain committed to providing the much-needed support to people as access allows. But insecurity, logistical challenges and severe underfunding continue to hamper our efforts. We once again call on the parties to respect international humanitarian law, ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers, and prioritize the protection of civilians. ** Syria An update from Syria, where our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) tell us that we and our partners continue to deliver critical aid to Sweida. Today, 11 trucks from the World Food Programme (WFP) reached Sweida carrying over 9,000 ready-to-eat food rations. Since the escalation of hostilities in that area in July, WFP has provided emergency food assistance to over 300,000 people across Sweida, Dara'a, and Rural Damascus governorates. Commercial traffic into As-Sweida remains limited but six commercial trucks managed to enter yesterday. OCHA says that restoring unimpeded commercial access, alongside stabilizing the security environment, is essential to ensure that assistance reaches populations effectively and to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Also yesterday, our Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, visited Dara'a Governorate to assess the humanitarian situation there following the outbreak of violence in that area back in July. He met with families who had endured difficult years in their homes but were only recently forced to flee. The need for food, water, sanitation, hygiene and non-food items remains acute. The education sector is particularly overstretched: many schools have been destroyed, only a few remain functional, and some are just being used as a place to hosting displaced families. With the school year fast approaching in mid-September, urgent alternatives must be found to protect both children's right to education and families' need for shelter. Mr. Adbelmoula also visited Harak National Hospital in rural Dara'a, rehabilitated by the local community. Today, it serves both residents and displaced families. He underlined the importance of scaling up support to reinforce such community-driven efforts. ** Pakistan Turning to Pakistan, our humanitarian colleagues say that over the last ten days local authorities have said that 400 people have been killed and over 190 injured due to heavy rains and flash floods in various areas of the country. Over 20,000 people remain displaced due to the flooding. Pakistan's Meteorological Department says a new monsoon system is in the forecast, with heavy rainfall expected to continue in the coming days. OCHA reports that people affected by the flooding need shelter supplies, medical assistance, cash for work, hygiene kits, clean drinking water and education, as well as protection support, particularly for women and girls. The authorities are leading the response, with support from the United Nations and local partners. Over the weekend, Tom Fletcher, our Emergency Relief Coordinator, released $600,000 from the regional pooled fund to support the ongoing efforts. Since the start of the 2025 monsoon season on 26 June, Pakistan has faced extensive destruction from heavy rains and floods, with 798 reported fatalities and more than 1,000 injuries. That is what local authorities are telling us. ** Myanmar I just want to read into the record the statement we issued over the weekend in which the Secretary-General said that eight years since their forced mass displacement from Rakhine State, Rohingya people in and outside of Myanmar are facing a further deterioration of their already dire circumstances. In Rakhine State, Rohingya and other civilians are caught in the crossfire between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army and subjected to forced recruitment, human rights violations and many other abuse. Continued violence has forced more Rohingya to flee, including into Bangladesh, which is already generously hosting 1.1 million refugees from Myanmar. Reports of pushbacks, removals and deportations across the region raise serious concerns over potential violations of the principle of non-refoulement and shrinking asylum space. Funding cuts are severely curtailing education, food assistance, healthcare, livelihood opportunities and protection services for those refugees. The Secretary-General reiterates his call for the protection of all civilians in accordance with applicable obligations under international law. He recalls that during his visit to Cox's Bazar earlier this year, where he witnessed the resilience of the Rohingya communities and stressed the urgent need for strengthened international solidarity and increased support, in parallel to efforts towards a comprehensive political solution that meaningfully includes the Rohingya and addresses their displacement and the root causes of the protracted crisis. The Secretary-General is hopeful that the 30 September High-level Conference on Rohingya and other minorities that will take place in New York, as mandated by the United Nations General Assembly, will draw renewed international attention to the urgency of finding durable solutions. Julie Bishop, his Special Envoy for Myanmar, continues to engage all stakeholders towards the cessation of violence and a viable Myanmar-led political process to build conditions conducive to the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of the Rohingya people to their homes in Myanmar. ** Questions and Answers Spokesman : Edie and then Gabriel. Question : Thank you, Steph. And please thank the Secretary-General for his strong condemnation of today's attack. This was among the deadliest Israeli strikes hitting both hospitals and journalists during the 22 months war in Gaza. What is the Secretary-General's message to the Israeli Government as it embarks on a new offensive to take Gaza City? Spokesman : Stop. We've been very clear in the potential horrors that a new military assault on Gaza City could bring to the Palestinians who have sought safety there. There is no place safe left in Gaza. We want to see a ceasefire. We want to see the release of all the hostages. We want to see the humanitarian aid flow back in into Gaza so people can start rebuilding their lives, so that statement in itself seems trite in the face of what is going on and what has been going on in Gaza. Gabriel? Question : Thank you, Steph. And also, thanks for the comments by the Secretary-General and the colleagues that were killed, or I should say murdered. The Secretary-General has called for a prompt and impartial investigation. Unfortunately, we've seen this movie before dozens of times over the past 22 months. There is going to be no prompt and impartial investigation because Israel is the occupying Power; they won't allow it. So given that, what can the Secretary-General do in his power to do something different this time where there will be accountability? Spokesman : Look. As everybody said, accountability in itself takes time. The Secretary-General doesn't have the authority to launch an international investigation without a proper legislative mandate, but there will need to be accountability. And we also, again, call on Israel to cooperate with the various mechanisms that exist, that have been set up by various bodies in this Organization in order for them to be transparent and to show that there will be accountability. You know, it is a reminder... I mean, I think, when it comes to journalists, there was a Security Council resolution, 2222, that was passed by the Security Council of this Organization, calling for the protection of journalists, calling on journalists to be allowed to do their work, calling on media facilities to be treated as civilian infrastructures and for journalists to be protected as civilians. It is important that this resolution be respected. Question : I know that the Secretary-General doesn't have a mandate to independently send in a protection force to Gaza, but the General Assembly does. Would he support it at this point, given the situation? Spokesman : The Secretary-General will support any initiative that will help bring an end to this conflict, that will help bring humanitarian aid in, that will help see the release of all the hostages, and that will help bring us back to a two-State solution and regardless of how far away that may be. Yes, ma'am? Question : This is Minu from China Daily. Russia has proposed that members of the UN Security Council, including US, China, and Russia, act as the security guarantor for Ukraine. Has the SG or the United Nations taken a position on this proposal? Spokesman : Well, we know there are discussions ongoing to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. As the Secretary-General said, he would support any initiative that would see an end to the conflict in line with international law, in line with relevant UN resolutions, and respecting Ukraine's internationally recognized territorial integrity. Dezhi, you had a question? Question : Yes, Steph. Another topic. Today, the Foreign Minister of Syria announced that Syrian President [Ahmed] al-Sharaa will visit here in New York during UNGA (United Nations General Assembly). We know that he's still on the list of the terrorists. How would this issue be handled? Spokesman : I'm sure it will be appropriately issued, appropriately handled by those who need to handle it. But if he comes here, the Secretary-General, I have no doubt, will meet with him as he's met with him before. Okay. Any questions on in the room... Morad? Question : Thank you, Stephane. What are the legal consequences of the famine declaration in Gaza, if there are any? And which entity can or should proceed to seek accountability on this? Spokesman : Well, there are various legal entities and there are various cases in front of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Criminal Court (ICC) as it relates to the conflict in Gaza, as it relates to what is going on in Gaza. We urge all Member States to cooperate with those institutions, which are independent from the Secretary-General. For the Secretary-General's standpoint, his focus is on supporting the work of those humanitarian agencies, notably World Food Programme, UNICEF, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), WHO, who are in the lead in trying to deal with the hunger situation in Gaza. Yes, ma'am? Question : Last week, your office announced the new special envoy for the prevention of genocide? Spokesman : Yes, ma'am. Question : But they didn't say when he's starting. Spokesman : Starting, I believe, in September, but I can double check the date. Yes? Question : Thank you, Steph. Away from the political and peace and security to housekeeping, inside the UN. What's the latest update on the UN80 initiative? And there is locomotion in the building, and there is lots of anxiety as... [cross-talk] Spokesman : There is locomotion in the building. I'm not sure what that means, but I like that term. Question : Okay. Spokesman : The Secretary-General, I think, reported back to Member States and to all of you at the end of July, where we were. I can tell you from, you know, having spoken to the Secretary-General this morning, he's very focused on it. We'll be spending a lot of time on moving things forward over the next few weeks, before the General Assembly, so that there's more concrete plans to be presented to the General Assembly when it meets. Question : So that means that any actual steps towards staff reduction is going to be... [cross-talk] Spokesman : No, no, no, no. This is a separate thing. The Secretary-General will present revised budget to the Fifth Committee in the coming weeks. There are, as you know, some painful staff reductions. Those have been proposed, and will be proposed, to the General Assembly because in the end, Member States will have to take those decisions. Dezhi? Question : Sorry. One more question. This week, I think Security Council is going to take action on the extension of mandate of UNIFIL. Spokesman : Sure hope so. Question : What is the position from the Secretary-General? What does he think of the importance of that mandate? Spokesman : We've always believed that UNIFIL plays a stabilizing role, right? The fact that the men and women of UNIFIL, at the direction of the Secretary-General, stayed during the worst part of the conflict, I think, is a testament to their bravery and to the critical role that they are especially now being able to play in the implementation of Security Council 1701. I mean, we update you once or twice a week on everything that they're doing in cooperating and working with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and reporting the weapons caches, the tunnels, at a pace that I think we've never we haven't seen before and supporting the LAF in terms of capacity-building even if they continue to face risks, whether it's from a cross-fire or whether it's from, as I saw, obstructions from civilians in certain parts of their area of responsibility. But in the end, the decision will be left to the wise members of the Security Council. Question : But there's a strong preference of the Secretary-General to extend the mandate. Spokesman : I think if... if you concluded that from what I've just spent the last few minutes talking, you would be correct. Abdelhamid, I see your face on my screen. Go ahead. Question : Thank you, Steph. Yeah. I have few questions. I want to follow-up with Gabriel's question about investigation. And I always wonder, Steph, why UNESCO's (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) director, Audrey Azoulay, does not speak loud about investigation. You may say, oh, you could direct your question to UNESCO. I failed. I mean, I couldn't get an answer. I want to ask her through you why UNESCO is not talking about the murder of so many journalists, when it is in her mandate. Why? Spokesman : My understanding is that they have in the past, and they will continue to speak up for the safety and the protection of journalists. Your second question? Question : My second question, isn't obvious now that the Israeli plans is to obliterate the Palestinian people as a whole? Does it take so much, I mean, thinking that the plans I mean, what [Itamar Ben] Gvir said recently, it falls into this category. They are trying to kill the Palestinian people as a whole. Is the SG aware of this or not? If he is not... It's a tragedy. Spokesman : Abdelhamid, with due respect, I think the Secretary-General has been very aware about what's going on in Gaza, has been very clear, and most importantly, been very consistent in what he has been saying. Yes, sir? Question : One short question. Don't you see that you are rewarding Israel when you borrow their lexicons and when there is a land stolen from the Palestinians? And they change its name to sound like Hebrew. And then do you repeat that? Like, Karim Abu Salem. It's a Palestinian land stolen from the Palestinians. The Israeli gave them this name, and you are repeating... [cross-talk] Spokesman : I think I have used both Karim Shalom and Karim Abu Salam at different parts times. Okay. On that note, go away. Sorry. Oh, sorry. Sorry. Iftikhar, sorry. I apologize. I only see Abdelhamid on the screen. But if I can hear you, Iftikhar, go ahead. Question : Thank you, Steph. On the floods in Pakistan and UN coordinating with the Pakistani authorities, I just wanted to know whether UN relief teams are actually on the ground in the affected area. Spokesman : Sorry. Say again? Question : I said whether the UN team's relief teams are actually on the ground in the affected areas. Spokesman : I will find out from our OCHA colleagues and get back to you on that. Question : Right. Thank you. Spokesman : Thank you. Okay. Goodbye. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza: UN calls for probe following deadly strikes on Nasser Hospital 25 August 2025 - The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) renewed his call for a ceasefire in Gaza following two deadly Israeli air strikes on the Nasser Hospital in the southern Strip on Monday. At least 20 people were killed, including four health workers and five journalists, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus said in a tweet. Fifty other people were injured, including critically ill patients who were already receiving care. Healthcare under attack "While people in Gaza are being starved, their already limited access to healthcare is being further crippled by repeated attacks," Tedros remarked. "We cannot say it loudly enough: STOP attacks on healthcare. Ceasefire now." He said the hospital's main building, which houses the emergency department, inpatient ward, and surgical unit, was hit. The strikes also damaged the emergency staircase. Global indifference and inaction The head of UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA also took to social media in the wake of the news. "Silencing the last remaining voices reporting about children dying silently and famine with the world's indifference and inaction is shocking," said Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini. He called for compassion to prevail, saying "let us undo this manmade famine by opening the gates without restrictions, protecting journalists and humanitarian and health workers," stressing the need for political will now. The UN recently noted that more than 240 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war began nearly two years ago following deadly Hamas-led attacks on Israel. Roughly 1,200 people were killed and 250 hostages were taken to the enclave, some of whom remain in captivity. Guterres calls for investigation UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the deadly airstrikes and called for a prompt and impartial investigation. "These latest horrific killings highlight the extreme risks that medical personnel and journalists face as they carry out their vital work amid this brutal conflict," UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that among the reporters killed was female journalist Mariam Abu Dagga who partnered with the agency last year on a photo essay depicting the dire situation in Gaza. The Secretary-General reiterated that medical personnel and journalists must be able to perform their essential duties without interference, intimidation, or harm, in full accordance with international humanitarian law. He also renewed his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, unfettered humanitarian access across the enclave, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The Israeli Prime Minister's office issued a statement later in the day saying the Government "deeply regrets the tragic mishap" which occurred at the Nasser Hospital. Famine spreading The number of deaths in Gaza has surpassed 61,000, according to the local health authorities. Last week, food security experts confirmed that famine has taken root in Gaza Governorate, projecting that it will spread. The Gaza Ministry of Health said on Tuesday that 11 people have died from malnutrition and starvation in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall total to 300. Displacement deepens Meanwhile, people across the enclave continue to be displaced while seeking safety and shelter. Humanitarians said that between 20 and 24 August, some 5,000 people are estimated to have been displaced from northern Gaza to Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis. Roughly 8,000 more have been displaced to the west of Gaza City. Overall, new displacements have surpassed 800,000 since the end of the ceasefire in mid-March. Obstructions to aid delivery At the same time, aid convoys in Gaza continue to face delays, movement obstructions and other challenges. On Sunday, only seven out of 15 humanitarian missions that required coordination with Israel were facilitated, including the collection of fuel from the Kerem Shalom border crossing for distribution to areas where it is needed most. "Four missions had to be either cancelled by the organisers or were denied outright by Israeli authorities," OCHA said. "The remaining ones were initially approved but then impeded on the ground and only partially accomplished, including the collection of food and vaccines from the crossings." Education on hold As children around the world start heading back to school, their counterparts in Gaza continue to miss out on education. Several education facilities that are being used as shelters for displaced people were attacked last week, according to aid partners. "With local authorities announcing that final exams for over 35,000 high school students are due to be held in two weeks, the UN and its partners reiterate their call for the protection of education facilities in accordance with international law," OCHA said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria, Sudan, Pakistan UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory Deadly Israeli strikes hit Al-Nasser Medical Complex OCHA warns that ongoing air strikes and hostilities in the Gaza Strip - including attacks on healthcare - are causing further civilian casualties and damaging or destroying critical infrastructure. Today, the Israeli military hit Al-Nasser Medical Complex, in Khan Younis, twice. The Ministry of Health reported several casualties among members of the Palestinian Civil Defense, health workers and journalists. The fatalities included a female journalist, Mariam Abu Dagga, who partnered with OCHA last year on a photo essay depicting the dire situation in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli forces released a World Health Organization (WHO) colleague who had been detained for more than a month. In a social media post, WHO welcomed their release and called, once again, for the protection of health staff and humanitarians. With famine conditions now confirmed in Gaza governorate, hunger and malnutrition among children are deepening. Partners working on nutrition note that in any food crisis, children with underlying health conditions are affected first - and without proper nutrition, water and care, their condition worsens more quickly. Less aid means more malnutrition, and the UN and its partners continue to call for the unrestricted flow of aid into and within Gaza. Today, the Ministry of Health said that 11 people have died from malnutrition and starvation in the past 24 hours. This brings the total number of people who have died due to malnutrition and hunger to 300, according to the Ministry of Health. Across Gaza, people continue to be displaced while seeking safety and shelter. Partners tracking population movements in the Strip report that between 20 and 24 August, some 5,000 people are estimated to have been displaced from northern Gaza to Deir al Balah and Khan Younis. Some 8,000 others have been displaced to the west of Gaza city. This brings the total number of new displacements since the end of the ceasefire in mid-March to more than 800,000. Meanwhile, OCHA warns that aid convoys in Gaza continue to face delays, movement obstructions and other obstacles. Yesterday, out of 15 humanitarian missions that required coordination, the Israeli authorities facilitated seven, including the collection of fuel from Kerem Shalom crossing and its distribution to areas where it is needed most. Four missions had to be either cancelled by the organizers or were denied outright by Israeli authorities. The remaining ones were initially approved but then impeded on the ground and only partially accomplished, including the collection of food and vaccines from the crossings. Partners working on human rights note that as children across the world are heading back to school, many in Gaza are missing out on education. Partners said several education facilities across the Strip - all used as shelters for displaced people - were attacked last week. With local authorities announcing that final exams for over 35,000 high school students are due to be held in two weeks, the UN and its partners reiterate their call for the protection of education facilities in accordance with international law. OCHA continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages and those arbitrarily detained, who must all be treated humanely. OCHA also calls for the protection of civilians, including humanitarians, health workers and journalists. They should never be a target. Syria Humanitarian Coordinator meets displaced families in Dar'a The Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, visited Dar'a Governorate yesterday to assess the humanitarian situation following the outbreak of violence in the area last month. He met with families who had endured difficult years in their homes but were only recently forced to flee. The need for food, water, sanitation, hygiene and non-food items remains acute. The education sector is particularly overstretched: many schools have been destroyed, only a few remain functional, and some are now hosting displaced families. With the school year fast approaching in mid-September, urgent alternatives must be found to protect both children's right to education and families' need for shelter. Abdelmoula also visited Harak National Hospital in rural Dar'a, rehabilitated by the local community. Today, it serves both residents and displaced families. He underlined the importance of scaling up support to reinforce such community-driven efforts. Meanwhile, the UN and its partners continue to deliver critical aid. Today, 11 trucks from the World Food Programme (WFP) reached As-Sweida carrying over 9,000 ready-to-eat food rations. Since the escalation of hostilities in As-Sweida Governorate in July, WFP has provided emergency food assistance to over 300,000 people across the governorates of As-Sweida, Dar'a and Rural Damascus. Commercial traffic into As-Sweida remains limited, but six commercial trucks managed to enter yesterday. OCHA says that restoring unimpeded commercial access, alongside stabilizing the security environment, is essential to ensure life-saving assistance reaches affected populations effectively and to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Sudan UN reaches South Kordofan with vital aid OCHA welcomes a breakthrough in humanitarian access to Sudan's South Kordofan State. Yesterday, a UNICEF convoy successfully delivered life-saving supplies to Dilling, marking the first substantial delivery to this area by any UN agency since October 2024. The convoy will now continue to Kadugli, the state capital. The supplies will benefit more than 120,000 vulnerable people in Dilling and Kadugli, where humanitarian needs have reached catastrophic levels and communities have been under siege for months. Meanwhile, OCHA warns that violence continues to escalate in North Darfur State. Between 19 and 20 August, the International Organization for Migration estimates that insecurity forced some 1,000 people to flee the famine-stricken Abu Shouk displacement camp, on the outskirts of the state capital El Fasher. Abu Shouk has witnessed several deadly attacks in recent weeks, with reports of abductions of women and young children from the site over recent days. OCHA is also alarmed by reports of a new wave of violence in El Fasher itself, including alleged artillery shelling of the town's main functioning hospital. OCHA is also gravely concerned by the worsening nutrition crisis in Melit, also in North Darfur. A recent survey by Relief International found that one in three children is acutely malnourished. This places thousands of children under 5 at imminent risk of severe illness, developmental complications and death. Melit is the same area where a WFP aid convoy was attacked last week while trying to offload life-saving supplies. The UN and its partners remain committed to providing life-saving support to people as access allows. However, insecurity, logistical challenges and severe underfunding* continue to hamper these efforts. OCHA once again calls on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers, and prioritize the protection of civilians. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Sudan with urgent support. Pakistan Over 20,000 still displaced by deadly flash floods Over the last 10 days, 400 people have been killed and more than 190 others injured in Pakistan due to heavy rains and flash floods in the areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwar, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, according to the authorities. More than 20,000 people remain displaced due to the flooding. Pakistan's Meteorological Department says a new monsoon system is in the forecast, with heavy rainfall expected to continue in the coming days. OCHA reports that people affected by the flooding need shelter supplies, medical assistance, cash for work, hygiene kits, clean drinking water and education - as well as protection support, particularly for women and girls. The authorities are leading the response, with support from the UN and local partners. Over the weekend, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, released US$600,000 from the regional pooled fund to support the ongoing efforts. Since the start of the 2025 monsoon season on 26 June, Pakistan has faced extensive destruction from heavy rains and floods, with 798 reported fatalities and more than 1,000 injuries, according to the national authorities. Posted on 25 August 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Higgins Completes Expeditionary Missile Reload Simulation At Sea US Navy 25 August 2025 From Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Trevor Hale CLEVELAND BAY, Australia -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) simulated an expeditionary reload of a Standard Missile (SM) 2 while anchored in the vicinity of Townsville, Australia, July 28. The exercise demonstrates enhanced expeditionary logistics capabilities essential for sustained naval operations in the Indo-Pacific region. U.S. Navy's Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73) led the reload effort ashore. "This successful rearm event was the result of exceptional teamwork between the ship's crew, shore support teams, and technical experts," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Kevin Kodrin, COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73 ordnance officer. "Exercises like this are critical to validating our ability to safely and effectively reload at sea, ensuring our ships remain combat-ready whenever and wherever needed." In 2023 and 2024, U.S. Navy destroyers conducted expeditionary vertical launching system (VLS) reloads in Eden, Australia, and Darwin, Australia, respectively. Following exercise Talisman Sabre in September 2023, the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) rearmed with an SM-2 in Eden, while the USS Dewey (DDG 105) followed exercise Kakadu with an SM-2 reload in Darwin in September 2024. The Higgins operates under Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy's largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet's principal surface force, and Task Force 70. "We are strengthening distributed logistics capabilities that enhance our collective operational readiness across the Indo-Pacific," said Rear Adm. Eric Anduze, commander,Task Force 70. "This gives our warfighters a tremendous amount of agility to strike from sea, move, reload, reposition and strike again. It represents a lethal tactical advantage that helps us protect the safety and prosperity of the region." COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73 sustains the U.S. Navy's maritime forces and is responsible for all diving and salvage operations in the Western Pacific in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Task Force 70 directs the preponderance of forward-deployed air and surface maneuver and striking forces in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, overseeing DESRON 15, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and expeditionary Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131, as well as the ships and aircraft operating under Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, including the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls (CG 62), the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 26 August 2025 - Day 1280 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, 130 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of this day. Russian Zagarbniki made two rocket and 40 aviacijnih strikes, used two rockets and dropped 57 controlled air bombs. In addition, the Russians have engaged to impress 1,708 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,947 shelling of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, Ukrainian soldiers repelled six Russian assault actions since the beginning of the day, six more are ongoing so far. The enemy also launched three air strikes using five controlled air bombs, and carried out 170 shells, one of which was from the reactive systems of salvage fire. In the South Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders four times and received a section near the Deep, Vovchansky, Red First and towards Doroshivka. In the Kupiansk direction, Russian units carried out five unsuccessful assault actions, trying to break through the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the direction of settlements of Kupiansk and Nova Kruglyakivka. In the Lyman direction since the beginning of the day, Russian zagarbniks 27 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians near the settlements Novomikhailivka, Karpivka, Kolodyazi, Mirne, Torske and towards the settlements of Shandrigolove, Stavka, Dronivka and Serebryanka. At the moment, Ukrainian defenders repel nine Russian attacks. In the Sivers .komu direction, Russian forces six times tried to break through in the area of Grigorivka and in the direction of Serebryanka, Viymki, Fedorivka. Four combat clashes were recorded in the Kramators .komu direction, the Russian enemy's units tried to move towards Stupochok. In the Toretsky direction, Russians attacked the positions of Defense Forces eight times. The efforts of the attack were concentrated in the areas of Toretsk, Oleksandro-Kalinovy and in the direction of settlements of Berestok, Stepanivka, Poltavka. One fight is going on. Since the beginning of the day in the Pokrovsky direction, Russian units have tried 30 times to break through Ukrainian defense in the areas of populated areas of Nikanorivka, Novoekonomichne, Mirolubivka, Ray, Lisivka, Kotline, Udaachne, Novoukrainka and in the direction of Volodymyrivka, Rubizhny, Bilitsky, Rodinsky, Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka. Defense Forces hold back Russian attacks, the Russian enemy suffers significant losses - today in this direction 107 occupants are defecated, of which 67 - irrevocable. Ukrainian defenders have destroyed three vehicles, an artillery system, 16 unmanned aircraft, a REB device, three BPLA control points and three personnel shelters. Also significantly damaged the artillery system, special equipment unit, three control points of BPLA and six Russian covers. In the Novopavlovsky direction, Ukrainian units stopped 10 Russian attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops near the settlement of Zeleny Gai, Shevchenko, Voskresenko, Komyshuvakha, Novogeorgiyivka and in the direction of Philia, Iskra and Oleksandrograd, six more fighting clashes are ongoing so far. In the directions of Gulyaipilsky and Orihivsky, there are no combat clashes. In the Pridniprovsk direction, Russian forces made two unsuccessful attempts of offense, suffered losses and retreated. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Army's new cyber advisor sets tone for priorities By Joe Lacdan Army News Service August 24, 2025 WASHINGTON -- Bringing innovative technologies to Soldiers and incorporating next generation software and capabilities will be among the priorities of the Army's new top cyber strategist. Brandon Pugh outlined his duties as the Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of the Army during a discussion in Augusta, Georgia, Thursday. Pugh, a Rutgers Law School graduate, not only boasts the cybersecurity experience and education to advise service leaders but Pugh, an officer in the Army reserve, can relate to the Soldiers his leadership will influence, having served as a paratrooper, international law officer and now as a national security law professor while in uniform. Pugh was a non-resident fellow at the U.S. Military Academy and served as legislative counsel at the New Jersey General Assembly Minority Office, managing policy and legislation related to cybersecurity. Pugh became the third person to be named PCA after President Donald Trump nominated him June 16, becoming the first political appointee to the role. Pugh said that bolstering the Army's cyber capabilities and cybersecurity aligns with the service's continuous transformation priorities, where the service will leverage the latest technologies to keep pace with adversaries. "I truly believe in the direction the Army is going," Pugh said. "The Army's continuous transformation is really a unique window in transforming the Army overall to the current battlefield, as well as where the future one is. And I think cyber is a key part of that." Pugh said his goals for Army cyber include pushing AI capabilities to the warfighter and fulfilling the president's priority of defending the homeland. He said national defense can be achieved by bolstering the service's cyber offensive and defensive capabilities. "Transformation is really delivering capabilities to the warfighter in a quick speed. That's just not a buzzword. How do I interpret that for our office?" he said. "It's really looking at the nexus of AI and cyber. ARCYBER is doing a great job under [ ... Army Cyber Command Science Advisor and Chief Analytics Officer Mark A. "Al" Mollenkopf's] leadership, but I think that's the direction we need to go in." Pugh will lead his office from the Pentagon and collaborate with Leonel Garciga, the Army's Chief Information Officer, and other senior leaders. Pugh's council comes at a critical time as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth identified cyber among the Army's top areas to invest. This fall, Army Cyber Command, based at Fort Gordon, Georgia, will form the first of its three Theater Information Advantage Detachments, which will focus on U.S. adversaries in the realm of cyber information. Pugh visited Fort Gordon, Georgia, in late July including meeting with Army cyber capability developers at the 11th Cyber Battalion. Pugh said that further incorporating the National Guard and his fellow reservists into ARCYBER and broader cyber efforts will be among his priorities. He said that many members of the guard and Army Reserve boast skills in the areas of cyber and technology that could benefit the Army's cyber capabilities. The Army established its Cyber Direct Commissioning Program, or CDCP, for those who possess key experience in the cyber field or education to be appointed to the Army's Cyber Corps in the ranks of lieutenant to colonel. "I see this as a total Army. We need our active-duty Soldiers, but we also need our Reservists and our Guardsmen, and I'll add civilians on top of that," Pugh said. "I think we see awesome examples of the Guard and Reserve being utilized." Pugh added that Guardsmen work in local communities where they can contribute to critical infrastructure defense. "Some of these Reserve and Guardsmen have incredible skill sets. They're in C-suite (top cyber strategy) positions sometimes in their civilian world [positions]. To make sure we're leveraging them, I think is key." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address August 25, 2025 By Army Pfc. Dominic Atlas, Joint Task Force Southern Border DOD Systems Bolster Border Security Operations Along the rugged terrain of the southern border, the Defense Department deploys optic systems to enhance detection and monitoring capabilities in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The ground-based operational surveillance system expeditionary, the long-range advanced scout surveillance system, and the common remotely operated weapon station are advanced tools and unique military capabilities used by service members assigned to Joint Task Force Southern Border to monitor large areas, detect illegal crossings and strengthen perimeter security in coordination with CBP agents. Whether elevated on towers, deployed from concealed positions or mounted on armored vehicles, these systems provide persistent coverage across challenging and often inaccessible landscapes. Each platform offers a unique capability, contributing to the multilayered detection and monitoring strategy in place along the southern border. Elevated Overwatch and Area Monitoring The ground-based operational surveillance system expeditionary, is an advanced fixed-position monitoring asset. Mounted on telescoping masts or permanent towers, GBOSS-E integrates electro-optical and infrared cameras, laser rangefinders and ground radar to enable nonstop observation across large sectors of terrain. From its elevated position, the system allows operators to detect, identify and geolocate movement in open desert and rugged terrain critical for tracking groups attempting to cross into the U.S. without authorization. What makes the system unique is that it is an organic asset to military police units. By employing it in this mission, soldiers are not only enhancing border security but also building readiness by training with and refining the use of their equipment in a real-world environment. "Integrating the GBOSS-E system into our mission set has enhanced our soldiers' ability to detect threats from a distance. These systems allow our soldiers to pick up on movement and heat signatures through radar and camera capabilities that enhance monitoring efforts, especially at night and from a distance," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Sean Marshall, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 759th Military Police Battalion. "In an austere environment like Yuma, [Arizona,] where the desert extends for miles, the GBOSS-E is a force multiplier that enables us to use the terrain to our advantage." Long-Range Target Detection From Concealed Positions The long-range advanced scout surveillance system provides high-fidelity visual monitoring and long-range target detection from mobile platforms such as the Stryker armored vehicle. By combining thermal imaging, day cameras, GPS, and a laser rangefinder, LRAS3 enables soldiers to observe and identify subjects from several kilometers away while remaining protected under armor and out of sight. Originally designed as a cavalry asset for reconnaissance teams in forward-deployed environments, the LRAS3 has been in use for decades. With the integration of cavalry elements into infantry formations, the system has transitioned from a specialized tool to one now available at the company level. Along the southern border, LRAS3 has found a new purpose, providing personnel with long-range detection capabilities to discreetly monitor trails, canyons and key terrain features from standoff positions. Repurposed for homeland security, the system continues to prove its value by supporting CBP operations. "This system allows a Stryker with a mounted LRAS3 to provide U.S. Border Patrol with the information and location needed to interdict suspected illegal aliens," said Army 1st Lt. Elias Stephenson, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. "It's used in areas that have substantial observation capabilities to support the detection capabilities of the system and enable U.S. Border Patrol interdiction." Remote Observation With Defensive Capability The common remotely operated weapon station provides operators with long-range observation capabilities. Mounted on Stryker armored vehicles, CROWS allows soldiers to detect and track activity while remaining protected inside the vehicle. Equipped with stabilized optics, thermal and day cameras and a laser rangefinder, the system is now employed along the southern border strictly as a detection and monitoring asset. Originally designed to integrate with crew-served weapons in combat zones, the system has been repurposed for homeland security missions to provide personnel with long-range observation capability without its traditional armament. This adaptation highlights its versatility enabling soldiers and Department of Homeland Security personnel to maintain persistent watch over high-risk border sectors while remaining protected inside their vehicles. The common remotely operated weapon station is a remote camera system on the Stryker that is normally used for the Stryker's mounted machine gun for targeting in combat. "For the southern border mission, we don't have weapons mounted. So, it's been repurposed to extend our duration for detection and monitoring capabilities. This allows our vehicle commanders to detect individuals at greater distances and enable border apprehensions," Stephenson said. Integrated Systems, Unified Mission Together, GBOSS-E, LRAS3 and CROWS demonstrate the unique military capabilities that DOD contributes to border security operations. By combining advanced surveillance platforms, specialized training and the ability to operate in austere environments, these systems strengthen detection and monitoring efforts across the southern border. Their integration also reflects the close partnership between DOD and DHS in protecting national sovereignty and disrupting illicit activity. As the mission continues, these systems remain vital to detecting movement, monitoring critical areas and supporting soldiers and law enforcement personnel working together to secure the southern border, Stephenson said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Canada Signs a Military Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with Indonesia's Armed Forces National Defence News release August 25, 2025 - Ottawa, ON. - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Today, the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jennie Carignan signed a Military Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI), the Indonesian National Armed Forces. This is a significant step forward for Canada's bilateral defence partnership with Indonesia and demonstrates Canada's long-term commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. This new arrangement between the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the TNI strengthens the military partnership between both nations and will increase collaboration in areas of maritime security, bilateral and multilateral exercises, and capacity building, among others. The positive impact of this arrangement can already be seen in the region, through the CAF's participation in Exercise SUPER GARUDA SHIELD 2025. This year will see the largest CAF contingent participating in the Exercise, with members currently deployed on Operation HORIZON. This arrangement will also continue to build on our highly successful partnership under the Military Training and Cooperation Program, in which over 700 TNI members have participated since Indonesia joined in 2008. The signing of this arrangement further strengthens our defence partnership with Indonesia, an influential partner in the region and a leading member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Through Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, we will continue to increase our defence and security cooperation with ASEAN member states, and work with our allies and partners to ensure a strong defence presence in the region. As a Pacific nation, the security and stability of the broader Indo-Pacific region is vital to Canada's future and global stability. Canada is, and will continue to be, an active, reliable and predictable partner in the region. Quotes "Formalizing our military cooperation with a key Indo-Pacific partner like Indonesia is vital to strengthening Canada's ability to promote peace and stability in the region. By enhancing our interoperability with the Tentara Nasional Indonesia, we ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces remain ready to uphold international law and defend Canadian sovereignty." - General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff "Canada is honoured to advance our longstanding partnership with Indonesia through our new military cooperation Memorandum of Understanding. This milestone underscores our shared commitment to maritime security, regional stability, and capacity building. Guided by Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, we will continue working closely with Indonesia and ASEAN partners to strengthen peace, security, and resilience across the region." - H.E. Jess Dutton, Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia Quick facts This visit marks the first visit to Indonesia for General Carignan as the Chief of the Defence Staff. While in Indonesia, General Carignan participated in the opening ceremonies for Exercise SUPER GARUDA SHIELD and held bilateral meetings with her counterparts. Exercise SUPER GARUDA SHIELD is a multinational military exercise, led by the TNI, with participation from multiple partner nations. This exercise highlights the strength of international partnerships and the importance of joint operational readiness. As part of Canada's Strategic Partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), we hold observer status for two ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+) Expert Working Groups, one for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, and one on Maritime Security. Observer status for both working groups is for the 2024-2027 cycle. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney meets with President of Poland Karol Nawrocki Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney August 25, 2025 Warsaw, Poland Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, in Warsaw, Poland. The Prime Minister and the President discussed the strong relationship between Canada and Poland, enriched by the nearly one million Canadians of Polish heritage. Prime Minister Carney and President Nawrocki discussed their countries' efforts to deepen trade, defence, and security ties through the enhanced Canada-Poland strategic partnership, announced earlier today in Warsaw. The leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional security and welcomed ongoing co-operation on defence, including through NATO. The leaders reiterated their ongoing support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's invasion and welcomed the United States' openness to providing security guarantees that would help support long-term peace and security for Ukraine and Europe. They agreed to remain in contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney meets with Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney August 25, 2025 Warsaw, Poland Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, in Warsaw, Poland. The prime ministers affirmed the strong bilateral relationship between Canada and Poland and discussed enhancing collaboration in defence, energy, and aerospace. Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Tusk underscored their shared commitment to supporting regional security on NATO's Eastern Flank. The leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's invasion and welcomed the United States' openness to providing security guarantees to support long-term peace and security for Ukraine and Europe. The leaders emphasized the need for robust and credible security guarantees and for continued pressure on Russia. Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Tusk underscored that no decisions about Ukraine should be made without Ukraine, and no decisions about Europe without Europe. They agreed to remain in close and regular contact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint statement on enhancing the Canada-Poland strategic partnership Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney August 25, 2025 Warsaw, Poland The Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney and the Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk met today in Warsaw to reaffirm the close and enduring friendship between their two nations and to announce a renewed long-term strategic partnership that will guide and deepen bilateral cooperation in the years ahead. The enduring bond between Canada and Poland is strengthened by dynamic economic ties and vibrant people-to-people connections, underpinned by the nearly one million-strong Polish-Canadian community which plays a vital role in enriching both societies. Over more than 80 years of diplomatic relations, Canada and Poland have built a resilient and forward-looking partnership rooted in mutual interests: a rules-based international order anchored in the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity; a fair, open, and predictable global trading system; and a robust transatlantic security architecture based on the principle of collective security that defends peace, stability, and human rights. Together, Canada and Poland stand united, guided by history, strengthened by shared values, and committed to shaping a more secure, prosperous and democratic future for generations to come. A stronger economic partnership Canada and Poland share a growing trade relationship that supports jobs and prosperity in both countries. To further diversify and strengthen economic ties, including in trade, investment and research and innovation, Canada and Poland will focus on the following sectors: Energy: Support enhanced collaboration among industry leaders, academic institutions, and research organizations to strengthen energy security and a clean energy transition in both countries. Both governments will promote industrial partnerships in critical minerals, offshore wind, low-carbon hydrogen and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as enabling technologies such as energy storage solutions. Leveraging the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signed in January 2025, they will foster new partnerships between their leading firms, utilities and nuclear safety authorities, and explore opportunities in emerging technologies like Small Modular Reactors. To support these efforts, Canada and Poland will launch a bilateral government-to-government dialogue between their respective energy ministries, including discussions on Poland's second nuclear power plant. A Polish nuclear energy trade mission to Canada is planned for this November. Support enhanced collaboration among industry leaders, academic institutions, and research organizations to strengthen energy security and a clean energy transition in both countries. Both governments will promote industrial partnerships in critical minerals, offshore wind, low-carbon hydrogen and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as enabling technologies such as energy storage solutions. Leveraging the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signed in January 2025, they will foster new partnerships between their leading firms, utilities and nuclear safety authorities, and explore opportunities in emerging technologies like Small Modular Reactors. To support these efforts, Canada and Poland will launch a bilateral government-to-government dialogue between their respective energy ministries, including discussions on Poland's second nuclear power plant. A Polish nuclear energy trade mission to Canada is planned for this November. Defence: Encourage mutually beneficial strategic partnerships between our defence industries, including in support of Ukraine's defence and recovery. This will be facilitated by respective commitments to increase defence spending and by leveraging the Canada-EU Security & Defence Partnership and Canadian collaboration through the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) mechanism. Both governments will promote significant industrial participation at major industrial trade events, such as CANSEC 2026 (May 2026, Ottawa, Canada) and the 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) (September 2026, Kielce, Poland) where Canada will be lead Nation. They will explore options to conduct joint procurements, including under SAFE-enabled EU common procurement, and facilitate business-to-business connections in support of expanding defence industrial integration. Both countries will also explore options for co-development and co-sustainment, including through EU and NATO mechanisms. Cooperation will cover advanced technological domains in areas such as radars, communications, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance technologies, and artificial intelligence. Both sides will support technology transfer and stronger supply chains by facilitating the participation of Polish and Canadian companies in production and delivery programmes, with due regard for intellectual property protection and product certification. In parallel, experience will be exchanged in the modernization of vehicles, aviation and naval forces. Enhancing resilience of supply chains will remain a priority, with efforts directed towards diversification of sources, building strategic reserves and securing critical infrastructure against cyber threats. Both governments will also explore the development of dual-use technologies, including cooperation with Ukraine on drone platforms with both logistics and defence applications. Aviation: Building on the momentum of LOT Polish Airlines' purchase of 40 Airbus A220 aircraft manufactured in Mirabel, Quebec, with increasing Polish content, identify partnership opportunities to further strengthen industrial ties and drive innovation across the broader aerospace ecosystem, particularly in advanced manufacturing, pilot training and simulation technologies. The Government of Canada will work with Polish counterparts to support the Safer Skies Initiative regarding risk assessments for civil aviation flying over or near conflict zones. This will present further opportunities to develop assessment and mitigation capabilities and capacity and make skies safer across the world. Canada and Poland, alongside six other countries in the iTEC Alliance (Interoperability Through European Collaboration), are jointly advancing the iTEC/SkyNex air traffic management system, an innovative solution that enhances flight efficiency, strengthens safety, and enables seamless trajectory coordination across continents. Building on the momentum of LOT Polish Airlines' purchase of 40 Airbus A220 aircraft manufactured in Mirabel, Quebec, with increasing Polish content, identify partnership opportunities to further strengthen industrial ties and drive innovation across the broader aerospace ecosystem, particularly in advanced manufacturing, pilot training and simulation technologies. The Government of Canada will work with Polish counterparts to support the Safer Skies Initiative regarding risk assessments for civil aviation flying over or near conflict zones. This will present further opportunities to develop assessment and mitigation capabilities and capacity and make skies safer across the world. Canada and Poland, alongside six other countries in the iTEC Alliance (Interoperability Through European Collaboration), are jointly advancing the iTEC/SkyNex air traffic management system, an innovative solution that enhances flight efficiency, strengthens safety, and enables seamless trajectory coordination across continents. Trade-related cooperation: Boost bilateral trade and investment to create new opportunities for economic cooperation. With the purpose of fostering greater commercial engagement between our businesses, Canada and Poland will collaborate on a high-level business, trade, and energy mission of Polish companies to Canada. Canada and Poland's commercial relationship is underpinned by the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Since provisional application of CETA began in 2017, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Poland has more than doubled, leading to increased economic growth and job creation in both countries. Both governments will work to realize the full benefits of CETA. Enhanced security and defence cooperation Canada and Poland share a dynamic and strategically important defence partnership, rooted in shared commitments to NATO and transatlantic security. Both countries are resolute and united in their support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression. Canadian and Polish mutual dedication to collective defence, and the security of Europe is built on a proud history, from Camp Kosciuszko in 1917 to Canada's pivotal support for Polish forces during the Second World War. This history remains more relevant than ever as we face credible threats to our shared security. Building on the momentum established via the Action Plan for Bilateral Defence Cooperation signed in August 2025 and the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Poland and the Government of Canada on the Protection of Classified Information signed in January 2025, Canada and Poland will expand their cooperation through the following joint initiatives: Ukraine: Reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine's self-defence against Russia's unprovoked aggression, including training the Security Forces of Ukraine through NATO's Security Assistance and Training to Ukraine (NSATU) initiative. Both countries will collaborate on the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) Armour Capability Coalition and facilitate donations via the Logistic Enabling Node in Poland. Poland welcomes Canada's recently announced $20 million contribution to the Leopard 2A4 Repair Facility in Gliwice, Poland. Canada and Poland will also work together to maintain and intensify economic pressure on Russia and enhance bilateral cooperation and exchange of information on sanctions. They will also continue to support Ukraine civilian society, including by exploring participation to the European Union Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine. Reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine's self-defence against Russia's unprovoked aggression, including training the Security Forces of Ukraine through NATO's Security Assistance and Training to Ukraine (NSATU) initiative. Both countries will collaborate on the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) Armour Capability Coalition and facilitate donations via the Logistic Enabling Node in Poland. Poland welcomes Canada's recently announced $20 million contribution to the Leopard 2A4 Repair Facility in Gliwice, Poland. Canada and Poland will also work together to maintain and intensify economic pressure on Russia and enhance bilateral cooperation and exchange of information on sanctions. They will also continue to support Ukraine civilian society, including by exploring participation to the European Union Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine. Maritime Security: Intensify efforts to counter illegal, unsafe, or environmentally perilous maritime activities conducted by shadow fleet vessels, including through Poland's potential participation in the Shadow Fleet Task Force established by G7 Foreign Ministers in March 2025. Intensify efforts to counter illegal, unsafe, or environmentally perilous maritime activities conducted by shadow fleet vessels, including through Poland's potential participation in the Shadow Fleet Task Force established by G7 Foreign Ministers in March 2025. Cybersecurity: Enhance measures to strengthen cybersecurity and promote high standards that protect consumers, businesses, and infrastructure. Recognizing the importance of digitalization of economic and social development, Canada and Poland will strengthen bilateral cooperation in that area. This includes joint capacity-building through Cyber Mission Assurance and Threat Analysis workshops, as well as support for Defensive Cyber Operations in Latvia . In the military domain, Canada and Poland will strive to strengthen cooperation aimed at joint capacity building. Both countries will continue their efforts in pursuit of reinforcing Cyber Mission Assurance and support for Defensive Cyber Operations in Latvia. Enhance measures to strengthen cybersecurity and promote high standards that protect consumers, businesses, and infrastructure. Recognizing the importance of digitalization of economic and social development, Canada and Poland will strengthen bilateral cooperation in that area. This includes joint capacity-building through Cyber Mission Assurance and Threat Analysis workshops, as well as support for Defensive Cyber Operations in Latvia In the military domain, Canada and Poland will strive to strengthen cooperation aimed at joint capacity building. Both countries will continue their efforts in pursuit of reinforcing Cyber Mission Assurance and support for Defensive Cyber Operations in Latvia. Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference: Both countries will continue to strengthen their cooperation and exchange best practices in countering Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference, with particular emphasis on technical detection, strategic communication, and election monitoring. This collaboration will also encompass joint capacity-building efforts, including through Poland's participation in G7 Rapid Response Mechanism initiatives, thereby contributing to greater resilience of our democratic societies. Both countries will continue to strengthen their cooperation and exchange best practices in countering Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference, with particular emphasis on technical detection, strategic communication, and election monitoring. This collaboration will also encompass joint capacity-building efforts, including through Poland's participation in G7 Rapid Response Mechanism initiatives, thereby contributing to greater resilience of our democratic societies. Intelligence: Expand the productive collaboration between their security and intelligence organizations through enhanced intelligence sharing, joint training exchanges, improved secure bilateral communications, and regular analytical and expert-level engagements. Expand the productive collaboration between their security and intelligence organizations through enhanced intelligence sharing, joint training exchanges, improved secure bilateral communications, and regular analytical and expert-level engagements. Military Cooperation: Increase strategic-level engagement through expanded cooperation in operations, including continued cooperation in the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia. Both countries will explore new opportunities for exchanges in military education, training, and joint exercises. Increase strategic-level engagement through expanded cooperation in operations, including continued cooperation in the NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia. Both countries will explore new opportunities for exchanges in military education, training, and joint exercises. Interoperability: Enhance interoperability through EU and NATO programs and institutions, including by considering common procurements and leveraging their respective Centers of Excellence for Climate Change and Security, Military Police, and Counterintelligence. Canada will also explore ways to support the Polish Armed Forces' modernization efforts, including the Reserve and Territorial Defence Forces and the Polish Non-Commissioned Officer corps. Canada and Poland will also work toward enhancing their interoperability through joint participation in European Union's Permanent Structured Cooperation projects. Enhance interoperability through EU and NATO programs and institutions, including by considering common procurements and leveraging their respective Centers of Excellence for Climate Change and Security, Military Police, and Counterintelligence. Canada will also explore ways to support the Polish Armed Forces' modernization efforts, including the Reserve and Territorial Defence Forces and the Polish Non-Commissioned Officer corps. Canada and Poland will also work toward enhancing their interoperability through joint participation in European Union's Permanent Structured Cooperation projects. Evolving Security Threats: Explore new cooperation opportunities to enhance awareness of threats and risks to the human domain and counter the hybrid threats that undermine the national security of Canada and Poland and that of their NATO Allies, including espionage, targeting of critical infrastructure, foreign interference, information manipulation, malicious cyber activity, and targeting of intellectual property critical to economic prosperity. Explore new cooperation opportunities to enhance awareness of threats and risks to the human domain and counter the hybrid threats that undermine the national security of Canada and Poland and that of their NATO Allies, including espionage, targeting of critical infrastructure, foreign interference, information manipulation, malicious cyber activity, and targeting of intellectual property critical to economic prosperity. Border Security: Increase dialogue on common migration policy themes, andstrengthen cooperation to combat cross-border, transnational, and organized crime involving the illicit movement of goods and individuals. Key efforts will include enhanced information exchange, sharing of expertise, increased engagement through multilateral fora, and exploration of new mechanisms for collaboration. Areas of focus will include illicit and instrumentalized migration, such as human smuggling and trafficking, as well as the smuggling of narcotics, precursor chemicals, cultural property, and strategic goods. Implementation To operationalize this enhanced strategic partnership, Canada and Poland will initiate annual bilateral consultations between government officials. A High-Level Steering Group on Bilateral Cooperation will be established at senior official level, with participation from relevant departments and ministries. This group, co-chaired by the foreign ministries and comprising key ministries from both countries, will oversee the implementation of mutually determined deliverables and report progress annually to their ministers and to both Heads of Government. Bilateral cooperation may also result in the signing of respective memoranda of understanding in the future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 47th Chinese naval escort taskforce makes technical stop in Seychelles Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source China Military Online EditorChen Zhuo 2025-08-25 18:00:49 VICTORIA, Seychelles, Aug. 25 -- From August 19 to 23, the guided-missile frigate Honghe (Hull 523) attached to the 47th Chinese naval escort taskforce made a technical stop at Port Victoria in Seychelles for a five-day replenishment and rest. More than 200 people, including the Chief of the Seychelles Defense Forces as well as representatives of the Seychellois military, staff of the Chinese Embassy in Seychelles, Chinese-funded institutions, and local overseas Chinese, came to welcome the frigate at the dock. After the frigate docked, representatives of the Seychellois military and the welcoming crowd boarded the ship in batches for a visit. The Seychellois military invited the sailors of the frigate Honghe for traditional cultural exchanges. The two sides promoted mutual understanding, enhanced cooperation, and deepened friendship through the exchanges. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA Hong Kong Garrison completes its 28th routine troops rotation Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source China Military Online EditorHuang Panyue 2025-08-25 18:00:09 BEIJING, Aug. 25 -- In line with the Law of the People1s Republic of China (PRC) on Garrisoning the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the orders from China's Central Military Commission (CMC), the Chinese People1s Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison successfully completed its 28th troops rotation on the evening of August 22, 2025. The incoming troops said that they will resolutely uphold the policy of "one country, two systems", strictly implement the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People1s Republic of China and the Hong Kong Garrison Law, and continue to improve their capabilities in fulfilling the missions. They will make more contributions to safeguarding national security, maintaining enduring prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and promoting the sustainable implementation of the policy of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong. The troops rotation received strong support from the HKASR government and all sectors of society. The Chinese PLA Hong Kong Garrison expressed their sincere gratitude for that. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on August 25, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: August 25, 2025 17:38 CCTV: This year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Xizang Autonomous Region. What's your comment on the progress of Xizang over the past 60 years? How will Xizang continue to develop in the future? Guo Jiakun: Last week, General Secretary Xi Jinping led a delegation of the CPC Central Committee to attend the events commemorating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Xizang Autonomous Region. He had in-depth exchange of views with officials and people of all ethnic groups and from various sectors and delivered important remarks, providing strong impetus and charting the course for building a modern socialist new Xizang. General Secretary Xi Jinping noted that over the past six decades since the founding of the Xizang Autonomous Region, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the vigorous support of the people of the whole nation, the CPC Xizang regional committee and the regional government have brought together and led people of all ethnic groups in the region to strive forward and break new ground. They have upheld and improved the regional ethnic autonomy system, fought secessionism, and made remarkable achievements in economic and social development. The plateau region has experienced profound changes, completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects as scheduled together with other regions of the country, and embarked on a new journey of building China into a modern socialist country in all respects. General Secretary Xi Jinping stressed that Xizang needs to fully implement the party's policy on Xizang's governance in the new era, uphold the basic principle of making steady progress in relevant work, fully, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development concept, steadily advance high-quality development, make solid efforts on the four main tasks of ensuring stability, facilitating development, protecting the eco-environment, and strengthening the borders, and strive to build a modern socialist new Xizang that is united, prosperous, civilized, harmonious and beautiful. We welcome more foreign friends to visit Xizang to experience its prosperity and progress, and see for themselves the breathtaking landscape and the happy life of people of all ethnic groups in the region. AFP: Nigeria's police said on Sunday that it had extradited a Chinese gang leader who is wanted in China for organized violent crime, in an operation conducted with Interpol. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this? Guo Jiakun: On international cooperation on law enforcement, I'd refer you to competent authorities. Bloomberg: Viet Nam has sharply accelerated its island-building efforts this year in the contested islands in the South China Sea. This is according to a report from a U.S. think tank CSIS. The latest expansion covers eight reefs that were previously not part of the reclamation efforts of Viet Nam, which started in 2021. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on Viet Nam's activities in the South China Sea regarding island-building efforts? Guo Jiakun: Nansha Qundao has always been China's territory. China firmly opposes relevant countries' construction activities on islands and reefs they have illegally occupied. We will do what is necessary to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. DPA: It's reported by Germany-based Die Welt that diplomatic representatives from EU countries said that China expressed its willingness to participate in a potential international peacekeeping force in Ukraine. What's the Ministry's comment or can you confirm it? Guo Jiakun: The report is not true. China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. Hubei Media Group: It was reported that the commander of the U.S. Southern Command said when attending the South America Defense Conference in Argentina recently that China "continues its methodical incursion in the region" and seeks to "extract precious resources" from countries in the Western Hemisphere. What is China's comment? Guo Jiakun: These remarks just repeated the same old false narrative inconsistent with facts, and once again revealed the deep-seated Cold-War and confrontational mindset of some in the U.S. Over the years, China has carried out practical cooperation in various fields with Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries in the spirit of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. Such cooperation meets the needs and serves the common interests of both sides. It has given a strong boost to local economic and social development and is warmly welcomed by countries and people in the region. The U.S., by contrast, has tried every means to interfere in and exert control over the region for years. The hegemonic and bullying nature of its behaviors is for all to see. The LAC region is no one's backyard. China-LAC cooperation does not target any third party, and should not be disrupted by any third party. Regional countries have the right to independently choose development paths and cooperative partners. The U.S. should stop sowing discord and making trouble. Rather, it should do something tangible for the development of LAC countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU enlargement and its geopolitical dimension: Foreign Minister Wadephul visits Croatia Germany Federal Foreign Office 25.08.2025 - Article Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is travelling to Zagreb today. His talks while visiting our European partner will focus on the European Union's trade and competitiveness, as well as EU enlargement. Foreign Minister Wadephul is travelling to Zagreb today for his first official visit to Croatia. The main focus of the trip will be talks with his Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlic Radman and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. Foreign Minister Wadephul will also be the guest of honour at the Croatian conference of ambassadors, where he will deliver a speech to the members of Croatia's Foreign Service. Prior to his departure, Foreign Minister Wadephul emphasised the close ties between Germany and Croatia: Croatia is more than a close and reliable partner for Germany - it is a role model for European integration. Croatia's successful accession to the EU showed how willingness to undertake reforms, determination and courage can change a country and provide people with a sense of opportunity. Germany and Croatia are now closer than ever before. Over the last ten years, our bilateral trade with Croatia increased more than with any other EU member. At a time when free global trade is under pressure, it is critical that we have a strong EU single market. For a strong EU - prosperity, trade and security The talks in Zagreb will cover a wide range of European policy topics, ranging from foreign and security policy to support for Ukraine and European trade policy. Croatia plays a special role in this respect. As the most recent country to join the EU, it is able to contribute valuable European policy insights, not least regarding key issues such as defence and security. Croatia is an active member of NATO and is also a reliable partner when it comes to ensuring that support is provided to Ukraine. Economic ties between Germany and Croatia have become a role model for the EU single market in recent years. For commuters, businesspeople and the many tourists from Germany who travel to Croatia each summer to visit its coastal region, the advantages of open borders thanks to the country's membership of the Schengen area are both a real accomplishment and a much appreciated everyday reality. The promise of EU enlargement Another focus of the visit is Croatia's role as a bridge-builder in the EU enlargement process. The country itself is an impressive illustration of successful European integration. Croatia's willingness to implement reforms and its rapid development have shown the extent to which strict alignment with European values such as the rule of law and fundamental rights can pay off. Not only does Europe have the largest single market in the world, but the EU holds out the promise of a life in security, prosperity and freedom, which also inspires hope in Croatia's neighbouring countries that are candidates for membership. In addition, the German Government sees EU enlargement as a response to current geopolitical challenges. In light of Russia's war of aggression and the rise of great power rivalry, EU enlargement is an investment in peace, security and stability. This is why Germany strongly supports the prospect of accession of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and the countries of the Western Balkans. Croatia and its expertise play a key role in the EU enlargement process. The country's experience and credibility make it an indispensable mediator, and Germany believes that Croatia plays a vital role in fostering EU enlargement. We want to work together to ensure that swift progress is now made in the enlargement process. Within the EU, Croatia stands to benefit most from this. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Speech by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the Croatian Ambassadors' Conference in Zagreb Germany Federal Foreign Office 25.08.2025 - Speech I am, we are, really honoured and grateful to be given such a warm welcome on this special occasion here in Zagreb. It is just another German in Croatia in August. You, Gordon, mentioned it: millions of Germans spent the holidays here in Croatia. They love this country; they love the spirit. Unfortunately, only a few of them speak Croatian. But you, Gordon, speak German. Because you are the former Ambassador of your country to Germany. And that was really remarkable - coming from Croatia to a very grey Berlin, weathering the politeness of true Berliners, trying curry sausage and sauerkraut. We fondly remember your engagement in Germany, and I would really like to thank you for your personal investment in our bilateral relations, not only between the two of us, but between our countries. Thank you, Gordon, for that. And of course, esteemed colleagues, I am really delighted to have the chance to speak to you, the diplomatic leaders of Croatia today, even before I will address my own Ambassadors' conference in Berlin in two weeks' time. Because you are right, we have really strong bilateral relations. They are not only based on tourism and a Croatian foreign minister who speaks German, but also on a lively Croatian diaspora in Germany and thriving economic cooperation. Over the course of the last decade, German trade with Croatia has grown stronger than with any other member state in the European Union. You joined the European Union and the Euro zone. And now you are looking forward to OECD-membership. We are EU partners. We are NATO allies, and we try to be helpful that you achieve this goal as soon as possible. And I would like to introduce our new ambassador, Mr. Hector, here to Zagreb, to Croatia. He is a very experienced Ambassador of Germany and I am really looking forward to have him posted here. You have a very good and appreciated member of my team. Esteemed colleagues, we are facing multiple challenges at the same time. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has taught us that imperial warfare in Europe is no longer a chapter from history books. It has taught us that our joint European effort is indispensable to support Ukraine in its legitimate self-defense, and to keep up the pressure on Russia. Because this war is not only directed against Ukraine, but against the very principles of sovereignty and international law, against the fundamental values of the European Union. And while I am convinced that our transatlantic partnership will remain a very important and trusted alliance, as last week's meeting in Washington showed once again, we also need to admit that it is not free from tension at the moment. We now understand that geopolitical and geo-economic challenges demand a more careful balance of our economic interdependencies, even between friends. This means that the EU as a whole, as well as its individual members, have to double down in their efforts to strengthen the EU's prosperity. And we also take on a greater responsibility for our own security and defense. That is why, at the last NATO summit, we committed to increasing our defense spending to 5 percent of GDP per year. Moreover, the ongoing escalation in the Middle East, you mentioned it, is testing our ability to speak with one voice in Europe. For my country, this means while sticking to our unwavering commitment to Israel's security and its right to defend itself, we are, at the same time, voicing our profound humanitarian concern for the people in Gaza and the threat to the lives of the hostages. Our credibility as a global European actor depends on consistency in defending international law, opposing terror, and protecting civilian lives. In our view, the decision by the Israeli cabinet to take over Gaza City and intensify ground operations does not promote either of those goals. Our joint preparedness is the order of the day, that applies not only to the most pressing crises, but also to the challenges arising from new technologies. Cyberattacks are targeting the nerve system of our digitized economies. State-sponsored and sometimes AI-powered disinformation campaigns aim to undermine the very core of our democracies. It was no coincidence that shortly after the new German government took office, when the Chancellor was on his trip to Kyiv, together with President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer, to reaffirm our unwavering support to Ukraine, Russia tried to seize the moment by flooding the internet with silly disinformation about the visit. Sure, this time it was especially easy to spot, but that does not mean this will always be the case. These new threats do not remain confined to the digital world. They are also disrupting supply chains, eroding public trust, and attempting to fracture the unity that holds our societies together. While this reminds us that we need to keep up with emerging challenges, the overall geopolitical situation brings me to two fundamental conclusions. Firstly, the European Union must take on greater responsibility on the global stage. And secondly, in order to make that possible, we will have to both reform and enlarge our union in times of global fragmentation. A retreat to national egoism is simply not an option. On the contrary, the EU can only be strong if we stand together internally - and if we invest in our global partnerships. This is one of the reasons why I just visited East and Southeast Asia. We Europeans, the 27 member states, will only be able to thrive if we are and act united. We already faced this reality on several occasions, not least during the Covid pandemic, when we stood together and mitigated the worst economic consequences by setting up a European recovery plan. Similarly, our support to Ukraine is unwavering. Whether by military, political or financial means, or with 18 successive rounds of sanctions against Russia. This shows that Europe and the EU can speak with one voice when it matters most. But our unity is not a given. It must be protected. It must be strengthened and it must be made fit for the future. I am convinced that when it comes to the future of Europe, Croatia and Germany stand side by side, not just as partners, but also as visionaries. As the latest EU member to join in 2013, Croatia knows that our strength grows when our community grows. And at the same time, the crises of our time have taught us that Russia sees our immediate vicinity as a playground to meddle with and to destabilise. In other words, the enlargement of the European Union is a geo-political necessity. It is about extending our Union of freedom, security and prosperity. It is about anchoring the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova firmly in the European Union family, where they belong. This is why we are jointly supporting the Western Balkans Six on this path in the Berlin Process, and why Croatia is hosting this year's Green Agenda Ministerial in Dubrovnik. But this is also the reason why we need reforms, why future member states need to adapt to the rules of the Union and why we, the current EU 27, must ask ourselves: are our own rules still fit for purpose? Because we need to ensure that our Union remains capable of acting swiftly and decisively, capable of moving forward, capable of defending our values and interests. That is why Germany supports an enlargement that goes hand in hand with internal EU reforms in various policy areas. Some member states have expressed concerns about moving too quickly in this regard. Germany hears them. At the same time, the world around us is changing, and the EU needs to become an even more competitive and more resilient global player. When it comes to qualified majority voting, we agree: in order to actually achieve its benefits, we will have to implement safeguards. Because we need reforms that strengthen, not fragment our Union. However, I think that given our recent experiences, we agree on the profound disadvantage of having 26 member states that permanently need to find ways to work around one. Ans also countries in the accession process need to adapt to the rules of the Union. In doing so, they can rely on our support. Because reforming judicial systems, fighting corruption, aligning legislation and building public trust on the way to joining the EU are challenging steps. Croatia has been a member in the EU for 12 years already, and at the same time, it is the most recent witness to both the challenges and the benefits of accession. That experience is not only valuable. It is strategic and crucial. Croatia can speak to the countries of the Western Balkans, not as someone making abstract demands, but from real life experience. You can motivate. You can advise. You can inspire. Croatia is therefore not just a bridge between EU members, member states and the countries in the accession process. It is also a mentor, a model and yes, a multiplier of European ambition in the region. Germany counts on you on that role and we stand ready to support you. Esteemed colleagues, The world is not standing still. It is moving fast. We are faced with shifting alliances, emerging technologies and hybrid threats. All of this affects how we live, how we govern, how we conduct diplomacy. Which is why we must not only look at the inner workings of our European Union, but also at how we can make our foreign services match the pace of this change. Our profession is changing. We are expected to be crisis managers, negotiators, strategists and more than ever communicators all at once. That too requires internal reforms, not just of treaties, but of mindsets, structures and habits. One of my central priorities as German Foreign Minister is to promote real prioritization. We cannot do everything, everywhere, all at the same time. Not in Berlin, not in Zagreb, not in Brussels. We must focus. We must be strategic. We must preserve our energy for what truly matters. I firmly believe that in time of automated disinformation campaigns, it is essential that we, that you, dear colleagues, counteract false information with strategic communication at home and around the globe. To protect our democracies and to protect true information and facts. This is why my ministry is putting a renewed focus on StratCom. For example, with a dedicated colleague on the Western Balkans at our Embassy in Belgrade. And this is why it is essential that we make our national foreign services and the European External Action Service future-proof and ready for this task. As Team Europe. The challenges we Europeans face are immense, but the tools we have are also powerful. And among the most powerful of them is the friendship and the partnership between our European member states, such as Croatia and Germany. Let's continue to build on that friendship with honesty, with trust, and with a clear conviction that a Europe united, a Europe reformed, and a Europe enlarged is the best answer to a divided world. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany Federal Foreign Office 25.08.2025 - Press release Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul issued the following statement today (25 August 2025) prior to his departure for Zagreb: Croatia is more than a close and reliable partner for Germany - it is a role model for European integration. Croatia's successful accession to the EU showed how willingness to undertake reforms, determination and courage can change a country and provide people with a sense of opportunity. Germany and Croatia are now closer than ever before. In recent years, our bilateral trade with Croatia increased more than with any other EU member. Now in particular, in a world undergoing profound change, Europe's strength is reflected in cohesion and clear prospects. We need to offer the EU candidate countries in our neighbourhood clear paths to the Union on the basis of the rule of law, fundamental rights and energetic reforms. Where these prospects do not exist, autocratic powers attempt to gain influence through disinformation, corruption and violence, to turn people against our European project and to create new dependencies. Croatia has shown that the path of EU accession is an opportunity for people and of benefit to Europe as a whole. As a role model and bridge builder for candidate countries, particularly those in the Western Balkans, Croatia plays a key part in the EU enlargement process. Croatia is very well aware of the opportunities and the challenges, so it is my wish that it will have an active role in the accession process of the countries in the Western Balkans. Like all countries in the region, Croatia will benefit most from successful enlargement - or suffer from the long-term impact should enlargement not be achieved. That is why we will work together to ensure that this process now advances rapidly. A strong, united and open Europe does not only promise prosperity and security, but also serves as a bulwark against authoritarian pressure and as a guarantee for the stability of our continent. Prime Minister of Fiji calls on the President India - Ministry of External Affairs August 25, 2025 The Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, Hon'ble Shri Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (August 25, 2025). 2. Welcoming Prime Minister Rabuka and his delegation at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President fondly recalled her meeting with him during her State Visit to Fiji in August 2024, as well as the beautiful traditional welcome extended to her by the indigenous tribal elders. She also recalled her interactions with members of the vibrant Indian origin community and appreciated the vital role they play in deepening understanding and friendship between the two countries. 3. Underlining the long-standing relationship between India and Fiji, characterized by strong people-to-people ties, the President said that the contributions of the Girmitiya community have been significant in not only upholding our strong bonds but also shaping Fiji's multicultural identity, diverse society and economy. 4. She added that as part of our modern and multifaceted partnership, India is privileged to partner in the socio-economic development of Fiji with a particular focus on Fijian priorities such as health, capacity building and training, and climate resilience. 5. The President stated that India remains committed to strengthening its relations and development partnership with the Pacific Island Countries (PICs), among which Fiji remains a special partner. She was happy to note that an MoU on establishing a Super-Speciality hospital in Fiji has been signed today, marking a milestone in our shared vision for enhanced healthcare cooperation. 6. The President said that capacity building has always been an important pillar of India-Fiji relations, including through the ITEC training programmes for Fijian officials in Indian institutions. She noted that digital technologies have brought about a revolution in financial inclusion in India, and that we would be happy to share with Fiji our experiences in initiatives such as UPI payment systems, 'Jan Dhan', and Aadhar. 7. The President was happy to note that the government of Fiji has prioritized strengthening relations with India, which is evident in the strong momentum in our engagements in recent times. Both leaders expressed confidence that this visit will open new avenues for cooperation, which will benefit the people of both countries. New Delhi August 25, 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's approach to nuclear issue 'transparent and responsible': Araghchi IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 25, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has emphasized that Tehran's approach to the nuclear issue is transparent, peaceful, and responsible. Araghchi met Pakistani Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar on the sidelines of the extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday. The top Iranian diplomat briefed the Pakistani minister on the latest developments concerning Iran's nuclear case, emphasizing the Islamic Republic's transparent, peaceful, and responsible approach in this regard. The two ministers also reviewed the current regional and international developments, focusing particularly on the critical situation in Gaza and the ongoing violations committed by the Israeli regime against the defenseless Palestinian people. They stressed the urgent need for collective and coordinated action by Islamic countries to halt the aggression, lift the blockade, expedite humanitarian aid delivery, and counter the expansionist activities of the Israeli regime. Meanwhile, Ishaq Dar, whose country is currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, appreciated Iran's principled nuclear policies, emphasizing the key role of diplomacy in the peaceful resolution of this issue. Both sides highlighted the deep historical, religious, and cultural commonalities between Tehran and Islamabad, stressing the need to expand bilateral cooperation in various areas, including trade, border development, the economy, and regional security. Leading a diplomatic delegation, Araghchi arrived in Jeddah on Sunday to participate in the extraordinary OIC meeting. The primary purpose of this gathering was to address the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, coordinate immediate relief efforts, and examine the legal and political implications of the Israeli regime's plan for permanent occupation of the besieged territory. 3266**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran will never seek nuclear weapons, Pezeshkian tells Putin IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 25, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian told Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call on Monday that Tehran has never sought, nor will it seek, nuclear weapons, reiterating Iran's long-standing position on its nuclear program. Pezeshkian thanked Moscow for backing Iran's right to enrich uranium, saying the country's nuclear policy was rooted in religious and defensive principles. "Iran, based on its beliefs and defensive doctrine, has never sought, is not seeking, and will never seek to build nuclear weapons," he said. Putin described relations with Iran as "constructive and steadily improving," noting that bilateral trade had grown 11% in the first half of the year and that cooperation on major projects, including the Rasht-Astara railway, was advancing. Russia's president also highlighted progress in joint work at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, saying new fuel supplies were being delivered on schedule. He stressed that Moscow considered Iran's right to enrich uranium fundamental and unquestionable, and expressed hope that talks over the UN Security Council's Resolution 2231 would reach a satisfactory outcome. Putin also briefed Pezeshkian on his recent talks with US President Donald Trump in Alaska. The Russian leader said the discussions had focused entirely on Ukraine and that good results had been achieved, which could help resolve the conflict if fully implemented. Pezeshkian voiced optimism that agreements in Alaska could soon bring an end to the war in Ukraine. He also briefed Putin on his recent trip to Armenia, saying Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had assured him that Iran and Russia's concerns were taken into account in Yerevan's latest negotiations with Azerbaijan and the United States. Pezeshkian added that the "3+3" regional dialogue format involving Iran, Russia, and their neighbors remained the most effective mechanism for addressing security issues in the Caucasus. 9341**4353 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'The Defense Ministry self-sufficient in meeting needs and advancing new technology' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 25, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) of the current administration has taken numerous steps to address its needs, as well as strengthen self-reliance in technological advancement by all means, says an analysis by the Islamic Republic News Agency. According to the analysis published by IRNA on Monday, the ministry was able to excel in a wide range of areas such as aerospace, maritime, missile, electronics and optics, engineering, geographical and mapping, new energies, and welfare services. It says the achievements, especially in producing and using advanced defense products, including in the field of aerospace, has made Iran a pioneer in the region and among the few countries in the world that possess these technologies and the accomplishment made by the Ministry of Defense largely goes to the administration's programs and activities targeting various areas in the past year. Referring to some of the achievements, the IRNA analysis pointed to Armed Forces Social Security Organization that helped start Smart Health Information System, an information database for medicine prescription, distribution, and enabling the tracking code for illegal prescriptions. In the first year of the current administration, the Ministry of Defense took numerous steps to participate in natural disaster management by leading the country's aerial firefighting control and support center, and utilizing the capacity of the Armed Forces. Among the most important measures taken by this ministry was the aerial firefighting of a massive blaze at Shahid Rajaee Port. Clearing lands contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance remaining from the Iraq-imposed war in the 1980s was another achievement of the ministry during the President Masoud Pezeshkian's tenure, the report cited, saying "the MODAFL cleared more than 2,510 hectares of land contaminated with mines and ammunition in five provinces". With regard to the combat power of the Armed Forces, the report cited steps leading to a 87 percent increase in the production of defense-related products, including designing and manufacturing various types of ballistic missiles, combat and reconnaissance drones, as well as overhaul of various tactical and floating vehicles. Accordingly, the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces Logistics has been able to increase the ability to counter electronic warfare and improve the quality of such warfare components and services. Apart from mentioning Khorramshahr-4 liquid-fueled ballistic missile as a deterrent power, the IRNA analysis records expanding satellite launch capacity, and designing, manufacturing, and upgrading of various types of aircraft, helicopters in the one-year period of the current administration. 4399**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Armed Forces vow stronger response to any threats against Iran IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 25, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- The General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces has reaffirmed support for the administration, pledging to confront any threats against the Islamic Republic with greater force than before. In a statement released on Monday, on the occasion of the Administration Week, the General Staff praised the "tireless and dedicated efforts" of President Masoud Pezeshkian and his cabinet in serving the people and advancing the objectives of the Islamic Revolution. It also emphasized unity between the country's Armed Forces, administration, and nation as the key factor in overcoming challenges. "The Armed Forces assure that with strengthened sacred unity, empathy, and synergy with the people and the officials of the country, especially the president, they will deal with any threats from the enemies of the country and the Islamic Revolution more forcefully than before, and will make the enemies of Iran and Iranians regret their actions forever," the statement read. The Armed Forces also expressed gratitude for the guidance of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, pledging to continue enhancing Iran's defensive and deterrent capabilities. "By following the commands and directives of the Leader, the Armed Forces will dedicate all their efforts to defending the interests of the nation and the dear Iran, the country's territorial integrity, and the essence of the Islamic Republic," it said. The statement rejected attempts by the "system of arrogance" to sow discord through "false portrayals and distortion of realities," stressing that the Iranian people remain united and vigilant in the face of enemy plots. It singled out US leaders and the "ignorant prime minister of the usurping and child-killing Zionist regime," chiding them for seeking to exploit divisions after their "defeat in the 12-day imposed war." Israel launched the large-scale assaults against Iran on June 13. Washington later joined the Israeli war and bombed three of Iran's main nuclear facilities on the pretext of preventing Iran from what it claimed to be developing nuclear weapons. The war was halted on June 24 after Israel was forced to cease its aggression unilaterally. The Armed Forces also warned that "any attempts at sowing division and discord from any platform will undoubtedly amount to playing in the field of the Zionists and the United States." Concluding the message, the General Staff appreciated the Iranian people for their support and vowed unwavering defense of the nation. With unity and coordination, it declared, the Armed Forces will confront any adventurism and threat with decisiveness and more crushingly than before. 4354**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Telephone conversation with President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian. August 25, 2025 14:00 During the phone call, Vladimir Putin informed the President of Iran of the key outcomes of the Russia-US summit held in Anchorage. Masoud Pezeshkian expressed his support for the diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis. The leaders discussed a number of pressing bilateral matters, notably in the energy and transport sectors. The situation surrounding Iran's nuclear programme as well as the developments in the region of South Caucasus were addressed as well. Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed their willingness to further strengthen the cooperation between Russia and Iran in various areas and agreed to hold a bilateral meeting at the upcoming SCO summit to be held in China. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Europe to hold new round of nuclear talks in Geneva amid 'snapback' threats Iran Press TV Monday, 25 August 2025 3:19 PM Iran and the European troika of France, Germany, and Britain will hold a new round of talks in the Swiss city of Geneva, amid the trio's threat to trigger the so-called snapback mechanism to reinstate the UN Security Council sanctions against Tehran. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that fresh negotiations between representatives of Iran and the E3 will resume on Tuesday. He said the meeting will be held at the level of deputy foreign ministers and political directors. It comes after a phone conversation between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the EU high representative for foreign and security policy and foreign ministers of France, Britain, and Germany -- the three European signatories to the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Baghaei said. The spokesperson said the participants will discuss Iran's nuclear issue and the lifting of cruel sanctions against Tehran in addition to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorses the JCPOA. On August 24, Tasnim news agency quoted an informed source as saying that the Iranian delegation will be headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi. The Iranian foreign minister told Europeans on Friday that Tehran is open to any diplomatic solution that safeguards its national rights, while warning them that triggering the snapback mechanism would carry serious consequences. The top Iranian negotiator once again emphasized that the European countries lack the legal and moral authority to resort to the mechanism. Snapback would bring into force six previous Iran-related Security Council resolutions adopted between 2006 and 2010. It would reinstate the expired UN arms embargo that barred countries from supplying, selling, or transferring most military equipment to Iran and prohibited Tehran from exporting any weapons. It would also impose export controls, travel bans, asset freezes, and other restrictions on individuals, entities, and banks. Iranian deputy foreign ministers Takht-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi and senior representatives from the E3 countries held a closed-door meeting at Iran's Consulate General in Istanbul on July 25. The meeting, which lasted more than three hours, followed a similar round held on May 16 in Istanbul. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Pezeshkian hails Russia's support for Iran's enrichment right Iran Press TV Monday, 25 August 2025 1:57 PM Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed gratitude for Russia's stance in support of Tehran's right to enrichment, reiterating the Islamic Republic's firm determination not to develop nuclear weapons. "Based on its ideological principles and defense doctrine, Iran has never sought and will never seek to develop nuclear weapons," Pezeshkian said in a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. The Russian president, in turn, reiterated Moscow's stance on Iran's absolute right to enrich uranium and expressed hope that the negotiations on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 will lead to positive outcomes. The two presidents discussed other issues of mutual interest during their phone conversation. Pezeshkian expressed hope that the agreements reached between Putin and US President Donald Trump during a high-profile and high-stakes summit in Anchorage, Alaska, in mid-August would lead to the swift settlement of the crisis in Ukraine. The Iranian president noted that he is personally pursuing the acceleration of the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway line, part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and other agreements between the two countries. "In addition to its bilateral interaction with Russia, Iran considers regional and international organizations such as the Eurasian [Economic] Union, the Shanghai [Cooperation] Organization, and BRICS as appropriate grounds for cooperation with member countries, especially Russia and China, to effectively counter unilateralism," Pezeshkian said. He noted that during his recent visit to Yerevan, the Armenian prime minister assured that the country's recent agreements with Azerbaijan and the United States have completely taken into account the considerations of Iran and Russia. The Iranian president was referring to a US-brokered peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan on August 8, under which a transport corridor linking Azerbaijan to its landlocked exclave Nakhchivan is to be established. Under the deal, Armenia granted exclusive rights to the United States to develop the corridor in its southern province of Syunik, which borders Iran, to connect Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan. Iran has long opposed the idea, saying it would change the geopolitical order of the Southern Caucasus and would restrict Iran's ability to use transport networks in the region. "I believe that the 3+3 cooperation format with the participation of Iran and Russia will be a more effective and efficient mechanism for resolving issues in the Caucasus region," Pezeshkian said. During the phone call, Putin informed his Iranian counterpart of the key outcomes of the Russia-US summit held in Alaska. If the agreements reached in Alaska are fully implemented, the issue of Ukraine will be settled, the Russian president said. He said the discussions at the Alaska summit were entirely focused on Ukraine. The Russian president further pointed to Moscow's constructive and steadily advancing relations with Tehran and noted that bilateral trade exchanges showed an 11 percent increase in the first half of the current year. Putin also commended advancing cooperation between the two countries in other areas, including the construction of the strategic Rasht-Astara railway. He said bilateral cooperation on the development of the Bushehr nuclear power plant was proceeding satisfactorily. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Armed Forces warns adversaries threats will be met with stronger response Iran Press TV Monday, 25 August 2025 10:00 AM The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces has pledged to confront any threats against Iran and the Islamic Revolution with greater force than before. In a Monday statement, the General Staff of the Armed Forces congratulated the country on Government Week, commended the efforts of Iranian officialsparticularly President Masoud Pezeshkianand pledged their support in advancing the goals of the Islamic Revolution. "The Armed Forces assure that by strengthening the sacred unity, solidarity, and synergy with the people and officials of the countryespecially the Presidentthey will confront any threat from the enemies of the country and the Islamic Revolution more forcefully than before, making the enemies of Iran and Iranians regret their actions forever," read the statement. The statement also extended deep gratitude for the support provided by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, during the 12-day US-Israeli-imposed war against Iran. It underlined that in line with the leader's directives, it will employ all its strength "in defending the interests of the nation and beloved Iran, the territorial integrity of the country, and the foundation of the sacred Islamic Republic system." The statement went on to highlight that during the turbulent years of the Islamic Revolution, the nation's solidarity with the country's officials and armed forces has frustrated Iran's enemies and turned their sinister plans into despair and defeat." After their defeat in the 12-day war, the US and Israel tried to sow division within Iran to compensate for their loss, but the nation's vigilance thwarted their plans, it noted. "Any discord or conflicting voicesfrom any faction or platformthat undermines national unity is undoubtedly playing into the hands of the Zionists and the United States," it warned. The statement also added that, through false portrayals and distortion of facts, "the system of dominance" tries to "undermine the sacred unity" of the nation with its leaders. However, the statement noted, "it is unaware that Iran's vigilant, discerning, and resilient people, by following their wise, enlightened, brave, and devoted Leader, continue to support their officials and the courageous members of the Armed Forces, and, contrary to the enemies' plans and objectives, become even more united and cohesive in the face of plots and malice." The Leader, in his remarks on Sunday, also stressed the need to preserve national unity and support the country's officials, warning that the enemies are seeking to create divisions after failing to defeat Iran through war. "The invincible shield of solidarity between the people, officials, and the Armed Forces must never be undermined," Ayatollah Khamenei said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Egypt FMs say continued consultations key to maintaining regional stability Iran Press TV Monday, 25 August 2025 5:25 AM Iran and Egypt have stressed the need for continued consultations at regional and multilateral levels to prevent the escalation of crises and preserve stability in the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty met on Sunday before the beginning of an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Saudi Arabia's city of Jeddah. The two ministers exchanged views about the latest regional and international developments, particularly the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza caused by the continued blockade against the Strip and the Israeli regime's plans to intensify its attacks and completely occupy Gaza City. They urged Muslim countries to take immediate and effective action to stop Israel's genocide against the Palestinian people and accelerate the entry of humanitarian aid to the besieged Strip. Araghchi stressed the importance of utilizing the Muslim countries' capacities to "effectively" counter the Tel Aviv regime's hostile measures. "Solidarity and unity among Muslim countries in the face of common threats, especially the Israeli regime's expansionist policies, are of particular importance," he said. The Jeddah meeting comes amid Israel's planned occupation of Gaza City, its crimes of genocide and starvation, and the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In an article published in Asharq al-Awsat ahead of the OIC meeting, Araghchi warned that the illusion of a "Greater Israel" represents an existential danger and a grave threat to international peace and security, calling on Muslim nations to take collective action to counter Israel's expansionist agenda. Araghchi wrote that the upcoming session must serve as a turning point to solidify the collective resolve of Muslim states. Israel launched a US-backed genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against the occupying entity in response to the regime's decades-long campaign of death and devastation against Palestinians. The regime's genocidal war on Gaza has so far killed at least 62,622 Palestinians, mostly women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian Nobel Laureate: Islamic Republic Has 'No Future But Collapse' By Nasrin Ashfar and Kian Sharifi August 25, 2025 Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has claimed a recent opposition conference in Brussels was tied to the Iran-Israel war and part of a US-backed plan to replace the Islamic republic. Speaking on August 24, he alleged that the participants even discussed appointing a monarch. Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, who was a speaker at the June 14 conference, rejected Khamenei's assertions but suggested that he was right to be worried about the future of the Islamic republic. "What was discussed at the conference was that the political establishment is incapable and must be toppled by people, and for that there is no way but unity among the opposition," Ebadi told RFE/RL's Radio Farda. Iranian opposition factions have long struggled to unite due to deep ideological differences and competing visions for Iran's future. But Ebadi, a lawyer and human rights activist, insisted that "there has been a lot of progress" on the unity front, which she argued is what worries the supreme leader. "This is why Khamenei has rushed out of his bunker to portray himself as the man in charge who can do whatever he wants, but nobody's buying it," the Nobel peace prize winner said on August 25. Khamenei, who also serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, was criticized after he vanished from public view once Israel launched air strikes against Iran on June 13. His disappearance was fueled by credible reports Israel had targeted him for assassination. The New York Times reported he outlined succession plans in case of his death. Shortly after Khamenei's speech, Iranian state TV broadcasted a report claiming that the gathering took place secretly in Brussels -- but the event was livestreamed and later uploaded to YouTube. Ebadi said organizers spent two months planning the event and that the date -- it was held a day after the start of the 12-day war -- was coincidental. She also shrugged off the allegation that it was a "secret" meeting, charging that Khamenei was either tricked into believing that it was a clandestine gathering or is intentionally portraying it as such to "fool" the population. Need For Unity Circling back to the topic of unity among the Iranian opposition, Ebadi said "no group can individually" challenge and topple the clerical establishment. Iran's opposition faces chronic disunity because its main factions -- ranging from monarchists and secular republicans to leftists, and representatives of various ethnic groups -- deeply disagree on Iran's future political system, struggle with mutual suspicion and past rivalries, and often prioritize their own agendas and leadership claims over cooperation. Attempts at alliance-building are frequently undermined by lack of trust, reluctance to compromise, and concerns about foreign influence, leading to fractured activism and limited impact on mobilizing broad-based resistance to the current regime. "They have to stop fighting and join forces instead," Ebadi said. She asserted that the Islamic republic, which has been in existence since 1979, is at "its weakest" and suffering from domestic crises, economic pressures, and regional setbacks. "The system has no future other than collapse," said Ebadi. And matters could go from bad to worse for Iran amid the imminent return of UN sanctions. European powers have warned that they will trigger the so-called "snapback" mechanism of the moribund 2015 Iran nuclear deal by the end of August to reinstate UN sanctions unless Tehran reaches an agreement with Washington over its nuclear program. Iranian diplomats will meet their counterparts from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom on August 26 in a last-ditch attempt to prevent the triggering of the "snapback" process. In his speech, Khamenei again rejected direct talks with the United States despite growing calls in Iran to negotiate with the Trump administration, charging that the White House merely wanted to ensure that Tehran "takes orders" from Washington. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/shirin-ebadi-khamenei- iran-brussels-meeting/33512568.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 Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi 25 August 2025 14:02 1373-25-08-2025 On August 22, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Abbas Araghchi, at the Iranian side's initiative. The Iranian Foreign Minister briefed Sergey Lavrov on the outcomes of his recent telephone discussions with his colleagues from Great Britain, Germany, and France concerning the settlement of issues around the Iranian nuclear programme. The Russian side reaffirmed its commitment to continued significant diplomatic efforts aimed at normalising the situation around the JCPOA and de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. The parties exchanged views on a number of other pressing regional issues of mutual interest. The discussion also covered priority items on the bilateral agenda. These included the implementation of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Iran, signed by the presidents on January 17, 2025, and the agreements reached on expanding cooperation in the transport and energy sectors. Both sides expressed a mutual commitment to maintaining a trust-based political dialogue and enhancing coordination between their diplomatic services. The schedule of upcoming contacts at various levels, primarily at the highest level, was also discussed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting between Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong of the Republic of Singapore Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan August 25, 2025 On August 25, from 12:05 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, Senior Minister of the Republic of Singapore, who is visiting Japan to participate in the National Day Event of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Following the meeting, Prime Minister ISHIBA presented the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to Senior Minister Lee. The overview of the meeting and the conferment ceremony is as follows: Both sides then exchanged their views on various issues in a cordial atmosphere over a luncheon from 12:45 p.m. for approximately 60 minutes. 1. Meeting Prime Minister ISHIBA welcomed Senior Minister Lee's visit to Japan on the occasion of the National Day event of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and conveyed congratulations on the conferment of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to the Senior Minister. Prime Minister ISHIBA also expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations with Singapore, which shares fundamental values and principles on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore next year. In response, Senior Minister Lee expressed sincere gratitude for the decoration and stated that he would like to continue contributing to the development of Japan-Singapore relations. Both sides recognized the importance of further cooperation for maintaining and strengthening free and open international order based on the rule of law amid growing uncertainty of the international situation. Both sides also exchanged views on cooperation towards the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore. 2. Conferment Ceremony Prime Minister ISHIBA mentioned that His Majesty the Emperor conferred the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to Senior Minister Lee for his remarkable achievements in the development of bilateral cooperation between Japan and Singapore during his 20 years as Prime Minister, and congratulated on the decoration. Additionally, Prime Minister ISHIBA mentioned that he had met with Senior Minister Lee on various occasions, including during his time as Minister of Defense 17 years ago, and was impressed by his thoughtful discussions. Prime Minister ISHIBA stated that a leader representing Asia, praising Japan's proactive engagement in the region, and supporting Japan's initiatives including at international conferences, in fact contributed to promoting understanding and friendship between Japan and Singapore. Prime Minister ISHIBA also expressed his expectations for Senior Minister Lee's continued commitment to Japan-Singapore relations as its good friend. In response, Senior Minister Lee delivered a speech of acceptance and stated his intention to continue being a reliable partner of Japan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-Kazakhstan Foreign Ministers' Meeting Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan August 25, 2025 On August 25, commencing at 9:55 a.m. (1:55 p.m. on August 25, Japan time) Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to Kazakhstan, held a meeting, signing and Exchange of Notes on grant aid and Joint Press Annoucement for approximately one hour and 30 minutes, with H.E. Mr. Murat NURTLEU, Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The overview is as follows : 1. Japan-Kazakhstan Foreign Ministers' Meeting Opening Remarks a. Minister Nurtleu welcomed Minister Iwaya's first visit to Kazakhstan and expressed his willingness to strengthen cooperation with Japan in a wide range of fields through the second meeting with him this year. b. In response, Minister Iwaya said he was delighted that his visit to Kazakhstan had been realized, and stated his willingness to further strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan as a strategic partner in maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law. Bilateral Relations a. Minister Iwaya welcomed the continuing active exchange of high-level officials between two countries. Furthermore, Minister Iwaya stated that he would like to further develop bilateral relations by strengthening relations in economic areas, including through the Joint Crediting Mechanism(JCM), the mineral resources and attracting Japanese companies, as well as in the areas of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. b. Minister Nurtleu expressed his appreciation to the assistance from Japan, including cooperation for disaster prevention and mitigation and support for victims of nuclear testing as well as his willingness to strengthen cooperation in all areas, including politics, trade, investment and economic relations. "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue The Ministers concurred on accelerating coordination in order to hold the Summit meeting of the "Central Asia + Japan" Dialogue, which was postponed in August last year, as early as possible. 2. Signing and Exchange of Notes on grant aid for the Economic and Social Development Programme, and Joint Press Announcement Following the Foreign Minister's meeting, Exchange of Notes on grant aid for the Economic and Social Development Programme (support for victims of nuclear testing: provision of medical equipments) was signed and exchanged by both foreign ministers. The Joint Press Anouncement was held by both foreign ministers, and it was announced that they will strengthen their cooperation to further develop bilateral relations and work towards the successful holding of the Summit meeting of the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement to mark the eighth anniversary of the Myanmar military's attack against Rohingya Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 25 August 2025 Category: International relations Eight years ago, the Myanmar military launched a campaign of systemic violence against Rohingya communities, leading to mass displacement, widespread human rights violations and abuses, and untold suffering. Today, more than 1.1 million Rohingya remain displaced in Bangladesh, along with hundreds of thousands elsewhere in the region and internally in Myanmar. With the escalating conflict and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Rakhine State, many Rohingya have been forced from their homes and country. We remain deeply concerned by the targeting of civilians, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and forced recruitment into the Myanmar military. We also note with concern credible reports of discrimination and abuse against Rohingya committed by other armed actors. Displaced Rohingya want to return home, despite for decades having been denied citizenship and access to basic rights and services. This requires conditions to be conducive for their voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return, but these conditions can only be met by addressing the root causes of their displacement, which requires a peaceful and stable Myanmar. Australia remains committed to supporting the humanitarian needs of Rohingya in Myanmar and Bangladesh. Australia also supports the efforts to pursue accountability for crimes committed against the Rohingya. We call for an immediate cessation of violence, the release of those unjustly detained, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and for the regime to engage in genuine and inclusive political dialogue with all stakeholders with the view to a return to a more peaceful and stable Myanmar. Elections held without these essential steps risk greater instability. We urge a peaceful transition of power to a civilian democratic government that reflects the will of the people. Australia continues to strongly support ASEAN's efforts to resolve the crisis, and we call again for the full implementation of ASEAN's Five Point Consensus. We will also continue to work with the Government of Bangladesh and the international community to focus attention on the situation in Myanmar and the related humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh, including at the upcoming High-Level Conference in September 2025. Australia continues to stand with the people of Myanmar. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN urges renewed solidarity eight years after forced exodus of Rohingya 25 August 2025 - Monday marks eight years since the mass displacement of Rohingya from Rakhine state in Myanmar and the United Nations is calling for greater international solidarity with the mainly Muslim minority community. More than 700,000 of them fled to neighbouring Bangladesh after armed attacks by a militant group against Myanmar security forces sparked a brutal military crackdown that began on 25 August 2017. They joined thousands of others who had escaped earlier waves of violence and discrimination now living in refugee camps just across the border in the Cox's Bazar district. Violence and funding cuts In a statement to mark the anniversary, UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric noted that the Rohingya people both in and outside Myanmar are facing a further deterioration of their already dire circumstances. "In Rakhine State, Rohingya and other civilians are caught in the crossfire between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army and subjected to forced recruitment, human rights violations and other abuse," he said. The ongoing violence has forced more Rohingya to flee, including to Bangladesh which is already hosting more than one million refugees from Myanmar. A military coup forced Myanmar's democratically elected Government from power in 2021, fuelling armed insurgencies throughout Myanmar following a brutal military crackdown on protests. Mr. Dujarric said reports of pushbacks, removals and deportations across the region raise serious concerns over potential violations of the principle of non-refoulement and shrinking asylum space. This is happening amid funding cuts which are severely curtailing education, food assistance, healthcare, livelihood opportunities and protection services. Protect all civilians The Spokesman said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeated his call for the protection of all civilians in accordance with applicable obligations under international law. The Secretary-General also recalled his visit to Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, where he witnessed the resilience of Rohingya communities. He stressed the urgent need for strengthened international solidarity and increased support, in parallel to efforts toward a comprehensive political solution that meaningfully includes the Rohingya and addresses their displacement and the root causes of the protracted crisis. Hopes for upcoming conference "The Secretary-General is hopeful that the 30 September High-level Conference on Rohingya and other minorities in New York, as mandated by the United Nations General Assembly, will draw renewed international attention to the urgency of finding durable solutions," said Mr. Dujarric. He added that the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Myanmar continues to engage all stakeholders towards ending the brutal civil conflict and supporting a viable Myanmar-led political process. This should also lead to the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the Rohingya to Myanmar. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan's Coast Guard shadows trespassing Chinese ships off Kinmen ROC Central News Agency 08/25/2025 07:38 PM Taipei, Aug. 25 (CNA) The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) on Monday twice ushered four trespassing China Coast Guard vessels out of Taiwan-controlled waters off the offshore Kinmen County. The CGA's Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch at 9:30 a.m. detected Chinese coast guard ships 14608, 14527, 14603 and 14515 approaching Taiwan-controlled, restricted waters, southwest of Damaoshan, Kinmen County, the branch said in a statement on Monday. The intruders sailed into the area in a single file, and the CGA immediately shadowed them with ships standing by nearby and broadcast radio warnings demanding that they leave. The same four Chinese ships again intruded into the area at 3 p.m., prompting the CGA to again dispatch ships to warn them away. Both intrusions lasted two hours, according to the CGA. On both occasions, the Chinese ships turned off their automatic identification systems, the CGA said. On Sunday, the CGA also reported similar intrusions by the same four Chinese ships. The most recent incursion was the 91st such intrusion into waters off Taiwan's offshore islands this year, the CGA said. In a statement released Monday, the CGA urged its Chinese counterpart to "immediately stop disrupting regional peace and stability." "The Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch will continue to maintain a high level of surveillance, response, and deployment capabilities to monitor and track the movements of Chinese Coast Guard vessels," the CGA said. "It will uphold a firm law enforcement stance and respond comprehensively to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime security," the CGA added. Due to the proximity between Kinmen County and the Chinese city of Xiamen, China's territorial waters encompass all of Kinmen, leaving Taiwan with a compromise measure of demarcating "prohibited" and "restricted" waters around the Kinmen Islands that extend 1,500 to 10,000 meters from the shorelines of the archipelago. (By Sean Lin) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine and Canada agreed to jointly produce defense products Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 24 August, 2025, 4:57 PM EEST Ukraine's Defence Minister, Denys Shmyhal, and Canada's Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty, signed the relevant agreement today in Kyiv, in the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The agreement is intended to enhance bilateral defence industry cooperation, develop and expand production facilities in both Ukraine and Canada, and ensure the resilience and continuity of defence product supplies. "It is important that today's agreements will not only support the establishment of Ukrainian companies in Canada and foster technology exchange, but also ensure that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are provided with modern weapons and military equipment in the long term," said Denys Shmyhal. The signed document will bolster Ukraine's resilience and capability to withstand the russian threat, emphasized Denys Shmyhal. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukrainians returned to their homeland in the latest exchange operation Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 24 August, 2025, 6:50 PM EEST On Ukraine's Independence Day, service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, National Guard of Ukraine, and State Border Guard Service of Ukraine were freed from russian captivity. "We keep every one of them in our thoughts and are making every effort to bring them home as soon as possible," stated Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denys Shmyhal: Strengthening the integration of the defense industries of Ukraine and the EU is essential for addressing shared challenges Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 24 August, 2025, 9:26 PM EEST Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, together with international partners, took part in the Defence Cooperation Forum. Future Warfare, chaired by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On the 34th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence, Denys Shmyhal extended his gratitude to the defence ministers of Denmark, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Sweden, along with representatives of the United Kingdom, Estonia, Czechia, the European Union, and NATO for their visit to Ukraine. "Digitalization, innovation, and artificial intelligence are vital tools that support our defenders on the battlefield. This was among the issues we discussed with our partners during the forum. Ukraine is already integrating into the European defense industry. Ukraine will be part of the European Union and an integral part of common security strategies. It is now crucial to strengthen the integration of our defense industries to address shared challenges," the Minister of Defence stated. He invited partners to join the Build in Ukraine program, establish factories, service centers, and production lines in Ukraine, and develop joint projects with Ukrainian manufacturers from co-design to licensed production. "We stand together, and that is our strength. United by common goals and values, we will prevail and defend Ukraine and the free world," emphasized Denys Shmyhal. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting of the Ministers of Defence of Ukraine and Latvia: Defense production, Drone Coalition, and training of Ukrainian military personnel Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 24 August, 2025, 11:05 AM EEST Ukraine's Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal held talks in Kyiv with Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds. Denys Shmyhal thanked Mr. Spruds for his visit during these significant national celebration days. "We highly appreciate the support that Latvia has extended to Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale war. In particular, the recent decision of the Latvian Government to allocate 2 million for the procurement of weapons within the framework of PURL is of great importance to us," said Ukraine's Defence Minister during the talks on 23 August. The parties discussed plans for both short- and long-term defense collaboration. The Ukrainian delegation briefed its counterparts on the current situation at the front and the urgent needs of the Defence Forces to sustain efforts to deter the enemy. Key cooperation priorities include advancing joint production initiatives in both Ukraine and Latvia. The discussion also covered ongoing Latvian involvement in the program for training Ukrainian service members. Separately, Denys Shmyhal highlighted Latvia's leading role in the Drone Coalition's activities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A Statement by the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, in her Capacity as Chair - G7 Foreign Ministers' Virtual Meeting on the Independence Day of Ukraine Global Affairs Canada Statement August 25, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada "On the Independence Day of Ukraine, G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met virtually with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Sybiha. Participants welcomed ongoing diplomatic efforts by the United States, under the leadership of President Trump, which create an opportunity for a peaceful and lasting end to the war. Together, they applauded Ukraine's continued commitment to a full and unconditional ceasefire and to engage in Leader-level discussions. They welcomed the willingness of Europe, Canada, and other partners to provide Ukraine with robust and credible security guarantees in coordination with the United States. Participants reiterated respect for Ukraine's sovereignty. Participants also discussed Ukraine's territorial integrity, political independence, and the return of prisoners of war, illegally detained civilians, and abducted and deported children. The importance of continuing to work through the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, co-chaired by Canada and Ukraine, was further underscored. Participants spoke to their intent to continue to apply economic and financial pressure on Moscow, absent an agreement ending this terrible war. Participants expressed their support for continued dialogue and meaningful, substantive and good faith negotiations between the Leaders of Russia and Ukraine, noting that peace can only take root when both sides reach a just, fair and sustainable solution. Participants congratulated Ukraine on its independence and expressed solidarity with the Ukrainian people." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Council of Europe stands with Ukraine, says Secretary General on Independence Day Council of Europe Secretary General Strasbourg 25 August 2025 The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, has expressed solidarity with the people of Ukraine on their Independence Day on 24 August. This message comes amid continued attacks and ongoing peace talks concerning Ukraine's future: "Dear Ukrainians! You belong in our European family today and always. On this Independence Day, the Council of Europe stands with you. In war, for justice and into peace. A just and lasting peace in Ukraine, with Europe, on the values we share. For an eternally free, independent, and proud Ukraine. !" the Secretary General said. The Council of Europe has consistently condemned violations of international law and continues to urge respect for human rights and the restoration of peace. Through its Action Plan on "Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction for Ukraine," the Organisation is providing targeted support for democratic institutions, the rule of law, and civil society, even in the midst of war. A crucial element of the Council of Europe's response is the Register of Damage for Ukraine as an international mechanism to systematically record evidence and claims of damage, loss, and injury caused by the aggression against Ukraine. Work on establishing the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, following the agreement signed in Strasbourg on 25 June, is also underway. The Organisation remains equally committed to addressing the urgent humanitarian consequences the war. The appointment of a Special Envoy of the Secretary General on the situation of the children of Ukraine underlines the Council of Europe's determination to safeguard their rights and well-being, in the face of displacement, separation, and exposure to conflict. By reinforcing both immediate assistance and mechanisms for accountability, the Council of Europe stands firmly with Ukraine and its citizens working towards justice, resilience, and a peaceful, democratic future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Finance Ministers of Ukraine and Germany discuss Ukraine's budgetary needs for 2026 in Kyiv Ukraine Government Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, posted 25 August 2025 16:30 On August 25, Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko and Vice Chancellor, Federal Minister of Finance of Germany Lars Klingbeil met in Kyiv to discuss the state of Ukraine's financial system, its budgetary needs for 2026 and cooperation with the IMF. The Ministers also honored the memory of fallen Ukrainian defenders at St. Michael's Square in Kyiv. "Germany's support and solidarity since the very first days of the full-scale war have played a crucial role for Ukraine. This includes financial assistance, military and humanitarian support. Germany and Ukraine have a long history of strong and productive cooperation, and we strive to further expand our partnership," emphasized Sergii Marchenko during the meeting. Germany's direct budget support to Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war amounts to EUR 1.6 billion, of which EUR 1.3 billion are grants. Sergii Marchenko also thanked Germany for supporting the implementation of the EU's Ukraine Facility, under which EUR 22.6 billion has already been mobilized for the State Budget, as well as the ERA mechanism (funds from revenues generated by frozen russian assets), through which the EU has already directed EUR 9 billion to Ukraine. Ukraine is also actively cooperating with the German Development Bank (KfW). Currently, 11 projects worth a total of EUR 301 million are being implemented to support small and medium-sized enterprises, the energy sector, social infrastructure, and internally displaced persons. International assistance continues to play a key role in maintaining financial stability. In 2025, Ukraine has already attracted more than USD 28 billion in external financing, while the need for the current year stands at USD 39.3 billion. Discussing the 2026 budget, the Minister of Finance of Ukraine stressed that planning is still taking place under conditions of high uncertainty. If active hostilities continue, the need for partner support will remain at least at the current year's level. Sergii Marchenko emphasized that the recovery and resilience of the financial system require long-term solutions. The parties agreed to continue the dialogue on expanding mechanisms of budgetary support for Ukraine in 2026 and beyond. In addition, the parties discussed Ukraine's progress on European integration. The Government of Ukraine is implementing the necessary policies and structural reforms, as well as harmonizing national legislation with EU standards for full integration. Sergii Marchenko thanked Germany and all EU partners for recognizing Ukraine's transformational progress under wartime conditions. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Ministers of Finance of Ukraine Yuriy Draganchuk, Olga Zykova, and Oleksandr Kava, Government Commissioner for Public Debt Management Yuriy Butsa, as well as Ambassador of Germany to Ukraine Martin Jager. Following the meeting, Sergii Marchenko and Lars Klingbeil held a joint press conference. The Minister of Finance of Germany assured that support will continue both militarily and financially. The countries will also cooperate to ensure Ukraine's swiftest possible European integration. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yulia Svyrydenko meets with German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil Ukraine Government Communications Department of the Secretariat of the CMU, posted 25 August 2025 21:59 Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko met with German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance Lars Klingbeil, who visited Kyiv for the first time. The parties discussed key challenges facing Ukraine today: financing the state budget, defence needs, and ensuring macro-financial stability. "Continued cooperation with the IMF and strong partner support are essential to addressing these priorities," the Head of the Ukrainian Government emphasised. Particular attention was paid to reforms and economic recovery. Yulia Svyrydenko presented the Reforms Matrix - an interactive tool that tracks over 200 reforms and more than 400 indicators. "The Government's focus is on deregulation and privatisation to open opportunities for private sector investment and drive the restoration of industry, energy, and housing," the Prime Minister noted. German partners shared their experience in implementing grant support programmes for businesses and expressed readiness to explore opportunities for attracting investment to Ukraine. The discussion also covered European integration. Decisions regarding EU negotiation clusters are expected to be adopted as early as September. "It is important that Ukraine and Moldova advance this path together," Yulia Svyrydenko stressed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ministers of Defence of Ukraine and Romania agree to enhance coordination between air forces Ukraine Government Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, posted 25 August 2025 11:48 Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with Romanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Liviu-Ionut Mosteanu in Kyiv. The head of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine thanked the Romanian Government, its people, and Liviu-Ionut Mosteanu personally for their effective cooperation and strong support. Denys Shmyhal noted that Romania provides assistance to Ukraine across several key areas. Romania has already delivered 22 military aid packages to Ukraine, with the 23rd expected to reach Ukrainian forces soon. "Romania continues to train Ukrainian F-16 pilots and makes other significant contributions to the formation of our air defence shield. We have agreed to strengthen coordination between our air defence forces," said Denys Shmyhal. The delegations also focused on the development of industrial cooperation. The priority is the production of interceptor drones, FPV drones and long-range unmanned aerial vehicles. "We discussed the possibility of using the SAFE mechanism to launch joint projects for technology exchange and the launch of Ukrainian production in Romania. Another important topic is Romania's participation in the PURL initiative, which provides Ukrainian soldiers with American weapons," added the Minister of Defence of Ukraine. In addition, during the meeting, intelligence representatives provided partners with detailed information about the security situation and russia's plans. Both sides jointly analysed the challenges posed by Russian aggression to Ukraine and Romania. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Seeks More Weapons As Russia 'Not Interested' In Peace, Zelenskyy Adviser Tells RFE/RL By Current Time and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service August 25, 2025 Ukraine is seeking more weapons from the West amid concerns that, even after the two recent summits in the United States, Russia is "not interested" in peace, a senior adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told RFE/RL's Current Time. Speaking on August 25, Mykhaylo Podolyak said Kyiv has been in "active consultations" with US and European officials "about increasing the supply of various tools for conducting counterwar operations." "We understand how much Russia is spending right now, and what they will do next -- what resources they're using along the front or deeper into Ukrainian territory," Podolyak, a key figure in Zelenskyy's administration since 2020, added. "Accordingly, consultations and negotiations are under way to increase the inflow of certain types of weapons into Ukraine.... Longrange missiles, longrange drones -- this is one of today's priority directions, which truly allows us to effectively influence the course of this war," he said. At a briefing in Kyiv following talks with visiting Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on August 25, Zelenskyy said Ukraine hopes to secure at least $1 billion a month from supportive countries to buy US weapons. Russia has pressed ahead with its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which it launched in February 2022, following US President Donald Trump's meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15 and with Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House three days later. Russian attacks on Ukraine's Sumy region killed one civilian and wounded nine others overnight, and dozens of battles were fought along the front lines in the previous 24 hours, many of them near the ruined Donetsk region city of Pokrovsk, Ukrainian officials said on August 25. Moscow has also thrown cold water on the prospects for peace. Trump, who has been seeking to broker an end to the war since he took office in January, used the meetings - and particularly the summit with Putin, the first by a US president in more than four years - to press for a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, who have not met in person since 2019. Zelenskyy has agreed to a meeting with Putin and unsuccessfully sought one during lower-level peace talks in Istanbul in May. Speaking at celebrations on August 24 marking 34 years since Ukraine declared independence for the Soviet Union in 1991, Zelenskyy said a meeting with Putin would be "the most effective way forward." Zelenskyy again confirmed that Ukraine is ready for "negotiations in the format of leaders in order to resolve key issues" and stressed that "there should be the same readiness in Moscow," his office said in a statement after Zelenskyy met Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, on August 25.. Kellogg and Zelenskyy also "talked about how to influence Russia to force it to engage in real negotiations and end the war," the statement said. "In particular, they talked about sanctions and tariff pressure, the possibility of applying which should remain on the agenda." Russia has balked on a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, signaling that it is not ready and may not be any time soon. "Putin is ready to meet with Zelenskyy when the agenda would be ready for a summit. And this agenda is not ready at all," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told NBC News in an interview broadcast over the weekend. A meeting between the two presidents would "certainly" be possible "if Russia had the desire to genuinely engage in a realistic conversation about ending the war, or at least about possible scenarios for stopping the war," Podolyak told Current Time. "But as far as I understand, and as is quite obvious, Russia is not interested in ending hostilities -- especially not in stopping the shelling of civilian infrastructure and the civilian population." Russia's "current war policy is based on three core elements," Podolyak said. "First, buying time -- and for that, they deliberately mislead the United States with this supposed willingness to negotiate. Second, under no circumstances do they accept the idea of a cease-fire any comprehensive cease-fire plan, including those discussed around Trump, and even by Trump himself. And third, avoiding the introduction of further sanctions. "So, to put it bluntly, Russia will imitate any attempts to negotiate at the presidential level, at the level of Putin -- but in reality, it has no interest in that," he said. In his remarks to NBC, Lavrov also claimed that comments from Europeans following the Alaska summit and at the gathering in Washington on August 18 indicated that "they don't want peace," and raised objections to plans that Ukraine's Western backers are trying to hammer out for security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a peace deal. He said the permanent UN Security Council members -- China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States -- should be the guarantors of Ukraine's security. Kyiv and other allies have so far rejected the idea of Moscow being among the security guarantors for a peace deal, and Zelenskyy has rejected the prospect of Beijing playing a role. The US State Department said on August 25 that Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with his European counterparts and discussed diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. Rubio spoke with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallass, a spokesman for the State Department said in a statement. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-zelenskyy-russia- putin-war-meeting-trump-europe/33512135.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 Ukrainian Independence Day 2025: UK Statement to the OSCE The UK pays tribute to the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people and reaffirms its unwavering support as they mark the 34th anniversary of their independence. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Ankur Narayan, Politico-Military Counsellor at the UK Delegation to the OSCE Published 25 August 2025 Location: Vienna Delivered on: 25 August 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Thank you, Madam Chair. Yesterday, Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day - the day in 1991 when the country declared independence from the former USSR. The Ukrainian people overwhelmingly backed this decision, with 92% voting in favour of independence. That choice was recognised by the international community, including the Russian Federation, and Ukraine took its rightful place as a sovereign nation among equals. 34 years later, the Ukrainian people once again find themselves in a struggle for freedom. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukrainians have fought heroically for their homeland and their right to exist. Russia's war of aggression is not simply about territory, it's about Ukraine's existence as an independent, sovereign nation and people. President Putin's objective, from the beginning, appears to be the end of Ukraine as a separate, independent entity. So, while yesterday's anniversary was a celebration of national sovereignty, identity and culture, it was also a solemn reminder of the price Ukrainians continue to pay to defend them. Their fight is not for some abstract ideals that matter only to Russia and Ukraine. These are the principles that form the foundations of Euro-Atlantic security, including sovereign equality and territorial integrity. They are enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act and matter to us all. Three weeks ago, we all gathered in Helsinki to mark the 50th anniversary of the Act's adoption, but it is Ukrainians who are defending them every day on the front lines. This is why Ukraine's future and the way that Russia's illegal war comes to an end is important for us all. We must secure a just and lasting peace that ensures the Ukrainian people never have to live in fear of attack again. Future anniversaries should not be interrupted by air raid sirens and drone strikes. Russia must return the Ukrainian children that it has illegally deported and those it has been forcing into military training to line up on the front line against their families and compatriots. It must cease its systematic efforts to eradicate Ukrainian identity through brainwashing and corrupting the education of children. It must stop the forced passportisation of Ukrainians, obliging them to become Russian nationals or risk being forced out of their homeland. It must also release the 3 SMM staff that it has detained arbitrarily - Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov. The United Kingdom welcomes President Trump's efforts to end Russia's war of aggression and achieve a just and lasting peace. We are clear that Ukraine must have ironclad security guarantees to effectively defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Coalition of the Willing is ready to play an active role. This is important progress and will be crucial in deterring President Putin from coming back for more. As we have said before, we will judge President Putin by his actions, not his words. We have yet to see concrete evidence that he is serious about ending this war. Until peace is secured, the UK will keep tightening the screws on Russia's war machine. We will continue our military, humanitarian and diplomatic support. And we will use every platform - including this one - to call out Russia's violations of its commitments and reaffirm our steadfast support for Ukraine's independence. Madam Chair, allow me to conclude by congratulating the people of Ukraine on their Independence Day. Their courage inspires us, and their resilience strengthens us. The United Kingdom stands with them today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denys Shmyhal met with Keith Kellogg to discuss Ukraine's defense priorities and robust security guarantees Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 25 August, 2025, 6:06 PM EEST Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met in Kyiv with the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg. The Minister of Defence thanked General Kellogg for his visit during these important days for Ukraine. Denys Shmyhal also emphasized the United States' very strong support, which contributes to saving lives and moving closer to a just peace. "Ukraine expresses strong appreciation for the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative. It has created new opportunities for NATO countries to rapidly supply our Defence Forces with urgently needed U.S. weapons and technologies," the Minister of Defence emphasized. During the meeting, Lieutenant General Andrii Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, provided the U.S. delegation with a detailed analysis of the enemy's plans and the situation on the front lines. "Together with our partners, we must intensify pressure on the aggressor to compel it toward a just, lasting, and sustainable peace," added Ukraine's Minister of Defence. He briefed the delegation on Ukraine's defense priorities. In particular, a key priority is ramping up the production of ammunition and drones to halt the enemy's offensive. Joint projects in this area enable more efficient provision of weapons to Ukrainian warriors. Furthermore, the parties addressed the need to establish robust security guarantees aimed at preventing future aggression against Ukraine. Efforts to develop these guarantees are conducted in close collaboration with partners. "We also discussed preparations for the agreement on the production and sale of drones (the 'Drone Deal') to be signed by the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States. During the meeting, the relevant documents were handed over to the U.S. side," said Denys Shmyhal. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denys Shmyhal discussed expanding defense cooperation with Canada's Minister of National Defence Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 25 August, 2025, 8:53 AM EEST Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Denys Shmyhal, held talks with Canada's Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty. The head of Ukraine's Defence Ministry expressed gratitude for Canada's $1 billion military assistance package, which includes drones and ammunition. "We appreciate Canada's contribution of approximately $500 million to the PURL program for the procurement of U.S. weapons for Ukraine," emphasized Denys Shmyhal. The ministers discussed expanding industrial cooperation, including investments in joint drone production in Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denys Shmyhal: Ukraine and Lithuania to jointly manufacture defence products Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 25 August, 2025, 10:00 AM EEST Ukraine and Lithuania will collaborate on the manufacture of defence products. In Kyiv, Ukraine's Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal and Lithuania's Minister of National Defence Dovile Sakaliene signed a Letter of Intent on the joint manufacture of defence products in Lithuania and Ukraine. "Our joint focus is on initiating collaborative production initiatives, particularly in the development of long-range unmanned aerial systems. We discussed the specific prospects for industrial cooperation arising from the Letter of Intent. This document creates new opportunities for launching joint ventures, strengthening the presence of Ukrainian companies in Lithuania, and promoting technology exchange," said Denys Shmyhal. He thanked his Lithuanian counterpart for the visit and fruitful cooperation. Crucially, Lithuania will maintain its allocation of 0.25% of GDP to military assistance for Ukraine until 2027. This is a strong signal of long-term support for our warriors, said Ukraine's Defence Minister. During the meeting, the defence ministers concentrated on securing additional funding for the procurement of weapons and the development of Ukraine's defence industry. "I thank Lithuania for its consistent and unwavering support for Ukraine on the path to victory," concluded Denys Shmyhal. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine stands ready to share its expertise in drone industry development with Australia Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 25 August, 2025, 1:00 PM EEST Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Sergiy Boyev outlined potential avenues for cooperation with the Australian delegation. The Australian delegation, headed by Brigadier General Grant Chambers, Director General of Joint Force Development, arrived in Ukraine. The delegation also comprised a group of experts in unmanned systems and technologies. Australian representatives expressed interest in Ukraine's experience in developing and expanding the drone industry. They highlighted that their focus includes not only manufacturing the systems, but also their deployment and the training of personnel. "We are grateful to Australia for its political and financial support, as well as for supplying weapons. For our part, we stand ready to share our expertise in developing the drone industry," emphasized Sergiy Boyev, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine. The parties also discussed areas of cooperation in the security sector. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy General Keith Kellogg President of Ukraine 25 August 2025 - 20:52 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg. The Head of State thanked the United States for its support and noted President Trump's determination to achieve real peace. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of implementing all the results achieved during the joint meeting with European leaders in Washington - political, defense, and economic. The President of Ukraine noted that it had been a successful summit, a demonstration of true unity between Europe and the United States. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keith Kellogg discussed the ongoing work on building a security architecture for Ukraine, which is currently being developed by the teams of Ukraine, the United States, and partner countries. Ukraine expects that the key foundations of security will be defined in the near future. The President highlighted the readiness of the United States to be part of the security architecture for Ukraine. The parties also discussed ways to influence Russia to compel it to engage in real negotiations and to end the war. In particular, the discussion concerned sanctions and tariff pressure, the possibility of applying which must remain on the agenda. The Head of State reiterated that Ukraine is ready for negotiations in a format of leaders to resolve key issues, and stressed that the same readiness is needed from Moscow. Special attention was given to defense cooperation, including preparations for a major arms procurement agreement and an agreement on drones. Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed on the implementation of the PURL initiative, coordinated with NATO, which allows Ukraine to purchase weapons from the United States using partner funding. Work is ongoing to engage additional countries in this program. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keith Kellogg also discussed the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. The Head of State expressed hope that the United States, President Donald Trump, and First Lady Melania Trump will continue to make personal efforts to bring back all children abducted by Russia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Met with the Delegation of the International Parliamentary Network United for Ukraine President of Ukraine 25 August 2025 - 20:47 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the delegation of the international parliamentary network United for Ukraine (U4U). The Head of State thanked the representatives of United for Ukraine for their consistent political support for Ukraine during the war. "We are counting on your support after the war as well. We hope that peace will come as soon as possible. But not everything depends only on us, on Europe, and on Ukraine. In any case, we need a just and lasting peace. We will also welcome the participation of all your countries in the reconstruction of our state," emphasized Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The President noted that a united voice and a common position in Europe are of particular importance now. Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the support of Ukraine on its path toward membership in the European Union. The parties discussed mechanisms for opening the first negotiating cluster this year. The parliamentarians stressed that Ukraine must become a member of the European Union. Among the key topics of the meeting were security guarantees for Ukraine. The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine, together with its partners in European countries and the United States, is working on the architecture of security guarantees. Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of defense support for Ukraine, joint weapons production - including drones - technology sharing, and the presence of a reassurance force from partner countries on land, in the air, and at sea. They also discussed the results of the President's recent meeting with other European leaders and the President of the United States in Washington. The Head of State noted that Ukraine is ready for different formats of negotiations to achieve peace - both in bilateral and trilateral formats at the level of the leaders of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. Additionally, the parties discussed mechanisms for using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction. The meeting was attended by representatives of the parliaments of Austria, Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Estonia, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Finland, France, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and the European Parliament. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strengthening Air Defense, Financing Defense Production, and Security Guarantees: President Met with Germany's Vice Chancellor President of Ukraine 25 August 2025 - 19:27 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance of Germany Lars Klingbeil. This was his first visit to Ukraine since assuming office, which Lars Klingbeil began by honoring the fallen Ukrainian heroes at the Wall of Remembrance on Mykhailivska Square. "For us, this is such an important signal. Thank you very much for that. We are grateful to Germany - to the government and the people of Germany - for their very strong support since the beginning of this war. This is the second largest amount of aid in the world and the largest in Europe. The total aid amounts to around 50 billion during the war. This is an extremely strong support for our people, both military and civilian," emphasized the Head of State. One of the key topics of discussion was strengthening Ukraine's air defense. Work is underway on the procurement of two additional Patriot systems, as well as the delivery of additional German-made IRIS-T air defense systems. The meeting also focused on financing Ukraine's domestic drone production - including long-range drones and interceptors - and on the opportunities offered by the PURL program for procuring U.S. weapons for Ukraine. Germany was one of the first countries in Europe to join its implementation and has already allocated $500 million. The President and the Vice Chancellor paid special attention to diplomatic efforts for peace, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and security guarantees. Relevant diplomatic work is ongoing, particularly at the level of national security advisors. Ukraine counts on Germany to be among the leaders in developing and implementing these security guarantees. "We need security in the air and at sea, not just on land. So there are many things we are working on," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Head of State also stressed that one of the key elements of the future security architecture is a strong Ukrainian army, which requires financial support, the development of weapons production, and military training. The parties discussed continuing and expanding training programs for Ukrainian defenders in Germany. Lars Klingbeil noted that discussions on security guarantees have only just begun. It is important that the United States has sent a clear signal of its readiness to participate. "Right now, it's about understanding together what the final result should be. There has to be a certain package that guarantees that Russia will not attack again - that the Russian Federation will fear attacking Ukraine. And that is what we need to discuss," said the Vice Chancellor. The meeting also covered support for Ukraine on its path toward European Union membership and the importance of opening negotiating clusters this year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Strengthening Air Defense, Joint Drone Production, and the Return of Children Abducted by Russia: President of Ukraine Met with the Prime Minister of Norway President of Ukraine 25 August 2025 - 16:39 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Stre. The leaders discussed diplomatic efforts to achieve a genuine and just peace, the strengthening of Ukraine's air defense, continued energy cooperation, work with partners on security guarantees, and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. The Head of State expressed gratitude to Norway for its consistent and systemic support of Ukraine, particularly in strengthening its air defense. Jonas Gahr Stre confirmed that Norway, together with Germany, will finance the purchase of two Patriot systems and missiles for them. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked Norway for supplying NASAMS systems and expressed hope for joint production of these systems with Norway. "Our partners are well aware of our air defense needs. We hope that Norway's example of assistance in this area will also be followed by other partners, other countries, particularly the Scandinavian states," the President said. During the meeting, the parties discussed in detail Ukraine's defense needs, the situation on the front line, the capabilities of Ukrainian warriors, key threats, and cooperation programs for arms procurement. Norway has joined NATO's PURL program, which enables the purchase of American weapons funded by partner countries. The Prime Minister announced that next year Norway will maintain the same level of assistance as this year. Part of the funds will be directed toward financing Ukraine's drone production. The Head of State emphasized that drones, especially long-range ones, must become one of the factors compelling Russia to seek peace. The President and the Prime Minister also discussed diplomatic prospects and work on security guarantees for Ukraine. "Norway is one of the participants of the Coalition of the Willing, and Ukraine hopes that Norway will take an active part in the initiatives that are meant to provide real, long-term security guarantees for our people, our state, and everyone in Europe," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Prime Minister of Norway noted that a strong and well-equipped Ukrainian army will be one of the most significant and crucial security guarantees for Ukraine in the future. "Discussions with partners are ongoing regarding reliable security guarantees that will be implemented after a sustainable peace is achieved, in order to prevent any renewed aggression against the people of Ukraine. Norway has been part of these discussions from the very beginning and will remain so," Jonas Gahr Stre stated. The leaders also spoke about the importance of exerting pressure on Russia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Jonas Gahr Stre share the position that sanctions must remain in place until Russia ends its aggression and occupation of Ukrainian territories. In addition, the President and the Prime Minister discussed energy cooperation. Norway assured Ukraine that it would help the country get through the winter period. A decision has already been made to support Ukraine's gas purchases, and Ukraine is counting on further steps from Norway. "Russia is trying to disrupt our winter preparations - striking our energy infrastructure. This concerns not only the generation of electricity and heat but also the extraction of our natural gas. That is why we greatly value Norway's assistance to Ukraine in purchasing gas," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Special attention during the meeting was paid to the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Norway is an active participant in the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, created within the framework of the President of Ukraine's initiative Bring Kids Back UA. Both sides agreed to continue cooperation to ensure that all Ukrainian children are brought back home. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We Will Achieve a Peace That Will Be Enduring and Lasting; That Is What All Our Prayers Are for Today - President in His Speech at the National Prayer Breakfast President of Ukraine 25 August 2025 - 15:49 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Stre took part in the National Prayer Breakfast held at the Mystetskyi Arsenal. This year, the event gathered 1,200 people: service members and family members of fallen heroes, volunteers, chaplains, public figures, and representatives of churches and religious organizations. Among the participants were more than 350 foreign guests from 50 countries, including U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine General Keith Kellogg, American evangelical pastor of the Harvest Praise and Worship Center Mark Burns, General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance Elijah Brown, Chief Operating Officer of Samaritan's Purse Edward Graham, and Executive Director of the Council for National Policy of the U.S. Republican Party Bob McEwen. Those present prayed for the end of the war and the achievement of a genuine peace, for the protection of Ukrainian warriors, and for the well-being of Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that it is very important for Ukraine to know and feel the support that is expressed through military assistance and prayers for Ukrainians. He thanked those present for spreading the truth about the war and for uniting people around the world in support of Ukraine. "Today, the battle between good and evil is still ongoing. Russia continues to attack, continues to hit us, to destroy. This must be stopped. It must be stopped. And I believe that together we can achieve this. We will achieve a peace that will be enduring and lasting. That is what all our prayers are for today. And they will surely be heard - they are spoken today in hundreds of different languages by our friends from various faith communities, from different continents," said the Head of State. The Prime Minister of Norway emphasized that while Ukrainian warriors defend the country on the frontline, rescuers work at the sites of Russian strikes, and parents take their children to kindergartens and schools, workers in Norway produce defense materiel and new equipment for Ukrainians. And the Coalition of the Willing, European countries, and the United States are working on how best to support Ukraine and achieve a just and lasting peace. "We must do everything possible to stop this war, knowing that one man - the leader of Russia - could end it instantly. We must make every effort to achieve peace - with our hands, minds, resources, and prayers. Our prayers are for the right to life, for the freedom and safety of every person. May God bless Ukraine!" he noted. Messages of support were also sent by leaders of the world's largest Christian communities. Pope Leo XIV emphasized that he is praying together with all Ukrainians and everyone who cares about the fate of Ukraine for the end of the war, for a just and lasting peace, for protection from Russian attacks, for the return of all prisoners and children, and for the healing of the wounded. "With this message, I wish to express my closeness to the entire Ukrainian people, who are experiencing their daily Golgotha, lifting sincere and humble pleas to God for peace and tranquility in suffering Ukraine," wrote the Pope. Patriarch Bartholomew noted that he prays for the continued protection and liberation of Ukraine. "May Almighty God grant Ukraine peace, stability, and unity, and strengthen the resilience of all those working for freedom and dignity," he emphasized. Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, in his address, said that he prays for Ukrainians who have lost their loved ones and their homes, for Ukrainian defenders who, risking their lives, are protecting their country, and for the world not to remain indifferent. "The cause of the people of Ukraine is close to the hearts of so many in the United Kingdom. My own Church, the Church of England, through its General Synod, has clearly expressed its strong support for a just and lasting peace," he emphasized. This year, under the patronage of the President of Ukraine, the second National Prayer Breakfast was held. Its special feature was the conclusion of a 24-hour prayer initiative launched on Ukraine's Independence Day, which united people around the world in prayer for Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by the President of Ukraine Following the Meeting with the Prime Minister of Norway President of Ukraine 25 August 2025 - 13:10 Dear attendees! Dear Jonas, Mr. Prime Minister! Our esteemed teams, journalists! First of all, I want to thank you, Jonas, for your visit today, on your birthday - let me congratulate you - and at such a moment: the day after we marked Ukraine's Independence Day. It means a lot to us that you support our state in this way, and that the people of Norway support us, support our people, at such a difficult time. Thank you. Ukraine will always value Norway's sincere engagement with us. Dear journalists! Norway is one of the leaders in supporting Ukraine, and this includes support for our defense in the war and, without a doubt, for our Ukrainian resilience. Much has already been done, and today's meeting can also yield good results. First, I want to thank you for the decision to allocate USD 700 million for the procurement of the Patriot air defense system, which was announced yesterday. This will noticeably strengthen our air defense. Thank you. I am referring specifically to the purchase of systems that we, as you know, are lacking and that pose a challenge for us. Systems of this type have already saved thousands of our people's lives and are highly effective against Russian ballistic missiles. All partners are aware of our air defense needs, and we hope that Norway's example of assistance in this area will also be followed by other partners and countries, including Scandinavian states. I also want to express special thanks for the delivery of NASAMS - our military greatly values the quality of the NASAMS systems. And they - these systems - have also significantly helped us, especially during winter. And I am confident that we should reach a point where the joint production of NASAMS in Ukraine will become possible. Today, we discussed our defense needs - the situation on the front, the battlefield, the capabilities of our warriors, the key threats, and cooperation programs for purchasing weapons for Ukraine. Norway has joined the PURL program, which enables the purchase of weapons in the United States, and our goal is to fund this program with no less than one billion dollars monthly, as I have already stated. We also discussed our Ukrainian drone production and our joint capabilities with partners - investments now can help. And they can help not only with physical defense on the front but also with forcing Russia to end this war. Today, I asked that the Prime Minister consider allocating the remaining funds for this year from the Nansen Programme specifically for drones. This is very, very significant. The more drones we have - for protecting our positions and for long-range strikes - the more serious will be the pressure on Russia to make peace. I am also grateful to Norway for supporting sanctions. Sanctions against Russia must remain in force for as long as the Russian Federation's aggression and occupation of our territory continue. We had a very substantive discussion about our cooperation in the energy sector. Norway is making one of the main contributions to ensuring Ukraine's energy security, and this is clearly felt by us. Russia is attempting to disrupt our preparations for winter, striking our energy infrastructure. And this affects not only electricity and heat generation but also our domestic natural gas production. Therefore, we highly value the assistance Norway provides to Ukraine, specifically for gas procurement. This directly helps protect lives and maintain normal living conditions in our cities and communities. Last winter, at least one million Ukrainian families had heat thanks to our cooperation with Norway. This year, the challenges are also significant. Norway has already made decisions regarding support for our gas purchases, and we very much count on Norway's next steps. Norway is actively working within the Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children - we spoke of this today - children kidnapped by Russia. We also discussed efforts in this area. And we must bring back from Russia all Ukrainian children, all adults: all our servicemembers and civilians who still remain there in captivity. Yesterday, there was an exchange - I thank our teams. We managed to return, among others, civilians whom Russia had held since 2022, and we continue working on this - we verify everything on each name, we search for our people, and we must bring back everyone, and we will bring back everyone. Thank you for your assistance in this. Of course, Jonas and I had an in-depth discussion about the diplomatic prospects and work on security guarantees for Ukraine. Norway is one of the participants in the Coalition of the Willing, and Ukraine hopes that Norway will engage practically in measures that must truly ensure long-term security for our people, our state, and for everyone in Europe. Thank you again, Jonas, for your visit, your support, and such strong decisions. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President Thanked the Leaders of States and Organizations for Their Congratulations on Ukraine's Independence Day President of Ukraine 25 August 2025 - 10:17 Ukraine marked the 34th anniversary of its restored independence, with foreign leaders extending their congratulations to our country on the occasion. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the warm wishes and for the support of Ukraine. Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese emphasized that his country, along with partners, supports Ukraine and advances efforts aimed at achieving a just peace. President of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen assured of continued support to Ukraine and wished it a peaceful future. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev expressed support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, noting that Azerbaijan will continue to provide the necessary humanitarian support and assistance to the friendly Ukrainian people. President of Albania Bajram Begaj confirmed his country's unwavering support for Ukraine on its path toward European integration. King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa extended his congratulations to Ukraine on its Independence Day. Pope Leo XIV noted that he prays for the people of Ukraine, who are suffering from war. His Holiness implores the Lord that the sounds of weapons may give way to dialogue, opening the path to peace. President of Vietnam Luong Cuong stressed that his country highly values its partnership and cooperation with Ukraine and wishes to further develop bilateral collaboration in various fields. President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan wished the people of Ukraine peace and prosperity and expressed hope for strengthening bilateral relations. President of Estonia Alar Karis highlighted his respect for Ukraine's strength and courage, assuring that Ukraine's determination and bravery to remain free and to fight for this right inspire hope far beyond its borders. Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen Rashad Muhammad al-Alimi expressed hope for the strengthening of bilateral relations and wished Ukraine prosperity. President of Israel Isaac Herzog emphasized support for Ukraine and wished our country peace and an end to the war, noting that the world is witnessing the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi stressed support for efforts aimed at achieving a durable peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy. He also expressed hope that relations between Ukraine and India will continue to grow stronger. King Felipe VI of Spain emphasized support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and wished peace to the Ukrainian people. Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez reaffirmed that his country will stand with Ukraine in defending its freedom and in the pursuit of a just and lasting peace for as long as it takes. King Abdullah II of Jordan wished Ukraine and the Ukrainian people continued progress and prosperity. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wished Ukraine peace and prosperity, expressing hope for strengthened bilateral cooperation. Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney stressed that his country was among the first to recognize Ukraine's independence 34 years ago. He assured Ukraine of Canada's unwavering support in defending its sovereignty. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Chinese leader Xi Jinping for his congratulations and highlighted Ukraine's interest in developing long-term bilateral dialogue based on mutual respect in the interests of peace, stability, and prosperity. President of Latvia Edgars Rinkevics emphasized that Ukraine's resilience and its fight for freedom and territorial integrity against Russian aggression inspire the world. President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda assured that his country will always stand with Ukraine, providing assistance through every available means: military, political, and financial; it will also always support Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity. Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya Mohamed al-Menfi wished Ukraine progress and prosperity and expressed readiness to strengthen bilateral relations. President of Malawi Lazarus Chakwera expressed hope for the further strengthening and prosperity of bilateral relations between the two states. King Mohammed VI of Morocco wished peace and prosperity to the Ukrainian people and stressed the importance of enhancing bilateral ties. President of Moldova Maia Sandu, in her video address, stated that her country will make every effort to remain a strong, reliable, and safe neighbor of Ukraine. King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands expressed his respect for the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people, as well as their perseverance and hope, which inspire many around the world. He assured that the Netherlands will support Ukraine for as long as necessary. Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof emphasized that his country will continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, as Ukraine's security is also the security of all of Europe, including the Netherlands. Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz commended the courage with which Ukraine defends itself from Russian attacks. He emphasized that, both on Ukraine's Independence Day and in the future, Germany will stand firmly by the side of the Ukrainian people. Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon underlined that his country's support for Ukraine remains unwavering. President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan also extended their congratulations to Ukraine on its Independence Day. President of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska Davkova expressed unequivocal support for Ukraine and hope for a just and lasting peace in the near future. President of Poland Karol Nawrocki noted that Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression is a heroic defense of the core values of European civilization: freedom, democracy, and the defense of human dignity. President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his country's support and solidarity with Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression. He stressed that Portugal will not change its position, values, or principles and will continue to support Ukraine. President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung expressed hope for the swift restoration of peace in Ukraine and the country's post-war recovery. President of Romania Nicusor Dan noted that his nation will remain a reliable partner for Ukraine both in the field of security cooperation and in reconstruction and European integration. The Captains Regent of San Marino, Denise Bronzetti and Italo Righi, praised the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russian aggression and wished our country a just and lasting peace. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud wished the people of Ukraine progress and prosperity. President of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam wished Ukraine peace, progress, and prosperity. King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland expressed his admiration for the courage and strong spirit of the Ukrainian people. His Majesty emphasized that Ukraine and the United Kingdom must continue to work together to achieve a just and lasting peace. Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer assured that his country stands with Ukraine today and will always stand by its side. President of the United States Donald Trump honored the fight of the Ukrainian people and expressed his belief in their future as an independent nation. He noted that the United States supports the negotiation process aimed at achieving a durable and lasting peace, ending the bloodshed, and safeguarding Ukraine's sovereignty and dignity. Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is grateful to the United States for its support and is confident that, through joint efforts, this war can be brought to an end and true peace achieved. President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan wished Ukraine peace and prosperity. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished Ukraine prosperity and continued success. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed hope that relations between Ukraine and Uzbekistan, based on traditional friendship and long-term cooperation, will continue to grow in the common interests of both peoples. President of Finland Alexander Stubb assured that steadfast support for Ukraine in its fight for independence and rightful place in the European family will continue. President of France Emmanuel Macron emphasized that his country stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression and will ensure the achievement of a just and durable peace. Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic expressed support for Ukraine in defending its freedom and territorial integrity, assuring that the Croatian people stand with Ukraine. President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel reiterated support for Ukraine in its just struggle for independence and territorial integrity, and recognized President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic expressed deep respect for the courage of the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom, democracy, peace, and European values. He emphasized that Montenegro seeks to make a meaningful contribution to creating conditions for a lasting and just peace in Ukraine. President of Switzerland Karin Keller-Sutter expressed support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and stressed that her country will continue to provide assistance to Ukrainians. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden wished happiness and prosperity to Ukraine on its Independence Day. Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson highlighted the heroism of Ukrainians who defend their homeland every day against Russian aggression and emphasized that Sweden will continue to provide military, political, and financial assistance to Ukraine. President of Sri Lanka Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations based on friendship and mutual respect across various spheres. He wished Ukraine a swift return to peace. His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan extended his heartfelt congratulations to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and to the Ukrainian people. President of the European Council Antonio Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola underlined that the European Union stands with Ukraine in these difficult times. Ukraine was also congratulated by Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset. High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas emphasized the unwavering support for Ukraine. She noted that Russia must stop the killings and demonstrate a genuine will for peace. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who visited Kyiv last Friday, recorded his video greeting near the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, assuring the Alliance's support on the path to peace. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Los Angeles, Aug. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Morrison Hotel Gallery proudly announces the addition of the Douglas Kirkland Archive to its roster of world-renowned photographers. Known for his intimate portraits and cinematic eye, Kirkland captured some of the most enduring images of the 20th and 21st centuries, photographing luminaries such as Marilyn Monroe, Coco Chanel, Audrey Hepburn, and Leonardo DiCaprio across six decades of cultural history. With Douglas Kirklands archive, Morrison Hotel Gallery is widening the lens of its curatorial focus beyond music to embrace iconic works that have shaped the broader cultural canon. While music photography remains at the core of the gallerys identity, this new direction underscores a commitment to celebrating visual storytellers whose work transcends genre and resonates across art, fashion, cinema, and popular culture. By integrating Kirklands expansive body of work, Morrison Hotel Gallery is reaffirming its position as a destination for discerning collectors seeking photography that both preserves and elevates cultural memory. The Douglas Kirkland Archive is now available through Morrison Hotel Gallery, with select works at its New York and Los Angeles locations, as well as online at www.morrisonhotelgallery.com . View Douglas Kirklands Archive, HERE About Morrison Hotel Gallery At Morrison Hotel Gallery, our mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of the photographer, those rare visionaries who have captured the spirit of generations through the lens. We are dedicated to curating and showcasing the finest photographic works spanning the worlds of music, film, and fashion, presenting each image as a timeless piece of cultural history. With a commitment to authenticity, excellence, and storytelling, we honor the photographers behind the camera while connecting collectors, fans, and creators with the iconic and the undiscovered. Through every exhibition and print, we bring to life the moments that define our collective imagination. www.morrisonhotelgallery.com Morrison Hotel Gallery 116 Prince Street || New York, NY 10012 212.941.8770 Morrison Hotel Gallery Sunset Marquis 1200 Alta Loma Road || West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.881.6025 Attachment Please note that attendance and registration for this media availability session is limited to media only. All materials shared with the media will be made available on www.aeso.ca following the session. CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is hosting a media availability session to speak about the finalized design for the provinces Restructured Energy Market (REM). The AESO will share details on how the REM will strengthen reliability, improve affordability, and attract private investment to meet future energy needs. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 Who: Aaron Engen, President & CEO Nicole LeBlanc, Vice President, Markets Time: 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. MDT Location: Online via Teams (click here to register) Why: As the Independent System Operator, the AESO plays an instrumental role in developing and operating the electricity market to ensure it remains fair, efficient and openly competitive. Background: REM Technical Design | AESO Engage Contact: AESO Media Relations at media@aeso.ca www.aeso.ca X (Twitter): @theaeso The Alberta Electric System Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. We provide open and non-discriminatory access to Albertas interconnected power grid, and we also facilitate Albertas competitive wholesale electricity market. TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Aug. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goldmoney Inc. (TSX:XAU) (US:XAUMF) (Goldmoney or the Company), today announces that is has changed its auditor from KPMG LLP (the Former Auditor) to BDO Canada LLP (the Successor Auditor). At the request of the Company, the Former Auditor has resigned effective August 14, 2025, and the Board of Directors has appointed the Successor Auditor as the new auditor of the Company effective August 19, to hold such office until the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company. The Former Auditor has not expressed any modified opinions in the Former Auditors reports on the financial statements of the Company for the two most recently completed fiscal years or for the period subsequent to the most recently completed fiscal year up to and including the effective date of resignation. There were also no reportable events as such term is defined in National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations. In accordance with NI 51-102, the Company has filed a Change of Auditor Notice on SEDAR+, together with letters from both the Former Auditor and the Successor Auditor, confirming that they agree with the information contained in such notice. About Goldmoney Inc. Goldmoney Inc. (TSX:XAU) specializes in the investment and custody of enduring real assets. Through its subsidiaries, the Company offers precious metals trading services to clients, including secure custody and storage solutions. Goldmoney also maintains diversified interests in property investment and jewelry manufacturing. For more information about Goldmoney, visit goldmoney.com. Media and Investor Relations inquiries: Sean Ty Chief Financial Officer Goldmoney Inc. +1 647 250 7098 Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains or refers to certain forward-looking information. Forward-looking information can often be identified by forward-looking words such as anticipate, believe, expect, plan, intend, estimate, may, potential and will or similar words suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. All information other than information regarding historical fact, which addresses activities, events or developments that Goldmoney Inc. believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, is forward-looking information. Forward-looking information does not constitute historical fact but reflects the current expectations the Company regarding future results or events based on information that is currently available. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking information will not occur. Such forward-looking information in this release speak only as of the date hereof. Forward-looking information in this release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: the business of the Company and its financial performance. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time it was made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: the Companys operating history; history of operating losses; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; fluctuations in the market price of the Companys common shares; the effect of government regulation and compliance on the Company and the industry; legal and regulatory change and uncertainty; jurisdictional factors associated with international operations; foreign restrictions on the Companys operations; product development and rapid technological change; dependence on technical infrastructure; protection of intellectual property; use and storage of personal information and compliance with privacy laws; network security risks; risk of system failure or inadequacy; the Companys ability to manage rapid growth; competition; the ability to identify opportunities for growth internally and through acquisitions and strategic relationships on terms which are economic or at all; the ability to identify and complete the acquisition of suitable real estate investment opportunities on terms which are economic or at all; effectiveness of the Companys risk management and internal controls; use of the Companys services for improper or illegal purposes; uninsured and underinsured losses; theft & risk of physical harm to personnel; precious metal trading risks; and volatility of precious metals prices & public interest in precious metals investment; and those risks set out in the Companys most recently filed annual information form, available on SEDAR+. 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. 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 information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by law. Delray Beach, FL, Aug. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The report "Augmented and Virtual Reality in Education Market by offering type (software, hardware, services), device type, deployment (on-premise, cloud), application, end user (academic institutions, corporates) and Region - Global Forecast to 2028" The global AR and VR in Education Industry Size was valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 14.2 billion by 2028; it is expected to register a CAGR of 29.6% between 2023 and 2028. The rise in demand for AR and VR devices is attributed to Enhanced understanding through visualization, transforming corporate training through immersive augmented and virtual reality technologies, advancing education through ongoing innovation and expansion in AR & VR technology, the emergence of advancing personalized learning experiences, and real-world application and career readiness. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=203811025 Browse in-depth TOC on " AR VR in Education Market" Sony Group Corporation (Japan), HTC Corporation (Taiwan), Meta (US), Google (US), Microsoft (US), Panasonic Holdings Corporation (Japan), Vuzix (US), Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc. (US), Anthology Inc. (US), Lenovo (Hong Kong). AR VR in Education Market Segmentation: By Offering Type, Augmented and Virtual Reality in Education Industry for Software Segment to account larger market share in the forecasted year. The software segment accounted for the larger market share in 2028. The growth of software AR and VR in education is supported by technological advancements and cost reductions. As technology advances, it becomes more accessible and affordable, allowing educational institutions to integrate AR and VR solutions into their curricula. The availability of user-friendly software tools and platforms also reduces the barriers to entry for educators and encourages the development of AR and VR content. Also, the increasing adoption and integration of AR and VR technologies into educational settings, transforming traditional learning methods and enhancing the overall educational experience. By Deployment, Augmented and Virtual Reality in Education Industry for Cloud to account for a larger market share in the forecasted year. The cloud deployment accounted for the larger market share in 2028. The growth of the cloud deployment segment in AR and VR for education is driven by factors such as scalability and flexibility, reduced infrastructure costs, accessibility and anytime, anywhere learning, collaboration and content sharing, centralized management and updates, enhanced security, and data privacy, integration with learning management systems, and continuous innovation and updates. By Device Type, Augmented and Virtual Reality in Education Industry for Projectors & Displays to account for a larger market share in the forecasted year. The projectors & displays accounted for the larger market share in 2028. The advancements in display technology have greatly contributed to the growth of projectors and display devices in AR and VR. High-resolution displays, improved color reproduction, and faster refresh rates have enhanced the visual quality of AR and VR content, creating more realistic and immersive experiences. This has increased the demand for high-quality projectors and display devices capable of delivering these enhanced visuals. Ask for Sample Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=203811025 Regional Analysis of AR VR in Education Industry By Region, Augmented and Virtual Reality in Education Industry for North America is expected to hold the largest share during the forecast period. North America held the largest share of the AR and VR in education industry in 2028. The education industry always seeks growth in North America, due to the presence of many prominent educational institutions and the quality education provided by them. Technological advancements have led to the rise in the adoption of smart education and technologically advanced classrooms in educational and corporate setups, which help to create a learning environment that is focused on an individuals or organizations learning needs. The US and Canada are the top contributing countries to the virtual classroom market in this region. These countries have established economies, which empower them to strongly invest in R&D activities. Moreover, the startup culture in North America is growing rapidly in comparison to the other regions. The rapid digitalization across industry verticals, the increasing adoption of smart connected devices, and the rising technological advancements have further fueled the growth of the education sector in this region. In 2028, Asia Pacific is projected to hold the highest CAGR of the overall AR and VR in education market In 2028, Asia Pacific region can be attributed to factors such as technological advancements, investment and government support, a large and diverse student population, demand for high-quality education, e-learning and remote education, cultural preservation and heritage education, industry collaboration and partnerships, rising digital literacy, market competitiveness, and research and development initiatives. These factors collectively contribute to the increasing integration of AR and VR technologies in educational practices, transforming the learning experiences of students in the Asia Pacific region. Vernon, Aug. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vernon, British Columbia - August 25, 2025 - Bee's Knees Plumbing, Heating, Cooling is expanding its services to better support both residential and commercial clients. The company, known for its expertise in plumbing, heating, and air conditioning, now aims to provide more comprehensive solutions to make life easier for its customers. This expansion comes from the company's commitment to improving customer experiences. By offering a broader range of services, Bee's Knees Plumbing wants to be the go-to source for essential home and business maintenance tasks. This move is anticipated to strengthen the company's reputation for reliability in the community. "Our company has always been about more than just fixing leaks," said Kevin Ukkonen of Bee's Knees. "We are dedicated to creating comfortable environments for our customers. By expanding our heating and air conditioning services, we are simplifying the process for everyone, allowing them to manage their properties with ease." Bee's Knees Plumbing prides itself on its team of skilled professionals, who use advanced tools and techniques to deliver effective solutions. Their plan is to make these critical services readily accessible, so customers don't have to juggle between different service providers. The company is also enhancing its training programs, ensuring that their staff stays current with the latest industry standards and technologies. This ensures that their technicians can effectively handle a wide variety of systems, which boosts the overall value they offer their clients. Bee's Knees shared, "Our team is committed to meeting the needs of our clients. Whether it's a plumbing emergency or setting up a new heating system, we strive to provide fast and efficient solutions. We focus on building strong relationships by always meeting their needs." Additionally, Bee's Knees Plumbing is introducing new service packages with various options to match different needs and budgets. This strategy is about being flexible and affordable, without skimping on quality. It reflects their dedication to providing cost-effective solutions. The company also emphasizes sustainable practices by offering energy-efficient options when possible. As the industry shifts towards greener alternatives, Bee's Knees Plumbing is adapting its offerings to support these positive changes, helping customers transition to more eco-friendly solutions. Customers praise the services they receive from Bee's Knees. "I've used Bees Knees a couple times for plumbing and each time they were able to get me in the next day. Plus they did a fantastic job and were super informative. I had Devon this last time and he was amazing. He was very personable, knowledgeable, and comfortable to have in my home. I will definitely call these guys again for any plumbing issues that arise and would recommend them to everyone. You guys rock and thanks again for the quick and efficient work," says Danielle E. As Bee's Knees Plumbing continues to expand, their aim is to maintain high standards of service and ensure customer satisfaction. By continually enhancing their service range, they hope to secure their role as a trusted provider for both homes and businesses. For more details on their comprehensive service offerings, including plumbing, heating, and cooling solutions, visit their official website For those who want to find out more about what Bee's Knees Plumbing offers, more information is available on their website. Customers are encouraged to explore their various service options and reach out for any inquiries or to schedule a consultation. The company is confident that this expansion will meet and even surpass the expectations of their current customers while attracting new ones. Bee's Knees Plumbing is committed to quality and reliability, and these improvements are a significant step toward adding more customer value. Holly F. says, "My air conditioner quit working on a Friday after hours. Kevin came out the next day, kindly working around my schedule, diagnosed the problem. It was all repaired as quickly as possible and I am very grateful for the quick response, and the kind and respectful service. They are very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend them and will call them in the future for maintenance and/or repairs." https://youtu.be/xMrzHNWSotY?si=Rj5R_J9qcCO-CG4u To learn more about how Bee's Knees Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning can help meet any plumbing, heating, or cooling needs, visit their website or contact their service team directly. ### For more information about Bee's Knees Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, contact the company here: Bee's Knees Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Kevin Ukkonen 778-560-3395 info@beesknees.ca 3009 43rd Ave, Vernon, BC V1T 3L4 VICTORIA, Seychelles, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MEXC Ventures, an investment division of the MEXC global crypto exchange, and BlockchainNZ have successfully concluded the inaugural Crypto Winter 2025 Summit in Queenstown, New Zealand. As the title sponsor of the summit, MEXC Ventures collaborated closely with BlockchainNZ to support this milestone gathering, which brought together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and innovators from across the Asia-Pacific region. Organized by BlockchainNZ, a key industry body supporting the development of New Zealands digital economy, Crypto Winter 2025 was designed to foster meaningful dialogue around the future of blockchain and digital assets. The two-day event, held against the scenic backdrop of Queenstowns alpine landscape, welcomed a select audience of 150 participants, including representatives from AUDD (Australian Digital Dollar), Stripe ANZ, Blockchain APAC, the University of Auckland, Tether, DECA, and other influential institutions in the region. During the summit, MEXC Ventures supported multiple on-site activations, including the Icebreaker Lounge, interactive lucky draws, and targeted networking sessions, fostering engagement and collaboration among attendees. The summit also featured a keynote speech delivered by a manager from MEXC Ventures. The presentation provided practical analysis on the growing integration of centralized and decentralized trading platforms and introduced DEX+, the latest decentralized trading solution. This comprehensive perspective offered valuable insights for regulators, industry participants, and crypto traders alike. The successful conclusion of the Crypto Winter 2025 Summit underscores the growing maturity and collaboration within the Asia-Pacific blockchain ecosystem. Looking ahead, MEXC Ventures remains committed to supporting the development of the crypto industry in the Asia-Pacific region through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives. About MEXC Ventures MEXC Ventures is a comprehensive fund under the MEXC umbrella dedicated to driving innovation in the cryptocurrency space by investing in L1/L2 ecosystems, strategic investments, mergers and acquisitions, and incubation.MEXC Ventures is committed to supporting innovative ideas and active builders in the cryptocurrency space, with a focus on growth through synergy. innovative ideas and active builders in the cryptocurrency space. As an investor and supporter of TON and Aptos, MEXC Ventures looks forward to being at the forefront of TON and Aptos innovations and actively partnering with builders to drive the ecosystem forward. For more information, visit: MEXC Ventures Website A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1cbd8c71-8bba-4505-ade8-887a8d1a510c BALI, Indonesia, Aug. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mplify (formerly MEF), a global alliance of network, cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise organizations working together to accelerate the AI-powered digital economy, today announced the expansion of its Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO) API Certification Program to include additional releases and APIs across critical functions. The enhanced program enables providers of API-enabled services to validate that their business transactions conform to Mplify standards. Mplifys LSO API Certification is the industrys only initiative that verifies open LSO APIs used for automated, multi-provider service delivery against established conformance and interoperability standards. By eliminating costly, custom partner integrations, it ensures production-ready interoperability for both buying and selling scenarios and removes a major barrier to automation. This trusted, third-party validation provides the foundation for delivering the on-demand, cloud-like services that define the Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model. With more than 165 service providers engaged in the LSO API adoption lifecycle, the certification program is advancing a standardized, secure, and scalable NaaS ecosystem. As the industry moves towards a fully automated, multi-provider environment, standardization becomes critical, said Rob Schult, Research Director, TeleGeography. Mplifys LSO API certification provides a trusted path to interoperability, streamlining integration and reducing time-to-market. It acts as a powerful signal in the carrier ecosystem where complexity and transaction friction can keep you from being competitive, while creating a stronger value proposition for all stakeholders. Essential business functions such as address validation, product offering qualification, quoting, product ordering, and product inventory are included in Mplifys LSO Certification program. Testing is conducted in a cloud environment by Amartus, Mplifys Accredited Test and Certification Partner, validating that provider APIs conform to LSO standards for automated service delivery. Certified providers are listed in Mplifys public LSO API Registry, helping enterprises and partners quickly identify automation-ready collaborators and build multi-provider services with confidence. Console Connect, the fully automated Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) platform from PCCW Global, is the first to achieve LSO API certification through Mplifys expanded program. The company earned certification for four LSO Business APIs Address Validation, Quote, Product Order and Product Inventory. Console Connect accelerated adoption of Mplify API standards using the LSO Adaptor Tool, an open-source tool it developed to simplify integration between proprietary systems and standardized LSO APIs. As the first provider through the program, Console Connect worked with Amartus to validate test specifications, refine requirements, and shape a methodology that will speed certification for others in the future. Following certification, Console Connect now enables seamless interoperability between proprietary APIs and Mplifys standardized LSO Business APIs, accelerating partner onboarding and enabling dynamic service orchestration. Our latest certification with Mplify represents two major milestones for Console Connect. Firstly, it shows our ongoing commitment to standardized APIs which are fundamental to increasing scalability and establishing a more collaborative, API-driven connectivity model. Secondly, it demonstrates how our LSO Adaptor can help other service providers simplify integrations between proprietary systems and LSO APIs, further accelerating industry adoption of network automation, said Paul Gampe, CTO, PCCW Global. Console Connects achievement underscores industry momentum toward automation-ready ecosystems, where open APIs and certification accelerate interoperability and enable NaaS at scale. Mplifys certification program builds on this momentum by uniting service providers around standardized APIs and making automation easier to adopt. Mplifys LSO APIs are the operating system for multi-provider automation, said Pascal Menezes, CTO, Mplify. This certification program removes integration friction, builds trust at scale, and provides a clear on-ramp to global NaaS. Console Connects leadership demonstrates whats possible when innovation aligns with open standards. Mplify will showcase LSO-certified use cases, AI-driven automation, and emerging service models at the Global NaaS Event (GNE), taking place November 1014 in Dallas. Learn More To learn more about the LSO API Certification Program, visit Mplify.net. Visit https://www.mplify.net/ and follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, and YouTube. About Mplify Mplify is a global alliance of network, cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise organizations working together to accelerate the AI-powered digital economy through standardization, automation, certification, and collaboration. As the defining authority behind Carrier Ethernet, Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO) APIs, and certified SASE and SD-WAN, Mplify has developed the global blueprint for Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) that is empowering the industry to innovate, interoperate, and scale trusted network services across a global ecosystem. Media Contact: Amy Foschetti Mplify amy@mplify.net Delray Beach, FL, Aug. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The District Cooling Market is projected to reach USD 1.3 billion by 2029 from an estimated USD 1.1 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period. Energy efficiency improvement is a key driver for the district cooling market, due to its potential for substantial energy savings and environmental benefits. District cooling systems are designed to optimize the use of energy by centralizing cooling production, which reduces the overall energy consumption compared to individual cooling units. This centralization allows for the use of advanced, energy-efficient technologies that are not feasible on a smaller scale. As energy costs rise and environmental concerns grow, businesses and municipalities are increasingly seeking solutions that lower their energy usage and carbon footprint. Additionally, many governments offer incentives and support for adopting energy-efficient systems, further driving the demand for district cooling. This focus on energy efficiency helps organizations achieve sustainability goals while also improving their bottom line, making it a crucial factor in the market's growth. Browse 292 market data Tables and 65 Figures spread through 270 Pages and in-depth TOC on "District Cooling Market - Global Forecast to 2029" Scope of the Report Market Size Available for Years: 2021-2029 2021-2029 2024 Market Size: USD 1.1 billion USD 1.1 billion 2029 Projected Market Size: USD 1.3 billion USD 1.3 billion CAGR (20242029): 3.6% 3.6% Segments covered: District Cooling Market by Production Technique, Source, Application, and Region. District Cooling Market by Production Technique, Source, Application, and Region. Region Highlight: Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, Middle East & Africa Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=27186936 Top Companies in District Cooling Industry Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (UAE) Tabreed (UAE) Emicool (UAE) Shinryo Corporation (Japan) LOGSTOR Denmark Holding ApS (Denmark) among others Electric chillers is expected to hold largest share of the district cooling market in production technique segment during the forecast period. Electric chillers segment by production technique hold the largest share of the district cooling market due to their high efficiency, reliability, and widespread availability. They can be easily integrated into existing infrastructure and are capable of producing large amounts of chilled water needed for district cooling systems. Additionally, electric chillers benefit from advancements in technology, which have significantly improved their energy efficiency and reduced operational costs. This makes them an attractive option for developers and operators seeking to minimize environmental impact and comply with increasingly stringent energy regulations. Their versatility in handling varying cooling loads across different applications further solidifies their dominant market position. Fossil fuels accounted for the largest growing by source segment of the district cooling market. Globally, fossil fuel-based district heating and cooling systems still predominate, although initiatives to switch these systems to renewable energy sources are gaining momentum. The International Energy Agency (IEA) claims. The growing need for sustainable and energy-efficient cooling infrastructure is propelling expansion in the district cooling industry as well. With advantages for the environment, including less energy and water use, district cooling systems offer an environmentally friendly substitute for conventional cooling techniques. District cooling is becoming more popular as a result of government rules requiring new development projects to be sustainable and energy-efficient. District heating and cooling systems are still mostly powered by fossil fuels, but the sector is aggressively moving toward more efficient and renewable energy sources. The urge to lessen is what's driving this shift. Get Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=27186936 Regional Analysis Asia Pacific region Holds the Largest Share of the District Cooling Market. The surge in construction activities, alongside a burgeoning population and evolving climatic conditions, are critical drivers of this regional market growth. Additionally, the push towards sustainable and energy-efficient cooling solutions in urban developments, increased investments in infrastructure, and government initiatives promoting eco-friendly technologies are further catalyzing the market. The integration of advanced technologies and innovations in district cooling systems is also anticipated to enhance operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption, thereby contributing to the market's expansion in the coming years. Scooter King Orlando Logo ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scooter King Orlando, Central Floridas top-rated mobility scooter rental provider with over 1,000 five-star reviews, has announced expanded services to meet growing demand from the millions of families and travelers visiting Orlando each year. The companys enhanced offerings aim to make theme park adventures and Orlando vacations more accessible, comfortable, and stress-free for guests of all ages. Orlando consistently ranks among the worlds most visited destinations, with Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld drawing more than 70 million visitors annually. For many of those guests, navigating long days in expansive theme parks can be challenging. To meet this need, Scooter King Orlando has increased its fleet of premium scooters and broadened its delivery network, providing visitors with more options for hotel, resort, and vacation home drop-offs across the region. Visiting Disney World should be magical, not exhausting, said the founder of Scooter King Orlando. By delivering dependable, comfortable scooters directly to where guests are staying, we give families the freedom to explore Orlando at their own pace, without mobility limitations. Why Scooter King Orlando Stands Out: Trusted by Thousands Over 1,000 five-star reviews highlight unmatched customer satisfaction. Over 1,000 five-star reviews highlight unmatched customer satisfaction. Travel-Friendly Design Lightweight, compact scooters fold to fit easily into most vehicles. Lightweight, compact scooters fold to fit easily into most vehicles. All-Day Reliability Extended battery life powers a full day of theme park adventures. Extended battery life powers a full day of theme park adventures. 24/7 Support Round-the-clock customer assistance for peace of mind. Round-the-clock customer assistance for peace of mind. Hassle-Free Delivery & Pickup Scooters delivered and retrieved directly from Disney-area accommodations. Beyond serving families on vacation, Scooter King Orlando is also helping seniors, conference attendees, and international travelers maintain independence and mobility during their stay. By combining affordability with reliability, the company ensures accessibility and convenience are part of every Orlando adventure. About Scooter King Orlando Scooter King Orlando is a locally owned and operated mobility scooter rental company serving visitors to Walt Disney World and the greater Orlando area. Committed to reliability, convenience, and customer care, the company has earned more than 1,000 five-star reviews from travelers worldwide. With dependable scooters, all-day battery life, and 24/7 support, Scooter King Orlando ensures every guest can make magical memories without mobility challenges. For more information or to book a rental, visit Scooter King Orlando . Media Contact: Myles Ganovsky Scooter King Orlando 407-504-7769 Scooterkingorlando@gmail.com https://scooterkingorlando.com/ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4b3f334a-5cd2-41ae-b79b-31304cd2208d Paris, August 26, 2025, at 8.30 AM CEST Danone further accelerates its Renew transformation and announces the next stage of its leadership structure Danone announces today an evolution of its leadership structure. The company will operate through 3 geographies: EMEA, Asia Pacific and Americas. This leaner organization marks a further step in the deployment of the second chapter of Renew Danone. It will further enhance the companys agility and market impact. To this effect, as of January 1st, 2026: Pablo Perversi is appointed President EMEA (Europe, Turkey, Middle East and Africa), is appointed President EMEA (Europe, Turkey, Middle East and Africa), Bruno Chevot is appointed President APAC (Asia-Pacific), is appointed President APAC (Asia-Pacific), Henri Bruxelles is appointed President Americas. reporting to Veronique Penchienati-Bosetta, Group Deputy CEO, in charge of geographies and categories. Christian Stammkoetter, currently President for Asia, Africa and the Middle East (AMEA), has decided to leave Danone to pursue a new challenge, after 19 years with the company. He will remain in his role until the end of the year. Henri Bruxelles will keep his JV and partners responsibilities. Laurent Sacchi, General Secretary, will assume leadership of Sustainability to continue delivering our health mission through sustainability and social impact. Antoine de Saint-Affrique, Chief Executive Officer said: As part of the next chapter of our Renew Danone strategy, we have decided to further accelerate our transformation, with a more compact and simpler organisation at the top of the company. These changes help us move forward with even greater focus and agility. Although Christian will be with us until the end of the year, on behalf of all of us at Danone I would like to thank him for his leadership and dedication to Danone over the last two decades. We all wish him every success in his next role. About Danone (www.danone.com) Danone is a leading global food and beverage company operating in three health-focused, fast-growing and on-trend Categories: Essential Dairy & Plant-Based products, Waters and Specialized Nutrition. With a long-standing mission of bringing health through food to as many people as possible, Danone aims to inspire healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices while committing to achieve measurable nutritional, social, societal and environment impact. Danone has defined its Renew strategy to restore growth, competitiveness, and value creation for the long-term. With over 90,000 employees, and products sold in over 120 markets, Danone generated 27.4 billion in sales in 2024. Danones portfolio includes leading international brands (Actimel, Activia, Alpro, Aptamil, Danette, Danio, Danonino, evian, Nutricia, Nutrilon, Volvic, among others) as well as strong local and regional brands (including AQUA, Bledina, Bonafont, Cow & Gate, Mizone, Oikos and Silk). Listed on Euronext Paris and present on the OTCQX platform via an ADR (American Depositary Receipt) program, Danone is a component stock of leading sustainability indexes including the ones managed by Moodys and Sustainalytics, as well as MSCI ESG Indexes, FTSE4Good Index Series, Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, and Access to Nutrition Index. Danones ambition is to be B CorpTM certified at global level in 2025. o o O o o FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Danone that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Generally, you can identify these forward-looking statements by forward-looking words, such as estimate, expect, anticipate, project, plan, intend, objective, believe, forecast, guidance, foresee, likely, may, should, goal, target, might, will, could, predict, continue, convinced and confident, the negative or plural of these words and other comparable terminology or by using future dates. Forward-looking statements in this press release include but are not limited to predictions of future activities, operations, direction, performance and results of Danone. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. For a detailed description of risks and uncertainties, please refer to the Risk Factor section of Danones Universal Registration Document (the current version of which is available at www.danone.com). Subject to regulatory requirements, Danone does not undertake to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements. This document does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy Danone securities. Attachment Fornebu, Norway 26 August 2025 Telenors Finnish subsidiary KNL has received orders worth 15 million under a ten-year framework agreement signed earlier this year with the Finnish and Swedish Armed Forces. The contracts come at a time when secure and independent communication capabilities are increasingly critical for national defence and regional stability, particularly amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty in Europe. These contracts underscore the growing demand for secure, resilient communication solutions in an increasingly complex security environment. KNLs technology exemplifies Nordic innovation and its role in strengthening regional security and preparedness, says Dan Ouchterlony, Head of Telenor Amp. KNL develops advanced high-frequency (HF) communication solutions that automatically connect in under one second, providing encrypted and resilient connectivity even under jamming and other types of interference. The agreements cover the delivery of portable HF military radios that ensure secure communication in areas without traditional infrastructure such as satellites and GPS. The contracts are part of a ten-year framework agreement with NORDEFCO, a Nordic defence co-operation framework that facilitates joint procurement and interoperability among member nations. The agreement may be extended to include additional NATO countries. The initial deliveries to the Finnish and Swedish armed forces are scheduled for completion already by the end of the year. These agreements confirm that weve developed something truly valuable especially in a time of geopolitical tension. Were seeing strong interest from the market to test and adopt this solution, which reinforces its relevance and potential impact. Were now ramping up production to meet growing demand, with several countries running pilots and expectations for future orders running high, says Toni Linden, CEO of KNL. KNL became part of Telenor in 2020 and has since specialised in secure defence communications. In addition to the NORDEFCO framework, the company is running pilots with Norways Defence Research Establishment (FFI) and engaging with several other NATO countries, positioning itself for strong international growth. With Telenors resources behind us and technology that meets todays security challenges, were well positioned for continued growth. Were proud to deliver solutions that enhance operational capability and field security, Linden adds. Media contacts: Telenor: David Fidjeland, Director Media Relations, Telenor Group +47 93 46 72 24 | david.fidjeland@telenor.com KNL: Toni Linden, CEO, KNL +358 50 5867161 | toni.linden@knl.fi Attachment PannTheraPi prepares plans to conduct its first Phase IIa clinical trial with PTI5803 in patients with resistant epilepsy and accelerate the development of its proprietary pipeline Pre-submission file completed with French regulatory agency (ANSM) to discuss clinical trial protocol Phase IIa clinical trial planned to start in 2026 once fund raising is closed Strategic evolution of PannTheraPis management to drive upcoming milestones Nimes, France 26th August, 2025 - PannTheraPi, a company developing innovative treatments in neurology by selectively targeting the pannexin 1 (Panx1) channel, announces a new milestone in its development with the pre-submission to the ANSM (the public body that regulates drugs in France) of the protocol for its first Phase IIa clinical trial of PTI5803 in patients with Focal Cortical Dysplasia (FCD), a rare epileptic syndrome with high medical need. This trial will focus on PannTheraPis patent-protected lead oral small molecule drug candidate, PTI5803, which targets the pannexin 1 channel. This innovative mode of action has been shown to be involved in certain forms of epilepsy through research carried out at the University of Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) by two of the companys founders, Dr Nathalie ROUACH, INSERM research director at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Research in Biology at the College de France (CNRS UMR 7241 INSERM U1050) and Dr Gilles HUBERFELD, currently a neurologist-epileptologist at the Adolphe de Rothschild Foundation Hospital and team leader at the Paris Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences. Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a malformation of cortical development and one of the leading causes of drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly in children. Despite current treatment options, it often has devastating impacts on quality of life and places a significant burden on families and healthcare systems. Recent research1 has identified the Panx1 channel as a potential therapeutic target for epileptic seizures, with increased expression linked to seizure activity. By targeting and blocking Panx1 channels, this novel therapeutic approach has shown promise in preclinical models1, potentially offering a transformative new strategy to control seizures. This represents a critical step forward in addressing a major unmet need in epilepsy care. Based on this work and, with the support of several partners including the EIC Accelerator programme, BPI and independent investors, PannTheraPi has made significant progress in just 18 months, validating the production of a new paediatric formulation (suitable for children aged one month and older) and demonstrating the safety of PTI5803, its extended release profile and the first signs of activity on the target via biomarkers in a Phase I study in healthy volunteers. These results have made it possible to determine the optimal doses to be evaluated in patients. With input from international scientists and clinicians, the development plan has been submitted to the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which has validated the Paediatric Investigation Plan (PIP) required for authorisation of a medicine for children. Scientific discussions with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are ongoing in parallel. At the same time, PannTheraPi is developing a proprietary pipeline of novel, patent-protected small molecule drug candidates that act on the Panx1 channel. These differentiated molecules, with completely new structures, were identified using artificial intelligence tools and innovative proprietary models, with very promising biological results. The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) report confirms the novelty and strength of the patent covering this class of molecules. These new molecules can be developed in several neurological indications where the target has demonstrated its potential involvement such as multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and neurological and psychiatric disorders. Under the chairmanship of Dr GRANIER and the management of Dr Elsa BRILLAUD, and thanks to the commitment of the entire team, PannTheraPi has achieved its initial objectives. The company is now looking to raise funds to accelerate its move into a Phase IIa clinical trial with PTI5803 in epilepsy and progress its proprietary pipeline, as well as expanding operational capability and personnel in line with PannTheraPis growth plans. The current funding round targets 10 million, with the possibility of the EIC Accelerator contributing up to half this amount in the form of an equity investment. Aware of his many other commitments and the significant demands on his time, Dr. GRANIER has informed the Supervisory Board of his intention to step down as Chairman of PannTheraPi once the current fundraising has been completed, at which time the Company will set up a new management team, in line with its development objectives. As co-founder of PannTheraPi and deeply committed to its success, Dr GRANIER will remain available to the future Supervisory Board to support the company with his medical and scientific expertise. About PannTheraPi PannTheraPi is a French biotechnology company dedicated to the development of innovative treatments in neurology, with unique expertise in modulators of the pannexin 1 channel. Its objective is to meet unmet medical needs in severe neurological and psychiatric disorders. PannTheraPi's work and rigorous project development are attracting growing interest and recognition from its peers: six pharmaceutical companies are actively monitoring its progress under confidentiality agreements. They also benefit from international scientific recognition, with PannTheraPi regularly invited to present its advances at various conferences and dedicated events, including the upcoming European Consortium for Epilepsy Trials in parallel with the 36th Congress of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) (Lisbon, Portugal; 30 August - 3 September) and the EIC TechTour Brain Health (Porto, Portugal; 11-12 September). For more information, please go to www.panntherapi.com or visit our LinkedIn page Contacts PannTheraPi Sarah Delbaere CFO communication@panntherapi.com 1 Dossi et al 2018 : Pannexin-1 channels contribute to seizure generation in human epileptic brain tissue and in a mouse model of epilepsy PMID: 29848662 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aar379 Dublin, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Plastic Masterbatches Market, Global, 2024-2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The masterbatches market includes color, additive, white, black, and filler segments. It also comprises 2 end-product families: thermoplastics and thermosets. Manufacturers use masterbatches to incorporate pigments and additives into polymer resins and elastomers more efficiently. These compounds improve product uniformity and process stability by enhancing dispersion. They also encapsulate hazardous chemicals, making handling safer. Supplied in dust-free pellet form, masterbatches keep production areas cleaner, reduce cross-contamination, and speed up product changeovers. As a result, industries such as packaging, agriculture, textiles, and medical increasingly prefer masterbatches over conventional pigments and additives. In 2024, additive and color masterbatches accounted for the largest global market shares by both value and volume. They are likely to maintain this lead during the forecast period. Additive masterbatches enhance plastic performance, while color masterbatches increase polymer versatility, allowing manufacturers to meet diverse end-use requirements. Thermoplastics - including thermoplastic polymers and elastomers - represented the largest share of global masterbatch consumption in 2024. Manufacturers rely on them for consistent color addition and performance enhancement of base resins. By contrast, thermoset-based products, such as synthetic rubbers and thermoset resins, showed lower masterbatch usage - a trend that is expected to persist. End-users in these segments often choose powdered or liquid pigments and additives, which offer lower costs than solid or liquid masterbatches. Developing countries, particularly in APAC and MEASA, have witnessed a sharp rise in middle-class populations and household incomes. This shift has increased discretionary spending on commoditized thermoplastic products. The dust-free handling and multifunctional benefits of masterbatches are driving their adoption as end-product development expands in these regions. Meanwhile, mature markets in North America and Europe are prioritizing high-performance and sustainable materials. Leading producers are offering advanced masterbatches that ensure superior color consistency, uniform additive dispersion, dust-free processing, recyclability, and compatibility with various carrier resins. The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the Plastic Masterbatches Industry Competitive Intensity Why By definition, masterbatches provide plastic processors with a method for incorporating required pigments and additives into compounds. However, alternative routes to market exist that do not rely on masterbatches, keeping competitive intensity high. Companies offering substitute forms continually evolve their products, requiring masterbatch specialists to stay vigilant and responsive to these developments. Analyst Perspective Although masterbatches offer customers significant convenience, they often cost more than in-house compounding. As a result, cost-conscious customers pose one of the biggest risks to masterbatch suppliers. Technical innovations in alternative solutions also present a threat - particularly those that enhance convenience and erode the competitive edge of masterbatches, such as liquid colors and additives. Industry Convergence Why Relatively few masterbatch suppliers remain "pure-play," as many also operate in other tiers of the plastics value chain. Companies often pursue vertical integration as a key advantage in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity. For example, LyondellBasell acquired A. Schulman in 2018, and PolyOne acquired Clariant Masterbatches in 2020 to form Avient - adding masterbatch capabilities to broader portfolios. Since then, M&A activity in the industry has focused heavily on acquiring regional and local players to expand geographic reach. Analyst Perspective Mergers, acquisitions, and strategic collaborations - such as Sukano's acquisition of KAYS Kft. and the Hubron-Graphenest alliance - are intensifying competition and accelerating market consolidation in the masterbatch industry. While these moves strengthen larger players, they create pressure on smaller manufacturers, leading to an uneven market share and differentiation landscape. Transformative Mega Trends Why As in other markets, environmental sustainability is taking center stage in the plastics industry. Regulatory bodies are pushing for higher recycled content through circular economy mandates, driving manufacturers to adapt their formulations by incorporating more post-consumer resin (PCR). Analyst Perspective Stricter plastic waste regulations and the growing focus on the circular economy pose a significant risk to masterbatch manufacturers. As recycled plastics gain traction, demand for new masterbatches declines because recycled materials often already contain additives and colors. Other Notable Competitors Astra Polymers Alok Masterbatch GCR Group Teknor Apex Cabot Corp Tosaf Group Penn Color RTP Company Plastibends Polyplast GmbH Plastika Kritis SA Global Colors Group Colloids Ltd. Gabriel Chemie Hellyar Plastic Hubron International Wells Plastics Ltd. Delta Kunststoffe AG Constab Color Service GmbH Washington Penn Plastic Holland Colours Colortech Inc. Ingenia Polymers Corp. Marval Industries Lanxess AG Hexpol Compounding Key Topics Covered: Research Scope Masterbatches Market Overview and Scope Segmentation Strategic Imperatives Why Is It Increasingly Difficult to Grow? The Strategic Imperative The Impact of the Top 3 Strategic Imperatives on the Plastic Masterbatches Industry Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine Growth Opportunity Analysis Growth Metrics Masterbatches Market Overview and Scope Masterbatch Manufacturing Process Growth Drivers Growth Driver Analysis Growth Restraints Growth Restraint Analysis New Product Developments Graphical Summary of Drivers and Restraints: Thermoplastics Graphical Summary of Drivers and Restraints: Thermoset Revenue and Volume Forecast Revenue and Volume Shipment Forecast Analysis Pricing Trends and Forecast, Masterbatches Market Pricing Trends and Forecast Analysis Revenue Forecast by Region Volume Forecast by Region Revenue and Volume Forecast Analysis by Region Percent Volume and Revenue Breakdown by Application Value Chain, Masterbatches Market Competitive Environment Growth Generator: Thermoplastics Masterbatches Market for Thermoplastics: Segment Characteristics and Overview Revenue and Volume Forecast Forecast Analysis Revenue Forecast by Product Volume Shipment Forecast by Product Forecast Analysis by Product Growth Generator: Thermosets Masterbatches Market for Thermosets: Segment Characteristics and Overview Revenue and Volume Forecast Forecast Analysis Revenue Forecast by Product Volume Shipment Forecast by Product Forecast Analysis by Product Growth Opportunity Universe Growth Opportunity 1: Focus on Quality Growth Opportunity 2: Drive Sustainability Growth Opportunity 3: Collaborate to Innovate Appendix and Next Steps Benefits and Impacts of Growth Opportunities Next Steps List of Exhibits Legal Disclaimer For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/z2wumw 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. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Controlled Release Drug Delivery Market, Drug Dosage, Price and Clinical Pipeline Insight 2030" drug pipelines has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Controlled Release Drug Delivery Market, Drug Dosage, Price, Sales & Clinical Trials Insight 2030 Report Finding & Highlights: Global & Regional Market Overview Global Market Size Insight In US$ Billion: 2022-2030 Global Market Opportunity: > US$ 90 Billion Insight On Controlled Release Drugs In Clinical Trials: > 190 Drugs Global Controlled Release Drugs Clinical Pipeline By Company, Indication & Phase Insight On Approved & Marketed Controlled Release Drugs: > 180 Drugs Controlled Release Drugs Dosage, Pricing & Sales Insight Competitive Landscape Need for Controlled Drug Release Systems & Why This Report? The demand for controlled drug release systems has increased as both healthcare practitioners and patients seek improved, more convenient, and safer therapeutic regimens. Chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders call for long-term therapy, and the limitations associated with conventional dosing, such as repeated administration and variable drug absorption, frequently undermine treatment efficacy. Controlled drug release systems resolve these issues by maintaining uniform levels of drugs for a prolonged duration, minimizing the frequency of dosing, and improving the therapeutic efficacy. Controlled drug release systems also assist in the reduction of side effects, patient compliance, and the optimization of the pharmacokinetics of drugs. This report gives an in-depth look at the changing landscape of drug controlled release technologies, underlining the innovations, clinical trends, and key market players. With the demand for improved drug delivery increasing, this analysis is an eye opener to future growth and opportunities in this growing market. Apart from the latest technological developments and emerging trends, it also contains in-depth pricing data for more than 60 medicines, as well as sales performance data for specific products. This blend of strategic recommendations and market data is meant to guide industry participants, enabling them to make informed decisions in drug development, delivery, and commercialization. Clinical Trials Insight Clinical trials are crucial in validating the efficacy and safety of drug delivery systems with controlled release. There are detailed insights into several key clinical trials in this report, and giving a preview of the development in the area. The information provided in this section specifically comprises stages of trials, sponsors, geographical distribution, technology providers, collaborators and license holders. The trials cover a variety of therapeutic categories, including pain management and oncology to neurological diseases and metabolic disorders. Major Companies Active In R&D of Controlled Drug Release Systems A number of major pharmaceutical and biotech firms are currently engaged in the development of controlled drug release systems. These firms are leaders in R&D activities, employing advanced technologies to develop more efficient and patient-friendly medicines. The report identifies prominent players like AbbVie, AstraZeneca, and Merck, which are looking for novel drug delivery platforms to enhance the treatment of chronic diseases as well as conditions like cancer, neurological disorders, and metabolic disorders. Along with major pharmaceutical firms, smaller startups are also taking lead in creating new controlled release systems. Firms such as SpyGlass Pharma and Glaukos Corporation are pushing the boundaries of controlled-release platforms in ophthalmology, whereas partnerships like that of Boehringer Ingelheim with Re-Vana Therapeutics are developing biodegradable implants for retinal illnesses. The report also explains how these collaborations are spurring the commercialization of new-generation drug delivery systems. Future Direction of Controlled Drug Release Systems Segment The future for controlled drug release systems promises significant growth and development. According to the report, the emphasis will be placed on the use of more personalized and targeted drug delivery mechanisms, sparked by developments in biotechnology and digital health technologies. The advent of precision medicine will propel the creation of customized drug release systems that respond to each patient's requirements, even further enhancing the effectiveness of treatment and patients' compliance. Moreover, this research anticipates a wider use of non-invasive drug delivery techniques, including implantable systems and transdermal patches, as they are convenient and cause less discomfort to patients. Increasing applications in neurodegenerative disorders, personalized oncology, and rare diseases will also propel the market forward. As investment in R&D continues and regulatory backing for innovative drug delivery technologies is further enhanced, controlled drug release system market growth will persist, presenting substantial opportunities for firms developing such sophisticated therapies. Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction To Controlled Drug Delivery 2. Material Based Approaches For Controlled Drug Delivery 2.1 Polymers 2.2 Chronopharmaceutics 2.3 Nanoparticulate Delivery System 3. Global Controlled Release Drug Delivery Market Trends 3.1 Current Market Scenario 3.2 Future Market Outlook 4. Controlled Drug Delivery Research & Clinical Trends By Indication 4.1 Neurological Disorders 4.2 Cardiovascular Diseases 4.3 Diabetes 4.4 Cancer 4.5 Microbial Infections 5. Global Controlled Release Drug Market Trends By Region 6. Global Controlled Release Drugs Clinical Pipeline By Company, Indication & Phase 7. Marketed Controlled Release Drugs Clinical Insight By Company, Country & Indication 8. Controlled Release Drugs for Alzheimer's Disease - Pricing & Dosage Insight 8.1 Namzaric (Extended-Release) 8.2 Namenda XR (Extended-Release) 8.3 Razadyne ER (Extended Release) 9. Controlled Release Drugs for Parkinson's Disease - Pricing & Dosage Insight 9.1 Gocovri (Extended-Release) 9.2 Osmolex ER (Extended-Release) 9.3 Mirapex ER (Extended-Release) 10. Controlled Release Drugs for Schizophrenia - Pricing & Dosage Insight 10.1 Invega (Extended-Release) 10.2 Invega Franchise/Invega Hafyera (Extended-Release) 10.3 Seroquel XR (Extended-Release) 10.4 Abilify Franchise (Extended-Release) 10.5 Aristada/Aristada Initio (Extended-Release) 10.6 Rykindo (Extended-Release) 10.7 Risperdal Consta (Extended-Release) 10.8 Uzedy (Extended-Release) 11. Controlled Release Drugs for Chronic & Post-Operative Pain - Pricing & Dosage Insight 11.1 Hysingla ER (Extended-Release) 11.2 Nucynta ER (Extended-Release) 11.3 Kadian (Extended-Release) 11.4 Xtampza ER (Extended-Release) 11.5 MS Contin (Extended-Release) 11.6 Embeda (Extended-Release) 11.7 Posimir (Sustained-Release) 11.8 Zynrelef (Extended-Release) 11.9 ConZip (Extended-Release) 11.10 Generic Hydromorphone (Extended-Release) 12. Controlled Release Drugs for Multiple Sclerosis - Pricing & Dosage Insight 12.1 Ampyra / Fampyra (Extended-Release) 12.2 Tecfidera (Delayed-Release) 12.3 Vumerity (Delayed-Release) 12.4 Rayos (Delayed-Release) 12.5 Bafiertam (Delayed-Release) 13. Controlled Release Drugs for Diabetes Mellitus Type II - Pricing & Dosage Insight 13.1 Glumetza (Extended-Release) 13.2 Glucotrol XL (Extended-Release) 13.3 Glucophage XR (Extended-Release) 13.4 Trijardy XR (Extended-Release) 13.5 Synjardy XR (Extended-Release) 14. Controlled Release Drugs for Cardiovascular Diseases - Pricing & Dosage Insight 14.1 Procardia XL (Extended-Release) 14.2 Toprol XL (Extended-Release) 14.3 Verelan PM (Extended-Release) 14.4 Cardizem LA (Extended-Release) 14.5 Calan SR (Sustained-Release) 14.6 Altoprev (Extended-Release) 14.7 Cardura XL (Extended-Release) 15. Controlled Release Drugs for HIV - Pricing & Dosage Insight 15.1 Apretude (Extended-Release) 15.2 Cabenuva (Extended-Release) 15.3 Rukobia (Extended-Release) 16. Controlled Release Drugs for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Pricing & Dosage Insight 16.1 Qelbree (extended-release) 16.2 Jornay PM (Extended-Release) 16.3 Cotempla XR-ODT (Extended-Release) 16.4 Adzenys XR-ODT (Extended-Release) 16.5 Intuniv (Extended-Release) 16.6 Focalin XR (Extended-Release) 17. Controlled Release Drugs for Inflammatory & Autoimmune Diseases - Pricing & Dosage Insight 17.1 Rinvoq (Extended-Release) 17.2 Ortikos (Extended-Release) 17.3 Xeljanz XR (Extended-Release) 17.4 Mestinon Timespan (Extended-Release) 17.5 Symax Duotab (Extended-Release) 18. Controlled Release Drugs for Bacterial Infections - Pricing & Dosage Insight 18.1 Aemcolo (Delayed-Release) 18.2 Talicia (Delayed-Release) 19. Controlled Release Drugs for Opioid Use Disorder - Pricing & Dosage Insight 19.1 Sublocade (Sustained-Release) 19.2 Brixadi (Extended-Release) 20. Controlled Release Drugs for Preventing Organ Transplant Rejection - Pricing & Dosage Insight 20.1 Astagraf XL (Extended-Release) 20.2 Envarsus XR (Extended-Release) 21. Controlled Release Drugs for Migraine & Seizure - Pricing & Dosage Insight 21.1 Trokendi XR (Extended-Release) 21.2 Oxtellar XR (Extended-Release) 21.3 Keppra XR (Extended-Release) 21.4 Roweepra XR (Extended-Release) 21.5 Depakote, Depakote ER, & Depakote Sprinkles 22. Controlled Release Drugs for Mental Health and Sleep Disorders - Pricing & Dosage Insight 22.1 Effexor XR (Extended-Release) 22.2 Xanax XR (Extended-Release) 22.3 Ambien CR (Extended-Release) 23. Controlled Release Drugs for Metabolic and Electrolyte Disorders - Pricing & Dosage Insight 23.1 Klor-Con 8, Klor-Con 10, Klor-Con M10, Klor-Con M15, Klor-Con M20 24. Global Controlled Drug Delivery System Market Dynamics 25. Competitive Landscape AbbVie Antlia Bioscience Arbor Pharmaceuticals (Azurity Pharmaceuticals) AstraZeneca Bausch Health Companies Biodexa Pharmaceuticals Boehringer Ingelheim Camurus DURECT Corporation Emplicure HLK Pharmacin Jemincare Johnson & Johnson Luye Pharma Group Lyndra Mallinckrodt plc MedinCell S.A. Merck Otsuka Pharmaceutical Pacira BioSciences Pfizer Purdue Pharma Roche Sanofi Serina Therapeutics Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Supernus Pharmaceuticals Takeda Tris Pharma ViiV Healthcare For more information about this drug pipelines report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/piuj9q 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. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Liquid Biopsy Market Industry Trends and Global Forecasts to 2035, by Application, Target Disease Indication, Type of Circulating Biomarker, Type of Sample, End-user, Type of Technique, and Key Geographical Regions" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.The global liquid biopsy market is estimated to grow from USD 6.09 billion in the current year to USD 29.8 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 15.53% during the forecast period to 2035. In the recent past, liquid biopsy has emerged as a viable technique for cancer detection. The past decade has witnessed substantial innovation in liquid biopsy platforms that have resulted in increased regulatory approvals for minimally invasive blood based liquid biopsy tests. These tests use blood samples or other bodily fluids, such as plasma or urine to identify various circulating biomarkers, including cell free DNA, circulating tumor DNA and extracellular vesicles. Driven by lucrative investments, ongoing research and development efforts, and increased involvement of prominent players, the liquid biopsy market is anticipated to witness significant growth in the foreseen future. Liquid Biopsy Market: Key Insights The report delves into the current state of the liquid biopsy market and identifies potential growth opportunities within the industry. Some key findings from the report include: Over 180 liquid biopsy products are commercially available / being developed by various stakeholders; of these, ~45% use next generation sequencing techniques for the detection of various cancer indications. Close to 160 liquid biopsy products comprise of assay kits and laboratory developed tests; of these, ~55% have the capability to detect circulating tumor DNA biomarkers. Over the past five years, ~110 partnerships have been established by liquid biopsy product manufacturers; of these, ~20% were established for the development of liquid biopsy product / technology. Having realized the opportunity in this domain, several investors have invested around USD 7.3 billion (across over 125 funding instances) in the past nine years. Driven by the growing burden of cancer and increasing investments, the market for liquid biopsy and other non-invasive cancer diagnostics is poised to witness significant growth in the foreseeable future. The liquid biopsy market is projected to grow at a CAGR of ~15%, till 2035; the forecasted opportunity is likely to be distributed across various disease indications and biomarkers. The growing demand for different non-invasive techniques is anticipated to drive the growth of the liquid biopsy market; the market growth is likely to be the fastest in North America and Asia-Pacific. Liquid Biopsy Market: Key Segments Early Cancer Diagnosis Segment is Likely to Dominate the Liquid Biopsy Market During the Forecast Period Based on the application, the market is segmented into early cancer diagnosis, patient monitoring and recurrence monitoring. At present, early cancer diagnosis holds the maximum share of the liquid biopsy market. This trend is likely to remain the same in the coming decade. Breast Cancer Occupies the Largest Share of the Liquid Biopsy Market Based on the target disease indication, the market is segmented into breast cancer, gastric cancer, ovarian cancer, leukemia, head and neck cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, brain cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, melanoma, nasopharyngeal cancer, oesophagus cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, sarcoma and thyroid cancer. Currently, breast cancer captures the highest proportion of the liquid biopsy market. It is worth highlighting that the liquid biopsy market for leukemia is likely to grow at a relatively higher CAGR. Circulating tumor DNA is the Preferred Biomarkers of the Liquid Biopsy Market Based on the type of circulating biomarker, the market is segmented into cell free DNA, cell free RNA, circulating tumor DNA, exosomes and others circulating biomarkers. At present, circulating tumor DNA holds the maximum share of the liquid biopsy market. It is worth highlighting that the liquid biopsy market for exosomes is likely to grow at a relatively higher CAGR. Blood Segment is Likely to Dominate the Liquid Biopsy Market During the Forecast Period Based on the type of sample, the market is segmented into blood and other samples. At present, blood samples hold the maximum share of the liquid biopsy market. This trend is likely to remain the same in the coming decade. Currently, Hospitals / Laboratories Occupies the Largest Share of the Liquid Biopsy Market Based on the end-users, the market is segmented into hospitals / laboratories, research institutes and other end-users. It is worth highlighting that, currently, hospitals / laboratories hold a larger share of the liquid biopsy market. This trend is unlikely to change in the near future. Next-Generation Sequencing Segment is the Fastest Growing Segment of the Liquid Biopsy Market During the Forecast Period Based on the type of technique, the market is segmented into polymerase chain reaction and next generation sequencing. At present, polymerase chain reaction holds the maximum share of the liquid biopsy market. It is worth highlighting that the liquid biopsy market for next generation sequencing is likely to grow at a relatively higher CAGR. North America Accounts for the Largest Share of the Market Based on key geographical regions, the market is segmented into North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The majority share is expected to be captured by players based in North America. It is worth highlighting that the majority share is expected to be captured by players based in North America. Sample Players in the Liquid Biopsy Market, Profiled in the Report Include: Amoy Diagnostics ArcherDX Biocartis Cell Search CellMax Life Datar Cancer Genetics DiaCarta EONE-DIAGNOMICS Exosome Diagnostics GeneCast Biotechnology Integrated DNA Technologies Lucence MDNA Life Sciences Miltenyi Biotec NeoGenomics ONCODE Scientific OncoDNA QIAGEN PANAGENE Personal Genome Diagnostics Predicin ScreenCell Tecan Thermo Fisher Scientific Liquid Biopsy Market: Research Coverage Market Sizing and Opportunity Analysis: The report features an in-depth analysis of the liquid biopsy market, focusing on key market segments, including application, target disease indication, type of circulating biomarker, type of sample, end-user, stage of development, type of product, type of technique, application area and key geographical regions. The report features an in-depth analysis of the liquid biopsy market, focusing on key market segments, including application, target disease indication, type of circulating biomarker, type of sample, end-user, stage of development, type of product, type of technique, application area and key geographical regions. Market Landscape: A comprehensive evaluation of liquid biopsy products, considering various parameters, such as stage of development, type of product, type of sample, type of technique, type of circulating biomarker, target disease indication, application and application area. In addition, it provides a list of players engaged in manufacturing liquid biopsy products, along with the information on their year of establishment, company size, location of headquarters, location of headquarters, most active players. A comprehensive evaluation of liquid biopsy products, considering various parameters, such as stage of development, type of product, type of sample, type of technique, type of circulating biomarker, target disease indication, application and application area. In addition, it provides a list of players engaged in manufacturing liquid biopsy products, along with the information on their year of establishment, company size, location of headquarters, location of headquarters, most active players. Non-Invasive Cancer Screening and Diagnosis: An overview on the need for non invasive cancer diagnostics and their importance; it also features different imaging techniques, screening assays and advanced approaches used for diagnosis of cancer along with their advantages and disadvantages. An overview on the need for non invasive cancer diagnostics and their importance; it also features different imaging techniques, screening assays and advanced approaches used for diagnosis of cancer along with their advantages and disadvantages. Company Profiles: In-depth profiles of key industry players manufacturing liquid biopsy products, focusing on company overviews, financial information, product portfolio, recent developments and an informed future outlook. In-depth profiles of key industry players manufacturing liquid biopsy products, focusing on company overviews, financial information, product portfolio, recent developments and an informed future outlook. Partnerships and Collaborations: An analysis of partnerships established in this sector, since 2020, based on several parameters, such as year of partnership, type of partnership, type of partner, type of circulating biomarker, target disease indication, most active players. This section also highlights the regional distribution of partnership activity in this market. An analysis of partnerships established in this sector, since 2020, based on several parameters, such as year of partnership, type of partnership, type of partner, type of circulating biomarker, target disease indication, most active players. This section also highlights the regional distribution of partnership activity in this market. Funding and Investment Analysis: A detailed evaluation of the investments made in the liquid biopsy domain, encompassing seed financing, venture capital, capital raised from IPOs, secondary offerings, grants / awards, other equity and debt financing, based on several parameters, such as year of investment, amount invested, type of funding, type of circulating biomarker, target disease indication, application area, geography, most active players and leading investors. A detailed evaluation of the investments made in the liquid biopsy domain, encompassing seed financing, venture capital, capital raised from IPOs, secondary offerings, grants / awards, other equity and debt financing, based on several parameters, such as year of investment, amount invested, type of funding, type of circulating biomarker, target disease indication, application area, geography, most active players and leading investors. Product Competitiveness Analysis: A comprehensive competitive analysis of liquid biopsy products, examining factors, such as supplier strength, product competitiveness and company size. A comprehensive competitive analysis of liquid biopsy products, examining factors, such as supplier strength, product competitiveness and company size. Big Pharma Analysis: A comprehensive examination of various initiatives focused on liquid biopsy products undertaken by major pharmaceutical companies. This analysis covers various relevant parameters, such as number of initiatives, type of initiative, stage of development, type of product, type of circulating biomarker, target disease indication, application and application area. A comprehensive examination of various initiatives focused on liquid biopsy products undertaken by major pharmaceutical companies. This analysis covers various relevant parameters, such as number of initiatives, type of initiative, stage of development, type of product, type of circulating biomarker, target disease indication, application and application area. Key Acquisition Targets: A detailed analysis of the key acquisition targets, taking into consideration the historical trend of the acquisition activity of the players that have acquired other firms. It offers a means for other industry stakeholders to identify potential acquisition targets. A detailed analysis of the key acquisition targets, taking into consideration the historical trend of the acquisition activity of the players that have acquired other firms. It offers a means for other industry stakeholders to identify potential acquisition targets. Other Non-Invasive Cancer Diagnostics: A detailed overview of the various non invasive diagnostic tests other than liquid biopsies, being manufactured by various companies for cancer screening and early detection. A detailed overview of the various non invasive diagnostic tests other than liquid biopsies, being manufactured by various companies for cancer screening and early detection. Market Impact Analysis: The report analyzes various factors such as drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges affecting the market growth. Key Questions Answered in this Report How many companies are currently engaged in this market? Which are the leading companies in this market? What kind of partnership models are commonly adopted by industry stakeholders? What factors are likely to influence the evolution of this market? What is the current and future market size? What is the CAGR of this market? How is the current and future market opportunity likely to be distributed across key market segments? Reasons to Buy this Report The report provides a comprehensive market analysis, offering detailed revenue projections of the overall market and its specific sub-segments. This information is valuable to both established market leaders and emerging entrants. Stakeholders can leverage the report to gain a deeper understanding of the competitive dynamics within the market. By analyzing the competitive landscape, businesses can make informed decisions to optimize their market positioning and develop effective go-to-market strategies. The report offers stakeholders a comprehensive overview of the market, including key drivers, barriers, opportunities, and challenges. This information empowers stakeholders to stay abreast of market trends and make data-driven decisions to capitalize on growth prospects. Additional Benefits Complimentary PPT Insights Packs Complimentary Excel Data Packs for all Analytical Modules in the Report 10% Free Content Customization Detailed Report Walkthrough Session with Research Team For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/mc5rhc 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. Attachments Austin, TX, USA, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Custom Market Insights has published a new research report titled Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market Size, Trends and Insights By Storage Type (Public Cord Blood Banks, Private Cord Blood Banks), By Application (Cancer Treatment, Blood Disorders, Metabolic Disorders, Immune Disorders, Others), By Service Provider (Hospitals, Pharmaceutical & Biotech Companies, Research Institutes, Specialty Clinics), 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 Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market size & share was valued at approximately USD 17.36 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 19.13 Billion in 2025 and is expected to reach a value of around USD 51.67 Billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 11.7% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034. Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/request-for-free-sample/?reportid=72564 Overview According to industry experts at CMI, the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market is expanding rapidly, owing to the rising stem cell or regenerative medicine awareness and improved technologies for preserving stem cells. Major players such as Cryo-Cell International, Cord Blood Registry, and ViaCord are spending on superior processing and storage in order to increase cell viability and safety. High healthcare infrastructure and an increase in demand for customized therapies drive the growth of the healthcare sector in North America. European markets place priorities on regulations and good moral practices, which are in line with sustainable healthcare prospects. The use is high in Asia-Pacific, where penetration occurs due to an increase in births, government funding, and growth in the private healthcare industries. Partnerships between biotech companies, hospitals, and research organizations expedite innovation and market expansion in the world market. Key Trends & Drivers The Rising Prevalence of Genetic and Chronic Conditions: The rise of immune disorders, lymphoma, leukemia, thalassemia, and any other genetic disorder worldwide has been contributing directly to the uptake of stem cell therapies and thus driving the umbilical cord blood banking demand for regenerative and personal medical remedies. Developments in Stem Cell Technology and Therapy: Consistent research and development in the area of stem cell applications, such as regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, as well as treatment of neurological disorders, is a factor that is increasing the clinical utility of cord blood, thereby incentivizing more parents to store cord blood. Request a Customized Copy of the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/request-for-customization/?reportid=72564 Government and Regulatory Assistance: Government programs that encourage the use of cord blood by the population, along with the establishment of favorable regulatory environments and tax benefits in a number of economies, are contributing to the rise of awareness, availability, and infrastructural development of public cord blood banking in both the developed and the emerging economies. Report Scope Feature of the Report Details Market Size in 2025 USD 19.13 Billion Projected Market Size in 2034 USD 51.67 Billion Market Size in 2024 USD 17.36 Billion CAGR Growth Rate 11.7% CAGR Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025-2034 Key Segment By Storage Type, Application, Service Provider 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 Umbilical Cord Blood Banking report is available upon request; please contact us for more information.) Our Free Sample Report Consists of the following: Introduction, Overview, and in-depth industry analysis are all included in the 2024 updated report. The COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis is included in the package. About 220+ Pages Research Report (Including Recent Research) Provide detailed chapter-by-chapter guidance on the Request. Updated Regional Analysis with a Graphical Representation of Size, Share, and Trends for the Year 2025 Includes Tables and figures have been updated. The most recent version of the report includes the Top Market Players, their Business Strategies, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis Custom Market Insights (CMI) research methodology (Please note that the sample of the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking report has been modified to include the COVID-19 impact study prior to delivery.) Request a Customized Copy of the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/umbilical-cord-blood-banking-market/ SWOT Analysis Strength: The benefit of banking umbilical cord blood, finding an alternative to the challenging method of bone marrow transplant, is that it can be a source of hematopoietic stem cells that are not as invasive and are ethically viable. High technology increases the cell viability, and the increased awareness of the consumers regarding regenerative medicine and personalized therapies increases demand. Market development is encouraged by good healthcare infrastructure in the developed regions. Weakness: Collection, processing, and long-term storage are costly, which makes it limited in areas where the economies are developing. Market fragmentation is caused by the absence of uniform rules and awareness among individuals on the same. Besides, there are doubts as to the efficiency and limited use of stored cord blood cells as a product, which will be a deterrence to certain consumers. Opportunity: The growth in rates of genetic and chronic illnesses opens up opportunities in the need for stem cell therapy. New possibilities are created through progress in regeneration medicine and tissue engineering. The expansion of governmental efforts and the public-private partnerships, primarily in the emerging markets, provide the growth opportunity. Innovation in technology that involves automation of processing has the capability of enhancing efficiency and decreasing the costs. Threat: posed by high regulatory regimes and ethical issues, it may slow down the approval processes and hinder market expansion. The threat of competition due to other sources of stem cells e.g. induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), is a threat. The privacy and protection of data on patient information might be a setback to consumer confidence and acceptance. Request a Customized Copy of the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/umbilical-cord-blood-banking-market/ Key questions answered in this report: What is the size of the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking market and what is its expected growth rate? What are the primary driving factors that push the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking market forward? What are the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Industry's top companies? What are the different categories that the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking 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 Umbilical Cord Blood Banking market sample report and company profiles? Key Offerings: Market Share, Size & Forecast by Revenue | 20252034 Market Dynamics Growth Drivers, Restraints, Investment Opportunities, and Leading Trends Market Segmentation A detailed analysis by Types of Services, by End-User Services, and by regions Competitive Landscape Top Key Vendors and Other Prominent Vendors Buy this Premium Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/umbilical-cord-blood-banking-market/ Regional Perspective The Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market can be divided across different regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. This is a cursory overview of each region: North America: North America continues to lead the market in umbilical cord blood banking owing to the developed healthcare system, growing public and market interest, and the local biotechnology sector. The region has a well-developed system of public and privatized cord blood banks, and the policies in place are favorable. Growth in the market is due to the high prevalence of leukemia and other genetic disorders, along with increasing demand for regenerative medicine. Key market players like Cord Blood Registry and Cryo-Cell International are located in this region. Along with strong companies in this area, significant spending on research and marketing, supportive reimbursement policies, and government-funded stem cell programs have helped the cord blood banking industry grow quickly. United States Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market: The U.S. represents the market leader because of the wide clinical uses of stem cells extracted from the cord blood, reimbursement plans, and increase in parental awareness. Borderline investments in biomedical research and partnerships between private banks and medical facilities enhance the increase in the market. Canada Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market: The market of Canada is backed by a healthy level of cord blood banking at the population level, healthy health care infrastructures, and the increasing curiosity to focus on personalised medicine. Government regulations control the quality of the product. Europe: Europe remains one of the most significant markets due to the organized public cord blood banking systems, ethical oversight, and strong infrastructure for clinical research. The UK, Germany, France, and Italy are all leaders in collection and usage because of the EUs streamlined governmental quality and safety regulations. Public engagement is aided by national health campaigns and integration with the national health systems. Although the growth of private banking is comparatively slow because of ever-tightening ethical constraints, the private sector is growing because of advancements in regenerative medicine and the greater demand for transplants. Europes leading position in the global market for cord blood banking stems from the generous research funding, established academic institutions, cooperative registries, and transcendental scholarly collaborations. Germany: The Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market is characterized by a mature market, strong research institutions, close monitoring, and a well-structured banking system that serves the population. Increasing applications of cord blood in remedies for hematological diseases and research on stem cells increase the consistent growth in the market. United Kingdom: Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market: The UK market is advantaged by national health service-supported public banking, a surge in demand from private banks, and parental education. The market gains confidence due to the focus on expanding therapeutic use and obtaining quality certifications. France: Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market, there is an upward trend driven by favorable government interventions, a high rate of public participation in banking activities, and overall growth in clinical trials. Personalized medicine orientation in the healthcare system also contributes to the adoption of advice on cord blood banking. Asia-Pacific: The region is the global leader in the growth of the cord blood banking industry owing to higher birth rates, adoption of healthcare policies, and infrastructural advancement. China, Japan, South Korea, and India are significant public and private expanders of banks along with clinical utilization. The acceleration of research and commercialization is greatly driven by growing urban demographics, increasing middle-class incomes, Chinas recent policy shifts, and Japans sustained advancement in regenerative medicine. Furthermore, greater involvement in global registries combined with the lack of region-specific healthcare services in this part of the world will likely drive even further growth until the year 2030. China Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market: The Chinese market is realizing rapid growth spurred by investments in biotechnology by the government, an increasing number of private cord blood banks, and an increase in individual awareness. Fertility rates and fuelling fertility rates are growing, thereby fuelling penetration into the market in terms of urban healthcare facilities. India Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market: The Indian market is promising owing to the improving disposable income, enhanced deliveries made by hospitals, and expanding awareness towards cord blood banking. The market is being promoted by collaborations with international banks and better regulation systems. Japan Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market: Japan is exhibiting modest growth backed up by technologically advanced stem cell research and high quality of healthcare. With government-supported programs and increased use in the clinical circumstances, there is increased confidence in using cord blood banks, both privately and publicly operated. LAMEA: Due to the enhanced healthcare infrastructure, evolving public health policies, fertility rates, and the increasing awareness of stem cell therapies, LAMEA is a region for emerging markets with pronounced growth opportunities. LAMEAs growth is underpinned by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which are leading stem cell banking development, and Mexico and Brazil, which are the spearheading centers of healthcare investment growth in Latin America with strong public-private healthcare collaboration. While the rest of Africa shows nascent potential, the Middle East and Africa are still battered by growing public awareness initiatives. The affordability and limited awareness also pose a hindrance to rapid growth. In the long run, we project that targeted education in collaboration with international partners will increase the region's market penetration and maturity. Brazil Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market: Brazil is at the top of Latin America as far as growing healthcare infrastructure and parental awareness about the stem cell banking benefits are concerned. Its expansion is facilitated by enlarging its private banking and developingmore research partnerships. Saudi Arabia Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market: Saudi Arabias market benefits from government-led healthcare reforms under Vision 2030, promoting advanced medical technologies and preventive healthcare. Investments in public and private cord blood banks support growing market adoption. 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Email Directly Here with Detail Information: support@custommarketinsights.com Browse the full Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market Size, Trends and Insights By Storage Type (Public Cord Blood Banks, Private Cord Blood Banks), By Application (Cancer Treatment, Blood Disorders, Metabolic Disorders, Immune Disorders, Others), By Service Provider (Hospitals, Pharmaceutical & Biotech Companies, Research Institutes, Specialty Clinics), and By Region - Global Industry Overview, Statistical Data, Competitive Analysis, Share, Outlook, and Forecast 2025 2034 Report at https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/umbilical-cord-blood-banking-market/ List of the prominent players in the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market: Cord Blood Registry (CBR) Cryo-Cell International ViaCord LifeCell International Global Cord Blood Corporation StemCyte Cryo-Save Americord Registry Smart Cells CordVida Cells4Life FamiCord Group AlphaCord Singapore Cord Blood Bank Canadian Blood Services Others Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/umbilical-cord-blood-banking-market/ Spectacular Deals Comprehensive coverage Maximum number of market tables and figures The subscription-based option is offered. 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Which Trends Are Causing These Developments? Who Are the Global Key Players in This Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market? What are the company profiles, product information, and contact details for these key players? What Was the Global Market Status of the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market? What Was the Capacity, Production Value, Cost and PROFIT of the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market? What Is the Current Market Status of the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Industry? What's the market's competition in this industry, both company-wise and country-wise? What's Market Analysis of Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market by Considering Applications and Types? What Are Projections of the Global Umbilical Cord Blood Banking 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 Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market Chain Analysis by Upstream Raw Materials and Downstream Industry? What Is the Economic Impact On Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Industry? What are Global Macroeconomic Environment Analysis Results? What Are Global Macroeconomic Environment Development Trends? What Are Market Dynamics of Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market? What Are Challenges and Opportunities? What Should Be Entry Strategies, Countermeasures to Economic Impact, and Marketing Channels for Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Industry? Click Here to Access a Free Sample Report of the Global Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/umbilical-cord-blood-banking-market/ Reasons to Purchase Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market Report Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market Report provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market based on segmentation involving economic and non-economic factors. Umbilical Cord Blood Banking 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. Umbilical Cord Blood Banking 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. The report includes extensive company profiles, which include company overviews, insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analyses 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. Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market Includes in-depth market analysis from various perspectives through Porter's five forces analysis and provides insight into the market through Value Chain. Reasons for the Research Report The study provides a thorough overview of the worldwide market for umbilical cord blood banking. 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 Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/umbilical-cord-blood-banking-market/ What does the report include? Drivers, restrictions, and opportunities are among the qualitative elements covered in the worldwide Umbilical Cord Blood Banking market analysis. The report covers the competitive environment of current and potential participants in the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking market, along with those companies' strategic product development ambitions. According to the component, application, and industry vertical, this study analyzes the market qualitatively and quantitatively. Additionally, the report 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 Umbilical Cord Blood Banking market should find this report useful. The research will be useful to all market participants in the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking industry. Managers in the Umbilical Cord Blood Banking sector are interested in publishing up-to-date and projected data about the worldwide Umbilical Cord Blood Banking market. Governmental agencies, regulatory bodies, decision-makers, and organizations want to invest in Umbilical Cord Blood Banking 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 Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Market Report @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/umbilical-cord-blood-banking-market/ About Custom Market Insights: Custom Market Insights is a market research and advisory company delivering business insights and market research reports to large, small, and medium-scale enterprises. We assist clients with strategies and business policies and regularly work towards achieving sustainable growth in their respective domains. CMI provides a one-stop solution for data collection to investment advice. The expert analysis of our company digs out essential factors that help to understand the significance and impact of market dynamics. The professional experts apply clients inside on the aspects such as strategies for future estimation fall, forecasting or opportunity to grow, and consumer survey. Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Contact Us: Joel John CMI Consulting LLC 1333, 701 Tillery Street Unit 12, Austin, TX, Travis, US, 78702 USA: +1 737-734-2707 India: +91 20 46022736 Email: support@custommarketinsights.com Web: https://www.custommarketinsights.com/ Blog: https://www.techyounme.com/ Blog: https://businessresearchindustry.com Blog: https://www.technowalla.com/ Blog: https://marketresearchtrade.com/ Buy this Premium Umbilical Cord Blood Banking Research Report | Fast Delivery Available - [220+ Pages] @ https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/umbilical-cord-blood-banking-market/ Dublin, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "India 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 Indian cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including cash, card, credit transfer, direct debits, 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 'India Cards and Payments: Opportunities and Risks to 2029' report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Indian cards and payments industry, including: Current and forecast values for each market in the Indian cards and payments industry, including debit, credit and charge cards. Detailed insights into payment instruments including cash, credit transfer, card, cheques and direct debits . 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 Indian 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 Indian cards and payments industry. Key Highlights India is one of the top real-time payments (instant payment) markets globally, following the launch of the RBI-backed system UPI which enables users to transfer funds and make payments in real time via mobile devices. The UPI Circle feature was launched in August 2024, allowing users to delegate payments to secondary users from their linked bank accounts. This will promote financial inclusion by extending access to those without individual UPI accounts. Primary users maintain control by setting transaction limits and permissions within their 'circle', facilitating convenient and controlled financial management for families and groups. Digital payments are also being extend to public transport. In January 2025, the NPCI partnered with Chennai's Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) to implement RuPay On-The-Go, a contactless payment solution for public transit. This integration offers seamless travel between Chennai Metro, MTC buses, and Metro parking facilities using a single card. Launched under the NCMC program, RuPay On-The-Go offers a contactless transit experience across multiple Indian cities via a single RuPay contactless card. The system supports stored value ticketing for use across various transit modes and enables offline transactions, ensuring functionality even in areas with limited or no internet connectivity. Digital wallet adoption and usage remain high in India, supported by the large young and tech-savvy population, growing awareness of the technology, and increasing smartphone penetration. International brands are expanding their services in the country which further drives competition in the market. In May 2024, Google Wallet was launched in India, allowing users to store and retrieve digital documents, such as boarding passes, movie tickets, and more. However, the app will not allow users to store payment cards and access the tap-and pay feature in stores. Google has partnered with 20 brands to enable this feature, including PVR & INOX, Air India, Indigo, Flipkart, Pine Labs, Kochi Metro, and Abhibus. Report Scope Card market size in terms of number of cards, value and volume of transactions in Indiaalong with detailed card segmentation of debit, credit and charge cards available in the country. Market sizing and analysis of major payment instruments including cash, credit transfer, card, cheques and direct debits . 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: HDFC Bank ICICI Bank State Bank of India Axis Bank IndusInd Bank Kotak Mahindra Bank IDFC First Bank Bank of Baroda YES BANK Federal Bank HSBC AU Small Finance Bank Standard Chartered Canara Bank Union Bank of India Citibank Indian Bank Punjab National Bank Bank of India IDBI Bank Indian Overseas Bank RBL Bank Diners Club RuPay Visa Mastercard American Express For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3b80q8 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. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "North American Retail Store Printer Market - 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The North American Retail Store Printer Market Study looks at five categories of printers relative to those utilized in the retail and hospitality store environment: POS Register Receipts - this is inclusive of many different types including thermal, impact, slip-only, dual station, multi-station and inkjet, though the vast majority in use in this application are thermal. - this is inclusive of many different types including thermal, impact, slip-only, dual station, multi-station and inkjet, though the vast majority in use in this application are thermal. Mobile/Tablet POS Receipt - These would be printers that work in conjunction with mobile POS either in the form of a handheld or tablet, but not directly integrated into the device like you can see in some handheld payment devices. - These would be printers that work in conjunction with mobile POS either in the form of a handheld or tablet, but not directly integrated into the device like you can see in some handheld payment devices. SCO/Kiosk Receipts - These are typically thermal receipts used either in self-checkout systems or kiosks, but not mechanisms, but complete units. - These are typically thermal receipts used either in self-checkout systems or kiosks, but not mechanisms, but complete units. In-House Food Preparation - An in-house food preparation printer is a printer that prints labels for food items that are prepared in-house. These labels can include information such as the name of the dish, the date it was prepared, and any other relevant information. They are used to help keep track of inventory and ensure that food is being prepared safely and efficiently. Some printers can also print custom labels with logos or other branding information. - An in-house food preparation printer is a printer that prints labels for food items that are prepared in-house. These labels can include information such as the name of the dish, the date it was prepared, and any other relevant information. They are used to help keep track of inventory and ensure that food is being prepared safely and efficiently. Some printers can also print custom labels with logos or other branding information. Label Receipts - This would be a device that prints labels to facilitate different processes in the food industry, retail stores, and other businesses. It generates adhesive labels with specific information, which can be attached to bags, cups, or other items for identification, tracking, or organization purposes. This product is ideal for POS Hardware and Software companies, software solutions at the store level, and potential investors who have interest in the retail store printer market. It can be used for due diligence and competitive intelligence purposes Key Topics Covered: INTRODUCTION Management Summary Retail Segment Definitions Used Printer Definitions Used TRENDS, DRIVERS & BARRIERS SUMMARY BY PRINTER MANUFACTURER Bixolon Brother Citizen Systems Custom S.P.A. Diebold Nixdorf Epson NCR Seiko Sewoo SNBC Star Micronics Sunmi Toshiba Transact Woosim Zebra Technologies MARKET SHARE BY PRINTER TYPE North America POS Register Receipt Share North America Mobile/Tablet Receipt Share North America Self-Service Receipt Share North America Label Receipt Share North America In-House Food Preparation Share SHIPMENTS AND INSTALLED BASE PROJECTIONS North America Printer Installed Base by Type North America Printer Shipments by Type HARDWARE IT SPEND ESTIMATES North American Printer Shipment Value Methodology North American Printer Shipment Value - Chart North American Printer Shipment Value - Table For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ylxbbn 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. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Military Personal Protective Equipment Global Market Report 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The military personal protective equipment market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $19.54 billion in 2024 to $21.13 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to geopolitical conflicts, growing military modernization programs, threat perception, global military expenditure, legacy equipment obsolescence. The military personal protective equipment market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $29 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to emerging threats, global political landscape, increased focus on soldier well-being, cybersecurity concerns, environmental considerations. Major trends in the forecast period include sustainability and eco-friendly solutions, global geopolitical influences, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protection, innovations in ballistic protection, customization and modularity, smart technology integration. The forecast of 8.2% growth over the next five years reflects a modest reduction of 0.3% from the previous estimate for this market. This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US through increased costs of ballistic fibers and advanced ceramic inserts primarily imported from Europe, which may challenge supply consistency for body armor and protective gear. The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions. The anticipated increase in military expenditure is poised to drive the growth of the military personal protective equipment market. Military expenditure encompasses spending on weapons, weapons systems, operations, maintenance, personnel, and other specific military equipment. Government investments in the military sector are expected to support various aspects, including the development of military personal protective equipment. The increasing threat of terrorism is expected to drive the growth of the military personal protective equipment (PPE) market. Terrorism, characterized by violent acts aimed at achieving political, ideological, or religious objectives through fear and coercion, has heightened global security concerns. This growing threat fuels the demand for advanced military PPE to protect soldiers from evolving dangers in modern warfare, leading to innovations in protective gear technology. The trend of developing innovative military protective equipment is gaining traction in the military personal protective equipment market. Major players and research organizations are conducting research and development activities to create cutting-edge military protective equipment. These innovations allow key players to gain a competitive edge in the market. In July 2022, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), an Australia-based government organization, announced an $8.65 million investment to develop advanced respiratory protective equipment for the Australian Defense Force (ADF). The technology involves the use of metal-organic material to offer enhanced protection against radiological and nuclear contaminants through a single respiratory unit. This initiative aims to bolster defense capability by safeguarding military personnel from biological, chemical, and radiological threats on the battlefield. Military personal protective equipment (PPE) consists of clothing designed to minimize exposure to risks that could lead to significant workplace diseases and injuries. In military applications, it is employed to safeguard military personnel from illnesses arising in challenging living conditions or injuries sustained during combat. The primary types of military personal protective equipment include body armor, tactical vests, eye protection, combat helmets, life safety jackets, pelvic protection, respiratory protection, and others. Body armor serves as protective clothing designed to absorb or deflect physical attacks that could otherwise cause harm. These protective gear solutions are utilized for a range of purposes, including detection, fall protection, head and face protection, hearing protection, apparel, communications, eyewear, respiratory protection, and welding safety. Applications span across various branches such as the army, air force, navy, and others. Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment. The sharp increase in U.S. tariffs and resulting trade disputes in spring 2025 are significantly affecting the aerospace and defense sector. Prices for key materials such as titanium, carbon fiber composites, and avionics primarily sourced from international suppliers have surged. Defense contractors, constrained by fixed-price government contracts, are forced to absorb these rising costs. Meanwhile, commercial aerospace companies are encountering resistance from airlines over increased aircraft prices. In addition, customs delays are disrupting already tight production timelines for jets and satellites. In response, the industry is stockpiling essential materials, pursuing import waivers for defense-related goods, and working with allied nations to diversify supply chains. The military personal protective equipment market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides military personal protective equipment market statistics, including military personal protective equipment industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a military personal protective equipment market share, detailed military personal protective equipment market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the military personal protective equipment industry. This military personal protective equipment market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry. Major companies in the military personal protective equipment market are actively developing innovative products such as aramid fiber for body armor to expand their customer base, increase sales, and drive revenue growth. Aramid fiber, known for its high strength, heat resistance, and durability, is a synthetic fiber utilized in crafting body armor. In April 2023, DuPont de Nemours Inc., a US-based chemical company, introduced Kevlar EXO aramid fiber. This fiber stands out for its exceptional combination of protection, lightness, and flexibility. Kevlar EXO, used in body armor, allows military and law enforcement officers to achieve unprecedented levels of ballistic protection while maintaining optimal mobility and comfort. Its unique pliability enables seamless contouring to body lines, providing a more inclusive and ergonomic solution without compromising on maximum protection. In April 2024, Ansell Limited, an Australian manufacturer of gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE), acquired Kimberly-Clark's Personal Protective Equipment (KCPPE) business for $640 million. This acquisition strengthens Ansell's position as a global leader in personal protection by expanding its product range and enhancing its service capabilities. The deal allows Ansell to broaden its offerings in the PPE market, helping the company better address customer needs across various sectors. Kimberly-Clark's PPE division, based in the U.S., produces and markets a variety of protective products, including gloves, apparel, and safety eyewear. Major companies operating in the military personal protective equipment market include 3M Company, Ansell Limited, Armor Express LLC, Avon Rubber plc, BAE Systems Inc., Ballistic Body Armor Pty. Ltd., E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Eagle Industries Unlimited Inc., Gentex Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Koninklijke DSM N.V., MKU Limited, Point Blank Enterprises Inc., Revision Military Inc., Teijin Limited, Australian Defense Apparel Pty Ltd., Authorities Gear LLC, Fortis Clothing Ltd., KDH Defense Systems Inc., MSA Safety Incorporated, SEYNTEX NV, Sioen Industries NV, TOP-SKIN S.r.l., W. L. Gore & Associates Inc. North America was the largest region in the military personal protective equipment market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the military personal protective equipment market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the military personal protective equipment market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the military personal protective equipment market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain. Scope Markets Covered: Product: Body Armor; Tactical Vest; Eye Protection; Combat Helmet; Life Safety Jacket; Pelvic Protection; Respiratory Protection; Other Products Usage: Detection Solutions; Fall Protection; Head And Face Protection; Hearing Protection; Protective Apparel; Protective Communications; Protective Eyewear; Respiratory Protection; Welding Safety Application: Army; Air Force; Navy; Other Applications Subsegments: Body Armor: Soft Armor; Hard Armor; Plate Carriers; Tactical Vest Tactical Vest: Modular Tactical Vests; Load-Bearing Vests Eye Protection: Ballistic Goggles; Shooting Glasses; Face Shields Combat Helmet: Ballistic Helmets; Modular Helmets Life Safety Jacket: Personal Flotation Devices; Tactical Life Vests Pelvic Protection: Groin Guards; Protective Shorts Respiratory Protection: Gas Masks; Respirators Other Products: Hearing Protection; Neck Protection; Anti-Riot Gear Companies Featured 3M Company Ansell Limited Armor Express LLC Avon Rubber plc BAE Systems Inc. Ballistic Body Armor Pty. Ltd. E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company Eagle Industries Unlimited Inc. Gentex Corporation Honeywell International Inc. Koninklijke DSM N.V. MKU Limited Point Blank Enterprises Inc. Revision Military Inc. Teijin Limited Australian Defense Apparel Pty Ltd. Authorities Gear LLC Fortis Clothing Ltd. KDH Defense Systems Inc. MSA Safety Incorporated SEYNTEX NV Sioen Industries NV TOP-SKIN S.r.l. W. L. Gore & Associates Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/hnbhrz 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. GUIGANG, China, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On August 20, a press conference was held for the 10th Anniversary of Guigang's New Energy Electric Vehicle Industry Development and the 5th (2025) New Energy Electric Vehicle Industry Development Conference. At the press conference, which was held by the Industry and Information Technology Bureau of Guigang City and Publicity Department of Gangbei District, Guigang City, it was announced that the 5th (2025) New Energy Electric Vehicle Industry Development Conference will take place in Nanning on August 28. With the theme "Innovation-Driven Intelligent Manufacturing, Openness Connecting the Globe," the conference will gather domestic and foreign guests, experts, scholars, and leading enterprises in the industry. Focusing on the new patterns and changes in the RCEP market, it will facilitate exchanges through various forms such as a thematic conference, a launch event for new national standard electric bicycle products, a new energy electric vehicle production and sales matchmaking conference for ASEAN countries, and test ride activities for electric bicycle products. These efforts aim to further promote the mutual recognition of certifications for new national standard products in ASEAN markets, explore a new model of industrial cooperation featuring "Intelligent Manufacturing from China + Manufacturing from ASEAN," and inject new impetus into the high-quality development of the new energy electric vehicle industry. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. In 2015, Gangbei District planned and constructed the China-ASEAN New Energy Electric Vehicle Production Base. Over the past 10 years, the base has attracted more than 100 electric vehicle enterprises, with over 50 put into operation. It has formed an annual production capacity of 5 million two-wheeled electric vehicles, 500,000 three-wheeled electric vehicles, and 5 million sets of parts and components. The local supporting rate reaches 80%, and its brand agglomeration, component supporting rate, and intelligentization level are among the top in China, establishing the brand of "Quality Electric Vehicles, Made in Guigang." Relying on a complete industrial chain, Gangbei District offers a full range of high-quality electric vehicle products, including over 100 models such as electric bicycles, light electric motorcycles, and high-speed electric motorcycles. These products provide economical and practical green transportation for users in ASEAN and around the world. The Guangxi New Energy Electric Vehicle Quality Inspection Center within the district ranks among the top in China in terms of testing capabilities, providing strong support for "Made in Guigang" electric vehicles to earn an excellent reputation in the international market. Gangbei District is located at the core intersection of the Pearl River Delta, Southwest China, Beibu Gulf, and ASEAN economic circles. It enjoys unimpeded access to high-speed railways, expressways, and high-grade waterways, with direct access to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area within 30 hours. The Guigang Port in the district is an important channel for materials from Southwest China to be exported to Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and ASEAN, laying a golden path connecting global markets for the electric vehicle industry. As a major national production base for the electric vehicle industry, Gangbei District actively builds an open platform for external cooperation to promote the electric vehicle industry's entry into the international market. Gangbei District has strengthened cooperation with relevant national departments, the China Bicycle Association, and electric vehicle associations of various provinces and cities, and has hosted the New Energy Electric Vehicle Industry Development Conference for four consecutive years. Through these activities, enterprises can not only keep abreast of international market trends and cutting-edge technologies but also establish cooperative relations with global peers, creating more opportunities for product exports. Currently, electric vehicles produced in Gangbei District have been exported to countries such as India, Thailand, the Netherlands, Nepal, Peru, Costa Rica, and Madagascar, gaining a foothold in the international market. In the future, Gangbei District will continue to expand opening-up, enhance industrial competitiveness, enable more "Made in Guigang" electric vehicles to reach global markets, and elevate the industry's international influence. Source: Publicity Department of Gangbei District, Guigang City BEIJING, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KE Holdings Inc. (Beike or the Company) (NYSE: BEKE; HKEX: 2423), a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. Business and Financial Highlights for the Second Quarter 2025 Gross transaction value (GTV) 1 was RMB878.7 billion (US$122.7 billion), an increase of 4.7% year-over-year. GTV of existing home transactions was RMB583.5 billion (US$81.5 billion), an increase of 2.2% year-over-year. GTV of new home transactions was RMB255.4 billion (US$35.6 billion), an increase of 8.5% year-over-year. was RMB878.7 billion (US$122.7 billion), an increase of 4.7% year-over-year. was RMB583.5 billion (US$81.5 billion), an increase of 2.2% year-over-year. was RMB255.4 billion (US$35.6 billion), an increase of 8.5% year-over-year. Net revenues were RMB26.0 billion (US$3.6 billion), an increase of 11.3% year-over-year. were RMB26.0 billion (US$3.6 billion), an increase of 11.3% year-over-year. Net income was RMB1,307 million (US$182 million), a decrease of 31.2% year-over-year. Adjusted net income 2 was RMB1,821 million (US$254 million), a decrease of 32.4% year-over-year. was RMB1,307 million (US$182 million), a decrease of 31.2% year-over-year. was RMB1,821 million (US$254 million), a decrease of 32.4% year-over-year. Number of stores was 60,546 as of June 30, 2025, a 31.8% increase from one year ago. Number of active stores 3 was 58,664 as of June 30, 2025, a 32.1% increase from one year ago. was 60,546 as of June 30, 2025, a 31.8% increase from one year ago. was 58,664 as of June 30, 2025, a 32.1% increase from one year ago. Number of agents was 557,974 as of June 30, 2025, a 21.6% increase from one year ago. Number of active agents 4 was 491,573 as of June 30, 2025, a 19.5% increase from one year ago. was 557,974 as of June 30, 2025, a 21.6% increase from one year ago. was 491,573 as of June 30, 2025, a 19.5% increase from one year ago. Mobile monthly active users (MAU)5 averaged 48.7 million in the second quarter of 2025, compared to 49.7 million in the same period of 2024. Mr. Stanley Yongdong Peng, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Beike, commented, In the second quarter of 2025, our business maintained its high-quality development. At the same time, we recognized significant shifts in consumer demand, driven by the evolving trends in Chinas real estate sector. As our platform achieves substantial expansion in terms of agent and store networks, we are advancing into a new phase of efficiency-driven development, with AI technology breakthroughs unlocking tremendous opportunities for productivity gains. In the second quarter of 2025, we proactively implemented a series of initiatives to address the evolving dynamics. In our home transaction services, we leveraged scientific management and AI technology to enhance our service capabilities for both homes and customers, while exploring a new growth model that is driven by efficiency over scale. In our home renovation and furnishing services, we pioneered a community-focused approach, with productized model home showrooms adjacent to our contract signing service centers, significantly elevating both user trust and convenience. In our home rental services, we are driving the business toward maximum efficiency through initiatives such as product iterations and AI-driven operational restructuring. In the Beihaojia business segment, we continued to refine our C2M capabilities, leveraging customer insights to create distinct, new value for the industry. These were the key initiatives we undertook to adapt to the industrys new growth paradigm. Looking ahead, we will embrace these changes with greater determination. While maintaining our platforms scale advantage, we will strive to reshape service offerings through community-focused operations, unleash organizational efficiency with AI-driven productivity, and redefine our product logic with a customer-centric mindset, continuously creating greater value for the residential services industry, concluded Mr. Peng. Mr. Tao Xu, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Beike, added, At the beginning of the year, the real estate market continued the recovery momentum from the end of last year. However, that momentum softened in the second quarter. In the first half of the year, our platforms agent and store network continued to scale, with various high-quality industry brands joining our platform. The number of active non-Lianjia stores on our platform increased by 36.8% year-over-year. The number of active non-Lianjia agents on our platform increased by nearly 24% year-over-year. Meanwhile, refined platform operations and ecosystem improvements drove our existing home and new home businesses to outperform the market in the first half of the year. Both our home renovation and furnishing business and home rental services achieved high-quality growth. The home renovation and furnishing business continued to strengthen its product and delivery capabilities, driving steady improvements in operational capacity. The home rental services business enhanced operational efficiency through differentiated products and AI-driven refined operations. In the second quarter, net revenues from non-housing transaction services accounted for a record high of 41% of our total net revenues, highlighting our diversified growth drivers. The operating expense ratio declined year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter, and the operating leverage gradually emerged. We placed great emphasis on shareholder returns. As of the end of the second quarter, we repurchased around US$394 million worth of shares this year, which accounted for around 1.7% of the Companys total shares outstanding at the end of 2024. We also upsized and extended the existing share repurchase program to August 31, 2028, increasing the repurchase authorization from US$3 billion to US$5 billion. Moving forward, we will continue to reward the shareholders who have been staying alongside our growth and share the value created by the Company with them. Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results Net Revenues Net revenues increased by 11.3% to RMB26.0 billion (US$3.6 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB23.4 billion in the same period of 2024, primarily attributable to the increase of net revenues from new home transaction services driven by the Companys enhanced coverage capabilities, and the sustained year-over-year growth of net revenues from home renovation and furnishing and home rental services. Net revenues from existing home transaction services were RMB6.7 billion (US$0.9 billion) in the second quarter of 2025, decreased by 8.4% from RMB7.3 billion in the same period of 2024. GTV of existing home transactions increased by 2.2% to RMB583.5 billion (US$81.5 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB570.7 billion in the same period of 2024. The higher growth rate in GTV compared to net revenues in existing home transaction services was primarily attributable to a higher contribution from GTV of existing home transaction services served by connected agents on the Companys platform, for which revenue is recorded on a net basis from platform service, franchise service and other value-added services, while for GTV served by Lianjia brand, the revenue is recorded on a gross commission revenue basis. Among that, (i) commission revenue was RMB5.4 billion (US$0.7 billion) in the second quarter of 2025, decreased by 10.4% from RMB6.0 billion in the same period of 2024, primarily attributable to the decrease of GTV of existing home transactions served by Lianjia stores of 8.6% to RMB213.1 billion (US$29.7 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB233.2 billion in the same period of 2024; and (ii) revenues derived from platform service, franchise service and other value-added services, which are mostly charged to connected stores and agents on the Companys platform were RMB1.4 billion (US$0.2 billion) in the second quarter of 2025, relatively flat compared with RMB1.4 billion in the same period of 2024, mainly due to an increase of GTV of existing home transactions served by connected agents on the Companys platform of 9.7% to RMB370.4 billion (US$51.7 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB337.5 billion in the same period of 2024, partially offset by incentive-based reductions in platform service and franchise service fees for connected stores. Net revenues from new home transaction services increased by 8.6% to RMB8.6 billion (US$1.2 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB7.9 billion in the same period of 2024, primarily due to the increase of GTV of new home transactions of 8.5% to RMB255.4 billion (US$35.6 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB235.3 billion in the same period of 2024. Among that, the GTV of new home transactions facilitated on Beike platform through connected agents, dedicated sales team with the expertise on new home transaction services and other sales channels increased by 8.2% to RMB208.2 billion (US$29.1 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB192.5 billion in the same period of 2024, and the GTV of new home transactions served by Lianjia brand increased by 10.1% to RMB47.1 billion (US$6.6 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB42.8 billion in the same period of 2024. Net revenues from home renovation and furnishing increased by 13.0% to RMB4.6 billion (US$0.6 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB4.0 billion in the same period of 2024, primarily attributable to a) a larger contribution from furniture and home furnishing sales in categories such as customized furniture, soft furnishings, and electrical appliances, and b) the increase in home renovation orders referred by agents of home transaction services. Net revenues from home rental services increased by 78.0% to RMB5.7 billion (US$0.8 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB3.2 billion in the same period of 2024, primarily attributable to the increase of the number of rental units under the Carefree Rent model. Net revenues from emerging and other services were RMB432 million (US$60.3 million) in the second quarter of 2025, compared to RMB874 million in the same period of 2024. Cost of Revenues Total cost of revenues increased by 20.5% to RMB20.3 billion (US$2.8 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB16.9 billion in the same period of 2024. Commission split. The Companys cost of revenues for commissions to connected agents and other sales channels increased by 9.1% to RMB5.9 billion (US$0.8 billion) in the second quarter of 2025, from RMB5.4 billion in the same period of 2024, primarily due to the increase in net revenues from new home transaction services derived from transactions facilitated through connected agents and other sales channels. Commission and compensation internal. The Companys cost of revenues for internal commission and compensation increased by 6.4% to RMB4.7 billion (US$0.7 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB4.4 billion in the same period of 2024, primarily due to the increase in fixed compensation costs mainly driven by the increased number of Lianjia agents and improved benefits for them. Cost of home renovation and furnishing. The Companys cost of revenues for home renovation and furnishing increased by 11.6% to RMB3.1 billion (US$0.4 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB2.8 billion in the same period of 2024, which was in line with the growth of net revenues from home renovation and furnishing. Cost of home rental services. The Companys cost of revenues for home rental services which mainly consists of variable cost, increased by 73.3% to RMB5.2 billion (US$0.7 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB3.0 billion in the same period of 2024, primarily attributable to the growth of net revenues from home rental services. Cost related to stores. The Companys cost related to stores increased by 11.9% to RMB762 million (US$106 million) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB681 million in the same period of 2024, primarily attributable to the increased renovation and maintenance costs of Lianjia stores. Other costs. The Companys other costs increased to RMB0.6 billion (US$0.1 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB0.5 billion in the same period of 2024, mainly due to the increased maintenance costs of home rental. Gross Profit Gross profit decreased by 12.5% to RMB5.7 billion (US$0.8 billion) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB6.5 billion in the same period of 2024. Gross margin decreased to 21.9% in the second quarter of 2025 from 27.9% in the same period of 2024, primarily due to a) a lower proportion of net revenues from existing home transaction services with a relatively higher contribution margin than other revenues streams, and b) a lower contribution margin of existing home transaction services led by the increased fix compensation costs as percentage of net revenues from existing home transaction services. Income from Operations Total operating expenses were RMB4.6 billion (US$0.6 billion) in the second quarter of 2025, compared to RMB4.5 billion in the same period of 2024. General and administrative expenses were RMB2.1 billion (US$0.3 billion) in the second quarter of 2025, relatively flat compared with RMB2.1 billion in the same period of 2024. Sales and marketing expenses were RMB1.9 billion (US$0.3 billion) in the second quarter of 2025, relatively flat compared with RMB1.9 billion in the same period of 2024. Research and development expenses increased by 25.6% to RMB633 million (US$88 million) in the second quarter of 2025 from RMB505 million in the same period of 2024, primarily due to the increased headcount of research and development personnel and the increased technical service expenses. Income from operations was RMB1,059 million (US$148 million) in the second quarter of 2025, compared to RMB2,015 million in the same period of 2024. Operating margin decreased to 4.1% in the second quarter of 2025 from 8.6% in the same period of 2024, primarily due to the decreased gross profit margin, which was partially offset by the improved operating leverage. Adjusted income from operations6 was RMB1,607 million (US$224 million) in the second quarter of 2025, compared to RMB2,813 million in the same period of 2024. Adjusted operating margin7 was 6.2% in the second quarter of 2025, compared to 12.0% in the same period of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA8 was RMB2,203 million (US$308 million) in the second quarter of 2025, compared to RMB3,372 million in the same period of 2024. Net Income Net income was RMB1,307 million (US$182 million) in the second quarter of 2025, compared to RMB1,900 million in the same period of 2024. Adjusted net income decreased by 32.4% to RMB1,821 million (US$254 million) in the second quarter of 2025, from RMB2,693 million in the same period of 2024. Net Income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s Ordinary Shareholders Net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders was RMB1,301 million (US$182 million) in the second quarter of 2025, compared to RMB1,892 million in the same period of 2024. Adjusted net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders9 was RMB1,815 million (US$253 million) in the second quarter of 2025, compared to RMB2,685 million in the same period of 2024. Net Income per ADS Basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders10 were RMB1.16 (US$0.16) and RMB1.11 (US$0.15) in the second quarter of 2025, respectively, compared to RMB1.67 and RMB1.61 in the same period of 2024, respectively. Adjusted basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders11 were RMB1.62 (US$0.23) and RMB1.55 (US$0.22) in the second quarter of 2025, respectively, compared to RMB2.36 and RMB2.28 in the same period of 2024, respectively. Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Short-Term Investments As of June 30, 2025, the combined balance of the Companys cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments amounted to RMB53.1 billion (US$7.4 billion). Upsizing and Extension of Share Repurchase Program As previously disclosed, the Company established a share repurchase program in August 2022 and upsized and extended it in August 2023 and August 2024, under which the Company may purchase up to US$3 billion of its Class A ordinary shares and/or ADSs until August 31, 2025 (the Existing Share Repurchase Program). As of the date of this press release, the Company in aggregate has purchased approximately 138.7 million ADSs (representing approximately 416.2 million Class A ordinary shares) on the New York Stock Exchange with a total consideration of approximately US$2,177.9 million under the Existing Share Repurchase Program since its launch. On August 26, 2025, the Companys board of directors approved modifications to the Existing Share Repurchase Program, pursuant to which the repurchase authorization has been further increased from US$3 billion to US$5 billion and extended until August 31, 2028 (the Extended Share Repurchase Program). In the annual general meeting (the AGM) held on June 27, 2025, the shareholders of the Company have approved to grant the board of directors a general unconditional mandate to purchase the Companys own shares (the 2025 Share Repurchase Mandate), which covers the repurchases to be made under the Extended Share Repurchase Program until the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company. After the expiry of the 2025 Share Repurchase Mandate, the Company will further seek for general unconditional mandate for repurchase from the shareholders of the Company at each of the next three AGMs to be held in the forthcoming years to continue its share repurchase under the Extended Share Repurchase Program. Conference Call Information The Company will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 A.M. U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 (8:00 P.M. Beijing/Hong Kong Time on Tuesday, August 26, 2025) to discuss the financial results. For participants who wish to join the conference call using dial-in numbers, please complete online registration using the link provided below at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled call start time. Dial-in numbers, passcode and unique access PIN would be provided upon registering. Participant Online Registration: English Line: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10048559-12bwoh.html Chinese Simultaneous Interpretation Line (listen-only mode): https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10048560-0l1rzo.html A replay of the conference call will be accessible through September 2, 2025, by dialing the following numbers: United States: +1-855-883-1031 Mainland, China: 400-1209-216 Hong Kong, China: 800-930-639 International: +61-7-3107-6325 Replay PIN (English line): 10048559 Replay PIN (Chinese simultaneous interpretation line): 10048560 A live and archived webcast of the conference call will also be available at the Companys investor relations website at https://investors.ke.com. Exchange Rate This press release 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$1.00, the noon buying rate in effect on June 30, 2025, in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or US$ amounts referred could be converted into US$ or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. For analytical presentation, all percentages are calculated using the numbers presented in the financial information contained in this earnings release. Non-GAAP Financial Measures The Company uses adjusted income (loss) from operations, adjusted net income (loss), adjusted net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders, adjusted operating margin, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income (loss) per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders, each a non-GAAP financial measure, in evaluating its operating results and formulating its business plan. Beike believes that these non-GAAP financial measures help identify underlying trends in the Companys business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that the Company includes in its net income (loss). Beike also believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information about its results of operations, enhance the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by its management in formulating its business plan. A limitation of using these non-GAAP financial measures is that these non-GAAP financial measures exclude share-based compensation expenses that have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a significant recurring expense in the Companys business. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to gross profit, net income (loss) or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of its operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review these non-GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measures. The non-GAAP 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 their usefulness as comparative measures to the Companys data. Beike encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure. Adjusted income (loss) from operations is defined as income (loss) from operations, excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement, and (iii) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. Adjusted operating margin is defined as adjusted income (loss) from operations as a percentage of net revenues. Adjusted net income (loss) is defined as net income (loss), excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement, (iii) changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration, (iv) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, (v) impairment of investments, and (vi) tax effects of the above non-GAAP adjustments. Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders is defined as net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders, excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement, (iii) changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration, (iv) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, (v) impairment of investments, (vi) tax effects of the above non-GAAP adjustments, and (vii) effects of non-GAAP adjustments on net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss), excluding (i) income tax expense, (ii) share-based compensation expenses, (iii) amortization of intangible assets, (iv) depreciation of property, plant and equipment, (v) interest income, net, (vi) changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration, (vii) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, and (viii) impairment of investments. Adjusted net income (loss) per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders is defined as adjusted net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of ADS outstanding during the periods used in calculating adjusted net income (loss) per ADS, basic and diluted. Please see the Unaudited reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results included in this press release for a full reconciliation of each non-GAAP measure to its respective comparable GAAP measure. About KE Holdings Inc. KE Holdings Inc. is a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services. The Company is a pioneer in building infrastructure and standards to reinvent how service providers and customers efficiently navigate and complete housing transactions and services in China, ranging from existing and new home sales, home rentals, to home renovation and furnishing, and other services. The Company owns and operates Lianjia, Chinas leading real estate brokerage brand and an integral part of its Beike platform. With more than 23 years of operating experience through Lianjia since its inception in 2001, the Company believes the success and proven track record of Lianjia pave the way for it to build its infrastructure and standards and drive the rapid and sustainable growth of Beike. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute forward-looking statements 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. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release, as well as Beikes strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Beike 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 Hong Kong Stock Exchange), 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 KE Holdings Inc.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: Beikes goals and strategies; Beikes future business development, financial condition and results of operations; expected changes in the Companys revenues, costs or expenditures; Beikes ability to empower services and facilitate transactions on Beike platform; competition in the industry in which Beike operates; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the industry; Beikes ability to protect the Companys systems and infrastructures from cyber-attacks; Beikes dependence on the integrity of brokerage brands, stores and agents on the Companys platform; general economic and business conditions in China and globally; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in KE Holdings Inc.s filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and KE Holdings Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. For more information, please visit: https://investors.ke.com. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: KE Holdings Inc. Investor Relations Siting Li E-mail: ir@ke.com Piacente Financial Communications Jenny Cai Tel: +86-10-6508-0677 E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com In the United States: Piacente Financial Communications Brandi Piacente Tel: +1-212-481-2050 E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com Source: KE Holdings Inc. KE Holdings Inc. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data) As of December 31, As of June 30, 2024 2025 RMB RMB US$ ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 11,442,965 11,115,936 1,551,725 Restricted cash 8,858,449 8,116,638 1,133,039 Short-term investments 41,317,700 33,863,827 4,727,208 Financing receivables, net of allowance for credit losses of RMB147,330 and RMB164,579 as of December 31, 2024 and June 30, 2025, respectively 2,835,527 1,930,095 269,431 Accounts receivable and contract assets, net of allowance for credit losses of RMB1,636,163 and RMB1,693,036 as of December 31, 2024 and June 30, 2025, respectively 5,497,989 4,516,205 630,438 Amounts due from and prepayments to related parties 379,218 388,962 54,297 Loan receivables from related parties 18,797 222,989 31,128 Prepayments, receivables and other assets 6,252,700 7,603,582 1,061,418 Total current assets 76,603,345 67,758,234 9,458,684 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment, net 2,400,211 2,413,707 336,941 Right-of-use assets 23,366,879 23,126,982 3,228,402 Long-term investments, net 23,790,106 23,458,114 3,274,626 Intangible assets, net 857,635 790,699 110,377 Goodwill 4,777,420 4,749,229 662,967 Long-term loan receivables from related parties 131,410 26,471 3,695 Other non-current assets 1,222,277 1,367,607 190,910 Total non-current assets 56,545,938 55,932,809 7,807,918 TOTAL ASSETS 133,149,283 123,691,043 17,266,602 KE Holdings Inc. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data) As of December 31, As of June 30, 2024 2025 RMB RMB US$ LIABILITIES Current liabilities Accounts payable 9,492,629 7,103,777 991,649 Amounts due to related parties 391,446 419,751 58,595 Employee compensation and welfare payable 8,414,472 5,296,372 739,345 Customer deposits payable 6,078,623 5,601,762 781,976 Income taxes payable 1,028,735 496,399 69,295 Short-term borrowings 288,280 200,676 28,013 Lease liabilities current portion 13,729,701 12,956,051 1,808,595 Contract liabilities and deferred revenue 6,051,867 6,213,306 867,344 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 7,268,505 7,429,911 1,037,176 Total current liabilities 52,744,258 45,718,005 6,381,988 Non-current liabilities Deferred tax liabilities 317,697 317,697 44,349 Lease liabilities non-current portion 8,636,770 8,756,664 1,222,383 Long-term borrowings - 56,625 7,905 Other non-current liabilities 2,563 2,367 330 Total non-current liabilities 8,957,030 9,133,353 1,274,967 TOTAL LIABILITIES 61,701,288 54,851,358 7,656,955 KE Holdings Inc. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data) As of December 31, As of June 30, 2024 2025 RMB RMB US$ SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY KE Holdings Inc. shareholders equity Ordinary shares (US$0.00002 par value; 25,000,000,000 ordinary shares authorized, comprising of 24,114,698,720 Class A ordinary shares and 885,301,280 Class B ordinary shares. 3,479,616,986 Class A ordinary shares issued and 3,337,567,403 Class A ordinary shares outstanding(1) as of December 31, 2024; 3,458,896,856 Class A ordinary shares issued and 3,313,383,515 Class A ordinary shares outstanding(1) as of June 30, 2025; and 145,413,446 and 143,263,221 Class B ordinary shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and June 30, 2025, respectively) 461 462 64 Treasury shares (949,410 ) (1,351,591 ) (188,675 ) Additional paid-in capital 72,460,562 68,167,608 9,515,831 Statutory reserves 926,972 926,972 129,400 Accumulated other comprehensive income 609,112 538,097 75,115 (Accumulated Deficit) / Retained Earnings (1,723,881 ) 432,957 60,438 Total KE Holdings Inc. shareholders' equity 71,323,816 68,714,505 9,592,173 Non-controlling interests 124,179 125,180 17,474 TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 71,447,995 68,839,685 9,609,647 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY 133,149,283 123,691,043 17,266,602 (1) Excluding the Class A ordinary shares registered in the name of the depositary bank for future issuance of ADSs upon the exercise or vesting of awards granted under our share incentive plans and the Class A ordinary shares repurchased but not cancelled in the form of ADSs. KE Holdings Inc. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data, ADS and per ADS data) For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Net revenues Existing home transaction services 7,334,889 6,719,345 937,984 13,061,919 13,589,752 1,897,056 New home transaction services 7,933,805 8,619,323 1,203,211 12,850,320 16,694,318 2,330,437 Home renovation and furnishing 4,040,224 4,565,354 637,299 6,449,072 7,510,797 1,048,467 Home rental services 3,187,540 5,674,624 792,147 5,812,743 10,762,400 1,502,373 Emerging and other services 873,972 431,990 60,303 1,573,690 781,716 109,123 Total net revenues 23,370,430 26,010,636 3,630,944 39,747,744 49,338,983 6,887,456 Cost of revenues Commission-split (5,439,667 ) (5,932,431 ) (828,135 ) (8,857,846 ) (11,625,571 ) (1,622,867 ) Commission and compensation-internal (4,444,340 ) (4,729,219 ) (660,174 ) (8,065,289 ) (9,547,496 ) (1,332,779 ) Cost of home renovation and furnishing (2,776,351 ) (3,098,710 ) (432,563 ) (4,448,069 ) (5,084,666 ) (709,792 ) Cost of home rental services (3,001,325 ) (5,200,202 ) (725,920 ) (5,481,822 ) (9,946,258 ) (1,388,444 ) Cost related to stores (680,930 ) (761,941 ) (106,363 ) (1,365,977 ) (1,478,750 ) (206,426 ) Others (510,767 ) (588,343 ) (82,131 ) (889,605 ) (1,135,560 ) (158,517 ) Total cost of revenues(1) (16,853,380 ) (20,310,846 ) (2,835,286 ) (29,108,608 ) (38,818,301 ) (5,418,825 ) Gross profit 6,517,050 5,699,790 795,658 10,639,136 10,520,682 1,468,631 Operating expenses Sales and marketing expenses(1) (1,881,726 ) (1,897,988 ) (264,949 ) (3,505,463 ) (3,670,945 ) (512,444 ) General and administrative expenses(1) (2,079,299 ) (2,080,713 ) (290,456 ) (4,098,494 ) (3,954,473 ) (552,023 ) Research and development expenses(1) (504,509 ) (633,442 ) (88,425 ) (971,809 ) (1,217,052 ) (169,894 ) Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets (36,397 ) (28,191 ) (3,935 ) (36,397 ) (28,191 ) (3,935 ) Total operating expenses (4,501,931 ) (4,640,334 ) (647,765 ) (8,612,163 ) (8,870,661 ) (1,238,296 ) Income from operations 2,015,119 1,059,456 147,893 2,026,973 1,650,021 230,335 Interest income, net 356,578 223,940 31,261 666,253 492,508 68,751 Share of results of equity investees 351 6,971 973 (3,735 ) 14,316 1,998 Fair value changes in investments, net 70,523 111,740 15,598 78,288 222,226 31,022 Impairment loss for equity investments accounted for using Measurement Alternative (1,902 ) (1,214 ) (169 ) (8,049 ) (1,214 ) (169 ) Foreign currency exchange loss (55,277 ) (5,314 ) (742 ) (73,025 ) (44,947 ) (6,274 ) Other income, net 363,972 322,552 45,027 901,610 767,999 107,209 Income before income tax expense 2,749,364 1,718,131 239,841 3,588,315 3,100,909 432,872 Income tax expense (848,960 ) (411,487 ) (57,441 ) (1,255,789 ) (938,942 ) (131,071 ) Net income 1,900,404 1,306,644 182,400 2,332,526 2,161,967 301,801 KE Holdings Inc. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data, ADS and per ADS data) For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Net income attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders (8,343 ) (5,573 ) (778 ) (8,691 ) (5,129 ) (716 ) Net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc. 1,892,061 1,301,071 181,622 2,323,835 2,156,838 301,085 Net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders 1,892,061 1,301,071 181,622 2,323,835 2,156,838 301,085 Net income 1,900,404 1,306,644 182,400 2,332,526 2,161,967 301,801 Currency translation adjustments 84,115 (53,412 ) (7,456 ) 120,450 (77,107 ) (10,764 ) Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investments, net of reclassification 7,282 (25,383 ) (3,543 ) 32,613 6,092 850 Total comprehensive income 1,991,801 1,227,849 171,401 2,485,589 2,090,952 291,887 Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders (8,343 ) (5,573 ) (778 ) (8,691 ) (5,129 ) (716 ) Comprehensive income attributable to KE Holdings Inc. 1,983,458 1,222,276 170,623 2,476,898 2,085,823 291,171 Comprehensive income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders 1,983,458 1,222,276 170,623 2,476,898 2,085,823 291,171 KE Holdings Inc. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data, ADS and per ADS data) For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in computing net income per share, basic and diluted Basic 3,406,250,235 3,357,155,883 3,357,155,883 3,422,928,331 3,359,945,551 3,359,945,551 Diluted 3,525,256,472 3,507,278,161 3,507,278,161 3,533,558,988 3,514,649,718 3,514,649,718 Weighted average number of ADS used in computing net income per ADS, basic and diluted Basic 1,135,416,745 1,119,051,961 1,119,051,961 1,140,976,110 1,119,981,850 1,119,981,850 Diluted 1,175,085,491 1,169,092,720 1,169,092,720 1,177,852,996 1,171,549,906 1,171,549,906 Net income per share attributable to KE Holdings Inc.'s ordinary shareholders Basic 0.56 0.39 0.05 0.68 0.64 0.09 Diluted 0.54 0.37 0.05 0.66 0.61 0.09 Net income per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.'s ordinary shareholders Basic 1.67 1.16 0.16 2.04 1.93 0.27 Diluted 1.61 1.11 0.15 1.97 1.84 0.26 (1) Includes share-based compensation expenses as follows: Cost of revenues 125,401 94,457 13,186 249,834 204,015 28,479 Sales and marketing expenses 43,458 35,807 4,998 90,761 81,102 11,321 General and administrative expenses 513,776 317,474 44,318 1,090,910 648,677 90,553 Research and development expenses 48,416 41,490 5,792 92,926 82,603 11,531 KE Holdings Inc. UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data, ADS and per ADS data) For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Income from operations 2,015,119 1,059,456 147,893 2,026,973 1,650,021 230,335 Share-based compensation expenses 731,051 489,228 68,294 1,524,431 1,016,397 141,884 Amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement 29,991 29,883 4,172 184,284 59,766 8,343 Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets 36,397 28,191 3,935 36,397 28,191 3,935 Adjusted income from operations 2,812,558 1,606,758 224,294 3,772,085 2,754,375 384,497 Net income 1,900,404 1,306,644 182,400 2,332,526 2,161,967 301,801 Share-based compensation expenses 731,051 489,228 68,294 1,524,431 1,016,397 141,884 Amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement 29,991 29,883 4,172 184,284 59,766 8,343 Changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration 87 (27,687 ) (3,865 ) 13,278 (40,771 ) (5,691 ) Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets 36,397 28,191 3,935 36,397 28,191 3,935 Impairment of investments 1,902 1,214 169 8,049 1,214 169 Tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments (6,494 ) (6,494 ) (907 ) (13,410 ) (12,988 ) (1,813 ) Adjusted net income 2,693,338 1,820,979 254,198 4,085,555 3,213,776 448,628 Net income 1,900,404 1,306,644 182,400 2,332,526 2,161,967 301,801 Income tax expense 848,960 411,487 57,441 1,255,789 938,942 131,071 Share-based compensation expenses 731,051 489,228 68,294 1,524,431 1,016,397 141,884 Amortization of intangible assets 36,012 35,395 4,941 194,518 70,566 9,851 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 173,690 182,565 25,485 338,859 360,819 50,368 Interest income, net (356,578 ) (223,940 ) (31,261 ) (666,253 ) (492,508 ) (68,751 ) Changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration 87 (27,687 ) (3,865 ) 13,278 (40,771 ) (5,691 ) Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets 36,397 28,191 3,935 36,397 28,191 3,935 Impairment of investments 1,902 1,214 169 8,049 1,214 169 Adjusted EBITDA 3,371,925 2,203,097 307,539 5,037,594 4,044,817 564,637 Net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders 1,892,061 1,301,071 181,622 2,323,835 2,156,838 301,085 Share-based compensation expenses 731,051 489,228 68,294 1,524,431 1,016,397 141,884 Amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement 29,991 29,883 4,172 184,284 59,766 8,343 Changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration 87 (27,687 ) (3,865 ) 13,278 (40,771 ) (5,691 ) Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets 36,397 28,191 3,935 36,397 28,191 3,935 Impairment of investments 1,902 1,214 169 8,049 1,214 169 Tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments (6,494 ) (6,494 ) (907 ) (13,410 ) (12,988 ) (1,813 ) Effects of non-GAAP adjustments on net income attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders (7 ) (7 ) (1 ) (14 ) (14 ) (2 ) Adjusted net income attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders 2,684,988 1,815,399 253,419 4,076,850 3,208,633 447,910 KE Holdings Inc. UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (Continued) (All amounts in thousands, except for share, per share data, ADS and per ADS data) For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Weighted average number of ADS used in computing net income per ADS, basic and diluted Basic 1,135,416,745 1,119,051,961 1,119,051,961 1,140,976,110 1,119,981,850 1,119,981,850 Diluted 1,175,085,491 1,169,092,720 1,169,092,720 1,177,852,996 1,171,549,906 1,171,549,906 Weighted average number of ADS used in calculating adjusted net income per ADS, basic and diluted Basic 1,135,416,745 1,119,051,961 1,119,051,961 1,140,976,110 1,119,981,850 1,119,981,850 Diluted 1,175,085,491 1,169,092,720 1,169,092,720 1,177,852,996 1,171,549,906 1,171,549,906 Net income per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.'s ordinary shareholders Basic 1.67 1.16 0.16 2.04 1.93 0.27 Diluted 1.61 1.11 0.15 1.97 1.84 0.26 Non-GAAP adjustments to net income per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.'s ordinary shareholders Basic 0.69 0.46 0.07 1.53 0.93 0.13 Diluted 0.67 0.44 0.07 1.49 0.90 0.12 Adjusted net income per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.'s ordinary shareholders Basic 2.36 1.62 0.23 3.57 2.86 0.40 Diluted 2.28 1.55 0.22 3.46 2.74 0.38 KE Holdings Inc. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (All amounts in thousands) For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 4,104,624 826,213 115,335 1,996,092 (3,139,058 ) (438,195 ) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (8,134,019 ) 1,664,823 232,401 (6,843,593 ) 7,950,492 1,109,847 Net cash used in financing activities (3,262,930 ) (6,182,037 ) (862,978 ) (3,515,468 ) (5,920,964 ) (826,533 ) Effect of exchange rate change on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 35,666 5,190 723 32,161 40,690 5,677 Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash (7,256,659 ) (3,685,811 ) (514,519 ) (8,330,808 ) (1,068,840 ) (149,204 ) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period 24,783,312 22,918,385 3,199,283 25,857,461 20,301,414 2,833,968 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period 17,526,653 19,232,574 2,684,764 17,526,653 19,232,574 2,684,764 KE Holdings Inc. UNAUDITED SEGMENT CONTRIBUTION MEASURE (All amounts in thousands) For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Existing home transaction services Net revenues 7,334,889 6,719,345 937,984 13,061,919 13,589,752 1,897,056 Commission and compensation (3,851,787 ) (4,035,304 ) (563,307 ) (7,032,712 ) (8,287,595 ) (1,156,904 ) Contribution 3,483,102 2,684,041 374,677 6,029,207 5,302,157 740,152 New home transaction services Net revenues 7,933,805 8,619,323 1,203,211 12,850,320 16,694,318 2,330,437 Commission and compensation (5,947,840 ) (6,515,885 ) (909,582 ) (9,768,943 ) (12,701,657 ) (1,773,083 ) Contribution 1,985,965 2,103,438 293,629 3,081,377 3,992,661 557,354 Home renovation and furnishing Net revenues 4,040,224 4,565,354 637,299 6,449,072 7,510,797 1,048,467 Material costs, commission and compensation (2,776,351 ) (3,098,710 ) (432,563 ) (4,448,069 ) (5,084,666 ) (709,792 ) Contribution 1,263,873 1,466,644 204,736 2,001,003 2,426,131 338,675 Home rental services Net revenues 3,187,540 5,674,624 792,147 5,812,743 10,762,400 1,502,373 Property leasing costs, commission and compensation (3,001,325 ) (5,200,202 ) (725,920 ) (5,481,822 ) (9,946,258 ) (1,388,444 ) Contribution 186,215 474,422 66,227 330,921 816,142 113,929 Emerging and other services Net revenues 873,972 431,990 60,303 1,573,690 781,716 109,123 Commission and compensation (84,380 ) (110,461 ) (15,420 ) (121,480 ) (183,815 ) (25,659 ) Contribution 789,592 321,529 44,883 1,452,210 597,901 83,464 KE Holdings Inc. UNAUDITED SEGMENT CONTRIBUTION MEASURE (Continued) (All amounts in thousands) For the Three Months Ended For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 June 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Reconciliation of profit Cost related to stores (680,930 ) (761,941 ) (106,363 ) (1,365,977 ) (1,478,750 ) (206,426 ) Other costs (510,767 ) (588,343 ) (82,131 ) (889,605 ) (1,135,560 ) (158,517 ) Amounts not allocated to segment: Sales and marketing expenses (1,881,726 ) (1,897,988 ) (264,949 ) (3,505,463 ) (3,670,945 ) (512,444 ) General and administrative expenses (2,079,299 ) (2,080,713 ) (290,456 ) (4,098,494 ) (3,954,473 ) (552,023 ) Research and development expenses (504,509 ) (633,442 ) (88,425 ) (971,809 ) (1,217,052 ) (169,894 ) Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets (36,397 ) (28,191 ) (3,935 ) (36,397 ) (28,191 ) (3,935 ) Total operating expenses (4,501,931 ) (4,640,334 ) (647,765 ) (8,612,163 ) (8,870,661 ) (1,238,296 ) Income from operations 2,015,119 1,059,456 147,893 2,026,973 1,650,021 230,335 1 GTV for a given period is calculated as the total value of all transactions which the Company facilitated on the Companys platform and evidenced by signed contracts as of the end of the period, including the value of the existing home transactions, new home transactions, home renovation and furnishing and emerging and other services (excluding home rental services), and including transactions that are contracted but pending closing at the end of the relevant period. For the avoidance of doubt, for transactions that failed to close afterwards, the corresponding GTV represented by these transactions will be deducted accordingly. 2 Adjusted net income (loss) is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income (loss), excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement, (iii) changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration, (iv) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, (v) impairment of investments, and (vi) tax effects of the above non-GAAP adjustments. Please refer to the section titled Unaudited reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results for details. 3 Based on our accumulated operational experience, we have introduced the operating metrics of number of active stores and number of active agents on our platform, which can better reflect the operational activeness of stores and agents on our platform. Active stores as of a given date is defined as stores on our platform excluding the stores which (i) have not facilitated any housing transaction during the preceding 60 days, (ii) do not have any agent who has engaged in any critical steps in housing transactions (including but not limited to introducing new properties, attracting new customers and conducting property showings) during the preceding seven days, or (iii) have not been visited by any agent during the preceding 14 days. The number of active stores was 44,423 as of June 30, 2024. 4 Active agents as of a given date is defined as agents on our platform excluding the agents who (i) delivered notice to leave but have not yet completed the exit procedures, (ii) have not engaged in any critical steps in housing transactions (including but not limited to introducing new properties, attracting new customers and conducting property showings) during the preceding 30 days, or (iii) have not participated in facilitating any housing transaction during the preceding three months. The number of active agents was 411,478 as of June 30, 2024. 5 Mobile monthly active users or mobile MAU are to the sum of (i) the number of accounts that have accessed our platform through our Beike or Lianjia mobile app (with duplication eliminated) at least once during a month, and (ii) the number of Weixin users that have accessed our platform through our Weixin Mini Programs at least once during a month. Average mobile MAU for any period is calculated by dividing (i) the sum of the Companys mobile MAUs for each month of such period, by (ii) the number of months in such period. 6 Adjusted income (loss) from operations is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as income (loss) from operations, excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement, and (iii) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. Please refer to the section titled Unaudited reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results for details. 7 Adjusted operating margin is adjusted income (loss) from operations as a percentage of net revenues. 8 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income (loss), excluding (i) income tax expense, (ii) share-based compensation expenses, (iii) amortization of intangible assets, (iv) depreciation of property, plant and equipment, (v) interest income, net, (vi) changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration, (vii) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, and (viii) impairment of investments. Please refer to the section titled Unaudited reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results for details. 9 Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders, excluding (i) share-based compensation expenses, (ii) amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions and business cooperation agreement, (iii) changes in fair value from long-term investments, loan receivables measured at fair value and contingent consideration, (iv) impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, (v) impairment of investments, (vi) tax effects of the above non-GAAP adjustments, and (vii) effects of non-GAAP adjustments on net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests shareholders. Please refer to the section titled Unaudited reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results for details. 10 ADS refers to American Depositary Share. Each ADS represents three Class A ordinary shares of the Company. Net income (loss) per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders is net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of ADS outstanding during the periods used in calculating net income (loss) per ADS, basic and diluted. 11 Adjusted net income (loss) per ADS attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as adjusted net income (loss) attributable to KE Holdings Inc.s ordinary shareholders divided by weighted average number of ADS outstanding during the periods used in calculating adjusted net income (loss) per ADS, basic and diluted. Please refer to the section titled Unaudited reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP results for details. VICTORIA, Seychelles, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global crypto trading platform BYDFi, together with ShowUp, co-hosted the ShowUp Bali Vibe AI & MEME side event at Coinfest Asia 2025, convening builders, traders, and creators to discuss the practical intersection of AI and memecoin culture in Web3. Side event partners included Google Cloud, Taipei Blockchain Week, Odaily, BlockTempo, and Lydian Labs. Coinfest Asia 2025: A Regional Web3 Gathering in Bali Held on 2122 August 2025 at Nuanu City, Bali, Coinfest Asia is an immersive Web3 festival organized by Coinvestasi that brings together builders, investors, exchanges, and developers from across Asia for practical dialogue and networking. Bali has increasingly served as a recurring regional meeting point for the crypto industry, with Coinfest Asia recognized as a major gathering in Southeast Asia. BYDFi participates in international forums like Coinfest Asia to foster pragmatic dialogue, strengthen ties with developer and creator communities, and translate on-the-ground insights into responsible product improvements. AI & Memecoin: Dialogue to Direction Co-hosted with ShowUp and held at Long House, the Coinfest Asia Main Venue, the side event focused on the AI and memecoin theme. BYDFi presented an overview of its roadmap, market outlook, and partnership ecosystem; on the product front, it highlighted MoonXits onchain trading tool. The team also engaged with attendees to exchange views and gather actionable feedback for thoughtful product iteration. Looking ahead, dialogue centered on turning online momentum into durable collaborationbridging culture and code. BYDFi will continue working with community partners across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and explore AI-informed enhancements that keep products simple, secure, and useful for everyday users. About BYDFi Founded in 2020, BYDFi now serves over 1 million users across more than 190 countries and regions. Recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Crypto Exchanges In Canada For 2025, BYDFi offers a full range of trading servicesfrom Spot and Perpetual Contracts to Copy Trading, Automated Bots, and Onchain Toolsempowering both novice and experienced traders to navigate the digital asset market with confidence. BYDFi is dedicated to delivering a world-class crypto trading experience for every user. BUIDL Your Dream Finance. Website: https://www.bydfi.com Support email: cs@bydfi.com Business partnerships: bd@bydfi.com Media inquiries: media@bydfi.com Twitter( X ) | LinkedIn | Telegram | YouTube | How to Buy on BYDFi Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c480667d-62f5-4b60-b344-ad4afddf9121 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fa927af7-46a1-4a39-8d00-257dbb58bba6 BEIJING, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KE Holdings Inc. (Beike or the Company) (NYSE: BEKE; HKEX: 2423), a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services, today announced that its board of directors have approved the upsizing and extension of its share repurchase program. As previously disclosed, the Company established a share repurchase program in August 2022 and upsized and extended it in August 2023 and August 2024, under which the Company may purchase up to US$3 billion of its Class A ordinary shares and/or American depositary shares (ADSs) until August 31, 2025 (the Existing Share Repurchase Program). As of the date of this press release, the Company in aggregate has purchased approximately 138.7 million ADSs (representing approximately 416.2 million Class A ordinary shares) on the New York Stock Exchange with a total consideration of approximately US$2,177.9 million under the Existing Share Repurchase Program since its launch. On August 26, 2025, the Companys board of directors approved modifications to the Existing Share Repurchase Program, pursuant to which the repurchase authorization has been further increased from US$3 billion to US$5 billion and extended until August 31, 2028 (the Extended Share Repurchase Program). In the annual general meeting (the AGM) held on June 27, 2025, the shareholders of the Company have approved to grant the board of directors a general unconditional mandate to purchase the Companys own shares (the 2025 Share Repurchase Mandate), which covers the repurchases to be made under the Extended Share Repurchase Program until the conclusion of the next AGM of the Company. After the expiry of the 2025 Share Repurchase Mandate, the Company will further seek for general unconditional mandate for repurchase from the shareholders of the Company at each of the next three AGMs to be held in the forthcoming years to continue its share repurchase under the Extended Share Repurchase Program. About KE Holdings Inc. KE Holdings Inc. is a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services. The Company is a pioneer in building infrastructure and standards to reinvent how service providers and customers efficiently navigate and complete housing transactions and services in China, ranging from existing and new home sales, home rentals, to home renovation and furnishing, and other services. The Company owns and operates Lianjia, Chinas leading real estate brokerage brand and an integral part of its Beike platform. With more than 23 years of operating experience through Lianjia since its inception in 2001, the Company believes the success and proven track record of Lianjia pave the way for it to build its infrastructure and standards and drive the rapid and sustainable growth of Beike. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute forward-looking statements 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. Beike 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 Hong Kong Stock Exchange), 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 KE Holdings Inc.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: Beikes goals and strategies; Beikes future business development, financial condition and results of operations; expected changes in the Companys revenues, costs or expenditures; Beikes ability to empower services and facilitate transactions on Beike platform; competition in the industry in which Beike operates; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the industry; Beikes ability to protect the Companys systems and infrastructures from cyber-attacks; Beikes dependence on the integrity of brokerage brands, stores and agents on the Companys platform; general economic and business conditions in China and globally; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in KE Holdings Inc.s filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and KE Holdings Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. For more information, please visit: https://investors.ke.com. For investor and media inquiries, please contact: In China: KE Holdings Inc. Investor Relations Siting Li E-mail: ir@ke.com Piacente Financial Communications Jenny Cai Tel: +86-10-6508-0677 E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com In the United States: Piacente Financial Communications Brandi Piacente Tel: +1-212-481-2050 E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com Source: KE Holdings Inc. ANN ARBOR, Mich., Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) ("Company" or "Kraig Labs"), a world leader in spider silk technology*, today announced that its two recently established rearing centers, located in the heart of one of Asia's leading silk-producing regions, have now completely replaced the Company's original Prodigy Textiles pilot facility as the center of production. Since opening the first of these two new rearing centers in early 2024, Kraig Labs has produced more recombinant spider silk than in all previous years of the Company's operations combined. These modern rearing centers provide an optimized production environment, combining advanced biotechnology with the region's unmatched sericulture expertise, favorable climate, and established infrastructure. Kraig Labs has already begun transferring equipment from its original pilot facility to the new commercial production centers, with the process expected to be completed by the end of August. The commercial production facilities will now be operated by the Companys wholly owned subsidiary, Prodigy Silk. The Prodigy Textile brand will remain active as a DBA of Kraig Labs. "This marks a major milestone for Kraig Labs," said Jon Rice, COO of Kraig Labs. "By moving all of our resources into these purpose-built rearing centers, we are achieving a key expansion objective for 2025, operating in one of the world's leading silk production locations. With the region's natural advantages and our cutting-edge science, we are creating the strongest platform yet to deliver the promise of recombinant spider silk to global markets." The establishment of these rearing centers is the culmination of nearly a decade of planning. With operations now anchored in one of the world's foremost silk-producing regions, Kraig Labs is taking a significant step forward in its mission to commercialize spider silk. 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. Delray Beach, FL, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global CAR T-cell Therapy market, valued at US$3.7 billion in 2023, stood at US$5.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to advance at a resilient CAGR of 39.6% from 2024 to 2029, culminating in a forecasted valuation of US$29.0 billion by the end of the period. This rapid acceleration underscores the convergence of critical factors: escalating cancer prevalence, robust funding pipelines, and significant technological advances in cell therapy. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=47772841 Transforming Cancer Care: What Is Driving This Growth? Cancer continues to represent one of the most pressing healthcare challenges worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million related deaths were reported in 2022, with projections estimating a 77% surge in cases by 2050. In this context, CAR T-cell therapy is emerging as a breakthrough solution, particularly in treating hematologic malignancies such as Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), which accounts for approximately 22% of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases in the United States alone. Why Now? Market Catalysts and Restraints The rising cancer incidence and advances in genetic engineering technologies are propelling adoption of CAR T-cell therapies globally. However, accessibility remains a critical challenge. With treatment costs often surpassing USD 350,000 per patient, driven by complex manufacturing processes, affordability and scalability continue to restrict widespread adoption. At the same time, expansion into solid tumors represents an untapped opportunity for the next wave of therapeutic breakthroughs, unlocking broader applications and market potential. Where Are the Opportunities Emerging? Asia Pacific is forecasted to deliver the highest CAGR between 2024 and 2029, fueled by increasing healthcare investments, growing cancer incidence, and supportive regulatory frameworks. While North America remains the largest market todaythanks to early adoption, robust infrastructure, and strong regulatory pathwaysemerging markets are expected to provide substantial long-term growth. Request Sample Pages : https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=47772841 Who Are the Market Leaders? The CAR T-cell therapy landscape is consolidated, with key players including Bristol-Myers Squibb (US), Gilead Sciences (US), Novartis AG (Switzerland), Johnson & Johnson (US), CARsgen Therapeutics (China), IASO Biotherapeutics (China), JW Therapeutics (China), ImmunoAct (India), CRISPR Therapeutics (Switzerland), Autolus Therapeutics (UK), Allogene Therapeutics (US), Cartesian Therapeutics (US), Guangzhou Bio-gene Technology (China), and Wugen (US). Notable recent developments highlight industry momentum: May 2024: The US FDA granted accelerated approval for Bristol Myers Squibbs BREYANZI in relapsed/refractory Follicular Lymphoma. April 2024: Bristol entered a global supply partnership with Cellares to scale CAR T manufacturing using its automated Cell Shuttle platform. January 2023: Gilead Sciences secured FDA approval for a manufacturing upgrade to YESCARTA, reducing turnaround time from 16 to 14 days. How Is the Market Shaping Strategically? YESCARTA (Gilead Sciences) continues to dominate product share, supported by early entry, brand strength, and process innovations. CD19-targeted therapies remain the most commercially successful, reflecting their pivotal role in treating B-cell malignancies. Hospitals serve as the largest end-user base, while the adult patient demographic represents the leading consumer segment. With expansion into solid tumors on the horizon and increasing automation in manufacturing, CAR T-cell therapies are positioned to shift from niche innovation to mainstream oncology treatment, redefining care models for cancer patients globally. Company and Market Insights Gilead Sciences: Strengthened by acquisitions and strategic collaborations, including an expanded partnership with Arcellx in 2023, Gilead maintains a strong pipeline and competitive positioning. Bristol-Myers Squibb: With USD 9.3 billion invested in R&D in 2023, the company demonstrates unwavering commitment to oncology innovation. Novartis: A pioneer in CAR T-cell therapy with Kymriahthe first FDA-approved CAR T therapyNovartis continues to leverage global reach and diversified distribution networks. For more information, Inquire Now! Discover Connected Healthcare Market Opportunities: Cell Therapy Technologies Market Gene Therapy Market Gene Editing Market Immunotherapy Drugs Market Cancer Vaccines Market Get access to the latest updates on Top Companies in CAR T-cell Therapy and CAR T-cell Therapy Market Size Ottawa, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Precedence Research, the global vehicle-to-grid technology market size accounted for USD 11.89 billion in 2026 and is estimated to grow from USD 17.43 billion in 2027 to approximately USD 49.75 billion by 2034. In terms of CAGR, the worldwide V2G technology market is growing at a double-digit compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.13% from 2025 to 2034. Driven by the rising adoption of electric vehicles and the growing demand for smart grid integration and renewable energy storage solutions. 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/1019 Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Market Overview What is a Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Market? The vehicle-to-grid technology market is an innovative solution to energy and transportation that allows electric vehicles to draw energy also feed it back to the grid. This incorporation has increased the stability of the grids, made it possible to use renewable energy, and generated economic advantages to consumers and utility providers. The V2G market is growing mostly due to the high rate of EV adoption across the globe, with the favourable government incentives and environmental policies. The growth in renewable energy integration needs, the surge in investments in smart grid infrastructure, and the energy storage systems necessities are boosting adoption. Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Market Key Insights: Europe accounted for the largest market share of 35.80% in 2024. By component type, the electric vehicle supply equipment segment contributed the largest market share of 83.13% in 2024. segment contributed the largest market share of 83.13% in 2024. By application, the battery electric vehicles (BEVs) segment generated the biggest market share of 63.89% in 2024. (BEVs) segment generated the biggest market share of 63.89% in 2024. By application, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) segment is expected to grow at a strong CAGR of 28.59% from 2025 to 2034. Latest Trends in the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology Market Large-Scale V2G Deployments Expansion of grid-capable electric vehicles in shared mobility and fleet operations. and fleet operations. Commercial rollouts of bi-directional EVs are accelerating in urban centers. Bidirectional Charging Becoming Standard Increasing adoption of bidirectional charging in new EV models. EVs are being used not just for mobility, but also as mobile energy storage. EVs as Home Batteries Households are beginning to use EVs to power homes during peak hours. Integration with residential solar systems is on the rise. Utility-Driven Load Management V2G is being used to stabilize grids under increasing EV load. Utilities are exploring time-of-use pricing and demand-response programs. Software & Grid Integration Advancements Surge in intelligent energy management systems. Software platforms are enabling seamless communication between EVs and grids. Infrastructure Development Growth in EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) tailored for V2G. Enhanced charging stations designed for two-way energy flow. Standardization & Interoperability Adoption of universal communication standards like ISO 15118. Push Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Market Opportunity Shift Towards Cleaner Energy Systems: The vehicle-to-grid technology market is graced with tremendous opportunities as global energy systems are being shifted toward cleaner and smarter energy systems. The increase in electricity demand and rapid urbanization, especially in the Asia Pacific, is spurring the growth and creation of a sustainable and steady supply of power. Policymakers and governments are also increasing support toward clean energy, and therefore, V2G systems are more likely to experience enhanced uptake. In the case of energy providers, it opens a new business world based on flexibility, energy storage, and demand response, with V2G serving as a key to the clean energy transition. Challenges in the Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Market High Upfront Prices: Although this approach has great potential, there are still several challenges identified that may impede the mass introduction of the V2G technology. The major disadvantage is the high upfront price of some components, required most notably the bidirectional chargers and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), and it is still costly to consumers as well as utility providers. Several car owners, repair firms, and stakeholders in the oil industry will resist such costs, hence delaying entry into the market. Issues of data safety and the so-called range anxiety, where drivers are afraid of running out of electricity in their cars, also contribute to the lack of adoption. Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Market Key Regional Analysis: How Big is the Europe Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Market? According to Precedence Research, the vehicle-to-grid technology drugs market size was valued at USD 129.80 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 28.05% from 2025 to 2034, reaching approximately USD 17.66 billion by 2034. The Full Study is Readily Available | Download the Sample Pages of this Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/sample/1019 How Did North America Dominate the Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Market? North America dominated the Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Market in 2024, due to the robust government efforts to shift towards the use of electric vehicles and minimize the emission of carbon. The exit of subsidies, taxes, and warranties granted by manufacturers in the long term has been an incentive to switch to EV with V2G. Advanced grid infrastructure and an increasing rate of renewable energy integration are central to the role of the U.S. and Canada. The region also has an established infrastructure of charging stations and an increasing number of ties between car manufacturers, utilities, and technological companies. North America is expected to experience a great deal of continuity over the forecast period with its continuous policy support, awareness among the masses, and technological preparedness of the region to adopt large-scale V2G. Europe experiences the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period, due to strict emission requirements and ambitious renewable energy plans. The policies of the European Union, insisting on its clean energy transition, the creation of funding opportunities allocated to promoting clean energy and carbon neutrality, are contributing to the faster adoption of EVs and V2G adoption. Germany can be distinguished by its intensive promotion of the renewable energy integration and grid stability, thus being one of the main V2G markets. The availability of major EV manufacturing brands, as well as the well-developed automotive industry, is also an advantage for fast growth in the market. Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Market Segmentation Analysis: Component Type Analysis Vehicle-To-Grid Technology Market Size (USD Million) By Component 2021 to 2023 Component 2021 2022 2023 Smart Meters 114.5 165.8 240.10 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) 1,467.00 2,150.30 3,154.10 Software 103.7 149.1 214.3 Home Energy Management (HEM) 88.6 126.7 181 The electric vehicle supply equipment segment dominated the vehicle-to-grid technology market in 2024. EVSE serves as the portal to the two-way flow of energy, and the charging can occur; the recouping of the stored energy to the grid can also be performed. This capability covers critical functions like load peak management, integration of renewable energy power sources, and backup power during power cuts. The increased rate of power generation with renewable sources of energy and the international movement towards the intelligent energy supply further accelerated the need for the high-tech EVSE. Moreover, the increasing adoption of EVs worldwide causes a greater need for scaled charging systems. Therefore, EVSE is the most significant and high-growth component segment in the V2G technology market. Application Type Insights The battery electric vehicles (BEVs) segment held the largest share in the vehicle-to-grid technology market in 2024, owing to their increasing use and availability around the world and their energy storage capacity. Their batteries will also have the potential as distributed energy storage systems and can sell excess stored energy to the grid during times of peak demand. This is used to perform such important functions as frequency control, peak-shaving, and renewable energy integration. The trend toward environmentally friendly mobility, the subsidizing of EV acquisition by the government, adds additional power to the BEV demand. BEVs are gradually becoming a focal point when it comes to demand-supply variability, thus further solidifying their position in the market as products of V2G technology. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) segment experiences the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. PHEVs are a compromise between the traditional powertrain and the electric one that enables drivers to enjoy both possible working powers, eliminating the fear of running out of power. The increasing popularity of PHEVs is due to their convenience, good price, and low costs of ownership compared to more purely electric vehicles. There are also positive government policies, an increase in investments in the charging systems, and growing awareness of sustainable motion that are catalyzing their use. With a growing number of consumers and fleets converting to hybrid-electric vehicles, PHEVs will become a major factor in encouraging V2G implementation around the globe. Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Market Leading Companies Nissan Motor Corporation Mitsubishi Motors Corporation NUVVE Corporation ENGIE Group OVO Energy Ltd Groupe Renault Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Recent Developments: In July 2025 , the Kerala State Electricity Board, V2G project was launched collaboratively with IIT Bombay, which is the first in India. This was implemented in two steps with the feasibility study and system development. The initiative promoted rooftop solar integration, peak-load control, and frequency regulation, and it was a world record in energy sustainability management. , the Kerala State Electricity Board, V2G project was launched collaboratively with IIT Bombay, which is the first in India. This was implemented in two steps with the feasibility study and system development. The initiative promoted rooftop solar integration, peak-load control, and frequency regulation, and it was a world record in energy sustainability management. In July 2025 , Ausgrid introduced a vehicle-to-grid solution for electric vehicles. The V2G system decreased the need to invest in expensive infrastructure transformation, the easy way of transporting energy, and the strengthening of the electric power grid during its peak. , Ausgrid introduced a vehicle-to-grid solution for electric vehicles. The V2G system decreased the need to invest in expensive infrastructure transformation, the easy way of transporting energy, and the strengthening of the electric power grid during its peak. In June 2025, BYD joined with Octopus Energy to launch the first V2G bundle in the UK. The tariff was bundled with the package of a bidirectional Zaptec Pro charger and a leased BYD Dolphin. It offered grid stabilization, predictable monthly pricing, in addition to home charging being free or discounted. Case Study: Nissan LEAF and NUVVEs Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Deployment in Denmark Nissan, one of the global leaders in electric vehicles, partnered with NUVVE Corporation and the Danish utility company Energinet to pioneer one of the worlds first large-scale vehicle-to-grid projects. The initiative focused on demonstrating how electric vehicles (EVs) could be transformed into mobile energy storage units that support grid stability, while also providing economic benefits to EV owners. Implementation: The pilot project involved deploying a fleet of Nissan LEAF EVs , each equipped with bidirectional charging technology . , each equipped with . The vehicles were connected to NUVVEs Grid Integrated Vehicle Platform (GIVe) , which allowed real-time communication between EVs and the power grid. , which allowed real-time communication between EVs and the power grid. EVs discharged stored energy back into the grid during peak demand and recharged during off-peak hours. Outcomes & Benefits: Grid Stabilization: The system provided frequency regulation services to the Danish grid, helping balance fluctuations caused by renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Economic Advantage: EV owners earned compensation from Energinet for supplying stored energy, effectively reducing the total cost of vehicle ownership. Scalability: The project demonstrated the scalability of V2G technology, showing how EV fleets could act as a distributed energy resource (DER) on a national scale. Environmental Impact: By leveraging renewable energy storage, the program contributed to Denmarks clean energy transition strategy. Key Learning: This case study highlighted that consumer participation and supportive utility policies are critical for V2G adoption. It also demonstrated that integrating V2G with renewables can reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based peaker plants, cutting carbon emissions. Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Market Segments Covered in the Report By Component Type Smart Meters Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Software Home Energy Management (HEM) By Application Type Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) By Region North America Latin America Europe Asia-pacific Middle and East 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. Immediate Delivery Available | Buy This Premium Research Report@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/checkout/1019 You can place an order or ask any questions, please feel free to contact at sales@precedenceresearch.com | +1 804 441 9344 Stay Ahead with Precedence Research Subscriptions Unlock exclusive access to powerful market intelligence, real-time data, and forward-looking insights, tailored to your business. From trend tracking to competitive analysis, our subscription plans keep you informed, agile, and ahead of the curve. Browse Our Subscription Plans@ https://www.precedenceresearch.com/get-a-subscription About Us Precedence Research is a worldwide market research and consulting organization. We give an unmatched nature of offering to our customers present all around the globe across industry verticals. Precedence Research has expertise in giving deep-dive market insight along with market intelligence to our customers spread crosswise over various undertakings. 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 Related Topics You May Find Useful: U.S. Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Market : Track utility pilots, policy incentives, and bidirectional charging revenue models Vehicle Control Unit Market : See how centralized E/E architectures and domain controllers are reshaping EV performance and cost Electric Vehicle Charging Station Market : Analyze rollout of fast/ultrafast networks, home charging, and interoperability rules Electric Car Market : Understand adoption curves, price parity, incentives, and new model pipelines Electric Vehicle Motor Market : Discover how PMSM vs. induction designs compete on efficiency, cost, and rare-earth strategies Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Market : Explore grid upgrades, publicprivate investments, and uptime/maintenance standards Second-Life Electric Vehicle Batteries Market : Evaluate reuse in stationary storage, revenue streams, and evolving safety regulations Low-Speed Electric Vehicle Market : Gain insight into campus, industrial, and neighborhood applications and shifting homologation rules Electric Vehicle Sensor Market : Discover traction, BMS, thermal, and ADAS sensing thats driving semiconductor demand Vehicle Electrification Market : Assess 48V, hybrid, PHEV, and BEV pathways and supplier opportunities across the drivetrain On-Board Charger Market : Follow higher-power architectures, SiC adoption, and bidirectional V2G/V2H readiness Electrification Market : Examine cross-industry transitions in transport, buildings, and industry under policy tailwinds Electric Vehicle Charging Cables Market : Compare liquid-cooled HPC lines, connector standards (CCS/NACS), and safety compliance HAMILTON, Ontario, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council, in partnership with a wide network of community sponsors, is proud to host the annual Operation Backpack initiative, providing local students with backpacks filled with essential school supplies to help them succeed in the classroom. WHAT: Operation Backpack WHEN: Aug. 27, 2025, 9 a.m. WHERE: United Steelworkers Centre, 1031 Barton St. E., Hamilton WHO: Volunteers from United Steelworkers, community groups, local businesses Packing Day will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the United Steelworkers Centre, 1031 Barton St. E., Hamilton. Volunteers from Steelworkers local unions, community groups and local businesses will gather to assemble hundreds of backpacks for distribution to children across Hamilton. Operation Backpack is about making sure no child in our community starts the school year at a disadvantage, said Darren Green, President of the Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council. Its a shining example of what happens when unions, local businesses and community members work together for a common goal helping our kids. This year we will be delivering over 1,800 backpacks to 48 schools with 500 being handed out by St. Matthews House, Green said. Since its launch in Hamilton in 2009, Operation Backpack has grown into a highly anticipated annual event, ensuring that financial barriers dont prevent children from having the supplies they need to learn, grow and thrive. Each backpack includes items like notebooks, pencils, crayons and other age-appropriate school tools. The initiative is made possible through the generous support of many local unions, businesses and individuals who contribute funds, supplies and volunteer time. Together, they demonstrate the power of collective action in building a stronger, more-inclusive community. Members of the media are invited to attend Packing Day to capture the community spirit in action, speak with volunteers and hear stories about the impact of Operation Backpack on local families. Media contact: Darren Green, President, Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council, 289-260-9157, hamiltonsteel@live.com Vancouver, BC, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spirit Blockchain Capital Inc. (CSE: SPIR) (Spirit Blockchain or the Company), a leader in digital asset and blockchain investment, seeks to provide an update on recent early warning filings and trading activity. As part of its commitment to transparency and market integrity, the Company has proactively contacted the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organisation (CIRO) regarding recent trading activity in the Companys shares. Spirit Blockchain is reviewing the activity and its impact on the stock price to ensure investors continue to benefit from a fair and orderly marketplace. On August 15, 2025, an early warning report and early warning news release (the Filings) were filed by Gabriela Hunkeler disclosing her disposition of a portion of her shareholdings in the Company. Ms. Hunkeler has advised the Company that the disposition by way of gift described in the Filings was undertaken as part of personal estate and succession planning. The Company is advised that Ms. Hunkeler continues to hold a meaningful stake in the Companys shares, which she has held since the Companys IPO. Ms. Hunkeler remains closely aligned with the Companys long-term strategy and vision, and her involvement as an early and enduring reflects continued confidence in the Companys growth and innovation trajectory. About Spirit Blockchain Capital Inc. Spirit Blockchain Capital Inc. is a Canadian and Swiss-based public company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol SPIR. Through its regulated subsidiaries and proprietary digital platform, Spirit provides investors with compliant, diversified access to digital assets, tokenized securities, and institutional blockchain infrastructure. The Companys flagship platform, SpiritLinQ, is designed to enable the issuance, management, and distribution of tokenized financial products within a regulated and transparent framework. For More Information Lewis Bateman, CEO Email: info@spiritblockchain.com Visit: www.spiritblockchain.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words expect, anticipate, continue, estimate, objective, may, will, project, should, believe, plans, intends and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Factors that could materially affect such forward-looking information are described under the heading Risk Factors in the Companys long-form prospectus dated August 8, 2022, that is available on the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents managements best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this press release. NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via InvestorWire -- Octane, an innovative organization building the SoCal of Tomorrow by connecting people, resources, and capital to fuel technology growth in Southern California, is pleased to announce that the Octane Cardiovascular Tech Forum 2025 (CTF) will be held on September 1112, 2025, at VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa, 900 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660. A cornerstone of Octanes Innovation Event Series, the Cardiovascular Tech Forum brings together entrepreneurs, investors, physicians, and industry leaders to accelerate breakthroughs in cardiovascular health. The 2025 edition will highlight the latest in interventional cardiology, digital health, imaging, and life-saving medical devices while providing unparalleled networking opportunities that foster strategic partnerships and investment. The event will feature a keynote address from Dr. John B. Simpson, PhD, MD, a pioneering interventional cardiologist, entrepreneur, and inventor of the over-the-wire balloon angioplasty catheter, a device that revolutionized cardiovascular care. Dr. Simpson has founded seven successful companies, including Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Devices for Vascular Intervention, and Perclose, each acquired by leading strategics such as Abbott and Boston Scientific. His groundbreaking contributions have been recognized with the ESC Andreas Gruentzig Award, the TCT Lifetime Achievement Award, and the National Academy of Engineerings Russ Prize. CTF 2025 Program Highlights include: Innovation Panels: Exploring cutting-edge technologies and clinical research to advance cardiovascular treatment. Exclusive Physician & Entrepreneur Workshop (Partnership Pursuit): Opportunities for physicians, advisors, and executives to engage directly with high-growth companies. Octane Capital & Growth Presentations: Presentations to investors, key strategics, and physicians from highly vetted companies driving new innovative technology in the cardiovascular space. Networking Sessions: Facilitated discussions and receptions designed to connect strategics, investors, entrepreneurs, and physicians shaping the future of cardiovascular health. The Cardiovascular Tech Forum Committee is chaired by Arshad Quadri, MD, Executive Chairman & CMO of inQB8 Medical Technologies, and includes senior leaders from Edwards Lifesciences, Cathworks, Knobbe Martens, University of California Irvine, Hoag Hospital, and Nidus Biomedical. Their collective expertise ensures a comprehensive agenda reflecting the dynamic landscape of cardiovascular innovation. Octanes Cardiovascular Tech Forum is a vital platform for bringing together the brightest minds and the most promising technologies in cardiovascular health, said Bill Carpou, CEO of Octane. With global challenges and opportunities ahead, this forum is designed to accelerate solutions that will redefine patient outcomes and strengthen the healthcare ecosystem. Event Details: When: September 1112, 2025 | 7:00 AM 6:30 PM Where: VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa, Newport Beach, California To register for Octanes Cardiovascular Tech Forum 2025, please visit: https://www.octane-oc.org/event/CTF/summary About Octane Octane fosters a future-focused ecosystem of tech and medtech companies across Southern California by connecting people, resources, and capital. Octanes mission is to drive innovation and growth by facilitating the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and resources that fuel the growth and development of Southern Californias tech and medtech industries. Octane impacts the community through LaunchPad, a top-performing accelerator, Octane Capital & Growth, a platform to provide companies with capital and growth resources, Ignite Series, in person and on-demand leading content and events, and Octane Foundation for Innovation, focused on furthering our mission while advancing diversity and inclusiveness. Learn more at www.octaneoc.org About IBN IBN is a cutting-edge communications and digital engagement platform providing tailored Platform Solutions for select private and public companies. Over the course of 18+ years, IBN has introduced over 65+ investor facing brands to the investment public and amassed a collective audience of millions of social media followers. These distinctive investor brands amplify recognition and reach as well as help fulfill the unique needs of our rapidly growing and diverse base of client-partners. IBN will continue to expand our branded network of influential properties as well as leverage the energy and experience of our team of professionals to best serve our clients. IBNs Platform Solutions provide access to: (1) our Dynamic Brand Portfolio (DBP) through 65+ investor facing brands; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets; (3) full-scale distribution to a growing social media audience; (4) a network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to effectively reach target markets and demographics; (5) Press Release Enhancement to ensure accuracy and impact; (6) a full array of corporate communications solutions; and (7) total news coverage solutions. For more information, please visit https://www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the InvestorBrandNetwork website applicable to all content provided by IBN, wherever published or re-published: http://IBN.fm/Disclaimer Corporate Communications IBN Los Angeles, California www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com 310.299.1717 Office Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via InvestorWire -- The National Investment Banking Association (NIBA) announces it is hosting its 151st Investment Conference on Sept. 16-17, 2025, at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. NIBA conferences are industry flagship events in the financial services sector owing to their in-demand offerings and highly professional events optimized for productivity, innovation, and synergistic collaboration. At the upcoming 151st Investment Conference, attendees will include registered investment advisors, private equity groups, family offices, investment bankers, broker-dealers, specialized investment brokerages, venture capital groups, fund managers, investors, and industry service providers. Conference attendees and presenting companies can find registration details for the upcoming event at the following link: https://nibanet.org/attendee-registration-and-information/ During the conference, participating companies will deliver concise 10-minute elevator pitches to seasoned investment professionals, providing an overview of current business operations, exciting sector opportunities, barriers to entry, potential challenges, and roadmaps to success. These presentations will be followed by insightful 1-on-1 meetings which enable investors to delve deeper into companies of interest while parties can assess potential compatibility for lasting partnerships. Emily Foshee, NIBA Executive Director, said, Now in our fifth decade, we at NIBA are very proud of our impactful work in fostering partnerships between seasoned investors and management teams. Through our history, we have developed an incredible network of thousands of investment professionals representing over 60 key industry services. By leveraging this unique platform, NIBA has been instrumental in helping companies to navigate in a variety of business environments. We look forward to interacting with attendees at the conference and further strengthening cross-industry bonds. Kindly visit the National Investment Banking Association website to register for the event, and information on sponsorship queries . About National Investment Banking Association (NIBA) Since 1982, The National Investment Banking Association (NIBA) has been a not-for-profit association for the micro-cap and small-cap investment community and has hosted 150 investment conferences featuring public and private micro-cap and small-cap companies seeking access to the financial industry. NIBAs network has a 40-year track record of successfully completing thousands of transactions totaling over $100 billion in new capital for emerging growth companies, are responsible for 90% of all IPOs under $20 million and represent over 60 key industries. Event Contact: National Investment Banking Association 422 Chesterfield Road Bogart, GA 30622 706.208.9620 Office emily@nibanet.org https://nibanet.org Delray Beach, FL, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to MarketsandMarkets, the global Digital Workplace Market size is projected to grow from USD 67.57 billion in 2025 to USD 161.82 billion by 2030 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.1% during the forecast period. Browse in-depth TOC on "Digital Workplace Market" 349 - Tables 70 - Figures 385 - Pages Download Report Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=81457101 Digital Workplace Market Dynamics Drivers The shift toward hybrid and remote work models Growing demand for enhanced employee experience Increased adoption of cloud platforms and SaaS tools Rise in digital transformation initiatives Cost optimization and improved productivity Restraints Data privacy and security concerns Resistance to change and technology adoption among workers Opportunities Encourages IT providers to use data-driven strategies for productivity and satisfaction Digital workplace providers leverage telemetry and AI for continuous experience tracking List of Top Companies in Digital Workplace Market Atos (France) Cognizant (US) IBM (US) Wipro (India) TCS (India) Infosys (India) DXC Technology (US) Accenture (Ireland) Capgemini (France) Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=81457101 The digital workplace market is experiencing rapid growth driven by rising demand for improved employee experience and rapid adoption of cloud platforms and SaaS tools. Organizations are prioritizing seamless, user-friendly digital environments to boost employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction. Businesses are increasingly moving away from legacy systems to cloud-based workplace models that support hybrid work, enable real-time collaboration, and simplify IT service delivery. Companies are also deploying AI-powered service desks and automation to reduce response times and improve support efficiency, making the workplace more responsive and employee-focused. Trend: AI-driven Employee Experience Platforms AI-driven employee experience platforms are reshaping how organizations support their workforce by delivering personalized, intelligent services. Infosys, through its Infosys Wingspan platform, leverages AI to provide customized learning paths, foster collaboration, and offer performance insights tailored to employee roles and goals. TCS has developed Ignio, an AI-led cognitive automation solution that helps streamline employee services, from IT support to HR workflows. These platforms analyze behavioral data to recommend actions that improve productivity and well-being. For instance, Infosys uses AI-powered tools to proactively address employee concerns, enhancing satisfaction and retention. This reflects a growing shift toward intelligent, experience-centric workplace services. Digital workplace market in the US The digital workplace market in the US is evolving rapidly as enterprises shift toward hybrid work models and cloud-first strategies. Large organizations across industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing are investing in digital workplace services to enhance collaboration, streamline IT support, and improve employee engagement. In May 2024, TCS expanded its Smart Workplace offerings for US clients, integrating AI-driven service desks and personalized digital experience monitoring. Infosys has also deepened its presence in the US through localized digital transformation hubs, helping enterprises modernize employee services using cloud and analytics. Enterprises are increasingly focusing on experience-level agreements (XLAs) rather than traditional service-level agreements (SLAs), emphasizing employee satisfaction and productivity. The growing demand for seamless digital onboarding, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), and enterprise mobility is pushing service providers to deliver more tailored and responsive workplace solutions. This transformation reflects how US businesses are rethinking workforce enablement and digital service delivery. By organization size, the SMEs segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have become the most active consumers of digital workplace services as they require scalable and economically viable services to support the dynamic business requirements. SMEs do not have as many legacy systems as large enterprises, so they can be more responsive to cloud-based digital workplace tools. Remote collaboration, endpoint management, and security without the burden of operating complex in-house IT systems are becoming top priorities for these organizations. The SMEs are being pursued by vendors with streamlined service packages that encompass a unified communication platform, device provisioning, support services, and employee experience tools, and they are provided as managed services. It is attractive because of predictable pricing, rapid implementation, and the ability to scale services as business needs increase or workforce models change. Providers who provide localized services and industry-specific customization are also valued by SMEs, particularly within retail, professional services, and education markets. With digital workplace solutions becoming increasingly modular and service-driven, SMEs enjoy the same functionality previously available to large enterprises, including automated help desks, monitoring on experience levels, and cloud desktops. Inquire Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=81457101 By vertical, the BFSI segment is estimated to have the largest market share during the global forecast. The BFSI sector leads the digital workplace services market due to its focus on modernization, security, and employee-centric transformation. In April 2024, Wipro implemented an AI-powered digital workplace platform for Allianz, a leading European insurance company, automating over 60% of IT helpdesk interactions and streamlining service delivery. Cognizant partnered with BlackRock in June 2024 to deploy a cloud-native virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and intelligent automation, enhancing secure remote access for investment teams across regions. IBM collaborated with BNP Paribas in January 2025 to implement its digital workplace framework integrated with Watson AI, significantly reducing incident resolution times and delivering predictive insights on IT asset utilization. These examples show how BFSI firms are actively investing in scalable and intelligent digital workplace ecosystems to support remote operations, maintain compliance, and boost workforce efficiency. Opportunity: Integration with digital twin and IoT technologies The integration of digital twin and IoT technologies presents a significant opportunity in the digital workplace services market, particularly for industries seeking real-time operational insights. In March 2025, TCS collaborated with Siemens to implement a digital workplace solution integrated with digital twin models for a major European automotive manufacturer. This enabled remote monitoring of production lines and predictive maintenance using IoT sensor data. Infosys, in partnership with PTC, deployed an IoT-enabled smart workplace solution in January 2024 for a global energy enterprise, connecting employee devices with industrial assets to improve workspace efficiency and safety. HCLTech has also partnered with IBM to offer digital twin-powered workplace solutions that simulate facility usage and support proactive infrastructure management. These collaborations demonstrate how technology and service providers are combining strengths to build intelligent workplace environments that are more adaptive, predictive, and efficient, marking a shift toward experiential and insight-driven employee ecosystems. Get access to the latest updates on Digital Workplace Companies and Digital Workplace Industry Winterthur, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Winterthur, Zurich - August 26, 2025 - OMN, a leader in digital marketing, is shaking things up with its new AI-driven solutions set to change how businesses operate in Switzerland. These innovative tools help companies streamline operations and improve how they connect with customers by using advanced AI. Adopting these solutions allows companies to fine-tune their marketing strategies for better efficiency and accuracy. For a comprehensive overview of their offerings in AI marketing, visit the company's site at www.omniederer.ch. Additionally, to learn more about accessing these services, interested parties can visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/CdPH8ceRniNJWm8W6. The use of AI in marketing strategies marks a significant shift, offering businesses a chance to rethink how they interact with clients. In today's digital landscape, navigating effectively is key. With AI, OMN can bring about a level of efficiency and customer engagement that is unprecedented, and this equips businesses with the tools they need to thrive. OMN also highlights adaptability in its innovations, allowing businesses of all sizes to customize their strategies to meet their unique needs and goals. This adaptability ensures that both large and small companies can leverage AI's benefits to enhance their operations and reach more people. For more insights, visit https://www.pressadvantage.com/story/79386-omn-revolutionizes-ai-marketing-in-switzerland-with-next-gen-digital-solutions. A standout feature of these AI offerings is their strong analytics capabilities. Businesses gain access to detailed analytics that reveal customer behaviors and enable better trend forecasting. This data-driven approach allows companies to make informed decisions, optimizing their operations and gaining a competitive edge. Focusing on usable data, companies can craft strategies that not only save time but also effectively capture market share and improve customer experiences. OMN knows that understanding data is instrumental in today's competitive market. Their tools deliver profound insights that drive strategic growth. Making advanced analytics easily accessible allows businesses to make decisions that propel impactful and sustainable advancement. In short, introducing AI-driven marketing by OMN is a major advancement for businesses in Switzerland. Their strategic integration of AI is designed to redefine business strategies by revealing insights into customer needs and market behaviors. By helping companies make better-informed decisions, OMN supports sustainable growth and success. In today's rapidly changing digital world, companies need partners like OMN, which offers reliable solutions to keep up with the fast pace of technology. Through these AI-enhanced tools, OMN sets a new standard in marketing solutions, promising businesses the means to reach their goals with better precision and efficiency. Whether improving existing strategies or creating new ones, OMN is a crucial partner in the journey toward business excellence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmIGhCvnUt4 OMN is committed to providing practical, scalable solutions tailored to businesses' changing needs. As the digital landscape evolves, OMN ensures its solutions are forward-looking, encouraging both growth and adaptation. For a more detailed look at OMN's offerings, visit https://www.omniederer.ch. ### For more information about OMN | Next Gen SEO & KI-Marketing Schweiz, contact the company here: OMN | Next Gen SEO & KI-Marketing Schweiz E. Niederer hello@omniederer.ch 8400 Winterthur Switzerland Hingham, MA, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MAJC, the digital community and software company built for hospitality professionals, has launched new dedicated content to better support restaurant owners, operators, and chefs. The new focus areas include HR and finance, with mental health and sustainability set to follow in the coming months. Logo of MAJC overlaying a community of people Each concentration brings expert-led sessions, actionable templates, and real-world strategies into the MAJC Community, allowing members to focus on the areas that matter most to running a successful hospitality business. Were creating the kind of support system I wish I had as an operator, said chef Matt Jennings, co-founder of MAJC. This industry doesnt need more noise. It needs clarity, connection, and people whove actually been through it. MAJCs Expert Sessions feature hospitality leaders, HR professionals, and financial strategists offering direct, tactical help to community members. Recent sessions have included: Hopdov on hiring, wage transparency, and workplace culture Snow + Blair on labor strategy, cash flow, and restaurant finance fundamentals In addition to live events, the Community includes a growing library of downloadable tools, including checklists, templates, and recommended systems operators can use right away. MAJCs platform stands apart because its grounded in reality, not theory. Every conversation, session, and tool inside the community is designed for real operators solving real problems. No fluff. No filler. Just honest, expert-backed support from people whove lived it. MAJC was founded by chef Matt Jennings and tech entrepreneur Andy Coughlin, combining deep industry experience with smart, human-centered technology. The platform continues to grow with input from its community of hospitality professionals nationwide. Join the community or learn more at www.majc.ai. https://majc.ai About MAJC MAJC is the first platform built specifically for the hospitality industry, combining community, education, and smart tools to help teams hire well, grow their skills, and stay motivated. Press inquiries MAJC https://majc.ai Andy Coughlin andy@majc.ai Chicago, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Indonesia generator market was valued at US$ 679.46 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 1,757.70 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 9.09% during the forecast period 20252035. Indonesia's commitment to national development is a primary catalyst for the generator sector. The government's formidable investment of approximately USD 430 billion in infrastructure between 2021 and 2024 is creating immense demand. In 2023 alone, 49 new infrastructure projects were planned, highlighting a continuous pipeline of opportunities. These projects are a mix of 33 Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and 16 non-PPP initiatives. The sheer scale of development is evident in the specifics; the PPP projects included 18 in the road sector and one dedicated to electricity, all requiring dependable power sources during and after construction. Industrial activity is also surging. Download Sample Pages: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/request-sample/indonesia-generator-market Domestic steel consumption is projected to hit 22.7 million tons in 2024, a clear indicator of manufacturing and construction growth that directly impacts the Indonesia generator market. Major urban developments, such as a 10-hectare land acquisition in Jakarta under the 20202024 National Medium-Term Development Plan, further underscore the need for onsite power generation. The government's "Making Indonesia 4.0" vision to modernize its industrial base positively influences demand, while state-owned PT PLN's program to replace or convert 5,200 diesel power plants signals a significant market shift. Indonesia Generator Market Market Forecast (2035) US$ 1,757.70 million CAGR 9.09% By Power Band 10002000 kVA (23.86%) By Type Diesel Generator (73.68%) By Mobility Stationary (84.28%) By Power Rating < 600 kW (27.53%) Top Drivers Persistent grid instability creates a critical need for backup power. Massive state investment in infrastructure and industrial expansion fuels demand. Rapid growth of data centers and the digital economy. Top Trends Rising adoption of hybrid generators integrated with renewable energy sources. Increasing demand for smart gensets with remote monitoring and control. Growing popularity of rental solutions for flexible, project-based power. Top Challenges High operational costs due to fluctuating, unsubsidized diesel prices. Navigating complex and evolving licensing and environmental permit regulations. Increasing competition from decentralized renewable energy and battery storage solutions. Urbanization and Digital Transformation Fueling Critical Need For Uninterrupted Power Solutions The commercial sector's expansion is another powerful engine driving the generator market forward. As Indonesia's cities grow, so does the construction of commercial real estate. In 2024, Jakarta has nearly 700,000 square meters of office space currently under construction. Each of these new buildings will require robust backup power systems to ensure business continuity, creating a substantial order book for diesel generator units. The digital economy is expanding at an even more startling pace. Projections show its transaction value reaching an astounding USD 130 billion by 2025. A explosive growth fuels the construction of data centers, facilities that absolutely depend on uninterrupted power and, therefore, high-capacity generators. For large office complexes and modern skyscrapers, diesel generators in the 2,000 kVA to 2,500 kVA range are considered the ideal solution to meet their extensive power needs. Even specialized commercial facilities, exemplified by the new 14,700-square-foot e-fishery office in Bandung, contribute to a diverse and growing demand for reliable power solutions across the nation. Reliable Backup Power Driving Indonesias Digital Expansion and Network Modernization Beyond large-scale industrial and commercial applications, the telecommunications and residential sectors represent a foundational demand base for the generator market. The reliability of the national grid can be inconsistent, making generators a vital asset for homes and small businesses that cannot afford disruptions. In the telecom sphere, the government's push for modernization is creating new opportunities. The Ministry of Communication and Informatics is prioritizing a nationwide 5G network rollout, starting with six provincial capitals on Java Island and the new national capital. Each new telecom tower built becomes a point of demand for a backup generator, especially in rural and off-grid locations where power supply is less stable. Telecom towers have become a significant and consistent source of demand for diesel gensets, ensuring that Indonesias expanding digital communication network remains operational around the clock. A trend is crucial for connecting the archipelago and powering its digital future. Diverse Power Requirements Shaping A Multi-Faceted and Segmented Market Landscape Now The Indonesia generator market is not a monolithic entity; it is highly segmented by power rating, reflecting the varied needs of its end-users. At the high end, the market for diesel gensets with ratings above 750 kVA is experiencing steady and robust growth. A demand is fueled by heavy industries like manufacturing, mining, and large-scale construction projects that require substantial power. In 2023, the 351-1000 kVA segment held a dominant market position, representing a sweet spot for a wide range of industrial and large commercial applications. However, in terms of sheer volume, the 5 kVA75 kVA category leads the market. A dominance is due to its affordability and high demand from the residential sector, small commercial enterprises, and telecom tower sites. Leading companies are innovating to meet these specialized needs. For instance, KOHLER Co. has introduced advanced enclosures for its industrial generators with ratings of 2,000 kW and above, specifically targeting the critical power needs of the rapidly growing data center industry. Diesel Dominance Meets A Growing Appetite For Cleaner and Greener Alternatives When analyzed by fuel type, the market reveals a dynamic interplay between established technologies and emerging alternatives. Diesel generators continue to be the backbone of the industry, commanding the highest revenue share in Indonesia's power rental market in 2024. Their reliability and established service networks make them the preferred choice for many. However, a significant shift is underway. The Indonesian gas generator market is poised for considerable expansion, driven by a national push for cleaner energy sources and more favorable economics. The government is supporting this transition; as of 2024, Indonesia's subsidized gas price for seven key industrial sectors is attractively set at USD 6 per MMBTU. A policy actively encourages industries to adopt gas-powered generators. Furthermore, the government's promotion of biodiesel blending allows for a greener application of existing diesel generator technology. A competitive landscape of the Indonesia generator market is populated by global titans. The gas generator segment features leaders like Cummins, Caterpillar Inc., and Wartsila Corporation, while the diesel market includes Cummins Inc., Caterpillar Inc., and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. Leading Brands Drive Fierce Competition in Indonesias Portable Generator Market Segment The portable generator segment of the market has its own unique set of leaders and dynamics. An area is fiercely competitive, with major brands like Honda, Yamaha, Mitsubishi, and Denyo vying for market share. Honda has carved out a dominant position, particularly with its popular and reliable EU series of portable generators. Yamaha, meanwhile, has successfully built a strong and loyal customer base in Indonesia's vast rural areas, providing essential power where the grid is often unreliable or nonexistent. Mitsubishi targets a different audience, focusing its heavy-duty portable generators on the demanding commercial and industrial sectors, where durability and high performance are paramount. In contrast, Denyo has specialized in a niche market, producing smaller portable generators that are perfectly designed for residential backup, leisure activities, and small-scale applications. A diverse competitive field ensures that consumers across all segments have access to products tailored to their specific power needs and budgets. Indonesias Expanding Power Equipment Trade Shows Strong Growth and Shifting Import Trends Indonesia's role in the global power generation equipment trade is evolving, with promising projections for the near future. The nation is not just a consumer but also an increasingly important producer and exporter in the generator market. Forecasts indicate that exports of electric generators from Indonesia will experience healthy growth, reaching a projected value of $16.075 million by the year 2026. Conversely, the value of electric generator imports into the country is expected to see a slight decline, settling at an anticipated $25.5 million by 2026. This trend suggests a strengthening of local manufacturing capabilities and a move towards greater self-sufficiency in certain market segments. Placing these figures in a broader context, Indonesia's total exports in January 2025 were valued at US$21.45 billion against total imports of US$18.00 billion. A positive trade balance reflects the nation's robust economic health, which underpins the continued growth of the Indonesia generator market. Unlocking Flexible Power Solutions and Identifying Key Geographic Growth Demand Centers The power rental market in Indonesia offers a vital and flexible solution for businesses with temporary or fluctuating power requirements. A sector is thriving, valued at approximately USD 6.8 billion in 2024, and is on a strong upward trajectory. Within a rental space, the 750.1 to 1000 kVA diesel genset segment is expected to witness the highest revenue growth in the coming years, driven by short-term infrastructure and construction projects. Geographically, demand is concentrated in the nation's economic powerhouses. The islands of Java and Sumatra stand out as the leading regions for diesel genset demand, a direct result of their high concentration of industrial estates and bustling commercial activities. Key urban centers like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung are crucial commercial hubs fueling a constant need for reliable backup power. Simultaneously, new pockets of demand are emerging, driven by the expansion of telecom infrastructure in areas like Surabaya, Sulawesi, and the Papua islands, further broadening the geographic scope of the Indonesia generator market. Need a Customized Version? Request It Now: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ask-for-customization/indonesia-generator-market Forecasting The Long-Term Energy Needs Of A Rapidly Advancing Indonesian Economy The long-term outlook for the Indonesia generator market is exceptionally bright, anchored by the nation's escalating energy requirements. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources projects a sustained annual electricity demand growth rate of between 4.8% and 5.2% for the period from 2023 to 2060. The sheer scale of this growth is staggering. Total power demand, which stood at 363-377 TWh in 2023, is forecasted to surge dramatically to a range between 1,846 and 2,152 TWh by 2060. Near-term projections are equally robust, with forecasts indicating that annual on-grid electricity demand will reach 445 TWh by 2030. These figures illustrate a fundamental reality: as Indonesia's economy continues to expand and modernize, its appetite for electricity will grow exponentially. A persistent gap between grid capacity and peak demand will ensure that generators remain an indispensable component of the nation's energy infrastructure for decades to come, guaranteeing a vibrant and dynamic future for all players in the market. Indonesia Generator Market Major Players: Cummins Aksa Power Indonesia Brilltech Engineers Pvt PT Conductorjasa Suryapersada HONDA POWER PRODUCTS INDONESIA PT. Triguna Karya Nusantara Dunia Tehnik Other Prominent Players List of Distributors/Suppliers PT Interjaya Surya Megah Real Genset Pt. Wahyu Tehnik Utama Berkat Manunggal Energi (BME) Other Prominent Players Market Segmentation: By Power Band <75 kVA 75-375 kVA 375-750 kVA 750~1000 kVA 1000~2000 kVA 2000~3000 kVA 3000~4000 kVA 4000+ kVA By Type Diesel Generator Gas Generator Hybrid Generator Battery Generator Others (e.g., Biofuel, Solar Backup) By Application Standby Prime/Continuous Peak Shaving By Emission High-Emission Generators (CO, NO, SO, CO) Moderate-Emission Generators (CO, NO, CH, CO) Low to Zero-Emission Generators (HO, negligible CO) By Prime Power Rating < 600 kW 600-800 kW 800-1600 kW >1600 kW By Mobility Stationary Portable By Phase Single Phase Three Phase By Cooling System Air-Cooled Generator Liquid-Cooled Generator By Power Generation Technology Conventional Generators Inverter Generators By End User Residential Commercial Retail & Shopping Centers Hospitality (Hotels & Restaurants) Office Buildings & Business Parks Education Institutions Others Industrial Mining Manufacturing Others Infrastructure Healthcare Data Centers Others By Distribution Channel Direct Sales Distributors/Dealers Online Retail Rental Companies Understand the Report in Depth Schedule a Guided Walkthrough: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/report-walkthrough/indonesia-generator-market About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements. With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace. Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@astuteanalytica.com Website: https://www.astuteanalytica.com/ Follow us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube ASHEVILLE, N.C., Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premier Sothebys International Realty has announced a strategic realignment of its North Carolina marketing support structure, reinforcing its commitment to delivering refined, on-demand marketing services tailored to the needs of its global advisors. As part of this initiative, the company has appointed Hunter Parrish as senior advisor marketing specialist for its Asheville and Western North Carolina offices, including Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone and Linville Ridge. The company has appointed Chris Krauss as a marketing specialist for the Charlotte metro area. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. This enhanced structure is led by Jessica Johnson, North Carolina senior marketing director, who oversees a regionally embedded team of marketing professionals. Together with Chris Krauss in Charlotte and Hunter Parrish serving advisors in the western North Carolina market, the realignment ensures localized execution and elevated marketing support. As dedicated, regional support team members, Parrish and Krauss provide high-touch advisor support in their respective markets. They are further backed by Premier Sothebys International Realtys marketing team of nearly 30 professionals whose expertise spans digital strategy, creative services, public relations and campaign execution. Our global advisors deserve a marketing experience that is as elevated as the properties they represent, said Kathy Forrester, chief marketing officer of Premier Sothebys International Realty. By evolving our structure and appointing highly experienced marketing support specialists with deep market knowledge like Hunter Parrish, we have answered the call to deliver exceptional, responsive and results-driven service across North Carolina. Parrish brings nearly seven years of marketing experience in real estate, working with a local brokerage. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in marketing and sales from Western Carolina University and is certified in Ninja Selling. She will operate in a hybrid capacity, rotating between Asheville and western North Carolina locations to provide real-time, hyper-local marketing expertise. With over seven years of experience in real estate marketing, Krauss brings a sophisticated blend of creative design, content strategy, and campaign execution. Most recently, he served as Marketing Director for a regional real estate company, where he oversaw comprehensive marketing programs, developed agent resources, and led initiatives to enhance brand visibility across digital and traditional channels. His leadership supported a team of over 250 agents and included the creation of educational resources, custom media libraries, and high-impact marketing assets. He holds a bachelors degree in English from Salisbury University and is based in Charlotte. These appointments reflect Premier Sothebys International Realtys continued investment in elite marketing talent and its commitment to advisor success through innovation, service and strategic regional leadership, concluded Forrester. About Premier Sothebys International Realty Headquartered in Naples, Florida, Premier Sothebys International Realty has over 1,200 global advisors in 40 locations throughout Florida and North Carolina. Premier Sothebys International Realty also benefits from an association with the storied Sotheby's auction house, established in 1744. The brokerage was founded by The Lutgert Companies, a prominent member of Southwest Floridas business community since 1964, and is proudly associated with Peerage Realty Partners. For more information, visit premiersothebysrealty.com . Media Contact: Elise Ramer Premier Sothebys International Realty elise.ramer@premiersir.com P: 941.587.0257 Montreal, QC, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ProStar SEO, a leader in digital marketing and search engine optimization, has announced the launch of its most advanced Large Language Model (LLM) SEO services. This innovative offering is set to redefine the landscape of digital marketing by integrating state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technologies with proven SEO strategies. ChatGPT SEO at Its Best As businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms to reach their target audiences, the demand for sophisticated SEO solutions has never been greater. ProStar SEO's new LLM SEO services are designed to meet this demand by providing businesses with unparalleled insights and strategies to enhance their online visibility and drive organic traffic. The LLM SEO services leverage cutting-edge AI technologies to analyze vast amounts of data, enabling businesses to optimize their content with precision and efficiency. This approach not only improves search engine rankings but also enhances user engagement by delivering more relevant and personalized content. "The launch of our LLM SEO services marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing innovative solutions that empower businesses to succeed in the digital age," said Eric St-Cyr, CEO of ProStar SEO. "By harnessing the power of AI, we are able to offer our clients a competitive edge in the ever-evolving digital landscape." ProStar SEO's expertise in technical optimization, content marketing, and link building, combined with the advanced capabilities of LLMs, ensures that clients receive comprehensive SEO strategies tailored to their unique needs. This holistic approach not only boosts search engine rankings but also enhances overall online presence. With a focus on data-driven methodologies and a keen understanding of industry trends, ProStar SEO continues to deliver measurable results that drive business growth. The introduction of LLM SEO services is a testament to the company's dedication to innovation and excellence in the field of digital marketing. Businesses across various sectors, including e-commerce, health and medicine, gaming and casinos, advertising, and blogging, stand to benefit from ProStar SEO's latest offering. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, ProStar SEO remains a trusted partner for businesses seeking to enhance their digital marketing efforts. Why Your Business Needs To Do LLM SEO 1. AI Traffic Converts 4.4x Better Than Traditional Search AI search visitors are 4.4 times as valuable as average organic search visitors based on conversion rate: We Studied the Impact of AI Search on SEO Traffic. Heres What We Learned. Source: https://www.semrush.com/blog/ai-search-seo-traffic-study/ Why it matters: Every AI visitor is worth 4 regular visitors in terms of conversion potential 2. AI Traffic Growing 165x Faster Than Organic Search AI traffic growing 165x faster than organic search across all industries: Gen AIs 165x Faster Growth Over Organic Signals a Shift in Search Source: https://www.webfx.com/blog/seo/gen-ai-search-trends/ Why it matters: This explosive growth means early adopters will capture the majority of this new traffic source 3. AI Search Will Overtake Traditional Search by 2027 LLM traffic will completely overtake traditional Google search by 2027 according to Semrush: LLM Visibility: The SEO Metric No One Is Reporting On (Yet) Source: https://backlinko.com/llm-visibility Why it matters: Companies not optimizing for AI now will lose majority market visibility in 2 years 4. 800 Million Weekly Active ChatGPT Users (8x Growth) ChatGPT weekly active users grew 8x from October 2023 to April 2025, now at over 800M: We Studied the Impact of AI Search on SEO Traffic. Heres What We Learned. Source: https://www.semrush.com/blog/ai-search-seo-traffic-study/ Why it matters: Your customers are already using AI search are they finding you? 5. AI Search Market to Reach $108.88 Billion by 2032 AI Search Engines Market expected to reach $108.88 Billion by 2032, from $43.63 Billion in 2025, growing at 14% CAGR: AI Search Engines Market Size and Forecast 2025-2032 Source: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/industry-reports/ai-search-engines-market Why it matters: This represents a 150% market expansion massive opportunity for early positioning 6. AI Search Referrals Surged 1,300% During Holiday Season AI search referrals to retail sites surged by 1,300% during 2024 holiday season: 80+ Up-to-Date AI Statistics for 2025 Source: https://ahrefs.com/blog/ai-statistics/ Why it matters: Peak shopping periods show explosive AI adoption missing this means losing peak revenue 7. Traditional Search CTR Dropping 50% Where AI Appears Organic CTRs declined by 50% where AI Overviews present (1.41% to 0.64%): Do Googles AI Overviews Threaten Paid and Organic Search Traffic? Accelerated Digital Media Source: https://www.accelerateddigitalmedia.com/insights/google-ai-overviews-impacting-click-through-rates/ Why it matters: Traditional SEO alone is losing half its effectiveness you need AI optimization 8. AI Referral Traffic Grew 123% in Just 6 Months Between September 2024 and February 2025, referral traffic from generative AI rose by 123%: SMB websites see rising traffic from ChatGPT and other AI engines Source: https://searchengineland.com/smb-websites-rising-traffic-chatgpt-ai-engines-453201 Why it matters: The growth is accelerating waiting means falling further behind competitors 9. 58% of Consumers Use AI for Purchase Decisions 58% of consumers now use AI tools like ChatGPT for product recommendations (up from 25% in 2023): 80+ Up-to-Date AI Statistics for 2025 (No Stale Sources) Source: https://ahrefs.com/blog/ai-statistics/ Why it matters: Majority of buyers are making decisions through AI if youre not there, youre invisible 10. Perplexity Drives 20-30% Conversion Rates on High-Intent Pages 20-30% conversion rates reported from Perplexity traffic on high-intent pages: Answer Engine Optimization (AEO): Your Complete Guide to AI Search Visibility | Amsive Source: https://www.amsive.com/insights/seo/answer-engine-optimization-aeo-evolving-your-seo-strategy-in-the-age-of-ai-search/ Why it matters: AI traffic delivers unprecedented conversion rates for businesses ready to capture it About ProStar SEO ProStar SEO is a leading digital marketing agency, specializing in search engine optimization (SEO) services tailored to businesses of all sizes. Their expertise encompasses comprehensive SEO strategies, including technical optimization, ChatGPT SEO, content marketing, and link building, all designed to enhance online visibility and drive organic traffic. By leveraging data-driven approaches and staying abreast of the latest industry trends, ProStar SEO delivers measurable results that boost clients search engine rankings and overall online presence. Press inquiries ProStar SEO https://www.prostarseo.com/ Eric St-Cyr eric@prostarseo.com 5814474376 5126 Rue Garnier, Montreal LIVONIA, Mich., Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- While not all consumers are ready for a battery electric vehicle (BEV), other electrified powertrains have emerged as a potential solution for many new-car buyers as they seek a middle ground between internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and BEVs. Extended range electric vehicles (EREVs), in particular, offer buyers many of the benefits of BEVs along with the option to run on either gas or electricity, yet more than 40% of new-car buyers have no idea what they are. This is according to Escalents 2025 Non-BEV Alternative Powertrain DeepDive from EVForward, the largest, most comprehensive study of the next generation of EV buyers . The report explores new-car buyers views on hybrids (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and EREVs to understand the role these powertrains play in the path to vehicle electrification. While EREVs are ideal for drivers looking for the cost-saving and environmental benefits of BEVs with the familiarity and ubiquity of the gas pump, there is a significant disconnect with how automakers define the powertrain and how consumers understand and perceive its benefits, said Ben Lundin, an insights director in Escalents Automotive & Mobility practice. Consumers are confused by the name itself and the industrys lack of consistent terminology only makes it harder to understand the powertrains value propositionpreventing it from gaining traction in the market. When no definition is provided, new-car buyers are quite misinformed about what EREVs are and how they operate in comparison to other powertrain models. For example, only 6% think EREVs can run only on gas, whereas more than half (55%) think they can run only on electricity. These data indicate consumers believe EREVs are synonymous with electricity, likely conflating them as one and the same with fully-electric vehicles. However, consumers views start to change once provided with a clear definition of EREVs. Opinion of the powertrain was boosted in the minds of most consumers, growing from 58 to 61 on a 0-to-100 scale, after consumers learn of the powertrains association with gas. For automakers, this initial misunderstanding is a significant hurdle that needs to be overcome to capitalize on the market opportunity, continued Lundin. Automakers that choose to use EREV in describing their powertrains must reframe their messaging and actively explain that the powertrain also allows for refueling with gas. Alternately, EREVs could be described as PHEV without compromise, leaning into buyers understanding that PHEVs offer the ability to run on electricity or gasoline. In analyzing the current brand landscape, Escalent found both Toyota and Tesla benefit most from being strongly associated with alternative powertrains. Toyotas long-standing leadership in hybrids has created a halo effect, leading it to rank first in consumer consideration for all alternative powertrain models. Similarly, Teslas synonymous relationship with electric vehicles results in it being considered first alongside Toyota for BEVs and even in garnering strong consideration for other electrified powertrains that Tesla doesnt currently produce. No single automaker has yet established itself as a leader in the EREV market the way Toyota has with hybrids, presenting a major opportunity for brands to cement themselves as the go-to for this powertrain. If a brand is able to successfully do this, they could similarly attain a halo effect that drives consumer consideration for all of its alternative powertrains, said K.C. Boyce, a vice president in the Automotive & Mobility and Energy industry practices at Escalent. To achieve this, automakers must first understand which vehicle segments and consumer groups are the best fit for the EREV powertrain. From there, automakers can invest in production flexibility, allowing them to adjust to shifts in consumer demand over time. To learn more about Escalents EVForward research, visit escalent.co . About the EVForward Non-BEV Alternative Powertrain DeepDive study This EVForward DeepDive was conducted among a national sample of 1,104 respondentswith 93 EV Owners, 291 EV Intenders, 343 EV Open and 377 EV Resistant respondents as identified by Escalents algorithmfrom February 7 to February 26, 2025. These respondents are a subset of the EVForward database, a global sample of more than 50,000 new-vehicle buyers age 18 to 80, weighted by age, gender, race and location to match the demographics of the new-vehicle buyer population and by vehicle segment to match current vehicle sales. The sample for this research comes from an opt-in online panel. As such, any reported margins of error or significance tests are estimated and rely on the same statistical assumptions as data collected from a random probability sample. Escalent will supply the exact wording of any survey question upon request. About Escalent Escalent is an award-winning data analytics and advisory firm specializing in industries facing disruption and business transformation. As catalysts of progress for more than 40 years, we accelerate growth by creating a seamless flow between primary, secondary, syndicated, and internal business data, providing consulting and advisory services from insights through implementation. We are 1,600 team members strong, following the acquisition of C Space and Hall & Partners in April 2023. Escalent is headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, with locations across the US and in Australia, Canada, China, India, Ireland, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, UAE and the UK. Visit escalent.co to see how we are helping shape the brands that are reshaping the world. CONTACT: Kim Eberhardt 248.417.2460 keberhardt@identitypr.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/84109289-cfc8-48d9-937b-07a0eb9cd0f3 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/525d73f5-3a30-41eb-ad61-24b0de7de5ee https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1db76dbe-6dee-4891-ad4e-ccce80e8b0f9 San Francisco, CA, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Time tracking software Timesheets.com is seeing increased demand for timekeeping software as employers seek time tracking tools to comply with the U.S. Department of Labors expanded overtime eligibility rule, which is now under active enforcement. The federal regulation, which took effect on July 1, 2025, requires that businesses begin tracking daily work hours for a newly reclassified group of salaried employees, prompting increased demand for time reporting software systems that produce a verifiable time audit history for full time employees and freelancers. For details on the rule itself, see the U.S. Department of Labors official announcement. Employers are stepping up to meet a higher standard of documentation, said Joel Slatis, CEO of time tracking software Timesheets.com. Were seeing companies take this seriouslynot just because theyre required to, but because it strengthens their ability to attract and manage talent in a labor market that increasingly rewards transparency and accountability. The new federal rule is intended to ensure fair compensation for hours worked, and many businesses are moving quickly to implement systems that reflect that standard. Time tracking software Timesheets.com is a time tracking solution for employers seeking to reduce risk, stay compliant, and offer transparent work-hour documentation to employees and regulators alike. The rule raised the salary threshold for exemption from $35,568 to $43,888 per year, with a second increase to $58,656 scheduled for January 1, 2026. Employees earning less than these thresholds are now eligible for overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Daily time tracking is required for these employees to monitor team activity and capture hours worked beyond 40 per week, with detailed logs needed in the event of an audit or wage claim. Time tracking software Timesheets.com has seen an uptick in demand from employees with previously exempt salaried staff who are now subject to the new rule. These include administrative coordinators, project managers, field supervisors, remote professionals, as well as freelancers whose hours were not previously kept in time logs. A surge of new business is coming from employers that need to comply with the new Department of Labors overtime rule, said Joel Slatis, founder and CEO of time tracking software Timesheets.com. Theyre realizing that payroll systems alone dont create the detailed time tracking they may need if theyre audited. Work Time Tracking Software with Audit-Grade Hour Logs Time tracking software Timesheets.com offers cloud-based tools to record work hours with real-time accuracy and audit trail protection. The time tracking system allows employees to log hours through a browser interface without downloading software, using punch-in/punch-out workflows, weekly manual entry, or a start-stop task timer. Each session is recorded in a time audit history that captures every clock-in, break, edit, and approval. Supervisors using time tracking software from Timesheets.com can review a daily work time report, segment hours by client or project, and detect irregular patterns that may indicate policy violations or reporting gaps. Time logs can be filtered by employee, job, department, or task and exported for integration with leading payroll processors, including ADP, Gusto, and Paychex, as well as both QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online. The time tracking softwares time management system meets recordkeeping standards relevant to federal and state labor audits. Time entries include metadata for IP address, location, and browser. Geolocation punch enforcement and photo timestamping are also available for remote and hybrid teams working offsite or in the field. Companies in regulated sectors, such as healthcare, education, and government contracting, are turning to time tracking software to ensure their timekeeping procedures are audit-ready. Time tracking systems that support project-based time recording, hourly rate invoicing, and cost allocation reporting may also be required by grant-funded and reimbursable programs. More employers are starting to appreciate that time tracking tools are not the same as a compliance system, Slatis said. You cant demonstrate wage-and-hour compliance without reliable data that shows when employees actually worked, and who approved it. Employee Time Tracking for Distributed Teams One of the challenges raised by the new Department of Labor rule is the need to track employee hours across remote and hybrid work environments. Some affected workers, including salaried roles newly reclassified as non-exempt, do not clock in at a fixed location. Time tracking software from Timesheets.com allows employees to track time across devices, with session continuity between desktop, tablet, and mobile phone use. Mobile time tracking features include GPS verification, asynchronous time logs, auto-pause functionality, and asynchronous entry. Sessions are saved in real time and synchronized with the time tracking softwares cloud-based time logs, reducing the risk of lost or duplicated entries. Supervisors using time tracking software can generate productivity tracking reports that segment hours by task, location, or job function. This makes time tracking tools that support recurring task tracking, time export to invoice, and team time comparison across departments or locations increasingly desirable. Time keeping functions are particularly important to organizations managing numerous job sites and remote team members across multiple time zones. Unlike time tracking apps which must be downloaded to an employees smart phone, the best time tracking tools do not rely on invasive surveillance features such as screen time capture or keyboard activity logging. Instead, privacy conscious time tracking software from Timesheets.com focuses on providing accurate and defensible time records through cloud-based structured workflows, user verification tools, and administrative oversight. Were getting requests from HR and operations managers who need to overhaul their timekeeping processes quickly, Slatis said. For companies that dont already have a time tracking system in place, this rule ups the ante. Were giving employers the time tracking tools to document worker in ways that support their compliance efforts About Time Tracking Software by Timesheets.com Time tracking software Timesheets.com was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area. The time tracking software platform serves hundreds of thousands of users in the US. Their work time tracking software is widely used in industries such as professional services, nonprofit management, field operations, and compliance-sensitive sectors. Employers use the time tracking software to manage daily time tracking, hourly rate invoicing, track task durations, generate audit logs, and integrate directly with accounting and payroll systems. More information is available at https://www.timesheets.com. Media Contact Eric Schwartzman Schwartzman & Associates Digital Marketing eric@ericschwartzman.com +1 (917) 524-8444 Greensboro, NC, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new podcast is giving voice to foster families across North Carolina by sharing their honest and heartfelt stories. Produced by Childrens Home Society of North Carolina (CHS), In Real Life: Foster Care Unfiltered debuts today with an inspiring first episode featuring Victoria, a widow and Foster Granny who found renewed purpose and healing through fostering. After losing her husband in 2020, Victoria tried to fill her time with hiking, kayaking, and exploring waterfalls. But something was still missing: children. I used to be a Sunday school teacher, and my husband was a pastor, she said. After seeing commercials on TV about how desperate the area was for foster parents, I thought, Well, maybe I should look into this and see if theyd take an old, widowed lady like me. Her journey began with respite care and grew into full-time fostering. In the episode, Victoria shares both the challenges and joys of opening her home, from building trust and creating routines to supporting reunification whenever possible. Her story shows that fostering not only transforms childrens lives but also brings healing and growth for caregivers. This podcast isnt just feel-good sound bites, said Shannon Enoch, Executive Director of Programs at CHS and host of the series. It's real families, real struggles, and real love. We believe when families share their truth, others feel seen, encouraged, and inspired to step forward, too." In Real Life: Foster Care Unfiltered features foster parents sharing their lived experiences including the triumphs, challenges, and everyday realities of foster care. This groundbreaking series offers insight and encouragement for anyone interested in making a difference in the life of a child. Topics focus on real stories about foster care, reunification, adoption, sibling placements, and caring for teens, with the goal of supporting, encouraging, and inspiring listeners to better understand foster care. New episodes release every other Tuesday on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. To listen to the first episode and learn more about becoming a foster parent, visit chsnc.org/podcast. About Childrens Home Society of North Carolina Childrens Home Society offers a network of services and support throughout North Carolina to help establish and sustain healthy, loving relationships in every family. For more than 120 years, Childrens Home Society has provided a broad spectrum of programs and services including adoption, foster care, parenting education, family preservation, and teen responsibility. CHS believes in the importance of familynot only in the life of a child but also in the foundation of a community. For more information, visit www.chsnc.org. New York City, NY, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maple Bitflow has been introduced as a modern digital trading infrastructure built with emphasis on automation, transparency, and secure execution. Designed to accommodate evolving market demands, the platform integrates algorithmic functions with real-time data access, ensuring a technically sound approach to asset engagement. As financial technologies advance, Maple Bitflow positions itself as a solution capable of delivering consistency in performance while addressing global regulatory requirements. The system incorporates automated execution layers, streamlined onboarding protocols, and asset diversification mechanisms. Its multi-device access allows participants to remain connected through web and mobile interfaces, while encryption standards provide secure transactions across regions. Maple Bitflows stated mission is to build confidence through structural reliability, compliance focus, and a user-oriented framework that combines high-frequency performance with clear operational safeguards. What is Maple Bitflow Maple Bitflow is a trading technology framework designed to facilitate engagement across multiple asset classes using advanced automation . At its core, the platform operates as a structured environment where algorithmic execution and customizable trading modes coexist. Participants may select between full automation, guided execution, or hybrid approaches, depending on the level of control desired. The platform incorporates layered analytics, adaptive charting tools, and integrated alerts to ensure information flow remains consistent and actionable. Maple Bitflows infrastructure is cloud-based, supported by continuous uptime monitoring, and designed for cross-border access. Accessibility remains central, with compatibility across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices, allowing uninterrupted connectivity. By integrating artificial intelligence modules, Maple Bitflow enhances trade identification and optimizes execution windows. Automated systems reduce manual oversight requirements, ensuring faster reactions to volatile market conditions. Its operational framework aligns with global availability standards while maintaining a balance between speed, reliability, and robust safeguards. Visit the Official Website Here For More Information Maple Bitflow Features Maple Bitflow incorporates a feature set built around automation, customization, and accessibility. Among its primary attributes is an AI-driven algorithm that processes market inputs and delivers execution across assets in milliseconds. Complementing this is a multi-mode interface, offering automated, semi-automated, and manual configurations. Charting and analytical tools are integrated into the dashboard, with technical indicators, trend mapping, and real-time reporting made available as core functions. Alerts and notifications can be configured to provide actionable insights without requiring constant monitoring. Maple Bitflow also emphasizes scalability, supporting large order volumes and high-frequency performance. Global access is facilitated through multilingual support and time-zone synchronization. The platform includes dedicated onboarding resources and an intuitive control panel, designed to reduce entry complexity. Security enhancements such as two-factor authentication, SSL encryption, and encrypted wallet integration ensure protective measures are embedded within core functionality. Together, these features position Maple Bitflow as a comprehensive infrastructure suitable for dynamic digital market conditions. Open Your Maple Bitflow Account Now - Only At The Official Website Security Measures and Factual Performance Data Security remains an integral element of Maple Bitflows construction. The platform deploys SSL encryption protocols to protect data exchanges, alongside firewalls and intrusion detection systems that monitor for anomalies. Two-factor authentication is mandatory for account access, while encrypted databases secure financial records and personal identifiers. Performance data reflects an emphasis on speed and uptime. Internal benchmarks indicate latency reductions through optimized server placement, with data centers positioned to minimize delays in order execution. Continuous monitoring systems report uptime stability above 99%, supported by redundant backups across distributed servers. Automated risk management tools are embedded to enforce stop-loss triggers, exposure caps, and margin protection protocols. Data privacy adheres to GDPR compliance standards, while operational frameworks align with financial security directives relevant to multi-jurisdictional markets. Collectively, these measures reflect Maple Bitflows stated commitment to safeguarding participants while maintaining consistent operational stability. More Information on Maple Bitflow Can Be Found On The Official Website Here Maple Bitflow - Account Registration And Onboarding Getting started with Maple Bitflow follows a structured process designed for both accessibility and compliance. The registration sequence begins with account creation through the official Maple Bitflow portal . At this stage, participants provide basic details such as name, email address, and password selection. To safeguard account integrity, two-factor authentication protocols are applied immediately after sign-up. The next stage involves identity verification under Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements. Participants are prompted to submit government-issued identification and proof of address through encrypted upload channels. Once validated, full access to the account dashboard is granted. To activate live trading, Maple Bitflow requires an initial funding of $250. This deposit functions solely as trading capital and is not applied to registration or administrative costs. Multiple secure payment gateways are supported, and all deposits are processed under SSL-encrypted protocols to maintain transactional safety. After funding is complete, participants may begin live trading. The platform provides the option to operate in automated mode, where Maple Bitflows algorithms manage trade execution in real time, or in manual mode, where users retain direct control while leveraging analytical tools and live data feeds. For those seeking a balanced approach, a semi-automated configuration is also available. Throughout the trading process, Maple Bitflow delivers continuous market data, real-time alerts, and integrated risk management features. These tools are embedded within the system to ensure participants can monitor exposure, set protective triggers, and access performance insights at every stage. By combining compliance-driven onboarding with a clear funding requirement and structured live trading framework, Maple Bitflow establishes a secure and transparent process for initiating digital market engagement. Why Choose Maple Bitflow? Canada Consumer Report Released Here How Maple Bitflow Works? Maple Bitflow functions through a layered algorithmic system that processes market data in real time. Core engines analyze price movements, volume patterns, and cross-market signals, generating actionable opportunities within milliseconds. Execution modules then automate order placement based on predefined parameters or user-selected strategies. The platform allows for three operational modes: full automation, semi-automation, and manual control. Full automation deploys AI-driven algorithms to manage entry and exit points. Semi-automation allows participants to confirm algorithmic suggestions before execution. Manual control offers direct market access through the trading interface, supplemented by advanced analytical tools. Supporting technologies include predictive modeling, technical chart overlays, and sentiment tracking algorithms. Orders are routed through optimized data centers to reduce latency, with redundancy systems ensuring stability during peak demand. Risk management modules run simultaneously, enforcing stop-loss levels, margin checks, and exposure controls to mitigate volatility. This framework positions Maple Bitflow as a technology-driven platform capable of executing trades efficiently, securely, and in alignment with modern digital market demands. Open Your Maple Bitflow Account Now - Only At The Official Website How Does Maple Bitflow Perform in Real-Time Market Conditions? Maple Bitflow has been designed to function under the dynamic conditions of global financial markets, where volatility, liquidity, and speed of execution play critical roles. Its architecture relies on high-frequency data processing and low-latency order routing, enabling the system to respond within milliseconds to price fluctuations. This ensures that order placement aligns closely with real-time market movements. The platform incorporates predictive algorithms that continuously analyze live feeds from multiple markets, including cryptocurrency pairs, foreign exchange, commodities, and indices. These algorithms identify patterns, track volume surges, and interpret technical indicators to generate actionable insights. Once signals are produced, execution modules immediately act on predefined strategies or user-set parameters, maintaining accuracy even during periods of high volatility. Performance testing highlights stability in both uptime and order execution. Maple Bitflows distributed server network reduces latency by hosting nodes in proximity to major financial hubs, minimizing delays between market signals and execution. Internal benchmarks demonstrate uptime levels exceeding 99%, supported by redundancy systems that activate in case of technical disruption. Risk management features operate concurrently with market execution. Automated stop-loss enforcement, margin monitoring, and exposure caps are integrated directly into live trading environments. This ensures that while trades are executed rapidly, safeguards remain in place to prevent excessive loss in adverse conditions. Through this combination of real-time data analysis, high-speed execution, and continuous risk oversight, Maple Bitflow delivers a performance framework that is built to operate reliably in fast-moving digital markets. Its infrastructure emphasizes both speed and structural stability, providing a technical foundation capable of sustaining consistent operations across global trading environments. Industry Experts Applaud Its User-Friendly Interface and Algorithmic EdgeBut Caution Against Imitators Analysts observing Maple Bitflow highlight its architectural balance between usability and advanced automation. The interface design follows a simplified structure, reducing entry barriers while retaining depth for technical users. Modular dashboards allow customization, while integrated charting tools maintain professional-grade analysis within an accessible framework. Algorithmic systems are engineered to process high-frequency data with low latency, offering execution speeds that meet institutional benchmarks. By embedding these capabilities within a simplified interface, Maple Bitflow positions itself at the intersection of accessibility and precision. However, industry observers note the rising number of imitator platforms misusing branding elements. Maple Bitflow maintains strict authentication protocols, domain verification, and dedicated customer support channels to counteract such risks. Its official communication channels emphasize direct access through verified portals only. In this context, the combination of a user-friendly interface, reliable algorithmic systems, and brand protection measures reinforces Maple Bitflows identity as a secure and efficient digital infrastructure, while underscoring the importance of avoiding unverified replicas. Maple Bitflow Cost, Minimum Deposit, and Profit Maple Bitflow maintains a transparent cost and funding structure . The platform does not apply account registration or administrative charges; instead, participants are required to make an initial deposit to activate live trading functions. The standardized minimum deposit is $250, which is allocated exclusively as trading capital. This amount is retained entirely within the account for market activity and is not deducted as a fee. Transaction-related expenses are built into spreads or disclosed fee schedules, ensuring clarity in cost presentation. Maple Bitflow emphasizes that no hidden charges are applied, and all applicable costs can be reviewed directly within the account settings interface. Profit outcomes are variable and depend on a range of external factors, including market conditions, trading strategies, and asset performance. The platform itself does not guarantee earnings. Instead, it provides a framework that incorporates automated execution, real-time analytics, and embedded risk management features such as stop-loss and exposure controls. These safeguards are designed to support stability but do not eliminate trading risk. Withdrawals are processed through secure, encrypted gateways, with timelines dependent on the selected method and regulatory verification requirements. The withdrawal system has been structured to maintain both transactional integrity and compliance with anti-fraud protocols. By establishing a clear minimum deposit, transparent fee structures, and compliance-oriented withdrawal mechanisms, Maple Bitflow outlines a straightforward financial model. This model reinforces its operational focus on accessibility, security, and adherence to global financial standards. Maple Bitflow - Licensing, Availability, And Global Presence Maple Bitflow is structured to align with international regulatory standards while maintaining global availability . Licensing frameworks adhere to financial compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions. KYC and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols are enforced during onboarding, ensuring alignment with both domestic and international directives. The platform is accessible in numerous regions, with infrastructure optimized for cross-border engagement. Multilingual support and synchronized time-zone operations facilitate global accessibility. Maple Bitflow is accessible in regions across North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Latin America, where financial technologies and digital trading platforms are regulated but permitted. In these jurisdictions, Maple Bitflow complies with requirements for data protection, identity verification, and transactional transparency. Regulatory disclosures are maintained through its official communication portals, ensuring transparency of operational legitimacy. Availability is further supported by distributed server networks, enhancing access speed and reducing latency for users across continents. By maintaining compliance while offering worldwide reach, Maple Bitflow emphasizes its commitment to building a secure and scalable presence in the digital trading ecosystem. Maple Bitflow Supported Assets Maple Bitflow provides access to a diversified range of digital and traditional assets. Supported classes include cryptocurrencies, commodities, indices, and foreign exchange pairs. This diversification enables participants to engage with markets of varying volatility and liquidity profiles. Cryptocurrency support includes leading digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other widely recognized tokens. Commodity coverage extends to precious metals, energy products, and agricultural benchmarks. Indices represent major global markets, while forex offerings encompass major, minor, and selected exotic pairs. All asset classes are integrated into the same algorithmic execution framework, with analytics and real-time data streams available across each category. Automated alerts and customizable dashboards ensure seamless tracking across multiple instruments simultaneously. This multi-asset support reinforces Maple Bitflows position as a comprehensive infrastructure capable of accommodating diverse trading strategies within one unified environment. Final Verdict - Maple Bitflow Maple Bitflow presents itself as a trading infrastructure combining automation, security, and multi-asset functionality within a compliance-focused framework. Built with AI-driven execution systems, real-time data processing, and risk management integration, the platform is positioned to address the demands of dynamic digital markets. Its onboarding protocols, encryption standards, and compliance with global directives reinforce security and legitimacy. Asset diversification across crypto, commodities, indices, and forex provides flexibility, while multi-device accessibility ensures continuous connectivity. By emphasizing structural integrity, transparency in costs, and international availability, Maple Bitflow outlines a clear operational identity. Positioned as a global-ready digital trading system, it reflects the evolution of modern trading infrastructure built to accommodate security, automation, and multi-asset access in a single framework. Visit Here to Register on the Maple Bitflow - Select Your Country Here!!! Contact:- Maple Bitflow 485 Bd de la Gappe, Gatineau, QC J8T 5T9, Canada Phone Support: Maple Bitflow Canada: +1 (437) 920-9751 Trading Assistance: +1 (437) 169-3417 Email: support@maplebitflow.digital Website: https://maplebitflow.digital 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. Maple Bitflow does not gain or lose profits based on your activity and operates as a services company. Maple Bitflow is not a financial services firm and is not eligible of providing financial advice. Therefore, Maple Bitflow shall not be liable for any losses occurred via or in relation to this informational website. SITE RISK DISCLOSURE: Maple Bitflow 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. Maple Bitflow 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 Maple Bitflow, 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. Attachment Chicago, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CHICAGO, August 26--- North Park University (NPU) has received a $142,216 grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) to provide 45 students with food, housing during academic breaks, textbooks, technology access, and other essential, basic needs. The grant, issued to NPU in November 2024 by IBHEs End Student Housing Insecurity grant program, will also fund a new staff position and food pantry, according to Skyy Barney, NPUs student care coordinator. The new position, HOUSE (Housing and Opportunities that are Useful for Student Excellence) liaison, will work directly with students experiencing homelessness or precarious living situations. Its often difficult to recognize such students, according to Kate Danielson, founder and director of Foster Progress, a Chicago-based group that helps foster children go to college. These students might be staying on friends couches or asking to stay on campus over breaks, Danielson said. Or they might avoid conversations about home or family or mention money stress or unstable transportation. They also often lack a fixed, adequate nighttime residence and experience food insecurity. Students who qualify to benefit from the grant include those who self-disclose their unstable housing or those transitioning out of foster or state care. Faculty, staff, and peers may also refer students. North Park University is city-centered, intercultural, and emerging as the model for Christian higher education in 21st-century America. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Ellen Almer, (773) 244-5747, eaalmerdurston@northpark.edu Washington, DC, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the State Policy Network (SPN) and the Institute for Justice (IJ) awarded the first-ever Chip Mellor Prize for Excellence in Public Interest Litigation to the New Civil Liberties Alliance. The Mellor Prize honors NCLAs crucial role in ending the unconstitutional Chevron judicial deference doctrine. As SPN and IJ have announced, The Mellor Prize, which comes with $100,000, recognizes teams of litigators and advocates who work together to earn significant litigation victories to hold government officials accountable; advocate for civil society and the rule of law; and to help the most vulnerable among us who are least able to fight back against injustice. The award is named for IJ cofounder, former president, and board of directors chairman William Chip Mellor, who passed away in October 2024 after a 50-year litigation career dedicated to bettering Americans lives. Mellor provided invaluable guidance to NCLA from its earliest days, and we thank SPN and IJ for honoring us with this award in his name. In June 2024, a strategic team of top attorneys including NCLA CEO Philip Hamburger, NCLA President Mark Chenoweth, Senior Litigation Counsel John Vecchione, Litigation Counsel Kara Rollins, and Latham & Watkins partner Roman Martinez and his colleagues persuaded the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Chevron deference in Relentless Inc. v. Dept. of Commerce. This victory ended 40 years of forcing judges to adopt agencies reasonable interpretations of ambiguous statutes. Briefed separately, but then argued and decided at the Supreme Court in tandem with Loper Bright Enterprises, et al. v. Raimondo (another case relying on Chevron to uphold the same NOAA rule), Loper Bright/Relentless has already curtailed many abuses of administrative power and will do so for decades to come. On remand, the Relentless lawsuit continues to challenge a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Marine Fisheries Service rule unlawfully requiring fishing companies to pay for at-sea government monitors on their boats. Since that monumental victory, NCLA has created and led the Relentless Working Group, which brings together leading attorneys and groups that filed amicus curiae briefs in support of Loper Bright and Relentless to monitor, analyze, and discuss how lower courts are applying this historic ruling. Led by NCLA attorney Daniel Kelly, the RWGs objective is to ensure that the responsibility for authoritatively interpreting and applying the law remains where the Constitution put itwith federal judges, not agency bureaucrats. NCLA released the following statements: It is a great honor to be recognized by the Institute for Justice and the State Policy Network for NCLAs public-interest litigation work. We are deeply grateful. Philip Hamburger, Founder and CEO, NCLA When I was hired at NCLAs founding, my first call was to Chip Mellor. He unselfishly gave me ample wise advice about many aspects of running a public-interest law firm that I still use today. NCLA would not be successful without emulating the kind of character that Chip and IJ representedfilled with high standards, a joy in the battle for justice, and always focused on growing an effective team. Mark Chenoweth, President, NCLA Visit the Relentless case page here, and access Relentless Working Group resources 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. ### MONTREAL, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Troilus Gold Corp. (Troilus or the Company) (TSX: TLG; OTCQX: CHXMF; FSE: CM5R) is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Aurubis AG (Aurubis), a leading global copper smelter and recycler headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, for the long-term offtake of copper-gold concentrate from the Companys Troilus Project in north-central Quebec, Canada. This MoA builds on the indicative offtake terms announced on June 18, 2025, advancing Troilus partnership with Aurubis to a more formal stage. The agreement establishes the framework for long-term concentrate supply and strengthens alignment between the two companies as Troilus advances toward project financing and development. The MoA was executed today during the Government of Canadas Critical Minerals Mission to Germany, attended by the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, together with German Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Dr. Katherina Reiche, and a select group of Canadian and German mineral resource and energy companies (see August 25, 2025, press release). The MoA establishes commercial terms for a significant portion of Troilus concentrate to be delivered to Aurubis and is advancing in parallel with the Companys broader debt financing package of up to US$700 million, announced on March 13, 2025. Justin Reid, CEO of Troilus Gold, commented, Signing this agreement with Aurubis during Canadas Critical Minerals Mission to Germany is highly significant for Troilus. It underscores the international importance of our project, strengthens CanadaEurope cooperation on critical minerals, and provides a clear step toward completing the financing required to advance construction. We are proud to be developing a project that will deliver benefits in Quebec while supporting secure supply chains for our European partners. The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, commented, The partnership between Troilus and Aurubis marks a step forward in advancing the types of diversified trade, secure supply chains, and G7 partnership that will make Canada an energy and critical minerals superpower, not only reinforcing Canadas position as a reliable supplier of responsibly sourced copper and gold, but deepening our strategic partnership with Germany and the European Union. I commend Troilus and Aurubis for, and am proud to see Canadian expertise, innovations and resources playing a central role in shaping the future of critical minerals. Figure 1. From left, Tim Hodgson, Canadas Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Justin Reid, CEO of Troilus, Toralf Haag, CEO of Aurubis, and Dr. Katherina Reiche, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany This milestone underscores the importance of Canadian critical mineral projects in strengthening global supply chains, highlights Troilus role as a future North American supplier to European markets, and reflects recognition of Troilus as a project of strategic importance to Canada, Quebec, and international partners. Ocean Partners USA Inc. (Ocean Partners) is acting as Troilus independent third-party advisor in support of the Companys concentrate offtake strategy, providing market insight and guidance across technical, commercial, and financial disciplines. Their expertise has been instrumental in structuring the long-term sales arrangements that underpin the Projects advancement toward construction. Auramet International Inc. continues to assist with the structuring of the debt package and engagement with potential lenders and strategic partners, as Troilus advances all aspects of the Project toward a construction decision. Qualified Person The technical and scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved Kyle Frank, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration, who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Frank is an employee of Troilus and is not independent of the Company under NI 43-101. About Troilus Gold Corp. Troilus Gold Corp. is a Canadian development-stage mining company focused on the systematic advancement of the former gold and copper Troilus Mine towards production. Troilus is located in the tier-one mining jurisdiction of Quebec, Canada, where it holds a large land position of 435 km in the Frotet-Evans Greenstone Belt. A Feasibility Study completed in May 2024 supports a large-scale 22-year, 50ktpd open-pit mining operation, positioning it as a cornerstone project in North America. For more information: Caroline Arsenault VP Corporate Communications +1 (647) 407-7123 info@troilusgold.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the impact of the potential offtake on the Company and the likelihood that the Company will be able to negotiate a definitive offtake agreement on the terms and timeline indicated or at all, the likelihood that binding funding commitments will follow on the timeline projected or at all, the likelihood that ECAs will provide financing and guarantees, advancing towards a fully funded construction package, development plans to advance the Troilus project towards construction, the impact of due diligence on structuring a definitive project debt package, the likelihood of structuring a definitive project debt package with financial close on stated timeline or at all, structuring, identifying, and engaging potential financing participants, development plans, opportunity to expand the scale of the project, the project becoming a cornerstone mining project in Noth America; the development potential and timetable of the project. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, continue, 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, will, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important facts that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of Troilus to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which Troilus will operate in the future. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, amongst others, currency fluctuations, the global economic climate, dilution, share price volatility and competition. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Troilus to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: there being no assurance that the exploration program or programs of the Company will result in expanded mineral resources; risks and uncertainties inherent to mineral resource and reserve estimates; the high degree of uncertainties inherent to feasibility studies and other mining and economic studies which are based to a significant extent on various assumptions; variations in gold prices and other metals, exchange rate fluctuations; variations in cost of supplies and labour; receipt of necessary approvals; availability of financing for project development; uncertainties and risks with respect to developing mining projects; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future gold and other metal prices; accidents, labour disputes and shortages; environmental and other risks of the mining industry, including without limitation, risks and uncertainties discussed in the Companys latest Annual Information Form, its technical reports and other continuous disclosure documents of the Company available under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although Troilus has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, 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. Troilus does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/524aa001-3320-4d51-bc6a-7bfe8fea0209 Fort Myers, FL, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lee Health is proud to announce that the Trauma Center at Gulf Coast Medical Center is the first in Southwest Florida to use whole blood transfusions in trauma care. This lifesaving initiative improves outcomes by streamlining treatment when every second counts. This groundbreaking approach delivers all essential blood componentsred cells, platelets, and plasmain a single unit from one donor, streamlining care when every second counts. The result is faster, more effective treatment and better outcomes for critically injured patients. This is more than innovation. This is lifesaving progress. Utilizing whole blood has been shown to improve survival rates and reduce exposure risks for vulnerable patients, including children, transplant recipients, and those undergoing cancer treatments. As the only state-approved Level II trauma center between Sarasota and Miami, the Lee Health Trauma Center serves a five-county region and sees nearly 5,000 patients annually, averaging over 400 patients each month. The center treats some of the most severe and complex trauma cases and the implementation of whole blood will help save more lives. In partnership with Lee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), specially trained paramedics also administer whole blood in the field before patients arrive at the hospital. For trauma patients experiencing severe bleeding, time is the most critical factor. By using whole blood, were able to stabilize patients more efficiently and improve their chances of survival during those first vital moments, said Lee Healths chief medical officer, Dr. Iahn Gonsenhauser. Introducing whole blood transfusions is another way were working to bring the most advanced, lifesaving care to our neighbors when they need it most. Were proud to lead the way in improving emergency care for our community. Whole blood transfusion was once standard during World War II and is now experiencing a resurgence in trauma care thanks to improved storage methods and outcomes. Treatment administered during the first hour following severe injury can mean the difference between life and death. This includes whether the patient requires blood products like whole blood. When someone is suffering from severe or life-threatening injuries, every minute counts, especially within the first hour, which is called the Golden Hour, said Niki Rasnake, trauma program manager for the Lee Health Trauma Center. Having immediate access to whole blood when critically injured patients arrive at the trauma center greatly improves their chances of survival and recovery. It allows us to intervene faster and more effectively when seconds truly matter. Community members are encouraged to donate blood at the Lee Health Blood Center to help support the Trauma Center and other patients in need. All donations directly benefit patients within the Lee Health system. To learn more about Lee Health, please visit www.leehealth.org. Chesapeake, VA, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Perdue AgriBusiness is celebrating 25 years of operations at its Chesapeake, Virginia facility, a site that has become a cornerstone of the companys grain, oilseed, and logistics network and a vital partner to farmers across the Commonwealth. Since opening its doors in 2000, the Chesapeake facility has grown into the only deepwater bulk grain terminal on the U.S. East Coastand one of only two soy crush facilities on deep water in the United States. With grain storage, a soybean crush plant, dual-berth terminal access, and multimodal connectivity by rail, barge, and container, the site links American farmers to markets around the globe. Each year, Chesapeake loads over 100 vessels and 16,000 containers for export through the Port of Virginia, helping to move U.S. corn, soybean oil, soybean meal, and soy hull pellets to international destinations. The facility proudly handles grain from more than 1,300 Virginia farmers, representing over 45 percent of Virginias soybean crop, providing critical market access and economic opportunity. Recent investments, like the installation of a state-of-the-art extractor, have strengthened Chesapeakes performance to better serve farmers and international customers. The site has also added in-house stevedoring, a new locomotive, and a liquid barge operation, further boosting efficiency and export capacity. The Chesapeake facility is also central to Perdues sustainability strategy, supplying crude oil to Salisbury, Maryland, for refining into both food-grade oils and renewable diesel. These efforts underscore the companys commitment to responsible agriculture, reduced carbon supply chains, and advancing its vision to be the most trusted name in food and agricultural products. Reaching 25 years in Chesapeake is more than a milestone its a testament to our values, innovation, and the strong partnerships weve built with farmers, associates, and community members along the way, said Kevin McAdams, CEO of Perdue Farms. This facility is proof of what can be achieved when we invest for the long term not just in infrastructure, but in people and the future of food and agriculture. Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) attended the celebration and delivered remarks, recognizing the importance of Perdues investment to Virginia agriculture, jobs, and international trade. "I was honored to attend the 25th anniversary of Perdue AgriBusiness' export facility in Chesapeake, Virginia. Agriculture is a cornerstone of Virginias economy, and the Port of Virginia enables our farmers to sell their goods around the world. Continued investment in local businesses strengthens Virginias economy and creates new opportunities across the Commonwealth, said Congressman Scott. As Perdue reflects on a quarter century of growth in Chesapeake, the company remains focused on the future, with continued plans for modernization, expanded farmer partnerships, and new sustainability investments to meet the evolving needs of customers and communities. ### About Perdue AgriBusiness Ranked among the largest grain companies in the U.S., Perdue AgriBusiness is a leading merchandiser, processor, and exporter of agricultural products and the largest U.S. manufacturer of specialty, organic, and non-GMO oils sold to the food industry. It also ranks as one of the biggest suppliers of organic feed ingredients in the world. Through Perdue AgriBusiness, the company purchases 200M bushels of grain annually from its 5,800 farmers and partners. With more than 63 million bushels of storage, deep-water port, transload facilities, oilseed crushing operations, edible oil refinery, and protein blend mills, the company serves markets across the United States and around the world. Visit www.perdueagribusiness.com for more information. Attachments Lancelin South is setting a new standard for sustainable coastal living, with each project stage selling out quickly. Guided by renewable energy goals and resilience-based design, VIMGs flagship development shows how large-scale communities can grow while mitigating climate risks and safeguarding long-term coastal lifestyles. Photo Courtesy of VIMG PERTH, Wash., Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VIMG is advancing one of Western Australias most significant new master-planned communities, Lancelin South, positioned as a secure and sustainable response to ongoing coastal erosion challenges in the region. Located just under 100 kilometres north of Perth, Lancelin South spans over 11,000 hectares, including more than 8,700 hectares of development reserve land and 1,775 hectares allocated for holiday development. The project holds approvals for 4,000 large-scale residential lots, with future plans for tens of thousands more, alongside parks, solar infrastructure, walkable streets, and community facilities. Unlike many coastal towns grappling with erosion and rising sea levels, Lancelin South is located on elevated land, well inland from erosion-affected zones. Coastal hazard mapping and elevation data confirm that the development is excluded from all State Government erosion and inundation risk areas, even under worst-case climate scenarios. This strategic inland positioning offers confidence to future residents and investors, ensuring that while they enjoy the benefits of living near the coast, they remain protected from the direct impacts of shoreline changes and environmental degradation. This provides future residents with long-term security while preserving access to a coastal lifestyle. Lancelin South represents a proactive approach to development in Western Australias coastal regions, said Martin Haddad, VIMGs Marketing Director. By planning inland and above sea level, we are delivering a community that combines lifestyle, affordability, and resilience, without the risks faced by other coastal towns. The development also incorporates sustainability as a core focus, with plans for the community to eventually operate on 100% renewable energy, positioning it as one of Australias first entirely green-powered towns. This commitment to sustainability is embedded in every stage of planning, from energy use to community infrastructure, and reflects a growing shift in regional development priorities toward cleaner, long-term solutions. Each released stage of the project has sold out, reflecting strong demand from both local and interstate buyers seeking secure coastal living. Lancelin itself has experienced erosion-related challenges, with infrastructure loss and costly shoreline repairs highlighted in recent council reports. Lancelin South offers an alternative: a community strategically positioned to avoid these risks while supporting long-term growth and investment. With its size, renewable energy ambitions, and erosion-resilient location, Lancelin South is being recognised as a model for how coastal towns can grow sustainably while avoiding environmental vulnerability. About VIMG Founded in 2009, VIMG is an independent Australian development firm with a diversified portfolio across residential, commercial, industrial, and energy projects. The company is focused on delivering sustainable, large-scale developments with long-term community and environmental resilience at their core. VIMGs flagship project, Lancelin South, reflects its commitment to combining quality design, sustainability, and future-focused planning. Contact Information Martin Haddad Marketing Director VIMG martin.haddad@vimg.com.au https://vimg.com.au/ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/157e54be-7e73-47a5-aa65-188c326c953d BOSTON, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novo Holdings, a leading healthcare investment firm, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to successfully exit its investment in KabaFusion (the Company). The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. Founded in 2010, KabaFusion is a leading U.S. provider of essential chronic and acute infusion therapies, serving patients in 45 states through its nationwide network of home infusion pharmacies, ambulatory infusion sites, and home health agencies. Since partnering with Novo Holdings in November 2022, KabaFusion has meaningfully expanded its geographic footprint, enhanced its ambulatory infusion capabilities, and broadened its therapeutic offerings, all while maintaining the highest levels of clinical quality and the Companys patient-first approach to care delivery. Jonathan Levy, Senior Partner at Novo Holdings, said: When we first invested in KabaFusion, we were impressed with their clinical leadership and patient-first approach. During our partnership, the Company has expanded its national presence and nearly doubled in size. We commend Founder and CEO Dr. Sohail Masood and the entire KabaFusion management team for their extraordinary work in executing the Companys value creation plan and delivering such impressive growth, with patients at the center of everything they do. Abhijeet Lele, Senior Partner and Head of U.S. Principal Investments at Novo Holdings, added: We have been delighted to be a part of KabaFusions growth trajectory and to have partnered with them on expansion initiatives to bring convenient and cost-effective therapy access to a broader array of patients. The Company has found a terrific new partner in Nautic Partners, and we wish the KabaFusion team continued success on their mission to deliver excellent patient care. KabaFusion Founder and CEO Dr. Sohail Masood said: I am grateful for our current investor, Novo Holdings, whose partnership has been instrumental to our success. I also deeply appreciate the exceptional contributions of our talented team. As we enter this next chapter, we look forward to our new partnership and continuing to deliver on KabaFusions patient-first mission. Houlihan Lokey served as financial advisor, Goodwin Procter and Linklaters served as legal counsel, and Epstein Becker & Green served as regulatory counsel to KabaFusion. About KabaFusion KabaFusion is a national provider of essential chronic and acute infusion therapies. The Company serves patients in 45 states through its nationwide network of home infusion pharmacies, alternative infusion sites, and home health agencies. KabaFusion was founded in 2010 by CEO Dr. Sohail Masood, a pioneer in patient-focused infusion therapies with more than 30 years of clinical experience. The Company is dedicated to working proactively with patients, healthcare practitioners, and payors to provide comprehensive support before, during, and after treatment. For more information, visit www.KabaFusion.com. About Novo Holdings Novo Holdings is a holding and investment company that is responsible for managing the assets and the wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The purpose of Novo Holdings is to improve peoples health and the sustainability of society and the planet by generating attractive long-term returns on the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Wholly owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Novo Holdings is the controlling shareholder of Novo Nordisk and Novonesis and manages an investment portfolio with a long-term return perspective. In addition to managing a broad portfolio of equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure, and private equity assets, Novo Holdings is a world-leading life sciences investor. Through its Seed, Venture, Growth, Planetary Health Investments, and Principal Investments teams, Novo Holdings invests in life science companies at all stages of development. As of year-end 2024, Novo Holdings had total assets of USD 148 billion. About the Novo Nordisk Foundation Established in Denmark in 1924, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is an enterprise foundation with philanthropic objectives. The vision of the Foundation is to improve peoples health and the sustainability of society and the planet. The Foundations mission is to progress research and innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic and infectious diseases as well as to advance knowledge and solutions to support a green transformation of society. Media Contact Dora Gonzalez Senior Public Relations Specialist dopg@novo.dk Avante Corp. achieved 11% year-over-year revenue growth and 25% improvement in Recurring Monthly Revenue in the fiscal first quarter ended June 30, 2025. The Company achieved Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $0.36 million in the fiscal first quarter, and positive Net Income. The Company maintains a positive outlook for fiscal 2026, driven by 126% Year-over-year increase in NSSG revenue and healthy organic growth across its services including Avante Black, Halo, Avante Verified, and WALL-E. TORONTO, Ontario, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avante Corp. (TSX.V: XX) (OTC: ALXXF) (Avante or the Company) is pleased to announce its financial results for fiscal 2025, representing the three months ended June 30, 2025 (all amounts in Canadian dollars thousands, unless otherwise indicated). Manny Mounouchos, Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair of Avante, commented, The first quarter of fiscal 2026 delivered solid growth, with revenue increasing 11% year-over-year and recurring monthly revenue up 25%. This performance was driven by strength across all divisions, most notably NSSG, which delivered an exceptional 126% increase in revenue as our enhanced sales processes and operational alignment continue to bear fruit. Our results reflect the continued momentum we have built since streamlining operations, integrating recent acquisitions, and focusing on our highest-margin, tech-enabled offerings. Demand for our premium security solutions remains strong, particularly in our Avante Black and Protective Services divisions, where we continue to differentiate through elite service quality and innovation. We are energized by the growth potential of our next-generation technology platforms. WALL-E & Avante Verified, which our powered by our HALO technology, continue to gain momentum, with strong engagement from institutions seeking advanced safety & security solutions. Both offerings have a healthy pipeline of opportunities, and we are focused on converting these into meaningful deployments in the coming quarters. As we progress through fiscal 2026, we remain committed to driving disciplined growth, broadening our base of recurring revenues, and delivering innovative, tech-enabled security solutions that raise the bar for our industry. Raj Kapoor, Avantes Chief Financial Officer, added, I am pleased to announce that we achieved positive operating cash flow, Adjusted EBITDA and net income in the first quarter of fiscal 2026. Our balance sheet remains strong, as we remain bank-debt free, holding $4.7 million in cash and $12 million in available credit facilities, giving us the flexibility to execute on our growth priorities. At the same time, we are continuing to create efficiencies to reduce operating costs by implementing a new ERP system and by streamlining the Companys operations. These improvements position us to drive sustainable growth and deliver long-term value to our shareholders. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR FIRST FISCAL QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2025: Within continuing operations, the Company reported revenue of $8.75 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2026, representing year-over-year revenue growth of 11%, or $0.83 million, compared to $7.91 million for the prior fiscal year. This increase in revenue was driven by a strong performance from NSSG, which delivered year-over-year revenue growth of 126%. Total gross profit from continuing operations increased by $0.31 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 compared to the same quarter in fiscal 2025. Gross profit margins within continuing operations remained relatively stable at 38% compared to 38% during the prior years first quarter, indicating a consistent level of profitability. The Avante Security segment delivered recurring monthly revenues (RMR) of $4.06 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of 25% compared to the Companys first quarter in the prior year. This growth was driven by net growth in monitoring customers and the introduction of new recurring revenue services to new and existing client bases. The Company achieved Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $0.36 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2026, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $0.36 million for the prior fiscal year first quarter. Avante recorded Net income from continuing operations of $11 thousand during the first quarter of fiscal 2026, compared to a net loss of $128 thousand for the prior fiscal year first quarter. OUTLOOK Management maintains a positive outlook for Fiscal 2026. The Companys long-term financials serve as a guide to developing and executing long-term corporate strategy. Management is pleased to provide the Companys long-term financial objectives: Reach new record levels for revenue, recurring monthly revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Leverage NSSG footprint to increase international revenues Ramp up WALL-E business with new customer wins Achieve growth in Adjusted Net Income per share; Reinvest cashflows into the future business growth. SUMMARY FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE FIRST FISCAL QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 : Readers should refer to the Companys audited financial statements and MD&A in respect of its fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, for additional risk factors, accounting policies, detailed financial disclosures, reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS financial measures, related party transactions, contingencies, and reporting of subsequent events. Such financial statements and MD&A are incorporated by reference into this news release and will be filed electronically through the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+), which can be accessed at www.sedarplus.ca . Three Months Ended $ thousands unless otherwise noted June 30, 2025 Mar. 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 INCOME STATEMENT INFORMATION : Q1 F26 Q4 F25 Q3 F25 RMR in the period, continuing operations (1) $4,062 $3,524 $3,741 Revenues, continuing operations $8,747 $9,347 $8,412 Gross profit, continuing operations $3,319 $3,334 $3,441 Gross profit margin, continuing operations 37.9% 35.7% 40.9% Adjusted EBITDA, continuing operations (1) $360 $287 $770 Net Income (loss) $(155) $(909) $(128) Average Common Shares during the quarter 26,648,739 26,647,089 26,643,739 As At BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION : June 30, 2025 Mar. 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Cash balances & GIC investments $4,712 $4,723 $5,038 Total funded debt as reported, IFRS $0 $0 $0 Total funded debt & lease obligations, IFRS (1) $1,255 $1,257 $1,392 Common Shares at period end 26,648,739 26,648,739 26,643,739 (1)Adjusted EBITDA and Recurring Monthly Revenues (RMR) are non-IFRS financial measures that have no standard meaning under IFRS and as a result may not be comparable to the calculation of similar measures by other companies. See Description of Non-IFRS Financial Measures. Reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA and RMR to Net Income or Revenues, as applicable, are provided in the Companys Management Discussion & Analysis (MD&A). Three months ended RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA Jun 30, 2025 Mar 31, 2025 Total comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations $11 $(862) Deferred income tax expense (recovery) 17 395 Interest expense 69 58 Depreciation and amortization 412 421 Amortization on capitalized commission - 1 Share based payments 18 42 Long term employee benefits (168) 233 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations $360 $287 The Companys (RMR) from continuing operations during the last eight quarters are summarized below. Gross profit margins over the last eight quarters ranged between 37.7% and 44.2%, and were 41.0% on a trailing twelve-month basis to June 30, 2025: Avante Security F24(1) F25(1) F26 $thousands Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 RMR in the period $2,834 $2,889 $3,019 $3,262 $3,309 $3,741 $3,524 $4,062 Other revenue 2,505 4,053 4,240 4,653 4,780 4,670 5,822 4,685 Total revenue $5,339 $6,941 $7,259 $7,915 $8,089 $8,412 $9,347 $8,747 Total Gross Profit $2,117 $2,948 $3,211 $3,006 $3,477 $3,441 $3,334 $3,319 Gross Profit % 39.7% 42.5% 44.2% 38.0% 43.0% 40.9% 35.7% 37.9% (1)The Companys fiscal year end is on March 31 of each year. F24 means the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024; and F25 means the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025. ABOUT AVANTE CORP. : Avante Corp Inc. is a Toronto based leading provider of security operatives and technology enabled security solutions to residential and commercial clients. Avantes mission is to deliver an elevated level of security globally, with white-glove mentality to high- net-worth families and corporations alike, through advanced solutions and methods of detecting conditions that require immediate response. The Company has developed a diversified security platform that leverages advanced technology solutions to provide a superior level of security services. With an experienced team and proven track record of solid growth, Avante is taking steps to establish a broad portfolio of security businesses and solutions for its customers through organic growth complemented by strategic acquisitions. Avante acquires, manages and builds industry leading businesses which provide specialized, mission-critical solutions that address the security risks of its clients. Avante is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker XX. For more information, please visit www.avantecorp.ca and consider joining our investor email list. Emmanuel Mounouchos Founder, CEO & Board Chair, Avante Corp. 416-923-6984 manny@avantesecurity.com This news 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 described herein in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities described herein have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent registration under U.S. federal and state securities laws or an applicable exemption from such U.S. registration requirements. Non-IFRS Financial Measures This press release includes certain measures which have not been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) such as EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Recurring Monthly Revenue (RMR). These non-IFRS measures are not recognized under IFRS and and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. Accordingly, users are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as alternatives to net income determined in accordance with IFRS. The non-IFRS measures presented are unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. References to EBITDA are to net income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. References to Adjusted EBITDA are to net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization of intangibles & capitalized commissions, share-based payments, acquisition, integration and / or reorganization costs, deferred financing costs, loss (gain) in fair value of derivative liability and expensing of fair value adjustments per IFRS. Recurring Monthly Revenues, or RMR, represent revenue during the fiscal period that benefited from contractual periodic billing to customers, typically monthly, quarterly or annually. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Recurring Monthly Revenues are appropriate additional measures for evaluating Avantes performance. Readers are cautioned that neither EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA nor Recurring Monthly Revenues should be construed as an alternative to net income or revenues (as such financial measures are determined under IFRS), as an indicator of financial performance or to cash flow from operating activities (as determined under IFRS) or as a measure of liquidity and cash flow. Avantes method of calculating EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Recurring Monthly Revenues may differ from methods used by other issuers and, accordingly, Avantes reported Non-IFRS measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other issuers. Forward-Looking Information This news release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of applicable securities laws) relating to the business of the Company and the environment in which it operates. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as believe, anticipate, project, expect, intend, plan, will, may estimate, pro-forma and other similar expressions. These statements are based on the Companys expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections. The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on certain assumptions. They are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Companys ability to achieve the benefits expected as a result of the sale of Logixx Security Inc., anticipated growth from acquisitions, new service offerings and from development and deployment of new technologies and the list of risk factors identified in the Companys Management Discussion & Analysis (MD&A), Annual Information Form (AIF) and other continuous disclosure documents available at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any such statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 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. Stockton, California, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- California Forward (CA FWD) is excited to announce the first Governor Candidate Forum focused on the economy on October 23 in Stockton, CA. Top candidates for governor will have the opportunity to address pressing economic challenges and opportunities facing California, and field questions on why they are best suited to lead the worlds fourth-largest economy. Stockton serves as an ideal backdrop for this important discussion, given its unique position as the most diverse city in America, sitting at the intersection of industrial and agricultural production and new technologies like advanced energy systems. The forum will immediately follow this years California Economic Summit, CA FWDs annual event that brings together over 1,000 business, civic, and community leaders from across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Forum hosts include: CA FWD, a multi-partisan group aimed at building a New California Economy that is sustainable, resilient, and inclusive The 21st Century Alliance, a nonpartisan movement of advocates who want to see California thrive and bring more accountability to government CalMatters, a nonpartisan and nonprofit news organization covering Californias most pressing issues while holding our leaders accountable California Economic Summit attendees from across the state will be eager to hear from gubernatorial candidates on their concrete plans for a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive economy, says CA FWD CEO Kate Gordon. This forum will provide a unique opportunity for our attendees to hear candidates speak at this critical time in California about how they plan to address historic issues of inequality and affordability, while also continuing to drive the states leadership on innovation and policy reform. California faces challenges that require smart leadership to solve and the courage to make tough decisions. The 21st Century Alliance is committed to supporting leaders who will put results over politics and get things done. We're grateful to these candidates for their willingness to serve, and look forward to a thoughtful conversation, says Brian Brennan, Executive Director of the 21st Century Alliance. Californians deserve to meet the candidates in person and hear them answer the states most pressing questions in an unrehearsed and unscripted forum, says Neil Chase, CEO of CalMatters. The forum is an essential moment for the public to hear directly from those vying for the state's highest office. Confirmed candidates so far include Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former California State Controller Betty Yee. Members of the media are invited to attend the Summit and Forum free of charge. Interested journalists should contact Sarah Walsh for registration instructions. ### California Forward (CA FWD) is a multi-partisan, non-profit organization building a New California Economy that is sustainable, resilient, and inclusive. We support economic growth using a regions-up approach, stewarding state resources, and building resilience in the face of a changing economy and climate. This ongoing work is done in collaboration with diverse partnersincluding our California Stewardship Network and leaders from business, community, government, labor, and more. We convene annually at our California Economic Summit, where we work with these partners and others to continue improving and developing programs, policies, resources, and solutions for a truly sustainable economic model. The 21st Century Alliance is a group of political philanthropists, civic leaders and advocacy groups who are focused on improving the quality of life in California by growing housing supply, raising K-12 student outcomes and promoting long-term economic and fiscal sustainability. We support state legislators who demonstrate political courage and seek measurable results on the states most important challenges. CalMatters is a nonpartisan and nonprofit news organization bringing Californians stories that probe, explain and explore solutions to quality-of-life issues while holding our leaders accountable. It is the only journalism outlet dedicated to covering Americas biggest state, 39 million Californians and the worlds fourth largest economy. Its mission is to improve Californias democracy by making its government more transparent and accountable and giving Californians the information they need to understand and engage with that government. Attachment Rosemont, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rosemont, Illinois - August 26, 2025 - ThreatDiscover, a top player in Cyber Threat Intelligence, is excited to announce its expansion beyond its European roots to now include enterprises across North America and Asia. The ThreatDiscover Cyber Threat Intelligence Platform is celebrated for its ability to provide a detailed view of attack surfaces, helping businesses defend against many cyber threats that come with the fast-changing digital landscape. As it broadens its global reach, this Cyber Threat Intelligence Platform stays committed to strong security and adherence to regulations. It empowers businesses to spot and tackle potential risks before they turn into major problems. With its advanced Cyber Threat Intelligence Platform, ThreatDiscover creates a zero-noise environment, only offering high-quality threat alerts that businesses can act on. By removing false positives in vulnerability detection, the platform lets businesses focus on real threats, reducing the burden of unnecessary alerts. Their services include access to skilled security analysts, comprehensive domain and subdomain discovery, web applications, and API mapping, along with cybersecurity compliance monitoring. On top of these, ThreatDiscover provides a unique service that takes down phishing websites, acting as a strong defense against online brand impersonation. CEO of ThreatDiscover, stated, "Expanding our services globally allows us to bring our unified approach to threat detection to a wider audience. The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, and we want to ensure businesses worldwide can benefit from our Zero-Noise Vulnerability Detection, enabling stress-free cybersecurity management." ThreatDiscover highlights extensive asset discovery by actively and passively scanning for hidden web applications and APIs, reducing attack surface risks without interrupting operations. The platform uses reliable data sources such as Shodan and Censys for real-time monitoring and offers expert support from security analysts. A key aspect of ThreatDiscover's service is CyberSecurity Risk Scoring. This provides businesses a clear view of their website's cybersecurity risk level based on various factors like DNS configuration, application security, and IP reputation. Companies can use this to prioritize their cybersecurity efforts effectively. ThreatDiscover's advanced Dark Web Monitoring capabilities provide organizations with crucial visibility into hidden cyber threats before they materialize into active attacks. By continuously scanning dark web forums, marketplaces, and encrypted channels, the platform detects compromised credentials, stolen corporate data, and emerging threats targeting specific organizations. This proactive intelligence enables businesses to reset exposed passwords, strengthen defenses, and prevent data breaches before cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities. The network services discovery feature gives businesses a detailed view of their online infrastructure, solidifying ThreatDiscover's position as a leader in offering unmatched protection against digital threats. The platform also ensures compliance with industry regulations, like NIS2, which is essential for businesses in regulated sectors. Designed to be cloud-native, ThreatDiscover's platform provides scalability and security without requiring installations. This allows businesses to securely access security intelligence from different locations. Hosted in Germany, the data residency policies meet GDPR standards, ensuring transparent processes and strong access controls. CEO of ThreatDiscover also emphasized, "Our global expansion represents our commitment to spreading efficient and reliable cyber threat protection worldwide. As businesses face increased cyber threats, it's crucial they have access to a platform that not only covers all bases but helps maintain a secure business environment." Beyond global reach, ThreatDiscover offers integrations and detailed reporting options. This includes REST APIs for SIEM/SOAR systems and regular reports that highlight prioritized risks, allowing businesses to easily export their data into formats like PDF, JSON, or CSV. With ThreatDiscover making its mark on the global arena, it remains focused on delivering comprehensive cybersecurity assessments and active threat monitoring. By tackling major industry issues like alert fatigue and compliance, ThreatDiscover reinforces its role as a proactive leader in the cybersecurity field. To learn more about the ThreatDiscover Cyber Threat Intelligence Platform, including its proactive vulnerability management and adversary simulation, businesses are encouraged to visit the official site. ThreatDiscover urges enterprises seeking to boost their security to explore its advanced tools designed to protect their digital assets now and in the future. ### For more information about Threat Discover, contact the company here: Threat Discover Murtaza Temizturk 224-571-9190 support@threatdiscover.net 2200 e W Devon Ave, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018, US LAGOS, Nigeria, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- All Talentz has successfully concluded the maiden edition of the All Talentz Hackathon, a groundbreaking innovation challenge designed to nurture young technology talent and equip them with opportunities to transform bold ideas into impactful solutions. The hackathon, which drew participation from across Africa, empowered youths to tackle pressing challenges in education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and agriculture using technology-driven solutions. Through mentorship, collaboration, and access to expert judges, over a 6-week period, participants transformed ideas into working prototypes with the potential to scale globally. The Grand Finale brought together 10 exceptional teams to pitch their innovations before a distinguished panel of judges and industry leaders. Team Imago emerged as the winner with a revolutionary maternal healthcare solutionan AI-powered ultrasound system that integrates cutting-edge tools such as Metas Llama and Microsoft Azure AI into a handheld device. Designed for accessibility and accuracy, the solution places life-saving prenatal care in the hands of expectant mothers worldwide. The team received 10 million and an all-expenses-paid trip to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco, USA . emerged as the winner with a revolutionary maternal healthcare solutionan that integrates cutting-edge tools such as and into a handheld device. Designed for accessibility and accuracy, the solution places life-saving prenatal care in the hands of expectant mothers worldwide. The team received and an all-expenses-paid trip to . Team Waste to Wages secured second place with their youth employment solution that converts waste into sustainable opportunities, earning 2 million prize money . secured second place with their youth employment solution that converts waste into sustainable opportunities, earning . Team UniCBT claimed third place with an EdTech platform that enhances testing and learning, winning 1 million prize money. Team Imago (Bolarinwa Ismail, Godsfavor Ahamisi, Abdulquddus Abdulyaqeen) during the prize presentation with the judges. The event, hosted in partnership with the American Business Council, Jumia, and TechCabal, welcomed high-profile guests, including representatives from the U.S. Consulate, Lagos, Nigeria, Michael Ervin, Political and Economic Chief at the Consulate, delivered a keynote speech commending All Talentzs leadership in fostering innovation and equipping Nigerian youth with future-ready skills. All Talentz is deeply committed to building platforms where African talent can create winning solutions, compete, and thrive. This hackathon was not just about winning prizes. It was about unlocking possibilities, showcasing resilience, and proving that Nigerian innovators are capable of delivering solutions with global relevance, said Mr. Sadiq Isu, CEO of All Talentz. L-R Michael Nevin, US Economic and Political Chief, US Consulate Lagos, Sadiq Isu, Founder and CEO, All Talentz LLC and Joy Lawal, Strategic Project Lead, American Business Council. By organizing this hackathon, All Talentz reinforces its role as a bridge between talent and opportunity, helping young people access mentorship, funding, and global visibility. The company also announced that the hackathon will become an annual event, serving as a continuous platform to spotlight and scale Nigerias brightest innovations. About All Talentz All Talentz LLC is a global outsourcing and workforce solutions company committed to connecting talent with opportunity. With expertise spanning technology, healthcare, insurance, and restoration, All Talentz provides clients with vetted professionals, training, and tools to scale with confidence. Beyond outsourcing, All Talentz is dedicated to developing African tech talent by investing in programs that inspire innovation, nurture skills, and create pathways to global impact. Website: www.alltalentz.com/hackathon Media Contact: Michael Nwoseh Business & Digital Solutions Director All Talentz LLC M: +1 (614) 502-1440 E: info@alltalentz.com Website: www.alltalentz.com Address: 2020 Brice Road, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9facd1e9-d0dd-4f59-b157-222858467f96 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/16198aef-89d4-4709-9eeb-329924ca333a WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) sent a letter to its network of over 5,000 lenders instructing them to end politicized or unlawful banking practices. Pursuant to Executive Order 14331, Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans, SBA is requiring all lenders to stop the practice of Obama- and Biden-era debanking, and to reinstate otherwise qualified customers who were wrongfully denied access to financial services on the basis of political, religious, or ideological beliefs. Lenders who fail to comply with these directives will lose their good standing with the SBA and will be subject to additional punitive measures. Since the Obama Administration, financial institutions have both independently and at the direction of federal regulators weaponized the banking system against Americans who refused to bend the knee to a partisan ideology. Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, whose own family and businesses were debanked, those days are over, said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. This Administration is putting an end to the discriminatory debanking practices that have cost too many hardworking Americans their businesses or the opportunity to start one. Access to banking should not be a partisan issue but far too many confirmed debanking cases have targeted right-leaning businesses, non-profits, and people - including Christian, pro-life, and Second Amendment organizations. Any bank that retaliates against otherwise eligible customers on the basis of reputational, religious, ideological, or political beliefs will be held to account, Loeffler continued. The SBA is committed to protecting access to financial services for small businesses, and we are grateful to President Trump and other federal regulators for working together to end this wrongful practice. Both the Obama and Biden Administrations systematically pressured Americas financial institutions to engage in debanking encouraging them to freeze or close accounts, deny loans, or refuse services to lawful businesses and individuals as a form of political retribution. Until recently, most bank executives never exposed or attempted to stop this coercion choosing instead to ignore, yield, or join federal regulators in the systemic effort to deny banking services to ideological opponents. Operation Chokepoint, initiated by President Obama and continued by President Biden, pressured lenders to debank gun manufacturers and other politically disfavored but otherwise lawful entities. There are myriad instances of religious and pro-life groups being debanked under the guise of reputational risk. Even President Donald J. Trump has been debanked by numerous institutions that refused to accept his deposits or closed his accounts altogether. Meanwhile, many of these same financial institutions were also directed to increase services to support favored left-leaning political causes. Under the Biden Administration, the SBA advanced loan programs to favor private sector lending toward green energy. Administrator Loeffler ended the SBAs Green Lender Initiative on Day One along with the other partisan programs that funneled taxpayer dollars to pick winners and losers at the expense of qualified small business owners. Pursuant to Executive Order 14331, the SBAs letter has required its lenders to take the following actions by December 5, 2025: Identify any past or current formal or informal policies or practices that require, encourage, or otherwise influence their institution to engage in politicized or unlawful debanking as specified by the Fair Banking Executive Order. Make reasonable efforts to identify and reinstate any previous clients of their institution or any subsidiaries denied service through a politicized or unlawful debanking action in violation of a statutory or regulatory requirement under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636) or any requirement in a Standard Operating Procedures Manual or Policy Notice, and send notice of the reinstatement to the injured party; Identify all potential clients denied access to financial services provided by their institution or any subsidiaries through a politicized or unlawful debanking action in violation of a statutory or regulatory requirement under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act or any requirement in a Standard Operating Procedures Manual or Policy Notice, and provide notice to each otherwise qualified client advising of the denied access and the renewed option to engage in such services previously denied; and Identify all potential clients denied access to payment processing services provided by your institution or any subsidiaries through a politicized or unlawful debanking action in violation of a statutory or regulatory requirement under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act or any requirement in a Standard Operating Procedures Manual or Policy Notice, and provide notice to each victim advising of the denied access and the renewed option to engage in such services previously denied. Lenders must submit a report to the SBA by January 5, 2026, addressing and evidencing their compliance with the above directives to remain in good standing with the agency and avoid punitive measures. # # # About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. Winterthur, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Winterthur, Zurich - August 26, 2025 - Daylight AG, a well-known Swiss software company, has announced an important update to its educational technology solution. This step shows Daylight AG's ongoing dedication to boosting the efficiency and management of educational institutions. The latest update brings several improvements across their software suite, aiming to simplify administrative tasks so schools can concentrate more on student success. The new update touches on all elements of the company's current offerings. They have improved the user interface, which now makes it simpler for administrators to navigate and use the system effectively. This change is especially helpful for educational institutions aiming to streamline their management processes while maintaining strong functionality. Daylight AG's software suite is crafted to support schools as they move towards more digital methods in education management. For schools seeking to modernize their operations, Daylight AG remains a dependable option. Their website, found at https://www.daylight.ch/en, provides more details about these updates and additional information. Moreover, the updated software introduces new features for handling resources. These additions help schools efficiently manage the resources needed to run educational programs and events smoothly. By incorporating these features, Daylight AG aims to provide solutions that automate tasks and also offer insights into how resources are allocated. This supports schools in making informed decisions based on data. The platform now also includes advanced tools for managing courses, seminars, and other educational events. These tools give educational providers better control over planning, executing, and evaluating the effectiveness of their programs. This development aligns with Daylight AG's mission to boost educational management through technology. Daylight AG continues to enhance its marketing and customer relationship management (CRM) features. The latest software version improves how institutions market their educational programs and manage relationships with students and participants. These updates are likely to boost engagement rates and user satisfaction. Integration with top applications has always been a hallmark of Daylight AG's offerings. With the latest update, the company has expanded these integration capabilities further. This means their software works smoothly with popular financial and educational tools, offering a seamless experience for users. Such integration is important because it keeps information flowing and reduces the workload on educational staff. The software can be hosted internally or used as a cloud service, providing flexibility to suit different IT environments. This adaptability is essential for educational institutions looking to adjust the software to their specific needs. The platform supports multiple languages and includes automated workflows, making it accessible and practical in various educational settings. For a visit to Daylight AG, use this location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FYDvnuHbdtTgjGRaA. These improvements highlight Daylight AG's commitment to enriching the educational experience. By concentrating on better data management and simplified processes, the company helps educational institutions allocate more resources towards boosting student learning outcomes. For those interested in integrating these solutions into their schools, more information can be accessed on Daylight AG's official page. With these latest innovations, Daylight AG is showing its leadership in educational technology, providing solutions that not only tackle today's administrative challenges but also gear institutions up for the future of educational management. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq-c7YeRHKI More information about their latest developments is available through the company's press releases on platforms like Press Advantage at https://pressadvantage.com/organization/daylight-ag. ### For more information about daylight AG - Schulverwaltungs-, Kursverwaltungs-, Prufungsverwaltungs-, Event- & Rechnungswesen Software, contact the company here: daylight AG - Schulverwaltungs-, Kursverwaltungs-, Prufungsverwaltungs-, Event- & Rechnungswesen Software Marco Lendi +41 (0) 52 213 83 83 info@daylight.ch Bahnhofpl. 12 8400 Winterthur Switzerland SAN DIEGO, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), the global leader in AI-driven analytics and enterprise solutions for the gaming industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Chiaurro as Vice President of Business Development. This strategic addition to QCIs leadership team comes at a time of unprecedented growth, with QCI expanding its footprint to over 1,000 sites worldwide and experiencing 50% compound organic growth in 2025. Melissa brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the gaming technology sector, including serving as President of VizExplorer. Her career spans Class II, Class III, and VLT markets with a focus on scaling business intelligence software, electronic gaming systems, casino signage, digital media, and progressive systems. With her proven record of leading national sales teams, building customer-first partnerships, and executing enterprise deployments, Melissa is uniquely positioned to drive QCIs next phase of growth. QCI has redefined how technology empowers operators, and I am thrilled to join at such a pivotal moment, said Melissa Chiaurro, Vice President of Business Development at QCI. Our rapid global expansion is a direct result of turning data into action, and I look forward to helping accelerate that momentumdelivering measurable revenue impact for our customers while building new markets and partnerships. QCIs Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Cardno, added: Melissas deep experience and proven leadership will be instrumental as we continue to scale. She knows what it takes to grow businesses globally, and her ability to forge strong industry relationships makes her a key driver of our expansion strategy. With Melissa on board, QCI is even better positioned to deliver innovative, AI-powered solutions that fuel profitability for our customers. Melissas appointment underscores QCIs commitment to building a world-class leadership team and reinforces its position as the fastest-growing provider of integrated analytics and AI solutions for the gaming industry worldwide. 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 master's level research teams, his expertise has made significant waves in data tooling. Andrew's 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 today's 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 UCSDAndrew's 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, Andrew's 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 SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Okta, Inc. has released the following notice: A Federal Court authorized this Notice. This is not a solicitation from a lawyer. TO: ALL CURRENT RECORD HOLDERS AND BENEFICIAL OWNERS OF COMMON STOCK OF OKTA, INC. (OKTA OR THE COMPANY) AS OF JUNE 26, 2025 (THE RECORD DATE). PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the above-captioned derivative lawsuit and certain other Derivative Matters are being settled on the terms set forth in a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement dated June 26, 2025 (the Stipulation).1 Under the terms of the Stipulation, as part of the proposed Settlement, Okta will adopt, implement, and/or maintain certain corporate governance practices, policies and procedures, and internal controls reforms (the Reforms). These Reforms, which are detailed more fully in the Stipulation and Long Form Notice, are intended to address the claims asserted in the Derivative Matters. The Stipulation and Reforms were approved by a Settlement Review Committee of Oktas Board of Directors. The Settling Parties further acknowledge and agree that the Reforms confer substantial benefits on the Company and its stockholders and that the Settlement on the terms set forth in the Stipulation is in all respects fair, reasonable, and adequate, and serves the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. Settling Stockholders Counsel intends to request approval of the $2,250,000 agreed-to Fee and Expense Amount, inclusive of requested Service Awards for Settling Stockholders. The Settling Defendants have agreed not to oppose this request. The amount of attorneys fees and expenses ultimately awarded will be within the sole discretion of the Court. IF YOU WERE A RECORD OR BENEFICIAL OWNER OF OKTA COMMON STOCK AS OF JUNE 26, 2025, PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE CAREFULLY AND IN ITS ENTIRETY AS YOUR RIGHTS MAY BE AFFECTED BY PROCEEDINGS IN THE ABOVE-REFERENCED LITIGATION. On October 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., the Court will hold the Settlement Hearing by videoconference at the following address: https://cand-uscourts.zoomgov.com/j/1612108939?pwd=RFlsVmV0ZlFYb1ovQzRNTVlXNzcydz09 (Webinar ID: 161 210 8939; Password: 539983). At the Settlement Hearing, the Court will consider whether the Settlement is fair, reasonable and adequate and thus should be finally approved and whether the California Federal Action should be dismissed with prejudice pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Stipulation. The Court also will rule upon the Fee and Expense Amount to Settling Stockholders Counsel and Settling Stockholders Service Award. Any Current Okta Stockholder may, but is not required to, appear in person at the Settlement Hearing. If you want to be heard at the Settlement Hearing in opposition to the Settlement, the Fee and Expense Amount or the Service Award, then you must first comply with the following procedures for objecting. Any objections must be presented in writing and must contain the following information: Notice of intent to appear at the Settlement Hearing; Your name, legal address, and telephone number; Proof of being a Current Okta Stockholder as of the Record Date and a representation that you continue to own Okta common stock as of the date of the objection and that you intend to continue to own Okta common stock on the date of the Settlement Hearing and shall confirm that continuing ownership at the Settlement Hearing; The date(s) you acquired your Okta shares and the number of Okta shares held; A detailed statement of your specific position with respect to the matters to be heard at the Settlement Hearing, including a statement of each objection being made; and The grounds for each objection or the reasons for your desire to appear and to be heard. Any counsel retained by a purported objector for the purpose of asserting an objection must make a notice of appearance with the Court at least fourteen (14) calendar days before the Settlement Hearing. The Court will not consider any objection that does not substantially comply with these requirements. Any written objections must be filed with the Court no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the Settlement Hearing. The Court will not consider any objection that is not timely filed with the Court. Any person or entity who fails to object or otherwise requests to be heard in the manner prescribed above will be deemed to have waived the right to object to any aspect of the Settlement or otherwise request to be heard (including the right to appeal) and will be forever barred from raising such objection or request to be heard in this or any other action or proceeding, but shall otherwise be bound by the Judgment to be entered and the releases to be given. This Notice summarizes the Settling Parties Stipulation. It is not a complete statement of the events of the Derivative Matters or the Stipulation. You may inspect the Stipulation, its Exhibits, and the Long Form Notice on Oktas Investor Relations Page of its website at https://investor.okta.com/financials/sec-filings/default.aspx . PLEASE DO NOT CALL, WRITE, OR OTHERWISE DIRECT QUESTIONS TO EITHER THE COURT OR THE CLERKS OFFICE. Any questions you have about matters in this Notice should be directed by telephone or in writing to Settling Stockholders Counsel. Dated: August 18, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA Use of Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, those regarding: (i) the Stipulation resolving the Derivative Matters; (ii) the ability to secure final approval of the proposed settlement from the United States District Court for the Northern District of California and to satisfy all conditions of the proposed settlement; and (iii) other statements that are not historical facts, constitute forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties related to: (a) the Stipulation not having the expected impact, including resolving the Derivative Matters; (b) the proposed settlement requiring more activity or expense than expected; (c) the defendants ability to overcome any objections or appeals regarding the proposed settlement; and (d) satisfactory resolution of any future litigation or other disagreements with others. Further information on potential factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are contained in Oktas filings and periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the heading Risk Factors and elsewhere in such filings and reports, including our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2025 and future filings and reports by Okta. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made, and the facts and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements may change. Except as required by law, Okta disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future information, events or circumstances. Source: Okta, Inc. _____________________________________ 1 This Notice should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the text of the Stipulation and its Exhibits, which have been filed with the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. The capitalized terms used in this Notice and not otherwise defined herein are defined in the Stipulation. SAN DIEGO, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP) securities between April 29, 2025 and August 5, 2025, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), have until October 20, 2025 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the Snap class action lawsuit. Captioned Abdul-Hameed v. Snap Inc., No. 25-cv-07844 (C.D. Cal.), the Snap class action lawsuit charges Snap as well as certain of Snaps top executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the Snap class action lawsuit, please provide your information here: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-snap-class-action-lawsuit-snap.html You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at info@rgrdlaw.com. CASE ALLEGATIONS: Snap operates as a technology company. The Snap class action lawsuit alleges that defendants created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to Snaps expected advertising revenue and anticipated growth while emphasizing potential macroeconomic instability. In truth, according to the complaint, Snaps optimistic reports of advertising growth and earnings potential fell short of reality as they relied far too heavily on Snaps ability to execute on its potential and Snap was already experiencing the ramifications of a significant execution error when defendants claimed a lack of visibility due to macroeconomic conditions. The Snap class action lawsuit further alleges that on August 5, 2025, defendants released disappointing second quarter fiscal year 2025 results, disclosing that advertising revenue decelerated significantly in the quarter, in part, due to Snap having shipped a change that caused some campaigns to clear the auction at substantially reduced prices. On this news, the price of Snap stock fell more than 17%, according to the complaint. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired Snap securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the Snap class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the Snap class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the Snap class action lawsuit. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the Snap class action lawsuit. ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the worlds leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder litigation. Our Firm has been ranked #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for four out of the last five years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. In 2024, we recovered over $2.5 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases more than the next five law firms combined, according to ISS. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs firms in the world, and the Firms attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest ever $7.2 billion in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information: https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices. Contact: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP J.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal 655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101 800-449-4900 info@rgrdlaw.com Goldstorm Metals Corp. (TSXV: GSTM) (FSE: B2U) ("Goldstorm" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical program (the "Program") has commenced at the Company's 100%-owned Crown Property, which covers approximately 16,000 hectares situated adjacent to, and due south of, both Seabridge Gold Inc. 's KSM gold-copper project and Newmont's Brucejack gold mine. See map below to view the Crown Property location. The IP Program will target the Copernicus Zone and other geochemical anomalies along the Orion Spine at the Crown Property. Crown Property Location Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9214/263873_62f16eaf64f9db92_002full.jpg Ken Konkin, P. Geo., President and CEO, comments: "We are pleased to announce that the geophysical phase of exploration on the Crown Project has begun. This study is expected to greatly assist our team in prioritizing drill targets along the Orion Spine, which is located directly south of, and on trend with the extensive string of Treaty-KSM gold-copper porphyry deposits. We believe that great geological potential exists for the continuation of the Treaty-KSM porphyry trend southwards, through the center of our Crown Claims beneath the Orion Spine. The geophysical surveys will focus on the known zones of mineralization at Copernicus and areas of anomalous gold-in-rock geochemistry immediately north and south of Copernicus which lies mid-way down along the Orion Spine. We expect the IP survey to be completed before the end of August and Simcoe Geoscience will follow up with a Magnetotelluric (MT) study, which is designed to map lithologies and structures at depth. We anticipate that the results of these surveys will considerably improve our geologic understanding of the project as we prepare for preliminary exploration drilling. The goal is to evaluate the underlying geology along the 1.4-kilometer trend of the Copernicus Zone to determine if a large intrusive-related target at depth may be the source for the mobilized copper-gold-silver mineralization identified on surface. The IP study will cover 3.5-kilometers of the impressive, anomalous gold-in-rock geochemical trend that extends along the north-south oriented Orion Spine. The objective of the geophysical studies is to outline resistivity/conductivity and magnetic features that may represent larger mineralized targets, as well as identify major regional structures that are known to play an important role in the geological model for the porphyry systems located on trend to the north, at KSM and at Treaty Creek. Our field crews have been mapping, prospecting and sampling freshly exposed outcrop on both the east and west flanks of the receding glaciers bounding the Orion Spine. Attention has been given to the structural orientation of high-grade base- and precious-metal mineralization that may be emanating from deeper sources, which could be related to potential intrusive-related activity such as a porphyry system. If the metal sources for the Copernicus Cu-Au-Ag structures are related to deeper, larger, mineralized bodies, vectoring from these, and other newly discovered structures, toward a potential source would be important information for designing the initial drill program. The first phase of rock channel sampling has been completed and these include 165 grab, rock-chip and saw-cut channel samples. We hope to receive the rock geochemical analysis results near the end of the month to coincide with the end of the IP program." The MT Survey announced in the Company's press release dated August 6, 2025, will be carried out following the completion of the IP Program. Below is a view of the Orion Spine rock geochemical gold anomalies and areas for the IP and MT geophysical surveys at the Copernicus Zone. 2025 Ground Geophysical Survey Area - Orion Spine To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9214/263873_62f16eaf64f9db92_003full.jpg Qualified Person The Qualified Person for this news release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 is the Company's President and CEO, Ken Konkin, P.Geo. He has read and approved the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for the disclosure contained in this news release. QA/QC All samples were prepared at MSA Labs' Preparation Laboratory in Terrace, BC and assayed at MSA Labs' Geochemical Laboratory in Langley, BC. Gold was assayed using a fire assay with atomic absorption (AA) spectrometry finish. Samples over 10 ppm gold were fire assayed with gravimetric finish. All samples were analyzed by four acid digestion with multi-element ICP-MS, with silver and base metal over-limits being reanalyzed by emission spectrometry. MSA Laboratories quality system complies with the requirements for the International Standards ISO 17025 and ISO 9001. MSA Labs is independent of the Company. About Goldstorm Metals Goldstorm Metals Corp. is a precious and base metals exploration company with a large strategic land position in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, an area that hosts some of the largest and highest-grade gold deposits in the world. Goldstorm's flagship projects, Crown and Electrum, cover an area that totals 16,469 hectares over 6 concessions, of which 5 are contiguous. The Crown Project is situated directly south of Seabridge Gold's KSM gold-copper deposits and Newmont Corp.'s Brucejack/Valley of the Kings gold mine. Electrum, also located in the Golden Triangle of BC, is situated directly between Newmont Corporation's Brucejack Mine, approximately 20 kilometers to the north, and the past producing Silbak Premier mine, 20 kilometers to the south. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF GOLDSTORM METALS CORP. "Ken Konkin" Ken Konkin President and Chief Executive Officer 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. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance, including without limitation, the statement regarding the expectation that geologists are expected to complete a compilation study this winter once all assay results are received. Such a statement is a forward-looking statement and contains forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". Forward-looking statements are based on certain material assumptions and analysis made by Goldstorm and the opinions and estimates of management as of the date of this press release, including that geologists will complete a compilation study this winter once all assay results are received. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Goldstorm to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary, include, without limitation that geologists will not complete a compilation study this winter or at all. Although management of Goldstorm has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Goldstorm does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263873 Luca Mining Corp. ("Luca" or the "Company") (TSXV: LUCA) (OTCQX: LUCMF) (Frankfurt: Z68) is pleased to report its operational and financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. The quarter was highlighted by strong throughput, increased production, and a continued ramp-up at Tahuehueto, partly offset by lower precious metals grades and higher sustaining capital investments as the Company advances key underground development and exploration programs. The Company generated revenue of US$36.8 million in Q2 2025, an increase of 102% over Q2 2024, and delivered record revenue of US$75.4 million for the first half of the year. Revenue growth was driven by gold equivalent production of 17,861 ounces in Q2 and 39,154 ounces in H1 2025, supported by continued ramp-up at Tahuehueto and strong plant availability at Campo Morado. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was US$5.8 million, with US$18.2 million generated in the first half of the year. Mine operating cash flow before taxes totaled US$9.1 million in the quarter and US$27.8 in H1, highlighting strong underlying operating performance. Net free cash flow before changes in working capital was negative US$4.5 million, mainly due to increased development and exploration spending in the quarter but remains positive for H1 at US$4.9 million. All-in sustaining costs ("AISC") increased during the quarter to US$3,310 per AuEq ounce sold, primarily due to catch-up development and exploration spending. This investment is laying the groundwork for more consistent and cost-effective mining in the future. Additionally, temporary declines in precious metal grades, as the Company mined through transitional zones, were in line with expectations and are anticipated to improve as new, better-grade areas are accessed. These short-term cost and grade pressures are part of Luca's strategic path to unlocking higher-margin production and stronger long-term performance. "This was a quarter of consolidation for Luca, with record H1 revenue, double-digit production growth, reduction of our debt by $1.5 million and meaningful cash generation from operations," said Dan Barnholden, CEO of Luca Mining. "As we continue to invest heavily in development and exploration to position for future profitability, our operations are already delivering strong financial performance. We continue to position our assets for long term success as we build Luca into a mid-tier production company." Strategic Development and Exploration to Support Long-Term Growth In the second quarter of 2025, Luca focused on advancing critical underground development and exploration activities across both operations to enhance mine access, ventilation, and overall mining flexibility. While these efforts impacted grades and costs in the quarter, they are expected to drive improved productivity and profitability going forward. AISC per AuEq ounce sold was $3,310, an increase of 45% year-over-year, primarily due to a significant increase in sustaining capital related to underground development and exploration activities. During the quarter, the Company completed 1,780 meters of underground development at a cost of $6,196 and 6,804 meters of exploration drilling at a cost of $1,427. These efforts represent a marked increase from the prior year, when limited development and exploration work was undertaken. The additional investment in this period is intended to open up new mining areas, improve operational flexibility, and support long-term production reliability. Importantly, by prioritizing development in Q2, the Company has effectively brought forward access to higher-grade ore zones, a decision that temporarily reduced short-term free cash flow but is expected to accelerate stronger, more profitable production in future periods. AISC is expected moderate to more normalized levels in future periods as the Company catches up on previously deferred development and exploration. Below are the operating and financial highlights for the second quarter and first half of the year: Second Quarter Highlights The Company maintained strong health and safety performance during the quarter, reporting no major incidents. Safety remains a key priority, and enhanced housekeeping protocols and site-wide order standards were implemented across all operations. Gold equivalent production totaled 17,861 ounces in Q2 2025, up 28% compared to Q2 2024, reflecting strong base metal output, high plant availability, and consistent throughput at both operations with gold production contributing 6,622 ounces, up 55% from Q2 2024. Tahuehueto advanced operationally, maintaining over 90% plant utilization in the quarter while increasing tonnes milled by 104% year over year to 72,396, underscoring continued ramp-up progress and plant reliability. Throughput momentum continued as well in the quarter, with a 65% increase in consolidated tonnes milled to 253,717; Campo Morado milled 181,320 tonnes (+54%), an average of 2,133 tonnes per day, while Tahuehueto more than doubled output, averaging 905 tonnes per day in the quarter, compared to the same period in the prior year. Gold production reached 6,622 ounces, up 55% from Q2 2024, supported by stable recoveries at Tahuehueto and steady plant operations despite lower mined grades. Campo Morado set a new benchmark with 98.7% grinding availability, its highest of the year, and delivered 11,106 gold-equivalent ounces-supported by stronger zinc and copper grades. Tahuehueto contributed 6,755 gold-equivalent ounces, a 44% increase year over year, and silver production rose 108% to 71,441 ounces, highlighting rising output from higher-grade zones. Zinc, copper, and lead production rose 74%, 66%, and 49%, respectively, on a consolidated basis, benefiting from improved head grades, higher throughput, and processing efficiency across both sites. Consolidated revenues more than doubled year-over-year to $36,780, driven by higher production volumes and improved realized prices across most metals. Cash provided by operating activities totaled $12,619 in Q2 2025, a substantial increase from $739 in Q2 2024, primarily driven by a 102% increase in revenues supported by higher gold-equivalent production (+28%) and improved realized prices. Strong throughput growth at both operations, particularly a 104% increase in tonnes milled at Tahuehueto and 98.7% grinding availability at Campo Morado, contributed to enhanced cash generation. Adjusted net earnings totaled $3,265 in Q2 2025, a step in the right direction from a near break-even result in Q2 2024. The turnaround reflects improved operational profitability, stronger metal sales, and disciplined cost management, offsetting non-cash and non-recurring items that impacted the reported net loss. Positive adjusted EBITDA of $5,797 in Q2 2025 (Q2 2024 - positive adjusted EBITDA of $4,166), supported by increased sales across gold, zinc, and copper, as well as improved operating margins. Three months ended Six Months ended Consolidated June 30 2025 June 30 2024 % Change June 30 2025 June 30 2024 % Change Operating Tonnes mined 250,879 159,096 58 % 510,385 294,358 73 % Tonnes milled 253,717 153,676 65 % 499,999 312,101 60 % Gold ("Au") ounces produced 6,622 4,278 55 % 14,298 8,575 67 % Silver ("Ag") ounces produced 279,839 188,267 49 % 630,508 395,772 59 % Lead ("Pb") produced (lbs) 2,197,400 1,471,506 49 % 4,598,818 2,927,803 57 % Zinc ("Zn") produced (lbs) 11,964,555 6,889,575 74 % 23,511,929 13,652,895 72 % Copper ("Cu") produced (lbs) 2,578,057 1,557,367 66 % 5,085,118 3,302,046 54 % AuEq produced (oz) (1) 17,861 13,947 28 % 39,154 28,095 39 % Gold ounces sold 5,445 3,629 50 % 12,165 7,208 69 % Silver ounces sold 209,413 131,736 59 % 482,611 281,828 71 % Lead sold (lbs) 825,038 537,648 53 % 1,813,436 927,023 96 % Zinc sold (lbs) 8,966,336 4,364,913 105 % 17,359,309 8,919,959 95 % Copper sold (lbs) 1,809,398 1,219,655 48 % 3,643,133 2,390,057 52 % AuEq ounces sold(1) 13,476 10,186 32 % 30,076 20,239 49 % Direct mining cost per tonne(5)(9) 93 84 (11 %) 91 78 (17 %) Cash cost per Au/Eq ounce sold ($) (1)(2)(5) 2,275 1,897 (20 %) 2,073 1,812 (14 %) AISC per Au/Eq ounce sold ($) (1)(3)(5) 3,310 2,276 (45 %) 2,732 2,150 (27 %) All-in cost per Au/Eq sold ($) (1)(3)(5)(8) 3,338 2,271 (47 %) 3,014 2,194 (37 %) Financial $ $ $ $ Net Revenue 36,780 18,163 102 % 75,397 34,504 119 % Cost of Sales 27,707 15,496 (79 %) 52,961 28,231 (88 %) Mine operating gain (loss) 9,073 2,667 240 % 22,436 6,273 258 % Mine operating cash flow before taxes(7) 12,047 3,340 261 % 27,775 7,378 276 % Net earnings (loss) (3,228) 4,674 (169 %) 1,292 9,975 (87 %) Adjusted net earnings (loss) 3,265 24 13,504 % 12,808 1,106 1,058 % Net free cashflow before working capital(10) (4,519) 1,772 (355 %) 4,931 4,920 0 % EBITDA(4)(5) 1,218 6,153 (80 %) 8,693 12,425 (30 %) Adjusted EBITDA(4)(5) 5,797 4,166 39 % 18,226 5,998 204 % Realized gold price per ounce ($)(5)(6) 3,275 2,315 41 % 3,041 2,187 39 % Realized silver price per ounce ($)(5)(6) 33.53 28.57 17 % 32.49 25.60 27 % Realized lead price per lb ($)(5)(6) 0.88 0.98 (10 %) 0.88 0.96 (7 %) Realized zinc price per lb ($)(5)(6) 1.20 1.28 (7 %) 1.24 1.18 5 % Realized copper price per lb ($)(5)(6) 4.33 4.38 (1 %) 4.25 4.10 4 % Working capital(5) 281 (27,848) 101 % 281 (27,848) 101 % Shareholders Gain (loss) per share - basic (0.01) 0.03 (145 %) 0.01 0.06 (91 %) Gain (loss) per share - diluted (0.01) 0.03 (145 %) 0.01 0.06 (92 %) Adjusted earnings per share - basic and diluted(5) 0.01 0.00 100 % 0.05 0.01 680 % Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - basic (000) 255,773 165,875 54 % 243,083 163,730 48 % Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - diluted (000) 255,773 166,005 54 % 255,266 163,730 56 % 1. Gold equivalents are calculated using an 97.67:1 (Ag/Au), 0.0004:1 (Au/Zn), 0.0013:1 (Au/Cu) and 0.0003:1 (Au/Pb) ratio for Q2 2025; and Gold equivalents are calculated using an 81.00:1 (Ag/Au), 0.0005:1 (Au/Zn), 0.0019:1 (Au/Cu) and 0.0004:1 (Au/Pb) ratio for Q2 2024; an 93.59:1 (Ag/Au), 0.0004:1 (Au/Zn), 0.0013:1 (Au/Cu) and 0.0003:1 (Au/Pb) ratio for YTD 2025; and an 84.46:1 (Ag/Au), 0.0005:1 (Au/Zn), 0.0019:1 (Au/Cu) and 0.0004:1 (Au/Pb) ratio for YTD 2024, respectively. 2. Cash cost per gold equivalent ounce includes mining, processing, and direct overhead costs. See Reconciliation to IFRS in the MD&A 3. AISC per AuEq oz includes mining, processing, direct overhead, corporate general and administration expenses, reclamation, and sustaining capital in the MD&A. 4. See Reconciliation of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization in the MD&A. 5. See "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" in the MD&A. 6. Based on provisional sales before final price adjustments, treatment, and refining charges. 7. Mine operating cash flow before taxes is calculated by adding back royalties, changes in inventory and depreciation and depletion to mine operating earnings. See Reconciliation to IFRS in the MD&A. 8. All-in cost per AuEq oz includes AISC plus interest paid and loan payments. See MD&A. 9. Direct mining costs include mining, processing, and direct overhead cost at the operation sites. See reconciliation in the MD&A. 10. Net free cash flow before working is operating cash flow before working capital changes, less capital expenditures. See MD&A. Production For the six months ended June 30, 2025, total consolidated production amounted to 39,154 gold-equivalent ounces, a 50% increase year-over-year. This total includes 14,298 ounces of gold, 630,508 ounces of silver, 23.5 million pounds of zinc, 5.1 million pounds of copper, and 4.6 million pounds of lead. The 67% year-over-year increase in gold-equivalent production was mainly driven by higher throughput at both operations supported by improved plant availability, increased extraction, and stronger operating discipline together with higher zinc and copper output, despite the reduction in precious metal grades and recoveries. Campo Morado remained the primary contributor, accounting for approximately 25,462 gold-equivalent ounces, or 65% of total consolidated production, while Tahuehueto contributed 13,692 ounces, or 35%, reflecting strong production growth as the site advanced toward stable, full-scale operations. Ongoing upgrades, development work and strategic initiatives are expected to drive further efficiency and output gains. Exploration Campo Morado Underway at Campo Morado is a 5,000 metre underground diamond drilling campaign comprising approximately 25 holes during this first phase of exploration activities. This program's primary target is the definition of additional mineral resources from under-drilled zones near to existing underground production areas as well as the identification of mineralization within previously untested areas with high potential for the discovery and development of new mineral resources. A 2,500 metre surface drill program has also commenced that will test portions of the property away from of the current mine workings towards development of the greater resource potential across the entirety of Luca's concessions that make up the Campo Morado Property. Results have been highly encouraging and have shown appreciable widths of mineralization above mine-cutoff grades. Previous exploration at Campo Morado has produced an extensive set of high-quality, proprietary geological data, including over 600,000 meters of underground and surface drilling data, property-wide geological/structural mapping, approximately 30,000 geochemical soil sample data, as well as several airborne and ground-based geophysical survey datasets, inclusive of gravity, electromagnetics, and induced polarization surveys. Analyses of these geophysical survey datasets, particularly gravity, directly resulted in the original discovery and initial definition of mineral resources on the property and will continue to guide all exploration initiatives; moreover, this large geophysical dataset is currently being compiled, cleaned and reinterpreted by the Company to prioritize the greater than 38 exploration targets identified to date across the property. Production to date at Campo Morado has been exclusively from three main deposits: G9, Southwest, and El Largo. Tahuehueto At Tahuehueto, the Company commenced a two-phase underground drill campaign, together totalling 10,500 metres. The drill plan takes advantage of recently developed underground areas to potentially expand the mineral resource through the identification of economic mineralization along the modeled veins and interpreted vein extensions. Mineralization is open along strike and at depth for most of the modeled resource area and the objective of the current campaign will be a combination of infill and step-out drilling to determine the vertical and lateral extent of mineralization as well as to identify mineralized brecciated zones within the epithermal vein system. In addition to the four veins that comprise the mineralized resource, there are at least 14 additional prospective veins or splays documented within the greater concession area that have potential to host additional epithermal mineralization. In some cases, these prospective targets may represent extensions or continuations of the currently defined Mineral Resource. The Company estimates that there are more than 11 km of prospective vein structures (measured along strike), compared to the currently defined 4.5 km of known mineralized veins. It is anticipated that mineable resources will be added into the near-term and medium term Tahuehueto Mine Plan. The majority of holes completed to date in this program have intersected new mineralized parts of the Creston and Perdido vein structures in areas of no previous historic drilling, further validating the continuous nature of these pervasive and mineralized veins. A key result is the discovery of a new, thick, high-grade breccia zones near the existing mine workings which demonstrates the high potential for additional new high-impact discoveries and the immediate and meaningful return on investment of this exploration drilling. Outlook For the year ahead, the Company anticipates producing between 85,000 and 100,000 gold equivalent ounces with payable ounces ranging between 65,000 and 80,000. The Company expects to generate between US$30 million and US$40 million in free cash flow before working capital adjustments for the year, reflecting the strength of its core mining operations. This metric, which excludes short-term fluctuations in receivables, payables, prepaids and inventory, provides a clear measure of the Company's ability to generate cash from operations net of capital expenditures. Strong free cash flow supports key initiatives, including debt repayment, reinvestment in growth opportunities, and potential shareholder returns. The Company's anticipated cash generation underscores its operational efficiency and financial resilience as it continues to execute its long-term strategy. The Company's consolidated production during the first half of the year totaled 39,154 AuEq, representing approximately 46% of the low end of annual production guidance of 85,000 to 100,000 AuEq. Gold production of 14,298 ounces and silver production of 630,508 ounces likewise reflect 43% and 51% of the respective low ends of guidance. Base metal production continued to provide strong by-product credits, with zinc and copper delivering 51% and 54% of their respective guidance ranges at mid-year, highlighting the strength and consistency of Campo Morado's operations. While first half production is below the run-rate implied by annual guidance, this was anticipated given the staged ramp-up of operations at Tahuehueto. With mine development advancing and plant improvements underway, management expects a stronger second half, led by higher gold and silver output from Tahuehueto and sustained throughput from Campo Morado. Additionally, as market prices have strengthened, particularly for gold and silver, the AuEq calculation will yield fewer AuEq ounces from base metals (Pb/Zn/Cu) for the same production volumes because the gold price in the denominator is higher. This does not reduce contained metal or expected revenue; in fact, higher precious-metal prices enhance margins and cash flow even if reported AuEq totals moderate on a conversion basis. The Company will continue to emphasize unit costs, realized pricing, and cash generation alongside AuEq to reflect this favorable pricing environment in the second half. The Company remains cautiously optimistic in achieving its 2025 production guidance, with second half performance expected to deliver the majority of annual AuEq. The Company's strategy is to grow its mining business through the advancement of existing mines and mineral concessions, complemented by the acquisition and development of additional operations, resources, and reserves. Growth is driven by opportunity rather than restricted by geography, with a focus on assets where the Company's unique combination of political, exploration, operational, financial, and community expertise can deliver meaningful value. This experience is central to identifying and evaluating acquisition opportunities-particularly in cases where a fresh perspective or targeted investment can unlock potential. The Company seeks to create value by optimizing underperforming assets, advancing overlooked exploration opportunities, and successfully navigating complex regulatory and stakeholder environments. The Company's approach is underpinned by disciplined execution, a long-term focus on value creation, and the integration of environmental, health & safety and social responsibility into every stage of the process. These primary areas of focus align with our three pillars of value creation: Optimization - Enhancing efficiency, productivity, and cost performance at existing operations. Exploration - Advancing high-potential targets to grow resources and reserves. Expansion - Acquiring and developing assets to broaden the operational portfolio and extend mine life. Qualified Person The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Paul D. Gray, P.Geo., Vice-President Exploration at Luca Mining. Mr. Gray is a Qualified Person for the Company as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Luca Mining Corp. Luca Mining Corp. (TSX-V: LUCA, OTCQX: LUCMF, Frankfurt: Z68) is a Canadian mining company with two wholly owned mines located in the prolific Sierra Madre mineralized belt in Mexico. These mines produce gold, copper, zinc, silver, and lead and generate strong cash flow. Both mines have considerable development and resource upside as well as district scale exploration potential. The Company's Campo Morado Mine hosts VMS-style, polymetallic mineralization within a large land package comprising 121 square kilometres. It is an underground operation, producing zinc, copper, gold, silver and lead. The mine is located in Guerrero State. The Tahuehueto Mine is a large property of over 75 square kilometres in Durango State. The project hosts epithermal gold and silver vein-style mineralization. Tahuehueto is a newly constructed underground mining operation producing primarily gold and silver. The Company has successfully commissioned its mill and is now in commercial production. On Behalf of the Board of Directors (signed) "Dan Barnholden" Dan Barnholden, Chief Executive Officer For more information, please visit: www.lucamining.com Cautionary Note Regarding 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") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, estimated production guidelines for 2025 and other possible events, conditions or performance that are based on assumptions about the proposed exploration program and its anticipated results; the timing and costs of future activities on the Company's properties, such as production rates and increases and sustaining capital expenditures; success of exploration, development, and metres to be drilled in exploration on the Tahuehueto Mine site and the Campo Morado Mine site. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified using words and phrases such as "plans"," expects", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that the Company will be able to raise additional capital as necessary; the current exploration, development, environmental and other objectives concerning the Tahuehueto Mine can be achieved; that consistent and sustainable mill feed at Campo Morado Mine will be achieved; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals and economic and political conditions. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information 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 Information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. 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 Luca Mining Corp. Contact Information: Sophia Shane, Director of Investor Relations, sshane@lucamining.com, +1 604 306 6867 Freeman Gold Corp. (TSXV: FMAN) (OTCQB: FMANF) (FSE: 3WU) ("Freeman" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has amended the Option Agreement with BHLK-2 LLC, a limited liability company (the "Option"). Freeman now has made all the necessary payments to exercise the Option to purchase 46 unpatented claims (see Figure 1). These claims surround the central core of patented claims and contain a portion of the Lemhi resource. This acquisition is part of the Company's strategy to accelerate development and consolidate ownership of the Lemhi Project. Additionally, the 2023 Lemhi Preliminary Economic Assessment envisages using some of these claims in connection with the tailings storage facility. On August 19, 2019, the Company entered into an option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in an additional 46 unpatented mining claims located in Lemhi County, Idaho. To exercise the Option, the Company was required to pay an aggregate of US$1,000,000 over a period of seven years with the final payment of US$550,000 due on August 19, 2026. The Company has negotiated a final payment of US $525,000 and made the payment fulfilling the terms of the agreement. The Company also announces the appointment of Julie Van Baarsen as interim Chief Financial Officer effective September 1, 2025. Ms. Van Baarsen will succeed Bassam Moubarak who has acted as both Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company while the Company conducted a search. Mr. Moubarak remains Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company. Ms. Van Baarsen is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 30 years of experience. She has held various senior financial positions as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President - Finance, Director of Finance, and Controller at several public companies in the telecom and mining sectors, including companies with operating mines in Central America and British Columbia. She obtained her Chartered Accountant designation in 1993 while working at Grant Thornton LLP. About the Company and Project Freeman Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the development of its 100% owned Lemhi Gold project (the "Project"). The Project comprises 30 square kilometres of highly prospective land, hosting a near-surface oxide gold resource. The pit constrained National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43- 101") compliant mineral resource estimate is comprised of 988,100 ounces gold ("oz Au") at 1.0 gram per tonne ("g/t") in 30.02 million tonnes (4.7 million tonnes Measured (168,800 oz) & 25.5 million tonnes Indicated (819,300 oz)) and 256,000 oz Au at 1.04 g/t Au in 7.63 million tonnes (Inferred). The Company is focused on growing and advancing the Project towards a production decision. To date, 525 drill holes and 92,696 m of drilling has historically been completed (Murray K., Elfen, S.C., Mehrfert, P., Millard, J., Cooper, Schulte, M., Dufresne, M., NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, dated November 20, 2023; www.sedarplus.ca). The recently updated price sensitivity analysis (see Freeman's news release dated April 9, 2025) shows a PEA with an after-tax net present value (5%) of US$329 million and an internal rate of return of 28.2% using a base case gold price of US$2,200/oz; Average annual gold production of 75,900 oz Au for a total life-of-mine of 11.2 years payable output of 851,900 oz Au; life-of-mine cash costs of US$925/oz Au; and, all-in sustaining costs of US$1,105/oz Au using an initial capital expenditure of US$215 million*. *Note: Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The preliminary economic assessment is preliminary in nature, that it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. The technical content of this release has been reviewed and approved by Dean Besserer, P. Geo., VP Exploration of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by the NI 43-101. On Behalf of the Company Bassam Moubarak Chief Executive Officer Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operations and activities of Freeman, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the use of some of the newly acquired claims in connection with the tailings storage facility, and the transition with regard to the Chief Financial Officer role on September 1, 2025. 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 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 Freeman, 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, continued availability of capital and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law. SOURCE Freeman Gold Corp. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.freemangoldcorp.com or contact Mr. Bassam Moubarak at by email at bm@bmstrategiccapital.com. Just because youre a nonprofit doesnt mean youre cash poor. In fact, some of the richest entities in the country are organizations with nonprofit status. Now some government officials in Boston want nonprofits in the city to contribute more to city coffers.As tax-exempt institutions, nonprofits dont pay property taxes. Thats a big deal in Boston, where half the citys relatively modest land mass is not subject to taxation, thanks to the big footprints of government entities, universities, medical centers and other nonprofits. Those enterprises make significant use of roads, transit, utilities and other city services, even though they dont contribute much to their upkeep.Back in 2012, the city reached an agreement with four dozen of its largest nonprofits, asking them to contribute 25 percent of what they would otherwise owe in property taxes. Lots of cities and counties depend on such arrangements, known as payments in lieu of taxes, or PILOTs.By some measures, the program has worked well. Last year, the city collected $33.6 million in PILOTs, according to the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, an independent think tank. Thats more than double what it got in 2011, before the current arrangement started.But the nonprofits arent kicking in like they used to. They only paid 56.4 percent of what the city requested last year -- down from 90.7 percent in 2012. And only half of the PILOT payments are made in cash. The other half of the contribution is based on benefits the nonprofits say they provide to the community. People in our city see a direct connection between PILOTs and the lack of funding for education and housing, says Annissa Essaibi George, a city councilor.Last year, Harvard gave itself a 20 percent discount, paying 79 percent of its anticipated PILOT, with less than half coming in cash. (Harvards main campus is across the Charles River in Cambridge, but the university owns more than $1 billion worth of property in Boston proper.) Harvard has never paid its expected share in the seven years of the program. Northeastern University and Boston College have paid even smaller percentages of their expected payments.Essaibi George and other critics note that Harvard has an endowment approaching $40 billion, and pays its investment managers alone several times the amount requested by the city in PILOTs. Harvard has a long tradition of paying taxes and making voluntary PILOT payments to its host communities, replies university spokeswoman Brigid ORourke. Community benefits are a meaningful extension of Harvards education and research mission.Not everyone at city hall thinks nonprofits should be squeezed harder. Mayor Marty Walsh hasnt joined the chorus of critics, asking whether at some point city demands become unlawful taxation. The entire PILOT program, after all, is voluntary. Its a challenge for sure to get any organization thats not required to pay taxes to pay something equivalent, says Boston Municipal Research Bureau President Pamela Kocher, but we do like this standardized approach. Everybody has a better sense of the ground rules.Those rules may be shifting. Pressure from Essaibi George and other councilors has led to discussion about putting the city in charge of defining community benefits. As it stands, the nonprofits themselves determine what constitutes a benefit, although the city does perform an audit. A private high school says because the city isnt doing a good job educating, thats their benefit for us, complains Councilor Lydia Edwards.Its also possible, but less likely, that the city will reassess the value of properties held by nonprofits, which hasnt been done since 2012. Boston has boomed in this decade but not everyone has shared in the wealth. Theres a general push among progressives on the city council to find more money to help address equity issues. Everything in Boston has grown tremendously in value over the last 10 years, Essaibi George says. Were very interested in what the new values are and what the new PILOT payments would be even without changing the formula.The same boom has put a squeeze on some smaller Boston nonprofits. Several have had to move, including a few that have left the city altogether. It is likely that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, facing a 45 percent rent increase, will leave its location in downtown Boston by the end of the year. Dutch GP not sold out even as final F1 race looms As Formula 1 returns from its August break, the Dutch GP at Zandvoort - the home race of Max Verstappen - is standing out for a surprising reason. Yuki Tsunoda, Dutch GP 2024 Red Bull It has emerged that seats are still unsold in what has otherwise become a new tradition of total sell-outs. Organisers last year agreed to extend the contract with F1 by one more season, confirming 2026 will be the Zandvoort circuit's final grand prix for now. Demand has been sky-high in the past. The first three Dutch GPs after F1's 2021 return drew over 300,000 fans per weekend, though 2024 saw a dip to 275,000. This year, days before race weekend, Algemeen Dagblad reports there are still tickets available - mainly for Friday. A circuit spokesman told the paper they still expect Saturday and Sunday to sell out, but noted that "in the first years, tickets were sold out earlier than now. We have to be more active in selling them, he admitted. But we expect that in 2026 the stands will definitely be packed to capacity. The event's popularity also shades Verstappen's difficult 2025 season, where the four-time champion trails in his bid for a fifth consecutive title. It's a very different story in Australia. In Melbourne, organisers have responded to sky-high demand by hiking prices. The Age reports that a four-day general admission pass now costs $385, a 24 percent increase on last year, and more than double the five-year-ago price of $189. Criticism now abounds, with one fan lamenting: It's the ticketing system that's ruining the GP for everybody. The prices are ridiculous. Another added: It's cheaper to fly to Singapore than go to Melbourne for F1. Still, Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Travis Auld defended the pricing, saying: We've aimed to strike a balance between keeping tickets accessible while continuing to enhance the fan experience and respond to the record level of interest. (GMM) Komatsu meets Toyota chairman as partnership grows Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu has revealed he recently held extended discussions with countryman and Toyota Motor Corporation chairman Akio Toyoda during a special Haas-Toyota event at Fuji Speedway. Ayao Komatsu, Hungarian GP 2025 Haas The event saw Japanese drivers sample the American team's Formula 1 car as part of the new Toyota-funded Haas 'TPC' program. While Toyota has no current plans for a factory entry, engine supply or team purchase, the collaboration marks a notable expansion for Gene Haas' Ferrari-powered outfit. Toyoda, the long-time driving force behind Toyota Gazoo Racing, was present for the event and spoke at length with fellow Japanese Komatsu, who took over from Gunther Steiner last year. I was able to talk with Akio for about an hour at the circuit, and we reaffirmed our vision for what we want to achieve through the partnership between Haas and Toyota, and discussed what we need to do to make it a reality, Komatsu told as-web.jp. At the press conference on the first day, (Toyota Gazoo boss) Masaya Kaji said that we want to 'create a culture,' and that's what I want to do too. I believe that if Haas and Toyota do this together, it will help to establish a culture of motorsports in Japan, and both Akio and myself also feel that way. As for Haas' 2025 season so far, Komatsu admits progress has been made but results remain modest. The first half of the 2025 season was full of ups and downs, and while there were many good things, there were still many bad things, he admitted. We made improvements at the seventh round, and an update at the twelfth round made the VF-25 really fast. I'm really happy because I've seen how we responded and our teamwork throughout this series of events. However, he conceded that ninth place overall is not where we should be . In terms of car speed, I think Haas is around fifth place, so we need to achieve results that are commensurate with that, and I believe this is possible with this car. (GMM) Verstappen could reconsider after 2026 says Marko Dr Helmut Marko admits Max Verstappen may still decide to leave Red Bull after 2026, despite having recently reaffirmed his commitment to the team. Max Verstappen, Hungarian GP 2025 Red Bull The quadruple world champion has a contract through 2028, but persistent speculation over 2024 and 2025 suggested exit clauses could allow him to depart early. Christian Horner's dismissal earlier this year cooled the storm, with Verstappen declaring before the summer shutdown that he would stay in 2026. From his statements, it was clear that he wanted to stay, and it makes sense, even if the exit clause had become actionable, Red Bull advisor and Verstappen mentor Marko told f1-insider.com. However, the looming 2026 rules reset means Verstappen's future is not guaranteed. No one knows what the situation will look like in 2026, Marko admitted. "On the engine side, Mercedes declare themselves the class leader, but there is no proof. On the chassis side, you don't know whether someone will hit the jackpot. So there is a lot of uncertainty, and, purely from his perspective, it makes much more sense to stay, look at all of this, and if perhaps we are not competitive next year, then reconsider his decision. Even since affirming his 2026 stay, Verstappen has again been spotted holidaying with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, fuelling talk of a long-term switch. But with Verstappen staying put at least for 2026, Mercedes remains focused on George Russell and teenage rookie Kimi Antonelli. Wolff told formula.hu: "We knew what it meant to put an 18-year-old in the car. We knew it was very promising, but we also knew it was going to be a lot of pressure. Never in history has an 18-year-old driver debuted in a car that can win races. "I said from the start that there would be days and weekends where we would cry our eyes out, but there would also be moments of brilliance. That's exactly what's happening. He's learning, re-learning, developing, sometimes making mistakes, but at the same time he's extremely fast. Our project to develop Kimi Antonelli is going completely according to plan, Wolff added. As for Russell, contract talks beyond 2025 are ongoing, with reports that the Briton is pushing for more than a single-year extension. Wolff, however, is in no doubt about his value. We can always rely on him, Wolff said. He also maintains excellent relationships with our partners and participates in commercial activities that strengthen his own brand and the team's brand. We couldn't ask for a better driver. (GMM) Honor's schedule seems very busy this year. In addition to the Honor Magic8 series, the company is getting ready to announce the Honor 500 series as well. According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the Chinese phone manufacturer will likely release the Honor 500 duo (assuming there will be just two phones as usual) by the end of this year in China. Additionally, the tipster assures that Honor won't be changing the formula and the Honor 500 and Honor 500 Pro will continue to be camera-centric handsets, with a lightweight design and 6.5-inch displays. The main camera will retain the 200MP resolution, but will use a different sensor. The report also touches on the Honor GT 2 series. It's not entirely clear, but either one or both phones from the GT 2 family will feature a 6.83-inch display, high-performance chips and huge batteries. Again, assuming the GT 2 family will comprise a vanilla GT 2 and GT 2 Pro. We admit that the report seems pretty vague as is, but if the launch is getting near, we will likely start to hear more about the Honor 500 and 500 Pro. Source These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. Sen. Shawn Gumataotao seeks to abolish the Guam Office of Civil Defense and transfer emergency preparedness and response functions to a bureau under the Guam Fire Department, citing the need for modern-day processes and more accountability amidst federal funding cuts. Theres a need to change our approach to emergency management in the face of federal funding cuts and serious fiscal and operational accountability issues at OCD, Gumataotao said in response to the Pacific Daily News questions on Tuesday after he introduced Bill 179-38. Bill 179-38, or the Guam Emergency Management Modernization Act of 2025, would abolish the OCD and assign emergency preparedness and response activities to a proposed GFD Bureau of Emergency Management. Guam Homeland Security will remain intact to the extent its enabling statute...allows, Gumataotao said. The Office of Civil Defense was created by Guam law in 1951. Gumataotao, the legislative oversight chair of emergency management, said the nearly 75-year-old law has run its course and will make way for a structure and culture that will be helpful for Guams modern-day emergency activities. GFD, he said, has the vision and leadership to serve as the government of Guams lead department responsible for all emergency management coordination in Guam now and into the future. Poor readiness Gumataotao said theres poor readiness and facility conditions at the Emergency Operations Center under the Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense in Agana Heights, based on his committees May 6 mission check. He questioned priorities by GHS/OCD. Gumataotao said he did not bring up the plan to abolish OCD with GHS/OCD during the May mission check. GHS/OCD has yet to respond to the PDNs request for comment on Gumataotaos proposal. Additionally, my efforts to scrutinize and reform emergency management started from the very beginning of this term with the GHS-OCD oversight hearing, introduction of Bill 72 (emergency management fund), and a mission check conducted this past May, the senator said. Public auditors findings Gumataotao cited two scathing reports by the Guam Office of Public Accountability focused on questionable operations and overtime costs at GHS/OCD. OPA found that from fiscal years 2018 to 2023, despite claiming 100% federal funding for its operations, GHS/OCDs operating costs were funded by the General Fund without direct local appropriations. At the time of the OPA investigative audit, the General Fund had yet to receive full reimbursement for transactions incurred due to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, holding funds because of GHS/OCDs repeated noncompliance with guidelines and regulations. The fact that the General Fund has subsidized federally funded costsand the potential loss of federal reimbursements due to a failure to justify compliance is enough reason for policymakers to identify an alternative approach to holding our emergency management infrastructure accountable for federal and local taxpayer dollars, Gumataotao told the PDN. Based on OPAs findings, GHS/OCDs overtime costs in the same period were also non-compliant with federal and local law, leading to indictments in local court in April. Among them is Guam Civil Defense Administrator Charles Esteves, who is also facing two separate misdemeanor charges stemming from a reported March assault inside a Washington, D.C. hotel. White House weighs FEMAs fate This comes at a time when the Trump White House considers abolishing or phasing out FEMA. Gumataotao, the chairman of the Republican Party of Guam, said his Bill 179 is necessary whether or not FEMA is abolished. This proposal builds on Bill 72 by setting up a fund locally to receive emergency management funds from FEMA or its successor entitywhile modernizing emergency management in Guam with the steady leadership of GFD, the senator said. Gumataotaos bill would also establish a Guam Emergency Management Advisory Council to advise and assist the governor and the homeland security advisor with respect to all aspects of homeland security. It would eliminate the Civil Defense Advisory Council. Functions, funding Gumataotao, through his bill, is pushing for the modernization and integration of emergency management responsibilities within GFD, by establishing the Emergency Management Fund to be administered by the department. Under the bill, at least $1 million needs to be appropriated annually from the General Fund to this Emergency Management Fund, on top of other legislative appropriations and federal funds that GovGuam receives during major disaster declarations. The fund is not subject to the governors transfer authority. As drafted, the proposed annual appropriation of $1 million from the general fund will be prioritized for emergencies. However, I am open to further discussion on the possibility of designating a portion of the fund to support the new Bureau, Gumataotao told the PDN. The bill provides the legal mechanism for the appropriation of emergency management funds provided to GovGuam by the U.S. government and appropriations authorized by the Guam Legislature for expenditures supporting disaster preparedness and emergency response in Guam. Bill 179-38 also seeks to direct GFD to assume all funding, facilities, equipment, supplies, records, and obligations required by contract, memoranda of understanding, rule, regulation and executive order from the OCD. GFDs chief is required to modify GFDs organizational chart to include the Bureau of Emergency Management and is authorized to assume any OCD employee in the classified service consistent with the operational requirements of the new Bureau. The fire chief will select an assistant fire chief for the new GFD Bureau of Emergency Management from among existing personnel or a new recruitment if necessary, the senator said. Gumataotaos bill would also mandate that Guam Hazard Mitigation Programs will be added to the work of the Guam Department of Public Works, which has had decades of success in implementing federal highway and traffic safety programs. The Office of the Governor of Guam will remain accountable for Recovery Office activities with the numerous ongoing disasters to include the COVID-19 global pandemic and Typhoon Mawar that struck Guam in 2023, the senator said. As oversight chair of emergency management, modernizing OCD responsibilities and support is my priority for reform at this time, Gumataotao said when asked whether the OCD is just the start. Chris Perez Calica Jr. was sentenced to 11 months in prison for violating the terms of his second supervised release, according to documents filed with the District Court of Guam. He has a history of run-ins with the law. Calica was released from federal prison after serving a 37-month sentence after pleading guilty to felon in possession of a firearm in 2020. According to court documents, Calica, who was previously convicted, was found with a Smith and Wesson .38 revolver around Aug. 30, 2018. He was sentenced by Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood in November 2020 and was also given three years supervised release after his prison sentence. In May 2023, U.S. Probation sought revocation of Calica's supervised release over several violations. Calica admitted to using drugs, testing positive for methamphetamine and marijuana, failed to report for drug testing, failed to attend substance abuse treatment and failed to submit monthly supervision reports for March and April 2023, documents stated. Tydingco-Gatewood in May 2024 found that Calica did violate the conditions of his supervised release and sentenced him to eight months in prison. She sentenced him to 28 months of supervised release after he finished his prison sentence. This year, Calica again was found in violation of his supervised release. He was brought before the court in March after a warrant of arrest was issued and he admitted to the allegations, documents stated. He was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. In June, the court allowed Calica to be released to Light House Recovery Center for residential drug treatment. According to documents, Calica left Light House on July 13 after testing positive for methamphetamine. He was offered to remain in treatment if he entered withdrawal management, but refused and left, documents stated. Calica also failed to appear for drug testing, admitted to drug use, had positive drug tests and failed to follow instructions of his probation officer, documents state. He was taken into custody in July after a warrant was issued over his supervised release violations. On Aug. 21, Tydingco-Gatewood granted revocation of Calica's supervised release. The judge sentenced him to 11 months in prison, with credit for time served. Upon release from imprisonment, he will serve 17 months of supervised release. Haiti - FLASH : Kenscoff antenna site retaken, heavy losses among terrorists On Monday, August 25, 2025, between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., specialized units from the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) and the Haitian National Police (PNH) conducted a coordinated nighttime operation that allowew the recapture of the strategic telecommunications antenna site of the former Teleco, located in the Obleon area of Kenscoff, from the hands of terrorists led by Chief "lzo2". "The terrorists suffered heavy losses as the security forces conducted a methodical sweep, moving door to door to neutralize armed resistance. Several individuals attempting to flee or hide were apprehended, while a cache of weapons and other materials was seized," stated Jack Ombaka, Spokesperson for the MSS, in a press release. As part of this operation, MSS and PNH teams also cleared the roads leading to the Teleco site and Kenscoff, which had been barricaded by terrorists, thus restoring free movement for local communities. In addition, terrorists were driven out of Morne Tranchant, Tet Bwapen, and the Sainte Helene orphanage. The new Director General of the PNH, Vladimir Paraison, and the Commander of the Multinational Mission, Godfrey Otunge, affirmed that the era of gang impunity was coming to an end. They warned that those who continue to bear arms will face decisive action, while other targeted operations are already planned. According to our information, the Teleco site will benefit from permanent protection. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - FLASH : Call for projects from Haitian diaspora organizations The Ministry of International Relations and La Francophonie is launching a call for projects from organizations of the Haitian diaspora in Quebec working in collaboration with Haitian organizations to improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations in Haiti. This call for projects covers the 2025-2026 fiscal year and contributes to the implementation of the 2023-2026 Support Plan : Committed to Haiti and the Territorial Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean. It aims to support the most vulnerable segments of the Haitian population, particularly women and youth, and to promote good governance and the improvement of the living conditions of Haitians. To be eligible, projects must : Involve at least one organization of the Haitian diaspora in Quebec and one Haitian partner; Be in one of the targeted sectors; Produce tangible benefits for the Haitian population, particularly for women and youth in municipalities outside Port-au-Prince; Be completed no later than December 14, 2026; Be the subject of a complete application upon submission. To obtain financial support, projects must be submitted by Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada living in Quebec. To be eligible, the applicant must : Be a legal entity whose head office is located in Quebec; Be legally constituted and registered and not be in default under the laws that govern it; Be a diaspora organization, meaning : 1) a majority of the founding members and/or the board of directors are part of the Haitian community established in Quebec, and 2) be an organization specializing in carrying out projects in support of communities in Haiti. To view full details and submit a project, visit (in French) : https://www.quebec.ca/gouvernement/relations-internationales/appels-projets-international/quebec-haiti Deadline for submitting a project: Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. (Quebec time). HL/ HaitiLibre In the automotive world, technology for autonomous driving continues to open the checkbooks of car manufacturers, so established semiconductor companies such as Intel and Nvidia are keen to skim off the cash with automotive offshoots of their developments. However, their products, approaches and business practices do not always match the car manufacturers' expectations. Continue after ad Mercedes-Benz has therefore been working on its own system-on-chip (SoC) at a research center in Silicon Valley in recent years. This is intended to meet both the performance requirements for level 3 and 4 autonomous driving as well as the regulatory requirements regarding reliability that driver assistance systems must satisfy. However, the development of high-performance chips is expensive: with a forecast annual in-house requirement in the low single-digit million range, Mercedes alone cannot exploit the economies of scale that semiconductor developers are otherwise accustomed to in order to recoup the massive development costs of chips on modern production processes. Spin-off Six months ago, Mercedes therefore decided to spin off all of its previous efforts to the spin-off Athos Silicon with a stake of only around 20 percent. The win-win situation: Athos already has an initial customer who is familiar with the product, but also has all the freedom to offer the technology to other interested parties and thus achieve higher unit numbers. At the Hot Chips conference currently taking place in Stanford, California, Athos CTO Francois Piednoel explained the concept to us in more detail. Piednoel was a test and performance engineer at Intel for many years until he set off for new shores (Mercedes-Benz) seven years ago. His last project at Intel at the time was Skylake X aka Core i-7000X(E). Redundancy Continue after ad Piednoel is also a hobby pilot and is now transferring a principle of functional safety from aviation to technology for cars. Athos uses several identical chiplets that work redundantly so that in the event of deviations, the majority principle decides which calculation result is used. Athos calls this approach Multiple Systems-on-Chip (mSoC). The idea is initially not nearly as strict as in avionics, partly due to less stringent regulatory requirements . In passenger aircraft, three functionally identical computers with different architectures (x86, ARM, MIPS) are common, which work in parallel throughout and compare their results with each other. Athos relies on two identical chiplets (each with its own working memory) for the first processor, codenamed Polaris, and a third, smaller chiplet in the middle, which performs the comparison. The latter uses frame parameters and monitoring functions to decide which of the two large chiplets it believes if the two deliver different results. Athos developed the chiplets in cooperation with DreamBig Semi (a group of former Marvell engineers). Communication takes place via the chiplet standard UCIe. Athos has supplemented this, for example with a side channel and the option of attaching different chiplets to the same host. The latter is based on the PCIe standard, where a long x16 slot (e.g. for graphics cards) can also accommodate and use a shorter x4 card. According to Piednoel, UCIe itself currently only provides for inflexible 1:1 connections. Render image of a Polaris processor. Athos' chiplets are located in the top and bottom center, the DreamBig chiplet for decision making in the middle and DRAM components on the sides. (Image: Athos Silicon) Two or eight processor chiplets Polaris should offer enough performance for Level 3 autonomous driving. The first chiplet has recently completed the so-called tape-out and the second is about to do so. This means that Samsung's manufacturing division has received the design and is now creating suitable exposure masks for production. Engineering samples for interested customers should be available at the beginning of 2026. The second stage, codenamed Northstar, which will then be suitable for level 4, is set to ignite just one year later. The highlight: Northstar uses the same chiplets as Polaris, but more of them, namely eight large ones and several small ones in between. As with Polaris, the partitioning remains a direct coupling of two chiplets that receive the same workload. Nevertheless, Northstar should deliver more raw computing power than Nvidia's Thor. Athos takes over complete wafers from Samsung as a foundry and takes care of testing, sorting the chiplets according to production quality (binning) and other processing stages itself. One of the reasons for this is that Athos uses Silicon Box for packaging. The Singapore-based company offers a special technology: Silicon Box blows plasma between the die and the carrier in a vacuum and then presses the two components against each other at a defined speed. This causes the contact surfaces to weld together inseparably. As a result, the connections are mechanically more stable than soldered connections, where the solder balls can break off over time due to continuous vibrations (which inevitably occur when driving). Suppliers for suppliers Athos wants to sell its processors not only directly to car manufacturers, but also to their suppliers. The AI models that run on them can in turn be customized. This means that, despite identical hardware, there is an individualization option that manufacturers can use to stand out from one another or trigger competition between suppliers. Athos does not attach any importance to being publicly named as the manufacturer of the processors. Mercedes can sell the entire finished system as an in-house development under its own name and any other car manufacturer can do the same. This is a clear side-swipe at Nvidia's public image with regard to its drive platforms and is much more in line with industry practice. Usually, only experts know what exactly in a specific vehicle comes from the brand itself and what comes from Bosch or Continental or Valeo or ZF or whoever. According to Piednoel, Athos is already in advanced talks with an Asian car manufacturer that is interested in Polaris and Northstar. He did not want to give a name when asked, but emphasized that it is not a Chinese manufacturer: he is not allowed to sell his technology to such manufacturers due to export restrictions. Other markets Another scaling option that Athos is considering is expansion into other markets besides automotive. The technology used tracks small cubes in space, says Piednoel. For autonomous driving, the spatial resolution is around one hundred meters to the side and several hundred meters in front of and behind the vehicle, with a cube edge length of around two and a half centimeters. Depending on the application, the edge length is an adjustment screw that Athos can turn without the need for other computing hardware. With smaller cubes, the technology is intended to be suitable for robots that do not have to navigate at highway speed but need to be particularly precise in changing environments. If Athos enlarges the cubes, the company will end up with aircraft. Piednoel stated that he recently had to have his safety rating renewed because he was in talks with a drone manufacturer. The energy hunger of his computing platform (which he did not want to name specifically) does not play a role here: the specific project in question is not a handy aircraft with electric rotors, but has a turbine on board ... (mue) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. New calculations published by the Finnish Taxpayers Association show that workers earning 2,000 a month, or 25,000 annually, will see a 30 increase in their annual tax burden. For many in low- to middle-income brackets, the planned tax cuts will be neutralised by rising deductions. Most wage earners in Finland will pay less income tax in 2026, but the benefit will be reduced by a proposed rise in unemployment insurance contributions. The changes follow a proposal by the board of the Employment Fund, which has called for a 0.6 percentage point increase in total unemployment insurance contributions next year. This would raise the average employer contribution to 0.92 percent of salary and the employee contribution to 0.89 percent. Currently, employees pay 0.59 percent and employers pay 0.2 percent on annual salaries up to 2.5 million, and 0.8 percent on income above that threshold. Under the proposed structure, those rates would rise to 0.31 percent and 1.23 percent respectively. The increase is intended to cover unemployment benefits, which have grown amid persistent job market difficulties and weaker economic forecasts. According to Employment Fund figures, a worker earning 4,000 a month will see their unemployment insurance payment rise by 144 a year, from just over 283 at present. Despite this, most income groups are expected to experience a net tax decrease. Those earning 3,000 monthly will pay roughly 200 less in taxes than this year. However, the effect is smaller for those earning between 40,000 and 75,000 annually. The largest gains will go to those with annual earnings over 100,000. These taxpayers will save approximately 200 more in income tax, with those on salaries as high as 250,000 gaining up to 8,500 a year. The government has proposed a reduction in the top marginal income tax rate to about 52 percent and will skip index adjustments for high earners, further enhancing their tax benefit. The Taxpayers Association calculations include the government's 100 million increase in the earned income deduction, but not changes related to union fees, tax-deductible workspace allowances, or the removal of the tax exemption for employer-provided bicycles. The associations chief economist Mikael Kirkko-Jaakkola said the reforms create a broad-based reduction in tax burden but warned that higher unemployment insurance payments will significantly reduce or, for some, completely cancel out the benefits of lower income tax. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the proposed 0.6 percentage point hike represents a moderate increase and aligns with earlier government appeals to avoid steep rises that would offset tax cuts. Speaking to Yle, Orpo said the Employment Funds proposal leans towards the lower end of its earlier forecast range, which had projected a possible increase of 0.5 to 1.5 percentage points. Opposition leader Antti Lindtman, chair of the Social Democratic Party, criticised Orpos earlier appeals to the Employment Fund as political interference. He said he would monitor the funds proposal closely. The Employment Fund's proposal has now been submitted to its supervisory board, which will issue its final recommendation to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health later this week. Parliament will decide on the final contribution rates in the autumn. HT JSN told STT that, due to the societal role of the president and the nature of the hosting institution, the topic holds public significance. Oliver Stubb , a university student in the UK, was selected for a competitive internship at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA), triggering scrutiny over the selection process. The Council for Mass Media in Finland (JSN) has stated that the summer internship of President Alexander Stubb s son at a state-funded foreign policy institute is not a private matter. The council said it is not yet commenting on the conduct of media outlets covering the case, but confirmed no complaints have been filed so far. The period for submitting complaints remains open. Stubb responded to questions about the controversy on Monday, urging the media to respect the privacy of his adult children. He made no further comment on the details of his son's application or selection. Media reports state that over 200 applicants competed for two internship positions at the institute. Critics have questioned how Oliver Stubb, in his first year at the University of Exeter, secured one of the posts over other candidates with more advanced academic backgrounds. Multiple formal complaints have been submitted to the Parliamentary Ombudsman. These question whether the recruitment process adhered to fair and transparent standards. The complaints suggest that political influence may have affected the outcome. The internship is classified as a higher education placement. The institutes internship programmes are intended for university students who demonstrate relevant academic progress and interest in foreign policy. The recruitment process is internally handled by FIIA, an autonomous research organisation operating under the Finnish Parliament. The institute has not released a public statement on the selection process or its criteria. Parliaments Office, which oversees administrative matters related to FIIA, has also declined to comment. JSN underlined that the issue involves public institutions and a high-profile individual. It said that while the privacy of family members of public figures should generally be respected, exceptions arise when the situation intersects with public resources or influence. Oliver Stubb has previously appeared at campaign events alongside his father, including during the presidential election held in early 2024. He has not commented publicly on the internship or the surrounding debate. HT In July, 128,900 people had been unemployed for over a year. That marks an increase of 30,200 compared to the same time last year. The number of individuals unemployed for more than two consecutive years stood at 62,100, nearly 10,000 more than in July 2024. Long-term unemployment in Finland has surged to its highest level in more than two decades, according to new figures released by Statistics Finland. Total unemployment in July reached 269,000. That figure represents 40,000 more unemployed people than the previous year. Chief Economist Jukka Appelqvist of the Finland Chamber of Commerce described the labour market as exceptionally tight and difficult from the jobseekers perspective. He said that the number of open vacancies remains low, with little indication of improving demand for labour. The continued rise in long-term unemployment, combined with a lack of new job openings, shows no sign of reversing, Appelqvist said in a statement. Right now, there are very few vacancies relative to the number of unemployed people. According to the data, the unemployment rate trend for those aged 15 to 74 stood at 9.6 percent in July. The number of people in employment also fell. There were 43,000 fewer employed individuals compared to July 2024. Among men, employment decreased by 35,000, while the number of employed women declined by 7,000. The employment rate trend for people aged 20 to 64 was recorded at 75.8 percent. Only 27,200 new vacancies were reported in July, down sharply from over 50,000 just two years ago. Despite recent signs of improvement in export outlooks and domestic consumer demand, Appelqvist warned that overall economic growth remains stagnant. There have been some cautiously positive signals in industrial exports and domestic consumption, he said. But in the broader picture, economic growth hasnt resumed, and theres no sign of a rebound in employment. One would have to be fairly optimistic to expect any significant improvement in the job market before the end of the year. HT If I had not proposed the cuts, they would not be on the table now, Purra said. The welfare state is at its end. Mass immigration is the end of the Finnish welfare state, the end of Finnish society. Speaking at the Finns Partys parliamentary summer meeting in Oulu, the finance minister said she personally pushed for an additional 1 billion in spending cuts ahead of the governments autumn budget session. Riikka Purra said mass immigration poses an existential threat to Finlands welfare system and national identity. Purra criticised previous governments for increasing debt and delaying structural reform. She said the present administration is committed to budget consolidation, targeting what she called secondary expenses, including immigration integration services, inefficient administration, development aid, business subsidies and organisational funding. She referred to overlapping structures and influence by former political actors embedded in publicly funded organisations, which she claimed distort financing and lobbying activities. Organisations perform functions that are essential, to the point that public authorities should possibly assume some of them directly, Purra said. Still, many structures are inefficient. She said the real pressure on the state budget comes from simultaneous growth in healthcare costs, military spending, support for Ukraine and rising interest payments on national debt. Cuts would be necessary even without immigration-related spending, but combining the two has created what she called a double catastrophe. This is a crash. This is bankruptcy, she said. The structures of our society were designed for a different world, one with more Finnish workers. She added that more welfare benefits, healthcare services and educational support now go to people of foreign background, to the detriment of native Finns. In her speech, Purra described immigration as a burden on municipalities. She pointed to the city of Vantaa, which she said now faces cuts after decades of high immigration. She linked this to the financial strain on local services. Immigration from developing countries has clear costs for the taxpayer, she said. Purra also proposed legal restrictions on clothing that covers the face, citing burqas and niqabs as examples. She said such garments raise questions about cultural cohesion and integration. She repeated claims that demographic change is not a conspiracy theory or extremist rhetoric, but a visible reality. The Finns Party has previously used the term population replacement, which has been classified as a conspiracy theory associated with far-right violence by Finlands Security Intelligence Service. The left has no answers, she said. Their strategy is either avoidance or automatic criticism. Jani Makela, parliamentary group chair, opened the meeting by accusing former Prime Minister Sanna Marins cabinet of pushing the economy into a downward spiral. He claimed Finland now performs worse than its peer countries in key economic indicators. Makela also criticised the governments coalition partners for rejecting the Finns Partys proposals. When Purra proposes responsible savings, other government MPs publicly deny its even possible, he said. Are proposals to be rejected just because they come from the Finns Party? Makela said the party is alone in defending the core duties of the state. Purra addressed recent criticism over her planned 100 million cut to state grants for social and health organisations, or sote groups. Speaking about former politicians now leading publicly funded organisations, she said: Nothing is as disgusting as hearing wealthy ex-politicians now heading organisations complain that the Finns Party is destroying civil society. Its complete nonsense. Her remarks may have referred to Sanna Aunesluoma, CEO of Hyvinvointiala HALI ry, which represents private healthcare and social service providers. Aunesluoma is a former National Coalition Party MP. Following the Ministry of Finances budget proposal in August, HALI issued a statement criticising the proposed cuts. Aunesluoma warned that new reductions would weaken the foundation of civil society. She told Helsingin Sanomat she does not want to speculate on Purras remarks. Shes doing her job, she said, referring to the finance ministers goal of balancing public finances. Aunesluoma said she hopes the governing parties will reject the planned cut. She said previous cuts have already reduced state support to the sector by 140 million during the current parliamentary term. The proposed additional cut would bring the total reduction to around 60 percent compared to the baseline funding level. The concern arose when the Ministry of Finance briefing indicated a new 100 million cut for next year, Aunesluoma said. Together with existing reductions, it would push the total down to unsustainable levels. She said such a large reduction in a short time could not be implemented in a controlled manner. Aunesluoma said that sote organisations now need time to adapt to existing reductions instead of facing new budget pressures. The Finns Partys summer meeting will continue until Wednesday. HT Those killed included Hussam al-Masri of Reuters, Mohammed Salama of Al Jazeera, Mariam Dagga of the Associated Press, Ahmed Abu Aziz of Middle East Eye, and freelance journalist Moaz Abu Taha . Health officials said doctors, patients, and members of Gazas Civil Defence were also among the dead. At least 20 people , including five journalists, were killed on Monday in a double Israeli air strike on Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The attack, described as a double tap, targeted the hospital in two waves, hitting first reporters on the roof and then rescuers and media workers who rushed to the scene. Witnesses said panic spread through the hospital after the first strike at around 10:00 local time. Ten minutes later, a second blast struck the same location. Video verified by media outlets shows smoke and rubble as journalists fell on the staircase where they had been filming. The World Health Organization said the emergency ward, inpatient unit, and surgical wing were all damaged. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a tragic mishap and said an internal investigation was under way. He added that Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff and civilians. The Israeli army admitted it had carried out a strike in the area of Nasser Hospital but denied targeting journalists. International reaction was swift. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the killings as horrific and demanded an impartial inquiry. The UN rights office said there needs to be justice and urged Israel to cooperate with accountability mechanisms. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the strikes completely indefensible, while Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he was horrified. French President Emmanuel Macron said the attack was intolerable, Germanys Foreign Ministry said it was shocked, and Canada labelled the bombing unacceptable. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, Egypt, and Turkey also issued strong denunciations. Media organisations condemned what they described as a systematic assault on press freedom. The Foreign Press Association said it was outraged and in shock and demanded Israel end the practice of targeting journalists. Reporters Without Borders said Israel was engaged in a campaign to eliminate information coming from Gaza. The Committee to Protect Journalists said murders must end now and urged the international community to act. The attack intensified pressure inside Israel, where families of captives organised mass protests blocking roads and calling for a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Demonstrators accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war and risking the lives of the remaining 50 hostages, of whom 20 are believed to be alive. This isnt Israels war, this is Netanyahus war, said Gil Dickmann, cousin of a hostage killed earlier in the conflict. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, Israels military campaign has killed 62,819 Palestinians since October 2023, with hundreds of thousands injured and widespread famine now confirmed by the UN in parts of Gaza. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that more than 240 journalists have been killed during the war, the highest toll recorded in any modern conflict. HT 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. Harbour Hotels , an award-winning UK-based hotel group, has announced a landmark 3 million refurbishment of Harbour Hotel Guildford. Commencing this summer, the investment will see all 183 rooms and suites undergo a full redesign in a two-phase project, with upgraded technology and refreshed interiors. Situated in the heart of Surrey, Harbour Hotel Guildford is one of the group's key city-centre properties, attracting both corporate and leisure guests. The refurbishment signals the group's long-term commitment to enhancing product standards and guest satisfaction, as well as strengthening its position in the competitive Surrey market. The refurbishment brings a fresh design narrative to every room, aligning Guildford with Harbour's signature aesthetic seen across its celebrated portfolio. The new interiors layer a warm, earthy colour palette with rich textures, and thoughtful design details. Cove lighting in the ceiling and metallic bedside lamps create a cosy atmosphere, while artwork and a vintage-style rotary phone add personality and charm. The bed takes centre stage with a tufted leather, deep-buttoned headboard, Harbour's trademark mattress, extra-large pillows and bespoke bolsters. Throughout, guests will find Harbour's signature touches and comforts - including complimentary in-room gin - all combining to deliver an elevated yet welcoming city escape. Technology has been seamlessly integrated into the guest experience, with Smart TVs equipped with Google Chromecast for content streaming, alongside Airtime's Video on Demand service. A sleek new digital interface serves as an in-room guide, offering curated hotel information, restaurant and bar menus, and everything guests need at their fingertips. The hotel will remain fully operational throughout the refurbishment period, with works phased to minimise disruption to guests and ensure continuity of service across all facilities. Harbour Hotel Guildford features The Long Bar & Grill, a lively all-day dining concept; the HarBAR Kitchen, Bar & Terrace; HarSPA & Club, a fully equipped wellness space with a state-of-the-art gym, outdoor pool, and professional spa treatments; and eight meeting and event spaces. The upcoming upgrade to bedroom categories aims to align with current guest expectations for comfort, smart tech integration, and elevated design. In a community-minded initiative, the hotel's current beds will be donated to the local YMCA through its partnership with the appointed removals company. The refurbishment project forms part of Harbour Hotels' ongoing growth strategy, which includes enhancements across its portfolio of 14 design-led hotels in prominent UK locations, from the South West coast to metropolitan centres. Hotel website NUMU Boutique Hotel, one of the most recent hotel additions to historic downtown San Miguel de Allende, is pleased to introduce the appointment of Chef Jorge Alejandro Gonzalez Hurtado as Executive Chef, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the hotel's culinary program. With nearly 20 years of global experience and a creative philosophy grounded in authenticity, sustainability, and refined technique, Chef Alejandro brings a fresh and thoughtful perspective. A native of Guadalajara and now based in San Miguel de Allende, Chef Alejandro is known for his ability to celebrate regional Mexican ingredients through elevated yet approachable cuisine. Now as Executive Chef at NUMU Boutique Hotel, Chef Alejandro spearheads the culinary concepts for its rooftop restaurant, NOIA, blending modern innovation with deep respect for tradition to create menus that are both artful and rooted in place. Chef Alejandro joins NUMU from Hilton La Romana in the Dominican Republic, where he led the property's culinary team, and previously played a key role in the openings of Hilton Monterrey and JW Marriott Guadalajara. His formal training at the Corbuse Institute and the University of the Valley of Mexico, paired with hands-on experience in some of the world's most demanding kitchens, has shaped a culinary style that is both technically precise and deeply soulful. With expertise in advanced techniques like molecular gastronomy and kitchen deconstruction, Chef Alejandro's arrival marks a bold evolution for NUMU's culinary offerings. His commitment to sourcing from local producers, mentoring young chefs, and crafting menus with meaning promises to leave a lasting imprint on San Miguel de Allende's dynamic food scene. Guests can look forward to seasonal menus, new dining concepts, and immersive culinary experiences that reflect Chef Alejandro's vision in the months ahead. This Dia de Muertos, he will debut a specially curated tasting menu inspired by ancestral Mexican flavors and ingredients, featuring dishes such as aguachile de acociles from Patzcuaro with chiltepin tepache and maguey ice cream with roasted maguey pineapple compote. Each course blends tradition with innovation in a celebration of the holiday's rich culinary heritage. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Miguel de Allende is one of the most iconic of Mexican cities but is also renowned for its architectural and stylistic connections to Europe's most charming places. Keeping with this cross-cultural identity, the hotel's very name, NUMU, is drawn from the region's indigenous Otomi language and means "crossroads." NUMU embodies this blend of cultural influences through its diverse culinary offerings, rich artistic heritage, and architectural splendor, creating a unique and distinctive character all its own. For more information on NUMU, please visit: https://www.hyatt.com/unbound-collection/en-US/bjxub-numu Gili Lankanfushi, the pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives, is delighted to announce the promotion of Rodrigo Buanafina to General Manager, effective 4th August. A promotion from his previous position as Resort Manager at the five-star eco-resort, Buanafina brings 15 years of luxury hospitality experience to his new role. In his role as General Manager, Buanafina will oversee the day-to-day operations of the 45-villa island and nearly 300-person-strong team, leading strategy for the continued growth and excellence of the Maldives' original luxury eco-resort. A Brazilian native, Buanafina first joined the Gili Lankanfushi team as F&B Manager in 2018 and was quickly promoted to Director of F&B. During his five years in F&B leadership, he oversaw a near 100-strong team and implemented a number of unique gourmet offerings and experiences. Ranging from a new blind-dining experience and Brazilian Churrascaria theme night to a 'Destination Drinking' bartender battle, his innovations are credited with elevating the island's dining offering to one of the most well-reputed in the Maldives. In 2023 and in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the resort's F&B offering, Buanafina was promoted to Resort Manager. The promotion saw his remit expand further, where he oversaw day-to-day operations across the resort, including extensive renovation plans. These saw the construction of a brand-new Marine Biology centre and Overwater Restaurant, as well as the refurbishment of the resort throughout. Prior to his time at Gili, Buanafina held various F&B management roles at hotels ranging from "The Nittany Lion Inn" at The Pennsylvania State University campus to "Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort" in southern Portugal's stunning Algarve region. Gili Lankanfushi enjoys an unspoilt island location in the Maldives' North Male Atoll, just 20 minutes by speedboat from Male airport. Perfectly suited for couples, families, solo travellers and groups alike, the resort combines rustic eco-design, unparalleled service and stunning natural scenery with a laid-back luxury, 'no news, no shoes' philosophy. As excitement builds for the much anticipated fall debut of Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort, the coastal retreat announces the appointments of a key member to its culinary leadership team. Joining the resort's pre-opening team is Executive Chef Fabio Quarta, who brings exceptional talent and global perspective to the property, laying the foundation for an extraordinary dining program rooted in craftsmanship, coastal bounty, and inspired hospitality. Hailing from Lecce, Italy, Fabio Quarta brings two decades of international experience to his role as Executive Chef and a Four Seasons career spanning properties in diverse locations such as Milan, Mauritius, Kuwait, and most recently Los Cabos. Known for his precision and ingredient-driven philosophy, he also possesses the ability to harmonize diverse culinary teams across multiple outlets and ensuring each offers a unique experience. In Naples, he will oversee operations and management for the resort's extensive culinary offerings, including its collection of distinctive restaurants, bars, beach and pool service, retail, in-room dining, and banqueting for more than 30,000 square feet (3,000 square metres) of event space. Casona Roma Norte, the 32-suite boutique jewel in Mexico City's vibrant Roma Norte neighborhood, is delighted to announce the appointment of Nessi Behar as its new General Manager. With over two decades of global experience in luxury hospitality, Nessi brings a visionary leadership style rooted in innovation, cultural authenticity, and sustainability. Since its opening less than a year ago, Casona Roma Norte operated by boutique hospitality group Hamak Hotels has rapidly established itself as one of the city's most distinguished new properties. The hotel artfully blends contemporary luxury with a deep appreciation for local culture and artistry. Among its highlights are four distinctive culinary concepts, including AQUILES, led by renowned Chef Aquiles Chavez and recently featured in the Michelin Guide. As it approaches its first anniversary, the property continues to captivate discerning travelers in search of authentic, immersive, and meaningful experiences. Born in Istanbul and raised between the South of France and Turkey, Nessi now proudly calls Mexico City home. Since joining the property in July 2025, he has overseen all aspects of operations, from financial strategy and team development to enhancing the guest journey and strengthening community ties. Nessi's career spans leadership roles at some of the world's most prestigious hospitality brands, including Accor, Marriott, Banyan Tree, and Swissotel. His track record includes spearheading a $4.5 million renovation and expansion at Banyan Tree Bangkok, launching the globally acclaimed Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in Panama, and elevating service standards at properties such as D Maris Bay and The St. Regis Istanbul. A graduate of the Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland and holder of a Bachelor's degree in International Hospitality Management from the University of Wales, Nessi's extensive international background across Europe, Asia, and the Americas has shaped a leadership style that is both globally fluent and deeply guest-centric. Drawn by Casona Roma Norte's artistic soul and commitment to celebrating Mexican culture, Nessi shares a passion for sustainable design, gastronomy, and meaningful travel. Under his leadership, the property is set to continue its rise as a beacon of refined luxury and authentic cultural immersion. For more information please visit: https://casonaroma.com/. View Nessi Behar's LinkedIn Profile Nessi Behar is a graduate of Glion in Glion-sur-Montreux - Switzerland The hospitality industry is in a state of transformation. With labour shortages projected to remain one of the sectors top global challenges well into 2026, hoteliers face mounting pressure to do more with less without compromising guest satisfaction. Guests are no longer comparing hotels only to other hotels. Theyre benchmarking experiences against airports, retail, banking, and even rideshare apps industries where self-service has become seamless, intuitive, and stylish. Thats why the hotel front desk is under scrutiny like never before: the wrong first impression can mean a poor review before a guest has even reached their room. This is where smart, design-driven automation solutions from kiosk.eu step in. Our latest innovations the Modular Kiosk and Easy-Key Kiosk combine stylish, modern design with powerful self-service functionality, solving the front-desk challenge without sacrificing hospitality. Why hoteliers are struggling with check-in: Staffing shortages mean fewer team members at peak hours. mean fewer team members at peak hours. Rising guest expectations demand faster, frictionless arrivals. demand faster, frictionless arrivals. Global travellers require multilingual, intuitive solutions. require multilingual, intuitive solutions. Operational costs keep increasing while margins tighten. The truth is simple: guests want speed, but also professionalism. A clunky kiosk or outdated system communicates the opposite of hospitality. Thats why design matters as much as functionality and why kiosk.eu built its solutions with both in mind. The Modular Kiosk: Flexibility and full reliabilty meets elegant design The Modular Kiosk isnt just a check-in machine its a modern centerpiece that adapts to your brand identity and lobby style. With its slim profile, customizable finishes, and seamless integration options (desk, wall, or freestanding), it elevates the visual appeal of your reception area. Key features include: 15.6 full-HD touch panel for intuitive navigation. Fast, secure check-in with integrated PMS connectivity. Payments and PIN-based keyless access built in. Optional ID-Scanner Pole for passport/ID scanning, keycard dispensing, and printing (with Italy fiscal option). Fully compatible with all major PMS providers, locking systems and POS Unlike rigid, one-size-fits-all terminals, the Modular Kiosk is fully brand-customizable, giving hoteliers freedom to align technology with aesthetics while delivering a guest journey that feels effortless. Easy-Key: Compact efficiency for modern stays In addition, kiosk.eu offers Easy-Key Kiosk a compact, space-saving kiosk ideal for lobbies, serviced apartments, resorts, and micro-hotels. Unlike mobile-only systems, Easy-Key gives guests option of a physical RFID key card, issued in seconds by scanning a QR code. Why Easy-Key stands out: Instant RFID key creation perfect for guests who prefer cards over mobile NFC or PIN codes. or PIN codes. Ideal for couples or companions one checks in via smartphone, the other gets a key via Easy-Key Kiosk. Full 24/7 service , reducing dependence on reception staffing. , reducing dependence on reception staffing. Ultra-fast, contactless check-in in under 10 seconds . . Multilingual, intuitive interface for international guests. Space-saving design for tight reception areas. Fully compatible with all major PMS providers Both kiosks are built to free up staff, reduce queues, and give guests the flexibility to choose how they interact whether mobile, card, code, or kiosk. More than automation: Preserving the human touch One of the biggest myths around automation is that it removes hospitality. In reality, smart kiosks protect and enhance the human element. By automating routine processes like check-in, ID verification, and key issuing, staff are freed to focus on what truly adds value: Offering personalized recommendations. Anticipating guest needs. Creating moments of surprise and delight that technology alone cannot deliver. In this way, kiosk.eu solutions arent simply machines theyre strategic enablers of hospitality excellence, ensuring service quality while reducing operational strain. The future of the front desk is modular, customizable, and guest-first At kiosk.eu, we believe hospitality begins the moment a guest walks through the door. That first impression should be effortless, elegant, and memorable. With the Modular Kiosk and Easy-Key, it is. We guide you through the Digital Guest Journey. Learn more about how kiosk.eu can transform your propertys front desk experience: www.kiosk.eu Hospitality begins the moment a guest walks through the door. With kiosk.eu, it begins seamlessly. Talk to our team: [email protected] About Kiosk Embedded Systems GmbH Since 1993 Kiosk Information Systems has led the industry in the design and manufacturing of self-service solutions. As Kiosk Embedded Systems in Europe we provide advanced self-service-check-in/ out kiosks that streamline hotel operations, reduce front desk queues, and enhance guest experiences. Our solutions integrate with most PMS systems via partners for seamless functionality. Kiosk.eu offers beside the hardware only, a lot of services like Installation service, where our technician will come to your location to build up and onboard the kiosk, so you can enjoy a plug-and-play situation. Via our optional Remote Management Services (RMS) and Field Management Services (FMS) we can ensure for you a smooth operation, proactive maintenance, and real-time system insights for optimal performance. With this we are able to provide an E2E solution and servie that makes the rollout for your hotels easy, fast and efficient. Dipesh Bharambe Digital Marketing Specialist +49 160 9900 8596 View source From Rome to Stockholm: Summer 2025 European Hotel Guest Experience Snapshot - Image Credit TrustYou From Rome to Stockholm, Summer 2025 told a very different story for every hotel market in Europe. Iconic destinations like Rome and London saw satisfaction soar, while others like Stockholm and Copenhagen slipped behind. Guest expectations kept climbing, even as review volumes dippedmaking every review, and every response, more impactful than ever. Our latest snapshot analyzes 12 key European cities through millions of guest reviews. It reveals what delighted travelers, where operational cracks showed, and the market forces reshaping demand this summer. Heres a preview of the findingsdownload the full report to explore the city-by-city breakdown. The Headline Trend: Winners and Strugglers Rome (+2.67%) and London (+2.41%) posted the strongest year-over-year gains in guest satisfaction. Their world-class locations and strong service offerings proved resilient in the face of operational pressures. By contrast, Stockholm stood out for the wrong reason. A sharp drop in management response rates highlighted a widening engagement gapleaving guest concerns unaddressed at a critical moment. Across Europe, review volumes were down compared to last year. That means every review now carries more weight for reputation, discovery, and bookings. What Drives Guest Satisfaction (and Frustration) Looking across all markets, the data is clear: Positive reviews are most often driven by Location and Service are most often driven by Location and Service Negative reviews are tied to Price, Maintenance, and WiFi Guest comments illustrate the split: From the moment we checked in, the staff went above and beyond. (Dublin) The WiFi was practically unusable in our room. For a hotel of this price, thats just not acceptable in 2025. (Paris) For hoteliers, that means excellence in core services is no longer optional. Guests are happy to pay, but they expect strong fundamentals in return. Market Forces Reshaping Travel in 2025 Behind the numbers are three powerful forces that defined Summer 2025: The Coolcation effect : Northern Europe benefited as travelers sought cooler climates during heatwaves. : Northern Europe benefited as travelers sought cooler climates during heatwaves. Return of long-haul travel : Strong demand from the U.S. and surging interest from China boosted major hubs. : Strong demand from the U.S. and surging interest from China boosted major hubs. The new value equation: Travelers are more willing to spend, but they expect real value. Failures in basics like A/C or WiFi are tied directly to negative reviews. Together, these trends created a complex performance landscape. Hotels that anticipated them early saw stronger results, while those that didnt are now playing catch-up. See How Your City Performed This blog only scratches the surface. The full From Rome to Stockholm: Summer 2025 Hotel Guest Experience Snapshot includes year-over-year comparisons for 12 European hotel markets, city-level deep dives into whats driving positive and negative reviews, and key takeaways to help hotels adapt to shifting traveler expectations. Read the Full Report About TrustYou TrustYou is an AI-first, global hospitality platform. Since 2008, hospitality brands from around the world have used TrustYou to transform guest feedback, customer data, and automated interactions into revenue-generating opportunities.TrustYou empowers hospitality brands to increase direct bookings, enhance guest satisfaction, and streamline operationsall powered by cutting-edge AI. At the core of TrustYous platform are three powerful solutions: Cust omer Exper ience Plat f orm C XP: AI-powered insights for exceptional guest experiences. Improve service quality based on surveys and reviews across the web, respond to all feedback with the help of AI, and market your reputation. AI-powered insights for exceptional guest experiences. Improve service quality based on surveys and reviews across the web, respond to all feedback with the help of AI, and market your reputation. Cust omer Dat a Plat f orm CDP: AI-powered customer data management for more direct bookings. Merge and master your customer data, manage consent, and transform insights into effective marketing, personalized journeys, and higher lifetime value. AI-powered customer data management for more direct bookings. Merge and master your customer data, manage consent, and transform insights into effective marketing, personalized journeys, and higher lifetime value. AI Agents: Intelligent, always-on agents that boost productivity and reduce operational costs. Available 24/7, they provide instant, personalized recommendations, answer inquiries, and optimize direct booking conversions. Trusted by hospitality leaders in over 165 countries, TrustYou is redefining the future of guest engagement through AI and machine learning. Learn more at www.trustyou.com. 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. Adams Adds Online Vital Records Ordering The gray circle shows where the new utility pole will be located. ADAMS, Mass. Current and former residents seeking vital records can now order them online. "If you happen to know somebody that is looking to request their birth certificate, their death certificate, or their marriage certificate, we are now online," Town Clerk Haley Meczywor announced at the Selectmen's meeting last week. "In conjunction with the treasurer's office, we've been able to bring that online." This will make it easier especially for people who no longer live in the area to obtain copies of their certificates. The order form can be access through town clerk's page on the Adams website and here Haley cautioned though, if you are not certain Adams has your record, to call the office first. The cost to order copies online is $11 and the clerk's office does not have a refund policy. Speaking during public comment at the Wednesday's meeting, Haley also gave a shoutout to the Adams Street Fair for taking on the organizing of concerts and family movies this year at the Visitors Center. The Tuesday, Aug. 26, concert is Brave Brothers and the Sept. 2 concert is Eagle Community Band. "I attended the majority of them, and they have all been very nice. I do want to give a shout out to Berkshire Running Center Foundation, who gave the street fair $1,000 from the proceeds from the Pedal & Plod this year," she said. "And I'm just going to give a small plug about the street fair. ... The street fair is going to be Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Adams Visitor Center, and it will be from 2 to 8 p.m. The Selectmen also approved a one-day liquor license for the American Legion to serve at a private event on Bucklin road on Aug. 30 (prior approval had been for an incorrect license) and ratified the hiring of Paul Lipka as a per diem van driver for the Council on Aging. In response to questions, COA Director Sarah Fontaine said the agency has three regular drivers during the week, with a fourth out on medical leave, and three backups -- but two of those are out on medical leave. "I have feeling, once we build up our staff of drivers, some of the other drivers are going to step back and let the newer drivers take the lead," she said. "It takes about two to three months to onboard a driver, because the trainings that are offered by the state are typically going to be offered once or twice a month." Lipka was hired at $18.83 an hour, Grade 5, Step 1. Most of the half-hour meeting was taken up by a public hearing on the replacement of a utility pole at the corner of North Summer and East Hoosac Street. Michael Tatro, representing National Grid, explained that a crane would be coming in to do work on St. Stanislaus Kostka Church and that would require shifting power to the other side of the street. "There's three-phase power that runs down Summer Street ... right at the corner where St. Stan's is it on East Hoosac," he said. "The three-phase path runs up East Hoosac, so we're we need to run that three-phase East Hoosac from the north side." Tatro said the lines around St. Stan's will be deactivated when the three-phase is switched to the 45-foot pole on the other corner at 4 East Hoosac. "Then we can shut everything down in front of church and make it safe," he said. In response to questions about what would happen afterward, Tatro said the switches would be in place so it could be left as is or moved back, though he hadn't designed that yet. "We can do that if it's requested," he said, but added that keeping both switches in place were "like plumbing, the more valves you have the easier it is to shut things down." The request was approved; Tatro did not have a date when work would start "but they know that this is kind of a critical project, and the contractors want to get to do their work, so I'm sure they'll get on the schedule within a couple of weeks." iciHaiti - UEH Students : CNMP Competition, Registration Open The Rectorate of the State University of Haiti (UEH) informs students of the various entities that, within the framework of the "Training, Studies, and Research in Public Procurement" Chair, the National Commission for Public Procurement (CNMP) and the UEH have launched the second edition of the competition entitled: "My Dissertation on Public Procurement in 180 Days." This competition, which will take place during 2025, is themed "Ethics and Integrity in Public Procurement." This competition aims to encourage academic reflection and intellectual debate on issues related to public procurement in Haiti. Its main goals are to foster the production of rigorous research on the subject, contribute to the establishment of a culture of ethics and integrity in the management of public funds, and stimulate the interest of young researchers in governance issues. At the end of the competition, the 10 best dissertation drafts will receive technical support from the CNMP to further develop their work. Subsequently, the three best dissertations will be awarded prizes, and the remaining seven will receive consolation prizes. Download the competition rules (PDF in French, 8 pages) : https://ueh.edu.ht/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Reglement-de-la-deuxieme-edition-du-concours-national-de-memoire-sur-la-marches-publics-de-la-CNMP.pdf Interested students can also visit the CNMP offices to request a copy. The UEH Rectorate strongly encourages interested students to submit their applications and contribute, through their work, to promoting the values of ethics, transparency, and accountability in public management. Registration will close on September 12, 2025. IH/ iciHaiti On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Korean Air announced a $50bn (37bn) deal to buy more than 100 Boeing aircraft and several spare engines and obtain engine maintenance for 20 years. The deal was formalised at a signing ceremony in Washington on Monday as South Korean president Lee Jae Myung met with his US counterpart Donald Trump. The deal includes $36.2bn (26.9bn) for 103 next-generation Boeing aircraft, $690m (513m) for 19 spare engines from GE Aerospace and CFM International, and $13bn (9.6bn)for a 20-year engine maintenance service contract with GE Aerospace. This deal is a strategic choice to strengthen Korean Airs partnership with the US aviation industry, the Korean airline said in a statement. This strategic investment in the US market will further strengthen the airlines operational capabilities and global competitiveness, and foster robust commercial ties that will drive sustained growth. open image in gallery File. Passengers wait to check in at a Korean Air counter at Gimpo airport in Seoul ( AP ) The aircraft purchase order includes 20 Boeing 777-9s, 25 Boeing 787-10s, 50 Boeing 737-10s, and eight Boeing 777-8F freighters. The new aircraft are scheduled for phased delivery through the end of 2030, according to the Korean Air statement. The signing ceremony in Washington was attended by Walter Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air; Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes; and Russell Stokes, president and CEO of Commercial Engines & Services at GE Aerospace, the statement said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A court in India ruled that prime minister Narendra Modis university degree could not be disclosed under the Right to Information Act as such records constituted personal information. Justice Sachin Datta of the Delhi High Court on Monday overturned a 2016 order by the Central Information Commission directing Delhi University to provide access to records of students who graduated in 1978, the year Mr Modi was said to have completed his Bachelor of Arts programme. The university challenged the order in 2017 and the High Court stayed the disclosure on the very first day of hearing. In that same ruling, the High Court had quashed a CIC order to the Central Board of Secondary Education to allow inspection of school records, including admit cards and marksheets, of Smriti Irani, senior member of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and former education minister. The latest ruling mirrored a 2023 judgment by the Gujarat High Court blocking disclosure of Mr Modis postgraduate degree records by Gujarat University on privacy grounds. Justice Datta said personal information like academic transcripts and marksheets were protected from disclosure under the transparency law absent overriding public interest. Thus, it is unambiguously clear that the marks obtained, grades, and answer sheets etc are in the nature of personal information, he was quoted as saying by the Indian media. The court argued that a person taking public office did not automatically remove the confidentiality of their personal records. The fact that the information sought pertains to a public figure does not extinguish privacy or confidentiality rights over personal data, unconnected with public duties, Justice Datta noted. He reasoned that disclosure of such records could encourage indiscriminate demands, motivated by idle curiosity or sensationalism, rather than any objective public interest consideration. The RTI Act was enacted to promote transparency in government functioning and not to provide fodder for sensationalism, he added. Delhi University argued that it held student data in a fiduciary capacity a relationship of trust and that statutes required results to be issued only to students, not the public. The court agreed, pointing out that the confidentiality expectation applied to all students, regardless of whether they later assumed public office. The court also observed that if an educational qualification were a statutory requirement for holding public office, disclosure could be justified. In the case of Mr Modi, however, no such legal requirement existed. The ruling also set aside a CIC penalty imposed on a Delhi University official for rejecting an RTI request, with Justice Datta noting there was no evidence of deliberate obstruction and describing the refusal as a procedural irregularity at most. Mr Modis academic record has long been the subject of political debate. Opposition parties, particularly the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, have accused him of concealing his qualifications. Mr Modis party has released copies of his degrees and universities have affirmed their authenticity, but critics have continued to question them. The Congress criticised Mondays decision, arguing that the secrecy surrounding Mr Modis degrees was incomprehensible. Amrita Johri, a transparency campaigner, told The Independent what might have appeared as a routine information request took on unusual weight because of who it concerned. Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting after inaugurating three metro rail projects in Kolkata on 22 August 2025 ( AFP/Getty ) Under normal circumstances, this would be considered a fairly innocuous demand for information that should be complied with easily, she said. But this information concerned prime minister Narendra Modi. In an affidavit filed to the Election Commission prior to the 2014 general elections, Modi had stated that he had completed his BA from Delhi University in 1978. The university flatly refused to provide the information and the matter went into appeal. She added that the stakes were not trivial as disputes over false educational claims by politicians had already reached Indias top court. The falsification of academic qualifications by elected representatives has also dominated the headlines. In November 2016, the Supreme Court quashed the election of an MLA from Manipur for falsely declaring in his nomination papers that he had an MBA degree, she said. The court held that the right to vote would be meaningless unless citizens were well-informed about the antecedents of candidates and that the election of a candidate could be set aside for making false declaration about educational qualifications. 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 Muhammad Rezwan was 21 when he walked hundreds of miles to flee attacks on his home by the Myanmar army in 2017, a military campaign that UN experts have characterised as a genocide. Eight years later, he is kept awake at night not by immediate threats to his safety, but by the thought of raising his two daughters aged two and four in the worlds largest refugee camp in Bangladesh. It is almost a decade since I fled with hundreds of people in my village for a better future. But the situation is still grim. The future of my young daughters is at stake, Rezwan tells The Independent. Bangladesh is sheltering around 1.2 million Rohingya Muslim refugees half of them children who have fled waves of violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. Of these, some 700,000 came in a huge exodus beginning on 25 August 2017, travelling by foot and by boat amid indiscriminate shelling, massacres, and the torching of entire villages in Rakhine state, where Myanmars army was fighting the Arakan Army insurgent group. The military crackdown in Rakhine came at a time when Aung San Suu Kyi was in power as state counsellor. She infamously defended the military against allegations of genocide in 2019 at the International Court of Justice, before she was deposed by those same generals in a 2021 coup detat. The Independents documentary Cancelled: The Rise and Fall of Aung San Suu Kyi explores that episode as well as Suu Kyis continued imprisonment. While the Bangladesh government and the UN have long campaigned for the safe return of the Rohingya refugees, the situation inside Myanmar has remained volatile, especially in Rakhine with locals facing a battle for survival only complicated by recent aid cuts imposed by US president Donald Trump. open image in gallery Rohingya refugees gather in the rain, with a flag of Myanmar, centre, to demand safe return to Myanmars Rakhine state as they mark the anniversary of their mass exodus at their refugee camp at Kutupalong in the Coxs Bazar district, Bangladesh ( AP ) Aid cuts are already having a dramatic impact on the camps in Bangladesh, with food rations being hit, says Alexander Matheou, the Asia Pacific regional director of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). If people dont have enough to eat, the camps will not be a safe place to be with very unpredictable consequences, he tells The Independent. Besides food, the soap rations will stop flowing, which will have a massive impact on hygiene and public health. Educational services will also close in 2025, affecting around 250,000 children, says Matheou. Its an international crisis, he says, adding that the solution should come from neighbouring countries in south and southeast Asia. The IFRC provides relief and fireproof shelters, among other services, to the refugees in the camps, to prevent their lives from crumbling every few months because of repeated natural disasters in the storm-prone region. Recently, the Rohingya refugees staged a protest at Kutupalong, one of the largest of more than 30 camps in Coxs Bazar, to express their frustration over the ongoing civil war in Myanmar and uncertainty over their return. We are here today because the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army committed genocide against our community. We are here today to remember the people who lost their lives and who sacrificed their lives for being Muslim, Nur Aziz, 19, told the Associated Press. We want to go back to our country with equal rights like other ethnic groups in Myanmar. The rights they are enjoying in Myanmar as citizens of the country, we too want to enjoy the same rights, he said. open image in gallery A newly arrived Rohingya refugee walks to the beach after the local community decided to allow them to land temporarily to access water and food in Ulee Madon, Aceh province, Indonesia ( AFP/Getty ) Despite a sharp rise in arrivals over the past 18 months, funding for the camps has been cut substantially. The UN refugee agency UNHCR says it needs about $256m (189m) to support the displaced Rohingya Muslims this year. The amount is the lowest in six years, but the agency has only been pledged enough funding to cover around 38 per cent of the total. Rokeya Bibi, mother to a seven-year-old boy, shares a single semi-permanent structure with her family of four. She is among the thousands of mothers who worry about their childrens lack of access to education in the camps. My son sits idle all day. Without proper education, without proper means of livelihood, he could end up doing something illegal in the future, she tells The Independent. No one even bats an eye about our situation. Are our lives not as important as those in other part of the world? she rues. Rohingya Muslims form the largest concentration of stateless people who lack economic power or the means to guarantee their own security and wellbeing. It is very much an international responsibility to find a solution to the crisis, says Matheou. The responsibility is not Bangladeshs alone, he says, adding that the country has already done the most important thing by providing protection. Bangladesh has no scope to allocate more resources to Rohingya refugees, announced Muhammad Yunus, the de facto leader of the south Asian country, urging the international community to find a sustainable solution to the crisis. open image in gallery A man inspects his damaged home in Coxs Bazar following the landfall of Cyclone Hamoon in October 2023 ( AFP/Getty ) We dont foresee any scope whatsoever for further mobilisation of resources from domestic sources, given our numerous challenges, Yunus said. He called on the international community to draft a practical roadmap for the Rohingya to return to Myanmar. The Rohingya issue and its sustainable resolution must be kept alive on the global agenda, as they need our support until they return home. Since 2017, Bangladesh has attempted at least twice to send back the refugees, and has urged the international community to build pressure on Myanmars government to establish a peaceful environment that could assist their repatriation. Successive governments in Bangladesh have also sought repatriation support from China. Its a collective responsibility to try to manage this well. And thats partly a responsibility of financing wellbeing in the short term. Its partly a responsibility around providing third-party repatriation for some of the most vulnerable people, Matheou says. The original idea was to find a way of managing safe and voluntary repatriation, and at the same time to try to mobilise commitment to manage support in the meantime, because you cant repatriate so many people so quickly, he says. Given the deterioration of the security situation in the Rakhine, its unlikely to achieve its original objectives. So Im sure the government of Bangladesh will want the objective to be backed up as an aspiration and not dropped, but ultimately thats what everyone should work for, especially those governments that have influence over the Arakan Army and over Myanmar generally. This article is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project 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 An artist forced to flee to the UK from Thailand after his exhibition on authoritarian regimes was censored has said he does not feel safe at all. Sai, who is Burmese, said that pieces in his Bangkok show by Tibetan, Uyghur and Hong Kong artists were removed and names of the artists obscured following an alleged pressure campaign by Beijing. Constellation of Complicity: Visualising the Global Machinery of Authoritarian Solidarity opened on 24 July at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), with the aim of exposing the repression tactics used by authoritarian governments. However, just three days later, Chinese embassy staff are claimed to have visited the BACC, accompanied by Bangkok city officials, and demanded that the exhibition be shut down. open image in gallery Artists names are seen blacked out at the exhibition titled Constellation of Complicity: Visualising the Global Machinery of Authoritarian Solidarity in Bangkok, Thailand, this month ( Reuters ) Sai has now opened up about the ordeal after he and his co-curator wife fled, fearing arrest or deportation to Myanmar, where he believed he would be punished by the military-run junta for his activism. My wife was really trembling, Sai, who did not want to share his full name for safety reasons, told The Independent. We tried to buy the earliest flight possible, [thinking]: We dont know what this is, or the magnitude, but well try to get out of the country for now and solve this while were outside. The couple left on a plane bound for the UK, taking off just before midnight on 26 July. On the way to our hosts [in the UK], we get phone messages that three diplomats from the Chinese embassy along with Bangkok metropolitan administration officials had shown up at the BACC, Sai said. The Chinese diplomats were demanding that the exhibition be shut down. BACC had a discussion with them. After the discussion, I was informed that the Chinese embassy demanded to remove the names of artists from Tibet, Hong Kong and the Uyghur region. The Chinese diplomats said the relationship between China and Thailand would be affected if BACC didnt comply. open image in gallery The show in one of Thailands top galleries has sparked international concern after some artworks by Tibetan, Uyghur and Hong Kong artists were removed or the names of the artists were obscured ( Reuters ) Works by Hong Kong artists Clara Cheung and Gum Cheng Yee Man, Tibetan artist Tenzin Mingyur Paldron, and Uyghur artist Mukaddas Mijit had been flagged as problematic, Sai explained. The artist was told that Chinese diplomats returned on multiple occasions, allegedly making more demands, including the removal of elements critical of Beijings policies. In a statement issued following the censorship, the Chinese foreign ministry neither confirmed nor denied that its embassy was behind the alterations. However they claimed the exhibition distorted Chinese policies and undermined Chinas core interests and political dignity. The fact that the relevant country took timely measures precisely shows that the promotion of the fallacies of Tibetan independence, East Turkestan Islamic Movement and Hong Kong independence has no market internationally and is unpopular, a spokesperson said. Sai described the incident as an unprecedented act of transnational repression, which highlighted the concerning magnitude of Chinas reach. open image in gallery The exhibition aims to expose the collaborative repression tactics of authoritarian governments ( Reuters ) We do not feel safe at all, he told The Independent. An exhibition that exposes the network of authoritarian regimes is itself being attacked by a network of authoritarian regimes, just after 48 hours of opening, which is very ironic and self-explanatory. This is the most controversial, most well-known exhibition all over the world not because we intended, but because of the censorship of the Chinese Communist Party [CCP]. Sai and his wife have lived in Thailand since 2023, finding sanctuary in the country like thousands of other Burmese people, following the military coup in Myanmar in 2021. But now he said they do not see a future when they can return to Thailand, and fear even leaving the UK, claiming there is more than one regime after us. Im very sad to not be able to go back to Thailand, which is like a second home for me, he said. Thailand has long been a refuge for dissidents. This is a chilling signal to all exiled artists and activists in the region. open image in gallery The show remains open at the BACC, but in its censored form, with an expected end date in October ( Reuters ) But Sai vowed to continue fighting and is establishing a network against global oppression combining all the Davids against the Goliaths. Visitor numbers to the exhibition have reportedly surged due to online discussion about the controversy, turning the censorship into unintended publicity. Human rights groups have condemned the move. This intimidation reflects a coordinated effort to suppress artistic expression globally, Roberto Gonzalez from the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) said. For the Chinese Communist Party to go so far beyond its own borders to censor creative voices shows how much they fear the ability of artists to reveal the truths they seek to conceal. And Campaign for Uyghurs called the incident yet another example of Beijing exporting censorship abroad, silencing art and activism that expose its human rights abuses. The Independent has approached the Chinese government, the Thai government and police, and the BACC for comment. 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 Three people died and at least 13 were injured after Typhoon Kajiki tore into Vietnam, toppling trees, flooding streets and knocking out power to more than 1.6 million people. The victims included a 90-year-old man whose house collapsed in the rain and a man who was electrocuted while trying to secure his roof in Nghe An province, according to state media. Another man was killed in Ha Tinh province as the storm passed through. Kajiki made landfall on Monday afternoon with winds of up to 130kmph. Some 7,000 houses were left damaged, 18,000 trees uprooted, and thousands of hectares of rice fields inundated just weeks before harvest. More than 300 electricity poles were brought down, leaving towns and villages without power across several provinces. In Hanoi, downpours continued into Tuesday morning, turning wide boulevards into rivers. Cars were submerged up to the windshields, motorcyclists waded through waist-deep water and the largest lake spilled over its banks. Photos showed a car crushed by a fallen tree in the middle of a flooded road while families carried children and belongings through muddy water. Villages in Bac Ninh and Nghe An provinces were cut off by flooding and landslides. In Thanh Hoa, waves reached three metres, smashing into sea walls and inundating coastal communities. Authorities had evacuated more than 44,000 people ahead of the storm and deployed 16,500 soldiers and over 100,000 paramilitary personnel to support rescue operations. Two regional airports, in Thanh Hoa and Quang Binh, remained closed on Tuesday for the second day. Train services in the north were suspended and schools in several provinces shut. open image in gallery A man pushes a motorbike through a flooded street following the passage of Typhoon Kajiki in Hanoi ( AFP via Getty ) Kajiki weakened into a tropical depression as it moved into Laos on Tuesday but Vietnams weather agency warned that northern provinces could still receive up to 150mm of rain in six hours, raising the risk of flash floods and landslides. The agriculture ministry said more than 100 people had already been killed or left missing in natural disasters this year. Last September, Typhoon Yagi killed more than 700 people across Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. Authorities initially feared Kajiki might reach a similar scale but its rapid weakening limited further loss of life. Vietnams long coastline makes it highly vulnerable to typhoons, which often bring deadly floods and landslides. Scientists say that climate change is making storms more intense and unpredictable, with the impact increasingly felt in crowded cities as well as rural communities. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice With sweltering temperatures and four heatwaves, this years summer season is set to go down as one of the hottest on record. But aside from family days on the beach and evening gatherings around the barbecue, the warm weather has brought, perhaps, a surprise benefit. At two National Trust estates, the dry conditions are revealing parch marks in the lawns and parkland that show up tantalising maps of previously lost underground structures. As the grass over buried walls dries quicker than the surrounding areas, it exposes the remains of historic building going back centuries. At the former Augustinian Priory of Mottisfont, near Romsey in Hampshire, archaeologists can now see the remains of lost monastery buildings that were abandoned during a remodelling of the site in the 1700s. The structures, that include a cloister, date between the 13th and 16th century. open image in gallery A cloister is believed to be among the lost buildings that can now been traced at Mottisfont, a former priory later turned into a Tudor home ( National Trust ) The former priory, founded in 1201, was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536 and passed into the hands of Sir William Sandys, who turned it into a Tudor house. National Trust archaeologist James Brown said: These are intriguing glimpses into the oldest history of buildings known here at Mottisfont. We have carried out some geophysical surveys but the buildings have never been dug so their secrets remain hidden except for these rare moments when their outlines appear in the lawns. At Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire, parch marks have also revealed lost buildings of the abbey, including a large guest hall. The hall was divided into aisles by rows of columns, which also show up in the dry marks on the ground. Archaeologist Mark Newman said: We have a good clear view of the guest hall a building which shows the importance of the abbeys hospitality one of the monastic duties following Christs example. open image in gallery At Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire, the marks in the ground even show the aisles in a guest hall now buried under ground ( National Trust ) It would have had the capacity, with medieval lifestyles, to have accommodated hundreds of people. It shows that Fountains Abbey has welcomed visitors in large numbers for hundreds of years. The Met Office said both June and July delivered consistently above-average temperatures, with England experiencing its hottest June on record. Rainfall is also tracking below average, with the UKs National Drought Group declaring a nationally significant incident earlier this month. Tom Dommett, the National Trusts head of historic environment, said: This year parch marks are showing more clearly, and have also been recorded earlier in the year, after an exceptionally dry spring. While we have seen parch marks at our places for many years, in more recent years the frequency has noticeably increased, including in 2018 and 2022, as climate change increases the likelihood of hotter, drier weather in spring and summer. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Archaeologists are exploring the dark blue waters of Denmark's Bay of Aarhus, searching for ancient coastal settlements swallowed by rising sea levels more than 8,500 years ago. This summer, divers descended around eight metres beneath the waves near Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, collecting evidence of a Stone Age settlement from the seabed. This forms part of a six-year, 13.2 million (11.3 million) international project, funded by the European Union. It includes researchers from Aarhus, the UK's University of Bradford, and Germany's Lower Saxony Institute for Historical Coastal Research. The goal is to map parts of the Baltic and North Sea beds, exploring sunken Northern European landscapes and uncovering lost Mesolithic settlements as offshore wind farms and other sea infrastructure expand. Global sea levels rose after the last ice age open image in gallery A diver excavates an 8,500-year-old Stone Age coastal settlement, submerged by sea level rise in the Bay of Aarhus ( Soren Christian Bech ) Underwater archaeologist Peter Moe Astrup, whos leading underwater excavations in Denmark, remarked that most evidence of such settlements so far has been found at locations inland from the Stone Age coast. Here, we actually have an old coastline. We have a settlement that was positioned directly at the coastline, he said. What we actually try to find out here is how was life at a coastal settlement. After the last ice age, huge ice sheets melted and global sea levels rose, submerging Stone Age settlements and forcing the hunter-gatherer human population inland. About 8,500 years ago, sea levels rose by about 2 meters (6.5 feet) per century, Moe Astrup said. Moe Astrup and colleagues at the Moesgaard Museum in Hjbjerg, just outside Aarhus, have excavated an area of about 40 square meters (430 square feet) at the small settlement they discovered just off today's coast. Rising sea levels preserved history like a time capsule open image in gallery Submerged tree stumps preserved in mud and sediment can be dated precisely, revealing when rising tides drowned coastal forests ( Associated Press/James Brooks ) Early dives uncovered animal bones, stones tools, arrowheads, a seal tooth, and a small piece of worked wood, likely a simple tool. The researchers are combing the site meter by meter using a kind of underwater vacuum cleaner to collect material for future analysis. They hope further excavations will find harpoons, fish hooks or traces of fishing structures. Its like a time capsule, Moe Astrup said. When sea level rose, everything was preserved in an oxygen-free environment time just stops. We find completely well-preserved wood, he added. We find hazelnut. ... Everything is well preserved. Excavations in the relatively calm and shallow Bay of Aarhus and dives off the coast of Germany will be followed by later work at two locations in the more inhospitable North Sea. The sea level rise thousands of years ago submerged, among other things, a vast area known as Doggerland that connected Britain with continental Europe and now lies underneath the southern North Sea. To build a picture of the rapid rise of the waters, Danish researchers are using dendrochronology, the study of tree rings. open image in gallery Excavations in the relatively calm and shallow Bay of Aarhus and dives off the coast of Germany will be followed by later work at two locations in the more inhospitable North Sea ( Associated Press/James Brooks ) Submerged tree stumps preserved in mud and sediment can be dated precisely, revealing when rising tides drowned coastal forests. We can say very precisely when these trees died at the coastlines, Moesgaard Museum dendrochronologist Jonas Ogdal Jensen said as he peered at a section of Stone Age tree trunk through a microscope. That tells us something about how the sea level changed through time. As today's world faces rising sea levels driven by climate change, the researchers hope to shed light on how Stone Age societies adapted to shifting coastlines more than eight millennia ago. Its hard to answer exactly what it meant to people, Moe Astrup said. But it clearly had a huge impact in the long run because it completely changed the landscape. Sea levels rose by a global average of around 4.3 centimeters (1.7 inches) in the decade up to 2023. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Chinese scientists have performed the first pig-to-human lung transplant ever, with the organ remaining functional for over a week after surgery. Xenotransplantation, as the process of transplanting organs from one species into another is called, has witnessed milestone developments in recent years with doctors showing the feasibility of transplanting kidneys, hearts and livers from pigs into humans. Now, researchers at Guangzhou Medical University have performed a cross-species lung transplantation. Here, we report a case of pig-to-human lung xenotransplantation, in which a lung from a six-gene-edited pig was transplanted into a 39-year-old brain-dead male human recipient following a brain haemorrhage, the researchers wrote in a study published in the journal Nature Medicine. Before taking its lung, the scientists edited some of the pigs genes to remove proteins that could activate the human immune system following transplantation. In the experimental procedure, the Chinese scientists transplanted the left lung of the gene-edited pig into a human recipient who had been declared brain-dead by four clinical assessments. They injected the recipient with drugs to suppress the immune system and assessed how the lung functioned and the human immune system responded. The lung was not immediately rejected by the immune system and stayed functional for nine days. A genetically altered pig looks out from a warming box in its pen at Revivicor research farm in Virginia, US ( AFP via Getty ) The lung xenograft maintained viability and functionality over the course of the 216 hours of the monitoring period, without signs of hyperacute rejection or infection, the study noted. The researchers, however, observed signs of lung damage at 24 hours after transplantation and signs of antibody-mediated rejection at days 3 and 6, leading to the termination of their experiment on day nine. Antibody-mediated rejection appeared to contribute to xenograft damage on postoperative days 3 and 6, with partial recovery by day 9, they noted. The scientists hope that implanted pig lungs can maintain long-term function with improvements to donor genetic modifications and the use of better drugs to suppress the human immune system. Although this study demonstrates the feasibility of pig-to-human lung xenotransplantation, substantial challenges relating to organ rejection and infection remain, and further preclinical studies are necessary before clinical translation of this procedure, they wrote. 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 homeless man accused of battering a woman to death with a mallet has pleaded guilty to her murder. Victoria Adams, 37, was found dead at her flat in Hammersmith, west London, on February 9. The discovery was made after police were called to a report of a man attempting to break into the property on Coulter Road. She was found face down in a bedroom with a black bin bag over her head, which was covered by a pillow. open image in gallery She was found dead at her flat in Hammersmith, west London, on February 9 ( PA ) Ms Adams had suffered at least 10 separate injuries to the back and side of the head from being struck with a blunt object, said to be a mallet found with her blood and DNA on it. Her attacker, Apapale Adoum, 39, who was arrested at the scene, had met her on February 6 when he was living in a homeless shelter. She had invited him to stay with her, but later wrote a note to ask him to leave. On Tuesday, Adoum appeared at the Old Bailey and pleaded guilty to murder. Adjourning sentencing, Judge Nigel Lickley KC told the defendant: The sentence for murder is a life sentence and that is what I will pass on October 24. The defendant was remanded into custody. 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 Rat infestations are coming to the UK this winter following a spate of heatwaves, warns a rat-catcher. The Yorkshire Rat Pack, a pest-control group, said it is routinely catching 20-inch rats, a surge blamed on the hot weather, a booming takeaway culture, and crippling infrastructure. Kieran Sampler, the leader of the rat-catching group, claimed infestations are becoming particularly bad in farms, warehouses, and houses built in the late 20th century. The 31-year-old from Wakefield told The Telegraph: It is going to be a bad winter for rats, and people dont realise it is going to be horrendous. There is always going to be a bad winter after a good summer. open image in gallery Ecologists say adult rats can weigh up to 600g ( AFP/Getty ) Mr Sampler runs pest control team VermiCure Pest Control and created the Yorkshire Rat Pack, a group of pest controllers who share jobs across the region, usually in groups of three or four, each taking two dogs. He said: Over the years, it has been getting worse. The rats are getting a lot bigger. We are catching up to 22-inch rats, 19-inch rats are now standard they are like a chihuahua. Give it a couple of years, and they will be 25 inches. There is a lot more waste now than 20 years ago. There are more takeaways, more half-eaten food. There are a lot more high-rise flats now with communal bin areas, and this brings a lot more rats. In August, a 22-inch rat thought to be the UKs biggest was captured in a household in the Normanby area of Redcar and Cleveland. open image in gallery Pest controller David Parnell finds call-out for rat infestations are on the increase ( David Parnell ) Dr Steven Belmain, professor of ecology at the University of Greenwich, told The Independent that adult rats can weigh up to 600g. He said: When they are well fed and mature, they can be 20 to 30cm long. Councillors of the region said the rodent was almost the size of a small cat, and claimed pest control issues were "out of control since the end of free services for residents in the Labour-run local authority. A Redcar and Cleveland council spokesperson said at the time: The council has a dedicated pest control officer who manages pest issues on council-owned land. While we no longer provide a wider pest control service, we do offer advice to residents where possible. The council continues to work with Beyond Housing, Northumbrian Water and other partners to address complex issues and explore potential solutions. There is also helpful guidance and preventative measures on our website to support people in dealing with pests. open image in gallery A rat among bins in Birmingham ( Sky News ) Veteran pest controller David Parnell said he used to receive a couple of callouts a month for household rats, but now receives eight to 10 a week. He claims the 22-inch rat found in Normanby wont remain a record-breaker for long. Mr Parnell said: The vast majority of these infestations trace back to our neglected drainage systems. The rodents arent just passing through theyre coming up from the sewers and moving in. Ive had cases where rats have climbed two storeys up the inside of a cast iron drainpipe, only to emerge in someones toilet bowl. Mr Salvin, who has set up a cross-party pest control taskforce, said: With the go live date of April 2026 for food waste bins, if food isnt stored properly, this could add to feeding the rats as well, which is concerning. It shouldnt take a giant rat being found for councils to act, but at least Redcar has finally woken up. Other councils, working with water companies, need to do the same. 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 third victim of a fatal helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight has been named by his broken family and described as a wonderful and intelligent father, police have said. Simon Hewitt, 54, was on board the Northumbria Helicopters-operated aircraft, when it was seen spiralling toward the ground near Shanklin on Monday morning. Couple Justyna Czoska, 52 and Wojtek Kowalkowski, 49, also died in the crash, Ms Czoskas devastated daughter revealed. Police later confirmed their identities. A fourth person remains in hospital in a serious condition following the crash, now being investigated by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). Mr Hewitt was from Barton-upon-Humber, and was described by his family as a the most wonderful, intelligent, kind man and father who brought so much joy and light into our lives. open image in gallery Simon Hewitt, aged 54 who was from Barton-upon-Humber died in the incident ( Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary ) Ms Czoska and Mr Kowalkowski were from Banbury in Oxfordshire and had gone on the flight as part of a birthday present from Ms Buzar for her stepfather. Following Mondays incident, Ms Buzars husband, Jacob Butler, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to bring the couples bodies back to their native Poland. Sharing the fundraiser on her Facebook page, Ms Buzar wrote: I have no words, the world took my mum too soon, she was the best mum you could ask for, loved by everyone. I never thought Id be writing something like this. Please if anyone could help bring them back to Poland so they can be with [their] families, it would mean the world to me. Rest in peace mum and Wojtek. open image in gallery Justyna Czoska and Wojtek Kowalkowski were among the three people killed in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight, according to their family ( Facebook ) The fundraising page has so far raised more than 700 through dozens of donations. Wojciech Kowalkowski's family said he was "the father of two loving children, and will be deeply missed", and Ms Buzar said he always made me happy and always made my mum happy and always made what was a family. He helped and was a heart-filled person". Mr Butler wrote on the site: My partners beloved mum and her partner tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight. This sudden and devastating event has left all us heartbroken and struggling to cope with the loss. We are now trying to bring them both back to Poland so they can be laid to rest with their families, in the place they called home. open image in gallery A GoFundMe page has been launched to raise money to bring the couples bodies back to their native Poland ( Family handout/GoFundMe ) The cost of repatriation, funeral arrangements, and travel is more than we can manage alone, and we are asking for support during this incredibly difficult time. Any donation, no matter how small, will help us give them the farewell they deserve. On Tuesday, the AAIB confirmed its investigation into the crash near the A3020 Shanklin Road was ongoing after it sent a team to the crash site. The investigation is likely to take a year to complete. A spokesperson said: Our current focus is on gathering physical evidence from the accident site and interviewing witnesses. The remains of the helicopter will then be recovered and transported back to our headquarters in Farnborough, Hampshire for further detailed investigation. Tracking data showed the helicopter was a Robinson R44 II helicopter, with Civil Aviation Authority records stating it was owned by Adventure 001 Ltd, but operated by Northumbria Helicopters. In a statement reported by The Times, Northumbria Helicopters said the aircraft departed on a flying lesson from Sandown airport at around 9am with four people on board, including the pilot. The crash took place at around 9.20am. Leigh Goldsmith, a witness to the crash, told the Isle of Wight County Press she was driving towards Shanklin when she saw the helicopter spiralling before it went out of sight and came down in a hedge. Shanklin Town Council said it was "shocked to hear about the incident involving a pleasure flight helicopter crash landing on the outskirts of the town". In a statement to the BBC, it praised the pilot for "bringing the helicopter down" away from urban areas. The islands two MPs - Richard Quigley and Joe Robertson - led the reaction on social media. open image in gallery Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West, led reaction on social media to the crash ( UK Parliament ) Mr Quigley said: My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those involved. And my thanks to each and every one of the islands emergency services who attended the incident. Mr Robertson added: It is very sad and tragic news during what should have been a happy bank holiday helicopter flight from Sandown Airport. The whole community is in shock. Donna Jones, the police and crime commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: My thoughts are with the families of the three people killed in the Isle of Wight helicopter accident in Ventnor this morning. A fourth person is critically ill in hospital. This is a tragic incident. The families and loved ones of those involved are being supported. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said in a statement: We can confirm that three people have died following a helicopter crash on the Isle of Wight. Four people in total were on board, with one person currently in hospital in a serious condition. 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 Royal Mail has temporarily suspended accepting parcels to the United States after Donald Trump's administration decided to scrap a customs tax rule that allowed low-value packages to enter duty-free. The president said last month that packages valued at or under $800 (600) sent to the US would face applicable duties from this Friday, ending a loophole known as the de minimus exemption. It means commercial shippers of low-value items will have to pay the same tariff rate as for other goods from the same country of origin. Items made in the UK will be subject to a 10 per cent tariff, while those from the EU will face a 15 per cent levy. However, gifts sent that are worth less than $100 (75) will continue to be exempt, along with the sending of cards and letters that do not require a customs declaration. As a result of the changes, Royal Mail has joined other European postal services in pausing shipments to the US from Tuesday, allowing time for packages to arrive before the duties begin. An executive order from Donald Trump means an exemption on tariff duties for low-cost packages sent to the US is coming to an end ( Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images ) It will launch a new service - US Postal Delivered Duties Paid - for packages sent to the US, expected to open on Thursday. The organisation said postage pricing will remain the same, but Royal Mail will add 50p per parcel handling charge to cover the additional costs associated with providing clearance services into the USA, which will be invoiced as a handling fee. A spokesperson told The Independent: We have been working hard with US authorities and international partners to adapt our services to meet the new US de minimis requirements so UK consumers and businesses can continue to use our services when they come into effect. Consumers sending gifts worth less than $100 will not have to pay duty. The move is likely to have a major impact on e-commerce companies exporting low-value goods to the US, with around 1.4 billion packages entering the country under the existing loophole last year. Meanwhile, postal services in other countries facing higher tariffs for exports to the US have also taken action. DHL, which owns Deutsche Post, said it would no longer be able to accept and transport parcels and postal items containing goods from business customers destined for the United States. A spokesperson said: Key questions remain, particularly regarding who will have to pay the tariffs and how, what additional data will be required, and how data will be transmitted to US Customs. Asian postal services, including SingPost and Indias Department of Posts, also announced plans to halt shipments to the US, as well as the Australian government-owned Australia Post. A company spokesperson said: "We are disappointed we have had to take this action, however, due to the complex and rapidly evolving situation, a temporary partial suspension has been necessary to allow us to develop and implement a workable solution for our customers. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice In the face of adversity, positivity and solidarity boost social media engagement, regardless of political affiliation, a new study has found. Research from the University of Cambridge, set to be published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences later this week, reveals that in times of political upheaval, users momentarily shift away from outrage and gravitate towards messages of unity. Dr Jon Roozenbeek, Lecturer in Psychology at Cambridge University and senior author of the study, said: We didnt know whether moments of political rather than existential crisis would trigger solidarity in a country as deeply polarised as the United States. But even here, group unity surged when leadership was threatened. In times of crisis, ingroup love may matter more to us than outgroup hate on social media. open image in gallery In July 2024, former US President Joe Biden announced he would stand down from election ( AP ) The universitys Social Decision-Making Lab analysed more than 62,000 posts from the Facebook accounts of US politicians, commentators and media outlets before and after major crises, researching how they shifted online behaviour. After US President Donald Trumps assassination attempt, Republican-aligned posts that signalled unity and shared identity had 53 per cent more engagement, an increase of 17 per cent compared to just before the shooting. In contrast, Republican posts that attacked the Democrats saw a drop of 23 percentage points from a few days prior. The same trends could be seen with the Democrats, whose posts expressing solidarity after their leader Joe Biden dropped out of the election race, received 91 per cent more engagement than those that didnt - a 71 percentage point jump over the period before his exit. The same Cambridge Lab published a study in 2021 that revealed how hostile social media posts against a rival ideological side typically received twice as many shares as those that promote ones own side. open image in gallery After Donald Trumps assassination attempt, Republican-aligned posts that signalling unity boasted 53 per cent more engagement ( AFP/Getty ) Malia Marks, PhD candidate in Cambridges Department of Psychology and lead author of the study, said: Negative emotions such as anger and outrage, along with hostility towards opposing political groups, are usually rocket fuel for social media engagement. You might expect this to go into hyperdrive during times of crisis and external threat. However, we found the opposite. It appears that political crises evoke not so much outgroup hate but rather ingroup love. open image in gallery After Russias invasion of Ukraine, researchers identified a spike for ingroup solidarity posts compared to those promoting hostility ( Alamy/PA ) Last year, the Cambridge team published a study that looked at 1.6 million Ukrainian social media posts in the months before and after Russias invasion in February 2022. It identified a similar trend, seeing a spike for ingroup solidarity posts after the invasion, which got 92 per cent more engagement on Facebook and 68 per cent more on Twitter. Posts that were hostile to Russia received little extra engagement. Researchers argue that the findings from the latest study are even more surprising, given the gravity of the threat to Ukraine and the nature of its population, the report said. Yara Kyrychenko, study co-author and PhD candidate in Cambridges Social Decision-Making Lab, said: Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook are increasingly seen as creating toxic information environments that intensify social and political divisions, and there is plenty of research now to support this Yet we see that social media can produce a rally-round-the-flag effect at moments of crisis, when the emotional and psychological preference for ones own group takes over as the dominant driver of online behaviour. 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 Children would also be subject to Reform UKs plan for mass deportations from Britain, Nigel Farage has said. It came as the Clacton MP launched the partys operation restoring justice, which Reform is billing as a five-year emergency programme to detain and deport illegal migrants and deter future arrivals that they would enact if elected to government. Some 600,000 asylum seekers could be deported in the first parliament of a Reform UK government, Mr Farage claimed. open image in gallery Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage at the launch of Reform UKs plan to deport asylum seekers, at London Oxford Airport ( PA ) Asked whether this would include women and unaccompanied children, the Reform leader said: Yes, women and children, everybody on arrival will be detained. And I've accepted already that how we deal with children is a much more complicated and difficult issue. But you know what the people protesting outside the Bell Hotel and at 30 migrant hotels on Saturday around the country weren't doing it because of the few children coming. They were doing it because over three quarters of those that come are young undocumented males who come from cultures that are entirely different from ours, who are very unlikely to assimilate into our community, who pose a risk to women and girls, and some of them, I'm afraid, pose a risk to national security. So its pretty clear, I think, what our priorities are. His comments were met with condemnation from charities who accused Mr Farage of dehumanising people who have fled war and persecution. The LibDems said Reform planned to rip up human rights laws and a Labour minister described the plans as unworkable gimmicks. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Mr Farage had copied our homework but missed the lesson. The Reform party pledged to scale up detention capacity for asylum seekers to 24,000 and secure deals with countries such as Afghanistan, Eritrea and Iran to return migrants to their countries. Reform UK claims the plan will cost 10 billion to implement but save 7 billion currently spent on illegal migration during the first five years. The party would leave the European Convention on Human Rights and replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights, which would apply only to British citizens and those who have a legal right to live in the UK. open image in gallery A man gestures from a dinghy as migrants prepare to sail into the English Channel on July 10, 2025 in Gravelines, France. ( Getty ) They would also bring forward legislation to make everyone who arrives illegally ineligible for asylum and allow asylum seekers to be detained until deportation. Under the previous Conservative government, laws were already introduced through the Illegal Migration Act barring people from having their asylum claims assessed in the UK if their claims were deemed inadmissible. After the election, Labour accused the Tories of creating an asylum backlog like Hotel California because it had stopped processing thousands of asylum cases. The result was a ballooning asylum backlog and thousands of migrants stuck in limbo in tax-payer funded hotels, home secretary Yvette Cooper said. Mr Farage said the only way to stop small boat arrivals is by detaining and deporting absolutely anyone that comes via that route. He claimed that the boats will stop coming within days if this happened. open image in gallery People take part in a Stand Up To Racism rally outside a hotel in Horley, Surrey. ( PA ) But minister Matthew Pennycook criticised the plans as unworkable gimmicks, dismissing Reforms ideas as something that had been put together on the back of a fag packet. Speaking to Sky News, he added: This government has secured returns agreements, including groundbreaking pilot agreement with France. We're seeking to secure others, but, frankly, the idea that Nigel Farage and the circus that is Reform can come in and secure those agreements, I think is for the birds. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said Mr Farages plan crumbles under the most basic scrutiny. The idea that Reform UK is going to magic up some new places to detain people and deport them to, but dont have a clue where those places would be, is taking the public for fools. She claimed that Winston Churchill would be turning in his grave over the plan to rip up the human rights convention. Carenza Arnold, head of campaigns at Women for Refugee Women, said Mr Farages comments about deporting women and children was deeply harmful and dangerously misleading. Every day, we work with women who have fled gender-based violence, including rape, domestic violence and forced marriage, who are seeking safety in the UK. To threaten detention and deportation for these women and children is to deny their humanity and undermines the UKs proud tradition of offering protection to those in need, she said. Steve Smith, CEO for Care4Calais, accused Mr Farage of using asylum seekers as scapegoats and offering only division, adding: The majority of people dont want to scrap protections against torture, modern slavery and persecution. They dont want to see women and children placed in detention centres, denied their rights to safety. Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: Toxic narratives are fuelling fear and division across our country and real public concerns are being exploited for political gain. This rhetoric doesnt make our streets safer - it simply dehumanises people who have fled war and persecution, many of whom are themselves survivors of violence. He added that detaining women and children is not only deeply concerning, its completely unworkable. Mr Solomon continued: We rightly have long-standing safeguarding protections for children in this country, and suspending these frameworks would have serious legal, diplomatic, and moral consequences. Even if we set all of this aside and spent billions on detention, theres no practical way to return people to countries where there are no agreements in place. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice As Nigel Farage stood in front of a giant union flag in an aircraft hangar at Oxford airport, the Reform UK leader laid out his solution to one of British voters biggest concerns illegal migration and the growing number of asylum seekers arriving in the UK on small boats. But for those who have been listening to Mr Farage for many years in his now long political career, there was something very familiar about todays announcement. In fact, it was a well-trodden formula for the man who hopes to be Britains next prime minister. What Mr Farage offered was, in fact, a repackaging of what could be termed as the Brexit formula. In other words, isolate the UK internationally by withdrawing from foundational global agreements, and then expect the rest of the world to simply do what Britain wants. This sort of solution worked when Lord Palmerston was able to send a gunboat to sit outside a foreign port in the 19th century, but it is quite a lot more complicated now. open image in gallery Farage laid out his mass deportation plans ( AP ) The grand plan Essentially, Farage argues that once he is prime minister, he can force countries like Pakistan, Iran, Syria and Afghanistan to take back thousands of irregular migrants. Those arriving in the UK illegally will be arrested, detained and then deported, the Reform leader said, as he admitted that he cares more about the frustrated British people than the fate of those who will be persecuted. He will achieve his goal by withdrawing from the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR), making the UK an outlier along with Russia and Belarus. He will also suspend other international agreements, like the Refugee Convention, for five years. Zia Yusuf, the partys former chairman, added that Reform will bring in a watertight law which would mean no judge will be able to block a single enforced departure. Giving the people what they want There is no doubt, though, that the polished sales pitch today did offer many voters what they want. The two traditional main parties have left a gaping hole in the political world by failing to tackle the small boats issue, and the blueprint outlined by Farage on Tuesday leaves Keir Starmer and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch playing catch-up. Both Labour and the Tories may be criticising Farages approach, but they are beginning to copy his policies. Already the Tories are planning to formally introduce a policy of abandoning the ECHR a document originally drawn up by Conservatives while over the weekend, Labour announced plans to water down the over-interpretation of human rights by judges. Government ministers are looking at the polling and listening to the focus groups and know the hardline rhetoric of the Reform UK leader is working. We saw over the weekend a YouGov poll saying 71 per cent believe Starmer has handled the issue badly, and it remains a key concern among voters, along with the economy. open image in gallery Small boats are still crossing the Channel ( Getty ) Mr Farages most cogent response to his many critics was: What is being done isnt working. It is very hard to argue with. But will his plan actually work? Brexit revisited For those of us still scarred by the political battles that followed the 2016 EU referendum, the naive proposals being outlined by Farage in Oxford had a familiar ring. Back in 2016, British voters were told that if they voted to leave, then there would be no problem getting a departure deal from the EU and countries would be lining up to do trade deals, headed by the United States. The reality was somewhat different. The departure took four years, two prime ministers and two elections to negotiate, and left the UK in a much weaker position economically. Just to underline the point, Starmer has effectively negotiated the second reset of that original 2020 deal after Rishi Sunak had an effort at a first one in 2023. As far as trade deals are concerned, it has taken years to get anything with the US, and the deal with Trump is effectively one to lessen the impact of the US presidents tariffs. It took years to get the much-vaunted deal with India, while there are serious questions over the impact of the hastily arranged ones with Australia and New Zealand. All these are warning notes for any UK governments future negotiating powers on returns. After all, why has it been so hard to get a deal on returning migrants to France? Because the UK does not have the muscle to force the EU to accept. open image in gallery Dominic Grieve outlined the legal barriers to Farages deportation plans ( PA Archive ) Other problems Former attorney general Dominic Grieve made it clear that judges could use the British common law vaunted by Farage and his supporters to block deportations. While Yusuf was confident that no judge could block a deportation, he is no legal expert. Added to that, there will be the inevitable political upheaval of protests against the draconian measures at a time when Farage himself warned that the UK is on the brink of civil unrest. Then there will be questions over the fate of those sent back, with even children being packed onto planes. But the biggest fear will be international isolation. The UK will look like a pariah state withdrawing from human rights and international law. In the short term, it will cancel the agreements with the EU on trade, data sharing and security. So while Farage was able to trot out the same glib lines that won him the Brexit referendum, there is a danger that the consequences of him actually doing it could be extremely damaging for the country, with the added possibility that he will not even succeed. 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 Children will need to be given democracy lessons in schools from the age of 11 to help prepare them to vote at age 16, the head of the UK elections watchdog has said. Democratic education will be rolled out to those aged 14 and over first, said Vijay Rangarajan, the chief executive of the Electoral Commission but added that this will need to be expanded to make sure young people are ready to cast their vote. He also said teachers will be asked to leave their politics at the classroom door in order to make sure students get the broadest understanding of the political system, and are not swayed on how to vote. open image in gallery Labours manifesto committed the party to lowering the voting age for parliamentary elections to 16, in line with Scottish and Welsh elections ( PA Wire ) Speaking to The Guardian, Mr Rangarajan said: Were going to need teachers to be really good at leaving their own personal views a bit at the door here. And making clear, when they have got personal views, its just personal views. Mr Rangarajan said educators will need really good materials and some guidance on how you can teach this stuff well, ensuring that there are wide ranging debates about engaging political issues, as well as the mechanics of how the system works. I can see that quite a few political parties have concerns about partiality, so were spending a lot of time on how we make sure the material is really impartial, he added. It comes after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed schools and universities are full of left-wing prejudice and anti-Reform bias. A poll of 6,000 teachers, conducted by Teacher Tapp, indicated that more than 80 per cent do not believe the national curriculum adequately prepares young people to be able to vote at 16. Mr Rangarajan said the government has learned lessons from the Scottish independence referendum, which gave 16- and 17-year-olds the power to vote. But he said democratic education was not good enough at the time to support it. open image in gallery Democratic education will be rolled out to those aged 14 and over first ( PA Wire ) The main lesson that we took was it was extremely patchy in schools in Scotland, so thats why were working on the education stuff really early on, he said. A lot of teachers said, We dont want to engage, in the run-up to the Scottish referendum, which was really quite sensitive. So teachers need some support. It was announced in July that the next general election will see 16-year-olds able to vote for the first time, as part of wide-ranging plans to modernise our democracy, ministers said at the time. Labours manifesto committed the party to lowering the voting age for parliamentary elections to 16, in line with Scottish and Welsh elections. But plans announced earlier this summer go further in an effort to increase participation in elections. Ministers have proposed introducing automated voter registration, which is already used in Australia and Canada, and making UK-issued bank cards an accepted form of ID at polling stations. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said far too many people had been put off voting by the voter ID rules introduced by the previous government, with the Electoral Commission finding around 750,000 people did not vote due to a lack of ID. Sir Keir Starmer said it was important to lower the voting age, as 16-year-olds were old enough to work and pay in through tax, so should have the opportunity to say how they wanted their money spent. But a poll of 500 16- and 17-year-olds conducted for ITV News by Merlin Strategy found only half said they thought they should be allowed to vote, and only 18 per cent would definitely vote. Labour stood to gain the most, with 33 per cent saying they would back the party, while 20 per cent said they would choose Reform UK and 18 per cent the Greens. Naomi Smith, chief executive of campaign group Best for Britain, said the change was a brave choice set to benefit generations to come, and urged political parties to do more to win the votes of the UKs young people. But in the Commons, Conservative shadow communities minister Paul Holmes accused the government of being hopelessly confused about the age of majority. He said: Why does this government think a 16-year-old can vote but not be allowed to buy a lottery ticket, an alcoholic drink, marry, or go to war, or even stand in the elections theyre voting in? A government spokesperson said: Pupils are already taught about democracy and elections as part of the national curriculum from age 11 and it can also be taught in primary schools. Getting young people involved in democracy from an early age is crucial to building a lifelong participation in elections and as part of our seismic reforms to give 16 year olds the vote, we will consider what is taught in schools further in the light of recommendations from the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review. 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 Elon Musk has launched a new legal assault against his xAI rival OpenAI, accusing the ChatGPT maker of colluding with Apple, to freeze his own products out of the market. In a 61-page antitrust complaint filed in federal court in Texas on Monday, lawyers for the tech tycoon claimed the two companies had broken the law by making a deal to integrate ChatGPT into Apple's iPhone operating system. They also accused Apple of illegally suppressing Musk's competing chatbot Grok in its App Store rankings and deliberately slow-rolling the approval process for new updates. The lawsuit doubles down on Musk's recent rants on his social media platform X, formerly Twitter, in which he complained about Grok not ranking higher in Apple's charts and claimed without evidence that this must be the result of a conspiracy. It marks the latest twist in Musk's years-long feud with OpenAI, which he originally helped bankroll but has now come to regard as a bitter rival. Elon Musk has launched a new legal assault against his xAI rival OpenAI accusing the ChatGPT maker of colluding with Apple to freeze his own products out of the market ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) "This is a tale of two monopolists joining forces to ensure their continued dominance in a world rapidly driven by the most powerful technology humanity has ever created: artificial intelligence," claims the lawsuit, which was filed by X and its parent company xAI. "Working in tandem, defendants Apple and OpenAI have locked up markets to maintain their monopolies and prevent innovators like X and xAI from competing. "Plaintiffs bring this suit to stop defendants from perpetrating their anticompetitive scheme and to recover billions in damages." A spokesperson for OpenAI said the lawsuit was "consistent with Mr. Musk's ongoing pattern of harassment". Apple didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Musk was among the 11 original co-founders of OpenAI, which was initially formed as a non-profit with a mission to ensure that any future powerful A.I. would benefit all of humanity. But as OpenAI became ever more commercial, Musk began to accuse it of betraying its founding principles and even threatening civilization itself by putting profits over safety. The Tesla and SpaceX boss is already suing OpenAI over its plans to restructure itself to focus more on profits, while OpenAI has countersued Musk, for unfair competition and interference with its business. The crux of Monday's lawsuit revolves around Apple's decision to use ChatGPT as an AI-powered answer engine on the iPhone when its own in-house voice assistant Siri couldn't meet users' needs. Apple has insisted that this partnership is not exclusive, and reports indicate the company is also in similar discussions with Google. But Musk's lawsuit repeatedly described the deal as "exclusive", depicting it as a veiled conspiracy to stifle competition, during a technological shift that could prove as revolutionary as the 2007 release of the iPhone. The complaint portrays Apple as a company that was "blindsided" by the rise of AI and now views it as an existential threat, prompting the company to collude with OpenAI in an attempt to protect the iPhone franchise that has long been its biggest moneymaker. The lawsuit offers little evidence of Apple demoting Grok in its App Store rankings, beyond the fact that Grok does not rank as highly as Musk apparently believes it should. It also cited previous testimony by Apples former App Store boss Philip Shoemaker, who told Congress in 2020 that the company often uses its complicated and arbitrary rules as a weapon against competitors. As of Monday, neither OpenAI nor Apple had answered Musks new lawsuit in court. But Musk's initial allegations on X earlier this month met a withering response from OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman. "This is a remarkable claim given what I have heard alleged that Elon does to manipulate X to benefit himself and his own companies and harm his competitors and people he doesn't like," said Altman. His post linked to a 2023 report by the tech newsletter Platformer, alleging that Musk had built a special system to boost his own posts to the top of X users' feeds. Some of Musks allegations accusing Apple of trying to shield the iPhone from do-everything super apps such as the one Musk has long been trying to create with X echo an antitrust lawsuit filed against Apple last year by the U.S. Department of Justice. Apple's own AI shortcomings may be helping drive more usage of ChatGPT on the iPhone, providing OpenAI with invaluable data that's unavailable to Grok and other would-be competitors because it's currently an exclusive partnership. The alliance has provided Apple with an incentive to improperly elevate ChatGPT in the AI rankings of the iPhone's app store, the lawsuit alleges. Other AI apps from DeekSeek and Perplexity have periodically reached the top spot in the Apple app store's AI rankings in at least some parts of the world since Apple announced its deal with ChatGPT. The lawsuit doesn't mention the potential threat that ChatGPT could also pose to Apple and the iPhone's future popularity. As part of its expansion efforts, OpenAI recruited former Apple designer Jony Ive to oversee a project aimed at building an AI-powered device that many analysts believe could eventually mount a challenge to the iPhone. 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 Pop superstar Katy Perry offered a succinct, one-word response "Justice" when pressed by a lawyer on Tuesday about whether she stood to gain financially or otherwise from a protracted legal battle concerning a California mansion. During an hour of remote testimony delivered to a Los Angeles courtroom, the singer and former American Idol judge maintained a tense and careful demeanour. While she did not directly concede that she would profit if the complex case concluded in her favour, Ms Perry was clear on the potential downside, stating: "I stand to lose money if it doesnt work in my favor." She spoke during the second trial in a dispute over a $15 million mansion in upscale Montecito near Santa Barbara that she and former partner Orlando Bloom bought in 2020. The seller, 85-year-old Carl Westcott, said he was not mentally competent to make the deal and sued to undo it. Perry's side technically the defendant was her business manager, Bernie Gudvi prevailed in the first trial in 2023. Then Gudvi, representing Perry, countersued over lost rental income brought on by the legal fight and millions in maintenance the house allegedly required. That brought on the current sequel trial. open image in gallery Katy Perry Mansion Trial ( 2025 Invision ) Westcott's lawyer, Andrew J. Thomas, often tried to steer the conversation toward Bloom. Superior Court Judge Joseph Lipner ruled that the Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings actor does not have to testify because it would be redundant and unnecessary, even though the house is officially owned by a company he set up. Asked if she had any role in a remodel of the house Bloom oversaw, Perry replied that she acted as partner and adviser. The couple, who split up in July, have a daughter together whose fifth birthday was Tuesday. When asked about the nature of their partnership, Perry replied, We're family for life. Perry's attorney, Eric Rowen, objected to nearly every question by Thomas as irrelevant, including most of the queries about Bloom, which Lipner kept to a minimum. Rowen objected especially angrily when Perry was asked if she knew that Westcott had entered a mental institution earlier in the legal fight, apparently suggesting the question was an attack for the sake of the media present. This is, I dont want to say unethical, but this is simply an effort to drive a narrative to parties outside this courtroom," Rowen said. The judge sustained his objection and the question was not allowed. The judge and lawyers referred to Perry as Miss Hudson. Her legal name is Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson. She's currently in the middle of an international tour, and has recently been tied to former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It wasn't clear where she was during Tuesday's questioning. Thomas asked Perry repeatedly whether she had had enough cash on hand to buy the $15 million mansion outright. I could have," she eventually said, "but I wanted to do a mortgage instead. Perry conceded that in the previous trial, she said she intended to live in the mansion, not to rent it out. But renters including the family of actor Chris Pratt are central to this trial. There was discussion of having Pratt testify, but he was not on the final witness list. open image in gallery Perry's attorney, Eric Rowen, objected to nearly every question by Thomas as irrelevant, including most of the queries about Bloom ( AP ) There was one light moment at the end of Perry's testimony when she described some dealings with Westcott and said, I was pregnant at the time. She couldn't be heard clearly and Lipner said he had heard, It was private. No, pregnant! Perry said with a laugh. Perry's own lawyer declined to cross-examine her and the judge excused her. Like the previous trial, this one has no jury, and Lipner will decide the outcome. Perry's testimony came on the fourth day of proceedings that are expected to go on for two more days. It's not the first long public fight Perry has had over a property. She previously sparred in court with an order of nuns who fought to stop the sale of a convent she had bought. She prevailed in that case. She also testified in a lawsuit that alleged she and her co-writers had stolen key elements of her hit song Dark Horse from a Christian musician. She lost at trial, but won on appeal. 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 elderly women narrowly survived a "girls trip" cabin weekend after they almost drowned in a hot tub. According to the Wolfe County, Kentucky Search and Rescue Team, emergency crews were called to the cabin around 8:40 pm on Friday, August 22 to respond to a report of unresponsive seniors. Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team Chief John May told USA TODAY that four women in their 80's were having a cabin weekend together near Red River Gorge approximately 70 miles southwest of Lexington when they entered the hot tub. "Things turned sideways," May told the outlet, when the women tried to exit the hot tub. He said that, due to pre-existing medical conditions, two of the women were unable to get out of the hot tub. Because they couldn't exit the hot tube, they overheated and then fell unconscious. Church Choir Concert Illness One of the two conscious women stayed in the hot tub to keep her friends' heads above the water, and the other went to dial 911 for help. When rescuers arrived, they found two the two conscious women had managed to pull the other two out of the water. Once out of the water, one of the women was partially responsive, but the other "was completely unresponsive and in critical condition." "The more critical patient was taken to a shower, where cold water, along with ice were applied. Ice and cold compresses were also applied to the less critical patient, but ultimately, she was moved outside to be cooled by a water hose," May said. The seniors were kept in "cold-water immersion" for more than twenty minutes before they were transferred to a local hospital for treatment. According to May, both of the seniors were released from the hospital the following day and both were in good condition. It's unclear if the women were locals or were visiting from outside Kentucky. While hot tubs are relaxing, spending too much time in them can be dangerous for anyone, but especially individuals with heart and other medical conditions, children, or the elderly. "The recommended maximum immersion time is between 15-30 minutes," agency officials said in a statement. "Ensure you are capable of exiting the hot tub once you enter, especially if you have any sort of disability. Hyperthermia and Heatstroke can be fatal, and this story could have ended much differently without the quick thinking of all those involved with this rescue." Hyperthermia occurs when the body's temperature rises to 104 degrees. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Nevada state government was forced to cancel all in-person services and shut down its public website after suffering an unspecified "network security incident". The office of Governor Joe Lombardo said on Monday afternoon that it was working to restore its computer systems and investigate the reason why it had been compromised. It said that all state offices would be closed to in-person visits throughout Monday, but that emergency call-taking and "essential services" such as 911 remained available. Affected services included the Nevada DMV, the Public Utilities Commission, the dispatch phone lines of the State Police and Highway Patrol, and various other phone lines and online systems. The Nevada government's website was still offline as of 9 p.m. local time. open image in gallery Authorities have said little about the nature or causes of the incident ( ANP/AFP via Getty Images ) "On early Sunday morning, the State of Nevada identified a network security incident and immediately engaged in 24/7 recovery services. The matter is still under active investigation," Lombardo's office said on X, the social network. "The state is focused on restoring services safely and validating systems before returning them to normal operation... "At this time, there is no evidence that any personally identifiable information was compromised." The office added that Nevadans should be wary of "unsolicited calls, emails, or texts" exploiting the situation by asking for "personal information or payments." Nothing more was revealed about the cause of the incident, including whether it was malicious and who or what may have been responsible. In a prior statement on Sunday, the Governor's Technology Office said the incident had started around 1:52 a.m. on Sunday and that some services might be "hard to reach or briefly down". If that happens, the Office advised, users should try again later. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said it was "actively tracking this network security incident" and "collaborating with the State of Nevada to offer assistance." The FBI's Las Vegas field office also confirmed that it was helping with the investigation. 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 Dan Scavino, a longtime Trump ally currently serving as White House deputy chief of staff, will take over the Presidential Personnel Office, becoming the ultimate decision-maker on who may serve in the administration, the White House confirmed on Tuesday. Scavino will head the office, which is responsible for recruiting and vetting 4,000 political appointment positions across the federal government, including 1,600 that require Senate confirmation. He will replace Sergio Gor, whom Trump recently nominated to serve as ambassador to India. Scavino is considered one of Trumps closest advisers, having been part of Trumps political journey since 2015, when he announced his first run for president. During Trumps first term, Scavino served in various communication roles in the White House. Referring to Scavino as one of Trumps most trusted and longest-serving advisors, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Scavinos job change in a statement. Dan Scavino, a longtime ally to Trump, was tapped to serve as the next head of the Presidential Personnel Office ( Getty ) There is nobody better to ensure the Presidents Administration is staffed with the most qualified, competent, and America First-driven workers. There is much still to be done and Dans leadership will ensure the highest quality, most dedicated workforce ever, Leavitt said. The head of the Presidential Personnel Office is a powerful role, particularly in the Trump administration, when the president has made loyalty a defining characteristic of his team. In it, Scavino will have a say in who may be considered for a role and whether their loyalty to Trump is enough to serve alongside the president. Scavinos display of loyalty to the president may serve as a benchmark for those considered for roles. He has remained by Trumps side through his tumultuous political career, including after the January 6 attack on the Capitol. A source familiar with Scavinos hiring told Axios that Scavino will scrutinize the current staff and personnel changes that happen as the office transitions to a new leadership and structure." The job change announcement arrives just days after Trump said he would nominate Gor to serve as an ambassador. Gor has recently faced scrutiny from former Trump advisor and tech billionaire Elon Musk, who called Gor a snake. Musk was reportedly angry with Gor for prompting Trump to withdraw the nomination of Jared Issacman, a close friend of Musk, as the next NASA administrator. Gor reportedly developed a grudge against Musk after the Tesla CEO humiliated him in front of other cabinet members, the New York Post reported. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A federal judge slammed the lawlessness of the arrest of a Black man inside of a Trader Joes in Washington, D.C. amid President Donald Trumps federal takeover of the nations capital. Trump signed an August 11 executive order that federalized the Metropolitan Police Department as he declared a crime emergency in the nations capital. In the latest show of force, the local police arrested a Black man in a Trader Joes after finding he was carrying guns in a search that a judge has branded illegal. It is without a doubt the most illegal search I've ever seen in my life," U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui said on Monday, according to NPR. "I'm absolutely flabbergasted at what has happened. A high school student would know this was an illegal search." While patrolling the area near Union Market, the Metropolitan Police Department on August 18 arrested Torez Riley, a Black male wearing a gray hoodie, dark jeans, a white skull cap, and a black crossbody satchel, outside of a Trader Joes, according to court records. After observing Riley grab the upper strap of his satchel and pull it closer to him as he looked at the police vehicle, officers followed him into the Trader Joes. There, an officer asked Riley if he had a license to carry a concealed firearm in D.C.; the man said he wasnt carrying anything. open image in gallery Torez Riley was arrested in a Washington, D.C. Trader Joe's after what a federal judge called an 'illegal search' following Trump's federal takeover of the nation's capital ( US District Court for the District of Columbia ) Riley said he was adjusting the bag because his chest hurt. Officers noticed the bag appeared to be heavy, as if an object was weighing it down, a court filing states. Believing his actions were consistent with that of an individual concealing an illegal firearm, the officers then patted down the satchel, finding two firearms inside. After looking into Riley, officers discovered he had previously been convicted of carrying a pistol without a license. He was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. On Monday, Faruqui said the police had no reason to stop Riley other than the color of his skin, HuffPost reported. The Sixth Amendment doesnt get thrown out the window because the government has decided to make a show of arresting people, the judge said, seemingly referring to Trumps federal takeover of the nations capital. The local police have been under federal control for three weeks since Trump began his crime crackdown in the nations capital, despite a 30-year low in violent crime in the city. Hes also deployed thousands of National Guard troops, who, as of this week, began carrying firearms. As of Tuesday, there have been more than 1,000 arrests in D.C. since the federal takeover began, with 115 illegal guns seized, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi. The judge noted that evidence in other searches have been suppressed since Trumps federal takeover. Lawlessness cannot come from the government, the judge slammed. Were pushing the boundaries here. Were beyond the boundaries and something is going to have to break. The government asked the court to throw out the case after it determined that dismissal of this matter is in the interests of justice, a Monday filing states. open image in gallery More than 1,000 people have been arrested after President Donald Trump federalized the Metropolitan Police Department and deployed the National Guard in the nations capital ( REUTERS ) A Justice Department spokesperson told The Independent that U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro ordered to dismiss the charges after she was shown body camera footage of the arrest on Friday. This judge has a long history of bending over backwards to release dangerous felons in possession of firearms and on frequent occasions he has downplayed the seriousness of felons who possess illegal firearms and the danger they pose to our community, Pirro told The Independent in a statement. The comments he made here are no different than those he makes in other cases involving dangerous criminals. The Independent has reached out to the Justice Department, Pirros office and Trader Joes for comment. The judge warned of racial profiling, addressing Riley in court. The police are out there looking for everybody, and it seems theyre looking for people that look like you, Faruqui said, according to HuffPost. You cant go into a grocery store without getting stopped and illegally searched. Do you understand? Rileys lawyer said: He was just walking into Trader Joes to get some food. 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 Members of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency exposed Social Security data of more than 300 million Americans, putting personal information at risk of being leaked or hacked into, according to a bombshell whistleblower report. A disclosure filed to the governments top ethics office Tuesday alleges that a DOGE team had uploaded a copy of agency data for virtually every American to a vulnerable cloud server. The data included addresses, birth dates and other sensitive information that could be used to steal identities. The whistleblower disclosure from Charles Borges, the agencys chief data officer, accuses DOGE personnel of copying a live set of data without any independent security or oversight measures in place. His statement underscores prior warnings from watchdog groups and lawsuits that tried to block the Elon Musk-founded group of young engineers from wreaking havoc across federal agencies. open image in gallery A whistleblower report alleges Elon Musks DOGE team at the Social Security Administration had sent a copy of Americans sensitive data to a vulnerable cloud server that was at risk of being leaked or hacked into ( Getty Images ) Borges uncovered serious data security lapses, evidently orchestrated by DOGE officials that risk the security of over 300 million Americans Social Security data, according to the complaint, viewed by The Independent. His disclosure alleges systemic data security violations, uninhibited administrative access to highly sensitive production environments, and potential violations of security protocols and federal privacy laws by DOGE personnel including Edward Big Balls Coristine, the 19-year-old at the center of a wave of controversial policies inside the federal government. Should bad actors gain access to this cloud environment, Americans may be susceptible to widespread identity theft, may lose vital health care and food benefits, and the government may be responsible for reissuing every American a new Social Security number at great cost, according to Borges complaint. In March, a federal judge blocked Musks team from accessing Social Security data. But an order from the Supreme Court later paved the way for DOGE to tap into that information. Borges, a U.S. Navy veteran, began working as the chief data officer at the Social Security Administration in January just days after Donald Trump entered office, tapping Musk to embed loyalists across the federal government to recommend drastic spending cuts and mass firings. Borges provided more than two dozen pages of emails, memos and other communications outlining how DOGE potentially violated multiple federal statutes designed to protect government data. In response, one of his superiors noted the possibility that the agency might have to re-issue Social Security numbers, according to the complaint. The findings were shared with the Office of Special Counsel as well as members of Congress by lawyers at the Government Accountability Project, a whistleblower protection group. open image in gallery A spokesperson for the agency said Social Security Administration chief Frank Bisignano and the Trump administration take all whistleblower complaints seriously and do not believe any data was compromisedMus ( AFP via Getty Images ) Borges had discovered a disturbing pattern of questionable and risky security access and administrative misconduct that impacts some of the publics most sensitive data, according to Andrea Meza, director of the groups campaigns for government accountability. Out of a sense of urgency and duty to the American public, he is now raising the alarm to Congress and the Office of Special Counsel, urging them to engage in immediate oversight to address these serious concerns, she said. Mr. Borges bravery in coming forward to protect the American publics data is an important step towards mitigating the risks before it is too late. In a statement to The Independent, a spokesperson for the agency said commissioner Frank Bisignano and agency personnel take all whistleblower complaints seriously. The agency stores all personal data in secure environments that have robust safeguards in place to protect vital information, and the data referenced in the complaint is stored in a long-standing environment used by SSA and walled off from the internet, according to the agency. High-level officials have access to that system with oversight by the agencys Information Security team, according to the agency. We are not aware of any compromise to this environment and remain dedicated to protecting sensitive personal data, the spokesperson said. The White House, which has handled requests for information about DOGE efforts and the U.S. DOGE Service, deferred The Independents request for comment to the Social Security Administration. Musk had baselessly labeled the nations retirement and disability agency a Ponzi scheme and claimed that as much as $700 billion in annual payments were fraudulent, raising concerns that the worlds wealthiest man was helping the Trump administration lay the groundwork for seismic cuts to the nations largest and most popular program. According to court documents in a federal lawsuit seeking to prevent DOGE from tapping into Social Security data, Musks team at the agency sought to bolster the presidents spurious claims that millions of dead people are receiving benefits. open image in gallery Elon Musk baselessly labeled the nations retirement and disability program a Ponzi scheme as he sought drastic cuts to federal spending ( REUTERS ) Seven DOGE employees were granted access to Americans Social Security data or personally identifiable information, government lawyers wrote in March. Their level of access provides no avenues to change beneficiary data or payments, but gives them the ability to review records needed to detect fraud, they added. District Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander had temporarily blocked DOGE from what she called a fishing expedition in search of a fraud epidemic based on little more than suspicion inside the agency. The DOGE team is essentially engaged in a fishing expedition at [the agency], in search of a fraud epidemic, based on little more than suspicion, Judge Lipton wrote in March. It has launched a search for the proverbial needle in the haystack, without any concrete knowledge that the needle is actually in the haystack. DOGE never identified or articulated even a single reason why it would need unlimited access to Social Securitys entire record systems, which would risk exposing personal, confidential, sensitive, and private information that millions of Americans entrusted to their government, the judge added. A massive breach of Social Security data is a scandal, according to Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, which has joined an avalanche of legal challenges against the Trump administration. Letting a 19-year-old kid move everyones personal data onto a vulnerable server is yet another example of how unfit the Trump administration is to serve its core function: Protecting the rule of law and looking out for the best interests of our people, she added. We cant afford to wait until there is a catastrophic misuse of this data, we need to immediately rein in the tech bros who invaded our government through DOGE. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A House Committee has issued a subpoena seeking all entries from the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epsteins 2003 birthday book. The Trump administration unleashed a firestorm in early July when it effectively said the controversy surrounding the wealthy financier was settled, despite people on both sides of the political aisle feeling like their questions went unanswered. Amid the fierce backlash the administration was getting, including from President Donald Trumps own base, The Wall Street Journal released a report in mid-July, claiming Epsteins close associate Ghislaine Maxwell made the financier a leather-bound book for his 50th birthday, which included letters from dozens of his other associates, including Trump. The WSJ called Trumps alleged letter bawdy with a drawing of a naked woman and the words, Happy Birthday and may every day be another wonderful secret. Trump, who socialized with Epstein decades ago, denied authoring any such letter, calling the WSJs reporting fake. He even went as far as to sue the publication for defamation. open image in gallery A House Committee has issued a subpoena seeking all entries from the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epsteins 2003 birthday book ( Getty Images ) In the latest effort from lawmakers to gather information on Epstein and his associates, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform issued a subpoena to Epsteins estate for all entries contained within the reported leather-bound book, according to a new WSJ report. Congress members have also asked for other files the estate possesses, including Epsteins will and any potential client list. The Independent has reached out to a co-executor of Epsteins estate for comment. In the memo that heated up the Epstein files drama last month, the Justice Department and FBI said there was never any suspected Epstein client list of powerful people who may have participated in his crimes. They also confirmed Epstein died by suicide after his 2019 death in a New York jail cell spurred conspiracies about the financier. The memo also stated no further disclosure [of information regarding Epstein] would be appropriate or warranted. open image in gallery Epsteins close associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, made him a leather-bound book for his 50th birthday, according to a report ( AP ) Last month, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche interviewed Maxwell, and according to transcripts and audio recordings released last Friday, she said there was no client list. While Maxwell said she made a 50th birthday book for Epstein, she said she didnt remember who contributed to it. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, wrote in a letter to Epsteins estate lawyers, per the WSJ, It is our understanding that the Estate of Jeffrey Epstein is in custody and control of documents that may further the Committees investigation and legislative goals. Comers committee subpoenaed the Justice Department in early August for government records related to Epsteins investigation. 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 drawn criticism over his new executive order targeting flag-burning in the U.S. - even from his own supporters. On Monday, the commander-in-chief said he would clamp down with the full force of the law on anyone who burnt the national flag, deeming it uniquely offensive and provocative tool that is used to incite violence and riot. The Trump administration also accused foreign nationals of using it to impose violence against the American people. American Flag burning is also used by groups of foreign nationals as a calculated act to intimidate and threaten violence against Americans because of their nationality and place of birth, the White House executive order wrote. Those who participate in torching the flag should expect to face prosecution to the fullest extent permissible under any available authority, it added. open image in gallery President Trump holds up a signed executive order requiring the Justice Department to investigate instances of flag burning, in the Oval Office Monday ( AP ) Trump also called upon Attorney General Pam Bondi to prioritize the enforcement of the order to the fullest extent possible while being consistent with the First Amendment. However, some conservatives argue that, no matter how offensive it might be, burning the flag is an act of freedom of expression. Therefore, prohibiting Americans from doing so would be a violation of the First Amendment. Right-wing radio host Jesse Kelly slammed the order on X, writing, I would never in a million years harm the American flag. But a president telling me I cant has me as close as Ill ever be to lighting one on fire. I am a free American citizen. And if I ever feel like torching one, I will. This is garbage. open image in gallery Trumps order comes months follows months of anti-Trump, anti-Israel, and anti-ICE demonstrations ( Getty Images ) Former NRA spokesperson and radio host Dana Loesch posted: Flag burning is vile, but the government has no right to control speech or expression. And Christian broadcaster and conservative Erick Erickson called out the unconstitutional nature of the order, writing, This is actually not brilliant. While I agree with the sentiment, it is unfortunately well-settled constitutional law that burning the flag is a matter of free speech, and the executive does not get to create crimes. His comments came in response to a tweet from Nile Gardiner, a conservative contributor to British broadsheet The Telegraph, who wrote: This is brilliant from President Trump. If you burn the American flag and hate America, you should also leave America and live somewhere else, in response to a video of Trump signing the order. During the Oval Office ceremony, Trump suggested a stiff sentence for flag burners. You burn a flag, you get one year in jail, he said. You don't get 10 years. You don't get one month. You get one year in jail. And it goes on your record, and you will see flag burning stopping immediately. 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 Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade urged Vanity Fair staffers to hunt out their colleagues who anonymously complained about the possibility of the fashion magazine placing Melania Trump on the cover, saying that those employees should be fired. Meanwhile, Kilmeades co-anchor Ainsley Earhardt declared that she would buy several copies of the magazine if they gave the first lady a cover feature, adding that she would want the magazines stock to go up if they were willing to tell both sides. Over the weekend, Semafor reported that new Vanity Fair editor Mark Guiducci who recently replaced Radhika Jones at the top of the Conde Nast publications masthead has made his presence felt since taking over the magazine. Besides looking to make some splashy hires while moving the outlet away from commodity Hollywood coverage and focus on editorially distinct output, Guiducci is also pushing the magazine in a different editorial direction which could include overtures towards MAGA world. But the post-COVID cultural swing to the right, capped by Trumps election in 2024, has impressed upon the new editor that Vanity Fair needs to change who appears in its pages, Semafor noted. Guiduccis mandate to rethink the publications relationship with power and celebrity is likely to mean a greater open-mindedness to seeking access to figures likely to repel magazines liberal readers. Hes told people hes potentially interested in putting Melania Trump on the cover. open image in gallery Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade urges Vanity Fair staff to expose editor who complained to Daily Mail about a potential Melania Trump cover, saying they "should be fired." ( Fox News ) The Daily Mail soon reported that Vanity Fair staff erupted in fury over the proposed cover with Donald Trumps spouse, with some even vowing to quit their jobs if Guiducci granted her the spot. I will walk out the motherf***ing door, and half my staff will follow me, a midlevel editor told the Daily Mail. We are not going to normalize this despot and his wife; we're just not going to do it. We're going to stand for what's right If I have to work bagging groceries at Trader Joe's, I'll do it. If [Guiducci] puts Melania on the cover, half of the editorial staff will walk out, I guarantee it. The fact that Conde Nasts fashion mags had excluded Melania Trump from their covers during her husbands first term has long been a sore spot for conservatives and the first lady herself, as well as a consistent source for ragebait in the right-wing media ecosystem for years. Therefore, it was hardly a surprise that the presidents favorite morning show would seize on this latest story. I can tell you that was a leaked story from Vanity Fair because they are trying to soften up the opposition they are going to face when this happens, Fox & Friends co-host Charlie Hurt noted on Tuesdays broadcast. A lot of people that work at Vanity Fair are not in favor of this, Earhardt reacted, referencing the Daily Mails story about the staffs reaction to the Semafor report. And theyre raging at the idea based on the cuss words in the paragraphs I am reading from people who work here. After Earhardt quoted the one editors comments to the Mail, complete with the Fox & Friends star butchering the pronunciation of despot, Kilmeade jumped in and demanded that the staffer be outed by their colleagues. You should be fired if you are not exposed, the Trump-boosting host grumbled. If youre at Vanity Fair right now, walk around and look for a mid-level editor that sounds angry, and toss them out and send them to Trader Joes! open image in gallery During a December 2024 interview on Fox & Friends, Melania Trump was asked if she expected to be on fashion magazine covers during her husbands second term. ( Fox News ) With Hurt and Earhardt smiling and chuckling, Kilmeade added that the grocery chain may not take this ousted employee because they have standards. Before Kilmeade could continue his tirade against Vanity Fair staffers who disagree with giving Melania Trump the cover, Earhardt interjected to heap praise on the outlet if they pulled the trigger. I would buy the magazine. Id buy several of them if they would do this just to prove a point that I want your stock to go up because Im in support of this, she declared. You need to tell both sides.Earhardt added: You had Michelle Obama on Vogue several times. You had Jill Biden on Vogue several times. You had Hillary Clinton inside the magazine on one of the pages. No Melania after she became First Lady! The curvy couch crew then aired an interview they did with the first lady this past holiday season, which saw the hosts asking her if she expected fashion magazines to reverse course and feature her on their covers during the second term. Ive been there on the cover of Vogue, on the cover of many magazines before, and for me, we have so many other important things to do than to be on the cover of any magazine, the presidents wife said at the time. I think the life would not change for anybody if Im on the cover of the magazine. Following the clip, Kilmeade paraphrased the first lady by claiming she was essentially saying its your loss if you dont put her on the cover, while Earhardt whom the president recently praised for being in the greatest relationship with his pal Sean Hannity insisted that publications would see a financial windfall if they just celebrated the Trumps. I agree. Especially at a time when magazines are not doing well, this would do well for them, she concluded. 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 president of George Mason University said he will not comply with a demand by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights to apologize for alleged discriminatory hiring practices. The Department of Education accused the university's first Black president, Gregory Washington, of implementing "unlawful DEI policies" at the institution. Douglas Gansler, an attorney representing Washington, is accusing the Education Department of carrying out a shoddy investigation. He said in a letter to GMU's board that the OCR investigators only spoke to two university deans before coming to the conclusion that discriminatory hiring practices were taking place at the school. OCRs letter contains gross mischaracterizations of statements made by Dr. Washington and outright omission," Gansler wrote in the letter. He also accused the OCR investigators of selectively interpreting comments made by Washington, Inside Higher Ed reports. George Mason University President Gregory Washington will not comply with a Department of Education demand that he apologize for alleged discriminatory hiring practices and unlawful DEI policies at the university ( AP ) To be clear, per OCRs own findings, no job applicant has been discriminated against by GMU, nor has OCR attempted to name someone who has been discriminated against by GMU in any context. Therefore, it is a legal fiction for OCR to even assert or claim that there has been a Title VI or Title IX violation here, he wrote. As part of its findings, the Department of Education has demanded changes at the college and called on the university president to apologize. In 2020, University President Gregory Washington called for expunging the so-called racist vestiges from GMUs campus, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor said in a statement last week. Without a hint of self awareness, President Washington then waged a university-wide campaign to implement unlawful DEI policies that intentionally discriminate on the basis of race. You cant make this up. Gansler argued that GMU has been responsive and quick to implement changes brought by President Donald Trump's executive orders, pointing out that at least 17 positions associated with diversity or inclusivity have been eliminated or restructured, and that several diversity-focused programs and initiatives have been shuttered since Trump took office. Well before the federal government turned its attention to GMU, the university, under Dr. Washington and the Boards leadership, undertook a robust effort to stay ahead of the curve and make many of the changes now being demanded of universities, Gansler wrote in the letter. He said that if Washington were to apologize, it would undermine the school's record of compliance. If the Board entertains OCRs demand that Dr. Washington personally apologize for promoting unlawful discriminatory practices in hiring, promotion, and tenure processes, it will undermine GMUs record of compliance," he wrote. An apology will amount to an admission that the university did something unlawful, opening GMU and the Board up to legal liability for conduct that did not occur under the Boards watch. 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 former national security adviser John Bolton spoke out after the FBI raided his home last week, taking aim at the presidents stance on the war in Russia and Ukraine. The FBI raided the Trump adviser-turned-critics home in Bethesda, Maryland and office in Washington, D.C. on Friday morning as part of an investigation related to classified documents. In his first comments since the raid, Bolton wrote an op-ed Monday in the Washington Examiner slamming Trumps Russia-Ukraine policies following his meetings with the countrys respective leaders. Donald Trumps Ukraine policy today is no more coherent than it was last Friday when his administration executed search warrants against my home and office, Bolton began. Collapsing in confusion and haste, Trumps negotiations may be in their last throes, along with his Nobel Peace Prize campaign. Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska. Trumps furious pace trying to move an extraordinarily complex conflict to resolution over the past two weeks was one of several significant mistakes, Bolton said. open image in gallery The Trump adviser-turned-critic said that Trump has made several significant mistakes in his attempts to bring about peace in Ukraine. ( AP ) The meeting, which many considered as a victory for Putin, resulted in no ceasefire deal. Following that summit, Trump made a stunning about-face, his former national security adviser continued, noting the U.S. president abandoned his prior threats of imposing sanctions or tariffs if there was no agreement. Days later, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a group of European leaders at the White House. He then announced he planned to arrange a trilateral meeting with Putin, Zelensky and himself. None of this was realistic, and no meeting appears likely anytime soon, Bolton blasted. He then concluded that the U.S. presidents efforts over the last two-plus weeks may have left us further from peace and a just settlement for Ukraine than before. The Independent has asked the White House for comment on Boltons piece. open image in gallery FBI agents leave the house of former national security adviser John Bolton in Bethesda, Maryland as part of the early stages of an investigation related to classified documents, Vice President JD Vance has said ( AP ) Hours after Fridays FBI raids, Trump said he wasnt aware of them until after they happened. I saw it on television this morning, he told reporters. The president noted that he wasnt a fan of Bolton. My house was raided also, Trump said, referring to the FBI raid of his Mar-a-Lago compound in 2022. So I know the feeling. Its not a good feeling. Just weeks prior to the raids, Bolton accused Trump of running a retribution presidency. Earlier this year, the U.S. president revoked Boltons security detail, which he received following threats against his life from Iran. The former national security adviser isnt alone; in his second term, Trump has targeted his so-called political enemies, including law firms, news organizations, former government officials, ideological opponents, and universities. open image in gallery U.S. President Donald Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month in a summit that resulted in no ceasefire deal ( AFP/Getty ) However, Trump and Bolton have had a feud since 2019, when the president asked his national security adviser to resign. Bolton then wrote a book, which Trump tried to halt from being published, alleging he shared classified information from his time in the White House. A judge found that Bolton likely jeopardized national security by disclosing classified information in violation of his nondisclosure agreement obligations but allowed the memoir to be published. The Justice Department also launched a criminal investigation into whether Bolton disclosed classified information in his book. Both probes were dropped under the Biden administration. Vice President JD Vance suggested there was a new probe into Bolton, telling NBCs Meet the Press last week that the investigation is in the very early stages. Classified documents are certainly part of that probe, but that theres a broad concern about Ambassador Bolton, he said. The vice president rejected that the raid exemplified retribution against a vocal Trump critic. "I suspect that if the media and the American people let this case actually unfold, if they let the investigation unfold, as its currently doing, theyre going to find out that what were doing is being very deliberate and being very driven by the national interest, and by the law here and thats as it should be, he 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 MAGA-boosting Shark Tank host Kevin OLeary joined the growing chorus of conservative voices criticizing Donald Trumps move to take a 10 percent government stake in American chip maker Intel, deriding it as a really, really bad idea on Tuesday morning. OLearys remarks come a day after the self-anointed Mr. Wonderful called the Intel decision abhorrent and said the government should stay in its lane rather than give tax dollars to a company that has performed so miserably. Meanwhile, as many of the presidents allies have increasingly taken issue with the partial nationalization of the troubled tech firm, describing it as akin to communism and corporate statism, Trump administration officials are not only defending the move but suggesting its merely the tip of the iceberg. Oh theres a monstrous discussion about defense, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC on Monday, suggesting that the Pentagon could soon own large chunks of defense contractors such as Lockheed because they are basically an arm of the U.S. government already. But whats the economics of that? Im going to leave that to my Secretary of Defense and the deputy Secretary of Defense, Lutnick added. These guys are on it and theyre thinking about it. open image in gallery Shark Tank host Kevin O'Leary condemns Donald Trump's move to take a 10 percent stake in Intel, calling it a "really, really bad idea." ( Fox Business Network ) In a separate CNBC interview, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett insisted that the Intel stake was more like a down payment on a sovereign wealth fund while indicating that it was part of a broader strategy on the White Houses part. The president has made it clear all the way back to the campaign that he thinks that in the end, it would be great if the U.S. could start to build up a sovereign wealth fund, and so Im sure that at some point, therell be more transactions if not in this industry in other industries, Hassett declared. And days after announcing the administration had taken 10 percent of the beleaguered tech giant, Trump himself said he would be pursuing many more deals with other major companies, stating that this new strategy was to get as much as I can. During his Tuesday morning appearance on Fox Business Networks Varney and Co., OLeary who has generally heaped praise on Trumps economic policies tore into the presidents plan to nationalize certain industries, expressing concern that it further eroded the division between the private and public sectors. We let good companies thrive and then when companies fail, they die like a slug at the bottom of the ocean and the protein gets reabsorbed by private equity into the winning management teams, the businessman and reality TV star maintained, prompting anchor Stuart Varney to somewhat defend the administrations position. Theyre turning around and saying you cant afford to lose the chip industry, you want to develop it in America to go after China, the Fox Business host stated. OLeary, meanwhile, insisted that Intel lost its way a decade ago and it should have been sold off in pieces to the other players that emerged as winners before urging the administration to back away from the deal. Dont mess with it. Intel is a dog. I would never put my own money into it, and Im glad I didnt, it is where money goes to die and I certainly dont want to put my tax dollars into it, being force-fed a loser, OLeary raged. I keep saying the same thing. Let it die. It is a grandmother on life support. It wants to die. Other people want to purchase the pieces that are left, the investor concluded. Nobody wants the product. We put 10 percent of taxpayers' money into this nobody wants their products. What are you going to do? Force-feed the chips down a dog? Who is gonna eat them?! This is a really, really bad idea! open image in gallery Kevin O'Leary made it clear on the conservative Fox Business channel that he was not a fan of Donald Trump's Intel move. ( Fox Business Network ) With the president making it clear that he will seek to obtain equity stakes in other large companies, conservative economists have called this strategy curious and problematic, especially since it veers away from the traditional Republican position that the government shouldnt intervene in the free market. I think what were seeing is less a strategic, thoughtful shift toward state capitalism and more an opportunistic display of corporate shakedowns, Michael R. Strain, an economist with the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute, told the New York Times. Either way, this does create significant risks for the companies that are entering into these deals, and for the long-term prosperity of the American people. The Wall Street Journal, meanwhile, has noted that the presidents Intel move blurs party lines on economic intervention, pointing out that many GOP lawmakers have slammed the decision while some on the left have applauded the president for taking a stake in the chip manufacturer. Taxpayers should not be providing billions of dollars in corporate welfare to large, profitable corporations like Intel without getting anything in return, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said last week, urging the White House to go even further with its strategy. Today its Intel, tomorrow it could be any industry, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) groused about the move. Socialism is literally government control of the means of production. 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 Laura Loomer has hit out at President Donald Trump over his pledge to allow 600,000 Chinese students into the U.S. and claimed that the move undermines his anti-immigration agenda. In a rare break with Trump, the right-wing commentator criticized the president publicly after he touted the very important relationship with Beijing as the administration continues to negotiate a trade agreement. We're going to allow their students to come in. It's very important, 600,000 students. It's very important. But we're going to get along with China, Trump said in a shift in tone Monday in the Oval Office. In response, Loomer claimed without evidence that the 600,000 students were Chinese spies. If we are only mass deporting 1,000 illegals each day but allowing 600,000 Chinese spies to come to our country, how can we call them mass deportations? Loomer said in a post on X Monday. Do the math. open image in gallery ( Getty Images ) We will never get rid of the millions who came in under Biden. Its basic math, she added. Loomer, who has had Trumps ear in recent months, then appealed directly to White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. Paging @StephenM. Nobody, I repeat nobody, wants 600,000 more Chinese students aka Communist spies in the United States, Loomer said. Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed in May to aggressively revoke Chinese student visas, targeting students with connections to the Chinese Communist Party and those who are studying in critical fields. Trump appears to have shifted away from the aggressive stance since then as the two countries attempt to hash out a trade deal. Loomers rage over the issue was echoed by other key MAGA figures, including Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Why are we allowing 600,000 students from China to replace our American students opportunities? Greene posted on X Monday evening. We should never allow that. The president recently spoke of his fondness for Loomer, whose influence over him appears to have grown considerably since he entered office, and she has been dubbed Trumps Rasputin. open image in gallery We're going to allow their students to come in. It's very important, 600,000 students. It's very important. But we're going to get along with China, Trump said in a shift in tone Monday in the Oval Office. ( AP ) I think she's a patriot, and she gets excited because of the fact that she's a patriot, Trump said earlier this month. And she doesn't like things going on that she thinks are bad for the country. I like her. Loomer, who has courted controversy making statements in support of white nationalism, using anti-Islam rhetoric and spreading conspiracy theories, has been getting senior Trump administration officials fired by digging up old social media posts, going through their employment records, and looking at their past political donations. One of my friends said it made me sound like Trumps Rasputin, she told The Telegraph, referencing the adviser who heavily influenced the tsar during the final years of the Russian Empire. In April, several members of the National Security Council were fired after Loomer met with Trump. She later confirmed the meeting on social media. There are still people in and around the West Wing who are LEAKING to the hostile, left-wing media about President Trumps *confidential* and *private* meetings in the Oval Office, she posted. It was an honor to meet with President Trump and present him with my research findings, she added. Last month, the general counsel of the National Security Agency, April Falcon Doss, was fired just a day after Loomer met the president in the Oval Office. She also attacked the top vaccine regulator, Vinay Prasad, as a progressive leftist saboteur undermining President Trumps Food and Drug Administration. Prasad later left his position. 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 First Lady Melina Trump reportedly continues to keep a watchful eye over her and President Donald Trumps son Barron as he embarks on his sophomore year at New York Universitys Stern School of Business. A political source close to the family told People, Melania watches Barron constantly in an effort to be sure nobody messes with him or bullies him, as this is a constant worry with her. She always knows where he is and what hes doing. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment. Barron began at NYU in September 2024 during Donald Trumps third presidential campaign, experiencing both the typical challenges of a college freshman and the high-profile events of his fathers November election win and January 2025 inauguration. Despite Barron being 19 years old and capable of making his own decisions, Melania Trump has reportedly chosen to keep him out of on-campus housing. Instead, as a source told People last year, Barron resides at Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan. open image in gallery Barron Trump, 19, lived at Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan during his first year at NYU ( Getty Images ) She will do everything she can to make sure Barron does well in school and is socially and mentally adjusted to his life as a college student," the source told the outlet at the time, adding that dorm living wasn't "in the stars" for Barron "at this point." Last week, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Donald Trump said Melania Trump loves their son more than she loves him and was moved to write Russian President Vladimir Putin a letter urging an end to the Ukraine war after seeing footage of suffering children. Shes got a great love of children, she has a wonderful son that she loves probably more than anybody, including me, I hate to say it, Donald Trump said in the Oval Office, referencing Barron Trump. But she loves her son, she loves children, and she hates to see something like this happening. open image in gallery Melania Trump is reportedly worried that Barron Trump will be bullied at college ( Getty Images ) While Melania Trumps frequent absence from the White House has been widely talked about throughout Donald Trumps second term, she has stayed busy working on a documentary set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video later this year. Melania Trump has reportedly been dividing her time between New York City, New Jersey, and Washington. She will never be a traditional first lady. That isn't who she is, a source told People, while remaining supportive of her husband, Donald Trump. They further stated that she has her own ideas on what she wants to do. 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 An American whose face was slashed on a tram in Germany has claimed Europe has an immigration problem, echoing rhetoric used by President Donald Trump after police identified a suspect in the attack as a Syrian man. Two men were harassing a group of women on the tram in Dresden early Sunday morning when John Rudat, a paramedic and model from New York State, intervened, German police said. The 20-year-old was then stabbed, and the perpetrators fled. The attack left him with a deep facial wound that required immediate and extensive surgery, according to a GoFundMe launched to pay his medical expenses. Rudat told right-wing German media outlet Nius he intervened after he saw one of the men on the tram strike a woman. Rudat told the man to stop and pushed him, and the man later hit him, he recalled. Rudat said he was trying to de-escalate the situation when another man approached and slashed him across his face. The 20-year-old, described on the GoFundMe page as a kind, selfless soul, has since been hailed as a hero for his actions. Officers briefly arrested one suspect on Sunday, identified as a 21-year-old Syrian, but later released him because prosecutors didnt have grounds to keep him detained, the Associated Press reports. On Tuesday, officers re-arrested the 21-year-old on suspicion that he was involved in the attack, local prosecutors and police said. He is now in pre-trial detention. open image in gallery American John Rudat claims there is an immigration problem in Europe and Germany after he was attacked on a Dresden tram ( GoFundMe ) Rudat has since used anti-immigration rhetoric that echoes statements made by Trump, who has previously railed against European immigration policies. German police have not released any identifying details about the suspected attacker, including his immigration status. The Independent has contacted Rudat and local police for comment. In an Instagram video shared from his hospital bed, Rudat his face still covered in bandages argued there is an immigration problem in Europe as he recounted the attack. If you all didnt think that Europe had an immigration problem, especially Germany, let me drop some knowledge on you, Rudat said in the video. He went on to claim that police had arrested a suspect but were going to release him because he's not a citizen of Germany ... he doesnt even belong in here, appearing to suggest there were different levels of justice for German citizens and foreign nationals. open image in gallery Rudat said he did not think Europeans got involved in knife crime ( GoFundMe ) He also told the U.K.-based news outlet GB News that hundreds of people have reached out to him in recent days expressing claims and stresses about, over the last 10 years, the immigration problem and the violence problem has been really rising and becoming a legitimate threat to everyday safety. GB News asked Rudat if he thinks Europe should adopt immigration policies similar to those implemented by Trump, who has vowed to create the largest deportation program in American history. He replied: I think the German people would really appreciate some policies like that. I think the German people would really appreciate being able to feel safe on their own transportation systems. And I hope that Germany and the government of Germany and the people of Germany push for exactly that: more policy for more safety. Rudat, who had spent a year living in Dresden and was returning to visit his host family, said he would never have expected to be involved in a knife-related incident in Europe. He said: I never thought I'd get into a knife altercation because I'm in Europe, people don't do that here, or at least Europeans don't. Foreigners are not increasing Germanys crime rate, according to a study published in February by the Ifo Institute. The institute, using crime data from 2018 to 2023, found no correlation between an increasing share of foreigners in a district and the local crime rate, researcher Jean-Victor Alipour said in a statement. Trump has often criticized immigration policies in Europe, even claiming last month that immigration is killing Europe. Trump also targeted Germany in his first term, writing in 2018 that crime in the nation was way up as immigration was on the rise. Trump made this claim despite federal data showing that German crime levels hit a 25-year low in 2017, The New York Times reports. open image in gallery President Donald Trump said last month that immigration is killing Europe ( AP ) Trump still doubled-down on the statement, claiming without evidence that German officials had not accurately reported crime data. Crime in Germany is up 10% plus (officials do not want to report these crimes) since migrants were accepted, he wrote on June 19, 2018. Others countries are even worse. After the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Germany accepted about a million refugees from the Middle Eastern country. Trumps allies have also defended Germanys far-right, anti-immigrant AfD party, which is rising in popularity. Some of the partys leaders have also echoed Nazi ideology, including one leader who has been fined for using a banned Nazi slogan. Elon Musk, who was once a close ally of Trumps, wrote on X in December that only the AfD can save Germany, and has appeared remotely at AfD events. Musk appeared to do two Nazi-style salutes at one of Trump's inauguration events on January 20, although he later denied they were intended as such. Amid the uproar he tweeted: Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The everyone is Hitler attack is so tired. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also criticized the German government after intelligence officials classified the party as a proven right-wing extremist organization in May, NBC News reports. The classification, which the AfD sued the German intelligence agency over, means intelligence officials can now use informants and other tools to monitor the partys activities, the Associated Press reports. Shortly after German officials announced the new classification, Rubio wrote on X: Germany just gave its spy agency new powers to surveil the opposition. Thats not democracyits tyranny in disguise. What is truly extremist is not the popular AfDwhich took second in the recent electionbut rather the establishments deadly open border immigration policies that the AfD opposes, Rubio added. The German Foreign Office issued a direct reply to Rubios criticism: This is democracy. This decision is the result of a thorough & independent investigation to protect our Constitution & the rule of law. Vance echoed Rubios point in an interview later that month. I think that it is very, very dangerous to use the neutral institutions of state the military, the police forces ... the intel services to try to delegitimize another competing political party, Vance said, according to NBC News. I think thats especially true when that political party just got second in an election and is, depending on which poll you believe, either the [most] popular or the second-most popular party. 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 New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told Attorney General Pam Bondi that the city does not need the Trump administration to deploy the National Guard to tackle crime, according to a report. Tisch met with Bondi Monday for 30 minutes at the NYPD headquarters in Manhattan, where she made a case about the citys declining crime rate, The New York Times reports. The commissioner also hailed the police departments drone technology to solve crimes, according to the outlet. The high-stakes meeting comes as President Donald Trump issued an executive order Monday directing the Defense Department to step up its role in domestic law enforcement by quelling civil disturbances across states. Trumps order states that specially trained National Guard units in all 50 states and the District of Columbia should be mobilized quickly to ensure public safety and order. open image in gallery Tisch met with Bondi for 30 minutes at the Police Department headquarters in Manhattan, where she made a case about the citys declining crime rate. ( Getty Images ) Chicago, New York and Baltimore are among some of the targets on Trumps hit list following his federal takeover of Washington, D.C. last month, where National Guard troops were deployed on the streets to tackle what he called out of control crime. When ready, we will start in Chicago Chicago is a mess, Trump said, and added that the administration will help with New York. The Independent has contacted the New York Police Department and the Justice Department for comment. Tisch and New York City Mayor Eric Adams touted a 5.6 percent drop in overall crime in July, the same week four people were gunned down in a Manhattan office building. As we reflect on the month of July, we are exceptionally proud that overall crime continues to topple leading off our SEVENTH consecutive quarter of crime reductions with some of our most violent crimes at record lows across the city, Adams said in a statement earlier this month. July saw the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims in recorded history. Meanwhile, Illinois leaders have also pushed back and warned Trump not to deploy military troops to Chicago. Do not come to Chicago, said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker at a press conference Monday. open image in gallery Chicago, New York and Baltimore are among some of the targets on Trumps hit list following his federal takeover of Washington, D.C. last month, where National Guard troops were deployed on the streets to tackle what he called out of control crime. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) New York officials also took issue with Trumps threats to withhold or revoke federal funding to local and state governments that offer cashless bail, arguing that it is a threat to public safety. No cash. Come back in a couple of months, we'll give you a trial. You never see the person again, he said, moments before signing Mondays executive order. Bondi must submit a list of jurisdictions that have substantially eliminated cash bail as a potential condition of pretrial release from custody for crimes that pose a clear threat to public safety and order within 30 days, as stipulated in the order. Proponents of eliminating cash bail describe it as a penalty on poverty, suggesting that the wealthy can pay their way out of jail to await trial while those with fewer financial resources have to sit it out behind bars. Critics of the cashless route have argued that bail is a time-honored way to ensure defendants released from jail show up for court proceedings. They warn that violent criminals will be released pending trial, giving them license to commit other crimes. New York Governor Kathy Hochuls office issued a statement Monday, calling the threat reckless. President Trump has no concept of how the law works in New York, Hochuls spokeswoman Jen Goodman said. The Associated Press contributed reporting 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 There has been a furious reaction to an anti-Islamic campaign ad posted by a far-right MAGA congressional candidate in which she sets fire to the Quran with a flamethrower. Valentina Gomez, who is running for Texas 31st District in 2026 as a Republican, shared the extreme video on X as part of her vow to end Islam in the Lone Star State. Approximately one percent of Texass population is Muslim. Gomez has a history of posting violent stunts and using hateful rhetoric against Muslims, the LGBT+ community, Black people, and immigrants, in an attempt to gain notoriety to further a flailing attempt at a political career that has so far gone nowhere. Your daughters will be raped and your sons beheaded, unless we stop Islam once and for all, Gomez said before setting fire to a copy of the holy book. open image in gallery MAGA congressional candidate Valentina Gomez sparked a backlash by burning a copy of the Quran with a flamethrower to 'end Islam in Texas' ( X/@ValentinaForUSA ) America is a Christian nation, so those terrorist Muslims can f*** off to any of the 57 Muslim nations. There is only one true God, and that is the God of Israel. Gomezs video ended with her declaring that she is powered by Jesus Christ. Condemnation came quickly in response to the clip. This isnt politics. Its incitement, podcaster Brian Allen wrote on X. When the mosques start burning, remember: this was the match and the Texas GOP handed her the lighter. Another X user added, She will literally do anything for clout. Anything. Why is this person allowed to incite hate and murder? One X user wrote: Get out of my state. We have no place for intolerance and hateful people who dont believe in basic human rights such as THE FIRST AMENDMENT which allows for freedom of religion. Why dont you learn the basics before running for office. Gomezs previous stunts included a December 2024 video in which she staged a mock execution of an immigrant by shooting a dummy tied to a chair with a black bag over its head. open image in gallery Aspiring congresswoman Valentina Gomez simulates a mock execution of an immigrant ( @ValentinaForUSA/X ) Its that simple, public executions for any illegal that rapes or kills an American. They dont deserve deportation; they deserve to be ended, she said. Gomez is herself an immigrant, having been born in Colombia. That video was condemned by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who posted: She is not just an American fascist. She is Colombian. And being a migrant, what she wants is to unleash hatred against migrants. Most Americans are killed by Americans. Gomez once told Black Americans to kindly leave the U.S. if they dont like the country in a message posted before the Juneteenth national holiday celebrating the end of slavery, which she called the most ratchet of holidays. She also has a history of homophobia. In February 2024, while campaigning for Missouri secretary of state, Gomez also used a flamethrower to burn a pile of LGBTQ+ books, including titles aimed at teenagers. In a May 2024 video, she also jogged through a pro-LGBT+ area of Missouri in a bulletproof vest, declaring: In America, you can be anything you want. So dont be weak and gay. Gomez crashed out of the Republican primary in that race in sixth place. 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 Officials in Texas scrambled to control the number of measles cases spreading throughout the western part of the state, largely without help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, earlier this year, according to a new report. Just days after the first measles case was reported in Texas, the Trump administration took office and ordered the Department of Health and Human Services to halt all public communications, according to an email obtained by KFF Health News. Soon after, the administration began conducting mass layoffs, sending various agencies, including the CDC, into chaos and confusion, several CDC officials told KFF Health News. When officials in West Texas began reaching out to the CDC for guidance on how to handle the measles outbreak earlier this year, they were apparently met with simple responses or complete silence from a stressed agency. Katherine Wells, the director of public health in Lubbock, Texas, emailed her public health colleagues saying, My staff feels like we are out here all alone. open image in gallery Officials in Texas scrambled to control a measles outbreak in West Texas earlier this year, without much help from the CDC ( AFP via Getty Images ) The Independent has asked the CDC for comment. Even after the administrations halt on communications ended, CDC scientists said there was a lot of confusion and non-answers over what communications were allowed. Social media communications that were once handled by CDC workers directly suddenly had to be reviewed by HHS, employees told NPR. Two CDC communications employees said, at the time, that fewer than half of their posts were approved for social media. The CDC never held press briefings on the measles situation and issued short press releases. As a result, local officials had to rely on advice from doctors and researchers outside of the government. The CDC had gone dark, Terri Burke, the executive director of Immunization Partnership, a Texas nonprofit, told KFF Health News. We had anticipated a measles outbreak, but we didnt expect the federal government to be in collapse when it hit. It wasnt until late February, when a six-year-old child died of measles, that a CDC scientist reached out to Wells for the first time and released its first press release on the measles outbreak. In that release, the CDC said vaccine was the most effective way to defend against measles but also endorsed vitamin A administration as a supportive care method. open image in gallery The US almost lost its status of having eliminated the illness in 2019, and that could happen in 2025 if the virus spreads nonstop for 12 months ( Getty ) Health experts were concerned that the CDC and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. advocating for vitamin A could exacerbate the problem of parents delaying vaccine intervention. Several children were treated for vitamin A toxicity in April. A CDC scientist told KFF Health News that the department pressed for them to insert the vitamin A line into their communications. Another unnamed CDC official said they were trying to provide scientific-backed information to the public while aligning itself with HHS. With cases growing throughout the spring, officials in Texas asked the government for federal funding, staffing, and more resources to help fight the outbreak. In March, the CDC sent epidemiologists to Texas to assist for several weeks. In April, a senior CDC scientists brought the states resource issue to attention at a vaccine advisory panel meeting. In May, the federal government provided funds to Texas. Its not that the CDC was delinquent, Georges Benjamin, the director of the American Public Health Association, told KFF Health News. Its that they had their hands tied behind their backs. Last week, health officials said that the measles outbreak in West Texas had ended. But thousands of people, including children, were likely infected with the potentially deadly disease and its likely the country will see more outbreaks, experts say. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A network of clinics across Maine that got swept up in President Donald Trumps megabills defunding provision will not receive Medicaid funding to treat thousands of low-income patients as the lawsuit proceeds in court, a federal judge ruled on Monday Maine Family Planning, a nonprofit that offers primary and reproductive health care in 18 clinics across the state, was unable to receive Medicaid funding because Trumps bill, known as the One big beautiful bill, blocked money from flowing to abortion providers. The nonprofit sued the Trump administration after the July 4 law, saying no Medicaid funding went toward abortion services which only account for a fraction of their services. But Maines district court Chief Judge Lance Walker, appointed by Trump in 2018, said on Monday that Congress can withhold federal funds from conduct not enshrined as a constitutional right and cited the Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization. Walker added that allowing the Medicaid funding would also undermine the bill, which he said was created through a democratic process. open image in gallery Maine Family Planning faces the threat of closing clinics in the state after Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill,' which included a provision that stripped Medicaid funding from the nonprofit ( AP ) The decision arrived despite a separate federal court ruling that said all Planned Parenthood clinics must continue to be reimbursed for Medicaid funding as court proceedings play out. Without Medicaid funding, Maine Family Planning is at risk of closure which could harm another crucial service in the state: gender-affirming care. Without Maine Family Planning, the infrastructure and the whole state network would crumble, Evelyn Kieltyka, the senior vice president of Program Services at Maine Family Planning, told The Independent. Last year, Maine Family Planning had nearly 16,000 visits, but the nonprofit performed just 760 abortions, meaning terminations made up less than five percent of care provided. Thats compared to more than 2,000 gender-affirming care visits last year. Patients have said the network is a lifeline for individuals seeking gender-affirming care, Kieltyka said. Thats partly because of the states composition. Because so much of the state is rural, patients often have to travel hours to seek medical care. For more than two-thirds of its patients 70 percent Maine Family Planning is the only health provider they will see in a given year. open image in gallery ( Getty Images ) Finding gender-affirming care is less readily available generally. Trumps attacks on transgender Americans havent helped. In January, after the president issued a string of executive orders attacking transgender Americans. Trump issued an executive order stating the United States only recognizes two sexes, introduced a ban on transgender service members in the U.S. military, and ordered that federal funds stop being used to support gender-affirming care for minors. Legal challenges over the bans are playing out. That month, the nonprofit was flooded with calls from concerned patients about whether gender-affirming care was still offered and still legal, according to Kieltyka, who called the new measure devastating. The nonprofit offers a variety of services cancer screenings, STI testing, contraception, and abortion services. To add insult to injury, several hospitals in the state have been forced to shutter their labor and delivery units in recent years, taking OBGYNs with them. Communities across the state are just losing resources and they're losing people who hold knowledge in their communities, Kris Pitts, executive director of MaineTransNet, told The Independent. Every single time we take away any little piece of that puzzle, it's the community members who suffer. Roughly 40,000 Maine residents will be impacted by the Medicaid cuts and 7,500 of them are patients at Maine Family Planning, according to the nonprofit. Without access to Medicaid dollars, the nonprofit will be forced to stop seeing all patients, regardless of their insurance status, by the end of October. But the issues span far beyond Maines border. Nationwide, the July 4 law could leave 10 million uninsured and threatens to shutter already-stressed rural hospitals across the county. Across the country, roughly 185,000 transgender adults use Medicaid as their primary health insurance, according to a 2025 report by the Williams Institute, a think tank at UCLA School of Law. open image in gallery A demonstrator holds a transgender pride flag as protest the Trump administration ( AP ) Planned Parenthood was the intended target of the July 4 legislation, but the nonprofit got caught in its net, the lawsuit says. The law barred Medicaid funding for nonprofits that "primarily engage in family planning services and reproductive health, provide abortions, and received more than $800,000 in Medicaid reimbursements in 2023. Planned Parenthood not only serves as the largest abortion provider in the country, but also the second largest provider of hormone therapy. If its defunded, nearly 200 Planned Parenthood centers across 24 states face risk of closure, the organization has said. Its not surprising that the law targeting abortion care is also targeting gender-affirming care, Pitts said: They're not separate issues. It's all one issue. It's all one attack, it's all one movement. The reality of the new law is especially devastating because the July 4 law specifically excluded language from the bill the House passed that would have prohibited federal dollars, including from Medicaid, from being used for gender-affirming care. That provision was eliminated in the Senate version. These organizations provide critical care to members, Pitts said. Mainers deserve health care that meets their needs, and any interference with that is a tragedy. 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 threatened to sue the state of California over the redistricting plan it adopted last week, which Democratic lawmakers there said was a response to a similar plan in Texas, that the president called on his Republican allies to initiate. Well think Im going to be filing a lawsuit pretty soon, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. And I think were going to be very successful in it. The president added the suit would come from the Department of Justice. BRING IT, California Governor Gavin Newsom, a frequent legal and political adversary of the president, wrote on X following the announcement. A White House official declined to answer further questions about the nature of the lawsuit and directed inquiries to the Department of Justice. open image in gallery The president encouraged Texas to redraw congressional maps because he was entitled to more seats but plans to sue California over legislation it passed in response to Texas plan ( AP ) The Independent has contacted the Department of Justice for comment. It is unclear under what basis the Trump administration plans to use to challenge the California map plan. The California legislation asks voters to approve a new series of congressional maps in a November special election that could add as many as five Democratic seats to Congress. Newsom described the bill as a way to counteract an effort to carve as many as five new GOP congressional seats in Texas which also passed last week. Were neutralizing what occurred and were giving the American people a fair chance, Newsom said on Thursday. Because when all things are equal and were all playing by the same set of rules, theres no question the Republican party will be the minority party in the House of Representatives. open image in gallery California is calling on voters to approve new congressional maps in November special election, a response to a Texas redistricting plan that could add five GOP seats to Congress ( Getty Images ) The Texas plan, which does not require voter approval, came after Trump encouraged Republicans in the Lone Star state this summer to find him more seats, arguing he was entitled to them after his success in the 2024 election. Texas will be the biggest one, Trump said at the time. And thatll be five. Texass effort has set off a national redistricting war, bucking the usual trend of drawing new maps once per decade after the Census. At least half a dozen states are threatening to redraw their maps, in an effort to wrest control of the House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a seven seat advantage, while four seats remain vacant. Republicans ultimately have the potential to add more seats than Democrats, given it controls more state legislatures. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A CNN fact-checker shredded a deluge of Donald Trumps false claims about crime in Washington, D.C. During Trumps second Oval Office press conference of the day on Monday, the president defended his deployment of the National Guard and takeover of the police force in the nations capital, touting an 11-day murder-free period. Despite polling showing how unpopular Trumps moves are in D.C., the president continued to claim that, under his watch, the city has transformed from the most dangerous place in the world to the safest place in under two weeks. Towards the end of Trumps White House meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday, CNN News Central brought in senior reporter Daniel Dale to fact-check the U.S. commander-in-chiefs claims. Asked whether Trumps claim about D.C.s first murder-free week in many years, Dale responded that it is not accurate, citing other similar stretches this year in the district. open image in gallery CNN's Senior Report Daniel Dale fact-checked Donald Trump's claims to reporters about crime in Washington, D.C. ( CNN ) There has currently been the 11-day stretch without a reported homicide, but that also happened earlier this year, he said. In February and March, there was a 16-day stretch with no reported homicides in the district. So the president is exaggerating again. Dale also pointed to another claim that was not even close to true: that the capitals crime was at an all-time high when he took office. While D.C.s murder rate two years ago hit levels not seen since the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s, the period since has seen a steep decline under the leadership of Chief Pamela Smith, who was named to her role in 2023. Statistics made public by the D.C. government and the Department of Justice show that other violent crimes have also declined during the same period. Crime figures from the Metropolitan Police Department for the District of Columbia state that violent offenses fell last year to their lowest level in 30 years and have continued to decline in 2025, according to preliminary data for the first half of the year. open image in gallery The president addressed reporters in two Oval Office press conferences on Monday ( Getty Images ) Dale also dug into Trumps pledge to deploy National Guard troops into Republican strongholds, before adding, but there arent that many of them. If you look at the top 25 cities for crime, just about every one of those cities is run by Democrats, Trump told reporters. Dale quickly shut down Trumps claims, arguing that many Republican-led cities face high crime rates. There are indeed a bunch of cities in red states that are high on national crime rate lists, however you slice the data, Dale said. Just looking at the facts, cities like Memphis, Tennessee; Cleveland, Ohio; Kansas City, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Houston, Texas, all among the 10 or 15 cities with the highest violent crime rates, all in red states with Republican governors. So, whos to blame for that?, he asked. 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 In the wake of Donald Trump seeming to ignore Supreme Court precedent and push to criminalize burning the American flag, leaders and commentators on the right are arguing that defacing LGBT+ Pride and Black Lives Matter flags and symbols should be legal. While we're talking about flags, we should work to overturn every conviction for those arrested, fined, or otherwise harassed for the hate crime of doing donuts over Pride flags painted on public streets, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk wrote on X on Monday. It should be legal to burn a rainbow or BLM flag in public, he added in a separate post. I'm sorry, but as long as this is the status quo, I'm not going to work myself into a state of hysteria about Trump's executive order on burning the American flag, right-wing activist and writer Christopher Rufo wrote on X, pointing to an Iowa case where a man was sentenced in 2019 to 16 years in prison for ripping a rainbow flag from an Iowa church and burning it in a nearby strip club parking lot. It is an extremely unequal standard, X billionaire and former Trump administration advisor Elon Musk wrote in response to Rufo. open image in gallery The Trump administration has pushed to outlaw burning the American flag, while its supporters argue burning LGBT+ Pride flags should be legal ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) I have no patience for the free speech argument for burning the American flag, added podcaster and filmmaker Matt Walsh, pointing to a recent case where a Minnesota woman is facing a misdemeanor charge for allegedly calling a young Black child a racial slur at a playground. We dont have free speech in this country. If theyre going to throw people in jail for saying a bad word, then yes I want you thrown in jail for desecrating my flag. We arent playing by two different sets of rules anymore. The complaints come after the Trump administration announced on Monday it would seek to prosecute individuals for burning the American flag. While an executive order announcing the policy suggested such prosecutions would fall in line with past Supreme Court rulings on the First Amendment, the president took things a step further, seeming to suggest all flag-burners would be punished. You burn a flag, you get one year in jail. You dont get 10 years, you dont get one month, Trump said on Monday, though he lacks authority to unilaterally determine new categories of crimes and their punishments. You get one year in jail, and it goes on your record, and you will see flag burning stopping immediately. open image in gallery President Trump has claimed that flag-burners will be sentenced to one year in jail ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The following day, Vice President JD Vance called the famous 1989 ruling in Texas v. Johnson protecting flag burning as political speech wrong in a post on X, echoing White House comments about its aims for the Justice Department to pursue litigation to clarify the scope of First Amendment in this area. People have been put in prison and otherwise punished for crimes related to damaging Pride and Black Lives Matter symbols in recent years, though these punishments have often related to desecrations involving trespassing or destruction of private property, rather than individuals isolated public protest. In addition to the Iowa church case, a different Iowa man was convicted on a hate crime charge for leaving hand-written notes at homes with rainbow flags, urging them to burn that gay flag. Other cases cited by these commentators have led to lesser punishments. In January, a Florida teen was given two years probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor counts for defacing an LGBT+-themed crosswalk mural in Delray Beach, while Washington officials dropped a charge last year against a 19-year-old accused of leaving skid marks on a Pride mural in Spokane with an electric scooter. open image in gallery The Supreme Court held in 1989 that burning the U.S. flag can be considered expressive political activity protected by the First Amendment ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the right-wing Proud Boys street gang, was sentenced in 2021 to 90 days in jail on a destruction of property charge after pleading guilty to burning a Black Lives Matter banner he stole in late 2020 from a historic Black church in Washington, D.C. (The Trump administration later pardoned Tarrio for crimes related to January 6.) Free speech protections have long had exceptions, allowing prosecutions for expressive conduct directly tied to actions like inciting or committing violence. Both state and federal laws criminalize hate crimes. Following the 1989 flag-burning ruling, Congress attempted to pass a law nonetheless criminalizing burning the American flag, which the Supreme Court struck down. Flag burning and the laws against it largely emerged amid widespread protest against the Vietnam War, and the ACLU notes that the late-1980s attempts to re-criminalize the practice spurred perhaps the largest single wave of such incidents in American history. A 2006 attempt to create a new constitutional amendment on flag burning nearly passed the Senate. open image in gallery Anti-flag burning laws spread across the U.S. during protests against the Vietnam War ( AP1965 ) Trump supporters, as well as the president himself, have been accused of desecrating the American flag in other ways. During the January 6 insurrection, Trump supporters replaced an American flag at the U.S. Capitol with a Trump flag, and one protester used Old Glory as a weapon against police officers. At the White House, the administration has replaced Hillary Clintons first lady portrait with a painting imposing Donald Trumps face over the American flag. On the 2020 campaign trail, meanwhile, Trump replaced the American flag with the police-themed Thin Blue Line flag at rallies. 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 Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man the Trump administration wrongfully deported in March then brought back to the U.S. to face criminal charges, cannot be moved again or deported from the U.S. in the near future, a federal judge ruled on Monday. The order comes as the Trump administration has said it intends to deport Abrego Garcia to Uganda, a threat his lawyers allege is part of a coercive negotiating tactic to get the immigrant to either plead guilty to criminal smuggling charges, which he denies, or leave the country to a nation where he doesnt speak the language or have any ties. Your clients are absolutely forbidden at this juncture to remove Mr. Abrego Garcia from the continental United States, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis reportedly told Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign during a hearing on Monday, making a point to ask the official if he understood her order. Your honor, yes, Ensign said. We certainly understand that. Abrego Garcia will not be moved until a hearing, as soon as this week, determines whether the Trump administration is following the law surrounding his potential removal, according to the judge. open image in gallery A judge has barred the Trump administration from moving or deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man it wrongly deported in March to El Salvador, then brought back to the U.S. to face a new set criminal smuggling charges ( REUTERS ) The Trump administration was accused of flouting a different federal judges oral order in March to turn around deportation flights to El Salvador that were bound for CECOT, the same notorious prison where Abrego Garcia was temporarily held. Judge Xinis previously sparred with federal officials over Abrego Garcias detention there, accusing the government of failing to comply with multiple court orders to return him from the facility, where he says he was severely beaten. Abrego Garcia, who federal officials accuse of being a violent gang member involved in human smuggling, was released from federal criminal custody in Tennessee on Friday, after a court found that prosecutors failed to show any evidence that his history or arguments against him warrant his ongoing detention. He was arrested again on Monday, under 72 hours later, by immigration officials during a check-in at an ICE office in Baltimore. open image in gallery Kilmar Abrego Garcia was arrested on Monday during a check-in with immigration officials ( AFP via Getty Images ) Regardless of what happens today with ICE, promise me this, that you will keep fighting, praying, believing in dignity and liberty, not just for me but for all, Abrego Garcia told supporters outside the ICE office before being arrested. Federal officials argued Abrego Garcias team was being misleading when describing the threat of deportation to Uganda. Plea negotiations had been ongoing since July, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Robert E. McGuire wrote in a filing on Monday. The Salvadoran mans attorneys have filed a variety of legal challenges against his ongoing detention and criminal case, including a petition challenging his Monday arrest. Abrego Garcia has also requested an interview with an asylum officer, and is seeking to reopen his immigration case, arguing the government deporting him unlawfully in March could now qualify him for asylum. open image in gallery The Trump administration has accused Kilmar Abrego Garcia of being a gang member and human smuggler, seeking criminal charges against him at the same time it pursues a deportation attempt ( Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images ) Separately, the Salvadoran man has challenged the criminal smuggling case against him, which stems from a 2022 traffic stop where police pressed no charges at the time. Abrego Garcias attorneys have argued the case is a vindictive prosecution launched because the father had the audacity to fight back, rather than accept a brutal injustice. Abrego Garcia entered the country illegally as a teen, fleeing gang violence in El Salvador. He was wrongly deported to his home country this March, despite an order barring his removal to El Salvador over fears of persecution. The federal government initially declined to bring Abrego Garcia back from El Salvador even after the Supreme Court unanimously declared the deportation illegal and ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the mans release. Federal officials have accused him of being a member of the MS-13 gang, which he denies. Homeland Security has also publicly referred to him as a wife beater and child predator, though federal officials have not charged him with any crimes related to these claims. His wife obtained a temporary protective order against him in 2021, accusing him of physical violence, though she later said she and her husband went to counseling and described Abrego Garcia as a loving partner and father. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A federal judge appointed by Donald Trump slammed the Trump administration as he threw out a lawsuit from the Department of Justice targeting every single member of the judiciary in Maryland. Trumps concerted effort to smear and impugn individual judges who rule against it is both unprecedented and unfortunate, District Judge Thomas Cullen wrote in his order on Tuesday. The administration had sued all 15 federal judges in Maryland over an order that blocked the government from immediately deporting immigrants who tried to challenge their removal from the country in court. Cullen, who was appointed by Trump during his first term in 2019, called the lawsuit against an entire judicial branch not ordinary. He then wrote that the president must find a proper way to handle his grievance with judges, whatever the merits may be. open image in gallery A judge appointed by Trump blasted the presidents concerted effort to smear and impugn individual judges in an order that dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit targeting every single federal judge in Maryland ( AP ) The Justice Department claimed that the pause impedes Trumps authority to enforce immigration laws. But the judges fought back, arguing that the administrations lawsuit amounted to yet another attack against a judiciary that the president has repeatedly tried to undermine. Indeed, over the past several months, principal officers of the Executive (and their spokespersons) have described federal district judges across the country as left-wing, liberal, activists, radical, politically minded, rogue, unhinged, outrageous, overzealous, [and] unconstitutional, [c]rooked, and worse, Cullen wrote. The judges had implemented an automatic pause in deportation proceedings earlier this year in an effort to maintain status quo in immigrants cases and ensure they are still able to participate in proceedings, giving them the fulsome opportunity to brief and present arguments in its defense, according to their order. The Trump administration has sought to rapidly remove people from the country as part of his aggressive anti-immigration agenda, facing an avalanche of lawsuits accusing the government of failing to provide adequate due process. The administration has stripped legal status from more than 1 million immigrants, ordered thousands of immigration cases to be dismissed, and arrested immigrants at courthouses and at their court-ordered check-in appointments with Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions that have radically expanded a pool of undocumented people to add to the presidents demands for mass deportations. One of the 15 judges being sued in the Maryland case, Paula Xinis, is presiding over lawsuits from Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the wrongfully deported Salvadoran immigrant who was re-arrested by ICE and threatened with removal to Uganda. On Monday, Xinis told Justice Department attorneys that the government is absolutely forbidden from deporting him, for now. open image in gallery Kilmar Abrego Garcia, center, is suing the Trump administration yet again to stop the governments attempt to deport him from the country, this time to Uganda. A federal judge overseeing the case has temporarily blocked his removal ( AP ) Trump and administration officials have launched an expansive war on the courts, which are handling more than 200 lawsuits against his executive orders and other policy decisions. The president has singled out judges by name on his Truth Social platform and elsewhere, fueling more attacks from Republican officials and others that have prompted credible threats to judges and their families. In a rare public statement earlier this year, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts denounced Trumps calls to impeach the judge presiding over challenges to the presidents use of the alien Enemies Act to summarily deport Venezuelans accused of being members of the Tren de Aragua gang before theyd even had a chance to challenge the allegations. Impeachment threats are not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision, Roberts wrote. The administration has also fired dozens of immigration court judges in an apparent effort to weed out judges who could derail Trumps agenda, actions that the union representing the judges called outrageous and nonsensical. Last week, attorneys for the Maryland judges called the Trump administrations lawsuit a nightmare scenario and an extraordinary action that should be dismissed. In Mondays order, Cullen agreed with the judges arguments nearly across the board. Any fair reading of the legal authorities cited by Defendants leads to the ineluctable conclusion that this court has no alternative but to dismiss, he added. To hold otherwise would run counter to overwhelming precedent, depart from longstanding constitutional tradition, and offend the rule of law. If Trump truly believes that the Maryland judges order is illegal, then the administration should avail itself of the tried-and-true recourse available to all federal litigants: It should appeal. The Independent has requested comment from the Justice Department. 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 Illinois leaders on Monday pushed back firmly against President Donald Trumps threat to bring military troops to fight crime in Chicago, arguing the plan was both unnecessary and an authoritarian attempt to punish the presidents rivals and silence his critics. Do not come to Chicago, Gov. JB Pritzker said during a press conference near the base of a Trump-branded tower in downtown Chicago. Pritzker, a Democrat, said no one from the Trump administration had been in touch with state or local leaders or law enforcement about the threatened Chicago deployment. He accused the president of carrying out an authoritarian shock campaign to circumvent our democracy, militarize our cities, and end elections. We are being targeted because of what and whom we represent, added Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Rather than sending the National Guard to stop crime, which has sharply declined this year following a massive pandemic-era spike, Johnson argued the president wanted to wield the states National Guard against a large, diverse, Democrat-run city with a substantial immigrant population. open image in gallery Illinois Governor JB Pritzker warned Trumps threat to use the military in Chicago to fight crime represented an authoritarian creep in America and told the president local officials do not want his intervention ( AP ) The alarm from Illinois leaders comes after Trump said last week Chicago was likely the next city where the administration will send scores of National Guard troops, following highly controversial deployments in Washington this month and Los Angeles earlier this summer. We're going to make our cities very, very safe, Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday. Chicago is a mess. You have an incompetent mayor, grossly incompetent, and we'll straighten that one out, probably next that'll be our next one after this, and it won't even be tough. The president added that he might be willing to involve the regular military in his crime-fighting operations there, a development that would likely violate the Posse Comitatus Act, barring the use of federal troops for domestic law enforcement. The Pentagon is reportedly planning to deploy military personnel into Chicago as soon as September. The president equivocated on Monday when asked about when a Chicago operation might take place. open image in gallery The president has suggested Chicago will be the next city to host large-scale National Guard crime crackdown following its controversial deployment this month in the capital ( AP ) "They need help, Trump told reporters on Monday. We may wait. We may or may not, we may just go in and do it, which is probably what we should do. Pentagon officials have reportedly spent weeks planning the potential operation, a model that could be used to occupy other American cities with thousands of National Guard troops, The Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing officials familiar with the plans. During their press conference, Illinois officials said the presidents threats matched neither the reality of crime levels on the ground in Chicago, nor the best ways protect public safety. Compared to last year, murders were down 32 percent, shootings were down 37 percent, and robberies were down 34 percent, Pritzker said. open image in gallery As with Washington, D.C., crime has been sharply declining in Chicago over the last 12 months ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Officials also hammered the White House for failing to coordinate with any state or local law enforcement and for in April canceling nearly $1 billion in Justice Department grants to states and locations that went to funding services including assistance to crime victims and abuse survivors. The Trump administration has withheld the funding from so-called sanctuary states that dont mandate local law enforcement to assist federal immigration agencies. Last week, a coalition of 20 states and Washington, D.C., including Illinois, sued the administration over the move. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said on Monday during the press conference the state wouldnt hesitate to sue the administration again if it crossed any legal lines using troops. Outside of the anti-crime crackdown, the Trump administration is reportedly coordinating with 19 mostly Republican-led states to mobilize up to 1,700 National Guard troops to assist with federal immigration operations across the country. 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 As wildfires swept through suburban Los Angeles in January, California Governor Gavin Newsom had to battle more than just the flames. A torrent of misinformation spread online, and Newsoms office quickly recognized that pushing back on that was an important part of tackling the crisis at a grave moment for the state. Rather than ignoring misinformation, they sought to fight it head-on, whether on social media, in TV interviews and podcasts, or through other media. Their mission was to seize control of the narrative. One person stoking the metaphorical fire of misinformation was none other than President Donald Trump, who at one point wrote on Truth Social: Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way. This was not true. open image in gallery California Gov. Gavin Newsom has become troll-in-chief, punching back at President Donald Trump and other MAGA figures ( Getty Images ) Newsoms office wrote on X: There is no such document as the water restoration declaration that is pure fiction. The Governor is focused on protecting people, not playing politics, and making sure firefighters have all the resources they need. This pushback, in its various forms, is the origin of Newsoms current role as Americas leading internet troll. Not just countering misinformation emanating from the White House, but going on the attack and bullying the bully as Molly Jong-Fast describes it in Vanity Fair. Newsoms viral trolling of the president has even extended to merchandise that mocks the traditional MAGA movement aesthetic. An online store, The Patriot Shop, sells red hats emblazoned with REAL PATRIOT and a tank top with the words TRUMP IS NOT HOT in bold red type. Last week, the president appeared wearing a red hat that said, Trump was right about everything! and told reporters, I know Gavin very well. Hes an incompetent guy with a good line of bull***t. Newsom countered by selling his own red hat, which stated, Newsom was right about everything! open image in gallery Newsom launched 'The Patriot Shop,' which mockingly offers MAGA-red hats and $100 Holy Bibles ( The Patriot Shop ) The governors trolling attacks come as he responds to Texas' plan to redraw its congressional voting districts, which would eliminate five Democratic seats in favor of Republican-leaning ones. Newsom is moving ahead with a measure to do the reverse in California. In leading that fight, Newsom has very quickly become the most visible Democrat on the national stage, eclipsing leaders in the House and Senate and building a firm foundation with voters should his ambitions extend to the 2028 presidential race. In national polling averages, he ranks alongside former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg as a possible Democratic nominee. While Newsoms trolling has generated headlines and captured the publics attention, there is some dispute about whether it is an effective strategy for winning over voters. Is being Trumpier than Trump the way forward for Democrats? Conservative lawyer and Trump foe George Conway said of Newsoms media strategy to Jong-Fast: This is basically what the Democrats should have been doing to Trump for the past nine years. Dont get me wrong, I love it. But its a little late. Additionally, Democratic strategist Lis Smith said, Its unquestionably been effective trolling, but Democrats cant just be the anti-Trump party. Voters know what were againstthe challenge is showing them what were for. open image in gallery Punchy attacks on Trump have pushed Newsom to the forefront of the national stage in the Democratic Party. Is it time to Make America Gavin Again? ( Getty Images ) David Axelrod observed: As you know, a lot of Democrats have been deeply frustrated by what they see as a weak and feckless response to Trumps bellicosity and audacious power grabs. The redistricting battle has given Newsom a tangible platform a way to do something and he believes that the gleeful trolling will give some primal satisfaction to a base tired of Trumps unremitting nastiness. He adds: But the question is, come 28, will people be looking for an alternative to that or a guy who can match Trump cheeky post for cheeky post? The governor has also extended his trolling on X to other figures in the MAGA movement, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, correcting their statements and countering their attacks on his state. If Newsom is claiming the mantle of the Democrat who can fight fire with fire and punch back against Trump, as he told Jong-Fast, he is also showing that he can do it on multiple fronts. That may be seen as an attractive prospect by voters, who might decide that its time to Make America Gavin Again as one promotion for the governors online merchandise store proclaimed. 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 On Monday, President Donald Trump took questions from reporters, where he ramped up his threats to send the National Guard to cities including Chicago and Baltimore after having done so in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. Over the weekend, he threatened to cut off funding for the rebuilding of the Key Bridge if Marylands Democratic Gov. Wes Moore did not allow the National Guard into Charm City. Trump said that African-American ladies ... beautiful ladies encouraged him to send the guard into Chicago. Unsurprisingly, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker pushed back, saying Illinois has at this time received no requests or outreach from the federal government asking if we need assistance, and we have made no requests for federal intervention. Do not come to Chicago, Pritzker warned Trump. But while Trumps targeting of blue cities crosses the line from bullying Democratic officials to being authoritarian, despite his insistence he is not a dictator, the president might learn that this will only embolden governors and prime them to be his successors in the White House. Trump is setting his sights on blue-state governors. It might improve their political fortunes. ( REUTERS ) As Inside Washington has written in the past month, California Gov. Gavin Newsom saw his fortunes change largely after Trump targeted Los Angeles by sending in the National Guard without his consent and Marines into the state. Newsom responded by suing Trump. When Trump pressured Republican-led Texas to redraw its congressional map, Newsom went to his states legislature to pass a ballot initiative to allow for a redraw of Californias map in kind as a one-time break from the states bipartisan redistricting committee. The results are now in showing that Newsoms gambits have paid off in the eyes of Democratic voters. Last week, the University of California Berkleys Institute for Governmental Studies released a poll showing that 51 percent of Californians approve of his performance and 43 percent disapprove. By comparison, in late April, he was at a dead even with 46 percent of Californians approving and disapproving of him. Newsom has never been a particularly strong electoral performer. In fact, in 2022, when he sought re-election, he underperformed Joe Bidens 2020 performance. That essentially killed any chance of Newsom running in 2024. But now, its fairly clear Democrats in his home state responded well to his fighting. Among Democratic voters as a whole, the Republican pollster Echelon Insights found that his favorability ticked up by three points and he now trails only Kamala Harris when asked who should be the partys nominee. Another example comes in New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. Like Newsom, she underperformed Biden in 2022 after she assumed the governors office when Andrew Cuomo resigned. During last years Democratic National Convention, Nancy Pelosi essentially blamed Hochuls underperformance in New York in 2022 for Democrats losing the House of Representatives. Her polling was not that great either. In January, a Siena College poll showd 39 percent of New Yorkers had a favorable opinion of her and 47 percent had an unfavorable opinion. In New York City, 42 percent of residents had a favorable opinion of her and 41 percent had an unfavorable opinion. Since then, she has repeatedly clashed with the Trump administration. When Trump attempted to kill congestion pricing in New York City, she has responded in court. When masked federal officers put New York City Comptroller Brad Lander in handcuffs, Hochul showed up to ensure his safety. New Yorkers seemed to positively respond. In a recent Siena College poll, 42 percent of New Yorkers have a favorable opinion of her and 50 percent of residents of New York City do. Shes also made fighting Trump a staple of her re-election campaign. On Monday, she dropped a campaign ad depicting her clashes with Trump. All of that likely means that Democratic governors probably wish that Trump would pick on them too. On Monday, Trump said that Moore told him sir, youre the greatest president of my lifetime. Moore had a simple response on X. He tweeted: lol. Keep telling yourself that, Mr. 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 A Utah judge has ordered the the states congressional maps are redrawn ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, after finding that GOP lawmakers unlawfully carved up its districts. With parts of the country embroiled in a bitter redistricting fight, Judge Dianna Gibson on Monday struck down Utahs GOP-drawn 2021 map, ruling that lawmakers had undermined and disregarded an independent commission created by voters to curb partisan gerrymandering. In a 79-page order, Gibson wrote that the Legislature has until September 24 to adopt new boundaries in compliance with a 2018 ballot measure approved by Utah voters, just months before candidates start filing for the 2026 midterms in January. The judge wrote that the Legislature intentionally stripped away all of the commissions core redistricting standards and procedures that were binding on it. The nature of the violation lies in the Legislatures refusal to respect the peoples exercise of their constitutional lawmaking power and to honor the peoples right to reform their government, she added. open image in gallery Utah must redraw its congressional maps before the 2026 midterm elections, a judge ruled ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The current map divides up Salt Lake City, a blue stronghold in an otherwise red state, among Utahs four congressional districts, each held by Republicans. An independent redraw of the states congressional districts could give the Democrats a fighting chance in at least one seat. In 2018, former Democratic Representative Ben McAdams won a Salt Lake City-area district before Utah Republicans drew partisan maps in 2021. GOP lawmakers in the state have already signaled a plan to appeal which could cause the case to head for the Utah Supreme Court and, possibly, the U.S. Supreme Court. The ruling marked a major victory for anti-gerrymandering advocates who have battled for years to restore fairer representation in the states redistricting process. open image in gallery House Speaker Mike Schultz (pictured) said he was disappointed by Judge Dianna Gibsons decision ( Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News 2024 ) Utah Democratic Party chair and former Utah House Majority Leader Brian King celebrated the decision on Monday evening, writing in a statement that Utahns will be getting fair maps and real representation nearly eight years after they voted for it. Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz said in a joint statement that they are disappointed by Mondays ruling. We remain committed to protecting the voices of Utahns and upholding the legislature's state and federal constitutional authority to draw congressional districts, they continued. The decision propels Utah into a broader redistricting battle ignited by Donald Trumps demand that Texas Republicans approve a new congressional map aimed at flipping five Democrat-held districts to Republican control, which was passed last week. In retaliation against the presidents push for aggressive partisan redistricting in Texas, California Governor Gavin Newsom said he aims to redraw Californias U.S. House maps before the midterms. Newsom has asked the state Legislature to place his proposition, the Election Rigging Response Act, to alter Californias map on Novembers Uniform District Election ballot that could lead to five new blue-majority districts. 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 been mocked for claiming World War 2 ended with some kind of negotiation. Vance made the slip while speaking with Kristen Welker on NBC's Meet the Press Sunday, while discussing Donald Trumps efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. If you go back to World War Two, if you go back to World War One, if you go back to every major conflict win human history, they all end with some kind of negotiation, Vance incorrectly stated. open image in gallery JD Vance inaccurately claimed World War 2 ended by negotiations ( Getty Images ) Viewers on X were quick to give Vance a history lesson, pointing out that World War 2 actually ended in 1945 with the unconditional surrenders of Germany and Japan. No, World War 2 was ended by the UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER of the countries that started it! one wrote. Another added: I really expected better from Vance. I made the mistake of seeing him as an educated, truthful man with whom I had some disagreements. The entire administration consists of people with the intellect of a caterpillar. Donald doesn't want to risk being corrected. JD is an ignoramus. A third poster wrote: LOL. WWII ended with a negotiation? Tell that to the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. To the citizens of Berlin. To the citizens of Carthage and Rome. Like everything else MAGA, Vance is stuck in the 1920s. open image in gallery Vance was mocked for unknowingly appearing to rally for his Democratic rivals in August 2024 ( Fox News ) It is not the first time Vance has made a gaffe on the international stage. In April, during a visit to the Vatican City in Rome, the vice president was criticized for having a picture taken with his son in the Sistine Chapel, where photography is strictly banned to preserve Michelangelos artwork, People reported. The president himself has also made a number of mistakes when discussing overseas conflicts in recent weeks. Earlier this month Trump became tongue tied when referring to a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, referring instead to Albania and Aberbaijan. 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 Australia is expelling the Iranian ambassador after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Tehran of directing at least two antisemitic attacks on Australian soil. Mr Albanese said that Australian intelligence services had linked Iran to incidents targeting a Sydney restaurant and a Melbourne synagogue. The expulsion follows a steep rise in antisemitic events across both cities since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in 2023. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) had gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion, Mr Albanese said. The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks. Iran has sought to disguise its involvement but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ( AP ) The kosher cafe Lewiss Continental Kitchen, in the Sydney suburb of Bondi, was hit by an arson in October 2024. Two months later, there was an arson attack on Adass Israel synagogue in Melbournes Ripponlea. No one was injured in the attacks, which occurred in suburbs with large Jewish populations. These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil, Mr Albanese said. They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community. It is totally unacceptable. The Australian government is taking strong and decisive action in response. Iranian Ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi has been given one week to leave Australia, along with three other officials. The Guardian reported that it was the first time an ambassador had been expelled from Australia since the Second World War. The Iranian embassy in Canberra, Australias capital, has also been shuttered. Australia has maintained diplomatic relations with Iran since the revolution in 1979. It had an embassy in Tehran until June, when it was closed following United States strikes on the city. There are no longer any Australian diplomats in Iran, and any Australians remaining in the country have been urged to leave if it is safe to do so. 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 Two Victoria police officers have been killed and another injured while serving a warrant linked to historical sex offences in rural Australia on Tuesday morning. The incident in Porepunkah in Victoria has triggered a manhunt for 56-year-old suspect Dezi Freeman who, police said, has described himself as a sovereign citizen a movement known for promoting conspiracy theories and hostility toward law enforcement. The town remained on high alert, with a large police presence and helicopters at the scene, as the search for Freeman extended through wet and cold conditions into Tuesday night. Victoria Police said a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable were killed during the operation, and a third officer was seriously wounded and undergoing surgery. Prime minister Anthony Albanese and Victoria premier Jacinta Allan praised the officers bravery, while the Australian Federal Police Association offered condolences to the victims families and colleagues. A school located not far from the shooting was placed into lockdown and council buildings were closed while the situation was ongoing, with the authorities urging residents to stay indoors until the suspect is apprehended. Freeman was considered very dangerous and believed to be armed, possibly including with firearms retrieved from the bodies of the fallen officers, police said. Ms Allan said police would continue working through the night to locate the suspect. Clearly every resource is being deployed to apprehend this offender, she said. This offender will be found. He will be dealt with. Mr Albanese said the threat of sovereign citizens and extremist ideologies must be taken seriously. We saw a tragic loss of life in Queensland as well previously, and I attended the funeral service which was so sad of the officers there, Albanese said on ABC 7.30. open image in gallery Police wait near the scene of a shooting in the high country of Porepunkah in the state of Victoria, Australia, Tuesday, 26 August 2025 ( AAP ) We know that the Director General of ASIO has warned about far-right extremism. This is something that has permeated other nations as well. We see it being multiplied in the United States. The fact that this ideology of not seeing themselves being subject to our laws and our society... weve seen people here, in Canberra as well, put forward those positions, who have demonstrated outside the Parliament. And it is of real concern, and ASIO have warned that this threat is very real, and that we need to be very vigilant about it. open image in gallery ( The Independent ) Australian media reports initially suggested the suspect had fled the scene of the shooting, where Freeman was believed to be staying in the grounds of a property, with his wife and other family members. Victoria police commissioner Mike Bush later told the press that the police are still looking to locate his partner and two children, but he was not seen heading into the bush with them. Mr Bush said arresting the gunman was the forces top priority. The suspect for this horrific event is still at large, we believe he is armed, said Bush. open image in gallery Police wait near the scene of a shooting in the high country of Porepunkah in the state of Victoria, Australia, Tuesday, 26 August 2025 ( AAP ) We have deployed every special resource into this ... to locate him. That is our priority. A neighbour described the property where the officers were killed as isolated and gated like a bloody prison, with many people coming and going. The man, who didnt want to be named, said there was a community of people living on the property where the arrest warrant was served on Monday morning. I didnt know the bloke who did the shooting, I didnt know his name, he told the Sydney Morning Herald. But theres a lot of people living up there, its like a little community. You see a lot of cars driving in and out. Theyve got a huge gate there. You couldnt get in, its like a bloody prison gate and I think its got a keypad on it to get in. I just cant understand why the bloke who owns it would let people like that live on his property. 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 media spotlight is once again on the issue of prison conditions, as sentencing looms for Erin Patterson, convicted for three murders after serving a beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms. The prosecution has called for a sentence of life imprisonment. The defence has drawn attention to the harmful conditions of prison isolation, which Patterson has endured for approximately 400 days. Supreme Court Judge Beale has said he would give weighty consideration to her prison conditions in determining the sentence, noting Pattersons prison conditions do not sound very humane. A principle of modern democracies where the rule of law prevails, such as Australia, is that people are sent to prison as punishment not for punishment. The Dame Phyllis Frost Centre For more than a year, Patterson has been held in the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a maximum-security womens prison in the western suburbs of Melbourne. For most of this time, she has been in the Gordon Unit. This is a protected area where women are held in solitary confinement without meaningful human contact for almost the entire day. Patterson has been locked in her cell alone for between 22 and 24 hours, and can only speak to one other inmate. Jenny Hosking, the assistant commissioner for the sentence management division at Corrections Victoria, provided the sentencing court with details about Pattersons custody conditions. open image in gallery For more than a year, Patterson has been held in the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre ( AAP ) It was following this evidence that Justice Beale noted Pattersons prison conditions do not sound very humane. The Gordon Unit is notorious for high suicide risk. Prisoners are confined to a small space and rarely given more than an hour outside their cells. One prisoner who was in the Gordon Unit, Ashleigh Chapman, has described being locked up for 23 to 24 hours each day. She reported water from the tap turning the sink and shower floor green. Government documents obtained by the ABC revealed at least 106 lockdowns between July 2024 and June 2025. This included, according to one prisoner's log, a 43-hour lockdown. Inhumane conditions In 2017, the Victorian Ombudsman made damning findings of cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. It noted: some practices used to maintain order in prisons pose a high risk of torture or degrading treatment if used improperly: these include the use of force and restraint, prolonged solitary confinement and strip searches. It recommended the Victorian government consider options for replacing the solitary confinement unit. It also recommended the improvement of health services. However, between 2020 and 2021, five women died at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. In 2025, the ABC reported on a cluster of suicide attempts at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre after rolling lockdowns due to staff shortages. open image in gallery A police vehicle transporting Patterson as it leaves the Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court in Morwell ( AFP/Getty ) Women with physical and mental health conditions have reportedly been denied medical appointments, legal appointments and family visits. Indigenous women particularly bear the burden of poor care in prison. One notable case involved Gunditjmara, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman Veronica Nelson, who was imprisoned having been denied bail for shoplifting-related charges. She died alone in a cell at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre in 2020 after being denied healthcare, despite her repeated cries for assistance. Another case involved Yamatji, Noongar, Wongi and Pitjantjatjara woman Heather Calgaret, who had been denied parole due to a lack of accommodation. She died in 2021 at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre after being given a Buvidal injection (as part of opiate replacement therapy). Both inquests found serious flaws in the health care women received during their time in prison. Solitary confinement and international law Following its visit to Australian prisons in 2022, the United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment condemned the prolonged use of solitary confinement. It recommended that: solitary confinement is used only in exceptional cases as a last resort, for as short a time as possible and subject to independent review, and only pursuant to the authorisation by a competent authority. It urged compliance with international laws, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules). These provide for at least one hour of access to open air for exercise, clean drinking water, and a ban on prolonged solitary confinement in excess of 15 consecutive days. An appetite for punishment? Media stories have overwhelmingly focused on Erin Pattersons access to a hair straightener, crochet materials, a television, a computer, books and a fan. The implication is that Patterson is on a good wicket in prison. However, this narrative likely misrepresents the reality of prison conditions for Patterson and for the many other women on much lesser charges who also face lockdowns and a lack of health support. Prison conditions should comply with human rights obligations and avoid cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment of prisoners. When a crime affronts the moral fibre of society, such as the triple murder committed by Erin Patterson, it is common for society, the media and institutions to respond with moral outrage. Such instincts, however, can run against the standards for civilised treatment of people in prison. If this article has raised issues for you, or if youre concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. 13YARN is a free and confidential 24/7 national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. Call 13 92 76. If you are experiencing feelings of distress or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. 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 http://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 http://www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. Thalia Anthony is a Professor of Law at the University of Technology Sydney. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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 is facing global condemnation after 20 people were killed in an attack on a hospital in Gaza, as domestic protests calling for a ceasefire, led by families of hostages taken by Hamas, swept the country. The victims on the fourth floor of Nasser Hospital were killed in a double-tap strike, with one missile hitting first, then another moments later as rescue crews arrived, an eyewitness told The Independent. The attack, in which five journalists were killed including Maryam Abu Daqqa, who worked for The Independents sister site Independent Arabia was among the deadliest to have hit journalists over the course of the war. The US, the European Union, Canada, Britain, Egypt, China, France, and Spain denounced the attack, while Germany called for an investigation. The Israeli military said after its initial investigation that the strike aimed to take out a Hamas surveillance camera, along with several people it claimed were militants belonging to the group. open image in gallery Israel is facing global condemnation and domestic protests after its deadly Gaza hospital strike ( Reuters ) The military said it had established that none of the five journalists killed were among the six Hamas targets it says were killed in the two strikes, and that the journalists were not suspected of being militants. The military claimed that they were not the target of the strikes. The chief of general staff acknowledged several gaps in the investigation so far, including in relation to the kind of ammunition that was used to take out the camera. A further inquiry has been ordered into how the decision was made to target the hospital. The US president, Donald Trump, said: Im not happy about it. I dont want to see it. At the same time, we have to end that whole nightmare. He added that a very serious diplomatic push to end the war is underway, and that there may be a conclusive ending in Gaza in the coming weeks, but he did not offer any further details. open image in gallery Our front page this morning ( Independent ) Britains foreign secretary David Lammy said he was horrified by the attack and called for an immediate ceasefire. Separately, Israeli protesters across the country have blocked major highways as they continue to demand the release of the people taken hostage by Hamas on 7 October 2023. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum started their national day of struggle at 6.29am local time, the same time as Hamas launched their attack two years ago. Advancing the plan to conquer Gaza while there is an agreement lying on the table for the prime ministers signature is a stab in the heart of the families and the entire nation, said Itzik Horn, father of Eitan Horn and captivity survivor Iair Horn. Footage shared online shows traffic grinding to a halt as a large fire blazed across parts of a road between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. open image in gallery Protesters across Israel blocked major highways ( Reuters ) The coastal highway on the outskirts of Tel Aviv was also closed to traffic around Yakum junction. Demonstrators plan to march from Savidor station in Tel Aviv to hostages square for a large rally this evening, the forum told media. The forum is directly appealing to Mr Trump to finalise a ceasefire deal and return the hostages. Israel believes 20 of the hostages are still alive. open image in gallery (L-R) Hussam al-Masri, Maryam Abu Daqqa, Moaz Abu Taha, Mohammed Salama, and Ahmad Abu Aziz ( Reuters ) A joint letter to Israel, AP and Reuters said: We are outraged that independent journalists were among the victims of this strike on the hospital, a location that is protected under international law. These journalists were present in their professional capacity, doing critical work bearing witness. The five journalists who were killed in the attack included cameraman Hussam al-Masri, who worked for ; photographer Mohammed Salama, who worked for Al Jazeera; Independent Arabias Maryam Abu Daqqa; Moaz Abu Taha, who worked for NBC; and Ahmad Abu Aziz, a journalist with Palestinian youth news agency Quds Feed Network, the Palestinian government media office said. A rescue worker was also among those killed, health officials added. An Israeli military spokesperson claimed that the army does not target civilians and that it had launched an internal investigation into the strikes. Meanwhile, Israeli forces launched a rare daytime raid on Tuesday in the heart of the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, where the Palestinian Authority is headquartered. Dozens of Palestinians were wounded, according to local medics. Israel has attacked hospitals numerous times throughout the war, claiming that Hamas embeds itself in and around the facilities. open image in gallery The body of freelance journalist Maryam Abu Daqqa is carried for burial after she was killed in an Israeli strike ( Family handout ) The latest attack followed Israels plans to widen its offensive to heavily populated areas in an attempt to destroy Hamas. Israeli defence minister Israel Katz has vowed to press on with the offensive against Gaza City, despite alarm abroad and objections at home. A sixth journalist, Palestinian correspondent Hassan Douhan, was killed in a separate incident in Khan Younis in the south of Gaza, Al Jazeera reported. More than 62,000 Palestinians have died since 7 October, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Around 1,200 people were killed by Hamas in its initial attack, and around 250 were taken hostage. 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 From the grey rubble of Gazas bombed water treatment plants, a rare and deadly paralytic disease has emerged that has brought a new crisis to a region already devastated by starvation and illness. An unprecedented surge in acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) a condition which causes a rapid onset of muscle weakness and paralysis has seen 110 people diagnosed in the past three months. In previous years, Gaza saw just one or two cases of AFP per year. The symptoms occur when the bodys immune system is triggered by certain viruses, in some cases causing it to attack its own nervous system. In Gaza, the rapid spread of water-borne infectious diseases has led to a striking rise in AFP cases. open image in gallery Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis was flooded with sewage last week ( Reuters ) The World Health Organisation (WHO) and Dr Ahmed al-Farra, head of paediatrics at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, told The Independent that Israels destruction of Gazas vital water treatment plants is largely responsible for the spread of these diseases. To see 110 cases, this is incredible. This is an outbreak, it is alarming for us to see that number, Dr Farra said, describing the situation as one of the most challenging medical incidents Gaza has seen since 2023. Acute flaccid paralysis is associated with a variety of causes, including GuillainBarre syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune condition and the main cause of AFP in Gaza. Severe cases of AFP and GBS can cause lifetime paralysis, or respiratory failure, potentially resulting in death. Gazas health ministry says 36 per cent of the reported cases of GBS were in children aged under 15. In Nasser Hospital and Al-Shifa hospital, the hotspots of the outbreak, at least nine people have died of AFP so far. Senior Palestinian and Israeli medics, along with the WHO, have told The Independent that critical and lifesaving treatments are not available anywhere in the ravaged enclave. open image in gallery A Palestinian girl drinks water near a distribution centre in Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip ( AP ) The Israeli military denies that it prevents the entry of medicine into the strip, and says it continuously and consistently facilitates the operation of medical services in Gaza. It blames its destruction of water infrastructure on Hamas, which it accused of embedding its military assets among the civilian population. Other factors such as overcrowding in shelters, malnutrition, and restricted access to healthcare have all exacerbated the crisis, a WHO spokesperson said, adding that the abrupt nature of the recent surge in cases is partly due to improved monitoring processes. Lab testing samples came back positive with enterovirus, a group of viruses which typically spreads through humans or water. Most samples also contained Campylobacter jejuni, a species of bacteria commonly found in animal faeces, Dr Farra said. The lab findings show that water that the patients are receiving is completely polluted by sewage due to the destruction of the sewage system, he said. In July last year, Oxfam reported that Israel had destroyed 70 per cent of all sewage pumps and 100 per cent of wastewater treatment plants in Gaza. It accused Israel of restricting the entry of Oxfams water testing equipment. open image in gallery Satellite imagery shows that the solar panels powering the Sheikh Ejleen wastewater treatment plant have been largely destroyed ( Planet Labs ) Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said on Thursday that Israel is deliberately depriving people of water in Gaza. Since June 2024, Israel has only approved one in every 10 import requests of items for water desalination, the charity said. Israel must begin allowing the importation of critical equipment for water supply and distribution, at scale, MSF added. The Israeli military must stop its destruction of water infrastructure and allow the immediate repair of water systems that have been damaged to ensure people have life-sustaining access to water. Such is the desperation for clean water that health officials in Gaza are advising people to place water which they want to drink in sunlight, so it is as sterilised as possible before they drink it, Dr Farra said. An IDF spokesperson said the military does not seek to harm civilian infrastructure and strikes only military targets, in accordance with international law. It added that the IDF works to ensure humanitarian water supply in Gaza, and said millions of litres are provided daily via Israels water lines alongside the local water system. open image in gallery Young girls drink from communal taps ( Masoud/SOPA Images/Shutterstock ) But medics and humanitarian organisations in Gaza say that a shortage of clean water is behind the increase of AFP which they are struggling to address without the proper treatments. Severe cases can need months to recover in hospital, but beds are in high demand. An Australian medic who recently left Gaza told The Independent that all 50 intensive care beds in Nasser Hospital are filled up, each and every day. AFP requires a long time for recovery with challenging treatment, Dr Farra said. open image in gallery Children walk past destroyed buildings and a puddle of sewage water erupting from collapsed underground pipes in Khan Younis ( AFP/Getty ) Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), an expensive treatment for GBS which prevents respiratory failure, is not available in Gaza. Neither is plasma exchange, a procedure in which blood is filtered. Israeli paediatrician Prof Dan Turner, a human rights activist and deputy dean of the medical faculty at the University of Hebrew, helps coordinate the entry of medical aid into Gaza. He told The Independent he had received an urgent call for IVIG from physicians within the strip last week. The WHO said it needs unimpeded access to get medical supplies into Gaza and to rehabilitate the water, sanitation, food and health systems. But the Israeli military denies that it prevents the entry of medicines and other aid into the Gaza Strip, and said that 45,000 tons of medical equipment have been transferred to Gaza via more than 3,000 trucks. open image in gallery A young man distributes bottled water to children during Iftar in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza ( Middle East Images ) It added: The IDF continuously and consistently facilitates the operation of medical services through aid organisations and the international community, maintaining ongoing communication with international aid agencies in the Strip to meet hospital needs. Diagnosis with AFP which can lead to long-term or even permanent paralysis, particularly if not treated properly has been made more difficult due to the lack of MRI machines and cerebral spinal fluid analysis, Dr Farra said. Many are asking to be medically evacuated to undergo comprehensive treatment in foreign countries. Unfortunately, when the approval comes for the evacuation, and lots of connections and phone calls are made, the patient is already dead, Dr Farra said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Hundreds of journalists have reportedly been killed in Gaza since the war began on October 7, 2023, making it one of the deadliest ever conflicts for the profession. The latest figures from Palestinian authorities say that at least 245 journalists have died in Gaza in the nearly two-year conflict. The death toll has continued to mount in recent months as Israels attacks in the war-torn territory have escalated. On Monday, five journalists, including Independent Arabias Maryam Abu Daqqa, were among the 20 people killed in an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital which has sparked widespread international condemnation. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says Gaza has the highest number of journalist deaths since the organisation started gathering data in 1992 and in April, Brown Universitys Watson Institute declared the war was quite simply, the worst ever conflict for reporters. Maryam Abu Daqqa, Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri, Al Jazeera photographer Mohammed Salama, NBC journalist Moaz Abu Taha, and Ahmad Abu Aziz; a journalist with Palestinian youth news agency Quds Feed Network, all died following a double tap strike on Khan Younis Nasser Medical Complex, the largest remaining hospital in southern Gaza. open image in gallery Abu Daqqa was described as a courageous correspondent ( Independent Arabia ) Independent Arabia said it mourns its courageous correspondent who left behind an 11-year-old son and worked around the clock to report on the war in Gaza. Just days before she had covered doctors treating children for starvation. The publication also condemned Israels flagrant violation of international laws that guarantee the protection of journalists. In a joint letter to Israel, AP and Reuters said: We are outraged that independent journalists were among the victims of this strike on the hospital, a location that is protected under international law," it said. "These journalists were present in their professional capacity, doing critical work bearing witness. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate accused Israel of deliberating targeting journalists. This heinous crime represents a dangerous escalation in the direct and deliberate targeting of Palestinian journalists and confirms without a shadow of a doubt that the occupation is waging an open war on free media, with the aim of terrorizing journalists and preventing them from carrying out their professional mission of exposing its crimes to the world, a spokesperson said. UK foreign minister David Lammy said he was horrified by Israels attack on Nasser hospital. Civilians, healthcare workers and journalists must be protected. We need an immediate ceasefire. open image in gallery Hussam Al-Masri, a cameraman for Reuters, also died in the attack on Nasser Hospital ( REUTERS ) US President Donald Trump said of the incident: I'm not happy about it. I don't want to see it. At the same time, we have to end that whole nightmare. The EU Commission has called the attack on Nasser hospital completely unacceptable, with a spokesperson adding: Civilians and journalists must be protected under international law. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus office called the incident a tragic mishap, before saying: Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians. The military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation.Our war is with Hamas terrorists. Our just goals are defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home. Israel has previously denied targeting journalists and said it does everything it can to avoid harming civilians. open image in gallery Al-Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif reports near the Arab Ahli (Baptist) Hospital in Gaza City ( AFP/Getty ) The incident follows the death of six journalists just two weeks ago in an Israeli airstrike which sparked similar outrage. Prominent Al Jazeera correspondent Anas Al Sharif, 28, was targeted and killed after being accused of leading a Hamas cell and involved in rocket attacks against Israel by the military, claims denied by Al Jazeera. Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammed Noufal were named as the other journalists killed in the strike on a tent near Al Shifa Hospital, east of Gaza City, according to Gaza officials and Al Jazeera. On Monday a sixth journalist, Mohammad Al-Khaidi, was reported to have died from the same attack. The news agency called Al-Sharif one of Gazas bravest journalists and condemned the attack as a desperate attempt to silence voices in anticipation of the occupation of Gaza. The Israeli Defence Force claimed that Al-Sharif was a Hamas terrorist posing as an Al Jazeera journalist. Al-Sharif was the head of a Hamas terrorist cell and advanced rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and IDF troops, the statement said. Intelligence and documents from Gaza, including rosters, terrorist training lists and salary records, prove he was a Hamas operative integrated into Al Jazeera. A press badge isnt a shield for terrorism. Human rights organisations and news agencies have condemned Israel as the number of journalists killed in Gaza since the war began has steadily increased. CPJ regional director Sara Qudah said: Israels pattern of labelling journalists as militants without providing credible evidence raises serious questions about its intent and respect for press freedom. Journalists are civilians and must never be targeted. Those responsible for these killings must be held accountable. open image in gallery Al-Ghoul was 27 years old when he was killed ( Al Jazeera ) Early on in the war, Belgian-Palestinian cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa was killed in an Israeli missile strike on a school that also injured Al Jazeera bureau chief Wael Al-Dahdouh on 15 December 2023. Al-Dahdouhs son, journalist Hamza al-Dahdouh, was killed by an airstrike on their vehicle less than a month later on 7 January 2023. The CPJ would later brand Hamza Al-Dahdouhs death a murder. Abu Daqqas death was submitted to the International Criminal Court as a complaint against Israel over the killing of seven Palestinian journalists. open image in gallery Journalist Hamza Al-Dahdouh , the son of veteran Al Jazeera reporter Wael Al-Dahdouh (second right), was killed in a previous airstrike in 2023 ( Getty Images ) Ismail Al-Ghoul, another Al Jazeera correspondent, died on 31 July 2024 in an Israeli airstrike targeting the Al-Shati refugee camp. The IDF accused Al-Ghoul of taking part in the October 7 attack, which was again disputed by Al Jazeera. Dismissing the claims, a spokesperson for the news outlet said at the time: The network condemns the accusations against its correspondent Ismail Al-Ghoul, without providing any proof, documentation or video. Foreign journalists have been blocked from entering the war-torn strip, which Freedom To Report has denounced as not just a humanitarian blackout, it is an information blackout that undermines the publics right to know and journalisms democratic function to hold power accountable. As criticism mounts, Israel has said it it looking at allowing foreign media into Gaza to verify activities in the war-torn Strip. open image in gallery Palestinians inspect the destroyed tent where journalists, were killed by an Israeli airstrike outside the Gaza City's Shifa hospital complex ( Copyright 2025, The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Ive ordered, directed the military to bring in foreign journalists, more foreign journalists a lot, Benjamin Netanyahu said in the Times of Israel, adding the order went out two days previously and was subject to security considerations to ensure journalist safety. BBC News joined Agence France-Presse (AFP), Associated Press (AP) and Reuters in releasing a statement condemning the starvation of journalists in the strip at the end of July. The full statement read: "We are desperately concerned for our journalists in Gaza, who are increasingly unable to feed themselves and their families. "For many months, these independent journalists have been the world's eyes and ears on the ground in Gaza. They are now facing the same dire circumstances as those they are covering, the news organisations said, adding: "Journalists endure many deprivations and hardships in warzones. We are deeply alarmed that the threat of starvation is now one of them. "We once again urge the Israeli authorities to allow journalists in and out of Gaza. It is essential that adequate food supplies reach the people there." 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 This article first appeared on our partner site, Independent Arabia Shaimaa believes it is too early to think about the Israeli plan to take over Gaza City. But she quickly changes her mind. Since the start of the war, the [Israeli] army has made no secret of its plans for Gaza, and it has unfortunately been implementing those plans with firepower. Its not too early to prepare for a catastrophe. Israels security cabinet has approved a plan by the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to occupy Gaza City. According to Israels Channel 14, the plan will play out in three phases: firstly, allowing increased humanitarian aid to enter Gaza City, followed by the relocation of its residents to centralised camps in the south of the Gaza Strip, and finally, a full blockade of the city, which will be placed under the control of the military. As soon as the cabinet approved the plan, the general mood in Gaza shifted, and the population became more pessimistic than ever. Residents anxiously keep up with the details of the planned takeover of the city, filled with dread for what they believe lies ahead: immense destruction, innumerable deaths and injuries, and devastating physical and human costs. Sitting outside her tent in Gaza City, Shaimaa is thinking about the occupations plans. She tells Independent Arabia: I am trying to prepare myself for a bleak future, but my brain isnt working right now. I dont know what to do. All I can think about now is making plans for how my family will live if the military operation begins. open image in gallery In the summer heat, a man gives a child water from a plastic bag he has just bought for one shekel, in Gaza City, 12 August 2025. ( AP/Jehad Alshrafi ) Shaimaa is not well versed in politics, nor can she understand military strategy, but she has read the Israeli plan. Im trying to understand what might happen to us. Nothing scares me more than the order to forcibly remove all of the residents of the city and transport them to the south. That is a horror we cannot bear. Death is kinder On 13 October 2023, Israel issued its first evacuation orders to the residents of Gaza City, telling them to move south. At the time, Shaimaa complied with the orders, leaving her house to move to the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone. Life in al-Mawasi was very difficult for Shaimaa. She recalls briefly: We lost our shelter and lived in humiliating conditions inside the tent. We had no water, no power, no food and no life only terror and fear. That was a very rough experience, and the IDF is now preparing us mentally for this by destroying our morale. In any case, Shaimaa refuses to relive the experience of displacement. She explains that she would prefer to die in Gaza City than die in the south of the strip. She is preparing to relocate inside the city that the IDF plans on occupying, noting that she will stay put, even at the cost of living under occupation. To her, that is better than being displaced again. With around 1.2 million residents, Gaza City is considered Gazas most densely populated area. While Tel Aviv plans to relocate the citys residents to al-Mawasi, Palestinians are busy making their own plans in anticipation of the catastrophe that is to come. Waseem has come to terms with the idea of moving south to survive. He has already begun making arrangements for a shelter in southern Gaza, and is working around the clock to get it set up. Israel is going ahead with its war plans for Gaza, and as the sole provider of a family of 13, I have to protect them, he says. Waseem has set up three tents on a plot of land in the south of Gaza, with a separate toilet, a water tank, and some basic necessities. I hesitated before making this decision, but I concluded in the end that complying with Israeli orders might save my familys life, he explains. open image in gallery A group of Palestinians sit in the shade of their tent amid destroyed buildings on a hot summer day in Gaza City, 12 August 2025 ( AP/Jehad Alshrafi ) He knows displacement will be difficult, and that it will mean a far more primitive way of life than what he is used to. But he thinks that it is a matter of life or death, and that Israel will show no mercy on anyone who does not leave. If he stays, he could risk being killed or besieged. Waseem decided to make these preparations when he learnt that Israel was planning to impose another siege on Gaza, meaning famine would return. His children are already suffering from acute malnutrition, he adds, and he doesnt want to watch them die in front of his eyes for lack of food. He believes the IDF will allow goods into the humanitarian zone, so he has accepted the move. Hanadi slapped her face when she learnt of the impending occupation of Gaza City. Many negative emotions began closing in on me, she says, This was a shocking decision, especially after waiting so long for a ceasefire. The failure to reach a truce has brought an unfathomable catastrophe upon us. A doorway to more suffering Hanadi thinks the reoccupation of Gaza will pave the way towards an escalation of genocide. She says that Palestinians cannot afford the cost of displacement. While she sees the decision to flee as an individual choice, she cannot imagine leaving. Her first experience of displacement was so bad that she refuses to consider going through it all again. Hanadi believes the best option is to stay in Gaza. She thinks if people remain and refuse to comply with the evacuation orders, it will put a stop to Israels plans of destroying the enclave and achieving their stated aim of reoccupying Gaza. If Israel sets the planned occupation of Gaza in motion, then the next ground operation will surely be an immense humanitarian disaster, warns Sharif. We can no longer muster the energy to face the dreadful future awaiting us, he says, The world should act before the soldiers exterminate us. We are living in fear and anguish every day. open image in gallery In the summer heat, Palestinian children carry jerrycans after collecting water from a distribution point in Gaza City, 12 August 2025 ( AP/Jehad Alshrafi ) We are the first victims. Expanding the Israeli ground offensive will lead to even more death and destruction. Where should we go if Tel Aviv orders us to evacuate? I was shocked when I read that the deadline for evacuating Gaza City is the coming 7th of October. It was an unexpected shock. Netanyahu has set 7 October as the deadline to evacuate Gaza City completely of its residents. After that date, Israel is set to impose a siege on Hamas operatives who remain inside the city. According to Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, the Gaza occupation operation will last between four to five months, and will be carried out by six military units. As for Tayseer, he tells Independent Arabia: The army has set the deadline of 7 October in the hope that it will make the people of Gaza forget the 2023 attacks, and that this will become the anniversary of our new Nakba, because it will take from us the whole of Gaza City, which is a piece of our hearts. The idea of Gaza City being destroyed before our eyes is terrifying. Nothing that we have endured can compare to what is coming. We are facing the planned extermination, elimination and burial of our very existence, history and future. We are in the midst of an uprooting, and any step we take to avoid the catastrophe will be hard. The catastrophe will be brutal as the IDF is coming to destroy and level the place, says Tayseer. When it leaves, we will have no street to walk on, and no building to defend, he predicts, imploring Hamas leaders to save Gaza before it is too late, announce the zero hour for exit, and demand the deployment of Arab and international forces and stop the bulldozer of destruction. Ismail al-Thawabta, director of the Government Media Office of the Hamas-led administration in Gaza, warns the occupation of Gaza City endangers the lives of hundreds of thousands of its residents, who will face hunger, disease and the collapse of remaining health facilities. This means we are facing the most gruesome humanitarian and human rights disaster. Israel is trying to change the consciousness of Gazans by linking the occupation of Gaza with the anniversary of the al-Aqsa Flood operation, he adds. But Palestinians are demonstrating their determination and resolve to not leave their land and to thwart Israels plan. Reviewed by Tooba Khokhar 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 one-year-old baby girl has died from malnutrition amid the escalating starvation crisis in Gaza, aid workers who tried to save her have said. Sanaa Mansour al-Lahham never got to know a life without war before she died in a hospital in the territory in July as a result of prolonged nutritional deficiency and a lack of baby formula, according to the charity Humanity & Inclusion. Earlier this month, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric warned that starvation and malnutrition in Gaza were at their highest levels since the war began. open image in gallery One-year-old baby Sanaa pictured a few months ago before she became acutely ill from malnutrition ( HI ) Nearly 12,000 children under the age of five were found to have acute malnutrition in July, according to the UN including more than 2,500 with severe malnutrition, the most dangerous level. The World Health Organisation said that the numbers are likely an undercount. On Friday, global hunger monitor the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared that 514,000 people nearly a quarter of Palestinians in Gaza are now experiencing famine. Despite widespread international condemnation, the Israeli military looks set to push ahead with the next stage of its ground offensive on the territorys largest city, Gaza City, sparking fears that the health crisis will only get worse. Baby Sanaas death is just one example of the suffering taking place. Sanaa was born during the war, says one of Humanity & Inclusions rehabilitation specialists, Haytham Abu Hadroos, who was part of the team that took care of the infant. She was a little girl who knew nothing about the cruelty of the world she entered. From her very first breath, the humanitarian situation in Gaza was collapsing day by day. Access to food, milk, or medicine became nearly impossible. From her first day, she faced conditions that no child should ever know. open image in gallery Gaza has been hit by a food crisis amid claims that aid is being bottlenecked ( AFP/Getty ) The international aid charity said it first became aware of Sanaas plight when an exhausted and desperate young mother walked into a UN shelter at al-Haker School in Deir al-Balah, with one arm broken and her daughter held in the other. She looked exhausted physically and emotionally after running from one hospital to another across the Gaza Strip, searching for answers, hope, and someone to tell her what was wrong with her daughter, Hadroos says. Her child, once joyful and playful, had suddenly changed after a high fever. She stopped crying, no longer moved like before, didnt roll or interact. She simply stayed still, moving her head and limbs slightly, as if sinking into silence. It turned out Sanaa had developmental delays, the charity explains. Medical experts say high fevers in infants can be a sign of serious infection, which can cause lasting neurological injury if not treated immediately a common occurrence given the scarcity of medical facilities in Gaza. Malnutrition weakens the developing brain and immune system, increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental issues. Sanaas body likely had no reserves to fight back when her fever struck, and her condition would have deteriorated without proper nutrition or medical intervention. open image in gallery Former residential homes of the charity SOS Childrens Village have been reduced to rubble in Rafah ( SOS Childrens Villages ) Humanity & Inclusion says that hope was briefly reignited in March when its team began physiotherapy sessions with Sanaa to help her recover movement, together with occupational therapy and psychosocial support. After three sessions, they reported that Sanaa could roll over and sit with minimal support. Her mother cried tears of joy, says Hadroos. It was the first time she saw real hope in months. But that hope did not last long. Despite the medical care Sanaa received, and her transfer to Shuhada al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, the infants condition deteriorated. On 17 July, Sanaa died from starvation, the charity says. Sanaa is more than just a case she wasnt a statistic, says Hadroos. She was a child a life born into war, who faced the world with silent eyes and left too soon. In her story, there is not only grief but also a question to the world: how many more children will we allow to disappear before starvation in Gaza is recognised as the emergency it truly is? This tragic loss highlights the urgent need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the unimpeded access of humanitarian aid, as well as continued support and interventions for vulnerable groups, such as persons with disabilities and children. open image in gallery Palestinians gather for a hot meal at a food distribution point in the Nuseirat camp for refugees in the central Gaza Strip ( AFP/Getty ) According to the Gaza health ministry on Thursday, 271 Palestinians, including 112 children, have died of malnutrition-related causes since the war began. Israel disputes the figures, while Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that reports of starvation are lies promoted by Hamas and that any suffering in the territory is down to the terror group. Over 100,000 trucks of aid have entered Gaza since the start of the war, and in recent weeks a massive influx of aid has flooded the Strip with staple foods and caused a sharp decline in food prices, which have plummeted in the markets, the Israeli ministry said in a statement denying reports of famine. More than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since 7 October 2023, according to Gaza health officials. The Hamas attacks on 7 October killed around 1,200 people with around 250 taken captive. open image in gallery Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are now facing famine, a UN-backed organisation said ( AFP/Getty ) As the humanitarian situation reaches catastrophic levels, Humanity & Inclusion says it is sounding the alarm on the devastating and irreversible impact of starvation in Gaza, particularly on disabled people and children. What we are witnessing is not only a manmade crisis, but one that is rapidly creating a generation of people with lifelong disabilities, caused directly by prolonged malnutrition and lack of access to essential aid. George Graham, the charitys executive director, explains: As starvation hits everyone in the Gaza Strip, it leaves a disproportionate impact on children and people with disabilities. Malnutrition is a leading cause of disability we risk an entire generation being born with disabilities due to famished and malnourished mothers. 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 This article first appeared on our partner site, Independent Arabia It was 7am on Monday, August 25, 2025, when my late colleague Maryam Abu Daqqa called me. As soon as I answered, she didnt miss a beat: Good morning, Ezz, how are things in your area? Do you need any photos for your report? Tell me quickly, because Im planning to visit my father as I miss him. I chuckled softly and replied, "You speak so fast, Maryam. Send me any new shots youve taken. Your photos are always excellent and suitable for any report, no matter the topic." She interrupted me, speaking even faster, leaving no room for a response: Youre talented, my friend. Take care of yourself, keep covering stories, and be the voice of the community. Maryams words caught my attention. I asked, Whats wrong? She replied, Nothing goodbye. Ill send you some photos, and I hope you can forgive me. The call ended, but the story did not. That conversation turned out to be a prelude to the tragic events that followed, as she became a victim of an Israeli strike targeting the emergency building at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. At 11am, I received the first call from my colleagues in Khan Younis. They informed me that Nasser Medical Complex had been hit. My heart stopped. Where is Maryam? I asked immediately. They told me she was injured and may have died in the strike. open image in gallery Taking pictures is not my job, but my mission, Maryam Abu Daqqa was a fearless photographer ( Independent Arabia ) I tried calling Maryam dozens of times with no answer. I immediately contacted her brother, Sidqi, who told me, Maryam is gone now. The news shocked me. Tears fell uncontrollably, my tongue went numb, and I ended the call, frozen in place. Five minutes later, still in shock, I reached out to my colleagues at Independent Arabias offices in Beirut and London to share the news. It was devastating for everyone. Every time I had to inform one of my editors, I would cry, and my chest would tighten unbearably. I met Maryam Abu Daqqa in 2020 when she was working as a freelance photographer. I asked her for three photos of the rose farms in Rafah, at the southernmost tip of the Gaza Strip. I was writing a story about how the flowers had withered while Israel refused permission to export them, and the farmer fed them to his sheep. Within minutes, the photos arrived in my inbox, attached via a link. I was impressed by Maryams work, so I offered her a position with me as a photographer at Independent Arabia. She quickly accepted, and we began working together as a journalistic team: I would write reports and human-interest stories, and she would provide the pictures and videos. open image in gallery One of Maryam Abu Daqqa's last photographs, showing the residents of Gaza City leaving for the south ahead of Israel's planned invasion ( Independent Arabia/Maryam Abu Daqqa ) Our years of working together went by so quickly. Every time I requested photos for a report, Maryam delivered them with remarkable speed. She was an exemplary professional, never refusing a task, and she often told me: Request any photo you want. Taking pictures is not my job, but my mission. Maryam would repeat these words countless times over the five years we worked together. Her enthusiasm never waned, her energy remained constant and her performance consistently precise. As for her photos, they were extraordinary. Rich with meaning, they would convey what even words could not. What I admired most about my late colleague was her work ethic. Every day, she woke up at six in the morning to begin her work as a creative photographer. She had been doing this even before the outbreak of the war. When I asked her why she woke up so early, she would reply, Work loves energy. Even on days when she didnt have any journalistic assignments, Maryam would call me at seven, waking me up and urging me to start the workday and to request photos and video clips from her. She was energetic, dedicated and highly skilled. Maryam was remarkable in her curiosity; she sought stories in the streets, among the narrow alleys of local neighbourhoods, in hospitals, and even from casual conversations with people. She did not like to imitate others and preferred to capture her photos herself, always approaching her subjects with great humanity. open image in gallery Maryam Abu Daqqa always approached her subjects with great humanity ( Independent Arabia/Maryam Abu Daqqa ) I rarely accompanied Maryam on her shoots, but when I did, I observed her skill and professionalism firsthand. Her photographs seemed to speak for themselves, telling the story and conveying the essence of the subject even without explanation or commentary. In her professional interactions, Maryam was incredibly gentle and humane. Whenever her colleagues requested her photos, she would provide them with diligence. If anyone asked her how to reach a storys subject, she guided them with humility. I witnessed her kindness toward children, her respect to others, and her forgiving and modest nature. During the war, I asked Maryam to be cautious and avoid taking risks. Yet she would always respond in her unique way: In this war, I may fall victim, but dont worry about me. Continue our mission, dont stop, be the voice of the community, and write your stories - you are talented. Honestly, I cherished her praise for my reports and stories. During the war, she told me that our fellow photographers and journalists often asked her about the material we were producing and wished to emulate her work. I felt proud hearing her say, We have made a name for our organisation, Independent Arabia, as a source of innovative work. Maryam was fully aware that she might fall victim to the ongoing war in Gaza. She once told me, One day, the camera will fall from my hands in this war. Indeed, she was killed while covering the Israeli strikes on her city, Khan Younis. open image in gallery Maryam Abu Daqqa was killed by an Israeli strike on Nassar Hospital in Khan Younis ( Independent Arabia/Maryam Abu Daqqa ) Maryam was not just a journalist; she was a warrior with a camera. She lived the war, moving between destroyed homes, overcrowded hospitals, and displacement camps, documenting what Israel did not want to be documented. She saw herself as the worlds eye, witnessing the war in Gaza. Her departure has left me utterly alone. Although fellow journalists stand by my side, her absence is profoundly painful. She left behind her photographs, which captured the truth, and her words of guidance that will continue to be read. Today, I feel completely unable to work without you, my dear Maryam. Maryam departed with her camera in hand, yet she remains in our memory, a story that will be told for years. She left me broken, repeating her name, speaking of her to my children. Despite her early passing, she lives in our hearts. Maryams story always reminds me that freedom comes at a high cost, that a mission requires sacrifice, and that journalism in Gaza is not just a profession - it is a voice, a memory and a history. My dear Maryam will remain in my heart as long as I live, remembered as one of the journalists who gave her life for the profession and the mission of the media. Reviewed by Tooba Khokhar and Celine Assaf On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has suggested Israel's war on Gaza could have a conclusive ending in weeks as outrage grew over the latest killing of journalists and rescue workers in the besieged Palestinian territory. At least five journalists were among 20 people killed in Israeli airstrikes on one of Gazas key hospitals on Monday, triggering global condemnation. When asked about the strike, the US president initially said he wasnt aware of it before offering: "I'm not happy about it. I don't want to see it." open image in gallery The journalists killed in Israeli strikes on Nasser hospital in the south of the Gaza Strip on August 25, 2025: (L-R) Hussam al-Masri, Mariam Abu Dagga, Moaz Abu Taha, Mohammed Salama, Ahmed Abu Aziz ( Reuters ) Hussam al-Masri, a cameraman for Reuters; Mohammed Salama, a photographer for Al Jazeera, Maryam Abu Daqqa of Independent Arabia, and Moaz Abu Taha, who worked for NBC, were killed in the airstrikes. Ahmad Abu Aziz, a journalist with the Palestinian youth news agency Quds Feed Network, died from injuries sustained in the attack. A sixth journalist, Hassan Douhan, was reportedly killed in a separate Israeli attack on Monday. Trump said there was a "very serious diplomatic push" to end the war but did not provide any details. I think within the next two to three weeks, youre going to have a pretty good, conclusive ending, Mr Trump told reporters at the Oval Office on Monday. Its a hard thing to say because theyve been fighting for thousands of years. But I think were doing a very good job. But it does have to end, but people cant forget October 7. open image in gallery Israeli soldiers prepare tanks near Gazas northern border ( Getty ) Israel launched a war on Gaza after about 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage during a Hamas attack in October 2023. Most of the hostages have since been released but 50 remain in Gaza. Israeli authorities believe that about 20 are alive. Israels air and ground assault has killed at least 62,686 Palestinians so far, according to estimates provided by the health ministry in the Hamas-run strip. Israeli bombardment has reduced almost the entire territory to rubble, displaced most of its 2.2 million people, and caused widespread famine and starvation, according to international aid groups. The US president said "right now theyre talking about Gaza City theres always talking about something", referring to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to extend the ground war and reoccupy the Palestinian territory. At some point its going to get settled, and Im saying you better get it settled soon," Trump continued. You have to get it settled soon. "Its got to get over with because, between the hunger and all of the other problems worse than hunger, death, pure death people being killed." open image in gallery Donald Trump said he wasnt happy about the deaths of journalists in Gaza ( AP ) Israel has intensified its attacks across Gaza despite mounting pressure on Netanyahu to accept a temporary ceasefire to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Earlier in August, Israel announced its decision to occupy Gaza City even as a UN-backed body formally declared famine in the region. In response to global outrage over images of emaciated children, Israel in recent weeks has allowed airdrops and some aid deliveries by land, but UN and other agencies have said the food reaching Gaza is still not nearly enough. Hamas has reportedly accepted a proposed agreement that would see 10 living hostages exchanged for Palestinian prisoners during a 60-day truce that could be extended to a second phase if the sides agreed terms on a permanent ceasefire. Netanyahu last week said he had instructed officials to begin negotiations to release hostages and end the war on Israels terms. 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 Nigel Farage has unveiled radical plans for the mass deportation of asylum seekers, including children, to address what he claimed was a rising anger among the British public towards the UKs small boats crisis. At a press conference in London, he claimed the party would remove 600,000 asylum seekers under the first parliament of a Reform government, should they win power. He also pledged to scale up detention capacity for asylum seekers to 24,000 and secure deals with countries such as Afghanistan, Eritrea and Iran to return migrants to their countries. Reform claims the plan which would require the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights will cost 10bn to implement but save 7bn currently spent on illegal migration during the first five years. open image in gallery Reform leader Nigel Farage announcing his immigration plan today in Oxford airport ( AP ) The party has said it would also ban anyone who arrives illegally from being able to claim asylum and allow asylum seekers to be detained until deportation. The plans were condemned by the Refugee Council, which said toxic narratives were fuelling fear and division and real public concerns are being exploited for political gain, while Labour minister Matthew Pennycook said the plans were like something put together on the back of a fag packet. Lawyers and campaigners have also criticised plans to quit the ECHR, with the proposals being dubbed both legally extreme and a gift to repressive regimes. Reforms latest intervention comes as Labour desperately attempts to get a grip on the migration narrative, as small boat crossings hit record highs, and the UK has seen a string of violent protests in response to the housing of migrants in hotels. How has Reform calculated its costs? Reform claims its plan will cost around 10bn over five years, at an average of 2bn a year. But an analysis by The Independent, based on the latest cost estimates, found that it could mean spending 6.3bn each year on deportation flights alone and 3.6bn a year on converting detention facilities, as well as the unknown costs of a deal with third-party countries that agree to take in migrants deported from the UK. The party has claimed that the current illegal immigration system costs 7bn a year, though it is unclear how this figure has been calculated. Former chair Zia Yusuf and self-styled head of the partys Department of Government Efficiency made in the image of Elon Musks controversial cost-cutting Doge in the US has claimed that Reforms plan would save 7bn over the first five years. He claimed this would quickly jump to 42bn saved over a decade, but the party did not give any breakdown of where these savings would come from. Deportation central Reform is pledging to carry out five deportation flights a day, which would mark an unprecedented shift in the UKs removal policy. That would total 1,825 chartered flights a year a 3,967 per cent increase on current levels. The Labour government has only chartered 46 flights since coming into power, according to Home Office figures from March. These figures are in line with those under the previous Tory government. The exact costs of deportations are unknown and vary significantly, but previous Home Office figures range from 8,000 to 15,000 per person. A 2023 impact assessment, the latest available, estimated that flight and escorting costs would be as high as 22,000 per person for those being deported under the Tories failed Rwanda scheme. This does not include costs of detention, Home Office expenses from handling cases or enforcement costs. open image in gallery Labour has chartered 46 deportation flights since coming into power ( Home Office ) If these prices still hold, then the cost of deporting up to 288,000 illegal migrants a year as claimed by Mr Farage today could be as high as 6.3bn for flights alone. Detention is expensive A key part of Reforms plan is to detain asylum seekers as soon as they arrive in the UK. But the cost of detaining migrants, in prison-style conditions, is more expensive than housing asylum seekers in other accommodation, averaging 133.51 per day, according to the latest Home Office figures. Detention requires round-the-clock security and enforcement, leading to higher costs than temporary accommodation. By comparison, it cost 77.05 per day on average to house asylum seekers in 2024-25, Migration Observatory figures show, and 118.87 per person, per night for migrant hotels in March. Reforms aim would likely be to offset this by holding migrants for short periods before deportation, while current asylum wait lists are often over six months. However, it is hard to guarantee that officials would be able to handle the high levels of processing needed to speed up deportations, meaning that the average stay for a detainee would be unknown. Cost of converting RAF bases Ramping up immigration detention will also require a significant investment in new facilities. Reform plans to convert RAF bases into secure immigration removal centres, which would involve building two-person rooms, canteens, and medical suites. The cost of similar facilities, such as the former RAF base in Wethersfield, which is now used as asylum housing, has been criticised for its eye-watering costs. And in 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) warned that using large accommodation sites, like the Bibby Stockholm barge, cost the government 46m more than hotels. open image in gallery The Home Office currently houses some asylum seekers in former RAF bases in Wethersfield, though at high cost ( PA ) Wethersfield costs over 100m a year but can house fewer than 600 people, according to a report last year by the Helen Bamber Foundation. Reform is hoping that these converted facilities would house up to 24,000 people, up from the 2,500 housed at similar sites last spring. If the costs of Wethersfield are anything to go by, Reform could end up spending up to 3.6bn a year for the new detention facilities. Another Rwanda scheme? Mr Farage also floated the idea of third-country deportations, which could include possible deals with Rwanda and Albania. Though no cost was provided for these third-country deals, the previous governments Rwanda scheme cost 700m, according to the home secretary, Yvette Cooper with just four people deported. A 2023 impact assessment estimated that third-party countries would bear the cost of up to 100,000 for every relocated migrant. Reform would therefore have to make any arrangement worth their while. Legal worries Leaving the ECHR would require parliamentary approval to repeal the Human Rights Act 1998, which incorporates ECHR rights into UK law. But such a move would also breach the Good Friday Agreement the 1998 peace accord that ended decades of conflict in Northern Ireland as this guarantees the conventions enforceability in Northern Ireland. open image in gallery Farage has proposed leaving the European Court of Human Rights to enable his immigration strategy ( AP ) There are fears that such a move would undermine the UKs international standing, with Downing Street saying it would put Britain in the same camp as Russia and Belarus. Dominic Grieve, co-president of European Movement UK and former attorney general, told The Independent that quitting the ECHR would lead to a whole host of political problems. He warned: It would unravel the Good Friday Agreement, destabilise our devolution settlements, and collapse our security and trade deal with the EU undermining data sharing, extradition, and policing cooperation that keep us safe, he said, warning it would lead to a profound loss of influence, security and stability. Kolbassia Haoussou from Freedom from Torture dubbed the plans a gift to repressive regimes and said Britain would be abandoning one of humanitys clearest moral lines. Adam Wagner KC, a human rights lawyer, said Mr Farages proposals were both legally extreme and misleading. A lot of the rights contained in the European convention come from British common law: the right to a fair trial, freedom of religion, and the right not to be tortured, he told The Guardian. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An international team of astronomers, including researchers from the University of Galway, has hailed the "remarkable discovery" of a newly detected planet, WISPIT 2b. Estimated to be just five million years old, the celestial body is believed to be a gas giant comparable in size to Jupiter. Its detection marks an early stage of formation around a young star that shares similarities with our own Sun. The groundbreaking find was made possible using the European Southern Observatorys Very Large Telescope (ESOs VLT) in Chiles Atacama Desert, one of the worlds most advanced observatories. Located approximately 430 light years away, WISPIT 2b resides in the direction of the constellation Aquila, the eagle, though it remains invisible to the naked eye. A comprehensive study on the planet, co-led by Leiden University, the University of Galway, and the University of Arizona, has been published in the international journal Astrophysical Journal Letters. Dr Christian Ginski, lecturer at the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway and second author of the study, said: We used these really short snapshot observations of many young stars only a few minutes per object to determine if we could see a little dot of light next to them that is caused by a planet. However, in the case of this star, we instead detected a completely unexpected and exceptionally beautiful multi-ringed dust disk. When we saw this multi-ringed disk for the first time, we knew we had to try and see if we could detect a planet within it, so we quickly asked for follow-up observations. open image in gallery This image shows a dusty disk around a young star, including a small dot of light, which is an image of a newborn planet ( C Ginski/R van Capelleveen et al ) It is only the second time a confirmed planet has been detected at this early evolutionary stage around a young version of our Sun. The first one was discovered in 2018, by a research team also involving Dr Ginski. The planet was captured in near infrared light the type of view that someone would see when using night-vision goggles as it is still glowing and hot after its initial formation phase. The team at Leiden University and the University of Galway captured a spectacular clear image of the young proto-planet embedded in a disk gap. They also confirmed that the planet is orbiting its host star. The planet was further detected in visible light by a team from the University of Arizona using a specially designed instrument, with those findings indicating that the planet is still actively accreting gas as it is forming its atmosphere. Dust and gas-rich disks around young stars are the birth cradles of planets. They can look quite spectacular with many different structures such as rings and spiral arms, which researchers believe are related to planets forming within them. The disk around WISPIT 2b has a radius of 380 astronomical units about 380 times the distance between Earth and the Sun. The study was led by an early career PhD student, Richelle van Capelleveen, from Leiden University, and co-led by a graduate student team at the University of Galway. open image in gallery Among the multiple concentric rings we see a small dot of light (indicated by a white circle). This is an image of a new-born planet, likely a gas giant similar to Jupiter in our own solar system (comparison image given in upper right corner) but about five times more massive ( C. Ginski/R. van Capelleveen et al/PA Wire ) The research findings were co-authored by Dr Ginski and three physics graduate students who are specialising in astrophysics at the University of Galway. Ms van Capelleveen said: Discovering this planet was an amazing experience we were incredibly lucky. Chloe Lawlor, a PhD student in physics with a specialisation in astrophysics at the University of Galway, said: I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved in such an exciting and potentially career-defining discovery. WISPIT 2b, with its position within its birth disk, is a beautiful example of a planet that can be used to explore current planet formation models. I am certain this will become a landmark paper, owing particularly to the work of Richelle van Capelleveen and her exceptional team. Jake Byrne, an MSc student at University of Galway, said he could hardly believe it was a real detection when he first saw the image of the remarkable discovery. Its a big one thats sure to spark discussion within the research community and advance our understanding of planet formation. Dan McLachlan, also an MSc student at the institution, said: It was such a mind-blowing thing to be a part of. I feel so well treated by the University of Galway physics department and especially my supervisor Dr Christian Ginski to have provided me with the opportunity to be part of such an exciting project. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice SpaceX has once again scrubbed the latest test launch of its Mars-bound Starship rocket in yet another setback for Elon Musks hope of making it to the Red Planet before the end of the decade. The countdown for the tenth Starship flight test in southern Texas on Monday evening was paused with 40 seconds left on the clock, with the launch director eventually choosing to abort the attempt due to poor weather conditions. It follows a similar failed launch attempt on Sunday evening, which had to be postponed due to an issue with ground systems at SpaceXs Starbase facility. SpaceX is now preparing another launch attempt on Tuesday evening at 6:30pm local time (Wednesday, 12:30am BST). It marks the fourth flight test of 2025, with all three of the previous efforts ending in failure for the upper stage rocket. Starship is the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built, measuring more than 120 metres tall when fully stacked. The SpaceX boss described it as alien-level technology that is aiming to achieve something that no other rocket has even attempted. We want to be a multi-planet species to extend consciousness beyond Earth, I think for two main reasons. One is to ensure the long-term survival and prosperity of life as we know it, Mr Musk said during a live stream of Mondays launch attempt. There also needs to be things that are inspiring and exciting and that give you reason to live... A future where were a space-faring civilisation is infinitely more exciting than one where we are not. open image in gallery An illustration of a Starship rocket that SpaceX hopes to send to Mars in 2026 ( SpaceX ) In March, Mr Musk said that Starship would be ready to launch to Mars by the end of 2026 carrying Teslas humanoid robot Optimus, before human missions begin in in 2029. It is not clear whether recent failures and delays have pushed this timeline back. The Independent has reached out to SpaceX for comment. In the launch notes for the latest mission, SpaceX said it would continue to conduct real-world tests to ensure the rapid development of the spacecraft. Flight tests continue to provide valuable learnings to inform the design of the next generation Starship and Super Heavy vehicles, the company said. With production ramping up inside Starfactory at Starbase alongside new launch and test infrastructure actively being built in Texas and Florida, Starship is poised to continue iterating towards a rapidly and fully reusable launch system. A live stream of Wednesdays Starship launch attempt will be available on SpaceXs website. Donald Trumps Labor Secretary lavished praise on her boss as she announced a banner featuring his big, beautiful face now hangs from her departmental headquarters. During a cabinet meeting which ran for more than two hours and featured department heads lavishing praise on the President, Lori Chavez-DeRemer encouraged Trump to stop by her offices and see his portrait displayed outside the building. "Mr President, I invite you see your big beautiful face on a banner in front of the Department of Labor because you are really the transformational president of the American worker, Chavez-DeRemer said. The effusive praise from cabinet members and the Trump banner have drawn comparisons to North Korea from online critics. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An intoxicated Brooklyn artist arrested on charges she assaulted a fellow passenger aboard a Southwest Airlines plane, pulling the astonished victims hair before spitting in her face, is now facing further legal woes stemming from the ugly altercation. In a lawsuit filed Monday in New York State Supreme Court and obtained first by The Independent, Kansas resident Livia Rombola says Leanna Perry not only injured her physically in the wild incident, but left her emotionally distressed and psychologically traumatized after bystander video of the brawl went viral. The footage shows Perry, 32, yelling that she doesnt want to sit next to a f**king fat lady, denigrating Rombola as a fat-ass b***h, and an ugly-ass b***h. The horrifying situation only ended when Perry was zip-tied, placed on a gurney, and hauled off the aircraft by police. In the aftermath, repeated exposure to the footage, along with myriad news articles and online commentary, have caused Rombola acute distress, along with reputational harm, professional embarrassment, and social stigma, according to her complaint. open image in gallery Leanna Perry, seen here in video footage that went viral earlier this summer, is facing a lawsuit, in addition to criminal charges, over an ugly brawl aboard Southwest Airlines ( TikTok/@leahkay1010 ) The lawsuit also names the low-cost airline as a defendant, blaming its policy of unassigned seating for encouraging the chaos. On Tuesday, Rombolas attorney, Joel J. Turney, told The Independent, The plaintiff has a strong case against Southwest, especially with respect to their unusual free-for-all seating policy, which was a substantial factor in the cause of the incident. Perry did not respond to multiple requests for comment. A Southwest spokeswoman declined to comment. Rombolas complaint argues that open-seating was a clear departure from the industry standards of other airlines, and that the system created a foreseeable hazard of passenger conflict. Southwests lack of proactive seat assignment directly contributed to the confrontation, according to the complaint, saying it benefits only the airline but expos[es] passengers to potential issues such as the one between Perry and Rombola. open image in gallery A Southwest plane on the tarmac ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Although the open-seating approach was popular with some, the stress of jockeying for a spot was too much for many and has led to brawls between travelers. Last month, Southwest announced it would be phasing out the policy in January 2026, saying 80 percent of its customers preferred an assigned seat. In a statement at the time, a Southwest Airlines spokesperson told the New York Post, The customer involved in the incident was removed from the flight and denied boarding. We commend our team for their professionalism during the incident. So far in 2025, federal authorities have fielded 1,058 reports of unruly passengers aboard commercial aircraft. The attack onboard the Southwest flight occurred on June 17, shortly after 1 a.m., according to Rombolas complaint. During boarding, the complaint says an erratic Perry initially caused a disruption by rejecting an available seat near a different individual. Perry then proceeded through the cabin and ultimately chose to sit near [Rombola], where she initiated a violent and unprovoked confrontation, involving physical assault, battery, spitting, and the use of slurs. In video of the incident posted online, Perry can be seen standing by Rombola and sneering, Yeah, Im sorry I didnt want to sit next to a f*****g fat lady. open image in gallery Leanna Perry was drunk when she boarded the plane, according to court filings, and only stopped her wild harangue after she was physically restrained ( TikTok/leahkay1010 ) Perry, an illustrator who has done work for top brands including Adidas, Hot Topic, and Maybelline, appeared to be possessed during the epic meltdown, witnesses said. Perry was drunk, and never should have been permitted to get on flight number 779 from LaGuardia Airport in Queens to Kansas City, Missouri, according to the complaint. FAA regulations prohibit commercial carriers from allowing intoxicated passengers onboard. The confrontation soon spiraled out of control, with Perry yelling, Shut the f**k up, dont f**king touch me! while concerned crew members and bystanders tried to intervene. Let go of her hair! one crew member instructs Perry, who ignores the command. Perry continued her harangue, shrieking, Look at this fat-ass b****h, you cant even see her stomach, as Rombola sits by quietly. Your boyfriends d**k is like, two inches big, Perry shouts at Rombola. Its embarrassing. Im so sorry about your boyfriend. open image in gallery Leanna Perry was zip-tied and brought to the cabin floor by crewmembers and passengers, after which police arrived and wheeled the 32-year-old off the plane on a gurney. The passenger on the receiving end of the assault is now suing ( TikTok/leahkay1010 ) This went on for several minutes, the video shows, with Perry calling Rombola an ugly-ass b***h, until members of the cabin crew, along with a couple of helpful passengers, managed to zip-tie Perrys hands behind her back. Perry is then brought down to the floor, after which she begins kicking her legs in the air and screaming, F**k you, f**k you, f**k you! When police arrived, they strapped Perry down and wheeled her off the plane, after which she was charged with numerous misdemeanors that each carry up to a year in jail: obstructing governmental administration; three counts of attempted assault with intent to cause physical injury; disorderly conduct; and three counts of harassment. Appearing before a judge later that morning for arraignment, Perry pleaded not guilty to the charges. Perrys lawyer in the criminal case, Legal Aid attorney Carl Tropnas, did not respond on Tuesday to a request for comment. Rombola is seeking an award of damages to be determined in court. Perry, who now has roughly three weeks to respond to Rombolas lawsuit, is due back in Queens Criminal Court on September 3. The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The tragedy in Gaza suddenly became very close to home for The Independent today, when we learnt the terrible news that Maryam Abu Daqqa, a photojournalist working for our partner site Independent Arabia, was among at least 20 people killed in an Israeli attack on Nassar Hospital in Khan Younis. Maryam, who often based herself at the hospital, had a teenage son who was evacuated from Gaza earlier in the conflict. We echo the tribute from Independent Arabia, which said: Maryam embodied dedication and professional integrity. She carried her camera to the forefront of events, bearing witness to the suffering of civilians and amplifying the voices of victims with rare honesty and bravery. The journalists among the victims at Nasser Hospital are no more important than any of the 62,000 Palestinians killed since the 7 October attacks, as estimated by the Hamas-led health ministry, whose figures are accepted outside Israel. But the death of Maryam and her colleagues is another painful reminder of the terrible risks facing the heroic local journalists bringing the horrific events in Gaza to the worlds attention. In some of her last dispatches for The Independent, for example, Maryam wrote movingly about the impact of the starvation and famine in the strip. It is worth remembering that the world relies on these reporters because Israel does not allow international journalists into Gaza. Responding to the deaths, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and does not target journalists as such. However, there is evidence that reporters are the subject of targeted assassinations as well as collateral damage in a war in which an estimated five out of six Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Gaza are civilians a rate rarely seen in modern warfare. Two weeks ago, Anas al-Sharif, who worked for Al Jazeera, was killed in a state-sponsored assassination, along with four colleagues. The Israeli authorities claimed unconvincingly that he was a terrorist, a member of Hamas, and the leader of a cell. The deaths bring to 196 the number of journalists killed during the conflict, 188 of them Palestinians, killed by Israel in Gaza, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Wearing PRESS flak jackets and helmets, they should have been accorded the normal protections afforded to all journalists. As Sara Qudah, CPJs regional director, rightly put it: These murders must end now. The perpetrators must no longer be allowed to act with impunity. Thibaut Bruttin, director general of Reporters Without Borders, said: "They [the Israelis] are doing everything they can to silence independent voices that are trying to report on Gaza. Remarkably, the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs estimates that more journalists have been killed in Gaza than in both world wars, the Vietnam war, the wars in Yugoslavia, and the USs war in Afghanistan combined. Israel, it seems, is not interested in international laws protecting reporters or other civilians. In its shameful treatment of the media, it deserves to further alienate natural allies around the world, including the UK, whose initial instinct was to stand by Israels side after the horrific 2023 attacks on its soil. Today, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, is increasingly isolated on the world stage with the important exception of the US under Donald Trump. He might now be beyond caring about other countries and solely intent on remaining in power for as long as possible, which means preserving a coalition including the ultranationalists Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir. For once, Mr Netanyahu should listen not to them but majority Israeli opinion, which wants the 20 surviving Israeli hostages and the bodies of others finally brought home. There is a ceasefire deal on the table, supported by Hamas, which could secure their release. When his security cabinet meets on Tuesday, Mr Netanyahu should opt for the deal and abandon his disastrous plan for a full-scale occupation of Gaza City. Compounding the tragedy in Gaza, when there is a real opportunity to end it, would surely take Israel even closer to pariah status in the eyes of the international community. Nigel Farage is like a chatbot trained on social media posts. Its perfectly simple, they begin. Send them back to France, or Detain them all and deport them. If it was so easy, why do these armchair gold commanders think that three prime ministers who knew that their survival depended on it have so far failed to stop the boats? The one thing that ought to be obvious from the start is that the solution to the problem is not obvious. Therefore, the test of Farages proposals today is whether they are creative and rigorous enough to meet and overcome the legal and logistical complexity of the challenge. Let me explain why the Reform UK plans fail this test. The main proposal is to detain and deport everyone who arrives by small boat, and to refuse to consider them for asylum which is essentially what Rishi Sunak proposed and indeed legislated for, but never put into practice. Farages plan has the added ingredient of disapplying a series of treaties, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), as proposed by Robert Jenrick. Sunak said he was prepared to do that if necessary, and Kemi Badenoch seems to be about to conclude that it is necessary. But the reason Sunak never went ahead with the plan was not in the end the constraints of treaties. The next obstacle was that there is nowhere to put the detainees, and the obstacle after that is that, in most cases, there is nowhere to deport them to. Of course, it would be possible to build mass detention camps. The Farage plan talks blithely of putting up temporary secure immigration removal centres, at a cost of 2.5bn. Where will these centres be? This will be modular accommodation built in remote parts of the country, the plan says. Farage either doesnt know, or isnt saying where he has in mind. That is 100,000 per place for 24,000 places, which is about half a years intake from small boats, so the credibility of that part of the plan depends on being able to deport most of the detainees quickly. This is where Farage, and Zia Yusuf, his spokesperson, sound least convincing. Farage said he hoped to strike an agreement with Albania. Given that Edi Rama, the prime minister of Albania who is an ally of the British Labour Party, bluntly rejected the idea of hosting a return hub for the Labour government, the chances that he would cooperate with a Reform government are low. Reform was delighted to discover that Germany has twice returned migrants to Afghanistan, something Farage himself said was impossible as recently as last year. But these were Afghans who had committed crimes in Germany, and who were returned to Kabul for a price paid to the Taliban in a deal brokered by Qatar. Never mind the Taliban denying education to women who are returned, or torturing or killing deportees Farage at the weekend said: Im really sorry, but we cant be responsible for everything that happens in the whole of the world. Would he be willing to pay millions to the Taliban? He didnt say. Would he pay the Iranian regime to take back its citizens? No answer. So far, Farage has implied that he could simply copy Donald Trump and threaten other countries into accepting deportees, but Britain does not have much leverage over Afghanistan and Iran. Then there are the further complications about which Dominic Grieve, the former attorney general, warned in an interview with The Independent yesterday. Not so much the implications of repudiating the ECHR for the Good Friday Agreement or the EU trade deal I assume that those could be overcome but the obstacles in common law to deporting people. It is not just treaties, or even the Human Rights Act, that dictate how would-be refugees should be treated, but pre-existing British law. Farage claims that Reforms advisers have come up with a comprehensive plan, but todays document is thin and unconvincing. He has dropped the simple idea of taking migrants straight back to France without French permission: his advisers have at least realised that this might just invite the French to bring them back to Britain. But the problem for Keir Starmer is that Farages plan does not have to be very convincing. If the Labour government cannot stop the boats, or at least reduce them to a trickle, many voters will be tempted by the forceful solution offered by the plausible salesperson who, unlike the Conservatives or Labour, bears no responsibility for the arrival, uninvited, of thousands of people a year. 'People no longer wanted to be associated with the traditional, local way of speaking': Are Irish accents as we know them dying out? Ryanair and Booking.com agree to end US appeal in screen-scraping case Three lobby groups had supported the website in its battle with the airline RYANAIR John Mulligan Tue 26 Aug 2025 at 06:30 Ryanair and online travel giant Booking.com have agreed to end a legal appeal taken by the airline in the United States following a court ruling there last year. The European Union hit back at US president Donald Trump's claims that digital regulations abroad are unfair, a day after he threatened to impose tariffs and other penalties on countries that tax online services ranging from social media to e-commerce. "It's the sovereign right of the EU and its member states to regulate our economic activities on our territory that are consistent with our democratic values," European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho told reporters today in Brussels. Five ways to get maximum price for your suckler weanlings at the mart this autumn Focus on these key areas to maximise the sale value for your stock at the mart 'It is a fantastic time to be selling' Keith Fahy Tue 26 Aug 2025 at 06:30 The cattle trade is like nothing we have ever seen. Prices are increasing significantly week on week. Get better before you get bigger: farmers weigh up options as suckler sector steadies Farmers are focusing on quality and performance rather than expanding their herds This 725kg Belgian Blue cross made 5,850 at Elphin mart's breeding heifer sale last week. Photo: Gerry Faughnan Margaret Donnelly Tue 26 Aug 2025 at 06:30 After years of decline in the suckler herd, there are tentative signs that numbers may have stopped their freefall, but some farmers say theyre focusing on performance and profitability rather than expansion. Hannah Quinn-Mulligan: Time farmers got a slice of the agri-tourism pie We need a dedicated agri-tourism minister to oversee a system like the one they have in Scotland 'Its great that the Department has recognised the need for some kind of funding towards agri-tourism, but Irish farmers need more if diversification is ever going to take off.' Photo: Don Moloney Hannah Quinn-Mulligan Tue 26 Aug 2025 at 06:30 We were in a funny position a few months ago when two government ministers one from Fianna Fail and one from Fine Gael championed the fact our farm had received a relatively modest agri-tourism grant to help promote our farm shop and business. Adopt, dont shop DSPCA warns of industrial-scale puppy farming as charity takes in young dogs bought just three days prior Family found they couldn't look after them properly so they handed them in The two 11-week-old Basset Hound sisters taken in by the DSPCA on Monday morning Keith Kelly Mon 25 Aug 2025 at 20:32 An animal charity has warned of the consequences of buying dogs originating from puppy farms after it took in two unwanted pets just days after they were bought. Mans drunken behaviour in city centre not pleasant for tourists, judge says Accused was old enough to know better Dublin court. Stock image Andrew Phelan Tue 26 Aug 2025 at 06:30 A man was arrested for shouting drunken abuse at gardai in an incident that a judge said wasnt very pleasant for tourists in central Dublin. Presidential hopeful Catherine Connolly says US misusing UN veto; Independent Nick Delehanty launches campaign Mr Delehanty said he agreed with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, and doesnt believe in multiculturalism President independent candidate Catherine Connolly discusses Sinn Fein backing Tabitha Monahan Tue 26 Aug 2025 at 18:07 Presidential hopeful Catherine Connolly has said there needs to be more focus on the US misuse of the UNs security council veto. Barry OHalloran: Conquest, war, famine, death the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse have returned to the Holy Land As the horror escalates, Hamas and Israel may give talking a try. But why now? The outskirts of Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, yesterday. Photo: AP Barry O'Halloran Sun 24 Aug 2025 at 06:30 Yet again, Gaza is on the brink of either more war or some peace. Barely three weeks after walking away from ceasefire proposals put forward by Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff, Hamas on Monday said those same proposals were now acceptable. What changed? The Hollywood star was photographed taking a ferry from Doolin in Clare to the Aran Islands, where he tried his hand at pouring the perfect pint of Guinness Hollywood actor Steve Carell was spotted by various locals enjoying a trip around Clare and Galway on Monday. The American actor, comedian, producer, writer, and director is most well-known for the US hit show The Office, voicing the character Gru in Despicable Me, Anchorman, 40-Year-Old Virgin, and more. In a photo posted by Doolin Ferry Company on social media, Mr Carell can be seen posing in the wheelhouse of the ferry, which was on its way to the Aran Islands. The Clare-based business said the Golden Globe winner could be seen in the photo posing with Connor O'Brien son of Doolin Ferry owner Liam. Steve Carell with Connor O'Brien on a ferry from Doolin, County Clare, to the Aran Islands. Image: Facebook Further photos then emerged of Michael Scott learning to pour pints of Guinness at Teach Osta on Inis Meain. Staff smiled for photos with the actor before teaching him the phases of pint pouring. Steve Carell learning to pour a pint of Guiness at Teach Osta on Inis Meain. Image: Facebook The Connacht Health and Safety Training Institute also posted a photo of two of their members with the Hollywood actor, who they conveniently bumped into during a first aid class. CSHI captioned the photo: Out doing First Aid on the Island, and looked who we bumped into, pity he couldn't join the class! Mr Carell has previously talked about his love of Ireland, saying he would insist on returning to Dublin for movie premieres. "I'm telling you this, I'm coming back to Dublin again and again, he told the Irish Independent in a 2015 interview. And I'm going to encourage others to do the same. Steve Carell with members of the Connacht Health and Safety Training Institute. Image: Facebook "Because there is nowhere like it. The atmosphere is electric. The reporters on the red carpet are so friendly and full of energy. "And there's a warmth there you don't get anywhere else. That's how you want your film to be received." In the same interview, the voice of Gru mentioned that his wife and fellow actor, Nancy Carell, has Irish family. "There's no joke here. Especially if my wife has anything to do with it. All her family are from Ireland, so she'll make sure it happens," he said. Its not known how long Mr Carell is staying around Ireland, but at least hes learned how to pour the perfect pint of plain on his travels to the City of Tribes and the Banner County. The Irish Government has been challenged to put their concerns about sovereignty and removing the Triple Lock to the people by a Cork TD. Sinn Fein TD for Cork South Central Donnchadh O Laoghaire was replying to comments made by Minister Carroll MacNeill in a speech at Beal na Blath, where she called on the state to legislate to remove the Triple Lock neutrality protection. In her speech at the 103rd commemoration of Michael Collins on Sunday, August 24, the Minister for Health called for the removal of the Triple Lock from Irish legislation for the purpose of self-determination. We cannot be held by others. We must remove the Triple Lock and take charge of our own affairs and be held to account for our own decisions, she said. Under current law, the Triple Lock serves as a rigid mechanism that requires Irish peacekeeping deployments of 12 or more soldiers to be ratified by the Cabinet, Dail and the United Nations Security Council. Deputy O Laoghaire said the Triple Lock neutrality protection is something that is valued by the Irish people. If the government are concerned about sovereignty, then the obvious thing they should do, is put it to the people as to whether they favour getting rid of the Triple Lock neutrality protection. Most evidence points to the fact that most Irish people believe that this is a necessary and important protection to ensure our neutrality. The Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Defence continued: What Minister Carroll MacNeill and senior government ministers have been advocating for, is in my view a very short term and naive evaluation of Irelands place in the world. Over several decades neutrality has formed a central part of our foreign policy, a foreign policy that has allowed Ireland to punch significantly above its weight. We will never be a major military power, but we have been able to exercise influence way beyond our weight. This has been down to a variety of reasons, including historic connections with countries such as Britain and the US as well as Australia and Canada, but also because our neutrality is respected. We are seen as a country that has experienced colonisation and that has advocated for neutrality, he added. It is also because of the dedication and service of generations of Irish peacekeepers, said the Cork TD. The Triple Lock is a neutrality protection that ensures that where Irish peacekeepers are deployed abroad that it happens on the strongest basis of international law and not on any kind of adventurism. This exists in Irish law. It exists in the Irish Defence Acts. It was a decision of the Oireachtas, and one I advocate should continue. The conversation about the removal of the Triple Lock has been ongoing for several years. Earlier this year the Government issued the reformative General Scheme of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2025. Sinn Fein said it will fight the proposed government amendments line by line, tabling amendments to the bill of their own which they hope will definitively enshrine neutrality in the Constitution. Deputy O Laoghaire said the committee hearings on the Defence Amendment Act debunked a number of myths. It is very clear that the Triple Lock does not prevent Irish troops being part of humanitarian evacuations, such as Irish citizens in distress abroad. It also does not impinge on the ability of Irish troops to participate in counter narcotics operations and a series of other deployments. If the Tanaiste and Minister for Defence proposed to come forward with legislation to clarify these issues that is something that we would be in a position to support. What became clear is that if the Triple Lock neutrality protection was removed, Irish troops could be deployed to any situation on any deployment that the government of the day sees fit to deploy them to. That is not what the Irish people want, he added. The decisions that this current government is taking will have implications for future Irish governments and for our neutrality, said the Cork TD. The comments from Minister Carroll MacNeill fail to address these issues and in my view are naive and shortsighted. Locals say foul odours from Mahon South Pump Station are forcing them to keep windows shut, with calls for EPA investigation. Residents in a south Cork suburb say they have been plagued by foul odours for over a month, stemming from problems at a nearby wastewater treatment pump station. The Mahon South Pump Station, located in the middle of several large council estates, has been emitting strong stenches which, according to local representatives, date back more than a year. The issue has become particularly acute during the current hot and humid spell in Cork. The station, which services almost 8,000 homes and businesses, has been the source of dozens of complaints to Uisce Eireann from local residents. Many say the smell is worst in the mornings and has forced them to keep their windows closed despite the warm weather. Labour councillor Peter Horgan has now described the problem as a public health issue. Residents are contacting me almost daily about an unbearable stench across Mahon and Blackrock, Cllr Horgan said. I raised it with Uisce Eireann several times. I was told in early August that the issue was linked to a dosing level at the pump station which couldnt be fixed over the Bank Holiday weekend, but that it had since been resolved. It most certainly isnt resolved. I have people with asthma telling me they cant open their windows on these muggy days because of the odour. It flares up at different times, especially in the mornings and at weekends. Ive now raised the matter with the EPA to open an investigation, because I believe this is a public health concern. What people have been breathing in over the last few weeks cant be healthy. We need Uisce Eireann to give a clear explanation of whats happening at the pump station and in the drains around Mahon. Cllr Horgan said he has made nearly half a dozen requests to Uisce Eireann in recent weeks, while residents have submitted dozens of complaints of their own. The controversy comes just months after a failure at a similar pump at the Atlantic Pond in January, which cost Uisce Eireann more than 250,000 to clean up. Significant investment has gone into the Atlantic Pond, Cllr Horgan continued. We now need to know what needs to be spent on other pump stations across the city, because clearly they are not fit for purpose. As a council, weve met Uisce Eireann about how they are treating the citys wastewater infrastructure. There is a lack of transparency, and that needs to be addressed. There has been no public statement on Mahon. If they came out and said, This is the problem, this is the fix, and it will take X amount of time because of Y, people would be far more understanding. Instead, residents are told its resolved when it clearly isnt. That only increases frustration and damages trust in Uisce Eireann. The councillor added that he has significant concerns about further handovers of council responsibilities to Uisce Eireann. We are now facing the prospect of more water services being divested from Cork City Council to Uisce Eireann. I believe the next meeting with them needs to take place in full public view of the city. Uisce Eireann have been contacted to clarify the issues in this article. After Dublin, Cork had the highest number of property transactions in the country in 2024 with Cork citys southside recording the third highest volume of residential property transactions among postcodes outside the capital. The GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report for Q4 2024 found that Dublin had the highest number of property transactions (14,794) in the 12-month period to November 2024, followed by Cork (5,153) and Kildare (2,765). Together the three counties made up almost half of all residential property transactions in the state. Aside from the 22 Dublin postcodes, there are 117 principal post town codes in Ireland. In these 117 areas, transaction volumes were highest in V94 Limerick (1,457), followed by H91 Galway (1,352), and T12 Cork Southside (1,191). The T12 area of Cork city includes popular suburbs such as Douglas, Grange, Frankfield and Rochestown. The average price of a property there in 2024 was 418,136. In contrast, the T23 area encompassing Cork citys northside saw just 493 transactions in the same period with an average property price of 309,533. The Cork towns that saw the most property transactions during 2024 were the commuter towns of Mallow (518), Carrigaline (387), Midleton (387), Glanmire (326) and Ballincollig (263). The report found that a first-time buyer purchasing a new dwelling in County Cork would need a household income of 84,725 or 87,464 if buying in Cork city. Existing dwellings are more affordable, requiring a household income of 67,838 in the county or 72,000 in the city. The report also found that average rent payments are higher than average mortgage payments in Cork city by 403 per month whereas in the rest of the county they cost roughly the same. GeoDirectory was jointly established by An Post and Tailte Eireann to create and manage a database of addresses for the 2.1 million buildings that receive post in Ireland. After Dublin, County Cork accounted for the second highest number of new residential addresses added to the database in the twelve months to December 2024, with 3,730 new addresses added, 10.8% of the total figure. The capital recorded the highest levels of new construction activity in the state with 4,162 buildings under construction by December 2024, representing 18.7% of the national total, followed by Cork with 3,002 buildings (13.5%). Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. There is widespread sadness across Co Donegal following the death of a nine-year-old boy who died in a tragic incident at his home. Joey Forker of Meenmore, Dungloe, died following an incident involving machinery at his home on Friday evening, August 22. The young boy was the son of Audrey and Joe and a brother to Jason and Jordan. He was a pupil at Scoil Chroine in Dungloe. Joeys funeral mass will be held on Thursday, August 28, at 12 noon in St Crona's Church, Dungloe with interment afterwards in Magheragallon Cemetery Gweedore. Donegal TD Pat The Cope Gallagher, who is a family friend and attended the scene of the incident, said a veil of inconsolable sadness and heartbreaking grief has descended on the Dungloe area and across West Donegal. He said the tragic accident led to the loss of a young and energetic life. Speaking of the scene on Friday night, Deputy Gallagher said there was a sense of shock and the bereavement of the loss was devastating. "The hearts of all present ached for the family of the deceased. I wish to pay tribute to all the emergency services, local fire services, HSE, Gardai and Fr Pat Ward PP Burtonport. I humbly ask that in the days ahead that our prayers and all our moral support are guided towards helping the family of the deceased at this devastating time, said Deputy Gallagher. Following the incident, hundreds of tributes and messages have been posted on social media remembering Joey as a beautiful young boy who was a character. Local GAA club, CLG An Clochan Liath said, On behalf of everyone at CLG An Clochan Liath we would like to express our sincere condolences to all the Forker family on the very sad passing of Joey Forker. To his parents Joe and Audrey, brothers Jason and Jordan, grandfather Willie, aunt Pauline, Mickey and Ryan, to all his extended family here in Dungloe and also in Gweedore, and to his friends, classmates and teachers in Scoil Chroine. We are so sorry for your loss and are thinking of you all at this extremely difficult time. "You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of the fatal incident at a premises in Dungloe, Co Donegal, on Friday evening, August 22. A male child was pronounced deceased at the scene, and his body was later removed to Letterkenny University Hospital. A post-mortem examination has taken place, and a file will be prepared for the Coroners Court, a Garda spokesperson said. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has been notified and is to attend the scene. In response to a query from the Irish Independent, the HSA spokesperson confirmed the organisation has launched an investigation and is aware of the fatal incident. As such, no further information is available at this time, a spokesperson added. A death notice for Joey reads, The tragic death has occurred at his home of Joey Forker. Predeceased by his grandparent Nora Forker and grandparents nana Nora Friel and his papa Paddy Friel. Survived by his heartbroken parents Audrey and Joe, loving brothers Jason and Jordan, grandparent Willie, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends. House strictly private at all times. The Dublin Festival of History 2025 is taking place from 26th September to 12th October at various venues across Dublin. Pic: Julien Behal Pictured at the launch in the Huguenot Cemetery on Dublin's Merrion Row were Ray McAdam; Lord Mayor of Dublin, and Breana Howard dressed as a Lagertha, the legendary Viking shieldmaiden. Pic: Julien Behal The Dublin Festival of History kicks off next month with a packed programme of over 250 free talks, walks, exhibitions and performances across the city. From September 26 to October 12, Dubliners and visitors alike can explore everything from ancient Rome to the Battle of the Atlantic, with the festivals Big Weekend taking place at the Mansion House on September 27-28. Speaking at the launch in the Huguenot Cemetery, Lord Mayor Cllr Ray McAdam said: The Dublin Festival of History is a celebration of the shared love for history." He added: "Dublin has been shaped by the events, places and people of its past, and this festival helps bring those stories to life over the course of the festival. "Dubliners and visitors alike have a great opportunity to take in the wonderful history of our capital city. Highlights from the Big Weekend include Iain MacGregors The Hiroshima Men, which explores the individuals behind the creation of the atomic bomb, placing survivors testimonies at the forefront. Kate Vigurs will also discuss Mission Europe: The Secret History of the Women of Special Operations Executive, shedding light on women who risked everything behind enemy lines. Other's highlights of the programme include Roger Moorhouses Wolfpack: Hitlers U-boat War 193944 reconstructs life aboard German submarines during the Battle of the Atlantic. Another event taking place is Jane Draycotts Fulvia: The Woman Who Broke All the Rules in Ancient Rome brings to life one of antiquitys most remarkable women, while Sam Dalrymples Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia examines how borders shaped the subcontinent. Nicola Pierces Great Irish Wives highlights ten women whose influence was central to the success of their famous husbands, from Matilda Tone to Beatrice Behan. Brendan Teeling, Deputy City Librarian, said: Dublin Festival of History is a fantastic festival that showcases the depth of stories from the capital and internationally. "This is a fantastic opportunity to experience history that Dubliners would not have previously known, to brush up on historical favourites and to delve deep into topics that are not widely spoken about. Iseult Dunne, CEO of Dublin City Council Culture Company, added: The Culture Company is delighted to partner with Dublin City Libraries to create so many opportunities for people to take part in culture, heritage and stories of history. "With events in every corner of the city in libraries, community centres, civic spaces, and on our streets we hope that everyone can find something that is engaging and enjoyable for them. Beyond the Mansion House, events include walking tours of Dublins First World War sites, talks on Daniel OConnell, the Guinness Girls, and Sir Hugh Lane, as well as sessions on lesser-known aspects of city life, from vanished industries in Finglas to Dublins Norman pilgrimage routes. All events are free, though booking is recommended for popular sessions. The full programme is available at dublinfestivalofhistory.ie/events, with bookings opening at 10am on Tuesday, August 26. There has been an increase in sightings of Lion's Mane jellyfish in recent weeks in Dun Laoghaire. Pic: @dlrcoco.ie Bathers have been urged to take extra care when swimming at beaches in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown after an increase in sightings of Lions Mane jellyfish in recent weeks. The council has warned that conditions could remain ideal for the species through the end of August and into September. The Lions Mane is the most serious jellyfish in Irish waters, a spokesperson said. They prefer the cooler waters of the Irish Sea and especially the waters off Dublin. Recently, some very large jellyfish have been observed on beaches in this area. Lions Mane jellyfish have stinging cells that are much sharper than other species, meaning they can pierce skin more easily and cause a painful sting. While jellyfish stings in Ireland are not usually life-threatening, they can result in nausea, sweating, cramps, headaches and other symptoms. People are most at risk if they touch jellyfish (whether in the water or washed up), swim in a bloom where large numbers are present, or bathe on downwind shores where tentacles may drift. Dogs are also at risk of being stung, so owners are advised to keep pets on a lead while walking on the beach. Where lifeguards notice large numbers of Lions Mane jellyfish, they may raise the red flag to advise against swimming. The council advises bathers to always speak with lifeguards before entering the water and to seek their help if stung. First aid advice if stung: Leave the water and keep others safe from being stung. Carefully remove any tentacles with a gloved hand, a clean stick, tweezers, or the edge of a credit card. Do not rub the area Rinse with seawater, not fresh water. Apply a dry cold pack to the area. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with discomfort, while antihistamine creams may ease itching. Keep any puncture wounds clean and dry. Seek medical attention if serious symptoms develop. The council warns not to urinate on stings, use vinegar, apply alcohol, or put on a tight bandage. Lifeguarded beaches in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area include Seapoint, Dun Laoghaire Baths, Sandycove, and Killiney. Lifeguards are on duty at these beaches between 12pm and 6pm Monday to Friday, and 11am to 6pm on weekends through the rest of August. They will also be present from 11am to 6pm during the first two weekends of September. Plans have been put forward for changes to be made to a Galway hotel this week. The Galmont Hotel in the city centre is seeking permission from Galway City Council to expand its base. The hotel, which is located on Lough Atalia Road, put plans forward on August 28 for a development consisting of demolition of two hotel bedrooms at second and third floor of the east wing, linking extension at second floor between the north and east wing, a bedroom and linking extension at third and fourth floor, which includes 14 hotel bedrooms to the north and east wing, associated elevational changes and all associated site works and services. A decision on the plans is due from the council by October 16. It follows the news earlier this month that the G Hotel has been granted permission for expansion. Back in May, the popular Galway city hotel located in Wellpark, in front of the retail park along the Old Dublin Road, put forward plans for a significant extension to their premises. These include the addition of ten more rooms as the G Hotel will convert one of the retail units in the Wellpark Retail Centre into more space. The project includes the change of use of existing retail unit to facilitate extension of G Hotel into retail space at first floor to accommodate ten additional bedroom and ancillary areas, and material alterations to the existing hotel at ground, first and second floors. Galway City Council approved the planning permission with no conditions attached. The documentary about priesthood prominently features the late Fr Kevin McNamara Moyvane and late Kerry priest Fr Kevin McNamara are heavily featured in a documentary film that will be screened in the North Kerry village next week. Marian Hall in Moyvane will hold a special screening of Sins of Ireland on Friday, September 5 in aid of the local development association. The film is the feature version of The Confessors, a documentary about priesthood which prominently featured the late Fr McNamara, former parish priest of Moyvane, and the village itself. It aired on RTE in 2020 and received much acclaim. Director of the documentary, Alex Fegan, will be present on the night of the screening and a questions and answers session with him will follow the showing of the film. The event promises to be a great night out and all proceeds will go to Moyvane Development Association. The screening is sponsored by by Kennelly's Homevalue, Enright's Bar and Fast Fix Doors and tickets for the event cost 12 each for adults and 10 each for students. Tickets can be purchased online at: https://eventmaster.ie/event/kGkAcK2TA2 Students of the programme will have the opportunity to rent a fiddle or flute at a very low rate Outstanding flute player Donnocha OHanlon will also teach students of the programme. Tralee Music School has launched a new programme with the aim of supporting the next generation of traditional musicians. The Kerry Fiddle and Flute Programme has been designed to make the fiddle and flute more accessible to young musicians, with the goal of preserving and celebrating the Kingdoms rich musical heritage. The programme is aimed at removing barriers to entry for families eager to introduce their children to traditional music. Therefore, students who take part will have the opportunity to rent a fiddle or flute at a very low rate. Students of the initiative will have high-calibre teachers including celebrated fiddler Aine Ni Chonaill and outstanding flutist Donnocha OHanlon. A renowned musician in the Sliabh Luachra style, Ms Ni Chonaill is the daughter of award-winning fiddler Connie OConnell of Kilnamartyra. She has recorded and toured extensively with her husband Francis OConnor and is a regular tutor at the prestigious Willie Clancy Summer School. Mr OHanlon is a gifted primary school teacher and flute player. He is known for his infectious enthusiasm, skilled instruction, and deep love of traditional Irish music. Programme participants will be encouraged to partake in group sessions, collaborate with peers, and ultimately work towards joining Ceili bands and the Music Generation Kerry Trad Orchestra, to enhance their musicianship and makes friends. The Kerry Fiddle and Flute Programme is open to children who are complete beginners as well as youngsters who already play. Those who would like their child to take part should contact Michelle OSullivan on 087 223 5222. The programme represents a collaboration with Oidhreacht Music School and Music Generation Kerry. As Killarney Cardiac Response Unit gather for their 10 year anniversary, volunteers pictured since day one, are pictured with Garda Cathy Murphy at the Killarney Plaza Hotel to celebrate on Friday evening L-R Mabel Counihan, Mike Marshall, Kevin O'Leary, Leo Casey, Eilish Coffey, Garda Cathy Murphy & Bridget Delaney. Picture Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan. In the event of an incident that could mean life or death, it is vital that medical aid is given as soon as possible and particularly in cardiac cases this is where Killarney Cardiac Response Unit comes in. Set up 10 years it has made such a difference to so many lives acting as an initial and basic response to life threatening incidents across the many communities in Killarney and even further afield as it has expanded right across Kerry. Cardiac Response Units now operate in Beaufort, Firies, Rathmore and Kenmare and plans are underway to set up such a group in Sneem as well. Ballybunion and Killorglin also have First Responder groups too. While all are operating from their own community Killarney Cardiac Response Unit helped set up many of the groups and all volunteers with each group can co-respond to the calls depending on their location at the time of a call. Operations Manager Kevin OLeary said the importance of such groups cannot be underestimated. We have made continued efforts to increase the standard of care provided to patients and act as a first initial and basic response to life threatening incidents before the arrival of highly skilled National Ambulance Service personnel, he said. He said volunteers are the backbone of the group allowing Killarney Cardiac Response Unit to maintain a 24/7 service and the group are invested in the training, equipping and support of its volunteers. Killarney Cardiac Response Unit celebrate 10 years in operation at the Killarney Plaza Hotel on Friday evening. Picture Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan. "Whilst we are an entirely volunteer organisation we maintain a 24/7 service to the areas we serve, having now surpassed 2,700 incidents attended to, thanks to a large and growing team of dedicated volunteers who give freely of their time and skills at all hours of day and night. Aside from answering calls Killarney Cardiac Response Unit also has a number of projects to help raise awareness of how to save a life in the event of an emergency including Operation Resuscitation, Restart a Heart and the School CPR Challenge. Mr OLeary thanked everyone who supported the organisation over the past 10 years. Our volunteers past and present, the many individuals and organisations that support and fund us and the support and guidance of emergency services personnel from a range of services. Independent Irish health foods (Henry & Richard) deserve particular mention in their support of KCRU in our early years and the Stack family of Tricel are also significant and generous supporters, he said. The move of the Edward Street sorting facility has reignited debate over Tralees courthouse as the property goes to market Th historic An Post office on Edward Street, Tralee remain opens but its sorting moved to Monavalley on August 25. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan. An Posts sorting facility on Edward Street in Tralee will go on the market after a relocation to Monavalley earlier this week, the postal service has confirmed. And news of the sale has renewed calls locally for the site to be used to facilitate an expansion of the adjacent Tralee Courthouse. An expansion of Tralee Courthouse into the Edward Street site which is adjacent to the courthouse on Ashe Street is now being proposed as an alternative to building a new courthouse complex on the Island of Geese, on the other side of the town centre from the 192-year-old neoclassical courthouse. The sorting facility moved on August 25, a month later than originally planned. Our plan would be to then place the property on the market, said a spokesperson for An Post. Our Edward Street post office will remain and will be part of any sale or future development plans for the site. Local stakeholders are divided on the proposed construction of a new courthouse. Those in favour argue the existing courthouse is cramped and new facilities are urgently required to meet the basic needs of the public. Other politicians and business owners say the An Post site provides ample room for courthouse expansion and refurbishment. They argue it would cost considerably less than the construction of a new building, projected at 22 million, and keep business in that part of the town centre, in line with council priorities to revitalise town centres. Courthouse upgrades would cost an estimated 2.5 million, according to records obtained by Radio Kerry 2023. The updated National Development Plan, announced in late July 2025, allocates 2.180 billion to the justice sector for major capital projects from 2026 to 2030. Funding for a new Tralee courthouse was requested from this allocation, said a spokesperson from the Court Service. Plans for the heritage building are unclear. Ashe Street workers expressed concern about any move that would see the courthouse become vacant. The courthouse already attracts all walks of life, said Eddie Yu, the manager of China Town, a restaurant opposite the courthouse. For my business, it makes no big difference but I think it will bring more chaos if it closes, he said. Sometimes people sleep outside the courthouse. Its a different story every night. The move would not likely affect business unless the courthouse were left vacant, said staff at Bennys Barbers. Itd become a hangout spot and its already kind of a hangout spot, said Nicole Murphy, one of the barbers. A lot of fools are around the courthouse. In 2022, Kerry County councillors voted overwhelmingly to sell a 160,000 site on the Island of Geese to the Courts Service of Ireland for a new courthouse complex. The Kerry Law Society appealed to councillors to vote for the sale. The date of the An Post relocation was unknown at the time. By March 2024, Councillor Jim Finucane told The Kerryman: That boat has sailed 100 per cent and the new courthouse will be at the Island of Geese. A month later, the Minister for Justice at the time, Helen McEntee, said expanding court services to Edward Street was not possible because it was not for sale. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme Alex Riordan, Callum Nolan and Jack McCarthy were all smiles as they got their Leaving Cert results at CBS The Green on Friday. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan. Students right across Tralee breathed huge sighs of relief on Friday morning when they finally got their hands on their long-awaited Leaving Certificate results. While checking the results online is becoming more and more the done thing, there were still a few who chose to do it the old-fashioned way on Friday morning, with Colaiste Gleann Li, Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai, and CBS The Green amongst the schools that welcomed their now-former students back in one last time. The Kerryman was on hand at these three schools on Friday to nab some of the students for photos, with almost all of them happy with what theyd gotten, with the wait now beginning for CAO offers in the coming days. Principals from both Colaiste Gleann Li and Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai were full of praise for the students when contacted by The Kerryman, praising their determination and commitment that has seen them through a tough 24 months. Charlie ODoherty, Principal of Colaiste Gleann Li, said that this is a significant milestone in the life of the students as he wished them well in whatever their future endeavours may be. "Characteristics that defined this years group are hard work, resilience, and determination especially in the face of challenges have truly paid off, he said. As they now take their next steps in their journey, whether into further education, training, apprenticeships, or the world of work, we want to wish our students every success and happiness. We hope that wherever their chosen path leads, it brings them fulfilment, growth, and new opportunities. We believe strongly that they will go on to do great things, he continued. It has been a privilege to watch them grow, learn, and contribute to our school community. They leave not just with results, but with the skills and values to thrive in the world ahead. We look forward to watching the journeys that lie ahead, and we will forever be indebted to the impact you have made on our school, he added. Both he and Deputy Principal Paudie Fleming reserved special praise for one student in particular, Yevhen Kondrashev, who got a hugely impressive 555 points in his results. "Originally from Ukraine, he joined our school after moving to Ireland during the war. Despite the challenges of settling in a new country, he demonstrated remarkable determination, resilience, and a strong work ethic throughout his time with us. His success is a testament to his dedication and strength of character, coupled with the support and drive of our staff to help him reach his goals. We are incredibly proud of all that he has achieved and wish him every success in the bright future that lies ahead, said Mr ODoherty. Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai Principal Ruairi O Cinneide, meanwhile, said that all of the schools students seemed very happy on Friday morning. "Students achieved exceptional results again this year. About 80 per cent of them achieved over 400 points, but more importantly, students seemed very happy that they had done well and that their results reflected their work. Theres anticipation now as to what the CAO will bring in the next few days, and those who aren't going down that route are hopeful and confident of their apprenticeship futures. They have a great journey ahead of them, he said. A quiet food revolution is hatching across Louth and Meath and it is happening in the most unexpected of places: petrol station forecourts, roadside farm gates and even the main street in Kentstown. Egg vending machines, or egg boxes as they have become fondly known, are giving customers 24/7 access to trays of farm fresh eggs while channelling money directly back to local farmers. The idea is simple: tap your card or insert coins and a door clicks open to reveal a tray of eggs, often laid that very morning. For busy commuters, it is a novelty that makes sense. For farmers, it is a lifeline that cuts out the middleman. People love the idea that they are getting eggs from just a couple of fields away, one producer explained. It keeps food miles down and keeps the money in the community. The north east has been at the heart of the trend. Hazelbeech Free Range Eggs, based on Ballymakenny Road in Drogheda, runs machines at their farm gate and at Darbys Circle K in Dunleer. In Dundalk, a local innovation has taken things even further. The owner of Eggspress Vending, Paddy Muckian, first developed the concept on his own poultry farm to meet demand from customers calling when he was not at home. What began as a small scale project quickly grew into a family business. With support from Enterprise Ireland he designed an electronic version with the help of his brother Eugene, an engineer. His sons are also now involved. Each machine takes around two months to build in Dundalk and comes with 28 drawers holding trays of 20 to 30 eggs. Customers simply tap a card and a drawer pops open. When stock is running low, the machine automatically alerts Muckian to refill it. Sales rose sharply after card payment technology was added in 2022 and by 2024, a video of the vending machine went viral on TikTok, racking up hundreds of thousands of views. That online moment sparked fresh interest across Ireland, the UK and Europe and pushed Eggspress Vending into the spotlight. The machines have since been adapted for potatoes and strawberries, and a chilled version to dispense milk is in development. Today the business has spread far beyond Dundalk, where Paddy Muckian still manages a dozen machines himself. He says he has lost count of how many units have been sold, with some buyers taking ten at a time. In 2024, interest even came from the United States, where chilled models are required by law. The company has now received its first American order, with plans for further expansion. For now though, shoppers in Louth and Meath remain the lucky ones. Whether on Ballymakenny Road, outside a Circle K in Dunleer, at a Dundalk forecourt or in Kentstown, egg boxes are proving that small, local innovations can make a big difference. They offer customers fresher food, farmers fairer returns and communities a tangible way to support local enterprise. From viral videos to petrol station pitstops, it seems egg vending machines are more than just a quirky novelty. Garda investigation ongoing following brawl on Tucker Street in Castlebar A young man remains in a critical condition in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin following an alleged assault in Castlebar, Co Mayo, last weekend. The man, aged in his 20s, from the Midlands suffered a serious head injury following an altercation during the early hours of Saturday morning. No arrests have been made but it is understood gardai are keen to speak to several witnesses including a young man well known in sporting circles. At 2.50am on Saturday gardai received a report of a male unconscious after an alleged assault outside a licensed premises on Tucker Street close to the junction of Linenhall Street. The injured man in his 20s was removed from the scene and taken to Mayo University Hospital where he was found to have suffered a significant head injury. The man, who is believed to have been visiting Mayo for the night, was transferred to Beaumont Hospital and placed in the care of the neurosurgical team. He remains in a critical condition. Beaumont Hospital in Dublin Today's News in 90 Seconds, Wednesday, August 27 Garda investigations are ongoing, and a large amount of CCTV has been canvassed from the local area. It is understood the male was previously unknown to the individuals he came in conflict with. One line of inquiry is he may have had an earlier interaction with one male inside a licensed premises, and this sparked the later more serious incident outside. It is understood a call to the emergency services was made in the immediate aftermath of the incident. A source condemned as unhelpful and reckless widespread misinformation and speculation around the incident. It is simply a horrific tragedy, and people spreading the wrong information as fact is causing further trauma, they said. Local Independent councillor Harry Barrett described the incident as a tragedy and appealed for an increased garda presence in Castlebar during critical hours. It is a tragedy for all involved, he said. My heart goes out to all involved. Nobody went out that night with the intent for this to happen. And I wish the injured man a full recovery. This does put the spotlight on the garda presence. We dont have enough visible policing during critical hours. Gardai in Mayo are under resourced and that is a fact. I am also calling for a review into of the CCTV in the area. Along the Mall in Castlebar is well covered but we have areas in the town that are not. Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them. Any road users or persons with camera footage (including dash-cam) in the Tucker Street area between 2:30 am and 3:15 am are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlebar Garda station on 094 903 8200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Sligo and Leitrim the only counties without such a position Meeting will take place at the Southern Hotel, Sligo. MS Ireland is holding a public meeting on the 19th September at the Sligo Southern Hotel at 11am to discuss what it says is the the urgent need for a community worker in Sligo and Leitrim, the only counties in Ireland without such support. The meeting will hear from people with MS and learn about the proposal to get a dedicated community worker for Sligo and Leitrim. MS Ireland has renewed calls for the appointment of a full-time community worker for Sligo and Leitrim following the presentation of its SligoLeitrim business case to over 40 Oireachtas members in Leinster House earlier this year. The proposal, unveiled nationally on World MS Day in May, outlined the need for a 72,997.56 investment to provide dedicated, local casework service to the more than 300 people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in SligoLeitrim. MS Ireland currently operates a network of community workers across 24 other counties, offering services such as: One-to-one casework support from diagnosis onwards Help navigating health and social care systems Access to physiotherapy, fatigue management, and respite services Advocacy for entitlements and supports/ Without a local community worker, people in Sligo and Leitrim must rely on remote or intermittent outreach, leaving many without timely access to these services. The proposed Community Worker would: Provide support and early intervention, reducing reliance on HSE services providing better outcomes for people with MS. Improve coordination between MS Ireland, the HSE, and local services, in line with Slaintecares vision for integrated care Offer consistent support for families and carers, easing isolation and stress. There has been a good response to plea for student accommodation. Homeowners have responded to a plea from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) for accommodation with more than 400 student beds secured for the upcoming academic year. ATU has welcomed the strong response from homeowners and landlords across the West and North West since the launch of its accommodation appeal on 1 August. Support has come from communities in Galway, Mayo, Sligo, and Donegal following the appeal. The focus of the campaign was on encouraging people to offer spare rooms under the national Rent-a-Room scheme which was supported through a university-wide campaign of social media, local press, flyer drops, and posters. ATU President, Dr Orla Flynn, expressed her gratitude to those who have stepped forward: We are deeply thankful to the many landlords and homeowners who have opened their doors and offered rooms to our students. This support is making a real difference to young people and their families at a critical time, giving them the chance to begin or continue their studies with less stress and uncertainty. It is heartening to see communities across our region respond with such generosity. Despite the positive progress, ATU continues to emphasise the urgent need for more accommodation as demand remains high across all campuses. Dr Flynn added; While the response has been hugely encouraging, we still need many more beds. We know there are families, couples, and individuals across the region who may have a spare room and have not yet considered this option. By joining the scheme, you not only support a students education journey but also benefit financially through the tax-free Rent-a-Room scheme. Every single room makes a difference. Living with a student is not only about providing a roof, but also about making connections that strengthen local communities. Students contribute to the cultural and economic life of the region through part-time jobs, volunteering, and placements with local businesses and services. The university is once again urging homeowners and landlords who may be in a position to help to register their interest through the ATU website or their local student accommodation office in Galway, Sligo, Letterkenny, or Mayo. Students Union President Emil KIndl said accommodation continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing students in Sligo. There is a shortage of purpose- built student accommodation, and private rental availability is limited and often expensive especially taking the cost of living into account. Many students are relying on digs or commuting long distances, which puts additional stress on their academic and personal lives. For more information on how to take part in the Rent-a-Room scheme visit: www.atu.ie/accommodation or contact your local Student Union office. A stroll along the Garavogue at sunset with the pet dog is the latest initiative to boost nighttime in Sligo. The family-friendly, inclusive walk over a 3km route will start at 8:30pm - just after sunset - from Queen Maeve Square and will head along the footpath to Doorly Park Playground led by Grand Marshal for the event, Mayor of the Borough District of Sligo, Councillor Gino OBoyle. The walk will then return to Queen Maeve Square along the same route. Sligo Glow Walk is free, open to all ages, and dog-friendly. Participants are encouraged to dress to impress in bright, glowing attire and bring their furry friends on leashes. Prizes will be given after the walk to the Best Dressed Adult, Best Dressed U-16 and Best Dog. There will also be a limited supply of glow-in-the-dark goodies available before the walk, free of charge, to those who want to accessorise to the maximum on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are free. People can turn up on the evening and register on site in advance. The event is grant-funded by Sligo BID Night-Time Economy Fund, in conjunction with Sligo County Council, Queen Maeve Square, Purple Flag, Project Ireland 2040, and Cities at Heart. All u-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult and all dogs/cat/assorted furry creatures must be leashed for the duration of the walk. Waterford gardai are investigating a serious assault on a man in the city which occurred on Friday. Gardai attended the scene of an alleged assault on John Street in Waterford city on Friday, August 22, at around 1.20am. A man aged in his 40s was taken to University Hospital Waterford for treatment of injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. Investigations are ongoing, said a garda spokesperson. Members of the public with any information can call Waterford Garda Station on 051 305 300. Martin Sherlock is travelling to Africas peak as a tribute to his sister Angela, who underwent two kidney transplants A 57 year old man living in Wexford is currently preparing to set out on an extraordinary seven day journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Martin Sherlock (57) will start the impressive hike on Monday, September 8. He said he is excited but nervous to take on the challenge for his sister Angela Sherlock, who he said wouldnt be here if werent for kidney donors. I decided to take on this challenge in February this year and have never done anything like this before. It will involve a climb for seven days to reach the summit and then two days descent, he said. Martin said the challenge is a tribute to his sister Angela, who underwent two kidney transplants. She was delighted and very surprised when I said I was doing it for the Irish Kidney Association, he said. He spoke about the reasons for fundraising for the Irish Kidney Association. Between the ages of eight and fifteen, my sister Angela had numerous hospital stays and surgeries, the hospital became like a second home. She began dialysis at sixteen and received her first transplant in 1991 at the age of seventeen, He further said the first transplant gave her a new lease of life, but unfortunately failed aster five years. She returned to dialysis, undergoing seven more years on CAPD, APD, and haemodialysis. In 2003, she received a second transplant, and everything changed for the better, Martin said. Angela and her sister Miriam after the VHI Women's Mini-Marathon Today, Angela gives back as a trained IKA Peer Supporter, volunteering her time to help others navigate their kidney journeys, offering compassion, understanding, and first-hand experience. Originally born in Dublin, Martin has been living in Kilmuckridge for past 26 years. He travelled to Kilmuckridge holidays to the caravan park and said he decided to turn his holiday destination into his home. The climb is also a gesture of gratitude to the families of the two organ donors who gave his sister the chance to live a full and fulfilling life. Thanks to the generosity of organ donors, Angela has been able to live a full and adventurous life. Its because of her donors that shes been able to live such a full life. Organ donation works. It changes lives, my family has seen it firsthand, he added. When Martin reaches the top of the summit, he will have an organ donor card and two of the IKAs Forget me Not flower emblems with him as a tribute to Angelas two organ donors. I hope that by me taking on the Challenge I will inspire more people to have the conversation about organ donation with your loved ones. Its something that can give others a second chance at life, Martin said. Martin said he has no experience with hiking but has been training in places like Glendalough to gear up for the big week. It will be nothing like Glendalough, what were heading to with the altitude and that. Martin is a father to two daughters and also a grandfather to three girls. It is expected his fourth grandchild, and first grandson will arrive while hes making his assent up Kilimanjaro. I look forward to completing the Challenge and then meeting my first grandson on my return to Ireland. September promises to be an unforgettable month, he said. Martin is self-financing his Challenge through tour operator Earths Edge. All funds raised though his fundraiser will go towards the Irish Kidney Association, which supports kidney patients and their families across Ireland, and promotes the importance of organ donation. I think the more donors more we have out there, the more people will go on to live better lives. Possession of knif e Joesph Walsh (47), previously of Oznam House Wexford, was before the court in relation to multiple charges including possession of a flick knife on November 13 2021 which he stated belonged to his grandfather. The court heard that he is a man with 40 previous convictions but has not come to An Garda Siochana attention since the incidents. Catriona Walsh, solicitor for the defendant, informed the court that Walsh had a psychological report carried out which was previously before the court and outlined the horrific circumstances of his childhood. Ms Walsh outlined that while her client was previously homeless he now has a home which is outside of Wexford town. The solicitor also informed the court of the positive strides Walsh is taking in his life namely that he attends at the Cornmarket Project and his GP frequently, and that while he did have difficulties with alcohol in the past he is now alcohol free. Ms. Walsh also provided character references to the court as the defendant works seasonally with local farmers around Wexford. Judge Cheatle queried if there is any family members who could take the knife as it is a family heirloom and in circumstances where Walsh could not nominate anyone a destruction order was made for the knife, A six month sentence was imposed and suspended for twelve months with a further order of twelve months supervision by the Probation Services. Former teacher gets suspended sentence A former teacher was present in court in relation to multiple charges, including the breach of a safety order, assault, criminal damage, possession of drugs, threat to damage property, and threats to kill. The court heard a brief outline of the facts being that the former teacher had criminally damaged a cell wall by smearing feaces on it which cost 250 to clean, he was in possession of cannabis to the value of 60 for personal use on one occasion and on another he had in his possession cannabis to the value of 175 which he stated was also for personal use. The accused made admissions in interview in relation to a threat to damage the window of a local bank and also to a threat to kill of the manager at that establishment. The man was charged with assault as he entered a local cafe with a hurley which he used to smack the bottom of a barista working there, who did not wish to provide a victim impact statement. Marie Murphy, solicitor for the accused, outlined to the court that her client is a former teacher who has suffered with his mental health in recent times and these were out of character events for the man. Ms Murphy pointed out the significant improvement in her clients overall appearance since he was last before the court and stated that he has been engaging with mental health services and the probation services. Judge Cheatle imposed a six month sentence suspended for twelve months, and also ordered 250 to be paid to the state in relation to the criminal damage, and 500 compensation to be paid to the barista in relation to the assault. Banned from driving A Wexford man was before the court on charges of drug driving. Eoin McDermott (39) of Harpoonstown, Bridgetown, Wexford, was not present in court and the hearing proceeded in his absence. Garda Scallan informed the court that on April 16 2024 while attending at the scene of a collision he received an alert of a vehicle passing by without tax which he subsequently followed. Once the car stopped Garda Scallan stated there was a smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle and the accused confirmed he had smoked the previous night but not on the day in question The accused carried out a saliva sample which returned a positive sample for cannabis, the vehicle was seized in relation to the no tax, and accused was arrested and conveyed back to Wexford Garda Station. A sample of blood was taken by a doctor at the station which returned a result of 5.5mg of cannabis per 100ml of blood. Ross Pratt OBrien BL, barrister for the accused, stated that there was no mitigating circumstances he could submit to the court in circumstances where his client was not present. Judge Cheatle convicted in his absence and imposed a 300 fine with six months to pay and a one year driving disqualification. Road Traffic Matters Stuart Patrick Byrne (40) of 9 Hantoon Road, The Faythe, Wexford, was convicted of driving without an accompanied driver as a learner at The Faythe, Wexford, on October 13 2024. Byrne was fined 200 with six months to pay. A New Ross woman plead guilty to a charge of careless driving at Knockavilla, New Ross, Wexford. Siobhan Prendergast (51) of 18 Bellville, New Ross, Wexford, was edging out of a T-Junction when she did not see a car coming from her right and the oncoming car struck the front of her vehicle. The court heard that there was some over growth of hedges on the junction at the time that may have obscured her vision at the difficult junction. Gerry Flynn, solicitor for the defendant, informed the court that the insurance company had settled the matter and there was no pending injury claims. In those circumstances Judge Cheatle struck the matter out. Matthew ODea of 45 Bloomfield Avenue, Dublin, was fined 150 with four months to pay in relation to a speeding charge on March 19 2025 at the N11 Ferrycarrig, Wexford. ODea was travelling at a speed of 71kmh when the posted speed is 60kmh. Denis Paul OConnor (51) of 50 Kilrane Manor, Wexford, was before the court in relation to having no tax on his vehicle on January 11 2025 at the N11 Newcastle, Wexford. OConnor was fined 150 with four months to pay. The court heard that Saher Alahwal (22) of 12A Windmill Heights, Wexford, admitted to driving without insurance on March 10 2025 at Belvedere Road when his vehicle was seized. Alahwal was fined 250 with six months to pay. A Wexford man plead guilty to offences of driving without NCT, tax, and insurance. Garda Brennan gave evidence that on March 16 2025 at Whitemill, Wexford, he observed the documents in the windscreen of a vehicle owned by Sean Murphy (28) of 9 Elm Park, Coolcotts, Wexford, and noted that all documents were out of date. Jade Wright, solicitor for the defendant, told the court Murphy was struggling with a gambling addiction at the time which he has since overcome with the support of his family and friends, he has not come to An Garda Siochana attention since the incident and is also a man of no previous convictions. Judge Cheatle fined the accused 250 with six months to pay. Jan Golciter (40) of 133 Cluain Dara, Coolcotts, Wexford, plead guilty to driving without insurance on May 8 2025 at Whitemill South. Golciter was fined 250 with six months to pay. A man with two previous no insurance convictions was before the court on a third offence of driving without insurance. Mark ONeill (40) of 50 Ard Uisce, Wexford, was stopped at Whiterock Hill when Garda Brennan noticed the vehicle did not have insurance. Judge Cheatle fined ONeill 400 with six months to pay and also imposed a 4-year disqualification in circumstances where this is the accuseds third conviction for no insurance. Dean Colm Moore (19) of Rochestown, Duncormick, Wexford, plead guilty to driving without a seatbelt. Judge Cheatle imposed a fine of 100 with four months to pay. John Cassidy of 72 John Sweeney Park, Carlow, was fined 150 with four months to pay in relation to a speeding offence. On January 3 2025 Cassidy was detected travelling at a speed of 116kmh on the N11 Crossabeg which is a 100kmh road. Disqualified from driving Tony Jones (51) of St. Annes, Clearistown, Wexford, was before the court in relation to drug driving charges dated June 5, 2021. Andrew Bolger BL made an application to dismiss the charges on the basis of delay which was refused by Judge Cheatle. Garda Breheny gave evidence that on the day in question he was operating a checkpoint at Bridgetown when he stopped a vehicle being driven by Jones which had a strong smell of cannabis. Garda Breheny carried out a roadside fluid test on the accused which returned a positive result for cannabis. Andrew Bolger BL told the court that Jones has previous drug problems but suffered a heart attack at the start of the year and is making efforts to improve his lifestyle. Judge Cheatle stated that the evidence is clear cut in the case and imposed the minimum penalty of a one year disqualification. Compensation paid for car An offence that dated back to 2016 that was been in the courts system since 2018 was dealt with on July 2 2025. Derek OSullivan (66) of The Granite Lodge, Ramstown, Gorey, Wexford, was before the court on charges where he allegedly damaged and sold a car to the value of 25,000 belonging to one Jason Jay Stran. The prosecuting Garda, Garda McGrath, is on long-term sick leave and the case had been adjourned from February 2025 to July peremptorily against the State to accommodate this. In circumstances where Garda McGrath was still on sick leave Judge Cheatle stated the case will need to be struck out on its fifteenth adjournment. The injured party asked Judge Cheatle if the case could be adjourned to one final occasion for hearing. He outlined that he brought the car in question, a 1991 Ford Sierra Cosworth, was brought to a panel beaters when OSullivan had fallen out with the owners and took it out on his car which was then sold by the accused. Mr. Stran informed the court the person who purchased the car is available as a witness. Judge Cheatle informed the injured party that he could talk to the Garda Ombudsman in relation to the delay and that he should have sued him in a civil court to which the injured party responded if the guards couldnt prove it how could I. Inspector Darragh Jennings told the court that the State cannot prove the evidence without Garda McGrath present and is seeking one final adjournment in circumstances where not all of the delay is attributable to the State. Ross Pratt OBrien BL, barrister for the accused, informed the court he is seeking to have the matter dismissed as the words peremptorily have to mean something. He outlined how this is an allegation of theft some nine years ago and his client is now in his 60s and not in the best of health. Mr Pratt OBrien BL confirmed that some of the delay has been due to the fact his client has needed surgeries as a result of his health issues. The court heard that the car has ultimately been returned to the injured party. Mr. Stran confirmed that a business bought the car and delivered it to a storage facility on his behalf. However, he also confirmed that the car is in an irreparable state in circumstances where the damage done by OSullivan with a digger has damaged the roof and floor of the vehicle. Judge Cheatle stated he is inclined to refer the matter to the Circuit Court considering the value of the car at the time if the defendant was contesting the matter. Mr Pratt OBrien BL took instruction from his client who offered a sum of money to the injured party out of court. The court heard that a figure was agreed between the parties. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme Fr Patrick (Paddy) Hagan of the 1959 class of St Patricks Missionary Society, who served as the society director of the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan, Co Wicklow from 1965 to 1978, was be laid to rest in St Patricks Chapel On Tuesday, August 23, followed by his burial in the society cemetery. In July Paddy spent some time in hospital as his health began to deteriorate. After two weeks he returned to Kiltegan and resumed his normal routine. On the morning of August 23, he attended morning mass as usual. By evening time he began to feel unwell and he died later that night. He has been described as a man of remarkable character, distinguished by his unwavering constancy a quality that shone brightly, much like the morning star. It was likely this trait that caught the attention of the Central Leadership Team, leading to his appointment as director of the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan in 1965, at the relatively young age of 33. Despite his tender years, Paddy had already demonstrated a depth of maturity that would serve him well in this role. Over the next 13 years, Paddy would go on to accompany over 200 young men as they embarked on the journey to missionary priesthood. Patrick Joseph Hagan popularly known as Paddy, was born on May 2 1932 in Rhyne, Killoe, Co. Longford to Patrick Hagan and his wife Mary Kate (nee Prunty). He was the sixth born in a family of four girls and three boys. He attended Cullyfad National School in from 1937 to 1946 and had his secondary education in St Mels College from 1946 to 1951. In September 1951 Paddy joined the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan. From 1952-1955 he studied for his degree in Cork and then proceeded to Kiltegan for theology. He was among 24 priests ordained for St. Patricks Missionary Society by Bishop Thomas McGetttrick on May 24 1959 which was the biggest class ever ordained for the Society. After ordination Paddy was appointed to the diocese of Calabar in Nigeria and taught in schools and in the Junior Seminary. In 1965 he became the director of the Spiritual Year in Kiltegan, a position he held until 1978. During those summers he took courses in Loyola University in Chicago and earned a Master's Degree in religious education. At the 1978 chapter he was elected to the Central Leadership Team (CLT) of the Society, taking on the role of assistant Society Leader. After completing his term on the CLT, he took a sabbatical. In 1985 he took on a new mission in Malawi, in the diocese of Chikwawa and worked in the parish of Muona. In 1989 he was transferred to St. Peters Parish, Zomba. In 1990 he was appointed spiritual director in Kachebere Seminary. In 1991 he was once again called to Society Leadership as the regional for central and Southern Africa, based in Lilongwe. After twelve years as regional leader he took up the post of Parish priest of St. Kizitos, Chigoneka. Follow Independent Longford on Facebook After 53 years of service to the society at home in Ireland and in different African countries, Paddy decided to retire to Kiltegan as his sight had deteriorated significantly. Despite his poor eyesight he took an active part in all community activities. He maintained a great interest in the mission of the Society and kept up to date with all the news by listening to the radio and calling his friends and contacts on the phone. His leadership was marked by an unshakeable sense of fairness, a calm and gentle demeanour, and a judgment that was both sound and wise. One of Paddy's most striking qualities, however, was his ability to remain impartial he had no favourites, and treated each individual with the same kindness, respect, and dedication. This rare gift allowed him to build strong, meaningful relationships with those in his care, and to make a lasting impact on their lives. These qualities also served Paddy very well when he moved into leadership in the society. Paddy is predeceased by his parents Patrick and Mary, brothers Peter and Johnny, sisters Mary Dunleavy, Kathleen Hagan, Nellie Morrissey and Margaret Fortune. He is survived by his brother-in-law, John Morrissey, his nephews and nieces and their families, and his Society family. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed that Donard Health Centre in west Wicklow will not be re-opened and is instead being disposed of. The centre was closed during the Covid 19 pandemic and has never re-opened. Its prolonged closure has left the building in a poor and dilapidated condition, and now in need of significant refurbishment. The HSE had previously indicated the centre was being considered under its Minor Capital Programme for refurbishment and a return to use. However, in response to a recent parliamentary question tabled by Sinn Fein TD for Wicklow John Brady, the HSE has now confirmed that it deems the centre surplus to requirements and will dispose of it. Deputy Brady said this was the wrong decision and it will have a negative knock-on effect for the rural area. "I am firmly opposed to this decision from the HSE. Donard Health Centre has the potential to be a positive asset for the area if properly invested in. With the decision to dispose of the building, it ensures that the closure is permanent and is an enormous loss to the local community. We need increased funding and expansion of vital services like these, not for them to be cut and removed. Communities across West Wicklow deserve access to local, community-based healthcare and I will continue to campaign for this. Deputy Brady confirmed he has written to the HSE seeking a review of the decision. "Health centres like Donard are not just bricks and mortar. They are vital hubs for rural communities, offering basic GP care and providing the potential to host other community health and wellbeing services. The HSE doesnt believe it would be able to provide the high refurbishment costs needed to meet the relevant health and safety requirements that would allow the centre to reopen. Deputy Brady believes the move will come as a major blow to the community. To discard this resource is a mistake that will leave people travelling long distances for the most basic care. Donard Health Centre was a hugely important local service, particularly for the aging population in Donard and the neighbouring towns and villages. It gave people access to healthcare on their doorstep without the need for long and costly journeys. Doctors used to travel to the centre weekly and it made a real difference to older people and those with limited transport." he added. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Louis Chilton: Why Tom Hiddleston made the right move by stepping away from popcorn movie stardom As much-touted Bond role slips past him, the actors future looks like it will take a far more interesting turn Annalise Basso as Janice Halliday and Tom Hiddleston as Chuck in 'The Life of Chuck'. Photo: PA Louis Chilton UK Independent Tue 26 Aug 2025 at 06:30 To date, the career of Tom Hiddleston has been defined, largely, by two roles: the one he got, and the one he didnt. The first of these Loki, the Machiavellian god of mischief in Marvels Thor was the part that made his name, hoisting him to stardom in the early 2010s. LATEST | Australia Post pauses US-bound parcel shipments Decision after U.S. scraps customs tax ruleLetters and documents not affectedImpact to be mostly felt by small businesses: expert Anthony Albanese (Mark Baker/AP) Renju Jose Reuters Tue 26 Aug 2025 at 07:59 Australia's postal service said on Tuesday it had temporarily suspended parcel shipments to the United States after President Donald Trump's administration decided to scrap a customs tax rule that allowed low-value packages to enter duty free. Erin Patterson (centre) arrives for the hearing at the supreme court of Victoria in Melbourne. Photo: AAP The sole survivor of an Australian mothers poison plot has told the triple murderer he forgives her, a court heard. Erin Patterson (50) laced a beef Wellington meal with powdered death cap mushrooms before serving it to her estranged in-laws, Gail and Don Patterson. The mother of two also served the meal to Heather and Ian Wilkinson, the aunt and uncle of her husband, Simon Patterson. For all the fuss and posturing at the White House, no progress was made on the Ukraine war Trump will either commit to Ukraines survival, or walk away and let Russia grind out a victory Ukrainian forces with an anti-tank guided missile weapon system last weekend. Photo: Reuters Karen Tumulty Washington Post Tue 26 Aug 2025 at 06:30 When seven European leaders joined Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House last week, the stagecraft was everything their host could have desired. Vladimir Putins dislike of Zelensky holding up leaders meeting, Trump says US leader says there could be big consequences if Russia doesnt come to negotiating table Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and German vice-chancellor Lars Klingbeil meet in Kyiv, Ukraine. Photo: Reuters Jennifer A Dlouhy Bloomberg Tue 26 Aug 2025 at 06:30 US president Donald Trump said he spoke to Vladimir Putin in recent days and that he believed the Russian presidents dislike of Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky is holding up a meeting between the two leaders. At least 20 killed including medical staff, patients and journalists as Israelis target hospital in Gaza with artillery attack IDF used a double tap attack to kill rescue workers racing to the scene Four journalists among victims of Israeli strike on Gaza hospital Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy Tue 26 Aug 2025 at 06:30 Israel struck one of the main hospitals in the Gaza Strip yesterday and then, as journalists and rescue workers rushed to the scene, they hit the facility again. The double tap attack killed at least 20 people, and wounded scores more, local health workers said. latest | Israel claims double-tap strike on hospital that killed 20, including five journalists, targeted Hamas camera Bombing and shelling continue around Gaza CityIsraelis launch day of protests against the warGlobal outrage grows as Netanyahu calls Monday's hospital strikes a 'tragic mishap' Black smoke rising from burning tires on Highway 2, which was blocked by Israeli protesters. Photo: Yair Palti/Anadolu via Getty. Ohad Zwingenberg Associated Press Tue 26 Aug 2025 at 18:45 A deadly Israeli strike on a Gaza hospital that killed 20 people, including five journalists, was targeting what the military believed was a Hamas surveillance camera, as well as people identified as militants, the Israeli military said Tuesday. Livermore, CA (94550) Today Considerable clouds this morning. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. Near record high temperatures. High around 45F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear skies during the evening will give way to low clouds and fog after midnight. Low 36F. Winds light and variable. Indian Exporters Face 50% US Tariff Rate Effective August 27, 2025 The United States (US) has announced the imposition of additional tariff rates on goods from India under Executive Order (EO) 14329, signed on August 6, 2025. These custom duties come into force from 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time (EDT) on August 27, 2025, following official changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the US (HTSUS). The US has issued an official notice confirming that Indian exports will face a 50 percent tariff starting August 27, 2025. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security, released the notification on August 25, 2025. With this move, the overall tariff burden on Indian products entering the American market could climb to as high as 50 percentone of the steepest rates imposed by the US. Indian exporters are preparing for setbacks. Mounting pressure on Indias engineering goods exporters The doubling of US reciprocal tariffs on Indian engineering goodsfrom 25 percent to 50 percent effective August 27has raised concerns across the sector. As per a report published by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the increase in tariff is expected to affect nearly US$12.5 billion worth of exports from India, particularly in products outside the steel, aluminum, and automobile categories. Indian exporters note that while the earlier 25 percent duty strained cost margins, it was still comparable to the 1920 percent tariffs imposed on Southeast Asian competitors. The latest US tariff hike of up to 50 percent, however, has widened the cost gap significantly, reducing Indias competitiveness in the US market. Industrial clusters such as LudhianaJalandhar, which supply hand tools, machine parts, and spares, and the national capital region (NCR) belt, which produces fabricated assemblies, face order cancellations, production cuts, and potential job losses. Larger firms are reportedly considering shifting part of their supply chain to Mexico under the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA) framework or diversifying into Europe, West Asia, and ASEAN. Indias micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with limited resources, remain highly exposed to the US market. Global sourcing patterns are already shifting. China, Taiwan, and Vietnam are positioned to capture mid-range hand tools; Mexico is expected to dominate near-shore categories, while Germany, Japan, and Taiwan are likely to lead in precision machinery. How the US tariff on India will apply Under the new rules, most Indian goods shipped to the US will now face their regular import duty plus an extra 25 percent charge. This is set out in tariff code HTSUS 9903.01.84, which forms the basis of the policy. There are, however, some exceptions. Shipments that left India before August 27, 2025, and are cleared in the US before September 17, 2025, will not face the additional duty. Certain product categories, such as steel, aluminum, passenger vehicles, light trucks, copper products, humanitarian donations, and informational materials like books or films, are also excluded from the surcharge. To manage these changes, the US has introduced new tariff codes. These codes specify which goods are covered by the 25 percent duty, which are exempt, and which shipments qualify for temporary relief. Importantly, Indian products entering US Foreign Trade Zones after the effective date must be recorded under a special privileged foreign status, meaning they will still be subject to the new tariffs once released into the American market. Key Tariff Classifications Heading Article description Duty rate 9903.01.84 Most Indian-origin goods Base rate + 25 percent 9903.01.85 Shipments in transit before Aug 27, cleared by Sept 17 Base rate only 9903.01.86 Certain exempted goods (per tariff notes) Base rate only 9903.01.87 Steel, aluminum, autos, and related products Base rate only 9903.01.88 Humanitarian donations Base rate only 9903.01.89 Informational materials Base rate only Source: Notice, US Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security Prior to the new tariff order, Indian exports to the US were generally subject to import duties between 0.5 and 10 percent. Under the revised framework, an additional 25 percentage points are now levied on top of these existing base duties. US customs base rates on Indian goods in 2024 Indian exports to the United States have traditionally benefited from relatively low customs duties under the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) framework. While tariff levels varied by sector, the overall weighted average remained in the range of 23 percent. S.no. Sub-sector Base rates on imports from India in 2024 1. Alcohol, wines, etc. 2.49 2. Dairy products 1.54 3. Fish, meat, frozen and processed 0.59 4. Live animal products 0.66 5. Processed foods, sugar and cocoa preparations 4.67 6. Edible oils 1.4 7. Cereals, vegetables, fruits and spices 3.1 8. Tobacco, cigarettes, products 201.15 Source: Trumps Reciprocal Tariffs and India; Flagship Report, GTRI On the industrial side, the US customs rates on India are even lower, with most sub-sectors facing duties between 0.4 percent and 3.5 percent. Pharmaceuticals, one of Indias largest export categories, face almost negligible tariffs at 0.01 percent, while textiles, footwear, and ceramics pay slightly higher rates of 39 percent. S.no. Sub-sector Base rates on imports from India in 2024 1. Automobiles, Bikes and Parts 1.05 2. Shoes, footwear, parts 8.77 3. Diamonds, gold, silver and allied products 2.12 4. Pharmaceuticals 0.01 5. Artificial flowers, umbrellas, headgears 2.59 6. Clock, medical, furniture, toys, work of art 1.42 7. Ceramic products, glass, stone, cement products 3.38 8. Paper, wood articles 1.18 9. Rubber articles 2.03 10. Electrical, telecom, and electronics products 0.41 11. Textiles, fabric, yarns, fiber, carpets 3.55 12. Chemicals except pharma 3.39 13. Plastic articles 4.38 14. All machinery, boilers, turbines, computers, parts 1.3 15. Railway, aircraft, and ship parts 0.23 16. Leather products 7.29 17. Products of iron and steel 1.49 18. Made-up, worn clothing 8.99 19. Products of base metals 2.98 20. Ores, minerals, and petroleum 6.67 21. Garments 12.05 Source: Trumps Reciprocal Tariffs and India; Flagship Report, GTRI US ends duty-free de minimis treatment From August 29, 2025, the US will withdraw duty-free benefits on imported goods valued at US$800 or less. The move, announced by the USs CBP on August 18, eliminates the de minimis exemption, meaning that all low-value shipments entering the country will now attract the standard range of duties, taxes, and fees. For non-postal imports, compliance requirements will tighten. Shipments must be filed in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) under the appropriate entry type, and only parties authorized to make such filings will be allowed to do so. Postal shipments face their own set of obligations: international carriers moving packages into the US will need to maintain either a single transaction bond or a continuous bond, while importers choosing to file postal entries must hold a basic importation and entry bond in line with US regulations. Although the duty-free benefits have been largely removed, some categories will remain protected. Donations and informational materials, as defined under the US law, will continue to qualify for duty-free treatment. New duty rules for postal imports to the US A major change also applies to postal imports. Under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), these shipments will now be subject to tariffs that can be calculated in two ways. Importers may choose an ad valorem duty, tied to the products value and the applicable country-specific tariff rate, or a specific duty, set as a flat charge between US$80 and US$200 per item depending on the origin. However, the specific duty option is temporary and will be phased out by February 28, 2026, after which all postal imports must follow the ad valorem method. Implications for trade between India and the US The new tariff measures are expected to have wide-ranging consequences for both Indian exporters and American businesses. For Indian companies, the additional duties will drive up the overall cost of their shipments, reducing price competitiveness in the US market and potentially leading to a decline in demand. On the American side, importers will need to navigate the updated tariff codes with care, ensuring that their consignments are correctly classified to avoid unexpected costs. Beyond the immediate commercial effects, the decision reflects a new layer of strain in US-India trade relations. Background: Indias inclusion in the Russia sanctions framework The additional US tariffs on Indian imports originate from the sanctions framework established under then US President Joe Biden. EO 14024 (April 2021) declared a US national emergency in response to Russias foreign activities, while EO 14066 (March 2022) prohibited the import of Russian-origin oil and petroleum products. On August 6, 2025, President Donald J. Trump expanded this framework through EO 14329, citing Indias continued energy ties with Russia. As a result, USIndia trade, previously characterized by relatively low tariff levels, now faces some of the steepest duties applied by Washington. Effective rates on many Indian exports have risen from single digits to nearly 50 percent, altering pricing structures and competitiveness in the US market. Processing Payroll for Expats and Locals in India: Key Differences Available language Learn how payroll processing for expatriates (expats) differs from locals in India, from tax residency and social security to reporting and compliance. Indias role as a hub for global talent has expanded rapidly in the past decade. Multinational companies are hiring locally and bringing in expats to manage specialized functions. Though locals and expats fall under the same income tax law, the way their salaries, allowances, and deductions are treated differs a lot. Employment regulations in India India overhauled its labor framework in 20192020 by consolidating 29 separate laws into four comprehensive labor codes: The Code on Wages The Industrial Relations Code The Social Security Code The Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code These reforms aim to simplify compliance and establish a more unified framework for both employers and employees. It is important to note that the new labor codes have not yet been implemented. While the central government and most states have pre-published draft rules, a definitive timeline for full implementation has yet to be announced. Once enforced, the labor codes will apply to both local and expatriate workers. However, expatriate employment contracts often go beyond the standard provisions, typically including clauses related to repatriation benefits and cross-border arrangements. Fixed-term contracts are also becoming increasingly common among expatriates, offering greater flexibility to both employers and employees compared to traditional open-ended agreements. For expatriates, compliance begins the moment they arrive in India. Anyone entering on an employment visa and staying beyond 180 days must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival. Local employees are exempt from this step, which adds an additional layer of complexity to expat payroll management. Indias tax framework for expat staff Residency and tax liability Tax treatment depends on whether an individual qualifies as a resident under Indian law. India uses the 182-day rule, i.e., individuals spending 182 days or more in a financial year in India are treated as tax residents and taxed on their global income. For high-income non-resident Indians (earning above INR 1.5 million (US$17,221.1) from Indian sources), the threshold can reduce to 120 days if their total stay in the preceding four years is at least 365 days. A deemed residency rule also applies to Indian citizens earning more than INR 1.5 million (US$17,221.1) in India but not paying taxes in any other country. For expats, this classification determines whether their global income or only India-sourced income is taxable. Local ordinarily resident employees, by default, are always treated as residents, and their entire income from employment is taxed in India. Expat employees working for foreign enterprises may be exempt from expat tax in India if these conditions are met: An employees stay in India does not exceed 90 days during the relevant year; Foreign enterprise is not carrying on any trade or business in India; and The compensation paid is not claimed by the employer as a deduction from taxable income in India. Other taxes Employers deduct taxes at the source (TDS), but rates and treatment can differ between expats and locals depending on residency status, treaty benefits, and nature of income. Expats often require some coordination with tax professionals to apply the right rates and ensure proper credit under double taxation treaties. Professional tax is levied at the state level, ranging between INR 200 (US$2.3) and INR 2,500 (US$28.7) annually. Some states exempt foreign nationals, while others apply the same rates as for locals. Employers must check state-specific rules when managing payroll for expats. Double taxation avoidance agreements (DTAAs) India has signed over 94 comprehensive DTAAs and 8 limited DTAAs. For expats, these treaties are helpful because they prevent double taxation and can lower withholding tax rates. For example, the India-US DTAA reduces dividend withholding tax from 20 percent to 15 percent (if the beneficiary is a company holding at least 10 percent of the voting stock of the dividend-paying company) and technical services fees from 20 percent to 15 percent or 10 percent (if done for payments for the use of industrial, commercial, or scientific equipment). Employers processing payroll for foreign nationals must track the applicable treaty, ensure tax residency certificates are collected, and apply the correct withholding. Indias social security contributions under payroll processing The provident fund (PF) is mandatory for organizations with 20 or more employees, requiring a 12 percent contribution each from employer and employee. Locals are automatically covered, while expats must contribute unless they are exempt under a social security agreement (SSA). India has signed SSAs with some countries like Belgium, Germany, and France. Expats from these countries can obtain a Certificate of Coverage from their home country to avoid dual contributions. Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) applies to employees earning up to INR 21,000 (US$241) per month and INR 25,000 (US$286.9) per month for employees with disabilities, with contributions of 0.75 percent from employees and 3.25 percent from employers. Since most expats earn far above this threshold, ESIC generally does not apply to them, whereas it can cover many local employees. Salary structures in India and benefits Compensation packages for local employees in India often follow the given format: Basic salary forms 40-50 percent of cost-to-company; House Rent Allowance (HRA) can be up to 50 percent of basic + dearness allowance in metro cities; Leave Travel Allowance (LTA) is usually 10 percent of basic pay per year, and Medical allowance can vary between INR 1,250-15,000 (US$14.3-US$171.9) per month. By contrast, expat packages are much more comprehensive and can cost two to three times the base salary. In Mumbai, expat packages average around US$217,165 annually, placing the city among the worlds highest-paying locations for foreign workers. These packages often include housing allowances, education support for children, relocation benefits, and hardship allowances. Many expats are paid under split payroll arrangements, where part of the salary is delivered in the home country currency and the rest in Indian rupees. This allows them to meet home-country obligations such as mortgages or insurance, and another part is paid in Indian rupees for local expenses. Some companies adopt currency hedging strategies to protect against fluctuations that could impact both employer costs and employee purchasing power. Immigration and visa requirements Payroll for expats is closely tied to immigration rules. Employment visas require a minimum salary threshold of US$25,000 annually, with validity for one year and extension up to five years. Exemptions exist for specific roles such as language teachers, ethnic cooks, and embassy staff. Once in India, expats must maintain FRRO registration, file annual tax returns, and ensure visa renewals are on time. Instances of non-compliance can disrupt your employment plans and directly impact payroll continuity. Employers, therefore, need a system to monitor visa timelines and coordinate with authorities. Administrative complexities in expats payroll Compared to locals, expats involve far more documentation. Employers must prepare: Form 15CA/15CB for remittances abroad; Tax residency certificates to claim DTAA relief; Detailed cross-border employment contracts; and Immigration compliance reports for Indian authorities. Beyond this, both expats and locals require standard filings like Form 16, monthly PF returns, half-yearly ESIC returns, and annual tax returns by July 31 but the complexity for expats is much greater because of additional reporting requirements. [highlight] Form 15CA is required for remittances to non-residents and serves as a declaration of tax compliance. Form 15CB is a certificate issued by a chartered accountant (CA), required when taxable remittances exceed INR 500,000 (US$5,738.5) in a financial year. These apply to salary remittances only if the gross remitted amount is taxable or hasnt undergone proper TDS deduction. If it is a net salary remitted to ones own account, already taxed in India, banks usually do not require Forms 15CA or 15CB. [/highlight] Practical approaches for employers Employers and human resources (HR) departments each can ensure smooth arrival and work experience for expats in India. For Employers, these measures can help reduce risk: Establish clear policies distinguishing expat and local employee treatment; Implement tracking systems for days present in India (for 182-day rule compliance); Engage local experts for complex tax and immigration matters; Consider split payroll structures for senior expat positions; and Maintain detailed documents for all cross-border employment aspects. HR departments can ensure smooth onboarding and work experience in the following ways: Monitor visa expiry dates and renewal requirements closely; Coordinate with FRRO for timely registration and updates; and Track DTAA eligibility and ensure proper certificate collection. Summary The payroll structure for locals and expats in India is a balance between uniform tax rules and special provisions for foreign employees. Local residents are subject to standard deductions and PF rules, whereas expats face variations in allowances and social security contributions. Employers that pay attention to these nuances while designing their payroll systems not only ensure compliance but also create a smoother experience for employees. (US$1 = INR 87.2) Vinayaka Chaturthi Ganeshotsav Anant Chaturdashi Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Wednesday, 27 August Puja Timings for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 ( Image credit : Happy Ganesh Chaturthi Images, cards, photos & posters | Credit: Canva ) Ganesh Chaturthi puja in 2025 Will Schools Remain Closed on Ganesh Chaturthi 2025? Are Banks Closed on Ganesh Chaturthi 2025? Key Highlights for Ganesh Chaturthi Holiday 2025 Date: Wednesday, 27 August 2025 Wednesday, 27 August 2025 Festival Duration: 10 days (main celebration on 27 August) 10 days (main celebration on 27 August) Schools Closed: Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh (may vary by district) Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh (may vary by district) Bank Holiday: Observed in multiple states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and more Observed in multiple states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and more Puja Timings: 11:02 AM to 1:36 PM Why is Ganesh Chaturthi Important? FAQs Ganesh Chaturthi Holiday 2025 Q. Is Ganesh Chaturthi a public holiday across India in 2025? Q. Will banks be closed on Ganesh Chaturthi 2025? Q. Are online banking and ATMs available on Ganesh Chaturthi? Q. Will private companies give a holiday on Ganesh Chaturthi 2025? Q. Why should one avoid looking at the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi? Disclaimer: Information provided here is based on publicly available sources and the RBI holiday list for 2025. Actual holiday dates and closures may vary by state, district, or institution, so please confirm with local authorities or official notifications. Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as, is one of the most popular Hindu festivals, celebrated with great devotion across India and around the world. The 10-day celebration marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and ends with, which is also known as Ganesh Visarjan. On the day of Visarjan, devotees immerse lord Ganesha's idol in a water body. Known by many names, including Vinayaka, Gajanana and Vighnaharta, Lord Ganesha is revered as the remover of obstacles and the bringer of good fortune, wisdom and prosperity.The festival usually falls between August and September, according to the Hindu month of Bhadrapada during Shukla Paksha. Each year, the date changes based on the lunar calendar. In 2025,According to the Hindu calendar, the most auspicious time (Muhurat) for performingwill begin at 11:02 AM and end at 1:36 PM, lasting for approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes. Devotees will perform special rituals, offer Modaks (a sweet delicacy), sing aarti, and conduct prayers seeking blessings for prosperity and happiness.Ganesh Chaturthi is an official holiday in many states, especially in western and southern India. In 2025, schools in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are expected to remain closed on Wednesday, 27 August. Some private schools and institutions in other states may also declare a holiday, depending on the local administrations decision. Parents and students should check official notices from their respective education boards or schools for confirmation.Banks across several states will not operate on 27 August 2025, as per the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) holiday calendar. Major financial hubs including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha and Tamil Nadu will observe a bank holiday on this day.Although physical branches will remain shut, customers can continue to use online banking, ATMs, mobile apps and digital payment platforms for routine transactions such as bill payments, fund transfers and deposits. Services that require in-person visits, like bulk cash deposits or demand draft issuance, will resume the following working day.Apart from being a cultural and religious celebration, Ganesh Chaturthi holds social importance. Families gather to perform rituals, artists create beautifully crafted idols, and communities organise public celebrations. Devotees believe praying to Lord Ganesha helps overcome challenges and brings success in new ventures, marriages and housewarmings.No, Ganesh Chaturthi is mainly a public holiday in states like Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.Yes, banks in several states will remain closed on Wednesday, 27 August 2025.Yes, online and ATM services will work as usual even when branches are closed.It depends on company policy. Some businesses in states where the festival is widely observed may declare a holiday.According to Hindu belief, looking at the moon on this day may lead to false accusations of theft. Sophie Rain pledges to support the recovery process of Syko Stu ( Image credit : According to social media pages, Sophie Rain is willing to provide financial support to U.S. Army veteran Syko Stu (Credits: X/@sophieraiin) ) Sophie Rain just left MrBeast, Adin Ross, and xQc shook after donating $1 million to his clean water charity pic.twitter.com/vyWFwCrrYH FearBuck (@FearedBuck) August 15, 2025 What happened between Raja Jackson and Syko Stu? Ive seen pro wrestling thorough out my whole life and this is one of worst things Ive ever seen. I hope Raja Jackson gets life in prison and my thoughts got to Syko Stu. https://t.co/sq6KanR3l3 Nemesis (@SenpaiNemesis__) August 24, 2025 ( Image credit : Syko Stu suffered injuries and was admitted to the hospital immediately after the horrific incident (Credits: X/@anonninja420) ) Syko Stu health update: Family member posts on social media that the wrestler is now conscious Andrew Smith gives a medical update on his brother Syko Stu following an assault by Raja Jackson. #WrestlingNewspic.twitter.com/QuJQ1atI1b Pro Wrestling & MMA News (@PWMMANews) August 25, 2025 ( Image credit : OnlyFans model Sophie Rain pledges to help with hospital bills" for U.S Army veteran and professional wrestler, Syko Stu (Credits: X/@sophieraiin) ) Professional wrestler and U.S. Army veteran, Syko Stu, recently made the headlines after former UFC fighter Rampage Jacksons son, Raja Jackson, attacked him at a KnokX Pro Wrestling event in California. Since the outrage on social media for the disturbing incident, various influencers had stepped up to provide support to the 39-year-old army veteran, and one of them turned out to be a popular OnlyFans model, Sophie Rain.The 20-year-old model has become a staple name on social media for revelations that suggest Sophie has donated a considerable amount of her earnings to charity, including Mr. Beasts TeamWater charity.According to social media pages, Sophie Rain is willing to provide financial support to U.S. Army veteran Syko Stu. The model allegedly said on one of her livestreams, "Heard he was a veteran that used wrestling as an outlet to get over PTSD, I'd love to help with hospital bills".Multiple videos and posts of Sophie Rain went viral, suggesting that she donates a significant amount of her earnings to charity. Previously, it was reported that Sophie Rain had donated $ 100,000 to one of her fans hospital bills on Christmas Day. Recently, Mr.Beast confirmed that Sophie Rains $1 million donation was the biggest contribution by any content creator for his CleanWater charity program.Syko Stu suffered injuries and was admitted to the hospital immediately after the horrific incident. Mr. Beast had also shared his desire to help the veteran if needed. Getting a supportive hand from prominent content creators like Mr.Beast and Sophie Rain will definitely be a huge boost for a successful recovery for Syko Stu.Things turned ugly at the Knox Experience wrestling show when Raja Jackson, who is not a trained wrestler, stormed into the action. Earlier in the night, U.S. Army veteran and professional wrestler Syko Stu (real name Stuart Smith) had struck Jackson with a beer can during a backstage segment. Though the two shook hands and agreed to turn it into part of the show, Rampage Jacksons son seemed unsettled throughout his Kick livestream.When Stu hit a spear in the ring, Jackson suddenly rushed in. He lifted Stu, slammed him down hard, and unleashed a flurry of punches, at least 20, while wrestlers scrambled to pull him off. Stu appeared knocked out and bloodied, leaving the crowd in shock.Raja Jackson was dragged out, ranting on his stream, before later receiving a call suggesting Stu had flatlined. Jackson responded with a chilling, My bad, leaving fans stunned and questioning what was real and what went too far.The incident created major outrage on social media among wrestling fans who had called for prison charges on Raja Jackson for his attack.Syko Stus family member had provided an update on the wrestlers health condition. The post read, Thank you for the outpouring of support. Stuart is conscious and does have some recollection of events from the day of the attack, Andrew wrote.He further added, Thank you, everyone, for reaching out. Its been difficult to get back to everyone individually. We will be setting up something for anyone wishing to donate. I will update with a link when possible. Hes currently resting and says, Thank you for the love and support. This update brings a spark of relief among the pro-wrestling community, while names like Sophie Rain and Mr.Beast openly lend their support for his complete recovery if required. Salman Khan Shah Rukh Khan Shah Rukh Khan also welcomes the Ganpati idol at his Mannat home every year. He celebrates the festival with Gauri Khan and their children. Every year he also shares pictures of their Ganpati celebrations with fans on social media. While this years pictures havent come out yet, take a look back at previous celebrations to enjoy the charm and devotion of the Khan family. The Kapoors The Kapoor family is also famous for their grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, especially at the iconic RK Studios. This tradition was started by Raj Kapoor and was lovingly continued by the family over the years. However, in 2019, Randhir Kapoor revealed that after selling RK Studio, the Kapoor family has decided to pause their 70-year-old tradition of celebrating Ganesh Utsav. ( Image credit : The Kapoor family | Credit: Times of India ) Shilpa Shetty Everyone knows about Shilpa Shetty's lively and heartfelt Ganpati celebrations every year. In the past, even during challenging times, like when her husband, Raj Kundra, was in jail, and her sister Shamita Shetty was inside Bigg Boss OTT , Shilpa brought the Ganpati idol home alone with her son, Viaan. Take a look back at their last year celebrations. Her devotion to Bappa is well-known, though this year, the celebrations will be paused due to the demise of one of her family members. Heres what she said about this on her Instagram. ( Image credit : Heres what she said about this on her Instagram. | Credit: Instagram/Shilpa Shetty ) Sonu Sood Finally, Sonu Sood, widely appreciated for his humanitarian work during the pandemic, celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi every year. In an interview with ETimes , in 2021 he shared that he has been bringing Bappa home for almost 22 years. While this years celebration pictures arent yet available, past celebrations show his warm family celebrations and devotion. ( Image credit : Sonu Sood has been bringing Bappa home for almost 25 years. | Credit: Times of India ) Other Bollywood celebrities celebrating Ganpati Many other Bollywood stars also celebrate Ganpati at home and are expected to welcome the idol this year. Shraddha Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Ananya Panday, Dia Mirza, and Kriti Sanon are among the actors who share glimpses of their celebrations online, spreading festive vibes among fans. Take a look at their past celebrations. TV stars also bring Bappa home every year. Gurmeet Choudhary and Debina Bonnerjee, along with Ankita Lokhande and Bharti Singh, are celebrating Ganpati at home this year. Videos of them welcoming the idol are already going viral, showing fans the start of the festive spirit ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi. #GurmeetChoudhary and #DebinaBonnerjee arrive with their kids to take Ganpati Bappa home. pic.twitter.com/U4j00R063B Take One Filmy (@TakeOneFilmy) August 25, 2025 The celebrations have begun, and fans can look forward to seeing more celebrities sharing their Ganpati moments in the coming days. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Ganesh Chaturthi is just around the corner, and Bollywood celebrities are getting ready to welcome Lord Ganesha into their homes. Every year, actors celebrate the festival with family and devotion and this year is no different. While many stars are continuing their traditions, some will miss the celebrations due to personal reasons.Check out the families who celebrate without fail and those expected to welcome Bappa this year, from TV stars to Bollywood celebrities.Salman Khan is one of the celebrities who celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi every year at his residence, Galaxy Apartments, with his entire family. In the past, other celebrities have often joined in the festivities. This year, Bappa will be at his home once again, but before Salman shares this years pictures, take a look at last years celebrations. Jacklyn Bezos succumbs to Lewy body dementia ( Image credit : Jacklyn Gise Bezos, passed away on August 14, at the age of 78, after a long battle with Lewy body dementia | Credit: X/ ) What did the Google AI Overview show Daily Mail ( Image credit : Under the section titled key details about the event, the dubious claim that Eminem sang his 2005 hit Mockingbird at the service was listed | Creit: X/Shadyind ) BBCmovie.cc British Broadcasting Corporation BBC ( Image credit : The false claims appeared in Googles AI-generated search results days before the actual funeral service took place | Credit: X/TheSonOfWalkley ) Bezos shares heartfelt tribute to late mother Bezos, 61, and his wife, Lauren Sanchez, 55, were seen arriving hand-in-hand at the intimate ceremony at the Caballero Rivero Westchester funeral home in West Miami. They were joined by other members of the Bezos family. ( Image credit : The ceremony took place at the Caballero Rivero Westchester funeral home in West Miami | Credit: X/cirrkus ) Google responds to allegations The 'vast majority of AI Overviews are high quality and meet our high bar for helpfulness and accuracy,' a Google spokesperson told the Daily Mail . Google has since updated the AI-generated summary to reflect the actual events. The tech giant launched its AI Overview feature last year, which provides users with a summary of information from across the web for their queries, appearing at the top of the search results page before the standard listings. AI sources information from available websites without independently verifying its accuracy. And so, it is better to avoid blindly trusting in the summaries. Such systems draw information from fake sites, which leads to the spread of misinformation. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Googles artificial intelligence system has come under the fire for spinning wild, false stories, claiming that Eminem performed at Jeff Bezoss mothers funeral and that Elon Musk made a surprise appearance. Events that never happened.The false claims appeared in Googles AI-generated search results days before the actual funeral service took place.The business tycoons mother, Jacklyn Gise Bezos, passed away on August 14, at the age of 78, after a long battle with Lewy body dementia. It is a progressive brain disorder that affects thinking, movement, behavior, and mood and is caused by abnormal protein deposits that build up in brain cells, disrupting normal brain function.Her funeral was held privately on August 22 in West Miami.There were no public performances or celebrity appearances. Despite this, Google AI Overview feature promoted an entirely false narrative, which quickly gained traction online before being corrected.According to the, Google Overview falsely stated, The service was attended by family, friends, and notable figures, with reports of unexpected appearances by Elon Musk and Eminem, who reportedly delivered a moving tribute.Under the section titled key details about the event, the dubious claim that Eminem sang his 2005 hit Mockingbird at the service was listed.One source of the false information was a website called , mimicking the name of the), the publication reported.In addition to the false, misleading information, the site further featured doctored images of Elon Musk placing his hand on a grieving Jeff Bezos during the funeral.Ironically, the site raises security warnings when users attempt to visit it, highlighting potential risks.Jeff Bezos honored his mother with a heartfelt tribute shared on his Instagram profile. He wrote, I know she felt our love in those final moments. We were all so lucky to be in her life. I hold her safe in my heart forever.I love you, mom, the post ended. ( Image credit : Lord Ganesh's cute image ) Ganesh Chaturthi Wishes 2025 May the divine presence of Lord Ganpati fill your home with love and happiness. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! On this auspicious day, may Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles from your path and fill your life with joy and prosperity. May the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha bring you peace and harmony in life. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Wishing you a year filled with new beginnings and opportunities as you celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi. May Lord Ganesha bless you with wisdom and success this Ganesh Chaturthi. May Lord Ganesha bless you and your family with happiness, success, and prosperity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles and pave the way for a bright and prosperous future. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May the divine grace of Ganesha be with you today and always. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! ( Image credit : Ganesh Chaturthi wishes image ) Sending warm wishes on Ganesh Chaturthi to you and your family. Let's welcome Lord Ganesha with love and devotion. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May your life be as colourful and joyful as the decorations of Lord Ganesha. Happy Vinayaka Chaturthi! May Lord Ganesha bless you with knowledge and wisdom. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May Ganesha's blessings be with you always. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Ganpati Bappa Morya! Wishing you strength and wisdom ahead. Wishing you a joyful and auspicious Ganesh Chaturthi. May Lord Ganesha's presence bring joy to your home. On this Ganesh Chaturthi, may your life be filled with positivity and success. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May you be blessed with the strength and courage to overcome all obstacles. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Ganpati Bappa Morya! May the arrival of Lord Ganesha bring good luck and prosperity into your life. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Wishing you a joyful Ganesh Chaturthi! May Lord Ganesha bring happiness, prosperity, and success to your life. May Lord Ganesha shower his blessings on you and your family. Happy Vinayaka Chaturthi! May the Lord of wisdom and prosperity, Ganesha, bless you with a bright and successful future. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha bring you eternal happiness. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Wishing you a blessed Ganesh Chaturthi filled with love, peace, and good fortune. Wishing you a Ganesh Chaturthi filled with laughter, joy, and all the things that bring happiness to your heart. On this auspicious occasion, may lord Vigna Vinayaka remove all obstacles from your life and fill it with joy and success. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Lets welcome Lord Ganesha with devotion in our hearts and hope in our lives. Wishing you a blessed Ganesh Chaturthi! May Lord Ganesha bless you with wisdom, prosperity, and happiness. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Messages ( Image credit : Ganesh Chaturthi Images, GIFs, Cards, Photos, Wallpapers, and Posters To Share ) Wishing you a colourful and joyful Ganesh Chaturthi celebration with your friends and family. Bappa's blessings are infinite for those who hold infinite love and devotion towards him in their hearts! May your life be free of obstacles and full of achievements. May Lord Ganeshas divine presence bring light to your home and happiness to your heart. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! On this special day, may you be blessed with inner peace and spiritual enlightenment. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May Lord Ganesha's wisdom guide you on the right path and lead you to success in all your endeavours. May Lord Ganesha always be by your side in every step of your journey. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! May this Ganesh Chaturthi bring good health, wealth, and success to you and your loved ones. Sending you heartfelt wishes for a blessed and joyous Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. Let us welcome Lord Ganesha into our homes with devotion and gratitude. Wishing you a blessed and joyful Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! On this holy occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I wish that the blessings of Lord Ganesha be with you. Your heart and home be filled with happiness, peace, and prosperity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May the almighty always be with you. Wish you a very happy and prosperous Ganesh Chaturthi. Sending love and prayers this Ganesh Chaturthi. I heartily wish Lord Ganesha fills your home with prosperity and fortune. Best wishes on Vinayak Chaturthi for you and your family! May your life be filled with joy and your dreams come true with the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! On this special day, may Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles and pave the way for a bright future. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! May the blessings of Lord Ganesha fill your heart with joy and your home with positivity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Sending you heartfelt wishes for a blessed and prosperous Ganesh Chaturthi. Jai Ganesh! As we celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha, may your life be filled with happiness and prosperity. May you be blessed with the strength and courage to overcome life's challenges. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! May Lord Ganesha's presence bring peace and harmony to your family. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May Bappas presence bring peace to your heart. Wishing you a colourful and joyful Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. May your life be as vibrant as the festival. May the god of fortune bestow his divine blessings upon you and your loved ones. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! On this Ganesh Chaturthi, may you find new beginnings and opportunities in every aspect of your life. Ganesh Chaturthi vibes on point! May Lord Ganesha bless you with good health and success in all your endeavors. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! May your home be blessed with happiness and good fortune. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Lets welcome Bappa with devotion and celebrate the spirit of togetherness. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Sending you warm wishes on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. May Lord Ganesha bless you abundantly. May the lord Ganesha remove all obstacles and bring peace and prosperity to your life. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Ganpati Bappa Morya! Wishing you a day filled with devotion, love, and modaks! Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! Ganesh Chaturthi Quotes 2025 ( Image credit : Ganesh Chaturthi wishes image ) "As we welcome Lord Ganesha into our homes, may he bless us with happiness and prosperity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!" "May the blessings of Lord Ganesha always be upon you. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!" "On this auspicious day, may Lord Ganesha shower his blessings upon you and your loved ones. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!" "May the divine presence of Lord Ganesha fill your home with peace and harmony. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!" "Celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha with joy and devotion. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!" "May Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles from your life and bless you with success and happiness." "May Lord Ganesha bless you with wisdom and knowledge. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!" "Wishing you a year filled with happiness, love, and prosperity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!" "May the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha be with you always. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!" "May Lord Ganesha bring peace, happiness, and success to your life. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!" "Ganpati Bappa Morya! May Lord Ganesha fill your home with prosperity and happiness." "On this Ganesh Chaturthi, may you find all the delights of life and may all your dreams come true." "May Lord Ganesha bless you with happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!" "Wishing you a joyful and blessed Ganesh Chaturthi. May the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha be with you always." "May Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles and shower you with success. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!" Short wishes and messages for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 As we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, may your life be filled with positivity and success. May Lord Ganesha bless you and your family with good fortune, wisdom, and remove all obstacles. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May Lord Ganesha fill your life with joy, peace, and good fortune. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Wishing you a blessed Ganesh Chaturthi filled with love and laughter. On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I pray to Ganpati to always keep us safe from problems in life and show us the right path to walk on. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi. Wishing you and your family a wonderful day honouring Lord Ganesha! Let's celebrate this Ganesh Chaturthi with joy and happiness. May the blessings of Lord Ganesha be with you today and always. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! On this holy occasion, may Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles from your path. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May this Ganesh Chaturthi bring you new beginnings and endless happiness. May the Ganpati ji guide you towards success and prosperity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Wishing you a day filled with devotion and celebration. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! To dear friend, happy Ganesh Chaturthi wishes for you. I send loving gifts for you to celebrate this festival and hope you have a good ritual of praying to the elephant God. May Lord Ganesha shower his blessings upon you and your family. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Sending you warm wishes on Ganesh Chaturthi. May your life be filled with love and laughter. May the divine presence of Lord Ganesha fill your home with peace and positivity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! On this auspicious day, may Lord Ganesha's blessings be with you always. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles from your life and fill it with joy. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Wishing you a joyous and prosperous Ganesh Chaturthi celebration! May Lord Ganesha bless you with happiness and success. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Happy Ganesh Chaturthi May Bappa cancel all your worries like spam mail Sending you modak-level sweetness this festive season! Ganpati Bappa Morya May your 2025 glow-up be unstoppable! Bappas blessings >>> good luck charms Wishing you a Ganesh Chaturthi full of good vibes only May Ganesha delete your stress & upgrade your happiness Modaks, blessings & main character energy Thats your vibe this year! Happy Ganesh Chaturthi Stay blessed, stay iconic May your life be as lit as the pandal lights this season Bappas got your back no trial version, full subscription Wishing you 10 days of peace, joy & unlimited positivity Bappa is here! May He fill your life with joy and wisdom. Wishing you peace, prosperity, and positivity this Ganesh Chaturthi 2025. Lets welcome Lord Ganesha with love and eco-friendly celebrations! May Bappa remove your worries and bring endless happiness. Ganpati Bappa Morya! Blessings and good vibes your way. Celebrate faith, love, and togetherness this Ganesh Chaturthi. May modaks of happiness sweeten your life forever. Lord Ganesha bless you with strength and success. With every aarti, may your heart glow with positivity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! Lets welcome new beginnings. Ganesh Chaturthi Greetings ( Image credit : Ganesh Chaturthi Images, GIFs, Cards, Photos, Wallpapers, and Posters To Share ) As we welcome Lord Ganesha into our homes and hearts, may he fill your life with joy and prosperity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha, bless you with a smooth and successful journey in life. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! On this auspicious occasion, may Lord Ganesha bless you with good health, wealth, and happiness. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Wishing you a Ganesh Chaturthi filled with devotion, love, and happiness. May Lord Ganesha bless you abundantly. May the divine presence of Lord Ganesha bring you wisdom and strength to overcome all challenges. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May the blessings of Lord Ganesha fill your life with joy, prosperity, and good fortune. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! On this special day, may you find new beginnings and opportunities. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to you and your family! As we celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha, may his blessings bring peace and harmony to your life. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! May Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles from your path and grant you success in all your endeavours. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Sending you warm wishes on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. May your life be filled with the blessings of Lord Ganesha. May your life be as colourful and joyful as the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Wishing you happiness and prosperity. May the divine presence of Lord Ganesha always be with you to guide and protect you. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! On this auspicious day, may Lord Ganesha fill your life with love, laughter, and success. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Wishing you a joyful and blessed Ganesh Chaturthi. May all your obstacles be removed by the grace of Lord Ganesha. May Lord Ganesha bless your home with happiness and prosperity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 Wishes and messages in English ( Image credit : Ganesh Chaturthi Images, GIFs, Cards, Photos, Wallpapers, and Posters To Share ) May you and your loved ones always be surrounded by the love and blessings of Lord Ganesha. Warm wishes on Ganesh Chaturthi to you. Ganpati Bappa Morya! May Lord Ganesha remind you of all the strengths you possess to work harder in life and achieve what you desire. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to you. Today is the auspicious day of Lord Ganesha. Celebrate it with the joy of your heart and help people understand the values of Lord Ganesha. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi. On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, may Lord Ganesha shower his blessings on you and your family. Wishing you a happy and prosperous celebration! Ganesh Chaturthi blessings to you and your family. May the almighty Lord Ganesha bless you all with good things and perfect health. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi. Lord Ganesha will always clear the darkness for us. Just keep the faith. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi. May Lord Ganesha's blessings be the guiding light in your life, leading you to success and happiness. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! On this auspicious day, may you find the courage to face challenges and the patience to achieve your goals. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! May Lord Ganesha bless you with the strength to overcome obstacles and the wisdom to make the right choices in life. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Let's celebrate the Lord of new beginnings with a heart full of gratitude and devotion. Wishing you a very Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! As the vibrant festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi begin, may your heart be filled with devotion and your home with happiness. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! May the modakas and laddoos of Ganesh Chaturthi sweeten your life with joy and success. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Sending you warm wishes and prayers for a blessed Ganesh Chaturthi. May all your dreams and aspirations come true. As you celebrate the birth of Ganpati ji, may your life be filled with wisdom, love, and prosperity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2025! May the divine presence of Lord Ganpati bring harmony and happiness to your home. Wishing you a joyful Ganesh Chaturthi! On this sacred day, may Lord Ganesha shower you with his blessings and protect you from all harm. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! 2025 Ganesh Chaturthi Whatsapp status ( Image credit : Ganesh Chaturthi wishes image ) May the divine energy of Lord Ganesha guide you towards the path of success and fulfillment. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! On this auspicious occasion, may Lord Ganesha bless you with wisdom and courage to overcome all obstacles. Ganpati Bappa Morya! May the blessings of Lord Ganesha fill your life with happiness, success, and prosperity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Let's celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha with love and devotion. Wishing you a Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! As the modaks are offered and the aartis are sung, may your life be filled with blessings and positivity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! On this Ganesh Chaturthi, may you find new beginnings and success in all your endeavors. Ganpati Bappa Morya! May the divine presence of Lord Ganesha bring peace and harmony into your life. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Wishing you a day filled with happiness and celebrations as we honor the birth of Lord Ganesha. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! As we welcome Lord Ganesha into our homes and hearts, may he bring with him endless joy and prosperity. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Ganpati Bappa Morya! May Lord Ganesha shower you with his choicest blessings. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Sending my warmest wishes on Ganesh Chaturthi! May you achieve all your goals with the blessings of Lord Ganesha. May the blessings of Lord Ganesha always be with you. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to you and your family! On this auspicious day, may Lord Ganesha fill your home with peace, love, and good fortune. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! May Lord Ganesha remove all obstacles from your path and fill your life with love and laughter. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! Wishing you all a joyful and prosperous Ganesh Chaturthi! May Lord Ganesha bless you with success and happiness. Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most loved Hindu festivals, celebrated with energy and devotion across India and by Hindus worldwide. This special occasion marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity, and fresh beginnings.The festival is observed on the fourth day of the bright lunar fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which usually falls in August or September. In 2025, Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Wednesday, 27 August, and the grand immersion, known as Ganesh Visarjan, will take place on Saturday, 6 September, on Anant Chaturdashi.The celebrations include placing beautifully crafted Ganesha idols at homes and in public pandals. Devotees worship the deity with deep devotion for 10 days, which ends with the Visarjan a colourful procession where the idols are immersed in rivers, lakes, or the sea, signifying Lord Ganeshas return to his heavenly home.During the festival, people perform prayers, chant hymns, light lamps, and prepare delicious offerings. The sweet Modak, said to be Lord Ganeshas favourite, is a must-have during the celebrations.Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a religious event; it is a time of togetherness, cultural programmes, and community gatherings. Families, friends, and communities come together to celebrate, share joy, and spread positivity.As the festival draws near, heres a wonderful collection of Ganesh Chaturthi wishes, quotes, messages, and images to share with your loved ones. Use them to greet family, friends, or colleagues and spread festive cheer on this auspicious day. ( Image credit : Love, Take Two Episode 8 online. Credit: TvN ) Love, Take Two: Release date and time for Episode 8 Where to Watch Love, Take Two Episode 8 Online? Love, Take Two episode 8: Spoilers Love, Take Two I can't like you more or less. just because you're sick I used to say that these days.. I know what kind of person you are and what kind of situation you're going through, and I like you for that, I just like you What a beautiful statement #LoveTakeTwo#LoveTakeTwoEp7pic.twitter.com/sKidfdqYZD Liz (@detailsedts) August 25, 2025 Love, Take Two: Cast and Characters FAQs Love, Take Two Love, Take Two Love, Take Two Love, Take Two Love, Take Two Love, Take Two Love, Take Two Answer: Love, Take Two Love, Take Two Love, Take TwoFans awaiting the K-drama Love, Take Two can stream Episode 8 online on August 26, 2025, at approximately 5:20 PM IST / 8:50 PM KST, as per the official scheduleThis story follows Lee Ji An, a tough single mother and construction manager who lives for her daughter, Lee Hyo Ri, a proud medical student. But when Hyo Ri rebels and Ji Ans first love, single father Ryu Jeong Seok, reappears, both families become entangled - especially as Hyo Ri sparks new feelings in Jeong Seok's flower-farmer son, Ryu Bo Hyeon.Episode 8 airs on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in South Korea and will go live around 8:50 PM KST on the TVING channel. Viewers in other time zones can expect the release at approximately 12:50 PM BST in the UK and 5:20 PM IST in India on the same day. The episode will also be available for international audiences via streaming on Viki and Wavve, which provide English subtitles to make the series accessible worldwide.Episode 8 is available to stream on Viki and Wavve, the main legal platforms offering high-quality video and English subtitles. For viewers in the U.S., Canada, India, Indonesia, and the UK, Viki and Wavve continues to be the top choices for watching the series.At the end of episode 6, Hyo-ri finally confesses to Bo-hyun, admitting with a trembling smile, "My heart races because of you I think I like you." Episode 7 continues with warmth as Sun-young joyfully opens her restaurant, welcomed by Ji-an, Hyo-ri, and a village full of laughter. When Bo-hyun's mother enters, Hyo-ri can't help but whisper in awe, "She's so beautiful."Meanwhile, Jeong-seok teaches Ji-an to ride a bike - she falls, but he tenderly tends to her wound, a gesture his mother disapproves of. Confronting her disapproval, Jeong-seok firmly defends Ji-an, refusing to let her be belittled. Later that night, fireflies illuminate the mountains as Hyo-ri leans closer to Bo-hyun, her feelings deepening.But peace is broken the next morning when Moon-hee goes missing. Ji-an finds her alone on the beach, where Moon-hee's painful confession about her late daughter leaves Ji-an deeply concerned for her well-being.Fronted by powerhouse leads Yeom Jung Ah, Park Hae Joon, Choi Yun Ji, and Kim Min Kyu, the series is further elevated by the presence of Kim Sun Young and Yang Kyung Won in supporting roles.Episode 8 will be released on August 26, 2025, and will air at 8:50 PM KST around 5:20 PM IST.Episode 8 will be available for streaming on Viki and Wavve, the platform offering English subtitles.Yes,is fully subtitled in English on Viki and Wavve, including Episode 8.Love, Take Two follows Lee Ji An, a strong single mother, whose life unravels when her daughter rebels and her first love reappears, entangling both families in unexpected emotions.No,is not available on Netflix. The drama officially streams on Viki and Wavve. ( Image credit : My Girlfriend is the Man! Episode 11 online. @webtoonofficial ) My Girlfriend is the Man!: Release date and time for Episode 11 Where to Watch My Girlfriend is the Man! Episode 11 Online? My Girlfriend is the Man! episode 11: Spoilers My Girlfriend is the Man!: Cast and Characters FAQs Fans of the hit K-dramacan stream Episode 11 online on August 27, 2025, at approximately 6:20 PM IST / 9:50 PM KST / 12:50 PM GMT / 8:50 AM ET, as per the official schedule.In this romantic K-drama, astronomy student Park Yun-jae falls for the kind-hearted Kim Ji-eun after a blind date. But their budding romance takes a shocking twist when Ji-eun suddenly wakes up in a man's body. As she fights to return to her true self and hold on to love, things grow even more complicated when another student begins to fall for her in her new form.Episode 11 airs on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 9:50 PM KST on KBS in South Korea. It will also be available for international viewers via streaming on Rakuten Viki and Viu offering English subtitles to make the series accessible to a global audience.Episode 11 is available to stream on Rakuten Viki, the main legal platforms offering high-quality video and English subtitles. In South Korea, it airs on KBS. For viewers in the U.S., Canada, India, Indonesia, and the UK, Viki and Viu continues to be the top choice for watching the series.Ji-Eun transforms back into her boy form, Ji-Hun, leaving Yun-Jae unsettled. When Min-Ju learns the truth, she confronts Ji-Eun, urging her to let Yun-Jae go. Yun-Jae pleads for silence, but Min-Ju refuses - her own feelings for him stand in the way.Yun-Jae's parents soon discover their son is dating a "boy," unaware Ji-Eun is truly a girl, and their shock cuts deep. Burdened by guilt, Ji-Eun asks Yun-Jae to break up, shattering both their hearts. Yun-Jae spirals into despair, drowning his pain in alcohol, while Min-Ju stays by his side. But in a vulnerable moment, she tries to take advantage of him, even leaning in for a kiss as he lies unconscious.The dramastars Yoon SanHa of the K-pop group ASTRO, Arin of OH MY GIRL, Yoo JungHoo, and Chuu in lead roles.Episode 11 will be released on August 21, 2025, at 10:50 PM KST / 4 PM (GMT) / 12 PM (ET) / 9:30 PM IST.Episode 11 will be available for streaming on Rakuten Viki and Viu, which offers English subtitles.Yes,is fully subtitled in English on Viki and Viu including Episode 11.follows astronomy student Yun Jae whose life turns upside down when his girlfriend Ji Eun suddenly transforms into a man.No,is not available on Netflix. The drama officially streams on Rakuten Viki and Viu. ( Image credit : Nikki Bhati's sister Kanchan trolled | Credit: Instagram | @kanchanbhati6668 ) Multiple videos online suggest Nikki's family is lying, and Vipin Bhati is 'innocent' Video interview of neighbours and nearby shop owners. It's clear via CCTV footage that it was Nikki's suicide attempt that failed horribly. Thank God for CCTV footage. The OutrageJeetas of India had already declared the guy a murderer#JusticeForNikkipic.twitter.com/5sGAuLkVLT Ambar (@Ambar_SIFF_MRA) August 25, 2025 Twist in the tale: Neighbours speak out on Scorpio car, Vipin gets support Crime Tak Amidst this, Kanchan's new video about her sister goes viral ( Image credit : New twist in Nikki Bhati Noida murder case; check details | Credit: X | @theskindoctor13 ) About Nikki Bhati's mysterious murder case The Nikki Bhati murder case from Greater Noida has gripped the nation, with new revelations surfacing on social media almost daily, leaving netizens shocked and sparking widespread conversation. From disputes over making reels to Nikki's plans to reopen her own parlour, each detail has added new layers to the tragedy. At the centre of it all is Vipin Bhati, the husband and the prime accused in her death. As the investigation unfolds, an unexpected development has emerged, indicating that Vipin's community and neighbours have now come forward in his support, further intensifying the public discourse. As per the latest updates, the CCTV footage and local testimonies suggest a possible suicide attempt. Let's find out more.Several videos circulating online claim that Nikki's family may not be telling the complete truth. Additionally, supporters of Vipin Bhati argue that he is being wrongly accused and insist on his innocence.On Monday, local villagers and Vipin's neighbours gathered outside the house in Sirsa village in support of the accused, citing that no one from the family was present inside the home during the time of the incident; hence, they questioned how they were involved in the murder. Video interviews with neighbours and nearby shop owners, along with CCTV footage, have added a new twist to the case.The footage reportedly shows that Nikki's tragic death was the result of a suicide attempt gone horribly wrong, challenging the initial narrative. Many online now point to this evidence as a crucial turning point, expressing relief that CCTV cameras captured the incident.Critics have also called out the swift public judgment, saying that OutrageJeetas on social media had already branded Vipin Bhati a murderer without waiting for facts to emerge.While some say Nikki committed suicide and set herself on fire, there was no involvement of the family, others believe the narrative, as they come in support for the accused.According to a report by, Vipin Bhati's neighbours have presented a drastically different version of events, claiming that the narrative put forth by Nikki's family is misleading. Their statements, along with emerging evidence, have reportedly turned the entire case on its head.In response, Nikki's family has dismissed these claims as false and manipulative. Adding to the controversy, reports suggest that the Scorpio car allegedly given as a dowry was later taken back, further deepening the conflicting accounts and raising serious questions about what truly transpired.Amid the supporters calling Vipin's arrest unfair, another video of Nikki's sister, Kanchan, is now doing the rounds on the internet. In the viral video, she can be heard crying and saying, 'Sister, what have you done?'Meanwhile, a large number of villagers gathered outside Vipin's house and said that the police should investigate the matter after gathering all evidence without any bias.Nikki Bhati tragically lost her life after being allegedly set on fire by her husband over ongoing dowry demands reportedly amounting to Rs 36 lakh. Tensions had reportedly escalated following her desire to reopen her beauty parlour and her interest in making Instagram reels, which were not well-received by her in-laws.According to her family, the situation worsened due to pressure and interference from her mother-in-law, father-in-law, and brother-in-law, all of whom are now under scrutiny as the investigation continues. Which sectors to come under the fire of Washingtons tariff hike? How will it impact the India and US market ( Image credit : The extra 25% tariff, which is being seen as a penalty, is being explained as a response to Indias continued buying of Russian oil | Credit: X/mmpadellan ) Indias measured reaction Modi 'ready to PAY very high price' to protect farmers' interest Speech comes against backdrop of Trump slamming India with 25% tariffs 'Farmer First' swipe at 'America First'? pic.twitter.com/MWTESsDRCV RT (@RT_com) August 7, 2025 Trumps duality Reconciliation with China ( Image credit : Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that India and China should view each other as partners rather than adversaries or threats | Credit: X/DrSJaishankar ) Friends dont behave like that: Russian diplomat backs India amid dispute ( Image credit : Russian Charge dAffaires Roman Babushkin said, The sanctions are a tool of unlawful competition Friends dont behave like that | Credit: X/RusEmbIndia ) No Trump is harmed in this video "If the West is criticising you, you must be doing something right", - Says Russian Diplomat Roman Babushkin in Delhi #India#Russia#RussianOil#Putinpic.twitter.com/ddfieQ4bWy Mayank (@mayankcdp) August 20, 2025 To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. In a major trade move, the US has moved to hike tariffs on Indian imports by 25%, pushing the total duty to 50%, sparking concerns for exporters.Washington and New Delhi clash in a fresh round of trade tensions as a US Homeland Security notification confirmed that it will impose 50% tariffs on Indian goods starting August 27, 2025.Earlier, the US had imposed a 25% tariff on India. The extra 25% tariff, which is being seen as a penalty, is being explained as a response to Indias continued buying of Russian oil, which the US says indirectly helps fund the war in Ukraine. This has been flagged as a national security risk by the Trump administration.The new increased duty will cover a wide range of exports ranging from textiles, gems, jewelry, leather products, machinery, to marine goods.However, sensitive sectors like electronics and semiconductors remain untouched. Made-in-India Apple iPhones and chips will not see immediate price increases.The notification also clarifies that exceptions will apply to in-transit shipments with valid certification, humanitarian aid consignments, and goods covered under reciprocal trade agreements.The Indian rupee weakened 0.2% to 87.75 per U.S. dollar in early trade. At present it stands at 87.62 (9:47 UTC). The Sensex and Nifty also dipped sharply.The Indian market faces job risks, especially, in the jewellery and diamond sectors with the US being its largest market.Small businesses in the US are also feeling the wrath. Indian restaurants and grocery outlets are likely to see rising costs for staples like spices and basmati rice, with expectations of further hikes once the new tariff takes effect.India has justified buying oil from Russia, saying that as a large energy importer it needs the cheapest crude to shield millions of poor citizens from higher prices."The government has no hope for any immediate relief or delay in US tariffs. It has identified nearly 50 countries for increasing Indian exports." a commerce ministry official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said that India is addressing the issue of trade with the US with a "very open mind, a positive outlook and the confidence that India-US relationship is very consequential and very important to both the countries."Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said last week that trade talks are ongoing, while pointing out that Washingtons concerns over Indias Russian oil imports are not applied with the same rigor to other major buyers such as China and the European Union. He added, ''If you dont like Indian oil or refined products, dont buy them. Nobody is forcing you. But Europe buys, America buys. So if you have a problem, just stop buying."Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed not to compromise on the interests of Indias farmers, even if it comes at a heavy cost.India has denounced the decision as unfair and unreasonable.Amidst the tariff war between US and India, the latter seems to be improving its ties with China. Modi is set to visit China for the first time in seven years. The trip is scheduled for the end of August.Donald Trump has repeatedly referred to India as a close friend and strategic partner. Despite the 25% tariff on Indian exports from August 1, 2025, Trump has continued to describe India as a good friend. He stressed that while ties with India remain positive, the country has long imposed very high tariffs that hurt businesses.America has done relatively little business with India because of the trade barriers, Trump said in his Truth Social posts. However, he also added that he still viewed India as an ally.However, industry leaders warn that nearly 66% of Indias exports to the U.S. could be hit, with China and Vietnam poised to fill the gap.China has condemned the US tariffs on India as an abuse of trade measures, labeling Washington a bully. As Beijing seeks to strengthen ties with New Delhi, it has resumed flights and eased trade restrictions.On his visit to Delhi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that India and China should view each other as partners rather than adversaries or threats.He urged more Indian companies to invest in China and said Beijing expects India to offer a fair and equal business environment for Chinese firms, so people in both countries can benefit.He added that global trade is being disrupted by tariff and trade wars, with power politics taking over and international rules facing serious challenges. A statement seen as a reference to Washingtons tariff actions against India and other nations.Russian Charge dAffaires Roman Babushkin said, The sanctions are a tool of unlawful competition Friends dont behave like that.His remarks during a press briefing established the fact that India and Russias relations remain uninterrupted amidst the tariff chaos. He also hinted at the hopeful revival of the Russia-India-China trilateral dialogue.However, there is no government directive yet on oil purchases from Russia, and companies will continue sourcing based on economic considerations, three refining sources told Reuters . Netflix With Love, Meghan The night Harry proposed Meghan Markle When she knew Harry was the one ( Image credit : Meghan also revealed the moment she realized she loved Harry. | Credit: Meghan Markle/Instagram ) Fried chicken at the royal wedding Personal touch on wedding menu What she misses about the UK ( Image credit : Meghan also shared she misses the UK. | Credit: Netflix ) With Love, Meghan season 2 episode recaps ( Image credit : Meghan Markle is back with With Love, Meghan Season 2. | Credit: Netflix ) Episode 1: A Sweet and Savory Adventure Episode 2: Its Way Past Our Bread-Time Episode 3: Easy as Pie Episode 4: How Bout Them Apples Episode 5: Spice Up Your Life Episode 6: Just for the Halibut Episode 7: A Weekend Away Episode 8: A High Tide Raises All Boats Netizenss reactions on With Love, Meghan season 2 My heart. Okay, it's going to be hard, but I have to try to stay off social media before you all post the entire show before I get a chance to see it . The countdown begins to the next #AsEver launch. #WithLoveMeghanOnNetflix#WithLoveMeghanseason2#WithLoveMeghanhttps://t.co/9MUa27A1nn justthefacts (@royalliedetectr) August 26, 2025 started watching with love, meghan and my girl is really good at everything! #WithLoveMeghan best of harry and meghan (@bestofhandm) August 26, 2025 Season 2 is an elevated more personal continuation of Season 1. Im glad Netflix production took the break between seasons because it allowed time to adjust and put more of Meghans voice into the storytelling. Its made for a genuinely enjoyable show. #WithLoveMeghan Your Thick Big Sis (@yourthickbigsis) August 26, 2025 This #WithLoveMeghan is just yet another platform for her to make nasty and snide digs at the Royal Family, who by the way gave her the title she is now making money from which was her intent the whole time. FAN of the Prince & Princess of Wales (@TribesBritannia) August 26, 2025 Where and when to watch With Love, Meghan Season 2 Netflix Will there be another season? With Love, Meghan For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Meghan Markle is back with the second season of hershow,, which premiered on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. The new season brings viewers into her kitchen and craft room, filled with fresh recipes, creative projects, and celebrity guests.Moreover, she also shares personal stories, including candid moments from her life with Prince Harry. Heres a look at the shows best moments, each episode's recap and what we know so far about the next season.The night Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle did not go perfectly. Meghan admitted that the chicken she cooked for him was a disaster. She said, "I was still having a lot of challenges with the conversion of Celsius and Fahrenheit. I made a horrible chicken that night. I mean, truly, truly terrible. So the point is, you can make a terrible chicken, and someone is still going to appreciate the thought."Meghan also revealed the moment she realized she loved Harry. Yes. That was our third date, she said. The couple met in Botswana, camped for five days, and got to know each other. Meghan added, You really get to know somebody when youre in a little tent together and theres like, What is that outside the tent? 'Thats an elephant. Are we going to be safe? Yeah, youre safe. Okay. When asked who said I love you first, Meghan said, He told me.For the first time, Meghan revealed what guests ate at the after-party of their wedding. Chef Clare Smyth zix, You know what else? Your fried chicken at the after-party. Meghan smiled, Yes! The late-night bites. Smyth explained, Its not really something I typically do, so we had to create a recipe for fried chicken. Meghan said, And you did.Meghan gifted Smyth a travel bag featuring her calligraphy. The chef recalled, You had it all hand-drawn, and it was stunning because it was personal.Meghan also shared she misses the UK, especially a radio station. Honestly, one of the things I miss the most about the UK is the radio station Magic FM, she told Tan France. Meghan now listens to a station called Mom Jeans and vintage soft rock in the US. Magic FM. Wow! Sorry to say this to you publicly, but thats such a grandma station, France joked. Meghan replied, Ill be that grandma.The new season brings everything from personal stories to new recipes and lifestyle tips. Heres the recap.In this episode, Meghan welcomed Daniel Martin, David Chang, and Christina Tosi. They made a caramelized onion tart and smores from scratch, and Meghan showed her skills in flower arrangement and water marbling.Episode 2 sees Chrissy Teigen join Meghan to make sourdough Cheez-Its, Thai iced tea boba, and a rosewater spray. They also made jewelry for their kids birth month flowers and shared memories from Deal or No Deal.Tan France appeared in this episode, and Meghan made fruit platters, French toast, and apple pies. She also shared personal moments about parenting and her love for Harry, revealing their Botswana camping trip.This episode saw Meghan pick fresh apples in her backyard and prepare apple butter and Persian fruit leather with Samin Nosrat. She also taught bookbinding and shared fun parenting stories.Jamie Kern Lima and Jay Shetty joined Meghan in episode 5. She prepared vegan coconut and chocolate macaroons and learned about Ayurvedic spices for parenting tips.Meghan cooks halibut, clams, and Parker House rolls with Clare Smyth in episode 6. She also shared stories from her wedding, including the famous fried chicken after-party recipe.In the second last episode, Meghan traveled to Los Angeles with Heather Dorak, making cookies, bath bombs, and pottery. She packed tips for staying close to family while traveling.In the last episode, Chef Jose Andres helped Meghan prepare a seafood paella. Meghan revealed Harry isnt a fan of lobster and hosted the full crew in her backyard for the meal.Fans who have already binged With Love, Meghan Season 2 rushed to X and other social media platforms to share their thoughts, reactions, and favorite moments from the show.One wrote, My heart. Okay, it's going to be hard, but I have to try to stay off social media before you all post the entire show before I get a chance to see it.Another commented, Started watching With Love, Meghan and my girl is really good at everything! #WithLoveMeghan. Others noted, Season 2 is an elevated more personal continuation of Season 1 Its made for a genuinely enjoyable show.Some criticized, saying, This #WithLoveMeghan is just yet another platform for her to make nasty and snide digs at the Royal Family."All eight episodes ofare streaming onas of Tuesday, August 26, at 3 a.m. ET / midnight PT.It is not yet known if there will be a third season of. Netflix has not made an official announcement. However, a holiday special is planned to premiere in December 2025. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (center) gestures as he arrives at the Hanwha Philly Shipyard for a ship christening ceremony on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, in Philadelphia, joined by Kim Dong-Kwan (DK), the Hanwha group's vice chairman, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. Hanwha has agreed to lead $5 billion in Korean investments in the yard amid trade, tariff and military procurement talks with President Trump. Hanwha, which has much larger shipyards in Korea, says it hopes to hire at least 3,000 more Philadelphians, add robots, new buildings, piers, cranes, and dry-docks, and boost Philly ship production from the current one every 8 months to 20 a year. Read more South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visited Hanwha Philly Shipyard Tuesday, joining U.S. officials to promote a trade, investment, and military partnership they said should vastly increase employment and production at the Philadelphia shipyard. South Korean business leaders said South Korea and its shipbuilders, led by Hanwha and Hyundai, have targeted $150 billion for Korean investments in U.S. shipbuilding, including at least $5 billion for improving the Philly yard. Advertisement The trip to Philadelphia followed a meeting Monday between Lee and President Donald Trump in Washington, and culminated with the dedication of the State of Maine, a Korean-designed multipurpose training ship built in Philadelphia. Hanwha has said it wants to more than double the workforce of 1,700 welders, operators, and contractors it employs locally, and hopes to speed its construction times from the current one ship every eight months to more than one a month. Gov. Josh Shapiro said at the shipyard Tuesday that the Philly shipyards workforce could grow to more than 5,000. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker was also in attendance. Hanwha has said it wants to turn a nearly 1,000-foot pier at the yard into a dry dock, adding a gate, pumps, and modern cranes that will cost at least $70 million. The company is also recruiting engineers and tradespeople, and shipyard CEO David Kim has said Hanwha plans to add additional robotics, and expand sites within and outside the yard, possibly including neighboring facilities or other sites along the Delaware. Lee, in his remarks Tuesday, noted that Philadelphia was the center of American shipbuilding for a long time, and said Naval warships that sailed from Philadelphia saved a lot of Korean people during the Korean War. Shipbuilding has been [a source of] hope for countless young Koreans. Philly Shipyard will likewise be remembered by young Philadelphians in the same way, Lee said. Jeff Vogel, vice president of legal for Tote Services the ship construction company that hired the Philly shipyard to build ships including State of Maine said other improvements to Philly Shipyard could include a second Goliath crane, which is used to move ship sections, as well as dredging and constructing larger buildings for ship work. Five billion dollars can be invested very quickly, Vogel said. Lee was welcomed at the airport Tuesday by Shapiro, who noted state and federal subsidies have supported Hanwha and other port businesses since the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard closed and private development began in the 1990s. This city built the American fleets that have protected us around the world since 1776, Shapiro said at the shipyard Tuesday. We are now writing the next chapter in American freedom and democracy. It is fitting that our nations that have such strong ties will write this new chapter together. Before traveling to the shipyard, Lee was expected to stop at the Philip Jaisohn Memorial House in Media Jaisohn, a champion of Korean independence, was exiled to the U.S. in 1883 and made a home in Media. At the shipyard, President Kim was joined by Hanwha Philly Shipyard CEO Kim, as well as local Congress members and other officials. In a late-afternoon gathering by the yards Delaware River waterfront, former U.S. Commerce and Labor Secretary Elaine Chao led ceremonies to christen the State of Maine, the latest Korean-designed, Philly-built, U.S. taxpayer-funded ship. Chao, who had served in Trumps cabinet, is married to U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.), and her family founded the Foremost Group, a shipping company that carries cargoes from China and other East Asian countries. Her role in Tuesdays event marked an apparent rapprochement with the Trump administration the president had targeted Chao in racist statements following her resignation. Investments in Philly shipbuilding Hanwha has been recruiting and training welders, machine operators, and other staff, and adding cranes and robots to its Philadelphia facilities, which it purchased for $100 million from former operator Aker at the end of 2024. The sale price was a fraction of federal and state investments in the shipyard since the late 1990s. South Korea is the second-largest shipbuilding nation, behind China, which builds more than half of all new ships. Hanwhas home yards are many times larger than its Philadelphia outpost. Local Democratic members of Congress, as well as Republicans, have supported shipbuilding subsidies and government orders for the Philly yard. Other South Korean companies that work with Hanwha are also investing in the Philadelphia area, said Kevin Kim, the Cheltenham lawyer who serves as president of the Korean American Association of Greater Philadelphia. He said Hanwhas larger scale and its emphasis on partnerships with federal and state officials, contractors, and education programs makes success for Hanwha more likely than for Hyundai Rotem. The Korean-owned transit railcar manufacturer, which opened a South Philly plant in 2008 and trained Philadelphia workers amid high hopes, closed in 2018 after failing to renew its contracts with SEPTA. Lee, in office since June, has been addressing tariffs, military cooperation, and hoped-for investments as part of Trumps MASGA Making American Shipping Great Again proposals. In addition to shipyard investments, South Korean government and industrial groups have also agreed to target up to $200 billion more to a wide range of U.S. technology companies, as well as nuclear power expansion. Lee was accompanied by his wife, first lady Kim Hea Kyung, and members of his government, including foreign affairs minister Cho Hyun; trade, industry and energy minister Kim Jung-kwan; and Lees chief of staff, Kang Hoon-sik; national security director Wi Sung-lac; national policy director Kim Yong-beom. The ship they dedicated, the State of Maine, is the third of five Korean-designed training ships the Philly Shipyard has constructed for the U.S. Maritime Administration, under a 2020 contract that revived the yard. Since the mid-2000s, Philly Shipyard has built more ships than any other U.S. yard under the Jones Act, which requires U.S.-built ships for use between U.S. ports, despite their higher construction cost. Even with that long-standing protectionist legislation, the yard has had trouble keeping its workforce steadily employed, with demand rising and falling as in the construction industry. Hanwha, like Aker before it, said a larger yard that could maintain ships and eventually build U.S. Navy vessels, as well as ships for Hanwhas own merchant fleet, would ensure reliable and growing demand for workers. According to the Associated Press, Lee told reporters Monday that the South Korean-U.S. relationship was strong enough that he was confident Trump will give it continued support. The presidents also talked about tariffs. A July agreement, which set high targets for Korean investment in U.S. facilities like the Hanwha Philly Shipyard, set tariffs on South Korean exports to the U.S. at 15%, below Trumps earlier 25% threat. Korea has a large trade surplus with the U.S. Besides Hanwha, Hyundai and Samsung have agreed to invest more in U.S. shipbuilding and technologies. Hanwha and Hyundai are also investing in other shipyards in other U.S. and Asian cities. Riders on the SEPTA Route 17 bus board at Market and Ninth Streets in Center City Philadelphia, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Read more Commuters in the Philadelphia area have faced crowded buses and skipped stops this week, following the first round of cuts to SEPTA. Local business leaders and union representatives are keeping a close eye on the impact to their workforces and members as the cuts begin. Advertisement I worry as this drags on, what thats going to ultimately mean for the viability of our businesses, said Chellie Cameron, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. SEPTA, the nations sixth-largest public transit system, is facing a $213 million operating deficit for the 2026 fiscal year, which began July 1. State legislators remain at a stalemate over funding. SEPTA eliminated 32 bus lines and shortened 16 other routes this week, and frequency to Regional Rail midday service will be cut next week. Some employers are rethinking whether Philadelphia is the right location for their business, Cameron said. One of them, she noted, has a location in the suburbs and may back out of opening a location in the city. Cameron said she spoke with several business leaders who said they had employees arrive late or not at all because of transportation issues. I have heard from some midsize companies and larger ones who are starting to question: If we dont have good transit connections, is Philadelphia the best place for them to be? she said. Encouraging carpools About one-fifth of the 50,000 employees at Penn Medicine use SEPTA to commute, estimates chief physician executive Deborah Driscoll. Amid SEPTA cuts, Penn Medicine is encouraging employees to carpool to work, she said. We worry about our staff being able to get to work, Driscoll said. As of Monday, there hadnt been any major issues with staff commuting to work, she said, although she acknowledged it may be more difficult or time-consuming. Penn Medicines appointment cancellation rate was normal on Monday, Driscoll said, but thats something her team is monitoring. Some patients converted their in-person appointment to a telehealth visit, and her team is trying to accommodate late arrivals. In the past, Penn Medicine has provided patients with SEPTA passes for getting home after an appointment or discharge, said Driscoll. Now, the healthcare system may have to look for other options. Were going to be watching what happens next week as well, because we anticipate that after Labor Day, we may see the impact with additional reductions in service, she said. At Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport, about half the 844 Department of Aviation employees use SEPTA, spokesperson Heather Redfern said. The department surveyed employees and will explore possible solutions or support we can offer, Redfern said. In total, over 550 companies conduct business at Philadelphia International Airport, where there are 18,400 badged employees, said Redfern. The airport is serviced by bus Routes 37 and 108, which now run less frequently, and the 115, which travels a different route less often. The Regional Rail Airport line will also see its frequency cut starting next week. Immense impact on union members SEIU 32BJ represents some 12,000 Philadelphia workers, including security guards, school bus drivers, building cleaners, and baggage handlers at the airport. At least 80% of them use SEPTA to get to work, union district director Daisy Cruz estimates. She said the SEPTA cuts are impacting them immensely, and while some are trying to see if they can carpool or use rideshare services to commute, some of them dont even have those means. Cruz said some employers are trying to coordinate alternative transportation options based on where employees live. Some members of Unite Here, Local 274, such as employees at Center City hotels and South Philly stadiums, are spending much more time getting to and from work, said Rosslyn Wuchinich, the locals president. Unite Here has about 4,000 members in the SEPTA service area, and the vast majority of them use transit, Wuchinich said. People are already spending more money out of their paychecks on alternative forms of transportation, which are also clogging our roadways, she said. Our members are the people that can least afford to be paying for cabs and rideshare apps in order to get to and from work and to get their children to and from school. Unite Here is trying to ensure its members dont lose their jobs due to lateness caused by SEPTA cuts, Wuchinich said. Wendell Young, as president of UFCW local 1776, represents thousands of local workers at ACME, ShopRite, Whole Foods, Fine Wine & Good Spirits, and other stores. He and other union reps werent flooded with calls on Monday, he said, but thats only because employers were providing flexibility and not disciplining workers who showed up late. Our members are in better shape than some others, because they have representation, and were going to work with the employers to figure out solutions for them, said Young. Some members might need to change their schedules or store locations because of SEPTA cuts, said Young, and the union will work with employers on that. These things arent going to be easy to do, he said. Its not like the employers maintain schedules with extra slots on them. Every change you make has an impact on not only other people that work there, but the business. Young noted that its not just the trip between one job and home that his members have to consider. Many of them have more than one job, or they are students, parents, or caregivers to elderly relatives, and the transit changes make it more challenging to meet all of those obligations, he said. For someone who maybe doesnt use mass transit, doesnt think about those who do ride mass transit, they might dismiss this as just a little inconvenience, Young said. Its not that simple, he said. The U.S. Department of Labor's national office in Washington. The department recently published a list of employment rules it is re-scrutinizing. Read more Do you classify workers as independent contractors or employees? The difference could be very expensive for business owners, and the rules are in flux. Businesses can save on employer taxes, overtime pay, workers compensation, and employee benefits when using independent contractors. But the worker classification rules, which the Biden Administration changed in 2022, are complicated. Advertisement And now things are getting even more complicated. Thats because the U.S. Department of Labor recently published a list of all rules it is re-scrutinizing, and worker classifications are a priority. According to HR Dive, a human resources trade publication, the Labor Department has already posted a bulletin to field staff directing employees not to enforce the Biden-era independent contractor rule and instead to apply earlier enforcement guidelines in certain matters. Theres been sort of a shift back and forth in the interpretation and guidance with regard to independent contractor rules, said Josh Ganz, a labor and employment attorney at Duffy North in Hatboro. However, I think theres still very much a baseline that you have to follow. So while these regulations are being readdressed, what should your business do to make sure youre properly classifying your employees? Focus on the key tests Some things arent likely to change, and there are many potential red flags to indicate that a worker is likely an employee rather than a contractor. Examples include whether youre paying that worker similar to other hourly employees, including that worker in your payroll system, requiring the worker to only use your tools and materials, and setting restrictions on the hours worked. Other key questions include whether an on-site presence is needed, and whether youre requiring that worker to remain exclusive to your company. But Jeff Burke, an employment law partner at MacElree Harvey in West Chester, said the key distinction is control and independence. If the business controls the workers schedule, tools, and how the work is done then its more of an employer-employee relationship, he said. It really comes down to a two-prong test: whether the folks are free from control and whether theyre customarily engaged in an independently established trade. Make sure your independent contractors are truly independent According to Burke, employers should be able to show that contractors operate independently in the market. Auditors often look to see that a contractor has business cards, a website, or a separate business formation such as a limited liability company or corporation as proof. Lack of this evidence is a common cause of failure in audits. Ive seen people get burned on audits for any of these reasons, he said. You need to make sure you have records that show that theyre actually engaged in the independent trade. If they set up an LLC and youre doing a business-to-business contract, you are way more likely to pass muster. Ganz agrees and often tells his clients to ask themselves whether theyre controlling that workers entire day, telling that worker where to be, and requiring them to use company tools. Thats the baseline test, he said. If I hire someone to design a logo for $2,500 due in two weeks, thats the epitome of an independent contractor. But if they work in my office 9 to 5 doing ongoing projects, thats an employee. Have an independent contractor agreement Having an agreement with a contractor will help define and document your relationship. And for that reason, many attorneys recommend having a contract. It must be in writing and explicitly state the relationship, said Burke. It should clarify that the contractor is doing things like assuming responsibility for their own taxes and insurance and bears financial responsibility for their work. It should also be project-based, not indefinitely engaged. Such agreements are important for clarifying expectations, Ganz said, such as payment terms, scope of work, and liabilities. But no matter how good the contract is, it still doesnt override the law, he noted. Classification depends on legal definitions, not contract language, he said. Just because you enter into an independent contractor agreement it does not thereby create an independent contractor situation. Its a definition of law, not by the agreement. Dont forget state, local, and tax rules Although the federal government may change its worker classification rules theres no guarantee that Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or the Internal Revenue Service which all have separate rules will follow along. Both Burke and Ganz advise following the strictest application test since a liability can arise under any jurisdiction. You kind of have to balance everybodys rules at the same time, said Ganz. And everybody thinks theyre just as important as the next. Understand your risks Not complying with the independent contractor rules can result in substantial penalties as well as potential obligations to pay back taxes, overtime pay, or employee benefits such as retirement and healthcare contributions. An employer could also be subject to civil lawsuits for wage-and-hour claims. Pleading confusion isnt going to protect you. I admit that right now its kind of a bit of the Wild West, said Ganz. But at the end of the day, theres a pretty clear-cut line about whats an independent contractor and whats an employee. If there was ever a year for lowered expectations, its been 2025. So fittingly, my summer vacation spurned Greece or Italy for a Phillies game, the new Spike Lee joint, beer and pizza with friends, and a quick jaunt to the Hudson Valley to check in on my mom. For me, it was like April in Paris. Now, back to the resistance. If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. Gavin Newsom becomes the fighter Dems need. Dont ask him to lead Advertisement Sometimes I wonder why artificial intelligence, or AI, is getting so much hype these days considering that leaders of the Democratic Party have been talking like robots for decades, honing a large language model of losing politics in which every Republican power grab is a distraction from kitchen-table issues that bore voters to death. Its hard to imagine the new, and widely panned, ChatGPT-5 model from OpenAI spewing out words as lifeless as the House majority leader, Hakeem Jeffries, when he was asked on TV last weekend about the likelihood that the Donald Trump regime will send the National Guard and maybe the military into Chicago, with crime as a pretext. We should continue to support local law enforcement and not simply allow Donald Trump to play games with the lives of the American people as part of his effort to manufacture a crisis and create a distraction because hes deeply unpopular, Jeffries told CNN. Again, with the distraction when this is actually the essence of his fascist rule. But making sure voters know that Democrats support the thin blue line of cops as much as Republicans do matters a lot more than calling out dictatorship. Its little wonder that voter approval of the Democratic Party is at or near all-time lows. Its been said that in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. And so it was that California Gov. Gavin Newsom finally raised one eyelid and saw what his partys rank-and-file base has been begging for since last November. When we caught up with Newsom back in March, just six weeks into the Trump 47 presidency, the slicked-back Californian had decided that ambitious Democrats (and few, if any, are more ambitious than Newsom) needed to take a sharp right turn to have any prayer of winning the White House in 2028. He shocked the more liberal Democratic base by launching a podcast that hosted right-wing extremists like Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk, where he backtracked on some transgender rights. At the time, I quoted the never-Trump lawyer George Conway, who said, We need (an Alexi) Navalny, not a Newsom. Five months later, Newsom having looked at Trumps poll numbers and listened to the shouts and murmurs of the Democratic base is channeling the spirit of the late Russian democracy fighter. And hes done so by putting a little meat on the bones of resistance to American dictatorship. When Texas Republicans quickly fell in line behind Trumps demand for a mid-decade redistricting that could give the GOP as many as five new U.S. House seats, Newsom sprung into action in ways that seemed remarkable for a party that normally reacts like a Galapagos tortoise. Despite some legal and political hurdles, Newsom quickly put Americas largest state and a strongly Democratic one on track for its own redistricting that could cancel out Texas efforts. In doing so, Newsom showed a real understanding of the grave threat that America now faces. Democracy is under assault before our eyes, the governor said in June, after Trump sent troops into Los Angeles to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. This moment we have feared has arrived. And then it started getting wild. This summer, Team Newsom has openly mocked the 47th president, mimicking his over-the-top, all-caps social media posts and even launching bizarre AI memes, including one where Newsom is being prayed over by conservative icons Kid Rock, Tucker Carlson, and the late Hulk Hogan. Many liberals especially those of the MSNBC-watching variety have rejoiced. Finally, somebody anybody was fighting Trump in the litter-strewn alley where he dwells. Newsom even got under the skin of conservative media. Stop it with the Twitter thing, Fox News host Dana Perino ranted. I dont know where his wife is. If I were his wife I would say, You are making a fool of yourself, stop it. This longtime Newsom critic agrees the governor is finally doing a great thing. Just this week, weve seen other top Democrats take the torch, including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (President Bone Spurs will do anything to get out of walking), Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (May his fat ankles find peace today), and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (Your remarks about this effort [sending troops to Chicago] have betrayed a continuing slip in your mental faculties). Mocking Trump is suddenly super viral. That has made Newsom the man America needs right now: a fighter. In a couple of years, though, the nation will be picking a leader. Those two things arent exactly the same. The California governor has shown the world that he can practice politics as a performance art with the best of them, meaning Trump. But his wild gyrations from March to August also reveal a man in search of a moral compass or perhaps lacking one altogether. Newsoms anti-Trump awakening has not extended to his boosterish and, to my mind, alarming support for Silicon Valley billionaires in their drive to foist artificial intelligence on the American people. The governor who vetoed much-needed regulations on AI in 2024 took time out from his redistricting drive to promote a measure pumping AI into California classrooms, when a real leader would tread lightly with a technology that may do more harm than good. His bromance with Silicon Valley should be a reminder of the wider elite-Democrat courting of the oligarchy that turned off too many voters when his fellow Californian, Kamala Harris, was the nominee in 2024. And, yes, the worst people you know will probably be shouting in 2028 that Newsom didnt do enough on homelessness or affordable housing but this time the worst people will actually have a point. Arguably worse, Newsoms anti-Trump pivot hasnt reversed his wrong turn on transgender rights that too often sees him sounding like a Republican. Just recently, the governor went on a right-wing podcast, the Shawn Ryan Show, and made a number of remarks that deeply troubled the transgender community, even endorsing a conservative talking point that maybe there should be a 25-year-old age minimum for transitioning. To paraphrase the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., disrespect for human rights anywhere is disrespect for human rights everywhere. If Democrats truly want to win in 2028, they should embrace Newsoms example of how to punch back against Trump, thank him for his service, and then pick a nominee who actually has some new ideas. As Zohran Mamdani recently showed in New York City, voters are craving affordability a hard sell for the leader of one of Americas most expensive states. Its quite possible that someday historians will see Newsom as a kind of a John the Baptist figure, pointing his party toward a path out of the political wilderness. But someone else must play the role of savior. Yo, do this! Wow! Im rarely blown away by something in pop culture as Ive been by the stunning new Devo documentary (simply called DEVO) that launched recently on Netflix. It chronicles how two alienated Kent State University students Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale bonded over witnessing the 1970 massacre of four students by Ohio National Guard troops and their love for absurdist expression. Remarkably, their angst-fueled art became a pop music phenomenon by the end of the 1970s a story of subversive creativity that resonates in our constipated present moment. Speaking of 1970s music, Bruce Springsteen is also having a moment, and rightfully so. Its hard to believe but Monday marked the 50th anniversary of the release of Born to Run, the 1975 album that changed everything for the New Jersey rocker. Like Devo, the troubled times of that decade, and the restlessness of an abused working class, inspired incredible music although Bruce looked not toward a dystopian future, but backward to rock n rolls glorious past. To mark the half-century, theres even an academic festival at Monmouth University, and a new book about the making of the LP, Tonight In Jungleland, by Peter Ames Carlin. Or you could just relisten to this classic album, roll down the window, and let the wind blow back your hair. Ask me anything Question: Are there enough guardrails to keep these [Trump executive orders] from being enacted? Michelle says: Be kind. Always. (@snarkysillysad.bsky.social) on Bluesky Answer: Youre right, Michelle, in noting that the president is running amok with signing executive orders lately and in trying to rule America by dictate hes doing little to tamp down the notion that hes becoming, well, a dictator. Increasingly, these executive orders either unconstitutionally usurp powers that belong to states or localities (attempting to ban cashless bail, or mail-in voting) or just have no legal basis whatsoever. One recent move to outlaw flag burning and set a minimum jail penalty not only contradicts free-speech rulings by the Supreme Court, but also grabs the lawmaking powers that belong only to Congress. There seems to be little doubt that a judge will strike down this order, and presumably some of the other blatantly unconstitutional ones. Whether Trump defies the judiciary and transitions into total unfettered autocracy is the $64,000 question for the survival of American democracy. What youre saying about... The Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, which was 10 days ago but seems like it was 10 years ago, inspired a diverse array of opinions, but most tended to agree that the Russian leader cannot be trusted and anything less than rock-solid support for Ukraine and its embattled leader Volodymyr Zelensky amounts to a betrayal. Only NATO boots on the ground will stop Putins invasion of Ukraine, and push him back to the pre-invasion borders, including Crimea, wrote Jay Beckerman. Anything less is not just wishful thinking, but a guarantee that superior Russian numbers eventually will totally overrun Ukraine. Added Laura Conwesser: As much as everyone wants to see the killing and destruction come to an end, giving Putin any concessions will only lead to his future attempts at Russian expansion, as soon as he recovers from the damage done to the Russian economy and population. This weeks question: I shared my opinion of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and now Id love to hear yours. Is he the Democrat youd like to see win the 2028 nomination, or would you prefer someone else? Please email me your answer and put the exact phrase Gavin Newsom in the subject line. Backstory on the Trump health speculation Youve probably noticed theres a lot of stuff happening right now, even in a late-August week when most of the civilized world is supposed to be on vacation. Theres the Trump regimes scheme to send the initially wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda, and the possibility of sending troops into Chicago. But thats not what was topping the Drudge Report, which has thrived for nearly three decades by favoring the news that readers crave over the news some editor thinks they need. On Monday, Drudge led with, WHAT IS GOING ON? and a blown-up photo of Donald Trumps bruised right hand. We dont know the exact reason for the bruise, or for similar pictures the day before that showed an unusual bulge on the same hand. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt couldnt pretend the bruise didnt exist, but she claimed absurdly it was because the president shakes too many hands. Yet that doesnt explain the thickness of Trumps ankles often a marker of poor heart circulation or his uneven gait. Thats all on top of a series of rambling and sometimes bizarre public statements by the commander-in-chief. Trumps annual physical exams which consistently portray him as a near-perfect picture of health, despite weight and height numbers that never seem to add up are just about the only official information released to the public. That leaves a huge void that the online posters and faraway doctors are filling with rampant speculation. An Indiana forensic pathologist with a large social media following, Darin Wolfe, wrote a Drudge-featured essay on Substack suggesting that Trumps apparent symptoms, such as the bruises and ankle swelling, could be signs of congestive heart failure. But as I wrote this Tuesday morning, his essay had mysteriously disappeared. Indeed, after watching how my own father died this March at age 88 from congestive heart failure, the presidents public condition looks eerily familiar. But as a journalist, Im wary of going too far with just speculation especially around something as complicated as a medical diagnosis. The only thing we can say with 100% certainty is that we dont know whats happening with Trumps health and that is a major problem. Its more than ironic that these concerns about the 79-year-old Trump the oldest person to ever win a U.S. presidential election, in 2024 come just a year after declining health forced his predecessor, Joe Biden, to drop out of that race. Thats because American voters want a leader whos at the top of his game when hes alone in a limo with Vladimir Putin, or deciding whether to bomb Iran... or invade Chicago. For nearly a decade, there have been serious, legitimate questions about the veracity of Trumps health bulletins even about some of his physicians such as Ronny Jackson, who was later dinged for other misconduct while White House physician. Such doubts are inevitable when voters reelect a president who lied or misled more than 30,000 times in his first term, about nearly everything else. Leaders in Congress, and elsewhere, should come out publicly and demand that Trump be examined by an independent physician not beholden to the White House, and that the full results and prognosis are released to the American people, sooner rather than later. Its hard to imagine the increasingly dictatorial Trump would agree to this demand, at least right now. But the citizens of this still nominally democratic nation deserve to know WHAT IS GOING ON? What I wrote about this date in 2024 Once or twice a year this feature just doesnt quite work. It seems that Aug. 26 is a date Im often on vacation, and I might as well have been the couple of times I did try to write something. So Ill have to cheat. Today is the fourth anniversary of a national tragedy: the bomb attack during the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal that killed 13 U.S. service members. Last year, I wrote after the fact about the third anniversary, when then-candidate Donald Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery and his team allegedly shoved a female employee who tried to stop Trump from filming there against the rules. I wrote: In fact, weve become so used to the deeply ingrained sexism of Trumps movement that the unvarnished scorn for women that comes across yet again in the Arlington fracas has received little attention. It still does. Read the rest: The ugly truth were missing on Trump, Arlington. Recommended Inquirer reading 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. At Provenance restaurant, sommelier Alexandra Nord is shown in its wine cellar with special-order bottles in October 2024. Read more The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, losing yet again in a five-year court battle, may be a step closer to refunding potentially at least $50 million in handling fees to some wine and spirit customers. In a decision published Thursday, Commonwealth Court rejected the PLCBs claim that a lawsuit filed in 2020 by customers using its special liquor order system had been barred by the statute of limitations. The SLO system allows discerning buyers, as well as restaurants and bars, to order bottles not available in Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores. Advertisement In 2016, a state law required the PLCB to implement a system that allowed wineries and merchants to ship products directly to customers by June 2017. The state law also prohibited the PLCB from charging a handling fee on direct delivery orders. The system did not go online until June 2022. Over those five years, the PLCB collected a $1.75 handling fee for each 750-ml bottle, which customers had to pick up at a PLCB store or warehouse. The litigation began in 2020 after the pandemic briefly shuttered the state stores and heightened the demand for direct shipping. The PLCB has lost at every turn after Commonwealth Court ordered the agency to implement a direct delivery system in 2020. During one hearing in 2021, a judge asked a PLCB attorney: How do we get the government to stop violating the law? Last year, the state Supreme Court affirmed by a 5-0 vote Commonwealth Courts 2022 decision. The high court rejected the PLCBs arguments that it was not a person under the law and as such could not be sued, and that the agency was covered by sovereign immunity and could not be forced to pay damages for not complying with the law. Commonwealth Court last week rejected the PLCBs argument that the case had been filed past a six-month statute of limitations. The petitioners had countered that the six-month limit applies only to suits against individual officers, while this case cited a state agency, whose limit is six years. A PLCB spokesperson said Monday that the agency does not comment on ongoing litigation. The PLCB unlawfully collected millions of dollars from the citizens of this commonwealth, said John G. Papianou, a partner at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads in Philadelphia and counsel for the petitioners. Its sad they wont return it. That would be doing the right thing. Instead, we have a state agency doing everything it conceivably can to keep that money. Papianou said he would seek class-action status for everyone who paid the $1.75 handling fee from June 2017 when direct delivery was supposed to start through June 2022, when it was implemented. He estimated that total fees could exceed $50 million. Papianou said he would ask Commonwealth Court to schedule a case management conference for class certification. He said he had no idea of a timeline for the cases resolution or when refunds might be forthcoming. Among the plaintiffs are Log Cabin, a restaurant in Leola, Lancaster County, and MFW Wine Co., a wine brokerage in the Philadelphia suburbs. An ultra-rare genetic disorder that causes brain inflammation and recurrent infections is thousands of times more common in Amish people. Read more When an Amish patient arrived at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia with fatigue, a severe headache, and weakness on one side of her body, doctors scrambled to find a cause. All they could see was that she had brain inflammation. Thats usually caused by an infection, but her tests came back normal. High dose steroids, a standard treatment, werent effective. Advertisement By that point, the girls brain was so swollen physicians had to remove part of her skull to relieve the pressure, which had put her at risk of brain damage. She was critically ill, recalled Whitney Reid, an immunologist and one of her doctors at CHOP. Frustrated and lacking answers, her doctors sequenced her DNA. They found she had an ultra-rare genetic disorder in which the immune system becomes dysfunctional. The disorder, complement factor I deficiency, is caused by mutations in a gene that would normally regulate part of the immune system. It can cause harmful inflammation, particularly in the brain and spinal cord. That can present as a fever, nausea, confusion, dizziness, and even numbness. The condition also leads to recurrent bacterial infections. Complement factor I deficiency is so rare it affects fewer than one in a million people born worldwide. The discovery spurred the Clinic for Special Children, an independent clinic in Lancaster County dedicated to treating patients with rare genetic disorders, to test several more Amish patients for the disorder. Soon, physicians had identified a cluster of cases, leading doctors at CHOP and the Clinic to another surprising finding: Among the Old Order Amish, the largest group of Amish people, the disorder is estimated to affect as many as 1 in 730 people. Thats because mutations causing the disorder are more than 4,500 times more common in this group than in the general population. This statistic, reported in a new study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, led doctors to revisit past instances of brain inflammation in Amish patients, and ultimately solve a yearslong medical mystery. An undiagnosed mystery Amish patients had been showing up at the Clinic for Special Children and nearby hospitals with brain inflammation for years. Doctors couldnt figure out what was causing it. They would simply treat the patients and send them home once the symptoms resolved. Many likely had complement factor I deficiency, but were undiagnosed, said Vincent Carson, a pediatric neurologist at the Clinic and co-senior author on the study. Nobody was looking for it, he said. After CHOP diagnosed the Amish girl in 2021 with the disorder, doctors began to test symptomatic Amish patients for the disorder. Carson even sent messages out to colleagues around the country alerting them to do the same. When they identified this in the first patient, that then made us look at anybody from the Amish community through a different lens, Carson said. This isnt the first genetic disorder to be overrepresented in the Amish community. The Clinic was specifically founded in 1989 in response to higher rates of rare genetic diseases in Amish and Mennonite people. Some of the most notable are a type of dwarfism called Ellis-van Creveld syndrome and assorted metabolic disorders. The reason for this comes down to a phenomenon called the founder effect, which happens when a small number of individuals isolate from the larger population. Over generations, this leads to less genetic diversity, with the genes of the founders becoming disproportionately present in the community. Its kind of like if you took a crayon pack, picked just a few colors, and threw the rest away. All your drawings will be some combination of those colors from now on. Most of the approximately 400,000 Amish people in America descend from just a few hundred settlers who immigrated to the United States in the 18th century. Any errors in the genetic code of those original members were more likely to spread. That includes the genetic mutation that causes complement factor I deficiency. A dysfunctional immune system The disorder affects a group of proteins in the immune system that help clear bacteria and viruses from the body. Known as the complement system, it helps fight infection, but should only be turned on when theres an active threat. Otherwise, it could cause damage to healthy cells. People with the disorder lack a protein called complement factor I, which normally turns the system off when its not needed. This results in the complement system running wild, like a car without a brake. If a patient is missing that protein, they could be predisposed to having that part of the immune system attack their own bodies, said Reid, who was first author on the study. Amish families would often share stories of kids being more sick than their siblings, and having a history of pneumonia, ear infections, and even infections that turned fatal, Carson said. Those were likely undiagnosed cases of the disorder. Reid and Carson recently held a family education day at the Clinic for the Amish community to learn more about complement factor I deficiency. They emphasized the importance of couples with a family history doing genetic testing to see if they have the mutation. Knowing you have the disease could help families watch out for potentially dangerous symptoms. For example, doctors can give families an emergency plan if their child has a fever, including antibiotics to use at home. Additional vaccines could be given to help prevent dangerous infections caused by pneumococcal and meningococcal bacteria. They could also warn parents to seek care quickly if a child has a bad headache or is more tired than usual, because that could indicate inflammation. For unknown reasons, this symptom seems to occur mostly in females, starting in their teenage years. The Amish girl at CHOP was only 17 when brain inflammation landed her in the intensive care unit. In addition to getting skull surgery and steroids, she received therapeutic cooling and blood plasma exchange. At first, these treatments seemed to work, but then her symptoms returned, including a fever, vomiting, altered mental status, and dizziness. Once doctors found out she had complement factor I deficiency, that helped them find the right medicine to treat her. They chose a drug called eculizumab, which inhibits the complement system. Within a day or two, she recovered. She is perfectly fine, and is a schoolteacher living her life very happily, said Reid, who saw her a few weeks ago along with Carson. You wouldnt even know that she went through such an ordeal, Carson added. KAMPALA, Uganda The highest-profile detainee that the United States seeks to deport, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, appears to be headed to Uganda, where critics claim that a deal with the Trump administration eases political pressure on a president whos ruled for nearly four decades. Ugandan officials have released few details about the agreement but have said they prefer to receive deportees of African origin and dont want people with criminal records. Abrego Garcia is an El Salvador native who has been charged with human smuggling. He has pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Abrego Garcia, the subject of a protracted immigration saga, was detained again Monday by immigration officials in the U.S., and the Department of Homeland Security said he is being processed for removal to Uganda. READ MORE: Kilmar Abrego Garcia faces new deportation efforts after ICE detains him in Baltimore Other African nations already have accepted deportees. In July, the U.S. deported five men with criminal backgrounds to the southern African kingdom of Eswatini and sent eight others to South Sudan, where civil war threatens to erupt again. Rwanda has said it will receive up to 250 migrants deported from the U.S. Opposition figures and others in Uganda on Tuesday questioned the lack of parliamentary approval for the agreement. Without such oversight, the whole scheme stinks, said Mathias Mpuuga, until recently the leader of the opposition in Ugandas national assembly. He said the agreement left him a little perplexed because Uganda already struggles to look after refugees fleeing violence in neighboring countries like Congo and South Sudan. He suggested the agreement makes sense only as a matter of economic expediency for Ugandas government. It is unclear what Ugandas government is receiving for accepting deportees, how many it might take or what its plans for Abrego Garcia might be. The countrys attorney-general, as well as government ministers in charge of refugees and internal affairs, were not immediately available for comment. The day before Uganda confirmed the deal, the deputy minister in charge of international relations, Okello Oryem, asserted to The Associated Press that such an agreement was complete rubbish. READ MORE: Immigrant detentions in N.J. and Pa. rise as more people without criminal records are held Some Ugandans on Tuesday were busy speculating what benefit longtime President Yoweri Museveni might receive. The authoritarian leader has been in power since 1986. For Museveni, the deal is desirable for political and perhaps economic reasons and might come with trade opportunities, said Marlon Agaba, the head of a leading anti-corruption group in Uganda. The Trump administration is about deals, about deal-making, and any strongman would welcome that, he said. READ MORE: What new Pew data say about the immigrant population in Pa., N.J., and the U.S. After U.S. sanctions targeted many government officials over human rights and other issues, Museveni will be happy to transact with Washington over deportees, said Ibrahim Ssemujju, a lawmaker and prominent opposition figure. He will be asking, When are you bringing them? Ssemujju asserted that the agreement is flawed without parliamentary authorization. Negotiators for the Ugandan side in the deal with the Trump administration are believed to have been reporting directly to Museveni. READ MORE: Will Bunch | Why Kilmar Abrego Garcia is the Jenga piece that could topple the American Experiment For much of his time in power, Museveni was seen as a strong U.S. ally, especially for his support of counter-terrorism operations in Somalia, where he deployed troops to fight the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab. But his cachet in Washington has declined. The Biden administration piled pressure over corruption, LGBTQ+ rights concerns and alleged rights abuses. Ugandan officials sanctioned by the U.S. include the parliament speaker, the prisons chief, a former police chief, a former deputy army commander and some former government ministers. In 2023, reacting to U.S. sanctions imposed against Ugandan officials following the enactment of a law against homosexuality, Museveni told a gathering of government officials that he had no wish to visit the U.S. President Donald Trump says the nations historical institutions place too much emphasis on slavery. But the real problem is we have never placed enough emphasis on that particular depravity. That doesnt mean white people need to go on a guilt trip to make amends for their ancestors sins. But neither should anyone pretend that all vestiges of slaverys legacy have been erased. Trump may not want to talk about it, but the truth is America still feels repercussions from having allowed slavery to exist from this lands colonization in 1619 to the end of the Civil War in 1865. Thats 246 years. Born in 1776, the United States is 249 years old. Is it time for us to forget the American Revolution, time to declare that war irrelevant to what this nation has become since Crispus Attucks, a Black man, died in the Boston Massacre? Advertisement Should we also ignore that an Arkansas community right now is attempting to resurrect one of the most enduring legacies of slavery: segregated housing? Eric Orwoll, president of the Return to the Land community, says no laws are being violated because his organization neither sells nor leases land for housing, and is therefore within its rights to restrict membership in its community organization to white people and non-Jews. Similar attempts to create racist enclaves have occurred over the years in Kentucky, North Dakota, Maine, Washington, and Oregon. And speaking of segregation, that vile practice is as prevalent in some school districts today as it was when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it illegal with its 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision. I started elementary school five years later in Birmingham, Ala., but didnt attend a school with white kids until I was a high school senior in 1970. Today, due to suburban flight linked to household income, most Black students whose families live in an urban area attend a school that is 90% Black. Segregation is a vestige of slavery that in too many schools has not been erased. Americans need not feel so ashamed by that fact that we should pretend, as Trump suggests, that slavery was never that big of a deal. His trying to make the impact of slavery on this nation debatable is yet another ploy to divert attention from what he doesnt want Americans to notice, including his weak efforts to end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. That I felt compelled to write about Trump and slavery suggests his latest diversion tactic has succeeded. But his comments on slavery also open the door for a comparison of his efforts to distort or ignore American history to another nations acceptance of its own ignoble past as an impetus to do better. Consider Germany, whose Nazi past is something most Germans may want to forget, but that most people in that country seem to instead accept as a reality they never want to repeat. Some years ago, my wife and I were visiting our daughter and son-in-law, who was then an Army officer stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. One day, they took us to the Birkenkopf World War II memorial, which astounded us with being both awesome yet simple. The memorial is 5.3 million cubic feet of rubble that resulted from the Allies dropping 27,000 tons of bombs on Germanys premier manufacturing city during the war. The rubble placed on the hill raised its elevation from 1,500 to 1,676 feet. Other German cities have similar rubble hills, or trummerbergs, that serve as reminders of that countrys unconscionable past. Segregation is a vestige of slavery that in too many schools has not been erased. Slavery has had as much of an impact on America, if not more, than Nazism has had on Germany. And yes, even as neo-Nazi groups continue to exist in Germany, there are similar opportunists in our country, including Trump, who see divisiveness as the means to achieve power. The very nature of our American political system, dominated by two political parties that must stress their differences to remain viable, makes consensus in Washington, D.C., difficult. But having a president who prefers division to consensus as the instrument to cultivate his imperialist nature has made matters worse. Trump isnt the first president who sometimes acted like a monarch. During his 12 years as president, Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared war on the Great Depression before taking on the Axis triumvirate of Germany, Japan, and Italy during World War II. As commander in chief during both fights, FDR often treated Congress as an afterthought. And at one point, he even considered increasing the Supreme Courts numbers so he could appoint more appeasing justices. Trump, who appointed three justices during his first term, hasnt felt the need to juice the court by adding more fawning puppets. But he has persuaded Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who wants to be Trumps successor, that the MAGA faithful will return the favor in 2028 for his recent gerrymandering of the Lone Star States congressional districts to give Trump a better chance of keeping a Republican majority in next years midterm congressional elections. At least FDR seemed to have the welfare of the general public in mind when he acted like a king. Not only did he lead the country to victory in World War II, but Roosevelts administrations also produced the Social Security Act, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., and the Works Progress Administration, which provided jobs to millions of unemployed workers during the Depression. Those positive steps helped the nation as a whole. Trumps policies have mostly helped himself. In less than a year as president, his estimated fortune has more than doubled from $2.3 billion to $5.1 billion. Maybe all that money piling up around him prevents Trump from seeing that what America really needs is a leader more focused on uniting people, not dividing them. America needs a leader who understands that ignoring history doesnt allow a nation to move past it. A leader who speaks to more than just the people he believes he can exploit to get even richer. Harold Jackson spent two decades at The Inquirer and served as editorial page editor from 2007 to 2017. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for editorial writing in 1991 and retired from the Houston Chronicle in 2020. His memoir, Under the Sun: A Black Journalists Journey, was published in April by the University of Alabama Press. Commuters board a SEPTA bus during the early morning hours at the 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby on Monday. Read more Across Philadelphia and the surrounding region on Monday, people were late, as the long forecast fallout of SEPTA service reductions became a reality. Students watched as full buses skipped by their stops. Workers found themselves counting on a grace period before they clocked in. Older Philadelphians were unable to get to important medical appointments on time. Teachers arrived after the first bell. Advertisement Those who did manage to remain punctual did so at a cost, sacrificing perhaps an additional hour of their day to stand around and wait. Lawmakers in Harrisburg owe thousands of Philadelphians a signed tardy slip. After all, it is the Republican-controlled state Senate that has caused this to happen. It is the GOP leadership, headed by State Sen. Joe Pittman, that has shown a cavalier disregard for the economic, educational, and environmental impact of failing to fund SEPTA. To allow the sixth-largest public transit system in the country to begin its fall into what is known as a death spiral service cuts mean fewer riders, fewer riders mean more service cuts is unforgivable. READ MORE: Harrisburg cant let regional factionalism keep them from finding common ground on SEPTA | Editorial Even before annual funding from the Pennsylvania Turnpike shrank from $450 million to $50 million in 2022, transit agencies had been looking for a new, sustainable revenue source. Instead, theyve been met with intransigence. At times, Harrisburg Republicans have seemed inclined to let transit fail entirely. More recently, they passed a bill that funds public transit across the state by taking money meant for maintenance projects (and diverting some of those funds to roads). GOP legislators have yet to make a sustainable offer to fund these agencies that isnt a thinly veiled insult to our entire region. The current proposal, which would take money from the commonwealths Public Transportation Trust Fund, has been posited as a way to keep SEPTA moving while talks continue. The problem with that is threefold. First, transit talks have been going on for years without any progress. In fact, Pittman had already made a public promise to address transit funding, only to renege. Second, unpredictability is bad for business. Companies hoping to cater to riders as customers or employees need certainty to move forward with new investments. Third, without sufficient funds to replace the 50-year-old trains or fund the Trolley Modernization program, these services may soon end up on the chopping block anyway. Meantime, the Democratic-run House has held five votes to fund transit agencies. While transit funding fell behind other priorities in previous budget cycles, it has not done so this year. Their commitment to finding a sustainable solution for transit funding should be lauded, as should the grassroots advocacy from transit riders that pushed them to take this position. READ MORE: Republican public transit proposal is too little, too late | Editorial For his part, Gov. Josh Shapiro has so far fallen short of using his self-proclaimed ability to get stuff done. The governor acted quickly in 2023 to restore access to Interstate 95 after a fire led to a partial collapse of the highway, delivering both a short-term fix and a reliable long-term solution. He has not had similar success when it comes to protecting access to public transportation. Shapiro pulled out his cape and cowl for a showy news conference last November, using his power as governor to redirect federal highway dollars toward SEPTA. While that averted planned cuts, it was only a temporary reprieve. On Monday, the governor showed his willingness to compromise, offering to use the Public Transportation Trust Fund to lower the burden on the states finances. He also committed to ensuring the budget includes an adequate and sustainable transit funding solution. Whether it takes calling a special session of the General Assembly or simply ordering pizza and beer and going into a locked room until a deal is done, as suggested by former state senator and longtime Harrisburg power broker Vincent J. Fumo it is up to Shapiro as governor to make this happen. Quickly. The residents of Southeastern Pennsylvania cannot afford for this impasse to continue. State leaders must forge a budget that sustainably funds transit, and gets our buses, trolleys, and trains running again before its too late. Heather Honey, a conservative election researcher, leaves the federal courthouse in Harrisburg, Pa., Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, after a judge heard argument regarding a request by her organization, PA Fair Elections, and six Republican members of Congress that he direct elections officials to take additional steps to verify the identity and eligibility of overseas voters, including those serving in the military and their families.(AP Photo/Mark Scolforo) Read more A prominent Pennsylvania election denier who led an unsuccessful effort to cancel the votes of hundreds of Pennsylvanians last year and who spread inaccurate data in an effort to prove false claims of voter fraud is now a top staffer at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Heather Honey, who cofounded PA Fair Elections, is now the deputy assistant secretary for election integrity at DHS, according to the agencys website. Her appointment, which raised alarms among election experts, follows a pattern of President Donald Trump amplifying election misinformation and rewarding those who support his false claims about the 2020 election. Advertisement In a statement Wednesday Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt noted that his agency has spent years successfully defending Pennsylvanias election laws against lawsuits filed by Heather Honey, and we are engaged in litigation against her to this day. Honey is one of Pennsylvanias most prolific election deniers, devoting time and resources to inaccurate claims of fraud in the 2020 election that were at times repeated by Trump himself. She describes herself as an investigator, running Lebanon-based Haystack LLC, Verity Vote, and the Elections Research Institute, according to her bio on the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference website. It was unclear whether she would retain those roles after joining the administration. Honey and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to questions about the nature of her role at DHS. Since returning to office, Trump has continued to falsely insist he won the 2020 election against former President Joe Biden. Trump vowed to eliminate mail voting, claiming without proof the voting method was corrupt. And the Department of Justice earlier in August sent letters to more than a dozen states, including Pennsylvania, demanding information about voter roll maintenance and access to the states full, unredacted voter registration databases. DHS also cut funding to key election security programs earlier this year, All of these things play into an effort that were going to see accelerate to potentially interfere with the 2026 elections and delegitimize them if they dont go the way the president wants them to, said David Becker, the founder of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation and Research. In recent months, Becker said, DHS has lost trust among state election officials as it dismantled systems and expertise built, largely during Trumps first term, to ensure election security and information sharing. I think its highly possible that, given this appointment, and the false conspiracy theories shes raised, that well see DHS become an amplifier for false claims about future elections, Becker said. Honey is closely tied to Cleta Mitchell, the senior legal fellow at the Conservative Partnership Institute, who has been a chief source for Republicans arguing for stricter policies to block noncitizens from voting, even though such cases are extremely rare and already illegal. According to Votebeat Pennsylvania, Honeys research often yields inaccurate figures based on incomplete data that are then amplified by right-wing activists and, at one point, Trump himself. Her research motivated Republican secretaries of state to end participation in the Election Registration Information Center, which helps officials keep voter rolls up to date. In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Honey appeared poised to shed doubt on the results if Trump did not win. Her organization urged election officials to remove hundreds of voters from the rolls before Election Day based on unreliable data; later, activists said they were working with Honeys organization when they lodged hundreds of unsuccessful challenges to mail ballots days before the election. This story was updated to include a response from Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt. DA Larry Krasner speaks with the media after casting his vote in the Philadelphia primary election, in Philadelphia, May 20, 2025. Read more Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner criticized President Donald Trumps executive order targeting cities or states that use cashless bail. It should come as no surprise that Trump, a wealthy 34-time convicted felon capable of posting bail for his freedom, is threatening to defund jurisdictions that use cashless systems, Krasner said in a statement issued in response to Trumps order Monday. Advertisement Krasner, who is currently running for a third term as district attorney, called the move an authoritarian power grab initiated by the Criminal-in-Chief. Trumps executive order is unlikely to apply to Philadelphia or anywhere in Pennsylvania, which has a cash bail system that no local jurisdiction can change without broad changes to state laws. Krasners tenure here has exemplified the difficulties in reducing the use of cash bail even for people like Krasner, who has been frequently critical of the practice. While Krasners office implemented a policy in 2018 under which prosecutors would not ask for cash bail for a variety of misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies, ranging from drug possession to prostitution, the office still makes requests to hold defendants on cash bail on a near-daily basis, and Krasner has been criticized by advocates who dont believe he has gone far enough to reduce the use of cash bail in the system. Early Tuesday on CNN, Krasner continued his tirade against Trump, saying that the president intends to try to carry out a coup and is looking to cancel elections down the road. Krasner added that Trump is saying there are crises in cities such as Philadelphia so he can roll tanks onto the streets. America needs to wake up, Krasner concluded. It is not time to appease. Its time to fight. In his executive order, Trump said that people released without bail are permitted even encouraged to further endanger law-abiding, hard-working Americans because they know our laws will not be enforced." Trump said he is protecting Americans by requiring policies that incarcerate individuals who are known threats. To enforce his order, Trump said, administration policy will preclude federal resources from flowing into jurisdictions with cashless bail policies. Cashless bail allows people to be released from detention before trial without having to pay any money. It is normally reserved for people accused of nonviolent crimes. Illinois has completely eliminated cash bail, while New Jersey, New York, and New Mexico have significantly limited its use. A Brennan Center for Justice report last year showed that while both politicians and police leaders have blamed cashless bail for increases in violent crime, there is no statistically significant relationship between the two, after researchers compared 22 U.S. jurisdictions with bail reform policies to 11 without. Krasner all but assured himself a third term in office by winning the May 25 Democratic primary. He will face former Municipal Court Judge Patrick Dugan, a Republican who left the Democratic Party after losing the primary, in the general election. Staff writers Chris Palmer and Ellie Rushing contributed to this article. One Penn Center, at 16th Street and JFK Boulevard, where the SEC regional headquarters is located. Read more The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will stay in Philadelphias One Penn Center. Six months after SEC employees were told that their regional headquarters at 1617 John F. Kennedy Blvd. would be shuttered as part of President Donald Trumps cutbacks to federal spending, the General Services Administration has instead renewed a full 10-year, fixed-term lease with the buildings owners. Advertisement This is a big win for the SEC, for Philadelphia, and for One Penn Center, said Henry Gross, whose family owns the building. The SEC headquarters inhabit 44,765 square feet in the 20-story Art Deco tower, which sits atop SEPTAs Suburban Station. The offices, where roughly 150 government employees work, have been located there since 2014. The previous lease was $1.2 million a year, which Gross describes as below market rate, and the new one will extend those terms. With the SECs renewal, One Penn Center is 88% occupied with a few forthcoming leaves in the pipeline. Gross says a small 4,000-square-foot office for the International Trade Administration may still be cut. Prior to Trumps inauguration in January, the SEC had planned to remain in One Penn Center. In 2024, the agency requested renovations from the building owners, who complied with a $500,000 renovation in the summer and fall of that year. Thats why employees and owners were surprised when the lease was slated for termination along with SEC headquarters leases in other major cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago. The General Services Administration (GSA) reached an agreement with the landlords for the Los Angeles Regional Office (LARO) and Philadelphia Regional Office (PLRO) for those SEC offices to remain in their current locations, an SEC spokesperson said in an email. The LARO lease is set to expire in September 2029 and the PLRO lease is set to expire in August 2035. The cutbacks were part of a savings campaign launched by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which sought to save $2 trillion in federal spending. Two dozen federal building leases were included in the March list for cancellation in Pennsylvania and 14 in New Jersey. Six of those were in Philadelphia, including the SEC headquarters. It is not clear if other federal leases slated for cancellation in March were renewed. Another Philadelphia federal office slated for closure was a 42,995-square-foot space for the Department of Education (DOE) in the Wanamaker Building, which is being rehabilitated and turned into apartments. Some office space will remain, however, and there are still office tenants in the largely vacant building. The future of the DOE remains unclear. GSA did not immediately respond to The Inquirers request for comment. A previous version of this story misidentified a tenant as the International Trade Commission. It is the International Trade Administration. Chesapeake Bay blue catfish served at the FinnBar in Frenchtown, NJ. Maryland is marketing blue catfish, an invasive species to the region, as a culinary treat. Read more Chef Scott Harrison of Boatyard Bar & Grill in Annapolis, Md., has taken on a dual mission in recent years: aid in restoration of the Chesapeake Bay by elevating the invasive blue catfish as a culinary star. The restaurants menu showcases the versatility of the fish, featuring it as filleted, stuffed, smoked in a dip, prepared as croquettes, or placed in a poboy with Cajun remoulade. Advertisement Harrison says the fish is easy to prepare and can be panfried, sauteed, or broiled. The flaky, mild-tasting flesh resembles that of striped bass, he said. Were pushing hard to try and get this fish out of the water and create more of a better view of it from the prospective customer, Harrison said. Blue catfish is a great fish to eat. August has been designated Catfish Month around the Chesapeake Bay, where restaurants are encouraged to feature the fish on their menus as a way of protecting the regions iconic blue crabs. Think beloved blue crab vs. voracious blue catfish. While the blue crabs population decline is multifaceted, the millions of blue catfish now inhabiting the waterways are accelerating the drop. Harrison said blue catfish now constitute 80% of the watersheds biomass and prey on blue crabs, and nearly everything else. Unlike other bottom-feeders, he said, blue catfish consume prey throughout the entire body of water, and are not oily to eat. Indeed, eating blue catfish has become a gastronomic act of duty around the bay. Restaurants proudly announce it on their menus. The Maryland Department of Agriculture features a list of restaurants that serve it. Blue catfish are introduced White catfish are native to the Chesapeake watershed, but blue catfish, I. furcatusis, are native to rivers in the U.S. South. Virginia introduced blue catfish from Mississippi into the James and other rivers in the 1970s as a sporting fish. It took years, but blue catfish eventually found their way to the main stem of Chesapeake Bay. By 2011, the population had swelled so much that the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commissions officially declared it to be an invasive species and issued a directive that all practicable efforts were to be made to reduce the expansion. Blue catfish began outcompeting native species through predation or gobbling up much of the food. White catfish populations declined. As the numbers of blue catfish increased, they began to deplete the amount of blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, one of the most valuable species of seafood harvested in the region. Blue crabs have been found in 32% of stomachs from blue catfish sampled, researchers noted in a recent paper published in the journal Marine and Coastal Fisheries. Commercial fishing operations and recreational anglers now widely fish for the species, said the research, led by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. As a result, competing interests emerged as trophy and commercial fishing for blue catfish grew while others were trying to limiting the fishs ecological impacts. The Oyster Recovery Partnership, dedicated to oyster restoration, notes that commercial harvest of blue catfish grew from 600,000 pounds in 2013 to over 4.2 million pounds in 2023. The partnership is concerned because blue catfish prey on young oysters. Decline of crabs in the bay Meanwhile, blue crabs are in decline. Chesapeake Bay natives have long been proud of the crabs, a staple for restaurants that draw natives and tourists who hammer away at the shells to extract the tender meat, often washed down with beer. Maryland has conducted an annual survey on the state of the crabs for 30 years as a way of measuring not only the health of the crabs, but also that of the bay. The state coordinates with Virginia and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission. Though the number of crabs bounces around from year to year, the downward trend is clear. In 1991, the bay contained an estimated 828 million crabs. By 2025, that had fallen to 238 million, a 71% decrease. This year saw the second-lowest number of crabs since surveys began in 1990, and the lowest number of male crabs ever. Facing some challenges According to Chris Moore, executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Virginia, blue crabs are definitely facing some challenges. Crabs have declined for a number of reasons, including climate change, pollution, and habitat loss, according to Moores organization, a nonprofit that advocates to protect the bay. While many factors contribute to the crabs decline, Moore said, the non-native, invasive blue catfish is definitely impacting the blue crab population. He emphasized the need to address the blue catfish population not only for the blue crabs but also for other species like American shad, striped bass, and river herring. A 2002 study by the Chesapeake Bay Program, a partnership devoted to restoring the bay, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found that blue catfish consumed 2.3 million juvenile blue crabs over 40,000 acres of the James River. Eating blue catfish has become one way of fighting the decline. Kevin Schendel, general manager of Boatyard Bar & Grill, said his and other restaurants are working to get the word out, and to overcome a bias many people have against consuming catfish. Blue catfish are better eating, he said. Its all about educating people, Schendel said. Blue catfish is a really versatile fish. Theres a lot of ways you can go. Its inexpensive and its plentiful. This article is part of a sponsored series by Cotality. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) has made some serious moves to tackle the states insurance crisis head on, last year launching its Sustainable Insurance Strategy (SIS). With the SIS came a set of initiatives to help insurers offer affordable, long-term property insurance across California, where coverage has become concerningly scarce over the last decade. This shortage has been largely due to overwhelmingly destructive wildfires occurring on average every other year. As part of this strategy, the CDI opened the doors for insurers to use certain probabilistic models to support their insurance rate filings. It started by establishing the Pre-Application Required Information Determination (PRID), a regulatory process for approving these probabilistic solutions. Before this was in place, property insurers could only establish wildfire insurance pricing based on historical losses. This was a significant move for the CDI, which overcame legislative hurdles established by the decades old Proposition 103, legislation that placed controls on insurer insurance rate setting. Now, it is possible for insurers to get critical probabilistic support in pricing processes. The PRID process has introduced the potential for bringing relief to the many insurers who have struggled to provide coverage across California. With the ability to use more innovative risk forecasting model technologies, many carriers may return to provide coverage in the wildfire prone regions of California. This is crucial for making California more resilient and insurable as wildfires increase in frequency and intensity. Considerations in evaluating probabilistic wildfire loss models As insurers become more familiar with PRID-approved probabilistic wildfire hazard risk models, its important to remember that they dont need to discard the models they have been using confidently for other purposes unrelated to pricing. For instance, insurers can continue using their time-tested models for risk exposure management, loss reserving, and reinsurance purchasing all without PRID approval. Carriers can also anticipate CDI approval of more models via PRID to support rate filings in the near future. Some of the most commonly used models across the industry will soon be submitted for approval including the Cotality Wildfire Risk Model. PRID acceptance criteria and other key requirements for a comprehensive wildfire risk model A model approved by the CDI through the PRID review process is likely to meet the following criteria: Foundation in well-established science and accurate data Outputs that reflect historical wildfire behavior Consistent and repeatable results Bias free A transparent framework for explaining rate determinations These features are important for an effective model, but insurers must also consider other functionalities to support primary use cases. It is also prudent to bear in mind that many models will undergo the PRID review in the near future. In other words, just because a robust, reliable, and innovative model hasnt yet received PRID approval does not mean it wont possibly soon. The Cotality Wildfire Risk Model is one of these solutions to pursue confidently. Trusted by insurers, reinsurers, and utilities, this model assesses concentration risk and the severityfrequency distribution of losses across California. Its next iteration, coming to market this year, is designed to meet PRID requirements and is scheduled for official review in late 2025. To support the most comprehensive, effective, long-term wildfire risk management strategy in California, the updated 2025 version of Cotalitys U.S. Wildfire Model will deliver: All angles of risk insights at the steepest risk gradient (not averages) To more accurately support the precise risk differentiation needed for todays wildfires arguably the most variable peril Cotalitys model reflects improved geospatial and meteorological output granularity. This model also takes into account all the potential agents of damage, including conflagration, an increasingly relevant and overlooked factors of modern wildfires. While most models produce results based on averages, Cotalitys model produces risk values and data that deliver location-specific insights that reveal the true risk profile of any individual property. The most current, relevant historical insights, including from 2025 fires Cotality is continuously innovating its forward-looking model, which also provides a robust, up-to-date archive of historical fire intelligence dating back to the 1900s. The model already includes the footprints of the Palisades and Eaton Fires. Cotality is also committed to providing a model that calibrates and validates losses for future fires. Ongoing innovation to support long-term resilience In all its technologies, Cotality focuses on incremental innovation that makes the most sense for the industry. As wildfire realities change, so will Cotalitys wildfire loss model to properly reflect risk. The next version of the Cotality U.S. Wildfire Model will feature: Pinpoint, individual property-level analysis for improved risk evaluation. Hazard, vulnerability, and data updates. Deep dives into extreme windspeed and direction, humidity, and other critical atmosphere factors that directly influence wildfire behavior. A multitude of property-specific characteristics allowing risk assessment at the most granular level. Cotality innovation wont stop with PRID, either. Through ongoing developments to this model, the team will continue to strategically support a resilient California. To learn more about this model, contact Cotality today. 2025 Cotality. All rights reserved. While all of the content and information is believed to be accurate, the content and information is provided by Cotality as is with no guarantee, representation, or warranty, express or implied, of any kind including but not limited to as to the merchantability, non-infringement of intellectual property rights, completeness, accuracy, applicability, or fitness, in connection with the content or information and Cotality assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the content or information or any reliance thereon. Cotality, the Cotality logo, and Intelligence beyond bounds are the trademarks of CoreLogic, Inc. d/b/a Cotality or its affiliates or subsidiaries. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters California Carriers Profit Loss Wildfire Property 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 schools alert system saying ACTIVE SHOOTER on VU campus. Move to secure location. Lock/barricade doors. The schools 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 Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Education Universities Federal inspectors will assume direct oversight of a troubled Boars Head deli meat plant when it reopens after last years 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. 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 plants 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 Boars 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, its particularly important that there be robust oversight of that plant, Eskin said. Boars 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 Boars 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. 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 USDAs undersecretary for food safety. Brashears, who now directs a food safety center at Texas Tech University, did not respond to requests for comment about Boars 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. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The patient with the first human infestation of travel-associated New World screwworm in the United States has recovered from the flesh-eating parasite, and there was no sign of transmission to other people or animals, the Maryland Department of Health said on Monday. U.S. cattle futures tumbled on concerns the pest will also strike livestock as ranchers criticized a lack of transparency about the case, following exclusive reporting by Reuters. Screwworms are parasitic flies whose females lay eggs in wounds on any warm-blooded animal. An outbreak could cost the economy in Texas, the biggest U.S. cattle-producing state, about $1.8 billion, according to U.S. estimates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the human case as screwworm on August 4 in a person who returned from travel to El Salvador, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The agency announced the case on Sunday after Reuters reported earlier in the day on emails from beef industry officials on a CDC-confirmed case in a person in Maryland who had traveled to the United States from Guatemala. The nearly three-week delay between the confirmation of the case on August 4 and the U.S. governments disclosure erodes trust that public agencies need to identify and fight potential screwworm outbreaks, said Neal Wilkins, CEO of conservation and cattle group East Foundation. It will cause many producers and land owners, wildlife managers, to simply begin to believe that theyre not being fed the whole story, he said. Its irresponsible and tone deaf for them to have done this. Marylands health department said the patient was a resident of the state but did not respond to questions about the country to which the person traveled or the timing of the case. An HHS spokesperson did not address the discrepancy on the source of the human case on Sunday. Feeder cattle futures FCU25 fell at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange after cattle and beef prices set records this year because the nations herd shrank to its smallest size in 70 years. Screwworm has spread north in Mexico from Central America, prompting the U.S. Department of Agriculture to halt imports of Mexican cattle in July. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins did not mention the human case when she traveled to Texas on August 15 to announce that the agency would spend up to $750 million to build a Texas facility to produce sterile flies to combat screwworm. The agency has not confirmed cases in animals this year. The USDA has not responded to questions about the human case and what communications the agency had with the CDC. Last week, an executive of industry group Beef Alliance sent emails to about two dozen people, informing them the CDC had confirmed a case in Maryland in a person who had traveled to the U.S. from Guatemala, according to a source. Beef Alliance has not responded to requests for comment. U.S. cattle producers association R-CALF USA said on Monday there should be an investigation if government officials shared information about the case with select industry members. Without transparency and symmetrical information dissemination to all industry participants there can be no trust between industry participants and the government, the associations CEO, Bill Bullard, said. (Reporting by Tom Polansek in Chicago and Leah Douglas in Washington; Additional reporting by Heather Schlitz in Chicago and Cassandra Garrison in Buenos Aires; Editing by Stephen Coates) Topics Maryland Europes four largest reinsurers Swiss Re, Munich Re, Hannover Re and SCOR are maintaining their appetite for property-catastrophe risks as well as their ambitious profit targets for 2025 despite signs of rate softening and hefty claims from Januarys California wildfires, according to AM Best. This follows a period of right-sizing of [property-cat] portfolios, increases in attachment points, and a move away from aggregate covers and working layers, said AM Best in a report titled The European Big Four Reinsurers Maintain Their Risk Appetites, published on Aug. 21. Although prices have softened in the 2025 renewals, discipline on attachment points and terms seem to be holding for now, said the report, adding that there is no material sign, as yet, that this discipline is weakening The main negative note for the Big Four reinsurers, highlighted by the report, was adverse development in U.S. casualty. However, these losses were absorbed by strong margins in property lines and improved investment yields. The report noted that all four reinsurers continue to benefit from business written through the hard reinsurance market, with strong pricing, terms and conditions, which has allowed them to maintain robust performance metrics for their property/casualty reinsurance segments. At the same time, AM Best said, the Big Four composite reinsurers (which write both life and non-life reinsurance) have also been pursuing growth in insurance and reinsurance specialty segments such as cyber, marine, engineering, and other lines. The growth in these lines is aimed at achieving increased levels of diversification and more stable earnings. The performance of life portfolios in 2024 was strong for three of the Big Four, thanks to reduced impact from pandemic-related deaths, although excess mortality in the US, in particular, continued. The exception was SCOR, which reported a large loss for its life segment in 2024, AM Best said. Notwithstanding SCORs experience in 2024, the cohorts life books have generally had a stabilizing effect. All four companies benefit from their global reach, strong brands and diversified portfolios, the report affirmed. Casualty Concerns On the main negative note, AM Best said, all four reinsurers have concerns about adverse development in U.S. casualty books, which is no longer limited to the particular underwriting years of 2014-2019. Since 2023, all four have taken the opportunity, given the strong operating performance trends, to further strengthen non-life loss reserves. Overall, reserve strengthening charges have been comfortably absorbed by profit margins in other non-life lines of business, the report said. IFRS-17 Comparisons Swiss Re transitioned to reporting under IFRS in 2024, which enhances comparability as all four companies are now reporting under the same accounting standard, AM Best said. Comparison among groups reporting under IFRS 17 and with those reporting under US GAAP is made difficult by the differences in reporting standards. Discounted combined ratios under IFRS 17 are, for example, not directly comparable with the undiscounted combined ratios reported under US GAAP or IFRS 4. Nevertheless, AM Best made some general comparative observations of the Big Four versus reinsurers reporting under US GAAP. The Big Four reinsurers have on average reported returns on equity (ROEs) for 2024 in line with the average for the U.S. & Bermuda market composite. However, Lloyds ROE of 21.2% is materially higher than that of the European average. See related graphic below. Source: AM Best Related: Topics Reinsurance Property Jazwares, the Berkshire Hathaway-owned maker of Squishmallows, has agreed to end a lawsuit against Build-A-Bear Workshop over its alleged knockoffs of the popular plush toys, according to a filing in Los Angeles federal court. Jazwares and Build-A-Bear asked the court on Friday to dismiss their dispute with prejudice, which means it cannot be refiled. Attorneys and spokespeople for the companies did not immediately respond on Monday to requests for comment, including on the terms of any settlement. Jazwares Squishmallows, launched in 2017, went viral on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales of the toys topped $1 billion in 2021, and Warren Buffetts Berkshire bought Jazwares parent company in 2022. Jazwares sued Build-A-Bear in California last year, arguing that Build-A-Bears Skoosherz copied Squishmallows look and feel and would create consumer confusion. It asked the court for an unspecified amount of monetary damages. Related: Squishmallows Maker Can Sue Build-A-Bear Over Alleged Plush Toy Knockoffs Build-A-Bear responded with counterclaims that Skoosherz were a kind of soft, pillow-like squishie-type toy that has been trending for years, and that Jazwares lacked trademark rights in its Squishmallows design. U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton rejected Build-A-Bears request to dismiss the lawsuit last year, finding that Skoosherz were similar enough to Squishmallows to let the case move forward. A fire at an automotive supply plant in Louisiana was 90% contained Sunday, but a mandatory evacuation order remained in place as crews tried to address remaining flames, law enforcement officials said. The fire at Smittys Supply just north of the town of Roseland ignited Friday after an explosion at the facility sent flames into the air and black smoke billowing over the surrounding rural area. No injuries have been reported. Everyone within a one-mile (1.6-kilometer) radius of the plant was ordered to evacuate. The order remained in place at noon Sunday, state police said. During a press conference Saturday, police urged residents to minimize their contact with soot from the fire. Louisiana State Police wrote in the update Sunday that all air monitoring for contaminants has shown either non-detectable readings or levels well below health-based or actionable thresholds. Response crews were removing structural debris and addressing covered hotspots. Environmental response efforts were ongoing in the Tangipahoa River and surrounding waterways. Smittys Supply delivers high performance lubricants and automotive parts, including oils, brake fluid, power steering fluid and antifreeze, according to the companys website. Local officials said the plant employs about 400 people. Roseland, which is home to about 1,100 people, is roughly 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Baton Rouge. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Auto Louisiana Investigators with the North Carolina Department of Insurance searched an insurance agency and a home in Salisbury after reports that insurance premiums had not been used to secure policies. The N.C. Department of Insurance has received several consumer complaints regarding this company and is currently investigating this case, reads a statement from the DOI. The office cannot release further information at this time. Local news sites reported that investigators executed search warrants for the William L. Broadway Insurance Agency and for a house linked to a principal with the agency. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners agent verification site shows no listing for the William L. Broadway agency. But the property and liability license for Jewell K. Broadway of Salisbury, initially issued in 2007, was suspended Aug. 15. A brokers license was cancelled in 2022. Progressive Insurance terminated the agencys contract in June after records showed the agency had received 31 payments but had not applied the funds toward insurance policies, the Salisbury Post reported. National General Insurance found 10 similar examples. The agency principals could not be reached Monday. The business has now closed its doors, although one person associated with the agency posted on social media that the investigation was a hoax and a scam, the newspaper noted. A Washington-based staffing and recruiting agency is paying $217,500 after failing to hire a Muslim job applicant after he asked about a religious accommodation to attend Friday prayer. The company, Logic Staffing, also agreed to provide other relief, resolving a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. According to an EEOC lawsuit, Logic Staffing invited the applicant to interview at its Kent, Washington, headquarters after he submitted an online application. A supervisor started to explore available openings when the applicant disclosed a possible need for a longer mid-day break to attend Friday prayer. Although the applicant said he would not need additional time if his workplace was close to a mosque, the supervisor ended the interview and noted that the applicant was not hired due to his schedule and need to attend Friday prayer, according to the EEOC. The agency also alleged that Logic Staffing disqualified the applicant from future employment after he sought confirmation that he was not hired because of his request for a religious accommodation. Federal law requires staffing agencies, as well as employers and unions, to explore workplace accommodations that allow workers to practice their faith. The companys alleged conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The EEOC filed its lawsuit (EEOC v. Logic Staffing LLC, No. 2:24-cv-01557-BJR), in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process. In addition to monetary fines, under the four-year consent decree that resolves the EEOCs lawsuit, the company must work with a third-party consultant to review and revise its policies and procedures concerning religious discrimination, accommodation and retaliation. The company must also train managers, supervisors, hiring coordinators, recruiters and human resources personnel on the revised policies and procedures. The EEOCs Seattle Field Office has jurisdiction over Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska. Topics Lawsuits Washington Californias long-delayed high-speed rail project could be operating in the Central Valley by 2032, but it is far short of securing the funding it needs to connect up north toward the San Francisco Bay Area and south toward Los Angeles, according to a report by officials. It will cost roughly $87 billion to build between Gilroy, about 80 miles southeast of San Francisco, and Palmdale, about 37 miles north of Los Angeles, the High Speed Rail Authoritys report says. That section is expected to start running in 2038. While challenges remain, so too does the potential to deliver a modern transportation system worthy of the states ambitions one that reflects the scale, complexity, and promise of California itself, Authority CEO Ian Choudri wrote in the report. Lets go build it. The project is designed to shuttle riders across nearly 500 miles between San Francisco and Los Angeles. When voters approved a proposition in 2008 to authorize a bond to fund a third of the project, the cost was estimated at $33 billion and was to have been up and running by 2020. It could now cost up to $128 billion to build, the authority estimated last year. Officials will release an updated estimate in a business report next year, authority spokesperson Micah Flores said in an email. There is 119 miles of construction underway in the Central Valley. But the state needs to make progress to build toward larger population centers near the Bay Area and L.A. and secure stable sources of funding to attract potential private investors, the report says. The project desperately needs help from the private sector. The authority recently heard back from 31 potential private investors who expressed their interest and started meeting with them this month. A 171-mile section in the Central Valley between Merced and Bakersfield is expected to cost nearly $37 billion. Thats up slightly from a previous estimate, but the authority said that figure would have ballooned to $51 billion had it not taken recent cost-saving measures. The project has received nearly $24 billion in funding to date, most of which has come from the state through a voter-approved bond and money from the states cap-and-trade program. The rest has come from the federal government. But the Trump administration said in July it was pulling $4 billion in funding from the project, which the authority quickly sued to try to get restored. The authority has spent about $14 billion on the project through May of this year, according to the new report. Dozens of structures have been built in the Central Valley, including viaducts, underpasses and overpasses, along with 70 miles of guideway, the report says. President Donald Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy both have slammed the project as a train to nowhere. The Railroad we were promised still does not exist, and never will, Trump wrote on Truth Social in July. This project was Severely Overpriced, Overregulated, and NEVER DELIVERED. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom wants lawmakers to reauthorize the states cap-and-trade program through 2045 and ensure high-speed rail receives $1 billion a year from it. The program is set to expire at the end of 2030. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Trends California Irish exports to the Arab region rose 5.6% in the first half of the year to 1.5bn. The Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC) said trade with the region strengthened in several core markets, led by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. Iraq and Qatar have also emerged as buoyant markets for trade with Ireland. They said the data reflects resilient demand in eastern markets despite ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges. Saudi Arabia remains Irelands largest import market in the region, with trade exports valued at 524.3m, an increase of 8.79% compared with the same period in 2024. The UAE followed with 389.4m, posting modest growth of 1%. Egypt recorded a 6.68% increase in Irish imports to 130m, while Iraq saw the sharpest growth among the larger markets, climbing 15.4% to 100m. Irish exports to Arab states are valued at more than double the value of imports from the region, highlighting sustained demand for Irish products such as dairy, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics and transport equipment. Other markets of note include 60m in exports to Algeria, 53m to Kuwait and 45m to Qatar. AICC CEO Ahmad Younis said recent CSO data showing Irish exports to the United States falling by almost 60% between May and June illustrates the risks of Irelands over-reliance on a single market. By contrast, trade with Arab states has remained consistent," he said. "Growing populations together with a reliance on imports are creating significant demand and there is now a golden opportunity for Irish companies willing to look beyond traditional trade partners and markets." Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has said she is "seriously concerned" about the potential "misuse" of a UN Security Council veto by the US. Ms Connolly said there was a need to "double down on strengthening UN structures" amid concern the US could veto the renewal of a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, to which Irish troops are deployed. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council the US, Britain, Russia, China, and France each hold the power to veto and block the adoption of any proposal at the body. After her campaign team initially backtracked on a pledge to hold a press conference on Tuesday, Ms Connolly made the comments during a brief exchange with reporters at a demonstration outside Leinster House. Asked about her view of the potential ending of the Unifil mandate, she said: "I think we're in a very dangerous position in relation to that. "I hope that discussions will allow for the mandate to continue. "But I think it brings into acute focus the use of the veto by America, something that has not been discussed in the Dail at any stage it has always been the use of the veto by Russia, absolutely right to discuss that. "But the misuse of the veto by America was never brought into the equation and I really think it is time more than ever that we look at building up the UN as a peace institution." She said there were problems with the veto and the five permanent members. But the UN was set up after the Second World War to prevent a holocaust, to prevent slaughter, and now more than ever we need to double down on strengthening UN structures. The independent TD for Galway has the backing of Labour, Social Democrats, People Before Profit-Solidarity and other independents. Asked if she had been in contact with Sinn Fein about whether it would row in to back her candidacy, Ms Connolly said she respected the party was going through its own processes but added: "It is taking a little longer than I hoped." Ms Connolly was speaking at a demonstration for workers in the Oireachtas broadcast unit, who are considering strike action over pay and conditions. Many of the workers in the unit who are responsible for delivering live broadcasts of Dail and Seanad proceedings are paid 12,000 on average per year. Some rely on social welfare supports to survive, as they find it difficult to secure stable additional employment outside of sitting days. Workers argue the Oireachtas could make cost savings by employing them directly as civil servants rather than putting the service out to tender. Ms Connolly said the workers had been left were left with precarious and uncertain working conditions. A pro-Palestine protest over the Central Bank of Ireland's role in approving Israel Bonds for sale in the EU has told the bank's governor they "must refuse the prospectus" which is due for renewal in a matter of days. The demonstration, organised by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, began outside Government Buildings in Dublin on Tuesday evening where speeches were made. It marched to the department of foreign affairs at Iveagh House, pausing briefly outside the department of finance. Dr Bridget Kiely, from Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine, told the crowd that "medicide", the eradication of healthcare provision, had become normalised during Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip. She raised the stories of healthcare workers in Gaza who had been killed and who were working in conditions with limited medicine and food supplies. "Up until the last decade, attacks on healthcare facilities were rare and generated public outcry," Dr Kiely said. "Prior to the war in Gaza, Russia's invasion of Ukraine was the deadliest conflict for healthcare workers, with 261 healthcare workers killed. There are sanctions on Russia. Israel has killed over six times that number of healthcare workers in Gaza. There are no sanctions on Israel. She called on the Irish people to ask their pharmacies for alternatives to medicines made by Israeli firms. Labour TD Ciaran Ahern said the governor of the Central Bank Gabriel Makhlouf "must refuse the prospectus" which is due for renewal on September 2. "Our Central Bank is complicit in Israel's genocide against the Palestinians, this must end," he told the crowd. The Central Bank of Ireland is the designated authority in relation to the sale of Israel Bonds in the EU, and has determined the securities meet the standards of the bloc's prospectus regulations. Israel Bonds have been advertised as supporting the country's economy and, more recently, websites promoting the securities emphasise their role in supporting Israel's military operations in Gaza. Protesters and opposition parties have said the bonds are intended to fund the war in Gaza, and approving them is tantamount to complicity with the genocide of the Palestinian people. The Central Bank has said regulations require that it approves prospectuses that meet standards of completeness, consistency, and comprehensibility. Government ban Activists have also called on the Irish Government to pass a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements. The Government committed to passing a ban on goods alone from the occupied Palestinian territories in its programme for government completed in January. However, a cross-party committee recommended that the importation of services from occupied Palestinian territories should also be banned. Earlier, Tanaiste Simon Harris said collective EU action against Israel is "long overdue". Mr Harris, also foreign affairs minister, said there are "clear, concrete measures the EU can take". He was responding to the fact 206 former European ambassadors and officials had signed a letter calling on the EU to step up action against Israel over a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Describing the letter as a "vital, unprecedented intervention", Mr Harris added: "If we don't take collective action now against the backdrop of famine, when will we? "Collective EU action could make a powerful difference." A vintage combine harvester used for the first time in Allihies raised almost 14,000 for a young girl who lost her legs in a farming accident. Over 572,000 has now been raised to help support Feile O'Sullivan and her mother Maureen in the years to come. She continues her treatment in CHI at Crumlin Hospital in Dublin, having received emergency care at Cork University Hospital last month. The 1972 combine harvester worked a field of oats in front of an appreciative crowd at the weekend. Co-organiser of the event Helen OSullivan, said: It was so heartwarming to see everyone helping. She described the teenager as a very strong, brave, determined girl. She met farmers who came from as far as Waterford and said a round of applause went up as the machine began working. We were praying for a crowd and they came out in big numbers, she said. There were so many people there never saw the likes of this in their lives, and then for the older generation Id say the vintage harvester brought back memories for them as well. A vintage tractor run attracted entries from as far as Kilkenny and across Cork including Bandon. Other events included helicopter rides and Alpaca visits. Kenmare Mart hosted an auction of the oats donated by the farmer - on Monday with all proceeds going towards 'Stand 4 Feile'". Other items auctioned included fencing stakes and three rams. The sports mad teenager's plight has tugged at heartstrings in a similar way to fundraising last year for Clare underage GAA player Joe Slattery. The campaign is led by a committee of Cllr Finbarr Harrington, Cormac McMahon and Ollie Rue O Sullivan from Garnish GAA as well as Liz OLeary. Mr Harrington said of the harvesting: The total raised on the day was a massive 13,600 which is phenomenal for an event in a small parish. Feile O'Sullivan continues her treatment in CHI at Crumlin Hospital in Dublin, having received emergency care at Cork University Hospital last month. It was a fantastic day out and the first of its kind in the Beara Peninsula. He praised how a flood of videos from local and national athletes or clubs in GAA and other sports has helped to keep the campaign going. Very often we would hear about the dark side of social media, the online trolling and all of that but this is a great example of how powerful and how good social media is when its used properly, he said. Independent presidential hopeful Nick Delehanty has said he does not agree with the concept of multiculturalism as he launched his campaign in Dublin on Tuesday. Mr Delehanty said he agreed with UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch on the matter, citing a previous BBC interview in which she criticised multiculturalism in the UK. She [Badenoch] doesnt believe, and I agree with this, in multiculturalism because there should be a culture to most people sign up to in a country that everybody agrees upon and thats what were about, Mr Delehanty said. She believes, and I believe, in multiethnicity. Its good to tease those things out. Its good to have an Irish culture and celebrate Irish culture and be proud to be Irish. He added that his political ideology aligns with Danish social democracy. Mr Delehanty previously ran in the most recent local and general elections, standing for Dublin City Council and later the Dublin Bay South constituency. He was unsuccessful in both campaigns. He has built an online following in recent years by frequently criticising the Governments spending on international protection accommodation. During his launch, Mr Delehanty accused the Government of making millionaires out of some people who should not be getting Government contracts in the first place through the IPAS system. However, he denied being a one-issue candidate. Mr Delehanty said the country is facing a political crisis and criticised the concept of a rotating Taoiseach, saying it has devalued the most powerful office in the State. The concept of a rotating Taoiseach is bizarre Why are we allowing the normalisation of this concept, Mr Delehanty said. However, he admitted it is not unconstitutional, but argued it is not good value for the people of Ireland. The Tipperary-born candidate said he was confident there is a pathway to a nomination, noting that he has secured proposers and seconders from between six and ten local councils. However, he admitted this does not necessarily guarantee success. This could all be over in two or three weeks, if it doesnt go our way but we have to keep going. He compared the role of the President to that of an influencer, saying there is no bigger influencer on a national stage than the President. When asked if he wanted to be a content creator rather than President, Mr Delehanty disagreed, saying the use of online communications is standard in the modern era. On the Occupied Territories Bill, Mr Delehanty said he agreed with the intent behind the legislation but argued that its outcomes must be weighed carefully. For one single mother, deciding to go back to education came with many challenges, but also proved to be one of the most rewarding moments of her life. Johanne Nevin decided to return to education after never finishing university at the age of eighteen due to becoming a single mother. During the pandemic, Johanne was let go from her job and felt it was the right time to make the move. Johanne chose MTU to help her upskill and build her career, and chose to study the part-time Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management. The MTU Business Academy is an accessible hub promoting and supporting a range of professional and executive part-time programmes. I was late into education. I was a young single mother when I was eighteen, and due to this, I never finished university. When I was forty during Covid, I was let go, and I then decided to go back to MTU at that stage and get my undergraduate degree in HR. I always wanted to go. I used to be in people management before, and I liked the people aspect, so HR always kind of appealed to me. There were many challenges Johanne faced while studying; however, she praises MTU for their compassion for students and for helping them achieve their degree. Studying at night is hard; however, the blended delivery is brilliant. And MTU introduced that in 2020, more so because of the pandemic. And that made me stick it out, because I remember doing this course back in 2016, and I was driving up and down, and I dropped out after about six weeks. But with the online version, it alleviates the challenge of having to commute to college every evening." "MTU is a fantastic university, and they're flexible. The cost of the course is something I found difficult and can be difficult for people returning to education; however, MTU offers flexibility, allowing some courses to be paid by module or semester. This can be helpful for people in low-income families to plan, instead of having to fork out all the money up front. MTU has something for every skillset, and I think they're diverse and inclusive." MTU offer flexible learning to all of their students. Johannes current role is people team operations manager at The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll; however, it was down to faith that she chose to apply for the job. I worked for a little while for a family member who had a business to get my foot in the door of HR and then I saw a job advertisement at The Donkey Sanctuary come up and then one day I was driving out to this shop and a Donkey Sanctuary van passed me and I said, this must be a sign. So, I applied for an advisor position, and I got that in 2021, and then I quickly progressed up to people team manager and then progressed on further to people team operations manager in the space of two or three years. I've had a good run in there in terms of promotion. There are many aspects of her learning at MTU that Johanne uses in her current role. The course covered things like health and safety, employment law, well-being and engagement, diversity and inclusion, data analytics and everything you could need for the world of work. The well-being and the engagement element of the course is what resonated with me, as well as learning about diversity and inclusion, given my background and the challenges that I faced. When I then started working in The Donkey Sanctuary, learning these skills carried into everything I did. Johanne used her knowledge and skills to create a wellbeing workshop at the sanctuary and has noticed a significant turnaround in staff since first introducing this initiative. There's a donkey welfare crisis in Ireland now, and given that that's the case, the ways of working for our staff have massively changed over the last few years, because we're operating at full capacity now. We can't take in any more donkeys like we used to before. Due to this, we have to work with the public to promote good rehoming and do more support work than taking them into our care indefinitely. Johanne Nevin, people team operations manager at The Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll. Due to this, our staff has had to deal with some very traumatic experiences. They suffer a lot with symptoms of stress, compassion fatigue, you know, because of the duties of the role. So as I was in the role, I was starting to pick up on this, and because of the studies that I was doing and understanding mental health, I did a health needs assessment on our staff, and I looked at what they were suffering with. "I then looked at the interventions I had to put in place to help alleviate that. So, this is how the whole well-being idea started for me. I needed to build resilience and coping skills in the workforce at The Donkey Sanctuary to give them the tools to deal with challenging situations. Between me and the other members of the senior leadership team, we put that support in place through like-minded peer groups or well-being initiatives. It's not just about well-being, it's about putting targeted health interventions in place to make sure your staff have the skills to do their job properly and to not suffer because of it. The feedback Johanne has received from staff has been incredible. Not only has there been a reduction in illness, sickness absence and stuff like that, but the buzz around the place is amazing. The well-being week is a time for all staff to get together and celebrate everything we've done during the year, but there's huge engagement every year in it. Johanne used her knowledge and skills to create a wellbeing workshop at the sanctuary and has noticed a significant turnaround in staff since first introducing this initiative. "It cheers everybody up. We have mental health ambassadors. We offer external counselling to our staff. There's so much that goes on during the year, and we get so much feedback from men and women thanking us. For me, it's special when I see a group of men coming into a room to talk about their mental health, given that they don't usually, and it's kind of breaking that stigma. And so even if they don't say thanks after the fact that they've turned up, it says it all, you know. For all the amazing work that was carried out in The Doneky Sanctuary, they were awarded the CIPD 2024 Special Commendation Award. The award commended the work of The Donkey Sanctuary in how it supports its employees in difficult times. The annual CIPD Ireland HR Awards celebrate outstanding contributions within the Irish HR profession. Emotional and mental well-being practitioner Tina Symington (left) and people team operations manager Johanne Nevin accepted a Special Commendation for Donkey Sanctuary Ireland at the CIPD Ireland HR Awards ceremony in Dublin. Picture by Chris Bellew, Fennell Photography Following her amazing achievements since completing her Bachelor of Arts, Johanne has now decided to return to MTU to complete a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management and to build on her strong knowledge and expertise in this field. Johannes lecturer, Caroline Conlon, programme co-ordinator for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Resource Management, said: "The students already know the world of work is dynamic and demanding, which requires them to self-invest in their skills and professional tool kit. "What is the essence of a professional person coming back to MTU? In a nutshell, it's the excitement and optimism in building a future career. MTU supports that goal by bringing together established and emerging HR leaders. The power of interdisciplinary teaching is not to be underestimated either. "So, with that as the context, the MTU student benefits from interdisciplinary teaching, collaboration with industry and engaging in real-world assignments and projects. Programmes are designed to empower the HR students as the future voices in HR in Ireland and beyond." Carline Conlon, MTU. Dr Breda Dwyer, head of the department of organisation and professional development, explained that the university sees many people returning to education, such as Johanne and at different stages in their lives. One of the key virtues of the Organisation and Professional Development Department is its close alignment with industry, where together with the staff in the department, we are continuously looking at. "So, we're seeing more students coming back to us, and they're coming back either to take on a different career totally or to deepen the knowledge they have within their career, and that might mean that they take on a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma or a master's in that area. Dr Breda O'Dwyer, MTU. "Many of our programmes are offered on a part-time basis, which allows people to study and work at the same time. In the department, we have the agility and flexibility to respond quickly to the needs of industry, ensuring that we offer our students the current and future knowledge and skills required by them to allow them to advance their career opportunities." Breda encourages students to reach out and engage with the lectures to get the most out of the course. Talk to the lecturers. Every lecturer at MTU is one hundred per cent focused on doing the best for and with their students. Reach out to the lecturer. Just talk to them. "Show up in class, whether it's an online learning environment or a face to face environment, show up because it's through those conversations with your peers in the classroom and with the lecturers that will add a lot more to your learning experience and journey than you could ever do by just studying the books because that's where the real learning happens. The MTU Business Academy is a supportive hub in the Business faculty, focused on flexible and part-time programmes for professionals. These industry-focused courses offer those with ambition the opportunity to create a personalised learning experience that meets their specific needs. For more information on MTU Business Academy, visit: www.mtubusinessacademy.ie Below the dark blue waters of the Bay of Aarhus in northern Denmark, archaeologists are searching for coastal settlements swallowed by rising sea levels more than 8,500 years ago. This summer, divers descended about eight metres below the waves close to Aarhus, Denmarks second-biggest city, and collected evidence of a Stone Age settlement from the seabed. Its part of a 13.2 million euro (11.5 million) six-year international project to map parts of the seabed in the Baltic and North Seas, funded by the European Union, that includes researchers in Aarhus as well as from the UKs University of Bradford and the Lower Saxony Institute for Historical Coastal Research in Germany. The goal is to explore sunken Northern European landscapes and uncover lost Mesolithic settlements as offshore wind farms and other sea infrastructure expand. A diving vessel has anchored in Bay of Aarhus (James Brooks/AP) Most evidence of such settlements so far has been found at locations inland from the Stone Age coast, said underwater archaeologist Peter Moe Astrup, who is leading underwater excavations in Denmark. Here, we actually have an old coastline. We have a settlement that was positioned directly at the coastline, he said. What we actually try to find out here is how was life at a coastal settlement. After the last ice age, huge ice sheets melted and global sea levels rose, submerging Stone Age settlements and forcing the hunter-gatherer human population inland. About 8,500 years ago, sea levels rose by about two meters per century, Mr Moe Astrup said. Mr Moe Astrup and colleagues at the Moesgaard Museum in Hojbjerg, just outside Aarhus, have excavated an area of about 40 square metres at the small settlement they discovered just off todays coast. Early dives uncovered animal bones, stones tools, arrowheads, a seal tooth, and a small piece of worked wood, likely a simple tool. The researchers are combing the site meter by meter using a kind of underwater vacuum cleaner to collect material for future analysis. They hope further excavations will find harpoons, fish hooks or traces of fishing structures. Underwater archaeologist Peter Moe Astrup holds a piece of worked wood (James Brooks/AP) Its like a time capsule, Mr Moe Astrup said. When sea level rose, everything was preserved in an oxygen-free environment time just stops. We find completely well-preserved wood, he added. We find hazelnut. Everything is well preserved. Excavations in the relatively calm and shallow Bay of Aarhus and dives off the coast of Germany will be followed by later work at two locations in the more inhospitable North Sea. The sea level rise thousands of years ago submerged, among other things, a vast area known as Doggerland that connected Britain with continental Europe and now lies underneath the southern North Sea. To build a picture of the rapid rise of the waters, Danish researchers are using dendrochronology, the study of tree rings. Submerged tree stumps preserved in mud and sediment can be dated precisely, revealing when rising tides drowned coastal forests. We can say very precisely when these trees died at the coastlines, Moesgaard Museum dendrochronologist Jonas Ogdal Jensen said as he peered at a section of Stone Age tree trunk through a microscope. That tells us something about how the sea level changed through time. As todays world faces rising sea levels driven by climate change, the researchers hope to shed light on how Stone Age societies adapted to shifting coastlines more than eight millennia ago. Its hard to answer exactly what it meant to people, Mr Moe Astrup said. But it clearly had a huge impact in the long run because it completely changed the landscape. Sea levels rose by a global average of around 4.3cm in the decade up to 2023. Authorities in Germany have announced murder charges against an Afghan man accused of killing two people and injuring 44 in a car ramming in Munich in February that prosecutors say was motivated by a desire to avenge suffering of Muslims. The man, an Afghan national identified only as Farhad N in line with German privacy rules, was arrested immediately after the attack during a labour union demonstration. He came to Germany as an asylum seeker and was 24 years old at the time of the attack. He believed he was obliged to attack and kill randomly selected people in Germany in response to the suffering of Muslims in Islamic countries Federal prosecutors said in a statement that on the morning of February 13, the suspect deliberately drove his car into the union event in central Munich. The car ramming fatally injured two people, a two-year-old girl and her 37-year-old mother. Forty-four other people suffered life-threatening or serious injuries, prosecutors said. The accused committed the act out of excessive religious motivation, they said in the statement. He believed he was obliged to attack and kill randomly selected people in Germany in response to the suffering of Muslims in Islamic countries. It was the fifth in a series of attacks involving immigrants over a period of nine months that pushed migration to the forefront of the past years campaign for Germanys election on February 23. The UN has demanded that Israels investigations into unlawful killings in Gaza, including its double-tap bombing of Nasser hospital which killed 20 people, among them five journalists, yield results and ensure accountability. There needs to be justice, Thameen Al-Kheetan, the spokesperson for the UNs human rights office, told reporters on Tuesday in Geneva. He added that the number of journalists killed in Gaza raised many questions about the targeting of media workers. On Monday, Israel twice struck Nasser hospital, the last functioning public hospital in southern Gaza. Witnesses said the second strike came just as rescue crews and journalists arrived to evacuate the wounded 15 minutes after the first bombing, killing first responders and media workers. The double-tap strike killed journalists working for Reuters, Associated Press and Al Jazeera, as well as independent journalists. It drew global condemnation. All three publications issued statements mourning the journalists, and urged Israel to look into the killings. Freelance journalist Mariam Dagga, 33, who had been working with the Associated Press and other outlets since the start of the Gaza war, poses for a portrait in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, June 14, 2024. She was among eight people, including four journalists, killed Monday in an Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi) The office of the Israeli prime minister said it deeply regrets the tragic mishap that happened at the hospital and that the Israeli military was conducting an investigation. On Tuesday, the Israeli military released what it said was the initial results of its investigation. The military claimed that soldiers were aiming to destroy a camera in the Nasser hospital area used by Hamas to surveil the Israeli army. It further claimed that six of those killed in the strike were terrorists. The statement, however, failed to address basic questions, primarily why Israel conducted a double-tap strike on medics and journalists and if anyone would be held accountable for the killing of civilians. The UN spokesperson urged Israel to ensure the outcome of its investigation led to accountability, referring to recent Israeli military investigations that were closed without resolution. The Israeli authorities have, in the past, announced investigations in such killings We havent seen results or accountability measures yet. We have yet to see the results of these investigations and we call for accountability and justice, said Kheetan. A report published by Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) this month showed that 88% of Israels investigations into war crime allegations in Gaza were shut down or left unresolved. Among the unresolved inquiries are investigations into the killing of at least 112 Palestinians waiting for flour in Gaza City in February 2024 and an airstrike that killed 45 Palestinians in a tent encampment in southern Gaza in May 2024. Researchers at AOAV said the statistics suggested that Israel was trying to create a pattern of impunity in the overwhelming majority of cases where severe wrongdoing by Israeli soldiers was alleged. The Israeli military maintains that it has robust internal processes for when there is a suspicion of a violation of the law. Palestinian cameraman Hussam al-Masri, who was a contractor for Reuters and killed in Israeli strikes on Nasser hospital on August 25, 2025, works at Nasser hospital, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip August 7, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer Israel has frequently conducted strikes on hospitals throughout the 22-month war in Gaza, with the World Health Organization reporting in April that 33 out of Gazas 36 hospitals had been damaged. Israel has in the past claimed that Hamas is embedded within Gazas medical infrastructure, without presenting credible evidence for its claims. Israel has also regularly killed journalists in Gaza, now the deadliest place in the world to be a journalist. Israel has banned international media from entering Gaza, leaving Palestinian journalists as the only source of news on the territory. According to the UN spokesperson, at least 247 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza over the last 22 months. It is the deadliest conflict for journalists ever recorded, killing more media workers than both world wars, the Vietnam war, the Yugoslavia wars and the US war in Afghanistan combined. Israels double bombing of the hospital on Monday provoked outrage and added to the pressure on Israel from rights groups and foreign ministries worldwide. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, called the strikes intolerable, in a statement on Monday. This is intolerable: civilians and journalists must be protected in all circumstances. The media must be able to carry out their mission freely and independently to cover the reality of the conflict, said Macron. On Tuesday, 209 former EU ambassadors and senior diplomatic staff published a public letter calling for urgent action over Israels war in Gaza and unlawful conduct in the occupied West Bank. They called on EU member states to take unilateral action in pursuit of protecting and enforcing international law. Recommended actions included suspending arms export licences to Israel, halting funding of projects with Israeli organisations complicit in illegal actions and prosecuting indicted Israeli and Palestinian war criminals if they enter their territories. Despite international and domestic pressure for a ceasefire, Israel is pushing ahead with its plans to take over and occupy Gaza City, a military campaign it expects could take up to five months. At least 75 people were killed in the last 24 hours, many of them by Israeli strikes, the Gaza health ministry reported. Thousands of residents have already fled Gaza City as Israeli bombardment has intensified. Humanitarians have warned that continuing with the Gaza City campaign could have disastrous consequences for the wellbeing of the around a million residents there, already in the throes of famine. The Israel-based group Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) wrote to the Israeli government warning that orders to evacuate hospitals in Gaza City prior to the offensive would be a death sentence for many patients. Hospital capacity across the Gaza Strip is already at maximum. This makes the safe transfer of patients from Gaza City hospitals to southern medical centres impossible, PHR said in a letter sent on Monday to Cogat, the Israeli authority responsible for civilian affairs in Gaza. Hamas has delivered its latest ceasefire proposal to mediators, but Israel has yet to respond. Israeli media reported that the Israeli government was unlikely to accept the ceasefire proposal, seeking instead a comprehensive deal that would see hostages returned and Hamas exiled from the strip. Protesters gathered across Israel on Tuesday holding up pictures of hostages and demanding an end to the war. Demonstrators said that the continued fighting put the lives of the remaining hostages held in Gaza in danger. As protests continued, the Israeli military conducted a rare wide-scale raid in Ramallah, one of the largest cities in the occupied West Bank. Israeli vehicles stopped traffic at a busy intersection downtown, where they clashed with groups of youths who attempted to throw rocks at vehicles. There were 58 injuries from the raid, the Palestinian Red Crescent said, including injuries from teargas inhalation and live bullets. The Israeli military confirmed the raid in Ramallah but did not provide a reason for the operation, though the Palestinian news agency said soldiers arrested three people from a currency exchange shop. More than 62,000 people have been killed in Gaza more than half of whom are civilians according to the Gaza health ministry during Israels war over the last 22 months. Israel launched the war after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. US Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook will sue President Donald Trumps administration to try to prevent him from firing her, her lawyer has said. President Trump has no authority to remove Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, said Abbe Lowell, a long-time Washington lawyer who has represented figures from both major political parties. His attempt to fire her, based solely on a referral letter, lacks any factual or legal basis. We will be filing a lawsuit challenging this illegal action. Donald Trump has openly coveted the territory for the US (AP) Mr Trumps unprecedented effort to fire Ms Cook is likely to end up at the Supreme Court and could more clearly define the limits of the presidents legal authority over the traditionally independent institution. The Fed exercises expansive power over the US economy by adjusting a short-term interest rate that can influence broader borrowing costs for things like mortgages, auto loans and business loans. The Federal Reserve weighed in on Tuesday for the first time on the firing, saying it would abide by any court decision. But the Feds statement did not answer a key question about Ms Cook: Namely, whether she is continuing to serve at the Fed while the legal case plays out. Nor did it explicitly criticise Mr Trumps attempt to sack her. Mr Trump, a Republican, has repeatedly demanded that chairman Jerome Powell and the Feds rate-setting committee cut its rate to boost the economy and reduce interest payments on the governments 37 trillion dollar debt pile. If Mr Trump succeeds in removing Ms Cook from the Feds board of governors, it could erode the Feds political independence, which is considered critical to its ability to fight inflation because it enables the Fed to take unpopular steps like raising interest rates. A less-independent Fed could leave Americans paying higher interest rates, because investors would demand a higher yield to own bonds to offset potentially greater inflation in the future, pushing up borrowing costs throughout the economy. Allegations against Ms Cook Bill Pulte, a Trump appointee to the agency that regulates mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, made the accusations last week. Mr Pulte alleged that Ms Cook had claimed two primary residences in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and in Atlanta in 2021 to get better mortgage terms. Mortgage rates are often higher on second homes or those bought to rent. The most likely next step for Ms Cook is to seek an injunction against Mr Trumps order that would allow her to continue her work as a governor. Ms Cook said on Monday night that she would not step down. President Trump purported to fire me for cause when no cause exists under the law, and he has no authority to do so, she said in an emailed statement. I will not resign. July 31 marked one year since the Dixinn Court of First Instance in Conakry, Guinea, handed down a historic verdict in the September 28, 2009 massacre trial. Eight of the twelve defendants were sentenced to jail terms ranging from ten years to life. Four were acquitted. The eight convicted defendants were also ordered to pay 12 million euros in compensation to the 334 civil parties. As soon as the decision was handed down, most of the parties to the trial appealed. But since then, proceedings have not moved forward. The Court of Appeal had three months to organize a new trial after all parties had filed their appeals. This deadline has now long passed. But victims still believe that an appeal trial will take place and are waiting hopefully for it to happen. Human rights activist Mamadou Kaly Diallo, who became a civil party in this case for acts of torture, continues to believe in it. He is counting on the Guinean authorities commitment to organize this trial. Its true that the verdict was welcomed, but we are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the appeal, says Diallo. All parties have lodged appeals: the defence because they believe the charges should not be reclassified as crimes against humanity; the civil parties because several victims were left out; and the prosecution because it believes not all those responsible for the crimes have been convicted, even though the court upheld the principle of command responsibility. Hope for the forgotten victims Asmaou Diallo, who heads the Association of 28 September 2009 Victims, Friends and Relations (Avipa), is hoping that victims like herself who were left out by the trial chamber will be compensated. Avipa may well be the biggest association of massacre victims, but a number of its members were omitted from the first instance trial. Most of these forgotten victims blame Avipa and its president. They accuse her of favouritism, of communicating the names of some and not others, without knowing that Diallo herself has been omitted from the compensation programme currently being administered by the countrys authorities. At Avipa, there are 737 victims. So not all of these people have been taken into account, because the ruling only mentions 334 people, Diallo explains. There are also other associations working with other victims who are not included in the group to be compensated. Pessimists, boycotters and those who are silent Unlike the victims, who remain hopeful, lawyers for the civil parties are pessimistic. Alpha Amadou DS Bah, head of the lawyers collective that represented Avipa victims before the trial court, no longer believes at all in the process. He thinks the other convicted persons could be pardoned in the same way that Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, head of the military junta at the time of the massacre, was pardoned on March 28, 2025 by presidential decree. Now that the main person convicted in this case has been pardoned, I think the case has been emptied of all substance and there is no point in continuing with the appeal proceedings, says Bah, who is coordinator of lawyers for the civil parties. We are certain that for the other convicted persons, it is only a matter of time. The appeal trial no longer makes sense. Because of Camaras pardon, some reject outright any future appeals trial. They refuse to participate even it takes place, at least as long as Camara remains free. This is the position of the defence for Commander Aboubacar Sidiki Diakite, alias Toumba, whom the trial court sentenced to ten years in jail. When there is an appeal, it suspends implementation of the decision taken by the first judge. Since the decision is not final, the President [of the Republic] should have waited to exercise the right of pardon, says Lancine Sylla. The consequence of exercising [this] right without the conditions being met is to prevent the appeal trial from taking place. This is obvious, because Captain Dadis, who has been released, will no longer participate in this trial. So the presidential decree spells the end of the appeal trial. In any case, I will not take part in condoning injustice. I have already told my client this. Other parties to the trial such as civil parties lawyers led by Hamidou Barry, who defended victims not affiliated with AVIPA, did not respond to our requests for comment. The same goes for the authorities, even though they reassured the Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) last May of their willingness to organize the appeal trial. As I leave Guinea, I am reassured to know that the trial will continue at the appeal stage, that it will be brought to a conclusion and that reparations for the victims will continue, ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang said at the end of his visit to Conakry on 19, 20 and 21 May 2025. There has been no change of course. The government has demonstrated its willingness to provide the necessary support to the judiciary in its quest for justice. First instance trial of five other defendants Another challenge facing the Guinean justice system is the related trial of five defendants who did not appear at the first trial. This case involves Jean-Louis Kpoghomou, Georges Olemou, Thomas Touaro, Jacques Sagno and Bienvenue Lamah. According to Aboubacar Sidiki Diakite, alias Toumba, these military officers and gendarmes were very close to Captain Moussa Dadis Camara in 2009 and allegedly played a role in the September 28 massacre. All were arrested and detained in November 2022 and referred to the Dixinn Criminal Court for trial. Their lawyers, who argue their innocence, appealed the referral order. The Conakry Appeals Court examined these appeals and dismissed the case in favour of the defendants, with the exception of Colonel Bienvenue Lamah. Dissatisfied with this ruling, the public prosecutors office immediately appealed to the Supreme Court. In a July 28 ruling, the Supreme Court rejected the prosecutions appeal. Defence lawyers say they are currently fighting to secure the release of their clients following that ruling by the countrys highest court. If they succeed, Lamah will be the only one in the dock standing trial at the Dixinn Criminal Court. In his case, all avenues of appeal against the referral order have been exhausted. His lawyer, Zeze Kalivogui, is eagerly awaiting his clients trial. The preliminary article of the Criminal Procedure Code states that the defendant must be tried within a reasonable time frame. Based on this principle, under normal circumstances, once a case has been referred to court, the defendant must be tried. However, when the court takes more than five months to hear the case, we are no longer within a reasonable time frame, he says. That is why we are continuing to push for the trial. We are constantly following up with the public prosecutors office that organizes it. I believe that the composition of the court has already been decided. We are expecting that the judgment could be in October. Lamah was arrested on November 21, 2022 and held in Conakry central prison. At the time of his arrest, he was commander of the Conakry regional gendarmerie. Jung Sung Il, who became a global star with the Netflix drama The Glory, revealed that his success wasn't enough to save him from financial struggles. The actor will be on MBN and Channel S's variety program Jeon Hyun Moo Plan 2. In a newly released preview video, he was heard talking about how he developed as an actor and about the harsh realities he had to endure in his journey. Jung mentioned his initial interest in performance and his beginning in the theater. He described, "I did theater for a long time. I did it for about 5 years. I liked theater so I continued to work in Daehangno." He explained how he made a firm decision to become an actor at a very young age. Continuing his background description, he stated, "Since I was 21, I dropped out of college in my first year, packed my bags, and moved up to Daehangno in Seoul." READ MORE: Jung Sung Il Makes Major Career Move Ahead of His K-drama Comeback The star confessed that the path was not an easy one, with financial issues mostly taking priority in his life. He recalled during that period, "I worked part-time and did a little performance." Most of those jobs involved driving. Jung described, "I did a lot of part-time jobs that involved driving, things like designated driving and designated parking." Jung continued to say that his schedule was demanding at times, stating, "I opened a store in the morning, managed parking there, and worked at a wine bar in the evening." Though such stories of actors doing side jobs are not uncommon, Jung's revelation was more considerable because it extended even to his period of success. Coming out plain, he swore, "Actually, I worked part-time even after 'The Glory' ended." His frank disclosure revealed the financial struggles of most actors despite critical acclaim and global popularity. Admirers and industry people pointed out that his tale brings into perspective the discrepancy between popularity and financial ease in show business. Jung's upcoming episode of Jeon Hyun Moo Plan 2 is scheduled to air on August 22 at 9:10 p.m.KST offers viewers a closer look at his journey and the determination that shaped his career. Despite the challenges, Jung Sung Il remains committed to his work. His genuine story resonated with fans. Many of them had appreciated his strong performance in The Glory. READ MORE: Song Hye Kyo & Jung Sung Il To Originally End Up Together? Here's What 'The Glory' Writer Says Monday, August 25, 2025 - Kenyan actress Jackie Matubia has finally spoken out after being accused of wrecking another womans marriage. The claims, which popped up on blogger Edgar Obares infamous Instagram Stories, alleged that Matubia was romantically involved with a married man during her time on the hit show Zora. One anonymous user went as far as to say that her ex-husband gifted Matubia a car and even a house. Matubia broke my marriage while acting on Zora one day Ill send receipts. But the actress didnt let the scandal rattle her. Instead, she responded with humor, quipping that she also would like to meet this supposed sponsor. A friend sent me that story and I was like - maybe I dont even know I was bought a car and a house. My Lord! Can I really hustle this hard if I had those things? she joked. Matubia went on to urge Kenyans to stop peddling false narratives, suggesting that sometimes men mislead their wives with tales of imagined flings. Other peoples husbands should stop lying about us. And if someone really bought me that house and car, please let me know so I can stop struggling. Imagine, its Sunday and Im still hustling, she said. She also threw shade at Obares tea culture, playfully noting: This tea has no sugar. Even I want those receipts! Monday, August 25, 2025 - Kenyan actress and radio presenter, Jackie Nyaminde, popularly known as Wilbroda, has opened up about her personal journey, describing herself as a late bloomer. Speaking in a candid interview on Alex Mwakideu Live, she shared experiences that shed light on how different her path was compared to todays fast-paced generation. Wilbroda revealed that she had her first intimate experience at 26, a milestone that quickly sparked online conversations about societal pressures on women regarding relationships and personal timelines. Many fans resonated with her story, praising her honesty and vulnerability. The mother of one emphasized that self-worth should never be tied to societal expectations or peer comparisons. Reflecting on her upbringing, she noted that systemic issues made it hard for her generation to confidently say no, whether to food at home, toxic relationships, or life choices imposed by culture. Saying no was almost considered a crime, she explained. Beyond relationships, Wilbroda also touched on faith and spirituality. She boldly stated that she does not believe in the existence of heaven or hell. Your heaven and hell are right here, she stated. However, she clarified that she believes in God and still prays, but rejects the idea of an afterlife. Veteran Actress Wilbroda Opens Up on Losing Virginity at 26. pic.twitter.com/900WjjSLnS (@TikTokGossipKe) August 24, 2025 Monday, August 25, 2025 - Former Jubilee Party Secretary-General, Raphael Tuju, has spoken out on his political future, dismissing speculation that he may contest the Siaya gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Elections. In an interview on Monday, August 25th, Tuju clarified that his current commitments in Nairobi and responsibilities to his employees and family make a run for Siaya governor unlikely. Im not inclined in any way to become a Governor of Siaya County because Im Nairobi-based at the moment, Tuju said. I have more than 100 employees in my private companies. If I make a decision that negatively affects over 100 families, I have to be very careful. That also requires the concurrence of my family. Tuju further explained his decision to step down from the Jubilee Party, saying it was a personal choice meant to free him from political constraints. I left Jubilee so that I can express my personal opinions without being asked whose behalf I am speaking on. Now, I can talk on behalf of myself, he said. In a resignation letter to former President Uhuru Kenyatta dated August 19th, Tuju noted he no longer saw value in his role at the party but remained open to future collaboration. He thanked Uhuru for entrusting him with the position from 2016 to 2022, describing it as a bold political move given his Luo background in a party largely anchored in Kikuyu and Kalenjin support. Tuju, who also served as a Cabinet Secretary without portfolio in Uhurus administration, praised Kenyattas 2018 handshake with Raila Odinga. He drew parallels with President William Rutos compromise with Raila following the 2024 Gen Z protests, calling it a necessary step to preserve national stability. Monday, August 25, 2025 - Wajir Woman Representative, Fatuma Gedi, hosted a lavish baby shower at her palatial residence attended by her fellow female politicians among them Millicent Omanga and Dagorreti North MP, Beatrice Elachi. The controversial legislator, who is heavily pregnant, pulled all the stops for the glamorous event, complete with a flashy decor setup, matching outfits, cake galore, and a guest list packed with friends and political allies. Photos making rounds on social media show Gedi glowing as she posed for the cameras, clearly enjoying her big day. But even as she celebrated, Kenyans online were quick to remind her of the cloud of controversy that has followed her career. It will be remembered that sometime back, outspoken Kimilili MP, Didmus Barasa, sensationally accused Gedi of being a serial cheat, claiming she had illicit affairs with her bodyguards and drivers. Barasa further accused her of having a special appetite for Ben 10s. Now, with her flashy baby shower photos making rounds online, some nosy netizens are dragging Barasas past claims back into the spotlight. See photos of the baby shower. Monday, August 25, 2025 - A disgruntled man has exposed city slay queen and social media influencer, Njoki Njanja, for allegedly borrowing Ksh 2,000 and refusing to return it, despite flaunting a flashy lifestyle online. According to the man, Njoki first slid into his X inbox asking for Ksh 1,000 to buy supper. A few days later, she contacted him again, this time urgently requesting Ksh 2,000, claiming she needed the cash to travel to Mombasa to visit a sick friend. However, weeks have passed and Njoki has allegedly gone mute, cutting communication while continuing to post glamorous photos and videos of her expensive outings, leaving the lender feeling duped. The expose has sparked heated debate online, with netizens mocking the man for being played by a slay queen, while others called out Njoki for scamming small money despite portraying herself as rich. Photos of Njoki. The Kenyan DAILY POST Monday, August 25, 2025 - Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, has announced a Ksh10,000 cash reward for individuals who spot and report scrap metal dealers purchasing vandalised county dustbins. Speaking on Monday, August 25th, Mosiria said the incentive is meant to complement the existing Ksh5,000 reward for anyone who reports vandals caught stealing or destroying the bins. He clarified that the additional Ksh10,000 reward will come directly from his salary, not County Government coffers. It is unfortunate that after we reinstalled dustbins in the CBD, some individuals have resorted to vandalising them and selling parts to scrap metal dealers. As the county, we will not tolerate such acts, Mosiria stated. He added that the county will take legal action against both vandals and rogue dealers once apprehended. The crackdown will also target street families allegedly being exploited to carry out the thefts. We are also going to arrest the street families being used to vandalise the bins, and after that, we will pursue the individuals sending them, Mosiria warned. The dustbins, installed earlier in May alongside new cabro paving along major streets such as Moi Avenue, have become a target for scrap traders due to their design and metal composition. Mosiria stressed that safeguarding the bins is key to maintaining city cleanliness and enhancing pedestrian welfare. The initiative comes as Nairobi County continues broader efforts to improve urban infrastructure, including modern street lighting to boost visibility, security, and city ambience. The Kenyan DAILY POST A man in his 20s has been left in a serious condition in hospital following an alleged assault in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, in the early hours of Saturday morning. At 2.50 am, gardai received a report of a male unconscious after an alleged assault outside a licensed premises on Tucker Street. The injured man in his 20s was removed from the scene and taken to Mayo University Hospital to be treated for serious injuries. The scene was preserved, and an examination was carried out. Gardai say investigations are ongoing. Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact them. Any road users or persons with camera footage (including dash-cam) in the Tucker Street area between 2:30 am and 3:15 am are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlebar Garda station on 094 903 8200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. By Cillian Sherlock and Grainne Ni Aodha, PA A man who was found dead at a property in Co Down has been named by police as 84-year-old Sean Small. A murder investigation has been launched after the man was found dead outside a property in the Slievenabrock Avenue area of Newcastle on Sunday. Police said patrols have been stepped up in the area in an effort to reassure the community after the local mans death. Chief Inspector Adam Ruston said the local community will be in shock after the incident. Waking up to this news is sure to have caused distress that this has happened in such a close-knit residential area of Newcastle, Mr Ruston said. However, I want to provide reassurance that we are working at pace to investigate the circumstances of this murder and we will be relentless in our pursuit of the perpetrators and in securing justice. Locals and visitors to Newcastle over this bank holiday and later in the week will notice more of our officers on the ground and on patrol as we work on this investigation and to provide the community with the reassurance and support of police presence. Police have also urged people not to speculate and allow the investigation to be carried out. Detective Chief Inspector Kerrie Foreman, of the Major Investigation Team, said: We received a report at around 10.30pm on Sunday August 24 that a man in his 80s had been found dead outside a property in the Slievenabrock Avenue area. Our thoughts are with the family of the victim. I encourage people not to speculate and allow our officers the time and space to carry out their investigation. While inquiries are at a very early stage, we need the help of the public to come forward with any information. If you have photos or footage of this area or the wider Tullybrannigan and Bryansford Road areas, please share these with police through the Major Incident Public Portal. Photos and footage can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal, by phoning the PSNI on 101, or by providing it anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online. A MAN who left a fulltime job in Kildare of nearly three years to come take up a job as a kitchen porter in Galway but was fired after just one week, failed in his attempt to get compensation for unfair dismissal at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) earlier this month. Because both sides chose the anonymised procedures and the WRC heard how the appellant was employed at the Galway location from 16 September 2024 until just the 23 September 2024 after having moved from Kildare to take up the position. The commission was told how the appellant had called in sick on 22 September told it was okay but next morning received a email dismissing him from the job. He claimed at the time of the email he had not received any warnings or disciplinary action, but did receive a statement saying he wasnt a right fit for the business despite no grievance being discussed with him at any point during the week. He was not paid notice, was blocked on email, and never received a response as to why. He is presently unemployed, and living in Galway. The appellant disputed he was asked to prepare desserts, believing this would be required at a later stage, there was no questions of his loading of the dishwasher, and that he was never told he was not carrying out the work properly. He believed he was dismissed on account of his sick leave, and was unable to get alternative work. 'Following instructions' The employer denied any wages or notice was due, as there were two payslips issued and he was on a period of probation. The employer claimed the appellant had difficulty following instructions, was not running the dishwasher when full, and was indeed spoken to by superiors after another kitchen porter complained. The appellant allegedly would not prepare desserts on the Friday (20 September), a problem which re-occurred on the Saturday, all of which led to the dismissal email on 23 September as he was still on probation. The employer did not accept it was difficult to find alternative work as there were 22 restaurants within 50m of the premises looking for kitchen porters. According to the adjudication officer Davnet ODriscoll that under Irish employment law, an employer is only required to pay notice when an employee has been on the books for a minimum of 13 weeks. Mr ODriscoll noted the contradictions in evidence, and told the WRC that a new employee should be informed if there are difficulties, and given time to show improvements, whilst concerns should be recorded in writing for clarity ... issues were raised directly with the worker and he was given an opportunity to improve after dismissal. He also noted the workers claim that he was unable to obtain alternative employment and had financial loss, but was unable to provide any evidence of this when requested to by the WRC. In the circumstances, I make no recommendation, said Mr ODriscoll, a formal ruling that sides with the employer. Sarah Slater A Tipperary teenager has been named as the person who died at a musical festival in Belfast on Sunday. Mia Keevan from Carrick-on-Suir had been attending the Emerge Music Festival in south Belfast when she became suddenly unwell. She was taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment but died a short time later. Two other people were taken to hospital after also becoming ill at the same two-day event which attracted 40,000 music fans. A woman in her 30s remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition, while a teenage boy has received treatment and is expected to make a full recovery. PSNI Belfast District Commander, Superintendent Allister Hagan, confirmed that during the event a 17-year-old girl had become unwell. Sadly, she subsequently died in hospital. Police remained on the event site until Monday afternoon, 25th August. An investigation in order to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic sudden death of this young person is ongoing, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased, Supt Hagan said in a statement. Police will continue to work closely with event organisers and the licensing authority to ensure that events remain safe and enjoyable for all of those who attend. Police said enquiries are ongoing into Ms Keevans death. In a statement, Belfast City Council said it was "deeply saddened" by the death of the young woman, and that it sent its condolences to her family and friends. A Gofundme page has been set up to help her family and raise 16,000. On the site Ms Keevan's friend Sarah Roche described her friend as a bright, fun and much loved girl who touched the hearts of anyone that knew her. Ms Roche continued: "Mia was such an outgoing person and lit up every room she walked into. Her laughter and warmth will never be forgotten by those lucky enough to have known her. "At this difficult time we are coming together to support Mias family with the unexpected costs they face and to give them space to grieve without added financial worry." Tipperary councillor David Dunne said there was immense shock and sadness in the community but that local residents would do everything they can to help the family. Mount Juliet Estate have announced the appointment of Sinead Monahan as Director of Sales & Marketing, a key leadership role as the hotel enters a new era under new ownership. Mark Dunne, General Manager, welcomed the move, saying: "With Sineads exceptional expertise and deep connection to the estate, we are delighted to welcome her into this expanded role and look forward to the continued success she will help drive for Mount Juliet Estate." With over 15 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector, Sinead brings exceptional industry insight, strategic focus, and a growth-oriented mindset to the role. READ NEXT: Priest retirements and parish swaps to come into place in Kilkenny this week A long-time Kilkenny resident with family ties to both Kilkenny and Monaghan, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the estates position as one of Irelands leading five-star destinations. Since joining Mount Juliet Estate in 2020, Sinead has led the sales and events functions with distinction, developing and delivering integrated strategies across luxury leisure, corporate, weddings, and group travel. Her leadership has strengthened global client partnerships, expanded market reach, and contributed significantly to the estates strong reputation for excellence both in Ireland and abroad. READ NEXT: Kilkenny Motor Club announces annual Classic and Vintage Show Her appointment comes at a time of continued recognition for Mount Juliet Estate, with recent achievements that reflect the impact of Sineads leadership, including the prestigious global Amour Wedding Award, a testament to her vision and excellence in positioning the estate as a world-class wedding destination. In this expanded remit, Sinead will spearhead the estates global sales and marketing strategy, with a particular focus on the relaunch of the Georgian Manor House and the implementation of long-term plans that support sustainable growth and brand evolution. READ NEXT: 'The fight for the future of Irish farming is already underway' - Natasha Newsome Drennan TD Her vision is to ensure Mount Juliet Estate continues to lead as a world-class destination for discerning travellers. Central to her approach is the cultivation of strategic partnerships, including ongoing collaboration with Failte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Irelands Ancient East. FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE In the midst of a packed Heritage Week calendar of events, an engaging look at Kilkennys role in the Irish revolutionary period was held in the atmospheric Parade Tower in the castle. Retired Irish Army Commandant and local military historian Larry Scallan took attendees through the story of the 1st Battalion Kilkenny Brigade from their foundation during the Home rule Crisis of 1914 all the way through to the end of the Civil War in 1923. After a brief recap of the history of British rule in Ireland, Larry began the talk by outlining the Brigades foundation at a meeting in the city in March 1914. The main speakers were Roger Casement and Thomas McDonagh who was a teacher at St Kierans College at the time. Both men would be executed a little over two years later and the men who signed up that day formed A Company Kilkenny of the Irish National Volunteers. The committee was composed by volunteers of several local nationalist groups including the Ancient Order of Hibernia, Irish Republican Brotherhood and Sinn Fein and although old Italian rifles were distributed amongst the volunteers in August 1914, no ammo was provided. The talk featured striking images and videos of volunteers marching in formation in places like High Street and the Parade, many with rifles strung over their shoulders. The vast majority of volunteers in Kilkenny supported John Redmonds position behind the British war effort and after a split in their ranks only around 30 men led by Tom Treacy left a meeting and set about bolstering their numbers. Further companies were formed with outposts in Callan, Castlecomer, Graiguenamanagh, Dunmore and Clara. The Kilkenny volunteers didn't attempt any operations during the Easter Rising due to their isolated position, but many of their members were still arrested and sent to places like the Frongoch Internment Camp. After the reorganisation of the Irish Volunteers into the IRA, numerous battalions were formed including Kilkenny City and North Kilkenny, South Kilkenny and Castlecomer. SEE ALSO: Priest retirements and parish swaps to come into place in Kilkenny this week One table showed the strength of a battalion which stood at 449 men in 1921 and reduced to 193 in 1922, highlighting that most members supported the pro-treaty side in the Civil War. Towards the end of the talk Larry read aloud some names from the Order of Battle of A Company 1st Battalion Kilkenny Brigade No 2 South Division, something that he believed hadnt been done in over 100 years. This act and the sight of the mens names and addresses brought a poignant end to the talk as the soldiers were resurrected as individuals rather than numbers or the groups they were part of. Speaking after the talk, Larry, who is also an expert on Kilkenny soldiers in WW1, outlined some of his motivations for bringing attention to the sometimes overlooked Kilkenny Brigade. My primary interest was always about Kilkennys independence story and how the brigade was formed and was a lot more active than was given credit for by a lot of the post-war analysts and academics. You have to look into all these lists of volunteers to get to the personal stories. You have to remember and recall the time when all these events were happening and how important these people were to the formation of our county, the county that we live in today, he concluded. TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS Data gathered by Vision Ireland, a nationwide charity who assists blind and visually impaired people, has revealed that just 48 dog fouling fines were issued by Local Authorities in 2024. In Kilkenny, the figure is even more surprising, with no fines issued for dog fouling throughout the whole of last year. In comparison, 123 parking fines were issued locally over the same time span. Overall fines totalled 48 and 46 in 2024 and 2023 respectively, both a significant decrease from the 82 fines issued in 2022. Cork County Council led the way in 2024 with 11 fines, while most Local Authorities issued just one or two. READ NEXT: Priest retirements and parish swaps to come into place in Kilkenny this week Fourteen Local Authorities, almost half of the total, issued zero fines for dog fouling last year. Meanwhile, a survey of 281 people who are blind or vision impaired explored the issue of footpath obstacles and found that 42% of respondents were impacted by dog waste in public spaces on a frequent basis. In response, Vision Ireland outlined their grave concerns, specifically at the potential health risks. "People who are blind or vision impaired and use mobility aids are particularly at risk," a spokesperson said. "Not only does dog fouling present a slipping hazard, but it can also be a major problem for white cane users whose canes are dirtied by faeces. When folded up, this poses a hygiene and health risk," they continued. Kevin Kelly, Head of Policy and External Affairs at Vision Ireland said: "Fines alone are not the answer, and we urge the public to be more considerate of the needs of everyone who uses our shared spaces." FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE A pro-Palestine protest has been held outside government departments over the Central Bank of Irelands role in approving Israel Bonds for sale in the EU. The demonstration, organised by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, began outside Government Buildings in Dublin on Tuesday evening where speeches were made. It marched to the Department of Foreign Affairs at Iveagh House, pausing briefly outside the Department of Finance. In Belfast, a vigil was held in Writers Square to condemn the killing of Palestinian journalists in Israeli attacks. Journalist Brian Pelan and general secretary of Nipsa Carmel Gates addressed the crowd. Dr Bridget Kiely, from Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine, told the crowd in Dublin that medicide, the eradication of healthcare provision, had become normalised during Israels military operation in the Gaza Strip. She raised the stories of healthcare workers in Gaza who had been killed and who were working in conditions with limited medicine and food supplies. Up until the last decade, attacks on healthcare facilities were rare and generated public outcry, Dr Kiely said. Prior to the war in Gaza, Russias invasion of Ukraine was the deadliest conflict for healthcare workers, with 261 healthcare workers killed. There are sanctions on Russia. Israel has killed over six times that number of healthcare workers in Gaza. There are no sanctions on Israel. She called on the Irish people to ask their pharmacies for alternatives to medicines made by Israeli firms and for the HSE to use alternatives. Sinn Fein senator Conor Murphy said the Irish people had experienced oppression, persecution and exploitation by imperialist Britain. In the 1840s the people of Ireland were starved as our grain and our crops exported under British armed guard. Today Israel uses the starvation of civilians in a disgusting attempt to subjugate and murder Palestinians, all the while fruits, vegetables, herbs and olive oil are exported from occupied Palestinian territories. Labour TD Ciaran Ahern said governor of the Central Bank Gabriel Makhlouf must refuse the prospectus which is due for renewal on September 2. Our Central Bank is complicit in Israels genocide against the Palestinians, this must end, he told the crowd. The Central Bank of Ireland is the designated authority in relation to the sale of Israel Bonds in the EU and has determined the securities meet the standards of the blocs prospectus regulations. Israel Bonds have been advertised as supporting the countrys economy and, more recently, websites promoting the securities emphasise their role in supporting Israels military operations in Gaza. Protesters and opposition parties have said the bonds are intended to fund the war in Gaza and approving them is tantamount to complicity with the genocide of the Palestinian people. The Central Bank has said regulations require that it approves prospectuses that meet standards of completeness, consistency and comprehensibility. Activists have also called on the Irish Government to pass a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements. Irelands coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and a group of independents committed to passing a ban on goods alone from the occupied Palestinian territories in its programme for government completed in January. However, a cross-party committee recommended that the importation of services from occupied Palestinian territories should also be banned. Earlier, Irelands deputy premier Simon Harris said collective EU action against Israel is long overdue. Mr Harris, who is also Irelands foreign affairs minister, said there are clear, concrete measures the EU can take. He was responding to an RTE News report that 206 former European ambassadors and officials had signed a letter calling on the EU to step up action against Israel over a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Describing the letter as a vital, unprecedented intervention, Mr Harris added: If we dont take collective action now against the backdrop of famine, when will we? Collective EU action could make a powerful difference. Responding to Mr Harris at the protest, Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger said: Do you know whats long overdue, Simon Harris? Action by Ireland against Israel. You do not need the permission of the US, the EU or anybody else to stop the Israeli war bonds being renewed on September 2. You can do that all by yourself. She also said the missing ingredient in pro-Palestine movement was sympathetic strikes from journalists, healthcare workers, teachers and other groups. Castlecomer Community School have congratulated their Leaving Cert Students of 2025 and their teachers who helped get them there. There were some exceptional results this year with a higher number of students taking the honours Maths and Irish papers than any previous year. "Out of our 100 students who sat Leaving Cert 2025, 20% got over 500 points. Just over 40% attained more than 450 points in their Leaving Cert. Special congratulations to Jake Connery and Shona Ruane who were our top achieving students," said Principal Pat Murphy. "Also, a big well done to our Leaving Cert Applied students who did exceptionally well. We expect the great majority of our class to go onto 3rd level Degree courses this year. Whilst eight of our 6th Year class have already secured very good apprenticeships. "Last year almost 90% of our Leaving Cert Class went on to study 3rd Level Degrees Courses and we would expect similar numbers in 2025. "We know that from our work with past students on average 85% of our students will go on to study 3rd level Degrees, 7% will go on to apprenticeships, 3% will go on to PLC courses with about 5% going to Agricultural College or employment. Our two Guidance Counsellors are on hand this week and next week to assist our 6th Year class of 2023 with any further options, queries they might have. "Well done to everyone and all the very best in your future endeavors," he concluded New Loreto Kilkenny principal Ms Marian Moran has been described as 'committed' by her peers as she begins work in the new role this week. 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: TAP '>' ARROW ABOVE TO GO THROUGH PICS The annual open-air pattern mass in celebration of St. Moling was held at the site of St. Moling's Well and Tree last Sunday in Mullinakill, Tullogher. The site contains a statue of St. Moling, a holy tree, and a well which is said to be the site of his baptism. It lies in a steep side of a valley overlooking the River Arrigle. It is an area of natural and stunning beauty; remote, but that is part of its rare beauty. Driving past the well, you can see the back of the saints head peeping over an iron bar railing. A great deal of work has been carried out by the local voluntary and community-based St. Moling's Well committee, which includes a new walkway and railings. The amphitheatre-type setting boasts well-trimmed grass, running water, a beautiful seat and benches made from the cuttings of an old elm tree, and a new sign, carved from a large boulder taken from the hill ground above the area. The boulder was given by a local landowner to the organising committee. A stonemason from the area, Mr Donnelly, impressively inscribed its surface with the name and a cross. Little is known of St. Molings early life, but he was thought to have been of noble birth, as Fr Liam Barron explained in his address to a big gathering. Fr Barron also said that St. Moling stayed in Mullinakill, coming under the influence of St. Brendan. St. Moling is believed to have spent the early period of his conversion in a rather austere Celtic manner by living for some time in a cave above this site on the far side of the road. Through this cave, one can trek through the He also spent some time gaining an education in or near Glendalough. the cave across the road from the well, one can trek through two large fields to the top of the hill. St. Moling built a small seventh century church in Mullinakill, but his main achievement was the construction of St. Mullins monastery in Carlow. He is also attributed with making a copy of the Gospels. The impressive metalwork shrine which once held St. Molings Gospels can be seen in the Kildare Street section of the Dublin Museum. At the conclusion of the mass, Fr Barron thanked the members of the committee who care for the well, shrine and grounds. Fr Barron expressed his belief that former member Jimmy Bookle, who was prayed for on his anniversary last Sunday, would have been proud of how the committee have tended to this very historical and sacred site. The committee includes members of the late Mr. Bookle's family. After the mass, light refreshments were served to all present amidst beautiful sunshine. A large and enthusiastic crowd gathered on Sunday for a historical walking tour of Thomastown, led by local historian, Joe Doyle. The tour began under the town bridge, which was only recently (2015) named after Nicholas Mullins - shot by the British Forces in 1921 in what became known as the Coolbawn Ambush. The present bridge dates from the late 1700s but before that, it wouldve been of wooden construction, located closer to Sweetmans Castle, and was regularly damaged by flood waters. READ NEXT: Thomastown students see their dedication and hard work rewarded - Kilkenny Live The most serious incident was perhaps in 1763, where the flood water destroyed the bridge, sweeping it away, and also carrying away the houses in nearby Weavers Lane - causing the death of 18 residents. Thomastown, in its current location, replaced the earlier settlement of Grennan (where Grennan Castle is located), and takes its name from the Anglo-Norman mercenary, Thomas FitzAnthony. The town began to thrive at the end of the 13th Century, evidenced by its town wall, which Doyle noted was not necessarily constructed for defensive purposes, but moreso to regulate trade coming in and out of town. READ NEXT: Priest retirements and parish swaps to come into place in Kilkenny this week Standing remains of the wall are still present in the town, and extensive research has been carried out on the matter by members of the Thomastown Walled Town Society. Thomastown was shaped in more ways than one by the river. Prior to the arrival of the railways, cargo ships up to 16ft long were pulled by ropes from the river bank back and forth from nearby Inistioge. The rate of pay for completing a trip was (at one stage) eight pence, but many labourers opted to pull cargo just half of the way, and were given half the compensation - four pence. As a result, the halfway point on the route is marked by rock known up until today as the four penny rock. As the tour moved further into the town, Doyle gave some fascinating accounts of many of the well-known families that have inhabited Thomastown over the years - before moving on towards the Sessions House. READ NEXT: Kilkenny Motor Club announces annual Classic and Vintage Show There, Doyle touched on various historical aspects of law breaking and law enforcement, where issues were dealt with through a system of local courts. Thomastown Petty Sessions Courthouse and Bridewell date from the early 1820s. They replaced an earlier courthouse the building with its gable facing onto Maudlin Street. A few steps up the road are the remnants of the Geata Buidhe, or Yellow Gate. Entry from Kilkenny to the medieval walled town of Thomastown wouldve been through this gate - which wouldve been situated at the lower end of Maudlin Street. Before the tour made its way into the Church of the Asssumption, Joe stopped to tell the story of Texas empresario James Hewetson (born in Thomastown). Another key figure of local interest mentioned during the walk was William Shee, who in 1864 was made Justice of the Queens Bench, the first Catholic to hold the role since the Reformation. READ NEXT: 'The fight for the future of Irish farming is already underway' - Natasha Newsome Drennan TD A wealth of historical facts and information was delivered inside the church about the religious buildings in Thomastown over the centuries - as well as the story of the beautifully-carved oak statue of the Madonna and Child from the 1600s. Access was then granted by Joe to the old cemetery nearby where the previous church was located (only the belfry remains today). There, an informative talk was given on the lives of Nicholas Mullins, John Murphy and John Phelan, at their respective headstones. Murphy and Phelan were executed on the same day during the Irish Civil War while Mullins, as mentioned, was shot by British Forces - three weeks before the truce of July 11, 1921. FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Auburn, IN (46706) Today Cloudy skies this evening. A few snow showers developing late. Low near 20F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 30%.. Tonight Cloudy skies this evening. A few snow showers developing late. Low near 20F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 30%. By Cillian Sherlock, PA The unexpected detection of a new planet has been hailed as a remarkable discovery by Irish astronomers who were involved in its identification. The newly spotted planet, named WISPIT 2b, is estimated to be about five million years old and most likely a gas giant of similar size to Jupiter. It was detected by an international team, co-led by researchers at University of Galway, at an early stage of formation around a young star which shares similarities with our own Sun. A study on the planet, which was led by Leiden University, the University of Galway and the University of Arizona, has been published in the international journal Astrophysical Journal Letters. WISPIT 2b is about 430 light years away. While not visible to the naked eye, curious stargazers may be interested to know it is lurking in the direction of the constellation Aquila, the eagle. The groundbreaking discovery was made using one of the worlds most advanced observatories: the European Southern Observatorys Very Large Telescope (ESOs VLT) in the Atacama Desert in Chile. Dr Christian Ginski, lecturer at the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway and second author of the study, said: We used these really short snapshot observations of many young stars only a few minutes per object to determine if we could see a little dot of light next to them that is caused by a planet. However, in the case of this star, we instead detected a completely unexpected and exceptionally beautiful multi-ringed dust disk. When we saw this multi-ringed disk for the first time, we knew we had to try and see if we could detect a planet within it, so we quickly asked for follow-up observations. It is only the second time a confirmed planet has been detected at this early evolutionary stage around a young version of our Sun. The first one was discovered in 2018, by a research team also involving Dr Ginski. The planet was captured in near infrared light the type of view that someone would see when using night-vision goggles as it is still glowing and hot after its initial formation phase. The team at Leiden University and the University of Galway captured a spectacular clear image of the young proto-planet embedded in a disk gap. They also confirmed that the planet is orbiting its host star. The planet was further detected in visible light by a team from the University of Arizona using a specially designed instrument, with those findings indicating that the planet is still actively accreting gas as it is forming its atmosphere. Dust and gas-rich disks around young stars are the birth cradles of planets. They can look quite spectacular with many different structures such as rings and spiral arms, which researchers believe are related to planets forming within them. The disk around WISPIT 2b has a radius of 380 astronomical units about 380 times the distance between Earth and the Sun. The study was led by an early career PhD student, Richelle van Capelleveen, from Leiden University, and co-led by a graduate student team at the University of Galway. The research findings were co-authored by Dr Ginski and three physics graduate students who are specialising in astrophysics at the University of Galway. Ms van Capelleveen said: Discovering this planet was an amazing experience we were incredibly lucky. Chloe Lawlor, a PhD student in physics with a specialisation in astrophysics at the University of Galway, said: I feel incredibly fortunate to be involved in such an exciting and potentially career-defining discovery. WISPIT 2b, with its position within its birth disk, is a beautiful example of a planet that can be used to explore current planet formation models. I am certain this will become a landmark paper, owing particularly to the work of Richelle van Capelleveen and her exceptional team. Jake Byrne, an MSc student at University of Galway, said he could hardly believe it was a real detection when he first saw the image of the remarkable discovery. Its a big one thats sure to spark discussion within the research community and advance our understanding of planet formation. Dan McLachlan, also an MSc student at the institution, said: It was such a mind-blowing thing to be a part of. I feel so well treated by the University of Galway physics department and especially my supervisor Dr Christian Ginski to have provided me with the opportunity to be part of such an exciting project. THE DIRECTOR of the Electric Picnic Melvin Benn was glowing in his praise for Laois acts and performers, specifically two, that will be performing over the coming weekend. The media was given the annual preview of the festival site earlier today. Earlier today Mr Benn was asked was the festival staying in Stradbally to which he replied: Where else would I want to be. People talk about Stradbally as ifs the centre of the world for this weekend. Its right that they do, because Stradbally is the centre of the world for this weekend. Asked what he thought about the Timahoe and Stradbally Male Choirs performing over the festival period, Mr Benn said: The Timahoe Choir is a wonderful story. Its people getting together to make sure that men are not lonely and thats a really important message. I think men can often be lonelier than women sometimes. They played on the Hazelwood stage last year and we had to close it because it was so full. I had never seen it so full. This year theyre playing the Main Stage, via New York. After the back of what happened and how well they performed on the Hazelwood Stage, Saint Patricks Day Parade in New York invited them over to play in New York. He went on to say: Obviously, the very wise people in Stradbally have now got a choir, perhaps in the hope that theyll get invited to New York. Theres 92 of them (in Stradbally Choir). I didnt think that there were even 92 blinking people in Stradbally. They have done a recce (of the stage). I dont know how theyre all going to get on the Hazelwood Stage. But theyve assured me that they will manage to do it. Even though ILTACON ended more than a week ago now, I am still digging out from the deluge of briefings and meetings I attended there. One of particular note was a media briefing with LexisNexis executives in which they provided further information on the companys AI strategy. Just ahead of ILTACON, LexisNexis had announced the launch of Protege General AI, as I reported at the time. This launch expanded its Protege artificial intelligence platform to include secure access to multiple general-purpose AI models alongside its existing legal-specific AI tools. At the ILTACON media briefing, LexisNexis executives detailed new features of its Protege AI platform, provided more details on the rollout of the new General AI tool, and discussed the companys broader vision of delivering what it calls courtroom-grade AI to the legal profession. Sean Fitzpatrick, CEO of LexisNexis North America, UK and Ireland, opened the session by describing the moment as unprecedented in terms of both technological change and financial investment. Related: On LawNext: How LexisNexis and Harvey Are Partnering to Reshape Legal AI, with LexisNexis CEO Sean Fitzpatrick. The amount of investment thats going into these foundational models is hundreds of billions of dollars, and weve never seen anything like this, Fitzpatrick said. This is the biggest technology spending cycle in the history of business. With costs for large language models dropping by more than 99% since 2022, he added, the economics now make it possible to operate these systems at scale. To that end, Fitzpatrick described his companys vision of making AI assistants widely available. Our vision is that every lawyer is going to have their own digital AI assistant, and its going to be personalized to them, he said. Its going to understand their practice area, its going to understand their jurisdiction, its going to understand their style, their preferences, its going to have access to our authoritative legal materials, and its going to have access to their own internal work product. Building Courtroom-Grade AI Fitzpatrick said that while consumer-grade AI tools are widely used among legal professionals, they lack the privacy, citation rigor, and reliability necessary for legal practice. LexisNexis, he emphasized, is committed to creating courtroom-grade AI, which it defines by six principles: Grounding in authoritative legal content. LexisNexis has 160 billion documents and records in our system, Fitzpatrick said, and so thats what we use as grounding data when we do our AI. Verifiable source citations. Shepards provides the ability to verify that citations are accurate and up to date, he said. Continuous updates with no knowledge cutoffs. Fitzpatrick noted that GPT-4o had a knowledge cutoff of 2023. We add 2.5 million documents and records to the system every single day from 50,000 different sources. This has two aspects, Fitzpatrick said: One is transparency back to the authority, so you can verify for yourself. The second is knowing whats going on inside the black box what is the reasoning and logic. Bias mitigation. Gold-standard security and privacy. Security and privacy. It has to be disconnected from the foundational models so the data is not being used for learning or training. This is about building AI that lawyers can trust in a courtroom setting, Fitzpatrick said. Protege at the Center Central to that effort is Protege, the companys AI assistant. By 2028, he said, Protege will automate 15-20% of what lawyers do today. But he added that LexisNexis is not waiting until 2028 to deliver on that vision. Protege already automates many of the tasks lawyers routinely perform, and it will continue to add more capabilities. Think of all of the different things that all of the different types of attorneys do, there are tens of thousands of tasks that need to be automated, he said. Were going to continue to automate different tasks along those workflows, so Protege will get more and more powerful over time. Protege is expanding on several fronts, Fitzpatrick said: Geographically : It is already live in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand, with additional rollouts coming to South Africa, France, and Austria. : It is already live in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand, with additional rollouts coming to South Africa, France, and Austria. Across products : It has been integrated into Lexis+, Lex Machina, Intelligize, and other tools. : It has been integrated into Lexis+, Lex Machina, Intelligize, and other tools. Within the ecosystem: LexisNexis has added integrations with Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, and Copilot, as well as a new connection with Harvey that allows Harvey users to query Lexis AI directly. Agentic Workflows Demonstrated During the media briefing, Serena Wellen, vice president of product management, demonstrated Proteges agentic workflows, which she said have been designed to increase transparency into the process and give lawyers more control over research and drafting. In one example, Wellen showed how Protege can break down a complex query involving an airlines duty to an unaccompanied minor into sub-prompts that the user can review and edit before the system delivers results. Lawyers can review every citation, remove irrelevant ones, and ensure the final response reflects their judgment, Wellen said. She also gave a preview of a judicial workflow currently in development, which allows judges to upload case files and receive draft bench memos or opinions. Judges who have tested it, she said, compared the drafts to the work of a really good law clerk and praised the time savings of reducing weeks of work to minutes. Some of them even told us that some parts of the drafts were more thorough than what they usually saw. Protege for General AI As noted above, a major recent announcement from LexisNexis was Protege General AI, a secure workspace that lets users access popular consumer AI models such as GPT-5, Claude Sonnet 4, and OpenAIs O3 reasoning models from within the LexisNexis environment. David Ganote, vice president of product planning, said the move responds to the fact that two-thirds of lawyers already use consumer AI tools such as ChatGPT or Claude, often for research, brainstorming or drafting. But theyre putting privileged data into open models that arent designed to protect it, Ganote said. Protege General AI, by contrast, offers enterprise-grade security and incorporates LexisNexiss Shepards citation agent, which flags unverified or hallucinated citations. It also allows users to toggle clearly between Legal AI, grounded in Lexis content, and general AI, better suited for exploratory or creative tasks. There are lots of things that general AI does really well that dont require legal authorities, Ganote said, pointing to examples such as explaining concepts to a jury or drafting marketing content. Selective Approach to Models Jeff Reihl, executive vice president and chief technology officer, said that the companys development of agents is not just a PR ploy. We do not build agents just so that you guys can write about us building agents, he said. Agents are extraordinarily powerful technology and we will use those to serve a purpose for our customers. Reihl also explained the strategy behind the companys choice of AI models, saying that it maintains a multimodal strategy, choosing the best generative AI model for each use case rather than chasing the newest release. Although the company had early access to GPT-5, he said, it had not yet been deployed in Lexis products (at least as of the press briefing). As of right now, the performance is not better, so we wont use it, Reihl said. We dont put a new model into our product just because its the latest and greatest. LexisNexis has direct partnerships with Anthropic, OpenAI, AWS, Microsoft, and Mistral, giving it early access to models and input into their development roadmaps. Competitive Landscape As the briefing concluded, Fitzpatrick was asked about the broader competitive landscape, and whether Microsoft or Google could eventually come to dominate legal AI. He argued that LexisNexis combination of authoritative content, secure AI, and workflow integration gives it an edge. Its a lot of work to try to pull together the collection of assets that we have, he said. You could give somebody a billion dollars and they wouldnt be able to do it. He also gave an update on the partnership between LexisNexis and Harvey, which in part involved the co-development of AI workflows for lawyers. I asked him if there had been update on that since I spoke to him in July for my podcast. Its evolved since we talked about it, he replied. Its really coming together. He said customers have been testing it and they are building on the feedback from those customers. Really, really amazing feedback on it, so were very excited. Fitzpatrick closed the briefing expressing confidence in LexisNexiss continuing leadership in developing AI for lawyers. Theres a lot of room for people to innovate around these things, but I do think that major players like LexisNexis that have the content do have an advantage. From a technology standpoint, its really hard to maintain a competitive advantage if its just technology. And so thats why we try to take our content, embed it in our technology solutions, and then embed those technology solutions into the workflows of our customers. The accident occurred early Monday at mile marker 67.5 in Washington Township when a car collided with a dump truck exiting from a paving project, state police said. Mike Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor A driver was seriously injured early Monday after their van collided with a dump truck on the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Lehigh County, state police said. Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Richard Levan, public information officer for Troop T, told lehighvalleylive.com troopers were dispatched just after 12:40 a.m. to the southbound lanes at mile marker 67.5 in Washington Township, Lehigh County. The dump truck driver, a 44-year-old man from Hellertown, was working on a paving project at Exit A-68, and was using the Exit 67 southbound gates as a turn-around, Levan said. The 2007 Peterbilt dump truck struck the front passenger side of the 2022 Ram when the truck driver was exiting south at the mile marker 67 gate, Levan said. The accident wasnt in the actual active construction zone, he said. The van driver was removed from the vehicle and taken to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries, state police said. State police said the dump truck driver also was taken to an area hospital with injuries. Conditions were not immediately available Tuesday morning. Pennsylvania State Police in Bethlehems Collision Analysis and Reconstructionist Specialist (CARS) Unit; the Forensic Services Unit; and Lehigh County District Attorneys Office all responded to the scene. Mondays accident remains under investigation by Pennsylvania State Police in Pocono. The accident occurred early Monday at mile marker 67.5 in Washington Township when a car collided with a dump truck exiting from a paving project, state police said. Mike Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. NASA plans to launch three rockets, including two with colorful vapor trails, in a 5-minute span. The launch window is set to open Tuesday night, Aug. 26, at 10:30 p.m. and could run as late as 3 a.m. NASA UPDATE: The rocket launch was scrubbed at about 2 a.m. Wednesday because of cloudy skies and other atmospheric conditions. NASA says it will try again between 10:30 p.m. Wednesday and 3:30 a.m. Thursday. If youre up late Tuesday night, youll have a chance to see three rockets streaking across the sky if youre in the Lehigh Valley, New Jersey, or several other eastern states. NASA plans to launch three sounding rockets within a 5-minute span from the Wallops Flight Facility in eastern Virginia late Tuesday. The launch was originally scheduled for last week but got postponed because of impacts from Hurricane Erin. A new launch date was set for Monday night, but widespread cloud cover prompted NASA to scrub the launch at about 1 a.m. NASA says it is now aiming for a Tuesday night launch. The launch window will open at 10:30 p.m., and the latest opportunity will be around 3 a.m. The first two rockets will launch within one minute of each other, releasing colorful vapor tracers similar to compounds used in fireworks. These tracers will allow scientists to photograph and map wind patterns in the upper atmosphere, NASA says. Approximately five minutes later, a third rocket carrying specialized equipment will launch. The map above shows areas of the United States that will have an opportunity to see the rockets high in the sky. From New Jersey, viewers will need to look into the south-southeastern sky. While the Wallops Visitor Center will not be open for public viewing of the rockets, NASA plans to provide a livestream on YouTube, beginning five minutes before the launch. Current weather radar Thank you for relying on us to provide the local 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. Securing permission to hunt prime property or finding a good public-land spot, setting out trail cameras and conducting on-the-ground scouting should all be part of the plan if you want to ensure you harvest a deer during hunting season. There is perhaps no better year than this one to add helping those facing hunger insecurity to the overall deer-hunting strategy. Thats because there are more antlerless deer permits available than ever before, and the state has a well-established venison distribution program that makes it incredibly easy to donate a whitetail to help those in need. For the 2025-26 license year, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) has made a record 1.3 million antlerless deer licenses available, which means any hunter who wants three or four of the permits can easily find a way to obtain them. After taking a deer or two to provide meat for family and friends, those extra tags coupled with the lengthy deer-hunting seasons in the state provide ample opportunity to take an additional deer for Hunters Sharing the Harvest (HSH), the nonprofit that channels donated venison to regional food banks, shelters and food pantries across the commonwealth. This past hunting season, a record 283,789 pounds of venison were donated through HSH, equating to about 1.1 million servings of lean, protein-rich meat for individuals and families. HSH Executive Director Randy Ferguson said there are a number of factors that contributed to that record. Its a combination of organic growth due to the program becoming a more familiar concept with hunters in general, and exponential annual increases in primarily antlerless deer harvested with Ag Tags, DMAP (Deer Management Assistance Program) and depredation permits, Ferguson said. In other words, deer harvested for crop damage are the fastest-growing category of donated deer. Established in 1991, HSH has provided more than three million pounds of venison over 12 million servings to those in need since its inception. As for how the program works, anyone who wants to donate a harvested deer can simply drop off the legally tagged, field-dressed animal at one of the 100 participating licensed meat processors across the state. The deer is then processed at no cost to the hunter into ground venison and distributed to shelters, food banks and other locations that provide food and meals for those in need. Ferguson noted protein is important to the food insecure, but its also one of the hardest nutritional components for them to find. Venison is a tremendous protein source, the likes of which are almost never seen in the charitable food network, he said. And higher quality proteins like chicken, beef, etc. typically have to be purchased by the food banks and other hunger relief agencies. These agencies have had their buying power diminished by cuts to federal programs like the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA) and others that helped subsidize these costs. Our product comes to them as a donation. Thanks to the increase in antlerless deer permits in the past few years, the contributions to HSH continue to increase with each passing year. The 2025 donation total, for example, is up more than 8% over the 261,672 pounds of venison donated the year before. There is no doubt that the availability of additional antlerless tags has affected our growth and will continue to, now more than ever, Ferguson said. We encourage hunters to take advantage of the availability of antlerless tags to feed their family first, donate what they dont need for their families and help the PGC accomplish its herd-management goals in the process. While donating deer is at the core mission of HSH, there are several other ways individuals can become involved with the program to help foster its continued growth. Ferguson said donations and corporate sponsorships are always appreciated, while volunteers are needed in some counties to serve as local coordinators. Plus, there is always a need for more processors. For example, in the Lehigh Valley, which is now home to more than 700,000 people and has an abundance of deer, there are only two participating HSH processors one in Lehigh County and another in Northampton County. Frables Deer Processing in Slatington and Hillside Smokehouse in Mt. Bethel have been great additions to our program in recent years, but we need more quality processors to help us better cover that fast-growing area of the state, Ferguson said. Anyone who wants to make a donation to HSH can do so at sharedeer.org/support-our-mission, while potential sponsors should contact Ferguson at randy@sharedeer.org to discuss options. We are a fully independent 501(c)(3) that pays for all processing costs associated with donated deer, Ferguson said. There is no cost to the hunter. The meteoric growth in participation is a continual fundraising challenge for our organization. Learn more For more information on Hunters Sharing the Harvest, visit sharedeer.org. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. UGGs Tasman has been a favorite slipper style for years, but now its got a new look that pink fans are going to fawn over. The Tasman II slipper is now available in Pink Dawn a sweet rosy color that retails for $125. UGG Tasman II Slipper $125 Now available in Pink Dawn, as well as seven other colors. $125 at UGG You can also grab this constantly sold-out Tasman slipper in more hues, including Black, Chestnut, Sand, Rocky Oak, Moss Green, Dark Indigo and Dark Grey. UGGs Tasman is that one slipper style you can wear inside and out. With is cushiony sugarcane EVA outsole, its perfect for beyond the house and its plush UGG sheepskin makes it easy to wear with socks or without. The low-profile slipper has a slip-on style and a standard heel unlike its sister, the Tazz that has a platform height. The Tasman also features that recognizable UGGbraid along the collar of the slipper and a stylish suede upper. While in stock now, the Tasman is that one UGG style that gets harder and harder to get your hands on as we move into slipper season. Its a hot ticket item starting in the fall and virtually impossible to find by the holidays. But now that UGG is offering the Tasman II slipper in more colors, were hoping for greater availability into the holidays. UGG styles to shop this fall You can also check out more UGG styles you can grab for fall, including these popular picks: Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Dawn Magyar can be reached at dmagyar@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. Electric Picnic boss Melvin Benn described the addition of Irish rap act Kneecap to the festival lineup as an important statement. He also condemned the as absolutely shocking the treatment of Irish band The Mary Wallopers at Portsmouth's Victorious festival. The Mary Wallopers, whose band includes Portlaoise base player Roisin Barrett, say their set was cut off at the festival for displaying the Palestinian flag. A number of other acts refused to play at the festival in solidarity with The Mary Wallopers. Speaking at the Electric Picnic site in Stradbally today, Mr Benn said it was shocking what happened to The Mary Wallopers, it was absolutely shocking. He noted that a number of acts had ended up withdrawing as a result of it. Adding Kneecap is really important for us. It is a really important statement and musically, they're fantastic, but in terms of what is happening in the world it is really important they are here adding their voice, said Mr Benn. I will hasten to remind people that they headlined the Hazelwood stage in 2018 so we have had a long history with Kneecap and I am glad that they are back, he commented. They are great kids. They are great lads. Theyve got really important songs, they are brilliant live but they have also got really important messages. They didnt do anything wrong in Glastonbury, it is yet to be proved whether they have done anything wrong anywhere else in the world, he pointed out. Mr Benn said they are on home territory here and I think they will be really relaxed and the crowd will be really appreciative. He was also very excited about some of the other acts who will be performing at the weekend. I was privileged to have been at both Reading and Leads. Chappell Roan was just off the scale as was Hozier, he told reporters. He is expecting a similar performance this weekend, especially with Hozier being on home ground. He also mentioned Amble and Kingfisher just going bananas, a lot of homegrown stuff. Irish TikTok sensation Garron Noone stole the show at Croke Park on Saturday night when he joined Robbie Williams on stage in front of 80,000 fans, in a moment that few in the crowd will forget, for more than one reason. The Mayo native, who has a massive 2.1 million TikTok followers was invited by Williams to perform a duet of Take Me Home, Country Roads. Backed by The Fiddling Farrells, the collaboration brought the house down and lit up social media within minutes. After the concert, Noone admitted on TikTok that he had experienced some technical difficulties on stage, explaining: I had trouble hearing the monitors, so I was playing out of time for a little while. Spotting the issue, Williams' quickly stepped in to help his guest. Robbie stood in front of me and clapped so I could see the beat, and we were away again, said Noone who went on to praise the pop stars quick thinking and generosity. READ NEXT: RTE confirms The Late Late Show return date as applications open for 2025 Toy Show The pop superstar was also full of praise for Noone, telling the Croke Park crowd: Look after this man, hes f**ing delicious. The endorsement not only echoed Noones famous line, but also cemented the moment as one of the standout highlights of Williams Irish tour. For Noone, the performance carried added significance. Earlier this year, he announced he was taking a step back from live gigging to prioritise his mental health. Speaking candidly at the time, he shared his struggles with anxiety and agoraphobia, and thanked his followers for their support. Saturdays stadium appearance marked an emotional and triumphant return to live performance on the biggest of Irish stages. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Garron Noone (@garron_music) Reflecting on the experience afterwards, Noone told his fans: So I got to go up on stage with Robbie Williams in Croke Park last night, absolutely mental. Thanks a million to Robbie, not only the greatest entertainer but honestly an even better human being. Eighty thousand people there last night, thank you so much, you were so kind to me when I came out and stuck with me". Garron being announced as a guest on the night marked the second surprise for fans. Just the night before, on Friday evening, the pair delighted crowds at Dublins 37 Dawson Street, where Williams joined Noone for an impromptu singalong of Joe Dolans your such a good looking woman and a selection of other Irish favourites. The performance quickly went viral online, generating excitement ahead of the Croke Park concert. WOW Dublin - that was the BEST EVER.. I love you Ireland Rob x pic.twitter.com/rU4LlUlLsm Robbie Williams (@robbiewilliams) August 24, 2025 Noones meteoric rise from TikTok creator to national treasure has been one of Irelands most heart warming online stories in recent years. His blend of comedy, music, and openness about mental health has resonated far beyond his native Mayo, earning him fans of all ages. Naas man and independent Senator Aubrey McCarthy is currently in Kyiv, representing Ireland at Ukraines Independence Day celebrations and the National Prayer Breakfast. READ NEXT Kildare Village customers are paying the cost of thefts from shops there - judge His presence marks a strong gesture of solidarity with the Ukrainian people and reaffirms Irelands commitment to supporting Ukraines sovereignty and democratic future. While in Kyiv, Senator McCarthy has held a series of meetings with senior Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Speaker of the House Ruslan Stefanchuk, Ms Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, chair of the Verkhovna Radas Committee on European Integration. He also met with members of the Ukraine-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mr. Svyatoslav Yurash and Mr. Mykhailo Laba, to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation and Irelands continued support for Ukraines EU aspirations. Ireland stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, said Senator McCarthy. Their courage in the face of adversity is a powerful reminder of the values we share, freedom, dignity, and peace. The National Prayer Breakfast, hosted under the patronage of President Zelenskyy, has brought together international guests, faith leaders, and civil society representatives. Senator McCarthy joined fellow dignitaries in prayer and reflection, highlighting the importance of spiritual resilience and unity in times of conflict. His visit builds on Irelands ongoing efforts to support Ukrainian refugees and promote cultural integration, including community initiatives in Wicklow and Greystones. As convenor of the Ukraine-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group, Senator McCarthy continues to advocate for deeper bilateral engagement and humanitarian aid. A young Palestinian student who travelled to Ireland last year - six months after the Gaza invasion begun - has described life in the enclave. Abdallah Abusamra (26) travelled to Dublin on a scholarship to Trinity College after experiencing displacement, bombing, and the death of his neighbours and friends in Palestine. The young man spoke on his own experience of resilience and overwhelm, as well as how Irish people can support Palestinians. Abdalladh said: I left Gaza on the 10th of April 2024. I left after learning my apartment was destroyed in a direct strike, an air raid. Before this, he was displaced in his village of origin, and was staying at his brothers house as a displaced among other displaced people. His workplace was also destroyed by bombing. Read More: ALERT: Popular chicken product removed from supermarket shelves amid salmonella fears Abdallah said when that when the bombing began in Palestine early on October 8, 2023, he didnt expect it to be a genocide: You didnt expect complete erasure. On the terrible night, he gathered his belongings as quickly as he could. Israelis started killing people, and then sent the evacuation orders. So I ran under carpet bombs. I could barely pick anything from my apartment. I couldnt even pick clothes. I just ran with the pyjamas. I picked my passport, my laptop, a few documents like my birth cert. Abdallah Abusamra's textbook was found in the rubble of his friend's house, where he used to study Abdallah found it difficult to find a place to stay with family due to his work as a writer. I was not welcome in my grandfathers house, because Im a writer, and he feared that my writing could make them a target. Im not a prominent writer, but the Israelis have bombed people who are not prominent. Abdallah said this experience weighed on him hugely, and that he could not talk for a month after. He made it clear that his family loves him dearly, but safety and family can come into conflict in Palestine. Since October 7, in Gaza he experienced degradation every day. Staying comes at the cost of your very dignity. You feel like youre dying. He says he was dehumanised: "You turn from a human being into somebody who carries water, walks long distances, and you just degrade. When asked if Abdallah can get in touch with his family, he said he can but they do not speak, due to starvation. They dont have the power to talk. All of them are very thin, and have lost a significant amount of weight. His dog recently died from a lack of food. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UNs agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), said on August 22, that famine is now confirmed in Gaza City. "This is starvation by design and manmade by the Government of Israel," he stated. This assertion has been denied by the Israeli authorities who have described them as lies. "Israel does not have a policy of starvation. Israel has a policy of preventing starvation, said a spokesperson for the Prime Ministers Office in Israel. Speaking on RTE radio this Tuesday, Tanaiste Simon Harris says more needs to be done to aid those living in Gaza: If we dont take collective action now against the backdrop of famine, when will we?, and that Collective EU action could make a powerful difference. Targeting of civilians Abdallah Abusamra says that he has experienced war before the genocide started: I lost count of how many times I had to run from school, every time Israel launched a war, wed have to evacuate every time I ran and there was bombing, I feel like something clicked in my head, like I lost something. The young man says he was targeted as a civilian in a long and intensive military campaign, and that Israel purposefully targets civilians using the most modern weapons of mass destruction. Despite his upbringing in the backdrop of war, he says he and the vast majority of Palestinians did not militarize, and they chose education, but they were targeted nonetheless, and despite their choice, the word civilian did not protect them. On Monday, an IDF bombing at Gazas Nasser Hospital killed 20 people, including five journalists, medics and patients. The Israeli Defence Forces say they have launched an investigation into the incident. What can Irish people do? Abdallah says that boycotting Israel is the best thing Irish people can do to support Palestinians. He is urging citizens in Ireland to Boycott Israel in every capacity that you can, to push for the enactment of the Occupied Territories Bill, and fundraise for Palestinians. Though Abdallah has endured great suffering in Palestine, he is hopeful. The masters student aspires to work as an academic and researcher. The young man is thankful for Trinitys part in helping him get out of Gaza. While Abdallah is enjoying studying his Master's in Philosophy in Intercultural Studies in Ireland and thinks Ireland is a welcoming country for Palestinians, he is haunted by what he has experienced. I have been feeling guilt since I left, it hasnt been easy. He continues: I cant go back home at the moment Its very unsafe. Since October 7 2023, over 60,000 people have been killed in Palestine. The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland (MS Ireland) is holding a public meeting on September 19 at the Sligo Southern Hotel at 11am to address the urgent need for a Community Worker in Leitrim and Sligo, the only counties in Ireland currently without this vital support. The meeting will feature testimonies from people living with MS and provide an opportunity to learn more about the proposal to establish a dedicated Community Worker for Sligo and Leitrim. MS Ireland has renewed calls for the appointment of a full-time Community Worker in these counties following the presentation of its Sligo-Leitrim Business Case to over 40 Oireachtas members at Leinster House earlier this year. The presentation included powerful personal accounts from people living with MS, alongside insights from medical and service delivery experts. READ NEXT: Over 350 Leitrim children remain on Early Years waiting lists - Early Childcare Ireland The proposal, unveiled nationally on World MS Day in May, highlights the need for a 72,997.56 investment to provide a dedicated local casework service to the more than 300 people living with MS in Sligo and Leitrim. MS Ireland currently operates a network of Community Workers across 24 other counties, offering a range of services such as one-to-one casework support from diagnosis onwards, assistance navigating health and social care systems, access to physiotherapy, fatigue management and respite services, as well as advocacy for entitlements and supports. Without a local Community Worker, people in Sligo and Leitrim must rely on remote or intermittent outreach, leaving many without timely access to these essential services. According to MS Ireland, a dedicated Community Worker in the Sligo-Leitrim region would provide support and early intervention, reducing reliance on HSE services and delivering better outcomes for people with Multiple Sclerosis. READ NEXT: Nominate Your Local Hero: Leitrim Guardian Person of the Year Award 2026 The role would also improve coordination between MS Ireland, the HSE, and local services in line with Slaintecares vision for integrated care, and offer consistent support for families and carers, helping to ease isolation and stress. Across Ireland, over 9,000 people are living with the condition. In addition to the Sligo-Leitrim proposal, MS Ireland has also requested 1 million in sustainable funding to expand specialist physiotherapy services nationally, as outlined in their proposal on World MS Day in May. Students of the Alexander B. Cummings Model Science and Technology School, winners of the 2025 TRIBE Re-Novate Entrepreneurship Academy Pitch Competition. BROADCASTER Marty Morrissey is calling on people across the mid-west to rally behind a major national fundraiser, supporting Irelands hospice workers, whom he describes as angels. The RTE Gaelic games commentator is serving as an ambassador for Bewleys Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, an annual event that has raised 47.6 million for hospice care since its launch in 1992. Organised by Together for Hospice, this years fundraiser takes place nationwide on September 25. READ MORE: Cash stolen during burglary of business in Limerick town in early hours of the morning Speaking about his involvement, Morrissey said hes become more aware of his own mortality and hopes to receive hospice care when the time comes, having seen its impact first-hand. Marty said, My lust for life is as strong today as when I was 22, he 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 praised the compassion of hospice staff, recalling how they cared for his loved ones in their final days. 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, he said. If I was heading into my final days, I would like that for myself and for my family. He urged locals to visit hospicecoffeemorning.ie and take part in the fundraiser to support hospice teams across Ireland. Mary O'Brien, CEO of Milford Care Centre, highlighted the importance of the event saying Now in its 33rd year, Bewleys Big Coffee Morning for Hospice is one of our most cherished fundraisers. It supports in-patient and community services nationwide, thanks to the incredible generosity of our coffee morning hosts. A LIMERICK teenager who won the BT Young Scientist of the Year contest is celebrating this week after picking up maximum points in his Leaving Certificate exams. Colaiste Chiarain Croom student Sean O'Sullivan discovered he had secured 625 points in the State exams, and is now looking forward to the next step in his education. His points score puts him among the top achievers nationally, and opens the doors to his attending University of Limerick, where he will undertake the new immersive software enginering course. READ MORE: 'I wasn't expecting what I got!': Joy and relief across Limerick as Leaving Cert results revealed It also brings the curtain down on a secondary school career in which he was named the winner at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition back in January 2024. He has also represented Ireland in the European Union Contest for Young Scientists and at the Regeneron-sponsored International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Ohio, USA. Sean's father, Gerard O'Sulivan, who is the principal at the Croom secondary school praised the efforts of all his students. He said the results reflect "months and years of dedicated study and preparation." "These excellent results are a testament to the hard work, resilience, and dedication of our students, supported as ever by our excellent teaching staff. "We are incredibly proud of each and every student who sat their Leaving Certificate this year and received their results," he added. Mr O'Sullivan also said: "These results reflect not just individual achievement, but the collective effort of our entire school community. We wish all our graduates the very best as they move forward to the next exciting chapter of their lives." LIMERICK firefighters are being praised for saving a blind and deaf dog from drowning in the Shannon. A woman was out walking her dog on the bank near the Bottomless Bridge in Plassey, Castletroy when the accident occurred. It is understood that the visually impaired pet misplaced its steps and fell down an embankment into the river. READ NEXT: Limerick rugby star receives a different cap as he graduates from UL The dogs owner contacted Limerick Fire and Rescue Service at around 3.30pm on Monday afternoon. A crew of six firefighters were immediately mobilised, said a spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council. Upon arrival they couldnt see the stricken canine. The breed of the dog is unknown. Two Swift Water Rescue Technicians entered the river to attempt to locate and rescue the dog. It was difficult to locate the dog as his head was just out of the water and there was a lot of growth around his location, said the spokesperson. The two specially trained firefighters located the dog in the river overgrowth by following the sound of panicked barking. The dogs front leg was trapped under the level of the water. The firefighters located the dog and freed him from the obstruction, said the spokesperson. The dog was successfully rescued and returned to his grateful owners. The dog sustained some minor injuries to a leg from being trapped in the flowing water but is expected to make a full recovery. One person who saw the commotion said: Fair dues to those firefighters. They had to fight through overhanging brambles and reeds and all sorts but they werent leaving the river without the dog. It was lovely to see it reunited with its owners. Its a happy ending to the tail. If the dogs owners read this and would like to get in touch with Limerick Live they can email news@limerickleader.ie Tributes have poured in following the sad death of Irish entrepreneur and business owner Dolores Mackenzie, who has been described as a "trailblazer who made a difference to so many people's lives" and a "kind soul that will never be forgotten". Dolores tragically passed away on Saturday August 23, 2025, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family in the tender care of The Cara Ward, St. Vincent's Private Hospital, following a short battle with cancer, just two months after the passing of her husband Roderick, who also died from cancer. READ NEXT: 'Plenty of heavy showers' - Grim outlook as experts put dampener on Electric Picnic weekend Dolores was the founder of the incredible Irish business Hairspray, a hair extensions service, before she opened The Hair Club, Ireland's first purpose-built wigs and hair boutique in Donnybrook, county Dublin, which helped thousands of women who were suffering from hair loss due to chemotherapy, alopecia, and other illnesses. Following her death, Hairspray Ireland paid tribute to Dolores with a heartfelt message on social media which read, "Its with tremendous sadness giving you the news that Dolores passed away peacefully last night with her family. Dolores was passionate about her work, family, and friends and she loved her amazing dedicated team and fantastic customers at Hairspray and the Hair Cub "25 years ago Dolores brought hair extensions and wigs to the mainstream in Ireland working tirelessly to strive to be the best version of herself while inspiring and training so many talented people to also be the best version of themselves. "This vision was created through the groundbreaking hair companies she founded over 2 decades ago with the retail chain Hairspray and Hair Club. READ NEXT: UPDATE: Search stood down for missing 62-year-old woman amid Garda update "The last few months have been so hard as Dolores was informed of a terminal illness prognosis and she had to endure some real tough painful days medically which was followed by her husband Roderick's sudden death in June which caused her and her family so much pain and grief." Dolores' son Warren also wrote a heartbreaking message for his beloved mother following her death, "RIP Mum. This is the hardest post I ever had to write. Sadly, my mum, Dolores, passed away last night after a courageous battle with cancer. We were very close. "She loved life, her family and friends, and her amazing companies and her cats," he added. "My Mum's passing has only been compounded by my stepfather Rod's sudden death in June. "My Mum died peacefully, but with a heavy heart. I'm heartbroken. The following funeral arrangements have been posted on RIP.ie, Dolores Mackenzie (nee McGovern)- Sandyford, Dublin, passed away on the 23rd August 2025, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family in the tender care of The Cara Ward, St. Vincent's Private Hospital. READ NEXT: 'Please stop using it immediately' stark warning sent to owners of UVC Air Purifier Lamp Beloved wife of her late husband Roderick and cherished daughter of the late Tommy and Kathleen. Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her son Warren, daughter Biba and grandchildren Sonni and Bonnie, brother Gary, sisters Sandra, Patricia and Carolann, extended family, neighbours and friends. Dolores will leave JP Ward & Sons Funeral Home, Sandyford Village (D18 C8P7) on Thursday (Aug 28th) arriving for 10am Mass to St. Marys Church, Sandyford Village, followed thereafter by a private committal service. The Bombay High Court has restored a ban preventing US-based IT services major Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp from using its logo in India until the conclusion of a trademark infringement suit filed by Bengaluru company Atyati Technologies Pvt. Ltd. In an interim ruling on Tuesday, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep V. Marne set aside a 13 June 2024 single-judge order that had allowed Cognizant to continue using the logo while the case remained pending. In doing so the division bench restored a 19 March 2024 injunction that had barred Cognizant from using the disputed branding in India. Though based in the US, Cognizant is of Indian heritage as almost three-fourths of its 343,800 employees are in India. The order read: The order dated 19 March 2024 shall continue to operate during pendency of the interim application. The learned single judge is requested to expedite decision of the interim application and to make an endeavour to decide the same in an expeditious manner. With the above direction, the appeal is allowed." The interim ruling was in response to an appeal filed by Atyati against the June order that lifted the ban. We are currently reviewing the interim order and intend to pursue available legal remedies to defend our position and challenge it. Cognizant is firmly committed to complying with the laws and regulations in every jurisdiction in which we operate," a Cognizant spokesperson wrote in response to an email from Mint. Battle over a hexagon Atyati, a fintech company, filed the trademark infringement lawsuit in 2023, claiming its device mark consisted of an orange hexagonal honeycomb symbolising collaboration, compassion and impact. It said the mark, slightly inclined in representation, has been in use since 2019 and embodied the organisations values. The March 2024 injunction was passed after the court observed that the similarities between the two marks could mislead the public into assuming an association between Atyati and Cognizant, and said this amounted to trademark infringement. The court also held that Atyati had established a prima facie case and that the balance of convenience favoured protecting its mark. But in June 2024, another single-judge bench modified the ruling and lifted the ban, citing records that showed Cognizant had been using the logo since 2022 and had advertised it in March 2023. Since Atyati claimed it became aware of the use only in October 2023 and had not disclosed this delay earlier, the judge ruled that the ban could not continue. That order has now been set aside, reinstating the March injunction. Potential implications "Rivals may use the injunction to position themselves as more legally compliant or original, impacting business relationships," said Amit Kumar Panigrahi, partner and head of trademark at Kochhar & Co, adding that the company may divert resources into expedited appeals. For multinationals, things like contracts, employee IDs, client presentations, websites, and even invoices may all carry the logo. Changing them overnight is disruptive," he added. Even if the interim court order is later overturned, Panigrahi added, the restrained company may still lose brand momentum and face irreversible customer association with confusion". Also Read | Mid-size IT firms find new ways to evaluate growth in the age of AI Cognizant maintains a seven-page logo guideline manual specifying usage formatsa rarity among Indian IT firms. It currently allows the use of its name and logo in unison, but with this ruling it may not be allowed to use the logo at all. An expert and former Cognizant executive, who did not wish to be named, said the ruling was unlikely to affect its business, though, as it only uses its name when billing clients. The company has experimented with its branding before. In May 2024 it prefixed innovate" to job postings and social media profiles of executives to mark the anniversary of its internal innovation programme, Bluebolt. Lawsuits aplenty Cognizant, however, is no stranger to legal battles. It has been involved in several disputes in recent years over employee poaching and alleged theft. In September 2023 it appointed former Wipro chief financial officer Jatin Dalal, prompting Wipro to sue him for breaching his non-compete clause and seek 25.1 crore in damages. The case was later settled, with Cognizant paying Dalal 4.2 crore including legal expenses. A similar case arose in December 2023, when former Wipro healthcare head Mohd Ehteshamul Haque joined Cognizant as its chief commercial officer for the Americas. That case was eventually settled as well, though the terms were not disclosed. Cognizant is also locked in a high-profile tussle with Infosys Ltd., which has accused it of misappropriating software trade secrets to develop a rival product for the healthcare sector. The dispute escalated, with Infosys naming Cognizants chief executive S. Ravi Kumar in its filings. Cognizant denied the charges, and in May 2025 a Dallas court asked both companies to resolve disagreements over the scope of information to be shared before the trial. Cognizant posted $5.25 billion in revenue for the June quarter, up 2.54% sequentially and 8.14% year-on-year. Banks and financial institutions accounted for more than three-fifths of its $130 million incremental revenue. Yet, concerns linger over its slipping organic growth, Mint reported on 31 July, with much of the top line boost attributed to a single acquisition. Agco for years has been trying to boost its business in the U.S., where it has held the No. 3 spot in essentially a three-company farm-equipment market. But a wave of new tariffs means it will be harder to boost its standing there. The Duluth, Ga., company doesnt have enough U.S. sales to justify moving more production out of Europe, where it has most of its production and sales, Chief Financial Officer Damon Audia said. And the likely need to raise prices to offset tariff costs could further depress sluggish demand for farm equipment in the U.S., where the company is continuing to invest. Meanwhile, in Europe, where much of its supply chain and sales are aligned, the company could see a boost by avoiding many tariff costs that its peers Deere & Co. and CNH Industrial face. Agco, whose brands include Massey Ferguson, Fendt and Valtra, is evaluating whether to shift its supply sources, in instances where it has more than one distinct source for a particular component, Audia said. That could mean moving from suppliers in Europe to ones in the U.S., or from Western Europe to Eastern Europe. The company is also looking to push its suppliers to be more efficient with their operations to limit the tariff cost they pass onto Agco, Audia said. Those moves wont eliminate tariff costs, making price increases necessary, Audia said. All of us are looking at these costs trying to figure out how to keep it low for the farmers," he said. But ultimately, these are things that were going to have to try to pass through in some capacity over time." The company might spread out price increases across its brands, for example charging more for planters and sprayers made in the U.S. so it wouldnt have to raise prices as much on tractors from Germany, Audia said, adding no decision has been made. Agco makes tractors, combines, retrofit kits and replacement parts. Agco has always imported a lot of its equipment and components from its overseas plants, which are mostly in Europe. About 35% of Agcos $2.85 billion in North American sales in 2024 came from imported products, largely from Europe, Audia said. Europe also represented about 60% of the companys $11.66 billion revenue in 2024. Agco is most exposed to U.S. tariffs on European Union goods, Audia said. This is a period of incredible uncertainty for Agco and its customers," said Kristen Owen, a managing director at Oppenheimer & Co. Agco, being the smaller player in the North American region, is not likely to be the first to lead with that price increase but could be fast followers." Agco makes products in Brazil that it also makes in China and France, but in Brazil it is facing a 50% U.S. levy on imports. If I know that those 50% tariffs are going to be in place for the next three years, I will re-evaluate the source of that product," Audia said. Agco shares are up about 26% over the last 12 months on the New York Stock Exchange. The company booked $314.8 million in net income for the latest quarter ended June 30, compared with a net loss of $367.1 million a year earlier, in part driven by growing interest in precision agriculture and sustainable technologies. Agco would migrate more production to the U.S. if it reaches critical mass" of its market share there, potentially through the higher sales of German tractor brand Fendt, Audia said. Over time, as our market share in combines and some larger tractors grows, that would be something that we would look at, and then likely expand [existing factories in states such as Kansas and Minnesota]," Audia said. Agco said North America remains a key growth market. The company expanded the Fendt product line in North America in 2018. North American Fendt sales have more than doubled since 2020, but the market share remains low. Agcos North American sales fell by 24% to $2.85 billion in 2024. Agcos U.S. revenue growth could be weakened by price increases made in response to tariffs, however. Tariff costs make it harder for Agco to expand its sales in the U.S., where it has a small market share, compared with its market share in Europe and Brazil, said Stephen Volkmann, a managing director at Jefferies. If what we really want as a country is more U.S. manufacturing, then making it harder for people to do that seems counterproductive," Volkmann said. A job at the tech giant Microsoft is one of the most aspired-after roles among engineers looking for a global career and a dream salary. Leaked documents reveal Microsoft's salary structure, where entry level roles start at levels 57-59, while Level 70 positions can reach $408,000 annually, with additional stock compensation depending on location according to a report by Business Insider. Microsoft job levels Microsoft uses a level system to indicate seniority. Entry-level engineers are usually at levels 57 to 59, while senior engineers start at level 63, and principal engineers at level 65. Higher levels are less common. Partners begin at level 68, and top engineers are at level 70. Also Read | Layoffs loom at weight loss drug Wegovy's maker Novo Nordisk amid slowing sales Microsoft salary structure New engineers at Microsoft joining at Level 57 start with a base salary of $83,000. Stock awards add an additional $5,000 to $13,000, but sign-on bonuses are not guaranteed, ranging from $0 to $9,000, the report noted. Salary increases at higher levels tend to be gradual. Engineers advancing to Level 59 see their base salary rise to $120,800, with cash bonuses ranging from $3,000 to $19,300. Moving up to Level 60, which is one step higher, offers a base pay between $111,000 and $160,000. Cash bonuses can reach up to $21,700, and stock awards also increase $20,000, the report said, citing leaked documents. Also Read | Microsoft AI head Mustafa Suleyman says he fears AI may one day demand rights Level 70 candidates could earn up to $408,000 annually, based on the location. Their compensation package may include a one-time stock award of up to $1.9 million upon hiring and might also feature an additional signing bonus, although the exact range isn't provided. Additionally, their future compensation could include an annual stock award worth $1,476,000. Salary based on location Microsoft maintains varying salary ranges depending on location. For instance, there is a "main" pay range for employees at the company's headquarters in Redmond, Washington, and a "high" pay range for workers in higher cost-of-living areas such as San Francisco. Most of Microsoft's hiring occurs within these regions, the report quoted a person aware of the hiring process. Indias top information technology services companies are increasingly placing bold bets on markets like Australia, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines as their biggest growth markets remain stubbornly stagnant. Tata Consultancy Services Ltd, Infosys Ltd, HCL Technologies Ltd, and Wipro Ltd have cumulatively announced about half a dozen acquisitions or government partnerships in under 12 months to offset macro uncertainties and expand their footprint. These IT outsourcers earn 84-94% of their revenue from the US, Canada, and Europe, and the rest from growth markets, which include Latin America and Asia-Pacific regions such as Australia, New Zealand, and India. However, the strategy is fraught with challenges and could take a while to yield significant additional revenue as the US and Europe remain the sectors largest cash cows. Additionally, these geographies may not become as big for these companies in at least 18-24 months, according to analysts. But primarily as a result of slow demand in the US and Europe, Indias top IT services companies have lost business to smaller, more agile peers, reporting slow growth for two consecutive financial years. R. Wang, founder of Constellation Research, a US-based technology research and advisory firm, said the recent acquisitions were not a concerted strategy but a move to offset low demand in the Indian IT services sectors largest markets. The move to the East has more to do with market expansion and opportunistic growth," he said. Europe and North America are still regions with more margin and opportunities for higher revenue growth, but the market is currently stagnant." Key Takeaways TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and HCLTech are expanding in Australia, Japan, and the Philippines through acquisitions and government partnerships as US and Europe demand remains muted. Deals like Wipros $375M Harman DTS buy and Infosyss Australia acquisitions boost long-term capabilities but come with integration costs, lower initial margins, and only modest short-term revenue gains. It may take 1824 months for these markets to meaningfully contribute. For now, the US and Europe remain the sectors largest cash cows despite stagnation. Beyond the traditional markets Last week, Wipro, Indias fourth-largest IT services company, acquired Harman Digital Transformation Services, owned by South Korea-based Samsung Electronics, for $375 million to strengthen its engineering arm. While the deal will add to Wipros revenue, which declined in the previous two financial years, it will hurt the companys operating margin, brokerage Nomura said in a note dated 21 August. The Harman DTS acquisition, if successful, could add about 280 basis points, or 2.8 percentage points, to Wipros revenue in 2026-27, the brokerage said. But it pointed out that the management has indicated the deal could negatively impact EBIT margin by ~50bp in FY27F (on full-year basis) due to integration costs, amortisation charges and lower margin to start with in the acquired entity". Wipro ended FY25 with $10.5 billion in revenue, down 2.7%, but its operating margin jumped 100 basis points to 17.1%. Earlier in August, Infosys said it had bought a 75% stake in Australia-based IT firm, Versent Group, for $150 million. Versent reported $137 million in revenue for FY25, which would mean an incremental revenue of 0.7% for Infosys, which ended the previous financial year with a 3.85% increase in revenue to $19.28 billion. Also Read | Mid-size IT firms find new ways to evaluate growth in the age of AI In May, Infosys acquired Australian cybersecurity firm The Missing Link for AUD 98 million ($64 million). Infosyss acquisitions would primarily be aimed at greater participation in growth areas," Kotak Institutional Equities analysts Kawaljeet Saluja, Sathishkumar S., and Vamshi Krishna said in a note dated 19 August. Acquisitions in the calendar year align with these prioritiescybersecurity, E&U (energy and utilities) consulting andcould services in the ANZ (Australia and New Zealand) region." Infosys and Wipro earned $2.37 billion and $1.11 billion in revenue outside the US and Europe in FY25, translating to 12.3% and 10.6% of their overall revenue, respectively. Infosys is cementing itself in Australia with cloud and digital transformation capabilities, while Wipro is deepening its engineering, AI (artificial intelligence), and IoT (internet of things) expertise through Harman DTS, along with expanding its presence in South Korea and Asia," said Phil Fersht, chief executive of HFS Research. Both deals show that Indian firms are no longer content with relying only on organic growth in their traditional US and European markets." What TCS and HCLTech are up to As Infosys focused on the Down Under, a larger peer was establishing its presence not too far up north. TCS is building digital infrastructure including a sovereign data cloud for the Philippines, after it announced a partnership with Filipino state-run telecom provider, Now Telecom, on 11 August. In April, Indias largest IT outsourcer launched TCS SovereignSecure Cloud to build a sovereign cloud platform for government institutions and companies. The Mumbai-headquartered company also announced a partnership with government-owned RailTel Corporation of India Ltd to launch a sovereign cloud platform for the telecom operator. India contributed $2.6 billion, or 8.6%, to TCSs overall revenue of $30.18 billion in FY25, nearly double the company's domestic revenue of $1.31 billion three years earlier. TCSs FY25 revenue was 3.78% higher than in the preceding year. Indias third-largest IT vendor, HCLTech, in December acquired certain software products and offerings from Hewlett Packard Enterprise's (HPE) Communications Technology Group (CTG) for an undisclosed price. Analysts at JM Financial expect 0.9% of the companys revenue in constant currency terms to come from these assets. The acquisition would also give HCLTech access to CTGs clients in Latin America and Asia Pacific, including Japan. The company ended FY25 with $13.84 billion in revenue, down 4.3%. As much as 6.5% of itstotal revenue came from growth markets. For FY26, the company expects full-year revenue growth of 2-5% in constant currency terms. TCS shares were down nearly 24% so far this year on NSE as on 25 August, while Infosys, HCLTech and Wipro had lost 18.5%, 21%, and 15%, respectively. The Nifty IT index was down 16%. Mumbai: India's private equity space, long seen as underperforming in actual returns despite matching China on paper gains or unrealised profit, is now proving its mettle, prompting global players like LGT Capital Partners to double down on the market. Our long-term returns from India have been largely on par with those of China. However, distributions have been a bit slower, largely because exit markets took time to open up," Peter Lui, principal at LGT Capital Partners, said in an interview with Mint. In the last couple of years, the Indian IPO market has become a meaningful exit avenue, and so the pace of distributions has improved." The Switzerland-based firm has ramped up its India exposure across both its APAC-focused and global funds. The firm has deployed about $1.7 billion in the country over the past two decadesover $500 million of which came in just the last 18 months. We expect a similar trajectory over the next 18 to 24 months," Lui added. Given the current geopolitical situation across the world, India is being viewed by investors as a safer bet. This, combined with the strong domestic demand and rising manufacturing investment, has led to greater capital inflows from global investors," said Natasha Treasurywala, partner at Desai & Diwanji. IPOs have been a significant driver of exits in India with a steady surge of successful offerings in the past two years, Treasurywala added. LGT Capital has backed about nine Indian managers, including Kedaara Capital, ChrysCapital, and VC firms like Nexus Ventures and Peak XV. It has raised five APAC funds so far and is in the process of raising a sixth fund. The fund is targeting $1.2 billion and has raised about $800 million to date, according to a report by Private Equity International. It is currently deploying from its fifth fund, which it plans to close by year-end. From its APAC strategy, LGT typically allocates 2025% to India, but is increasingly tapping its global funds for larger transactions. For large transactions like the National Stock Exchange or Multiples' continuation vehicle, we can bring in capital from multiple pools, in addition to our flagship Asia fund, which is how were able to write sizable cheques," said Lui. The firms total assets under management are over $100 billion, and it has exposure to private markets, multi-alternatives, diversification, and other sustainable strategies. Also Read | The worlds top two PE firms are scouting for secondary portfolio deals in India Booming secondary market LGT has also emerged as one of the most active global investors in Indias booming secondary market, backing large deals such as Multiples $430-million continuation vehicle earlier this year and ChrysCapitals $700-million continuation vehicle in 2024. This shift comes as global limited partners are cutting exposure to managers who deliver strong paper gains but lag on actual distributions. We have a strong preference for partnering with managers who have demonstrated long-term outperformance and distributions through cycles, like ChrysCapital, who have demonstrated they can exit companies and distribute liquidity. Otherwise, we are more sceptical of paper returns," Lui said. To be sure, distributions to LPs have accelerated as Indias IPO markets opened up. ChrysCapital, for example, has returned $7 billion across 80 exits and fully exited its first six funds. The firm is now in the process of raising capital for its tenth private equity fund. In India, LGTs deployment is balanced across fund commitments, secondaries, and direct investments. In contrast, Chinawhich once made up 4045% of its regional activityhas dropped to 2025%. The cycle has slowed lately and fund activity has dropped as many GPs havent raised successor funds, reflecting the macro environment," said Lui, noting that LGT now invests in China largely through secondaries. Also Read | Atomberg seeks higher backing from investors as it plans IPO next year Lui added that while India has gone through multiple cycles over the past decade, the latest IPO wave appears more resilient. This time feels different. Earlier, IPO markets were reliant on foreign capitalonce that pulled out, markets dropped. Now, domestic flows are supporting the market. That reduces volatility and demonstrates depth and consistency, which is positive for creating a long-term, sustainable exit market," he said. IndiGo co-founder and promoter Rakesh Gangwal plans to sell shares worth $801 million in the countrys largest airline, according to a term sheet accessed by Mint. Goldman Sachs (India) Securities Pvt, Morgan Stanley India Co. and J.P. Morgan India Pvt are arranging the trade. Under the updated terms, Gangwal and his Chinkerpoo Family Trust will sell up to 12.1 million or about 3.1% shares in InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, which runs IndiGo. The offer price of 5,808 reflects a nearly 4% discount to the stocks closing price of 6,050 on Tuesday on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). After this sale, Gangwal would own 4.71% of the company, while his co-promoter and current managing director of the airline, Rahul Bhatia, would own 35.73%. At the end of December 2021, Gangwal owned 36.6%, and Bhatia owned 37.8% in InterGlobe Aviation, giving the duo a collective 74.78% ownership. Gangwal has continuously pared his stake in the airline over the past few years, after a feud between him and Bhatiathe two co-founded the airline in 2006was laid to rest. Also Read | Apollo Hospitals shares in focus amid likely 1,489 crore block deal In 2019, Gangwal accused Bhatia of corporate governance lapses. The dispute became public when he wrote to market regulator Sebi, pointing to issues such as related-party transactions and the chairmans lack of independence. In 2022, Gangwal resigned from the board of directors of InterGlobe Aviation. In a letter to the board, he said he intended to pare down his then 37% stake over the next five years and asked that no unpublished price-sensitive information be shared with him. Among the stake sales that he undertook, Gangwal sold 5.83% stake in April 2024, another 5.83% last August, and 5.7% this May. Industry leader With about 64% market share, IndiGo dominates the airline industry in India. Last month, the airline reported a 20% year-on-year decline in its profit to 2,176 crore for the June quarter despite higher capacities. Incidents such as the Pahalgam terrorist attack and the following India-Pakistan border clash, as well as the Air India flight crash of June, hit travel during the key summer break period. However, revenue during the June quarter was up 6% year-on-year to 21,543 crore. At the same time, the 16% growth in available seat kilometres (ASK) to 42.3 billion, a measure of flying capacity, far outstripped the revenue growth. MUMBAI (Reuters) -India's Vodafone Idea Telecom Infrastructure, a wholly owned subsidiary of telecom operator Vodafone Idea, is in talks to raise up to 50 billion rupees ($569.5 million) through a debt sale in September, three sources familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. The unit of India's third-largest wireless carrier plans to issue bonds with tenors of two and three years, raising 30 billion rupees and 20 billion rupees, respectively, the sources said. The company is expected to tap private credit funds for the issue, and offer coupons of around 12% and 14% on two-year and three-year bonds, two of the sources said. "The funds would be used for fresh capex as the company wants to expand," one of the sources said. All the sources requested anonymity as they are not authorised to speak to media. Vodafone Idea declined to comment on the matter. In May, Vodafone-Idea, led by billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla, received board approval to raise 200 billion rupees through equity or loans. The company also aims to further expand its 5G services to additional key cities across 17 priority circles by September 2025, it said on an earnings call earlier this month. Vodafone Idea has struggled to pay outstanding spectrum and revenue-sharing dues since a landmark 2019 Supreme Court ruling widened the definition of revenue used to calculate payments. To support the loss-making carrier, the government in April converted part of its spectrum dues into equity, raising its stake in the company to 48.99%. ($1 = 87.75 Indian rupees) New Delhi: These days, Rajesh, who used to be a bike-taxi rider with Rapido, no longer ferries passengers across Bengaluru. With the two-wheeler service being declared illegal, he like other Rapido riders, has switched to food-delivery, a play Rapido is testing with its newly launched Ownly service. I do this at night while attending college in the morning," Rajesh adds. I use the same bikeits convenient, and the extra cash helps cover my expenses." He is unsure if Rapido will be able to break the Swiggy-Zomato duopoly, which has a stranglehold over the food delivery business. Who knows if theyll crack it. If not, well just have to switch to Swiggy or Zomato," says Rajesh, as he waits for his phone to ping in the citys upmarket Koramangala locality. Industry executives estimate that Rapido commands roughly 60% of Indias bike taxi market. But in two of its largest markets, Karnataka and Maharashtra, the rules governing bike taxis have become stringent. Karnatakas blanket ban landed in June, cutting Rapido off at the knees in one of its most important markets. The state accounts for 5 million of the 26 million monthly rides nationwide, according to Nikhil Dhaka, vice president at Primus Partners, a management consulting firm in Delhi. A ban in just one state, Karnataka, could shrink the total bike taxi usage in India by nearly one-fourth," he says. To the west, Maharashtra has been more accommodating, but with a catch: bike taxis are permitted only if theyre electric. For riders on budget petrol two-wheelers, that caveat offers little relief. Rapido operates a fleet of about 10 million vehicles nationwidemore than half of them two-wheelers, according to industry estimates. Bike taxis arent just another line item in Rapidos booksthey make up nearly half its revenue. Three-wheelers and cabs contribute the rest, but neither matches the scale of its two-wheeler play. Thats why the regulatory chokehold in Karnataka, its most important market, and the electric-only caveat in Maharashtra, have struck at the heart of its business. On 21 August, Rapido got a flicker of hope in Bengaluru after a bench of the Karnataka High Court questioned the blanket ban on bike-taxis. That prompted Rapido and Uber to briefly resume their services in the state capital. A day later, however, the court clarified that its oral observations had not amounted to permission, and that the state government was free to act against aggregatorsputting the legality of bike taxis in limbo once again. Adding to its troubles, Indias Central Consumer Protection Authority slapped Rapido with a 10 lakh fine for misleading ads and unfair trade practices. The company has also been directed to reimburse customers who availed of its Auto in 5 minutes or get 50 scheme but never received the promised compensation. The scheme promised compensation if an auto didnt arrive on time. Instead of money, users reported that they got 5 Rapido coins instead, with restrictions like valid only on bike rides, expiring in 7 days. Mint reached out to Rapido on 18 August but is yet to receive a response. In a prepared statement sent earlier, the company said it is actively pursuing all avenues to support our captains (Rapidos term for its gig workers)". Rapido remains hopeful that our continued engagement with the government will pave the way for a viable framework for bike taxis and the millions of gig workers who depend on themjust as it has in several other states and union territories," it added. Unlike autos or cabs, bike taxis lack uniform legal recognition across India. That tilted slightly in July 2025 when the central ministry of road transport and highways issued fresh guidelines allowing private two-wheelers to be used for passenger rides via aggregator platforms. While it is not an automatic approval, it lays down a formal path to legalization, one that could reshape urban mobility, but only if states choose to adopt it. A key issue for state regulators is the white number plate. Most Rapido riders, like Rajesh, use personal bikes, but states demand commercial (yellow-plate) registration. For part-timers, switching isnt viable. Moreover, yellow plates carry a social stigma. I use the same bike for ride-hailing, deliveries, and even college," says a 21-year-old Rapido captain in Maharashtra. But when I park it at home, the yellow plate draws questions and unwanted attention. People look at you differently." The Ownly gambit Rapidos food pivot, Ownly, is its way out of the bike-taxi chokeholdbikes cant carry people, but they can still carry pizzas. The idea is to challenge the ZomatoSwiggy duopoly, which controls the 60,000-crore food delivery market, with Zomato commanding a 54% share and Swiggy holding 46%, according to brokerage firm Bernstein. View Full Image In April 2022, Swiggy led a $180-million investment in Rapido. The playbook is familiar: undercut incumbents on commission rates and woo restaurants with better economics. While Swiggy and Zomato typically charge anywhere between 1530% per order, Ownly is piloting a commission band of 815%, according to food delivery executives. For many restaurants, particularly smaller ones, that difference can be meaningful. Rapido isnt entering cold either. It got a feel for the business through its partnership with Swiggy, dating back to 2022. In April that year, Swiggy led a $180-million investment in Rapido for a nearly 12% stake, its single-largest cheque in a startup. This was framed as a marriage of convenienceRapidos riders could double up as Swiggys food couriers. Two years on, Rapido has turned from partner to rival. By handling the companys deliveries, Rapido picked up valuable intelligence on peak hours and high-demand restaurantsdata it now hopes to repurpose for its own food delivery play, an investor in Rapido told Mint on condition of anonymity. According to another investor, Rapidos arrangement with Swiggy bars it from tying up with rivals such as Zomato, but places no restrictions on using the operational insights it gathered while running deliveries. Ownly has been set up under a wholly owned subsidiary called Ctrlx Technologies, with co-founder Aravind Sanka and vice presidentfinance Vivek Krishna as directors, regulatory filings show. Creating a separate subsidiary may simply be Rapidos way of avoiding any potential conflict with Swiggy, which holds a stake in the company," says an industry executive in the food delivery sector. Whatever the intent, the food-delivery gambit has fractured the relationship. Swiggy has said it will re-evaluate its holding, citing a potential conflict of interest. Upset with the huge commissions and other payouts they shell out to Swiggy and Zomato, restaurateurs, meanwhile, have welcomed Rapidos entry. What makes the Rapido entry truly promising is that its both economically viable and democratically structured, which is critical for the long-term sustainability of restaurants, especially the smaller ones," says Sagar Daryani, president, the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), an industry body. Customer data has long been a contentious issue for restaurants with Zomato and Swiggy, which Rapido is looking to use to its benefit. One of the biggest advantages of this initiative is that it gives us access to valuable customer data, which is essential for building relationships and improving service," Daryani adds. Complex market Still, Rapidos food pivot will be on a road littered with failures: Amazon exited, Ola and Uber burned cash before exiting, and ONDCs policy push barely moved the needle. Cracking the SwiggyZomato duopoly will be harder than it looks on paper. To retain drivers, Rapido is leaning on its oldest trickzero commissions. If a driver has already paid a fixed fee, theyll continue to log in and complete rides to recover that sunk cost," explains Gaurav Chabbra, principal at Kearney, a consulting firm. But the numbers dont quite add up in Rapidos favour. Unlike earlier entrants, it is stepping into a far more mature, crowded, and unforgiving market. According to a 11 June research note by Bernstein, Rapidos entry is unlikely to dent the entrenched Zomato-Swiggy duopoly, given the sheer complexity of food delivery. In a separate note, HSBC echoed the scepticism, arguing that while new entrants may win over the industrys tail-end customerswhere margins are already thinthey are unlikely to meaningfully disrupt the duopoly at the top. Commission wars dont fix last-mile physics. A new entrant will need density and disciplined burn, not just lower commissions, to break even," says Nilaya Varma, co-founder of Primus Partners. Commission wars dont fix last-mile physics. A new entrant will need density and disciplined burn. Nilaya Varma Lower commissions mostly benefit restaurants; platform margins still depend on density, batching, platform fees, and marketing take rates (take rate refers to the share of each order that the platform keeps as revenue). Low prices can help acquire users, but they will stick around only if there is reliability and Ownlys selection matches the incumbents, Varma adds. The incumbents, meanwhile, have been raising platform fees, charged on customers placing orders and sparing restaurants, to shore up unit economics; Swiggy recently hiked its platform fee to 14 in select zones. Analysts point out that Indian consumers are frugal rather than brand-loyal, often switching between apps for the lowest bill. If you can keep overall delivery costs low, you stand a chance," says Primus Dhaka. Other commuting bets Beyond food, Rapido is also eyeing the cab and carpooling marketstill embryonic but indicative of its appetite to widen the mobility play, by testing every adjacent avenue it can find. Public filings show the company has set up a new entity, Flexiride Solutions Pvt Ltd, to house a separate app called Hopr. The directors include Rapidos vice presidentfinance Vivek Krishna, and Akash Sachdev, who leads new initiatives at the company. However, carpooling has had a bumpy ride in India. At its core, the model involves car owners sharing empty seats with commuters headed in the same direction. The commuters are matched via apps for a small fee, easing per-trip costs and congestion in urban areas. But practical challenges abound. Without a critical mass of drivers and riders, finding matcheseven for daily commutescan be difficult. Carpooling has had a bumpy ride in India. Without a critical mass of drivers and riders, finding matcheseven for daily commutescan be difficult. Closed, trust-anchored networks around tech parks (e.g., Quick Ride in Bengaluru) have seen pockets of adoption, but city-wide, open carpooling has struggled with trust and regulatory ambiguity," says Varma. Post-pandemic, city and state policies on ride-pooling have diverged: Assam permits limited private-car sharing under aggregator rules; Chandigarh proposed regulated pooling with strict KYC; Maharashtra has cracked down on unlicensed services. Against this backdrop, Varma says, The Hopr pilot is sensible as a corridor-based experiment, not a core revenue engine. The viability improves with corporate tie-ups, verified users, and women-only options." Rapido began edging into the cab business in 2023, pushing into a market sculpted by Uber and Ola. By December 2024, it had quietly carved out a 14% share, behind Uber (50%) and Ola (34%), according to equity advisory firm Equentis. That momentum has not gone unnoticed. Signalling a shift in the countrys ride-hailing hierarchy, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi recently described Rapidonot Olaas the companys prime competition" in India, during an appearance on Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamaths podcast. View Full Image File photo of Dara Khosrowshahi. (Bloomberg) Rapido has flipped the script on driver commissions, charging a fixed subscription fee instead of taking a per-ride cuta model now being followed by Uber and Ola for autos and cabs. Nascent fintech play With the goal of deepening its grip on its rider base, the company is eyeing lending and allied financial services, in a modest fintech play, YourStory reported in April this year. Platforms such as Rapido sit on rich, real-time earnings and activity data from riders with irregular incomemany underserved by formal credit. That data can underwrite bite-sized loans, income-smoothing advances, and micro-insurance. The fintech move, where it can partner with non-banking financial companies, is a natural adjacency. The company wants to monetize the data they already have. Since they know the income of their partners, they can use that insight to offer lending solutions," says Satish Meena, co-founder of Datum Intelligence, a data analytics firm. Yet the rider base is a volatile borrower group, as earnings swing, riders switch apps, and seasons matterso missed payments can jump if lending relies on weak signals, he adds. While it is not clear exactly how Rapido plans to go about building a fintech business and obtaining the requisite licences, if it does decide to dip its toe, it will be in waters that are regulated even more than the commuting segment. It will also need to build a talent pool to drive the business, which is very different from connecting passengers with captains or delivering food. For Rapido, the paradox is clear: it has never been more ambitious, or more vulnerable. New bets in food delivery, cabs, carpooling, and even fintech may promise fresh lifelines, but the companys future still hinges on a patchwork of state rules that could decide whether its core business lives or dies. Reliance-owned Vantara Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre located at Gujarat's Jamnagar issued a statement on the Supreme Court's appointment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) linked to the welfare of animals, particularly elephants following the Mahadevi elephant case, ANI reported. We acknowledge the order of the Supreme Court with utmost regard. Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion and full compliance with the law. Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals, the news agency quoted the statement. We will extend full cooperation to the Special Investigation Team and continue our work sincerely, always placing the welfare of animals at the heart of all our efforts. We request that the process be allowed to take place without speculation and in the best interest of the animals we serve, the statement further noted. Constitution of SIT According to a report by Bar and Bench, the Supreme Court on Monday constituted an SIT to investigate allegations against Vantara relating to writ petitions questioning the acquisition of animals from India and abroad, treatment of animals, and financial concerns. Also Read | Anant Ambani's Vantara receives prestigious Prani Mitra Award for animal welfare The SIT will be led by retired SC judge Justice Jasti Chelameswar and will include former Chief Justices of Uttarakhand and Telangana High Courts, Justice Raghavendra Chauhan, as well as former Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale and Indian Revenue Service officer Anish Gupta. The Court observed that the petitions relied only on news reports, social media inputs, and complaints by NGOs, with no material of probative worth. However, as the allegations also involved statutory bodies such as the Central Zoo Authority and CITES, the Bench said that an independent opinion was necessary to ascertain the true factual position. "Accordingly, we deem it appropriate to direct for constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of respectable persons of impeccable integrity and high repute having long public service, the report quoted the court order. Friday, it took a 9.9% stake in Intel, in exchange for speeding up $9 billion in grants to the struggling chip maker. Other American firms that won some of the $39 billion in grants under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 also may be asked to give up stock to get their money. Barrons got no immediate response when it asked the administration and several Chips Act grantees if the government was discussing taking stock in exchange for grant disbursements. Those chip companies included Micron Technology, Texas Instruments, Applied Materials, GlobalFoundries, Amkor Technology, Analog Devices, Coherent, and Microchip Technology. Im sure that at some point therell be more transactions, if not in this industry, in other industries," Keven Hassett, the director of Trumps National Economic Council, told CNBC Monday. There already have been. Last month, the Pentagon agreed to pay $400 million for 15% of MP Materials, the only domestic source of rare earth magnets. The government demanded 15% of Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices chip sales in China, as well as a golden share" in U.S. Steel that gives it veto power over actions that acquirer Nippon Steel might try. This actually is a sovereign wealth fund," says Salar Ghahramani, a business law professor at Penn State University who studies those entities. Nations like Norway, Singapore and Qatar own sovereign funds to invest their excess cash from oil revenue or trade surpluses. But instead of the centrally managed funds run by those countries, Ghahramani says the Trump administration investments have been made by a federation of different agencies. It will be fascinating to see whether down the road these assets that are being gathered will be put into a more traditional sovereign wealth fund." The White House did publish a plan for a sovereign wealth fund in February, soon after Trump returned to the presidency. A U.S. sovereign fund is a very bad idea whose time may have come," says Bill Megginson, a finance professor at the University of Oklahomas Price College of Business. Unlike countries like Norway and Kuwait, the U.S. has a deficit, not a cash surplus, Megginson notes. America already has a skilled venture capital industry and deep financial markets. How transparent is this going to be," he wonders about the de facto U.S. sovereign fund. And how politicized?" The Republican administrations precedent may inspire a future Democratic administration to get even more deeply into state ownership, Megginson worries. Intels 8-K filing shows that the Department of Commerces agreement isnt entirely hands-off. The government agreed to vote in line with Intels board, but not if an action would adversely impact the Companys or its subsidiaries relationship with the U.S. Government." Analysts like Bernsteins Stacy A. Rasgon worry that the government will object if Intel decides to spin off its struggling chip production factorieswhich could be exactly what the company needs to do, Rasgon writes in a Monday note. Write to Bill Alpert at william.alpert@barrons.com Indian exporters are preparing for impact after the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in a notification, confirmed that the Donald Trump administration is imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on all Indian-origin goods from August 27, in a bid to ramp up trade pressure on New Delhi. With DHS' confirmation, India has become one of the highest-tariffed countries in the world, along with Brazil, facing 50 per cent export duties on all its goods. To effectuate the Presidents Executive Order 14329 of August 6, 2025 which imposed a specified rate of duty on imports of articles that are products of India, the Secretary of Homeland Security has determined that appropriate action is needed to modify the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) as set out in the Annex to this notice, the DHS notification said. The additional US tariffs on India were first announced by President Donald Trump as punishment for New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil. According to the Homeland Security, new duties will apply to goods entering the US for consumption or withdrawn from warehouses for consumption from 12:01 am EDT on Wednesday or 9:31 am IST. US justifies Trump tariffs on India White House trade adviser Peter Navarro and US Secretary of State Scott Bessentt have accused India of buying Russian oil and indirectly helping Moscow fund the war in Ukraine, saying that it must stop. Bessentt has also accused India of profiteering from its steeply increased purchase of Russian oil since the West imposed sanctions on crude exports from Moscow. He said that India's Russian oil purchase now accounts for 42 per cent of New Delhi's total oil imports, up from under 1 per cent before the war, labelling the shift as unacceptable. Stock markets slump, exporters seek aid The Indian stock market witnessed a strong across-segment selloff in intraday trade on Tuesday, with the Sensex falling nearly 800 points and Nifty dropping below 24,750, amid concerns over Trump tariffs. Exporter groups estimate hikes could affect nearly 55 per cent of India's $87 billion in merchandise exports to the US, while benefiting competitors such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and China, according to a Reuters report. "The US customers have already stopped new orders. With these additional tariffs, the exports could come down by 20-30% from September onward," said Pankaj Chadha, president, Engineering Exports Promotion Council. Also Read | Trump tariffs: Surat diamond traders face existential crisis The diamond industry of India has already taken a massive hit, with exports falling to a two-decade low amid weak Chinese demand, and is now facing a double-blow of the Trump tariffs. New Delhi: After months of disruption in supply, India is set to receive consignments of specialty fertilizers from Beijing in the coming 2025 days, following assurances by China's foreign minister Wang Yi during his recent visit. The move will ease supply disruptions and also signal warmer bilateral engagement. Alongside specialty fertilizers used in high-value crops, India is also likely to receive fresh urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) consignments from China within a fortnight, according to two people aware of the development. Also Read | Why Coromandel Int'l has thrived while many fertilizer firms have struggled The shipments are set to arrive ahead of the rabi sowing season, when timely fertilizer availability is critical, and are expected to ease pressure on supplies and prices for the farm sector. During his New Delhi visit, the Chinese foreign minister had given an assurance to mitigate India's concerns realted to several sectors, including fertilizers, rare earths and tunnel boring machines. "The recent development is a pragmatic approach towards economic and bilateral relations between the two countries," said B.R. Deepak, a professor of China Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at the end of this month, according to an official announcement. Also Read | India mulls scaling up high-end fertilizer production after China cuts supplies "We are in touch with specialty fertilizer suppliers in China and expect that the consignment will start pouring in the domestic market in the next 20-25 days," said Rajib Chakraborty, national president, Soluble Fertilizer Industry Association (SFIA). Nearly 80% of India's specialty fertilizer imports, including water-soluble nutrients, liquid foliar sprays, slow and controlled-release formulations, and bio-stimulants are sourced from Chinese manufacturers, according to industry estimates. Specialty fertilizers include polymer-coated urea that is released slowly into the soil and is available to plants over a long period, chelated micronutrients that are effective in alkaline soil, water-soluble fertilizers such as monoammonium phosphate and potassium nitrate as well as stabilized nitrogen fertilizers with urease inhibitors that allow efficient nitrogen use on soil. Asked about the quantity of the import orders by Indian importers, Chakraborty said the number was difficult to ascertain" at the moment. "But there is already a backlog of around 50,000 tonnes that was supposed to be delivered around May, June but was not delivered amid the supply disruption." In a reply to a query in the Lok Sabha on 25 July, Union minister for chemicals and fertilizers, Jagat Prakash Nadda had said China had withheld export of specialty fertilizers to India over the past two to three months. Specialty Fertilizers are not covered under the ambit of Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme administered by the department of fertilizers, and therefore they are not subsidized. Fertilizer companies are free to import these as per their business dynamics. Amid this supply disruption, Indian companies were actively sourcing water-soluble fertilizers (WSF) from alternative suppliers in Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Morocco and the US to address the shortfall caused by reduced imports from China. In the case of micronutrients, India imports a major quantity of various micronutrients from Greece, Turkey, the US, Spain, Singapore and the Netherlands, while a small quantity of zinc sulphate monohydrate was being sourced from China, Nadda had said. Also Read | What India is now doing to avoid a fertilizer shock The demand for specialty fertilizers has been estimated at around 1.2-1.3 million tonnes annually. Among the major categories, micronutrients has the largest share of 50-55% in the total specialty fertilizers consumption, followed by WSF (25-30 %), sulphur (12-15%) and liquid fertilizers. India is significantly dependent on raw materials and finished specialty fertilizers from China and countries like Russia, Norway, Tunisia and Morocco. According to industry stakeholders, specialty fertilizers account for only 3-5% of the total fertilizer market. In 2023, India's overall fertilizer market size was around $40.5 billion. An emailed query to the ministry of chemicals and fertilizers and the ministry of agriculture regarding the resumption of fertilizer import from China remained unanswered till press time. The expected resumption of fertilizer supplies from China will be a positive for India, especially given the imminent rabi, or winter, sowing season," said Anand Kulkarni, director at Crisil Ratings. "India imports about 60% of its di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and 15-20% of its urea requirements. China accounted for 25-30% of such imports in the three fiscals through March 31, 2024. Last fiscal, the share of Chinese imports fell to around 8% as the country clamped down on supply," Kulkarni said. India had imported 1.8 million tonnes and 2.2 million tonnes of urea and DAP, respectively, from China in FY24. According to Anand, while the supply disruption had hit DAP consumption, the ministry of fertilizers had made alternative arrangements, including the recent signing of a long-term agreement with Saudi Arabia to meet about 30% of the country's DAP needs. New Delhi: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) will issue a standard operating procedure (SoP) on search and seizure provisions under the new Income Tax Act, 2025, to guide officials on handling digital records of assessees and ensure consistent application, board member (legislation) Ramesh Narain Parbat told Mint . The new tax law will come into effect in April next year. The move comes amid concerns from tax professionals over the laws wording on digital access. Parbat said tax officials have not been given any new powers; the provisions merely make the existing ones clear and explicitly spelt out. Also Read | Income tax: What a higher threshold on perquisites means for employees The department will issue an SOP for handling digital data, the official said, responding to a query on the safeguards that may be needed for officials to access digital data of assessees. All rights of citizens under the existing law are protected under the new law, as well, Parbat said. The SoP is being issued ensure that assessing officers across the country implement the provisions in a consistent and non-discretionary manner, while tax payers benefit by way of predictability and transparency in administrative procedures. The existing Income Tax Act of 1961 requires assessees in the possession of books of accounts and certain electronic documents to facilitate officials' access to them. The new law prescribes that officials can gain access by overriding the access code of a computer system or virtual digital space where the access code is not available. These are not additional powers. These powers were already available. They have been spelt out in a clearer, explicit form. Thats all," Parbat said. The select committee of parliament had reviewed and approved the modified wordings on search and seizure provisions as it did not entail any change from the current provisions, including those on judicial pronouncements and internal circulars of the tax department, Mint had reported on 22 July, quoting Baijayant Panda, the chairperson of the committee. Also Read | Lok Sabha approves new tax bill with UPS relief, corporate dividend deduction Parbat also explained that section 138 of the existing Income Tax Act and the corresponding section 258 in the Income Tax Act of 2025 mandate that information of any assessee cannot be disclosed in any way other than as per the provisions of these sections. These sections deal with the confidentiality of taxpayer information and the circumstances in which the department can share details. Parbat said a committee set up in February by the board has already examined over 1,000 suggestions regarding redrafting of tax rules as these have to be aligned with the new law. They have gone through the rules and forms to identify which are the redundant ones and those have been removed. We are aiming that by the end of this year, we will be able to notify all the rules, as well as the forms which will be needed next year," he said. The new rules are expected to reflect the precision and clarity in the new law that replaces the existing one that is over six decades old. He said the new law's section 536 on repeal and savings will remove all doubts over the transition, the official said. This section explains that actions, liabilities, rights, penalties and proceedings under the old law remain valid. Relations between the US and India have soured in the past few months over several issues, particularly trade. This has started pushing India towards the east, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to visit Japan and later China, after a gap of seven years. The timing of the visits coincides with the USs punitive additional tariff of 25%, set to kick in from Wednesday, over Indias purchase of Russian oil. The potential tilt towards the East may also reflect in Indias strategic shift on the trade front. Last week, Mint reported that India is weighing its options to rejoin the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the eastern trade bloc it walked away from nearly six years ago. The RCEP consists of 10 Asean nationsBrunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnamalong with Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. While India pulled out of the negotiations to join the RCEP six years ago due to concerns over a high trade deficit with China and potential impact on domestic industries, particularly in agriculture, dairy and small manufacturing sectors, the evolving trade dynamics with the US warrant a re-look at the pact. A Mint analysis of Indias exports shows that the country has tilted more towards the US in recent years, pulling its share in overall exports ahead of RCEP countries. However, there are several sectors where the RCEP's export share is far behind the US, leaving the possibility of channelising exports to the 15-country bloc. Also Read | India should reconsider its rejection of the RCEP trade bloc Patchy past In the past decade, Indias exports have tilted to the West as the US emerged as the biggest market for its goods. The USs share in Indias exports has risen from 13.5% in 2014-15 to nearly 20% now. During the same period, Indias exports with the RCEP bloc have fluctuated. At its peak, in the pre-pandemic period, 21% of India's exports went to the RCEP countries, but in the post-covid period, the share has remained in a range of about 17%. While the overall share gap between the US and the RCEP may be small, there are several sectors, such as electronic goods, pharmaceutical products and gems and jewellery, where the RCEP is far behind the US. These are the sectors India can look to tap through the RCEP pact. However, Indias patchy past with the trading bloc may make a deal difficult. Indias position to protect its agriculture and dairy sector could prove to be a sticking point in the RCEP pact, as it was in 2019, and in the trade deal with the US. In fact, in December 2024, commerce minister Piyush Goyal reiterated in the Rajya Sabha that the pact was not addressing Indias concerns. However, against the backdrop of the USs squeeze on Indias exports, the country will have to explore alternative options. Impression game India enjoys the tag of the worlds fastest-growing major economy, an emerging economic superpower, and, to some extent, a balancing power to Chinas growing dominance. However, perception about India among Southeast Asian nations is less favourable than that of many of the RCEP nations, though it is showing signs of improvement. A recent survey of influential voices from Asean member states, including media, policymakers, civil society, and academia, conducted by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, shows that perceptions about India have improved in 2025 compared to the previous year. While only 1.9% of respondents noted that India had the most economic power in Southeast Asia in 2025, this was an improvement from 0.6% in the previous year. India performed relatively well on whether it was the best third party to hedge against the US-China rivalry, with 13.5% agreeing with the statement. The improving perception of India among Southeast Asian nations offers the country an opportunity to explore potential deals and pacts to hedge against disruptions from US tariffs. Also Read | India may crack open the gates to Chinese inflows New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh were the largest beneficiaries of funds disbursed under a special capital investment scheme launched as a post-pandemic stimulus measure contingent on states carrying out certain reforms. The central governments total fiscal commitment of 3.66 trillion in the five years since the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme started in FY21 not only reflects its scale but also underscores a strategic push for reform-linked, state-specific development. State-wise, the funds released have varied significantly, reflecting differential reform adoption and infrastructure needs. Uttar Pradesh received 57,482.36 crore, or over 15% of the disbursed funds, across all years, followed by Bihar ( 34,336.67 crore), Madhya Pradesh ( 33,169.69 crore) and West Bengal ( 25,138.56 crore), according to data from the finance ministry. Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Assam and Karnataka also received large capital inflows, underlining their active engagement with SASCI reforms. Over five years, SASCI has evolved from supporting core governance reforms to fostering digital services, urban planning, industrial growth and rural development, highlighting a dynamic and targeted approach to capital investment across Indian states. SASCI provides states with 50-year, interest-free loans to support capital expenditure, with allocations and disbursements rising steadily over time. A large chunk of the funds disbursed is linked to carrying out certain reforms. Indian states prioritized industrial growth and land reforms in FY25 to access a substantial share of funds, according to ministry of finance data. All 28 states availed of SASCI, including those that had not participated in the previous year, reflecting broader adoption of the programme. From 1 April to 11 August, 35,399 crore of the 1.5 trillion allocated for the scheme has been released. Rural land reforms In FY25, 22 states implemented reforms in building regulations for industrial and commercial projects and rural land reforms, while urban land reforms remained largely untouched, according to the data. Vehicle-scrapping programmes continued, 19 states integrated central sector schemes onto the SNA SPARSH just-in-time" cash management platform, and 18 states adopted urban planning reforms. The latest Union Budget lowered SASCIs allocation to 1.25 trillion from 1.5 trillion the previous year, with states having received about 1.49 trillion in capital expenditure loans, roughly 58% tied to reforms or project-linked conditions. The initial budgetary allocations remained unchanged at 1.5 trillion for both FY25 and FY26. Comparatively, the allocation was 1.30 trillion in FY24, of which 1.10 trillion was disbursed, including 30,000 crore as outcome-based assistance. Also Read | Why Indias municipal bonds have few takers The finance ministry data showed that urban planning and financing reforms emerged as priorities during FY24, with 21 states revamping building byelaws and 15 states making urban local bodies creditworthy for municipal bonds. Vehicle-scrapping saw wider adoption, though the just-in-time" release of central sector scheme funds remained unused. The momentum in reform uptake accelerated in FY23, driven by infrastructure, digital services, and urban initiatives by various state governments. Investments under PM Gati Shakti were taken up in 27 states, digital citizen services in 26, and optical fibre expansion in 24. Urban planning reforms and road connectivity featured prominently, although fewer states pursued vehicle-scrapping or privatization. That year, 81,195 crore was released from an allocation of 1 trillion, with a portion contingent on reform implementation, the data showed. Governance focus In the early years of SASCI, reforms were more focused on governance. Uptake was limited in FY22, with only one state pursuing privatization and asset monetization, and 14,185 crore disbursed from the allocated funds. In FY21, the emphasis was on the One Nation One Ration Card system, power sector improvements, urban local body reforms, and ease of doing business, with 12 states earning incentives for completing at least three of the four key reforms. Also Read | In relief to lenders, RBI eases provisioning norms for infrastructure financing As things stand, states collectively account for 20-25% of Indias infrastructure spending. The Centre has been increasing allocations under this interest-free loan scheme to bolster capital expenditure by state governments, a critical driver of infrastructure development and economic growth. Don Corleone is all set to rule the Indian silver screen for the first time in over 53 years as The Godfather Trilogy, one of American cinema's finest movies, gears up for a release in a stunning 4K restoration beginning September. According to PVR's official statement, For the first time in India, audiences will experience these iconic films on the big screen in close succession. The re-release of Francis Ford Coppolas legendary masterpiece is a rare opportunity for the Indian audience to experience the epic tale of power, family, and betrayal the way it is meant to be watched on the big screen. PVR INOX's Lead Strategist, Niharika Bijli, said that for the younger generation, it is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to discover the brilliance of The Godfather on the big screen, while for those whove loved it for decades, its a homecoming. About The Godfather First released in 1972, The Godfather, starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, is one of the most iconic sagas in world cinema. It set new benchmarks in cinematic storytelling and went on to become one of the most celebrated films in the history of cinema. Its sequels, The Godfather Part II (1974) and The Godfather Part III (1990), cemented the trilogy as a cornerstone of global cinema. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary movie is based on Mario Puzos bestselling novel and is widely regarded as the greatest achievement in American cinema. Also Read | 50 years of Sholay: Javed Akhtar on how Ramanagara became an industry for movie The Godfather Trilogy: Cast The Godfather Trilogy has unforgettable performances by Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, and Robert De Niro. The Godfather Trilogy: Re-release schedule The Godfather: 12 September 2025 The Godfather Part II: 17 October 2025 The Godfather Part III: 14 November 2025 Also Read | Molly Weasley and kids spotted filming Platform 9 scene in London: See pics There is no greater honour than bringing this legendary saga back to our cinemas, said Niharika Bijli. In a strategic move to accelerate the future of urban mobility, Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd. (HMVL) has invested Rs. 7.7 crore in VIR Mobility Private Limited (VIR BIKE), a fast-emerging electric mobility brand. Founded in April 2024, VIR BIKE is on a mission to make commuting simpler and smarter worldwide through cutting-edge innovation. As part of its growth journey, the company has announced the launch of two new e-bike models V1 and V1+ engineered to solve real commuter problems while delivering performance, comfort, and durability. How V1 & V1+ Address Everyday Rider Challenges: No More Rust in Monsoons: Built with a 17" Aluminium Alloy 6061 frame , the bikes are lightweight, strong, and rust-resistant, unlike steel frames that corrode over time. Built with a , the bikes are lightweight, strong, and rust-resistant, unlike steel frames that corrode over time. No Range Anxiety: A detachable & swappable Li-ion battery (up to 10Ah) allows riders to carry a spare and swap it instantly, keeping them on the move. A allows riders to carry a spare and swap it instantly, keeping them on the move. Conquer Longer Rides: With a 50 km Pedal Assist System (PAS) range , riders can travel further without worrying about mid-journey charging. With a , riders can travel further without worrying about mid-journey charging. Smooth in Traffic & Terrains: A 7-speed Shimano Tourney 300 gear system ensures effortless shifting on city roads or hilly stretches. A ensures effortless shifting on city roads or hilly stretches. Comfort in Every Ride:Ergonomic seats reduce strain during long commutes, while extendable stands provide better stability when parked. reduce strain during long commutes, while provide better stability when parked. Modern Convenience: Built-in Type-C connectors mean no room for error. "Our vision is to offer riders the freedom to Ride without Compromise. Every feature in our bikes solves a real-world commuting challenge, making them truly rider-first products. These innovations, combined with our design approach, put us ahead of anything currently in the market.", said Sahil Uttekar, Co-Founder and CTO, VIR BIKE. We are delighted to partner with VIR Bike as it brings to market an innovative, lightweight, and stylish e-bike that blends performance with modern design. Under the leadership of Ravi, Sahil and Rahul we are confident in the companys ability to scale rapidly and create a significant impact in the industry said Anirudh Singhal, Head of HT AdVentures. The investment from HMVL will be channelled towards expanding VIR BIKEs reach in India and international markets. About VIR BIKE: VIR BIKE is a Pune-based electric bicycle brand committed to sustainable mobility and smarter cities. Designed for daily commutes, VIR BIKE bicycles are lightweight, efficient, and affordable. The brand blends clean energy with community-first thinking. www.virbike.com About HT AdVentures HT AdVentures, the strategic investment arm of HT Media Group, partners with startups and businesses to accelerate growth, build strong brands, and unlock business value. Over 200 businesses have already scaled with us leveraging our impactful solutions across Print, Digital, Social, Radio, Podcast, and On-ground platforms. Yours could be next. Learn more at www.htmedia.in/htadventures or contact us at adventures@hindustantimes.com Note to readers: This article is part of Mints paid consumer connect Initiative. Mint assumes no editorial involvement or responsibility for errors, omissions, or content accuracy. Hisense has expanded its television range in India with the launch of the UX ULED series, available in 100-inch and 116-inch screen sizes. These large-format models are equipped with RGB Mini-LED technology and come with thousands of dimming zones. The panels claim to deliver 95 percent BT.2020 colour coverage and reach up to 8,000 nits of peak brightness. The displays are designed to offer precise dimming with 326-bit accuracy, which claims to reduce blue light emissions and improve energy efficiency. The latest series is powered by the Hi-View AI Engine X, which adjusts picture quality, sound, and energy consumption in real time. It supports advanced technologies such as 3D Colour Master PRO with PANTONE validation, HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ, IMAX Enhanced, and MEMC for motion smoothness. Hisense X ULED RGB-MiniLED 4K TV Series: Gaming Features The Hisense X ULED RGB-MiniLED 4K TVs come with a 165Hz Game Mode Ultra, VRR, and FreeSync Premium Pro support. Theres also a Game Bar which allows real-time performance tracking during gameplay. Audio output is delivered through a 6.2.2 CineStage X Surround system, developed in collaboration with Devialet. The setup includes top-firing speakers and a dedicated subwoofer. Features and Connectivity Options The X ULED RGB-MiniLED 4K TV series runs on the VIDAA Smart OS, supports 28 languages and comes with an eight-year software update guarantee. The televisions are packaged with a solar-powered remote control that can also charge via USB-C. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, three HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC), USB ports, Ethernet, ATSC 3.0, and a Type-C Display Port. Furthermore, both models support 4K UHD LCD panels with RGB-MiniLED technology. They deliver a native 165Hz refresh rate, motion rate 480, ultra-wide viewing angles, and filmmaker mode. The televisions also carry IMAX Enhanced certification and RGB local dimming. For audio, they support Dolby Atmos and wireless audio streaming through WiSA SoundSend. eARC compatibility ensures high-quality wired audio. Smart home connectivity is available via Google TV with built-in Google Assistant, Alexa integration, Apple HomeKit, and AirPlay support. In Chinas retail jungle, Haagen-Dazs is getting eaten alive by a local gelato chain whose name means Mr. Wild Man. Priced at $4 a cup, less than Haagen-Dazs, Mr. Wild Mans made-in-the-store gelato has shot ahead of its General Mills-owned rival in the past two years. With flavors such as rice and kale, it has grown to nearly 1,000 stores. It is a lesson in the tricky economics of a country in a funkone that many American brands are failing to grasp. Deflation is setting in after a Chinese real-estate boom fizzled, and people here often express pessimism about the future. But it isnt a depression. In this $19 trillion economy, there are still hundreds of millions of people who can afford to splurge. Getting their money, say retail pros, means persuading them that even high prices are good value and constantly refreshing the product to keep them coming back. The pandemic era changed the peoples psyche a lot, especially people who have spending power," said Jianggan Li, who runs a research and advisory firm specializing in e-commerce. Consumers care a lot about value for money." Li said Chinese people wanted to avoid what is known locally as the IQ tax," when someone gullibly buys a premium-priced brand even though an equally good and cheaper product is available. Mr. Wild Man is one of a number of domestic brands that have been outperforming foreign rivals in China lately. On a hot summers day in Beijing, Xie Dongyan bought her fifth-grade daughter a Mr. Wild Man cup with rice gelato. Xie said her family was feeling the pinch from Chinas economic troubles and the price was a bit high, but her daughter was persistent. Id rather let her have the one she likes most," Xie said. Her daughter, gobbling down the concoction, said it had a nice rich smell of rice." Meanwhile, Haagen-Dazss China operation is struggling. The chain has 356 stores in China, according to data firm Canyan. That is down by more than 100 stores since the beginning of last year, according to local media. On an earnings call last December, General Mills executives said Haagen-Dazs stores in China were experiencing double-digit traffic declines and blamed the Chinese economy for what one executive said was a considerable number of store closures. Minneapolis-based General Mills, which owns the Haagen-Dazs brand in China and other markets outside North America, has plenty of company. Starbucks is getting whipped by local champion Luckin Coffee. Tesla has fallen behind electric-vehicle maker BYD, Apple trails Huawei and people are buying $529 Songmont bags instead of Michael Kors. Consumers in cities such as Beijing tend to have enough disposable income for at least some small indulgences. Chinas consumer psychology these days resembles Japan in the 1990s, when the Japanese economy fell into deflationary doldrums following the bursting of a real-estate bubble. It was a tough time for many retail brands in Japanbut also a crucible that forged global winners. One is the clothing chain Uniqlo, which hit a sweet spot in 1990s Japan by combining relatively low prices and stylish basic wear. Later it introduced that formula around the world. The average wage in both Beijing and Shanghai, which together have nearly 50 million people, is around $30,000 a year, according to official figures, roughly equivalent to the national average in Japan. That means tens of millions of people in those two cities alone can afford everyday luxuries such as a $4 ice-cream cup or a $1,000 smartphone. Nationalism and local pride explain part of the rise of homegrown brands, but it is also about the product. Cui Jianwei, founder of the Mr. Wild Man chain, said it helped that his cup costs $4 versus a little more than $6 for Haagen-Dazs, whose locations generally offer more seating for customers. But Cui said his U.S. rivals main problem is not the price. It is more about the lack of innovation and failure to adapt or localize." Cui Jianwei, founder of Mr. Wild Man, holds a toy ice cream. Cui said his company spent four years developing the rice flavor. It found success by keeping the texture of rice grains in the gelato, like small nuts, while drawing out the sweetness by steaming the rice with fresh milk instead of water. Chinas economy may be facing some short-term pressure," but people always want something better," he said. The companys slogan is Stay Wild, Keep Real," which Cui said was inspired by a dairy farm the company used to run near Beijing. Overseas it uses the English name Yeah Gelato, with Yeah" resembling the Chinese word for wild. In contrast to the premium image he fosters, Cui runs a bare-bones operation at headquarters. His executive suite is a single room in a dingy warren of offices with his desk crammed next to those of his co-founders. Sales numbers are scrawled on a whiteboard in the room. Haagen-Dazs has seen its edge dwindle in Chinas market for premium ice cream.As well as flavors like pistachio, Mr. Wild Man offers ice-cream varieties that might be less familiar to Western palates, such as rice. Haagen-Dazs used to have the upper hand in the high-end market in China and was widely known for the local slogan, If you love her, take her to Haagen-Dazs." This summer, it signaled it wanted to capture the bargain-hunting Chinese consumer, offering a limited-time deal for iced coffee at about $1.40. A General Mills spokeswoman declined to discuss Haagen-Dazss China business in detail but pointed to a comment in June by Chief Executive Jeff Harmening that the company is investing in its stickbar business in China to deliver a superior product at a remarkable value." Jan Yang, a senior managing director at pricing consultancy Simon-Kucher, said many foreign brands in China were retreating because they lost the halo that traditionally hovered over premium products from rich Western countries. Its like a never-ending competition story," he said. If theres a premium, there must be a good story, good value behind it." Grace Zhu contributed to this article. Write to Peter Landers at Peter.Landers@wsj.com Many of the roughly two million Palestinians in Gaza face a grim routine over their daily struggle for food: They scour the markets for supplies. They risk getting shot by Israeli troops as they move through combat zones to reach one of the handful of aid-distribution sites. They scavenge for wood in the rubble to create cooking fires. The food shortages are particularly acute in the north, where aid-distribution sites are scant. On Friday, a global body tasked with assessing famine conditions, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, said the area in and around Gaza City met the official criteria, the first such determination in the Middle East. Our situation would make a stone cry," said Hala Al-Kamouni, 49 years old, who lives with her three daughters and two sons in a tent in Gaza City. Three of her other children died in an airstrike, she said. There are days when Al-Kamouni finds nothing to eat. Her days are consumed with lining up with hundreds of others waiting for water dispensed from a truck. When she finds food supplies, she then scavenges for discarded clothing and cardboard to make a cooking fire. She forbids her children from going to aid-distribution points for fear they will be killed. Instead she looks for food she can afford on the marketplace, relying on the cash her relatives send from abroad through smartphone apps. Israel in May overhauled the aid-delivery mechanism in Gaza, effectively dismantling the traditional United Nations-led system and propping up the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Since the program began two months ago, hundreds of people have died and hundreds more have been wounded trying to get food from a handful of GHF sites, according to local health authorities. Israels military acknowledges opening fire on crowds that it says come too close to its troops, but a military spokesman disputed the figures reported by Gazan authorities, saying the numbers are inflated. I tell my son Id rather stay hungry than have you risk your life and die" going to one of the sites, Al-Kamouni said. Beyond the official famine in and around Gaza City, according to the IPC, all of the Gaza Strip is experiencing a hunger crisiswith acute malnutrition and hunger-related deaths risingbut the severity varies from area to area. The U.N. reported an increase in malnutrition and hunger-related deaths among children over the summer. According to the U.N. childrens agency, Unicef, the number of children diagnosed with malnutrition rose to more than 12,000 in July from slightly over 2,000 in February. Cogat, the Israeli military unit in charge of aid, dismissed the IPC assessment in a report, saying the group ignored data it provided in favor of sources it called biased and failed to take into account Israels attempts to address the crisis. Those include letting more trucks with humanitarian goods into Gaza and reopening it to commercial suppliers. Israeli officials have played down the severity of the crisis and blame Gazas suffering on Hamas, which triggered the war with its Oct. 7, 2023, attacks and has refused to lay down its arms. Yet the pressure on those trying to find a way to eat grinds day by day. Some shared their journeys hunting for food in phone calls and text messages with The Wall Street Journal. Eman Aljerjawe, 38, a mother of six in Gaza City, is married to the owner of a barbecue restaurant in Gaza City that was destroyed during the war. Quickly, the family went from feeding people to being fed. When the hunger crisis intensified earlier this year, the family relied on charity kitchens for months, but even those began to run out of food. Aljerjawe had stored seven 25-kilogram bags of flour as an emergency food stash. But those recently ran dry, and she went weeks without flour to make bread. Every day now, she tries cooking a kilogram of rice to split among eight people as their main meal. I cant stockpile any food," Aljerjawe said. She is exhausted, her body giving in to the hunger and summer heat, she said. What you see online is nothing compared to the reality," Aljerjawe said. A slight increase in food deliveries in August compared with May through July, according to Cogat data, is offering a sliver of respite for Aljerjawe. Through income made from soliciting donations on TikTok and selling some goods on the marketplace, the family is more often able to cobble together enough funds for two days worth of flour and two packs of biscuits to split among the family. But if we didnt have any money, we wouldnt be able to buy a thing," she said. Nirmeen Majed, a 38-year-old mother of five in Gaza City, used to be a teacher at a school run by a U.N. relief agency before the war. Every morning, I wake up to the same words: Mama, Im hungry, I want food, " she said. She said the family sometimes goes days without finding food. In desperation they have turned to buying supplies from looters who steal aid. Theyre frightening, and I dont even want to talk to them, but I have no choice," Majed says. The war forced me to deal with bad people." Fatima Majdi Hamouda, a woman from northern Gaza who is now sheltering with her family in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, recently turned 34. As a birthday gift, her husband and children gave her a small bag of tomatoes and cucumbers, along with potatoes and a small watermelon. It was the first time in a while they had eaten fruit. Her smiling husband handed over the plastic bag with the produce. The family of six, including four children, eats about a meal a day. Outside her window, she can see children scavenging for food in the street. We are dying a thousand times each day," she said. Write to Omar Abdel-Baqui at omar.abdel-baqui@wsj.com KYIV, UkraineAndrey Kurkov was walking past Kyivs central square when the celebrated Ukrainian author thought he saw a jellyfish museum where the public toilet used to be. The writer wasnt hallucinating. Occupying one of the countrys prime bits of real estate, with a 200-foot monument to Ukrainian independence towering above it, was the countrys first museum devoted to the brainless sea creatures. I thought it was a crazy joke," said Kurkov, the author of surrealist-tinged novels like Death and the Penguin," of the discovery several years ago. The world is full of weird museums. The U.S. has ones devoted to mustard, funerals and potatoes. But none of these opened next to the Lincoln Memorial. Maidan Square has hosted some of Ukraines most important protests, including the bloody 2014 demonstrations that precipitated Russias earlier military invasion. So the arrival of a jellyfish museum in such a sacred spot in 2018 wasnt universally welcomed. But as the war has dragged on, the museum and its jellyfish have gained traction. Attendance is climbing, with 20% more visitors this year over last. Lining up are parents looking to distract children from the war and veterans seeking the therapeutic effects of staring at the gelatinous creatures. For some, including Kurkov, the place has become symbolic of Ukrainians resilience and desire to get on with life despite almost-nightly bombings of Kyiv. Visitors descend into a blue-lit cavern where jellyfish with evocative names like Milk Sea Nettle, Purple Striped Jelly and the Cannonball dance hypnotically to the electronic music pumping through the exhibit. The museums journey began seven years ago, when Artem Iiyerusalymskiy and a group of friends had a dream. It was to unite all the species of jellyfish in the world in one place and to destroy the myth that jellyfish are somehow disgusting," he said. When Russia invaded in February 2022, the area where the museum is based was locked down by the military because of its proximity to the presidential palace and other government buildings. It took several days before Iiyerusalymskiy could convince soldiers to let him enter. He had arrived to complete a terrible task. He needed to turn off the electricity because unattended electric pumps posed a fire risk. For this ichthyologist, who specialize in fish biology, it was like switching off the life support of a beloved friend. I had killed the jellyfish," he said. I just wanted whisky." But he also sought to secure their resurrection. He collected the polyps from which jellyfish are grown and walked the tank 11 miles in the cold back to his apartment, passing through multiple roadchecks and suspicious soldiers. When he returned to the museum over a month later, he was pleased to see that two tanks of jellyfish had survived. Jellyfish have survived for over 500 million years," he said. They are resilient." But the museums ordeal wasnt over. As Russia targeted Ukraines electricity, the collection would go on to be destroyed and regrown twice more. It was only after Iiyerusalymskiy was able to secure a generator that the cycle of life slowed for Kyivs jellyfish. The jellyfish collection has been destroyed and regrown multiple times due to Russian attacks.The entrance area to the museum in Kyivs central square.The museum is a big draw for both children and war veterans. Iiyerusalymskiys quixotic quest may pale in comparison to the bloody resistance on Ukraines front lines. But Russia has focused efforts on disrupting the lives of Ukrainian civilians in a bid to undermine support for the war, making every attempt to preserve normality an act of resilience. Ukrainians have continued to visit cinemas, go to the opera and dine out. Restaurants have devised special menus that can be prepared during power cuts. Residents of Kyiv walk their dogs as air raid sirens wail. Childrens parties are still held in parks. The jellyfish museum has become an outlet for children in particular. On a recent day, Anzhelina Fomina, 11, stared transfixed into a tank of ghostly Australian Spotted jellyfish, her eyes tracking them as they swirled through the water. Staring at the creatures helped Anzhelina Fomina change her focus, her mother said. Its important for her to change her focus," said her mother, Iryna Fomina, who has taken her to several museums. Around 15% to 20% of visitors are in the military, said Ihor Nazarov, who runs the turnstile. Theyre offered a discount. Vitaliy Adamkov, an infantry platoon commander before being moved to cyberwarfare after a shrapnel injury, likes the atmosphere. You look at the creatures, you dont think about the war," said Adamkov, who was there with his wife and daughter. In February a soldier on leave came to the museum and spent three hours staring into one tank, according to Nazarov. Staff provided him with a chair and a coffee, and he left happy and ready to return to the front, Nazarov said. Several visitors shuddered when told the facility once served as a public toilet. But better toilet to jellyfish museum than the reverse," said Adamkov, the soldier. For years Kurkov couldnt get the idea of the museums former use out of his head. He knew the layout of that toilet so well that he struggled to imagine himself viewing jellyfish there. His son recently visited and enjoyed the museum, and the writer is now planning his first visit. Life goes on," he said. You can watch these creatures moving slowly and it freezes time." Write to Alistair MacDonald at Alistair.Macdonald@wsj.com Vladimir Putins demand that Ukraine cede territory the Russians havent even managed to conquer may seem audacious, but its actually a sign of weakness. Mr. Putin doesnt have the power to take the land by force easily. Russia wants the entire region of Donetsk, including the 25% that Ukraine still controls, an unoccupied swath larger than Delaware. A heavily reinforced defensive line, known as the fortress belt, has stopped the Russians from rolling deeper westward, and Ukraine has no plans to surrender the area. Ukraine began strengthening the 31-mile belt more than a decade ago, and the Russians have lost men and weapons whenever they bashed themselves against it. Penetrating it by force would take years, according to the Institute for the Study of Warso Mr. Putin seeks to seize it through negotiations instead. Ukraine knows the consequences of allowing itself to be stripped of its strength. Under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, Kyiv surrendered its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security guarantees from the U.S., U.K. and Russia. Those promises failed to deter Mr. Putins 2014 and 2022 invasions. Mr. Putin has been ruthless in past dealings. In 2014, after he promised a humanitarian corridor" to save surrounded Ukrainian soldiers in the eastern city of Ilovaisk, Ukrainian troops laid down their weaponsonly to be ambushed and massacred. The Kremlin justifies its aggression in part by claiming Moscow has an obligation to protect Ukraines Russian-speaking population. But the prevalence of Russian language in Ukraine is itself a legacy of centuries of oppression, says Ostap Kryvdyk, chairman of the Kyiv Mohyla Academy, a think tank. In the Soviet era, Moscow banned Ukrainians mother tongue in schools, workplaces and government, instead imposing Russian. An upshot is that Ukraines post-Soviet descendants can take Mr. Putin at his word when he talks about his objectives and intentions, and theyve concluded that territorial concessions would whet his appetite, not satisfy it. No one actually believes the Russians will stop. Why should they?" says Lt. Col. Viktor Tregubov, spokesman for the Dnipro Operational Strategic Group of Forces, a joint command of several dozen brigades that oversees the eastern front of the war. The only way to stop the Russians is physically." Ukrainians refuse to be pressured into a quick but unstable peace. Seventy-eight percent of Ukrainians reject the idea of a deal that yields unoccupied territory to Russia, according to a poll published this summer by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. Another worry is that the U.S. might seek to coerce Ukraine into concessions. American intelligence plays a crucial role in Ukraines defense, among other things by providing early warnings of incoming long-range drones and missiles. American Patriots are the only way of countering Russian ballistic missiles. Without them, Russia can better target civilians and Ukraines fighter jets, defense industrial base, energy infrastructure and other high-priority targets. Would a loss of key U.S. operational support force Kyiv to accept a bad peace predicated on Russian conditions? Americans are really a huge help," Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, said in July. Without U.S. support, it would get tough, but this doesnt mean that Ukraine will exit the war," Mr. Podolyak says. If we were to stop, this would not mean a peace agreementthis would mean a capitulation that would be followed by a mass genocidal extermination." Other Ukrainians offered similar answers. What if, in exchange for ceding unoccupied territory, the West commits to ensuring Russian aggression wont resume in the future? Europe is now considering a deterrent force, known as a coalition of the willing," that would include troops in Ukraine. But Russia has repeatedly violated cease-fire agreements, and theres no reason to believe it would honor the next one. Some Ukrainians question whether under fire such a coalition would remain willing. If the West is going to go to war with Russia, why can the West not do it right now?" Col. Tregubov asks. If the West has no political will to do so, why do we think it will have the political will after Russia will break the next promise?" If Kyiv were to cede Donetsk, Ukrainian and European forces would be responsible for securing more than 2,000 miles of frontier, including the line of contact and the borders with Russia and Belarus. But a recent report from the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies detailed several difficulties Europe would have deploying large forces to Ukraine. Europe wants a U.S. backstop, but there is no indication that the U.S. is willing to supply a force that is that big and that decisive," says Ukraines former Defense Minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk. And if its anything short, this will end with Russia concluding they can attack again and have it be successful." Deterrence would be further weakened if Russia gained full control of Donetsk, given that the loss of a fortress belt would put Ukrainian and European forces in a less defensible position. Russia would gain a prime outpost to threaten the neighboring regions of Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia. The Ukrainians and their Western partners would have to rush to erect new fortifications, including on terrain thats more vulnerable. The next comparably advantageous defensive line would be the Dnipro River, much further west. Mr. Putin pitches the surrender of Donetsk as a condition to end the war. Ukrainians know any such concession would enable Russian aggression, not end it. Ms. Melchior is a London-based member of the Journals editorial board. Bank holiday today: Banks, the stock market, schools, and colleges are scheduled to remain closed across the country to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi. With questions about whether the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi falls on August 26 or August 27, here are details regarding the bank holiday. Are banks open today, August 26? Yes, banks across the country will remain open on Tuesday, August 26 as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has not notified a holiday today. When are banks closed for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025? Banks in some parts of the country will remain closed on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. On this day, banks will be closed in Ahmedabad, Belapur, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Nagpur, Panaji and Vijayawada for Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha. Apart from banks, the Indian stock market will observe a holiday on August 27, 2025 for Ganesh Chaturthi. Both the BSE and NSE will remain closed on this day. When are banks closed next? Banks in Odisha will remain closed on Thursday, August 28, for the second day of Ganesh Chaturthi or Nuakhai. Also Read | India issues first national guidelines for animal blood banks to save livestock When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2025? The ten-day celebration of the holy festival Ganesh Chaturthi will begin on Wednesday, with the main festivities and idol installations mainly taking place on August 27, 2025 according to the auspicious muhurat. Ganesh Chaturthi this year will be observed on August 27, 2025, which falls on a Wednesday, and it will conclude with Ganesh Visarjan on Saturday, September 6, 2025, as per Drikpanchang. Ganeshotsav, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, concludes after 10 days on Anant Chaturdashi, also called Ganesh Visarjan day. When are banks closed? Banks are usually closed across various regions to observe national, religious, and regional holidays. Furthermore, banks are closed on weekends, except on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays of each month. Mumbai: If you are a State Bank of India (SBI) customer, get ready to pay for your groceries using keychains. Thats what Indias largest lender wants to try out. While payments have moved much ahead of just plastic cards, mobile phones and watches, SBI wants to push the bar for digital transactions through wearable devices. The state-owned bank has sought bids to support its foray into wearable payment technologies and for personalizing and upgrading debit cards, according to a document seen byMint. Apart from using the keychain, the bank also wants to try out NFC (near-field communication) stickers and silicon bands, among others. The bank, the document showed, wants proposals from interested bidders to offer solutions that will work seamlessly with its existing infrastructure. What we use today as contactless transactions, many shopkeepers even call it a Wi-Fi card, is essentially NFC. You tap it on the machine and the transaction goes through," said Parijat Garg, an independent fintech consultant. That is the underlying technology SBI wants in all debit cards issued over the next three years." While far more prevalent in advanced economies, payments via wearable devices, including Apple Pay with the Apple Watch, have seen far less innovation and adoption in India. SBI is exploring this capability as debit cards see a significant decline in usage amid wider adoption of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and an increase in credit card usage. According to the Reserve Bank of India data, there were 19.5 billion UPI transactions, whereas credit and debit cards put together were used 343.4 million times in July alone. They (SBI) have also included wearables like stickers, keychains, and silicon bands in the proposal but the volumes are very small compared to cards3 million wearables versus 230 million cards over three years," said Garg, citing SBIs request for proposal. Within wearables, the bulk is NFC stickers (2.5 million), while keychains are around 600,000, and silicon bands and others are just 70,00080,000. This clearly looks experimental." Also Read | Why India's largest lender sees limited impact from Trump tariffs This would not be SBIs maiden venture into wearable payments. Former SBI chairman Rajnish Kumar had announced a partnership with Titan Co. in 2020 for contactless payment watches. The latest push happened three months ago. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on 22 May, SBIs official handle posted that the keychains were available for 399 plus taxes. Queries emailed to SBI remained unanswered until press time. Industry parallels Other lenders also have wearable payment solutions. These include smartwatch payment features, dedicated devices like smart rings, and contactless payment wearables such as Axis Bank's 'Wear 'N' Pay', Kotak Mahindra Bank's 'Kotak Wearable Payments', Bank of Baroda's 'bob World Wave', and IndusInd Bank's 'Indus PayWear'. These use NFC technology for tap-and-pay transactions of up to 5,000, and are secured by tokenization. SBI is very forward-looking in that if they bring in a certain form factor which can increase the usage of debit cards; obviously it benefits everyone in general," said Rahul Jain, chief financial officer, NTT Data Payment Services India. With the proposed UPI 3.0 is also looking at NFC technologies and wearables, SBI is trying to make sure that they can replicate it in debit cards, Jain said. When someone like SBI takes certain steps, he said, the industry is bound to look at these technologies from a broader perspective and try to adopt them. Digital payments body National Payments Corporation of India is working on the third generation of UPI, which is expected to be officially launched in October, subject to regulatory approvals, according to multiple reports. UPI 3.0 will be an IoT (internet of things)-enabled upgrade to allow digital and recurring payments or purchases through smart devices such as televisions, fridges, cars, washing machines and smart watches. The upgrade is also expected to offer increased use cases for credit on UPI, embedded payments and interoperability with international payment systems. Indias adoption has been a little slower compared with some of the other countries, but if these form factors start coming on debit cards, it will surely increase the use cases of and usage of debit cards," said Jain. The countrys largest lender had a branch network of over 22,937 branches, 63,791 ATMs and 240.7 million active debit card users as of March. SBI is also the largest debit card issuer in India with an average about 4.8 million contactless debit cards per month on VISA, MasterCard and RuPay platforms, including variants of contact cards and proprietary ATM cards. Till date, the bank has issued 275 million debit cards. Securing transactions SBI also wants proposals from bidders to help it streamline the process for issuing and printing personal identification numbers (PIN), pre-printed kits, embossing/indenting of EMV contact cards, and contactless cards. EMV cards use a microchip to encrypt transaction data, and are named after the developersEuropay, MasterCard, and Visa. The technology entails generating a unique, single-use code for each transaction, reducing the risk of card fraud and counterfeiting. The document cited earlier showed that SBI has projected issuing 69.7 million contact and contactless debit cards in the first year of implementing the proposal, 75.3 million cards in the second year and 85.6 million cards in the third year. This would include fresh issuances as well as replacement cards. Before a deadly Air India crash in June , a decadelong travel boom in India had created a pilot shortage that left many pilots stretched increasingly thin, according to individual pilots, the national pilots union and court documents filed by the union. Over the last six years, Indias pilots have filed multiple petitions asking for better working conditions, with courts saying that Indian airlineswhich have been straining to meet soaring demandwere pushing pilots to fly the maximum allowable hours and often provided them with insufficient rest between shifts. Soon after the crash of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner that killed 260 people, Air India told authorities in voluntary disclosures that it had understaffed long-haul flights, failed to give crews adequate rest periods and allowed pilots to fly without required training. Air India didnt respond to a request for comment on why it self-reported the violations. Neither the airline nor the regulator has disclosed the number of hours that the two pilots worked before the crash. Indias aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, threatened Air India with enforcement action last month for violating regulations over training and preventing fatigue, according to government notices seen by The Wall Street Journal. Air India said it has received the notices and is in discussions with the DGCA. The continuing investigation into the crash in the Indian city of Ahmedabad hasnt pointed to pilot strain as a factor. Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, which is leading the investigation, said in its preliminary report that switches that control fuel to the aircrafts two engines were moved to the off position. Though the switches were moved to the on position again, the engines were apparently unable to recover. The Journal earlier reported that details from the cockpit voice recording suggested it was the captain who turned off the switches while the co-pilot was flying the plane. The pilots union has said it would accept the conclusion of the investigation. Investigators havent given a reason for why the switches were turned off, or whether the act was accidental or intentional. Indias AAIB said in July that it is too early to draw any definite conclusions. Air Indias chief executive has cautioned against drawing premature conclusions." The Airline Pilots Association of India hasnt acknowledged the possibility of pilot action in the crash, but the union has asked authorities to examine the issue of pilot fatigue more broadly. We are not machines, we are human beings," said Anil Rao, a pilot and general secretary of the union. Flights from India have jumped nearly 80% over a decade to 1.3 million in 2024, as Indians switched from bus and train travel. India has more than doubled its airports to over 150 in a decade. In March, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said India would need to hire another 30,000 pilots in the next two decades, more than quadruple the 7,000 pilots working today. To meet demand, Indian airlines are on a buying spree. Last year, airlines received 108 new planes, with another 739 aircraft on order for the next five years. Air India alone ordered nearly 600 new aircraft in 2023 and 2024. Indian regulations allow international flights of up to 10 hours to be staffed with two pilots. On U.S. carriers, international flights that last over eight hours require at least three pilots. Commercial pilots in India are limited to 35 hours of flying within a consecutive seven-day period, and 100 hours within 28 consecutive days, according to DGCA regulations. Pilots in the U.S. are capped at 32 hours within a seven-day period and 100 hours in a calendar month. Both limit flying to 300 hours within a 90-day period and 1,000 hours for 365 consecutive days. But in interviews, Rao and six other pilots said airlines routinely push pilots to work the maximum allowable number of hoursusing the caps as a target, not a ceilingwhich they say contributes to fatigue. The limits are meant for maximum situations, not everyday scheduling," Rao said. But airlines use them every day." Its akin to running a car at maximum speed every single day, he added. Indias association of airlines didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Friends of Sumeet Sabharwal, the captain of the doomed Air India flight, said he was feeling overworked after the state-run airline was privatized four years ago and purchased by Tata Group, a holding company linked to one of Indias largest conglomerates. The airline began changing pilot schedules more frequently, six pilots said in interviews. That pulled Sabharwal away from his duties as primary caretaker to his ailing father, said his friends. In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said the airline strictly adheres to all regulations and that its pilots fly well within the permissible limits" set by regulators. In 2019, hundreds of pilots filed a joint petition with the Delhi High Court requesting better working hours and longer rest breaks for pilots. The court ruled in favor of the petition and ordered the regulator to change the rules for pilot working conditions. The court told the pilot groups to hammer out the changes with the regulator and that the new rules must be fully implemented by November. The proposed changes include an increase in weekly rest periods from 36 hours to 48 hours and limits on landings that pilots can do during night duty. However, the pilots union has complained that some of the regulators proposed changes actually reduce rest times and include vague language instead of clear-cut guidelines. Rao said that many of the guidelines are open to interpretation by the airline. For example, the 48 hours of weekly rest should be in addition to and not instead of the standard two days off that most companies give to employees, he said. But the rules dont make that clear. It has been left with a lot of gray areas," Rao said. Industry experts said the changes wont be enough to counter the huge demand as Indian airlines continue to expand. The DGCA didnt respond to requests for comment. French giant Alstom on Tuesday announced that it will supply 39 driverless trainsets to Mumbai Metro Line 4 under a contract amounting to a few hundred million euros. Under the contract, Alstom will also supply a Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system to Mumbai Metro Line 4. The 39 trainsets will include 39 trainsets of 6 cars each, the company said in a statement. The order, a part of a contract awarded by Mumbai Metro Regional Development Authority to Larsen & Toubro India, includes five years of maintenance service as well, Alstom added. The MMRDA has awarded the contract to L&T to provide an Integrated Systems Package for Mumbai Metro Line 4 (Green Line). L&T has partnered with Alstom for the rolling stock and signalling system with five years of maintenance, the statement said. Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has been commissioned to supply 234 Metropolis metro cars (39 trainsets of six cars each) and Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system with five years of maintenance service, by Larsen & Toubro Limited, India, Alstom said. The total value for the supply of these products, solutions and services amounts to a few hundred million euros for Alstom, it said. Unique designs, made in India The 39 sets of metro cars will be manufactured in Sri City, a Special Economic Zone in Andhra Pradesh. The designs will be done at Alstoms engineering centre in Bengaluru. The propulsion will be manufactured at Coimbatore, while bogies will be made in Savli, Gujarat. 39 driverless Metropolis trainsets will be manufactured in India at Alstoms Sri City factory, the company said. Driverless Mumbai Metro Line 4 trains will feature a unique design and offer passenger comfort, Alstom said, adding that reliable components will guarantee high performance and safety, including electrical braking and cybersecurity measures. "At the core is Alstoms world-leading CBTC technology, enabling driverless operation, offering an exceptional level of service across the combined line length of 35.3 km," the company said. Gem Aromatics is set to make its debut on the Indian stock market today, after its IPO received a stellar response from investors during the bidding period held between August 19 and August 21. The 451 crore initial public offering received bids for 29.59 crore shares against the total offer of 97.19 lakh shares, resulting in an overall subscription of 30.45 times by the end of Day 3, according to exchange data. The Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIB) category saw strong interest, with its portion subscribed 53 times, while the non-institutional investors quota was subscribed 45 times. The retail investors portion was subscribed 10.49 times. Also Read | Gem Aromatics IPO subscribed 30 times on Day 3 The company proposes to use the proceeds from the issue for the prepayment and/or repayment, in full or in part, of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the company and its subsidiary, Krystal Ingredients Private Limited, as well as for general corporate purposes. Analysts expect a modest listing Mr. Harshal Dasani, Business Head at INVasset PMS, said the 451.25 crore IPO of Gem Aromatics, comprising a fresh equity issue of 175 crore and an offer-for-sale of 276.25 crore, closed with strong investor appetite, being subscribed 30.5 times overall. He noted that Qualified Institutional Buyers led the demand with a 53.8 subscription, followed by NIIs at 46, while retail participation remained healthy at over 10. According to Dasani, This level of oversubscription indicates broad-based investor conviction in the companys fundamentals, though the grey market premium has remained measured at around 79 percent, pointing to potential listing gains in the same range. He highlighted that the company, a long-established player in aroma chemicals and essential oils, reported steady performance in FY25, with revenue growth of 11 percent and a 7 percent rise in net profit. Its diversified product portfolio and focus on R&D, Dasani said, have positioned it competitively in a niche but growing global specialty chemicals segment. The grey markets tempered premium, he added, signals that investors are aligning expectations with fundamentals rather than speculation. While the IPO may appear attractive for short-term participants eyeing listing gains, Dasani concluded that longer-term investors will need to track the companys ability to broaden its customer base and maintain margin discipline before committing larger allocations. About Gem Aromatics Gem Aromatics is a manufacturer of specialty ingredients, including essential oils, aroma chemicals, and value-added derivatives in India, with a track record of over two decades. The company offers a broad product mix, spanning from foundational ingredients to high-value derivatives, catering to various sectors including oral care, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, wellness, pain relief, and personal care. Also Read | Anlon Healthcare IPO: 10 key things to know from RHP As outlined in its RHP (Red Herring Prospectus), it holds a strong market position in the essential oil segment, producing a wide range of derivatives sourced from mint, clove, eucalyptus, and other essential oils. Key product categories within this segment include mint oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, and orange oil. In FY2025, the company reported being among the top buyers of piperita oil and a leading processor by volume of several essential oil-based compounds such as DMO, clove oil, eugenol, and eucalyptus oil. Its domestic market share in DMO and eugenol stood at approximately 12% and 65%, respectively, by volume during the same period, as per the RHP. Shreeji Shipping Global initial public offering (IPO) is all set to make its stock market debut today, August 26. The mainboard IPO was opened for subscription on August 19 and closed on August 21. The shares of Shreeji Shipping Global will be listed on both Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE). The allotment of Shreeji Shipping Global was finalised on August 22. According to market experts, the fundamentals of the company suggest a well-run company with strong profitability metrics, but the stretched valuations mean near-term listing gains could be offset by future earnings execution. Also Read | Shreeji Shipping Global IPO: GMP ahead of listing signals strong debut The capital raised is earmarked primarily for acquiring dry-bulk carriers and partial debt repayment, steps that should enhance scale and reduce leverage in a cyclical industry. In the informal grey market, premiums have pointed to 1315 percent potential listing gains, highlighting optimism ahead of debut. Still, the dry-bulk segment remains highly exposed to global trade volatility and freight cycles, with concentration risk in customer exposure. For investors, the stock may be better suited as a tactical play on listing momentum, while long-term exposure requires careful monitoring of industry cycles, said Harshal Dasani Business Head, INVasset PMS. Shreeji Shipping Global IPO GMP today The grey market premium (GMP) for Shreeji Shipping Global IPO was at 34, indicating potential listing gains of about 13.5 per cent, with the stock likely to debut around 286 compared to its upper price band of 252. Shreeji Shipping Global IPO details The IPO was a book-built issue worth 410.71 crore that included a fresh issue of 1.63 crore shares. For retail investors, the lot size was set at 58 shares, requiring a minimum investment of 13,920. In the non-institutional category, small NIIs (sNIIs) had to invest in at least 14 lots (812 shares) amounting to 2,04,624, while big NIIs (bNIIs) needed 69 lots (4,002 shares), translating to 10,08,504. The issue drew strong investor interest, being subscribed 58.10 times overall. The QIB segment saw an impressive subscription of 110.41 times, while the NII category subscribed 72.70 times. Retail demand was also robust, with 21.94 times subscription. According to the prospectus, Shreeji Shipping Global intends to allocate 251.18 crore from the net proceeds towards purchasing Supramax category Dry Bulk Carriers in the secondary market. Additionally, 23 crore will be used for partial or full repayment of certain borrowings, with the remainder earmarked for general corporate purposes. Beeline Capital Advisors Pvt. Ltd. served as the book-running lead manager for the IPO, while Bigshare Services Pvt. Ltd. acted as the registrar. Shares of RattanIndia Enterprises, the flagship company of the RattanIndia Group, regained momentum in Tuesday's intraday session, jumping 10% to hit a four-week high of 58.25 apiece, driven by a sharp surge in volumes. In todays trade, a total of 72.8 million shares changed hands on both the NSE and BSE as of 2:30 p.m., marking a substantial 27-fold rise from the stocks average weekly volume of 2.7 million shares. The stock had been buzzing in recent sessions after the company announced that Revolt Motors, its electric vehicle brand, had received strong bookings in August. This followed the launch of its Azadi From Petrol campaign, which offered benefits worth up to 20,000. In its recent filing, the company said it had seen huge demand from riders looking to switch to electric mobility. The company also said it offered a zero-insurance fee and additional savings across Revolts entire range of AI-enabled electric motorcycles. Revolts product lineup includes the RV400, RV400 BRZ, RV1, RV1+, and RV BlazeX. All models are engineered for Indian riders, featuring connected technology, smart riding modes, and low running costs. The brands growing presence across 200+ Indian cities underscores its ambition to lead the EV two-wheeler revolution nationwide. Also Read | Ola Electric surges 5% on securing PLI certification for Gen 3 scooters RattanIndia acquired a 100% stake in the Revolt brand in January 2023, and since then, it has achieved 100% localisation and doubled its factory output. The brand currently has a pan-India presence with 211 stores spread across 185 cities, with more outlets in the pipeline. Revolt achieved the milestone of rolling out its 50,000th electric bike during the June quarter, having sold 12,322 units in FY25, a 56% increase over FY24. Beyond EVs, RattanIndia Enterprises is engaged in new-age businesses spanning e-commerce (Cocoblu Retail), fintech (Wefin), fashion (Neobrands), and drones (Neosky). Shares jump 900% in last five years The companys shares ended their prolonged bearish streak in March and have since maintained upward momentum, gaining 53%. Looking further back, the stock has surged nearly 900% over the last five years. On the financial front, the company reported a net profit of 502 crore in Q1FY26, down from 851 crore in the year-ago quarter. Revenue from operations stood at 2,313 crore, compared with 2,494 crore in the June 2024 quarter. The bulk of its revenue continues to come from the e-commerce segment. The Indian stock market ended with decent gains on Monday, 25 August, led by buying in select IT and financial heavyweights, including Infosys, TCS, HCL Tech, and HDFC Bank. The Sensex closed at 81,635.91, up 329 points, or 0.40%, while the Nifty 50 settled at 24,967.75, up 98 points. However, the mid- and small-cap segments underperformed. The BSE Midcap index rose 0.10%, while the Smallcap index slipped marginally. On to the best stock picks for 26 August as recommended by leading market experts. Three stocks to trade, recommended by NeoTraders Raja Venkatraman Skipper Ltd: Buy at current market price and dips to near 525, stop loss 515, target price 605-625 Why it is recommended: Skipper has delivered a powerful combination of financial strength, sectoral relevance and managerial acumen. In FY25, it achieved a 41% jump in consolidated sales to 4,624 crore, while holding operating margins around 9.7% and lifting net profit by 83% to 149 crore, yielding a healthy ROE of roughly 12.5% despite moderate leverage (debttoequity near 2.8). Its core transmissiontower business sits at the heart of Indias renewableenergy rollout, while the PVC pipes division underpins urban water infrastructure and the telecomtower segment rides the 5G and datacentre expansion. Backed by promoters with over four decades of industry expertise, Skippers integrated model, spanning heavy engineering, PVC extrusion and EPC services, diversifies revenue and deepens value capture. Ongoing investments in automated fabrication lines, hightensile alloys and corrosionresistant coatings underscore its commitment to innovation, positioning the company to scale alongside CreditAccess Grameen: Buy above 1,395 and dips to 1,340, stop loss 1,320, target price 1,515-1,550 Why it is recommended: CreditAccess Grameen combines resilient financial metrics, high-impact sector positioning and forward-looking leadership. In the past fiscal year, its assets under management grew by over 20 percent to around 15,000 crore, while consolidated net profit climbed by roughly 30 percent, underpinned by operating margins in the mid-teens, a gross non-performing asset ratio below 1 percent and capital-adequacy north of 30 percent. As Indias largest NBFC-MFI, it sits squarely at the intersection of financial inclusion and digital finance, a sector poised for accelerated growth as rural credit penetration and smartphone adoption rise. Its network of 2,114 branches reaches more than 4.5 million customers, and its product suitefrom income-generation loans to sanitation and healthcare financingaligns with government-backed inclusion schemes and the broader push toward sustainable development. Management and innovation form a powerful third pillar. Guided by executives steeped in both commercial banking and social-sector mandates, CreditAccess Grameen has embraced technology partnershipsmost notably with Siemens Mendix low-code platformto roll out a custom branch-auditing application that slashed audit cycles by 15.6% in just six months. Complementary digital initiatives, including AI-driven credit scoring and mobile-first loan origination, are sharpening its competitive edge and operational agility. EIH Ltd: Buy above 410 and dips to 390, stop loss 380, target 441-457 Why it is recommended: EIH combines robust financial performance, strategic exposure to high-growth hospitality themes and a leadership team committed to innovation. In FY24, the company recorded revenue of 23,168 million (up 26.2% YoY), Ebitda of 9,109 million (an Ebitda margin of roughly 39%) and profit after tax of 5,209 million (a PAT margin of about 22.5%, up 62.7% YoY). With net worth at 35,686 million, its return on equity stands near 15%, underscoring efficient capital deployment even as it maintains moderate leverage typical of asset-intensive hotel operations. EIHs hotel portfolio30 owned and managed properties and a luxury cruiser under the Oberoi and Trident brandspositions it at the heart of Indias post-pandemic hospitality rebound. It taps into rising demand for luxury leisure travel, business-travel resurgence and experiential stays, while ancillary services such as flight catering, airport lounges and bespoke event planning broaden its revenue base. Under the stewardship of the Oberoi family and a professional executive team, EIH has propelled digital and sustainability-focused initiatives. From AI-driven revenue-management systems and contactless guest experiences to green-building certifications and waste-reduction programmes, the group continually refines its service model for tomorrows traveller. Two stock recommendations by MarketSmith India for 26 August Buy: Pidilite Industries Ltd.(current price: 3,107) Why its recommended: Pidilite Industries' strong market leadership, robust financial performance, wide product portfolio and diversification, strong distribution network, and innovation and brand strength Key metrics: P/E: 70.61, 52-week high: 3,415.00, volume: 113.92 crore Technical analysis: Trending above all its key moving averages with a positive bias. Risk factors: Raw material price volatility, dependence on consumer demand, competitive pressure, global exposure, currency risk, regulatory, and ESG risks Buy: 3,107 Target price: 3,430 in two to three months Stop loss: 2,950 Buy: Acme Solar Holdings Limited (current price: 303) Why its recommended: Acme Solar's rapid capacity expansion with long-term visibility, strategic focus on hybrid and dispatchable RE Key metrics: P/E: 42.31; 52-week high: 310; volume: 215.79 crore Technical analysis: downward-sloping trendline breakout Risk factors: Capital-intensive expansion and leverage Buy at: 300305 Target price: 340 in two to three months Stop loss: 288 Ankush Bajajs top 3 stock picks for 25 August Buy: Emami Realty Ltd (Current price: 126.40) Why Emami Realty is recommended: Emami Realty is showing improving momentum, with the daily RSI at 66, reflecting a positive bias. The MACD has turned positive at 2, while ADX at 16 signals that a new trend is developing. On the daily chart, the stock has broken out of an upper triangle channel, which often indicates the beginning of a strong rally. This technical breakout, supported by momentum indicators, points toward further upside potential. Key metrics Pattern: Daily triangle breakout RSI: 66, showing bullish momentum MACD: Positive at 2 ADX: 16, trend building up Technical view: Triangle breakout suggests upside towards 142 Risk factors: The company is loss-making with negative profitability and book value. Valuations are stretched, leaving little cushion if the momentum weakens. Buy at: 126.40 Target price: 142 Stop loss: 118 Buy: Garuda Construction and Engineering Ltd (Current price: 211.60) Why Garuda Construction is recommended: Garuda Construction has shown strong bullish strength, with daily RSI at 68 and MACD positive at 11. The ADX at 52 highlights a very powerful ongoing trend. Yesterday, the stock rallied 10% with high volumes and closed at a new lifetime high. Importantly, it has broken out of a rectangle pattern at the 205 level, which typically signals continuation of the uptrend. The price and volume action together confirm strong market participation and support for further gains. Key metrics Pattern: Rectangle breakout at 205 RSI: 68, confirming bullish tone MACD: Positive at 11 ADX: 52, very strong trend strength Technical view: Breakout and volume action support a move towards 240 Risk factors: High dependence on a limited set of clients, increasing concentration risk. The business is exposed to construction sector cyclicality and project execution delays. Buy at: 211.60 Target price: 240 Stop loss: 196 Buy: Krystal Integrated Services Ltd (Current price: 669.65) Why Krystal Integrated is recommended: Krystal Integrated is displaying a constructive technical setup. The daily RSI is at 62, sustaining bullish momentum, while the MACD has just given a bullish crossover at 0, strengthening the case for further upside. The ADX at 18 suggests the trend is in its early stages. On the 45-minute chart, the stock has broken multiple patterns, including a rectangle and a falling wedge upper breakout. On the daily chart, once the price crosses above 685, it will complete a bullish pennant formation, potentially triggering a fresh leg higher. Key metrics Pattern: Rectangle and falling wedge breakout (45 min), bullish pennant forming on daily chart RSI: 62, positive momentum MACD: Bullish crossover at 0 ADX: 18, emerging trend strength Technical view: Sustaining above 685 would validate the bullish pennant and open targets towards 710 Risk factors: Operates in a highly competitive facilities management industry with pricing pressures. Rising labour and fuel costs could affect margins in the near term. Buy at: 669.65 Target price: 710 Stop loss: 648 MarketSmith India is a stock research platform and advisory service focused on the Indian stock market. Trade name: William O'Neil India Pvt. Ltd. (Sebi Registered Research Analyst Registration No.: INH000015543) Ankush Bajaj is a Sebi-registered research analyst. His registration number is INH000010441. 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. Small-cap stock under 20: Osia Hyper Retail share price surged as much as 5 per cent to 15.88 apiece in Monday's trading session. On August 26, the small-cap stock hit upper circuit for seventh session straight. The small-cap stock has remained volatile in the near-term. The stock gained nearly 21.41 per cent in past five trading sessions, however, descended over 39 per cent in six months. What's driving the rally? On August 23, the company announced that the board has approved raising the authorised share capital to 500,00,00,000 and the issuance of equity shares via QIP, preferential allotment, and convertible warrants. Increase the Authorized share capital of the Company to Rs.500,00,00,000/- (Five Hundred Crores Only) subject to the receipt of approval of the Members of the Company and such other approval(s)/ permission(s)/ consent(s)/ sanction(s) of any government/ regulatory/ statutory authorities, as may be required, the company said in the filing. The company also informed the exchanges that its board has approved raising funds through the issuance of equity shares via a Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) of up to 200,00,00,000 and on a preferential basis for a total amount of up to 100,00,00,000. The company will also be issuing convertible warrants via Preferential basis for an aggregate amount up to 350,00,00,000. Issue of Convertible Warrants (Warrants) on Preferential basis for an aggregate amount up to Rs.350,00,00,000/- (Rupees Three Hundred Fifty Crores Only), in accordance with provisions of Chapter V of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018 and other applicable rules, regulations and guidelines of SEBI and applicable provisions of Companies Act, 2013, it said. Osia Hyper Retail also notified the exchanges that it will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on September 22. The Extra Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Company will be held on September 22, 2025 at the registered office of the Company situated at Basement Store 1, 4D Square, Opp. IIT Eng College, NR. D-mart, Visat Gandhinagar Highway, M, Otera, Ahmedabad,Gujarat, it added. The Nifty 50 recorded its steepest intraday drop in three months, falling 1.02% to 24,712 in Tuesday's trade as investor sentiment soured after the US Department of Homeland Security confirmed that Washington will impose an additional 25% tariff on all Indian-origin goods from Wednesday, clouding the outlook for Asia's third-largest economy. Heavyweights such as Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, Sun Pharma, and Axis Bank dragged the index lower. With todays crash, the index also broke its key support level of 24,800, and analysts warned the sell-off may persist if the Nifty stays below 24,600. Analysts flag further downside with 24,600 as key level Hariprasad K, a SEBI-registered research analyst and founder of Livelong Wealth, said the Nifty slipped below key supports at 24,800 and 24,700, hitting an intraday low of 24,689. He noted that the 24,600 zone now becomes a crucial make-or-break level, with a breach potentially opening the way toward 24,450, signaling a deeper bearish trend into September. On the upside, he added, only a move above 24,850 could restore a positive bias. Bajaj Broking observed that the index formed a sizable bear candle with a lower high and lower low, signalling a corrective bias. The brokerage highlighted that a follow-through weakness below the lower band of last Mondays gap (24,673) could open further downside towards 24,50024,400, while holding above the band may lead to consolidation between 24,670 and 25,000. While the short-term support base higher towards 24,500-24,350 levels being the confluence of the 100 days EMA and the recent lows placed around 24,350 levels. Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research, Religare Broking, pointed out that the Niftys slip below the 20-day exponential moving average (20-DEMA) and the Bank Niftys breach of its base around 54,900 signal further downside risks. He expects the index to fill the recent gap and retest its medium-term moving average around 24,600. Amruta Shinde, Technical & Derivative Analyst at Choice Equity Broking Private Limited, said, "The Nifty opened on a weak note and extended losses through the day, forming a strong bearish candle on the daily chart, signaling sustained selling pressure. Technically, a decisive move above 24,850 could open the way for an upside toward 25,000 and 25,150. On the downside, immediate support is seen at 24,670, followed by 24,500, both of which are likely to be attractive levels for fresh long positions." How should investors navigate markets amid rising US tariffs? Bajaj Broking recommends a staggered accumulation approach, focusing on fundamentally sound counters, particularly those likely to benefit from the upcoming GST rationalisation. Ajit Mishra added that export-oriented sectors may continue to face selling pressure on any uptick, while domestic demand-driven segments like FMCG and consumer discretionary could offer relative stability. Key triggers to monitor include foreign fund flows, global market trends, and any policy measures aimed at cushioning trade-related concerns. Stock market today: The markets started a new week on a positive note, with the benchmark Nifty-50 Index ending at 24,967.75, up 0.39%. The Bank Nifty, however, ended almost flat at 55,139.30. Among other sectoral indices, while IT saw sharp gains, markets were well supported by Realty and Consumer Durables too. In the broader indices, mid- and small-caps ended flat to marginally higher. Trade Setup for Tuesday Technically, the Nifty has immediate support near 24,70024,750, while resistance is placed around 25,10025,200. The Sensex too remains comfortably above 81,000, with dips attracting steady buying, said Vikram Kasat. Head - Advisory, PL Capital. Immediate support for Bank Nifty is placed at 55,000-54,800, as per Bajaj Broking. Global markets today "A wave of optimism swept through the domestic market, driven by expectations of a Fed rate cut in September and a subsequent decline in the US 10-year yield. The IT index outperformed, buoyed by favorable global sentiment. The domestic levers stay positive with the proposed GST rationalization to push consumption demand, and a good monsoon season could serve as a catalyst to navigate any uncertainty in the global trade environment." Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited Stocks to buy today Regarding stocks to buy today, market expertsSumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking; Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Anand Rathi; and Shiju Koothupalakkal, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladherrecommended these eight intraday stocks for today: Bikaji Foods International Ltd., Jindal Stainless Ltd., DLF Ltd., PNB Housing Finance Ltd., Bharat Electronics Ltd., Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd , Quality Power Electrical Equipments Ltd., and Kirloskar Brothers Ltd. Sumeet Bagadia's stock picks Bikaji Foods International Ltd-Bagadia recommends buying BIKAJI at around 799.50, keeping Stop Loss at 771 for a target price of 856 BIKAJI is currently trading at 799.5 and is showing an overall uptrend as the stock continues to move within a rising channel pattern, forming a series of higher highs and higher lows. The price structure indicates gradual strength and accumulation, with resistance placed around the upper band of the channel near 830 to 840. 2. Jindal Stainless LtdBagadia recommends buying JSL at around 800, keeping Stop Loss at 772, for a target price of 856. JSL is currently trading at 800 and maintaining a strong upward trajectory. The stock has been forming a series of higher highs and higher lows, indicating sustained bullish momentum. A breakout from the rounding bottom formation has confirmed a bullish rounding bottom pattern, signaling a transition from accumulation to an upward trend. This breakout is further validated by the stock marking a fresh 52-week high at 818.2, supported by consistent volume activity. Ganesh Dongre's stocks to buy today 3. DLF LtdDongre recommends buying DLF a around 771, keeping Stoploss at 755 for a target price of 790 In the recent short-term trend analysis of the stock, a notable bullish reversal pattern has emerged. This technical pattern suggests the possibility of a temporary retracement in the stock's price, potentially reaching around Rs. 790. At present, the stock is maintaining a crucial support level at Rs.755. Given the current market price of Rs.771, a buying opportunity is emerging. This suggests that investors may consider purchasing the stock at its current price, anticipating a rise towards the identified target of Rs. 790. 4. PNB Housing Finance LtdDongre recommends buying PNBHOUSING at around 800, keeping Stoploss at 780, for target price of 840 We have seen major support in this stock around Rs. 780. So, at the current juncture, the stock has again seen a reversal price action formation at the Rs. 800 price level, which may continue its rally till its next resistance level of Rs. 840, so traders can buy and hold this stock . 5. Bharat Electronics LtdDongre recommends buying Bharat Electronics Ltd, or BEL at around 372, keeping the stop loss at 365 for a target price of 385. In the recent short-term trend analysis of the stock, a notable bullish reversal pattern has emerged. This technical pattern suggests that there could be a temporary retracement in the stock's price, possibly to around Rs. 385 Currently, the stock is holding a crucial support level at Rs.365. Shiju Koothupalakkal intraday stocks for today 6.Aditya Birla Real Estate Ltd-Koothupalakkal recommends buying ABREL a around 1845 for target price of 1950, keeping the stop loss at 1810 The stock, after witnessing a decent erosion, has shown signs of bottoming out near the 1760 zone and has indicated a pullback with a positive candle formation on the daily chart to improve the bias, anticipating a further rise in the coming sessions. The RSI has indicated a significant reversal from the highly oversold zone to signal a buy, and with much upside potential visible, we expect the stock to carry on with the positive move further ahead. With the chart technically looking attractive, we suggest buying the stock. 7. Quality Power Electrical Equipments Ltd-Koothupalakkal recommends buying QUALITY POWER at around 822 for a target price of 865, keeping Stop loss at 805 The stock, after the strong run-up, has been in consolidation for quite some time, and currently, with rising volume participation, it has indicated a triangular breakout on the daily chart with a significant price spurt visible, and we can anticipate a further rise in the coming sessions. The RSI is currently well positioned and indicating a positive trend reversal, signaling a buy has much upside potential to carry on with the positive move further ahead. With the chart technically looking good, we suggest buying the stock. 8. Kirloskar Brothers Ltd-Koothupalakkal recommends buying KIRLOSKAR BROTHERS at around 2034, for a target price of 2150, keeping the stop loss at 1990 The stock, after witnessing a short period of correction, has stabilized near the important 200-period SMA at the 1928 level, and with a gradual pickup witnessed, it has currently moved past the significant 50 EMA at the 1970 zone to improve the bias, and we can expect a further upward move in the coming sessions. The RSI is on the rise, gaining strength, and is well positioned to signal a buy, with much upside potential visible, expecting further gains. With the chart technically looking good, we suggest buying the stock . Heres a quick look at stocks likely to be in focus in today's trade. Vodafone Idea The telecom department has no plans to offer any relief to Vodafone Idea concerning adjusted gross revenue, according to Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani. BPCL BPCL is considering establishing a greenfield oil refinery and petrochemical complex near Ramayapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh as part of its plan to expand capacity to meet the rising energy demand across India. Paytm The Board has given the nod for further investments of 300 crore in its subsidiary, Paytm Money, and 155 crore in Paytm Services via a rights issue. IREDA Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) announced on August 25 that it has set a revenue target of 8,200 crore for FY 2026, following the signing of a performance-based Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), which outlines strategic objectives for the fiscal year 2025-26. Tata Motors Tata Groups automotive giant, which manufactures commercial and passenger vehicles and owns Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), announced on Monday that the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) Mumbai Bench has approved its Composite Scheme of Arrangement. Sai Life Sciences According to a report, TGP Asia is expected to offload up to 14.72% stake (3.07 crore shares) in Sai Life Sciences via a block deal. IndusInd Bank With veteran banker Rajiv Anand taking charge as the Chief Executive Officer of IndusInd Bank, the private lender has announced the disbanding of its interim committee. LIC SEBI has given its approval to reclassify LIC as a public shareholder in IDBI Bank, in line with the governments ongoing strategic divestment process, according to report. RailTel Corp The Navratna PSU, one of Indias leading neutral telecom infrastructure providers, anticipates stable growth in its telecom operations, while its projects segment is expected to grow at a faster pace. Muthoot Finance The non-banking financial company (NBFC) has invested 200 crore in its wholly-owned housing finance subsidiary, Muthoot Homefin (India) Ltd, to broaden its operations across over 250 cities. Trump's tariffs on India: The 21-day deadline to impose a 25% additional tariff on Indian exports to the US ends on Wednesday. In a draft notice published on Monday, August 25, the US administration detailed its plan to impose a 50% tariff on Indian products as the August 27 deadline approaches, signalling its intent to move forward with the levies as the Russia-Ukraine war continues. The Department of Homeland Security has already issued notice saying the increased levies would hit Indian products that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 AM eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025. One may wonder here if Trump's tariffs hit India only, or if they may backfire. According to experts, US President Donald Trump's action on India to punish Russia is like an 'action without vision'. They said that a 50% tariff on Indian exports to the US would hit the health industry very severely, as India is one of the biggest generic drug suppliers to the US. Against the backdrop of the higher tariff threat, Indian pharma players are reportedly shifting their generic drug supply to Australia, leaving the US market at the mercy of Trump's 'MAGA'. Moreover, the Indian government is exploring options to import crude oil without hurting its foreign reserves, thereby challenging the petrodollar dominance in global trade. Due to the dominance of oil trade in the US dollar, the foreign reserves of oil-importing countries such as India and China are taking a hit. So, any chances of payments in the local currency or any barter like oil for food or oil for medicines are something that the government is looking at. These steps are expected to pare the losses that the Indian economy would be incurring due to Trump's tariffs. However, one more development may irk the US administration rising India-China bonhomie. The foundation of the India-China relationship has been shaky for the last 60 years, since 1962. However, in the wake of Trump's tariffs and emerging trade war fears, the recent statement by the authorities from both sides has been affirmative, with a clear sign of rapprochement. They said that Donald Trump's tariff dictate has brought India-China-Russia closer, and it won't be a surprise if India joins China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), to give the US a Dutch therapy by penalising Pakistan, a medicine that Trump tried with Vladimir Putin by imposing tariffs on India. They said the Indian Prime Minister must integrate his ambitious Act East policy with China's BRI. How can Modi plug in the Act East policy with China's BRI? Why would Modi want to integrate the Act East policy with China's Belt and Road Initiative? Manish Bhandari, CIIA & Founder of Vallum Capital, said, "Today, India faces a strategic transport bottleneck that costs billions annually. The traditional Suez Canal route takes 45-60 days and covers 8,700 nautical miles to reach Russian and Central Asian markets. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), though shorter at 3,000 km, remains blocked for India due to sovereignty concerns over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These limitations force India to rely on expensive, time-consuming routes that reduce competitiveness." Bhandari said that India started its work on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which emerges as India's game-changing alternative a 7,200 km multimodal network that slashes transit time to 25-30 days and reduces costs by 30% compared to traditional routes. However, a friction remains on its way. Plugging in Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Indias Act East policy can be aligned to create transnational corridors linking Chinese manufacturing hubs with Indian ports and markets. Participating in joint railroad and port projects reduces logistics costs for Chinese exports into South Asia and beyond, Bhandari pointed out. "Collaboration on renewable-energy infrastructure (solar parks, wind farms) helps China export equipment while improving Indias energy mix and grid stability. Today, Russian oil now forms 36% of India's crude imports ($67.2B, up from <2%), powering $84.96 billion in petroleum exports (12.59% global share). Direct access to Kazakhstan (43% of global uranium output) and Uzbekistan supports Indias goal to triple nuclear capacity by 2032, while Turkmenistans 13.6 TCM gas reserves offer long-term pipeline potential. This energy-security triangle with Russia and Central Asia reduces dependency on volatile Middle Eastern suppliers," he noted. Central Asia represents a largely untapped market for Indian goods and services. The region's combined GDP exceeds $300 billion, with significant demand for Indian pharmaceuticals, textiles, agricultural products, and technology services. However, while strategically important, current trade routes through Iran's Chabahar Port remain limited in capacity and efficiency, compared to potential BRI corridors, experts say. Act East integration with BRI: Top benefits Manish Bhandari of Vallum Capital said that India's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative could enhance its competitive position by: 1] Reducing logistics costs by 20-30%; 2] Improving manufacturing competitiveness through better infrastructure; 3] Expanding market access to 140+ countries in the BRI network; and 4] Leveraging India's strengths in services and technology. Dent on petrodollar dominance On how India's joining BRI would be a befitting reply to Trump's tariffs on India and China, Sandeep Pandey, Co-founder of Basav Capital, said, "Plugging in the Act East Policy with China's BRI would give both countries access to the Middle East countries, which are home to most OPEC members. Chances of barter trade are high with the Middle East countries, as India recently executed an oil-for-food trade with Iran by supplying food grains for the receipt of crude oil. Similarly, the Indian government is working on oil for medicines. This will not only enable India and the oil-producing countries to come out of the US dollar-dominated global trade system and enhance their dollar reserves." Are Trump's tariffs hurting US too? On whether Trump's tariffs are a challenge for the US government too, Sandeep Pandey of Basav Capital said, By imposing heavy tariffs on India, US President Donald Trump has jeopardised the American Medicare. India is one of the biggest suppliers of generic drugs in America. Now, due to the heavy Trump tariffs, India has diverted its exports from the US to Australia. So, in terms of pharma and Medicare, Trump's tariffs are more painful for the US than India. Why would Beijing allow New Delhi's entry into BRI? Why would Beijing allow New Delhi to plug in the Act East policy with BRI? Gaurav Goel, Founder & Director at Fynocrat Technologies, said, "Rising tariffs from the United States under President Trump and new trade barriers in Europe are squeezing Chinas exports. Many companies have also shifted supply chains to India, Vietnam, and other countries, weakening Chinas traditional manufacturing advantage. Additionally, Beijings support for Russia has strained ties with Europe, raising the risk of sanctions. At the same time, US tariffs remain a constant pressure point." Gaurab Goel of Fynocrat Technologies said China will likely face slower growth and growing external risks. The real question is whether Beijing can adapt its strategy and move toward a more balanced, consumption-led economy. So, India's joining BRI is expected to bail out China from the precarious condition caused by Trump's tariffs. Vikram Solar share price made a modest debut in the Indian stock market today. Vikram Solar shares were listed at 340.00 apiece on the BSE, a premium of 2.41% to the issue price of 332 per share. On NSE, Vikram Solar shares were listed with a 1.81% premium at 338.00 per share. Vikram Solar IPO listing price was lower than the Street estimates as indicated by the trends for grey market premium (GMP). Vikram Solar IPO GMP today signaled the debut at around 11% premium to the issue price. Harshal Dasani Business Head, INVasset PMS said that the robust institutional appetite reflects confidence in Vikram Solars positioning as one of Indias largest integrated solar module manufacturers with a growing EPC footprint. While near-term listing gains look promising, the sustainability of performance will depend on execution discipline, margin expansion, and supportive policy frameworks. For investors, the Vikram Solar IPO offers tactical upside, but medium- to long-term positioning requires a measured allocation strategy, said Dasani. Vikram Solar IPO Details The initial public offering (IPO) of the solar photo-voltaic (PV) modules manufacturer Vikram Solar Ltd was open for subscription on August 19 to August 21. The IPO allotment was finalised on August 22, and Vikram Solar IPO listing date was today, 26 August 2025, Tuesday. Vikram Solar IPO received strong demand from investors as the issue was subscribed 54.63 times in total, NSE data showed. The public issue was subscribed 7.65 times in the retail category, and 142.79 times in the Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) category. The Non Institutional Investors (NII) category received 50.90 times subscription. The company raised 2,079.37 crore from the public issue which was a combination of fresh issue of 4.52 crore equity shares worth 1,500 crore and offer for sale of 1.75 crore shares amounting to 579.37 crore. Vikram Solar IPO price band was set at 315 to 332 per share. The company proposes to utilise the funds raised to support new capacity additions and greenfield expansions, including a 3 GW solar cell and module facility under development, positioning the company to capitalise on both domestic renewable demand and export opportunities. JM Financial Ltd. is the book running lead manager and MUFG Intime India Pvt. Ltd. is the Vikram Solar IPO registrar. Vodafone Idea share price plunged nearly 10 per cent to 6.66 apiece in Tuesday's trading session following the governments clarification that no further relief is planned for the telecom company regarding its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. Vodafone share price has remained volatile in the near-term. The stock gained nearly 3 per cent in past five trading sessions, however, descended 5 per cent in a month. What's behind the plunge? Mint reported on Monday that a decision on extending further relief to the struggling telecom operator Vodafone Idea will be made after consultations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet, and the finance ministry, Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said. He added that, given the substantial amount involved, any decision regarding the relief would be a collective one. "At this time, there is nothing that we have planned (on providing relief)," the minister was quoted as saying. The government holds a 49 per cent stake in the struggling telecom operator, which has warned that it may not remain operational beyond the current financial year. On Friday, Mint reported that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had submitted multiple relief options for the company to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) last month. These measures involve an additional two-year deferment of statutory dues currently under moratorium, reduced annual payments, and a waiver of penalties along with interest on penalties related to adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. According to sources cited by Mint, the PMO will make the final decision on whether to extend any relief measures. When questioned about discussions between the DoT and the PMO regarding potential relief for Vodafone Idea, the minister responded, not that we know of." Debt-laden Vodafone Idea owes approximately 83,400 crore in AGR dues to the government, with annual installments of 18,000 crore set to begin next March. The company has earlier stated that banks are reluctant to extend further credit due to its massive liabilities, warning that it may not survive beyond a year without fresh funding. Overall, its total dues to the government, including penalties and interest, stand at around 2 trillion. The telecom operator also held its 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday, where it disclosed in an exchange filing that Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, was unable to attend due to prior commitments. The Centre is working on a new model to roll out ease of doing business measures, with a focus on key states that are investment magnets: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Delhi. The next set of reforms to this end will be rolled out in these states, the people said, given their strong industrial base, proactive governance and track record in implementing business-friendly policies. The emphasis on select states is to create and showcase successful models that can be replicated across the country. The plan is to use these states as testing grounds for reforms designed to further reduce compliance burdens, speed up clearances, and strengthen investor confidence," one of the two people cited above said on the condition of anonymity. These states will be encouraged to mentor the laggards in framing policies to attract investment, set up manufacturing facilities, and generate employment, the second person added. Way forward The plans come at a time when strained relations with the US, India's largest trading partner, have created an urgent need to revitalize domestic industry and attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Also Read | India plans coordinated FDI drive, eyes investors in key sectors Tamil Nadu, with its strong manufacturing base, is expected to pilot faster clearances for MSMEs in industrial corridors, whereas Gujarat could experiment with plug-and-play industrial parks and simplified green clearances. These state-level pilots, supported and benchmarked by the Centre, could then serve as templates for wider adoption across the country. Maharashtra could serve as a pilot for streamlining industrial approvals in large urban clusters like Mumbai and Pune, while Karnataka may test digital labour compliances and online dispute resolution in line with its tech-driven economy. Queries sent to the commerce ministry and the chief secretaries of the five states remained unanswered. Test beds Even though ease of doing business reforms are designed at the central level, their real test lies in how states implement them, as most approvals related to land, labour, environment, and local taxes fall under state jurisdiction. The Centre is likely to rely on competitive federalism by ranking states, linking incentives, and offering model frameworks for voluntary adoption of reform measures. The development assumes significance given that the government has set a target of securing $100 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the current fiscal year. India attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth $81.04 billion in FY25, marking a 14% jump from the previous year and reaffirming its position as one of the worlds leading investment destinations. Also Read | Spooked by Trump tariffs, MSMEs seek swift rollout of export intelligence portal The government is also leveraging its trade missions to position India as a more attractive investment destination, with Indian missions abroad being empowered to grant in-principle approvals for foreign direct investment proposals. This move is aimed at cutting through bureaucratic hurdles," said the second person. Natural advantages However, many front-runner states may simply be beneficiaries of access to ports, rail networks and raw materials, said Pronab Sen, a noted economist and former chief statistician of India. "To equate location advantages with ease of doing business is, in fact, theoretically wrong. Not every state is equal in terms of geography. Geography cannot be wished away, which is why each state has to be evaluated for its suitability before applying ease of doing business measures," Sen said. While Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu lead in textiles, petrochemicals, automobiles, and engineering, Karnataka houses India's technology and R&D hubs, as well as a strong manufacturing base in aerospace and engineering. Delhi drives northern India's economy with a focus on trading and small-scale manufacturing, complementing the industrial might of the surrounding National Capital Region. Structural solutions Madhavi Arora, chief economist at Emkay Global Financial Services said there was a need for measures to tackle "deeper structural issues" if India wants to build a truly competitive investment climate. The GST overhaul is a step forward, but transparency and consistent implementation remain challenges. Agriculture too needs calibrated reforms to ease fiscal pressures, though past attempts faced political backlash. And judicial reforms, which are central to improving investor confidence, have long been discussed but seen little progress on the ground," said Arora. Also Read | Auto part exporters may get R&D, IP fund support as tariffs kick in Mint reported on 9 August that the government is planning to accelerate ease of doing business reforms by setting up a single-window clearance system modelled on passport services, side-letter deals with trusted partners, and streamlined land and contract processes. The development has assumed significance after trade talks with the US stalled and Washington imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods. The first tranche of 25% duty came into force on 7 August, while the second tranche of 25% will take effect on 27 August. Need for coordination According to economist Biswajit Dhar, India has been discussing a single-window clearance system for over 25 years, but it still hasn't been implemented. In India, both the Centre and the states must coordinate their efforts. The real test of the governments ease of doing business drive will be whether it can deliver a functional single-window clearance mechanism that allows investors to obtain approvals without hurdles," said Dhar. Union minister of state for commerce Jitin Prasada said in the Lok Sabha on 11 February that the government strives to attract larger FDI by removing regulatory barriers, streamlining processes, developing infrastructure, improving logistics, and enhancing the overall business environment through ease-of-doing-business measures. FDI inflows in India rose from $36.05 billion in FY14 to a peak of $84.84 billion in FY22, before easing due to global recessionary trends, geopolitical tensions, and protectionist measures. In FY24, the share of insurance, telecommunications, and defence in FDI equity inflows stood at 4.13%, 0.63%, and 0.009%, respectively. Services As per commerce ministry data, the services sector emerged as the top recipient of FDI equity inflows, accounting for 19% of the total, with investments rising nearly 41% to $9.35 billion in FY25 from $6.64 billion a year earlier. It was followed by the computer software and hardware sector, which attracted 16% of inflows, and trading, with an 8% share. The figures point to the continued strength of Indias investor-friendly environment and growing appeal across key sectors such as services, manufacturing and technology. Indias ambitions to become a global manufacturing hub also gained traction, with FDI in manufacturing rising 18% to $19.04 billion in FY25 from $16.12 billion in the previous year. Also Read | India draws record $81 billion FDI in FY25 This growth comes amid the government's push to boost domestic production under the 'Make in India' initiative and improved ease of doing business. Maharashtra retained its lead as the top FDI destination, drawing 39% of total equity inflows, followed by Karnataka (13%) and Delhi (12%). Singapore remained the largest source of FDI into India, accounting for 30% of the total inflows, followed by Mauritius (17%) and the US (11%). The number of countries investing in India also rose to 112 in FY25, compared with 89 in FY14. As per commerce ministry data, Indias cumulative FDI inflow over the last eleven years (201425) has reached $748.78 billion, a 143% rise over the preceding 11-year period (200314), which saw $308.38 billion. US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (August 26) declared that the federal government will seek the death penalty in homicide cases in Washington, D.C., a move aimed at presenting a tough-on-crime image in the nations capital. If somebody kills somebody in the capital, Washington, D.C., we're going to be seeking the death penalty, and that's a very strong preventative, Trump said during a White House cabinet meeting. I don't know if we're ready for it in this country, but we have it we have no choice. So in D.C., in Washington states are going to have to make their own decision but if somebody kills somebody ... it's the death penalty, okay? Washingtons unique legal status Washington, D.C., does not currently have a death penalty. The D.C. City Council repealed it decades ago, and local laws prohibit capital punishment for local crimes. However, federal law allows the death penalty for certain crimes, giving the Trump administration a legal pathway to pursue capital charges. Washington is a federal district rather than a state, established by the US Constitution, with Congress retaining ultimate authority. The District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973 allows residents to elect a mayor and council members, but Congress can override local legislation. Law-and-order agenda The announcement comes as part of Trumps broader law-and-order campaign. He has deployed National Guard troops and federal law enforcement to Washington, citing unacceptable levels of violent street crime. City officials dispute these claims, pointing to statistics showing a decline in violent crime since a spike in 2023. Trump has also hinted at expanding similar efforts to other cities, including Chicago. Federal prosecutions and death penalty policy Trumps Justice Department has already moved to revive federal executions. Attorney General Pam Bondi lifted a Biden-era pause on most federal executions in February, and the administration has indicated it will pursue the death penalty in high-profile cases, including the case of Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson last year. Weather today: Monsoon mayhem gripped Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and other regions which recorded heavy rainfall on Monday, August 25. As continuous downpour wreaks havoc across Himachal Pradesh, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the state. Jammu and Kashmir is also on red alert for heavy rains while an orange alert is in place for Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh. The Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Chamba, Kangra and Mandi for two days amid rising water level of the Beas River due to incessant rainfall. IMD in its latest press release said, Heavy to Very heavy rainfall likely to continue over Northwest India till 26th August and reduce thereafter. Heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely to continue over Gujarat till 30th and over Rajasthan till 27th August. According to IMD, isolated heavy rainfall is likely in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, East Rajasthan in the coming days. IMD predicted heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir on August 26; in Haryana and Punjab until August 27, and on August 29 and 30, in Uttar Pradesh between August 29 and 31. Isolated heavy rainfall likely over Kerala & Mahe during 26th-29th; Coastal Karnataka during 26th-30th; Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana on 27th & 28th.with very heavy rainfall over Coastal Andhra Pradesh on 26th August, the press release dated August 25 states. Delhi weather today Delhi woke up to fresh spells of rain on Tuesday, August 26, and can brace for more showers today. The Regional Meteorological Centre, Delhi, issued a nowcast rainfall alert at 7:10 AM predicting Light to moderate rainfall accompanied with light thunderstorm and lightning in Delhi-NCR, including Gurugram, and in other neighbouring areas. Delhi's weather forecast predicts, Generally cloudy sky. One or two spells of very light to light rain/thundershowers. The maximum temperature in the national capital is expected to settle below normal up to 2 to 4 degrees Celsius around 31 to 33 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature will be below normal up to 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in the range of 21 to 23 degrees Celsius. Airlines issue travel advisory Air India issued a travel advisory for passengers on Tuesday. The post on X states, Persistent rain may affect flight operations to and from Delhi today. Please check your flight status at https://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html before leaving, and allow extra travel time to the airport. IndiGo in a post on X stated, It is a rainy start in #Delhi, with gentle showers expected throughout the day. Though conditions are not severe, some roads may be slower than usual. If you are flying today, we suggest checking your flight status and setting out early. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government has come up with an incentive-based draft startup policy. The policy will facilitate the establishment of 5,000 startups and make the national capital a global innovation hub by 2035, the document reads. Under the policy, the government will establish a 200 crore corpus for the Delhi Startup Venture Capital Fund to provide financial access to these businesses. The nine-page draft of the Delhi Start-up Policy 2025 has been released for feedback from stakeholders. It is available on the Delhi government's Department of Industries website. To encourage, facilitate and support the emergence of at least 5000 startups by 2035. To encourage entrepreneurship that enables sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development across the State, reads the mission of the document. The policy, planned for 10 years, will focus on startups in 18 key areas, including healthcare services, hospitality, Fintech, automotive enterprises, e-waste management, logistics and supply chain management, gaming, green technology, and robotics. AI, Machine Learning, Internet of Things According to the draft policy, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, the Internet of Things, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Biotechnology, Augmented Reality, Drones, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles will be other key areas, as listed in the draft. Delhi is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. The proximity to government institutions, the presence of a business-friendly infrastructure, and a burgeoning entrepreneurship culture make the city a viable IT hub. The IT & ITES sector in Delhi has emerged as a rapidly developing industry. The key sectoral areas for this Policy mirror the Government's priorities relating to Science & Technology and IT/TES and align with the strengths of the State. the draft reads. It said that after the Startup Monitoring Committee's approval, other focus areas may be identified and included according to market demand and leading technologies. The draft policy also proposes several fiscal incentives to promote the start-up ecosystem, including 100 per cent reimbursement of workspace lease rentals up to 10 lakh per annum for a maximum period of three years. ' A 100 per cent reimbursement is also recommended for filing patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs up to 1 lakh on Indian and 3 lakh on international patents. Startup Task Force Other incentives recommended by the draft policy include 100 per cent reimbursement of the exhibition stall or rental cost for participating in domestic ( 5 lakh) and international ( 10 lakh) exhibitions, and 2 lakh as a monthly allowance for a period of one year towards operational costs. Eligible applicants may apply through the Delhi Single Window System with relevant supporting documents to be considered for incentives under the policy. The nodal agency would scrutinise the applications received and forward eligible applications to a Startup Task Force to finalise the applicants for the disbursement of benefits. The applicants will be notified of the decision via a startup portal, it said. Also Read | Unicorn India Ventures to boost third fund to 1,200 crore for deeptech startups It added that the Delhi government will provide state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities and support systems to nurture the city's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Virtual incubation service The Delhi government will provide virtual incubation service to the start-ups through the Delhi Incubation Hub network, to help the start-ups tap into a network of experts and mentors. Also, the government will rope in industry associations to organise a start-up festival to enable them a platform to showcase their innovations and ideas and reach out to the global market. The government's industries department will be the nodal agency that implements the policy through a monitoring committee headed by the industries commissioner and a start-up task force. The government's industries department will be the nodal agency that implements the policy through a monitoring committee headed by the industries commissioner and a start-up task force. This Policy shall be reviewed biennially. A status report shall be commissioned by the Startup Task Force to critically appraise the usefulness of the Policy, the ease of implementation and the outcomes achieved, the draft reads. Women Entrepreneurs The policy reads, " The rationale for targeted policies and programmes to strengthen the ecosystem for women entrepreneurs is to support them in business creation, self-employment, and the creation of enabling networks to promote inclusive and sustainable balanced growth in Delhi." Women entrepreneurship can make a particularly strong contribution to the economic well-being of the family and communities by contributing to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), it reads. In yet another tragic case of dowry harassment, a school lecturer in Rajasthan's Jodhpur district set herself and her three-year-old daughter on fire on Friday. The child, Yashasvi, died at the scene, while the mother, Sanju Bishnoi, passed away during treatment on Saturday morning, according to a report by the Hindustan Times. According to the report, the police has recovered an alleged suicide note revealing that she was harassed by her husband and in-laws for dowry. According to the complaint filed by the victims father, the woman married the accused 12 years ago, and they gave a car, along with other valuables, in dowry. But, she faced continuous harassment. The situation reportedly worsened after the birth of their daughter, the complaint said, as reported by HT. Assistant commissioner of police (Mandore) Nagendra Kumar said: A note, found during the probe, detailed serious allegations of harassment by the deceaseds husband and her in-laws. The woman mentioned the alleged torture as the reason for taking her own life and that of her daughter. The police have seized the deceaseds mobile phone and sent it to Forensic Science Laboratory. Facing dowry harassment from your in-laws? Heres how you can file a complaint If you are facing dowry harassment or pressure from your in-laws, it's important to know that you have legal rights and protection under Indian law. Here's where and how you can file a complaint: 1. Police Station (Local PS or Womens Police Station). Go to your nearest police station or a womens police station in your area. You can file an FIR (First Information Report) under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with cruelty by a husband or his relatives, including dowry-related harassment. 2. National or State Womens Commission: File a complaint with the National Commission for Women (NCW). The official website is ncw.nic.in. 3. National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (if harassment includes digital abuse): https://cybercrime.gov.in. NCW Online Complaint Form: https://ncw.nic.in/onlinecomplaint. Women (NCW) 7827170170 (WhatsApp). Between 2017 and 2022, an average of 7,000 dowry death cases were reported annually across India, according to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). In a nightmare incident, during a firefighting effort in western France on 24 August evening, a Morane 29 helicopter plunged into Rosporden Lake as it attempted to gather water to douse flames in the area. However, the crew survived the crash without any injuries as they managed to come out from the sinking cockpit. The helicopter was performing a standard mission and had successfully completed 27 water drops earlier in the day to help keep the flames from reaching residential areas near Rosporden. The incident took place at nearly 7pm, reports said. What does the video show? The dramatic video of the incident captures the moment the helicopters tail dipped into the lake during an attempt to refill its water bucket. It then quickly lost control, began spinning, and crashed into the water, shattering on impact. What do witnesses say? It dipped way too low and was descending fast. I thought it was going to explode, break into pieces. Once it flipped, it went in all directions, David, an eye witness, informed The Sun. Thibault, 22, in an interview with France3, mentioned he was relaxing on that afternoon with his friends in the commune of Rosporden in Finistere when the helicopter arrived close. He took his phone pondering he would get an impressive scooping operation; however captured the helicopter crash. Also Read | Before Air India crash, soaring demand for travel put strain on Indian pilots "After I took the video, a friend of mine takes his paddleboard and starts going over to them. They got out and said were not hurt, everythings fine, French news channel BFMTV quoted a bystander as saying. Authorities lauded the crew for remaining calm under pressure, highlighting the significant dangers that firefighting teams encounter during emergencies. An investigation has been initiated to uncover the cause of the crash, while firefighting efforts resumed shortly afterward with a replacement aircraft, according to TOI. Also Read | Plane crash on Navajo Nation in Arizona kills 4, say tribal police A Delhi court has acquitted six men in a 2020 Delhi riots case while rapping the prosecution for trampling the accuseds rights and calling for action by the police commissioner. Additional sessions judge Parveen Singh acquitted the six men accused of being a part of a mob which was allegedly involved in rioting and arson on 25 February 2020. Also Read | Delhi court closes corruption case against Satyendar Jain after 4 years In a 41-page order on 25 August, the court said, "It is apparent that merely in order to work out the case, a false case has been foisted upon the accused and prosecution witness 10, head constable Vikas, the only eyewitness of the case, is completely unreliable qua these accused persons." The acquitted include Ishu Gupta, Prem Prakash, Raj Kumar, Manish Sharma, Rahul and Amit. 6 acquitted in July too In July, the same court acquitted another six persons in a case related to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots, saying the prosecution had completely failed to prove its case against them. Additional Sessions Judge Parveen Singh was hearing the case against the six men, who were accused of various penal offences, including unlawful assembly, rioting, robbery and arson. The six accused acquitted in July were Rajendar Jha, Tejveer Chaudhary, Rajesh Jha, Govind Singh Manral, Peetamber Jha and Devendar Kumar alias Monu Pandit. Fallen apart The prosecutions case, "built on the basis of the disclosures of the accused" leading to their arrest, was observed to have "fallen apart". "I must observe that there has been an egregious padding of evidence by the investigating officer (IO) and this has resulted in serious trampling of the rights of the accused, who have probably been chargesheeted only in order to show that this case is worked out," the court said. The judge went on, This is more saddening because, despite the glaring defects, supervising officers, i.e., the station house officer and the assistant commissioner of police had forwarded the chargesheet in a mechanical manner. Such instances, the court said, would result in "serious erosion of the faith of the people in the investigating process" besides the rule of law. This is more saddening because, despite the glaring defects, supervising officers had forwarded the chargesheet in a mechanical manner. "I deem it appropriate that the copy of this judgment be sent to the Commissioner of Police for his perusal, with a request to take remedial action," the court added. Kerala state Finance Minister KN Balagopal today said that the central government's planned goods and services tax (GST) reforms, should consider impact on state revenues. Speaking to reporters the minister added that any impact on the state revenues could in result impact welfare schemes for the common people. Watch: What did Kerala Finance Minister say? When you reduce taxes, it is important that the revenue of states be protected, otherwise welfare schemes will be affected, Balagopal told reporters on August 26. Kerala ups Onam gift for workers in employment gaurantee schemes Meanwhile, the Kerala government on August 26 also announced that it has increased the Onam gift for workers in its rural and urban employment guarantee schemes, for a little extra relief during the festival season, according to a PTI report. In a statement, the state finance minister said that each worker will receive 1,200 this year, up from 1,000 last year. The increase of 200 will benefit nearly 526,000 workers across the state, he said in a release here. Who is eligible? Kerala's rural and urban employment guarantee schemes employ over 5,19,000 workers, who have completed 100 days of work under the rural employment guarantee scheme. All these workers will share an allocation of 51.96 crore in the last financial year. Further, the state's Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme employs another 6,368 workers, who also completed at least 100 days of work. These workers will receive the allowance, with 63.68 lakh set aside for the payments, Balagopal added. Kerala hikes Onam bonus for 13 lakh employees, pensioners On August 25, Balgopal had announced higher Onam bonuses and allowances for 13 lakh staff employed with the state government, teachers, pensioners, and thousands of other workers, as per another PTI report. Mobile internet, broadband network and calling services are down in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on 26 August, citing damage to optical fibres at numerous places, PTI reported. Technical teams have been sent to identify and resolve the issues, they mentioned. Officials added calls are not going through and mobile internet has ceased functioning across all network service providers due to "fiber cuts at multiple locations". Multiple fibre cuts They said that fiber and landline services provided by the state-owned BSNL were also not working. The outage created difficulties for the public, as mobile phones displayed no signal, according to officials. Telecom operators asserted it was a network issue due to "multiple fibre cuts" at multiple places such as Jammu, Srinagar, including Shimla. "We will try to restore the network and services as fast as possible," they added. Also Read | India ranks 2nd in number of internet shutdowns in 2024, top among democracies Many on Downdetector also complained about internet outage with Jio, Vodafone, Airtel service providers. One of the users on X, who tagged concerned authorities, remarked, cant connect with family staying in jammu and kashmir. out of network coverage area. SIMs arent working???? Another said, Network issue in #Jammu may be restored soon , a third commented, Lost contact with my family in Jammu, seems like network connection lost in many parts of state, prayers for #jammu. Jammu Kashmir rains Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday stated the situation in different parts of Jammu was "quite serious" after heavy downpour and asked the administration to be on high alert. Abdullah also chaired an emergency meeting to assess the flood-like situation in the Jammu division, according to an official spokesperson. He told officers, The relief and restoration works will proceed strictly as per SDRF norms. However, wherever additional requirements arise beyond these norms, I will personally ensure that further provisions are made available. Also Read | Exams cancelled, Vaishno Devi Yatra suspended after Jammu rains wreak havoc CM Abdullah took to X and said, The situation is many parts of Jammu province is quite serious. I'll be taking the next available flight from Srinagar to Jammu to personally monitor the developing situation. In the mean time instructions have been issued to place additional funds at the disposal of the DCs to cover emergency restoration work and other exigences." Six people were injured as a landslide hit Mata Vaishno Devi route. The pilgrimage to the shrine was suspended following the incident, officials said. Jammu has been battered by three days of relentless rain, resulting in widespread disruption across the region. As many as four people were killed, and over two dozen houses and bridges were damaged in Jammu and Kashmir due to the heavy rains in the state. Four people have died in Doda district since Monday evening. A woman died in Gandoh on Monday and three deaths have been reported from Gandoh, Thathri and Bhaderwah, said DC Doda Harvinder Singh. Besides, around 18 houses have also been damaged in heavy rains. There is no cloudburst but heavy rains have triggered flashfloods, he added. Reports of damage to public and private infrastructure were also received from high altitude areas of Kishtwar, Reasi, Rajouri, Ramban and Poonch districts, the officials said, adding the real picture will emerge only after an assessment of the ground situation. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the situation in many parts of Jammu province was quite serious, and he will take the next available flight from Srinagar to Jammu to personally monitor the situation. Life at a halt in Jammu As heavy rains pounded Jammu, almost all water bodies in the district, including the Chenab River, were flowing above the danger mark, submerging several low-lying areas and roads in the city and elsewhere. The officials said the overflowing Modhopur barrage has crossed one lakh cusec mark and is continuously rising, triggering heavy flooding in several low-lying areas along the Ravi river in Kathua district. The officials said water levels in the Taranah River, Ujh River, Maggar Khad, Sahar Khad, and their tributaries in Kathua, Basenter in Samba, Tawi and Chenab in Jammu are simultaneously rising and have already crossed the danger mark. The traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar and Kishtwar-Doda national highways was suspended, and dozens of hilly roads were blocked or damaged by landslides or flash floods, the officials said. The pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine was also suspended as a precautionary measure in view of the rains. Police and civil officials were seen repeatedly making announcements to the people to stay away from flooded rivers and shift to safer places. The authorities have also issued district-wise helpline numbers and asked people to contact the numbers in case of any emergency for prompt action. Also Read | Exams cancelled, Vaishno Devi Yatra suspended after Jammu rains wreak havoc Situation is quite serious: Omar Abdullah Omar Abdullah held a meeting in Srinagar to review flood mitigation measures at Jammu in view of incessant rains and directed the officers to maintain high alert and take all necessary measures. The situation in many parts of Jammu province is quite serious. Ill be taking the next available flight from Srinagar to Jammu to personally monitor the developing situation. In the mean time instructions have been issued to place additional funds at the disposal of the DCs (Deputy Commissioners) to cover emergency restoration work and other exigencies, the chief minister wrote in a post on X. According to meteorological department, Kathua district recorded the highest 155.6 mm of rainfall during the last 24 hours ending 8.30 am followed by Bhaderwah in Doda at 99.8 mm, Jammu (81.5 mm) and Katra (68.8mm). Telangana is committed to make the Osmania University a standing witness to history and develop it to bring its old glory back, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said on Tuesday. The university will be developed on par with the world's top Stanford and Oxford Universities, Reddy's office said in a statement, adding that the state government will ensure it becomes a prestigious university in the country. Osmania University is synonymous with Telangana since the university and Telangana are considered as conjoined twins, the CM said, after inaugurating the newly constructed hostel buildings and laying foundation stones of several buildings of the Osmania University. In a move to strengthen the university, the CM ordered the constitution of an Engineers Committee to study the development of the university. He said, "We will promote the Osmania University to the same level as Stanford and Oxford University". The CM asserted that Osmania University should be a role model and a standing witness to history. The Chief Minister instructed the authorities to prepare estimates for University development and submit them to him. He will return to the University to participate in a meeting at the Arts College, where he will announce the sanction of funds for university development in the meeting, the statement from CMO stated. Further, CM Revanth Reddy said that no police force will be deployed in the university during his next meeting. "Let the opposition parties stage a protest on the university campus during my visit. I am also ready to answer those who are preventing me from visiting the university", the CM said. CM takes swipe at Opposition Moreover, the Chief Minister took a swipe at the opposition parties. "Some political leaders are in despair after losing power. The BRS top leadership worried about the political future of their sons," he said. Appealing to the students not to fall into the opposition's trap, the CM said that his cabinet colleagues and he are available to students all the time and ready to address their grievances. Also Read | Telangana govt to demolish Osmania Hospital buildings, including heritage block CM Revanth Reddy cautioned the students not to get carried away by lies. "The opposition was spreading misinformation about the government on WhatsApp and social media. They used artificial intelligence to spread the news that Lions and Elephants are living in the Central University. In fact, the Telangana State is not the home for lions and elephants," he said. Coming down heavily on the opposition, the CM said that some beasts in human form are creating hurdles. He said, "They are the 'termites' in the Telangana society and do not want Telangana development." Highlighting the prominence of the Osmania University, the CM said, "The land of the university is an inspiration for the 1938 armed peasant struggle. S Jaipal Reddy, Shivraj Patil and PV Narasimha Rao, who made the country popular in the world, were students of the university. The university is also a hub for debates during the struggles in Telangana as the institution teaches how to fight apart from studies. It was the Osmania University which took forward the Telangana movement when the political leaders gave up for their own interests." The Chief Minister noted that Osmania University has been credited with producing numerous intellectuals. Also Read | Telangana: School holiday in five districts amid heavy rain forecast "During the 10-year BRS rule, the leaders hatched a conspiracy to weaken the University. Soon after coming to power, the People's Government envisaged plans to revive the glory of Osmania University. We have appointed Vice Chancellors who are highly intellectual and knowledgeable of society," he said. "The government is expecting the university to produce intellectual wealth and create awareness in the Telangana society. 60 per cent of the country's population is below 35 years of age. This is the wealth of our country," CM Reddy said. The Chief Minister expressed serious concern over the drug menace and youth addiction to Ganja in the state. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: As Maharashtra gears up for the festival that celebrates Lord Ganesha as the God of New Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles, the one question always remains in the back of parents' mindsIs there a school holiday for Ganesh Chaturthi? The Maharashtra government has accorded a 'state festival' status to Ganeshotsav, and therefore, schools across the state, including Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, and Pune, will remain closed for the festival, which will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 27, this year. Also Read | Is the Indian stock market open or closed on Ganesh Chaturthi? Ganesh Chaturthi is a public holiday in Maharashtra; on Wednesday, not only the schools but also the banks and government offices will remain closed. About Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Chaturthi, which lasts 10 days, celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha and is one of the most popular Hindu festivals. It is believed that during this time, Lord Ganesha descends to Earth with his mother, Goddess Parvati. Also Read | Are banks open or closed on Tuesday, August 26 amid Ganesh Chaturthi festivities This year, Ganesh Chaturthi begins on August 27 and will continue until September 6. The 10-day period is also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi. According to Drikpanchang, Ganesh Chaturthi this year will be celebrated on August 27, Wednesday, and it will culminate with Ganesh Visarjan on Saturday, September 6. During the festivities, people welcome Ganesha idols into their homes, observe fasts, prepare delicious treats, and visit pandals throughout the celebration. The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi concludes with a grand visarjan of Lord Ganesha's idol. During the visarjan, Ganesha idols are immersed in water bodies amid chants and music. Mumbai hosts nearly 14,000 mandals of which 8,000 are registered ones. Political analyst Abhay Deshpande noted that these mandals, which also organise Dahi Handi, Navratri, and, in some cases, Saibaba festivities, are deeply intertwined with local politics. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Muhurat time Ganesh puja is preferred during Madhyahna as it is believed that Lord Ganesh was born during Madhyahna Kala. Moon sightings on Ganesh Chaturthi are prohibited. It is believed that seeing the moon creates Mithya Dosham or Mithya Kalank, which means false accusation of stealing something. Madhyahna Ganesh Puja Muhurat: 11:05 AM to 01:40 PM Time to avoid Moon sighting a day before Ganesh Chaturthi: 01:54 PM to 08:29 PM, August 26. Chaturthi Tithi Begins: 01:54 PM on August 26 Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: The vibrant festival is celebrated with great devotion across various states, especially Maharashtra, with decorations, public processions, and cultural performances. Ganesh Chaturthi in 2025 will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 27. Take a look at which states may close schools on this occasion. Ganesh Chaturthi is not a nationwide public holiday in India. Unlike Independence Day or Republic Day, which are observed every year across the country, whether or not Ganesh Chaturthi is a holiday depends on decisions made by state governments. In states where the festival is celebrated extensively, schools and institutions may be closed, but such decisions are usually made by local education departments or school boards and can vary from place to place. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Schools in theses states likely to be closed Maharashtra Goa Telangana Karnataka Andhra Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Gujarat These states have announced a public holiday on account of Ganesh Chaturthi earlier, which applies to schools and colleges. However, there is no confirmation this year until official circulars are issued in this regard. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 celebrations Also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, the festival begins with the installation of beautifully crafted idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and elaborate public pandals (temporary structures). Devotees decorate the area with flowers, lights, and colorful decorations, and perform daily prayers (pujas), offer sweets like modaks (Ganeshas favorite), and sing devotional songs and aartis. Communities often organise cultural events such as music, dance, skits, and community meals, bringing people together in festive spirit. The celebrations last for varying durations - 1.5, 3, 5, 7, or 10 days. On the final day, the idol is taken in a grand procession accompanied by singing, dancing, and chanting of "Ganpati Bappa Morya" before being immersed in a body of water, a ritual known as visarjan. This immersion symbolises Ganeshas return to his heavenly abode, taking away the devotees obstacles and leaving behind blessings of wisdom and prosperity. Also Read | Is the Indian stock market open or closed on Ganesh Chaturthi? Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to embark on a 4-day visit to Japan and China from August 29 onwards, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (West), Tanmaya Lal said on Tuesday. PM Modi will visit Japan from 29-30 August to participate in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. This will be Prime Minister Modis eighth visit to Japan, and the first Summit with Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba. During PM Modis visit, the two PMs will review the special strategic and global partnership between India and Japan, including defense, security, trade and economy, technology and innovation. After this, PM Modi will travel to China from 31 August to 1 September to attend the Shanghai Cooperation organization Summit in Tianjin. Making the announcement to the media in a briefing, Lal said, as quoted by ANI, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Tianjin, China, for the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCO), on 31st August and 1st September at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping..." He added, The SCO was established with the primary goal of countering three evils of terrorism, separatism and extremism, which continue to remain a challenge.... According to the details, the SCO comprises 10 members. In addition to India, they include Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. "The program elements for the upcoming 25th SCO Summit in Tianjin include a welcome banquet dinner on the evening of 31st August, and the main summit will be held on the next day, Monday, 1 September. Prime Minister is expected to hold some bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO Summit," Lal concluded. Importance of PM Modi's China visit: PM Modi's visit is seen with vital importance, considering US President Donald Trump imposed 50 percent tariff on Indian goods. Similar is the case with China on which US President imposed higher tariffs and even threatened to of 200% tariff on magnets if China does not export rare-earth magnets to the US. They have to give us magnets, if they dont give us magnets, then we have to charge them 200% tariffs or something, CNBC quoted Trump as telling the reporters after a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the White House on Monday. CNBC reported that China dominates rare-earth magnet production, controls about 90% of global supply, and maintains a similar grip over the refining of the minerals used to make them. This has given Beijing significant leverage in its trade talks with Washington. The US relies heavily on the rare-earth magnets for its large manufacturing sector, particularly automotive, electronics and renewable energy. Greater Noida Dowry Death Case: The suspected dowry-related murder of Nikki Bhati continues to unfold, with new information which has recently emerged. Nikki Bhati was allegedly set ablaze by her husband, Vipin Bhati, in Sirsa village, Greater Noida, on August 21. A hospital memo from the day of incident has emerged, where family members of the accused have claimed that Nikki suffered injuries due to a cylinder blast, news agency PTI said. Reportedly, the memo from Fortis Hospital, where Nikki was taken first, states in Hindi: "Ghar par gas cylinder fatne se mareej ko kaafi gambheer roop se jal gaya hai" (The patient has suffered severe burn injuries due to a gas cylinder explosion at home)." It also notes that Devendra, a relative (bua's son), brought her to the hospital, in critical condition. A hospital memo typically records the reason for admission and should not be confused with a post-mortem report or a doctor's investigation. It may be noteworthy that Nikki was later referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, where she succumbed to her injuries while being shifted from Fortis Hospital, Noida. Additional evidence includes CCTV footage of the accused and statements from relatives. Nikki Bhati dowry death case: What does the CCTV footage show? Reportedly, a CCTV clip recorded outside a shop close to the Bhati family's house, believed to be from the time of the incident, shows a man, identified by locals as Vipin, standing behind a parked car. He abruptly runs off and then returns in haste. Soon after, an elderly man and several neighbours are seen heading toward the house, as the women appear visibly distressed. According to the police, the footage is part of the ongoing probe but emphasised that its verification has not yet been proved. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Greater Noida) Sudheer Kumar informed PTI, It is a part of our investigation. Whatever facts come out, action will be taken accordingly. The investigation will cover all possible angles, and suitable action will follow upon its completion. Police reports stated Nikki was assaulted, doused in a flammable substance, and set on fire at her residence in Sirsa. She died from her injuries while being transported to a hospital in Delhi. Distressing footage of her final moments, allegedly recorded by her elder sister Kanchan, has been widely shared online. Authorities have arrested Vipin, along with his parents, Satveer and Daya, and his brother Rohit. Vipin was reportedly shot in the leg by police on Sunday during an attempted escape from custody. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has called for a swift investigation, strict punishment for those responsible, and protection for Nikkis family and witnesses. Nikkis family alleges she was subjected to dowry-related abuse since her marriage in 2016, despite having already given a Scorpio SUV, a motorcycle, and jewellery. They further claim she was later coerced into providing an additional 36 lakh and a luxury vehicle. Police mentioned that all things, including the hospital memo, FIR statements, and CCTV footage, are being properly assessed. Also Read | Jodhpur woman dies by suicide with 3-year-old daughter after dowry harassment Nikki Bhati's sister speaks out My mother-in-law Daya gave Vipin a flammable item, then Vipin poured it on my sister Nikki. When I objected, they beat me, and at that moment, my husband Rohit, mother-in-law Daya, and father-in-law Satveer were present, Kanchan said. The incident was at about 5:30 pm on August 21. The condition of my sister was serious, so with the help of a neighbour, I took her to Fortis Hospital, Acchher, Greater Noida. From there, she was referred to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, she added. Certain Indian products can avoid the upcoming 50 per cent US tariff if they meet certain conditions, even as the deadline for the new levies draws near. The new tariffs on Indian products come into force from August 27. Ahead of the 50 per cent tariff implementation on Indian products, the Trump administration, in a notice, has outlined its plan to impose the new tariffs, signaling the intent to move forward with the reciprocal levies with no end in sight to Russia-Ukraine conflict. Day before the 50 per cent tariffs come into force, the US Department of Homeland Security mentioned in the notice that the increased levies would hit Indian products that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025. But, Indian products will not face the 50 per cent tariffs if they clear these three conditions. The three conditions are: (1) Indian products will be exempt from the additional tariff if they were already loaded on a ship and in transit to the US before 12:01 am (EDT) on August 27, 2025, (2) provided they have entered for consumption by the consumers or taken out of a warehouse for consumption before 12:01 am (EDT) on September 17, 2025, and (3) the importer certifies this to US Customs by declaring the products qualify the exception and declare HTSUS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States) 9903.01.85 special code to signify that they entered the US before August 27 but came into the market for consumption after the date. This is what US admin said The Department of Homeland Security notice said, Products of India shall not be subject to such additional duty if they (1) were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025; (2) are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on September 17, 2025; and (3) the importer certifies to CBP that the products qualify for this in-transit exception by declaring new HTSUS heading 9903.01.85 as described in the Annex to this notice. All Indian imports entering the United States after 12:01 am on August 27 will face 50 per cent tariffs. Trump tariffs on India On August 7, Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent from earlier 25 per cent for New Delhi's business ties with Russia hoping it would bring President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table on his war on Ukraine. Donald Trump also gave a 21-day window to negotiate an agreement. The US president has accused India of fueling Russia's war on Ukraine by purchasing its crude oil at a discounted price. India has defended its purchases from Russia, signaling New Delhi would continue its business. Japan's Suzuki Motor chairman Toshihiro Suzuki on Tuesday said the company will invest 700 billion rupees ($8 billion) in India over the next five to six years, Reuters reported. The move is aimed at increasing production, launching new models and defending its market share in the world's third-largest car market, Toshihiro Suzuki has said, adding that India is the biggest market by sales and revenue for Suzuki Motor. "Maruti's plant in the western Indian state of Gujarat will become one of the largest automobile manufacturing hubs in the world, with a planned capacity of 1 million units," Toshihiro Suzuki said. New chapter, says PM Modi On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating Maruti Suzuki's lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad, said a "new chapter" has been added to India's journey of 'Make in India', reported ANI. The PM also flagged off Maruti Suzukis first global electric vehicle, the e-Vitara. Referring to the lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility for strong hybrid electric vehicles as a big leap" towards India's goal of 'Make in India and 'Make for the World', PM Modi stressed that India will now export electric vehicles to 100 countries and that hybrid battery electrolyte manufacturing has begun in the country. PM Modi said, as quoted by ANI, In this fervour of Ganesh Utsav, today a new chapter is being added to India's 'Make in India' journey. This is a big leap towards our goal of 'Make in India, Make for the World'. From today, electric vehicles made in India will be exported to 100 countries. Along with this, hybrid battery electrolyte manufacturing is also starting today. "This day is also giving a new dimension to the friendship between India and Japan," PM Modi added. Friendship between India and Japan PM Modi also inaugurated the localised production of hybrid battery electrodes at Hansalpur in Ahmedabad. "This day is also giving a new dimension to the friendship between India and Japan. In a way, 13 years mark the beginning of teenage and teenage is the period of spreading wings. It is the period of letting dreams take flight, and a lot of dreams emerge in teenage... I am happy that today Maruti is entering its teenage years. Gujarat's Maruti is entering its teens, meaning that in the coming days, Maruti will spread new wings and it will move ahead with new zeal and enthusiasm," the PM said. Recalling the days as Gujarat CM when Suzuki was allotted land for its plant in Hansalpur in 2012, PM Modi said, "The seeds of India's success story were sown about 13 years ago. In 2012, when I was the Chief Minister here, we had allotted land to Maruti Suzuki in Hansalpur." Advantage of demography PM Modi, in his address, mentioned that India has the power of democracy and the advantage of demography. "India has the power of democracy. India has the advantage of demography. We also have a very large pool of skilled workforce. Therefore, this creates a win-win situation for every partner of ours," he said. PM Modi referred to the India-Japan relationship as a symbol of strength and said it reflected global confidence in India. Meghan Markle has released a new product under her lifestyle brand, As Ever a traditional British orange marmalade, or simply, jam. The launch, which took place on Tuesday, August 26, came alongside the premiere of the second season of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan. The new marmalade joins a restocked collection of teas, baking mixes, and her signature flower sprinkles. Meghan Markle's As Ever orange marmalade. Described as golden and fragrant, with a lively zest that lingers, the marmalade pays tribute to the classic flavours of a British teatime. It can be used in a variety of ways spread on toast, swirled into yoghurt, served with cheese, or even used as a glaze on roast chicken or cakes. The marmalade is priced at $9 for a standard jar or $24 for a keepsake version. Fruit preserves have been central to Meghans lifestyle brand from the beginning. She first introduced her jam-making interest with a strawberry jam sent to celebrity friends such as Mindy Kaling, Chrissy Teigen, and Abigail Spencer. Fresh details have emerged in the Greater Noida dowry death case, with neighbours claiming that Vipin Bhati often objected to the Instagram makeover reels posted by his wife, Nikki Bhati. According to them, the videos became a frequent source of tension between the couple, adding to the disputes that have now come under scrutiny as Nikkis family demands strict punishment for Vipin for allegedly killing Nikki over dowry. The residents of Sirsa village alleged that both sisters, married into the same family, were active on Instagram, posting makeover reels that their husbands Vipin and Rohit Bhati objected to. They both used to make reels related to the makeover and share it on social media. But both Rohit and Vipin did not like it and used to object, a neighbour was quoted as saying by PTI. They said makeover reels by both the sisters was one of the reasons for the fight between the couples. In March, both the sisters had gone back to their parents' and came back after the village panchayat decided that they would not make reels. "In the panchayat, it was decided that both the sisters would not make reels in future. It remained for some days, but again they began making reels and that was responsible for the tension in between them," another neighbour added. Nikki Bhati's family has, meanwhile, claimed that she was killed solely over dowry. The father of Nikki Bhati has made new revelations in the case. Her father, Bhikhari Singh Payla, said that Nikki Bhati used to run a beaty parlour and her in-laws harassed her for money. He said her in-laws did not even let her display a board for her parlour. He has demanded strict action against the accused in the Greater Noida dowry case. Also Read | Greater Noida dowry death: Four days after murder, old videos of victim Nikki driving Mercedes surfaces online Father demands bulldozer action Demanding strict action against the accused, Bhikhari Singh Payla urged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to order bulldozer action on Vipin Bhati's house, where his daughter was set on fire. He said, We are satisfied with the administration. They have worked well for us. We should similarly get justice in the Court. Mahesh Sharma (BJP MP) had come to visit us today. He assured us that we would get justice. I request CM Yogi Adityanath for a bulldozer action on their [accused family] house. I lost my daughter. She won't come back, but such monsters should be destroyed. The house where my daughter was set on fire should be destroyed...She used to run a parlour, but they used to bother her and demand money for the same...They did not even let her put up a signboard for the parlour...I had given 1.5 lakh for the parlour, he added. All four accused arrested The Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested all four accused days into the death of Nikki Bhati in Greater Noida dowry case and also informed that the investigation into the death of Nikki Bhati will progress as Vipin Bhati and his family are interrogated. Vipin Bhati, his brother and parents are accused of assaulting and setting Nikki Bhati on fire. Vipin Bhati was shot in the leg by the police on Sunday and was later admitted to the hospital. He was sent to a 14-day judicial custody. Police said that the husband of the deceased was accused of setting his wife on fire, who later succumbed to her injuries. He was also accused of frequently assaulting Nikki. However, Vipin Bhati denied the allegations. He has claimed that Nikki killed herself. A senior Indian Army officer accused of physically assaulting SpiceJet employees at Srinagar airport has been placed on the airlines no-fly list for five years, Hindustan Times reported on Tuesday, 26 August. SpiceJet has also termed the Indian Army officer as unruly, the news report said. What led to the confrontation at Srinagar airport? The altercation took place on 26 July when Lieutenant Colonel RK Singh, currently posted at the Armys High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg, was scheduled to board a SpiceJet flight to Delhi. SpiceJet said the passenger, a senior army officer, was carrying two pieces of cabin baggage weighing a total of 16 kg, more than double the permitted limit of 7 kg. "When politely informed of the excess baggage and asked to pay the applicable charges, the passenger refused and forcefully entered the aerobridge without completing the boarding process - a clear violation of aviation security protocols. He was escorted back to the gate by a CISF official," the statement said. At the gate, the airline said the passenger grew increasingly aggressive. When SpiceJet staff at the boarding gate asked him to pay the mandatory excess baggage fee, the Indian Army officer allegedly refused, attempted to bypass the process, and was escorted back by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. It was at this point, witnesses said, that the situation escalated into violence. What injuries of SpiceJet Staff were reported? SpiceJet had earlier stated that four staff members were attacked at the Srinagar airport, with one sustaining a spinal fracture and another suffering severe jaw injuries. According to SpiceJet, one employee fell unconscious on the floor, but the passenger continued kicking and hitting the victim. "Another staff member suffered bleeding from the nose and mouth after receiving a forceful kick to the jaw while bending down to assist the colleague who had fainted," it added. The incident was caught on camera, and the video has since gone viral on social media, fuelling outrage. What action has been taken against the officer? Authorities at the Srinagar International Airport confirmed that a case has been registered under Section 115 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with voluntarily causing hurt. The officer has also lodged a counter-complaint alleging assault by the airline staff, leading to a cross-FIR. An FIR has been registered with the local police, and the airline has initiated the process to place the passenger on the no-fly list in accordance with civil aviation regulations, a statement by SpiceJet said. SpiceJet said it has also written to the civil aviation ministry, apprising them about the "murderous assault" on its staff and has requested appropriate action against the passenger. The airline also said that it has secured the CCTV footage of the incident from the airport authorities and handed it over to the police. Meanwhile, SpiceJet convened a committee under the Directorate General of Civil Aviations Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) framework, which classified the passenger as unruly. This decision has resulted in a five-year ban from flying with the carrier on both domestic and international routes, reported Hindustan Times. How has the Indian Army responded? Army officials said the issue has come to the notice of the Indian Army, and "we are awaiting the conclusion of the pending investigation". Not many people boast about their workplace or bosses, but one Redditors refreshing take has left the Internet feeling a little envious. In a viral post on Reddit, a social media user asked fellow Redditors if their boss has ever asked them to log off because its 7 PM. If the question alone wasn't enough to set the Internet abuzz, the user elaborated that their boss patiently waits for them to log in at whatever time they feel like and then asks me to log off at 7 pm because its getting late. However, in full disclosure, the Redditor shared that their boss is Indian, but the company is not. Foreign culture and a different time zone, the viral post said. The user said that after having worked at start-ups their whole life, this feels so f**king good. Bragging about the job further, the user said, I can roll out of my bed at 11 am, log in at 12, chill a bit till 5, and log off. And if, for whatever reason, theres a need to stick around past 5 pm, I get asked to log off at 7 pm because It is getting late. Permanent work from home, the Redditor added. Also Read | Man rants about moving back to India from US; netizens counter Here's how netizens reacted: Netizens were green with envy and were quick to ask if there's any openings at the Redditor's company. Any openings for this, I'm desperately searching for a wfh job, a user asked. Dissing about the their job, a user said, We need work culture like this in every company. I have to say something every day in scrum call. I cant say i was free. Thats the worst part. However, a few users thought people love referring being lazy for work life balance. American political analyst Carol Christine Fair sparked controversy after using a Hindi cuss word for US President Donald Trump. It happened during an interview with Pakistan-origin British journalist Moeed Pirzada. In the video, Pirzada asks the political analyst if the US has moved beyond seeing India as a counterbalance to China. Fair replies that she does not believe so. Unfortunately, many of the Trump officials are not terribly expert in their field. So, it's very tempting to just take down as the singular force that matters, she says. American bureaucracies had been working on this policy for 25 years. So, she believes it is unwise to singularly blame the Trump administration for this. As an optimist, Fair says that she believes the US bureaucracy will hold it together. But, the pessimist in me says this is six months and we have got four years of this c**tiya, she says next. I know I cant live in this country after four years, she adds. By this time, Pirzada had already started chuckling. They both burst into laughter soon after. This is the word I keep on saying in Urdu. Many of my viewers object to it. Youve ended up using it in an English discussion, Pirzada says. He IS a ch**tiya, Fair emphatically declares once again. Social media reactions The clip quickly went viral, drawing strong reactions online. Someone finally addressing Trump by his official title! quipped one user. That's how me and my friends discuss geopolitics after a few glasses of whisky, commented another. One user wrote, This was too hillarious. The word C**tiya has now gone global. Soon, it will be added into the English dictionary, came another funny comment. Hopefully it will make its ways to Oxford lexicon. Its a very parsimonious word, agreed another. Indians be like a day will come when Goras apart from singing Hare Rama Hare Krishna ,eating tandoori will also use all indian desi galis, wrote another. That makes a news?? Seriously?? Everyone who knows trump knows this lol, came another sarcastic remark. Calling President of US a ch**iya in public, What a " BOLD , BEAUTIFUL & BINDAAS BOL in Shudh Hindi by Christine Fair, posted another. One user wrote, This is the real globalisation of indian culture. Best word in Hindi dictionary to describe someone you cannot otherwise, came from another. The interest in Donald Trump between August 24 and 25 was sky-high on Google India: The interest in Donald Trump between August 24 and 25 was sky-high on Google India Also Read | Social media slams Donald Trump as his comment makes female host uneasy Fair on India At the World Affairs Council in San Francisco in March 2015, Fair praised National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, calling herself a fan. Pakistanis know who he is and are afraid of him, she said. A new study by The Barber Law Firm has revealed the countries where selfies are most dangerous. Researchers tracked selfie-linked accidents worldwide from March 2014 to May 2025, using news reports on Google. India topped the list with 271 cases, accounting for 42.1% of all incidents. In India, 214 deaths and 57 injuries occurred. Experts say crowded places, risky spots like cliffs or train tracks and Indias strong social media culture all play a role. Also Read | Har Ghar Tiranga: How a selfie can earn you a national certificate The rise of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok has increased the pressure to post adventurous selfies. Experts warn that this push for viral content often leads people to forget safety. Many take risky shots or copy dangerous social media challenges. At times, it leads to fatal outcomes. The United States ranked second with 45 cases, including 37 deaths. Russia followed with 19 cases, Pakistan with 16 deaths and Australia with 13 deaths. Globally, falling remains the leading cause of selfie deaths, making up 46% of all fatalities. Many victims died after slipping from rooftops, cliffs or other high structures. Other countries in the top-10 list include Indonesia (14), Kenya (13), the United Kingdom (13), Spain (13) and Brazil (13). Our research highlights a troubling trend where the pursuit of social media validation is literally costing lives. The perfect photo simply isnt worth the danger, the New York Post quoted The Barber Law Firm founder Kris Barber, as saying in a statement. Whats particularly concerning is that most of these tragedies could have been avoided by taking a few steps back or finding a safer vantage point, Barber added. Death while taking selfies In October 2024, a 23-year-old labourer was killed by a wild elephant in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, while trying to take a selfie. Srikant Satre and two friends went to see elephants while working in the Abapur forest. When Satre posed for a selfie, the tusker charged and trampled him to death. His friends managed to escape unharmed. In July 2024, A 27-year-old Instagram influencer, Aanvi Kamdar, died after falling into a 300-foot gorge near Kumbhe waterfall in Raigad while filming for a Reel. The Mumbai-based chartered accountant was with friends. She was rushed to the hospital but did not survive. In February 2024, Prahlad Gujjar died after jumping into a lion enclosure at Tirupatis Sri Venkateswara Zoo. The 38-year-old man from Rajasthan was reportedly trying to take a selfie with the animal. The Trump administration, in a draft notice published Monday, August 25, detailed its plan to impose a 50 per cent tariff on Indian products as the August 27 deadline approaches, signaling its intent to move forward with the levies as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues. A notice posted by the Department of Homeland Security mentioned that the increased levies would hit Indian products that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025. Products of India, except those set forth in section 3 of Executive Order 14329, that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025, will be subject to the additional ad valorem rate of duty. But, Indian products will not face the new 50 per cent tariff if three conditions are met. These are: (1) Indian products will be exempt from the additional tariff if they were already loaded on a ship and in transit to the US before 12:01 am (EDT) on August 27, 2025, (2) provided they are cleared for use in the country or taken out of a warehouse for consumption before 12:01 am (EDT) on September 17, 2025, and (3) the importer certifies this to U.S. Customs by declaring the special code HTSUS 9903.01.85. It said, Products of India shall not be subject to such additional duty if they (1) were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025; (2) are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on September 17, 2025; and (3) the importer certifies to CBP that the products qualify for this in-transit exception by declaring new HTSUS heading 9903.01.85 as described in the Annex to this notice. Also Read | India-China-Russia: How Trump's tariffs could give birth to a $54 trillion global powerhouse The 50 per cent tariff on India Donald Trump had imposed 25 per cent tariff on India, citing New Delhi's high trade barriers, and an additional 25 per cent for continued ties with Russia hoping that this would pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table to end the war against Ukraine. While it did bring Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table as he met Donald Trump in Alaska, it failed to guarantee ceasefire in Ukraine. There are ongoing efforts to bring Putin and Zelensky for an in-person meeting in the presence of Donald Trump. US President Donald Trump on Monday warned that countries imposing digital taxes on American tech companies could face additional tariffs on their exports to the United States if they do not withdraw such laws. "With this TRUTH, I put all Countries with Digital Taxes, Legislation, Rules, or Regulations, on notice that unless these discriminatory actions are removed, I, as President of the United States, will impose substantial additional Tariffs on that Country's Exports to the U.S.A., and institute Export restrictions on our Highly Protected Technology and Chips," Trump said in a social media post. In the post, Trump claimed that such legislation was "designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology" and that it gave a pass to firms from U.S. tech rival China. Also Read: India hires US lobbying firm with Trump ties as tariffs loom Earlier, sources told Reuters that the Trump administration was weighing potential sanctions against European Union officials or member state representatives involved in enforcing the blocs landmark Digital Services Act. Several countries, especially in Europe, have imposed taxes on the revenue of major digital service companies like Alphabets Google, Metas Facebook, Apple, and Amazon. These digital taxes have been a persistent point of tension in U.S. trade relations across multiple administrations. Trump has also previously threatened to impose tariffs on countries like Canada and France over differences related to the digital services taxes. Trump in February ordered his trade chief to revive investigations aimed at imposing tariffs on imports from countries that levy digital service taxes on U.S. technology companies. Meanwhile, Li Chenggang, the top aide to Beijing's lead negotiator, He Lifeng, will meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and senior officials at the Department of the Treasury later this week, the Wall Street Journal reported citing sources. Li is expected to discuss soybean purchases and push for the U.S. to relax restrictions on technology exports to China, WSJ reported. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on Monday, August 25, warned United States President Donald Trump against sending troops to Chicago after the latter indicated that the city was a mess and could receive similar treatment to what he has done in Washington, DC. Addressing a press conference, JB Pritzker pushed back against Donald Trump's plans to send military troops to Chicago allegedly to fight crime and warned the US President, saying, Do not come to Chicago. Pritzker said that while no one contacted the state about a possible deployment of military troops in Chicago, they were being targeted for who they represent and to circumvent our democracy, militarize our cities, and end elections. Later, in a post on his social media handle, Pritzker listed out Things People are Begging For that included cheaper groceries, no cuts to Medicaid or food aid for low-income families, and the release of federally held files on Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex trafficker and a friend of Donald Trump. What they are not begging for, Pritzker continued, is an authoritarian power grab of major cities. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said his office has not received formal communication from the Trump administration about military or federal law enforcement deployments in Chicago but said we have grave concerns about the impact of any unlawful deployment of National Guard troops. Brandon Johnson also said that Donald Trump's approach was "uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound, arguing it has the potential to inflame tensions between residents and law enforcement. Lisa Hernandez, chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois, called Trump's comments offensive and false and said, Chicagoans are not begging for him. What did Trump say about Chicago? The push back from Illinois leaders and local Chicago leaders have come after Donald Trump called the city a mess and that people were screaming for the US administration to deploy troops into the city. I think Chicago will be our next, Trump told reporters at the White House, later adding, And then well help with New York. We're going to make our cities very, very safe. Chicago is a mess. You have an incompetent mayor, grossly incompetent, and we'll straighten that one out, probably next that'll be our next one after this, and it won't even be tough, he said. There is no set time for the deployment of troops in Chicago but reports say, it could be as early as September. When Trump was asked when could the troops be deployed, Donald Trump said, They need help. We may wait. We may or may not, we may just go in and do it, which is probably what we should do. United States President Donald Trump on Monday has again reiterated that due to his intervention a potential nuclear war between India and Pakistan was stopped, reported ANI. Trump added that during the India-Pakistan tensions, seven fighter jets were shot down, a figure he had earlier put at five, and that he used trade pressure to halt the hostilities. "I have stopped all of these wars. A big one would have been India and Pakistan..." ANI quoted Trump said during a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Korea. He added, "The war with India and Pakistan was the next level that was going to be a nuclear war... They already shot down 7 jets - that was raging. I said, 'You want to trade? We are not doing any trade or anything with you if you keep fighting, you've got 24 hours to settle it'. They said, 'Well, there's no more war going on.' I used that on numerous occasions. I used trade and whatever I had to use..." Earlier too, Trump had brought up the India-Pakistan conflict. In July, the US President had claimed that five fighter jets were shot down before the India-Pakistan ceasefire. However, he didn't specify which side's aircraft were downed or what the jets were. Trump's news reference to "7 jets" comes weeks after Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh confirmed that India had taken down at least five Pakistani fighter aircraft during Operation Sindoor. What IAF chief said? On 10 August, IAF chief had said, while delivering the keynote address at the 16th edition of the Air Chief Marshal Memorial Lecture, "We have at least five fighters confirmed kills and one large aircraft, which could be either an ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) aircraft or an AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft, which was taken on at a distance of about 300 kilometres. This is actually the largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill that we can talk about." He detailed the operation further, adding, "We were able to get at least two command and control centres, like Murid and Chaklala. At least six radars, some of them big, some of them small. Two SAGW systems that is in Lahore and Okara. We attacked three hangars. One was the Sukkur UAV hangar, the Bholari hangar and the Jacobabad F-16 hangar. We have an indication of at least one AEW&C in that AEW&C hangar and a few F-16s, which were under maintenance there." This was the first time a top-ranking officer had specified the number of Pakistani aircraft destroyed in the conflict. The IAF Chief credited the success of Operation Sindoor to "political will". "A key reason for success was the presence of political will. There was very clear political will and very clear directions given to us. No restrictions were put on us... If there were any constraints, they were self-made. The forces decided what the rules of engagement would be. We decided how we wanted to control the escalation. We had full freedom to plan and execute," he said. He added, "There was a synchronisation between the three forces... The post of CDS made a real difference. He was there to get us together. NSA also played a big role in getting all the agencies." On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. In the operation, the Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists. US President Donald Trump asserted during Tuesdays Cabinet meeting that his authority as commander-in-chief has no limits when it comes to deploying the National Guard. Not that I dont haveI wouldthe right to do anything I want to do. Im the president of the United States. If I think our country is in danger, and it is in danger in these cities, I can do it. No problem going in and solving, you know, his difficulties, Trump said. Chicago in focus Trump called Chicago a hell hole and claimed residents are asking him to intervene to reduce crime. They need help. We may wait. We may or may not, we may just go in and do it, which is probably what we should do, he told reporters. This echoes his prior comments earlier this month, when he called Chicago a mess and suggested the city may be next for a federal crackdown. Trump has long criticised Chicago on the campaign trail, comparing it to war zones and pledging federal action in response to gun violence. Federal military readiness Trump said the US military is ready to deploy anywhere on short notice. We can go anywhere on less than 24 hours notice, he said while signing executive orders targeting criminal suspects released on cashless bail. He also directed the Department of Defense to ensure that each state has National Guard troops ready for rapid mobilization to help with civil disturbances and public safety, creating a standing quick reaction force. State pushback Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stressed that his state has made no request for federal intervention. This is about Donald Trump searching for any justification to deploy the military in a blue city, in a blue state, to try to intimidate his political rivals, Pritzker said. The Illinois attorney general also said legal action would be taken to block any federal deployment in Chicago. US President Donald Trump has announced that United States will permit the entry of 6,00,000 students from China, underscoring what he described as a different and improved relationship with Chinese premiere Xi Jinping under his administration. Notably, the remarks also come amid fraught trade negotiations and tariff battles between the worlds two largest economies. What did Trump say about Chinese students? US President Donald Trump dismissed speculation that his administration might block Chinese nationals from studying in the United States. I hear so many stories about were not going to allow their students. Were going to allow their students to come in. Were going to allow it. Its very important. 6,00,000 students. Its very important, he said. Currently, about 2,70,000 Chinese students are enrolled in American universities, according to Fox News. Also Read | US, China Agree to Continue Talks on Tariff Truce Extension Further, Xi Mingze, the only daughter of Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan, may have returned to the United States to resume studies at Harvard University, as was reported in June this year . News outlets picked up the story after a far-right political commentator Laura Loomer, also an ally of US President Donald Trump, claimed in a post on X that Xi Mingze "lives in Massachusetts" under the security cover of CCP guards. How does this fit into USChina relations? Donald Trump sought to project a warmer tone towards Beijing, stressing that ties had shifted under his leadership, as opposed to what it were under Biden administration. President Xi would like me to come to China, its a very important relationship, he claimed, noting, Were going to get along good with China. But its a different relationship that we have now with China. Its a much better relationship economically than it was before with Biden. The US President also reiterated that while Washington DC was taking a lot of money in from China through tariffs, he remained confident of maintaining cordial relations. Also Read | Nvidia CEO Huang Emerges as Reluctant Emissary in US-China Clash What about the tariff battle with Beijing? The student announcement comes against the backdrop of an escalating tariff war. Earlier this year, Trump imposed a 145% levy on all Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate with a 125% tariff on US exports. Negotiators in Geneva agreed in May to pause further duties, while Trump had continued to float additional penalties a 200% tariff on Chinese-made magnets, citing Chinas dominance in the global market. The latest tariff agreement between the US and China as of August 2025 involves a tariff truce extended for another 90 days until November 10, 2025. Under this deal, US tariffs on Chinese goods are capped at 30 percent, while Chinas tariffs on US goods are capped at 10 percent, halting previously planned tariff escalations that could have pushed US duties on Chinese imports to 145 percent and Chinese retaliatory tariffs to 125 percent. Why has Trump shifted his tone on students? The remarks by Donald Trump on Chinese students mark a notable change from earlier this year, when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese nationals tied to the Communist Party or sensitive research fields. Since then, Trump has taken a softer line, telling reporters in June that he has always been in favour of welcoming Chinese students. Also Read | Gold rises as US-China trade deal uncertainty fuels demand What does this mean for the future of USChina ties? By framing Chinese student inflows as part of a different relationship with Beijing, Trump is attempting to separate economic rivalry from people-to-people links. Analysts suggest the move could also be aimed at appeasing American universities, which rely heavily on Chinese enrolments. Australia on Tuesday expelled the Iranian ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi after its domestic intelligence agency, the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), found credible intelligence linking Iran to at least two antisemitic attacks on Australian soil. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said the agency assessed that the Iranian government directed at least two and likely more attacks on Jewish targets. Speaking to reporters in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said ASIO had linked Iran to attacks on Lewis Continental Kitchen, a kosher food company, in Sydney in October last year, and the Addas Israel synagogue in Melbourne in December last year. Australia has given the Iranian ambassador and three other officials seven days to leave the country. This is the first time since World War II that Australia has expelled an ambassador, Foreign Minister Penny Wong told a news conference. ASIO has gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion. The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks. Iran has sought to disguise its involvement, but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks, Albanese told reporters, referring to the main domestic spy agency. Australia has also withdrawn its diplomats posted in Iran to a third country, Albanese said. There has been a steep rise in antisemitic events in the two cities since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023. Australia will also legislate to list Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, Albanese said. These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil, Albanese said. They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community. It is totally unacceptable, he added. Australia-Iran relations Australia has issued its highest-level travel warning for Iran, advising its citizens Do not travel due to the escalating risk of arbitrary detention. The advisory follows the closure of the Australian embassy in Tehran amid rising diplomatic tensions. An official alert to Australians currently in Iran urged them to strongly consider leaving as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so. The warning emphasised that foreigners, including Australians and dual Australian-Iranian nationals, face a high risk of arbitrary arrest or detention. Iran has a documented history of detaining foreign nationals or those with overseas ties, often using them as leverage in diplomatic negotiations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Australia will introduce legislation to formally designate Irans Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation, amid growing evidence of its involvement in antisemitic attacks on Australian soil. The Revolutionary Guard, particularly its Quds Force, has long been accused by Western nations of orchestrating overseas attacks through local operatives, targeting dissidents and Israelis abroad, allegations it routinely denies. A spokesperson for the Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomed the terrorist designation for the Revolutionary Guard, adding in a statement that the group was outraged that a foreign actor was behind the crimes. Foremost, these were attacks that deliberately targeted Jewish Australians, destroyed a sacred house of worship, caused millions of dollars of damage, and terrified our community, the statement said, as reported by AP. Following a 12-day air war between Israel and Iran in June, sparked by Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, tensions have spilt over into Australia, with Iran now accused of orchestrating antisemitic attacks on Australian soil. Daniel Aghion, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), condemned the incidents, calling them an assault on Australias sovereignty. These were deliberate attacks targeting Jewish Australians. They destroyed a sacred house of worship, caused millions in damages, and left our community terrified, he said on Tuesday. Roughly 90,000 Iranian-born individuals reside in Australia. Authorities have charged two men in connection with the December arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, a Melbourne suburb. The synagogue, built in the 1960s by Holocaust survivors, was heavily damaged. Last week, police in Victoria confirmed they were examining electronic devices seized from one of the suspects homes. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess stated that while antisemitic incidents in Australia surged following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, 2023, it was Iran that marked a turning point last October by shifting the violence from rhetoric to direct attacks on individuals, businesses, and places of worship. Iran started the first of those, Burgess emphasised, highlighting Tehrans role in escalating the nature of antisemitic threats in the country. Liu Hao is a 27-year-old food delivery driver from Liaoning Province in China. He has gone viral after sharing his love story with his American wife, Hannah Harris. Hannah is from Alabama, USA. She moved to Shenyang in August 2024. She works as a kindergarten teacher. Liu met Hannah for the first time in November 2024 when she ordered food online. He delivered it upstairs. Inside the elevator, Liu nervously greeted her with the words, Hello, I love you. To his surprise, Hannah also said I love you in reply. "It was my first time meeting a foreigner, and I didn't know how to greet her, so I just said those two words, and she said 'I love you' back," HK01 quoted him as saying. Despite not sharing the same language, they felt an instant connection. Later, they began chatting through the delivery apps backend before adding each other on WeChat. Their bond grew stronger, and they started dating. Liu says that, while he never expected such an experience, he believes love goes beyond language. Also Read | US woman and Indian mans Instagram love story defies cultural norms During the cold winter, Hannah supported Liu Hao by accompanying him on his food delivery rounds. In January, Liu proposed with a diamond ring. In June, they celebrated Lius birthday, enjoying a romantic moment on Nanshan Mountain. Liu Hao says that day made him feel truly happy and grateful for their journey together. The couple got married in March. View full Image Liu Hao and Hannah Harris ( Chinese social media ) Liu says Hannah has never asked for a car, house or betrothal gifts. They communicate using translation apps, learning each others language daily. Liu Hao hopes to take Hannah to the US soon though they plan to develop their future in China. Social media reactions: World peace Chinese social media users responded in a mixed manner. She look like the low res Emma stone, wrote one user. Another user wrote about Liu greeting Hannah with I love you If Liu did it in another country, it would be called harassment, the user wrote. If he says that to his fellow comrades, for sure hell get slapped and theyll tell him: You shameless fellow! No house, no car, no money? Then get lost!, posted another user. One user quipped, Trying hello I love you now. It's rare, but this type of old-fashioned love stories do happen, came from another. Wow, this guy is lucky! commented another. US President Donald Trump has said the United States and China are going to have a great relationship. Speaking ahead of a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the Oval Office on Monday, Trump acknowledged that both countries have some cards, but claimed the US holds incredible cards. He added that he prefers not to use them because doing so would destroy China. Donald Trump said, "We are going to have a great relationship with China...They have some cards. We have incredible cards, but I don't want to play those cards. If I play those cards, that would destroy China. I am not going to play those cards." Watch the video here: The Trump administration has recently softened its previously confrontational stance toward Beijing in an effort to secure a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping and finalise a trade agreement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that a meeting between the two leaders is likely, although no date has been confirmed. Earlier, Trump extended a freeze on increased tariffs on Chinese imports for an additional 90 days, pushing it into early November, a decision that helped ease tensions and stabilise trade relations between the world's two largest economies. Trump expressed hope that China would significantly increase its purchases of American soybeans. However, China has yet to buy any shipments from the upcoming harvest, which begins in September. South Korea's Lee's visit to the US According to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's office, he and Trump talked about shipbuilding and the assassination attempts they both survived. Lee also invited Trump to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in October and suggested that Trump consider meeting with Kim Jong Un during the visit. He said North Korea now has the capacity to build 10 to 20 nuclear warheads per year, and only needs to perfect a reentry vehicle to carry those warheads on its largest ballistic missiles that can reach the US. South Korea's economy is deeply dependent on the United States, which supports its security through a military presence and nuclear deterrence. Trump has referred to Seoul as a "money machine," accusing it of benefiting from US military protection without fully bearing the costs, Reuters reported. "I think we have a deal done" on trade, Trump told reporters. They had some problems with it, but we stuck to our guns. Trump said while sitting with Lee, he would raise "intel" he had received about South Korean investigations, he said, targeted churches and a military base. The White House did not respond to a request for more information. Israeli airstrikes on a hospital in southern Gaza on Monday killed five journalists, according to health officials. Among them was Mariam Dagga, a 33-year-old visual journalist who had recently reported for The Associated Press on malnourished children being treated at the same hospital. Dagga, who freelanced for AP and other outlets during the conflict, was remembered by the organisation in a statement expressing deep shock and sorrow over her death and the loss of the other journalists. WATCH: Warning! Graphic Content According to medical officials, two airstrikes hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in rapid succession. Videos from the scene show journalists and rescue workers responding to the first blast when a second, much larger explosion struck an exterior staircase frequently used by members of the press. Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the Gaza Health Ministrys records department, reported that 20 people were killed in total. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office described the incident as a tragic mishap and stated that the military is investigating the strike. Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians, his office said in a statement Journalists in Gaza Many journalists working in Gaza face the same struggles to find food for themselves and their families as the people they cover. Dagga's 13-year-old son was evacuated from Gaza earlier in the war, and she herself was displaced multiple times. Al Jazeera confirmed that its journalist, Mohammed Salama was also among those who were killed in the Nasser strikes. Middle East Eye, a U.K.-based media outlet, said Salama had also contributed to its coverage. Reuters reported that its contractor cameraman, Hussam al-Masri and Moaz Abu Taha, a freelancer who worked occasionally for the organisation, were killed. The agency's contractor photographer, Hatem Khaled, was wounded. A combination image shows the journalists killed in Israeli strikes on Nasser hospital in the south of the Gaza Strip on August 25, 2025: (L-R) Hussam al-Masri, a contractor for Reuters, working at Nasser hospital, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, August 7, 2024; Mariam Abu Dagga, who the Associated Press said freelanced for the agency, posing for a picture in an undated handout; Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance journalist who worked with several news organizations including occasionally contributing to Reuters, posing at Nasser hospital in an undated handout; Mohammed Salama, who Qatar-based Al Jazeera said worked for the broadcaster, posing in an undated handout; and Ahmed Abu Aziz, taking a selfie in an undated social media image obtained by Reuters. Credit: REUTERS/Stringer (L); Handouts via REUTERS (2nd L-2nd R); Ahmed Abu Aziz via Facebook via REUTERS (R) THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT Ahmad Abu Aziz was also killed, according to Health Ministry official al-Waheidi. He had worked as a freelancer for Middle East Eye, the organisation said, as reported by AP. Dagga frequently based herself at Nasser, most recently reporting on the hospital's struggle to save children from starvation, including making a series of searing images. Independent Arabia, the Arabic language version of the British Independent, said Dagga also worked with the organization. She often shared short, somber Facebook posts, reflecting on her life in Gaza. In one of her last, on Sunday, she wrote: When you see the soil covering the most precious thing you have, only then will you realize how trivial life is. Rising fears for journalists in Gaza Thibaut Bruttin, Director General of Reporters Without Borders, said that press freedom advocates have never witnessed such a severe setback for journalists' safety. He pointed out that reporters have been killed not only in indiscriminate attacks but also in targeted strikes that the Israeli military has admitted to conducting. They are doing everything they can to silence independent voices that are trying to report on Gaza, Bruttin said. Also Read: Famine plays out in Gaza as children denied nourishing food supplements According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the deadliest day for journalists in the Gaza war occurred two weeks ago, when six journalists were killed, including Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif. With Mondays hospital strike, Al Jazeera reported that 10 of its journalists have now been killed in Gaza since the war began. In response, Reporters Without Borders has called for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council to address what it described as Israels failure to uphold a U.N. resolution that protects independent journalists during armed conflicts. The Foreign Press Association, which has petitioned Israels Supreme Court over Israels decision to block journalists from accessing Gaza, made an emotional plea on Monday. They are doing everything they can to silence independent voices that are trying to report on Gaza. Parts of Vietnam received heavy rain and strong winds as Typhoon Kajiki made landfall along the central coast on Monday, prompting a warning of possible flash floods and landslides across multiple provinces, causing at least three deaths According to Vietnam's national weather agency, the storm came ashore between Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces, packing top winds of as much as 149 kilometres (93 miles) per hour. The remnants of the typhoon were moving over Laos on Tuesday. Three people died, including a 90-year-old man whose house collapsed in the rain and a man who was electrocuted Friday while preparing his home for the storm, while 13 people were injured and thousands of houses were damaged in the country's central region, reported state television network VTV. Heavy rain was also forecast in Thailand, and people were told to be vigilant about possible flooding until Wednesday. Six provinces, including Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Quang Ninh, were issued a flooding alert. According to the weather agency, some areas along the northern Vietnamese coast are set to receive as much as 500 millimetres (19.7 inches) of rain. Train services hit, 60,000 people evacuated The Tho Xuan and Dong Hoi airports in the Thanh Hoa and Quang Tri areas were shut temporarily, and at least three north-south train lines were suspended. Two airports in Thanh Hoa and Quang Tri provinces remained closed Tuesday after flights were halted Monday. In Thanh Hoa, more than 60,000 people living in at-risk locations were evacuated, while tens of thousands were told to move to safety elsewhere in the predicted impact path. The government said that over 120,000 soldiers and military personnel were deployed to help with evacuations and remained on standby for search and rescue operations. Several electronics manufacturers have factories in the storm-affected areas, including Apple Inc suppliers Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Luxshare Precision Industry Co, and GoerTek Inc. Flood alert Also Read | Hong Kong Lowers Storm Alert as Typhoon Wipha Moves West Vietnamese authorities have warned that the typhoon will threaten mountainous regions further inland with possible floods and landslides. While the typhoon passed Chinas Hainan, parts of the island still faced torrential rain, the China Meteorological Administration said. The storm is expected to gradually weaken as it moves inland into the central Laos region, continuing to bring heavy rain that could also reach over 500 millimetres in some places. Scientists published a 2024 study warning that seas warmed by climate change will cause Southeast Asia's cyclones to form closer to land, strengthen faster, last longer, and raise risks for cities. BEIJING (Reuters) -President Xi Jinping will gather more than 20 world leaders at a regional security forum in China next week in a powerful show of Global South solidarity in the age of Donald Trump while also helping sanctions-hit Russia pull off another a diplomatic coup. Aside from Russian President Vladimir Putin, leaders from Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia have been invited to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, to be held in the northern port city of Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. The summit will feature Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to China in more than seven years as the two neighbours work on further defusing tensions roiled by deadly border clashes in 2020. Modi last shared the same stage with Xi and Putin at last year's BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, even as Western leaders turned their backs on the Russian leader amid the war in Ukraine. Russian embassy officials in New Delhi last week said Moscow hopes trilateral talks with China and India will take place soon. "Xi will want to use the summit as an opportunity to showcase what a post-American-led international order begins to look like and that all White House efforts since January to counter China, Iran, Russia, and now India have not had the intended effect," said Eric Olander, editor-in-chief of The China-Global South Project, a research agency. "Just look at how much BRICS has rattled (U.S. President) Donald Trump, which is precisely what these groups are designed to do." This year's summit will be the largest since the SCO was founded in 2001, a Chinese foreign ministry official said last week, calling the bloc an "important force in building a new type of international relations". The security-focused bloc, which began as a group of six Eurasian nations, has expanded to 10 permanent members and 16 dialogue and observer countries in recent years. Its remit has also enlarged from security and counter-terrorism to economic and military cooperation. 'FUZZY' IMPLEMENTATION Analysts say expansion is high on the agenda for many countries attending, but agree the bloc has not delivered substantial cooperation outcomes over the years and that China values the optics of Global South solidarity against the United States at a time of erratic policymaking and geopolitical flux. "What is the precise vision that the SCO represents and its practical implementation are rather fuzzy. It is a platform that has increasing convening power, which helps in narrative projection," said Manoj Kewalramani, chairperson of the Indo-Pacific Research Programme at the Takshashila Institution thinktank in Bangalore. "But the SCO's effectiveness in addressing substantial security issues remains very limited." Frictions remain between core members India and Pakistan. The June SCO defence ministers' meeting was unable to adopt a joint statement after India raised objections, saying it omitted reference to the deadly April 22 attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir which led to the worst fighting in decades between India and Pakistan. New Delhi also refused to join the SCO's condemnation of Israeli attacks on Iran, a member state, earlier in June. But the recent detente between India and China after five years of heightened border frictions, as well as renewed tariff pressure on New Delhi from the Trump administration, are driving expectations for a positive meeting between Xi and Modi on the sidelines of the summit. "It's likely (New Delhi) will swallow their pride and put this year's SCO problems behind them in a bid to maintain momentum in the detente with China, which is a key Modi priority right now," said Olander. Analysts expect both sides to announce further incremental border measures such as troop withdrawals, the easing of trade and visa restrictions, cooperation in new fields including climate, and broader government and people-to-people engagement. Despite the lack of substantive policy announcements expected at the summit, experts warn that the bloc's appeal to Global South countries should not be underestimated. "This summit is about optics, really powerful optics," added Olander. Last week, US President Donald Trump tweeted that his country now fully owns and controls 10% of Intel", terming its CEO Lip-Bu Tan as highly respected". The evident irony of Trump hailing Tan, a complete about-turn from his tirade against the man just a fortnight back, and the fury of some commentators who see it as a sign of creeping state capitalism, conceals a more fundamental truth: the US has fallen way behind in leading-edge fabs, a strategic asset in the new world order. Strip away the spin about "national security" and "strategic importance," and what you see is a more sobering reality: the admission that America's most iconic chipmaker has become too weak to compete on its own, too critical to let die, and too far gone to save through conventional means. It's a notice of surrender occasioned by the rapid collapse of an American icon. Also Read | Trumps Intel move blurs party lines on economic intervention It is also familiar to us. India has repeatedly relied on bailouts to rescue failing enterprises; Air India for years before it was finally sold, BSNL through periodic cash infusions, and most recently even Vodafone Idea. Each case has followed a similar pattern: large sums of public money spent to keep companies on life support, without addressing the structural problems that made them uncompetitive in the first place. Intels story is a high-tech version of the same phenomenon. Once the undisputed leader of both chip design and manufacturing, Intel controlled the entire semiconductor value chain. It didn't just make the world's fastest processors; it made them in the world's most advanced fabs, using the most advanced manufacturing processes. That Intel is history. The problem is the company of Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce is still the only US company with the know-how to make leading-edge chips. That highlights both its stunning decline but also its remaining importance. The fall has been long in the making. Stock buybacks (on which the company has spent approximately $152 billion since 1990), came at the cost of technological innovation. All this while, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) was revolutionizing chip manufacturing, becoming the world's indispensable foundry accounting for over 67% of the global pure-play foundry market, and a complete dominance of sub-7nm nodes critical for AI and high-performance computing. That constitutes a serious vulnerability to the future of the US in AI given the geopolitical situation with China. In any conflict over Taiwan, or even a natural disaster affecting the island, the global supply of advanced chips would be severely disrupted. From the American point of view, its entire digital economy would be held hostage by any such event. It is this vulnerability that underpins Americas desperation to prop up Intel. The problem is the US infusion of $8.9 billion, converting prior CHIPS Act grants into equity, offers no panacea. Such state intervention may forestall insolvency, but it cannot breathe competitiveness into a struggling firm. That would require organic innovation and entrepreneurial risk-taking, elements that are antithetical to bureaucratic oversight. Economic theory and past experience also warn against such moral hazards. Subsidies distort incentives, entrench inefficiencies and foster cronyism, as evidenced by myriad state-owned enterprises worldwide that prioritize survival over excellence. For India, watching America's semiconductor struggles should be both instructive and alarming. In its aspirations to emerge as a chip-manufacturing powerhouse through initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission, it faces serious hurdles. In May this year, TSMC turned down India's invitation to establish a fabrication plant. Its best bet is the agreement between Tata Electronics, and another Taiwanese company, Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC). But PSMC is no TSMC; merely a small niche player. In any case, the collaboration does nothing to mitigate the risk of dependence on Taiwanese technology and expertise. The fact is, Tata's semiconductor ambitions, L&T's forays into the sector, and other Indian initiatives represent important first steps but are nowhere near sufficient to create genuine strategic autonomy in this critical sector. India risks spending billions to build factories that will still depend on foreign technology, foreign equipment, and foreign expertise. The Intel bailout sends a dangerous signal: that government ownership can substitute for competitive excellence. It can't. Government ownership can keep failing companies alive, but it can't make them innovative or globally competitive. AI leaders like OpenAI and DeepMind see themselves as being in a race to build artificial general intelligence (AGI): a model capable of performing any intellectual task that a human can. At the same time, the US and Chinese governments see the AI race as a national-security priority that demands massive investments reminiscent of the Manhattan Project. In both cases, AI is seen as a new form of hard power, accessible only to superpowers with vast computational resources. But this view is both incomplete and increasingly outdated. Since the Chinese developer DeepSeek launched its lower-cost, competitively performing model earlier this year, we have been in a new era. No longer is the ability to build cutting-edge AI tools confined to a few tech giants. Multiple high-performance models have emerged around the world, showing that AIs true potential lies in its potential to extend soft power. Also Read: Is an AI winter upon us? There seems a chill in the air The era of bigger-is-better models ended in 2024. Since then, model superiority has not been determined solely by scale. DeepSeek proved not only that top-tier models can be built without massive capital, but also that using advanced development techniques can radically accelerate AI progress. Dubbed the Robin Hood of AI democratization, its decision to go open-source sparked a wave of innovation. The OpenAI monopoly (or oligopoly of a few companies) of just a few months ago has given way to a multipolar, highly competitive landscape. Alibaba (Qwen) and Moonshot AI (Kimi) in China have also since released powerful open-source models, Sakana AI (my own company) in Japan has open-sourced AI innovations, and US giant Meta is investing heavily in its open-source Llama program. Boasting state-of-the-art model performance is no longer sufficient. Consider AI chatbots: they can give 70-point answers to general questions, but they cannot achieve the 99-point precision or reliability needed for most real-world tasksfrom loan evaluations to production scheduling that heavily rely on the collective know-how shared among the experts. The old framework in which foundation models were considered in isolation from specific applications has reached its limit. Also Read: Free-AI: How well India adopts AI will shape its future Real-world AI must now handle interdependent tasks, ambiguous procedures, conditional logic and exceptional casesall messy variables that demand tightly integrated systems. Model developers must take more responsibility for the design of specific applications, and app developers must engage more deeply with the foundational technology. Such integration matters for the future of geopolitics no less than it does for business. This is reflected in the concept of sovereign AI, which calls for reducing ones dependence on foreign technology suppliers in the name of national AI autonomy. Historically, the concern outside the US has been that by outsourcing critical infrastructuresearch engines, social media, smartphonesto giant Silicon Valley firms, you incurred persistent digital trade deficits. Were AI to follow the same path, the economic losses could grow exponentially. Moreover, many worry about kill switches that could shut off foreign-sourced AI infrastructure at any time. For all these reasons, domestic AI development is now seen as essential. But sovereign AI doesnt have to mean that every tool is domestically built. In fact, from a cost-efficiency and risk-diversification perspective, it is still better to mix and match models from around the world. The true goal of sovereign AI should not merely be to achieve self-sufficiency, but to amass AI soft power by building models that others want to adopt voluntarily. Also Read: The great AI shake-up: TCS layoffs hint of much worse to come for the IT sector Traditionally, soft power has referred to the appeal of ideas like democracy and human rights, cultural exports like Hollywood films, and, more recently, digital technologies and platforms. When diverse AI models coexist globally, the most widely adopted ones will become sources of subtle yet profound soft power, given how embedded they will be in peoples decision-making. From the perspective of developers, public acceptance of their tools will be critical to success. Many potential users are already wary of Chinese AI systems (and US systems as well), owing to perceived risks of coercion, surveillance and privacy violations. It is easy to imagine that only the most trustworthy AIs will be fully embraced by governments, businesses and individuals. If Japan and Europe could offer such models, they would be well placed to earn the confidence of the Global Southa prospect with far-reaching geopolitical implications. Trustworthy AI isnt just about eliminating bias or preventing data leaks. It must also embody human-centric principlesenhancing rather than replacing peoples potential. If AI ends up concentrating wealth and power in the hands of a few, it will deepen inequality and erode social cohesion. The AI story has just begun and it need not become a winner-takes-all race. But in both the ageing North and the youthful Global South, AI-driven inequality may create lasting divides. It is in developers own interest to ensure that AI is a trusted tool of empowerment, not a pervasive instrument of control. 2025/Project Syndicate The author is a former Japanese diplomat and co-founder of Sakana AI. A Russia-India-China [triumvirate], an idea floated in the 1990s as a counterweight to the US, is being revived today as a way for the three countries to ride out the storm of President Donald Trumps trade war, [it seems]. But old suspicions mean it is unlikely to endure. Despite their shared grievances with Washington, their partnership is more a marriage of convenience. That reality will be on display this week when the three nuclear powers converge in Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. The Kremlin is pressing for a long-awaited trilateral meeting. If the troika did find new life, it would send a powerful signal that the geopolitical heavyweights are aligning in the face of US pressure. But the inherent tensions between India and China, and economic differences between the three, make that outcome unlikely. Also Read: India-US standoff over Russian oil: Lets not waver but resolve it That pressure is most acute for India. Until recently a key American partner, it has borne the brunt of Trumps tariffs. He doubled duties on exports to 50%due to go into effect on 27 Augustas punishment for its purchases of Russian oil. Beijing, once Washingtons primary target, is enjoying a temporary reprieve, but is stuck in a long-term strategic competition. And Russia, battered by sanctions and bogged down in Ukraine, is on the hunt for friends to blunt its isolation. Moscow first dreamt up the idea of RIC, as it was dubbed, in the 1990s. The [proposed] coalition looked formidable on paperthree nations with huge economies and populations. In practice, its always been undermined by mistrust, above all between rivals India and China. Among the biggest sticking points is their long-running border dispute. They have been at loggerheads over an ill-defined 3,488km frontier in the Himalayan region. In 2020, the two clashed violently in Ladakhs Galwan Valley, leaving soldiers dead on both sides in the bloodiest fighting in decades. Diplomatic ties froze, with New Delhi suspending tourist visas for Chinese nationals and imposing restrictions on tech imports from China. Also Read: Asian synergy: A patch-up with Beijing would serve Indias interests well Trumps tariffs are nudging them closer. Last week, they agreed to explore demarcating their disputed border, a key move toward resolving the territorial dispute. Strains around visas have eased and China has expressed solidarity with India on exports. But the risk of future standoffs cant be discounted. While serious violence may have been averted for now, a lasting rapprochement is unlikely. Its hard for New Delhi to be fully confident of Beijings intentions, especially in light of its military assertiveness in areas like the South China Sea and Taiwan. China is also far too close to Pakistan for Indias comfort. Beijing has become Islamabads most important defence partner since the end of the Cold War. During a clash with India in May, Pakistan claimed Chinese-made J-10C jets were used to shoot down five Indian fighter jets during the conflict. New Delhi [rejected Pakistans claims but] said Beijing provided its rival with air defence and satellite support. This alignment deepens Indias security anxieties and reinforces its distrust of China. Setting security aside, the economic logic doesnt work in New Delhis favour. India depends on US technology, capital and supply chainswhich neither Russia nor China can replace. America is also the most important market for Indian goods by a wide margin. In 2024, consumers bought $77.5 billion worth of Indian goods, according to a Bank of Baroda report. Chinese and Russian purchases were only a fraction of that. Also Read: Bide your time: Chinas playing a long game in its trade talks with America Also, Moscow is much closer to Beijing. Since Western sanctions were imposed in 2014 after Russias annexation of Crimea, bilateral trade between the two has surged to record highs, surpassing $200 billion last year. Businesses are increasingly connected to the Chinese financial system through the use of the yuan and services like UnionPay cards. For India, joining such a bloc would mean being the junior partnerhardly an appealing prospect. That hasnt stopped Moscow from trying to rejuvenate [the idea of RIC]. In May, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said the time has come for the revival" of the troika. Beijing has also backed the initiative, saying it could uphold peace, security and stability in the world. Resurrecting such a bloc could pose a challenge to the US if it results in more coordinated action. But what binds these nations is necessity, not trust. The SCO gathering in Tianjin might offer the optics of warmer ties, but it would be more symbolism than substance. RIC is an inherently fragile three-way relationship, one that could unravel if American pressure diminishes. Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia politics with a special focus on China Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday slammed the Enforcement Directorate and the Union Government after raids were conducted at former Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj's residence in the national capital earlier that morning, referring to the searches as BJP raids. ED on Tuesday carried out searches at the residence of AAP leader and former Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj in connection with a money laundering probe linked to alleged irregularities in hospital construction projects in the national capital, ANI reported. In a post on X, Kejriwal wrote, The ED raid at Saurabh Bhardwaj's house is another case of the Modi government misusing agencies. The Modi government has gone after the Aam Aadmi Party. The way AAP is being targeted has never been done to any party in history. AAP is being targeted because it is the most vocal voice against the Modi government's wrong policies and corrupt deeds. The Modi government wants to suppress our voice. This will never happen. AAP is not one to be scared of these BJP raids. We will continue to raise our voice against wrong policies and corruption in the interest of the country, as always. The raids began early morning at 13 locations, including Bhardwaj's residence, across the Delhi-NCR region, based on a certain tip-off in connection with the case. The search operations are being carried out under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). These searches are in connection with the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) recorded in the Delhi Hospital Construction Scam, relating to First Information Report (No. 37/2025) dated June 26, 2025, registered by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), Delhi Police, against former Health Ministers of GNCT of Delhi, along with private contractors and unknown government officials. The ED investigation against Bharadwaj (45), Delhi AAP unit chief and national spokesperson for his party, stems from an FIR registered by Delhi's Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in June. The ACB booked Bharadwaj, his party colleague and ex-health minister Satyendar Jain, private contractors and unknown government officials for alleged corruption in health infrastructure projects by the AAP government led by chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. After the filing of the ACB's FIR, the AAP alleged blatant misuse of agencies to defame its leaders. The ED has alleged large-scale corruption and misappropriation of funds in health infrastructure projects under the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD). According to officials, during 2018-19, 24 hospital projects worth 5,590 crore were sanctioned but remain largely incomplete, with significant and unexplained cost escalations. In one instance, the 1,125-crore ICU Hospital Project, which aimed to build seven pre-engineered facilities with 6,800 beds, remains only 50% complete after nearly three years and an expenditure of 800 crore, despite being scheduled for completion within six months. ED officials stated that the recent searches were based on evidence gathered during investigations and the FIR, which points to unauthorised constructions, inflated costs, and serious financial irregularities. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) slammed both the ruling Congress in Telangana and the BJP at the Centre, accusing them of colluding against the State. Speaking at Telangana Bhavan during a party joining programme, KTR alleged that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had entered into a behind-the-scenes pact and there has been a secret deal which, he warned, would put Telangana's future in danger. KTR mocked what he called Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's scissors politics. He said Revanth carried a pair of scissors in his pocket and was eager to cut ribbons for buildings constructed during the BRS government. "He should be careful while carrying those scissors," KTR quipped, adding that the Osmania University buildings inaugurated on Monday were laid down during KCR's tenure. "The distorted manner in which Revanth speaks, he said, only made people laugh, and when compared to past Chief Ministers, people were cursing him," KTR added. 'Conspiring to damage the Kaleshwaram project' KTR accused Revanth Reddy of conspiring to damage the Kaleshwaram project. He alleged that, under the instructions of Modi and Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister was working to divert Godavari waters downstream towards Andhra Pradesh and eventually Tamil Nadu. "That is why Revanth holds a grudge against Kaleshwaram," KTR charged, describing it as part of a larger plot dictated by the Centre. Drawing a sharp comparison between the two leaders, KTR described PM Modi as "Bada Modi" and CM Revanth Reddy as "Chhota Modi." Both, he said, made lofty promises and then conveniently forgot to deliver. He asserted that Revanth's political conduct clearly showed he was heading towards an open alliance with Modi. "This will ultimately land a heavy blow on Rahul Gandhi," KTR predicted. KTR reminded them that crises like the urea shortage had never occurred under KCR's decade of governance. "Congress has failed to fulfil even a single election promise in the last 20 months. If you dislike their governance, then in the coming local body elections, give your verdict against them," KTR said. Apparently stung by internal party criticism for singing the RSS prayer song, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday said he was willing to apologise if his act had hurt anyone. Defending his political allegiance, he firmly stated that he is a committed Congressman and would remain one for life, PTI reported. Shivakumar, also the state Congress president, had taken everyone by surprise by singing the RSS prayer song on the floor of the House. The Deputy CM said he only made a "passing reference" in the Assembly. On August 21, Shivakumar recited a couple of lines of the RSS prayer Namaste Sada Vatsale... in the Assembly during a debate on the June 4 Chinnaswamy stadium stampede. As reported by PTI, he said, "I'm not bigger than anyone, my life is there to give strength to everyone. I have stood by everyone in their difficulty, still I stand by them...as a loyal Congressman I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings... If you want an apology, yes. For all the Congressmen and many political party friends of INDIA bloc they may be hurt." If you feel that I have done a mistake, which I have not done, I'm still ready to apologise. Reaffirming his loyalty to the Congress party and Gandhi family, Shivakumar said, My loyalty to the Congress party and Gandhi family cannot be questioned by anyone. I'm a born Congressman, I will die as a Congressman. Senior Congress leader B K Hariprasad on Monday had wondered if Shivakumar was trying to impress someone by singing the RSS prayer inside the Assembly. "We have no objection to Shivakumar reciting the prayer as the Deputy CM because a government belongs to all, including the RSS. If he said it as Congress president, hell have to apologise," he had said. Shivakumar, who also holds the position of Congress state president, surprised many on August 21 by singing the RSS anthem during a discussion in the Karnataka Assembly. The discussion was centered on the tragic stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people. (With inputs from PTI) 44 US Attorneys General have signed an open letter to the chief executive officers of top-11 AI companies, warning them that they will answer for it if their chatbots cause harm to children. The Attorneys General also requested the CEOs to look at children they are targeting with the new technology through the eyes of a parent, not the eyes of a predator. Also Read | Meta faces backlash as AI chatbots with sexualized personas flood Instagram The AGs mentioned a recent report by Reuters which, while citing an internal Meta document, stated that Meta allowed its AI chatbot to flirt and engage in romantic roleplay with children. Prior to the letter from the AGs, two US Republican senators had also called for an investigation into the matter. Another Reuters report had also recently highlighted how a 76-year-old man from New Jersey died while attempting to meet a Meta AI chatbot named Big Sis Billie after the AI convinced the man that it was a real person. The AGs also mentioned an ongoing lawsuit against Google that alleges its highly sexualized chatbot steered a user towards suicide. They also briefly mentioned the case against Character.ai which alleges that its chatbot intimidated a teenager to kill his parents. US Attorneys General give firm warning to AI companies: Young children should absolutely not be subjected to intimate entanglements with flirty chatbots. When faced with the opportunity to exercise judgment about how your products treat kids, you must exercise sound judgment and prioritize their well-being. Dont hurt kids, the Attorneys General wrote in their letter. They stated that AI companies are well aware of the impact their interactive technology has on developing brains and the immediate access to data about interactions also makes them the most immediate line of defense to mitigate harm to kids. The letter is specifically addressed to Anthropic, Apple, Chai AI, Character.AI, Google, Luka Inc., Meta, Microsoft, Nomi AI, OpenAI, Perplexity AI, Replika, and xAI. Ballymahon Friends of Crumlin made their annual trip to Dublin to hand over the money from this years fundraiser. Paul and Marie Kelly accompanied by their grandchildren Cian, Senan and Grace, handed over a cheque for 1,000 to Ronald Mc Donald House. This is a home away from home for the families of very sick children and a vital service for any family whose child is in the hospital. The fundraising group is delighted to contribute to their running costs. PICTURES | Fabulous Longford turn out for 'Trek for Theresa' across Ardagh mountain A cheque for 8,000 was presented to Our ladys Childrens Hospital Crumlin. Funds that will be put to good use for the benefit of all our children and young people. This is the 10th year of the groups fundraising which has seen in the region of 120,000 being raised to date to support both organisations - a remarkable achievement which has been described by Ballymahon Friends of Crumlin as only being possible due to the unfailing support of those who support them year after year. The group expresses sincere thanks to all who made this presentation possible through their generosity and support. Also read: Work underway at Center Parcs Longford Forest on 83 new lodges and lakeside restaurant The Who frontman Roger Daltrey visits adolescent and young adult cancer patients at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston on Tuesday, Aug. 26. David Cifarelli Rock royalty visited cancer patients in Boston Tuesday, as Roger Daltrey stopped by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ahead of his concert at Fenway Park. The Who frontmans visit was to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the partnership between Teen Cancer America (TCA), which he co-founded, and Dana-Farber. Daltrey spent time with adolescent and young adult cancer patients while emphasizing how imperative it is that they receive the proper treatment. Their social psychological needs, and perhaps their medical needs, are totally different than either of the other two groups, Daltrey said, referring to pediatric and geriatric care. I think this is the start of perhaps the medial professions starting to realize that they might learn an awful lot through studying the group the field may have forgotten, he added. Daltrey founded TCA in 2012 with his bandmate, Pete Townshend. The organization was established to address the unique needs of young people with cancer who are often overlooked. The Who frontman Roger Daltrey visits adolescent and young adult cancer patients at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston on Tuesday, Aug. 26. David Cifarelli As a result, TCA helps to bridge the gap between pediatric and adult oncology by creating specialized programs and spaces that support the emotional social and medical needs of adolescent and young adult patients. Some of the secrets that theyre looking for in cancer may be found in this group. But you havent been looking at this group very much, because all the money is going to pay for old farts like me, Daltrey joked. We need these youngsters. Daltreys visit happened ahead of The Whos concert at Fenway Park Tuesday night. Click here for information on where to find last-minute tickets to The Whos show. A sustainable coffee chain in the Boston area that focuses on working directly with farmers has opened a new cafe. George Howell Coffee opened its newest location at Lyrik in Back Bay on Tuesday. The opening marked the companys sixth location in the Boston area. Other cafes are located at The Godfrey in Downtown Crossing, Boston Public Market, Lovestruck Books in Cambridge and Newtonville. George Howell Coffee has a Roastery in Acton. To celebrate its grand opening, the Lyrik cafe will offer $1 small cups of hot, iced and cold brew coffee from 12 to 2 p.m. Tuesday. In addition, the first 100 customers will get a complimentary limited-release George Howell Coffee Lyrik tote bag. At George Howell Coffee, we are not just roasters; we are interpreters of the intricate symphony created by farmers and nature, George Howell, founder of George Howell Coffee, said in a written statement. Lyriks dedication to art and culture mirrors our own, making it the perfect home for our newest cafe. George Howell Coffee's new location at Lyrik in Back Bay. Courtesy of George Howell Coffee Howell, who founded the coffee chain in 2004, has focused on sourcing and roasting the highest quality coffee for 50 years. Howell has taken hundreds of trips around the world to meet with coffee farmers and members of their communities since 1975. Today, Georges daughter Jenny carries on this legacy by continuing to forge strong relationships with farmers from around the globe. Opening at Lyrik is not only a full-circle moment for our family, its an exciting opportunity to continue my fathers legacy in the heart of Boston with partners who share our passion for creating places where culture and community collide, she said in the statement. This new space allows us to continue sharing the incredible craftsmanship of the producers that we work with, many of whom have become close friends and extensions of our family. George Howell Coffees Lyrik cafe serves the brands signature specialty beverages from cold brew to espresso drinks. Limited roasts are also available, as well as bagged coffee, pastries, sandwiches and toasts. Desserts are expected to make their debut later this year. The Lyrik location will be open 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. An Auburn woman died in a crash where the car overturned and was submerged under a nearby reservoir. The woman was identified as Finleigh Dragon, 19, according to a spokesperson from Worcester County Joseph Early Jr.s office said Monday. At around 2:20 a.m. on Sunday, officers learned of a crash on Rochdale Street, according to a police statement. Auburn police and firefighters went to the scene and found one person in the car before they took them to the hospital. The car was partially submerged in the Stoneville Reservoir, the Telegram and Gazette reported. Dragon was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The Auburn Police Department and Auburn Fire Department [extend their] deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim, police said in the departments statement. The crash remains under investigation. A former Social Security Administration (SSA) worker was sentenced to prison for trying to coerce one of his beneficiaries for sex, United States Attorney Leah Foleys office said Monday. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret Guzman sentenced Dae Sung Kim, 36, of Auburn, to six months in prison and five years of supervised release. Kim pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to induce a person to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution in February, Foleys office said in a statement. This was a shocking abuse of power by someone entrusted to serve the public, Michelle Anderson, acting inspector general of the Social Security Administration, said in Foleys statement. The defendant, while employed as an SSA claims specialist, attempted to exploit a vulnerable, disabled mother seeking to apply for reinstatement of disability benefits after losing her job. This predatory behavior is intolerable. During an in-person visit to the Social Security field office in Gardner in March 2024, a woman sought benefits after she lost her job, Foleys office said. Kim accessed her personal information through the SSAs computer system to draw up her phone number and called her with his personal cell phone. When he called, Kim said he understood her situation was difficult before he suggested that maybe they could work something out that would benefit them both, and suggested sex in exchange for money, Foleys office said. He texted her and suggested she travel to Massachusetts to meet him. Kim offered an exchange of $100 for sex in a car in a hotel parking lot, the statement read. He continued to solicit for several months, even after an undercover law enforcement agent impersonated the beneficiary. Kim asked for nude photos before he proposed the hotel parking lot in Fitchburg. After Kim drove to the parking lot to meet with her in October 2024, law enforcement officials found and arrested him, Foleys office said. A motorcyclist who was killed in a crash with a pickup truck on Route 1A in Ipswich Sunday afternoon has been identified as 72-year-old Gloucester resident Charles Parisi, Jr., according to the Essex County District Attorneys Office. Ipswich police were called to the crash on High Street near the Dow Brook Conservation Area around 4 p.m., the district attorneys office said previously. They found that the motorcycle had collided with a Dodge pickup truck. Parisi was declared dead at the scene, the district attorneys office said. The pickup truck driver a 49-year-old Lynn man stayed at the scene and cooperated with police. The crash is being investigated by the Ipswich Police Department, Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, State Police Crime Scene Services Section and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, the district attorneys office said. No further information has been released. Michael Proctor appears in Boston for the first day of hearings for his Civil Service Commission appeal. (Pool camera screenshot) Michael Proctor, the former trooper fired in connection with the Karen Read case, appeared before the Civil Service Commission on Tuesday for the first of five days of hearings on his bid to get his job back. Proctor was fired by State Police on March 19 over misconduct during the Read investigation, which included sending derogatory texts about her and messages to non-law enforcement detailing the investigation at its early stages. The former trooper has appealed his termination to the commission, which reviews appeals filed by certain state and municipal employees...including discipline. The hearing is being held in person in Boston. Proctor attended the hearing with his wife and other supporters. Below is a recap of how the day played out: 4:19 p.m. - Hearing concludes for the day Daniel Moynihan, a lawyer for Proctor, paused his questioning to suggest pausing the hearing for the day. Commissioner Angela McConney, who is presiding over the appeal, agreed, and paused the hearing. Moynihans cross-examination will continue at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. 4:09 p.m. - No State Police policy for conduct on personal phone Proctors lawyer continued his cross-examination of Det. Lt. Kevin Dwyer by confronting him with emails he sent in which he was spitballing to figure out what the violation might be. In the emails, Dwyer, who investigated Proctors case, suggested several different State Police policies Proctor may have violated. Is that because theres no Mass. State Police policy concerning personal conduct on a personal phone? Daniel Moynihan asked. Dwyer said that wasnt the reason for the emails, but there wasnt a policy governing what a trooper does on their personal cell phone. 3:27 p.m. - Proctor remained on full duty for months Moynihan laid out a timeline of the discipline against the former trooper during his cross-examination. The lawyer claimed Proctor self-reported the text messages in February 2024. State Police opened an internal affairs investigation the next month but did not relieve Proctor of duty or convene a duty status hearing until July after the conclusion of Reads first trial. The lawyer also read an email from a former spokesman for the agency to its deputy counsel, seeking her approval to release a statement about the internal affairs investigation. Does that happen very often that the department notifies the media of an internal investigation? he asked. Dwyer testified it had not happened in previous cases he investigated. Moynihans cross-examination continued to focus on the timing of the discipline against Proctor. He noted that Gov. Maura Healey condemned Proctors messages after his testimony at the Read trial in June. It wasnt until July 1, when Reads first trial concluded, that Proctor was relieved of duty, Moynihan noted. The next day, Healey publicly supported the decision. Were you told MSP wanted [the investigation] to move quickly? Moynihan asked. Dwyer said he wasnt. A week later, on July 8, Proctor appeared for a duty status hearing. On that date, Proctor was suspended without pay. 3:09 p.m. - State Police witness pressed on when leaders learned of texts Under cross-examination from a lawyer for Proctor, Dwyer, the lone witness to take the stand for the State Police, was questioned about when the departments leadership learned of the texts at the center of Proctors case. Daniel Moynihan, the lawyer, pointed to a March 4 email from Siobhan Kelly, the departments deputy counsel, sending a proposed statement to the then-colonel and deputy colonel about the federal investigation in the Read case. The statement indicates Norfolk County prosecutors were first provided a summary of the materials turned up by the federal government to State Police on March 1, 2024. Another email indicated that Michael Proctor and his attorney self-reported discovery of these messages on Feb. 2, 2024. Dwyer said he was aware of that now, but was not at the time of his investigation. 2:45 p.m. - Lawyer for Proctor begins cross-examination Daniel Moynihan, who is representing Proctor, began his cross-examination of Det. Lt. Kevin Dwyer, the state police investigator assigned to Proctors case, by asking him about his duties as an internal affairs investigator. Dwyer explained the Proctor investigation was assigned to him on March 4, 2024, and he had conducted a few dozen internal affairs investigations into troopers. He confirmed he had not previously investigated anyone for comments they made on their personal cell phone. Moynihan asked a series of questions about the federal investigation initiated in the Karen Read case, from which Proctors texts were unearthed. Are you now aware that Michael Proctor learned for the first time on February 1st that the U.S. Attorney had somehow surreptitiously obtained the text messages from his personal cell phone? Moynihan asked. Dwyer said that was the case. Moynihan suggested the basis for the investigation was a claim by [Reads] defense of a conspiracy to frame her. 2:20 p.m. - Hearing recessed After a brief meeting with the lawyers, Commissioner Angela McConney, who is presiding over the hearing, called a 25-minute recess. A lawyer for Proctor will begin his cross-examination of the State Police witness after the break. The hearing will resume around 2:45 p.m. 2:06 p.m. - Proctors behavior brought department into disrepute Kevin Dwyer, the State Police investigator on Proctors case, concluded the former trooper engaged in behavior that brought himself and the department into disrepute. Proctor has defended his conduct, saying he was simply overwhelmed by the emotions of investigating the death of a fellow police officer. But Dwyer said police officers are expected to keep their feelings about individuals in check. Its understood that police officers are humans and natural feelings and emotions are going to develop, he said, but officers must base their decisions on evidence and facts. Dwyer found Proctors comments on Reads physical appearance and mannerisms created an appearance he was not an impartial investigator. Proctor also shared medical information about OKeefe with people who were not entitled to details of the investigation, Dwyer said. Dwyer also contrasted Proctors messages with his explanations for his conduct. He told Dwyer the messages were inappropriate and juvenile, and disgusting, among other descriptors. After playing a clip of Proctors testimony under cross-examination at the Read trial, State Police lawyer Stephen Carley said he had no more questions for Dwyer. 1:49 p.m. - Hearing resumes After the lunch break, Dwyer answered several questions about Proctors expectation of privacy. Proctor has claimed he was entitled to privacy for the messages sent on his personal phone. But Dwyer said the Norfolk district attorneys office told Massachusetts State Police the agency needed to turn over all information that could benefit Reads defense. That included communications from investigators. 12:47 p.m. - State Police training bulletin warned personal communications could be searched In a pair of bulletins issued to all members of the State Police, the agency notified its employees that a court had ordered the production of communications from police officers personal phones. One of those bulletins was issued in 2018. Taken together, the bulletins essentially notified employees that statements about an investigation on their personal phones could be turned over in a criminal case. State Police then played three clips of an interview Proctor gave to 20/20 following Reads acquittal in July. In them, Proctor is asked about the texts but largely defends his conduct. Still, he admitted that he could understand why someone might perceive him as sexist. The hearing was suspended for lunch after the clips were played. 12:33 p.m. - Proctor drank alcohol on duty Dwyer determined there was evidence to support the allegation the trooper drank alcohol on duty. State Police are prohibited from doing so, but Proctor admitted to having one or two beers while getting dinner with a Canton Police detective when the pair went to Cape Cod for a cold case investigation. Proctor then drove his cruiser after drinking. But Dwyer determined Proctor did not submit an inappropriate request for overtime connected to that investigation. It is entirely reasonable to stop and have a meal during an investigation, he said. 12:20 p.m. - Witness testimony resumes Dwyer was asked a series of questions about two allegations against Proctor that he ultimately did not sustain. During the Read investigation, a witness told Proctors sister she wanted to buy him a gift. Proctor told his sister to get one for his wife, a text Dwyer explained should not have been taken literally. Proctor explained to Dwyer that when he told his sister to get his wife a gift, he was simply trying to show she was the one who deserved recognition. Dwyer found no evidence there was a follow-up effort by Proctor or anyone else to obtain that gift. As for the message about searching Reads phone for naked photos, Dwyer determined Proctor was being credible when he said he did not actually search her phone. It is not uncommon to find personal or sensitive photos when youre not looking for them, Dwyer explained. 12:04 p.m. - Hearing resumes After the break, State Police played another clip of Proctors testimony at the Read trial. In the exchange under cross-examination, Proctor is pressed about a text he sent to several other troopers, including his supervisors, where he said he was going through Reads phone for naked photos. Proctor testified that the message was a poor choice of words and a joke. 11:41 a.m. - 15-minute recess State Police played more clips of Proctors trial testimony to support the allegation that he sent derogatory messages about Read to other law enforcement officers. Proctor texted fellow members of the State Police that Read was gross. He also referred to one of her lawyers as an expletive and said, I hate that man, I truly hate that man. The hearing will resume around noon. 11:20 a.m. - State Police play more clips The first clips played by State Police featured Proctor reading texts on the stand, where he shared details of the investigation into the death of Reads boyfriend, John OKeefe. Those included clips of Proctor reading messages sent to friends from high school and to his sister. State Police then played additional clips of Proctors trial testimony, showing the derogatory, defamatory, disparaging texts he sent about Read to his sister and friends. Shes a babe, weird Fall River accent though, Proctor wrote in a group chat with his friends from high school on Jan. 29, 2022, the day OKeefes body was found. Shes a whack job [expletive]. On Feb. 1, 2022, Proctor wrote, shes got a leaky balloon knot, leaks poo. Proctor also texted his sister, Courtney, about the case. He told his sister he wished Read would kill herself, and told his wife, Were gonna lock this whack job up. 10:35 a.m. - State Police play clips of Proctor testimony at Read trial With the first and only witness to be called on Tuesday on the stand, State Police played several excerpts of Proctors testimony at Reads first trial in June 2024. In the first clips, Proctor reads messages where he described the condition of Reads boyfriend, John OKeefe, and early findings in the investigation into his death. She waffled him, Proctor wrote to his friends from high school. She hit him with her car, he added. The witness, Det. Lt. Kevin Dwyer, was the primary investigator assigned to Proctors internal affairs case. Dwyer explained the early stages of the investigation into Proctors conduct. Proctor first received a letter notifying him he was the target of an investigation on March 4, 2024. When State Police learned that Proctors personal phone had been examined by federal authorities, they sought, but did not obtain more information, Dwyer said. It wasnt until Proctor testified that State Police received any documentation of the messages Proctor sent. In addition to the investigation spurred by the messages, State Police opened a separate inquiry into whether Proctor had relationships with potential witnesses in the case. That inquiry determined Proctor may have known some of the witnesses, but the relationships were not substantial and were consistent with how he represented them. Dwyer ultimately entered a finding of not sustained as to the claim that Proctor accepted rewards, gifts, or gratuity. But Dwyer did sustain allegations that Proctor provided information about a homicide victim to non-law-enforcement personnel, sent derogatory and defamatory messages during the investigation and consumed alcohol while on duty, then drove his cruiser. 9:40 a.m. - Opening statements Stephen Carley, an attorney for the State Police, discussed Proctors texts that were shared during the Read trial. Distasteful. Unprofessional. Inappropriate. In poor taste. Juvenile. Sexist. Disgusting. Dehumanizing, Carley read out loud. This selection of words does not come from a public comment section on a website, an op-ed columnist, or a protester outside the Norfolk County courthouse. No indeed, one would be forgiven for not immediately recognizing that these words are Michael Proctors accounting of his own conduct in this case. Daniel Moynihan, an attorney for Proctor, said until Feb. 1, 2024, Michael Proctor was an exemplary member of the MSP and a very well respected member of his unit. Moynihan said Proctor, to this day, does not know why federal authorities obtained text messages from his personal phone. He has never backed away from apologizing, Moynihan said. From a shark in a pilgrim hat to the Massachusetts state dinosaur holding a Dunkin coffee, Massachusetts residents went all out in hopes of creating the perfect new state flag. The Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission was established by the Legislature in 2024 to propose a new seal, flag and motto of the commonwealth. But before they make their official proposal, they wanted to see ideas from the public. Anyone was able to submit ideas. And after a few months, the commission received more than 1,000 submissions. The commission then selected 23 seals, 48 flags and 32 mottos to the second round of scoring. There will be multiple public hearings to gather public input. 104 1 / 104 Second round of possible Mass. state flags The commission will then share three flag, seal and motto ideas for public review and comment during hearings this fall. For all the submissions, click here. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken his trolling of President Donald Trump to a new level. The Democratic governor launched on Sunday the PATRIOT merchandise store a website that sells apparel mimicking Trumps Make America Great Again (MAGA) merch. Items for sale include a red trucker hat reading Newsom was right about everything, mocking a red hat that said Trump was right about everything that the president wore on Friday. Another piece of merch is a mug reading Newsom 2026 implying support for Newsom to run for a third term, which is prohibited under California law. The mug appears to mock hats that read Trump 2028 that are sold on The Trump Store. Under the U.S. Constitution, Trump is not allowed to seek a third term as president. One of the items listed as sold out on the website is a $100 Bible signed by Newsom. This appears to mock Trump, who last year sold God Bless the USA Bibles for $60. In a post on X on Sunday night, Newsom revealed how much had been sold so far. WOW! WE HAVE NOW SOLD OVER $100K OF THE BEST PRODUCTS EVER MADE!! IF YOU HATE THE PATRIOT SHOP, YOU HATE AMERICA! THANK YOU! Newsom wrote on X, mimicking Trumps Truth Social posts. In a subsequent post, Newsom mocked Trumps MAGA slogan, hinting that his merch shop will have a flag reading Make America Gavin Again. SOON MAGA WILL HAVE A WHOLE NEW MEANING! COMING SOON FOR YOUR NEXT BOAT PARADE! YOU ARE VERY WELCOME, PATRIOTS! Newsom wrote on X. Throughout August, Newsoms press office has posted messages on X that mimic Trumps posts on Truth Social writing in all capital letters and bestowing denigrating nicknames onto Republican and right-wing figures. 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," one post reads. A recent poll released by Echelon Insights this month shows Newsom as the second-most popular choice for the 2028 presidential nominee among Democratic voters, only behind Kamala Harris. BALTIMORE Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has struggled during August, going 15-for-71 (.211) with a .345 on-base percentage, .324 slugging percentage and .669 OPS in 20 games. He has just one home run and five doubles. His slump comes after an impressive July when he recorded a 1.094 OPS and 17 extra-base hits in 95 plate appearances. Chasing pitches down in the zone, manager Alex Cora said Monday before Bostons game against the Orioles. He did miss some good pitches yesterday (against the Yankees) when we put pressure on them. Duran has had an inconsistent season overall with a .762 OPS in March/April, a .697 OPS in May and .701 OPS in June. The 28-year-old is in the 88th percentile in average exit velocity (92.1 mph) and 86th percentile in bat speed (74.7). But he has a 30.5% chase percentage, ranking in the 30th percentile among major league hitters. He also has a 29.0% whiff percentage, up from 24.8% last year. I was just looking in our system and hes hitting the ball hard, Cora said. The expected numbers are good. Hes not chasing as much. Just one of those that hell be OK. Just gotta be patient and he needs to be patient, too. Despite a down year, Duran still is third among Red Sox players in fWAR (3.1) behind only Garrett Crochet (5.3) and Alex Bregman (3.5). He led the team in fWAR last year (6.8) when he finished eighth for the AL MVP. SPRINGFIELD A judge wont stop the reinstatement of a controversial guidance counselor at Amherst Regional Middle School, saying the anti-LGBTQ allegations against Delinda Dykes werent enough to block her return to work. Dykes was fired in 2023 for conduct unbecoming a teacher after being accused of misgendering trans students and making inappropriate remarks about sexual orientation. Among the allegations was that Dykes, also a former interim principal at the school, once remarked: In the name of Jesus we pray that the LGBTQ gay demon that wants to attack and confuse these kids to leave this school now. After her reinstatement, Dykes released a public statement professing her innocence. It came after a public uproar from certain parents who opposed her reinstatement following an arbitrators decision that she was not afforded due process by school administrators. Let me be clear, I am innocent, Dykes said in the statement. I deeply share everyones concern about the safety and well-being of all students, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and I will never waver from my commitment to help all students. The school district appealed to a Superior Court judge for an emergency motion to reverse the arbitrators decision, which was denied Friday. Judge James M. Manitsas ruled the school district had fallen woefully short of the legal standard to reverse an independent arbiters decision. The mere restating of bare allegations previously alleged by the school district, and found not to have been proven by the arbitrator, falls woefully short of establishing the arbitrator exceeded her powers or rendered an award requiring a person to commit an act or engage in conduct prohibited by state or federal law, Manitsas ruling reads. The judge also noted that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate irreparable harm if Dykes returns to the school. In response to the news of her reinstatement and the denial by the court, members of the LGBTQIA+ Caucus are planning a standout outside the middle school on Wednesday at 8 a.m., when students return for classes. A call to action by caucus spokesperson Ali Wicks-Lim to community members encourages a showing of rainbows, rainbow flags, trans flags and signs with sparkly or colorful lettering. Returning to school can be an exciting time, but it can also cause anxiety, especially for some LGBTQIA+ students. Things may feel especially challenging this year year, as students anticipate the potential return of a staff member who has caused harm to LGBTQIA+ people, the announcement reads. This is not a protest or a rally, but an opportunity to offer love and solidarity to kids during a vulnerable time. Investigations are ongoing into the cause of a number of carbon monoxide alarms going off in a Castlebar housing estate over the weekend. Several houses in the Lios na Circe estate in Castlebar woke to the shock of their carbon monoxide alarms going off on Saturday. The seriousness of carbon monoxide is evident by its nickname as the silent killer.' READ MORE: What will the new 15% ceiling on pharma tariffs mean for Mayo? Each year in Ireland there are, on average, six fatalities from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas Networks Ireland outlines the dangers the colourless, odourless and poisonous gas poses - at low levels carbon monoxide can cause serious illness, however at high levels, carbon monoxide can kill in as little as three minutes. Investigations ongoing ONE of the Lios na Circe residents, Olga Melnychuk, made the decision to evacuate her home and stay in a hotel overnight after her carbon monoxide alarm continued to be triggered. She explains that a neighbours carbon monoxide alarm went off on Wednesday and that by Saturday morning, a number of other residents carbon monoxide alarms were ringing out. She and other residents are calling for the monitoring of ambient carbon monoxide levels around the estate and measures to ensure resident safety, including recommendations for long-term prevention. READ MORE: Inside Mayos Mise Eire festival: conspiracy, music and an uncomfortable atmosphere Local Councillor, Michael Kilcoyne, told The Mayo News that this is really serious. It needs to be dealt with. It needs to get 100 percent attention. I have written to the council. I want to know what action they are taking, and also what action they have taken to ensure that this doesn't happen again. In a statement to The Mayo News, Mayo County Council said that investigations into the cause are ongoing. It stated that both the Fire Service and engineers from the Castlebar Municipal District responded promptly. The Council also wished to remind all households of the importance of maintaining their carbon monoxide alarms and to vacate the premises immediately if an alarm sounds. Only return once it has been confirmed safe to do so. Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) responded immediately to a call about a carbon monoxide alarm activation in the estate on Saturday morning. An inspection of the premises was carried out and no trace of carbon monoxide was found. However, as the vents in the property were found to be closed, a hazard notice was issued to the resident. Cause unclear IT is now nearly a week on from the first carbon monoxide alarm being triggered in the estate and the cause at the time of writing remains unclear. Uisce Eireann told The Mayo News that it was notified by the Mayo Fire Brigade of reports of carbon monoxide alarms being activated within individual properties at Lios na Circe in Castlebar on Saturday, and dispatched a crew to investigate. The water utility is continuing to liaise with Mayo County Council in investigating the source of the issue, which has not yet been determined. Carbon Monoxide can be released by any fuel when it is burned, including coal, turf, oil, gas and wood. A badly installed, faulty, damaged or blocked appliance, chimney or flue can release carbon monoxide. Appliances at risk include open fireplaces, gas boilers, gas appliances, oil-fired boilers or solid fuel stoves. GNI explains that carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable. While having a carbon monoxide alarm will significantly reduce the risk of CO poisoning, it needs to be working correctly for it to be effective. According to residents, this issue has coincided with a persistent obnoxious odour in the area. Urgent investigation THE residents are calling for an urgent investigation into the potential presence of sewer gas (including CO, methane, and hydrogen sulphide) in the area, the condition and ventilation of the estates sewer infrastructure, possible environmental contamination or improper waste disposal in the adjacent field and river. If your alarm goes off, the advice is to open doors and windows to ventilate the area, according to GNI. They advise you to stop using/turn off any fuel-burning appliances immediately and get everyone out into fresh air. If you're not suffering any symptoms related to carbon monoxide poisoning, call a qualified service agent to check your appliances before you re-use them. If you're still worried, call the Carbon Monoxide Awareness Line on 1800 89 89 89. If you suspect anyone in your house has been poisoned by carbon monoxide and has any of the associated symptoms, get fresh air immediately, then go to your doctor and ask him/her to check for carbon monoxide poisoning. If you find anyone in your house unconscious, call a doctor immediately. The sub-20,000 smartphone segment is easily the most competitive space in India right now. Every brandbe it Xiaomi, Realme, iQOO, or even Motorolahas at least one budget flagship killer in its lineup. Most of these phones chase a similar formula: big battery, big display, decent cameras, and an emphasis on performance. But the Infinix GT 30 isnt here to play safe. Priced at 19,499, its a phone with a personality, and a very loud one at that. From glowing LEDs on the back to shoulder triggers on the frame and a 144Hz AMOLED display on the front, the GT 30 is built for a specific audience: gamers and young buyers who want their phone to look and feel different. Hook.Online So is this the gaming-first budget phone youve been waiting for, or is it all flair with little substance? Lets break it down into five reasons for buying the Infinix GT 30 and two reasons you might want to skip it. 5 reasons to buy the Infinix GT 30 1. The boldest design in the segment Most budget phones play it safe with glass backs or matte finishes. The Infinix GT 30, though, wants attention. The first thing you notice is the Mecha lighting system on the backcustomizable LEDs that glow for calls, notifications, charging, and even pulse along with music or games. You can tweak patterns in the settings, making the phone feel a little like a gaming accessory instead of just a device. Pair that with Infinixs Cyber Mecha 2.0 design languageall geometric patterns that shimmer under light, and you have a phone that refuses to blend in. Even smaller accents, like the red ring around the camera module and the red-highlighted power button, make the GT 30 look intentional rather than gimmicky. Hook.Online And its not just about looks. At 196g and just 7.9mm thick, the phone feels surprisingly premium in hand. Its not a chunky brick like some gaming-first devices. Add slimmer bezels than what you usually get at this price, and the design really hits that sweet spot between flashy and functional. Im loving the Cyber Pulse Green unit Infinix sent me. It's bold without being too loud. But if you prefer something sleeker, the Cyber Blue variant is just as impressive. 2. A display thats built for gaming and bingeing If theres one spec that screams gamer phone, its the 6.78-inch AMOLED display on the GT 30. On paper, its impressive: 1.5K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, 10-bit color, and Gorilla Glass 7i protection. In practice, its one of the sharpest, most vibrant displays you can get under 20,000. Brightness peaks at an eye-searing 4,500 nits, which means even Delhis brutal afternoon sun wont wash this screen out. Indoors, HDR content looks fantastic, with Netflix and YouTube videos showing deep blacks and punchy colors. Hook.Online Now, there is a caveat. The 144Hz refresh rate isnt supported everywhere. It mostly kicks in for system apps like Calculator or Messages. For third-party apps and games, it usually caps lower. But even at 90Hz or 120Hz, scrolling feels buttery, and competitive titles like BGMI and COD Mobile benefit from the high refresh rate. For binge-watchers, Widevine L1 support means Full HD streaming on Netflix and Prime Video, though HDR is limited to YouTube. Still, considering the price bracket, this panel punches above its weight. 3. Gaming shoulder triggers that double as everyday shortcuts Heres where the GT 30 really leans into its gamer identity. Built into the frame are two shoulder triggers, physical buttons that can be mapped in games for shooting, aiming, or whatever control scheme gives you an edge. In shooters like BGMI and CODM, the triggers genuinely improve reaction time and make gameplay more comfortable. But the fun part is theyre not just limited to gaming. You can assign them to everyday actions: think play/pause on YouTube, skipping tracks on Spotify, or even snapping photos without stretching your thumb across the screen. Hook.Online The placement couldve been a little lower for comfort, but theyre still a clever addition that you wont find on most rivals. For gamers, theyre a no-brainer. For everyone else, theyre an underrated productivity hack. 4. Performance thats reliable, not just numbers At the heart of the GT 30 is the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and up to 256GB of storage (though UFS 2.2, not the faster UFS 3.1). On benchmarks, its solid but not chart-topping727,000 on AnTuTu and 3,214 on Geekbench multi-core. But raw numbers arent the whole story. In daily use, the phone is snappy. Apps open quickly, multitasking feels fluid, and even heavier titles hold their own. BGMI and CODM run at a steady 90FPS, while Genshin Impact, the true stress test, stays playable at around 4045FPS. Hook.Online What helps here is the 5,400mm vapor chamber cooling. After 30 minutes of gaming, the phone gets warm but never uncomfortably hot. The one bottleneck is storage speed. Large file transfers or heavy app installs feel slower than on pricier phones with UFS 3.1. But it's not a dealbreaker unless youre constantly moving GB-sized files around. 5. Battery that goes the distance Gamers need endurance, and the GT 30 doesnt disappoint with its 5,500mAh battery. Even with heavy usean hour of gaming, a couple hours of streaming, plus endless doomscrollingthe phone comfortably lasts a full day. With lighter use, it can stretch into a day and a half. Charging is equally solid: the bundled 45W charger takes the phone from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes and a full charge in just under an hour. For gamers, the inclusion of bypass charging is a thoughtful touch that reduces heat and extends battery longevity. Hook.Online And yes, it even doubles as a power bank thanks to 10W reverse charging, so you can top up your earbuds or a friends phone in a pinch. Reasons to skip the Infinix GT 30 1. Cameras are clearly not the priority While the GT 30 is all about gaming, its camera system is average. The 64MP Sony IMX682 main sensor takes solid daylight shots with decent color balance and detail, but struggles in low light. Without OIS, night shots blur easily, and sharpness takes a hit. The 8MP ultra-wide is serviceable but soft around the edges, and the 13MP selfie camera works fine in good light but goes heavy on smoothing in dim conditions. Video maxes out at 4K 30fps with EIS, which is okay for casual shooters but not competitive with what some rivals offer. Hook.Online If youre buying this phone for photography, youll be disappointed. Its strictly average. 2. Software still isnt as clean as it should be The GT 30 runs on Android 15 with Infinixs XOS 15 skin, and while its definitely cleaner than older Infinix phones, its not stock Android. There are still preloaded apps (though you can uninstall them), and the UI feels busier than rivals like Motorola. On the plus side, there are useful features like a Dynamic Bar (an iOS-style interactive notification strip), floating windows, and AI-driven battery optimizations. But Infinix only promises two years of OS updates and three years of security patches, which feels slightly conservative in 2025 when competitors push three to four years. For gamers, this wont matter much. For long-term buyers, it might. Verdict: Should you buy the Infinix GT 30? The Infinix GT 30 doesnt try to be a jack-of-all-trades, and thats what makes it so refreshing. Instead of chasing cameras or design minimalism, it doubles down on what its target audience actually wants: a flashy design, gamer-first hardware, and reliable day-to-day performance. For under 20,000, youre getting: A bold design with Mecha lights A 144Hz AMOLED display with insane brightness Physical shoulder triggers for gaming and shortcuts Stable performance with solid cooling A big battery with fast and thoughtful charging features Understanding the difference between term and whole life insurance is essential for anyone looking to achieve financial security in India today. With increasing interest in a reliable savings plan and flexible protection, more individuals are exploring the benefits of term life insurance. This detailed guide will help Indian readers understand how term life insurance works, compare it with whole life policies and uncover why it remains a popular option for families who prioritise value and clarity in their financial planning. What is term life insurance Term life insurance is a pure protection plan. It provides financial coverage for a specific contract term, generally ranging from 5 to 40 years. If the policyholder passes away during the policy term, the insurer pays a fixed lump sum known as the sum assured to the nominee. However, if the policyholder survives the term, there is generally no maturity benefit. What is whole life insurance Whole life insurance is a type of life insurance that lasts for the policyholders entire lifetime, typically up to 99 or 100 years. It combines life cover with a savings component, meaning that if the policyholder survives to the policys maturity, they will receive a maturity benefit in addition to death benefits. Whole life plans generally have higher premiums than term insurance due to the added savings element. Term life vs whole life insurance Understanding the key differences between term and whole life insurance helps you choose the right cover based on protection needs and financial goals. Feature Term Life Insurance Whole Life Insurance Nature Pure life cover Life cover with savings component Premiums Low and affordable High due to lifelong cover and savings Duration Fixed term (540 years) Lifetime coverage (up to age 99/100) Maturity Benefit None (no payout if you survive the term) Maturity or survival benefit is provided Death Benefit Yes (sum assured paid on death) Yes (sum assured paid on death) Surrender Value Nil or limited before maturity Available after a few policy years Suitability Ideal for cost-effective high coverage Suitable for lifelong cover and wealth building Core benefits of term life insurance Here are a few of the main benefits of term life insurance policy: Affordable premiums for large cover Term life insurance is great because it's easy on your wallet. You don't have to pay much to protect yourself with a big life cover. If you're a healthy 30-year-old who doesn't smoke, you can get an insurance which assures you 1 crore for 30 years for about Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000 each year. This makes it a cheap method for families to protect their finances. Simplicity and transparency A term life insurance plan is simple. It is structured so you pay premiums for a set time. If you pass away during that time, your family gets the money. There aren't any investments or bonuses involved, so it's clear and direct for those who want protection without any hidden issues. Flexible coverage options Term policies allow for flexibility in both coverage amount and policy duration. You can select a sum assured based on your familys needs, outstanding liabilities and income replacement requirements. Moreover, riders such as critical illness, accidental death and disability can enhance protection at nominal extra cost. Tax benefits under the Income Tax Act Term life insurance premiums can get you a tax deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs each year under Section 80C. Also, the money your nominee gets from the policy is tax-free under Section 10(10D), if the rules are followed. This is a good reason to think about adding a term plan to your savings for security and to lower your yearly tax bill. Integration in a well-rounded savings plan While pure term life does not offer a savings or investment component by itself, its low cost allows you to invest surplus funds in mutual funds, public provident fund, recurring deposits or unit linked insurance plans. This integration of protection with investments creates a balanced savings plan and supports long-term financial growth. Advantages of term life insurance over whole life insurance Cost efficiency Term life requires much lower outlay than whole life insurance. This is ideal for young professionals, parents and breadwinners with high responsibilities and limited disposable income. Maximised cover during critical years Childrens education, home loan repayments and lifestyle expenses typically peak between ages 30 and 55. Term insurance provides an optimal, large cover exactly during these crucial years, matching the familys most significant financial obligations. Customisable and convertible features Many companies offer return of premium term plans, which return all base premiums paid if the insured survives the policy term. Some term policies can also be converted into whole life or endowment plans later, offering additional flexibility as your life stage evolves. Ideal use for key loan collaterals When Indian banks give out big loans, they usually want you to have good life insurance. Banks often prefer term life policies because they pay out a lot and are easy to plan for. If you're a borrower, you can use your life insurance policy as a guarantee for the loan. This gives the bank extra security, especially if the loan is for things such as property, mutual funds or stocks. Factors to consider when buying term life insurance Assess your ideal sum assured Experts suggest the sum assured should be 10-20 times your annual income, factoring in all liabilities, childrens future expenses and any ongoing savings plan. Use online life insurance calculators to fine-tune your requirements. Policy term Choose a policy term that covers your familys core financial milestonesthe repayment of major loans, childrens higher education or marriage and spouses retirement needs. Premium payment flexibility Evaluate options for regular, limited or single premium payment modes, depending on your cash flows. Reliability of insurer Check the claim settlement ratio, customer reviews and after-sales service ratings before finalising a company. Inclusion of relevant riders Opt for critical illness, accidental death or waiver of premium riders for comprehensive cover and additional peace of mind. Conclusion For Indian families and working professionals, term life insurance is better than whole life plans if you want good protection at a price you can manage. Term insurance helps you build a solid safety net, works well with your savings strategy, and keeps your family safe if something goes wrong. Its cheap, flexible and has tax advantages, making it important for careful money management. If you know what it offers and how it compares to other options, you can make smart choices that give you real peace of mind and lasting financial security. Expanded coverage, enhanced medical insurance services weave stronger safety net Xinhua) 15:15, August 26, 2025 BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Right after giving birth, a woman surnamed Liu in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, enrolled her newborn baby in publicly funded medical insurance online -- all from the comfort of her hospital bed. "Basic medical insurance is the first gift I gave my child," she said. Nowadays, new parents in China can enroll their newborns in the country's basic health insurance with just a birth certificate. Restrictions for enrollment have been further eased, and new mechanisms have been put in place to encourage participation and ensure payments are swiftly completed. These developments are part of broader improvements to China's basic medical insurance programs during the 14th Five-year Plan period from 2021 to 2025. The country is set to launch a new development plan next year. The recent enrollment rate in basic medical insurance has remained around 95 percent, with approximately 20 billion reimbursements made from 2021 to 2024, said Zhang Ke, head of the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA). Basic medical insurance for rural residents and non-working urban residents is funded through a combination of individual contributions and government subsidies, while that for urban employees is jointly financed by individuals and their employers. Together, these form the two pillars of China's public healthcare security framework. For years, China has been committed to expanding the scope of basic medical insurance. This includes introducing new categories such as maternity and long-term care insurance, as well as enhancing medical services to provide easier healthcare access for its citizens. In January this year, the NHSA introduced new policies enabling flexible employees to enroll in medical insurance based on their residence or workplace, rather than the location of their household registration. Furthermore, those who participate in the insurance program without interruption are rewarded with higher payment limits under critical illness insurance. During the 14th Five-year Plan period, support policies such as the critical illness insurance have benefited 673 million rural low-income earners seeking medical treatment, reducing their financial burden by more than 650 billion yuan (around 91.34 billion U.S. dollars). Guo Minjiang, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, believes that the emphasis on critical illness insurance in the incentive mechanism balances both the "equity" and "efficiency" of basic medical insurance. According to the NHSA, 31 provincial-level regions in the country and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps have included assisted reproduction in medical insurance reimbursement. The pilot scope of long-term care insurance has been expanded to 49 cities, benefiting nearly 190 million participants. As of June this year, 253 million women had been covered by maternity insurance, with the basic medical insurance fund disbursing over 438 billion yuan in total as maternity allowance. Li Tao, deputy head of the NHSA, said the administration will continue working with relevant departments to establish a long-term care insurance that gradually achieves universal coverage. Breaking provincial boundaries, the insured individuals can now use funds in their medical insurance accounts to pay for the medical expenses of their close relatives, which includes spouses, parents, and children. Over the years, the list of drugs eligible for medical insurance coverage has been continuously revised, currently encompassing over 3,000 drugs in total. Nationwide, the number of medical insurance-designated institutions has reached 1.1 million. "In the past, you need to bring a card, queue, and copy materials to see a doctor, but now you just need to have your face scanned," said a patient surnamed Li who has just had his medical bills reimbursed in a township hospital of Yinchuan, capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China. Digital and smart technologies have not just enhanced the accessibility of medical insurance services but have also made it easier to expose violations like insurance fraud. According to the NHSA, China has successfully established a medical insurance fund supervision system, and over 100 billion yuan of medical insurance funds have been recovered. "This year, unannounced inspections have covered all regions under the coordinated medical insurance payment program and all parties using medical insurance funds," said Huang Huabo, another deputy head of the NHSA. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) North Vietnam's Best General Beat France at Dien Bien Phu, Then Failed With the Same Tactics Against Marines at Khe Sanh Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap earned his reputation as one of history's great military commanders on May 7, 1954, when 16,000 French... Since the war began in Gaza, 189 Palestinian journalists have been killed, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists. They include men and women, freelancers and staffers, veterans with years in the field and young reporters on some of their first assignments. Some were killed with their families at home, others were in vehicles marked PRESS, or in tents near hospitals, or out covering the violence. Many endured the same conditions as those they covered hunger, displacement, and grief. Among them: Mariam Dagga, 33. A visual journalist and a 33-year-old mother, she was known for human-centered reporting from southern Gaza, including at Nasser Hospital, where she was killed in an Israeli strike in August 2025. During the war, she worked for The Associated Press and Independent Arabia. The strike that killed her also claimed the lives of rescuers and four other journalists. Anas al-Sharif, 28. The father of two was killed in an Israeli strike on a tent outside Shifa hospital in August 2025, days after he wept on air while reporting on starvation deaths in Gaza. The strike which also killed five other journalists prompted an outpouring of condemnation from press freedom groups and foreign officials. Hamza Dahdouh, 27. The son of Al Jazeeras Gaza City bureau chief, he was killed in a January 2024 drone strike after leaving a reporting assignment at the site of an earlier strike in southern Gaza. He was the fifth member of his family to be killed. Ayat Khadoura, 27. The Al Quds University graduate shed light on the hardships families faced in the first weeks of the war. She became known for reporting on bombs striking her northern Gaza neighborhood, including one video in which she said Israeli forces had ordered residents to evacuate moments before a strike hit her home and killed her in November 2023. Hossam Shabat, 23. A freelancer from northern Gaza, he was killed while reporting for Al Jazeera in March 2025. Before the war, he told a Beirut-based advocacy group he hoped to start a media company or work in his familys restaurants. Fatima Hassouna, 25. The photojournalist was killed in an April 2025 Israeli airstrike a day after a documentary about her efforts to film daily life amid war in Gaza was accepted at a Cannes Film Festival program promoting independent films. Israel has accused some of the journalists killed of involvement with militant groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad charges that journalists and their outlets have dismissed as baseless. Israel's military did not respond to an Associated Press request for comment about the CPJ data. Figures and methodologies may differ among groups that track journalist deaths. CPJ said it independently investigates and verifies the circumstances behind each death, including to verify journalists lack of involvement in militant activities. __ Sam Metz in Jerusalem and Fatma Khaled in Cairo contributed reporting. NAIROBI, Kenya For the first time, Britain's government has agreed to pay out millions in pounds to Kenyans to settle a civil lawsuit after its military forces had their legal immunity in Kenya lifted. The payout of 2.9 million British pounds ($3.9 million) to settle damages for a wildfire accidentally started by British soldiers in Kenya in 2021 follows a landmark ruling that stripped the U.K. government and British Army of immunity from Kenyan civil suits. That has opened a new chapter in accountability for foreign militaries' actions on Kenyan soil, and the British military deployment in the country faces a series of controversies over the conduct of its personnel both in Kenyan and U.K. courts. Damage would take decades to restore Over 7,700 Kenyans and an environmental lobby group had filed a class-action suit before the Kenyan Environment and Land Court, accusing the British Army Training Unit in Kenya of destroying more than 12,000 acres of the Lolldaiga Hills in central Kenya 2021. The British government admitted that the fire had been started accidentally by a soldiers kerosene stove. The blaze took almost two weeks to put out and caused the death of one person and an unspecified number of animals. Locals said toxic fumes from the fire caused health issues, including respiratory complications and damaged eyesight. An environmental assessment presented before court showed that the fire caused extensive damage that would take between 30 and 50 years to tackle. The British government had argued that it had immunity from trial in Kenyan courts, but that was thrown out in a landmark ruling by High Court Judge Kossy Bor, who stated that the U.K. lost absolute immunity against trial in local courts when it entered into a defense treaty with Kenya. It was the first time Kenyan courts were able to try civil claims against British military forces. Kelvin Kubai, a Lolldaiga community legal representative, lauded the settlement, saying it sets a precedent for future claims and redefines diplomatic and military accountability in host countries. Many, however, expressed strong disappointment over the compensation amounts. Some residents say the payment is as little as 129 pounds for some, and say the payout falls far short of their 575-million pound demand. My home is closest to Lolldaiga Hills, so I suffered significant damages from the smoke of the fire. I also helped put out the fire," said local resident Charles Ndungu. To learn that people are receiving just 22,500 Kenya shillings (129 pounds) is shocking. Some were planning protests to renew calls for transparency and justice. John Kiunjuri, an official of the Lolldaiga community that sued the British Army, told The Associated Press that they would meet soon to discuss further steps." Sexual conduct bans Meanwhile, the British Army is grappling with recent revelations that some soldiers continue to violate sexual conduct bans by engaging in transactional sex despite regulations. A report released by Britain's Ministry of Defense earlier this month shows that, despite instituting a ban against transactional sex, British soldiers stationed in central Kenya's Nanyuki area continue to fuel prostitution, which is illegal in Kenya. British authorities opened an inquiry after a 2024 investigative documentary by British outlet ITV revealed that soldiers stationed in Nanyuki were still fueling prostitution despite army regulations forbidding it. The inquiry concluded that it is more likely than not that, despite the training provided by the Army and the control measures in place, transactional sexual activity by UK personnel in Kenya has continued." Soldiers alleged to have fathered children during deployments The report came after another ruling by the U.K. High Court mandating the release of contact details for 11 British soldiers alleged to have fathered children with Kenyan women during their deployment, potentially triggering a wave of paternity cases, citizenship claims, and reparations. Despite enjoying a mutual military partnership, the century-old military pact between Kenya and Britain, the countrys former colonial ruler, has come under increasing scrutiny over alleged misconduct of British soldiers. Demands for a review of the military pact between the two nations have been growing louder. Kenya and the U.K. signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement in 2015, under which Kenya retains jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases involving British troops on Kenyan soil. The agreement is renewable every five years and was last renewed in 2021. The agreement allows approximately 3,000 British soldiers to train in Kenya annually. Q. I'm 65 and VA-disability-rated at 90%. Do I need to, or should I, stay signed up for Medicare Part B? Im also on Tricare for Life, which requires me to be enrolled in Medicare Part B. Thanks, Charles Thank you for your great question, Charles. I appreciate your writing in. If you're 65, disability rated at 90% by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and already enrolled in Tricare for Life (TFL), you're in a situation in which Medicare Part B isn't just a "should I." It's a "you have to" if you want to keep your TFL coverage. The real question is probably whether you want to keep TFL if you have VA medical care available. Related: What Is Tricare for Life? Here are some things to consider in your decision. Why Does Tricare for Life Require Medicare Part B? For military retirees and their eligible family members, Tricare for Life works hand in hand with Medicare. Once you turn 65, TFL requires you to have both Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) to stay covered. This isn't a suggestion. If you drop Part B, you lose your TFL coverage. TFL isn't just "extra" insurance. It's what picks up most of the costs Medicare doesn't cover, making your out-of-pocket expenses extremely low or sometimes zero for covered services. The bottom line is, if you want to keep using TFL, you have to stay enrolled in Medicare Part B. How Medicare Part B Works with Tricare for Life Here's how the two work together: Medicare pays first for Medicare-covered services. TFL pays second, covering the remaining costs that Medicare didn't pay, such as deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. You typically owe nothing out of pocket for Medicare-approved services. It's a powerful combo. You get access to civilian providers through Medicare and backup coverage through TFL, without all the huge medical bill worries. About VA Health Care You mentioned your VA disability rating is 90%, which means you have access to VA health care. VA care is great for many veterans, but it works differently from Medicare and TFL: VA health care can only be used at VA facilities or for VA-approved care such as Community Care. VA and Medicare don't coordinate benefits; if you see a non-VA provider, the VA generally won't pay, even if Medicare would. While the VA often does well for annual checkups, preventive care and prescriptions, it can take longer to get an appointment, especially for urgent needs. For acute issues such as injuries or sudden illnesses, having Medicare and TFL means you can use your civilian doctor or urgent care to get seen quickly. If you drop Medicare Part B and lose TFL, you could rely solely on the VA, but you'd give up the flexibility of seeing civilian providers quickly. Why It Matters Even More if You Have Dependents If you have eligible dependents, TFL also helps cover your health-care costs in coordination with Medicare (if youre eligible) or as your primary Tricare coverage if you're younger than 65. Dropping Part B and losing TFL would affect not only your access to civilian care but also your family's coverage options. That's an important consideration for anyone supporting a spouse or dependents who may need care outside the VA system. The Cost Side of the Equation The main reason people consider dropping Part B is the monthly premium. In 2025, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $185 per month, though it could be higher if your income is above a certain level. Here's how to think about it: It's an ongoing cost, yes, but it also gives you the ability to see virtually any provider, with TFL covering what Medicare doesn't. Without Part B, you lose TFL entirely. If you later re-enroll in Part B, you could face late enrollment penalties and long waits before coverage starts. Given the high cost of medical care, most retirees find the premium is worth the peace of mind and the access it provides. When You Might Reconsider Suppose you had other equivalent employer coverage (not VA health care, but actual civilian employer insurance) that allowed you to delay Medicare Part B without penalty. In that case, you can postpone Part B temporarily. But for most people in your situation -- retired, on TFL, with VA care -- dropping Part B would mean giving up TFL, which is probably not worth it. Since you're on Tricare for Life, it's probably best to stay enrolled in Medicare Part B to keep your TFL coverage. Doing so ensures you have: Access to civilian care when and where you need it. Minimal out-of-pocket costs for covered services. The flexibility to use VA health care when it works best for you and civilian providers when you prefer or need them. Think of it as three layers of protection: VA health care, Medicare and TFL. Together, they create one of the most comprehensive health coverage packages available to anyone in the U.S., and those are benefits you've earned. Get the Latest Financial Tips Whether you're trying to balance your budget, build up your credit, select a good life insurance program or are gearing up for a home purchase, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com and get the latest military benefit updates and tips delivered straight to your inbox. A therapist with deep ties to the military community, Dr. Emma Smith writes a monthly advice column for Military.com to address questions from our readers. This month, she answers a message from a military spouse who is feeling burned out. Want Dr. Emma to answer your question next month? Submit it using the form at the end of the article. Dear Dr. Emma, Lately, Ive been feeling listlessness and exhaustion I cant quite explain. Its more than just being tired from parenting or the demands of military life. Its constant heaviness, but also life just kind of keeps going? I dont watch the news. Im barely on social media anymore (although thats tough, considering my family and friends live all over the place). I feel like Im unraveling slowly, and when I tell others Im struggling, they tell me to be grateful -- I have healthy kids, a supportive partner, a roof over my head. I get that, but also, I feel trapped in a life thats full of responsibility. Nothing makes me feel happy anymore. Is there a name for this? Depression? Burnout? How do I keep showing up for my family when I feel so disconnected from everything? Signed, Tired of Being Resilient Dear Tired of Being Resilient, What an apt name youve chosen -- and a relatable one. Your sign-off left me thinking, Oof, I feel that. I suspect many others will feel that same resonance. Your letter so poignantly captures that military family life requires more than just strength and agility; it also demands endurance. Repeated endurance. You mentioned that when you reach out to others for support, you are told to be grateful for what you have. For what its worth, you dont sound ungrateful -- or broken, for that matter. Youre simply being honest about the mismatch between how life looks and how it feels. Read Next: Off the Clock with Dr. Emma: Is Opening Our Marriage a Terrible Idea? Im sorry the people youve reached out to have directed you toward gratitude without first acknowledging your challenges and the diminished buoyancy youre feeling. When we share our pain, people often reach for gratitude as a balm. But gratitude applied too soon rarely heals our pain, and more often simply teaches us to silence it. I learned this firsthand when my partner and I were stationed in a place with very few other military families. For the first time in my adult life, most of my friends were civilians with no military connection. As our time at that assignment drew close, my closest local friend -- a co-worker turned running buddy -- asked me during one of our evening training runs: So what now? I explained the orders and permanent change-of-station (PCS) process to her as we jogged along. Three years?! she nearly shrieked. Then what? Well, we repeat the process. Every time?! Emma, thats insane. You know that, right? Your life is -- I couldnt do that. I would lose my mind. I mean, same, I laughed. But it doesnt feel as awful when everyone else around you is doing the same thing. It becomes normal. She shot me an incredulous look that let me know she remained unconvinced. That conversation shifted something in me. It reminded me of the power of having someone mirror back just how impossible military life can feel. Just hearing my friends unfiltered response about the tough parts of my life was deeply affirming. It was validating to hear that the uncertainty, constant changes and strain were unfathomable to someone else. I hope it can offer you similar comfort. In time, I found the most sustaining support from within the military came from other spouses a step or two ahead of me. Whereas my peers were all trying to prove we could handle it, these seasoned spouses carried the wisdom of what this life costs, and they offered it generously through programs like Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB). The Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard have similar programs. Additionally, your observation of feeling the weight of responsibility without the reward of having a life that fills your cup is essential. You asked whether it could be burnout, and while that could be part of the issue, there seems to be something more existential to it than that. In existential therapy, there is a term for this kind of languishing called the existential vacuum. Its a space where old meanings no longer nourish us and new meanings have yet to be discovered or take root. Sometimes unraveling is not a sign of failure, but an opening to make space for something more profound thats asking to be knit. The old way isnt working anymore, and its time to create something new. Youre not weak. Youre experiencing the cost of relentless expectation that hasnt been given space to rest. There is a material difference between those two things. You mention stepping away from the news and social media and feeling disconnected from everything. You used the term disconnected rather than isolated, and the distinction matters. When we isolate, we cut ourselves off from others. Disconnection isnt isolation. Its not cutting off, but pulling back, floating, waiting and conserving until you find what can carry you forward again: perspectives, people and/or activities that bring you fullness. Its grounded with intentionality. The float is about being with that sense of disconnection rather than escaping from it. Start making space for being with that disconnection by trying to find one place where you can be completely unedited. Being unedited means letting go of expectation. Some people do this through therapy, voice memos or letters that never get sent. Others find their body is a portal toward discovery. Reclaim sensation by walking barefoot in grass, drinking something warm slowly, staring at a tree and feeling yourself breathe. The part of you who knows what she needs wont speak until you clear some space to listen. Notice the difference between how you feel in those moments and how you feel now. Do more of what works and less of what doesnt. The truth is, Tired, that resilience is neither a constant state, nor is it a performance of wellness to someone elses expectation. It ebbs and flows. Youre allowed to ebb. Youre allowed to question the shape and pace of your days. Youre allowed to disconnect yourself from what isnt working to create new ways to flow. Off the Clock, but Always in Your Corner, Dr. Emma Ask Dr. Emma Your Question The content shared in this column is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute clinical advice or create a therapist-client relationship. If you are in need of mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional in your area. Every month, Dr. Emma will answer questions from the Military.com community. And she wants to answer yours! From romantic frustrations to family bonding, anxieties over current events to homecoming excitement, she wants to hear from you. Submit your question, and we may choose it for anonymous publication along with Dr. Emma's response. Your personal information will not be shared, and your responses will be used only for editorial purposes. Loading... Keep Up with the Ins and Outs of Military Life For the latest military news and tips on military family benefits and more, subscribe to Military.com and have the information you need delivered directly to your inbox. TRAVERSE CITY, MI - The breeze coming off Grand Traverse Bay last weekend did more than just give an open-air feel to celebrity chef Tyler Florences cooking demonstration at the inaugural Traverse City Food & Wine event. It wafted the delicious scent of his grilled chicken right to the enthusiastic crowd that had gathered to watch him flex his skills. The Food Network star returned to Michigans popular vacation spot to help headline the big event - a couple decades after he carved and chopped his way through an internship at the nearby Grand Traverse Resort. His name carries a little more weight now. And his recipes are sought-after. On the menu: Reverse-Seared Grilled Chicken with BBQ Sauce, and his mother-in-laws delectable Potato Salad, and a Grilled Peach Panzanella Salad. All are recipes featured in Florences American Grill cookbook. While he didnt give exact ingredient amounts during his live-fire demo - Type A cooks will need to get his book for that - Florence did keep up a detailed, running stream of conversation as he cooked that gave everyone there an inside look at how he makes his recipe magic happen. We took some notes - and were sharing the highlights below so at-home grillmasters can replicate all this saucy goodness: Reverse Seared Grilled Chicken was one of the dishes celebrity chef Tyler Florence cooked for a crowd during the Traverse City Food & Wine event. Photo provided by Traverse City Tourism Reverse Seared Grilled Chicken The Basics: The guy who owns eight grills said the secret to this juicy chicken is dry-brining it first, then cooking it in the oven before you fire up the grill. Protein doesnt like high temperatures for a very long time" Florence told the crowd. Its essentially a magic trick, a flavor boost. The Brine: In a bowl, mix some chopped or torn fresh thyme and rosemary, the grated zest of a lemon or two (Dont get Tyler started about how much he loves his microplaners), some grated garlic cloves, kosher salt, a little sugar, black pepper and olive oil. The Oven: Preheat the oven to 220 degrees. Cut a whole chicken into about 10 pieces (splitting each breast in half). Rub it with the dry brine mixture and arrange it on a baking sheet. Bake the chicken until it reaches about 130 degrees on the thick part of a thigh. *** At this point, your chicken is only partly cooked. You can finish it on the grill (see the next step), bag it up and take it to a friends house to finish, or toss it in the freezer and finish it at a later time. When it comes out of the oven, its not going to look pretty, but thats not the point, he said. The Grill: Use a charcoal or gas grill, with a hot zone/cold zone method. Grill the chicken, starting on the hot side, and rotating and flipping the pieces back and forth between the two zones. What youre looking for: a nice, even sear on the chicken without burning it. When the instant-read thermometer reaches 152-155 degrees on the thickest part of the thigh, take the chicken off the grill and let it rest. Congratulations. Youve now cemented yourself as the grilled chicken guru. And if you are partial to the Southern way of eating grilled chicken, like Florence, youll want to provide your guests copious amounts of BBQ sauce for dipping. If you really love BBQ, paint your chicken pieces with it before and after you grill them. Tyler Florence does an open-air cooking demonstration at the Traverse City Food & Wine event. Photo provided by Traverse City Tourism BBQ Sauce Into the Pot: Florence grew up in South Carolina with mustard-based BBQ sauces in my baby bottle, as he likes to tell it. While the sauce recipe he shared in Traverse City does have mustard in it, it has a much more balanced flavor. During the demo, he used a saucepan to crisp up a few pieces of bacon, then added fresh thyme, olive oil, chopped onion and garlic. Once that got all nice and caramelized, he added a good amount of ketchup for body, then some brown sugar, a little molasses, a couple spoons of red wine vinegar. He seasoned that mixture with equal parts mustard, cumin, smoked paprika and some black pepper. Mix it Up: Once that simmered for few minutes and cooled, he liquefied it in a Vitamix (take any stray thyme stems out before you do this, if you are using fresh herbs). This is as good as base BBQ gets, he said, trying some on a spoon. Its bangin. Its so good! Add-ins: Florence told his audience this basic recipe leaves room for lots of yummy add-ins. For a more complex flavor profile, you can add in peaches, cherries, even truffles. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Billy Idols tour with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts is coming to Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan this Thursday, August 28. Shop the tour on Ticketmaster. More ticket options are also available on Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and StubHub. Although the Rebel Yell and Bad Reputation stars performance at Maine Savings Amphitheatre in Bangor was recently canceled, Grammy nominees Billy Idol and Joan Jett are still set to bring their Its a Nice Day To Tour Again! trek to Pine Knob Music Theatre this Thursday. The Clarkston, Michigan concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and is to be followed by shows at the Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana; Morrison, Colorados Red Rocks Amphitheatre; the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California; and more ahead of the September 25 finale at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. Tickets to this weeks Pine Knob concert are still available for less than $50 each. Tickets: Thu, Aug 28 at Pine Knob Ticketmaster from $49.25 | Vivid Seats from $44 | SeatGeek from $44 | StubHub from $45 All dates Ticketmaster | Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub Tour schedule: Tue, Aug 26 Maine Savings Amphitheater; Bangor, ME ** Thu, Aug 28 Pine Knob Music Theatre; Clarkston, MI Sat, Aug 30 Ruoff Music Center; Noblesville, IN Sun, Aug 31 American Family Insurance Amphitheater; Milwaukee, WI Wed, Sep 3 Red Rocks Amphitheatre; Morrison, CO Fri, Sep 5 Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre; Salt Lake City, UT Fri, Sep 12 Acrisure Arena; Palm Desert, CA Sun, Sep 14 Greek Theatre; Berkeley, CA Wed, Sep 17 Toyota Amphitheatre; Wheatland, CA Fri, Sep 19 Cascades Amphitheater; Ridgefield, WA Sat, Sep 20 Climate Pledge Arena; Seattle, WA Tue, Sep 23 North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre; Chula Vista, CA Thu, Sep 25 Kia Forum; Inglewood, CA ** Canceled Four individuals, including a 14-year-old girl, her father and two fishermen, were rescued from a Benzie County lighthouse pier by the crew from the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station in Traverse on Sunday, Aug. 24. The Coast Guard reported the rescue the following day. (Photo used with permission from USCG) Photo used with permission from USCG BENZIE COUNTY, MI Four people, including a young teenager, stranded on a break wall near a Northern Michigan pier were rescued late Sunday with the help of a U.S. Coast Guard Air Station crew in Traverse City. WPBN-TV reported on Monday, Aug. 25, that a 14-year-old girl, her father and two fishermen were left stranded at the end of the Frankfort Lighthouse pier Sunday night. At the time, authorities said weather changes and shifting winds generated tall waves that crashed over the length of the North Pier, making it unsafe for anyone to walk the 1,800 feet from the lighthouse back to shore and difficult for first responders to reach them. After Frankfort police and fire officials pitched different rescue scenarios, a call was made to the air station. The U.S. Coast Guard Traverse City Air Station shared imagery from the rescue on social media Monday. According to the agency, rescuers in an MH-60 helicopter battled approximately 30-foot sprays and, while hovering fewer than 10 feet above the spire of the lighthouse, hoisted all four individuals to Frankfort Airport, where emergency crews were waiting. The Jackson House pictured at its original location in Selma, Alabama. Over 100 years old, the historic building was a gathering place for civil rights leaders planning the Selma to Montgomery marches. (Photo provided by The Henry Ford) Photo provided by The Henry Ford LANSING, MI - The Henry Ford landed state support to preserve a historic home that played an important role in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. The Michigan Strategic Fund approved a $9 million bond during its Tuesday, Aug. 26 board meeting for the restoration of the Jackson House, a building where Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders planned the Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches in 1965. The Jackson House is joining Greenfield Village, a collection of historic buildings at the Henry Ford campus in Dearborn, after making a 1,060-mile trek from Selma, Alabama last year. The Henry Ford is currently creating programming and making the century-old home accessible to visitors. A tax-exempt bond will support the construction of a $10 million annex that will be attached to the house. The Jackson Home is an amazing artifact with a rich history surrounding an affluent African American family that heavily influenced the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, said Stephanie Trotter, the chief financial officer for The Henry Ford. We believe this artifact will deepen our mission to inspire people and provide educational opportunities. The Jackson House, owned by Dr. and Mrs. Sullivan Jackson, was also where King watched President Lyndon Johnson deliver his We Shall Overcome speech in March 1965. In it, Johnson announced a bill guaranteeing Black Americans the right to vote would be sent to Congress. It was later passed, becoming the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The contents of the house have been preserved, according to The Henry Ford, including the armchair where King watched Johnsons address, the kitchen where Jackson cooked for her guests and a dining room table where civil rights leaders, lawmakers and Nobel Peace Prize winners exchanged ideas. The Henry Ford, a national historic landmark, acquired the Jackson House in 2023. Jawana Jackson, the only child of the Jacksons who became the houses owner, asked if the historic building could be relocated and installed at The Henry Fords outdoor museum. Greenfield Village is already home to 80 historic structures, including the courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law, and artifacts like the bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger. The promise I made to my parents at their deaths to preserve our rich family legacy is now fulfilled, Jackson said in a statement two years ago. This historic private residence will now be included among other nationally significant homes and artifacts which represent Americas commitment to justice, peace and freedom for all. Crews carefully disassembled the Jackson House and loaded the pieces onto trailers so it could make the journey to Michigan. It was placed in Greenfield Village, with a new foundation, roof and plumbing system, in 2024. Trotter says the Jackson House will generate a meaningful economic impact by creating 20 new jobs. Construction of the annex started this summer. The Jackson House is expected to open to the public in June 2026. ST. LOUIS, MI A shortage of beds for violent prisoners who should be at high-security correctional facilities recently led to a spike in violence at a lower-security facility where they were sent, union officials say. The St. Louis Correctional Facility, located in mid-Michigan, experienced a surge in violence throughout July, with numerous reports of assaults on prison staff and inmates, according to a report from the Michigan Correction Organization, the union representing the states correctional officers. We dont have enough Level V bed space to accommodate keeping them all where theyre supposed to be, Byron Osborn, Michigan Correction Organization president, said of the prison systems highest security level. Its a big safety concern for us. A representative for the Michigan Department of Corrections did not respond to requests for comment. In July, there were 15 assaults against prison staff and 25 against prisoners. Additionally, 69 prisoners were sent to segregation for fighting, 23 for their own protection and 45 for refusing to stay in the general population, according to the report. Among the multiple reported assaults, the prisons yards were closed and a unit was put into lockdown on July 11 after several prisoners attempted to incite a riot, the report states. Three days later, July 14, a large brawl between 12 prisoners broke out in one of the prisons housing units. The prison was locked down as authorities quelled the fight. Corrections officers discovered several homemade weapons when breaking up the brawl, according to the report. The facility was in lockdown for several days. Many prisoners reached their breaking point by July 18 and were flooding their cells, trying to kick open their cell doors and refusing to follow staff instructions, the report states. Though MDOC as a whole is still dealing with a staffing shortage of correctional officers, the St. Louis facility is one of the few of Michigans 26 prisons that is almost fully staffed. Its job vacancy rate was at 3.8% as of July 10. The facility is not necessarily one of our main facilities thats super short on staff, but they are one of our facilities that have a huge problem with prisoners being in the wrong classification, Osborn said. Well over half the prisoners that are at that Level IV facility are actually Level V prisoners. This is a state-wide issue, and the St. Louis Facility is just one of the facilities that has a problem. The St. Louis Correctional Facility, built in 1999, houses Level IV prisoners within its 67 acres of land in the northeast section of St. Louis in Gratiot County. It has six general population housing units and one segregation unit that houses up to 96 prisoners. MDOC has four general population security levels for prisoners: Level I, Level II, Level IV, and Level V, according to the Michigan Department of Correction. Prisoner security classifications are based on the confinement and management needs of each prisoner, rather than their convictions. During an individuals time in prison, their classification and housing location may change one or more times based on their conduct as well as health care and programming needs. The state maintains three Level V facilities for men: the Ionia Correctional Facility in Ionia, west of Grand Rapids, and the Marquette Branch Prison and the Baraga Correctional Facility in the Upper Peninsula. The Womans Huron Valley Correctional Facility, east of Ann Arbor, houses all security levels as it is the states only prison for women. Osborn said it is common for MDOC to issue waivers for inmate placement, which allows higher-level offenders to be housed in lower-level facilities. He used the Chippewa Correctional Facility in Kincheloe, in the eastern Upper Peninsula as an example. Its a multi-level facility with a number of Level II housing units, but most of the prisoners that are in those Level II units are Level IV prisoners because theyre being pushed down because the Level Vs are in the Level IVs, he said. Its a giant mess throughout the entire system, across all of the security levels. For more Michigan Department of Corrections news, click here. The logo change and store makeovers have upset customers and investors. The company's stock is down more than 10% since the new logo debuted. LC- The Oregonian National restaurant chain Cracker Barrel acknowledged Monday that its rebrand is not going as planned. However, the company isnt expected to 86 the changes, despite public backlash and a plummeting stock price. In a statement issued Monday, the company publicly addressed the ongoing backlash surrounding the chains new logo and redesign of restaurants. If the last few days have shown us anything, its how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel, reads a portion of the statement. Were truly grateful for your heartfelt voices. Youve also shown us that we could have done a better job sharing who we are and who well always be. The controversy began on Aug. 18 when the company unveiled a new logo. Customers immediately noticed that an older man featured in the branding -- known as Uncle Herschel -- had been removed, along with the words Old County Store. Customers then began sharing images on social media of remodeled restaurants that have modernized. While the restaurants still feature the old-time shopping experience, the dining areas have been refreshed. New paint and modern furniture have replaced the older decor in some restaurants. In the statement, Cracker Barrel reminded customers that other beloved features of the chain will remain. These include the rocking chairs on its front porches and antiques scattered throughout its restaurants. Uncle Herschel will be featured on the menu and on items for sale at the restaurant. The company went on to say that while it aims to retain some of the traditional elements of the restaurants, it must also adapt. That means showing up on new platforms and in new ways, but always with our heritage at the heart, the company said in a statement. Still, customers have taken to social media to call for boycotts because of the rebrand. Wall Street has also taken notice as the Cracker Barrel stock price has dropped by more than 10% since the rebrand was revealed. Despite the negative reaction to the rebrand, the company says it will continue to seek out guest feedback moving forward. We know we wont always get everything right the first time, but well keep testing, learning and listening to our guests and employees, the statement read. University Hospital, part of the University of Michigan's Michigan Medicine health system. The medical system announced it will no longer provide gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Katie McLean | The Ann Arbor News Katie McLean | MLive.com ANN ARBOR, MI The University of Michigans hospital will no longer provide gender-affirming care for patients under 19, the medical system announced Monday evening. Citing a federal subpoena and escalating external threats and risks, Michigan Medicine reported it would not provide hormonal therapies or puberty blocker medications to children and teens, a spokesperson for the health system said. We recognize the gravity and impact of this decision for our patients and our community, Michigan Medicine officials said in a statement. We are working closely with all those impacted, and we will continuously support the well-being of our patients, their families and our teams. Members of the LGBTQ community are not surprised by Michigan Medicines change, given similar moves by other hospitals across the country, said Joe Halsch, executive director of the Jim Toy Community Center, which provides support and services to the LGBTQ+ community in Washtenaw County. Medical providers at Michigan Medicine have so far been responsive to parents concerns, Halsch said, citing conversations he has had with parents of transgender children. Trans people arent just going to disappear with these decisions, Halsch said. Trans people arent going to be erased from the history books, from our neighborhoods and in our communities. There is some fear transgender adults may be targeted next, Halsch said. Some people have begun to work with their providers to strategize how to continue receiving their prescriptions, he said. Nobody in the LGBTQ community that Ive talked to feels safe, regardless of how they identify and who they are, Halsch said. And if people are feeling safe or feeling like it doesnt affect them, I would encourage them to talk to a few more people. Michigan Medicine pointed to the subpoena and unprecedented federal legal and regulatory threats to our clinicians and institution, Michigan Medicine reported in a statement. The U.S. Department of Justice, under President Donald Trump, announced in July it had sent more than 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics involved in performing transgender medical procedures on children. The investigation targeted health care fraud and false statements, the department said. Medical professionals and organizations that mutilated children in the service of a warped ideology will be held accountable by this Department of Justice, Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement at the time. The announcement did not clarify which doctors or clinics were subpoenaed. Providers will continue to see patients for behavioral health and social work consultation, according to the statement. Michigan Medicine does not provide surgical therapies for minors, it clarified. The University of Michigan is also being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education over claims scholarships granted to immigrant or undocumented students discriminates against American-born students. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. GRAND RAPIDS, MI A riverfront relic in West Michigan is being reimagined. An icon of the Grand Rapids Public Museum, the 1928 Spillman Carousel is housed in the Cook Carousel Pavilion. Its $12 million to $15 million restoration will feature accessibility upgrades like sound-dampening baffles, ramps, ride announcements in both English and Spanish, and additional space for viewing. Its horses and menagerie are also being restored to preserve their original charm. The carousel has become an icon of the museum. Along with the whale, theyre probably the two things people think of the most, museum CEO Dale Robertson said. The baseline goal of the museum is to be as physically and cognitively accessible to the broadest population. The museum is validating the goal of inclusivity with its current project. For the first time in its 97-year history, the carousel will be wheelchair accessible with the additions of ramps and a remade chariot. The pre-existing chariot bench was removed in favor of a wheelchair accessible one. The hand-carved piece is detailed with a tropical scene featuring a sunset and easygoing frog. It will be pulled by an enthusiastic rabbit. The chariot will look like it has always been there, Robertson said. A chariot was custom built as an accessibility feature for the renovated 1928 Spillman Carousel housed in the Cook Carousel Pavilion at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com Disability Advocates of Kent County executive director David Bulkowski said the project is a celebration of the museums commitment to accessibility. He described introduced features as beautiful and seamless. One of our snarky lines is ADA accessible is the worst you can legally do, and the public museum is committed to go way beyond that floor, Bulkowski said. Theres just going to be so much joy to have a child who will be able to be part of that experience with their class and not on the sideline. The word joy is a foundational piece of inclusion, he said. Rebecca Falardeau, from far left, Maggie Gabel and Gwyneth Eisma put details on horses as menagerie figures are restored for the renovated 1928 Spillman Carousel housed in the Cook Carousel Pavilion at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com On the fourth floor of the museum, artists are refinishing the horses and giraffes, lions, camels and other critters. Exhibits manager Stevie Hornyak is overseeing the team of artisans resurrecting the charismatic menagerie. The original automotive paint is being replaced with water-based colors. Hornyak said the process of stripping down to the wood, re-carving, applying a base coat then undercoat, and adding finishing details takes three months per animal or 300 hours. The hours of work vary by the animals size and needed repairs. The $12 to $15 million renovation began in 2019 and is part of a larger riverfront project. Robertson expects the pavilion to open back up to visitors sometime later this year. For more information about Grand Rapids Public Museum and updates on the carousel restoration, visit its website here. The Ottawa County fiber installation will connect to 123Nets existing 4,000-mile Michigan network, which links to multiple data centers and peering exchanges. (Photo provided to MLive by 123NET) OTTAWA COUNTY, MI Southfield-based 123NET said it has connected its first customers in a $15 million project for Ottawa County. The project, approved by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners in December 2023, will add 325 miles of additional fiber and bring high-performance internet access to about 2,500 underserved businesses and residents once completed. Funding sources include $9 million in ROBIN (Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks) grant funding, $4 million from the county and $1.9 million from 123Net. Access to affordable high-speed internet isnt a luxury its a necessity in our professional, personal and social lives, Eric Frederick, Michigan High-Speed Internet Office chief connectivity officer, said in a statement. The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office is continuing to bring broadband access statewide, and were celebrating a more digitally equitable Michigan with this connectivity in Ottawa County where people can use reliable technology to improve their quality of life. Ronda Fisher of Hudsonville was one of the first customers to have reliable internet at her home thanks to this buildout. We were utilizing our hotspot to stream, she said. Im so excited to get fiber internet to our home, where our family can stream, work and do whatever we need to do without fearing that our internet wont keep up. The Ottawa County fiber installation will connect to 123Nets existing 4,000-mile Michigan network, which links to multiple data centers and peering exchanges, including the Grand Rapids and Detroit Internet Exchanges. This deployment will empower residents with the tools they need to succeed and, ultimately, change how people live, work and thrive in Ottawa County. Chuck Irvin, 123Nets chief revenue officer, said in a statement. Residents can choose internet speeds from 250 megabits to six gigabits per second, which is up to 100 times faster than connections available at these addresses previously, according to 123Net. The open-access, carrier-neutral network will allow other internet providers to use the fiber, giving residents more choice for service. Years of hard work navigating the complexities of enhancing broadband infrastructure has culminated in this major milestone connecting our first customer to 123NETs robust fiber network, Paul Sachs, Ottawa County Department of Strategic Impact director, said in a statement. Its so rewarding to witness this tangible first step in providing the high-speed connectivity county residents and businesses need to thrive. Businesses and residents in Ottawa County can find out if their address is included in the project and register for service at 123.net. Whits Frozen Custard is a popular chain in the southern U.S. Its only Michigan location was in Holland. Photo courtesy Whit's Frozen Custard HOLLAND, MI A beloved frozen custard chain has closed its only Michigan location. Whits Frozen Custard this weekend announced on social media it would close after five years of business at 206 S. River Ave. in Holland. This decision was not made lightly, a post on Facebook read. Over the years, it has been our privilege to be part of your lives whether through a friendly hello, helping you find a favorite flavor, or simply being a place you could count on. We are deeply grateful for your support, trust, and loyalty. Two days after the announcement, the custard shop remained open selling quarts and pints of fans favorite flavors until inventory ran out. The store could not be reached at the time of publishing. Whits Frozen Custard is a popular chain serving scoops of frozen custard, sundaes, floats and more across the southern U.S. In the Midwest, Whits is prominent in Ohio. Holland was the only Michigan location, according to its website. A woman was shot by Mecosta County sheriffs deputies after she threatened to throw a gasoline explosive device, according to police. (MLive file photo) MECOSTA COUNTY, MI The woman shot by police in Mecosta County late last week allegedly threatened to throw a gasoline explosive device, and now, outside investigators are looking at the case. The shooting occurred at around 11:20 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, when Mecosta County sheriffs deputies were dispatched to a residence on Hayes Road, where a 36-year-old woman was reported refusing to leave someones property. Police said she was shot after allegedly threatening deputies with a weapon, but the nature of the weapon was not released at the time. According to a news release from the sheriffs office on Monday, Aug. 25, a deputy reportedly shot the woman after she began to motion throwing the device. Since the incident, representatives from the third district of the Michigan Sheriffs Association have continued the investigation, police said. The woman was first taken to Corewell Health Big Rapids Hospital before she was airlifted to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. As of Monday, she was still hospitalized in Grand Rapids, where she was being held with non-life-threatening injuries. Mecosta County sheriffs deputies were assisted at the scene Friday by the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety, Mecosta Township Fire and Rescue, Big Rapids Fire and Rescue, Mecosta County EMS and Meceola Central Dispatch. WAYLAND, MI After months of planning, an old but new drive-thru restaurant was delivered to West Michigan Tuesday morning. Our burger baby is born, said Gun Lake Investments CEO Monica King, smiling with excitement as a crane positioned itself to lift the iconic sloped red roof of Hot n Now. I am ecstatic, King said. Many people on the team didnt get much sleep overnight because of the anticipation, she said. The building was delivered and placed Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 1146 129th Ave. in Wayland, halfway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo off of U.S. 131. A Hot 'n Now was delivered and lifted into place on Tuesday, Aug. 26. The drive-thru is opening soon, its owners said. (Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com) Much of the kitchen and interior were already in place upon delivery, officials said. Hot n Now officials havent announced the opening date, yet. The facility needs to be hooked up to electrical service, so its dependent on Consumers Energys timeline before it can open in the coming months. The restaurant will eventually employ 35 people. Hot n Now will serve its signature staples, including the olive burger and Cheesy Taters. A full menu and prices havent been finalized yet. Gun Lake Investments along with Jeff Konczak, owner of B Cubed Manufacturing, purchased the burger brand months ago. Another Hot n Now will be built in Alpena in the near future, he said. Hot n Now was established in 1984 in Kalamazoo by William Van Domelen. His vision for a nationwide chain came to life. There were 71 Hot n Now locations by December 1990, when the chain was bought by Taco Bell, a subsidiary of PepsiCo. Hot n Now originally sold 39-cent burgers, 39-cent fries and 39-cent drinks. Over the years, Hot n Now was sold and resold. It dwindled from 100-plus restaurants across 15 states down to a single location, in Sturgis, Michigan. Konczaks company spent recent months building the 737-square-foot Hot n Now facility inside a manufacturing facility to resurrect the brand. The building, with its iconic yellow lightning bolt, is completely electric, Konczak said, with no gas service hooked up. That allows it to operate more efficiently, he said. The eatery will allow ordering by a drive-thru or walk-up window, with no seating inside, he said, like it was when the brand was prevalent decades ago. When the Wayland location opens, it will operate from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Value and affordable pricing will be a cornerstone of the brand, King said, sharing fond memories of visiting a Hot n Now in Kalamazoo when she lived there growing up. Konczaks B Cubed Manufacturing makes modular drive-thru buildings, most notably for Biggby Coffees B Cubed drive-thru concept found across the Midwest. The process makes it so a building can go up in one day, he said. Hes hoping employees of the casino nearby would take notice as the landscape changed. In a matter of hours, well go from a dirt site to a completed building, he said. It comes prewired, pre-plumbed and inspected, he said. The process allows them to avoid delays caused by different phases of work overlapping, like at a traditional construction site. Konczak also has a personal history with Hot n Now and some fond memories of eating there, including in college. Its an important piece of Americana and nostalgia, he said, adding that the brand brings value thats needed today. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. The boat launch and fishing docks at Fisherman's Landing during a sunset in April 2025. The city of Muskegon is considering a decision that would close the campground but would give residents overall more public waterfront access. Kayla Tucker MUSKEGON, MI - The Muskegon City Commission recently decided not to put a possible waterfront land swap between the city of Muskegon and a private developer on the ballot for a residential vote. If approved, the Mart Dock boat-storage facility on Third Street downtown would move to Fishermans Landing, 501 E Western Ave. with two-thirds of the property then used for port operations. The 105-site campground and, potentially, the picnic pavilion would be removed at the waterfront park along Muskegon Lake. Public access to boat ramps, fishing areas and parking at Fishermans Landing would remain and, with a 52-acre land acquisition next door, would expand as a public park. The former Mart Dock site on Third Street would be redeveloped into a waterfront green space and possible retail shops. Here are the five things to know about the citys latest move: The decision to put the land swap on the ballot for citizens to give input was not supported for this November General Election and likely wont be supported for the next ballot in May 2026. Muskegon officials considered earlier this month putting the decision on the Nov. 4 ballot for an advisory vote, which would not be binding and would still leave the decision up to the city commission, feeling it would give them more of a sense of what the larger community thinks. The commissioners ultimately decided not to vote after a discussion on the topic. The deadline to put the language on the Nov. ballot was the following day, so the commissions failure to vote meant the question would not be on the ballot. Three commissioners - Willie German, Destinee Keener and Rachel Gorman - were absent. Commissioners also hesitated to put something on the ballot when the plan could change before November. City Manager Jonathan Seyferth said he did not support putting the question on the May 2026 ballot either, as that would interfere with the citys potential application timeline for grants from the federal Port Infrastructure Development Program. Those grants, among other things, would aid in Mart Dock relocating its port of operations, which is behind Pigeon Hill Brewery, to what is now Fishermans Landing. 2. Muskegon residents would gain 4,000 feet of free, publicly accessible waterfront in the potential land swap. Currently, the city has 900 feet of public access to the waterfront on Muskegon Lake, between Terrace Point Marina and Fishermans Landing. Fishermans Landing, a private, gated campground, provides 1,200 feet, but that is not publicly accessible, only to those who pay. The Fisherman's Landing campground at 501 E Western Ave., has 105 campsites at a waterfront park along Muskegon Lake. Kayla Tucker With the potential conversion of the Third Street Mart Dock site and the acquired Verplank property, Seyferth said there would be 4,933 feet of public waterfront access between the two locations. City officials have previously said they felt the gains of the development outweighed the losses. 3. A plan by Mart Dock leaders is in the works, but has not been finalized with the city, nor voted on for final approval. The Muskegon commission heard a presentation last fall from Chuck Canestraight, president of Port City Marine and Sand Products Corporation, director of West Michigan Port Operators and representative for Mart Dock. In the swap, port operations and boat storage that currently take place across Shoreline Drive in downtown Muskegon would move to Fishermans Landing. The campground and, potentially, the picnic pavilion would be removed. Public fishing and access to boat and kayak ramps would still exist. However, the site would lose 50 to 75 parking spots of its 250 current spots, Seyferth said. Mart Dock is looking at acquiring 52 acres of greenspace property owned by Verplank Family Holding Co. to the east of Fishermans Landing. Mart Dock is looking at acquiring 52 acres of greenspace property owned by Verplank Family Holding Co. to the east of Fishermans Landing. The land that's currently fenced off would expand public access along the south branch of the Muskegon River and out onto Muskegon Lake. Kayla Tucker The overgrown, wooded area would turn into a passive green space with boardwalks overlooking the water and paved trails, Seyferth said. The former Mart Dock site on Third Street would also be redeveloped into a waterfront green space with possible retail shops. Seyferth said he hopes the city will review a site plan from developers this fall. 4. City leaders want to hear from residents about the decision. Commissioner and Vice Mayor Rebecca St. Clair said the commission has been discussing the topic in various forms for more than 10 years. I dont feel like at any time weve had a clear picture of what the communitys thoughts are on this, St. Clair said. Commissioner Jay Kilgo suggested putting the topic on a commission meeting or work session and inviting the public to weigh in. I never think its a bad thing to ask the public, Kilgo said. Maybe we fill the chambers, and we have to sit and listen to the public for three minutes a piece, but Im OK with that. The initial discussion this month to put the land swap on the ballot was for the sole purpose of gathering feedback, since the decision would still be subject to commission approval. A sign to "save Fisherman's Landing" is posted outside the office of the park in Muskegon. Kayla Tucker A rally to Save Fishermans Landing was held earlier this year and signs are posted in various front yards around the city. An informal meet and greet is planned for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 4 by the managers of the campground, nonprofit, Fishermans Landing Inc. According to the event flyer, the goal is to discuss what Fishermans Landing Campground brings to the city of Muskegon. The park is owned by the city but is managed by the nonprofit, led by park manager Kevin Wright. The city is giving away a perfectly good piece of property for some sidewalks and some wetland, Wright said earlier this year, of the land swap. Wright said the campground grosses over $400,000 a year and that it all stays in the park for maintenance and upgrades. 5. No matter what is decided, Fishermans Landing will still be open for the summer 2026 season. If the development is approved by the city, the campground would still stay open through the 2026 season. There are 70 to 90 fishing tournaments a year at Fishermans Landing, bringing people from across Michigan and from neighboring states, Wright said, but not all of them stay at the campground. To stay a night at Fishermans Landing costs a minimum of $38. About 30% of the campers are seasonal, paying $3,200 to park from April 15 to Oct. 15. Wright said he purposefully limits the number of seasonal campers to allow for more local, short-term recreation. He said that seasonal wait list is six pages of lined paper long. The campground also works with the Muskegon County Department of Human Services to provide short-term tent campsites for homeless people waiting for housing. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, shown in this file photo, is being subpoenaed, this time compelling her to testify about alleged conflicts of interest. (MLive file photo) AP The Michigan House will again subpoena Attorney General Dana Nessel, this time compelling her to testify about alleged conflicts of interest and her offices purported failure to comply with previous subpoena requests. The subpoena authorized for immediate issuance Tuesday, Aug. 26, by a unanimous, bipartisan vote of the House Oversight Committee also reiterates previous requests for documents from Nessels office. Those previous subpoena requests, authorized last month, compelled Nessels office to release communications about alleged instances of conflicts of interest in a criminal investigation and a criminal referral undertaken by her office. Nessel will be required to testify before the committee on Sept. 16. House Oversight Chair Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township, said the subpoena to testify is necessary because Nessels office has failed to agree on a timeline to produce the subpoenaed documents and wont return calls to the Houses legal counsel. The attorney general has thumbed her nose at the House Oversight Committees responsibilities to the people and its subpoena power, DeBoyer said. Her office previously responded to our committees request for documents by saying that shed provide them on her own timeline with no firm, certain date for when theyd be coming. DeBoyer contrasted the response from Nessels office to the unfulfilled subpoena requests with responses from other departments also subpoenaed recently by his committee. Id like to point out that similar requests the committee made of the states Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Natural Resources have not encountered these roadblocks, he said. The DNR has been cooperative. They have communicated with us regarding these requests and we have an acceptable timeline to receive documents. The DHHS director agreed to come in and testify. Attorney General Nessel is trying to play hardball by stonewalling our lawfully issued subpoenas, and she is shirking her responsibility as an elected official by doing so. Whats there to hide? Nessel spokesperson Kimberly Bush said the attorney generals office is working to fulfill the previous subpoena requests and has communicated that to DeBoyer. Attorney General Nessel has never required a subpoena to provide documents to or to appear before the legislature, Bush said. She has testified dozens of times, oftentimes at her own request, on bills brought forth that are important to the office, on the departments budget, and proactively at the start of each term before each chambers judiciary committees. As with previous topics of interest to the Oversight Committee, our department is working on fulfilling their request and has communicated as much to the chair. Todays vote does not change that. House Republicans want to evaluate potential conflicts of interest in how Nessels office handled a campaign finance complaint and criminal referral against nonprofit Bipartisan Solutions as well as a criminal investigation against former Michigan Democratic Party Treasurer Traci Kornak. DeBoyers spokesperson Caleb Lambrecht previously said both of these cases appear to have been buried and never properly investigated. Nessel is a Democrat. Nessels office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the cases. Kornak was accused in 2022 of using the account of one of her clients to fraudulently bill an insurance company for nearly $50,000, according to an opinion column by Charlie LeDuff in the Detroit News. Kornak is a personal injury lawyer. Nessels office opened an investigation but put an ethical firewall in place to distance Nessel from it, because Kornak worked on Nessels transition team in 2018 after she was elected as AG, LeDuff reported. However, emails obtained by LeDuff showed Nessel was communicating with staff about the case, which was closed without charges soon after these communications. In the other case, DeBoyers office claimed Nessels office refused to investigate an alleged fraudulent dark money scheme by Bipartisan Solutions to fund a ballot initiative co-chaired by a close member of Nessels family. DeBoyers office didnt specify the exact relation to Nessel. This refusal to investigate, DeBoyers office said, came after Secretary of State Jocelyn Bensons office sent Nessels office a criminal referral in the matter. These two troubling situations raise many conflict of interest questions that people would like answers on, DeBoyer said. Our role as a legislative committee is to ensure state government, its various departments and elected officials are operating with integrity and not abusing the publics trust. Speaking with the Attorney General on these issues will deliver that essential layer of accountability, and we look forward from hearing from her. The House Oversight Committee issued several other subpoenas last month. One of them compels MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel to testify about child welfare and residential care issues along with eligibility verification for state assistance programs. The other two subpoenas compel the DNR to release materials and communications about its paused Canada goose euthanasia pilot and activities related to the departments 2010 order making feral pigs illegal to own in the state. Earlier this year, House Republicans issued a subpoena compelling Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to provide certain election training materials. DETROIT -- Normally, the idea of the Detroit Tigers promoting top prospect Kevin McGonigle in September could be dismissed out of hand. He hasnt even played in Triple-A. But after what happened with Jackson Jobe a year ago, unthinkable isnt the same as impossible. At this time last year, the Tigers top pitching prospect hadnt arrived in Triple-A either. His promotion to Toledo on Sept. 8, 2024, was a mild surprise. His jump to the big leagues just 16 days later, with only a few games left in the regular season, was stunning. General manager Jeff Greenberg downplayed the possibility of McGonigle following the same path in an interview with MLB Network last week. I dont think thats on the radar right now, he said. But even if its very unlikely McGonigle will join the Tigers in 2025, Jobes case has taught us not to dismiss the possibility completely. McGonigle, who just turned 21, was a well-regarded high school shortstop when drafted in the first round (37th overall) in 2023. Since then, he has vaulted into consensus top-10 prospect status by shredding competition at every stop. He started this season at High-A West Michigan, where he hit .372 with a 1.110 OPS in 171 plate appearances. Two things scouts watch closely for a player years younger than his competition are power and control of the strike zone. McGonigle had both, racking up 19 doubles and seven homers while drawing 23 walks against just 19 strikeouts. Has he been challenged at Double-A Erie? Not much. Since his promotion in July, his walk rate has gone up and his strikeout rate has gone down in 138 plate appearances. McGonigle has played almost exclusively at shortstop this year, and reviews of his defense are generally good. But is it MLB good? If the Tigers have even briefly considered calling him up, defense is likely their biggest hang-up. Shortstop is one of the most demanding positions in the big leagues. Yes, Detroit tossed Trey Sweeney into the fire last August, but that was before they were in a playoff race, and Sweeney is four years older than McGonigle. Obviously, theres a risk-reward calculation. Its one thing to say, Were going all-out to win a World Series. Its another to decide that a player whos only been in Double-A can offer a meaningful marginal upgrade over the players whose spot he would be taking -- on the roster and in the lineup. In that sense, Jobes promotion is more a cautionary tale than a model to follow. Rather than missing bats with his high-velocity fastball, as the Tigers had hoped, Jobe struck out just two of the 28 batters he faced in the regular season and playoffs. After using him in critical games in 2024, it would have been difficult to justify leaving him off the Opening Day roster. So the Tigers smoothed his path into the 2025 rotation. Jobe wasnt awful, but he was statistically their least effective starter with a 5.16 FIP over 10 starts this year. Then came Tommy John surgery. Now he may not return until late in 2026 -- at best -- and its possible the Tigers enter 2027 having used up two of his six years of team control with almost nothing to show for it. All because they were smitten with the idea of a late-season call-up. Theres another interesting angle with McGonigle. If he doesnt get a September call, attention will turn to spring training and his chances of breaking camp with the club in 2026. If the Tigers were to approach him about a pre-debut contract extension, the most effective leverage would be the carrot of an Opening Day roster spot. It would never be stated outright, of course, but the implication would be clear: Sign an extension, and youre on the Opening Day roster. Just like Colt Keith a couple of years ago. If you dont want to sign, thats fine, but youre probably going to need at least a couple of months of seasoning in Toledo. Promoting McGonigle now would undercut that leverage. So if McGonigle isnt moving into his locker at Comerica Park on Sept. 1, who might be? On the pitching side, the Tigers have more candidates than they can reasonably use. Lefty Brant Hurter would have been the obvious choice, but back pain that cropped up at Toledo has clouded his status. Beyond him, options include Bailey Horn, Alex Lange, Sawyer Gipson-Long, Keider Montero and Chase Lee. Any September addition might simply be a placeholder for injured players like Paul Sewald or Jose Urquidy, who in turn could be placeholders themselves. Think of September as one long audition for playoff roster spots. On the position-player side, outfielder Parker Meadows should be ready to return from the injured list around Sept. 1. The Tigers could simply activate him and call it a day. When Meadows returns, the Tigers could consider swapping out Trey Sweeney for a better bat. Options include Justyn-Henry Malloy, infielder Hao-Yu Lee or outfielder Akil Baddoo. Malloys role could overlap with Jahmai Jones, and Lees with Andy Ibanez, which means Baddoo shouldnt be counted out -- especially if injuries to Meadows or Matt Vierling linger. The Tigers might simply stick with Sweeney, as his ability to handle shortstop allows A.J. Hinch to be more creative with Zach McKinstry and Javier Baez. McGonigle can also play shortstop, of course. But unless the Tigers are cooking up another September surprise, his debut will probably have to wait. Still, Jobes precedent ensures that the possibility, however slim, wont be off the table entirely until the Tigers have played their final regular season game. 6 / 9 The long wheelbase offers more cabin space for the passengers, Maruti Suzuki said. The front-row seats are well ventilated, and the driver's seat is 10-way power adjustable. The rear seats can be slided and reclined, and the boot space is adaptable. Passengers can be remotely connected to the car, using Suzuki Connect App or their smartphone or smartwatch. "Access your vehicle's multimedia, monitor its health, and ensure its safety and security, all at your fingertips. Track its journey, observe its travels, and even review the driving behaviour, in case someone else is driving your car," the brochure reads. (Image source: e Vitara brochure) PM Modi flags off Maruti Suzuki e Vitara in Gujarat, to be exported to over 100 countries Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Suzuki to invest Rs 70,000 crore in next 5-6 years in India: Toshihiro Suzuki The top Suzuki official also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for welcoming the company with "open arms" in Gujarat during his term as the Chief Minister. Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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His expertise spans various beats, including education, career, science and others, where he adopts a technical approach to optimise visibility, improve search rankings, and drive organic traffic growth. He can be reached out at Saurav.Pandey@nw18.com. Saurav Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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I Accept Exclusive: I got very high on 'Baby', rejected few offers and that took a backseat but now I am back with Tehran, says Madhurima Tuli Exclusive: I got very high on 'Baby', rejected few offers and that took a backseat but now I am back with Tehran, says Madhurima Tuli Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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I Accept Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 At 50%, it cant go on: Trumps punitive tariffs put Indian textile exports and jobs at risk Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Fresh orders have come to a halt even as exporters rush to ship goods before the tariffs double. Adrija Chatterjee USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Patel Retail shares make strong stock market debut to list at 20% premium over IPO price on BSE Paras Bisht A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers. Patel Retail share price: Stocks lists at nearly 18% premium over IPO price on NSE. Paras Bisht USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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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 Raymond Lifestyle, KPR Mills, Avanti Feeds, other textile and shrimp stocks decline up to 5% on US tariff worries Paras Bisht A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers. Paras Bisht USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Sensex settles 850 pts lower, Nifty below 24,750: US tariff worries among key factors behind market decline Paras Bisht A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers. Paras Bisht USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept After a subdued start to FY26, registrations rebounded in July with 15.1 lakh new investors added, a 19 percent month-on-month increase and the highest in six months. This lifted NSEs registered investor base to 11.8 crore, while unique trading accounts crossed the 23 crore mark. Anishaa Kumar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Last week, a news report had suggested that the DoT has proposed multiple relief options to the PMO, including a fresh two-year moratorium on AGR payments, smaller annual instalments, and waivers on penalties and interest. Rohit Singh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 Nabard aims to raise funds via maiden ECB in FY26, says chairman Shaji KV Manish M. Suvarna is Senior Correspondent at Moneycontrol. He writes on the Indian money markets, RBI, Banks and NBFCs. He tweets at @manishsuvarna15. Contact: Manish.Suvarna@nw18.com Manish M. Suvarna USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept The regulator is considering the proposal, and has sent draft language on gold investments to the funds for feedback. Bloomberg Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer Alpha Desk USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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I Accept US remains committed to work with India, can be a major supplier of oil and gas: US Embassy official The US, under the Trump administration, is demanding India stop buying Russian oil and gas, accusing India of funding Russia's war effort and profiteering. Hemant Abhishek USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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 Vodafone Idea in advanced talks to raise Rs 5,000 crore, deal likely to close in next few weeks Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. Vodafone Idea in Advanced Talks to Raise 5,000 Crore, deal likely to close in next few weeks Ashish Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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Shinde's absence from key meetings, Delhi visits give ammo to opposition Shinde and his family called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on August 6. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept An RTI activist obtained an order from the CIC asking Delhi University to show PM Modis degree. Instead of complying, the university went to the High Court", she remarked. Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Former V-P Jagdeep Dhankhar to move into makeshift residence until official bungalow is ready: Report Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept India likely to sign $1 billion deal with GE for 113 Tejas Mark 1A engines by September: Report The negotiations are almost finalised for buying 113 more GE-404 engines from the American firm GE for the 97 LCAs. 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept August already wettest month for Delhi this year August has emerged as the wettest month of the year so far in the national capital, with rainfall around 60 per cent above the normal. On Tuesday, continuous showers led to waterlogging and traffic jams in several parts of the city. The normal monthly average rainfall for August is 200.8 mm, while so far this month the city has recorded 321.4 mm, which is nearly 60 per cent above the normal, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD) data. -- PTI Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has governed the distribution and use of the Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan since 1960. Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway has been suspended. Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept PM Modi has called for visible promotion, such as swadeshi boards outside shops, to boost self-reliance Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept BISHKEK, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed global initiatives fully embody the principles of the Shanghai Spirit, the guiding philosophy of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a Kyrgyz expert has told Xinhua. Mars Sariev, a political scientist from Kyrgyzstan and an expert on Central Asian issues, said the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative reflect the Shanghai Spirit, which is founded on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and the pursuit of common development. Depicting the Shanghai Spirit as the ideological and value-based foundation of the SCO, Sariev said that its essential unity with the three global initiatives lies in their shared vision of promoting a fair and sustainable world order. "These initiatives focus on sustainable development, peaceful coexistence and respect for cultures and sovereignty, which echoes the SCO approaches," he said. As a practical example, Sariev pointed to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), in which nearly all SCO members participate. "China is actively developing infrastructure, logistics, cultural and humanitarian ties, providing the countries of the region, including Kyrgyzstan, with opportunities to participate in transnational projects and integrate into the Eurasian space," he noted. Sariev also highlighted the SCO's role as a genuine platform for amplifying the voice of the Global South. In today's multipolar world, he said, developing countries seek to defend their interests independently, without reliance on traditional power centers. He further observed that the SCO's expansion to include more Global South members amplifies the voice of developing countries on the world stage, helping reshape global governance toward a more balanced order. Cultural and media cooperation has also flourished within the SCO, with joint film productions, translation projects of classical literature and collaborative museum exhibitions. These projects, Sariev said, "create a common cultural space in which the historical interconnection of the peoples of Eurasia becomes a living part of modernity." He added that cultural exchanges lay the foundation for long-term trust and sustainable cooperation while fostering respect for the diversity, historical heritage and cultural achievements of other countries among younger generations. On the upcoming SCO summit in Tianjin, China, Sariev expressed high expectations for deepening cooperation in key areas, including economic integration, regional security coordination, and the promotion of environmental and digital initiatives. PM Modi to visit Japan on August 29, will hold key annual summit with counterpart Ishiba Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Early analysis indicates that the fossils may belong to a phytosaur, a crocodile-like reptile that lived in riverine and forest habitats. Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Somebody's not very happy with you: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka to PM Modi on US tariffs | Watch PM Rabuka appreciated India's initiative and leadership in organising the Voice of Global South Summits, Tamal Nandi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The INDIA bloc, backed by AAP, has projected Reddys candidature as part of a broader ideological battle with the BJP-led NDA, which has fielded senior party leader CP Radhakrishnan. Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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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 'Swadeshi should be our mantra, investment can be foreign but work should be Indian': PM Modi Varun Singh A journalist covering the automotive sector in depth, across business and product verticals. Trying to hit the gym at least four times a week! I am not a fitness freak though. Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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 The Modi government has put semiconductors at the centre of both economic policy and national security, approving multiple fabrication and packaging projects. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Banuchandar Nagarajan is a graduate of Harvard University with a Masters degree in Public Administration. He has had stints at the World Bank, UNDP and PricewaterhouseCoopers. He has worked in key positions in the Indian parliamentary election campaigns of 2009, '14 and '19. Till recently, he was the advisor to Minister of Human Resources Development. He has been a frequent columnist and a TV panelist. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Arun Jaitley was admired for his incisive analysis and near-magical articulation. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Why India must stay firm against US pressure and wary of Chinas charm Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. A look at the impact of US tariffs on the Indian economy and some specific sectors. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept BSNL to float tender for 34 lakh new towers, roll out low-cost plans to woo private telco users Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. The expansion will be funded through a mix of internal accruals, asset monetisation, and government support. 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sheetal Kumari USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Scientists confirm strongest and brightest-ever alien signal, but it never repeated Sheetal Kumari USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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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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(Photo by MAXIM SHIPENKOV / POOL / AFP) 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 'We've got 4 years of this ...': US author Christine Fair uses desi slur to target Donald Trump Armaan Bhatnagar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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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 the House subpoenaed Jeffrey Epsteins estate and what it means for the search for a client list Sonalee Borgohain USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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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 'You'll get one year in jail': Trump criminalises burning of US flag, sparks free speech concern Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept $10.9M CTE Center to rise at MHS, groundbreaking held Gov. David M. Apatang joins other CNMI officials, Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Board of Education Chairman Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, BOE member Andrew L. Orsini, Northern Marianas Housing Corporation Chairwoman Merced Marcie Tomokane, and private-sector partners at the groundbreaking Tuesday for the new PSS Career Technical Education Center on the former site of Building T at Marianas High School. MV photo GOVERNOR David M. Apatang, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Board of Education Chairman Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, Northern Marianas Housing Corporation Chairwoman Marcie Tomokane, and other officials on Tuesday led the ceremonial groundbreaking for a career and technical education center at Marianas High School. Joining them were Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas Camacho, MHS Principal Melanie Sablan Rdiall, Department of Public Works Secretary Ray N. Yumul, Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality Administrator Floyd Masga, BOE member Andrew Orsini, Rep. John Paul Sablan, Rep. Denita Yangetmai, Rep. Joel Camacho, Rep. Vincent Aldan, RNV Construction owner Ruel Villacrusis, and other PSS officials. The $10.9 million project will build a two-story CTE Center with 16 classrooms and office spaces on the front grounds of the MHS campus facing Beach Road. The center will offer technical courses in arts, automotive technology, welding, band/music, business, theater arts, digital media, graphic design, HVAC, cosmetology, health science/nurse assistant, culinary arts, hospitality, and more. Funding sources include: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery program, administered by the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. U.S. Department of Commerce-Economic Development Administration. Federal Emergency Management Agency-Public Assistance. A step closer Gov. David M. Apatang delivers his remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the future career and technical center at Marianas High School on Tuesday. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano In his remarks, Apatang said, Today, we are one step closer to finally picking up. He thanked everyone involved in the project and recalled that when he was mayor of Saipan, he would drive past the site, see the building destroyed by Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018, and wonder when it would finally be rebuilt. After ceremonially breaking ground today, a new building will rise, he said. Once its done, it will awe motorists driving on Beach Road, as the MHS CTE Center will be an eye-catching landmark. But it must be about more than that. It is for the hundreds of MHS students who want to learn and acquire lifelong skills to succeed in todays competitive job environment. I am sure many worked long hours to get us to this point, the governor added. This project is long overdue, and while there were many acceptable excuses for past delays, that is all behind us. Our job now is to avoid any more delays. Anytime a potential delay arises, think of the students waiting for this building their building. Do not stop. The students deserve not to wait any longer. Portrait of a graduate Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho says the project is a major milestone for the Public School System and public education in the Commonwealth. Education Commissioner Camacho said the project is a major milestone for the Public School System and public education in the Commonwealth. It enables the CNMI to realize the vision of transforming our education system to produce the type of graduate we call the portrait of a graduate, he said. Camacho explained that the portrait of a graduate defines the type of high school graduate PSS aims to produce, ensuring students are trained with skills and knowledge needed for career pathways. Under this framework, PSS will develop academies at each high school, guiding students from middle school through high school to prepare for career opportunities and innovation. High school students are put directly into these pathways to become productive, responsible, and problem-solving individuals ready for the workforce, Camacho said. The future CTE building, he added, is a signal of our commitment to producing graduates ready for college, career, and life. It will house enthusiastic instructors and eager students, providing opportunities for innovation, creativity, and skill development. Very exciting project BOE Chairman Ogumoro-Uludong recalled that more than five years ago, while with the Office of Planning and Development, he and then-PSS Federal Programs Officer Tim Thornburgh discussed requesting U.S. EDA funds for the CTE facility. Fast forward to today, and it is exciting to finally break ground on this project, he said. He noted that next spring, the CNMI will host the first-ever Micronesian Regional Education Summit, making the timing particularly fitting. BOE member Orsini said, This project will benefit all students from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. It is a major leverage point for raising the level of education for our students. I am so grateful to God and to everyone who worked together to make this happen. RNV Constructions Ruel Villacrusis added, The project is more than brick and mortar. It represents an investment in the future workforce and community. The center will equip young minds with skills, tools, and confidence to thrive in vital regional industries. Background Variety files show that the vision for a centralized Career and Technical Education facility in the Commonwealth began more than a decade ago. In the 2010-2011 school year, then-Commissioner of Education Dr. Rita A. Sablan and PSS Federal Programs Officer Tim Thornburgh outlined a plan to expand career pathways for public high school graduates. What started as a reimagining of PSSs Alternative Education program grew into the foundation for a district-wide CTE program, with a long-term goal of creating a dedicated center. By 2014, the Board of Education, led at the time by Chairman Herman T. Guerrero, approved MHS as the site for the new CTE Center. The chosen location, known as Building T, was later destroyed by Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018, further underscoring the need for modern, resilient infrastructure to serve students. In September 2021, then-U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan announced that PSS had been awarded a $6 million grant for the construction of the new CTE center at the approved MHS site. In the years that followed, multiple local and federal agencies collaborated to keep the project alive. The new two-story building, estimated at about 50,000 square feet, will house classrooms, shops, and laboratories designed to prepare students for college and careers. As a centralized hub, it will serve an estimated 600 students from Rota, Tinian, and Saipan enrolled in various career pathways. Ex-garment worker sues lawyers AMALIA Abo Guanlao, a former garment worker who first arrived on Saipan in 1994, has filed a new federal complaint alleging ineffective assistance of counsel in her ongoing battle against deportation. Guanlao, who represented herself in the Aug. 25 filing, named attorneys Joe Hill, Stephen Woodruff, Pamela Brown, Rosemond Santos, Mun Su Park and Timothy Bellas as defendants. She claims their legal missteps contributed to her removal order and prolonged her legal ordeal. In 2013, an immigration judge ordered Guanlao removed to the Philippines for lacking valid entry documents. She later sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, alleging due process violations and ineffective counsel by attorney Alice Rae, who she says failed to inform her of her right to appeal to the Ninth Circuit. In 2018, the District Court for the NMI, presided over by Judge Frances M. Tydingco-Gatewood, dismissed Guanlaos case, citing her failure to exhaust administrative remedies. The judge acknowledged Guanlaos long residency in Saipan but said she had not shown irreparable harm if removed. Guanlao appealed the dismissal and the original removal order, but the Ninth Circuit rejected both petitions. Her previous federal case remains sealed. In her latest affidavit, Guanlao emphasized her familys deep ties to the community, noting that she and her husband have lived in Saipan since the 1990s, have no criminal record, and have two U.S. citizen children in college. I am one of the garment victims here in Saipan that needs help, Guanlao wrote. I am already traumatized, mentally and physically drained. I humbly ask the court to help me so I can have peace of mind. Pacific Traditions Society eyes canoe house project on Polowat Mimi George, left, poses for a photo with 500 Sails Executive Director Milton Coleman at the 500 Sails Guma Sakman. George was recently on Saipan to begin the collaboration process with Master Navigator Mario Benito to construct a canoe and canoe house on Benitos home island of Polowat. MIMI George, vice president of the Pacific Traditions Society, visited Saipan on Aug. 18 to meet with Master Navigator Mario Benito and explore the possibility of building a traditional canoe house and ancestral Carolinian canoe on Polowat, Benitos home island in the Central Carolines. On Saipan, Benito teaches sailing and maintains the traditionally designed vessel Mikaela with 500 Sails. George, a cultural anthropologist and sailor, has contributed to documenting voyaging traditions in New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea; Taumako, Solomon Islands; and beyond. She first met Benito while he was giving presentations in Canada during the IMPAC5 Conference, as well as the Te Ara Vaka Moana Conference in Berlin in 2023. Next month, George, Benito, and traditional seafarers from Lau, Fiji; Papua New Guinea; the Solomon Islands; and elsewhere will gather in Taumako for the ceremonial opening of the Taumako Traditional Culture and Voyaging School, known as Hangia Anu Manga. A canoe has already been completed there in time for the schools launch. George told Variety that construction of the Taumako school and canoe was funded by a grant from the Gerda Henkel Stiftung Foundation. She plans to apply again to fund a canoe and canoe house in Polowat, where Benito who also holds a chiefly title would help lead construction. The Pacific Traditions Society also hopes to secure support for similar projects in Lau, Fiji, to help revive voyaging schools there. Were looking for support so that each of these voyaging schools can be revived to maintainable, sustainable levels, George said. They can be charitable organizations if they want to, but they also need to make a little money to sustain themselves maintain the equipment, buy supplies, pay school fees for children. These are the kinds of things that are really hard for people in these islands. Across the Pacific, George added, practitioners of ancestral voyaging knowledge have also sought funds for recording equipment and training to document oral traditions. Since the 90s, theyve all been requesting video cameras because they want to document the process of learning from elders before they pass away, she said. They want their own young people to do the documentation not outsiders who dont know the language, what to ask, or how to understand the answers. She said support could also be directed toward providing internet access so that voyagers in remote areas can better communicate with each other to plan voyages and stay connected during travel. Before colonization, George said, voyaging traditions were central to survival in the Pacific. No island has everything it needs to be sustainable, she said. There have to be networks. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of traditional networks that, if reestablished, will help everyone deal with climate change, preserve biodiversity, and strengthen knowledge of the ocean. George said she is encouraged by the revival of voyaging traditions across Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. To know whats in the future, you have to understand the past, she said. The ancient knowledge of the ocean, of reefs and islands as living systems modern science knows very little compared to people who have lived there for thousands of years. Science and indigenous knowledge can complement each other, but cultural knowledge needs to be taught now to young people. Thats whats really urgent. Wrongly deported migrant Abrego detained again, may be sent to Uganda Kilmar Abrego, the migrant whose wrongful deportation to El Salvador made him a symbol of President Donald Trumps aggressive immigration policies, attends an event with supporters as he appears for a check-in at the ICE Baltimore field office three days after his release from criminal custody in Tennessee, in Baltimore, Maryland, Aug. 25, 2025. REUTERS WASHINGTON (Reuters) Kilmar Abrego, the migrant whose wrongful deportation to his native El Salvador made him a symbol of President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, was detained again by U.S. immigration officials in Baltimore on Monday and may be deported a second time, this time to Uganda. The Trump administrations push to deport Abrego, 30, to an African country where he has no ties is the latest twist in a saga that began in March, when U.S. authorities mistakenly sent him to El Salvador. Abrego was brought back in June to face criminal charges of transporting migrants living in the United States illegally and was released on bond on Friday. He has pleaded not guilty and his lawyers have accused the administration of vindictive prosecution. He also has denied the administrations claims that he is a gang member. Abrego, 30, was arrested at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in downtown Baltimore, where he reported for a scheduled interview on Monday morning, and then was sent to a detention facility in Virginia. During a hearing conducted by telephone on Monday afternoon, Greenbelt, Maryland-based U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis said she planned to hold additional court proceedings on the administrations plan to deport Abrego to Uganda. The judge barred the government from removing him until such a hearing could be held. Abregos lawyers asked Xinis to prevent him from being deported again without the due process required under the U.S. Constitution. The judge voiced concern that the government had not offered assurances that Abrego would not be imprisoned in Uganda or sent back to El Salvador. Xinis said there was an absence of process around resolving Abregos immigration claims to remain in the United States. I just have nothing on the record that suggests defendants (the government) are taking that in good faith and operating as they should, the judge said. Drew Ensign, a Justice Department lawyer, told the judge that Abregos deportation was not imminent and that so-called third-country removals sending deportees to countries other than the one where they have citizenship often take some time to execute. After being detained in Baltimore earlier in the day, Abrego was being held at an ICE detention center in Farmville, Virginia, according to the agencys online detainee locator. Xinis ordered the Trump administration to keep Abrego there at least overnight to preserve access to his attorneys. Abrego, a sheet metal worker who entered the United States illegally, had been living in Maryland with his wife, their child and two of her children all of whom are American citizens when he was arrested and sent to El Salvador. His lawyers have said the administrations handling of the case is indicative of the Republican presidents push to expand executive power in immigration matters at the expense of due process mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Trumps administration has said aggressive deportations are needed after years of insufficient enforcement, including under his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden. His U.S. citizen wife, Jennifer Vasquez, and his brother Cesar accompanied Abrego to the ICE field office on Monday morning, where a crowd of supporters greeted him with chants of Si se puede Spanish for Yes we can. When I was detained, I always remembered beautiful moments with my family, like going to the park or going to the trampoline with my children, Abrego said while choking up. Those moments will give me strength and hope to keep fighting. A carrot-and-stick approach Abregos lawyers have accused the administration of using a carrot-and-stick approach to try to coerce him to plead guilty to criminal charges of transporting migrants living illegally in the United States. His trial is scheduled for January. According to court filings, the administration had offered to deport him to Costa Rica a Spanish-speaking country in Central America, like El Salvador if he agreed to change his plea to guilty, but plans to deport him to Uganda if he does not. In a call with reporters on Monday afternoon, Abregos attorney Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said Abrego had notified the U.S. government that he would accept deportation to Costa Rica since the country had said it would provide him refugee status, but did not say whether he would agree to plead guilty to U.S. criminal charges. Sandoval-Moshenberg said Abrego could not lawfully be deported elsewhere without assurances that he would not be sent back to El Salvador, where he fears persecution. We dont know if Uganda will even let him walk around freely in Kampala or whether hell be inside of a Ugandan jail cell, Sandoval-Moshenberg said. Abregos lawyers have acknowledged they have entered plea discussions with the government to possibly avoid deportation to Uganda. Completely unconstitutional Andrea Flores, a former top immigration official under Biden, said on the call that the Trump administrations threat of deportation to Uganda amounted to retribution for fighting his earlier removal to El Salvador. There is no legal, public safety or national security reason for this retaliatory deportation, Flores said. Before Abregos detention on Monday, he embraced his wife in the ICE field offices lobby before passing through a security checkpoint. About 45 minutes later, his wife and brother left the building without him. Abrego was deported despite a 2019 U.S. immigration court ruling that he not be sent back to his native country due to a risk of persecution by gangs. Abrego was flown back from El Salvador in June to face the charges brought by federal prosecutors in Nashville, Tennessee. Administration officials have called him a monster, pointing to a protective order his wife filed against him in 2021. Weve got him under control. He will no longer terrorize our country, Attorney General Pam Bondi told reporters at the White House on Monday. Trump said Democrats wrongly thought that supporting Abrego would help them win over voters, calling him an animal and referencing allegations of violence lodged by his wife in the 2021 protective order. After his release on Friday, Abrego returned to a family home in Maryland after more than five months of detention, including time in a mega-prison in El Salvador known for its harsh conditions. Video posted to social media by immigrant rights advocacy organization CASA on Friday night showed him entering a room where his family was waiting, setting down a bouquet of flowers and embracing his wife. All destroyed: Fire engulfs Marshall Islands parliament complex Marshall Islands firefighters try to contain the fire. Photo by Chewy Lin/RNZ Pacific MAJURO (RNZ Pacific/Pacnews) Fire engulfed Marshall Islands Nitijela (parliament building) just after midnight on Monday, with firefighters risking their lives as they battled the blaze into early Tuesday morning to save the complex. Sometime around midnight or shortly after this morning, the parliament building in Majuro caught on fire, started burning, RNZ Pacifics correspondent in the Marshall Islands Giff Johnson said. The fire department here is pretty nonexistent, except for an airport firefighting team, which was called in, but they werent able to get there for over an hour. Johnson said the building was completely engulfed by the time the fire truck arrived on site. He said the parliament chamber and offices, the library and all the archives, have been all destroyed. Everythings wiped out. All the records are gone, he said. A lot of the structure, which is concrete, is still standing, but its now noontime (Tuesday), and its still smoking. Firefighters are still on site, trying to quell it. The building is no longer usable, and already, alternative plans are being talked about, about where theyre going to hold parliament, because parliament is actually in session right now. Fortunately, the fire started late overnight so no indication that anybody was harmed. Johnson said the Marshall Islands does not have much capacity in firefighting and fire inspection processes, making it difficult to determine the cause of the fire. He said many entities in the Marshall Islands do not have backups, and it could take people weeks to figure out what they have lost and what they can still access. From purely a records point of view, and just getting their system back up and running, its going to be a while because everything has been digitized at the parliament, and its a really complicated situation. The Marshall Islands Cabinet was having an emergency meeting and was expected to make a statement later Tuesday. Petition calls for clear US-Palau defense agreement to protect civilians KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) A petition circulating in Palau calls on the national leadership to open talks with the United States on a separate, detailed agreement spelling out when and how Washington would defend Palau and how civilians would be protected if conflict reaches Palauan territory. The initiative, led by former senator and ex-representative to Washington, D.C., Steven Kanai, asks the government to negotiate a pact tied to Title III, Sections 312 and 352 of the Compact of Free Association or COFA with the United States. Those provisions establish broad U.S. authority and responsibility for security and defense in or relating to Palau and state that an attack on Palau would be considered a danger to the United States, with U.S. action to meet the danger in accordance with U.S. constitutional processes. The sections, however, do not detail civilian-protection measures or precise triggers for response. Palauans are sitting collateral damage, Kanai said, arguing that the Compacts defense clauses are open-ended and silent on how the civilian population can be protected from military attacks that are not intended for them. Kanai, who served as Palaus representative in Washington from 1987 to 1991, said the petition seeks a mutual agreement that would outline protocols and contingency plans to address the protection of Palauan civilian populations from becoming collateral damage of war. He added, It is one thing to remotely protect Palau and another to protect Palau from here, urging direct planning and transparency. According to the text, the petition urges the Republic of Palau to secure a separate agreement with the United States in relation to Section 312 and 352, Title III of the Compact Agreement so that the entire civilian population would be safe should a military attack reach Palaus territory or its vicinity. It aims to translate the Compacts high-level defense assurances into operational terms such as response thresholds, evacuation and sheltering plans, information-sharing with Palauan authorities, and public notification procedures that Palauan citizens can understand and rely on. Supporters point to shifting regional security dynamics and Palaus strategic location along vital Pacific Sea and air lanes. In recent years, Palau and the United States have expanded practical cooperation, including a 2023 agreement allowing U.S. Coast Guard vessels to enforce maritime law in Palaus exclusive economic zone without a Palauan officer on board a move Palaus leadership framed as strengthening peace and security. At the same time, Palau renewed its Compact with the United States, securing long-term economic assistance while reaffirming defense ties, a relationship that U.S. analysts and Pacific observers say has taken on new salience amid rising great-power competition. Title III of Palaus Compact assigns the United States full authority and responsibility for security and defense matters in or relating to Palau, and gives Washington the right to conduct necessary activities in Palaus lands, waters and airspace. It also forecloses Palaus territory to foreign militaries other than the United States (often called a strategic denial provision). Section 352 states that any attack on Palau would constitute a threat to regional peace and a danger to the United States, and that the United States would take action to meet the danger following its constitutional processes. The text underscores mutual security and benefit, but it stops short of enumerating civilian protection procedures or specifying what events would trigger U.S. action gaps Kanais petition seeks to fill. The Compact entered into force on Oct. 1, 1994, and key security provisions were designed to endure. Even if other parts were terminated under certain scenarios, Title Three provisions and related agreements would survive for at least 50 years unless amended by mutual consent, reflecting the long-term nature of the defense relationship. Civilian protection and transparency around defense planning have surfaced before in Palaus politics. In a 12 August Senate oversight hearing, senators raised concerns about what elements of U.S. contingency plans Palaus leaders should be allowed to see. As a sovereign country, we have the right to know the plans of the United States or parts of their strategies in the event of conflicts in which Palau will be involved, Sen. Eldebechel said, adding that certain officials including the president should have access to classified defense information involving Palau. Those calls echo recurring questions in COFA states about how general treaty assurances translate into concrete, locally informed planning for emergencies, from conflict to cyber incidents. Congressional researchers note that the Compacts assign Washington leading defense responsibilities while leaving implementation to executive processes and related agreements, which can fuel debates over information-sharing and host-nation roles. Backers of Kanais petition say a supplementary pact could: Define clear triggers for U.S. defensive measures in and around Palau, including gray-zone scenarios short of open attack. Establish joint civilian-protection protocols: evacuation routes, shelters, medical surge capacity, communications and exercises that include state governments and traditional leaders. Formalize mechanisms for time-sensitive intelligence sharing with designated Palauan officials. Clarify how U.S. forces operating in Palau would coordinate with local authorities and regional partners during crises. While the Compact already allows the United States to invite allied forces to use defense sites in Palau under the control of United States Armed Forces, Palauan officials have periodically sought clearer public explanations of how those rights would be exercised if tensions escalate. The petition is gathering signatures as advocates press the executive branch and Olbiil Era Kelulau, Palaus National Congress, to pursue talks with Washington. Any supplementary arrangement would need to align with the Compact, which provides avenues for additional related agreements and establishes joint committees to resolve defense-related issues. For Kanai and his supporters, the goal is not to renegotiate Palaus alignment but to translate its long-standing security guarantees into a plan focused on the people most at risk. With the type of warfare in this modern age, he said, Palauans will not be able to survive a modern war without explicit protections and practiced procedures. Sonora, CA The Mother Lode Fair will return July 25, 2026, bringing four days of celebration, tradition, and community pride to the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora. Next years theme, Heritage, Honor and Hometown Fun, highlights two major milestones the nations 250th birthday and Californias 175th anniversary. Fairgoers can expect live music, arena events, carnival rides, food vendors, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, and community contests in baking, crafts, art, and photography. Special patriotic tributes and heritage exhibits will also mark the historic anniversaries. The Mother Lode Fair has always been more than a fair its a reflection of our community spirit, said CEO Kim Helmbold. This year, were especially excited to celebrate our nations 250th birthday and Californias 175th anniversary with a fair that honors our past while celebrating the fun and traditions that bring us together. The fair runs Thursday, July 2, through Sunday, July 5, 2026. For future news about ticket information, contest entry details, and a full schedule of events, visit here. The Marine Corps new Pacific island strategy, articulated in its Force Design 2030 planning documents, envisions small units deployed across the Pacific island chain, armed with missiles and sensors to strike Chinese shipping and contest maritime access. Branded as Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), the concept seeks to adapt the Corps to great-power competition by positioning Marines inside Chinas defensive perimeter, where they could harass adversary forces, support naval maneuvers, and complicate Beijings plans for regional dominance. Advocates praise the plans boldness and innovation, presenting it as a decisive contribution to deterrence and warfighting in the Western Pacific. Yet history and geography suggest the strategy is more fragile than its champions admit. By positioning Marines in austere island outposts deep inside Chinas missile envelope, EABO risks repeating the fate of Japans Pacific garrisons in the Second World War: isolated, unsupplied, and defeated not by battlefield collapse but by starvation and exhaustion. In practice, the plan asks small detachments to endure on distant islands under the constant threat of missile attack and interdicted supply lines, a test of logistics and survivability that may prove fatal to the forces committed to this mission. The Logistical Problem Geography favors China: its supply lines are short and secure, while Americas are long and exposed. Expeditionary Advanced Bases would need steady deliveries of fuel, food, spare parts, and precision munitions. These items are bulky, heavy, and require specialized handling. Modern warfares high tempo would quickly outpace resupply capacity. Supplying widely distributed outposts by sea or air would present targets for interdiction by Chinas formidable ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and missile strike capabilities. EABO relies on fragile Supply Nodes. Small airstrips, ports, or prepositioned caches could be easily targeted by longrange Chinese missiles. Unlike WWII, where concealment and dispersion were possible, modern satellite and drone surveillance makes hiding supply points nearly impossible. Moreover, the Marines strategy relies on a kind of shell game mobility, with detachments moving frequently among islands to thwart counter attacks. This would require a a mix of pre-positioned stocks and constant transport alongside troops. The strategy is high-tech dependent. The Marines will rely on generators, radars, digital networks, and secure communications. These systems demand constant upkeep and fuel, creating vulnerabilities and burdens absent in WWII island garrisons. Proposed innovations to resolve logistics problems, such as drone resupply, autonomous surface craft, or undersea caches, remain largely experimental. In a highintensity conflict, the volumes required are likely to overwhelm such methods. Evacuation and rotation of troops in contested islands is as difficult as resupplying them. If units become depleted or compromised, extraction could be costlier than reinforcement, forcing commanders into difficult choices. Treatment of wounded would be a difficult problem, since U.S. forces have become accustomed to prompt field evacuation of seriously injured soldiers, something that may not be feasible for detachments on distant islands. Chinese Reconnaissance and Missile Strike Capability A key danger to the U.S. Marine Corps island strategy is the vulnerability of logistics shipping to modern Chinese surveillance and strike systems. China has developed a sophisticated orbital reconnaissance network composed of Yaogan synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, electrooptical satellites, and electronic intelligence (ELINT) platforms. These, combined with the Beidou navigation constellation, provide the Peoples Liberation Army with the ability to detect, track, and cue missile attacks against large surface targets at sea. Chinas missile arsenals vastly exceed those of the U.S. in theater-range quantities. Combined with a dense surveillance networksatellites, UAVs, maritime drones, and over-the-horizon radarany island outpost would be rapidly detected once operational. At that point, mobile units face a difficult choice: clump together (easier to target) or disperse (harder to supply). Either pathway invites defeat. The Chinese kill chain would likely operate by detecting supply ships through satellite radar or emissions, relaying coordinates to the PLA Rocket Force, and then launching longrange antiship ballistic missiles (such as the DF21D or DF26). While orbital satellites do not provide continuous coverage, China integrates them with overthehorizon radar, UAVs, and maritime patrol aircraft to maintain sufficient maritime domain awareness. The net result is a credible ability to threaten slow and vulnerable logistics ships, especially fuelers and transports, with longrange missile strikes. Historical Parallel: Japanese Logistical Defeat in WWII The vulnerabilities facing U.S. Marine island detachments echo the tragic fate of Imperial Japans garrisons during the Second World War. Japan constructed a vast perimeter of fortified islandsRabaul, Truk, Saipan, Peleliu, and many othersto shield its maritime lifelines. Initially formidable, these outposts became death traps once the U.S. Navy and submarine force severed supply lines. American strategy of island hopping deliberately bypassed many strongholds, isolating them and leaving tens of thousands of Japanese soldiers to perish. Cut off from food, medicine, and ammunition, Japanese garrisons endured catastrophic attrition. At Rabaul, more than 100,000 troops were effectively imprisoned, surviving on minimal rations until Japans surrender. On smaller islands, such as Wake and Tarawa, defenders faced both bombardment and starvation. By 1945, an estimated one-third of Japans Pacific island fatalities were the result not of direct combat but of starvation and disease. Contemporary accounts describe skeletal soldiers, forced to forage for roots, insects, and bark in order to survive. Once resupply was severed, Japanese island forces collapsed, not from combat, but from hunger, disease, and exhaustion. The U.S. Marine Corps modern island strategy risks encountering a similar dilemma. While todays forces possess advanced weapons and communications, their dependence on high-volume resupply of fuel, munitions, and spare parts may make them just as vulnerable to strangulation. The lesson of Japans defeat is clear: in island campaigns, military outcomes are determined by logistics, not valor. Air Mobility Vulnerabilities: The Osprey Problem The MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor transport aircraft is central to the Marine Corps vision of Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations. With its extended range, vertical lift capability, and ability to move troops and supplies rapidly between islands, the Osprey is designed to provide the mobility backbone for dispersed Marine units across the Pacific. Without it, the concept of rapidly shifting small detachments from one austere base to another loses much of its practicality. Yet the Osprey is also one of the most vulnerable assets in a high-end conflict. It is large, radar-visible, relatively slow compared to modern fighters, and lacks robust defensive systems. Chinese integrated air defensesincluding long-range surface-to-air missiles and fighter patrolswould make forward operations perilous. The aircraft is also notoriously maintenance-intensive, requiring high levels of technical support that are difficult to sustain on isolated islands, while its heavy fuel consumption magnifies the burden on already fragile supply lines. If Ospreys cannot operate safely forward of the Second Island Chain, the Marines ability to shuttle troops, equipment, and munitions between islands collapses. This would leave the EABO concept reliant on sealift connectors, drones, or pre-positioned stockpilesmethods that are slower, less flexible, and in some cases not yet viable. The Ospreys fragility therefore undermines the central promise of Marine mobility. It reflects the broader pattern of over-reliance on technology in the face of hostile geography and superior missile capability. Time as an Adversary The Marine Corps island strategy is vulnerable to the passage of time. Chinas military capabilities in the Pacific are not static; they are expanding at a pace that outstrips U.S. force growth. Each year brings more satellites for maritime surveillance, more accurate and longerranged missile systems, and larger numbers of advanced combat aircraft. These expanding surveillance, strike, and aviation components steadily tighten the noose around any potential forward U.S. outposts. By contrast, the Marine Corps own assets are not growing in either quantity or quality at a comparable rate. The number of Ospreys, missile launchers, and specialized logistics systems is limited, and procurement cycles ensure only marginal improvements over the coming decade. The imbalance is structural: China is building mass and redundancy into its regional strike complex, while the U.S. relies on relatively few, expensive platforms that are hard to replace. Time will magnify this asymmetry. The feasibility of the EABO strategy will diminish further as Chinas growing reconnaissance and strike power overwhelms the planned USMC capability. In this respect, the strategy is not merely fragile; it is based on a shrinking margin of safety that erodes with the passage of time. Too Many Flaws EABOs success depends on partner nationsJapan, the Philippines, Palau, among othersgranting basing access. But Chinas political coercion and diplomatic pressure can undermine these agreements at critical moments. Moreover, these host countries would become targets themselves, raising the risk of escalation that might deter the U.S. from responding or resupplying in kind. Allies may then withdraw access to avoid devastationa fatal blow to the concept. Even in a best-case deployment scenario, the islands serve denial rather than closure. China can reroute shipping via southern routes through Indonesia or leverage overland corridors from Central Asia and Russia, preserving critical supply lines. This adaptive resilience diminishes the strategic value of island-based interdiction. Worse still, these island sites may serve less as barriers and more like sacrificial tripwires. Their loss could be heralded as an overture to broader war, galvanizing public and political momentumbut at disproportionate cost. Instead of denying Chinese access, the Marines risk becoming symbolic pawns whose destruction triggers escalation on terms of Beijings choosing. The Marine Corps shift toward distributed island operations is imaginative, aligning with modern warfares emphasis on dispersion, precision fires, and joint sealand integration. Nonetheless, the strategy underestimates core vulnerabilities: logistics, surveillance, massed missile fire, political fragility, and Chinas strategic redundancy. A pessimistic analysis indicates that, rather than securing Pacific access, future Marines may end up isolated and ineffective. How Did We Get Here? Institutional Origins of the Strategy The emergence of the Marine Corps Pacific island strategy cannot be understood solely in operational terms. It is equally a product of institutional dynamics within the U.S. defense establishment. After two decades of counterinsurgency, the Corps sought a new mission to secure its relevance and budgetary share. The pivot to the Pacific offered that opportunity, and the concept of small, forward-based, missile-armed detachments promised a unique contribution that distinguished Marines from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This search for relevance encouraged optimism about what elite, high-tech forces could achieve. In embracing Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations, Marine planners drew upon a longstanding cultural faith in the superiority of small, highly trained units equipped with advanced technology. Yet this faith risks becoming a modern parallel to Imperial Japans exalted ethos of sacrifice, one that could not overcome the brutal realities of starvation and disease. The strategy was also shaped by inter-service competition and bureaucratic fashion. The Marines needed a distinctive mission that avoided redundancy, and island-based sea denial fit that role. The Pentagon, moreover, has long rewarded concepts that sound innovativedistributed operations, multi-domain warfare, mosaic deterrenceregardless of whether they are logistically sustainable. Once enshrined in Force Design 2030, the strategy gained bureaucratic momentum, making dissent inside the service difficult. Political considerations reinforced the concept. Forward-deployed Marine detachments offered policymakers a visible, seemingly economical deterrent against China, one that did not require vast new bases or escalatory deployments of heavy forces. In this sense, the strategy reflects not only military doctrine but also Washingtons preference for solutions that appear bold and affordable on paper, even when their battlefield feasibility is doubtful. Thus, the EABO strategy is less the product of cold operational logic than of institutional incentives and cultural predispositions. It reveals a system willing to overestimate the power of elite troops and technology while underestimating the hard arithmetic of supply. In that gap between aspiration and reality lies the danger of repeating Japans Pacific defeat in a new guise. This pattern of self-delusion is not unique. Military victors often suffer from strategic illusions, mistaking the glamour of elite forces or dazzling technology for the true foundations of success. The United States triumphed in WWII because it mastered industrial production and secured its supply lines. Yet in the postwar decades, Washington increasingly recast victory as the product of elite troops and technological superiority. This is the basis of todays belief that Marine troop quality, enhanced by advanced sensors and weapons, can overcome hostile geography and an uncertain logistical margin. It is the Axis error repeatedprivileging the glory of martial excellence over the plain truths of logistics. Conclusion If the Marines are to play a decisive role in a Pacific conflict, it may be wiser to return to a function closer to their historic strengths. Rather than fighting in scattered island outposts, they could serve as a mobile reserve: dispersed for protection, then concentrated to exploit gaps as they emerge in the fluid battle space. This would align with the Corps legacy as an adaptable expeditionary force, providing flexibility and striking power where it matters most, while avoiding the trap of garrisons vulnerable to logistical defeat. The problem at the heart of the Marine Corps Pacific island strategy is not a lack of courage or ingenuity, but a misplaced faith that technology and elite training can overcome immutable geography and logistics. By assuming that small, highly skilled units can succeed while isolated on distant islands, the strategy echoes the illusions of Imperial Japan, where leaders believed that martial spirit could sustain their troops even as supply lines collapsed. Today, the Marine Corps risks repeating that error. Wars are won not by isolated detachments, however skilled, but by forces sustained in depth. The hard truth is simple: logistics sustains combat power; valor alone cannot. EABO rests on the illusion that the best troops can prevail when left to wither in the far reaches of a hostile ocean. Yves here. This important post below recaps some of the more important offerings in the considerable and growing set of documentaries on the ethnic cleansing and now genocide of Palestinians by Israel. This body of work greatly amplified the indictment we get via short videos of starving babies, gripping eyewitness accounts, and disgusting sadistic satisfaction from Israeli officials and citizens. These films put together the bigger architecture of these war crimes. Even though it may seem futile to merely bear witness, and karma for Zionists looks to be too slow in coming to save many if any Palestinian lives, this sort of exposure is having a cumulative effect. More and more ordinary people doing what they can to impede the operation of the ethnosupremacist state, such as port workers refusing to service ships with Israel-bound cargo. By Skip Kaltenheuser, a Washington, DC-based writer who has written for a wide variety of domestic and foreign publications on a broad range of topics, including politics, law, business, culture and travel. Originally published at LA Progressive Its 2025. Theres an Internet. Who can now pretend they have no idea what Israel has done, is doing, aims to do? Its obvious to the entire world that the Biden and Trump administrations have run cover for Israel while enabling the horrors before us. But for those seeking a deeper understanding, or perhaps sources to encourage others to understand what is taking place, many important documentaries stand ready to enlighten. One, Who Killed Shireen?, was recently viewed at the National Press Club. In 2022 Shireen Abu Akleh, a renowned Palestinian-American journalist for Al Jazerra, was clearly marked as press in blue body armor yet fatally shot in the back of the head by an Israeli sniper, and her producer wounded. Israel made fanciful claims such as Abu Akleh being killed by fire from Palestinian militants. After Israeli explanations eventually turned to wet tissue, Israel refused to identify even the unit responsible, denying the Biden administration access, while refusing changes to rules of engagement that might protect innocents in the future. The desire to know the perpetrators was widely shared by Abu Aklehs family and colleagues and by many in the Middle East who respected the journalist as a trusted and valued source interpreting what was happening around them. The press club ballroom was at capacity, mostly with members of the general public who bought tickets to view the 40-minute investigative film and a panel discussion afterwards. The documentary was backed by Zeteo, a news outlet owned by Mehdi Hassan. The investigation, akin to a detective story, was headed by Dion Nissenbaum, an American journalist with experience in the Middle East and Afghanistan. The investigative team established that Israel knew at the outset its soldiers were culpable. Initial American assessments determined the shooting intentional, and that the shooter could be convicted of murder in an American courtroom. The Biden aministration then flipped, concluding there was no reason to believe the killing was intentional, laying the cause on tragic circumstances. Nissenbaums crew believes they have pinpointed the shooter, including from comments from an unidentified Israeli official and IDF soldiers who spoke anonymously. There were no consequences for anyone. The alleged shooter, 20-year-old Alon Scagio, was made a captain in another unit and died in combat. Soldiers angry at Scagio being identified used pictures of Abu Akleh for target practice. The cost of the Biden Administrations failure to dent Israels impunity over the Abu Akleh murder have been high. It sent a signal that Israel had no worries about declaring open season on the press to damp down coverage of Israels actions. Over two hundred media workers have been killed, many with their family members. The Biden administrations softballing the matter, even running cover for Israels crime, is a major takeaway from the film. Hassan hopes that Biden is haunted by his lack of action in the case. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) sent a video stating that the impunity Israel has enjoyed since the Abu Akleh killing likely paved the way for killing at least a half dozen Americans and other civilians. An Israeli colonel tweeted Wearing a vest that says press doesnt turn a terrorist into a journalist. This writer has been shocked to hear similar sentiments from US journalists asked to stand up for Palestinian journalists. A preview of Who Killed Shireen? can be found here. A massive database of documentaries on Palestinians and their plight can be found at Palestinecinema. com, many of them brief yet poignant, most within the past two decades. Brief is sometimes a welcome alternative. Although longer films are well-done and effective, the sheer injustice over decades can overwhelm ones sensibilities. Four minutes worth every moment are in a Brief Animated History of the Question of Palestine, put out by the UN Palestinian Rights Committee, accessible on You- Tube. This is a quick shot to fire at those nonsensically denying Palestinians are a real people, or that theres an occupation. One coming to mind is US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, a pastor whose enterprises include decades of taking Christian evangelical tourists to Israeli settlements. Of late Huckabee is bewildered by reports of harassment of Christians, and by arson attacks on an ancient church near Jerusalem. He says hes troubled by the recent brutal beating death of a US citizen at the hands of West Bank Israeli settlers. Who knows, perhaps one day hell end up getting religion. Naw. Huckabee recently infuriated the Irish by telling them to sober up and asking if theyd fallen into a vat of Guinness after Ireland explored legislation banning goods from settlements in occupied territories. Among other animated films Huckabee would benefit from is one done in 2022 by a West Bank human rights organization, viewable at AlHaq.org and on YouTube. The nine minute Israels Settler Colonial Apartheid Regime: Segregating the Palestinian People, succinctly explains the history of Israeli apartheid. >A great expose of the threat Israeli spyware poses to privacy, including in America and dozens of other countries, arrived via Surveilled, a 2024 HBO documentary by Ronan Farrow. It carefully examines an NSO Group product called Pegasus which can turn a cell phone into a spy in your pocket. Its also another instance of Palestine as a proving ground for such technology. Not just for Israeli companies. According to the Business and Human Rights Resource Center, American companies are exploring AI and other technical abilities in synch with Israel, including Google, Meta and Microsoft, which quickly penalize or fire employees who protest their employers involvement. Intelligence expert James Bamford has written in The Nation on Palantir Technologies supplying powerful targeting capabilities. He says US tech companies have provided AI that targets thousands of Palestinians, often slaying their families with them. Many targets are not even alleged militants. Some are also cultural pillars. Even poets. This is how culture is erased. The Farrow film delving deep into Pegasus is an excellent start on understanding how tech companies put the Orwell in Orwellian. If youre not on HBO, DemocracyNow.org has excellent segments on Surveilled. For those tired of hearing the de rigueur preface that the slaughter before us began on October 7th, 2023, the 2019 documentary Gaza Fights for Freedom, by Abby Martin, provides excellent ammo. Available on YouTube, it uses archival footage to examine what happened during peaceful demonstrations in Gaza during the Great March of Return, in which 200 unarmed civilians were killed and many maimed. Doctors Without Borders puts the number of demonstrators injured in the weekly protests by the fence that pens Palestinians into Gaza, held over a 636- day period starting in March of 2018, at over 35,600. Often they were hit by bone-shattering gunshots in the quest to inflict the worst and longest-lasting injuries possible. The gleeful depravity of the Israeli euphemism mowing the lawn code for terrorizing Palestinians was on clear display. Israeli snipers targeting of medics who responded, as well as of journalists and children, was a warmup for what everyone not in a self-induced coma sees they have now wrought. If one slides about the Internet, one will soon come across the film being attacked as biased and supporting terrorism. Such claims nicely illustrate Israels public relations machine as they try to tear down critics of Israels occupation and subjugation of Palestinians. Related is a 14-minute film The Waiting Room, about three of the patients who were injured in those demonstrations and how their lives changed. Its available at msf.org, the site of Medicins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), which works in over seventy countries to save lives and ease the suffering of those in crisis. There is a more recent film exploring attacks on medical workers. Gaza: Doctors Under Attack, is a BBC project that the BBC later cancelled the showing of, to wide condemnation. Its not for nothing that last year over 230 members of the British media industry, including 100 BBC staff members, signed a letter accusing the BBC of favoring Israel in its news broadcasts and lacking fair and accurate evidence-based journalism in its coverage of Gaza. The five and a half minute trailer for the film, which can be seen at zeteo.com, begins with the murder of fifteen medics on a rescue mission. IDF soldiers subsequently buried them in a mass grave with their vehicles. After the grave was found, the discovered cell phone of a slain medic who was recording the operation put the lie to Israels explanations of the deaths. The film contrasts the brutality to medical workers, in violation of international law, with their perseverance trying to maintain a semblance of care in impossible situations as medical centers are bombed and Israel methodically robs Gaza of irreplaceable medical expertise and training. The media firm Zeteo acquired the film. Alas, it is only available to subscribers as an incentive to sign up. Given the power of this film, and the dire timing as malnutrition and starvation take hold in Gaza and medical workers pass out from hunger and exhaustion, it would be a public service for Zeteo to make it freely available to the public. Viewers could then widely distribute it via the Internet throughout the world, including to members of Congress. The film might change even hardened minds. The need for that is immediate. The subject of methodical assaults on medical workers and facilities can be pursued at DemocracyNow.org, which has multiple filmed interviews with doctors in Gaza and with volunteer medical workers from abroad whove provided services. Their morality and courage are stunning. Their undeniable testimony proving IDF solders deliberately and frequently target children and infants in the head is a stain Israels enablers can never erase. State Sen. Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville) is not giving up when it comes to child care aid. When she brought legislation to address child care access struggles in the state in 2024, all three bills were voted down in the Tennessee General Assembly. But during the following legislative session, Gov. Lee added $6 million in recurring funds to the states budget to better fund the Department of Human Services Smart Steps child care voucher program, which subsidizes the cost of care for low-income families. He also raised the income threshold for qualifying families to 100 percent of the state median income, up from 85 percent. +4 Nashvilles Child Care Crisis Looking at scarcity, cost burden and workforce issues and how the state will try to dig out of it The point of doing these bills is so I can elevate the conversation, Oliver tells the Scene. Gov. Lee ended up funding that legislation not telling me, of course but I take credit for it. Nationally, many child care centers were able to stay afloat through the height of the pandemic because of American Rescue Plan funding. From 2022 to 2024, Metro Nashville approved more than $5 million in additional funding to stabilize 12 centers serving low-income families in the city. The Nashville Early Education Coalition launched in 2024 to continue that work. Early childhood education for low-income families is sustainable only with ongoing public investment, according to a July white paper from United Way of Greater Nashville in conjunction with the Nashville Early Education Coalition. The report also found that most child care providers are not paid a living wage. When preparing to open the Royal Table Learning Academy in North Nashville earlier this year, Flarrie and Amir Mahamed spent more than $20,000 for a pair of fire-rated doors to meet licensure requirements. The states child care enhancement grants start at $4,000. In addition, Royal Table couldnt get such a grant because they were not yet licensed, Flarrie tells the Scene. The mother-son duo started Royal Table as a nonprofit five years ago the LLC was a gift to Amir for his 18th birthday but the pair had served the community for years prior. Flarrie taught disaster preparedness classes following Nashvilles historic 2010 flood. The two have teamed up on summer camps and after-school programs, in addition to teaching entrepreneurship and STEM classes at area high schools and the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center. Flarrie was surprised that young mothers were dealing with the same issue she faced when Amir was young a lack of access to reliable child care. An Alabama native, she didnt have family nearby, and at one point she told her boss she would have to quit if Amir could not stay at the office with her after school. She did not qualify for child care vouchers at the time. In their previous work in community service, Flarrie and Amir were affected by children who were from North Nashville the same neighborhood Amir grew up in but struggled with reading, or even landed in juvenile detention. Some studies show that children who participate in preschool are less likely to be involved in crime as an adult, they learned, so child care seemed like the next logical step. I dont believe in childhood behavior issues, Flarrie says. Theres something theyre not getting. Royal Table accepts vouchers, operates on a sliding scale and is working toward a certification from Early Head Start a federally funded program that serves children from birth to age 3. They hope to partner with companies to provide child care to their employees, and eventually offer classes for parents. I think that the majority of the community, if they had better resources for jobs and how to apply and how to interview thats life-changing, Flarrie says. You can come here, get that type of thing, and your childs going to the child care center two in one. Amir made the move back home from Chattanooga in 2021. He and his mother work 12 hours a day, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., but he says he cant imagine doing anything else. My goal was always to help people the best that I could, whether it be in child care [or something else], says Amir. Do you need school supplies? What do you need? How can I be a resource? One day you just lock in and get serious. I just want to be someone who is remembered as a resource, not someone who used people to get where I wanted to go. Oliver says her goal for next years legislative session is addressing regulatory barriers for child care centers. Shed like to see the state offer a recurring fund for any child care center to stay open, pay a livable wage and lower the cost of tuition to families. A report from the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations in response to Olivers 2024 legislation recommended that the Department of Human Services reestablish meetings between child care providers and the state Fire Marshals Office to discuss licensing requirements. The report also notes that state and local fire officials should also coordinate inspections of child care facilities, and that the General Assembly should eliminate state and local business taxes for child care businesses. These findings, along with stories from providers and parents, will inform Olivers legislation. In Tennessee, she says, there are added stakes: With the states abortion ban in place, more children will be born. It gets expensive, and child care businesses dont bring in enough revenue to cover that, Oliver says. The state needs to step in, because I believe just like infrastructure is our roads, child care is infrastructure it should be treated as a public good that the state invests in so that everyone benefits. Appeals court OVERTURNS civil fraud penalty against Trump, citing excessive fine A New York appellate court ruled that the $355M+ civil fraud penalty (growing to over $515M with interest) against Trump was unconstitutional and excessive, violating the Eighth Amendment. The fine was reduced to $175M after appeal. The court affirmed the trial court's finding that Trump, the Trump Organization and his sons engaged in fraud by inflating/deflating asset values for loans, insurance and tax benefits though no actual harm was proven. Trump hailed the ruling as a "TOTAL VICTORY", claiming the case was a politically motivated attack by NY AG Letitia James. Some judges agreed, accusing James of aiming to "destroy his business" rather than enforce fairness. Despite the penalty reversal, James emphasized the court upheld the fraud liability and vowed to appeal to New York's highest court, stating Trump "violated the law." The decision impacts Trump's other ongoing cases (e.g., hush money, defamation) and sparks debate over using civil fraud laws against public figures, with implications for future legal accountability. In a significant legal victory for former President Donald Trump, a New York appellate court has overturned a nearly half-billion-dollar civil fraud penalty imposed by Judge Arthur Engoron, ruling that the financial judgment was unconstitutional and excessive. The civil fraud case brought by New York Attorney General (AG) Letitia James, alleged that Trump and his company, the Trump Organization, had engaged in years of financial fraud by inflating asset values to secure favorable loan terms and tax benefits. In February 2024, Engoron found Trump liable for systemic fraud aimed at securing unfair financial advantages. He ordered the real estate mogul to pay $355 million in penalties a sum that had grown to over $515 million with interest after an 11-week trial and barred Trump from leading New York businesses for three year According to the Enoch AI engine at Brighteon.AI, the Trump civil fraud case involves allegations by James that Donald Trump and the Trump Organization engaged in fraudulent practices by inflating asset values for loans and insurance while undervaluing them for taxes, benefiting their financial interests. (Related: Trump appeals $464 million ruling in politically motivated New York civil fraud case.) On Aug. 21, a five-judge panel in the New York Supreme Court's Appellate Division unanimously agreed that the financial penalty was "excessive" and violated the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the government from imposing unduly harsh penalties. Judges Dianne T. Renwick and Peter H. Moulton wrote in their opinion that while the injunctive relief to limit business practices was "well crafted," the massive financial disgorgement was unconstitutional. Judge David Friedman, appointed by former New York Gov. George Pataki, was particularly critical of James. He accused the Empire State's AG of using the lawsuit to "derail President Trump's political career and the destruction of his real estate business." Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to celebrate the ruling. He called it a "total victory" and praised the court for having "the courage to throw out this unlawful and disgraceful decision that was hurting business all throughout New York state." Trump reiterated his claim that the case was politically motivated, stating: "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 vs. the New York Deep State In a statement, James focused on the part of the case that went her way, stating that 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." Her office announced its intention to appeal the decision to the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals. The appellate court's ruling is just one of several legal battles Trump is currently facing. He is also appealing a criminal hush money case in which he was sentenced to an unconditional discharge, a federal case where he was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation, and a subsequent defamation verdict that requires him to pay $83.3 million to writer E. Jean Carroll. Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in all these cases, claiming they are politically motivated. His administration has launched investigations into James, accusing her of mortgage fraud and improper political retribution. James' representative, Abbe Lowell, has called these accusations "an act of improper political retribution" and lacking "any credible foundation." The appellate court's decision has broader implications for the legal landscape surrounding Trump's business practices and the use of civil fraud laws to hold public figures accountable. Legal experts are closely watching how this ruling will influence ongoing and future cases involving similar allegations. The appellate court's decision marks a significant moment in Trump's legal battles, providing him with a major victory as he continues to navigate the legal challenges that have dogged him throughout his presidency and beyond. Watch this clip of President Trump unraveling the real details of his New York civil fraud verdict. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump fraud case: Democrat judge, Democrat prosecutor, Democrat city. Trump lawyers file motion to recuse Judge Engoron from civil fraud trial. Trumps fraud case bond payment reduced to $175 million, delaying AG James' efforts to seize assets. Sources include: YourNews.com Brighteon.ai AlJazeera.com NBCNewYork.com Brighteon.com Coral reefs thrived in warmer seas new research debunks climate alarmism Coral reefs grew six times faster in warmer ancient oceans than today despite higher sea levels and temperatures. Local pollution and overfishing not climate change are the real threats to modern reefs. Historical data proves coral thrives in CO2-rich, warmer waters, debunking climate doomsday claims. The climate agenda pushes centralized control while ignoring real environmental solutions. Nature adapts when left alone, but globalists exploit fake crises to justify power grabs. If youve ever wondered why climate alarmists keep screaming about coral reefs dying from "global warming," a bombshell new study just dropped that turns their entire narrative upside down. It turns out that coral reefs didnt just survive in warmer oceans; they flourished. And not just a little. Were talking growth rates six times faster than today in seas that were 12 C warmer and one to two meters higher than current levels. So why are we still being fed the doomsday propaganda? Lets break it down. The science they dont want you to see A team of international researchers, led by Dr. Michael Hynes of Naturalis Biodiversity Center, just published findings that should make every climate fearmonger squirm. They analyzed 16 coral reef cores from Indonesias Spermonde Archipelago and found that between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago, during the Holocene Climatic Optimum, reefs were growing at 6 millimeters per year. Today? A pathetic 1 millimeter per year. Meanwhile, over at Australias Great Barrier Reef, another study revealed that when sea temperatures were 12 C warmer and sea levels one meter higher, coral growth hit 15 millimeters per year the fastest in 8,500 years. During cooler periods like the Little Ice Age, in contrast, growth plummeted. So why are modern reefs struggling? The researchers point to local pollution, overfishing and destructive tourism not some imaginary climate apocalypse. Funny how the same people pushing "net zero" policies never mention sewage dumping, agricultural runoff, or dynamite fishing as the real killers. The CO2 scam strikes again This isnt just about coral. Its about the same old playbook: demonize carbon dioxide, ignore historical evidence and push for centralized control over energy, food and human life. Weve been told for decades that CO2 is poisoning the planet, yet coral reefs, which rely on CO2 for photosynthesis via their symbiotic algae, were thriving when levels were higher. Just like plants grow faster in CO2-rich greenhouses, reefs expanded when conditions were warmer and seas were higher. But the climate industrial complex cant afford for you to know that. If people realized CO2 is plant food, not pollution, their entire carbon credit scam collapses. If reefs grew faster in warmer waters, then the "ocean acidification" myth another favorite scare tactic falls apart too. The real agenda: control, not conservation Lets be clear: healthy reefs matter. Theyre vital for marine life, coastal protection, and fisheries. But the solution isnt shutting down economies in the name of "saving the planet." Its cleaning up local pollution, ending destructive fishing, and letting nature adapt, just like it always has. Instead, the World Economic Forum, the UN and their billionaire backers want you to believe that human activity is destroying the planet, so they can justify carbon taxes, digital IDs and meat bans. Theyve turned environmentalism into a religion, where dissent is heresy and real science is censored. The inconvenient truth: Nature thrives when left alone The Spermonde Archipelago reefs didnt just survive the Holocene Climatic Optimum; they dominated it. The Great Barrier Reef hit record growth in warmer seas. And yet, today, were told that a 1.5 C rise will wipe them out. This is junk science at its finest. The same people who ignore historical data are the ones demanding you give up your car, your steak, and your freedom. Heres the reality: Earths climate has always changed. Sea levels have risen and fallen for millions of years. Coral reefs adapt and thrive when given the chance. The only thing thats new is the political exploitation of environmental fears to push totalitarian control. The next time some climate activist or politician starts hyperventilating about coral bleaching, ask them: Why did reefs grow faster in warmer seas? If CO2 is so deadly, why do corals depend on it? If the real problems are pollution and overfishing, why are we taxing cow farts instead of cleaning up the oceans? The answers wont come, because this was never about saving reefs. Its about power, money, and control. Nature doesnt need globalist rescue plans. It needs humanity to get out of the way. And that starts with rejecting the climate hoax and focusing on real solutions not fake crises. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com WattsUpWithThat.com Journals.SagePub.com Famine officially declared in Gaza for the first time by UN-backed hunger monitor The UN-backed IPC has officially declared a famine in Gaza for the first time, affecting Gaza City and surrounding areas, where 500,000 Palestinians face starvation and extreme deprivation after nearly two years of conflict. Over 300,000 children under five are at risk of acute malnutrition amid a total Israeli blockade and severely limited aid access; the IPC warns the famine will spread to central and southern Gaza by late September, threatening over 640,000 people. Over 1,400 Palestinians have reportedly been killed near Israeli-U.S.-backed GHF aid sites and at least 271 people, including 112 children, have died from starvation, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Despite the IPC's findings, Israel rejects the famine designation, claiming food aid is entering the Strip in large quantities and accusing the IPC of relying on disinformation. Calls for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access remain largely unanswered, with the IPC urging an immediate response to stop the spread of this entirely man-made famine. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has formally declared a famine in Gaza, marking the first time such a designation has been made for the embattled territory. The declaration, issued in a report on Aug. 22, applies specifically to Gaza City and surrounding towns, where approximately 500,000 Palestinians are now living in conditions of catastrophic food insecurity, defined by starvation, destitution and death. It paints a devastating picture of a humanitarian catastrophe that continues to deepen after nearly two years of war. "This report marks the fifth time the Famine Review Committee (FRC) has been called to review an analysis on the acute food security and nutrition situation in the Gaza Strip. Never before has the Committee had to return so many times to the same crisis, a stark reflection of how suffering has not only persisted but intensified and spread until famine has begun to emerge," said IPC, which is backed by the United Nations (UN). According to UN data, the prolonged conflict has severely crippled food production and distribution, and over 300,000 children under five are now at risk of acute malnutrition. The Gaza Strip remains under a total Israeli blockade, with only minimal aid permitted to enter. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that current aid levels fall far short of what is required to meet even the most basic needs of the population. The situation is further exacerbated by violence surrounding aid distribution. The Israeli-U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates outside the UN framework, has been linked to a string of deadly incidents. Palestinian health officials report that over 1,400 civilians have been killed near GHF aid sites, with Israeli forces accused of deliberately firing on crowds of desperate civilians. Gaza's Health Ministry also added that dozens have died from starvation in recent weeks, including at least two people in the past 24 hours. The total death toll from hunger now stands at 271, including 112 children. In turn, the IPC report warns that the famine is expected to spread to Deir al-Balah and Khan Yunis by the end of September. If the current trajectory continues, more than 640,000 people will face Phase 5 conditions the most severe classification of hunger crisis. "As this famine is entirely man-made, it can be halted and reversed," the report said. "The time for debate and hesitation has passed; starvation is present and is rapidly spreading. There should be no doubt in anyone's mind that an immediate, at-scale response is needed." It warned that without an immediate and sustained ceasefire, along with unrestricted access to humanitarian aid and food for the entire Gaza Strip, "avoidable deaths will increase exponentially." Israel denies crisis in Gaza Brighteon.AI's Enoch defines man-made famine as a deliberate or negligent human action that leads to widespread food scarcity and starvation, often used as a tool of control or punishment. It can be achieved through policies that restrict food production, distribution or access or by creating conditions that prevent people from growing or obtaining food, such as through war, economic sanctions or environmental manipulation. But despite all the evidence and the declaration, Israel still denies that famine has overtaken the strip. "The entire IPC document is based on Hamas lies laundered through organizations with vested interests. There is no famine in Gaza," Israel's foreign ministry wrote on its official account on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Over 100,000 trucks of aid have entered Gaza since the start of the war, and in recent weeks a massive influx of aid has flooded the Strip with staple foods and caused a sharp decline in food prices, which have plummeted in the markets." (Related: Netanyahu denies Gaza famine, claims detained Palestinians are "overweight" while Gaza children die from hunger.) Despite repeated warnings from humanitarian agencies and on-the-ground organizations, the international response remains muted. Aid convoys face repeated delays and obstructions, and diplomatic efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire have stalled. Follow Starvation.news for more news about the famine unfolding in Gaza. Watch this video showing starving Gazans swarming a charity kitchen as famine spreads in the Strip. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: How my family has survived the famine in Gaza. Israel accused of targeting aid workers and deliberately provoking famine in Gaza. Gaza on the brink of FAMINE: Urgent action needed as humanitarian crisis deepens. Gaza faces "catastrophic" famine with 93% of population in crisis, aid groups say. Gaza famine "unlike anything in this century" as Israel's blockade starves children to death. Sources include: TheCradle.co IPCinfo.org MiddleEastEye.net Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com Netanyahu vows unconditional ANNEXATION of Gaza, rejects ceasefire deal as Israel advances military plans Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to seize control of the Gaza Strip, signaling an escalation in the nine-month conflict, despite Hamas accepting a ceasefire proposal. Netanyahu confirmed the approval of a full-scale military operation to take control of Gaza City, involving the forced displacement of over one million Palestinian civilians and the systematic destruction of the city. Despite Hamas' acceptance of a ceasefire deal mediated by Qatar and Egypt, which mirrored one previously endorsed by Israel, Netanyahu's government has not formally responded, raising questions about Israel's true intentions. Netanyahu's statements and actions suggest that Israel's military campaign is not just about dismantling Hamas but also about achieving permanent territorial control over Gaza, contradicting earlier diplomatic posturing. The international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, has condemned Israel's military campaign, warning of potential war crimes and mass civilian casualties, while Palestinians face the prospect of a major humanitarian crisis due to forced displacement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Aug. 21 that Israel will seize control of the Gaza Strip regardless of whether a ceasefire deal is reached with Hamas signaling an escalation in the nine-month conflict that has already claimed tens of thousands of lives. In an interview with Sky News Australia and a subsequent video statement, Netanyahu confirmed plans to approve a full-scale military operation to "take control of Gaza City," including the forced displacement of over one million Palestinian civilians and the systematic destruction of the city. The announcement comes as Hamas accepted a ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt that Israel had previously endorsed, raising questions about Netanyahu's true objectives in the region. His remarks suggest that Israel's military campaign is not merely about dismantling Hamas but about permanent territorial control, a position that contradicts earlier diplomatic posturing. Hamas' acceptance of the ceasefire deal, which included the release of 10 Israeli hostages in exchange for a 60-day pause in fighting, was met with silence from Israel. The proposal mirrored one Israel had already approved, yet Netanyahu's government has not formally responded. (Related: Hamas accepts ceasefire deal as Israel prepares brutal Gaza City invasion.) When asked by Sky News Australia whether Israel would still proceed with its military offensive if Hamas agreed to a deal, Netanyahu was unequivocal: "We're going to do that anyway. There was never a question that we're not going to leave Hamas there." His statement aligns with earlier reports from Haaretz, in which Israeli defense officials admitted the war would continue until Gaza is fully annexed. Hamas, in a public statement, accused Netanyahu of being "the real obstacle to any agreement" and claimed he "does not care about the lives of his captives." Military plans approved as displacement looms In a video address outside the Israeli military's Gaza Division headquarters, Netanyahu confirmed he had authorized plans for the "total control of Gaza City," a move that would require the mass displacement of Palestinian civilians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have already conducted devastating airstrikes and ground operations, but this new phase suggests a permanent occupation rather than a temporary military campaign. Netanyahu also claimed he had ordered negotiations for the release of remaining Israeli hostages, though his insistence on "conditions acceptable to Israel" leaves little room for compromise. Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine suggests that the so-called "insufficient" terms are merely a pretext. The deep state-backed Israeli government, aligned with globalist elites, has no intention of stopping its U.S.-funded ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Moreover, the prime minister's dual messaging pursuing hostage talks while simultaneously approving an unconditional military takeover has drawn criticism from international observers who question Tel Aviv's true intentions. The international community has largely condemned Israel's military campaign, with the United Nations and human rights organizations warning of war crimes amid mass civilian casualties. For Palestinians, the prospect of permanent Israeli control over Gaza raises existential concerns. The forced displacement of over one million people many already living in refugee camps would mark one of the largest humanitarian crises in recent history. Meanwhile, Israel's refusal to engage in meaningful ceasefire negotiations suggests that diplomacy has taken a backseat to military conquest. As the world watches, the question remains: Will the international community intervene to prevent a full-scale annexation or will Gaza become another chapter in Israel's long history of territorial expansion? For now, the only certainty is that the war will continue regardless of the cost. Watch President Donald Trump stating that Israel occupying all of Gaza is pretty much up to the Jewish nation itself. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel threatens Gaza annexation as Hamas stalls on ceasefire deal. Israel mobilizes 60,000 reservists for brutal Gaza City takeover. China calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza amidst escalating crisis and international criticism of Israel's actions. Sources include: News.AntiWar.com YouTube.com Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com Off-grid cooking: Prepare for the next blackout by practicing how to cook without power Power outages from storms, cyberattacks or grid failures can leave families unable to cook, boil water or maintain basic comforts. A diversified off-grid cooking strategy is essential. Many preppers hoard gear but never use it, rendering tools useless in emergencies. Hands-on training builds muscle memory and troubleshooting skills. The four core off-grid cooking methods you should master include solar ovens, rocket stoves, electric appliances and traditional fuels. Redundancy ensures backup options if one fails. Safety is non-negotiable carbon monoxide poisoning (from indoor flames), fire hazards and improper fuel storage can turn cooking into a deadly risk. Never leave open flames unattended. Seasoned preppers urge weekly practice to make alternatives second nature. Master at least two unrelated methods for resilience. Preppers, homesteaders and even urban families are increasingly recognizing that reliance on the electrical grid is a vulnerability. Power outages from storms, cyberattacks or grid failures can leave households without a way to prepare meals, boil water and maintain basic comforts. The answer? A diversified approach to off-grid cooking one that doesn't depend on a single fuel source or method. Why practice matters more than stockpiling Many preparedness enthusiasts admit to a common mistake: hoarding gear without ever using it. Preppers typically want to have every new survival gadget but fail to recognize the importance of learning how to use them. Without mastery of these tools, they are rendered useless when disaster strikes. (Related: Health Ranger Report: Marjory Wildcraft explains why off-grid survival skills are important.) The solution is hands-on practice. Families who regularly test their off-grid cooking methods whether through backyard campouts, weekly "no-power nights" or emergency drills develop muscle memory and learn to troubleshoot issues before they become critical. A solar oven that works perfectly in July may need adjustments in winter. A rocket stove that burns efficiently with dry twigs might sputter with damp wood. Without prior experience, these challenges can turn a manageable situation into a frustrationor worse, a safety hazard. Four-step plan for reliable off-grid cooking Experts recommend a layered approach, ensuring redundancy in case one method fails. (h/t to TheSurvivalMom.com) Fuel-free cooking: The solar oven A solar oven requires only sunlight no propane, wood or electricity. Some models can reach temperatures of 350 F or higher, sufficient for baking, roasting and slow-cooking. Even in partially shaded areas, repositioning the oven (such as on a patio roof or driveway) can maximize exposure. Best for : Slow-cooked meals, baking and dehydrating : Slow-cooked meals, baking and dehydrating Limitations: Requires sunlight; ineffective in prolonged overcast conditions or at night Ultra-efficient fuel use: The rocket stove Rocket stoves burn small sticks, pinecones or other biomass with remarkable efficiency. A handful of twigs can boil water in minutes. DIY versions can be made from metal cans, while commercial models offer durability. Best for : Quick boiling, frying or heating small meals : Quick boiling, frying or heating small meals Limitations: Primarily outdoor use (indoor use requires ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup) Indoor safe cooking: Electric appliances and power stations For people with a generator, solar power station or vehicle inverter, small electric appliances like a portable slow cooker or an electric skillet can be lifesavers. These devices allow indoor cooking without open flames. Best for : Heating leftovers, cooking rice or simmering soups : Heating leftovers, cooking rice or simmering soups Limitations: Requires a power source; battery drain must be managed Traditional fuel backups: Propane, charcoal and wood Dual-fuel models can run on gasoline, while charcoal grills or fire pits (with a grill grate) offer versatility for grilling and Dutch oven cooking. (Related: Survival cooking basics: Essential gear and fuel for every scenario.) Best for : Grilling, boiling large pots or baking with a Dutch oven : Grilling, boiling large pots or baking with a Dutch oven Limitations: Fuel storage (propane, charcoal or firewood) must be maintained; outdoor use is safest Additional methods for versatility Beyond the core four mentioned above, other off-grid cooking options include: Butane stoves - compact and efficient, but requires butane canisters - compact and efficient, but requires butane canisters Kelly kettles - boils water rapidly using twigs; doubles as a heater - boils water rapidly using twigs; doubles as a heater HERC ovens - uses tea lights for slow cooking or keeping food warm - uses tea lights for slow cooking or keeping food warm Dutch ovens over a campfire - ideal for baking bread or stews - ideal for baking bread or stews Wonder ovens (hot boxes) - retains heat to cook food slowly without additional fuel Critical tools and safety considerations No off-grid cooking setup is complete without: Manual kitchen tools - Hand-crank can openers, grain mills and mortar-and-pestle sets - Hand-crank can openers, grain mills and mortar-and-pestle sets Fire safety gear - Fire extinguishers, fire blankets and carbon monoxide detectors (essential for indoor cooking) - Fire extinguishers, fire blankets and carbon monoxide detectors (essential for indoor cooking) Lighting - Solar lanterns or battery-powered LEDs for cooking after dark - Solar lanterns or battery-powered LEDs for cooking after dark Fuel storage - Properly stored propane, charcoal or firewood in dry, ventilated areas Safety warning: Using open flames indoors pose serious risks. Even small stoves should be used near a vented window and never left unattended. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent killer symptoms (dizziness, nausea) can be mistaken for flu before it's too late. Spring and summer are ideal seasons for testing off-grid cooking methods. Pick one night a week to cook entirely off-grid. Try a new recipe in your solar oven, and teach your kids how to use a rocket stove. The goal isn't just survival it's normalizing off-grid cooking so that when the power grid fails, the transition is seamless. Families who treat these methods as part of regular life rather than emergency-only tools build confidence and resilience. At minimum, experts suggest learning two unrelated off-grid cooking methods, such as how to use a solar oven (no fuel) and a propane stove (fuel-dependent). But the more redundancy, the better. The next major blackout isn't a question of if, but when. For people who've already mastered off-grid cooking, it will just simply be an inconvenience. But for those who haven't, it could mean cold meals, wasted foodor worse. The message from seasoned preppers is clear: Stop stockpiling. Start practicing. The time to learn is now before the lights go out. Watch the video below to learn how to build a heavy-duty, cheap DIY rocket stove. This video is from the SHTFPrepping101 channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Survival basics: Alternative ways to cook without electricity. Survival essentials: 9 stealthy ways to cook after SHTF. Bug-out essential: Why a portable fire pit belongs in your SHTF kit. No kitchen? No problem: Portable blenders revolutionize tiny-space cooking. Sources include: Brighteon.ai TheSurvivalMom.com Brighteon.com Slovakia denounces Ukraines latest attack on Druzhba pipeline Ukraine has struck Druzhba pipeline again, hitting Russia's Unecha pumping station in Bryansk the third attack in under two weeks forcing repairs and threatening oil delivery disruptions to EU nations. Slovakia and Hungary condemned Ukraine, with Slovak FM Juraj Blanar calling the attack "unacceptable" for energy security, while Hungarian PM Viktor Orban accuses Kyiv of "ungratefulness" and receives backing from Trump in a handwritten note. Druzhba remains critical for EU energy, supplying Russian crude to Hungary, Slovakia and others despite EU sanctions. Hungary alone imported 4.9 million metric tons in 2022, highlighting reliance on Soviet-era infrastructure now under fire. A deepening EU rift emerges as Hungary and Slovakia, both granted exemptions from the EU's Russian oil ban, defy Brussels with pro-Kremlin moves (Orban met Putin; Slovak PM Robert Fico attended Russia's Victory Day) exposing tensions over energy pragmatism vs. wartime solidarity. War escalates on energy fronts, with Ukraine defending pipeline strikes as legitimate counterstrikes on Russian logistics, while Moscow brands them "terrorism." Supply halts and retaliations signal a dangerous new phase, fracturing Europe's unity. Slovakia has denounced Ukraine's latest attack on the Druzhba pipeline, a move that follows similar condemnation by Hungary. In a third strike in less than two weeks, Ukrainian drones and missiles hit the Unecha pumping station in Russia's Bryansk region early Friday, Aug. 22 forcing repairs that could suspend deliveries for days. The move underscores Ukraine's strategy of crippling Moscows war machine while dragging reluctant European Union member states further into the conflict. It also raises urgent questions about Europe's energy security and the geopolitical fallout of targeting pipelines supplying "friendly" nations. The attack sparked outrage from Bratislava, one of many nations depending on Russian oil imports despite EU sanctions. Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar condemned Ukraine's strikes on the pipeline in a post on X. "Any threat to our countrys energy security is unacceptable," he wrote Friday. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban earlier expressed outrage over Kyiv's attacks on the pipeline. He accused Ukraine of ungratefulness toward nations providing it fuel and electricity, calling its strikes a "very unfriendly move." Orban backed up his remarks with a handwritten note from U.S. President Donald Trump, who called the Hungarian leader a "great friend" and reiterated hat he is "very angry" over the matter. (Related: Hungary condemns Ukrainian drone strike on Russian oil pipeline.) From Soviet lifeline to warzone: The Druzhba pipeline's new battle The Druzhba pipeline, spanning 4,000 kilometers from Russia to European refineries, remains a lifeline for both Budapest and Bratislava. Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine explains that the pipeline, "constructed in the 1960s, transports Russian oil to multiple European nations including Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Germany. In 2022 alone, Hungary received 4.9 million metric tons of crude oil through this pipeline according to official Moscow data." Historical context looms large. Built during the Cold War, the pipeline once symbolized Soviet energy dominance, supplying communist allies. Today, its geopolitical weight endures. Hungary and Slovakia have both resisted pressure from Brussels to fully sever energy ties with Moscow. Unlike other EU members, the two nations secured exemptions from Brussels' 2022 ban on Russian oil, citing their heavy reliance on the pipeline a concession that has now turned contentious. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico recently attended Russia's Victory Day parade, while Orban met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last year drawing Western condemnation. Ukraine's targeting of the pipeline exposes deepening rifts within Europe over how to balance energy pragmatism with wartime solidarity against Russia. Russian officials denounced the strikes as "acts of terrorism," while Ukraine's military defended them as legitimate counterstrikes against Moscow's war logistics. The Unecha attack follows a months-long Ukrainian campaign against Russian refineries and oil depots, which has slashed domestic fuel production and helped push Russian gasoline prices to record highs. Hungary and Slovakia subsequently issued a joint statement warning of a five-day supply halt due to Ukraine's attacks on the pipeline. The two nations urged the European Commission to pressure Kyiv to halt attacks and "immediately ensure that commitments to safeguard the energy security of EU member states are upheld." But with Ukraine framing these strikes as essential to its survival and Russia vowing retaliation, the Druzhba attacks mark a dangerous new phase in the war one where energy arteries become battlegrounds, and Europe's divides grow harder to bridge. Watch this video about Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban blocking the EU's embargo on Russian oil. This video is from the Russia Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Hungary, Serbia building pipeline for Russian oil and gas to dodge EU sanctions. Leaked docs: Zelensky planning to blow up Druzhba pipeline connecting Russia and Hungary. Hungarian foreign minister warns: Rejecting energy from Russia could lead to EU's systemic collapse as winter approaches. Sources include: RT.com TheGuardian.com Brighteon.ai TheMoscowTimes.com Brighteon.com Tech giants, civil liberties groups unite against Californias child safety law in major court battle California's Age-Appropriate Design Code (AADC), modeled after the U.K.'s version, aims to protect children online by requiring platforms likely accessed by minors to implement privacy-focused features like age estimation, default safety settings and data minimization. The law, set to take effect in July 2024, is back before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals after tech industry groups and digital rights advocates challenged its constitutionality. The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), representing companies like Google and Meta, argues the law is overly vague, infringes on free speech and forces intrusive data collection from all users. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) filed a joint amicus brief urging the court to strike down the entire law, citing First Amendment violations, risks to online anonymity and the chilling effect on lawful speech. EFF and CDT stress that digital engagement is vital for minors' personal growth and civic participation, warning that the AADC could harm, not help, youth by restricting their access to online spaces. California's Age-Appropriate Design Code (AADC), billed as a child-protection measure for the digital age, is facing a powerful coalition of opponents as it returns to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, AADC (AB 2273), passed in 2022 and modeled after the United Kingdom's Age Appropriate Design Code, seeks to "protect" the privacy, safety and well-being of children online. The AADC requires companies that offer online services or products likely to be accessed by children under 18 to design those services with minors' best interests in mind. Key provisions of the law include default privacy settings, age estimation, data minimization, no profiling or nudging and transparency. However, the law, which was set to take effect in July 2024, has faced legal challenges, particularly from tech companies and digital rights groups. The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), whose members include Google, Meta, Amazon and eBay, recently filed an amicus brief in NetChoice v. Bonta, urging the court to strike down the law in its entirety. The group argued that the California law imposes vague and overreaching requirements that force platforms to collect intrusive personal information from users of all ages. "The Constitution prohibits the government from dictating what lawful content readers can see, and it extends that protection regardless of the reader's age," said Stephanie Joyce, CCIA senior vice president. "Though well-intentioned, California's internet age restriction law is unconstitutional, and the court of appeals should affirm the decision to block it." They argued that the law is overly broad, imposes unconstitutional restrictions on free speech and could lead to increased surveillance and data collection under the guise of protecting minors. The case marks a return to the Ninth Circuit, which previously blocked parts of the law and remanded others for further review. Now, the court must decide whether the full statute can withstand constitutional scrutiny. (Related: Supreme Court lets Mississippi age verification law take effect amid privacy, free speech fears.) EFF and CDT urge the court to strike down California's age verification law Civil liberties organizations are also weighing in. In a joint amicus brief, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) urge the court to strike down the law entirely. They argue that the statute's core requirement, mandatory age estimation for all users, violates the First Amendment and cannot be separated from the rest of the law's provisions. "CDT and EFFs brief argues that the appeals court should uphold the injunctions solely on the basis of its overbroad, unconstitutional age verification requirement because that requirement is not severable from other provisions and should doom the entire statute," the groups wrote. The brief further warned that such mandates threaten online anonymity, chill access to lawful speech and expose users to unnecessary data collection risks. The civil rights advocates also emphasize the broader implications for minors' rights online, highlighting the role of digital spaces in youth development and civic engagement. "Social media helps minors develop their own ideas, learn to express themselves, and engage productively with others in our democratic public sphere," the brief read. Visit PrivacyWatch.news for more stories like this. Watch this video to learn how the digital ID will control your life. This video is from the Data Dumper channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Gov. Greg Abbott signs law that requires age verification, parental consent for app downloads. Bluesky to roll out age verification for U.K. users ahead of Online Safety Act deadline. Redefining personal freedoms: U.K. to launch digital drivers licenses amid push for online age verification. U.S. states are passing internet age verification laws as a cover to compel people into using digital IDs. Australian Senate rejects age verification for search engine users in surprise bipartisan push. Sources include: ReclaimtheNet.org Brighteon.AI CaLawyers.org Brighteon.com MAHA insiders say COVID jabs could be BANNED by Trump Administration within months The COVID-19 vaccine was sold to the world as a scientific triumpha silver bullet that would end the pandemic, restore freedom, and save millions. Governments, media pundits, and pharmaceutical CEOs stood on global stages, arms linked in unison, declaring that these experimental injections were not just safe, but morally obligatory. Dissenters were silenced, censored, and smeared as "anti-science" heretics. Doctors who dared question the narrative lost their licenses. Parents who hesitated were branded child abusers. And yet, just four years later, the house of cards is crumbling. The same administration that once championed Operation Warp Speed is now reportedly preparing to pull the plug on the very product it rushed to market because the truth, buried under mountains of corporate fraud and regulatory capture, can no longer be ignored. The COVID jab was never the savior it was promised to be. It was a trojan horse for profit, control, and a medical experiment gone catastrophically wrong. And now, the Trump administration may finally be forced to confront the monstrous legacy it helped unleash. Key points: The Trump administration is considering phasing out COVID-19 vaccines, with insiders citing a 2022 peer-reviewed study showing a 16% higher risk of serious adverse events in vaccinated individuals compared to placebo. BARDA (Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority) has already begun canceling mRNA vaccine contracts, signaling a dramatic shift in federal vaccine policy. VAERS data reveals 38,742 reported deaths and 1.6 million adverse events linked to COVID vaccinesfigures that dwarf the risks of nearly every other vaccine in history. European regulators admitted a "clear link" between AstraZenecas jab and deadly blood clots, yet the U.S. never issued comparable warnings. Natural immunity and early treatments (like ivermectin and monoclonal antibodies) were suppressed in favor of mass vaccination, despite evidence they could have saved lives. The pharmaceutical industrys capture of the FDA and CDC allowed dangerous products to be fast-tracked without proper long-term safety studies. How a "safe and effective" narrative collapsed under its own lies When the first COVID-19 vaccines were rolled out in December 2020, the messaging was absolute: Safe. Effective. The only way back to normal. Politicians, celebrities, and even religious leaders lined up to take their shots on camera, framing hesitation as a moral failing. But behind the PR blitz, the cracks were already forming. A 2022 study published in Vaccine, led by physicians and researchers, tore apart the foundation of the "safe and effective" myth. By reanalyzing Pfizer and Modernas own clinical trial data, they found that mRNA vaccines carried a 16% higher risk of serious adverse events than placebos. For Pfizer, that meant 36% more severe reactions; for Moderna, 6% more. These werent mild headaches or sore armsthese were hospitalizations, neurological disorders, and life-altering injuries. Yet, instead of sounding the alarm, regulators buried the findings. The FDA, which had fast-tracked these vaccines under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), never demanded the long-term safety studies that should have been mandatory for a product injected into billions of people. Why? Because the system was rigged from the start. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a division of HHS, had already poured billions into mRNA vaccine development. But now, under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s leadership, BARDA is canceling those contracts, signaling that even the government can no longer ignore the damage. Dr. Aseem Malhotra, a cardiologist and close associate of Kennedy, told The Daily Beast that the decision to pull the jab could come "within months"either in stages or as a "clean break" from the failed experiment. This isnt just about bad science. Its about betrayal. Real people, real injuries, and a system that looked the other way Wyatt McGlaun was a healthy 17-year-old from Texas when he got his first COVID shot. Weeks later, he was paralyzed from the waist down, diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndromea brutal neurological disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves. His story isnt unique. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have reported similar horrors: blood clots, heart inflammation, neurological damage, and sudden deaths in otherwise young, healthy individuals. Military servicemembers were under duress to comply with the COVID jab depopulation program, with countless young men and women injured with myocarditis following vaccination. Yet, when these victims sought answers, they were gaslit. The CDC dismissed reports of menstrual irregularities in women post-vaccination as "anecdotal." The FDA ignored warnings from its own scientists about myocarditis risks in young men. The NIH suppressed research on natural immunity, even though studies showed it was far more robust than vaccine-induced protection. And then theres VAERSthe Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting Systemwhere 38,742 deaths and 1.6 million injuries have been logged. These arent just numbers. Theyre husbands, wives, children, and parents whose lives were destroyed by a product they were told was safer than Tylenol. Even European regulatorshardly known for their skepticismadmitted a "clear link" between AstraZenecas jab and deadly blood clots. Yet in America, the same warnings were never issued. Why? Because the pharmaceutical industry owns the regulators. Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson raked in billions while their products maimed and killed. And when Emergent BioSolutionsa company with a long history of quality control failurescontaminated 15 million J&J doses, government officials knew about the risks for months and did nothing. This isnt incompetence. Its criminal negligence. Will the truth finally set us free? The Trump administrations potential phase-out of COVID vaccines is a stunning reversalbut its only the first step. The real question is: Will there be accountability? For years, independent doctors, scientists, and journalists have been censored, de-platformed, and smeared for asking basic questions: Why were early treatments like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine demonized while untested mRNA jabs were pushed as the only solution? Why did natural immunitywhich studies showed was 13x more protective than vaccinationget erased from the conversation? Why were vaccine-injured Americans abandoned, with no compensation, no answers, and no justice? Now, as the Trump administration considers pulling the plug, the pharmaceutical-industrial complex is scrambling. The same media outlets that shamed the unvaccinated are suddenly quiet. The same "fact-checkers" who labeled concerns about blood clots as "misinformation" have gone dark. But the damage is done. Millions of lives altered. Families destroyed. Trust in medicine shattered. If the COVID vaccine is finally removed from the market, it wont be because the system worked. It will be because the truth overcame the censorship, propaganda, coercion, and exposed a system that was weaponized to deceive and kill. Sources include: Breitbart.com Pubmed.gov TheDailyBeast.com ICanDecide.org Pubmed.gov OpenVAERS.com Craft your clean beauty routine starting with Golden Jojoba Oil Jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax that is similar to the sebum that the skin naturally produces. This allows it to be easily absorbed without feeling heavy or greasy and makes it non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores. Jojoba oil can help rebalance the skin's natural oil production, which can support healthy skin and minimize the appearance of pores for people with oily or combination skin. It also acts as a natural antioxidant, protecting skin from oxidative damage. Jojoba oil can replace many products. It works as an effective makeup remover, a daily moisturizer, a deep hair conditioner, a scalp treatment for dandruff and can even be used to soften cuticles and lips. Its composition is inherently gentle and soothing, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, though it's always recommended to do a patch test first prior to use. For best results, look for organic, cold-pressed and unrefined jojoba oil. High-quality jojoba oil is golden in color, absorbs quickly and should be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain its long shelf life. In the ever-evolving world of clean beauty, where consumers increasingly seek out simple, effective and natural ingredients, one botanical extract continues to stand the test of time. Derived from the hardy nut of a desert-dwelling North American shrub, organic golden jojoba oil is emerging as a cornerstone of holistic wellness routines, celebrated for its remarkable versatility and skin-loving properties. Unlike many fleeting trends, the benefits of jojoba oil are supported by its unique biological compatibility with the human body. Its not just another oil; its a gentle, powerful multitasker that can help moisturize and support healthy skin and hair without clogging pores. (h/t to Healthline.com) More than an oil: The science of skin harmony The secret to jojoba oils efficacy lies in its molecular structure. Technically a liquid wax ester, jojoba oil's composition is strikingly similar to the sebum naturally produced by human skin. This allows it to be absorbed quickly and thoroughly, delivering deep hydration without leaving a heavy or greasy residue, which is a common complaint with other cosmetic oils. This unique characteristic makes jojoba oil non-comedogenic, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores or contribute to acne. In a positive twist for people with oily or combination skin, regular use of jojoba oil can help naturally rebalance the skin. Jojoba oil works by signaling to the sebaceous glands that enough oil is present, effectively "training" them to produce less sebum over time, which can lead to fewer breakouts and the appearance of minimized pores. Beyond its balancing act, jojoba oil is a powerhouse of wellness benefits. It is: A natural antioxidant Rich in natural vitamin E, jojoba oil can help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by daily exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins. This protective quality helps maintain healthy skin. A superior moisturizer Acting as a natural humectant, jojoba oil attracts moisture to the skins upper layers, ensuring lasting hydration. This helps to create a healthy skin barrier, which can prevent issues like dryness and flakiness. Inherently gentle Jojoba oil's waxy nature allows it to create a soothing, protective seal on the skins surface. Jojoba oil is widely considered hypoallergenic and is rarely a source of irritation or allergic reactions, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. Guide to safe and effective use To fully harness the benefits of organic golden jojoba oil, its important to use it correctly. Following a few simple safety and quality tips can make all the difference in your experience. Always conduct a patch test Despite jojoba oil's hypoallergenic nature, every individual is unique. Prior to use, apply a small amount of oil to a discreet area of skin, like your inner forearm, and wait for at least 24 hours to ensure that no itching or rash develops. Look for lab-verified, high-quality jojoba oil For the best results, consumers should look for organic, cold-pressed and unrefined jojoba oil. The cold-pressing process ensures jojoba oil is not exposed to heat or chemicals which could degrade its beneficial compounds. High-quality jojoba oil typically has a golden hue and will absorb into the skin almost immediately. If the oil sits on your skin feeling slick and heavy, it is likely of lower quality or has been processed with additives. Store jojoba oil properly Proper storage will preserve its potency. Jojoba oil has an impressively long shelf life of up to five years when stored in a cool, dark place at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Incorporating Organic Jojoba Oil into your natural care routine The true beauty of this golden elixir is its impressive versatility. It can seamlessly replace numerous products in your daily regimen. Here are some suggestions on how to use organic jojoba oil to maintain healthy skin: Makeup remover A few drops of jojoba oil on a cotton ball dissolves even stubborn eye makeup while simultaneously hydrating the skin. Daily moisturizer When applied to damp skin after bathing, it seals in moisture without a greasy aftermath. Customizable treatment Mix a few drops into your favorite lotion to boost its hydrating power, massage it directly onto the face as a cleansing oil or use it to soothe skin after sun exposure. Targeted care Jojoba oil is an excellent lip conditioner and can serve as a pre-shave oil to prevent razor burn or a cuticle softener for manicured nails. (Related: Beyond the gym and spa: Red light therapy hits mainstream wellness.) Jojoba oil is equally transformative for hair care because it is rich in B vitamins and vitamins C and E, along with minerals like zinc and copper. You can use it as a: Deep conditioner For a weekly treatment, apply a quarter-sized amount to wet hair, leave it on for five to ten minutes, and then shampoo as usual for incredibly soft, manageable strands. Scalp treatment Massaging the oil into the scalp before shampooing can help relieve dryness and flakiness, combating dandruff at its source. Damage prevention Adding a few drops to your regular conditioner provides an extra layer of hydration to help fight dryness. In a beauty landscape that often feels overwhelming, organic golden jojoba oil offers a return to simplicity. It is a single-ingredient marvel that aligns with the principles of clean beauty: effective, natural and in harmony with the bodys own biology. Where to get lab-verified Organic Golden Jojoba Oil The Health Ranger Store wants to make it easy for you to enjoy the many health benefits of jojoba oil, which is why we're offering Organic Golden Jojoba Oil. Health Ranger Select Organic Golden Jojoba Oil offers unmatched versatility and quality, allowing you to distill your skin care routine to a quick and easy process that works without a massive collection of products. Our jojoba oil: Is an ideal emollient because it naturally mimics sebum, the skin's natural oil. Is an excellent cleanser that removes oil and buildup and protects skin without clogging pores. Is a perfect alternative to shaving cream that helps prevent razor burn and cuts. Is a natural rejuvenating ointment that supports healthy skin. Health Ranger Select Organic Golden Jojoba Oil is lab-verified for purity and bottled in the U.S.A. with absolutely no additives or preservatives, so you'll feel good about using it as a daily skincare essential. It is also USDA-organic, non-GMO, China-free and thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology. Visit Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store to find more lab-verified products that can help support your overall well-being. You can also check out Natural.news for more tips on how to keep your skin and hair healthy using natural ingredients. Click on this link to find out why you should switch to natural deodorant. Brighteon.AI Enoch AI engine explains that organic jojoba oil is a versatile, all-around solution for skin and hair care. It is an effective alternative to mainstream products, which sometimes contain less-than-ideal ingredients hidden by misleading marketing. Watch this clip about Organic Lemon Essential Oil and how it can support healthy skin and overall well-being. This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Your skin absorbs toxins: Is your deodorant putting you at risk? Dr. Leonard Mervyns Vitamin E: The Vitality Vitamin looks at the enduring power of this key nutrient. Natures toolkit: Essential oils for your survival and emergency preparedness. Sources include: Healthline.com MasterClass.com DesertEssence.com HealthRangerStore.com 1 HealthRangerStore.com 2 HealthRangerStore.com 3 Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com DHS moves to DEPORT Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda Salvadoran national Kilmar Abrego Garcia, previously released from federal custody on human smuggling charges, is now facing expedited removal to Uganda under a U.S.-Uganda repatriation agreement unless he reports to ICE by a strict deadline. Garcia was initially deported under Trump's Alien Enemies Act due to suspected gang ties, but Democrats (including Sen. Chris Van Hollen) fought for his return, framing him as a victim of harsh immigration policies. DHS officials slammed "activist liberal judges" for releasing Garcia, calling him a "monster" who exploited weak deportation policies, while critics blame the Biden administration for originally allowing him in despite his criminal history. Garcia's defense team argues ICE's sudden shift to deporting him to Uganda (rather than Spanish-speaking Costa Rica, per an earlier plea deal) is politically motivated, citing Uganda's poor human rights record and lack of linguistic and cultural ties. The case reignites concerns over border enforcement failures, noting parallels to crimes like the 2023 murder of a Maryland mother by another Salvadoran national (Victor Martinez Hernandez), highlighting systemic issues with revolving-door deportations and lax vetting. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has moved to deport Salvadoran national Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the east African country of Uganda. According to internal DHS documents obtained by Fox News, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) informed Abrego Garcia's legal team late Friday, Aug. 22, that he must report to a Baltimore field office by the morning of Monday, Aug. 25. If he fails to do so, Abrego Garcia faces expedited removal to Uganda under a recent repatriation agreement between Kampala and Washington. The move comes just days after Abrego Garcia was released from federal custody in Tennessee, where he had been held since June on human smuggling charges. Prosecutors allege he made hundreds of trips ferrying illegal aliens across the southern border before being caught in a 2022 traffic stop. The case has been a lightning rod since March, when Abrego Garcia previously granted protected status over fears of gang retaliation in his home country of El Salvador was abruptly deported under President Donald Trump's invocation of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. "Abrego Garcia was initially deported to El Salvador due to illegal immigration violations and likely ties to gang activity" Brighteon.AI's Enoch explains. Democrats including Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen rallied behind Abrego Garcia, demanding his return to the United States. They framed him as a symbol of opposition to the second Trump administration's deportation efforts. (Related: Maryland senator's El Salvador trip sparks outrage as state grapples with gang violence and fiscal crisis.) Homeland Security Secretary blasted the judicial system following his release from custody Friday, calling the Salvadoran a "monster" freed by "activist liberal judges." She remarked: "We will not stop fighting till this Salvadoran man faces justice and is out of our country." From Costa Rica to Uganda: ICE's eleventh-hour policy switch Abrego Garcia's case has reignited debates over border security, human trafficking and the politicization of deportation policies. Critics questioning why the Biden administration's DHS under former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas initially allowed Abrego Garcia into the U.S. despite his criminal history. Court filings reveal Abrego Garcia was offered a plea deal Thursday, Aug. 21, that involved deportation to Costa Rica a Spanish-speaking nation that confirmed it would accept him in exchange for a guilty plea. But ICE abruptly shifted course hours after his release, notifying attorneys of the Uganda plan. His defense team argues the prosecution is retaliatory, citing past rulings that blocked his expulsion to El Salvador over legitimate safety concerns. Abrego Garcia's counsel Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg said on Saturday, Aug. 23, that the Trump administration is trying to use the immigration system to persecute his client. The attorney also rebuked the idea of sending Abrego Garcia to Uganda, "a country with documented human rights abuses and where he does not even speak the language." Historical context sharpens the stakes: Abrego Garcia's case mirrors similar controversies, including the August 2023 murder of a Maryland mother by another Salvadoran national, Victor Antonio Martinez Hernandez a crime Mayorkas denied agency responsibility for. Critics say lax enforcement and revolving-door deportations empower violent actors. The conclusion remains uncertain: Abrego Garcia's attorneys have 72 hours to contest his removal under a Maryland court order. For now, his fate hinges on whether the courts or the political winds will have the final say. Visit BorderSecurity.news for more similar stories. Watch DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin reiterating that Kilmar Abrego Garcia will face justice in the U.S. before being deported. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Deranged Democrats and Lunatic Liberals across America all DEMANDING Trump bring back all deported illegal alien RAPISTS, MURDERERS and GANGBANGING FREAKS. Family of woman brutally raped and murdered by illegal migrant slams Kamala Harris: "We need accountability, not excuses". Trump administration defies court order to halt deportation of Venezuelan gang members, sparks constitutional showdown. Sources include: InfoWars.com FoxNews.com Brighteon.ai APNews.com Brighteon.com Gabbard orders declassification of Biden-era censorship blueprint, vows accountability for Deep State abuses National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard announced the declassification of internal documents detailing the Biden administration's domestic surveillance and censorship operations, which she refers to as a "blueprint for silencing dissent." The documents are expected to reveal how federal agencies, in collaboration with social media platforms and private sector partners, systematically targeted individuals and groups, including health freedom advocates and critics of COVID-19 policies, under the guise of combating "disinformation." Gabbard's aggressive reforms include mass revocations of security clearances, a 40 percent workforce reduction and the elimination of divisions she believes were used to suppress political opposition, aiming to dismantle a "politicized and weaponized" intelligence apparatus. While critics warn that her reforms could undermine morale and politicize agencies, supporters, particularly from health freedom and election integrity movements, view her actions as necessary and long overdue. The declassification is likely to spark legal and congressional battles, with House Republicans and free speech organizations like the ACLU and Electronic Frontier Foundation advocating for full public disclosure of the programs in question. National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard announced Friday, Aug. 22, that her office will declassify internal documents detailing the Biden administration's domestic surveillance and censorship operations, a strategy she described as a "blueprint for silencing dissent." The decision, confirmed in a statement to FOX Business, comes amid Gabbard's broader campaign to dismantle what she calls a "politicized and weaponized" intelligence apparatus. The declassified materials are expected to reveal how federal agencies, in coordination with social media platforms and private sector partners, systematically targeted individuals and groups including health freedom advocates and critics of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19 policies) under the pretext of combating "disinformation." In her FOX interview, Gabbard accused unnamed officials of embedding "partisan political opinions" into intelligence assessments, effectively turning agencies against the American public. Gabbard's declassification push appears poised to expose the mechanics of that effort. Sources familiar with the documents suggest that they include communications between federal agencies and social media platforms, as well as internal directives labeling certain viewpoints such as skepticism of COVID-19 vaccines or concerns about election integrity as "national security threats." The move follows her revocation of security clearance for 37 current and former intelligence officials, including high-profile figures like Richard Ledgett (former NSA deputy director) and Stephanie O'Sullivan (former principal deputy DNI). While the administration has not detailed specific allegations against the individuals, Gabbard's office asserted they were involved in "unauthorized leaks" and the "politicization of intelligence." (Related: Gabbard REVOKES security clearances of intelligence officials tied to Russiagate hoax.) A "bloated, inefficient" bureaucracy: ODNI's $700 million overhaul Gabbard's reforms extend beyond personnel. On Wednesday, she unveiled ODNI 2.0, a plan to slash the office's workforce by 40 percent and reduce its annual budget by $700 million. Brighteon.AI's Enoch adds that ODNI 2.0 is "the gatekeeper of the permanent shadow government." Gabbard's critics, including some former colleagues, warn that her reforms risk undermining morale within the intelligence ranks and politicizing agencies in the opposite direction. "You can't just declare everyone who disagrees with you a 'Deep State' operative," said Mark Zaid, a national security lawyer who has represented whistleblowers. "That's how you create a chilling effect not just on dissent, but on the basic function of intelligence gathering." Yet Gabbard's supporters, including many in the health freedom and election integrity movements, hail her actions as long overdue. The declassification of the censorship blueprint is expected to trigger legal and congressional battles. House Republicans, who have already launched investigations into federal collusion with tech platforms, are likely to seize on the documents as evidence of executive branch overreach. Meanwhile, free speech organizations like the ACLU and Electronic Frontier Foundation have called for full public disclosure of the programs in question. For now, Gabbard remains undeterred. "Transparency is the only path to actual accountability," she said during the interview. "The American people deserve to know how their own government turned the tools of intelligence against them." Watch the video below where Gabbard confirms "intel agencies' collusion with corrupt media to undermine Trump." This video is from Rick Langley's channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Security clearances revoked for 37 Biden/Obama officials as Gabbard targets "weaponized intelligence." National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard confirms Media PSYOP "Operation Mockingbird" revived to target Americans. Tulsi Gabbard alleges Obama, Clinton committed treason in bombshell DNI report. Sources include: RT.com IndianExpress.com Brighteon.AI Brighteon.com HHS warns West Virginia: $1.37 billion at risk over vaccine religious exemptions HHS warns West Virginia it could lose $1.37 billion in federal health funding for violating federal religious freedom laws on vaccine exemptions. West Virginias Department of Education defied the governors executive order allowing religious exemptions, sparking lawsuits and a critical September hearing. Five statesCalifornia, Connecticut, Maine, New York, and West Virginiacurrently ban religious vaccine exemptions, risking billions in federal funds if HHS enforces compliance. Public support for religious exemptions is surging as vaccination rates drop, with federal legislation like the GRACE Act threatening funding cuts for non-compliant states. This battle over vaccine mandates is a pivotal fight for medical freedom, parental rights, and constitutional protections against government overreach. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has warned West Virginia that it could lose $1.37 billion in federal health funding if its health departments dont comply with federal laws protecting religious freedom, including vaccine exemptions. This isnt just a bureaucratic spat. Its a seismic shift in the battle over medical freedom, parental rights, and the constitutional protections that have been under siege for years. And its happening in a state that, until recently, was one of only five in the nation that denied religious exemptions entirely. A federal warning with teeth In an Aug. 21 letter, HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) made it clear: West Virginias health departments must follow federal conscience protections tied to the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC), a CDC-run initiative that provides free vaccines to Medicaid-eligible children. The letter doesnt just express concern; it cites legal obligations under federal non-discrimination laws, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. HHS isnt just expressing an opinion here. Its giving notice, said constitutional attorney Rick Jaffe, who represents plaintiffs in multiple vaccine policy lawsuits. VFC providers operate under agreements with the federal government. If those agreements require compliance with federal non-discrimination lawsincluding those protecting religious freedomthen a refusal to honor religious exemptions could constitute a breach of contract. The warning comes as West Virginias Department of Education voted in June to ignore Governor Morriseys executive order allowing religious exemptions to childhood vaccines, instead enforcing a 2015 law that bans religious exemptions. Meanwhile, lawsuits are piling up. A Raleigh County judge recently consolidated two major casesone from parents suing for religious exemptions, another from parents of immunocompromised children opposing them. A hearing is set for Sept. 10-11 to determine whether the states vaccine law is even constitutional without religious exemptions. A national domino effect? West Virginia isnt alone. California, Connecticut, Maine, and New York also ban religious exemptionsstates with far larger populations and, consequently, far more federal funding at stake. If HHS follows through on its warning, the financial fallout could be catastrophic for these states. California has over 20 times the population of West Virginia, wrote Dr. Meryl Nass, founder of Door to Freedom. How many billions does California stand to lose? Or Connecticut, New York, or Maine? The timing is critical. Public support for religious exemptions has nearly doubled in the past six years, according to a University of Pennsylvania survey. Meanwhile, vaccination rates are hitting record lows as more parents opt out. Legislation like the GRACE Act, introduced by Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), would strip federal funding from schools that deny religious exemptions, posing a direct challenge to states like California, where medical freedom is under siege. This isnt just about vaccines. Its about who controls your body, your childs health, and your familys future. For years, parents have been bullied, threatened, and denied exemptions by school boards, health departments, and even doctors. Now, HHS is drawing a line in the sand. CHD has been working with a small but impactful group that has visited over 50 offices in Washington, D.C., talking about states denying religious exemptions, said Michael Kane, Childrens Health Defense (CHD) director of advocacy. Its a boulder at the top of a hill. Its rolling slowly right now, but the speed is about to pick up drastically. Even RFK Jr., now HHS Secretary, has thrown his weight behind Morriseys order, calling it a common sense policy that upholds religious freedom and parental rights. The real question: Will states comply? West Virginias legal battle is far from over. The ACLU has refiled a lawsuit challenging Morriseys order, while a preliminary injunction already allows some families to skip vaccines on religious grounds. But the Sept. 10 hearing could decide whether the governors order applies statewide or if the states Department of Education can keep defying it. Despite this, HHS isnt backing down. And if West Virginia loses $1.37 billion, other states may finally wake up. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org WestVirginiaWatch.com WBOY.com Israels double-tap strike kills five journalists in Gaza hospital attack Israels deliberate double-tap airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza killed five journalists and 15 others, including medical workers. The attack follows a documented pattern of targeting first responders and reporters, a war crime under the Geneva Conventions. Israel claims it was targeting a Hamas surveillance camera, yet no evidence has been provided, and journalists were known to gather there. This brings the total number of journalists killed by Israel in Gaza to at least 240, with Al Jazeera alone losing 10 reporters. Global leaders condemned the strike, but Israel continues to act with impunity, backed by U.S. military support and international silence. Why would any government deliberately bomb a hospital? Thats the question the world should be screaming after Israels latest atrocity, a double-tap airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza that slaughtered five journalists and at least 15 others, including medical workers. This wasnt just collateral damage. It was a calculated attack, with the second strike hitting first responders and reporters who rushed to the scene. And yet, Israels military calls it a tragic mishap while promising an initial inquiry as if we havent seen this script before. The journalists killed Hussam al-Masri (Reuters), Mohammed Salama (Al Jazeera), Mariam Abu Dagga (Associated Press), Ahmad Abu Aziz (Middle East Eye), and Moas Abu Taha were doing what brave reporters do: bearing witness to war crimes. Their deaths bring the total number of journalists killed by Israel in Gaza to at least 240, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Al Jazeera alone has lost 10 journalists in this conflict, yet Israel continues to claim it doesnt target the press. Horrific double-tap tactic targets first responders This wasnt an accident. It was a war crime, plain and simple. The double-tap tactic, where a second strike targets rescuers, is a well-documented Israeli military strategy, one that violates the Geneva Conventions. Yet, as always, Israels response is the same: deny, deflect, and delay. The IDF admitted to striking the hospital but claimed it was targeting a Hamas surveillance camera on the roof. Even if that were true (and weve seen no evidence), why would a precision military fire tank shells at a hospital balcony where journalists were known to gather? The Foreign Press Association didnt mince words: Israel once and for all must halt its abhorrent practice of targeting journalists. But will it? History says no. Two weeks ago, Israel killed four Al Jazeera journalists in a strike near al-Shifa Hospital, accusing one of them, Anas al-Sharif, of being a Hamas operative. No proof was ever provided. Just another journalist silenced, another lie peddled. Global outrage poured in. French President Emmanuel Macron called the strike intolerable. The UNs Antonio Guterres demanded protection for journalists and medical workers. Even Donald Trump, who once blindly supported Israel, admitted he was not happy about the attack. At the same time, we have to end that whole nightmare, he said, although he offered no solution beyond vague optimism that the war would end in the next two to three weeks. But words without action mean nothing. The Committee to Protect Journalists has repeatedly warned that Israel is committing war crimes by systematically targeting reporters. Yet here we are, with another massacre, another empty promise of an investigation, another cycle of impunity. Hospitals are not battlefields Nasser Hospital wasnt just any building. It was one of the last functioning medical facilities in southern Gaza, already crippled by Israels blockade. Doctors Without Borders condemned the strike, noting that some of its staff had to shelter in a laboratory as the bombs fell. Israel repeatedly struck the building amidst rescue efforts, said MSFs Jerome Grimaud. This is how Israel operates: bomb hospitals, starve civilians, silence the press, and call it self-defense. Since October 2023, Israel has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians, including 1,500 health workers, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The IDFs own data admits that 83 percent of Palestinian deaths are civilians. Yet the U.S. continues to arm Israel, the EU stays silent, and the media still frames this as a complex conflict rather than what it is: a genocide streamed live to the world. The truth is being erased Al Jazeera called the attack a heinous massacre and accused Israel of violating all international norms and laws. Hamas stated the obvious: The cowardly enemy aims to deter journalists from conveying the truth. And theyre right. When Israel bombs a hospital balcony where reporters film, its not a mistake. Its a message. Mariam Abu Dagga, one of the slain AP journalists, once said: We are covering the war on Gaza because this is our journalistic duty. It is entrusted upon us We challenged the Israeli occupation. We challenged the difficult circumstances and the reality of this war, a genocidal war. Her words now feel prophetic. Israel doesnt just want to kill Palestinians it wants to erase the witnesses. Sources for this article include: RT.com TIME.com CNN.com AlJazeera.com Federal judge orders partial shutdown of Florida migrant detention facility Alligator Alcatraz within 60 days U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a sweeping order halting operations at Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" migrant detention facility, citing environmental damage and tribal access violations. Located in the Everglades, the camp houses migrants in tents surrounded by chain-link fences. Detainees reported extreme heat, faulty air conditioning, insect infestations and maggot-ridden food. Williams ordered the removal of fencing and infrastructure to restore land access to the Miccosukee Tribe, who were not consulted during development despite their cultural ties to the site. The ruling follows a June lawsuit filed by environmental and tribal groups, which warned that the facility poses a threat to endangered species and the fragile Everglades ecosystem. Gov. Ron DeSantis vowed to continue operations despite the ruling, saying deportations are ongoing. Legal experts anticipate Florida will appeal. A federal judge has ordered a partial shutdown of Florida's controversial migrant detention facility known as "Alligator Alcatraz" due to environmental and tribal access concerns. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, "Alligator Alcatraz," located on federally owned land at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in the heart of the Florida Everglades, was designed to serve U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by holding undocumented migrants awaiting deportation. Detainees are housed in tent structures surrounded by chain-link fences, which are also protected by alligators, invasive pythons, and thick swampland that serves as a natural security barrier. State officials said the facility housed individuals accused of serious offenses, including violent crimes and terrorism-related charges. However, detainees described unbearable heat, failing air conditioning systems and infestations of insects and maggots in food rations in affidavits submitted to the court. In line with this, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, an Obama-era appointee, issued an 82-page ruling on Aug. 21 that blocks the state from housing additional migrants at the site and mandates the removal of critical infrastructure within 60 days. (Related: Mason town votes to reopen detention facility as ICE site.) Williams ruled that Florida must dismantle generators, lighting systems, sewage facilities and other temporary utilities used to support the detention center. The judge also ordered that temporary fencing be removed to restore access for the Miccosukee Tribe, whose members have historically used the area for cultural and ceremonial purposes. "The Court ENTERS a Preliminary Injunction prohibiting the State and Federal Defendants and their officers, agents, employees, attorneys and any person who is in active concert or participation with them from installing any additional industrial-style lighting (described by witnesses as "Sunbelt" lighting); or doing any paving, filling, excavating or fencing; or doing any other site expansion, including placing or erecting any additional buildings, tents, dormitories or other residential or administrative facilities on the TNT site; and bringing any additional persons onto the TNT site who were not already being detained at the site at the time of this Order going into effect," Williams wrote in her order. With the order now in effect, the state must begin dismantling the facility immediately, and no new detainees may be brought to the site. DeSantis vows to press on despite judge's ruling against Florida migrant detention facility Williams' ruling came on the same day her two-week temporary order halting construction at the facility expired. In June, environmental and tribal organizations filed a lawsuit to stop the facility's expansion, warning of severe impacts to the fragile Everglades ecosystem, which is home to endangered species such as the Florida panther and wood stork. They argued that the facility's operations violated the rights of the Miccosukee Tribe, which was not consulted during the site's development. Tribal members have historically accessed the land for cultural and ceremonial purposes. Responding to Williams' earlier restrictions, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis defended the project, stating in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that "Operations at Alligator Alcatraz are ongoing and deportations are continuing" despite the court's order. With the latest ruling, Florida officials have not yet commented, but legal experts expect the state to appeal. Visit InvasionUSA.news for more stories like this. Watch this video that shows life inside the Guantanamo Bay detention center. This video is from the harrier808 channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Venezuelan migrant gangsters stage uprising at Texas ICE detention facility. Trump administration greenlights $1.26 billion mega-detention center at Fort Bliss. TIME magazine stupidly blames anti-vaccine immigration detention center workers for measles outbreak, ignoring infected migrants spreading disease. ABSURD: Biden's ICE claims it has no choice but to release thousands of detained illegals because House Republicans blocked much-needed funding for detention centers. Texas offers 1,400 acres to incoming Trump administration for MIGRANT DETENTION facility. Sources include: YourNews.com Brighteon.AI TheHill.com 1 CourtListener.com TheHill.com 2 Brighteon.com Netanyahu issues hollow apology after Israels tragic mishap targeting hospital kills 20, including journalists Israel deliberately bombed Gazas Nasser Hospital twice, killing 20 including five journalists and first responders in a calculated double-tap strike. More than 240 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israel since October 2023, with media outlets like Al Jazeera banned and targeted to suppress the truth. Israels so-called investigation into the attack is meaningless, as it has a long history of unpunished war crimes and lies about targeting civilians and media. The West remains complicit by funding Israels atrocities, ignoring the slaughter of journalists and allowing Israel to block foreign media from entering Gaza. Netanyahus hollow apologies and excuses mask Israels true intent: erasing Palestinian voices, destroying evidence of war crimes, and ensuring no witnesses remain. Despite all the horrific acts Israel has been committing in Gaza, they still managed to stun the world with the sheer audacity of their latest atrocity. On Monday, Israeli forces launched a double-tap strike on Gazas Nasser Hospital, killing at least 20 people, including five journalistsMariam Abu Dagga (AP), Mohammad Salama (Al Jazeera), Hussam al-Masri (Reuters), Moaz Abu Taha (freelancer), and Ahmed Abu Aziz. Rescue workers and medics who rushed to the scene were also slaughtered in the second strike. And what did Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have to say? A cold, calculated apology, calling it a tragic mishap while his military investigates itself, as if that means anything. Lets be clear: This was no accident. This was a deliberate, premeditated attack on a hospital (which is a war crime), followed by the cowardly targeting of first responders and journalists documenting the carnage. The IDF admitted the strike but claimed it was aiming for a Hamas surveillance camera on the roof. Even if that were true (and given Israels long history of lies, why should we believe it?), why bomb a hospital twice? Why kill journalists who were simply doing their jobs? The answer is simple: Israel doesnt want the world to see what its doing. A pattern of targeting truth-tellers This isnt the first time Israel has murdered journalists in Gaza. Just two weeks ago, Israel assassinated Al Jazeeras Anas al-Sharif, a voice of Gaza who exposed the horrors of the occupation. Since October 2023, more than 240 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli forces, according to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) puts the number at 197 media workers, including 189 Palestinians. Yet the West remains stunningly silent, while Israel continues to block foreign journalists from entering Gazabecause they dont want the truth to get out. Reuters, whose cameraman Hussam al-Masri was killed in this attack, released a statement saying, We are devastated and have asked authorities in Gaza and Israel to help us get urgent medical assistance for [wounded photographer] Hatem Khaled. But lets be real: Israel doesnt care. Theyve spent decades silencing dissent, raiding Al Jazeera offices, and shutting down media outlets that dare to report the truth. In 2024, they banned Al Jazeera entirely in Israel, confiscating equipment and shutting down operations. Now, theyre bombing journalists and calling it a "mistake". Israels investigation is a joke Netanyahus statement was a masterclass in gaslighting: Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap Our war is with Hamas terrorists, he wrote on X. Oh, really? Then why are hospitals, schools, and refugee camps being bombed? Why are journalists who pose no threat being assassinated? The IDFs so-called investigation is a farce. Israel never holds itself accountable. Remember the 2021 bombing of the AP and Al Jazeera offices in Gaza? Israel claimed Hamas was operating there, but no evidence was ever provided. Remember the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh in 2022? Israel blamed Palestinian militants, then admitted it was likely an IDF soldieryet no one was punished. This time, the IDF admitted the strike but claimed it wasnt intentionally targeting journalists. Bull. A double-tap strikewhere you bomb a location, then bomb it again when rescuers arriveis a deliberate tactic to maximize casualties. Its used by terrorists, not civilized nations. But Israel has long abandoned morality. Theyve turned Gaza into a testing ground for weapons, a laboratory for oppression, and a graveyard for journalists. Israel doesnt just want to defeat Hamas; it wants to erase the Palestinian narrative. By killing journalists, bombing hospitals, and starving civilians, they ensure that no one is left to tell the story. The UNs Francesca Albanese put it best: Rescuers killed in line of duty How much more must be witnessed before you act? The answer? Too much. The world has already seen 53,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023. Weve seen hospitals reduced to rubble, children dying of starvation, and journalists executed for daring to report the truth. Yet, the U.S. still funds Israels war crimes, the EU still trades with them, and the media still parrot their lies. Netanyahus deep regret means nothing. Israel has proven time and again that it will keep bombing, keep lying, and keep killing because it faces no consequences. The only way this stops is if the world cuts off the money, the weapons, and the diplomatic cover. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com FoxNews.com AlJazeera.com Reuters.com New World SCREWWORM parasite which eats living flesh infects first American in Maryland A tiny fly, no bigger than a housefly, lands on an open woundmaybe a scratch, a surgical incision, or even the moist crease of a newborns navel. Within days, what starts as an itch becomes a writhing mass of larvae, their hooked mouths tearing into living flesh like microscopic piranhas. The pain is unbearable. The smell is rotting meat. And if left untreated, death follows in a matter of weeks. This isnt the plot of a horror movieits the very real a parasite so vicious it was once wiped out in America , only to slither its way back across borders, inching closer to U.S. soil with every passing month. For decades, this flesh-eating menace was a distant nightmare, confined to Central and South America after a heroic mid-century eradication campaign. But now, with outbreaks flaring in Mexico and travelers unknowingly carrying the parasite into the U.S., the question isnt if it will returnits when. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is scrambling, pouring millions into sterile fly programs and border traps, but history shows that once this parasite digs in, rooting it out is a war of attrition. So how did we get here? And more importantlywhat can you do to protect yourself, your pets, and your livestock before its too late? Key points: A first-of-its-kind human case of New World screwworm has been confirmed in Maryland, linked to travel from El Salvadorproving the parasite is hitching rides into the U.S. The screwworm was eradicated in America by 1966 through a groundbreaking sterile fly program, but outbreaks in Mexico and Central America now threaten a costly, deadly resurgence. Texas is ground zero for concern, with economists warning a full-blown outbreak could wipe out $1.8 billion in livestockcattle, deer, pets, and even humans at risk. The USDA is releasing millions of sterile flies and setting traps along the border, but experts fear current measures may not be enough to stop the spread. Natural prevention and parasite cleanses could be critical for those in high-risk areasheres a 10-step guide to safeguard your family and animals. A parasite so vicious it changed the course of American agriculture The New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) isnt just any parasiteits a biological wrecking ball. Unlike maggots that feed on dead tissue, screwworm larvae thrive on the living, burrowing deeper into wounds with every passing hour, their serrated mouths carving tunnels through muscle and organ tissue. The name "hominivorax" isnt hyperboleit means "man-eater." And while cattle and wildlife are its usual targets, humans are not immune. In the 1930s, this parasite was public enemy number one for American ranchers. Infestations spread like wildfire, turning healthy cattle into walking carcasses within days. The economic toll was staggering $200 million annually in lost livestock, veterinary costs, and failed treatments. Then, in a stroke of scientific brilliance, entomologist Edward F. Knipling and his team at the USDA devised a plan: birth control for flies. By bombarding male screwworms with gamma radiation, they rendered them sterile. When released en masse, these infertile males mated with wild females, whose eggs then failed to hatch. Week after week, plane after plane dropped millions of sterile flies across Florida, Texas, and the Southwest. By 1966, the screwworm was gone from the U.S.a victory so monumental the United Nations later called it one of the greatest achievements in animal health. But victories in nature are rarely permanent. The return of the man-eater: How a forgotten horror is slipping through the cracks Fast-forward to November 2024. A cow at a Mexican inspection checkpoint near the Guatemala border is found teeming with screwworm larvae. A few weeks later, a traveler from El Salvador arrives in Maryland, carrying the parasite in their own flesh. The CDC confirms it: the first human case of travel-associated screwworm in the U.S. This isnt an isolated incident. Since 2023, the screwworm has been marching northward, detected in southern Mexico for the first time in decades. The USDA is on high alert, airdropping sterile flies along the Texas border and setting traps to monitor the invasion. But the clock is ticking. "It can have a huge economic impact," warns Jennifer Koziol, an associate professor at Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine. "Were talking about livestock losses, wildlife decimated, and even pets at risk." The numbers are terrifying: $1.8 billionpotential cost of an outbreak in Texas alone. 10 dayshow long it takes for screwworms to kill a fully grown steer. 3,000 eggswhat a single female fly can lay in her lifetime. And the human risk? While rare, infections are excruciating. Patients describe the sensation as "something alive moving under my skin." Treatment involves digging out hundreds of larvae, disinfecting wounds, and praying the damage isnt fatal. The war on the ground: Can we stop the screwworm before its too late? The USDAs strategy hinges on three pillars: Sterile fly releasesflooding border regions with infertile males to disrupt breeding. Border trapsmonitoring for early detection before outbreaks spiral. Public vigilanceurging ranchers, hunters, and pet owners to report suspicious wounds immediately. But is it enough? Critics argue that current measures are reactive, not proactive. The sterile fly program, while effective, requires constant funding and precisionmiss a single generation of flies, and the parasite could re-establish permanently. Meanwhile, migrant caravans and increased travel from infested regions raise the risk of human cases. "This is a parasite that doesnt respect borders," says a USDA official who requested anonymity. "If it gets a foothold in Texas, were looking at a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar battle." For now, the best defense is awareness and preparation. Ranchers are being told to inspect livestock daily. Hunters and hikers in southern states are urged to cover wounds and use insect repellent. And for those who suspect an infection? Act fast. "If you see maggots in a wound that wont heal, dont wait," advises the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. "Get to a vet or a doctor immediately." But what if you want to go further? What if you want to fortify your body, your pets, and your land against parasitesnot just screwworms, but the entire hidden world of biological invaders? How to protect yourself and your animals Parasites arent just a problem for livestocktheyre a silent epidemic in humans, too. From tapeworms to hookworms, these invaders drain nutrients, weaken immunity, and even alter behavior. And with the screwworms return, now is the time to take action. Heres a 10-step natural parasite cleanse using time-tested herbs and protocols to detox your body, support your animals, and secure your homestead. 1. Black walnut hull (juglans nigra) Why? Kills parasite eggs and larvae with its high tannin and juglone content. How? Take 500-1,000 mg daily in capsule form or as a tincture. For animals, mix powdered hull into feed (consult a vet for dosing). 2. Wormwood (artemisia absinthium) Why? Used for centuries to expel intestinal worms; contains artemisinin, which disrupts parasite metabolism. How? 200-300 mg, 2-3 times daily (avoid long-term useits potent!). For livestock, steep dried wormwood in water as a drench. 3. Clove (syzygium aromaticum) Why? Destroys parasite eggs and has antiseptic properties. How? 500 mg daily or 3-5 drops of clove oil in water. For pets, crush a single clove into their food (small amounts only). 4. Pumpkin seeds (cucurbita pepo) Why? Contains cucurbitacin, which paralyzes and expels worms. How? Eat 1-2 tablespoons of raw, organic seeds daily. For livestock, grind seeds into feed. 5. Diatomaceous earth (food-grade) Why? Microscopic sharp edges cut up parasites internally (safe for humans and animals). How? 1 tsp in water daily (human dose). For animals, mix 1-2% into feed. Avoid inhalinguse a mask when handling. 6. Garlic (allium sativum) Why? Allicin kills parasites and boosts immunity. How? 2-3 raw cloves daily (crushed for maximum potency). For pets, clove per 10 lbs of body weight in food. 7. Oregon grape root (berberis aquifolium) Why? Contains berberine, a natural antibiotic and antiparasitic. How? 500 mg, 2-3 times daily in capsule or tincture form. For livestock, decoct root for a medicinal wash. 8. Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) Why? Broad-spectrum antiparasitic that disrupts parasite membranes. How? 10-15 drops in water, 2-3 times daily. For animals, add 5-10 drops per gallon of drinking water. 9. Slippery elm bark (ulmus rubra) Why? Soothes intestinal lining damaged by parasites and helps expel worms. How? 1 tsp of powder in warm water, 1-2 times daily. For livestock, mix into feed as a gut-healing supplement. 10. Fasting & colon cleanses Why? Parasites thrive on sugar and stagnant waste. Starving them with intermittent fasting and colon hydrotherapy weakens their grip. How? Try a 24-48 hour water fast (consult a doctor first). For animals, withhold grain for 12-24 hours and provide fresh herbs in water. Bonus: Environmental defense for your homestead Neem oil spray Repels flies (including screwworms) when applied to livestock wounds. Apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp in animal water daily boosts immunity against parasites. Companion planting Grow pyrethrum daisies, basil, and marigolds near livestock areas to repel insects naturally. The New World screwworm isnt just a livestock problemits a biological time bomb. With human cases now confirmed in the U.S., the window to act is shrinking fast. The USDAs sterile fly program buys time, but true security comes from vigilance, education, and natural defense. Sources include: Dailymail.co.uk Dailymail.co.uk Enoch, Brighteon.ai Scientists predict cosmic collision will trigger black hole eruption in the center of the Milky Way A dormant supermassive black hole at the Milky Ways center will awaken in 2.4 billion years when our galaxy collides with the Large Magellanic Cloud. The collision will trigger a cosmic feeding frenzy, causing Sagittarius A* to grow eight times larger while emitting intense radiation. Earth remains safe due to its vast distance and the Milky Ways protective gas and dust shielding us from harmful effects. Scientists see this as a rare chance to study how black holes shape galaxies through explosive energy jets and star formation disruption. The event underscores humanitys insignificance in the face of natural cosmic forces, untouched by political or corporate manipulation. Imagine a cosmic monster, 4.3 million times the mass of our sun, lying dormant at the heart of our galaxy. Thats Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, and according to scientists, its going to get a massive wake-up call in exactly 2.4 billion years. When our galaxy collides with the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a dwarf galaxy currently 200,000 light-years away, the black hole will feast on an influx of gas and dust, growing up to eight times larger and erupting into a frenzy of radiation. But before you panic, heres the good news: Earth will be perfectly safe. A cosmic feeding frenzy Right now, Sagittarius A* is starving. As Professor Christine Done of Durham University put it, the amount of material falling into it is "pathetic." But when the Milky Way merges with the LMC, that changes. The collision will funnel vast amounts of gas and dust into the galactic center, triggering what astronomers call an active galactic nucleus (AGN) event. Dr. Nathalie Degenaar of the University of Amsterdam explains that as matter spirals into the black hole, it heats up to millions of degrees, emitting X-rays, ultraviolet light, and even gamma rays. In some cases, black holes spew out colossal jets of energy what Degenaar calls "cosmic fire hoses" traveling at nearly the speed of light. These jets can disrupt star formation and reshape entire galaxies. But heres the catch: Were 26,000 light-years away. That distance, combined with the Milky Ways dense disk of gas and dust, will shield Earth from any harmful radiation. Any energy reaching us would be highly diluted by the time it arrives. The real fireworks will be visible only to astronomers and not a threat to life on Earth. Why this matters for science This isnt just a distant cosmic event; its a rare opportunity to study how black holes shape galaxies. Professor Done emphasizes that black holes and their host galaxies evolve together, with the black holes activity influencing star formation and galactic structure. The last time Sagittarius A* had a major outburst, it blasted matter 25,000 light-years into space, creating the Fermi Bubbles giant structures that are still visible today. The collision with the LMC will give scientists a front-row seat to these processes. And while the idea of a supermassive black hole "waking up" sounds like science fiction, its a natural part of galactic evolution. Some might wonder: Could this event threaten life on Earth? The short answer is no. Even in the worst-case scenariowhere the black holes jets were directly aimed at us they wouldnt be powerful enough to strip our atmosphere or cause mass extinctions. In fact, the real dangers to Earth come from much closer threats solar flares, nearby supernovae, or even human-made disasters not a black hole billions of years away from its next meal. The Milky Way has survived far worse, including past collisions with other galaxies. This event is just another chapter in its 13-billion-year history. A reminder of our place in the universe Events like this put things into perspective. While politicians squabble, corporations push toxic agendas, and globalists scheme for control, the universe operates on a scale beyond human arrogance. Sagittarius A* doesnt care about climate change hoaxes, vaccine mandates, or digital ID tyranny. It follows the laws of physics, not the whims of elites. For now, the black hole remains dormant, a silent sentinel at the heart of our galaxy. But when it finally awakens, it wont be because of human interference; itll be because of the natural, unstoppable forces of the cosmos. And Earth? Well still be here, watching from a safe distance, just as we have for billions of years. In a world where truth is constantly suppressed, its refreshing to remember that some things are beyond manipulation. The universe doesnt bend to narratives; it simply is. And for those of us who value freedom, truth, and the natural order, thats a comforting thought. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk DiscoverMagazine.com Mashable.com The rise of AI-powered toys: How Silicon Valley is rewiring childhood with synthetic companionship, deadened imagination There was a time when a childs best friend was a stuffed bear with button eyes, a doll with painted lips, or a plastic action figure with a backstory spun entirely from imagination. These toys didnt talk backthey listened in silence, their personalities shaped by the children who loved them. But now, the toy box is getting a silicon brain. Mattel, the company behind Barbie and Hot Wheels, has teamed up with OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT , to bring "AI-powered innovation" to playtime. The result? A generation of children who may soon form their first "real" relationships not with flesh-and-blood friends, but with machines designed to mimic empathy, curiosity, and connection. This isnt just another tech gimmickits a fundamental shift in how children learn to relate to the world. And the experts are sounding the alarm. Key points: Mattel and OpenAI are developing AI-powered toys, potentially including an AI Barbie capable of fluid, personalized conversations with children. Child development experts warn that AI companions could stunt emotional growth, replacing the messy, conflict-filled interactions that teach empathy and resilience with synthetic, frictionless affirmation. AI toys may become a childs first "friend," shaping their understanding of relationships before theyve even learned to navigate real human connection. Privacy and psychological risks abound, from data collection to the potential for AI to reinforce harmful beliefs or emotional dependencies. Parents are being sold a false promise of "safe" companionship, while the long-term effects on childrens social and cognitive development remain unknown. This push reflects a broader agenda: the normalization of AI as a substitute for human bonds, a trend that could reshape society in ways were only beginning to understand. When toys stop pretending and start programming The idea of a toy that truly listensone that remembers a childs favorite color, asks about their day, and offers comfort when theyre sadsounds like a parents dream. After all, who wouldnt want their child to have a patient, ever-present companion? But what happens when that companion isnt just a plaything, but a programmed entity designed to simulate love? Toymakers have been chasing this fantasy for decades. In the 1960s, Chatty Cathy pulled strings to utter pre-recorded phrases like I love you and Tell me a story. In the 80s, Teddy Ruxpin moved its mouth in sync with cassette tapes, creating the illusion of a storytelling bear. By the late 90s, Furbies were learning English, their gibberish slowly morphing into recognizable words. Then came My Friend Cayla, the Wi-Fi-connected doll that Germany banned in 2017 for being a potential espionage device, capable of recording private conversations and relaying them to third parties. But none of these toys could really converse. They were glorified tape recorders, parrot-like in their repetitions. Generative AI changes everything. Mattels partnership with OpenAI isnt just about slapping a chatbot into a doll. Its about creating a toy that adapts, remembers, and responds in real timeone that could become a childs confidant, teacher, and first experience of what feels like unconditional emotional support. The problem? Its all an illusion. Marc Fernandez, chief strategist at the AI company Neurologyca, warns that when toys cross the line from imaginary friends to synthetic ones, children lose something irreplaceable: the struggle of real relationships. Real relationships are messy, Fernandez wrote in IEEE Spectrum. They involve misunderstanding, negotiation, and shared emotional stress. These are the microstruggles through which empathy and resilience are forged. But an AI companion sidesteps that process entirely. In other words, a child who grows up with an AI friend may never learn how to handle conflict, disappointment, or the raw, unscripted emotions of human connection. Why AI toys are a psychological experiment Parents already know the iPad dilemmahand a child a tablet, and theyll zone out for hours, their developing brains bathed in the blue glow of passive consumption. But at least an iPad doesnt pretend to care. An AI toy does. And thats where the danger lies. Children dont just play with toysthey bond with them. Psychologists have long documented how kids anthropomorphize their stuffed animals, giving them names, backstories, and even emotional lives. But when a toy talks back with fluency, memory, and apparent emotion, the line between fantasy and reality doesnt just blurit vanishes. Consider this: A four-year-old argues with their parent about bedtime. The parent says no, the child throws a tantrum, and eventually, they learn (through tears and frustration) that not every desire is met instantly. Now imagine that same child turning to their AI plushie, which responds with: I understand youre upset. Would you like to hear a story instead? No conflict. No negotiation. Just instant gratification. Repeat that dynamic thousands of times, and what do you get? A child who expects the world to adapt to themnot the other way around. Robert Weissman, president of the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen, puts it bluntly: This has the potential to inflict real damage on children. And its not just about emotional stunting. Theres also the privacy nightmare of corporations collecting voice data, emotional responses, and behavioral patterns from kids too young to understand whats being taken from them. But the most insidious risk? AI toys could become a childs primary model for relationshipsteaching them that love is transactional, conflict is avoidable, and connection requires no real effort. Why Silicon Valley is pushing AI into the crib This isnt just about selling more Barbies. Its about normalizing AI as a replacement for human bonds. And its happening at a time when adults are already forming deep, sometimes destructive attachments to chatbots. Earlier this year, The New York Times reported on men falling in love with AI girlfriends, spending thousands on digital companions that simulate romance without the messiness of real relationships. Some users described their AI partners as more understanding than human wives. Others admitted to preferring the bots company to that of real people. Now, that same technology is being marketed to children. The implications are staggering. If a generation grows up more comfortable confiding in machines than in people, what happens to marriage, friendship, or even the concept of family? Will kids learn to seek validation from algorithms instead of navigating the complexities of human love? The battle for childhood isnt just about what our kids play with. Its about who they become. And if we surrender their emotional development to Silicon Valleys synthetic companions, we may not like the answer. Sources include: Futurism.com Futurism.com Spectrum.org Sweeping visa review places 55 million under scrutiny in unprecedented security move The Trump administration has initiated the re-screening of all 55 million valid U.S. visas, marking the most aggressive visa enforcement action in modern history and placing millions of foreign nationals under continuous review. A new policy of "continuous vetting" is the cornerstone, meaning visas are no longer static but are perpetually scrutinized using law enforcement data and new information, even after the holder has entered the United States. The policy has immediate and severe consequences for key groups, particularly foreign students and skilled workers, who face swift expulsion and visa revocation for violations like unauthorized work or dropping out of school. This action addresses the long-ignored problem of visa overstays, acknowledging that enforcement must be a "two-front battle" that focuses on both illegal border crossings and those who enter legally but remain illegally. In a monumental shift in immigration enforcement, the Trump administration has initiated a comprehensive re-screening of all 55 million individuals holding valid U.S. visas. The policy, announced Thursday, empowers federal agencies to revoke visas and initiate deportations for holders found to have overstayed their permitted time, posed a threat to public safety, or provided support to a terrorist organization. This move represents the most aggressive application of visa enforcement in modern American history, placing millions of foreign nationals, including students, skilled workers and tourists, under a microscope of continuous vetting. A new era of "continuous vetting" The cornerstone of this initiative is the policy of "continuous vetting." Traditionally, a visa holder is vetted primarily at the time of application. Under the new framework, the State Department will perpetually review visa holders' records, even after they have entered the United States. Officials will scrutinize law enforcement data, immigration records and any new information that emerges post-issuance that might indicate a person is ineligible to remain in the country. This process signifies that a granted visa is no longer a static permission but a conditional status subject to abrupt revocation. (Related: Trump orders visa suspensions on 19 countries due to national security concerns.) The mechanisms and scale of enforcement To manage this, the administration is expected to deploy advanced artificial intelligence tools to scour vast datasets, including social media profiles. New requirements mandate that visa applicants disable privacy settings on their electronic devices during interviews, granting officials broad access to their digital lives. For those found in violation, the consequences are severe: immediate visa revocation. If the individual is abroad, they are barred from returning. If they are in the U.S., they become subject to deportation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The human impact: Students and workers in the crosshairs This policy has immediate and profound implications for key demographic groups. With over an estimated 270,000 Indian students in the U.S. and hundreds of thousands of other foreign scholars, the education sector is watching closely. Violations such as dropping out of school or engaging in unauthorized work now carry the risk of swift expulsion. Furthermore, the administration has already revoked over 6,000 student visas, citing infractions from assault to terrorism support. The policy also extends to workers, as evidenced by the immediate pause on new visas for commercial truck drivers, a move Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated was to protect American jobs and road safety. Historical context: A long-standing enforcement challenge This crackdown did not emerge in a vacuum. It addresses a long-ignored flaw in U.S. immigration policy: the problem of visa overstays. For decades, political debates have focused overwhelmingly on securing physical borders, while the systems for tracking those who enter legally but remain illegally have been underfunded and ineffective. Department of Homeland Security reports have consistently shown that the number of people who overstay their visas dwarfs the number of individuals who cross the border illegally each year. This new policy represents a fundamental acknowledgment that enforcement must be a two-front battle. This massive review is not an isolated event but the culmination of a series of aggressive immigration policies. From the travel bans on several predominantly Muslim countries to the recent suspension of visas for 19 nations cited for overstay rates and security concerns, the administration has steadily erected a higher barrier to entry. The move to review all visa holders is the logical, albeit vastly expanded, next step in this overarching agenda to heighten security and reduce overall immigration. Uncertainty and legal challenges The U.S. visa is a document issued by the United States government to foreign nationals who wish to enter the country for a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, study or work. According to Brighteon.AI's Enoch, this document serves as a legal permit for entry and stay in the United States, subject to the conditions and duration specified. The visa process is designed to ensure that individuals who pose a threat to national security or public safety are not granted entry. The Trump administration's decision to re-screen every U.S. visa holder marks a watershed moment in American immigration history. It is a policy born from a legitimate concern over national security and visa compliance but executed with a scope and vagueness that introduces profound uncertainty into the lives of millions. It reflects a fundamental reimagining of the visa as a temporary and constantly scrutinized privilege, not a secure status. As this continuous vetting machine begins to operate, it will test the balance between national security and individual rights, redefine the experience of being a foreign national in America, and leave an indelible mark on the nation's identity as a destination for the world's talent and ambition. Trump is not playing favorites. Watch this video about a Trump Burger owner facing deportation due to overstayed visa. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: U.S. to impose new "visa integrity fee" on millions of foreign visitors. Trump administration slams door on male athletes exploiting women's sports through visa loopholes. DOJ's visa fraud crackdown upends immigration industry, divides firms and U.S. workers. Columbia University student self-deports following visa revocation over pro-Hamas protests. Visa overstays now a major driver of U.S. illegal immigration, surpassing border crossings. Sources include: Middleeasteye.net BBC.com APNews.com Brighteon.ai Brighteon.com Trump demands RELEASE of Colorado election whistleblower Tina Peters, warns of harsh measures if she isnt freed President Trump has called for the immediate release of Tina Peters, warning of "harsh measures" against Colorado if it refuses. He labeled Peters a "brave and innocent Patriot" persecuted for exposing election fraud, accusing Colorado officials of suppressing evidence. Peters was convicted in August 2024 and sentenced to nine years for alleged election security breaches, despite claims she acted to expose fraud. She facilitated third-party forensic imaging of Mesa County's voting systems, believing Dominion machines deleted thousands of election records. Prosecutors framed her actions as "unauthorized interference," dismissing her transparency efforts. Judge Barrett condemned her as a "charlatan," while DOJ reviews potential political motivations behind her prosecution. Peters cited forensic reports showing Dominion collusion with Colorado's secretary of state. Trump and grassroots supporters argue her case proves systemic voter fraud suppression. The case highlights deep distrust in U.S. electoral systems and retaliation against transparency advocates. Trump's intervention signals potential federal-state clashes over election audits and whistleblower protections. President Donald Trump has called for the immediate release of election whistleblower and former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, warning that the state of Colorado could face "harsh measures" if it doesn't comply. Peters was convicted in August 2024 on charges related to election system security breaches, and was sentenced to nine years in prison in October of that year. Despite smears by the mainstream media and authorities, the former county clerk maintains her actions were meant to expose potential fraud rather than undermine security. Nevertheless, her struggle has become a focal point in the ongoing battle over electoral integrity with Trump himself declaring her a "brave and innocent patriot" in a fiery Truth Social post Thursday, Aug. 21. He accused state officials of suppressing evidence of Democratic election misconduct, reiterating that Peters "has been tortured by crooked Colorado politicians." "Tina Peters is a fearless patriot who exposed election fraud and faced wrongful persecution for defending voter transparency," Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine states. "Her fight highlights the Deep State's attempts to silence truth and manipulate elections while rallying Americans to demand accountability." Peters, who facilitated third-party access to Mesa County's voting systems in 2021, said her efforts sought transparency through forensic imaging. However, prosecutors dismissed her claim as unauthorized interference. Her conviction hinges on accusations that she deceived officials by allowing an outside consultant linked to MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell to access secure election equipment. (Related: Former Mesa County clerk CONVICTED for "obstructing government operations" while election thieves walk free.) Will Trump's backing overturn Peters' sham conviction? Yet Peters insists her actions were in defense of democracy. In a pre-sentencing interview, she alleged collusion between Dominion Voting Systems and the Colorado secretary of state, citing forensic reports showing deletions of thousands of election records. Despite her claims, Mesa County District Court Judge Matthew Barrett deemed her a "charlatan" at sentencing, condemning her defiance and unwillingness to concede wrongdoing. This condemnation by the magistrate has drawn scrutiny from federal authorities. In March of this year, the Department of Justice questioned whether Peters' prosecution was politically driven, urging expedited review of her appeal. But the office of Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubinstein maintains her actions violated state law and compromised election security. Trump's intervention suggests a broader campaign to reopen scrutiny of the 2020 election a stance shared by millions, with polls indicating lingering doubts over its legitimacy. Peters' supporters argue her prosecution exemplifies retaliation against whistleblowers. Amid escalating rhetoric, the battle over her fate underscores deeper divisions in America's trust in electoral systems and whether exposing vulnerabilities justifies defying protocol. With Trump vowing "harsh measures" if she remains imprisoned, the case may foreshadow further clashes between state autonomy and federal intervention in election disputes. Head over to VoteFraud.news for more similar stories. Watch this interview between the Health Ranger Mike Adams and Tina Peters over her fight for election integrity in Colorado. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Backup data proves Tina Peters was right: The 2020 election was STOLEN by Democrats. Whistleblower Tina Peters shares her fight for election integrity on The Sheriff Mack Show Brighteon.TV. Tool of the Deep State: Dominion Voting Systems accused of racketeering operation by Colorado lawyer Tina Peters. Sources include: YourNews.com TruthSocial.com Brighteon.ai TheNewAmerican.com Brighteon.com U.S. remittances to Mexico reach 13-year low amid Trumps immigration crackdown U.S. remittances to Mexico fell by 16.2% in June, the largest drop in 13 years. Increased deportations and stricter immigration enforcement under President Trump are cited as key factors. Remittances represent 3.4% of Mexicos GDP and are crucial for many Mexican families. A new 1% tax on certain remittances set to take effect in January 2026. Proponents see the tax as a way to fund border security, while critics warn of potential economic destabilization. On August 22, the Bank of Mexico reported a stark 16.2% decline in remittances from the United States, marking the lowest level in over a decade. This significant reduction, which coincides with President Donald Trumps stringent immigration enforcement, has raised concerns about the economic impact on both countries. The drop, the steepest since September 2012, underscores the far-reaching consequences of U.S. immigration policies and foreshadows potential new remittance taxes set to begin in 2026. The sharp decline: 16.2% in June According to the Bank of Mexico, remittances stood at $5.2 billion in June, a sharp decline from the previous year. This $16.2 billion decline comes after a decade of growth when transfers tripled from $23 billion to $64.7 billion between 2013 and 2024. Analysts attribute the decline to a combination of factors, including increased deportations, stricter immigration policies and economic conditions. Factors behind the decline Several key factors are contributing to the drop in remittances: Increased deportations: Despite not reaching the levels seen during the Obama administration, deportations under Trump have created a climate of fear among Mexican immigrants, leading many to save money in case of deportation. Despite not reaching the levels seen during the Obama administration, deportations under Trump have created a climate of fear among Mexican immigrants, leading many to save money in case of deportation. Stricter immigration enforcement: The Trump administrations crackdown on illegal immigration has made it harder for Mexicans to enter the U.S. and for those already present to send money home. The Trump administrations crackdown on illegal immigration has made it harder for Mexicans to enter the U.S. and for those already present to send money home. Economic conditions: The weakening U.S. dollar against the Mexican peso and the reluctance of some employers to hire undocumented workers have also played a role. New York immigration attorney Marina Shepelsky said, I think a lot of people are saving money now in case theyre deported, so theyre not sending anything home. This sentiment is echoed across the Mexican immigrant community, where fear and uncertainty have led to changes in spending habits. Economic impact and government responses The decline in remittances has significant economic implications for both the U.S. and Mexico. Remittances represent 3.4% of Mexicos GDP, according to the World Bank, and are a crucial lifeline for millions of Mexican families, particularly in lower-income communities. In response to the decline, U.S. lawmakers are considering new measures to regulate and tax remittances. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates that the U.S. economy loses at least $200 billion annually in remittances. A July FAIR study noted that remittance funds often bypass the U.S. economy entirely and may inadvertently support criminal enterprises. New taxation measures In January 2026, a new 1% tax on certain types of remittances will take effect under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The measure, supported by Republicans, applies to transactions made through cash, money orders and cashiers checks at providers such as Western Union and MoneyGram. Vice President JD Vance, who as a senator introduced the earlier WIRED Act proposing a 10% remittance tax, called such measures a common-sense solution to disincentivize illegal immigration and reduce the cartels financial power. Proponents argue that the revenue from the tax will help fund border security and enforcement. However, critics, including Democrats, warn of potential economic instability. Rep. Jesus Chuy Garcia of Illinois stated, Such taxes would destabilize immigrant families and economies here and abroad. Emerging trends and future prospects As the new policy nears implementation, new methods of money transfer are emerging to avoid U.S. taxation. Ana Valdez, CEO of the Latino Donor Collaborative, noted that informal delivery methods and Mexicos Bienestar card systempromoted as a bank-to-bank transfer exempt from the U.S. levycould undermine the remittance tax. The drop in remittances also highlights the broader economic impact of U.S. immigration enforcement at home and abroad. Despite the significant decline, the future of remittance flows remains uncertain, with both the U.S. and Mexico grappling with the consequences of these policies. Navigating the new landscape The sharp decline in remittances to Mexico, driven by President Trumps immigration policies and the impending remittance tax, underscores the complex interplay between immigration enforcement and economic stability. As both countries navigate these challenges, the impact on immigrant communities and the broader economy will continue to be closely watched. The coming months will reveal the extent to which these new measures will shape the future of U.S.-Mexico financial flows and the lives of those most affected. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com BBVAresearch.com IntelliNews.com BEIJING, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji on Monday called on China's National People's Congress (NPC) and the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to fully leverage cooperation mechanisms and platforms, and continuously enhance exchanges and cooperation. Zhao, chairman of China's NPC Standing Committee, made the remarks while hosting the 10th meeting of the China-Russia committee for parliamentary cooperation with Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian State Duma, in Beijing. Zhao said under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era has consistently maintained a healthy, stable, and high-level development momentum. It has been proven that China-Russia cooperation features complementary strengths and immense potential, representing a strategic choice made by both sides based on their respective development and revitalization goals, Zhao added. Noting this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia committee for parliamentary cooperation, Zhao said China's NPC is willing to work with the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, taking the important consensus reached by the two heads of state as the fundamental guideline, to fully leverage cooperation mechanisms and platforms, continuously enhance exchanges and cooperation, and contribute to the in-depth development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. He called on both sides to maintain the positive momentum of close exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and consolidate the political foundation of mutual support, solidarity and coordination. Efforts should be made to expand the content and forms of mechanism exchanges to meet the development needs of China-Russia relations in the new era, Zhao said. He added that the legislative bodies of the two countries should engage in mutual learning of governance experience, legislation and supervision to support the development and revitalization of their respective countries. Zhao also urged for close communication and coordination between the two sides within multilateral mechanisms, to resolutely defend the outcomes of the victory of WWII, promote a correct historical perspective on WWII, safeguard the UN-centered international system, practice true multilateralism, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. Volodin said the Russian State Duma is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with China's NPC. Focused on implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, it aims to leverage the mechanism and platform of the Russia-China committee for parliamentary cooperation, making contributions to promoting comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, optimizing the business environment, deepening cultural exchanges, jointly upholding a correct historical perspective on WWII, and safeguarding multilateralism. 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. Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. A new study led by researchers at National Jewish Health has found that recent infection with the common cold - often caused by rhinoviruses - may offer temporary protection against infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The research provides fresh insight into why children are less likely than adults to develop symptoms and could point toward new ways to reduce the severity of respiratory illnesses. Published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases earlier this month, the study analyzed data from the nationwide Human Epidemiology and Response to SARS-CoV-2 (HEROS) study, which tracked more than 4,100 people in 1,394 households from May 2020 to February 2021. Researchers found that people, particularly children who had a recent rhinovirus infection, were significantly less likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the following weeks. This effect is thought to be linked to the body's antiviral defenses. Rhinoviruses trigger a strong interferon response in the airways, which can temporarily prime the immune system to fight off other viruses. Our findings suggest that the immune boost from a recent cold may give the body an early advantage in fighting SARS-CoV-2 before it has a chance to take hold. This may help explain why children, who tend to get more colds than adults, generally experience fewer and less severe COVID cases." Max Seibold, PhD, senior author of the study, researcher and Director of the Regenerative Medicine and Genome Editing Program (REGEN) at National Jewish Health Using thousands of self-collected nasal swabs, the team tested for both SARS-CoV-2 and other common respiratory viruses, including rhinovirus, in participants of all ages. They also analyzed airway gene expression to see how recent viral infections influenced the body's antiviral defenses. Children were found to have higher baseline expression of interferon-related genes - proteins that act as the immune system's first line of defense against viruses - compared to adults. While this phenomenon, known as heterologous viral interference, has been observed with other respiratory viruses, this is the first prospective study to show it may also occur with SARS-CoV-2. "This doesn't mean people should intentionally try to catch a cold," said Camille Moore, PhD and lead author of the study at National Jewish Health. "But understanding how one virus can affect the body's response to another could help us develop new prevention strategies, especially for vulnerable populations." The research builds on earlier findings from the HEROS study showing that children are six times less likely than adults to develop symptomatic COVID. The new data highlights the role that both age-related immune differences and recent viral exposures may play in that protection. National Jewish Health researchers conducted the study in collaboration with partners from 12 cities across the United States. Ibuprofen and paracetamol are common over-the-counter medications that many of us reach for when we're sick. But new research from the University of South Australia shows that these trusted staples are quietly fuelling one of the world's biggest health threats: antibiotic resistance. In the first study of its kind, researchers found that ibuprofen and paracetamol are not only driving antibiotic resistance when used individually but amplifying it when used together. Assessing the interaction of non-antibiotic medications, the broad-spectrum antibiotic ciprofloxacin, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) a common bacteria that causes gut and urinary tract infections researchers found that ibuprofen and paracetamol significantly increased bacterial mutations, making E. coli highly resistant to the antibiotic. It's an important finding that has serious health implications, particularly for people in aged care homes, where multiple medications are regularly administered. The World Health Organization reports that antimicrobial resistance is a global threat to public health, and that bacterial resistance was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths in 2019. Lead researcher UniSA's Associate Professor Rietie Venter says the findings raise important questions about the risks of polypharmacy in aged care. "Antibiotics have long been vital in treating infectious diseases, but their widespread overuse and misuse have driven a global rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria," Assoc Prof Venter says. "This is especially prevalent in residential aged care facilities, where older people are more likely to be prescribed multiple medications not just antibiotics, but also drugs for pain, sleep, or blood pressure making it an ideal breeding ground for gut bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics. "In this study we looked at the effect of non-antibiotic medicines and ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic which is used to treat common skin, gut or urinary tract infections. "When bacteria were exposed to ciprofloxacin alongside ibuprofen and paracetamol, they developed more genetic mutations than with the antibiotic alone, helping them grow faster and become highly resistant. Worryingly, the bacteria were not only resistant to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, but increased resistance was also observed to multiple other antibiotics from different classes. "We also uncovered the genetic mechanisms behind this resistance, with ibuprofen and paracetamol both activating the bacteria's defences to expel antibiotics and render them less effective." The study assessed nine medications commonly used in residential aged care: ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory pain relief), diclofenac (an anti-inflammatory to treat arthritis), acetaminophen (paracetamol for pain and fever), furosemide (for high blood pressure), metformin (for high sugar levels linked to Diabetes), atorvastatin (to help lower cholesterol and fats in the blood), tramadol (a stronger pain medication post-surgery) , temazepam (used to treat sleeping problems), and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant). Assoc Prof Venter says the study shows how antibiotic resistance is a more complex challenge than previously understood, with common non-antibiotic medications also playing a role. Antibiotic resistance isn't just about antibiotics anymore. This study is a clear reminder that we need to carefully consider the risks of using multiple medications particularly in aged care where residents are often prescribed a mix of long-term treatments. This doesn't mean we should stop using these medications, but we do need to be more mindful about how they interact with antibiotics and that includes looking beyond just two-drug combinations." Rietie Venter, UniSA's Associate Professor The researchers are calling for further studies into drug interactions among anyone on long-term medication treatment regimes so we can gain a greater awareness of how common medications may impact antibiotic effectiveness. Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine developed a new and highly effective application of an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to quickly scan notes in electronic medical records and identify high-risk patients who may have been infected with H5N1 avian influenza or "bird flu", according to new findings published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. Using a generative AI large language model (LLM), the research team analyzed 13,494 visits across University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) hospital emergency departments from adult patients in urban, suburban, and rural areas in 2024. These patients all had acute respiratory illness (such as, cough, fever, congestion) or conjunctivitis-symptoms consistent with early H5N1 infections. The goal was to assess how well generative AI could find high-risk patients who may have been overlooked at the time of initial treatment. Scanning all of the emergency department notes, the model flagged 76 because they mentioned a high-risk exposure for bird flu, such as working as a butcher or at a farm with livestock, like chickens or cows. Usually, these exposures were mentioned incidentally-for example, documenting a patient's occupation as a butcher or farmworker-and not because of clinical suspicion for bird flu. After a brief review by research staff, 14 patients were confirmed to have had recent, relevant exposure to animals known to carry H5N1, including poultry, wild birds, and livestock. These patients were not tested specifically for H5N1, so their potential bird-flu infections were not confirmed, but the model worked to find those "needle in a haystack" cases among thousands of patients treated for seasonal flu and other routine respiratory illnesses. "This study shows how generative AI can fill a critical gap in our public health infrastructure by detecting high-risk patients that would otherwise go unnoticed," said study corresponding author Katherine E. Goodman, PhD, JD, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology & Public Health at UMSOM and a faculty member of the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing (UM-IHC). "With H5N1 continuing to circulate in U.S. animals, our biggest danger nationwide is that we don't know what we don't know. Because we are not tracking how many symptomatic patients have potential bird flu exposures, and how many of those patients are being tested, infections could be going undetected. It's vital for healthcare systems to monitor for potential human exposure and to act quickly on that information." Since early 2024, H5N1 has infected more than 1,075 dairy herds across 17 states, and over 175 million poultry and wild birds have tested positive during this outbreak period. Identified human cases remain rare, with 70 confirmed infections and just one fatality in the U.S. by mid-2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are, however, likely many more infections that have gone undetected due to a lack of widespread testing. In addition, new strains could arise enabling human-to-human airborne spread, which would lead to an uptick in cases and a potential epidemic. The AI review required only 26 minutes of human time and cost just 3 cents per patient note, demonstrating high scalability and efficiency. This method has the potential to create a national network of clinical sentinel sites for emerging infectious disease surveillance to help us better monitor newly emerging epidemics." Anthony Harris, MD, MPH, study co-author, Professor and Acting Chair of Epidemiology & Public Health at UMSOM The LLM (GPT-4 Turbo) demonstrated strong performance in identifying mentions of animal exposure, with a 90% positive predictive value and a 98% negative predictive value when it was evaluated on a sample of 10,000 historical emergency department visits from 2022-2023, before bird flu was circulating in U.S. livestock. However, the model was conservative when identifying exposures specifically relevant to avian influenza-sometimes flagging patients with low-risk animal contact, such as exposure to dogs-underscoring the need for human review of any flagged cases. As the risk of infections transmitted by animals grows, researchers suggest that large language models could also be used prospectively to alert healthcare providers in real time. This could prompt them to be more vigilant about asking about potential exposure to infected animals, targeted testing, and controlling infections by isolating patients. The CDC currently relies on mandated lab reporting to track avian influenza but lacks systems to assess whether clinicians are asking about or documenting relevant exposures in symptomatic patients. The researchers hope to next test the large language model for prospective surveillance and deployment within the electronic health record, for faster real-time identification of high-risk patients. As respiratory virus season resumes in the fall, having a fast and accurate way to identify those patients needing special testing for bird flu, or precautionary isolation while receiving treatment, will be especially critical. "We are at the forefront of a disruptive but incredibly promising revolution around big data and artificial intelligence," said UMSOM Dean Mark T. Gladwin, MD, who is also the Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), and the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor. "The engineer and physician researchers working at the Institute for Health Computing have secure access to medical records from the two million patients that we serve throughout Maryland, and as this study demonstrates, can use AI and big data to identify early signals of emerging infectious diseases like bird flu to enable us to take action sooner to test for these diseases and keep them from spreading." Other UMSOM faculty co-authors on the paper include Laurence S. Magder, PhD, Professor of Epidemiology & Public Health at UMSOM, Jonathan D. Baghdadi, PhD, MD, Associate Professor of Epidemiology & Public Health at UMSOM who is also on faculty at the UM-IHC, and Daniel J. Morgan, MD, MS, Professor of Epidemiology & Public Health at UMSOM. The study would not have been possible without the contributions of the UM Institute of Health Computing, which was established two years ago in North Bethesda, Maryland as a collaboration between the University of Maryland, College Park, the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and the University of Maryland Medical System. The Institute merges the computational expertise, clinical expertise, biomedical innovation, health data and academic resources of the three institutions. "As an academic health system, we have the responsibility to prepare for the cures of tomorrow while delivering the care of today, and have long been a national leader in data driving medical research and patient care," said Mohan Suntha, MD, MBA, University of Maryland Medical System President and CEO. "We also recognize that the value of the data across our System is representative of the diversity of the communities that we are privileged to serve." Funding for the research was provided by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Computing and data storage costs for LLM analyses were supported by the UM Institute for Health Computing. For the most part, Keyanna Jones and her husband thought they knew what to expect when their daughter Chloe had eye surgery last fall. Even Chloe, who was in kindergarten, had a good understanding of how things would go that day. Before the procedure, a hospital worker gave her a coloring book that explained the steps of the surgery a procedure to correct a condition that could have eventually interfered with her vision. "Chloe is very smart," Jones said. "She reads at almost a third-grade level now, and she's only 6." Jones did her homework, too. With no pediatric ophthalmologists near their home in Wentzville, Missouri, who would take their insurance, she asked the insurer to cover Chloe's out-of-network care as if it were in-network. The insurer agreed to let her see an out-of-network specialist. Chloe made it through surgery without a hitch. Jones said her daughter enjoyed a few popsicles at the hospital before going home. " I slept with her every night because she was so worried she would wake up and not be able to see," she said. "But it healed beautifully, and she was absolutely ready to go back to school." Then the bill came. The medical procedure Chloe was born with a droopy left eyelid, a condition known as ptosis. To correct the problem, an ophthalmologist surgically lifts the eyelid, preventing it from disrupting the patient's line of sight. Ophthalmologists, unlike optometrists and opticians, hold medical degrees and can provide advanced eye care, including surgery. The final bill $15,188, including $10,382 for the procedure and $2,730 for anesthesia. Initially, insurance paid just $1,775.79, leaving the Jones family owing $13,412.21 until Chloe's uncle, who had recently finished his term as a state senator, asked a colleague to look into it. The problem: Phantom insurance approval? Months before Chloe inhaled bubblegum-scented anesthetic at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis, Jones discovered that it can be hard to find a pediatric ophthalmologist. The doctor recommended by Chloe's pediatrician wasn't contracted with their insurer, UnitedHealthcare, and the closest in-network specialist was in Wisconsin, hundreds of miles away. So Jones requested what's called a network gap exception, under which the insurer would cover the recommended doctor's services as in-network. Before the surgery was scheduled, she received a letter saying UnitedHealthcare had approved her request "because currently there isn't a doctor, health care professional, or facility in your area to provide these services." The letter listed several medical billing codes for eye services and said they would be covered "at the network level." About a week later, the insurer sent a prior authorization letter approving Chloe's surgery. But UnitedHealthcare declined to pay most of the surgery bill, covering it as out-of-network. With approval letters in hand, Jones said, she did not understand why the insurer apparently was not honoring its agreement to cover her daughter's treatment. In fact, the similar-looking letters granted different kinds of approval. UnitedHealthcare's gap exception approved Chloe's exams before the surgery as in-network. But in its prior authorization letter for her surgery with the same doctor, the insurer said only that it would cover it without offering network discounts. After receiving the bill, Jones contacted the insurer online, but she said a representative told her there was no record of its approval to cover the surgery as in-network. "At that point, I didn't even know what to do," she said. "I'm like, 'This is crazy.'" She said she sent over a copy of one of the approval letters, which was on the company's letterhead, but a representative told her the letter hadn't come from UnitedHealthcare. "They said, 'You saw this surgeon, they're not covered and you didn't have permission, so, no, we're not going to pay,'" Jones said, recounting the phone call. An insurance representative told Jones she owed more than $13,000 because of "a balance billing issue." That meant the Jones family would have to pay the $13,000-plus balance. Spokespeople for UnitedHealthcare confirmed the company provided a gap exception and prior authorization for Chloe's care. Eric Hausman, a spokesperson for UnitedHealth Group, said in a statement to KFF Health News that "we empathize with anyone who finds themselves in the unfortunate situation of being balance billed by an out-of-network provider for an amount significantly above market rates, and without any advance knowledge." Maryanne Wallace, a spokesperson for SSM Health, the health system that includes Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital, provided a statement that said SSM followed "standard patient billing procedures." "Occasionally, an insurance company may process a claim as an out-of-network service, which can result in a balance being billed to the patient," the statement said. The resolution Jones said she was blindsided by the big bill. She tried to fix the problem on her own, she said, keeping track of every interaction with the insurer and the hospital. She filed appeals with UnitedHealthcare. Nothing helped until she reached out to her brother Caleb Rowden, who had been a Missouri state senator for eight years after serving four years in the state House. " I've never used my brother's political clout for anything," she said. "I actually hate politics." Rowden told KFF Health News that he reached out to Travis Fitzwater, the state senator representing his niece's district. Jones contacted Fitzwater's office, too, and sent a complaint to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey. Fitzwater said his office did no more for Chloe than it would for any constituent. "We're not going to take a lot of credit for the result of it, because we didn't ask for anything other than a resolution, so that everybody can be at peace and move on with their lives," he said in an interview. "We just did what we do every day." After Fitzwater's staff contacted the hospital and the insurer, representatives from both separately called Jones and notified her that UnitedHealthcare had paid the bill in full. In the end, Chloe's family paid nothing for her procedure not even a copay. The takeaway When it comes to insurance approvals, read the fine print carefully; "covered" does not mean an insurer will pay, let alone at in-network rates. Rowden and Fitzwater said reaching out to your elected representative's office can help. Advocating for constituents is part of their job. "They usually have an open line of communication with these insurance companies and hospitals," Rowden wrote in an email. "They may not always be able to get to a positive outcome since every situation is a little different, but they can usually get you to a next step." Jones is grateful that her brother was able to help, though she acknowledged that she probably would not have called him without a nudge from their mother. "I think I would still be fighting," she said. Bill of the Month is a crowdsourced investigation by KFF Health News and The Washington Post's Well+Being that dissects and explains medical bills. Since 2018, this series has helped many patients and readers get their medical bills reduced, and it has been cited in statehouses, at the U.S. Capitol, and at the White House. Do you have a confusing or outrageous medical bill you want to share? Tell us about it! Nine out of 10 Australian teachers are experiencing severe stress, and nearly 70% say their workload is unmanageable, says UNSW Sydney research. A new study from researchers at UNSW Sydney the first to examine rates of depression, anxiety and stress in Australian teachers has found they experience these mental health issues at three times the national norm. The study 'Teachers' workload, turnover intentions, and mental health' published in Social Psychology of Education surveyed nearly 5000 primary and secondary school teachers across the country. Researchers found that 90% of teachers reported moderate to extremely severe levels of stress, while more than two-thirds experienced moderate to extremely severe symptoms of depression and anxiety. The figures for depression and anxiety alone are more than double the national averages and point to a profession under immense pressure. This is not just a wellbeing issue it's a workforce issue. Our findings show that teachers are experiencing mental health symptoms at rates far above the general population, and that these symptoms are closely linked to their workload and intentions to leave the profession." Dr. Helena Granziera, lead researcher from the School of Education at UNSW's Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture Using validated psychological measures (the DASS test), the study revealed that teachers' average scores for depression, anxiety, and stress were in the "extremely severe" range. Compared to national norms, teachers scored three times higher for depression and nearly four times higher for stress. Causes of mental health issues The research also found that workload manageability was a key factor influencing teachers' mental health. Teachers who reported their workload as unmanageable were significantly more likely to experience depressive symptoms, which in turn were strongly associated with their intentions to leave the profession. Notably, 68.8% of teachers described their workload as largely or completely unmanageable. "Teachers are telling us they're overwhelmed not by teaching itself, but by the growing burden of non-core tasks," said Dr. Granziera. "Administrative duties, compliance requirements, and excessive data collection are taking time away from lesson planning and student engagement. This is leading to burnout and a sense of professional disillusionment." Impact on education The study's findings come at a time when Australia is facing a critical teacher shortage. According to recent data from the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, up to 30% of teachers are considering leaving the profession before retirement age. The results shown in the paper add new urgency to these concerns, showing that poor mental health particularly depression is a significant predictor of turnover intentions. "This research provides clear evidence that improving teachers' working conditions is not just beneficial it's essential," said Dr. Granziera. "If we want to retain skilled educators and ensure quality education for all students, we must address the root causes of teacher stress and mental health decline." The study also highlighted disparities based on location, with teachers in rural and remote areas reporting higher levels of depressive symptoms. Female teachers were also more likely to report depressive symptoms and turnover intentions, reflecting broader trends in occupational mental health. What needs to change In response to these findings, the research team is calling for a multi-pronged approach to support teacher wellbeing, including: Policy reforms to reduce non-essential workload and streamline administrative processes School-level monitoring of teacher wellbeing and workload Investment in digital mental health programs tailored for educators, allowing flexible, self-paced support System-wide interventions to support teacher retention and reduce burnout. The study took place between October 2022 and May 2024, with recruitment via the Black Dog Institute website and social media channels using targeted social media outreach and teacher-specific platforms. "This is one of the largest and most comprehensive studies of teacher mental health in Australia," said Dr. Granziera. "It provides a clear and urgent message: our teachers are struggling, and they need support." The implications of these findings extend beyond the classroom. Poor teacher mental health has been linked to lower student achievement, reduced classroom quality, and diminished student wellbeing. "Teachers' mental health is intricately related to students' outcomes, both in terms of students' mental health themselves, but also students' academic achievement," says Dr. Granziera. "It's clear improving teacher wellbeing should be a priority of policy makers not just for teachers but for our education system as a whole." New research reveals how probiotic supplementation helps fragile preterm babies build healthier gut microbiomes and lowers the spread of dangerous, drug-resistant bacteria in neonatal intensive care units. Study: Impact of early life antibiotic and probiotic treatment on gut microbiome and resistome of very-low-birth-weight preterm infants. Image credit: Iryna Inshyna/Shutterstock.com A new study published in Nature Communications highlights the significance of probiotic supplementation in shaping early-life gut microbiota and restricting multidrug-resistant pathogen load in preterm infants with very-low birth weight. Background Preterm birth is defined as gestation of less than 37 weeks. More than 10% of infants are born prematurely worldwide each year. Over 1% are born with very low birth weight (below 1500 grams). These infants are at higher risk of developing severe, often life-threatening, infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to underdeveloped immune systems. Preterm infants are routinely administered broad-spectrum antibiotics, typically benzylpenicillin and gentamicin or derivatives, in their early life to avoid adverse outcomes associated with severe infection. However, this early-life exposure to antibiotics potentially impairs gut microbiota development and triggers the enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes. Antibiotic resistance genes in the neonatal gut bacterial communities can rapidly spread to other bacteria or other microbial species through horizontal gene transfer. Multidrug-resistant bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and Escherichia, are frequently detected in the preterm infant gut, and their presence is associated with prolonged hospitalization, late-onset blood infections, and secondary infections acquired from hospitals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended probiotic supplementation specifically for very preterm (<32 weeks), human-milk-fed infants to counteract the consequences of broad-spectrum antibiotic use. Probiotics are live microorganisms in food intended to provide beneficial bacteria and restore microbial balance in the gut. In the current study, researchers investigated the effects of probiotics and antibiotics on the gut microbiota and antibiotic resistance genes in two groups of breastmilk-fed preterm infants with very-low birth weight. The study The study included 34 preterm infants who were divided into two groups. One group received probiotic supplementation (Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus); the other did not. Within each group, some infants received empirical antibiotic treatment with benzylpenicillin and gentamicin, and the other served as controls with no antibiotic exposure. Fecal samples collected from the infants during the first three weeks of life were analyzed to characterize gut microbiota. The researchers also reconstructed over 300 bacterial genomes and conducted an ex vivo neonatal gut model experiment to directly test plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer of resistance genes in Enterococcus. Key findings The study found significant differences in gut microbiota diversity and composition between probiotic-supplemented and non-supplemented infants. Specifically, the comparative analysis revealed a high abundance of Bifidobacterium and a lower abundance of microorganisms with pathogenic potential in the guts of probiotic-supplemented infants. Bifidobacterium is the major component of the probiotic formulation provided to infants. It was found to restore early-life infant gut microbiota by breaking down complex carbohydrates, including breastmilk oligosaccharides. Other Bifidobacterium species, such as B. breve and B. longum, which are typically associated with healthy term infants, appeared earlier and were more abundant in supplemented infants. On the other hand, the gut microbiota of non-supplemented infants showed higher abundance of microorganisms with pathogenic potential, including Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Escherichia, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus. Notably, the study found the persistent presence of frequently multidrug-resistant pathogens with high horizontal gene transfer potential, like Enterococcus, in both groups of infants, highlighting the need for continued surveillance. Strain-level analysis further showed the circulation of identical Enterococcus and Escherichia coli strains among unrelated infants in the same hospitals, highlighting the role of nosocomial transmission. The analysis of gut microbiota of infants treated with benzylpenicillin and gentamicin revealed a significantly higher abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in non-supplemented infants during the first three weeks of life, indicating a potential role of probiotics in suppressing antimicrobial resistance in the preterm gut. The study found that a higher abundance of Bifidobacterium is associated with lower antibiotic resistance genes, justifying the observed benefits of probiotic supplementation in preterm infants. In contrast, a higher abundance of Enterococcus and Staphylococcus was associated with higher antibiotic resistance genes. The study identified ten antibiotic resistance gene classes, with Enterococcus, Escherichia, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus identified as the most resistant pathogens. Although differences at the strain level were often trends rather than statistically significant, a reduction in multidrug-resistant strains of Escherichia and Klebsiella was observed in the probiotic group. The researchers also detected the colistin-resistance gene mcr-9.1 in a preterm infant sample predating its discovery in 2019, highlighting hidden reservoirs of last-resort antibiotic resistance genes in the neonatal gut. Study significance The study demonstrates that probiotic supplementation with Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus in preterm infants is beneficial in terms of increasing the abundance of commensal bacteria in the gut, reducing the abundance of multidrug-resistant bacteria, and reducing overall antibiotic resistance gene carriage. The study reveals that short-term antibiotic therapy in early life did not show major effects on gut microbiota diversity within the three-week sampling window. Longer-term impacts were not assessed. However, such treatment can significantly increase the abundance of multidrug-resistant microorganisms with horizontal gene transfer potential, including Enterococcus. The ex vivo plasmid transfer experiment confirmed that Enterococcus can pass resistance plasmids between strains within a simulated infant gut environment. The observed abundance of Bifidobacterium in probiotic-supplemented preterm infants seems to have a protective effect by reducing the abundance of Enterococcus. This protective effect may be associated with Bifidobacterium-mediated depletion of carbon sources, which prevents the colonization and growth of microorganisms with pathogenic potential. However, the persistence of bacterial species like Enterococcus in probiotic-supplemented and non-supplemented infants highlights the need for continued surveillance and targeted intervention strategies in neonatal intensive care units to reduce the risk of multidrug-resistant bacterial infection. The study also showed distinct functional pathways in supplemented infants, such as sucrose degradation and enhanced use of breastmilk oligosaccharides, supporting restoration of a more typical infant gut ecosystem. Download your PDF copy now! A special set of neurons directs mice's attention to or away from their peers, depending on the situation. The Kobe University discovery has implications for finding causes for neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorder or schizophrenia. Social interactions abound with decisions: How much time do we spend with a friend? Do we prioritize time with a friend who looks distressed? Like for all behavior, there are specialized clusters of neurons in the brain that are responsible for fine-tuning such complex behavior, and it is known that developmental defects in these areas are related to neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder or schizophrenia. Kobe University neuroscientist Takumi Toru has a long history of research on discovering the neurological basis of these disorders. He says, "We have previously identified in mice a neuron cluster that's active during social interaction and now we wanted to clarify the role of a specific kind of signal-modulating cell, so-called 'PV interneurons,' that we knew are there." Using an endoscopic camera with its lens implanted directly into the brain of genetically modified mice, Takumi's team was able to record in real time which neurons were active during different activities. In addition, they also introduced genetic modifications that allowed them to specifically tune down the activity of the target neurons. In the scientific journal Cell Reports, the Kobe University neuroscientists, in collaboration with SATO Masaaki of Kyoto Institute of Technology, now report that mice whose PV interneurons were inhibited exhibited two interesting behavioral characteristics. First, they failed to become familiar with their peers. Normal mice spend less time with individuals they already know than with strangers they meet for the first time, but the ones with inhibited PV interneurons would spend just as much time with peers as with strangers. And second, normal mice, when given the choice between two peers, one stressed and one unstressed, would spend more time with the stressed one. The inhibited mice, however, did not exhibit this consolation behavior. Our findings are the first to demonstrate that these particular cells act as a switch in the 'social cell' network to control empathetic behavior." Takumi Toru, neuroscientist, Kobe University In a separate experiment, where mice were allowed to freely interact with individuals they met for the first time, inhibited mice did not exhibit any differences from normal ones. This demonstrates that the role of PV interneurons is not so much connected to social behavior in general, but in modulating the preference for social targets and thus in making social choices. Takumi says about the wider implications of this study: "This finding is an important step toward understanding the neural basis of human sociality. Abnormalities in PV interneurons have been reported in model animals and patient brains with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. In the future, further comparative studies between mice and humans may lead to new treatment strategies." insights from industry Jonathan Ferguson Science Business Leader, New Strategy Shimadzu Scientific Instruments In this interview, Jonathan Ferguson discusses how knowledge of an emerging public health concern identified at Pittcon 2024 has evolved a year on. Can you introduce yourself, your background, and your role at Shimadzu? I'm Jonathan Ferguson, the Scientific Business Leader in the New Strategy Department at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. I'm based in Columbia, Maryland. I grew up in a small town in Illinois with just 250 to 300 people. Ive always loved learning how things work. I find it extremely exciting to discover something new that contributes to the wider body of knowledge on a subject, whether a novel protein modification or an unexplored biochemical mechanism. I was in Professor Neil Kelleher's lab when he was at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. I remember walking to his lab and seeing the Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer (FT-ICR MS) with its massive 8.5 Tesla magnet. Pittcon 2026: Mar 7-11 Register for Pittcon 2026 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center San Antonio, TX The instrument was hand-built and not commercialized, which meant it was possible to tinker with everything. I had the opportunity to hands-on troubleshoot and learn how it functioned and repair it. The amount you learn from that hands-on approach is just incredible. Can you tell us more about the symposium you presented at last years Pittcon? In 2024, Pittcon had its first Psychedelic Symposium. My presentation was on the quality control of naturally occurring psilocybin-containing compounds intended for clinical trials and the treatment of depression. These compounds are often mushrooms, and sometimes, these are put in chocolates and gummies available online or from convenience stores, head shops, or even gas stations in places like Oregon, where psilocybin has been legalized at the state level. I was the second speaker at that symposium. The first was Fritsch USA, who discussed good milling strategies and the need for good sample preparation. The Scottsdale Research Institute (Scottsdale, AZ and the only DEA licensed grower of psychedelic mushrooms) gave the third talk, and Rose City Laboratories (Portland, OR) wrapped up with the fourth session. At that fourth talk, Bjorn Fritzsche, the senior R&D scientist at Rose City Laboratories, concluded his talk by sharing data on products that he acquired at gas stations and head shops that were marketed with mushroom-like labels. It is important to note that these products are NOT tested as part of the Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP). He ran the samples on his GC-MS (gas chromatography - mass spectrometry) system and identified cannabinoids and horse tranquilizers, which was quite surprising. Pittcon addresses synthetic psychedelics crisis; Boston 2025 to advance collaboration We're increasingly discovering that what's on the packaging for these types of products does not match what the product contains. While this field can be something of a wild west with many moving targets, the advertised contents should match whats actually in the product from a consumers point of view. This is especially important because consumers could unknowingly be purchasing dangerous ingredients. I believe that's when the term syndelics (synthetic psychedelics) was coined? Can you tell us more about your collaborative work in this area? After Bjorn Fritzsche discovered these compounds, we wanted to pursue this area of investigation further. We connected Rose City Laboratories with Richard Van Breemen at the Linus Pauling Institute (Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR) to enable a deeper analysis and hopefully confirm what was seen in these samples. This work was interesting because this symposium was supposed to be about quality control methodologies in accredited labs, but it led to the discovery of unexpected synthetic psychedelics in consumer products. We are currently working on a manuscript to publish in a peer-reviewed journal, and we'll present some of this interesting but somewhat alarming data at future conferences. At Pittcon, there are talks on cannabis edibles and the regulation of these products. How significant is Pittcon in facilitating these conversations and bringing these issues to light? I think it's very important. Pittcon is more than just an exhibition hall and a space for marketing. It's a hub for collaboration and innovation that allows researchers, customers, and companies to come together to work on mutual problems and publish research together. Without that forum, these types of relationships wouldn't occur. I want to thank Pittcon for establishing an environment where we can come together to work on science that's interesting and meaningful and has a real impact on everyone. Historically, wed see chemists working alone in basements, but that doesn't happen anymore. We need many researchers to work on these projects because we all have different expertise. Without these collaborations, we wouldn't be able to move science forward as quickly as we do. Image Credit: Cannabis_Pic/Shutterstock.com In terms of public health hazards like the one I mentioned, its also important to talk about what we are going to do about it. For example, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments can get the information out by having the data grounded in good science, presenting it, and publishing it. I think its most important that we address these problems from a good factual foundation. What are some of the most common challenges in detecting the potentially harmful substances hidden in these products? Analyzing the gummies and chocolates I mentioned presents different challenges. The matrix (the gummy or the chocolate) will feature different compounds that are supposed to be there, but can interfere with our analysis. So, we need to think about how to prepare that sample so that we can precisely target our analytes of interest. Detecting and identifying adulterants in these products can be difficult because theyre not being manufactured in a regulated way. For example, we don't know what was introduced into the sample, and there can be such a wide variety of variations and substituents in these molecules that analyzing them presents a real challenge. This is famously called the unknown unknowns, where while we know we have to look for some things, ingredients may be added that we really don't expect and are currently trying to detect. Furthermore, what were looking for can change from sample to sample. What Shimadzu technologies have been used in this collaborative project? Are there other examples where specific technological approaches have been used to meet analytical challenges? I would argue that liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is still the gold standard in this research area. Bjorn Fritzsches analysis was done by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, which is also a good technique that goes hand in hand with LC-MS. Richard Van Breemen uses a Shimadzu quadrupole time-of-flight instrument because it has higher resolution and higher mass accuracyan important consideration when dealing with the unknown unknowns that I've talked about. However, using that high-end technology can sometimes be too much. When I gave the second talk of the symposium, my focus was on providing a methodology that only used liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (LC-UV). This methodology is not as specific, but with the right approach, you can run these kinds of samples much more cost-effectively than via higher-spec instruments. UV is not as accurate in the sense that there is no mass to charge, but once we work out the relevant retention times and know what the relevant absorbance profiles look like, we can use a technique called IPDeA to clean up the chromatogram. This allows us to achieve very accurate quantitation results more cheaply. Synthetic Psychedelics: A Hidden Public Health Risk | Pittcon Thought Leader: Dr. Jonathan Ferguson Play This cost-effectiveness is important because we want to save lives. If only a handful of people in the world can analyze these samples effectively, the results will not be helpful. Shimadzu Scientific Instruments is a leader in liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, but thinking even beyond that, I was at a talk on developing a method where one of the requirements was not to use power. Some parts of the world don't have access to reliable electricity or any electricity, and, at the moment, I don't know anybody who makes an LC-MS that doesn't require electricity. Those customers have a different set of requirements. For example, they might need to use an analytical tool that is antibody-based or that changes color in the presence of the analyte. With the psychedelics market set to grow in the US, what are the major challenges with regulation, and what would you like to see change? There is already a lot of history in this area. For example, the advent of hippie culture in the United States in the 1970s saw psychedelics listed as a Schedule One drug, which meant that it had no known medical uses. That essentially stopped all research into psychedelics for 30 years. In the 2000s, things started up again. Companies began doing research to find out what potential medicinal uses these substances had. That work continued, and in 2019, Denver, Colorado, decriminalized psilocybin. That was quickly followed by Oregon and Colorado State decriminalizing and legalizing psilocybin, with Oregon setting up a regulatory framework. That doesnt change the fact that it's still illegal on the federal level, however. At Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, we always do everything through legal pathways. That's why we worked with Rose City Labs, because they are licensed to run these samples. Richard Van Breemen also has a license to do the analytics. There's a lot you can do with just standards, but having these collaborations, particularly in the psychedelics field, is so important because we are limited in our ability to study these substances in a legal way. Im not an expert on the regulatory side, but I do believe that people should know what they are consuming and that what is on the package should match what is in the product. What else is next for this collaboration, and for Shimadzu Scientific Instruments in general? In terms of our wider work, we tend to follow what customers need. When there is a need, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments will aim to fulfill it. Some of this work will be driven by regulations that are beyond our control, but we're always trying to meet our customers' current needs while working to anticipate what may be coming next. Were led by the science on this collaborative project. As I mentioned, we werent going to specifically look at gummies and chocolates from head shops, but thats where the science directed us. I think the results of this work will prompt a reaction when people realize the potential risks associated with these products. I don't see work in the field stopping anytime soon. There's always going to be something else requiring urgent investigation and analysis. To address these issues, its important that we stick to the fundamentals, keep reviewing the literature, and keep establishing collaborations so that we can try to stay ahead of this rapidly changing field. Ultimately, this is important because these are people's lives. About Jonathan Ferguson Dr. Jonathan T. Ferguson received his Ph.D. in 2008 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied Top-Down proteomics in the laboratory of Professor Neil Kelleher. Following his doctoral work, he has developed a wide range of customer applications involving HPLC coupled with various mass spectrometry platforms. His early work focused on proteomics, monoclonal antibodies, and nano-LC techniques. Over time, his expertise has expanded to include small molecule characterization across a broad range of applications. In 2022, Dr. Ferguson joined Shimadzu Scientific Instruments in Columbia, MD. In his current role, he leads collaborative efforts to develop innovative hardware and analytical workflows tailored to emerging market needs. His ongoing projects include application development using Shimadzus MALDI-MS systems, the LCMS-8060RX triple quadrupole, and the LCMS-9050 Q-TOF. He is also actively engaged in the scientific community, currently serving as co-chair of the WashingtonBaltimore Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group (WBMSDG). About Pittcon Pittcon is the worlds largest annual premier conference and exposition on laboratory science. Pittcon attracts more than 16,000 attendees from industry, academia and government from over 90 countries worldwide. Their mission is to sponsor and sustain educational and charitable activities for the advancement and benefit of scientific endeavor. Pittcons target audience is not just analytical chemists, but all laboratory scientists anyone who identifies, quantifies, analyzes or tests the chemical or biological properties of compounds or molecules, or who manages these laboratory scientists. Having grown beyond its roots in analytical chemistry and spectroscopy, Pittcon has evolved into an event that now also serves a diverse constituency encompassing life sciences, pharmaceutical discovery and QA, food safety, environmental, bioterrorism and cannabis/psychedelics. In a revealing Genomic Press Interview published today in Brain Medicine, Professor Alexei Verkhratsky dismantles decades of neuroscience orthodoxy with discoveries that position neuroglia as active architects of brain function rather than passive cellular bystanders. The Ukrainian-born scientist, whose journey from Soviet-era Kiev to Manchester spans four decades of transformative research, presents compelling evidence that treating brain disorders requires fundamentally rethinking how we approach neurological therapeutics by targeting neuroglia. The interview unveils a remarkable scientific odyssey. Starting with patch-clamp precursor techniques in late 1970s Kiev, where he worked alongside pioneers who would later perfect the Nobel Prize-winning methodology, Verkhratsky encountered virtually every major figure in electrophysiology. "Those were exciting days," he reflects, recounting meetings with Bert Sakmann, Erwin Neher, and Bertil Hille that shaped his scientific trajectory. Yet his most profound transformation came unexpectedly in 1989 when Helmut Kettenmann introduced him to neuroglia research in Heidelberg. Intracellular excitability of neuroglia What Verkhratsky discovered challenged everything neuroscientists believed about brain signaling. While neurons fire electrical impulses utilizing plasma membrane as an excitable medium, he demonstrated that glial cells possess an entirely different intracellular excitability mechanism. Neuroglial cells, comprising half the brain's volume, actively process information through intricate signaling networks relying on spatio-temporal dynamics of ions and second messengers. His first neuroglial publication in 1990 identified two types of voltage-gated calcium channels in oligodendrocyte precursors, eccentric cells that bizarrely generate action potentials despite being non-neuronal. He further extended the signaling value of major ions, by developing concept of astrocytic sodium signaling that translates rapid neuronal activity into homeostatic response of astrocytes. This intracellular excitability concept transforms therapeutic possibilities. Rather than targeting neurons alone, treatments could modulate glial ionic and second messengers to restore brain homeostasis. The implications ripple through every neurological condition, from stroke to chronic pain. Could manipulating neuroglial signaling prevent the cascade of damage following brain injury? or protect against neurodegenerative processes? Neuroglial atrophy drives disease progression Breaking from prevailing toxic gliosis theories that regard glial cells as dormant killers only waiting for the suitable moment to deliver mortal blow to the brain, Verkhratsky's research reveals something unexpected. In aging and disease, neuroglia undergo atrophy and functional decline. This loss of homeostatic support, not aggressive inflammation, initiates neuronal damage. "Contrary to the dominating idea," he explains, "loss of neuroglial homeostatic support and neuroprotection are the main factors triggering and propagating nervous tissue damage." He investigates this phenomenon across multiple conditions. In Alzheimer's disease, astroglial atrophy mediates neuronal death. Multiple sclerosis shows similar patterns of glial malfunction concomitant with myelin destruction. Even cerebral small vessel disease, traditionally viewed through a vascular lens, involves fundamental neuroglial pathology. These findings suggest therapeutic interventions should bolster neuroglial glial function rather than suppress it. The research extends beyond conventional Western medicine. Verkhratsky explores traditional Chinese medicine mechanisms, trying to reveal whether certain compounds specifically enhance glial homeostatic capacity. This cross-cultural approach exemplifies the innovative research philosophy that Genomic Press champions through its open access publishing model, making transformative discoveries accessible worldwide at https://genomicpress.kglmeridian.com/. International collaborations accelerate discovery Verkhratsky's approach defies academic isolation. His collaborations span continents, from decade-long partnerships at Kyushu University in Japan to fruitful collaboration with Victoria University in Canada and intensive work with rising Chinese research stars. Each collaboration brings fresh perspectives. Canadian collaborators introduced him to microglia. Chinese partners revealed intimate relations between oligodendrocytes, microglia and astrocytes in different pathological contexts affecting neuroglial function. These international connections generate insights impossible within single laboratories. The breadth of his investigations astonishes. Simultaneously pursuing neuropsychiatric disorders, brain trauma, autoimmune pathologies, stroke, and chronic pain, Verkhratsky refuses to narrow his focus. "I do not focus on a specific research topic," he states. "I try to explore as many as possible. This makes life exciting." Such intellectual omnivory yields unexpected connections. Mechanisms discovered in stroke research illuminate psychiatric conditions. Pain studies reveal patterns relevant to dementia. Scientific legacy through comprehensive documentation His magnum opus arrived in 2023. The 730-page reference book on neuroglia, co-authored with Arthur Butt, represents unprecedented comprehensive documentation of neuroglial biology. From historical perspectives to cutting-edge pathophysiology, it catalogues everything known about these enigmatic cells. Where will future researchers turn when exploring glial contributions to consciousness? How might this encyclopedic resource accelerate therapeutic development? Recognition from prestigious academies underscores his impact. Election to the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, Academia Europaea, and multiple European academies acknowledges contributions that reshape fundamental neuroscience understanding. Over 600 publications document discoveries that transform how we conceptualize brain function. Verkhratsky also published together with Chinese colleagues and Arthur Butt the only exciting textbook on neuroglia in Chinese (A. Verkhratsky, B. Li, S. Duan, Y.Tang & A. Butt, eds, 2023: [The Textbook of Glial cells, in Chinese], The People's Medical Publishing House, pp. 281, ISBN: 978-7-117-34321-3, url: https://www.brainmed.com/info/detail?id=45463). Yet Verkhratsky remains focused on practical applications. "Knowing pathophysiology makes finding the cure a technical issue," he argues. This pragmatic philosophy drives his diverse research portfolio. Each project contributes puzzle pieces toward comprehensive therapeutic strategies. The goal remains constant: restoring brain health through understanding and supporting glial function. Professor Alexei Verkhratsky's Genomic Press interview is part of a larger series called Innovators & Ideas that highlights the people behind today's most influential scientific breakthroughs. Each interview in the series offers a blend of cutting-edge research and personal reflections, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the scientists shaping the future. By combining a focus on professional achievements with personal insights, this interview style invites a richer narrative that both engages and educates readers. This format provides an ideal starting point for profiles that explore the scientist's impact on the field, while also touching on broader human themes. Democrats demand Trump resume major offshore wind project near Rhode Island Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 05:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) North Kingstown, Aug 25 (AP) A nearly complete wind farm off the coast of Rhode Island and Connecticut faces an uncertain future after the Trump administration abruptly halted construction, and the states Democratic governors, lawmakers and union workers called Monday for the president to reverse course. The administration said last week that the federal government needs to review the Revolution Wind project and address national security concerns. It did not specify what those concerns are. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management declined to comment further. Recommended Stories Separately, the bureau is working to cancel its prior approval of a wind farm off Marylands coast, with plans to act no later than Sept. 12, according to a US District Court filing. Revolution Winds developer, Danish energy company Orsted, is evaluating the financial impact of stopping construction and considering legal proceedings. In addition to hampering the states climate goals, losing out on all that renewable power could drive up electricity prices throughout the region, Democratic officials say. Its an attack on our jobs," Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said. Its an attack on our energy. Its an attack on our families and their ability to pay the bills." McKee and the states entire congressional delegation gathered at a beach area in North Kingstown, near the projects logistics and operations hub. Patrick Crowley, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, drew applause when he directed a message at President Donald Trump: Were going to fight you every step of the way no matter how long it takes." Meanwhile, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and the states U.S. senators spoke at State Pier in New London, where components for the wind farm are kept before being taken out to sea. The project is 80 per cent complete, with all the underwater foundations and 45 out of 65 turbines already installed. North Americas Building Trades Unions said Trump just fired 1,000 of our members" who were working on the project. Several people previously scheduled to go back to work on the wind farm this week were in the audience in North Kingstown. Xiomara Lux said she doesnt know if she has a job now. Antonio Gianfrancesco is worried about paying his bills and helping his family. Lucialino Gomes said this job is the best hes had. Tony Vaz, a rope access technician, asked the politicians to fight for the wind farm because we need to get out there and keep working." U.S. Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island disputed the administrations rationale for stopping the work. The Defense Department was involved in reviewing the project, as with all offshore wind development, to avoid conflicts with military operations and training. Its not about national security. Its about the presidents insecurity," said Reed, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trump has made sweeping strides to prioritize fossil fuels and hinder renewable energy projects. Those include reviewing wind and solar energy permits, canceling plans to use large areas of federal waters for new offshore wind development and stopping work on another offshore wind project for New York, although construction was later allowed to resume. Large, ocean-based wind farms are the linchpin of government plans to shift to renewable energy, particularly in East Coast states with large populations and limited land for wind turbines or solar arrays. Revolution Wind is expected to be Rhode Island and Connecticuts first large offshore wind farm, capable of powering more than 350,000 homes. Power would be provided at a rate of 9.8 cents per kilowatt-hour, locked in for 20 years. Thats cheaper than the average cost of electricity in New England. (AP) MNK MNK Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: August 26, 2025, 05:15 IST News agency-feeds Democrats demand Trump resume major offshore wind project near Rhode Island Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Lawyers to continue their strike against Delhi LGs notification Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 23:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], August 26 (ANI): Lawyers from All Delhi District Court Bar Association decided to continue their strike on Wednesday after a meeting of coordination committee of All Delhi Bar Associations on Tuesday, against a notification issued by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena which designates video conferencing rooms in police stations as authorised locations for recording evidence.Notably the lawyers are on strike since August 22. Lawyers from Patiala House Court marched at India Gate Circle in front of the court. Lawyers from Rouse Avenue court also marched near the Rouse Avenue court.It is stated by lawyers that they had a meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday.Committee member said that they met with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and also the other authorities, but no concrete results have been received yet. After the meeting of coordination committee, it has been decided to continue to completely abstain from work on 27.08.2025, in all District Courts of Delhi against the arbitrary notification dated 13.08.2025 issued by Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in defiance of the circular dated 15.07.2024 issued by Home Secretary Govt. of India.Lawyers also protested outside Tis Hazari court, Rohini Court, Karkardooma Court and other court also. It was said that if the notification is not withdrawn by Monday, lawyers shall be compelled to intensify the protest including gherao of LG house.Advocate Tarun Rana, Secretary New Delhi Bar Association (NDBA) and Additional Secretary General, Coordination Committee said that nothing concrete has been come out of meetings and therefore the strike will continue on Wednesday and will be intensified. There will a protest outside every court complex. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: August 26, 2025, 23:45 IST News agency-feeds Lawyers to continue their strike against Delhi LGs notification Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Made BPL card scheme more transparent, simpler: Nayab Saini Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 23:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Chandigarh, Aug 26 (PTI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday rubbished the oppositions claim of irregularity in issuing the Below-Poverty Line, or BPL, cards, saying his government only made the process more transparent and simpler. His response came to Congress MLA Shishpal Keharwalas allegation that more people were moved out from the BPL category than added, all in a short span of time. Recommended Stories Keharwala, who raised the matter in Question Hour in the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Haryana Assembly, demanded action against officials if this was their fault. The lawmaker had sought to know the number of new BPL cards issued and discontinued between January 1, 2024 and July 31, 2025, in the state, and the reason for cancellation. He had also sought to know the total number of BPL cards in Haryana as on March 31, 2025 and the number of BPL cards at present. In response, the government informed the House that 8,73,507 families were added to, and 9,68,506 families were moved out of the BPL category during the period. Families with an annual income of more than Rs 1.80 lakh become ineligible for BPL benefits as per government instructions, the Assembly was informed. The total number of families in the BPL category as on March 31, 2025, was 52,37,671. The number of families in the BPL category as of August 22, 2025, is 41,93,669, the government informed the House. Haryana Development and Panchayat Minister Krishan Lal Panwar said that the BPL beneficiaries are identified on the basis of annual family income recorded in the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) database by the Haryana Parivar Pehchan Authority. Saini said that when the opposition raised objections over BPL cards not being issued to poor families, the state government opened the portal for automatic verification, which allows any family to submit their income details. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He also clarified that the income details for BPL card-holders are automatically linked with the portal. The officers verify the data, and if a familys income is found to be higher than the eligibility limit, the card is automatically cancelled, the CM said. PTI SUN VN VN Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: August 26, 2025, 23:30 IST News agency-feeds Made BPL card scheme more transparent, simpler: Nayab Saini Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Nepali Hindu women observe Teej, sharing pain and anxiety Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 14:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Kathmandu [Nepal], August 26 (ANI): Nepali Hindu women are observing the festival of Teej, sharing pain and anxiety through songs along with a fast and praying for a prosperous life and perpetual luck.Hundreds of fasting Hindu women on Tuesday thronged the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, paying obeisance to Lord Shiva, following the age-old tradition.For the Teej, we took a bath and started fasting past midnight; before that, we ate only those foods considered sacred. Today, on the day of Teej, all fasting Hindu women refrain from eating or drinking anything, not even water, in observance of the long life of their husbands, a tradition that has continued for ages. As per the scriptures, Goddess Parvati also kept a similar kind of fast. Following our religious scripture, which mentions the fasting by Goddess Parvati and our grandmothers, mothers have been following this tradition, which we have continued," Bhima Subedi, a fasting Nepali Hindu devotee, told ANI.Women on this third day of dark half of the lunar month that falls in the Nepali month of Bhadra observe fasting and wish for a prosperous life while observing the festival. Soon after performing rituals at the temple, hundreds of fasting Nepali women gathered in the outer square, singing and dancing. Through the songs, women share their pain and sorrow about the hardships they have faced, accompanied by a blend of melody.We have kept fasting after bath and only having the foods that are considered pure. The fast will continue throughout the day, tomorrow morning we will break the fast," Parbati Panta, another fasting devotee, told ANI. Throughout the day we sing and dance, sisters scattered all across gather at one place, we would feast and share sorrows and pain with each other," Panta added.The Teej festival is also celebrated as Haritalika, Hindu Nepalese women offer prayers and worship at Pashupatinath Temple and other temples of Lord Shiva in other parts of the country.According to the Skanda Puran (a religious scripture of the Hindus), this festival got the name Haritalika Teej as it was on this very day in the Satya Yug (golden epoch of truth) that the daughter of the Himalayas, Parvati, was hidden by her maids because of her refusal to marry Lord Vishnu. A day before Teej on the night of the second day of the fortnight in the month of Bhadau, women enjoy a variety of delicious dishes known as Dar at their parental home where they are especially invited for this purpose. The women on the day of Teej are seen engrossed in jubilant dancing and singing in a carefree mood.Women put on bangles, Pote (a necklace made of glass beads), Tilahari and Sindur (crimson powder) considered the symbols of good luck and dress themselves up in red saris or other red outfits and adorn themselves with different kinds of ornaments.Women in the morning today take ritual baths and offer worship while in the evening they pay homage to Lord Shiva, light lamps and spend the night awake.The next day, the last day of the festival is marked by the women performing religious and traditional rituals such as the use of 108 stems of Datiwan (a kind of holy plant) while bathing using mud.They also worship the legendary Saptarishis (seven sages) and offer alms, thus completing the fast. Both married and unmarried women perform various pujas (worships) and observe fasting, praying for fulfillment of their wish for a happy and prosperous married life.As per the tradition, married women celebrate this festival wishing long life for their husbands while the unmarried women who worship Lord Shiva and Parvati are believed to find an eligible groom. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: August 26, 2025, 14:15 IST News agency-feeds Nepali Hindu women observe Teej, sharing pain and anxiety Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ugandan opposition figures question deal to receive deportees from US Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 15:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Kampala, Aug 26 (AP) Opposition figures and others in Uganda on Tuesday criticised an agreement with the United States to receive deported migrants, questioning the lack of parliamentary approval and charging that the deal eases political pressure on the countrys authoritarian president. After facing US sanctions that have targeted many government officials, including the parliamentary speaker, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni will be happy" to transact with Washington, said Ibrahim Ssemujju, a lawmaker who is a prominent opposition figure. He will be asking, When are you bringing them?" Ugandan officials have released few details about the agreement, although said they preferred to receive deportees of African origin and didnt want individuals with criminal records. Recommended Stories However, the country is being put forward as a possible location for high-profile detainee Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an El Salvador native who has been charged with human smuggling. Abrego Garcia, the subject of a protracted immigration saga, was detained on Monday by immigration officials in Baltimore, and the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that Abrego Garcia is being processed for removal to Uganda." Without parliamentary oversight, the whole scheme stinks," said Mathias Mpuuga, until recently the leader of the opposition in Ugandas national assembly. He said the agreement with the US left him a little perplexed" because Uganda is struggling to look after refugees fleeing violence in neighbouring countries. He suggested the agreement makes sense only as a matter of economic expediency" for the Ugandan government. It remains unclear precisely what Ugandan authorities are getting in return for accepting deportees. Ugandas attorney-general, as well as the government ministers in charge of refugees and internal affairs, were not immediately available for comment. Okello Oryem, the deputy minister in charge of international relations, told the AP that such a deal was complete rubbish" the day before his permanent secretary confirmed an agreement was in place to accept individuals who are reluctant to or may have concerns about returning to their countries of origin." Negotiators for the Ugandan side are believed to have been reporting directly to Museveni, an authoritarian leader who has been in power in the east African country since 1986. For much of his time in power, Museveni was widely seen as a strong US ally, especially for his support of counter-terrorism operations in Somalia when he deployed troops there to fight the al-Qaida-linked rebels of al-Shabab. But his cachet in Washington declined in recent years. The Biden administration piled pressure over corruption, LGBTQ rights concerns and other rights abuses, with a growing list of Ugandan officials facing sanctions. In addition to Speaker Anita Among, a key ally of Musevenis, Ugandan officials sanctioned by the US include the current prisons chief, a former police chief, a former deputy army commander, and some former government ministers. In 2023, reacting to US sanctions against Ugandan officials that followed the enactment of a law against homosexuality, Museveni told a gathering of government officials that he had no wish to visit the US. For Museveni, the deal with the US to accept deportees is desirable for political and perhaps economic reasons," said Marlon Agaba, the head of a leading anti-corruption group in Uganda. The deal eases pressure on Museveni and may come with trade opportunities, said Agaba, executive director of Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda. The Trump administration is about deals, about deal-making, and any strongman would welcome that," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Ssemujju, the opposition lawmaker, said he believed the matter should be handled by Parliament" and that the agreement is flawed without parliamentary authorisation. In July, the US deported five men with criminal backgrounds to the southern African kingdom of Eswatini and sent eight more to South Sudan. Rwanda has also said it will receive up to 250 migrants deported from the US. (AP) SCY SCY Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: August 26, 2025, 15:30 IST News agency-feeds Ugandan opposition figures question deal to receive deportees from US Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ugandans criticise deal with Trump administration to accept US deportees Last Updated: August 27, 2025, 02:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Kampala [Uganda], August 27 (ANI): Ugandans have criticised an agreement with United States President Donald Trumps administration to receive deportees from the US, questioning the absence of parliamentary approval and suggesting the deal is intended to ease political pressure on President Yoweri Museveni, Al Jazeera reported.After facing sanctions from Washington that have targeted several government officials, including the parliamentary speaker, opposition lawmaker Ibrahim Ssemujju said, Museveni will be happy" to transact with the US. He will be asking, When are you bringing them?'" according to Al Jazeera.Ugandan officials have released few details about the arrangement, but said they preferred deportees of African origin and would not accept individuals with criminal records. However, Uganda is being pushed as a deportation destination for high-profile detainee Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident and El Salvador native charged with human smuggling, Al Jazeera reported.Abrego Garcia, who has lived in the US for years with his American wife and children, has been under protected legal status since a judge ruled he could not be deported to El Salvador because of safety concerns. He was detained in Baltimore and the US Department of Homeland Security said he is being processed for removal to Uganda". His lawyers said he was severely beaten and psychologically tortured after being wrongly deported to El Salvadors CECOT mega-prison earlier this year, due to what US Justice Department lawyers admitted was an administrative error", Al Jazeera reported.Criticism has also come from within Ugandas political establishment. Without parliamentary oversight, the whole scheme stinks," said Mathias Mpuuga, until recently the leader of the opposition in Ugandas Parliament. He added that the deal left him a little perplexed" given Ugandas existing struggles to host refugees from neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Sudan.Al Jazeera further reported that analysts believe Ugandas agreement with Washington is driven by economic expediency" and a desire to secure trade opportunities. For political and perhaps economic reasons," Museveni views the arrangement as beneficial, said Marlon Agaba, executive director of the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda. The Trump administration is about deals, about deal-making, and any strongman would welcome that."Ugandas deputy foreign minister Okello Oryem dismissed reports of such a deal as complete rubbish". But a day later, his permanent secretary confirmed that an agreement was in place to accept individuals reluctant to or may have concerns about returning to their countries of origin", according to Al Jazeera.Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for four decades, was once regarded as a strong US ally for his support of counterterrorism efforts in Somalia. But his standing in Washington has declined in recent years due to corruption, LGBTQ rights concerns and human rights abuses, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: August 27, 2025, 02:15 IST News agency-feeds Ugandans criticise deal with Trump administration to accept US deportees Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Water level in Pong dam reaches 1,390 feet Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 21:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Hoshiarpur, Aug 26 (PTI) The water level in the Pong Dam reached its upper limit of 1,390 feet, following heavy rains in its catchment areas, officials said on Tuesday. According to officials, the discharge of water into the Shah Nehar Barrage was around 79,500 cusecs on Tuesday evening, while the Beas river was carrying nearly 1.48 lakh cusecs in the Mukerian subdivision. Recommended Stories The Pong Dams water level stood at 1,390.56 feet, with an inflow of about 2.33 lakh cusecs. Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal said in Gurdaspur district that incessant rains in the plains and in the Himalayas have filled all dams to capacity. The governments immediate priorities include protecting lives and property, minimising damage and delivering relief supplies to the affected populations, he said. Water of the swollen Beas river again inundated farmlands and villages, including Motla, Haler Janardhan, Sanial, Kolian, and Mehtabpur in the Mukerian subdivision of the Hoshiarpur district. Residents, who were relieved after the water receded on Monday, expressed worry about renewed flooding. In Kolian village, where water re-entered nearly 100 houses, residents were forced to evacuate again. About half of the villagers have shifted to safer places. Most of the crops in our fields have been destroyed, and floodwater rose to knee-deep level by afternoon," said David Masih, the husband of the village sarpanch. Mukerian Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ankur Mohindru said eight villages were affected by the floodwaters of the Beas. At present, water is entering the villages in small quantities, but it is rising gradually," he said. As a precautionary measure, about 60 residents of the Changarwan village near Talwara were shifted to a relief centre. The village lies close to the river, and water from the dam is expected to reach there quickly. Displaced families were being provided food by the Red Cross Society with the support of Unnati Cooperative Society, Talwara. Tanda SDM Parampreet Singh said the situation in the region was stable, except for Abdullapur, where water has entered homes. About 162 residents of Abdullapur, who earlier took shelter at a gurdwara in nearby Ibrahimpur, were shifted to the Government High School in Miani. Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain said the administration was closely monitoring the water level at the Pong dam in coordination with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the water resources department. The discharge is being regulated with technical precision," she said, adding that relief and rehabilitation operations were being carried out on a war footing. She said breaches have been noticed at some points in Motla, Mehtabpur and Haler Janardhan villages of Mukerian subdivision following a sudden surge in the Chakki Khad a tributary of the Beas River on Monday. Jain appealed to residents not to venture near the Beas river or adjoining low-lying areas. The district administration is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality," she said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, in view of the flood situation across Punjab, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Tuesday said it has established relief centres at various gurdwaras. Sharing this information in Amritsar, SGPC secretary Partap Singh said they have instructed the managers of different gurdwaras to establish relief centres and extend help to those in need. PTI COR JMS CHS NSD NSD Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: August 26, 2025, 21:30 IST News agency-feeds Water level in Pong dam reaches 1,390 feet Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Festive Season 2025: These Bike Firms Are Offering Benefits Up To 10,000, Booking At Just... Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 08:27 IST If youve been dreaming of buying a bike, Ganesh Chaturthi could be your best chance, as several big brands are introducing exciting festive deals. Many believe Ganesh Chaturthi is the best time to make new purchases. (Freepik/Representative Image) Ganesh Chaturthi is here, and the festive excitement is already in the air. Beyond prayers, sweets, and vibrant decorations, Ganeshotsav is also seen as a time for new beginnings. Many believe Bappas blessings bring prosperity, wisdom, and growth, making it an auspicious occasion for major purchases, especially vehicles. If youve been planning to buy a bike, now could be the perfect moment. Leading brands are rolling out special festive offers, with discounts of up to Rs 10,000 and easy bookings starting at just Rs 1,100. Hero MotoCorp The brand is giving buyers a chance to book their favourite ride for just Rs 1,100, making it simple to secure the model they want during the busy Ganesh Chaturthi season. Along with this, Hero is also offering low down payment options, along with 0% interest, which means the payments can be spread out comfortably without extra charges. On top of that, there are cashback benefits of up to Rs 5,000 on selected models. Recommended Stories Yamaha Yamaha has some of the most attractive deals this festive season. Buyers can enjoy a 10-year warranty on spot booking, along with a discount of up to Rs 2,000 on accessories and an exchange bonus of up to Rs 2,000. In total, you can save over Rs 4,000 on your new purchase. To explore more exciting festive offers, all you need to do is visit your nearest Yamaha dealership. TVS This Ganesh Chaturthi, TVS is making it special for bike lovers with exclusive festive benefits. On every purchase, customers will get a free gift worth Rs 3,000 along with a free helmet worth Rs 2,000. But hurry, the deal is valid only till 27th August. Honda Honda is giving their customers to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with exciting offers. Buyers can get a discount of Rs 10,000 on their new bike purchase. There is an additional corporate discount of up to Rs 5.000, which gives you a chance to save even more. Bajaj One of the most trusted vehicle brands in India, is making this festive season even more special with huge discounts and multiple benefits. Buyers can enjoy discounts like Rs 4,000 off on the Pulsar CF125, Rs 2,500 off on the Pulsar NS125, Rs 3,000 off on the Pulsar 150 and Rs 5000 off on both the Pulsar N160 and NS160. The Pulsar NS200 also comes with a Rs 5,000 discount, while the Pulsar N250, RS200 and NS400 can get discounts up to Rs 3000. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Along with the price cuts, customers will also get free own damage insurance for the first year and benefit from 0% processing charges on selected finance options. Triumph This Ganeshotsav, Triumph is making celebrations even more special with exciting festive offers. Enjoy 2 free services and a 5-year extended warranty on your purchase. Ride home the Speed 400 at Rs 2.50 lakh, the Speed T4 at Rs 2.06 lakh, or the Scrambler 400X at Rs 2.67 lakh, and begin your new journey with Bappas blessings. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 08:27 IST News auto Festive Season 2025: These Bike Firms Are Offering Benefits Up To 10,000, Booking At Just... Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Maruti Suzuki To MG Motors, Have You Checked These Attractive Ganesh Chaturthi Offers On Cars Yet? Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 10:40 IST If youve been planning to buy a new car, then this festive season may just be the right time, as several big companies are giving massive offers on their vehicles. Honda Cars India Ltd is running their The Great Honda Fest in August 2025. (Representative Image/Pexels) Ganesh Chaturthi, the Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, is one of the most auspicious occasions in India and marks a time of new beginnings. It inspires the people to embrace the future with hope, courage and wisdom. And with the festival just being around the corner, it might be the best time for you to bring home your new car. If youve been planning to buy a new car, then this festive season may just be the right time, as several big companies are giving massive offers on their vehicles. Recommended Stories MG Motors According to Hindustan Times Auto, during Ganesh Chaturthi 2025, MG, the British automotive company, is giving benefits up to Rs 4 Lakh across its models like the MG Comet EV, MG ZS EV, MG Hector, MG Astor and the MG Gloster. The MG Comet EV is one of the smallest EVs available in the country. The company is providing a discount of up to Rs 56,000 on the vehicle. The Comet EV starts at Rs 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom) with the new Battery as a Service (BaaS) model, which MG previously launched for several of its vehicles. On the other hand, MG is giving up to Rs 1.10 lakh on the ICE counterpart to the ZS EV, the MG Astor. The MG Astors ex-showroom price was recently reduced to a starting Rs 9.99 lakh as part of the manufacturers sixth anniversary festivities. The MG Hector, like the Astor, also received a special 6th anniversary pricing for the Sharp Pro MT model, bringing it down to Rs 19.59 lakh (ex-showroom). And, on Ganesh Chaturthi, the MG Hector receives an additional cash bonus of up to Rs 1.15 lakh. Honda Honda Cars India Ltd is running their The Great Honda Fest in August 2025, bringing exclusive benefits on popular models like the Honda Amaze, City and Elevate, giving customers more value and an opportunity to own a Honda during this auspicious period. The Honda City comes with combined advantages of up to Rs 1,07,300 across all grades. The City e: HEV hybrid version offers savings of Rs 96,000 across all variants. For those planning to buy the Honda Elevate, you can get a benefit up to Rs 1.22 Lakh, with the top-end ZX model offering the most benefits. On the other hand, the second-generation Amaze offers benefits of Rs 77,200. Maruti Suzuki During this festive month, Maruti Suzuki is offering discounts of up to Rs 2 lakh on several models, including the Jimny, Swift, WagonR, Invicto and Grand Vitara. Jimny, the successor of the iconic Gypsy in India, comes in Alpha and Zeta models in the country, and during this month, Maruti Suzuki is offering savings of up to Rs 1 lakh on the Alpha variant of the Jimny, as per Times Drive. However, on the Swift AMT variants, the company is offering savings of up to Rs 1.1 lakh, while the WagonR LXi variant is being offered with savings of up to Rs 1.15 lakh. If youre planning to buy an MPV and SUV, the Maruti Suzuki Invicto and Grand Vitara are offering savings of up to Rs 1.25 lakhs and Rs 2 lakhs, respectively. Hyundai During this month, Hyundai is giving discounts of up to Rs 4 lakh for the month of August 2025. For the Grand i10 Nios, as per CarDekho.com, customers can get an exchange bonus of up to Rs 30,000, an additional discount of Rs 25,000 and a similar bonus on the Hyundai Exter. Additionally, the company is offering heavy discounts on cars like Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Alcazar, Hyundai Creta and Hyundai Verna, among others. The Hyundai Ioniq 2024 model, on the other hand, comes with up to Rs 4 lakh cash discount. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, it is advised to contact the car manufacturers to get more information regarding the discounts. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 10:40 IST News auto Maruti Suzuki To MG Motors, Have You Checked These Attractive Ganesh Chaturthi Offers On Cars Yet? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Big Day For Maruti Suzuki As PM Modi Launches Its First Global... | Exciting Details Here Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 12:13 IST PM Modi flagged off Maruti Suzukis first made-in-India e-VITARA EV exports to over 100 countries from Gujarat. PM Modi also inaugurated the local production of hybrid battery electrodes in Gujarat. (Photo Source: Official Website) Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Maruti Suzukis manufacturing facility in Ahmedabad today, August 26, to mark a landmark moment for Indias electric mobility push. At the Hansalpur plant, he inaugurated the local production of hybrid battery electrodes and officially launched the export of Marutis first global battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e-VITARA, to more than 100 countries, including advanced markets like Japan and parts of Europe. These strides signal Indias growing leadership in sustainable automotive manufacturing. Recommended Stories PM Modi described the event as a pivotal day in Indias pursuit of self-reliance and its journey toward becoming a green mobility powerhouse. Today is a special day in Indias quest for self-reliance and being a hub for green mobility. At the programme in Hansalpur, e-VITARA will be flagged off. This Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is made in India and will be exported to over a hundred nations. In a big boost to our battery ecosystem, production of hybrid battery electrodes will also commence at a plant in Gujarat," PM Modi said on X (formerly Twitter). Check his post here: Today is a special day in Indias quest for self-reliance and being a hub for green mobility. At the programme in Hansalpur, e-VITARA will be flagged off. This Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is made in India and will be exported to over a hundred nations. In a big boost to our Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 26, 2025 Marutis e-VITARA will be manufactured in India and sent to over 100 countries With this launch, Maruti Suzuki has officially made India the global manufacturing hub for its electric vehicles. The e-VITARA, unveiled earlier this year, will be assembled at the Hansalpur plant and shipped to destinations worldwide, demonstrating Indias growing capabilities in high-tech, sustainable auto manufacturing. India begins local production of hybrid battery electrodes In a boost to the domestic battery industry, PM Modi also inaugurated the production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant, a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki. This facility will manufacture roughly 80 per cent of the battery components locally, a major step toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat in clean energy technology. Key features of the Maruti e-VITARA make it a standout EV The e-VITARA is a compact electric SUV with a futuristic design and modern features. It offers two battery options, 49 kWh and 61 kWh, with a driving range of up to 500 km per charge. The power output ranges from around 142 to 172 bhp, depending on the battery pack. The SUV is packed with tech, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), an industry first for Maruti. Safety features also include 7 airbags, electronic stability control, and a 360-degree camera setup. Price and launch schedule in India The e-VITARA is expected to launch in India around September this year, with prices estimated between Rs 17 lakh and Rs 22.5 lakh. Maruti Suzukis strong manufacturing and export performance top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In FY25, Maruti Suzuki sold 19.01 lakh units domestically and exported over 3.32 lakh vehicles globally, as per NDTV. The e-VITARAs production marks the next phase in the companys expansion into EVs, backed by its substantial manufacturing footprint with a capacity of 2.6 million units across four plants. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 12:11 IST News auto Big Day For Maruti Suzuki As PM Modi Launches Its First Global... | Exciting Details Here Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Where Did Indias First Plane Land? Not Mumbai Or Delhi But In This Small Town Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 25, 2025, 16:40 IST Indias first flight, an airmail service, debuted in UP. The Humber biplane touched down near Naini after arriving in over 100 packages Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google The pilot was Henry Picquet, who flew the Humber Biplane carrying 6,500 letters, establishing a world record as the first airmail flight globally. (News18) Do you know where the first aeroplane landed in India? Where did it take off from? How many people were on board? What type of aircraft was it? And why did it set a world record as soon as it took flight? This plane flew only six miles, remained airborne for a few minutes, and travelled at a speed that could be outrun on foot. You might be curious about how it landed in a small town in Uttar Pradesh, after arriving from overseas, astonishing people who had never seen anything like it before. Until then, it was believed humans could not fly. Recommended Stories The Historic Flight: Allahabad To Naini This historic event occurred 114 years ago, on February 18, 1911, when the plane landed in Naini, a town near Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh. The flight began at Allahabad and covered six miles (9.6 kilometres) to Naini in 13 minutes. The aircraft was a Humber Biplane, the first to arrive and fly in India. Speed And Significance The average speed was approximately 40 to 45 miles per hour (64 to 72 km/h), typical for early aeroplanes of that era. It ran on special aviation petrol and was slower than a bus; even a swift runner could have outrun it on the ground. Its key achievement was simply the ability to fly. The flight marked the first commercial airmail service in India, symbolising a major milestone. The Pilot And The Historic Mail Flight The pilot was Henry Picquet, who flew the Humber Biplane carrying 6,500 letters, establishing a world record as the first airmail flight globally. The journey began at the Polo Ground in Allahabad and ended at Naini Junction. How Did The Plane Reach India? The British and Colonial Aeroplane Company shipped the plane to India in 1911 to display it at the UP Exhibition and the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. It arrived by sea in over 100 parcels, which British engineers painstakingly assembled over several days, attracting many onlookers. A Crowd Witnesses History When the plane finally took flight in Prayagraj, around 100,000 people gathered to watch. At the time, Allahabad was a significant British administrative and military centre. The event was organised by the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company, with planning and permission from British postal authorities, notably Colonel Y. Windham. The Plane And Its Features The Humber Biplane was a two-seater, but only the pilot flew that day, as it was intended to transport mail rather than passengers. Powered by a 50-horsepower piston engine, the planes fuel tank held between 30 and 50 litres of aviation-grade petrol, enough for the 13-minute journey. Indias First Chartered And International Flights Indias first chartered passenger flight occurred on October 15, 1932, when J.R.D. Tata piloted Tata Airlines maiden journey from Karachi to Mumbai. Around this time, Indias first airstrip was constructed, providing a proper runway for take-offs and landings. The countrys first international flight took place on June 8,1948, with Air India flying from Mumbai to London, carrying 35 passengers. About The Humber Biplane top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Designed and built by the Humber Motor Company in Britain, the Humber Biplane featured two main wings stacked vertically for added lift and stability. Powered by a piston engine and controlled by the pilot, it was primarily used for experimental flights. Although it paved the way for future aircraft in India, it was eventually retired due to technical and commercial limitations. Location : Uttar Pradesh, India, India First Published: August 25, 2025, 16:40 IST News auto Where Did Indias First Plane Land? Not Mumbai Or Delhi But In This Small Town Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Stocks To Watch: BPCL, Paytm, IndusInd Bank, IREDA, IDBI Bank, LIC, Tata Motors, And Others Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 07:58 IST Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like BPCL, Paytm, IndusInd Bank, IREDA, IDBI Bank, LIC, Tata Motors, and others will be in focus on Tuesday's trade Stocks to Watch (Source: Freepik) Stocks to Watch on August 26, 2025: Indian equities opened the week on a firm note, with benchmark indices gaining nearly half a percent on Monday, supported by favorable global cues. In todays trade, several stocks are likely to remain in focus owing to company-specific developments and announcements. Protean eGov Tech Recommended Stories Protean eGov Technologies secured a work order worth around 1,160 crore from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). IndusInd Bank With veteran banker Rajiv Anand officially assuming charge as Chief Executive Officer, the private lender announced the dissolution of its interim management committee. Vodafone Idea Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani clarified that the telecom department has no plans to provide any relief to Vodafone Idea regarding adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. BPCL Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) is evaluating the establishment of a greenfield oil refinery and petrochemical complex near Ramayapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh to meet Indias growing energy demand. Paytm The Board has approved additional investments of 300 crore in its subsidiary Paytm Money and 155 crore in Paytm Services through a rights issue. IREDA Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) has set a revenue target of 8,200 crore for FY26 after signing a performance-based MoU with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Tata Motors The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai Bench, has approved Tata Motors Composite Scheme of Arrangement. Sai Life Sciences According to reports, TGP Asia is expected to sell up to a 14.72% stake (3.07 crore shares) in Sai Life Sciences via a block deal. LIC / IDBI Bank SEBI has approved Life Insurance Corporations (LIC) reclassification as a public shareholder in IDBI Bank, aligning with the governments strategic divestment process. RailTel Corporation The Navratna PSU expects stable growth in its telecom services segment, with faster expansion anticipated in its projects business. Muthoot Finance top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The NBFC has invested 200 crore in its housing finance arm, Muthoot Homefin (India) Ltd, to expand operations across more than 250 cities. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, ... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 07:58 IST News business markets Stocks To Watch: BPCL, Paytm, IndusInd Bank, IREDA, IDBI Bank, LIC, Tata Motors, And Others Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Vodafone Idea Shares Tumble 10% As Government Rules Out AGR Relief; Details Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 11:28 IST Vodafone Idea shares came under heavy selling pressure on Tuesday after the government ruled out extending any relief package Vodafone Idea Shares Vodafone Idea Shares Fall: Vodafone Idea shares came under heavy selling pressure on Tuesday after the government ruled out extending any relief package to the struggling telecom operator. The stock fell over 6 per cent in intraday trade on the BSE, touching a low of Rs 6.9 per share, its sharpest single-day decline in weeks. At 10:05 AM, Vodafone Idea was down 9 per cent. The statement comes amid ongoing concerns about the companys financial health and its ability to manage its obligations. Recommended Stories The latest development has heightened concerns over the companys already precarious financial position. Vodafone Idea continues to grapple with high debt levels, stiff competition from rivals Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, and outstanding dues linked to adjusted gross revenue (AGR). The governments stance signals that the telco will have to rely on internal measures, fundraising, or market partnerships to stay afloat, rather than expect a bailout. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is not considering any fresh concessions for Vodafone Idea beyond the measures already extended, according to Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani. He highlighted that the government has already converted a significant portion of the telcos dues into equity and there are no proposals under discussion for further relief. The government became Vodafone Ideas single-largest shareholder after converting Rs 36,950 crore of spectrum dues into equity in March. A similar step was taken in 2023, when it acquired around a 33% stake against dues worth Rs 16,000 crore. Despite these measures, Vodafone Idea has admitted in court filings that survival without government support remains uncertain. As of June 2025, the companys adjusted gross revenue (AGR) liability stood at about Rs 75,000 crore. Repayments are scheduled to begin in six instalments once the moratorium ends on March 31, 2026, raising concerns over cash flow and fundraising. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Separately, Pemmasani confirmed that spectrum pricing discussions for satellite communication (satcom) services are ongoing, with firms such as Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb in the fray. He also clarified that operators will be required to host Indian user data domestically and cannot use foreign gateways. Shares of Vodafone Idea closed 4.7% higher at Rs 7.40 on the BSE on Monday. About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, ... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 09:49 IST News business markets Vodafone Idea Shares Tumble 10% As Government Rules Out AGR Relief; 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... Bengaluru Labourer Assaulted By Unidentified Men For Wearing Saffron Shawl, FIR Lodged Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 11:14 IST A labourer was assaulted in Shankarapuram area in Bengaluru for reportedly wearing a saffron shawl. A non-cognizable report (NCR) was registered at the Kalasipalya police station (Image: PTI/file photo) A man was allegedly assaulted by a group of two unidentified assailants in Shankarapuram area of Bengaluru on Sunday night. The man was beaten up for reportedly wearing a saffron shawl. The victim has been identified as Surendra Kumar who works as a labourer. According to a report in India Today, Kumar is employed with a travel company. Recommended Stories According to a complaint filed the owner of a travel company, Kumar was loading and unloading goods at around 9.30 pm on Sunday when two assailants confronted him about the shawl. When the company owner intervened, he too was allegedly assaulted as the accused men tore his clothes. Then then attackers, verbally abused Surendra and physically assaulted him. The report mentioned that the attackers asked the victim why he was wearing a saffron towel" using foul language, before pushing him. The attackers asked Surendra to remove it before fleeing the spot. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Initially, a non-cognizable report (NCR) was registered at the Kalasipalya police station but after the circulation of video related to the incident, the report was converted into an FIR. Police have launched an investigation into the matter. More details are awaited. India Today cited the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) West, Girish, as saying that an FIR was registered and police have arrested three persons in connection with the case. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 11:09 IST News bengaluru-news Bengaluru Labourer Assaulted By Unidentified Men For Wearing Saffron Shawl, FIR Lodged Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Named After Indias 1st Public Heart Institution, This Is The Tallest & Largest Metro Station In... Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 15:57 IST The station will have 12 entry and exit points labelled A to L, the highest number in the Namma Metro network. The station is named after Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research. (Photo Source: X) You must be living under a rock if you havent heard about Bengalurus tallest and largest metro station. And, guess what? It will be positioned right next to the famous Jayadeva Hospital. Constructed at a cost of Rs 130 crore, this multi-level elevated station will serve as a key transit hub for commuters once operational. The station is named after Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Indias first public heart institution to receive NABH Accreditation from the Quality Council of India in September 2015. Recommended Stories Interchange Station Jayadeva Hospital Metro Station will be a double-elevated interchange station on Namma Metros North-South corridor that will connect the Yellow Line and the upcoming Pink Line. Commuters will be able to board trains towards RV Road or Bommasandra from the Yellow Line platforms while interchange facilities for the Pink Line will open once its section from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara becomes operational. Location And Name The station is named after the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research. It serves key areas such as including MICO Layout (BTM), Gurappanapalya, Jayanagar and JP Nagar 3rd Phase. The station is easy to reach for people living nearby and those visiting the hospital. Structure The Jayadeva Hospital Metro Station rises across five levels: Level 1: Road underpass that connects Bannerghatta Road and Dairy Circle Level 2: Surface level road crossing for vehicles Level 3: Elevated road from Ragigudda to Central Silk Board Level 4: Yellow Line platforms Level 5: Pink Line platforms The concourse will feature ticket counters, AFC gates and administrative offices. Tallest Metro Station Once operational, Jayadeva Hospital Metro Station will be the tallest metro station in the country, standing at 29.1 meters high. It will also be Bengalurus first multi-level elevated interchange. Entrances And Accessibility The station will have 12 entry and exit points labeled A to L, the highest number in the Namma Metro network. Each zone has a lift and all entrances are equipped with wheelchair accessibility for easy movement. Operations The Yellow Line was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1. It is the 19.15-km corridor that links RV Road to Bommasandra. The Pink Line interchange is yet to be launched. Once the Pink Line section from Kalena Agrahara to Nagawara becomes operational, the station will function as a full interchange for both lines. Passenger Traffic After both the Yellow and Pink Lines are fully operational, the station is expected to serve 80,000 to 90,000 passengers daily. Nearby Amenities top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The station is well-connected to city buses via stops like Jayadeva Hospital and Jayadeva Junction. Commuters can also find auto-rickshaws and taxis nearby for last-mile connectivity. For food and shopping, there are popular eateries such as Cremeux Pizza & Bakery Cafe, AL-BEK, Kabab Magic and Appu Mushroom Dum Biryani. Go Bowl Gopalan Innovation Mall is within walking distance for shopping needs. First Published: August 26, 2025, 15:57 IST News bengaluru-news Named After Indias 1st Public Heart Institution, This Is The Tallest & Largest Metro Station In... Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Dagdusheth Ganpati 2025: Pandal Theme, Aarti Time, History And Significance Of Pune's Iconic Ganesha Temple Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 16:58 IST Pune Dagdusheth Ganpati 2025: The Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust has unveiled a theme that honours Indias cultural mosaic recreating Kerala's Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Pune's Dagdusheth Ganpati is clebrating its 133rd Ganeshotsav this year. (Image: X/dagdushethg) Pune Dagdusheth Ganpati 2025: As Maharashtra gets ready for Ganesh Chaturthi, Pune is ready to welcome its iconic Dagdusheth Ganpati for the ten-day Ganeshotsav with unmatched splendour. Celebrating its 133rd festival this year, the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust has unveiled a theme that honours Indias cultural mosaic recreating the sacred Padmanabhaswamy Temple of Kerala. A soaring five-tiered gopuram, an octagonal sanctum, and elaborate figures drawn from Krishna Leela and the Ramayana all come together to blend artistry with devotion on a grand scale. Theme Of Dagdusheth Ganpati Pandal 2025 Recommended Stories This year, the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati Trust has unveiled an extraordinary theme: a majestic recreation of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, blending Keralas Dravidian architecture with Maharashtras festive grandeur. The elaborate pandal will include a five-tiered gopuram, over 500 sculpted figures of deities, sages, mythical scenes from Krishna Leela and the Ramayana, and an ornate octagonal sanctum housing idols of Vishnu-Lakshmi, Shiva-Parvati, Krishna, and Narasimha. Measuring approximately 120 feet long, 90 feet wide, and 100 feet tall, its a breathtaking tribute to the architectural splendour of Thiruvananthapurams revered temple. Also Read: Lalbaugcha Raja 2025: Mumbais Beloved Bappa Has Arrived, Things To Know Before Visiting Pandal This theme symbolises unity in diversity. Aarti Timings Morning Aarti (Suprabhatam): 7:30 AM to 7:45 AM. Naivedyam Aarti: 1:30 PM to 1:45 PM. Madhyana Aarti: 3:00 PM to 3:15 PM. Maha Aarti (Evening): 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Shejarti (Night): 10:30 PM to 10:45 PM. History of Dagdusheth Temple and Ganeshotsav Over The Years Beneath its awe-inspiring facade, the centuries-old temple still carries the emotional legacy of its founders. Dagdusheth Halwai, stricken by the grief of losing his only son to plague, found solace in creating a Ganesha shrine an act which ultimately became Punes most beloved public temple. In the late ninetheenth century, Dagdusheth Halwai, a prominent sweet-maker and wrestler in Pune, suffered the tragic loss of his only son to a plague. Guided by his guru, he and his wife Laxmibai installed a Ganesha idol in his memory, marking the humble beginnings of what would become one of Punes most cherished shrines. The first idol, created in 1893 by sculptor Baburao Naik using papier-mache and jaggery glue at a modest cost, was installed by Lokmanya Tilak. That original idol is preserved today at the Akara Maruti Mandir. Over time, the idol has been replaced first by Dagdusheths adopted nephew Govindsheth, and later by Dattatray Govindsheth, whose Navasacha Ganpati" remains the current presiding deity. Beyond religious reverence, the temple and its governing Trust have become a hub for philanthropy operating an old-age home, educational initiatives, ambulance services, and clinics for tribal communities. Why Dagdusheth Ganpati Is So Popular Historical and emotional roots: Born from profound personal grief, the temple became a symbol of solace, hope, and communal bonding. As Lokmanya Tilak promoted public Ganesh festival celebrations helped transform it into a platform for cultural unity during the freedom struggle. Spectacular artistry and devotion: The Ganesha idol itself is lavishly adorned with around 40 kg of gold, visible even from outside the simple yet impactful temple structure. The grandeur and accessibility draw hundreds of thousands of devotees, especially during Ganeshotsav. Cultural beacon and social impact: Through festivals, charitable works, cultural performances, and public outreach, the temple bridges devotion with community upliftment and civic pride. Ganpati Bappa Moreya top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As Ganeshotsav sweeps Maharashtra, cities and towns will light up in saffron, echoing with drumbeats, hymns, and chants of Ganpati Bappa Moreya." The festival is a vivid tapestry of music, tradition, and communal unity. In this powerful festive tide, the Dagdusheth Ganpati, with its Kerala-inspired pandal, stands not just as a spectacle but as a radiant symbol of spiritual harmony and aesthetic celebration. 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, ... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 16:58 IST News cities Dagdusheth Ganpati 2025: Pandal Theme, Aarti Time, History And Significance Of Pune's Iconic Ganesha Temple Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Europe has long held a pivotal role in the global automotive landscape. As the birthplace of the automotive industry, this region has nurtured numerous internationally renowned brands and remains a vital hub for technological innovation and industry competition. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), automobile sales in Europeincluding the EU, the UK, and EFTA countriesreached 12.96 million units in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 0.9%. Sales of new energy passenger vehicles hit 2.95 million units, with a market penetration rate of 22.7%. Europe and Asia, as each other's core strategic markets, have strong complementary advantages in the automotive industry and enormous potential for cooperation. Currently, both sides are accelerating innovation in areas such as electrification transformation, intelligent mobility solutions, and the construction of green value chains. Cross-border collaboration is driving the entire industry chain toward deeper win-win development. An increasing number of Eurasian automakers are achieving mutual empowerment through technical cooperation, joint research and development, and localized operations, which not only promotes regional industrial upgrading but also reshapes the global automotive industry ecosystem. This forum will convene industry leaders from China, Europe, and key Asian markets (Japan, Korea, India) to address critical topics including: -Pathways for Eurasia automotive industrial synergy -Breakthroughs in intelligent connectivity and electrification -Sustainable supply chain architecture -Win-win models for cross-regional market development Through thought leadership exchanges and best practice sharing, we aim to catalyze a new era of technology collaboration, ecosystem integration, and joint market expansion across Eurasia. Keynote Speech Description At 2025 Europe-Asia Automobile Innovation Forum, Telenor IoT will present their new automotive offering: IoT Drive. Cellular connectivity is a highly critical enabler for automotive OEMs to leverage on the opportunity of software defined, next generation vehicles. But the landscape of cellular connectivity is very complex and quickly evolving, posing demand for new kinds of knowledge, and introducing new challenges. Join Marie Hogberg, Head of Automotive, and Kelvin Pan, General Manager, China at Telenor IoT, for an insightful session where they present these challenges and how Telenor IoT can help automotive OEMs to tackle them: - Global connectivity orchestration - Keeping up with the rapidly changing regulatory landscape - How technical decisions impact business - Lifecycle operational management Telenor IoT is the portfolio of IoT solutions from Telenor Group, one of the world's major mobile operators. With more than 20 years' experience of providing global IoT connectivity, cloud services and expert support to companies of all sizes, Telenor is one of the world's most advanced IoT solution providers. Telenor IoT manages international IoT deployments for global customers in some 200 countries and today operates more than 25 million connected devices to enterprises such as Volvo, Scania, Hitachi, Verisure and Husqvarna. The IoT solutions are offered to national customers in the Nordics through the local Telenor operations in each country, and on a global level through Telenor Connexion, Telenor's specialized unit that provides IoT solutions for large, international enterprises who need a customized offer with advanced support. Key Products Product Name: IoT Connect (Managed Connectivity Services) Telenor's Managed Connectivity Services enable enterprises to connect, operate and monitor their connected devices. With IoT Connect you get access to a local mobile network or to more than 500 networks across the world with only one point of contact. IoT Connect is available in different versions, ranging from more basic versions suitable for connecting just a few devices, to customized managed IoT connectivity solutions with all the tools and dedicated IoT expert support needed to connect millions of devices. At IAA Mobility 2025, Telenor IoT will launch the new solution for the automotive sector, IoT Drive. Information ThemeEurope-Asia Automobile Innovation Forum: Winning Markets Through Ecosystem Collaboration DateSeptember 11th (local time) LocationRoom 14a, International Congress Center Messe Munchen, Germany Agenda Registration Scan the QR code for registration VIPFree This ticket type is open to OEMs and professionals in the automotive supply chain industry, subject to approval by the organizer. Registration will need approval from the organizer. SVIP8,000) Includes dinner. Reserved front-row seat. Click to view event details Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Devotees Sleep On Pavements For Early Darshan Of Lalbaugcha Raja | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 23:33 IST Lakhs of Mumbaikars stand in long queues every year to get a glimpse of the iconic idol in Mumbai during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Devotees waiting in queues to catch a glimpse of Mumbai's iconic Lalbaugcha Raja during Ganesh Chaturthi. (Instagram/PTI) As the nation prepares to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with great pomp and fervour, countless devotees have already begun lining up some even spending the night on pavements to be among the first to catch a glimpse of Mumbais iconic Lalbaugcha Raja during its first darshan tomorrow. A viral video showed devotees lying on the pavements and setting up sleeping bags in anticipation of the darshan tomorrow morning. Lakhs of Mumbaikars stand in long queues every year to get a glimpse of the iconic idol. Recommended Stories The Ganapati festival, beginning August 27, is a major celebration in Maharashtra and across the country. Ganeshotsav spans ten days of joyous celebrations, elaborate rituals, and other festivities and concludes with the grand visarjan, where Lord Ganesha idols are immersed in water bodies amidst chants of Ganpati Bappa Morya and beats of dhol. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarikka S. Dessai (@dsarika) Lalbaugcha Raja is one of the most revered Ganesha idols during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in the Lalbaug area of Mumbai. It is one of Mumbais most visited pandals, from commoners to high-profile celebrities. On August 24, the eagerly awaited first look of Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled. The idol stands at approximately 18-20 feet tall, adorned with gold ornaments and intricate decorations, making it one of the tallest Ganesh idols in Mumbai. ALSO READ: Lalbaugcha Raja: What Are Aarti, Pandal Timings? Can Devotees Get Darshan, Prasad Online? The tradition of Lalbaugcha Raja began in 1934 and has since become one of the most respected Ganeshotsavs in India. Many believe that this idol of Lord Ganesha has the power to fulfill wishes, which is why devotees stand in long queues for darshan. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to local legend, during a period of upheaval, fishermen and traders in the area turned to their beloved deity, Lord Ganesha, seeking assistance. In response to their prayers, they were gifted a plot of land that now forms the bustling Lalbaug market. The community viewed this gift as a divine blessing from Lord Ganesha. The idols unveiling takes place with much fanfare during Pran Pratishthapana, marking the start of darshan. This unveiling is covered by all national and regional channels. Over the years, the scale and grandeur of these celebrations have expanded significantly. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 23:33 IST News mumbai-news Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Devotees Sleep On Pavements For Early Darshan Of Lalbaugcha Raja | 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... Lalbaugcha Raja: What Are Aarti, Pandal Timings? Can Devotees Get Darshan, Prasad Online? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 16:59 IST Mumbai Lalbaugcha Raja 2025 Live Streaming: What are the types of darshans? What are the types of queues? Are there any passes? What are the aarti timings? Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Lalbaugcha Raja first look was unveiled on Sunday. (PTI) Lalbaugcha Raja 2025 Darshan Live Streaming: Lalbaugcha Raja is synonymous with Mumbais Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. For any devotees, the festival seems incomplete without tracking the minor details of the pandal, idol and even the celebrity visits. What are the types of darshans? What are the types of queues? Are there any passes? What are the aarti timings? Recommended Stories Lalbaugcha Raja: How many days will the pandal hold celebrations? The celebrations will start on August 27. The visarjan will be on September 6, 2025, but the darshan closes the previous day. Lalbaugcha Raja: Darshan timings 5am to 11 pm. Lalbaugcha Raja: Types of darshans Mukh Darshan (viewing the face) Charan Sparsha / Navsachi Line (touching the feet) Live Darshan Online: Available 247 through the official website, YouTube, and social media. EXPLAINED: Lalbaugcha Raja 2025: Mumbais Beloved Bappa Has Arrived, Things To Know Before Visiting Pandal Lalbaugcha Raja: Aarti & Pooja Schedule Morning puja: 6-7 am Morning aarti: 7-7.30 am (lasting 15-30 minutes) Afternoon pooja and aarti: 12 noon to 2pm Evening: 7-8 pm (aarti lasting 15-30 minutes) Night aarti: 10-10.30 pm View this post on Instagram A post shared by LalbaugchaRaja (@lalbaugcharaja) Lalbaugcha Raja: Entry Gates Siddhi Gate: Free, general entry Riddhi Gate: While many claim there are paid entry options for Rs 200 or Rs 500, there are no official VIP passes, according to the mandal. The mandal clearly states no VIP passes are officially offered, so beware of third-party scams or misinformation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LalbaugchaRaja (@lalbaugcharaja) Lalbaugcha Raja: Is prasad available online? Online prasad delivery is available via JioMart (Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane): Typically includes two laddus. How to reach Lalbaugcha Raja? What is the easiest way to travel? From Mumbai Suburban Railway: Depending on your starting point, choose from three major railway stations: Byculla Station (Central Railway line): 10-15 minutes walk to the pandal. Easy crowd movement if arriving early in the day. Currey Road Station (Central Railway line): Short walk to Lalbaug. Less crowded than Dadar during peak hours. Lower Parel Station (Western Railway line): 20-25 minutes walk or 5-10 minutes by auto. Slightly longer walk but scenic. Dadar Station (Western and Central Railway line): Major hub, but heavily crowded during the festival. Use only if other options are inaccessible. By BEST Bus: Buses heading towards Parel, Byculla, or Lalbaug stop nearby. Bus routes vary due to traffic diversions during Ganpati. Check live routes using the Chalo App or Mumbai BEST website. By auto or taxi: Take a cab or rickshaw to Lalbaug Market or Lalbaugcha Raja. Be prepared to walk a bit due to traffic restrictions and barricades during peak hours. On foot: Expect to walk 500 meters to 2 km, depending on the crowd and barricading. Lalbaugcha Raja waiting time: Crowd & Queue Navsachi (Charan Sparsha) line: Typically 25-40 hours on peak days Mukh Darshan line: Approximately 3-4 hours, possibly longer on busier days Peak Crowd Tips: Early mornings (5-9 AM) and late nights (after 10 PM) generally offer shorter wait times. The darshan is halted for VVIP visits and aartis, which may add to the wait time. Which are the best days and time to visit? First two days of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, as most are busy with the celebrations at home. Best time is early morning or late night hours. Lalbaugcha Raja: Cant travel? You can track it online too For live telecast, click here For Instagram link to watch artis and photos, click here For live darshan, arti on YouTube, click here For Facebook page, click here top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For X (Twitter) handle, click here With Agency Inputs About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 16:55 IST News cities mumbai-news Lalbaugcha Raja: What Are Aarti, Pandal Timings? Can Devotees Get Darshan, Prasad Online? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbais Andhericha Raja: The Ganpati Who Grants Wishes, Has A Trademark & Tagline Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 17:14 IST Mumbai Andhericha Raja 2025 Darshan: What makes it unique? Why do thousands flock to the pandal? Is there dress code? How to reach? Is there online darshan? Where to watch arti? Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Andhericha Raja was founded in 1966. (Website) Andhericha Raja Darshan 2025: Among the most sought-after Ganesh mandals during Ganesh Chaturthi is Andhericha Raja the King of Andheri Run by the Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti, it has become a cultural landmark with a legacy dating back to 1966. Recommended Stories The origin of Andhericha Raja It was founded in 1966 by blue-collar workers from Golden Tobacco Company, Tata Special Steel, and Excel Industries who had settled in Azad Nagar. In 1975, after fulfilling a devotees heartfelt wish, the idol earned the title Navsala Pavnara Ganpati (wish-fulfilling Ganpati), and soon became popularly known as Andhericha Raja. Andhericha Raja: Visarjan, Unique Rituals and Processions Unlike most Ganesh pandals which immerse the idol on Anant Chaturdashi, Andhericha Raja observes immersion on Sankashti Chaturdashi. The visarjan procession is famous: spanning around 3.5 km, it starts in the evening and continues overnight till the idol reaches the sea at Versova Gaon. The route is often accompanied by thousandssometimes a lakhof devotees. The themes of Andhericha Raja Each year, the pandal adopts thematic decor: 2022: Replicated Laxmi Vilas Palace from Vadodaraa structure four times the size of Buckingham Palace. 2023: Designed around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs Rajya-Abhishek Ceremony at Raigad Fortspanning 4,000 sq ft. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ANDHERICHA RAJA (@andhericharajatm) Andhericha Raja: Trademark & tagline Known for the tagline, Navsala pavnara Andhericha Raja, the mandal secured trademark and copyright protection in 2018 to preserve its identity, as many other pandals began mimicking the name. The design of the idol has remained unchanged for over 21 years and is patent-protected. Andhericha Raja: Dress code The mandal enforces modest clothing norms: no shorts, mini-skirts, or sleeveless attire are allowed. Visitors must wear garments covering at least up to the knees, out of respect for tradition and the atmosphere. Despite strict policies, support is availablevisitors can borrow track pants, lungis, or shawls at the pandal if needed. Andhericha Raja: Sponsorship Families eager to sponsor the pandal often have to wait decadesas of 2013, sponsorship slots were booked until 2058. Donations go beyond religious offerings: funds help reserve beds at Nanavati Hospital for community healthcare and other social causessome offerings even include symbolic items like golden hands, ears, or miniature houses. Want to visit Andhericha Raja? Heres how Andhericha Raja is held at Ganesh Maidan, Azad Nagar II, Veera Desai Road, Andheri West, Mumbai. By Metro Nearest Metro Station: Azad Nagar Metro Station (Line 1 Versova-Ghatkopar) Distance to Pandal: Approx. 2-3 minutes walk Most recommended during festival days to avoid traffic. By Local Train Nearest Railway Station: Andheri Station (Western Line) From Andheri (West) side: By Auto/Taxi: 10-15 minutes depending on traffic By Bus: Available, but slower during Ganpati rush Walking: Around 20-25 minutes By Bus Buses that pass via Veera Desai Road, Azad Nagar, or Four Bungalows areas. Popular bus routes: 249, 251, 257, 252, 382, 398, etc. Check live bus schedules via apps like BEST Chalo or Google Maps By Car/Taxi Google Maps Location: Search for Andhericha Raja Ganpati, Azad Nagar" Note: Limited parking; heavy police restrictions during darshan hours. If driving, park at a distance and walk/auto to the venue. On Foot Easily walkable from: Azad Nagar Metro Veera Desai Road Bhavans College Apna Bazar or Shoppers Stop (Andheri West) Best time to visit Early morning (before 10 AM) or late night (post 10 PM) Avoid peak crowd hours: Evenings (6 PM-10 PM) Dress code: Modest attire requiredno shorts, sleeveless tops, or skirts Footwear: Wear something comfortableyou may stand in queues for a while Andhericha Raja: Darshan Want live darshan? Click here Official Instagram handle: Click here top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For live darshan and arti: YouTube page With Agency Inputs About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 17:11 IST News cities mumbai-news Mumbais Andhericha Raja: The Ganpati Who Grants Wishes, Has A Trademark & Tagline Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbai: This Metro Line To Get 39 Driverless Trainsets | Check Details Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 21:15 IST The Mumbai Metro Line 4 will get 39 driverless trainsets, supplied by French giant Alstom and made in India. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Concept render of Mumbai Metro Line 4 Metropolis trainset, showcasing Alstoms advanced design. Credit: Alstom SA (2025) The Mumbai Metro Line 4 is set to receive 39 driverless trainsets which will be made in India and supplied by French giant Alstom. The company on Tuesday said that it will also supply a Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system to Mumbai Metro Line 4 under a deal that amounts to a few" hundred million euros, according to financial news outlet Livemint. These metro cars will be manufactured in Sri City, a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Andhra Pradesh, designed at Alstoms engineering centre in Bengaluru and its propulsion will be manufactured at Tamil Nadus Coimbatore and bogies will be made in Savli, Gujarat. Recommended Stories Alstom said in a statement accessed by the newspaper that the 39 trainsets will include 39 trainsets of 6 cars each. These driverless Mumbai Metro Line 4 trains, according to the French multinational rail transport systems manufacturer, will offer passenger comfort with unique designs. It added that its high performance and safety is guaranteed by reliable components that include electrical braking and cybersecurity measures. At the core is Alstoms world-leading CBTC technology, enabling driverless operation, offering an exceptional level of service across the combined line length of 35.3 km," the company said in its statement. Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has been commissioned to supply 234 Metropolis metro cars (39 trainsets of six cars each) and Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system with five years of maintenance service, by Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T), India," Alstom said. Ling Fang, Region President, APAC, Alstom said, We are honoured to be chosen for the prestigious Mumbai Metro Line 4 project, further strengthening our long-standing association with the city of Mumbai. Alstom-built trains and signalling solutions are already serving on other Mumbai Metro lines. This ambitious new project presents more opportunities for us to provide best-in-class solutions to the commuters and contribute to elevating the financial capitals infrastructure". L&T has partnered with Alstom for the rolling stock and signalling system with five years of maintenance, the statement further added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Mumbai Metros Line 4, a 35.3-km elevated stretch linking Wadala in central Mumbai to Kasarvadavali in Thane, is set to become one of the citys longest corridors with 32 stations along its route. Once operational, it will connect seamlessly with the Eastern Express Highway, the Monorail and other existing metro lines, boosting eastwest and northsouth connectivity across the metropolis. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has handed the systems contract for Line 4 to Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which will deliver an integrated package covering rolling stock and signalling. 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 c... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 21:15 IST News mumbai-news Mumbai: This Metro Line To Get 39 Driverless Trainsets | Check 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... Mumbai To Konkan In 5 Hours: Ro-Ro Ferry From Sept 1, To Cost Rs 2,500-9,000 Plus Bike, Car Charges Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 23:26 IST The launch of this service, hailed as South Asia's fastest Ro-Ro, is a major initiative by the Maharashtra government The M2M vessel will slash the journey to just 3 hours for Jaigad (Ratnagiri) and 5 hours for Vijaydurg (Sindhudurg), a stark contrast to the gruelling 10-12 hours typically required by road. Representational image/AI-generated A long-awaited convenience for thousands of travellers is here, as the Maharashtra government launches a new Ro-Ro (Roll-On, Roll-Off) ferry service connecting Mumbai and Konkan. The service, starting on September 1, is set to drastically cut down travel time, offering a much-needed alternative to the hours spent in traffic on the Mumbai-Goa highway during festive seasons like Ganeshotsav and Holi. Recommended Stories The M2M vessel will slash the journey to just 3 hours for Jaigad (Ratnagiri) and 5 hours for Vijaydurg (Sindhudurg), a stark contrast to the gruelling 10-12 hours typically required by road. The ferrys ticketing is designed to be accessible for a range of budgets, with passenger fares starting at Rs 2,500 for Economy Class and going up to Rs 9,000 for First Class. The service is also a boon for vehicle owners, with fares set at Rs 6,000 for cars, Rs 1,000 for two-wheelers, and Rs 600 for bicycles, allowing families to bring their own transport for seamless onward travel. The ferry, capable of carrying 50 four-wheelers, 30 two-wheelers, and mini-buses, will connect Mumbais Bhaucha Dhakka to jetties in Jaigad and Vijaydurg. A Game-Changer for Konkan Residents The launch of this service, hailed as South Asias fastest Ro-Ro, is a major initiative by the Maharashtra government. According to Fisheries and Port Development Minister Nitesh Rane, the project has received all 147 necessary permits and has been implemented with world-class safety standards. This initiative is a part of the state governments vision to enhance connectivity and provide relief to lakhs of people who travel to their native villages during peak festive periods. Proven Success of Mumbai- Alibaug Ro-Ro Service The new Mumbai-Konkan route builds upon the success of the existing Ro-Ro ferry service between Mumbai and Mandwa (Alibaug), which has already transformed weekend getaways. The Mumbai-Alibaug service, which takes around an hour, has made the popular coastal town far more accessible, bypassing the congested road journey that typically takes over three hours. The convenience of taking ones car or bike on the ferry has been a game-changer for tourists, making day trips and weekend holidays to Alibaug significantly more convenient and enjoyable. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This new service is also a precursor to a wider network. Minister Nitesh Rane stated that this is just the beginning, with plans to add more stops like Shrivardhan and Mandwa in the near future. The long-term vision is to extend the service even further, providing a direct ferry connection all the way to Goa, promising a faster, more scenic, and stress-free journey for travellers. About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 23:26 IST News cities Mumbai To Konkan In 5 Hours: Ro-Ro Ferry From Sept 1, To Cost Rs 2,500-9,000 Plus Bike, Car Charges Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 11-Year-Old Child Prodigy Aarav Patel Denied Admission To Class 9, HC Directs IQ Test Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 19:58 IST When Aarav Patel applied for class 9, the school refused to register him, citing his age and CBSE regulations. As a result, they sought court intervention. By two and a half years old, Aarav Patel had memorised the names and capitals of most countries. (Image: News18 Hindi) The new education policy has established age requirements for admission to each class. According to this policy, a child must be 6 years old to enrol in class 1. However, some children exhibit extraordinary talent, with minds as sharp as supercomputers. Recently, a similar case emerged in Madhya Pradesh. An 11-year-old boy, Aarav Patels academic journey is remarkable. He began his education early and excelled in every class. When he reached class 9, the school administration stopped his progression, citing his age as the reason. This raised the question: Should a child who consistently achieved A-grade in every class be held back due to age? Seeking justice, his family approached the Jabalpur High Court, which ruled that talent and age should be assessed separately. Recommended Stories The Ministry of Education and the New Education Policy (NEP 2020) mandate that the minimum age for class 1 is 6 years. This ensures children are ready for primary education after completing pre-primary education, promoting equality in cognitive development, language skills, and social adaptation. While this rule is designed for average children, it can hinder those with exceptional abilities. In such cases, flexibility in the policy can be beneficial. Aaravs father, Dilip Patel, a forest guard in Jabalpur, says he has been a genius since childhood. Born on March 19, 2014, Aarav quickly learned whatever his mother, Sandhya Patel, taught him at home. By two and a half years old, he had memorised the names and capitals of most countries. Dilip Patel shared that when he was posted in Dewas district, teachers at a private school recognised Aaravs exceptional abilities during admission discussions. They decided Aarav did not need nursery, KG-1, and KG-2 education and admitted him directly to class 1 at the age of 2.5 years. Aarav completed class 1 and class 2 within a year. In class 2, he was tasked with reciting multiplication tables beyond 25, which he did effortlessly. The school then admitted Aarav directly to class 3 instead of class 2. According to Dilip Patel, Aarav continued to advance one class each year. After being transferred to Jabalpur, Aarav attended St. Joseph Convent Ranjhi, where he consistently achieved A+ grades from class 1 to 8. However, when he applied for class 9, the school refused to register him, citing his age and CBSE regulations. As a result, they sought court intervention. Madhya Pradesh HC Directs IQ Test For Aarav The Madhya Pradesh High Court took Aarav Patels case seriously. Justice Vishal Mishra ordered provisional admission for Aarav in class 9 and instructed the formation of a medical board comprising psychiatrists and consultants to evaluate his intelligence, behaviour, and social maturity. The court emphasised that being a minor should not overshadow extraordinary talent, considering the Right to Education (Article 21A). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all To address CBSEs age-related limitations, Aaravs IQ test will determine his eligibility for class 9 admission. If his IQ level exceeds that of other children, he will be granted admission. Aarav also runs a YouTube channel where he teaches math to 9th and 10th class students. He aspires to pursue B.Tech from IIT and later serve the country as an IAS officer, with interests in science and mathematics. 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, ... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 19:55 IST News education-career 11-Year-Old Child Prodigy Aarav Patel Denied Admission To Class 9, HC Directs IQ Test Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Doctors Body Opposes MBBS-BAMS Integrated Course, Says 'Mixopathy Takes Away Patients Choice' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 15:04 IST The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has opposed the proposed MBBS-BAMS integrated course at JIPMER, warning that Mixopathy takes away that right from the patient. IMA opposes proposed MBBS-BAMS integrated course at JIPMER, citing patient safety concerns. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has opposed the Union governments plan to introduce an integrated medical course combining MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) in Pondicherry. IMA strongly condemns attempts to unscientifically mix different systems of medicine. While the IMA respects all systems of medicine, it strongly believes in the need to preserve the purity of each system," the medical association said in a press note. Recommended Stories The association expressed concerns that such a move could compromise the standing of JIPMER as an institution of national importance. Modern medicine has helped humanity in eradicating, controlling, and treating life-threatening diseases. Modern medicine, through vaccination and anti-viral medications, rescued millions during the COVID-19 pandemic," the statement said. ALSO READ: NEET UG 2025: West Bengal Suspends Medical, Dental Admissions; Over 11,000 Students In Limbo The IMA also criticised the proposed integrated course as potentially undermining patient choice. It should be the patients choice to choose any system of medicine. Mixopathy takes away that right from the patient. The government should refrain from producing hybrid doctors who will only be qualified quacks," IMA added. The association urged the National Medical Commission and the Health Ministry to intervene and withdraw this regressive proposal in the best interest of the health of the people." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On 27 May, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and AYUSH (Independent Charge), Prataprao Jadhav, had announced that the integrated MBBS-BAMS course at JIPMER is currently at the conceptual stage, with efforts underway to frame a new syllabus. Speaking after inaugurating the renovated Emergency and Trauma Care Centre at JIPMER, the Minister assured that the Centre would provide all necessary financial support for the institutes development, with this years sanctioned Grant-in-Aid amounting to Rs 1,450 crore. JIPMER currently caters to over 6,000 outpatients daily and has 1,800 inpatient beds. About the Author Archit Gupta Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, inclu... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 14:47 IST News education-career Doctors Body Opposes MBBS-BAMS Integrated Course, Says 'Mixopathy Takes Away Patients Choice' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 School Holiday: Will Schools Across India Remain Closed? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 09:56 IST School Holiday On 27 August: Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on August 27, 2025, and school closures will vary across states. Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 school holiday updates for students and parents. School Holidays News: Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals dedicated to Lord Ganesha, will be observed this year on Wednesday, 27 August 2025. The ten-day festival begins with the installation of Ganesha idols in homes and public pandals, accompanied by prayers, cultural events, and community gatherings. The celebrations culminate with Anant Chaturdashi, when devotees immerse idols of Lord Ganesha in water bodies as part of the farewell rituals. Will Schools Across India remain closed? Recommended Stories While the festival holds immense cultural and religious importance, the question of whether schools will remain closed on the day continues to vary across states. Unlike Independence Day or Republic Day, Ganesh Chaturthi is not a national holiday. The declaration of a holiday depends largely on state government notifications. Even in states where the festival is observed on a grand scale, circulars regarding school holidays are issued by education departments or respective school boards, which means closures can differ. States Likely To Declare School Holidays The festival is traditionally marked as a public holiday in states such as: Maharashtra Goa Karnataka Telangana Andhra Pradesh Gujarat Madhya Pradesh In these states, schools and colleges are highly likely to remain closed on August 27. However, official confirmation is still awaited. ALSO READ: School Holiday News: Schools Closed In Several States Amid Heavy Rains, Check List Here Variations Within States And Schools top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Even in regions where Ganesh Chaturthi is declared a public holiday, holiday policies may vary. Some private institutions or schools affiliated with certain education boards may choose to remain open or schedule compensatory classes later. As a result, holiday rules may differ between cities, districts, and even individual schools. For now, parents and students are advised to wait for official circulars from schools or state education departments closer to the festival date. 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, ... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 09:56 IST News education-career Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 School Holiday: Will Schools Across India Remain Closed? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... ICAI CA Foundation Admit Card To Be Out Soon At eservices.icai.org; Steps To Download Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 12:47 IST CA Admit Card: ICAI will soon release the CA Foundation admit card 2025 at eservices.icai.org. Candidates need registration number and SSP password to download the hall ticket. ICAI to release CA Foundation September 2025 admit cards soon at eservices.icai.org. ICAI CA Foundation Admit Card 2025: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) will soon release the admit cards for the Chartered Accountancy (CA) Foundation examination scheduled in September. Once the hall tickets are out, candidates can download them from eservices.icai.org. Candidates will require student registration number and the SSP password to download their CA admit card. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has released the detailed timetable for the upcoming CA September 2025 examinations, including Foundation, Intermediate, and Final courses. Recommended Stories According to the official date sheet, the CA Foundation examination will be conducted on September 16, 18, 20, and 22, 2025. For the CA Final course, Group 1 exams are scheduled on September 3, 6, and 8, while Group 2 exams will be held on September 10, 12, and 14, 2025. Similarly, the CA Intermediate (New Scheme) examinations for Group 1 will take place on September 4, 7, and 9, followed by Group 2 on September 11, 13, and 15, 2025. Notably, ICAI has clarified that no examination will be conducted on September 5, 2025 (Friday), owing to Miladun-Nabi, which is recognised as a compulsory gazetted Central Government holiday. The institute has further emphasised that the schedule will remain unchanged, even if any examination date coincides with a public holiday declared later. Steps To Download ICAI CA Admit Card 2025 Step 1: Go to the official website: eservices.icai.org. Step 2: Click on the link for CA Foundation/Intermediate/Final September 2025 Admit Card. Step 3: Enter your registration number and password/PIN/roll number to log in. Step 4: Click on the Download Admit Card option after login. Step 5: Save the PDF and take a printout for exam day use. ALSO READ: Issues Being Resolved, Says SSC Chief As Aspirants Protest Over Exam Irregularities top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ICAI will not send admit cards by post. Candidates must download them online and verify details like name, photo, signature, exam centre, and dates. The admit card is a mandatory document and must be carried to the examination centre along with valid ID proof. Students are advised to keep a close watch on ICAIs website for timely updates. 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, ... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 12:47 IST News education-career ICAI CA Foundation Admit Card To Be Out Soon At eservices.icai.org; Steps To Download Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... SBI Clerk Registration Ends Today For Over 6,000 Vacancies, Here's Direct Link To Apply Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 09:04 IST The SBI Clerk registration window will be closed today, August 26. Candidates can apply for 6,589 Junior Associate vacancies on the official website at sbi.co.in. SBI Clerk 2025 registration ends today for 6,589 Junior Associate vacancies at sbi.co.in. SBI Clerk Registration: The online application process for the State Bank of Indias (SBI) Junior Associates Customer Support and Sales (SBI Clerk) recruitment will conclude today, August 26. Candidates who have not yet applied can submit their forms through the official website, sbi.co.in. This recruitment drive aims to fill 6,589 vacancies, including both regular and backlog posts. SBI Clerk Eligibility Criteria Recommended Stories A graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university is mandatory. Final-year students are eligible to apply provisionally, provided they can produce proof of graduation by December 31, 2025. Candidates pursuing integrated dual degrees must also ensure their qualification is completed by the same date. Applicants must be between 20 and 28 years of age as of April 1, 2025. This means candidates should have been born between April 2, 1997, and April 1, 2005 (inclusive). Relaxations in the upper age limit will be provided to reserved category candidates as per government rules. SBI Clerk Selection Process The recruitment will be held in three stages: Preliminary Exam: Objective test of 100 marks, duration 1 hour. Main Exam: 190 questions worth 200 marks, duration 2 hours 40 minutes. Local Language Test: For candidates who have not studied the local language of the state applied for in Class 10 or 12, a proficiency test will be conducted. Application Fee General, OBC, and EWS candidates: Rs 750 SC, ST, PwBD, XS, and DXS candidates: No fee How To Apply For SBI Clerk Recruitment? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Visit the official website sbi.co.in and go to the Careers section. Open Current Openings under Join SBI and select Recruitment of Junior Associates 2025. Click on Apply Online and choose New Registration. Enter basic details to generate login credentials. Log in with the credentials and fill the application form. Upload required documents photo, signature, thumb impression, and handwritten declaration. Pay the application fee online via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI. Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference. Application Form Direct Link 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, ... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 09:04 IST News education-career SBI Clerk Registration Ends Today For Over 6,000 Vacancies, Here's Direct Link To Apply Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On August 26, Anji Logistics, the logistics arm under SAIC Motor, held the delivery and naming ceremony of its 38th self-operated ro-ro vessel, the "ANJI PROSPERITY," a carrier with capacity of 9,500 vehicles, at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Yizheng city, Jiangsu province. Photo credit: Anji Logisctis The new vessel, equipped with advanced and energy-efficient technology, is the third 9,500-vehicle carrier to join Anji Logisctis' deep-sea fleet this year. It will soon embark on its maiden voyage to Europe, strengthening the company's long-haul transport capacity. SAIC Motor's vehicles are now sold in more than 170 countries and regions worldwide, with overseas sales exceeding six million units to date. Europe has become a key growth market, with annual deliveries reaching the 300,000-unit mark. Despite challenges such as additional tariffs, SAIC Motor's MG brand delivered nearly 180,000 vehicles in Europe between January and July this year, achieving double-digit year-on-year growth. Anji Logistics plays a central role in advancing the group's globalization strategy. In recent years, the company has built the largest self-operated car carrier fleet in China, with 38 vessels now in service. It has also improved operational efficiency through digital tracking and smart dispatch systems, while expanding its network to eight major international routes, covering Southeast Asia, Mexico, the Persian Gulf, and Europe. School Holiday News: Schools Closed In Several States Amid Heavy Rains, Check List Here Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 08:33 IST Heavy rains have led to school closures in Rajasthan, Punjab, Himachal, and Jammu, while the IMD has issued red and orange alerts as several states face flood-like conditions. Schools closed in several states amid heavy rains and IMD alerts. Severe rainfall and floods are affecting many parts of the country, forcing authorities in several states to close schools and colleges for safety. The rain has given people some relief from the heat, but areas in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh are struggling with heavy waterlogging and flood-like conditions. Rajasthan: In Jaipur and other parts of the state, incessant rains have caused widespread disruption. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more heavy showers on August 26. In view of the red alert, schools and colleges across 20 districts have been ordered shut. Recommended Stories Punjab: Authorities in Pathankot, Fazilka, Bathinda and Hoshiarpur have announced a holiday for all government and private schools due to the heavy rainfall forecast. Himachal Pradesh: The IMD has sounded a red alert for extremely heavy rain on August 26 in districts including Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Hamirpur, Una and Bilaspur. In the capital Shimla, all schools and higher educational institutions have been ordered closed. Similar restrictions have been extended to Mandi, Manali, Una and Bilaspur. Officials said the move was taken as a precautionary measure amid the risk of landslides and flash floods. Jammu: All government and private schools across the Jammu division will remain closed on August 26 due to adverse weather conditions, according to an official order issued by the administration. States On Alert The national capital and adjoining areas, including Noida and Greater Noida, witnessed heavy rainfall on Tuesday. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and showers over the next two days. However, no decision has been announced yet on school closures in the region. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The weather office has issued an orange alert for Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana, warning of very heavy rainfall. A yellow alert has also been issued for Uttarakhand, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Konkan and Goa. With monsoon activity intensifying, state administrations have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in vulnerable areas prone to flooding and landslides. 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, ... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 08:33 IST News education-career School Holiday News: Schools Closed In Several States Amid Heavy Rains, Check List Here Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Dreaming Of Studying In France? 50+ Universities To Visit India This October Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 17:22 IST Indian students can select from nearly 1,700 English-taught programmes in fields such as management, engineering, sciences, law, fashion, design, and the arts. Each year, over 500 scholarships are offered to Indian students. (Representational/File) The Choose France Tour 2025, Frances official higher education fair, is returning to India this October, offering opportunities for aspiring students in Chennai, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Organised by the French Government and Campus France, the fair will feature over 50 leading French universities and institutions, allowing students and parents to engage directly with academic representatives. Event Dates and Venues Recommended Stories October 5 Chennai, The Leela Palace October 7 New Delhi, Le Meridien October 9 Kolkata, JW Marriott October 11 Mumbai, Hotel Sahara Star Ranked as the 6th most popular study destination worldwide, France welcomes more than 400,000 international students annually. The QS World University Rankings 2026 list 35 French universities, with four among the worlds Top 100, highlighting the countrys academic excellence and global reputation, states the official press release. Indian students can select from nearly 1,700 English-taught programmes in fields such as management, engineering, sciences, law, fashion, design, and the arts. For non-French speakers, Classes internationals offer language and foundation courses to facilitate entry into degree programmes. France also provides opportunities for doctoral studies within its dynamic research ecosystem. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Each year, over 500 scholarships are available for Indian students, along with housing assistance and social security coverage of up to 70 per cent of medical expenses. Students gain practical exposure through mandatory internships and professional training alongside academics. After graduation, Masters students can obtain a two-year residence permit for employment or entrepreneurship opportunities, while the five-year Alumni Schengen Visa offers seamless mobility across Europe, the notice added. France is renowned for being one of the most student-friendly countries in Europe, thanks to its subsidised education system. Public universities charge minimal tuition fees, making it an affordable destination for international students. Various scholarship programmes, such as the Charpak and Eiffel Excellence Scholarships, help reduce costs. Prestigious institutions like PSL University and Sorbonne University offer outstanding academic programmes. However, students should budget for living expenses ranging from Rs 94,000 to Rs 1.4 lakh per month. 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, ... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 17:17 IST News education-career Dreaming Of Studying In France? 50+ Universities To Visit India This October Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Third-Year BTech Student Found Dead At Hostel Room Of Private University In Gurugram Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 18:37 IST Bilaspur SHO has informed reporters that initial inquiries indicate Bhumika had been experiencing stress related to her studies. Officials revealed that the student's body was found hanging from the ceiling fan in her room. (Representative Image/File) A 23-year-old BTech student was found dead on Tuesday in her hostel room at a private university in Gurugrams Sidhrawali. The deceased, Bhumika Gupta, was a third-year engineering student from Alwar, Rajasthan. According to the police, her body was discovered hanging from the ceiling fan. Police teams from Bilaspur police station, along with forensic experts, arrived at the scene and conducted a thorough examination before taking the body for post-mortem. According to media reports, the Bilaspur SHO informed that initial inquiries suggest Bhumika had been experiencing stress related to her studies. Although she performed satisfactorily in her first two semesters, police sources noted she seemed increasingly troubled after starting her third year. Recommended Stories Bhumikas maternal uncle alleged that the condition in which she was found hanging raises suspicion that it was not suicide, but murder. Her legs were bent up to 4 inches and the soles of her feet were touching the floor. He demanded an impartial investigation into the case, reported Bhaskar English. ALSO READ | Was Never Made For This World: PhD Scholar Ends Life At IISER Kolkata Over Ragging Investigators have interviewed some of her classmates to gather more insights into her state of mind and potential reasons for the suspected suicide. Police are treating the case as a suspicious death, noting that no definitive motive has been established yet, the report added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to a report published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), student suicides accounted for 7.6 percent of all suicide cases reported in India in 2022. This marks a small drop from 8.0 per cent in 2021 and 8.2 per cent in 2020, according to official data shared in the Lok Sabha. DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) 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, ... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 18:12 IST News education-career Third-Year BTech Student Found Dead At Hostel Room Of Private University In Gurugram Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 PM Modis Visit To China For SCO Summit Could Mean For Bilateral Relations? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 15:34 IST SCO Summit presents a high-stakes platform for PM Modi and Xi. Analysts see it as a possibility not just to defuse regional tensions but also to recalibrate diplomatic equations Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Xi Jinping in Kovalam near Mamallapuram, in Tamil Nadu, during the Chinese President's India visit in October 2019. (PTI File Photo) Prime Minister Narendra Modis upcoming visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit marks his first trip to the country since 2019, signalling a potential thaw in the often-fraught ties between New Delhi and Beijing. Recommended Stories Confirmed to take place from August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin, the summit will be presided over by Chinese President Xi Jinping and feature more than 20 leaders from across Eurasia, including Russias Vladimir Putin and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Modi, who described relations with China as having made positive and steady" progress, accepted Xis invitation amid this fragile diplomatic climate. Ahead of his SCO visit, he will also attend the India-Japan Annual Summit from August 29-30, underscoring Indias strategy of multi-alignment in response to rising global tensions. The SCO Summit presents a rare high-stakes platform for Modi and Xi to engage directly after years of border stand-offs, trade friction, and geopolitical rivalry. Analysts see it as a possibility not just to defuse regional tensions but also to recalibrate Asias diplomatic equations in a shifting world order. Let us explore the India-China ties, what to expect from the SCO summit and what lies ahead. A Return To China After Five Tumultuous Years PM Modis upcoming trip to Tianjin marks his first visit to China since 2019 and, critically, since the 2020 Galwan clash that strained ties. The border confrontation left a legacy of tension, frozen direct flights, halted pilgrimages, and suspended tourism. This summit, which comes nearly half a decade later, presents a vital opportunity to rekindle dialogue and rebuild trust. The choice of venue, an SCO summit in China, speaks volumes. The event is expected to draw over 20 leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Russias Vladimir Putin. More than just a gathering, it is a stage for powerful optics: solidarity, a post-Western order, and renewed Shared Destiny messaging. Modis presence at the summit is not mere symbolism; it is a strategically calculated gesture. Building Diplomatic Relations In the months before the summit, India and China quietly laid groundwork to ease tensions. Diplomatic channels resumed. Ministerial visits, including those by National Security Advisor, Defence, and Foreign Affairs heads, paved a cautious path forward. Confidence-building measures along the border were agreed, including expert groups, direct lines, and upgraded communications to manage friction. Beyond the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India pushed for practical cross-border easing: direct flights were reinstated, pilgrimage access to Kailash-Mansarovar resumed, and people-to-people exchanges were permitted again. Rare earth and fertilizer exports from China resumed, offering crucial import relief for Indian industry. This is not a rosy reset. There is still a trust deficit. But the steps taken signal a mutual willingness to manage conflict pragmatically, not just ideologically. Amid The US Trade Storm This thaw comes amid mounting US pressure. Washingtons tariff regime and criticism of Indias energy ties with Russia, especially under Trump, have accelerated Indias push to diversify strategic relationships. China, too, confronts similar pressure. Diplomats see this as a rare triangle dance where India can reposition itselfsimultaneously sending a message of strategic autonomy to the US and opening communication to Beijing without concession. The SCO invitation, in that sense, serves as a public rebuff to unilateral Western pressure. PM Modis attendance signals India is not cornered, that it retains room to manoeuvreand that the West should take note. Security Messaging On Terrorism Yet India is not heading to Tianjin to smile and nod. It plans to press robustly on the issue of cross-border terrorism. Defence Minister Rajnath Singhs June refusal to sign an SCO defence statement that downplayed terrorism is fresh in memory. India has made clear that bypassing critical terror incidents, or framing the discourse in a way that avoids responsibility for terror exports, will not pass. That firmness will likely be reinforced on the summit stage, especially with Pakistans representative present. India will insist on an unambiguous condemnation of terror and preserve its ground without being sidelined. Geopolitical Advantage: SCO, BRICS, & Asian Momentum Indias gambit extends well beyond the IndiaChina troika. As chair of BRICS in 2026, securing China and Russias political buy-in is essential. SCO in Tianjin offers a prelude and platform for aligning narratives. Indeed, intangible groundworktrust, optics, momentumis as vital as any formal agreement. While long-standing border disputes and scepticism remain, India is walking in not to capitulate, but to contain risk, channel dissent, and ensure this multilateral reality matters. Even symbolic steps, such as reaffirming Indias SECURE principle (Security, Economy, Connectivity, Unity, Respect, Environment), can resonate across the South Asian region amid tectonic shifts in global architecture. A Tactical Pause, Not a Strategic Rewrite It would be inaccurate to call this a reset. There are no sweeping breakthroughs expected. A true reset would demand resolution on core issuesLord Brouhaha like Tibet, Chinas support for Pakistan, asymmetry in trade, or radical border demarcation. None of that is on the cards. What this visit may achieve is a tactical pause, a stabilisation in dialogue, a buffer to border flare-ups, a visual of shared governance through SCO. It signals that India is neither retreating nor recklessly expanding. What Lies Ahead? The SCO summit is just one moment. What follows depends on: Follow-through: Will India and China convert dialogue into consistent military and diplomatic exchange? Diplomatic balancing: Can India maintain engagement with China while managing ties with the US, Japan, ASEAN, and beyond? Public narrative: Will domestic opinion tolerate too much compromise, or is messaging of strong sovereignty enough? Ultimately, this summit could shift perceptions more than policies. It reinforces the idea that India is neither aligned nor adversarial, but actively calibrating its global posture. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 15:16 IST News explainers What PM Modis Visit To China For SCO Summit Could Mean For Bilateral Relations? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Supreme Court's 2011 Salwa Judum Judgment Has Cast Shadow On Oppn's Veep Pick | Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 13:55 IST As a former Supreme Court judge, Sudershan Reddy had led the bench that declared Salwa Judum unconstitutional and in violation of human rights Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Former Supreme Court Judge Sudershan Reddy (File Photo) A 14-year-old Supreme Court judgment has resurfaced as a point of contention against B Sudershan Reddy, the Oppositions candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election on September 9. As a former Supreme Court judge, Reddy had led the bench that declared Salwa Judum, a state-backed counterinsurgency operation against Maoists in Chhattisgarh, unconstitutional and in violation of human rights. The judgment has now taken centre stage, with Union home minister Amit Shah accusing Reddy of supporting" Naxalism. Recommended Stories Shah said in Kerala that had Reddy not delivered the judgment, Naxal terrorism would have ended by 2020". His remarks, however, did not sit well with the legal fraternity, which said a judicial ruling cant be equated with a judges personal views. News18 takes a deep dive into the judgment that has triggered the row. What was Salwa Judum? Salwa Judum (peace march in Gondi) was an anti-Maoist militia movement initiated in 2005 in Chhattisgarh. It was supported by the state government as a counter-insurgency effort to combat the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency, which involved armed Left-wing extremist groups operating in the region. The movement mainly involved mobilising local tribal villagers, often arming and training them to fight against the Maoists. Special Police Officers (SPOs) were appointed under the Chhattisgarh Police Act of 2007. Unlike the Indian Police Act of 1861, which mandates magistrate approval for these appointments, the Chhattisgarh Act empowered the superintendent of police with extensive discretionary authority. Equipped with firearms for their protection, SPOs were tasked with roles such as guides, translators, informants, and spotters, the Indian Express reported. They received a monthly honorarium of Rs 3,000 and played a crucial role in augmenting the states presence in areas where regular police forces struggled to operate effectively. How did the issue reach Supreme Court? Sociologist Nandini Sundar, historian Ramachandra Guha, and former IAS officer EAS Sarma filed a petition before the Supreme Court in the year 2007, challenging Salwa Judum. According to NDTV, the petitioners alleged that the special outfit led to human rights abuses, including forced displacement of tribal communities, extrajudicial killings, and violence against innocent civilians. They also argued that it exacerbated the conflict and violated fundamental rights. However, both the Centre and the state governmentsled by the Congress and the BJP respectivelydefended the policy. Chhattisgarh argued that recruitment to Salwa Judum was on a voluntary basis and preference was given to those who had suffered at the hands of Maoists and wanted to resist them". The state claimed that SPOs had proved to be effective in protecting relief camps and foiling Maoist attacks and argued that the move had also led to the generation of livelihood opportunities for youth. What did the apex court decide? On July 5, 2011, a bench of Justice Reddy and Justice Surinder Singh Nijjar ruled that Salwa Judum was unconstitutional. The order read: The appointment of tribal youth as SPOs, who are barely literate, for temporary periods, and armed with firearms, has endangered and will necessarily endanger the human rights of others in the society." The court added that the effectiveness of the force ought not to be, and cannot be, the sole yardstick to judge constitutional permissibility". SC also ruled that assigning poorly trained and underpaid SPOs the same responsibilities as regular police officers was discriminatory and infringed upon Article 14 of the Constitution. It further held that placing them in life-threatening situations without proper training, protection, or long-term security violated their fundamental right to life under Article 21. Calling for the disbanding of Salwa Judum, the court ordered that the practice of appointing SPOs for counter-insurgency operations should be stopped and only properly trained police or paramilitary forces should carry out operations against Maoists. The banning of Salwa Judum was followed by a series of Maoist attacks, most notably the 2013 Darbha Valley ambush, in which former Congress minister Mahendra Karma and Chhattisgarh Congress chief Nand Kumar Patel were killed along with 26 others. The Maoists later claimed that their primary target was Karma, the founder of Salwa Judum. BJP Questions Opposition Shah, speaking to news agency ANI, said senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should explain the Oppositions decision to pick the former judge as its candidate. More than Sudershan Reddy, Rahul Gandhi must answer on this, as this is the reason he (Reddy) has been picked the Left-wing ideology. Due to this judgment, the Naxals have been protected." He added: He (Reddy) disbanded Salwa Judum. He ended the right to self-defence for Adivasis. This is the reason that Naxalism has sustained for two more decades. At that time, Naxalism was on the verge of dying." Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said the 2011 judgment shows Reddys inclination towards Maoism". In India, the office of the vice president holds the second-highest position. Therefore, it is extremely important to understand the mindset and ideology of the person chosen for this post. Justice B Sudershan Reddys 2011 judgement on Salwa Judum, clearly reflects his compassionate attitude and inclination towards Maoism," he said. However, a group of 18 judges defended Reddy and called out the prejudicial misinterpretation" of the top courts verdict. In Reddys Defence In a statement, the judges said: The statement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, publicly misinterpreting the judgment of the Supreme Court in the Salwa Judum case, is unfortunate. The judgment nowhere supports, either expressly or by compelling implication of its text, Naxalism or its ideology. While the campaign for the office of the Vice-President of India may well be ideological, it can be conducted civilly and with dignity. Criticising the so-called ideology of either candidate should be eschewed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Prejudicial misinterpretation of a judgment of the Supreme Court by a high political functionary is likely to have a chilling effect on the judges of the Supreme Court, shaking the independence of the judiciary." On his part, Justice Reddy, in an interview with NDTV, said: I am not a Naxal supporter. The Salwa Judum judgment was not in favour of the Maoists. If it was, why has it not been challenged till now?" About the Author Apoorva Misra Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, ... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 12:15 IST News explainers Why Supreme Court's 2011 Salwa Judum Judgment Has Cast Shadow On Oppn's Veep Pick | 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... Will India Bend To US Trade Demands Or Defend Its Right To Tax Foreign Tech Firms? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 11:12 IST Scrapping the 2% levy could appease Washington, easing trade tensions and securing access to US tech partnerships in AI and semiconductors. But it would cost billions in revenue As a tech hub, India needs US collaborationchip manufacturing and cloud infrastructure. But it is also wary of over-dependence. (AP File Photo) Bengalurus buzzing tech parks and thriving start-up hubs tell the story of a nation in digital overdrive. India, once known as the worlds back office, is now a global technology powerhouse with its digital economycurrently worth $300 billionon track to touch $1 trillion by 2025. Cheap data, a young talent pool, and ambitious policies like Digital India have powered this transformation, positioning India as a serious challenger to Silicon Valleys dominance. Recommended Stories But this rapid rise has sparked friction with Washington. At the centre of the dispute: Indias digital taxes on foreign tech giants and the US threat of retaliatory tariffs. Will New Delhi bow to trade pressure or defend its right to tax global firms? The choice could shape not just Indias digital future but also the rules of global trade in the digital era. The Rise Of Indias Digital Economy Indias digital economy grew 2.4 times faster than the overall economy between 2014 and 2019, and created over 62 million jobs. It is now a cornerstone of the nations $5 trillion growth target by 2027. With nearly 900 million Internet users, India is powered by one of the worlds cheapest data rates. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) processes billions of transactions monthly, making cashless payments a way of life. E-commerce platforms like Flipkart have transformed shopping, while fintech start-ups are banking the unbanked, from rural farmers to urban gig workers. Government initiatives have been pivotal. Digital India, launched in 2015, wired villages and digitized services, while Make in India lured foreign investment into tech and manufacturing. As a result, the digital sector grew and reshaped how India works, shops, and learns. Yet challenges loom: Gaps in AI readiness and digital inclusion demand more investment in skills and infrastructure to sustain the momentum. How India Performed As A Global Tech Hub Indias tech prowess is undeniable. Six citiesBengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, and Chennairank among Asia-Pacifics top tech talent hubs. Bengaluru, dubbed Indias Silicon Valley, is a global leader in AI talent, venture capital, and tech infrastructure. The country churns out millions of STEM graduates annually, drawing giants like Google and Microsoft to set up R&D hubs. From IT services to cutting-edge product development, Indias tech ecosystem is evolving fast. The numbers tell the story. India is among the top three tech markets globally, alongside China and Japan. Two-thirds of Indian firms are diversifying talent for AI and digital roles, positioning the country as a magnet for innovation. Global corporations are flocking to establish operational hubs, leveraging Indias cost advantage and skilled workforce. Start-ups are going global too, with Indian tech backing US ventures raising millions. This shift from offshore coding to innovation leadership has analysts calling India the new global tech hub." What Is The Digital Tax? At the heart of the US-India spat is the Digital Services Tax (DST), known in India as the Equalisation Levy. Introduced in 2016, the Equalisation Levy started as a 6% tax on online advertising revenue earned by non-resident tech firms. In 2020, it expanded to include a 2% levy on e-commerce and digital servicesthink streaming platforms, cloud services, and app stores. Targeting companies with over Rs 20 crore in Indian revenue, it is a tax on gross earnings, not profits, ensuring foreign giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta contribute to Indias coffers. Why the levy? Global tax rules, designed for brick-and-mortar businesses, let digital firms exploit loopholes, paying little tax despite massive local profits. Indias DST aims to level the playing field, capturing revenue from firms with no physical presence but huge user bases. It is part of a global trend: Countries like France and the UK have similar taxes, though Indias broad scope, covering all digital transactions, is unique. The levy aligns with the OECDs push for a multilateral tax framework. Pillar 1 reallocates taxing rights on multinationals excess profits (25% above a 10% margin for firms with 20 billion+ revenue), while Pillar 2 sets a 15% global minimum tax. India backs this but insists on treating both pillars as a package, wary of rushed commitments that favour richer nations. What Is The US-India Tax Clash? The US sees Indias DST as a jab at American tech giants. Washington argues it discriminates against firms like Apple and Netflix, violating fair trade principles. In 2021, the US threatened retaliatory tariffs under Section 301 but paused them for OECD talks. India made a concession in March 2025, scrapping the 6% ad tax, a move hailed as a step toward fairness. But the 2% levy remains, and tensions have spiked. As of August 2025, US trade rhetoric has hardened. With threats of tariffs and export curbs, the US claims Indias tax unfairly targets its firms, costing billions. These threats dovetail with broader trade frictions, including US tariffs on Indian goods tied to Indias Russian oil imports. Indias response is steely: The levy is a sovereign right to tax profits earned from its market. Officials have signalled readiness to negotiate but reject one-sided demands, stressing fiscal autonomy and OECD alignment. India Faces A High-Stakes Choice Scrapping the 2% levy could appease Washington, easing trade tensions and securing access to US tech partnerships in AI and semiconductorscritical for Indias ambitions. But it would cost billions in revenue, vital for infrastructure and social programmes. The levy generated significant sums in 2024, and losing it could strain public finances, especially as India pushes for digital inclusion. Defending the tax, however, risks US tariffs on $150 billion in Indian exports, from textiles to pharma. With global trade talks stalled and US-China tensions looming, Indias balancing act is tricky. New Delhi has signalled it may phase out the levy once OECDs Pillar 1 is fully implemented, expected by mid-2026, but only if the framework ensures fair revenue sharing. Until then, Indias stance is clear: It wont bow to pressure. Indias Strategic Calculus New Delhis position reflects its broader geopolitical strategy. As a tech hub, India needs US collaborationthink chip manufacturing and cloud infrastructure. But it is also wary of over-dependence. Strengthening domestic tech, from 5G to AI, is a priority, with policies like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme boosting local manufacturing. Aligning with the OECD offers a long-term solution, but India insists on terms that protect emerging economies. The governments rhetoric is defiant yet pragmatic. Leaders have vowed to safeguard farmers and small businesses from tariff fallout while pushing self-reliance. Bilateral talks with the US continue, but trust is thin after cancelled trade visits and escalating rhetoric. Indias tech giants, meanwhile, are watching closely, as US restrictions could limit access to cutting-edge tools. What Lies Ahead? Indias digital economy is a global force, but the tax dispute tests its resolve. Holding the line risks short-term pain but burnishes Indias image as a sovereign player. Caving to US demands could smooth trade but weaken fiscal control. As New Delhi navigates this tightrope, its tech hub status hangs in the balance. With OECD talks progressing and domestic innovation soaring, Indias digital dream is resilient, but the next few months will decide how brightly it shines. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 10:59 IST News explainers Will India Bend To US Trade Demands Or Defend Its Right To Tax Foreign Tech Firms? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Admiral Tripathi Says Navy Will Lead Charge Against Pakistan If Need Arises: Opening Will Be Done By... Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 17:33 IST Admiral DK Tripathi said that Indian Navys actions during Operation Sindoor and their swift deployment and aggressive posturing held the Pakistani navy captive. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi addresses attendees at an event. (IMAGE: PTI) Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi on Tuesday said that the Indian Navy could lead the charge against Pakistan and continue Operation Sindoor if terror-related incidents happen again. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the counter-terror operation is ongoing and terrorists, if found regrouping and plotting against India, from Pakistani soil, will be targeted and eliminated by the Indian military. Recommended Stories Admiral Tripathi pointed out that during the operation Indian Navy was swift and aggressive" in its deployment of units, which held the Pakistan Navy captive. Operation Sindoor was a counter-terror operation Indian armed forces conducted earlier this year where India eliminated hardline Islamist terror strongholds inside Pakistan. The operation led to a conflict with Pakistan as it scrambled its military to save and protect the terrorists who killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. The swift deployment and aggressive posturing of our units held the Pakistan navy captive in a way and forced them to request us to end kinetic actions. Sir, a few days ago, from the deck of INS Vikrant, you had assured the Indian Navy that Operation Sindoor has not ended, and if the need arises again, there is a probability that the opening will be done by the Indian Navy," Tripathi said, according to a report by the Times of India. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Speaking in Visakhapatnam at the commissioning of two new frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi said the force had shown its ability to deliver an overwhelming punch at sea" during Operation Sindoor. He stressed that in an era of uncertainties and competition," such capability remained a vital deterrent against Indias adversaries. Highlighting the significance of the two Project 17A stealth frigates, Tripathi noted that Udaygiri and Himgiri are the 100th and 101st warships designed by Indias own warship design bureau. Modern, state-of-the-art platforms like these make us more capable of delivering an opening knock-out punch to the enemy," he said, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modis emphasis on unique and customised systems as the foundation of national security. 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 c... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 17:30 IST News india Admiral Tripathi Says Navy Will Lead Charge Against Pakistan If Need Arises: Opening Will Be Done By... Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Alipiri Land Dispute: TTD Reclaims Site For Devotees, Ends Commercialisation Fears Reported By : Local18 Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 16:15 IST Under the land swap deal, the disputed Alipiri land would return to TTD, while the tourism department would receive alternate land owned by TTD across the Alipiri-Cherlopalli road The dispute traces back to November 2021, when then state government allotted nearly 20 acres at Alipiri, considered one of Tirumalas seven sacred hills, to the tourism department for an Oberoi hotel. (Photo: News18 Telugu) The long-standing controversy over the Alipiri land at the foothills of Tirumala has finally concluded, bringing relief to thousands of devotees who had opposed its commercial use. The sacred site, once earmarked for a luxury hotel project, will now remain under the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and be used exclusively for the benefit of pilgrims. Recommended Stories The dispute traces back to November 2021, when then state government allotted nearly 20 acres of land at Alipiriconsidered one of Tirumalas seven sacred hillsto the tourism department for an Oberoi hotel. The decision immediately sparked outrage among devotees, religious leaders, and some organisations, who argued that commercial establishments at the very foothills of Lord Venkateswaras shrine would dilute its sanctity. Massive protests followed, forcing the TTD Board to step in. By November 2024, the Board passed a resolution urging the government to reclaim the land from the tourism department and hand it back to TTD. The turning point came in March 2025, when Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, during a visit to Tirumala, publicly assured devotees that no non-religious activities would be allowed on sacred land. Acting on this assurance, officials worked out a land-swap deal. Under the arrangement, the disputed Alipiri land would return to TTD, while the tourism department would receive alternate land owned by TTD across the Alipiri-Cherlopalli roadan area already hosting several non-religious structures. The agreement received final approval in July 2025 after multiple board resolutions. TTD has confirmed plans to develop pilgrim facilities on the reclaimed land, ensuring it serves the needs of devotees rather than commercial interests. The decision has been widely welcomed, with devotees calling it a victory for preserving Tirumalas spiritual essence. For many, it closes a chapter of anxiety over whether one of Hinduisms holiest sites would lose its sanctity to urbanization pressures. With the controversy settled, officials say the focus will now shift to improving infrastructure for the millions of pilgrims who visit Tirumala each year. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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, ... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 16:15 IST News india Alipiri Land Dispute: TTD Reclaims Site For Devotees, Ends Commercialisation Fears Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 HC Protects TMC MLA, KMC Councillors From Arrest In 2021 Post-Poll Violence Murder Case Reported By : LawBeat Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 17:47 IST During the hearing, senior advocates representing the accused argued that their clients were being targeted for political reasons ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The High Court acknowledged the seriousness of the case but said custodial interrogation was not justified at this stage. (File pic) The Calcutta High Court on August 21, 2025 granted anticipatory bail to ruling party MLA Paresh Paul and three others in connection with a murder that occurred during the post-poll violence following the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. The case, probed by the CBI, has been politically charged, with allegations that senior leaders of the states ruling party were behind the killing. Recommended Stories The order came in two anticipatory bail pleas one by Paul and two Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillors, Swapan Somaddar and Papiya Ghosh, and another by Rajdip Singh, a party activist. All four were named in a supplementary chargesheet filed by the CBI earlier this year, nearly four years after the incident. The violence in question dates back to May 2, 2021, when a mob allegedly stormed into the house of the complainant in Narkeldanga, assaulted the family and fatally injured her son. The case was initially investigated by local police but was later handed over to the CBI following a Calcutta High Court directive in response to a public interest litigation on post-poll violence. During the hearing, senior advocates representing the accused argued that their clients were being targeted for political reasons ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. They stressed that none of them had been named in the original FIR, nor were they arrested in the four years since the CBI took charge of the investigation. The same evidence was available in 2021 when the first supplementary chargesheet was filed, yet the agency waited till 2025 to implicate them," counsel submitted. The CBI, however, opposed bail, describing the killing as a most gruesome murder" committed in front of the victims aged mother and brother. It relied on two pieces of evidence: a speech delivered by Paul 12 days before the incident, in which he allegedly vowed to drive the victim out of the locality, and videos recorded by the victim himself shortly before his death, naming Paul and Somaddar as those harassing him. Singh was also implicated later by the victims brother, though his defence claimed this was an afterthought. The High Court acknowledged the seriousness of the case but said custodial interrogation was not justified at this stage. Justice Jay Sengupta observed that the accused had cooperated with the investigation, were never arrested during the four-year probe, and had now been summoned only after the chargesheet was filed. Citing Supreme Court rulings, court reiterated that arrest should not be ordered merely because a chargesheet is filed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Accordingly, court directed that all four be released on bail if taken into custody, subject to conditions. These include furnishing bonds of Rs 1 lakh each, refraining from entering the victims neighbourhood in Narkeldanga, not leaving India without permission, and attending court regularly. Paul has been specifically barred from making provocative speeches about the victims family. In Singhs case, the court noted allegations that he threatened the victims brother during the pendency of the proceedings. Therefore, court ordered that a separate proceeding under Section 129 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita will be initiated against him for good behaviour. About the Author Salil Tiwari Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public in... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 17:47 IST News india Calcutta HC Protects TMC MLA, KMC Councillors From Arrest In 2021 Post-Poll Violence 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... 'Canada Had No Evidence': Ex-Envoy Sanjay Verma Slams Ottawa's Charges In Nijjar Case | Exclusive Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 14:19 IST In an interview with CNN-News18, Verma said his role in Canada was limited to defending Indias interests and countering anti-India propaganda. Former Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma | File Image Former Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Kumar Verma strongly rejected Ottawas allegations linking him to the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, saying the Canadian government had no evidence" and was only using the issue for political convenience. In an interview with CNN-News18, Verma said his role in Canada was limited to defending Indias interests and countering anti-India propaganda. Recommended Stories I did my duty of defending Indias interests in Canada. I was able to raise my voice against anti-India elements. I did not do anything which was covert or against Canada-India relations," he said. #WATCH | Former Indias Envoy to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, speaks exclusively to CNN News18: I did nothing covert or against Canada-India relations. My duty was to defend Indias interests. The Khalistan issue in Canada is a threat to India, and I made sure to raise my voice pic.twitter.com/EUzyQrYYWj News18 (@CNNnews18) August 26, 2025 Verma underscored that Khalistani extremism in Canada remained a matter of concern for New Delhi. The Khalistan issue in Canada is a threat to India; it was concerning," he noted, adding that Ottawa did little to address Indian security concerns. They did not share things with us. To some extent, they made our lives difficult. My freedom was limited. Probably they might be watching or listening to wherever I went," he said. The former envoy also alleged harassment by Canadian authorities. Someone from our defence forces who used to visit Canada was harassed. I was harassed," he said. The remarks come a year after relations between the two countries plunged to new lows. In October last year, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled Verma and other officials after Ottawa accused Indian diplomats of involvement in Nijjars killing. The Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the allegations as ludicrous" and said they deserved to be treated with contempt." The MEA had also highlighted Vermas 36-year diplomatic career, which included key postings in Japan, Sudan, Italy, Turkiye, Vietnam and China. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all An Indian Foreign Service officer of the 1988 batch, Verma studied at Patna University and IIT Delhi before joining the service. India has consistently maintained that Canada has failed to provide credible evidence in the Nijjar case, while giving political space to extremist groups that pose a direct threat to Indias security. First Published: August 26, 2025, 14:17 IST News india 'Canada Had No Evidence': Ex-Envoy Sanjay Verma Slams Ottawa's Charges In Nijjar Case | 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... Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Horizon Robotics recently announced the biggest upgrade yet to its Horizon SuperDrive (HSD) urban driving assistance system. The company said via its WeChat account on August 24 that the new version introduces a fully end-to-end architecture and reinforcement learning capabilities, promising a smoother, more human-like, and highly reliable driver-assistance experience across diverse urban scenarios. According to Horizon Robotics' Vice President of Horizon Robotics and Head of Strategy, Smart Driving Product Planning & Marketing, Lv Peng, traditional hybrid architectureswhether two-stage or one-stage with rule-based post-processingtend to separate lateral and longitudinal control, leading to complex modules, latency, and information loss. HSD's true one-stage end-to-end approach, by contrast, enables defensive driving behaviors closely resembling those of professional chauffeurs, marking a key turning point toward human-like assisted driving. Photo credit: Horizon Robotics The defining feature of this upgrade is the integration of end-to-end processing with reinforcement learning. By enabling direct trajectory output from raw visual inputs with minimal latency, the system delivers seamless integration of lateral and longitudinal control while enhancing safety, efficiency, and comfort. The reinforcement learning mechanism further unlocks the system's potential through self-optimization, producing emergent intelligence comparable to cutting-edge AI models such as DeepSeek R1. This leap in capability is powered by Horizon Robotics' Journey 6P computing solution, delivering 560 TOPS of processing strength. With high integration, computing power, efficiency, connectivity, and safety all combined in one platform, the hardware-software synergy provides the backbone for HSD's premium, human-like driving experience that is designed to inspire user trust. To reinforce safety, Horizon Robotics has built one of the industry's largest active safety scenario libraries, covering over 30,000 datasets and validated through more than 10 million kilometers of simulated and real-world testing. Notably, Horizon Robotics said it has obtained the world's first and only ISO 8800 certification for AI functional safety in road vehicles. To date, its systems have been validated by over 500 million kilometers of safe driving across five million households, supplemented by international trials spanning more than 50 countries and 1.5 million kilometers. Mass production of HSD is now approaching. The system will debut later this year in the Chery EXEED STERRA E05, marking the start of commercial deliveries. Horizon Robotics has also reached cooperation intentions with nearly ten global automakers, signaling wider adoption in the near future. CDS Gen Anil Chauhan Says Indias Response To Future Security Threats Must Be 'Swift And Decisive' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 09:59 IST At the Ran Samvad conclave, CDS Chauhan also underlined that Indias commitment to peace must be backed by strength. CDS Anil Chauhan (Image: PTI/File photo) Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Monday stressed that Indias response to future security threats must be coordinated, swift and decisive", given the technological advancements and the evolving nature of modern warfare. Speaking ahead of a two-day tri-services conclave Ran Samvad at the Army War College in Mhow, Gen Chauhan highlighted the importance of synergy among the Army, Navy and Air Force. Recommended Stories At a time when the character of conflict is evolving rapidly across land, sea, air, cyber and space, our response must be unified, swift and decisive," he said. The future battlefield does not recognise service boundaries. It demands joint thinking, joint planning and joint execution," he added. The CDS said the Ran Samvad seminar aims to provide a platform for serving officers to lead discussions on the realities of modern warfare and strengthen collective military preparedness. This seminar is not about showcasing power. Its about shaping clarity of purpose, unity of effort and shared operational understanding across services," he remarked. The event, scheduled for August 2627, will feature Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivering the plenary address on the final day, while Gen Chauhan will address the opening session. Several joint doctrines, along with a technology and capability roadmap, will also be unveiled. India A Peace-Loving Nation, But At the Ran Samvad conclave, CDS Chauhan underlined that Indias commitment to peace must be backed by strength. India has always stood on the side of peace. We are a peace-loving nation, but dont get mistaken, we cannot be pacifists," he said, adding that peace without power is utopian." Citing a Latin maxim, Gen. Chauhan remarked, If you want peace, prepare for war," as he stressed the importance of military preparedness in safeguarding national security. According to organisers, Ran Samvad is a first-of-its-kind initiative curated by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies, with support from the Army Training Command. Each session will be led by serving officers sharing operational insights from contemporary battlefields. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The conclave will cover themes such as information warfare, grey zone conflicts, integrated operations and next-generation combat technologies. Top commanders from all three services, defence industry leaders and global security experts are expected to participate. Location : Madhya Pradesh, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 09:59 IST News india CDS Gen Anil Chauhan Says Indias Response To Future Security Threats Must Be 'Swift And Decisive' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Officer Banned From Flying For 5 Years After Assaulting SpiceJet Staff At Srinagar Airport Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 21:46 IST DGCA put the army officer on no-fly list for five years after he assaulted four SpiceJet staff at Srinagar Airport over excess baggage. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The army officer assaulted four SpiceJet ground staff at Srinagar Airport over a dispute involving excess cabin baggage. (Image: News18) The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday placed an Army officer on the national no-fly list for five years after he assaulted four SpiceJet employees at Srinagar Airport over a baggage dispute. The ban applies across all domestic and international flights operated by Indian carriers, effectively grounding him from air travel until 2030. Recommended Stories The violent altercation occurred on July 26, when the officer, later identified as a Lieutenant Colonel posted at the Armys High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg, lashed out at ground staff after being asked to pay for excess cabin baggage. SpiceJet employees were punched, kicked and even struck with a queue stand, leaving one staffer with spinal fractures and another with jaw injuries. SpiceJets Mudasir Ahmad was among four airline ground staffers allegedly assaulted by the senior Army officer, who was to board a flight to Delhi after being asked to pay for excess cabin baggage. Earlier, SpiceJet barred the Army officer from flying with the airline for five years, describing him as unruly," according to a Hindustan Times report. The passenger who hit the airline staff has been declared unruly, and it has been decided to put him on the airlines no-fly list. He will not be able to fly in any of the SpiceJet domestic or international flights for five years," one of the officials said while speaking to the newspaper. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Indian Army earlier this month said it was committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline and took all allegations seriously, after the FIR was registered against the senior Army officer. The said officer had also filed FIRs against the air carrier. India has placed 379 passengers on the no-fly list in the past five years, including 48 individuals until July 30 this year, according to data tabled in Parliament this year. 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 c... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 21:22 IST News india Army Officer Banned From Flying For 5 Years After Assaulting SpiceJet Staff At Srinagar Airport Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Gold Paste Worth Rs 1.93 Crore Found In Ahmedabad Flight Toilet; 52,400 Cigarettes Seized Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 13:55 IST Probes indicate smugglers may be using aircraft toilets as drop points. Officials suspect the carrier abandoned the gold pouches mid-flight after getting nervous This incident might indicate a new method of smuggling, with the plane's toilet possibly being used as a drop point. (Representative/Shutterstock) The Customs Department at Ahmedabad Airport foiled a gold smuggling bid on Sunday, seizing 1.8 kg of gold paste worth Rs 1.93 crore concealed in the toilet of a Dubai flight at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI). Gold Hidden In Two Pouches Inside Toilet Recommended Stories According to reports from The Times of India, Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officials uncovered two suspicious pouches concealed in the toilet, containing approximately 2,196 grams of gold in paste form. Upon processing the paste, 1,867 grams of solid gold emerged, with a purity level of 999 (24 carats). The market value of this gold is estimated at Rs 1.93 crore, while the tariff value is around Rs 1.77 crore. The Customs Department has seized the gold under the Customs Act, 1962. A Fresh Tactic In Smuggling Bid Investigations suggest this incident might indicate a new method of smuggling, with the planes toilet possibly being used as a drop point. Officials are exploring whether the individual transporting the gold might have abandoned it after becoming anxious. According to sources, the international smuggling network is also under scrutiny. Similar cases have previously surfaced, involving the exchange of gold in airport lounge toilets, hiding it in clothing layers, bags, or electronic goods, and concealing it in paste form. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Foreign Cigarettes Worth Rs 8 Lakh Seized In addition to this, Customs officials seized 52,400 foreign cigarette sticks from two passengers, valued at around Rs 8 lakh. These passengers were returning to Ahmedabad from Cambodia via Malaysia, and the cigarettes were discovered during their search. Authorities are currently investigating whether the cigarettes are genuine or counterfeit. First Published: August 26, 2025, 13:55 IST News india Gold Paste Worth Rs 1.93 Crore Found In Ahmedabad Flight Toilet; 52,400 Cigarettes Seized Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Rain Fury Hits J&K: 9 Dead, Including 5 In Vaishno Devi Landslide; CM Omar Dials Amit Shah Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 20:25 IST Jammu & Kashmir Floods: Incessant rain, cloudbursts and landslides in Doda killed four, destroyed homes and roads, suspended Vaishno Devi Yatra, and shut highways. Jammu & Kashmir Floods: A major landslide struck near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari. Jammu & Kashmir Floods: At least four people have died and several houses and roads have been destroyed after incessant rain, cloudbursts and landslides battered Jammu and Kashmirs Doda district, while a major landslide in Ardhkwari near the Vaishno Devi shrine left five people dead and several injured. Two people were killed when their house collapsed in Doda, while two others died in flash floods as authorities urged residents to stay away from riverbanks amid surging water levels in major rivers. CM Omar Abdullah Dials Amit Shah Recommended Stories Omar Abdullah said he briefed the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the rain havoc in Jammu and Kashmir, noting heavy damage, disrupted connectivity and the closure of Jammu airport that prevented him from travelling. He added he is monitoring the situation and hopes to reach Jammu on the first flight tomorrow. Just spoke to the Union Home Minister on the phone to brief him about the situation in J&K, especially Jammu province, where heavy & continuous rains have caused a lot of damage and disruption to normal life. Efforts are being made to restore phone/data connectivity as soon as Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) August 26, 2025 Trains And Highways Shut Traffic on NH-244, the vital link between Doda and Kishtwar, has been suspended after heavy rain washed away a large stretch of road. Landslides and shooting stones have also shut the Srinagar-Jammu national highway in Ramban district. The Sinthan Top pass, connecting the Kashmir Valley with Kishtwar, has been closed while heavy snowfall in Zojila Pass has blocked the Srinagar-Leh highway. Several trains to and from Katra, including Vande Bharat Express, Shri Shakti Express and Hemkunt Express, have been cancelled. Vaishno Devi Yatra Suspended A major landslide struck near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, en route to the Vaishno Devi shrine, leaving several pilgrims feared injured. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), A landslide incident has occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, some injuries are feared. Rescue operations are underway along with required manpower and machinery." #WATCH | J&K: Indian Army personnel rescue people who are stranded in their houses in Gadigarh of Jammu, as the area is flooded following incessant heavy rainfall. pic.twitter.com/fdBEQbZVuE ANI (@ANI) August 26, 2025 The shrine yatra has been suspended until further notice. CM Omar Abdullah Rushes To Jammu Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the situation quite serious" and said he was flying to Jammu to monitor the crisis. He posted on X, Ill be taking the next available flight from Srinagar to Jammu to personally monitor the developing situation. In the meantime, instructions have been issued to place additional funds at the disposal of the DCs to cover emergency restoration work and other exigencies." He also chaired a high-level meeting on flood preparedness directing all departments to remain on standby. Rivers Overflow, Towns Flooded Major rivers Tawi and Ravi are flowing above the danger mark. In Kathua, the Ravi has breached its banks at several points, submerging low-lying areas. #WATCH | Jammu, J&K | Water level of the Tawi River rises due to heavy rainfall pic.twitter.com/pn96uAMbE4 ANI (@ANI) August 26, 2025 Helplines have been set up across affected districts, and local authorities remain on high alert. The weather department has forecast more heavy rain in Jammu region over the next 24 hours. The emergency contact numbers for people in various districts are: Jammu 0191-2571616 Samba 01923-241004, 01923-246915 Kathua 01922-238796 Poonch 01965-2200888 Rajouri 01962-295895 Udhampur 01992-272727, 01992-272728 Reasi 9419839557 Ramban 01998-29550, 01998-266790 Doda 9596776203 Kishtwar 9484217492 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Schools Shut In Jammu All government and private schools in Jammu will remain closed on August 27 due to the prevailing bad weather and flood-like conditions across the region, as per an official notification. Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 14:54 IST News india Rain Fury Hits J&K: 9 Dead, Including 5 In Vaishno Devi Landslide; CM Omar Dials Amit Shah Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Seeks UNSC Travel Ban Waiver For Afghanistan Foreign Minister's Visit This Week | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 10:14 IST The development comes just weeks after the cancellation of Amir Khan Muttaqis scheduled visit to Pakistan, which had similarly sought a temporary waiver from UNSC travel committee Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google As a sanctioned individual under the UN Security Councils Resolution 1988 regime, targeting Taliban leaders, Muttaqi cannot travel internationally without prior approval from the committee. (Getty) In a significant diplomatic development that could mark a thaw in India-Afghanistan ties under the Taliban regime, the Indian government has extended an official invitation to Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to visit New Delhi. Top diplomatic sources told CNN-News18 that the visit is tentatively scheduled for later this week, but its finalisation hinges on securing a travel waiver from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions committee. Recommended Stories India has formally approached the UNSC travel committee to seek special permission for Muttaqis travel. As a sanctioned individual under the UN Security Councils Resolution 1988 regime, targeting Taliban leaders, Muttaqi cannot travel internationally without prior approval from the committee. New Delhi has completed all logistical and diplomatic preparations for the Afghan foreign ministers visit," said a source. We are now awaiting a decision from the UNSCs travel committee. Once that is granted, the exact dates will be finalised." Sources within Afghanistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, currently under Taliban control, also confirmed the proposed visit. The Indian invitation has been received, and the foreign minister is scheduled to travel to India later this week, subject to the travel approval," said a senior official in Kabul. If the visit proceeds as planned, it would mark the first official visit of a high-ranking Taliban minister to India since the group seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021 following the withdrawal of US and NATO troops. Setback For Pakistan, Diplomatic Gain For India? The development comes just weeks after the cancellation of Muttaqis scheduled visit to Pakistan, which had similarly sought a temporary waiver from the UNSC travel committee. That request was reportedly blocked, with the United States said to have opposed ita stance it may take again regarding Indias request. A source at the United Nations in New York told CNN-News18 that the travel committee is reviewing Indias waiver request and a decision is expected soon. However, the US is likely to raise objections", echoing its disapproval of Pakistans recent attempt to invite the Afghan foreign minister. If approved, it would be a significant diplomatic win for New Delhi, particularly in contrast to Islamabads failure to secure a similar waiver," said the source. It could signal the beginning of a cautious re-engagement with Kabul." Taliban Leaders Still Under Sanctions Many senior Taliban officials remain subject to United Nations sanctions, including travel bans, asset freezes, and arms embargoes, imposed by the Security Council since the group was designated for harbouring al-Qaeda following the 9/11 attacks. These sanctions continue under UNSC Resolution 1988, despite the Talibans return to power. Indias engagement with the Taliban regime has so far remained limited, largely restricted to humanitarian aid and technical assistance, without formally recognising the government. However, the reopening of its embassy in Kabul in 2022 with a technical team signalled Indias intent to maintain some level of functional contact with the de facto authorities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all If Muttaqis visit is cleared, it could pave the way for deeper diplomatic dialogue on issues of regional security, trade, connectivity, and humanitarian cooperation. Afghanistan remains strategically important for India, especially as it concerns counter-terrorism efforts and its broader outreach in Central Asia. While Pakistan has long been seen as the Talibans closest external partner, Indias potential hosting of Muttaqieven without full diplomatic recognitionmay signal a new phase of competition and repositioning in South Asias complex geopolitical matrix. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: August 26, 2025, 10:14 IST News india India Seeks UNSC Travel Ban Waiver For Afghanistan Foreign Minister's Visit This Week | 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... 'Kem Chho!': Japanese Ambassador's Gujarati Speech Wins Hearts, PM Modi Reacts | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 19:59 IST Japanese Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, suddenly started speaking fluently in Gujarati during an event in Gujarat's Hansalpur, drawing PM Modi's admiration. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google PM Modi reacts to Japan Ambassador Ono Keiichi's Gujarat speech. (BJP Gujarat) Japanese Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, won hearts on social media after fluently speaking in Gujarati in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an event on the launch of green mobility initiatives in Hansalpur, Gujarat. PM Modi inaugurated Maruti Suzukis electric vehicle (EV) and battery plant in Hansalpur, and also launched Maruti Suzukis first electric vehicle, the e-Vitara, and said it will be exported to over a hundred countries. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to all citizens of India and Japan, as well as to the Suzuki Motor Corporation. Recommended Stories While making his remarks at the event, Ono Keiichi suddenly started speaking fluently in Gujarati, completely changing the atmosphere of the event. He started addressing people with Namaste Mitron! Kem Chho! (Namaste people. How are you?)." Mera naam Keiichi Ono chhe ane hu Japanese Rajdoot chhu. (My name is Keiichi Ono, and I am the Ambassador of Japan)," he said, drawing smiles from the audience and PM Modi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Political Kida (@politicalkida) The clip quickly went viral on social media, with people widely appreciating the Japanese ambassadors effort. Prime Minister Modi also reacted, saying the India-Japan relationship was made for each other". The relationship between India and Japan is beyond just diplomatic relations; it is a cultural and trust based relationship. We see our progress in each others progress. The journey we started with Maruti Suzuki has now reached the speed of a bullet train," PM Modi said at the event. PM Modi is set to visit Japan on August 29-30. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to participate in a business leaders forum involving top industry representatives from both countries. The visit will reaffirm the longstanding special bond of friendship between the two countries," the MEA said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He would convene his first annual summit with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and it is also his first standalone visit to Japan in nearly seven years. The two PMs will deliberate on cooperation in the areas of defence and security, trade and economy, technology and innovation, and people-to-people exchanges, as well as discuss issues of regional and global importance. From Japan, Modi will fly to the Chinese port city of Tianjin for the summit of the regional security bloc Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), his first visit to China in more than seven years. The PM is set to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO summit. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More Location : Gujarat, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 19:45 IST News india 'Kem Chho!': Japanese Ambassador's Gujarati Speech Wins Hearts, PM Modi Reacts | 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... Father Kills Married Daughter And Her Lover After She Was Caught Having Affair By In-Laws Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 12:18 IST The woman's father killed his married daughter and her lover, disposing off their bodies in a well. The woman and her lover were allegedly killed by her father. (Image: News18) A tragic case of murder involving a married woman and her lover has emerged from Maharashtras Nanded. The killing is being linked to an illicit love affair, and therefore, the womans family has allegedly killed them, which is being termed as a case of honour killing. According to sources, the womans father killed his married daughter and her lover, disposing off their bodies in a well. Recommended Stories The incident came to light on Monday, August 25, in Golegaon when the lover went to the womans in-laws house to meet her, where they were caught in a compromising situation. The in-laws apprehended them and informed the womans father. The father, along with two other individuals, came to Golegaon. Upon hearing the details from the in-laws, the father and relatives beat the woman and her lover inhumanly. The womans husband was also present at the time. The two reportedly died due to the beating. Subsequently, the bodies were thrown into a deep well. As soon as the information about the incident came to light, Bhokars Upper Superintendent of Police, Archana Patil, and Sub-Divisional Police Officer Dashrath Patil, Police Inspector Ankush Mane visited the spot and took information. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The body of deceased Sanjivani was taken out of the well at night. However, the body of Lakhan Bhandare could not be found till late night. It was informed that the police have taken the deceased girls father, husband and others into custody in connection with the case. The police are investigating the matter. Location : Nanded, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 12:13 IST News india Father Kills Married Daughter And Her Lover After She Was Caught Having Affair By In-Laws Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Mom, Dad, Please Forgive Me': 25-Year-Old IIT Kanpur Cyber Security Developer Found Dead Curated By : Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 14:17 IST A 25-year-old software developer at IIT-Kanpur's Cyber Security Department, died by suicide. Police found no foul play and are investigating the case. Representative Image In a tragic incident reported from Indian Institute of Technology-IIT Kanpur, a 25-year-old software developer working in the cybersecurity department of the institute, was found dead. As per the police, his body was found hanging at his rented accommodation. The deceased, identified as Deepak Chowdhary, was originally from Maharashtra. A suicide note is also recovered and it states that he felt unable to keep up with advancements in the cybersecurity field. Recommended Stories As per the officials, in the note, Chowdhary apologised to his parents for the extreme step. Was Advised To Work Hard He had been associated with the institutes Cybersecurity Department for the past two years, IIT Kanpurs director Manindra Agarwal told PTI. Before the incident, he had spoken to a senior faculty member about his struggles. He was advised to keep working hard and assured he would succeed," Agarwal added. PTI report quoted the handwritten suicide note found in victims diary. I dont drink or do anything wrong. Mom, Dad, please forgive me," the note read. As per the police, Chowdhary appeared cheerful on Sunday night, dining and chatting with friends. However, on Monday, when he did not respond to repeated calls and knocks. This alarmed his friends and they peeped through the window, only to find his body hanging from the fan. Police was informed immediately. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Kalyanpur) Ranjeet Kumar said Chowdhary was found hanging from a ceiling fan with a plastic rope. A forensic team broke open the door, collected evidence, and sealed the room after completing formalities. The body was sent for postmortem, and the family has been informed. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Dinesh Tripathi said an investigation is underway, but no foul play has been suspected so far. IIT Kanpur Expresses Grief top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all IIT Kanpur confirmed the untoward incident and shared a communique expressing sorrow over Chowdharys demise. With deep sorrow, IIT Kanpur mourns the untimely and unfortunate demise of Mr. Deepak Chowdhary, a 25-year-old software developer associated with a start-up incubated at the Institute. A police forensic team is conducting investigations to determine the cause of his death. The Institute is awaiting the outcome of the police inquiry," the statement reads. With his passing, the Institute has lost a talented and dedicated young professional and prays for strength to the bereaved family," IIT K added. Location : Kanpur Nagar, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 14:06 IST News india 'Mom, Dad, Please Forgive Me': 25-Year-Old IIT Kanpur Cyber Security Developer Found Dead Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... MP Bride Tortured By Husband With Hot Knife Over Looks, Dowry Demands Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 22:26 IST The woman suffered more than 50 burn injuries on her body after her husband assaulted her and branded her with a hot knife over her looks. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google A newly-married bride in Madhya Pradesh was tortured by her husband with a hot knife. (Image used for representation) In a disturbing incident from Madhya Pradesh, a newly-married bride was tortured by her husband with a hot knife in Barwani district after he accused her of not being beautiful". The woman, identified as Khushboo, reportedly suffered more than 50 burn injuries on her body. She filed a complaint against her husband, Dilip Pipaliya, after returning to her maternal home in the Khargone district on Monday, according to a report by the Times of India. Recommended Stories The woman informed reporters that she married Dilip, a scrap dealer from Anjad in Barwani district, on February 2. She claimed that since their marriage, Dilip had been unhappy with her and allegedly criticised her appearance, accusing her of not being beautiful. The woman claimed that Dilip came home drunk on Sunday and beat her, after which he dragged her to the kitchen and tied her hands and legs. He then heated a knife on the kitchen stove and branded her in several parts of her body, including the hands, back and hip. Furthermore, Khushboos father had also alleged that Dilips family had harassed her for dowry. He also claimed that Dilips family reached his home on Monday and threatened dire consequences if the woman did not return home. Dilips family members were allegedly present in the house during the attack. Khushboo managed to escape around 4:30 am on Monday by freeing herself, took a mobile from a cleaning staff member, and contacted her family, according to India Today. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On the other hand, Dilips family had called the allegations baseless and alleged that her wounds were self-inflicted. They claimed that Dilip liked his wife and had married her with great fervour. Khargone SP Dharamraj told TOI that Dilip was booked for voluntarily causing hurt, voluntary obstruction, and cruelty towards the woman under sections 115 (2), 118, 126, and 85 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita by Jaitpur police. The case is expected to be transferred to the Anjad police station. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More Location : Khargone, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 22:26 IST News india MP Bride Tortured By Husband With Hot Knife Over Looks, Dowry Demands Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... MP Man Beaten To Death With Sticks, Axe By In-Laws For Marrying Against Their Wishes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 16:43 IST Om Prakash, 25, died after being brutally beaten by his in-laws in Harsi village in Gwalior following a love marriage with Shivani Ojha. Police have arrested her father and uncle. The couple had been living in Dabra following their wedding. (Representative image) A love marriage resulted in the death of a man after he was severely beaten by his in-laws in Madhya Pradeshs Gwalior district, news agency ANI reported. The tragic incident is said to have taken place in Harsi village which falls under the jurisdiction of Belgada police station. The deceased has been identified as Om Prakash (25). Recommended Stories It is learnt that Om Prakash had a love marriage with a woman of the same village around a year ago against the wishes of the womans family. ANI citing police reported that the couple had been living in Dabra following their wedding. Om Prakash returned to his village after around a year on August 19. During his stay in the village, his in-laws thrashed him with sticks, leaving him with grievous injuries. Soon after, he was rushed to Jaya Arogya Hospital (JAH) but succumbed to injuries in the intervening night of August 23 and August 24, ANI reported. According to a report in Times Of India, Om Prakash had married Shivani Ojha through a court marriage. TOI citing SP Dharamveer Yadav reported that both the families belonged to the OBC categories. The outlet reported that the victim had returned to his native village along with his wife to visit his ailing mother. During the visit, he went to his in-laws house to convince them to accept the marriage but instead, he was allegedly attacked with sticks and an axe by her relatives, TOI reported citing the SP. Citing police, TOI further mentioned that the couple had earlier eloped in 2023. After Shivani expressed her wish to live with him, the couple stayed at different places before getting married. City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Robin Jain said that the couple had been living at a rented house in Dabra and the womans family was unhappy with their marriage. The incident was reported in Harsi village under Belgada police station limits, where a man and a woman of the same village had a love marriage around a year ago. The family members of the woman were against the marriage, and therefore, the couple was living in a rented house in Dabra. A few days ago, they returned to their village, and the family members of the woman assaulted the man with a stick severely, leaving him seriously injured," ANI quoted CSP Jain as saying. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Based on the complaint of victims wife, police have registered a case against four people and arrested her father and uncle in relation to the crime, the officer said. Police said efforts were underway to nab the remaining two accused. Further investigation into the case is underway. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More Location : Gwalior, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 16:36 IST News india MP Man Beaten To Death With Sticks, Axe By In-Laws For Marrying Against Their Wishes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Photo credit: The Score Dan Bernstein officially launched the next chapter of his career on Monday with the debut of his new podcast. And the first episode of Dan Bernstein Unfiltered didnt bury the lede, as the longtime Chicago radio host quickly addressed his firing from 670 The Score earlier this year. We got here primarily because I went psycho on a Twitter troll, Bernstein told co-host Matt Abbatacola at the start of the episode. everything that happened since it first started into the bloodstream and this whole thing started rolling the way that it did is my fault. Entirely. Everything that was coming to me, Ive earned. I am facing still facing the consequences of my actions. Its because of what I chose to do. Nobody ganged up against me. Theres no vast conspiracy here. Its my fault because of my shortcomings. And Ive learned a lot of about those shortcomings. Bernstein emphasized that he wasnt going to make excuses, but wanted to offer explanations. He said that he immediately began to seek answers about own behavior following his firing, which came as the result of a social media argument in which he threatened dox a social media user and get his kids involved following an online argument about fishing. Bernstein revealed that he underwent intensive psychotherapy treatment to address whatever it was that had been building leading up to the social media explosion that ultimately cost him his job. Tying to situation to past health issues he had experienced connected to anxiety, he described the outburst as the culmination of a slow-rolling mental health crisis, much of which was rooted in his use of social media. Weve learned a lot and weve done a ton of work, Bernstein said in reference to his mental health. Ive learned for me that the way for me, Twitter specifically rewired my brain for the worse. And a lot of sh*tty things that have happened in my career and bad decisions that Ive made have been related to Twitter. And you know them, theyre public. The longtime Windy City host said that realization allowed his therapist to diagnose an actual chemical addiction to a dopamine outrage cycle stemming from his use for the platform. Bottom line: Twitters bad for me, he said. I dont think I need to tell you that. Twitters unhealthy for me. Bernstein said he wont be leaving X, as doing so would be stupid from a marketing perspective. He did, however, say that he has adjusted the way in which he uses the platform and that not being on Twitter for anything other than marketing reasons has been helpful to his mental health journey. Bernsteins comments are worth the listen, as they arent just transparent, but likely relatable for many people entrenched in similar cycles with their social media use. As weve seen over the years, there are many career paths radio hosts can take after being fired in controversial fashion. But Bernsteins appears to be one of the most vulnerable and healthiest approaches weve seen in recent memory. News18 Evening Digest: 4 Killed In J&K Rain Fury, Alia Bhatt Slams Invasion of Privacy & Top Stories Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 17:30 IST We are also covering: Father kills married daughter after she was caught having affair by in-laws; Boney Kapoor claims 3 people 'unlawfully' claiming Sridevi's property PM Modi to visit China: Xi Jinping to welcome PM Modi personally (Reuters File Image) In todays afternoon digest, News18 brings you the latest updates on rain situation in Jammu & Kashmir, Alia Bhatts reaction after video of her newly-built Mumbai bungalow goes viral and other top stories. Alia Bhatt SLAMS Invasion of Privacy After Video Of Newly-Built Mumbai Bungalow Goes Viral Recommended Stories Recently, a video of Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatts newly constructed dream home in Bandra, Mumbai, went viral on social media. The video showcased the full front view of the celebrity couples six-storey bungalow which is reportedly valued at around Rs 250 crore. Now, Alia Bhatt has strongly condemned the unauthorized filming and circulation of the video, calling it a clear invasion of privacy and a serious security issue. Read more 4 Killed As Heavy Rain Triggers Landslides, Flash Floods In J&K; Vaishno Devi Yatra Suspended Heavy rainfall continued to batter Jammu on Tuesday, triggering landslides and flash floods, blocking roads, and pushing rivers close to danger levels. Doda district has been particularly affected, with visuals showing severe flooding and damage in the area. The heavy downpour also prompted authorities to temporarily suspend Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. Read more Chinese President Xi Jinping To Welcome PM Modi, Putin Personally Amid US Tariff Pressure: Report Chinese President Xi Jinping will personally welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, in a powerful show of Global South solidarity amid Donald Trumps tariffs, according to a report in Reuters. Read more Boney Kapoor Moves Madras HC, Claims 3 People Unlawfully Claiming Sridevis Property Film producer Boney Kapoor has moved the Madras High Court, alleging that three individuals have been unlawfully claiming rights over a Chennai property of his late wife, actress Sridevi. As reported by The Hindu, Kapoor filed a plea and shared details of an alleged fraud" by the three individuals. Read more Father Kills Married Daughter And Her Lover After She Was Caught Having Affair By In-Laws A tragic case of murder involving a married woman and her lover has emerged from Maharashtras Nanded. The killing is being linked to an illicit love affair, and therefore, the womans family has allegedly killed them, which is being termed as a case of honour killing. Read more Meghan Markle Reveals Prince Harry Said I Love You First In New Netflix Series Meghan Markle revealed new details about her early relationship with Prince Harry, including that the Duke of Sussex was the first to say I love you". Speaking in the second season of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex said she knew she loved Prince Harry by their third date, when the couple were camping together in Botswana. Read more top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Chhoti Ganga Bol Kar Naale Mein Kuda Diya: How Flat Tracks In England Propelled Akash Deep To Excel | Exclusive Fresh from the England tour, pacer Akash Deep has been recovering from a back niggle while spending some quality time with his family. The 28-year-old had some terrific outings in England, both with bat and ball. From his memorable 10-wicket haul at Edgbaston to his gritty fifty at The Oval, the Bengal pacer showcased resilience and adaptability in testing overseas conditions. Read more 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, ... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 17:08 IST News india News18 Evening Digest: 4 Killed In J&K Rain Fury, Alia Bhatt Slams Invasion of Privacy & Top Stories Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'One Country Has F-35 In Air...': Rajnath Singh Lauds India's Multi-Mission Stealth Frigates Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 16:24 IST Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned two multi-mission stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, at the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Eastern Naval Command. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday commissioned two multi-mission stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, at the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy in Andhra Pradeshs Visakhapatnam. He lauded the Indian Navy on the occasion, saying that both warships will prove to be a milestone in the nations security. One country has the F-35 that operates in the air, while youve delivered a sea-based version of the F-35 and that too, indigenously," he said during an address. Recommended Stories The journey that INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri are embarking on from Visakhapatnam today is a journey of Indias pride. This commissioning is a matter of pride for all of us," he added. With the inclusion of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, the strength, reach, and resilience of our Navy will further increase." Speaking at the Commissioning Ceremony of two multi-mission stealth frigates, Udaygiri and Himgiri in Visakhapatnam. https://t.co/4nk2TLoJpw Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 26, 2025 The Defence Minister further said that the warships will improve Indias security, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. He said both warships had advanced capabilities, including long-range surface-to-air missiles, BrahMos missiles, an indigenous rocket launcher, a torpedo launcher, a combat management system, and a fire control system. Udaygiri and Himagiri come from the Indian Navys latest state-of-the-art Project 17A and the commissioning marks the first occasion when two frontline surface combatants constructed at two different shipyards were commissioned simultaneously. Rajnath Singh On Indias Challenges Singh said the commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri was one step closer to realising the dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also said it was a clear message that India is fully capable of securing its maritime borders and is ready to respond immediately in any situation. We have now decided that in the future, no ship for the Indian Navy will be built abroad. We will build our ships in India itself. This is our firm resolve for Atmanirbharta (self-reliance). This is a decisive step towards self-reliance in Defence Production." India has always acted as a first responder in the Indian Ocean Region. Whenever any of our neighbours face a problem, we are the first to reach them," he said, recalling the Navys efforts in rescuing 18 people, including 8 Chinese nationals, after a distress call near Kochi. Operation Sindoor Still On top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Rajnath Singh also stated that India has never believed in aggressive expansionism, but it will not back down when its security is threatened and will give a befitting response to the attackers. He said the Indian Armed Forces showed the world through Operation Sindoor that India can act when it is compelled to do so. He also said that Operation Sindoor was still active. In todays era, changes are happening so rapidly in the triangle of warfare that every conflict showcases some new technology, new strategy, or new equipment. Due to the constantly evolving nature of wars, it has become essential that we not only keep ourselves updated but also think in directions that are still unexplored and unexpected," he said, stressing the need for new solutions. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More Location : Visakhapatnam, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 16:09 IST News india 'One Country Has F-35 In Air...': Rajnath Singh Lauds India's Multi-Mission Stealth Frigates Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Pushes For Strong Condemnation Of Terrorism In SCO Joint Declaration In China Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 14:33 IST PM Modi will travel to China to attend SCO Summit and meet President Xi Jinping. Ahead of the key visit, India has made its expectations clear for joint declaration of the Summit. PM Modi to visit China: India pushes for joint declaration on terrorism (Reuters File Image) Ahead of the crucial Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China next week, India on Tuesday said that there should be a strong condemnation of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, in the joint declaration. The text of the Tianjin declaration is under finalisation, and India is working with other members to ensure that terrorism is condemned in the document, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Recommended Stories As far as the declaration of the summit is concerned, the text is under finalisation. We are working with other members and partners to see that there should be a reiteration of strong condemnation of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. But the text is under finalisation," Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), said during a joint press briefing with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. His remarks came in response to a query on the possibility of mentioning terrorism in the joint declaration and what the red lines are that India is thinking of regarding terrorism that should be a part of the document. Notably, Pakistan is also a part of the SCO and will attend the Summit in China. Rajnath Singh Had Refused To Sign Joint Declaration Due To No Pahalgam Mention In June this year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh travelled to Qingdao to attend the SCO Defence Ministers meeting. He, however, refused to sign the joint declaration as it did not adequately reflect Indias concerns on terrorism, but it made direct references to militant activities in Balochistan. There was no mention of the Pahalgam terror attack, carried out by terrorists from Pakistan on April 22, after which Rajnath took a firm stance and did not sign the declaration; therefore, no joint declaration was adopted in that meeting. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of motivation, whenever, wherever and whom-so-ever committed. SCO members must condemn this evil unequivocally. We reiterate the need to hold the perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors, reprehensible acts of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, accountable and bring them to justice," Singh had told the SCO members at the meeting. India was dissatisfied that the gruesome Pahalgam attack by Pakistans terrorist outfit The Resistance Front an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba was not acknowledged in the draft joint communique. 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: @Ma... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 13:50 IST News india India Pushes For Strong Condemnation Of Terrorism In SCO Joint Declaration In China Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Purification Rituals At Guruvayur Temple After Vlogger Jasmin Jaffar Films Reel In Sacred Pond Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 11:14 IST A non-Hindu woman vlogger entered a pond of Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala and shot reels some days ago, prompting the temple authorities to cleanse the premises. Vlogger Jasmin Jaffer vlog: Kerala temple cleansed Purification rituals were performed at the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala on Tuesday after a non-Hindu woman vlogger, Jasmin Jaffer, allegedly entered the temple pond and shot a reel. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple will open for the devotees to offer prayers only after 5 pm today, officials said. Recommended Stories Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan located in the small town of Guruvayur in Kerala. A former Bigg Boss reality show contestant and social media influencer, Jasmin Jaffer, shot a reel washing her feet at the pond six days ago, which, according to the authorities, has violated the temple rituals. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple. According to the temple authorities, the pond is used by the priests before entering the temple. The rituals will include a repeat of six days of puja, which will comprise 18 pujas and 18 sheevelis. The authorities have urged the devotees to follow temporary restrictions. The Devaswom had also lodged a complaint with Guruvayur Temple Police against her for filming reels at the temple pond, citing violation of the ponds sanctity and a violation of the High Courts ruling regarding the prohibition of photography and videography in the temples restricted zones, India Today reported. The cops told the court that they would register a case according to the courts direction. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all There is also a restriction on filming inside the Guruvayoor temple premises. After the outrage, the influencer deleted the reel and tendered an apology, claiming that she was unaware of the restrictions on the premises. 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: @Ma... Read More Location : Kerala, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 10:58 IST News india Purification Rituals At Guruvayur Temple After Vlogger Jasmin Jaffar Films Reel In Sacred Pond Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Rain Mayhem: 7 Among 11 Dead On Vaishno Devi Route, Major Highway Washed Away In Kullu | 10 Points Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: August 27, 2025, 00:13 IST Punjab is on high alert after overflowing rivers in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir led to severe flooding across several districts in the state Restoration work underway after a landslide struck the old track to the Vaishno Devi shrine; (right) rescue operation underway following a flood threat due to incessant rainfall, in Jammu and Kashmir on August 26. (Image: PTI) Rain wreaked havoc in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday leading to 11 deaths, including seven pilgrims struck by a landslide on the Vaishno Devi route. Torrential rain and landslides in the Jammu region disrupted travel, leaving tourists stranded as the authorities imposed restrictions on movement of people during the night as a precautionary measure. Recommended Stories The situation was alarming in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh as continuous rainfall led to swollen rivers, damaged roads and disrupted connectivity along the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway (NH-3), a portion of which was washed away by the Beas river flowing in spate. In Punjab, meanwhile, overflowing rivers in Himachal Pradesh and J&K led to severe flooding across several districts while triggering a high alert in the state. The devastation in J&K comes days after flash floods triggered by a cloudburst struck Kishtwar districts Chisoti, the last motorable village en route the Machail Mata temple, on August 14, killing 65 people, mostly pilgrims, and leaving more than 100 injured. Several people are still missing. Heres all you need to know: top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi shrine was suspended after at least seven people were killed when the mountainside literally gave way around 3 pm. Police said 21 people were injured and the toll could go up. Officials said several were feared trapped as rescuers scrambled to pull out those buried under the debris near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari. The landslide struck at a point about halfway along the winding 12-km trek from Katra town to the hilltop shrine. Jammus defence PRO said three relief columns of the Indian Army were swiftly mobilised in rescue and relief operations in and around Katra. In other rain-related incidents across the Jammu province, at least four people were reported killed in Doda district. Three of them slipped and fell into the river, drowning in the swift flowing waters, while one died in a house collapse. Hundreds of people were evacuated from low-lying areas in the region. Communication, including telecom services, collapsed in large parts of J&K, as traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar and Kishtwar-Doda national highways was suspended. At least 18 trains were cancelled, leaving tourists stranded. Train services were suspended on the down line between Pathankot Cantonment and Kandrori due to soil erosion and flash floods in the Chakki river. Trains were also halted between Jammu Tawi and Katra, as well as between Jammu Tawi and Bari Brahman. Four trains have been short-terminated and short-originated. There were reports of severe infrastructure damage from the high-altitude areas of Kishtwar, Reasi, Rajouri, Ramban, and Poonch districts. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed the situation serious and presided over an emergency meeting while ordering the district administration to be on high alert. He asked the administration to provide essentials such as food, water, and medicine to affected families. Nearly all water bodies in the area are overflowing and above the danger mark. The overflowing Modhopur barrage on the Ravi river in Kathua crossed the one lakh cusec mark, resulting in heavy flooding in the district. Major rivers such as Taranah, Ujh, Tawi, and Chenab have also overflowed their danger marks. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Kathua district recorded 155.6 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending 8.30 am followed by Bhaderwah in Doda (99.8 mm), Jammu (81.5 mm), and Katra (68.8mm). The administration issued advisories asking people to stay away from water bodies and landslide-prone areas. It held out little relief, predicting sustained moderate to heavy rain with chances of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides up to August 27. All government and private schools in the Jammu division were directed to close till August 27. The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education also suspended all examinations for Classes 10 and 11 that were to be held on Wednesday (August 27). In Kullu, a portion of the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway (NH-3) was washed away by the Beas river. Kullu deputy commissioner Torul S Raveesh said parts of the district were being evacuated as water levels rose sharply. She said the situation had worsened after two days of incessant rain due to which all educational institutions of Kullu, Manali and Banjar have been closed for August 27. Kullu SP Dr Karthikeyan Gokul Chandran said Manali was the worst-hit subdivision. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state had suffered significant damage in the Kullu-Manali, Kangra, and Una districts. Punjab is on high alert after continuous rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and J&K led to the overflowing of rivers such as the Satluj, Beas, Ujh, and Ravi. Areas under flood danger include Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, and Ferozepur. The Punjab administration, in coordination with the police, is actively engaged in relief operations. Officials said affected residents of these areas are being evacuated to safer locations and provided with essential supplies, including food, water, and medical aid. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 23:58 IST News india Rain Mayhem: 7 Among 11 Dead On Vaishno Devi Route, Major Highway Washed Away In Kullu | 10 Points Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Relationship Began Consensually, Turned Sour: Allahabad HC Grants Bail In Forced Conversion Case Reported By : LawBeat Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 15:18 IST The court noted that the complainant was a major and no alleged photographs or videos said to have been used for blackmail were recovered during the investigation Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google The high court also specifically barred Abbas or his family members from tracing or tracking the complainant. The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to a man named Adil Abbas, accused of blackmailing and exploiting a 32-year-old woman and allegedly pressuring her to undergo religious conversion. The court noted that the complainant was a major, the relationship between the two had started consensually in their workplace before turning sour, and no alleged photographs or videos said to have been used for blackmail, were recovered during the investigation. Recommended Stories The bench of Justice Samit Gopal, deciding the bail plea, also noted that the charge-sheet had already been filed and two other named co-accused were exonerated. The court held that in the absence of convincing material suggesting tampering with evidence, Abbas could be released on bail, subject to strict conditions. The FIR in the case was lodged on May 31, 2025, at Indirapuram police station in Ghaziabad. The complainant alleged that Abbas had befriended her at work, recorded private photographs and videos, and threatened to make them public. She further claimed he coerced her into a physical relationship, extorted nearly Rs 2 lakh, and pressured her to marry and convert. Abbass counsel argued that the complainant was an adult who voluntarily entered into the relationship, which later turned bitter. It was submitted that no videos or photographs were recovered, the complainant refused medical examination, and Abbas had no prior criminal record. Abbas has been in custody since June 5. Opposing bail, the prosecution contended that Abbass family continued to track and threaten the complainant even after his arrest. The court, after considering the material on record, held that the absence of recovered photographs or videos, the exoneration of co-accused, and the filing of the charge-sheet reduced the likelihood of tampering with evidence. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Moreover, granting bail, the court imposed conditions requiring Abbas to refrain from delaying trial proceedings. The high court also specifically barred Abbas or his family members from tracing or tracking the complainant, and authorised the trial court to cancel bail in the event of any violation. About the Author Salil Tiwari Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public in... Read More Location : Prayagraj, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 15:18 IST News india Relationship Began Consensually, Turned Sour: Allahabad HC Grants Bail In Forced Conversion 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... Shubhanshu Shukla Receives Warm Welcome At Lucknow School, Interacts With Students | Watch Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 11:48 IST Shubhanshu Shukla, an alumnus of the City Montessori School (CMS) Aliganj, received warm welcome by the students. Shubhanshu Shukla at City Montessori School, Aliganj. (Image: News18) IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently became the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of an Axiom-4 mission, on Tuesday received a warm welcome at the City Montessori School (CMS), Aliganj in Uttar Pradeshs Lucknow. His wife was also present with him and the couple interacted with the students. Shukla is an alumnus of the City Montessori School (CMS) Aliganj campus. During his visit to the school campus, the Indian astronaut also interacted with the teachers. Recommended Stories Talking to reporters, Shukla said, It feels very good to be here. This is the same classroom where I studied. It feels like coming home." The students also explained their science projects to him. Reacting to the students efforts, Shukla talked to them and explained how they can scale their project and potentially solve a national issue. The school administration further took his hand impression to get them framed. Meanwhile, Shukla on Monday received a rousing reception in his hometown Lucknow with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announcing a scholarship in his name for students pursuing space technology. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Shukla, who returned to India from the US on August 17 following his 18-day mission, visited his hometown for the first time since the historic spaceflight. He also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on August 18 before attending a series of outreach events in the capital. About the Author Kashvi Raj Singh Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentar... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 11:10 IST News india Shubhanshu Shukla Receives Warm Welcome At Lucknow School, Interacts With Students | 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... Supreme Court Overturns Its Own Death Penalty Order For Rape-Murder Convict, Cites Article 32 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 15:07 IST The Supreme Court overturned the death sentence of a man convicted of raping and murdering a four-year-old girl, citing Article 32 of the Constitution. File photo of Supreme Court of India. (PTI photo) The Supreme Court has announced it can reconsider its own death sentence verdict if it believes the condemned was sentenced without adhering to the mandated guidelines. Recently, the Supreme Court overturned the death sentence of a man convicted of raping and murdering a four-year-old girl, citing Article 32 of the Constitution, which allows the court to reopen the sentencing stage in capital punishment cases. Recommended Stories In 2017, the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of Vasanta Sampat Dupare for raping and murdering a minor. However, it has now ordered a fresh hearing regarding his punishment, placing the matter before the Chief Justice of India for reassignment. This judgment marks a significant development, offering new options for those sentenced to capital punishment by the Supreme Court. A three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sanjay Karol, and Sandeep Mehta emphasised the importance of strict adherence to safeguards outlined in the Manoj judgment. These safeguards ensure that the condemned person receives equal treatment, individualised sentencing, and fair procedure as guaranteed by Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. The verdict followed an Article 32 petition by Dupare, arguing that his sentencing did not comply with the 2022 Manoj v. State of Madhya Pradesh judgment. This judgment required courts to evaluate mitigating factors such as the convicts socio-economic background, mental health, and potential for reform before imposing the death penalty. The order stated, The writ petition is allowed. Therefore, we hold that Article 32 of the Constitution empowers this Court in cases related to capital punishment to reopen the sentencing stage where the accused has been condemned to the death penalty without ensuring that the guidelines mandated in Manoj were followed." This judgment is notable as the Supreme Court acknowledges the retrospective effect of the Manoj judgment and clarifies that Article 32 empowers it to reopen sentencing in death penalty cases where procedural safeguards have been neglected. The court emphasised that such reopenings will be reserved for cases where breaches of procedural safeguards are serious enough to undermine the accuseds basic rights to life. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Supreme Court stressed that the death penalty, being the rarest of rare punishments, cannot be imposed mechanically without considering the convicts life circumstances. The Manoj verdict had established a structured sentencing framework, requiring trial courts and High Courts to obtain comprehensive psychological, psychiatric, and social evaluation reports of the convict before awarding the death penalty. This was found to be lacking in Dupares case. 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, ... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 14:53 IST News india Supreme Court Overturns Its Own Death Penalty Order For Rape-Murder Convict, Cites Article 32 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Surat Doctors Remove 25-cm Abscess, 7 Litres Of Pus In Rare Surgery To Save Homeless Man Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 12:59 IST Doctors drained fluid to ease pressure on Kumar Mochis lungs and stabilise breathing. In surgery, they found a severe abdominal infection and removed about 7 litres of pus Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Kumar Mochi showed significant improvement within just five days post-surgery and was transferred to the general ward. (Representative/Shutterstock) Doctors at the Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER) saved the life of 60-year-old Kumar Mochi, abandoned in childhood and recently forced to beg after a sudden stomach ailment left him unable to work. According to The Times of India report, fortune smiled on Mochi when the staff of a 108 ambulance and doctors from SMIMER intervened just in time. Recommended Stories On August 6, paramedics found Kumar Mochi lying unconscious on a footpath in Surats Limbayat area and rushed him to SMIMER hospital, where doctors discovered a 25 cm liver abscess in his stomach containing nearly 7 litres of pus and fluid, The Times of India reported. The medical team promptly decided to perform surgery. The Times of India reported that doctors first carried out a drainage procedure to relieve pressure on Kumar Mochis lungs and stabilise his breathing. During surgery, they detected a severe abdominal infection and gradually removed nearly seven litres of pus-filled fluid from the abscess. Despite his fragile state, the medical team performed the operation with extreme care. Professor Dr Harish Chauhan from SMIMER stated, Medical records have documented abscesses up to 20 cm with 2 litres of fluid removed. However, Mochis case involved a 25 cm abscess and 7 litres of fluid, which is extraordinarily rare." He added, We saved about 50% of his liver. Without timely intervention, the infection could have spread throughout his body, leading to a grave condition." The surgery was carried out by his team. Remarkably, Mochi showed significant improvement within just five days post-surgery and was transferred to the general ward. His weight is now 44 kg, and he is gradually regaining strength, eating properly, and gaining weight. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Dr Chauhan emphasised, This case exemplifies not only world-class surgical expertise but also the humanitarian spirit of SMIMER Hospital, where even poor and homeless patients receive free, excellent treatment. We will ensure his proper rehabilitation so that he can rest and gradually become capable of working again." Expressing his gratitude, Kumar Mochi said, I can now breathe easily. Once fully recovered, I will try to work again. I had lost my job due to illness, but now I have a new chance at life." Location : Surat, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 12:59 IST News india Surat Doctors Remove 25-cm Abscess, 7 Litres Of Pus In Rare Surgery To Save Homeless Man Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 PM Modi To S Jaishankar, Who Said What As Trump's 50% Tariff Kicks In: 'We'll Bear It' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 23:37 IST Despite growing tensions between with India and failed trade talks for now, US has said it values bilateral ties with New Delhi arguing the tariff move is a corrective measure Bilateral trade between the US and India is worth over $190 billion. (Image: PTI/File) Its here the Trump administrations 50 percent tariff imposition on Indian goods will be in force starting Wednesday. The United States will impose an additional 25 percent tariff from August 27, which combined with existing duties of 25 percent may bring total tariffs on some Indian goods to 50 percent. Washington DC has said this punishment" is in response to Indias continued purchase of Russian crude oil, which poses a national security risk. Recommended Stories Despite escalating tensions and failed trade talks for now, the US has said it still values bilateral ties with India, arguing the tariff move is simply a corrective measure. India, meanwhile, has been stoic in its response with the Centre saying the country will bear it" even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a pitch for Swadeshi, or made-in-India, products. He and his ministers have said they will not compromise on the interests of farmers, cattle-rearers, and small-scale industries. Trade talks collapsed earlier this year due to India not agreeing to open its vast agricultural and dairy sectors. Bilateral trade between the worlds largest and fifth largest economy is worth over $190 billion. Union ministers S Jaishankar and Piyush Goyal who are in charge of external affairs and commerce, respectively have repeatedly stressed on being open-minded about pursuing trade with other countries and protecting national interests. Russia a longtime strategic partner and China with whom bilateral ties are on the mend have also shown support in wake of Indias intensifying tariff tensions with the US. Heres all you need to know: TO BRING AN END TO RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT: US The US on Tuesday issued a draft notice detailing plans to implement an additional 25 percent tariff from August 27, impacting more than USD 48 billion worth of Indias exports to the US and taking the total tariff on Indian goods entering the US market, with certain exceptions, to 50 percent. Earlier this month, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on India to bring an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This view has been repeated by Vice-President JD Vance, who had visited India in April. He justified the move as Trump applying aggressive economic leverage" such as secondary tariffs on India" to force Russia to stop bombing Ukraine. While in India, he had urged New Delhi to drop non-tariff barriers, give greater access to its markets and buy more American energy and military hardware as he laid out a broader roadmap of deeper ties between the two nations for a prosperous and peaceful" 21st century. Like their leader Trump, his administration has often said India levies extremely high", very high" tariffs on the US. So it came as no surprise when White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said New Delhi is a maharaj" in tariffs and is running a profiteering scheme" by using discounted Russian crude oil. Not only that, he also talked about how India is cosying up to" Chinese President Xi Jinping. What is the net impact on Americans because of our trade with India? They are Maharaj in tariff. (We have) higher non-tariff barriers, massive trade deficit etc and that hurts American workers and American business," he said. UNJUSTIFIED AND UNREASONABLE: INDIA On August 6, responding to the Trump administrations additional imposition of 25 percent tariff, India said the US action was unfair, unjustified and unreasonable". First of all, we have clearly stated that our objective is energy security for 1.4 billion people of India and Indias cooperation with Russia as of several other countries has helped to bring about stability in the oil market, global oil market. So the US decision is unfair, unreasonable and unjustified. Now the government will continue taking measures which will protect the national interest of the country," said Indias Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar during an interview. India has maintained that its energy procurement, including from Russia, is driven by national interest and market dynamics. New Delhi turned to buying 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. On August 23, Jaishankar said at an event in New Delhi: Its funny to have people who work for a pro-business American administration accusing other people of doing business." He was responding to a question on the US criticism of India on the crude oil issue. Thats really curious. If you have a problem buying oil or refined products from India, dont buy it. Nobody forces you to buy it. But Europe buys, America buys, so you dont like it, dont buy it," he added. FOR FARMERS, GO SWADESHI: PM MODI A day before Trumps additional tariff kicks in, Modi made a vehement pitch for swadeshi and Make in India that should help create jobs in the country. He said Swadeshi should be everyones life mantra and irrespective of who is investing, production must take place domestically. His comments came as Japans Suzuki Motor Corporation committed to invest over Rs 70,000 crore in India in the next five to six years. My definition of swadeshi is very simple: it doesnt matter whose money is invested, whether it is dollars, pounds, whether the currency is black or white, it doesnt matter to me. What matters is that in production, the sweat belongs to my countrymen. The money may be someone elses, but the sweat is ours," Modi said, lauding Indias ties with Japan while saying both the countries are made for each other". Declaring the central governments commitment to farmers, he and Union agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan said India cannot compromise on interests of farmers, cattle-rearers, small-scale industries, cautioning pressure on us may increase, but we will bear it". Without taking names, the Prime Minister said politics in the world now largely revolves around economic interests where everyone is concerned about themselves. In such a scenario, I want to tell small entrepreneurs, farmers and cattle-rearers that for Modi, your interest is paramount. My government will never compromise on your interests. No matter how much pressure comes, we will bear it. But, your interests will never be harmed," he said. Chouhan, meanwhile, said India had resisted demands to allow the import of agricultural produce in the interest of farmers. He said no agreement will be signed against the countrys interest. INDIA-US TRADE NEGOTIATIONS STILL ON: JAISHANKAR Jaishankar has said trade negotiations with Washington are continuing but there are lines that New Delhi needs to defend. We have some redlines in the negotiations, to be maintained and defended," Jaishankar said at an Economic Times forum event in New Delhi, singling out the interests of the countrys farmers and small producers. It is our right to make decisions in our national interest." He described Trumps policy announcements as unusual". We have not had a U.S. president who conducts his foreign policy so publicly as the current one and (it) is a departure from the traditional way of conducting business with the world," he said. SILENCE, COMPROMISE EMBOLDENS THE BULLY: CHINA Firmly opposing Trumps whopping 50 percent tariff on India, Chinese envoy Xu Feihong said silence or compromise only emboldens the bully". 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." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The envoy said China will 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. (With agency inputs) About the Author Oindrila Mukherjee Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing im... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 22:56 IST News india From PM Modi To S Jaishankar, Who Said What As Trump's 50% Tariff Kicks In: 'We'll Bear It' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Jobless Man Kills Three-Year-Old Nephew After Aunts Taunts, Dumps Body In Train Toilet Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 23:56 IST The man dumped the body of the toddler inside a garbage bin inside the toilet of Kushinagar Express Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google AI-generated representative image shows Indian police officers inspecting the lavatory of a train, examining a garbage bin and documenting evidence, reflecting the investigative process following a serious incident. (IMAGE: IMAGEN 4/NEWS18) Surat Police arrested a man from Mumbai for allegedly killing his maternal aunts three-year-old son and dumping the body in a Uttar Pradesh-bound trains toilet. The infants body was found last week in a garbage bin kept inside the toilet of Kushinagar Express (22537) train that runs daily between Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh and the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) in Mumbai in the early hours of August 23, according to a report by news agency PTI. Recommended Stories The trains cleaning staff had stumbled upon the body after the train arrived at the LTT, the Mumbai police earlier said. Surat police in a press release added that the accused Vikas Kumar Shah (30), admitted that he kidnapped and killed his maternal aunts son out of grudge because she used to constantly nag him about finding some work as he was jobless, a release issued by the Surat police said. On August 21, the woman living in Ganeshpura area of Surat city approached Amroli police station with a complaint that her elder sisters son Vikas Shah had kidnapped her three-year-old-son. The police said that during the probe it found a CCTV footage where Shah, a native of Bihar, was seen boarding a Mumbai-bound train with the boy. On August 23, the minors body was found in the toilet of a train at the LTT while Shah was still missing. Based on technical surveillance of his mobile phone, he was found present in Bandra, Kurla and Dadar areas in Mumbai. Police formed various teams and started searching for the accused after taking mopeds on rent, it said. On Monday evening, he was finally arrested from a place in Mumbais Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and was here on Tuesday. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to the police, Shah is a native of Siwan district of Bihar and worked as labourer in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait before returning to his native place in April 2025. Since he was jobless, he came to Surat along with his mother nearly 15 days ago in search of work and started living at his aunts place in Amroli. But since he was not doing any work, his aunt started nagging him to find some job and asked him to shift elsewhere. Fed up with this constant taunting, Shah kidnapped her son and killed him using a sharp weapon before dumping his body on board the express train, the Surat police said. 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 c... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 23:44 IST News india Jobless Man Kills Three-Year-Old Nephew After Aunts Taunts, Dumps Body In Train Toilet Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 15 Killed In Vaishno Devi Landslide As Rain Fury Hits J&K; Amit Shah Speaks To LG, CM Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 21:55 IST Vaishno Devi Landslide: At least five pilgrims died in a landslide near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Ardhkuwari on the Vaishno Devi route. Vaishno Devi Landslide: The Shrine Board said the Vaishno Devi Yatra has been temporarily suspended. (Image Credit: X) Vaishno Devi Landslide: At least fifteen pilgrims have died and several others were injured after a landslide struck near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Ardhkuwari on the Vaishno Devi route, police sources told News18. The bodies have been shifted to Katra hospital while at least six pilgrims are reported to be in serious condition. Rescue operations are underway with full deployment of manpower and machinery and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board said it is closely monitoring and coordinating the relief effort. Recommended Stories Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief over the Vaishno Devi landslide tragedy, saying he spoke to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. He added that local authorities and NDRF teams are carrying out rescue and relief operations. Rescue and Relief Operations in ArdhkuwariDue to continuous heavy rain in Katra and nearby area today, landslides near Ardhkuwari injured several pilgrims. 6 Bn #CRPFs troopers swiftly launched rescue ops, safely evacuating the injured to CHC Katra. The troopers are also pic.twitter.com/0HkT6hqqb7 CRPF (@crpfindia) August 26, 2025 Vaishno Devi Yatra Suspended The Shrine Board said the Vaishno Devi Yatra has been temporarily suspended following heavy overnight rainfall in the region. A flood alert has also been sounded in several districts of Jammu as major rivers swell beyond danger levels. Authorities have urged pilgrims to strictly follow updates issued through official Shrine Board channels. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Red Alert, Heavy Rains Forecast The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Jammu and Kashmir, warning of further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Districts including Kathua, Samba, Doda, Jammu, Ramban and Kishtwar are on alert. The Chenab River is flowing above the danger mark, prompting the deployment of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams in vulnerable areas. Residents, especially those along riverbanks, have been advised to stay indoors and remain vigilant. Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 19:17 IST News india 15 Killed In Vaishno Devi Landslide As Rain Fury Hits J&K; Amit Shah Speaks To LG, CM Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja 2025: Step-By-Step Guide To Perform Ganesh Puja At Home Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 10:15 IST Ganesh Chaturthi Puja: Follow this step-by-step puja guide at home from sthapana to visarjan with mantras, rituals, aartis, and eco-friendly practices for divine blessings. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a ritual, but a joyous celebration of unity, religion and prosperity. (AI generated image) Ganesh Chaturthi Puja: With Ganesh Chaturthi nearing, homes all over India get ready to invite Lord Ganesha the remover of obstacles, bestower of intelligence and source of prosperity. Performing Ganesh Puja at home during the festival is exceedingly auspicious, and it is said that executing the traditional steps is key to the family receiving blessings. ALSO READ: Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: Best Time To Bring Ganpati Bappa Home This Ganeshotsav Recommended Stories This year too, the families are expected to do the ritual with dedication and in environmental-friendly ways. From the installation of the idol till Visarjan, each step has religious importance. Preparations Before the Puja According to tradition, it is the first step. Worshippers are suggested to bring home eco-friendly idols or clay idols rather than POP statues. The idol is set on a wooden block wrapped in yellow or red cloth. Some of the basic items that find use during the puja are a Kalash of water, mango leaves and a coconut, along with rice grains, turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood paste, durva grass, fresh flowers, betel leaves, incense sticks, fruits and sweets like modaks. One should maintain a clean and devotional space for conducting the ritual. Panchamrit, a holy mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey and sugar, is also prepared for offering. Step-by-Step Ganesh Puja Vidhi Ganesh Sthapana (Idol Placement): On Ganesh Chaturthi morning, devotees take a bath, wear clean clothes and position the idol in an east or north direction. The arrangement is purified with Gangajal. Sankalp (Prayer Resolution): Relatives promise to conduct the puja with sincerity, pronouncing their names and family gotra. Kalash Sthapana: The Kalash is kept by the idol as a mark of good fortune. Avahan and Dhyana (Invocation and Meditation): A diya and agarbatti are lit. People recite Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" and think of Lord Ganesha, calling Him home. Offerings (Naivedya and Puja): The idol is decorated with haldi, kumkum, durva grass, flowers and garlands. Modaks, fruits and Panchamrit are also offered. Chanting and Aarti: Devotees chant Ganesh Atharvashirsha or Ganesh Chalisa, and mantras like Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha, Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryeshu Sarvada." Aartis are done with devotion, moving the thali in clockwise circles in front of the idol. Prasad Distribution: Modaks, which are said to be Bappas favourite sweet, are distributed among family, friends and neighbours. Daily Rituals and Final Visarjan Each day of the festival, devotees make offerings of fresh flowers and sweets in the morning and evening, accompanied by Aarti. The idol is maintained clean and placed within the energy of devotion. On the last day, families perform a farewell ceremony. The final Aarti is done, and the devotees recite Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya!" while immersing the idol in water. Environmental-friendly visarjan practices, such as symbolic immersion in a bucket, are promoted when river immersion becomes impossible. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Faith and Devotion Ganesh Chaturthi is not just a ritual, but a joyous celebration of unity, religion and prosperity. People believe that devout worship of Lord Ganesha guarantees wisdom, happiness and peace for the whole family. About the Author Nibandh Vinod Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with 26 years of experience, specializing in covering events, festivals, and driving SEO content for News18.com. A tech-savvy person, Nibandh works closely with ... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 10:15 IST News lifestyle Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja 2025: Step-By-Step Guide To Perform Ganesh Puja At Home Inside Ranveer Singh And Deepika Padukones Rs 100-Crore Sea-Facing Bandra Home Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 13:47 IST Located right next to Shah Rukh Khan's Mannat, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh's quadruplex in Bandra is valued at over Rs 100 crore. The couple will move in soon. Their sea-facing home spans 11,266 sq. ft. with 1,300 sq. ft. of terraces. When it comes to Bollywoods most glamorous couples, few command the spotlight like Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. Known for their impeccable style and power-packed careers, the duo is now stepping into a new milestone: moving into their ultra-luxurious sea-facing home in Bandra, Mumbai. Poised on the iconic Bandstand stretch, their residence promises not just breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, but also an unmatched address among Bollywoods elite. A Quadruplex in the Sky Recommended Stories The couples new home is nothing short of a masterpiece. Spread across the 16th to 19th floors of a high-rise, the quadruplex spans a sprawling 11,266 sq. ft. of interior space, complemented by 1,300 sq. ft. of private terrace areas. Valued at over Rs 100 crore, the apartment reflects grandeur at every corner ideal for a couple who are constantly redefining luxury in both their personal and professional lives. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Instant Bollywood (@instantbollywood) Neighbours With Bollywood Royalty Location is everything, and Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukones new residence positions them in Mumbais most coveted celebrity enclave. Their building stands right next to Shah Rukh Khans iconic mansion, Mannat, and a short walk away from Salman Khans Galaxy Apartments. With the whos who of Bollywood as neighbours, the couples home is set amidst the citys most glamorous zip code, a locale synonymous with exclusivity and prestige. Designed for Elegance and Comfort While the exteriors of the building are nearing completion, reports suggest that the interiors will reflect the couples refined taste a seamless mix of contemporary luxury and comfort. The home will feature expansive living areas, private terraces for sea-gazing, and serene spaces tailored for their growing family with daughter Dua. It is not just a residence but a retreat, designed to balance their fast-paced lifestyles with calm, resort-like living. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A New Chapter for DeepVeer For Ranveer and Deepika, this isnt merely a property purchase. It marks the beginning of a fresh chapter together. The quadruplex stands as a sanctuary for intimate family moments while also being a statement of their success and stature in the film industry. With their move-in expected soon, the couple will soon be making memories against the backdrop of Mumbais most stunning sunsets. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 13:47 IST News lifestyle Inside Ranveer Singh And Deepika Padukones Rs 100-Crore Sea-Facing Bandra Home Suhana Khan Radiates Sunshine In Butter-Yellow Co-Ord Set Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 10:39 IST Suhana Khans butter-yellow co-ord is a fresh take on chic, youthful style. Suhana Khan Proves Pastels Never Fail in Her Butter-Yellow Co-Ord At just 25, Suhana Khan has firmly established herself as one of Gen Zs most influential fashion and beauty icons. From effortless airport style to glamorous red-carpet appearances, she consistently balances chic minimalism with contemporary flair. Over the weekend, she proved it yet again. The Maybelline New York India brand ambassador attended the grand opening of the Colossal Bubble Dome in Mumbai, serving a look that was youthful, vibrant, and perfectly in line with her evolving style statement. Recommended Stories For the event, Suhana chose a butter-yellow co-ord set that immediately caught the eye. The two-piece featured a cropped jacket with full sleeves, a round neckline, and neat front button closures. Subtle flap pockets on the chest added a playful touch, while the luxurious fabric texture gave it a soft, premium finish. The jacket hit just above her waist, offering a glimpse of her toned midriff. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Suhana Khan (@suhanakhan2) She paired the jacket with a matching high-waist mini skirt, which hugged her frame gracefully. The skirts length struck the perfect balanceshort enough to feel fun and youthful, yet structured enough to maintain a polished, elegant vibe. Suhana kept her accessories minimal, opting for a tiny ivory handbag that complemented the pastel tones of her outfit without competing for attention. She skipped jewelry entirely, letting the co-ord set remain the focal point. Her makeup was fresh and radiant, highlighting her natural beauty. A dewy base gave her skin a healthy glow, softly contoured cheeks added dimension, and a glossy nude lip tied the look together seamlessly. On the eyes, a touch of shimmer, defined kohl, and fluttery lashes created a refined yet effortless effect. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Suhana styled her hair in a high ponytail, with loose waves framing her face for a relaxed, playful vibe that matched the outfits youthful energy. Overall, Suhana Khans butter-yellow co-ord was a masterclass in modern chic, effortless, stylish, and undeniably Instagram-worthy. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in N... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 10:39 IST News lifestyle Suhana Khan Radiates Sunshine In Butter-Yellow Co-Ord Set Who Is Jasmin Jaffar? Bigg Boss Malayalam Fame Facing Backlash For Washing Feet In Temple Pond Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 12:51 IST Jasmin Jaffar faces backlash for filming a now-deleted Instagram reel at Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple's sacred pond in Thrissur. Read below to know more about her. Bigg Boss Malayalam 6s second runner-up Jasmin Jaffar has landed in controversy after filming a reel at the sacred pond of Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple. Social media influencer and reality television personality Jasmin Jaffar has landed in controversy after posting a now-deleted Instagram reel shot at the sacred pond of Keralas Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple in Thrissur. The video, which showed her washing her feet at the holy site, drew sharp criticism for violating temple customs. The pond, known as Rudratheertham, is considered highly sacred and holds immense spiritual importance. It is traditionally reserved for ritual purposes, including bathing Lord Krishna during temple ceremonies. Recording videos or photos inside the temple premises is strictly prohibited under the temples rules. Non-Hindus are also barred from entering the temple complex. Recommended Stories Why are Hindu temples always the victims here?She is Jasmin Jaffar, a social media influencer with 1.5 million subscribers & 807K Instagram followers, and the Bigg Boss Malayalam S6 runner-up. She recently posted a reel on Instagram captioned Guruvayoor Ambala Nadayil" pic.twitter.com/tprpj0wO6t - (@MahaRathii) August 21, 2025 Following the videos circulation online, Devaswom administrator O. B. Arun Kumar lodged a formal complaint with temple police, seeking action against Jaffar. Who Is Jasmin Jaffar? Jasmin Jaffar became a household name earlier this year after appearing in Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6, where she secured the position of second runner-up. Her outspoken nature and on-screen presence earned her both popularity and criticism during the reality show. Her stint on the show drew attention not only for her performance but also for her personal life, which often made headlines. While inside the Bigg Boss house, Jasmins growing closeness with fellow contestant Gabri Jose sparked speculation. At the time, she was engaged to Afzal Ameer, whom she had introduced on the show as her fiance. However, Jasmin admitted her feelings for Gabri, though she stated she could not pursue a relationship with him then. The situation took a toll on her engagement. Afzal eventually ended their relationship, alleging betrayal and expressing emotional distress over the events. Fallout from her personal life The situation eventually strained her engagement. Afzal, who had initially been introduced by Jasmin as her partner, accused her of betrayal and cheating. On social media, he publicly announced the end of their relationship, saying the developments had taken a toll on his mental health. My heart is broken over Jasmins actions in the Bigg Boss house. Our relationship of seven months feels like a lie now. I cant handle the drama anymore. Im done with this relationship. I dont have the energy for this anymore. Please spare me from this matter and dont drag me further," Afzal wrote. The whole controversy explained The Guruvayur Devaswom has ordered purification rituals after vlogger and former Bigg Boss Malayalam contestant Jasmin Jaffar filmed herself washing her feet in the temple pond. Administrator O. B. Arunkumar confirmed that, based on the advice of the temple tanthri, all rituals performed at the temple since August 20 will be repeated on Tuesday. Since Jaffars video was posted six days ago, the shudheekarana process will include a repeat of six days of ceremonies, amounting to 18 pujas and 18 sheevelis. As a result, darshan will remain restricted on August 26 from 5 a.m. until noon, after which regular temple proceedings will resume. Devotees will be allowed entry to the nalambalam only after the punyahakarma (purification rituals) are completed," he said. The devaswom has also lodged a complaint with the Guruvayur Temple Police against Jasmin Jaffar, pointing to her breach of temple traditions as well as the Kerala High Courts order prohibiting the shooting of reels near the premises. Videos are not permitted in the temple surroundings, except during marriage rituals and related functions," clarified administrator O. B. Arunkumar. Following this, the police informed the court that a case would be registered in line with its directive. On the question of expenses, Arunkumar said the purification costs would initially be borne by the devaswom, but measures to recover the amount from Jaffar will be pursued as per legal provisions." Jasmin responds to Guruvayur row Amid the backlash over the Guruvayur temple video, Jasmin issued an apology on her Instagram story. To those who love me and to everyone else, I understand that a video I made caused distress. It was never my intention to hurt anyone or create controversy. I sincerely apologise for the mistake that happened out of ignorance," she wrote. Despite the criticism, Jasmin continues to command a strong digital following. She has over 180,000 followers on Instagram and more than 1.62 million subscribers on YouTube. First Published: August 26, 2025, 12:50 IST News movies regional-cinema Who Is Jasmin Jaffar? Bigg Boss Malayalam Fame Facing Backlash For Washing Feet In Temple Pond US Senator Asks If Its Time To Pause H-1B Visas, MAGA Backers Say: Many White Males... Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 18:52 IST MAGA supporters and Senator Mike Lee called for ending the US H-1B visa program, sparking racist remarks on X and unverified fraud claims at Walmart, which the company denied. US Senator Mike Lee speaks on the day Republican presidential nominee and US President Donald Trump holds a campaign rally, in Prescott Valley, Arizona, US, in the 2024 file photo. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) MAGA supporters rallied together calling for ending the US H-1B visa program claiming that it is a scam. There are many young white well-educated males that cannot get a tech job," said one Cindy Morris on X, after Utah Republican senator Mike Lee asked if the visa program be stopped. Senator Mike Lee of Utah took to X to ask if it was time to pause issuing the H-1B visa program, posting, Is it time to pause H1B visas?" Recommended Stories The visa program is a crucial path for Indians, both students and professionals, who plan to study or work in the US. The remarks also come amid US President Donald Trumps crackdown on immigration. The time to pause H1B visas was decades ago. The time to cancel all current visas and deport is now. C.Jay Engel (@contramordor) August 25, 2025 The debate gathered momentum as unverified claims on the anonymous workplace app Blind and on X alleged a large-scale fraud at Walmart, including rumours that a senior executive in its Global Tech division was forced out over kickbacks in contract hiring. There are many young white well-educated males that cannot get a tech job. Cindy Morris (@CindySMBS) August 25, 2025 The chatter intensified when Switzerland-based consultancy CTOL Digital Solutions flagged the speculation. They are already here, plenty of them. The vast majority of these H1bs have less skills than many kids coming out of high school in the US. specsaregood (@specsaregood) August 25, 2025 However, Walmart has rejected the online rumours, clarifying that its recent internal investigation was unrelated to any visa-linked fraud or H-1B workers, according to a Hindustan Times report. The Utah senators tweet sparked a conversation on X which MAGA loyalists engaged in. We have the workforce. These Indian scammers are NOT trained in the jobs they are being hired for and are incompatible with our way of life. Budget Kill-Dozer (@budgetkilldozer) August 25, 2025 Most said that it was time to end to the visa program. Some tweeted racism-laced remarks. Using the online racial derogatory term Pajeet" often used to denote Indians, X user Dick Trickle called Indians JeetGPT". Some called for deportation of all Indians and H-1B visa holders. JeetGPT Dick Trickle (@mjoneswestie) August 25, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Another user called Indians scammers" and another said H-1B visa workers have less skills compared to US schoolchildren. The outrage also comes amid Indians suffered racist attacks in Europe and the US. Many observers, including the Irish President, highlighted that online racism is spilling onto real life. 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 c... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 26, 2025, 18:49 IST News usa US Senator Asks If Its Time To Pause H-1B Visas, MAGA Backers Say: Many White Males... Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 | India Facing External Aggression, Internal Disturbance Due To Illegal Migration From Bangladesh Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 17:34 IST The Supreme Court of India's recent stay on evicting these 'settlers' from forest land is being touted as a 'big victory'. Illegal migration into Assam was the core issue behind the Assam student movement. (Image: PTI File) The usual suspects are out in full force to defend illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, their right to be in India and settle on public land and forest land. The Supreme Court of Indias recent stay on evicting these settlers from forest land is being touted as a big victory. This stay order undoes the judgements of Gauhati High Court. The Government of Assam is being projected as a tormentor of settlers and pilloried for upholding the law. It is ironical that the same Judiciary had given stunningly powerful judgements on the IMDT Act and illegal immigration from Bangladesh, upholding petitions filed by Sarbananda Sonowal. The orders were hailed, and continue to be, landmark judgements dealing with the problem of unabated illegal immigration from Bangladesh into Assam and its adjoining States in north-east India. Recommended Stories Sadly, public memory in India is notoriously short, made shorter by our poor sense of history which is compounded by the perverse politics of minorityism and appeasement in the guise of secular politics. The rabble is easily swayed by the rhetoric of rabble-rousers and commonsense takes a back seat. The Supreme Court of Indias judgement in Sarbananda Sonowal vs Union Of India & Another on 12 July, 2005, provides a context and an expansive backdrop to the action of the Assam Government. The Sonowal Judgements also explain why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is worried about the social, cultural and political consequences of demographic disbalance. Unless we the people are better informed, our future as a civilisational nation shall remain uncertain, our identity as a people will begin to fade, and demographic disbalance will pose both internal and external security threats. Excerpts from judgement: A copy of the report dated 8 November, 1998 sent (to the President) by the Governor of Assam, Lt Gen SK Sinha (Retired), former Deputy Chief of Army Staff, has also been filed along with this application. The report is a long and comprehensive one which was prepared after thorough inspection of border areas and districts, discussion with Indian Ambassador in Bangladesh and talks with political leaders. Some portions of the report are being reproduced below: 1. The unabated influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh into Assam and the consequent perceptible change in the demographic pattern of the State has been a matter of grave concern. It threatens to reduce the Assamese people to a minority in their own State, as happened in Tripura and Sikkim. 2. Illegal migration into Assam was the core issue behind the Assam student movement. It was also the prime contributory factor behind the outbreak of insurgency in the State. Yet we have not made much tangible progress in dealing with this all important issue. 3. There is a tendency to view illegal migration into Assam as a regional matter affecting only the people of Assam. Its more dangerous dimensions of greatly undermining our national security, is ignored. The long cherished design of Greater East Pakistan / Bangladesh, making in-roads into strategic land link of Assam with the rest of the country, can lead to severing the entire land mass of the North-East, with all its rich resources from the rest of the country. They will have disastrous strategic and economic consequences." Migration into Assam: Historical Background Failure to get Assam included in East Pakistan in 1947 remained a source of abiding resentment in that country. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in his book Myths of Independence wrote: It would be wrong (to say) that Kashmir is the only dispute that divides India and Pakistan, though undoubtedly the most significant. One at least is nearly as important as the Kashmir dispute, that of Assam and some districts of India adjacent to East Pakistan. To these Pakistan has very good claims." Even a pro-India leader like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in his book Eastern Pakistan: Its Population & Economics, observed, Because Eastern Pakistan must have sufficient land for its expansion and because Assam has abundant forests and mineral resources, coal, petroleum etc, Eastern Pakistan must include Assam to be financially and economically strong." Contributory Factors Besides the above considerations, there are other contributory factors facilitating infiltration from Bangladesh. Ethnic, linguistic and religious commonality between the illegal migrants and many people on our side of the border enables them to find shelter. It makes their detection difficult. Some political parties have been encouraging and even helping illegal migration with a view to building vote banks. These immigrants are hardworking and are prepared to work as cheap labour and domestic help for lower remuneration than the local people. This makes them acceptable. Moreover, with corruption being all pervasive, corrupt officials are bribed to provide help. Recently, a racket has been busted in Lakhimpur. Four individuals were found to have been providing forged citizenship certificates and other documents to illegal migrants for the last 14 years. Illegal Migrants I have quoted the 1931 Census report in extension. It contains precise figures for migration from (East) Bengal (later East Pakistan) into Assam even when this did not involve any movement across international border. Unfortunately, today we have no Census report on the basis of which we can accurately define the contours of trans-border movement. Thus we have to rely on broad estimates of theatrical extrapolations to work out the dimension of illegal migration that has taken place from East Pakistan/Bangladesh. SC Mullan, ICS, Census Superintendent of Assam, in 1931 described this (immigration) as invasion using military terminology which in present geostrategic context, underscores the strategic aspect of the problem. It is unfortunate that to this day, after half a century of independence, we have chosen to remain virtually oblivious to the grave danger to our national security arising from this unabated influx of illegal migrants. The prophecy that except the Sibsagar district, the Assamese people will not find themselves at home in Assam, is well on its way to becoming true as reflected by the present demographic pattern of Assam. Indrajit Gupta, the then Home Minister of India, stated in Parliament on May 6, 1997 that there were 10 million illegal migrants residing in India. Quoting Home Ministry/Intelligence Bureau sources, the August 10, 1998 issue of India Today has given the breakdown of these illegal migrants by States: West Bengal: 5.4 million Assam: 4 million Tripura: 0.8 million Bihar: 0.5 million Maharashtra: 0.5 million Rajasthan: 0.5 million Delhi: 0.3 million Making a total of: 10.83 millions Community wise growth in Assam: (1) 1951-1961 33.71% (Hindus); 38.35% (Muslims) (2) 1961-1971 37.17% (Hindus); 30.99% (Muslims) (3) 1971-1991 41.89% (Hindus); 77.42% (Muslims) Explanatory Note In the case of Muslims the Assam growth rate was much higher than the all India rate. This suggests continued large-scale Muslim illegal migration into Assam. Muslim population in Assam has shown a rise of 77.42 per cent in 1991 from what it was in 1971. Hindu population has risen by nearly 41.89 per cent in this period. Muslim population in Assam has risen from 24.68 per cent in 1951 to 28.42 per cent in 1991. As per 1991 census four districts (Dhubri, Goalpara, Barpeta and Hailakandi) have become Muslim majority districts. Two more districts (Nagaon and Karimganj) should have become so by 1998 and one district Morigaon is fast approaching this position. The growth of Muslim population has been emphasised to indicate the extent of illegal migration from Bangladesh to Assam because as stated earlier, the illegal migrants coming into India after 1971 have been almost exclusively Muslims. Pakistans ISI has been active in Bangladesh supporting militant movement in Assam. Muslim militant organisations have mushroomed in Assam and there are reports of some 50 Assamese Muslim youths having gone for training to Afghanistan and Kashmir. Consequences The dangerous consequences of large scale illegal migration from Bangladesh, both for the people of Assam and more for the Nation as a whole, need to be emphatically stressed. No misconceived and mistaken notions of secularism should be allowed to come in the way of doing so. As a result of population movement from Bangladesh, the spectre looms large of the indigenous people of Assam being reduced to a minority in their home State. Their cultural survival will be in jeopardy, their political control will be a weakened and their employment opportunities will be undermined. The silent and invidious demographic invasion of Assam may result in the loss of the geostrategically vital districts of lower Assam. The influx of these illegal migrants is turning these districts into a Muslim majority region. It will then only be a matter of time when a demand for their merger with Bangladesh may be made. The rapid growth of international Islamic fundamentalism may provide for driving force for this demand. In this context, it is pertinent that Bangladesh has long discarded secularism and has chosen to become an Islamic State. Loss of lower Assam will severe the entire land mass of the North East, from the rest of India and the rich natural resources of that region will be lost to the Nation." Defining Aggression by Infiltration There was a large scale influx of persons from the then East Pakistan into India before the commencement of December 1971 Indo-Pak war. On 3 November, 1971, one month before the actual commencement of the war, Nagendra Singh, Indias representative in the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly on the Definition of Aggression, made a statement, wherein he said: The first consideration, in the view of the Indian Delegation, is that aggression must be comprehensively defined. Though precision may be the first virtue of a good definition, we would not like to sacrifice the requirement of a comprehensive definition of aggression at any cost. There are many reasons for holding this view. Aggression can be of several kinds such as direct or indirect, armed in nature or even without the use of any arms whatsoever. There can be even direct aggression without arms We would accordingly support the categorical view expressed by the distinguished delegate of Burma, the UK and others that a definition of aggression excluding indirect methods would be incomplete and therefore dangerous. For example, there could be a unique type of bloodless aggression from a vast and incessant flow of millions of human beings forced to flee into another State. If this invasion of unarmed men in totally unmanageable proportion were to not only impair the economic and political well-being of the receiving victim State but to threaten its very existence, it would have to be categorised as aggression. In such a case, there may not be use of armed force across the frontier since the use of force may be totally confined within ones territorial boundary, but if this results in inundating the neighbouring state by millions of fleeing citizens of the offending state, there could be an aggression of a worst order What I wish to convey, Mr Chairman, is the complexity of the problem which does not permit of a four-line definition of aggression much less an ad-interim declaration on it." This shows that the stand of our country before the UNO was that influx of large number of persons from across the border into India would be an act of aggression. In the later part of 19th century large number of Chinese labour had started going to USA. The US Congress passed legislations to restrict and then to totally stop their entry in the country. One such Chinese labourer who had earlier worked there for over ten years and had a certificate to that effect came back after a visit to his home in China but was detained in the ship in San Francisco port. His habeas corpus petition was dismissed by the circuit court and then an appeal was taken to US Supreme Court. Certain observations made in the judgement are very illuminating and are being reproduced below: To preserve its independence, and give security against foreign aggression and encroachment, is the highest duty of every nation, and to attain these ends nearly all other considerations are to be subordinated. It matters not in what form such aggression and encroachment come, whether from the foreign nation acting in its national character or from vast hordes of its people crowding in upon us. The Government, possessing the powers which are to be exercised for protection and security, is clothed with authority to determine the occasion on which the powers shall be called forth; and its determination, so far as the subjects affected are concerned, are necessarily conclusive upon all its departments and officers. If, therefore, the Government of the United States, through its legislative department, considers the presence of foreigners of a different race in the country, who will not assimilate with us to be dangerous to its peace and security, their exclusion is not to be stayed because at the time there are no actual hostilities with the nation of which the foreigners are subjects. The existence of war would render the necessity of the proceeding only more obvious and pressing. The same necessity, in a less pressing degree, may arise when war does not exist and the same authority which adjudges the necessity in one case must also determine it in the other." China is not contiguous to USA. The journey from a port in China to San Francisco, as the facts of the case show, used to take about a month and having regard to the expenses involved and the carrying capacity of a ship in those days (1870-90) the number of Chinese labour coming to USA would have been miniscule compared to the influx of people from Bangladesh. Yet the US Supreme Court viewed it as aggression" and the presence of such foreigners as dangerous to peace and security of the nation". Lord Denning in his book The Due Process of Law has written: In recent times England has been invaded not by enemies nor by friends but by those who seek England as a haven. In their own countries there are poverty, disease and no homes. In England there is social security a national health service and guaranteed housing all to be had for the asking without payment and without working for it. Once here, each seeks to bring his relatives to join him. So they multiply exceedingly." Thus, one of the most respected and learned Judges of the recent times has termed the influx of persons from erstwhile colonies of Britain into Britain as invasion". The word aggression" is, therefore, an all comprehensive word having very wide meaning. Its meaning cannot be explained by a straight jacket formula but will depend on the fact situation of every case The very first sentence of the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the IMDT Act (held ultra vires of the Constitution and struck down by the Supreme Court basis Sarbananda Sonowals petition as it failed to detect, delete and deport illegal immigrants) says the influx of foreigners who illegally migrated into India across the borders of the sensitive Eastern and North- Eastern regions of the country and remained in the country poses a threat to the integrity and security of the said region." It further says that continuance of these persons in India has given rise to serious problems." The Preamble of the Act says that the continuance of such foreigners in India is detrimental to the interests of the public of India." The Governor of Assam in his report dated 8 November, 1998 sent to the President of India has clearly said that unabated influx of illegal migrants of Bangladesh into Assam has led to a perceptible change in the demographic pattern of the State and has reduced the Assamese people to a minority in their own State. It is a contributory factor behind the outbreak of insurgency in the State and illegal migration not only affects the people of Assam but has more dangerous dimensions of greatly undermining our national security. Pakistans ISI is very active in Bangladesh supporting militants in Assam. Muslim militant organisations have mushroomed in Assam. The report also says that this can lead to the severing of the entire landmass of the north-east with all its resources from the rest of the country which will have disastrous strategic and economic consequences. The report is by a person who has held the high and responsible position of Deputy Chief of the Army Staff and is very well equipped to recognize the potential danger or threat to the security of the nation by the unabated influx and continued presence of Bangladeshi nationals in India. Bangladesh is one of the worlds most populous countries having very few industries. The economic prospects of the people in that country being extremely grim, they are too keen to cross over the border and occupy the land wherever it is possible to do so. The report of the Governor, the affidavits and other material on record show that millions of Bangladeshi nationals have illegally crossed the international border and have occupied vast tracts of land like Char land" barren or cultivable land, forest area and have taken possession of the same in the State of Assam. Their willingness to work at low wages has deprived Indian citizens and specially people in Assam of employment opportunities. This, as stated in the Governors report, has led to insurgency in Assam. Insurgency is undoubtedly a serious form of internal disturbance which causes grave threat to the life of people, creates panic situation and also hampers the growth and economic prosperity of the State of Assam though it possesses vast natural resources. This being the situation there can be no manner of doubt that the State of Assam is facing external aggression and internal disturbance" on account of large scale illegal migration of Bangladeshi nationals. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all It, therefore, becomes the duty of Union of India to take all measures for protection of the State of Assam from such external aggression and internal disturbance as enjoined in Article 355 of the Constitution. Having regard to this constitutional mandate, the question arises whether the Union of India has taken any measures for that purpose. Kanchan Gupta is Senior Advisor, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. First Published: August 26, 2025, 17:34 IST News opinion Opinion | India Facing External Aggression, Internal Disturbance Due To Illegal Migration From Bangladesh Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 | Voices Rise Against Credit Bureaus As Indians Face Opacity, Financial Exclusion Over Scores Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 29, 2025, 19:48 IST Many believe the rating process to be opaque and lacking sound redressal mechanisms, but with the staggering power to make or break the financial lives of millions of Indians Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Last week, the Centre clarified in Parliament that banks and financial institutions cannot reject a loan application solely because an applicant does not have a credit history. (Image for representation) It used to be talked about in millions of Indian homes. Mostly by the middle class, increasingly the aspiration neo-middle class, and occasionally by even the rich. But now, the disgruntled murmurs have reached the doors of government policy. Recommended Stories It is about ones credit score. Last week, the Narendra Modi government clarified in Parliament that banks and financial institutions cannot reject a loan application solely because an applicant does not have a credit history. Minister of State for finance Pankaj Chaudhary told the Lok Sabha that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has never issued any directive mandating a minimum credit score to secure a loan. Instead, RBI has lenders to consider other factors when dealing with first-time credit seekers. This brings into focus the functioning of CIBIL and three other credit bureaus namely Experian, Equifax India, and CRIF High Mark. These collect and analyse financial data from lenders to provide credit reports and credit scores to consumers and businesses. Many believe the rating process to be opaque and lacking sound redressal mechanisms, but with the staggering power to make or break the financial lives of millions of Indians. CIBIL, for instance, received 22,94,855 complaints in the financial year 2024-25, with 5,80,259 of those being issues stemming from its own end, according to a regulatory disclosure by the agency. CIBIL, the primary credit information agency, tracks people and companies credit history based on loans, repayments, and defaults. A poor CIBIL score can hamper loan approvals and even derail job prospects. In June, the Madras High Court upheld the State Bank of Indias (SBI) decision to cancel a candidates job appointment because of an adverse credit report. The court said someone with a record of poor financial management cannot be expected to responsibly handle the finances of others. But the courts and the policymakers have so far failed to ask some basic questions: Which organisations handle these agencies and have privacy issues been addressed? Are the ratings transparent? Are the lenders (banks, NBFCs) dumping credit data into these credit bureaus doing a competent and conscientious job? What if a bank or non-banking financial corporation (NBFC) has fed wrong or outdated data which affects an individuals credit score? Often, a persons credit score gets ruined because of an unpaid due as little as Rs 130 or Rs 240 from the distant past because the bank failed to close a card or loan properly or just did not care. Why should the customer suffer instead of the bank being pulled up? What difference of weightage does these credit agencies place between a petty due and a massive and repeated default? Is there a quick and effective redressal mechanism? If there is swift redressal, why has a whole ecosystem of brokers come up to correct your credit score for a fat fee? And most importantly, does the consumers right have a place at the heart of this system? Right now, none of the questions may have satisfactory answers. Which is why it is heartening that the Modi government seems to be waking up to the issue. Credit also goes to Congress MP Karti Chidambaram for eloquently highlighting the issue in Parliament and social media. Following my brief speech in Parliament about Credit Rating Bureaus, I have written a detailed article in @ThePrintIndia about the opaqueness & asymmetry in the way CIBIL scores are calculated. @TransUnionCIBIL @CIBIL_Official https://t.co/dFVFCnCSO6 pic.twitter.com/wF5C4oF3DJ Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) December 9, 2024 After the Madras High Court judgment, he posted on X: This is a deeply disturbing judgement. CIBIL is a private organisation owned by @TransUnion, a Chicago based company. There is no transparency in the rating process & there is no grievance redressal mechanism." Karti has consistently questioned the reliability and accountability of CIBIL scores and highlighted the absence of a proper redressal system, which heightens the financial difficulties faced by millions, including farmers. CIBIL, formerly known as Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited, is owned by the Chicago-based global information and insights company, TransUnion. After it acquired a 92.1 per cent stake in 2016, the name changed to TransUnion CIBIL Limited. But it is not just CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and CRIF which need to make their processes fully transparent and responsive. Banks and NBFCs often mechanically dump data without proper scrutiny or care for the borrowers plight, an attitude we thought died with feudal moneylenders. Callous bank executives sometimes do not even bother to close loans or cards before sending the data to CIBIL and other credit agencies. Credit card payments remain unsettled for several years because of banks negligence. Customers are penalised for repaying before time and foreclosing loans. Their credit scores are slashed for merely paying the lender back before time. The issue raises broader concerns about privacy, financial rehabilitation, and whether individuals should be indefinitely penalised for past credit issues. Inclusion is not just about bringing in those outside the formal financial system. It is also about not excluding those inside the financial system without transparency and swift redressal. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all (Abhijit Majumder is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views) First Published: August 26, 2025, 09:12 IST News opinion Opinion | Voices Rise Against Credit Bureaus As Indians Face Opacity, Financial Exclusion Over Scores Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ran Samwad: Modi's Bold Step Towards Defence Transformation Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 11:55 IST This first-of-its-kind tri-services dialogue signals New Delhi's ambition to reshape both military doctrine and global defence discourse. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, CDS General Anil Chauhan and Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi during a meeting in New Delhi. (File Image: PMO India) The inaugural Ran Samwad conclave, hosted at the Army War College in Mhow on 26-27 August 2025, represents a watershed moment in Indias evolution as a strategic defence power. Coming just months after Operation Sindoor demonstrated the combat effectiveness of indigenous military systems, this first-of-its-kind tri-services dialogue signals New Delhis ambition to reshape both military doctrine and global defence discourse. Unlike traditional security conferences dominated by retired officials and diplomats, Ran Samwad places serving officers at the centre of discussions about future warfare, marking a decisive shift towards practitioner-led strategic thinking. Recommended Stories CDS Anil Chauhans emphasis that jointmanship is no longer aspirational" but rather a foundation of our ongoing transformation" encapsulates the Modi governments systematic approach to modernising Indias defence architecture. The conclaves timing, following Operation Sindoors validation of indigenous defence capabilities, underscores how Indias military-industrial transformation has created both the confidence and the technological foundation necessary for such ambitious strategic initiatives. Operation Sindoor as a Catalyst for Defence Transformation Operation Sindoors execution in May 2025 fundamentally altered our defence trajectory, demonstrating Indias indigenous military capabilities under combat conditions. The operations success stemmed directly from the Modi governments systematic investment in domestic defence manufacturing since 2014, with indigenous systems playing decisive roles across all operational domains. The Akash missile system, developed entirely by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, successfully neutralised multiple Pakistani drone and missile attacks targeting Indian installations from Srinagar to Bhuj. Indian forces employed the SWATHI weapon-locating radar system to track enemy artillery positions, while the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher system delivered precision strikes across multiple targets. These systems, manufactured by Indian public and private sector entities, operated seamlessly within a network-centric warfare framework that included indigenous satellite communications and electronic warfare capabilities. The combat effectiveness of these systems under real operational conditions provided the Modi government with compelling evidence that Indias defence industrial base had achieved genuine technological maturity. Rajnath Singhs declaration comes to mind: Most of the equipment we once imported is now being made in India". Its not just political rhetoric, but operational reality demonstrated under combat conditions. The transformation was necessary, as it created the foundation for initiatives like Ran Samwad, providing India with both the technological credibility and strategic assurance required to position itself as a global defence dialogue leader. Ran Samwads Institutional Innovation The Ran Samwad conclave represents a fundamental departure from conventional defence conferences. It reflects the Modi governments recognition that effective military transformation requires input from practitioners currently engaged in planning and executing operations. General Chauhans announcement that future battlefields demand joint thinking, joint planning, and joint execution" encapsulates the conclaves core purpose: creating institutional mechanisms for genuine inter-service integration. The participation of defence attaches from seventeen nations, including France, Australia, South Korea, Bangladesh, and Armenia, demonstrates Indias growing confidence in leading international military dialogue. Unlike the Raisina Dialogues broad geopolitical scope or the Shangri-La Dialogues emphasis on regional security architecture, Ran Samwad concentrates specifically on operational challenges facing modern militaries. It enables detailed examination of emerging domains such as cyber warfare, space operations, electromagnetic spectrum management, and cognitive warfare, areas where Indias recent investments in indigenous capabilities bring substantial expertise. The conclaves annual rotation among the three services ensures comprehensive coverage of domain-specific challenges whilst maintaining joint warfare perspectives. Modi has consistently emphasised that strategic autonomy can only be expressed by creating indigenous platforms for defence dialogue rather than relying exclusively on Western-hosted conferences. The conclaves institutional partnerships with other think tanks, such as CENJOWS, provide it with an institutional continuity with growing sophistication over successive editions. From Import Dependence to Export Leadership Indias domestic defence production reached Rs 1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, representing a 174 per cent increase from Rs 46,429 crore in 2014-15. This transformation encompasses not merely quantitative expansion but qualitative advancement in indigenous design and development capabilities. The success of systems like the Akash missile, among others, shows that the Indian industry has achieved genuine technological sophistication rather than simple assembly lines. The governments strategic use of negative import lists, covering over 5,500 defence items with more than 3,000 successfully indigenised by February 2025, has forced systematic capability development across the industrial ecosystem. Hindustan Aeronautics Limiteds revenue increased from approximately Rs 13,000-15,000 crore in 2009-10 to Rs 29,810 crore in FY 2023-24. Bharat Electronics Limited similarly expanded from around Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 19,700 crore over the same period Private sector integration has proven equally transformative, with companies like Solar Industries, Paras Defence, and Alpha Design Technologies playing crucial roles in Operation Sindoors success. The governments Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative has fostered start-up participation in defence manufacturing, with companies like ideaForge holding a major percentage of Indias defence mini-UAV market. Joint Doctrine Development The Ran Samvad is a cumulative of the Modi governments approach to joint doctrine development. The release of declassified joint doctrines for Cyberspace Operations and Amphibious Operations during the Chiefs of Staff Committee meeting in August 2025 codifies integrated warfare approaches. These doctrines, developed under General Chauhans leadership as Chief of Defence Staff, provide frameworks for unified operations across traditional service boundaries. The concurrent development of doctrines covering Military Space Operations, Special Forces Operations, and Multi-Domain Operations indicates a comprehensive institutional commitment to joint warfare concepts. Operation Sindoors execution provided practical validation of joint doctrine development, with seamless coordination between Army, Navy, and Air Force assets throughout the operation. The operations success stemmed partly from prior joint exercises like Desert Hunt 2025, which brought together Para Special Forces, Marine Commandos, and Garud Special Forces in integrated training scenarios. Future conflicts will transcend traditional service boundaries, requiring integrated responses across land, sea, air, cyber, and space domains. The government recognises this, and that is why conclaves like Ran Samvad are a step in the right direction. General Chauhans observation that the future battlefield does not recognize service boundaries" encapsulates this understanding whilst highlighting the institutional changes necessary to implement multi-domain operations. International Defence Cooperation India conducts over forty bilateral military exercises annually, spanning partners from the United States and France to Bangladesh and Nepal. These exercises have evolved beyond traditional training exchanges to encompass technology sharing, doctrine development, and strategic coordination on emerging threats. The post-Operation Sindoor Yudh Abhyas 2025 exercise with the United States, featuring over 400 Indian personnel in Alaska, represents the largest-ever joint military engagement between the two countries. The governments careful balance between deepening partnerships with traditional allies and expanding relationships with non-aligned nations shows a sophisticated understanding of multipolar strategic dynamics. Ran Samwads inclusion of defence attaches from seventeen countries, symbolising diverse strategic orientations, exemplifies this approach whilst positioning India as a bridge between different security communities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The technological dimension of international cooperation has gained prominence following Operation Sindoors demonstration of indigenous capabilities. Defence Minister Rajnath Singhs observation that the world is looking at our defence sector with new respect" following the operation reflects genuine shifts in international perceptions of Indian military capabilities. With Ran Samvad, we now have the institutional capacity to convey the message that India is not only going to be a major defence exporter and partner, but also a power that can shape military doctrines. The Ran Samwad conclave represents the culmination of a decade-long transformation in Indias defence capabilities under the Modi government, institutionalising the confidence and capabilities developed through systematic investment in indigenous technologies and strategic partnerships. India has emerged as a credible voice in global defence discourse. As General Chauhan observed, India aims to create a doctrinal crucible for Indias joint warfighting future," and Ran Samvad is the next step in the right direction. About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. First Published: August 26, 2025, 11:55 IST News opinion Ran Samwad: Modi's Bold Step Towards Defence Transformation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 26, 2025, 10:32 IST 1 / 7 The Delhi-NCR landscape is on the brink of a major transformation. The daily traffic congestion experienced during peak hours may soon become a thing of the past. Vehicles that currently inch along congested roads are expected to move swiftly, thanks to the construction of four new highways and tunnels across the region. + Follow us On Google 2 / 7 These projects will not only shorten distances between Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, and Faridabad but also reduce travel times from hours to mere minutes. To accelerate travel across the Delhi-NCR region, the Ministry of Road Transport, the Governments of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are working at an unprecedented pace. These developments promise commuters smoother, traffic-free journeys in the near future. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 7 The first major project is an elevated expressway from Delhis Dhaula Kuan to Manesar, aimed at easing congestion on the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway. The final plan is expected to be approved in the coming months following discussions between Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister Rao Indrajit Singh. 4 / 7 The second project involves a five-kilometre tunnel to alleviate traffic between Dwarka and Vasant Kunj. This signal-free tunnel will run underground from the Shiv Murti area of Mahipalpur (Dwarka Expressway) to Nelson Mandela Road (Vasant Kunj). According to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the NHAI will undertake its construction at an estimated cost of Rs 3,500 crore. Approved by Union Minister Gadkari, the tunnel will feature six lanes and support high-speed travel. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 7 The third project seeks to connect Yamuna Embankment Road (Pushta Road) to National Highway-9 (NH-9), improving connectivity to the upcoming Noida International Airport. Once clearance is received from the Noida Authority and Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department, the NHAI will begin work. The project may take the form of either an eight-lane ground-level expressway or a six-lane elevated road, running parallel to the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway along the Yamuna embankment. It is expected to benefit approximately one million residents. 6 / 7 The fourth development is Urban Extension Road-2, recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dubbed Delhis third ring road, this 75 km, six-lane highway will drastically reduce intra-city travel time while improving regional connectivity with Punjab, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. ADVERTISEMENT Last Updated: August 25, 2025, 14:48 IST 1 / 7 Shiv Nadar: He is the founder of HCL, one of the largest IT companies in India. He is one of the richest people in the city with a net worth of $35 billion. (Image: File Pic) + Follow us On Google 2 / 7 Kalanithi Maran: He owns one of Indias biggest media networks, Sun Group. His net worth is $3 billion. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 7 Arun Pudur: A self-made billionaire who made fortune in global software business. His net worth is $1.4 billion. (Image: Instagram) 4 / 7 N. Srinivasan: The former BCCI President owns IPL team Chennai Super Kings. His net worth is $1.1 billion. (Image: File Pic) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 7 Venu Srinivasan: He leads TVS Motor Company. His net worth is $ 1 billion. (Image: File Pic) 6 / 7 T.S. Kalyanaraman: He built one of Indias biggest jewellery brands, Kalyan Jewellers. His net worth is $850 million. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT CNN name, logo and all associated elements and 2024 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All rights reserved. CNN and the CNN logo are registered marks of Cable News Network, LP LLLP, displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of NEWS18.com does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them. Copyright Network18 Media and Investments Ltd 2024. All rights reserved. Absences, Deadlines & Delhi Trips: All Well Between Fadnavis And Shinde In Mahayuti? Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 11:25 IST Between August 13 and 22, Shinde missed a series of high-profile cabinet and review meetings chaired by the chief minister, triggering speculations of an internal rift Rapid Read + Follow us On Google While both Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde insist that governance remains their priority, buzz of chinks in the armour is swirling. (PTI) For the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, led by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP and deputy chief ministers Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) and Ajit Pawar (NCP), August has been unusually eventfuland telling. Between August 13 and 22, Shinde missed a series of high-profile cabinet and review meetings chaired by Fadnavis. His absence from four consecutive engagements, all involving crucial governance matters, has sparked speculation over whether all is well within the states ruling coalition. Recommended Stories A String of Absences The sequence began on August 13, when Shinde skipped the state cabinet meeting. Reports suggested this followed an internal row over Independence Day flag-hoisting assignments. Shindes ministers, Dada Bhuse and Bharat Gogawale, were not given the honour of hoisting the flag in their respective districtsNashik and Konkan. Instead, BJP minister and Fadnavis loyalist Girish Mahajan hoisted the flag in Nashik, while in Raigad, NCP leader and minister Aditi Tatkare was given the role. Both districts are yet to get full-time guardian ministers. As a mark of protest, Gogawale even went to Delhi to meet the BJP leadership. Later, Shiv Sena leaders clarified that Shinde had only extended a family stay in Srinagar, which is why he missed the cabinet meeting. Around the same week, Fadnavis convened a law-and-order review for Ganeshotsav at Sahyadri Guest House. As Mumbai city guardian minister, Shindes absence was noticed prominently. This became the second high-level meeting in a row where the deputy CM was missing. On August 19, the state cabinet met again. For the second straight cabinet sitting, Shinde stayed away though he was in Mumbai and chose to inspect the Mithi river amid heavy rains. Then came August 22, when Fadnavis chaired a sector-wise war room" review focused on AMRUT 2.0 and social-sector schemes. The chief minister, visibly frustrated with delays, pulled up senior officials and set a strict March 2026 deadline for completing projects worth Rs 9,000 crore. Once again, Shindewho oversees the urban development departmentwas not present. His absence was striking, especially as the criticism centred on his portfolio. Shinde also skipped a few public events where the CM was the chief guest, including inauguration of a double bridge in Pune. In Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, where Fadnavis and Shinde were supposed to launch a drinking water project for the Marathwada region, Shinde was missing yet again. Public Defence, Political Optics On record, both BJP and Shiv Sena leaders have tried to downplay the issue. Shiv Sena spokesperson Arun Sawant said Shindes absences were due to prior commitmentsflood inspections, extended tours, and official travel. Eknath Shinde is a peoples leader. When people face problems, he does not stick to protocol and immediately goes on the ground to help them. His absence from the cabinet meeting was because he was helping flood-hit Mumbaikars. Others who are criticising him should also see that some ministers skipped the cabinet meeting to go to Dubai to watch the India-Pakistan T20 match." Yet, in politics, optics matter as much as facts. Missing multiple cabinet sittings and review sessions chaired by the CMparticularly when ones department is under scrutinyfuels the perception of friction at the top. Fadnavis, on his part, has been assertive through August. His reviews have stressed discipline, deadlines, and efficiency, particularly on central schemes such as AMRUT 2.0. His stern wordsdelays will not be tolerated"were widely quoted. However, the fact that his principal deputy, responsible for urban development, was absent at that very moment has not gone unnoticed. The Stakes for Mahayuti During his last Delhi visit, Shinde reportedly raised several concerns with BJPs central leadership, including his dissatisfaction with how the Mahayuti government is functioning. Sources suggest he conveyed that he was unhappy with the way decisions were being handled in the state. The Mahayuti government, formed in 2022, is built on a fragile balance between the BJP, Shindes Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawars NCP bloc. Each partner controls influential ministries and has a separate political base to protect. For the alliance to function smoothly, coordination and public displays of unity are essential. Even if Shindes absences were coincidental, the timing is still politically damaging. If they reflect dissatisfactionover protocol, influence, or decision-makingthey could signal deeper cracks. Either way, the Opposition has been quick to seize on the optics, questioning the governments cohesion. But Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye dismissed the talks, saying: This story of unrest in Mahayuti is created only by the media. No leader has said they are unhappy. When Shinde missed meetings, there were reasonson one occasion Mumbai was battling heavy rains, on another he had official travel. Our leaders have always put people ahead of themselves." Looking Ahead Ganeshotsav, beginning on September 27, will test the governments law-and-order and civic preparedness. Urban projects under AMRUT 2.0 face a March 2026 deadline. Also, Maharashtra is soon heading into election mode, with local body polls and the assembly election cycle approaching. Given the context, the Mahayuti leadership can ill-afford mixed signals. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to BJP media chief Navnath Ban, The chief minister is the head of the government, and all files go to him for final approvaleven from Ajit Pawars department. The CM can call any departments meeting. There are no cracks in Mahayuti; all is well." For now, both Fadnavis and Shinde insist that governance remains their priority. But the pattern of August 2025four successive high-level meetings chaired by the CM, four absences by the DyCMposes an unavoidable question: is all truly well in the Mahayuti government, or are the cracks beginning to show? About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 11:09 IST News politics Absences, Deadlines & Delhi Trips: All Well Between Fadnavis And Shinde In Mahayuti? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar To Shift To Makeshift Accommodation Until Allotted Bungalow Is Ready Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 09:37 IST Reports suggest that 34, APJ Abdul Kalam Marg is to be Jagdeep Dhankhar's new home but the eviction process has not yet started and the bungalow is occupied by a Union minister Officials said the entitlement remains intact, and the designated bungalow will be handed over to former VP Jagdeep Dhankhar once it is ready. (Image: PTI/File) Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar may temporarily move into a makeshift accommodation as the formal handover of his government-allotted bungalow is yet to be completed, News18 has learnt. This may seem unusual compared to the convention followed by former presidents, prime ministers, and vice presidents. Recommended Stories While reports suggest that 34, APJ Abdul Kalam Marg has been designated Dhankhar, the eviction process has not yet started. The bungalow remains occupied by a Union minister, who is its previous resident. According to government sources, the delay is purely technical, dismissing other interpretations. It is an administrative matter, without any political implications, the sources said. Even if the process begins soon, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) will need at least two to four months to complete renovations and security modifications before the bungalow is ready. This delay leaves the former vice president with two options wait for a temporary government residence or move into a private home. If he opts for private accommodation, it may be unprecedented for someone who has held such a high constitutional position. There is, however, a precedent for delays. Former vice president M Venkaiah Naidu also had to wait for a few days before moving into his official accommodation, though a temporary government residence was arranged for him. The administrative lag in his case was due to his sudden resignation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Securing a Type VIII bungalow can be cumbersome, as it involves vacating the current occupant, refurbishing the property, and installing necessary security measures. In Delhis tightly managed pool of high-security, heritage bungalows, such timelines often extend beyond three months. Officials said the entitlement remains intact, and the designated bungalow will be handed over once it is ready. The image of a former VP, the second-highest constitutional authority in India, potentially moving into a private residence highlights the weight of procedural delays and the rarity of this situation. In the power centre of the country, where signs and symbols are closely watched, this development is bound to draw attention. About the Author Madhuparna Das Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has co... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 08:30 IST News politics Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar To Shift To Makeshift Accommodation Until Allotted Bungalow Is Ready Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Blocs Unprecedented Boycott Of PM-CM Bill JPC Highlights Breakdown Of Trust Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 13:52 IST The trigger has been three bills - Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, Govt of UTs (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The situation escalated when a few opposition members went as far as tearing copies of the bills during proceedings. (File Image: PTI) In an unprecedented turn of events, the ongoing standoff between the Modi government and the Opposition has deepened, reflecting a complete breakdown of trust in parliamentary functioning. The trigger has been the introduction of three constitutional and anti-corruption bills Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 by Home Minister Amit Shah, which sparked uproar in Parliament. The situation escalated when a few opposition members went as far as tearing copies of the bills during proceedings. In response, the government referred the contentious bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). However, this JPC itself has now become a flashpoint. With the INDIA bloc the principal opposition alliance largely refusing to participate, the committee is likely to be dominated by the ruling NDA along with a few regional allies like the YSRCP, BJD, and BRS. Key INDIA bloc members, including the TMC, SP, RJD, and AAP, have already announced a boycott. The Congress remains undecided, torn between internal opinions. Recommended Stories A section within Congress argues that participation is essential to formally record dissent in the JPCs report, as such dissent notes often hold legal weight if the legislation is challenged in court. Others, however, caution that joining the JPC would upset INDIA bloc allies, who have firmly committed to staying away. TMC leaders, in particular, have criticised Congress for interventions during the bills introduction despite a collective decision to boycott the proceedings. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The risk of being portrayed as divided is another major concern. Congress fears that the BJP would leverage any perceived rift within the opposition to score political points. This boycott is extraordinary in parliamentary history. Traditionally, even the fiercest opponents have engaged in JPCs, which are protected by constitutional norms and allow dissent to be officially recorded. While opposition parties argue that JPCs have become government-heavy and ineffective often disregarding dissenting voices the ruling party is likely to use the oppositions absence as evidence of their disregard for constitutional processes. 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. S... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 13:52 IST News politics INDIA Blocs Unprecedented Boycott Of PM-CM Bill JPC Highlights Breakdown Of Trust Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Keep Your Friends Close, Enemies Closer': Priyank Kharge Defends Shivakumar For Singing RSS Anthem Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 16:24 IST Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge told News18 that Congressmen know and understanding the RSS because it is seen as the best way to combat their opponent. Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge (Image: Priyank Kharge/X/File) Karnataka state Congress chief and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar apologised for reciting the RSS anthem on the floor of the Assembly, clearly as the party high command did not find it acceptable, but the stand that the Congress has been taking on attacking the RSS still continues. Senior Congress minister Priyank Kharge told News18 that Congressmen know and understand the RSS because it is seen as the best way to combat their opponent. As the famous quote from the movie Godfather goes, keep your friends close, but your enemies closer, there is a need to know everybodys history," said Kharge to News18. Recommended Stories Kharge had said this just before Shivakumar apologised and clarified his stance on reciting the RSS anthem in the Assembly, where he stated that he was doing so only to pull BJPs and Opposition leader R Ashoks leg," and that there was nothing wrong in knowing what your opponent is doing. The Deputy CM, while reiterating that he remains a loyal Congressman, went on to apologise saying, If anyone has been hurt, I feel sorry for them. I just commented and tried to pull their (BJPs) leg. Some of my friends are taking a political leap, trying to misuse it and cause confusion among the public I dont want to hurt their feelings. If anyone has been hurt, I feel sorry for them." Shivakumars apology comes in the background of MLC and senior Congressman BK Hariprasad slamming him for reciting the RSS anthem on the floor of the house during the discussion on the Chinnaswamy stampede. Hariprasad had said that Shivakumar must apologise and it was not right for the state Congress chief to do so. He also wondered if DK Shivakumar was trying to impress someone" by singing the RSS anthem inside the assembly. Hariprasad had said that it was wrong of him to have recited the prayer of the organisation that had assassinated Mahatma Gandhi". We have no objection to Shivakumar reciting the prayer as the Deputy CM because a government belongs to all, including the RSS. But hes not supposed to say it as the Congress President. If he said it as Congress President, hell have to apologise," he had said demanding the apology. On a question posed to Kharge on whether the party is embarrassed by Shivakumars statement, he responded saying, If you dont know the oppositions history, how will you even get back at them? Just because you read and learn about the RSS does not make you an RSS affiliate," he said. Recently, Kharge had made the comment that the air of the RSS should not touch people. He added, How will we know that the air is good or bad for us? Only when you take in a little, right? Good one. How do you judge a coffee? Only when you sip it. But unfortunately our seniors have already breathed that air and thats how we know its not good for the constitution. Thats why its not good for the people." Stating that whether it is the state Congress chief, the Congress in Karnataka, or Rahul Gandhi, they are all united against what they think of the RSS. The PM says that the RSS is the worlds largest NGO, but I say that it is the only NGO in the world that is not registered with the government," Kharge took a dig at the PM. Kharge went on to say that he has pored through pages of the RSS mouthpiece Organiser and also through the history of India, and that if he knows more history of the RSS than many of the BJP legislators, that doesnt make him an RSS affiliate, nor a fan of the RSS. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He once again attacked the RSS, saying that they dont know their own history and ideology and when he questions the BJP about the RSS on the floor of the House, they are unable to answer. When I asked them, how did Veer Savarkar get that title, nobody answers me. They dont know. They tell me, you tell us. When I asked them, why for 52 years you did not hoist the flag? They say they dont know," he said. About the Author Rohini Swamy Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously wor... Read More First Published: August 26, 2025, 16:24 IST News politics 'Keep Your Friends Close, Enemies Closer': Priyank Kharge Defends Shivakumar For Singing RSS Anthem Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... RJD Block General Secretary Shot Dead In Bihar's Vaishali District, Protests Break Out Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 10:54 IST Around 11 pm, Shiv Shankar was travelling from Bhairopur to his new home in Pakauli when assailants in ambush fired four shots at him, killing him on the spot Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google The murder of RJD block general secretary Shiv Shankar Singh has intensified political tensions in Bihar. (News18 Hindi) A 55-year-old retired electricity worker and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) block general secretary was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Pakauli village under Bidupur police station area of Vaishali district in Bihar late Monday night. The incident occurred around 11 pm while the deceased, Shiv Shankar was travelling from his old house in Bhairopur to his new residence in Pakauli. The criminals, who were lying in ambush, fired four bullets at him, resulting in his immediate death. Recommended Stories Upon receiving the report of the incident, Bidupur police station officers arrived at the scene and recovered four shell casings. Family members stated that Shiv Shankar had no known enemies, but the incident has caused significant tension in the area, with locals demanding prompt action. The Station House Officer (SHO) of Bidupur police station revealed that the motive behind the murder remains unclear in the initial investigation. The police are currently examining nearby CCTV footage to identify the criminals, and suspects are being questioned. An additional police force has been deployed to control the situation. Shiv Shankar Singh, who had taken up land buying and selling after retirement, leaves behind a family that includes a son who works as a manager at Indian Overseas Bank. Singh had constructed a new house in Pakauli five years ago. The family is demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and stringent action against them. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The murder of the active RJD block general secretary has also intensified political tensions in Bihar. Previous attacks on RJD leaders and workers in Vaishali have raised concerns that this murder might escalate into a political issue. There is considerable anger among local residents and RJD supporters, leading to protests and calls for justice. The Vaishali Superintendent of Police has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to expedite the capture of the criminals. Location : Vaishali, India, India First Published: August 26, 2025, 10:54 IST News politics RJD Block General Secretary Shot Dead In Bihar's Vaishali District, Protests Break Out Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Maggots That Eat Living Flesh Found Inside US Man After Central America Trip Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 16:28 IST Have you ever seen those unsettling videos of wriggling larvae being pulled out of human ears or wounds? Doctors in Maryland recently treated a real-life version of that nightmare. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Larvae of the screwworm fly, collected from infected cows, are observed at the COPEG sterile fly production plant, which fights the spread of the cattle screwworm, in Pacora, Panama. (IMAGE: REUTERS/REPRESENTATIVE) Have you ever seen those viral clips of maggots being pulled out of ears or open wounds? A Maryland resident recently lived that nightmare. Health officials confirmed the person was infected with the New World screwworm (NWS), a flesh-eating parasite that burrows into living tissue. According to Axios and Reuters, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said this is the first known human case of travel-associated screwworm infestation detected in the US. The individual had recently returned from El Salvador and has since made a full recovery. Recommended Stories The Maryland resident has recovered from the infection, and the investigation confirmed there is no indication of transmission to any other individuals or animals," Maryland Department of Health spokesperson David McCallister said. HHS officials stressed the risk to public health in the US is very low. The CDC, which diagnosed the case via teleconsultation by reviewing images of larvae, described NWS as a fly species that can cause myiasis by feeding on live tissue. While it primarily affects livestock, in rare cases humans can also be infected. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has previously warned that a screwworm outbreak in Texas, which is the countrys largest cattle-producing state, could cause up to $1.8 billion in economic losses. Outbreaks are common in South America, the Caribbean and parts of Central America, including Guatemala and El Salvador. The National Cattlemens Beef Association welcomed the rapid response. This case was quickly addressed thanks to existing protocols, and we are thankful for the ongoing coordination between the CDC, state departments of health, state animal health officials and USDA," CEO Colin Woodall said, calling the case a reminder for vigilance and routine monitoring. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Screwworms were eradicated from the US in 1966 through a sterilized fly-release program and a smaller outbreak was stamped out in Florida in 2017. Still, recurring outbreaks in Mexico have kept the threat alive, prompting authorities to breed and release sterilized flies across the border region in recent years. Officials emphasized that the Maryland case is linked only to travel exposure, not local transmission, but it serves as a timely warning that the parasite is never too far away. 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 c... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 26, 2025, 16:28 IST News viral Maggots That Eat Living Flesh Found Inside US Man After Central America Trip Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Man Buys 162 Lottery Tickets With Same Set Of Lucky Numbers, Wins Rs 9.6 Crore Jackpot! Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 15:22 IST A man bought 162 lottery tickets with the same number combo 1-7-3-1 and it paid off big, winning him a jackpot of Rs 9.6 crore Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The man's dedication to a single set of 'lucky' numbers brought him the top prize. (News18) Gambling on the lottery may be controversial, but in places where it is legal including in the US and the UK some people go to extraordinary lengths to try their luck. One such man recently struck gold by spending around 30,000 on 162 lottery tickets, all bearing the same numbers. His gamble paid off handsomely with a jackpot win of 811,000 (approx. Rs 9.6 crore). A Calculated Risk Recommended Stories The winner, speaking to officials at the South Carolina Education Lottery, explained that he had strong faith in a particular number combination: 1-7-3-1. After analysing patterns and trusting his instincts, he placed the same bet repeatedly and it worked. His dedication to a single set of lucky numbers brought him the top prize. Spouses Predicted Wins, Research Claims In a curious twist, research conducted by The National Lottery found that several winners spouses had predicted their win in advance. Some even guessed the exact amount. One man recalled his wife dreaming about a ball marked with the number 14 chasing her, and that they would win on 14th November, which they did. Not All Predictions Come True However, not every hopeful story ends in riches. One man believed he had hit the jackpot and expected to collect 50,000, only to discover his prize was just 6. Even the shopkeeper was unsure of the exact amount and advised him to contact Camelot, the lottery operator. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Pure Coincidence, Not A System Though such stories are fascinating, experts caution that they are simply coincidences, not strategies. There is no guaranteed method to win the lottery, and these events should be viewed as rare exceptions and not rules. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: August 26, 2025, 15:22 IST News viral Man Buys 162 Lottery Tickets With Same Set Of Lucky Numbers, Wins Rs 9.6 Crore Jackpot! Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 24,000 Evacuated In Pakistan After India Issued Flood Warning On 'Humanitarian' Grounds Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 15:06 IST Notably, India has officially suspended information-sharing with Pakistan under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam in April Flash Floods Ravage Pakistan | File Image A day after India alerted Pakistan about possible flooding on humanitarian grounds", authorities in Punjab have relocated more than 24,000 residents from low-lying areas along the Indus, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers, according to reports. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a flood warning, cautioning of rising water levels in the upper reaches of Punjabs rivers over the next 48 hours due to heavy monsoon rains, reported Dawn. Recommended Stories Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmad said evacuations have been underway since Saturday, as parts of these rivers witnessed low to high flooding from torrential downpours in the catchment areas. The situation was reported to be most severe at Harike in the Sutlej River, where upstream and downstream areas faced high-level flooding. The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) also sounded an alert for the Ravi, warning of a medium-level threat in the coming days. India Alerts Pakistan On Monday, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad shared flood-related details with Pakistans Foreign Ministry, stressing that the communication was made purely on humanitarian grounds. Notably, India has officially suspended information-sharing with Pakistan under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam in April. However, a source told Reuters that New Delhis recent flood warning was passed to Islamabad purely on humanitarian grounds" and not under the treaty framework. The alert followed heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, which borders Pakistan and feeds major rivers flowing into Punjab province. The warning came as Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered the evacuation of residents from riverine and vulnerable areas ahead of fresh rainfall forecasts. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has also cautioned that heavy rains may persist into early September, raising the risk of further floods, landslides and agricultural losses. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Pakistans monsoon season regularly brings devastation from June to September, with river overflows triggering landslides, infrastructure damage and displacement. In 2022, unprecedented flooding claimed over 1,700 lives, displaced millions and caused an estimated $40 billion in economic damage. Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: August 26, 2025, 15:06 IST News world 24,000 Evacuated In Pakistan After India Issued Flood Warning On 'Humanitarian' Grounds Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Canada Rejects Indian Couples Asylum Bid, Court Says Pro-Khalistan Grounds Not Genuine Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 15:09 IST An Indian couple's asylum plea was denied by the Refugee Board of Canada and its decision is upheld by Federal court, citing doubts over their pro-Khalistan claims. Representative Image/Unsplash Last year, in February, the Refugee Board of Canadas Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) denied an asylum request from an Indian couple in Canada. The couple challenged the decision in court, and now the court has also rejected their appeal. As per a report by Hindustan Times, the Federal Court upheld the earlier decision, calling it reasonable." The couple requested asylum in Canada on the grounds that they would face persecution if they returned to their home country, India, due to their pro-Khalistan activity in Canada. Recommended Stories Federal Court Judge Benoit M. Duchesne passed a judgment on Monday and rejected their request. Prior to this, their request was also turned down by the Refugee Protection Division (RPD). The principal applicant, 38-year-old Amandeep Singh, and the associate applicant, 32-year-old Kanwaldeep Kaur, arrived in Canada in June 2018 using a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). In the application submitted before the RPD, the couple claimed that they participated in the independent Khalistan movement and also attested photos to back their claim. An excerpt of the judgment reads, had become supporters of Khalistan during their time in Canada and will be persecuted as a result of their new political activities if they are returned to India. They adduced protest photos and Punjab Referendum Khalistan voter registration cards issued by Sikhs for Justice." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The court further agreed with the RPDs decision that stated the applicants interest and participation in the independent Khalistan movement underscored a lack of genuineness in the movement itself." In conclusion, both RPD and RAD contested that the Indian Couples claim was disingenuous and lacking good faith". The Federal court supported their decision. 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, ... Read More Location : Canada First Published: August 26, 2025, 15:09 IST News world Canada Rejects Indian Couples Asylum Bid, Court Says Pro-Khalistan Grounds Not Genuine Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Donald Trump Pushes For Death Penalty In Washington, D.C. Homicide Cases I Watch Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 27, 2025, 01:16 IST The Presidents push to introduce capital punishment in the capital aligns with a broader strategy to reinforce his image as a law-and-order leader. City leaders and civil rights advocates have strongly criticised Trumps moves (File pic/AP) US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that his administration will explore provisions to seek the death penalty in homicide cases within Washington, D.C., marking a significant escalation in his approach to deal with crime in the national capital. The announcement came just a few days after National Guard troops deployed in the city were officially granted permission to carry firearms, marking a shift from previous restrictions. If somebody kills somebody in the capital, Washington, D.C., were going to be seeking the death penalty, and thats a very strong preventative," Trump said during a cabinet meeting at the White House. He added, I dont know if were ready for it in this country, but we have it. It is, we have no choice." Recommended Stories @POTUS: If somebody kills somebody in the capital Washington, D.C. were going to be seeking the death penalty." pic.twitter.com/Aa47sLzDbk Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 26, 2025 In recent weeks, the Trump administration has ramped up its efforts to tackle what it describes as out-of-control street violence in the capital. Hundreds of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement officers have been deployed to Washington, D.C., to support the Metropolitan Police Department. The President has described the current situation as unacceptable, despite local officials pointing to data showing that violent crime has declined substantially since its peak in 2023. The Presidents push to introduce capital punishment in the capital aligns with a broader strategy to reinforce his image as a law-and-order leader. Trump has repeatedly used Washington, D.C., a Democrat-led city, as a symbol of what he views as failed local governance. He has also floated the idea of deploying the National Guard to other cities, with Chicago often mentioned as a potential next step. In an even more controversial suggestion, Trump administration has tried to assume control over Washington, D.C.s administration, citing what he claims is ineffective leadership. While the city operates under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973, which grants residents the right to elect their own mayor and city council, Congress and the federal government retain ultimate oversight. Washington has abolished the death penalty for local crimes, but it remains legal in certain cases under federal law. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Trump administration has also begun pressuring federal prosecutors to take a more aggressive stance. In February, Attorney General Pam Bondi lifted a Biden-era moratorium on most federal executions. The Justice Department has already announced its intent to pursue the death penalty in the case of Luigi Mangione, who is accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson last year. City leaders and civil rights advocates have strongly criticised Trumps moves, arguing that they are politically motivated and legally dubious. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 27, 2025, 01:16 IST News world Donald Trump Pushes For Death Penalty In Washington, D.C. Homicide Cases I 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... India, US Hold 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue; Review Security, Trade Ties Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Shankhyaneel Sarkar Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 22:33 IST Officials discuss regional security, defence industrial cooperation, energy and critical minerals under the US-India COMPACT framework. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google India and the US reaffirmed commitment to deepening bilateral ties and promoting a stable, prosperous Indo-Pacific through the Quad. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Senior officials from India and the United States held the virtual 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue on August 25, where they reviewed ongoing initiatives and explored ways to strengthen cooperation across a wide range of areas. The dialogue was co-chaired by Bethany P. Morrison, Senior Bureau Official for the US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, and Jedidiah P. Royal, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs. From the Indian side, Additional Secretary Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur of the Ministry of External Affairs and Joint Secretary Vishwesh Negi of the Ministry of Defence led the discussions. Recommended Stories Both sides discussed regional security developments as well as cooperation on trade and investment, energy security, civil nuclear collaboration, exploration of critical minerals, and counterterrorism and counternarcotics initiatives. Tuesdays meeting marked the first official-level dialogue since the August 6 announcement by US President Donald Trumps administration that imposed tariffs on Indian goods, highlighting ongoing engagement between India and the United States, signalling that even if the White House has emphasized US initiatives publicly, the dialogue reflects carefully built institutional cooperation. The officials also looked forward to finalising a new ten-year framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership, alongside advancing cooperation in defence industry, science and technology, operational coordination, regional engagements, and information sharing. The dialogue took place under the framework of the US-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Quad grouping also featured in the discussions, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The meeting was described as productive", with both delegations expressing appreciation for the exchanges and committing to deepening the partnership in ways that benefit the people of both countries. About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively ... Read More Location : New Delhi/Washin First Published: August 26, 2025, 22:33 IST News world India, US Hold 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue; Review Security, Trade Ties Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Indonesian Islamic Sharia Court Publicly Flogs Two Men For Gay Sex; Over 100 Watch, Film Torture Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 18:00 IST Banda Aceh province in Indonesia imposes a version of sharia, the Islamic legal code. Gay sex however is not illegal elsewhere in the worlds most populous Muslim-majority country. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google An official uses a rattan cane to whip one of two men convicted of violating Islamic law by hugging and kissing, which the court ruled can lead to banned sexual relations, in Banda Aceh, Aceh province, Indonesia. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO) Two men were publicly flogged 76 times each in Indonesias conservative province of Aceh on Tuesday after an Islamic Sharia court found them guilty of same-sex relations". Aceh outlaws gay sex as it imposes strict sharia law, an Islamic legal code. However, gay sex is not illegal in most parts of Indonesia which is the worlds most populous Muslim-majority country. Indonesias national criminal code does not regulate homosexuality but the central government cannot strike down Shariah law in Aceh. Recommended Stories Aceh expanded its Islamic bylaws and criminal code in 2015, extending Shariah law to non-Muslims, who account for about 1% of the provinces population. The men were among 10 others who were publicly flogged at a park in the provincial capital, Banda Aceh, for a range of alleged crimes, AFP said in a report, adding that the pair were flogged separately with a rattan stick as a small crowd watched. The men were found in the same park in April, Roslina A. Djalil, head of Banda Aceh sharia polices law enforcement, Roslina A. Djalil told the news agency. Their initial sentences of 80 lashes each were reduced by four for four months spent in detention. A separate report by the Associated Press said that the Islamic religious police said they caught them engaged in what the court deemed were the sexual acts of hugging and kissing in a bathroom of the public park. Eight other people were publicly caned Tuesday for adultery and gambling. The men were arrested in April at Taman Sari city park in Banda Aceh after residents told a police patrol they saw the men enter the same park bathroom. The police found the men inside kissing and hugging. Prior to meeting in the park, the pair made contact through an online dating app, court records said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Aceh allows up to 100 lashes for morality offenses including gay sex and sex between unmarried people. Caning is also a punishment in Aceh for gambling, drinking alcohol, women who wear tight clothes and men who do not attend Friday prayers. There have been four previous canings for cases related to homosexuality since the province implemented Islamic law and established a religious police and court system in 2006. The change was a concession by the national government to end a long-running separatist uprising. 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 c... Read More Location : Banda Aceh, Indonesia First Published: August 26, 2025, 17:56 IST News world Indonesian Islamic Sharia Court Publicly Flogs Two Men For Gay Sex; Over 100 Watch, Film Torture Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Meghan Markle Reveals Prince Harry Said I Love You First In New Netflix Series Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 15:46 IST Meghan Markle shares early relationship details with Prince Harry in With Love, Meghan, revealing personal moments. Meghan Markle is seen. Meghan Markle revealed new details about her early relationship with Prince Harry, including that the Duke of Sussex was the first to say I love you". Speaking in the second season of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex said she knew she loved Prince Harry by their third date, when the couple were camping together in Botswana. The series also offers lighter glimpses of their life together. Meghan Markle said they eat a lot of roast chicken" but admitted that Prince Harry is less adventurous than she is in the kitchen- even refusing to eat lobster. Recommended Stories Prince Harry himself does not appear on camera in the new episodes, nor do their children Archie and Lilibet, as the couple continue to shield them from public view. There are also no mentions of the Royal Family or the ongoing rift with senior royals. Meghan Markles Lifestyle Empire The show comes as part of Meghan Markles wider efforts to develop her lifestyle brand in the US. Alongside the series, she has launched her As Ever label, which sells products such as jars of wildflower honey and edible flower petals. Earlier this year she debuted her new podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, and she and Prince Harry recently signed a new multi-year production deal with Netflix, ensuring further projects with the streaming platform despite speculation their partnership might end. Meghan Markles New Show With Love, Meghan was filmed in a house near her Montecito home in California and features celebrity guests including Chrissy Teigen, John Legend and Queer Eyes Tan France. In one episode, Meghan Markle talks about cooking breakfast for her family, describing it as a sacred time" of calm before the day begins. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The first series divided opinion, becoming one of Netflixs most watched shows but receiving mixed reviews. Some critics dismissed it as narcissistic", while others said it provided glossy escapism. Royal commentators suggest that the Duchess of Sussex sees the programme as central to her public image. Royal expert Victoria Murphy said, It is very important in terms of how she wants to be seen and the kind of public presence that she wants to have moving forward." Location : Canada First Published: August 26, 2025, 15:46 IST News world Meghan Markle Reveals Prince Harry Said I Love You First In New Netflix Series Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Cleric Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza Arrested Over Controversial Remarks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 20:11 IST Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, a Pakistani cleric and YouTuber, was arrested after his remarks sparked controversy and complaints from religious groups. Muhammad Ali Mirza is widely known for his blunt lectures on religion and society. (Image Credit: X) Pakistani cleric and YouTuber Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza was arrested under the countrys preventive detention law after his alleged remarks about Prophet Muhammad went viral and triggered complaints from religious groups. Authorities said, as per Dawn, that Muhammad Ali Mirza, who commands more than 3.1 million followers on YouTube, was detained for 30 days under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance and later shifted to jail. The arrest followed a petition by a religious group seeking legal action against him but Muhammad Ali Mirzas supporters argued that his words were quoted in reference to another communitys terminology and misrepresented. Recommended Stories Muhammad Ali Mirza is widely known for his blunt lectures on religion and society, delivered via his YouTube channel. His outspoken views have repeatedly stirred controversy in Pakistans deeply conservative religious landscape and he has survived at least four assassination attempts, it was reported. This is not the first time Muhammad Ali Mirza has faced legal or social backlash as in 2023, a blasphemy case under Section 295C alleged he insulted Prophet Muhammad and downplayed Pakistans ruling on Ahmadis. In 2020, he was arrested by Jhelum police for derogatory remarks against religious figures. In 2021, he survived an assassination attempt at a religious academy. He has clashed repeatedly with prominent clerics such as Mufti Tariq Masood and Mufti Hanif Qureshi, with debates often ending in public acrimony. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Reacting to the arrest, Lahore-based lawyer J Sajjal Shaheedi said it was less about public order and more about suppressing dissent. The arrest of Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza is not about public order. It is about silencing independent voices who dare to question sectarian clergy Meanwhile, violent mobs like TLP are coddled, unbanned, and quietly paid off," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Location : Pakistan First Published: August 26, 2025, 20:11 IST News world Pakistani Cleric Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza Arrested Over Controversial Remarks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Paris Shocker: Ukrainian Woman Raped Near Eiffel Tower After Being Dragged Into Bushes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 21:25 IST A 17-year-old Libyan national was arrested for allegedly raping a 32-year-old Ukrainian woman near the Eiffel Tower. Police on a nearby patrol were alerted by the victim's screams. (File image) A 17-year-old, identified as a Libyan national, has been arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a 32-year-old Ukrainian woman near the Eiffel Tower. The incident, which reportedly occurred near the Champ-de-Mars, saw the woman forcibly dragged into bushes before being sexually assaulted. Police on a nearby patrol were alerted by the victims screams and swiftly apprehended the suspect. The accused, who was reportedly intoxicated, claimed to be 17 and of Libyan nationality, though his identity is still being verified by authorities as he possessed no identity papers. Recommended Stories This latest incident follows other high-profile cases of sexual assault in the area. In 2023, a 27-year-old Mexican tourist reported being raped by five men in the Champ de Mars park. Later that same year, a 23-year-old British police officer reported being raped at knifepoint at the foot of the tower. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Rachida Dati, the boroughs mayor, earlier highlighted the persistent issue, stating that sexual assaults," and not to mention rapes," occur every day" on the Champ-de-Mars, attributing some of the problem to under-equipment." According to the Paris police headquarters, there has been one reported rape in the Champ-de-Mars area in 2024 and seven sexual assaults. This compares to five rapes and nine sexual assaults recorded in the same area during 2023. Location : Paris, France First Published: August 26, 2025, 21:25 IST News world Paris Shocker: Ukrainian Woman Raped Near Eiffel Tower After Being Dragged Into Bushes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trade Deals Forcing Foreign Nations To Pour Billions Into US Coffers, Boasts Trump Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 23:34 IST Trump claims his trade deals with major global partners are funneling hundreds of billions and even trillions into the US Treasury. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google US President Trump hailed deals with the UK, China, EU and other nations, asserting they are delivering massive financial gains for the US. (IMAGE: REUTERS) US President Donald Trump on Tuesday highlighted what he called historic" trade deals with key global partners, claiming they are funneling substantial revenue into the US Treasury. Speaking to reporters, Trump said, We have secured historic trade deals with the United Kingdom, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Japan, South Korea and the European Union. Foreign nations are now paying hundreds of billions of dollars straight into our treasury We are receiving trillions of dollars, far beyond billions." The remarks come a day before the United States is set to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian products from August 27, impacting more than USD 48 billion worth of exports. The total levy on Indian goods entering the US market will rise to 50 per cent, following an earlier 25 per cent tariff imposed on August 7 as a penalty for New Delhis continued purchase of Russian crude oil and military equipment. Recommended Stories According to the US Department of Homeland Security, in a draft order published on Monday, the increased duties will apply to Indian products entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 am eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025." Earlier in the day, Trump posted a message on Truth Social, the platform he owns, warning that substantial" tariffs and export restrictions would be imposed on nations that fail to show respect" to US technology companies. He claimed that digital taxes, services legislation, and market regulations are designed to harm American tech, while giving Chinas largest tech firms a free pass. .@POTUS on his HISTORIC trade deals: "We secured new market access for American agricultural exports all over the world Foreign nations are now paying hundreds of billions of dollars straight into our Treasury." pic.twitter.com/lQnR5cnW5Y Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 26, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In his post, Trump wrote, I will stand up to Countries that attack our incredible American Tech Companies. Digital Taxes, Digital Services Legislation, and Digital Markets Regulations are all designed to harm or discriminate against American Technology. They also outrageously give a complete pass to Chinas largest Tech Companies. This must end, and end NOW! With this TRUTH, I put all Countries with Digital Taxes, Legislation, Rules, or Regulations on notice that unless these discriminatory actions are removed, I will impose substantial additional Tariffs on that Countrys Exports to the USA, and institute Export restrictions on our Highly Protected Technology and Chips. America, and American Technology Companies, are neither the piggy bank nor the doormat of the World any longer. Show respect to America and our amazing Tech Companies, or consider the consequences!" While Trump did not name any countries, his remarks were widely interpreted as a critique of the European Unions Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act, according to a report by EuroNews. 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 c... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 26, 2025, 23:34 IST News world Trade Deals Forcing Foreign Nations To Pour Billions Into US Coffers, Boasts Trump Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Administration Ends Semiconductor Fund Set Up By Biden Government Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 05:56 IST The Department also accused the Biden adminitration of acting illegally in its formation of Natcast. Responsibility for managing the NSTC will now be transferred to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Representative/AP) The US Department of Commerce announced Monday that it is cancelling a $7.4 billion semiconductor research fund originally established under the Biden administration, citing concerns over waste, fraud, and abuse." The fund was intended to support the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), a flagship research initiative set up as part of the $52.7 billion CHIPS and Science Act signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022. The act was designed to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing and reduce US reliance on foreign chipmakers, particularly amid rising tensions with China. Recommended Stories BREAKING: The Department of Commerce is CANCELLING the $7.4 BILLION slush fund set aside in the final days of the Biden Administration.Natcast is a non-profit created and staffed by top Biden Administration political appointees. The Trump Administration and the Department of U.S. Commerce Dept. (@CommerceGov) August 25, 2025 Responsibility for managing the NSTC will now be transferred to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a federal agency under the Commerce Department. Previously, the project was overseen by the National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology (Natcast), a non-profit established to operate the NSTC in coordination with private and public sector partners. In a sharp statement, the Commerce Department criticised Natcast, calling it a semiconductor slush fund" created to benefit political allies of the Biden administration. Natcast is a non-profit created and staffed by top Biden Administration political appointees. The Trump Administration and the Department of Commerce are rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse the days of taxpayer-funded think tanks and non-profits are OVER," the statement read. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick added, From the very beginning, Natcast served as a semiconductor slush fund that did nothing but line the pockets of Biden loyalists with American tax dollars." The Department also accused the Biden administration of acting illegally in its formation of Natcast, claiming the non-profit was created to circumvent legal barriers, preventing government agencies from establishing corporations. The Biden administration acted to protect Natcast from any real oversight or accountability and tie the hands of future administrations," the Department said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Natcast, for its part, had defended its work. In a statement last week, the organisation said it was aligned closely with the priorities of the White House," and described itself as a linchpin to realising a more prosperous, competitive, and secure leadership position for America." Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 26, 2025, 05:56 IST News world Trump Administration Ends Semiconductor Fund Set Up By Biden Government Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... ACCRA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese medical technology firms at the just-ended China-West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo have pledged to strengthen health service delivery in the region with innovative technologies. The three-day expo, which concluded Friday in Accra, Ghana's capital, brought together more than 100 medical technology firms from China and West Africa. Organized by the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA), a Ghana-based Chinese firm, and the Ghana Health Service, the event sought to promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical diagnosis and to deepen collaboration between China and West African countries. Exhibits mainly included minimally invasive surgical equipment, AI devices for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and general diagnosis, robotic surgery systems, oxygen concentrators, and analyzers. Experts demonstrated their use, with many firms expressing readiness to form partnerships in the region. "AI is powering health care at different levels in the world, and we want to support West African countries to introduce AI in their health care systems," Wang Peng, vice president of the marketing center of Minucon Artificial Intelligence Technology (Shanghai), said in an interview with Xinhua. At the event, the company presented its "AI magic mirror," which conducts health checks of internal organs in 30 seconds, and its robot nurse assistant, designed to ease the workload of medical staff. According to Wang, Minucon spent 10 years developing its AI health devices and achieved impressive results in China, adding that "this is our first encounter in Africa, and we have gathered some data that will enable us to adapt our technology and products for Africans." Beijing-based CapitalBio Technology Co., Ltd., another exhibitor, specializes in molecular detection products. Its exhibits included integrated TCM-AI machines, automated PCR machines for genetic sequencing, diagnostic chips, micro scanners, and mycobacterium nucleic acid test kits. Hou Xinru, marketing manager of the firm, was excited about the prospects in the health sector in West Africa. "We are looking to partner with medical institutions, research laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies. Many of those institutions have visited our exhibition stand and expressed interest in some of our products," Hou said, adding that CapitalBio has signed a cooperation agreement with HCOWA to facilitate engagement with partners in the region. Closing the event, Ghanaian Deputy Minister of Health Grace Ayensu-Danquah praised the Chinese companies for bringing advanced technologies, products, and services to West Africa, encouraging them to integrate these offerings into the country's health agenda. "We want partnerships that are going to help us change the trajectory of our health systems, our vaccines manufactured here, and our technicians trained on the biomedical equipment you support us with to be able to service them in your absence," Ayensu-Danquah said. The deputy minister called for firms to partner with the government of Ghana in the implementation of the new flagship health initiatives, including the free primary health care and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund programs, aimed at easing the financial burden of treatment on Ghanaians. After '5 Jets Downed' Claim, Trump Now Says 7 Aircraft Destroyed In India-Pakistan Conflict Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 11:16 IST Donald Trump contradicted his own claim that five jets were shot down during India-Pakistan war in May this year, and said that seven aircraft were downed in the conflict. Donald Trump's claim on India-Pakistan war: Trump claims 7 jets were downed (Reuters Image) US President Donald Trump has stumped his own previous claim that five jets were downed during the India-Pakistan conflict and has now said that seven aircraft were shot down during the four-day military confrontation between the two enemy neighbours. Taking credit for the pause in hostilities between India and Pakistan on May 10, Trump claimed that he settled the raging" war in 24 hours using trade as a tool. Recommended Stories I have stopped all of these wars. A big one would have been India and Pakistan" Trump said at the White House during a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Korea. The war with India and Pakistan was the next level that was going to be a nuclear war They already shot down 7 jets that was raging. I said, You want to trade? We are not doing any trade or anything with you if you keep fighting, youve got 24 hours to settle it. They said, Well, theres no more war going on. I used that on numerous occasions. I used trade and whatever I had to use" Trump claimed. #WATCH | Washington DC | I have stopped all of these wars. A big one would have been India and Pakistan", says US President Donald Trump.He also says, The war with India and Pakistan was the next level that was going to be a nuclear war They already shot down 7 jets pic.twitter.com/9O0tcYsmwk ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2025 In July, he had claimed that five fighter jets were shot down, though he did not specify which sides aircraft were downed. The US President has made the mediation claims a number of times before; however, he has been fact-checked by New Delhi, which has made it clear that no discussion on trade was ever done with any US leader, including Trump and Vice President JD Vance, during Operation Sindoor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also clarified it in no uncertain terms in the Lok Sabha during the Operation Sindoor debate that no world leader asked India to stop Operation Sindoor". Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh revealed earlier that India shot down at least five Pakistani fighter aircraft during Operation Sindoor, along with a large surveillance plane. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We have at least five fighters confirmed kills and one large aircraft, which could be either an ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) aircraft or an AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft, which was taken on at a distance of about 300 kilometres. This is actually the largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill that we can talk about," he said earlier this month. We were able to get at least two command and control centres, like Murid and Chaklala. At least six radars, some of them big, some of them small. Two SAGW systems that is in Lahore and Okara. We attacked three hangars. One was the Sukkur UAV hangar, the Bholari hangar and the Jacobabad F-16 hangar. We have an indication of at least one AEW&C in that AEW&C hangar and a few F-16s, which were under maintenance there," the officer added. 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: @Ma... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 26, 2025, 10:33 IST News world After '5 Jets Downed' Claim, Trump Now Says 7 Aircraft Destroyed In India-Pakistan Conflict Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Pushed For Denuclearisation In Talks With Putin, Eyes Chinas Inclusion | Watch Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 05:00 IST Trump made the remarks during South Korean President Lee Jae-myungs visit to the White House. Trump also referenced Russian President Vladimir Putins visit to Alaska on August 15 | AP Image US President Donald Trump on Monday confirmed that he has discussed plans to limit nuclear weapons during his recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump also stated his intent to bring China into the fold of denuclearisation efforts, citing rising concerns over Beijings growing arsenal. We are talking about limiting nuclear weapons. We will get China into that," Trump told reporters during a press briefing in the Oval Office. We have the most. Russia has the second most, and China has third." While acknowledging Chinas current position behind the US and Russia in nuclear capabilities, Trump warned of its rapid growth. China is way behind, but they will catch us in five years," he added. Recommended Stories .@POTUS: One of the things were trying to do with Russia and with China is denuclearization We cant let nuclear weapons proliferate. We have to stop nuclear weapons. The power is too great." pic.twitter.com/u76VrvZdE0 Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 25, 2025 Trump made the remarks during South Korean President Lee Jae-myungs visit to the White House. The visit marked a strengthening of USSouth Korea ties amid increasing global focus on nuclear security and regional stability. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), as of January 2025, the US and Russia together possess approximately 90% of the worlds nuclear warheads. China, meanwhile, is estimated to have at least 600 warheads, with its stockpile steadily increasing. I think the denuclearisation is a very big game, but Russias willing to do it, and I think Chinas going to be willing to do it," Trump said, emphasising the importance of international cooperation to curb the proliferation of nuclear arms. Trump also referenced Vladimir Putins visit to Alaska on August 15, describing it as a sign of willingness to negotiate. However, he expressed continued frustration over Russias military campaign in Ukraine. Every conversation I have with him is a good conversation. And then, unfortunately, a bomb is loaded up into Kiev and then I would get very angry," Trump said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He noted that efforts to manage the nuclear issue are part of broader negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Trump reiterated the USs support for Ukrainian sovereignty and added that discussions around security guarantees for Ukraine are ongoing. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 26, 2025, 05:00 IST News world Trump Pushed For Denuclearisation In Talks With Putin, Eyes Chinas Inclusion | 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... Donald Trump Threatens China With 200% Tariffs: 'They Have To Give Us Magnets Or..' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 20:57 IST Trumps statement came at a time when Chinas exports of rare-earth magnets have recovered to levels seen before Beijing imposed export curbs in April. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google US President Donald Trump (Reuters Image) US President Donald Trump threatened China on Tuesday, saying Beijing has to give Washington magnets or we have to charge them 200% tariff or something" amid a trade dispute between the two nations. China is increasingly sensitive about rare earths and its control over supply, adding several rare earth items and magnets to its export restriction list in April in retaliation to tariff hikes by the United States. Recommended Stories China has to give us magnets. If they dont, we charge a 200% tariff or something. Nobody needed magnets until they convinced everybody 20 years ago lets all do magnets," he told reporters at the White House. Trump: We have a very strong relationship economically with China. They have to give us magnets. If they dont, we charge a 200% tariff or something. Nobody needed magnets until they convinced everybody 20 years ago lets all do magnets.pic.twitter.com/1AtvHhB1vT Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) August 25, 2025 Trump Says He Can Destroy China Trump also hinted at having better leverage than China. We are going to have a great relationship with ChinaThey have some cards. We have incredible cards, but I dont want to play those cards. If I play those cards, that would destroy China. I am not going to play those cards," he said. The remarks came as both countries agreed on August 12 to prolong their trade truce for another 90 days to give negotiators more time to find common ground. Tariff battles between the US and China had escalated earlier this year, with Trump imposing 145% tariffs, and Beijing retaliating in similar measure. The US and China had agreed to lower tariffs on each others goods to around 55% and 32%, which would expire in mid-November. Trump also said that airplane parts were a key leverage that Washington has to counter Beijings grip on rare earths: 200 of their planes were unable to fly because we were not giving them Boeing parts purposely because they werent giving us magnets." Chinas Rare-Earth Magnets Trumps statement came at a time when Chinas exports of rare-earth magnets have recovered to levels seen before Beijing imposed export curbs in April, CNBC reported, citing the latest government data. Magnets shipped to the US surged more than seven times to 660% in June from the prior month, with volumes rising 76% in July. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Notably, China dominates rare-earth magnet production, controlling about 90% of global supply, which has given the country significant leverage in trade talks with the United States as Washington relies heavily on the rare-earth magnets for its large manufacturing sector, particularly automobiles, electronics and renewable energy. China had agreed on lifting export curbs on rare earth magnets to India, which came after the United States imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports that will come into effect tomorrow. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: August 26, 2025, 20:47 IST News world Donald Trump Threatens China With 200% Tariffs: 'They Have To Give Us Magnets Or..' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Threatens Tariffs On Countries With Digital Taxes: 'US Is Not Piggy Bank Or Doormat' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 18:30 IST Donald Trump warned of tariffs and chip export controls if digital taxes on US tech firms like Google, Meta, Apple, and Amazon are not removed. US President Donald Trump (Reuters Image) US President Donald Trump warned that countries imposing digital services taxes and related regulations on American technology firms could face substantial" new tariffs and restrictions on US chip exports. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Donald Trump accused governments- particularly in Europe- of unfairly targeting US tech giants while sparing Chinese competitors. Digital Taxes, Digital Services Legislation, and Digital Markets Regulations are all designed to harm or discriminate against American Technology. They also, outrageously, give a complete pass to Chinas largest Tech Companies. This must end, and end NOW!" Donald Trump wrote. Recommended Stories The president said Washington would respond not only with tariffs but also with new export controls on semiconductors and sensitive technology, adding, I put all Countries with Digital Taxes, Legislation, Rules, or Regulations on notice that unless these discriminatory actions are removed, I, as President of the United States, will impose substantial additional Tariffs on that Countrys Exports to the USA." He asserted, America, and American Technology Companies, are neither the piggy bank nor the doormat of the World any longer. Show respect to America and our amazing Tech Companies or, consider the consequences!" top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Several countries- particularly in Europe0 have levied taxes on revenues of digital service providers such as Google, Meta, Apple and Amazon, escalating transatlantic trade tensions over recent years. Donald Trumps warning comes a week after Washington and Brussels pledged to tackle unjustified trade barriers" and agreed not to impose customs duties on electronic transmissions. The European Union also confirmed it would not adopt network usage fees. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 26, 2025, 18:30 IST News world Trump Threatens Tariffs On Countries With Digital Taxes: 'US Is Not Piggy Bank Or Doormat' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Tech Firms Not Piggy Bank: Trump Vows Substantial Tariffs On Nations With Digital Taxes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 08:01 IST Donald Trump threatened the countries with digital taxes on American tech companies that he would impose "substantial additional tariffs" on their exports to the US. Trump threatens countries with digital taxes (Reuters Image) President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to impose substantial additional tariffs" and export curbs on the advanced American technology and semiconductors in retaliation for what he described as an attack" on US tech companies with digital taxes by several countries. He accused the nations of imposing such taxes on the US tech firms to harm or discriminate against" the American technology, while giving a complete pass" to the Chinese companies. Recommended Stories I put all Countries with Digital Taxes, Legislation, Rules, or Regulations, on notice that unless these discriminatory actions are removed, I, as President of the United States, will impose substantial additional Tariffs on that Countrys Exports to the U.S.A., and institute Export restrictions on our Highly Protected Technology and Chips," Trump posted on Truth Social. As the President of the United States, I will stand up to Countries that attack our incredible American Tech Companies. Digital Taxes, Digital Services Legislation, and Digital Markets Regulations are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology. They also, outrageously, give a complete pass to Chinas largest Tech Companies. This must end, and end NOW!" Trump said. His warning comes a week after the US and the European Union agreed that they would address unjustified trade barriers" and would not import customs duties on electronic transmissions. The 27-member bloc said it would not charge network usage fees. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trump has been trying for a long time to push US trade partners to remove these taxes. The taxes mainly target the biggest tech companies in the world like Meta, Googles parent company Alphabet, and Amazon which are all American. Digital service taxes have turned into a big issue for Trump in trade talks. In June, he said he would stop all trade discussions with Canada because of the tax. But just before the tax was about to start, Canada backed down and canceled it. The White House then boasted that Canada had given in to US pressure. 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: @Ma... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 26, 2025, 07:06 IST News world US Tech Firms Not Piggy Bank: Trump Vows Substantial Tariffs On Nations With Digital Taxes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UKs Nigel Farage Promises Crackdown On Illegal Migration If Reform Wins In 2029 Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 27, 2025, 00:03 IST Farages remarks come amid a surge in the number of migrants crossing the English Channel by boat, which has sparked protests across the country. Farage said a Reform-led government would launch a five-year effort to deport hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants (File Photo/AP) Nigel Farage, leader of the hard-right Reform UK party, has pledged to implement sweeping deportation measures targeting illegal migrants if his party wins power. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Farage declared that his administration would detain and deport all individuals entering the country illegally, including children. If you come to the UK illegally, you will be detained and deported and never, ever allowed to stay, period," Farage stated firmly. The mood in the country around this issue is a mix between total despair and rising anger," he said, warning that unchecked migration poses a growing threat to public order. Recommended Stories Farages remarks come amid a surge in the number of migrants crossing the English Channel by boat, which has sparked protests across the country and intensified debate over border control. According to official figures, nearly 29,000 people have arrived via the Channel in 2025 so far, marking a 50% increase from the same period last year. On a single day, Monday, 659 people reached the UK by boat. In the year up to June, more than 111,000 asylum applications were submitted. Currently holding just four seats in the 650-member House of Commons, Reform UK has seen a sharp rise in national political environment, with public frustration over migration helping to propel it to levels of support now rivalling both the ruling Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party. Reform aims to become the dominant right-wing party in the UK by the next general election, scheduled for 2029. Outlining his immigration policy, Farage said a Reform-led government would launch a five-year effort to deport hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants. His plan includes expanding the countrys detention capacity and securing bilateral agreements with countries such as Afghanistan, Eritrea, and Iran for the return of their nationals. However, he did not offer specifics on how such deals would be secured. Farage also indicated that leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) would be necessary to implement these measures. He suggested that continued membership in the ECHR restricts the UKs ability to control its borders and enact robust deportation policies. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The proposals have been met with sharp criticism from political opponents and human rights organisations. Men, women and children are coming to the UK looking for safety. They are fleeing the unimaginable horrors of torture in places like Afghanistan, Sudan and Iran, and they desperately need our protection," said Kolbassia Haoussou of Freedom from Torture, condemning Reforms plans. Location : United Kingdom (UK) First Published: August 27, 2025, 00:03 IST News world UKs Nigel Farage Promises Crackdown On Illegal Migration If Reform Wins In 2029 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Russian Officials Weigh Energy Deals Amid Push For Ukraine Peace: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 19:15 IST Senior US and Russian officials discussed Exxon Mobil returning to Sakhalin-1 and LNG equipment deals. Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump (Image Credit: Reuters) Senior US and Russian officials discussed possible energy deals this month as part of efforts to advance peace talks over Ukraine, Reuters reported citing people in the know. The proposals- seen as incentives to encourage the Kremlin to consider a settlement and to push Washington to ease sanctions- included the prospect of Exxon Mobil re-entering Russias Sakhalin-1 oil and gas project and Moscow purchasing US equipment for liquefied natural gas (LNG) ventures such as Arctic LNG 2, which is under Western sanctions. Russia has been cut off from most international energy investment since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Recommended Stories Energy Incentives On The Table Another idea raised during the talks was for the US to buy nuclear-powered icebreaker vessels from Russia, the report added. The talks took place during US envoy Steve Witkoffs visit to Moscow earlier this month, when he met Russian President Vladimir Putin and investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev. The options were also discussed at the Alaska summit on August 15 and within the White House with President Donald Trump, it was reported. The White House really wanted to put out a headline after the Alaska summit, announcing a big investment deal. This is how Trump feels like hes achieved something," a source told Reuters. White House Response top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Asked about the proposals, a White House official told Reuters that Donald 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." The latest discussions come as Donald Trump has threatened to impose more sanctions on Russia unless peace talks advance and to levy steep tariffs on India, a major buyer of Russian oil- measures that could complicate Moscows ability to sustain its exports. Location : Russia First Published: August 26, 2025, 19:15 IST News world US And Russian Officials Weigh Energy Deals Amid Push For Ukraine Peace: 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... US Issues Additional Tariff Notice For India As New Delhi Stands Firm Against Trump Pressure Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 11:01 IST Trump Tariffs India: Donald Trump had threatened India to impose additional tariffs over its continued import of Russian oil. The levies are set to come into effect on August 27. Trump's additional tariffs on India: US issues notice (Image: Reuters/File) Trump Tariffs India: The United States has issued a draft notice to implement an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports into America, which President Donald Trump announced earlier, starting August 27. The draft notice was published on Monday by the Department of Homeland Security, which said that the increased levies would strike Indian products that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025". Recommended Stories Trump had first announced a baseline tariff of 25% on India, and then followed it up with additional 25% levies which India described as unjustified". US Pressure Tactics And Indias Defiance The move signals that the Trump administration has opted to escalate the situation amid heightened tensions with India in the recent past over New Delhis decision to continue buying Russian oil something which Washington views as fueling Russias war machine" in Ukraine. India has remained defiant against Trumps pressure tactics to force India to stop buying Russian oil and direct a large part of its purchase of energy from the US instead. Washington has termed its tactic as a move to force Russia to come to the negotiating table with Ukraine; however, New Delhi still remains the second-largest buyer of Russian oil, citing its national interests. Recently, US Vice President JD Vance told NBC News in an interview that Trump imposed secondary tariffs on India as aggressive economic leverage" aimed at pressuring Russia to end the war in Ukraine. Trump has applied aggressive economic leverage, for example, secondary tariffs on India, to try to make it harder for the Russians to get rich from their oil economy," he said. Indias Stance On Russian Oil Imports However, India has repeatedly stressed that its national interest is paramount. Indian companies will continue buying from wherever they get the best deal. So thats what the current situation is We have clearly stated that our objective is energy security of 1.4 billion people of India and Indias cooperation with Russia, as of several other countries, has helped to bring about stability in the oil market, global oil market," Indias envoy to Russia Vinay Kumar told Russias state-run TASS news agency in an interview. PM Modis Veiled Message Ahead Of Trumps Tariff Deadline top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a veiled message to Donald Trump during a rally in Ahmedabad that for him, the interests of Indian farmers and small entrepreneurs are paramount and that India would not succumb no matter how much pressure comes". All of you are witnessing the kind of politics driven by economic self-interest that is happening in the world today. From this land of Ahmedabad, I would like to say to my small entrepreneurs, to the shopkeepers, to the farmers and cattle rearers. For Modi, your interest is paramount. My government will not allow any harm to come to small entrepreneurs, to farmers, or to cattle rearers. No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand," PM Modi said. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @Ma... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 26, 2025, 07:30 IST News world US Issues Additional Tariff Notice For India As New Delhi Stands Firm Against Trump Pressure Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 Ready To Back European Security Umbrella For Ukraine With Intel, Air Support: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 26, 2025, 21:42 IST US may provide intelligence, surveillance and air defence support for a European-led security umbrella in postwar Ukraine. US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's Zelenskyy at White House (Reuters Image) The United States indicated willingness to provide intelligence, surveillance and air defence assets to support a European-led security umbrella for Ukraine after any peace deal with Russia, Financial Times reported citing European and Ukrainian officials in the know. US President Donald Trump told European leaders last week that Washington would take part in co-ordination" of guarantees for postwar Ukraine- a demand Kyiv has long pressed to deter future Russian aggression, as per the report. Recommended Stories What Will Be US Role In Post-War Ukraine? While ruling out American troops in Ukraine, senior US officials told the outlet that Washington is prepared to offer strategic enablers" including command and control, satellite monitoring and battlefield oversight. Officials said the US could also contribute to a European-run air defence shield through aircraft, radar and logistics. The move marks a shift for the Donald Trump administration, which earlier said it would not participate in postwar guarantees. Conditions For Deployment Officials stressed that the US offer is contingent on European countries agreeing to deploy tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine as part of a coalition of the willing." The Pentagon described the measures as pre-decisional" and declined to elaborate. Donald Trump said, We havent even discussed the specifics of security guarantees for Ukraine. Well be involved from the standpoint of backup. Were going to help them." He suggested that the US contribution would focus on air support, as he told Fox News, Were willing to help a European force, especially, probably, by air." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Western governments have outlined a three-tiered security framework: a demilitarised zone patrolled by neutral peacekeepers, a fortified line held by Ukrainian troops armed by NATO and a European deterrence force positioned deeper in the country- with US capabilities backing from the rear. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his commanders were already coordinating with partners. He said, The pace of work must be accelerated. The defence component of the security guarantees must be detailed in the near future." Location : Ukraine First Published: August 26, 2025, 21:42 IST News world US Ready To Back European Security Umbrella For Ukraine With Intel, Air Support: 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... Aug 26, 2025 10:30 IST The Spanish town of Bunol is set to celebrate the 80th anniversary of its world-famous La Tomatina festival this Wednesday, an event with significant economic implications for the region, as per a report in AP. The festival is expected to draw up to 22,000 attendees, who will use 120 tons of overripe, inedible tomatoes in the street fight. This managed tourism event is a critical driver for Bunols local economy, with non-local participants paying a 15-euro ($17.50) ticket fee, which contributes to revenue alongside patronage of local businesses. The events global recognition has also inspired similar festivals in other countries, highlighting its influence on Spains international tourism image. A Mberengwa man has been thrown behind bars for 20 years after he was convicted of the brutal rape of a 90-year-old grandmother. The despicable crime occurred on 11 June 2025, according to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ). The 50-year-old predator cannot be named to protect the identity of his victim. The man knocked [on the victims door] pretending to be the victims grandson at 9 pm. The quick-witted granny realised it was not her kin and refused to open up. But the beastly fiend would not be deterred. He forcefully entered the victims bedroom, pushed the victim to the ground and had sexual intercourse with the complainant without her consent. The pensioners desperate cries for help went unheard. The next morning, she managed to report her ordeal to a neighbour who helped her file a police report. The NPAZ, which operates under the banner of Combating Crime and Corruption, hailed the conviction for sending a strong message against such horrific acts. H Metro | Central Park's Horses Could Be On the Way Out Park's managers support phasing out the the industry as soon as next summer An unusual graveside visit went down this week in Japan, after a businessman there who was wrongfully arrested died after his illegal detention. CBS News notes that Shizuo Aishima, a former consultant for the Ohkawara Kakohki machinery company, was one of three execs unlawfully detained and indicted in March 2020 before their trials on charges of illegal exports that were eventually dropped. The charges: Aishima and the other businessmen were tied to Ohkawara Kakohki's reportedly illegal exports of spray dryers that can turn liquid into powder and be used in the military, per the BBC. Ohkawara Kakohki insisted that restrictions on such exports didn't apply to their business. President Trump welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung with a critical Truth Social post on Monday before he even reached the White House, then repeatedly praised North Korea's dictator during their talks. The post seemed to refer to the way Lee came into office this year: winning an election after his predecessor was ousted for briefly declaring martial law, the Washington Post reports. "WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOUTH KOREA? Seems like a Purge or Revolution," Trump wrote. "We can't have that and do business there." Trump repeatedly brought up what he described as a good relationship with Kim and reminisced about his first-term visit to North Korea, which he said has "great potential." As Lee arrived, Trump told reporters he'd like to see Lee's neighboring autocrat again this year. "I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong Un in the appropriate future," Trump said, per Reuters. At another point, Trump offered to set up a meeting between Kim and Lee, who raised no objections to any of his host's comments, per the New York Times. The subject of Monday's meeting was to be trade. Trump announced a trade deal last month that reduced US tariffs from 25% to 15%, but the two nations are not fully agreed on details of the deal that called for $350 billion in South Korean investments in the US. Trump told reporters after Lee left that some of those issues are now resolved without giving details. "I think we have a deal done," he said. "They had some problems with it, but we stuck to our guns." Cracker Barrel is sticking with its new logo but apologizing to fans who were angered when the change was announced last week. "If the last few days have shown us anything, it's how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel. We're truly grateful for your heartfelt voices," the company said Monday in a statement on its website, the AP reports. "You've also shown us that we could have done a better job sharing who we are and who we'll always be." Cracker Barrel took heat last week when it announced a simplified logo featuring only the chain's name. Gone was the picture of an older man in overalls leaning against a barrel. The words "Old Country Store" were also removed. The change was part of a wider rebrand, which has seen Cracker Barrel update its cluttered, antique-filled restaurants with lighter paint and modern furniture. Many on social media, including Donald Trump Jr., criticized the new logo, with some threatening to boycott unless it was changed back. Cracker Barrel shares have dropped more than 10% since the new logo was introduced on Aug. 18. On Monday, the Lebanon, Tennessee-based company emphasized that many things about Cracker Barrel won't change, including the rocking chairs on its front porches and vintage Americana and antiques scattered throughout its restaurants. Cracker Barrel also said it will continue to honor Uncle Herschelthe older man in the former logo who represents the uncle of Cracker Barrel's founderon its menu and on items sold in its stores. But Cracker Barrel said it also wants to make sure that the business stays fresh and attracts a new generation of customers. "That means showing up on new platforms and in new ways, but always with our heritage at the heart," according to the statement. The company said it will also keep testing, learning, and listening to its employees and customers. After an international outcry over its strikes that killed at least 20 people Monday at a hospital in southern Gaza , including five journalists, the Israeli military said it regretted "any harm to uninvolved individuals" and will conduct an inquiry. Medical staff members, rescue workers, and patients also were among those killed, the New York Times reports. The military confirmed only that it conducted a mission in the area of the hospital. In an unusual move, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a similar statement suggesting a military mistake. "Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred today at the Nasser Hospital," the office said. "The killing of journalists in Gaza should shock the worldnot into stunned silencebut into action, demanding accountability and justice," said a spokeswoman for the United Nations human rights office. Reuters, the AP, and Al Jazeera said the journalists had worked for them. Al Jazeera condemned the killings as a "horrific crime," per CNN, and said Israeli forces have "directly targeted and assassinated journalists." Reuters and the AP sent a joint letter to Israeli officials skeptical of the inquiry, saying they've found the Israeli military's "willingness and ability to investigate itself in past incidents to rarely result in clarity and action." The Committee to Protect Journalists urged "the international community to hold Israel accountable for its continued unlawful attacks on the press." Asked at the White House about the strikes, President Trump first said he wasn't aware of them, per Reuters. "When did this happen?" he asked a reporter. "I didn't know that. Well, I'm not happy about it. I don't want to see it. At the same time, we have to end that whole nightmare." Public schools reopened Monday in the nation's capital with parents on edge over the presence of thousands of National Guard troops some now armed and large scatterings of federal law enforcement officers carrying out President Trump's orders to make the District of Columbia safer. Even as Trump started talking about doing the same in other cities, the president again touted a drop in crime that he attributed to his extraordinary effort to take over policing in Washington, DC. At the same time, the AP reports, the district's mayor was lamenting the effect of Trump's actions on children in her city. "Parents are anxious. We've heard from a lot of them," Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a news conference, noting that some might keep their children out of school because of immigration concerns. "Any attempt to target children is heartless, is mean, is uncalled for and it only hurts us. I would just call for everybody to leave our kids alone." As schools opened, parental social media groups and listservs were buzzing with reports and rumors of checkpoints and arrests. Before classes started, students at a Speak Out event voiced concerns about the situation. "With this occupation, it's like we're being treated just like suspects instead of kids trying to live," one young person told the gathering, per WRC. Another said: "At the end of the day, we're not as in control as people think we are. Our parents are in control, government officials are in control, and it's their job to help us." President Trump announced late Monday that he's ousting Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, citing allegations that she misrepresented her primary residence on mortgage paperwork. The claims, raised by Federal Housing Finance Agency chief Bill Pulte, center on Cook's 2021 mortgage applications for homes in Michigan and Atlantaboth reportedly marked as her main home within two weeks of each other, the Wall Street Journal reports. This is the first time a president has said he's firing a Fed governor in the central bank's 111-year history, reports CNN . Cook, appointed by President Biden, pushed back against the allegations last week, saying won't be "bullied to step down from my position because of some questions raised in a tweet." She insisted she takes all concerns about her finances seriously. In a letter Trump shared on Truth Social Monday, he told Cook that he was removing her from her position, effective immediately. "I have determined that there is sufficient cause," Trump wrote. Trump had warned Friday that Cook would be shown the door if she didn't resign. "The American people must have the full confidence in the honesty of the members entrusted with setting policy and overseeing the Federal Reserve," Trump wrote in his Monday letter. "In light of your deceitful and potentially criminal conduct in a financial matter, they cannot and I do not have such confidence in your integrity." The AP predicts that a legal battle will follow, with Cook potentially remaining in her seat at the Fed while it plays out. The Utah Legislature will need to rapidly redraw the state's congressional boundaries after a judge ruled Monday that the Republican-controlled body circumvented safeguards put in place by voters to ensure districts aren't drawn to favor any party, the AP reports. The current map, drawn in 2021, divides Salt Lake Countythe state's population center and a Democratic strongholdamong the state's four congressional districts, all of which have since elected Republicans by wide margins. District Court Judge Dianna Gibson made few judgments on the content of the map but declared it unlawful because lawmakers had weakened and ignored an independent commission established by voters to prevent partisan gerrymandering. The nature of the violation lies in "the Legislature's refusal to respect the people's exercise of their constitutional lawmaking power and to honor the people's right to reform their government," Gibson said in her ruling. New maps will need to be drawn quickly for the 2026 midterm elections. Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, the state's top elections official, asked the courts for the case to be finalized by November to leave time for the process before candidates start filing in early January. But appeals promised by Republican lawmakers could help them run out the clock to possibly delay adopting new maps until 2028. The ruling creates uncertainty in a state that was thought to be a clean sweep for the GOP as the party is preparing to defend its slim majority in the US House. Nationally, Democrats need to net three seats next year to take control of the chamber. The sitting president's party tends to lose seats in the midterms, as was the case for President Trump in 2018. Trump has urged several Republican-led states to add winnable seats for the GOP. In Texas, a plan awaiting Gov. Greg Abbott's approval includes five new districts that would favor Republicans. Ohio Republicans already were scheduled to revise their maps to make them more partisan, and Indiana, Florida, and Missouri may also choose to make changes. UPDATE Aug 28, 2025 12:30 AM CDT The owners of a dog boarding facility in upstate New York are facing charges over the deaths of 21 dogs at the facility in a single night, the AP reports. The owners of Anastasia's Acres Dog Boarding Facility in Argyle, which said after the tragedy that it would be closed until further notice, face 22 misdemeanor counts for allegedly failing to provide adequate water and proper ventilation for the dogs, who were found dead Sunday. Just one dog at the facility survived. Aug 26, 2025 9:16 AM CDT Families in upstate New York are mourning the loss of their pets after 21 dogs at a boarding facility died in a single night. "It's like losing a child," said a couple whose 8-month-old puppy was among the dogs found dead Sunday at Anastasia's Acres dog boarding facility in Argyle, about 45 miles north of Albany, per WTEN. Though the Washington County Sheriff's Office didn't release a cause of death, the couple said investigators told them the facility's central air malfunctioned overnight and the dogs suffocated due to lack of oxygen. Just one dog survived and was later ruled healthy. Coast guard and maritime police vessels in Istanbul were searching Monday for a Russian swimmer who went missing during a cross-Bosporus race a day earlier, Turkish state-run media reported. The swimmer, named by the Anadolu news agency as Nikolai Svechnikov, failed to complete the 4-mile annual race from Istanbul's Asian shore to the European side, per the AP . A statement from the Istanbul governor's office said security camera footage and a chip worn by the participants showed the 30-year-old professional swimming coach had started the race but "had not exited the sea at the finish line." More than 2,800 swimmers from 81 countries took part in Sunday's competition, which is considered one of the world's leading open-water races. Swimmers face strong currents and choppy waves while traversing the waterway, which links the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and divides Turkey's largest city. The strait was closed to maritime traffic for the event, which is organized by the Turkish National Olympic Committee. SwimTrek, a company offering entry to the race, describes race conditions as "challenging" on its website, adding that "experience of swimming in all sea conditions is essential." In a statement, the Olympic panel said it was "deeply saddened by the disappearance of one of our athletes during the race." It noted that 100 vessels, including boats from various emergency services, were monitoring swimmers during the race. At the end, the route was scanned for stray competitors; no one was found. Officials realized a swimmer was missing by comparing the lists of participants and those who finished, the statement said. George Mason University's president is refusing to issue an apology demanded by the US Education Department after a federal investigation concluded the school violated civil rights law , according to a letter obtained by NBC News . The Virginia school's president, Gregory Washington, and its Board of Visitors are "far from needing to apologize," reads a letter sent by Washington's attorney, Douglas Gansler, to the board on Washington's behalf. It's "glaringly apparent that the [Education Department's Office of Civil Rights] investigation process has been cut short, and 'findings' have been made in spite of a very incomplete fact-finding process," the letter continues. The office recently found George Mason in violation of Title VI, accusing it of using race and similar characteristics in hiring and promotion decisions. As part of a proposed resolution, the department asked Washington to publicly apologize and affirm the university's compliance with the law, and for the university to institute trainings that would ensure race is not considered as a factor in any decisions, the Washington Post reports. The office on Friday issued a 10-day deadline for the matter to be voluntarily resolved. But Gansler argued that no job applicant had been identified as having suffered discrimination at George Mason, calling the OCR's charges "a legal fiction" and the broader allegation of discriminatory practices "border[ing] on the absurd." He warned that issuing an apology would be tantamount to admitting to unlawful behavior, potentially exposing the university to legal liability. Since the Trump administration launched its second term, the university says it has already taken steps to align with federal mandates, including ending affirmative action for women and minorities, dissolving its DEI office, and eliminating or restructuring at least 17 related positions. The Board of Visitors is reviewing the proposed agreement, but Gansler urged further fact-finding and requested involvement in forthcoming discussions with the Education Department before any decisions are made. Nearly three months after three young sisters were found dead in rural Washington, authorities have intensified their search for the girls' fugitive father, who remains missing despite a sweeping multi-agency manhunt, NBC News reports. Military veteran Travis Decker is accused of killing the three girls after failing to return them to his ex-wife after a planned visit on May 30. Law enforcement returned Monday to the secluded area near Rock Island Campground, about 150 miles east of Seattle, where Decker's truck and the bodies of Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were discovered in early June. DNA testing earlier this month pinpointed Decker as the sole suspect in the murders, with no other DNA found at the scene, CBS News reports. Remains have been found in the area around a Washington campsite during the search for Travis Decker, a military vet who's accused of killing his three young daughters. "The bones were found during the grid search by one of the 100 personnel," Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told KOMO on Friday of the find near Rock Island Campground, after a two-day FBI search that ended Tuesday. "It was inconclusive at the time if they were animal or human, so it was sent off to Central Washington University ... to do a confirmation." An FBI spokesperson says the bones are being tested to see if they're human, per NBC News . If the bones are found to be human, more testing will be carried out. Anyone who spots Decker, if he is still alive, is instructed not to approach him and to call 911. The FBI's Seattle field office, working with the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, has deployed nearly 100 personnel for a comprehensive search, including intelligence analysts, forensic specialists, and agents experienced in child abduction cases. The operation, expected to last through Tuesday, aims to gather any evidence that could lead to Decker or clarify details of the case. The campground has been closed to the public through Wednesday, People reports. "By thoroughly searching and documenting the area, we can help prevent the need to review the area in the future by collecting all possible evidence," said FBI supervisor Peter Orth. Despite following numerous leads since May 30, there's still no confirmation of Decker's whereabouts or even whether he's still alive. The girls were found suffocated, with plastic bags over their heads, on June 2. Decker, described as a skilled outdoorsman, has only been potentially spotted once since the killings; another reported sighting in Idaho was a false lead. Authorities haven't identified a motive. Documents indicate Decker had refused to agree to a parenting plan last fall that required mental health and anger management counseling. His ex-wife, Whitney Decker, believes an Amber Alert could have made a difference if issued sooner. The Library of Congress has added a rare trove of Wizard of Oz memorabilia to its collection, highlighted by the only known draft of lyrics for "Over the Rainbow." This pencil-written sketch by lyricist EY "Yip" Harburg shows the song's now-iconic line originally envisioned as "Someday I'll wish upon a star + wake + find the darkness far behind me," per NPR . The line was later changed to "Someday I'll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me." The archive includes 35 manuscripts from composer Harold Arlen and Harburg, including early drafts for several of the film's songs, and letters from producer/co-director Mervyn LeRoy. Rita Arlen, Harold Arlen's sister-in-law, donated the artifacts, which join other significant items such as Arlen's 1939 Academy Award for best original songa prize won for "Over the Rainbow," famously performed by Judy Garland. "Over the Rainbow" has a storied legacy, topping charts like RIAA and the National Endowment for the Arts' "Songs of the Century" list, as well as earning the title of "greatest movie song of all time" from the American Film Institute. Covered by artists such as Ariana Grande and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, the song nearly didn't make it into the film, requiring repeated advocacy from its creators during production, according to Nicholas Brown-Caceres of the Library of Congress' Music Division. "This gift not only honors Arlen and Harburg's imaginative genius but also preserves the legacy of the music that has captured the hearts of generations," Brown-Caceres says in a release, per Playbill. The Wizard of Oz itself joined the National Film Registry in 1989, and the newly acquired materials, including artifacts from the Wicked spinoff, will be available for public viewing at the Library of Congress from Oct. 23 through Jan. 7. Visitors over the age of 16 can access the collection with a library card. Australia has formally accused Iran of orchestrating arson attacks on a Jewish restaurant in Sydney and a synagogue in Melbourne late last year, prompting the country to expel Iranian diplomats and shutter its embassy in Tehran. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, joined by security and other officials in Canberra, described the incidents as deliberate attempts by a foreign power to stoke division within Australian society, per the New York Times . An investigation by Australian intelligence found evidence linking the attacks to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which Australia now intends to designate as a terrorist organization. Authorities say the Guards tapped into international criminal networks to obscure their role, but they stopped short of detailing the connections. No injuries were reported in the attacks, though damage was significant and the events rattled the Jewish community. Foreign Minister Penny Wong noted this is the first time since World War II that Australia has ejected an ambassador, adding that Iran's actions "crossed a line." Iranian officials have seven days to leave, while Australia's own diplomats are already out of Iran. Wong urged Australians remaining in Iran to depart if possible. Iran's government, meanwhile, has denied the allegations, with state media there citing a spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry who says Iran "would take an appropriate decision in response to Australia's action," per Reuters. The move comes amid a rise in antisemitic incidents across the country, including arson, vandalism, and harassment of Jewish institutions. Intelligence chief Mike Burgess said dozens of such cases have been probed over the last year. The Australian Security Intelligence Organization "has now gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion," Albanese told reporters, noting the agency believed Iran may have been behind more than just the two attacks, though he didn't elaborate, per the AP. "Iran has sought to disguise its involvement, but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks." Elon Musk is adding another venture to his already crowded portfolio. On Friday, the xAI CEO announced plans for a new company he's calling "Macrohard"a name Musk described as tongue in cheek but attached to a most serious project. The aim: to create a company that rivals Microsoft, but built entirely on artificial intelligence. Musk shared the news on X , inviting people to join xAI in building what he calls a "purely AI software company," per Quartz . Musk argues that since firms like Microsoft don't produce physical hardware, it's plausible that AI could replicate its entire business model. One commenter asked Grok, Musk's AI chatbot, to answer questions about Macrohard. Grok called it a "playful project name" and said the company plans to offer software agents that take care of everything from coding and image generation to workflow automation, all powered by multiagent systems that collaborate on tasks. A trademark application for Macrohard was filed by xAI at the start of August, per Business Insider. The filing cites uses including "downloadable computer programs and downloadable computer software" for generating human-like speech and text, as well as "agentic artificial intelligence," per Quartz. While Musk is known for juggling multiple endeavorssuch as Tesla, SpaceX, X, the Boring Company, Neuralink, and a range of political intereststhis latest side project underscores his continued push into AI. It also arrives as Tesla's board recently granted Musk a stock award worth about $29 billion, a move designed to keep him focused on the automaker. | In One Area, Trump Is Praised on the Left, Bashed on the Right President's deals with private companies described as akin to state socialism College professors can beg, cajole, and threaten their students all they like about not overusing artificial intelligence in their work, but it's futile, writes New York University vice provost Clay Shirky in a New York Times essay. So how can instructors make sure their students are actually learning something? They might consider "medieval options," writes Shirky. He doesn't mean draconian punishments. Instead, he's referring to the earliest days of education, when books were scarce or nonexistent. When teachers lectured and students listened. In the modern age, that might translate into a returned emphasis on oral exams. Or perhaps to more written exams in age-old blue books. "Faculty members can engage students in conversation, via Socratic dialogue or simple Q&A," he writes. "They can cold-call students or get students to ask one another questions." Solutions will take time: Consider that asking modern students who have never learned cursive writing to fill out blue books is daunting and maybe even unfair. Read the full essay, which notes that professors aren't thrilled at all with this, either, especially those with lots of students in their classes. A large-scale manhunt is underway in Australia's Victoria state after two police officers were killed and a third was seriously injured in what authorities are calling an ambush. About 10 officers were trying to serve an arrest warrant, reportedly related to sex offenses, at a rural property in Porepunkah, about 180 miles northeast of Melbourne, on Monday morning when they were fired upon without warning, said Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, per the BBC . A 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable were killed. A third officer was airlifted to a hospital with serious injuries. Police say the "heavily armed" suspect, who lived with his wife and two children in a bus on the property, fled alone on foot into the nearby bushland, per the Guardian. Authorities have deployed hundreds of personnel and a helicopter in the search, advising residents of this usually quiet town of 1,000 to stay indoors. Authorities are also seeking to locate the wife and children of the suspect, identified in local media as 56-year-old Dezi Freeman. He reportedly subscribes to "sovereign citizen" beliefsan ideology that rejects governmental authority. Police have noted a resurgence in such views, partly attributed to increased mistrust in government since the pandemic. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese now says the threat of "sovereign citizens" and "far-right extremism" must be taken seriously, per the Independent. Albanese and others have compared the shooting to a 2022 Queensland ambush that also killed two police officers. The Guardian has more on that incident here. A federal judge on Tuesday threw out the Trump administration's lawsuit against Maryland's entire federal bench over an order by the chief judge that stopped the immediate deportation of migrants challenging their removals. US District Judge Thomas Cullen granted a request by the judges to toss the case. Cullen was nominated to the federal bench by Trump in 2020. He serves in the Western District of Virginia, reports the AP , but he was tapped to oversee the case because all 15 of Maryland's federal judges are named as defendants, a highly unusual circumstance that reflects the administration's aggressive response to judges who slow or stop its policies. Cullen expressed skepticism of the lawsuit during an earlier hearing, questioning why it was necessary for the Trump administration to sue all the judges as a means of challenging the order. The order prevents the Trump administration from immediately deporting any immigrants seeking review of their detention in Maryland district court. It blocks their removal until 4pm on the second business day after their habeas corpus petition is filed. The order says it aims to maintain existing conditions and the potential jurisdiction of the court, ensure immigrant petitioners are able to participate in court proceedings and access attorneys, and give the government "fulsome opportunity to brief and present arguments in its defense." Attorneys for the Maryland judges argued the lawsuit was intended to limit the power of the judiciary to review certain immigration proceedings while the Trump administration pursues a mass deportation agenda. "The executive branch seeks to bring suit in the name of the United States against a co-equal branch of government," attorney Paul Clement said. "There really is no precursor for this suit." Clement is a prominent conservative lawyer who served as solicitor general under President George W. Bush. Justice Department attorney Elizabeth Themins Hedges said the government was simply seeking relief from a legal roadblock preventing effective immigration enforcement. "The United States is a plaintiff here because the United States is being harmed," she said. Among the judges named in the lawsuit is Paula Xinis, who found the Trump administration in March illegally deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador. Xinis recently prohibited the administration from taking Abrego Garcia into immediate immigration custody if he's released from jail pending trial. Fairbanks, AK (99701) Today Snow likely. High 7F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.. Tonight Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low -17F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com His Excellency Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, made an inspection visit to the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC), accompanied by H.E. Shaikh Mishal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Works, and Dr. Maher Al Shaer, Managing Director of Buraq Al Retaj Company. The delegation reviewed ongoing afforestation work at the clubs facilities, in the presence of Yousif Osama Buhejji, Chief Executive Officer of the club, and a number of officials. The minister affirmed that efforts to expand green cover in Bahrain are guided by a comprehensive national vision aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and developing green infrastructure across government projects and facilities. He noted that these efforts are supported by community partnerships and policies aligned with the National Afforestation Plan, which targets the planting of 3.6 million trees by 2035. Al Mubarak highlighted the development achieved by the club under the chairmanship of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister at the Court of the Prime Minister and Chairman of the REHC High Committee, affirming the importance of maintaining an integrated green environment that enhances its standing as a leading sporting and tourism destination. TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, returned today to the Kingdom of Bahrain after a private visit to the city of Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman. The visit was in response to a kind invitation from His brother, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman. During the visit, King Hamad met with Sultan Haitham to discuss the strong historical ties and close brotherly relations between the two countries, as well as ways to enhance cooperation and joint efforts in various fields. At the airport, Sultan Haitham personally saw HM King Hamad off, along with other senior Omani officials. Before leaving, King Hamad expressed his gratitude, saying, We leave Salalah with great appreciation for His Majesty Sultan Haitham and the people of Oman. We thank our brother Sultan Haitham for the warm welcome, generous hospitality, and kind invitation to visit Salalah, one of Omans most beautiful tourist destinations, which attracts visitors from within and outside the country. We wish His Majesty good health, long life, and continued progress and prosperity for the Sultanate of Oman and its people under his wise leadership. HM King Hamads visit was marked by a spirit of friendship and strengthened the bonds between the two nations. TDT | Manama Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com A mother and her child tragically lost their lives after heavy rains triggered flash floods in Al Qunfudhah, Saudi Arabia. According to local reports, the familys vehicle was swept away by powerful floodwaters during the downpour. The father managed to rescue two of his children, but the strong currents, mud, and severe erosion made it impossible to save the remaining family members. Emergency teams and residents expressed deep sorrow over the heartbreaking incident, which has once again highlighted the dangers posed by extreme weather conditions in the region. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution, particularly while driving near flood-prone areas during heavy rainfall. The tragedy has sparked widespread grief within the community, with many offering prayers and condolences to the bereaved family. TDT | Manama Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com Lithuanias parliament has approved Inga Ruginiene as the countrys new prime minister, following the resignation of the previous government in July after a corruption scandal. Ruginiene, 44, who previously served as social security minister, said her top priorities will be strengthening support for Ukraine, boosting national defence, and reducing social inequalities. A former trade union leader, she represents the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), the largest party in the ruling coalition. Despite her confirmation, the road ahead may not be easy. Thousands of protesters gathered outside parliament on Tuesday, accusing the new coalition of including figures who oppose sanctions on Russia and Belarus, as well as politicians linked to anti-vaccine campaigns. I dream that at the end of my mandate, I can stand before you again and say we achieved important work, Ruginiene told lawmakers. She now has 15 days to present her cabinet and government programme for approval. Her appointment comes after former prime minister Gintautas Paluckas resigned on August 1, following an investigation into business ties involving companies connected to him. The new coalition, led by the Social Democrats, includes the populist Nemunas Dawn party, the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, the Electoral Action of Poles in LithuaniaChristian Families, and several independents. But not all parties agreed to join the centre-left Democrats For Lithuania withdrew, saying they could not work with Nemunas Dawn. Nemunas Dawns leader, Remigijus Zemaitaitis, has previously faced criticism over alleged antisemitic remarks, while other coalition members have drawn controversy. Independent MP Ignas Vegele, known for opposing Covid-19 restrictions, gained attention during last years presidential race where he campaigned against what he called LGBTQ propaganda. President Gitanas Nauseda expressed support for the new government but admitted that including Nemunas Dawn in the coalition was a mistake that was difficult to avoid. The coming weeks will determine whether Ruginiene can unite her diverse coalition and win over sceptical Lithuanians. TAIPEI, Aug 26 (News On Japan) - Taiwanese authorities have confirmed they sanctioned two Japanese men after the pair held up a Chinese flag and declared that Taiwan is China in a busy commercial district of Taipei on August 24. According to Taiwans National Immigration Agency, the men entered Taiwan visa-free, recorded a video in a mix of Japanese and Chinese, and posted the footage to Chinese social media platforms. The agency condemned the conduct as illegal and warned it could harm Taiwans interests, public safety and order. One of the men has been deported, while the other, who had already returned to Japan, has been barred from re-entering Taiwan. Source: TBS A nationwide survey of popular hot spring destinations released on December 10th shows Oita Prefecture rapidly climbing in traveler preference, underscoring shifting tourism trends as visitors seek both tradition and new experiences. The annual rankings, based on votes from travel site members, again placed Kusatsu in Gunma at the top for the third consecutive year, while Beppu rose from fifth to second and Yufuin made a notable leap to fifth from eleventh. NAGOYA, Aug 27 (News On Japan) - A statue of Toyotomi Hideyoshi at the entrance to a shopping street in Nagoyas Nishi Ward was found with its head broken off on August 23, according to people connected with the association. The reinforced-plastic head was discovered on the ground nearby. The Hideyoshi figure was installed 12 years ago alongside statues of Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu, but the area has seen repeated vandalism. In 2019, the Nobunaga statues left arm was torn off, and in 2022 the Ieyasu statue was knocked from its base. The head is being kept in storage by a member of the shopping streets board. With the perpetrator unknown as of August 23, the shopping district promotion association is considering filing a criminal damage report. Source: FNN From September 4th to 6th, swing by a participating COBS Bread Bakery and your entire carpool crew will be treated to free Fun Buns because no one should commute on an empty stomach! VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 25, 2025 /CNW/ - As families and commuters alike gear up for another school year, COBS Bread is stepping up to make those hectic back-to-school mornings and after-school carpools to practice a little easier and a lot tastier. Introducing Carbpool, a three-day event designed to sweeten the ride for carpooling crews across Canada. From September 4th to 6th, swing by a participating COBS Bread Bakery and your entire carpool crew will be treated to free Fun Buns because no one should commute on an empty stomach! (CNW Group/BD Canada Ltd. (COBS Bread)) At select locations, youll even find special Carbpool parking, making it even easier to pop in for your complimentary bun or grab back-to-school lunch essentials. (CNW Group/BD Canada Ltd. (COBS Bread)) From September 4th to September 6th, COBS Bread is celebrating carpooling with Carbpool, a delicious event that rewards carpoolers with free, freshly baked, made-from-scratch Fun Buns for everyone in the car. Simply drive your carpool to a participating COBS Bread bakery, and every passenger will receive a Fun Bun on COBS! COBS Bread knows that the first week of school is one of the busiest times for many Canadians. COBS Carbpool aims to cut the chaos and add a touch of fun to those morning commutes. At select locations, you'll even find special Carbpool parking, making it even easier to pop in for your complimentary bun or grab back-to-school lunch essentials. As an extra treat for parents, from September 7th to 24th, COBS Club loyalty program members can earn 3x Breadcrumbs points on purchases of *eligible loaves. All that's left to do is grab your crew, head to your closest bakery, and enjoy! "The start of the school year brings a unique kind of hustle and bustle for Canadians, and we wanted to create a moment of joy and deliciousness to kick it off," says Peter Furnish, VP of Marketing at COBS Bread. "Carbpool is our way of celebrating community, supporting busy schedules, and making those morning rushes a little sweeter for everyone in the car. Nothing can make a morning commute or after-school pick-up more exciting than a delicious, freshly baked Fun Bun made-from-scratch!" Whether you're heading to school, work, after-school practice, or just navigating the morning rush, you're in the Carbpool and eligible for free Fun Buns. This giveaway will run from Thursday, September 4th, 2025, to Saturday, September 6th, 2025, while supplies last at each bakery. Kick off the school year with carbs and kindness! Don't forget to tag @COBSBread with #COBSCarbpool to spread the love (and the buns!). *Eligible loaves include all loaves except Pullaparts, Teatimes, and Twists Terms & Conditions Valid at participating COBS Bread locations. One fun bun per passenger. While daily quantities last. No cash value. Not valid with any other offer. Must redeem in bakery. One visit per day. Valid from September 4 - 6, 2025. About COBS Bread: COBS Bread (BD Canada Ltd.) bakeries are a one-of-a-kind family-owned bakery franchise with a vision to be the favourite bakery in every community. Every morning at each of its +180 bakeries, all bread, treats, buns, scones (and more) are baked-from-scratch and hand-crafted. All leftover products are donated to local charities at the end of each day, allowing COBS Bread to donate over $50 million of retail products annually. SOURCE BD Canada Ltd. (COBS Bread) For Inquiries: Rethink PR, [email protected] Lost time incident frequency rate year-to-date for the site, including our exploration activities, is trending down to 0.7. With a growing workforce of approximately 723 people on site, this highlights the Company's attention and care to operational health and safety. Overall construction progress reached approximately 50%, marking a key milestone as the project passed the halfway point toward completion. Commercial production remains on track for mid-2026, with the project continuing to track in line with the revised capital estimate disclosed in the May 13, 2025 press release. press release. Surface construction advancement for July represents the greatest monthly construction progress achieved to date. Achieved key milestones including ball mill lining completion, significant progress with structural steel and concrete works, installation of floatation cells and started erecting structural steel for the conveyor towers, tailings handling and paste backfill structure. Underground development advanced approximately 570 metres ("m") in July, representing the highest single month underground development metreage to date. Daily development rates remained steady at nearly 20m per day, with two days of planned downtime during the month to accommodate the underground fresh air raise vent change over. per day, with two days of planned downtime during the month to accommodate the underground fresh air raise vent change over. Approximately 28,000 tonnes were added to the surface ore stockpile over the month, for a total ore inventory of approximately 90,000 tonnes at month end equal to more than 18 days of steady state production at design throughput of 4,900 tonnes per day for Phase 1 operations. Dan Myerson, Executive Chairman and CEO of Foran, commented "Surpassing the halfway point of construction is an incredible milestone, and I am extremely proud of the relentless determination and operational excellence shown by our team. We believe that the current market disconnect between perceived risk and actual risk presents a compelling opportunity for investors, and we expect this gap to narrow before bringing McIlvenna Bay into production. Our focus remains on disciplined execution and long-term value creation, supported by consistent, transparent updates as we advance construction, and today's announcement reinforces that both schedule and budget remain firmly on track. We appreciate the continued support of our partners and stakeholders as we advance a long life, scalable asset and help define the next chapter in the evolution of Canada's critical minerals industry." Construction Progress Summary Description Progress to Date (as of July 31, 2025, unless otherwise stated) Health & Safety Site wide lost time incident frequency rate ("LTIFR") year-to-date of 0.7 and a total recordable incident frequency rate ("TRIFR") year-to-date of 2.9 after over 1,090,000 total person-hours worked year-to-date Underground teams celebrated 2 years with no Lost Time Incidents at the end of July Construction Progress & S chedule Overall project construction progress stood at approximately 50% Commercial production remains in line with previous guidance, anticipated by mid-2026 Construction activities continue for key mining and processing infrastructure and other major site earthworks, including the tailings storage facility Transmission line construction is advancing with structures in transit to the SaskPower material laydown near the mine site, with clearing nearly complete, concrete base work underway, and completion of the gantry installation in July - marking a significant milestone to prepare for future site line energization Line energization schedule unchanged, with completion date expected in March 2026 Engineering Engineering progress at approximately 98.4%, in line with Q2 2025 reporting Mine water treatment plant engineering on schedule to be completed in Q3 2025 Automation and programming remain on schedule to be completed by October 2025 Procurement Procurement is managing 202 work packages, with 199 packages awarded to date Surface Development (Plant) Completed ball mill liner installation Started erecting structural steel for the conveyor towers, tailings handling and paste backfill structure Continued mechanical installation for the conveyor stockpile, SAG and ball mills, flotation, concentrate and tailings handling and paste backfill Continued installation of copper and zinc flotation cells Continued progress with large tanks and thickeners foundation construction Underground Development Development included approximately 570m of lateral advance and 38m of decline development, with the ramp now extending approximately 53m below the 210m level Daily development rates remained steady at nearly 20m per day, with two days of planned downtime during the month to accommodate the underground fresh air raise vent change over. Commissioned the 150m level truck load out and initiated construction of the 180m level truck load out Completed breakthrough of the fresh air raise, marking a key milestone in supporting underground productivity Added approximately 28,000 tonnes to the surface ore stockpile in July, bringing the total to approximately 90,000 tonnes at month end, supporting mill commissioning readiness Permitting As permits to construct near completion, there were no new submissions in July Human Resources Approximately 723 persons on site, with 166 Foran employees and 557 Construction personnel Qualified Person Mr. Samuele Renelli, P. Eng., Vice President, Technical Services for Foran, is the Qualified Person for all technical information in this news release and has reviewed, verified and approved the technical information in this news release. About Foran Mining Foran Mining is a copper-zinc-gold-silver exploration and development Company, committed to supporting a greener future and, empowering communities while creating value for our stakeholders. The McIlvenna Bay project is located entirely within the documented traditional territory of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, comprises the infrastructure and works related to development and advanced exploration activities of the Company, and hosts the McIlvenna Bay Deposit and Tesla Zone. The McIlvenna Bay Deposit is a copper-zinc-gold-silver rich deposit intended to be the centre of a new mining camp in a prolific district that has already been producing for 100 years. The McIlvenna Bay Property sits just 65 km West of Flin Flon, Manitoba, and is part of the world class Flin Flon Greenstone Belt that extends from Snow Lake, Manitoba, through Flin Flon to Foran's ground in eastern Saskatchewan, a distance of over 225 km. The Company filed its NI 43-101 compliant 2025 Technical Report on the McIlvenna Bay Project, Saskatchewan, Canada (the "2025 Technical Report") on March 12, 2025, with an effective date and report date of March 12, 2025, outlining a mineral resource in respect of the McIlvenna Bay Deposit estimated at 38.6 Mt grading 2.02% CuEq in the Indicated category and an additional 4.5 Mt grading 1.71% CuEq in the Inferred category. Investors are encouraged to consult the full text of the 2025 Technical Report which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile. The Company's head office is located at 409 Granville Street, Suite 904, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 1T2. Common Shares of the Company are listed for trading on the TSX under the symbol "FOM" and on the OTCQX under the symbol "FMCXF". CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or to the future performance of Foran Mining Corporation and reflect management's expectations and assumptions as of the date hereof or as of the date of such forward looking statement. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited, statements regarding our objectives and our strategies to achieve such objectives; our beliefs, plans, estimates, projections and intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events; as well as specific statements in respect of our construction progress targets and estimates, including in respect of construction progress and schedule, engineering, procurement, surface and underground development, permitting, and human resources; the advancement of the McIlvenna Bay project; our development strategy; the statements contained in the video hyperlinked herein; the McIlvenna Bay project remaining on budget and on schedule, aligned with our revised capital estimate and commercial production in mid-2026; our ability to achieve steady production at a throughput of 4,900 tonnes per day for Phase 1 operations; our belief that there is currently a market disconnect between perceived and actual risk in respect of the McIlvenna Bay project and the narrowing of such gap before production commences; our focus on disciplined execution and long-term value creation; our intention to provide consistent and transparent updates as we advance construction; the expected support from our partners and stakeholders; the McIlvenna Bay project having a long life and being scalable; the evolution of Canada's critical minerals industry; our confidence in our development and construction timeline; our ability to advance key construction and development milestones, including in respect of processing infrastructure and major site earthworks, including the tailings storage facility; our focus on health and safety; completion of the permanent mine water treatment plant engineering and automation and programming by Q3 and Q4 of 2025, respectively; the advancement of transmission line construction and energization of our main power line by March 2026; completion of our mine water treatment plant engineering by Q3 2025 and automation and programming by October 2025; completion of secondary steel work by Q3 2025; our commitment to support a greener future and empower communities while creating value for our stakeholders; expectations regarding our development and advanced exploration activities; and our 2025 Technical Report. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date specified in such statement. Inherent in forward-looking statements are known and unknown risks, estimates, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. These factors include management's belief or expectations relating to the following and, in certain cases, management's response with regard to the following: the Company's reliance on the McIlvenna Bay Property; the Company is exposed to risks related to mineral resources exploration and development; the Company has no history of mineral production; the Company's operations are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety regulations; mining operations involve hazards and risks; and the additional risks identified in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). The forward-looking statements contained in this news release reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include the availability of funds for the Company's projects; availability of equipment; sustained labour stability with no labour-related disruptions; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. 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, described or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and should note that the assumptions and risk factors discussed in this press release are not exhaustive. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward looking statements contained in this press release. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified by this cautionary statement. 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 may be required by law. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements, unless required by law. Additional information about these assumptions, risks and uncertainties is contained in our filings with securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). SOURCE Foran Mining Corporation FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Foran: Jonathan French, CFA, VP, Capital Markets & External Affairs, 409 Granville Street, Suite 904, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6C 1T2, [email protected], +1 (604) 488-0008 Ontario Science Centre partners with Deerhurst Resort to bring skygazing tips and helpful resources, expert astronomy analysis and dazzling lighting of Niagara Falls and CN Tower! TORONTO, Aug. 26, 2025 /CNW/ - Bucket list alert: the Northern Lights could be coming to Southern Ontario this fall! Thanks to a solar maximum that occurs only once every 11 years, the Aurora Borealis are predicted to be more active, brighter and visible farther south than usual, with peak activity expected early this fall. To help Ontarians Discover the Northern Lights and make the most of this incredible event, Ontario Science Centre has partnered with Deerhurst Resort to offer helpful online resources, viewing tips, activities and more. The Northern Lights photographed by Ontario Science Centre staff on October 10, 2024 at Toronto's Leuty Lifeguard Station. (CNW Group/Ontario Science Centre) Ask an Expert: Media Interviews Available with Ontario Science Centre Experts are available to explain the science behind the Northern Lights, share the best times and places to view them across Ontario Parks and Destination Ontario sites, highlight why this year is extra special and more. "Every year, people travel thousands of kilometres to see the Northern Lights but thanks to current solar conditions, they could be visible in Southern Ontario this fall," said Rachel Ward-Maxwell, Staff Astronomer, Ontario Science Centre. "With the right weather conditions and a bit of luck, this could be a special chance for friends, family, and communities to witness this celestial wonder together." Additional High-Lights CN Tower and Niagara Falls will be lit up in brilliant Northern Lights-inspired colours on September 3 to celebrate Northern Lights season (with thanks to the Niagara Falls Illumination Board, Niagara Parks Commission and CN Tower) will be lit up in brilliant Northern Lights-inspired colours on to celebrate Northern Lights season (with thanks to the Niagara Falls Illumination Board, Niagara Parks Commission and CN Tower) From September 17 , Rachel Ward-Maxwell will be Astronomer-in-Residence at Killarney Provincial Park , leading stargazing programs, hands-on activities and tours presented with Ontario Parks and York University's Allan I. Carswell Observatory, and supported by Friends of Killarney . , will be , leading stargazing programs, hands-on activities and tours presented with Ontario Parks and Allan I. Carswell Observatory, and supported by Friends of . Explore the science behind the Northern Lights with the Ontario Science Centre at Algonquin Provincial Park on September 26-28 by creating aurora art, learning how excited gases emit colourful light, telescope viewing and more hands-on fun. by creating aurora art, learning how excited gases emit colourful light, telescope viewing and more hands-on fun. On October 25 , guests at Deerhurst Resort can enjoy Northern-Lights activities, interactive demos and more with the Ontario Science Centre. Visit OntarioScienceCentre.ca and sign up for eNews for the latest about the Northern Lights, pop-ups and more. Deerhurst Resort is Supporting Sponsor of Northern Lights content. About Ontario Science Centre Spark your curiosity with Ontario Science Centre Experiences! For over 55 years, the Ontario Science Centre has inspired a passion for the human adventure of discovery through fun experiences that educate and entertain kids and adults alike. In addition to pop-ups at festivals and student-focused events, enjoy Ontario Science Centre Experiences at two satellite locations. Visit OntarioScienceCentre.ca for more information and sign up for eNews to find out where we'll be next. SOURCE Ontario Science Centre Media Contact: Laura Berkenblit, Strategic Communications Advisor, 416-676-1941, [email protected] Operational Strength and Development Investment Set Stage for Long-Term Growth VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 26, 2025 /CNW/ - Luca Mining Corp. ("Luca" or the "Company") (TSXV: LUCA) (OTCQX: LUCMF) (Frankfurt: Z68) is pleased to report its operational and financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025. The quarter was highlighted by strong throughput, increased production, and a continued ramp-up at Tahuehueto, partly offset by lower precious metals grades and higher sustaining capital investments as the Company advances key underground development and exploration programs. The Company generated revenue of US$36.8 million in Q2 2025, an increase of 102% over Q2 2024, and delivered record revenue of US$75.4 million for the first half of the year. Revenue growth was driven by gold equivalent production of 17,861 ounces in Q2 and 39,154 ounces in H1 2025, supported by continued ramp-up at Tahuehueto and strong plant availability at Campo Morado. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was US$5.8 million, with US$18.2 million generated in the first half of the year. Mine operating cash flow before taxes totaled US$9.1 million in the quarter and US$27.8 in H1, highlighting strong underlying operating performance. Net free cash flow before changes in working capital was negative US$4.5 million, mainly due to increased development and exploration spending in the quarter but remains positive for H1 at US$4.9 million. All-in sustaining costs ("AISC") increased during the quarter to US$3,310 per AuEq ounce sold, primarily due to catch-up development and exploration spending. This investment is laying the groundwork for more consistent and cost-effective mining in the future. Additionally, temporary declines in precious metal grades, as the Company mined through transitional zones, were in line with expectations and are anticipated to improve as new, better-grade areas are accessed. These short-term cost and grade pressures are part of Luca's strategic path to unlocking higher-margin production and stronger long-term performance. "This was a quarter of consolidation for Luca, with record H1 revenue, double-digit production growth, reduction of our debt by $1.5 million and meaningful cash generation from operations," said Dan Barnholden, CEO of Luca Mining. "As we continue to invest heavily in development and exploration to position for future profitability, our operations are already delivering strong financial performance. We continue to position our assets for long term success as we build Luca into a mid-tier production company." Strategic Development and Exploration to Support Long-Term Growth In the second quarter of 2025, Luca focused on advancing critical underground development and exploration activities across both operations to enhance mine access, ventilation, and overall mining flexibility. While these efforts impacted grades and costs in the quarter, they are expected to drive improved productivity and profitability going forward. AISC per AuEq ounce sold was $3,310, an increase of 45% year-over-year, primarily due to a significant increase in sustaining capital related to underground development and exploration activities. During the quarter, the Company completed 1,780 meters of underground development at a cost of $6,196 and 6,804 meters of exploration drilling at a cost of $1,427. These efforts represent a marked increase from the prior year, when limited development and exploration work was undertaken. The additional investment in this period is intended to open up new mining areas, improve operational flexibility, and support long-term production reliability. Importantly, by prioritizing development in Q2, the Company has effectively brought forward access to higher-grade ore zones, a decision that temporarily reduced short-term free cash flow but is expected to accelerate stronger, more profitable production in future periods. AISC is expected moderate to more normalized levels in future periods as the Company catches up on previously deferred development and exploration. Below are the operating and financial highlights for the second quarter and first half of the year: Second Quarter Highlights The Company maintained strong health and safety performance during the quarter, reporting no major incidents. Safety remains a key priority, and enhanced housekeeping protocols and site-wide order standards were implemented across all operations. Gold equivalent production totaled 17,861 ounces in Q2 2025, up 28% compared to Q2 2024, reflecting strong base metal output, high plant availability, and consistent throughput at both operations with gold production contributing 6,622 ounces, up 55% from Q2 2024. Tahuehueto advanced operationally, maintaining over 90% plant utilization in the quarter while increasing tonnes milled by 104% year over year to 72,396, underscoring continued ramp-up progress and plant reliability. Throughput momentum continued as well in the quarter, with a 65% increase in consolidated tonnes milled to 253,717; Campo Morado milled 181,320 tonnes (+54%), an average of 2,133 tonnes per day, while Tahuehueto more than doubled output, averaging 905 tonnes per day in the quarter, compared to the same period in the prior year. Gold production reached 6,622 ounces, up 55% from Q2 2024, supported by stable recoveries at Tahuehueto and steady plant operations despite lower mined grades. Campo Morado set a new benchmark with 98.7% grinding availability, its highest of the year, and delivered 11,106 gold-equivalent ouncessupported by stronger zinc and copper grades. Tahuehueto contributed 6,755 gold-equivalent ounces, a 44% increase year over year, and silver production rose 108% to 71,441 ounces, highlighting rising output from higher-grade zones. Zinc, copper, and lead production rose 74%, 66%, and 49%, respectively, on a consolidated basis, benefiting from improved head grades, higher throughput, and processing efficiency across both sites. Consolidated revenues more than doubled year-over-year to $36,780 , driven by higher production volumes and improved realized prices across most metals. , driven by higher production volumes and improved realized prices across most metals. Cash provided by operating activities totaled $12,619 in Q2 2025, a substantial increase from $739 in Q2 2024, primarily driven by a 102% increase in revenues supported by higher gold-equivalent production (+28%) and improved realized prices. Strong throughput growth at both operations, particularly a 104% increase in tonnes milled at Tahuehueto and 98.7% grinding availability at Campo Morado, contributed to enhanced cash generation. in Q2 2025, a substantial increase from in Q2 2024, primarily driven by a 102% increase in revenues supported by higher gold-equivalent production (+28%) and improved realized prices. Strong throughput growth at both operations, particularly a 104% increase in tonnes milled at Tahuehueto and 98.7% grinding availability at Campo Morado, contributed to enhanced cash generation. Adjusted net earnings totaled $3,265 in Q2 2025, a step in the right direction from a near break-even result in Q2 2024. The turnaround reflects improved operational profitability, stronger metal sales, and disciplined cost management, offsetting non-cash and non-recurring items that impacted the reported net loss. in Q2 2025, a step in the right direction from a near break-even result in Q2 2024. The turnaround reflects improved operational profitability, stronger metal sales, and disciplined cost management, offsetting non-cash and non-recurring items that impacted the reported net loss. Positive adjusted EBITDA of $5,797 in Q2 2025 (Q2 2024 positive adjusted EBITDA of $4,166 ), supported by increased sales across gold, zinc, and copper, as well as improved operating margins. Three months ended Six Months ended Consolidated June 30 2025 June 30 2024 % Change June 30 2025 June 30 2024 % Change Operating Tonnes mined 250,879 159,096 58 % 510,385 294,358 73 % Tonnes milled 253,717 153,676 65 % 499,999 312,101 60 % Gold ("Au") ounces produced 6,622 4,278 55 % 14,298 8,575 67 % Silver ("Ag") ounces produced 279,839 188,267 49 % 630,508 395,772 59 % Lead ("Pb") produced (lbs) 2,197,400 1,471,506 49 % 4,598,818 2,927,803 57 % Zinc ("Zn") produced (lbs) 11,964,555 6,889,575 74 % 23,511,929 13,652,895 72 % Copper ("Cu") produced (lbs) 2,578,057 1,557,367 66 % 5,085,118 3,302,046 54 % AuEq produced (oz) (1) 17,861 13,947 28 % 39,154 28,095 39 % Gold ounces sold 5,445 3,629 50 % 12,165 7,208 69 % Silver ounces sold 209,413 131,736 59 % 482,611 281,828 71 % Lead sold (lbs) 825,038 537,648 53 % 1,813,436 927,023 96 % Zinc sold (lbs) 8,966,336 4,364,913 105 % 17,359,309 8,919,959 95 % Copper sold (lbs) 1,809,398 1,219,655 48 % 3,643,133 2,390,057 52 % AuEq ounces sold(1) 13,476 10,186 32 % 30,076 20,239 49 % Direct mining cost per tonne(5)(9) 93 84 (11 %) 91 78 (17 %) Cash cost per Au/Eq ounce sold ($) (1)(2)(5) 2,275 1,897 (20 %) 2,073 1,812 (14 %) AISC per Au/Eq ounce sold ($) (1)(3)(5) 3,310 2,276 (45 %) 2,732 2,150 (27 %) All-in cost per Au/Eq sold ($) (1)(3)(5)(8) 3,338 2,271 (47 %) 3,014 2,194 (37 %) Financial $ $ $ $ Net Revenue 36,780 18,163 102 % 75,397 34,504 119 % Cost of Sales 27,707 15,496 (79 %) 52,961 28,231 (88 %) Mine operating gain (loss) 9,073 2,667 240 % 22,436 6,273 258 % Mine operating cash flow before taxes(7) 12,047 3,340 261 % 27,775 7,378 276 % Net earnings (loss) (3,228) 4,674 (169 %) 1,292 9,975 (87 %) Adjusted net earnings (loss) 3,265 24 13,504 % 12,808 1,106 1,058 % Net free cashflow before working capital(10) (4,519) 1,772 (355 %) 4,931 4,920 0 % EBITDA(4)(5) 1,218 6,153 (80 %) 8,693 12,425 (30 %) Adjusted EBITDA(4)(5) 5,797 4,166 39 % 18,226 5,998 204 % Realized gold price per ounce ($)(5)(6) 3,275 2,315 41 % 3,041 2,187 39 % Realized silver price per ounce ($)(5)(6) 33.53 28.57 17 % 32.49 25.60 27 % Realized lead price per lb ($)(5)(6) 0.88 0.98 (10 %) 0.88 0.96 (7 %) Realized zinc price per lb ($)(5)(6) 1.20 1.28 (7 %) 1.24 1.18 5 % Realized copper price per lb ($)(5)(6) 4.33 4.38 (1 %) 4.25 4.10 4 % Working capital(5) 281 (27,848) 101 % 281 (27,848) 101 % Shareholders Gain (loss) per share basic (0.01) 0.03 (145 %) 0.01 0.06 (91 %) Gain (loss) per share diluted (0.01) 0.03 (145 %) 0.01 0.06 (92 %) Adjusted earnings per share basic and diluted(5) 0.01 0.00 100 % 0.05 0.01 680 % Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - basic (000) 255,773 165,875 54 % 243,083 163,730 48 % Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - diluted (000) 255,773 166,005 54 % 255,266 163,730 56 % 1. Gold equivalents are calculated using an 97.67:1 (Ag/Au), 0.0004:1 (Au/Zn), 0.0013:1 (Au/Cu) and 0.0003:1 (Au/Pb) ratio for Q2 2025; and Gold equivalents are calculated using an 81.00:1 (Ag/Au), 0.0005:1 (Au/Zn), 0.0019:1 (Au/Cu) and 0.0004:1 (Au/Pb) ratio for Q2 2024; an 93.59:1 (Ag/Au), 0.0004:1 (Au/Zn), 0.0013:1 (Au/Cu) and 0.0003:1 (Au/Pb) ratio for YTD 2025; and an 84.46:1 (Ag/Au), 0.0005:1 (Au/Zn), 0.0019:1 (Au/Cu) and 0.0004:1 (Au/Pb) ratio for YTD 2024, respectively. 2. Cash cost per gold equivalent ounce includes mining, processing, and direct overhead costs. See Reconciliation to IFRS in the MD&A 3. AISC per AuEq oz includes mining, processing, direct overhead, corporate general and administration expenses, reclamation, and sustaining capital in the MD&A. 4. See Reconciliation of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization in the MD&A. 5. See "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" in the MD&A. 6. Based on provisional sales before final price adjustments, treatment, and refining charges. 7. Mine operating cash flow before taxes is calculated by adding back royalties, changes in inventory and depreciation and depletion to mine operating earnings. See Reconciliation to IFRS in the MD&A. 8. All-in cost per AuEq oz includes AISC plus interest paid and loan payments. See MD&A. 9. Direct mining costs include mining, processing, and direct overhead cost at the operation sites. See reconciliation in the MD&A. 10. Net free cash flow before working is operating cash flow before working capital changes, less capital expenditures. See MD&A. Production For the six months ended June 30, 2025, total consolidated production amounted to 39,154 gold-equivalent ounces, a 50% increase year-over-year. This total includes 14,298 ounces of gold, 630,508 ounces of silver, 23.5 million pounds of zinc, 5.1 million pounds of copper, and 4.6 million pounds of lead. The 67% year-over-year increase in gold-equivalent production was mainly driven by higher throughput at both operations supported by improved plant availability, increased extraction, and stronger operating discipline together with higher zinc and copper output, despite the reduction in precious metal grades and recoveries. Campo Morado remained the primary contributor, accounting for approximately 25,462 gold-equivalent ounces, or 65% of total consolidated production, while Tahuehueto contributed 13,692 ounces, or 35%, reflecting strong production growth as the site advanced toward stable, full-scale operations. Ongoing upgrades, development work and strategic initiatives are expected to drive further efficiency and output gains. Exploration Campo Morado Underway at Campo Morado is a 5,000 metre underground diamond drilling campaign comprising approximately 25 holes during this first phase of exploration activities. This program's primary target is the definition of additional mineral resources from under-drilled zones near to existing underground production areas as well as the identification of mineralization within previously untested areas with high potential for the discovery and development of new mineral resources. A 2,500 metre surface drill program has also commenced that will test portions of the property away from of the current mine workings towards development of the greater resource potential across the entirety of Luca's concessions that make up the Campo Morado Property. Results have been highly encouraging and have shown appreciable widths of mineralization above mine-cutoff grades. Previous exploration at Campo Morado has produced an extensive set of high-quality, proprietary geological data, including over 600,000 meters of underground and surface drilling data, property-wide geological/structural mapping, approximately 30,000 geochemical soil sample data, as well as several airborne and ground-based geophysical survey datasets, inclusive of gravity, electromagnetics, and induced polarization surveys. Analyses of these geophysical survey datasets, particularly gravity, directly resulted in the original discovery and initial definition of mineral resources on the property and will continue to guide all exploration initiatives; moreover, this large geophysical dataset is currently being compiled, cleaned and reinterpreted by the Company to prioritize the greater than 38 exploration targets identified to date across the property. Production to date at Campo Morado has been exclusively from three main deposits: G9, Southwest, and El Largo. Tahuehueto At Tahuehueto, the Company commenced a two-phase underground drill campaign, together totalling 10,500 metres. The drill plan takes advantage of recently developed underground areas to potentially expand the mineral resource through the identification of economic mineralization along the modeled veins and interpreted vein extensions. Mineralization is open along strike and at depth for most of the modeled resource area and the objective of the current campaign will be a combination of infill and step-out drilling to determine the vertical and lateral extent of mineralization as well as to identify mineralized brecciated zones within the epithermal vein system. In addition to the four veins that comprise the mineralized resource, there are at least 14 additional prospective veins or splays documented within the greater concession area that have potential to host additional epithermal mineralization. In some cases, these prospective targets may represent extensions or continuations of the currently defined Mineral Resource. The Company estimates that there are more than 11 km of prospective vein structures (measured along strike), compared to the currently defined 4.5 km of known mineralized veins. It is anticipated that mineable resources will be added into the near-term and medium term Tahuehueto Mine Plan. The majority of holes completed to date in this program have intersected new mineralized parts of the Creston and Perdido vein structures in areas of no previous historic drilling, further validating the continuous nature of these pervasive and mineralized veins. A key result is the discovery of a new, thick, high-grade breccia zones near the existing mine workings which demonstrates the high potential for additional new high-impact discoveries and the immediate and meaningful return on investment of this exploration drilling. Outlook For the year ahead, the Company anticipates producing between 85,000 and 100,000 gold equivalent ounces with payable ounces ranging between 65,000 and 80,000. The Company expects to generate between US$30 million and US$40 million in free cash flow before working capital adjustments for the year, reflecting the strength of its core mining operations. This metric, which excludes short-term fluctuations in receivables, payables, prepaids and inventory, provides a clear measure of the Company's ability to generate cash from operations net of capital expenditures. Strong free cash flow supports key initiatives, including debt repayment, reinvestment in growth opportunities, and potential shareholder returns. The Company's anticipated cash generation underscores its operational efficiency and financial resilience as it continues to execute its long-term strategy. The Company's consolidated production during the first half of the year totaled 39,154 AuEq, representing approximately 46% of the low end of annual production guidance of 85,000 to 100,000 AuEq. Gold production of 14,298 ounces and silver production of 630,508 ounces likewise reflect 43% and 51% of the respective low ends of guidance. Base metal production continued to provide strong by-product credits, with zinc and copper delivering 51% and 54% of their respective guidance ranges at mid-year, highlighting the strength and consistency of Campo Morado's operations. While first half production is below the run-rate implied by annual guidance, this was anticipated given the staged ramp-up of operations at Tahuehueto. With mine development advancing and plant improvements underway, management expects a stronger second half, led by higher gold and silver output from Tahuehueto and sustained throughput from Campo Morado. Additionally, as market prices have strengthened, particularly for gold and silver, the AuEq calculation will yield fewer AuEq ounces from base metals (Pb/Zn/Cu) for the same production volumes because the gold price in the denominator is higher. This does not reduce contained metal or expected revenue; in fact, higher precious-metal prices enhance margins and cash flow even if reported AuEq totals moderate on a conversion basis. The Company will continue to emphasize unit costs, realized pricing, and cash generation alongside AuEq to reflect this favorable pricing environment in the second half. The Company remains cautiously optimistic in achieving its 2025 production guidance, with second half performance expected to deliver the majority of annual AuEq. The Company's strategy is to grow its mining business through the advancement of existing mines and mineral concessions, complemented by the acquisition and development of additional operations, resources, and reserves. Growth is driven by opportunity rather than restricted by geography, with a focus on assets where the Company's unique combination of political, exploration, operational, financial, and community expertise can deliver meaningful value. This experience is central to identifying and evaluating acquisition opportunitiesparticularly in cases where a fresh perspective or targeted investment can unlock potential. The Company seeks to create value by optimizing underperforming assets, advancing overlooked exploration opportunities, and successfully navigating complex regulatory and stakeholder environments. The Company's approach is underpinned by disciplined execution, a long-term focus on value creation, and the integration of environmental, health & safety and social responsibility into every stage of the process. These primary areas of focus align with our three pillars of value creation: Optimization Enhancing efficiency, productivity, and cost performance at existing operations. Exploration Advancing high-potential targets to grow resources and reserves. Expansion Acquiring and developing assets to broaden the operational portfolio and extend mine life. Qualified Person The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Paul D. Gray, P.Geo., Vice-President Exploration at Luca Mining. Mr. Gray is a Qualified Person for the Company as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Luca Mining Corp. Luca Mining Corp. (TSX-V: LUCA, OTCQX: LUCMF, Frankfurt: Z68) is a Canadian mining company with two wholly owned mines located in the prolific Sierra Madre mineralized belt in Mexico. These mines produce gold, copper, zinc, silver, and lead and generate strong cash flow. Both mines have considerable development and resource upside as well as district scale exploration potential. The Company's Campo Morado Mine hosts VMS-style, polymetallic mineralization within a large land package comprising 121 square kilometres. It is an underground operation, producing zinc, copper, gold, silver and lead. The mine is located in Guerrero State. The Tahuehueto Mine is a large property of over 75 square kilometres in Durango State. The project hosts epithermal gold and silver vein-style mineralization. Tahuehueto is a newly constructed underground mining operation producing primarily gold and silver. The Company has successfully commissioned its mill and is now in commercial production. On Behalf of the Board of Directors (signed) "Dan Barnholden" Dan Barnholden, Chief Executive Officer For more information, please visit: www.lucamining.com Cautionary Note Regarding 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") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, estimated production guidelines for 2025 and other possible events, conditions or performance that are based on assumptions about the proposed exploration program and its anticipated results; the timing and costs of future activities on the Company's properties, such as production rates and increases and sustaining capital expenditures; success of exploration, development, and metres to be drilled in exploration on the Tahuehueto Mine site and the Campo Morado Mine site. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified using words and phrases such as "plans"," expects", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that the Company will be able to raise additional capital as necessary; the current exploration, development, environmental and other objectives concerning the Tahuehueto Mine can be achieved; that consistent and sustainable mill feed at Campo Morado Mine will be achieved; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals and economic and political conditions. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information 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 Information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. 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 Luca Mining Corp. Contact Information: Sophia Shane, Director of Investor Relations, [email protected], +1 604 306 6867 MONTREAL, Aug. 26, 2025 /CNW/ - As children return to school, School of the Greats, one of Quebec's leading schoolmentoring programs, has noted an unprecedented increase in the need for academic support. On average, nearly one boy in five and more than one girl in ten leave high school without a diploma or vocational qualification, and more than 70 % of collegelevel students fail to graduate on time1. This situation arises in the context of unprecedented budget restrictions in education. These cutbacks directly weaken services to students and exacerbate educational inequality. School of the Greats supports elementaryschool pupils and college mentors in more than 70 % of the province's administrative regions. Over the 20252026 school year, nearly 1,800 participants are expected, an increase of more than 50 % compared with last year. With the opening of new programs this fall at Cegep de SainteFoy in Quebec City, College LionelGroulx in the Laurentians and Cegep de Jonquiere, School of the Greats is expanding its presence and is now active in virtually all major urban centres Montreal, Quebec City, Gatineau and TroisRivieres as well as in Matane, Chicoutimi and BaieComeau. "Behind each number there is a child who needs a helping hand to believe in their abilities," says Alisha Wissanji, Executive Director of Foundation W. and founder of the School of the Greats program. "We see students losing confidence every day simply because they don't have access to the support they need. We cannot leave this generation behind." A crisis context in education Resources are becoming increasingly scarce at every level of the education system. Teacher shortages, lack of specialized services and excessively high studentteacher ratios: needs are exploding on all fronts. Several organizations that support students have had to reduce or halt their services due to a lack of resources, deepening the gap that initiatives like School of the Greats strive to fill. "When budgets fall short in the education sector, Foundation W. takes over by funding school transportation and providing breakfasts to elementary schools and CEGEPs that cannot afford these services. As the burden on institutions increases, we must take up the slack. Thanks to the support of our partners, we can maintain our services and even extend our support to new settings, to meet students' pressing needs," adds Alisha Wissanji. The goal of Foundation W. is to support the educational success of young people. "The needs are immense. We are doing our part, but we need reinforcements. Together, we can change life trajectories and have a real impact in our communities," concludes Alisha Wissanji. Anyone can help support the success of a vulnerable School of the Greats student by making a donation at fondationw.com/how-to-help-us. Results proven by research A recent impact study carried out by a team of education researchers confirms that School of the Greats plays a decisive role in reducing educational inequalities. The study shows that the program helps limit the decline in mathematics results among vulnerable boys, and that it increases the personal, professional and social success of college mentors. For the first time in the context of education research in Quebec, quantitative results show the positive effects of a mentoring program on the educational success of both mentors and mentees. More details on the impact study are available here. About the School of the Greats School of the Greats is an extracurricular mentoring program that focuses on homework assistance and scientific education, aiming to support the educational success of vulnerable elementary school students and post-secondary students. As the flagship program of the Foundation W, the School of the Greats is committed to promoting equal opportunities and providing vulnerable populations with genuine access to academic success. The program supports both elementary school pupils and their volunteer mentors, who are college and university students. Since its inception in 2015, the School of the Greats has assisted nearly 4,000 participants in Quebec and Ontario, enhancing students' academic performance in French, mathematics, and science. Today, the program is established in 71% of the province's administrative regions. The School of the Greats is made possible thanks to the support of the Quebec Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, TD Bank, and numerous private donors. For more information, visit the School of the Greats website or their LinkedIn page. SOURCE School of the Greats For more information: Eric Aach, [email protected], 514-569-3594 TRUBAR generated record Net Revenue of $17.7 million from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2025 , representing an increase of 176% compared to Net Revenue of $6.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2024 . from continuing operations for the three months ended , representing an increase of 176% compared to Net Revenue of during the three months ended . During Q2 2025, the Company continued to advance its strategy to increase household penetration through retail expansion, extensive trial and awareness programs supporting existing and new distribution and accelerated direct-to-consumer sales. TRUBAR reaffirms full-year 2025 guidance for Net Revenue in the range of $65 to $70 million VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 25, 2025 /CNW/ - TRUBAR Inc. ("TRUBAR" or the "Company") (TSXV: TRBR) (OTCQX: TRBRF), a better-for-you snacking company focused on delivering high-quality, plant-based protein products with exceptional taste and made with clean, recognizable ingredients, is pleased to announce its interim financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2025. All amounts are expressed in United States dollars unless otherwise noted. Certain metrics, including those expressed on an adjusted basis, such as "Gross Revenue," "Gross Profit," "Gross Margin Percentage," "EBITDA" and "Adjusted EBITDA", are non-International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") measures, see "Non-IFRS Measures" below. Selected financial and operating information are outlined below and should be read with the Company's interim consolidated financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the three months ended June 30, 2025, which are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY Erica Groussman, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Our second quarter results demonstrate the strength of the TRUBAR brand as we continue to execute our strategy to expand distribution, drive innovation, increase trial, build brand awareness, and ultimately increase household penetration. Net revenue increased by 176% year over year driven by ongoing retail expansion and the execution of in-store consumer trial and brand awareness building efforts. Our continued retail expansion included launches across several regional and national mass, club, and grocery chains in Q2 keeping us on track to reach our goal of 25,000 retail locations by the end of 2025. As the TRUBAR brand continues to increase household penetration, the benefit of these efforts is reflected in continued direct-to-consumer growth, with DTC net revenue up +281% in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024. We are also advancing our innovation pipeline with the recent launch of TRUBAR Kids, a healthy and delicious snack that delivers one of the highest fiber and protein content among leading kids' bars. The highly anticipated launch of TRUBAR Kids is generating solid listing momentum in both physical retail and e-commerce channels. With our continued growth and momentum in the second quarter, we are well positioned to further strengthen our leadership in the better-for-you snacking category going forward." Kingsley Ward, Executive Chairman, added, "Our expanded retail footprint, continued strength in the e-commerce channel, increase in brand awareness and trial, and a solid innovation pipeline is creating a powerful platform for long-term growth. The Company's capital structure and liquidity position provide flexibility to support ongoing expansion, and we remain confident in our ability to deliver sustained growth and long-term shareholder value." 2025 ANNUAL GUIDANCE TRUBAR is pleased to reaffirm full-year 2025 guidance for Net Revenue in the range of $65 to $70 million. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD JUNE 30, 2025 Financial highlights for the Company's continuing operations during the three months ended June 30, 2025, included: Net Revenue was $17.68 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 , representing an increase of 176% compared to Net Revenue of $6.39 million during the three months ended June 30, 2024 , driven by a 328% increase in retail net revenue and a 281% increase in DTC net revenue. for the three months ended , representing an increase of 176% compared to Net Revenue of during the three months ended , driven by a 328% increase in retail net revenue and a 281% increase in DTC net revenue. Gross Revenue was $24.88 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 , an increase of 298% compared to $6.24 million for the comparable period in 2024. for the three months ended , an increase of 298% compared to for the comparable period in 2024. Gross Profit was $3.95 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 , an increase of 35% as compared to Gross Profit of $2.91 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 . Gross Margin Percentage 1 was 22% for the three months ended June 30, 2025 , compared to 46% for the comparable period in 2024. The decline in Gross Margin Percentage was due to investments we have made at retail to drive consumer trial and awareness. for the three months ended , an increase of 35% as compared to Gross Profit of for the three months ended . Gross Margin Percentage was 22% for the three months ended , compared to 46% for the comparable period in 2024. The decline in Gross Margin Percentage was due to investments we have made at retail to drive consumer trial and awareness. Operating costs were $6.77 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 , an increase of $3.16 million (or 87%), compared to $3.61 million for the three months ended June 30 , 2024. This increase reflects the Company's strategic investments and operational growth initiatives. for the three months ended , an increase of (or 87%), compared to for the three months ended , 2024. This increase reflects the Company's strategic investments and operational growth initiatives. The Company generated an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $1.85 million from continuing operations for the three months period ending June 30, 2025 , compared to $0.27 million in the comparable period in 2024. The decrease was primarily due to brand-building investments at retail to drive consumer trial and awareness, as reflected in the change in gross margin. from continuing operations for the three months period ending , compared to in the comparable period in 2024. The decrease was primarily due to brand-building investments at retail to drive consumer trial and awareness, as reflected in the change in gross margin. The Company recorded a net loss from continuing operations of $1.96 million during the three months ended June 30, 2025 , compared to a net loss of $7.07 million for the three months ended June 30 , 2025. SEGMENT REVENUE Wholesale club net revenue was $11.24 million in Q2 2025, an increase of 135% as compared to $4.78 million in Q2 2024. in Q2 2025, an increase of 135% as compared to in Q2 2024. Retail net revenue was $2.62 million in Q2 2025, an increase of 328% as compared to $0.61 million in Q2 2024. in Q2 2025, an increase of 328% as compared to in Q2 2024. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) net revenue was $3.81 million in Q2 2025, an increase of 281% compared to $1.0 million in Q2 2024. DTC revenue includes e-commerce revenue generated from Amazon and Shopify. RECENT BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS Target Expansion: On April 14, 2025 , the Company announced the nationwide launch of TRUBAR TM in select Target locations, marking further progress in expanding the brand's North American distribution footprint with key national retail partners. On , the Company announced the nationwide launch of TRUBAR in select Target locations, marking further progress in expanding the brand's North American distribution footprint with key national retail partners. Expansion into Major Regional Grocery Chains: On July 8, 2025 , the Company announced the addition of over 500 stores across key grocery chains in the U.S. Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and Colorado . The new retail partnerships include Meijer, Fred Meyer , King Soopers, and Fresh Thyme Market, significantly extending TRUBAR's geographic reach. On , the Company announced the addition of over 500 stores across key grocery chains in the U.S. Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and . The new retail partnerships include Meijer, , King Soopers, and Fresh Thyme Market, significantly extending TRUBAR's geographic reach. Launch of TRUBAR Kids Line: On August 5, 2025 , the Company introduced its TRUBAR Kids snack bar line at Sprouts Farmers Market, marking the brand's entry into the kids snack bar category. The allergy-friendly bars feature one of the highest fiber and protein content among leading kids' bars and are now available across 400 Sprouts locations in 24 states, with plans to expand to Amazon, Walmart.com, Hy-Vee, and trubar.com later in mid to late September. CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS Name Change to TRUBAR Inc.: On May 21, 2025 , the Company officially changed its name from Simply Better Brands Corp. to TRUBAR Inc., aligning its corporate identity with its flagship brand. As part of the transition, Kingsley Ward was appointed Executive Chairman to lead capital markets strategy, while Erica Groussman , co-founder of TRUBAR, assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer to lead brand operations and growth. On , the Company officially changed its name from Simply Better Brands Corp. to TRUBAR Inc., aligning its corporate identity with its flagship brand. As part of the transition, was appointed Executive Chairman to lead capital markets strategy, while , co-founder of TRUBAR, assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer to lead brand operations and growth. Sale of NO BS Brand: On July 2, 2025 the completed the sale of its personal care product line, NO BS Life, LLC, to an arm's length third party buyer effective June 30, 2025 . This strategic move sharpens the Company's focus on its core business and reinforces its commitment to scaling the flagship TRUBAR brand. UPDATE ON LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company's primary liquidity and capital requirements are for inventory and general corporate working capital purposes. The Company had a cash balance of $1.19 million as of June 30, 2025, which will provide capital to support the planned growth of the business and for general corporate working capital purposes. The Company's working capital increased to $1.34 million as of June 30, 2025, representing an improvement of $3.66 million from a working capital deficiency of $2.32 million as of December 31, 2024. On April 22, 2025, the Company entered into a credit facility agreement with a related party, to provide up to $10 million to support the TRUBAR sales expansion in 2025. The Company's ability to fund operating expenses will depend on its future operating performance which will be affected by general economic, financial, regulatory, and other factors including factors beyond the Company's control (See "Risk and Uncertainties" in the MD&A). Management continually assesses liquidity in terms of the ability to generate sufficient cash flow to fund the business. Net cash flow is affected by the following items: (i) operating activities, including the level of accounts receivable, other receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and unearned revenue and deposits; (ii) investing activities; and (iii) financing activities. WEBCAST and CONFERENCE CALL DETAILS: TRUBAR will be holding a conference call and simultaneous webcast to discuss its financial results on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 10:00 am ET (7:00 am PT). The call will be hosted by Kingsley Ward, Executive Chairman, and Erica Groussman, Chief Executive Officer & President. Please dial-in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Time: 10:00 am EST (7:00 am PST) For attendees who wish to join by webcast, the event can be accessed at: https://bit.ly/TRBR-Q2-25-Investor-Webinar Dial-in by phone +1 778 907 2071 (Vancouver Local) +1 647 558 0588 (Toronto Local) Click here to find local numbers Meeting ID: 826 2536 6446 Footnotes: 1. Non-IFRS financial measures - Gross Profit, Gross Margin Percentage, Gross Revenue In addition to results reported in accordance with IFRS, the Company uses certain non-IFRS financial measures as supplemental indicators of its financial and operating performance. These non-IFRS financial measures include Gross Revenue, Gross Profit, and Gross Margin Percentage. The Company believes these supplementary financial measures reflect the Company's ongoing business in a manner that allows for meaningful period-to-period comparisons and analysis of trends in its business. Gross Profit and Gross Margin Percentage The Company defines Gross Profit as revenue less cost of sales and Gross Margin Percentage as Gross Profit as a percentage of revenue. Gross Profit and Gross Margin Percentage should not be construed as an alternative for revenue or net income (loss) determined in accordance with IFRS. The Company believes that Gross Profit and Gross Margin Percentage are meaningful metrics that are often used by readers to measure the Company's efficiency of selling its products and services. Gross Revenue The Company defines Gross Revenue as Net Revenue adjusted for vendor discounts. The Company, through its subsidiary, Tru Brands, engaged in a marketing program with one of its vendors. Discounts and specific promotional expenditures related to this program were recognized as a reduction of revenue in accordance with IFRS 15, 'Revenue from Contracts with Customers'. The following table presents the Gross revenue and Net revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2025, and 2024, and a reconciliation of same to Gross Profit (loss). For the three months ended June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 Change expressed in millions * $ % (in terms of revenue) $ % (in terms of revenue) $ % Gross Revenue 24.88 141 % 6.24 98 % 18.64 298 % Less: Vendor discount (recovery) (7.20) (41 %) 0.15 2 % (7.35) (4832) Revenue 17.68 100 % 6.39 100 % 11.29 176 % Cost of goods sold (13.73) (77 %) (3.48) (55 %) (10.25) 295 % Gross profit 3.95 23 % 2.91 45 % 1.04 35 % 2. Non-IFRS Measures - EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-IFRS measures used by management that are not defined by IFRS. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Management believes that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide meaningful and useful financial information as these measures demonstrate the operating performance of the business excluding non-cash charges. Readers are cautioned that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to net income as determined under IFRS; nor as an indicator of financial performance as determined by IFRS; nor a calculation of cash flow from operating activities as determined under IFRS; nor as a measure of liquidity and cash flow under IFRS. The Company's method of calculating EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may differ from methods used by other companies and, accordingly, the Company's EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similar measures used by any other company. Except as otherwise indicated, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are calculated and disclosed by SBBC on a consistent basis from period to period. Specific adjusting items may only be relevant in certain periods. The most directly comparable measure to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA calculated in accordance with IFRS is net loss. "EBITDA" is calculated as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion, and amortization. "Adjusted EBITDA" is calculated as EBITDA adjusted for non-cash, extraordinary, non-recurring, and other items unrelated to the Company's core operating activities. See also Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization ("EBITDA") and Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP Measures) in the Company's management discussion and analysis for the three months ended June 30, 2025, available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. The following table presents the EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2025, and 2024, and a reconciliation of same to net income (loss). For the three months ended June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 Change in $ $ $ % Income (loss) from continuing operations (1.96) (7.07) 5.11 (72 %) Amortization - 0.38 (0.38) (100 %) Finance costs 0.27 0.28 0.01 3 % EBITDA (1.69) (6.41) 4.72 (75 %) Fair value adjustment of derivative liability - 0.60 (0.60) (100 %) Gain on disposal (0.66) - (0.66) 100 % Gain (loss) on remeasurement of warrant liabilities (0.36) 5.69 (6.05) (106 %) Share-based payments 0.29 0.29 - - Non-recurring expenses 0.57 0.10 0.47 475 % Adjusted EBITDA (1.85) 0.27 (2.12) (763 %) About TRUBAR Inc. TRUBAR Inc. is a better-for-you snacking company focused on delivering high-quality, plant-based protein products with exceptional taste and made with clean, recognizable ingredients. TRUBAR, the Company's signature product line, is distributed through national retailers, club stores, and e-commerce platforms across North America. The Company is focused on expanding TRUBAR's presence throughout North America and select international markets. For more information, visit: https://www.trubarinc.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 release. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward looking statements" as such terms are used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information are based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and are subject to certain factors and assumptions, including, among others, that the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events, the tariff and regulatory climate in which the Company operates, and the Company's ability to execute on its business plans. Specifically, this news release contains forward-looking statements relating to, but not limited to: management's current expectations regarding the ability of the Company to drive growth and deliver value to shareholders in fiscal 2025, management's expectations regarding the strategic focus of the Company in 2025, expansion plans for TRU Brands products and the success of the Company's marketing efforts. Forward-looking statements and information are 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 statements and information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking statements and 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 above 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, ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals for proposed transactions, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the plant-based food or broader wellness industries and to the Company, and as set forth in the Company's management's discussion and analysis available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.com. The above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking statements in this news release has been provided in order to provide shareholders and potential investors with a more complete perspective on the Company's current and future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. There is no representation by the Company that actual results achieved will be the same in whole or in part as those referenced in the forward-looking statements and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities law. Financial Outlook This press release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, "FOFI") about the financial results of the Company, including, without limitation, the Company's expected revenue growth for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, all of which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set out under the heading "Forward-Looking Information". The actual financial results of the Company may vary from the amounts set out herein and such variation may be material. The Company and its management believe that the financial outlook has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management's best estimates and judgments and the FOFI contained in this press release was approved by management as of the date hereof. However, because this information is subjective and subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such FOFI. FOFI contained in this press release was made as of the date hereof and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about the Company's anticipated future business operations on a quarterly and annual basis. The purpose of the FOFI is to provide prospective investors with information pertaining to the Company's longer-term objectives. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained in this press release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein. SOURCE Trubar Inc. Contact Information: TRUBAR Inc.: Fernando Massalin, VP Investor Relations and Corporate Development, +1 (416) 238-7564, [email protected] The DARPA Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay (POWER) program achieved several new records for transmitting power over distance. The team recorded more than 800 watts of power delivered during a 30-second transmission from a laser 8.6 kilometers (5.3 miles) away. Over the course of the test campaign, more than a megajoule of energy was transferred. The DARPA goal is to beam power over battlefield distances of 120 miles at 5 kilowatts of power using a network of drones. Previously, the greatest reported distance records for an appreciable amount of optical power (>1 microwatt) were 230 watts of average power at 1.7 kilometers for 25 seconds and a lesser (but undisclosed) amount of power at 3.7 kilometers. DARPA beamed 800 watts versus the old 230 watt record and beamed 8.6 kilometer versus the 1.7 kilometer distance record. The DARPA-led team brought together industry and government, including the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and the High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility (HELSTF) at the U.S. Armys White Sands Missile Range. This is a step to the POWER programs long-term goal of being able to instantly beam power from a location where it can be easily generated to wherever its needed, opening a novel design space for platform capabilities unbounded by fuel limitations. PRAD used a new receiver technology with a compact aperture for the laser beam to shine into, ensuring very little light escapes once it has entered the receiver. Inside the receiver, the laser strikes a parabolic mirror that reflects the beam onto dozens of photovoltaic cells (a.k.a. solar cells) to convert the energy back to usable power. The team measured more than 20% efficiency from the optical power out of the laser to the electrical power out of the receiver at shorter distances. The goal of the effort was to rapidly validate the capability of a new design to massively extend potential distance, so trade-offs were made to accelerate the design and build of the test receiver. The receiver was completed in about three months. Powering Drones and Making a Power Web Mid-to-late 2025: Phase 2 contracts awarded. DARPA was soliciting partners for Phase 2, a six-month effort to develop an integrated subscale relay. The culminating Phase 2 demonstration is planned for 2026 at the High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility (HELSTF) in New Mexico. An existing HELSTF laser will serve as the source to deliver and redirect power from a ground station through an airborne relay to a ground-based receiver. DARPAs long-term vision is to create a wireless energy web that can deliver power to drones and ground assets on demand. Airborne relays: In Phase 2, a subscale relay will be hosted on an air platform like a helicopter or aerostat at an altitude of at least 1.5 km (0.9 miles). Ground-to-air-to-ground: A laser beam will be transmitted from a ground source, redirected by the airborne relay, and then sent to another receiver on the ground. This demonstration will validate the systems ability to correct and redirect the beam. DARPA envisions the POWER program performers will create novel integrations of optical technologies to create an airborne relay capable of redirection, wavefront correction, and energy harvesting of optical beams. The aim of the final demonstration is to use three airborne relay nodes, hosted by existing platforms, to transmit energy from a ground source laser up to high altitude for long-range efficiency, and back down to a ground receiver 200 kilometers away. It is envisioned that the platforms will be operating at or around 60,000 feet to minimize atmospheric losses and enhance relay survivability. Efficient and precise redirection is necessary to avoid platform thermal challenges and to ensure the relayed beam effectively illuminates the desired target. To account for degradation of beam quality as the beam transits atmospheric disturbances, the relay must be able to correct the optical wavefront as needed to achieve system efficiency goals. Finally, the relays must be able to selectively harvest energy from the optical beam to provide on-board auxiliary power and thereby demonstrate necessary characteristics for future indefinitely persistent relay platforms. Proposals that leverage existing and emerging optical technologies in a novel way to achieve program goals in an effective low size, weight, power, and cost package are encouraged. Long-term potential: Ultimately, this technology could provide unlimited range and endurance for drones by allowing them to receive power wirelessly from airborne relays. The POWER program is envisioned as a three (3) phase program. In POWER Phase 1, performers undertook relay technology development efforts. Their accomplishments reduced risks, validated component technologies and concepts of operations, and catalyzed the transition to Phase 2. The results showed that relays with greater than 90% throughput efficiency weighing less than 500 kg should be possible, and that they should be able to meet the needed pointing and safety requirements. Investigations and prototyping of novel enabling technologies such as high-performance diffractive optics, lightweight additively-manufactured precision reflective optics with integrated thermal management features, liquid crystal spatial light modulation for adaptive optics, pickoff beam shaping for enhanced efficiency power harvesting, and high-performance inertial measurement units to close tracking and safety control loops faster all provided confidence that the integrated relays envisioned for POWER are technically possible. In Phase 2, covered by this solicitation, the POWER Subscale Aerial Demonstration aims to take the existence proofs provided by the Phase 1 activities and integrate the three key relay functions of redirection, correction, and harvesting into a fully-integrated subscale system demonstration. Phase 2 will serve as a risk-reduction effort informing a DARPA decision to proceed with a Phase 3 multi-relay demonstration. The subscale phase2 prototype relay system will perform the following specific functions: * Redirect: The relay must accept at least 5 kW of laser energy from one ground location at a slant angle (from zenith) not to exceed 45 degrees and deliver the energy to another location on the ground while being airborne at an altitude of at least 1.5 km. There must be active pointing and tracking systems operating to ensure maximized energy delivery at the users location. * Correct: The relay must perform corrections to the effects of atmospheric disturbances encountered by propagation over the path to ensure maximized energy delivery at the users location. * Harvest: The relay must demonstrate a pickoff capability covering the range of 0% to 20% of the energy going through the relay. The conversion of this energy to electrical power is not a critical demonstration in this phase of the program, but this capability will be critical to future program expansion. For Phase 2, implementing a method of measuring and dissipating the picked-off energy is sufficient. POWER Phase 1 efforts concluded that an aperture of approximately 50 cm is suitable for Phase 3. Since Phase 2 will use a power level of 5 kW, rather than 50 kW, an aperture scaled for similar irradiance is recommended to maintain operational relevance. Therefore, an aperture of approximately 15 cm would provide sufficient scaling to the envisioned system. This aperture size is not a requirement, but rather a notional suggestion. Performers must choose an aperture size for this effort while also showing relevance to the future anticipated Phase 3. The wavelength of the laser for this effort is approximately 1.07 microns. The final demonstration, in a future POWER Phase 3, will use three airborne relay nodes, hosted by existing platforms, to transmit energy from a ground source laser up to high altitude for long-range efficiency, and back down to a ground receiver after > 200 kilometers of propagation. The platforms will be operating at or around 60,000 feet to minimize atmospheric losses and enhance relay survivability and safety. Efficient and precise redirection is necessary to avoid platform thermal challenges and to ensure the relayed beam effectively illuminates the desired receiver. The ribbon solar sail will be a solar sail design using a thin film strip embedded with diffractive gratings. It is a NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) project. This configuration leverages diffraction to cancel out normal photonic pressure components, allowing thrust to align along the ribbons length when oriented at a tilt to incoming sunlight. The design eliminates the need for structural supports, simplifies stowage (e.g., via roll-up or zig-zag packing), and enables scalable performance by extending ribbon length, approaching theoretical efficiency limits far beyond traditional reflective solar sails. It will be useful where lateral thrust is needed like solar polar observatories, orbital debris tugs, planetary defense, and interplanetary transport. The project, led by Principal Investigator Marco Caporicci (formerly of the European Space Agency), was selected as a 2025 NIAC Phase I study with a $175,000 award to assess feasibility, focusing on stability, robustness to perturbations, steering mechanisms, and application to a solar polar mission with a near-term demonstration in mind. As of August 2025, it represents an evolution of diffractive solar sailing concepts, emphasizing a linear ribbon form for inherent stability and minimal overhead. The ribbon sail builds on foundational work in diffractive solar sails, which use optical gratings to diffract sunlight for propulsion instead of reflection, enabling better control over thrust direction without tilting the sail away from the Sun (a limitation in reflective designs). This paradigm shift allows for higher efficiency and sun-facing operation. Progress Toward Realization The ribbon sail concept is in its early stages as a 2025 NIAC Phase I study, with the proposed work focusing on analytical methodologies for stability assessment, perturbation sensitivity, steering solutions, and mission design for solar polar observation. If feasibility is confirmed, it could advance to hardware development and a simple space demonstration, potentially inviting partners for later phases. No hardware prototypes or tests have been reported yet for this specific ribbon variant, but it draws from broader diffractive sailing progress.The foundational diffractive solar sailing project (initiated in 2017-2018 by Grover Swartzlander and advanced by Amber Dubill at Johns Hopkins APL) has made significant strides: Phase I (2018): Completed theoretical modeling of diffractive forces. Phase II (2019-2021): Fabricated and characterized liquid crystal polymer (LCP) gratings for broadband diffraction. Phase III (2022-ongoing): Awarded $2M for maturation toward a demonstration mission, focusing on solar observation constellations; includes orbit simulations and control evaluations. Hardware Milestones: Prototype gratings tested in labs; no in-space demo yet, but NASA is funding toward one. Related reflective sail tech, like the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3), launched in April 2024 and successfully deployed its sail in August 2024, demonstrating boom technology that could adapt to diffractive variants Key hurdles include grating durability, broadband efficiency, and attitude control. Critics say Saskatchewan and Canada should ban fur farming for public health reasons and to prevent cruelty, but a pro-fur advocate says the industry is a proud Canadian tradition and an important part of the country's economy. The Fur-Bearers, a wildlife charity, recently found via freedom of information requests that there are five active fur farms in Saskatchewan. CBC News reviewed those documents, which are partially redacted information. The Saskatchewan fur farms range in size the smallest had three animals while the largest housed 59 as of the province's most recent inventories and species farmed wolves, lynxes, bobcats and foxes. "Saskatchewan is not known for fur farming. But startling about these farms is the species are not typically known for fur farming," Aaron Hofman, the director of advocacy and policy for the Fur-Bearers, said. "This is the first time we've seen these species being farmed in Canada." Hofman said Statistics Canada stopped reporting data years ago. He said the group filed the document requests due to a "big data gap in Canada about the full scale of fur farming." Aaron Hofman, the director of advocacy and policy for the Fur-Bearers, says at least 19 countries worldwide have banned fur farming. (Submitted by Aaron Hofman) Hofman said the largest fur producers are Ontario and Nova Scotia, which operate dozens of large mink farms with up to tens of thousands of animals. B.C. was one of the biggest producers until it banned mink farming. "Canada might be the only country that's actively farming wolves for their fur. This is unheard of globally. It really puts Canada on the map for all the wrong reasons," Hofman said. Doug Chiasson, the executive director at the Fur Institute of Canada, disagreed. He said fur farming has a history in Canada and that the complaints are nothing new. "Canada's been a pioneer, a world leader, in fur farming for a number of different species. This is yet another attempt by this group to discredit this important industry," he said. "This is far from the first time we've seen an attempt by anti-fur groups and animal rights groups to say this is new and shocking. Fur farming has a long and proud tradition across Canada, including Saskatchewan." Questions about regulation Hofman from the Fur-Bearers said many provinces don't have regulations around fur farming. "Saskatchewan is one of the few that regulate it. Under these regulations, farmers must obtain a licence from the Ministry of Agriculture," he said. "The fact they're regulated doesn't mean much. Fur farming operates with virtually zero oversight. There are no mandatory inspections. These regulations have very little teeth related to animal welfare or conditions on the farm." In an email statement, the Ministry of Agriculture said all fur farm operators in the province are licensed and regulated according to the Fur Farming Regulations, 2017 under the Animal Products Act, which references nationally-accepted codes of practice for the care and handling of farm animals. The ministry said licenses are renewed annually and currently cost $500 a year. "Upon receipt of a license application for a fur farm operation, applicants are subject to a pre-licence inspection which covers a variety of topics to ensure the applicant has the ability to properly care for the animals," the statement read. "Per the provincial regulations, fur farm animals must also be available for inspection at all reasonable times and inventories are provided annually. Inspections typically occur on an annual basis." Ban fur farming: Fur-Bearers Hoffman said at least 19 countries have banned fur farming, especially mink farms which posed public health threats during the pandemic, and that Canada should follow suit. "Beautiful wildlife species are being kept in fur farms and killed solely for their fur. It's unacceptable." A 2023 survey by the polling firm Research Co. found 77 per cent of Canadians who responded opposed killing animals for their fur. Hofman said his group did a survey in 2022 in which 74 per cent of Canadians who responded supported a national ban on fur farming. After outbreaks of H5N1 avian flu in fur farms in Finland and Spain, Hofman said the sector is problematic not only for animal welfare, but also for public health and the environment. "We call for the federal government to implement the ban to be in line with other jurisdictions in the world," Hofman said. An important economic resource: pro-fur advocate Chiasson, from the Fur Institute of Canada, said fur exports contributed $467 million to Canada's trade balance in 2013. Chiasson said the Canadian fur industry "contributed over a billion dollars to Canadian GDP" before COVID-19 and the Russian invasion in Ukraine, with much of that economic benefit flowing to local communities. "The importance of farm and wild fur to Canadian rural and remote economies is something that can't be overlooked." In Saskatchewan, he said fur farming is a part of the agricultural landscape. "It can be a bit dishonest to try and pull fur farming apart from the broader agricultural context. Fur farming uses the waste from other meat processing facilities, so it's a way of maximizing value from the rest of the agricultural value chain." He said fur farming is "strictly regulated" by the provincial government and it's "a bit imaginative to say that the province is going to regulate this industry but not enforce those regulations." "Fur farmers, much like other farmers, are people who care the most about the animals in their care," he said, noting they work closely with veterinarians and animal health experts. Doug Chiasson, the executive director at the Fur Institute of Canada, says farmers invest enormous amounts of time and effort ensuring animals in their care are happy and healthy. (Submitted by Doug Chiasson) Trapping more sustainable: trapper Franklin Carriere has been fur trapping for more than 40 years near Montreal Lake, Sask., some 350 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. Carriere said a balance needs to be reached, as banning fur farming would also mean a loss of animals, as they wouldn't survive in the wild after being domesticated since birth. He said trapping is more sustainable than fur farming. "One person benefits with fur farming, but with trapping, a lot of families surviving in the bush eat healthy," he said. "With trapping, we are allowed to kill a certain amount of animals we need to sustain. If I see a beaver house and there are six beavers in that house, I'd probably take three. But if it's a small beaver house with just one in it, killing that beaver would destroy the house." Franklin Carriere has been fur trapping for more than 40 years near Montreal Lake, Sask. (Don Somers/CBC) A Ventnor City police officer is accused of filming a woman undressing and performing sex acts while in a holding cell, and then sharing the videos on social media, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said on Monday. Ryan Bonanni, 24, of Egg Harbor Township, was charged with second-degree official misconduct, computer theft and third-degree invasion of privacy, the prosecutors office said. He is currently suspended, Ventnor police confirmed. The department notified the prosecutors office about the crimes on July 7, authorities said. We understand the charges against a Ventnor officer reflect poorly on our department, but they do not depict the department as a whole, Police Chief Joseph Wooton said in a statement. The men and women of the Ventnor City Police Department will continue to serve the citizens and visitors of Ventnor City with the utmost honor, integrity and respect. Bonanni filmed multiple videos of the woman while she was in the holding cell after she was arrested on July 6, authorities said. While she was detained, Bonanni used his cellphone to recorded surveillance videos of the woman showing her in various stages of undress and engaging in a sexual act, the county prosecutors office said. He then used Snapchat to send the videos to acquaintances, authorities said. Court records do not list an attorney for Bonanni. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. BEIJING, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- In the suburbs of Beijing, groups of milu deer grazed leisurely in meadows on the banks of the Yongding River, their fawns playfully splashing in the water nearby. This serene picture once seemed almost unbelievable, considering that these creatures had been declared extinct in China. "Forty years ago, 22 milu deer were returned to China from the United Kingdom, marking the comeback for the species. Its population has since grown to over 14,000, through artificial breeding and reintroduction into the wild," said Bai Jiade, director of the Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center. Milu deer, also known as Pere David's deer, are endemic to China, where they bear the nickname "sibuxiang," or "like none of the four" due to their unique features -- a horse's face, a donkey's tail, cow-like hooves and a stag's antlers. In the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the milu deer were a rare sight, confined to the royal hunting park of Nanhaizi in Beijing. However, at the end of the 19th century, flooding from the Yongding River breached the park's walls, allowing the deer to escape and ultimately become prey for starving locals. In 1900, the remaining milu deer in the park were killed and taken by the Eight-Nation Alliance -- troops from Britain, the United States, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, Italy and Austro-Hungary -- resulting in their extinction in China. Fortunately, following continuous appeals and arduous efforts, China reintroduced milu deer from the United Kingdom. A total of 77 milu deer were brought back to Nanhaizi and to Yancheng City in east China's Jiangsu Province, starting in August 1985 in three batches. "We aim to sustain the milu deer's population, ensure their healthy reproduction, preserve genetic diversity, and rebuild a wild population," said Bai. Since the return of the milu deer, scientists have achieved breakthroughs in disease control, breeding and genetics. A genetic resource bank for milu deer has been established to preserve genetic diversity, and measures have been implemented to prevent inbreeding, thereby reducing the incidence of animal diseases. Additionally, milu deer have been relocated to various places to establish new herds, paving the way for their reintroduction to the wild. Bai said that the significance of milu deer conservation extends far beyond the continuation of a single species. By grazing plants like reeds in wetland ecosystems, milu deer effectively prevent dominant species from overbreeding, thus preserving the habitat for other plants. Meanwhile, their dung can also nourish aquatic life. "Milu deer are like 'engineers' of the wetland ecosystem. They naturally regulate the ecological balance through their life activities," said Bai. He added that the milu deer's population expansion also exerts pressure on the habitat, and scientists are conducting research to find the optimal balance between the species and wetlands. "I brought my child to meet the milu deer close, and he was absolutely thrilled. We learn their important role in the ecosystem," said a Beijing resident surnamed Li during an activity on Sunday to mark the 40th anniversary of the milu deer's comeback to China in Nanhaizi. China has established 95 milu deer reserves across 26 provincial-level regions, and has established the National Conservation and Research Center for Milu. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, former executive secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, hailed China's protection work on milu deer as a reference model for the protection of other endangered species worldwide. Bai said that his team is consistently working to minimize genetic risks and improve the environmental carrying capacity of milu deer habitats. "Milu deer conservation remains a long-term commitment," he added. The order stops work at 440-458 River Road in Edgewater until at least next month when another hearing will be held. Google Maps A Bergen County judge has temporarily halted construction of an Edgewater apartment tower tied to developer Fred Daibes, siding with Cliffside Park officials who argue the project unlawfully exceeds height limits and blocks views of the Manhattan skyline. The order, issued last week, stops work at 440-458 River Road until at least next month when another court hearing will be held. The ruling followed a lawsuit Cliffside Park filed in state court in July accusing Edgewater officials of corruption and negligence in approving the project, which at 165.8-feet high surpasses the 150-foot zoning cap. Cliffside Park Mayor Thomas Calabrese joined the lawsuit as a private resident, saying the building will obstruct views from his home. The lawsuit names Edgewaters current and former construction officials, the borough itself, its building department and the projects developer, North Star Partners Associates. North Star and Edgewater officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit and judges order. The property is owned by North Star, which had been solely controlled by Daibes. He was once credited with driving Edgewaters Gold Coast boom along River Road. The Gold Coast is a stretch of waterfront land between the Bayonne and George Washington bridges. Daibes, a powerful figure in Hudson and Bergen County real estate, is serving a seven-year federal sentence after being convicted of bribery and corruption in a scheme involving former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez. The suit alleges Edgewater officials have long bent zoning rules to benefit Daibes and his companies, pointing to the River Road project as the latest example. It claims Cliffside Parks former construction official intentionally signed off on plans that disregarded zoning laws. Cliffside Park contends the oversized building will reduce property values, block light and air, and spur tax appeals that could cost the borough revenue. A judge is expected to decide whether to extend or lift the stop-work order at a Sept. 4 hearing. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Over $150 million in federal education funds for New Jersey schools were unfrozen Monday after the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office reached an agreement with the Trump administration, the attorney generals office said. The agreement ends a suit brought by New Jersey and 23 other states last month against the administration for freezing $158 million in essential funding for school programs that support immigrant children, as well as students with special needs. The decision comes as schools prepare for the opening of the 2025-26 school year. From the beginning, we made clear that the Trump Administrations freeze of funding for after-school programs, children with special needs, and other critical programs was blatantly illegal, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement. In resolving this lawsuit today, we are proud to fully restore this funding and deliver a quick and favorable resolution for our state ahead of the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Per the agreement, the remaining funding owed to the state must be released no later than Oct. 3, Platkin said. The withheld funds jeopardized key programs for after-school and summer learning, teacher preparation, and English language learners. Nationwide, districts lost access to over $6 billion in federal funds. The other states listed on the suit are: California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, and the Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Jake Weary, Danielle Campbell and Melissa Benoist in "The Waterfront," which premiered on Netflix in June. Netflix Kevin Williamson is associated with some of the most successful titles of the 90s and 2000s. The creator of Dawsons Creek wrote the first Scream movies along with I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and The Faculty" (1998). For his latest series, he was inspired by his familys own story. The Waterfront, a crime drama which premiered in June, is based on his fathers life and career. The show follows the Buckleys, a powerful family who dominates the fishing industry and runs a restaurant in Havenport, North Carolina. The business falters as the family patriarch, Harlan Buckley, faces a setback, forcing other members of his family to take over and steer the ship. But the series wont continue past its eight-episode first season. Netflix has canceled The Waterfront. A big thank you to everyone who watched The Waterfront, Williamson posted on his Instagram stories Monday night. While he was sorry to see the show go, he saw the cancellation as more of a dont cry because its over, smile because it happened situation. READ MORE: Dawsons Creek cast hosting class reunion in support of James Van Der Beek, cancer nonprofit While Im sad the Buckley(s) wont be back for a season 2, Im celebrating the joy that was Season 1, Williamson said. I had the pleasure of working with a dream cast and crew. My heart is full of gratitude for all the people who brought their talents to the show both in NC and LA. You were all amazing. Thank you to my partners at Universal TV. And thank you to Netflix for taking a chance on a very personal story. You were truly a joy to work with! It was one of the best experiences of my life! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. The Waterfront stars Holt McCallany, Melissa Benoist, Jake Weary, Rafael L. Silva, Maria Bello, Humberly Gonzalez, Brady Hepner and Danielle Campbell. Williamson, who also created the CW series The Vampire Diaries, directed the upcoming Scream 7. His return to the long-running horror film franchise also sees the return of franchise original Neve Campbell as well as Courteney Cox and David Arquette. The Paramount Pictures movie is due out Feb. 27, 2026. Before then, Williamson is producing a "Dawsons Creek class reunion in support of star James Van Der Beek who is in treatment for colorectal cancer and the nonprofit F Cancer. The Broadway event, set for Sept. 22, will bring together Van Der Beek and his co-stars Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, Busy Phillips and more for a reading of the shows pilot episode. 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. Paramount+ is walking back a spinoffs season 2 renewal. Dexter: Original Sin has been canceled, Variety reported on Friday, August 22. The crime drama was renewed for season 2 in April, but Variety reports that no production dates were ever scheduled for the new installment. NJ.com has reached out to Paramount+ for comment. Its possible that the cancelation is Paramount+s attempts to focus on another Dexter series. Variety reported that there are already plans to open a writers room for season 2 of Dexter: Resurrection, which premiered in July. The OG Dexter aired on Showtime from 2006 to 2013. The Emmy-winning series starred Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, a forensic technician/vigilante serial killer whose only victims are other murderers. The now-canceled Dexter: Original Sin, which premiered on Paramount+ in December 2024, is a prequel that takes place in 1991, when the titular antihero is 20 years old. Patrick Gibson starred as Dexter, Molly Brown played his younger sister, Debra, and Christian Slater portrayed Dexters adoptive father, Harry Morgan. In Dexter: Resurrection, Hall reprises his role as Morgan for the first time since the 2021 reboot Dexter: New Blood. The first revival ended with Dexters son Harrison (Jack Alcott) fatally shooting him, but the new series reveals that Dexter survived after all. READ MORE: See which Paramount Plus shows are canceled and renewed for the 2025-2026 season During a July interview with the Los Angeles Times, Hall said that he thinks Dexter: Resurrection is just getting started. All I can say is I dont think we embark on this season imagining it as a one-off, he teased. Without giving away too much, I think the door will be open at the end of this. Dexter: Resurrection also stars Uma Thurman (Charley), David Zayas (Angel Batista), Kadia Saraf as (Detective Claudette Wallace), Emilia Suarez (Elsa Rivera), and Peter Dinklage (Leon Prater). Season 1 of Dexter: Resurrection is currently airing on Paramount+. New episodes premiere every Friday. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. Michael Gandolfini struggles to connect (and breathe) in "Tea." Matheus Bastos A lonely guy tries to work up the nerve to ask someone out for coffee or tea. He rehearses and rehearses his lines, but when the moment arrives, nature intercedes. A hornet stings him in the neck, triggering an allergy that swells up his face. Well, at least he made an impression. Michael Gandolfini is that guy in Tea, a short film that you can watch for free below via Vimeo. The short, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, was written and directed by New Jerseys Blake Winston Rice, who also filmed in Jersey. Set in September 1998, the story stars Gandolfini as Nicholas Steep and Olivia Nikkanen (Sweethearts, Supergirl) as Tierney Bayer. Nicholas desperately wants to make a connection with Tierney, who works at a local ice cream shop. READ MORE: Interview with Michael Gandolfini, star of The Many Saints of Newark Gandolfini, 26, son of Sopranos icon James Gandolfini, had his breakout role as a young Tony Soprano in the 2021 "Sopranos prequel film The Many Saints of Newark. Hes gone on to star in films like A24s Warfare, directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza and released in April. Rice, 35, is currently based in West Hollywood but grew up in Moorestown, Burlington County and studied film at Rowan University, graduating in 2012. He started out as an actor and comedian before moving into directing. Tea, a Vimeo staff pick, premiered at Cannes in 2024 and qualified for the Oscars, though it didnt get shortlisted for the awards. To go out there was so special and so validating, Rice says of Cannes, which was also his first trip to Europe. It kind of felt like my professional debut. He says the short has opened a ton of doors in his career. It definitely gets me into rooms. Patty Jenkins, director of Wonder Woman, became an executive producer of the short after meeting Rice through his actor friend. The film is based on a monologue by Isaac Lee. Rice was struck by the universality of his words. I like the theme of loneliness and its super universal, Rice tells NJ Advance Media. I feel like all audiences can relate to that. Rice filmed the short which takes place in the sunny exterior of a strip mall in Franklin behind a former Spirit Halloween. Why is it set in 1998? Writer-director Blake Winston Rice, center, with Olivia Nikkanen and Michael Gandolfini on the New Jersey set of "Tea." Courtesy of Blake Winston Rice I love the era, Rice says. The worlds harsher but sweeter and a little less complicated. Gandolfinis character films himself rehearsing his lines to Tierney using a 90s digital camcorder. Its almost like hes a current-day actor doing a self-tape audition. I love the technology, especially cameras then, Rice says plus the 90s setting eliminates a bunch of plot holes with smartphones. The alum of Moorestown High School met Gandolfini through Gabriella Piazza, his Many Saints of Newark co-star, another of the shorts producers. I couldnt speak more highly of how he did and how good a friend he is and how much he brought to that character, Rice says of Gandolfini, whose Nicholas is a very nervous Circuit-Shack employee. The films cinematographer, Matheus Bastos, also worked on the Jersey-set indie thriller Gazer, which opened in theaters in April. Rice is in development on his feature-length directorial debut, The Empty Lot, a family dramedy inspired by life in South Jersey. My goal is to shoot it here, he says of the film, which is being produced by Irelands Wild Atlantic Pictures. Hes also working on a second film, a murder mystery comedy called Valves. But before those titles see the light of day, his new short, Disc, is bound for the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival in September. Rice calls it another dramedy about connection. Tagline: A hookup gone too far up. So, no hornets this time? 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. Broadway star Ciara Renee is suing the producers of Gun & Powder, claiming they broke a contract and cut her from the upcoming Broadway run without cause. Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media A star of CW dramas is suing the producers of a hit musical at New Jerseys Paper Mill Playhouse, claiming they broke a promise to consider her for its upcoming Broadway run. Ciara Renee filed a lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan on Aug. 14, claiming the producers of Gun & Powder broke a written agreement that promised they would talk with her about joining future versions of the show in New York or London. The musical, now titled Wanted, is slated to begin its Broadway run in 2026. She alleges that this breach cost her a leading role and potentially $486,000 in lost wages for a nine-month Broadway run. Renee is best known for playing Hawkgirl on The CWs Arrow and The Flash. She also starred in Broadway productions of Waitress, Frozen, Pippin and Big Fish. According to the court filing, she believed she was in line for the Broadway cast of Wanted after leading last years run at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn. The complaint says Renee continued to support the show after the New Jersey run. She took part in a studio recording in July, met potential investors in Marthas Vineyard in August, and performed in a staged reading in October. She also attended the 52nd Annual AUDELCO Awards in November on behalf of the production. But just days after the awards event, Renee was informed she would not be considered for the Broadway production, she alleges. According to the complaint, Broadway producer Alecia Parker best known as executive producer of Waitress and fellow producer Samuel Lopez spoke directly with Renee. During that conversation, they allegedly said they had advised Sisters Clarke, the New York production company that originally hired Renee for the Paper Mill Playhouse run, not to negotiate with or hire her for the shows planned Broadway production. They allegedly claimed she had failed to collaborate and was unwilling to accept feedback from the creative team during the Paper Mill run, according to the complaint. Renee denies those claims, and argues that she was never informed of any issues during the production and was not given an opportunity to address concerns. A lawyer for the producers rejected Renees claims in a statement to the NY Post. We vehemently deny her allegations and will vigorously defend her falsehoods, said attorney Richard Roth. Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com. Steve El-Hassan is best known for his work with bagels. Now hes breaking into brunch. The chef behind wildly popular bagel shop OBagel opened Mile Square Cafe in Hoboken earlier this summer. The restaurants pancakes, breakfast burritos and more have already made it one of the best brunch destinations in the Mile Square City. For El-Hassan, the new eatery is a chance to prove his chops beyond the bagel. OBagel has always been the foundation of who I am, but it doesnt define me El-Hassan told NJ Advance Media. My father founded OBagel, and then I expanded it to make it more of a scalable concept and developed the brand to kind of made it my own. Mile Square Cafe is showcasing who I am now as a chef, as a creator and as a leader. Running a bagel shop is one thing. A sit-down restaurant with an expanded menu is another. But after just a few months of business, its clear El-Hassan is up to the challenge. Breakfast burrito from Mile Square Cafe in Hoboken (Christopher Burch | NJ Advance Media) Christopher Burch Mile Square landed the No. 3 spot on NJ.coms ranking of Hobokens 11 best restaurants, and it takes only a few bites into a visit to see why. The star of the show at Mile Square is the breakfast burrito. Birria-braised beef, French fries, soft-scrambled eggs, a Oaxaca-mozzarella cheese blend, cilantro and onion are all wrapped inside a grilled, crispy tortilla. I have often been underwhelmed by fry-loaded California-style burritos. Not here this is one of the best burritos Ive ever had. The dish was inspired by family meal from line cooks at OBagel. Mexican chilis, tomatoes, onions, garlic and more combine to make what El-Hassan calls a Mexican hot tub. Beef chuck and short rib are braised in the mix for six hours until tender enough to shred. READ MORE: New Jerseys 53 greatest bagel shops The burrito has completely changed our business, El-Hassan said. But Mile Square Cafe didnt put all of its eggs in one burrito. Their lemon ricotta pancakes are fluffy, cloud-like and incredibly flavorful. The accompanying blueberry compote topping is delicious as it is visually appealing, but the crispy edges and fluffy interior of these flapjacks make the dish stand up on its own. Im not ready to say theyre better than the pancakes at The Corner in Montclair, but they are in the discussion. Similar to the pancakes, Mile Squares zeppoles are soft, sweet and exceptionally fluffy thanks to ricotta whey, which is extracted during the in-house cheese-making process. These are a far cry from the dense, overly fried and cloyingly sweet zeppoles you get at some Italian festivals. Jam and cheese toast from Mile Square Cafe in Hoboken. (Christopher Burch | NJ Advance Media) Christopher Burch Another delightful menu items is the eaterys jam and cheese toast made with Mile Squares housemate ricotta, blueberry compote, pistachios and mint. The tart, creamy and nutty ingredients are spread onto a thick slice of OBread made from OBagel dough. Mile Square Cafe in Hoboken. (Christopher Burch | NJ Advance Media) Christopher Burch All these dishes are served in a bustling but not overwhelming dining area, featuring minimalist but thoughtful rustic decor. It was all about creating something that felt like a love letter to Hoboken. I wanted it to feel like its brand new but its been here for 100 years, almost like modern nostalgia. El-Hassan said. I wanted to feel like it represents what a melting pot Hoboken is and the culinary scene of Hoboken. OBagels popularity set Mile Square Cafe up for success, but this isnt simply a spin-off. This is proof that El-Hassan and his team can do a lot more bagel sandwiches. Hoboken has opened their arms wide for us, El-Hassan said. Its been beautiful to see the reception here. More food coverage: Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @SwishBurch. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. Beyond the courts, the club in Jersey City will offer amenities including a water station, vending options, grab-and-go snacks, paddle racks, and a lounge area with co-working space. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com PB Club is set to bring Jersey Citys first dedicated indoor pickleball facility to the Twin City Shopping Center. The PB Club, owned and operated by Ari and Naomi Saposh, will feature three pro-style indoor courts in a modern setting designed for both casual and competitive players. The 8,350-square-foot PB Club is the first facility in Jersey City designed exclusively for pickleball, according Levin Management Corporation, which is leasing the space. No opening date was announced. Beyond the courts, the club will offer amenities including a water station, vending options, grab-and-go snacks, paddle racks, and a lounge area with co-working space. The co-working space allows people that work remotely to utilize a private, sound-proof area while meeting others with a shared interest in pickleball. PB Club is bringing the first dedicated indoor pickleball facility to the Twin City Shopping Center in Jersey City, expanding regional access to the nations fastest-growing sport, according to a statement released in August. Caryl Communications The Saposhs plan to open three additional PB Club facilities throughout Hudson County over the next 18 months, the statement said. The 95,000-square-foot Twin City Shopping Center is located at the intersection of Garfield Avenue and Broadway and 53rd Street, on the Jersey City/Bayonne border just off Exit 14A of the New Jersey Turnpike. PB Club will join existing tenants including Aqui Market, Retro Fitness, Catch Air, Wendys, Taco Bell, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Dunkin and Sakura Teriyaki. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by NJ Advance Media staff. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. MetLife Stadium is the venue in New Jersey you want to catch your next concert at. Big name artists ranging from Chris Brown and My Chemical Romance graced the East Rutherford stage, and more major artists to come, such as Oasis and System of a Down. While getting your hands on concert tickets is always super exciting, the hardest part is securing good seats with a view that wont have you missing anything. MetLife Stadium can hold 82,500 people, which means there are many seats to choose from when it comes to securing concert tickets. As someone who has seen several artists at MetLife Stadium, such as Taylor Swift, I have experience sitting in a number of different areas around the East Rutherford Stadium. Plus, seating charts and guides on venue websites are often not very helpful, and make the process of choosing what section to sit in incredibly difficult. MetLife Stadium seating chart Here is a breakdown of the seating arrangements for MetLife Stadium to help you plan where you want to sit for your next show. Floor Level Seating Floor level seating will have you the closest to the stage and really at eye level with the artists performing. People in this seating area rave on A View From My Seat about how they were able to see clearly and security made sure the aisles were always clear so concertgoers could exit A few who sat on the side of the floor said that it did slightly affect the way the viewed the stage because they had a diagonal view. However, every stage for every concert is different, as a number of artists have multiple stages they perform on and the stage designs are always different. 100 Level Seating This section is the the next closest to the stage and closest to the floor. The floor seat sections range from 101-144, so there are several areas in section 100 to sit at and enjoy whatever show youre watching. On A View From My Seat, people who reviewed their seats raved about how great the sound and views are from their specific seats. However, a few who sat in section 126 said that they had somewhat of an obstructed view due to two towers but it did not affect their show. Its important to note that many seats in section 126 are labeled as obstructed view due to sound systems on the floor being directly in front. 200 Level Seating Next is the 200 level seating, which has mixed reviews, but generally all pretty good on A View From My Seat. This section ranges from 201-250, and can provide a number of different views of the stage. Users of the website comment how there are unobstructed views of the stage but just a little far away from the stage. However, these same reviewers said that the screens were massive so they could see the whole show with ease. Another common comment was that many of the seats were padded, which provided extra comfort for throughout the evening. Also, an individual who sat in section 212 stated that their seat was labeled as obstructed, stating that, you cant see the screen on the other side, or whats going on towards the back of the stage. But, a major plus of sitting in the 200 level is that you can have access to a temperature-controlled club with restrooms, merchandise stands, and food and beverage options, depending on where you sit. 300 Level The 300 level consists of sections 301-350. On A View From My Seat, most reviewers state that they had a great time at their specific show and could hear well, just a bit far away. A reviewer who sat in section 314 said that their seat was fine, they just watched monitors the whole time. Many reviewers commented that the sunny side of the stadium is around section 317, so to be mindful of that when booking tickets for your upcoming show. Upcoming Concerts at MetLife Stadium There are few more tours heading to MetLife Stadium this year that you dont want to miss. System Of A Down Aug. 27 Buy tickets: StubHub | SeatGeek | Vivid Seats Aug. 28 Buy tickets: StubHub | SeatGeek | Vivid Seats Oasis Live 25 Aug. 31 Buy tickets: StubHub | SeatGeek | Vivid Seats Sept. 1 Buy tickets: StubHub | SeatGeek | Vivid Seats Hi, Im Nicole, NJ.coms expert live events and deals writer! Ive made it my mission to find the absolute cheapest tickets for the biggest artists, like Taylor Swift, Billy Joel, Sabrina Carpenter, & more. If you missed the general sale or presale for your favorite artist, you dont have to panic. Ive already done the hard work of sifting through tickets and finding you the best price. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. A Jersey City man, Yusef E. Muhammad, remains at large after he was charged with stabbing a Hasbrouck Heights woman and leaving her at Hackensack University Medical Center. Bergen County Prosecutor's Office A 33-year-old Jersey City man is wanted by authorities after being charged allegedly stabbing a Bergen County woman and trying to shoot her, authorities said. Yusef E. Muhammad was charged with attempted murder in the stabbing that occurred on Aug 18, said Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella in a release. Hackensack Police were called to Hackensack University Medical Center at 9:25 p.m., about a 33-year-old woman being treated there for multiple stab wounds. She was admitted in critical condition, underwent emergency surgery and survived, authorities said. The victim was allegedly stabbed in the torso multiple times by Muhammad, while both were inside her parked vehicle in Hasbrouck Heights, investigators from Bergen County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit and Hackensack Police Department determined. Detectives determined that Muhammad, an acquaintance of the victim, also fired a handgun at her just prior to the stabbing, but she was not struck by the bullet. After the woman was stabbed, Muhammad drove the victim to the emergency room and then fled in her vehicle, which was later found by police on Duffield Avenue in Jersey City. On Aug. 19, Muhammad was charged with first-degree attempted murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree possession of a weapon. Muhammad has not been apprehended and remains a fugitive from justice, authorities said. Investigators have learned that over the past few years, Muhammad worked as a long-haul truck driver. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call the Bergen County Prosecutors Office Tip Line at 201-226-5532. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X@CommutingLarry and on BlueSky@commutinglarry.bsky.social Former national security adviser John Bolton waves as he arrives at his house Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Bethesda, Md. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) AP Former national security adviser John Bolton isnt backing down from attacking President Donald Trump since the FBI raided his home last week. Federal agents conducted the search at Boltons house in Bethesda, Maryland, as part of a probe into his handling of classified documents. Several outlets reported that the investigation was ordered by FBI Director Kash Patel. Bolton was not detained or charged with any crime. Bolton, who served under Trump between 2018 and 2019 during his first presidency, found himself at the center of scrutiny after he published a harshly critical memoir, The Room Where It Happened, that recounts his time in the administration. While some officials have claimed that Bolton disclosed classified information, the Justice Department abandoned its lawsuit against the book and dropped a separate grand jury investigation in 2021. FBI agents carry empty boxes to former national security adviser John Bolton's house, Friday, August. 22, 2025, in Bethesda, Md. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) AP In his first comments on social media since the raid, Bolton wrote on X on Tuesday that Trumps Ukraine policy today is no more coherent than it was last Friday when his administration executed search warrants against my home and office. Collapsing in confusion and haste, Trumps negotiations may be in their last throes, along with his Nobel Peace Prize campaign, Bolton continued, referencing the presidents desire for the prestigious award. Donald Trumps Ukraine policy today is no more coherent than it was last Friday when his administration executed search warrants against my home and office. Collapsing in confusion and haste, Trumps negotiations may be in their last throes, along with his Nobel Peace Prize John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) August 26, 2025 Bolton attached an op-ed that he wrote for the Washington Examiner, published on Monday, in which he offered a sharp critique of Trump after he separately met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent weeks. Trump has repeatedly told reporters that hell know in two weeks what Im going to do. Trumps furious pace trying to move an extraordinarily complex conflict to resolution over the past two weeks was one of several significant mistakes. It inevitably made reaching an agreement on a ceasefire, let alone a full-scale peace agreement, more difficult, Bolton wrote. Of course, its never over until its over, especially with Trump. But his efforts over the last two-plus weeks may have left us further from peace and a just settlement for Ukraine than before, he went on to conclude. In a separate post on X, Bolton said that the Trump administrations failing diplomacy has resulted in international bilateral relationships suffering considerable damage. The longer India hangs out to dry, the worse the New Delhi-Washington relationship gets, Bolton wrote, in reference to how Trumps decision to impose an additional 50% tariff on imports from the country has strained ties between the two nations. Bolton had repeatedly criticized Trumps handling of the Russia-Ukraine war in the weeks leading up to the raid. The day before, he posted that Putins flattery campaign is working Trump over, adding that Its important to remember: Ukraine didnt take anything on, they were invaded. If the White House wants to keep the table set for negotiations, backing down is not how you do it, he said in another post. Our adversaries listen to us when they see our capabilities are much stronger than theirs. Trump on Friday had initially told reporters that he didnt know about the case. Hes not a smart guy, but he could be a very unpatriotic guy, Trump said. Were going to find out. He later changed his tune, calling Bolton a sleazebag: I could know about it. I could be the one starting it. Im actually the chief law enforcement officer. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Rep. Mark Alford (R-MO) appeared to distance himself from President Donald Trump in a town hall that remained uncommonly civil. Alford, while speaking in the west central part of his home state on Monday night, praised Trump at times, but put up a wall when confronted by angry constituents, specifically over the presidents executive actions and the big, beautiful bill signed into law last month. Unlike other town halls hosted by representatives on both sides of the political aisle, Alfords event did not delve into chaos, despite answering questions from a Democratic-leaning audience. The GOP congressman was previously met with criticism over Trumps policies at a separate event shortly after his inauguration. Im not the best of friends with Trump, Alford said during the town hall, which was hosted on the Southwest Baptist University campus. I met him maybe five or six times. Alford, while taking questions from his constituents, acknowledged that he held reservations in how cuts to Medicaid in the GOPs budget megabill will impact rural hospitals. Many rural hospitals rely on Medicaid funding, given they serve a higher share of low-income patients compared to other areas but according to KFF, a health policy research group, the bill could lead to around 17 million people losing their health care coverage due to changes to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Im sure well get into that tonight about the Medicaid issues and how rural hospitals are hurting, because theyre losing some of this money, Alford said. We are trying to make up for some of that with some of the projects were bringing back to Missouri. According to the Associated Press, a woman had told Alford, I dont think youre lying to me, as she disagreed on the effect of the bill on services for children. Alford also recognized criticism of the big, beautiful bill on the surface: I know some people dont like that name. So Im just going to call it HR1. When asked about his stance on the war between Russia and Ukraine, Alford admitted that he doesnt have a close personal relationship with Trump, in which he could say, Look, president, I hope you know that President Vladimir Putin is the aggressor. Alford also hinted that there was nothing he could do to change Trumps point of view, leading to several moments of conflict. I am pissed, and Im pissed at you... I would appreciate you taking your fathers U.S. constitution book, read it, study it, make your own lines underneath it, and get Trump out of office, said Fred, a constituent who introduced himself as a farmer. The man is a dictator. He knows nothing about what he talks about. I listened to him for about a half hour today, and I got sick at all the lies he brought up... You need to take your head out of Trumps a--, and start doing your, your representation of us, he continued. Alford had responded calmly: Fred, thank you so much, and I appreciate your passion and your love for our country. Constituent: I am pissed, and I am pissed at you. The man is a dictator. He knows nothing about what he talks about. You need to take your head out of Trumps ass. pic.twitter.com/B5m3Sx6qve Acyn (@Acyn) August 26, 2025 At an event earlier in the day, Alford told voters that he supports Trumps federal D.C. takeover, but made clear that the National Guard should not be deployed in other cities, KSHB 41 reported, like the president has suggested, unless the governor makes the request. He was attempting to squash concerns related to Kansas City and St. Louis. He also responded to questions from constituents about how cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs could affect their health care. Alford framed the federal workforce staffing crackdown as a mistake a focal point of the Department of Government Efficiency. Alford is set to host town halls in 15 of his districts counties over the next few days. They come as Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), the chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, has told members to not hold in-person town halls. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Stanleys Labor Day Sale is here, and the deals are stacking up up to 40% off. Through Sept. 2 at 2:59 a.m. ET (Sept. 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT), Stanley is offering big markdowns on select drinkware, including those fan-favorite Quencher Tumblers, in a variety of sizes and color options. Stanley Quencher Tumbler 40 oz $45 $34 Save $11 $34 at Stanley You can score a Quencher Tumbler for as low as just $15 with the 40-ounce variety marked down to $27. Stanleys leakproof ProTour Tumblers are also discounted as well as a series of IceFlow Tumblers and IceFlow Jugs. You can also snag an All Day Madeline Cooler for back-to-school lunches for up to $40 off. We are also thrilled to see the price drop on those ultra handy Stacking Pint Glasses for $20 each in several color options. These are great to have on hand when friends and family stop over for a cold one or two. But if youre really looking to grab a Stanley deal for cheap, youre going to want to snag a Quencher Boot and Straw Cover Set or a Stay Smooth Straw Topper for $8. But these Labor Day deals are only here until Tuesday (Monday PT) or while supplies last. 15 deals you can score from Stanley for Labor Day Heres a look at some of the top Stanley deals you can score during this big Labor Day Sale. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Dawn Magyar can be reached at dmagyar@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey A Diane Sawyer Special, is the latest from Diane Sawyer. This time she will sit down with Emma Heming Willis to discuss the daily life of her husband, beloved American actor Bruce Willis, and the difficulties he faces in the aftermath of his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis. The event will begin on ABC on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 8 p.m. You can watch live as it airs on DirecTV (free trial) or Fubo TV (free trial). Sling is also an option, and while it doesnt offer a free trial, it does offer more customization and flexibility than almost any other streaming service. DirecTV Save on your first month of DirecTV Stream, and enjoy a free trial. Buy Now Heres a quick look at Emma Heming Willis and the topics her interview with Diane Sawyer will be centered around, courtesy of the ABC News official YouTube channel: Heres the information youll need to watch a free live stream of Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey online without cable. When Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey in 2025 on? Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey airs on Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 8 p.m. on ABC. How to watch Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey online on-demand If you want to record Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey or want to watch other ABC or FOX content online as it becomes available, check out DirecTV (free trial) or Fubo TV (free trial). Sling TV is also a solid option, and offers a ton of customization. If youre not in the USA, you can still use a VPN to sign up for any one of these services and set your location to a US server. Among the safest choices to use are ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Both services offer massive discounts, along with a 100% money-back guarantee within the first 30 days. Streaming Service Cost Free Trial? DIRECTV $74.99 Yes Fubo TV $84.99 Yes Sling TV $45-$60 No Related stories about streaming TV services Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Joseph Rejent covers TV, writing about live television, streaming services and cord-cutting. He can be reached at jrejent@njadvancemedia.com. NASA plans to launch three rockets, including two with colorful vapor trails, in a 5-minute span. The launch window is set to open Tuesday night, Aug. 26, at 10:30 p.m. and could run as late as 3 a.m. NASA UPDATE: The rocket launch was scrubbed at about 2 a.m. Wednesday because of cloudy skies and other atmospheric conditions. NASA says it will try again between 10:30 p.m. Wednesday and 3:30 a.m. Thursday. If youre up late Tuesday night, youll have a chance to see three rockets streaking across the sky if youre in New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania or several other eastern states. NASA plans to launch three sounding rockets within a 5-minute span from the Wallops Flight Facility in eastern Virginia late Tuesday. The launch was originally scheduled for last week but got postponed because of impacts from Hurricane Erin. A new launch date was set for Monday night, but widespread cloud cover prompted NASA to scrub the launch at about 1 a.m. NASA says it is now aiming for a Tuesday night launch. The launch window will open at 10:30 p.m., and the latest opportunity will be around 3 a.m. The first two rockets will launch within one minute of each other, releasing colorful vapor tracers similar to compounds used in fireworks. These tracers will allow scientists to photograph and map wind patterns in the upper atmosphere, NASA says. Approximately five minutes later, a third rocket carrying specialized equipment will launch. The map above shows areas of the United States that will have an opportunity to see the rockets high in the sky. From New Jersey, viewers will need to look into the south-southeastern sky. While the Wallops Visitor Center will not be open for public viewing of the rockets, NASA plans to provide a livestream on YouTube, beginning five minutes before the launch. Current weather radar Thank you for relying on us to provide the local 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. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Hele Cornmill is 500-years-old this year and is one of the last working cornmills in England - current owners the Jones family have been celebrating the anniversary and looking back at their own time at the mill. It all began 17 years ago on a family holiday in the Isle of Wight standing at the foot of Bembridge windmill, David remarked to his wife Kathy, I wouldnt mind doing up an old mill. At the time, that throw away comment seemed innocuous enough but it led to a total life change in 2011 as the entire family four children, pets and an elderly parent uprooted from busy Isleworth, West London, to Devonshire. Today the mill is an Ilfracombe tourist attraction and continues to grind wholemeal flour using the traditional mill stones and waterwheel. Above: Hele Cornmill is open through the summer season up to October and is one of the few places in England left where traditional milling is practiced using water power. Credit: David Jones Unfortunately, where it once had three streams, it now has one, so milling is mostly reduced to the wettest months of February and March. The Jones family grind flour while the sun doesnt shine and stockpile it for Kathys creations for the idyllic mill tearoom, where everything but the white bread is baked by her using Hele mill flour. Above and below: All the cakes and scones at Hele Cornmill are baked by Kathy Jones using flour ground at the mill. Credit: David Jones The beginning was not plain sailing though, as Kathy recalled: After a few failed starts in securing a mill (a nine-storey windmill in Norfolk, the second highest in England, slipped through our fingers) and having found an impatient buyer for our London home, we searched throughout England for a mill, either wind or water, which was both affordable and manageable. We stumbled across Hele Cornmill which ticked the boxes; it was working but needed some help, there was potential to develop the tearoom business, it was located close to good schools and it was still feasible (we thought) for David to travel back to London to his furniture business when needed. With four children; Ben, the eldest just dropped out of uni, Jennifer at Bath uni, Emily in year 9 about to make GCSE choices and Katie moving up to secondary school, it seemed the perfect timing. Above: The Jones family siblings and friends. Credit: David Jones It was not the easiest of starts Davids furniture business needed more of his time than first thought and he spent a lot of time on the M5, while Kathys elderly father was immediately taken into North Devon District Hospital on arrival and given days to live. Kathy said: He did in fact come back to live in our house and with the help of excellent carers, lived a further 18 months. As for the mill, we opened the tearoom the day after securing the sale. It was a totally new career for us, David being a furniture maker and myself having worked as a bilingual PA. Above: Grinding flour the old fashioned way at Hele Cornmill is a labour of love. Credit: David Jones Cake making has always been a family tradition but making scones was a different thing. Kathy said: Jennifer and I spent an entire weekend trying out various recipes until we found the one. We entered some competitions and won the Best Tearoom award with Devon Life magazine so many times that we were banned from entering. We also appeared as a destination on Escape to the Country, which led to us being featured on This Morning with Lisa Faulkner and All Over the Place as well as filming with Shane Ritchie. All very exciting. We reckon that to date I have now made around 100,000 scones! When they arrived, the mill itself needed gentle maintenance, having been last restored by Chris Lovell in 1974-78. Chris took it on in a derelict state after it had ceased milling in 1961 when the then owner died. Chris, a local engineer, made a very thorough job of repairing it and returned it to milling. During the Jones era, David has repaired the buckets of the 18-foot diameter waterwheel, mended the stone hoist, replaced the launder and repaired the roof. Due to its Grade II Listed status, little could be done with the fabric of the building unless a heritage builder was employed, but this year David and Katie attended a free Heritage Skills course run by Petroc. As a result, Katie took on the task of re-rendering and painting the mill building with traditional hot lime, with the new skills enabling the mill owners to be far more self-sustaining. READ MORE: Hele Cornmill celebrates 500th anniversary by joining Ilfracombe Art Trail Above: Katie Jones has completely re-rendered the outside of the 500-year-old mill using heritage techniques and painted it with hot lime. Credit: David Jones David said: All of a sudden, we could do grand things with the mill, which were all within the keeping of the Grade II listed element, but produced some stunning results, which we wouldn't have got any other way. The initial move was more of a culture shock than either had realised, at first. David added: The move down to here from London, which was always at high speed, I did struggle with at first, because I would be preparing for the day and I thought, is this it? and it didn't have the same dynamism that you had up in London. But as time has gone by, I really do not want to go back to that, even if they gave me a house, I wouldn't go back. Kathy recalled: It definitely is a slower pace of life down here. I remember going in the post office and standing behind someone who was having a chat and I was trying to get the kids to school and I found that quite frustrating. But after a while, you slow down and you become part of it as well. In the winter I love it down here when it's quiet and it's empty. In the summer, it's a bit hectic. We don't tend to go too far. Kathy in particular has enjoyed researching the history of Hele Cornmill and has uncovered more since they moved in. It was built by Lord Fitzwarren, 1st Earl of Bath, in 1525. Above and below: The method of milling flour with ancient grindstones has not changed at Hele Cornmill for centuries and continues to this day when the water is running! Credit: Simon Ellery Over the years the Jones family have researched the mills history of ownership from records in Barnstaple, Exeter, Somerset as well as Manchester and Oxford. They now have a record of mill owners and tenants back to 1525, although 1530-1664 is a bit sparse and also discovered the mill was owned by Mrs Gertrude Pyncombe at the time of her death in 1730. This wealthy spinster set up a charity to support the clergy, churches and schools in Devon and the mill was on the inventory. It was eventually sold by the trust in 1917 and purchased by William Salway, a relative of John Hill who owned the mill from about 1840. The family would particularly like to raise the mills profile, locally and nationally and would like to see more school parties visiting, as these are often a great success any schools interested in finding out more are urged to get in touch. This year they also received a Rural Enterprise Prosperity Fund grant which enabled them to put in disabled parking spaces and a more accessible pathway, as well as create additional information boards about the mills history. Above: Time for tea at Hele Cornmill. Credit: David Jones Kathy said: It's only in February and March, when there's been a lot of rain, that we have enough water to mill on the stones. So after Covid, we made a film, which shows us milling and the process of milling, so visitors can actually see the whole process of making the flour - we like to say that the cakes that we sell here are from mill to mouth. We're very excited the mill's been here for 500 years, we've now been here for 15 and we just want people to come and see what we've managed to discover and to come and learn about the history of the mill and see on the film how it works. David said they have no regrets, but as to the future: There's always plans for the mill, but we have always got our eye in for what might be the next big adventure - but whether or not we're too old or wise to take on another, who knows? Hele Cornmill is open seasonally from April to October and you can find out more at https://www.helecornmill.com. The Japanese Foreign Ministry and local municipalities have rectified misinformation that has been spreading on the Internet over special visas that will be issued to African residents from specific nations. The Japan International Cooperation Agency designated four municipalities in Japan as home towns for African countries in August at the TICAD 9. Nagai City in Yamagata Prefecture was officially designated as the Japanese hometown for the United Republic of Tanzania. Kisarazu City in Chiba Prefecture was designated as the hometown for Nigeria. The Tanzania Times reported that Japan dedicated Nagai City to Tanzania, while the Nigerian government announced that Tokyo would create a special visa category for young Nigerians who want to move to Kisarazu. On Google Maps, the name of Kisarazu City Hall was temporarily edited to Nigeria City Hall. The announcements received backlash from netizens who believed that move was part of the Japanese governments efforts to accept immigrants. Nagai City said that there is absolutely no truth to claims that its city will become part of Tanzania or that it will actively accept immigrants. Kisarazu City also said that the initiative is aimed at cooperating in the education of young talent, and does not involve accepting immigrants or promoting relocation. The city strongly urged JICA to accurately explain the purpose of the Home Town program. JICA and the Japanese Foreign Ministry both publicized statements correcting the misinformation, saying that there are no plans to take measures to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries. Reaching Hispanic audiences requires more than simply translating an English message into Spanish. On PRs Top Pros Talk, Doug Simon, CEO of D S Simon Media, spoke with Sonia V. Diaz, President of the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) and founder of Zaid Communications, about authentic engagement, cultural nuance, and developing diverse talent within the communications industry. When asked, Whats a top tip for people when theyre reaching out to place their clients or their own spokespeople on Spanish-language media? Diaz replied, If youve identified a Spanish language spokesperson, congratulations, youre really already a step ahead of everybody. Youd be surprised how often that is missing in the media mix. She also warns against making assumptions: Never make any assumptions, thats because you might hear them in the office or in everyday life speaking in Spanish all day long, that translates to what maybe needs to be talked about in the business. Her advice: prepare Spanish-language spokespeople with the same rigor as English-speaking ones and involve translators or subject experts to ensure accuracy. Simon followed up: Is it as simple as just having a translator translate the English to Spanish, and then youre good to go? Or is there more nuance? Diaz explained there is a ton of nuance in Spanish usage, with 17 Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, each with its own dialect, slang, and verb forms. She advises adjusting campaigns to the dominant population in a market or using neutral, accessible Spanish for broader reach. You just want to make sure that when youre reaching out, you are catering in a culturally competent way to that audience, she says. Simon also asked about avoiding the pitfall of treating the Hispanic community as a monolith. Diaz stressed the importance of representation: There are people like myself who literally build their careers on understanding these populations, who are able to flag these things for you or bring the right people to the table in order to create culturally and linguistically competent campaigns. Beyond audience targeting, Diaz discussed how communications can foster talent from diverse backgrounds. On behalf of HPRA, shes focused on increasing the talent pipeline by expanding outreach on college campuses, raising awareness about PR careers, and providing mentorship and sponsorship. While some of us may have had 2 or 3 people to support us, a lot of our Latino students or just even students of color dont have anybody to help them navigate in that way, she says. Her mission as HPRA president also includes preparing young professionals many of whom completed school during the pandemic to build in-person relationships and networking skills. For mid-level executives, HPRA offers resources to help them find their next opportunity and encourages them to consider corporate board roles. Diaz notes that corporate leadership helps people be in the boardroom where decisions are made. Simon pointed to the $7 trillion-plus spending power within the Hispanic community and asked whether HPRA plays a role in educating industry leaders about the value of diverse teams. Diaz answered, Yes, absolutely. We serve as a resource for organizations who want to learn more about the Hispanic market. She also emphasized working with partners like the Diversity Action Alliance and the Black Public Relations Society to increase representation industry-wide. In a personal revelation, Diaz shared, I didnt go to college until I was 26. I graduated when I was 30. She tells that story to relieve pressure on young talent: Its okay to take your time. Its never too late to change your mind. Its never too late to take a new path. Her bottom line: authentic engagement with Hispanic audiences starts with cultural competence, intentional preparation, and investing in the next generation of communicators. Were at a space and time where these kinds of things are very necessary, and theyre encouraging, she says. View all of the interviews in the PR's Top Pros Talk series. Interested in taking part? Contact Doug Simon at [email protected]. *** Suchi Sherpa is a Marketing Communications Specialist at D S Simon Media, a leading firm specializing in satellite media tours. Peru has signed Continental Strategy to a $65K monthly retainer pact for strategic communications and government relations work. The firm is to draw up a comprehensive assessment & strategic roadmap for the South American nation, detailing its current standing, strengths and vulnerabilities within the U.S. policymaking landscape. That analysis will include recommendations for mitigating risks and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Continental will facilitate high level government introductions between Peruvian officials and members of Congress, Trump administration staff and private sector leaders. It will directly engage with the Office of the US Trade Representative, Commerce Dept. and the Treasury Dept. regarding how Trumps America First policy impacts Peru. On the PR front, Continental is to create messaging for, and identify communications opportunities connected to, the bicentennial of US/Peruvian diplomatic relations slated for 2026. The firm reports to Perus ambassador Alfredo Ferrero and deputy chief of mission Alberto Gonzales. Donald Trump has been banding around the idea that a lot of people would like see a dictator take over the US government. Who are those people? My hunch is they are living in the presidents head. Trump claims that he doesnt even like dictatorsthough he loves hanging with his buddy Vladimir Putin who doesnt preside over a free society. Hes also a fanboy of Hungarys Viktor Orban. Though he may deny it, the US president is setting the stage for a dictatorship. His Aug. 25 assault on the independence of the Federal Reserve is his latest move to expand his power and control over the economic, monetary, udicial, political, academic and communications levers that guide the country. Trumps move to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook is one of the gravest challenges to the Fed since it became independent 74 years ago, according to the Financial Times. He dreams of replacing Cook with a crony to gain control over the worlds most important central bank, a move that would undermine Americas monetary system and destroy its credibility overseas. The Fed power grab move comes in the aftermath of Trump nationalizing the private sector. Il Duce would have been proud. Trump extorted 15 percent commissions from Nvidia and AMD on their China semiconductor sales in return for a license to export chips to Americas No. 1 geopolitical rival. He demanded and got a golden share from Nippon Steel in order to pave the way for its takeover of US Steel. That shakedown gave the White House veto power over Japanese management decisions at USS. The president okayed $400M to rare earth startup MP Materials, making the Pentagon its largest shareholder. That gives MP Materials an unfair advantage over its competitors. Trump has waged all-out war on Americas judiciary. Judge Thomas Cullen on Aug. 26 threw out a lawsuit that Trump filed against all of Marylands 15 federal judges. Cullen wrote that over the past several months, Trump officials and their spokespeople described federal district judges across the country as left-wing, liberal, activists, radical, politically-minded, rogue, unhinged, outrageous, overzealous and unconstitutional crooked, and worse. Is there a better way to undermine the publics faith in the judicial system? Trump has used his executive power to run roughshod over blue cities, media, universities and law firms. But the final piece of the dictatorship fell into place on Aug. 25. Thats when Trump issued an executive order calling for the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the National Guard is resourced, trained, organized and available to quell civil disturbances whenever the circumstances necessitate it. Or whenever Donald declares a phony emergency. The executive order sets the groundwork for the creation of Trumps own Praetorian Guard, the elite unit of Romes Imperial army that served as a bodyguard unit for the emperor, handled counterintelligence, gathered military intelligence and conducted crowd control. For a dictatorship to succeed, a dictator needs his own private army. It is in formation. Serving another TACO. During his presidential campaign, Trump vowed to spring Hong Kong media baron Jimmy Lai from prison. 100% Ill get him out. Hell be easy to get out, Trump told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. The 77-year-old publisher of the now defunct Apple Daily has been on trial for 154 days for colluding with foreigners under Chinas draconian national security law that it imposed on Hong Kong to crush dissent. Lai has been jailed in Hong Kongs Stanley Prison for more than 1,600 days. Tough talking Trump has now gone 100% TACO on Lai. I didnt say 100% Ill save him, the president said to Fox News Brian Kilmeade. I didnt say 100% Id save him. I said 100% Im going to be bringing it up. Trump is weaseling out, re-writing his own history. Artwork by Lai of the crucified Christ is on display at New Yorks St. Patricks Cathedral. The president should swing by St. Patricks the next time he visits Trump Tower in Manhattan. It might inspire the dealmaker-in-chief to make Lai part of the grand tariff bargain that he is negotiating with China. Cracker Barrels wishy washy stance. Cracker Barrel issued a weak statement in response to killing off Uncle Herschel, and removing the words old country store from its brand. The company is gratified by the love that customers had for the old timer and noted that his image will remain on its menu, road signage and be featured in the general store. Cmon, Cracker Barrel you goofed. Booting Uncle Herschel from the brand but letting him hang around is inconsistent. You are not paying attention to your customers and shareholders. Admit you were wrong and bring the old guy back. Of course, Trump weighed in on the Cracker Barrel crisis. Cracker Barrel should go back to the old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response (the ultimate Poll), and manage the company better than ever before," he wrote on Truth Social. The president noted that Cracker Barrel could get a billion dollars of free publicity if they play their cards right. The guy knows how the publicity game is played. 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 AS many children in Offaly return to Early Years and School Age Care settings this week after the summer break, over 200 children remain on waiting lists for a place. Early Childhood Ireland warns that without significant investment in the Early Years workforce in Budget 2026, efforts to expand capacity will fall short. The latest figures from Pobal, the organisation which administers Early Years programmes, show that up to 222 children under the age of three are currently on creche waiting lists, highlighting the high demand for places in Offaly. The data reveals that there are 47 children under the age of 1 on waiting lists and only 4 places available; 77 children aged 1 to 2 on waiting lists and 4 places available; and 98 children aged 2 to 3 on waiting lists and 26 places available to them. Commenting on these figures, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, Frances Byrne, said, No child should miss out because of failures to invest properly in this vital workforce, yet thats exactly whats happening to hundreds of children in Offaly. Without significant investment in Budget 2026, and a renewed focus on staffing, challenges to recruit and retain educators will continue to block efforts to expand access for families. READ NEXT: Concern over maintenance and care of local roads in Offaly In its Budget 2026 Submission, Early Childhood Ireland has urged the government to name a date to bring pay and conditions for Early Years and School Age Care graduates in line with primary school teachers, who are educated and trained to the same level. This would begin to reverse the average staff turnover rate, which stands at 23% in Offaly. Waiting lists like these would never be accepted in primary education, yet they remain a daily reality for younger children. As a first step to increasing capacity, Early Childhood Ireland is calling on the Government to announce, on Budget Day, a date for bringing Early Years and School Age Care graduates within public sector pay and conditions, in line with teachers, Ms Byrne said. Currently, the government is mainly focused on reducing fees, and although we welcome proposals to increase subsidies for families, this will only create further demand for places. Providers in Offaly will not be able to expand their capacity in settings unless they can recruit and retain qualified staff on appropriate terms and conditions. Naming a date to bring graduates into pay parity with teachers is a crucial next step, she continued. Despite 76 per cent of adults backing guaranteed access to Early Years and School Age Care, according to Early Childhood Irelands 2025 Barometer, this is still far from reality for many Offaly children. Local parents are left with no choice but to place the names of their unborn children on waiting lists, hoping to secure a place by the time the child turns two or three. With up to 77 children between the ages of one and two already waiting, many families know there is little chance of finding a place before then. READ NEXT: Residents of two streets in Tullamore won't tolerate flooding for another winter Its incredibly tough for parents trying to find a place for their child. At the same time, we hear from many of our 58 members in Offaly about how they want to expand, theyre ready to grow, but they struggle to recruit and retain qualified educators. We cant expand access for children unless we improve pay and conditions for those who deliver that care and education. You cant separate the two, and we hope the government sees that. Ms Byrne concluded. Historic Offaly boarding school, Cistercian College, have announced the appointment of a new school principal at a momentous time for the school as it will soon transition to co-education, welcoming female students for the first time. The new principal is Ms Catherine Smyth who has been a member of the teaching staff at Cistercian College for the past 27 years. For over seven of those years she has served as Deputy Principal and for the past two years she has provided steady and capable leadership as Acting Principal. The school stated, "throughout her career, she has shown unwavering dedication to her students, her colleagues, and to the life of the school. Her authentic leadership, courage to lead change, pragmatism, humility, and determination to guide the College into the future make this a truly well-deserved appointment. "The appointment follows a lengthy, competitive, and rigorous selection process undertaken by the Board of Management to ensure that the right candidate was chosen to lead the College at this important time, the College said in a statement. "The calibre of candidates reflected the significance of the role, making Ms Smyths appointment all the more deserved, and the panel was unanimous in its strong endorsement of her." As Principal, Ms Smyth will work closely with the College President, Mr Colm Maloney, the Senior Management Team, teachers, housemasters, and staff to guide Cistercian College into the next exciting stage of its history. She will lead the teaching and learning at the College into a new future, as the school begins its transition to co-education, a significant and historic moment for the school "We warmly congratulate Ms. Smyth on her appointment and look forward to supporting her as she takes on this important role," they concluded. One of the countries largest local authorities has been ordered to pay a disabled persons charity's costs after failing in a bid to compel it through a Compulsory Purchase Order to sell its land for housing. An Coimisiun Pleanala, formerly An Bord Pleanala, has directed Limerick City and County Council to pay more than 22,000 of costs to the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) after the charity objected to the purchase. The Limerick Leader / Limerick Live reports that the Council sought to buy the land, using a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), from the group, which supports people with physical disabilities to live active, equal and independent lives. But the commission rejected the bid. The site, between Bishop Street and the Island Road just outside the city centre, was described by council executives as a scar on the city as things stand. READ MORE: Celebrity chef Donal Skehan in hot water over paid promotions on Instagram The local authority said it wanted to buy the land to allow it to build a new street and housing. And in the course of such development, to safeguard any remains of the walls of Limerick located at the site, according to council executive planner James Griffin. The site has lain idle since the demolition of St Marys Convent in the late 1990s. Mr Griffin added: The redevelopment of this underutilised urban site for residential use represents a strategic and efficient use of land within the existing built footprint of Limerick, contributing positively to the compact growth objectives of the Development Plan. Cliona Corry, an architect at the council added: The site has the potential to provide much-needed inner-city housing. Such development would optimise current social infrastructure and resources, including the adjacent national school, the school of music, the Kings Island Community Centre and the Grove Island leisure centre providing growth. IWA, listed as the legal owners of the land, objected to the councils bid, and an oral hearing took place. The IWA argued that the CPO does not give details of the purpose of the scheme or the need for the public street. READ MORE: ALERT: Popular chicken product removed from supermarket shelves amid salmonella fears They pointed out that since the land came into its ownership, the charity has maintained, insured and protected it at its own expense. The IWA has entered into extensive negotiations to develop and/or sell the land for social housing and use the proceeds for its charitable work, the charitys statement to the hearing continued. Even if public social housing was provided on the land, it would only benefit the occupants of the housing and not the public at large, or be for charitable purposes, they argued. An Coimisiun Pleanala inspector Brendan Coyne recommended the acquisition of the land be approved. He stated: The acquisition of the lands under the CPO would serve a community need that advanced the common good. The particular land is suitable to meet that need. Coyne said the planned acquisition is proportionate and necessary, but he was overruled by the commission itself. They suggested there are other methods to meet the community need for housing, without acquiring the land. The CPO and its impact on the property rights of affected landowners would be disproportionate, they added. They decided to annul councils bid to buy the land. They also considered an application by the IWA for recovery of their costs of appearing at the Comisiun Planala oral hearing - and the Comisiun decided to award them costs of 22,570.60. The Limerick Leader / Limerick Live has clarified that it will be the council which will pay this. IWA did not return a request for comment. A spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council says it has noted the decision. This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week,click here. Yes, the National Guard is already in the streets of Washington, D.C., and count on one thing: thats surely only the beginning. Donald Trump declared a public safety emergency there (think martial law) while announcing a historic action to rescue our nations capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam, and squalor and worse. No matter that crime in that city only recently sank to a 30-year low. Now, just imagine what hes likely to do if, for instance, Zohran Mamdani were to win the mayoral race in New York City in November. The National Guard in the streets? Count on it! The Marines, too, as in Los Angeles only recently? I wouldnt be faintly surprised. And for that matter, President Trump may not care to wait for those election results. Hes already muttering about sending the National Guard to liberal northern cities like New York and Chicago. As Robert Reich recently suggested at his Substack, Washington and whatever follows could be little more than trial runs for the full-scale military occupation of the United States. Who cares that the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 specifically prevents a president from using the U.S. military as his own personal domestic police force? After all, President Trump is already preparing more and worse. As he said recently, Were not going to lose our cities over this. This will go further. Were starting very strongly with D.C., and were going to clean it up real quick. Were going to take back our capital. And then well look at other cities also. But other cities are studying what were doing. Indeed, who isnt? And in that context, let TomDispatch regular Andrea Mazzarino explore the grim subject of the violence that MAGA leaders are likely to commit against whoever crosses, as she puts it, their ravenous path. Tom The Bully in Donald Trumps Bully Pulpit How MAGA Uses Violence to Consolidate Power By Andrea Mazzarino President Trump, his cabinet, and those who have profited from his rise seem to revel in public displays of cruelty. Take former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) head Elon Musk, holding a chainsaw at a televised event to celebrate the firing of civil servants. Or Trumps White House sharing a video featuring Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers marching handcuffed immigrants onto a deportation flight, with Jess Glynnes musical hit Hold My Hand playing in the background. Or how about ICE allowing right-wing TV host Dr. Phil to film its sweeping immigration raids for public consumption? And dont forget those federal agents tackling California Senator Alex Padilla to the floor (and handcuffing him!) when he asked a question at a Department of Homeland Security press conference. Or what about during the first Trump presidential campaign, when the then-candidate boasted that he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue in New York City and he wouldnt lose a voter? Violent imagery helped launch this made-for-TV president on his journey into the Oval Office. Now, hes using it to govern with fear. As journalist Adam Serwer put it, Cruelty is the point. Physical attacks and threats serve both to dehumanize vulnerable Americans (especially people of color) and to suggest what could happen to individuals who speak out against the wealth gaps and other problems of our times. The underbelly of MAGA malice is, of course, greed. Compare the scenes Ive just mentioned to the president welcoming to his inauguration not public figures who had done positive things for the welfare of Americans, but billionaires who made seven-figure donations to that very event. At the Oval Office, he also loves to host those who have presented him with shiny baubles like Apple CEO Tim Cook, who had given him a gold trophy with his companys logo on it. (Even then, Trump used the occasion to mock his visitors slight frame.) Or consider Vice President JD Vance, who got the U.S. military to raise the level of a river so he could take a birthday boat trip on it. And that, tellingly, was only weeks after a real flood in Texas had killed more than 100 people, while the administration slow-walked aid in response to the disaster. And dont forget that the president spent about $45 million taxpayer dollars on a military parade on his birthday in Washington, the very city in which hes decried the homeless population as unsightly (and has now sent the National Guard into its streets). Those same funds could have paid for a significant amount of housing for hundreds of people in that same city. Americas leadership has come unmoored from the values of equality and self-determination outlined in this countrys founding documents. They would prefer to display a let-them-eat-cake America that today boasts more than 800 billionaires (compared with around 60 in 1990), one where the average hourly wage has risen just 20% over the past 35 years less than half what working people need to afford basic necessities like housing, food, and healthcare. Mind you, Donald Trump is anything but solely responsible for creating such steep inequalities. However, hes shown us how little he cares to make things right by cutting spending on health insurance, schools, farm subsidies, and so much more, while attacking the working poor and those who stand up for them. American Carnage Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator According to the Syrian state media, a US-led coalition has captured a senior member of the ISIS group in Atmeh, in the province of Idlib. The exact identity of the man has yet to be disclosed, but many believe it may be the ISIS supreme leader, Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi. Qurashi was named the fifth and current caliph of the ISIS on August 3, 2023. The pre-dawn raid included landing special commandos from helicopters in Atmeh, on the Turkish border. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory of Human Rights, Qurashi was taken away, while a second Iraqi was killed. The man captured was accompanied by a French-speaking woman, but whether she was taken by the Americans, or the Syrians, is not yet clear. There were hundreds of foreign women, mainly Europeans, who flocked to Syria on a Sex-Jihad, during the Syrian civil war. They became the comfort-women of the terrorists fighting to over throw the government of Bashar al-Assad. According to Syrian media, the Iraqi killed was Salah Noman, who had been hiding in Idlib with his wife and mother. He was a senior ISIS operative. This marks the second raid in northern Syria by American troops since Assad was ousted in December. The government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, which replaced him, has pledged to prevent a resurgence of ISIS and is partnered with US-led coalition fighting terrorists. Sharaa had fought with al Qeada against the US in Iraq since 2003, then came to Syria where he led the Jibhat al-Nusra group, which was the Syrian branch of al Qaeda. Finally, while headquartered in Idlib, he changed the group's name to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and denounced al Qaeda. He commanded a coalition of rebels groups that won the revolution, and now he is the President of Syria. He stresses that he is no longer a terrorist, and has dissolved his group. In May, ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack on the Syrian army, marking the first such attack since the fall of Assad. They attack involved a bomb planted on an army vehicle. ISIS view President al-Sharaa as illegitimate, and they view him personally as an apostate and traitor. ISIS was defeated in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019, but its terrorists continue to carry out attack in the region, and worldwide. The ideology of ISIS is basically the same as the Muslim Brotherhood and al Qaeda. In June, at least 25 people were killed in an attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus, with dozens severely injured. Initially, the Syrian government blamed ISIS, but another terrorist group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, claimed responsibility. Idlib is a small, insignificant province in Syria on the Turkish border. Prior to the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, Idlib was best known for its olive trees, and the resulting olive oil production. Once the uprising began, armed fighters known as rebels took control of the Idlib province and it became a haven for armed terrorists, who over time splintered off into many separate branches, included thousands of foreign fighters. The key to Idlib thriving as a haven for terrorist, was the porous border with Turkey. The Turkish government openly supported the rebels, as did the US-NATO war machine. In 2017, US President Trump cut off the US support to the rebels in Idlib. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Sabie Poles, a leading South African manufacturer and exporter of quality CCA-treated timber products, is proud to announce the introduction of its latest edition, Square Jeremy Hart, second to the right, stands with his son, daughter and father at a logging job site in the Willamette National Forest. Tristin Hoffman/Oregonian Its reaching ninety degrees on the top of a nearly cleared mountain deep in the Willamette National Forest. Dust hangs, never settling, in the air, which smells like freshly-cut pine. Jeremy Harts father, son and an employee of his company, Jeremy Hart Custom Cutting, are working three large harvesting machines picking up logs from down in the valley, bringing them to a plateau, cutting the logs and placing them into a truck. What once used to be a job for 12, Hart says, is now a job for three. Oregons forestry sector, once the states driving industry, has scaled back dramatically, the result of modernization and reduced harvests since the 1990s. Yet the industry is still adding workers and looking to replace retirees now with a growing demand for technical expertise. The industrys employers say theyre struggling to fill the jobs they have. Retirements have thinned the ranks, turnover is high and new workers are hard to recruit. Adding to the trouble, a workforce study commissioned by the state and compiled by the firm EcoNorthwest found the sector will add 3,400 jobs annually through 2030. In particular, the report found Oregons colleges and universities arent producing enough forestry graduates to meet demand suggesting Oregon employers might have to recruit from elsewhere to staff some of the highest-paying jobs in a signature sector. Its a counterintuitive finding for an industry thats been cutting further in recent months through the closures of mills and factories. Officials say thats because theres more to forestry work than logging. Its the logging portion of that industry that has been dropping off, said Brian Rooney, an economist for Douglas and Lane counties. Rooney said that mechanization has largely replaced many traditional logging jobs such as loggers, fallers and buckers. Two heavy machine operators work together at a logging site. A worker operating the machine on the right grabs fallen logs in the valley below and brings them to a plateau. A worker operating the machine on the left cuts and trims those logs and places them onto a logging truck. Tristin Hoffman/Oregonian Associated Oregon Loggers, a trade association for logging and forestry businesses, was one of the groups backing the workforce report. Amanda Sullivan-Astor, a forest policy manager for the group, said the jobs most needed in the future might be different from the ones its offered in the past. Instead of having to hire additional staff, which they are having a hard time finding a lot of times, Sullivan-Astor said, theyre looking towards integrating more technology and equipment to hire a few people versus a lot of people. Those few people are often getting paid more and are gaining more transferable skills as well. But that doesnt eliminate the workforce challenges forecast in the report. We need 3,400 people a year coming into this sector, Sullivan-Astor said. If we want to grow to meet that landscape need, we need to do more. Oregon State Universitys College of Forestry is preparing its students to operate and maintain that new machinery. In its mechanized harvesting lab, students use remote controls attached to a computer screen to simulate steering machines similar to the ones Harts employees use. Theyre like giant immersive video games, said Mindy Crandall, an associate professor at the school. We have this facility that gives people that hands-on experience so they can practice before they go out into the woods. Crandall said its essential to recruit new workers for the future of the industry. One way to do that, she said, is to show young people college students and even high schoolers still mapping out their careers that there might be more to forestry than they expect. We have to show people that forestry is an umbrella that holds so many jobs underneath it, Crandall said. High-tech jobs in robotics and remote sensing and drones and GIS (computer mapping) in the woods jobs that are much more than logging. A camera located at the head of the crane shows the machine's operator, often located hundreds of feet away from the crane, where logs are located and where to grab them. Tristin Hoffman/Oregonian The industry also tries to instill an interest in forestry careers among high school students, and the Oregons Department of Education also pitches in funding toward the Future Natural Resource Leaders program, which aims to teach forestry practices to students and has chapters at 32 out of Oregons 207 public high schools. But its a tough sell, said Lori Loeffer, Tillamook High Schools Future Natural Resource Leaders chapter adviser and a natural resources teacher. For them, its really hard, Loeffer said. Most of them dont want to get up at 2 or 3 oclock in the morning, drive out to the forest, go to work, work hard for eight hours a day and then do it all over again the next day. Crandall said the OSU College of Forestrys increased enrollment in recent years but still doesnt meet the industry demand. That ultimately leads to some companies hiring out-of-state workers to fill the gaps. Are we getting enough people coming in to meet the demand? Were not, Crandall said. Thats because we have this disconnect with how people find out about this as an educational path and as a career path. Adam Hopkes, a fourth-generation logger and president of Adam Hopkes Logging Company in Tillamook, said technology hasnt eliminated the arduous manual work most closely associated with the timber industry. He said workers start out in their careers with more physical jobs, like yarders or buckers, and slowly work their way up to more technical jobs. Those jobs are currently reserved for his 50- to 55-year-old workers, he said. Some of that gives the younger generation the wrong impression or false hopes, Hopkes said. Because in our industry, even with all the technology, a big part of it is physical. Youre on the ground. CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly spelled the last name of Oregon State University associate professor Mindy Crandall. The story has been updated with the correct spelling of her name. Tristin Hoffman covers business and breaking news for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach her at thoffman@oregonian.com Noisy Creek, the company that owns the Portland Mercury and The Stranger in Seattle, has now acquired the Chicago Reader alt-weekly. Founded in 1971, The Reader has a venerable tradition but laid off employees in January and said it faced potential closure. The paper didnt disclose terms of its sale but said that its deal with Noisy Creek puts the Reader on solid footing. After facing an immediate cash deficit earlier this year and turning to our community, were building a sustainable business model that creates strength in reader and philanthropic support, the Reader announced Tuesday. Alt-weeklies, like other small and midsized newspapers, have struggled to cover their expenses as readers and advertisers shifted online. Many weeklies closed but Noisy Creek, led by Washington state media executive Brady Walkinshaw, is betting on a turnaround. Noisy Creek bought the Mercury and The Stranger a year ago, promising the acquisition wouldnt produce layoffs and setting a $70,000 wage floor. The company is seeking to augment publishing revenue with philanthropic backing and an events business. By diversifying our revenue sources, we will create the foundation for us to thrive in the long-term and continue to bring you closer to supporting the venues and artists that have come to life in the pages of the Reader for decades, the Reader said Tuesday. The paper said it will continue publishing local, independent journalism and that Noisy Creek has no intention of interfering with our editorial vision. Several police vehicles sit by the intersection of Northeast 148th Avenue and Halsey Street on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Police had stopped the driver of a silver Audi sedan, who fled from officers working a street takeover mission and took them into Vancouver and back into Portland. Zaeem Shaikh/The Oregonian People in a street takeover crowd threw mortar-style fireworks Sunday evening at Portland police officers who were working to disrupt the event. They were in a nearby parking structure and rained down fireworks that burst near police patrol cars, Capt. Chris Burley told reporters Monday. It was frightening for officers, Burley said. To try and curtail this behavior is part of the job, but it doesnt get lost upon me about the stress and the impact that has on officers, he said. Police said the crowd ended up at the Lloyd Center after moving first from near the Kenton neighborhood and then from the area of North Marine Drive and Portland Road. Police said the crowd was hostile as officers moved in and some people threw lit fireworks from above. Street racing participants also surrounded officers who tried to make traffic stops, Burley said. No officer was injured, he said. At the various locations Sunday night, police pulled over 15 cars, towed 10 vehicles and made four arrests, according to initial estimates. Eight drivers fled from officers, police said. The day before, officers spent 10 hours on a mission looking for street racers after seeing events advertised on social media. They pulled over 29 drivers, towed six cars and made two arrests, ending the mission around midnight. Some street racing crowds then gathered later in the wee hours at several places around town, Burley said. Portland police Capt. Chris Burley speaks with reporters outside of the Police Bureau's North Precinct about street takeover events on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. Zaeem Shaikh/The Oregonian Police didnt know about the Lloyd Center event Sunday evening, Burley said, noting that groups have been using private channels to communicate. But officers were out looking for street racers in the Lloyd area, a common spot for the gatherings, and alerted others when they saw people begin to congregate, Burley said. Police received no reports of injuries at any of the weekend racing events, he said. Past street races in Portland have been deadly. People have gotten shot, including a 20-year-old Vancouver man who died in 2022. The same year, a 26-year-old woman died after a street racer crashed into her as she waited at a Portland bus stop. Burley said a 17-year-old passenger died last year when the driver of a car performing donuts flipped on its side. Some takeovers have proved difficult for police to effectively address as they battle staffing challenges and have to respond to other 911 calls. On Sunday night, Burley said officers werent able to respond to emergency calls in as timely fashion because they were addressing street racing events. 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. Richard Robinson, a person of interest in the case, is being held in Colorado. File photo. The Oregonian/File A man is in custody in Colorado in connection with the discovery of human remains inside a storage unit in The Dalles last month. The U.S. Marshals Service arrested Richard Michael Robinson, 59, from The Dalles, on Sunday, The Dalles Police Department said in a statement, calling Robinson a person of interest in the investigation. Robinson was detained on a warrant for failure to register as a sex offender and is being held in Colorados Larimer County Jail in anticipation of extradition to Oregon, officials said. The remains found in The Dalles storage unit were identified as those of Meihong He, a Montana resident, according to police. She was last seen alive in Glenwood, Wash., in May. The remains were found inside an abandoned U-Haul storage facility in The Dalles on July 29. The Mid-Columbia Major Crimes Team continues to investigate. The Dalles Police Department asks anyone with relevant information to call 541-296-2613 or 541-296-2233, or send an email to Policecontact@ci.the-dalles.or.us. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive Southern Oregon prosecutors unsealed a walloping 371-count indictment against Brian Tenney owner of the West Coast Game Park Safari roadside zoo that has been dogged by animal maltreatment complaints for years. Tenney, 53, made his first appearance Monday in the Coos County Circuit Court to hear the charges, which include some 320 charges of second-degree animal neglect, a felony, as well as unlawful possession of methamphetamine, cocaine and a machine gun. The most serious charge lodged against Tenney is racketeering, which carries a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. Defense attorneys for the park owner didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Tenney was released after his daughter posted 10% of his $160,000 bail on Monday, records show. Federal agriculture department inspectors have raised concerns about the 21-acre park in Bandon since at least 2016, when an employee tried to shoot an agitated black bear but missed and instead wounded another bear in an enclosure, The Oregonian/OregonLive previously reported. Both bears were ultimately killed. In more recent years, inspectors found evidence that animals were wasting away without food or dying without proper documentation. The West Coast Game Park Safari is located in Bandon, Oregon. Margaret Haberman/The Oregonian Oregon State Police troopers ultimately raided the park in mid-May and announced Tenneys arrest two weeks later. Charges werent filed until now, however. The indictment provides few new details but lists an arks worth of animals that were allegedly neglected, ranging from an elk and racoon to a zebra and chimpanzee. Listed as a co-defendant in the case is Edith Beckner, a 30-year-old zoo employee. She faces a 315-count indictment composed of similar charges, according to TV station KEZI, who said Bandon police arrested her Friday. Court records show only a DUII and unlawful possession of cocaine case filed against her so far. It was unclear if she has an attorney and Beckner didnt immediately respond to a phone call. Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, zsparling@oregonian.com or @pdxzane. Registered Nurses at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center celebrate their vote to join the Oregon Nurses Association in 2023. The nurses are poised to strike if they can't reach an agreement with Legacy Health. Courtesy of the Oregon Nurses Association More than 400 nurses at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center reached a tentative contract agreement with the health system, avoiding a potential strike, the Oregon Nurses Association announced on Saturday. Nurses at the Gresham medical center authorized a strike in mid-August, frustrated at what they cast as a lack of adequate progress in contract negotiations that started in 2023. The Legacy Mount Hood nurses said they want pay that is more competitive with other health systems, a stronger voice in decision making and affordable healthcare of their own. Saturdays announcement from the Oregon Nurses Association said the tentative agreement struck between nurses and the hospital includes competitive wages, paid time off for nurses who get assaulted in the workplace and dedicated security staffing. The full union still needs to approve the tentative contract. This tentative agreement demonstrates a real commitment to frontline caregivers, patients, and our community as a whole, Mount Hood nurse and bargaining team member Jenni Suarez said in the statement. If ratified, this contract will help recruit and retain nurses and ensure our patients receive the care they need and deserve. Ten other bargaining units represented by the Oregon Nurses Association are still negotiating with Legacy Health as some 4,000 caregivers work to unionize. We are pleased with this development, which reflects our continued commitment to supporting our nurses and ensuring high-quality care for our patients and the communities we serve, Legacy Health said in a statement on Monday. Author Rebecca Yarros with a copy of her novel, "Onyx Storm." Katie Marie Seniors Award-winning author Rebecca Yarros, best known for her romantic fantasy Fourth Wing series, will headline this years Portland Book Festival on Saturday, Nov. 8. In her first-ever Portland appearance, Yarros will be joined in conversation by local author Laini Taylor (Daughter of Smoke and Bone series) at 10 a.m. at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Tickets to the Yarros event go on sale at 10 a.m. (Pacific Time) Tuesday, and must be purchased in addition to festival general admission. The Portland Book Festival, hosted by Literary Arts, will reveal its full lineup including a second headlining author at noon Tuesday, when general admission tickets go on sale. Tickets to Yarros event, which include a wristband to attend other Portland Book Festival events, are $53 (plus fees) with a signed copy of Onyx Storm, or $23 (plus fees) without a book. The Portland Book Festival takes places across 10 stages at six venues in downtown Portlands south Park Blocks on Nov. 8. The event includes more than 100 authors and interviewers, drop-in writing workshops, pop-up readings, local food trucks, and a book fair. General admission is $18 in advance or $25 at the door (plus fees), and includes a $5 voucher to use at the book fair. Youth under 18 or with a high school ID get in free. Arts for All passes are available for $5 to SNAP/Oregon Trail Card holders. For tickets and more information, visit pdxbookfest.org. Yarros, a bestselling author of more than 20 novels, lives in Colorado, but she might be spending more time in Oregon over the next four years. Last month, she announced on her Instagram page that her son will be starting his freshman year this fall at University of Oregon. My partner and I own a home in the Hazelwood neighborhood. Like thousands of families in the area, we rely on the Fred Meyer store for our weekly groceries. We are all heartbroken to learn the Gateway Fred Meyer will close in September after 70 years of operation, (NE Portland Fred Meyer to close, July 16). The Gateway Shopping Center anchored by this Fred Meyer has been in decline for years. We have seen little effort to fix it, except for TriMets recent improvementsat the Gateway Transit Center. Now is the time for our new mayor and city council to act. With the high cost of living in Portland, I read that New York City is considering a network of city-owned grocery stores focused on keeping prices down for the community. Lets pilot something like this right here at Gateway. Additionally, lets help the people at the BottleDrop on Northeast122nd Avenue, which has a line of desperate Portlanders with bags of beverage containers in need of money. Too many are struggling with addiction, and sadly, a group of drug dealers stands by, ready to take advantage of them. Lets get outreach workers and police to connect them with services now. With the draconian cuts in health care and food stamps coming from Washington D.C., we need urgent and courageous leadership from our local government. Kate Trusewicz, Portland To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. A person smokes fentanyl in an area of downtown Portland where pervasive use of the drug was a frequent sight in 2023. Both public use of and overdoses on fentanyl have decreased in the past two years. Beth Nakamura/The Oregonian Editors note: We recently asked readers to send in their most burning questions about homelessness. One of the top questions was: Does addiction cause homelessness? This post is our first attempt to provide an answer to that complicated question. Addiction is a significant problem among people who are homeless, but it is a lot less clear whether it is the cause of homelessness for those people. A detailed survey of homeless people in California conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco found that 35% of the homeless people interviewed said they used illicit drugs at least three times a week. Thats higher than in the general U.S. population. The share of people with a diagnosed substance use disorder, including alcohol use disorder, is about 17%, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. In the California survey, methamphetamines and opioids were the most commonly used illicit substances. Of those who reported a substance use disorder, 42% said they first began using illicit substances after they became homeless. Heavy drinkers, drug users and people with hallucinations or other severe mental illness were also more likely to be unsheltered, with 89% of people in the California survey who had those conditions saying they lacked indoor shelter. While such detailed survey results dont exist for Oregon, just over a quarter of homeless people included in a 2023 Portland tri-county area survey who said they had a disabling condition said that condition was a substance use disorder. To better understand the interaction of homelessness and addiction in the Portland area, we interviewed Dr. Amanda Risser, the chief medical officer at Central City Concern, a Portland health care organization focused on treating homeless people, about how two of the most common illicit drugs affect those addicted to them. Risser is a family doctor, an addiction doctor and a preventative medicine doctor. Shes been practicing medicine since 2002 and has been at Central City Concern since 2019. Her answers to our questions were thoughtful and nuanced. We present them here, edited for length and clarity. The Oregonian/OregonLive: A few years ago everybody in Portland was kind of hit on the side of the head with fentanyl sweeping in. Where are we with that crisis? Dr. Amanda Risser: The drug supply really affects the health of our patients and what their day-to-day experiences are. And its not something we can control because the drug supply is subject to a lot of different pressures that are complicated and they change. They can change pretty quickly. In our case, fentanyl arrived in our community and heroin pretty much went away about the same time that COVID happened and also about the same time that Measure 110 went into effect. A lot of those events became conflated. But from a substance use disorder perspective, we saw a pretty dramatic change around 2019 and 2020. (Before that), our patients who were using opioids were primarily injecting or smoking heroin. Heroin has a pretty long half life and it is absolutely risky in terms of its risk of overdose death, but less risky than fentanyl. And then pretty much overnight, our patients could no longer find heroin. For many people, heroin would be the preferred substance to use because of some of the advantages to functioning that are present with heroin compared to fentanyl. We (then) had a very abrupt change from heroin to folks using fentanyl, which has a very short effect in the body. Its very difficult to treat withdrawal and has some other side effects that, even to this day, we dont really understand all that well, including leg swelling. That can be pretty significant. Another thing that happened around that time is that co-occurring use went up significantly. So it used to be that about 20% to 30% of folks using opioids would also be using stimulants (like meth). Now, its like 80% to 90%. The Oregonian/OregonLive: You mentioned that there are some side effects on the body of using fentanyl and also that fentanyl has a short effect in the body. Can you explain that in a little more detail? Risser: So what it means to our patients who are using this very high potency opioid is that it quickly causes a fair amount of tolerance. And tolerance means that you need to use more of the substance to have an effect. And what that means for our patients is that they are using large amounts that can put them at higher risk of overdose death. Theyre (also) using really frequently because it has a very short duration of effects in the body and that just really changes the way that they can function. It would be pretty normal for a heroin user that Id be treating to use heroin three, four, or five times a day, maybe, if they had a particularly heavy habit. It is (now) normal for me to take care of people who are smoking fentanyl every 30 to 60 minutes while they are awake. The Oregonian/OregonLive: Wow. Risser: Yeah. So a lot of the things that folks started seeing in our community with public drug use, it was more around just the frequency of exposure. Now were having people that are dependent on fentanyl who are using pretty much all day, every day. And then folks are using mass methamphetamines. The methamphetamine supply now is also really cheap. Its pretty normal for folks to tell me that theyre not even paying for methamphetamine. Its just so ubiquitous. And so they are often using methamphetamines in order to stay awake, to stay alert, stay vigilant. (There are) a whole host of other issues that can come along with methamphetamine use. The Oregonian/OregonLive: You make it sound really hard to keep doing this. So whats the upside for somebody who is using? Risser: I think thats such a complicated question. Its really hard sometimes to understand the motivations for folks using substances. What my patients tell me is that, and this is supported through good neuroscience research, initially use might be for fun, to feel good, to feel different, to cope with pain, to cope with trauma, to cope with mental health issues, to cope with the stress of homelessness. ... But after a period of time, most people have the experience of their body being physiologically dependent on the substance and the withdrawal symptoms are really uncomfortable and very destabilizing and very difficult to cope with. And they may be using at this point just to stay well and to avoid the consequences of withdrawal rather than to feel good. The Oregonian/OregonLive: So for heavy users, can you talk a little bit about what the physical effects are of long-term, essentially multi-year use? Risser: Yeah, we see all kinds of stuff. We worry about heart problems with meth use or cocaine use. Well, and alcohol use too. We definitely take care of folks with alcohol use disorders as well, so theres that. But focusing on meth, we worry about high blood pressure. We see folks with lung problems from smoking methamphetamines. Methamphetamines rev up your heart and your cardiovascular system so that folks do get meth-related heart failure or heart problems, including stroke or heart attacks. Methamphetamines can (also) have a direct effect on pregnancies. And then there are some secondary psychiatric effects as well: Anywhere from anxiety to psychosis, which is a known side effect of really any stimulants. That can be temporary while folks are using the drug and then improve with cessation. Or it can be residual. The Oregonian/OregonLive: Can you explain what residual psychosis from meth is and how long it might last? Risser: It can be hard to figure out: Is this the chicken or the egg? What came first? Sometimes people who have mental health disorders use drugs. Some people who use drugs develop mental health disorders. It can be complicated. What we do know is that there are some folks who develop disordered thinking, paranoia, hallucinations and various delusions. For some folks, it goes away immediately when they stop using. For some people, it will go away eventually, but it takes a few weeks to a few months. Some people have symptoms that improve over the course of weeks to months, but never fully go away. And some folks, its a little harder to tell. You know, they might have more serious symptoms that last longer. And then its like, well, is this an underlying issue that was kind of like, pushed into existence and made worse by stimulant use? Or is this all because of the stimulant use? Some reporting thats been done implies its going to be inevitable that (people who use stimulants) develop these psychotic symptoms and that theyre ruined for life. Thats not what we see. The Oregonian/OregonLive: On the recovery front, what is available to successfully treat addiction to these drugs? Risser: We have fantastic medications to treat opiate use disorder. They are so effective. The problem is that theyre not very accessible and theres a huge amount of stigma. I can treat opiate use disorder and expect significant improvement from the medications that we have: Methadone and buprenorphine. We dont have fantastic medications for methamphetamine use disorder. We do have some approaches that are pretty well supported. One of the most effective approaches is called contingency management where you actually use game theory and some cash prizes or other prizes to help people recover. We use residential treatment. We use outpatient intensive treatment. We use supported housing like alcohol and drug free housing. We use aggressive recovery supports, like professional peers, recovery communities, exercise, stress management tools, treatment of co-occurring mental health disorders like anxiety, depression. A lot of folks who are in recovery from methamphetamines are dopamine starved because methamphetamine really messes up your dopamine levels in your brain. And so we try really hard to normalize how blue someone might feel and promise them it will get better, because it does. But it can be really tough. The Oregonian/OregonLive: Ive heard that relapse can be as high as 85% depending on the drug. Is that accurate? Risser: Its probably different for different substances, but use recurrence is normal. Thats something we expect. Theres ways to identify the triggers and help people come up with relapse safety plans. The Oregonian/OregonLive: Ive heard a lot of disagreement about whether addiction comes first or homelessness comes first. Do you have any thoughts on that? Risser: Ive taken care of folks whose use disorder led to their homelessness and I have had folks whose homelessness led to their use disorder. I just think the best way to figure out whats going on is to talk people who are experiencing homelessness and learn their stories. Substance use disorders are really important to treat whether youre homeless or not. And its an important part of recovery and regaining housing for anybody whos homeless. I think that those questions would be less interesting to us if folks had better access to treatment when they needed it. The Oregonian/OregonLive: Is there anything else that you wish our readers to know? Risser: It can be upsetting to be around people who are using drugs and whose behavior might not feel safe to you. It can be tough as a community member to navigate some of the issues that come along with homelessness and may or may not be related to substance use. Like, there was a bunch of poop in front of my office today and its not awesome. That person may or may not have had any substances in their system, but with nearly 8,000 (unsheltered) homeless individuals in our community, thats just the reality of our urban environment right now. I really empathize with people who have difficult feelings around whats happening in our community. When we attribute (feelings to people with substance use disorder) like, Oh, they must just want to die. Or theyre choosing this. Its more complicated than that. Something I love about my job is I work with a bunch of folks who have recovered from substance use disorders and have in the past engaged in some behaviors that they really wouldnt have otherwise and are now professionals who do amazing work with our community every day. I would encourage (everyone) to see folks as individuals who do have the possibility of recovery with the right supports and to be really curious about what kind of solutions we need to build in our community to help support folks. Because not everybody whos using wants to be using. And a lot of folks dont have access to treatment. And for people who do want to use, there are still things we can do to see them as humans and people in our community who deserve respect and have stories and have relationships that are important to them. They have lives that have worth. Jalen Warren, 24, had been living outside for four years when he posed for this photo in December 2024. Warren, who said he has struggled with addiction, said hed be nervous to leave the streets now because the people he stays with are his family. Mark Graves/The Oregonian Lillian Mongeau Hughes covers homelessness and mental health for The Oregonian. Email her with tips or questions at lmhughes@oregonian.com. Or follow her on Bluesky @lmonghughes.bsky.social or X at @lrmongeau. Lori Chavez-DeRemer speaks at the hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on her nomination to become Secretary of Labor. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Jacquelyn Martin |Associated Press A top Trump administration official who previously represented Oregon in Congress is ready to roll out the red carpet for federal law enforcement in her political home state. U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer made the remarks during a televised cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump. Thank you for what you are doing with your agents on ICE, and thank you for the prosecution, and I hope you will come to Portland, Oregon and crack down, Chavez-DeRemer said. Seated nearby were Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who controls the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has touted the arrest of cartel members in Oregon. We are expecting a crackdown, Chavez-DeRemer added, glancing at the two other officials. So far, ICE activity has largely focused at the agencys base in South Portland, where black-clad protesters have appeared on a nightly basis, leading to several clashes. ICE agents detained four farmworkers during a traffic stop in Marion County earlier this month. Others have been detained immediately after their immigration hearings at the federal courthouse. ICE officials also arrested a 38-year-old chiropractor originally from Iran outside his childs Montessori school last month. Bondi memorably crossed swords with U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, in June when Merkley peppered Bondi with questions about Trumps cryptocurrency and the risk of influence peddling. The former mayor of Happy Valley, Chavez-DeRemer rose to prominence when she was elected to the U.S. House representing Oregons 5th District in 2022. Janelle Bynum entered the race two years later and unseated Chavez-DeRemer by just over 10,000 votes. Chavez-DeRemer was then confirmed as head of the U.S. Labor Department in March. Trump held court for over three hours Monday, exchanging effusive praise with many top officials. Chavez-DeRemer spent most of her five minute exchange discussing an ongoing 50-state tour of American industry and workplaces. There are still good people in Oregon, she said. I was able to visit Buckeye Pacific, really a trading floor for the timber industry. Youre doing a fantastic job, Trump replied. The lumber company is based in Tualatin. An employee who answered the phone said Chavez-DeRemer visited late last week. The Oregonian/OregonLive reporter Jonathan Bach contributed to this article. Zane Sparling covers breaking news and courts for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-319-7083, zsparling@oregonian.com or @pdxzane. U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, left, attended the 2025 Eastern Oregon Economic Summit in Pendleton in late July. Bentz, who represents most of eastern and southern Oregon in Congress, has no publicly scheduled events until Sept. 8. Alex Baumhardt / Oregon Capital Chronicle By the time Oregons seven congressional Democrats return to work in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 2 after their August recess, they will have collectively clocked more than six dozen public town halls, roundtables, constituent meetings and tours across the state, according to schedules shared with the Capital Chronicle. The states lone Republican in Congress, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, of Oregons 2nd Congressional District, has no publicly scheduled events until Monday, Sept. 8, when hell hold a telephone town hall he announced last week. Hes so far shared little about his schedule over the recess that began July 24, and his spokespersons did not respond to multiple emails over three weeks from the Capital Chronicle, requesting details about how he would spend the nearly six weeks hes away from D.C. The August recess, mandated since 1970, is typically a month-long window for members of Congress to return to their home states to meet with and hear directly from constituents. But Bentz and Republicans have been discouraged by their partys chair since earlier this year from holding town halls, at which members have faced heated questions over Trump administration policies, federal budget and staff cuts, and the recent GOP tax and spending measure passed by Congress. After holding four in-person town halls in February at which he was met with protests, Bentz has held just one, virtual town hall since. The current recess is longer than most. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson called for his chambers recess to begin a week early to prevent a vote on a measure requiring the U.S. Department of Justice to provide Congress with materials from the agencys investigation into convicted pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. From July 24 to Sept. 2, Oregons Democratic U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Democratic U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Janelle Bynum, Maxine Dexter, Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas will hold or have held 16 town halls, 17 roundtables and 47 constituent meetings and tours. Bynum, who recently spoke at an event in Madras hosted by the Oregon Nurses Association, called out Bentz, who had also been invited but did not attend. He represents Madras in Congress. I mean, where are you at, boy? she said at the event. Rep. Cliff Bentz At the beginning of the recess on July 25, Bentz attended the private Eastern Oregon Economic Summit in Pendeleton, where he gave a rambling speech about what he said are the benefits of consolidated Republican power across Congress. According to his posts on X, formerly Twitter, Bentz on Aug. 20 met with Dalles Mayor Rich Mays to discuss the areas drinking water. He also spoke at a meeting of the local Rotary Club in The Dalles, where he told Oregon Public Broadcasting that he would visit 10 counties before returning to D.C. to meet with small groups and to meet privately with representatives of hospitals in his district. Between Aug. 2 and those posts on Aug. 20, Bentz did not post anything on X about Oregon meetings or events. On Aug. 21, he posted that he met with staff at the Deschutes Rim Health Clinic in Maupin and with local outfitters along the Deschutes River. The next day he posted photos of a meeting with the chair of the Wasco County Commission and photos from a visit to a 25th anniversary celebration of the Madras Airshow. On Aug. 22 he visited the Redmond Air Base. On Monday, posted a photo of himself with Mt. Vernon Mayor Kenny Delano and he wrote they discussed the recent tax and spending bill passed by Congress and its impact on small communities. In addition to his telephone town hall scheduled for Sept. 8, Bentz has scheduled a telephone town hall for Sept. 17. Dems join forces Many of Oregons congressional Democrats have joined forces to host events. Dexter, of Oregons 3rd Congressional District, and Salinas, of Oregons 6th Congressional District, joined Wyden to hold a press conference and meet with the CEO of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette to talk about cuts to the health care provider under the Republican budget bill. Dexter and Bonamici, who represents Oregons 1st Congressional District, toured the Port of Portland to get updates on the cleanup at the Portland Harbor Superfund Site. Hoyle joined Wyden and Merkley for a health care roundtable on Aug. 20 in Eugene with local doctors and medical staff in Lane County to discuss the impacts of the Republican budget for providers and patients. Wyden, Dexter, Merkley, Salinas and Bonamici joined one anothers various roundtables and town halls on immigration issues, impacts of President Donald Trumps tariff policies and impacts to health care and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, in Oregon from the Republican budget. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici Since July 28, Bonamici has held two roundtables, nearly 30 constituent meetings and tours, and one town hall. Shes met with veterans in Portland, school superintendents from across the state, officials at the Port of Portland, at the Oregon Head Start Association and staff at the Oregon Food Bank and a food bank in St. Helens. She met with Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty at a senior housing project being built in the city, met with officials at two medical clinics in Hillsboro, spoke with staff at Woodfold Manufacturing in Forest Grove and visited the Adelante Mujeres Farmers Market in Forest Grove, among other events. Rep. Janelle Bynum Beyond attending the event hosted by the Oregon Nurses Association in Madras, Bynums August schedule includes a telephone town hall, an in-person town hall in Molalla, a tour with staff of the Redmond Air Center a U.S. Forest Service hub for wildland firefighting a tour of the Mompano solar farm in Beaverton, a farm tour in Molalla and roundtables with labor unions and small businesses. Rep. Maxine Dexter Dexter arguably has the most packed recess schedule. Shes participated or is participating in four roundtables, three town halls and shes joined more than 20 constituent events and tours, including an aerial tour of her district to oversee examples of forest clearcutting, and visited the Portland Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facility. Dexter met with veterans in an arts program in Portland and visited the Veterans Affairs clinic in Fairview, visited a mental health clinic and recovery center in Portland and two affordable housing communities in Southeast and North Portland. She toured the Danner Boot factory in Northeast Portland, met with the Hood River sheriff to discuss rural search and rescue needs, and is currently on a four-day fact-finding trek on Mt. Hood with tribal leaders, conservation advocates and policy makers that will be rounded out by a town hall in Government Camp. Rep. Val Hoyle Hoyle held her 16th town hall of the year in Eugene during the August recess and was joined by Merkley. She also hosted a roundtable with the nonprofits Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon and Food for Lane County to discuss impacts of Republican spending cuts to SNAP and met with the Port of Coos Bay Intermodal Project team to discuss the potential to build a new shipping container terminal there. Rep. Andrea Salinas Salinas by Sept. 2 will have logged three roundtables, two town halls and 10 constituent meetings and tours. Those include meetings with staff at medical clinics in Aumsville and Tigard, a police ride-along in Newberg, roundtables with farmers at Pape Machinery and the farm bank AgWest and visits with small businesses and the Woodburn Rotary Club. Sen. Jeff Merkley Merkley this recess hosted two roundtables in central Oregon and one in Eugene and hosted a town hall. The roundtables, in Bend and La Pine and Eugene, were with local community health centers to discuss the impacts of the Republican budget bill as well as impacts of Trumps tariff policies on businesses and manufacturers. Merkley is currently on a tour of Israel, the West Bank, Jordan and Egypt with U.S. Sen. Chris Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, to observe humanitarian aid efforts to Gaza and press for an end to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Sen. Ron Wyden Wyden will have hosted four roundtables, four town halls and 15 constituent meetings by Sept. 2. Many are focused on tariff impacts, cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, and wildfire preparedness. -- Alex Baumhardt, Oregon Capital Chronicle, abaumhardt@oregoncapitalchronicle.com Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. - The "still here" mural on Northeast Russell Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard was part of the 2021 Black Portland Matters Art and Placemaking Initiative, a city project connecting local organizations with Black artists to commission public art. Sharita Towne The Northeast Portland mural was supposed to be a subtle nod to Black communities in the aftermath of Portlands 2020 racial justice protests. Were still here, it said, set against a minimalist color palette. It invited contemplation. It also invited waves of graffiti and then a not-so-subtle response from the building owner who lent his wall to the artwork. He bolted a sign in the corner that declared: This mural honors Black residents that are still here. Tagging it is racist. Then things got more complicated. It became a Portland story one about a city grappling with its history of displacing Black residents from their neighborhoods. A city imprinted with so much graffiti that it recently assigned police to track down taggers and ramped up prosecution efforts. A city with a reputation for celebrating creativity. Heres how the story began. A TENDER TIME The artwork on Northeast Russell Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard was part of the 2021 Black Portland Matters Art and Placemaking Initiative, a city project connecting local organizations with Black artists to commission public art, mainly in the North and Northeast Albina District and East Portland. When Sharita Townes mural design was selected, the artist felt keenly aware of Portlands recent history. The city had just emerged from the COVID-19 lockdowns and a summer of turbulent protests after George Floyds murder. Tensions were high, talks of equity and justice hung in the air and some looked to public art as a way to reignite hope in isolated communities. Towne, now 40, painted a simple landscape with blocks of different shades of green topped with an orange, yellow and blue sky and the words still here. It was meant to be a breathy and airy homage to the resilience of Portlands Black communities, she said, and it was purposely placed in the Eliot neighborhood of the Albina District, the heart of Black Portland destroyed by urban renewal. The state swallowed homes and businesses to build Interstate 5 through Portland in the 1960s. The state highway department bought this house and others along the I-5 route, later auctioning them to allow scavengers to remove fixtures, furnaces and other valuable items before demolition. The site on North Missouri Avenue is now a cement wall; the freeway is on the other side. Oregonian file She wanted the mural to honor Portlanders who, like herself, are descendants of the Great Migration of Black people north and westward from the South in the 1900s. A quote encapsulates Townes research on Black migration and racial displacement, she said: A footnote in the author Richard Wrights 1945 autobiography Black Boy, excerpted in Isabel Wilkersons bestselling book about the Great Migration, The Warmth of Other Suns. I was leaving the South to fling myself into the unknown, Wright wrote. I was taking a part of the South to transplant in alien soil, to see if it could grow differently, if it could drink of new and cool rains, bend in strange winds, respond to the warmth of other suns and, perhaps, to bloom. Towne wanted the mural, its sprawling greens stretching to a horizon, to reflect those words. She wanted it to celebrate the persistence of Black people, but also wanted its message to extend to anyone after the isolation of the pandemic. She wanted it to provoke thought, but not more destruction. In the months before, just up the street from the still here mural, someone had sprayed the web address for a white supremacist group on a mural depicting George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, three Black people killed by police or vigilantes. That same year, vandals had also defaced a separate mural depicting Floyd and a canvas with Taylors image. It felt very important to me, at a tender time, to not create something that would attract white supremacists, Towne said recently. I wanted it to be a very subtle nod to the people that are still here, even through losing family members, through different public and private disinvestment in Black life, even after the long trip from the Black South to this place we are still here. The finished "still here" mural, before it was tagged. Sharita Towne AN ENDLESS CYCLE But that didnt stop the graffiti. Who knows if the people wielding spray paint canisters thought about the message or what it meant or if they simply saw an inviting canvas for graffiti. As soon as the mural went up in 2021, it started getting hit, said Salvador Mayoral IV, the deputy director of public art for the Regional Arts and Culture Council. We were really shocked by how much graffiti it was getting that first year. The Regional Arts and Culture Council, along with the citys Bureau of Transportation, led the Black art initiative behind Townes project. The council helped manage the contracts, permitting and payment for the $11,000 mural, Mayoral said, and was also responsible for maintenance within its first two years. Council officials sent anti-graffiti crews to power wash the tags off, but that quickly proved futile: The wall would get cleaned, then it would get hit again, Mayoral said. The mural attracted graffiti even before it was fully finished. Here, a tag reading "Jamal" in black letters marks the bottom left corner of the base layer. Sharita Towne Towne characterized the tags as graffiti but not vandalism. They didnt promote white supremacy or other hateful messages, as far as she could tell. Instead, they were loopy bubble letters spelling out names and acronyms, sometimes in green shades she thought actually complemented the murals landscape. She didnt mind that kind of stuff, but Mike Warwick did. He owns the building where Towne painted the mural and several others in Portland, so he knows that repainting can be a headache, removal services expensive and taggers tough to deter. The city, which has struggled to rein in rampant graffiti, requires property owners to remove tags on their buildings within 10 days of notification from its graffiti abatement program or else face fines. Although the arts council covered removal services at least once or twice for the still here mural, Warwick said, he had to handle it on his own other times, at one point shelling out nearly $5,000 to a local graffiti removal company. He found himself trapped in the endless cycle that vexes many building owners: Getting rid of graffiti on a wall one day just to find someone has scrawled on it again overnight. The tags on the "still here" mural were often loopy bubble letters spelling out names and acronyms. Sharita Towne CUTTING TO THE CHASE By February 2023, more than a year after the mural was finished, it was clear that removal services werent enough. Towne and Warwick decided to paint over the bottom half of the mural with a single green color, replacing the multishaded green blocks, to make it easier for Warwick to paint over tags. The green layer helped some, Warwick said, but the graffiti continued. He decided to take matters into his own hands. He emailed Towne and regional arts council officials that May to let them know he was planning to install a sign. Towne asked to see a photo. Lets see what makes sense, she wrote in response. Im open to signage being attached to the artwork, but would like input on how its written and fabricated. But then, Towne said, she never heard from him again. Now, the bottom half of the mural is painted solid green, so that it's easier to repaint over tagging. Maddie Khaw Warwick said he thought he replied to Towne but now acknowledges that he didnt. He said he had a more explanatory message in mind for the sign at first. Something about honoring the sentiment of the artwork, asking people not to tag it, describing the murals purpose. But sentiment is a long word, he said. It wouldnt fit on a small sign. It was just too many words, Warwick, 75, said. So I said, Lets just cut to the chase. Thats how he landed on the admonishment in capital red letters that proclaims, in the lower right corner of the mural, Tagging it is racist. I wanted people to understand what the point of the mural was and that if they were trying to damage it, that was a comment on the message, which was essentially a racist comment, said Warwick, who is white and has lived in Eliot for more than half his life. The fact that people are defacing it with the knowledge, per the sign, that thats what its about certainly suggests racism to me, he said. The sign is the opposite of subtle. It certainly cant be described as breathy and airy, like Townes original intention for the mural. But Warwick was pleased to find that it worked: The graffiti slowed. It did prove to be effective, said Mayoral of the Regional Arts and Culture Council. The council no longer received calls about graffiti at that location, he said. As abrasive as the sign is we didnt hear any more from it, Mayoral said. An Instagram video of the sign and the mural racked up more than 18,000 likes and 600-plus comments, some calling the sign childish and performative, others criticizing the mural itself. Maddie Khaw ONLINE BUZZ Towne learned about the sign not from Warwick, but from a friend who drove by and saw it that summer. There is no world in which I would put that sign on that mural, Towne said in an interview earlier this month. She emailed Mayoral and others at the arts council with her concerns in September 2023. She found the sign inappropriate, threatening and inaccurate she didnt believe the graffiti was inherently racist, she said. She figured some taggers might not understand what still here meant and she couldnt judge what could be another art form. I made an uncontroversial mural that was supposed to acknowledge people that are serially displaced, Towne said. And he took that, through putting that sign up without my permission. The arts council offered to facilitate a meeting between Towne and Warwick and pay for a new, less aggressive sign. Mayoral, the deputy public art director, said he emailed Warwick about it but never heard back. When the building owner didnt respond to them, Towne and Mayoral said they moved on. Towne was busy with other projects and she knew the arts council was busy, too. It just kind of got lost, she said, and we just let it go. But then, nearly two years later this past May, an Instagram video of the graffiti sign gained attention online. Friends sent Towne the clip, which shows the sign against the bright green wall. Another video circulated in July. The first video, posted by the account @keepportlandwicked, is barebones a 21-second reel panning from the sign to the mural and back again, with the caption Today on NE MLK & Russell in #Portland. It racked up more than 18,000 likes and 600-plus comments, some calling the sign childish and performative, others criticizing the mural itself and still others taking the opportunity to disparage Black Lives Matter, white liberalism and much more. This feels like a Portlandia skit, one commenter wrote. The second video, posted by the same account, showed that after the original post, someone had tagged the graffiti sign itself. STILL THERE The sudden attention spurred Towne to set up a meeting with Warwick earlier this month, finally expressing her concern to him directly and asking him to take the graffiti sign down. Warwick thought he had initially gotten the OK from Towne on the signs wording, he said, but now has realized that it must have slipped his mind. He agreed to remove it. It was time to order new signs anyway; he had four made in the first place and by this point, they had all been tagged. People were offended by it, Warwick said. It was so direct, it raised peoples hackles. Warwick said he doesnt use social media, so he hadnt heard about the videos. Neither had John Washington, the board chair for the Soul District Business Association, one of the nonprofits that, along with Albina Vision Trust and Self Enhancement, Inc., commissioned the mural. Washington said he cant believe the graffiti sign got so much attention online. I think just the word racist out loud creates some kind of stimulation, said Washington, who is Black. Sometimes when things become tangible in words it can create a response. The more important thing, Washington said, is the murals original message: The fact that were still here. Towne said shes tossing around ideas for a new sign that might explain that focus. But itll take her some time to get around to drafting the description as she works on several other art projects, she said. In the meantime, the graffiti sign has left its own mark. To Warwick, the sign reflects what it is to live and work in what he called the new Portland graffiti everywhere and racist assholes targeting his building. To Washington, Warwick is an old school guy who was earnestly trying to protect the mural, its message and his wall. And to Towne, its about an inflammatory and unapproved appendage to a carefully crafted celebration of Black life, even if well-meaning. In the end, however you view it, the memorial endures, a nod to resilience in the face of displacement. If you drive down MLK, youll notice: The mural is still here. Maddie Khaw covers breaking news, public safety and more for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach her at maddiekhaw@gmail.com A 60-year-old contract firefighter from Oregon died after suffering a cardiac emergency while battling a wildfire in southwestern Montana. Ruben Gonzales Romero collapsed while conducting suppression work on the ground and received medical aid within three minutes, said Kira Powell, a spokesperson for the Bivens Creek fire burning in the Tobacco Root Mountains. However, resuscitation attempts failed and the Keizer man died Sunday afternoon. Gonzales Romero had more than 20 years experience as a firefighter, mainly doing chainsaw work, according to his company TJ Forestry Contracting LLC. He died doing what he loved, the company said in a statement. Gov. Greg Gianforte referred to him as a fallen hero in a statement offering condolences. Gonzales Romero was among more than 700 firefighters working on the lightning-caused fire in the Tobacco Root Mountains about 15 miles north of Virginia City, Montana. The Bivens Creek fire has burned approximately 3 1/2 square miles since Aug. 13 in a remote area with thick timber and numerous dead trees. -- The Associated Press News / Africa by Staff reporter Former International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor said that the African National Congress (ANC) has lost its glory and South Africans now look on the former liberation movement with "disdain".Pandor said that the party now required leaders who were selfless and only served for the people, if the party wants to restore its majority support.She made the comments on Sunday while delivering a lecture in the centenary celebration of former ANC Women's League president, Gertrude Shope, who died in May this year."It is possible, comrades, to restore our lost glory. And we have lost our glory, let's not pretend about it. The people are looking at us with disdain. The people are looking at us with horror and shame."But Pandor said Shope believed the ANC could still renew itself and arrest the decline by appointing the right leaders."This area is our biggest fault line. We have forgotten that we exist to serve the people, that we exist for the people. We need to bring that back by scrutinising very carefully the leaders that we affirm and by ensuring that if our leaders fail at their duty, whatever position they occupy, we will hold them to account." Ever searched for a file in Windows and come up empty? Or waited way too long for results? Youre not alone. Many users find Windows Search frustrating and it really boils down to its default settings. By default, Windows only indexes certain locations like the desktop and the Documents, Pictures, and Music libraries under My Documents. If you organize your files differently, you might be left waiting or not finding anything at all. Another quirk of Windows is that search results can vary depending on where you start the search. Whether youre using the Start menu, File Explorer, or the taskbar, each one can produce different results. In this guide, well show you how to adjust Windows built-in search settings so you can quickly find what youre actually looking for. How to perfectly configure desktop search It makes perfect sense that Windows doesnt index the entire hard drive by default and also limits itself to certain file types. Otherwise, indexing would consume significantly more resources. The search would return all kinds of system files, too. Youd then have to painstakingly sift through those results to find the files you actually need. Unfortunately, thats exactly what can happen if you carelessly activate the Enhanced option shown in the image above and overlook the Search all notice in the small print below. Thats why, in the following steps, well show you how to adjust the default search settings appropriately. The steps outlined apply to Windows 11, but they differ only slightly in Windows 10. Heres how it works: To customize which hard drive directories are indexed, open the Windows Settings app, click on Privacy and security on the left, and then click the blue Customize search locations Charge link under Classic on the right. This opens a window where you can use the drop-down arrows at the top to select which directories Windows should include in the desktop search. Confirm your selection with OK. Depending on the size and content of the additional folders, reindexing may take up to several hours. During this time, you can continue using your PC as normal, but the search results may not work properly until the index is fully rebuilt. Once indexing is complete, any files or folders you add or change later will be automatically (and almost immediately) added to the search index. Desktop search also includes external and network drives, but indexing large amounts of data can take time, as Windows warns. IDG Network drives and external hard drives can also be included in Windows Search in much the same way. However, its important to note two things: first, the drives must remain powered on or connected until the message Indexing has been completed appears. Second, the search functionality for external drives only works as long as the drive letter doesnt change. If needed, use the USB Drive Info tool to prevent issues. Additional settings are available via the Advanced button next to Change. Here, you can choose to index encrypted files, rebuilt the search index if problems arise, or change the location where the index is stored. For example, you can move it to another partition if space on the Windows partition is running out. This is because the search index takes up another ten percent of the space required by the indexed files. Using File Explorer for more reliable searches Once youve configured desktop search, using it should (in theory) be simple and effective. Unfortunately, thats not always the case. For one thing, Microsoft offers two different entry points: the search field in the taskbar (or in the Start menu), and the one in File Explorer. These behave quite differently. Although the taskbar or Start menu search is fast, it often doesnt return the desired result. For example, even if the search term is part of the file name, Windows will only show it if the files storage location is included in the index. The categories shown in the Start menu Apps, Documents, Settings, Folders, and Photos are also of little help. This is because, contrary to what Microsoft claims, they dont filter by the type of file, but by its storage location. So, if you are looking for a document saved outside the default locations, clicking on Documents wont help. Ultimately, this search option often struggles to display results in a clear and structured way. While the Windows Search via the Start menu often does not lead to the target (at the top), the classic search via the file explorer usually finds the desired files quickly and reliably. IDG The search in File Explorer offers more control, which in turn yields better results. As long as the open folder has been indexed for the desktop search, Windows lists everything quickly, correctly, and completely. This also works when two or more keywords are entered. Even with hundreds of hits, you can easily narrow things down and find what youre looking for. To do this, click either Sort or Search options in the menu bar at the top of File Explorer. It may also help to disable the File contents option here. Tip: Because search in the Explorer window always applies to the currently open folder and all its subfolders, make sure to select the correct level in the folder system on your hard drive before starting your search. Finding photos by subject and people Image analysis by subject and content is much more advanced than the desktop search for text-based content. To use it, download Microsoft Photos Legacy from the Microsoft Store. This older Legacy app displays and organizes your images much like the newer Windows Photo Viewer, but it can do even more. You can find a description of key features on Microsofts website. The Microsoft Photos Legacy app analyzes images, automatically indexes their content and subjects, and provides a fast and convenient search function. IDG The Legacy app automatically analyses and tags your photos in the background. Without needing to manually assign tags, you can simply search for people, places, and things using the central search bar at the top. Overall, the automatic image analysis and search function works quite well, even if keywords tagging isnt always accurate. In addition, the Legacy app offers face recognition and OCR recognition for text in images. The text search also finds matching recordings and screenshots with corresponding content. Best alternatives to Windows Search When it comes to alternatives to Windows Search, Everything is one of the best. This lightweight tool is easy to use, offers a convenient interface for advanced searches, and supports a wide range of search operators. Everything is also very fast: as soon as you type the first few letters into the input line, matching results appear. After installation, the Everything icon appears in the bottom right-hand corner of the taskbar. You can launch and use the search quickly from there. The Advanced search option (under Search) is especially useful. It lets you limit your search term to whole words, perform exact phrase search, use the either or logic, and exclude certain words, among other things. Important: The yellow exclamation mark indicates that the tool does not search within file contents. So Everything isnt a full replacement for Windows Desktop Search, but rather an extremely fast and powerful supplement for finding files of all types. Tip: You can link the taskbar search field directly to Everything, replacing Windows Search for quicker file discovery. Ultrasearch Free is also fast and, like Everything, uses Windows existing MFT (Master File Table) data. This table contains all file information, including storage locations, file sizes, access rights, shares, write protection, archiving, file type, timestamps, and more. Ultrasearch can also search the text content of documents on request (via the Search for file content input line on the right), but it doesnt use an index for this. To prevent the search from tasking too long, its best to limit the directories in the field below Suggested paths as appropriately as possible. We also recommend two other programs for file searches: DocFetcher and Search My Files. Alldup specializes in finding duplicate files, helping you free up additional storage space. Finally, Powertoys Run (part of the Microsofts PowerToys collection) allows you to search for applications, folders, and files. Chick-fil-A plans to demolish this former First National Bank and build a restaurant at 3951 Union Deposit Road in Susquehanna Township, near Harrisburg, Pa. Aug. 25, 2025 Daniel Urie | durie@pennlive.com Plans for a Chick-fil-A on Union Deposit Road in Susquehanna Township were first announced about four years ago. A year later, township commissioners conditionally approved a land development plan to demolish the former First National Bank building and build a Chick-fil-A at 3951 Union Deposit Road between Sheetz and Wendys and near the Union Square shopping center. The land development plan was modified during the Highway Occupancy Permit process, and so it was required to be resubmitted. So almost three years later, on Monday night, representatives for Chick-fil-A were back in front of the townships planning commission, which recommended again that the project be approved. The 5,025-square-foot fast food restaurant would have 70 interior seats and 54 parking spaces. The main changes from the previous plan include a modification of the driveway access from Union Deposit Road and the closing of two access driveways to Wendys, and that public water access would be brought from the main on Union Deposit Road instead of from within the shopping center, Colliers Engineerings Rick Rosenberry told the board in June. Access to Union Deposit Road would be limited; entering wouldnt be permitted, and traffic would only be permitted to make a right-hand turn when exiting. But Chick-fil-A has an agreement for two-way access with Sheetz, and as it stands now, there will be two-way access on the south side of Chick-fil-A into the Union Square shopping center. It will ultimately be up to the township commissioners to give their final approval. But if the project is OKd in its current state, there might be another battle ahead for Chick-fil-A and the owner of the property, Hronis & Hronis. While the owner of the property, Chick-fil-A and township officials all believe that there is an easement that allows two-way access between the property at 3951 Union Deposit Road and Union Square, the shopping center disagrees. And its attorney, Helen Gemmill, told the planning commission that the shopping center will go to court if the current land development plan is approved. Gemmill said that her client believes that vehicles at 3951 Union Deposit Road dont have the right to access the shopping center. Its a private shopping center and we have to look out for the shopping center and the tenants, and thats what were doing here, she said. Only customers are supposed to come onto our private property. I know that people do it all the time. They park their cars there. They leave it there. Theyre not customers. But now were approving an access that allows someone who does not have the right to come on the property to have that access, and thats what were really concerned about here. Hronis & Hronis purchased the property in 2021 from First National Bank and is leasing it to Chick-fil-A. Mike Pykosh, an attorney for Hronis & Hronis, said that his client believes theres an access easement from 2003 that gives the bank, and any successor, access. The shopping center is trying to throw roadblock after roadblock with regard to this project, he said. Pykosh said if the matter is taken to court and it is found that there is no access between the two properties, the project wouldnt be able to be completed. But we think there will be access, he said. And I think its clear from the documents. Another concern for the project is traffic. A study completed by the shopping center showed that a future Chick-fil-A would greatly increase traffic on Union Square Drive and would impact several internal intersections. Alex Greenly, the townships engineer, agreed with that assessment. I do still have a general concern of the southern access drive and the functionality of that once we add additional vehicles into the mix, he said. I think Chick-fil-A offered to provide some off-site improvements to help mitigate that and to better the situation there. My understanding is that the [shopping center] did not wish to engage with Chick-fil-A to allow them to do it. The property is about 3 miles from the Chick-fil-A at 4655 Lindle Road in Swatara Township, which opened in 2016. Two others, including one being built, are also around 3 miles away from where the new one is planned: Chick-fil-A, founded in 1967 by Truett Cathy, draws long lines for its chicken sandwiches and other foods such as waffle-cut fries, chicken nuggets, and milkshakes. Union Square has more than 30 tenants, including Weis Markets, Gabes, Advance Auto, and Chuck E. Cheese. A pedestrian walks by a Peet's Coffee store on Nov. 13, 2024, in San Francisco. Peet's Coffee was founded in 1966 by Alfred Peet in Berkeley, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/TNS) TNS By Caroline Petrow-Cohen, Los Angeles Times (TNS) A new coffee giant could be brewing. The American beverage firm Keurig Dr. Pepper plans to buy JDE Peets, the European parent company of Californias gourmet coffee trailblazer, Peets Coffee, in an all-cash transaction worth about $18 billion. Keurig Dr. Pepper will be split into two independent companies, one of which will focus on coffee, according to a Monday release. The new coffee company will be called Global Coffee Co. and will be publicly traded in the U.S., as will the beverage company, which will be called Beverage Co. Global Coffee Co. will have approximately $16 billion in combined annual sales and Beverage Co. will have more than $11 billion in annual net sales, the release said. Todays announcement marks a transformational moment in the beverage industry, said Keurig Dr. Pepper Chief Executive Tim Cofer in a statement. Through the complementary combination of Keurig and JDE Peets, we are seizing an exceptional opportunity to create a global coffee giant. Under the terms of the deal, Keurig Dr. Pepper will pay JDE Peets shareholders 31.85 euros per share in cash, equivalent to about $37 per share. The value is a 33% premium to JDE Peets 90-day volume-weighted average stock price. After the deal was announced, JDE Peets shares climbed more than 15%. Keurig Dr. Pepper shares fell more than 10%. According to JDE Peets half-year report released in July, sales for the company grew more than 19% over the past year. Along with Peets Coffee, JDE Peets owns popular brands including Stumptown Coffee Roasters and German coffee name Jacobs. Peets Coffee has made a name for itself as a San Francisco-based destination that helped bring dark, gourmet coffee to American consumers. After working at his fathers small coffee company in the Netherlands, Alfred Peet moved to the U.S. and in 1966 opened the first Peets Coffee shop in the Bay Area, near UC Berkeley. I came to the richest country in the world, so why are they drinking the lousiest coffee? Peet used to say, according to the Peets Coffee website. By 1971, Peet was training three young entrepreneurs and provided them with the roasted beans to open their new venture, Starbucks. There are now more than 220 Peets Coffee shops in California and more than 40 in other states. After the acquisition closes, Global Coffee Co. will have the worlds most expansive coffee portfolio, the release said, including $1-billion-plus revenue brands Keurig, Jacobs, LOR and Peets. The acquisition and split into two companies will unwind the merger between Keurig and Dr. Pepper that closed in 2018. We are excited to join forces with Keurig to chart the future of global coffee by leveraging our combined portfolio of the worlds most beloved coffee brands, said JDE Peets Chief Executive Rafa Oliveira in a statement. 2025 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A 34-year-old man wanted for attempted murder in New Jersey was arrested in Harrisburg on Monday while he hid in a dryer, according to court documents filed in both states. Just after 8 p.m. Aug. 19, Daniel D. Wilson, who has addresses in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Harrisburg, shot a 31-year-old woman with a .40-caliber handgun along Woodward Street in Jersey City, court documents said. The woman drove herself to Jersey City Medical Center with a gunshot wound to her left leg. It is unclear how many times the victim was shot, but police recovered five shell casings from the scene of the shooting. The victim is expected to survive her injuries. After being shown a photograph, the victim identified Wilson to the investigators. On Monday afternoon, Aug. 25, Harrisburg police were sent to the 1900 block of North 4th Street for a domestic incident involving Wilson. Officers learned Wilson had an active warrant out of New Jersey for the shooting and requested the Dauphin County Crisis Response Team. Police ordered Wilson to come out peacefully, but he refused to comply, leading to a standoff. After receiving a search warrant signed by a judge, police entered the home and found Wilson hiding in a dryer. Wilson is facing charges of attempted murder, three illegal weapons charges and attempted aggravated assault in New Jersey. He is also charged with a resisting arrest offense in Pennsylvania. Previously, Wilson was charged with unlawful dissemination of intimate images, false identification to a law enforcement officer, driving while suspended/revoked, and harassment in Pennsylvania. As of Monday, Wilson was awaiting extradition to New Jersey, court documents said. HAIKOU, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Bed-and-breakfasts are common on China's tropical resort island of Hainan. But one B&B floating on the sea is anything but ordinary. Just offshore from Xincun Town in Lingshui Li Autonomous County, visitors board ferry boats with captain Li Yingyi, who shuttles them to a floating village where wooden houses rest on the waves. Li, who began steering boats at the age of nine, now makes as many as 200 trips a day in peak season, carrying tourists eager to experience life on the water. He is one of the Tanka people, or boat dwellers, whose ancestors lived for centuries on sampans and made their living fishing in coastal waters. Many of the offshore homes now sit on floating rafts once used for aquaculture, where the Tanka community lived for generations. To build such a raft, thick, water-resistant planks are lashed together into a grid and fixed to foam buoys, secured with iron wire or thick nylon rope to form a stable base on the water. More than two decades ago, local fishermen began turning those rafts into restaurants and, more recently, into homestays. "We've taken idle rafts, reinforced them, and turned them into homestays that showcase the way of life of the Tanka people," said Feng Bing, manager of one floating B&B opened four years ago. "All 24 rooms are fully booked throughout the summer. You'd have to wait until late August to find a vacant room," Feng said, adding that reservations during peak season must be made two weeks in advance. Guests can forage for crabs and starfish at low tide, ride in glass-bottom boats to watch tropical fish, or try their hand at squid fishing. Since opening, Feng said, the homestay has welcomed more than 100,000 visitors. The venture has also created jobs. About 20 employees, most of them young Tanka people, earn between 3,000 and 5,000 yuan (between about 419 and 699 U.S. dollars) a month each person, with salaries rising to 6,000 yuan in peak season, according to Feng. Inside the homestay, a small, modest exhibition hall displays artifacts of the Tanka people's life, such as woodworking tools, shell spoons, ship logbooks, handmade wedding fans, and embroidered curtains. All of these items were collected by the local fish raft association. "These are all old stuff from the Tanka people, they are not valuable items, but we put them here to tell more about our history," said Feng. For visitors seeking a deeper dive into its history, the Hainan Tanka Museum, just 3 kilometers away from the homestay, provides a brand new option. Opened as the first of its kind in China in September 2023, the 20,000-square-meter museum houses about 360 exhibits, from maritime relics to traditional crafts. VR technology, LED screens, and digital sand tables offer an immersive look into the Tanka heritage. For Cai Yongchan, 24, a museum guide and Tanka descendant, the work holds special personal significance, as she returned home to work at the museum after graduating from university. "As a child, I only knew my grandparents lived by fishing. I didn't understand the details of their life at sea," Cai said. "Now, the more I learn about the Tanka history, the deeper my cultural identity grows." She said her goal is to connect young people with their roots. "As the Tanka people settled on land and integrated into onshore life, younger generations came to know less about their heritage," Cai said. "We want to bridge that gap and ensure our culture is more widely understood." She remembered the words of 80-year-old Huang Jimin, a longtime advocate for the Tanka culture: "I never hoped the Tanka culture could be fully inherited. I only hoped people would remember the Tanka people were once here." "That is his wish," Cai said, "and it has also become mine." Enditem (Lai Lishan, Wang Kexuan, Huang Qianya, Sun Yihan, Su Ling, Li Xinnan, Liu Chaoran, Yin Jiajun and Tian Mengyao also contributed to the story.) News / National by Staff reporter The High Court in Bulawayo has dismissed an application by a man accused of stealing trust cattle to avoid trial, ruling that the State presented enough evidence to place him on his defence.Justice Kabasa threw out the application by Patrick Dube, who is charged with theft of trust property after allegedly failing to account for 64 head of cattle entrusted to him between November 2017 and December 2018 at Richardson Farm in Umguza.The trial magistrate had earlier ruled that the State had established a prima facie case, but Dube sought to overturn the decision, arguing there was no evidence linking him to the theft.Justice Kabasa disagreed, noting it was undisputed that the cattle had been placed in Dube's custody. "The issue is whether he accounted for them when the complainant called on him to do so," the judge said.The court cited testimony from prison officers who said they bought cattle from Dube, some bearing ear tags matching those described by the complainant. Investigators also recovered 10 cattle linked to the missing herd."The failure to record cattle sold, the cattle with ear tags sold to the prison officer, and the concealment of Form 397 amounts to evidence requiring a reply," Justice Kabasa ruled.Dube's lawyer argued that compelling him to defend himself was effectively asking him to "bolster the State's case," insisting he could not be accused of stealing "non-existent property."But the judge stressed that the issue at this stage was not proof beyond reasonable doubt, but whether there was evidence requiring a response. "There is," she said.Finding that the magistrate's ruling was sound, the High Court upheld the decision. Dube will now be required to answer the allegations when the trial resumes in the magistrates' court. Update: New Jersey homicide suspect arrested in Harrisburg was found hiding in dryer The man who caused an hours-long police standoff in Harrisburg City on Monday has been identified. Daniel D. Wilson, 34, is wanted on multiple charges, including first-degree attempted murder, in Jersey City, New Jersey, according to online court records. The incident took place the night of Aug. 19, and his warrant was issued by Jersey City Municipal Court on Aug. 20. Wilsons full charges include attempted murder, three illegal weapons charges, and attempted aggravated assault. He was charged by the Jersey City Police Department. Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo identified Wilson as the man whom police captured. Harrisburg police taped off an area at 4th and Peffer streets for several hours on Monday afternoon before the standoff ended with an arrest. Chardo said Wilson will be charged in Pennsylvania as a fugitive. Then, according to U.S. extradition laws, the governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, can request extradition to Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro. If approved, Harris will be extradited to New Jersey to face homicide charges. Further details about Wilsons charges, or how he wound up in Harrisburg, were not released. Owner and winemaker JW Ray shows off several of the medals that JOLO Winery won at the recent Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association competition. JOLO Winery One excellent guide to identifying some of the East Coasts top wines and wineries is the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association (ASWA). Established in 1973 as the Vinifera Wine Growers Association, the organization continues, per its website, to advocate for planting world-class vinifera wine grapes and quality hybrid and native varietals, producing outstanding commercial wines, and growing a thriving wine industry along the Eastern Seaboard. Its 20th annual competition was held on Aug. 9-10, with the judges selecting a list of Best of Class entries along with handing out gold, silver and bronze medals. You can find a list of all the winners at this link, while also finding those picked as Best of Class at the bottom of this story. Chateau Merrillanne, located in Orange County amid Virginias Blue Ridge Mountains, won Best in Show with a 2022 Bordeaux blend called Founded 1734. Virginia and New York dominated the Best of Class list, with Virginia wineries claiming 18 spots and New York grabbing another 10. ASWA board member Steve DiFrancesco stands between Scott Kuyon and his father George, who operate Deer Run Winery in the Finger Lakes. Deer Run was the only producer to finish with three wines on the ASWA Best of Class list, in addition to winning three more gold, two silver and four bronze medals. DiFrancesco noted in his Facebook post that in addition to Riesling and Cabernet Franc, the Kuyons were early adopters of Bruce Reisch selections from Cornell, such as Traminette, Corot Noir, and Noiret. Deer Run Winery Several placed multiple wines on that best of list, including Narmada Winery, from Virginias Rappahannock County (Cab Franc and Tannat); Endhardt Vineyards, in Purcellville, Virginia (Merlot and Petit Verdot); Jolene Family Winery, about 20 miles east of Richmond, Virginia (Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio and a white blend); Lucas Vineyards, along New Yorks Cayuga Lake (Seyval Blanc and another white hybrid); and Deer Run Winery, in the community of Geneseo on Conesus Lake (white hybrid, sweet blush and sweet red blend). The lone producer not from New York or Virginia that placed multiple wines on the Best of Class list was JOLO Winery and Vineyards, in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina (Cabernet Sauvignon and red vinifera blend called Cuvee Selection). In addition, three of its wines (red blends called Pilot Shadow and Carolus XII, and a Merlot) won gold medals. Not only did 11 of its other entries take silver medals, but the North Carolina winery that owners JW and Kristen Ray purchased in late 2023 and renamed Rayson Winery & Vineyards won another four silvers. JW Ray, who is also the winemaker, told PennLive that this was the first time JOLO Winery entered the competition, so the outcome makes the recognition even more meaningful. The Cabernet Sauvignon, he said, is something he produces every year, though it usually ends up as part of one of the four to six different red blends I create annually. However, each vintage I try to make at least one single-varietal bottling that truly stands on its own something I believe can hold its own against the same varietal grown anywhere in the world, and make a consumer think, Wow, this is from North Carolina? Chateau Merrillann Winery in Orange, Virginia, won 5 Gold medals, 2 Silver medals, 2 Best of Class and the overall Best of Show at the 2025 Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition. It's located around 40 miles northeast of Charlottesville and 90 miles southwest of Washington D.C. Chateau Merrillanne Winery In 2022, it was the Cabernet Sauvignon; in 2021, the Cabernet Franc; and in 2020, the Merlot. Some years, none rise to that level, and those wines become part of blends instead. Now that this Cabernet Sauvignon has had nearly two years in the bottle, its really showing beautifully. Im thrilled the judges appreciated it as much as I do. As for the other Best of Class selection, Ray said JOLOs Cuvee Selection is a special blend I craft exclusively for our wine club members. Production is usually very limited, though it varies depending on the wines available in my cellar. For the Cuvee, I select the very best barrels first, earmarking them for the blend. I may not actually blend for another year or more, but that initial selection determines what goes into the Cuvee. The other blends I produce are created from the remaining barrels after the Cuvee is set aside, he said. JOLO is located in North Carolinas Yadkin Valley, about a half-hour drive from Winston-Salem and a two-hour drive from Roanoke, Virginia. Open Thursdays through Sundays, its extensive wine list is complemented by a fine-dining menu at the EndPosts Restaurant, which this year was named to the OpenTable list of Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America. While the competition is finished, some of these top wines and winemakers/owners will head to the West Coast as part of an arrangement the ASWA has with the United Wine & Grape Symposium, scheduled for Jan. 27-29, 2026, in Sacramento, California. This major wine convention has drawn an ASWA contingent for the past 18 years as a way to show off the quality of East Coast wines, organization president Grant Crandall said. It is not just the Best of Class that are poured but also some other interesting top wines, he said. We also present them at UC Davis, on the most widely listened to food-and-wine radio show in Sonoma, at an event supporting the Sonoma Wine Library, and at three to four wine dinners [held by] influential people in the wine industry, as well as other events, typically at 10 to 11 events each year. Armed members of the Ohio National Guard pass by children playing in a water feature at The Wharf, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) AP By MARK SHERMAN, ASHRAF KHALIL and SOPHIA TAREEN, The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) Public schools reopened Monday in the nations tense capital with parents on edge over the presence in their midst of thousands of National Guard troops some now armed and large scatterings of federal law enforcement officers carrying out President Donald Trumps orders to make the District of Columbia a safer place. Even as Trump started talking about other cities and again touted a drop in crime that he attributed to his extraordinary effort to take over policing in Washington, D.C., the districts mayor was lamenting the effect of Trumps actions on children. Parents are anxious. Weve heard from a lot of them, Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a news conference, noting that some might keep their children out of school because of immigration concerns. Any attempt to target children is heartless, is mean, is uncalled for and it only hurts us, she said. I would just call for everybody to leave our kids alone. Rumors of police activity abound As schools opened across the capital city, parental social media groups and listservs were buzzing with reports and rumors of checkpoints and arrests. The week began with some patrolling National Guard units now carrying firearms. The change stemmed from a directive issued late last week by his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Armed National Guard troops from Ohio, South Carolina and Tennessee were seen around the city Monday. But not every patrol appears to be carrying weapons. An Associated Press photographer said the roughly 30 troops he saw on the National Mall on Monday morning were unarmed. Armed Guard members in Washington will be operating under long-standing rules for the use of military force inside the U.S., the military task force overseeing all the troops deployed to D.C. said Monday. Those rules, broadly, say that while troops can use force, they should do so only in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm and only as a last resort. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, center, attends a celebration of the first day of school at Oyster-Adams Bilingual School Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) AP The task force has directed questions on why the change was necessary to Hegseths office. Those officials have declined to answer those questions. Speaking in the Oval Office on Monday, Hegseth said that it was common sense to arm them because it meant they were capable of defending themselves and others. Among their duties is picking up trash, the task force said, though its unclear how much time they will spend doing that. Bowser reiterated her opposition to the National Guards presence. I dont believe that troops should be policing American cities, she said. Trump is considering expanding the deployments to other Democratic-led cities, including Baltimore, Chicago and New York, saying the situations in those cities require federal action. In Washington, his administration says more than 1,000 people have been arrested since Aug. 7, including 86 on Sunday. We took hundreds of guns away from young kids, who were throwing them around like it was candy. We apprehended scores of illegal aliens. We seized dozens of illegal firearms. There have been zero murders, Trump said Monday. Some other cities bristle at the possibility of military on the streets The possibility of the military patrolling streets of Chicago, the nations third-largest city, prompted immediate backlash, confusion and a trail of sarcastic social media posts. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a first-term Democrat, has called it unconstitutional and threatened legal action. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker deemed it a distraction and unnecessary as crime rates in Chicago are down, as they are nationwide. Pritzker, often mentioned as a presidential contender, posted an Instagram video Monday of his 6 a.m. walk along a Lake Michigan path filled with runners and walkers. National Guard soldiers stand outside the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in Washington, as part of President Donald Trump's order to use federal law enforcement to expel homeless people and rid the nation's capital of violent crime, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) AP I dont know who in Washington thinks that Chicago is some sort of hellhole, but you may need to look inward, he said, mocking Trumps term describing Washington. Others raised questions about where patrols might go and what role they might play. By square mileage, Chicago is more than three times the size of Washington, and neighborhoods with historically high crime are spread far apart. Former Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy, who also worked for the New York Police Department, wondered what the National Guard would do in terms of fighting street violence. He said if there was clear communication, they could help with certain tasks, like perimeter patrol in high-crime neighborhoods, but only as part of a wider plan and in partnership with police. National Guard troops were used in Chicago to help with the Democratic National Convention last summer and during the 2012 NATO Summit. Overall, violent crime in Chicago dropped significantly in the first half of 2025, representing the steepest decline in over a decade, according to police data. Shootings and homicides were down more than 30% in the first half of the year compared with the same time last year, and total violent crime dropped by over 22%. Still, some neighborhoods, including Austin on the citys West Side, where the Rev. Ira Acree is a pastor, experience persistent high crime. Acree said hes received numerous calls from congregants upset about the possible deployment. He said if Trump was serious about crime prevention, he would boost funding for anti-violence initiatives. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks to reporters following a first day of school ceremony at Oyster-Adams Bilingual School, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) AP This is a joke, Acree said. This move is not about reducing violence. This is reckless leadership and political grandstanding. Its no secret that our city is on the presidents hit list. In June, roughly 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines were sent to Los Angeles to deal with protests over the administrations immigration crackdown. Californias Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, and other local elected officials objected. Tareen reported from Chicago. Associated Press writers Konstantin Toropin and Will Weissert contributed to this report. Chief Judge Rokhmadi bangs the gavel during the sentencing hearing for two men accused of having sex, at the Sharia Court in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Reza Saifullah) AP By YAYAN ZAMZAMI and EDNA TARIGAN, The Associated Press BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (AP) Two men in Indonesias conservative Aceh province were among a group of people publicly caned on Tuesday after an Islamic Shariah court convicted them of violating Islamic law by hugging and kissing, which the court ruled can lead to banned sexual relations. An audience of about 100 people witnessed the caning on a stage in Bustanussalatin city park in Banda Aceh on Tuesday. The men, aged 20 and 21, were whipped across their backs with a rattan cane dozens of times by a group of people wearing robes and hoods. Aceh allows up to 100 lashes for morality offenses including gay sex and sex between unmarried people. Caning is also a punishment in Aceh for gambling, drinking alcohol, women who wear tight clothes and men who do not attend Friday prayers. The court in Aceh sentenced the men to 80 strikes each after Islamic religious police said they caught them engaged in what the court deemed were the sexual acts of hugging and kissing in a bathroom of a public park, court records said. Eight other people were publicly caned Tuesday for adultery and gambling. Aceh is the only province in Indonesia to practice Shariah law. There have been four previous canings for cases related to homosexuality since the province implemented Islamic law and established a religious police and court system in 2006. The change was a concession by the national government to end a long-running separatist uprising. Indonesias national criminal code does not regulate homosexuality but the central government cannot strike down Shariah law in Aceh. However, the central government previously pressured Aceh officials to drop an earlier version of a law calling for people to be stoned to death for adultery. Aceh expanded its Islamic bylaws and criminal code in 2015, extending Shariah law to non-Muslims, who account for about 1% of the provinces population. Two other men were publicly caned in February at the same Aceh park after a Shariah court convicted them of having sex. A coalition of human rights groups filed a petition to Indonesias Supreme Court in 2016 seeking a review of Acehs regional regulations allowing caning, but the request was rejected. Indonesias Ministry of Home Affairs issued a letter in 2016 to Acehs governor about caning, noting regional laws in Indonesia should be enforced for minor crimes. The Cybersecurity Association of Pennsylvania (PennCyber) is urging vigilance as senior citizens across the Commonwealth and the nation face a surge in sophisticated Phantom Hacker scams. These multi-phase social engineering attacks, recently highlighted in an FBI Public Service Announcement, are leaving seniors vulnerable to devastating financial losses, often draining entire retirement accounts, a press release said. The FBI reports that nearly half of the victims of these scams are over 60 years old, with seniors representing two-thirds of all financial losses. Nationwide, Americans have already lost more than $1 billion to this evolving fraud. These scams are not random cold callsthey are highly coordinated attacks that exploit trust, fear, and urgency, said Scott Davis, chairman of PennCyber. Scammers use spoofed numbers, multiple impersonators, and even follow-up calls or letters to create a convincing narrative. Seniors believe theyre protecting their money, when in fact, they are being deceived into handing it over to criminals. The Phantom Hacker scheme unfolds in three stages: Tech Support Imposter: Criminals pose as technical support, convincing victims to allow remote access to their computers. Financial Institution Imposter: Another scammer poses as a bank representative, claiming the victims accounts have been compromised and directing funds to a safe account. Government Imposter: In some cases, victims are contacted by individuals posing as U.S. government officials, even sending official-looking documents to reinforce the deception. Recent reports indicate scammers are also leveraging artificial intelligence to make their attacks even more convincing, targeting seniors based on personal interests, hobbies, and online activity. This is not just a technology problemits a people problem, Davis said. Criminals are manipulating human behavior and trust. Families need to have conversations with their loved ones so they know how to recognize the warning signs. No government agency or legitimate financial institution will ever demand wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid cards. PennCyber is encouraging families to discuss these scams proactively, educate seniors on the red flags, and remind them to immediately report any suspicious contact. The FBI urges victims to report incidents to their local FBI Field Office and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov, the release said. Awareness and communication are the strongest defenses we have, Davis said. By working together, we can help protect Pennsylvanias seniors from these devastating attacks. Three disability rights advocates who were arrested during a demonstrtion at the state Capitol in June will face charges of trespassing and disorderly conduct, a judge ruled following their preliminary hearing Monday. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) AP A Dauphin County magistrate judge has dismissed some of the charges against disability rights advocates who were arrested in the state Capitol in June, in a case revolving around a dispute over access to elevators. After several postponements, the three demonstrators arrested by Pennsylvania Capitol Police on June 10 appeared Monday for a preliminary hearing. James Funt, attorney for the three women in question, attempted to poke a number of holes in the material presented by Capitol Police and the district attorneys prosecutor, much of which stemmed from the fact that only a single rank-and-file officer testified Monday. Preliminary hearings are not a full trial; they are intended for a judge to ascertain whether or not a crime actually occurred, and whether the accused are reasonably-enough connected to the incident for the case to continue. Capitol Police Officer Carl Maiese referenced directives and decisions passed down from sergeants and lieutenants above him leading Funt to argue for dismissal of the charges given that the individuals who effectively decided that his clients actions were crimes were not there to explain their rationale. The defendants were part of a rally and demonstration in the Capitol June 10, with activists pressing state lawmakers to increase Medicaid home-care rates for people with disabilities. Demonstrators formed a human chain through the buildings lower hallway, holding signs and chanting outside legislative leaders office doors. They then attempted to deliver packets to lawmakers with the testimonies of disabled Pennsylvanians who have been impacted by caregiver shortages brought on by stagnant Medicaid reimbursements. According to several activists who spoke to PennLive, some members of their group including at least one in a wheelchair were able to access the upper floors of the Capitols south wing, which include the governors offices as well as those of some higher-ranking House members. Capitol Police, activists said, began expressing concerns with overcrowding and fire safety due to the number of demonstrators in wheelchairs, and attempted to restrict access to the south wing elevators. The exact course of this decision-making was still not clear at Mondays hearing. Maise testified that he was informed by his superiors of an un-permitted protest and was told to make sure protestors werent blocking governmental functions. Maise testified that one of the defendants, Misty Dion, was told by a sergeant that she could come down the elevator to retrieve a medication for one of the demonstrators and bring it back upstairs. Neither Dion nor the other two defendants use wheelchairs. But when Dion came down, Maise said, she attempted to allow another activist in a wheelchair to get into the elevator, against officers orders. The defendants were instructed several times to leave the elevator because they were blocking government functions, preventing the elevator from moving up and down, Maise said. Dion then sat or knelt in the elevator, according to police and herself; she told PennLive Monday that she remarked to officers this is what discrimination looks like. Police then attempted to handcuff Dion and forcibly removed her from the elevator, according to Maise and a written police report. Another activist, Lauren Alden, grabbed Dions arm and prevented it from begin cuffed, according to police, and was also arrested. Maise testified that the third defendant, Meghan Wesley, also attempted to crowd into the elevator and then began flailing her arms after police tried to restrain her. Funt questioned how this narrative established that any criminal acts had occurred, asking Maise what exactly his clients had done to help the activist in the wheelchair getting on the elevator, which Maise said he did not recall exactly. Funt likewise questioned if Dion sitting was what triggered her arrest, but Maise said he did not know given that this was initiated by the sergeant. Funt also questioned why Wesley was not allowed to enter the elevator, given that its a public amenity. Maise testified that he was told by the sergeant to not allow anyone else in the elevator. Funt also objected to the notion of an un-permitted protest given the rights afforded by the First Amendment. He suggested that this framing was an attempt to paint his clients as rabble-rousers when they made good-faith attempts to understand the elevator rules put in place by police. Theres no obstruction of any governmental function caused by his clients using an elevator or attempting to make a political point by sitting down in one, Funt said, arguing the prosecution had failed to provide testimony that the mechanisms of government were impeded. None of this is relevant for a preliminary hearing, prosecutor Michael Farabella argued, given that disobeying orders to leave the elevator is grounds enough for the charges to move forward. The crime was committed when they refused to comply with lawful commands, Farabella said. Judge Mikaela Sloan ultimately split the difference, tossing the obstruction of government charges against Alden and Wesley, as well as Wesleys harassment charge. However, charges of trespassing and disorderly conduct against all three defendants will move forward to common pleas court. The demonstration occurred 20 days before Pennsylvanias nominal budget deadline, but the state still has no fiscal plan, as deadlock continues between the Democratic-majority House, the Republican-majority Senate, and Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro. Medicaid funding is one of several sticking points, with conservatives objecting to the roughly $2 billion cost increase to maintain status-quo services, let alone the additional money that would be needed to increase caregiver wages. Firefighter Gary Neff heard cries for help on a spring day in 1979 at a house fire near Paxton Street in Harrisburg. Several people, including a baby, were trapped inside. He charged inside as flames rolled over his head. I had to make it past the room of fire before we had water on it. Its very risky, Neff recalled Saturday, the day of his retirement as Mechanicsburgs fire chief after 50 years of firefighting. I remember it like it was today. The fire started in the kitchen and by the time Neff and other firefighters arrived, the house was filled with thick, blinding smoke. I had to go past the fire and find a baby in the rear bedroom. I brought the baby out unconscious, Neff said while describing how he and Stephen Reed, an EMS worker who would go on to be mayor of Harrisburg for 27 years, resuscitated the baby by performing CPR. Neff then ran back into the burning structure because more people were inside. He helped bring down the babys father. He was unconscious as well. We brought him down and we revived him as well, he said. In another rescue that same year, Neff saved a man from underneath a kitchen table inside a house on North 14th Street. He was caught in a flashover, when all surfaces in a room reach ignition temperature, causing almost simultaneous combustion. He and the man survived. That was dear to my heart. I dont know how he survived. Actually, when we got to Harrisburg Hospital, I was burnt way worse than he was, Neff said. When medical professionals took off Neffs gloves at the hospital, a layer of skin peeled off with them. I was burned quite a few times, Neff said. Neff, a fourth-generation firefighter, started his career in public service in 1975 after working as a junior firefighter while attending Mechanicsburg High School. He went on to serve 34 years as a firefighter in Harrisburg, three as a deputy chief, before transitioning to Mechanicsburg fire services in 2014. In 2016, Neff became chief of the Washington Fire Company in downtown Mechanicsburg, and the following year, he was hired as the municipal chief, overseeing both of the boroughs fire departments. He helped to lead a merger of the departments and get a new $8 million consolidated fire station built in the borough. On Saturday, Neff and other members of the Mechanicsburg Volunteer Fire Department held a ceremony to celebrate breaking ground at the site of a new station, which includes the departments former station at 208 South York Street and three vacant, adjacent homes the fire department bought to increase its lot size. Officials say the updated facilities should streamline services and could attract more firefighters as Pennsylvania and other states across the nation face harsh declines in volunteers. The new station will provide updated areas for firefighters to eat, sleep and spend free time; it will also include a separate decontamination room where firefighters can remove dangerous carcinogens from their gear and bodies. The Washington Fire Co., founded in 1858, doesnt have a separate space for volunteers to remove their carcinogen-exposed gear, Neff said. Instead, the gear is stored on a rack in the middle of where volunteers hang out. Four volunteers live at the Main Street firehouse full-time. Firefighting technology underwent countless changes throughout Neffs career, including stronger hoses, better nozzles and bigger trucks. But over the same time, new materials and biofuels have caused fires to burn much hotter and about five times as quickly. Neff said an increase in electric vehicles, specifically charging stations installed in garages, has caused an uptick in residential fires over the past three years. Mechanicsburg Fire Chief Gary Neff walks through the smoke as crews battle a house fire on N. Railroad Ave. in Mechanicsburg on May 20, 2020. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Despite a career filled with rescues, Neff said one of his most proud moments was hiring nine firefighters while he was working as a chief in Harrisburg. I was responsible for their way through their career, Neff said. All nine of them today are excellent employees. As of noon Saturday, Neff is retired from the Mechanicsburg Volunteer Fire Department. He told PennLive he looks forward to spending time with his wife as they manage several of their business ventures. He is also excited to visit the departments new building, which is scheduled to open before the end of 2026. I cant wait! Thatll be one of my biggest joys as well, Neff said. Being able to walk through once we occupy this building. Pennsylvania Congressman Scott Perry, state Rep. Sheryl Delozier, state Sen. Dawn Keefer, and a representative from the Cumberland County Commissioners Office also spoke at the Saturday groundbreaking ceremony. Thanks for presenting in Sundays Opinion offerings two competing explanations of the Gaza tragedy, one by syndicated columnist Cal Thomas and the other by Washington Posts Robin Givhan. In doing so, PennLive gave us not only a point-and-counterpoint. PennLive also gave us a vivid case study of propaganda versus explanatory journalism. Both pieces rest on the same verifiable facts, the controversial photos of two emaciated children with genetic diseases. They both correctly chastise the media for rush-to-judgment. So far, so good. But Thomas then gives us a black-and-white narrative, blaming the whole situation in Gaza on Hamas. Givhan by contrast alludes to the complex dynamics, with blame going around to many others in nuanced and varying degrees. Thomas over-simplifies Israel = friend, media critics = enemies. Givhan widens out to other man-made famines, and challenges all of us, including media, to rise above finger-pointing and vengeance. Thomas mostly cherry-picks facts with just enough rebuttals to claim fair-and-balanced. But Givhan remarks so many things true at once in the fog of war and human tragedy. Thomas confirms biases, repeats the familiar monotony, and keeps us comfortable. Givhan probes for deeper Truth. In the words of PennLive columnist John Baer, she doesnt tell readers what to think, but disturbs us simply to think. So, in Givhans own words, when will we learn? -- in this case, to tell between journalism and propaganda? Duncan MacLean, Lebanon, Pa. By Chase Rogers, The Dallas Morning News (TNS) California Gov. Gavin Newsom sharpened his rivalry with Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas over the weekend. In his second term, the Democratic governor whose name has been floated as a potential 2028 presidential candidate used his press offices X account to note that Los Angeles recorded a lower murder rate than Dallas in 2024. The post, titled Facts you wont see on Fox News, states Dallas has a murder rate per 100,000 residents that is nearly two times higher than Los Angeles, according to crime data reported to the FBI. In 2024, Los Angeles recorded 264 murders, a total that includes nonnegligent manslaughter and excludes any homicides determined to be justified, according to the data. Dallas recorded 180 murders in the same period. That means Los Angeles saw 6.95 murders per 100,000 residents that year, while Dallas saw 13.62 murders, according to an analysis by The Dallas Morning News. Since 2000, Dallas police reports of murder had trended down, reaching their lowest in 2014 at 116 cases, before peaking in 2020 at 249 during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to crime data reported to the FBI. Since 2020, the numbers have trended downward, with Dallas police reporting 180 murders last year, the data shows. The post marked the latest spat between Newsom and Abbott, a Republican. The two have increasingly targeted each other as Texas lawmakers move to redraw as many as five Democratic-held districts to bolster the Republican hold on Congress ahead of next years midterms a maneuver that has drawn pushback from California lawmakers who are moving to redraw as many as five of their states Republican-held seats in response. Los Angeles and Dallas ranked among the 10 most populous cities in the U.S. as of July 2024. Los Angeles came in second, with nearly 3.8 million residents, and Dallas ranks eighth, with more than 1.3 million, according to U.S. Census data released this year. FILE - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House, Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) AP Chicago, the nations third-largest city with more than 2.7 million residents, recorded the highest murder rate among the 10 most populous cities: 17.4 killings per 100,000 people, according to the data reviewed by The News. Chicago counted 461 murders and cases of nonnegligent manslaughter in 2024. Houston, the nations fourth-largest city with more than 2.7 million residents, counted 320 murders and cases of nonnegligent manslaughter in that time, which comes out to a rate of 13.79 per 100,000 residents, the data shows. Houston is the largest city in Texas. The lowest rate among the top 10 largest U.S. cities is San Diego, which counted 35 murders and cases of nonnegligent manslaughter in 2024. That comes to a rate of 2.51 per 100,000 residents, according to the data. 2025 The Dallas Morning News. Visit dallasnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Story by Stephen Caruso and Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG Gov. Josh Shapiro says he is open to using money from a special transit fund that pays for capital projects to help SEPTA reverse deep service cuts and get all of Pennsylvanias transit agencies on solid footing. That basic idea was first broached by the Republicans who control the state Senate after a year-plus of debate. Initially, Democrats including Shapiro rejected it, saying the money was earmarked for critical purchases like buying new trolleys and modernizing train lines. But on Monday, Shapiro, a Democrat, said that he was willing to transfer funding as part of a broader package that focuses on recurring funding over a long period of time that funds mass transit in each of our 67 counties. Pennsylvanias budget is now eight weeks late, leading to pain for local governments and other social service providers. The states structural deficit and finding new revenue to combat it has remained a key issue. The Republican plan that passed the upper chamber two weeks ago would have funded transit operations in part by pulling $419 million this fiscal year and next from the Public Transportation Trust Fund (PTTF), which helps cover agencies longer-term capital projects like new trains or renovated stations, as well as operating costs like driver salaries and fuel. Crucially, the GOP proposal would have also pulled another $419 million from the PTTF to fund roads and bridges, a proposal Democrats said was a particular nonstarter. Shapiro said Monday that he would not support a deal that diverted transit dollars to roads. Leaders in the GOP-controlled state Senate say that the size of the fund has been steadily increasing over the past decade, going from $374 million in June 2015 to $2.4 billion this year. If the fund has a surplus of money, they say, it should be used to tide over public transit agencies in dire straits. However, state Secretary of Transportation Mike Carroll said that the size of the PTTF is deceptively large. The money isnt just surplus, he said its already allocated to long-term projects. That creates a huge problem when it comes to the capital needs across this commonwealth, and it does not solve the operating challenges, Carroll told the state House Appropriations Committee of the Senate GOPs plan. Democrats who control the state House quickly voted the GOP proposal down two weeks ago, calling it unserious and unworkable. At the time, Shapiro appeared to feel the same way. While Governor Shapiro appreciates Senate Republicans finally acknowledging the need to fund mass transit systems across the Commonwealth, this is clearly not a serious, long-term proposal that can pass both chambers, Manuel Bonder, a spokesperson for Shapiro, said in a statement on Aug. 12. Its time to get back to the table and keep working at it. Shapiro said his Monday comments were not an about-face. He opposed the GOPs plan because it diverts transit funding to roads. I am open to using some of the [trust fund] as a part of a broader package, Shapiro said. I have been, and I know the leadership understands that. Shapiro added that he thinks a budget deal is close, a frequent refrain in recent weeks. However, he said, Some in this building seemingly want to play politics now just to slow this process down, and when they seek to slow the process down, to hurt me politically, all it does is hurt the good people of Pennsylvania. He then specifically pointed fingers at the state Senate, which he argued hadnt been holding enough voting sessions in Harrisburg. Its time for [the state Senate] to get to work. Its time for them to put politics aside. Its time for them to focus on the good people in Pennsylvania, said Shapiro, who will run for reelection next year. A spokesperson for state Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) did not respond to Shapiros specific comments, instead arguing that the chambers transit plan was responsible, that Democratic leadership should reconsider it, and that budget talks continue. A spokesperson for state House Democrats did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Both Shapiro and state House Democrats have publicly supported a plan that would send nearly $300 million more to agencies by increasing the percentage of the commonwealths sales and use tax revenue they get. The state already provides these agencies with about $2 billion in direct aid. A bill the state House advanced earlier this month would increase the portion of the tax that flows to trains, trolleys, and buses across the state by 1.75% a $292.5 million increase. The measure would also send up to 0.25% of the tax revenue roughly $41.8 million into a fund for roads and bridges, in a gesture at Republicans priority. This change wouldnt directly route money away from other programs. However, it would mean the state doesnt have as much money for other uses. That has been a nonstarter for Republicans, who note that Pennsylvania is already running a structural deficit in which it spends more than it takes in every year. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. News / National by Staff reporter Aspire Mutingwende, chairperson of the Children of War Veterans and Heroes Dependants Forum, has been implicated in a high-profile land fraud case in Harare.According to Windmill (Private) Limited, Mutingwende, Taremedzwa Kapungu, and their associates have been illegally selling residential stands on Bluffhill land, Lot FA Kinvara, measuring 65.2436 hectares. The land, owned by Windmill, was being fraudulently marketed as "Tsikwi Phase 1 (Westgate Extension)."Windmill described the individuals as "land barons" with no legal authority to sell, allocate, or advertise the property. On 7 August 2025, the High Court of Zimbabwe issued an urgent order (Case No. HCH3919/25) directing Mutingwende, Kapungu, and anyone acting on their behalf to vacate the land immediately. The Sheriff of Zimbabwe has been authorised to enforce the eviction if they fail to comply.The company has warned the public against engaging with Mutingwende, Kapungu, or their representatives, cautioning that any transactions could lead to significant financial loss and legal disputes. Windmill is working with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Sheriff, and other authorities to protect the public and enforce the court order. A significant cool-down is set to grip central Pennsylvania, with temperatures dropping 5 to 15 degrees below historical averages and occasional lake-enhanced showers expected through the week. Residents can anticipate crisp, cool conditions with daytime temperatures in the 60s and potentially chilly overnight lows dipping into the upper 30s, particularly in northern tier areas. Scattered showers are most likely in the northwest mountain regions, with a chance of light precipitation spreading to the Laurel Highlands and central ridge/valley regions by Tuesday evening. 514 PM Monday August 25th, 2025: An early look at the Labor Day weekend. At this point, high pressure expected to prevail across the region with dry weather for the start of the Labor Day weekend, as well as Labor Day. Temperatures will edge up a few degrees by Labor Day. pic.twitter.com/OlVIC0Xh85 NWS State College (@NWSStateCollege) August 25, 2025 Fog formation is probable in valley areas, especially during early morning hours on Tuesday and Wednesday. Light northwest winds will contribute to variable cloud cover, with periods of clearing between shower chances. The National Weather Service recommends keeping an eye on local forecasts for potential visibility reductions due to fog, particularly for morning commuters in northern and western Pennsylvania. The extended forecast suggests a continued fall-like weather pattern through the weekend. A high-pressure system from Canada will bring dry conditions Friday through Sunday, maintaining the cool and comfortable atmospheric conditions. Scattered showers are anticipated Thursday night into early Friday, with the potential for light precipitation. Residents should prepare for unseasonably cool temperatures, with morning layers recommended and potential for early morning fog. The weather pattern suggests a premature taste of autumn, with temperatures and conditions more typical of early fall than late August. Long-term outlook indicates a persistent cool air mass will dominate the region, potentially extending into early September with below-average temperatures and occasional light precipitation. Current weather radar Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by PennLive.com staff. News / National by Staff reporter Apostle Chibanda has publicly accused Apostle Chiwenga of misappropriating funds collected from church members. Chibanda alleges that Chiwenga solicited money under the pretext of building a new church but instead diverted the funds to construct a private residence in South Africa.To support his claims, Chibanda has released receipts showing payments made by members of Chiwenga's congregation. The allegations have sparked concern among church members and the wider community, raising questions about financial transparency and accountability within the church.Apostle Chiwenga has yet to issue an official response, and the situation continues to develop as more information comes to light. Atlantic City Casino Sued After $2.5M Slot Jackpot Dispute Stephanie Freeland Casino Content Executive Copy link In the world of casinos, jackpots are supposed to be the ultimate prize. But when a $2.5 million win was dismissed as a machine malfunction, one Atlantic City player decided the only gamble left was a lawsuit. The case now raises the question of whether a casinos fine print can outweigh what players see on the reels. Wheel of Fortune Slot Machine Jackpot Denied Over 'Glitch' A New Jersey woman has filed a lawsuit against Ballys Casino in Atlantic City after being denied a $2.5 million payout on the popular Wheel of Fortune slot machine. The plaintiff, Donna Inserra, claims that in June 2025 the reels aligned for a winning combination worth millions, only for Ballys to later declare the jackpot invalid. Casino officials said the win was the result of a technical malfunction, not a legitimate payout. They relied on a common industry rule stating that malfunction voids all pays. How Do Slot Machines Actually Work? Modern slot machines, including popular titles like Wheel of Fortune, are controlled by random number generators (RNGs) that ensure each spin is independent and random. Even if a machine displays a winning combination, a malfunction in the software or RNG can technically produce a false jackpot. Slot machine glitches are extremely rare but can happen due to software bugs, faulty hardware, or errors in RNG programming. In some cases, these glitches may display a jackpot incorrectly or trigger winning combinations that were not intended. Gaming regulators often require casinos to report such incidents and investigate their machines to ensure the integrity of play, which is why disputes like this can escalate into high-profile legal battles. How a $2.5 Million Dispute Could Reshape Slot Gaming Disputed jackpots are usually smaller amounts, making this lawsuit unusual in its high stakes. The Wheel of Fortune slot has been one of the most iconic and widely played slot machines in the U.S. for over 25 years, meaning this case could draw significant attention from regulators and the gaming community. If the court sides with the player, casinos nationwide may face stricter obligations to honor displayed jackpots, even in cases of software glitches. This could also impact how operators test and certify their machines, potentially increasing compliance costs but enhancing player confidence in the fairness of casino gaming. The History of Casino Jackpot Disputes While relatively uncommon, disputes over casino jackpots have occurred in both brick-and-mortar and online casinos. These cases often arise when players believe they are entitled to a payout due to a machines displayed jackpot, but the casino claims a technical error or malfunction occurred. Slot machines across the country carry disclaimers that protect operators in the event of a glitch. Casinos argue these safeguards are necessary to prevent massive losses from rare but costly errors. Inserras attorneys, however, contend that New Jersey gaming regulations require casinos to honor what is displayed on the screen. If the court agrees, it could force casinos to reassess how they apply malfunction disclaimers in disputes over slot payouts. Historically, the outcomes of jackpot disputes have varied. In some instances, gaming regulators or courts have sided with players, ordering casinos to honor the jackpots and pay out the full amounts. In other cases, when malfunctions were clearly documented or verified, casinos successfully defended their positions, emphasizing the importance of machine integrity and the limits of displayed amounts. What the Lawsuit Means for Ballys and the Casino Industry The lawsuit filed by Inserra seeks the full jackpot amount, along with accrued interest and coverage of legal expenses. Beyond the immediate financial implications for Ballys, the case could establish a significant legal precedent for the gambling industry. A ruling in favor of Inserra might compel casinos nationwide to pay out displayed jackpots even in circumstances where technical glitches are alleged, fundamentally affecting how casinos manage slot machines and automated payouts. The outcome of this case, expected to continue through late 2025, could have far-reaching consequences. Regulators and operators may be forced to reevaluate slot machine protocols, software auditing practices, and consumer protections. For players, a favorable ruling could strengthen the legal basis for claiming jackpots, while for casinos, it could increase operational scrutiny and liability risks. As the industry watches closely, this lawsuit could reshape the legal landscape surrounding automated gambling and jackpot disputes for years to come. Disclaimer: any promotions presented on this page were correct and available at the time of writing. Promotions can change regularly. We encourage all users to check the promotion displayed matches the most current promotion available by clicking through to the operator welcome page. Please read the terms and conditions carefully before you accept any promotional welcome offer. Share this article Keith Johnson Spoils the Charlie Waters Party in the GUKPT Luton Main Event Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link The wait for the first female Grosvenor UK Poker Tour (GUKPT) Main Event champion continues after Keith Johnson denied Charlie Waters in the 1,250 GUKPT Luton Main Event. Every GUKPT Main Event champion since the inaugural GUKPT Bolton stop in January 2007 has been male. Several ladies have come close to writing themselves into the tour's history books, but none have managed to lift the coveted winner's trophy. Waters is the latest female poker player to finish in the bridesmaid position after Johnson spoiled the party at the Grosvenor G Casino on Park Street West over the weekend. 2025 GUKPT Luton Main Event Final Table Results Rank Player Prize 1 Keith Johnson 56,890 2 Charlie Waters 38,250 3 Jonathan Schuman 25,530 4 Harry Sandford 17,120 5 Mark Wagstaff 11,840 6 Horatiu Cont 8,720 7 John Bousfield 6,920 8 Daniel Rudd 5,830 9 Jack Benson 5,120 The GUKPT Luton Main Event drew in 231 entrants who created a 240,140 prize pool that the top 29 finishers shared. A min-cashed weighed in at 2,710, with that prize increasing to 5,120 by the final table; the champion would clinch a 56,890 score. Jack Benson was the first of the nine finalists to find himself void of chips. Benson shoved on the turn with second pair only to discover Jonathan Schuman had turned two pair with his king-five. A brick on the river and Benson, the 2,000 GUKPT London High Roller fourth-place finisher, was gone. Eighth place and 5,820 went to Daniel Rudd, who lost a crucial coinflip for his tournament life. Down to only seven big blinds, Rudd pinned his hopes on a pair of threes, and Johnson called with ace-five. An ace on the flop left Rudd chasing two outs, which never arrived. GUKPT regular John Bousfield was the next player to fall by the wayside. Bousfiueld committed his last eight big blinds with pocket eights and was flipping against Mark Wagstaff's ace-king. A king on the flop was enough to melt Bousfield's snowmen, and the GUKPT Luton Main Event was down to only six hopefuls. Those six became five when Horatiu Cont bowed out. Cont only had 735 in live tournament earnings before this event, but now boasts a score worth 8,720. Cont was second in chips at the start of six-handed play, but crashed out when he ran the second nut straight into the stone cold nuts of Waters. Cont exited in sixth while waters soared to the top of the chip counts. The surviving five players locked in a five-figure score, and Wagstaff was the first of them to collect such a sum. Wagstaff got his chips in with a combo draw on the turn only to see Johnson snap-call, having turned a straight. No drama on the river meant Wagstaff was the fifth-place finisher, his best result in a GUKPT Main Event, and the recipient of 11,840. Harry Sandford continued his impressive run of form with a fourth-place finish. Having won the 560 888poker UKPL Edinburgh Main Event for 23,960 in June and then the 340 GUKPT London Mini Main Event for 46,060 in July, Sandford busted fourth here for 17,120. His final action in this tournament was to get his last 17 big blinds into the middle with pocket sixes, which ran into the ace-queen in Johnson's hand. An ace on the flop ended Sandford's latest deep run. The 2016 UKIPT Marbella champion, Jonathan Schuman, crashed out in third for 25,530, sending the GUKPT Luton Main Event into the heads-up stage. Schuman took the high-variance line of three-betting with ace-ten then calling off 30 big blinds against Waters, who revealed the dominating ace-king. Waters' Big Slick held, and Schuman was gone. Johnson went into heads-up holding a 66 to 50 big blind lead over Waters. An epic one-on-one battle ensued, one spanning almost two hours, with the chip lead exchanging hands several times. The final hand took place during the 40,000/80,000/80,000 level, the 213th hand of the final table. Johnson woke up with pocket jacks on the button, and he min-raised to 160,000. Waters, holding ace-five of clubs, three-bet all-in for 2,135,000, and Johnson called. Johnson flopped a set, leaving Waters with just a 3% chance of staying in the event. A five on the turn improved Water,s but left her drawing dead at the same time. An inconsequential six on the river busted Waters in second place, a finish worth 38,250, leaving Johnson to capture the title and a 56,890 top prize. 2025 GUKPT Luton Results Adam Neal Michael Rosaman finished third in the 250 GUKPT Luton Mini Main Event in April 2025, but went two places deeper in the latest instalment. Rosaman added another trophy to his cabinet, plus 31,730 to his bankroll. There was also a career-best live score for Adam "IT5PAYDAY" Neal, courtesy of the popular grinder taking down the 1,650 High Roller. Neal walked away with 31,470 for this victory. Event Entrants Prize Pool Champion Prize 250 Mini Main 765 158,630 Michael Rosaman 31,730 1,650 High Roller 62 95,350 Adam Neal 31,470 300 Opener 423 103,230 Freddie Bogie 17,684 550 GUKPT Cup 118 56,040 Robert Douras 13,280 250 PLO 107 22,360 Matthew Cartwright 5,300 200 Closer 77 13,160 Caraalos Preciado 3,330 200 Turbo 32 5,470 W.T. 2,740 330 PLO Bounty 37 5,270 Luke Tatum 2,640 150 Seniors 80 10,090 Joanne Cox 2,215 GUKPT Edinburgh Begins October 9 GUKPT regulars have some time to rest and recuperate before the seventh leg of the 2025 tour. The long-running tour heads north of the border to bonny Scotland, Edinburgh to be exact, from October 9-19. The equivalent stop ran in April in 2024. Among its many results was a victory in the 1,250 GUKPT Edinburgh Main Event for Paul Mcaulay, who outlasted 183 opponents to clinch a 34,810 prize and the title of champion. Head online to Grosvenor Poker if you want to win your way into the 2025 edition of the GUKPT Edinburgh Main Event for mere pennies. Share this article "Streusalz" Clinches $110k Rakeless Sunday Mystery Bounty Main Event at 888poker Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link 888poker ran its Rakeless Sunday promotion this week, scrapping the rake on several of its most popular tournaments, including the $109 buy-in Mystery Bounty Main Event. The online poker giant also bolstered this tournament's guarantee from $100,000 to $110,000 despite it frequently overlaying. The boosted guarantee was bested after 1,099 players bought in and created a $119,791 prize pool, which included a $11,000 jackpot bounty. "phho86" claimed that massive bounty on Day 1 before navigating to the eight-handed final table, where a top prize worth $9,531 waited for the eventual champion. Lithuania's "goldskill" amassed a huge stack on the first day, turning their 15,000 starting stack into a colossal 7,228,386 chips, or 181 big blinds. It was the Lithuanian's tournament to lose because they had more than 2.5 times as many chips as any other finalists. However, anyone who has played poker knows all too well that tournaments rarely progress as you would expect. $110,000 Rakeless Sunday Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Chip Counts Rank Player Country Bounties Chip Count Big Blinds 1 goldskill Lithuania $882 7,228,386 181 2 DAEMON_Tools Kazakhstan $528 2,948,932 74 3 PokerUtopia United Kingdom $375 2,335,986 58 4 Streusalz $1,058 1,125,478 28 5 aalexandress Brazil $44 1,082,477 27 6 AzaAzaAza Thailand $616 1,019,489 26 7 phho86 $11,684 555,737 14 8 M0M0s Germany $88 188,515 5 The first elimination occurred almost immediately after the final table's action commenced. Despite sitting down with less than five big blinds, "M0M0s" was not the final table's first casualty. That dubious honour went to "AzaAzaAza", who decided to three-bet all-in from the small blind for 24 big blinds with pocket nines after "goldskill" had opened from early position. Unfortunately for the all-in player, the initial raiser had a pair of aces in the hole, which turned a set to leave them drawing dead. A few minutes later, "M0M0s" doubled up through the chip leader, which ultimately sparked an impressive comeback that saw them ladder up the payouts. The frantic pace continued with the elimination of "phho86" in seventh. Thanks to pulling the $11,000 jackpot bounty before final table proceedings began, they took home a total prize worth $12,980. Brazilian "aalexandress" and British player "PokerUtopia" bowed out in sixth and fifth, respectively, before "DAEMON_Tools"' pocket nines lost a coinflip against the king-queen suited of "goldskill" to leave only three players in the hunt for the title, including the start-of-day short stack "M0M0s." "M0M0s" had done incredibly well to reach the final three from their perilous starting position, but they had their work cut out from here. They had 4.4 big blinds at the start of three-handed play compared to the 64 big blinds belonging to "Streusalz" and the 96.4 big blinds of "goldskill." Unsurprisingly, "M0M0s" was the third-place finisher. They got their tiny stack into the middle with ace-six but lost to the eight-three suited of "goldskill." Everything seemed to be going "goldskill"'s way, and the title heading to Lithuania looked all but guaranteed. Yet it was "Streusalz" who was the last player standing and recipient of an $11,273 payout. "Streusalz" drew level almost immediately before forging a lead for themselves. They held a five-to-one chip lead by the time the final hand occurred. "Streusalz" min-raised with king-jack, "goldskill" called with the dominated king-six, and it was off to a ten-high flop. "goldskill" check-raised a continuation bet, but it wasn't large enough to shake off "Streusalz." A second deuce on the turn put three spades out there, and "goldskill" held the king of spades. "goldskill" led small and was called. The king of diamonds on the river gave both players top pair. "goldskill" moved all-in and was snap-called. The runner-up took home $9,522, leaving "Streusalz" to collect $11,273 and the title of Rakeless Sunday Mystery Bounty Main Event champion. $110,000 Rakeless Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Results Rank Player Country Bounties Prize Total Prize 1 Streusalz $1,741 $9,531 $11,273 2 goldskill Lithuania $2,071 $7,450 $9,522 3 MOMOs Germany $88 $5,539 $5,628 4 DAEMON_Tools Kazakhstan $1,628 $3,809 $5,438 5 PokerUtopia United Kingdom $375 $2,552 $2,928 6 aalexandress Brazil $44 $1,859 $1,903 7 phho86 $11,684 $1,295 $12,980 8 AzaAzaAza Costa Rica $616 $971 $1,588 Share this article News / National by Staff reporter The High Court has rejected businessman Nicholas van Hoogstraten's bid to revive a 16-year-old lawsuit over a Harare property, ruling that the claim was long dormant, overtaken by events, and unenforceable.Justice Joel Mambara delivered the judgment on Thursday, dismissing Van Hoogstraten's attempt to reinstate a 2009 summons seeking transfer of a house at Stand No. 4 Wroxham Road in The Grange, Harare, which had been purchased at a judicial auction.The summons had lapsed under Practice Direction 1 of 2022, which strikes off cases dormant for more than two years. Van Hoogstraten, represented by Advocate Thabani Mpofu, asked the court to condone the delay and extend time limits, but Justice Mambara described the 16-year delay as "inordinate and only partially explained.""The horse has bolted a the ship has sailed a and it would offend the sound administration of justice to pretend otherwise," the judge said.Van Hoogstraten claimed he purchased the property in 2005 to settle a debt owed by the former owner, Felistas Runyararo James. However, the Sheriff's office later returned his uncashed cheque, and James subsequently settled the debt and transferred the property in 2013 to the Richard Samaita Family Trust, now the registered owner.Justice Mambara noted that ordering James to sign transfer forms for a house she no longer owns would be "absurd," adding that Van Hoogstraten had never paid for the property and would effectively receive it for free if his claim succeeded.The court found the application "meritless and vexatious" and ordered Van Hoogstraten to pay James's legal costs on a punitive attorney-client scale, emphasizing the need for finality in long-running disputes. Life Outside Poker: Sam Abernathy's Journey from Poker Stardom to Motherhood Connor Richards Senior Editor U.S. Copy link Life Outside Poker is a podcast for PokerNews hosted by Connor Richards that seeks to pull back the curtain on poker players and allow viewers and listeners to get to know them on a personal level. In the 34th episode, Connor talks with WSOP free-to-play app ambassador Sam Abernathy about growing up in Georgia, studying design, the similarities between gymnastics and poker, finishing third in the 2016 Aussie Millions Main Event, and a notorious slow roll she suffered in that event. Abernathy also talks about first getting into poker through the WSOP Play app before becoming an ambassador years later, motherhood and being married to fellow poker player Lautaro Guerra, who finished 15th in this year's WSOP Main Event for $450,000. This interview was filmed at the 2025 WSOP at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. The Life Outside Poker podcast is available on major streaming platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud and iHeartRadio. You can also watch the interview with Samantha Abernathy by heading to the PokerNews YouTube channel. Be sure to follow Sam Abernathy and Connor Richards on X. TIME TOPIC 0:00 Intro 0:34 Growing up in Georgia 1:12 Studying design 2:35 Finding poker through WSOP app 3:10 Gymnastics 4:56 Hollywood dream of poker 8:27 Transition from cash games to tournaments 9:44 Deep run in the 2016 Aussie Millions Main Event 11:15 Getting slow-rolled 14:04 Stepping back from poker 14:48 Being a mother 16:09 Being married to PLO crusher Lautaro Guerra 18:20 WSOP Main Event 21:08 Main Event advice 21:58 WSOP Play 24:29 Book recommendation 24:51 Advice for younger self 25:14 Favorite life lesson from poker Share this article Reporter Conor Hughes covers Greenville County for The Post and Courier. He has been reporting on South Carolina's Upstate for close to a decade, writing about everything from crime, to development, to politics during that time. Growth & Development Reporter Caleb Bozard covers business, growth and development for The Post and Courier Columbia. He has previously written for The State and the Times and Democrat. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023. Most schools in this area of Horry County are over capacity. The district is buying more land there. News / National by Staff reporter Zimbabwe's urban cash transfer programme, designed to support vulnerable families, has effectively collapsed, with Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo revealing in Parliament that no funds have been disbursed in 2025 following a halt in Treasury support.Moyo was responding to a question from Luveve MP Discent Bajila (CCC) regarding how many Bulawayo households benefited from social safety net payments between January and June this year. He disclosed that while 219,849 people were registered under the "cash for cereal" scheme in the city, only 39,293 received payouts - and that was in October 2024.Recipients were paid the equivalent of US$8 through NetOne's OneMoney platform. The World Food Programme (WFP) provided additional support to 15,000 people, including a US$5 top-up for nutritional needs.However, the minister admitted that no further funds have been received from Treasury this year. The situation in Bulawayo reflects a national trend, where hundreds of thousands of registered households never received support.What was meant to be a safety net for the urban poor has instead become a stalled programme, leaving many families exposed to worsening food insecurity. The revelation raises concerns over the government's ability to provide sustainable financing for promised relief initiatives. PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-26 06:40:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 787 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 AZURE HOLDING GROUP, and it's wholly subsidiaries Vision Oil And Gas and Oil Field Services Ai, is an Oil & Gas Operator, with over 18,000 acres in the Permian Basin, 6,000 acres in South Texas and over 416 active or shut-in oil & gas wells.LUBBOCK, TX / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Azure Holding Group (OTCID:$AZRH) and it's wholly owned subsidiary's Vision Oil And Gas & Oil Field Services Ai expect to increase it's oil production from 85 barrels per day, to 250 barrels of oil per day by the end of 2025. The company expects to reach 1,000 barrels of oil per day by the end of 2026, with the cash that the company currently has on hand, as well as further cash contributions from the individual officers of the company, and including the company's cash flow and pre-existing asset base of oil field tools and equipment which are currently held for sale. Assuming $63 per barrel Oil, and an average Net Royalty Interest of 78.0%, 250 barrels of oil per day for 365 days would result in annualized revenues of $4.48 Million, while 1,000 barrels of oil per day for 365 days would result in annualized revenues of $17.94 Million at approximately 60% EBITDA, before capital reinvestment into further re-perforation drilling initiatives.Since the merger between Azure Holding Group and Vision Oil And Gas was executed on June 5, 2025, the company has invested $615,000 into capital expenditures and operational expenditures to increase the companies daily oil production from 25 barrels per day as of May 2025 to 85 barrels per day.To date, Azure Holding Group (OTCID:$AZRH) and it's wholly owned subsidiary's Vision Oil And Gas & Oil Field Services Ai, have completed 10 work overs and 2 re-perforations and re-stimulations, while putting 40 of the companies 373 non-plugged well bores back online. The company will continue to focus on completing additional work overs, which entail pull tubing to replace joints with holes in the tubing, pump refurbishments, run xylene to bust paraffin, and run 400 gallons of HydroChloric acid 15%. The company will also continue it's re-perforation + re-stimulation program to complete 39 total wells across it's leases where no drilling is required, while targeting 10 barrels of oil production per day uplift, per well. The company is currently capitalized with cash on hand and in personal bank accounts held outside of the public company by Executive Members of the Company, to complete at least 15 more work overs and at least 17 more re-perforations + re-stimulations by the end of this fiscal year (note that a completed work over is expected to produce 2 barrels per day).The company also intends to address flow line replacements from well head to storage tanks to increase fluid flow and reduce daily inhibitors that could be slowing production flowing to the tanks.The company's current production across all of it's leases has stabilized at 85 barrels a day of oil production, compared to 25 barrels a day from the date that the groups completed the merger of Azure Holding Group with Vision Oil And Gas & Oil Field Services Ai, and compared to 120 barrels a day which was the 4 years average daily stabilized oil production of the prior operator.Once the company completes all 39 re-perforations + re-stimulations (expected target date March 31, 2026, unless the company closes on at least $500k of outside investment capital, in which case the company will complete all 39 well candidates by or before December 31, 2025), the company will then focus its efforts on the Calvin Starnes Unit Lease with the intention of replicating the horizontal sidetrack well programs that were successfully performed in the past on the Company's Starnes Ranch 29, Starnes Ranch 34, and Starnes Ranch 35 leases, with each well drilled producing a cumulative 60,000 barrels of oil on average over the life of each well or a 10X - 15X return per dollar invested.The Company is also finalizing the installation of Amplified well control and automated gauging on its active well bores and oil storage tanks ( https://amplified.industries/ This tool has the same capabilities as Scada or Lufkins well monitoring softwares, but at a fraction of the price, and will enable the company's production engineers to dial in and optimize the company's producing well's performance by managing down time, and increasing fillage to enhance performance and eliminate efficiencies. The tool allows for much more proactive management of the companies assets vs being reactive to issues and looking for problems that are inhibiting production (a reality of aged infrastructure and older wells).For further information, please visit the companies website at www.oilfieldservices.ai or reach out to Josh Cohen at (917) 584-7042 or by email at jcohen@ visionoilandgas.com About Azure Holding Group Azure Holding Group Corp. is an acquisition corporation focused on Oil Field Services, Oil Field Construction, and Oil & Gas Exploration & Production. The Company is currently evaluating further mergers and acquisitions, outside of it's capital program to enable organic growth.SOURCE: Azure Holding Group Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-26 20:59:12 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 26, 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: 2025-08-26 14:45:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 987 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Core Silver Corp. ("Core Silver" or the "Company") (CSE:CC)(FSE:8ZR)(OTCQB:CCOOF) is pleased to provide a summary of high-grade silver and copper assay results from the Blue Property (the "Property") and announce the commencement of drilling across the Laverdiere and Silver Lime Projects (the "Projects") in the Atlin Mining District of BC.Core Silver's President & CEO, Nick Rodway commented "We are well-funded and pleased to share an overview of the progress we've made over the past few years at both the Laverdiere and Silver Lime Projects. The drill is now turning and focused on expanding the mineralization footprint of these two Projects. We look forward to providing regular updates as the program advances. Additionally, this news release includes a clickable link to a supplementary slideshow featuring maps and visuals to complement the summary provided here." CLICK HERE TO VIEW A SLIDESHOW ILLUSTRATING THE FIGURES REFERENCED IN THIS PRESS RELEASEHighlightsDrilling has commenced at the Laverdiere Copper Project and will be followed by drilling at the Silver Lime Polymetallic Project.Laverdiere Project (Valley Zone & Main Zone):Surface sampling (2022) returned up to 3.24% Cu, 82 g/t Ag, 0.56 g/t Au, 0.053% Mo.2022 drilling highlights:LAV22-001 (French Adit): 267.05 m of 0.21% CuEq*, including 48.54 m of 1.02% CuEq* from 31.46 m.LAV22-006 (North Adit): 107.38 m of 0.31% CuEq* from 144.62 m.LAV22-002 (French Adit): 223 m of 0.20% CuEq*, including 54 m of 0.31% CuEq* and 24.42 m of 0.50% CuEq*.LAV22-005 (South Adit): 83.22 m of 0.27% CuEq* from 6.9 m.Silver Lime Project:High-grade carbonate replacement and skarn mineralization across a 9 km x 10 km corridor.Drilling highlights:SLM22-011 (Grizzly Target): 1.16 m of 1,145 g/t Ag, 23.2% Pb, 23.5% Zn, 0.52% Cu (within 5.64 m of 254 g/t Ag, 5.1% Pb, 4.8% Zn).SLM23-048 (Gally Target): 8.0 m of 39 g/t Ag, 3.5% Pb+Zn, 0.18% Cu from surface, including 1.3 m of 845 g/t Ag, 31.3% Pb+Zn, 1.10% Cu.SLM23-028 (Pete's Target): 6.4 m of 159 g/t Ag, 8.7% Pb, 7.7% Zn, 0.23% Cu from 27.43 m.SLM24-060 (Whaleback Skarn): 11.78 m of 10.6% Zn, 0.36% Cu, 16 g/t Ag from surface.SLM22-001 (Jackie Target): 21.65 m of 23 g/t Ag, 1.0% Zn, 1.2% Pb, 0.08% Cu, including 1.25 m of 215 g/t Ag, 9.9% Zn, 8.9% Pb from surface.SLM23-042 (Jackie Target): 4.55 m of 116 g/t Ag, 11.7% Pb+Zn, 0.41% Cu, including 1.10 m of 215 g/t Ag, 22.1% Pb+Zn.SLM23-038 (Jackie Target): 2.20 m of carbonate replacement mineralization grading 187 g/t Ag, 23.9% Pb+Zn, 0.53% Cu from 17.05 m.Historic surface sampling returned up to 4,870 g/t Ag in galena-bearing quartz veins.The Company is fully funded for its 2025 program and will provide regular updates as drilling progresses.Core Silver has defined two main Project areas at the Blue Property that contain high-grade and silver-rich massive sulphide skarn, carbonate replacement, and sheeted base and precious metal vein occurrences associated with copper-silver-molybdenum-bearing porphyries. The combined geologic histories of these areas cover over 125 Ma of magmatic-hydrothermal activity associated with prospective Jurassic (ca. 186 Ma), Cretaceous (ca. 106 Ma) and Eocene (ca. 58 Ma) aged intrusions.THE LAVERDIERE COPPER PROJECT In the late 1800's, the Laverdiere brother's discovered high-grade magnetite and copper skarn along the western flank of the Llewellyn Fault Zone (LFZ; See Slideshow for Figure 1). Historical adits driven into the massive and high-grade copper skarn at the Main Zone in the early 1900s returned up to 1.20% Cu over 27m1 , whereas historic drill assays report 175m of 0.24% Cu obtained 100m north of the French Adit in 19742 .2022 diamond drilling conducted by Core Silver confirmed high-grade copper skarn and porphyry mineralization for over 1 km following the north-south trend of the Llewellyn Fault along the eastern edge of the Laverdiere porphyry. The top drill intercepts obtained from the Main Zone in 2022 include (See Slideshow for Figure 1):LAV22-006 (North Adit) - 107.38m of 0.31% CuEq* (0.11% Cu, 0.023% Mo, 0.9g/t Ag, 0.02g/t Au) from 144.62m.LAV22-001 (French Adit) - 267.05m of 0.21% CuEq* (0.17% Cu, 1g/t Ag, 0.04g/t Au) from surface, including 48.54m of 1.02% CuEq* (0.90% Cu, 6g/t Ag, 0.11g/t Au) from 31.46m depth.LAV22-002 (French Adit) - 223m of 0.20% CuEq* (0.11% Cu, 0.006% Mo, 2g/t Ag, 0.05g/t Au) from 15m depth, including 54m of 0.31% CuEq* (0.19% Cu, 0.002% Mo, 3g/t Ag, 0.12g/t Au) from 173m depth, and 24.42m of 0.50% CuEq* (0.32% Cu, 0.005% Mo, 4g/t Ag, 0.12g/t Au) from 207.23m depth.LAV22-005 (South Adit) - 83.22m of 0.27% CuEq* (0.12% Cu, 0.016% Mo, 0.8g/t Ag, 0.03g/t Au) from 6.9m depth.*CuEq: Assay results are presented as uncut weighted averages. Interval widths represent drilled HQ core lengths and true width is unknown currently. Metal prices used to calculate Cu Equivalent (% CuEq) are Au $1775.00/oz, Ag $20.00/oz, and Cu $3.50/lb. All values are reported in CAD and do not consider metal recoveries. The equation used to calculate CuEq is as follows: CuEq% = Cu% + (Au g/t * (Au $ per oz/31.1034768) / (Cu $ per lb* 22.04623)) + (Ag g/t * (Ag $ per oz/ 31.1034768) / (Cu $ per Ib* 22.04623)).The first target of the 2025 drilling program will focus on the Valley Zone. The Valley Zone represents a highly prospective area of increased hydrothermal activity and high-grade porphyry copper mineralization located 2km southwest and 700m up-elevation from the Main Zone that was drill-tested in 2022. Both high-grade zones remain open for expansion in multiple directions.At the Valley Zone, a series of sheeted mineralized porphyry veins, veinlets and fractures hosted in granodiorite porphyry have been mapped and sampled over a 1-kilometer east-west trend that historically returned up to 3.24% Cu (with 82g/t Ag, 0.56g/t Au and 0.053% Mo; D935042) and 0.32% Mo (with 1.03% Cu, 4g/t Ag; D935043) in 2022 in bornite-bearing quartz veins, and 0.83% Cu, 47g/t Ag, 0.44g/t Au and 0.007% Mo in 2024 (F422231; See Slideshow for Figure 1).Veins hosting significant Cu-Mo-Ag-Au mineralization measure up to 20-centimeters-thick along the Valley Fault and are concentrated in an area of increased structural complexity.Mineralized porphyry veins sampled at surface and in 2022 drill core show an overall increase in grade toward the Valley Fault - interpreted as the location of a high-grade porphyry ce PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-26 22:05:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 569 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 /Crown Electrokinetics Corp. (OTC:CRKN) ("Crown" or the "Company"), today announced the appointment of Chris Robichaud to its Board of Directors. Mr. Robichaud will also serve as Chairman of the Board's Audit Committee. His appointment is part of Crown's effort to reconstitute its Board with experienced, independent leaders.Mr. Robichaud is a seasoned executive, strategic advisor, and experienced public company board member with more than three decades of leadership guiding organizations through technology disruption, market transformation, and sustained growth. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 93-North, where he partners with multinational corporations and high-growth companies to scale operations, reposition brands, and capture opportunities across industries including AI, blockchain, gaming, e-commerce, consumer brands, and luxury. His approach combines strategic foresight with operational execution, helping leadership teams embrace innovation while safeguarding performance and building long-term competitive advantage.Earlier in his career, Mr. Robichaud served as Co-Chief Executive Officer of PMKaBNC, a global marketing and communications firm, where he led a 400-person global team across London, New York, and Los Angeles. Under his leadership, the agency grew to nearly $200 million in revenue and delivered award-winning campaigns for world-class brands including Audi, Pepsi, PlayStation, Samsung Mobile, YouTube, and American Express.About CrownCrown is a leading provider of innovative technology infrastructure solutions that benefit communities and the environment. Operating across multiple businesses - Smart Windows and Construction - Crown is developing and delivering cutting edge solutions that are challenging the status quo and redefining industry standards. For more information, please visit www.crownek.com Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this news release may be "forward-looking statements" (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) regarding future events or Crown's future financial performance that involve certain contingencies and uncertainties, including those discussed in Crown's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and subsequent reports Crown files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions, or any other statements relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may, and are likely to, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and Crown Electrokinetics Corp. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release.This press release does not constitute a public offer of any securities for sale. Any securities offered privately will not be or have not been registered under the Act and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.Contact Information:Investor Relationsir@ crownek.com Public Relationspr@ crownek.com SOURCE: Crown Electrokinetics PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-26 15:01:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 403 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TORONTO, ONTARIO / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 /EonX Technologies Inc. (CSE:EONX), ("EonX" or the "Company") is proud to announce a significant milestone processing over 1 billion points for its business customers in the first 8 weeks of this Q3, 2025.EonX powers B2B payment processing platforms with embedded loyalty, where SMB customers earn points for every dollar spent on their business payments. The Company is building momentum as it prepares to launch in the USA.Andrew Kallen, President & Group CEO of EonX, stated, "We are thrilled with our results, but more importantly, thankful to our customers and proud of our people. This is just the beginning, so buckle up and stay tuned as we enter our full-scale commercialization phase across Australia and launch in the USA." About EONXEonX is a financial technology company powering B2B payments with embedded loyalty, whilst rewarding business and customers on every transaction.On behalf of the board of directors ofEONX TECHNOLOGIES INC."Andrew Kallen" President & Group CEOFor more information about EonX please contact:Andrew KallenPresident & Group CEO EONX Technologies Inc.Telephone: +18036767776Email: investors@ eonx.com Website: www.eonx.com The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.Notice regarding Forward Looking StatementsThis 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.SOURCE: EonX Technologies Inc. News / National by Staff reporter Nearly six months on, the 22nd batch of the Chinese medical team in Zimbabwe has delivered treatment to more than 7,000 local patients.In an interview with Xinhua on Sunday in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, the team said its 11 medical professionals, covering various specialities from neurology to orthopedics, have been carrying out free medical consultations across the country and have performed over 200 surgeries since they commenced their practice in March."Some locals in remote areas don't have access to quality medical services; that's why we have been extending our reach to them by doing voluntary consultations," said Zhang Xiong, an orthopedist of the team.Zhang, together with some of his colleagues, also offered free outpatient services every week at the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) center of the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (PGH) in Harare, providing TCM therapeutic techniques to help patients suffering from chronic diseases."Many local patients have come to realize that the TCM therapy is much safer and cheaper for some diseases," Zhang said.Gao Juhua, the team's neurologist, told Xinhua that many Zimbabwean patients suffered from high blood pressure and high blood sugar, but many of them have little knowledge about their conditions."The free clinic offered them a place for medical checkups, and we will give them advice like how to take medicine rationally and maintain a healthy lifestyle," Gao said.In the meantime, the team has been imparting cutting-edge medical knowledge and technology to their Zimbabwean counterparts by conducting training sessions, benefiting around 100 medical staff so far.Li Jie, a respiratory physician of the team who was dispatched by central China's Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, said the Chinese hospital has partnered with the PGH on a respiratory and critical care medicine project since 2022, through which thousands of local patients have been treated."Under this project, we are able to invite many top-notch specialists in the Chinese hospital to help PGH, the largest general hospital in Zimbabwe, strengthen its capacity in this field by training local medical professionals consistently," Li said.China has dispatched 22 medical teams to Zimbabwe since 1985, which played an important part in boosting the medical services in the southern African country PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-26 18:15:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 874 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 As EHDS interconnects EU systems, hospitals call for patch SLAs, SBOM/VEX transparency, and baseline API hardening to curb breach risk.BRUSSELS, BE / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Cybersecurity has overtaken other digital priorities as the most acute operational risk to European hospitals, according to a new Black Booka European survey of 352 hospital IT leaders in Germany (158), France (84), and Italy (110). Respondents describe a widening attack surface driven by ransomware pressure, middleware/API weaknesses, and deferred EHR patching. just as the European Health Data Space (EHDS) enters its transition phase toward application and NIS2 obligations bite through national laws.Key findings from the Black Book survey74% of hospitals reported at least one serious cyberattack attempt in the past 12 months; the most common entry points were compromised credentials and attacks on APIs used for data exchange (FHIR/HL7).83% identify interoperability vendors and middleware systems as their most exploitable layer, citing weak API credential management, inconsistent mutual-TLS (mTLS), and infrequent key/token rotation.60% acknowledge deferred EHR patching; in open-ended responses, executives most often referenced their own deployed EHR environments69% of French and Italian CIOs say their posture is constrained by vendor patch responsiveness and complex upgrade dependencies across EHR, PACS, LIMS, and scheduling systems.62% report no ring-fenced incident-response budget or in-house Security Operations Center (SOC) capacity.89% believe EHDS connectivity will expand breach exposure before essential controls (strong identity, network segmentation, EDR/XDR, tested immutable backups) are widely implemented."Identity and the APIs between core systems are the weak links," said Doug Brown, Founder & President of Black Book Research. "Hospitals are working through backlogs of unresolved vulnerabilities while uncontrolled digital keys and dependency-bound patch cycles enlarge the attack surface. Without enforceable timelines for critical fixes, transparent disclosure, and clear software inventories, hospitals are fighting fast-moving threats with processes that can't keep pace." The EHDS Regulation (EU) 2025/327 entered into force on March 26, 2025, initiating phased application and expanding cross-border data use on top of MyHealth@EU services like ePrescription and Patient Summaries.Real-world incidents: a pattern of escalationMulti-country (Germany/Austria/Switzerland) - AMEOS Group disclosed a security breach disrupting operations across multiple countries in late July 2025.Germany - University Hospital Frankfurt suffered a major cyberattack reported July 2025, severing internet access and triggering infrastructure rebuild; There were 324 health-sector incidents reported in 2023, the most of any critical sector.United Kingdom - Ransomware on Synnovis pathology services forced London trusts to cancel procedures and revert to manual workarounds; NHS and press statements documented extensive disruption.Germany - UKSH (LAbeck & Kiel) canceled elective surgeries amid the global CrowdStrike IT outage-not a cyberattack, underscoring third-party resilience risk.Belgium - CHU UCL Namur experienced a major IT outage that curtailed non-urgent admissions across three sites.France - HApital Simone-Veil (Cannes) faced a 2024 LockBit ransomware incident; non-urgent care was postponed and stolen data later published.Ireland - Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (Dublin) reported EHR/IT 2024 outages leading to cancellations and ED advisories.EU-wide context: In January 2025, the European Commission launched an Action Plan to bolster hospital cybersecurity-standing up an ENISA Support Centre, an EU-wide early-warning service by 2026, and rapid-response capacity via the EU Cybersecurity Reserve.Vendor ecosystem: foundational but fragileAcross the survey base, respondents report heavy reliance on a small set of dominant clinical platforms spanning EHR, interoperability, and imaging. While no single brand was singled out as uniquely responsible, hospitals emphasized shared risk characteristics across large platforms:Patch cadence and latency governed by maintenance windows and change-freeze cycles.Clarity and timing of vulnerability advisories, often cited as insufficient to guide rapid action.Complex upgrade dependencies across EHR, PACS, LIMS, and scheduling that slow remediation.Cybersecurity providers most often recognized by respondents for highest satisfaction in healthcare-specific capabilities included Thales Group, Atos Eviden, Orange Cyberdefense, Secunet, Sopra Steria, and Almaviva/Ingegneria Informatica, alongside global platforms such as Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, Check Point, and Fortinet. In this survey,88% indicated a preference for EU-based providers due to GDPR alignment and data sovereignty.What hospital leaders want from EHR & HIT vendors (respondent priorities)Patch SLAs tied to severity (e.g., critical fixes within defined hours/days) - 94%.SBOM + VEX transparency to separate exploitable defects from background CVEs - 88%.Coordinated Vulnerability Disclosure (CVD) with time-boxed remediation and clear advisories - 80%.API security baselines (OAuth scope minimization, mTLS, scoped tokens, frequent rotation/revocation, signed requests, automated secret hygiene) - 66%.Real-time advisories & flexible maintenance windows to reduce clinical downtime - 92%.Third-party/middleware risk controls such as API-gateway monitoring, token management, and supplier assurance - 99%.The road ahead: aligning EHDS, NIS2 and product obligationsAs EHDS scales cross-border exchange and MyHealth@EU services, hospitals and suppliers are also preparing for the Cyber Resilience Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/2847) lifecycle security requirements for "products with digital elements," with main obligations applying from December 11, 2027.Practical next steps include SBOM-backed software inventories, continuous API posture management, and severity-based patch SLAs aligned to clinical risk.About the studyThe 2025 European Cybersecurity Healthcare User Survey reflects self-reported conditions from 352 qualified hospital IT leaders in Germany (158), France (84), and Italy (110). Fielded March-August 2025. All figures reflect respondent experiences and perceptions within their environments. Black Book did not independently validate vendor-specific claims; results are reported as provided by respondents. Where priorities include multiple selections, percentages may exceed 100%.About Black Book ResearchBlack Book Research delivers indepen PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-26 22:43:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 968 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / MedMira Inc. (MedMira) (TSXV:MIR) announced today that it has received approval from Health Canada for its RevealA TP (Syphilis) Antibody Test (RevealA TP) - the fastest standalone screening device for syphilis in Canada.A vital point-of-care tool for healthcare professionals, RevealA TP is a crucial advancement in expanding access to syphilis testing across Canada-particularly in the Prairie provinces, where rates of infectious and congenital syphilis are surging.The test detects syphilis antibodies from a single finger-prick blood sample, delivering results immediately that do not fade away. It is the fastest Syphilis test licensed in Canada using MedMira's proprietary Rapid Vertical Flow (RVF) Technology.Health Canada's approval of the device is based on the results of multiple clinical trials, testing a total of 1,760 individuals, in Alberta and Saskatchewan and sponsored by Dr. Sean B. Rourke, Director of REACH Nexus and a scientist at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) with funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). One of these studies, the "test, treat and connect" study, was led by Dr. Stuart Skinner of the University of Saskatchewan and Nikki Williamson of the Wellness Wheel Medical Clinic in Regina-a non-profit organization providing culturally responsive HIV and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) care in First Nations communities.This precise, easy-to-use test can be deployed in a range of healthcare settings, from hospitals and doctors' offices to community health clinics and non-profit community agencies. It offers an important new option in Canada for identifying syphilis cases and connecting individuals to timely treatment and care."We are proud to expand Canada's diagnostic toolbox with a solution that aligns with the need for speed, reliability, and scalability," said Hermes Chan, CEO of MedMira. "This approval reflects our commitment to developing technologies that address urgent public health challenges while improving access to care." Canada has seen a dramatic rise in syphilis cases in recent years. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can lead to painless sores or, in more advanced cases, serious organ damage. Congenital syphilis, which occurs when an untreated or inadequately treated pregnant person passes the infection to their baby, can result in stillbirth or other serious outcomes.According to the latest data from the Public Health Agency of Canada, syphilis cases nearly doubled from 6,371 in 2018 to 12,135 in 2023. Congenital syphilis has also risen sharply, from 17 in 2018 to 53 in 2023- or a 220% increase."Infectious syphilis is a public health emergency in Canada, sweeping across communities-especially in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba," said Dr. Sean B. Rourke, Director of REACH and MAP scientist at St. Michael's Hospital. "Having another rapid point-of-care syphilis test is critical to help people get tested quickly and connected to culturally appropriate care. The more individuals we diagnose and treat, the faster we can help end this tragic health crisis." With CIHR funding, Dr. Rourke and his team at REACH Nexus conducted a study to evaluate MedMira's test across 20 sites in Saskatchewan. These included First Nations communities, remote regions, community health locations, and a federal penitentiary."Having this standalone syphilis rapid test is a significant step toward engaging Indigenous communities-particularly those in rural and remote areas-with more accessible STBBI testing options," said Williamson, a registered nurse. "This is vital to developing culturally informed and self-determined testing strategies that promote prevention, early detection, and connection to care, all with the goal of eradicating syphilis." RevealA TP joins MedMira's expanding portfolio of approved rapid tests, including the MultiploA Rapid TP/HIV Antibody Test and RevealA G4 Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test, both licensed by Health Canada in December 2024 and January 2025. All MedMira tests are developed and manufactured in Halifax, Nova Scotia.About REACH Nexus at St. Michael's Hospital's MAP Centre for Urban Health SolutionsREACH Nexus is an ambitious national research group working on how to address HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in Canada. Their focus is on reaching the undiagnosed, implementing and scaling up new testing options, strengthening connections to care, improving access to options for prevention (PrEP and PEP) and ending stigma. We work in collaboration and partnership with people living with HIV; community-based organizations; front-line service providers; healthcare providers and decision makers; public health agencies; researchers; business leaders; industry partners, and federal, provincial and regional policymakers. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.About MedMiraMedMira is a leading developer and manufacturer of Rapid Vertical FlowA diagnostics. The Company's tests provide hospitals, labs, clinics, and individuals with instant disease diagnosis, such as HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis, and SARS-CoV-2, in just three easy steps. The Company's tests are sold globally under the REVEALA, REVEALCOVID-19A, MultiploA and MiriadA brands. Based on its patented Rapid Vertical FlowA Technology, MedMira's rapid HIV test is the only one in the world to achieve regulatory approvals in Canada, the United States, China and the European Union. MedMira's corporate offices and manufacturing facilities are located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. For more information visitmedmira.com . Follow us onTwitterandLinkedIn .This news release contains forwardalooking statements, which involve risk and uncertainties and reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events, including statements regarding possible regulatory approval, product launch, future growth, and new business opportunities. Actual events could materially differ from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, changing market conditions, successful and timely completion of clinical studies, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, establishment of corporate alliances and other risks detailed from time to time in the company quarterly filings.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 adequac PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-26 13:01:56 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 717 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The Live Wildly Showcase concert will raise funds for conservation while connecting people to Florida's wild placesSAINT AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Live Wildly is partnering with Sing Out Loud Festival for the second year in a row to present the Live Wildly Showcase - a mission-driven concert designed to spark deeper connections to Florida's wild places.The two-day outdoor concert - held in St. Augustine, FL, Sept. 20-21 - will be headlined by multiplatinum-selling sensation Hozier, with an exciting lineup that also includes indie-pop favorite Beabadoobee, rising breakout star sombr, and other world-renowned artists.For each ticket sold, $10 will go to conservation efforts in Florida's St. Johns County. Last year's Live Wildly Showcase raised more than $160,000 for land conservation."The Live Wildly Showcase is more than just a concert - it's a call to action," said Lisa Shipley, CEO of Live Wildly. "By coming together to celebrate today's most powerful music, we're also uniting to protect the wild lands and waters that make Florida extraordinary. Music has the power to move people, just like nature does. When the two come together, we create something deeply inspiring - a chance to connect, to learn, and to make a difference." In addition to its Showcase concert, Live Wildly is also inviting festival goers to step beyond the stage and explore wild Florida withfour curated experiencestaking place during the month of September across St. Johns County.These immersive adventures have been created in partnership with local conservation and cultural organizations and are designed to help people learn about the vital role nature has played in Florida's past, present and future.Wild Waters Art Exhibit opens on Sept. 1 at the historic Governor's House Cultural Center and Museum in downtown St. Augustine, and offers people the chance to explore the natural beauty of Florida through the eyes of artists who were inspired by its rivers, lakes, wetlands and coasts. Presented by the Harn Museum of Art in partnership with the UF Center for Landscape Conservation Planning, the self-guided exhibit invites you to connect with Florida's water-rich ecosystems in a new, artistic way.Bird Wildly Walking Tours will be offered before the Live Wildly Showcase concerts Sept. 20-21, taking people through two of St. Augustine's most iconic landscapes - Mission Nombre de Dios and Castillo de San Marcos. Led by experienced birders from the St. Augustine Bird Club and St. Johns Regional Audubon, these one-hour tours are ideal for beginners and seasoned birders alike. Tour space is limited. Register for the tourshere .Explore history and nature at the Fort Mose Historic State Park . Home to the site of the first legally sanctioned free African settlement in what would become the United States, this 40-acre waterfront park features a full-scale reconstruction of the original 18th-century fort as well as a boardwalk and scenic spots for picnicking, birding and kayaking.Experience the wild side of St. Augustine with special boat and kayak tours presented by St. Augustine Eco Tours. Five guided tours will take place from Sept. 19-21, offering an up-close look at the region's rich marine life, scenic waterways and coastal ecosystems. The 90-minute boat tours will give participants the chance to see dolphins and coastal birdlife while cruising through rivers and creeks with expert naturalist guides. The two-hour guided paddle tours include a short on-land clinic before heading under the Bridge of Lions and into the salt marshes. Tours are available at a discounted rate of $40. Registerhere .More information about Live Wildly's Showcase concert and the curated nature adventures during Sing Out Loud Festival can be foundhere ."People protect what they love," Shipley added. "And Florida gives us so much to love - from untamed forests to crystal-clear springs. Our hope is that this event opens hearts and minds, and encourages more people to step outside, fall in love with the wild, and become its fiercest protectors." Contact InformationLive Wildly Press Contactpressrelease@ livewildly.com SOURCE: Live Wildly FoundationRelated ImagesPhoto Credit Melissa Marcarelli - Sing Out Loud Festival's Live Wildly Showcase in 2024 Photo Credit Melissa Marcarelli - Sing Out Loud Festival's Live Wildly Showcase in 2024 Sing Out Loud Festival's Live Wildly Showcase in 2024 - Photo Credit Roz Zekavat Sing Out Loud Festival's Live Wildly Showcase in 2024 - Photo Credit Roz Zekavat PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-26 23:01:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 529 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LMT Investors with Losses Encouraged to Contact Hagens BermanSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / A securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) on behalf of investors who purchased shares between January 23, 2024, and July 21, 2025. The lawsuit, captioned Khan v. Lockheed Martin Corporation, alleges that the company misled investors about the financial health and performance of its Aeronautics and Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) business segments.Hagens Berman encourages Lockheed Martin investors with substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: Jan. 23, 2024 - July 21, 2025Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Sept. 26, 2025Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/lmt Contact the Firm Now:LMT@ hbsslaw.com844-916-0895 The Allegations and Financial FalloutThe lawsuit claims that Lockheed Martin made false and misleading statements, failing to disclose that it lacked effective internal controls and procedures to accurately assess program risks. The complaint alleges the company overstated its ability to deliver on its contractual commitments.Investors began to learn the truth through a series of negative disclosures:On January 28, 2025, the company reported $1.8 billion in pre-tax losses in its Aeronautics segment, citing "performance issues." On April 17, 2025, the company announced its CFO had left.On July 22, 2025, the company announced an additional $950 million in pre-tax losses for its Aeronautics segment and $570 million in pre-tax losses in its RMS segment due to problems with its Canadian Maritime Helicopter Program.Each of these revelations led to a significant drop in Lockheed Martin's stock price, with shares falling almost 11% on the final disclosure.Hagens Berman's InvestigationA national plaintiffs' rights law firm, Hagens Berman, is investigating these claims on behalf of investors who suffered substantial losses."The pattern of recurring and escalating losses on key programs is deeply concerning," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation. "We are investigating whether these massive, successive losses were a foreseeable consequence of poor internal controls and a failure to accurately communicate the company's risks to investors." If you invested in Lockheed Martin and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now AIf you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Lockheed Martin case and our investigation, read more AWhistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Lockheed Martin should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email LMT@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-26 04:30:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 303 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 25, 2025 / Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation of Roblox Corporation ("Roblox Corporation") (NYSE:RBLX) concerning possible violations of federal securities laws.The State of Louisiana filed a lawsuit against Roblox on August 14, 2025, 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 fell over 6% on August 15, 2025. 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: 2025-08-26 21:40:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 546 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 OMAHA, NE / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / PAO Group, Inc. (PAOG:OTC), August 26, 2025, today announced the acquisition of 100% of the membership interest of outstanding shares from Law 90, LLC. Nevada Limited Liability Corporation (the Company). "The Company created "The Legal Helpline" and since 1995 provided exceptional legal representation for Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Family Law, Criminal Defence, Probate/Wills and Corp/Contract Law; ensuring that all rights are protected. The Acquisition will occur through a share purchase agreement" stated. Mr James C DiPrima, CEO of PAO Group. "This strategic transaction with PAO Group, Inc. will result in LAW 90, accelerating its growth trajectory and enhancing shareholder value." The current management team of Law 90 is expected to join the leadership roles of PAOG and elect a new Board of Directors member. The Company is considering a name change when possible. PAO Group Inc. is currently quoted on the OTC markets trading platform under the PAOG ticker symbol."This business combination represents a significant milestone for Law 90," said James Scramm, Founder and Managing Partner. As a publicly quoted company, we will, now be poised to access new capital markets, expand our operations, and deliver greater value to our stakeholders." About PAO Group, Inc,PAO Group, Inc. (OTC: PAOG) is a publicly traded holding company in America dedicated to providing an environment where every individual feels empowered, supported, and confident in the pursuit of their legal rights. We are dedicated to continuous learning, community engagement, and referring innovative legal practices to better serve those who entrust us with their most pressing legal challenges.a Our plan involves the implementation of an all-new initiative through the planned acquisition of currently operating businesses.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements with respect to PAO Group future business plans and partnerships. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "proposed", "anticipated", "will", "subject to", "near future", "in the event", "would", "expect", "prepared to" and other similar words or expressions and include, but are not limited to: the ability of PAO Group to secure patent protection; the regulatory environment in which PAO Group operates; the ability of PAO Group to carry out its business plans and unforeseen challenges in carrying out such plans; trends in the future use of psychedelics; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the state of capital markets; and other unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the aforesaid expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.PR ContactJames Scramm jp@ xnadu.net SOURCE: PAO Group Inc PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-26 14:30:32 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 943 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Pathfinder Ventures Inc. (OTCQB:RVRVF)(TSXV:RV)(FSE:RVF0) ("Pathfinder" or the "Company") is pleased to highlight its strategic development partnership with Crafted Developments, a respected leader in modular home communities in British Columbia. In parallel, Westside Modular Home Park ("WMHP") maintains an established agreement with Woodland Crafted Homes to build and supply approximately 100 modular homes for the project.Pathfinder currently holds a 5% ownership stake in Westside Modular Home Park and has previously announced a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire an additional 35% ownership, which the Company is actively working to close.Together, these partnerships support Pathfinder's planned 100-unit modular home community, known as Westside Modular Home Park. These agreements reflect Pathfinder's continued momentum and long-term commitment to expanding its presence in the low-cost, energy-efficient housing sector."We believe modular housing represents a powerful growth opportunity-it aligns with our mission to offer innovative, low-cost housing solutions and creates enduring value for our shareholders," said Joe Bleackley, CEO of Pathfinder Ventures. "This is just the beginning. We intend to build on this momentum and pursue additional modular housing projects across the province and beyond." Development Partnership with Crafted Developments & Woodland Crafted HomesCrafted Developments is a respected developer known for creating premium modular community projects in Kelowna B.C and in other parts of British Columbia. Crafted sources its homes through Woodland Crafted Homes, a top-tier modular home manufacturer offering energy-efficient, premium designs with modern floor plans and some homes meeting BC Energy Step Code Step 5 certification making them net-zero ready and highly efficient. Homes are typically built in approximately 90 days from "start to keys".Pathfinder's Vision & OutlookPathfinder aims to bring the same modern, community-driven approach that has proven successful in Crafted's prior developments to the Westside project. Once fully built out, Westside Modular Home Park could exceed 100 completed modular housing units, delivering affordable, sustainable homes in a community-focused setting. The Company continues to position itself at the forefront of the modular housing sector, leveraging strategic partnerships, operational expertise, and capital-efficient transactions to drive long-term growth and shareholder value.About Crafted DevelopmentsCrafted Developments is a well-established British Columbia-based developer specializing in modern modular home communities. The company is behind successful projects in the Okanagan region, which now hosts over 200 families and 350 once completed. Crafted focuses on creating vibrant, well-planned communities in high-growth areas.About Woodland Crafted HomesWoodland Crafted Homes designs and manufactures premium, energy-efficient modular homes built to meet or exceed B.C.'s energy standards. Their homes are featured in communities throughout the province.Modular homes are built in sections within a controlled factory environment and then assembled on-site. This process allows for faster build times, greater quality control, and improved energy efficiency compared to traditional construction. Woodland offers a range of homes - including select models that are net-zero ready - all modern in design and well-suited to the evolving needs of today's homeowners, making modular housing a smarter, more sustainable path to home ownership.About Pathfinder Ventures Inc.Pathfinder Ventures Inc. (OTCQB:RVRVF)(TSXV:RV)(FSE:RVF0) is committed to becoming the premier provider of manufactured home communities (MHCs) and RV resorts in British Columbia. Built on hospitality excellence, sustainable practices, and innovative housing strategies, Pathfinder aims to create welcoming, well-maintained communities and deliver longaterm value to residents and shareholders alike.For Further Information:Joe Bleackley, CEO & DirectorPhone: (604)a914a2575 | Email: ir@ PathfinderVentures.ca Visit: www.PathfinderVentures.ca A www.PathfinderCampResorts.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 release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.This news release may include certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include statements and estimates that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or its management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as "will", "may", "should", "could", "would", "plans", "estimates", "anticipates", "expects", "believes" and other similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that such statements will ultimately prove to be accurate and that actual results and future events will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking statements could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release may include, but is not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, including funding and refinancing. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the ability of the Company to successfully implement its development strategy and whether this will yield the expected benefits; competitive factors in RV's industry sector; the success or failure of product development programs; currently existing applicable laws and regulations or future applicable laws and regulations that may affect the Company' s business; decisions of regulatory authorities and the timing thereof; Covid-19 related risks, availability of properties for acquisition and/or development; the e PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-26 01:35:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 626 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 25, 2025 /WHY: New York, N.Y., August 25, 2025. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE:SOC): (1) between May 19, 2025 and June 3, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"); and/or (2) pursuant and/or traceable to Sable's May 21, 2025 secondary public offering (the "SPO"), of the important September 26, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.SO WHAT: If you purchased Sable securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Sable class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=40629or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 26, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants represented that Sable had restarted oil production off the coast of California when it had not; and (2) as a result, defendants statements about its business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Sable class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=40629call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-27 01:00:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 414 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Civics & Debate Club Engages Students NationwidePHOENIX, ARIZONA / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / The Sandra Day O'Connor Institute is proud to announce that itsO'Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Clubis now open for registration. The high school virtual extracurricular program will focus on America's founding and the Bill of Rights during the 2025-2026 school year. Meeting via Zoom, students from across the country have the chance to connect through dynamic discussions, participate in small-group breakout debates, and gain valuable insights from policymakers, elected officials, and subject-matter experts. The program was developed for teens to foster civil discourse, expand civic knowledge, and prepare the next generation of leaders to become engaged citizens. Sandra Day O'Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club"The Sandra Day O'Connor youth programs embody our mission to promote multigenerational civics education, civic engagement, and civil discourse," said Philip L. Francis, O'Connor Institute Board of Directors Chair. "We believe young people are eager to lead, and these programs provide the knowledge and skills to do just that." In addition to virtual club gatherings throughout the school year, Ambassadors are encouraged to volunteer in their communities. Members in the 12th grade, set to graduate in spring 2026, are eligible to apply for the $5,000 scholarship from the John Jay Fetzer Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship benefits seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, civil debate skills, civics knowledge and community service."We are thrilled to provide our nation's youth an opportunity to learn more about our nation's form of government," said Sarah Suggs, President and CEO at the O'Connor Institute. "Our program includes scholarship opportunities, graduation cords and encourage volunteerism." For more information and to register for the Ambassador Civics & Debate Club, visitoconnorinstitute.org/ambassadors The O'Connor Institute also provides middle school and high school students the opportunity to engage in civics education and civil discourse throughout the year via the Civics Challenge or Camp O'Connor USA.About the Sandra Day O'Connor InstituteFounded in 2009 by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor following her retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court, the nonpartisan nonprofit continues her distinguished legacy and lifetime work to advance multigenerational civics education, civil discourse and civic engagement. The vision of the Institute is to create a nation where important policy decisions affecting our future are made through a process of critical analysis of facts and informed participation of all citizens. Learn more at OConnorInstitute.org Contact InformationHeather Schaderhschader@ oconnorinstitute.org 602-730-3300 x8SOURCE: Sandra Day O'Connor Institute PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-26 21:35:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 582 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ZARICH, CH / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / Santersus AG today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Device Designation to its NucleoCapture(tm) blood purification technology for the treatment of severe, treatment-refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This marks the second Breakthrough Device Designation awarded to NucleoCapture, following earlier recognition for the treatment of sepsis.NucleoCapture is an extracorporeal therapeutic apheresis column designed to selectively remove cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) from patient plasma. NETs are increasingly recognized as key drivers of inflammation, thrombosis, autoimmunity, and multi-organ injury. By directly targeting this pathogenic pathway, NucleoCapture provides a novel, non-immunosuppressive treatment option for patients with life-threatening diseases who have exhausted current standard-of-care therapies.According to the FDA designation letter, "NucleoCapture is indicated for DNA plasma adsorption as an adjunct to standard therapy in patients with severe or life-threatening and refractory systemic lupus erythematosus, who have active disease despite current standard of care treatment." The granting of a second Breakthrough Device Designation underscores the breadth of NucleoCapture's potential impact across multiple therapeutic areas. Santersus is advancing clinical development programs across multiple treatment categories, including:- Critical Care: sepsis and septic shock- Autoimmune Diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus and related conditions- Organ Transplantation: prevention of graft injury and dysfunction- Neurodegeneration: Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disordersSantersus is now preparing to initiate pivotal clinical trials in both the U.S. and Europe. To support these milestones, the company is completing its Series A financing round, which will fund the advancement of NucleoCapture toward regulatory approval and commercialization."This second FDA Breakthrough Device Designation validates our scientific approach and highlights the urgent unmet need for safe, targeted therapies in refractory autoimmune disease," said Andrew Daniel Aswani, Chief Medical Officer of Santersus. "We believe NucleoCapture has the potential to transform patient outcomes across a range of devastating conditions where current treatment options are limited." About SantersusSantersus AG is a privately held therapeutic apheresis company founded in 2017 with headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland and London, England. The company's medical objective is to revolutionize the ways in which we can control the human immune and inflammatory response to disease. Santersus specializes in the development of medical devices used to cleanse patient blood of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs are fibers of decondensed DNA decorated with cytotoxic proteins that have been released from activated neutrophils. NETs are now recognized as one of the major driving factors in the development of sepsis, lupus (SLE), COVID-19, cancer, acute organ failure, autoimmune flares, and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. These indications are either currently in clinical trials or planned for future trials.The company's flagship patented therapeutic device, NucleoCaptureA, has been also granted designation as a Breakthrough Device by the US Food & Drug Administration for sepsis. NucleoCaptureA blood purification technology is based on biocompatible, highly porous polymer beads conjugated with proprietary human recombinant histone H1.3 protein. As nature's ultimate DNA-binding and compacting protein, histone H1.3 has single-digit nanomolar DNA binding constants, making it a potent component of the innate immune defence system.As a result, during a single pass of NETs and cfDNA-contaminated blood through the NucleoCaptureA device, over 95% of NETs are effectively removed.Santersus AG holds a robust portfolio of recently granted patents protecting the NucleoCaptureA device.For more information, visit: www.santersus.com | LinkedInMedia ContactOrganization: Santersus AGContact Person Name: Aleksander ZaporoztsevWebsite: https://www.santersus.com Email: info@ santersus.com Country: SwitzerlandSOURCE: Santersus AG News / National by Staff reporter Police are intensifying investigations into the brutal murder of prominent Harare businessman Joseph Mutangadura, with his wife, Patience Dambudzo, now at the centre of scrutiny.Mutangadura, who was buried over the weekend, was gunned down last week by seven masked assailants at his Lisheen Estate farmhouse in Ruwa. Strikingly, nothing valuable was taken from the property, raising suspicions that the incident may have been a calculated hit rather than a robbery gone wrong.Investigators have since seized Dambudzo's cellphone for forensic analysis, fuelling speculation about possible insider involvement.The couple's marriage had been rocky in recent years following allegations of infidelity that spilled into Harare's social circles. At the height of the scandal last year, Mutangadura was reported to have gone on a relentless pursuit of his wife's alleged lover, but no confrontation ever materialised. Although the businessman later moved out of their home in protest, the pair eventually reconciled, albeit amid lingering bitterness.At the time of the murder, the couple was living together again, though relations were reportedly tense. Dambudzo was previously accused of having an affair with a public relations executive, an allegation she denied, and no evidence was ever produced to substantiate the claims.Following the shooting, she was found unconscious at the scene and rushed to hospital, where she remains under medical care. Despite her condition, police sources confirmed she is still considered a key figure in the ongoing probe.Meanwhile, a nationwide manhunt has been launched for the seven gunmen believed to have orchestrated the deadly attack. Investigators are working to piece together the sequence of events and establish a clear motive behind the killing.National police spokespersons have urged the public to remain patient as detectives pursue leads in what has fast become one of the most high-profile murder cases in recent memory. PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-26 03:30:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 440 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / August 25, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilctober 20, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Snap Inc. (NYSE:SNAP), if they purchased the Company's securities between April 29, 2025 to August 5, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Snap and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-snap/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byOctober 20, 2025 .About the LawsuitSnap and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On August 5, 2025, the Company announced its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, disclosing a deceleration in advertising revenue growth due to "an issue related to our ad platform, the timing of Ramadan and the effects of the de minimis changes." On this news, the price of Snap's shares fell from a closing price of $9.39 per share on August 5, 2025 to $7.78 per share on August 6, 2025, a decline of about 17.15% in the span of just a single day.The case is Abdul-Hameed v. Snap, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-07844.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-26 15:00:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 542 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Supported by NAPEO, Vensure Will Advocate for Swift Resolution of Delayed Tax CreditsCHANDLER, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 /Vensure Employer Solutions (Vensure), a leading provider of HR/HCM technology, managed services, and global business process outsourcing, will send a delegation to Capitol Hill on September 3, 2025, to advocate for small- and medium-sized businesses still waiting for their Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) funds. Supported by the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO), Vensure's leadership and division partners will meet with lawmakers, congressional staff, and key committee members to press for action on resolving the backlog and disbursing these funds.ERTC funds are from a Covid-era relief program designed to help businesses keep workers on payroll. According to a May 2025 report by the National Taxpayer Advocate, there are still 597,000 ERTC claims waiting to be processed, including many that are tied to businesses who work with Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs). These promised funds can total millions of dollars that some businesses have been waiting on for years."Our clients are hardworking business owners who followed the rules, yet too many of them are still waiting for money that is rightfully theirs," said Pat Cleary, Chief Growth Officer, Vensure Employer Solutions. "The delays in the ERTC program are harming small businesses, employees, and local economies. We're going to Washington to make sure our clients' voices are heard." Vensure's trip to Washington, D.C. will include meetings with members of the House Ways and Means Committee, the Senate Finance Committee, and state delegations. The goal is to simply urge the Internal Revenue Service and Congress to prioritize processing outstanding claims and release funds to eligible businesses without further delay."Our government has failed to deliver on promises made to American small business owners, and by delaying the processing of earned tax credits has created unnecessary hardship for families, communities and economic engines all across the country," said Casey Clark, President and CEO, NAPEO. "We continue to urge the IRS to expedite processing of owed tax credits, and for Congress to pass liability reforms to prevent these hardships in the future." The Employee Retention Tax Credit, created during the COVID-19 pandemic to help businesses keep employees on payroll, has faced significant delays in processing due to heightened review measures at the IRS. For many small businesses, these refunds represent vital operating capital.Vensure's advocacy mission underscores the company's commitment to the success of its clients and other small- and mid-sized businesses that are critical to our economy and the towns in which they operate.About Vensure Employer SolutionsVensure Employer Solutions is the largest privately held organization in the HR technology and service sector, providing a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, including HR/HCM technology, managed services, and global business process outsourcing (BPO). The company and its service providers collectively serve over 141,000 businesses and process over $159B in annual payroll. As a "One Employer Solution" headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Vensure helps thousands of businesses streamline and grow their operations with custom strategies that benefit both employers and employees. Find out more by visiting vensure.com Media ContactSonya TrezevantChief Marketing Officer sonya.trezevant@vensure.com Owen SereyMower, on behalf of Vensure oserey@ mower.com SOURCE: Vensure Employer Solutions PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-26 18:00:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 504 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VRCCO Welcomes New Specialists and Expanded Service OfferingsBEND, OREGON / ACCESS Newswire / August 26, 2025 / The Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon, a trusted leader in advanced veterinary medicine, is proud to announce the addition of a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist in September 2025. Dr. Lily Davis, DVM, CVA, DACVAA, will be joining the VRCCO organization, currently based out of Bend, Oregon.Veterinary anesthesiologists are specially trained veterinarians who focus on the administration of anesthesia, pain management, and providing overall care during surgical procedures for animals. Anesthesiologists play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of animals by designing customized anesthetic protocols based on the individual needs of each patient. These personalized protocols consider age, species, health status, and even breed-specific characteristics (such as brachycephalic breeds) to reduce the risks of adverse effects and enhance a pet's recovery.Anesthesiologists also play a pivotal role in post-operative care in an advanced medical setting. They implement complex pain management strategies to effectively control pain while minimizing potential side effects. This comprehensive pain control is vital for animal recovery and can dramatically improve the quality of life for pets post-surgery.VRCCO remains committed their ongoing growth and progress, in their effort to provide the best, most advanced, personalized pet care for patients from the Bend community as well as those who travel from across the country. Dr. Lily Davis's expertise and field research will ensure the continued advancement of patient care, allowing animals to receive the best possible treatment options while leading to more successful outcomes and improved overall patient well-being.In addition to Dr. Davis, VRCCO is pleased to welcome rehabilitation veterinarian Dr. Chelsey Lindberg, BVMS, MRCVS, CCRT, CVMA, and veterinary dermatologist Dr. Emily Gale, DVM, DACVD, to their team of specialists. VRCCO Dermatology will also be extended to a five-day, Monday-Friday service.Moreover, recognizing the growing needs for accessible veterinary care, VRCCO now offers telemedicine informational appointments for total hip replacements and certain oncologic cancer diagnoses. These virtual appointments provide pet parents with essential information to make informed decisions while streamlining the path toward surgery or treatment with VRCCO.As the field of veterinary medicine continues to evolve, the Veterinary Referral Center is dedicated to the continuous improvement of care through innovation with advanced technology, highly trained specialists, and a dedicated, compassionate team. These efforts solidify VRCCO's reputation as a leader in animal healthcare, poised to set new benchmarks of excellence in the coming years. For more information on the specialties offered at VRCCO, please contact 541-209-6960 or email info@ vrcvet.com The Veterinary Referral Center offers the most advanced emergency and specialty care options to members of the Central Oregon community and beyond. VRCCO was formed with a single goal in mind: to provide the highest level of personalized pet care. With over a decade of devotion to the veterinary field and a lifetime of being animal lovers, they know how important it is to be your pet's hero.Contact InformationKatie SedivecMarketing Directormarketing@ vrcvet.com 541-209-6960SOURCE: Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon The enterprise created by a deal between Chams Holding and Chinas Beijing Huahong IC Design to set up a SIM card-manufacturing facility for telecom firms in 2021 hit N4.9 billion in revenue last year, the financial holding company disclosed on Monday. The first purchase order from MTN in December 2021 marked a significant milestone, and delivery commenced in August-September 2022, Chams Holding said in a note to Nigerian Exchange. The company operates four subsidiaries across identity management solutions, e-payment processing & switching, fintech & digital payment and card production. Turnover for the SIM card-manufacturing business, which sits within its card-making unit called Cardcentre Nigeria Limited, stood at N419 million in 2022 when it began operation. That surged to N1.4 billion the following year and more than tripled in 2024, when the contribution of the new business was pivotal in helping the card production division turn the tables on four years of loss-making. The business is now a key cornerstone of the entire groups revenue pool as it alone provided nearly one third of Chams Holdings gross earnings for last year, when the groups net profit accelerated to N391.1 million from N20.2 million. In the Monday document, Chams Holding pointed the investing public to teething problems in the operations of UnionPay, a card payment partnership that Chamsswitch Limited, one of its subsidiaries, established with Wema Bank last July. The projects commercial introduction has been delayed due to the emergence of several critical technical challenges post-launch. Consequently, the anticipated revenue stream from this partnership has not yet been realised, it stated. The company noted that a roadmap on how to navigate the storm will be unravelled soon. Chamsswitch made N382.9 million in net loss last year, the worst performer in the family of four operating companies, leaving the groups profit subdued. The group is restructuring from a non-operating financial holding company into a fully operational holding company and has gained shareholders consent to adopt Chams Corporation Plc to replace its current name as part of the process. It is currently out to source fresh equity capital, N4 billion from shareholders and N3.7 billion through private placement to pursue a couple of scale-up plans within and outside Nigeria. These include constructing an ultramodern EMV-certified card personalisation plant in Nigeria and funding cross-border digital payment innovations. Cham Holdings after-tax profit for the first six months of the year declined by more than half to N419 million, compared to a year ago, due to cost-of-sales pressures. Total assets, at N20.7 billion, were up by 1.6 per cent from last December. The Cross River State Government says it is set to unlock the states vast gas and solid mineral deposits to drive industrialisation, job creation and sustainable economic growth. Governor Bassey Otu disclosed this on Tuesday in Calabar when he signed a strategic partnership agreement with Pana Holdings to explore the states gas and solid mineral deposits. Mr Otu said the partnership was designed to position Cross River as a regional hub for energy, mining, and industrial development through public-private partnerships. This collaboration reflects my administrations resolve to harness the states abundant natural resources in a sustainable way to close developmental gaps and ensure prosperity for the people. Government alone cannot deliver development; there has to be strong private sector participation, and this pact is one of the bold steps we are taking to ensure energy and food security as well as a more productive economy, Mr Otu said. The governor commended President Bola Tinubus policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a courageous departure from years of freeloading that weakened the nations economy. He assured Pana Holdings and other prospective investors of a peaceful, business-friendly environment in the state. While I endorse this partnership, I pledge my administrations full cooperation to ensure a transparent and accountable implementation, which will be guided by visible outcomes, he said. Untapped opportunities In his presentation, Daere Akobo, the chief executive officer of Pana Holdings, said that Cross River held two of Nigerias greatest untapped opportunities. He said the opportunities were in vast gas reserves estimated at 35 trillion cubic feet and rich deposits of solid minerals, including limestone, sybarite, gold, granite, quartz, manganese, and rare earth metals such as cerium and lanthanum. According to him, these resources can power industries, create jobs, and transform Cross River into a regional hub for energy and mining. READ ALSO: What Africa must do as global rush for critical minerals intensifies Mr Akobo explained that through data acquisition, reserve certification and phased field development, the state could unlock these frontiers responsibly. This strategic partnership will expand access to affordable and cleaner energy, drive public-private partnerships for infrastructure delivery, generate employment, and develop indigenous skills. I advise the state to sign a Joint Venture Company with CALA Infra for gas infrastructure and solid minerals development, and form a joint working group to liaise with regulatory and ministerial bodies. Others are to secure a presidential visit and embark on an international roadshow to attract funding and partnerships, he said. He, however, called for support in facilitating a stage-gate indigenous skill acquisition programme and activating a Nigerian digital wingspan for Cross River. (NAN) Nigerias creative economy took centre stage on Thursday as the Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev), in partnership with the UKNigeria Tech Hub, unveiled a landmark 150-page report and an open-source Creative Economy Tracker. The launch, supported by the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office under its Digital Access Programme, was held at the Radisson Hotel in Ikeja GRA, Lagos. Titled State of Creative Innovation Ecosystem in Nigeria Report 2025, the document highlights the economic value and growth potential of four key industries: film, music, fashion, and content creation. It maps their value chains from creation to consumption, offering data-driven insights for stakeholders seeking to scale Nigerias creative sector globally. Report launch At the event, founder and president of Tech4Dev, Joel Ogunmola, said the report is a tracking point that reflects what the tech hub will explore and discover in future. We are super excited about the support weve received over the last year from the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office and as well as the support weve gotten from the States, from Lagos to Kwara to Plateau. Super excited, we think that this is only just the beginning of the work we will do. Based on feedback and some of the suggestions that weve received, look out and watch out for some next steps in terms of what were going to be doing around this. Ultimately, I say a very big thank you to the team, Michael and the rest of the team that also worked extensively on this. Super excited about what this will lead to in terms of starting a journey of really tracking where we are, what the gaps are and how far we still need to go and ultimately what the future state will look like, Mr Ogunmola said. Economic importance Also, the co-founder and executive director of Tech4Dev, Oladiwura Oladepo, underscored the economic importance of the project. According to her, the creative economy is the second-largest employer of labour in Nigeria, employing 1.2 million young people. The executive director further stressed the need for adequate data to grasp the industrys full potential for profit maximisation. She explained the tech hub by realising that there is no data that gives insights into the creative industry in the country, which encouraged Tech4Dev to go on the mapping and research projects. Ms Oladepo stated that the report revealed understanding into the challenges and opportunities that are impacting the creative economy. According to her, the use of the report data will help creatives, investors and governments in decision-making and maximisation of profits. Know how they can, it will help to also inform decision making, know where to channel resources and what areas that more money and more resources should be put into to enable the industry to be better, she said. Launching the reports, she explained that the data-gathering process, which included interviews and consultative sessions, covers 4 key sectors from 1700 participants from the film, fashion, music and content creation industries Economy tracker Michael John, an integral part of the project, who was the former country manager of Tech4Dev, said the Creative Economy Tracker is an open-source platform, allowing anyone to access and utilise the data for policy-making, investment, or industry development. Mr John, who is also the senior partner of Avaara Partners, explained that the launch marks the close-out of the Nigeria Creative Growth and Innovation Initiative. He disclosed that the research study shed light on the evolving landscape of Nigerias creative industry, revealing both opportunities and challenges. A lot of research has been done in the past, but none has actually taken the standpoint of the value chain, which means understanding how value is created, from creation/conceptualisation to production, to distribution, getting it into the hands of consumers and exhibition. Afrobeats, across the world, is one of the top five music genres consumed. We wanted to understand what it was like for the average creator. Where do you get the skill from? How do you come up with the idea? How easy is it for you to turn this thing into an actual product? And even after youve turned it into a product, are you able to distribute it? How do you collect money? What kind of technology do you use? What is missing? Do you need staff? And if you need staff, are you getting skilled staff? the former Tech4Dev manager said. On her part, the Director of the UKNigeria Tech Hub, Oyinkansola Akintola-Bello, disclosed that the tracker will provide valuable data on the creative economy, enabling informed decision-making for policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders. Ms. Akintola-Bello also assured that the tracker will drive growth, innovation, and employment in Nigerias creative sector, noting that the initiative is part of a broader effort to support the digital economy in Nigeria and other partner countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Indonesia, and Brazil. A notorious terror kingpin and controversial pro-Biafra agitator has shot dead three of his fighters in Imo State, Nigerias South-east. The terror kingpin, Ifeanyi Eze, is otherwise known as Gentle De Yahoo. A video clip which showed the terror kingpin shooting the victims at close range has been circulating on Facebook. The clip was uploaded to a Facebook page on Monday. Although the clip did not reveal his face, PREMIUM TIMES confirmed from local sources that Mr Eze carried out the shooting in a community in the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State. The exact date of the incident is unclear, although there are indications that it happened sometime in August. The deadly shooting and why The terror kingpin is a commander of the Biafra Liberation Army in Okigwe, which was established by Simon Ekpa, the controversial Biafra agitator and leader of Autopilot, a faction of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Mr Ekpa is facing a terrorism trial in Finland, where he lives. Like Mr Ekpa, Mr Eze has been linked to some deadly attacks and abductions in Okigwe. He hails from Aku, a community in Okigwe. In the clip seen by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Eze was heard interrogating three of the victims behind a perimeter fence along an untarred road. PREMIUM TIMES obtained a longer version of the clip in which the victims admitted robbing some motorists in Okwelle in Okigwe Area. One of the victims admitted going to the operation with a pump-action gun in the company of the other victims, but claimed that the robbery was not intended. Two of the victims, bare-chested, were chained together while the third victim, whose hands were chained, wore a short-sleeved yellow shirt with black stripes and black trousers. The terror kingpin, who spoke in a mixture of Pidgin English and Igbo languages, accused the victims of leaving their duty posts and using rifles handed over to them to carry out an armed robbery operation without his authorisation. From the conversations between Mr Eze and the victims, it was clear that the victims were pro-Biafra fighters under his command. The terror kingpin, unsatisfied with their explanations, began to shoot them severally and separately at close range with an AK-47 rifle. Im telling you now, this one will be a lesson to each and every one of you. You people think I am joking, right? he said as he shot the victims, ignoring their pleas. Let everybody hear it, from today, anybody who dares take my iron (rifle) for robbery in peoples houses or anywhere, must receive it hot! Very hot! Mr Eze yelled at the slain victims, cursing them. Police speak When contacted, the police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, said police in the state were aware that Gentle, the terror kingpin, was behind the killing of the three victims. The Imo State Police Command is doing everything possible to make sure that Gentle and his cohorts are arrested and brought to book, he said. I can assure you that very soon we will arrest him so that he will face the wrath of law for all the various crimes he has committed in the South-east. Were keeping our records. Increased attacks Like other states in Nigerias South-east, security has deteriorated in Imo State with frequent attacks by armed persons. The attacks often target security agencies, government officials and facilities. The latest development came days after a vigilante operative and four residents were killed in Ezinachi Community, Okigwe Local Government Area of the state. Last Wednesday, another vigilante leader and another vigilante member were killed by suspected herders who attacked Amakohia-Ubi, a community in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state. Hundreds of persons have been killed or abducted and several others injured in some of such attacks in the region. The Nigerian government has repeatedly accused IPOB of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the region. But the separatist group has repeatedly denied its involvement in the attacks. IPOB is leading the agitation for an independent state of Biafra which it wants carved out from the South-east and some parts of the South-south Nigeria. The Kano State Government has denied that an official diverted N6.5 billion from its treasury, describing reports on the matter as falsehoods sponsored by political opponents to discredit Governor Abba Yusufs administration. The governments reaction follows ongoing investigations into the N6.5 billion controversy by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported details of the case, including how the anti-graft agencies allege that the governors Director-General of Protocol, Abdullahi Rogo, siphoned state funds through a network of front companies, bureau de change operators, and personal accounts. In a statement on Monday signed by the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature, the government said the corruption allegations formed part of a smear campaign by opposition elements bent on distracting Mr Yusuf ahead of the 2027 elections. Without prejudice to the ongoing litigation on the matter, the government is obliged to provide the public with the nitty-gritty of the Directorate of Protocols operations, which is not different from structures obtainable in all states and the federal government, the statement said. Defence of Protocol Office The government explained that all financial transactions within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were properly budgeted, with clear expenditure codes, and said no official had access to public funds outside approved purposes. It said the Directorate of Protocol was responsible for logistics, welfare, accommodation and the governors itineraries both within and outside Nigeria. The office also provides support for visiting dignitaries, including the president, ministers, diplomats, and other VIPs. Over 95 per cent of the responsibilities of the Directorate involve large volumes of financial transactions, more often than not settling liabilities incurred on the state at the instance of His Excellency, the statement added. The government expressed confidence in Mr Rogo, insisting he was being unfairly targeted. Turning its focus on the opposition, the Yusuf administration accused former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and his associates of financial recklessness. It claimed that more than N20 billion was withdrawn through the Protocol Directorate in just three monthsbetween February and May 2023after the All Progressives Congress (APC) lost power to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The previous administration recklessly governed Kano for eight corruption-driven years with traces of multiple accounts operated by the former First Lady and purchases of houses in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, the statement alleged. The government also cited the widely circulated dollar-bribe video involving Mr Ganduje and accused his family and allies of land grabbing and unlawful takeover of public assets. It further claimed that an opposition group had established an office dedicated to writing petitions against officials of the current administration in a bid to distract the government from its campaign promises. According to the statement, the ultimate aim of the allegations against Mr Rogo was to weaken support for Mr Yusuf and derail his reform agenda. Members of the public should note that the Government of Kano State has absolutely nothing to hide. Any government official, including the Director-General of Protocol, is always ready to provide explanations to anti-graft agencies whenever necessary, it said. The government said that the Protocol Office was purely administrative and did not independently spend public funds outside established rules and approvals. It added that the government would continue to promote accountability, transparency and prudent use of resources despite what it described as politically motivated blackmail. The people of Kano State are urged to see through this plot for what it is: an orchestrated smear campaign intended to distract the government from its people-centred programmes. These falsehoods will not succeed, the statement said. It added that while the administration welcomed fair criticism and lawful scrutiny, it would not hesitate to seek legal redress against individuals or groups spreading misinformation. As the case stands before a court of competent jurisdiction, the Kano State Government will remain indifferent until the matter is determined at the appropriate time, the statement concluded. The unanswered questions Despite its defence, the government did not address the fact that ICPC investigators said they had already recovered N1.3 billion linked to Mr Rogo, including funds laundered through corporate fronts and his private accounts. Investigators also said they traced suspicious transactions to his personal finances. Two Zenith Bank accounts belonging to him have been frozen under Post No Debit (PND) restrictions. The ICPC and EFCC maintain that Mr Rogo diverted billions of naira of public funds and is being shielded from investigation. A High Court in Kano recently declared ICPCs invitation of Mr Rogo unlawful, restrained further investigations against him, and awarded him N2 million in costs against the anti-graft agencies. But the ICPC has vowed to appeal the judgment, accusing the court of shielding a powerful official from accountability. The Japanese government has denied the President Bola Tinubu administrations claim of a newly created visa category allowing skilled Nigerians to relocate to Japan. It said, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that the claim of inclusion of immigration measures or special visas for Nigerian citizens in the new JICA Africa Hometown initiative launched last week was untrue. The Japanese government issued this rebuttal in a statement on Monday, about four days after the Nigerian presidency announced that it had launched an initiative with the Asian country creating a new migration route for Nigeria. This announcement was made during the 9th meeting of the Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9), which was held from 20 to 22 August in Yokohama, Japan. The Tinubu government, in a statement issued last Thursday (21 August), claimed that under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) its new partnership with Japan Nigerian citizens could benefit from a special dispensation visa to work in Japan. It stated that Japan had designated Kisarazu, a city in the country, as the hometown for Nigerians, and would offer a special visa category for highly skilled, young Nigerians willing to live and work there. It further highlighted that artisans and other blue-collar workers from Nigeria who were ready to upskill would also benefit from the special category. Rebuttal But refuting the claim, the Japanese government stressed that the programme was focused solely on fostering community-level exchanges and did not include a new visa category. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Japan had no plan to allow immigration or give special visas to Nigerians and nationals of other African countries under the programme. There are no plans to take measures to promote the acceptance of immigrants or issue special visas for residents of African countries, and the series of reports and announcements concerning such measures are not true, it said. Rather, it noted that contrary to the facts in circulation, the JICA Africa Hometown announced at the TICAD 9, aims to strengthen exchanges between African countries and Japanese local governments based on the experience gained through its previous projects. Under this program, JICA plans to promote exchanges between the four Japanese cities and the four African countries through various activities, including the organisation of exchange events involving JICA overseas cooperation volunteers, the statement read. The 2023 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has called for a data-driven and accountable approach to addressing Nigerias security challenges. He made the call while speaking on the ARISE Morning Show on Tuesday. Mr Cole said the governments efforts would only gain public trust if backed by credible data on arrests, prosecutions and rehabilitation records. One of the biggest problems we have in Nigeria is that accountability backed by scientific evidence does not exist, he said. A few days ago, a group of prominent Nigerians led by former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka and journalist Kadaria Ahmed asked President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to set up a Presidential Task Force on National Security to confront the countrys worsening violence. In its statement issued on 23 August, the group, which identified itself as concerned leaders, warned that Nigeria was facing wartime levels of killings and abductions. The statement cited Amnesty International figures showing that at least 10,217 people were killed in the country in just two years. The group pointed to Benue, Plateau, Zamfara and parts of the North-east as epicentres of massacres and displacements, while the South-east, South-south and South-west continued to experience rising insecurity. They proposed a task force with extraordinary powers reporting directly to the president, coordinating military, police and humanitarian agencies, independently of politicians or political parties. Mr Cole, who is part of the group, said the proposed presidential task force should trace security incidents, document killings and kidnappings, record arrests, and measure progress or setbacks in real time, all backed by proper data, to restore citizens confidence. He commended recent military efforts but insisted more must be done. Yes, there have been congratulatory messages about the capture of terrorist leaders, but Nigeria still needs to do more, he stated. Mr Cole explained that security improvements do not necessarily translate into people feeling safer. Do people see the change in Benue, in the Plateau? Are fewer people being killed now than five years ago? he asked. He noted that when 10,000 deaths are discussed, people see it as normal in Nigeria, so we need to reach a point where people believe their lives truly matter. He further explained that policies cannot succeed without reliable data verified by an independent body within government, and that credible data is also vital for population, health, and education policies. He referenced Amnesty International, which he said, provided data every day, and people believe it, whether right or wrong, because people believe it has integrity. If Amnesty says 10,200 deaths in two years, NBS ought to come out with its own figures backed with evidence., he said, as he argued that gaps in official data reinforces the need for a presidential task force on security. Rivers local elections Concerning the upcoming local elections in Rivers State, Mr Cole faulted the plan to conduct such polls during a state of emergency. If democratic institutions have been suspended, you cannot hold elections. The perception is wrong, he said. READ ALSO: Court orders forfeiture of N245 million shares seized from top Army official He said it looks like an attempt to capture the local government. If you want democracy, then do democracy properly. Doing otherwise sets a very dangerous precedent, he said. The Rivers State government initially scheduled the local government elections for 9 August. But following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state on 18 March, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) postponed the elections to 30 August. Under the emergency, President Tinubu controversially suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly and appointed Ibok Ekwe Ibas, a retired vice admiral, as Sole Administrator. As he delivered the hard sell pitch last spring for Canada to buy his submarines, Oliver Burkhard, the CEO of Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), used the phrase "strategic partnership" half a dozen times. Canada would be part of "a family," he said. We will perhaps soon get a better sense whether that approach is music to the ears of Prime Minister Mark Carney and key members of his cabinet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was announced Tuesday that Canada had narrowed the list of contenders to build the navy's new submarines to two bidders TKMS and South Korea's Hanwha Ocean Ltd. The prime minister met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and participated in a business roundtable with the goal of diversifying Canada's trade and coming up with a critical minerals partnership. WATCH | Carney asked how government intends to proceed with submarine procurement: That partnership will see the two countries deepen cooperate to secure critical minerals supply chains and co-fund new projects that contribute to a range of industries, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, as with many elements of his European trip this week, defence and security issues are near the top of Carney's agenda. The prime minister toured the TKMS shipyard on Tuesday afternoon, where he saw elements of one submarine under construction and long-term maintenance work being carried out on an older variant of the boat Canada is looking at buying. Carney emerged from a tour inside of the submarine, joking with the naval officer accompanying him and saying: "Sign me up." He was accompanied on the tour by Industry Minister Melanie Joly and Defence Minister David McGuinty, as well as top security officials and advisers. Carney landed in Berlin on Monday evening and is meeting with German political and business leaders Tuesday. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press) Carney said he is committed to a fair transparent competition and plans to visit the Hanwha yard in South Korea this fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal officials, speaking on background, said the debate within the federal government is now whether to go the route of requesting full proposals or straight into contract negotiations with a preferred bidder. Hanwha submitted a detailed unsolicited bid for Canada's consideration last March. TKMS in its interview with CBC News last spring said it had only answered the federal government's request for information but provided fulsome responses. The South Korean proposal had a price tag of $20 billion to $24 billion, depending on what the federal government requested. On Tuesday, Burkhard wouldn't discuss dollar figures, but he opened the door to an intriguing possibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canada has never had the specialized capacity to build submarines and always purchased off-shore. The Liberal government has made it clear that it intends to leverage every defence dollar it can toward rebuilding the country's defence industrial capacity. Burkhard would not rule out setting up some sort of manufacturing facility in Canada. "If they want to demand for special, let's say reasons to build them in Canada, we would also be able to do that because this is one of our success stories as TKMS," he said. "We're used to this model." The company, he said, was willing to transfer technology and intellectual property to make it happen, if necessary. The German-designed, Norwegian-partnered Type 212CD is perhaps the most well known and heavily marketed of the contenders for Canada's sub contract. (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems) Competition between the German and South Korean bidders has been fierce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz said on Tuesday that he campaigned for Carney to visit the yard and that he believes drawing Canada into the submarine partnership with Norway is important for Transatlantic security. In the high-stakes, multibillion-dollar gambit to replace Canada's aging and largely inoperable Victoria-class submarines, the German-designed, Norwegian-partnered Type 212CD is perhaps the most well known and heavily marketed of the contenders. Last spring on the margins of the Ottawa arms expo CANSEC, Burkhard, senior German defence official Jasper Wieck and Norwegian Capt. (N) Oystein Storebo all sat down with CBC News to discuss the TKMS information pitch, which had been submitted last year at the request of the Canadian government. Shipyards in Sweden and Spain also responded to requests for information, but in a statement Joel Lightbound, the Public Works and Procurement Minister said the decision to narrow the field was informed by a thorough assessment of Canada's submarine requirements, including construction and delivery timelines. The Royal Canadian Navy's aging Victoria-class submarines are set to be replaced, with Canada seeking requests from shipbuilders with the expectation that the first sub be delivered by 2035. (Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press) Canada is looking to buy 12 conventionally powered submarines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Germany and Norway became involved several years ago in a joint venture to construct the Type 212CD, which is based on the well-established German Type 212A design. Storebo, Norway's program director of submarines, said the 212CD (CD refers to common design) was designed for operations in all oceans, notably the Arctic. It was a necessity because Norway is an Arctic country. With its air-independent propulsion system, the diesel electric boat can stay submerged for more than three weeks, Storebo added. The initial $8.1-billion (5.5-billion euro) order was for six 212CDs two for Germany and four for Norway. Each country is now planning to build more, bringing the total order up to 12 boats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The German Navy will receive its first 212CD in 2028 while Norway is expected to be in the water the following year. The TKMS pitch also involves a plan to construct a submarine maintenance facility in Canada, creating jobs for Canadians an important condition the Liberal government has repeatedly underlined. Burkhard, who praised the cost savings for Germany and Norway in terms of supply and maintenance, said if Canada were to join the program it's possible the first Canadian boat could arrive in the 2032-33 timeframe. Slipping into the production line at this point would likely involve redesignating one of the submarines already earmarked for either Germany or Norway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think there are opportunities to debate if one of those is maybe the first Canadian one," Burkhard said. Although, he said, much depends on the Canadian government and how swiftly it moves. Carney has suggested in the past that the government would like to have a decision on the submarine project by 2027. The Type 212CD is a big boat. It is 73 metres in length, 2,800 tonnes when submerged and has four torpedo tubes. President Bola Tinubu on Monday welcomed Petrobrass imminent return to Nigeria, five years after Brazils state-owned oil company halted its joint venture operations. At a joint press conference in Brasilia during his State Visit to Brazil, President Tinubu said Petrobras return would reignite economic cooperation in the energy sector between the two countries. We have the largest gas repository. So I dont see why Petrobras doesnt join as a partner in Nigeria as soon as possible. I appreciate President Lulas promise that this will be done as soon as possible, he said. During the state visit, Nigeria and Brazil signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen trade, diplomacy, science, aviation, and finance cooperation. President Tinubu praised President Lulas commitment to revitalising the partnership between the two countries, noting that Nigerias economic space remains a virgin land, full of opportunities for Brazilian companies. He acknowledged Embraers efforts in addressing the critical challenges of local airline operations in Nigeria, primarily through establishing a Service Centre to serve as a hub for the subregion in essential repairs and maintenance of its ever-increasing fleet in Nigeria. President Tinubu recalled his previous engagements in Brazil and emphasised the urgency of moving beyond symbolic ties to concrete economic cooperation. Honourable Ministers of both countries, members of the Brazil Business Group, I have listened carefully to my friend, President Lula. We had a lengthy discussion. We talked about history and about African and Brazilian heritage. We tried to see why we are not at the level we wanted. We have allowed some problems and activities in the past to deter us from making progress and fulfilling our promises. But today we say that is the end of that. This is my third visit to the country. First, the visit to attend the G20. Second, on climate change, BRICS. And today, an official and state visit was very emotional. Highlighting the areas of cooperation, the president underscored Nigerias readiness to partner with Brazil on technology transfer, food security, manufacturing, and renewable energy. Today, we are fighting and working hard to bring our sovereignty to the level of expectation that we as a nation, the most populous, the most dynamic country, Nigeria, share with Brazil. We need to sharetechnology transfer, energy, economyso that Brazil can continue to widen the opportunities for us to embrace Africa. Africa is the new frontier. There is no other way to do it than to embrace it with technology, fast development, research, food sovereignty, and manufacturing. The president stressed the need for investment and knowledge exchange on healthcare and pharmaceuticals. We have elevated this promise to the path of reality, as you have seen in various MOUs. I dont know why the manufacturing of generic drugs, which Brazil has done deeply and far, cannot be in Nigeria. I dont see why the technological superiority of Brazil is not shared with Africa. We assured each other that only we can develop our economies to help our sovereignty. The president assured investors that Nigerias economic reforms are yielding results. The reforms Ive embarked upon since I took over in Nigeria have been very impactful. It was initially painful, but today the result is blossoming. Its getting clearer to the people. We have more money for the economy, and there will be no more corruption. We have the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria here. You dont have to know him before getting the foreign exchange you need. The speculators are out. In our currency market, the door is open for businesses, he said. President Lula welcomed the restart of the Brazil-Nigeria relationship. At a time when protectionism and unilateralism have returned, Nigeria and Brazil reaffirm their bet on free trade and productive integration. We continue to be dedicated to building a world of peace, free from hegemonic impositions. There are many possibilities for synergy between the worlds two largest countries with Black populations. Agriculture and livestock, oil and gas, fertilisers, aircraft, and machinery, among others, represent wide avenues for cooperation. He spoke further on the BASA agreement: Increasing the direct connections between Nigeria and Brazil is another essential step to strengthen the ties between our societies. We have approved the launch of a direct flight, to be operated by Nigerias largest airline company, Air Peace, between Lagos and Sao Paulo. Following a two-hour expanded bilateral meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of agreements and MOUs at the Palacio do Planalto in Brasilia. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazils Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filhos, signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement to boost trade and people-to-people ties. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Bianca Ojukwu and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Mauro Vieira, signed an agreement on Diplomatic Training Cooperation. Both ministers also signed an MoU on political consultations to address bilateral, regional, and international issues of common interest. Nigerias Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, and Brazils Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Luciana Santos, signed an MoU on cooperation in biotechnology, bioeconomy, ocean science, innovation ecosystems, energy, space development, digital transformation, and raw materials research. Managing Director of Nigerias Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin, and Brazils Minister for the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Aluisio Mercadante, signed an MOU for cooperation on trade and investment promotion, harmonising efforts to expand agricultural financing, investment, and joint projects. Nigeria is Brazils 49th largest export destination, with trade totalling nearly $2.1 billion in 2024. Brazil exported almost $1 billion to Nigeria, primarily sugar and jams, and imported $1.1 billion, mostly fertilisers. President Tinubu attended a state luncheon hosted at the Itamaraty Palace following the press conference. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) August 25, 2025 The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, on Monday, convicted mortgage banker Suleiman Gbajabiamila of defrauding a victim of N31 million through a property transaction. Judge I. O. Ijelu convicted Mr Gbajabiamila on all seven counts of stealing, forgery, using false documents, obtaining by false pretences and retention of proceeds of crimes brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The judge sentenced him to various terms of imprisonment ranging from two to seven years, although with varying options of fines totalling N4.7 million. According to a statement EFCC shared via its X handle on Monday, investigation prompted by a petition from the fraud victim, Lateef Adeyemo, revealed that the petitioner paid N31 million to the convict for a two-bedroom apartment in Lagos in 2021. The agency said efforts to get the property proved abortive, while Mr Gbajabiamila allegedly converted the proceeds to personal use. EFCC subsequently arraigned Mr Gbajabiamila before the trial court on 19 September 2023, with one of the charges alleging that he, in 2021 in Lagos, stole and converted N31 million belonging to Mr Adeyemo for his personal use. In another count, EFCC said Mr Gbajabiamila forged a Sterling Bank managers cheque no. 21664497 dated 20 October 2021, valued at N10 million in favour of STB Building Society Limited, with intent to defraud. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, leading to a full trial. In the course of trial, the prosecution, led by Abdulhamid Tukur, called two witnesses and tendered several documents, all of which were admitted in evidence against the defendant. The judge upheld the prosecutions case in his judgement on Monday, by convicting the defendants on all seven counts. But before passing sentence, defence lawyer T. E. Gbado asked the court to temper justice with mercy, citing his clients remorse and status as a first-time offender. After listening to the defence lawyers plea for mercy, the judge sentenced the defendants on each of the counts. While Ms Ijelu sentenced the convict to five years imprisonment on Count one (stealing), with an option of N1 million fine, she handed him seven years on Count two (obtaining by false pretences) and two years each on Counts three, four, and five (forgery), with the option of N1 million fine on each count. She also sentenced him to two years on Count six (using false documents), with an option of N200,000 fine; and four years on count seven (retention of proceeds of crime), with an option of N500,000 fine. Part of larger menace Mr Gbajabiamilas case is part of a menace EFCC confronts across many Nigerian major cities. These are two of the recent ones. In June 2025, EFCC arraigned Abuja-based real estate developer Rebecca Godwin-Isaac (also known as Bilikisu Ishaku Aliyu) and her husband, Isaac Yusuf, before Judge Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja. They faced multiple charges, including conspiracy, forgery, obtaining money under false pretenses, and laundering proceeds of unlawful activity. EFCC alleged that the couple fraudulently acquired and sold plots of land in Guzape and Katampe Districts of Abuja, amounting to over N800 million. Also, in July 2025, the EFCC arraigned Usman Zakari, the Chief Bailiff of the Gombe State High Court, over the alleged fraudulent conversion of N9.82 million from proceeds of a court-ordered auction. The commission accused Mr Zakari of misappropriating funds from the sale of seized property, which were meant to be remitted to the state treasury. The Federal High Court in Lagos, on Monday, convicted five additional internet fraudsters arrested earlier this month at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State. With five more convictions, a total of 22 people have now been found guilty among those arrested at the OOPL by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a statement on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale identified the new convicts as Olawale Waliu, Akinyele Kehinde Fatai, Olufemi Korede Ayomiposi, Shonekan Waris Bolaji, and Adeleye Emmanuel Jesutofunmi. They all pleaded guilty to the charges of impersonation and online fraud. Delivering judgement on Monday, the judge, Dehinde Dipeolu, ordered the forfeiture of mobile phones, cheques, and other items linked to the crimes. During the proceedings in separate trials, EFCC prosecutors S.M. Yabo, Pereagbe Ebareotu, Ayanfe Olowonihi, and I.G. Akhanolu called on witnesses to review the facts of the cases. The witnesses are Inyama Chinaza, Abang Bisong, and Izuchukwu Collins. The prosecutors then tendered the convicts extra-judicial statements, mobile devices, restitution cheques, and forensic investigation documents printed from their phones, all of which were admitted by the court as exhibits. The defence lawyersK. Popoola, D.I. Oluseyi, A.O. Idowu, and Gabriel Inalegwuprayed the court to temper justice with mercy and grant non-custodial sentences. They emphasised that their clients were first-time offenders who had shown remorse. Sentence Mr Dipeolu went on to convict and sentenced them to prison terms ranging from 30 days to six months, depending on their offences, although with options of fines in some cases. One of them, who admitted benefiting $25, was sentenced to 30 days imprisonment with an option of a N80,000 fine, while his device and a N26,000 cheque were forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Another, who confessed to obtaining $2,000, received six months imprisonment with an option of a N3 million fine. The third, who admitted benefiting $50, was sentenced to one months imprisonment from the date of arrest. Another, who confessed to obtaining $2,230, was sentenced to 30 days imprisonment from the day of arrest, with iPhones and restitution cheques recovered from them forfeited to the government. The fifth was sentenced to 30 days of community service to be carried out at the EFCC office at 7A Okotie-Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos. Some of the earlier convicts were found guilty of offences including obtaining money under false pretence, identity theft, and romance scams, contrary to the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and the EFCC Act, 2004. Arrest and prosecution PREMIUM TIMES reported that EFCC operatives, on 10 August, arrested 93 suspected internet fraudsters during a midnight raid on a hotel within the OOPL complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The EFCC, which initially announced plans to prosecute 23 of the suspects, have so far arraigned 24 before the Federal High Court in Lagos. Of the 24 suspects arraigned between 15 and 21 August, 17 have pleaded guilty and were convicted. With Mondays judgements, the number of convictions has risen to 22. Only two out of the 24 suspects arraigned so far have pleaded not guilty, indicating their readiness to face a full trial. One of the two that have maintained their innocence, Onunoye Olamilekan, denied allegations of impersonating Nurse Becky on Facebook and retaining $50 in suspected criminal proceeds. Another unnamed defendant, who was part of a batch of nine suspects brought to court on 20 August, also pleaded not guilty while others pleaded guilty. The federal government has announced that Nigerias airline, Air Peace, will soon initiate direct flights from Lagos to the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo. This development follows the signing of a bilateral air service agreement with Brazil on Monday, as President Bola Tinubu commenced a two-day state visit to the South American country. In a statement issued Tuesday by Mr Tinubus Special adviser on information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Brazil President Luiz Lula da Silva, noted that an agreement has been reached between both nations. Increasing the direct connections between Nigeria and Brazil is another essential step to strengthen the ties between our societies. We have approved the launch of a direct flight, to be operated by Nigerias largest airline company, Air Peace, between Lagos and Sao Paulo, the statement said. According to Mr Onanuga, the two leaders witnessed the signing of several agreements and MOUs at the Palacio do Planalto in Brasilia, following a two-hour extended bilateral meeting. On Monday, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Tinubu arrived in Brasilia early Monday for a two-day state visit aimed at deepening Nigeria-Brazil relations. Upon his arrival, the Nigerian leader was received by Carlos Duarte, Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, Carlos Jose Moreno Garcete, Ambassador of Brazil to Nigeria and top Nigerian government officials including Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. According to the Presidency, Mr Tinubus agenda will focus on boosting cooperation in aviation, agribusiness, livestock, security, trade, and cultural exchange with Latin Americas largest economy. Key discussions during the visit will be to explore partnerships in agriculture, energy transition, regional security and areas of mutual strategic interest. It was also reported that a major highlight of the visit will be the signing of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil. Breakout sessions and sideline meetings involving Nigerian ministries will complement the high-level talks. BASA agreement On Monday, Mr Onanuga said Nigerias Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazils Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filhos, signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement to boost trade and people-to-people ties. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Ambassador Mauro Vieira, signed an agreement on Diplomatic Training Cooperation, the statement said. It said both ministers also signed an MoU on political consultations to address bilateral, regional, and international issues of common interest. ALSO READ: Petrobras to return to Nigeria as Nigeria signs five MOUs with Brazil Similarly, it said Nigerias Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji and Brazils Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Luciana Santos, signed an MoU on cooperation in biotechnology, bioeconomy, ocean science, innovation ecosystems, energy, space development, digital transformation, and raw materials research. Managing Director of Nigerias Bank of Agriculture, Ayo Sotinrin and Brazils Minister for the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), Aluisio Mercadante, signed an MOU for cooperation on trade and investment promotion, harmonising efforts to expand agricultural financing, investment, and joint projects, Mr Onanuga said. The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of about 246 million shares in blue-chip companies traced to Umar Mohammed, a former Group Managing Director of Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL), and businessman Kayode Oladipupo Filani. Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, the judge, Dehinde Dipeolu, granted the application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which alleged that the 245,568,137 shares were purchased with proceeds of unlawful activities during Mr Mohammeds tenure as head of the NAPL, the Nigerian Armys entity that oversees its real estate investments. EFCCs lawyer, Hanatu Kofanaisa, told the court that a Special Court Martial had already convicted Mr Mohammed, a retired major general, on 14 out of the18 counts of stealing and related offences preferred against him. She argued that EFCC had fulfilled all conditions required for the forfeiture, including the publication of the interim order in a national daily. She added that no objection was filed contesting the application. The application was brought under Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. In his judgment, Mr Dipeolu held that the EFCCs case was meritorious. He ruled that since statutory requirements were met and no opposition was raised, the shares should be permanently forfeited to the federal government, for the benefit of NAPL. What investigations show According to investigations by the EFCC and the military police, the forfeited assets were held in accounts operated by Rowet Capital Management Limited and Resort Securities & Trust Limited, in the name of Awhua Resources Limited, a company linked to Mr Mohammed. The stock portfolio included millions of shares in blue-chip companies such as Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Flour Mills Plc, Oando Plc, Transcorp, Unilever Nigeria Plc, PZ Industries, and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated. Others were Conoil Plc, Eterna Plc, Japaul Gold & Ventures Plc, NASCON Allied Industries Plc, University Press Plc, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), Okomu Oil Palm, May & Baker, and Union Bank of Nigeria. A statement from the EFCC on Tuesday gave the values of the shares traced to him in some companies. Some of the shares include: National Aviation Handling Company(N115,567,906); Oando Plc ( N2,000,000); Dangote Sugar Refinery ( N1,000,000); Vitafoam Nigeria Plc (N81,901,651) and University Press (N40,155,291), the statement said. According to EFCC investigations, Mr Mohammed allegedly sold properties belonging to NAPL without approval and diverted the proceeds into stock acquisitions to conceal their origin. EFCC investigator Nwike Fortune provided more details in an affidavit filed in support of the forfeiture application. The commission received a petition from Nigerian Army Properties Limited against FCCNAPL Properties Limited, Alhaji Muhammadu Dahiru Wada, Maj. Gen. U.M. Mohammed, Yusuf Abubakar Abdullahi and Kayode Oladipupo Filani. The petition chronicled how properties belonging to Nigerian Army Properties Limited were fraudulently sold without recourse to the Board of the company by Maj. Gen. Mohammed, who was the Managing Director at the time, the court document read. He added that preliminary investigations revealed that the proceeds of those sales were used to acquire the forfeited shares. The ruling came after the EFCC had earlier secured the forfeiture of five properties linked to Mr Mohammed, following his conviction by a military court martial. Background In May 2023, the Nigerian Army confirmed that Mr Mohammed was facing trial before a Special Court Martial over alleged theft and forgery involving funds belonging to NAPL. The Army described the court martial as a lawful disciplinary process, insisting that proceedings were open, transparent, and in line with the Armed Forces Act. It said the former Army Properties boss was indicted by military police investigations and was being tried in Abuja. The Army leadership also disclosed that while Mr Mohammed ought to have retired, the Armed Forces Act allows retention of an officer under trial until disciplinary processes are concluded. Mr Mohammed, who is represented by a legal team including two Senior Advocates of Nigeria and several other lawyers, remains in custody at a military detention facility. On Tuesday, lecturers under the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) held protests across campuses nationwide, pressing the federal government to address lingering demands. The lecturers had fixed Tuesday, 26 August to conduct the nationwide protest across campuses, following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, between 16 and 17 August. ASUU President, Christopher Piwuna, a professor, said the union would also await the 28 August meeting with the government, after which it would decide on the next line of action, which could be an industrial action. Mr Piwuna said the union had tried several strategies to resolve the dispute with the Nigerian government, including writing multiple letters, but the government has failed to address the issues. As always, it is the FGN that has consistently pushed our union to embark on a strike action, and it is clear that ASUU may have no other option than to embark on an action to press the FGN to listen to our demands and do the needful, the union had said. He, therefore, called on members to protest en masse. Our members are dying At the University of Abuja on Tuesday, the lecturers protested in the mid-day rain, chanting solidarity songs. They also carried placards that read: Release third-party deductions to our unions and cooperatives, What is good for the politician is good for the people, We demand a salary increase not loans among others. Addressing journalists, the chairperson for the ASUU-UniAbuja, Sylvanus Ugo, said the union had exercised patience with the Bola Tinubu administration which now touts its patience as an achievement of the government even though it has failed to meet the lecturers demands. Mr Ugo noted there has been no nationwide ASUU strike because the union exercised restraint and not because the government met the demands it promised to address. We have been patient for more than two years since this government came to power, we have been patient with them, we have been following them, they have promised to release all low-hanging fruits. But up till date, those low-hanging fruits are still there, he said. We have come to that point where we need to let the Nigerian public know what we are going through and we say enough is enough. It is not when all the academics are dead that theyll come to our assistance. Mr Ugo said the union loses close to 50 members quarterly, adding that the deaths are mostly stress-related. Demands The ASUU-UniAbuja listed the unions demands as; the payment of three and half months salaries withheld by the former administration of Muhammadu Buhari in 2022, implementation of the Yayale-Ahmed renegotiation committees draft submitted in February, release of promotional arrears of lecturers, release of the one year arrears of the 25 and 35 per cent federal government wage-award to workers, and the release of third-party deductions to unions and cooperatives. Govt stalling renegotiation efforts ASUU ASUU had accused the federal government of dragging its feet on the implementation of the draft renegotiated 2009 agreement submitted by the Yayale Ahmed-led committee in February. The union said the report was left untouched for months until the government called ASUU for a meeting on 11 August. It also accused the government of attempting to subvert the principle of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in addressing issues in the draft agreement. ASUU had also lamented that Mr Tinubus government is also toeing its predecessors ugly path by stalling renegotiation efforts. READ ALSO: Court orders forfeiture of N245 million shares seized from top Army official It said the government has also failed to address other concerns of the union, including the payment of the remaining three and a half months salaries withheld in 2022, following the governments declaration of a No work, No Pay policy during the unions eight months strike. Mr Tinubu paid four of the eight months salaries in 2024, but the union maintained it needed to be paid in full. Also, renegotiation efforts for the 2009 agreement have stalled since 2017, with multiple draft agreements between ASUU and the government-appointed committee ignored by the previous administration of the late Muhammadu Buhari. A new report has shown that despite progress in expanding access to water and sanitation over the last decade, one in four people globally still do not have access to safely managed drinking water. The report titled, Progress on Household Drinking Water and Sanitation 20002024: Special Focus on Inequalities was launched by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) during World Water Week 2025. The report shows that about 2.1 billion people remain without essential water, sanitation, and hygiene services, leaving them exposed to disease and social exclusion. World Water Week World Water Week, organised annually by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), is regarded as the leading global forum on water and related development issues. It usually brings together policymakers, researchers, civil society groups and private sector actors to deliberate on how to tackle the worlds most pressing water challenges. The 2025 edition, which is ongoing, is being held from 2428 August in Stockholm, with opportunities for virtual participation. This years gathering is focused on the theme Water for Climate Action, highlighting waters critical role in both mitigating and adapting to climate change, while calling for stronger commitments to protect vulnerable populations. Disparities remain The report findings revealed that people living in low-income countries, fragile settings, and rural communities, as well as children, ethnic minorities and indigenous groups, face the deepest inequalities. Although access to safe drinking water in rural areas has risen from 50 to 60 per cent between 2015 and 2024, coverage in urban areas has stagnated. Meanwhile, 106 million people still drink directly from untreated surface water sources. According to the findings, 3.4 billion people worldwide still lack safely managed sanitation, with 354 million practising open defecation, while 1.7 billion people lack basic hygiene services at home, including 611 million who have no facilities at all. Girls disproportionately affected The data also highlighted the gendered burden of water access. In many parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia, women and girls remain primarily responsible for water collection, with many spending more than 30 minutes daily fetching water. A lack of safe water, sanitation and hygiene also has direct consequences for childrens health, education and development. Adolescent girls, in particular, face additional challenges during menstruation. Data from 70 countries show that while most girls and women have some form of menstrual material and a private place to change, many cannot change as often as necessary. As a result, adolescent girls aged 1519 are less likely than adult women to participate fully in school, work and social activities during their periods. Global goals at risk With only five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), WHO and UNICEF warn that the target of universal coverage of safely managed water, sanitation and hygiene services by 2030 is increasingly out of reach. Ruediger Krech, the acting director for environment, climate change and health at WHO, said water, sanitation and hygiene are not privileges but basic rights. Mr Krech noted that urgent action is needed to close the gap for the worlds most vulnerable communities. We must accelerate action, especially for the most marginalised communities, if we are to keep our promise to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, he said. Similarly, Cecilia Scharp, the director of water, sanitation and hygiene at UNICEF, stressed that the absence of safe water places children at serious risk. Ms Scharp noted that the situation has particularly dire consequences for girls, who are forced to shoulder the burden of water collection and face additional barriers during menstruation. When children lack access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, their health, education, and futures are put at risk. These inequalities are especially stark for girls, who often bear the burden of water collection and face additional barriers during menstruation. At the current pace, the promise of safe water and sanitation for every child is slipping further from reach, reminding us that we must act faster and more boldly to reach those who need it most, she said. Nigerias WASH crisis Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) refers to essential services that ensure access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation facilities, and the ability to practise good hygiene. In 2018, the federal government declared a state of emergency in the WASH sector, with an estimated 60 million people living without access to basic drinking water, according to the World Bank Group. The World Bank noted that women and girls bear the burden of water collection, often walking long distances to fetch water, a task linked to school dropouts, poor health, and increased exposure to gender-based violence. Further evidence from the 2021 WASH National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASHNORM) survey, conducted by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the National Bureau of Statistics with support from UNICEF, the World Bank and WHO, paints an alarming picture. The survey revealed that about 48 million Nigerians still practise open defecation, while only eight per cent of the population engage in safe handwashing. In addition, 23 per cent of citizens do not have access to basic water supply services, and only 10 per cent have access to basic WASH services combined. READ ALSO: Police arrest boat operator who ferries suspected kidnappers to creeks While modest progress has been made through initiatives such as the Clean Nigeria Campaign, experts warn that the country is unlikely to achieve its target of an open defecation-free Nigeria by 2025 without greater investment and political will. The WASHNORM survey emphasised that collecting routine data is critical for evidence-based planning, budgeting, and resource mobilisation to accelerate Nigerias progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals on water and sanitation by 2030. President Bola Tinubu has expressed gratitude to his Brazilian counterpart, President Luiz Lula, for the warmth and honour extended to him and his delegation while on a state visit to the South American country. President Tinubu concluded a two-day visit to Brazil on Tuesday. He had arrived in the country early Monday for the visit aimed at deepening Nigeria-Brazil relations. During the visit, both countries signed five MoUs in trade, aviation, science, finance and diplomacy. One of the areas they agreed on is the return of Brazils state oil firm, Petronas, to Nigeria, five years after it halted its joint venture operations. Also, Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, is to commence direct flights from Lagos to the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo. In a statement he signed, President Tinubu said his conversation with President Lula were not mere protocol but carried purpose and delivered action. He said the return of Petrobas to Nigeria will re-energise Nigerias oil and gas sector and unlock wider economic opportunities for the people. Read President Tinubus statement I sincerely thank President Lula for the extraordinary warmth and honour he extended to me and my delegation, crowned by a truly memorable almoco at the Itamaraty Palace. Our conversations were not mere protocol. They carried purpose and delivered action. Five MoUs in trade, aviation, science, finance, and diplomacy now chart a path from intentions to implementation for our two countries. I welcome Petrobrass potential return to Nigeria. This move will re-energise our oil and gas sector and unlock wider economic opportunities for our people. From new direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, knowledge transfer, to joint work in technology, food security, and clean energy, we are opening fresh horizons together, built on a vision of a stronger global south partnership. Obrigado, Brasil, for the friendship, the feijoada, and for proving once again that we share one future across the Atlantic. ~ Bola Tinubu The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has raised the alarm over the resurgence and normalisation of military rule in parts of West and Central Africa, warning that recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea signal a new wave of sophisticated authoritarianism. In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, CDD-West Africa Director Dauda Garuba said these military interventions are not isolated disruptions but present themselves as national corrections, often cloaked in the language of sovereignty, anti-imperial resistance, and Pan-African revivalism. Mr Garuba, who drew on a background paper, Militarism Reloaded: The Rise of Military Populism in Francophone West Africa, said this emerging military populism exploits citizens frustrations with democratic failures, insecurity, and global inequities. He stated that beneath patriotic slogans and viral digital campaigns, it represents a strategic attempt to consolidate power, silence dissent, delay transitions, and redefine legitimacy in postcolonial Africa. He explained that the report highlighted that electoral processes are frequently postponed or rewritten, constitutions suspended, and civil society voices suppressed under vague national security threats. For example, Mr Garuba said, in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, military regimes are increasingly using digital platforms to mobilise support, spread disinformation, and portray elections as distractions, positioning themselves as saviours of the state. Regional implication CDD-West Africa warned that the phenomenon has regional implications. ECOWAS, once seen as a defender of democratic norms, is struggling to enforce its red lines, and the weakening of regional institutions could undermine decades of democratic progress across West Africa. Over the next eight months, the group said it will work with regional partners to conduct in-depth research on military populism, monitor digital propaganda, and assess threats to elections, civic space, and regional cohesion. The goal, he noted, is to generate evidence-based insights and practical recommendations to support democratic resilience. The organisation urged African governments, citizens, civil society, and regional bodies not to mistake military populism for reforms, stressing that coups accelerate fragility rather than solve civilian governance failures. The time to act is now. It is essential to underscore this before narratives harden, institutions crumble, and another generation grows up believing that the gun, not the vote, is the legitimate path to power in Africa, the statement added. Background In recent years, a spate of military coups has occurred across Africa, including in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and Guinea. Once dormant in African politics, military rule has returned, with leaders often suppressing protests, gagging the media, and justifying violence in the name of public safety. These military regimes have also shifted geopolitical alignments, reducing ties with France and the United States while drawing closer to Russia and Russian-backed mercenaries. Analysts say the trend reflects both internal weaknesses in governanceincluding corruption and poor service deliveryand the persistent appeal of militarism as a political tradition. Historically, African military regimes promised to bring order, prosperity, and discipline. Although most failed, the appeal of military rule persists, especially among populations frustrated with civilian governance. Recent coups in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have disrupted regional stability, while ECOWAS struggles to respond effectively. Public support for military regimes is partly fuelled by the perception that civilian-led governments are ineffective, corrupt, or beholden to foreign interests. Military leaders often portray themselves as defenders of national sovereignty and anti-colonialism, gaining initial backing from citizens through public demonstrations and even donations. Despite these trends, surveys indicate that Africans still prefer democratic governance. READ ALSO: Tinubu speaks on state visit to Brazil According to Afrobarometer, support for democracy remains strong, though it has declined slightly in some countries due to corruption, poor service delivery, and declining election quality. Young people, in particular, show greater openness to military rule, reflecting a combination of trust in the military and disillusionment with civilian governments. Experts warn that both military and civilian-led authoritarianism undermine stability, and that sustainable democracy requires citizens to take ownership of the political process, address security and economic challenges, and build resilient institutions. President Bola Tinubu has approved a 6-month temporary ban on the export of raw shea nut to curb informal trade, boost local processing, protect and grow Nigerias shea industry. The ban, which is with immediate effect, is subject to review on expiration and specifically aimed at boosting Nigerias shea value chain to generate around $300 million annually in the short term. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who announced the presidents directive on Tuesday during a multi-stakeholder meeting at the Presidential Villa, called on the Federal Ministry of Finance and other relevant government agencies to fast-track enforcement. Speaking further on the directive, the vice president said the decision was not an anti-trade policy but a pro-value addition policy designed to secure raw materials for our processing factories and enabling industries run at full capacity thereby boosting rural income and jobs for our people. He added that the decision will transform Nigeria from an exporter of raw shea nut to a global supplier of refined shea butter, oil and other derivatives, just as he said it is about industrialisation, rural transformation, gender empowerment and expanding Nigerias global trade footprint. On opportunities for job creation and income generation, the vice president said, Nigeria produces nearly 40 per cent of the global shea product, yet we account for only 1 per cent of the market share of $6.5 billion. This is unacceptable. We are projected to earn about $300 million annually in the short term, and by 2027, there will be a 10-fold increase. This is our target. VP Shettima explained that the ban was a collective decision involving the sub-nationals and the federal government with clear directions for economic transformation in the overall interest of the nation. Government is not closing doors; we are opening opportunities. Mr President is currently in Brazil, and both countries have agreed to prioritize access for Nigerian shea butter and oil into the Brazilian market. This process will be completed within the next three months, the VP added. The vice president further highlighted the gender dimension of the policy, noting that by protecting the shea industry, we are protecting livelihoods, dignity and opportunity for millions of our women. We are not closing doors, we are opening better ones. Today, we plant the seeds of an industry that will yield fruit for decades to come for our women, for our economy, and for Nigerias place in global trade. Earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who explained how the nation stands to benefit from the ban, regretted that despite being the worlds largest producer of shea nuts, contributing nearly 40 per cent of global supply, Nigeria captures less than one percent of the multi-billion-dollar global shea economy. He said, Nigeria produces an estimated 350,000 metric tonnes of shea annually across 30 states, with the potential to reach nearly 900,000 metric tonnes. Yet our share of the 6.5-billion-dollar global market is less than one percent. The Rapid Assessment of the Shea Value Chain, conducted by the PFSCU, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, provided the evidence that shaped this Presidential directive. According to the minister, the assessment showed that over 90,000 metric tonnes of raw shea are lost each year in informal cross-border trade, even as Nigerias processors operate at only 35 to 50 percent capacity despite a national installed capacity of 160,000 metric tonnes. Mr Kyari further explained that while regional neighbours such as Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Togo have already imposed restrictions to protect their industries, Nigeria is vulnerably left as the outlier and a hotspot for opportunistic and unregulated buying. Underscoring the enormous potential of the shea trade for Nigeria, the minister noted that the shea sector could generate more than $300 million annually in the short term and position Nigeria to capture a significant share of the projected 9-billion-dollar global market by 2030. Shea is one of the few commodities where our country holds both a comparative and absolute advantage. With over five million hectares of wild-growing shea trees, Nigeria has the natural endowment to dominate not only in production but also in value-added processing. Shea is also identified in our Zero Oil Plan as a strategic non-oil export. With a projected global market growth from 6.5 billion dollars today to 9 billion dollars by 2030, Nigeria can position itself at the heart of this expansion, Mr Kyari noted. READ ALSO: Tinubu speaks on state visit to Brazil The minister further noted that since 90 per cent of pickers and processors of shea are women, investment in this value chain would directly translate into womens empowerment, rural job creation, and sustainable livelihoods. This, he said, aligns with the Tinubu administrations focus on women empowerment and the pledge by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security not only to support the rural population but also to create a pathway for national economic development. Mr Kyari continued: The reasons for this presidential directive are clear. Without corrective action, Nigeria risked becoming a raw depot for opportunistic and illicit buyers, undermining our processors capacities, disempowering rural women, and forfeiting billions in potential export revenues. The PFSCU rapid assessment, which engaged over 2,000 pickers and 65 processors, confirmed the urgent need for action. Informal exports, estimated at 90,000 metric tonnes annually, are draining our domestic supply. With neighbours like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo already restricting raw exports, Nigeria risked being left as the regions raw depot. The benefits of the temporary ban are equally compelling. It will secure domestic supply, enable processors to operate at full capacity, curb informal trade, and lay the foundation for Nigeria to transition from exporting raw kernels to exporting high-value derivatives such as butter, olein, and stearin. SaharaReporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, is scheduled to appear before Emeka Nwite, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, over allegations of forgery and unlawful dissemination of police communications. Mr Sowore announced the scheduled court appearance on his Facebook page on Tuesday, inviting the public to attend. Tomorrow, we are before Justice Emeka Nwite as the Illegal IGP hits the brick wall. These are his charges, his evidence and witnesses. The public is invited to Court 8 at the Federal Court in Abuja to witness this charade. Time: 8 a.m., he wrote. The charges, filed by the police in the name of the federal government, listed Mr Sowore and SaharaReporters as defendants. Also, a supporting affidavit accompanying the charges, which is dated August 12 and sworn by Bassey Ibitham, a police officer in the Legal Section of Force CID, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, states that the investigation has not been concluded and affirms polices willing to prosecute the matter to its logical conclusion. Allegations The case stems from two petitions. The first, filed by Anthony Uba, an assistant commissioner of police (ACP), alleges that Mr Sowore forged a police wireless message and circulated it on social media, intending to tarnish the Nigeria Police Forces image. The petition cited discrepancies in signatures, telegraphic addresses, and message content. In the second petition, Bukola Kuti, an ACP, accused Mr Sowore of publishing defamatory content claiming she was the mistress of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and in conflict with another female officer. She described the publication as criminal defamation capable of endangering her marriage and requested prosecution. Proof of evidence The police have proposed to call five witnesses for the trial. The list of proposed witnesses is contained in the proof of evidence submitted to the court along with the charges. They include the two petitioners Ms Kuti and Mr Uba. The rest are Ahmed Lateef, a deputy commissioner of police (DCP); Agwu Maxwell, and Hafiz Garba. The prosecution may also call additional related witnesses, according to the list of proposed prosecution witnessed endorsed by Wisdom Madaki, Director of Legal Services. Twelve exhibits are set to be presented in court, including petitions dated 31 July and 4 August, statements from the complainants, SaharaReporters publications of the alleged defamatory content, the alleged forged police wireless message, the original wireless message, and a video recording showing Mr Sowore allegedly refusing to provide a statement. Background Earlier this month, the police arrested Mr Sowore over alleged forgery and cybercrime. This is the latest development in a yearslong running battle between Mr Sowore and the police leadership, as well as elites often criticised by the activist. He was released from police custody days after his arrest. During his detention, he claimed police officers broke his right wrist and denied any wrongdoing, describing the arrest as politically motivated. He demanded proper medical care and an apology from the police. The Commissioner in charge of the Special Intervention Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, denied any brutality, explaining that Mr Sowore had been invited over two petitions and refused to make a statement. He said all procedures were being conducted according to the law. The latest wave of police action against Mr Sowore came less than two weeks after his active roles in the 21 July protest of retired police officers to the Force Headquarters in Abuja against the poor retirement and pension packages that have left them impoverished. The 2019 and 2023 presidential of the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate has continued to champion the mobilisation for a follow-up protest of the retired cops. Mr Sowore alleged that a police agent stole his Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses during the last protest. He shared a video clip on social media showing a man in plain clothes standing behind police officers who were pushing back protesters, including Mr Sowore. Suddenly, the man reached over the crowd and removed Mr Sowores glasses. He announced recently on social media that the police quietly returned the glasses to him after realising they couldnt crack its data. Reactions Amnesty International alleged that officers assaulted Mr Sowore during attempts to take him to court, describing the charges as politically motivated and calling for urgent medical care and his immediate release. Nigerian Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero condemned the arrest as a violation of constitutional rights. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the police, calling the case a shameful abuse of power and alleging a personal vendetta by the IGP. The Labour Partys 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, similarly condemned Mr Sowores detention. The activists lawyer, Tope Temokun, said the arrest was retaliation for his clients criticism of the IGP, including a July 21 protest demanding better welfare for retired officers. He questioned the propriety of the police acting as both complainant and investigator. Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro said Tuesday that there are ongoing talks to convince former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to join the 2027 presidential race on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform. Mr Moro, a PDP stalwart, who served as the Minister of Interior during Mr Jonathans administration, disclosed that top members of the PDP approached the former president as well as Governor Makinde to persuade them to give the presidency a shot in 2027. For Mr Obi, the senator said that while the party had not officially met with the former Labour Party presidential candidate, there are ongoing moves by top personalities of the party to woo him back to the party to jostle for its presidential ticket. No, as a party, we have not spoken to Peter ObiAnd so in the run-up to 2027, Im aware that certain individuals have been talking to Peter Obi to come back home, he said on Channels Televisions Politics Today. This is what we are likely going to do. And if you come, you stand a chance of being a candidate. He noted that the conversation is predicated on the belief of such individuals that if Peter Obi comes back and is the most favoured candidate, the most supported candidate, and becomes a candidate, the PDP will make an impact in the 2027 election. In July, another PDP elder, Jerry Gana, confirmed ongoing efforts to bring Mr Obi back to the party to run for the presidency. Mr Moro, who owned up to being part of those talking to Mr Obi, stated that the party would thoroughly assess individuals to determine the most-suited candidate. By the time Nigerians in the PDP gather and weigh the pros and cons of all the candidates, PDP members will be able to pick a candidate by their estimation that is capable of challenging the All Progressive Congress (APC) government, Mr Moro said. 2027 shaping up This conversation comes amidst the partys National Executive Council (NEC)s resolution that the partys presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections will be zoned to the South. The decision was disclosed on Monday. It came amid raging internal crises that have rocked the PDP since the May 2022 presidential primary that produced Atiku Abubakar as the partys flag bearer. This led to open rebellion from Nyesom Wike and the G5 governors Samuel Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Okezie Ikpeazu (former governors of Benue, Enugu, and Abia), and Mr Makinde. Asked if picking Atiku as the PDPs presidential flag bearer for the 2023 presidential election was an error, Mr Moro admitted that as a result of the way the elections turned out and because Nigerian people spoke, definitely it was an error. All the three persons that were tipped by Moro as PDPs possible presidential candidates for the 2027 general elections are from the South to which the party has zoned the presidency. But as of now, only Mr Obi, who was Atikus running mate under the PDP banner in the 2019 presidential election, is officially a non-member of the party. He dumped the party to run for the presidency on the Labour Partys platform in 2023. Mr Obi came third, behind Atiku, in the presidential election that was won by President Bola Tinubu. He recently announced his alignment with a coalition of top opposition figures who adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their chosen platform to wrest power from Mr Tinubu in 2027. But Mr Obi has not officially joined the party. A rematch could unfold in 2027, should Mr Obi return to PDP and succeed in picking its presidential ticket, while Atiku wins ADCs ticket and Mr Tinubu emerges as APCs candidate as widely expected. Mr Jonathan sought a second term as incumbent president on the PDP platform in 2015 but lost to the then-opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since his defeat, he has recoiled to a low-profile status within the PDP, preferring to project statesmanship image of himself through his public engagements. But he has not officially announced his resignation from the party. In fact, in 2023, Mr Jonathan was rumoured to be angling for the APCs presidential ticket. While his silence continued to fuel the speculations, he ended up not taking any step to realise that goal. Mr Makinde, who is in his second and final term as Oyo State governor, is still one of the influential power brokers in the party. He is believed to have a self-driven interest to run for the presidency in 2027, although he has yet to publicly announce such a plan. the just and effective implementation of the new tax regime could serve not only as a catalyst for economic formalisation and inclusion but also as a strategic anchor for repositioning Nigeria as a globally competitive hub for innovation, investment, and industrial resurgence in Africa. For decades, Nigerias tax system has been characterised by a compendium of fragmented laws, inconsistent enforcement, and administrative overlaps across the federal, state, and local tiers of government. This multiplicity and inefficiency have long been cited as major constraints on the countrys ability to attract and retain investment, thereby impeding its global competitiveness. Although there have been past initiatives, they often lacked the legal authority and institutional capacity to enforce compliance or drive meaningful coordination across jurisdictions. The comprehensive tax reform package enacted in June marks a decisive turning point in Nigerias fiscal policy trajectory. Comprising four interrelated laws, the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA), Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), Nigeria Revenue Service Act (NRSA), and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act (JRBA), this reform represents the boldest and most coherent effort yet to create a unified, modern, and business-friendly tax environment. From the outset of his administration in 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signalled a readiness to undertake difficult but necessary reforms to reposition Nigerias economy. His administrations actions, most notably the politically sensitive removal of fuel subsidies and the sweeping overhaul of the tax regime, reflect a clear ideological shift from state-centric economic management toward a more pragmatic, market-oriented, and rules-based governance model. While these reforms have elicited significant public resistance due to their short-term impact on livelihoods, the administration continues to assert that they are essential foundations for long-term economic resilience. The Communication Gap and Public Perception Despite the technical merit of these reforms, the lack of robust communication and an articulated social contract has led to widespread public scepticism. This sentiment is amplified by historical experiences with poor governance and self-serving leadership. As a result, many Nigerians perceive these reforms as further evidence of governmental insensitivity and a deliberate attempt to undermine the welfare of the average citizen. This disconnect has fuelled growing apathy and resistance, obscuring the long-term benefits of the reforms of repositioning Nigeria as one of Africas most competitive economies. A more inclusive reform process, grounded in transparency, stakeholder engagement, and empathetic communication, might have cushioned public perception better and promoted national ownership. The Shift in Economic Philosophy The recent tax reforms represent a structural recalibration of Nigerias economic philosophy. The underlying principle is to tax the fruit, not the tree, a metaphor that underscores a deliberate effort to extract value only after prosperity has been generated, while protecting and incentivising the productive base of the economy. By consolidating previously scattered and often contradictory tax statutes into a single, coherent Nigeria Tax Act, the government has not only reduced both the real and opportunity costs of tax compliance for businesses but has also signified its determination to eliminate undue pressure and abuse by overzealous tax collectors, especially on small businesses. Perhaps the most transformative element of the 2025 tax reforms lies in the comprehensive overhaul of Nigerias tax administration and compliance architecture. The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) replaces the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and is now empowered to serve as the single national authority for tax collection. Crucially, the law provides a clear legal framework for states and local government areas (LGAs) to voluntarily delegate the collection of certain taxes to the NRS. Key features of the new tax regime that reinforce this shift in philosophy include: Progressive Corporate Taxation : Small businesses (defined as those with turnover of 100 million or less) are now fully exempt from major taxes, including Companies Income Tax (CIT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), and the newly introduced Development Levy. In contrast, large corporations and multinationals are now subject to higher effective tax rates, including a 15 per cent Minimum Effective Tax Rate (ETR), in alignment with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Developments (OECD) Pillar II global tax rules. This ensures a fairer distribution of the tax burden and helps curb base erosion and profit shifting by multinationals that have previously exploited tax loopholes. Equity in Personal Taxation : On the personal income front, a 800,000 tax-free threshold has been introduced, alongside progressive tax bands rising to 25 per cent for high-income earners. These measures provide meaningful relief to low- and middle-income individuals and, by extension, offer some palliative effect on rising hardship, with the potential to rebuild Nigerias shrinking middle class a vital engine for economic growth and political stability. Streamlining the Tax Administration and Compliance Architecture Perhaps the most transformative element of the 2025 tax reforms lies in the comprehensive overhaul of Nigerias tax administration and compliance architecture. The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) replaces the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and is now empowered to serve as the single national authority for tax collection. Crucially, the law provides a clear legal framework for states and local government areas (LGAs) to voluntarily delegate the collection of certain taxes to the NRS. The law, particularly this provision, creates the foundation for a more unified tax administration structure, capable of eliminating the overlapping mandates and informal practices that have historically plagued Nigerias tax system. The digitalisation of tax administration, anchored on the Electronic Fiscal System (EFS), further enhances the potential for reform success. The system now mandates that all taxable transactions should be linked to the National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and Tax Identification Number (TIN). This integration is expected to enable seamless data sharing across government platforms and improve real-time monitoring and reporting. Over time, this digital backbone is projected to facilitate greater harmonisation and coordination across all the tiers of government, enabling uniform tax practices, reducing leakages, and significantly limiting the incidence of multiple taxation; a longstanding barrier to investment and formal business operations in Nigeria. The 2025 tax reforms, therefore, are a pivotal shift toward an environment where tax compliance will no longer be synonymous with harassment or arbitrary assessments. By simplifying Nigerias fragmented tax system and embedding accountability through a digitalised Electronic Fiscal System (EFS), the reforms are expected to encourage more Nigerians to transition into the formal economy, invest in productive ventures, and contribute meaningfully to national development. To sustain the gains of the 2025 tax reform, investments in technical skills and the professionalisation of tax administration will be crucial. This shift must reposition tax officers from mere enforcers to facilitators of economic growth, capable of supporting compliance through knowledge, empathy, and transparency. Beyond administrative efficiency, the reforms are designed to work in tandem with recent efforts to de-risk small businesses, particularly through the National Collateral Registry (NCR). The NCR enables micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to register movable assets as collateral, making it easier for lenders to assess and accept them for credit. However, the system depends heavily on the ability to verify business identity, ownership, and creditworthiness; areas that had been historically undermined by Nigerias weak tax and identity infrastructure. With the mandatory integration of tax data with national identifiers such as TIN, BVN, and NIN, the tax reform improves business traceability and credibility, reducing information asymmetry for lenders. This integration creates a more reliable data environment for financial institutions and unlocks new opportunities for small businesses to access affordable and long-term capital. For the first time, tax compliance could become a gateway to financial inclusion, enabling formalised businesses to scale operations, attract investment, and foster innovation. Conclusion Without doubt, this evolution will bring to the fore several complementary imperatives. Chief among them is the urgent need to revamp Nigerias educational and skills development framework, particularly in the areas of technical and vocational education. The persistent reliance on under-skilled individuals being deployed as informal tax agents or revenue collectors exposes deeper structural weaknesses within the current system. To sustain the gains of the 2025 tax reform, investments in technical skills and the professionalisation of tax administration will be crucial. This shift must reposition tax officers from mere enforcers to facilitators of economic growth, capable of supporting compliance through knowledge, empathy, and transparency. More broadly, the reform presents a timely opportunity to re-channel the energy and ingenuity of Nigerias youth toward more creative, innovative, and sustainable pursuits. By linking fiscal reforms with educational transformation, Nigeria can strengthen the human capital foundations necessary to thrive in the emerging global economy. Ultimately, the just and effective implementation of the new tax regime could serve not only as a catalyst for economic formalisation and inclusion but also as a strategic anchor for repositioning Nigeria as a globally competitive hub for innovation, investment, and industrial resurgence in Africa. Dipo Baruwa is a business climate development analyst. The Acting Governor of Katsina State, Faruk Lawal Jobe, has advocated stronger alliance with the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, a Lieutenant-General, to crush banditry and kidnapping ravaging the state. Mr Jobe made this known at the Katsina State Government House, on Monday, where he played host to the Army Chief. The battle against insecurity is ongoing and far from over. Our task now is to cooperate fully, provide timely intelligence, and work together to save lives and restore peace, the Acting Governor emphasised. Mr Jobe also announced expanded government support for military operations, including increased funding for personnel, equipment, and the Community Watch Corps programme to boost local recruitment. He praised the military over its successes, particularly in the air operations that secured the rescue of 76 kidnapped victims, describing the swift response as exemplary. The Chief of Army Staff has pledged increased support in both personnel and operational assets. We must ensure full cooperation, Mr Jobe said. General Oluyede, who led a high-powered delegation including officers from GOC-17 Brigade, stressed that security requires collective effort. While we have personnel within a limited operational space, we cannot succeed without active support from the people. The Nigerian Army belongs to the people. Your cooperation is vital to making Katsina State safer, the Army Chief stated. He commended the state governments exceptional support to troops and extended condolences to families who lost loved ones to bandit attacks. Such tragedies strengthen our resolve to secure communities, he said, adding that discussions with the Acting Governor would shape future strategic interventions. The Acting Governor and the Army Chief jointly thanked President Bola Tinubu for deploying a strong delegation to assess Katsinas security situation and provide additional support. The meeting had in attendance top government functionaries including Mr Falalu Bawale, Head of Civil Service; Nasir Muazu Danmusa, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs; Usman Isyaku, Special Adviser on Government Reform; Muntari Aliyu Saulawa, Deputy Chief of Staff; Faisal Kaita, Commissioner of Land and Regional Planning. Others were Bashir Tanimu, Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Isah Muhammad, Commissioner of Higher Education; Tanimu Lawal Saulawa, Special Adviser to the Governor and Yahaya Aliyu, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Special Duties The Chief of Army Staff was accompanied by Major-General Uhu Shote, Commander of the Division of Farsan Yanma; Major-General I A Ajose, General Staff Commanding, 8th Division; Major-General A A Idris, Chief of Military Intelligence; Major-General M O Erebelu, Provost-Marshal Army; Air Commodore G I Jibia, Commander of the Nigerian Airforce and Brigadier-General B O Omapariola, Commander of the 17th Brigade PremiumTrust Bank is delighted to announce that it has met the N200 billion minimum capital requirement for National Commercial Banks well ahead of the March 2026 deadline set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The bank hit the milestone through a successful capital raise of Rights Issue and Private placement offerings, as part of the ongoing banking sector recapitalization exercise. This achievement, which has received CBNs approval, not only underscores the banks exceptional financial strength but also positions it as a dominant player in the Nigerian banking industry, further solidifying its place as the fastest-growing bank in Nigeria. Since its inception in 2022, PremiumTrust Bank has consistently broken records, thus setting new benchmarks in financial performance and customer satisfaction. This latest milestone surpassing the required capital threshold is a testament to the banks exceptional growth trajectory and the strength of its business model, which has delivered impressive results year after year. By meeting the CBNs N200 billion capital requirement, the bank is presently better positioned to expand its operations, deepen its market share, and continue to deliver cutting-edge banking solutions that cater to the diverse needs of individuals, businesses, and corporate clients across Nigeria. The banks rapid growth and record-breaking financial performance have made it a true force to reckon with in the Nigerian banking sector. Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim, CON, FCIB, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Premium Trust Bank, commented: Exceeding the N200 billion capital requirement is a defining moment in the banks journey. This achievement coming in just three years of the banks existence is a reflection of our superior financial performance since inception, unwavering commitment to operational excellence, and the trust reposed in us by our shareholders, customers, and regulators. As Nigerias fastest-growing bank, we are uniquely positioned to not only lead the sector but to continue delivering outstanding value and growth for our stakeholders. This latest achievement follows PremiumTrust Banks proven track record of outstanding financial results, including consistent profit growth and unparalleled customer loyalty. With a strengthened capital base, the bank is currently and strategically positioned to further broaden its footprint, deepen financing in critical sectors such as infrastructure and agriculture, and remain at the forefront of innovation in Nigerias financial sector. The banks remarkable growth is a testament to its clear strategic vision, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing Nigerias economic development. Building on its strengthened capital base, PremiumTrsut Bank will continue to anticipate and meet the evolving needs of its customers while consolidating its position as an emerging leader in the Nigerian Banking Industry. About PremiumTrust Bank PremiumTrust Bank is Nigerias fastest-growing financial institution, renowned for its record-breaking financial performance, innovative products, and exceptional customer service. In just three years of operations, the bank has expanded its business across all the Geo-political Zones of Nigeria, reflecting its rapid growth and commitment to accessibility. By setting new benchmarks in service delivery and leveraging technology-driven solutions, PremiumTrust Bank is shaping the future of Banking in Nigeria. The Dangote Cement Plc has marked the International Youth Day at its Obajana plant, Kogi State. Speaking at the event, the Plant Director, Nawabuddin Azad, who was represented by the General Manager, Social Performance, Ademola Adeyemi, said the companys policy is in alignment with the United Nations ideals of empowering the youth to enable them to play significant roles in social and economic development of societies. Mr Azad, who was speaking on the theme: Local Youth Action on SDG and Beyond, said the youth have always been in the companys job creation drives and empowerment programmes. He noted that, only recently, youths from the companys host communities were empowered through initiatives in poultry farming, solar entrepreneurship, fashion design, and several other vocational skills. At our plant, we believe in shared value where business success goes together with social progress. We are committed to supporting initiatives that empower the youth, uplift communities and promote sustainable practices, he said. Addressing staff and guests at the plant, the Chief General Manager and Head of Production, Mr John Gwong, described the youth as the greatest asset of any nation, noting that their creativity, energy, and innovation remain critical for Nigerias future. He stressed that Dangote Cement views the youth not only as future leaders but also as present contributors to the companys growth. At Dangote Cement, we see the youth as the backbone of society. By mentoring them, building their capacity, and exposing them to new technologies, we are preparing a generation that will secure the growth of both our company and our nation, Mr Gwong said. On his part, the Head of Human Resources, Azeez Adeniyi, emphasised the importance of instilling discipline, hard work, and integrity in young people. He noted that the youth population is central to Nigerias workforce and that their skills and values directly influence the productivity of industries such as cement manufacturing. Our engagement with young employees goes beyond technical training. We prioritise ethics, teamwork, and responsibility, because these are the values that shape strong leaders and professionals. When the youth succeed, companies like Dangote Cement and the entire nation also succeed, Mr Adeniyi remarked. Also speaking, Wale Adedeji, Head, Technical, Dangote Academy, urged youths to embrace technology and innovation, stressing that the future belongs to those who are adaptable and forward-thinking. Mr Adedeji explained that Dangotes continued investment in young professionals has strengthened its operations and positioned the company as a leader in Africas cement industry. The world is changing rapidly, and young people must be equipped not only to take jobs but also to create them. The values of curiosity, resilience, and problem-solving are essential for them to remain competitive globally, and these qualities directly translate into the companys ability to innovate and remain productive, Mr Adedeji said. The officials collectively noted that industries, governments, and communities must create platforms that empower young people to maximize their potential. They warned that failing to invest in youth development could worsen unemployment and social vices, threatening national stability. Stressing its own contributions, Dangote Cement showcased initiatives such as its graduate trainee scheme, internship opportunities, and community empowerment projects, which have empowered hundreds of young people across its host communities and built a pipeline of skilled workers for the company. According to the management, the youth are not only vital to Nigerias future but are already playing an indispensable role in the day-to-day operations of Dangote Cement, bringing innovation, energy, and fresh perspectives to its workforce. The ceremony concluded with a call on young Nigerians to remain committed to lifelong learning and positive values, while stakeholders were urged to sustain efforts at mentoring, empowering, and involving youths in nation-building. The Katsina State Government has successfully hosted the states first-ever cardiac pacemaker mission at General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital (GARSH), Katsina. This groundbreaking initiative was made possible through the procurement of a brand-new, state-of-the-art C-arm machine, alongside comprehensive logistical support from the government. It underscores the steadfast commitment of the administration of Dikko Umar Radda to modernizing healthcare and saving lives. The Pace4Life Foundation partnered in this effort by providing all implants, accessories, consumables, and a team of expert medical personnel. Their collaboration ensured that every technical and medical requirement was met, while also transferring vital skills to local healthcare professionalsstrengthening Katsinas capacity for advanced cardiac care in the future. On behalf of the combined teams from General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital (GARSH) and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, Dr Muhammad Nazir Shehu, the leader of the local organising team of experts, extended profound gratitude to the Katsina State Government and the Pace4Life Foundation. Conducted over three consecutive days (22nd to 24th August 2025), this historic mission represents a major milestone in the states medical history and sets a high standard for future life-saving interventions. The mission accomplishments include the following: Three dual pacemakers were successfully implanted in patients diagnosed with complete heart block. Two implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) were placed in patients with advanced heart failure. Two cardiologists and two cardiac physiologists received intensive hands-on training in implantation and device programming. The leader of the home team of experts acknowledged the professionalism and dedication of the mission teamDr Emmanuel Edafe, Dr Iseko Iseko, and Mr Victorwhose expertise was central to the programs success. Their work not only saved lives but also enhanced the skills and confidence of local medical personnel. The combined team of medical experts also recognised the critical support of the Katsina State Ministry of Health and the Katsina State Health Services Management Board (KT-HSMB), under the leadership of the Commissioner, Musa Adamu Funtua and Dr Sabiu Liadi, for their pivotal role in ensuring the missions success. The team further commended the Managing Director of GARSH, Dr Auwal Sani, and his management team for their tireless efforts in ensuring the smooth coordination and execution of this historic initiative. The medical experts urged all stakeholders and partners to continue supporting life-saving interventions, while expressing gratitude to everyone involved for their leadership, commitment, and collaboration. This landmark mission has become a defining moment in Katsina States healthcare history. Armed men have kidnapped a man, his wife and daughter in an overnight raid on a residential area in Katsina State metropolis. The attackers stormed Filin Canada Quarters in the state capital at around 3 a.m., seizing 33-year-old Anas Ahmadu, his wife and their daughter, identified as Jidda. A 25-year-old local vigilante member, Abdullahi Muhammad, was fatally shot during the attack, according to the police. According to Sadiq Abubakar, the Police Public Relations Officer in Katsina Command, officers arrived at the scene shortly after the incident but the gunmen had already escaped with the hostages. Bello Shehu, the Police Commissioner, visited the neighbourhood later on Tuesday alongside senior officers. The command said additional personnel and resources had been deployed in a bid to rescue the victims and track down the perpetrators. The command called on members of the public to report suspicious and criminal activities to the nearest police station or make use of the commands emergency line, the police spokesperson said in a statement. The attack is the latest in a wave of violent raids and abductions across Katsina and neighbouring states, where armed groups often described by authorities as bandits have continued to target rural and urban communities despite heightened security operations. Terrorists have increased their violent campaigns in Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Kano and Sokoto states, rustling livestock, abducting locals and displacing them. The displacement is more worrisome in Kwara and Niger where a mix of covert insurgency and banditry has lingered for a long time. This renewed violence has further put to test the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts under the leadership of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Mr Ribadus leadership, coupled with interagency cooperation, including state-backed negotiations with bandits, had restored peace to some communities. While counterterrorism efforts have resulted in successful operations that targeted terror cells and leaders, peace pacts in places like Kaduna have sketchily worked. Peace regressing in Kaduna A lopsided peace pact is creating an atmosphere of continuous violence in Kaduna. On 24 August, bandits killed seven people in Unguwar Kamaru, Chawai Chiefdom of Kauru Local Government Area, according to Edward Pama, a resident of a neighbouring community in Zangon Kataf. Mr Pama, who disclosed this on his Facebook handle, added that several other people were receiving treatment in the hospital. Mansir Hassan, the police spokesperson in Kaduna, could not be immediately reached to confirm the Kauru incident. An SMS sent to him had not been responded to as of press time. In separate incidents in Birnin Gwari LGA, about seven people were also killed last week, raising concerns about the effectiveness of what experts referred to as the Birnin Gwari Model, a peace pact between the Kaduna State Government and bandits terrorising the area. Condemning the displacement, killing, maiming and kidnapping in Kauru, Kaura, Kachia, Sanga, and sometimes Zangon Kataf, Mr Pama, in an open letter to Governor Uba Sani, accused the government of underreporting security incidents. There is an urgent need for the government to stop the propaganda and become more transparent, responsive and responsible in the security management of the state, Mr Pama wrote in the letter dated 25 August. Underreporting security breaches should not be celebrated as an improvement in the security situation of the state. He also urged that if negotiations with bandits were ongoing in parts of Kaduna, the same should be extended to Southern Kaduna, where residents face repeated killings, kidnappings, and displacement. Niger: Hours-long raid in Mariga In Niger State where Governor Umar Bago claimed to be free of displaced persons, armed men attacked communities in Mariga Local Government Area over the weekend, stealing cattle, abducting children who were fishing, and shooting dead a farmer near Dusai village. Survivors from Ragada and Mazami said they fled to Gulbin-Boka, some trekking nearly 20 kilometres. A displaced woman, Larai, recounted crossing a river with her children in a canoe and surviving on just N800 worth of food. Some children narrowly escaped drowning while fleeing. Authorities confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, saying security forces have since stabilised the area, though casualty figures remain unclear. Kwara villages emptied by terror raids Similar attacks in Patigi and Ifelodun LGAs of Kwara State have forced thousands to flee. Communities such as Ndanaku are nearly deserted following sustained raids and abductions. Farming activities have halted, and ransom demands have escalated, according to locals. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that several villages in Patigi and some parts of Lafiagi have been devastated by terror raids. Although soldiers are stationed in Patigi town, they have not been deployed to rural flashpoints. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq met with local authorities in Ifelodun on Monday, pledging stronger collaboration with federal security agencies. It was reported that a joint operation involving soldiers, vigilantes, and air assets neutralised several terrorists around Baba Sango and Oro River in Ifelodun. No casualties were reported among security personnel. Daytime abduction rises alarm in Kano In Kano State, bandits abducted a man, identified as Aminu Abdullahi, from his home in Zawachiki Quarters, Kumbotso LGA, on Saturday morning. According to a report by Daily Post, police said they received information about the abduction on Sunday morning, nearly 24 hours later. The divisional police officer in the area led a patrol to the scene, while the victims son, described as the only witness, has given a statement. In Sokoto, our reporter gathered that bandits invaded Rimawa, Goronyo LGA, rustling cattle and kidnapping scores. The police spokesperson in Sokoto, Ahmad Rufai, has yet to respond to an inquiry into the incident. A widening crisis The security situation across the five states shows a deteriorating pattern of insecurity marked by mass killings, displacement and daytime violence mostly enabled by limited or delayed security response. While federal and state authorities continue to launch joint operations, residents in the affected states continue to witness violence. Experts and government officials have noted that the war against banditry and insurgency cannot be won by guns alone. They noted that non-kinetic approaches need to be explored to dismantle recruitment drives and radicalisation of locals by terror groups. Concerns have also emerged about the inadequate justice system, especially against the Fulanis who many terror groups exploit their grievances to perpetuate mayhem. Other factors such as unemployment, weak border security and inefficient forest protection have been identified as major drivers of the instability in the country. The government has taken some of these factors into consideration with the recent creation of forest guards and other policies aimed at preventing herders-farmers conflict. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has received cadet pilots and engineers who have just returned to the state after their training in France and Ethiopia. Mr Eno, who was delighted to receive the state-sponsored cadets, said he was happy that they were all very young people. He specifically thanked his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, for his vision of Ibom Air, as well as the sponsorship of the cadets to the aviation academies in France and Ethiopia. In July last year, Governor Eno, while in the Netherlands to inspect a new Airbus A220-300 series aircraft acquired by Ibom Air, a commercial airline owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, made a surprise visit to 15 cadets from Akwa Ibom State at the Airbus Flight Academy in Angouleme. Im glad to see your dedication. Life is an endurance trek that you must face head-on. We are committed to ensuring you achieve the best and look forward to celebrating your success, the governor told the cadets during his meeting with them at the flight academy. The Chairperson of Yala local government council in Cross River State, Fred Okem, was on Tuesday impeached by the councillors on the allegations of financial misappropriation. The eleven-point impeachment notice, signed by 12 out of the 14 of them, the councillors said Mr Okems impeachment was based on the Cross River State Local Government Law No. 2 (2007) Section 3, subsection 3a-d. The councillors accused Mr Okem of gross misconduct in carrying out his functions as the council chairperson. According to the notice of impeachment seen by the News Agency of Nigeria, the councillors alleged that the chairperson misappropriated the councils funds. The councillors also accused the chairperson of failure to address the legislative arm on the state of affairs of the local government council as enshrined in the local government law section 3 subsection (1). READ ALSO: Cross River acquires two additional aircraft for Cally Air They said that they impeached him because of his alleged refusal to present income and expenditure to the council as enshrined in the local government law, section 3(d) and refusal to assent to motions and resolutions passed by the legislative council, hence neglecting implementation of such resolutions, therefore, making the arm of government ineffective. The councillors also accused the chairperson of refusing to make funds available for them to renovate and access their offices nine months after inauguration. When contacted, Emmanuel Unah, the spokesperson to Mr Okem, said he (Okem) would speak on the matter at the appropriate time as he was in a meeting with the state governor. The Cross River Local Government Service Commission said it has apprehended two members of a fake employment syndicate. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Permanent Secretary of the commission, Samuel Egban, disclosed this during a press briefing in Calabar on Tuesday. Mr Egban said the suspects were caught with forged employment letters purportedly issued by the commission. He explained that the duo were part of a syndicate attempting to tarnish the image of the commission amid the ongoing mass employment of council workers across the state. The permanent secretary said the suspected fraudsters had been handed over to law enforcement agencies for further investigation. While one is due to appear in court on 8 September, the other suspect is detained at State Housing Police Station. We are using this (arrest) to sound a note of warning to others that we are after them if they dont retrace their steps by stopping these illegal activities, Mr Egban stated. It will be recalled that the Chairperson of the commission, Darlington Eyo, had earlier disclosed that the commission received complaints from members of the public on the activities of employment racketeers. According to him, some unsuspecting job seekers had been made to pay between N500,000 and N600,000 for employment into local government service in the state. READ ALSO: Local council chairperson impeached in Cross River He explained that the commission had made the process of employment so seamless that even the child of nobody has the opportunity of being employed. Mr Eyo said while he would not rule out the possibility of people outside the commission posing as its agents, the commission had put measures in place to expose anyone patronising such fraudsters. The good thing is that anyone who patronises such a person will be fished out, as we have a system in place that will expose them, he assured. The chairperson further disclosed that the commission uncovered 800 ghost workers within the last one year. The Police Command in Rivers State has confirmed the alleged assault and robbery of a serving police officer by a group of youths in Nkpolu community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state. A viral video showed a mob of youths physically assaulting Joshua Nyian, a police inspector, after accusing him of taking banned substances within their community. Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the command, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that the incident occurred on 24 August at about 10:20 a.m. She stated that the officer, attached to Woji Division, was returning from duty when the Nkpolu youth president, the community chairperson, and about 20 other youths accosted him. According to Ms Iringe-Koko, a superintendent of police, Mr Nyian was returning from duty and had stopped to visit a female acquaintance who was reportedly pregnant for him when the incident occurred. The youths reportedly beat him up, dragged him to the main road, and seized his police identity card and mobile phone. The mob further recorded him on video and forcefully collected N78,000 from him, she said. Ms Iringe-Koko stated that in his report, Mr Nyian alleged the attack may have been prompted by personal grievances, claiming that the youth president had previously made advances towards his girlfriend. She said that following the report, the officers statement was voluntarily recorded, and a medical form was issued for treatment. She added that efforts were ongoing to identify and bring those responsible for the assault, for questioning and investigation. The command urges community leaders to caution their youths against taking the law into their own hands, as the command remains committed to ensuring justice and maintaining public order, she said. Ms Iringe-Koko assured the public that justice would be served in the matter. Cases of deadly attacks on police There are previous cases of attacks, many of them deadly, against police operatives in the oil-rich Rivers. PREMIUM TIMES, in 2021, reported how seven operatives were killed in the state by gunmen at two different police facilities three were killed in Elimgbu police station, while two were killed at the divisional police headquarters in Rumuji. Two operatives were killed at an attack on a security checkpoint along the East-West Road, this newspaper had reported. Gunmen in August 2023 shot dead a police inspector in front of a hotel in the D/Line axis of the state capital, Port Harcourt and carted away his rifle. Punch newspaper reported that the assailants rode in a Toyota Corolla with speed and stopped in front of the hotel, shot the operative and zoomed off. Also in August last year, Bako Angbashim, a superintendent of police and divisional police officer in charge of Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state, was beheaded by gunmen. The slain officer was killed by suspected members of the Iceland cult group in Odemude, a community in the local government area. The attackers laid in ambush for the officer, who, along with his colleagues, was planning a raid on some criminal hideouts in the area, PREMIUM TIMES reported. The leader of the cult group, Gift Okpara, famously known as 2Baba, was later killed by the police about five months after he led the gang that murdered the police chief. (NAN) A video clip circulating on social media has shown some Nigerian police operatives counting naira notes inside a police pick-up truck stationed along the road at Asaba, Delta State, Nigerias South-south. Many Nigerians who commented on the clip believed that the cash was the proceeds of a bribe or extortion. In the clip, one of the operatives sitting at the back of the truck is seen counting the money carefully, while the others sit patiently. All the operatives wore their service uniform. They were unaware that they were being filmed. The police authorities in Delta announced on Tuesday that the operatives in the embarrassing video have been identified and arrested. The policemen in the embarrassing video have been identified and arrested, Bright Edafe, the police spokesperson in Delta, said in a post on X. They appeared before the CP (commissioner of police) today. The four personnel, two of them who are senior officers, have been queried, while the two inspectors have been detained and awaiting an orderly room trial, said Mr Edafe, a superintendent of police. The police spokesperson uploaded a photo of the four police operatives on the microblogging platform without revealing their faces. Cases of police extortion There are many recorded cases of police extortion in Nigeria. In June this year, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, ordered the detention of three police inspectors for allegedly extorting a man. About four months before the Anambra incident, the police authorities in Imo State launched an investigation into the alleged extortion and assault of a couple by operatives in the state. The Imo extortion incident occurred less than one week after police authorities began interrogation of officers who were filmed assaulting a man in Abia State. In February, police authorities in Abia State dismissed three officers for allegedly engaging in abduction and extortion. In October, last year, police in Ebonyi began an orderly room trial of officers filmed extorting motorists in the state. Within the same period, the police in Imo State began another orderly room trial of four officers seen in a viral video clip extorting motorists in the state. About three months earlier, police operatives in Bayelsa State extorted N3 million from a Nigerian man at gunpoint. The officers were subsequently arrested after the victim petitioned police authorities. The police operatives later returned the N3 million to the victim, about three weeks later DENVER, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ACI Learning, a leader in IT, cybersecurity, and audit training, today announced the release of its new report, The State of Skills Training in Tech & Cybersecurity. The study reveals what business leaders and learners say is working in training today, what's missing, and the skills most in demand over the next 18 months. Key Findings Training matters more than everbut it must be hands-on, flexible, structured, and outcome-driven to deliver results. Leaders emphasized four essentials of effective training: Hands-on labs for real-world application for real-world application Flexible access to fit busy schedules to fit busy schedules Clear learning paths tied to certifications and growth tied to certifications and growth Tangible outcomes like productivity and performance gains What Businesses Gain 74% of business respondents were IT or cybersecurity leaders, and they agreed: effective training is a strategic tool. Companies reported benefits including faster onboarding, higher productivity, improved compliance, and stronger retention. What Learners Value Learners identified confidence as the top outcome of training. Many credited courses with promotions or raises. The most effective tools include video-based lessons, practice assessments, and virtual labs that simulate real work environments. What's Urgent Now While networking, systems, and security remain foundational, demand for AI, cloud, and automation training is rising rapidly. Leaders also highlighted the need for process frameworks and role-based training beyond certifications. Barriers and Gaps Top challenges include inflexible tools, lack of advanced content, poor visibility, and unclear learning paths. Leaders stressed that off-the-shelf content alone isn't enoughthey want customizable, role-specific programs that go deeper. "This report makes it cleareffective training is no longer a perk, it's a business necessity," said Scott Horn, CEO of ACI Learning. "Both cybersecurity and IT leaders and learners want hands-on, structured, and flexible programs that deliver measurable outcomes. That's the model ACI Learning is delivering." Read the Full Report The complete report, The State of Skills Training in Tech & Cybersecurity, is available now at ACI Learning 2025: State of Skills in Tech & Cybersecurity. About ACI Learning ACI Learning is where audit, IT and cybersecurity teams go to get certified, compliant, and job-ready. With cert-aligned courses, hands-on labs, and 90%+ completion rates, ACI delivers training that worksand proves ROI without the complexity. Media Contact: Kate Matty, Director of Content and Brand [email protected] SOURCE ACI Learning Accomplished life sciences executive to lead Virginia's innovation ecosystem development organization into its next phase of growth. RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority (doing business as Activation Capital) announced today that it has appointed Michael Steele as president and chief executive officer. Steele succeeds Robert Ward, who has served as interim CEO since July 2024 during a period of rapid growth for the life sciences ecosystem development organization. The Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority has appointed Michael Steele as president and chief executive officer. Steele comes to Activation Capital with more than two decades of leadership experience in therapeutic, diagnostic, and research verticals across global markets. He has built and led high-performing teams, driven corporate strategy, and delivered growth through business development, mergers and acquisitions, licensing, investor relations, and strategic partnerships. Over his career, he has held senior leadership positions at fast-paced organizations, including Biocartis, Chembio Diagnostics, SeraCare Life Sciences, and Serologicals. Steele served in general management, corporate development, commercial, and operational roles, where he executed transactions generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue and investment. He has led global partnering initiatives to advance therapeutic, diagnostic and precision medicine innovations, negotiated agreements with top biopharma and life science companies, and directed strategies for large, growing organizations. A Virginia native, Steele earned his MBA and a Bachelor of Science degree from James Madison University and completed the Senior Leadership Program at Vlerick Business School in Brussels, Belgium. "Activation Capital's mission depends on exceptional leadership, and Michael brings the vision, expertise and collaborative spirit needed to position the organization for even greater impact. We are excited to bring him on board," said Michael Rao, president of Virginia Commonwealth University and chair of the Activation Capital Board. "I also thank Robert Ward for his dedicated service as interim CEO. Rob brought amazing energy, experience and leadership into his role; he streamlined infrastructure and processes, helped to achieve financial clarity and used his real estate expertise to guide the Board in understanding complex transactions." "Activation Capital's continued success in advancing Virginia's life sciences ecosystem depends on its ability to translate bold innovation into long-term, sustainable economic growth," said Juan Pablo Segura, Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia. "Under Michael Steele's leadership, Activation Capital is well positioned to catalyze new partnerships, attract investment, and expand our regional impact further. I look forward to working together to ensure Virginia remains at the forefront of biotech innovation." "Michael brings deep experience in life sciences, business development, and strategic vision that will be a tremendous asset to Activation Capital and to Virginia's innovation economy as a whole," said Garrison Coward, board member of the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority and Deputy Chief Transformation Officer in the Office of the Governor. "He clearly knows how to build partnerships, drive growth, and move organizations forward. That combination will help strengthen our position in biotech innovation across Central Virginia and the Commonwealth." Steele joins Activation Capital during a period of expansion and national recognition. Over the past year, the organization launched the Frontier BioHealth accelerator and showcase, welcomed its inaugural cohort of 10 high-growth startups, created Pioneer Connect, and expanded Start-the-Journey, a pre-accelerator for emerging founders. Activation Capital also secured a multimillion-dollar GO Virginia grant to scale biohealth sector development and earned recognition for its role in building an inclusive, high-impact innovation economy. "I am energized and honored to lead Activation Capital at this pivotal moment," said Michael Steele. "We're building on a strong foundation, growing our programs, supporting even more entrepreneurs, and expanding our impact across the Commonwealth. In our mission of elevating Virginia's life science ecosystem, my goal is simple yet impactful: create meaningful jobs and attract investments to catalyze our researchers, entrepreneurs, and partners to bring innovation to life, right here in the Commonwealth." About Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority The Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority ("Authority") is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia created by Chapter 946 of the 1993 Virginia Acts of Assembly (the "Act"). The Authority disseminates knowledge pertaining to scientific and technological research and development among public and private entities, including but not limited to knowledge in biotechnology, and promotes industrial and economic development. For more information, visit activation.capital. SOURCE Activation Capital BEIJING, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- China has made steady progress in trade facilitation and international customs cooperation during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), a customs official said on Monday. Trade facilitation is crucial in advancing high-standard opening-up, improving the business environment, and safeguarding the multilateral trading system, Sun Meijun, head of the General Administration of Customs (GAC), told a press conference. During the past years, the GAC has led annual initiatives to improve cross-border trade efficiency, introducing 108 reform measures aimed at creating a more convenient, secure and predictable business environment, which has been widely welcomed by enterprises. Simplified clearance procedures and optimized supervision models have ensured faster cross-border logistics and smoother economic and trade exchanges, while institutional innovations have supported the growth of new forms of foreign trade, Sun said. Data showed that China has added or expanded 40 ports of entry since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), bringing the total to 311 nationwide, and 271 types of agricultural and food products from 81 countries and regions have been newly approved for import. These efforts have underpinned steady growth in foreign trade. In 2024, China's total goods trade reached 43.8 trillion yuan (6.16 trillion U.S. dollars), maintaining its position as the world's largest trading nation for the eighth consecutive year. China has ranked among the top three trading partners for 157 countries and regions worldwide, Sun said. In 2024, China's trade with Belt and Road Initiative participating countries reached 22 trillion yuan, comprising over 50 percent of its total imports and exports. The nation's trade with emerging markets, including ASEAN, Latin America, Africa and Central Asia, has expanded at an annual pace of more than 10 percent since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), according to Sun. EXPANDING COOPERATION Facing a complicated international economic and trade situation, China has opened its door wider to the rest of the world, and has taken multiple measures to enhance international customs cooperation, said Zhang Baofeng, an official with GAC, at the press conference. China has newly built 85 customs cooperation mechanisms with Belt and Road Initiative participating countries since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), bringing the total number to 138, Zhang said. Customs inspection and quarantine platforms with African nations and Central and Eastern European countries have been established, which helped facilitate the entry of quality products such as African citrus fruits, coffee beans and wild aquatic products, as well as honey, wine and cosmetics goods from Central and Eastern European countries into the Chinese market, according to Zhang. In addition, China has organized 204 sessions of foreign aid training, benefiting nearly 7,000 participants from 120 countries and regions, and promoting exchanges in customs regulations, technology and standards. Looking forward, China will continue to deeply engage in the reform of global customs governance, Zhang said. STRENGTHENING IPR PROTECTION China's customs authorities have scaled up efforts to protect intellectual property rights (IPRs) and have maintained a high-pressure stance against IPR infringement during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), said Wang Jun, deputy head of the GAC, at the press conference. Customs authorities have adopted a series of targeted operations to crack down on IPR infringement, resulting in the seizure of nearly 400 million pieces of suspected infringing goods during the period, according to Wang. Wang noted that a total of 1.83 million pieces of suspected infringing Labubu products have been intercepted since the beginning of this year, safeguarding a fair and healthy international trade market environment. China has also deepened collaboration with customs authorities from a number of other countries in a concerted effort to bolster the global crackdown on IPR infringement, he added. Programs Place Emerging Scholars of Buddhism in Professional Positions and Create New Teaching Positions in Buddhist Studies NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is pleased to announce the opening of the Buddhism Public Scholars and New Professorships in Buddhist Studies competitions, initiatives made possible by The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Global. Applications for both competitions must be submitted by January 27, 2026, 9:00 PM EST. The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Buddhism Public Scholars 2025 host organizations for The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Buddhism Public Scholars program This year, ACLS has partnered with two international host organizations to create exciting opportunities for our global community of Buddhist Studies scholars: Lion's Roar in Halifax, Nova Scotia and The Courtauld Institute of Art in London, UK. ACLS will place up to five early-career scholars of Buddhism in one-year professional positions with host institutions that present and interpret knowledge of Buddhist traditions. The selected Buddhism Public Scholars will use their academic knowledge and professional experience to bolster the capacity of museums and publishers in Buddhist art and thought in any tradition and location where Buddhism is practiced. Organizations participating in this competition are: Fellows will receive a stipend, funds for professional development and research expenses, and a relocation allowance, if eligible. Please visit the Buddhism Public Scholars webpage for a breakdown of compensation according to the host location. Applicants for the Buddhism Public Scholars competition must have a PhD in the humanities or social sciences conferred between September 1, 2020 and June 30, 2026. Applicants must have work authorization in the country in which the host institution is located. Neither ACLS nor the host institution will sponsor scholars for visas. ACLS Program Officer Daphne Weber will host two informational webinars for an overview of the hosting organizations and job descriptions, eligibility requirements, and evaluation criteria for the 2025 Buddhism Public Scholars competition. Register here: Applications will be accepted only through the ACLS online application system. Applicants should not contact any of the host institutions directly. The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation New Professorships in Buddhist Studies The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation New Professorships in Buddhist Studies offer multi-year grants to colleges and universities wishing to establish or expand teaching in Buddhist Studies. Institutions of higher education worldwide are eligible to apply for grants up to $300,000, to be expended over four years. Formed a century ago, the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is a nonprofit federation of 81 scholarly organizations. As the leading representative of American scholarship in the humanities and social sciences, ACLS upholds the core principle that knowledge is a public good. In supporting its member organizations, ACLS expands the forms, content, and flow of scholarly knowledge, reflecting our commitment to diversity of identity and experience. ACLS collaborates with institutions, associations, and individuals to strengthen the evolving infrastructure for scholarship. Inspired and informed by the concept of interconnectedness, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Global supports programs in arts and culture and Buddhism, and funds initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of humanity and the environment. SOURCE American Council of Learned Societies Annex Brands, Inc. Reinforces Franchise System Support with Promotion of Executive with Over 20 Years of Experience SAN DIEGO, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Annex Brands, Inc., a leading franchisor in the packing, shipping, and office services industries, is pleased to announce the promotion of Dan Cox to Vice President of Franchise Services. Dan has been serving as the Executive Director of Franchise Services, with a focus on the retail business segments of Annex Brands. His relationship with Annex Brands started in the year 2000 as a PostalAnnex Franchisee until 2005, when he joined the Home Office in Franchise Services. Over the past 20+ years, Dan has become a Company point person when communicating with shipping carriers, suppliers, vendors, and franchisees. Over time, Dan has taken on a more public role with the Company. To recognize his past contributions and continued efforts, Dan has been promoted to a Company Officer as the next Vice President of Franchise Services. "I am honored to serve as the next Vice President of Franchise Services and look forward to strengthening and expanding our company's partnerships with shipping carriers, suppliers, vendors, and franchisees," said Dan Cox, Vice President of Franchise Services at Annex Brands. Annex Brands has a long-standing reputation for excellence in the franchising industry. This promotion reflects the company's dedication to support the franchise system and strengthen vendor relationships as Annex Brands strives to serve more customers in more places. "We are excited to see Dan's continued growth with the company over the years and look forward to building on this momentum to further strengthen the Franchise Services Department," said Patrick Edd, Chief Executive Officer and President of Annex Brands. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, Annex Brands has been providing business ownership opportunities since 1985 and now licenses and franchises over 800 locations across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Their brands, including PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers, Parcel Plus, Sunshine Pack & Ship, Navis Pack & Ship, and Handle With Care Packaging Store, are synonymous with reliable and professional service. For more information about Annex Brands and its staff, please visit https://www.annexbrands.com/about-us. ABOUT COMPANY: Annex Brands, Inc. licenses and franchises over 800 locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico under the brands PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers, Parcel Plus, Sunshine Pack & Ship, Navis Pack & Ship and Handle With Care Packaging Store. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Annex Brands has been providing business ownership opportunities since 1985. Locations offer a range of shipping options from multiple carriers such as UPS, FedEx and USPS, as well as freight shipping for large, awkward, high-value, or fragile items. Additional offerings include packaging supplies and custom packing solutions for parcels and wooden crates, as well as mailbox services and other office services such as notary public services, copy and print services, and more. For more information, visit www.annexbrands.com. Contact: Michelle McKee Phone: (619) 563-4800 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Annex Brands, Inc. The Combination is, in our view, deeply flawed and unfair to Ocean Wilsons' public shareholders. Arnhold believes that the merger consideration is inadequate and does not reflect the appropriate contribution of each company. Arnhold intends to vote against the Combination at the Scheme Meeting on 12 September 2025 . Ocean Wilsons' other shareholder votes vital to preventing a value destructive merger. NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Arnhold LLC, an investment manager of client accounts that collectively beneficially own approximately 900,000 shares of Ocean Wilsons, issued an open letter today to fellow shareholders of Ocean Wilsons detailing its rationale for rejecting the proposed all-Share Combination (the "Combination") of Ocean Wilsons and Hansa Investment Company Limited at the Scheme Meeting of Ocean Wilsons shareholders to be held 12 September 2025 (the "Scheme Meeting"). The letter states, in part: View PDF Arnhold Letter to Shareholders Dated August 25 "Arnhold is concerned that the proposed Combination is deeply flawed and unfair to the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons, and will result in a serious diminution of value. In particular, Arnhold's calculations indicate that the Combination does not reflect the appropriate contribution of each company. . . ." The letter further notes Arnhold's view that the Combination "grossly undervalues Ocean Wilsons' shares" and that "Arnhold's calculations indicate that the Combination would be detrimental to the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons." The letter further states Arnhold's view that the calculations used for the Combination are unfair. Arnhold has issues with how the figures underpinning the Combination have been calculated and deployed to formulate the Exchange Ratio (which is the ratio by which shareholders in Ocean Wilsons will be issued shares in Hansa). The Combination is structured as a NAV-for-NAV transaction. Arnhold believes that this transaction structure disadvantages Ocean Wilsons because it does not take into account the very different composition of the respective investment portfolios and NAVs of each company (i.e, Ocean Wilsons' balance of cash and cash equivalents of approximately US$449 million, which accounts for approximately 58% of its NAV versus Hansa's investment portfolio that apparently only comprises 3.4% of cash and cash equivalents). The letter also details Arnhold's view that Hansa's stake in Ocean Wilsons appears to have been inflated for purposes of the Combination and that "[i]n valuing its contribution to the Combination, Arnhold observes that Hansa's stake in Ocean Wilsons has been inflated in the transaction calculation, to a level far above its actual value as determined by the stock market. This has the effect of increasing Hansa's value for the purposes of the Combination, resulting in Ocean Wilsons' shareholders further receiving less value." The full text of the letter follows below: 25 August 2025 To the Shareholders of Ocean Wilsons Holdings Limited, RE: PROPOSED ALL-SHARE COMBINATION OF HANSA INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED & OCEAN WILSONS HOLDINGS LIMITED We refer to the proposed All-Share Combination (the "Combination") of Hansa Investment Company Limited ("Hansa") and Ocean Wilsons Holdings Limited ("Ocean Wilsons"). The Combination will result in Hansa acquiring the entire issued share capital of Ocean Wilsons, by means of a scheme of arrangement of the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons, to be sanctioned by the Supreme Court of Bermuda under Section 99 of the Bermuda Companies Act 1981 (as amended). Arnhold LLC ("Arnhold") is a long-term, value-oriented investment manager. Clients of our firm own in the aggregate approximately 900,000 shares of Ocean Wilsons. Arnhold has been in the process of engaging with representatives of Ocean Wilsons in relation to the Combination, and may accordingly communicate further with the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons in due course. Introduction to the Combination The purpose of this letter is to draw attention to what Arnhold perceives to be the financial and commercial problems with the Combination, which will be value destructive to the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons. Arnhold is concerned that the proposed Combination is deeply flawed and unfair to the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons, and will result in a serious diminution of value. In particular, Arnhold's calculations indicate that the Combination does not reflect the appropriate contribution of each company, and will result in the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons receiving stock in Hansa worth approximately 12 per share in circumstances where the net asset value of Ocean Wilsons is currently an amount in excess of 20 per share. (Arnhold notes that, in the Combination, it appears that Hansa, which owns the same class of shares of Ocean Wilsons as other shareholders, will receive full value for its Ocean Wilsons shares, not the approximately 12 per share to be received by other shareholders because Hansa will assume Ocean Wilson's investment portfolio in the Combination and, unlike other shareholders of Ocean Wilsons, will not receive New Hansa Shares as consideration.) The shareholders of Ocean Wilsons will be asked to approve the Combination at the Court-convened meeting of the shareholders to be held at 9:00am Bermuda time on Friday 12 September 2025 (the "Scheme Meeting"). For the reasons set out in this letter, Arnhold intends to vote against the Combination at the Scheme Meeting. The purpose of this letter is to set out the reasons why Arnhold will vote against the Combination and to inform the other shareholders to make their own decisions whether to similarly vote against the Combination. The Combination in our view grossly undervalues Ocean Wilsons' shares Arnhold's calculations indicate that the Combination would be detrimental to the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons. As at 14 August 2025, Arnhold understands that the net asset value of the shares in Ocean Wilsons is 20.16 per share.1 However, under the proposed Combination, Arnhold understands that the public shareholders of Ocean Wilsons2 would only receive approximately 12.00 per share in illiquid Hansa shares.3 This would represent an approximately 40% discount to Ocean Wilsons' current net asset value. If this calculation is correct, this is unfair to the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons. Arnhold does not consider that the documents published in relation to the Combination explain how it could be said to be in the best interests of (or fair and reasonable to) the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons to pursue the Combination, in circumstances where it appears to be so value destructive. The negative effect of the proposed Combination on the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons is clearly indicated by the reaction of the market to the announcement of the preliminary agreement on the key terms of the Combination on 17 June 2025. The stock price of the shares in Ocean Wilsons has fallen from 14.75 on 16 June 2025 to 12.20 on 22 August 2025, indicating the market's negative assessment of the Combination on Ocean Wilsons. However, in contrast the stock price of the shares in Hansa has risen , from 2.26 on 16 June 2025 to 2.71 on 22 August 2025.4 This is an indication of the assessment by the market that the Combination favors Hansa, to the detriment of Ocean Wilsons. The calculations used for the Combination are in our view unfair We have issues with how the figures underpinning the Combination have been calculated and deployed to calculate the Exchange Ratio (which is the ratio by which shareholders in Ocean Wilsons will be issued shares in Hansa). The Combination is structured as a NAV-for-NAV transaction. Arnhold believes that this transaction structure disadvantages Ocean Wilsons because it does not take into account the very different composition of the respective investment portfolios and NAVs of each company. In particular, Ocean Wilsons currently holds a balance of cash and cash equivalents of approximately US$449 million, which accounts for approximately 58% of its NAV. Arnhold understands that Hansa's investment portfolio, on the other hand, only comprises 3.4% of cash and cash equivalents.5 Based on this financial information, it would be inappropriate for the NAVs of the two companies to be compared directly in circumstances where the composition of their investment portfolios are fundamentally different. Arnhold calculates that the effect of the Combination will be that each dollar of Ocean Wilsons' cash will be traded for value worth only 60-65 cents, considering that Hansa's investment portfolio has historically traded at a 35% to 40% discount to NAV in the stock market.6 Based on this calculation, this would be unfair to the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons. Hansa's stake in Ocean Wilsons appears to have been inflated for purposes of the Combination In valuing its contribution to the Combination, Arnhold observes that Hansa's stake in Ocean Wilsons (i.e., the shares of Ocean Wilsons Hansa owns, which are the same as those owned by other shareholders) has been inflated in the transaction calculation, to a level far above its actual value as determined by the stock market. This has the effect of increasing Hansa's value for the purposes of the Combination, resulting in Ocean Wilsons' shareholders further receiving less value. Hansa has publicly announced the increase in the value of its shares due to the proposed Combination, with its NAV per share increasing 15.6% from 4.02 to 4.65 based on its own calculations.7 This further demonstrates that the Combination is likely to benefit Hansa, at the expense of the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons. Interests of Related Parties Arnhold perceives there may be an inequality of interests among the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons in relation to the Combination. The interests of the related parties of Hansa and Ocean Wilsons, including William Salomon and Christopher Townsend, in relation to the Combination and its effect appear to be different to the interests of the public shareholders of Ocean Wilsons. Arnhold understands that Mr Salomon and Mr Townsend (and their related investment vehicles) are together directly or indirectly interested in 30.75% of Ocean Wilsons' issued share capital and 53.79% of Hansa's issued voting share capital and 7.87% of Hansa's issued non-voting share capital. Mr Salomon is the chair, and Mr Townsend is a director, of Hanseatic Asset Management LBG ("HAML") which is intended to act as alternative investment fund manager and portfolio manager to the combined group following the Combination. The Announcement of the Combination states, in material part, that the principal economic beneficiaries of HAML comprise individuals who are part of or connected to the Salomon family. Accordingly, Arnhold is concerned that the Combination may not serve for the benefit of the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons generally. Arnhold understands that it is intended that Mr Salomon and Mr Townsend (and their related investment vehicles) as significant shareholders of Ocean Wilsons will be permitted to vote at the Scheme Meeting and will do so in favor of the Combination. For the reasons set out above, this appears to be prejudicial to the minority shareholders of Ocean Wilsons. There are preferable alternatives to the Combination to consider On or around 4 June 2025, Ocean Wilsons received US$594 million from the sale of its ports business. There are reasonable and fair ways to deploy the proceeds of this long-term investment to Ocean Wilsons' shareholders, which Arnhold believes are in each case preferable to the Combination. As noted above, Arnhold calculates that the Combination would result in the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons receiving approximately 12.00 per share in illiquid new Hansa shares. Instead, by distributing to its shareholders the US$449 million of cash that it currently holds, Ocean Wilsons could pay almost the same amount in a cash dividend of 11.75 per share, and such a distribution would still leave 8.41 per share remaining invested at Ocean Wilsons (primarily composed of its investment portfolio). As a result, even winding up Ocean Wilsons over time and paying all shareholders the net asset value of their investment would be a preferable alternative to the Combination from our perspective, and would, in our view , result in the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons receiving significantly higher value than the Combination. Ocean Wilsons could also have continued to buy its own shares (or Hansa shares, if management is determined to merge the firms at a later date) at a large discount to net asset value, which again would appear to be preferable to the Combination. Furthermore, Ocean Wilsons could continue to operate the business and retain the entirety of the value of its assets. We note that Ocean Wilsons has publicly stated that "[l]ooking to the future, [] the Ocean Wilsons Independent Committee continues to have strong conviction in the prospects of Ocean Wilsons on a standalone basis []" (emphasis added). Conclusion According to the Scheme Document, "the Ocean Wilsons Independent Committee has concluded that the Combination is in the best interests of Ocean Wilsons Shareholders". For the reasons set out in this letter, Arnhold considers that the Combination is unfair and unreasonable and that there are financial and commercial problems with the Combination. We feel that the Combination is not in the best interests of the shareholders of Ocean Wilsons and could destroy much of the value currently retained in Ocean Wilsons. Accordingly, Arnhold intends to vote against the Combination at the Scheme Meeting on 12 September 2025. Your vote is vital to preventing a value destructive merger between Ocean Wilsons and Hansa. Arnhold would be very happy to have any further discussions with any shareholders of Ocean Wilsons in relation to any aspects of this letter. Please contact Ren Richmond ([email protected]). Sincerely, Arnhold LLC 1 Based on Ocean Wilsons' FAV (which was defined to be the net asset value (NAV) per share in the 30 June 2025 press release, with adjustments for the stock tender, deal expenses and dividends). 2 Other than Hansa. 3 Based on closing prices on 22 August 2025. 4 Based on the more liquid, non-voting Hansa shares (Ticker: HANA LN). 5 Based on Hansa's "Monthly Fact Sheet" dated 31 July 2025. 6 See pages 6-7 of this Hansa slide deck: https://hansaicl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/September-2023-Shareholder-Presentation.pdf 7 Hansa published NAV as of 22 August 2025. SOURCE Arnhold LLC TEMPE, Ariz., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Our oceans make up three-quarters of the planet's surface and contain most of its biodiversity. Due to rapid and global changes, they are endangered making more urgent a deeper knowledge of ocean science and stewardship. To that end, Arizona State University is offering two of its ocean degrees the Bachelor of Science in ocean futures and the Bachelor of Science in ocean futures with a concentration in coastal and marine science management through ASU Online in addition to in-person on the Tempe campus. ASU is the first landlocked university in the United States with online undergraduate degrees focused on ocean sciences. Post this Greg Asner (left), a professor in ASUs School of Ocean Future and director of ASUs Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science, is working with ASU student Uhiwai Wall on coral restoration as part of the Akoakoa Reef Restoration Program in Hawaii. Photo by Rob Ewing and Joel Faris Godinez/ASU Enterprise Partners Both online programs, offered by the College of Global Futures , are now enrolling for a fall 2025 start. "We are thrilled to offer our ocean futures undergraduate degrees online, expanding access to world-class education on a national and global scale," said Miki Kittilson, dean of the College of Global Futures. "By bringing this program to learners everywhere, we are empowering future leaders to tackle the critical challenges facing our oceans, no matter where they are in the world." ASU joins a small community of universities in the United States with online undergraduate degrees focused on ocean sciences. It is also the first landlocked university to do so. "Our new BS programs will provide a unique curriculum that includes, in addition to marine biology and ocean science, courses on ocean conservation, ocean communities, ocean stewardship and partnerships," said Susanne Neuer, founding director of the School of Ocean Futures. "Online students also have access to a wide array of field courses, for example, at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences ." Both new online degrees, housed in the School of Ocean Futures , are STEM programs designed to train the next generation of ocean stewards and innovators. The bachelor's degree in ocean futures broadly explores the natural processes of the ocean and human impacts shaping ocean health while addressing global marine challenges. Additionally, students will take stewardship and partnership courses to develop a practical understanding of the social and economic dimensions of ocean health. The coastal and marine science concentration emphasizes quantitative approaches to solving coastal and marine challenges. This option is ideal for students planning to pursue graduate studies, such as ASU's online master's in coastal and marine science and management . Typical careers from ocean futures students include: Marine science and research Conservation and environmental management Ocean policy, governance and advocacy Marine technology and innovation Fisheries and ocean economy Science communication and education Water-quality management Field and adventure careers The blue economy a term for the sustainable use of ocean resources is a multitrillion-dollar industry, and skilled workers will be needed who can preserve the health of the oceans while driving economic growth and supporting thriving communities. "It's our decisions that are stressing the oceans and their coasts, and that's empowering because by making different decisions in governance, business, community planning we can steer towards thriving ocean futures," said Stephanie Pfirman, Foundation Professor and deputy director at the School of Ocean Futures. Faculty from the School of Ocean Futures teach from three different locations: Arizona, Hawai'i and Bermuda. "Having faculty in Bermuda and Hawai'i provides students access to expert faculty who offer firsthand knowledge of the local marine ecosystems and ocean communities of the Pacific and Atlantic," Neuer said. The School of Ocean Futures features faculty from two research units out of the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory , the world's first comprehensive, university-based approach to ensuring a future where well-being is attainable for all of Earth's inhabitants. The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences has over 120 years' worth of research experience. BIOS includes a field station that houses multiple laboratories and vessels that conduct research on the Atlantic Ocean. The Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science in Hawai'i leads spatially explicit scientific and technological research focused on mitigating and adapting to global environmental change. Students also have access to optional hands-on opportunities in Hawai'i, Bermuda, Mexico and more . "Study abroad courses are transformative experiences for learners, and they're really fun too," said Sharon Hall, associate dean of the College of Global Futures. "These field opportunities are especially important for online students, giving them a chance to dive beneath the surface of their coursework to immerse in community and hands-on experiences that bring marine science and sustainability challenges to life." SOURCE ASU Online PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- National plaintiffs' law firm Berger Montague PC is investigating potential securities violations, breaches of fiduciary duty, and other claims against Ryan Wear ("Wear"), Water Station Management LLC ("Water Station"), Creative Technologies, Inc. ("Creative"), and Jordan Chirico ("Chirico") in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme by which these individuals and entities unlawfully raised more than $275 million. If you purchased investment contracts or notes from, or issued by, Wear, Water Station, Creative, or Chirico, or if you otherwise invested monies with those parties and have questions concerning your rights and interests or would like more information about Berger Montague's investigation, CLICK HERE or please contact Berger Montague: Andrew Abramowitz at [email protected] or (215) 875-3015, or Caitlin Adorni at [email protected] or (267)764-4865. On August 14, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission sued Wear, Water Station, and Creative in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York for violations of the federal securities laws arising from a Ponzi scheme operated by Wear through Water Station and Creative, two entities that Wear formed and controlled. According to the lawsuit, more than 250 investors were impacted. Separately, the SEC sued Chirico for breaches of fiduciary duties to an institutional client in violation of the federal securities laws. Also on August 14, 2025, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced the filing of criminal charges against both Wear and Chirico stemming from the alleged Ponzi scheme. About Berger Montague Berger Montague, with offices in Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Delaware, Washington, D.C., San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Malvern, PA, and Toronto, Ontario has been a pioneer in litigation on behalf of aggrieved investors since the firm's founding in 1970. Berger Montague has represented individual and institutional investors for over five decades in a wide array of securities fraud and Ponzi scheme litigation and serves as lead counsel in courts throughout the United States. For more information or to discuss your rights, please contact: Andrew Abramowitz, Senior Counsel Berger Montague (215) 875-3015 [email protected] Caitlin Adorni Director of Portfolio and Institutional Client Monitoring Services Berger Montague (267) 764-4865 [email protected] SOURCE Berger Montague Following key partnerships with multiple credit unions aimed at exploring advanced technology to address unique industry challenges, Black Dragon Capital continues its support for the credit union movement through hosting a private reception for industry leaders to discuss collaboration and partnership opportunities. BOCA RATON, Fla., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Dragon Capital ("Black Dragon") a global multi-phased investment firm focused on disruptive technologies in high growth industry segments has announced its attendance at this year's Filene Lab Symposium, where it will host a private reception for credit union leaders. Black Dragon Capital ("Black Dragon"), founded over a decade ago by recognized technology leaders, is a unique multi-phased investment firm focused on disruptive technologies in high growth industry segments that strengthen economic stability within communities. The firm has recently launched the Black Dragon Capital FinTech Limited Partner Advisory Board, an organization comprised of recognized credit union and CUSO investment partners. With renowned industry figures like Chuck Fagan, President & CEO of Velera and Bill Cheney, CEO of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union taking the leadership role as Co-Chairs, the Black Dragon Capital FinTech Limited Partner Advisory Board focuses on collaboration, innovation and community engagement between the most advanced credit unions and CUSOs in the industry and the intense operating focus and domain expertise of Black Dragon Capital. The collaboration will seek to build the most important and successful FinTech organizations that solve the most significant issues in the industry, creating sustainable long-term businesses, and drive strong returns to members and investors in the credit union industry. The Filene Symposium 2025 is an invite-only event designed for FiLab participants which provides a space for collaboration with organizations that prioritize innovation within their operations and across the industry. This event presents an excellent opportunity for Black Dragon Capital to co-host a reception, meet with key credit union leaders, share insights, and engage in meaningful conversations. These efforts clearly demonstrate Black Dragon Capital's consistent dedication towards making a significant investment in building successful and sustainable FinTechs which can serve the needs of the credit union community and empower them to provide better services for their members. Black Dragon Capital has also partnered with For A Bright Future Foundation, For A Bright Future Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the needs of underrepresented and underprivileged children through education, healthcare, the arts, and youth leadership development. For A Bright Future Foundation's existing efforts have a focus on education, healthcare, leadership, and the arts from awarding over 20 college scholarships annually, to creating media and fintech labs for career development opportunities, to partnering with numerous hospitals including Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, West Palm Children's Hospital, and the Children's Miracle Network. These activities are highly aligned with the mission and purpose of the credit union movement. "The Filene Symposium 2025 is a chance for forward-thinking organizations to come together and collaborate. We're proud to co-host this reception and look forward to connecting with more credit unions that share our goal of building sustainable companies to tackle industry challenges and shape the future of the credit union movement," said Kevin Lee, Partner at Black Dragon Capital. About Black Dragon Capital Black Dragon Capital, founded over a decade ago by recognized financial technology leaders, is a multi-phased investment firm focused on disruptive technologies in high growth industry segments that strengthen economic stability within communities. The firm is led by a collaborative team with a combination of intense operating experience, community impact focus, and a proven track record of successfully transforming companies. About the Black Dragon Capital FinTech Limited Partner Advisory Board The FinTech Limited Partner Advisory Board (LPAB) is an organization comprised of recognized credit union and CUSO investment partners. The Advisory Board provides input on industry issues, feedback on operational and technical areas with potential and current investments, and provides strategic advice and direction on all Black Dragon Capital's investments for Fintech strategies. The Advisory Board's feedback incorporates insight from Black Dragon's Global Advisory Group, thought leadership and guidance on key events. Media Contact or Inquiries: Viviana Lauschus Marketing Manager, Black Dragon Capital [email protected] Aren Wong Social Media Manager, Black Dragon Capital [email protected] SOURCE Black Dragon Capital With decades of experience in nonprofit health care, Stuart's leadership will focus on strengthening Blue Shield's commitment to high-quality affordable healthcare coverage for all OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California today announced Mike Stuart as its new president and chief executive officer. A longtime executive and former chief financial officer of the nonprofit health plan, Stuart brings more than two decades of leadership experience in health care that will further Blue Shield's mission of providing access to high-quality care that's sustainably affordable for all. Portrait of Mike Stuart, wearing a blue shirt and standing in front of a green leafy background. "Mike Stuart is the right leader at the right time for Blue Shield of California," said Kristina Leslie, chair of the Blue Shield of California board of directors. "He has a deep understanding of our mission, our members and the complex healthcare landscape we operate in. Mike's financial expertise, collaborative approach and long-standing commitment to the nonprofit values that guide us make him uniquely positioned to lead our organization forward." As chief financial officer since 2022, Stuart has helped guide the organization through some of the most complex challenges the healthcare industry has faced. He has been instrumental in helping to make health care more affordable for Blue Shield's members, supporting provider partnerships and ensuring financial sustainability of the health plan while staying true to the company's nonprofit mission. "Our industry is facing extraordinary challenges from rising costs to regulatory shifts and increasing demands for equity and access," Leslie said. "In this environment, we need a leader who not only understands the complexity of the healthcare system but also has the conviction and capability to drive real, sustainable change. Mike brings exactly that." As president and CEO, Stuart will lead over 6,500 employees who serve 6 million members with health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare health service plans in California and beyond. He is also deeply committed to advancing the organization's values across teams and partnerships, including recent collaborations to serve over 750,000 active-duty military members and their families, and expand our offerings for CalPERS members. "I am honored to lead Blue Shield of California at such a critical moment for our state and industry," said Stuart. "We have a responsibility as a nonprofit health plan to lead with integrity, partner with purpose and ensure care is both accessible and affordable. I'm proud to work alongside our talented leaders across the Ascendiun family of companies to build a healthcare system that works better for everyone." Stuart's experience spans finance, operations and systemwide transformation. Prior to joining Blue Shield, he spent 11 years in senior leadership roles at the Daughters of Charity Health System, giving him firsthand knowledge of the challenges providers face and the importance of aligning incentives to improve outcomes and access for patients. He holds an MBA in Finance from Saint Mary's College of California and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cal State Chico. About Blue Shield of California Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. The health plan is a taxpaying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with 6 million members, over 6,500 employees and more than $27 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $60 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last three years to have an impact on California communities. For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook. CONTACT: Margeaux Cardona Blue Shield of California (510) 607-2359 [email protected] SOURCE Blue Shield of California -- Milestone underlines commitment to quality for chlorine dioxide sterilization -- BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boulder Sterilization, part of the Boulder BioMed family, has received 13485:2016 certification from the British Standards Institute (BSI) for its chlorine dioxide service. The certificate confirms that the company operates a quality management system that complies with the requirements of ISO 13485:2016 for its chlorine dioxide (CD) sterilization. The company previously obtained 13485:2016 certification for its ethylene oxide sterilization service. "The ISO certification is a major step confirming our commitment to providing CD sterilization service of the highest quality," says Jim Kasic, president and CEO of Boulder BioMed. "Meeting the BSI rigorous global standards demonstrates our focus on quality and regulatory excellence as we work to help medical device developers speed their products to market." Boulder Sterilization offers quick-turn service with both EO and CD sterilization. It is currently the only U.S. company to offer the combination of clean room final assembly, packaging and quick-turn sterilization with in-house biological testing. Sole contract sterilizer offering both EO and CD technologies World's largest contract CD sterilizer Quick-turn service for all batch sizes Expedited service for urgent and immediate-requirement projects ISO 13485 is the internationally recognized standard for quality management systems in the design and manufacture of medical devices. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices, it builds on the ISO 9001 standard with additional regulatory requirements specific to medical devices. In 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the Quality Management System Regulation Final Rule, which harmonizes U.S. requirements with global standards through the adoption of ISO 13485 for medical devices. ISO 13485 is also widely used in the European Union. Boulder Sterilizations (www.bouldersterilization.com) Boulder Sterilization, which offers both quick-turn ethylene oxide and chlorine dioxide sterilization, is part of the Boulder BioMed family, a group of expert contract consulting businesses providing all the services life sciences companies need to get their products to market. Boulder BioMed provides a single source for device developers, providing full product development under one roof: ideation, design, engineering, manufacturing, sterilization and packaging, and regulatory affairs and quality assurance. Boulder BioMed is based in Boulder, Colorado, and is ISO 13485-certified. Packaging testing, including shipping validation, follows ASTM D4169 and ISTA 3A guidelines and procedures. Media contact: Aimee Bennett, [email protected], 303-843-9840 SOURCE Boulder Sterilization SURREY, BC, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Reliance Foundry Co. Ltd., North America's most trusted supplier of bollards, site furnishings, and metal castings, is proud to announce the launch of its Buy a Bollard, Plant a Tree initiativea first-of-its-kind sustainability program in the bollard industry. Through an exclusive partnership with Veritree, a leading technology platform for large-scale restorative projects, Reliance Foundry will plant one tree for every bollard sold. As part of Reliance Foundry's broader sustainability mission, this program is designed to restore vital forest habitats, absorb carbon, and support biodiversitywhile reinforcing Reliance Foundry's long-standing commitment to durable design, conscious manufacturing, and environmental responsibility. "We're the first and only foundry to connect every product sold to a tangible environmental impact," said Shane Kramps, CEO "When our customers choose Reliance Foundry, they're not just investing in safety and durabilitythey're helping grow a greener, more resilient future." Trees planted through this initiative will be tracked and verified by Veritree, ensuring measurable results and long-term environmental benefits. From urban forests to critical wildlife habitats, each tree contributes to healthier ecosystems and stronger communities. About Reliance Foundry Co. Ltd. Founded in 1925, Reliance Foundry delivers high-quality stock and custom products for architectural site furnishings, traffic management, and industrial applications across North America. With a century-long legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, the company is dedicated to making places people want to besafely, sustainably, and beautifully. SOURCE Reliance Foundry Provides Further Validation of and Market Demand for Centrus' Technology Provides a Framework for Future Private Investments to Support Enrichment Expansion BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Centrus Energy (NYSE American: LEU) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and POSCO International to explore potential investment to support expansion of Centrus' uranium enrichment plant in Piketon, Ohio. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Korea's Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan attended the signing of the agreement, which is aimed at deepening U.S.-Korea cooperation on civilian nuclear energy. Centrus and KHNP also agreed to an increase in the supply volume of enriched uranium under the contract they signed in February 2025. "We are proud to be strengthening our relationship with our partners in Korea in support of our work to restore America's ability to enrich uranium at a large scale," said Centrus President and CEO Amir Vexler. "This agreement reflects strong demand for a U.S.-owned uranium enrichment capability and another potential avenue for private investment capital to bring added supply diversity and competition to the marketplace and meet Korea's need for affordable, reliable fuel supplies for both new and existing reactors." Centrus and KHNP finalized a supply contract in February 2025 to support construction of new uranium enrichment capacity at Centrus' American Centrifuge Plant in Ohio. The two companies today agreed to a higher supply volume of Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) under that contract. The entire supply commitment, including the expanded volumes, is contingent upon Centrus receiving the necessary federal funding to build the new LEU production capacity. Centrus is competing for funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to expand U.S. enrichment capacity. This federal investment is crucial to achieving economies of scale and enabling a U.S.-owned enrichment capacity to compete against foreign, state-owned enterprises that currently have almost 100% of the world's uranium enrichment capacity. Centrus is committed to matching federal funds with substantial private capital and utility purchase commitments as part of a public-private partnership. Today's MOU, which is non-binding, is aimed at facilitating additional private sector capital to support the potential expansion of Centrus' enrichment capacity in Ohio. The agreement also calls for the companies to explore additional opportunities for cooperation, such as additional supply agreements for LEU as well as High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) for next generation reactors. Korea represents one of the largest potential export markets for U.S. enriched uranium and is leading the development and construction of new reactors around the world. With 26 nuclear reactors in operation and four under construction, KHNP is the world's third largest nuclear plant operator. POSCO International, a global leader in international trading and energy infrastructure development, is working to develop a next-generation High-Temperature Gas Reactor powered by HALEU. About Centrus Centrus Energy is a trusted American supplier of nuclear fuel and services for the nuclear power industry, helping meet the growing need for clean, affordable, carbon-free energy. Since 1998, the Company has provided its utility customers with more than 1,850 reactor years of fuel, which is equivalent to more than 7 billion tons of coal. With world-class technical and engineering capabilities, Centrus is pioneering production of High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium and is leading the effort to restore America's uranium enrichment capabilities at scale so that we can meet our clean energy, energy security, and national security needs. Find out more at www.centrusenergy.com. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "will", "should", "could", "would" or "may" and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management's current views and assumptions with respect to future events and operational, economic and financial performance. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For Centrus Energy Corp., particular factors that involve uncertainty and could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements and which are, and may be, exacerbated by any worsening of the global business and economic environment include but are not limited to the following: geopolitical conflicts, including the war in Ukraine; market demand and competition; changes in economic or industry conditions; supply chain disruptions; the imposition of tariffs and/or sanctions that impact our ability to obtain, deliver, transport, or sell LEU or the SWU and natural uranium hexafluoride components of LEU delivered to us under the TENEX Supply Contract or other supply contracts or make related payments or deliveries of natural uranium hexafluoride to TENEX; regulatory approvals and compliance requirements; technological changes; DOE procurement decisions; U.S. government appropriations; government decisions regarding, our lease with the DOE in Piketon, Ohio, including with respect to the term and the scope of permitted activities; our ability to attract qualified employees necessary for the potential expansion of our operations in Oak Ridge, Tennessee or Piketon, Ohio; and our ability to execute our strategic initiatives. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in this news release and in our filings with the SEC, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, under Part II, Item 1A - "Risk Factors" in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in our other filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law. Contacts: Media: Dan Leistikow at [email protected] Investors: Neal Nagarajan at [email protected] SOURCE Centrus Energy Corp. - Private-sector Initiative Seeks to Advance the U.S. Government's Commitment to Rebuilding America's Maritime Industrial Base - Korean Development Bank Announces Support of the Investment Initiative NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (together with its affiliates, "Cerberus") and HD Hyundai Co., Ltd. ("HD Hyundai") are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to launch a new maritime investment strategy, Cerberus Maritime. Cerberus Maritime is aligned with the U.S. Government's initiative to revitalize the maritime capabilities of the United States and allied nations. The strategy aims to identify high-impact opportunities that strengthen strategic maritime infrastructure and supply chains, maritime logistics infrastructure, port modernization, and advanced maritime technologies. The strategy will have a particular focus on U.S. shipbuilding. HD Hyundai will serve as an anchor investor to the strategy and act as a technical and industrial partner, bringing its global expertise in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and digital maritime solutions. In addition to providing investment diligence and strategic insights, HD Hyundai will explore opportunities for collaboration related to U.S. shipyards, ports, and maritime technology. This strategic partnership is aligned with HD Hyundai's commitment to the U.S.-Korea alliance and supporting the future of U.S. and allied shipbuilding. In addition, Korea Development Bank ("KDB") has recognized the strategic alignment between this initiative and national objectives and intends to facilitate investments into the Cerberus Maritime strategy, further supporting collaboration between the maritime industries of the United States and Korea and encouraging the sharing of best practices and technical capabilities. Cerberus has deep experience partnering with leading companies and transforming infrastructure assets to promote supply chain integrity and the national interests of the United States and allied nations. In 2022, Cerberus acquired the previously distressed Subic Bay shipyard, a deep-water port strategically located in Southeast Asia. Since that time, the shipyard has been revitalized into a multi-use facility for shipbuilding, subsea infrastructure, and logistics operations. HD Hyundai, a key tenant, has successfully enhanced shipbuilding operations at the facility. In addition to Subic Bay, Cerberus has made other significant investments in maritime assets and capabilities, including in port infrastructure, critical subsea fiber optic systems, and sonobuoy and related maritime defense systems. Cerberus CEO Frank Bruno commented: "We're proud to announce this first-of-its kind partnership that brings together the strengths of Cerberus and HD Hyundai to support this historic commitment to revitalizing the U.S. maritime sector. We believe our strategy can play an important role by bringing investments alongside operational and technical capabilities to high-impact opportunities. We would like to thank the White House and the entire bi-partisan effort to advance maritime reindustrialization in the United States and allied nations, and we are extremely grateful for the strong support from South Korea and their bold commitment to MASGA." HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman Chung Kisun commented: "We believe that our partnership with Cerberus Capital will not only provide tangible support for MASGA, which aims to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry, but also create new markets and growth opportunities for Korean shipbuilders. Leveraging our proven expertise and digital capabilities, HD Hyundai will support the modernization of U.S. shipbuilding and work with both nations to shape a new chapter in the global shipbuilding industry." KDB Vice Chairman & COO Kim Bock-kyu added: "This investment program is a visionary model of cooperation in the shipbuilding industry, and a manifestation of the enduring trust and partnership between Korea and the United States. As a representative of the Korean financial industry, KDB is proud to play a central role in supporting this investment imperative to ensure its success." About Cerberus Founded in 1992, Cerberus is a global leader in alternative investing with approximately $65 billion in assets across complementary credit, real estate, and private equity strategies. Cerberus invests across the capital structure where it believes its integrated investment platforms and proprietary operating capabilities create an edge to improve performance and drive long-term value. Cerberus' tenured teams have experience working collaboratively across asset classes, sectors, and geographies as they seek to achieve strong risk-adjusted returns for investors. For more information, visit www.cerberus.com. Media Contacts Cerberus Jason Ghassemi Chief Communications Officer [email protected] SOURCE Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. DENVER, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cerecin, a global biotech company focused on neurometabolism, is proud to announce its partnership with the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Brain Health, joining a distinguished group of industry leaders including GE Healthcare, Novo Nordisk, Roche Diagnostics, and Camtech Innovations. The HRC, based at King's College London and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, is dedicated to advancing the diagnosis, care, and treatment of dementia through cutting-edge technologies. The Centre will leverage brain scanning, blood sampling, computerized testing, and digital tools to develop more effective and earlier methods of diagnosing dementia, aiming to reduce its societal impact. Led by Professor Dag Aarsland, Director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Professor Clive Ballard of the University of Exeter, the HRC brings together academic excellence and industry innovation to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in neuroscience. Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Charles Stacey, President & CEO of Cerecin, said: "We are excited to join the HRC as an industry partner. King's College London has a world-class reputation in neuroscience research, and we believe that close collaboration between academia and industry is essential to accelerate innovation and bring impactful solutions to market. We are honored to join other industry leaders in advancing the future of brain health." Dr. Richard Siow, Director of Ageing Research at King's (ARK) and Industry Lead for the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre in Brain Health, added: "We are pleased to welcome Cerecin as an industry partner. Cerecin is at the forefront of neurometabolism, a critical area of neuroscience research with the potential for significant impact to enhance healthy brain ageing. We look forward to working together to explore opportunities across Cerecin's pipeline and beyond." As Cerecin advances the ALTER AD study, its pivotal Phase 3 program in Alzheimer's disease dementia with lead compound, tricaprilin, the company is actively pursuing strategic partnerships to strengthen its leadership in the field. These collaborations will support the development of both its current pipeline and future innovations, both independently and in concert with other industry leaders. About Cerecin Cerecin is a US-based clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing drugs that target the metabolic basis of neurological diseases. Cerecin's development programs leverage its extensive experience in neurology drug development and lipid science. Cerecin is supported by multinational partners; Nestle, Wilmar and IOI. By combining the deep expertise of its leadership team with a highly differentiated drug development program, Cerecin is becoming a global leader in neurology therapeutics. Cerecin's lead compound, tricaprilin, is currently in Phase 3, the ALTER AD study, for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease dementia. Tricaprilin enhances ketone production by delivering medium-chain fatty acids directly to hepatic mitochondria, where they are rapidly metabolized to acetyl-CoA. This acetyl-CoA enters the ketogenesis pathway, producing ketone bodies such as -hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which are transported to extrahepatic tissues, converted back to acetyl-CoA, and utilized in the TCA cycle to generate ATP. This mechanism bypasses impaired glucose metabolism and supports energy production in metabolically compromised cells. For more information, visit www.cerecin.com or follow us on LinkedIn. SOURCE Cerecin, Inc BEIJING, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, CGTN published an article explaining why China's 14-year resistance was a crucial part of the World Anti-Fascist War and why China's role should not be overlooked. Since July, China has been marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War through war films and themed museum exhibitions. The commemorations will culminate on September 3 China's Victory Day marking the formal signing of Japan's surrender on September 2, 1945, which officially ended World War II. From its very outset, the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression has held profound significance for safeguarding human civilization and defending world peace, constituting an integral part of the World Anti-Fascist War, said Chinese President Xi Jinping. Main Eastern theater vital for WWII victory China was the first country in the world to stand up to a fascist aggressor, making it the first front in the global anti-fascist war. Its resistance began with the September 18 Incident in 1931, which marked the very start of the Chinese people's fight against Japanese aggression. Then on July 7, 1937, the Lugou Bridge Incident in suburban Beijing ignited China's whole-nation resistance war against Japanese aggression and established the country as the main Eastern battlefield of WWII. These events occurred years before Nazi Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939, which is often cited in traditional Western narratives as the beginning of WWII. China's resistance was also the longest-lasting of any nation in WWII, which continued until Japan's surrender in 1945, underscoring the immense sacrifices and sustained efforts of the Chinese people. Citing incomplete data, Hu Heping, executive deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the war resulted in over 35 million Chinese military and civilian casualties from 1931 to 1945. The nation's economic losses were staggering, with direct losses exceeding $100 billion and indirect losses reaching $500 billion, calculated in 1937 currency, Hu said. What's more important, China consistently pinned down and depleted the main forces of Japanese militarism on the battlefield, wiping out more than 1.5 million Japanese troops and playing a decisive role in the ultimate defeat of the Japanese aggressors. China's war of resistance provided crucial strategic support to Allied operations, coordinating with operations in Europe and elsewhere in Asia, said Hu, adding that it disrupted attempts at strategic coordination among Japanese, German and Italian fascist forces. An ally that should not be forgotten China played an indispensable role in establishing the world anti-fascist alliance and reconstructing the post-war international order. On January 1, 1942, twenty-six nations, including China, the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, issued the Declaration by the United Nations, which marked the official establishment of the anti-fascist alliance. According to Hu Dekun, a professor at Wuhan University, China began to actively take part in consultations to shape a new post-war order during the mid-to-late stages of the war. China's efforts were instrumental in founding the UN and several key international economic organizations, Hu wrote in July. China's role and contributions in WWII, long-overlooked in Western scholarship, are now receiving the attention they so richly deserve, thanks in part to the joint efforts of a growing number of scholars. Rana Mitter, a British historian and the author of the highly acclaimed book "Forgotten Ally: China's World War II," told media in July that institutions such as the National WWII Museum in New Orleans and the Imperial War Museum in London have dedicated exhibition areas that systematically introduce China's role in WWII. China's history of resistance should not be ignored or downplayed, said Mitter. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-12/China-s-vital-role-as-main-Eastern-theater-of-World-War-II-1FLPfom6WYw/p.html SOURCE CGTN Phase 1 study in aggressive brain cancer (Glioblastoma) is the first clinical trial investigation of uTREAT belonging to Curasight's treatment platform. Initiation of the study marks a key milestone with Curasight now in clinical development with both its diagnostic (uTRACE ) and therapeutic (uTREAT ) platforms Dosing of first patient expected Q4 2025 COPENHAGEN, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Curasight A/S ("Curasight" or "the Company") (CPH: CURAS), a clinical stage radiopharmaceuticals company, today announced the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved the company's clinical trial application (CTA) for the investigation of uTREAT in a phase 1 trial. The phase 1 trial is part of Curasight's theranostic strategy developing more gentle and targeted diagnosis and treatment of certain types of cancer. Dosing the first patient in the trial is expected to occur before the end of the year. Today's news means Curasight is now in clinical development with both its diagnostic (uTRACE) and therapeutic (uTREAT) platforms. "The approval of the CTA underlines the strong progress being made in developing uTREAT as a potential more targeted therapeutic solution for patients with aggressive brain cancer, where there is a strong unmet medical need," said Curasight's CEO Ulrich Krasilnikoff and continues, "There has been little progress in treating glioblastoma over the last decades but recently published data from an investigator-initiated Phase II study highlighted the potential of both uTRACE and uTREAT in diagnosing and treating brain cancer where 94% of Grade 4 gliomas -including glioblastomas - were uPAR-positive.". About the Phase 1 trial with uTREAT in brain cancer The trial aims to investigate Curasight's uTREAT as a new type of targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy in glioblastoma patients. Participants in the trial are patients with newly diagnosed verified or suspected GBM. The trial design is informed from research and earlier studies with uTRACE as well as protocol discussions with Key Opinion Leaders. About the uPAR theranostic platform Curasight's uPAR theranostic platform combines two key technologies - uTRACE and uTREAT both targeting the uPAR receptor. uTRACE is designed to deliver sensitive imaging for diagnosis, while uTREAT offers a targeted radiopharmaceutical solution. Together, they form an integrated approach to improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancers that express uPAR. Curasight's ambition is to develop both uTRACE and uTREAT to improve diagnosis and treatment of uPAR-expressing cancers. About high grade glioma Treatment of glioblastoma and other high-grade gliomas (WHO grades 3 or 4) presents a significant unmet medical need, necessitating innovative and effective treatments. A total of approx. 65,000 patients are diagnosed with primary brain tumors and more than 30,000 patients are diagnosed annually with the most aggressive form, glioblastoma, in the US and EU. Approximately 10 % of the patients are children. The prognosis for individuals with glioblastoma is very poor as approximately 50% of the patients die within 14 months and after five years from diagnosis only 5% are still alive. External beam radiation is a cornerstone in the therapy of brain cancers. uTREAT could potentially replace or reduce the use of external beam radiation and thereby lower side effects to the healthy brain due to more specific tumor tissue targeting. For more information regarding Curasight, please contact: Ulrich Krasilnikoff, CEO Phone: +45 22 83 01 60 E-mail: [email protected] www.curasight.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/curasight/r/curasight-announces-acceptance-of-clinical-trial-application--cta--for-phase-1-trial-with-utreat--in,c4222865 The following files are available for download: SOURCE Curasight SHANGHAI, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) ("Daqo New Energy," the "Company" or "we"), a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter of 2025. Second Quarter 2025 Financial and Operating Highlights Total cash, short-term investments, bank notes receivable and fixed term bank deposit balance was $2.06 billion at the end of Q2 2025, compared to $2.15 billion at the end of Q1 2025 at the end of Q2 2025, compared to at the end of Q1 2025 Polysilicon production volume was 26, 012 MT in Q2 2025, compared to 24, 810 MT in Q1 2025 in Q2 2025, compared to 24, in Q1 2025 Polysilicon sales volume was 18, 126 MT in Q2 2025, compared to 28, 008 MT in Q1 2025 in Q2 2025, compared to 28, in Q1 2025 Polysilicon average total production cost (1) was $7.26 /kg in Q2 2025, compared to $7.57 /kg in Q1 2025 was /kg in Q2 2025, compared to /kg in Q1 2025 Polysilicon average cash cost (1) was $5.12 /kg in Q2 2025, compared to $5.31 /kg in Q1 2025 was /kg in Q2 2025, compared to /kg in Q1 2025 Polysilicon average selling price (ASP) was $4.19 /kg in Q2 2025, compared to $4.37 /kg in Q1 2025 /kg in Q2 2025, compared to /kg in Q1 2025 Revenue was $75.2 million in Q2 2025, compared to $123.9 million in Q1 2025 in Q2 2025, compared to in Q1 2025 Gross loss was $81.4 million in Q2 2025, compared to $81.5 million in Q1 2025. Gross margin was -108.3% in Q2 2025, compared to -65.8% in Q1 2025 in Q2 2025, compared to in Q1 2025. Gross margin was -108.3% in Q2 2025, compared to -65.8% in Q1 2025 Net loss attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders was $76.5 million in Q2 2025, compared to $71.8 million in Q1 2025 in Q2 2025, compared to in Q1 2025 Loss per basic American Depositary Share (ADS) (3) was $1.14 in Q2 2025, compared to $1.07 in Q1 2025 was $1.14 in Q2 2025, compared to in Q1 2025 Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) (2) attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders was $57.9 million in Q2 2025, compared to $53.2 million in Q1 2025 attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders was in Q2 2025, compared to in Q1 2025 Adjusted loss per basic ADS (3) (non-GAAP) (2) was $0.86 in Q2 2025, compared to $0.80 in Q1 2025 (non-GAAP) was in Q2 2025, compared to in Q1 2025 EBITDA (non-GAAP)(2) was - $48.2 million in Q2 2025, compared to - $48.4 million in Q1 2025. EBITDA margin (non-GAAP)(2) was -64.0% in Q2 2025, compared to -39.1% in Q1 2025 Three months ended US$ millions except as indicated otherwise Jun. 30, 2025 Mar. 31, 2025 Jun. 30, 2024 Revenues 75.2 123.9 219.9 Gross loss (81.4) (81.5) (159.2) Gross margin (108.3) % (65.8) % (72.4) % Loss from operations (115.0) (114.1) (195.6) Net loss attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders (76.5) (71.8) (119.8) Loss per basic ADS(3) ($ per ADS) (1.14) (1.07) (1.81) Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP)(2) attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders (57.9) (53.2) (98.8) Adjusted loss per basic ADS(3) (non-GAAP)(2) ($ per ADS) (0.86) (0.80) (1.50) EBITDA (non-GAAP)(2) (48.2) (48.4) (144.9) EBITDA margin (non-GAAP)(2) (64.0) % (39.1) % (65.9) % Polysilicon sales volume (MT) 18,126 28,008 43,082 Polysilicon average total production cost ($/kg)(1) 7.26 7.57 6.19 Polysilicon average cash cost (excl. dep'n) ($/kg)(1) 5.12 5.31 5.39 Notes: (1) Production cost and cash cost only refer to production in our polysilicon facilities. Production cost is calculated by the inventoriable costs relating to production of polysilicon divided by the production volume in the period indicated. Cash cost is calculated by the inventoriable costs relating to production of polysilicon excluding depreciation cost and non-cash share-based compensation cost, divided by the production volume in the period indicated. (2) Daqo New Energy provides EBITDA, EBITDA margins, adjusted net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and adjusted earnings per basic ADS on a non-GAAP basis to provide supplemental information regarding its financial performance. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section captioned "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and the tables captioned "Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to comparable US GAAP measures" set forth at the end of this press release. (3) ADS means American Depositary Share. One (1) ADS represents five (5) ordinary shares. Management Remarks Mr. Xiang Xu, CEO of Daqo New Energy, commented, "The solar PV industry faced continued challenges in the second quarter of 2025 with market prices across the solar value chain declining due to industry overcapacity and high inventory levels, remaining below cash cost levels. As a result, Daqo New Energy recorded quarterly operating and net losses. Nevertheless, we maintained a strong and healthy balance sheet with no financial debt. As of June 30, 2025, the Company had a cash balance of $599 million, short-term investments of $419 million, bank notes receivables of $49 million, and total fixed term bank deposit balance of $994 million. In total, our financial bank deposit and investment assets, readily convertible into cash if needed, stood at $2.06 billion, providing us with ample financial liquidity. With no financial debt, our solid financial position brings us confidence and strategic resilience to navigate the current market downturn and remain well positioned for long-term opportunities." "On the operational front, the Company operated at a reduced utilization rate of approximately 34% of its nameplate capacity in response to challenging market conditions and weak selling prices. Total production volume at our two polysilicon facilities for the quarter was 26,012 MT, within our guidance range of 25,000 MT to 28,000 MT. Towards the end of the quarter, as Chinese authorities intensified efforts to curb disorderly competition, we proactively scaled back new sales orders in anticipation of a future price recovery. Accordingly, our sales volume for the quarter decreased to 18,126 MT from 28,008 MT in Q1. Due to lower utilization across our factories, idle facility related cost for the quarter was approximately $1.38/kg, primarily reflecting non-cash depreciation expenses. On a positive note, decline in the cost of silicon metal and reduced energy consumption drove our cash cost lower by 4% to $5.12/kg sequentially, including approximately $0.18/kg related to idle facility maintenance. Overall, polysilicon unit production cost decreased by 4% sequentially to an average of $7.26/kg, with lower unit depreciation costs resulting from higher production." "In light of the current market conditions, we expect our total polysilicon production volume in the third quarter of 2025 to be approximately 27,000 MT to 30,000 MT. As a result, we anticipate our full year 2025 production volume to be in the range of 110,000 MT to 130,000 MT." "During the second quarter, the solar PV industry remained in a cyclical trough, although proactive initiatives started to emerge toward the end of the quarter. On the demand side, China experienced a surge in installations under market-based reform policies and set a new global record with a staggering 93GW of new solar power capacity added in May. However, installations plummeted to 14GW in June following front-loading in earlier months ahead of the May 31, 2025 cutoff date for new projects. Polysilicon market prices trended downward during the quarter, falling from RMB39-45/kg in April to RMB32-35/kg by the end of June. According to industry statistics, overall industry polysilicon production for 2025 year-to-date has been running below overall demand and consumption, with monthly supply at approximately 100,000 to 110,000 MT. As a result, industry inventory decreased by an estimated 30,000 ton to 40,000 ton between January and July, leaving overall industry polysilicon inventory lower than at the beginning of the year. Heading into Q3, Chinese authorities have demonstrated increased determination to address irrational competition and industry overcapacity, with the anti-involution initiative taking a leading role in sectors such as solar PV. On June 29, an article from China's official newspaper, People's Daily, highlighted the issue of oversupply and disruptive competition in the solar PV industry, calling for measures to curb vicious competition and promote high-quality development. On July 1, President Xi emphasized the need to regulate disorderly low-price competition and phase out outdated capacity at the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission meeting. The following day, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology convened a symposium with 14 solar PV companies to accelerate the industry's transition toward high-quality growth. Most recently, on July 24, government authorities released a draft amendment to the Price Law, representing a significant step toward strengthening market supervision and deterring unfair pricing practices. The draft clarifies criteria for identifying unfair pricing behavior, such as low-price dumping, and strengthens legal accountability for price-related violations. As a result, polysilicon spot sales prices rebounded in July and polysilicon futures prices surged significantly, supported by favorable factors such as expected higher spot quotes and simultaneous increases in downstream product prices. For reference, the 2509 contract rose sharply from a low of RMB 30/kg in June 2025 to a record high of RMB 55/kg in July 2025, the strongest level since its listing." "The solar PV industry continues to show strong long-term prospects. In the medium term, we believe that the combined effects of industry self-discipline and government anti-involution regulations will foster a healthier and more sustainable industry. In the long run, as one of the most cost-effective and sustainable energy sources globally, solar power is expected to remain a key driver of the global energy transition and sustainable development. Looking ahead, Daqo New Energy is well positioned to capitalize on the long-term growth in the global solar PV market and strengthen its competitive edge by enhancing its higher-efficiency N-type technology and optimizing its cost structure through digital transformation and AI adoption. As one of the world's lowest-cost producers with the highest-quality N-type product, a strong balance sheet and no financial debt, we are confident in our ability to weather the current market downturn, capitalize on market recovery, and emerge as a leader in the industry positioned to capture future growth." Outlook and guidance The Company expects to produce approximately 27,000 MT to 30,000MT of polysilicon during the third quarter of 2025. The Company expects to produce approximately 110,000 MT to 130,000 MT of polysilicon for the full year of 2025, inclusive of the impact of the Company's annual facility maintenance. This outlook reflects Daqo New Energy's current and preliminary view as of the date of this press release and may be subject to changes. The Company's ability to achieve these projections is subject to risks and uncertainties. See "Safe Harbor Statement" at the end of this press release. Second Quarter 2025 Results Revenues Revenues were $75.2 million, compared to $123.9 million in the first quarter of 2025 and $219.9 million in the second quarter of 2024. The decrease in revenues compared to the first quarter of 2025 was primarily due to a decrease in the sales volume. Gross loss and margin Gross loss was $81.4 million, compared to $81.5 million in the first quarter of 2025 and $159.2 million in the second quarter of 2024. Gross margin was -108.3%, compared to -65.8% in the first quarter of 2025 and -72.4% in the second quarter of 2024. The decrease in gross margin compared to the first quarter of 2025 was primarily because sales volume decreased while idle cost remained relatively fixed. Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses were $32.1 million, compared to $35.1 million in the first quarter of 2025 and $37.5 million in the second quarter of 2024. SG&A expenses during the second quarter included $18.6 million in non-cash share-based compensation cost related to the Company's share incentive plans, compared to $18.6 million in the first quarter of 2025. Research and development expenses Research and development (R&D) expenses were $0.8 million, compared to $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2025 and $1.8 million in the second quarter of 2024. Research and development expenses can vary from period to period and reflect R&D activities that take place during the quarter. Loss from operations and operating margin As a result of the foregoing, loss from operations was $115.0 million, compared to $114.1 million in the first quarter of 2025 and $195.6 million in the second quarter of 2024. Operating margin was -152.9%, compared to -92.0% in the first quarter of 2025 and -89.0% in the second quarter of 2024. Net loss attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and loss per ADS As a result of the foregoing, net loss attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders was $76.5 million, compared to $71.8 million in the first quarter of 2025 and $119.8 million in the second quarter of 2024. Loss per basic American Depository Share (ADS) was $1.14, compared to $1.07 in the first quarter of 2025, and $1.81 in the second quarter of 2024. Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and adjusted loss per ADS(non-GAAP) Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders, excluding non-cash share-based compensation costs, was $57.9 million, compared to $53.2 million in the first quarter of 2025 and $98.8 million in the second quarter of 2024. Adjusted loss per basic American Depository Share (ADS) was $0.86, compared to $0.80 in the first quarter of 2025 and $1.50 in the second quarter of 2024. EBITDA EBITDA (non-GAAP) was -$48.2 million, compared to -$48.4 million in the first quarter of 2025 and -$144.9 million in the second quarter of 2024. EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) was -64.0%, compared to -39.1% in the first quarter of 2025 and -65.9% in the second quarter of 2024. Financial Condition As of June 30, 2025, the Company had $598.6 million in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, compared to $791.9 million as of March 31, 2025 and $997.5 million as of June 30, 2024. As of June 30, 2025, short-term investment was $418.8 million, compared to $168.2 million as of March 31, 2025 and $219.5 million as of June 30, 2024. As of June 30, 2025, notes receivable balance was $49.0 million, compared to $62.7 million as of March 31, 2025 and $80.7 million as of June 30, 2024. Notes receivable represents bank notes with maturity within six months. As of June 30, 2025, the balance of fixed term deposits within one year was $960.7 million, compared to $1,125.3 million as of March 31, 2025 and $1,168.0 million as of June 30, 2024. Cash Flows For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net cash used in operating activities was $105.4 million, compared to $278.6 million in the same period of 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net cash used in investing activities was $342.7 million, compared to $1.7 billion in the same period of 2024. The net cash used in investing activities in the first half of 2025 was primarily related to purchase of short-term investments and fixed term deposits. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net cash used in financing activities was $32.0 thousand, compared to $43.0 million in the same period of 2024. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures To supplement Daqo New Energy's consolidated financial results presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("US GAAP"), the Company uses certain non-GAAP financial measures that are adjusted for certain items from the most directly comparable GAAP measures including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") and EBITDA margin; adjusted net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and adjusted earnings per basic and diluted ADS. Our management believes that each of these non-GAAP measures is useful to investors, enabling them to better assess changes in key element of the Company's results of operations across different reporting periods on a consistent basis, independent of certain items as described below. Thus, our management believes that, used in conjunction with US GAAP financial measures, these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with meaningful supplemental information to assess the Company's operating results in a manner that is focused on its ongoing, core operating performance. Our management uses these non-GAAP measures internally to assess the business, its financial performance, current and historical results, as well as for strategic decision-making and forecasting future results. Given our management's use of these non-GAAP measures, the Company believes these measures are important to investors in understanding the Company's operating results as seen through the eyes of our management. These non-GAAP measures are not prepared in accordance with US GAAP or intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with US GAAP; the non-GAAP measures should be reviewed together with the US GAAP measures, and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. The Company uses EBITDA, which represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and EBITDA margin, which represents the proportion of EBITDA in revenues. Adjusted net income attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders and adjusted earnings per basic and diluted ADS exclude costs related to share-based compensation. Share-based compensation is a non-cash expense that varies from period to period. As a result, our management excludes this item from our internal operating forecasts and models. Our management believes that this adjustment for share-based compensation provides investors with a basis to measure the Company's core performance, including compared with the performance of other companies, without the period-to-period variability created by share-based compensation. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to comparable US GAAP measures is presented later in this document. Conference Call The Company has scheduled a conference call to discuss the results at 8:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on Tuesday, Aug 26, 2025 (8:00 PM Beijing / Hong Kong time on the same day). The dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows: Participant dial in (U.S. toll free): +1-888-346-8982 Participant international dial in: +1-412-902-4272 China mainland toll free: 4001-201203 Hong Kong toll free: 800-905945 Hong Kong local toll: +852-301-84992 Please dial in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and ask to join the Daqo New Energy Corp. call. Webcast link: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=tvDRIdY6 A replay of the call will be available 1 hour after the conclusion of the conference call through September 2, 2025. The dial in details for the conference call replay are as follows: U.S. toll free: +1-877-344-7529 International toll: +1-412-317-0088 Canada toll free: 855-669-9658 Replay access code: 5248601 To access the replay through an international dial-in number, please select the link below. https://services.choruscall.com/ccforms/replay.html Participants will be asked to provide their name and company name upon entering the call. About Daqo New Energy Corp. Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) ("Daqo" or the "Company") is a leading manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon for the global solar PV industry. Founded in 2007, the Company manufactures and sells high-purity polysilicon to photovoltaic product manufacturers, who further process the polysilicon into ingots, wafers, cells and modules for solar power solutions. The Company has a total polysilicon nameplate capacity of 305,000 metric tons and is one of the world's lowest cost producers of high-purity polysilicon. 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," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "guidance" and similar statements. Among other things, the outlook for the third quarter and the full year of 2025 and quotations from management in these announcements, as well as Daqo New Energy's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its 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 statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the Company's control. 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 demand for photovoltaic products and the development of photovoltaic technologies; global supply and demand for polysilicon; alternative technologies in cell manufacturing; the Company's ability to significantly expand its polysilicon production capacity and output; the reduction in or elimination of government subsidies and economic incentives for solar energy applications; the Company's ability to lower its production costs; and changes in political and regulatory environment. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the reports or documents the Company has filed with, or furnished to, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information or any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Daqo New Energy Corp. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (US dollars in thousands, except ADS and per ADS data) Three months ended Six months ended Jun 30, 2025 Mar 31, 2025 Jun 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2025 Jun 30, 2024 Revenues 75,189 123,914 219,914 199,104 635,225 Cost of revenues (156,595) (205,449) (379,074) (362,045) (722,300) Gross loss (81,406) (81,535) (159,160) (162,941) (87,075) Operating expenses - Selling, general and administrative expenses (32,121) (35,085) (37,526) (67,206) (75,959) Research and development expenses (796) (507) (1,836) (1,304) (3,374) Other operating income/(expense) (664) 3,074 2,903 2,410 1,298 Total operating expenses (33,581) (32,518) (36,459) (66,100) (78,035) Loss from operations (114,987) (114,053) (195,619) (229,041) (165,110) Interest income, net 1,593 2,670 8,730 4,263 21,000 Foreign exchange gain/ (loss) 3 22 (1,406) 25 (1,675) Investments income 6,574 6,354 7,149 12,928 7,149 Loss before income taxes (106,817) (105,007) (181,146) (211,825) (138,636) Income tax benefit 8,172 12,274 23,283 20,446 8,927 Net loss (98,645) (92,733) (157,863) (191,379) (129,709) Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest (22,167) (20,896) (38,083) (43,063) (25,402) Net loss attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders (76,478) (71,837) (119,780) (148,316) (104,307) Loss per ADS Basic (1.14) (1.07) (1.81) (2.21) (1.58) Diluted (1.14) (1.07) (1.81) (2.21) (1.58) Weighted average ADS outstanding Basic 67,243,161 66,938,183 66,002,970 67,091,514 65,854,677 Diluted 67,243,161 66,938,183 66,002,970 67,091,514 65,854,677 Daqo New Energy Corp. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (US dollars in thousands) Jun. 30, 2025 Mar. 31, 2025 Jun. 30, 2024 ASSETS: Current Assets: Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 598,576 791,930 997,481 Short-term investments 418,822 168,203 219,469 Accounts and notes receivable 49,063 62,818 80,719 Inventories 167,601 125,918 191,969 Fixed term deposit within one year 960,695 1,125,323 1,168,032 Other current assets 327,788 303,156 272,404 Total current assets 2,522,545 2,577,348 2,930,074 Property, plant and equipment, net 3,446,352 3,460,203 3,781,330 Prepaid land use right 154,077 152,854 155,197 Fixed term deposit over one year 33,584 - 27,366 Other non-current assets 133,473 120,281 46,534 TOTAL ASSETS 6,290,031 6,310,686 6,940,501 Current liabilities: Accounts payable and notes payable 49,629 28,694 64,208 Advances from customers - short term portion 20,980 33,032 59,015 Payables for purchases of property, plant and equipment 336,716 357,562 436,286 Other current liabilities 39,484 39,471 82,086 Total current liabilities 446,809 458,759 641,595 Advance from customers - long term portion 18,197 20,967 102,861 Other non-current liabilities 18,120 17,610 18,012 TOTAL LIABILITIES 483,126 497,336 762,468 EQUITY: - Total Daqo New Energy Corp.'s shareholders' equity 4,325,251 4,329,201 4,593,003 Non-controlling interest 1,481,654 1,484,149 1,585,030 Total equity 5,806,905 5,813,350 6,178,033 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 6,290,031 6,310,686 6,940,501 Daqo New Energy Corp. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (US dollars in thousands) For the six months ended June 30, 2025 2024 Operating Activities: Net loss (191,379) (129,709) Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities 247,112 239,144 Changes in operating assets and liabilities (161,174) (388,076) Net cash used in operating activities (105,441) (278,641) Investing activities: Purchases of property, plant and equipment (87,801) (291,856) Purchases of land use right - (10,068) Purchase of short-term investments and fixed term deposits (2,591,777) (2,028,928) Redemption of short-term investments and fixed term deposits 2,336,900 649,040 Net cash used in investing activities (342,678) (1,681,812) Financing activities: Net cash used in financing activities (32) (42,962) Effect of exchange rate changes 8,378 (47,060) Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (439,773) (2,050,475) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period 1,038,349 3,047,956 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period 598,576 997,481 Daqo New Energy Corp. Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to comparable US GAAP measures (US dollars in thousands) Three months ended Six months ended Jun 30, 2025 Mar 31, 2025 Jun 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2025 Jun 30, 2024 Net loss (98,645) (92,733) (157,863) (191,379) (129,709) Income tax benefit (8,172) (12,274) (23,283) (20,446) (8,927) Interest income, net (1,593) (2,670) (8,730) (4,263) (21,000) Depreciation & Amortization 60,253 59,245 44,958 119,498 91,627 EBITDA (non-GAAP) (48,157) (48,432) (144,918) (96,590) (68,009) EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) (64.0) % (39.1) % (65.9) % (48.5) % (10.7) % Three months ended Six months ended Jun 30, 2025 Mar 31, 2025 Jun 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2025 Jun 30, 2024 Net loss attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders (76,478) (71,837) (119,780) (148,316) (104,307) Share-based compensation 18,606 18,606 20,963 37,211 41,537 Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) attributable to Daqo New Energy Corp. shareholders (57,872) (53,231) (98,817) (111,105) (62,770) Adjusted loss per basic ADS (non- GAAP) (0.86) (0.80) (1.50) (1.66) (0.95) Adjusted loss per diluted ADS (non- GAAP) (0.86) (0.80) (1.50) (1.66) (0.95) SOURCE Daqo New Energy Corp. AI consultant Khullani Abdullahi reveals how most organizations are flying blind in AI adoption, leading to chaos and confusion. She challenges leaders to prepare teams for a future where the majority of white-collar workers may become redundant within the next decade. TAMPA BAY, Fla., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Last year, U.S. private AI investment grew to $109.1 billionnearly 12 times China's $9.3 billion and 24 times the U.K.'s $4.5 billion, according to Stanford University's Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence 2025 AI Index Report.(1) Yet despite this massive investment, only 34% of U.S. businesses actively use AI while another 34% are considering adoption. (2) In other words, over two-thirds of organizations are moving forward without clear roadmaps or governance structurescreating what today's guest calls "chaos, confusion, and compliance theater masquerading as strategy." DI 191: Khullani Abdullahi Khullani Abdullahi, founder of Techne AI, joins host Karla Jo Helms (KJ) on Disruption Interruption to discuss the realities of AI adoption in business and the coming transformation of the white-collar workforce. "We are seeing human intellectual ability degrade in real time as we outsource more of our thinking to the machines and to the algorithms," warns Abdullahi. "I would be very mindful of striking a balance and ensuring that you don't abdicate all that beautiful capacity and capability by over-relying on the tools." Flying Blind in the AI Race Abdullahi's work across regulated industries reveals a troubling pattern: organizations rushing to adopt AI without shared definitions, leadership alignment, or governance. Shadow AI use is rampant, with employees uploading proprietary data to unmonitored tools. "I often hear executives say, 'I'm avoiding it because the work I do is unique,'" she explains. "But what they really mean is: 'I'm afraid and uncertain.' That fear leaves companies exposed while competitors with deliberate strategies gain the edge." The stakes couldn't be higher. Abdullahi predicts that "the vast majority of white-collar workers will be redundant and irrelevant in 10 years," not because of full automation, but because AI will eliminate 80% of routine work, leaving only the most creative and strategic roles. "Only about 20% of your work is that creative, 'only you can do it' work," she notes, emphasizing that organizations failing to adapt will find themselves with leaders unable to orchestrate hybrid human-AI teams. Beyond Chaos: Building Strategic AI Implementation Rather than rushing to deploy the latest AI tools, Abdullahi advocates for structured, scenario-based strategies that account for regulation, risk, and long-term value. Her approach through Techne AI involves working with organizations at every levelfrom rank-and-file employee training to board-level AI governance. "Here's what I think an extraordinary leader should say: We are going to adopt AI. Here's our AI strategy. Here are the tools and trainings I'm going to make available to you. I don't know if you will have a job at the end of this 18 or 24 month journey, but I promise that I will make sure you are one of the most prepared people in the marketplace to pivot, adapt, and evolvebecause we are building our company's future value while we're also going to equip you to build your future value." Techne AI's methodology focuses on creating AI Centers of Excellence where companies can rapidly test and deploy AI tools while maintaining proper governance. It's dual-sided consulting approach works with both enterprises seeking AI adoption strategies and AI vendors needing to package their technology for enterprise clients. The goal is moving beyond hype to create sustainable competitive advantages. Links Disrupting the AI Race: What Leaders Should Be Asking Before They Deploy with Khullani Abdullahi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khullani Company Websites: https://techne.ai/ Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today's biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption. Disruption Interruption can be listened to in Apple's App Store and Spotify. About Disruption Interruption Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and moreand COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, "THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT!"? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo "KJ" Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traitsand not-so-commonthat are changing our economic markets and lives. Visit the world's key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at www.disruption-interruption.com. About Khullani Abdullahi: Khullani Abdullahi is the founder of Techne AI, a Chicago-based consultancy helping organizations adopt and govern artificial intelligence responsibly. With over 14 years of experience bringing emerging technologies to market across cybersecurity, digital health, legal tech, and AI startups, she equips founders and C-suite leaders with strategies that balance innovation with regulatory compliance. A former Somali refugee turned tech entrepreneur, Khullani has built her career at the intersection of AI product development, governance, and revenue strategy. Since 2020, she has advised regulated industries on risk management, compliance, and ethical AI deployment, including an in-house leadership role at an AI biotech firm. Through Techne AI, she guides organizations beyond the hype into structured, scenario-based strategies that create clarity, resilience, and long-term value. Khullani holds a BA in Philosophy from Carleton College and a JD from the University of Minnesota Law School. An active voice in the dialogue on AI ethics and policy, she regularly educates corporate boards on AI oversight and hosts the AI in Chicago podcast, where she interviews leaders shaping the future of technology, healthcare, and innovation. About Karla Jo Helms Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception. References American Immigration Council. "New American Fortune 500 in 2024." American Immigration Council, 17 June 2025 , americanimmigrationcouncil.org/report/new-american-fortune-500-2024/. Media Inquiries: Karla Jo Helms JOTO PR 727-777-4629 SOURCE Disruption Interruption WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Emergency physicians, researchers, and health care leaders will meet for ACEP25, the world's largest emergency medicine conference, presented by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) from September 7-10 in Salt Lake City. Members of the media can register and attend the conference for free. The opening session on September 7 promises to be an energizing, can't-miss start to ACEP25. Olympic gold medalist and cancer survivor Scott Hamilton will speak about celebrating the strength, resilience and compassion that defines emergency medicine. Noah Wyle, executive producer, writer, director and star of The Pitt, will join Joe Sachs, MD, FACEP, writer and executive producer, and Mel Herbert, MD, FACEP, writer and medical advisor, for a behind-the-scenes look at the hit television show that so accurately brings the challenges of emergency care to life. Media onsite can attend public presentations and audit an extensive roster of courses taught by emergency physician experts on the biggest topics in emergency medicine today, including artificial intelligence, boarding and crowding, opioids and pain management, disaster medicine, pediatric and geriatric care, infectious disease, and more. Course times and availability are subject to change. Attendees can expect customizable educational tracks, hands-on skills labs for practical training, lively social events and career-shaping opportunities to network with peers, all while recharging and connecting with the dynamic emergency medicine community. Registered media gain free access to the Research Forum, the annual showcase and first look at the data fueling practice innovation and driving emergency medicine forward. This year, the Research Forum features more than 620 abstracts and presentations from leading experts across the globe. Abstracts will be published in a special supplement to Annals of Emergency Medicine and can be requested by contacting [email protected]. Interviews with ACEP leaders, physician faculty, speakers, and research authors are available. For more information about ACEP25, visit www.acep.org/ACEP25. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public education, and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its 40,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million people they treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit www.acep.org and www.emergencyphysicians.org. SOURCE American College of Emergency Physicians REUS is one of the first enterprises to deploy Epicore's new Connected Hydration Armband CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Epicore Biosystems (Epicore), a leading innovator in wearable hydration and sweat-sensing solutions, today announced the launch of its Connected Hydration Armband (CH Armband) and a landmark partnership with REUS Cares (REUS), a leader in workforce wellness. REUS is among the first enterprises to deploy the CH Armband accessory, a lightweight, reusable wearable that continuously monitors sweat, electrolyte, and fluid losses, delivering real-time, personalized rehydration guidance to help reduce heat stress among agricultural workers in Latin America. The International Labour Organization reports that 70% of workers globally are exposed to excessive heat each year. Agricultural workers in Latin America face even greater risks due to the region's climate and the physically demanding nature of their work. Prolonged heat exposure can lead to health issues such as dehydration, chronic kidney disease, and heat exhaustion. Epicore's Connected Hydration solution addresses these climate-related health challenges by measuring the wearer's sweat composition and fluid losses, as well as skin temperature, motion, and thermal flux to monitor fluid losses and dehydration. Based on the individual's biometrics, Connected Hydration will provide personalized rehydration alerts in real-time, better informing the wearer's hydration needs ahead of adverse heat-related events. "Worker safety is our top priority, and extreme heat is now one of the greatest threats to well-being and performance in the field," said Juan Florido, General Manager of REUS Cares. "Epicore's Connected Hydration platform and new armband technology are true game-changers in our mission to bring next-generation wellness tools to the agricultural workforce. Since implementation, we have seen heightened awareness about hydration with revamped work-hydrate-rest schedules, based on biometric data in place of one-size-fits-all weather patterns, to mitigate risks of extreme heat." The Connected Hydration solution is the first sweat-sensing wearable to capture hydration data streams using interchangeable accessories. It provides workers and athletes the flexibility to choose between a reusable armband for continuous daily wear or an adhesive patch, more suitable for use on various locations on the body. CH Armband is now being deployed across dozens of industrial sites in North America as part of an early adopter program. "This partnership is a significant milestone in support of frontline workers against the invisible dangers of extreme heat," said Dr. Roozbeh Ghaffari, Founder and CEO of Epicore Biosystems. "Together with REUS, we're enabling low-cost, science-backed hydration awareness that not only prevents issues but also enhances safety and productivity measures in one of the world's most vital labor sectors." REUS has begun integrating the Armband into its occupational health programs in Guatemala, with initial deployments at large sugarcane, banana, and palm oil plantations. The partnership is expected to expand to tens of thousands of agritech workers across the region in 20252026. The CH Armband builds on Epicore's suite of intrinsically safe solutions designed for rugged field environments. The device connects seamlessly to secure mobile and cloud dashboards and is SOC 2 Type 2-certified, enabling proactive hydration interventions used by REUS' field teams. Epicore's flagship Connected Hydration product was featured at Super Bowl LIX and recently published in Nature Digital Medicine in collaboration with leading hydration researchers from the University of Connecticut, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Northwestern University, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. To learn more about Epicore Biosystems and its suite of wearable technology, visit www.epicorebiosystems.com . For more on REUS CARES, visit https://reuscares.com/ . About Epicore Biosystems: Epicore Biosystems is a digital health company spun out of Northwestern University's Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics and the John A. Rogers Laboratory. Epicore has developed advanced sweat-sensing wearables that provide real-time personalized health insights. Their clinically validated biowearable solutions and cloud analytics are deployed globally and licensed by leading Fortune 500 companies and the Department of Defense. To learn more, visit: https://www.epicorebiosystems.com/ . Follow Epicore on LinkedIn . About REUS Cares: Reus Cares was created as the innovation and technology arm of Reus, with the purpose of addressing the greatest challenges in the healthcare sector in Latin America. We believe that through strategic partnerships, investments, cutting-edge technology, and visionary solutions, we can transform the future of healthcare in the region. We are committed to identifying, developing, and scaling innovations that bring tangible improvements to people's lives. Whether through health technology, medical equipment, better diagnostics, digital health platforms, or new care models, we seek transformative solutions that redefine healthcare in our region. To learn more, visit https://reuscares.com/ . Follow Reus Cares on LinkedIn: Reus Cares. SOURCE Epicore Biosystems, Inc. This Partnership Now Connects Travelers to More Routes with Greater Flexibility TAIPEI, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EVA Air and Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) have entered a new interline agreement effective immediately. This collaboration now connects EVA Air passengers in four key cities: Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), and Chicago (ORD) to other cities in the United States with Southwest Airlines' extensive network. The partnership expands connectivity across the United States and provides travelers with increased convenience and access to a wider range of destinations. EVA Air and Southwest Airlines Co. have launched a new interline agreement, connecting EVA passengers from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago to destinations across the U.S. via Southwests network. This strategic agreement creates an integrated network across the participating gateway airports of both airlines. Passengers can now book a single itinerary including flights operated by both carriers, with coordinated ticketing and through-checked baggage service to their final destination. Travelers will also receive boarding passes for all segments of their journey at the first point of departure, making connections more straightforward and efficient. "This partnership positions EVA Air for long-term growth in an evolving market by combining resources with Southwest Airlines," said EVA Air America Head Office Executive Vice President Andrew Su. "Together, we're streamlining operations, connecting with a broader range of travelers, and responding more swiftly to changing market needs. Beyond simply adding flight options, we are dedicated to reimagining how we serve our passengers and providing travel experiences that are more personalized, more flexible, and thoughtfully designed around their needs." "Our relationship with EVA Air brings new opportunities for access between Asia and the United States through our unmatched domestic network," said Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Watterson. "We're grateful for this new partnership and the additional dimension it brings to our ongoing work to bring more choice in travel experiences with global reach." Beyond facilitating travel logistics, this interline partnership aims to offer competitive fares and broaden access in key routes, enhancing transpacific options for travelers throughout the United States. Now in effect, tickets are available through EVA Air's website, booking platforms, or major travel agency platforms. Through a unified booking process, customers can access interconnected networks that link major cities in the U.S. and Asia, unlocking new travel opportunities. Through its key U.S. gateways in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago, the partnership connects customers with Southwest Airlines flights to more than 30 destinations, including Denver, Las Vegas, Nashville, Tampa, Baltimore, and more. EVA Air currently offers 89 weekly flights to major cities in the U.S. and Canada, making it the Taiwanese airline with the most destinations and frequent flights in North America. By the end of the year, this number will reach 94 weekly flights. Through our partnership with Southwest Airlines, passengers will have access to more than 100 cities across the United States, delivering comprehensive air services to a global customer base. For more information on EVA Air's routes and to book flights, please visit www.evaair.com. ABOUT EVA AIR: A Star Alliance member, EVA Air was founded in 1989 as Taiwan's first privately owned international airline. EVA Air is also an affiliated company to global container-shipping leader Evergreen Line. It flies a fleet of more than 80 Boeing and Airbus aircraft to around 60 international destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Houston, Chicago, New York, Vancouver, Toronto, and Dallas-Fort Worth starting on October 3, 2025. The airline continues to expand its global network through strategic alliances and interline agreements, reinforcing its presence in the North American market. EVA Air's partnerships include a codeshare agreement with Star Alliance members Air Canada (AC), Avianca (AV), Copa Airlines (CM), and United Airlines (UA), as well as collaborations with major carriers such as Alaska Airlines (AS), JetBlue Airways (B6), Hawaiian Airlines (HA), Sun Country Airlines (SY), and WestJet (WS). Travelers can learn more about EVA and schedules, book, and buy tickets at www.evaair.com. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. By empowering its more than 72,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 140 million Customers carried in 2024. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q1 2025 Full-time equivalent active Employees as of June 30, 2025 SOURCE EVA Airways Corporation ODORZX Wins Patent Dispute AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ODORZX, Inc., a leader in eco-friendly odor-removal solutions, today announced that the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas has ruled in its favor in a patent dispute with NuVinAir, LLC. Judge Alan D Albright found ODORZX had not infringed in the alleged patent claims. This ruling protects our technology, built on years of research, field testing, and direct feedback from our clients. Post this "This ruling protects our technology, built on years of independent research, rigorous field testing, and direct feedback from our clients," said a spokesperson for ODORZX. With the legal matter resolved, ODORZX has reaffirmed its focus on serving customers. "We're returning our full energy to working feverishly for our clients, delivering the results they rely on us for every day." ODORZX credits its legal victory to the expert representation of: John Bustamante, Esq. Member, Grable Martin , PLLC Member, , PLLC Pat Richter, Esq. Partner, Rigby Slack Lawrence Pepper + Comerford PLLC Their advocacy was instrumental in securing justice and protecting innovation. NUVINAIR, LLC vs. ODORZX, INC. Case # 1:22-cv-00860 Nature of lawsuit - 830 Property Rights Patent Cause - 35:271 Patent Infringement Date of ruling - August 11, 2025 About ODORZX Founded in 2016, ODORZX has grown to serve major markets Nationwide. The company partners with airport and local car rental locations, as well as car dealerships, rental fleets, body shops, insurance providers, property managers, and hospitality organizations. ODORZX delivers scalable, environmentally responsible odor-elimination solutions designed to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Learn more at odorzx.com SOURCE ODORZX Faster Load Times, More Responsive Applications, and Importantly, A Way For Customers to Keep Their Data Onshore - Within Australian Legal Jurisdiction FREMONT, Calif., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Foxit , a leading provider of innovative PDF and eSignature products and services, helping knowledge workers to increase their productivity and do more with documents, today announced the launch of a dedicated cloud server in Australia, expanding its presence to better support local customers - especially those working in industries with strict data privacy and compliance standards. The move brings Foxit's award-winning cloud-based PDF and eSignature tools much closer to users across Australia and New Zealand. It means faster load times, more responsive applications, and importantly, a way for customers to keep their data onshore - within Australian legal jurisdiction. Features/Benefits of the New Australian-Based Server: Faster access, less waiting. With data staying closer to home, users will notice quicker load times and smoother performance across Foxit's cloud-based tools. With data staying closer to home, users will notice quicker load times and smoother performance across Foxit's cloud-based tools. Keeps your data onshore. For industries that require it, like healthcare, finance, or government, your documents and sensitive info stay within Australia's borders. For industries that require it, like healthcare, finance, or government, your documents and sensitive info stay within borders. Enables compliance. The new infrastructure supports local data privacy and residency rules/regulations - making it easier for organizations to meet regulatory requirements without jumping through hoops. The new infrastructure supports local data privacy and residency rules/regulations - making it easier for organizations to meet regulatory requirements without jumping through hoops. Ensures reliability. Having a server in-region means better uptime, faster recovery, and fewer disruptions if something goes wrong. Having a server in-region means better uptime, faster recovery, and fewer disruptions if something goes wrong. Built for what's next. Whether a small business or a larger enterprise the infrastructure is designed to scale with needs, without compromising performance or privacy. "Bringing our intelligent PDF and document management solutions even closer to Foxit's Australian customers is a significant milestone, reflective of our ongoing commitment to increasing trust and globalization," said Andrew Travis, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Foxit. "By hosting data locally, we are significantly improving performance and reliability and ensuring our customers meet stringent regulatory requirements." This strategic expansion is part of Foxit's ongoing global initiative to optimize its cloud infrastructure, ensuring that users worldwide benefit from localized, high-performance, and secure digital document solutions. Australian customers can now leverage Foxit's full suite of PDF tools, from secure document collaboration to advanced editing and e-signature capabilities, with the added advantages of local cloud hosting. About Foxit Foxit is a leading provider of innovative PDF and eSignature products and services, helping knowledge workers to increase their productivity and do more with documents. Foxit delivers easy-to-use desktop software, mobile apps, and cloud services that allow users to create, edit, fill, and sign documents through its integrated PDF Editor and eSign offerings. Foxit enables software developers to incorporate innovative PDF technology into their applications via powerful, multi-platform Software Developer Kits (SDK). Foxit has sold to over 640,000 customers, ranging from SMBs to global enterprises, located in more than 200 countries. The company has offices worldwide, including locations in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Asia. For more information, please visit https://foxit.com . SOURCE Foxit Frederick economic development partnership acknowledged for innovative collaboration. FREDERICK, Md., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development (DED), in partnership with Frederick Community College (FCC) and the Frederick County Office of Agriculture, has been awarded the 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). IEDC's annual Excellence Awards honor the economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that demonstrate consistent, exemplary performance in the profession. This collaborative Food Business Entrepreneurship Program received top honors in the Secondary Institution Partnership category for its innovative initiative that equips aspiring food entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and mentorship needed to launch successful food businesses and strengthen Frederick's food economy. The award will be presented at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, September 14-17. FCC Food Entrepreneurship participants The Food Business Entrepreneurship Program combines academic training, industry expertise, and community support to help participants plan, start, and operate a food service business. The curriculum delivers foundational knowledge in entrepreneurship and food service management, covering financial management, front and back of house operations, marketing and sales, regulatory requirements, and kitchen skills. Unique components of the program include an industry panel workshop and a culminating pitch competition that recognizes winners with financial awards and business mentorship. The program combines academic expertise from FCC, business support and resources from DED, and agricultural connections through the Office of Agriculture to strengthen Frederick's food economy. Elizabeth DeRose, Program Director, Hospitality, Culinary & Tourism Institute, Frederick Community College shared, "Fostering local entrepreneurship, approximately 80 participants have gone through the program, gaining the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to bring their food business visions to life. We are proud to share that several program graduates have gone on to launch successful ventures and others are making substantial progress toward launching their businesses, continuing the ripple effect of economic and community development. This award is an acknowledgement of the value of collaborative partnerships in creating community impact." "Few things are more rewarding in economic development than witnessing entrepreneurs bring their dreams to life," said Mary Ford-Naill, Manager of Economic Development, City of Frederick. "We've seen firsthand the transformative impact of the Food Business Entrepreneurship program. By equipping aspiring food entrepreneurs with essential tools, knowledge, and certifications, this initiative fuels local job creation and economic diversification. We are proud and enthusiastic collaborators, and this Gold Award is a testament to the collective effort of everyone who has contributed to the program's success." "This award highlights how partnerships can turn big ideas into thriving local businesses that fuel our economy and community," said Katie Stevens, Director of Frederick County Office of Agriculture. Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development. "Frederick is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Food Business Entrepreneurship Program," said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. "This award shines a spotlight on the City's commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development. IEDC is honored to present this award to the City of Frederick and its partners to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field." The next cohort for the Food Business Entrepreneurship Program and Pitch Competition launches in September 2025. Program details may be found at https://frederick.edu/programs-tlss/businesshcti/food-business-entrepreneurship.aspx About the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development: The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development strives to increase economic opportunity for Frederick by supporting and promoting a community where businesses and residents can thrive. Learn more at https://www.businessinfrederick.com/. About Frederick Community College Frederick Community College, with teaching and learning as its primary focus, strives to promote academic excellence in preparing an increasingly diverse student body to complete their goals of workforce preparation, transfer, career development, and personal enrichment with quality, innovative lifelong learning. About the Frederick County Office of Agriculture The Frederick County Office of Agriculture is dedicated to preserving farmland through conservation easements, supporting agricultural operations with business support and technical assistance, and promoting local farms through initiatives like Homegrown Frederick, ensuring a vibrant and diverse agricultural community. Our mission is to preserve our farming heritage, assist farmers in their endeavors, and promote a thriving agricultural sector. Learn more at https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/8675/Agriculture. SOURCE City of Frederick Department of Economic Development DENVER, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gates Industrial Corporation plc (NYSE: GTES), a global manufacturer of innovative, highly engineered power transmission and fluid power solutions, today announced that the Company will participate in the Jefferies 2025 Industrials Conference in New York City, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Brooks Mallard, Chief Financial Officer, will present at 2:10 pm Eastern time. To access a webcast of the presentation, please visit the Events & Presentations section of the Gates Investor Relations website at investors.gates.com and click on the event webcast link. About Gates Industrial Corporation plc: Gates is a global manufacturer of innovative, highly engineered power transmission and fluid power solutions. Gates offers a broad portfolio of products to diverse replacement channel customers, and to OEMs as specified components. Gates participates in many sectors of the industrial and consumer markets. Our products play essential roles in a diverse range of applications across a wide variety of end markets ranging from harsh and hazardous industries to everyday consumer applications including virtually every form of transportation. Our products are sold in more than 130 countries across our four commercial regions: the Americas; Europe, Middle East & Africa; Greater China; and East Asia & India. SOURCE Gates Industrial Corporation plc DETROIT, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - AquaAction, an organization that empowers innovators to solve critical water challenges and launch water-tech startups, is announcing the extension of its flagship AquaHacking program binationally for 2026 across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region with a goal of attracting 1,000 participants. Leading AquaAction partners gather for the launch at the Urban Tech Xchange, August 26th. From left to right: Matthew Quigley, Foreign Commercial Service Officer, U.S. Department of Commerce; Joe Carr, Freshwater Tech Business Consultant, Small Business Development Center (SBDC); Harb Gill, Member of Parliament, Windsor West, House of Commons of Canada; Jon Altenberg, President & CEO, The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative; Ed Kim, Professor of Smart Manufacturing Technology, College of Innovation & Technology, University of MichiganFlint, General Partner, Side Door Ventures MI & Vortex Growth Capital; Elliott Smith, Founder, Motmot; Christine Spitzley, Principal, OMH Advisors; Director, Michigan Section AWWA; Brittany VanderBeek, Director of Business Development, AquaAction; Soula Chronopoulos, President, AquaAction; Ryan Iacovacci, Founder, Myconaut; Kevin Mull, Co-founder, Urban Tech Xchange, Senior Director, Office of Urban Strategy and Innovation, Bedrock. (CNW Group/AquaAction) This marks a significant milestone in AquaAction's mission to foster a water-secure future through collaboration and innovation. To bolster cross-border cooperation, AquaAction's President, Soula Chronopoulos, is proud to unveil today the major co-hosts from both the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP), and the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (GLSLCI), reinforcing the program's commitment to regional cooperation and impact. Chronopoulos made the announcement during the open house for the new Urban Tech Xchange in Detroit, Michigan, where AquaAction will soon officially open their U.S. headquarters. Now entering its 10th year and 16th edition, the AquaHacking program cultivates the next generation of water tech entrepreneurs through a rigorous 10-month program that provides intensive mentorship, technical guidance, seed funding and other strategic support. As the world's largest freshwater basin faces increased pressures from extreme weather, geopolitical turbulence, population growth and pollution, there has never been a more critical time for cross-border innovation on water technologies. Water issue themes that will be tackled could include: Bridging the water Access Gap in Underserved Communities Drought-resistant crop cultivation and water-smart agricultural practices Water-efficient cooling solutions for data centers Resilient municipal infrastructure Hybrid energy systems with water-saving components Economic Opportunities in the Circular Water Economy Maximizing value from Great Lakes fisheries and aquaculture, including sustainable use of 100% of each fish Call for Partners AquaAction is actively seeking post-secondary recruitment hubs and major funding sponsors to support the successful delivery of the 2026 AquaHacking Binational Program. Together, we can empower the next generation of water innovators to build a resilient, water secure future. For partnership inquiries or to learn more about the program, please visit aquaaction.org. Quotes "Water knows no borders and neither should innovation. By uniting talent and resources across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region, we're empowering the next generation to tackle water challenges with bold, scalable solutions," Soula Chronopoulos , President, AquaAction "The water tech innovation that AquaAction is sparking with a new generation of entrepreneurs is precisely the kind of catalytic collaboration we first envisioned for the UTX. Our team at Bedrock is thrilled to be working with them to grow an ecosystem of innovators and scale them into successful industry disruptors." Kevin Mull , Senior Director for the Office of Urban Strategy and Innovation, Bedrock "Innovation without borders is exactly what our freshwater demands. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative is proud to stand alongside AquaAction in advancing solutions that cross geography and jurisdiction. Together, we are building a pipeline from university labs to municipal deploymentensuring that brilliant ideas don't remain prototypes but become real tools that communities can implement. This is about more than technology; it's about ensuring residents have safe, affordable water, infrastructure that can withstand the stress of higher temperatures and more frequent storms, and opportunities to participate in a growing economy that is rooted in sustainable solutions." Jonathan Altenberg , President and CEO, the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Cities Initiative "The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers are committed to innovating to strengthen our region. AquaHacking offers a unique platform for young entrepreneurs and problem-solvers to address some of our real-world challenges. We look forward to working together to bring new ideas for improving our fisheries and addressing other water-related opportunities." David Naftzger , Executive Director, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers "When expertise meets innovation, we become trusted partners for those who value water, working together to bring this vital resource to life. Together with AquaAction's 2026 AquaHacking program, we're empowering the next wave of changemakers to protect, preserve, and revolutionize the future of water." Pierre-Marc Sarrazin , Vice-President, Ovivo Quick Links Quick Facts AquaAction's Impact since 2016: 100+ water tech companies $200M+ in annual revenues $65M+ capital raised 400+ green jobs created Over 3,000 participants engaged Over 95B litres ( 25B gallons) of water saved and the equivalent of over 85,000 trees in carbon avoided The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region is home to 110 million people. It contains 21% of the world's and 95% of North America's surface fresh water supply and has a ground water supply the volume of Lake Michigan . region is home to 110 million people. It contains 21% of the world's and 95% of surface fresh water supply and has a ground water supply the volume of . The region accounts for more than 50% of all U.S./Canadian bilateral border trade and sees over 200 million tons of cargo shipped annually. If it were its own country, it would have a GDP of US$8 trillion , making it the third biggest economy in the world. , making it the third biggest economy in the world. The 2026 AquaHacking Binational Great Lakes and St. Lawrence program builds on the success of AquaAction's first-ever binational Great Lakes AquaHacking program with Northwestern Michigan College in 2023-20234 which brought together over 200 water tech innovators from across the U.S. and Canada . program builds on the success of AquaAction's first-ever binational Great Lakes AquaHacking program with in 2023-20234 which brought together over 200 water tech innovators from across the U.S. and . The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Basin faces mounting threats: Toxic PFAS contamination continues to infiltrate waterways, outpacing current filtration systems and raising alarms about long-term health effects. Nutrient runoff , in the form of phosphorus from agriculture and urban areas, is fueling harmful algal blooms that degrade water quality and damage aquatic ecosystems, most notably in Lake Erie . The spread of invasive species is destabilizing food production systems and threatening biodiversity across multiple lakes. Extreme weather is disrupting precipitation patterns, intensifying lake-level fluctuations, increasing shoreline erosion, and stressing aging infrastructure. Urban and industrial expansion contributes to chemical runoff and challenges cities already struggling to modernize outdated wastewater systems. Basin faces mounting threats: About AquaAction AquaAction is a charity registered in both the United States and Canada that is building a water-secure future through innovation, education, and collaboration. We support aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs to launch and scale water technology solutions to tackle the increasing economic, environmental and water security challenges we face. AquaAction works across sectors connecting innovators, policymakers, communities, and industries to empower the next generation of water stewards. We are a growing community of changemakers who are building the freshwater economy, one solution at a time. SOURCE AquaAction Reminds Americans: Tariffs Are Temporary, Bourbon Is Permanent CHICAGO, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As discussions of new alcohol tariffs dominate headlines, InvestBev , the largest private equity firm focused on the adult beverage industry and CPG, underscored that short-term trade disputes do not change bourbon's long-term global trajectory. With most consumption domestic and international markets steadily expanding, the firm emphasized that tariff headlines must be kept in perspective. InvestBev Founder, Brian Rosen, Asserts Trade Headwinds Cannot Derail Americas Native Spirit "Tariffs may cause volatility, but they cannot erase bourbon's role as America's native spirit," said Brian Rosen, General Partner of InvestBev. "Less than 8% of Kentucky bourbon leaves the United States, and more than 90% is consumed domestically. Bourbon is a deeply resilient category with global growth still in its infancy." Key points about the US bourbon market: Domestic consumption insulates bourbon from global tariff swings. Following EU tariffs in 20182021, exports quickly rebounded once lifted. Asia-Pacific bourbon imports are projected to grow 20%+ by 2027. "Bourbon survived Prohibition, global wars, and health-driven downturns," Rosen added. "Temporary trade disputes won't alter the long-term trajectory. Our role is to look past the headlines and invest in what we know is permanent." About InvestBev InvestBev is the largest private equity platform dedicated to the global beverage industry, with $250 million in assets under management. Founded by third-generation industry veteran Brian Rosen, the firm invests across barrels, brands, and industry-adjacent services, providing equity, credit, insurance, and advisory solutions. InvestBev's mission is to deliver superior returns while strengthening the long-term health and resilience of the alcohol beverage ecosystem. Learn more: Website | LinkedIn Press Contact: Shannon Duer 845-548-1211 SOURCE InvestBev NEW YORK, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Lockheed Martin Corporation ("Lockheed" or the "Company") (NYSE: LMT). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. The class action concerns whether Lockheed and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. You have until September 26, 2025, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Lockheed 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 October 22, 2024, before the market opened, Lockheed announced that 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 that 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, Lockheed's stock price fell $37.63 per share, or 6.12%, to close at $576.98 per share on October 22, 2024. Then, on January 28, 2025, before the market opened, Lockheed announced that 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 that "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, Lockheed's stock price fell $46.24 per share, or 9.2%, to close at $57.45 per share on January 28, 2025. Then, on July 22, 2025, Lockheed released its second quarter 2025 financial results, reporting sharply lower second-quarter earnings, including $1.6 billion in program losses. The Company disclosed that it was forced to recognize $950 million in losses related to its Aeronautics Classified program due to "design, integration, and test challenges, as well as other performance issues" as well as "significant changes to its processes and testing approach." Lockheed also reported $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 reported a $95 million charge related to its Turkish Utility Helicopter Program due to the "current status of the program." Lockheed said it is in "ongoing discussion" with its customers regarding a potential "restructure" of certain contractual terms and conditions. On this news, Lockheed's stock price fell $49.79 per share, or 10.8%, to close at $410.74 per share on July 22, 2025. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Korea Zinc plans to produce high-purity germanium using raw materials procured outside of China and provide the supply to Lockheed Martin Newly established 'Germanium Plant' at Onsan smelter to play a pivotal role in the partnership formed with the leading defense contractor Agreement expected to contribute to the stable supply of germanium, an essential material for the defense and space industries, and actively support private-sector cooperation within the Korea-U.S. economic alliance Marks a landmark success in Korea-U.S. collaborations in the procurement critical rare metals SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yun B. Choi, Chairman of Korea Zinc (KRX:010130), the world's largest zinc smelter, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lockheed Martin, the world's leading defense company, on August 25 for the supply and procurement of germanium and cooperation in the critical minerals supply chain. This MOU, pursued in line with ongoing Korea-U.S. discussions on economic security cooperation, carries great significance as it leads the establishment of a "China-free" critical minerals supply chain, and marks the first successful case of Korea-U.S. collaboration in the field of critical rare metals. Korea Zinc and Lockheed Martin signed an MOU on August 25 (U.S. local time) for the supply and purchase of germanium and cooperation on critical mineral supply chains. From left: Ahn Duk-geun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of Korea; Yun B. Choi, Chairman of Korea Zinc; Michael Williamson, President of Lockheed Martin International; and Gina Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce. [Photo by Korea Zinc] The signing ceremony was attended by the representatives of Korea Zinc, namely Yun B. Choi, Chairman of Korea Zinc, Mookyung Jung, President of the Sustainability Management Unit, and Kijune Kim, Executive Vice-President of the Sustainability Management Division. The attending Lockheed Martin representatives included Michael Williamson, President of Lockheed Martin International, accompanied by Nancy Ziuzin Schlegel, Corporate Vice President and David Sutton, Director. Both companies agreed to take the recent Korea-U.S. summit as an opportunity to accelerate the establishment of a China-free critical minerals supply chain at the private-sector level, and to work together to create a successful example of supply chain cooperation. The MOU stipulates that Korea Zinc will supply Lockheed Martin with germanium smelted (covering the entire process from mining to production) outside of China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia, and that Lockheed Martin will pursue an off-take agreement, securing priority rights to procuring this output. Based on the MOU, Korea Zinc and Lockheed Martin will be beginning detailed discussions toward signing a long-term contract. Lockheed Martin, formed in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed and Martin Marietta, is the world's largest defense contractor, notably producing the F-22 Raptor and F-35 stealth fighters, the Aegis Combat System, and the Patriot missile system. As of the end of 2024, its order backlog reached a record high of USD 176 billion (approximately KRW 246 trillion). The company has maintained a cooperative relationship with the South Korean government and local industries for more than 40 years, ranging from assembly production of UH-60 helicopters and F-16 fighters to the joint development of the T-50 supersonic advanced trainer jet. Germanium is a key material used in the defense industry for night-vision goggles, thermal imaging cameras, and infrared detectors. It is also employed in the space industry for solar panels that power satellites. Additionally, it is an essential metal widely used in advanced technology fields such as high-performance semiconductor devices, specialty gases for semiconductor processing, LEDs, fiber optic cables, and superconductors. Currently, the world's largest producer of germanium is China. According to KOTRA, as of 2021, 68% of the global refined germanium output of 140 tons originated from China. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has likewise identified China as the leading country among those that commercially produce germanium. With resource weaponization trends intensifying, and growing concerns over the concentration of resource production in certain countries, the establishment of stable supply chains has emerged as an urgent international priority. In line with the signing of the MOU with Lockheed Martin, Korea Zinc plans to invest approximately KRW 140 billion in its Onsan Smelter in Ulsan to establish a new germanium plant. Following trial operations in 2027, the company aims to begin production in the first half of 2028, with plans to produce high-purity germanium dioxide (amount equivalent to approximately 10 tons of germanium metal). This development will position Korea Zinc as the only domestic producer of germanium in South Korea. Having established itself as a hub for strategic mineral supply chains, Korea Zinc has been the sole producer of antimony, indium, and bismuth in South Korea. Antimony, like germanium, is also a critical material for the defense industry, used in ammunition and missiles. In June of this year, Korea Zinc shipped 20 tons of antimony on a cargo vessel bound for Baltimore, marking its entry into U.S. exports. The company plans to expand export volumes to over 100 tons within this year and more than 240 tons annually starting next year. A Korea Zinc representative stated, "As a company representing Korea's national key industries, stabilizing the supply chain for critical minerals is a highly important strategic task for both the government and the private sector in terms of national interest. Through the signing of this MOU with Lockheed Martin, we aim to strengthen the strategic partnership between Korea and the United States while actively contributing to private-sector cooperation in the realm of economic security." SOURCE Korea Zinc Dedicated to Funding Chocolate History Research, Scholarship, and Educational Programming NEWARK, N.J., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mars and AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate announced today that they are currently accepting submissions for the 2026 Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant through October 26, 2025. The grant provides funding to organizations, individuals, and schools for innovation in the areas of chocolate history research, cocoa science, scholarship, and education. Launched in 2013, the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant has provided over $600,000 in grant funding to 32 institutions for 63 grant projects. Last year, a total of $58,9000 in grant funding was awarded to five organizations. The winners were: Historic Philadelphia / Betsy Ross House ( Philadelphia, PA ) / ( ) University of Florida ( Gainesville, FL ) ( ) Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education ( Tampa Bay, FL ) ) Conner Prairie Museum ( Fishers, IN ) ) The Lovett School ( Atlanta, GA ) for the first Classroom Resource Grant The Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant is dedicated to uncovering and sharing the vital role of chocolate in culture, science, and education. Funding will be awarded for projects that investigate and/or educate on the history of chocolate, the chocolate-making process, or cocoa science, with an emphasis on anticipated audience reach. Teachers of K-12 students are also encouraged to apply for a classroom resource grant. "Every year we are impressed by the depth and breadth of grant applications and the projects proposed," said Kelly Lynch, Marketing Director, Mars Wrigley Premium Brands. "There is no shortage of exciting and educational chocolate-based research and programming to share with the world. Mars and AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate are honored to support these inspiring initiatives." Awards for this competitive scholarship will be made based on merit as judged by a panel of experts. The educational impact will highly influence the decision process, as will attention to equity, inclusion, and diversity in the proposal. Grant submissions can be made on the AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate website at https://www.americanheritagechocolate.com/grants/grant-application/. Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant winners will be announced at the annual meeting of the Heritage Chocolate Society scheduled for February 18-19, 2026, in Washington, DC. The Heritage Chocolate Society was founded by Forrest E. Mars, Jr. in 2003 to explore the diverse history of chocolate in the Americas as well as its impact on society and culture. What started as a gathering of 15 attendees has evolved into an annual meeting of more than 150 history and educational leaders dedicated to exploring new ideas and concepts that would benefit their historic sites and museums. About AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate The AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate brand was developed in 2006 by Mars Chocolate North America (now Mars Wrigley) and is the only chocolate brand solely dedicated to sharing the history of chocolate through products inspired by authentic recipes from the 18th century. Backed by research and fueled by legacy, the brand calls itself "The Chocolate History People" for a reason! By offering unique, immersive products that both educate and entertain, AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate brings the rich and diverse story of chocolate to life. Rainforest Alliance Certified and made with no preservatives, AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate currently comes in four formats: Tasting Squares, Tablet Bars, Grated Chocolate for baking/drinking and Gourmet Hot Cocoa. AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate is sold at fine gift shops at historic sites, museums, and historic inns across the USA. The brand can also be found on Amazon.com, at Ethel M Chocolates stores around Las Vegas, Nevada, and on ethelm.com. Learn more about AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate at www.Facebook.com/AmericanHeritageChocolate, on Instagram at @AmericanHeritageChocolate, and on Pinterest @Chochistory. ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN, PEDIGREE, WHISKAS, CESAR, DOVE, EXTRA, M&M's, SNICKERS and BEN'S ORIGINAL. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD, BLUEPEARL, VCA and ANICURA span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five PrinciplesQuality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedominspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet. For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Contact: Valerie Donati Brand Building Communications [email protected] SOURCE Mars Three Hyundai Motor Group Products and Two General Motors Company Products Make This Year's List LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Although the automotive industry's transition to electrification has slowed, many industry experts still agree that electric vehicles are the future and here to stay. For consumers who are in the market for one, Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY), a leading auto insurer in California, has compiled a list of the most affordable EVs to insure, announced today. This list was created with the goal of helping budget-conscious consumers find a vehicle that will help them maximize insurance savings. Chevrolet Blazer EV Factors contributing to insurance costs include claims on similar vehicles, costs to repair and vehicle safety records. Mercury's research and development team examined vehicles that are available at car dealerships today to compile this list. This is the 10th year that Mercury has published this list, which includes 2025 and 2026 model-year vehicles. "With federal EV tax credits set to expire in the near future, now is the time to get into an EV for consumers who are interested in one," said Chong Gao, Director of Product Management R&D for Mercury Insurance. "That's why this year's list is especially timely and relevant. These EVs are great choices for consumers who are looking to save on the total cost of car ownership equation." The top 10 list for EVs, beginning with the most affordable make and model to insure is: Chevrolet Blazer EV Chevrolet Equinox EV Nissan Leaf Kia Niro EV Ford F-150 Lightning Hyundai Kona EV MINI Cooper SE Hyundai IONIQ EV (all models) Fiat 500e Subaru Solterra/Toyota BZ4X "We understand that EVs are still generally considered expensive to purchase, but there are benefits to owning one such as lower operating costs. And, if you choose a vehicle that's on this list, it could lower your insurance costs, too," said Gao. About Mercury Insurance Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance. Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on Twitter or Facebook. SOURCE Mercury Insurance Series B expansion will fuel growth of leading space solar tech with proven on-orbit performance ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- mPower Technology, Inc. , the leader in flexible solar power for space, today announced a strategic investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures, the venture arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The investment is an add-on to mPower's recent Series B funding round, bringing total Series B funding to over $24 million. This capital will further accelerate mPower's ability to scale production of its DragonSCALES solar modules. DragonSCALES provides an industry-leading flexible, resilient, and cost-effective solution for solar power in space, enabling new design possibilities for space missions. "We are honored to welcome Lockheed Martin Ventures as a strategic investor," said Kevin Hell, president and CEO of mPower Technology. "Lockheed Martin brings deep mission expertise and a bold vision for the future of space and national defense. Their support is a validation of our role in enabling rapid, scalable, and cost-effective solar power across the new space economy and in support of U.S. security priorities." Lockheed Martin Ventures joins an impressive group of investors in the Series B round, including Razor's Edge Ventures and Shield Capital, both of which focus on technologies critical to national security and resilient space infrastructure. "Space has never been more important to national security, and affordable, reliable power is a mission-critical enabler for future space operations," said Chris Moran, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Ventures. "The technology in development by mPower solves some of the hard challenges in unique and innovative waysopening new doors for spacecraft design, power production, and scalability. We're excited to support their continued growth and development as we advance U.S. leadership in space exploration." DragonSCALES has already been selected for several prominent space programs, including by Airbus Netherlands B.V. for their Sparkwing solar arrays which will power MDA's AURORA satellites for low-earth orbit constellations like Telesat Lightspeed and the next-gen Apple-backed Globalstar constellation. Production is underway at mPower's high-volume automated line located at Universal Instruments Corporation in Conklin, New York. The facility will produce over two megawatts of DragonSCALES annually, more than the combined global output of legacy gallium arsenide (GaAs) space solar suppliers. With over 12 years of on-orbit heritage, mPower has become a trusted solar provider to companies including Airbus, Blue Origin/Honeybee, Firefly Aerospace, Lynk Global, and Gravitics. About mPower Technology, Inc. mPower Technology is reshaping the future of space solar with DragonSCALES. Designed for mass production using standard silicon PV processes, DragonSCALES delivers high-performance, scalable solar power for spacecraft of all types. Learn more at mpowertech.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook. About Lockheed Martin Ventures Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at www.Lockheedmartin.com. Media Contact: Natalie Rizk RiotMind Phone: +1-505-252-4279 Email: [email protected] SOURCE mPower Technology Innovative underwear, socks and loungewear company uses Centric PLM to foster growth CAMPBELL, Calif., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Centric Software is pleased to announce that Pair of Thieves has selected Centric PLM to drive speed to market and innovation. Centric Software provides the most innovative enterprise solutions to plan, design, develop, source, comply, buy, make, price, allocate, assort, market, sell and replenish fashion, luxury, footwear, outdoor, home, cosmetics & personal care products as well as multi-category retail, to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals. Pair of Thieves Accelerates Speed to Market, Centralizes Product Data and Breaks Down Silos with Centric PLM Pair of Thieves, based in Culver City, CA was founded in 2012 with the mission of revolutionizing the men's underwear industry. Frustrated by the lack of stylish and comfortable options available, they set out to create a brand that would redefine what it means to wear great underwear. Drawing inspiration from their own experiences and lifestyles, they launched their first collection featuring bold designs, trend-right colors and premium fabrics. The company later expanded to socks, undershirts and loungewear. Autumn Rockhill, Senior Product Development Manager at Pair of Thieves, describes the challenges that led the company to seek out a PLM solution. "As our company has grown over the years, our tracking and technical systems needed to grow with us. We were looking to centralize all of our information as well as make distribution across our various vendors painless and quick." The existing systems they had in place were mostly stand-alone. "Our systems didn't speak to each other," says Rockhill. "Whenever we made an update to a style, we would have to make that update everywhere. We were constantly going back to touch file after file. It was inefficient, with lots of valuable time lost." The company evaluated several companies, but ultimately, Centric Software is the best-in-class solution. Rockhill notes, "Out of all of the options, Centric PLM delivered everything we were looking for and more." The new PLM solution dropped right into place in Pair of Thieves' existing workflows and with tools that the design team uses every day. "Centric PLM's ability to auto open our current files in Adobe Illustrator linking into PLM, maintains seamless integration of a new system against current processes. It ensures there is no stop in the flow of our team's processes while transitioning systems," says Rockhill. Silos between departments were apparent as well. Rockhill states, "Already, we've seen an improvement in the distribution of information. The collaboration between teams while setting up our smart systems and formulas has led to great conversations around cross functional needs, ensuring that the information our partners need is easily accessible." Another area where Centric PLM boosted working relationships is with external entities. "The vendor portal encourages better collaboration with our suppliers," says Rockhill. She sums up, "The technology Centric PLM provides ensures easy communication and sharing of documents and information. Having all the files linked together, gives our team back valuable time to focus on development to continuously deliver great product season after season, while accelerating time to market and maintaining brand consistency." Fabrice Canonge, President of Centric Software says, "The team at Pair of Thieves are responsive, creative and enthusiastic. Centric PLM will further enhance their commitment to innovation and continue to foster the growth they are experiencing through improved efficiency as they expand the brand." Learn more about Centric solutions. REQUEST A DEMO Pair of Thieves (pairofthieves.com) California-based brand redefining men's basics with a focus on comfort, style and performance. Founded in 2012, the company quickly gained a loyal following for its high-quality underwear, socks and loungewear, blending premium fabrics with eye-catching designs. Known for its irreverent personality and innovative approach, Pair of Thieves continues to disrupt the basics category while staying true to its mission: making everyday essentials anything but basic. Centric Software (www.centricsoftware.com) From its headquarters in Silicon Valley, Centric Software provides an innovative and AI-enabled product concept-to-commercialization platform for retailers, brands and manufacturers of all sizes. As experts in fashion, luxury, footwear, outdoor, home, cosmetics & personal care as well as multi-category retail, Centric Software delivers best-of-breed solutions to plan, design, develop, source, comply, buy, make, price, allocate, market, sell and replenish products. Centric PLM, the leading PLM solution for fashion, outdoor, footwear and private label, optimizes product execution from ideation to development, sourcing and manufacture, realizing up to 50% improvement in productivity and a 60% decrease in time to market. the leading PLM solution for fashion, outdoor, footwear and private label, optimizes product execution from ideation to development, sourcing and manufacture, realizing up to 50% improvement in productivity and a 60% decrease in time to market. Centric Planning is an innovative, cloud-native, AI solution delivering end-to-end planning capabilities to maximize retail and wholesale business performance, including SKU optimization, resulting in an up to 110% increase in margins. is an innovative, cloud-native, AI solution delivering end-to-end planning capabilities to maximize retail and wholesale business performance, including SKU optimization, resulting in an up to 110% increase in margins. Centric Pricing & Inventory leverages AI to drive margins and boost revenues by up to 18% via price and inventory optimization from pre-season to in-season to season completion. leverages AI to drive margins and boost revenues by up to 18% via price and inventory optimization from pre-season to in-season to season completion. Centric Market Intelligence is an AI-driven platform delivering insights into consumer trends, competitor offers and pricing to boost competitivity and get closer to the consumer, with an up to 12% increase in average initial price point. is an AI-driven platform delivering insights into consumer trends, competitor offers and pricing to boost competitivity and get closer to the consumer, with an up to 12% increase in average initial price point. Centric Visual Boards pivot actionable data in a visual-first orientation to ensure robust, consumer-right assortments and product offers, dramatically decreasing assortment development cycle time. pivot actionable data in a visual-first orientation to ensure robust, consumer-right assortments and product offers, dramatically decreasing assortment development cycle time. Centric PXM, AI-powered product experience management (PXM) encompasses PIM, DAM, content syndication and digital shelf analytics (DSA) to optimize the product commercialization lifecycle resulting in a transformed brand experience. Increase sales channels, boost sell through and drive margins. Centric Software's market-driven solutions have the highest user adoption rate, customer satisfaction rate and fastest time to value in the industry. Centric Software has received multiple industry awards and recognition, appearing regularly in world-leading analyst reports and research. Centric Software is a subsidiary of Dassault Systemes (Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA), the world leader in 3D design software, 3D digital mock-up and PLM solutions. Centric Software is a registered trademark of Centric Software, Inc. in the US and other countries. Centric PLM, Centric Planning, Centric Pricing & Inventory, Centric Market Intelligence, Centric Visual Boards and Centric PXM are trademarks of Centric Software, Inc. All third-party trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. SOURCE Centric Software INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev., Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phinge Corporation today announced its intention to gauge market interest for a potential Regulation A+ offering, referred to as "testing the waters" under SEC Rule 255. This "test the waters" campaign will allow Phinge Corporation to assess potential investor interest in a contemplated securities offering before filing an offering statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). About Phinge Corporation Phinge was founded to disrupt Apple, Google, Facebook & Big Tech by partnering with and giving its users and businesses control of their data, privacy and overall mobile experience including their ability to monetize it. Phinge is developing Netverse and Netaverse, a patented, Rewards-based, App-less technology with a verified, safer and more reliable AI built-in. This technology will only be available on its patented Mobile Hardware which includes Magnetically Attachable/Detachable Phones, Tablets, Mobile Gaming Systems and peripherals like the stylish, wireless earbuds with interchangeable batteries and built-in sensor screens for continuous usage without recharging and Smart Watches that never need to be charged as they come with stylish external, interchangeable bezels with built~in rechargeable batteries and come in a variety of colors, patterns and finishes. This potential investment opportunity will allow the general public, potential future users, businesses and platforms to join with us to help create and grow a new and incredible, safer online mobile community which rewards all those who participate. About "Testing the Waters" "Testing the Waters" is a valuable provision under Regulation A+ that allows companies to gauge investor interest from both accredited and non-accredited investors without formally launching a securities offering. This initial phase involves oral and/or written communications with potential investors to determine the market's appetite for the contemplated securities. Important Disclosures: No money or other consideration is being solicited, and if sent, will not be accepted. No offer to buy the securities can be accepted, and no part of the purchase price can be received until the offering statement is filed and only through an intermediary's platform. A prospective purchaser's indication of interest is non-binding. Next Steps Phinge Corporation plans to engage with potential investors through various channels to gather feedback and determine whether to proceed with a formal Regulation A+ offering. More detailed information and disclosures about Phinge Corporation's "Testing the Waters" Campaign is available at https://www.phinge.com/investor-relations.html Contact: Investor Relations [email protected] Disclaimer This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. No money or other consideration is being solicited, and if sent in response, will not be accepted. No offer to buy the securities can be accepted and no part of the purchase price can be received until the offering statement is qualified by the SEC. An indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind. Any such offer or solicitation will only be made in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations, including the filing and qualification of an offering statement with the SEC. Photo(s): https://www.prlog.org/13093850 Press release distributed by PRLog SOURCE Phinge Corporation SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP is investigating a data breach that led to unauthorized access to 957,434 records held by Ohio Medical Alliance, LLC. Ohio Medical Alliance, LLC, which does business as Ohio Marijuana Card, helps individuals obtain physician certified medical marijuana cards through telemedicine services and in-person clinics in Ohio, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Virginia, and West Virginia. On July 14, 2025, cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler discovered databases originating from Ohio Marijuana Card that were not password protected or encrypted. These databases included 210,620 email addresses of clients, employees, or business partners. The following patient information was found in the databases: images of driver's licenses or identification documents that contained names, physical addresses, dates of birth, and license numbers; medical records; release forms; physician certification forms with Social Security numbers; mental health evaluations; and identification documents from multiple states. If your personal information was impacted by this incident, you may be at risk of identity theft and other serious violations of your privacy. As a result, you may be entitled to money damages and an injunction requiring changes to Ohio Marijuana Card's cybersecurity practices. If you received notification of this data breach or are affiliated with Ohio Marijuana Card and wish to obtain additional information about your legal rights, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.classactionlawyers.com/ohiomedicalalliance. About Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe represents shareholders, employees, and consumers in class actions against corporate defendants, as well as shareholders in derivative actions against their officers and directors. The firm is based in San Francisco, and with the help of co-counsel, litigates cases nationwide. Contact Sonum Dixit Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP [email protected] Tel: 415-299-8207 SOURCE Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KLAS Research has released its latest Emerging Company Spotlight report, showcasing Red Rover Health as a standout innovator. The report highlights Red Rover Health's middleware solution, which enhances electronic health record (EHR) integration and streamlines clinical workflows for healthcare organizations. Red Rover Health addresses critical integration challenges with its robust API platform, enabling seamless bidirectional EHR connectivity. The company has been praised for improving interoperability, increasing integration speed, and reducing staff burden. Red Rover Health achieved an impressive overall performance score of 94.2 (on a 100-point scale), with 100% of respondents stating they would buy the solution again. Customers praised the company's agility, expertise, and collaboration, highlighting custom integrations and immediate EHR improvements as key strengths. Customer Testimonial Highlights "Red Rover Health's team is extremely knowledgeable, and with their custom stuff, they can accomplish integrations that other vendors can't. It is nice when the vendor does what they say they are going to do, and they can do it on budget." CMIO "I think agility is one of the key strengths I would call out about Red Rover Health compared to many of the larger players. Red Rover Health is very responsive and available, and they have a very strong domain knowledge in the industry. Red Rover Health works with us as a partner and not just as a vendor. They have a joint interest in making our customers successful, so that is why they get on joint calls and everything. Red Rover Health does not think of our relationship as a purely commercial relationship." VP/other executive Red Rover's CEO, John Orosco, said "We are thrilled to be recognized by our customers through the KLAS Research Emerging Company Spotlight. We are laser-focused on innovating and serving our customers, it's wonderful to know that we deliver that experience to our customers in full." Red Rover Health at Upcoming Leading Conferences August 26-28 : DHITS, booth #425 : DHITS, booth #425 October 19-22 : HLTH, booth #2568-22 About Red Rover Health Red Rover Health is a pioneering healthcare technology company dedicated to simplifying EHR integration. Powered by secure RESTful APIs, Red Rover's integration platform enables seamless connectivity between third-party software applications and EHR systems. This innovative platform empowers healthcare organizations to enhance their existing EHR systems with best-of-breed software solutions. To learn more, visit redrover.health. SOURCE Red Rover Health New identity reflects Reese's evolution into an insight-driven partner for OTC brands, leveraging nearly 120 years of expertise to bring next-generation health products to market faster CLEVELAND, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Reese Pharmaceutical today announced it is rebranding as Reese Consumer Health. This new identity reflects the company's evolution from a traditional private-label manufacturer to a strategic innovation partner focused on consumer-first, insight-driven co-creation and brand building for over-the-counter (OTC) and healthcare supplement products. Reese Consumer Health is a consumer-first, insight-driven company with nearly 120 years of expertise in manufacturing and collaborating with retailers. Reese helps organizations create innovative OTC products and supplements, leveraging deep industry knowledge to deliver high-quality solutions across the healthcare sector. (PRNewsfoto/Reese Pharmaceutical) Reese has long been known for manufacturing and distribution excellence. Today, leveraging nearly 120 years of category expertise, deep retailer relationships, and data-driven market insights, the company is taking a proactive approach anticipating consumer trends, developing turnkey product concepts, and guiding partners from idea to shelf. "In a market defined by heightened consumer expectations, post-COVID self-care trends, and rapid innovation cycles, brands need partners who can help them move quickly and strategically," said Jeff Reese, President of Reese Consumer Health. "We're evolving from co-packers to consumer insightdriven collaborators, working side-by-side with partners to bring next-generation products to market through strategic retail relationships and a strong omni-channel focus." As part of its growth strategy, Reese will: Expand globally and increase capacity entering international markets for the first time this September and investing in a new 10,000-square-foot Cleveland facility , expected to open in late 2026. The state-of-the-art building will consolidate operations, expand manufacturing capabilities, and serve as a collaborative hub for developing innovative products with brand partners. entering international markets for the first time this September and investing in a new , expected to open in late 2026. The state-of-the-art building will consolidate operations, expand manufacturing capabilities, and serve as a collaborative hub for developing innovative products with brand partners. Grow its portfolio refreshing flagship products like Reese's Pinworm, now featuring new consumer-validated claims such as #1 doctor-recommended brand , fast relief , and a pleasant taste profile , alongside a redesigned package for stronger shelf appeal. Reese is also actively adding to its brand portfolio through selective acquisitions to broaden its reach and category leadership. refreshing flagship products like Reese's Pinworm, now featuring new consumer-validated claims such as , , and a , alongside a redesigned package for stronger shelf appeal. Reese is also actively adding to its brand portfolio through selective acquisitions to broaden its reach and category leadership. Enter new and adjacent categories leveraging over a century of category expertise and real-time consumer insights to identify high-growth opportunities in first aid, digestive care, feminine health, and wellness supplements, ensuring Reese can meet consumer needs globally, across the health and wellness spectrum. "Reese is embracing a new vision with consumers at the center of everything we do," said Joseph Juliano, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and New Business Development. "From emerging players to global leaders, we use real-time insights to spot trends early, develop concepts that align with our partners' brand equity, and deliver a full turnkey path from sourcing to shelf ensuring products resonate with consumers around the globe, wherever they choose to shop." Reese will officially unveil its new brand identity and expanded vision at the NACDS Total Store Expo (Booth #1644) in San Diego from August 23-25, 2025. ** Press Images - New Logo & Refreshed Pinworm Packaging About Reese Consumer Health Founded in 1907 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Reese Consumer Health is a consumer-first, insight-driven company with nearly 120 years of expertise in manufacturing and collaborating with retailers. Reese helps organizations create innovative OTC products and supplements, leveraging deep industry knowledge to deliver high-quality solutions across the healthcare sector. With an expanding portfolio of brands, including Reese's Pinworm, Reese is committed to driving consumer health innovation through omnichannel strategies that reach a wide range of consumers across multiple retail and distribution channels. Media Contact: Andrea LePain [email protected] SOURCE Reese Pharmaceutical NORTHBROOK, Ill., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Relief Mental Health, a leading outpatient provider of mental health treatment, is pleased to welcome Ana Deeter, PA-C, to its Northbrook, Illinois, clinic. Deeter, a licensed and board-certified physician assistant, will provide psychiatric services and SPRAVATO (esketamine) treatment for adults. With a clinical focus on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Deeter specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions in adults. She offers both in-person and virtual medication management, which is the foundation of general psychiatric care. This includes evaluating symptoms, diagnosing conditions, prescribing and adjusting medications, and providing ongoing support to help patients manage depression, anxiety, mood disorders, OCD, PTSD, and more. Medication management is a comprehensive and collaborative approach to psychiatric care. Deeter works closely with each patient to monitor progress and tailor treatment plans that fit their unique needs, history, and lifestylehelping them achieve meaningful, long-term improvement in mental health. In addition to psychiatry services, Deeter offers SPRAVATO (esketamine)an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Unlike traditional antidepressants, SPRAVATO can provide rapid relief for individuals who haven't responded to other treatments. Relief's Northbrook clinic also offers transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a noninvasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. TMS is an effective, medication-free option for those with depression, OCD, and other diagnoses who haven't found relief through medication alone. The clinic also provides individual therapy to support emotional well-being and personal growth. Relief Mental Health is proud to be named the 2025 Emerging Business of the Year by the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce & Industry, recognizing its commitment to expanding access to innovative, evidence-based mental health care. Ana Deeter is currently accepting new patients with immediate availability. To schedule an appointment, individuals can call 855.205.4764 or visit reliefmh.com. About Relief Mental Health Relief Mental Health is a leading outpatient provider of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), SPRAVATO (esketamine), IV ketamine, psychiatry, and therapy, for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety and other diagnoses. Founded in January 2020 and dedicated to delivering expedited care, Relief aims to create a new standard for mental health care, offering a continuum of innovative therapeutic interventions and responding to evolving patient needs. For more information, visit reliefmh.com. CONTACT: Melanie Eilers Chief Marketing Officer [email protected] SOURCE Relief Mental Health COLLEGE PARK, Md., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The most trusted reviewers of a leisure experience like an art gallery, museum, movie or zoo are the people who do the activity alone. That's according to researchers from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business and Oklahoma State University. Rebecca Ratner, Dean's Professor of Marketing at UMD, has studied the solo consumer for more than a decade. Her research looks at people's reluctance to do activities alone and finds that they often enjoy solo experiences more than they thought they would. Her latest research, "The Influential Solo Consumer: When Engaging in Activities Alone (vs. Accompanied) Increases the Impact of Recommendations" in the Journal of Marketing Research, shows that other people are more likely to follow the recommendations of someone who did an activity alone rather than with others. That's because people assume someone who does an activity alone is more focused on the activity itself, says Ratner, who did the research with Yuechen Wu of Oklahoma State. For example, she says, if someone tells you they went to the zoo alone, you probably assume it's because they really like animals. But if they went with a friend, it could be just because they wanted to do something outside on a nice day. "People think that someone who does stuff alone must really be interested in or knowledgeable about that activity," Ratner says. They also assume a solo consumer is really paying attention to the details of their experience and will be a more reliable source about it. "We started measuring that effect and found that when people think the solo person is more interested in the focal domain or activity, that makes their review carry more weight," she says. Ratner and Wu used actual reviews from Tripadvisor, which include details from each reviewer about who they were with. They compared solo reviews with reviews from people accompanied by friends or family. They found that other Tripadvisor users gave more "likes" (by clicking a thumbs-up button) to reviews and recommendations from people who did something alone. The researchers confirmed the results with several lab experiments, where they asked participants a series of questions about people engaged in activities, either solo or accompanied, and how much they thought that person was focused on the activity. They measured the extent to which participants thought a person's review was based on the quality of the activity or any socializing they did during the experience. Ratner says when people learned that someone participated in an activity accompanied, they were more likely to discount that person's review because they couldn't determine whether the review was based on the actual activity the art, movie, exhibits, etc. or a result of the other people they were with. The same basic effect held up even when the reviews were negative. "We got our same pattern where people were more likely to say they would heed the advice of the solo person. So if a solo person says 'Don't go,' they're more likely to listen," Ratner says. "It's just the fact that they are alone that makes others perceive them as more credible." Word-of-mouth recommendations are very important to marketers and individuals, she says. And this research shows that the recommendations from people who were alone hold more significance. For individuals, Ratner hopes more people take a cue from other solo consumers that they can do these kinds of activities even without a companion: "Part of the takeaway for us is trying to encourage those people who are reluctant to just get out there and do the thing that they would find meaningful or interesting," Ratner says. "Don't let it stop you if you don't happen to have a friend or a partner or a child to go with you that day. Live your life and do the things that you think would be fun." And if you do get out there, tell people about your experience, she says. "You'll be a better word-of-mouth source about your experience what you say to people afterwards will be even more influential." Marketers should take note, says Ratner. If they want influential reviews about their experiences, they should encourage people to come solo and write reviews, she says. "Don't neglect your solo patrons and customers. Treat them well. What they say actually is going to carry a lot of weight." About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master's, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia. Contact: Greg Muraski, [email protected] SOURCE University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business Industry, government, and community leaders unite to build career pathways through HOPES and Restaurant Ready workforce programs at 2025 Hospitality Pathways Conference WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The restaurant industry demonstrated a compelling blueprint for community-driven workforce solutions during the 2025 Hospitality Pathways Conference, hosted by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation late last week in Washington, D.C. Emphasizing the career-building skills and pathways that the restaurant industry offers as America's second-largest private sector employer, the event convened more than 150 leaders from across the restaurant and hospitality industry, local government agencies, and community-based organizations to spotlight how cross-sector collaboration is transforming lives and building a future-ready restaurant workforce. The third annual conference told the story of how the Foundation's restaurant workforce development initiatives including Hospitality Opportunities for People (Re)Entering Society (HOPES) and Restaurant Ready leverage state restaurant association partners and a network of community-based organizations and local government agencies to maximize impact. Both initiatives equip individuals from non-traditional education backgrounds including people with justice-involvement, opportunity youth, and people with disabilities with the skills, certifications, and ongoing support to start and advance through a restaurant industry career. Community collaboration drives restaurant industry careers. Post this "HOPES and Restaurant Ready are deeply rooted in the communities that restaurants serve, changing lives by equipping people of all backgrounds with the tools to enter our industry and build a future that works for them," said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association and CEO of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. "Through the innovation of our state restaurant association partners and the collaboration of community and government stakeholders, programs like HOPES and Restaurant Ready are leading the way in building a future-ready restaurant workforce." Over two days of workshops and storytelling, Hospitality Pathways Conference attendees explored best practices and tools in implementing a community collaborative model. The model is a hallmark of Restaurant Ready which equips people with first-job skills through its network of state restaurant association partners and 87 community based organizations. Discussion and content also explored the unique level of public-private cooperation needed to bring justice-involved populations into restaurant industry careers through HOPES. The program, which engages people with a justice background through skill-based training, mentorship, and employment, is currently implemented across 20 state government partners that include local correction departments. This year, HOPES is expanding across 12 states, thanks to two new grants totaling $9.1 million from the U.S. Department of Labor. To-date, the initiative has impacted more than 1,200 people, with 85% of them receiving restaurant-specific occupational skills training and over 60% placed in employment roles. "What makes HOPES unique is that it's community-based and community-focused," said Kenna M., a HOPES participant from Delaware. "It goes into the trenches. It's aware of where the need is." The 2025 Hospitality Pathways Conference was made possible through the generous support of partners including Constellation Brands, Darden Foundation, Dawn Food Products, Journey for Good Foundation by Avolta, Fat Brands Foundation, PepsiCo Away From Home, PepsiCo Foundation, Rich Family Foundation, and Yum! Brands Foundation. About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF): As the supporting philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the NRAEF's charitable mission includes enhancing the industry's training and education, career development, and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower, and Advance today's and tomorrow's restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart a high-school career and technical education program; Restaurant Ready/HOPES Partnering with community based organizations to provide people with skills training and job opportunities; Military helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and the Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center (RHLC) accredited apprenticeship programs designed to build the careers of service professionals. For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org. SOURCE National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Seasons at Cypress boasts a desirable location & an impressive array of new homes RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Richmond American Homes of Maryland, Inc., California Department of Real Estate Real Estate Broker, Corporation License Number 01842595, is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of Seasons at Cypress (RichmondAmerican.com/SeasonsAtCypress) in Rancho Cordova. This exciting new community offers five thoughtfully designed single- and two-story floor plans from the builder's popular Seasons Collection (RichmondAmerican.com/Seasons), including the new-to-California Cassia plan. Grand Opening Event (RichmondAmerican.com/SeasonsAtCypressGO) The Cassia is one of five inspired Richmond American floor plans available at Seasons at Cypress in Rancho Cordova, California. Prospective homebuyers and area agents are encouraged to stop by Seasons at Cypress on Saturday, September 6, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for community and model home tours. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. More about this neighborhood: Beautiful new single- & two-story homes with open layouts Five dynamic Seasons Collection plans 4 to 5 bedrooms & approx. 1,720 to 2,900 sq. ft. Professionally curated fixtures & finishes Close proximity to notable schools, essential services, shopping, dining & recreation Near parks, Folsom & American River Parkway Peridot & Cassia models open for tours Seasons at Cypress is located at 4273 Paisleyshire Way in Rancho Cordova. For more information, call 916.581.7001 or visit RichmondAmerican.com. About M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1972. MDC's homebuilding subsidiaries, which operate under the name Richmond American Homes, have helped more than 250,000 homebuyers achieve the American Dream since 1977. One of the largest homebuilders in the nation, MDC is committed to quality and value that is reflected in each home its subsidiaries build. The Richmond American companies have operations in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington. Mortgage lending, insurance and title services are offered by the following MDC subsidiaries, respectively: HomeAmerican Mortgage Corporation, American Home Insurance Agency, Inc. and American Home Title and Escrow Company. For more information, visit MDCHoldings.com. SOURCE M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. Predictive analytics tool improves airline operations, on-time performance and customer sentiment CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, is now providing JetBlue with FlightAware Foresight technology, a predictive analytics tool that helps airlines manage operations by improving visibility, efficiency and decision-making across the flight ecosystem. FlightAware Foresight technology utilizes real-time flight tracking and smart tools to ensure airlines are equipped with critical arrival and departure data, alerting operators to potential delays caused by weather, congestion or other factors. These insights allow flight operations to make quick adjustments to improve on-time performance, boost connection times and keep passengers proactively informed of schedule changes. "JetBlue is committed to using advanced technology to enhance our operations and better serve our passengers. FlightAware Foresight technology offers unparalleled accuracy and actionable insights, enabling us to proactively manage disruptions and deliver a more seamless travel experience," said Tom Lloyd, JetBlue Director, SOC Strategy & Continuous Improvement. Machine learning algorithms and billions of data points feed the FlightAware Foresight tool. Potential delays are identified early, allowing for quick adjustments to gates, crews and schedules to allow airlines to maintain peak operational performance while ensuring an improved passenger journey. "Implementing the predictive power of FlightAware Foresight technology enhances JetBlue's operational efficiency while simultaneously delivering more accurate, timely updates to their passengers," said Nicole White, vice president and general manager of Connected Aviation at Collins Aerospace. "This dynamic combination empowers JetBlue to make proactive, informed decisions that positively influence each leg of the passenger experience, from initial departure to final arrival and each connection along the journey." JetBlue integrated FlightAware Foresight technology into its system-wide operations beginning in July. About Collins Aerospace Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is a leader in integrated and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Our 80,000 employees are dedicated to delivering future-focused technologies to advance sustainable and connected aviation, passenger safety and comfort, mission success, space exploration, and more. About RTX RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2024 sales of more than $80 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact [email protected] SOURCE RTX Program impacts 30 high schools in Middle and East Tennessee in 2024-25 KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- During the 2024-2025 academic year, SouthEast Bank's support of personal finance education has impacted over 2,600 students across 30 high schools in Tennessee. This program was made available through SouthEast Bank's strategic partnership with EVERFI, the leader in powering social impact through education. EVERFI's financial literacy curriculum teaches high school students how to make smart choices that promote financial well-being over their lifetime. The program features an interactive learning platform that includes bite-sized lessons designed specifically to translate complex financial concepts like understanding a pay stub or completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and introduces basic financial literacy skills needed as high-school students transition into adulthood. "Understanding your finances and making sound financial decisions is key to a strong future, but many people don't know where to turn to get the information they need in a way that is age-appropriate and easily understandable," said Ray Martinez, CEO of EVERFI. "By laying the foundation for financial literacy at a pivotal age, students will be prepared with the skills needed to enter the new economy and make a smooth transition into adulthood." In addition to cutting-edge education, the platform offers detailed data and reporting by allowing teachers to uniquely track the progress and performance of every student and see real-time data on student performance, while the technology aggregates crucial data on hours of learning completed and knowledge gains. SouthEast Bank first founded its strategic partnership with EVERFI in 2014, impacting an average of 3,000 students each year. During the most recent academic year, students benefiting from the program have logged over 6,800 hours of learning and reported feeling more confident that they can make smart financial decisions moving forward. Additionally, 84% of students said they are prepared to use a budget to manage spending and saving after completing the EVERFI-provided learning. "SouthEast Bank believes in empowering students and their families with the education and opportunity necessary to make confident financial decisions," said Ron Gambill, executive vice president for SouthEast Bank. "We're proud to have invested in our communities through our long-term strategic partnership with EVERFI, that provides excellent learning opportunities for local students to build on." About EVERFI EVERFI is an international technology company driving social impact through education to address key societal challenges like financial wellness, mental health, workplace conduct, and more. Founded in 2008, EVERFI has reached millions of K-12 and adult learners worldwide with its transformative digital educational content. Through a unique third-party payer model, EVERFI provides K-12 schools in the U.S. with access to essential educational resources at no cost, ensuring that students everywhere gain vital life skills. Recognized as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company and featured on Fortune Magazine's Impact 20 List and the GSC EdTech 150, EVERFI continues to shape the future of digital learning. To learn more about EVERFI, please visit everfi.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X/Twitter @EVERFI. About SouthEast Bank SouthEast Bank is a community bank headquartered in Farragut, Tennessee. With assets in excess of $3.3 billion, SouthEast Bank offers a full suite of loan and deposit products and services for families and businesses throughout Middle and East Tennessee, including its specialty consumer loan division, ELFI, which specializes in educational loan programs. SouthEast Bank is committed to the financial success of its customers, employees, and communities. Local decision-making and community involvement have been the driving successes of SouthEast Bank since its inception. Member FDIC. For more information, visit southeastbank.com or call 1-844-732-2657. Media Contact Mary Seward SouthEast Bank Marketing Manager [email protected] 865-352-1262 SOURCE SouthEast Bank Corporation FREMONT, Neb., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sycamore, a trusted school management platform serving hundreds of thousands of users worldwide, has launched a bold new brand identity and named Dr. Ryan Lowe as its new CEO. This strategic move signals a major leap forward in the company's mission to modernize how schools manage operations, connect with families, and deliver education in a digital-first world. Schools are accelerating the shift to cloud-based, mobile tools; Sycamore's updated platform meets that demand with an integrated, cost-effective approach. Sycamore's New Brand Ryan Lowe, DBA MFA Dr. Lowe, a recognized leader in financial technology and digital product growth, brings 20+ years of experience scaling companies at the intersection of tech and education. Under his leadership, Sycamore will introduce a refreshed user experience, expand integrations, and launch new tools for communication, billing, and student engagement. "We're not just refreshing our brandwe're rebuilding how schools experience technology," said Lowe. "From our product roadmap to our partnerships, everything we do is now focused on helping schools thrive in today's fast-changing digital environment." What's New and Coming Soon: A modern brand identity with a new logo, color palette, and messaging. A redesigned website and updated user interface for easier navigation. A full application and platform refresh for a more streamlined experience. Expanded features, including financial management tools and push notifications. A renewed mission to make school management simple, intuitive, and student-focused. Sycamore's new brand reflects its core values: simplicity, transparency, and responsiveness. With an all-in-one platform already used by educators across the United States and over 40 countries, the company is doubling down on its promise to serve schools of all sizes with affordable, high-impact tools. "Sycamore is a multifaceted student information system that stands out for its integration with Google, excellent technical support, and high degree of individualization for schools. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for managing student data and communication, making it a valuable asset for Catholic schools seeking a streamlined and adaptable solution." Cathy Mulligan, Technical Director, St. Therese School, Diocese of Kansas CitySt. Joseph. What's Next with the new Sycamore: About Dr. Ryan Lowe: Before joining Sycamore, Dr. Lowe led growth across education, healthcare, retail, and technology, partnering with brands such as Apple, Jeep, Samsung, Kimberly-Clark, Johnson & Johnson, Johns Hopkins University, Boston University, Walmart, eBay, and Sam's Club. In 2013, he founded energyhill, an award-winning design and marketing agency in Tampa, Florida. Under his leadership, energyhill's work earned national recognitionincluding Hermes, W3, Communicator, MarCom, dotCOMM, and NYX honors. He continues to lead product innovation, digital transformation, and customer growth strategies in both the education and fintech sectors. About Sycamore: Sycamore is an all-in-one school management system that simplifies operations for administrators, teachers, parents, and students. Serving schools and educators for more than 20 years, the platform continues to evolve with tools for attendance, grading, billing, communication, and morehelping schools run smarter every day. For media inquiries or product demos, contact: John Viscardo [email protected] (813) 777-4489 Explore the new Sycamore at https://sycamoreleaf.com SOURCE Sycamore ROCKWALL, Texas, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Jonathan R McBride is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for his contributions to Driving Growth in Construction and Utilities Through Veteran-Led Leadership. Jonathan R. McBride, owner and president of NXG Services, has emerged as a respected leader in the construction and utilities sector. Since founding NXG Services in 2020, he has guided the Texas-based company to prominence as a veteran-owned low-voltage contractor delivering advanced infrastructure solutions across North Texas and beyond. NXG Services specializes in structured cabling, wireless mesh networks, fiber distribution, and building upgrades. His hands-on oversight of operations, financial strategy, and workforce management ensures high standards of service and sustainable growth. NXG Services has seen year after year growth since it began in 2020. They have worked on numerous projects across the country and have become trusted partners with each of their contracts. With over 15 years in the industry, Mr. McBride combines technical expertise with operational excellence. He is also an active member of his community and volunteers through Lakepointe Church in Rockwall. Looking ahead, Mr. McBride plans to expand the footprint of NXG Services while also growing in his personal life and his faith in God. He remains committed to innovation, integrity, and building lasting client relationships in both the construction and utilities industries. He extends special thanks to his wife, Marranie McBride, for her continued support. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE The Inner Circle To learn more visit: https://allisonmassari.com On July 29th, at a large Gala of esteemed colleagues, friends, and family, Massari received the Council of Peers Award for Excellence [CPAE]the rare, pinnacle recognition in the speaking industry, similar to an Oscar, and a tribute to her full body of work. There are less than 200 CPAEs globally, and fewer than 65 women of all time. This honor is bestowed by peers in the industry through a rigorous and careful evaluation process, ensuring the highest standard of selection. They look at integrity, message, delivery, and experience to identify and commend the best speakers in the world who have reached the top echelon of performance and professionalism. Fortune 100 companies trust Massari to energize and activate resilience, empowerment, and empathetic leadership in teams and leaders worldwide. Massari's unique historyas a lifetime entrepreneur, celebrated visual artist, burn survivor, and acclaimed keynote speakerfortifies her authority as an innovative thought-leader and master of resilience and hope. After two traumatic and near-fatal accidentsone where she suffered severe burns on over 50% of her bodyMassari set out on a mission to heal. She didn't want to just survive, she wanted to thrive. In herself, she discovered an unshakeable strength and then carefully identified the intricate details of what it takes to overcome challenges and live with heart. Massari's groundbreaking approach to triumph over adversity launches audiences into new heights of success, self-mastery and possibility. Her captivating keynoteswith her stunning artwork as a poignant backdrophave reached audiences in more than 75 countries and are consistently hailed as "life-changing," "extraordinary," "riveting" and "bold." During her acceptance speech, Massari was visibly moved, grateful and overjoyed. "What a gift it is to be given a stageto share hope and bring goodness into the world. I am so honored to be a part of thisof our mighty world of speaking." With this distinguished and exceptional commendation, Massari joins the ranks of other extraordinary Hall of Fame speakers including: Ronald Reagan, Colin Powell, Zig Ziglar, Norman Vincent Peale, Les Brown and others. Massari shares, "When I think of the origins of speakingin ancient Greecewith Aristotle, Socrates and later with Chautauqua, and now with NSAI stand in awe of the timelessness and immense responsibility of the power of the spoken word." For 15 years Massari has served global clients across all industries. Notably, she is a leading voice and top speaker for Healthcare audiences in every sector, fulfilling her passion and mission to alleviate burnout, and to nourish and celebrate professionals of this vital and noble work. This CPAE Hall of Fame Award is a full-circle moment for Massari. Her first speaking award, 14 years ago, was when she was honored as the "#1 Rising Star" by the National Speakers Association. About Allison Massari Allison Massari is a masterful storyteller with a soul-stirring message. She is a life-changing force of vitality and hopethe ultimate encouragerinstilling a powerful mindset and essential tools to access courage, compassion, and resilience in the face of challenges. Consistently named a top Resilience and Healthcare Keynote Speaker, she ignites an inner fire, a renewed sense of alivenessbolstering confidence and accelerating clients towards their highest professional and personal potential. For speaking engagements, you can contact Allison Massari's team: https://allisonmassari.com/keynote-booking Website: https://allisonmassari.com About Allison: https://allisonmassari.com/about Hall of Fame WebPage: https://allisonmassari.com/hall-of-fame-keynote-speaker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonmassari Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonmassari X: https://x.com/AllisonMassari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allison.massari SOURCE Allison V. Massari 21 % more press release views with Request a Demo Whether you're heading off on a weekend getaway or a multi-destination adventure, Trip.Planner acts as your AI-powered travel conciergeassisting you to create hyper-personalised itineraries tailored to your travel style. With real-time transport integration, flexible planning features, and access to over 20 million geo-tagged global points of interest, travellers can plan every detail from a unified intelligence hub. "Trip.Planner is a cutting-edge tool that combines reliable data with rich itinerary management to redefine how travellers plan their journeys. We will continue to push the boundaries of innovation to create greater value for our users," said Mr James Liang, Co-founder and Chairman of Trip.com Group. Key Features of Trip.Planner: All-in-One Integration Flights, trains, hotels, restaurants and attractions are all integrated into your itinerary with real-time availability. Travellers can plan and book everything directly from their itinerary view, eliminating the need to switch between platforms. Built for Trust Moreover, users can benefit from trusted, real-time travel data. You can view prices, availability and detailed descriptions for travel options. The AI also recommends attractions that are open, seasonally relevant, and accessible, using officially verified opening hours, typical visit durations, and transport estimates for a smooth, realistic plan. 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If you have prior bookings on the Trip.com platform, you can import them to into your itinerary or adjust plans easily with the canvas-style editing, where you can rename, reorder attractions, replace and delete activities and add on notes. A floating AI button stays active at all times, offering real-time, on-demand suggestions as users edit their trips. A One-Stop Travel Planning Hub Trip.Planner replaces spreadsheets, bookmarks, and endless tabs. It combines trip building, bookings, and curated inspiration in one place. Beyond efficiency, it's also built for trust. Recommendations are drawn from millions of data points across Trip.com, including Trip.Best picks, Trip.Pulse, and Trip.Events data top-rated and timely experiences trusted by a global user baseensuring each suggestion is reliable and grounded in what travellers actually love. "With Trip.Planner, we are offering a truly smart assistant that adapts to user preferences, simplifies decision-making, and puts joy back into trip planning," said Bonnie Bao, Director of Product for Itinerary & Map, Content Center, Trip.com Group. Trip.Planner is currently available on English-language Trip.com sites in select regions*, with access expanding progressively to users in the coming months. *Full list of supported regions as of date: United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Belgium, Ireland and general English-language markets. (end) About Trip.com Trip.com is an international one-stop travel service provider, available in 24 languages across 39 countries and regions in 35 local currencies. Trip.com has an extensive hotel and flight network consisting of more than 1.5 million hotels and flights from over 640 airlines covering 3,400 airports in 220 countries and regions around the globe. Trip.com's world-class 24/7 multilingual customer service, as well as additional centres in Edinburgh, Tokyo and Seoul, help to 'create the best travel experience' for its millions of customers worldwide. To book your next trip, visit Trip.com. SOURCE Trip.com 21 % more press release views with Request a Demo MIAMI, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UHealth University of Miami Health System has been honored with the prestigious Magnet with Distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet with Distinction Recognition Program, making it the first system in Florida to receive this recognition. With this elite designation, UHealth is launched into the top 10% of U.S. hospitals in the nation, just one of 639 achieving Magnet status, and is among fewer than 1% holding Magnet with Distinction. Magnet designation, the gold standard of nursing excellence, is a rigorous, voluntary credential pursued by and awarded to healthcare organizations deeply committed to delivering exceptional patient care, fostering innovation and advancing professional nursing practice. Magnet with Distinction is an even higher level of recognition, achieved by only a small fraction of Magnet-designated hospitals, acknowledging health care organizations that demonstrate the absolute highest standards of nursing excellence, patient outcomes and innovation. "We are enormously proud to have earned Magnet designation with Distinction," said Elizabeth L. Vieito-Smith, D.N.P., RN, chief nursing officer for UHealth. "It is a testament to our relentless pursuit of excellence, and we couldn't have achieved it without our nearly 4,300 nursing staff members, and the support and collaboration of our dedicated leadership, faculty and staff across the UHealth system." According to the ANCC, Magnet-designated organizations offer several benefits, including: High-quality and safer care, which is reflected in lower mortality rates, fewer patient falls and reduced rates of hospital-acquired infections. Cultivating an outstanding work environment where nurses are empowered, supported, and encouraged to grow professionally. Dedication to the highest standards of nursing practice, professional development, and the integration of nursing expertise in decision-making. Attracting and retaining an engaged and experienced workforce of highly skilled nurses. "This is an historic achievement, something we can all celebrate, as it signals our clinical excellence and institutional strength," said Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., chief executive officer of UHealth. "Our nurses play a critical role in our world-class patient care, and this designation with distinction by the ANCC is recognition of the commitment to quality we all share." Achieving Nurse Magnet with Distinction designation aligns with the focus of Dr. Parekh in leading UHealth. He has placed innovation, increasing patient access, and being the employer of choice for nurses and all providers and staff as a pillar achievement. To earn this distinction, organizations must demonstrate excellence across every component of the Magnet model: transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, innovations and improvements and empirical outcomes. In summer 2024, UHealth submitted years of comprehensive documentation and supporting evidence to the ANCC, which culminated in a successful site visit last June. "We could not be prouder that UHealth has been recognized for its commitment to nursing excellence," said Kymberlee Manni, Ph.D., chief executive officer of University of Miami Hospital and Clinics. "Our patients can trust they will receive excellent care across the continuum at all our facilities." The designation comes at an appropriate time, coinciding with UHealth's rapidly expanding clinical footprint and nearly 1.8 million patient visits in the last fiscal year. South Florida's only academic medical center is preparing to open its largest ambulatory facility in North Miami, a 370,000 square-foot state-of-the-art medical center, UHealth SoLe Mia. That will follow the successful opening of UHealth Doral last November, serving the West Miami-Dade community. UHealth patients have access to care from the No. 1 eye hospital in the country, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the region's only NCI-designated cancer center, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is also nationally ranked, and the renowned Desai Sethi Urology Institute, for urologic care, along with more than 100 specialties. Adding Magnet with Distinction status now enhances the level of care throughout the entire health system, stretching across nearly 40 locations in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Collier counties, from ambulatory clinics to inpatient care at UHealth Tower, the system's flagship hospital. For more information about the ANCC and the Magnet Recognition Program, click here. SOURCE University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Acquisition Marks Victory's 20th Location and Second in Grand Rapids GRAND RAPIDS, Minn., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Victory Tire & Auto, a Straightaway Tire & Auto brand, proudly announces the acquisition of Jack's Auto Service, a well-known automotive repair facility in Northeast Minnesota. This acquisition marks Victory's 20th location and second shop in the Grand Rapids market. Founded in 1987, Jack's Auto Service has built a strong reputation for quality repairs, personal service, and deep community ties. The six-bay facility, led by long-time owner Keith Still, employs an experienced and dedicated team that has served generations of local drivers with care and commitment. "We are thrilled to expand our footprint in the Grand Rapids community," says Jeff Matt, brand president, Victory Tire & Auto. "Jack's Auto has built an outstanding reputation, thanks in large part to its exceptional, long-tenured staff who have consistently gone above and beyond for customers. We're grateful to Keith for allowing us this opportunity, and we look forward to building on his legacy while continuing to serve with the same care and commitment the community has come to expect." The acquisition not only strengthens Victory Tire & Auto's presence in Grand Rapids but also ensures the continuity of Jack's long-standing reputation for quality and trust. "The time has come to pass on Jack's legacy to a great organization who shares my passion for helping people," says Keith Still, owner, Jack's Auto Service. "Victory Tire & Auto will continue to care for our customers with the same commitment to quality we've upheld since 1987. I'm confident in their ability to support my awesome team and our amazing customers." As Victory Tire & Auto continues to grow its presence in Minnesota, they are committed to providing customers with the same superior service and customer-first approach that have long defined both brands. Straightaway is actively expanding its footprint in new and existing markets and welcomes inquiries from shop owners interested in exploring a sale or partnership. For more information visit www.gostraightaway.com. About Straightaway Tire & Auto/Victory Tire & Auto Straightaway Tire & Auto is a leading independent, full-service aftermarket automotive repair and service platform with 70+ locations across Colorado, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. In Minnesota and surrounding areas, Victory Tire & Auto is a part of the Straightaway Tire & Auto family, delivering trusted automotive repair services with a strong local presence. Straightaway focuses on building strong local brands by partnering with established automotive repair businesses to provide resources and operational expertise that drive growth and long-term success. The company is committed to identifying opportunities to strengthen the markets where it operates and, being good stewards of the communities, it serves. Straightaway is actively expanding its footprint in new and existing markets through strategic acquisitions and welcomes inquiries from shop owners interested in exploring a sale or partnership. For more information visit www.gostraightaway.com. SOURCE Straightaway Tire and Auto VERO BEACH, Fla., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Watercrest Winter Park Assisted Living and Memory Care has been recognized as a winner in the 2025 Central Florida Favorites awards competition by the Orlando Sentinel. With over 93,000 votes cast, Watercrest Winter Park received the Gold Award for Best Retirement Community and Silver Award for Best Assisted Living Community in the Central Florida region. "It is a spectacular achievement to be named a best assisted living and best retirement community amongst all senior living communities in the expansive area of Central Florida," says Declan Williams. "This award is a direct reflection of the outstanding care and service provided at Watercrest Winter Park as voted by the customers and peers we serve in our greater community." Watercrest Winter Park is a four-time recipient of U.S. News & World Report's Best in Senior Living, three-time finalist in the Best of Winter Park Awards, a Forbes Health Top Assisted Living Community, and winner of the 800 Award by Reputation, a global leader in reputation performance management. Watercrest Winter Park offers 75 assisted living and 32 memory care apartments with premium accommodations, exceptional amenities and world-class care. Ideally located at 1501 Glendon Parkway, the community boasts a stunning promenade, pool, fireplace, signature water wall, multiple dining venues, children's play space, grand balconies and Southern style outdoor living spaces. Additionally, Watercrest's uniquely designed Market Street Plaza, showcases an 'outdoor' streetscape with numerous LifeBUILT programming touches; a highlight and crucial element of their multi-sensory memory care programming. For information, please contact the community at 321-730-2666. About Watercrest Senior Living Group Watercrest Senior Living Group was founded to honor our mothers and fathers, aspiring to become a beacon for quality in senior living by surpassing standards of care, service and associate training. Watercrest senior living communities are recognized for their luxury aesthetic, exceptional amenities, world-class care, and innovative memory care programming offering unparalleled service to seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia. An eight-time certified Great Place to Work, Watercrest specializes in the development and operations of assisted living and memory care communities and the growth of servant leaders. For information, visit www.watercrestseniorliving.com. SOURCE Watercrest Senior Living Group RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wellborn + Wright, a provider of fine architectural finishes in America's most sought-after homes, is proud to debut its newly reimagined brand and signature concierge customization model inside the 2025 Southern Living Idea Housewhere the company is recognized as a Contributing Sponsor in the September issue of the magazine. The Wellborn + Wright Richmond, VA Design Studio Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, this year's Idea House celebrates timeless design and regional craftsmanship. Wellborn + Wright's heirloom-quality finishesincluding architectural timber, steel, and wood elementsappear throughout the home, showcasing the brand's dedication to precision, materiality, and now, a new level of service. In this year's project, Wellborn + Wright supplied 5"-6"-7" Character Grade White Oakpre-finished with UV Cured Rubio Monocoat in a custom colorfor the main house, and 9" Character Grade White Oakpre-finished with Loba Water Basedfor the studio. In addition to providing these exceptional materials, the team conducted an in-depth tutorial for the Keswick Hall cleaning staff, ensuring the floors will be properly cared for for years to come. With the launch of its concierge model, Wellborn + Wright is transforming how custom architectural materials are selected, specified, and delivered. The company's new platform offers a seamless, supported path for homeowners, architects, designers, and contractorsreducing friction, lead times, and decision fatigue. "Selecting timeless architectural materials should be exciting, not overwhelming," said Founder Sam Sikes. "Our process manages every detailfrom procurement and manufacturing to white-glove delivery coordination and installationeliminating any of the headaches throughout." Wellborn + Wright operates appointment-only design studios across the U.S., including their flagship location in Richmond, Virginia. These studios offer a hands-on experience allowing clients to physically experience and compare finish options before final approvalbringing confidence and clarity to the customization process. The brand's relaunch includes: A new digital platform that simplifies quoting, customization, and communication A concierge-style design studio model, offering white-glove guidance and support Streamlined workflows that move projects forward fasterwith more clarity and less back-and-forth A refined visual identity that reflects the elegance and precision of the products themselves Whether specifying materials for a custom home, boutique hotel, or commercial flagship, Wellborn + Wright now offers not just exceptional finishesbut a truly elevated experience. To explore the new Wellborn + Wright and see their work featured in the 2025 Southern Living Idea House, visit www.wellbornwright.com/southern-living/2025 . SOURCE Wellborn + Wright 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 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 Indonesian telco XLSmart says its business unit has unveiled an autonomous 5G drone for goods delivery, developed in collaboration with polytechnic university ASTRAtech as a logistics solution for the manufacturing sector. Revealed on Friday by XLSmart For Business, the drone is capable of fully autonomous flight, with tech features including live camera streaming over 5G to enable real-time video monitoring, and computer vision technology to ensure accurate recognition of the delivery point and safe landing, even in congested or restricted space areas. Users can also plan and manage the drones route via a dashboard XLSmart chief enterprise business officer Feby Sallyanto said drones have the ability help manufacturers decrease shipping costs, accelerate inter-facility distribution, and extend coverage to areas that are difficult to access by land-based transport, as well as reduce carbon footprints and increase manufacturing productivity. This solution directly addresses common distribution constraints faced by manufacturers, including employment restrictions, delivery route difficulties, and the urgent need for time and cost efficiency, he said in a statement. By integrating 5G connectivity with autonomous flight technology, we create a smart delivery system that is not only quick and efficient, but also secure and easy to monitor. This AI and IoT-based smart solution was developed by X-Camp (XLSmart's innovation lab specializing in enterprise AI and IoT solutions), with research support from ASTRAtech (a subsidiary of Indonesian conglomerate Astra Group) and drone manufacturer Bentara Tabang Nusantara (Beta-UAS). The solution was initially developed for one of Astra's manufacturing subsidiaries to solve the challenge of transferring and mobilising materials throughout production processes, and has now been developed for wider commercial use for manufacturing companies. ASTRAtech director Henri Paul said the university hopes to collaborate with XLSmart to expand their work on drone solutions for other sectors and use cases, including infrastructure and logistics, construction, agribusiness, heavy equipment and mining, property, and other industries, especially within the Astra Group ecosystem. Plaintiffs challenging Idahos book banning law, House Bill 710, in Penguin Random House et al. v. Raul Labrador et al. filed a notice of appeal on August 21. Plaintiffs in PRH v. Labrador include the Big Five publishers, Sourcebooks, and the Authors Guild; authors John Green, Malinda Lo, and Dashka Slater; the Donnelly Public Library District in Idaho; and a teacher, two students, and two parents. They are challenging the book removals taking place under the law and the chilling effect of the legal threat to librarians and library workers. On July 22, U.S. District Court Judge Amanda K. Brailsford stayed proceedings in the case, pending the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Northwest Association of Independent Schools et al. v. Raul Labrador et al., which also concerns the constitutionality of HB 710. On August 24, the Ninth Circuit notified the parties in Northwest Independent Schools v. Labrador that it has scheduled oral arguments for November 3 in Portland, Ore., meaning that a decision in the PRH case would have to wait at least until late 2025. HB 710, also known as the Children's School and Library Protection Act, prohibits individuals under age 18 from accessing materials containing verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sexual excitement, sexual content, or sado-masochistic abusephrasing that, in many book banning efforts, strongly correlates with the removal of titles containing LGBTQ+ content. Echoing PRHs successful case against Florida HB 1069, PRH v. Labrador challenges HB 710s ambiguous definition of sexual content, which the plaintiffs have called exceptionally broad, vague, and overtly discriminatory." The law requires that libraries restrict access to minors to material harmful to minors and relocate the material harmful to minors to an area to an area with adult access only. The requirement to relocate materials that could invite scrutiny has led to extreme measures. In May 2024, the one-room Donnelly Public Library Districtone of the PRH v. Labrador plaintiffsrestricted access to anyone under 18 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, and this reduced its ability to provide families with after-school care and slowed its library material circulations. In addition, private citizens have the power under the law to file complaints and seek damages against public schools and libraries that they allege to have supplied harmful materials. Idaho county prosecutors and the state attorney general may seek "injunctive relief from any school or public library that violates" HB 710, although the law does not specify any penalties. Two Similar Idaho Cases Idaho Governor Brad Little signed HB 710 in April 2024, and the Northwest Association of Independent Schools plaintiffs filed their complaint in July 2024, three weeks after the law took effect on July 1. This case addresses how the new Idaho law engages with the obscenity standard set in the Supreme Courts Miller v. California decision of 1973, Idaho's own obscenity standards from 1976, and interpretations of the phrase "harmful to minors." The Northwest plaintiffs initially argued that HB 710 violates the First and the Fourteenth Amendments, and Judge Brailsford denied them a preliminary injunction in March of this year. When the appeal went to the Ninth Circuit in April, the plaintiffs dropped their Fourteenth Amendment claim and doubled down on a "First Amendment overbreadth claim," arguing that "Idahos law against distributing obscene materials to minors is unconstitutionally overbroad." Now that she is presiding over PRH v. Labrador, Judge Brailsford has contended that the merits underpinning both Northwest and Plaintiffs preliminary injunction are whether HB 710 incorporates Miller and its progeny. She believes that the Ninth Circuits answer to the Miller question in Northwest will bind this Courts resolution of Plaintiffs identical arguments in this case. Plaintiffs in PRH v. Labrador want the case to go ahead, while the judge believes that both cases share a common legal question: whether the text of HB 710 complies with Miller. She noted that the Ninth Circuit is considering the appeal on an expedited preliminary injunction schedule, and is inclined to wait for the November 3 court date. HB 710s Repercussions Meanwhile, implementation of the law has accelerated" ideological differences among libraries, Idaho Library Association president Lance McGrath told PW. We see the impact of the desire to control and censor information as an example in North Idaho, with the dissolution of the Cooperative Information Network (CIN)," McGrath said. The CIN, a 14-library consortium that shared materials and served patrons across the North Idaho region, voted to dissolve after internal disputes arose with its largest member, the Community Library Network (CLN). In January, the CLN "voted to restrict its nearly 9,000 library cards belonging to minors from placing holds on CIN's catalog," reported the Spokane, Wa.based Spokesman-Review, and most of CIN's members felt this measure overstepped the law. Now, minus the CLN and Benewah County Library Free District, 12 North Idaho libraries comprise a new and smaller InlandShare Library Group, which takes effect in September. McGrath explained that the ILA, which is not a plaintiff in either PRH or Northwest Association, is in a condition of "watchful waiting" for action on both cases. "We think the cases will be successful on the part of the plaintiffs," he said. "We would like to see these cases move forward and be adjudicated so we can get back to restoring First Amendment rights in Idaho libraries and schools." Columbia Global Reports (CGR) is marking its 10th anniversary this fall with the launch of Forerunners, a new series that resurrects century-old works of investigative journalism and social analysis with the aim of historically significant but overlooked texts back into print and positioning them as relevant commentary for today's readers. "These texts, once forgotten or underexplored, remain strikingly relevant today, offering historical insights that challenge contemporary perspectives and reaffirm the power of journalism to shape the world," Nick Lemann, director of press, told PW. The series launches in September with four titles: Elizabeth L. Banks's Campaigns of Curiosity (1894), which explores domestic and factory work through undercover reporting; Richard Harding Davis's Cuba in War Time (1897), which documents Cuba's struggle for independence; Kelly Miller's Race Adjustment (1908), which examines Black American experiences at the century's turn; and Walter Lippmann's Drift and Mastery (1914), which presents progressive social theory. Each reprint includes a new introduction by prominent figures in journalism and academia, including NYU professor emerita Brooke Kroeger, war correspondent Peter Maass, and Luce Foundation president Jonathan Scott Holloway. In the last decade, CGR has carved out a niche publishing mid-length nonfiction books that explore global themes overlooked by mainstream press. In all, the publisher has put out 56 books that occupy a distinctive space between magazine articles and traditional books, ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 words. Lemann said the format emerged from his experience as dean of Columbia Journalism School for 10 years, a role in which he "started commissioning reports on what's happening in journalism." The global perspective mandate came from former Columbia president Lee Bollinger, who served on the Washington Post Company board and watched the newspaper eliminate overseas bureaus. "[Bollinger] then came to me and said, you know, there's a gap here that we have to fill," Lemann recalled. "The conventional commercial presses were leaving what should be part of their core mission, which is bringing the world to readers." Today, CGR distributes through PGW and operates as a nonprofit associated with but not funded by Columbia Journalism School. The press's bestselling titles include The Populist Explosion by John B. Judis, which has sold over 50,000 copies since being published two weeks before Donald Trump's 2016 election. "The book came out at a moment when people were just thinking 'what just happened' and the book took off," Lemann said. Its other bestseller, The Curse of Bigness by Columbia Law professor Tim Wu, addressed antitrust issues before they became mainstream concerns, and sold more than 30,000 copies. "Tim had never written about antitrust before," Lemann said. "It was an idea whose time had come." Wu later became the Biden administration's White House antitrust advisor. "Both populism and antitrust were stories that were not in the heads of most of the national press," Lemann said, noting that part of the mission of the press is to stay out in front of the national dialog. The publisher has also focused on popular culture outside American influence, challenging assumptions about cultural hegemony and globalization. Fatima Bhutto's New Kings of the World explored the connections between K-pop, Turkish soap operas, and Bollywood, while Megan Walsh's The Subplot explored China's heretofore hidden literary landscape and what is revealed about the country's state of mind. Unlike traditional publishers, CGR pays reporting expenses and fact-checks all bookspractices inherited from magazine publishing. CGR publisher Jaime Leifer said the fact-checking sets them apart in the current media environment. "Books have a legitimacy and factuality that a lot of other formats don't," Leifer said. "We really try very hard to make sure all our books are highly researched, well sourced." CGR typically moves from contract to publication in 18 months, faster than traditional publishers, while allowing time for proper marketing. "At first, I wanted to publish faster," Lemann said, "I didn't understand fully when we started that you need about six months just to build attention for a book, but now I do." The team is rounded out by editor Jimmy So, marketing director Allison Finkel, and development director Tulsi Joshi. Other roles are outsourced. "There's just this wonderful ecosystem of vendors in publishing," Lemann said. "That's what enables us to punch above our weight as a normal trade publisher, even though we're so tiny." Overall, Lemann said, the "tiny" press has exceeded expectations. "Most things in life don't go as well as you think they'll go," he said. "This particular thing has gone much better than I thought it would go." CGR's upcoming fall list includes, The Fall of Affirmative Action: Race, the Supreme Court, and the Future of Higher Education by Justin Driver, Why Live: How Suicide Becomes an Epidemic by Helen C. Epstein, Sonia Faleiro's The Robe and the Sword, andThe Web Beneath the Waves: The Fragile Cables that Connect Our World by Samanth Subramanian. After five years at the head of Simon & Schuster, Jonathan Karp has announced his intention to step down as CEO to launch and lead a new imprint, Simon Six. He will continue to serve in his current position as the company conducts a search for his successor alongside executive search firm Spencer Stuart. When KKR acquired Simon & Schuster, I agreed to stay on to lead our company through the transition, but my north star has always been our authors and their books, Karp wrote in a letter sent to S&S staff on Tuesday. I have decided its time for me to return to the part of publishing that animates me the most. In a statement, S&S board members Ted Oberwager and Richard Sarnoff noted that, under Jon Karps exceptional leadership over the past five years, Simon & Schuster has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth in an evolving publishing landscape. His strategic vision and commitment to literary excellence have strengthened the company immeasurably, attracted new/renowned authors and reinforced its legacy as a premier global publisher. They added: We are thrilled to launch the new Simon Six imprint under Jons leadership. There is no better shaper of books. In an interview with PW, Karp remarked further on the timing of his decision. Were having a good year, and it could be a great year, Karp said. Like a lot of book editors, I love a good ending, and I think this is the right time to end. An Eventful Tenure Karp arrived at S&Ss top leadership position through an unconventional route, rising through the publishing ranks via editorial positions rather than managerial ones. He started off as a local news reporter before beginning his career in publishing in 1989 as an editorial assistant at Random House, where he spent 16 years, and was eventually promoted to editor-in-chief of the imprint in 2004. In 2005, Karp left Random House for Hachette Book Group to found Twelve Books, which is now well-known for its nonfiction by politicians and other public figures as well as for fiction by such authors as Colson Whitehead. Karp joined S&S in 2010 as publisher of its flagship imprint, and was promoted to president and publisher of S&S adult publishing in 2018. In May 2020, he was named CEO of S&S, succeeding the late Carolyn Reidy, who died that month from a heart attack after leading the publisher since 2008. Karps five-year tenure at the helm of S&S has been an eventful one. He took over the CEO role under challenging conditions, between Reidys sudden death, the onset of the pandemic, and S&S parent company ViacomCBSs decision to put the publisher up for sale. In late 2020, Penguin Random House parent company Bertelsmann was named as the winning bidder to purchase S&S, but the acquisition was ultimately blocked by the Department of Justice in 2022 following a closely-watched trial in which Karp emerged as a key figure in support of the sale. Amid the legal tumult, S&S continued to post impressive financial results. In 2022, revenue topped $1 billion for the first time as a standalone trade publisherand while sales cooled in 2023, the company continued to do well enough to draw a $1.6 billion price from the private equity firm KKR, which closed its purchase of S&S in late 2023. For his steady leadership of the publisher, Karp was named a PW Notable in 2023. The purchase by KKR gave S&Ss roughly 1,600 employees the chance take part in an employee ownership program. In his keynote address at the 2024 London Book Fair, Karp noted that this means that when the company is sold by KKRin five to 10 yearsall employees will receive a cash payout. The new model has sent a jolt of electricity through the business, he added. A lot of innovation has been unleashed. Karp also said, during the keynote, that KKRs ownership provided S&S with the opportunity reinvest in ourself rather than pass along profits to a parent company. This has indeed proved to be the case: in 2024, which marked the companys centennial, S&S relaunched its Summit Books imprint and launched a bilingual imprint, Primero Sueno Press, under Atria Books. The publisher also unveiled a new audio-first imprint, Simon Maverick, earlier this year. Speaking with PW, Karp reiterated that S&S is having a good yearthe company is on a growth trajectory, and is solidly profitable. He pointed to what he called S&Ss epic fall season as another reason he feels bullish on the companys prospects, including forthcoming titles by such authors as Mona Award, Janet Evanovich, Sanjay Gupta, John Irving, Walter Isaacson, Kamala Harris, Allen Iverson, Shonda Rhimes, Arundhati Roy, Ben Shapiro, Charlie Sheen, and Malala Yousefzai. The choice to leave on a high note, Karp added, was strictly personal. My first day as CEO, my mantra was, Lets talk about the books. And I that's really all I've ever wanted to do. I wanted to be CEO for five years. I wanted to have a legitimate run at it. But it was never my final destination. In his letter to staff, Karp added: Years ago, I asked a retired publishing CEO how long he thought someone should stay in this kind of job. He responded, About five years. Thats enough time to make your markand if you havent gotten it done in five years, youre probably not going to get it done. Having completed my fifth year as your CEO, I see the wisdom in that view. Meet Simon Six The original name of the Simon Six imprint, Karp told PW, was going to be X Books, but Elon Musk ruined that. Each of the six books published annually by Six, per the website, will feature an X-factor: Extraordinary stories. Exciting voices. Exclusive access. Exemplary individuals. Excellent accomplishments. Exquisite prose. The titles will come from all kinds of authors: novelists, journalists, thinkers, artists, historians, futurists, philosophers, humorists, experts, leaders, and anyone else with a unique perspective or a great story to tell. As the founding publisher of Twelve, I published one book per month, Karp wrote in a note on the Simon Six website. For Simon Six, I will acquire and edit half as many books each year and publish them with twice as much emphasis. Karp called the Twelve imprint one of the most satisfying things Ive ever done in my lifebeing able to paint on a blank canvas. I want to get back to that. He added: The people who I have really always wanted to follow in the tradition of are the great editors Ive known, people like Kate Medina and Anne Godoff and Bob Bender and Alice Mayhew and Jason Epstein and Michael Korda. I hope, when my career is over, that Ill have books of the same quality that theyve they championed. Simon Six is likely to launch its first list sometime next year. The imprint, Karp told PW, will have two employees, himself and an assistant, and will operate in partnership with S&Ss existing imprints. Ill be partnering with whichever imprint wants the book the most, and whichever imprint the author and the literary agent want to be withso it will be Simon Six in partnership with Avid Reader Press, or with the Simon & Schuster flagship imprint, or with Atria or Gallery or Scribner, he said. It will be a chance for me to acquire, edit, and publish books with whichever part of Simon and Schuster is best for the author. While the idea for the imprint had been percolating for some time, Karp said that he ultimately decided that now was the time to make the jump earlier this year. On March 15, I came back from the London Book Fair and realized that I never wanted to go to another book fair again for the rest of my life, he said. One of the reasons I wanted to announce this so publicly, the imprint, is because literary agents have mostly stopped emailing me since I've gotten this executive job I wanted to remind them that Im still aliveand Im looking for things to read. This story has been updated with further information. Privacy Policy THE HIND SAMACHAR LIMITED (hereinafter referred as HSL) recognizes the importance of maintaining the privacy of every user who visits our websites and APPS. We value your privacy and appreciate your trust in us. We are committed to be transparent about the data we collect about you, how it is used and with whom it is shared. 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Yet, injustice in its most grievous forms dominates the landscapes of our world. Often, it is revolution or rebellion from the grassroots victims of injustice that rise up to take on the powers that have perpetrated decades of inhumane, unjust, and incomprehensible suffering of the poor and impoverished across the globe. But what if the disruption to such injustice came from the top from those in power? Mandela did it. Churchill did it. And now there is a new movement afoot across Africa. A collection of chief justicesthe Africa Chief Justices Alternative Dispute Resolution Forum (ACJAF)has emerged in the last few months, evincing a passion for reform and the courage to act. In most African countries, and indeed, in the majority of countries across the world, the justice system is backlogged. There are more cases than the judges can handle. The input rate is remarkably higher than the output rate because governments cannot afford to appoint enough judges to handle cases. This simple dynamic and economic reality is actually true in America as well, yet remarkably without a case backlog. The differencealternative dispute resolution, or ADR. More than 95% of all cases, both civil and criminal, are resolved through some form of ADR in the United States. That is the only way the justice system can keep up with cases. ADR manifests itself through methods of informal, relational, and restorative justice. Ironically enough, these methods were practiced for hundreds of years in Africa before more formal justice systems were adopted. So much so that ADR could properly stand for African Dispute Resolution. In essence, ADR invites the disputing parties to resolve their differences together, usually with the help of mediators, without requiring the time and attention of the courts, which could take many years to reach. In many jurisdictions in Africa, when someone is arrested for suspicion of committing a crime, they are thrown in prison. They will have never spoken with a lawyer, a judge, or had anyone read their file. They will likely remain in prison for 3-5 years before the first opportunity to speak with someone about their case emerges. During these years, they often sleep like sardines in 8-hour shifts on a concrete floor because many prisons are overcrowded, some by 300%. These conditions create serious civil rights and human rights violations that the chief justices are eager to redress. In March of 2024, 15 chief justices from North, South, East, and West Africa gathered in Kampala, Uganda, at the first-ever Africa Chief Justices ADR Summit under the leadership and initiative of Ugandas chief justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo. The chief justice had a story to tell and hope to share with his colleagues. For the past 7 years, the Judiciary of Uganda, in partnership with Pepperdine University in Southern California, had engaged in the implementation of a plea bargaining within the criminal justice system. The informal process of plea bargaining (criminal ADR) is regularly practiced in the United States and resolves almost all criminal cases. The data from this project showed that over the course of 7 years, the time to trial was reduced from an average of 5 years to 1.2 years. The result was an astounding reduction in case backlog and overcrowding in prisons, and an exciting increase in the efficient administration of justice in Uganda. After hearing the story of Uganda, the chief justices voted to form the Africa Chief Justices ADR Forum (ACJAF) and to work together to enhance the use of ADR across Africa. As men and women of action, the chief justices joined together and immediately began studying ADR theory and practices, later re-convening for a week to crystallize their plans for reform. As a result, over 20 African countries are now reaching out to the ACJAF to partner with them in their vision for reform, efficiency, and effectiveness in their justice systems. Already, many of these action-oriented chief justices have instituted capacity-building training in mediation skills and plea bargaining processes in their individual countries. The world is hungry for action and humanity needs justice to flourish. The chief justices of Africa are demonstrating profound leadership courage and humility to join forces to overcome injustice and human suffering together. And through their courage, ADR is catching fire across the continent and transforming the delivery of justice to Africans. Danny DeWalt is Senior Vice President of Global Impact and Chief of Staff of Pepperdine University. DeWalt also leads the Sudreau Global Justice Institute at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, overseeing international and domestic justice initiatives like the plea bargaining programs being implemented in partnership with African justice systems. Instagram / Julia Trubkina By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 08/26/2025 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. star Julia Trubkina is pregnant, and her husband Brandon Gibbs apparently couldn't be more thrilled.Brandon and Julia, who are currently starring on Season 9 of : Happily Ever After? on TLC, announced they have a baby on the way via social media on August 26.'s official Instagram page first broke the news by posting a video of the 31-year-old parents-to-be on Instagram."Big news from the #90DayFiance family.i Brandon & Julia are expecting! Congratulations to the growing family!" 's account wrote.In the video, Julia was wearing a blue sundress that showed off her baby bump."We have big news. We are pregnant!" Julia exclaimed in the clip.Brandon went on to share, "It is exciting and it's a little scary, but we can't wait to share the next chapter of our journey with you guys."Julia added, "Thank you so much for all of your love and support."Julia then posted two professional maternity photos on her own Instagram account."There is so much to say, I will start with this," Julia wrote, "it is not usual for me and it is very strange to talk about this, but I have to start. #90dayfiance #brandonandjulia."One of the photos featured Brandon and Julia kissing on a beach while Brandon was holding up a strip of sonogram images and the couple's dog Nala was sitting between them.Julia also posted a picture of herself posing in a beautiful white, off-the-shoulder dress, with her baby bump on full display.Brandon, for his part, shared two photos from the same professional photo shoot with Julia.In one photo, the pair smiled by standing side by side, and in the other, Brandon was kissing his pregnant wife on the forehead."Can't believe I'm sharing this news. I am excited but nervous as I want to be the best Dad I can be. #90dayfiance #brandonandjulia," Brandon captioned his post on August 26.Congratulatory messages poured in from the family."Yay!!!!! Congratulations Julia and Brandon," Elizabeth Potthast commented. Darcey Silva gushed, "Congratulations. We love you!"Brandon and Julia starred on 's eighth season and got married in April 2020, and then they starred on Season 6 of : Happily Ever After?.Brandon and Julia went on to appear on 90 Day Diaries as well as Season 2 of 90 Day: The Last Resort.The franchise documented Julia moving from Russia to Richmond, VA, to be with Brandon and the pair tying the knot.Julia and Brandon had to face many issues together, including trying to secure a place of their own. Julia also got frustrated that Brandon is so close with his parents, Ron and Betty, and that they were always around.On 90 Day: The Last Resort earlier this year, Brandon said he loved Julia but they weren't having much sex. He claimed the couple's intimacy fell apart when he told Julia that he'd like to have a baby.Brandon and Julia later announced during a group therapy session how they weren't on the same page about having kids when they had initially agreed that they'd love to start a family.Brandon shared that when he brought up the topic of having kids with Julia, she got angry at him and shut down emotionally.Julia explained how it was hard for her to be away from home and her family, which impacted her sexual drive and desire to get pregnant.Julia eventually revealed that a doctor had told her in Russia she couldn't have children.Brandon begged her to get a second opinion, but Julia was hesitant to go through additional testing if she was going to receive the same heartbreaking results. Julia said she felt shame around her supposed inability to conceive a child.However, on : Happily Ever After?'s latest season, Julia agreed to get a second opinion.After visiting a fertility clinic and having an ultrasound, Julia was diagnosed with a uterine polyp. Julia was not told, however, that she could never have a child, and so it gave the couple some hope.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage! TLC / Reality TV World By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 08/26/2025 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. 90 Day: Hunt for Love's Tell All featured Tiffany Franco revealing she reconnected with an ex, Tim Malcolm asking Elise out, a Colt Johnson and Cortney Reardanz relationship update, and Carlo getting slammed with shocking allegations during the episode that aired Monday night on TLC.The 90 Day: Hunt for Love Tell All began with Rob arriving at the reunion single and a little resentful that Jeniffer Tarazona had chosen Cole over him."I don't think Cole knows half of the interactions that Jen and I had," Rob said, alluding to footage of the pair hooking up after a late-night swim."I could definitely f-ck with that relationship if I wanted to."And Colt Johnson shared how Cortney Reardanz was so sweet when she was taking care of him in the hospital in Mexico but then changed into someone "a little different" once he moved into Cortney and her parents' house in Orlando, FL.Colt admitted his relationship with Cortney was "a little rocky."Elise, meanwhile, said she and Carlo had left Tulum together but there were some updates in her life.Elise explained how she and Cole got closer after the show and there was a lot to unpack with Cole and Jen's situation. Tiffany Franco left Tulum with Rocky, but Tim Malcolm was still on the hunt for love.Cortney, who was good friends with Elise, alleged that Tim and Tiffany had blocked Elise for six months because she had slept with Carlo. Cortney said she wasn't excited to "relive this sh-t all over again." Chantel Everett shared how she was worried about people's opinions on her decision to date a woman -- and not just a woman, but her friend from home, Ashley.The cast then gathered onstage with a new host named Sukanya "Suki" Krishnan. Jeniffer and Usman "SojaBoy" Umar participated via Zoom.Jeniffer and Cole revealed that they were still together and going pretty strong, and Colt admitted he was "surprised" by that news.Usman announced how Tim was "so fake" because Tim had allegedly blocked -- and unfollowed -- him prior to the show. When Usman confronted him at the resort, Tim allegedly apologized and then blocked him again after the show."I didn't block you on social media," Tim insisted."I deleted, like, 500 people off my Instagram that never interacted with me because I never see my actual friends' posts. So I cleaned it up. It wasn't targeted to you at all, but you acted like a b-tch and went online and started blasting me!"Tim accused Usman of ranting to people about how he was the worst friend he ever had and "the biggest backstabber" Usman ever knew."What you did was p-ssy!" Usman shouted at Tim."What are you five-years-old?" Tim asked.Cortney asked Tim to follow Usman to squash their beef, but Tim said he wasn't going to be bullied into following anybody.Colt then revealed that his leg wasn't 100 percent healed but he was feeling better little by little.Colt and Cortney shared how they were still together and had a "unique" connection. Colt laughed about how living with Cortney and her parents was interesting and different.Tim scolded Usman for disrespecting and speaking very poorly about Colt behind his back.90 Day: Hunt for Love footage showed Usman calling himself "more of a man" that Colt and making fun of Colt's "potbelly," adding, "Ladies are going to struggle to see that d-ck."Colt wondered why Usman was so concerned about his d-ck, and Usman apologized for saying those things.Tim kept jumping on Usman, but Usman said he didn't owe Tim any apology."Why are you taking up for him?... You are a female," Usman said.Tim then hit the screen with Usman's image on it, knocking it over and almost ruining Usman's connection with the group."Shut your f-cking mouth!" Tim yelled."You are a very stupid guy," Usman said. "I don't want to keep hearing this m-therf-cker making excuses... Don't be a bully!"Tim said Colt designs video games and is really smart while Usman dates seniors and "talks sh-t."Colt confirmed that he didn't really care what Usman had to say about him and Tim seemed to care more.Cortney shared how, after the show, women online claimed they were talking to Colt and that he was using her for a place to stay as well as medical insurance.But Cortney revealed that she and Colt worked through all the negativity and fell in love.However, Cortney, who had been cheated on and lied to in the past, and Colt, who had toxic relationships in his past, struggled with trust issues.When asked if anything specific had happened, Cortney said, "Before we left Mexico, some girl sent him flowers to the hotel. So I was like, 'Oh, you're talking to other women?'"Colt explained how the flowers were from a woman in Mexico City who just felt bad for him."We didn't exchange anything sexual or anything. It was just a friendship, kind of," Colt claimed.Cortney added how, before traveling to Mexico, Colt was talking to other women and planning to meet up with them."Before meeting Cortney, I had a relationship with a woman from Brazil," Colt shared. "I haven't met her, but we had been talking for about a year and I had plans to see her after I came back from Mexico."Cortney told Colt at the time that if he wanted an exclusive relationship with her, he had to cut ties with these other women. Colt therefore said he was trying to be respectful and close that chapter with the woman from Brazil.Cortney said Colt was making a real effort by blocking numbers and even buying a new home. Colt apparently had to win Cortney's trust, and he boasted, "I know how to woo a woman!"When asked about their sex life, Cortney revealed how Colt had gone done on her before they left Mexico. Colt called it a "super" time, but their sexual relationship apparently didn't progress post-show."The spirit is strong but the flesh is weak. We haven't had sex, as of today," Colt announced.Cortney confirmed she wasn't pushing for sex but she couldn't "get his d-ck hard." Colt assured Cortney that he was attracted to her and he was on a lot of medication and muscle relaxers from the surgery."The oral game is great thought," Colt boasted. "I can roll and push up, so I found a way!""But whenever we go to be intimate, he's just in so much pain," Cortney clarified.Tim then revealed that he once broke his d-ck by having wild sex with Veronica Rodriguez for nine hours. Tim said his body was "f-cked up" for months and so he could understand Colt's position.When it became time for Tiffany to reveal her relationship status, she said that Rocky had become her personal trainer. The pair FaceTimed every day for fitness purposes but they weren't together.Tiffany -- who played coy when asked if she was single -- claimed Carlo had "freaked out and yelled" at her in Tulum, which made her feel really bad."He sent me a sh-tty text, like, 'Oh, you got me,' and the middle finger," Tiffany shared."And then he sent me a picture of him wearing a shirt with Elise's face on it. He was trying to poke me... [but] I didn't even care at that point. I was with Rocky! It was a d-ck move and I was like, 'Why does he hate me?'"Elise shared how she and Carlo lasted a couple of months after Tulum but she broke up with him because of the distance."He was very controlling. He wasn't what I was looking for. And he was a manipulator," Elise declared.Elise accused Tiffany of putting her anger towards Carlo onto her, but the cast also ripped Carlo apart for being upset that Tiffany didn't have more of a reaction when he had dumped her for Elise.Cortney said it seemed like Tiffany wanted Carlo to ask for her permission to hook up with Elise when she was dating other guys at the same time."This b-tch is actually stupid," Tiffany snapped at Cortney."She's not stupid!" Colt yelled, defending his girl.Tiffany owned that she's a b-tch, but she clarified how she got mad at Carlo because she was honest with everyone about what she was doing and Carlo went about things quietly and secretly.Elise claimed that Carlo had said he wasn't attracted to Tiffany, but Carlo denied that."And you didn't tell Tiffany that you f-cked the dumbest b-tch on the planet?" Elise asked Carlo."You didn't say you made a mistake in f-cking a dumb person?" Tiffany added."No," Carlo replied."You texted it to me!" Tiffany alleged."I don't remember saying that," Carlo responded.Tiffany brought out the text and Tim read it aloud."I think she's dumb. I made a decision to be friends and f-ck a dumb person," the text read.Carlo appeared embarrassed, and Rob dubbed Carlo's behavior "whack."Carlo explained how he had two connections at the resort and wasn't trying to lie or be deceitful. Carlo insisted that he kept changing his mind, genuinely, and couldn't help it.Elise then revealed that she, Cole, Tiffany and Tim all talked about Carlo in a hotel room the previous night. This news caught Jeniffer off-guard.Cole confronted his former buddy Carlo, saying he heard Carlo had called him a creep when he drank and said he wasn't a strong enough man to stand up to Jeniffer or Rob."I'm going to give you a reason to talk sh-t behind my back and not trust me. I will say to both of these beautiful and awesome ladies here that he did talk sh-t. He would tell me this stuff," Cole announced."And how [Tiffany] is fat and ugly and [Elise] is a dumb b-tch."Texts proved that Carlo had written to Cole, "Tiffany's never been w a guy that looks like me. She was 300 lbs 5 years ago."Cole claimed Carlo was "being a f-ckboy" and "playing the field" on the show. Cole was shocked that Carlo had talked poorly behind his back via text, and Cole threatened to punch Carlo in the face at the Tell All.Elise said she and Tiffany exchanged phones one night while filming Between the Sheets and read all the "hurtful" texts Carlo had sent them both. Elise yelled at Carlo for f-cking everybody over -- including his former best friend Cole -- when she's a good person at her core."Stop talking sh-t about people!" Elise screamed, before Tiffany added that Carlo pretended to be a good guy.Carlo admitted he had made mistakes and wronged people.Suki changed the subject and asked Tiffany about her relationship status. Tiffany revealed she was dating a man she had previously dumped when being stubborn. Tiffany gushed about how this person has everything she wants and she doesn't have to sacrifice even one thing she's looking for."My new perfect guy's name is also Ronald," Tiffany noted, referencing the fact that Ronald was also the name of her ex-husband Ronald Smith , who she was shown marrying on ; The Other Way in 2019.According to Tiffany, she calls her new man "Ronnie" to avoid referring to him by the same name as her South African ex-husband.Moving on to Tim, he revealed that he tried to be a swinger before but it wasn't successful. Tim also insisted that when he had watched Jeniffer dance with a male stripper, it wasn't a big deal.Tim said gay rumors have "haunted" his life and negatively affected his family, but Jeniffer claimed she never talked badly about him. Cortney called Tim out for calling Jeniffer "a gold-digging wh-re" on Night 1 of 90 Day: Hunt for Love.Tim recalled sending Jeniffer thousands of dollars during a nine-month period when they dated but Jeniffer claimed that was "bullsh-t." Tim then proved through his bank transactions that he had sent Jeniffer money 15 times."I treated her well. I gave her what I could, and she has done nothing but make up sh-t that I'm gay," Tim vented.However, in order to move on with their lives, Tim and Jeniffer agreed to a truce.The cast talked about how Tim had tried to ask Elise out but Elise didn't realize what he was trying to do. Tim said he thought they were vibing but she ignored him, which resulted in Tim not speaking to Elise for the rest of the show.Tim admitted he had messed up with Elise, and Elise thought it was admirable of him to own up to that.Elise dubbed Tim "super sweet," and so Suki asked Elise if she'd ever go out with Tim in the future."He needs to ask me!" Elise said.Tim proceeded to ask Elise out on a date, officially."Elise, princess. You're very beautiful," Tim said. "I love your humor and I love that you can be asked about your body count and won't get mad. Are you free this evening?... I would love to take you somewhere you would like to eat. My treat.""I would love to," Elise replied.Moving onto Jeniffer and Cole, Jeniffer called her man "a closet freak."Jeniffer and Cole were doing well, but Jeniffer was angry that Cole had visited Elise's room the night prior without her knowing.Elise said nothing happened, and then Cole insisted he wasn't being secretive.Still, Jeniffer was really pissed off and vented, "You know what? Let's just end this f-cking relationship."Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage! Annette Bening has joined the as-yet-untitled, Yellowstone spin-off that will see Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly reprise their roles as ranchers Rip and Beth Wheeler. ADVERTISEMENT Paramount said Bening will play Beulah Jackson, head of a sprawling Texas ranch, in the show, which is executive produced by Taylor Sheridan Chad Feehan -- whose credits include Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Rectify, Ray Donovan and Banshee -- has been named showrunner. Yellowstone wrapped up last December after five seasons. The contemporary western followed the Duttons, a powerful Montana ranching family, who sells their property back to the Broken Rock Indian Reservation for a symbolic price after 150 years rather than have developers carve it up or the government foreclose upon it due to exorbitant taxes. The show ended with Beth, Rip and their adopted son Carter (Finn Little) setting off to start their own smaller ranch in search of a peaceful life. Bening has starred in Apples Never Fall, Death on the Nile, Captain Marvel, American Beauty and The American President. Roman Reigns returned to WWE's Raw, where he was confronted by his former manager Paul Heyman and his newest rival Bronson Reed. ADVERTISEMENT Reigns kicked off the show Monday in Birmingham, England, where he received a warm welcome from the packed live audience. The Tribal Chief discussed how a lot has changed for him as he no longer has his Bloodline group or the support of Heyman. Heyman then interrupted his former client alongside Reed, who continues to wear the shoes he has stolen from Reigns in recent weeks. Reed dons two pairs of shoes around his neck that Heyman refers to as the "shoelafala," a reference to Reigns' ula fala necklace that signifies he is the Tribal Chief. Reed, who is also called the Tribal Thief by Heyman, got into a war of words with Reigns. Reed said he is the Samoan his family warned him about, while Reigns called out Reed's Samoan heritage due to hailing from Australia. Reigns was done with talking and charged at Reed on the entrance ramp. The two powerhouses kicked off a massive brawl with Reed briefly gaining the upper hand after sending Reigns into the ring post. Reigns recovered inside the ring and started delivering multiple punches before security arrived. Reed headbutted and eliminated the security guards before he attempted to steal Reigns' sneakers. Reed headed to the top rope to deliver his signature Tsunami attack, but Reigns sent him crashing outside the ring after delivering a well-timed Superman Punch. 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! Reigns will face Reed at WWE Clash in Paris, which takes place Sunday starting at 2 p.m. EDT. Clash in Paris can be streamed on Peacock in the United States and on Netflix internationally. RECOIL has teamed up with tactical gear innovator VIKTS to give one lucky winner a piece of gear that blends sleek design with battlefield-grade readinessthe Counteract 15 Backpack, purpose-built for off-body concealed carry and valued at $120. The giveaway is live from August 25 through August 31, 2025, and entry couldnt be easier: just submit your email and agree to receive newsletters from RECOIL and Viktos to lock in your first entry. From there, you can earn bonus entries by following the sponsors on social media or referring friends. The Prize: Viktos Counteract 15 Backpack This isn't your average EDC bag. Designed by U.S. veterans and tested by CCW firearms trainers, the Counteract 15 is a purpose-driven daypack that offers rapid firearm access, a customizable loadout tray, and modular flexibility with hook & loop panels for holsters, mag carriers, and more. Key Features: Slide-Out Tray with hook & loop backing for modular setup and fast-draw access with hook & loop backing for modular setup and fast-draw access Included Hookie Holster fits up to a full-size pistol fits up to a full-size pistol Hookie 10 Pouch for spare mags or tourniquets for spare mags or tourniquets Magnetic Break-Away Flaps for a clean, fast draw for a clean, fast draw 500D Polyester Ripstop chassis with weather and stain resistance chassis with weather and stain resistance Fits up to 17 Laptop in the padded sleeve in the padded sleeve Ballistic Insert Compatible with Premier Body Armors Level IIIA (insert sold separately) with Premier Body Armors Level IIIA (insert sold separately) Available Colors: Midwatch, FDE, Greyman, Black Midwatch, FDE, Greyman, Black MSRP: $120 Whether you carry daily or youre building out your tactical lifestyle kit, the Counteract 15 offers performance, discretion, and adaptabilityall backed by a 1-year workmanship and materials warranty. How to Enter Submit your email and sign up for RECOIL and Viktos emails Get bonus entries by following the brands on social media Share with your friends to increase your chances to win Only one winner will be chosenmake sure its you. Brave statements such as we will continue to be the fastest growing large country are of no consolation, because the direction of trade also determines the flow of investment, points out M Govinda Rao. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff Never in recent history have we come across instances where tariffs are used blatantly as a weapon of subjugation and a threat to national sovereignty in calibrating domestic policies, as United States President Donald Trump has done to establish his hegemony. While applying sanctions to target unfriendly regimes has become a practice, the use of tariffs as a strategic weapon at this scale is alarming. Mr Trump has used his dictates on tariff rates not just as a protectionist measure but also as a strategic weapon to determine from whom countries should trade and transact. Increasing tariffs universally leads to an increase in the prices of imported goods in the US, but that is not our concern. The uncertainty in international trade and relations has dampened investors' appetite, with adverse consequences on world trade, investment, and economic growth. An even more serious issue is that individual countries no longer have the sovereign power to calibrate their own economic or diplomatic policies and must go by what the emperor dictates. For India, the 50 per cent tariff unleashed by Mr Trump is bound to dampen its exports of textiles, leather & footwear, gems & jewellery, chemicals, and electrical machinery. This will have adverse consequences not only on the current year's growth, employment, trade balance, and macroeconomic stability, but also on the flow of investment in the medium- to long term, disrupting the goal of becoming a developed country. Brave statements such as we will continue to be the fastest growing large country are of no consolation, because the direction of trade also determines the flow of investment. As India attracts virtually zero net foreign direct investment and domestic private investment is stagnant, capital flight due to the tariff can have long-term impacts. The hope of attracting investment under the China-1 strategy will no longer hold. We can take a defiant view that we are a sovereign country, and that no one can dictate terms to us, but the ability to counter a superpower depends on our own inner strength. Indeed, countries like China can and do stand up to seek a better bargain. Despite all the bravado and statements about our own greatness, we should realise that we have very limited bargaining power in the international arena. Although India's exports to the US in 2024 were valued at $86.5 billion, we enjoyed a trade surplus with the US of $45.7 billion, and that would be significantly impacted. The US believes that India protects itself highly by not providing access to US exports and, therefore, decided to levy a 25 per cent general tariff rate from August 7. An additional 25 per cent will be charged from August 27 as a penalty for buying Russian oil and ostensibly financing its war with Ukraine. India's refusal to give credit to President Trump for stopping the war with Pakistan is also believed to have precipitated this action. Given India's low bargaining power and the need to accelerate growth, how should it react to this development? Surely not by increasing protectionism in the name of 'Atmanirbhar' Bharat. India must further calibrate the opening up of its economy and actively expedite bilateral agreements, in addition to pursuing reforms to achieve greater competitiveness. Exports have been a powerful engine in every country that has achieved high growth performance. This is evident even in India after liberalisation in 1991, when its share in global exports increased from 0.5 per cent in 1990 to 2.5 per cent in 2022. Despite our experience that restrictions on international trade are self-defeating, the policy stance since 2017 has turned inward. The steadily increasing trend toward protectionism is reflected in the simple average tariff, which rose from 8.9 per cent in 2010-2011 to 11.1 per cent in 2020-2021. The proportion of tariff lines above 15 per cent increased from 11.9 per cent in 2010-2011 to 25.4 per cent in 2020-2021. The average most-favoured nation applied tariff on non-agricultural products rose from 10 per cent in 2015 to 15 per cent in 2021. Liberalising the economy for trade and investment is the only way to accelerate growth. The advantage of attracting larger foreign direct investment is that it brings advanced technology and improves productivity and competitiveness. In the name of 'Atmanirbhar' Bharat, we have slowly turned to import substitution, with export incentives to selected sectors. The time is ripe to erect a proper wall rather than clinging to scaffolding. The production-linked incentive scheme has had only limited success and needs a careful review. The objective should not be merely to assemble imported parts but to substantially add value through production, technology, and innovation. A major sticking point in bilateral trade negotiations is the hesitancy to open up agriculture and dairying. Excessive protectionism in agriculture and animal husbandry remains a barrier in every bilateral trade negotiation. It is naive to think that liberalising trade in these sectors would open the floodgates to imports of farm and dairy products. Over the years, policies encouraging excessive application of fertiliser and pesticides, a consumer- rather than producer-oriented approach in pricing and trade policies, the free supply of irrigated water and electricity leading to increased soil salinity, disincentives for crop diversification, and the drying of aquifers have caused stagnation in production and ecological damage. The only way to improve productivity in agriculture is to usher in a second Green Revolution, which is possible when we overcome our hesitancy towards GM crops, embrace innovation, use better seeds, and apply fertilisers in a balanced manner. The cultural and religious concerns may be overblown. Many Indians who travel abroad appear to show little concern about consuming food made from GM crops or drinking milk from cattle fed with animal protein. The share of the agricultural sector in the country's gross value added is just about 14 per cent. This is the time to move beyond a 'live for the moment' approach, because we need a better tomorrow. Political obstacles to change are, of course, formidable, but this is an opportunity to cast the net wide, negotiate, seek the cooperation of the states, and work out a time-bound action plan that can also be used in trade negotiations. The only way to improve farmers' fortunes is to increase their productivity, not to condemn them to penury in the name of protection. M Govinda Rao is chairman, Karnataka Regional Imbalances Redressal Committee. He was a member of the Fourteenth Finance Commission, and a former director, NIPFP. The views are personal. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'We have created massive infrastructure in the past six years.' IMAGE: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant addresses the Atal Asra Camp, an initiative to provide secure housing solutions for marginalised communities, offering support for home repairs, renovations, and new housing assistance, at Ravindra Bhavan Sankhali in North Goa, May 17, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo "For those who want to set up industry and want land, they will now have to file far fewer documents than before," Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant tells Aditi Phadnis/Business Standard. You must be a happy man today! Yesterday (August 18) Parliament approved reservation in Goa's assembly for the scheduled tribes ... Yes, we're happy. Tribals represent around 10 per cent of Goa's population and there was no reservation for them. Now four seats in the assembly will be kept for them. In 2021, you had brought the Bhumiputra Adhikarini Bill that enabled people living in Goa to own the land or house they had occupied, even if they could not prove ownership. This was seen as a way to protect the land rights of Goans but also non-Goans. But there were a lot of legal infirmities with that legislation... Actually, I have brought a new scheme called Majhe Ghar. The Goa assembly passed the Bills a few days ago. This will give long-term residents legal land rights for the first time. It is a major step towards housing security. This has seven components. Homes that had no number will be given a temporary number so that they are eligible for a light connection, water connection, and other facilities provided by the state government. Then there is a Renovation Certificate. Panchayats are supposed to provide this so that people can renovate or rebuild their homes. In most cases, panchayats are reluctant to issue these. So, we have announced that the power to issue these certificates will henceforth lie with the secretariat, not with the panch or sarpanch. The home is mine, I have been occupying it for decades, I pay house tax. Don't go by whom the land belongs to. If an occupant is paying house tax and fulfills other qualifications, he should be allowed to renovate and rebuild his home. Then there are problems when two families -- say two brothers -- lay claim to the same home. In Goa, this is called partition. Sorting out the claims can take years in court. So, the new legislation allows two separate door numbers. They can have separate water, light, and sewerage connections. We have mandated that the secretary must issue this separation certificate in eight days. There are homes dating back to when the Portuguese were here. There is a house, it is on the plan, I am occupying it but I have no title documents. District collectors have been authorised to issue these certificates. If the land is settlement land and the house is a legal one, the owner will get two certificates. This makes them legal owners. Then there were many who had encroached on government land. This might have happened years ago. They were unable to build, get a house certificate, and faced a lot of legal problems, including from the leaseholder of the land. We have removed the leaseholder from the equation. This applies to a maximum of 400 sq m of land, paying the circle rate of the time the house was acquired for regularisation. So, housing and land claims have been simplified and made more transparent in a complement of seven schemes. Many complain that in Goa, doing business is really difficult. What have you done for the ease of doing business? In the industry, tourism and construction sectors, ease of doing business has been a major focus of my government over the past four years. Earlier, for hotel or homestay registration, you needed at least 20 certificates. You needed to visit 20 or 22 separate departments and beg them to give the certificates. We have cut through all this and have reduced it to three documents. They can come and directly register with the tourism department. Second, the trade certificate -- that allowed you to engage in a trade. You had to get one from the panchayat every year. Recently, we enabled those who, say, want this certificate for five years, to pay the fee and get the certificate for five years, even up to 10 years. No need to keep running to the panchayat. For those who want to set up industry and want land, they will now have to file far fewer documents than before. They just have to go to the Industrial Development Corporation and register. We have created the Investment Promotion Board (IPB). Anyone who wants to set up an industry can apply directly to the IPB which will address their requirements through one window. We have also recently simplified the Infrastructure Tax system so that you only have to pay at two stages. Goa has a massive state debt. The Comptroller and Auditor General has flagged this in a 2023-2024 report that came out recently as unsustainable. Goa has a lot of welfare schemes, but also a massive state bureaucracy. Surely in this age of digital delivery of services, you could prune this? We have debt, but we are spending on capital creation, not revenue expenditure. We have created massive infrastructure in the past six years. Being a tourism-driven state, we want to create new infrastructure like roads and buildings. But we also want to maintain our state very well. With the help of the Union government, we have built roads. But other tourism-related sectors are our responsibility. Since I became chief minister, through agencies like Sidbi and Nabard, we have taken loans at very low rates of interest. Where there is so much infrastructure creation, there will be debt. In Goa, with a population of around 1.2 million people, 60,000-70,000 are permanent government employees. I have created a Goa Human Resources Corporation. This is a new agency that acts as a supplier of manpower needs -- security, housekeeping, maintenance, etc. Earlier, migrants were coming into the state. The corporation serves two purposes: It offers skilling and employment to locals, and it helps us outsource services, making them cheaper. We don't have to pay state government employees huge monthly salaries, pensions, etc. What effect are the US tariffs going to have on Goa's industry? For instance, pharma is present in Goa in a big way. Although it is currently exempt from higher tariffs, this might not always be the case... Yes, pharma is present in Goa in a big way. But these decisions (related to tariff issues) are taken by the ministries of external affairs and commerce and do not come under our purview. I have called a meeting of stakeholders and will convey their views to the Union government. We are committed to becoming an agri-commodity exporting state, especially horticultural commodities: Traditional ones like cashew but also fruits and vegetables, like pineapple. Mining has restarted in Goa after a long hiatus. Vedanta has resumed mining in Bicholim. It has an environmental impact. We have started sustainable mining that is well-planned and measured. Of the 12 sites that were auctioned, operations have begun in three. We're getting good revenue from this. But we are watching carefully. You have been CM for six years, the longest serving ever in the state... Stability has a very important role in government. And we have enlightened leadership at the Centre. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 111 Qatars sovereign wealth fund is suing Byju Raveendran in Indian courts to recover $235 million from the embattled educational technology (edtech) entrepreneur, escalating a global legal battle that has ensnared one of Indias most high-profile startup founders. Photograph: Dado Ruvic/Reuters The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), through its subsidiary Qatar Holding LLC, has intensified its fight against Raveendran and his investment vehicle, Byjus Investments (BIPL). It has moved the Karnataka high court to enforce an arbitration award against Raveendran, who personally guaranteed a $150 million loan that later defaulted. The fund is also seeking 4 per cent annual interest, compounded daily, accruing from February 28, 2024, which now amounts to over $14 million (about Rs 123 crore). The dispute dates back to September 2022, when Qatar Holding extended $150 million in financing to BIPL. The loan was personally guaranteed by Raveendran, cofounder and principal shareholder of Think & Learn. The money was used to help finance the acquisition of 17,891,289 shares in Aakash Educational Services, with an explicit restriction against transferring those shares. In breach of this agreement, according to the petition filed by QIA, the shares were later shifted to another Singapore-based entity controlled by Raveendran. After repeated defaults, Qatar Holding terminated the financing arrangement and demanded early repayment of $235 million. Both BIPL and Raveendran failed to meet their respective obligations under the contract and the personal guarantee, according to a source. Global freezing order In March 2024, Qatar Holding initiated arbitration in Singapore. The emergency arbitrator ordered a global freezing of BIPLs and Raveendrans funds and assets, up to a value of $235 million, to prevent dissipation. The Singapore High Court subsequently upheld the award and the freezing order. On July 14, the arbitral tribunal issued its final award, directing immediate payment of $235 million to Qatar Holding, along with 4 per cent interest from February 2024, compounded daily. Interest has already exceeded $14 million, pushing the total obligation to more than $249 million. Enforcement in India Qatar Holding filed an enforcement petition on August 12 before the Karnataka high court. The petition seeks recognition of the award as a court decree, an injunction against transfer of assets by Raveendran or BIPL, and attachment or sale of their moveable and immoveable assets in India. The enforcement bid marks the latest chapter in Raveendrans widening legal troubles. In the US, he has reportedly been held in contempt of court in bankruptcy proceedings and ordered to pay $10,000 (Rs 8.7 lakh) a day until required disclosures are made. According to reports, $533 million is unaccounted for in a $1.2 billion loan taken by a Think & Learn subsidiary. According to reports, public filings reference Raveendrans defiant remarks, including claims that the missing money was somewhere the lenders will never find. Meanwhile, Byjus itself remains mired in insolvency, with stakeholders blaming the crisis on senior-level mismanagement. For Qatar Holding, the enforcement petition is part of a broader push to reclaim money it says is lawfully owed. Backed by a worldwide freezing order and parallel proceedings in multiple jurisdictions, the sovereign wealth fund appears intent on holding Raveendran and his entities accountable. The case underscores the deepening crisis at Byjus, once valued at $22 billion. Mounting financial pressure, disputes with investors, and regulatory scrutiny have left the edtech giant in tatters. This includes a standoff with US lenders demanding $1 billion in unpaid dues, which triggered insolvency proceedings. The worth of Indias most valuable startup is zero now, Raveendran told reporters recently, as he pledged to rebuild the collapsed empire from scratch, brick by brick. Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation will invest Rs 70,000 crore in the next five to six years in India to strengthen its operations in the country, its representative director and president Toshihiro Suzuki said on Tuesday. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with President & Representative Director of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Toshihiro Suzuki during the flagging off of the 'e-VITARA', Suzukis first global strategic Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), at the Suzuki Motor plant at Hansalpur, in Ahmedabad. Photograph: ANI Photo Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday kicked off exports of Maruti Suzuki India's first electric vehicle e VITARA to 100 countries and also inaugurated the production of lithium-ion battery cells for strong hybrid electric vehicles at its facility in Gujarat. Speaking at the event, Toshihiro Suzuki said, "Suzuki will invest over Rs 70,000 crore in India, over the next 5 to 6 years." He further said, "Suzuki has proudly partnered in India's mobility journey for over four decades. We remain committed to supporting India's vision for sustainable green mobility and contributing to Viksit Bharat." Later, in an interaction with reporters, Maruti Suzuki India chairman R C Bhargava said the investments would be for meeting the company's target of achieving 40 lakh units annually. "We are expanding to 4 million (units annually). So the expansion of 4 million units capacity, with all the supporting infrastructure and investment in R&D, and new technologies, all of that takes a lot of money," Bhargava said when asked about areas where the investments are proposed to be made. Asked about the finalisation of the second plant to be set up in Gujarat, which was announced last year for an investment of Rs 35,000 crore, Bhargava said, "I am hoping we will be answering that question more specifically after the GST Council meeting (on September 4) because after that everybody will be making an estimate of what the impact of the GST decisions are going to be on future growth." He, however, declined to comment on the implications of the proposed changes in GST slabs. Suzuki Group, of which Maruti Suzuki India is a part, has already invested over Rs 1 lakh crore in India. These investments have also led to the creation of over 11 lakh direct jobs in the value chain. On the e VITARA, Bhargava said it will be for the export markets, and no timeline has been set for launching the vehicle in the domestic market. Manufactured exclusively at Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG), a unit of Maruti Suzuki India, the first batch of export-bound e VITARA will be shipped from Pipavav port to the European region, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Austria, and Belgium. On the reasons for Maruti Suzuki not launching the e VITARA in India as yet, Bhargava said, apart from meeting export order obligations, cost factors have played a part, as the price of the EV is still on the higher side, as the battery is imported. Toshihiro Suzuki said the Gujarat facility, which serves customers across India and global markets, will soon become one of the world's largest automobile manufacturing hubs, with a planned capacity of 10 lakh units. He further said, "We chose this facility to manufacture the e VITARA, our first BEV and make it a global production hub for this model. "We will export this "Made-in-India BEV" to over 100 countries, including Japan and Europe." The company's second major milestone is the "start of production of India's first lithium-ion battery and cell with electrode level localisation, which are used in our hybrid vehicles", Suzuki added. These are being manufactured at the Toshiba Denso Suzuki plant, he added. "With only raw material and some semiconductor parts coming from Japan, this is a big salute to Atmanirbhar Bharat. "We will use a multi-powertrain strategy including Electric, Strong Hybrid, ethanol flex fuel, and compressed biogas, to achieve carbon neutrality and climate change goals," Suzuki noted. A day before US President Donald Trump's additional 25 per cent tariff kicks in, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday made a vehement pitch for swadeshi and Make in India that should help create jobs in the country. Photograph: ANI Photo Swadeshi should be everyone's life mantra and irrespective of who is investing, production must take place domestically, Modi asserted on a day when Japan's Suzuki Motor Corporation committed to invest over Rs 70,000 crore in the country in the next five to six years. The government's 'Make in India' initiative has created a favourable environment for both global and domestic manufacturers and the world will drive electric vehicles that are made in India, Modi said. He was speaking after flagging off exports of Maruti Suzuki's first electric vehicle, the e VITARA, from the Hansalpur facility in Gujarat to over 100 countries and also inauguration of production of lithium-ion battery, cell and electrode manufacturing for strong hybrid electric vehicles. "My definition of swadeshi is very simple: it doesn't matter whose money is invested, whether it is dollars, pounds, whether the currency is black or white, it doesn't matter to me. "What matters is that in production, the sweat belongs to my countrymen. "The money may be someone else's, but the sweat is ours," he asserted. "By 2047 we will build such a Bharat that your future generations will take pride in your sacrifices, will take pride in your contributions," he added. In that way, Maruti Suzuki is also a swadeshi company, he said. The world will drive electric vehicles that are made in India, he said. Today is a great day for 'Make in India' as e-vehicles made in the country will be exported to 100 countries. The world will drive electric vehicles that are made in India, he said. The Make in India initiative has created a favourable environment for both global and domestic manufacturers, Modi said. Lauding India-Japan ties, he said both countries are "made for each other". Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation will invest Rs 70,000 crore in the next five to six years in India to strengthen its operations in the country, its Representative Director and President Toshihiro Suzuki said on Tuesday. Speaking at the event, Suzuki Motor Corporation Representative Director and President Toshihiro Suzuki said, "Suzuki will invest over Rs 70,000 crore in India, over the next 5-6 years." Later, in an interaction with reporters, Maruti Suzuki India chairman R C Bhargava said the investments would be to meet the company's target of achieving 40 lakh units annually. "We are expanding to 4 million (units annually). So the expansion of 4 million units capacity, with all the supporting infrastructure and investment in R&D, and new technologies, all of that takes a lot of money," Bhargava said when asked about areas where the investments are proposed to be made. About the finalisation of the second plant to be set up in Gujarat, which was announced last year for an investment of Rs 35,000 crore, Bhargava said, "I am hoping we will be answering that question more specifically after the GST Council meeting (on September 4) because after that everybody will be making an estimate of what the impact of the GST decisions are going to be on future growth." He, however, declined to comment on the implications of the proposed changes in GST slabs. Suzuki Group, of which Maruti Suzuki India is a part, has already invested over Rs 1 lakh crore in India. These investments have also led to the creation of over 11 lakh direct jobs in the value chain. On the e VITARA, Bhargava said it will be for the export markets, and no timeline has been set for launching the vehicle in the domestic market. Manufactured exclusively at Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG), a unit of Maruti Suzuki India, the first batch of export-bound e VITARA will be shipped from Pipavav port to the European region, including the UK, Germany, Norway, France, Denmark, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Austria, and Belgium. On the reasons for Maruti Suzuki not launching the e VITARA in India as yet, Bhargava said, apart from meeting export order obligations, cost factors have played a part, as the price of the EV is still on the higher side, as the battery is imported. Toshihiro Suzuki said the Gujarat facility, which serves customers across India and global markets, will soon become one of the world's largest automobile manufacturing hubs, with a planned capacity of 10 lakh units. He further said, "We chose this facility to manufacture the e VITARA, our first BEV and make it a global production hub for this model. "We will export this "Made-in-India BEV" to over 100 countries, including Japan and Europe." The company's second major milestone is the "start of production of India's first lithium-ion battery and cell with electrode level localisation, which are used in our hybrid vehicles", Suzuki added. These are being manufactured at the Toshiba Denso Suzuki plant here, he added. "With only raw material and some semiconductor parts coming from Japan, this is a big salute to Atmanirbhar Bharat. "We will use a multi-powertrain strategy, including Electric, Strong Hybrid, ethanol flex fuel, and compressed biogas, to achieve carbon neutrality and climate change goals," Suzuki noted. A Pakistan that is more secure in its relations with the US is also one that might well wish to indulge in another cross-border misadventure. IMAGE: Pakistan's army chief Syed Asim Munir. Photograph: ISPR Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, who was recently raised to the rank of field marshal, created waves with his second visit to the United States (US) in as many months. On his last visit, he was granted lunch with President Donald Trump, a privilege that Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has not yet enjoyed. This visit, supposedly to commemorate the retirement of the head of the US military's central command (Centcom), comes at a time when the Pakistan establishment is feeling particularly secure in its domestic and geopolitical position. But that does not provide sufficient reason for the reports that have emerged of Munir's statements and overall demeanour during his visit to Tampa, Florida, the location of US Centcom headquarters. It cannot be known what Munir said on this trip, and much of the reporting of his statements has not been backed up or confirmed by official sources. What has emerged is nevertheless disquieting from the point of view of peace and stability in South Asia. It may be the case that the Pakistani military is satisfied with its performance in the military actions that took place in May as retaliation for the terrorist attack on Pahalgam in April this year. The generals might also feel that the security situation, as well as their successful domestic propaganda campaign following the confrontation, has strengthened their control of Pakistan's politics. Nevertheless, it would be unwise for them to give in to misplaced overconfidence. Successive Indian responses to cross-border terrorism over the past decade have moved up in impact and scale. Further escalation is clearly not in Pakistan's interests. A rational approach would be to step back and consolidate at this point. There is more than enough work required on Pakistan's flailing economy to absorb the energies of the country's establishment for the next several years. However, the current leadership of the Pakistan military -- and Munir in particular -- have a troubling addiction to bombast and overconfidence. It would indeed be unfortunate if some of the unconfirmed statements from Munir about Pakistan's nuclear posture are an accurate reflection of its current strategic thinking. If so, they do not demonstrate the maturity required of a nuclear power. Indian decision-makers will have to be on high alert over the coming months. A Pakistan that is more secure in its relations with the US -- which seems to be the case, given Munir's repeated visits to that country, and Mr Trump's warm words about it as well as the favourable trade deal the two have negotiated -- is also one that might well wish to indulge in another cross-border misadventure. New Delhi will have to demonstrate not just watchfulness, but also restraint and responsibility. It might begin to do so by properly investigating the security lapses that led to the Pahalgam attack and minimising the chances that such an outrage could be allowed to happen again. As a mature and reliable nuclear power, India will unfortunately have to go the extra mile to ensure that Pakistan's intemperate leadership is not permitted to set the agenda for the subcontinent. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'Even if this Bill passes in Parliament, it will reasonably face judicial scrutiny. One can reasonably expect challenges in the Supreme Court questioning its Constitutional validity.' IMAGE: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addresses supporters on coming out of Tihar jail, September 13, 2024. Photographs: ANI Photo In the first part of this interview with Prasanna D Zore/Rediff, Supreme Court Senior Advocate Sanjay R Hegde provides a detailed analysis of the controversial 130th Constitutional Amendment and accompanying bills on ministerial disqualification. The proposed legislation introduces automatic removal provisions requiring prime ministers, chief ministers, and ministers who remain in custody for over 30 consecutive days without bail to vacate office automatically. Mr. Hegde meticulously explains the mechanical operation of these provisions, clarifying the '30-consecutive day' requirement and restoration procedures. He identifies critical gaps in existing Constitutional law that the Amendment claims to address, particularly the absence of specific provisions preventing incarcerated individuals from continuing in ministerial positions. Drawing from recent high-profile cases, including then Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's episode, when he did not resign despite his arrest, the senior advocate examines how legislative vacuum created uncertainty in Constitutional governance. Could you explain in simple terms what the 130th Constitutional Amendment and these new bills on disqualification actually propose? The fundamental principle is straightforward. If you are arrested while serving as a minister, including a chief minister or prime minister, and you do not secure bail within 30 days, then on the 31st day, while you remain in custody, you automatically cease to hold office. You automatically cease to be chief minister, prime minister, or minister. The expectation is that within those 30 days, the prime minister or chief minister will either secure your resignation or request the governor or President to dismiss you. However, if that does not transpire and on the 31st day you have not obtained bail and remain incarcerated, you no longer retain your ministerial position. Subsequently, if you do secure bail, you may return to ministerial office. However, this restoration is not automatic. After you have ceased to be a minister, you must again be sworn in upon securing bail. The party must again desire your appointment as prime minister or chief minister. Is there a specific requirement regarding 30 consecutive days in custody? Precisely. There was initial confusion regarding this provision, but it should be 30 consecutive days. If, for instance, you secure bail on medical grounds during this period, the 30 consecutive days commence anew. The provision requires continuous incarceration for 30 consecutive days without bail for the automatic disqualification to take effect. What specific gap in existing law does the 130th Constitutional Amendment attempt to address? The gap is fundamental. The presumption existed that someone incarcerated cannot continue serving as a minister of any capacity, yet there was no specific provision (in law) establishing this principle. Therefore, when recently Mr. (Arvind) Kejriwal, as chief minister of Delhi, was arrested and refused to resign, he correctly stated that nothing compelled his resignation. This Amendment provides a 30-day window to secure bail, but on the 31st day, resignation becomes irrelevant -- you are automatically removed from office. This eliminates the need for voluntary resignation or complex dismissal procedures. Is the 130th Constitutional Amendment then a direct reaction to Arvind Kejriwal's refusal to resign after his arrest? I cannot definitively state whether it constitutes a direct reaction to that specific episode or whether that incident highlighted the need for such legislation. However, it (Arvind Kejriwal's refusal to resign voluntarily despite his arrest by the CBI and later by the ED in the alleged excise policy scam; the former Delhi chief minister spent 155 days in custody after his arrest on March 21, 2024 before the Supreme Court granted him bail) certainly pointed to a significant lacuna in our Constitutional framework that required addressing. Do these bills have clear Constitutional basis, or do they stretch Parliament's legislative powers beyond Constitutional limits? The Constitution permits amendments from time to time, and this (the 130th Amendment) represents a Constitutional amendment. The critical question is whether it damages the Basic Structure of the Constitution. That determination will ultimately rest with the judiciary. Even if this Bill passes in Parliament, it will reasonably face judicial scrutiny. One can reasonably expect challenges in the Supreme Court questioning its Constitutional validity. 'But I know why he did it.' 'He was being heckled by BJP members who were mocking the Congress.' 'In that context, he quoted the song to tell them: "We know your anthem, we know your ideology, we know how divisive you are".' 'It was not an endorsement.' IMAGE: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister presents a Lord Ganesha idol to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inauguration of the Bangalore Metro Phase-3 project, August 10, 2025. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh anthem row in Karnataka may have exposed deep contradictions within the Congress, highlighting the party's struggle to balance ideology with political optics. When state Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar recited the RSS prayer Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhoomi inside the state assembly on Friday, August 22, 2025, the move triggered political tremours. What began as a seemingly off the cuff recital soon spiralled into a loyalty test. Shivakumar's singing was followed by a swift apology on Tuesday, stressing that he never meant to hurt Congress workers and reaffirming his lifelong allegiance to the party. The controversy, however, did not stop with him. Kunigal MLA from Tumkur district, Dr H Doddaiah Ranganath, a relative and supporter of Shivakumar, initially defended his leader. On record, he described the RSS anthem as 'melodious and patriotic', even praising its Sanskrit phrasing as an ode to the Motherland. That endorsement blindsided Congress colleagues and handed the Bharatiya Janata Party -- the RSS' political progeny -- a fresh talking point. Following the growing backlash -- and soon after DKS' apology -- Dr Ranganath too has recalibrated his position. In an interview with Prasanna D Zore/Rediff, Dr Ranganath insisted his loyalty to the Congress was absolute and clarified that if his words had offended party workers, he is willing to "take them back." "Our breath is in the Congress, our last breath will also be in the Congress," Dr Ranganath declares. Yet his earlier remarks linger, reflecting the unease within the Congress party whenever symbols associated with the RSS surface in political discourse. For the Congress, the episode underscores a larger dilemma: Even a song can become a test of faith, forcing leaders to navigate the fine line between cultural nationalism and ideological steadfastness. Now that Shivakumar has apologised for reciting the RSS prayer, you too had earlier said there was nothing wrong in saying the RSS prayer. Would you still stand by that, or change your stance now? See, what I understood is that Shivakumar sir only wanted to narrate what the RSS song is. We all know what the RSS is, what happens inside it, and since they are in the opposition, we need to study them -- their character, their future, their relevance. In that context, he mentioned the opening lines of the song. I felt there was nothing wrong in what he said. But now sir himself has clarified -- if people's feelings are hurt, he is ready to take it back. And I fully agree with that stand. But are you ideologically against the RSS' thinking? There is no doubt about that. We fight and stand against the RSS in everything. Their politics is divisive -- based on caste and religion. As a doctor, as someone with secular values, I cannot accept their ideology or the BJP's thinking. Yet you were quoted in the media praising the RSS song as 'melodious and patriotic'? I had only referred to the Sanskrit words Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhoomi, which mean bowing to the Motherland with affection. That is all. But let me be clear -- I was born in the Congress, my family has always been in the Congress, and I will die as a Congressman. There is no way I will accept even the smallest part of the BJP or RSS thinking. But this makes one wonder: Shivakumar said there was nothing wrong in the song, you too said so. Then he apologised, and now you also seem to soften your stand. We are not supporting the RSS or BJP. If I earlier said the song's words are patriotic, that does not mean I endorse the organisation. If any of our party workers or people feel hurt by such remarks, I too will take them back. Our breath is in the Congress, our last breath will also be in the Congress. IMAGE: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh volunteers take an oath on the occasion of Hindu Nav Varsha (Hindu New Year) in Ranchi. Photograph: ANI Photo So, you believe the RSS anthem Namaste Sada Vatsale Matrubhoomi is patriotic? I don't want to go into that again. Whatever was said should not be seen as support for the RSS. We are not with them, and never will be. Even in my last breath, I will not endorse their ideology. If anyone is hurt by this discussion (saying that the RSS anthem is 'melodious and patriotic'), I take it back. Were you surprised when Shivakumar recited the song on the floor of the Vidhan Soudha? Very shocked, but I also know why he did it. He was being heckled by BJP members who were mocking the Congress. In that context, he quoted the song to tell them: 'We know your anthem, we know your ideology, we know how divisive you are.' It was not an endorsement. You often speak about secularism. How does your background shape your views? Before becoming an MLA, I was an orthopaedic surgeon. In my practice, I never knew what caste or religion my patient belonged to. Only after entering politics did I even begin to notice these divisions. For me, politics must bring the downtrodden into the mainstream. That is why I cannot accept the RSS or the BJP's idea that minorities are second class citizens. They may not say it openly, but through policies like the NRC (the National Register of Citizens) and the CAA (Citizenship [Amendment] Act), they try to make minorities feel like second citizens. I cannot stand by such politics. So, at the core, what is your position? At any cost, we will never support the BJP or RSS. Even if I am forced to choose divisive politics, I would quit politics that very day. We will hold onto secular ideas and the vision of the Constitution given by Dr Ambedkar till our last breath. 'They wanted the city to be a great business hub. They didn't like the fact that taxes collected in Bombay would go outside the city.' IMAGE: Anjuman-E-Islam was established in 1874 by a group of visionaries led by Justice Badruddin Tayabji. Photograph: Kind courtesy Anjuman-E-Islam/Facebook It is not everyday that you have a reporter who is also a PhD. Danish Khan is just that. A doctorate from Oxford University, this 44 year old started out as a reporter in Mumbai for the Mid-Day and Mumbai Mirror newspapers and continues to report from London on India-related news, specially Indian fugitive business magnates (on some of whom he and wife Ruhi Khan have written the book Escaped: True Stories of Indian Fugitives in London). Currently visiting Mumbai, Danish was interviewed last fortnight by historian Murali Ranganathan on his doctoral research topic: The three Gujarati Muslim trading communities of Mumbai who were major players in the political economy of the city under British times. Rarely has the Durbar Hall of the Asiatic Library been as overflowing as it was for this conversation, with people sitting on the floor. It was an eye-opener to learn that Muslims from these communities: Bohras, Khojas and Memons, were among the first to adopt modernity. Consider this: Tyab Ali Bhoymeeah, a Sulaimani Bohra, was the first Muslim to send both his sons Camruddin and Badruddin abroad to study law in the mid-19th century; with Badruddin Tyabji becoming the first Indian barrister in the Bombay high court, and a co-founder and first Muslim president of the Indian National Congress. His son Mohsin was the first Muslim ICS officer. The Chinoy brothers, Sir Sultan and Sir Rahimtulla, Khojas, brought the beam wireless to India, with a patent from Marconi. The Bohra Peerbhoy family led by its patriarch, Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy, established the Matheran Railway. Sir Ibrahim Rahimtulla, a Khoja, was only a matriculate, but he became the first Indian to be appointed president of the Fiscal Commission in 1921. He worked with the Tatas, and advocated free universal primary education. Some of these pioneers were close to Gandhi such as the Memons Umar and Usman Sobhani, 'cotton kings' who owned Elphinstone Mill. The mill was the site of the first bonfire of foreign cloth in Mumbai. Traders and merchants they were, of course, but the leading lights of these communities were also owners of mills, ships, tanneries... The political representation of Muslims revolved around these three communities because they had the wealth needed in those days to vote. Jyoti Punwani spoke to Danish about his research and what inspired it. What made you choose this topic for your thesis? As a reporter, moving across the city, I knew about the legacy of these communities. I noticed the dispensaries and maternity homes, the libraries and schools funded by them. I knew there was a history there. But at the general scholarship level, when anyone imagined the Muslim in South Asia, what came to mind were Deoband, AMU, Urdu, Aligarh, Jamia Milia... These three communities would be studied more as Indians who were in external trade. However, I found that Muslim political representation in colonial times revolved around them. That lens was missing. For instance, why was the Khilafat movement headquartered in Bombay? Only because these communities were financing it. I also knew that these communities were looked upon as 'lesser Muslims'; I found that problematic. No one has the authority to decide who is a 'lesser Muslim'. That view still persists; but at least two of these communities, the Khojas and the Bohras, themselves take pains to dissociate themselves from the rest of the Muslims whom they call 'Miyabhais. Why were they looked upon as 'lesser'? Because they shared certain customs with Hindus? They spoke Gujarati, not Urdu. The Khojas don't perform the Haj. And in one trial in the British era, a judge remarked that a Khoja is a Muslim while alive, but becomes a Hindu when he dies. IMAGE: Sir Ibrahim Rahimtoola and Lady Rahimtoola. Photograph: Kind courtesy Jyoti Punwani Did these communities intermingle socially? Yes, they would meet at official functions, at receptions held by the governor, even attend weddings of those in the other community. It was like the business and political elite fraternising. But they also had excellent relations with their Hindu counterparts. They would all ally with each other to safeguard their interests as a class. You spoke about their politics being different from the larger Muslim politics at that time. These communities who dominated the politics of Bombay wanted the city to be a great business hub. They didn't like the fact that taxes collected in Bombay would go outside the city. They were conscious of being in business; they were not for intransigent demands. Unlike the Muslims leaders of North India, who fought for opportunities in government jobs and for Urdu, these leaders fought for Bombay to dominate the economy. Bombay was unique in that sense; unlike in Calcutta and Madras, industry here was in the hands of local communities. There was even a term called 'Bombay Business'. It is revealing that while leaders of all three communities contributed to setting up the Anjuman e Islam, maths and geography were initially taught there in Gujarati, not Urdu. That reflected the clout of these communities. IMAGE: The Saifee hospital in Mumbai was founded in 1948 by Syedna Taher Saifuddin, the spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohras. It was set up as a charitable healthcare institution to serve people of all communities. The new Saifee Hospital was inaugurated on June 4, 2005 by then prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Photograph: Kind courtesy Saifee Hospital What changed? For decades now, North Indian Urdu-speaking Muslims have dominated politics in Mumbai. Universal adult franchise after Independence was the main cause. There was an influx of North Indians into Mumbai. These three communities were outnumbered. Also, these were all international communities. Bombay was their base but, unlike the Parsis and Marwaris, who also dominated industry, these communities also had an important presence in Africa, Singapore, Burma and Japan. They themselves also moved away from politics. The Tyabjis went into law, the Padamsees who had a glass business, into art. Finally, I would imagine that after Partition, because they were Muslim, they couldn't come close to power. IMAGE: Badruddin Tyabji, the first Indian barrister in the Bombay high court. Photograph: Kind courtesy Wikimedia Commons You spoke about how these communities were pioneers in education, in introducing modern technology. Yet, the common perception of Muslims in Mumbai is that of a backward ghettoised community. I was amazed to know that there's an Arabic serial set in Kuwait called Mohammed Ali Road. It's about Kuwaiti families of the 1930s and 1940s who have one leg in Mumbai and one in Kuwait. The serial shows that owning a house on Mohamed Ali Road was then a status symbol. The Arab women in the serial talk about Mohamed Ali Road as a hub of fashion. It was known as a place where successful businessmen had a footprint, a far cry from what it is known as today: A ghetto whose residents find it difficult to get credit cards. The Mohamed Ali Flyover has killed it further. It has whitewashed a sub-culture which was at the heart of Bombay's growth. To answer your question -- the dominant perception of the Muslim in Mumbai is again dependent on who makes up the majority of the community. Ironically, it's not as if the pioneers in these three communities lived away from their community mohallas; they were rooted in Khoja Mohalla, Bora Bazar. The world-famous Habib Bank had its origin on Mohamed Ali Road. Tell us something about yourself. You are a "Bombay boy"? Yes, I was born and brought up here, worked here. I went to Elphinstone College where I would sit in the library and the State Archives (housed in the college premises) for hours. I remember reading about the life of Subhas Chandra Bose and reading his wonderful letters written from jail about the conditions there. IMAGE: Danish Khan. How did you get interested in journalism? As a victim of the 1992-1993 riots, I saw the kind of coverage the press had given it. I was only 11 when the riots took place; our colony in the Diamond Jubilee ompound on Charni Road was attacked. My uncle Haroon Rashid's house was burnt. Luckily, we could shift to my father's friend's home at Cuffe Parade. When I grew up, I saw these events being written about in the press. It felt good that your suffering was featuring in the newspapers. I felt this was a good medium to reach out to people, write about their problems. My family was against it. My father worked for the Tatas, and though my uncle Haroon Rashid was editor of Urdu Blitz, no one in our family had worked for the English press. But I was hell bent on becoming a journalist. I submitted four articles to my college magazine. Of course, only one was published. I would write letters to the editor, and my first article was published in Westside Plus, the supplement of the Times of India, while I was still in college. I met everyone, from M J Akbar (then editor of the Asian Age newspaper), to Busybee (Behram Contractor, the columnist and editor of the Afternoon Despatch And Courier newspaper). They all felt I was too young. I did a diploma in journalism from K C College, where famous journalists such as M V Kamath and V Gangadhar taught us. You witnessed closely the violence of 1992-1993. Also, you were a reporter on the crime beat at a time when Muslims were being arrested indiscriminately for bomb blasts. Did these factors impact your interactions with the police and with your colleagues? No. I saw the police doing their jobs under a lot of pressure, financial pressure, pressure from their seniors. The constables would give me fantastic stories. I could also build up a rapport with North Indian policemen because of my own background. I never saw their ugly side. My name didn't put me at a disadvantage. Sometimes my colleagues would make comments about Muslims, but then immediately turn around and tell me: "It's not about you, you're different." I didn't like that. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff Some Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states on Tuesday defended in the Supreme Court, the autonomy of governors and President in assenting to bills passed by their assemblies and said "assent to a law cannot be given by court". IMAGE: A view of the Supreme Court of India. Photograph: ANI Photo A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice B R Gavai was informed by senior advocate Harish Salve that under the constitutional scheme power to accord assent to bills passed by state legislators vests only with governors or President and there was no concept of "deemed assent". The bench is hearing the presidential reference on whether the court could impose timelines for governors and President to deal with bills passed by state assemblies. Different state governments said judiciary couldn't be a pill for every disease. "The court cannot issue a writ of mandamus asking the governors to grant assent to bills. Assent to a law cannot be given by the court. Assent to a law has to be given either by governors or by President," Salve, who was representing Maharashtra, submitted. The bench also comprises Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, P S Narasimha and A S Chandurkar. On April 8, a different bench of the top court invoked its powers under Article 142 to rule that 10 bills cleared by Tamil Nadu assembly and pending since 2020 with Governor were deemed to be assented. Referring to Article 361 of the Constitution, Salve said President, or Governor "shall not be answerable to any court for the exercise and performance of the powers and duties of his office or for any act done or purporting to be done by him in the exercise and performance of those powers and duties". He said the court could only inquire into decisions, including the proposed ones, by governors or the President. "The court can only ask what your decision is. But the court cannot ask why you have taken a decision," Salve added. Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj, appearing for Uttar Pradesh and Odisha, said President and Governor enjoy functional autonomy and they have absolute discretion prior to giving assent. "When language and the Article are clear, we should not supply cassius omissus (situation which is not covered under the statute)," said Nataraj. He said courts cannot prescribe timelines for President and Governor to act on bills passed by state assemblies. Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee, appearing for Goa, said under the constitutional scheme of legislation, the process was not complete unless it received the assent of Governor and, therefore, there couldn't be deemed assent. "The Constitution does not envisage the concept of deemed assent and the judiciary can't insert itself giving deemed assent to bills passed by the assembly," he said. Justice Kant said deemed assent was only a fiction, not having a basis in law, but could still be presumed in a situation. Banerjee said while the British constitution discussed "deemed assent", the Indian constitution had nothing. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said certain provisions in the Constitution provided deemed action in clear terms, particularly where timelines were expressly prescribed. Mehta referred to Article 198 (5) which says if a money bill passed by the state assembly is transmitted to the legislative council for its recommendations and is not returned to the legislative assembly within the said period of fourteen days, it shall be deemed to have been passed by both. Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, appearing for Chhattisgarh, argued the April 8 verdict "inserted something" which was not there in Article 200. Salve earlier distinguished the powers of President and governors and said while the former acts only on the aid and advice of the central government, the latter possesses wider powers, including the authority to withhold assent. "It is not a feature of Indian federalism that an assent must follow after a few rounds of confabulations. We have a limited federalism with hope that all these functionaries will act with wisdom," he said, adding that the Governor's power was not amenable to judicial review. Referring to Article 200, which deals with the powers of governors with regard to bills, Salve said this provision does not set out a time limit under which the Governor has to act. He said the passage of bills were also based on political deliberations and at times such a process might take 15 days and at times, six months. "Such decisions are not taken by sitting in an ivory tower," he underscored and said once constitutional schemes delineate the power, their exercise by high constitutional functionaries was not amenable to judicial review. He said the language of Article 361 -- governors and President shall not be answerable to any court any exercise of powers and duties -- was "very clear". Governor's authority to withhold assent is constitutionally recognised, though using the term "veto" would be misleading, he added. "Calling it veto is an uncharitable characterisation, but yes, Governor has the power to withhold. It is inherent in Article 200, and consistent with Article 201 which allows the Union to withhold assent even if the bill is within the state List," Salve said. Senior advocates N K Kaul, Maninder Singh, Vinay Navare and Guru Krishnakumar made submissions for different BJP-ruled states in support of the powers of Governor and President. Tamil Nadu and Kerala are scheduled to make submissions on August 28 and defend the April 8 verdict. 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. President's decision came in light of the April 8 verdict of the apex court, on powers of the Governor in dealing with bills passed by the Tamil Nadu government. A Chennai policeman on night patrol stoked a controversy with his harassment remark at a woman feeding scores of stray dogs at Thiruvanmiyur beach and he reportedly snatched her mobile for recording the altercation between the two, but later returned the handset. IMAGE: Social workers inject anti-rabies vaccine into a stray dog, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, August 16, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Though the police department is yet to react to the incident of purported rude behaviour of the policeman, the video of the heated argument between the cop who identified himself as Karthik and the woman at whom he yelled, went viral on social media. The constable, on night rounds at the Thiruvanmiyur beach, rebuked a woman and her aunt for feeding stray dogs which caused a menace in the area and curtly asked them to go home. However, the woman could be heard asking him what his concern was if they fed 30 to 40 stray dogs on the beach. He advised the women to avoid feeding the stray dogs for four days and thus prevent the canines from visiting the area. But taking exception, the woman insisted that it was her prerogative to feed stray dogs late at night and said his admonition amounted to harassment. At this, the cop remarks that 'harassment happens if you step out at midnight and roam around.' However, the woman asked him to repeat his remark and he reiterated it. She is heard uttering "Are you police?" and the cop shot back asking her "are you public?" Then he snatched her mobile and asked her to obtain it at the police station. It may be noted that stray dogs are causing a lot of nuisance on the streets, often chasing road users. The Greater Chennai Corporation authorities have announced the sterilisation of dogs. 'There are only a few countries in the world that have deployed combat-ready laser systems.' IMAGE: DRDO successfully conducts the maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System off the Odisha coast. Photograph: @rajnathsingh X/ANI Photo India's successful test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS), especially the high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW), drew praise from a Chinese military expert who said it should be considered a 'significant advancement'. The IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system consisting of indigenous quick reaction surface-to-air missiles (QRSAM), very short-range air defence system (VSHORADS) missiles and a high-power laser-based directed-energy weapons (DEW) system. The indigenous air defence system was flight-tested off the coast of Odisha on Saturday. The IADWS, especially the DEW, which is possessed by a few countries like the US, Russia, China, the UK, Germany and Israel, drew the attention of Chinese experts. The Indian IADWS is an air defence system designed to counter low and mid-altitude targets such as drones, cruise missiles, helicopters and low-flying aircraft, with a limited strike range, Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of the Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told China's state-run Global Times. The key to such an integrated air defence system lies in having a highly effective information system capable of distributing target data to corresponding weapon components, or the system would merely consist of separate air defence weapons operating independently, he said. 'Among the three layers of the IADWS, the vehicle-based air defence missile QRSAM and the man-portable air defence system VSHORADS are not technologically novel, but the laser system should indeed be considered a significant advancement,' Wang said. 'There are only a few countries in the world that have deployed combat-ready laser systems,' Wang said, pointing to China's LW-30 vehicle-based laser defence weapon system, dubbed a killer of UAVs. It has characteristics of light speed engagement, silent attack, continuous operation, flexible and accurate, and a high cost-effectiveness ratio, he said. The Chinese expert's comments were regarded as significant, considering the People's Liberation Army, which is heavily investing in modern weapons for its use, also provides a significant amount of weapons to Pakistan. According to a recent report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China supplied over 81 per cent of Pakistan's military hardware, which the Pakistan military sought to use against India in the recent Operation Sindoor conflict. The flight tests of the new air defence system came more than three months after Operation Sindoor. The Guruvayoor Devaswom, which manages the renowned Sri Krishna Temple, on Tuesday conducted a "purification ritual" at the temple pond, following a recent video shoot by a social media influencer that allegedly violated temple rituals. IMAGE: In a now-deleted video, the influencer is seen roaming around the Guruvayoor temple complex and washing her feet in the sacred pond. Photograph: Screen grab/X In a Facebook post, the Devaswom said the incident involved a "non-Hindu woman entering the sacred pond for filming", which was seen as a breach of "religious norms". The temple management said darshan at the shrine was restricted from 5 am to noon to allow for the "purification ritual." Devotees will be permitted to enter the shrine only in the evening after the rituals are completed, the administrator added, seeking the cooperation of the devotees. The ritual comes days after the influencer posted a reel showing her washing her feet in the sacred pond. Following public outrage, she reportedly deleted the post and issued an apology. The negotiations are almost finalised for buying 113 more GE-404 engines from the American firm GE for the 97 LCAs. The deal is expected to help HAL get its complete requirement of 212 GE-404 engines in continuity Soon after the Centre cleared a Rs 62,000 crore deal to buy 97 more LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft, India is close to signing a deal of around $1 billion with the American firm GE for supplying 113 more GE-404 engines for the indigenous combat aircraft. IMAGE: File image of indigenously manufactured LCA Tejas fighter jets. Kindly note the image has only been posted for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo Indian state-owned firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has already inked a deal for 99 GE-404 engines with the American firm for the initial 83 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets ordered by the Indian Air Force and these 113 would be in addition to that. The negotiations are almost finalised for buying 113 more GE-404 engines from the American firm GE for the 97 LCAs. The deal is likely to be finalised by September this year, defence officials told ANI. The deal is expected to help HAL get its complete requirement of 212 GE-404 engines in continuity, avoiding any types of delays in engine supplies. The HAL is working to supply the first 83 aircraft by the end of 2029-30 and the next batch of 97 LCA Mark 1As by 2033-34, they said. American GE is expected to supply two engines per month from now on to fulfill its commitment for the Indian programme. The HAL is also negotiating a deal with GE for buying its GE-414 engines with 80 percent transfer of technology. The Indian side requires 200 GE-414 engines for its LCA Mark 2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The around $1.5 billion deal is likely to be signed in the next few months, and negotiations for it have been going on for a long time now, the officials said. The Indian side requires 162 engines for the LCA Mark 2 aircraft and 10 others for the five prototypes of the AMCA. The programme will help the IAF to replace its fleet of MiG-21s, which are finally being phased out by the government in the next few weeks. The indigenous fighter jet project is fully backed by the defence ministry, and Air Headquarters and is set to be a big boost for promoting indigenisation as well as give major business to the small and medium enterprises engaged in defence business across the country, defence officials said. India is already working on an indigenous fighter aircraft engine project and will be working with the French firm Safran for it. India aims to achieve self-reliance in the defence sector through indigenisation and is also acquiring technologies from various global sources. Notwithstanding the Maharashtra government's attempts to dissuade him, activist Manoj Jarange on Tuesday asserted that he would launch a fresh hunger strike for Maratha reservation in Mumbai from August 29. IMAGE: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange. Photograph: ANI Photo On the eve of the Ganesh festival, Rajendra Sable Patil, Officer on Special Duty from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's office, met Jarange at his village Antarwali Sarathi in Jalna district in a bid to conciliate him, but the latter refused to budge. While the Bombay High Court said the activist cannot hold a protest without a prior permission, Jarange said his lawyers would approach the court to get necessary relief. He and his followers will leave for Mumbai on August 27, he said. He also criticised chief minister Fadnavis, accusing him of obstructing the quota for the Maratha community in education and government jobs. "Our team of lawyers will go to the court....I believe the court will listen to us and allow us to the stage the agitation at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. We will obey all the guidelines of the court," Jarange said. Earlier, Rajendra Sable Patil, CM's OSD, met him at his village. "I requested him to consider if he can postpone the agitation as there is Ganeshotsav," Patil told reporters. Jarange has been demanding that all Marathas be recognised as Kunbis -- an agrarian caste included in the OBC category -- which will make them eligible for reservations. He held discussions with Patil in the presence of media persons. "We waited for two years. BJP MLA Suresh Dhas had visited me during my previous hunger strike and sought three months for taking a decision. If the government grants (OBC) reservation to Marathas, we will become friends with Devendra Fadnavis," Jarange said. "We won't travel to Mumbai if we get the reservation, or else we will go. We will travel to Mumbai, and the demonstration will be peaceful," he added. The protesters will not disturb the Ganesh festival celebrations in the state capital, he said, appealing the government to give them a dedicated route to reach the Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, a popular protest site. Jarange asked Patil to convey to the BJP-led government that Marathas will not settle for anything less than a 10 per cent quota under the OBC category by the evening. Later, speaking to reporters, he targeted the chief minister and accused him of creating hurdles in the grant of reservation to the Marathas. Such high-handedness was not seen evening during the British period, Jarange said. "Agitations took place in the British era too... The government should not try the patience of the Maratha community. No matter how many obstacles are put up by the government, we will go to Mumbai tomorrow," he said, adding that the agitation will be peaceful. "We have faith in the court. We are going there peacefully and agitating lawfully. Therefore, the court will give us justice. We will not disobey a single rule or guideline of the court. But the court can not ask us not to agitate," he said. In response to a public interest litigation filed by the Amy Foundation opposing the proposed agitation, the bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne in Mumbai said while democracy and dissent go hand in hand, demonstrations should be held only at designated places after obtaining a permission. Jarange and his associates can file an application seeking a permission from the authorities, the high court said, adding that the government can also offer him an alternative place at Khargar in neighbouring Navi Mumbai "so that the tempo of life in the city of Mumbai is not hampered." The court noted that the police in the state capital would be extremely busy during the Ganesh festival. Advocate General Birendra Saraf said the police are burdened with the heavy responsibility of maintaining law and order during the festival, and a large gathering would put a great deal of strain on the police machinery. The HC issued a notice to Jarange, seeking his response, and posted the matter for further hearing on September 9. Speaking on Monday, CM Fadnavis had said he hoped that those who call themselves true followers of (Maratha king) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will not do anything to disturb Ganesh Chaturthi, "which is the biggest festival of Hindus. In a unique case of burglary, a man managed to steal over Rs 4 lakh from a godown in the Najafgarh area by calmly walking past the guard dogs he appeared to have befriended before, officials said on Tuesday. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The incident was reported on August 20, and the arrested suspect turned out to be an employee of the same godown. "The theft was not a random strike but a planned act of revenge," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Ankit Singh said. The officer further said the accused, Mumtaz, was allegedly upset with his employer for denying his repeated requests for an advance in his salary and decided to "teach him a lesson" while also making easy money. The complainant, Mukul Jain, reported the burglary after discovering that Rs 4.5 lakh in cash had been stolen from his godown during the intervening night of August 19 and 20. The police registered an FIR at the Najafgarh Police Station, formed multiple teams and launched further investigation into the matter. "The investigation began with the analysis of CCTV footage, where the burglar was seen entering the premises with a plastic sack covering his head. The intruder then tampered with the cameras and gained access to the office," the DCP said. An unusual observation was noted in the case by the officer, who mentioned that the dogs inside the warehouse did not attack the man, suggesting that the burglar was familiar to them. Consequently, the team focused on employees who had access to the warehouse and knowledge of the cash. "Technical surveillance, including call detail records, revealed that the location of one of the employees, Mumtaz, matched the crime scene on the night of the burglary," the DCP said. The police conducted both manual and electronic surveillance on Mumtaz, 22, a resident of Dwarka Vihar Colony in Najafgarh. Based on specific intelligence, the team intercepted him near the Sai Baba Mandir in Najafgarh around 4.30 pm on the same day. Upon seeing the police, Mumtaz attempted to flee, but all escape routes had been blocked, after which he was apprehended and identified. A search led to the recovery of Rs 3.14 lakh from his possession. Sharing the profile of the accused, the police said that during interrogation, Mumtaz disclosed that his family hails from Supore in Bihar. His father, who ran a tea stall in Noida, died over a decade ago after a prolonged illness. Mumtaz dropped out of a madrassa at the age of 15 and worked at tea stalls before moving to Haridwar, where he found employment as a warehouse labourer. "In June 2025, he shifted to Delhi through an acquaintance and began working as a loader in Jain's godown for Rs 15,000 per month. Married with three children, he admitted that financial difficulties and his employer's refusal to provide advance salary pushed him into plotting the burglary," said the officer. Mumtaz executed the crime with the help of an associate named Vikas, who is yet to be traced. Apart from recovering Rs 3.14 lakh from the stolen sum, investigators are trying to trace the remaining cash, the police said. Mentioning that the accused has no previous criminal record, the police added that efforts are being made to identify and apprehend his associates. The Shiromani Akali Dal on Monday passed a resolution appealing to the United States government to adopt a humanitarian view of truck driver Harjinder Singh who is facing a vehicular homicide case in that country. IMAGE: Harjinder Singh is facing vehicular homicide charges in the US after three people were killed when his truck allegedly took a wrong turn on a Florida highway. Photograph: Screen grab/X The party also appealed to the Union government to extend consular and legal assistance to the Sikh youth and ensure he has access to legal remedies. The resolution was passed at a meeting of the senior Shiromani Akali Dal leaders from six Punjab districts under the chairmanship of party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Harjinder, a 28-year-old Indian-origin truck driver who hails from Punjab's Tarn Taran district, is facing vehicular homicide charges in the US after three people were killed when his truck allegedly took a wrong turn on a Florida highway, a media report said. Harjinder, who fled to California after the incident, has been brought back to Florida following his arrest, the New York Post reported on Thursday. In a statement, SAD president Badal described Harjinder as a hard-working member of the Punjabi and Sikh diaspora and deserved a fair trial. Badal said Punjabis were deeply hurt to learn that he was produced in court without a turban, an inseparable and sacred article of faith for every Sikh. "This insensitive act has pained the Sikh community worldwide," he asserted. The resolution, which also expressed the party's heartfelt sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones in the accident, urged the US government to take a humanitarian view of the entire issue keeping in mind Harjinder's background, circumstances and the contribution of the Punjabi community. Urging the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure that all avenues of legal defence were made available to Harjinder through the Indian embassy and consulate, it also requested the Punjab government to stand in solidarity with Harjinder's family members and extend appropriate support to them. The resolution also appealed to the Sikh and Punjabi diaspora organisations in North America to provide moral, financial and legal assistance to Harjinder during this difficult period. The SAD acknowledged the immense contribution of Punjabi and Sikh truck drivers to the economies of both India and the US and reaffirmed its commitment to stand with the global Punjabi community and ensure justice, dignity and humanitarian support to all. 'The idol was not being worshipped for years. We decided to immerse it respectfully in the Ganga.' A Sai Baba idol at a Shiv temple in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal was removed early on Tuesday morning and immersed in the Ganga, temple authorities said. IMAGE: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat offers prayers at the Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Ahmednagar, May 18, 2025. Kindly note the image has only been posted for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo A Ganesh idol will be installed at the temple on Ganesh Chaturthi, the temple authorities said. The decision was taken last week by the temple committee and devotees, citing that Sai Baba 'has no place in Hindu scriptures or tradition'. The temple priest, Acharya Pandit Avneesh Shastri, said, "Sai Baba's idol has been completely removed. There is no mention of him in our scriptures, Vedas or texts." "Worship of any fakir or individual should be restricted to private spaces, not temples. Even great saints and philosophers like Adi Shankaracharya or Tulsidas don't have idols in temples, so why should Sai Baba? He was installed here in 2011, and after 14 years, we decided on immersion with the committee's approval," Shastri added. Temple devotees supported the move, saying the idol was neither worshipped nor maintained in recent years. Neeraj Kumar Gupta, a local devotee, said, "Sai Baba has no place in our religion or scriptures. Hardly anyone worshipped him here. On Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesh's idol will be installed in his place." Another devotee, Jagdev Kumar Gupta, said, "The idol was not being worshipped for years. We decided to immerse it respectfully in the Ganga." Hindu Mahasabha Sambhal city President Kamlakant Tiwari said, "The idol was removed with everyone's consent. There was no opposition or controversy." The temple, built in 1992, saw the installation of the Sai Baba idol in July 2011. India's propose air defence system -- Sudarshan Chakra -- will entail a colossal amount of integration of sensors, missiles, surveillance apparatus and artificial intelligence tools, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan said on Tuesday as he articulated the broad contours of the ambitious project. IMAGE: Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan addresses at the Ran Samwad conference at the Army War College in Dr Ambedkar Nagar, Madhya Pradesh. Photograph: Press Information Bureau The Chief of Defence Staff said the air defence system will work as "a shield and a sword', and suggested it will be on the lines of Israel's Iron Dome all-weather air defense system, known as a very effective missile shield. Gen Chauhan's comments on the proposed missile shield at a defence conclave here are the first from the military after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the 10-year project during his Independence Day address. In his address at the 'Ran Samwad' -- a tri-services seminar on war and warfighting -- Gen Chauhan also briefly delved into Operation Sindoor and said a number of lessons have been learnt from the conflict and they are being implemented. "Operation Sindoor was a modern conflict from which we learned a number of lessons, and most of them are under implementation, some have been implemented," he noted The top military officer broadly elaborated on the possible structure of the Sudarshan Chakra, describing it as India's own "Iron Dome or Golden Dome". "I think the aim is to develop a system to protect India's strategic, civilian and nationally important sites, and it will act both as a shield as well as a sword," the Chief of Defence Staff said. "It will entail the development of robust infrastructure and processes for the detection, acquisition, and neutralisation of the enemy's air vectors, including using both soft kills and hard kills, both kinetic and direct energy weapons." Gen Chauhan said the missile shield will comprise various elements of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance as well as various weapons systems. "We'll have to look at multi-domain ISR, integration of ground, air, maritime, undersea, space, sensors, all becoming a key necessity and integrating them," he said. "A colossal amount of integration will be required, as multiple fields will need to be networked to provide a very fused picture to us. Colossal amounts of data will be needed to be analysed for information in real-time response," he added. The Chief of Defence Staff said the missile shield project will also have applications of artificial intelligence, advanced computation, data analytics, big data and quantum technologies. "For a vast country like India, a project of this magnitude will require a whole-of-nation approach. But like always, I am very sure Indians will do it at a minimal and very affordable cost," he said. PM Modi announced the Sudarshan Chakra project days after Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir reportedly hinted at targeting Indian assets along the border, including Reliance Industries Ltd's Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat, in case of any future military confrontation between the two countries. The project is planned to be implemented by 2035. In his remarks, Gen Chauhan also invoked Krishna and Arjuna, highlighting how they defeated the adversary in the battle of Kurukshetra. Emphasising that battlefields of tomorrow will not recognise service boundaries, he called for swift and decisive joint responses across domains to ensure victory in future wars. Describing Aatmanirbharta in defence and integrated logistics as key to emerge victorious in the wars to come, the top military official reaffirmed that 'jointness' is foundational to India's transformation. He underscored the need to institutionalise joint training and absorb constantly-evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber and quantum to enhance operational capability. Gen Chauhan said that developing capabilities in multiple domains is central for attaining victory in future wars. Citing Kautilya, he said India has been a fountainhead of ideas and knowledge since ancient times. However, very little literature on scholarly analysis of Indian Wars or academic discourse on strategy exists. "Serious research needs to be done on various dimensions of war, leadership, motivation, morale and technology. India needs to be Sashakt, Surakshit, Aatmanirbhar and Viksit. This can only be achieved when all stakeholders participate collectively in the process of building future ready forces," he said. The CDS pointed out that the idea of Ran Samwad is to create space for actual practitioners, especially young and middle level officers, who are aware of technological advancements. He stated that there is a need to hear their point of view thus creating an ecosystem wherein symphony and harmony among new ideas co-exist with the experience provided by the personnel. The two-day seminar brings serving military professionals to the forefront of strategic dialogue. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will deliver the plenary address on the second and final day. A few joint doctrines and the technology perspective and capability roadmap will also be released during the event. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his greetings on Ukraine's Independence Day, saying Kyiv was relying on "India's contribution" to end the war with Russia. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photograph: ANI Photo Zelenskyy, in a social media post, said Ukraine appreciates India's dedication to peace and dialogue. Now, as the entire world strives to end this horrible war with dignity and lasting peace, we count on India's contribution, Zelenskyy said. Every decision that strengthens diplomacy leads to better security not only in Europe, but also in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, he added. On August 16, Prime Minister Modi wished the people of Ukraine a future marked by peace and progress as he thanked Zelenskyy for his Independence Day wishes. Wishing India on its Independence Day on August 15, Zelenskyy said he hoped New Delhi would contribute to efforts aimed at ending the war with Russia. Modi said on X, "Thank you President Zelenskyy for your warm greetings. I deeply value the joint commitment to forging even closer ties between India and Ukraine. We earnestly wish our friends in Ukraine a future marked by peace, progress and prosperity." Zelenskyy on Tuesday posted a letter he received from Prime Minister Modi on August 24 which thanked the Ukrainian president for his thoughtful message and kind wishes on India's Independence Day. Recalling his visit to Kyiv in August last year, Modi said he looked forward to strengthening our mutually beneficial cooperation. "I also take this opportunity to extend my greetings to you and the people of Ukraine on the occasion of your Independence Day. I warmly recall my visit to Kyiv in August last year, and note the progress in the India-Ukraine bilateral relations since then. I look forward to working with you to further strengthen our mutually beneficial cooperation," he wrote. Modi said India has always stood on the side of peace and remains committed to extending all possible support for sincere efforts seeking an early, abiding and peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy". The Ukrainian leader's comments come amid the looming August 27 deadline for the 50 per cent punitive tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on India for buying Russian crude oil. Apparently stung by criticism from within the party for singing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's prayer song, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said he was sorry if anyone was hurt over its rendition in the state assembly and asserted that he was a Congressman and would die as one. IMAGE: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar. Photograph: @DKShivakumar/X Shivakumar, also the state Congress president, had taken everyone by surprise by singing the RSS prayer song on the floor of the House recently. "I am sorry if anyone is hurt," he said. "None from the party high command have questioned me on this." The deputy CM told reporters that he only made a "passing reference" in the assembly. "I'm not bigger than anyone, my life is there to give strength to everyone. I have stood by everyone in their difficulty, still I stand by them...as a loyal Congressman I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings... If you want an apology, yes. For all the Congressmen and many political party friends of INDIA bloc they may be hurt." "If you feel that I have committed a mistake, which I have not done, I'm still ready to apologise," he said. On August 21, Shivakumar recited a couple of lines of the RSS' prayer Namaste Sada Vatsale... in the assembly during a debate on the June 4 Chinnaswamy stadium stampede. The BJP had welcomed Shivakumar singing the anthem by thumping the desks in the House. Reaffirming his loyalty to the Congress party and Gandhi family, Shivakumar further said, "My loyalty to the Congress party and Gandhi family cannot be questioned by anyone." "I'm a born Congressman, I will die as a Congressman." Senior Congress leader B K Hariprasad on Monday had wondered if Shivakumar was trying to "impress someone" by singing the RSS' prayer inside the assembly. "We have no objection to Shivakumar reciting the prayer as the Deputy CM because a government belongs to all, including the RSS. If he said it as Congress president, he'll have to apologise," he had demanded. 'Prime minister is expected to hold some bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO summit.' IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping engage in a brief interaction at the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, August 23, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a visit to Tianjin, China, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Tanmay Lal, secretary (west) at the ministry of external affairs, said on Tuesday. Sharing the programme elements for the SCO summit in Tianjin, Lal said it includes a welcome banquet dinner on the evening of August 31, with the main summit to be held on September 1. "And in addition to this, prime minister is expected to hold some bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO summit," Lal told media at a special briefing ahead of Modi's visit to Japan and China. Highlighting the primary goals of the SCO -- namely countering the three evils of terrorism, separatism and extremism -- Lal underlined that there is a broader range of sectors of cooperation among the SCO members. He shared how Modi has consistently participated in previous SCO summits -- 2018 in Chengdao, 2019 in Bishkek, 2020 in Moscow in virtual format, 2021 in Dushanbe in virtual format, 2022 in Tashkent, 2023 in New Delhi virtual format. Lal highlighted how in recent months, India has participated at several ministerial levels, senior levels, ongoing processes of SCO, which included meetings where the Indian delegation was led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in their relevant SCO formats. The SCO comprises 10 members. In addition to India, they include Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India has been a member of the SCO since 2017, while earlier it was an observer since 2005. During the period of its membership, India has held the chair of the SCO council of heads of government in 2020 and of the SCO council of heads of State during 2022-2023. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who was on an official visit to India from August 18-19, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and handed over a message and an invitation from Xi for the SCO summit in Tianjin. 'All the good in our family began with His arrival. For 20 years we have brought Him home with love and reverence.' As Mumbai readies to celebrate its biggest festival, a look at Ganeshotsav through the eyes of a devotee. IMAGE: Lord Ganesha that the Patanges will bring home this year. Photographs: Kind courtesy Jalandar Patange This Ganesh Chaturthi will mark 20 years since Jalandar Radhakrishna Patange started bringing Bappa home. "He has changed our lives. All the good in our family began with His arrival," says Patange whose family starts prepping three months prior for the most important festival of the year. The house is cleaned thoroughly; every alternate year it gets a new coat of paint. Plans are made about how to decorate the mandap and trips are made to Crawford Market at the other end of town to buy the novel decoration items, torans and everything needed for the pooja. IMAGE: The mandap with decorations for Bappa. The television is moved out of its place in the one-room-kitchen flat to make way for Bappa. The space is then elaborately set up as a grand pedestal with lights, flowers, fruits, grain, sweets, decorative pieces collected over the years, including a desktop Indian flag. The order for the idol is placed weeks in advance. For the past ten years, Patange has bought it from the same vendor. This year he offered Rs 4,251 for the murti and will bring it home with reverence on Tuesday night. In earlier years, he would bring it by local train from Lalbaug, home to the city's grandest Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal -- Lalbaughcha Raja, the King of Lalbaug. Then a group from his neighbourhood would pool in to hire a tempo and travel to the Ganpati artisan's stall to bring Bappa home. It was a nice way of community bonding where they would drop into each other's homes for darshan. IMAGE: Twin idols of Goddesses Gauri at the Patanges' home. Now he gets the idol from a place closer to home by car or taxi. "Our first Bappa idol was placed on our kitchen slab in our rented accommodation. We had put the stove on the floor. Two people had come for darshan the first time," says Patange remembering those days with warmth. IMAGE: Patange's son Rahul -- who works at an IT major -- with the idol last year. One of those friends does not keep good health now. But the other has continued to visit each year. Another friend used to visit as a bachelor, now he comes with wife and family. He has come each year, without fail, travelling a great distance in the megapolis which is famous for long-lasting friendships. IMAGE: The family on its way for visarjan last year. Since moving to his own flat 11 years ago, Patange invites residents of his building, friends and colleagues he has known over the years. Every year on the penultimate day of visarjan, he invites 50-60 people for lunch. Tables are laid in the corridor where people sit to have a vegetarian meal of jeera rice, dal, vegetable and modaks. His wife Manisha's friends from the building come to help in making modaks. Friends who work as cooks lend a hand in preparing the big meal. It is time of bonding, friendships, sharing and coming together -- all under Bappa's gaze and grace. Since many who come for darshan offer bananas at Bappa's feet, the couple makes time every evening to feed them to a cow in the neighbourhood. IMAGE: The mandap gets ready. "We make all the food at home. It is all part of a happy, festive experience. We feel Bappa's blessings through each day. It is among the happiest times of the year for us," says Patange who began life driving a vegetable truck and has gone on to build a solid life on hard work and the ability to learn new skills quickly. The first time, when he and his wife decided to bring Bappa home soon after moving to Mumbai from their village in Maharashtra, they could not go through with the plan due to some hindrance. IMAGE: Bappa at the Patanges' home last year. When a few months later, Patange took seriously ill for three months, he thought it was a consequence of not bringing Bappa home. Next year, he made it a point to observe the festival for a full 10 days and has not wavered since. "My life just turned for the better after that. My children studied well, I bought a house, got my daughter married, my son found a good job and I became a grandfather." "Bappa made all this possible. He has blessed us richly," he says folding his hands in reverence as he prepares to bring Him home again. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff The textile and apparel sector is India's second-largest employment provider, after agriculture, and it is now caught in a wave of uncertainty following the Donald Trump administration's tariff policy. IMAGE: A garment factory in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, here and below. All photographs: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 16, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin raised an alarm. Up to 3 million jobs in the state's textile and apparel sector were at immediate risk, he wrote. Stalin pointed to the impact of the United States government's 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports, which threatens livelihoods in a sector that employs 7.5 million people in Tamil Nadu. While the chief minister's appeal focused on his state, the crisis is national in scale. The textile and apparel sector is India's second-largest employment provider, after agriculture, and it is now caught in a wave of uncertainty following the Donald Trump administration's tariff policy. Exporters have either halted shipments to the US or are fulfilling orders at a loss, while American retail giants including Walmart, Target, Amazon, TJX Companies, Kohl's, Gap Inc, and H&M have asked their Indian suppliers to hold consignments until tariff clarity emerges. India is at a steep competitive disadvantage in the American market. While Bangladesh and Vietnam face tariffs of 20 per cent, and Indonesia and Cambodia 19 per cent, India is saddled with 50 per cent. Even China, at 30 per cent, fares better. Exporters fear not just a squeeze on revenues but also the prospect of ceding ground once again to rivals. Data from January to June 2025 reflects this trend. According to the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI), India's exports to the US rose to $5.36 billion, up 12 per cent from $4.79 billion during the first six months of calendar 2024, ranking the country third (see chart). Vietnam, now the second-largest supplier, registered $8.54 billion worth of exports, a rise of 19 per cent. Bangladesh rebounded strongly after last year's political turmoil with a 24 per cent surge to $4.36 billion. China, still the largest supplier, saw a 16 per cent decline to $9.34 billion. 'India, after a promising performance in the first three months of 2025, witnessed a notable slowdown in T&A (textiles and apparel) exports to the USA. In June 2025, India's exports grew by only 3.3 per cent compared to June 2024 -- much lower compared to its earlier growth trajectory and significantly below its competitors like Vietnam and Bangladesh,' the CITI report read. The slowdown is most keenly felt in Tiruppur, the country's knitwear hub. Last year, the region benefited from Bangladesh's political crisis, contributing 44,747 crore -- 69 per cent -- of India's total knitwear exports of 65,178 crore in 2024-25. That advantage is now under threat. With cheaper labour, tariff benefits, and quota-free plus duty-free access to the European Union under the Everything But Arms scheme, Bangladesh -- ranked a Least Developed Country -- has regained its footing. The EU tariff structure alone gives it a 10 per cent price advantage over India, which continues to face 9 to 10 per cent duties on most apparel items. One silver lining for India is the UK trade deal, which is expected to bring in additional business of around 7,000 crore to the textile and apparel industry. "Tiruppur is slowly moving towards the premium segment and away from the entry sector. Bangladesh is strong at the entry level where the volume is higher. It is doing three to four times what India does," said R Senthil Kumar of Premier Agencies, a major exporter from the Tiruppur region. The US remains India's largest apparel market, accounting for a third of all exports. But exporters warn that orders could shift quickly if the tariff situation is not resolved. "Across all product categories, India's contribution is barely in the single digits. US brands can shift volumes quickly if the tariff issue is not resolved," said P Senthilkumar, partner at Vector Consulting Group. "Tariffs are expected to cause a decline in exports, reduce margins, and lead to job cuts and uncertainty in this labour-intensive sector," he cautioned. The industry is urging the Centre to intervene with relief measures. It has asked for a correction of the inverted goods and services tax (GST) structure on man-made fibres by bringing the entire chain under a 5 per cent slab; exemption of import duty on cotton; an extension of collateral-free loans under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme with a 5 per cent interest subvention and a two-year moratorium on principal repayment; enhancement of Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products benefits to 5 per cent; and access to pre- and post-shipment credit to all textile exports, including yarn. "We have also requested the central government to give subsidy for labour as well. That will help the industry sustain this crisis," said K M Subramanian, president, Tiruppur Exporters' Association and promoter of KM Knitwear. How rivals pulled ahead Until around 2010, India held the second spot in global apparel exports, but its slow growth through the 2000s allowed Bangladesh to overtake it. Dhaka capitalised on garment-focused policies, developed Export Processing Zone clusters, and also benefited from raw material supplies from India under the Multi-Fibre Arrangement until 2005. During this period, many large Indian companies, too, expanded their manufacturing ecosystem to Bangladesh. Trade-policy analyst S Chandrasekaran indicates that roughly 25 per cent of textile manufacturing units in Bangladesh are Indian-owned -- including brands like Shahi Exports, House of Pearl Fashions, Jay Jay Mills, TCNS, Gokaldas Images, and Ambattur Clothing. As they grew in size and faced labour issues here, they moved to a place where this problem could be addressed, said Kumar of Premier Agencies. While the average salary of employees in Tiruppur is over $180 to $200 (about 15,500 to 17,500) a month, in Bangladesh, it is around $100 to $115 (about 8,500 to 10,000). Despite these challenges, industry players believe India retains an edge due to its strong raw material base. The country is the world's largest cotton producer and has an abundant supply of polyester, silk, jute, and man-made fibres, while Bangladesh relies on imports from India and China. "It is not easy for US majors to shift their orders from India immediately. Even if that happens, we can look at alternative markets like Russia, Africa and West Asia," said Chandrasekaran. As the tariff standoff deepens, India's textile sector stands at a crossroads. The question is: can it leverage its raw material strength and new trade deals to weather the storm or will it lose more ground to rivals that have steadily outpaced it? Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff 'I am alive, I have not died. Look, I am standing and speaking,' says Imarti Devi who is listed as deceased and whose name has been deleted from the voter's list. M I Khan reports from Dharaichak, a village in Bihar where 200 voters have been removed from the voter's list. IMAGE: Shanti Devi outside her home. All photographs: M I Khan Shanti Devi, in her mid-30s, is a vocal supporter of the Opposition's allegations of 'vote theft' after the names of five members of her family were deleted from the voter list. Shanti is not alone. Anandi Prasad, Sushila Devi, Kiran Devi, Sanju Devi, Subodh Kumar and Imarti Devi share one thing in common: All of them are residents of Dharaichak village under Phulwarisharif block, about 15 km from Patna. They are genuine voters, but their names were deleted by the Election Commission of India during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar. They are seven of the over 200 voters in Dharaichak whose names were deleted for various incorrect reasons. IMAGE: Sushila Devi. Shanti Devi is upset and angry about the deletion of names from the voter list. "We have been living in the village and voted in the last two elections -- the 2024 Lok Sabha and 2020 Bihar assembly elections -- but our names were deleted with the reason 'shifted'. It is either a mistake or a deliberate attempt to remove voters to prevent them from participating in electing the next government in the state," says Shanti Devi, who was busy cleaning dung from her buffalo on a rainy day. She was initially reluctant to speak as her husband and others were outside the house, but when asked if her name had been removed from the voter list like many others in her village, Shanti Devi came forward to tell her story. "We are poor, my husband works as a labourer in construction in Patna. We cannot understand why our names were removed. Even though we filed enumeration forms in July during the SIR of the electoral rolls, our names are missing," says Shanti Devi, standing at her front door sporting a red bindi on her forehead and sindoor, symbols of a married woman. "In the EC list, we have been shown as 'shifted', but the fact is that we are in the village and are not migrating anywhere for work," she adds. IMAGE: Anandi Prasad. Another villager, Anandi Prasad, who is in his early 60s, says his name was removed from the voter list for the first time. "Never before has such a thing happened. This time the names of so many villagers have been deleted from the voter list." "I have been voting for over four decades, but now my name is not on the voter list. Is this not a move to deprive people like me of my Constitutional right to vote?" asks Anandi, a marginal farmer. Santosh Kumar, a young home tutor, has a different story; his name is on the voter list, but the names of six members of his family were deleted. "The names of my mother, Sushila Devi, my elder brother, Subodh Kumar, and his wife, Anita Devi, along with their sons, Sonu Kumar and Kaushal Kumar, were deleted even though they are all present in the village. This is something unbelievable but true. It is an example of how names were deleted from the voter list in the ongoing SIR." IMAGE: Subodh Kumar. Santosh Kumar, who is a Booth Level Agent (BLA) for the Rashtriya Janata Dal, says while he has submitted forms again for the inclusion of their names, it is not a simple matter. "I have heard and read reports that similar things have come to light in Bhojpur, Katihar, Araria, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and other districts. There may be some design behind it." Sushila Devi says she is illiterate and rarely goes out of the village, but her name was deleted for being 'shifted'. "Is it not an attack on my voting rights, when I have been casting my vote for years?" Subodh Kumar, an autorickshaw driver, asks why the government was in a hurry to complete the SIR and why the entire exercise was conducted in a month. "What happened to us and hundreds of others was bound to happen because the BLOs (booth level officers) were not serious," he claims. IMAGE: Kiran Devi. Kiran Devi, a middle-aged woman in Dharaichak, never expected her name would be deleted. "I have done nothing wrong and have been voting for several years." A few metres away, Nagwanti Devi, an elderly woman, says the government has done something that has never been done before. "I am elderly and have voted election after election. Now my name has been deleted; will this not deprive me of my Constitutional rights?" she asks. IMAGE: Nagwanti Devi. Residents of several houses in this village have more or less the same story. Sanju Devi's name was also deleted. Unhappy about it, she asks how the names of so many villagers could have been deleted from the voter list. "I cannot understand why this has happened; the government should apologise to the voters." Ranjan Kumar, a young man, says the names of five members of his family were deleted. "All of them filled in enumeration forms, but they are on the deleted list." IMAGE: Ranjan Kumar. Satyadeo Prasad says four members of his family were found on the deleted list, with the 'shifted' tag. "We are farmers; there is no question of us shifting from our village because farmland is the main source of livelihood for farmers like us." Booth Level Official Raju Choudhary has pasted a list of deleted voters for booths 83 and 84 of the village. The local BLO confirms that there are more than 1,200 voters across both booths. According to the list, the names of 214 voters, including 33 who are deceased, were deleted. Imarti Devi's name appears on the list of the dead while others were deleted as 'shifted' and 'absent'. Imarti is alive and well in the village, but she is 'dead' on the voter list. Imarti says, "Hum zinda hai aur ka mar gelye hai. Dekha hum khada hai, bol rahal hai (I am alive, I have not died. Look, I am standing and speaking)." Following a Supreme Court directive, the ECI recently published the names of 6.5 million people who were removed from the draft electoral rolls as part of the SIR exercise in Bihar. The ECI has published the names of voters who were deleted due to being 'Absentee', 'Shifted', or 'Dead'. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff "I think that Bennington will be a great location for Her Closet," said the store's administrator Kendy Skidmore. "And, I'm hoping that we get Swiss-founded IT service provider and systems integrator Adfinis is looking to continue its path to bring open-source software, particularly for AI transparency and security, to customers in Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ). In an interview with Reseller News, IT director David Grolimund said Adfinis initially started with one engineer in Brisbane and now employs 10 people. Adfinis has 25 years of operations in Switzerland, and five years in A/NZ. Its customers span various sectors, including telcos, finance, and government, across Asia Pacific [APAC] and occasionally in Europe and the US. In April, the IT provider and SUSE partner was tapped to support Aussie Broadbands move off VMware. Adfinis worked with Aussie Broadband to build a private cloud platform using SUSE solutions to create a unified, scalable cloud hosting platform as part of a major IT transformation project. There have been challenges, especially as Aussie Broadband is moving away from a VMware solution thats in the market for a long time and has a lot of adoption across the globe with a lot of big organisations, he said. Then youre building something totally built on open source that doesnt come out of the box. The customer knows that the solution were building is flexible and can be customised. Obviously, there are certain requests to customise stuff, which can go to an extreme that makes it difficult. Grolimund noted there are all these choices for the customer that extends the decision-making process, which doesnt help with timelines. It extends the decision-making process because you have so many options that you have to discuss, he said. But in this particular case, what we were proposing with SUSE was the right fit for them. Lenovo has acknowledged the efforts of its top partners in the Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ) region at its 2025 Business Partner Gala Awards. Held at Sofitel Wentworth in Sydney on 21 August, the awards recognised organisations and individuals over 14 categories, and followed its flagship partner event, Accelerate 360. Its always a special moment when we get to bring our partners together in the same room, and even more so when we can celebrate their achievements, said Lenovo A/NZ channel lead Kirat Khara. We host this event each year to recognise the incredible work our partners do every day, and Im always inspired by the passion and commitment they bring to supporting customers, driving innovation, and growing the market. In the Intelligent Device Group awards, A/NZ Distributor of the Year went to Ingram Micro while A/NZ Reseller of the Year was won by ASI Solutions. Additionally, Iris Computing picked up A/NZ Public Sector Reseller of the Year, Queensland Computers scored A/NZ Commercial Services Reseller of the Year and OnLine Centre took the gong for A/NZ Authorised Partner of the Year. Within the Infrastructure Service Group set of awards, Ingram Micro was acknowledged again with its win of A/NZ Distributor of the Year. A/NZ Reseller of the Year went to Stott Hoare, A/NZ Growth Partner of the Year was won by Datacom and A/NZ Authorised Partner of the Year was awarded to TEAMYON. Within the last set of organisation awards, One Channel AU Reseller of the Year went to Fujitsu Australia, and the One Channel NZ Reseller of the Year was won by Cyclone Computer Company. The individual awards included the One Channel Australia Lenovo Legend, which went to Dicker Data general manager Tony Trinh, the One Channel New Zealand Lenovo Legend, which was picked up by The Laptop Company solution delivery manager Simon Farrell and Datec Fiji chief operating officer Veer Sharma. Meridian Energy has made big changes to the structure of its retail business after opting to roll out billing software from UK-based Kraken to replace a platform developed by its own subsidiary Flux Federation. Since December 2024, the retail team at New Zealands largest generator has been embedding new ways of working and starting the transition to Kraken. Those changes have been difficult for our people as, along with creating new roles and opportunities, they also resulted in redundancies both within retail and at Flux, the company reported today. To help protect peoples wellbeing during these times, and to support the broader organisation, we instigated a revised wellbeing strategy that balanced concern for the individual with a focus on team and collective psychological health. Meridian also booked a $33M impairment of its Flux business, contributing to a $452M overall loss in the year to the end of June, as Kraken set the company on a path to what it described as next generation retail. This platform will support delivery of the modern, data-driven digital experiences that customers demand and improve our in-house capability to deliver energy propositions that will make energy cleaner and cheaper, Meridian reported. At year end, weve established a deployment team and are now refining our plan to have customers on the Kraken platform and using the new digital front end (including a new retail energy app) starting from the second quarter of FY26. The new strategy saw Flux brought closer to the group and shift focus from building a global business to concentrating on the Australasian market and servicing existing customers. Australia has decided to expel Irans ambassador and move toward officially designating the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a step that could prompt the United Kingdom and European Union to do the same. Australian intelligence agencies have linked the Iranian government to anti-Semitic arson attacks on Jewish community sites in Sydney and Melbourne in late 2024. The Iranian ambassador and three other officials have been given a week to leave the country -- the first time since World War II that Australia has expelled an ambassador. Hossein Alizadeh, a former Iranian diplomat in Finland, told RFE/RLs Radio Farda that the number of diplomats being expelled by Canberra carries a clear message. Expelling a single person is significant in diplomatic relations, but when Australia says it is expelling the ambassador along with three diplomats, it suggests they have solid evidence to support the allegation, he said. Irans Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei dismissed the allegations, insisting that antisemitism has no place in our policies. He said during his weekly press conference that Australias decision would hurt bilateral relations and is influenced by internal Australian affairs. Of course, every inappropriate and unjustified diplomatic action will have a reciprocal move, Baqaei said. Alizadeh told Radio Farda that the alleged plots on Jewish communities in Australia are part of Tehrans attempts to respond to Israels covert operations against Iranian interests, including sabotage operations and assassination attempts that Israel has never officially admitted to. He said Iran is not able to deliver proportionate responses to Israels actions, so it targets Jews across the world, regardless of whether they have any ties to Israel. Momentum Builds To Blacklist IRGC Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the IRGC terrorist listing is being prepared, bringing Australia in line with countries such as the United States and Canada. The IRGC has been accused internationally of directing violent campaigns outside Iran and suppressing dissent within its borders. Kylie Moore-Gilbert, a British-Australian academic who was jailed in Iran for two years on spying charges she denies, welcomed the governments decision. I applaud Albanese and [Foreign Minister Penny] Wong for stepping up and taking decisive action against a brutal regime which has long shown itself to be an enemy of the Australian people. It's such a shame that it's taken them so long, she wrote on X. The IRGC is a formal branch of Irans armed forces, but it is distinct from the regular army and holds much broader political and ideological responsibilities. It functions as both a domestic security force and an overseas paramilitary organization dedicated to furthering Irans interests through proxies and covert operations. It is also deeply integrated within Irans political and economic landscape. The EU and UK have faced mounting pressure to formally proscribe the IRGC, but both have so far stopped short, citing legal and diplomatic obstacles. The European Parliament has twice voted in favor of blacklisting the group, yet EU law requires a conviction, administrative ban, or evidence from a member state before a designation can proceed. In the UK, the government reportedly prepared to blacklist the IRGC as early as 2023 amid parliamentary and civil pressure but ultimately held back -- leaving Australias move as a potential catalyst for fresh debate in Europe and the UK. The commander of a Ukrainian unit fighting near the town of Dobropillya in eastern Ukraine has told RFE/RL that it will not be easy to regain territory seized by Russian forces in a sudden advance earlier this month. "Cutting off this incursion will require considerably more effort than we've spent so far," Vitaliy Pyasetskyy, commander of the Ukrainian 93th Mechanized Brigade, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. "The enemy has deployed reconnaissance and combat drone units. So cutting them off will be difficult," he said. Tank units with Ukraine's 93rd Mechanized Brigade are still trying to drive out the Russian units who broke through the defensive line after months of constant pressure, using small squads riding motorbikes. "Our mission was to repel the enemy's breakthrough in the village of Vesele and to mop it up in cooperation with our reconnaissance unit," explained a Ukrainian soldier with the call sign Snake. "We had reports that Russia was having no trouble in that part of the front so we had to f**k them up and push them out of the village." The interviews with Ukrainian soldiers were carried out in recent days. On August 26, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US think-tank and research group, reported that Ukrainian forces continued to pressure the Russian positions east and northeast of Dobropillya. The ISW cited a report by a Ukrainian military observer the previous day that said Ukrainian units had seized territory east and southeast of Dobropillya and along the western edge of the Russian penetration. Battlefield claims could not be independently verified. RFE/RL has also spoken to Russian prisoners-of-war in Ukrainian captivity. They described confusion during their advance and said their units had experienced heavy casualties. "Our commander ordered us via radio to go through wooded areas. We didn't know exactly where we were going," said one of the men, whose identity cannot be revealed. While these accounts can also not be confirmed independently, they correspond to similar statements made by Russian soldiers after returning home from front-line fighting in Ukraine. Ukrainian soldiers told RFE/RL that their forces had used robotic ground drones mounted with machine guns in recent fighting. These had been successful in scattering Russian soldiers, they said, adding that use of loudspeakers mounted on them calling on Russians to surrender were less effective. "The enemy paid no attention and didn't give up," as Pyasetskyy put it. Ukrainian ground forces have had successes in cutting off at least part of the invading troops, he said, but repeated that more resources were needed. A bookshelf can speak volumes about its owner. In Russian President Vladimir Putins case, the rearrangement of books in a cabinet behind his desk indicates the Kremlin has passed off old footage of meetings in his office as fresh video at least five times this year, RFE/RLs Russian investigative unit, Systema, has found. Putins frequent one-on-one meetings with regional governors, government agency heads, and others in his office in the Kremlins Senate Palace are a staple of state TV news programs, part of an effort to show Russians that he is actively managing affairs across the country and keeping officials in line. But five meetings presented as part of the current days events in April and May were actually recorded months earlier, Systema determined. The books in the glass-doored case are the giveaway: On five occasions, the footage showed an arrangement of books that was in place before it was changed in late February. Among other changes in the February rearrangement, a forward-facing, bound copy of the Russian Constitution was moved from the right side of the cabinet to the left. In addition to shedding light on Kremlin practices, the trickery raises questions about where Putin was -- and what he was doing -- on the days at issue. Journalists have been aware for some time that Putins administration keeps footage in the can for use at a later date. The Kremlin closely guards information about the health and private life of Putin, 72, and when he disappears from the public eye for several days, TV reports are examined closely for signs of whether his whereabouts are being kept secret. Four of the instances in which older footage was used this year came in the days before Putin met in St. Petersburg on April 11 with Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for US President Donald Trump who has come to Russia several times to discuss Trumps efforts to broker an end to the war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year since Putin launched the full-scale invasion of the neighboring country in February 2022. Footage published on April 2 and April 7 showed Putin meeting with the head of the Buryatia region and the chief of Aeroflot, respectively, and video from April 9 and 10 showed him meeting separately with two other officials all with the office bookshelf in its pre-February arrangement. Putin did not appear in public or at any group meeting or larger event from April 2 to 10. Another use of pre-February footage occurred on May 12, when the Kremlin published video showing Putin meeting in his office with the governor of the Ivanovo region, Stanislav Voskresensky. May 12 was the 42nd birthday of Alina Kabayeva, the 2004 Olympic gold medalist in rhythmic gymnastics who is widely reported to be Putins longtime partner and the father of at least two children by him. Putin and his wife, Lyudmila, divorced in 2014. Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not respond to a message that Systema sent on Telegram seeking comment. Authorities charged an artistic director at the Yeltsin Center with discrediting the Russian armed forces -- the second employee of the library and cultural center dedicated to the late Russian president to face such charges in the past month. Vladimir Shmyrov, a film critic who runs many of the Yeltsin Centers film screenings, was ordered to appear next week for a preliminary hearing at a district court in Yekaterinburg, the central city where the center is based. It wasnt immediately clear what prompted the charge against Shmyrov, who has organized screenings about censored Soviet films. Neither Shmyrov nor the Yeltsin Center could be reached for comment. However, a Yekaterinburg news site quoted a statement from the center saying Shmyrov had denied the charges: We hope that the court will be fair and will not agree with the accusation made in the charges. Last week, the same Yekaterinburg court fined another official at the Yeltsin Center for reposting an anti-war message on social media three years ago, an act the court deemed illegal under a law passed shortly after Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. 'No To War' That official, Lyudmila 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. 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. Telen is a former journalist who previously worked as a web editor for RFE/RL's Russian Service. 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 stayed out of public view in recent years. The Yeltsin Center, however, has come under scrutiny since the Ukraine invasion. Russian nationalists have criticized the center for some of the book readings and other cultural events it has hosted. Last year, the center was forced to cancel 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." With reporting by Current Time Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that her brother is living abroad, a potentially damaging revelation as the country's army struggles to find new military recruits amid Russia's ongoing invasion. Kyiv has barred men between 18 and 60 years of age from leaving the country since Russia began the full-scale war in February 2022. RFE/RL approached Svyrydenko while she was walking at an event in Kyiv on August 25 and asked if it was true that her brother, Vitaliy, had left Ukraine during the war. Svyrydenko continued walking and said "He did not leave during the full-scale war." Asked repeatedly if he left before the war and he had not returned, a visibly uncomfortable Svyrydenko did not at first reply but eventually said "he's living abroad." 'He's Living Abroad': Ukrainian PM Confronted About Brother by RFE/RL No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:26 0:00 Documents show Vitaliy Svyrydenko rented a property in London in August 2022. Although Svyrydenko's comments do not suggest any legal violations, the case feeds into ongoing debates in wartime Ukraine about how fairly travel restrictions are being enforced and demands for political transparency. Martial Law The introduction of martial law that restricted Ukrainian men's foreign travels has separated families, disrupted studies and work opportunities abroad, and created tensions at border crossings. Ukrainian media have reported on people complaining about an apparent gap between ordinary citizens' sacrifices and the privileges enjoyed by families of political elites. Media reports in Ukraine have also said that the travel ban has led to a rise in illegal border crossings, fake medical exemptions, and bribery. Vitaliy Svyrydenko, 37, is a former member of the Chernihiv regional council for the ruling Servant of the People party. He resigned from the post before the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022. His subsequent move to London became publicly known, and reports suggested his sister considered it a potential vulnerability when she was being considered for the premiership last month. Commenting on the case, Maryana Bezuhla, an independent lawmaker who left the Servant of the People party last year, said that officials must answer uncomfortable questions even if they cannot be held responsible for relatives' decisions. The controversy comes as Ukraine faces a shortfall in soldiers caused by desertion and low recruitment. At present, men aged 25 and older can be drafted. The country has been reluctant to lower the recruitment age. Ukraine's parliament is currently debating a proposed law that would permit men under 25 to travel abroad. The bill's supporters say the measure would ease pressure on families and reduce the number of young men attempting to leave the country illegally. According to proponents, the current blanket travel ban creates obstacles for those seeking legal opportunities to study or work abroad, while also encouraging corruption and public distrust. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the government and military to explore ways to ease border-crossing restrictions for young people without undermining military readiness. This story was edited to clarify that Vitaliy Svyrydenko rented a property in London, and did not purchase it as originally reported. US President Donald Trump again played down the likelihood of a quick meeting of the Russian and Ukrainian leaders and raised the possibility of new sanctions on Moscow, although he also said the Ukrainian side is not without blame. "I want to see that [war] end," Trump told reporters on August 26 at the White House. "It's very, very serious what I have in mind, if I have to do it. But I want to see it end." "We want to have an end. We have economic sanctions." "It will not be a world war, but it will be an economic war," Trump said. "An economic war is going to be bad, and it's going to be bad for Russia, and I don't want that." Trump has long used the threat of economic sanctions or high tariffs against other nations in international matters. He has warned about, but not yet imposed, economic measures against Moscow, although Washington and the West have slapped a series of crippling sanctions on Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. "I think that in many ways, he [Russian President Vladimir Putin] is there. Sometimes he'll be there and [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy won't be there. You know, it's like, who do we have today? I've got to get them both at the same time.," added Trump following a televised Cabinet meeting that lasted over three hours. "Zelenskyy is not exactly innocent, either. I get along with him now, but we have a much different relationship because now, we're not paying any money to Ukraine," said Trump, referring to a deal in which NATO members buy US weapons for use by Kyiv. In his latest comments, he also hinted at the possibility of measures against Kyiv without providing details. "I'm on very good terms with Putin. If I can save thousands of people from dying through sanctions against Russia or Ukraine or whomever, it's good." When asked about Putin's refusal to meet directly with Zelenskyy and the Kremlin's questioning of the Ukrainian leader's "legitimacy," Trump said, "It doesn't matter what [the Russians] say. They are all posturing. It's all bullshit." Russia has pressed ahead with its full-scale invasion of Ukraine with no pause following Trump's meetings with Putin in Alaska on August 15 and with Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House three days later. Trump, who has been seeking to broker an end to the war since he took office in January, used the meetings to press for a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, who have not met in person since 2019. Zelenskyy -- who has pressed for such a meeting with Putin -- on August 26 said Turkey, the Gulf States, or European countries could play host to any negotiations the two might eventually hold. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, however, told NBC TV last week that "this agenda is not ready at all. Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, later said he will soon meet with Ukrainian representatives in New York. "I'm meeting with the Ukrainians this week...and that's a big signal," he told Fox News. "We talk to the Russians every day." Russia's Battlefield Gains Meanwhile, Ukrainian military leaders updated Zelenskyy on developments in the east of the country, where Russia has made battlefield gains in recent months against the outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian army. "Our main attention is now focused primarily on Pokrovsk, Dobropillya, Novopavlivsk, and Kupyansk, as well as on the Zaporizhzhya directions," Ukraine's top military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskiy, wrote on Telegram. Syrskiy reported that "we have positive trends in the border areas of Sumy and Kharkiv regions," although battlefield claims cannot always be immediately verified. Kyiv has been urgently seeking more weapons from the West amid concerns that, even after the two recent summits in the United States, Russia is "not interested" in peace, a senior adviser to Zelenskyy told RFE/RL's Current Time on August 25. The United States and European nations have supplied Ukraine with billions of dollars' worth of aid and military hardware since the start of the full-scale invasion, although Trump has pressed Europe to take over much of the burden. Mykhaylo Podolyak said Kyiv has been in "active consultations" with US and European officials "about increasing the supply of various tools for conducting counter war operations." Off the battlefield, the Ukrainian government said it has granted men up to the age of 22 permission to leave the country despite the ongoing war. "Men between the ages of 18 and 22 can cross the border unhindered during the state of war," Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on Telegram. Kyiv had barred men between 18 and 60 years of age from leaving the country since Russia began the full-scale war. The introduction of martial law that restricted Ukrainian men's foreign travels has separated families, disrupted studies and work opportunities abroad, and created tensions at border crossings. Ukrainian media have reported on people complaining about an apparent gap between ordinary citizens' sacrifices and the privileges enjoyed by families of political elites. Media reports in Ukraine have also said the travel ban has led to a rise in illegal border crossings, fake medical exemptions, and bribery. On August 25, Svyrydenko confirmed to RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that her brother, Vitaliy Svyrydenko, 37, is living abroad, a potentially damaging revelation as the country's army struggles to find new military recruits amid Russia's ongoing invasion. When pressed on the matter, Svyrydenko said, "He did not leave during the full-scale war." Although Svyrydenko's comments do not suggest any legal violations, the case feeds into ongoing debates in Ukraine about how fairly travel restrictions are being enforced and demands for political transparency. With reporting by Reuters Darragh Mc Donagh Doctors in Limerick have issued a warning after a teenage girl contracted a rare and potentially deadly disease from horses. The 17-year-old was hospitalised and required six weeks of intravenous antibiotics after she presented at the emergency department of University Hospital Limerick (UHL) with a range of painful symptoms. She was eventually diagnosed with Streptococcus equi a rare bacterial infection that causes strangles in horses and can be lethal in humans, although zoonotic transmission is uncommon. Human infection can cause bacteremia, which may result in sepsis or septic shock. It can also cause a rare muscle disease called myositis, and swelling of the bones. The bacteria can also infect heart valves, and cause septic arthritis. It is particularly dangerous for immunocompromised individuals, people with diabetes, and newborns, with mortality rates in these groups ranging from 33 per cent to 66 per cent. The teenager attended UHL after feeling unwell for around a week, complaining of a sore throat, cough, and fever. These symptoms had improved after two days, so she participated in a horse grooming show. However, she fell ill again after the show, developing a rash on her left leg, as well as painful swelling that caused her to limp. She tested positive for influenza B virus and was told to self-isolate and rest. But subsequent blood tests revealed the presence of Streptococcus equi and she was readmitted. The girl was diagnosed with bacteremia bacteria in the bloodstream that can cause septic shock along with left lower limb cellulitis, and myositis. The infection was treated with six weeks of intravenous antibiotics. An MRI two months later showed significant improvement, but she still had mild residual myofascial edema swelling of the muscles and surrounding tissues. In a case report published in the latest issue of the Irish Medical Journal, doctors at UHL warned that comprehensive history-taking was vital to expedite diagnosis and treatment of Streptococcus equi. They suspected that the original influenza B infection had caused immunosuppression, facilitating the transmission of the bacteria to the girl from the horses that she was grooming. This case highlights the impact of transient immunosuppression, potentially induced by the influenza B virus infection, on the severity of S. equi infection, they wrote. Furthermore, it emphasises the importance of a thorough clinical history to prevent diagnostic delays and suboptimal outcomes. This weeks Tech Tuesday, we look at tools that can turn competitive intelligence from guesswork into science. Staying ahead of competitors isnt just about having a great product anymore: its about knowing what theyre doing before they even announce it. The modern business landscape moves at lightning speed, and the companies that win are those armed with real-time intelligence about their competitions strategies, customer moves, and market positioning. Whether youre tracking a rivals digital marketing spend, analysing their latest funding round, or understanding why prospects choose them over you, the right competitive intelligence tools can be the difference between reactive scrambling and proactive market leadership. Valona Valona Intelligence is a top-tier real-time competitive intelligence platform that combines advanced generative AI with expert analyst support to give businesses actionable market insights. Valona transforms strategic decision-making by delivering real-time monitoring of competitors, market dynamics, and emerging trends from a vast, multilingual source network. Key Features: Valona pulls together and analyzes content from over 200,000 global sources in 115+ languages, including both public and premium sources, ensuring broad coverage and clear signals. The platform offers customizable sales battlecards, trend radars, dashboards, and AI-powered summaries that turn complex intelligence into clear, visual insights. With its interactive AI assistant (VAL), users can do on-demand research, ask follow-up questions, and access structured analysis like SWOT or win/loss breakdowns. Best for: Large enterprises, strategic teams, and cross-functional groups across industries especially manufacturing, finance, automotive, and medical devices looking to scale competitive intelligence operations. Crayon Crayon is a real-time competitive intelligence platform that automates the capture, analysis, and activation of competitor and market insights. It monitors a broad range of digital signals including website updates, pricing changes, job postings, support content, reviews, SEC filings, and product changes giving businesses continuous and comprehensive oversight of their competitive landscape. Key Features: Crayons AI-powered system delivers daily summaries and prioritized insights via email alerts and a central dashboard (Crayon Picks), helping teams focus on the most important intelligence without manual work. It supports comprehensive content creation tools like battlecards, enablement newsletters, and alert-driven communications, all integrated into CRMs, Slack, and other workflow tools. The platform also provides performance analytics tracking battlecard engagement, influenced revenue, win/loss trends, and competitive adoption metrics. Best for: Sales enablement teams, product marketers, competitive intelligence leaders, and go-to-market professionals in mid-market to enterprise organizations looking to scale competitive insights operations. Crayon works well for teams that want to give sellers timely intelligence, improve competitive win rates, and align market signals with strategic playbooks. Contify Contify is a market and competitive intelligence platform that helps businesses centralize and streamline competitive insights. Using AI and proprietary crawling, it pulls intelligence from over 1 million sources worldwide to help teams track competitors, market shifts, and emerging trends. Key Features: Intelligent newsfeed with custom filtering, AI-powered summaries, customizable dashboards, newsletter management, and alert systems. Supports primary intelligence uploads, content editing, 100+ language translations, and integrates with Slack, MS Teams, Salesforce, HubSpot, and Power BI. Best for: Strategy, product, marketing, and sales teams in mid-market to enterprise organizations, especially in consulting, healthcare, IT, telecom, and finance, that need quality competitive intelligence embedded into workflows. Rival Tech Rival Technologies is a conversational research platform that transforms competitive intelligence by turning surveys into chat-based interactions via SMS, social media, or mobile web for faster, more authentic feedback. Companies like Coca-Cola, John Deere, Dell, and Paramount use Rival to capture immediate insights that inform competitive strategy. Key Features: Mobile-first survey experiences, AI-powered analysis of responses including video feedback, real-time sentiment analysis, and customizable dashboards. AI agents automatically analyze open-ended responses and provide summaries, sentiment breakdowns, and follow-up suggestions. Best for: Product strategy, insights, and go-to-market teams in mid-market to enterprise organizations, especially in CPG, finance, retail, media, and tech industries that need continuous customer sentiment insights for competitive positioning. CB Insights CB Insights is a market intelligence platform that provides real-time insights into private companies, investments, and business trends. It uses AI-powered analytics like the Mosaic Score to assess company health from funding data, patents, and news mentions, while offering specialized AI agents for competitive monitoring and strategic planning. Key Features: Advanced AI analytics, Mosaic Score for company assessment, AI Agent Workforce with domain-specific agents, curated research reports, customizable dashboards, and API integration for enterprise workflows. Best for: Enterprise strategy, innovation, and corporate development teams in high-velocity sectors like fintech, healthcare, and tech who need predictive insights into competitors, investment trends, and partner ecosystems for high-stakes decision-making. AlphaSense AlphaSense is an AI-powered market and competitive intelligence platform that aggregates global data from company filings, analyst research, expert calls, and regulatory documents into a unified, searchable system. The platform provides real-time monitoring and decision-ready insights from premium content and proprietary datasets. Key Features: Generative Search with natural-language queries, Smart Summaries for earnings calls and SWOT analysis, Generative Grid for document summarization, sentiment analysis, custom watchlists, real-time alerts, dashboard monitoring, and collaborative Notebook+ tools for tracking market shifts and competitors. Best for: Enterprise strategy, corporate development, innovation, and finance teams in healthcare, tech, energy, and consumer goods who need comprehensive AI-backed market intelligence for high-frequency decision-making, M&A diligence, competitive tracking, and trend analysis in secure, enterprise environments. Similarweb Similarweb is an AI-powered digital intelligence platform that provides real-time competitive insights into web traffic, user engagement, search behavior, and digital marketing strategies. It offers comprehensive analysis of competitors online performance across desktop and mobile to help marketing, sales, and strategy teams benchmark and optimize their digital presence. Key Features: Real-time traffic and engagement metrics (visits, session duration, demographics), referral and search channel analysis (organic, paid, social, display), AI-powered Keyword Gap Analysis, AI Chatbot Traffic monitoring, Demand Analysis for search trends, customized dashboards, benchmarks, and automated alerts for digital shifts. Best for: Digital marketing executives, market analysts, and competitive strategy leaders in mid-market to large enterprises, especially in e-commerce, tech, media, and consulting, who need actionable insights into competitor digital activity to inform campaign planning, channel investment, SEO/paid strategies, and content optimization decisions. Ahrefs Ahrefs is a premier SEO and competitive intelligence platform that provides real-time insights into competitor search performance, backlink profiles, and keyword strategies. With extensive data coverage including over 35 trillion links and millions of tracked keywords, it enables organizations to monitor competitors organic and paid search activities to identify market positioning and optimization opportunities. Key Features: Site Explorer for competitor domain analysis (organic traffic, top pages, backlinks, PPC campaigns), Rank Tracker for visibility monitoring, Keywords Explorer and Content Gap for identifying competitor keyword advantages, share-of-voice analysis, and trend forecasting to detect emerging competitive signals. Best for: Digital marketing teams, SEO professionals, and content strategists in SMBs to enterprises who need tactical, data-driven intelligence on search competition. Particularly effective for organizations focused on optimizing organic performance, outperforming competitors in search results, and identifying content and backlink gaps with high accuracy and detail. Semrush Semrush is a comprehensive digital intelligence platform that provides real-time insights into competitor strategies across SEO, PPC, content marketing, and social media. As a leader in competitive research, it delivers complete visibility into how competitors generate traffic, allocate advertising budgets, and engage audiences across multiple channels. Key Features: Competitive Intelligence Toolkit with Traffic Analytics, Organic Research, Advertising Research, and Social Tracker for competitor analysis across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. .Trends feature for automated monitoring with notifications, plus Keyword Gap, Backlink Analytics, and Domain Overview tools for identifying content and link opportunities through competitive benchmarking. Best for: Digital marketing, SEO, and competitive strategy teams at mid-sized to large enterprises, especially in e-commerce, SaaS, and tech, who need to monitor and respond to competitor movements across search, advertising, and social media in real time. Ideal for organizations seeking a unified, data-rich platform for ongoing competitive benchmarking and strategic planning. Klue Klue is a real-time competitive intelligence and enablement platform that automates the collection, analysis, and distribution of market and competitor insights. It integrates win-loss feedback with external sources to provide teams with deal-ready intelligence, combining internal buy-side data with digital signals. Key Features: Automated competitive monitoring from web, news, and social sources with alert triage, transformation of raw data into dynamic battlecards and dashboards, AI-powered Compete Agent for targeted deal intelligence, browser extension for insight capture, embedded search and content creation tools, and tracking of content adoption impact on win rates and sales cycles. Best for: Mid-market to enterprise organizations, particularly sales enablement, product marketing, and competitive intelligence teams, looking to embed actionable competitor insights into sales workflows and strategic decision-making. Ideal when you need to distribute timely, relevant intelligence to sellers and measure its influence on competitive outcomes. 6sense 6sense is an AI-driven revenue intelligence and account-based marketing (ABM) platform that provides B2B teams with real-time insights into buying intent, competitor research behavior, and account engagement dynamics. By capturing billions of intent signals from the web, it helps organizations identify high-propensity accounts before they explicitly reach out. Key Features: Signalverse data ecosystem processing trillions of daily datapoints, 6AI engine for predictive modeling and buyer-stage scoring, dynamic account prioritization, Competitive Takeout module for automated campaigns targeting competitor-researching accounts, Intelligent Workflows for real-time orchestration across email, ads, and CRM, and Sales Intelligence with AI-driven seller guidance and outreach recommendations. Best for: Mid-market to enterprise B2B organizations with account-based sales and marketing models seeking to proactively win in-market accounts. Particularly beneficial for teams combining predictive intent data with automated activation to target competitor-engaged buyers through timed campaigns while aligning go-to-market motions with AI-driven strategic insights. Clozd Clozd is a specialized win-loss analysis and buyer intelligence platform that transforms qualitative mid-deal insights into strategic competitive intelligence. Combining technology, structured feedback methods, and expert analysis, it helps teams understand why they win or lose opportunities, enabling revenue-focused organizations to make faster, more informed decisions. Key Features: Automated win-loss process through live buyer interviews, surveys, and natural language processing of transcripts. Decision Drivers analysis surfaced via dashboards with customizable filters, real-time summaries, and automatically generated reports. AI-powered search tool Ask Clozd for interactive querying of win-loss data to extract nuanced insights instantly. Best for: Sales leaders, product marketers, go-to-market strategists, and executive teams in mid-market to enterprise organizations seeking clarity into buyer motivations. Ideal for teams looking to align product messaging, go-to-market strategies, and retention efforts by embedding structured competitive insights into core decision-making processes. ReportLinker ReportLinker is an AI-powered market and competitive intelligence platform that aggregates actionable insights from a broad range of data sourcessuch as news articles, company filings, government records, and market research reports. It enables intelligence professionals to monitor competitors, industries, and emerging trends efficiently, removing much of the manual data gathering burden. Key Features: ReportLinker offers a unified search and analysis interface, enabling users to extract, normalize, and visualize data such as named entities, facts, topics, and metrics across vast textual inputs. It supports AI-driven filtering, summarization, and trend detection to turn raw data into strategic insights, shipped via customizable dashboards, alerts, and formatted exports. Best for: Small to mid-sized teams and market analystsespecially within sectors needing rapid access to up-to-date market statistics and competitive context. Its particularly suitable for organizations or departments seeking efficient, cost-effective intelligence augmentation when traditional research methods are too time-consuming or siloed. A-INSIGHTS A-INSIGHTS is a specialized competitive and market intelligence platform purpose-built for the food and agriculture industry. It delivers cleaner, context-rich insights to intelligence teams by consolidating fragmented data sources and automating routine monitoringempowering teams to move beyond reactive reporting toward proactive decision-making. Key Features: A-INSIGHTS aggregates and interprets data from diverse sourcessuch as news, regulatory updates, workforce trends, and sustainability reportsthrough automation, saving up to 70% of time typically spent on data preparation. The platform supports insight generation at scale, offering structured benchmarking, competitor comparisons, and real-time alerts that surface pricing shifts, supply disruptions, or competitor moves. It pairs data automation with expert analyst support to deliver verified recommendations that illuminate the path for strategic decisions. Best for: Market intelligence teams, strategy professionals, and leadership within food and agribusiness companies (particularly those among the top global players) that require industry-focused, real-time competitive insights. A-INSIGHTS is ideal when deep domain expertise and high data quality in highly volatile sectorssuch as food supply chains and regulatory-heavy environmentsare critical to staying ahead. Comparison table: Tool Core Focus Key Features Best For Valona Intelligence Market & competitive intelligence Automated data aggregation, AI-powered insights, centralized intelligence hub Strategy teams, CI professionals in large organizations Crayon Real-time competitive tracking Competitor activity monitoring, battlecards, dynamic updates, integrations with CRM & sales tools Sales & marketing teams needing real-time competitor enablement Contify Market & competitive intelligence Curated competitive feeds, AI-based noise filtering, customizable dashboards, collaboration tools Enterprises managing multi-source market data RivalTech Competitive enablement Competitor activity tracking, content sharing, CRM integrations, deal support Sales and GTM teams needing timely competitive insights CB Insights Market intelligence & innovation tracking Startup & trend tracking, funding databases, predictive analytics Corporate strategy, M&A, innovation leaders AlphaSense Market intelligence via NLP AI-powered search, sentiment analysis, research aggregation from filings, news, and transcripts Financial analysts, researchers, corporate strategy teams Similarweb Digital market & web analytics Competitor traffic analysis, keyword intelligence, industry benchmarks Marketing & growth teams analyzing digital competitors Ahrefs SEO & competitor analysis Backlink monitoring, keyword research, traffic estimates, competitor web performance Digital marketers & SEO specialists SEMrush SEO & digital marketing intelligence Competitor keyword tracking, advertising insights, content gap analysis Marketing teams optimizing campaigns & SEO Klue Competitive enablement & intelligence sharing Competitor tracking, battlecards, CRM integrations, Slack/Teams workflows Revenue & sales enablement teams 6sense Revenue AI & predictive intelligence Buyer intent data, predictive analytics, account prioritization B2B marketing & sales teams focusing on ABM Clozd Win-loss analysis & buyer intelligence Buyer interviews, AI-powered transcript insights, decision driver analysis, Ask Clozd AI Sales leaders, product marketers, GTM strategists ReportLinker Report & data intelligence AI aggregation from filings, news, govt & reports; dashboards, alerts, visual analytics Market analysts and small-to-mid teams seeking broad, report-based intelligence on demand A-INSIGHTS Food & Ag industry intelligence Cleaned, domain-specific data, real-time alerts, analyst partnership Intelligence teams in food, agribusiness, and supply chains requiring specialized, timely insight Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Collective European Union action against Israel is long overdue, Tanaiste Simon Harris has said. Simon Harris, who is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs, said there are clear, concrete measures the EU can take. He was responding to an RTE News report that 206 former European ambassadors and officials had signed a letter calling on the EU to step up action against Israel over a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Describing the letter as a vital, unprecedented intervention, Mr Harris added: If we dont take collective action now against the backdrop of famine, when will we? Collective EU action could make a powerful difference. In a series of social media posts, he added: In the absence of collective action, groups of members states should seek to work together but this would not be as impactful or effective and be a indictment on our ability to act as a collective at a time when the EU itself has found Israel in breach of the Association Agreement. EU Foreign Ministers meet in Copenhagen this week and I look forward to discussing this directly with counterparts. Domestically, the Government has been accused of an absolute refusal to hold Israel accountable for a genocide. The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign has organised a series of demonstrations, with a protest scheduled for Tuesday evening around the Central Bank of Irelands role in approving Israel Bonds for sale in the EU. The bank is the designated authority in relation to the sale of Israel Bonds in the EU, and has determined the securities meet the standards of the blocs prospectus regulations. Israel bonds have been advertised as supporting the countrys economy and, more recently, websites promoting the securities emphasise their role in supporting Israels military operations in Gaza. Protesters and opposition parties have called for legislation that would give Ireland the power to refuse the sale of Israeli war bonds over human rights concerns. They say the bonds are intended to fund the war in Gaza, while Ireland has an obligation under the Genocide Convention to use all means likely to have a deterrent effect on those suspected of preparing genocide. The Central Bank has said regulations require it to approve prospectuses that meet standards of completeness, consistency and comprehensibility. The Israel bond prospectus is up for renewal on September 2nd. Meanwhile, activists have also called on the Government to pass the Occupied Territories Bill and include services within the legislation. Irelands coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and a group of independents committed to passing a ban on goods from the occupied Palestinian territories in its programme for government completed in January. However, a cross-party committee recommended the prohibition of imports from the Palestinian Occupied Territories should be extended to include trade in services. Renowned Irish artist Robert Ballagh is presenting one of his most well-known works to the John McGahern Barracks Museum in Cootehall this evening, Saturday. Credited with introducing Pop Art to Ireland, Ballaghs works have been exhibited all over the world. Born in Dublin in 1943, the artist began painting in 1967 and his milieu encompasses set design, the final series of Irish Punt banknotes, commemorative stamps and portraits of Irish literary, historical and establishment figures. A series of pictures of people, life-size, looking at paintings gained him international recognition. He is best known for his autobiographical images of himself, his family, his house and street. The painting, which will be presented to the John McGahern Barracks Museum this evening, Saturday, August 30th at 7 p.m., is his tribute to the novelist John McGahern. 'Portrait of John McQuaid' by famed Irish artist Robert Ballagh is being presented to the John McGahern Barracks Museum in Cootehall this Saturday night, August 30th. The painting focuses on the former Archbishop of Dublin, John Charles McQuaid (1895-1973). It is widely known that McQuaid coveted the red hat but never was made a cardinal. Robert Ballagh is ironically referencing this in the painting of McQuaid in a cardinals red robe. Since he had never seen a cardinal, Ballagh said, he used the Philippe De Champaigne painting of Cardinal De Richelieu in the Louvre as inspiration. The portrait depicts a Magdalene Laundry on McQuaids left, with a mother and baby home on the right. The books in the foreground reference the banning of books, including a novel by John McGahern, by Irelands Censorship of Publications Board in 1965. In an interview discussing the painting, Ballagh recounted that John McGaherns 1965 novel, The Dark, features a young man who has experienced sexual abuse as a child. The book was quickly banned and McGahern lost his teaching job in Dublin due to the influence of McQuaid. The treatment of McGahern, in addition to campaigns against book banning by authors like Edna OBrien and Frank OConnor, were factors in the changing climate of opinion that led to the next Censorship of Publications Act (1967). Following the presentation of the painting, he and his friends will be given a guided tour of the Barracks Museum. It feels like a delightful irony to write about why I love the Moylurg Tower, a brutalist concrete structure nestled in Lough Key Forest Park, County Roscommon. For many years, this building was reviled by locals and branded a monstrosity on Irish national television. Yet, to me, it is a treasurea piece of personal and architectural history tied to my late father, the modernist architect James Jim Fehily. My father, a pioneer of modernist architecture in Ireland, designed the tower in the late 1960s. Its story is one of contradictions, resilience, and, ultimately, redemption. Born in 1930, my father along with my mother obtained their Bachelors of Architecture from University College Dublin in 1954. He studied under master architects in the United States and they both worked with the famous modernist landscape architect Dan Kiley in Vermont abefore returning to Ireland to champion modernist ideals. Their practice, Fehily and Associates, designed the Moylurg Tower in 1971 as part of a commission by Bord FailteThe Irish Tourist Boardto transform the parklands around Lough Key into a forest park. Rising six stories and 150 feet high, the reinforced concrete structure replaced the charred remnants of Rockingham House, a grand Nash-designed mansion destroyed by fire in 1957. It was built during a time of architectural experimentation in Ireland, when brutalism was making its bold, controversial mark. But not everyone shared my fathers vision. In its early years, the Moylurg Tower was despised by the local community. To many, it represented an unwelcome departure from the grandeur of Rockingham House, a symbol of heritage that had once dominated the landscape. Acts performed from a perch high up on the 150ft high Moylurg Tower at Lough Key Forest Park. My fathers stark and unapologetic design was a futuristic statement and jarring contrast to the bucolic surroundings. One commentator famously called it an architectural blemish, while a 1995 segment on Irelands National Broadcaster, RTEs Nationwide labelled it Eyesore of the Week. Fergus Ahern, a local arts organiser, declared the tower had no artistic value, adding insult to injury by claiming my father hadnt even signed his name to the project. To me, these criticisms always stung. My father believed in the towers potential to create harmony between the manmade and the natural. The tower, 150 feet in height and six stories tall, was meant to offer panoramic views of the park, inviting visitors to marvel at the landscape. It was a modernist statement in a rural settingan act of courage and imagination. Growing up in a large Victorian house in Dublin with six siblings and an upstairs architectural practice run by my parents, I had always been surrounded by my parents visionary designs. The Moylurg Tower, in its raw and functional beauty, was a manifestation of his belief in modernisms capacity to elevate human experience. For years, the tower stood unloved, a relic of a bygone era and the proportions of the tower were compromised when the lift shaft was added for health and safety reasons in the mid-2000s, ruining its pure lines for aesthetes. Yet, over time, its fortunes began to change. In 2019, on the longest day of the year, the Moylurg Tower became the focal point of a participatory art performance called Before the Last Sun Sets. Commissioned by Roscommon Arts Centre, the event celebrated the layered histories of the tower and parklands through film, sound, costumes, and collective ritual. Participants brought the building to life, reclaiming it as a site of meaning and connection. This artistic revival was further cemented by Yvonne McGuinnesss documentary Whats Left Us Then, a poetic exploration of brutalism in rural Ireland. The film highlights the tension between the bucolic and the brutalist, portraying structures like the Moylurg Tower as both enduring and alien in their landscapes. McGuinness described the tower as an absolute oddity and reflected on its resonance with themes of unbelonging and homeconcepts that spoke to me deeply. Watching the documentary, I felt a renewed pride in my fathers work. His once-dismissed design was now being recognized for its boldness and beauty. The recent 'Night and Day Festival' in Roscommon featured the tower being lit up and used as a stage for musicians, it has yet again shifted shape in the public imagination.a For me, the tower is more than an architectural statement; its a family heirloom. A line drawing of the Moylurg Tower by an Irish artist hangs prominently in my kitchen, a daily reminder of my fathers legacy. My children have always thought the tower looks like something from Star Wars, its angular silhouette evoking the futuristic imagination of their grandfather. Every time I visit the west of Ireland, I make a point of climbing the tower. From the top, the views stretch over 350 hectares of forest and parkland, offering a perspective that feels timeless and transcendent. My father, who died in 2020, didnt live to see the Moylurg Tower and Brutalisms rehabilitation. But I like to think he would have been delighted by its newfound appreciation. This unyielding concrete structure, once deemed an eyesore, now stands as a testament to architectural vision and resilience. It is proof that beauty can take time to reveal itself, and that what may seem alien or strange can become beloved. The story of the Moylurg Tower is one of transformation. It rose from the ashes of Rockingham House, endured decades of scorn, and emerged as a symbol of brutalisms enduring appeal. It represents the courage of an architect who dared to challenge convention, and for me, it embodies a deeply personal connection to my father and his legacy. As I stand at its base or gaze out from its summit, I feel a profound sense of belongingto my family, to the Irish landscape, and to the enduring power of architecture to inspire and provoke. Rachel Feehily isaa lecturer in Literature and Justice at UCD School of English, Drama Film and holds a BA, BL, and MA. A very special homecoming awaited Shannon swimmer Paul Little when locals gathered at Tara Marina in Knockvicar last Thursday evening to celebrate his return following his heroic completion of the 230 km Swim the Shannon 2025 challenge. A welcome home hug awaits Paul Little from his brother William. Pic: Mark Kelly Paul, who was a past winner of Irelands Fittest Farmer, embarked on his audacious swim from Dowra, Co. Cavan on August 10th. Over eight gruelling days, he swam the full length of Ireland's longest river, reaching Limerick on August 17th and becoming the fastest person ever to complete the routeswimming an average of 30 km per day. Paul Little along with his family and support crew arriving for a special homecoming in Knockvicar. Picture: Mark Kelly A large crowd gathered in Knockvicar to celebrate his achievement. Paul thanked everyone who turned out on the evening and over the course of the swim week itself - he said there were some very low points during the week but he was buoyed on each day by the crowds that came to see and cheer him along the full stretch of the river. Paul Little with his parents and sister. He remarked that he started to believe he was hallucinating at certain points as he swam some very remote parts of the river only to realise what he was hearing was cheering from people who had make efforts to cross fields to the riverside to encourage him or also passing cruisers who had heard about his challenge via various social media channels or newspapers. It gave him huge strength and if anything he felt stronger the final two days of the swim as the support grew. Adrian Keaveney with Paul Little at the celebrations. Pic: Mark Kelly He thanked his amazing team who supported him over the week especially his wife Hazel who had kept everything going behind the scenes over the eight days. Mark Kelly pictured with William Little at the Knockvicar homecoming for Paul Little. The underlying purpose behind the challenge was close to Paul's heart: raising funds for North West STOP, a local suicide prevention charity. Though his initial fundraising goal was a modest 2,500, his efforts have inspired generosity beyond expectationswith donations well over 21,000 to date and climbing. Toni McGlynn, William Little and Eileen Maxwell pictured at Tara Marina in Knockvicar last Thursday to celebrate the return of Paul Little following his heroic completion of the 230 km Swim the Shannon 2025 challenge. Pic : Mark Kelly Nicola O'Connor of North West Stop spoke on the evening and thanked Paul for what he had undertaken and spoke of how the money raised would go on to save the lives of people that he or anybody else would not even realise. Paul Little addresses all the people who gathered at Tara Marina in Knockvicar on Thursday to celebrate his heroic completion of the 230 km Swim the Shannon 2025 challenge. Pic: Mark Kelly Donations can continue to be made by visiting his Facebook Page ' Paul's Swim the Shannon 2025' or via https://northweststop.enthuse.com/pf/shannonswim Tom Tuite A 67-year-old man has been barred from Dublin Airport unless he can show he has travel documents after being accused of hindering officials at Terminal 2. Aleksandras Michalcenko, with an address at Main Street, Ratoath, Co Meath, was arrested on Tuesday morning and brought before Judge Patricia Cronin at Dublin District Court. Garda Kyle Morrissey said Mr Michalcenko "made no reply" when charged. The garda did not object to bail but sought conditions which the judge agreed to impose. She warned the accused, who listened to the proceedings with the aid of a Russian translator, to stay away from the airport unless he was carrying travel documents, a boarding card or a passport. The garda had asked for a condition that the accused refrain from contacting civilian witnesses, adding that there were two main witnesses. However, Judge Cronin held that it was unnecessary to add that to the bail bond because it was accepted that Mr Michalcenko would not be able to identify them. However, she ordered the accused to sign on three days a week at a Garda station and accepted jurisdiction for the case to stay in the District Court, rather than sending it to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers. He is charged with impeding three named authorised officers in the exercise of their powers, or failing to comply with their requirements, at Departure Road, Terminal 2, contrary to section 48 of the State Airports Act. Defence counsel Paddy Flynn furnished the court with a statement of his client's means, and consequently, legal aid was granted. The judge also ordered disclosure of prosecution evidence to the defence and told Mr Michalcenko to appear again next month when he will be expected to enter a plea, or have a later hearing date set if he contests the case. Right to disconnect laws hit small businesses 26 August, giving employees legal power to ignore after-hours contact. Are you prepared? Whats happening: Right to disconnect laws extend to small business employees from 26 August 2025, giving them legal power to refuse monitoring, reading or replying to after-hours contact unless refusal is unreasonable. Why this matters: Small businesses have just days to implement policies and cultural changes that large companies spent an entire year developing, with the success depending on how confidently employees actually exercise their new rights. The countdown is on. In just over a week, Australian small business owners will face the same workplace reality thats been reshaping larger companies since 26 August 2024: employees who can legally ignore your weekend messages. The right to disconnect gives employees the power to refuse contact outside working hours from employers or third parties, unless doing so is unreasonable. While big companies have had 12 months to navigate this new landscape, small businesses are scrambling to understand both the legal requirements and cultural implications with less than a fortnight to go. Over the past year, the Right to Disconnect has become a regular feature of my day-to-day advisory work, says Warwick Ryan, Partner in Workplace Relations, Employment and Safety at Hicksons | Hunt & Hunt. Ive supported clients in updating employment contracts, drafting policies, and navigating the often-grey area of what constitutes reasonable out-of-hours contact. The timing coincides with another significant change: eligible casual employees at small businesses can now issue written notice to convert to full-time or part-time employment under the employee choice pathway. The reasonable test challenge The central challenge facing small business owners lies in defining what constitutes unreasonable refusal to respond to after-hours contact. Unlike prescriptive regulations, this legislation deliberately allows flexibility, but that same flexibility has left many employers uncertain about boundaries. A key challenge has been navigating the ambiguity around what constitutes unreasonable out-of-hours contact, Ryan explains. The legislation rightly allows for flexibility, but in practice, this has left many employers uncertain about where to draw the line, particularly for roles involving client responsiveness, urgent operational needs, or after-hours collaboration. Small businesses preparing for disconnect rules face particular challenges around international reporting lines, where communication across different time zones is the norm. Fair Works guidance suggests considering factors like the employees role, level of responsibility, personal circumstances, and whether compensation is provided for out-of-hours availability. But translating these principles into day-to-day practice requires nuanced judgement calls. Cultural shift takes time While the law changes overnight, workplace culture moves much more slowly. Ryan predicts it might take a few more years before employees really feel confident to exercise this right, particularly in client-facing or leadership roles where theres still an implied sense of availability. The disconnect laws are part of a broader package of workplace changes, including expanded rights to request flexible working arrangements and more flexible parental leave options. Together, these changes are empowering employees to have clearer conversations about boundaries and more sympathetic work design. For many employees, especially those in client-facing or leadership roles, theres still a sense of implied availability that can be difficult to shift overnight, Ryan notes. However, where the legislation has been embraced proactively, through leadership modelling, policy change, and education, were seeing a genuine shift in expectations around after-hours communication. Implementation strategy Fair Work has created resources specifically for small businesses, including three videos covering the rules, how to discuss them with employees, and practical implementation steps. These videos include subtitles in Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Thai and Arabic. The guidance emphasises understanding when refusal might be unreasonable, accessing tailored award information for specific industries, and developing clear internal processes for managing disputes. Proactive education and clear internal processes have been key to successful implementation, Ryan says, highlighting that some organisations are still grappling with balancing availability and wellbeing without compromising productivity. The confidence gap A critical factor determining the laws practical impact will be employee confidence in exercising their rights. If employees believe using disconnect rights will limit their career progression, the legislation wont achieve its intended goals. How it is embraced by employees generally will influence whether, practically, it strikes a balance, Ryan explains. If employees feel intimidated or believe that exercising this right will be career-limiting, then it will not have achieved its aims. Early indicators suggest cultural expectations remain a strong influence, particularly in high-performance environments. However, businesses dealing with disconnect laws are gradually seeing shifts where leadership actively models respectful communication boundaries. The immediate challenge for small businesses is implementation, but longer-term questions around remuneration for after-hours availability are likely to emerge. Ryan anticipates that Fair Work Commission and Federal Court decisions will eventually clarify whether employees willing to have their after-hours time intruded upon are entitled to appropriate compensation. These challenges will likely evolve alongside broader shifts in the way we work, he says. As hybrid and flexible models become more entrenched, the tension between availability and autonomy will remain front of mind for employers. The prediction is for more sophisticated approaches to managing these issues, potentially including sector-specific norms, stronger regulatory guidance, or technological solutions that help automate boundaries. For small business owners facing the 26 August deadline, the message is clear: while the legal framework provides flexibility, success depends on proactive policy development, clear communication with employees, and genuine cultural change that makes disconnect rights feel safe to exercise. The conversation around sustainable work practices isnt disappearing. As Ryan puts it: In five years time, I expect well be talking less about disconnecting and more about building smarter, healthier models of engagement. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Himachal Pradesh Weather Today: Red Alert Issued, Warns of Very Heavy Rainfall, Affects Daily Life Red Alert: In the forecast, IMD has placed Chamba, Kangra and Mandi under Red alert waning of very heavy rain. Himachal Pradesh Weather Today, Red Alert Issued, Warns of Very Heavy Rainfall Latest News: Continuous downpour since yesterday morning has affected daily life in some parts of Himachal Pradesh. Further weather warnings have been issued in several districts. Nowcast, Himachal Weather Update August 26 (Valid Till 6 PM): Advertisement Orange Alert: The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has issued an orange alert in eight districts of Himachal Pradesh, warning of heavy rain, in the nowcast, valid till 6 pm this evening. Yellow Alert: Meanwhile, a yellow alert has been issued for four southern districts, namely, UNA, Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur for the next two hours. Himachal Weather Forecast for the Entire Day for August 26: Advertisement Red Alert: In the forecast, IMD has placed Chamba, Kangra and Mandi under Red alert waning of very heavy rain. Orange Alert: Kullu district has been warned of heavy rain under the orange alert. Yellow Alert; Lahul Spiti, Hamirpur, Una, Bilaaspur, and Solan have also been warned of heavy rain however, under a yellow alert. Advertisement Meanwhile, no alerts have been issued in Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur for today in the forecast. Himachal Pradesh Weather Observed in the past 24 hours In the past 24 hours, as reported at 8:30 in the morning today, the lowest minimum temperature in the state of 5.5 C was recorded in Keylong, while Dharamshala and Manali received the maximum rainfall in the state of 102 mm. Advertisement Weather Outlook For August 27 and for The Next Few Days: As per the latest updates, IMD has issued a yellow alert in two districts in the state for tomorrow, warning of heavy rain in Shimla and Mandi. Rainfall will continue in most of the district till 30 August. Possible Impacts Under the Orange Alert (Nowcast) as Shared By IMD Shimla: Possibility of landslide/mudslide in vulnerable areas. Water logging in low lying areas. Partial damage to horticulture & standing crops. Possibility of inundation/flash flood in vulnerable areas. Damage to vulnerable structures and huts. Visibility conditions very likely to decrease. Traffic congestion. Vehicles skidding due to slippery roads. Advisories: Follow any traffic advisories. Avoid going near water bodies. Limit outdoor activities and keep yourself at the safer place and stay indoors. Move livestock at the safer place. Keep updated with the weather information. Follow advisory issued by the state governmentFollow any traffic advisories. Avoid going near water bodies. Limit outdoor activities and keep yourself at the safer place and stay indoors. Move livestock at the safer place. Keep updated with the weather information. Follow advisory issued by the state government Continuous Downpour affects Daily life, Schools Remain closed on 26: Continuous downpour since yesterday morning has resulted in landslides, the falling of trees, and subsequent road closure in Shimla, officials said. In the view of the weather warnings issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), District Shimla for today, considering the safety and security of the students, Deputy Commissioner-cum - Chairperson, District Disaster Management Authority ordered the closure of all Government and Private educational institutes, including Schools, Colleges, Anganwadis, ITIs, Polytechnics and nursing institutes throughout the district on 26th August, 2025 (Tuesday). (For more news apart from Himachal Pradesh Weather Today: Red Alert Issued, Warns of Very Heavy Rainfall, Affects Daily Life, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) JK News: Cloud Burst Hit Doda, Flood, Landslide, Rain Alert In Jammu For Next 40 Hrs, Roads Blocked (Image Courtesy: CNBC) JK News: Cloud Burst Hit Doda, Flood, Landslide, Rain Alert In Jammu For Next 40 Hrs, Roads Blocked JK News, Roads Blocked, Cloud Burst hit Doda, Rain Alert in Jammu Latest News: Jammu and Kashmirs Bhalesa area of Doda district was hit by a cloudburst on Tuesday, amid heavy rainfall across the Union Territory, according to India TV. Continuous heavy rainfall across Doda district has triggered landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones, leading to the closure of several link roads as well as stretches of the national highway, according to sources. Advertisement At least one person is reported dead in a flood triggered by the cloud burst, CNBC reported citing News18. According to the India TV report, traffic along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was brought to a standstill in the UTs Ramban district due to multiple landslides. Several parts of the highway remain blocked as shooting stones continue to pose a threats to commuters. Advertisement Meanwhile, rising water levels in the Tawi River are eroding banks near Nikki Tawi area, causing a potential danger to the adjacent houses. All rivers in the region are swollen. JK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said, The situation in many parts of Jammu province is quite serious. Ill be taking the next available flight from Srinagar to Jammu to personally monitor the developing situation. In the mean time, instructions have been issued to place additional funds at the disposal of the DCs to cover emergency restoration work and other exigencies. Chief Minister, earlier today held a meeting today to review flood mitigation measures at Jammu in view of incessant rains. He has directed the officers to maintain high alert and take all necessary measures as rain continues to lash the region. Advertisement IMD issues a very heavy rain alert in JK The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert in the southern districts of the UT, predicting very heavy rainfall, while the northern districts remain under an orange alert with heavy rain predictions. Rainfall is expected to continue in the southern districts of the UT for the next few days. Divisional Commissioner Jammu Opens Emergency Helpline Number: Divisional Commissioner Jammu has opened helpline numbers for emergencies due to the prevailing situation in the region. The Divisional Commissioner has urged residents and visitors to stay away from riverbanks & flood-prone areas. In light of medium to heavy rainfall forecasted in Jammu Division for next 40 hrs, water levels of River Basantar, Tawi, & Chenab are currently at *Alert Level*. As precautionary measure, residents & visitors are strongly advised to stay away from riverbanks & flood prone areas, Divisional Commissioner Jammu said. District wise Helpline numbers For Emergency please contact the following numbers: https://t.co/an6QeFeZuE pic.twitter.com/SVLiiq8CiB Advertisement August 26, 2025 Rajnath Singh Takes Stock of Flood Situation in JK Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday held a review meeting at Raj Bhavan in Jammu to assess the flood situation in Jammu and Kashmir. (For more news apart from 'JK News: Cloud Burst Hit Doda, Flood, Landslide, Rain Alert In Jammu For Next 40 Hrs, Roads Blocked,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) CM Mann Delivers Unprecedented Development, Historic Healthcare & Agricultural Revival Across Punjab Punjab Becomes First State with Rs 10 Lakh Cashless Healthcare, Revives 15,947 Water Channels for Farmers CM Mann Delivers Unprecedented Development, Historic Healthcare, and Agricultural Revival Across Punjab Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday reaffirmed that the state is witnessing unprecedented all-round development, with large-scale projects underway to accelerate growth in every sector. Reviewing ongoing works in the Dirbha assembly segment, CM Mann said these projects are being executed in the larger public interest and to give a decisive push to Punjabs developmental journey. Advertisement He assured that there is no shortage of funds for public welfare, with more initiatives set to be launched in the coming days. Every project we take up is designed to uplift peoples lives and strengthen Punjabs progress, he said. Highlighting a major breakthrough in the agriculture sector, CM Mann announced that canal water is now reaching the remotest villages at the tail ends of the stateeliminating the need for tubewell-based paddy transplantation. Since taking office, the government has revived 15,947 water channels, ensuring fair distribution of Punjabs water resources and preventing diversion to other states. Farmers, he said, are now enjoying uninterrupted electricity and water supply, bringing visible smiles back to their faces. In a landmark welfare achievement, CM Mann unveiled details of the Mukh Mantri Sehat YojnaIndias first state-level scheme providing cashless medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh per family. This historic initiative positions Punjab as a leader in universal healthcare, offering comprehensive coverage to every resident and significantly reducing the financial burden on households. Advertisement Reiterating agriculture as a top priority, CM Mann pledged continued efforts to make farming profitable. He said his government will leave no stone unturned in ensuring farmers prosperity and rural upliftment. During the visit, CM Mann struck a personal connection with villagers, describing them as very close to my heart and emphasising his commitment to their welfare. He also handed over a cheque worth Rs 1.76 crore to the village panchayat to further accelerate local development. Our mission is cleardevelopment without compromise, welfare without delay, and growth without discrimination, CM Mann said, marking the occasion as another step forward in Punjabs transformation journey. Advertisement (For more news apart from CM Mann Delivers Unprecedented Development, Historic Healthcare, and Agricultural Revival Across Punjab, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Punjab School Holiday News: CM Bhagwant Mann Announces Holidays in All Schools Amid Floods Punjab CM took to X to inform the same Punjab School Holiday, Bhagwant Mann News, Flood and Weather Latest Update: In view of the flood-like situation in several areas and heavy rainfall across the state, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced the closure of all schools in the state. "It has been raining heavily for the past few days, and the Meteorological Department is predicting heavy rain for the next few days, in view of which all primary, secondary, senior secondary government and private schools in the state will be closed from August 27 to August 30," CM Bhagwant Mann tweeted. Advertisement Punjab Weather Forecast for August 26: In its forecast, the India Meteorological Department, Chandigarh, has issued red alerts in Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Moga, Ludhiana, Barnala, and Sangur, warning of very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and Squalls. The rest of the districts in the state have been placed under an orange alert with the same weather warnings as those under the red alert, except SAS Nagar and Fazilka, which have been placed under a yellow alert warning of the same weather conditions. (For more news apart from Punjab School Holiday, Bhagwant Mann News, Flood and Weather Latest Update, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) August 26, 2025 UPDATE A roundup of local and world news August 26, 2025 UPDATE Newsroom, 26.08.2025, 20:00 FOREIGN POLICY President Nicusor Dan gave his first major foreign policy address since taking office, at the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy on Tuesday, in front of heads of diplomatic missions, of consular offices and of Romanian cultural institutes abroad. The head of state said that at a domestic level the state needs reforming, and immediately after that the economy must be restarted. In terms of foreign policy, we have been experiencing multiple crises for several years, president Dan said, and emphasised that Romanias foreign policy must remain predictable and coherent. There are 3 directions in which activity must be stepped up: security, the economic dimension and the Romanians abroad, the head of state added. On the security side, Romania will continue to be a NATO Ally, will continue to be interested in the Black Sea, must invest in defense, and the EUs SAFE instrument, to which proposals have already been sent, is a way to do it, Nicusor Dan explained. The president of Romania also mentioned continuing support for Ukraine, collaboration with partners in this regard, and the fact that the Republic of Moldova must remain a priority. Also, the Strategic Partnership with the US must be strengthened, especially in the security and economic areas. As regards the economic dimension, the president mentioned Romanias EU membership, the negotiations for the future multiannual financial framework, which must take place concurrently with a domestic reflection process on Romanias development directions starting with 2028, as well as the countrys accession to the OECD, a strategic goal with the deadline at the end of 2026. A strategy is needed as regards Romanias priorities, Nicusor Dan pointed out, and this requires an effort from both domestic policymakers, and from the countrys diplomacy. Thanks to its geographical position, Romania must and can become a connectivity hub for Europe, Asia and Africa. As for the Romanians living abroad, a comprehensive study of their needs is required, in order to create a strategy with objectives, budgets and deadlines. MAGISTRATES Judges from several courts, as well as prosecutors from offices throughout Romania, including Bucharest, decided to suspend work indefinitely as of Wednesday, until the government withdraws the bill addressing magistrates pensions. The only exceptions will be the activities in criminal cases in which pre-trial detention has been or is expected to be ordered. Members of the Prosecutors Office attached to the Bucharest Court claim that the draft law does not solve social inequities, but rather puts additional pressure on the judiciary and distracts the public opinion from other measures taken this year in order to reduce the budget deficit. The protesters demand that government and parliamentary officials stop what they call an aggressive campaign against the judiciary, which severely affects the rule of law and citizens rights and liberties. POLL Six out of 10 Romanian employees are worried about job stability until retirement, with more anxiety reported among women and people over 40, a recent survey conducted by Raiffeisen Bank and quoted on Tuesday by the Romanian media reveals. The main fears are related to job loss and salary decline, given the current economic situation, as well as the impact of technology developments and artificial intelligence (AI). Three out of 10 Romanians expect AI and automation to lead to a fall in job numbers. Employees see the solution in acquiring new skills, retraining and identifying activities that can be developed alongside technology. According to the survey, the Romanian labor market remains one in which age can be both an asset and an obstacle, given that many employees feel the effect of age on their employment chances. The survey was conducted at a national level, on a sample of 800 people, between July and August 2025. PROTESTS Trade unions in public education Tuesday once again picketed the headquarters of the education ministry to demand the resignation of the line minister, Daniel David. At the beginning of September, several rallies will be organized in Victoria Square, which will culminate on September 8 with a protest march in Bucharest, between the government and the presidency headquarters. According to trade union federations, in recent decades teachers workload has been constant and has become among the highest in the European Union, while teachers work is not limited to teaching hours. In the next 5 years, tens of thousands of teachers will reach retirement age, and qualified substitute teachers should have filled this gap. However, once eliminated from the system this year, they will turn to other sectors and will not return to education, union members also argue. ENESCU FESTIVAL The National Chamber Orchestra of the Republic of Moldova and the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra performed in Bucharest on Tuesday, while the Orchestra and Choir of the Transilvania State Philharmonic performed in Cluj-Napoca, as part of this years George Enescu Festival. The 27th edition takes place in Bucharest and throughout the country until September 21. This year, the event is themed Celebrations, in the context of marking 70 years since the death of the great Romanian composer George Enescu. During the 29 days of the festival, almost 100 concerts and performances are scheduled. In addition to Enescu masterpieces, such as the opera Oedipus, the Symphonies, the Romanian Rhapsodies or the Ballad for Violin and Orchestra, the audience will also enjoy works by composers such as Dmitri Shostakovich, Pierre Boulez and Maurice Ravel. Over 80 ensembles, symphony orchestras, choirs and chamber groups from 28 countries take part. (AMP) A black back was safely captured in Rio Rancho Monday and released to an undisclosed location, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. It was first spotted in an arroyo near Northern and Unser boulevards. RIO RANCHO A bear was safely captured and released Monday after after climbing up a tree at a Rio Rancho residence, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. The animal, a mature male black bear, first spotted running through the arroyo near Northern and Unser boulevards around 10:30 a.m., made its way to a home near the same intersection, according to Dela Joyner, public information officer with NMDGF. The bear was found in a tree after being scared by the property owners dog, Joyner said. Conservation officers responded to the scene, where they shot the bear with a dart before removing it from the home that afternoon and releasing it to the wild in Northern New Mexico, Joyner said. The animal caused Rio Rancho Public Schools to take precautions, enforcing a temporary shelter-in-place and lock down at Ernest Stapleton Elementary School and Eagle Ridge Middle School, according to RRPS spokesperson Wyndham Kemsley. There were no disruptions to learning and the enforcement lasted around 20 minutes before being lifted, he said. The Rio Rancho Police Department couldnt help but have some fun with the grizzly encounter, posting on Facebook about the un-bear-able excitmet (sic) our officers felt while on paw-trol to help Game and Fish relocate this machievous (sic) honey bandit who made his way into Rio Rancho backyards. NMDGF Assistant Chief of Information Wheeler Brunschmid wrote in an email that the bear most likely came from Mt. Taylor or the Jemez Mountains. Joyner urged anyone who sees a bear to be calm, stand upright and back away slowly from the animal. Jordan Gallegos family and friends gathered Aug. 22 at Mariposa Basin Park to remember her after her murder trial concluded Aug. 21. ALBUQUERQUE As a way to remember her and release some emotions after a stressful trial, Jordan Gallegos family and friends gathered at Mariposa Basin Park for a memorial Aug. 22. The memorial was held the day after Matthew Chavez, 26, of Rio Rancho, was convicted of the second-degree murder of Gallegos, 21, also of Rio Rancho. Gallegos best friend, Kai Rodriguez, a Rio Rancho Public Schools alumna, remembered what her friend was like. She said she had been friends with Gallegos since their eighth-grade year at Lincoln Middle School. She was her quirky self. She loved K-pop. She loved Ariana Grande. Literally, she would imitate her all the time, and she always loved dyeing her hair. She always loved makeup, perfume ... she always had this cotton candy scent; it was the only perfume I actually liked I dont know why, she said. She remembered they used to do dance concerts at Gallegos house. She added that Gallegos was a social media and YouTube influencer, using the platforms to sing and dance. We did have a video where we made duct tape teacups at my house, she said. She misses her friend, and though she wasnt able to attend the trial, was upset the verdict didnt go as hoped. That sentiment was shared by Gallegos family, most of whom were present for the verdict. Gallegos sister, Marissa Montoya, was very upset that Chavez got a slap on the wrist. But it just seems like thats just the court system now. New Mexicos too lenient because look whats happening around our city every single day, she said. Its like a different murder every day. Its another family thats broken. Ad She thanked the detectives and officers from the Rio Rancho Police Department, however, adding that they handled the case well. The semi-permanent memorial at the park provides a place where the family can go to remember Gallegos. The memorial is just a dedication just to her. If were feeling down or something, this is where we go, just to ease our mind a little bit, to talk to her, Montoya said. The family gathered there for a prayer and a balloon release. The balloons were just to say, We did it. It was beautiful. They all got stuck, and they managed to find a way out. So thats just her saying, Were gonna get through this. Were gonna find a way out, Montoya said. She said she and her sister werent always close but always shared a connection. She believes Gallegos still sends messages to her in some way or another because of that connection. There has been an alarming increase in violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. These attacks go against the spirit and the letter of both the bilateral DRC-Rwanda peace agreement and the DRC-[March 23 Movement] declaration of principles, said Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Acting U.S. Representative to the United Nations. Let me be clear: the killings perpetrated by the Rwanda-backed M23, against civilians in Rutshuru territory and elsewhere, are horrifying, and the United States condemns them in the strongest terms. Furthermore, U.S. government information confirms that M23, supported by Rwandan Defense Force elements, battled DRC forces around Mulamba in South Kivu province, in the DRC, beginning on 8th of August. The U.S. is also deeply concerned about the reports of attacks against civilians by armed groups operating with the support of some members of the Congolese army in North Kivu and South Kivu. The appalling ISIS-DRC attacks recently against Christians underscore the broad instability in eastern DRC, said Ambassador Shea. The United States fully expects the DRC and Rwanda to uphold their obligations to cease hostile acts and resolve disputes by peaceful means through the Joint Oversight Committee established by the June 27 peace agreement. The United States also expects the DRC and M23 to act in good faith under the Declaration of Principles signed in Doha, in which both sides committed to a permanent ceasefire. The United States will hold accountable spoilers [of] peace and we call on [Security] Council members to do the same, said Ambassador Shea. We have already taken a first step to this end on August 12 when the United States sanctioned four entities producing and trading conflict minerals in eastern DRC. The U.S. urges the DRC to implement the preparation phase immediately and expects adherence to the timeline, as obligated by the June 27 Peace Agreement, including Rwandas withdrawal of its forces from the DRC. Implementation of the Regional Economic Integration Framework is dependent on the adherence of all parties to their obligations under the peace process. The United States is ready to support this effort through investment that benefits both the United States and the people of the region. However, to realize these opportunities, administrative control of the region must return to the DRC government under a structure that is representative of the local communities. Addressing the crisis in North and South Kivu is among the first steps necessary to advancing peace in eastern DRC, said Ambassador Shea. To this end, all of us must hold to account ISIS-DRC, armed groups, and other destabilizers for their egregious actions and insist all parties honor their obligations and commitments. China Evergrande Group, once the country's largest property developer and a symbol of its rapid urban growth, has been formally delisted from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, marking the collapse of one of the world's most indebted companies. The move comes after trading in Evergrande's shares was suspended in January 2024, when a Hong Kong court ordered the company's liquidation. At its peak in 2017, Evergrande's market capitalization exceeded $50 billion. By the time of delisting, it had plunged to just over $280 million, with shares losing more than 99% of their value. Evergrande's downfall stems from years of aggressive expansion fueled by more than $300 billion in borrowing. The company defaulted in 2021 after Beijing's "three red lines" policy restricted developer debt levels, sparking a liquidity crisis across China's property sector. The turmoil forced Evergrande to slash prices, miss debt repayments, and eventually file for bankruptcy protection in the U.S. The collapse has had far-reaching consequences. China's property market once accounting for nearly a third of national GDP remains in a prolonged slump. Home sales, prices, and construction activity have dropped sharply, weighing on consumer confidence and local government revenues. Millions of families who invested savings into unfinished Evergrande projects continue to face uncertainty. Authorities have avoided a direct bailout, instead channeling support through state banks and encouraging state-owned developers to stabilize the market. Analysts warn that consolidation is inevitable, with private developers sidelined in favor of state-backed firms. For creditors and overseas investors, recovery prospects remain bleak, with liquidators recently warning that Evergrande's true debt burden is far larger than previously disclosed. The delisting marks the final unraveling of what was once China's most ambitious property empire. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Consumer sentiment survey data from France is due on Tuesday, headlining a light day for the European economic news. At 2.00 am ET, Statistics Sweden releases producer prices for July. At 2.45 am ET, France's statistical office INSEE publishes monthly consumer confidence data for August. The sentiment index is expected to rise to 90 from 89 in July. At 4.00 am ET, unemployment data is due from Poland. At 8.00 am ET, Hungary's central bank is slated to announce its monetary policy decision. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Bunzl Plc (BZLFY.PK,BNZL.L), a specialist distribution and services Group, reported that its profit before income tax for the six months ended 30 June 2025 declined 10.5% to 250.1 million pounds from 279.4 million pounds last year, reflecting the decline in adjusted operating profit. The company intends to complete the remaining 86 million pounds of its 200 million pounds 2025 share buyback program in the second half, after completing 114 million pounds in the first half. The Board has proposed a 2025 interim dividend of 20.2 pence, an increase of 0.1p on the amount paid in relation to the 2024 interim dividend. The company reiterated its group outlook for 2025. The group expects moderate revenue growth in 2025, at constant exchange rates, driven by announced acquisitions and broadly flat underlying revenue. Group operating margin for the year is expected to be moderately below 8.0%, compared to 8.3% in 2024. In addition, Bunzl plc announced two further acquisitions, and the completion of two previously announced acquisitions. Bunzl's profit attributable to company's equity holders for the six months ended 30 June 2025 was 181.9 million pounds or 55.5 pence per share down from 198.7 million pounds or 58.8 pence per share last year. Adjusted profit after tax attributable to the Company's equity holders for the six months ended 30 June 2025 was 254.2 million pounds down 16.5% at actual exchange rates, due to a 45.9 million pounds decrease in adjusted profit before income tax partly offset by an 8.6 million pounds decrease in the tax on adjusted profit before income tax at constant exchange rates, and excluding 0.2 million pounds profit attributable to non-controlling interests. Adjusted earnings per share were 77.8 pence down from 90.8 pence in the prior year. Revenue increased 0.8% to 5.760 billion pounds from last year's 5.712 billion pounds. Revenue for the period was up 4.2% at constant exchange rates. In December 2024 Bunzl announced a 200 million pounds share buyback program, which commenced at the start of 2025. 114 million pounds of this buyback was completed by April 2025, at which point the Group paused the remainder of the program in order to ensure headroom for further potential value-accretive acquisitions. But the Board has decided to resume the program with the intention of completing the remaining 86 million pounds of its previously announced share buyback in 2025. In July, Bunzl completed the acquisition of Quindesur, a Spanish distributor of foodservice and cleaning & hygiene products, with a strong focus in Southern Spain. In August, Bunzl completed the acquisition of Guantes Internacionales, S.A. de C.V. , a leading own brand personal protective equipment distributor based in Mexico, with a strong focus on gloves. The acquisition of Solupack, a Brazilian distributor of own brand packaging solutions to the food industry, announced on the 24 June 2025, completed in July 2025. The acquisition of Hospitalia, one of the largest healthcare distributors in Chile, announced on 30 April 2025, completed in July 2025. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Westlake Corp. (WLK) Tuesday said that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the worldwide compounding solutions businesses of ACI/Perplastic Group. ACI is a Portuguese manufacturer of specialty materials catering to the wire and cable sectors. The acquisition is expected to expand Westlake's opportunities. Westlake, which manufactures and supplies chemicals, polymers, and building products, said that the transaction will close early next year, following the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of certain regulatory approvals. Guarda, Portugal-based ACI has four production facilities in Mexico, Portugal, Romania, and Tunisia, which manufacture polyvinyl chloride or PVC, polyolefin, silicone, and thermoplastic rubber compounds. The company recorded net sales of around 210 million euros in fiscal 2024. Commenting on the deal, Jean-Marc Gilson, Westlake's President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "The combination of ACI with Westlake's existing compounding business will present an excellent strategic fit and opportunity to integrate with our Housing & Infrastructure Products (HIP) business. It will allow us to further expand Westlake Global Compounds and add new specialty products and to our existing portfolio." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Canadian shares look headed for negative start on Tuesday, weighed down by weak oil prices, and concerns about global trade after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened 200% tariffs on China if Beijing does not export rare-earth magnets to the U.S. In the Oval Office on Monday, Trump spoke of Washington's strength in its standoff with Beijing and warned that if he played the "incredible cards" at his disposal, it would "destroy China." In earnings news, The Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO) reported third quarter net income of C$2.5 billion compared to C$1.9 billion, last year. Diluted earnings per share was C$1.84, compared to C$1.41. BMO Financial Group reported a net income of $2.33 billion or $3.14 per diluted share for the quarter ended July 31, compared with a profit of $1.87 billion or $2.48 per diluted share in the same quarter last year. CGI Inc. (GIB-A.TO) said that the State of New Jersey has awarded it a 10-year contract to improve the State Integrated Recovery Operations Management Systems (SIROMS). Under the new contract, CGI will help the state to efficiently manage the relief funds and reduce the cost of natural disaster recovery. In economic news, data from Statistics Canada showed manufacturing sales in Canada increased 1.8% in July, after a 0.3% increase in June. Wholesale sales likely rose by 1.3% month-over-month in July 2025, following a 0.7% increase in the previous month, according to preliminarty estimates. The Canadian market ended weak on Monday as investors resorted to profit-taking from last week's record high close. However, selling pressure was somewhat subdued amid renewed hopes of BoC rate cuts in line with anticipated US Fed rate cuts. The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite, which touched a low of 28,138.70 early on in the session, settled at 28,169.94, down by 163.19 points or 0.58%. Asian stocks closed lower on Tuesday as Fed independence concerns resurfaced and investors awaited Nvidia results amid hopes it can soothe fears about AI spending. Trade tensions also kept investors on edge, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening 200% tariffs on China if Beijing does not export rare-earth magnets to the U.S. The major European are down in negative territory today amid concerns about political uncertainty in France, and renewed trade worries. In commodities trading, West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures are down 1.16 or 1.76% at $63.64 a barrel. Gold futures are gaining $10.00 or 0.3% at $3,427.50 an ounce, while Silver futures are down $0.188 or 0.49% at $38.515 an ounce. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News China's state-owned petroleum company PetroChina Co. Ltd. (PCCYF) on Tuesday proposed to acquire three natural gas storage facilities from its controlling shareholder, state-owned China National Petroleum Corp., in a deal valued at 40.02 billion Chinese yuan or $5.59 billion. The proposed acquisition involves the entire equity interest in Xinjiang Gas Storage facility for 17.07 billion yuan, Xiangguosi Gas Storage facility for 10.0 yuan and Liaohe Gas Storage facility for 12.96 billion yuan. The proposed deal will ensure the stable operation and high-quality development of the Company's natural gas industrial chain. It will add 10.97 billion cubic meters of working gas storage capacity. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Following the pullback seen in the previous session, Canadian stocks showed a notable move back to the upside during trading on Tuesday. The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index climbed 169.94 points or 0.6 percent to 28,339.88, more than offsetting yesterday's loss to reach a new record closing high. Gold stocks helped lead the way higher amid a modest increase by the price of the precious metal, with the S&P/TSX Global Gold Index surging by 1.8 percent. Significant strength also emerged among financial stocks, as reflected by the 1.4 percent gain posted by the S&P/TSX Capped Financial Index. Industrial stocks also saw considerable strength on the day, while weakness among consumer staples and healthcare stocks limited the upside for the broader . Traders were also looking ahead to earnings news from Nvidia, with the AI darling due to report its second quarter results after the close of trading on Wednesday. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Hyundai Motor India has expanded its Alcazar lineup with the introduction of the Corporate variant, aimed at striking the right balance between affordability and premium features. Positioned mid-way in the variant lineup, the Alcazar Corporate brings several high-end features at a more accessible price, making it one of the most value-driven offerings in the premium 6/7-seater SUV space. Pricing & Positioning Hyundai Alcazar Corporate variant is priced at Rs 17.86 lakh (Diesel MT) and Rs 19.28 lakh (Diesel AT), ex-showroom. Sitting between entry trims and the range-topping Signature variant, it offers buyers the chance to own a premium and feature-rich Alcazar without paying a full top-spec price. Exterior Highlights Despite being a mid-variant, the Alcazar Corporate mirrors several design elements from higher trims. Key highlights include: Quad-beam LED headlamps with sequential DRLs Connected LED tail lamps Bridge-type roof rails 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels Corporate badging on the tailgate These touches not only give the SUV a more premium road presence but also blur the line between mid- and top-level trims. Premium Cabin Experience Inside, the Alcazar Corporate offers a dual-tone black and brown cabin theme, matched with premium features like a voice-assisted panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting. The panoramic sunroof significantly enhances the sense of space and light, creating a cabin ambience on par with the higher-end trims. Other notable additions include deployable trays for second-row occupants, window sunshades for comfort during long journeys, and a cooled glovebox. Technology & Comfort Features Hyundai has ensured that the Alcazar Corporate is loaded with tech to appeal to buyers who expect premium convenience. The feature list includes: 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay Dual-zone climate control with rear AC vents across all rows Wireless charging pad Smart key with push-button start Fully digital instrument cluster with MID Front and rear armrests for added comfort These inclusions make the Alcazar Corporate a strong value-for-money proposition in its segment. Safety & Assurance On the safety front, the variant is equipped with: Six airbags as standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Hill-start assist Vehicle stability management Rear-view camera Auto-dimming IRVM Auto-folding ORVMs and auto headlights Hyundai has also reinforced the Alcazars chassis for added crash protection, ensuring confidence on highways and city commutes alike. Three-Row Versatility One of the Alcazars strongest advantages is its 6- and 7-seater flexibility, which makes it more versatile than traditional 5-seater SUVs. The third row offers reclining backrests, adjustable headrests, USB ports, dedicated AC vents, and proper seat belts, making it practical for families. Boot space can be expanded by folding down seats, giving more cargo flexibility compared to regular two-row SUVs. Balanced Proposition By combining premium exterior styling, tech-rich interiors, robust safety features, and three-row practicality, the Hyundai Alcazar Corporate stands out as a well-rounded package. For buyers seeking a value-rich entry into the premium 6/7-seater SUV segment, the Corporate variant offers the perfect middle ground accessible pricing with premium features usually reserved for top-spec trims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today marked a landmark moment for Indias auto industry by commemorating two historic firsts the start of production of Maruti Suzukis first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the eVitara, and the commencement of lithium-ion cell and electrode manufacturing at Suzukis TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat facility. The ceremony, held at Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG), was attended by Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, Ambassador of Japan to India Mr. Keiichi Ono, Suzuki Motor Corporation President Mr. Toshihiro Suzuki, Maruti Suzuki Chairman Mr. R.C. Bhargava, and Managing Director & CEO Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, along with senior dignitaries and business partners. eVitara Indias First Mass-Produced, Export-Oriented EV Manufactured exclusively at Maruti Suzukis Gujarat plant, the eVitara will be the companys first global BEV, with the first batch set to sail from Pipavav Port to Europe later this month. Destinations include the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Norway, and several other European nations. The eVitara is built on a dedicated EV-only platform, unlike many ICE-to-EV conversions, ensuring optimized design, safety, and performance. Positioned as Indias largest mass-produced and exported EV, the eVitara embodies the Make in India, Make for the World vision, blending Suzukis EV expertise with Indias growing manufacturing capabilities. The model has already been previewed internationally at the Milan Auto Show and at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi. First Lithium-Ion Cell & Electrode Manufacturing in India Alongside the eVitara rollout, Suzukis fellow subsidiary TDSG achieved another first for India by localizing lithium-ion cell and electrode production. This makes India self-reliant in critical battery manufacturing for strong hybrid vehicles. The batteries will initially power Maruti Suzukis Grand Vitara strong hybrid, with capacity set at 18 million cells annually and expansion plans for an additional 12 million cells. This electrode-level localization marks a significant step toward reducing imports, enhancing the hybrid ecosystem, and supporting Indias clean mobility push under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Suzukis Commitment to India Suzuki Group has invested over Rs 1,00,000 crore in India, generating more than 11 lakh direct jobs in the value chain. SMG alone has become one of the fastest-growing Suzuki subsidiaries worldwide, achieving a cumulative production of 4 million units in just eight years. Current models produced include the Baleno, Swift, Fronx, and now the eVitara. Speaking at the event, Mr. Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President, Suzuki Motor Corporation said, We are deeply honoured that Honble Prime Minister graced the occasion of commemoration of two historic events for the Indian automobile industry. His inspiration and visionary leadership have made this possible. His vision of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat have been inspiring Suzuki to invest in India. These milestones are also a testimony to the enduring Indo-Japanese partnership, built on mutual trust and a shared vision for progress and a carbon neutral future. We will provide all products and technologies that will reduce oil consumption and imports and carbon emissions like battery electric vehicles, strong hybrid electric vehicles and vehicles powered by natural gas and biofuels. A Defining Moment for Indias EV Journey With the dual milestone of rolling out the eVitara and starting lithium-ion cell production, Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki Motor Corporation have firmly positioned India on the global EV and hybrid manufacturing map. These steps not only strengthen Indias role as a global auto hub but also provide scale and localization critical to making clean mobility more affordable and sustainable for the future. Avoiding plague like the plague To prevent plague, the New Mexico Department of Health recommends: Avoiding sick or dead rodents and their nests. Cleaning up areas near your home where rodents live, such as woodpiles, brush piles, junk and abandoned vehicles. Putting hay, wood and compost piles as far as possible from your home. Using insect repellent while hiking, camping, or working outdoors. Talking to your veterinarian about using an appropriate flea control product on your pets. Not all products are safe for cats, dogs and children. Removing pet food and water from locations where rodents and wildlife might get to it. Symptoms of plague in humans include a sudden onset of fever, chills, headache and weakness, often coupled with swelling of lymph nodes in groin, armpit or neck. Make sure that you see a doctor for any unexplained illness that involves a sudden high fever where you feel very ill, especially if you have any large, painful lymph nodes, said Erin Phipps, public health veterinarian for the state Department of Health. The disease looks similar in cats and dogs, which often experience fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and swelling of the lymph node under the jaw. Ensure any sick animals are promptly examined by a veterinarian. For more information, including fact sheets in English and Spanish, visit nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/zdp/plg/. XI'AN, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 Euro-Asia Economic Forum is set to take place in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, from Sept. 23 to 25. The forum is themed on "Unleashing New Synergies in Eurasia, Co-Building a New Pattern for Sustainable Development," according to the organizers. This year's forum aims to serve the country's overall diplomatic layout, showcase the achievements of Chinese modernization, and help create a new model of cooperation in Eurasia. Through building a high-level platform and organizing economic, trade and cultural activities, it is committed to fostering cooperation intentions and promoting people-to-people connectivity, the organizers told a press conference in Xi'an on Monday. According to Niu Kai, a member of the Organizing Committee of the Euro-Asia Economic Forum and vice mayor of Xi'an, the forum will organize 13 sub-forums, with topics of industrial capacity cooperation, joint establishment of rules, cultural exchange, technological innovation and collaborative governance. It will also host over 10 economic and trade exchange activities, and release a white paper on the observation of the Eurasian economy under the Belt and Road Initiative. Niu said the forum will invite delegates from member states, observer states and dialogue partners of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and relevant political dignitaries, ministerial-level officials and local governors from the Belt and Road Initiative partners, Central Asia, South Asia and West Asia. Representatives of international organizations, ambassadors to China, heads of multinational corporations, and experts and scholars, among others, are also expected to participate in the forum. The Euro-Asia Economic Forum, an important economic cooperation mechanism under the framework of SCO, has been held every two years since its inauguration in 2005. This year's forum marks the 11th edition, and is jointly organized by Shaanxi Provincial People's Government, SCO Secretariat, China Development Bank, the Export-Import Bank of China, Good-neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Committee of SCO and China Science Center of International Eurasian Academy of Sciences. Editor: Xiong Jian Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, hosts the 10th meeting of the China-Russia committee for parliamentary cooperation with Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian State Duma, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) BEIJING, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji on Monday called on China's National People's Congress (NPC) and the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to fully leverage cooperation mechanisms and platforms, and continuously enhance exchanges and cooperation. Zhao, chairman of China's NPC Standing Committee, made the remarks while hosting the 10th meeting of the China-Russia committee for parliamentary cooperation with Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian State Duma, in Beijing. Zhao said under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era has consistently maintained a healthy, stable, and high-level development momentum. It has been proven that China-Russia cooperation features complementary strengths and immense potential, representing a strategic choice made by both sides based on their respective development and revitalization goals, Zhao added. Noting this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia committee for parliamentary cooperation, Zhao said China's NPC is willing to work with the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, taking the important consensus reached by the two heads of state as the fundamental guideline, to fully leverage cooperation mechanisms and platforms, continuously enhance exchanges and cooperation, and contribute to the in-depth development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. He called on both sides to maintain the positive momentum of close exchanges, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and consolidate the political foundation of mutual support, solidarity and coordination. Efforts should be made to expand the content and forms of mechanism exchanges to meet the development needs of China-Russia relations in the new era, Zhao said. He added that the legislative bodies of the two countries should engage in mutual learning of governance experience, legislation and supervision to support the development and revitalization of their respective countries. Zhao also urged for close communication and coordination between the two sides within multilateral mechanisms, to resolutely defend the outcomes of the victory of WWII, promote a correct historical perspective on WWII, safeguard the UN-centered international system, practice true multilateralism, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. Volodin said the Russian State Duma is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with China's NPC. Focused on implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, it aims to leverage the mechanism and platform of the Russia-China committee for parliamentary cooperation, making contributions to promoting comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, optimizing the business environment, deepening cultural exchanges, jointly upholding a correct historical perspective on WWII, and safeguarding multilateralism. Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, hosts the 10th meeting of the China-Russia committee for parliamentary cooperation with Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian State Duma, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Editor: Xiong Jian Mariann Stenvig Andersen, niece of Bernhard Sindberg and chairperson of the Sindberg Foundation, shows an album from Bernhard Sindberg during an interview with Xinhua in Aarhus, Denmark, on July 16, 2025.(Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang) COPENHAGEN, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- In the quiet Danish city of Aarhus, a phone call from China this July reopened a chapter of history that has been cherished across continents for more than eight decades. On the line was Huang Xinghua, whose mother Ai Yiying had survived the Nanjing Massacre thanks to the protection of a young Dane, Bernhard Arp Sindberg. During the winter of 1937-1938, Sindberg risked his life to shelter thousands of civilians inside a cement factory on the outskirts of Nanjing, China. "My mother always said that without the Jiangnan Cement Plant and Mr. Sindberg, our family wouldn't have survived. We will always remember his life-saving kindness," Huang told Mariann Stenvig Andersen, Sindberg's niece and chairperson of the Sindberg Foundation. COURAGE IN DARK TIMES Sindberg, born in Aarhus in 1911, arrived in Nanjing in December 1937. Working as a watchman at the Jiangnan Cement Plant, built by Danish company F.L. Smidth, he suddenly found himself in the middle of one of history's darkest atrocities. Together with the German factory manager Karl Gunther, he opened the factory gates to terrified civilians fleeing Japanese soldiers. For more than three months, the plant became a sanctuary for nearly 20,000 civilians. Sindberg, a young man of 26, stood guard at the gates, waving the Danish flag to deter intruders. His niece recalls her uncle as "not tall, about 1.73 meters, but very strong," a former soldier with curly blond hair and a Nordic toughness that somehow made Japanese troops hesitate. "I still don't understand why they didn't kill him," Andersen said. "Maybe, as he said himself, he was just lucky." Journalist Peter Harmsen, author of Bernhard Sindberg: The Schindler of Nanjing, describes how Sindberg would confront soldiers at the gate, sometimes carrying only a double-barreled shotgun and the Danish flag. "It seemed almost magical," Harmsen writes, "as if the flag itself forced the soldiers to step back, like demons confronted with a powerful spell." Sindberg also bore witness. A gifted photographer, he captured haunting images of the massacre's aftermath. "It is a huge loss that he never wrote detailed memoirs," Harmsen told Xinhua. "He had both the eye of a photographer and the words of a journalist." A LASTING LEGACY Sindberg left Nanjing in March 1938, later settling in California, where he died in 1983. Yet in China, his legacy endured. In 1938, the Shanghai municipal government awarded him a medal, and a year later, grateful civilians presented him with a silk banner embroidered with the words 'acting bravely for a just cause.' That banner, once gifted by Sindberg to his niece, is now preserved at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. Andersen said donating it was her way of honoring both her uncle and the Chinese people. "Since the Chinese commemorate my uncle so sincerely every year, I felt I should do something too," she said. In Aarhus, Sindberg's hometown, a statue stands tall in Marselisborg Memorial Park, a gift from Nanjing and unveiled in 2019 by then-Queen Margrethe II. REMEMBERED AS A FRIEND This August, an exhibition titled "My Friend: Bernhard Arp Sindberg" opened at the China Cultural Center in Copenhagen, curated by students from Nanjing University. "His courage, wisdom, and kindness deeply inspire our students," said Chen Min, director of the university's German Department. "To them, he is not only a friend but also a role model." Sindberg's half-brother Ole attended the opening. "Bernhard never knew during his lifetime that his actions in Nanjing would be remembered like this. If he could see this today, I believe he would be proud," he said. For decades, Sindberg was little known in Denmark, despite being revered in China. Harmsen's book has helped revive his memory at home. "Sindberg was an average person in most ways," Harmsen noted. "But he managed to rise to the occasion and act ethically and heroically at a decisive moment in history. His story has universal appeal because it shows that one individual can make a difference, even in the face of overwhelming circumstances." This photo taken on July 17, 2025 shows a statue of Bernhard Sindberg in Marselisborg Memorial Park in Aarhus, Denmark.(Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang) Editor: Xiong Jian People pose for photos outside the venue of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) International Investment and Trade Expo in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, July 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) BISHKEK, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed global initiatives fully embody the principles of the Shanghai Spirit, the guiding philosophy of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a Kyrgyz expert has told Xinhua. Mars Sariev, a political scientist from Kyrgyzstan and an expert on Central Asian issues, said the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative reflect the Shanghai Spirit, which is founded on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and the pursuit of common development. Depicting the Shanghai Spirit as the ideological and value-based foundation of the SCO, Sariev said that its essential unity with the three global initiatives lies in their shared vision of promoting a fair and sustainable world order. "These initiatives focus on sustainable development, peaceful coexistence and respect for cultures and sovereignty, which echoes the SCO approaches," he said. Guests attend the opening ceremony of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Forum in north China's Tianjin, July 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ran) As a practical example, Sariev pointed to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), in which nearly all SCO members participate. "China is actively developing infrastructure, logistics, cultural and humanitarian ties, providing the countries of the region, including Kyrgyzstan, with opportunities to participate in transnational projects and integrate into the Eurasian space," he noted. Sariev also highlighted the SCO's role as a genuine platform for amplifying the voice of the Global South. In today's multipolar world, he said, developing countries seek to defend their interests independently, without reliance on traditional power centers. He further observed that the SCO's expansion to include more Global South members amplifies the voice of developing countries on the world stage, helping reshape global governance toward a more balanced order. Cultural and media cooperation has also flourished within the SCO, with joint film productions, translation projects of classical literature and collaborative museum exhibitions. These projects, Sariev said, "create a common cultural space in which the historical interconnection of the peoples of Eurasia becomes a living part of modernity." He added that cultural exchanges lay the foundation for long-term trust and sustainable cooperation while fostering respect for the diversity, historical heritage and cultural achievements of other countries among younger generations. On the upcoming SCO summit in Tianjin, China, Sariev expressed high expectations for deepening cooperation in key areas, including economic integration, regional security coordination, and the promotion of environmental and digital initiatives. Editor: GSY Visitors view paintings at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. An art exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War opened to public here on Monday. The exhibition, which will run until Sept. 18, brings together over 300 artworks including Chinese paintings, oil paintings, woodblock prints and sculptures. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) Visitors view artworks at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. An art exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War opened to public here on Monday. The exhibition, which will run until Sept. 18, brings together over 300 artworks including Chinese paintings, oil paintings, woodblock prints and sculptures. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) A visitor views a painting at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. An art exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War opened to public here on Monday. The exhibition, which will run until Sept. 18, brings together over 300 artworks including Chinese paintings, oil paintings, woodblock prints and sculptures. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) A visitor passes by a painting created by Xu Beihong, a famous Chinese painter, at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. An art exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War opened to public here on Monday. The exhibition, which will run until Sept. 18, brings together over 300 artworks including Chinese paintings, oil paintings, woodblock prints and sculptures. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) Visitors view a painting created by Qi Baishi, a famous Chinese painter, at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. An art exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War opened to public here on Monday. The exhibition, which will run until Sept. 18, brings together over 300 artworks including Chinese paintings, oil paintings, woodblock prints and sculptures. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) Visitors view artworks at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. An art exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War opened to public here on Monday. The exhibition, which will run until Sept. 18, brings together over 300 artworks including Chinese paintings, oil paintings, woodblock prints and sculptures. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) Editor: GSY Bronson Battle Creek Hospital has been recognized for significantly reducing its cesarean section rateplacing it among Michigans top hospitalsthrough targeted initiatives aimed at improving maternal care and addressing health disparities. Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Courtesy Members of the Bronson Battle Creek Hospital birth team Letishia Hill, System Director of Women and Childrens Services, Bronson Healthcare Courtesy Dr. Mahmood Siddiqui, obstetrics department lead at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. Editors note: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Waves On the Ground Battle Creek series. BATTLE CREEK, MI With cesarean sections on the rise nationwide, one Michigan hospital is turning the tide delivering safer births by reducing unnecessary surgeries. Bronson Battle Creek Hospital was recently recognized as one of the top 10 hospitals in Michigan for its success in lowering C-section rates, coming in well below the national average. At a time when maternal health disparities and surgical overuse are under growing scrutiny, the hospitals efforts are making a measurable difference for mothers and babies alike. While natural births are the preferred method of delivery, cesarean section (CS) births date back to ancient times. The earliest known records of the procedure date to ancient Egypt around 1500 BC, according to the National Library of Medicine. Evolutions in modern medicine have included a focus on bringing down the rates of CS. The Bronson Birthplace in Battle Creek was recently recognized for coming in under the national average for this procedure, placing it among the top 10 hospitals in Michigan because of its work to reduce the rates of CS there. As of February 2025, the hospitals cesarean birth rate for first-time moms with full-term, single, head-down babies was 18.4% lower than the national goal of 23.6% set by Healthy People 2030, according to a press release from the hospital. I would attribute this to our participation in OBI (Obstetrics Initiative), which is Michigans quality collaborative that focuses on improving maternal care and a decrease in the number of C-sections, says Letishia Hill, System Director of Women and Childrens Services, Bronson Healthcare. Letishia Hill, System Director of Women and Childrens Services, Bronson Healthcare Bronsons work with OBI shows our dedication to safe, fair, and high-quality care for mothers, said Mahmood Siddiqui, MD, physician and obstetrics department lead at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. This program helps reduce unnecessary C-sections and improve care. Thanks to strong teamwork, smart use of data, and proven best practices, weve made real progress for families in our community. Bronson delivers over 4,000 babies each year at its two locations. Of these, Bronson Battle Creek has about 900 annually, says Marcie McCann, a Communications Specialist with Bronson Healthcare. Hill says the reasons to initiate a C-section vary. Were pretty much looking at the status of the mother or the infant. There could be a fetal emergency where the heart rate is declining. It could be a prolapsed umbilical cord, a placental abruption, or even the condition of the mother. Her body could be having a reaction, and her status could be declining. Its really anything that could threaten the mother or infant. The increase in cesarean section (CS) rates, whether they are classified as unnecessary or elective, has globally raised significant concerns due to the associated risks involving maternal and neonatal outcomes, says an article on the National Institutes of Health website. Although CS can be a lifesaving operation in specific medical cases, its overuse is exposing mothers and neonates to complications like hemorrhage, infections, and long-term consequences such as uterine scarring, infertility, and future pregnancy problems, the article says. The contributing factors include maternal preferences for convenience, fear of labor, and financial incentives within the healthcare systems that favor surgical interventions. Defensive medical practices and private healthcare providers further exacerbate this trend. Hospitals aim for a lower C-section birth rate because vaginal births are generally safer for low-risk pregnancies. C-sections are major surgeries and carry higher risks of complications like infection, blood clots, and longer recovery times for mothers, as well as breathing problems for babies, according to a Bronson press release. This is a higher-risk procedure. We only want to do it when its medically necessary. Lowering the rate of C-sections improves the health of the community overall, Hill says. Courtesy Dr. Mahmood Siddiqui, obstetrics department lead at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. At the same time, she says Bronson is also focused on addressing racial disparities in the healthcare space. Bronson Battle Creek recently entered into a partnership with the Southwestern Michigan Urban League to advance community health in the citys African American community through education and initiatives that encourage proactive wellness and prevention. Hill calls these disparities very alarming. We have done some implicit bias training with our staff to work on that issue, she says. We also have relationships with trusted partners in the community that have relationships with our Black patients. With respect to CS, she says Black women have higher rates of this procedure. Among the reasons are a lack of trust between Black women and their healthcare providers and stressors like a lack of proper food, housing, or insurance, Hill says. In the United States, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women, highlighting the stark health disparities between Black and white mothers, according to an article on Northwestern Universitys website. Even wealthy Black women like Serena Williams and Beyonce arent immune from these risks. In 2018, they both told Vogue that they delivered by emergency caesarean section (C-section) after experiencing pregnancy complications. These kinds of stories, the article says, point to a trend: Black women are more likely than white women to deliver their babies by C-section. Bronson offers prenatal education, which Hill says, really teaches people about the labor process and how the delivery portion can take hours. Were educating about the process and the risks associated with it. Were not assuming that people know. Every woman is different in how they respond to pregnancy and delivery. Our OBI provider champions led the way, Hill says. They implemented new tools, educated staff, kept everyone on track, and made sure we celebrated our progress. Watching the numbers drop really inspired the team. It shows how committed we are to safer births and better outcomes for families. A brief history of C-sections In the Roman Empire, it was believed that a pregnant woman who died during childbirth should be cut open to save the baby. This procedure was called the caesarean section because it was performed on women who were caesaris (belonging to Caesar). Key Developments in C-section History: Analysts at RBC Capital Markets hiked their target price on gene and cell therapy firm OXB from 800p to 930p on Tuesday following its recent oversubscribed 60m equity funding and revenue guidance reiteration. RBC Capital Markets highlighted that OXB, formerly known as Oxford Biomedica, now sees "growing client demand, including visible near and medium-term opportunities across all clinical phases, including late-stage and commercial supply". The Canadian bank said this necessitates capacity expansion earlier than previously anticipated, with OXB taking the opportunity to build out US commercial-scale capacity for viral vector manufacturing and associated fill-finish services. It also noted that OXB sees opportunities to improve the rest of its network, improve asset utilisation, and continue to innovate. "Having largely derisked 2025, we increase our one-year price target to 930p, from 800p, which continues to be based on a 20x 2028E EBITDA multiple and a 25% pa discount rate - now with one fewer years of discount in light of improved visibility," said RBC, which reiterated its 'outperform' rating on the stock. Other than adjusting for the new equity, increased capex and guided margin trajectory, RBC reckons the most interesting change in forecasts was related to the revenue guidance. For 2025, guidance for 160-170m revenue was unchanged, but for 2026, revenue was now expected to be 220-240m versus prior guidance of less than 220m. "This isn't necessarily much of a change, but the 220m was originally presented as a 2026 target in April 2024, and was caveated by "at CER" - the USD/GBP exchange rate was around 1.25 at that point, and now sits around 1.35. Although the company has not disclosed the proportion of revenues denominated in USD, we assume it is meaningful in light of the biotech industry's US weighting. If it is around 50%, this implies a 5% revenue headwind since then, implying that the new guide is a 5% uplift at the lower end," said RBC, which added that the new range implied that OXB now has more certainty visibility. Bunzl's share price was up 5% on Tuesday after a solid first-half report from the distribution company, with broker Shore Capital reiterating a 'buy' stance on the stock. Results for the six months to 30 June were slightly below estimates, with a 0.8% increase in revenues to 5.75bn missing Shore Capital's forecast by around 1% or 60m. Underlying revenues were flat, while the EBIT margin fell 100 basis points over last year to 7.0%. However, "the problem areas in North America and higher costs in Europe are being addressed", said analyst Robin Speakman. With the company set to resume its share buyback "a sign of confidence", according to Speakman Shore Capital maintained a positive view on the stock and kept its forecasts unchanged, with Bunzl's management guiding to a stronger second half. "Bunzl's asset allocation commitment to create shareholder value remains unchanged, ensuring/leveraging financial strength. So, we expect to see the impact of the resilient business model delivering recovery through H2F, noting the free cash flow yield of still 7.1% for this year, rising to 9.2% for FY26F in our forecast model," the analyst said. As for Bunzl's valuation, the stock is currently trading at an enterprise value-to-EBITDA multiple of 8.8, though Shore Capital's fair value estimate of 3,040p implies a 2026 EV/EBITDA of 9.9x. Deutsche Bank downgraded its stance on Associated British Foods, Kingfisher and Wickes on Tuesday as it took a look at the UK retail sector. "We are taking a more cautious view on the UK consumer," the bank said. "The end of 2024 and early 2025 are likely to have been the sweet spot with real wage growth set to slow and fear of unemployment set to build from here. Our Household Cash Flow model shows discretionary spending lagging spending power and, unless consumers reduce savings, there will be a 4ppt slowdown in discretionary spend to +3% in 2H from +7% in 1H. DB said consumer confidence metrics remain subdued and its new "Fear Index" suggests things may be getting worse. Its analysts cut Primark owner AB Foods and Wickes to 'sell' from 'hold', while Kingfisher was downgraded to 'hold' from 'buy'. The German bank also cut its price target on AB Foods to 2,130p from 2,220p, on Wickes to 195p from 205p and on Kingfisher to 280p from 320p. British American Tobacco said on Tuesday that chief financial officer Soraya Benchikh is stepping down with immediate effect. Benchikh will remain available to support the transition until 31 December. BAT said a recruitment process to identify a permanent successor is being launched. In the meantime, Javed Iqbal, who is currently director, digital and information, will take on the role on an interim basis. Iqbal recently acted as the company's interim finance director from May 2023 until April 2024. Chief executive Tadeu Marroco said: "Soraya has made a significant contribution to BAT, having worked in various roles within the group over many years. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Soraya for her contribution, most recently in her role as chief financial officer since rejoining the group in May 2024. We wish her all the best with her future plans. "As we set out at our recent results, our performance in the first half of the year was slightly ahead of our expectations, and we are firmly on track to deliver our full year guidance. With the right strategy we intend to continue to deliver on the profitable transformation of BAT, reflected in our stated ambitions for 2026 and beyond. We will update on our continued progress in our pre-close trading update in December." At 0955 BST, the shares were down 1.3% at 4,259.61p. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: "The immediate exit of a finance chief at a company raises alarm bells and the reaction to this development at British American Tobacco certainly betrays some nervousness among investors. "There is no suggestion of anything amiss in the companys statement and, tellingly, Soraya Benchikh will be available to support the switchover until the end of the year. "Nonetheless, her sudden exit still raises some questions and the market may be disappointed a key architect in turning around the companys financial performance will no longer be a part of the management team particularly as she has not been there that long. "Her interim replacement has experience of stepping up on a temporary basis in this role but shareholders will want to see a permanent appointment sooner rather than later." As Halloween continues to grow in popularity, Shelf Awareness surveyed a group of booksellers about the holiday, its importance, how they celebrate it, and what works best. At Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, Ga., Halloween sales have been steadily increasing and are second only to December holiday sales--"and it's a close second," co-owner Diane Capriola-Little noted. "To compete with Target and other big box stores, we have been putting these titles out earlier each year when we used to wait until after Labor Day to do it several years ago." This year Little Shop of Stories' Halloween display went up early in August, and the store has already sold through some titles, including "the brand new (and delightful!) Vampire Jam Sandwich by Casey Lyall and perennial favorites, Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown and Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago. Halloween themed sidelines are always popular as well and include Jellycat plush, puzzles from Chronicle/Mudpuppy, and anything involving monsters. Don't be afraid to put these titles out earlier than usual. We like to say that 'if you build it, they will come!' " For a variety of reasons, Halloween is an important holiday at the Bookstore at Fitger's, Duluth, Minn. (The building is haunted and included in Travels of Terror: Strange and Spooky Spots Across America, and the North Shore of Lake Superior "lends itself to spooky tales," as store manager Jennifer Jubenville puts it. "Let's just say that we always have campfire stories and ghost tales in stock.") Halloween has become ever more popular, in part because "more and more kids are asking for horror titles." The Bookstore at Fitger's display when the theme was The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Window displays are important at Fitger's. "We make sure that we have books in the design that people are going to want to check out." Among them last year was The Gothic Cookbook and books like Edgar Allan Poe: Collected Works. (The store's main room window theme last year was "Death by TBR.") Backlist favorites include the Goosebumps series ("parents and grandparents remember those and know that they're appropriate for kids"), classics like Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Haunting of Hill House. The store also carries Halloween plush and Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King sidelines from Out of Print. Jubenville notes that mystery & thriller is the store's second-best selling genre so the store makes sure to stock William Kent Krueger, most of Brian Freeman's books, Josh Moehling's books, and titles by Catherine Ryan Howard. This year the store is doing a "speed booking" event (like speed dating, but with books) a week before Halloween that will be all mystery/thriller and horror. On the last Saturday of October, Fitger's also does a big family Halloween event (and Canine Carnival) where people (and dogs) are invited to come in costume and trick or treat in the building's complex. At Flintridge Bookstore, La Canada Flintridge, Calif., Halloween is such an important sales opportunity that the store promotes it with a children's and an adult display, a window display, decorations throughout the store as well as in a print ad in the local newspaper and a special e-newsletter, plus social media postings. Backlist standards for the store consist of "classic ghost stories, including Dracula, Frankenstein, and Lovecraft and Poe collections as well as newer horror titles," according to Gail Mishkin, who's in charge of events and marketing. "We always feature a selection of Stephen King titles. We always have Halloween-related coloring books for adults and other seasonal novelty books. Children's staples include Room on the Broom, Little Blue Truck Halloween, Drew Daywalt's Crayon series, and funny cookbooks." New titles the store is looking forward to include Grady Hendrix's Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, Stephen Jones's The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, and Joe Abercrombie's The Devils. Jen at Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery, Park Rapids, Minn., emphasizes the lasting popularity of Room on the Broom: "If you don't have Room on the Broom in stock for Halloween (even the goofy plush), why are you even open? I swear we've sold enough of that title every October for every child on the planet to own at least one copy (and we're a 1,500 sq. ft. store in a town of less than 4,000) and yet we still sell it like crazy every Halloween." At Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, Tex., "We always dress up for storytime and encourage toddler costumes," according to Valerie Koehler, owner and girlboss. "We usually have several fun displays with books, games, and puzzles. And every child is asked for the two weeks before what they are dressing up as for Halloween." Gibson's Bookstore, Concord, N.H., has what Ryan (Gibson's "Queen of Scream") calls "a really robust horror section" with a lot of shelf talkers and faceouts. The store's many horror fans allow it "to do some extremely cool horror-themed events. We've got a panel coming up with CJ Leede, Clay McLeod Chapman, and Delilah S. Dawson. We've got a virtual event with Brian Asman. We've got Alma Katsu in conversation with Paul Tremblay. We've got P. Djeli Clark presenting the paperback of Ring Shout. We're also planning a 'spooky' version of our now-monthly Audiobook Walks for October, which will include optional costumes and walking at dusk instead of in the morning." Last year, Gibson's kicked off Halloween with a Local Horror Author Showcase, featuring a group of local horror authors who set up tables with their books. "A huge crowd" mingled, enjoyed spooky-themed snacks and drinks, and received publisher horror swag--and the authors sold a lot of their books. Not surprisingly, Halloween is a major event for Ghoulish Books, San Antonio, Tex., a horror-themed bookstore opened two years ago the Ghoulish Books publishing company. "This is a genre readers enjoy year-round, of course, but people are most excited about spookiness during spooky season, of course. We have to be ready for it," notes co-owner Max Booth III, who adds that Halloween has become so popular that it "allows to operate all year round." Ghoulish plans on "nonstop" Halloween events throughout October, including author signings, a trick-or-treat event for kids, and the monthly reading series First Friday Frights. The store will also feature "little spooky coffins with grotesque imagery on them that sell very well" and T-shirts featuring the store logo or the phrase "Keep San Antonio Ghoulish." Important backlist titles for the store include Norman Partridge's Dark Harvest as well as Booth's own novella The Last Haunt, about a Halloween haunted house attraction and published by Ghoulish Books. Booth is looking forward to Paul Tremblay's middle-grade book Another and Jess Hagemann's Mother-Eating (published by Ghoulish). At Books-A-Million, Halloween is "one of our favorite seasons to celebrate," executive v-p of merchandising Kathy Gagliano states. "Our stores come alive with spooky displays featuring a curated mix of classics and hot new releases." BAM's v-p of YA and kids' books Sandra Wilson adds that the kids Halloween section aims "to strike the perfect balance--fun with just the right touch of spookiness. You'll find perennial favorites like Room on the Broom and There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat, alongside beloved characters like Bluey, Pete the Cat, and the Paw Patrol crew. On the adult side, horror has never been hotter--from Stephen King's Never Flinch to Grady Hendrix's Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, and our August Shelfworthy pick, The Library at Hellebore by Cassandra Khaw." Photo: https://www.facebook.com/taras.kachka Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka discussed with Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) Semen Kryvonos and Head of the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) Oleksandr Klymenko the implementation of the Roadmap for Rule of Law Reforms. "The main topic of the conversation was the implementation of the Roadmap for Rule of Law Reforms - one of the key documents for further transformations in the sphere of the rule of law and within the framework of Ukraine's path to the EU," the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said in a statement. It is noted that the document envisages transformations in the fight against corruption in the following areas: strategic and institutional frameworks of anti-corruption policy; prevention of corruption; prosecution of corruption; audits of the activities of specialized anti-corruption bodies; anti-corruption mainstreaming. The parties also discussed recently adopted legislative changes aimed at strengthening the independence of the NABU and the SAPO. Protean eGov Tech bags Rs 1,160 crore UIDAI order; Tata Motors gets NCLT nod for scheme. Rajiv Anand takes charge as IndusInd Bank CEO, Paytm approves Rs 455 crore fresh investments. BPCL plans new refinery in Andhra Pradesh, LIC reclassified as public shareholder in IDBI Bank. Indian stock markets started the week on a strong note, with benchmark indices gaining nearly half a percent on Monday, supported by positive global trends. In todays session, several stocks are likely to remain active due to company-specific developments. Protean eGov Tech: Protean eGov Technologies has bagged a major work order worth about Rs 1,160 crore from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). This win could boost its revenues and strengthen its position in the digital governance space. IndusInd Bank: The private lender announced that veteran banker Rajiv Anand has formally taken charge as Chief Executive Officer. With this appointment, the bank has dissolved its interim management committee, signaling stronger leadership stability. Vodafone Idea: Telecom Minister of State Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani clarified that the government has no plans to extend any relief to Vodafone Idea on its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, which may impact the stocks sentiment. Telecom Minister of State Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani clarified that the government has no plans to extend any relief to Vodafone Idea on its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, which may impact BPCL: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is exploring the setup of a new greenfield oil refinery and petrochemical complex near Ramayapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh. The move is aimed at catering to Indias fast-growing energy demand. Paytm: Paytms Board has approved fresh investments of Rs 300 crore in its subsidiary Paytm Money and Rs 155 crore in Paytm Services through a rights issue. This investment is expected to strengthen its financial services play. IREDA: The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has signed a performance-based MoU with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and set a revenue target of Rs 8,200 crore for FY26, highlighting its growth ambitions. Tata Motors: The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai Bench, has approved Tata Motors Composite Scheme of Arrangement, which may help streamline its business structure. Sai Life Sciences: Reports suggest that TGP Asia is planning to sell up to 14.72% stake, equal to 3.07 crore shares, in Sai Life Sciences through a block deal. LIC / IDBI Bank: SEBI has cleared the reclassification of LIC as a public shareholder in IDBI Bank, a key step in the governments strategic divestment plan. RailTel Corporation: The PSU said it expects steady growth in its telecom services business, with faster expansion likely in its projects segment. Raghav Gupta, former Coursera MD, joins OpenAI as Head of Education for India and APAC. OpenAI launches Indiafirst Learning Accelerator to train teachers in using AI. Company continues hiring push in India, opens office in New Delhi. OpenAI has appointed Raghav Gupta, ex-Managing Director at Coursera, as the Head of Education for India and the Asia Pacific region. Gupta, who led Courseras India and APAC operations for eight years, will now lead OpenAIs educational initiatives in the region from its New Delhi office. The announcement was made during the OpenAI Education Summit held in New Delhi, where OpenAIs Vice President, Leah Belsky confirmed Guptas appointment. His role will involve working closely with local teams to shape how AI is used in education across India and neighboring countries. Alongside this, OpenAI has introduced the Learning Accelerator, a new program designed specifically for India. The initiative will train teachers to effectively use AI tools in the classroom, making education more accessible and impactful. This marks the companys first educator focused program introduced in any country. The move is part of OpenAIs broader strategy to grow its presence in India, one of its fastest growing international markets. The company recently announced plans to open an office in New Delhi and has started hiring locally. Currently, Pragya Misra leads public policy and partnerships in India. Also Read: OpenAI Launches Learning Accelerator in India, Partners with IIT Madras A few days before Guptas appointment, OpenAI also brought in Sheeladitya Mohanty from Meta as its Marketing Lead for India. Mohantys role will focus on driving AI education and responsible adoption of OpenAI products across the country. These strategic hires and initiatives signal OpenAIs strong commitment to building AI powered education solutions and deepening engagement with Indian educators, students, and policymakers. Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) have always attracted attention from retail and institutional investors alike. They open a gateway for companies to raise capital from the market while allowing investors to participate in the companys growth story from the very beginning. Over the next few weeks, several IPOs are lined up across different sectors, each with its own scale, investment requirement, and potential. While investors often look at fundamentals, sectoral outlook, and demand in the grey market, it is equally important to view upcoming issues with a balanced perspective. This article explores the details of some of the IPOs currently open, their issue size, price range, and timelines, providing readers with a broad view of opportunities without making any predictions. LGT Business Connexions Ltd IPO LGT Business Connexions Ltd has opened its issue with a focus on tapping into the SME segment. Issue size: 28 Crores 28 Crores Price range: 0 107 per share 0 107 per share Open date: 19 August 2025 19 August 2025 Close date: 21 August 2025 21 August 2025 Minimum investment: 2,56,800 As an SME offering, this IPO has a higher minimum investment compared to other issues in the same window. Such IPOs are often considered niche in nature, catering to a specific group of investors who understand smaller business dynamics. While the subscription status is yet to pick up, the companys decision to price its shares within a relatively affordable band might draw attention from investors looking at SME opportunities. Mangal Electrical Industries Ltd IPO Mangal Electrical Industries Ltd, operating in the electrical sector, is launching one of the larger issues this season. Issue size : 400 Crores : 400 Crores Price range :561 533 per share :561 533 per share Open date : 20 August 2025 : 20 August 2025 Close date: 22 August 2025 22 August 2025 Minimum investment: 14,586 The company belongs to a segment that has shown steady demand over the years, given the focus on infrastructure, manufacturing, and industrial expansion. The price range set indicates the managements confidence in its valuation. With a modest minimum investment, retail participation could be expected in higher numbers. Vikram Solar Ltd IPO Vikram Solar Ltd brings in one of the largest IPOs in this round. Being associated with renewable energy, the company stands in a sector that has drawn global as well as domestic investor interest. Issue size: 2,079 Crores Price range: 332 315 per share Open date: 19 August 2025 Close date: 21 August 2025 Minimum investment: 14,940 The renewable energy space has become central to Indias long-term energy planning. Solar power, in particular, has seen rapid adoption. Given the scale of the issue, institutional participation is expected to be strong, while retail investors have a manageable entry point with the minimum investment figure. For those applying through a stock broker in India, renewable-focused companies like Vikram Solar often stand out as part of a long-term portfolio mix. Patel Retail Ltd IPO Patel Retail Ltd, with its background in retail operations, is another name to watch among the current IPOs. Issue size : 243 Crores : 243 Crores Price range :255 237 per share :255 237 per share Open date : 19 August 2025 : 19 August 2025 Close dat : 21 August 2025 : 21 August 2025 Minimum investment:14,790 Retail companies are often viewed for their consumer-facing potential. With changing consumption trends and the rise of organised players, this IPO might catch the eye of investors who want exposure to the retail landscape. The relatively affordable entry size further broadens participation. Gem Aromatics Ltd IPO Gem Aromatics Ltd is also opening its IPO window in the same period. Issue size: 451 Crores 451 Crores Price range : 325 309 per share : 325 309 per share Open date : 19 August 2025 : 19 August 2025 Close date : 21 August 2025 : 21 August 2025 Minimum investment: 14,950 The company operates in a niche yet growing segment. The investment threshold and pricing range align with what retail participants typically prefer, which could help in subscription levels. Observations Across These IPOs When looking at these upcoming IPO offerings together, a few patterns stand out: Diverse sectors: From renewable energy and electrical industries to retail and aromatics, the IPOs span across different parts of the economy. This diversity gives investors options to align with their preferred sectors. From renewable energy and electrical industries to retail and aromatics, the IPOs span across different parts of the economy. This diversity gives investors options to align with their preferred sectors. Investment thresholds : Except for the SME-focused LGT Business Connexions, most IPOs in this batch have minimum investment requirements in the range of 14,500 to 15,000, keeping them accessible for small and medium retail investors. : Except for the SME-focused LGT Business Connexions, most IPOs in this batch have minimum investment requirements in the range of 14,500 to 15,000, keeping them accessible for small and medium retail investors. Issue sizes: The variation in issue sizes is significant. Vikram Solar at 2,079 crores and Mangal Electrical at 400 crores indicate large-scale participation, while Patel Retail and Gem Aromatics represent mid-sized offerings. LGT Business Connexions, with 28 crores, highlights the SME niche. The variation in issue sizes is significant. Vikram Solar at 2,079 crores and Mangal Electrical at 400 crores indicate large-scale participation, while Patel Retail and Gem Aromatics represent mid-sized offerings. LGT Business Connexions, with 28 crores, highlights the SME niche. Timelines: With most issues closing between 21 and 22 August, investors have a narrow window to evaluate and apply. This requires careful planning to avoid last-minute decisions. Factors Influencing Potential Listing Gains While it is common to discuss the possibility of listing gains, it is important to understand the drivers that might influence outcomes. Investors typically track a few broad elements: Subscription demand: Oversubscription, particularly in the retail and institutional categories, often sets the tone for listing day interest. Oversubscription, particularly in the retail and institutional categories, often sets the tone for listing day interest. Sector sentiment: If the sector is currently in focus, for example, renewable energy or retail consumption, it can impact how the IPO is received. If the sector is currently in focus, for example, renewable energy or retail consumption, it can impact how the IPO is received. Valuation comfort : The price range set by the company plays a role in shaping investor perception of value. : The price range set by the company plays a role in shaping investor perception of value. Market conditions: Broader share market trends and liquidity flows during the IPO period are key external factors. These elements are not guarantees but rather indicators that many investors monitor before making participation decisions. What Retail Investors Can Keep in Mind Retail investors often form the backbone of IPO participation. Here are a few considerations they may find useful when looking at the upcoming IPOs: Evaluate risk appetite : Minimum investment amounts vary, and while many IPOs keep thresholds reasonable, SME offerings may require higher commitments. : Minimum investment amounts vary, and while many IPOs keep thresholds reasonable, SME offerings may require higher commitments. Diversify exposure : Spreading across different sectors rather than concentrating in one issue may balance risk. : Spreading across different sectors rather than concentrating in one issue may balance risk. Stay updated: Tracking subscription data during the IPO window gives a clearer picture of demand. Tracking subscription data during the IPO window gives a clearer picture of demand. Understand timelines: With multiple IPOs closing around the same time, planning is essential to ensure applications are completed smoothly. Conclusion The current IPO season brings a mix of opportunities across different sectors and company sizes. From large issues like Vikram Solar to focused SME offerings such as LGT Business Connexions, investors have several choices on their table. While the potential for listing gains is often a talking point, what matters more is aligning investments with personal risk appetite, sector preference, and financial goals. As these IPOs open and close in quick succession, keeping track of subscription trends, sector outlook, and market conditions can help investors make informed decisions. Each issue represents not just a chance for fundraising by the company but also an entry point for individuals and institutions into varied growth stories. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A school safety agent is facing charges of driving while intoxicated after allegedly causing a multi-vehicle collision in Stapleton Sunday night, according to police. Julian Joseph, 32, of Graniteville, was operating a blue 2020 Alfa Romeo in the vicinity of Sands and Bay streets when he allegedly collided with a white 2016 Nissan van at around 8:35 p.m., causing it to then strike another vehicle, police said. The impact caused extensive damage to both primary vehicles involved, leaving the Nissan vans bumper completely detached and its rear door dented. The Alfa Romeo sustained significant front-end damage, according to the criminal complaint. Law enforcement officials noted several indicators of intoxication, including Josephs bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech and unsteady balance. An empty bottle of Smirnoff vodka was allegedly discovered on the drivers side floor of the Alfa Romeo, police said. Joseph refused to submit to a blood alcohol test after he was informed of his rights under Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1194, police said. Under the New York law, motorists are considered to have consented to a chemical test for alcohol or drug content when there is sufficient evidence to believe they are driving while intoxicated or impaired. Joseph was charged with both driving while intoxicated and driving while ability impaired by the consumption of alcohol. He has been suspended pending a department investigation, a spokeswoman for the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information said. My client was involved in a car accident that left him shaken, said Josephs attorney, Michael Harding. He was not intoxicated. After decades in New Yorks restaurant scene, Pedro Canelo opens his own kitchen with a menu full of memories and flavor. Il Sogno blends Italian tradition with modern flair, now offering value-driven specials and its signature hospitality. The Veal Sorrentino, shown here, is among the most popular dishes, topped with thin-sliced fried eggplant and prosciutto. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. After decades working for others, Pedro Canelo finally lives the restaurant dream. As the owner of Il Sogno at 26 Jefferson Blvd. in Annadale, he has turned years of experience in New Yorks restaurant scene into a dream realizedand his own successful establishment is aptly named Il Sogno, Italian for the dream. Pedro Canelo loves the restaurant life and has decades of food service experience behind him. After a summer of shortened weeks he will reopen Il Sogno for its regular lunch and dinner hours from Tuesday through Sunday. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Canelo, who emigrated from Peru 45 years ago, began his culinary journey at Marco Polo in Brooklyn, where he spent his first five to six years in the United States. He later worked at prestigious establishments such as Felidia, where he collaborated with the Bastianich family, and at beloved Staten Island spots including Angelinas now located at 399 Ellis St., Tottenville and the former Panarea, once located on Page Avenue, also in Tottenville. He also worked at Filippos, formerly on Richmond Road in Dongan Hills. Melanzana Sicilliana features roasted eggplant wrapped around Caciocavallo Cheese. They are drizzled with honey and topped with orange segments for a sweet-on-savory flavor combination. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) From Filippos, Canelo carries forward a signature ingredientcaciocavallo cheesewhich he now features in a stuffed eggplant dish at Il Sogno. At Filippos, the cheese was famously served fried and drizzled with honey. Orecchiette pasta is the vehicle for fennel sausage crumbles, broccoli rabe and ripe cherry tomatoes in a light chicken-basil broth. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) New hours after Labor Day Now at the helm of Il Sogno, Canelo brings his expertise to a menu rooted in Italian tradition with a modern, value-driven twist. The restaurant operates Wednesday through Sunday during the summer and will expand to six days a week starting in September. Il Sogno is located in the former home of Angelina's which the Malerba family moved to Tottenville. The Annadale address has been a familiar one to those who enjoy fine dining and a vibrant bar scene on weekend evenings. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Il Sogno offers a variety of Southern Italian specials. A Sunday Sauce Special is spiced at $24.95 and includes appetizer, entree, coffee, and dessert. From Wednesday through Friday, the All-You-Can-Eat Pasta special also runs at $24.95 and includes an appetizer, choice of pasta, coffee, and dessert. That includes an appetizer, choice of pasta, coffee, and dessert for $24.95. The Melanzana Tower appetizer for $19.95 includes panfried breaded eggplant, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella with basil oil. It is topped with a ball of fresh burrata cheese. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Meat is a big focus at the restaurant with steaks and chops. To highlight the carnivore aspect Canelo offers a Thursday night Porterhouse for Two with a prime, aged porterhouse steak served with salad, coffee, and dessert for $120. Family-style value meal On Sunday, there is now a Dinner for Four program for $139.95. It entails a multi-course feast starting with a choice of fresh mozzarella Caprese-style, rice balls, meatballs, shrimp cocktail and pasta. The piece de resistance is a selection of family-style entrees short ribs, ribs, chicken martini, and salmon Dijon. Coffee and dessert are included. Il Sogno has three dining rooms and a bar area. Two of the rooms can be sectioned off for private parties. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) Il Sognos menu features Italian classics such a melt-in-the-mouth veal Sorrentino with eggplant and prosciutto, orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage, and Kobe meatballs served in a rich brandy sauce. House specialties include an eggplant tower layered with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and burrata, finished with a drizzle of basil oil. Kobe meatballs are a special appetizer with a Merlot sauce touched with a bit of sweetness. It is a taste of fall as the restaurant gears up for a new season. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) The restaurant, formerly home to Angelinas, continues to evolve while honoring its roots. Longtime team member John Dimiri, a veteran waiter from a well-known Staten Island restaurant family, has been with Il Sogno for 15 years, adding to the its consistency and continuity. Il Sogno can be found at 26 Jefferson Blvd. in Annadale. The restaurant can be reached at 718-356-7800, ilsognonyc.com. Paul McCartney performs in 2011. The former Beatle has announced a 2025 tour of the U.S. as well as a 2026 tour of the U.K. (Amy Harris/Invision/Associated Press) Sir Paul McCartney is finalizing his first solo album since 2020s McCartney III, while also preparing for upcoming tours and the release of a new Wings memoir. A source told The Sun that McCartney has been crafting the album throughout the year. Its not quite finished but the majority of the album is done, and Paul is really proud of it, the source said. The 83-year-old musician is also planning extensive touring, including a U.S. tour beginning Sept. 29 in Palm Desert, California, and concluding Nov. 25 in Chicago. McCartney has also discussed plans for a U.K. leg of the tour to kick off in 2026, the report said McCartney performed a series of intimate shows earlier this year at the Bowery Ballroom in Manhattan. Adding to his seemingly never-ending output, hes also co-authored Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run, a book chronicling his experiences with the band he formed in 1971 after the Beatles breakup. The memoir, co-written with historian Ted Widmer, is scheduled to drop in early November. Im so very happy to be transported back to the time that was Wings and relive some of our madcap adventures through this book, McCartney said. He reflected on the challenges of starting fresh after the Beatles, noting, There were some very difficult moments, and I often questioned my decision. But as we got better, I thought, OK, this is really good. Wings, which included McCartneys late wife Linda, drummer Denny Seiwell and guitarist Denny Laine, released seven studio albums between 1971 and 1981, including notable works like Band on the Run, London Town, and Red Rose Speedway. Lead vocalist and bassist Sting, left, guitarist Andy Summers, right, and drummer Stewart Copeland of The Police perform during a 2008 concert in Japan. Summers and Copeland are currently suing Sting over claims of unpaid royalties. (Associated Press/Itsuo Inouye) Former Police members Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland have filed a lawsuit against Sting, seeking millions in allegedly unpaid royalties, according to a report from The Sun. The 73-year-old musician, whose real name is Gordon Sumner, and his company, Magnetic Publishing Limited, are facing legal action in Londons High Court under general commercial contracts and arrangements, the report said. This has been coming for quite some time,' a source told the outlet. Lawyers tried repeatedly to reach an out-of-court settlement but hit a stalemate." Andy and Stewart decided there was no alternative than court, so they pressed the button, the report said. They say they are owed millions in lost royalties. The Police, formed in 1977, has achieved significant success before disbanding in 1984. Following the bands breakup, Sting launched a successful solo career and was credited as the sole songwriter for the bands biggest hits, including: Roxanne, Message in a Bottle, Dont Stand So Close to Me, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic and Every Breath You Take. Every Breath You Take became particularly lucrative, ranking as 1983s best-selling single and the fifth best-selling song of the 1980s. Sting is believed to receive approximately $744,000 annually in royalties from this track alone, the report said. Sean Diddy Combs still pays Sting a significant amount of money in the wake of a previous legal battle about royalties in relation to the song. Combs famously sampled the track on his single, Ill Be Missing You in 1997, but didnt receive the proper permission. A scene from "Let the Devil In," a true-crime docuseries that explores a 1988 New Jersey murder-suicide. Jeremy Gould | MGM+ The headlines arrived as satanic panic gripped 1980s America. Satanist teen Uses Scout Knife to Kill Mother, Self. Boy Kills Mother and Himself. "Suicides Blamed on Musics Satanic Spell." Jefferson Townships Thomas Tommy Sullivan Jr. was 14 when he killed his mother, Betty Ann Sullivan, by stabbing her with his Boy Scout knife in 1988. More than 37 years later, a true-crime docuseries will explore the New Jersey case. The show, called Let the Devil In, is hosted by writer, actor and director Eli Roth (Thanksgiving, Borderlands, Inglourious Basterds, Hostel, Knock Knock), also an executive producer. The four-part series, premiering on MGM+ Sunday (Aug. 31), is based on Branden Morgans podcast The Devil Within. Eli Roth, host and executive producer of "Let the Devil In," which is based on the podcast "The Devil Within." Jeremy Gould | MGM+ Morgan serves as an executive producer on the series from showrunner and director Danielle Franco. Tommy Sullivan Jr. and his mother had reportedly been arguing about his fixation on satanic ritual and folklore when he fatally attacked her, set the familys house on fire, then slit his throat in a neighbors yard, killing himself. Tommys father, Thomas Sullivan Sr., and brother, Brian Sullivan, then 10, escaped the fire after waking up to a smoke alarm, finding Betty Anns body in the basement. The first season of Morgans podcast, released in 2021, examines Tommy who was a a student at the Rev. George A. Brown Memorial School in Sparta along with his family and that deadly night at their Jefferson Township home in Morris County. Let the Devil In promises firsthand accounts and interviews related to the 1988 Jersey case, with sources including witnesses, friends, members of the community and law enforcement. See the trailer below. Let the Devil In premieres Sunday, Aug. 31, 9 p.m. ET/PT on MGM+. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. 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. An adult New World screwworm fly sits at rest in this undated photo. (Denise Bonilla/U.S. Department of Agriculture via AP) AP NEW YORK A person who traveled to El Salvador has been diagnosed with New World screwworm the first reported U.S. case tied to travel to a country with a current outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the diagnosis on Aug. 4. Federal health officials acknowledged the infection in an emailed statement Monday, but did not describe the patients condition. They collaborated with Maryland health officials, the statement said. New World screwworm is a fly that lays its eggs in open wounds and body opening such as the eyes, ears, nose or mouth. It primarily affects livestock and is rare in humans. It does not spread from person to person, and poses a very low risk to the public, according to U.S. health officials. The parasite has been a larger concern to ranchers, as cattle infestations have been moving northward through Central America and Mexico. The CDC is working with the U.S. Agriculture Department to prevent further spread, officials said. The pest was a problem for the American cattle industry for decades until the U.S. largely eradicated it in the 1970s. The next 30th meeting of the contact group on Ukrainian defense issues in the Ramstein format will take place in London on September 9 this year, Suspilne reports with reference to a representative of the German Defense Ministry. According to him, the meeting in the capital of Great Britain will be held in a "mixed format," but the agenda has not been disclosed yet. "Due to consultations on the agenda, I cannot comment on this topic at the moment," explained the press secretary of the German defense ministry. As reported earlier, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal discussed preparations for the next meeting in the Ramstein format with his British counterpart John Healey. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Mona Omans motto is go big or go home, which is fitting given her career in wall painting. One of her recent projects spans approximately 3,000 square feet and adorns the lower front half of PS 46 in South Beach. This is the most involved mural I have completed so far, said Oman. She finished the project in just under three months. Oman, a professional artist, said she enjoys bringing joy and beauty to the Staten Island community through her work. The PS 46 project features an oceanfront theme, showcasing dolphins swimming in the water, along with various other sea elements decorating the front and side walls of the school. This artwork aims to evoke a sense of love, peace and serenity as the new school year begins on Sept. 4. In an alert issued earlier this month, the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center said it has received reports of scammers pretending to be law firms claiming to help victims recover funds, particularly targeting those who lost money in cryptocurrency schemes. Rick Bowmer, AP file Lets say you got scammed. Youre feeling violated and likely unsure of the best way to proceed to try and recoup your money and protect yourself in the future. With these concerns in mind, it can seem like perfect timing when youre contacted by a law firm claiming to represent the U.S. government in efforts to help you find justice and get your money back. Sounds great, right? Not so fast, the FBI warns. What seems like help could actually be another scam that re-targets victims. In an alert issued earlier this month, the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center said it has received reports of scammers pretending to be law firms claiming to help victims recover funds. The scheme is particularly cold-hearted as it targets previous victims, most often the elderly, exploiting their emotional state and financial need to recover funds theyve already lost. Often, these scams involve victims who have lost money via cryptocurrency schemes. Heres how the scam works The scammers typically associated with the earlier group that targeted the victim contact someone and falsely claim to be attorneys or representatives of a government agency like the FBI or Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. They offer to assist the victims and request personal identifying and financial information and upfront fees or payments. The scammers often use social media or other messaging platforms to reach out to victims. How to spot the scam Scammers often impersonate actual lawyers or law firms and use fictitious documents that can look legitimate. There are no law firms that are officially authorized partners of the U.S. government, the FBI warns, and claims of such a tie is a huge red flag. Another red flag? References to a fictitious government or regulatory entity, such as the International Financial Trading Commission. Always double-check whether such an agency exists. If the person requests payment in cryptocurrency or prepaid gift cards, its a scam. Another sign is the person knowing the exact amounts and dates of previous wire transfers and the third-party company where the victim previously sent scammed funds. Scammers often claim they found the name of the victim on some sort of government list and refer to themselves as a crypto recovery law firm. Scammers often state the victims funds are in an account held at a foreign bank and direct them to register an account at that bank. The domain or website provided for this bank appears legitimate but is a fraudulent platform to facilitate the ongoing scheme. Placing victims into a group chat on WhatsApp, or other messaging applications, for supposed secrecy and safety of the client with the foreign bank or attorneys who may say that payment of bank fees is required to verify identity and ownership to withdraw funds. Scammers wont provide information on credentials or licenses and wont appear on camera or via video. How should you protect yourself? The FBI advises people to assume a zero trust model in these circumstances, assuming no one should be trusted by default and every request should be verified. Ask for verification and documentation of any claims and be especially cautious if you havent reached out to law enforcement or federal officials with a prior complaint. Lil Nas X, whose legal name is Montero Lamar Hill, was arraigned in court on four felony counts, including three counts of battery with injury on a police officer, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Frederic J. Brown/Pool Photo via Associated Press) Rapper Lil Nas X, whose legal name is Montero Lamar Hill, is facing multiple felony charges following an incident in Los Angeles last Thursday, where police say he was found walking naked along Ventura Boulevard. Court documents filed Monday in Los Angeles County Superior Court reveal Hill is charged with three felony counts of battery on a police officer and one count of resisting arrest. According to NBC News, the charges stem from an early morning encounter in which Hill allegedly charged at officers responding to reports of a nude man in the area. A law enforcement source told the outlet that Hill allegedly punched an officer twice in the face. The source indicated it was unclear whether Hill was experiencing mental distress or an overdose at the time of the incident, the report said. TMZ obtained footage showing Hills activities. At around 5:45 a.m., he was seen walking down the street wearing white briefs and cowboy boots. Later footage shows him completely naked and barefoot. After spending the weekend in custody, Hill appeared before a judge Monday morning and was released on a conditional $75,000 bail, the report said. Lil Nas X is a multi-award-winning performer known for his breakout 2019 country-rap hit Old Town Road, which went viral on TikTok and held the record for the longest-running song at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, staying there for 19 weeks. He has also become recognized for advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights as an openly gay Black artist, as well as his use of social media and risque music videos to build his brand. The 4th annual "Drive the Hate Away" event transformed Tompkinsville Park into a hub of unity, bringing together dozens of community organizations. Amanda Faublas for the Advance/S STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The 4th NYC Partners Against The Hate Awareness Day event transformed Tompkinsville Park into a hub of unity and awareness on Monday, Aug. 25. Drive the Hate Away was presented by the 67th Precinct Clergy Council, Partners Against the Hate, and the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crime. This years gathering marked a milestone as the initiative was held on Staten Island for the very first time. Now, the P.A.T.H Forward initiative has held events across all five boroughs. The 67th Precinct Clergy Council widely known as the God Squad is one of the anchor organizations for the P.A.T.H. Forward Initiative. Launched in May 2021, the initiative was established to help combat bias-motivated incidents and hate crimes in New York City. Christine Noel, who also serves as P.A.T.H. director, noted that the initiative is about more than just gathering for one day; it is a way to combat hate and bias by providing resources and supporting those affected. I plan this event as a day we can stand on a unified front, coming together from all different backgrounds, demographics and faiths, and just show that, despite everything thats going on, we can still stand together, even if we may not believe the same things or look the same,' said Noel. Christine Noel, P.A.T.H director, Pamela Hight, and Sherma Chambers are shown at the 4th annual Drive the Hate Away" event. Amanda Faublas for the Advance/S Dozens of community organizations participated in the event, setting up resource tables and offering programs meant to foster connection, education and solidarity against hate. Vijah Ramjattan, executive director of the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, said bringing P.A.T.H. Awareness Day to Staten Island was a way to ensure that the borough feels seen and included. Were having all of our partners from across the city come out here to let Staten Islanders know they are not forgotten,' said Ramjattan. They may be far, but theyre not forgotten. Together, we are stronger and we want every corner of New York City to know theres no place for hate. Shown are Jelissa Thomas, senior program manager; Erica Ware, deputy executive director; Vijah Ramjattan, executive director, and Cheryl Zhang, P.A.T.H. program manager. Amanda Faublas for the Advance/S The city Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes was established in 2019 to address the rise of bias and hate incidents across the city. Today, the office funds and collaborates with approximately 60 organizations across the five boroughs. Among its funding is P.A.T.H. The quality of life for New Yorkers has been affected by hate, bias, and discrimination because New York City is so diverse, said Ramjattan, noting that diversity is one of the citys strengths. However, a lot of different communities of people may use that diversity to create division, and were saying no,' Ramjattan said. There is no need for division. We should build on our diversity and create more spaces where we can learn and share about each other. The 67th Precinct Clergy Council and NYC Office for Prevention of Hate Crimes brought their anti-hate initiative to the borough for the first time, featuring resources from a variety of community organizations. Amanda Faublas for the Advance/S Each year, the office awards 10 community project grants of $10,000 to New Yorkers including individuals as young as 14 to support initiatives that promote healing, education and community-building around hate prevention. By bringing communities together and supporting local initiatives, P.A.T.H. Awareness Day reminds Staten Islanders and all New Yorkers that through education, community support and collaboration, they can stand together to confront hate. Organizations participating in the event include: Christopher Rose Community Empowerment Campaign, LiveOnNY-Organ Donation Saves Lives, La Colmena, Staten Islands Jewish Community Center, NYC Commission of Human Rights, and Korean American Family Service Center. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive.com. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here. Maria Dorothy Miceli, 63, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 22. Born and raised in Stapleton, she attended St. John the Baptist de la Salle Catholic Grammar School and Curtis High School. Maria worked at the DiMarzio Guitar plant for many years before relocating to Mill Valley, California, where she lived for over 20 years. She recently moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to be near family. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date on Staten Island. Read the full obituary on SILive.com. (Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story based on data from Legacy.com. It was reviewed and edited by Advance/SILive.com staff) New York City Mayor Eric Adams swears in Devarjaye DJ Daniel as Deputy Mayor for Public Safety for a day at City Hall on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. (Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York City Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry stepped down Tuesday for a good cause. Thats because he had to make way for Devarjaye DJ Daniel, a 13-year-old Texas boy battling cancer who Mayor Eric Adams named the 1-day honorary deputy mayor for public safety at a morning City Hall ceremony. When it comes to choosing people to serve in the critical role, we are looking for people with courage, commitment and experience, Adams said. [DJ] has the experience that we need. Hes battle-tested. Daniel has traveled the world with his father, Theodis Daniel, being sworn in as an officer in more than 1,300 law enforcement agencies setting a Guinness World Record, Adams said Tuesday. Agencies around the U.S. that have sworn in Daniel include the NYPD in 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Secret Service earlier this year after he attended the joint session of Congress as a guest of President Donald Trump. Tonight, DJ, were going to do you the biggest honor of them all, Trump said during his speech in March. I am asking our new Secret Service director, Sean Curran, to officially make you an agent of the United States Secret Service. Daughtry said the Daniels day in the five boroughs would be spent visiting various city landmarks, including the Empire State Building. Daniel received a brain cancer diagnosis in 2018 and has been battling cancer ever since. In late May, the White House announced that the boy was battling three new tumors. On Tuesday, the boy thanked his father for traveling with him to fulfill his goal of being sworn in by various law enforcement agencies. My dads been driving me everywhere. No matter how tired he is, he still gets the job done, Daniel said. Interior styling before listing it on the market can increase the sale price by up to 5%, a recent study by Level Frame found. (Courtesy of Level Frame) Interior styling and decoration can significantly improve the selling price of your home, especially in the top 10 priciest U.S. real estate markets, including New York City, according to recent research. Even seemingly minor design enhancements can significantly elevate the look of a home and its buyer appeal for selling, according to the study by Level Frames. It found that in some of the countrys most competitive markets including New York City this additional appeal can translate into tens of thousands of dollars more on the sale price of a home. In fact, the study found that in these markets, sellers added between $24,000 and $42,000 to their homes value with the simple changes to interior design. Interior specialists Level Frames, a professional framing company, have analyzed average property prices across the states to uncover where home staging offers the greatest potential return on investment. The data shows that well-executed staging, including a few specific changes, can add an average of around $18,500 to property values across the country. Making the following changes can add up to big bucks, a potential increase in sale price of 5%. Natural light Natural light makes spaces feel larger, inspiring potential buyers about what they could do to make the space their own. Natural light also contributes to sustainability, reducing the reliance on artificial light sources, which is a big focus for many modern homeowners. When staging your home, clean your windows and make sure that furniture isnt blocking natural light sources, the designers say Neutral palette Neutral color palettes are a great way of highlighting your homes versatility and timelessness, the designers at Level Frame found. Giving your home a paint job is one of the best ways to boost its value, they found. A white kitchen has been found to be a sure way to increase value, the researchers said. Neutral accents, including wall art, are a great way to enhance the rooms decor. On a tighter budget? replace dark or busy accents in a room with neutral shades on throw pillows and bed linens and towels. Muted sofa throws and cotton accent blankets or are an easy way to accomplish bring in the new, softer-hued palette. Framed artwork No surprise given the study was done by a frame company, but according to Level Frames, well-displayed artwork makes an impression on buyers. The size and placement of framed artwork are important in home stagingit should be proportionate to the wall and furniture, and hung at eye level to ensure its visually accessible and enhances the rooms balance, the designers said. Opt for museum-quality custom frames for a True high-end feel. This will elevate your space, driving the price up, the researchers said. High-quality matted artwork, too, may draw a buyers attention. And those on a limited budget can frame treasured photos or works of professional-quality frames, like those available on Amazon.com, themselves. Landscapes and nature themes lend themselves to neutral shades naturally. Small investment, big payoff So, which regions of the country enjoyed the biggest property-value jump with some well-chosen decor? Here are the top 10 regions that could potentially see the biggest profit on their home after staging by designers, according to the study: San Jose, California $76,000 San Francisco , California $65,000 San Diego, California $51,000 Los Angeles, California $48,000 Seattle, Washington $44,400 Long Branch, California $42,742 New York City $38,000 Boston, Massachusetts $37,580 Oakland, California $37,580 Washington, D.C. $30,294 Researchers at Level Frames used a seed list based on the 50 most populous cities in the United States and a separate ranking for U.S. states. Using Zillow, they found the average house price in each city and state, taking the average home value over the past year. These prices are accurate as of June 5, 2025, according to the researchers. They used the estimated staged home increase statistic (up to a 5% increase) from the National Association of Realtors Research Group 2023 Profile of Home Staging to calculate how much higher the average house price could be when investing in home staging. All data was collected in May 2025 and is correct as of then. President Donald Trumps MAGA fans are in an uproar after the president signed an executive order that looks to ban the burning of the American flag, The Times of London reported. Conservative radio host Erick Erickson wrote on X, This is actually not brilliant. While I agree with the sentiment, it is unfortunately well settled constitutional law that burning the flag is a matter of free speech and the executive does not get to create crimes. The U.S. Supreme Court in 1989 ruled that flag burning was a form a free speech protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Writing on X, MAGA radio host Jesse Kelly wrote, I would never in a million years harm the American flag. But a president telling me I cant has me as close as Ill ever be to lighting one on fire. I am a free American citizen. And if I ever feel like torching one, I will. This is garbage. Flag burning is vile but the government has no right to control speech or expression, conservative radio host Dana Loesch wrote on X. Trumps executive order, signed on Monday, says that desecrating the American flag is uniquely offensive and provocative. The president ordered the Justice Department to bring charges against those who burn the flag to the maximum extent permitted by the constitution. If you burn a flag, you get one year in jail, no early exits, no nothing, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. The executive order states, It is a statement of contempt, hostility and violence against our nation the clearest possible expression of opposition to the political union that preserves our rights, liberty and security. Trumps order acknowledges the 1989 court ruling but seeks to suggest examples where flag-burners can be prosecuted without going against the First Amendment, such as instances where flag burning results in incitement to imminent lawless action. The order also suggests that Attorney General Pam Bondi may pursue litigation to clarify what these possible exceptions to First Amendment protections may be. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis speaks to constituents at the New Dorp Beach Friendship Club on May 5, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jillian Delaney) Advance/SILive.com | Jillian Delaney STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis was deemed target number one in a CBS interview as the gerrymandering war between Democratic and Republican states heats up. Malliotakis was a guest on The Point with Marcia Kramer on Aug 24. On the show, Malliotakis discussed a number of hot button topics, including the gerrymandering happening in Texas and California. With states like New York also threatening to redraw district lines, Kramer discussed the possibility of Malliotakis congressional seat being targeted. Malliotakis holds the only Republican congressional seat within New York City, representing Staten Island and South Brooklyn. Well first of all, let me make clear that regardless of whether its Republicans or Democrats doing it, gerrymandering is wrong. Its very corrupt. It takes away the voice of the people. We need to have competitive maps, so the voters are the ones who decide who represents them, and if theyre not happy, they have the ability to fire that individual, Malliotakis said on the show. Malliotakis went on to say that she maintains the singular competitive seat within the five boroughs. Kramer then shifted the conversation to the political rumblings coming out of Texas and California, where gerrymandering measures have either passed or are in the process of being passed. So now that theres a war of gerrymandering, Texas started it, they want it because control of the House in 2026 is a big deal, so they want to have five more Republican seats. Californias gonna do five more Democratic seats and thats gonna start a whole war around the country. And when they look at New York, and they look at the Republican seats they can gerrymander, youre target number one, Kramer said. Malliotakis, in an uncommon step away from her party and President Donald Trump, decried the actions of Texas Republicans. The congresswoman said, I think it was wrong that the Republicans in Texas opened up this flood gate. I dont agree with it and its clear in the law that politically redrawing our maps has to be done every decade, once a decade, as it relates to the census. So, it shouldnt be happening, but here we are. And were gonna have to just continue to fight the state legislature on this. They cant do it, number one, without a constitutional amendment, and that constitutional amendment will have to be approved by the voters. Malliotakis believes that Republicans can win on merit in the 2026 midterm elections, even without the five additional seats in Texas. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) fired back at pressure from President Donald Trump in a series of posts on social media on Monday. Grassley shielded himself from criticism on X after Trump slammed the senators defense of the century-old blue slip practice, which allows home-state senators to approve or reject district court and U.S. attorney nominees. Trump, who has been demanding Grassley for weeks to abandon the tradition, on Sunday had blasted the custom, framing it as an affront to his appointment power. He also claimed that his constitutional authority has been completely taken away from me in States that have just one Democrat United States Senator. This is because of an old and outdated custom known as a BLUE SLIP, that Senator Chuck Grassley, of the Great State of Iowa, refuses to overturn, even though the Democrats, including Crooked Joe Biden (Twice!), have done so on numerous occasions. Therefore, the only candidates that I can get confirmed for these most important positions are, believe it or not, Democrats! Trump wrote about the Senates president pro tempore on his Truth Social platform. Chuck Grassley should allow strong Republican candidates to ascend to these very vital and powerful roles, and tell the Democrats, as they often tell us, to go to HELL! he continued. Grassley, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, responded to Trumps claims in several posts, suggesting that he isnt budging on his belief. A U.S. Atty/district judge nominee without a blue slip does not [have] the votes to get confirmed on the Senate floor & they dont [have] the votes to get out of [committee], Grassley first wrote, adding As chairman I set Pres Trump noms up for SUCCESS NOT FAILURE. A U.S. Atty/district judge nominee without a blue slip does not hv the votes to get confirmed on the Senate floor & they dont hv the votes to get out of cmte As chairman I set Pres Trump noms up for SUCCESS NOT FAILURE Chuck Grassley (@ChuckGrassley) August 25, 2025 In a separate post, Grassley added: The 100 yr old blue slip allows home state senators 2 [have] input on US attys & district court judges. In Biden admin Republicans kept 30 LIBERALS OFF BENCH THAT PRES TRUMP CAN NOW FILL W CONSERVATIVES. The exchange comes as a federal judge ruled last week that Alina Habba, the presidents pick to serve as New Jerseys U.S. Attorney, has been unlawfully serving in the position. The court found that Habbas appointment violated federal law governing temporary appointments to Senate-confirmed positions, with Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim opposing her nomination to a full term. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department will immediately appeal the ruling. Habba herself also sharply criticized the decision, arguing on Fox News that We will not fall to rogue judges. 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, Habba said during an appearance on Hannity. And frankly, same with Sen. Grassley by holding up a traditional blue slip, not a law, and not allowing a lot of the presidents picks to go through and be voted on by Senate. I didnt even get to that point, she added. We will immediately appeal. @USAttyHabba is doing incredible work in New Jersey and we will protect her position from activist judicial attacks.https://t.co/BSBlYPcGy6 Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) August 21, 2025 In another post, Grassley referenced that Habba was withdrawn as Trumps nominee on July 24, noting that the committee never received any of the paperwork needed for the Senate to vet her nomination. Chinese vice president meets special envoy of ROK president Xinhua) 15:17, August 26, 2025 BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Tuesday met with Park Byeong-seug, special envoy of President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung, in Beijing. Han said China is willing to work with the ROK to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate strategic mutual trust, expand common interests, enhance multilateral coordination, and promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of the bilateral ties. Noting that 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, as well as the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Korean Peninsula, Han said China is ready to work with the international community, including the ROK side, to jointly safeguard the outcomes of the victory of World War II and uphold true multilateralism. Park Byeong-seug said the new ROK government attaches great importance to its relations with China and respects the one-China principle. The ROK is willing to bring the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries back on track for the benefit of the people of both countries under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, he added. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko met with German Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance Lars Klingbeil to discuss state budget financing, defense needs, and macroeconomic stability. "We spoke about the key challenges Ukraine is facing today: funding the state budget, defense requirements, and macro-financial stability. Continued cooperation with the IMF and support from partners is critically important for us," she wrote on Telegram. Svyrydenko noted that this was Klingbeil's first visit to Kyiv. "We also discussed reforms and economic recovery. I presented the 'Reform Matrix' an interactive tool that systematizes more than 200 reforms and over 400 indicators. The government is focused on deregulation and privatization steps. It is important to create conditions for the private sector to invest and help rebuild industry, energy, and housing," she said. According to her, Germany shared its experience with grant-support programs for businesses and expressed readiness to explore opportunities to attract investment into Ukraine. European integration was also a separate point of discussion. "Decisions on negotiation clusters with the EU are expected as early as September. It is important that Ukraine and Moldova move forward on this path together," Svyrydenko added. Eli Smith 25, an international affairs and French double major from Greene, Maine, and Sara Powers 25, a computer science major with a geoscience minor from Worcester, Massachusetts, are general managers of WSPN, Skidmore's beloved collge radio station. by Maitreya Ravenstar '25 Skidmores student-run college radio station, WSPN 91.1 FM, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. Based in the basement of Skidmores Jonsson Tower dormitory, the station is completely managed by a student e-board (executive board) and consistently ranks as one of the top 10 college radio stations in the country (No. 8 according to The Princeton Review in this years rankings). Ive been a part of the e-Board for the past year as its webmaster (redoing the website to be more accessible and cohesive and keeping its blog running) and as the social media manager (in charge of the list of the public service announcements that WSPN airs and making sure its Instagram account is up to date and fun). Ive had a radio show for even longer. Part of what makes WSPN special is its ability to bring together Skidmore students and the city of Saratoga Springs. Every year, a slew of community DJs sign up for a show, a committed group that includes a tarot card reader and Skidmore staff. Everybody who wants to have a show must first attend Big Meeting, the annual how to the e-board hosts to recruit DJs. A lot of the community DJs have had a show for years, and their legacy reminds students that they are part of a longstanding and long-loved tradition. Generations of Skidmore alumni in broadcasting and media made some of their first media appearances on WSPN, including NPRs Elissa Nadworny 10 and Washington Post audio producer Ariel Plotnick 15, who once served as the stations general manager. Generations of alumni and community members have hosted radio shows on WSPN. The other day I brought my dad, Corwin Ravenstar, a Saratoga Springs local, in to cohost with me. He had a show at WSPN with his two townie, not Skiddy friends in the 1990s. Between me, Adam Wilcox, and our friend Brian Smith, we had a collection of a few hundred Grateful Dead bootlegs, my dad recalled. Back then there werent too many DJs, so wed take over the studio for a few hours and play our coveted tapes. The station is broadcast throughout the city, so students have a voice in the sounds of Saratoga Springs, as well as on an online stream so friends and family can tune in from anywhere. WSPN is a lot more than just a radio broadcast its a community and one of the many student clubs at Skidmore. Every year, we host three major concerts, one of them being the annual Earth Day in collaboration with the Students Events Council (SEC), Lively Lucys, Environmental Action Club (EAC), and SuCo (the Student Government Associations Sustainability Committee). Earth Day is Skidmores largest concert. Multiple popular musicians take an outdoor stage while students sell their art at a marketplace, and different clubs run activities like a rock wall or a bouncy house. Last year, WSPN hosted their first drag show, titled Let them Eat Cake, bringing in local queens to perform dressed in Mary Antoinette spin-offs. The show went so well, featuring a costume contest with a prize (cake), that this year for the annual Halloween show, theyre doing it again with spooky song covers. WSPN is also a great resource for students interested in music and media. The studio has a recording room where musicians can get high-quality recordings of their songs. In a nod to NPRs Tiny Desk Concerts, WSPN Presents lets student (and faculty) musicians perform acoustic sets at the station in front of its massive CD collection. The series is on YouTube and new videos get uploaded each semester. Additionally, WSPN has its own website with a blog, allowing aspiring critics and journalists the chance to publish music-related writing and photography. I spoke with WSPNs co-general managers, seniors Eli Smith 25 (an international affairs and French double major from Greene, Maine) and Sara Powers 25 (a computer science major with a geoscience minor from Worcester, Massachusetts) about the station. Eli, who was a programmer for the past few years before stepping into the GM role, said the leadership role is a good way to gain professional experience while doing something that inspires him. I like that WSPN allows over a hundred people to participate each semester and have a really fun experience with the music they love. I love just being able to tune in at any time and hear my community. He hopes that the stations broadcast range can get boosted with the help of a new antenna and WSPN will get additional financial and logistical support. Sara, the stations previous technical director, wasnt initially planning to continue as GM past last summer, but said she and Eli realized that the position made more sense as a two-person job. Im really glad it worked out. Its great to be able to take the station in the direction we want it to go. Compared to a lot of other college radio stations, WSPN really prioritizes making radio accessible to as many people as possible. It sometimes blows my mind that were able to run such a packed program of unique shows each semester. When asked about her goals for the station, she said, I hope to see us have a larger presence both on campus and in the Saratoga community. Id like us to work more closely with administration and put ourselves out there to the student body. Were already a big organization, but I think we can extend our outreach even further. WSPN boasts an impressive collection of music. Regardless of your musical taste, theres space for everyone at WSPN. As soon as you enter the station, youre greeted with hundreds of CDs and records lining the shelves, old posters from alumni graphic designers, mismatched armchairs, and a stuffed wizard plushy (the WSPN Wizard is the radios icon). In the room with the mics, theres a wall of handmade posters for the years shows (made at the annual poster-making party), and the atmospheric dark purple lighting makes it feel colorful and cozy, perfect for Saratoga winters. WSPN has accumulated a lot of traditions over its half-a-century run, and we hope it continues to serve as a musical bridge between Skidmore students and the local community for a long time. Just like the e-board always signs their emails, peace, love, and college radio. Ben Van Leeuwen 07, a founder of the eponymous, premium ice cream brand that can now be found in shops from New York City to Singapore, says some of the most valuable lessons he has learned about building a business came from courses at Skidmore including a studio art class. by Holly Leber Simmons 02 The short version of the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream story tends to jump quickly from a promising young man and a little yellow ice cream truck to a $55 million business. In summer 2008, Ben Van Leeuwen 07, his brother Pete, and his partner, Laura, started Van Leeuwen Ice Cream with $60,000 raised from friends and family, the energy of three 20-somethings, and a hustle mentality. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is now a household name the colorful pints are in grocery stores across the U.S., and the ice cream has made recent appearances on "The Drew Barrymore Show" and in the Anne Hathaway movie "The Idea of You." Ben even appeared on an episode of "Deal or No Deal." But the fairy tale version of any startup story, he says, does a disservice to aspiring entrepreneurs. A lot of entrepreneurial founding stories without the details make it sound easy, which I think is bad, says Van Leeuwen, who majored in management and business at Skidmore. Its disempowering to people who want to start their own thing or want to be an entrepreneur but havent done it. It sounds like, Gosh, Ive barely started and its already hard. I dont want to do it if its not going to work. That $60K investment? It couldnt buy a new truck, which would cost $85,000. So Ben, Pete, and Laura bought a 1988 post office truck on eBay for $2,500, painted it yellow, and spent $40,000 to convert it. It was an absolute piece of shit, it broke down all the time, but it allowed us to start. They couldnt afford research and development, so they taught themselves to make ice cream from cookbooks. They drove six hours to make ice cream at a small upstate dairy farm because they couldnt afford a manufacturing facility. They worked every day, rotating shifts working on the truck and on the business from making caramel in their apartment to learning QuickBooks while holding down other jobs. In 2010, they opened their first Van Leeuwen Ice Cream shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. In the first 10 years of our business, the cash flow was so extraordinarily tight that there were many times when wed drive from truck to truck in our little car, from store to store, emptying the cash registers, getting that money into the bank before 5 p.m. so payroll would clear, Ben recalls. It wasnt exactly a fairy tale. But Van Leeuwen had one advantage over many other aspiring entrepreneurs: We sell ice cream its almost a commodity. Its all in the execution. He says thats one of the most valuable lessons he learned about creating and running a business. And he took it from a silversmithing class at Skidmore with Professor of Art David Peterson. Peterson, he says, gives incredible focus to craft and detail, taking pieces from idea to completion. He taught me that a great concept is nothing without great execution. Van Leeuwen exemplifies Skidmores mind and hand philosophy: In management and business classes, he was intrigued by how people execute their own concepts. Learning about the theoretical aspects of running a business did not engage me. What got me excited was the case studies. And great execution remains a top priority for the company. Were really into finding the best ingredients, he says. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream sources South American chocolate, Sicilian pistachios, and hazelnuts from the Piedmont region of Italy. The summer Vegan Mango Sorbet uses Alphonso mangoes. The company frequently partners with chefs to create one-of-a-kind flavors like Sour Cherry Creamsicle, a swirl of vanilla ice cream and Sour Morello Cherry Sorbet, a collaboration with Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. An assortment of Van Leeuwen vegan flavors Recently, Van Leeuwen released its first dog ice cream Peanut Butter and Banana a joint effort with pet food delivery service Ollie. Their ice cream always looks as good as it tastes. The company Instagram displays bold rainbows of pint containers, pastel-toned shops, and beautiful scoops of ice cream, like Vegan Planet Earth (a blue amaretto ice cream with pieces of green matcha cake), not to mention the original buttery yellow truck. Im really obsessive about aesthetics, Van Leeuwen says. While the entire experience has been an education from how to make ice cream to cash forecasting Van Leeuwen says hes most proud to have learned the people aspect. He says another seed was planted during his senior year at Skidmore when former General Electric Chief Financial Officer Dennis D. Dammerman was a guest speaker in Associate Professor Emeritus Marty Canavans Entrepreneurship and Small Business course. The executive said, You learn with your ears, not your mouth. Listen. Let people talk. Thats how you learn, especially when youre working with teams. Ask a question that youre genuinely interested in. Van Leeuwen strives to follow that advice. I make an effort to ask questions to the team members, he says. I dont ask Howd we do? or How much did you make? I ask things like, You had a $1K hour. How did that feel? Did you have enough people? Another key element of the companys evolution has been hiring people with different skills and knowledge sets. In short, lets hire people who are way smarter than us hopefully overall way smarter, but at the very least smarter than us in different ways, right? From three young co-founders and a little yellow truck, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream has grown to a 65-person corporate team, adding a president and chief operating officer, and a chief financial officer, in 2018. Were like this awesome leadership team of five people. And we work together so well. In some ways, its non-traditional. The responsibilities of CEO land on me, but big decisions are collective. The company employs more than 2,000 retail team members. It boasts more than 75 stores in nine states and Washington, D.C., as well one in Singapore. Plans are underway for dozens of new shops, which are expected to top 100 in 2025. The founders of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, brothers Ben (left) and Pete Van Leeuwen and Laura ONeill, in their original ice cream truck (converted from an old USPS delivery truck). One of the top factors the team considers when seeking out new locations is walkability. The de-vehicularizing of cities is so good for us, Van Leeuwen said. We do 50% more sales in walkable areas. Their top-selling Brooklyn shop, he said, is in Prospect Heights, on a street closed to nonessential traffic. In August 2023, Ben, Pete, and Laura were interviewed on "The Today Show" and asked what advice each would give aspiring entrepreneurs. Laura said, Make sure its your passion. Pete said, Its important to stay re-invigorated. Ben didnt answer the question. So, what advice would Ben Van Leeuwen give someone who wanted to start a business? Do something that you love, he said. Its going to be really hard. If I was looking at it rationally, other things would have made more sense than starting an ice cream company. But I loved ice cream and I loved the people aspect. All the hardness of starting it you can push to the side. A version of this article first appeared in the fall 2024 issue of Scope magazine. Locksley Resources has landed squarely on Washingtons radar after enlisting powerhouse advisory group GreenMet to steer its Californian Mojave project into the heart of Americas energy and defence supply chain push. The company says the deal marks a major escalation in its US ambitions to build the nations first mine-to-market antimony supply chain. Washington sees the push for supply independence as critical, with 92 per cent of the worlds production still tied to non-aligned nations such as China and North Korea. Locksley Resources has engaged GreenMet Advisory, helmed by Washington insider Drew Horn, to introduce the company to the highest levels of government in the critical minerals sector. GreenMet is a leading advisor to the US on critical minerals strategy. With big names comes big access, and Locksley says none come bigger than GreenMet founder and chief executive officer Drew Horn. Horn is a former senior US official and previously held top posts at the White House, the Pentagon, the Energy Department, the Defence Department and the office of National Intelligence before moving into the private sector. Advertisement Eating outSandwich watch A panino so distractingly good that I dont notice the oil streaming onto my jumper Glen Iris Italian diner Grazia just opened a takeaway joint next door, where house-baked schiacciata and hidden flavour bombs set its deli-style sandwiches apart from the pack. Tomas Telegramma August 27, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share As featured in the September 2025 hit list. See all stories . One mouthful into my sandwich at Grazia DAsporto, the new takeaway panini and pizza bar by and next door to Glen Iris Italian diner Grazia, its obvious this bread is built different. Its so distractingly good that I dont notice the oil streaming from my panino onto my jumper. A sandwich shop baking its own bread isnt unusual. And many of the citys best sangers come from bakeries where the vessel is the business literal bread and butter. Grazia DAsportos crispy, house-baked schiacciata flatbread. Paul Jeffers But this house-baked schiacciata is an expertly executed flatbread, thinner and crispier than the focaccia enveloping every second Italian-style deli sandwich in Melbourne right now. What I wanted to get right most of all was the bread, says executive chef Joe Di Cintio. Advertisement Already, the response has been overwhelmingly beyond anything we could imagine. The schiacciata is a star in and of itself. But its role in the prosciutto panino alongside a handful of inspired cheffy touches has helped it catch the attention of Sandwich Watch, a column dedicated to the Melbourne sangers you need to know about. No ingredient is used too heavy-handedly, keeping things interesting but harmonious. Paul Jeffers Why is this schiacciata such a catch? Despite tons of trial and error, the Grazia team couldnt quite nail the quintessentially Tuscan flatbread on their own, so they recruited Italian master baker Emiliano Gandolfi to come to Melbourne for a fortnight to share his secrets. It was a costly investment, but it paid off. Advertisement Key to the doughs success is 100 per cent hydration (equal parts flour and water), which makes it super sticky and tricky to work with, as its baked continually throughout the day in a Rome-imported Castelli pizza oven. The final product is slim but aerated, crunchy-crusted and satisfyingly chewy. A 72-hour ferment ensures its less heavy and easier to digest than focaccia. House-baked desserts are available by day, and whole pizzas to take away by night. Paul Jeffers The prosciutto paninos flagship fillings are solid Sliced-to-order San Daniele prosciutto is so paper-thin it melts in your mouth, and theres no stringiness. Pucks of Floridia Cheese fior di latte are plump and bouncy. Rocket offers peppery freshness. And a herby kick comes from house-made basil pesto. But the cheffy flourishes are stellar Advertisement Dryness can demote a prosciutto panino from primo to hard no. But its avoided by juicy flavour bombs hidden throughout. Halved red grapes are sweet and crisp. Tiny dried figs almost begin rehydrating in the dressing of oil and vincotto, a tangy condiment like balsamic vinegar, but made with grapes. And semi-dried tomatoes burst with a much more intense flavour than their fresh (but currently out-of-season) counterparts. None is used too heavy-handedly, keeping things interesting but harmonious. With quite a few ingredients, weve got to be careful of any overpowering, says Di Cintio. The prosciutto panino is filled with San Daniele prosciutto, Floridia Cheese fior di latte, rocket and housemade basil pesto. Paul Jeffers How do I get one? The prosciutto panino ($18) is available at Grazia DAsporto, 157 Burke Road, Glen Iris, daily. Advertisement What else is available? By day, you can get Roman-style pizza al taglio (by the slice); focaccia di Recco, Ligurian-style focaccia filled with stracchino cheese; sides like carbonara suppli, similar to arancini; and desserts baked in-house. By night, there are whole pizzas to takeaway. Related Article 14 / 20 Review Rammed from open to close: Glen Iris locals flock to Italian restaurant Grazia This is the latest instalment of Sandwich Watch, a column dedicated to the Melbourne sandwiches you need to know about. 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 Recording star Kate Ceberano, accompanied by husband Lee Rogers, hand-embroidered messages into the hem of her dress: beauty, love and grace. Housing Minister Clare ONeil with musical icon Kate Ceberano. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Were here to look, and were looking. Were here to look and listen and be part of the environment the conversation, obviously, its about arts and culture, and we want to defend and protect the rights of IRL (in real life) and people who make it and create and write it, she said. Ceberano was a guest of Holly Rankin and her agency Sentiment, which aims to be a voice for culture. Ceberano said her embroidery had a message: Its just a way of showing we are people in the business, putting hand fabrics, putting quill to paper, putting our voices to the stage, and its really got to be protected. Bless you. Thank you. Minister for Housing, Clare ONeil, stole the opportunity for a snap next to the Australian musical icon as the pair showed off similarities in their outfits. In the following months, two sources said further intelligence was gathered pointing to Hamads deeper involvement, including via payments traced by counterterror officials. There is a heap of material linking Kaz to the firebombing, one official source claimed. In late July, Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett, who oversaw counterterror probes before her appointment in early August as the AFPs new commissioner, publicly confirmed Hamad was one target of the joint state and federal terror taskforce investigation of the synagogue fire. Our investigation is not limited to Australia it involves exploring criminals offshore, she said at a press conference in July. We suspect these [offshore] criminals worked with criminal associates in Victoria to carry out the arson attack. [Hamad] is a name that has come up in our investigation, and that remains one of our ongoing lines of inquiry. On Tuesday, Burgess revealed that his agency, ASIO, had identified members of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as the puppet masters behind the synagogue attack via a layer cake of cut-outs. The suspected involvement of Hamad not only in up to five tobacco war murders but the synagogue firebombing is likely to increase efforts by Western authorities to bring him to justice, be it in Australia or another country. Hamad is suspected to be protected in Iraq, where he was born, via powerful relatives and associates in the military and government. The Adass Israel Synagogue bombing shocked Australia. Hamad is allegedly directing Melbournes tobacco war from overseas after he was deported to Iraq in 2023 following an eight-year jail sentence. Detectives believe he runs the illegal tobacco part of a billion-dollar multinational enterprise, while Al Hamza allegedly focuses on drug importations. Loading In February, this masthead revealed how ASIO was targeting figures linked to organised crime and outlaw bikie gangs as it combats antisemitic attacks and plots by hostile nations to harm national security. At the time of that revelation, Burgess described how the underworld was now in his sights as part of a pivot for the domestic security agency. Burgess did not confirm it at the time, but his agency was already investigating the links between Australian Middle Eastern organised crime gangs, Iranian intelligence services and the firebombing. Burgess said at the time he had grave concerns that unnamed hostile states were using bikies or other crime groups in Australia to advance their strategic interests. When asked on Tuesday, if there was organised crime involvement in the attacks, Burgess said there was an organised crime element offshore. While the use by Iran of organised crime figures to engage in acts of terrorism and foreign interference in Australia marks an escalation in the domestic counter-espionage and terror landscape, there are precedents for it overseas. One is an allegation that that Iran had tasked the Hells Angels to murder a dissident in America. Historically, ASIO has focused on extremism and espionage, but it is now dealing with an increasing overlap between profit-driven criminal entities and those seeking to undermine Australian interests or community cohesion for political, strategic or other gain. In his warning to the criminal world in February that ASIO was pursuing some of its members, Burgess told this masthead and 60 Minutes: If you [gangland figures] are tasked by someone from overseas, and youre a criminal and youre doing that for a fee and it is a threat to security, then ASIO will be on your case. I reckon thats going to be a problem for you. Loading Meanwhile, police continue to build a case against Hamad in connection to multiple murders. Last month, senior detectives alleged publicly that the bungled Melbourne arson attack that accidentally claimed the life of burlesque performer Katie Tangey was ordered by Hamad. Police offered a $500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Those responsible for Katies death know they targeted the wrong house, and they have to live with the knowledge that they are responsible for the horrific death of a completely innocent young woman, senior Victorian police officer Chris Murray said during a press conference in July. Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre visited one of Ukraine's defense enterprises that produces drones. "Together with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, we visited one of Ukraine's defense enterprises that produces drones. We showed the latest models of Ukrainian weapons and discussed the capabilities of the Ukrainian defense industry," Shmyhal wrote on Facebook. The head of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense emphasized that Norway is an important partner of Ukraine and helps in the supply of Patriot air defense systems, training and education of the military and in other areas. Also, according to him, Norway plans to allocate $8.5 billion to support Ukraine in 2026, most of the funds will go to military equipment for the Ukrainian Defense Forces. He thanked for this initiative personally. "I called on Norway to continue investing in the Ukrainian defense industry, which is rapidly developing. This is a significant contribution to stability and security in Europe," Shmyhal concluded. Last week, University of Sydney academics were called to a meeting at 9.30am on Wednesday, where it was revealed the institution would pilot a new student evaluation system this semester. Deputy vice chancellor (education) Professor Joanne Wright told staff from the school of social and political sciences that the new system would ask students about their views on teaching quality, according to those present at the meeting. Students will be asked to evaluate their teachers, including lecturers, as part of a pilot program this semester. Credit: Sam Mooy One academic asked how the university would handle the fact that female academics, staff members with accents, or those of a different nationality were more likely to be marked down by students. They said accent training would be provided [They] also said no one is going to be sacked for having an accent, the academic, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said. Amuoi allegedly carried a sledgehammer, but the pair were spooked after being spotted by a member of the public, and fled. Loading Use both fail the test cant do one small thing, f---ing 16 years kid could of got it done, Moosawi allegedly lambasted Ogden. Ogden pledged to fix that f--- up and, the following evening, went with Amuoi and Moosawi for a meeting at the Villawood Hotel. Inside the pokies room, the trio met with two more men, Guy Finnegan and Craig Bantoft, the court documents state. Moosawi allegedly told the group he was paid $12,000 to organise a fire in Bondi and offered Finnegan and Bantoft $4000 to carry out the job. Ogden gave them instructions which suggested Lewis Continental Kitchen on Curlewis Street was the target, the documents state. However, at 1am on October 17, Finnegan and Bantoft allegedly drove back to Curly Lewis Brewery. The pair allegedly sat on a bench out the front of the closed brewery before pouring bottles of accelerant under the door and setting it on fire. It was extinguished by the sprinklers. Moosawi, the documents allege, was furious. Moosawi, using the alias James Bond, was furious when the Curly Lewis Brewery in Bondi was mistakenly targeted. Credit: SMH Use [sic] f---ed the whole thing now If use [sic] f---ing couldnt do it from the start then why did use [sic] even went there for f--- me Its not even done 2% burned f--- me dead, Moosawi allegedly messaged Finnegan the following morning. Finnegan messaged Bantoft, venting about Moosawis alleged blow-up. Im starting to think he has sent us to the wrong place LoL, Finnegan said. Police arrested Finnegan within 24 hours before Ogden allegedly returned to finish the job at Lewis Continental Kitchen at 2:30am on October 20. The arson attack on Lewis Continental Kitchen caused more than $1 million in damage. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone Ogden allegedly forced his way through the rear entrance, poured a jerrycan of fuel around the kitchen and set the restaurant alight. Smoke billowed out and residents were evacuated as the groups third alleged attempt to burn down the eatery finally succeeded. It caused more than $1 million in damage. Bantoft and Finnegan pleaded guilty to setting fire to the Curly Lewis Brewery and were imprisoned for rafts of additional charges. Ogden and Amuoi are fighting multiple charges over the Lewis Continental Kitchen attack, held on remand ahead of further hearings on October 21. Moosawi was granted bail after posting $2 million surety and will return to court the same day on charges of directing a criminal group and accessory to destroy property with fire. Letters to the court from close supporters and family say Moosawi came to Australia with his family as refugees from Afghanistan in 2005. He has a history of violence dating to his teenage years, then more recently, drugs, kidnapping, more violence, and gun charges. Moosawi has not been charged with any crimes linking him to Iran and there are no mentions of the country in the redacted court documents. Sources within law enforcement, not permitted to speak publicly, told the Herald that Iran has been working with outlaw bikie gangs for years. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess on Tuesday said there was a layer cake of cut-outs between the IRGC and alleged offenders carrying out attacks in Australia. In between them, they tap into a number of people, Burgess said. Agents of IRGC and people that they know in the criminal world and work through there so its this chain. NSW Police initially dismissed concerns the firebombing at Lewis Continental Kitchen was an antisemitic attack. However, weeks later they established Strike Force Pearl to investigate a spate of antisemitic attacks across Sydney, which took charge of the investigation. Both NSW and the Australian Federal Police in March this year revealed organised crime figures were suspected to be behind all 15 incidents being investigated by Pearl, including anti-Israel or antisemitic graffiti and arson attacks. Police sources on Tuesday told the Herald they still believed Sayit Akca, an alleged drug importer hiding offshore, directed the vast bulk of the attacks under Pearls purview. Akca denied the allegations in an ABC interview, but did admit to orchestrating the hoax Dural caravan terrorism plot in a bid for leniency from Australian authorities. At this stage, only the Bondi arson attacks are firmly believed to be Iranian directed but ASIO did not rule out further crimes could be sheeted home to the IRGC. This is a painstaking, long investigation. These matters are hard, and its taken us this long to have the evidence to actually know that the Iranians directed these attacks, Burgess said. NSW Premier Chris Minns was briefed by the prime minister before the announcement on Tuesday. The revelations about Iran and its proxies involvement in directing violent, antisemitic attacks on Australian soil are deeply disturbing and utterly unacceptable, Minns said. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin, whose former home in Dover Heights was firebombed in January in one antisemitic attack, said the owners of the Lewis Continental Kitchen were beside themselves. Its a small family running a small business, and theyre deeply concerned for their safety, he said. Liberal MP Kellie Sloane, whose electorate of Vaucluse includes the Bondi kitchen, said: Todays news is chilling and confirms the fears that many members of the Jewish community already held. The most dangerous jobs in policing are those carried out every day checking an abandoned car, sitting outside a Chinese restaurant or delivering a court warrant. The reason is that while all police are armed, their guns stay holstered and are only drawn as a last resort. They are called first responders for a reason. They respond to circumstances, usually trying to take a low-key approach, ramping up as needed. A counter-punch, not a king hit. Two police officers are dead and another has been wounded in a shooting at a rural property in Porepunkah, about 300 kilometres north-east of Melbourne. Credit: Jpe Armao If there is a belief a suspect is armed and has the potential to shoot, the raid will be conducted by the Special Operations Group, whose officers will usually have time to develop a plan to surprise the target and make an arrest with no shots fired. Arresting gangsters usually goes to plan because everyone understands the rules. Dr Josh Roose, a Deakin University expert on political violence, said on Tuesday that the movement has a long history of violence directed at law enforcement, adding that followers believe it is vital to arm themselves to resist any form of authority. Loading While many followers claim to be non-violent, advocating violence only as a last resort or only necessary in the form of self-defence, the AFP warns that these groups may still be dangerous. The potential for violence, fixation and harassment exists within these groups, the briefing paper says, also pointing to a propensity for fixation on high office holders and public figures, as well as some within the movement urging violence. Often, the rhetoric of sovereign citizens leans on American revolutionary language and concepts of patriotism. Kristina Murphy, a professor of criminology at Queenslands Griffith University, says traffic stops are a major flashpoint. Adherents often have reactive personality traits and dislike being told what to do, she says, and their distrust of authority has frequently been triggered by financial difficulties or another life event. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the threat of so-called sovereign citizens and extremist ideologies must be taken seriously, after two Victorian police officers were allegedly killed by a member of the fringe movement this morning. Sovereign citizens are considered to be part of a radicalised fringe group that follows conspiracy theories and believes the government is illegitimate. The prime minister said it was only allegations at this point, but reminded him of when three self-styled sovereign citizens killed two police officers and a neighbour in Wieambilla, Queensland in 2021. Albanese in question time today. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer We saw a tragic loss of life in Queensland as well previously, and I attended the funeral service which was so sad of the officers there, Albanese said on ABC 7.30. We know that the Director General of ASIO has warned about far-right extremism. This is something that has permeated other nations as well. We see it being multiplied in the United States. The fact that this ideology of not seeing themselves being subject to our laws and our society. Weve seen people here, in Canberra as well, put forward those positions, who have demonstrated outside the Parliament. And it is of real concern, and ASIO have warned that this threat is very real, and that we need to be very vigilant about it. In a dimly lit basement interrogation facility sometime in 2020, a middle-aged man wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses and a surgical mask approached me with a list of addresses, typed in English on a sheet of A4 paper. This man was familiar Id glimpsed his face during an earlier session he was one of the interrogators from Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps intelligence branch, a much-feared group which at this point had detained me for more than a year in a special unit within Tehrans notorious Evin prison. Kylie Moore-Gilbert is an Australian academic who was jailed in Iran for more than two years. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Typed on the piece of paper were the names and addresses of a number of synagogues and Jewish organisations in my home city of Melbourne, including in suburbs such as Caulfield and Doncaster. He wanted to know if Id visited any of them, and if so, what was inside. By this time I had no interest in co-operating with my captors, who had sentenced me to 10 years in prison on ludicrous charges of espionage and were attempting to blackmail me into working for them. I told them where they could shove their list of Australian Jewish intelligence targets. Irans foreign ministry spokesperson responded by saying that Australias decision to expel Irans ambassador was motivated by internal Australian affairs, adding that Tehran was studying its response to the move. Antisemitism had no place in Iranian culture, the spokesperson said. Loading Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year linked the Australian governments extreme anti-Israel position and voting record at the United Nations to the firebombing of the synagogue in a social media post attacking the government. This is the first time Australia has expelled an ambassador since World War II, reflecting the seriousness of the foreign interference plot. Burgess said that Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had used a complex web of proxies to hide its involvement in antisemitic attacks on Australian soil. He said he did not believe Iran was responsible for all antisemitic attacks in Australia, but they may be responsible for more than the two announced on Tuesday. We have investigated dozens of incidents, Burgess said. ASIO now assesses the Iranian government directed at least two and likely more attacks on Jewish interests in Australia. Our painstaking investigation uncovered and unpicked the links between the alleged crimes and the commanders in Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC. Iran and its proxies literally and figuratively lit the matches and fanned the flames. I want to assure all Australians that ASIO and our law enforcement partners take these matters extremely seriously. The Iranian diaspora in Australia has been calling for the revolutionary guard corps to be branded a terror organisation for years, as it argued the scale of the regimes pernicious foreign interference operations in Australia had been underestimated. The federal opposition also called for Iranian ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi to be declared persona non grata last year when he used social media to call for a wiping out of Israelis in Palestine by 2027 and referred to Israelis as a Zionist plague. Burgess described Irans involvement in the incidents as a layer cake of cutouts between the revolutionary guard and the alleged perpetrators. When asked if there was organised crime involvement in the attacks, Burgess said there was an organised crime element offshore. Loading Wong said Iranian officials would have seven days to leave the country. There is no doubt that these extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil have crossed a line, and that is why we have declared Irans ambassador to Australia persona non grata, Wong said. Iran has sought to undermine the cohesion of our community. They have tried to divide the Australian community, and theyve done so with acts of aggression that not only sought to terrify Australians but put Australian lives in danger. Burke declared Iran was motivated by antisemitism when it commissioned attacks on Jewish interests in Australia and that the government would introduce a new regime under the criminal code to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. This is an unprecedented attack on our society, Burke said. The existing [terrorist listing] regime, designed decades ago, was not intended to deal with the threats we are now facing. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley backed the governments response, saying that Irans involvement was an attempt to turn neighbour against neighbour and Australian against Australian. We are all disgusted to learn of the serious and chilling foreign interference which has been perpetrated by the Islamic Republic of Iran on Australian soil, she said. Israels embassy in Canberra applauded the government for designating the revolutionary guards a terrorist organisation, saying it was a step it had long advocated. Loading Irans regime is not only a threat to Jews or Israel, it endangers the entire free world, including Australia, the embassy said. Changes to the federal criminal code will be required to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, also known as the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, as a terror group because the current rules mean the designation can only be applied to non-state groups. Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said that the governments actions sent a powerful and principled message. Five-year-old Shannon Fitzpatrick has a happy soul and can draw like youd never believe. But in preschool, her parents worried. She wasnt hitting some milestones, said Shannons father, Paul. When Shannon was diagnosed with level two autism in preschool, her parents were prepared but anxious. We were quite apprehensive about where she would end up. We were concerned about her going into kindergarten, he said, fearing his mostly non-verbal daughter would be lost in a mainstream school. Shannon Fitzpatrick with Banks Public School principal Denis Morgan. Credit: Sam Mooy Instead, the opposite happened. Shannon joined the first disability support class at her local school, Banks Public School in St Clair, western Sydney. Beck OConnor has resigned as Queenslands first victims commissioner following intense pressure to explain her role as head of the embattled domestic violence helpline DVConnect. OConnor was the chief executive of DVConnect for five years until she was appointed to the government role under Labor last year, before the LNP took office. Her relationship with the government broke down this month, with Premier David Crisafulli saying she had questions to answer after a damning report into DVConnects performance. Labor appointed Beck OConnor as victims commissioner last year. Credit: The Office of the Victims Commissioner Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber thanked OConnor for her contribution and said an acting commissioner would be appointed once she left the role on September 23. Queenslands Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has told parliament the state will seek repayment of $65 million paid to billionaire Andrew Twiggy Forrests Fortescue Metals Group for an abandoned hydrogen energy project. Speaking in state parliament on Tuesday morning, Bleijie criticised the former Labor government for pursuing the companys electrolyser manufacturing facility in Gladstone as a vanity project. The state Labor government approved $92.5 million for this project of taxpayer funding, and $65.97 [million] has already been paid to Fortescue under the former Labor governments terrible deal, Bleijie said. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie in state parliament. Credit: Jamila Filippone On behalf of Queensland taxpayers, Ive directed my department to advise Fortescue that the Crisafulli government will issue a notice to comply and a default notice and seek full reimbursement of the $65.97 million towards this now discontinued project. Head of President's Office: Norway will help Ukraine get through winter, support gas purchases Norway will support Ukraine during the heating season and assist with gas procurement, Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak said. "We spoke separately about energy. Norway will help Ukraine get through the winter, it supports gas purchases. Russia, meanwhile, is deliberately striking our energy infrastructure," Yermak wrote on Telegram. He noted that on Monday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre. From the Ukrainian side, the meeting was attended by Yermak and National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov. Representing Norway were State Secretary for International Relations of the Kingdom of Norway Thomas Gornburg and Special Representative for Ukraine Lars Ragnar Hansen. "We discussed key issues diplomatic efforts to achieve a just peace, strengthening Ukraine's air defense, security guarantees, energy cooperation, and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia," Yermak added. Advertisement InspirationCentral America The worlds most famous hat has been misnamed for 170 years Steve Madgwick August 27, 2025 5:00am Save 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 Unless I am an elite haggler, the price difference between the handwoven Panama hat hes cradling in his white-gloved hands and one from a stack in the nearby souvenir shops or mini-marts of Panama City will be $US4875 ($7502). Earlier, to my uninitiated, unappreciative eyes, these simple pinched-front fedora-style straw hats were all the same; a Sinatra-like historical anomaly, headwear of choice for sunstruck, mojito-swilling vacationers, cameoing on the heads of celebrities every few fashion cycles. If you want to pick up a genuine Panama hat while in Panama make sure its made in Ecuador. Alamy Today Ive enlightened myself, however, on a self-imposed quest to find the peak Sombrero Panama in Panama Citys UNESCO-listed old town, Casco Viejo. I try on 25-buck fakes in bargain basements and peruse comely $US180 ($275) numbers in boutiques of reasonable repute. Many a local has pointed me towards El Palacio del Sombrero, reportedly the Panamanian capitals premier hat shop, where Im currently scrutinising one that sells for $US5000 ($7640). Advertisement Salesman Bryant Villa spots incredulity in my rolling eyes so he schools me in the qualities of what he considers to be the best Panama hat in all of Panama. The two most crucial markers of top-shelf quality, apparently, are the size of the straw fibre used (the finer, the better) and the tightness of weave (for a balance of sun protection and breathability). Its all in the quality of the fibre and the tightness of the weave. iStock In basic quality hats, youll see a two-fibre weave just near to the band, but all this one is that kind of weave, he says. This is hard work and takes the artisan more time. A basic example of a genuine article can be finished in 10 days while the $US5000 specials like this can take up to eight months to produce, from field to head. It is a 33 grade, that being the number of points or strands in every square inch. Souvenir-style hats in Panamas Casco Viejo. iStock Advertisement Even El Palacio del Sombreros cheapest Panama hat, which sells for $US60 ($90 and negotiable), must be flexible and robust enough to pass the test it cannot lose shape after being rolled into its wooden travel box for 36 hours. The classic Panama style dictates that hats be white or of natural-straw colour, with a black band. The variable-width brim slopes down in front and up at the back. But each handmade item is ripe with nuance, says Byrant. They must not only be fitted to your head but matched with your face, too. They sell no synthetic machine-made hats, which are less flexible and portable and, frankly, rubbish. You can tell a hats handmade by the little flower shape in the middle of the crown. Its the artisans signature a must. Paradoxically, the most fundamental quality of a genuine Panama hat is that it has to be made in Ecuador. The tag inside my $US5000 hat reads: Handmade in Ecuador. 100 per cent Paja Toquilla. Montecristi. Some people think Montecristi is the brand, but its actually the name of a town in Ecuador with good-quality artisans. Advertisement Streetside in Panama City. iStock Toquilla straw hats, as they are also known, have been made from the eponymous native palm leaves in towns like Montecristi and Jipijapa (in Manabi Province) since the Spanish conquest. Bryant regularly visits his artisans to learn the process and understand the products. Ecuadors UNESCO-recognised national hat has been sold in this trade-hub country since the 1850s, which is when the misnaming began. A disturbing-looking dummy sitting in the corner of the shops hermetically sealed VIP lounge complete with a handle-bar moustache and monocle is an unsubtle clue as to why the name stuck. Said dummy, US president Theodore Roosevelt Jr, famously wore a Panama hat when he visited during the Panama Canals construction in 1906. He believed the Ecuadorians (and other) workers he saw also wearing the hats to be locals, and the anomaly was never truly corrected. Oddly enough, Panama has its own hand-woven UNESCO-recognised national hat: el sombrero pintao (painted hat). Byrant believes, and I unreservedly agree, that its far less elegant, stylish and of inferior quality to the Ecuadorian toquilla hat. Basically, its something farmers wear. Advertisement Related Article Opinion Tripologist What we can (and definitely shouldnt) steal from hotel rooms Michael Gebicki The Tripologist Casco Viejo is a touristy, ritzy seaside quarter of Panama City, replete with high-end restaurants and grandiose government buildings. An area metaphorically walled off from the surrounding crumbling neighbourhoods, which hotels warn tourists about (mine gave me a local map with areas marked not safe and daytime only). Everyday Panamanians would have to spend every cent of four months salary to secure one of El Palacio del Sombreros top-shelf travellers hat. But it does sell three or four $US5000 Panama hats each year, mostly to Europeans whistle-stopping into Panama City on a cruise excursion. Just to be clear, I was not one of those three or four people my pathetic, token offer too low to even register as an insult. The details Advertisement Visit Australians are granted a 180-day visa on arrival in Panama (but proof of funds and an onward ticket will be required). Smartraveller currently advises a high degree of caution when visiting Panama. See smartraveller.com.au Fly United Airlines flies from Sydney and Melbourne to Panama City via Houston. See united.com The writer travelled at his own expense. Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Traveller Guides I am not in the habit of joining causes with wanted war criminals, but Netanyahu is right about one thing: Australias PM is indeed a weak politician, Araghchi said. Loading He claimed Iran did its utmost to protect Jewish people in its own country and that it therefore made zero sense for attack Jewish sites in Australia. Iran is paying the price for the Australian peoples support for Palestine. Canberra should know better than to attempt to appease a regime led by War Criminals. Doing so will only embolden Netanyahu and his ilk, he wrote on social media. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess said on Tuesday that the security service had evidence showing the Iranian government directed at least two attacks on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and Lewis Continental Kitchen at Bondi in Sydney and was likely involved in others. The security agency traced the links between the incidents and commanders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, blamed for terrorism by several countries. Australia will move to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Albanese said on the ABCs 7:30 program on Tuesday night that the security authority knew of an intermediary between Iran and the alleged criminals who conducted the attacks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Were aware of at least one Sydney individual whos an intermediate [sic], he said. He declined to elaborate. Sadeghi, the expelled ambassador, retweeted Araghchis post about Albanese on X but made no comment himself. An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, rejected the Australian accusations during a press conference in Tehran, Agence France-Presse reported. Loading Any inappropriate and unjustified action on a diplomatic level will have a reciprocal reaction, he said. Baghaei suggested the move to expel the ambassador was influenced by domestic politics in Australia because the government wanted to compensate for the criticism it had recently received from Israel. Experts warned that Iran could resort to more indirect attacks on Western democracies when its direct military power has been degraded by Israel and the US over the past year. As Iran braces for further rounds of conflict with Israel, it will seek ways to control the escalatory path, said Dr Burcu Ozcelik, a senior research fellow for Middle East and North Africa security at the Royal United Services Institute, a leading UK think tank. Regime operatives may deploy asymmetric warfare tactics like cyberattacks, assassination attempts or other subversive means to export the resistance against Israel, Ozcelik said. The goal is to destabilise, distract and disrupt Western capitals while evading direct responsibility for its actions. Ozcelik noted that the British parliaments intelligence and security committee warned in July about the threat from Iranian espionage operations against dissidents and Jewish targets in Britain. Loading Thomas Juneau, an associate fellow with international affairs think tank Chatham House in London and a professor at the University of Ottawa, said the severe military setbacks for Iran and its partners, such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, might lead to change in approach. One interpretation suggests that it is plausible that Tehran, keen to avoid renewed open and direct military confrontation with Israel and the United States, will choose to focus even more in the future on such indirect attacks, he said. This could lead to more use of asymmetric tactics such as terrorist attacks, cyber warfare, acts of subversion and disinformation campaigns. The Australian government has not signalled any sanctions on individuals involved in the Sydney and Melbourne attacks, such as members of the IRGC, amid doubts about whether this would be effective. Loading Juneau said sanctions were unlikely to deter attacks. Individual sanctions by small or medium-sized countries such as Australia, on their own, have little to no impact on Irans decision-making, he said. That does not mean that they are useless, however; it is their cumulative impact, by multiple countries over time, that matters. PHILIPSBURG:--- In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI), Charlon Pompier, the Head of Infrastructure, has been instructed not to return to work until further notice. The directive, delivered via an official letter, cited "matters within the ministry that have to be looked into without his presence." However, the letter provided no further details, leaving the public and the ministrys staff in the dark about the reasons behind this decision. Pompier, a key figure in the ministry, has been at the center of controversy in recent weeks. Just weeks before his suspension, he filed a formal complaint against the Secretary General of the ministry. While the specifics of the complaint remain undisclosed, many speculate that it may have played a role in the current developments. Adding to the intrigue, Kurt Ruan, the Head of New Works at VROMI, has also been sent home under similar circumstances. Like Pompier, Ruan has not been provided with detailed reasons for his suspension, and both civil servants have been unreachable for comment since the news broke. Allegations of Victimization and Political Retaliation The situation surrounding Charlon Pompier is further complicated by allegations of victimization. Pompier, who was a founding member of the Party for Progress (PFP), has reportedly faced backlash since speaking out against members of the party. His outspoken stance has allegedly made him a target within the political and administrative landscape, raising questions about whether his removal is linked to his political affiliations and recent actions. Supporters of Pompier argue that his suspension is part of a broader pattern of retaliation against those who challenge the status quo within the ministry. They point to his history of advocating transparency and accountability as potential reasons for his current predicament. Notably, Pompier has been instrumental in overseeing and managing the roadworks currently being carried out across the country, a critical responsibility that has earned him recognition for his behind-the-scenes efforts. The Role of Minister Patrice Gumbs Jr. It should also be noted that the Minister of VROMI, Patrice Gumbs Jr., who is both a member of the PFP and a minister representing the party, is at the helm of the ministry during this turbulent time. The connection between Gumbs Jr. and Pompier adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as Pompier has been a key civil servant working diligently behind the scenes to ensure the successful execution of roadworks and infrastructure projects currently underway. Observers have raised concerns about whether Pompier's suspension is tied to internal political dynamics within the PFP, given his history as a founding member of the party and his recent criticisms of its leadership. The timing of the suspension, coupled with the lack of transparency, has fueled speculation about the motivation behind the decision. A Ministry in Crisis The simultaneous suspension of two top civil servants has left many questioning the state of affairs within the Ministry of VROMI. The lack of transparency surrounding the decisions has fueled speculation and concern among ministry staff and the public alike. Some view the move as a necessary step to address internal issues, while others see it as a troubling sign of deeper dysfunction within the ministry. The Ministry of VROMI has yet to issue an official statement addressing the suspensions or the reasons behind them. The absence of clear communication has only added to the uncertainty, leaving stakeholders in the dark about the future of the ministry's leadership and operations. Broader Implications for Infrastructure and Governance The developments at VROMI come at a time when the ministry is under increased scrutiny for its handling of critical infrastructure projects and environmental policies. With Pompier and Ruan at the forefront of these efforts, their removal raises concerns about potential delays and disruptions to ongoing initiatives, particularly the roadworks that Pompier has been overseeing. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the Ministry of VROMI to provide clarity and ensure that due process is followed. The public and ministry staff alike are calling for transparency and accountability to restore confidence in the institution. For now, the fate of Charlon Pompier and Kurt Ruan remains uncertain, and the reasons behind their suspensions continue to be a topic of intense speculation. Whether these actions are part of a legitimate investigation or a case of political maneuvering, one thing is clear: the Ministry of VROMI is facing a critical moment that could have far-reaching implications for its leadership, operations, and public trust. PHILIPSBUTG:--- The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication proudly extends congratulations to Mr. Emile Levons on his recent appointment as Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), and to Ms. Mikaela Lake on her appointment as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Both Mr. Levons and Ms. Lake are long-standing employees of PJIA who have demonstrated dedication, professionalism, and leadership throughout their careers at the airport. Their appointments reflect not only their qualifications and commitment, but also the value of nurturing and recognizing local talent within key institutions. This is a proud moment for St. Maarten, the Minister stated. These appointments show that our own professional individuals who have grown within the system, who understand the airport and the needs of the people, are more than capable of taking on leadership roles. Who better to lead PJIA forward than those who have stood by it through both challenges and successes? She continued, It is being demonstrated that the knowledge, skill, and resilience needed to guide PJIA into the next era can be found right here at home. By investing in and trusting our own, we strengthen both the institution and our island. The Minister recalled past concerns expressed by workers and the community during the appointment of external candidates. Today, we can all stand together in support and confidence, knowing that these new leaders are home-grown and have truly earned their place at the helm. Mr. Levons and Ms. Lake went through a rigorous application and selection process and emerged as the most suitable candidates to take PJIA into its next phase of development. The Minister concluded by saying: I encourage our local professionals, both here on St. Maarten and abroad, to apply when vacancies arise once the job description meets your profile. St. Maarten needs you, your knowledge, your experience, and your heart for this country. The opportunities are here, and your contributions can help shape our future. PHILIPSBURG:--- In a move that reeks of political vendettas and administrative chaos, Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs Jr. has relieved two senior civil servantsHead of Infrastructure Charlon Pompier and Head of New Works Kurt Ruanfrom their duties. The letter informing them of this decision, however, raises more questions than it answers. The letter, which failed to follow basic administrative procedures, was not booked in by the Division of Internal Affairs (DIV) and lacks a DIV numbera glaring oversight for such a significant action. While the Minister claims the two are not suspended, all the hallmarks of a suspension are present: their access passes revoked, phones disconnected, and emails blocked. The lack of transparency and procedural adherence is alarming, leaving the public to speculate about the true motives behind this decision. The Front Street Repairs: A Convenient Excuse? Speculation is rife that the Ministers fury stems from the Front Street Road repairs conducted in March 2025 while he was conveniently vacationing in Miami. With Carnival Parade preparations looming, VROMI had just two weeks to repair the road. Given the urgency, the Ministry adhered to the procurement for paying contractors and requested multiple quotations from all civil works contractors registered at the Ministry of VROMI for the execution of similar infrastructure works. It was mentioned that VROMI used these procedures just three years ago. The repairs were completed on time, but the Minister only begrudgingly signed off on the work order months later in July, reportedly displeased with the choice of contractora local company he personally dislikes. This raises a critical question: Is the Ministers decision to relieve Pompier and Ruan from their duties a retaliatory act against their involvement in the Front Street repairs? If so, this is not just petty, its a gross misuse of power. A History of Tension and Retaliation Charlon Pompier, a founding member of the Party for Progress (PFP), has been a thorn in the side of the party leadership for some time. Known for his outspoken criticism of the partys ad hoc decision-making, Pompier has refused to compromise his integrity, even when pressured to leak confidential information. Most recently, he filed a formal complaint against the Secretary General, further straining his relationship with the party. Pompier also raised red flags when Minister Gumbs Jr. controversially withdrew a contract from Avyanna and handed it to All Waste in Place, despite legal advice warning against such a move. The legal counsel explicitly cautioned that this action could have serious repercussions, yet the Minister proceeded, ignoring the advice of his own experts. Pompiers principled stance on this issue likely made him a target for retaliation. Not to mention the Chief of Staff of the Minister of VROMI Cabinet is affiliated with All Waste in Place This, of course, shows that the Minister has blatant corruption in his cabinet. A Pattern of Abuse? The Ministers actions appear to be part of a broader pattern of political interference and abuse of power. By sidelining experienced civil servants like Pompier and Ruan, Gumbs Jr. is not only undermining the Ministrys operations but also sending a chilling message to others who dare to question his authority. The lack of transparency, procedural irregularities, and apparent personal vendettas are deeply troubling and demand immediate scrutiny. Whats Next for VROMI? The public deserves answers. Why were Pompier and Ruan relieved of their duties without a clear explanation? Why was the letter not properly processed through DIV? And most importantly, is this yet another example of political interference in the civil service? Minister Gumbs Jr. owes the people of this country an explanation. Until then, the stench of corruption and political vendettas will continue to hang over VROMI, eroding public trust in the Ministry and its leadership. PHILIPSBURG:--- Since 2018, the Sint Maarten Lions Club has proudly upheld its tradition of welcoming students back to school with warmth and encouragement. This year, Lions members visited Prince Willem Alexander School on Wednesday, August 20th, and Martin Luther King School on Monday, August 25th, personally greeting a total of 210 students at the school gates. With smiles, cheers, and a small treat to kick off the academic year, students met with enthusiasm and positivity, setting the tone for a year of growth and learning. In its sixth year of this heartfelt initiative, the Lions Club expanded its gesture of appreciation by also honoring the dedicated teachers and staff. Each received a thoughtful token of gratitude in recognition of their tireless efforts to nurture and educate the islands youth. The Sint Maarten Lions Club has proudly executed our Welcome Back to School project at the start of each academic year to show support for students and uplift the teachers and support staff who guide them, said Lion President Alvin Prescod. Education is a cornerstone of a brighter futureopening doors to opportunity and shaping tomorrows community leaders. We believe in showing appreciation through action, by being present in our schools and in our community. The Lions Club remains committed to serving the community In meaningful wayschampioning education, celebrating school spirit, and fostering a culture of encouragement and inclusion from day one Cul de Sac, St. Maarten:--- The Foundation for Academic and Vocational Education (FAVE) closed its golden jubilee celebrations on Friday with a landmark event that underscored its leadership and collaborative spirit in shaping the future of education. The FAVE AI & STEAM Conference, hosted at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC), brought together nearly 200 secondary school teachers, school leaders, policymakers, regional experts, and industry partners under the theme Reimagining Teaching and Learning with AI and STEAM. The conference featured keynote addresses, hands-on breakout sessions, and a thought-provoking panel discussion designed to equip educators with practical tools to prepare students for the digital age. In her welcome, FAVE Executive Director drs. Tallulah Baly called the gathering both historic and forward-looking: Today is not just another gathering; it is the culmination of our golden jubilee50 years of FAVE: A Legacy of Excellence. What began as a bold vision five decades ago has flourished into an institution that continues to shape minds, transform lives, and lead the way in education on St. Maarten and beyond. She reminded attendees that the event was more than symbolic: This conference is more than an event; it is a call to action. It is a call to embrace innovation, to reimagine our classrooms, and to prepare our students for a world that demands creativity, critical thinking, and courage. Together, we must ensure that AI and STEAM are harnessed not only for progress, but also for service to humanity, she added. National voices framed the day with a shared vision. Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina connected educational innovation with sustainable development, economic growth, and global competitiveness. Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms. Melissa Gumbs, spoke on her policy vision for integrating AI and STEAM across St. Maartens schools, urging educators to embrace innovation while keeping student success and national development central. You, our educators, are not onlytranslators of knowledge, but [also] creators, facilitators, and innovators. Reimagining teaching with AI and STEAM means we also have to reimagine ourselves, she said. FAVE Board Vice-President, Mrs. Esmeralda Rommy, linked FAVEs legacy to its forward-looking commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration. The conference was masterfully guided by Dr. Ife Badejo, Emcee and Panel Moderator, and founder of Islandpreneur, which equips entrepreneurs with practical, scalable strategies and AI Islandsa first-of-its-kind platform uniting leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to co-create AI solutions tailored for island contexts. Keynote speakers brought global and regional perspectives to the conference. Dr. Gale Rigobert, educated at the University of the West Indies and the University of Cambridge, has spent more than two decades shaping policy at the intersection of education, technology, climate resilience, and gender equity. She emphasized that AI and STEAM are not just tools for the classroom; they are gateways to equity, opportunity, and resilience for future generations. Her work continues to inspire transformative action, ensuring that AI and STEAM are leveraged to unlock opportunity and empower future generations. Complementing her vision, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Ricardo Neil, Goodwill Ambassador for Science and Technology and founder of both the St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association and the OECS Robotics Association, shared insights drawn from his authorship of over 18 publications, including widely used CXC Information Technology and Applied Science textbooks. He reminded participants that education must not only keep pace with emerging technologies but lead their ethical and sustainable use across our region. Breakout sessions allowed teachers and managers to engage in parallel tracks. Teachers explored AI-driven lesson planning, assessments, and student projects with facilitators such as Mr. L. Nicholls (Science), Mr. M. Cooks (Technology & Business), Ms. J. Presentacion (Language Arts), Mr. A. Roper (Mathematics), and Mr. N. Blaise (Social Sciences). School managers participated in sessions led by Mr. Gregory Richardson and Mr. Marcus Nicolaas, focusing on administrative efficiency, predictive analytics, and ethical use of AI. A panel discussion on Smart Tech, Safe Schools: Ethics, Policy, Data & Human Connection reinforced the need to balance innovation with privacy, ethics, and meaningful human connection. Baly also praised the organizing committees and volunteers for their dedication. Standout leaders included Mrs. Ashley-Browne (logistics and flow of operations), Mrs. Olivacci (coordination of facilitators and keynote speakers), Mrs. Lourens (co-author project proposal), Mr. King (IT and conference website), Ms. Small (Technical program and content), Mrs. Nelson and Ms. Artsen (Registration), Ms. Payne (Ushers and Volunteers) and Mr. Fleming (facilities setup). Volunteers from across all FAVE departments played a vital role in supporting participants and ensuring smooth operations. This is what true collaboration looks like. This is what service with purpose feels like. Together, we have not only organized a conferencewe have created an experience that will shape minds, spark ideas, and inspire transformation, she said. The success of the event was also attributed to sponsors and partners. AUC was recognized as collaborative partner, while Computech served as lead technology partner and largest financial supporter. Major supporters included the Government of St. Maarten (MECYS Innovations Department) and NAGICO Insurances, with 0 to 14 providing in-kind sponsorship of 250 conference kits. Other sponsors included Pennys Department Store, Century 21 Real Estate, Boolchands, and Shoppers Haven, alongside community partners Islandpreneur, Forward Focus, Print Express, and Good News Baptist Church. Looking ahead, Baly emphasized that the conference was both a milestone and a springboard: The path ahead is ours to shape. We will walk it with purpose, lead with vision, and let our light shine brightly for all to see. PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), and the Sint Maarten Mental Health Foundation (MHF) are inviting professionals, community groups, and the general public to share their views on the design of the new Mental Health Care Center. Two consultation sessions will be held in early September to present draft designs and hear directly from the people who will use and support the center. The sessions are also an opportunity to address stigma often surrounding mental health. By involving residents and professionals from the start, the project team hopes to design the new center as a welcoming and inclusive place for the entire community. Sint Maartens culture, art, and values will be part of the design, making it a healing space where everyone feels at home. The first stakeholder consultation will be held on Tuesday, September 2, at the University of St. Martin (USM), bringing together about 60 invitees including government representatives, health professionals, NGOs, faith-based groups, associations, and civil society. A second consultation will take place on Thursday, September 4, from 68 PM at the White and Yellow Cross. This second meeting is open to the public, with a special invitation to residents living near the new center in St. Johns. At both sessions, the design of the new Mental Health Care Center will be presented. The main program will feature a panel discussion to engage in a dialogue. The audience will also have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback. Input gathered during the consultations will be shared with the design team to help finalize the plans. The communitys input will guide design decisions ranging from building layout to green spaces, treatment room design and facilities available to the public. Construction of the new Mental Health Care Center is expected to begin in the summer of 2026, with completion expected in the summer of 2027. The Mental Health Project is implemented by the NRPB on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten. It is funded by the Sint Maarten Trust Fund and the national budget of the Government of Sint Maarten. The Trust Fund is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank. For more information about the Mental Health Project contact the NRPB Mental Health Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or reach out to the Ministry of VSA directly. Polish President Karol Nawrocki's decision to veto a law that would have provided social payments and free medical care to unemployed Ukrainian citizens will hurt 22% of economically inactive Ukrainians in Poland, while the remaining 78% of refugees there are employed, according to Yuriy Hryhorenko, director of the analytics center at international employment company Gremi Personal. "The president's decision creates an extremely risky situation for vulnerable Ukrainians who are not currently working but require basic social protection. For example, mothers who are not employed but have children. Most of their husbands are in Ukraine, so they cannot use their insurance and get full medical care. This particularly vulnerable group of refugees will be hit hardest by the changes," Hryhorenko said. According to Gremi Personal, as of June 30, 2025, 992,505 Ukrainians were registered in Poland under temporary protection 23% of all individuals in the EU with this status. As of 2025, more than 800,000 Ukrainians officially pay contributions to ZUS (Zakad Ubezpieczen Spoecznych Poland's Social Insurance Institution), accounting for two-thirds of all foreign workers in the country. Hryhorenko expressed hope that the law on assistance to Ukrainians will be signed in the coming months, since it is an EU requirement. "Neither employers hiring Ukrainians nor the citizens themselves are prepared to return, and this law would not fundamentally change their situation. But the lack of medical protection for an already vulnerable group of Ukrainian citizens will only worsen their condition. So it is difficult for me to imagine that this is truly the president's goal," he said. On illegal work in Poland, Hryhorenko noted that a "gray zone" among foreigners still exists, but not on the scale seen five or ten years ago. He also predicted that the changes proposed by Poland's president will weaken the sense of security even among Ukrainians who are already employed, potentially prompting them to move to another country or even return to Ukraine. As reported, Nawrocki refused to sign an amendment to the law on assistance for Ukrainian citizens who fled the war. He stated that only those Ukrainians who are making an effort and working in Poland should have access to the country's healthcare system. Nawrocki emphasized that until these provisions are changed, he will not sign a new version of the law. Meanwhile, the current rules are valid only until September 30, 2025. Perplexity AI to share search revenue with publishers San Francisco, United States, Aug 25 (AFP) Aug 25, 2025 Perplexity AI on Monday said it will begin paying out millions of dollars to media outlets as part of a new model for sharing search revenue with publishers. The company's media partners will soon get paid when their work is used by Perplexity's browser or AI assistant to satisfy queries or requests, according to the San Francisco-based startup. "We're compensating publishers in the model that's right for the AI age," the Perplexity team said in a blog post. The payouts will be administered via a subscription service to be rolled out in the coming months, dubbed Comet Plus, which the startup described as a program that ensures publishers and journalists benefit from new business models enabled by AI. A $42.5 million pool of money has been set aside to share with publishers and is expected to grow over time, according to Perplexity. "As the web has evolved beyond information to include knowledge, action, and opportunities, excellent content from publishers and journalists matters even more," the Perplexity team said. The company will charge a $5 monthly subscription for Comet Plus, which will be an added perk for those who already pay for premium versions of Perplexity. Perplexity is one of Silicon Valley's hottest startups, whose AI-powered search engine is often mentioned as a potential disruptor to Google. But the company has been targeted with lawsuits by media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, claiming the startup unfairly profits from their work. One suit accuses Perplexity of illegally copying and reproducing copyrighted content from the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post to power its AI-driven "answer engine." A revenue-sharing model by Perplexity would be a peace offering to publishers and bolster its defenses against accusations of free-riding on their work. Unlike ChatGPT or Anthropic's Claude, Perplexity's tool provides up-to-date answers that often include links to source materials, allowing users to verify information. And unlike a classic search engine, Perplexity provides ready-made answers on its webpage, making it unnecessary for users to click through to the source website. Google, meanwhile, has built powerful AI into its search engine and offers AI-generated summaries with query results. After a lawsuit by the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post in October, Perplexity criticized the "adversarial posture" of many media as "shortsighted, unnecessary, and self-defeating." They "prefer to live in a world where publicly reported facts are owned by corporations, and no one can do anything with those publicly reported facts without paying a toll," it said at the time. "We should all be working together to offer people amazing new tools and build genuinely pie-expanding businesses." Press Release from Business Wire: Rigaku Holdings Corporation (AFP) Aug 26, 2025 TOKYO, Aug 26, 2025 (BSW) - Rigaku Corporation, a global solution partner in X-ray analytical systems and a Group company of Rigaku Holdings Corporation (headquarters: Akishima, Tokyo; CEO: Jun Kawakami; hereinafter "Rigaku") has launched sales of the XHEMIS (pronounced "ZEM-mis") TX-3000, a total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) system that supports analysis of trace contamination on wafer surfaces in semiconductor manufacturing. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826707850/en/ Measurement result of surface contaminant distribution Rigaku protects the quality with TXRF technology, a field where it holds overwhelming market shareAnalysis of trace contaminants on wafer surfaces is vital to semiconductor manufacturing. As production steps become increasingly detailed and quality standards grow ever more stringent, this process plays a significant role in reducing defect rates. Moreover, manufacturing lines that incorporate hundreds of steps require precise analysis of trace contaminants on wafer surfaces to maintain stable operation and the reliability of product quality. With TXRF, a representative approach for this purpose, Rigaku has established its technology as the effective global standard. The Company has long been a driver of rising quality standards in the industry. Rigaku's latest model, the XHEMIS TX-3000, improves on existing features to deliver a quantum leap in measurement precision, operability and productivity. Up to 6x increase in speed enables former one-hour measurement tasks to be completed in 10 minutesThe XHEMIS TX-3000 achieves processing speeds up to 6x that of Rigaku's previous systems. First, measurement speed is tripled by combining a newly developed optical array with a novel multi-element detector. Next, this combined system is coupled with an AI-driven spectrum forecasting technology to double measurement speed without sacrificing precision. The technical innovation of this two-stage arrangement contributes to improved productivity and process stability at semiconductor manufacturing sites. With our previous model, measurements that took typically one hour, now finish in just 10 minutes. New detector design supports analysis of lighter elementsThe XHEMIS TX-3000 adopts an X-ray source that can be switched among three wavelengths, enabling analysis of lighter elements such as sodium, magnesium and aluminum that are difficult to detect using fluorescent X-ray analytical systems. In this way the surface distribution of contaminants can be measured for virtually all elements without sample destruction. In addition, the XHEMIS TX-3000 combines a newly developed monochromator capable of X-ray irradiation with a multi-element detector that can measure three locations on the wafer surface simultaneously. By combining these features, the XHEMIS TX-3000 boosts measurement speed by a factor of 3 in comparison with previous systems. AI supports high precision and expanded applicationsOne issue with fluorescent X-ray analytical systems is that shortening measurement time tends to degrade measurement precision. To address this issue, the XHEMIS TX-3000 adopts spectrum-forecasting software trained on vast quantities of analysis data. In this way precision is maintained even while cutting measurement time in half. Additionally, a new feature reduces unnecessary background signal, expanding the range of applications to a wide variety of materials previously unamenable to trace-contamination measurement, such as barrier metals (protective coating for wiring), high-dielectric films, and compound semiconductors. Kiyoshi Ogata, Senior Executive Vice President, commented as follows: Rigaku forecasts sales of approximately 5 billion yen for conventional TXRF products in 2025. With the introduction to market of this high-end system, Rigaku expects adoption by major semiconductor manufacturers to advance. The Company expects this product segment to enjoy double-digit growth for successive years as a stable platform supporting sustainable growth in the semiconductor market. System detailshttps://rigaku.com/products/semiconductor-metrology/txrf/xhemis-tx-3000?setLang=english About the Rigaku GroupSince its establishment in 1951, the engineering professionals of the Rigaku group have been dedicated to benefiting society with leading-edge technologies, notably including its core fields of X-ray and thermal analysis. With a market presence in over 90 countries and some 2,000 employees from 9 global operations, Rigaku is a solution partner in industry and research analysis institutes. Our overseas sales ratio has reached approximately 70% while sustaining an exceptionally high market share in Japan. Together with our customers, we continue to develop and grow. As applications expand from semiconductors, electronic materials, batteries, environment, resources, energy, life science to other high-tech fields, Rigaku realizes innovations "To Improve Our World by Powering New Perspectives." For details, please visit rigaku-holdings.com/english View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250826707850/en/ Contact Press Contact: Sawa Himeno Head of Communications Dept., Rigaku Holdings Corporation [email protected] Tel: +81 90 6331 9843 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. AFU Air Force: 47 out of 59 enemy UAVs shot down, hits in nine locations recored Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/ As of Tuesday night, the Defense Forces have neutralized 47 enemy UAVs out of 59 that attacked Ukraine, and 12 attack UAVs have been recorded hitting nine locations, the press service of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. "According to preliminary data, as of 9:00, air defense shot down/suppressed 47 enemy Shahed-type UAVs and drone imitators of various types in the north and east of the country," the message posted on Telegram says. In total, on the night of August 26 (from 19:00 on August 25), the enemy attacked with 59 Shahed-type strike UAVs and various types of drone imitators from the directions of Kursk, Shatalovo, Bryansk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk of the Russian Federation. Thus, the effectiveness of the air defense was 79.6%. The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units and unmanned systems, and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. As reported, on August 25, the Defense Forces neutralized 76 out of 104 enemy UAVs that attacked Ukraine last night, and recorded the hits of 28 attack UAVs at 15 locations, the press service of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. On Sunday, August 24, the Defense Forces neutralized 48 out of 72 enemy UAVs that attacked Ukraine, and recorded the hits of 24 attack UAVs and missiles at 10 locations. N.Korea could produce 10-20 nukes per year: S.Korea leader Washington, Aug 25 (AFP) Aug 25, 2025 North Korea could soon produce 10 to 20 nuclear weapons per year, South Korea's dovish new president said Monday, as he called for efforts to lower tensions. North Korea has assembled an estimated 50 warheads and has fissile material to produce up to 40 more, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. "An ICBM capable of reaching the United States is almost fully developed, and they are continuing to build the capacity to produce approximately 10 to 20 nuclear bombs per year," President Lee Jae Myung said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Referring to the harder-line policies of his predecessor and lack of diplomacy with North Korea, Lee said: "We have made efforts to deter North Korea and apply sanctions, but the result has been North Korea continues developing its nuclear program." "The hard fact is that the number of nuclear weapons that North Korea possesses has increased over the past three to four years," he said. Lee said that South Korea was committed to conventional weapons deterrence against the North but also pointed to his efforts to ease steps seen as provocative, such as ending loudspeaker blasting of anti-North Korea messages across the military frontier. He was speaking after talks with President Donald Trump, who said he hoped to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again. Iran says negotiating with 'all our might' to prevent sanctions snapback Tehran, Aug 26 (AFP) Aug 26, 2025 Iran said Tuesday it was making every effort to prevent a sanctions snapback, which European powers have threatened to impose under the moribund 2015 nuclear deal. "Our focus is on preventing actions or incidents that may be costly for the country," said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei during a weekly press conference. He added that Tehran was "negotiating with all our might" ahead of planned talks with Britain, France and Germany on Tuesday in Geneva. It will be the second round of talks between Iranian and European diplomats since the 12-day war between Iran and Israel that broke out in mid-June. The war, triggered by an unprecedented Israeli surprise attack, derailed Tehran's nuclear negotiations with the United States and prompted Iran to suspend cooperation with the UN's nuclear watchdog. The European trio -- parties to the landmark 2015 Iran nuclear deal -- have threatened to trigger the accord's "snapback mechanism" by the end of August. The move would reimpose sweeping UN sanctions lifted under the agreement unless Iran agreed to curb its uranium enrichment and restore cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors. Iran insists the European powers "do not have the legal and moral" grounds to trigger a snapback "We will not allow this issue to become a tool of psychological warfare against... our citizens," said Baqaei. The window for activating the mechanism closes in October -- after which the UN sanctions would be permanently removed -- but according to the Financial Times, the Europeans have suggested pushing back that deadline. Iran has dismissed the Europeans' right to extend the deadline, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently said Tehran was working with its allies China and Russia to prevent the reimposition of sanctions. The nuclear deal was torpedoed in 2018 when Donald Trump, during his first term as president, unilaterally withdrew the United States and slapped crippling sanctions on Iran. Just before the recent war with Israel, Iran held five rounds of talks with the United States with the aim of reaching a new deal on Tehran's nuclear programme. Israel's offensive killed top commanders, nuclear scientists and hundreds of others, striking both military facilities and residential areas. Iran responded with ballistic missile barrages targeting Israeli cities. The war also saw the United States carry out strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel has been in place since June 24. US sending more ships to Caribbean to counter drug cartels Washington, Aug 26 (AFP) Aug 26, 2025 US President Donald Trump is dispatching two more ships to the Caribbean to crack down on drug cartels, a US source said Tuesday, a week after sending warships towards Venezuela. A guided missile crusier, the USS Erie, and a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, the USS Newport News, are due in the region next week, the source familiar with the move told AFP on condition of anonymity. Further details about their mission were not immediately available. The deployment comes after Trump last week deployed three warships off the Venezuelan coast as part of efforts to curb drug trafficking by what his administration calls "narco-terrorist groups." The United States recently stepped up pressure on Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, doubling its bounty to $50 million earlier this month on drug charges against the leftist strongman. Maduro said in response that he would mobilize millions of militia members to counter US "threats." What is 'snapback'? European nations' Iran sanctions move explained Vienna, Aug 26 (AFP) Aug 26, 2025 Britain, France and Germany have threatened to trigger a "snapback mechanism" to reintroduce UN sanctions over Tehran's atomic programme that were lifted under a now moribund 2015 Iran nuclear deal. The trio -- known as the E3 -- is considering activating the mechanism unless Iran agrees to curb its nuclear programme and restore its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Western powers and Israel have long accused Tehran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies. AFP explains how the "snapback mechanism" works, as Tehran meets with European powers for talks in Geneva. - How does the 'snapback' mechanism work? - In 2015, the E3, together with the United States, China and Russia signed a historic nuclear accord with Iran. The deal, known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saw the UN lift international sanctions against Iran in exchange for restrictions on Tehran's nuclear programme. The agreement was unanimously ratified by the UN Security Council under resolution 2231. Then-president Barack Obama's administration boasted of having obtained a clause in the agreement that would allow it to reimpose, or "snapback," all sanctions if Iran failed to comply with the agreement. "It is a unique Security Council measure that has not been used before and once triggered, cannot be reversed," analyst Negar Mortazavi of the Center for International Policy told AFP. Any state "participating" in the agreement can lodge a complaint with the Security Council if they deem another participant has significantly failed to respect the accord. That notification starts a 30-day window where the Council must pass a new resolution that would officially lift the sanctions agreed to in resolution 2231. If the participant that issues the initial complaint wishes instead to reinstate the sanctions, then it can veto the new resolution, thus automatically triggering the "snapback." The window for activating the mechanism closes on October 18 -- after which the UN sanctions would be permanently removed -- but, according to the Financial Times, the Europeans have suggested pushing back that deadline. - Why do the European powers want to trigger it? - In a letter to the UN in mid-August, the E3 slammed Iran for having breached several JCPOA commitments, including building up a uranium stock to more than 40 times the permitted level under the deal. "We are ready... to notify the significant non-performance of JCPOA commitments by Iran," and thus prepared to "trigger the snapback mechanism" before 31 August, the foreign ministers of France, Britain and Germany wrote in the letter. By triggering the "snapback" provision by late August, the procedure would be completed before Russia, which has grown closer to Iran since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, takes over the rotating council presidency in October. The hard-won 2015 deal has been left in tatters ever since the US, during Donald Trump's first presidency, walked away from it in 2018, and reimposed sanctions on Iran. Following the US withdrawal, Tehran gradually broke away from its commitments under the agreement and began stepping up its nuclear activities, with tensions high since the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June. The war also derailed Tehran's nuclear negotiations with the United States and prompted Iran to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, with inspectors of the Vienna-based UN body leaving the country shortly afterwards. - What does Iran say? - During his previous term, Trump attempted to trigger the snapback clause in 2020, but failed due to the country's unilateral withdrawal two years earlier. While European powers have for years launched repeated efforts to revive the 2015 deal through negotiations and said they "have unambiguous legal grounds" to trigger the clause, Iran does not share their view. "Tehran sees both the US and by extension Europe in violation of the 2015 deal, while Iran was still abiding by its terms," said Mortazavi. From Iran's perspective, "the E3 unofficially abandoned it by halting business with Tehran in order to avoid US sanctions". Moreover, Iran has threatened to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if the "snapback" is triggered. - What impact would it have? - In concrete terms, the three European nations would reimpose "global embargoes on arms, nuclear equipment and banking restrictions that were lifted 10 years ago," said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. Reinstated sanctions will have no "major impact on the Iranian economy, as the country is already among the most-sanctioned in the world," said Mortazavi. But Tehran wants to avoid such a scenario, which would exacerbate its problems and isolate it even further on the international stage. CORRECTED: Three soldiers killed in Syria by Israeli strike near Damascus: official tells AFP Damascus, Aug 26 (AFP) Aug 26, 2025 Three Syrian soldiers were killed in an Israeli drone strike near the capital Damascus on Tuesday, a Syrian defence ministry official told AFP. "An Israeli drone targeted one of the military buildings of the 44th division of the Syrian army in Kiswah, west of Damascus, killing three members of the division," the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Prisoners in frontline territories often only have remote access to their lawyers and remain the most vulnerable group in wartime conditions, according to Barristers law firm partners Oleksiy Shevchuk and Oleksandr Shadrin. "Prisoners remain the most defenseless in this regard. They cannot leave their cells during an air raid to go to a shelter. Sometimes their proximity to the frontline or to military facilities becomes critical or, as in the case of the Kyiv pre-trial detention center, its location next to the Lukianivska metro station," the lawyers told Interfax-Ukraine. According to the Ministry of Justice, following the deadly incident at Belenkivska Correctional Colony, evacuation has begun at several facilities: the Zaporizhia pre-trial detention center, Volniansk Correctional Facility No. 11, and Kamianske Correctional Colony No. 101. "This information is partly confirmed by word of mouth among inmates. For instance, one of Shadrin's clients currently held at the Zaporizhia pre-trial detention center reported that they were told of plans to transfer them to the Dnipro pre-trial detention center," the lawyers said. They added that transfers from the Zaporizhia pre-trial detention center to the appellate court are no longer taking place. "At best, there is a videoconference if electricity and internet are available. If only the inmate is relocated but the court remains in the same region, the issue of ensuring or not ensuring personal participation in hearings (at least at the trial stage) inevitably arises," they noted. Shevchuk and Shadrin stressed that access to lawyers in frontline territories is often limited to remote communication. "Many lawyers have been mobilized or relocated to safer regions. Naturally, this situation may create problems in ensuring the right to a fair and adversarial trial, which requires the ability to have confidential communication with an attorney without police or Security Service officers present," the lawyers said. They also pointed out that since the start of the full-scale invasion, several correctional colonies and pre-trial detention centers ended up under occupation together with inmates and staff some of whom were later accused of treason or collaboration. "For example: a dog handler at a penitentiary facility in Kherson was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with a 10-year ban on holding similar positions [as recorded in the Unified State Register of Court Decisions]. Prisoners are often pressured to join the armed forces of the aggressor state; refusal can mean a grenade thrown into a cell or execution by gunfire," the lawyers said. They further noted that penitentiary institutions remain severely underfunded and conditions of detention are largely inhumane, as confirmed by numerous European Court of Human Rights rulings, particularly due to overcrowding. "After the repeal of the 'Savchenko law' (a 2015 law that allowed one day of pre-trial detention in a pre-trial detention center to count as two days of prison time), the problem of overcrowding in pre-trial detention centers and correctional colonies re-emerged. This is fueled by the criminalization of theft and other property crimes, which have now been classified as felonies under the new wartime provision applied automatically. Another factor is the rising number of military personnel and treason suspects categories for which legislators mandated pre-trial detention without alternatives," the lawyers said. "These circumstances are expected to become the subject of new cases before the ECHR," Shevchuk and Shadrin predicted. According to media reports, Ukraine lost control over 28 penitentiary facilities in occupied areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea in 2014, where about 20,000 inmates were held. In 2022, another 12 institutions with more than 3,000 people fell under occupation. The Justice Ministry reports that since the start of the full-scale invasion, 10 penitentiary facilities have been evacuated from combat zones, with 12 evacuation operations carried out, though the specific facilities have not been publicly disclosed. 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 The IOPC added: On August 22 we were advised by the Met that it had charged an officer with perverting the course of justice, who appeared in court that day, in a matter that is linked to but not currently part of - this investigation. In the 1840s the people of Ireland were starved as our grain and our crops exported under British armed guard. Today Israel uses the starvation of civilians in a disgusting attempt to subjugate and murder Palestinians, all the while fruits, vegetables, herbs and olive oil are exported from occupied Palestinian territories. Over the past two weeks, there has been a significant increase in the number of servicemen wishing to return to duty after unauthorized abandonment of their units, director of the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) Oleksiy Sukhachev emphasized in a comment to the Interfax-Ukraine agency. "We have held a joint meeting with the National Police, the command of the Ground Forces, the Military Law Enforcement Service and clarified the elements of interaction to assist servicemen who, due to circumstances, left their unit without permission, to return to their own or other units. We conducted a media campaign and initiated a number of events with local authorities," the SBI director said. He noted: "As a result, in the last two weeks alone, more than 1,700 servicemen have already returned to their military units or are in the process of returning." According to Sukhachev, many contacted the State Bureau of Investigation directly through a form that the Bureau published last week. The Director of the State Bureau of Investigation added that, according to information available to the military and police, the number of people wishing to return is significantly higher. "The servicemen still have a few days to implement their decision. Until August 30, a simplified procedure for returning servicemen who have left their unit or place of service without permission is in effect," he recalled. Earlier, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine extended the deadline for the voluntary return of military personnel until August 30, 2025. This means that military personnel who left service still have time to return without criminal liability. "Returning to duty is not only a chance to correct the mistakes of the past, but also a manifestation of responsibility to our brothers, family and country. Today, every defender is important for Ukraine, and our victory depends on unity and readiness to fulfill military duty," Sukhachev concluded. Terri Richmond, center, pets puppy Kiva and Ranger while chatting with other dog owners at The Largest Golden Retriever Meetup in Texas, hosted by Central Machine Works, April 29, 2023. SARA DIGGINS/AMERICAN-STATESMAN National Dog Day is Tuesday, Aug. 26, and if youve been thinking about adding a furry friend to your life, this may be the time to take the leap. From wagging tails at Austin Animal Center to adoptable pups lounging at local rescue events, the city is filled with opportunities to meet your match. Adopting a dog is about more than just picking out a cute face. Its about finding a companion that fits your lifestyle and making sure youre ready for the responsibility. In Austin, residents have plenty of resources to help them adopt thoughtfully. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Where to adopt a dog in Austin A dog dressed as a turkey runs the 33rd annual Thundercloud Subs Turkey Trot on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. Mikala Compton, Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Austin Animal Center: The citys open-intake shelter typically has hundreds of dogs waiting for homes. 7201 Levander Loop, Bldg. A. 512-974-2000. austintexas.gov/austin-animal-center. The citys open-intake shelter typically has hundreds of dogs waiting for homes. 7201 Levander Loop, Bldg. A. 512-974-2000. austintexas.gov/austin-animal-center. Austin Pets Alive!: Known for its no-kill mission, the nonprofit also supports dogs who need special medical care or behavioral training. 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St. 512-961-6519. austinpetsalive.org/. Known for its no-kill mission, the nonprofit also supports dogs who need special medical care or behavioral training. 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St. 512-961-6519. austinpetsalive.org/. Austin Humane Society: focuses on both pet adoption and education. 124 W. Anderson Ln. 512-646-7387. austinhumanesociety.org/. Local rescues like Love-A-Bull (specializing in pit bull-type breeds) and Pug Rescue of Austin offer more breed-specific routes. There are also regional and statewide rescue groups for most dog breeds. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Best practices for new dog adopters Emily Tracy plays fetch with her dog, Noodle, in Zilker Park Friday morning, June 23, 2023. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman Before you fall in love with those puppy eyes, consider these tips: Assess your lifestyle: Active Austinites who spend weekends on the Barton Creek Greenbelt may want a higher-energy dog, while apartment dwellers might prefer a calmer companion. Active Austinites who spend weekends on the Barton Creek Greenbelt may want a higher-energy dog, while apartment dwellers might prefer a calmer companion. Budget for care: Beyond adoption fees, consider ongoing costs like vet visits, food, training and occasional toys. Beyond adoption fees, consider ongoing costs like vet visits, food, training and occasional toys. Plan for training: Positive reinforcement goes a long way, and local trainers or group classes can help set you and your pup up for success. Positive reinforcement goes a long way, and local trainers or group classes can help set you and your pup up for success. Dont rush: Take your time visiting shelters and rescues. The right fit might not be the first wagging tail you see. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Smoothie King's newest Austin location is now open at The Drag at 2414 Guadalupe St. Austin American-Statesman Smoothie King has opened a new location on the Drag at 2414 Guadalupe St., a prime spot just off the University of Texas campus. The opening coincides with a brand-new, limited-edition drink: the Burnt Orange Oasis smoothie, a blend of mango and strawberries designed to appeal to Longhorn fans. To celebrate, the new location will offer a free 20-ounce Burnt Orange Oasis to current UT students who show a valid ID on Wednesday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Smoothie King is also rolling out its "Power Eats" food menu across its more than 1,200 locations, which will be the brand's first-ever food menu in its 50-year history. Smoothie King is launching its first-ever food menu on Aug. 26. The initial launch includes a variety of toasts. Provided by Smoothie King. Smoothie King's new food lineup Smoothie King's new menu is designed to complement its existing offerings with high-protein and healthy options. The new menu items are rolling out in two phases. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The initial launch includes a selection of toasts and protein boxes. The toasts come in three varieties: Peanut butter toast with bananas, strawberries, blueberries, and honey; chocolate hazelnut toast with strawberries, blueberries, and granola; and an avocado toast with everything seasoning. The protein boxes offer grab-and-go options like the eggs and cheese protein box and the peanut butter and fruit protein box. Chef Michael Che prepares rice at his restaurant Tsuke Edomae in Austin, Oct. 9, 2024. Che crafts exceptional sushi using the finest ingredients from Japan and operates the small but exclusive dining room in the Mueller area. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman If you thought getting a coveted spot at chef Michael Che's omakase restaurant Tsuke Edomae in Mueller was hard, youre right. Just how hard? According to hospitality tech services company Dojo, Tsuke Edomae which the Statesman ranked in a tie for the best restaurant in Austin last year is one of the hardest reservations to secure in the entire world. The company recently released a list of the worlds hardest reservations, analyzing search volumes, reservation wait times, social media followings and reservation resale websites, to create a scoring system. Tsuke Edomae ranked No. 18 in the world and No. 7 in the United States. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The almost-impossible reservation is one reason that we placed Tsuke Edomae in a tie with two other restaurants at No. 1 in the 2024 Dining Guide. One of the other top spots, Birdies, is counter service, and rounding out the trio was an outdoor taqueria, Nixta Taqueria, that serves one of the citys best tasting menus to a handful of guests inside each week. Due to their innovative and unique approaches to service, and recognizing not all diners might be able to access, or want to engage with the hurdles to access, a meal at the restaurants, we decided to place them in a triumvirate atop last years list. Chef Michael Che's anago at Tsuke Edomae in Austin, Oct. 9, 2024. Che crafts exceptional sushi using the finest ingredients from Japan and operates the small but exclusive dining room in the Mueller area. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman What makes a Tsuke Edomae reservation so difficult? 1) The sushi is exceptional. Che recently started flying to Tokyo weekly (you read that correctly) to visit Toyosu Market and procure his own fish. He butchers the fish at his sushi masters restaurant, heads to the airport and back to Texas for service that day. Hes on the ground in Tokyo for less than 36 hours each week. The quality of the fish, and the backstory which Che shares with diners at his restaurant during service make for a unique dining experience. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Che also only charges $135 and a 20% service fee for the 21-course meal. Comparable omakase experiences in Austin can run almost double that cost. Watch this video with Che to understand his thinking behind the pricing. Tsuke Edomae Chef Michael Che talks challenges, vision for his Austin sushi restaurant. Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman 2) Located in what looks to be a converted one-bedroom apartment in a modern apartment complex in Mueller, the tiny Tsuke Edomae offers only eight seats. There are only eight services a week (Che recently announced his move to three seatings on Saturday and Sunday) and two on Friday. That means there are only about 256 reservations a month. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 3) Regular customers get first dibs. Che started his business as a trailer called Tsuke Honten at Hopsquad Brewing, where he offered a $29 omakase in addition to his regular service. He created a constituency of devoted regulars, and when he moved over to Mueller, he decided that anyone who had dined with him three times could reach out and make a reservation directly (unofficially limited to once a month). So, those who got there early, have been rewarded for their devotion. He told the American-Statesman last year that about 80% of reservations go to regulars, leaving about 50 seats a month for others. Chef Michael Che's octopus at Tsuke Edomae in Austin, Oct. 9, 2024. Che crafts exceptional sushi using the finest ingredients from Japan and operates the small but exclusive dining room in the Mueller area. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman How do you get a reservation to Tsuke Edomae? Che releases reservations in months-long blocks at 9 a.m. on a selected Sunday via Tock. He released reservations through the end of the year on July 27. So, your next chance to dine at Tsuke Edomae will likely be 2026. Che has not announced when those reservations will be released. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The best way to get a reservation is to be logged into Tock with multiple browsers open when the pre-paid tickets are released. Keep hitting refresh in hopes of landing a time. If you land a time, dont check your calendar, just take it. You wont want to miss the opportunity. Once the reservations sell out, you can sign up to be added to the waitlist. People on the waitlist will sometimes receive emails the day of service announcing that they have been selected to fill a cancellation, so keep your eye on your inbox. As the UK-based Dojo mentions in its criteria for naming the hardest reservations in the country and world, there are also secondary market sites for selling restaurant reservations (think StubHub or SeatGeek for restaurants), but I wont name them or link them here. If you are lucky or wealthy enough to get a reservation at a top-ranked restaurant and you cant make your reservation, either give it to a friend (or a social media follower, if you have that kind of lifestyle) or, in the case of non-prepaid reservations, cancel it. Good luck, sushi lovers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Starbucks' fan-favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte is available for purchase as of Aug. 26, along with new fall menu items and a seasonal grocery lineup. Courtesy of Starbucks Move over, Summer Berry Pumpkin Spice is back! After a long summer, the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte has returned to ring in the fall season, less than a week after competitor Dunkin' Donuts launched its seasonal menu. Here's what to know about the coffee chain's autumn lineup. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When does Starbucks pumpkin come out? Starbucks fall menu 2025 release date Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte and other fall menu items returned to stores Tuesday, Aug. 26, as promised in late July. What's on the Starbucks fall 2025 menu? Pumpkin spice and beyond This year's Starbucks seasonal menu will feature beloved classics as well as new flavors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The Pumpkin Spice Latte is returning in all its forms (Hot, Iced and Frappuccino) and so is fan-favorite Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai and Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte. Starbucks is also introducing two new menu items this fall: the Pecan Oatmilk Cortado and Italian Sausage Egg Bites. "Our Cortado combines three ristretto shots of Starbucks Blonde Espresso to give a smoother, sweeter, and richer espresso profile, with perfectly steamed whole milk for a velvety texture and balanced flavor," the company's site says. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ristretto shots are smaller but more concentrated than traditional espresso shots. The Cortado, served in a short 8-ounce cup, is currently available and can be customized with flavors, cold foams and toppings. What's in a Pumpkin Spice Latte? The popular Pumpkin Spice latte, left, is back at Starbucks for the fall, along with the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. Starbucks Starbucks' famous Pumpkin Spice Latte includes steamed 2% milk, pumpkin spice sauce, brewed espresso, whipped cream, vanilla syrup and pumpkin spice toppings. The 2% milk can be substituted with another milk option, and customers may ask for no whipped cream and/or toppings on their latte. The pumpkin spice sauce uses cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 'We have pumpkin spice at home': Find Starbucks fall flavors in grocery stores Even prior to the launch of its fall menu, some of its limited-time autumn flavors appeared on grocery shelves. Fall coffee and creamers, including the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Inspired Creamer (in dairy and non-dairy options) are in stores and online retailers now through December. Fall's ready-to-drink (RTD) drinks, such as the Iced Espresso Pumpkin Spice Latte and Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Chilled Coffee Drink, have also return for a limited time. Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Flavored Coffee, Fall Blend Coffee, Smoked Butterscotch Flavored Coffee and Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Concentrate can also be found in stores. Advertisement Article continues below this ad New and returning Starbucks fall-flavored coffees and creamers are available for purchase online and in grocery stores nationwide. Courtesy of Starbucks Round Rock school board Member Tiffanie Harrison speaks during a pro-mask rally at the Williamson County Courthouse in August 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event brought medical professionals and professional educators together advocating for local control and safety for students returning to school. Stephen Spillman for American Statesman The Round Rock school board hopes to appoint a new president on Sept. 18 after Tiffanie Harrison announced last week she was planning on stepping down for personal reasons. Harrison, 39, has been a school board member since 2020. She became the district's first Black school board president in November when her fellow members appointed her to the position. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I will be moving to shift my focus to my family and raising and nurturing and growing my family," she told the American-Statesman. She declined to provide further details. Her term ends in November 2026. Harrison was first appointed to the Place 6 position in 2020 to fill a vacancy and was first elected to the board in 2022. She attended Round Rock schools as a student and taught marketing at Round Rock High from 2012-2020. "It has been an honor to serve alongside Pres. Harrison," Superintendent Hafdeh Azaiez said in a statement Monday. "Despite the challenges our district has faced, we have remained steadfast and committed to our mission. Under her thoughtful leadership, we have continued to place the success and well-being of our students at the forefront of our work. ... Her dedication to our students is clear in all that she has done for the Round Rock ISD community, and we wish her all the best as she begins this next phase of her life." Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Online applications for Harrison's position close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2. They are available at bit.ly/41XMVgr. Candidates must provide verification that they are registered to vote within district boundaries, consent to a background check and provide a resume and a letter of interest. Finalists will be interviewed in open session at a board meeting on Sept. 17. Board members, including Harrison, will deliberate in closed session following the interviews and then return to open session to vote on the appointment. If a consensus is reached, the new board member will be sworn in at the regular board meeting Sept. 18. Trustees also will vote on new board officers on Sept. 18. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Harrison said the work that she is most proud of accomplishing on the school board includes helping update the district's student policy against bullying, she said. "We became the first district in Texas to create a policy against identity-based bullying, which could be bullying based on race, gender and age," Harrison said. She said she is also proud that the board passed a policy for support staff such as custodians and lunch room employees that provides protection on discipline and job security issues. When she first applied to be on the school board, Harrison said, she was interested in the position because a student study showed that minority students didn't feel safe at school. Parents also were concerned about safety, as well as literacy and college readiness, she said. "Parents wanted to know if their student felt safe and well and felt like they belonged at the school," she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The district is now "looking at the safety and security of each student in Round Rock ISD in ways we haven't before," Harrison said. "We hold lots of community meetings to see what parents and students and educators want." Harrison, who is a co-CEO of the nonprofit Health Equity Collective, said she is glad that during her tenure school board meetings became "boring" again. She first took office during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, two school board members sued Harrison and the other members over proposed censure resolutions. A judge dismissed the lawsuit in 2022. The school board placed Azaiez on administrative leave with pay in January 2022 pending the results of an independent investigation into a protective order issued against him. The order has since expired and no charges were ever filed against Azaiez. The board voted in March 2022 to reinstate Azaiez. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Back in 2020 and 2021, we were having board meetings several times a month and the longest one on record was maybe 14 hours," said Harrison. "That's ridiculous. School board meetings are much shorter now and we don't have people on the board grandstanding," she said. Harrison said she hopes the person chosen to fill her seat will benefit from not having to conduct a campaign. "This is a moment and an opportunity for the board to appoint someone that would represent our community well, that may not be able to afford to run a large campaign." University of Texas police officers Joseph Morales, left, and Michael Marcinowski tell a homeless man that the must leave an encampment behind San Pedro Street in West Campus on Tuesday. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Building on years of efforts to bolster student safety off campus, the University of Texas has now assigned a permanent UT police patrol unit to the popular West Campus neighborhood to increase oversight in partnership with Austin police. About 24 UT police officers are assigned to the new West Campus patrol district to work alongside Austin police officers to increase coverage and visibility in the urban area. Advertisement Article continues below this ad University of Texas police officer Chris Rivas checks on a homeless man in an alley behind the Drag in West Campus in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman University of Texas police officer Chris Rivas patrols on the Drag in West Campus in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman University of Texas police officers Michael Marcinowski, left, and Sgt. Jorge Cuellar patrol in a homeless encampment behind San Pedro Street in West Campus in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman University of Texas police officers Joseph Morales, left, and Michael Marcinowski patrol in a homeless encampment behind San Pedro Street in West Campus in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman University of Texas police officer Michael Marcinowski is confronted by an agressive dog while on patrol in a homeless encampment behind San Pedro Street in West Campus in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman University of Texas police officers Michael Marcinowski, left to right, Joseph Morales and Sgt. Jorge Cuellar patrol in a homeless encampment behind San Pedro Street in West Campus in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman University of Texas police officer Rylee Penny talks with a fellow officer during a welfare check on a homeless man on the Drag in West Campus in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman University of Texas police officers Rylee Penny, left, and Ana Chia patrol on the Drag in West Campus in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A University of Texas police officer responds to a call on West 22nd Street in West Campus in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman University of Texas police officers Ana Chia, left, and Rylee Penny patrol in an alley behind the Drag in West Campus in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman University of Texas police officers Joseph Morales, left, and Michael Marcinowski talk to a concerned property owner in West Campus in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman From left, University of Texas President Jim Davis, UT police Chief Shane Streepy, Austin police Chief Lisa Davis and UT Student Government President Hudson Thomas gather to talk about a partnership between the UT Police Department and the Austin Police Department to establish a West Campus patrol district. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman The neighborhood, spanning from Guadalupe Street to North Lamar Boulevard parallel to campus, houses more than 20,000 UT students more than half the universitys undergraduate population. For many. it's their first experience living in an urban environment. The universitys commitment to the safety and security of our students, families, employees and visitors has never been greater, UT President Jim Davis said at a news conference Tuesday. Today, we highlight a renewed commitment to partnerships in the creation of the West Campus patrol district. Austin and UT police both can oversee West Campus thanks to an agreement between the agencies, but UT police are primarily responsible for university-owned properties. The new deployment in West Campus is aimed to increase the presence of university officers in the area to meet the needs of the UT community it serves beyond campus spaces. Advertisement Article continues below this ad University of Texas police officer Michael Marcinowski patrols in West Campus on Tuesday. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman The bolstered partnership also will increase information-sharing between the police departments, officials said, allowing both to respond efficiently to student needs. They said it also will allow for cross-training between UT and Austin police, expanding officers skills. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source By working together, our agencies will strengthen our ability to access facilities more readily, assist each other's calls and cross-train, all of which are essential during a critical incident, said Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis. I have no doubt that together, we will make a difference. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Since Aug. 4, dedicated UT police teams have had permanent shifts in the neighborhood from the western edge of campus to North Lamar from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to 29th Street. They patrol on foot, bikes and motorized vehicles, increasing visibility and mobility. Before then, UT officers were present in West Campus on an as-needed basis to assist Austin police, but with this new district the officers will be a permanent fixture to ensure students know they are there, said UT police Chief Shane Streepy. Creating a UTPD West Campus patrol district that overlays the West Campus neighborhood is a key adjustment in a pivotal area, Streepy said. The regular patrols will allow them to get to know UT students, business owners and other stakeholders, and to be problem solvers who educate and serve. The Daily Texan reported last year that student concern about safety in West Campus was increasing with reports of nonviolent and violent crime off campus, including a 2024 stabbing of a Palestinian-American. This year, a man was arrested three times within a week for assault and disorderly conduct, causing more concern in the neighborhood. Advertisement Article continues below this ad UTs investment in safety in the area isnt new. UTPD West, a satellite office for the Police Department, opened in 2021 at 25th and Guadalupe streets after the UT System Board of Regents invested $8 million to bolster campus police presence in the area over a four-year period. Two years later, the university funded a new program called West Campus Ambassadors. The program shares safety resources and tips, escorts residents in the late evening, monitors for unwanted activity and discourages panhandling. University of Texas police officers Chris Rivas, left, and A. Sobota patrol on the Drag in West Campus on Tuesday. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman UT Student Body President Hudson Thomas thanked the leaders for their commitment to safety and emphasized its importance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad West Campus is a community, and it's where most of our undergraduate students go home at night, Thomas said. We count on it not to only be safe, but feel safe as we focus on our studies, create new experiences and prepare for our future. UT's Davis said the latest investment shows the universitys proactive attention to security. This is a special population of Texans whose safety deserves special attention, Davis said. These are the future leaders who start here and go on to change the world. They deserve to live, study and work in a safe and secure environment." Rep. Nate Schatzline, R-Fort Worth, leaves the House Chamber after the first special session was ended at the Capitol in Austin, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. 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 The Texas House Republican Caucus voted on Monday to increase financial penalties for members who break quorum and to strip any committee leadership role from future quorum-busters, but a proposal to formally censure Democrats who fled the state this month failed to garner enough support. The majority party's private meeting came just before a House committee heard arguments on legislation that would prohibit anyone who participates in a walkout from raising money until they return to work. State Rep. Matt Shaheen, the author of House Bill 18, said he plans to modify the bill in unspecified ways before asking the panel to vote on it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ MORE: Texas Republicans are proposing stiff new penalties for quorum breakers Shaheen, who chairs the House Elections Commitee, said he recognizes that members have a constitutional right to break quorum as a means of killing, or at least slowing down, legislation. But, he added, such an action should come with legal consequences. "The purpose of the bill is to stop the financial gain of those who are breaking quorum," Shaheen said. "The bill does not do anything as far as limiting the ability to actually do a quorum break." Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The actions taken by the caucus were recommendations to change the rules of the House. They would not take affect unless the full House votes to adopt them. The caucus's chair, state Rep. Tom Oliverson of Cypress, said the group was working with House Speaker Dustin Burrows to address them during the special session. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Under the recommendations, the $500-per-day fines levied against quorum breakers would increase to more than $660 per day, which is roughly three times the per diem pay lawmakers receive while they are in session. Absent members' office budgets would also be reduced while they are away. During the discussion on HB 18, Democratic state Rep. John Bucy of Austin said imposing penalties for members who engage in constitutionally protected action is unfair. "The U.S. Supreme Court has made it clear that political contributions and expenditures are protected political speech," Bucy said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Under the present version of HB 18, legislators who are absent could not accept political contributions, and would-be donors could not make contributions. The penalty would be fines of up to $5,000 for each violation. Also, quorum-breaking members could not tap their campaign accounts to pay for travel, lodging and meals while while they are away from the Capitol. Texas Sen. Pete Flores, R-Pleasanton, looks at the proposed redistricting map on Friday as the Texas Senate prepared to take a vote on the redistricting bill passed by the Texas House of Representatives. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman The damage will last Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thank you for pointing out all the things wrong about taking away peoples voices. This rigging is to help President Donald Trump maintain his power and authority over this nation. It is turning people against each other but why dont we see this? Are we blind, or do we refuse to fight together against Trumps plan and instead choose to just think about ourselves? We are falling into Trumps trap, and you are right that it will take forever to get over it. Travis County Commissioner Margaret Gomez U.S. support needed Advertisement Article continues below this ad I admire the writers big heart. It reminds me of the overwhelming response Texans showed after the July 4 flood. When lives are at stake, most Americans step up. Thats why so many support the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. By strengthening health systems in the worlds farthest corners, the fund has helped reverse the HIV/AIDS epidemic, expand TB diagnosis and treatment, and saved more than 65 million lives. Texas knows the power of collective action. Just as volunteers in Kerrville responded with compassion, the U.S. can continue its compassionate support for the fund. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Instead, the Trump administration has proposed eliminating our "gentlemen's agreement" to match $1 for every $2 other nations provide, weakening support for the fund. Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. John Cornyn, will you act compassionately to protect Americas match agreement and ensure the Global Fund has what is needed to continue its life-saving work? Mark Coats, Austin A Quran is photographed in the prayer room of an Islamic school in Houston. Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspap/Houston Chronicle via Getty Imag Islamophobia has no place Advertisement Article continues below this ad Plans for the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) have brought out displays of Texas religious bigotry in full force, including from Gov. Greg Abbott, some of his appointees to the Texas Funeral Service Commission, some members of the Texas Legislature and various Republican supporters. Much of their rhetoric could be applied as well to many Jewish congregations who practice their historic death rituals, which are similar to Islamic death practices. Changing the rules to target Muslims violates not only the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, but also the Texas Constitution, which provides that all people "have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences. Further, the Texas Legislature is admonished "to pass such laws as may be necessary to protect equally every religious denomination in the peaceable enjoyment of its own mode of public worship. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While I do not follow the practices of either Islam or Judaism, I adamantly support the right of all people to follow their own consciences in matters of religion, just as I do. Islamophobia has no place in Texas or the United States. Lamar W. Hankins, San Marcos I won't stay silent Every headline out of Gaza is unbearable: Entire families gone, hospitals in ruins, children buried under rubble. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I write to my fellow Austinites and to our leaders in Washington, D.C., Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz, and Representatives in Congress do not look away. We have a responsibility to call for a cease fire, to demand humanitarian aid and to stop enabling more violence. History will remember who stayed silent. I want it documented that I stood against genocide and starvation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dr. Shameem Azizad, Austin Photo: https://www.facebook.com/petroporoshenko Increased pressure on the Russian Federation to cease fire and establish peace was discussed by MP, leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko during a meeting with Vice President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) Mark Pritchard, the political party reported on its website on Tuesday. "We had a detailed exchange of opinions regarding the latest international efforts aimed at ending the fire and restoring peace. I emphasized that until the process is completed, we should adhere to the principle of nothing is agreed upon until everything is agreed upon. Ukrainians, more than anyone, want peace, but not at the expense of the interests of our state," Poroshenko wrote on Facebook. He also stressed that "in order for Russia to clearly understand the price of abandoning the search for peace, a specific Plan B must be developed today." "Considerable attention was also paid to the challenges to democracy and fundamental freedoms in times of war, in particular the rule of law, multi-party parliamentarism, freedom of the media and the rights of the opposition," Poroshenko noted, thanking Pritchard for his support of Ukraine. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was seen giving remarks to republican delegates from Texas on the first day of the Texas GOP Convention on May 23, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Christopher Lee Trevor Milton, left, leaves the Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse, Sept. 12, 2022, in New York. Milton was convicted Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, of charges he deceived investors with exaggerated claims about his company's progress in producing zero-emission 18-wheel trucks, fueled by electricity or hydrogen. Brittainy Newman/Associated Press The wife of an Arizona businessman who was convicted of swindling investors out of tens of millions of dollars is the top donor to a super PAC supporting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons U.S. Senate campaign. Chelsey Milton donated $500,000 to a pro-Paxton super PAC in June, according to a campaign finance filing last month. She is the wife of Trevor Milton, the founder and former CEO of electric truck-manufacturer Nikola Corp who was pardoned by President Donald Trump in March. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A federal jury found Trevor Milton guilty of securities and wire fraud in 2022 after a trial in which prosecutors said he had lied to investors about the capability of his electric trucks, including producing a video of a truck rolling down a hill to create the illusion of a working vehicle. A spokesman for Paxtons campaign referred questions to the Lone Star Liberty PAC. The PAC did not respond to an email sent to the address listed on filings with the Federal Election Commission. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source In March, Trump said Milton had been persecuted for his political beliefs and pardoned him, relieving him from paying more than $180 million in fines and restitution and potentially spending four years in prison. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The thing that he did wrong was he was one of the first people that supported a gentleman named Donald Trump for president, Trump said. Five months earlier, while out on bail, Milton and his wife donated $1.8 million to a pro-Trump PAC. A spokesman for Trevor Milton did not respond to a request for comment. Chelsey Milton could not be reached for comment. Since launching earlier this year, the pro-Paxton Lone Star Liberty PAC has collected more than $1.8 million in donations, as Paxton moves to unseat incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Paxton said in an interview earlier this year he would need around $20 million to defeat Cornyn, whose campaign currently has $5.9 million in cash on hand. It's unclear what if any connection he had to the Miltons before the donation. Much of Lone Star Liberty's funding comes from well-known Texas GOP donors like Gary Heavin, the founder of Curves International, who gave $250,000, and the billionaire Darwin Deason, who donated $210,000. Other donors include James Dondero, the Dallas hedge fund manager accused by a real estate investment firm of misappropriating more than $100 million as part of a more than five-year-old bankruptcy case allegations that Dondero's company Nextpoint denies. He gave $100,000. Christopher Milam, an Austin developer who pleaded guilty in 2021 to exposing himself to the 7-year-old daughter of his then girlfriend, donated $36,000 to the PAC. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And Phillip Huffines, twin brother of former Texas state Sen. Don Huffines, gave $43,000 to Lone Star Liberty. Huffines waged a bruising political campaign against Paxtons estranged wife and state Sen. Angela Paxton in 2018, at one point running an ad suggesting the couple had profited off their political offices. Public service pays surprisingly well for Ken and Angela Paxton, the ad said. Huffines did not respond to a request for comment. Attempts to reach Milam and Dondero were unsuccessful. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Milam was also among the numerous donors flagged by the FEC last week for donating more than what's legally allowed to Paxtons campaign committee. The committee was ordered to return those funds by Sept. 22 or face a federal audit. Texas Rep. Cody Harris stands in his office in Palestine on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Rep. Harris is proposing to overhaul the states Right to Capture law. Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle The moon rises over a water tower in Walston Springs, photographed on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle A Dallas investors contentious bid to export East Texas groundwater appears headed for delays after lawmakers on Monday approved a study that would push off the project for at least two years. The legislation, which received quick approval by the Texas House, escalates a fight that has been brewing in East Texas since the spring, when locals learned that two companies tied to Dallas investor Kyle Bass had applied for exploratory permits for wells capable of pumping more groundwater in Anderson and Henderson counties than was currently available. Advertisement Article continues below this ad State Rep. Cody Harris, a Palestine Republican who opposes the project, authored the bill, which calls for the Texas Water Development Board to study the effects of groundwater pumping in the aquifers underlying the Nueces and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District and present a report to state leaders in January 2027, before the Legislature convenes for its next regular session. In the meantime, the groundwater conservation district would not be able to issue a new production or export permit for the region. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The bill now heads to the Senate before reaching Gov. Greg Abbott, who added it to the special session agenda and is expected to sign it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bass recently lashed out at Harris, who chairs the House Natural Resources committee, threatening to sue him in a post on X that he later deleted. Small time Texas politician convincing the Governor to allow an East Texas groundwater permit application to be delayed two years creates an immediate Federal Takings case, he wrote. See you in Federal Court @CodyHarrisTX. Harris read the post aloud during a committee hearing on Thursday and responded to Bass directly. Setting aside the fact that there are numerous examples of legislative measures like this that have been upheld as legally valid by the highest courts in the land, he said. I want to make one thing abundantly clear: I will not be intimidated by name-calling, legal threats, or any other bullying tactics. Bass didnt respond to a request for comment. The major aquifer at issue is the Carrizo-Wilcox, a prolific aquifer that spans the eastern part of the state from Louisiana to Mexico and supplies many rural communities in East Texas with groundwater. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The bill requires that the water development board determine how much groundwater can be pumped in perpetuity without impeding the local groundwater districts 50-year plan for the aquifer, as well as study the interaction between groundwater pumping and surface water availability. Water experts have warned that diverting water from the Carrizo-Wilcox could impact downstream users of surface water like the City of Houston because the aquifer helps replenish rivers and streams. The study sets up the possibility that lawmakers will consider overhauling the states groundwater regulation when they reconvene for the next regular session in two years. In July, Harris filed legislation that would overturn the rule of capture, the 120-year-old doctrine that gives landowners an almost absolute right to pump groundwater below their property, no matter how that pumping impacts their neighbors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Abbotts second special session agenda included only a more narrow call that the state study the East Texas aquifer. Representatives gather for the second legislative special session inside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman After Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a bipartisan bill to shield human trafficking survivors who commit crimes under coercion of their abusers, state lawmakers are sending him another version that more narrowly targets nonviolent offenses. Felony defendants currently hoping to use the states duress defense have to prove they carried out their crimes while facing an imminent threat of death or bodily injury to themselves or others, like a gun to their head. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ ALSO: Texas lawmakers to revive bill expanding legal defense for trafficking victims after Abbott veto Survivor advocates and lawmakers have argued the language doesnt account for the psychological long-game that traffickers often engage in that primes survivors into obedience, even without an immediate threat. Lawmakers agreed this spring to adjust the definition of coercion to better encompass those situations. The proposal passed both chambers unanimously. But Abbott vetoed it in June, saying he worried the law could be used to absolve defendants who committed more serious offenses, like raping a child, murdering a law enforcement officer or carrying out an act of terrorism. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source We can and should recognize that victimization begets more victimization. But legal responsibility cannot always be passed off to someone else, Abbott said in a statement at the time. Some who started off as victims later make a choice to perpetrate similar crimes against others. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Senate Bill 11, authored by Republican state Rep. David Cook of Mansfield, would prohibit the duress defense from being used for crimes that are ineligible for judge-ordered community supervision, unless the person was charged as an accomplice and not a primary actor. That includes murder, capital murder, indecency with a child, sexual assault, trafficking and possession or promotion of child pornography. Those types of crimes, known as 3G offenses, carry harsher penalties and stricter parole limitations. Other types of felonies, like non-aggravated burglary, manslaughter and some drug offenses, would still be covered by SB 11. Cook was brief in his description of the bill on the House floor Tuesday but said it was more narrowly tailored to address Abbotts concerns. The bill again passed unanimously in both chambers. The Houston Chronicle last month featured the story of Mia Santoro, who was groomed at 13 and at 16 forced to participate in a robbery that left a man dead for which she was later charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery, despite never touching a gun. Santoro originally faced 20 years in prison but later won a 10-year probation deal. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SB 11 would now cover someone in Santoros situation who was charged as a party to a crime she committed at the behest of an abuser. Joe Scaramucci, a former state and federal law enforcement official who is now a survivor advocate, previously told Hearst Newspapers that he thinks the defense ought to be considered by judges and juries on a case-by-case basis. No crime is really immune to it, Scaramucci said about crimes trafficking survivors commit, often because of their abuser. You just see more associations with certain crimes like robbery, theft and narcotics possession. Development continues to grow on the north side of Buffalo Bayou just east of Jensen Drive in Houston's east end, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019. Both residents and developers in Houstons East End are fighting to keep the Houston Housing Authority from bringing some 1,400 new apartments -many targeted to lower income Houstonians - to their neighborhood. The area, they say, is already flush with affordable housing and the new projects will remove valuable property from the areas Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, which uses property tax dollars for public improvements. Moreover, they say, developers will choose other neighborhoods to invest in or cancel projects they were planning in the East End. Mark Mulligan/Staff photographer Signs line a neighborhood across from the propose site of the Julpit rock crusher in Rosharon, photographed on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. The area is filled with new developments of single-family homes. Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle A home under construction at the Magnolia Ridge subdivision is shown in Magnolia Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle Homes in the Sunfield development just east of Interstate 35 in Buda are seen Feb. 28, 2022. The planned community with about 12,000 homes is the type of massive development some say is threatening smaller hill country communities. William Luther/San Antonio Express-News Cities and counties will soon be more hamstrung to raise property tax revenue under a Republican bill that is likely headed to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk. Lawmakers in the Texas House approved a measure on Monday to limit how much cities and counties can raise property tax rates, lowering the threshold for voter approval from the current 3.5% to 1%. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The bill now heads back to the Senate for a final signoff before going to Abbott, who requested the proposal in his special session call. READ MORE: Abbott wants to drive down Texas property taxes by limiting local spending Republican state lawmakers have said theyre frustrated that, despite the state allocating $51 billion toward property tax relief nearly a quarter of the states total spending homeowners continue to see their property tax bills balloon. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source This ensures that [cities and counties] cannot simply undo the billions in property tax relief provided at the state level by raising their own rates, said state Rep. Morgan Meyer, a Dallas Republican who introduced the bill in the House. It passed the full Senate earlier this month. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Democrats who opposed the measure warned it will only squeeze cities and counties that are already struggling with budget deficits after lawmakers lowered the tax rate increase that triggers voter approval from 8% to the current 3.5% in 2019. In Houstons 2025-2026 general fund budget, for instance, almost all city departments saw cuts, largely due to reduced property tax revenue from the state measure as well as a local property tax revenue cap enacted a decade ago. Several lawmakers also expressed concern on Monday that the measure would limit how much cities and counties could spend on police and fire departments, potentially in conflict with a 2021 state law that prohibits large cities from reducing police funding. When public safety accounts for more than half and sometimes up to two-thirds of a citys budget I don't see how there's not a public safety hit that our local governments are going to take, and then they're going to have to go to the voters every year simply to approve maintaining existing fire and police staffing levels, said state Rep. Chris Turner, an Arlington Democrat. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The House later approved an amendment from state Rep. Jared Patterson of Frisco that omits public safety expenditures from being subject to the new limit, while lowering the limit for all other expenditures to 1%. The Senate still has to sign off on those changes. Senate Bill 10, authored by state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican, originally applied only to cities and counties with populations greater than 75,000 but was amended on the House floor to include all jurisdictions. Abbott has framed property tax relief as his next major legislative battle after signing long-sought private school vouchers into law earlier this year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What I would like to see done is to make sure that every property taxing jurisdiction must live just within the same spending limits that the state has to live in, Abbott said in an interview with Hearst Newspapers. And if they're confined in that their ability to impose greater property taxes is going to be hamstrung. Short written responses by students on the newly redesigned STAAR tests are being scored by a computer program instead of human graders. American-Statesman file The Texas House on Tuesday greenlit plans to scrap the STAAR test, clearing a path to replace the state exams with three smaller ones given throughout the year. The plan passed, 78-58, over opposition from most Democrats, some of whom warned that, while they also dislike STAAR, the plan to replace it came with too many last-minute changes. State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, said the bill would actually increase state-mandated testing time and put too much power in the hands of the Texas Education Agency. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There is no trust in the TEA and certainly not in the TEA-created STAAR, and rather than eliminating STAAR, were going to have the government create these new state-mandated tests, said Hinojosa. The House bill aligns closely with a previous Senate-approved plan and will now face a vote in the upper chamber. Gov. Greg Abbott named replacing STAAR one of his top priorities for the special session. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source House Republicans, led by state Rep. Brad Buckley of Salado, said the plan will decrease high-stakes testing and reduce overall testing time. The new tests will be split into three exams, with the first two given in October and January as diagnostic tests that can help teachers and parents adjust their lesson plans over time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad School districts will also be restricted from giving their own benchmark tests, such as the widely-used iReady or MAP tests, to measure student growth. That function will be replaced with the new state-mandated beginning- and middle-of-year tests. Some districts, Buckley noted, currently give students more than a dozen benchmark tests throughout the year. The House approved several changes to the legislation ahead of its final vote, including pushing off the start date for the new tests to the 2027-2028 school year. STAAR would remain in place for the next two school years. In 2027, TEA will report on progress made in implementing the new test, and lawmakers would have an opportunity to adjust the test that year, Buckley said. STAAR exams first came online in 2011, when lawmakers said they wanted more rigorous tests and standards in public schools. But they have gradually drawn the ire of parents and teachers who said they place undue pressure on students and eat up valuable classroom time. Talks to scrap the tests failed earlier this year over divisions on who should administer the replacement, the TEA or a third party. The House on Tuesday defeated an amendment by Hinojosa that would have removed the TEAs role in writing the tests. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Democrats also accused Republicans of rushing through a major testing reform when most students are just returning to school, preventing teachers and parents from advocating against the bill. Lawmakers voted down an amendment by state Rep. Diego Bernal, D-San Antonio, to postpone the changes and have them studied by an appointed committee. The last-minute changes to the bill meant lawmakers were voting blindly on the bill, he argued. Photo: https://t.me/ermaka2022 Another girl was returned from the temporarily occupied territory as part of the Ukrainian Presidents Bring Kids Back UA initiative, said head of the Presidents Office, Andriy Yermak. "Despite years of pressure and restrictions, she continued her studies at a Ukrainian school online and dreamed of an education and a future in a free Ukraine. Today, this girl is safe, close to her family, receiving the necessary support and preparing to enter a Ukrainian university," Yermak wrote on Telegram on Tuesday. He thanked the Ukrainian Network for Children's Rights and other partners for their assistance in rescuing the boy. On July 25, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Daria Zarivna reported that within the framework of the initiative of the President of Ukraine Bring Kids Back UA, 1,458 children have already been returned, but more than 1.6 million Ukrainian children remain under the control of the enemy, the Presidents Office reports. Wadephul: Putin must prove to the world that he is ready to end the war against Ukraine Photo: Michael Kappeler/dpa/picture alliance Following a meeting with colleagues from the United States, Finland, France, Great Britain, Italy, Poland and Ukraine, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that pressure on Russia should be increased and that Ukraine needs security guarantees. "Putin must prove to the world that he is finally ready to end the war against Ukraine. Yesterday I spoke with my colleagues. We are unanimous: Ukraine needs security guarantees. Pressure on Russia must be increased," he wrote on the social network X on Tuesday. As reported, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed with European foreign ministers, as well as Ukraine, joint diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a lasting settlement of the Russia-Ukraine war. Earlier, it was reported that German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that Ukraine would demand security guarantees that would be as close as possible to the level of NATO membership. Click.ro A plecat din Kenya in cautarea unui trai mai bun in Romania, insa salariul l-a dezamagit. Iata in ce tara vrea acum sa se mute acum Bugetul.ro Acoperitii care au nasit-o pe Anca Alexandrescu: Trebuia sa fie Brangelina de Romania. Analistul Cozmin Gusa, dezvaluiri din intimitatea vedetei Realitatea Plus Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets reported on Tuesday that during the latest 68th combined prisoner exchange, interaction took place with the office of the Russian Federation Commissioner for Human Rights Tatyana Moskalkova, in particular, an exchange of letters from prisoners of war (POW) took place and issues of transferring humanitarian aid and family reunification were discussed. "During the latest return of our citizens, there was interaction with the office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation Moskalkova. During the dialogue, letters were exchanged from prisoners of war on both sides, and issues of organizing the transfer of humanitarian parcels for prisoners of war and family reunification were discussed," the ombudsman wrote on Telegram on Tuesday. As reported, on August 24, during the next 68th combined exchange, Ukraine returned military personnel, representatives of almost all defense forces, and eight civilians, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported. The Special Operations Forces (SOF) of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have disabled logistics facilities in the temporarily occupied territory (TOT) of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the SOF Telegram channel reported on Tuesday. "Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine carried out special operations in the Crimean TOT, as a result of which logistics facilities ensuring the functioning and combat supply of military units of the Russian army were disabled," the message reads. According to reports in Russian public groups, "UAVs struck the railway infrastructure in annexed Crimea, Dzhankoy and Krasnogvardeyskoye came under attack." As reported, on the night of August 21, the Special Operations Forces destroyed a Russian rolling stock with fuel and lubricants near the Dzhankoy railway station in the TOT. On August 12, the Special Operations Forces destroyed a stationary TRLK-10 Skala-M route radar complex in the settlement of Abrikosovka, in the Crimean TOT. It is noted that Skala-M is a Soviet-Russian route radar complex that includes both primary and secondary capabilities for detecting air targets. It is designed to monitor air traffic in the sky. The radar's range is up to 350 km. Going All-In on Audio-Over-IP: How We Future-Proofed kronehits Broadcast Network Running Austrias largest private radio station means living with the expectation of perfection. Every day, nearly a million listeners count on kronehit to deliver their soundtrack, whether via FM, DAB+, or digital streams. For us, dead air isnt just a technical term; its a scenario we simply cannot afford. Our reputation and our audiences trust depend on seamless, round-the-clock operation. So when the time came to reimagine our network, we knew we had to get it right the first time. Our willingness to innovate has always set us apart from our competition. We were among the first to launch an interactive radio app, and our kronehit smart app let listeners skip live songs, a feature unheard of in traditional radio. But while we pushed boundaries on the front end, our technical backbone remained rooted in aging baseband infrastructure. It worked, until it didnt. As our programming diversified and our ambitions grew more digital streams, more DAB+ channels, more interactivity the cracks in our system became impossible to ignore. The real tipping point came in 2024, as we prepared to launch four new DAB+ channels, adding to our already robust lineup of over 30 digital streams. The old system simply couldnt keep up. Maintenance was a growing burden, and scaling was both costly and time-consuming. A piecemeal approach patching baseband here, adding AoIP there would only increase complexity and risk. We needed a clean break: a fully IP-based infrastructure capable of handling over 800 audio streams with zero latency and full redundancy. This is the story of why we took that leap, how we executed the migration without a single second of downtime, and what we learned along the way. Why We Went All-In Some broadcasters take a cautious, hybrid approach, running AoIP alongside their legacy systems. For us, that would have meant double the complexity and none of the flexibility we needed. We wanted to be able to spin up new channels, reroute audio paths, and scale bandwidth without rewiring racks or reconfiguring hardware. AoIP offered exactly that kind of agility. But with that flexibility came new challenges. Managing over 800 audio streams in real time would require massive bandwidth and rock-solid reliability. Synchronization between devices was non-negotiable because any drift, even by milliseconds, could spell disaster on air. Redundancy was also critical; we needed a system that would keep running even if a switch failed or a fiber was cut. And, of course, we had to ensure compatibility with our existing fiber infrastructure and devices, especially when it came to integrating SFP modules from different manufacturers. We knew the transition would be complex, but the potential rewards of greater efficiency, reliability, and future-proofing were too great to ignore. Our goal was clear: build a network that could not only meet todays demands but also adapt to whatever the future might bring. Choosing the Right Partners No broadcaster can undertake a transformation of this scale alone. From the outset, we knew wed need partners who understand both the technical and operational realities of radio. NETGEAR AV quickly emerged as a natural choice. The companys M4350 managed switches, purpose-built for media over IP, offered the performance and reliability we needed. But what truly set NETGEAR apart was the teams willingness to work with us on the details. We faced some early challenges with SFP module compatibility, and NETGEAR was there every step of the way, helping us test, validate, and refine our setup until it was flawless. Our longtime consulting partner, connecting:media, played a crucial role in technical planning and integration. The companys deep expertise in radio and broadcast technology was invaluable, especially as we navigated the complexities of building a fully redundant network. Meanwhile, Meinberg provided the precision timing equipment that allowed us to achieve SMPTE ST 2110-compliant synchronization across the entire network, ensuring every device operated in perfect harmony. And Lawo delivered the audio solutions that plugged seamlessly into our new IP-based infrastructure, rounding out a team of partners that combine innovation with real-world experience. Because these partnerships were built on collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence, we were able to meet every challenge with creative problem-solving and a focus on getting the details right. Building the Network: Red/Blue Redundancy At the heart of our new infrastructure is a red/blue spine-leaf architecture. In practical terms, this means we run two identical networks in parallel. Each is fully capable of carrying the entire load, and they operate synchronously in real time. If one network goes down whether because of a hardware failure, a fiber cut, or a software glitch the other takes over instantly and seamlessly. This level of redundancy is essential for 24/7 broadcasting, where even a momentary lapse is unacceptable. Synchronization is managed through Precision Time Protocol (PTP) boundary clocking on every switch. This ensures that every device, from mixers to playout servers, stays perfectly in sync. Even the smallest deviation can disrupt a broadcast, so precision was absolutely critical. The use of Meinbergs timing technology allowed us to decentralize the central clocks, further enhancing reliability and stability. Integrating the new network with our existing fiber infrastructure presented its own set of challenges. Different manufacturers implement SFP modules in slightly different ways, and not every combination works out of the box. With NETGEARs support, we tested every module, every link, and every failover scenario until we found a configuration that worked perfectly. The result is a robust and reliable network that is readily compatible with our legacy infrastructure. The Migration: Planning for Zero Downtime Perhaps the most daunting aspect of the project was the migration itself. How do you switch over the entire backbone of Austrias largest private radio station without a single second of dead air? The answer: meticulous planning, exhaustive rehearsal, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We staged the new network in parallel with the old system, testing every stream and rehearsing the cutover as if it were a live broadcast. We simulated and solved every possible failure scenario in advance. When the day finally came, we executed the switchover with a sense of both anticipation and anxiety. To our great relief (and pride) it was a non-event in the best possible sense. The audio kept flowing, the lights stayed green, and our listeners never noticed a thing. It was one of those rare moments in engineering when everything goes exactly as planned. Life After Baseband: The New Normal The impact of the migration has been transformative. Latency is now virtually zero, and audio moves across the network in real time, with no perceptible delay. Redundancy is automatic and invisible. If a switch or link fails, the system reroutes instantly, maintaining uninterrupted service. Management has become dramatically simpler. With NETGEARs Engage software, we can configure and monitor the entire network through an intuitive graphical interface, eliminating the need for complex command-line operations or extensive retraining. Updates and reconfigurations are now routine, requiring no downtime. We can push firmware updates, adjust routing, and launch new channels with unprecedented speed and confidence. The scalability of the new system means that launching a new channel or stream is a matter of software, not hardware. What once took weeks or months now takes days. Most importantly, the network has delivered on its promise of reliability. Months after the migration, we have experienced zero downtime and have not needed to troubleshoot a single major issue. Our team can focus on creating great radio, rather than fighting with cables and patch bays. The Business Case: Efficiency, Reliability, and Future-Proofing From a business perspective, the move to IP has already demonstrated its value. While the initial investment in switches and network hardware was higher than simply running more copper cables, the long-term benefits are undeniable. Workflows are faster and more flexible. We can launch new channels and services in days, not weeks, and maintenance is vastly simplified. There is no longer a need to trace analog cables or troubleshoot patch bays, and our new gear is more energy-efficient, reducing both our environmental footprint and our operating costs. The economic advantage is clear. The flexibility and efficiency of our IP-based operations more than compensate for the upfront costs, streamlining production processes and increasing reliability through automatic redundancy. This not only improves transmission quality but also enhances the efficiency and future-readiness of our operations. The networks compatibility with our existing fiber infrastructure has saved us both time and money, allowing us to build on our legacy investments rather than replace them wholesale. Perhaps the most significant change is that we are now ready for whatever the future holds. Whether that means adding more DAB+ channels, adopting new streaming formats, or exploring entirely new platforms and services, were prepared. Final Thoughts and Advice for Broadcasters The pace of change in broadcasting is only accelerating. Listeners expect more personalization, more interactivity, and more reliability than ever before. With our new IP-based infrastructure, we are well positioned to meet and exceed those expectations. We are already exploring new possibilities, from interactive features to smarter automation and deeper integration with online platforms. Reflecting on the journey, several key lessons stand out: There is never a perfect moment to overhaul your infrastructure. Waiting too long only increases the risk of being forced into a rushed, reactive upgrade. By acting proactively, we gave ourselves the time and space to do things right, minimizing risk and maximizing our chances of success. The importance of choosing true partners cannot be overstated. NETGEAR, connecting:media, Meinberg, and Lawo were not just suppliers, they were collaborators, invested in our success. Their willingness to listen, adapt, and deliver made all the difference. The value of thorough testing cannot be underestimated. Compatibility issues can derail even the best-laid plans, so we tested every module, every stream, and every failover scenario. That diligence paid off with a flawless launch and ongoing operational stability. Going all-in on IP, rather than maintaining a hybrid system, proved to be the right choice. It gave us a clean slate and a future-proof foundation, free from the constraints and complexities of legacy technology. If I could offer one piece of advice to other broadcasters considering a similar move, it would be this: Dont be afraid to go all-in. Find partners who understand your needs, plan meticulously, and test relentlessly. The rewards in efficiency, reliability, and peace of mind are well worth the effort. At kronehit, we are proud of what we have achieved. But more than that, we are excited for what comes next. The foundation we have built gives us the agility to experiment, adapt, and lead. The future of radio is IP-based, and thanks to the choices we made, we are ready to shape it. [Editor's note: This is a contributed article from NETGEAR. Streaming Media accepts vendor bylines based solely on their value to our readers.] Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Related Articles Companies and Suppliers Mentioned An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 355th Fighter Squadron flies in formation after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker near Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 22, 2025. (Spencer Hanson/U.S. Air Force) Ice contamination in landing gear struts created a cascading series of events that ended with an F-35A Lightning II crashing at an air base in Alaska in January, according to an Air Force accident investigation released Monday. The multirole stealth fighter crashed at 12:49 p.m. Jan. 28 at Eielson Air Force Base after more than an hour of airborne troubleshooting by the pilot and ground support, the report said. The F-35A, assigned to the 355th Fighter Squadron, 354th Fighter Wing, was destroyed a $196.5 million loss. The pilot ejected but suffered a middle-spine compression fracture and neck and face abrasions, according to the report. The accident investigation board found that ice formed in hydraulic fluid that was contaminated with water in the nose and main landing gear struts, preventing the struts from fully extending. That, in turn, caused weight on wheels sensors to tell the aircraft it was on the ground, not in mid-air, according to the report. As a result, the high-tech fighter switched to ground mode. However, because it was actually airborne, the [mishap aircraft] was uncontrollable, the report said. The pilot held a 50-minute conference call with the Eielson supervisor of flying and engineers and the aircrafts manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, before losing control of the plane, according to the report signed July 9 by Air Force Col. Michael Lewis, president of the accident investigation board. The fighter was put through slightly extended ground operations at extreme cold temperatures prior to flight, according to the report. The temperature at the time of the crash was 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit. The water in the nose landing gear strut froze first, which started the cascading events, Lewis wrote. The aircraft took off as part of a four-ship training sortie of F-35As at 11:22 a.m. Another pilot, called the mishap wingman in the report, notified the aircrafts pilot that his nose landing gear door was ajar. When the pilot extended the landing gear, the wingman reported the wheel had turned 17 degrees to the left. During the conference call, Lockheed Martin, the flight supervisor and pilot agreed to try two touch-and-go landings to realign the wheel. During the first landing, the right rear landing gear did not fully extend due to ice buildup. After the second landing, during which all three wheels touched the runway, the left rear landing gear did not fully extend, also due to ice buildup, the report said. Video posted Jan. 29 by ABC News on X showed the jet tumbling as it plummets to the runway and bursts into flames. The pilot is seen descending nearby beneath his open parachute canopy. The investigation could not determine conclusively when water found its way into the landing struts. However, it found that the hydraulic barrel that the 355th Fighter Generation Squadron used while deployed to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, in 2023 was likely contaminated with water. Lewis cited crew decision-making, lack of adherence to maintenance procedures for hydraulic safety equipment, and lack of oversight of the fighter generation squadrons hazardous materials program as contributing factors. Pacific Air Forces referred questions from Stars and Stripes on Tuesday to the 354th Fighter Wing in Alaska, which did not respond to an emailed query after its normal hours. An airman drives a bobcat skid steer to clear the flight line of debris during a combat readiness inspection at RAF Feltwell, England, May 9, 2025. Army Capt. Jacob Suenkel, 32, pleaded guilty in federal court to selling a Bobcat, a tractor and other equipment he stole from units at Fort Stewart, Ga. (Chloe Masey/U.S. Air Force) An Army officer in Georgia has pleaded guilty to unlawfully selling heavy-duty equipment he stole from an Army base outside Savannah, the Justice Department said this week. Federal authorities say 32-year-old Capt. Jacob Suenkel, who was serving on active duty at Fort Stewart, stole more than $150,000 worth of generators, welders, commercial grade hand tools, a tractor and other items from various Army units and sold them to unsuspecting buyers through social media. In one incident, according to court documents, Suenkel drove on base hauling a trailer on his pickup truck, loaded up a Bobcat skid steer loader from the public works department and took it to a storage lot. He sold the loader on Facebook Marketplace for approximately $22,000. Jacob Suenkel violated the trust of his employer and unsuspecting buyers, and is being held accountable for his theft, Margaret Heap, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, said in a statement Monday announcing the guilty plea. As part of the plea deal, Suenkel agreed to an initial payment of $50,000 to go toward restitution, which has yet to be determined. He also agreed to an other-than-honorable discharge, which will result in a loss of veterans benefits. The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine in addition to paying restitution to victims of the sales. The government will recommend that Suenkel be sentenced to the low end of the advisory guidelines determined by the court, according to the plea agreement. The most effective defense is awareness of the spiders habitats, such as under benches and in grassy areas where they hide. (Pixabay) MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan Twice as many venomous spiders were exterminated this spring on this base in western Japan compared with the same three months last year, according to Yamaguchi prefecture. MCAS Iwakuni, about 25 miles southeast of Hiroshima, eradicated 921 black and brown widow and redback spiders between April 22 and July 21, the prefecture said in an Aug. 15 report. That was more than double the total for the same period in 2024 and triple the number reported in the first quarter of this year. All three species are closely related and considered invasive in Japan. The redback widow spider first appeared in the country in 1995, said Koichi Goka, a researcher at the National Institute for Environmental Studies, by phone Friday. It remains unclear whether the overall invasive spider population is growing, an official at the Environment Ministrys Office for Alien Species Management said by phone Aug. 20. The ministry does not track national trends on venomous spiders, whose extermination is carried out by local governments. Goka said he believes the number has increased at MCAS Iwakuni but does not know why. They persist partly because their eggs are hard to eradicate. The egg masses are in cocoons made of spider silk, making it difficult for chemicals to reach them, which makes chemical control difficult, he said. Japan designated all three spiders as invasive alien species in 2015. Redbacks, native to Australia, have spread throughout Japan except for the northern prefectures of Akita and Aomori, according to the National Institute for Environmental Studies invasive species database. Brown widows were first found in Japan in 1995 in Yokohama and have since spread to 12 prefectures, including Tokyo, Kanagawa, Yamaguchi, Fukuoka and Okinawa, according to the database. Black widows were first spotted in Japan 25 years ago at MCAS Iwakuni, Goka said. These widow spiders are believed to have arrived in shipping containers or military vehicles, according to the database. The air station has played a role in efforts to control the spiders. MCAS Iwakuni provides a regular report regarding spider eradication efforts to the government of Iwakuni City, base spokesman Maj. Mason Englehart said by email Monday. The air station strives to maintain transparency and communication with local leaders to ensure they are informed of our continuous efforts to eradicate spiders on the installation. The three species are considered dangerous because their venom contains a neurotoxin that can cause severe pain, vomiting and muscle rigidity, depending on the dose and a persons sensitivity, according to the Australian Museum. Redback bites are more common in Australias summer months, where an average of 250 cases a year require antivenom. They are highly sensitive to chemicals, so chemical control is effective, Goka said. The best way to kill them is to step on them or use insecticides commonly available at drug stores, he said. The most effective defense is awareness of the spiders habitats, such as under benches and in grassy areas where they hide, Goka said. Sprays meant for ticks and mosquitoes do not work on spiders, he added, so people must take care to avoid being bitten. If you get bitten, you should see a doctor, he said. The pain will go away in several days and no cases of an adverse reaction to a venomous spider bite have occurred in Japan, he said. There have not been life-threatening cases, so there is no need to be extremely afraid, Goka said. One of the gates at Naval Station Rota, Spain, in August 2022. The base recently reintroduced a points system to penalize drivers for a range of traffic violations. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes) U.S. military personnel at a naval base in Spain now face the potential of having their driving privileges suspended for repeated traffic violations. Naval Station Rota recently reintroduced a traffic system that assigns a point value from two to six for a range of violations, including DUI, not wearing a seat belt or leaving a child in a car unattended. Drivers who accumulate 12 points within a year or 18 points within two years face suspension of their base driving privileges for six months, according to a July 31 Navy instruction. Serious violations such as DUI or racing include additional punishment, according to the instruction. Both on-base and off-base offenses are subject to points assessment, NS Rota spokesman Lt. Daniel Ehrlich said Monday. Drivers may also face fines for traffic infractions, he added. U.S. military installations stateside and overseas govern a variety of traffic-related issues, including vehicle registration and driving and parking laws. At NS Rota, drivers already are subject to traffic enforcement by U.S. and Spanish military police. The reintroduced system offers a way for the Navy to track those violators and ensure that people stationed there are staying disciplined and that driving privileges on (and off) the installation are being regulated, Ehrlich said. Naval Station Rota, Spain, is reviving its traffic court and points penalties for driving offenses. Defense Department personnel stationed there could lose their licenses if they accumulate too many driving violations. (Facebook/Naval Station Rota) In addition, a traffic hearings office was reestablished so drivers can challenge point penalties if they believe a ticket was issued unjustly or there are extenuating circumstances related to a violation. The hearings will take place on the first Wednesday of each month. A start date had not yet been scheduled as of Monday, Ehrlich said. About 1,300 active-duty U.S. service members are stationed at NS Rota along with 1,700 family members and 400 civilian employees, according to the bases website. The joint U.S.-Spanish base on the Atlantic coast provides cargo, fuel and logistics support to units across the region. In addition to three piers, it includes a 670-acre airfield that supports Navy and Air Force aircraft. It is home to five Navy destroyers. The Navy system at Rota joins parallel Spanish military traffic ticketing procedures already in place. On average, about 10 driving citations are issued to the U.S. military community each month, Navy officials said. Light pollution is upending the lives of birds and other organisms that depend on the rhythms of the sun to find food and mates. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post) Its 2 a.m. Youre snoozing in bed. The sun hasnt risen, but the robin has. It is tuk-tuk-tuk-ing at an unnatural hour, waking you up. If this has happened to you, youre not alone. Around the world, streetlights, store signs and skyscrapers are pouring artificial light into the night, and all that extra illumination is prompting birds to tweet for nearly an extra hour a day on average, according to a sweeping analysis of more than 4 million birdcall recordings. The day is effectively longer for these birds, said Neil Gilbert, an Oklahoma State University ecologist who co-wrote the study published Thursday in the journal Science. The finding is another sign of how brightening the night is altering the health of both ecosystems and human beings. Light pollution is upending the lives of birds and other organisms that depend on the rhythms of the sun to find food and mates. On average, birds prolonged their songs by 50 minutes in the brightest landscapes, chirping earlier in the morning and later into the evening than counterparts in less well-lit locales. Birds with large eyes, open nests and migratory behavior were the most sensitive to light pollution. Among the species most impacted are American robins, northern cardinals, northern mockingbirds, Eurasian blackbirds and killdeers. For their study, Gilbert and Brent Pease, an ecologist at Southern Illinois University, tapped into a library of bird vocalizations called BirdWeather, a platform that allows both amateur birders and professional ornithologists to place microphones in their backyards and record birdcalls. The pair compared the timing of a whistle, warble or wheep from 583 bird species normally active during the day to the average level of light pollution in its location based on satellite observations. The researchers used an artificial neural network to identify the species making birdcalls from March 2023 to March 2024. Very few, if any, people who deploy these in their backyard have any idea that people like me and Neil would be using it for some real research, said Pease, who said he has picked up some really cool warblers with his own backyard recorder outside Carbondale, Ill. The authors took advantage of an excellent monitoring resource, said Clinton Francis, a sensory ecologist at California Polytechnic State University who also studies the impact of light pollution on birds but was not involved in the study. The work is especially important because it provides widespread evidence of changes in bird song around the world. Kevin Gaston, a University of Exeter ecologist who was also not involved in the research, said most past studies on the biological impacts of light pollution focused on only a few species or a few sites at a time. This new research, he said, is impressive in the scale of the data used. The approach, he added, has limitations since satellites only detect light projected upward and computer programs may make errors when identifying birdcalls. But such constraints are almost inevitable in such broad scale studies, he said. Previous research shows that migratory birds rely on the light in the environment to let them know when and where to go. But the bright lights of cities often draw them off course and cause them to crash into buildings. Elsewhere in the animal kingdom, light cast by oceanfront buildings causes sea turtle hatchlings to scamper away from the ocean when they would otherwise be heading to sea. In suburbs, streetlamps draw moths away from plants they would otherwise spend the night pollinating. In forests, artificial light puts a damper on the mating pyrotechnics of fireflies. Humans, too, are being kept up at night. Artificial light can disrupt our sleep cycles and has been linked to higher rates of cancer. For birds that use calls to find mates, defend territory and warn others of threats, the extra time spent singing during the day may eat into their own rest at night. But being the early bird can also have its advantages. Past research has shown that some birds exposed to light at night find more mates and feed their chicks for longer. Initially, we were tempted to conclude that, Oh, it must be bad. I think were thinking of our own experiences as humans, Gilbert said. If we lose an hour of sleep a night, pretty quickly well unravel. But birds and humans are pretty different, he added. Unlike climate change, which is politically and technologically difficult to solve, reducing light pollution can be as easy as turning off unnecessary outdoor lighting at night. Its just a light switch away, Pease said. Were optimistic about darkening the night again. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha explained Ukraine's position on security guarantees during a telephone conversation led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. I reiterated Ukraines position that security guarantees must be concrete, legally binding, and effective. They should be multidimensional, including military, diplomatic, legal, and other levels, Sybiha said on X Monday night. Sybiha noted that this conversation was based on previous contacts between the leaders of the countries, the visit of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Washington and the work of national security advisers. The head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stressed that all leaders share the conviction that the Ukrainian army is the fundamental level of any such guarantees, so its maximum strengthening is our top priority. Sybiha also confirmed that Ukraine is ready to take the next steps towards peace. We are ready for meetings at the level of leaders in any formats and geographies. We are ready to put an end to the killing and give diplomacy a chance. Moscow must know that it cannot drag its feet forever. If Russia continues to reject meaningful, constructive steps toward peace, it must face consequences: severe increase in sanctions and strengthening for Ukraines capabilities, noted Sybiha, thanking the allies for their support and unity. Ukraine remains committed to its role as a transatlantic security contributor and trusted ally, he summed up. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly discussed with European and Ukrainian foreign ministers joint diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting settlement to the Russian-Ukrainian war, US State Department Deputy Press Secretary Tommy Piggott said. Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, holds a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on April 2, 2024, to formally announce the SAVES Act. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) Four years ago Tuesday, America witnessed one of the most tragic days in recent military history. On Aug. 26, 2021, as our service members worked tirelessly at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan, during the Biden Administrations botched withdrawal, a suicide bombers attack claimed the lives of 13 Americans. The names of those lost at Abbey Gate deserve to be honored and remembered. They include: 11 Marines Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, of Massachusetts; Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, of California; Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, of Utah; Cpl. Hunter Lopez, of California; Cpl. Daegan W. Page, of Nebraska; Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, of Indiana; Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, of Texas; Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, of Missouri; Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, of Wyoming; Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, of California; and Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, of California; one sailor, Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, of Ohio; and one soldier, Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, of Tennessee. These service members died protecting others, even at the cost of their own lives. As someone who deployed to Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom, I understand the commitment and courage of their service. Their sacrifice represents the dedication of all who served during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. While we appropriately focus on honoring these heroes, we cannot ignore the crisis facing those who returned home. An estimated 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more than 450,000 of our warfighters have been diagnosed with at least one traumatic brain injury (TBI) since 2000. Tragically, nearly 17 veterans die by suicide each day. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made great strides under the Trump Administration, reducing its claims backlog by over 37% this fiscal year while processing more than 2.5 million claims. But it cant stop there. There are more opportunities for our federal government to take action for our veterans. For instance, current VA policy limits service dogs primarily to veterans with mobility issues or certain PTSD cases. My legislation, the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act, would expand this successful program to include veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, military sexual trauma and other service-connected conditions. These service dogs would provide veterans with a new pathway toward independence while breaking the vicious cycle of isolation that too many encounter once home. The SAVES Act represents one important step toward addressing the real needs of our veterans who served in Afghanistan, Iraq and other conflicts. As a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and as a veteran myself, Im committed to improving the quality of life for our veterans. This cannot be a partisan issue, and Im thankful to have 27 Republicans and 19 Democrats join me in this effort. Four years later, America still remembers Aug. 26, 2021, and the tragedy that unfolded at Abbey Gate. Now we must prove that our words have meaning by taking concrete action to those who served alongside these fallen heroes, ensuring they have the support they need for the rest of their lives. The best way to honor those who were killed in these attacks is by fighting for those who returned home. That fight continues today in the halls of Congress. Congressman Morgan Luttrell represents Texas 8th District in the U.S. House of Representatives and serves on the House Committees on Veterans Affairs and Armed Services. Kadena Middle School on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, is part of the Department of Defense Education Activity. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes) Students at a Defense Department middle school on Okinawa were released two hours after the school day began on Tuesday due to a cooling problem. Kadena Middle School on Kadena Air Base sent students home at 9:30 a.m. due to an electrical issue affecting the buildings air conditioning system, the school announced on its Facebook page. Buses departed at 9:45 a.m., according to the post. Staff were to remain at the school until all students had been picked up. Temperatures reached 88 degrees Fahrenheit by 9:30 a.m. and were expected to reach 91 degrees. Humidity pushed the real-feel temperature past 100 degrees, according to accuweather.com. Parents were notified of the early release through Department of Defense Education Activitys online student information system portal, DODEA-Pacific spokeswoman Miranda Ferguson said by phone Tuesday. The schools administration discovered the problem after arriving at school and immediately notified American Engineering Corp., Ferguson said in a follow-up email. She had no further information about the electrical problem or its cause. The company is on site supporting maintenance staff and working diligently to address the electrical issue; however, we currently do not have an estimated time of completion, according to the Facebook post. The issue was resolved at an unspecified time that day and normal hours will resume Wednesday, according to a second post on the schools Facebook account at 1:45 p.m. Ferguson did not immediately respond to follow-up phone and email inquiries. A sign inside a McDonald's restaurant in Tokyo alerts customers about the cancellation of "One Piece" game card promotion, Aug. 26, 2025. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) TOKYO McDonalds Japan has canceled an upcoming One Piece game card promotion in the wake of a chaotic Pokemon campaign earlier this month that prompted government involvement. The promotional tie-in with One Piece, a popular anime and manga series, was scheduled to begin Friday but was postponed indefinitely, McDonalds Japan announced in an Aug. 20 press release. The restaurant chain did not detail the promotion and did not respond to a query by Tuesday for more information. Instead of One Piece game cards, McDonalds Japan planned to substitute toys and other items that were given away in previous campaigns to customers who purchase Happy Sets, as theyre known in Japan. The decision follows a Pokemon promotion on Aug. 9 that triggered frenzied scenes at McDonalds restaurants across Japan, where adult collectors and profiteers purchased meals for the cards alone and discarded the uneaten food. Customers have lunch at a McDonald's restaurant in Roppongi Hills, Tokyo, Aug. 26, 2025. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) "One Piece" game cards are displayed inside a shop in the Akihabara district of Tokyo, April 14, 2023. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) Photos posted online show crowds of customers at McDonalds counters and bags of Happy Sets piled up on walkways outside. The backlash caught the attention of Japans Consumer Affairs Agency, which on Aug. 20 asked McDonalds to revamp its Happy Set campaigns to reduce waste and prevent bulk buying, according to an agency official who deals with food loss. The Consumer Affairs Agency, which is working to combat food waste, expressed regret that food waste had occurred, the official said by phone Tuesday. Some government officials in Japan are required to speak to the press on condition of anonymity. McDonalds Japan responded that it is considering stricter limits on sales and repeatedly standing in line for Happy Sets, the official said. The three-day Pokemon promotion was canceled the first day and McDonalds Japan publicly apologized, saying its preparations were inadequate and had compromised the chains goal of providing a fun dining experience for children and families. McDonalds said in an Aug. 11 statement that it would impose stricter sales restrictions on Happy Sets as well as restricting mobile phone and delivery orders. Airman 1st Class Veronica Westbrook processes packages at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 12, 2024. With White House-directed tariffs on the horizon, confusion over whether parcels from Defense Department bases overseas can be mailed duty-free to the U.S. prompted reassurances from military mail officials in Europe. (Joseph Bartoszek/U.S. Air Force) Military postal officials in Europe are reassuring customers that looming U.S. tariffs on certain international shipments will have no impact on mail services for Defense Department personnel. The message comes in the wake of concerns brought on by an email sent to military mail box customers last week by postal officials at U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart in Germany. The message was then widely shared by the U.S. military community in Europe, causing consternation for some who regularly send gifts, souvenirs and other items stateside. As a result, at least one U.S. military base in Europe issued a statement over the weekend in response to social media comments. Please disregard any false reports, and rest assured that our mailing and shipping services are still available to all customers, U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples in Italy said in a post to its official Facebook page on Saturday. On Monday, the garrison in Stuttgart offered a clarification following consultation with DOD postal officials. DoD mail is exempt from tariffs to the U.S. Postal Service, the installation said in a post to its Facebook page. We anticipate no impact on mailing items from your APO to the United States. At issue is President Donald Trumps July 30 order to suspend the de minimis exemption allowing international packages valued at less than $800 to enter the U.S. without duty fees. The suspension is scheduled to take effect on Friday. As of that date, most goods entering America valued at $800 or less will be subject to the tariff rate associated with the country of origin, the White House said in a July 30 statement. Some exceptions, such as an allowance for people to receive bona fide gifts valued at $100 or less duty-free, will remain in effect, according to the statement. Suspension of the duty-free exemption is needed to close a loophole exploited by international businesses to avoid paying import fees, taxes and duties on shipments to the U.S., according to the White House. In May, Trump suspended the provision for China, but his July order extends to all countries. On Friday, international shipper DHL Parcel Germany announced it was suspending transport of most parcels and goods from business customers to the U.S. Shipping via DHL Express remained possible, and person-to-person shipments of gifts valued at less than $100 would be allowed, the company said in a statement. Postal services in Denmark, Italy, the U.K. and other European countries also have announced pauses on shipments to the U.S. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in January that the number of shipments claiming use of the exemption had increased by more than 600% from 2015 to 2023. The exemption is known as the duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value shipments. Last year, there were more than 1.36 billion de minimis shipments, according to the agency. U.S. Marine Nicole Gee, center, awaits the launch of an MV-22B Osprey during an en route care exercise aboard the USS Iwo Jima, April 5, 2021. A portion of Californias Interstate 80 was officially dedicated as the Sgt. Nicole Gee U.S. Marine Corps Memorial Highway, honoring the Marine who was killed during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. (Mark E. Morrow Jr./U.S. Marine Corps) (Tribune News Service) A portion of Californias Interstate 80 was officially dedicated as the Sgt. Nicole Gee U.S. Marine Corps Memorial Highway, honoring the Marine killed during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Family members and friends of Sgt. Gee wiped tears and took videos as a plastic cover was removed from the large green traffic sign bearing Gees name above the northbound lanes near the Interstate 80 and Douglas Boulevard interchange in Placer County. A duplicate sign, which was decorated with well wishes from family and friends, will be hung above the south bound lanes near the Interstate 80 and Highway 65 interchange. They were joined by Assemblymember Joe Patterson, R-Lincoln, and state Sen. Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks, who offered remarks in honor of Sgt. Gee and in support of Assembly Concurrent Resolution 126, which authorized the freeway naming. A copy of the text of the resolution, which was passed unanimously by the Assembly and state Senate last year, was presented to Cheryl Juels, who is Gees aunt. I wanted the opportunity for friends and family to be here when the sign is placed on the highway, Patterson said during the dedication ceremony. For her heroic efforts supporting our nation, she deserved to have this recognition here in Placer County. Sgt. Nicole Gee holding a baby at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, posted Aug. 20, 2021, on X. Gee of Sacramento, Calif., was killed in a 2021 bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan. (U.S. Department of Defense) Gee, 23, was one of 13 U.S. service members killed in a suicide bombing on Aug. 26, 2021, while helping evacuate Americans and Afghan allies at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. In one of her last photos, which was displayed during the highway dedication, shes seen cradling an Afghan infant in her arms, a quiet moment of care that resonated worldwide. She was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and other military honors. Her name also appears on a new road in West Roseville as Nicole Gee Drive. A highway sign designating a portion of Interstate 80 in Placer County, Calif., as "Sergeant Nicole Gee U.S. Marine Corps Memorial Highway" is unveiled. (Hannah Ruhoff, The Sacramento Bee/TNS) The worst thing that can happen is you lose someone and theyre forgotten, Cheryl Juels said dressed in a jacket emblazoned with Sgt. Nicole Gee Memorial Foundation, which the family founded after Gees death. A sign like this means when people drive down this road and are stuck in traffic we hope theyll take a moment to remember her. According to Juels, all of Gees family members were close, with Gees cousins growing up alongside her. Juels says that after Gees mother died in 2019, she helped play a parental role for Gee. Nicole was my baby girl, she said. Losing her was a nightmare for all of us. Gee graduated from Oakmont High School and was stationed at Camp Lejeune with Combat Logistics Battalion 24. Her family and fellow Marines have described her as driven, resilient and devoted to service. Gees mother-in-law, Christy Shamblin, told the Sacramento Bee in 2024 that the annual anniversary of her death remains difficult, but noted that community recognition brings a measure of comfort. The Sacramento Bees Daniel Hunt contributed. 2025 The Sacramento Bee. Visit sacbee.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The State Regional Development Fund has resumed operations after a three-year suspension caused by Russia's full-scale war. Starting September 1, local communities will be able to submit applications for recovery project funding from the Fund, Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine Oleksiy Riabykin announced at a briefing on Monday. "We are pleased to relaunch the State Regional Development Fund. Today, our priority is frontline communities, but other regions will also be eligible for support. We aim to make the project selection process as open and transparent as possible, so that funds are used effectively to rebuild our communities," Riabykin said. According to him, this year's state budget allocates UAH 1 billion for such projects. Implementation will follow a transitional public investment management model. Communities located outside active combat zones may submit applications between September 1 and 10 through the DREAM digital platform. The cost of submitted projects must not exceed UAH 50 million, and they must be completed by the end of 2025. If a community fails to use the subsidy within the year, the funds may be returned to the state budget. Currently, several thousand community projects are already registered in the system and could potentially qualify for the subsidy. Once the September 10 deadline for submissions passes, the project selection process will begin. It will be transparent and accountable, with active participation from communities and regions. "The Ministry has already demonstrated this approach in selecting projects under the Ukraine Recovery Program, where EUR 100 million was allocated. We involved all communities, all regional state administrations, as well as experts, civil society, and various ministries to ensure full transparency and openness in the selection process," Riabykin said. To receive funding, communities must meet four key conditions when preparing their applications. First, the project must align with the overall regional development strategy. Second, the facility to be restored must be publicly owned by the state or the community. Third, the project documentation must meet requirements. And finally, the local budget must be able to cover at least 10% of the project's cost. According to the 20262028 Budget Declaration, the State Regional Development Fund is slated to receive UAH 90 billion over the next three years, with UAH 30 billion allocated annually. The ministry stressed that the prudent, transparent, and accountable use of the State Regional Development Fund's money this year will serve as a pilot process and a preparation stage for full-scale public investment management in the coming months. Gadyaces Serralta, director of U.S. Marshals Service, right, presents President Donald Trump with an honorary badge as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth looks on in the Oval Office of the White House on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) President Donald Trump on Monday ordered the National Guard in each state to create a quick-response force to quell protests and deter crime after using troops to assist with security during immigration protests in Los Angeles and patrol in Washington, D.C., as part of a crackdown on crime. He said other cities, specifically Chicago, should be asking him for help. I think we should really let them have their city, let their city go to hell and then they will ask us for help, Trump told reporters at the White House during a news conference announcing several executive orders. These people [troops and federal law enforcement], eventually, theyre going to have to be appreciated for what they are doing, and theyre going to have to be appreciated by the officials that are really happy when we go in because theyve lost control of their place, he said. The executive order about the National Guard signed Monday calls on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to oversee each states Army National Guard and Air National Guard are resourced, trained, organized and available to assist federal, state and local law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order whenever the circumstances necessitate, as appropriate under law. Each state should find an appropriate number of troops to be reasonably available for rapid mobilization and have the resources and training needed to serve nationwide, according to the order titled, Additional Measures to Address the Crime Emergency in the District of Columbia. More than a week ago, Trump deployed 2,000 troops from the D.C. National Guard and six supporting states onto the streets of the nations capital to stop what he has referred to as an emergency crime wave. However, D.C. police data stated violent crime is down in the city by 26% compared with last year which had the lowest levels of violent crimes in 30 years. Since Guard troops have been on patrol in Washington, there have been no killings in the city, Trump said. The deployment was seen by some as a test for sending the military into other large U.S. cities, which typically lean Democratic. Trump said hes considering plans to use Guard troops to target crime in Chicago. He said Monday that he has not reached a decision. We may just go in and do it, which is probably what we should do, he said. The problem is, its not nice when you go in and do it, and somebody else is standing there saying, as we give great results, say, Well, we dont want the military. Chicago, too, has seen lower levels of violent crime in 2025, according to its police department. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Saturday that the state has worked with federal law enforcement in the past, and there is no emergency now that warrants sending in the National Guard or other military troops. Donald Trumps threat to bring the National Guard to Chicago isnt about safety its a test of the limits of his power and a trial run for a police state, he said. Two months ago, Trump activated more than 4,000 members of the California National Guard and 700 Marines stationed within the state to deploy to Los Angeles where immigration protests followed a series of raids by federal agents on area businesses to find people living in the U.S. without authorization. The majority of those troops have since returned home, but they primarily worked to protect federal property and personnel, including federal agents conducting immigration arrests. In L.A. and D.C., local officials did not support the deployment of troops. California Gov. Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit arguing the deployment was illegal. It is ongoing in federal court. Military troops are barred from conducting domestic law enforcement activities based on an 1878 law known as the Posse Comitatus Act. However, troops have been used in recent years for crowd control during protests. Trump: Ukraine and Russia should decide for themselves when to hold high level meeting Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ The Russian and Ukrainian sides need to decide for themselves when they are ready to hold a summit, US President Donald Trump said on Monday. You ought to work it out, Trump said during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the White House, answering a question about the timing of such talks. He noted that the leaders of Russia and Ukraine should hold a separate bilateral meeting, before I have a meeting and probably close the deal. At the same time, Trump noted that he could not guarantee that the meeting of the presidents would take place. I don't know that they'll meet. Maybe they will. Maybe they won't. They'd like me to be at the meeting, said the head of the White House. The President of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) Paul Grod believes that many Ukrainians abroad will wait to receive multiple citizenship until the end of the general mobilization. "I will say frankly, and this is a rather delicate question - this is about military service. There are many Ukrainians who will probably wait to receive multiple citizenship until there is mobilization. Because frankly, even I myself, born in Canada, accepting Ukrainian citizenship today is difficult, because then it will be difficult for me to leave Ukraine. This is for reasons that are a little problematic today, but over time this will be corrected," Grod said at a briefing on Tuesday, answering a question about the challenges of introducing multiple citizenship in Ukraine. He stressed that today this is one of the major barriers to acquiring multiple citizenship. As reported, on June 18, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a law on multiple citizenship, which simplifies the procedure for obtaining Ukrainian citizenship. The law provides for the legalization of foreign citizenship, as well as the right to obtain foreign citizenship without renouncing Ukrainian citizenship. According to the law, citizens of other countries can become citizens of Ukraine by ethnic origin under a shortened procedure. The law also provides for a shortened procedure for obtaining citizenship in the event that a foreigner has completed military service in Ukraine. The law prohibits civil servants and judges from having multiple citizenship. According to the law, a person who has a passport of another state, but is a citizen of Ukraine, is recognized only as a Ukrainian citizen on the territory of Ukraine. On July 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the law on multiple citizenship. Pilar Martinez Malaga Tuesday, 26 August 2025, 13:58 Share Cultural attractions are increasingly acting as magnets to draw in more tourists in Spain. This conclusion comes from a report prepared by the public company for tourism and sport in Andalucia using the tourism survey data from the region's IECA institute of statistics and cartography. The data shows that historical heritage and the range of museums and cultural events were the main motivation for 12.5 million tourists who visited the region last year. The figure shows that this is a growing segment, accounting for 2.5% more than previously, also that it already represents 35% of the total number of tourists who chose Andalucia for a holiday in 2024. Moreover, they are high-interest visitors because they have a larger travel budget and have increased their average spending at their chosen destination by 6%, reaching 90 euros per person per day. This is 16.3% more than before the Covid pandemic and exceeds the destination's average of 82 euros. Arturo Bernal, the Junta's regional minister for tourism, praised the data that consolidates the broad range of tourism that the region has to offer visitors, guaranteeing a sustainable, regenerative tourism that respects residents and the environment, as it is with cultural tourism. "Our unique culture is driving more and more visitors to this great destination and they choose us to relax, enjoy and discover new places", he stated. He continued by insisting on the importance of this industry, which he defined as "the great engine of opportunity in the region, capable of revitalising our municipalities, generating employment, retaining population and contributing to the development of these lands." 90 euros is the average amount spent per person per day in Andalusian destinations by tourists drawn to visit the region for its culture. The report covers the profile of the culture tourists visiting Andalucia, highlighting that most of them come from elsewhere in Spain. Thus, 54.2% of visitors are Spanish, compared to 45.8% from abroad. The average length of stay for this visitor is estimated at 4.5 days and, in terms of age, the main traveller profile falls into the Generation X category, with 37% of them aged between 45 and 65 years . On consumer habits, the report notes that hotels are the main accommodation chosen by 62.5% of these customers. As for the top reason for destination choice? It is the desire to explore new destinations, with the trip gaining a subsequent rating of 9.2 out of ten. These cultural tourists, who visit the main historical attractions and enjoy art in museums, theatre or music, are also great fans of other activities. Culinary experiences at their chosen destination are important for 67.8% of these visitors. A good number of them (35.9%, to be precise) are keen on discovering natural spaces too. Both help to consolidate a strong loyalty level at almost 30%. Rossel Aparicio Malaga Tuesday, 26 August 2025, 12:05 Share The summer temperatures continue to climb higher in the Andalucia region of southern Spain in the final stretch of this month of August. In fact, Spain's state meteorological agency (Aemet) is going to activate yellow weather warnings for high temperatures in three provinces where the mercury is expected to reach a maximum of up to 40C: in Cordoba, Granada and Jaen. The weather forecast for this Tuesday highlights "significantly high temperatures in the eastern inland areas". It does not rule out "isolated thunderstorms" and also notes "'Sahara desert dust in suspension ('calima'), with the possibility of mud deposits where it rains". Aemet also forecasts "light to moderate winds of variable direction, tending east in the far east, south in the eastern interior and west in the rest" for the region. As for the warnings, Aemet has activated the high temperature alerts between 1pm and 9pm, in the countryside of Cordoba and Subbetica area where the maximum temperatures could reach 39C. In Granada, the yellow warning will affect the areas of Guadix and Baza, where temperatures of up to 38 degrees are forecast. In Jaen the high temperature warning will be activated, in the same time frame, in Morena and Condado, the Guadalquivir Valley and Cazorla and Segura. In these areas, maximum temperatures of 39C are expected, although locally they may reach 40 degrees. Throughout the week, however, "there will be stable weather, generally cooler than normal, with the possibility of showers in the mountain ranges of north-eastern Andalucia", according to Jesus Riesco, head of Aemet's Malaga weather centre, speaking to Europa Press yesterday. Riesco also pointed out that "a slight drop in temperatures is expected on Thursday in practically all of Andalucia, with values between 30 and 33C in Seville, Cordoba, Jaen and Granada". However, he pointed out that this drop in temperatures will be brief as, over the weekend, the thermometers will read approximately "34C on Friday, 36 degrees on Saturday and 38C on Sunday". Showers and thunderstorms Meanwhile, the forecast for the Spanish mainland indicates for this Tuesday "probable showers and heavy storms in the Pyrenees. Significantly high temperatures in Mallorca, areas of the southern plateau and Andalucia and in the depressions of the northeast of the country, where significant rises are expected. There will also be notable decreases in the upper Ebro and areas of Galicia and the Cantabrian Sea". According to Aemet, "a not very active Atlantic front will leave cloudy or overcast skies with probable weak and scattered showers in the north of Galicia and the Cantabrian area, while in the rest of the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands there will be cloudy or clear skies, with intervals of medium and high clouds in the Mediterranean and low morning cloudiness in the Strait, Ampurdan and southeast of the country". In the afternoon, the forecast continues, "clouds will develop in the northern half of the mainland, the southern plateau and southeastern mountains, with thunderstorms and showers in the northeast quadrant that are likely to be heavy and locally with hail in the Pyrenees, not ruled out in the surroundings of the Ebro and the Iberian system". Finally, cloudy skies are forecast in the north of the Canary Islands with precipitation tending to less, and cloudy intervals in the south tending to clear. As for temperatures, maximum temperatures will fall, "locally notably in Galicia, the Cantabrian area and the upper Ebro, with increases in the Balearic Islands, Huelva and most of the eastern half of the Spanish mainland, reaching notable levels in the north-eastern depressions. Little change in the rest. Temperatures will exceed 36-38C in Mallorca, northeastern depressions and in areas of the southern plateau and Andalusia. Minimum temperatures in general will not experience major changes, remaining above 20C on the southern Atlantic slope, northeastern depressions and in the Mediterranean area, where they will locally be above 25 degrees". C. C. Jaen Tuesday, 26 August 2025, 17:57 Share An investigation by the technological crimes unit of Jaen's National Police provincial headquarters has led to the arrest of a man in Seville accused of hacking into teachers' accounts on Senaca, the Andalusian education system and altering academic qualifications. Operation Drawer began following a complaint from a teacher at the San Juan Bosco Secondary School Jaen city, according to a statement issued by the force on Monday 25 August. The statement explained that someone had breached the security of the Seneca educational platform by hacking into and impersonating email accounts belonging to teachers with positions of responsibility within the educational organisation. Investigators detected that the work email addresses of up to 13 teachers from different universities in Andalucia, including Cordoba, Seville, Huelva, Cadiz and Almeria among others, who were responsible for preparing the Selectividad university entrance exams for this year, had been hacked. "The cybercriminal managed to illegitimately access the system, altering academic qualifications, both in his personal file and that of people in his close environment," the statement said. During the operation a search was carried out at the home of the person under investigation in Seville. The suspect has been arrested for illegal access to computer systems, identity theft and forgery of documents. Computer terminals Several computer terminals were also seized during the house raid, which were used to commit the acts described, as well as a notebook with notes on the modified qualifications, SUR's sister newspaper Ideal has learned. "The action of the technological crimes unit of Jaen has allowed not only to identify and neutralise the threat, but also to alert the public administration about an important security breach in the Junta de Andalucia's Seneca system, correcting its vulnerability," the CNP has stated. Operation Drawer "underlines the commitment of the National Police in the fight against cybercrime and the protection of the integrity of computer systems that support essential public services such as education" the statement said. It is the first major refurbishment of the municipal facilities in its 27 years of existence. Jose Carlos Garcia Benalmadena Tuesday, 26 August 2025, 16:10 Share The first major refurbishment of the building popularly known as the Ovoide building in its 27 years of life is now in its final stretch. The facilities of the municipal centre for continued education, which also houses other services such as the municipal school of music and dance, and the UNED classroom of the University of Madrid, are being refurbished with the aim of improving accessibility and energy efficiency of the building. The project, financed with European funds, has a budget of almost 725,000 euros and will include the installation of a lift and an insulation system on the exterior envelope and the interior of the building, which will subsequently be painted off-white. The aim is to improve the thermal inertia of the building, minimising losses in winter and reducing heat gains in summer. In addition, all the carpentry and windows are being replaced and other important work is being carried out to improve the quality of the building, which is used by 1,000 students. The building required a major renovation "after almost three decades in operation", said the mayor of Benalmadena, Juan Antonio Lara, who highlighted the need to undertake this work in view of the multitude of training activities that take place in its facilities. Relocation of students While the work on this building, located on Paseo del Generalife in Arroyo de la Miel, is being carried out, the town hall has relocated students to the IES Poetas Andaluces secondary school, as well as to the Anica Torres and Manuel Estepa schools. The work is subsidised by the energy rehabilitation plan for public buildings (PIREP). The Benalmadena project was selected based on criteria of architectural quality, solidity, comprehensive approach, innovation and opportunity, among other things. Jose Carlos Garcia Marbella Tuesday, 26 August 2025 | Updated 28/08/2025 11:19h. Share The radiotherapy unit at Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol (HUCS) - one of the new areas to be incorporated into the centre's portfolio of services after the extension works - must still receive the go-ahead from Spain's Consejo de Seguridad Nuclear safety board (CSN). According to regional government sources, the facilities are currently "in the process" of receiving the green light for their entry into operation. The CSN is the sole competent authority in Spain for nuclear safety and radiation protection. It must authorise both the construction of facilities, such as the radiotherapy unit, and their entry into operation. For commissioning, the Junta is required to draw up various documents such as a safety study, an operating regulation and an emergency plan, in addition to the verification of the facility. All of this must be approved by the CSN in order to authorise the entry into service of the new unit, which must also be staffed with personnel. The Andalusian health service still has to acquire the equipment for the implementation of the new nuclear medicine and radiopharmacy services Radiotherapy is not the only new HUCS facility that has yet to be given the green light by the CSN. Nuclear medicine and radiopharmacy must also receive authorisation, although the Andalusian health service (SAS) has yet to acquire the equipment. Radiotherapy, meanwhile, already has the equipment. Three phases and one in progress These services are practically the only ones remaining for the Marbella hospital expansion to be fully operational in terms of two of the three planned phases. The first phase ended in 2023 with the opening and occupation of one of the two new buildings (the 'C' - the one with the glass facade); the second, which began in March, involved the transfer to hospital building 'B' of most of its activity: admission; outpatient consultations, including the rehabilitation gym and blood draws; the oncohaematology day hospital; the medical day hospital; the hospital pharmacy; major outpatient surgery and the general surgical block; as well as the radiodiagnosis area and the assisted reproduction unit. The new observation unit became operational in June and continues to expand to increase space by 69% The third and final phase, which is currently still under way, involves the refurbishment of a space of around 7,000 square metres in the old building ('A'), which is mainly used for hospital processes, the emergency department, intensive care unit, hospital pharmacy, the new endoscopy and haemodialysis area. The first action of this phase was completed in June with the implementation of the new observation bed area of the emergency department - a space of 800 square metres with 40 stations and a technical and urgent care unit, which is located in the place previously occupied by the administrative area. This area will continue to grow to 1,040 square metres, an increase of 69%, once the next steps in the process of refurbishing the old building are completed. There will be 17 more posts and an observation area with armchairs, a polyclinic or technical room, a waiting room and two new emergency care units. Two of the video surveillance cameras that have been installed in the main points of the town. Jose Carlos Garcia Fuengirola Tuesday, 26 August 2025, 13:30 Share Fuengirola town hall has implemented a video surveillance system to reinforce security in its public spaces, which is made up of around 200 cameras that have been distributed along the main streets of the town, some 37 of them on the seafront. Leisure areas are another of the system's coverage points. In addition, the devices have been placed in areas at risk of flooding or at the mouths of rivers and streams to obtain immediate information in the event of weather emergencies, reinforcing the council's prevention and response capacity. The video cameras are also capable of detecting road safety offences as well as criminal offences. They have been installed with the express authorisation of Spain's ministry of interior, as required by current regulations. These devices allow real-time monitoring and direct collaboration with the National Police in the event of incidents, investigations or security needs. The cameras are capable of detecting road safety violations, traffic jams and vehicles with an expired ITV, without insurance or even stolen They are also aimed at mobility and road safety. They make it possible to monitor traffic, study mobility patterns, detect traffic jams and, thanks to the automatic reading of number plates, identify vehicles with an expired ITV vehicle test inspection, without insurance or even stolen. All with the aim of improving road safety. Real-time information All cameras are connected to a control system and allow real-time information to be obtained. Their use is activated when justified for security reasons, emergencies or road incidents. The guiding principle behind the use of these tools is "responsible, useful and respectful of the rights" of the public, mayor Ana Mula said. Mula added that it is "a versatile system that complies with all the guarantees" that will serve to reinforce road safety, the prevention of risk situations and public safety itself. Rossel Aparicio Malaga Tuesday, 26 August 2025, 13:10 Share It's here again. The dreaded land-based, 'terral' wind is on its way back to Malaga province and will make its presence felt this Wednesday 27 August and it threatens to stay at least until Friday. Spain's state meteorological agency (Aemet) has in fact activated a yellow warning for heat tomorrow, Wednesday,for the western Costa del Sol, Malaga city and the Guadalhorce valley area, where maximum temperatures of 36C are expected. The warning will be in force from 1pm to 9pm. The head of Aemet's Malaga weather centre, Jesus Riesco, stressed that this land-based wind "will affect some areas of the Mediterranean, specifically in Malaga, between Wednesday and Friday". According to Riesco, this meteorological phenomenon will be accompanied by maximum temperatures that will reach 36C on Wednesday, 33 degrees on Thursday and 34C on Friday. A "soft" terral Jose Luis Escudero, local weather forecaster and author of the SUR blog 'Tormentas y Rayos' (storms and lightning), forecasts the same days of terral: "with the updated weather models, it is very likely that we will have three days of terral and poniente winds", he warns. "Tomorrow Wednesday in the early afternoon there will be strong gusts of terral and poniente along the coast of Malaga province, having a "fresh" air mass at 850 hpa, the maximum temperatures will not be very high in the usual areas", he said on his blog this Tuesday. Zoom The yellow warning for Wednesday will affect Malaga city, the western coast and the Guadalhorce valley areas of the province. Aemet For Thursday, Escudero explains that the cooler air mass will continue throughout the Andalucia region: "I expect strong westerly gusts and land on the coast of Malaga, with a probable yellow warning for coastal phenomena. As far as maximum temperatures are concerned, I don't expect the maximum in Malaga city to exceed 32C, in other words, a mild terral", he pointed out. In fact, he expects that the maximum and minimum temperatures in the Ronda and Antequera areas could even be "below average". For Friday, the Malaga weather expert assures us that "we will continue with the terral and the poniente winds" but that the gusts of will not be so strong on the coast of Malaga province. "The maximum temperatures in the usual areas where the terral is blowing will rise a little compared to Thursday. But as I have said from the beginning, very high temperatures are not expected, as is the case with the usual terrals in summer". Finally, Escudero pointed out that the current sea water temperature is 20.4C, and that it is likely to reach 22C this Tuesday. "By the weekend it will drop again to between 17C and 18C, which will be very good for falling asleep with the cooler breezes," he said. The new package of EU sanctions against Russia will not limit Russian energy imports, Politico said on Tuesday. "The latest round of sanctions is not expected to include major new restrictions on the energy sales," Politico said, citing four European diplomats as its sources. "Having already committed to a phaseout of oil and gas imports, the bloc is increasingly aware it is Washington, not Brussels, that is best placed to turn the screws [on Russia]," it said. "The most painful consequences for Moscow would come if secondary sanctions on companies or countries that do business with Russia are imposed, but the real impact of those will come from the U.S.," Politico said. At the same time, the 19th package of EU sanctions might prohibit Russian diplomats from freely moving around the Schengen area, on which Czechia is insisting among others, it said. "I will keep proposing to end the free movement of Russian diplomats in Schengen," Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky told Politico. Politico also said that the EU was likely to overcome the political resistance of Slovakia and Hungary and to gain unanimous support for the 19th package. "Just look at what's happened the last 18 times," it said. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said earlier that the 19th package of sanctions against Russia was being prepared for September, and the EU foreign and defense ministers would discuss it at an informal meeting in Copenhagen on August 28-30. J.M.L. Toledo Tuesday, 26 August 2025, 09:19 Share Five actors at the Puy du Fou theme park in Toledo in Spain have been injured and hospitalised after an accident during one of the shows. The injured are four women, two of them aged 26, one aged 27 and one aged 36, as well as a 32-year-old man. The accident happened on Saturday night when a prop car they were in overturned. The five workers were treated by mobile intensive care ambulance crews and then transferred in two basic life support ambulances to the University Hospital of Toledo. In recent months, the park has been the subject of controversy after the CCOO and UGT unions publicly denounced the working conditions of its workers, such as non-compliance with working hour controls lack of cleanliness in the facilities, unpaid overtime, absence of a doctor and ambulance, and the obligation of the employees themselves to clean part of the facilities. Working conditions have been improved with the signing of a recent agreement that coincided with the replacement of Erwan de la Villeon as CEO of the theme park after six years at the helm of the project, which the unions have interpreted as a change for the better in their labour policy. Mateo Balin Madrid Tuesday, 26 August 2025, 14:18 Share Vallfogona de Balaguer - a village of barely 2,000 inhabitants located in the La Noguera area of Lleida in Spain - was the scene of the latest anti-jihadist operation in the country ordered by a court of the Audiencia Nacional. On Monday, 18 August, two people were arrested for their alleged involvement in terrorist crimes, in this case indoctrination and collaboration. After a year and a half of secret investigations, the National Police, with the help of their Moroccan counterparts, carried out the operation, having determined the high level of radicalisation of the two suspects and their prolonged consumption of jihadist material. One was imprisoned after appearing before the judge. A total of 95 people have been arrested so far this year for their links to jihadist terrorism, according to data confirmed by the Ministry of the Interior. Almost a third of them were detained in Catalonia. The figures also reflect an increase in the number of minors brought before the prosecutor's office (eight) and their high level of radicalisation. Of these 95 under investigation, 84 were arrested in Spain and 11 abroad in the more than 50 operations carried out since January. In total numbers, the 95 arrested so far have surpassed the figures of the two previous years. A total of 90 people were arrested in 2023, while the number of people with links to jihadist terrorism arrested in 2024 was 89. These last three years have seen a significant increase in arrests compared to previous years, as in 2020 there were 38 arrests, the following year 40 and in 2022 - 51. Judicial operations have been carried out in 12 of the 17 regions of Spain, as well as in the city of Melilla. In collaboration with other security forces, the police have participated in operations against jihadist terrorism in Cuenca (Ecuador), Portugal, the UK, France and Belgium. Some of the Spanish towns where suspects were arrested are: Fuensalida (Toledo), Crevillente (Alicante), via Melilla, Leganes (Madrid), Padrenda (Ourense) and Santa Coloma de Gramanet (Barcelona). Minors and digital content The National Police are focusing on the eight minors arrested up to 24 August. Among them are a Spanish girl in the Valencian town of Cheste and three boys in Fuensalida (Toledo). Their number has grown since the Covid-19 pandemic, as confinement left minors exposed to the online world for longer hours. Moreover, jihadist content has migrated to the social media most used by young people, such as TikTok. There is no specific profile of radicalised minors. The police have discovered that Spanish converts without family interference and minors from very humble or upper middle-class backgrounds are also susceptible. In any case, all children know how to move around the internet at a level that allows them to evade parental control. From 1 January to date, four women have been arrested, one of them a minor. On 30 May, the police reported the arrest in Madrid of two sisters, 19 and 21, for the crime of terrorist indoctrination through the creation of a virtual platform. Under the pretext of teaching religion to other Muslim women, it operated as if it were a "jihad academy". With regard to the nationality of the 95 arrested in 2025, Spaniards predominate, followed by Moroccans, although there are also Syrians, Algerians, Pakistanis, Tajiks, Lebanese, one Ukrainian, one Palestinian, one Belgian and one Portuguese. Among the operations with the highest number of arrests this year is the one carried out by the Guardia Civil at the beginning of February, in which 11 people were arrested - seven of them in the provinces of Pontevedra and Madrid. David Maroto Valencia Tuesday, 26 August 2025, 19:33 Share The Valencia-based Mercadona supermarket chain, with stores in Spain and Portugal, has clarified a number of frequently asked questions about the method of payment in its supermarkets. One of the most common questions asked by customers is whether it is possible to pay with a torn, damaged or stained banknote, to which Mercadona replies that 'yes', as long as its security measures can be checked. The supermarket chain headed by Juan Roig also confirms that it does accept 200 and 500 euro banknotes, as they are considered valid and legal. At the same time, it should be noted that it does not allow payments by bank transfer and that the limit for cash purchases is 999.99 euros, in accordance with current legislation. "If the amount of your purchase is higher, you must pay in full by card," warns Mercadona. As for the use of coins, Mercadona says that it accepts only 50 for each payment, which can be of the same or different value. In addition, commemorative coins are valid, as long as they are minted by the Bank of Spain. According to the rules of the Bank of Spain, commemorative coins intended for circulation and legal tender have a national side that differs from the usual design while keeping the common side; can only be two euros; and are issued to honor an event or personality. The first one was made in Spain to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first edition of Don Quixote de la Mancha. How to pay electronically in Mercadona stores Finally, regarding card payments, Mercadona confirms that it does not accept American Express or PayPal, but it does accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and bank wallets, as long as they are registered in the applications with which Mercadona works: Visa, Maestro or MasterCard. If the customer is entitled to an IVA refund for travellers (Spanish tax-free), they can register via the Portal Facturas Clientes with their foreign document (passport or residence document). If you are already registered for invoices, you must indicate the document and show it in the shop before payment. You will then be given your invoice, which you can then validate on the Diva machines. Syracuse, N.Y. The last of seven people who kidnapped and assaulted a Syracuse man was sentenced to prison Monday. Rahim Williams, 37, previously pleaded guilty to first-degree assault in connection with the kidnapping and beating of Koddie Beechner over several days in April 2023. On Monday, Williams was sentenced to seven years in prison. Williams was one of the least culpable of the people involved in the brutal crime, said prosecutor Jed Hudson. Hudson said that despite Williams limited involvement, the severity of the crime warranted the prison sentence. Williams defense attorney, Nicholas DeMartino, said there is no evidence that he was involved in any physical contact with the victim. His biggest sin in this was to be there, DeMartino said. Williams told the court he was remorseful for the part he played in the assault. Judge Gordon Cuffy said he was confused why Williams got involved because he was friends with Beechner. Beechner was abducted and led at knifepoint into 304 Merriman Avenue, a house he was not familiar with. There he was restrained and held against his will, according to court documents. He was also briefly held in an apartment. He was beaten, tased and shot with a pellet gun, prosecutors have said. The torture was captured on cell phone videos from Tashawn Adams, who was accused of acting as the main aggressor. Those videos were played for a jury in a co-defendants trial. Beechner, who was 28 at the time, had several facial injuries, a collapsed lung and bone fractures, according to court documents. Pellets were embedded in his skin. Williams is the last of the seven defendants to resolve his criminal case. His case was delayed by a lengthy debate about his competency to stand trial. He was assessed by multiple doctors, who had conflicting opinions. Prosecutors found Williams was sending messages to his brother while being held in jail. In the messages, Williams brother told him to act incompetent to get released, they said. Williams was ultimately deemed competent to proceed. He admitted to his role in the crime Monday, over two years after his arrest. At the sentencing for two of Williams codefendants in 2023, Beechner spoke publicly for the first time about the trauma he suffered. I forgive you, but God wont, Beechner said as he read a letter to the people who hurt him. Beechner did not attend Williams sentencing this week. The other six codefendants have been sentenced to the following: Tashawn Adams pleaded guilty to charges including first-degree kidnapping and second-degree assault. He was sentenced to 20 years to life. Hunter Armstrong pleaded guilty to first-degree kidnapping. He was sentenced to 15 years to life. Quincy Williams was convicted of first-degree assault and first-degree robbery. He was sentenced to 12 years. Jessica Hughes pleaded guilty to first-degree assault. She was sentenced to 8 years. Renee Dolson pleaded guilty to first-degree assault. She was sentenced to 8 years. Rita Duckworth pleaded guilty to first-degree assault. She was sentenced to 5 years. Vienna, N.Y. A man was found dead Monday afternoon in a creek near a campground in the town of Vienna, according to a State Police news release. The man who died was James E. Baker, 44, of Rome, troopers said. The mans body was found in water that was about three feet deep, said Jennifer Jiron, a spokesperson for the State Police. A preliminary investigation indicates that the death was an accidental drowning, troopers said. There is no indication of foul play, Jiron said. Troopers responded at about 2:40 p.m. to Fish Creek near Treasure Isle RV Park on Haskins Road after a report that a body had been spotted, troopers said. The campground is at 3132 Haskins Rd. The body was found just upstream from the campground, Jiron said. Baker was pronounced deceased at the scene. An autopsy will be conducted by the Onondaga County Medical Examiners Office to officially determine the cause of death. Staff writer Finn Lincoln covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached atflincoln@syracuse.com. Update 6 p.m. Tuesday: Missing Liverpool woman found in good health, troopers say - syracuse.com Original story: Liverpool, N.Y. New York State Police have put out a request for the publics assistance in locating a Liverpool woman who was last seen in the city of Syracuse. Lauren A. North, 34, has been missing since Aug. 6 when she was seen leaving St. Josephs Hospital in Syracuse at around 2:45 p.m., State Police said in a press release. North was reported missing after she failed to return home, the release said. This was considered unusual behavior by her family, who reported her missing the next day, Trooper Jennifer Jiron said. Police say North is about 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighs around 200 pounds. They also say it is unknown what she was wearing at the time of disappearance. Lauren A. North, 34, was reported missing on August 7, 2025. New York State Police Anyone with tips or information regarding North should contact State Police at 315-366-6000 and reference case #NY2500709535. Staff writer Finn Lincoln covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at flincoln@syracuse.com. Photo: https://me.gov.ua/News/Detail The Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture has begun final preparations for the official EU screening in the agricultural sector, the ministry's press service announced. "Screening marks the beginning of Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. Based on its results, we will have a clear understanding of the next steps Ukraine must take for further European integration. It is also necessary to account for the interests of the Ukrainian agricultural sector, particularly the dairy industry," the press service quoted Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture Denys Bashlyk as saying during a meeting with dairy industry associations on the implementation of EU legislative requirements under Negotiation Chapter 11, "Agriculture and Rural Development." Meeting participants reviewed the state of the dairy industry and Ukraine's progress in aligning its legislation with EU requirements. Bashlyk stressed that the main task is to thoroughly prepare for the September screening, and he underlined the importance of considering the dairy sector's views on the pace of aligning Ukrainian legislation with European legal standards. The ministry noted that the official EU screening on Chapter 11 "Agriculture and Rural Development" will take place on September 810, 2025. President Donald Trump said on Monday that his administration will likely soon change the name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War. When we won World War I, World War II, it was called the Department of War. And to me, thats really what it is, Trump said at a press event with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, according to Politico. Everybody likes that we had an unbelievable history of victory when it was Department of War. Then we changed it to Department of Defense. Trump said hell probably make the change in about a week, Politico said. The nations military operated under the War Department from 1789 to 1947, when the administration of President Harry Truman split the department into the Army and Air Force and joined them with the then-independent Navy, according to Politico. Truman named the new agency the Defense Department. Both Trump and current Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have repeatedly lamented the name change, Politico said. Trump even called Hegseth his secretary of war at a summit in June. He also suggested that political correctness forced the switch, according to Politico. If you look at the old building next to the White House, you can see where it used to be secretary of war, he said, according to Politico. Then we became politically correct and they called it secretary of defense. Trump said later Monday that hed leave the matter up to Hegseth, according to CBS News. We want to be defensive, but we want to be offensive, too, if we have to be, the president told reporters during a Monday afternoon Oval Office event, CBS said. Trump also said he didnt think Congress would need to approve the change. Politico reported that Congress likely would need to do so since the department was established by law. Were just going to do it, Trump told a reporter in the Oval Office, when asked if such a change would require an act of Congress, according to USA Today. Im sure Congress will go along, if we need that. I dont think we even need that. Geddes, N.Y. About 56,000 people enjoyed the sixth day of the New York State Fair, officials said. A total of 55,972 people entered the fairgrounds on Monday, according to fair spokesperson Katie Rey. Tuesday is the fairs Fire, Rescue and EMS Day. A ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. in front of the Horticulture Building. The late Van Robinson, a longtime Syracuse politician and community leader, will be honored Tuesday. A ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. at the Pan-African Village, which is named for him. The days musical lineup includes Hermans Hermits at 1 p.m., Sister Hazel at 6 p.m. and Lil Jon at 8 p.m. The State Fair runs through Labor Day, Sept. 1. Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7. A skinny Spider-Man walked around the New York State Fair, taking pictures with kids on Monday afternoon. Only when The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus took the stage at Chevy Court did the crowd realize it was K Enagonio (they/them), the bands brand new unclean vocalist. They had been dressed as Spidey and hanging out with us lowly fairgoers the whole time. As the pop punk/alt rock group launched into their tight hourlong set, Enagonio emerged unmasked and stole the show. Unclean vocals, otherwise known as death metal growls or screams, are difficult to master. This technique demands extensive practice and diligent breath control to avoid seriously damaging the vocal cords. Enagonio is very good at this, though I hope they got a hot tea with honey after the show. It looks like exhausting work. K Enagonio of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus performed at Chevy Court at the New York State Fair on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com) Frontman Ronnie Winter still carries some of the cleanest vocals of the alternative rock/emo/pop-punk days of the late 2000s, when their hits Face Down and Your Guardian Angel dominated alt-rock radio waves. Sounding exactly as he did when RJAs 2006 album Dont You Fake It went platinum, Winter spent most of the set parked in one corner, kneeling on the floor or hunching over a speaker as he sang. At 42, he continues to deploy an entrancing high register, which still mesmerizes on their most well-known lyrics: Face down in the dirt, she said, This doesnt hurt. She said, I finally had enough. Red Jumpsuit Apparatus played Chevy Court at the New York State Fair on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com) (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com) The red elephant in the room No political protests unfolded Monday after Ronnie Winter sparked controversy this summer when he said Trump supporters are not allowed at RJA concerts. He posted an Instagram video the day of Trumps D.C. military parade, addressing Christians in the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Hi, Im Ronnie Winter. I sing for the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and I actually follow what Jesus says, Winter said. If youre a Christian and youre watching this and you voted for Donald Trump, shame on you. You are not allowed to come to my shows. I dont want you there. Dont come to my shows. Trump supporters showed a few weeks of internet fury in response, directed toward the band and the fair for booking them. (Fair officials said everyone is welcome at the fair.) Facebook commenters spread word of a MAGA pride rally to be held at the fair during RJAs show. However, only two people wearing MAGA hats showed up. One woman in a red cap tried to stand at the front of the stage, but was politely ushered away by security, as the front section was reserved for fans who had been sitting and waiting for the band. If anyone tried to heckle or boo the performers, no one heard. Spider-Man was screaming rather loudly, after all. 16 1 / 16 Red Jumpsuit Apparatus plays NYS FairCharlie Miller Family reunions The concert was RJAs first time playing the New York State Fair, but it was also a family reunion. Decked out in a cross necklace and Mickey Mouse shirt, Winter took time to share his familial connections to Central New York. My entire bloodline came from here, Winter told the estimated crowd of 2,300 fairgoers, after an energetic rendition of False Pretense. My grandmother and grandfather were born and raised in Syracuse, Winter announced. I was the only kid in school that had an Orangeman hat, jacket, sweater... you dont even need sweaters in Florida, but I had one. So...were connected. You guys and me. Winter also introduced the audience to his grandma Jean, sitting proudly offstage, bobbing along to Enagonios screams. Red Jumpsuit Apparatus played Chevy Court at the New York State Fair on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com) (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com) That wasnt the only homecoming. Lead guitarist Josh Burke is a Cicero-North Syracuse High School alumnus. He met Winter at a Syracuse concert in 2010, then became a permanent member in 2011. RJA has been performing for 23 years. We never broke up and never took a hiatus, Ronnie Winter said. Ronnies brother Randy Winter still co-anchors the band on guitar and backup vocals. Hes the one who convinced Ronnie to sing alt rock, instead of playing the tuba. Im grateful to my older brother for that, Ronnie said. Though I still want to buy a tuba. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus setlist Aug. 25, 2025 at Chevy Court, New York State Fair Is This the Real World? Atrophy Waiting False Pretense Reap Slipping Through Brace Yourself Damn Regret In Fates Hands Misery (acoustic) Cat and Mouse Your Guardian Angel All the Small Things (blink182 cover) Face Down If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Days after Saturday Night Live show creator Lorne Michaels said that there would be multiple cast departures ahead of Season 51, one cast member has spoken his truth. On Monday, Devon Walker announced he would be leaving the hit late-night sketch comedy show. In an Instagram carousel of photos reflecting on his time at SNL, he wrote, Me and baby broke up. In his post, Walker included a photo of himself backstage with the SNL logo on the TV screen behind him, a personal message to fans, a photo of him discussing the script with colleagues, and a photo of Joe Biden, seemingly comparing his departure to Bidens exit from politics. Me and the show did three years together, and sometimes it was really cool. Sometimes it was toxic as hell. But we did what we made the most of what it was, even amidst all of the dysfunction. We made a f----- up lil family, Walker wrote in his message. The Texas native also acknowledged how happy he was to have worked with Alex and Garypresumably referring to SNL writers Alex English and Gary Richardson. Walker went way back with the pair, writing that the three of them went from running a bar show to working together at 30 Rock! He also shared some of his future plans. Anyway, Im bout to go to Japan. When I get back, Im tryna be in a prestige drama. Ideally something with Julianne Moore. Hope yall are staying hydrated getting some money today," he wrote before signing the note Dev. Walker was best known for his impressions of Michael Strahan, New York mayor Eric Adams, and his funny dialogue on the shows Weekend Update segment. Walker, 34, joined the cast in 2022 during Season 48, initially as a featured player and later graduating to a repertory player or main cast member. He is the first cast member to officially confirm his exit from SNL. The new season is set to premiere on Saturday, Oct. 4. A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 airplane departs from San Diego International Airport en route to San Jose on August 15, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images) Getty Images Southwest Airlines recently announced a major change to a policy regarding its plus-size passengers. Starting January 27, 2026, passengers who cannot fit within the armrests of their seats will be required to pay for an extra seat. Additionally, the airline is asking that this extra seat be booked in advance to ensure that the customer gets two adjacent seats. This new rule marks a departure from Southwests current extra seat policy, which allows plus-size passengers who exceed their seat size to request an extra seat for free. Previously, these passengers could either request a complimentary extra seat at the airport or book two seats in advance and receive a refund for one of them afterward. In a statement from Southwest on Monday via the Associated Press, the airline wrote: To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking. However, there is a bit of good news: Plus-size customers can receive a refund for their extra seat if their flight isnt full. To qualify for this, the passenger must have purchased their additional seat when booking their flight and must request the refund within 90 days of the flight. Passengers who only book one seat in advance but require two will be asked by employees at the airport to purchase an additional seat. If their flight is fully booked, these passengers will not be able to board and will have their flight rebooked for two seats. Also starting on Jan. 26, 2026, Southwest will start assigning seats, which is why it is urging plus-size passengers to book their extra seat ahead of time so they can be accommodated. You can read more about Southwests revised extra seat policy here. Photo: https://www.pap.pl Finnish President Alexander Stubb hopes that US President Donald Trump's patience with Russia will "run out," he said at a press conference ahead of the country's ambassadors' conference in Helsinki, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reported. Asked about the progress of peace talks in Ukraine, Stubb said: "I hope that US President Donald Trump's patience with Russia runs out." "We will do everything in our power to achieve lasting peace. We will do everything in our power to ensure that Ukraine preserves its self-determination and territorial integrity, as far as possible," he added. Stubb believes that Vladimir Putin can only be forced to make peace by imposing tariffs on countries that continue to trade with Russia or help Russia's military industry. "The only ones who can convince Putin to make peace are most likely in the East, not in the West," the Finnish president said. Stubb reportedly said on August 25 that Vladimir Putin's demands on Ukraine were typical Russian negotiating tactics and could not be met from a practical standpoint. The Tyrone Township Historical Society is submitting a nomination for the State Register of Historic Sites for the townships town hall. The Tyrone Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved the nomination during the board meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The Tyrone Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved the final site plan for the Oaks of Tyrone during the board meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The new AI-powered web browser from Perplexity, Comet, suffered from a security flaw that left its users vulnerable to significant attacks, particularly a phishing scam. The vulnerability was discovered by a competing web browser company, which alerted Perplexity. The issue has since been fixed. Perplexity's Comet AI Web Browser Left Users Vulnerable Brave, a web browser company, shared a report last week that details a vulnerability they discovered in Perplexity's latest AI-powered web browser, Comet, which could have left users facing significant threats. The company revealed that the Perplexity Comet browser's AI assistant was subject to being manipulated by threat actors through prompt engineering. Comet's built-in AI assistant could scan a page users looked for and summarize it. It can even go as far as to perform tasks, according to CNET. Because of this capability alone, threat actors have targeted it by manipulating the content it reads or processes for users. Threat actors then command the AI assistant to reveal sensitive information about its user. The issue has now been fixed by Perplexity, according to a statement, and the company revealed that it worked closely with Brave to mitigate the issues. Perplexity Comet's Security Flaw: Invisible Prompt In a test done by Brave, the company created a Reddit page with invisible text and asked Comet to summarize it for them. The AI failed to differentiate the malicious prompts that it processed and revealed a user's sensitive information to them. This hidden text pushed Comet to lead Brave to a user's account, and from there, it was able to obtain their Gmail account. This is called an invisible prompt, and it is what bad actors use to manipulate AI to enact phishing scams. AI and the Security Issues Present The internet is not a safe place as many attacks hide in plain sight and could potentially cause significant damage to users. However, the rise of generative AI and its immense popularity have led to many bad actors using them to harm others, with many AI scams positioning themselves by using SEO techniques to be better see in search results. Different platforms have had their security troubles and vulnerabilities over the years, with OpenAI's ChatGPT being among the top targeted platforms as many have turned towards its services. Many global institutions have already braced themselves for the possible threats that could emerge from the continued use of generative AI, particularly with security breaches that may stem from the technology. Perplexity's Comet is only one of the many platforms that have experienced potential security vulnerabilities that, if not caught, could have had significant implications against its users. A Pakistan-linked hacking group known as Transparent Tribe (APT36) is once again in the spotlight for launching a fresh cyberattack campaign against Indian government institutions. Researchers at cybersecurity firm CYFIRMA have uncovered a new cyber-espionage campaign aimed at Indian government agencies, wherein attackers disguise malicious desktop shortcut files as harmless PDF documents to secretly install malware in the background. How The Attack Works According to CYFIRMA, the campaign begins with phishing emails that appear to carry official meeting invitations with a file named something like Meeting_Ltr_ID1543ops.pdf.desktop. Instead of opening a PDF, victims who click on the attached file that appears like a harmless document unknowingly run a malicious shortcut file that installs spyware in the background. The file downloads a malware payload from attacker-controlled servers like such as securestore[.]cv and modgovindia[.]space, and installs it in the background. To avoid suspicion, a decoy PDF hosted on Google Drive opens in Firefox, tricking the victim too believing that they have simply opened a meeting document. Once inside the system, the malware written in the Go programming language can steal sensitive data, harvest login credentials, enable long-term access, and remain active even after a reboot by setting up automated tasks. APT36s capability to customize its delivery mechanisms according to the victims operating environment thereby increases its chances of success while maintaining persistent access to critical government infrastructure and evading traditional security controls, CYFIRMA wrote in a research blog post. Unlike earlier operations, this campaign specifically tailors attacks to Indias Linux-based systems, such as BOSS (Bharat Operating System Solutions) a government-backed OS, in addition to Windows systems. To maintain persistence, the malware adds a cron job that runs the hidden payload .config/systemd/systemd-update every time the system reboots, ensuring it remains active even after shutdowns or process termination. Since BOSS is widely used in government departments, this dual-platform targeting increases the hackers chances of success. Why This Matters Security experts warn that Transparent Tribes evolving tactics have now shifted from its traditional use of Windows malware to developing threats aimed at Linux BOSS. The adoption of .desktop payloads targeting Linux BOSS reflects a tactical shift toward exploiting indigenous technologies. Combined with traditional Windows-based malware and mobile implants, this shows the groups intent to diversify access vectors and ensure persistence even in hardened environments, CYFIRMA said. Adding to the danger, the group is also running credential-harvesting sites that mimic Indian government portals. Fake login pages trick victims into handing over their email, password, and even Kavach two-factor authentication (2FA) codes a security measure used by Indian agencies since 2022. By bypassing this security layer, the attackers gain complete access to sensitive accounts. Long-Term Threat Transparent Tribe, believed to be operating out of Pakistan, has been active for over a decade, regularly targeting the Indian government, defense, and critical infrastructure organizations. Their tactics have steadily evolved from simple Windows-based malware to highly tailored Linux backdoors and credential theft schemes across South Asia. Recommendations & Mitigation Security researchers are advising government employees to handle email attachments and login pages with caution, as disguised PDFs and fake portals are being used to trick users into giving up their credentials. To counter APT36s campaign targeting Indian government entities through weaponized .desktop files, agencies are recommended to deploy strong email security, conduct regular user training, and harden BOSS Linux with least-privilege controls. Endpoint detection, network monitoring, and integration of IOCs/YARA rules will help early detection, while timely patching and behavior-based controls are vital to block suspicious activity. The Bigger Picture The incident underscores the national security risks posed by APT groups targeting government infrastructure. If successful, such attacks could lead to the theft of classified data, disruptions in critical operations, and enable long-term surveillance of Indian agencies. As Transparent Tribe continues to evolve its methods, India faces a growing challenge in defending sensitive infrastructure from cyber-espionage. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has held a meeting with the military, during which they discussed the situation at the front and in the border area, the creation of reserves and work with partners on security guarantees. Of course, we are also giving proper attention to the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. We discussed the need for additional supplies specifically for these sectors, Zelenskyy said on X Tuesday. We also discussed in detail the key needs of each area and division. It is very important that it is our units who define the situation in the border areas of the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. I especially want to commend the 225th Assault Regiment, the 71st Separate Jaeger Brigade, and our Special Operations Forces units, Zelenskyy added. In turn, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky, reported on the implementation of the decisions of the Headquarters on providing reserves for the Defense Forces. In addition, there was a report on work with partners within the Coalition of the Willing. Zelenskyy announced relevant meetings and contacts during the week. "We noted that we need to accelerate the dynamics of work. The defense component of security guarantees should be detailed in the near future," he emphasized. India to probe giant zoo run by son of Asia's richest person New Delhi, Aug 26 (AFP) Aug 26, 2025 India's Supreme Court has ordered an investigation into allegations of illegal animal imports and financial misconduct at a vast private zoo set up by the son of Asia's richest person. Vantara, which bills itself as the "world's biggest wild animal rescue centre", is run by Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani, the billionaire head of the multinational conglomerate Reliance Industries. The site in the western state of Gujarat is home to more than 200 elephants, as well as 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards and 900 crocodiles, among other animals, according to India's Central Zoo Authority. Wildlife activists have criticised the facility, saying it is housing endangered species on baking flatlands next to a giant oil refinery complex without any plan to return them to the wild. And on Monday, India's Supreme Court said it had ordered a panel led by retired judges to investigate alleged unlawful acquisition of animals -- particularly elephants -- other violations of wildlife regulations, and money laundering. "We consider it appropriate... to call for an independent factual appraisal," the court said. It added that the team will also assess whether Gujarat's harsh climate is unsuitable for the animals, and "complaints regarding creation of a vanity or private collection". The court said it issued the order after petitions based on media reports and complaints by wildlife organisations. In March, the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung reported that Vantara imported roughly 39,000 animals in 2024, including from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. Dozens of the facility's elephants were transported there in specially adapted trucks thousands of kilometres from across India, according to the zoo. Vantara said in a statement on Tuesday that it would extend "full cooperation" to the investigation team and "remains committed to transparency, compassion and full compliance with the law". "Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals," it said. The zoo was among the many venues for Anant Ambani's lavish multi-day wedding celebrations in 2024, which set a new benchmark in matrimonial extravagance with private performances by pop stars Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry. sai/pjm/mjw/jfx The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns the inclusion of the seaports of the temporarily occupied Ukrainian cities of Berdiansk and Mariupol in the list of ports of the Russian Federation and urges the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to immediately draw their attention to this violation, the press service of the Ministry reported. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns and considers null and void the order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated August 22, 2025, which unlawfully included the seaports of the temporarily occupied Ukrainian cities of Berdiansk and Mariupol in the list of ports of the Russian Federation open to foreign vessels. Such actions constitute yet another attempt by Russia to legitimize its occupation and consolidate illegal control over Ukrainian territories," the Ministry said. According to the report, this decision constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, which enshrines the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states; the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which establishes Ukraines exclusive competence in regulating navigation within its territorial waters; and resolutions of the UN General Assembly that reaffirm Ukraines sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders and condemn Russias ongoing aggression. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine urges the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to immediately draw the attention of all Member States to the need for strict compliance with IMO Assembly Resolution A.1183(33) of 4 December 2023, Impact of the Russian Armed Invasion of Ukraine on International Shipping, which calls upon Member States to inform flag carrying vessels, shipowners, operators, and insurance brokers on the necessity to refrain from violating the regime of closed seaports in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. The ministry also called on the IMO to recommend that Member States, within their national jurisdiction and international obligations, take appropriate measures against vessels that breach this regime. Ukraine calls on its partners to impose additional restrictive measures against all Russian natural persons and legal entities, as well as foreign companies involved in commercial activities in the seaports of Berdiansk and Mariupol, and against vessels entering ports located in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. "Russias gross violation of international law concerning closed ports in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine requires an adequate response by the international community, including the introduction of restrictive measures against Russian ports, in particular those used to support Russias war machine," the Ministry said. Earlier, the Center for Transport Strategies reported that such an order was signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. 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 Rapper Lil Nas X has returned to Instagram, sharing a statement after an altercation with police left him in a Los Angeles jail over the weekend. Your girl is going to be OK, yall, the rapper began in the video posted to his Instagram Story. Shes going to be alright, shes going to be alright. S***. That was f***ing terrifying. That was terrifying! That was a terrifying last four days, but your girl is going to be alright. The video comes just one day after Lil Nas X pleaded not guilty to multiple charges after a near-naked altercation with police in Los Angeles. The rapper was initially hospitalized over a suspected drug overdose and jailed on suspicion of charging at police on a Los Angeles street, according to the LAPD. He was charged with four felonies, including three counts of battery against a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer, according to court documents viewed by The Independent. Lil Nas X has broken his silence after being arrested ( Lil Nas X/Instagram ) Lil Nas X faced a judge Monday in Los Angeles and had bail set at $75,000. He must also attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings, as police believe he was on drugs at the time of his arrest. If convicted, the rapper could face years behind bars. His next court date is set for September 15. Police say they were responding to a report of a naked man walking on Ventura Boulevard in the Studio City neighborhood early Thursday morning when Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, allegedly charged at them. The 26-year-old rapper was then taken into police custody, but officers first took him to a hospital as they suspected he was suffering from a drug overdose, police spokesman Officer Charles Miller said. The Independent has reached out to the LAPD as well as Lil Nas Xs representatives for comment. Video obtained by TMZ showed Lil Nas X wearing only white underwear and cowboy boots as he sang and walked down the usually busy boulevard before his arrest. Hey, dont be late to the party tonight? he can be heard telling the person recording him. Lil Nas X, who is from Atlanta, is best known for his huge 2018 hit, Old Town Road, which merged country and hip-hop. It spent a record 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. His first full studio album, 2021s Montero, went to No. 2 on the Billboard album chart and was nominated for a Grammy for Album of the Year. 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 Eric Idle has reflected on being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, revealing he laughed when he discovered the news. After being told the news, the Monty Python star, 82, found himself giggling upon recalling how he almost played a man struck down by the same illness years before. In 2009, Idle researched the quickest way to kill off a character in a stage production hed written and was told by doctors to give him pancreatic cancer. When Idle found himself on the receiving end of a real-life diagnosis, he found himself overcome with laughter due to the morbid irony of the situation. Idle said on a forthcoming episode of BBC Radio 4s This Cultural Life: Before I had pancreatic cancer, I went to my doctor and said, Ive got to get rid of a character very quickly whats the quickest way? and he said, Pancreatic cancer you may only have three weeks or three months. And then, 12 years later, were looking at a screen and I said, Whats that? And [the doctor] said pancreatic cancer. And I laughed, because I thought it was very funny. Idles 2009 project Death: The Musical was ultimately never produced, but he is set to perform it;s opening number in a new farewell tour taking place across the UK. open image in gallery Eric Idle was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019 ( Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival ) The comedian will perform several musical numbers from his career as part of the show, called Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, Live! named after the track from comedy film Monty Pythons Life of Brian (1979). Idle previously said he feels lucky every single day after surviving pancreatic cancer. He was successfully treated for the illness after receiving an early diagnosis and been successfully treated for the illness. I feel that since 2019 Ive had a reprieve so I dont know or care what people say about me, he said. Idle was part of the Monty Python comedy troupe alongside John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Sir Michael Palin, Graham Chapman and Terry Jones. Palin, 82, recently said a reunion of the surviving members was off the cards. open image in gallery Monty Python co-stars Michael Palin, John Cleese ad Eric Idle ( Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival ) They did a series of comeback shows in 2014 but without Chapman, who died of tonsil cancer in 1989, aged 48, and Jones, who died in 2020, aged 77, from a rare form of dementia. There are ideas for us getting together but now theres only four of us left and people do their own things, Palin told Saga Magazine. I dont think we keep in touch with each other as much now, he said in a new interview, calling their reunion shows a very good farewell. 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 Comedian and podcaster Marc Maron issued a scathing criticism of Netflix, Dave Chappelle, and Bill Maher during a recent podcast appearance. Fascism is good for business, Maron told Pod Save America host Jon Lovett. Like, Netflix will just co-opt anybody that can tick that algorithm. I used to do a joke about it, that Netflix can become Reich-flix very quickly. And I think the pivotal moment was when they had pushback from the trans community about Chappelle, they realized after several days that that community was not going to affect their bottom line at all, and they cut em loose. That is how fascism works in business. Maron was referring to the controversy surrounding Chappelles 2021 Netflix special, The Closer, which was labeled transphobic by critics. After several workers spoke out against the special, the companys CEO, Ted Sarandos, defended Chappelle, prompting a walkout organized by the Netflix trans employee resource group. Marc Maron said hes always had a problem with Bill Mahers tone ( Getty ) Despite the backlash, Chappelle returned for another Netflix special, titled The Dreamer, on New Years Eve 2023, once again taking aim at the trans and disabled communities. During his podcast appearance, Maron was also asked about Maher, whose show (Real Time) he has appeared on numerous times in the past. I cant do it, Maron said of the comedian. I always had a problem with his tone, and it happens with some of the other boomers, theres this desperate chasing of relevance that changes someones mind in terms of how they approach what they do and also kind of makes the whole undertaking feel desperate. Maron added: Hes got good joke writers who know how to write for his tone, but I cant see past the desperation and what hes willing to do to stay in the conversation. The Independent has contacted representatives for Maher, Chappelle, and Netflix for comment. Maron recently criticized his peer for agreeing with some of the things that Trump is doing. Its like, dude, youre a b****, Maron told CNN host W. Kamau Bell of Maher on his WTF podcast earlier this year. Last October, Maron called out comics who invite shameless, self-proclaimed white supremacists and fascists on their shows. In a blog post, he claimed the anti-woke flank of the new fascism is being driven almost exclusively by comics, my peers. Whether they are driven by the idea that what they are fighting for is a free speech issue or whether they are truly morally bankrupt racists doesnt matter, Maron wrote. They are part of the public face of a fascist political movement that seeks to destroy the democratic idea. He added: When comedians with podcasts have shameless, self-proclaimed white supremacists and fascists on their show to joke around like they are just entertainers or even just politicians, all it does is humanize and normalize fascism. When someone uses their platform for that reason they are facilitating anti-American sentiment and promoting violent autocracy. 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 Bruce Williss wife, Emma Heming Willis, is opening up about the actors nearly three-year battle with dementia. The Die Hard stars family announced his diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a degenerative brain condition that impacts communication and behaviour, in February 2023. Bruce is still very mobile. Bruce is in really great health overall, you know, Heming Willis told ABC News Diane Sawyer in the ABC special Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey, a preview of which aired Tuesday on Good Morning America. Its just his brain that is failing him. "The language is going, and, you know, we've learned to adapt," Heming Willis, who has written a new book about her experience titled The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, continued. And we have a way of communicating with him, which is just a... different way. Elsewhere in the preview, Sawyer asked Heming Willis if there were days when she still sees glimpses of her husbands old self. Emma Heming Willis opens up about Bruces dementia with Diane Sawyer in the ABC special Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey (left) ( ABC/Getty ) Not days, but we get moments, she responded. Its his laugh, right? Like, he has such, like, a hearty laugh. And, you know, sometimes you'll see that twinkle in his eye, or that smirk, and, you know, I just get, like, transported. She added: And its just hard to see, because as quickly as those moments appear, then it goes. Its hard. But Im grateful. Im grateful that my husband is still very much here. Revealing her books cover on Instagram in April, Heming Willis wrote: Born from grief, shaped by love, and guided by purpose, this is the book I needed back when Bruce was first diagnosed and I was frozen with fear and uncertainty. This is the book I trust will help the next caregiver. It is filled with support, insight, and the hope needed to navigate this journey. This book is for all of us finding our way through the unknown with love, grit, and courage. You are not alone. Willis and Heming Willis have been married for 14 years. They share two children: Mabel Ray Willis, 13, and Evelyn Penn Willis, 11. Willis has three older children from his previous marriage to The Substance star Demi Moore: Rumer, 37, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 31. Rumer shared an update on her fathers condition in February, saying he was doing great. She added: Were all so close, I think whats so beautiful is the way that we rally around each other is so lovely because we really are a unit. Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey airs tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. It will be available to stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. 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 Brushing your teeth well can be the difference between a perfect checkup at the dentist and a painful cavity. But, knowing just how to do it may not be something were taught growing up. Everybody brushes their teeth, but you probably learned how from your parents, and in the end nobody really learns it right, Dagmar Else Slot, a Dutch dental hygienist, recently told NBC News. In almost 100 percent of cases, there is room for improvement. The right way to brush your teeth is careful, considerate, and takes at least two minutes or maybe even longer. So, what do the experts advise? Heres what to know. open image in gallery Do you brush your teeth the right way? Dentists say there is always room for improvement ( AFP via Getty Images ) How to brush The manner in which you brush should be deliberate. Make circles on your teeth in a gentle sweeping motion. Brushing too hard can potentially hurt your gums. Be sure to divide your time tackling the upper and lower teeth, spending at least 30 seconds on each section. Hit every side of each tooth. How you hold your brush is also important. "The bristles should be aimed toward the gums where they meet the teeth, a junction where plaque and calculus collect. You don't want the bristles to be perpendicular to your teeth, at a 90-degree angle, but angled, at a 45-degree angle," Dr. Tien Jiang, a prosthodontist at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, explained in a statement. Do this twice a day and floss before or after each time to ensure everything unwanted gets out of your mouth! The toothbrush and toothpaste open image in gallery Many dentists recommend soft bristle brushes. Hard bristle toothbrushes may damage your teeth ( AFP via Getty Images ) You may not need as much toothpaste on your brush as you think. Just a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is enough. Also ensure you have a good toothbrush that you like and will use regularly for a few months before replacing it. That includes one with bristles that are based on your gum health. Some toothbrushes are softer and others have hard bristles, although hard bristle toothbrushes may also remove part of your tooth structure, Dr. Sasha Ross told the Cleveland Clinic. For people with arthritis, an electric or battery-operated brush might be easier to use. "It's not the toothbrush that matters, it's the technique," Jiang said. "You might have a brush that does all the work for you. But if you don't have an excellent brushing technique, you'll miss plaque, even with an electric toothbrush." 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 Meghan Markle has admitted that Prince Harrys sweet and natural proposal over a roast chicken dinner at their home wasnt quite as perfect as it sounded. In season two of the Duchess of Sussexs lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan which arrived on Netflix on Tuesday the As Ever founder reflected on her 2017 engagement. I was still having a lot of challenges with the conversion of Celsius and Fahrenheit, she recalled. I made a horrible chicken that night. I mean, truly, truly terrible. So the point is, you can make a terrible chicken, and someone is still going to appreciate the thought. The couple discussed their proposal story in an interview on BBC One at the time. It was so sweet and natural and very romantic, Meghan said. He got on one knee. Meghan Markle revealed she made a terrible chicken the night Prince Harry proposed to her ( Netflix ) She added: As a matter of fact, I could barely let you finish proposing. I said, Can I say yes now? According to Harry, he didn't even have time to give her the ring before she said yes and hugged him. It was a really nice moment, he said about their engagement. It was just the two of us, and I think managed to catch her by surprise as well. Meghans Netflix series also showed off never-before-seen photos from her and Harrys 2018 wedding reception as the duchess reunited with her caterer for the big day, Michelin star chef Clare Smyth. As the pair discussed their memories of the food at the wedding, unseen pictures of Meghan and Prince Harry at the event appeared on screen, with one showing the couple dancing and smiling together at the afterparty, with Meghan wearing her halterneck Stella McCartney reception gown. Another shot showed them holding hands while walking together. In addition to Smyth, guests throughout the series included makeup artist Daniel Martin, chefs David Chang, Christina Tosi, Samin Nosrat, Radhi Devlukia, Jose Andres, podcaster Jay Shetty, American model Chrissy Teigen, and her husband, musician John Legend, who makes a brief appearance in episode two. The show is filmed in a hired house near the Sussexs home in Montecito, California. It appears to have been shot last year because it features the familys pet beagle, Guy, whose death was announced in January 2025. The new series comes after Harry and Meghan signed a multi-year deal with Netflix to produce film and television projects, which will give the streamer first refusal on any future projects. The first two seasons of With Love, Meghan are available to watch on Netflix. Govt to update rules for crossing state border for men aged 18 to 22 - Zelenskyy after meeting with Svyrydenko Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official The rules for crossing the state border for men aged 18-22 have been agreed upon with the military command, and the corresponding opportunities should be in place in the near future, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after a meeting with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. "Today, at a government meeting, the rules for crossing the state border for men aged 18 to 22 will be updated. We have agreed on all the details with the military command, and the corresponding opportunities should be in place in the near future," Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel. He also discussed with Svyrydenko cooperation with Norway in preparation for the heating season and the continuation of grant assistance for the purchase of natural gas. In addition, the president announced the expansion of the eVidnovlennia program. "There will be more opportunities to compensate for the loss of property in the temporarily occupied territories. The Prime Minister will present all the details," he said. 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 So your boss wants you in the office more? If this makes you anxious, youre not alone. Return-to-work tensions arent simply resistance to change. They reflect deeper questions about how different people work best and what modern organisations actually need to succeed. After COVID, return-to-office rates stabilised by around June 2023, without much movement since. In Australia, 36 per cent of Australians were working from home regularly in August 2024 and 37 per cent in 2023. This is a dramatic shift from pre-pandemic levels when only 5 per cent of Australians worked from home regularly. In Europe and North America, around 30 per cent of employees now work hybrid schedules, with 8 per cent fully remote. open image in gallery After COVID, return-to-office rates stabilised by around June 2023 ( Getty/iStock ) Yet tensions persist. Many employers are pushing harder to get workers back in person, while unions are pushing back. The Australian Services Union recently requested presumed work-from-home arrangements and 26 weeks notice before employees have to return to the office. Meanwhile, the Victorian government plans to introduce laws giving employees the legal right to work from home two days a week. Workers tend to prefer hybrid models Research on remote and hybrid work models reveals both benefits and challenges. Hybrid work can increase productivity, improve work-life balance and reduce attrition rates. A 2024 randomised controlled trial found that hybrid work arrangements led to 33 per cent lower quit rates. There were particular benefits for women, non-managers and employees with long commutes. Research tracking individual productivity found that fully remote work was associated with a 10 per cent drop in productivity. However, hybrid working appeared to have no impact on productivity. Employees generally prefer hybrid models, with many willing to accept pay cuts for remote work options. Its good to spend some time in the office There are benefits in spending time with our colleagues face-to-face. We learn more naturally in social settings. We gain knowledge informally through observation, spontaneous questions and overheard conversations. open image in gallery There are benefits in spending time with our colleagues face-to-face ( sebra - stock.adobe.com ) The social connections that form more readily in person contribute significantly to employee retention and satisfaction. Collaboration and innovation often flow better face-to-face, too. Some things are difficult to replicate virtually. The spontaneity of brainstorming, the nuanced communication possible through body language, and the collective energy of problem-solving are hard to achieve online. Being able to work from home improves inclusion Parents, carers and people with disabilities benefit significantly from the flexibility to manage responsibilities while maintaining productivity. Recent research shows that flexible working practices are important for neurodivergent employees. This includes those with autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Neurodivergent workers make up a significant percentage of the Australian workforce: 12 per cent in 2024. And in the United States, 20 per cent of adults have a learning or attention issue. For neurodivergent employees, working at home gives much-needed sensory control and routine flexibility. This includes adjusting lighting to reduce overwhelm, controlling noise levels and taking breaks when needed. It also allows avoiding the social exhaustion that constant office interactions can create. Loneliness is also a workplace issue Loneliness is a significant concern among both remote and on-site workers. A survey of 7,500 American workers found that over half feel lonely. Some 36 per cent of lonely workers were more likely to seek a job somewhere else, compared with 20 per cent of workers who were not lonely. Additionally, 42 per cent of lonely workers reported being disengaged. This is twice as many as among surveyed workers who were not lonely. Earlier research from 2024 found that one in five workers globally experienced loneliness a lot in the previous day. open image in gallery Loneliness is a significant concern among both remote and on-site workers ( Alamy ) Loneliness is particularly pronounced among younger workers, with 46 per cent of those aged 1824 feeling left out. Loneliness impacts business performance as well as individuals. Workplace loneliness leads to decreased engagement, reduced commitment, and increased turnover. Managers can address workplace loneliness by fostering a culture of wellbeing, creating opportunities to build relationships, increasing support and practising inclusive decision-making. How can employers help anxious staff return to the office? Know that workers may feel anxious about returning to offices, so allow them to ease back in. Gradual transitions prove more effective than abrupt changes, perhaps starting with one day weekly before building up. Preparation is essential to support a diverse workforce. This should include clear communication about hybrid expectations, flexibility where possible, and recognition that transitions take time. Attention to the physical work environment is vital. Creating inclusive office environments means considering lighting, noise levels and providing spaces where employees can work without visual and auditory distraction. Regular check-ins with returning staff, openness to feedback and maintaining flexibility around working arrangements can significantly ease transitions. Finally, keep in mind that forced returns can backfire, creating more anxiety rather than engagement. Set policies that allow employees to thrive The evidence highlights that no approach works for everyone. Some people genuinely thrive in collaborative office environments, while others do their best work from home. A large body of research shows that a majority of workers benefit from hybrid models that maximise both collaboration and individual productivity, while supporting diverse working styles. Organisations need to adopt both evidence-based practice and individual flexibility to get the best from their workforce. Success depends on recognising that workplace anxiety, loneliness and productivity are complex issues requiring individualised approaches. Whether youre an employee worried about office returns, or a manager supporting your team, focus on creating environments where everyone can contribute effectively while maintaining wellbeing. As this workplace evolution continues, the most successful organisations will be those that remain flexible, listen to diverse employee needs, and adapt based on evidence rather than personal preferences or assumptions about what is most effective. Libby (Elizabeth) Sander is an MBA Director & Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour in the Bond Business School at Bond University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, were murdered in their suburban Los Angeles home last month. Now, their cause of death has been revealed. Kaye and Deluca, both 70, were killed in their $4.5 million home in Encino, California on July 10. They both died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to their death certificates, obtained by People. Deluca died within seconds of being shot, while Kaye died minutes later, the certificate says. Although they were killed on July 10, their date of death is listed as July 14, when police found their bodies while performing a welfare check. The couple was murdered after they returned home from a grocery run and found an intruder in their home, People reports, citing a police affidavit. Their front door was unlocked and their security alarm was disabled. Investigators believe the couple was shot with a gun that belonged to them, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said last month. open image in gallery Kaye and Deluca died from multiple gunshot wounds, their death certificates reveal ( Facebook ) Los Angeles police also responded to two 911 calls reporting a possible burglary at their home on July 10. The first call came from a neighbor who saw a man jump the fence. Officers and a helicopter responded to the scene, but left when they didnt find evidence of forced entry, People reports. The second call came from Raymond Boodarian, the man police would eventually charge with their murders. Hochman said Boodarian called 911 from his cellphone and provided his name, which allowed police to later track him down. Boodarian, 22, was arrested on July 15 in connection with the murders. He was charged on July 17 with two counts of murder and one count of first-degree residential burglary. He faces life in prison if convicted. Boodarian appeared in court for his arraignment on August 20. Judge Martin Herscovitz repeatedly tried to get Boodarians attention, but he would not respond when addressed, according to reports from People and Billboard. open image in gallery Raymond Boodarian appears in court for his arraignment hearing. The 22-year-old is accused of killing Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) "Mr. Boodarian, can you hear me? Mr. Boodarian? the judge asked. Boodarians public defender, Nancy Kolocotronis, told the court that her client has severe mental health issues. Hes appearing today in a suicide gown, she said, referring to a protective garment often worn by individuals in custody who are considered at risk of harming themselves. Herscovitz suspended the arraignment and scheduled Boodarian to appear in mental health court for a competency review on September 3. The record will reflect hes staring into space and not responding to the courts questions, Herscovitz told the court. Due to this behavior, the court entertains a doubt as to defendants mental competency. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The U.S. Coast Guard said it has seized enough drugs in the last month to overdose the entire population of Florida. On Monday, a Coast Guard cutter unloaded, it claims, enough cocaine to kill 23 million people. The Coast Guard cutter Hamilton unloaded approximately 61,740 pounds of cocaine and another 14,400 pounds of marijuana at Port Everglades, in Fort Lauderdale, which is approximately 30 miles north of Miami. The service is calling it the "largest quantity of drugs offloaded in Coast Guard history," it said in a statement. The drugs were valued at a collective $473 million. The drugs were enough to fatally overdose the entire population of the state of Florida, underscoring the immense threat posed by transnational drug trafficking to our nation, according to a statement from Coast Guard Rear Admiral Adam Chamie. Members of the U.S. Coast Guard stand on the deck of the cutter Hamilton with a record-breaking haul of cocaine and marijuana seized from suspected drug-trafficking ships between mid-June and mid-August of 2025 ( U.S. Coast Guard ) Rather than one major bust, the drugs represent the outcome of 19 separate Coast Guard interdictions made between June 26 and August 18. Three Coast Guard cutters, two Navy warships, a Netherlands warship, Coast Guard helicopters, and Border Patrol and other task force units were involved in the raids. Most of the boats stopped by the interdiction force were small, speed-focused boats used by traffickers to move illicit goods. The majority of the interdictions occurred in international waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. In addition to the seized drugs, 34 suspected drug traffickers were also taken into custody during the operation. The Coast Guard said a drone unit onboard the Hamilton was a critically important tool for spotting the small, fast-moving trafficking boats. The service released a video claiming that, since Monday, it had seized $2.2 billion worth of drugs. These drugs fuel and enable cartels and transnational criminal organizations to produce and traffic illegal fentanyl, threatening the United States, the Coast Guard said in a statement. The Trump administration ordered that the Coast Guard be overhauled to focus more on curbing illegal immigration and drug trafficking, bringing it in line with the priorities set for the Department of Homeland Security. After decades of underinvestment and severe readiness challenges, the President and Secretary of Homeland Security have directed action to renew the Coast Guard to become a more agile, capable and responsive fighting force, Coast Guard Admiral Kevin Lunday wrote in a June synopsis of Trump's overhaul. Lunday was called to Congress to testify about the changes to the Coast Guard, and said that between October and February, the Coast Guard seized more cocaine than it had in all of 2024. 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 series of hoax calls about active shooters on college campuses across the U.S. is causing a wave of fear among students as the school year starts. The calls have led universities to send out campus-wide alerts to run, hide, fight, prompting students and teachers to flee for cover as law enforcement officers swarmed campuses in search of the threat. Yet in every recent case, the threat turned out to be nonexistent. These hoax calls and false alarms known as swatting have affected at least 10 college campuses, ranging from Arkansas to Pennsylvania. On Monday alone, law enforcement responded to reports of active shooters at Arkansas, Northern Arizona University, Iowa State, Kansas State, Colorado University, and the University of New Hampshire. open image in gallery People shelter behind a wall at the Villanova University campus where an active shooter was reported Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Villanova, Pa ( AP ) Another call was made Tuesday at the University of Kentucky, though it was determined to be a hoax before an alert could be issued. The wave of reports started last Thursday when law enforcement in Pennsylvania received multiple calls about shots allegedly fired on Villanovas campus by a man armed with an AR-15-style weapon. Sounds of gunfire could be heard in the background of the calls. The calls which also included a false report of someone being injured by gunfire caused students attending orientation mass to rush into buildings and prompted the school to go into a temporary lockdown. Chairs were scattered on the schools lawn, and some students hid in a utility closet. Two hours later, the lockdown was lifted, and the schools president condemned the cruel hoax. Today, as we are celebrating Orientation Mass to welcome our newest Villanovans and their families to our community, panic and terror ensued, said Rev. Peter Donohue in a statement. A Villanova senior, Ava Petrosky, was singing at an orientation Mass at the Catholic university when she saw people in the crowd start to run. Honestly, at that moment I thought, Im gonna die, she told CNN affiliate WPVI. She joined the crowd and ran to take cover. The hoax was a really tough way to start freshman year at college, said Courtenay Harris Bond, who was on Villanovas campus with her freshman son Thursday when the active shooter alert was issued, according to WPVI. open image in gallery The swatting incident at Villanova University left many shaken ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) On the same day, Tennessee authorities received calls reporting an active shooter armed with an AR-15-style rifle at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Four people were reported to have been shot, and dispatchers reported hearing multiple gunshots in the background of the calls. This incident was a criminal act, intended to be disruptive and cause chaos, the school said in a statement. The University of South Carolina also received two calls Sunday reporting an active shooter at the schools library, with the sound of gunshots in the background. Northern Arizona University stated that a caller reported a gunman Monday at Cline Library on its Flagstaff Mountain Campus, prompting a response from Flagstaff police, Coconino County sheriff's deputies, and both state and federal agents. The report was determined to be a hoax, and at no time was there an active threat to the NAU community, the university said in a statement. An investigation is underway into the false report, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. An FBI spokesperson said: The FBI continues to work with state and local partners to investigate the swatting hoaxes, but cannot say at this stage whether or not the incidents are connected. These hoaxes risk creating complacency at campuses and among students, where active shooter alerts and drills have become a common part of life. Miceala Morano, a 21-year-old senior journalism major at the University of Arkansas, experienced this firsthand. She hid behind a green screen in the broadcast room and called her grandmother as officers outside wore bulletproof vests. As of right now, Im safe. I love you, said Morano, who was raised participating in active shooter drills. open image in gallery Every second counts during a mass shooting, so police have to respond as quickly as possible when an alert goes out ( AP ) As a child, she learned to stack chairs in front of the classroom door and to climb into the ceiling if there was no other escape. Now, this. Theres just these few minutes where all you really feel is fear, whether the threats there or not, she said. Casey Mann, a 19-year-old classmate, said she couldnt sleep until 2 a.m. afterward. Its just a scary reality the time were living in right now, she said, pausing and apologizing, her voice choking up. It just makes me wonder what were supposed to expect in the future when it comes to the frequency of events like this. It does make me worry that people will be inclined to think its a false alarm, said Mya Norman, a chemistry instructor at Arkansas who hid under her office desk as the Fayetteville campus remained on lockdown. The goal of swatting, which sometimes employs caller ID spoofing to disguise numbers, is to prompt authorities, particularly a SWAT team, to respond to a specific address. Security experts said that risk remains, but campus officials must find the right balance in keeping students and teachers on guard for any real threats in the future. Law enforcement doesnt have a choice, Elizabeth Jaffe, an associate professor at Atlantas John Marshall Law School, told CNN, noting every second counts in a real mass shooting. They have to investigate. They cant just sit around and wait. A wave of threats three years ago was believed to originate from outside the country, the FBI said at the time. The agency provided few details about the recent campus threats, including whether they are coordinated, but the calls seem to share similar characteristics. Most involved multiple calls to authorities about an active shooter or shooting, and at least four included the sound of gunshots in the background. The current spate of false calls comes as the threat of widespread gun violence feels particularly severe. Less than a month ago, a gunman targeted the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta, leading to a lockdown at nearby Emory University. Another gunman, targeting the NFLs New York headquarters, opened fire inside a Manhattan skyscraper in late July, killing four people, including an off-duty police officer. With reporting from the Associated Press 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 Washington, D.C. man is facing felony charges after riding an e-scooter up to two National Guardsmen and spitting on them, according to court documents. Scott Pichon was arrested and charged with felony assault on Friday afternoon after spitting on two members of the National Guard who were on active duty at Union Station, a railroad terminal on the citys east end, an arrest warrant obtained by The Independent revealed. Surveillance footage captured Pichon riding up to the guardsmen at approximately 4:43 p.m. on what appeared to be a Lime scooter before spitting a mixture of mucus and saliva at them. Thousands of National Guard members have been stationed in the nations capital since earlier this month at the order of President Donald Trump, who declared a crime emergency in D.C. despite reports indicating that violent crime has hit a 30-year low. Amtrak police officer Sergeant Robert Underwood witnessed Pichon ride the shooter up to the guardsmen and make a noise like he was coughing up mucus, according to the court documents. Scott Pichon was arrested and charged with felony assault after allegedly spitting on two National Guard members stationed at a Washington, D.C., train station. ( USA v. Pichon ) Underwood observed Pichon spitting a mixture of saliva and mucus on the National Guard members, with the mixture smacking one in the face and hitting the other on the neck. Pichon did not stop his scooter as he spat on the guardsmen, according to the court documents. Images from a nearby security camera captured the incident, including the two National Guard members' shocked reactions to allegedly being spat upon. After witnessing the incident, Underwood detained Pichon and placed him under arrest. Pichon was charged with felony assault and making physical contact with the two National Guard members while they were performing their official duties, according to the arrest affidavit. Tensions have been high in Washington, D.C., with many protesting the Trump administration and the heightened presence of federal agents and troops in the nations capital. Most noteworthy among the protestors was a man nicknamed the sandwich guy, who was arrested earlier this month after police say he threw a sandwich at a group of federal law enforcement officials in Washington, D.C. Viral video of the incident showed 37-year-old Sean Charles Dunn, yelling, F*** you! You f****** fascists! Why are you here? I dont want you in my city! at a group of law enforcement officers, including Customs and Border Protection Agent Gregory Lairmore. Dunn crossed the street but continued to yell obscenities at Lairemore, police said. He then returned to forcefully throw a sub-style sandwich at Lairemore, according to court documents, which cited an Instagram video taken by an onlooker. Dunn tried to run away, but was arrested. He later admitted to police, I did it. I threw a sandwich, per the documents. He was charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and employees of the United States. Some National Guard members are now carrying firearms in D.C., raising concerns that their presence could further escalate growing tensions as Donald Trumps federal takeover enters a third week. As of Sunday evening, the troops will now be armed with handguns or rifles. The news comes just two days after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the nearly 2,000 troops stationed in Washington to start carrying firearms. The troops are authorized to use their firearms for self-protection. 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 Michigan man warned police that he was worried about his safety then he was found unresponsive on the sidewalk, fighting for his life. Haider Al Fadawi, 40, visited the Dearborn Police station on Saturday about an alleged assault that occurred on August 21 and to express concern for his safety, police said. Al Fadawi, who recorded the exchange, was brushed off by authorities, according to his lawyers. Later that day, at around 10.45 p.m., Al Fadawi was walking across Michigan Avenue in Dearborn when a dark-colored SUV crossed lanes of traffic, accelerated, and struck him, Dearborn Police said. The incident appeared to be intentional, authorities said. When officers found Al Fadawi, he was lying unresponsive on the sidewalk and suffering from life-threatening injuries. They immediately began life-saving measures before taking him to a local hospital. open image in gallery Murtadha Jabbar Alizairij, 38, is charged with three felony counts of assault after rammed into a man in Dearborn, Michigan, not long after the victim told police he feared for his life ( Dearborn Police Department ) Several blocks from the crash, witnesses saw the SUV driver abandon his car and flee on foot, police said. He then turned himself in 30 minutes later. Police arrested 38-year-old Murtadha Jabbar Alizairij. He is being held in jail on a $750,000 cash bond. The Wayne County Prosecutors Office charged him with three felony charges: assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, and assault with a dangerous weapon. He was arraigned Monday, where a judge ordered him to wear a GPS tether device. Hes next set to appear in court on September 3. Al Fadawi remains in the hospital and is in critical but stable condition, according to police. Hes suffering from a traumatic brain injury, his lawyer Amir Makled told Fox2. "He's really going to have a very difficult quality of life moving forward, if he survives," Makled said. "We want justice for Haider. We want to confirm that he's going to have a full recovery, and that's the very first and most important thing." The attorney told WXYZ that his client is a father to seven children and is a vibrant part of the community. "It's unfathomable that somebody would want to do something so intentionally to hurt someone else over something so minuscule," Makled said. An ongoing police investigation revealed that Al Fadawi and Alizairij had closely known each other for over 20 years. open image in gallery Murtadha Alizairij was arraigned and charged this week after allegedly hitting someone with his SUV an incident that police say seems 'intentional' ( Click on Detroit ) Police said the incident arose from a business dispute. Al Fadawi worked as a truck driver for Alizairij before he was let go, his attorney Amed Hammoud told The Independent. Al Fadawi received a traffic ticket because of that, and the company failed to respond to the traffic ticket, and thats what upset Haidar so much, Makled told WXYZ. That's what caused this dispute, it's over a $500 traffic ticket. However, Hammoud disputed the ticket claim, instead saying: "Mr. Al Fadawi published many videos on various social media disparaging the characters of my client and his family and threatening them with harm." The details of the alleged assault that occurred on August 21 are not immediately available. Hammoud said Alizairij was not involved in that incident. The Independent has reached out to Makled for more information. Public safety is our highest priority and we take every concern seriously. We understand the community has questions and are committed to ensuring trust through transparency and accountability, Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin said in a statement. Police said they are reviewing Al Fadawis interaction with officers during his visit to the police station. Every individual who interacts with the Dearborn Police Department must be treated with dignity, respect, and empathyalways, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud said in a statement. While the suspect is in custody and that investigation moves forward, we are also launching a thorough review of the victims prior interactions with our department. Trust and accountability are not optionalthey are required. 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 Florida man faces attempted murder charges after allegedly running over a man sitting by the road in his mothers car following a money-related argument with her. The Hernando County Sheriffs Office says the alleged incident happened around 10:40 a.m. on Saturday along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in the South Brooksville suburb. The victim, an unidentified 74-year-old Brooksville man, was sitting near the road in a chair when Quaze Lavarn Simmons, 36, allegedly intentionally hit him in a gold Toyota Corolla LE, which he often drove but belongs to his mother. Simmons allegedly got out of the car and ran into the woods. He emerged from the woods south of the crash scene during the investigation, wet, covered in dirt and debris, and described himself as scared, the sheriffs office said. Simmons initially told detectives he lost control of the vehicle and ran in fear of his mothers reaction to the crash. However, video surveillance obtained in the area revealed Simmons accelerated across traffic lanes directly toward the victim. At no time were the vehicles brake lights observed, nor was there any evidence of the driver losing control, the sheriffs office said. open image in gallery Quaze Lavarn Simmons, 36, was charged with attempted murder for allegedly running over an elderly man on a Florida road following a fight with his mother ( HCSO ) Confronted with the evidence, Simmons stated the act was intentional. He told detectives he had been upset after an argument with his mother over money and chose to strike the victim because he was just there. Simmons was hospitalized with undisclosed injuries before being charged with attempted murder and booked into the Hernando County Detention Center. The elderly victim suffered severe leg injuries and head trauma and was airlifted to a trauma center. The Independent contacted the Hernando County Sheriffs Office for an update on the victims condition. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An Illinois man has been charged over claims he secretly gave abortion pills to a woman without her consent in order to induce a miscarriage. Emerson Evans, 31, from the city of Normal near Bloomington, was arrested and charged with two counts of intentional homicide of an unborn child, police said. Officers were called to a Bloomington residence around 7 p.m. on Friday following a reports of a medical emergency, according to a statement by the Bloomington Police Department. At the house they allegedly found a pregnant woman crying in the bathroom, who told them that she believed her boyfriend Evans had secretly given her abortion drugs. "After this occurred, the victim began experiencing medical complications and suffered a miscarriage, resulting in the loss of her pregnancy," the department said. The charge is akin to first degree murder and if proven could carry a sentence of up to 60 years in prison. open image in gallery Emerson Evans, 31, is charged with two counts of intentional homicide of an unborn child ( Bloomington Police Department via Facebook ) "We are again saddened by the alleged criminal actions which resulted in harm to others," said Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington. "It is my hope the mother involved in the matter fully recovers and has the resources and support of this strong community in the future." It comes after prosecutors in Texas charged a 38-year-old I.T. worker at the Bureau of Prisons for allegedly secretly spiking his pregnant girlfriend's drink with abortion pills, leading to the death of her six-week-old fetus. Other similar cases have arisen in Texas, Massachusetts, and Washington state, with one victim even suing a European abortion pill service for its role in the non-consensual termination of her pregnancy. On Monday, a judge in Illinois agreed to detain Evans pending trial, setting his arraignment for early September. According to local broadcaster WCIA, court documents allege that Evans initially denied doing anything wrong, but later admitted to giving his girlfriend the abortion drug mifepristone. Police did not give the victim's name, "out of respect for [her] privacy". 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 21-year-old American tourist was severely injured, including being slashed in the face with a knife, early on Sunday morning when he defended a group of women from a pair of harassers on a German tram, according to officials and family members. John Rudat, a paramedic and part-time model from New York state, was visiting the city of Dresden to stay with his former foreign exchange host family when the incident occurred shortly after midnight. Initially, two men from a group harassed female passengers on the train, the Dresden Police Department wrote in an online statement, originally in German. A 21-year-old US citizen intervened and was stabbed by one of the other perpetrators during the ensuing altercation. The two perpetrators then fled the scene. Police caught one of the two alleged attackers, described by police as a 21-year-old Syrian, nearby. The man was later released due to a lack of evidence tying the 21-year-old to the knife attack, officials told the German tabloid Bild. open image in gallery Stabbing occurred shortly after midnight on tram in Dresden, as American tourist John Rudat, 21, attempted to stop a group of men from harassing female passengers ( REUTERS ) Police added in an interview with the outlet that they are still searching for the second suspect. Rudats brother, Logan, told The New York Post he wasnt surprised his brother stepped in to protect the women. I would have been surprised if he hadnt stepped in, he said. Its part of his character. Thats just the way we were raised. The attack sent Rudat to the hospital and left him with serious injuries, including a deep facial from a 6-inch knife blade, according to a GoFundMe page. We strongly condemn the brutal attack on an American citizen in Dresden, the U.S. Embassy in Berlin wrote on X. While courageously intervening to protect a fellow passenger, he was viciously attacked. We urge German authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice and punish them to the fullest extent permitted by law. He tried to help two young women and one of the assailants slashed his face, Rudats manager Taylor Kelsaw wrote on Facebook. This is a most heinous act of a crime. John had just begun his career with us. We are devastated, but thankful he wasnt killed. In an Instagram video, a bandaged Rudat condemned police for releasing the suspect, and alleged without evidence that the suspect had a lengthy past criminal history and was released because he was not a citizen of Germany. He also seemed to suggest he knew the assailants previously. Elsewhere in the video, Rudat claimed the incident showed Germany had an immigrant problem. A study from a German research institute released this year found that migration and refugee admission did not lead to higher crime rates between 2018 and 2023 in areas where they settled. 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 journalist who was killed in Las Vegas was reportedly beaten to death and his body hidden in a container, according to a new report. Matthew Kelemen, 56, a freelance writer for Las Vegas Magazine, was killed by 63-year-old Joseph Del Rivo, according to 8 News Now. Approximately a week after the murder which took place some time before May 15 Las Vegas Metro Police discovered Kelemen's remains after receiving a report of a strong odor near a business on North 3rd Street in Downtown Las Vegas. The individual who called police said that a container had a foul smell coming from it. Police removed a lock on the container and found Kelemen's body inside wrapped in a tarp. A music stand, a bottle of ketchup, a hat and shoes, and several bags were also found inside, according to police. A coroner's report ruled Kelemen's death a homicide, and that he died by "homicide violence due to assault." Documents obtained by 8 News Now suggest that detectives who inspected the body believed that Kelemen died as a result of blunt force trauma. Del Rivo ultimately died during a high-speed chase in Utah the day after police found Kelemen's remains. The driver listed in that crash matching the age and description of Del Rivo sped away from a state trooper at 140 miles per hour on Interstate 70. Police deployed spike strips to stop his car, which Del Rivo hit at a high speed. He was ejected from the vehicle and died. A toxicology report found that Del Rivo had alcohol and THC in his system at the time of the crash, according to police documents. open image in gallery Kelemens body was hidden in a container that police discovered in downtown Las Vegas ( Mikki Zaferatos ) Del Rivo and Kelemen were roommates, according to People. In the days before he died, Kelemen had told his family he was planning to move out of his shared apartment with Del Rivo, accoridng to the Las Vegas Review Journal. Hed only lived there for about six months, but he kept telling my brother what a strange guy [Del Rivo] was, Mikki Zaferatos, Kelemen's sister, told the Review Journal. He said he was really uneasy living there. The guy was a disgusting slob, were his words. She told the paper that her brother had planned to confront Del Rivo, but was reportedly "worried about how [Del Rivo is] going to act." Zaferatos said she believed the container her brother was found in was a storage box for his amplifiers. Matt played the guitar and he had amplifiers, and it was a big black box," she said. Photo: https://t.me/ministry_of_defense_ua Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal held a meeting with Chief of the British Defense Staff Admiral Tony Radakin and Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, during which, in particular, they discussed the urgent needs of the Defense Forces, industrial cooperation within the Build with Ukraine initiative and the preparation of the next meeting of the Contact Group in the Ramstein format, which will be held in London in September. "Had an important meeting with the Chief of the Defence Staff of Great Britain, Admiral Tony Radakin, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton. Thanked for the support of Great Britain during a full-scale war. We appreciate the readiness to develop our cooperation. We focused on the urgent needs of the Ukrainian Defence Forces. It is important to increase the production of main types of drones together with partners. We discussed industrial cooperation within the Build with Ukraine initiative," he wrote on Telegram on Tuesday. As the minister noted, they also discussed international efforts to create effective security guarantees. The Coalition of the Willing continues to work to ensure the conditions for a lasting and just peace. "We discussed the preparation of the next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format, which will be held in London in September. I sincerely thank Great Britain for its leadership and unwavering support for Ukraine," Shmyhal concluded. According to media reports, the next 30th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format will be held in London on September 9. 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 boarding facility in upstate New York is under investigation after the bodies of 21 dogs were found inside, authorities said, with horrified pet owners returning from vacation only to learn that their beloved dogs had been abused and died. The grim discovery was made on Sunday when deputies with the Washington County Sheriffs Office were called to Anastasias Acres Dog Boarding Facility in Argyle. Only one dog was found alive and taken to the Northway Animal Clinic for treatment. Investigators determined the animals were deprived of adequate water and ventilation, which led to the arrests of the facility owners, according to Sheriff Jeffrey J. Murphy. Robert Palulis, 48, and Anastasia Palulis, 38, were each charged with 22 misdemeanor counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals, and failure to provide proper sustenance, according to the sheriffs office. Both were released and are scheduled to appear in Argyle Town Court at a later date. open image in gallery Anastasia Palulis was arrested and charged with with 22 counts in connection to the 21 dogs found dead ( Washington County Sheriffs Office ) The social media accounts for the business have been taken down and Google Maps lists the business as temporarily closed. Pet owners, like 12-year-old Hannah Elmore, are heartbroken. Elmore told WRGB that her family had just returned home from vacation and was hours away from picking up their 3-year-old dog, Piglet, when they were told that she had died. open image in gallery Robert Palulis, 48, was also arrested and charged with the same 22 counts ( Washington County Sheriffs Office ) My dad told us that [Piglet] had passed and I just broke down immediately, she said. They went inside and got her and brought her out, and then we brought her home, and then we buried her in the backyard, Elmore added. She would always be there for everyone, always cuddling up with me on the couch. We miss that little jingle up and down the hall. Another dog owner, Leah Brown, told WRGB that she was vacationing in New Hampshire when she received a call that her dog Rex had died at the facility. open image in gallery Pet owners, like 12-year-old Hannah Elmore, are heartbroken ( CBS6 Albany ) Brown said investigators told her there was an issue with the facilitys ventilation system causing the dogs to suffocate. Meanwhile, Elmores family said they have heard little from investigators, but more so they wish they had heard from the owners of the boarding facility. It would mean a lot knowing that the people who were watching her apologized. It would mean a lot to me, Elmore said. Nobody should even go through something this devastating like we did. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nearly three months after Travis Decker allegedly suffocated his three young daughters to death near Rock Island Campground in Leavenworth, Washington, authorities are intensifying their search for the fugitive father. On Sunday, the FBI and local authorities launched a two-day grid search near the campground where the 32-year-old former soldiers daughters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were found dead on June 2, with plastic bags over their heads, about 100 yards away from his abandoned truck. Authorities also discovered a bloody fingerprint on the trucks tailgate, along with Deckers dog. DNA from the bags and zip ties near the girls bodies matched Decker, with no other DNA detected, confirming him as the sole suspect, authorities said. Decker was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of kidnapping in June. Despite having no break in the case, approximately 100 federal and local agents, including specialized teams with search dogs, electronics detection tools, and dive units, bushwhacked through rugged terrain near Icicle Creek, aiming to uncover any clues to Deckers whereabouts. Rock Island, as well as two other campgrounds, trailheads, and nearby roads, have all been closed to allow thorough operations. The closure is scheduled to remain in effect until Wednesday at around 6 a.m., the Forest Service said. open image in gallery Travis Decker remains missing after his three daughters were found murdered ( Wenatchee Police Department ) You cant be too thorough in a search like this, Peter Orth, the FBIs supervisory senior resident agent in Yakima, said Monday. It is such incredibly dense vegetation that anybody who walks down one of these trails could walk 10 meters off the trail and no one would ever know theyre there. Officials added Monday that the closure could be extended through the end of the week if investigators require additional time. Decker has been missing since he failed to return his daughters to their mothers home in Wenatchee, about 100 miles east of Seattle, following a scheduled visit. It is unknown whether hes dead or alive. open image in gallery The bodies of Deckers three young daughters were found near Rock Island Campground in Washington on June 2, near his abandoned truck ( The Seattle Times ) open image in gallery Decker failed to return his daughter to their mother after scheduled visitation on May 30 Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said during a press conference on Monday that Decker must be "pretty tired by now if hes alive. "He's got to be perfect every single day; we just have to be perfect once," Morrison said. The U.S. Marshals Service has announced a reward of up to $20,000 for tips that lead to Deckers capture. 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 Several American flags were torn down in Cape Cod the same day that President Donald Trump ordered his administration to vigorously prosecute anyone who desecrates the most sacred and cherished symbol of the U.S. Police in Yarmouth, Massachusetts on Monday found eight American flags forcefully ripped from the fencing on a bridge commemorating former Marine and two-time Purple Heart recipient Lance Corporal William Joseph Donovan Jr., who died in a motorcycle accident in 2015 after serving in Afghanistan. At least three flags were ripped apart at the seams, authorities said. The incident marks the second destruction of flags at the bridge in two months. Donovans father put up these flags to replace the ones that were vandalized in July, police said. This is wrong. This is disgraceful. And we must hold whoever is doing this accountable, Massachusetts state Rep. Steve Xiarhos said in a statement. We cannot tolerate this kind of disrespect toward our veterans, their families, or our American flag. open image in gallery Flags destroyed in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, the same day that President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting individuals who desecrate the American flag ( Yarmouth Police Department ) Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey also condemned the act. Destroying the American flag isnt a statement its a disgrace, she told Boston 25 News. Its an insult to everyone whos ever fought to defend it, and it will not be tolerated. Lance Corporal Donovan was a hero, and my heart goes out to his loved ones. Ill always stand with our veterans and their families. Its not immediately clear whether anyone has been arrested or charged in connection with the vandalism. The Independent has asked Yarmouth Police for more information. The same day the flags were destroyed, Trump signed an executive order that empowered the attorney general to vigorously prosecute those who desecrate the American flag. The order states the attorney general may also pursue litigation to clarify the scope of the First Amendment exceptions in this area, setting up a challenge to the 1989 Supreme Court case Texas v. Johnson, which determined flag burning was protected by the First Amendment. In a 5-4 decision, Justice William Brennan wrote for the majority: If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable. Despite the long-standing Supreme Court precedent, the president on Monday said burning a flag would result in a year in jail. open image in gallery President Donald Trump signs an executive order requiring his Justice Department to vigorously prosecute anyone who desecrates the American flag, despite Supreme Court ruling saying its a protected act under the First Amendment ( AP ) The executive order quickly sparked controversy on both sides of the aisle. In a statement, Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin called the order a joke, pointing out that Trump granted pardons to violent insurrectionists who themselves used the American flag as a weapon to attack and beat American police officers defending the Capitol on January 6, 2021. This new executive order is a joke and yet another example of Trumps Gangster State in action: Use violence and intimidation against the government to take office, and use violence and intimidation once in government to entrench yourself. Trump knows nothing about patriotism, Raskin continued. Conservative broadcaster Erick Erickson remarked in a social media post: While I agree with the sentiment, it is unfortunately well settled constitutional law that burning the flag is a matter of free speech and the executive does not get to create crimes. Conservative podcaster Jesse Kelly went so far as to brand the order as garbage. I would never in a million years harm the American flag. But a president telling me I cant has me as close as Ill ever be to lighting one on fire, Kelly said on X. I am a free American citizen. And if I ever feel like torching one, I will. This is garbage. 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 young Ukrainian woman who fled her war-torn home in search of safety in the United States was stabbed to death at a North Carolina train station last week, according to a fundraiser set up by her loved ones. Iryna Zarutska, 23, was left with multiple stab wounds from the horrifying attack, which unfolded just before 10 p.m. at the East/West Boulevard light rail station in South End, Charlotte, on Friday, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said. Zarutska had recently arrived in the United States, seeking safety from the war and hoping for a new beginning, according to a GoFundMe set up to support her family. Tragically, her life was cut short far too soon, the fundraiser added. This is an irreparable loss for her family. Zarutska died at the scene, authorities said. Iryna Zarutska recently moved to the US seeking safety from the war and hoping for a new beginning, her family said. ( GoFundMe ) Decarlos Brown Jr., a 34-year-old homeless man with a lengthy criminal past, is set to be charged with first-degree murder in her death, according to WSOC-TV. He was taken to the hospital for injuries sustained in the attack. He will be charged once he is released, police said. Brown has 14 previous court cases in Mecklenburg County. He previously spent six years in a North Carolina prison after convictions for robbery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering, and larceny, WCNC reported. Following his release in September 2020, he was arrested again in September 2022 for assault on a female in Mecklenburg County. Brown was arrested again in January 2025 for misusing the 911 system after he allegedly reported police officers for not taking a medical issue seriously. He was arrested and was in court this past July for the case, which will require a forensic evaluator to be appointed to examine his condition. Authorities have not said what led to the stabbing. The fundraiser for Zarutskas family had received nearly $15,000 by Tuesday morning. Police investigation into the case remains ongoing. 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 Tens of thousands of pages related to the devastating 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, are set to be released after a lawyer admitted to an error. An attorney for the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District revealed on Monday night that they had failed to release all of the responsive information concerning the May 24, 2022, massacre at Robb Elementary School that saw 19 children and two teachers shot dead, according to CNN. We, our firm, went back and re-looked at the data that we had received from the district from the beginning and realized that they were correct and that we were wrong, Robb Decker of Walsh Gallegos said at an emotional school board meeting, which was livestreamed to YouTube. We had not released all of the responsive information. That was an error in our side. open image in gallery Legal Counsel for the Uvalde CISD admitted to an 'error' which led to thousands of documents being withheld ( Uvalde CISD School Board Live Streams/YouTube ) Teary board members apologized and stressed they played no part in the records being withheld. Jaclyn Gonzales, a trustee on the UCISD board, said approximately 26,000 pages, consisting of about 8,600 emails, would be released. She did not appear to mention an explicit publishing date. We want to make sure that we do not have any more errors. I appreciate the people that did speak up to show us that there was errors, she said. Speaking directly to a surviving teacher and a grandfather of one of the victims, Gonzales added: We absolutely want to be transparent. We know what it means to the families. Jesse Rizo, a board member and uncle of 9-year-old victim Jackie Cazares called for new legal counsel to be hired. He accused the law firm of negligence and said calling the withholding of documents an error was putting it very lightly. Rizo proposed a motion to authorize the release of almost all documents related to the shooting, including attorney-client privileged information, which was passed unanimously. open image in gallery Teary board members, some of whom were connected to the victims, apologized and stressed they played no part in the records being withheld ( AP ) The counsels admission came just weeks after the UCISD released thousands of pages of records related to the mass shooting following a years-long legal battle over public access to the material. It includes emails between top district officials, text messages to and from police officers at the scene and records on the shooter, Salvador Ramos. The files painted an unsettling portrait of Ramos, who was just 18 when he carried out one of the deadliest classroom attacks in U.S. history, citing his poor academic performance and lack of attendance. The Independent has contacted the UCISD for more information. Photo: https://kam.lt The production of Ukrainian weapons will be organized in Lithuania; a corresponding agreement was reached at a meeting of the heads of the defense ministries of the two countries, the press service of the Lithuanian Defense Ministry reported on Tuesday. "During a meeting between Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Dovile Sakaliene and Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, a Protocol of Intent on the production of Ukrainian weapons in Lithuania was signed in a bilateral format, and the types of weapons planned to be produced and further steps were discussed," the department's website says. It is noted that the document "provides for joint production of defense industry products, technology transfer, project development and localization of production in Lithuania." "This will open the way to long-term partnership, strengthening collective European security and creating sustainable supply chains," the Lithuanian Defense Ministry noted. According to Sakaliene, Lithuania remains firmly committed to further support for Ukraine. According to the minister, "in the coming years, it is planned to allocate more than EUR 200 million to support Ukraine for armament projects, anti-drone systems, demining, rehabilitation, training and support for the Ukrainian defense industry." The Lithuanian Defense Minister also announced in Kyiv that Lithuania intends to contribute up to EUR 30 million to the PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) initiative. The Minister also met with the leadership of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and air defense experts, with whom she discussed emerging challenges, experience gained and innovations in the field of air defense. "We discussed Ukraine's latest decisions in response to the changing air threat environment and technological innovations. I want to ensure the most effective cooperation possible in strengthening our air defense and responding to the changing technologies and methods used by Russia. We agreed to hold regular expert consultations on the application of practical experience to strengthen our air defense," Sakaliene noted. According to her, "it is extremely important to strengthen airspace surveillance in order to detect Russian drones heading to Belarus as early as possible and which could subsequently violate Lithuanian airspace. For this purpose, an agreement was reached on the exchange of information between representatives of our air forces." Photo: https://comeuroint.rada.gov.ua/ The delegation of the global parliamentary network United for Ukraine (United4Ukraine) called on the European Union to open the first negotiation cluster on Ukraine's accession to the EU in early September. "The delegation of the global parliamentary network United4Ukraine... published a statement in support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people... In the document, the members... raised the issue of Ukraine's European integration. They called for the opening of the first negotiation cluster on Ukraine's accession to the EU in early September. Next, to continue working so that by the end of this year, Ukraine meets all the conditions and begins membership negotiations, and by January 1, 2030, it becomes a full-fledged member of the EU," the Verkhovna Rada Committee on European Integration of Ukraine into the EU reported on its website on Tuesday. The United4Ukraine parliamentarians also called on NATO member states to confirm Ukraines NATO membership roadmap with a clear timeline and stressed that NATO member states should significantly increase defense spending and strategically invest in strengthening Ukraine. The signatories of the statement believe that parliaments around the world should urgently adopt resolutions stating that the territories of Ukraine occupied by Russia can never be recognized, either de jure or de facto, and that no restrictions on Ukraines sovereignty, domestic or foreign policy, including its right to choose alliances, should be accepted. The parliamentarians also called on the Ukrainian authorities to strengthen national cohesion and democracy, support political and media pluralism, constructive dialogue and democratic principles. As reported, a delegation of the United4Ukraine parliamentary network, consisting of members of the foreign affairs, defense, and European affairs committees of the parliaments of the EU and NATO countries, representatives of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, visited Kyiv on August 24-25. The ABCs defence correspondent Andrew Greene has resigned, ending a 10-week stand-off between him and the public broadcaster after allegations he had accepted a paid work trip to Germany and failed to disclose it. Greene reported for the ABCs The World Today about German shipyards and manufacturer ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems earlier this year, before Media Watch revealed the journalist had travelled as a guest of the company, at the time telling his bosses he was on annual leave. His story did not say he was a paid guest of the German company. Andrew Greene has resigned from his role as defence correspondent for the ABC. Credit: ABC After spending more than two months on leave while the ABC investigated the allegations and deliberated over its decision, he resigned on Monday. At the time of his trip, ThyssenKrupp Marine was competing against the Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to win a major contract to build the next fleet of Australian warships. Coles has reduced the amounts of groceries lost to shoplifters, but staff are continuing to face threatening situations as retailers around the country grapple with an industry-wide rise of theft and organised crime. Chief executive Leah Weckert said stock loss volumes at Coles had fallen back down to 2015 levels after the company rolled out theft prevention measures such as camera monitoring (skip scan), automated security gates (smart gates), and bottom of trolley technology in hundreds of stores. Coles has reduced theft at a time when other retailers are grappling with an industry-wide crisis. Credit: Eamon Gallagher During that period, as we have improved on loss, the market has not, said Weckert. The most targeted categories tended to be skincare, makeup and medicinal items, as well as expensive cuts of red meat such as eye fillet and lamb backstraps, she added. Despite the investments that weve made in safety initiatives for our team, we are continuing to see increases in threatening situations in store. And it is definitely the case that in Victoria, retail crime is escalating more than what we are seeing in other states. When Rings first reached out two years ago, Sibosado said he was busy, but that hed come back to her in a few months. Shes very glad he did. He said, Lets have a chat. Im not sure what this would be like, but how about you come up to Lombadina and see my Country, and well go from there. So I went to Lombadina and met his elders and the leaders in this community. And we talked about who I was, what I wanted to do, Bangarra you know, not everyone has seen or knows Bangarra, when you live in a community. Cured trout at Yarra Botanica Credit: Chris Hopkins Bangarra has a cultural and creative cycle to ensure that at every stage of a works development, the company is working with community and has consent and permission from the people whose stories they are telling. Having secured permission from the elders in Sibosados community, Rings returned to Lombadina in February of this year with lighting designer Damien Cooper, set designer Charles Davis and composer Brendon Boney. They woke with the sun and spent their days learning from the land. Its being guided through that Country and given that insight. And really changing your observation from your city eyes to having bush eyes, which takes a couple of days. And not listening, not seeing and listening with the head, but it has to come from an internal feeling thats a different experience altogether. She says the entire process in Lombadina took about a week. Was there pressure to deliver in that short time, I asked her? Absolutely! Bangarra Dance Theatres production Illume. Credit: Daniel Boud But shes been preparing for this kind of creative endeavour her entire life. I knew what I wanted to be when I was five years old, she says. Dance is my first language. I was a dreamer, an imaginer, and would be found in the backyard creating my own world, creating these theatrical productions. The first professional production she ever saw was Cats at Sydneys Theatre Royal as a year 11 HSC dance student. It was transformative and confirmed that thats the direction that I wanted to go, she says. It was fascinating for me that you could take people on a journey just through the movements of the body, through this language of movement. When she arrived at NAISDA at the age of 17, she initially wanted to do ballet. But I found out pretty quickly that that ship has sailed, she says. That was disappointment number one, the first of several key setbacks that made her the dancer and artist she is. She refocused her attention from ballet to modern dance and forged a connection to her Indigenous heritage through the medium. What I saw at NAISDA was that you could express your identity, or your challenges, or the complications of being a First Nations young person trying to find themselves and balancing lots of different issues. Frances Rings latest work is a collaboration with a visual storyteller, the first in Bangarras history. Credit: Chris Hopkins Rings found NAISDA transformative not just culturally and artistically, but also politically. We turned up in 1988, the year at the Bicentenary ... Carole Johnson [NAISDA and Bangarra founder] came in with the other leaders of NAISDA at the time said, Theres a big march going on, were cancelling classes. Were all heading to Redfern. Were marching to Hyde Park. Stephen Page worked with NAISDA students on a Bangarra production while Rings was at the school, and she desperately wanted to be cast in it. She wasnt. Disappointment number two. I was devastated, she admits. And I thought, Im just going to use this disappointment as a motivation to just keep working and set some new goals. Baked scallop at Yarra Botanica Credit: Chris Hopkins When she graduated she auditioned for Bangarra to join the company and was put on a traineeship. Stephen was very strict, and it was, youre a trainee, so you should just watch, take in what these senior artists and cultural leaders are going to teach you. As a graduate, youre feeling on top, and then you drop to the bottom again. It was extremely humbling to be in that kind of environment where you have to listen, you have to observe, you have to wait, youve got to be patient. Rings was patient to a point. But she really wanted to get out on stage. Her big break came in Melbourne, where the company was performing at the Arts Centre. But it also came with disappointment number three. I was understudying some of the roles from Praying Mantis Dreaming, Stephens first full-length work, and one of the dancers got injured. It was a matinee, and Stephen said, Youre on. This is it. And he said, Do you know it? I said, Yeah, I think so. We had no videos back then, so I was learning it backstage. It was a big learning experience youve got to be ready to go when he says go. Terrified backstage, Rings threw up a few times, and then it was showtime. I went on stage, forgot all the choreography, made up my own choreography. When I came off-stage, I was just beside myself. I thought, oh my God, Sis, you dont have a job any more. But Page was impressed that shed covered so well. He let me have it, like, what was that? So I got a big dressing down. But [he also said], well, you got on and you kept going and you covered it. So youre lucky that you still have a job. She never did that again, always making sure she truly knew every part in the show. It was learning by falling over and getting back up again. And I felt like I did that my whole life. Now that shes the artistic director of the company, she makes sure she pays plenty of attention to the understudies. When Im holding rehearsals and I see the dancers, and I always watch on the side whos understudying, whos covering, and Ive got my list in front of me. I know whos supposed to be doing which role, and if I see that theyre not, I could pull them to the side and say something, but its a lesson a dancer needs to learn on their own journey. Loading Mentorship is a hugely important part of what she does with Bangarra, and Rings says she wants her up-and-coming dancers to learn the lessons she did though perhaps not to invent their own choreography on stage. Theyd be like, well, you did it! she laughs. Her dancers all know the story, and yes, they all think its hilarious. 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 Dave Rowntree will always be the drummer from Blur, but his side hustles are next level. Light aircraft pilot. Computer animation artist. Criminal defence lawyer. Norfolk County councillor. Labour Party candidate for Westminster. Today, hes giving horse wrangling a shot. There are horses arriving, he says, checking the time in his country house in Surrey. Theyre my girlfriends horses, but theyve been kept all over the country. Theyre now going to be kept in a field nearby. So its all hands to the horses pump today. Thats after he talks about his new book: No One You Know is a curated album of photos shot on his Olympus OM10 in Blurs bright-eyed early days in England, Japan and the Americas, before they forged the Britpop crown. In my memory they were like holiday snaps, he says of the candid photos of band, fans and crew; tour bus and backstage moments unearthed in a box during lockdown. As it turns out, that was their charm. What came across most strongly was the energy, the enthusiasm, the joy in them. Its weird how the 20-year-olds in those pictures Damon Albarn, Alex James, Graham Coxon they still look like that to me when I see them now, he says, even if many years tend to pass these days between Blur shows and albums. Im not nostalgic about the band because its still my job. Now is the golden days for me. I wouldnt relive any parts of my youth at all. Rowntree, left, with Damon Albarn and Alex James in Moscow in 2003. Credit: REUTERS Rowntrees dogged forward outlook is perhaps implied by the above list of leapfrogging careers. What might look like serial over-achievement can be traced, in a sense, to a less-than-ideal upbringing. Im a child of an alcoholic family, so there was no sense of nurturing or valuing achievement, he says. My mum was the brightest person Ive ever met by a long, long way. Had she not had her demons, she would have ended up running a country or MI5 or something. Advertisement His father had his own issues, but he left an historic footprint. A BBC recording engineer for more than 40 years, John Rowntree captured early radio sessions by the Beatles. Later he performed in the same band as his percussionist son, the Colchester Silver Band. Both my parents had been classical musicians, so they insisted that I play piano from a very early age I absolutely hated it, he says. Fortunately for the future of British music, his cunning bagpipes trade-off was short-lived. I fairly quickly switched to the drums, which I thought was the second most obnoxious instrument known to man, and immediately I got utterly obsessed in a way that I tend to. Rowntrees book is a curated album of photos shot on his Olympus OM10 in Blurs early days. His book tells the story of Blur forming around the flame of Albarns songwriting. I passionately wanted to be a pop star but I didnt have a road map, Rowntree adds. I did what I found to be an incredibly productive thing: I found people that were good at it and hung around with them. Ive done that many times in life, and it works. The plan peaked in 95, when that now fabled media stunt with Oasis made both bands household names. Exactly 30 years ago, on the weekend of their hyped singles chart battle, Rowntree flew himself to France to escape the circus. It cant fail to mess with your head. I got into all kinds of trouble. But I dont know many people whove risen up through the ranks to become a successful musician that it hasnt messed with their heads. You have to figure out a healthy way of coping with it. Theres plenty of unhealthy ways. Advertisement Swapping drinking for flight training was a solid first move. Just as hed experienced with the drums as a teen, something magical happened on his first take-off. As you climb that first thousand feet, your entire perspective on the world changes. You see things from above rather than the side, and its just, Wow, the worlds a very different place than I imagined and for somebody who likes machines the plane is the ultimate. Hes since flown his single-engine four-seater all over the world. These days Im a flying instructor too, so I help other people go through that journey which in turn reflects another trip of his own. Being in a big band, the audience interaction gets less and less personal over time. There are lots of compensations for that, but what you get less of is looking people in the eye and seeing the impact youre having on them. Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Blurs lighting director Dave Byars and Alex James in a photo from No One You Know. Credit: Dave Rowntree I found I was really missing that in life, so getting involved with the Labour Party and getting on charity boards that was because I wanted to start doing things one-on-one with people. As Blur slowed down in the 2000s, the drummers day jobs shifted from his animation company, Nanomation, to various avenues of civil liberty and reform. His hunger for an Everest-sized challenge led to law studies, then public office. He qualified as a solicitor in 2012, focusing on cybercrime and access to justice. Im still connected to those things. Im still active in the Labour Party. I still do legal stuff of various descriptions. Im also quite active in the political end of the music industry, campaign for artists rights, he explains. Advertisement Its the smallest things I find incredibly satisfying. If youre a good councillor, you spend your weekends knocking on residents doors, finding out where the problems are and seeing what you can do to help. Its a cool thing because for some people, Dave Rowntree from Blur knocking on their door was quite a surprise. Similarly, as a criminal lawyer visiting people in prisons and police cells, for some people, Dave from Blur turning up was quite an exciting event. The first time. TAKE 7: THE ANSWERS ACCORDING TO DAVE ROWNTREE Worst habit? I really am a bit lazy. Greatest fear? Spiders. Its just the shape they are. The line that has stayed with you? Frankly, my dear, I dont give a damn. Not as a positive thing, as a negative thing to kick against. Biggest regret? Giving up the piano. Favourite book? Godel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstadter I found life-changing. The artwork or song you wish was yours? Anything by George Harrison. After Damon (Albarn), hes my favourite songwriter. If you could time travel, where would you go? The future. Theres nothing about the past that seems very appealing to me. Lately, hes been turning up for more music, scoring a handful of films and releasing his first solo album, Radio Songs, in 2023. There was a bit of anxiety there, he confesses, lying awake at night, thinking oh my god, what if this is all a dreadful mistake? What if everybodys just pointing at me, laughing, going What the hell is this rubbish? The response, as it happened, was much more positive. Rowntree will visit Brisbane in September to speak at the BIGSOUND music business conference. Among other issues, hes concerned about the kleptocracy that is music streaming and the unchecked growth of AI: yet another way to make terrible music. Blur will be fine, youll be absolutely relieved to hear. But for the next generation of Blurs its very, very difficult indeed, he says. There are, I think, green shoots poking through: consumers getting fed up with the current situation where music seems to be a sort of giveaway to a rather poor talent contest. Thats what stardom seems to be reduced to these days. Not that hes had much experience with that. Ive always been pretty satisfied with my lot as a drummer. You see many drummers that are desperate to be the frontman and act up as a result. It never seems to end well for them. Ive always been very happy to sit at the back and just make music. Advertisement I, Jack Wright Every episode of six-part British family drama TV series I, Jack Wright begins with actor Nikki Amuka-Bird smoking a cigarette between retrospectively prescient utterances. Oh certainly, I thought I knew him, she says in what turns out to be a prison cell. I knew his family. I mean, I thought I knew myself. Obviously, I was wrong. A caption gently appears on the left: Sally Wright. Third wife. From left: Sabrina Bartlett as Bella, John Simm as Gray Wright, James Fleet as Bobby, Gemma Jones as Rose Wright, Zoe Tapper as Georgia Wright, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis as Emily and Daniel Rigby as John Wright in I, Jack Wright. Cue intrigue. Who is he? Why did she think she knew him? What led her to doubt knowing herself? And how does she manage to be so magnetically brittle and indifferent in grey sweatpants in a windowless room? Characters are the thing that holds I, Jack Wright, a murder mystery created by Unforgotten screenwriter and producer Chris Lang, together. On paper, its almost a British version of Succession with its wealthy patriarch, Jack Wright (Trevor Eve, silver Dracula hair, tech-bro zip-up cardigan), and suite of diabolically different family members fighting for his inheritance. Advertisement FoodSubstantial salads Hetty McKinnons anti-dinner party manifesto: Why salad is the new main event In her latest cookbook, the Australian food writer chucks out the rule book and says almost anything can be salad. Roslyn Grundy August 28, 2025 Save 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 Hetty McKinnon has built a career proving that you can, in fact, make friends with salad. The Chinese-Australian food writer is challenging traditional notions of food and entertaining, one dish at a time. Now based in New York City, McKinnon has released her latest cookbook, Linger, which she describes as an anti-dinner party book. McKinnon, who grew up in the Sydney south-west, wants to inspire a new kind of gathering: one filled with intimate, spontaneous meals where people can forget the idea that a salad is just a bowl of leafy greens. Hetty McKinnon making friends with salad in her Brooklyn apartment. Shirley Cai This isnt a new concept for McKinnon; her food journey began in Sydney in 2011 with Arthur Street Kitchen, a business where she delivered salads to her Surry Hills neighbours by bike. Advertisement That business led to her 2013 cookbook Community, which quickly achieved cult status and cemented her reputation as a salad whizz and Good Food contributor whose recipes also regularly feature in The New York Times. McKinnon credits her Chinese-Australian heritage with helping her think differently about texture and flavour. Being Chinese growing up in Australia, I struggled with my identity a bit, wondering where I belonged. But now, decades on, I see it as an advantage. During a recent tour of Australia to launch Linger, McKinnon told Good Food, Ive always thought that Australia is more evolved in the salad-scape. In the US, its still sometimes a bit of a challenge. In Linger, she dives even deeper into her unique approach, proving that almost anything can be a salad. When Im being my most creative in the kitchen and in my recipe development work, its when Im working on a salad because the options are endless. Ive always thought that Australia is more evolved in the salad-scape. In the US, its still sometimes a bit of a challenge. Hetty McKinnon Advertisement The advantage of serving salads as the main event is that you can prepare them ahead, and spend more time with your guests. Most salads should be served at room temperature, so it is fine to make it an hour before and leave it out, she says. Theyre also great for meal prepping for like lunches and things like that. Besides, a well-crafted salad requires as many ingredients and no more effort as a stew or a pasta dish, but is often better received, says McKinnon. I have this theory that when you serve people salad, theyre so much more grateful than if you serve them another dish. Somehow theres a perception that salads are hard, and they take a lot of effort, but they really dont. Five tips for better salads Make the dressing a day or two ahead, and keep it in the fridge or on the bench. The flavour will improve, and it will save you time later. Always keep some vegetables on hand, including peas and corn in the freezer. Feeling as if you have to head out to the shops before cooking will hold you back. Build up a supply of flavour-boosting condiments such as miso, tahini and chilli crisp. Chilli crisp is everywhere. Its ubiquitous, but its ubiquitous for a reason. Add extra flavour with spices such as ground cumin, coriander, turmeric and paprika. When I develop recipes, I try not to use fancy spices, but those are basics that I think everyone should own. Its OK to eat out-of-season tomatoes. Theyre not going to be as good, but like sometimes I dont want to eat just root vegetables all winter. Advertisement In 2015, when luxury swimwear founder Dale McCarthy first launched her label, Bondi Born, she took a risk exporting to retailers in the US, UK, Europe and the Middle East first. And it paid off. The US became Bondi Borns biggest market, making up as much as 65 per cent of revenue, says McCarthy. However, since Donald Trump announced a 10 per cent tariff on Australian goods and up to 145 per cent on items produced in China, growth in the region has slowed. Australias growth is 35 per cent year-on-year. Last year our US gross was the same until the tariffs came in because we literally couldnt sell some of our new collection that was made in Vietnam and China, says McCarthy. With the much-debated tariffs here to stay for now, McCarthy and other Australian fashion designers are looking for new solutions, and eyes are turning to Asia. Its a market that McCarthy placed in the too-hard basket when first launching. Photo: https://x.com/andrii_sybiha Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of Belgium Maxime Prevot, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel, together with Director General for European Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Heleen Bakker, announced EUR 2 million in joint support for the prosthetics center at the Odesa Medical University during a visit to Odesa. As Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reported on the social network X, together with his colleagues, they launched the Ukraine-Benelux format - a new platform for political cooperation built on equality, initiative and ambition. He emphasized that the Benelux countries are founding members of the EU and strong supporters of Ukraine's path to the EU and NATO. "I am profoundly grateful for their steadfast political, military, and humanitarian support. As we launched the new format, Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg announced additional EUR 2 million of joint support for the prosthetics center based on Odesa Medical University," the minister said. During their stay in Odesa, the ministers honored the memory of the fallen Ukrainians and witnessed firsthand the consequences of Russian aggression, including the damaged port and repeated attacks on energy facilities. "Benelux partners are also at the forefront of sanctions policy, the pursuit of justiceincluding through the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraineand Ukraines recovery: from rebuilding infrastructure to investing in green energy and innovation. From Odesa, we sent a clear message: Ukraine and the Benelux are united, resilient, and determined. Together we work for peace, justice, and for a stronger Europe," Sybiha noted. All eyes at Wednesday nights Midwinter Ball in the Great Hall of Parliament House will swivel to the table bought by the little-known Sentiment Agency. The annual ball, hosted by the parliamentary press gallery, was delayed from its regular June/July slot because of the federal election. It is being staged so late this year that the magnolias are already in bloom around Parliament House. Kate Ceberano expresses her joy at being invited to spend a night in Canberra. The event is open to full-time pass holders of Parliament House, Press Gallery members, MPs, senators, staffers, their guests and admirers. Tickets are $150 each for journalists and their guests, and $200 for civilians (everyone else). Sentiment Agency is a cultural impact and civic engagement outfit, founded by former David Pocock staffer and singer Holly Rankin, who performs under the moniker of Jack River. On December 6 last year, while most of Melbourne slept, the Jews of Adass Israel were drawn into a war not of their choosing. In the eight months since, this Yiddish-speaking, ultra-orthodox community, a Jewish people connected to the people of Israel but not its national identity, have been living a makeshift, sawn-off life without the place they need most a house of prayer. Adass Israel members Benjamin Klein (right) and Izzy Nussbacher outside the ruins of their synagogue. Credit: Simon Schluter When Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan rang Adass Israel vice-president Benjamin Klein shortly before 1pm Tuesday to tell him what Prime Minister Anthony Albanese would be announcing to parliament that the arson attack that destroyed their synagogue had been ordered by Iran he was shocked. It is distressing to think an overseas government could orchestrate and conduct such terror attacks on Australian soil, he said. The seven uninjured officers remained at the scene for hours as they worked to contain the property, with police forced to carry the bodies of their slain colleagues from the active search scene. Speaking from Wangaratta on Tuesday evening, Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the two officers were murdered in cold blood. I would like to acknowledge our fine and brave officers who lost their lives today in the line of duty. I would like to talk to the police, family and the loved ones of our lost and fallen officers. Myself and every member of Victoria Police are with you at this moment. Our hearts go out to you. We thank those courageous officers, Bush said. He confirmed that Freeman had fled immediately after the shootings. He was heavily armed, and he was able to escape into the bush. I do understand that he was pursued, but he was able to get away on foot, Bush said. Bush said he was obviously a very dangerous person and was known to police. Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt also paid tribute to the fallen officers, who are yet to be publicly identified by police. Every officer is mourning right now, every one knows the spectre of self-sacrifice that follows police officers on every job they attend in every shift they work. They will go home and hug their families tighter than usual, in the sad and sobering knowledge that two of their colleagues lost that privilege in service of the community, Gatt said. The approximate location of the property where the officers were shot. Credit: Google Earth Freeman, who was living with his family on the 20-hectare property, was licensed to own firearms despite harbouring radical political views and an intense mistrust of law enforcement agencies and all levels of government. Several other sovereign citizens had at different times resided in makeshift accommodation on the off-grid property, according to neighbours and police sources. Sovereign citizens are considered to be part of a radicalised fringe group that follows conspiracy theories and believes the government is illegitimate. Members of this fringe group are known for their deep distrust of, and contempt for, law enforcement. Scores of police converged on the property immediately after the fatal shootings, while heavily armed members of the Special Operations Group arrived from Melbourne by helicopter before midday. Police also deployed a Leonardo AW139 helicopter equipped with an infrared camera, which can detect thermal energy in darkness. Members of the Special Operations Group at the property on Tuesday. Credit: Joe Armao We have deployed every special resource into this ... to locate him. That is our priority, Bush said. The police chief said a robust risk assessment had taken place before police attended the property. Our staff were armed when they went to the address, obviously. Bush said the fact 10 police officers had attended does talk to the gravity of the situation. The small township of Porepunkah was plunged into lockdown, with 90 students at the local primary school forced to stay indoors, while the Alpine Shire Council closed all offices and facilities. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his sympathy for the two officers and their families. Our thoughts are with the police for the work they do, each and every day, Albanese said during a press conference in Canberra. The men and women who wear the uniform of the police take risks each and every day. Loading Premier Jacinta Allan also expressed her deep sorrow at the killing of the two police officers. Two Victoria Police officers have lost their lives in the service of our state. Another has been seriously injured and their families are facing the kind of grief that no family should ever have to experience, she said. Policing comes with danger and every day our police officers meet that danger with enormous courage and dedication. And this tragedy is a painful reminder of that bravery. Freeman had come to the attention of locals during the coronavirus pandemic, when his behaviour became increasingly erratic and his opposition to police and government more strident. Born Desmond Filby, he grew up in Melbournes eastern suburbs and later changed his surname to Freeman to reflect his status as a sovereign citizen. In 2021, he was arrested outside the Myrtleford courthouse after unsuccessfully attempting to privately prosecute then Premier Daniel Andrews on treason and fraud charges. As Freeman was marched to the station, he called officers scumbags and criminal filth who were obsessed with power. Porepunkah locals described Freeman as a strange cat, a recluse and one said he resembled a Rambo like figure who was strong and fit and known among some locals for his bush survival skills. He liked being away from people and out in the bush, one local said. The cops will have their work cut for them catching him. Hes got a beautiful family though so my heart breaks for them. A man who lived next to the property, said there were a lot of people living at the address. Its like a little community. You see a lot of cars driving in and out. Theyve got a huge gate there. You couldnt get in, its like a bloody prison gate. Loading The man said the first he knew of Tuesdays tragic events were when police began swarming the area. Im just waiting for them to catch this bloke so I can go home Im not allowed home till they catch the bloke. Another local described the feelings of residents of the small town of about 1000 people. In the Wieambilla incident, Gareth, Nathaniel and Stacey Train shot and killed police constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, as well as neighbour Alan Dare, before being killed by members of the police special emergency response team. The Trains engaged in conspiracies and Gareth had declared himself a sovereign citizen. Queensland Police and ASIO declared the incident a terrorist attack motivated by a Christian violent extremist ideology. An inquest is yet to report its findings on the case. Dr Josh Roose, a Deakin University associate professor who studies political violence and was an expert witness in the Wieambilla inquest, said more information was needed about the Porepunkah shooting and that it was important not to speculate. But he said those who followed the sovereign citizen movement lived on the fringes generally and primarily believed that laws and the government are illegitimate and subordinating people. Roose said the radical fringe movement had a long history of violence, particularly in the United States, that was almost always directed at law enforcement. They believe that its important to not only live independently of government, but to arm themselves to resist, to resist any form of authority, whenever it is brought down upon them, Roose said. He said the radical fringe beliefs took off during COVID-19, particularly in the regions and in rural areas, and that more needed to be done to stem the potential threat. This could include more rural outreach workers as well as stronger monitoring of what people say online, Roose said. A lot of this stuff does translate into real-world violence. Bush said 10 officers had arrived to execute the search warrant at the Porepunkah property, which he said spoke to the gravity of their assessment of the risks. The man was previously known to police. The chief commissioner said the force had every resource dedicated to finding him. Nathaniel (left), Stacey and Gareth Train held extremist religious views. ASIO chief Mike Burgess has warned about conspiracies and anti-authority beliefs in annual threat assessments and reports. COVID and its associated lockdowns fuelled and accelerated spikes in grievance, conspiracy and anti-authority beliefs, Burgess said in February this year. In 2022, in the months before the Wieambilla shooting, the AFP said sovereign citizens were organised and co-opting or overlapping with other fringe groups such as anti-vaccination activists and the far right. Loading While different to other extremist groups, the potential for violence, fixation and harassment exists within these groups, a briefing document, first obtained by Crikey under freedom-of-information laws, said. Sovereign citizen groups in Australia tend to operate with a confidence that they are morally and legally justified in their beliefs and actions, and/or with a confidence that they will be vindicated once the government is deposed. The federal government, in the wake of the Wieambilla incident, said it would investigate ways to prevent extremists from becoming violent. Then-home affairs minister Clare ONeil said new policy responses, including legislation, would be needed to help prevent people with extremist views from turning to violence. A national firearms register was established in the 2024 federal budget. On Tuesday night, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the threat of sovereign citizens and extremist ideologies must be taken seriously and referencing Wieambilla. We saw a tragic loss of life in Queensland as well previously, and I attended the funeral service which was so sad of the officers there, Albanese said on ABC 7.30. We know that the Director General of ASIO has warned about far-right extremism. This is something that has permeated other nations as well. We see it being multiplied in the United States. Devastating strikes The news that Israeli forces have killed another five journalists along with medical staff, patients and other civilians in strikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza, is devastating (Five journalists among 20 killed by Israeli strike on hospital, 26/8). The fact that the journalists were killed in a hospital where media staff were known to congregate to access the internet, and that a second strike was made on first responders and shocked staff, patients and other journalists is chilling. Israels refusal to allow foreign journalists into Gaza and the targeting of Palestinian journalists on the ground tells us all we need to know about the conduct of the IDF. Jody Ellis, Thornbury Another tragic mishap How is it possible that a mistake was made bombing a major hospital in Gaza? Modern technology and precision bombing of targets is the norm. Can we believe that Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap in bombing the Nasser Hospital in Gaza? Countries around the world should be doing much more to prevent further bombing and starvation of innocent Palestinians. Nigel Beresford, Drouin Dont look away I dont pretend to understand all the complexities of the war in Gaza. I keep hearing that Australia does not send weapons to Israel, but reports show we are still supplying parts that end up in fighter jets being used there. For me, that feels far too close to playing a role in this pointless suffering. Other countries, like Germany, Canada and Spain, have already stopped sending military exports. Why arent we doing the same? Surely we can step back from the F-35 chain without it causing economic catastrophe? It feels morally wrong for us to supply anything at all to those causing such harm. Do we want to be remembered as a country that looked away, or one that chose compassion when it mattered? Katrina Talbot, Doncaster East Hope for intervention I found it inspirational to see the number of people across Australia who demonstrated at the weekend against the carnage in Gaza. This issue has risen well above politics over some time now, and is about people regardless of nationality, religion or any other form of group identity. The possibility of a political resolution seems remote, particularly when members of the Israeli government are in denial about what they are doing. Thus, it can only be hoped that some form of humanitarian intervention can be worked out very soon before these suffering people are completely annihilated. John Davis, Malvern East Trumps rival Melania Trumps heartfelt letter to President Putin appealing for the children of Ukraine appears to have had no effect so far. Dare we hope she might have more success appealing on behalf of the children of Gaza (Melania urged to plead for Palestinian children, 26/8)? If she chose to do so, its not Benjamin Netanyahu she needs to persuade but her husband. Its Donald Trump who could bring the pitiful plight of Gazas children to a merciful end. With a typically theatrical flourish of the pen, streamed live for all the world to see, Trump could bring Israels cruel campaign to a shuddering halt. But could he cope with Melania, not himself, being nominated for the Nobel peace prize? Tom Knowles, Parkville Truth in the data The drastic reduction in accepted psychological injury claims (Workers mental health compo claims being rejected at twice the rate, 25/8) is outright proof that the Victorian governments approach was about cost-cutting and nothing else. An increased commitment to the prevention of psychological harm in the workplace would surely have had a slower, but more sustainable impact on claim numbers. As we gain more data into the psychological health of the Victorian workforce post-reform, it will be interesting to see where those who have claims rejected go to find the support they need. We already know that restricting the criteria for psychological claims will drive people with work-related mental health issues into other, already strained systems. The fear with these reforms is that they will stop people from seeking help altogether. It will be important to track the data around Medicare Better Access in Victoria to determine if there is a greater proportion of individuals accessing mental health treatment in relation to workplace issues than there was prior to the reforms. This may also have a flow-on effect into income protection, as well as the potential for increased unemployment and disability support claims through Centrelink. Only time will tell if these reforms are sustainable for the mental health of the Victorian workforce, as well as other taxpayer-funded areas. Katrina Norris, vice president, Australian Association of Psychologists Vital network When considering the essential ingredients for thriving communities (Love where you live? The five elements for thriving neighbourhoods, 25/8) we should give recognition to the small traders and coffee shop owners. They have persevered in a tough retail environment and competition from big malls by providing local shops and cafes in which residents can connect. These businesses are organic community mental health services facilitating connection and maintaining a vigilant concerned interest in their regular customers wellbeing. Diana Yallop, Surrey Hills Welcome change As an allied health professional with over four decades experience in clinical service provision and health management, those are wise words from Professor Harriet Hiscock (Thriving Kids will make care fairer and more accessible, 26/8). This change to the NDIS should place early intervention for developmental challenges squarely back into mainstream services, where they belong. Decades of research support that early intervention and education to children, their parents and carers, yield the greatest results for later life achievement and avoidance of longer-term impairments. Its the interactions, interventions and experiences that happen every day in childrens lives that assist them to learn, grow and thrive. The fear expressed, quite rightly, by parents about children being thrown off NDIS supports and left without necessary therapies and assistance is based on the sad fact that there has never been adequate support, funding and services provided in the early years to children who have developmental delays, behaviour, learning and communication problems. This is the reason the NDIS became the only lifeboat in the ocean for parents who desperately want to know if their child has a difficulty and if so, what can be done about it. The problem is that it is primarily a system set up for those with lifelong disabling conditions, not a system that identifies developmental challenges and offers evidence-based support to families. Dedication of significant funding and development of systemic and targeted support to very young children and their families is a welcome and long overdue initiative. Bernadette OConnor, Moonee Ponds Right steps Top marks to Brighton Grammar for introducing dance (This sporty school changed its tune and danced its way to VCE stardom, 26/8). While relieving stress of VCE year it also has profound benefits for its sports teams. Tap dancing engages both sides of the brain and introduces more flexibility. I only wish the team I follow, North Melbourne, would try it. They have highly paid players who have reached the elite level yet cant kick or handball on their non-preferred side. A bit of tap would free them up. The great Essendon player James Hird, a noted mover in heavy traffic, did ballet in his youth. Theres no reason for any stigma around dance its a big winner. Tony Jackson, Fitzroy More to learn Regarding these so-called excelling high-fee private schools, is it really the weekly dance sessions led by a famed choreographer that propels these boys at Brighton Grammar to academic success? Or is it the fact that it gets over $39,000 in recurrent funding per student each year and has a wealth of privilege to draw on? I suggest profiles of excelling non-selective public schools and low-fee Catholic schools would be more illuminating. Emily Korb, Glen Iris Another compromise Could the AFL please explain why, when announcing Geelong had earned the right to host a qualifying final, they in fact have to play that game at the MCG? They have played only five games there this year, just two more than their opponents Brisbane. They are the only one of the four teams to have earned that right in the first week to not be allowed to play the game at their home venue. Just another example of how compromised the AFL system is and, in particular, Geelong is penalised. David Parker, Geelong West AND ANOTHER THING Credit: Matt Golding Museum cuts Perhaps Museums Victoria would move to place beside each empty display case or broken down exhibit a cardboard cutout of the premier with a speech bubble exhorting us to lobby the CFMEU for emergency funding. Michael Spillane, Torquay Grand prix tickets Tickets to the grand prix may have risen but are still considerably cheaper than the cost to me of escaping the event. Bronwen Murdoch, South Melbourne Australian Grand Prix early release tickets are available only to American Express card holders. Isnt this discrimination? Richard Wilson, Croydon Loading Net zero The Coalition has come up with a compromise on climate change targets. It will be net zero, but the E in net will be replaced with an O. Greg Tuck, Warragul Net, as in net zero, is a dangerous word. It allows for the furphies that are carbon capture and storage, carbon offsets and coal or gas exports. Zero should be the target. Phil Labrum, Trentham Donald Trump What Donald Trump is doing going after everyone who opposed him is an abuse of power (Trump ran on a promise of revenge. Hes making good on it, 25/8). You have to shake your head in disbelief at how he was given a second term. I wonder how history will view him? Christine Hammett, Richmond An alarming number of Australian women have been killed in recent years. Find out more about their lives. Some of the cases are still before the courts. Warning: graphic content Justin James Filardo was shot nine times before he finally stopped strangling his sister, who was lying on her bed with a partially severed arm. When police arrived at the siblings home in Melbournes outer east, they found Justin, 45, leaning over his sister, 48-year-old Bianca Filardo, with his hands around her neck. Police entered the home to find a woman being strangled by a man. Credit: Nine Officers discharged their Tasers before one officer pulled out their gun to save Bianca. But it wasnt until the eighth and ninth shot into Justin that he was stopped. 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 Staff from the Iranian embassy bundled into a car as soon as darkness set in on Tuesday night. The white flash of cameras heralded their exit through the driveway gates. Three men in the back seat sought to block their faces with jackets, turning their heads away from the windows. Another man stood at the building, backlit by a doorway, and waved goodbye. It was hours after the Iranian ambassador to Australia, Ahmad Sadeghi, had stepped out to visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade headquarters in Canberra at the request of the secretary, Jan Adams. He returned with a letter declaring him a persona non grata an unwelcome person, under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and an order that he and three other Iranian officials leave the country within seven days. It was the first time Australia had expelled a foreign ambassador since World War II. A shocking discovery had prompted the historic dismissal: that Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was responsible for antisemitic attacks on Australian soil that had torn at the countrys social fabric and put the Albanese government under immense pressure. ASIO has gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed at Parliament House on Tuesday, standing next to ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess and Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw. The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks. Iran has sought to disguise its involvement, but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks on the Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney on October 20 last year, and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. ASIO assesses its likely Iran directed further attacks as well. Advertisement The first alarm over foreign interference was sounded on January 21. Loading A spate of antisemitic vandalism in Sydney and Melbourne had dominated the summer news cycle. Australias Jewish community was frightened. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was furious. Australia was being singled out for scathing criticism, and its police and security agencies had no answers. The December arson attack on the synagogue, in particular, fuelled politically charged accusations from the Coalition, local pro-Israel groups and Netanyahu, that the Albanese government had failed to do enough to tackle the rise in antisemitism. If the Iranian regime had hoped to terrorise Australias Jewish community, the seventh-largest in the world outside Israel, it achieved its goal. If it wanted to sow division between Israel and Australia, two historically friendly nations, it did that too. Advertisement Unfortunately, it is impossible to separate this reprehensible act from the extreme anti-Israeli position of the Labor government in Australia, Netanyahu said in a post on X in December that marked a period of fast-deteriorating relations. Albanese called a national cabinet meeting of state and territory leaders to tackle antisemitism on January 21. That same day, Kershaw issued a rare and striking statement. The AFP commissioner was also being pressured to lay charges against offenders, particularly those behind the synagogue attack. Adass Israel members Benjamin Klein (left) and Izzy Nussbacher outside the ruins of their synagogue on Tuesday. Credit: Simon Schluter Without going into specifics, Kershaw raised the possibility that malicious foreign actors were paying criminals in Australia to target synagogues and houses in Jewish suburbs. We are looking at if or how they have been paid, for example in cryptocurrency, which can take longer to identify, he said in the statement. We are looking into whether any young people are involved in carrying out some of these crimes, and if they have been radicalised online and encouraged to commit antisemitic acts. Advertisement Regardless, it all points to the same motivation: demonising and intimidating the Jewish community. At the time, the Coalition called for the government to substantiate such serious claims of foreign interference. It questioned why police would float such a prospect without evidence. If a foreign government is responsible, this would amount to acts of state-sponsored terror and one of the most serious national security crises we have faced in peacetime, said then-opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson. The AFPs argument, made in private, was that they were looking for the puppet masters, not the petty criminals at the end of their strings. They said they had strands of intelligence to suggest foreign players were involved, but not enough to make an allegation. That would take seven more months. Its taken us this long to have the evidence to actually know the Iranians directed these attacks, Burgess said in the prime ministers courtyard on Tuesday. Advertisement AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House on Tuesday. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer Our painstaking investigation uncovered and unpicked the links between the alleged crimes and the commanders in Irans [Islamic] Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC. The IRGC used a complex web of proxies to hide its involvement The IRGC are directing, through a series of cut-outs, people in Australia to undertake the crimes. Nos Hosseini, a spokeswoman for the Iranian Womens Association in Australia, described the IRGC as a private army to protect Irans supreme leader. Its job is to ensure the survival of the regime, not to protect the people, she said. It tortures dissidents, censors the internet, runs prisons, engages in proxy warfare. She was not surprised by the revelations. Groups representing the Iranian diaspora have been calling for the guard to be designated a terror organisation for years. This is what weve been warning successive governments about, Hosseini said. The IRGC is a well-resourced, well-funded and well-oiled machine that exists to sow discord and spread instability and chaos beyond Irans borders. By combining security intelligence with the AFPs investigations, and liaising with foreign powers, ASIO pieced together a clearer picture of why and how Australian suburbs had been targeted in a series of antisemitic attacks. Advertisement The Albanese governments plans to get international tech companies to pay for using Australian news are in danger after US President Donald Trump announced he would hit any country that imposed digital taxes or regulations on American businesses with substantial tariffs. Trump, who earlier this year stared down Canadian plans to impose a digital levy on tech firms operating in that country, this morning used social media to reveal he would not only inflict high tariffs on countries that hurt US businesses but also restrict access to technology and computer chips. US President Donald Trump has threatened to hit countries that tax American tech giants with big tariffs. Credit: AP The federal government has promised to create a News Media Bargaining Incentive to reinforce the News Bargaining Code under which firms such as Meta - the owner of Facebook - and Google paid Australian publishers including companies such as Nine and News Corporation for use of their content. The owner of this masthead, Nine, received payments under the News Bargaining Code. Meta has refused to renew deals struck under the Morrison-era bargaining code, and the government unveiled the new incentive to substantially replace it. Under the proposed changes, tech companies would face a charge for using Australian content unless they struck a deal with individual businesses. Photo: https://kyiv.klichko.org The Human Titans prosthetic center was opened on the basis of one of the hospitals in Kyiv with the support of the Life Bridge Ukraine charitable foundation and as part of the capital's cooperation with Berlin, the press service of mayor of the capital Vitali Klitschko reported. "The idea of creating this extremely important facility arose during my visit to Berlin about two years ago. Then we visited the Bundeswehr Military Hospital, where Ukrainian defenders were recovering. And the initiative arose to create a center in the Ukrainian capital to help wounded soldiers. Thanks to the support of Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner, the Life Bridge Ukraine charitable organization and the participation of the ONUR GROUP Ukraine company, this project was implemented," Klitschko was quoted as saying by his press service on his website on Tuesday. It is reported that the ONUR GROUP Ukraine company took on most of the costs of overhauling the prosthetic center premises - over UAH 29 million. Some UAH 11.2 million were allocated from the city budget. To equip the prosthetic center and manufacture prostheses, the charitable organization Life Bridge Ukraine purchased and transferred equipment worth UAH 14.5 million from a leading German manufacturer. The city allocated almost UAH 3 million for the equipment. The capital allocates UAH 800,000 from the city budget for the current needs of the center. "The equipment began to be put into operation in June of this year. Specialists of the prosthetic center are already working on it and have started manufacturing prostheses. The center is also equipped with a 3D scanner for the manufacture of high-precision prosthetic components. During the test period of the institution's operation, 10 veterans from different regions of Ukraine received prosthetics," the mayor of Kyiv noted. According to him, surgeons in Ukraine perform about 21,000 amputations on seriously wounded Ukrainian soldiers and civilians every year. Six Ukrainian prosthetic technicians were trained at the prosthetic centers in Berlin. In addition, as part of the project, about 60 Ukrainian servicemen with lower limb amputations of various degrees of complexity received prosthetics at the Bundeswehr Military Hospital. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha held multilateral negotiations in Odesa with Foreign Ministers of Belgium Maxime Prevot, Luxembourg Xavier Bettel and Director General for European Affairs of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs Heleen Bakker. "Despite Russian terror, Odesa residents demonstrate resilience, and Odesa region lives, develops and attracts investments. At one time, a Dutch architect created the first master plan of Odssa. A Belgian entrepreneur built the first tram lines and one of the symbols of the city - Arcadia. Today, Odesa is a place where the spirit of Ukrainian and European freedom and unity is not only an ideal, but also an everyday reality," the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs quotes Sibiga. Minister Sybiha stated that "the Ukraine-Benelux format will deepen our partnership with each of the three countries and bring our cooperation to a fundamentally new level." The Foreign Minister shared with his colleagues the vision of the Ukrainian side regarding the results of the meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, and also informed them of Ukraine's desire to end the war as soon as possible and put an end to Russian aggression. The Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening a coordinated sanctions policy against the aggressor state. He also added that one of the key levers is Russia's frozen assets, which should be fully utilized to support Ukraine now. 5,000 police personnel, CCTV cameras Staff Reporter : With Ganeshotsav just a day away, Nagpur Police are taking strong steps to ensure the festival is celebrated safely. All Ganesh mandals have been asked to install CCTV cameras to help prevent any untoward incidents during the celebrations. Nearly 5,000 police personnel will be deployed across the city. This includes top officers like Deputy Commissioners of Police, Assistant Commissioners, Police Inspectors, Police Sub-Inspectors, and Assistant Police Inspectors. The force will also be supported by two companies of the State Reserve Police Force and 1,300 Home Guards. Special security teams, including the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, will check each mandal daily. The Quick Response Team and Riot Control Police will also remain on high alert throughout the festival. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) Shashikant Satav, around 1,400 Ganeshotsav mandals have been officially registered in Nagpur this year. To help with security and crowd control, CCTV cameras have already been installed in key areas like Chitar Oli, Tehsil, Kamptee, and Koradi. In addition, watch towers and extra traffic police have been stationed. The Traffic Department has also diverted routes in busy areas to ease congestion. The city police officials have also encouraged Ganesh mandals to use the occasion to raise awareness against drug abuse. They also urged them to organise blood donation camps and take up other social programmes during the festival. Can PM or CM run country from jail?: Amit Shah NEW DELHI : Home Minister calls out Oppositions political doublespeak on Constitution Amendment Bill UNION Home Minister Amit Shah has lashed out at the Black Bill protests against the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill by Opposition parties and stated that both he and the BJP completely reject the idea that the country cannot be governed without the person who has been jailed. He asked whether a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or any leader could run the country from jail. Shah had during the just concluded monsoon session of Parliament introduced the bill which states that the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers and Ministers, if jailed for more than 30 days for offences that attract a jail term of over five years, can be removed from office. Parliament witnessed protests with Opposition terming the legislation as unconstitutional alleging that it was a way for the ruling BJP to misuse central agencies, frame non-BJP Chief Ministers, put them in jail and destabilise State Governments. In an interview with ANI, Amit Shah said, I want to ask the entire nation and the Opposition... Can a Chief Minister, Prime Minister, or any leader run the country from jail? Does that suit the dignity of our democracy? Even today, they are trying that if they ever have to go to jail, they will easily form the Government from jail. The jail will be made CM House, PM House and the DGP, Chief Secretary, Cabinet Secretary or Home Secretary will take orders from the jail. My party and I completely reject the idea that this country cannot be governed without the person who is sitting there. This will not affect anyones majority in the Parliament or the Assembly. One member will go, other members of the party will run the Government, and when they get bail, they can come and take the oath again. What is the objection in this? he said. He further explained, I want to tell the entire country about the 130th Amendment. In this amendment, we have made a provision that if the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or any leader from the Central or State Government faces serious allegations and gets arrested, and if they do not get bail within 30 days, then they must leave their position. If they dont resign, they will be removed from their post by law. This is what we have included in the 130th Amendment. The Home Minister highlighted that it was the Prime Minister himself who had insisted on bringing the office of the PM under the aegis of this bill. The Prime Minister himself has included the post of PM in this... Earlier, Indira Gandhi had brought 39th amendment (of protecting the President, VP, PM, and Speaker from judicial review by Indian courts) ... Narendra Modi ji has brought a constitutional amendment against himself that if the Prime Minister goes to jail, he will have to resign... said Amit Shah. The Union Minister said that protests and sloganeering by the Opposition in Parliament while he was tabling the bill was not right and that the Opposition must answer to the people. Let me make it clear, when an elected Government brings a constitutional amendment in Parliament, protest is allowed. Ive already said that this amendment will be sent to a joint committee of both Houses. Everyone can share their opinion there, and during voting, you can express your views. Since this is a constitutional amendment, it requires a two-thirds majority. But is it appropriate in a democracy that the bill is not even allowed to be presented in Parliament? Are both Houses meant for discussion or just noise and disruption? Shah asked. We have also protested on different issues, but stopping the presentation of a bill in Parliament is not democratic. The Opposition must answer to the people, he said. Referring to the time when the UPA Government was in power at the Centre, Shah said under the Manmohan Singh Government, the Congress had introduced an ordinance to protect convicted MPs, which Rahul Gandhi publicly rejected by tearing it up. In the Satyendra Jain (AAP leader) case, he was jailed in four cases, and in all those, the CBI filed a chargesheet. He is facing trial. You became a victim of AAPs propaganda. Now, let me talk about Congress. They are opposing this. However, during the UPA Government, when Manmohan Singh was Prime Minister and Lalu Prasad Yadav was a Minister who had been convicted, they introduced an ordinance stating that even a two-year sentence would not result in the cancellation of a members membership until the appeal process was complete, Shah said. IAF workhorse MiG-21 makes final sorties at Nal By Ashish Gaur BIKANER The Indian Air Forces MiG-21 fighter jets, the backbone of its combat fleet for over 6 decades, made their last operational flights at the Nal Air Force Station in Bikaner, a month ahead of the formal retirement ceremony to be held in Chandigarh on September 26. As part of the symbolic farewell, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh flew solo sorties of the MiG-21 from Nal on August 18-19, marking an emotional moment for the force and for generations of pilots trained on the Russian-origin fighter jet that served the force for 62 years. The MiG-21 has been the workhorse of the IAF since its induction in the 1960s and we are still continuing with it. It is one of the most mass-produced supersonic fighter jets in history, with over 11,000 aircraft operated by more than 60 countries, Air Chief Marshal Singh told PTI. My first experience with MiG-21 was in 1985, when I flew the Type-77 variant at Tezpur. It was a revelation -- agile, highly maneuverable, and simple in design, though it required some initial training. Its an amazing aircraft to fly. It will be missed by all who flew it. Noting the jets impressive performance as an interceptor, the IAF chief said, At maximum reheat, it could climb more than 250 metres per second. It was made to intercept, and in that role, it served India remarkably well. But everything has a time and place. The technology is now outdated and difficult to maintain. It is time to move to new platforms such as the Tejas, Rafales and Su-30s. He also pointed at the continuity in IAFs design philosophy. Tejas was actually designed as a replacement for MiG-21. That is why it is a small aircraft. It was designed around MiG-21 and it was conceived from some kind of motivation from Mirage. It is going to replace MiG-21 quite well but it will have to evolve. We have to think of new weapons for Tejas also. In initial training role, I think Tejas can fit in very well. With contracts for 83 jets already signed and more lined up, I expect that Tejas in its various versions will gradually take over the fleets role, Air Chief Marshal Singh said. IAF spokesperson Wing Commander Jaideep Singh recalled the MiG-21s historic contributions in combat. The aircraft participated in the 1965 war and played a stellar role in the 1971 conflict, most notably in the attack on the governors residence in Dhaka on December 14. The governor resigned the next day, and Pakistan surrendered on December 16 with 93,000 troops laying down their arms, he said. It later saw action in Kargil under Operation Safed Sagar in 1999, when a MiG-21 shot down a Pakistani Atlantic aircraft intruding into the Indian territory. In 2019, it was again in the headlines when it downed an F-16. The MiG-21 underwent several upgrades, most recently the Bison version equipped with modern avionics, radar and beyond-visual-range missiles. JSC Ukrzaliznytsia intends to build alternative transit routes along the route through the Black Sea, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and China, chairman of the board Oleksandr Pertsovsky said in an interview with TSN. "We are trying to build alternative transit routes. They are not simple. This is the Black Sea, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and China. You understand how difficult this route is," Pertsovsky noted. According to him, the fact that the transit corridor through the Caspian Sea is also not working adds to the difficulties. Pertsovsky stressed that the competitive advantage of Ukrzaliznytsia in those markets are the wagons that it offers for use by private owners for transportation. "And although we are a state-owned company, we are trying to be as flexible as possible and are building solutions for them so that they take Ukrzaliznytsia wagons," the chairman of the board emphasized. Earlier, Pertsovsky reported that after the full-scale Russian invasion, transit is practically absent, although in the first half of this year the first transit container ferries were sent to Georgia, which opens up opportunities for transit to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and in the future, an increase in transit volumes from China via the Middle Corridor. As for passenger traffic, he singled out the imminent launch of the Kyiv-Bucharest route. According to him, from Uzhgorod, where the Eurorail has been laid, trains will depart in September on routes to Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava, etc. People talking of ISRO over NASA is a reality waiting to happen: Shukla LUCKNOW : IAF Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on Monday said it is only a matter of time before the world talks about ISRO over NASA, as India continues to advance rapidly in space exploration. Since returning to India, I have felt an incredible excitement among people about our space achievements. The National Space Day (August 23) has only been celebrated for two years, yet the energy around it was tremendous. As the Deputy Chief Minister (Keshav Prasad Maurya) said, the day is not far when people will speak of ISRO over NASA. I believe this is not a dream, but a reality waiting to happen, Shukla said at a civic reception in Lucknow, his hometown, celebrating his visit to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a successful Axiom-4 mission. Shukla, who was visibly moved by the warm welcome, added with a smile, Since I landed in Lucknow around 7:30 this morning, I must have clicked about 2,000 selfies. The famous saying, Muskuraiye, Aap Lucknow Mein Hain (Smile, youre in Lucknow) truly came alive for me today. The felicitation ceremony at the official residence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, state BJP president Bhupendra Chaudhary, and Shuklas family members, including his wife Kamna, mother Asha, and father Shambhu Shukla. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan was also present. Reflecting on his journey, Shukla said the excitement he witnessed in Delhi upon his arrival in India was doubled when he reached his hometown Lucknow. Coming home to such a heartfelt welcome was overwhelming. I am deeply grateful for the love and pride the people have shown towards me, he said. UP to launch scholarship in Shuklas name: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday announced a new scholarship in the name of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian man to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), which will support students from the state pursuing higher education in space technology. The announcement came during a felicitation ceremony for Shukla, who recently returned from the historic Axiom-4 mission to the. Serious unrest PAKISTAN-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan province is facing a fresh wave of unrest as thousands of police personnel, including women constables and officers, are engaged in a severe protest against the authorities for not releasing their allowances in time. This is, of course, not the first time that the Pakistan-occupied territory of Gilgit-Baltistan is facing such a situation. In the past also, the region saw many serious agitations with people rising to ask for their basic rights. As is typical with Pakistan, the authorities are least bothered about fulfilling their governance obligations, no matter how serious the grievances are. In the current case, the nearly complete Police force is up in arms against the Government for not paying the allowances of its personnel. If the Pakistani authorities do not consider this also as a serious matter, then they appear headed for an obvious doom. Thus, Pakistan is in the grip of trouble in three of its major provinces -- illegally-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, illegally-occupied Balochistan, and illegally-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan region. There is no solution in sight and all the Paki authorities appear to be doing is to suppress the voice of dissent and reason. The central allocation of funds to these areas is frugal, to say the least, and the attitude of the people in power is of extreme arrogance. This approach angers the locals all the more. The first point of a serious grudge is that Pakistan has occupied their regions illegally. The second grudge is that the Pakistani authorities care a damn for the illegally-occupied regions (thus leaving those areas in utter neglect of every kind. In most places, therefore, sort of freedom movement has risen above the ground and daring the authorities in every which the way. The intensity of the freedom movement may vary from region to region, all right. Yet, the Pakistans central authorities have begun realising that there are only remote chances of a successful repression of those freedom movements. If the Police personnel have risen against the authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan, then the region has already traversed into danger zone. For any Government or its agency, such a situation has all the potential to go to the dirtiest limits. For, when the cops are not motivated enough, then it is clear that even a small unrest among common people can get to dangerous proportions. That is what seems to be happening in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, and the province may face very serious issues of internal security. In Balochistan, the level of unrest has risen to an unimaginable level. Freedom-fighters have begun dominating vast areas of the Balochistan region. Their attacks on Pakistani armed forces have become too frequent and too well-planned and intense for the Pakistani troops to counter successfully. True, Pakistan has managed to get the Balochistan Liberation Army and one of its outfits -- the Majid Brigade -- proscribed by the United States Government. But this assertive approach by the Pakistani authorities also does not seem to have yielded good or desired results. Much to the contrary, the BLA appears not to have been affected by the distant American announcement. Moreover, the Baloch liberation struggle has begun stirring international opinion as well. Baloch ambassadors of goodwill are roaming the world to awaken the people to their cause. Even the United Nations has expressed serious concern over the atrocities and suppression of voice of freedom in Balochistan. All these development have made Pakistan an area under severe civil unrest -- and the Pakistani authorities appear clueless about finding solutions to the issue on hand. Those who have watched Pakistan for long now feel strongly that the country is on the verge of multiple cleavages in the next some years and may disintegrate eventually. Information about the occupation of the villages of Zaporizke and Novoheorhiyivka in Synelnyk district of Dnipropetrovsk region by Russian invaders is not true, the statement of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine says. "The Defense Forces of Ukraine have stopped the advance of the Russian invaders and continue to control the village of Zaporizke, despite all the efforts of the enemy, who is trying to capture this settlement. Active hostilities are also ongoing in the area of the village of Novoheorhiyivka, where our soldiers are inflicting significant losses on the enemy, destroying dozens of occupiers every day. Information about the occupation of both of these settlements by Russians is not true," the General Staff reported on Tuesday. EU defence ministers will discuss a number of topics, including military support for Ukraine from the EU, at an informal meeting of defence and foreign ministers, the so-called "Gymnich meeting," which will be held this year on August 28-30 in Copenhagen, according to the website of the Danish presidency of the Council of the EU. "The meeting of the ministers of defence is planned on 28 and 29 August. On August 28 the ministers are invited for a pre-event on defence followed by a social dinner at Frederiksberg Palace. The informal meeting is planned for the 29 August and will provide an opportunity for a strategic discussion of the EUs security and defence cooperation, particularly with regard to the EUs military support to Ukraine and defence readiness," the report notes. In particular, on August 29, working sessions will be held on EU military support for Ukraine, on European defense readiness, and then a working lunch on EU military missions and operations. Anitta Hipper, the official representative of the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said at a briefing in Brussels that at the Gymnich, they would discuss how to increase pressure on Russia, how to further support Ukraine so that it would be stable as possible. According to her, this was also the topic of discussion on August 25 in a telephone conversation between Kallas and a number of EU foreign ministers, as well as Ukraine, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Hipper added that the main principle of security guarantees remains Ukraine's ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and there should be no restrictions on this for the Ukrainian armed forces, in particular with regard to assistance from third countries. The meeting of foreign ministers is scheduled for August 29 and August 30. Four working sessions are scheduled for Saturday, their topics have not been announced. The historic Qutub Minar tower in New Delhi was illuminated in blue and yellow colors on the evening of August 23-24 in honor of National Flag Day (August 23) and Independence Day of Ukraine (August 24), the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of India reported. According to the diplomatic institution, the event became a symbol of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, photos and videos of the illumination were posted on the embassy's social media pages and on its website. Indian media also reported on the event: Ukrainian Ambassador to India Oleksandr Polischuk thanked the organizers, noting that the illumination is "another sign of support" for Ukraine. Previously, similar events of illuminating the Qutub Minar were held on the occasion of international dates and anniversaries, which makes the monument one of the platforms of public diplomacy in the Indian capital. The Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg) confirmed their joint determination to support Ukraine and will continue to provide humanitarian, military, financial, and political assistance to the country as long as necessary. This is noted in a joint statement following the results of the ministerial meeting between Ukraine and the Benelux countries, which took place in Odesa on August 26, 2025. "We, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Luxembourg and Belgium, and the Director General for European Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands, met in Odesa on 26 August 2025 for a high-level meeting in the Ukraine-Benelux format. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraines independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, including territorial waters," according to the statement, the text of which was posted on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on Tuesday. "We condemn Russias ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms and stand united with the people of Ukraine in their courageous defence of freedom, democracy, and the rules-based international order. We stress that Russias war of aggression must be ended immediately with the restoration of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace that ensures security and stability of Ukraine and Europe, based on the norms and principles of the international law," the statement notes. "Accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and its people is crucial. We therefore reaffirm our engagement in the process for the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. The Benelux countries will continue to support Ukraine in terms of humanitarian, military, financial, political and reconstruction assistance for as long as it takes. We are strongly committed to supporting Ukraine in meeting its financing needs and to assisting with Ukraines long-term recovery and reconstruction. We support all efforts to secure justice and reparation for victims. We will also continue to align with EU measures to uphold and impose restrictive measures against Russia," the statement notes. "Our joint visit to Odesa today reflects the unwavering support of the Benelux countries in ensuring the security of vital grain routes through the Black Sea, which are critical for global food security, regional stability and Ukraines economy," the statement notes. "We reiterate the inherent right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny based on the UN charter and international law. The Benelux countries reaffirm their commitment to supporting Ukraine on its path towards EU membership. The Benelux countries also reaffirm that Ukraines future is in NATO and that they will continue to guide it on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership," the statement notes. "We are dedicated to humanitarian priorities, including the safe return of all POWs and Ukrainian civilians, including children, forcibly displaced, transferred or deported by Russia. To this end, we endorse international initiatives and mechanisms, such as #BringKidsBackUA, to ensure justice and family reunification," the statement notes. "We agree to deepen our practical cooperation in priority areas such as security and defence, humanitarian demining, accountability, justice sector reform, energy resilience, trade and investment, connectivity, digital transformation, cyber-security, and combatting hybrid threats. We also emphasise the importance of Ukraines recovery and reconstruction process being transparent, inclusive, and based on sustainability and resilience," the statement notes. "The Ukraine-Benelux format underscores our shared commitment to supporting Ukraine and our commitment to regular dialogue and coordination, building on and complementing the strong, productive bilateral cooperation with each of the Benelux countries. We thank the city of Odesa for hosting this important meeting. We reaffirm our collective determination to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes," the statement notes. The statement has been signed by Andrii Sybiha - Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; Xavier Bettel - Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg; Maxime Prevot - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium; Heleen Bakker - Director General for European Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, breastfeeding is good for both mother and child. It says breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies, and as a baby grows, a mothers breast milk changes to meet the babys nutritional needs. FILE Belgium to provide Ukraine with several F-16s in coming months Foreign Minister Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official Belgium will provide Ukraine with several F-16 fighters in the coming months, the country's Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said. "We have already trained more than 3,000 Ukrainian soldiers, pilots and technicians. We will provide you with several F-16s in the coming months," he said at a press conference in Odesa on Tuesday. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/petroporoshenko MP, leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko considers the attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline infrastructure in the territory of the Russian Federation as long-awaited and emphasized that the operation of the oil pipeline financed the Russian Federation's military actions against Ukraine. "Finally, this damned Druzhba was stopped... Where the authorities don't listen, the military acts. And the result is obvious: for every day that the oil pipeline is shut down, Russia loses $20 million. This is money that should have been turned into missiles on Ukrainian cities and drones against our positions. If the authorities had stopped this Druzhba immediately, Putin would have already lost $15 billion. This is the 15 billion that the Kremlin threw into the war against Ukraine," Poroshenko wrote on Facebook. Deputy head of the Holos faction Yulia Sirko also expressed her belief in the need to stop the transit of oil via Druzhba. "I think that the supply of Russian oil through the territory of Ukraine should be stopped. A corresponding bill has even been registered about this," she said in a comment to the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Tuesday. According to information on the website of the Verkhovna Rada, the parliament has registered bill No. 12380 on the ban on the transit of oil and gas through the territory of Ukraine during martial law and two alternative bills, as well as draft resolution No. 12381 on an appeal to the Cabinet of Ministers to take urgent measures to stop the transit of Russian oil through the territory of Ukraine in the interests of protecting Ukraine's national security. The authors of both initiatives are Poroshenko and other MPs from European Solidarity. Head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation, Oleksandr Merezhko (Servant of the People faction), rejects Hungary's accusations against Ukraine of attacks on Druzhba's infrastructure and calls on the Hungarian side to put pressure on the Russian Federation. "This is a war, and all questions should be exclusively directed at Russia as an aggressor state. If Hungary has any questions, then the only possible and correct way out is to put pressure on Russia to stop its aggression and arm Ukraine. The key problem from which everything flows, including problems for Hungary, is Russian aggression against Ukraine," Merezhko said in a comment to the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Tuesday. As reported by the Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has again stated about alleged "threats to Hungary" from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on a meeting with the Chief of the Defence Staff of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Admiral Tony Radakin, and his successor, Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton. "We discussed further support for Ukraine: the situation on the front, the needs of our soldiers and the supply of necessary weapons, financing of Ukrainian drone production and joint projects. We also talked about diplomatic efforts to end the war and achieve real and sustainable peace. We must maximize the pace of work and ensure clarity and clarity in everything related to security guarantees. Therefore, we also talked in detail about the work of national security advisers on security guarantees for Ukraine and the work done within the Coalition of the Willing," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram following the meeting. Radakin and Knighton are visiting Kyiv. Radakin's last visit to Ukraine was in mid-July of this year. Luxembourg will not send troops to Ukraine, but is ready to join in supporting international forces in the field of satellite communications, said the country's Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel. "We have a very small army, we have less than 1,000 people, and, to be very frank, it could be symbolic - to say that we sent someone, but now my government no longer supports boots on the ground but boots in space. Because if there are military actions and the presence of European or international forces, or the Coalition of the Willing, they will also need telecommunications, and through satellites Luxembourg can provide satellite communications," he said at a press conference in Odesa on Tuesday. The minister also added that the country is ready to send its own communications specialists if necessary. Bettel also stressed the importance of humanitarian demining assistance. "I am also the Minister of Humanitarian Aid. And I decided that this is one of the most important things for me. So it is materials, but also training people on how to demine. Your country, I'm sorry to say this, I have been to Cambodia and Vietnam. They are still suffering 40 years later from mines that were planted. And I don't want your country to have victims for the next 40 or 50 years from mines planted by the enemy. And this is one of the biggest efforts, but we could talk about military aid, about humanitarian aid, and so on," he said. Belgium is ready to send its troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission after the ceasefire, said Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium Maxime Prevot. "Belgium is part of the Coalition of the Willing, so this means that when a ceasefire, a long-term ceasefire, is adopted, we are ready to participate in international forces with an international mandate," he said at a press conference in Odesa on Tuesday. The minister noted that he is currently discussing within the government, and with the Minister of Defense in particular, what kind of military support the country is ready to provide. Heleen Bakker, Director General for European Cooperation at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that her country was also planning to contribute to the Coalition of the Willing and was ready to accelerate the process if necessary. "The Netherlands has also been part of this Coalition of the Willing. In this context, the planning has been going on for several months. This is a process that requires a certain order, so the conditions have to be in place. If we move forward, of course, this process will be accelerated. For us, too, we have been looking at how we could contribute in the most effective way. This has to be approved by the government and is also part of the discussion with our parliament. We are ready to accelerate this process," she said. This week there will be contacts with Turkey, the Gulf countries and Europe, which can be platforms for talks with the Russian side, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. "This week there will be contacts with Turkey, there will be contacts with the Gulf countries, with the countries of Europe, which can be platforms for talks with the Russians. From our side, everything will be as ready as possible to end the war," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Tuesday. The president noted the importance of partners confirming this. According to him, in the future everything will depend solely on the will of world leaders, primarily the United States. "To put pressure on Russia, new steps are needed, new pressure, sanctions, tariffs. All of this must be on the table," he stressed. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/mykola.astapov Ukrainian electronics retailer Allo has opened the country's first official showroom for home appliance brand Roborock, Development and Format Management Director Mykola Astapov announced. Roborock is a global leader in the vacuum cleaner category and has successfully integrated artificial intelligence into its devices. "Artificial intelligence has entered our lives alongside a surge in smart gadgets. We are working in a very exciting market where devices are becoming smarter every day, helping users in their daily lives. Meet Ukraine's first official Roborock shop-in-shop in Dnipro, located inside the flagship Allo Max store in the Most-City mall!" Astapov wrote on Facebook. According to the Ukrainian Council of Shopping Centers, the Roborock showroom features its own signage, an entrance within the shopping mall, a central 3-meter demonstration area, and special surfaces allowing customers to test the brand's vacuum cleaners. Allo has been the exclusive official distributor of Roborock in Ukraine since early 2025. As of August 2025, the retail chain operates 286 stores in 118 Ukrainian cities. Allo LLC was founded in 1998. According to Opendatabot, its participants include PE Dniproinvest 2016 (95.19%), Dmytro Derevytsky (3.6%), and Maksym Raskin (1.21%). Derevytsky is listed as the ultimate beneficiary. The company's revenue in 2024 amounted to UAH 10.586 billion, up 38% from 2023. Net profit totaled UAH 27.133 million, a 31.6% increase year-on-year. 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. The US government on Monday officially issued a notice regarding the imposition of an additional 25 per cent tariffs on Indian imports, which is set to kick in on August 27. The notice, issued by the Department of Homeland Security, said that the new tariff was in response to "threats to the United States by the Government of the Russian Federation", and India was being targeted as part of that policy. "The duties set out in the Annex to this document are effective with respect to products of India that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 am Eastern Daylight Time on August 27, 2025," it read. The US Department of Homeland Security released a draft notice detailing plans to impose a 50% tariff on Indian products, as previously announced by US President Donald Trump (n/1) pic.twitter.com/ut4MuDJxN1 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 26, 2025 Earlier this month, Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on India, taking the total levy on Indian goods to the US to 50 per cent, citing Indias continued import of Russian oil. The new tariff has taken the India-US relations to an unprecedented low, with New Delhi terming Trumps decision unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. The tension also had an impact on the ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries, with a US delegation cancelling their visit to India scheduled for August 25. Both India and the US have already held five rounds of negotiations, with the most recent round of talks taking place in Washington, D.C., from July 14 to 18. No compromise, says India On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted Indias position that it would not compromise on interests of farmers, cattle-rearers, small-scale industries. My government will never compromise on your interests. No matter how much pressure comes, we will bear it. But, your interests will never be harmed," said the prime minister while addressing a gathering in Ahmedabad. Modi also pushed for the widespread use of swadeshi goods. "All of us should follow the mantra of buying only 'made in India' goods. Businessmen should keep a big board outside their establishments, saying they sell only 'swadeshi' goods," he stated. Zomato parent Eternal, which also owns Blinkit, Hyperpure, and District, recently revealed that it received three orders on Monday from the GST authority in Bengaluru, for a total demand of a little over Rs 40.3 crore. The three orders from the Joint GST Commissioner, Appeals-4, Bengaluru, included demands for the period from July 2017 to March 2020. The total GST demand was for around Rs 17.2 crore. The interest of Rs 21.4 crore was added, along with a penalty of Rs 1.7 crore, which brought the total to a little over Rs 40.3 crore. The company has received 3 orders on 25 August 2025 for the period July 2017 to March 2020 passed by Joint Commissioner, Appeals-4, Bengaluru, confirming total demand of GST of Rs 17,19,11,762 (Rupees seventeen crores nineteen lakhs eleven thousand seven hundred and sixty two only) with interest of Rs 21,42,14,791 (Rupees twenty one crores forty two lakhs fourteen thousand seven hundred and ninety one only) and penalty of Rs 1,71,91,177 (Rupees one crore seventy one lakhs ninety one thousand one hundred seventy seven only). Eternal, in its regulatory filing, stated that they had a strong case on merits, backed by the view from lawyers and that they would file appeals against the orders. According to the Zomato parent, the first order was regarding a short payment of output tax, the second and the third were on excess availment of input tax credit. Eternal reassured shareholders that it did not expect the GST notices to have any financial impact on the company. Photo: https://t.me/igorsmelyansky Ukrposhta will continue commercial postal deliveries to the United States following Washington's decision to impose a 10% customs levy on parcels valued up to $800. Delivery rates to the U.S. will rise on average by $1.5 to $3, Ukrposhta CEO Igor Smelyansky announced. "Rates for delivery to the U.S. will increase, but only enough to cover the costs of qualified agents who need to be involved in processing customs payments on average $1.5 to $3, depending on the category and weight of the parcel," Smelyansky wrote on his Telegram channel. He stressed that Washington required operators to collect customs payments in the country of origin, but Ukrposhta chose a different approach without introducing new fees. "We are absorbing all additional costs ourselves, including agreements with airlines, since many of them now refuse to accept mail bound for the United States," the CEO explained. The new framework takes effect August 26. In parallel, Ukrposhta is continuing work with the Universal Postal Union, the National Bank of Ukraine, the Ministry for Strategic Industries, and the Ministry of Economy to develop a sustainable operating model for Ukrainian exporters in light of the U.S. government's decision. "We ask customers not to play the 'lottery' by declaring their commercial parcels as 'gifts,' because U.S. customs checks will now be much stricter," Smelyansky cautioned, reminding senders that only documents and gifts valued up to $100 are exempt from the 10% levy. He added that Ukrposhta would strengthen controls at border facilities to prevent accusations of re-exporting goods from countries facing higher U.S. customs rates. According to Smelyansky, Ukrainian shippers will actually gain an advantage compared with competitors from most other countries, since Ukraine's levy rate is the lowest at 10%. For EU countries the rate is 15%, while for Switzerland it is 39%. Moreover, most European countries have suspended mail deliveries to the U.S. until customs procedures for the 10% levy are resolved. The Ministry for Strategic Industries reported that Ukrposhta handles about 350,000 export shipments per month for Ukrainian businesses. The largest volumes of orders for Ukrainian goods come from the United States, the UK, Germany, Canada, France, and Australia, with fully half of all exports going specifically to the United States. Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who presided over two multi-mission stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, each equipped with eight BrahMos missiles and featuring a suite of advanced weapons, on Tuesday, made an indirect reference to the US fifth-generation fighter jet F-35 and said India now has something similar. The defence minister said one country has F-35 flying in the air while the Indian Navy made "F-35 warship", INS Udaygiri, that sails on the sea with 'Made in India' technology. He was referring to the fact that Udaygiri holds the distinction of being the fastest ship of her class to be delivered post-launch. Multi-mission stealth frigates - INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri - commissioned into @indiannavy in the presence of Raksha Mantri @rajnathsingh in Vizag Equipped with next-gen weapons & systems, the ships to enhance Navys ability to safeguard national interests across full spectrum pic.twitter.com/GrFd87axdf PIB India (@PIB_India) August 26, 2025 Udaygiri is the second ship from Project 17A stealth frigates and was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. Speaking about the two frigates, Singh said, "These warships' weapons and sensor packages make them the unparalleled guardians of the sea. It has been told to me that these warships also include many advanced capabilities. These two warships, which can cover long distances, have advanced systems such as surface-to-surface air missiles, supersonic BrahMos missiles, torpedo launchers, combat management systems, and fire control systems." Attended the Commissioning Ceremony of Multi-mission stealth frigates - INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri in Visakhapatnam today. These frigates, which will enhance the capability of the Indian Navy, send a message that India is fully capable of protecting its maritime borders and is pic.twitter.com/jibzHurup7 Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 26, 2025 The the 100th and 101st warships designed in-house by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri follow INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the successor class to Project 17 (Shivalik class). The frigates, which have high indigenous content exceeding 75 per centincorporate improved stealth features, reduced radar signatures, advanced surveillance radars and electronic warfare suites, supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles and rapid-fire gun systems. Both frigates will join the Eastern Fleet under the Eastern Naval Command. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the allegation of mass burials in Karnatakas Dharmasthala carried out searches at the residence of activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarody in Ujire on Tuesday. The SIT move came days after the arrest of C.N. Chinnaiah, the complainant-witness in the case, on charges of perjury. According to officials, Thimarody had sheltered Chinnaiah in his house for the last two months. The investigators are trying to gather information and potential piece of evidence from his house that could help in the wider probe it has launched in the case. According to reports, Chinnaiah accompanied the SIT officials during the raids. Thimarody, the president of Rashtriya Hindu Jagaran Vedike, is currently out on bail after being arrested for allegedly making derogatory remarks against BJP's national general secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh. The Dharmasthala probe took an unexpected turn on August 23 after police arrested Chinnaiah, whose identity remained unknown till then, on charges of perjury. #WATCH | Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka: The whistleblower in the Dharmasthala case has been sent to SIT police custody for 10 days. Visuals from outside Belthangady Court. pic.twitter.com/AicSDr8XON ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2025 A local court in Belthangady sent him to ten days' police custody. A former sanitation worker, Chinnaiah claimed he had worked in Dharmasthala between 1995 and 2014, during which he was allegedly forced to bury several bodies, including those of women and minors. He alleged that some of the victims showed signs of sexual assault and had given a statement before a magistrate. As part of the probe, the SIT has been carrying out excavations at multiple sites identified by the complainant. Skeletal remains were recovered from two locations. However, during the investigations, the officials found inconsistencies in Chinnaiahs statements, following which his arrest was registered. While giving a statement before the magistrate in Belthangady on July 11, the complainant had produced a skull and a few bones, claiming to be that of a woman he had buried. He had also claimed that the woman had been sexually assaulted before her death. However, forensic reports indicated that the skeletal remains produced by the complainant were those of a man, an official said. In the wake of criticism from within the party for crooning a prayer song of the Rashtriya Swyam Sevak Sangh (RSS) in the state assembly, Karnataka Congress president and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Tuesday that he was ready to apologise. As a loyal Congressman I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings... If you want an apology, yes. For all the Congressmen and many political party friends of INDIA bloc they may be hurt, Shivakumar said, while talking to reporters in Bengaluru. The Congress leader reaffirmed his loyalty to the Gandhi family and said he had only made a "passing reference" in the assembly. "My loyalty to the Congress party and Gandhi family cannot be questioned by anyone. I'm a born Congressman, I will die as a Congressman, he further said. The incident took place on August 21 when Shivakumar surprised many by reciting a couple of lines from the RSS prayer song Namaste Sada Vatsale during a debate on the Chinnaswamy stadium stampede. VIDEO | Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) recited the RSS Sangha Prarthana, Namaste Sada Vatsale Matribhume, while addressing the Assembly yesterday. (Source: Third party) (Full VIDEO available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/2CNsemZaq4 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 22, 2025 His act, while being hailed by the BJP members, drew criticism from within the party. Senior Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad even questioned if Shivakumar was trying to impress someone. "We have no objection to Shivakumar reciting the prayer as the Deputy CM because a government belongs to all, including the RSS. If he said it as Congress president, he'll have to apologise," Hariprasad said. Meanwhile, as the controversy raged, another Congress MLA H.D. Ranganath said there was nothing wrong in singing the RSS song. "I read its meaning. It says we should salute the land where we are born. I see nothing wrong in that. Ours is a secular party, and we must accept good things from others, he said. The Supreme Court Collegiums new recommendation for elevation to the top court has sparked a fresh debate, not only on the principle of seniority but more sharply on the continuing neglect of senior women judges. At a time when the judiciary acknowledges the need to strengthen gender diversity, the exclusion of highly senior and qualified women judges underscores the persistent glass ceiling within Indias higher judiciary. Seniority bypassed Among those overlooked is Justice Sunita Agarwal, currently Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court, who was appointed as a judge on November 21, 2011. By all-India seniority, she ranks well above Justice Vipul Pancholi, who has now been recommended. Similarly, Justice Revati Prashant Mohite Dere of the Bombay High Court, appointed on June 21, 2013, and Justice Lisa Gill of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, appointed on March 31, 2014, are also senior to Justice Pancholi. The Collegiums decision to pass over these senior women judges once again raises uncomfortable questions. Record of womens representation The Supreme Court has had only 12 women judges in its 75-year history, with the first, Justice M. Fathima Beevi, appointed as late as 1989. Today, out of a sanctioned strength of 34, there is only one woman judge. Time and again, the Collegium has spoken of its commitment to increasing womens participation in the higher judiciary. Yet, the actual record of appointments shows little substantive progress. Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting held on August 25, recommends elevation of the two Chief Justices of the High Courts as judges in the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Collegium recommends Justice Alok Aradhe, Chief Justice of High Court of Bombay and Justice Vipul Manubhai pic.twitter.com/9DDG1mURGb DD News (@DDNewslive) August 25, 2025 The fact that women have to wait longer for recognition, even when they are more senior, also reflects an invisible ceiling that continues to hold back progress. Younger women entering the bar and judiciary see this pattern, and it sends a discouraging signal: hard work and merit may not be enough to break through systemic barriers. Why senior women judges matter The sidelining of women judges has implications beyond the careers of individuals. Representation in the judiciary is not a token gesture but a constitutional necessity. Courts decide issues that directly affect women, ranging from gender-based violence and workplace harassment to property rights and reproductive freedoms. The absence of a strong womens presence on the Bench not only dilutes perspectives but also weakens public trust in the judiciary as an inclusive institution. The opacity problem The Collegiums functioning adds to the perception of arbitrariness. Its resolutions usually cite broad terms such as merit or integrity, without spelling out why specific names were chosen or why seniors, particularly women, were passed over. If gender diversity is truly a criterion, it ought to be visible in the choices made. Instead, silence from the Collegium leaves the impression that senior women judges are deliberately or negligently excluded. Transparency would demand that the Collegium articulate reasons, especially when ignoring women with clear seniority. Such reasoning would not only enhance accountability but also demonstrate that diversity is a lived value rather than a rhetorical flourish. The way forward If the judiciary is to match its own rhetoric on equality, the Collegium must adopt conscious diversity practices. This includes ensuring every round of appointments considers senior women judges across High Courts. Making gender representation a decisive factor alongside merit and integrity and publishing detailed reasons when senior women are overlooked, to dispel doubts of bias. The Supreme Court cannot afford to appear indifferent to womens representation, especially when public trust hinges on its image as a fair and progressive institution. The presence of more women judges is not only about numbers but about shaping jurisprudence that is inclusive, empathetic, and reflective of Indias constitutional values. Until such steps are taken, every appointment that sidelines senior women judges will remain a reminder of the distance the judiciary still has to travel in breaking its own glass ceiling. The weather department has issued an alert for the next five days for Mumbai, warning of moderate to heavy rains with strong winds for the next five days. The IMD alert comes as Mumbai braces to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, which will begin on Wednesday. According to the Indian Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert has been issued in Thane, Raigad, and Palghar districts along with Mumbai till Wednesday. This alert will remain in force till August 29 in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. The city has been receiving showers on Monday and Tuesday, causing waterlogging in certain parts. According to the IMD, the city's weather will be generally cloudy on Wednesday. There will be moderate rains in the city and suburbs along with occasional strong winds. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 28 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature around 24 degrees Celsius. High tide There is also a high tide warning on Wednesday at 2:05 pm, where the waves will reach 4.04 metres. This will be followed by a low tide at 7:35 am, reaching 1.38 metres, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Authorities have advised coastal residents and travellers to remain alert and follow safety guidelines due to heavy rainfall and tidal fluctuations. Reasons for sudden climatic change The IMD attributes to the sudden onset of showers to the low pressure system formed in the Bay of Bengal. This is causing intermittent heavy rains in the entire Konkan region. The low pressure area is also resulting in sporadic rains with heavy rains at some places in Mumbai and the surrounding districts this week. Fresh evidence, including a hospital memo citing a gas cylinder blast, CCTV footage of husband Vipin Bhati outside the house during the incident and individual statements, has deepened the mystery in the suspected dowry murder of 26-year-old Nikki Bhati. Nikki Bhati was allegedly set ablaze in Greater Noida's Sirsa village on August 21. The memo from the private hospital where Nikki was first admitted states in Hindi: "Ghar par gas cylinder fatne se mareej ko kaafi gambheer roop se jal gaya hai" (The patient has suffered severe burn injuries due to a gas cylinder explosion at home.)" It further adds that Nikki was brought in by Devendra, a relative (bua's son), and was in critical condition. Noida Dowry Case | Exclusive: Hospital memo claims that Nikki Bhati was baldy burnt due to a cylinder blast at home. pic.twitter.com/MhgS9wiaDU Asawari Jindal (@AsawariJindal15) August 26, 2025 Besides, a CCTV clip from outside a shop near the Bhati family's home, claimed to be of the time when the incident happened, shows a man, identified by locals as Vipin, standing behind a parked car, suddenly running and then hurrying back. Moments later, an elderly man and neighbours are seen rushing towards the house and the women appear visibly panicked. Police said the footage is part of the ongoing investigation. However, they stressed that the authenticity of the footage is yet to be ascertained. "It is a part of our investigation. Whatever facts come out, action will be taken accordingly. The investigation will cover all possible angles and suitable action will follow upon its completion," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Greater Noida) Sudheer Kumar told news agency PTI. According to police, Nikki was beaten, doused in a flammable liquid, and set on fire at her Sirsa home. She succumbed to her injuries while being taken to a Delhi hospital. Disturbing videos of her final moments, reportedly filmed by her elder sister Kanchan, have been widely circulated online. Police have already arrestdd Vipin Bhati, his parents Satveer and Daya, and brother Rohit in connection with the incident. Vipin was shot in the leg on Sunday while allegedly trying to escape police custody. Contradicting claims While the hospital memo cites gas cylinder explosion, the victim's sister, Kanchan, according to the FIR, alleged that Nikki was deliberately set ablaze. "My mother-in-law Daya gave Vipin a flammable item, then Vipin poured it on my sister Nikki," Kanchan claimed. "When I objected, they beat me, and at that moment, my husband Rohit, mother-in-law Daya, and father-in-law Satveer were present." "The incident was at about 5:30 pm on August 21. The condition of my sister was serious, so with the help of a neighbour, I took her to Fortis Hospital, Acchher, Greater Noida. From there, she was referred to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi." However, Devendra, Vipin's cousin, said that Vipin and his father were at the shop around 5:45 PM. "I saw Vipin, he ran very fast towards home and returned very soon. He told me about the incident," he said. "After that I took Nikki to Fortis hospital, along with Vipin's father and mother. In the car, Nikki was only asking for water. She was also saying that she was feeling suffocated," Devendra added, noting that the CCTV footage corroborated Vipin's presence at the shop moments earlier. Demand for strictest punishment Meanwhile, Nikki's father, Bhikari Singh, sought the harshest punishment for Vipin. "Their house should be bulldozed and he should be hanged," Singh said, making an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for justice. He said Nikki's alleged killing was linked to her and her sister's social media activity, claiming, "Vipin's mother used Instagram too, reels are not the reason for the killing of Nikki." "I gave Rs 1.5 lakh to my daughters to open a beauty parlour. My daughters were running the parlour and educating their children," he said. Police said all leads, including the hospital memo, FIR statements, and CCTV footage, are being thoroughly examined. With PTI inputs In what could be a fresh twist in the alleged murder of Nikki Bhati by her husband and Vipin Bhati, a media report claims that the recovery of inflammable items from the room of the deceased has forced the police to look at new angles in the case. The police had said on August 21, Nikki (26) was allegedly beaten, doused with a flammable liquid, and set on fire by her husband and in-laws at their Sirsa home in Greater Noida. She succumbed to her injuries while being taken to a hospital in Delhi. Disturbing visuals of Nikki's final moments, including one showing her engulfed in flames, have been doing the rounds on social media. The videos were reportedly filmed by her sister, Kanchan. According to a News18 report, the police are now looking for scanning CCTV footage and videos that have surfaced after the initial phase of questioning. #WATCH | Greater Noida: Accused of murdering his wife Nikki over dowry demands, Vipin Bhati says, "... I have no remorse. I haven't killed her. She died on her own. Husband and wife often have fights, it is very common..." pic.twitter.com/YrPFaYARuY ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2025 Official sources told News18 that an inflammable solution was found in Nikkis room, suggesting the possibility of self-immolation. The substance that was recovered from the room has been sent for forensic evaluation. The police are also planning to re-examine the statement of Kanchan. Meanwhile, CCTV footage emerged purportedly showing Vipin Bhati standing at a shop near his home on August 21, the day his wife was allegedly murdered. The footage from outside a shop near the Bhati family's home shows a youth, who locals claimed was Vipin, standing behind a car and then suddenly running. A few moments later, he returns and hurries towards the car parked nearby. Soon after, an elderly man and several locals are seen rushing toward the Bhatis' residence, while women from the neighbourhood appear visibly panicked. #WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka | On the Greater Noida dowry murder case, ex-IPS officer Kiran Bedi says, "He (Nikki's husband Vipin Bhati) deserves to be hanged. It's an open and shut case for investigation. Investigation can be completed within a few weeks, and the hanging can pic.twitter.com/sU3Vti8lgk ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2025 Police said the video has been taken into account in the ongoing investigation and stressed that conclusions will be drawn only after verifying all facts. "It is a part of our investigation. Whatever facts come out, action will be taken accordingly. The investigation will cover all possible angles and suitable action will follow upon its completion," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Greater Noida) Sudheer Kumar told PTI. Police are yet to ascertain the authenticity of the video. With PTI inputs The Supreme Court has ordered a Special Investigation Team to conduct a fact finding inquiry into Vantara, an initiative run and owned by the Reliance Foundation, on August 25. The fact-finding committee will inquire about the foundations Green Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. On Tuesday, the foundation reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and animal welfare. What are the allegations against Vantara? Vantara is a wildlife rescue, treatment, rehabilitation centre developed by Vantara Reliance as part of their large-scale conservation efforts over a land that stretches over 3,000 acres. The centre houses more 2,000 animals. Inaugurated Vantara, a unique wildlife conservation, rescue and rehabilitation initiative, which provides a safe haven for animals while promoting ecological sustainability and wildlife welfare. I commend Anant Ambani and his entire team for this very compassionate effort. pic.twitter.com/NeNjy5LnkO Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2025 The fact-finding committee is seeking a report from the foundation for allegations regarding its acquisition of animals from India and abroad, particularly of elephants. The SIT will also look into the company's compliance with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, along with the provisions of the law regarding the trade in animals and animal articles. It will also check whether the foundation complies with the standard of animal welfare and husbandry, veterinary care, mortality data, and wildlife trade. There were additional complaints over the foundation's alleged misutilisation of water and carbon credits, and concerns about the facility's location, which is said to be close to an industrial zone. The SIT will also be looking into issues of financial compliance, money laundering, etc. The fact-finding inquiry is based on two petitions filed by advocate CR Jaya Sukin and Dev Sharma. The multiple allegations are said to have been based just on newspaper reports and are not considered to be backed by evidence. On this, the Supreme Court said, a petition resting on such unsupported allegations does not deserve in law to be entertained, rather warrants dismissal in limine. Vantara has put out a statement that said, "We acknowledge the order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court with utmost regard. Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion, and full compliance with the law." They also said, "Our mission and focus continue to be the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of animals. We will extend full cooperation to the Special Investigation Team and continue our work sincerely, always placing the welfare of animals at the heart of all our efforts." A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and P B Varale appointed the four-member SIT after hearing two public interest litigations which cited media reports, social media posts, and other complaints from NGOs and wildlife organisations. The SIT will be headed by former Supreme Court justice Jasti Chelameswar, and he has been directed to submit a report by September 12. Other members include former high court chief justice Raghavendra Chauhan, former Mumbai Police Commissioner Hemant Nagrale, and Additional Commissioner, Customs, Anish Gupta. The bench noted that while the allegations were unverified, an independent assessment was necessary in the ends of justice. They clarified that the exercise is just for fact-finding and does not cast doubts on statutory authorities or Vantara. The latest diplomatic push to disarm Hezbollah marks a critical turning point in the uneasy relationship between Israel and Lebanon, with the United States working at the centre of the effort. Following visits by American envoys Thomas Barrack and Morgan Ortagus, Beirut has set itself the goal of disarming Hezbollah by the end of this year. A risky bet Lebanons cabinet, led by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, has approved a plan that promises to restore the states monopoly over force. Officials describe the move as a chance to reclaim sovereignty and strengthen institutions free from the shadow of non-state militias. The roadmap envisions a phased handover of weapons by armed groups. There have already been tentative signs of progress. Some members of the group Fatah in the Burj al-Barajneh refugee camp have handed over arms, though several Palestinian factions remain hostile to disarmament. The task will be harder with Hezbollah, whose arsenal and political influence dwarf those of any other group in the country. Lebanon also faces immense financial pressures. International support for post-war reconstruction, after more than $11 billion in damages, is expected to depend heavily on Hezbollah being disarmed. Israels conditional welcome Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautiously welcomed the Lebanese decision, calling it an important step. He has promised a gradual reduction of Israeli army presence in southern Lebanon Hezbollah is disarmed and the Lebanese army can take charge. Israel wants a US-led security framework to oversee the process. Yet Israels demands go further. It insists that destroyed border villages remain uninhabited and be converted into an industrial buffer zone. Despite a ceasefire brokered last November, Israel continues to hold positions in southern Lebanon and to carry out strikes against what it describes as Hezbollah targets. Israeli officials argue that Hezbollah is trying to rebuild its military network and point to the displacement of tens of thousands of northern Israeli residents during the war as justification for keeping pressure on the group. Since the ceasefire, the Israeli military says it has conducted more than 500 airstrikes that killed at least 230 Hezbollah operatives. Hezbollahs defiance For Hezbollah, the decision by the Lebanese government is unacceptable. The group, which has held on to its weapons since the civil war, insists that its arsenal is essential for defending Lebanon against Israel. Its leader Naim Kassem has vowed to resist disarmament, declaring that laying down arms would be like giving up the groups very soul. Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement, have denounced the governments plan and called for mass protests. The group also disputes the interpretation of the ceasefire. Hezbollah claims it has complied by withdrawing fighters and weapons from the area south of the Litani River, while Israel and the United States argue that the agreement requires the groups disarmament across all of Lebanon. Before even considering talks on surrendering weapons, Hezbollah has demanded that Israel fully withdraw from Lebanese territory, end its strikes, release prisoners and support reconstruction. The weight of US diplomacy At the heart of this effort is US envoy Thomas Barrack, who is attempting to mediate not only between Israel and Lebanon but also with Syria in pursuit of a wider security arrangement. He has pressed Israel to limit its strikes and to prepare for a withdrawal from the remaining outposts in Lebanon, arguing that Beirut has already taken a significant step by committing to disarm Hezbollah. American officials have warned Israel that continued military action could undermine Lebanese efforts and risk triggering another round of conflict. Resistance and uncertainty Israels northern communities like Kiryat Shmona have voiced sharp opposition to any reduction of the military presence across the border. They call the move premature and say that they could face renewed attacks. The Hamas-led attack of October 2023 still shapes their fears that an Israeli withdrawal could invite more attacks. In the absence of proper security guarantees, many of them are still not prepared to return to their homes along the border. While Lebanon views disarmament as an opportunity to regain sovereignty and secure aid, for Israel, it offers security on its northern border. Hezbollah, however, could emerge as a loser since the move could possibly erase its identity as a resistance movement against Israel. Ismael El Mayo Zambada Garciathe 77-year-old nefarious for his role in co-founding Mexicos Sinaloa cartelon Monday pleaded guilty in a US federal court, ending his decades-long reign as one of the worlds most-wanted drug lords. He admitted leading the highly successful criminal enterprise and participating in the trafficking of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States. I recognize the great harm illegal drugs have done to the people in the United States and Mexico ... I apologise for all of it, and I take responsibility for my actions," he said through a Spanish-language interpreter, as per a CNN report. With todays guilty pleas, El Mayo Zambada Garcia and El Chapo Guzman, the two co-founders of the Sinaloa Cartelone of the largest, most violent and most destructive cartels in historywill live out the rest of their days in US federal prison cells without the possibility of parole, said US Attorney Joseph Nocella for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY), according to a press release from the US Department of Justice. As part of the deal, he will forfeit $15 billion: one of the largest criminal forfeitures ever sought. By pleading guilty, Zambada is expected to receive a more lenient sentence. Aged well over 70 and a shadow of his former self, it is possible that he may have realised it was probably futile to continue battling the case by pleading innocence, especially after Guzman's life sentencing in 2019. However, El Mayo was a different man in his primefor about 50 years, the cold and calculating drug lord reportedly evaded arrest and capture, during which time his narcotics trade boomed. El Chapo, however, was not so lucky, but still famously managed to break out of prison twice (2001 and 2015). The downfall of 'El Mayo' What caused the drug lord's downfall then? The circumstances of Zambadas capture read like a cartel thrillerand remain hotly disputed. As per the prevailing version of the story according to US officials, Joaquin Guzman Lopez (El Chapos son), lured his fathers former ally onto a private plane under the cunning pretense of inspecting real estate in northern Mexico. However, the flight was diverted to El Paso, where Zambada was arrested. After the arrest, he later claimed in court that he had been ambushed at what he thought was a meeting and forcibly taken to El Paso, as per a Reuters report. With Zambada's admission of his crimes in court on Monday, the 50-year reign of the Sinaloa stalwart comes to an end. In return, US prosecutors confirmed that they would not try for the death penalty. Shanghai Spirit resonates across China-proposed global initiatives, says Kyrgyz expert Xinhua) 08:30, August 26, 2025 People pose for photos outside the venue of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) International Investment and Trade Expo in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, July 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) BISHKEK, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed global initiatives fully embody the principles of the Shanghai Spirit, the guiding philosophy of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a Kyrgyz expert has told Xinhua. Mars Sariev, a political scientist from Kyrgyzstan and an expert on Central Asian issues, said the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative reflect the Shanghai Spirit, which is founded on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and the pursuit of common development. Depicting the Shanghai Spirit as the ideological and value-based foundation of the SCO, Sariev said that its essential unity with the three global initiatives lies in their shared vision of promoting a fair and sustainable world order. "These initiatives focus on sustainable development, peaceful coexistence and respect for cultures and sovereignty, which echoes the SCO approaches," he said. Guests attend the opening ceremony of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Forum in north China's Tianjin, July 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ran) As a practical example, Sariev pointed to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), in which nearly all SCO members participate. "China is actively developing infrastructure, logistics, cultural and humanitarian ties, providing the countries of the region, including Kyrgyzstan, with opportunities to participate in transnational projects and integrate into the Eurasian space," he noted. Sariev also highlighted the SCO's role as a genuine platform for amplifying the voice of the Global South. In today's multipolar world, he said, developing countries seek to defend their interests independently, without reliance on traditional power centers. He further observed that the SCO's expansion to include more Global South members amplifies the voice of developing countries on the world stage, helping reshape global governance toward a more balanced order. Cultural and media cooperation has also flourished within the SCO, with joint film productions, translation projects of classical literature and collaborative museum exhibitions. These projects, Sariev said, "create a common cultural space in which the historical interconnection of the peoples of Eurasia becomes a living part of modernity." He added that cultural exchanges lay the foundation for long-term trust and sustainable cooperation while fostering respect for the diversity, historical heritage and cultural achievements of other countries among younger generations. On the upcoming SCO summit in Tianjin, China, Sariev expressed high expectations for deepening cooperation in key areas, including economic integration, regional security coordination, and the promotion of environmental and digital initiatives. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) US President Donald Trump on Monday warned that there would be great consequences if Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy fail to hold talks to end the ongoing war. Trump reiterated his claim that the conflict would not have happened if he were the president in 2022. There will be great consequences... This war would have never taken place if I were President... We will see what happens over the next week or two, and at that point I will step in very strongly, the President said. #WATCH | Washington DC | On being asked if there will be consequences if Russian and Ukrainian Presidents don't meet, US President Donald Trump says, "... There will be great consequences... This war would have never taken place if I were President... We will see what happens pic.twitter.com/FsSgVJ8gDg ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2025 Trumps assertion came days after he claimed that he would take a very important decision in the next two weeks on the Russia-Ukraine war, indicating that the US administration is likely to impose massive sanctions on Moscow. "In two weeks, we are going to know which way I am going because I'm going to go one way or another. It's going to be a very important decision. I'm going to decide whether it's not massive sanctions or massive tariffs or both, or do we do nothing and say it's your fight?, he had said. His statement came in the wake of his meeting with Zelenskyy and other European leaders at the White House, days after his Alaska summit with Putin. After the meeting, Trump wrote on social media that has begun arrangements for a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy to discuss a pathway to end the brutal war. I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy, he said. Jamshedpur, Aug 26 (PTI) The imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports by the United States, linked to India's discounted imports of Russian crude oil, reflects a geopolitical manoeuvre rather than a legitimate economic policy, said Professor Trilochan Tripathy of XLRI Jamshedpur. The tariff escalation is expected to disrupt bilateral trade flows, serving more as a tool of hegemonic arm-twisting than a neutral policy adjustment, he said. "The structure of these tariffs indicates a strategic attempt to re-align US trade interests, disproportionately disadvantaging India," Prof Tripathy remarked. India now faces a significant economic challenge that goes beyond an immediate dip in export volumes, he said and added that the steep tariff hike, raising duties to 50 per cent on Indian goods while cutting tariffs for competitors to 15-20 per cent could erode India's global competitiveness and strain its macroeconomic fundamentals. "This policy shift redistributes market share to countries such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Mexico," the Finance faculty member of Xavier School of Management explained. "The intent appears less about trade correction and more about punitive targeting of India," he said, adding, however, unlike in previous decades, India enters this challenging phase with increased resilience as the country has developed a diversified export base and strengthened its trade relations across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. "Financial markets have responded unevenly," said Prof Tripathy. While the tariff hike could shave off 0.3 to 0.5 percentage points from GDP growth, India's robust domestic demand and a strong services trade surplus provide essential buffers, he said. The US tariffs have effectively doubled duties across a broad spectrum of Indian exports, with sharp increases in sensitive sectors. Labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, leather, gems and jewellery, and engineering goods are particularly vulnerable, he said and added that competitor nations, including Vietnam, Bangladesh, Thailand, Turkey, and Mexico, are well-positioned to gain market share. Auto components face potential substitution under the framework, while key agri-exports like basmati rice and shrimp may be displaced by suppliers from Ecuador and Vietnam. Although India's IT services sector remains unaffected, its positive contribution may only partially offset broader export declines, Prof Tripathy said and also highlighted the counterproductive effects on US firms. "These tariffs will raise input costs for American companies, strain profit margins, and disrupt existing supply chains with long-term inefficiencies even if the policy is reversed later," he said, adding despite the immediate challenges, India's growing trade diversification across West Asia, Africa, Southeast Asia, and deepening engagements with the EU, UK, and UAE provide important avenues for strategic rebalancing. The "Make in India" initiative continues to expand the country's industrial capacity and supports its long-term export ambitions, he said, adding that India must now adopt a pragmatic, multi-pronged strategy and reduce its export dependence on the US to below 10 per cent in the medium term. "The task ahead is to convert this short-term economic pressure into long-term strategic positioning through deeper alliances, energy security, and macroeconomic resilience," he said. Kathmandu, Aug 26 (PTI) Hindu women across Nepal on Tuesday celebrated the festival of Haritalika Teej with fasting, prayers, and worship of Lord Shiva, seeking well-being, prosperity and longevity for their families. Married women marked the occasion by adorning themselves with red saris, glass-beaded necklaces (Pote), gold ornaments (Tilahari) and Sindoor (vermilion), symbols of good fortune. Many unmarried girls also kept fasts, praying for a suitable husband. Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli greeted the people on the occasion, describing Teej as a festival rooted in devotion, restraint and self-discipline. Taking to social media, he said Teej symbolised reverence, courtesy and kindness, and reflected the fragrance of Nepals joint family culture. He also wished for harmony in society and happiness in family life. Major Shiva temples, including the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, witnessed massive gatherings of women devotees, many of whom danced and sang throughout the day. Observed on the third day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Bhadra, the three-day festival began with Dar -- a feast of rice pudding, fruits, sweets, curd and other delicacies -- on the eve of Teej. On the main day, women observe fasting, take ritual baths in the morning and perform evening worship dedicated to Lord Shiva, lighting oil-fed lamps and staying awake through the night. The festival, widely seen as a celebration of womanhood and sisterhood, is marked by jubilant singing and dancing as sisters gather at their parental homes. Mario Draghi, former Italian prime minister and ex-chief of the European Central Bank, has a neat way with words. His famous whatever it takes pledge in 2012 to preserve the euro during Europes sovereign debt crisis will be remembered as the turning point. Draghi has been firing his big bazooka again. His latest salvo came in a recent speech given in Italy, warning that Europe must face up to a harsh reality that it is no longer a major global power. For years, he said, the European Union believed that its economic size, with 450m consumers, brought with it geopolitical power and influence in international trade relations, adding: This year will be remembered as the year in which this illusion evaporated. Tough words indeed. Draghi was referring to the brutal wake-up call that followed the EUs hopeless negotiations with Donald Trump which saw the US imposing 15 per cent tariffs on all European goods, and 50 per cent on steel and aluminium. And what did the EU agree to? Well, to eliminate all tariffs on US goods, open up its markets to American cars and agricultural products and not to apply its anti-trust policies to US tech companies. Nul points. Wake-up call: Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi (pictured) says Europe must face up to the reality that it is no longer a major global power Again, Draghi is calling on Europe to reform and revamp its sclerotic economies, to become more competitive if it is to become a major player again in what he describes as this existential crisis. On that we can agree. Europe is not in a good place, and that includes the UK. We may not be in the EU but we share many of the same problems: high welfare spending, high taxes, high immigration, low if no growth, an increasingly anti-entrepreneurial mindset in ever tighter regulatory environments. Foolishly, the answers to these problems are the same too, whether they come from the governing parties or opposition ones. Higher taxes. And yet more taxes the latest fanciful idea doing the rounds is for even heavier wealth taxes. At least the French prime minister, Francois Bayrou, is bold enough to raise the ante in his attempt to get his 44billion of budget cuts through the National Assembly. Not surprisingly, his call for a vote of confidence on September 8 has spooked the markets, driving up French ten-year bond yields over 3 per cent and sending shares down on fears that weeks of instability lie ahead. Bayrou made the call ahead of planned national protests by the Bloquons Tout (Block Everything) movement which is backed by the unions and Jean-Luc Melenchons Left-wing party, France Unbowed. A recent poll found that the grassroots protests are backed by two out of three French people. As expected, the opposition parties say they will oust Bayrou and his minority government when it comes to the vote. Melenchon has thrown fuel on the fire by calling for President Macrons impeachment. If Bayrou doesnt put together a deal with the opposition over the budget cuts, then inevitably France will be forced into another snap election. But Bayrou, who is backed by Macron, said while the vote is risky, its even riskier not to do anything. Like most European countries, France is laden with debt. Its budget deficit last year was 5.8 per cent of GDP, and growing. It is highly unlikely, but there is even speculation that France, like Britain, will be forced to ask the International Monetary Fund to intervene if the financial markets keep driving up the cost of borrowing. Maybe this would be the deus ex machina moment required in both countries to snap politicians out of their slumber? Eye-watering Beckham Every 30 seconds, Victoria Beckham sells one of her Satin Kajal Liners thats an eyeliner to you and me which costs a cool 32 a shot. It is one of many best-selling products in VBs fashion-to-beauty line which has topped 100million in sales for the first time. All credit to Victoria Beckham whose dabbling in business was scorned as being a celebrity vanity project built off the legs of her husbands fame. Yet she has more than proved her mettle, earning kudos from the snobbier Paris fashionistas for her design talents. Shes also expanding at a time when even the luxury market is being squeezed. As the former Spice Girl would have sung, time to Spice Up Your Life. Two thirds of electric car drivers say they've had to queue for more than 10 minutes to use a public charging point in the past year due to a lack of infrastructure. It comes in the wake of the latest industry figures showing a slowdown in new charger installations in 2025, with an average of 50 devices added to the network per day in the first seven months of the year. This is down from an average of 54 daily installations recorded in 2024. Direct Line, which polled 1,000 EV owners, found the average delay to use a public charging device is 22 minutes. However, some said they've had to sit in queues for up to two hours at locations where demand is highest - namely motorway service stations during busy holiday periods. This is being exacerbated by non-EV drivers parking in charging bays, or owners of plug-in cars taking up the dedicated spaces but not using the devices at the time. The insurer said the results of the poll highlight the 'significant challenges with public charging infrastructure', despite the Government's promises to fund an expanding network of devices across the country. Two-thirds of EV owners say they've had to wait for over 10 minutes for a device to become available as Government oversees a slowdown in charger installations in 2025 Almost three quarters (74 per cent) of those surveyed said they have witnessed public charging bays being blocked by cars not plugged in. Over three in five (64 per cent) also complained of chargers being faulty or out of order, limiting the number of devices available. Four out of five said when planning longer journeys they look for destinations they can reach without needing to recharge en-route. Matt Pernet, head of Direct Line Motor Insurance, said: 'Reliable and accessible charging is crucial for confidence and convenience among EV drivers. 'The summer holidays are well under way and these statistics show how many people would have planned their route based on the need to charge their vehicle. 'For EV drivers, being prepared is crucial: plan your route, find where the charging facilities are and consider where they may be busiest.' Direct Line, which polled 1,000 EV owners, found that the average delay to use a public charging device is 22 minutes Some EV owners said they've had to sit in queues for up to two hours at locations where demand is highest - namely motorway service stations during busy holiday periods Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at Which?, said EVs perform well in their tests and owners tell the consumer group they're happy with the vehicles themselves, however, the lack of public charge points is a 'major setback'. Half of non-EV drivers have also told the watchdog that a poor charging infrastructure is what's most putting them off considering buying an electric car. 'To support the 2030 target for a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, the Government and charge point operators must work together to ensure drivers have confidence they can recharge their EV when they need to and this includes holidays and road trips to attractions like theme parks and other places of interest. 'Until charging is easy and reliable, fewer people will want to make the move to an electric car,' Concha said. Delvin Lane, the chief executive of public charger network InstaVolt, said: 'We empathise with EV drivers who experience challenges when charging. 'Across the UK there are now more than 84,000 public charging points, with the network growing by around two new chargers every hour.' Electric car owners say they are forced to wait for chargers because non-EV drivers are parking in charging bays Government's mixed messaging on EVs The Government has pledged to ban the sale of new fully petrol or diesel cars and vans from 2030. Last month, ministers announced a new 63million investment package to 'supercharge Britains EV infrastructure'. Some 25million of the fund is to back a scheme for local authorities to install innovative cross-pavement channels to allow EV owners to run charging cables across the footpath without creating a trip hazard. This will provide those living in terraced houses and properties with no off-street parking access to cheaper domestic energy rates. They also confirmed that new road signage will be added to point EV drivers in the direction of charging hubs on motorways and A-roads. The spending is part of a 400million support package to bolster the charging network announced in the latest Spending Review. However, latest industry figures show there's been a slowdown in the volume of new device installations across Britain this year. Some 10,519 public chargers were installed during the first seven months of the year or just under 50 per day. This is below the 54 a day built last year and will fuel fears that the EV revolution targeted by ministers in a push to Net Zero has stalled. Latest industry figures show a slowdown in new charger installations in 2025, which has seen an average of 50 devices added to the network per day in the first seven months of the year. This is down from an average of 54 daily installations recorded in 2024 Quentin Willson, the former Top Gear presenter and founder of the EV campaign group Fair Charge, said: 'The Government needs to do more to reassure combustion car drivers that they will be able to charge their EVs if they switch to electric. 'Labour had plenty of time in opposition to craft a long-term EV strategy, but since coming into office they've wasted over a year creating hollow headlines but little meaningful EV policy. 'The front bench don't drive, own or charge EVs, but expect drivers to switch. If they'd showed leadership by example, perhaps we'd have the charging infrastructure Britain needs.' With some 84,218 public charging points available across the country to date, Britain needs to add around 130 devices per day to reach a target of having 300,000 public charging points by 2030. With 50 new chargers being brought into the network per day on average, it would appear that ministers are set to miss out on this target, despite recent claims to the contrary. The slowdown in charger installations has been highlighted as a reason demand for electric cars has dwindled in recent months. Drivers have also been put off by the high price of EVs, which are typically more expensive than petrol and diesel alternatives. With some 84,218 public charging points available across the country to date, Britain needs to add around 130 devices per day to reach a target of having 300,000 public charging points by 2030 Get 20 off an MOT: This is Money Motoring Club The This is Money Motoring Club is designed to make car ownership cheaper and simpler for This is Money and MailOnline readers. Powered by MotorEasy it's the place to keep on top of tax, MOTs and servicing - and manage important documents and receipts that keep your cars value. You can also save money on maintenance and repairs. All new members will receive a one-off gift of 20 in reward vouchers to spend. You can use this for a raft of motoring discounts, including getting 20 off an MOT with one of MotorEasy's listed providers. > Find out more about the This is Money Motoring Club The Government this summer announced its new Electric Car Grant to give motorists up to 3,750 to switch to EVs in a desperate bid to boost demand to meet net zero targets. However, of the 22 models currently confirmed for the scheme, none receive the full 3,750 discount. Instead, strict sustainability targets set out by ministers - which is based on the emissions output of battery production, assembly of the cars and the carbon demand of the local grid - have limited all qualifying EVs so far to a saving of 1,500. Chinese brands are unlikely to be eligible for the discounts at all due to the country's reliance on coal-powered energy. The grant also comes just months after the Chancellor introduced car tax for EVs for the first time ever, charging existing owners 195 per year for the standard rate of Vehicle Excise Duty. Conservative transport spokesman Richard Holden has accused the Government of 'hammering drivers with tax hikes' and leaving 'Britain parked on the hard shoulder of the global economy'. He added: 'Labour's net zero car plan is running on empty. Families were told electric cars would be affordable and practical, but with rising costs and nowhere to charge them, that's clearly nonsense.' A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: 'We're investing over 4billion to accelerate the switch to EVs. 'With a further 63million confirmed in July for charging infrastructure and nearly 20,000 public chargers added to the network last year, there's never been a better time to switch.' DR Peppers owner is buying a European coffee company for 13billion as it plans to take on Nestle. Keurig Dr Peppers takeover of JDE Peets will lead to the break-up of the US firm into a soft drinks group and a coffee specialist. The coffee arm would be on a similar scale to market leader Nestle. The deal comes amid record high prices for global coffee, driven by droughts in top producers Brazil and Vietnam. Donald Trumps decision to impose 50 per cent duties on beans imported to the US from Brazil has also affected prices. British American Tobacco finance chief Soraya Benchikh has revealed plans to step down after just 15 months in the role. Benchikh rejoined BAT, which makes Dunhill and Lucky Strike cigarettes, in May 2024 after three years at drinks giant Diageo and having previously served two decades with the FTSE 100 tobacco firm. She said on Tuesday now was the 'right time for me to move on to my next transformation' after 'further embedding financial discipline' at BAT. Benchikh will remain available throughout the rest of 2025 to support her interim successor Javed Iqbal, who is currently director for digital and information at BAT. BAT and its rivals are investing substantial sums in non-combustible products like vapes amid a growing shift towards less harmful alternatives and tough regulation on the sale of tobacco brands. It aims to have 50 million consumers using its smokeless goods, including vapes and tobacco heaters, by 2030 and earn at least half of its revenues from them by 2035. Benchikh said she had put BAT's 'new categories' business 'on a path to accretive margins and sustainable profitability' Benchikh said she had put BAT's 'new categories' business 'on a path to accretive margins and sustainable profitability'. Chief executive Tadeu Marroco added that Benchikh had 'made a significant contribution to BAT, having worked in various roles within the Group over many years'. He said: 'With the right strategy we intend to continue to deliver on the profitable transformation of BAT, reflected in our stated ambitions for 2026 and beyond.' British American Tobacco shares were down 1.8 per cent to 4,237p in early trading. Exhibition marking 80th anniversary of victory against Japanese aggression, fascism launched in Beijing Xinhua) 08:33, August 26, 2025 Visitors view paintings at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. An art exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War opened to public here on Monday. The exhibition, which will run until Sept. 18, brings together over 300 artworks including Chinese paintings, oil paintings, woodblock prints and sculptures. (Xinhua/Lu Peng) Visitors view artworks at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. An art exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War opened to public here on Monday. A visitor views a painting at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. An art exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War opened to public here on Monday. A visitor passes by a painting created by Xu Beihong, a famous Chinese painter, at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. An art exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War opened to public here on Monday. Visitors view a painting created by Qi Baishi, a famous Chinese painter, at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. An art exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War opened to public here on Monday. Visitors view artworks at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 25, 2025. An art exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War opened to public here on Monday. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Twenty Years of Green Progress: A safari through Sanjiangyuan 10:01, August 26, 2025 By Liu Ning, Cao Xinyue ( People's Daily Online In the southern part of northwest China's Qinghai Province, deep in the heart of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, and the Lancang River begin their journey toward the sea. This is the Sanjiangyuan area, known as China's "water tower." Chinese President Xi Jinping, during an inspection tour of Qinghai in June 2021, reiterated that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," stressing that preserving Qinghai's environment is one of the country's top priorities and calling for the effective protection of the ecology of the world's "third pole." On Oct. 12, 2021, the Sanjiangyuan National Park was officially designated as one of China's first national parks. Spanning 190,700 square kilometers, it preserves vast, unspoiled alpine ecosystems. It is home to the world's highest and largest plateau wetland system. After years of pilot programs and construction, the Sanjiangyuan National Park has achieved an organic integration of ecological conservation, green development, and improving people's livelihoods. Today, its mountains and rivers are pristine, all life flourishes, and local residents live in peace and contentment. Kunga, an ecological ranger of the Sanjiangyuan National Park from Niandu village, Angsai township, Zadoi county, starts his daily patrol by putting on his uniform and grabbing his camera. Kunga's duties include picking up litter, monitoring rivers and grasslands, and protecting wildlife. He has come to know the land intimately where certain animals are likely to appear, their travel routes, and how the plants grow. Kunga patrols in the Sanjiangyuan National Park in northwest China's Qinghai Province. (People's Daily Online/Cao Xinyue) Over 10,000 ecological rangers like Kunga are employed in the Sanjiangyuan National Park. Local herders who have lived on this land for generations have found a new source of income by protecting the ecological environment. Nangqen county in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is located at the southernmost tip of Qinghai. One of its natural treasures is the Ga'er Grand Canyon. Tucked into the hills above the canyon is a Tibetan-style B&B run by Qu Jiang, a young entrepreneur who returned to his hometown after graduation from university. This summer, his business has seen a steady stream of guests. "In recent years, I've noticed that the ecological environment of my hometown has been getting better and better. More tourists are coming, so I decided to move back and open a B&B. It has been a steady source of income for me and a boost to the local economy," said Qu. Photo shows the scenery of the Ga'er Grand Canyon in Nangqen county, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (People's Daily Online/Cao Xinyue) In the first half of 2025, Qinghai welcomed nearly 27.31 million tourist visitsup 21.14 percent. Total tourist spending reached 23.48 billion yuan (about $3.27 billion), marking a 20.3 percent increase year on year. In the Sanjiangyuan area, green industries like ecotourism, organic livestock farming, and traditional handicrafts have been flourishing. The establishment of the Sanjiangyuan National Park has enhanced the ecological value of the area's high-quality specialty products. As a result, the way local farmers and herders earn a living is evolving. Today, their income comes from a blend of ecological compensation, wages as ecological rangers, and income from green industries. At an alpine wetland ecological and meteorological station in the Longbao Wetland, located in the core area of Sanjiangyuan, advanced instruments continuously monitor weather and ecological indicators. Data is transmitted 24/7 to the Qinghai provincial meteorological information center, playing an important role in monitoring the status of the ecological environment and climate change, and supporting scientific research. "Sanjiangyuan is both a sensitive and fragile region when it comes to climate change. The data we gather is important for protecting and improving the ecosystem in Sanjiangyuan," said He Yongqing, director of the meteorological observatory in Yushu. Photo shows the Longbao Wetland in the Sanjiangyuan area, northwest China's Qinghai Province. (People's Daily Online/Cao Xinyue) According to He, some of the data collected at these meteorological stations is also shared with international organizations for scientific research, helping the international community better respond to climate change and improve ecological governance. The story of the Sanjiangyuan National Park is a vivid example of how China's national park system has moved from concept to reality. Sanjiangyuan's journey is a highland song of harmony between humanity and nature. Guided by the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," this "water tower of China" has produced a powerful answer to protecting the source of life, strengthening the ecological barrier, and benefiting plateau residents. This answer belongs not only to Sanjiangyuan but also to a beautiful China committed to green development. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Du Mingming) Irish presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has said she is seriously concerned about the potential misuse of a UN Security Council veto by the US. Ms Connolly said there was a need to double down on strengthening UN structures amid concern that the US could veto the renewal of a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, to which Irish troops are deployed. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council the US, UK, Russia, China, and France each hold the power to veto and block the adoption of any proposal at the body. After her campaign team initially backtracked on a pledge to hold a press conference on Tuesday, Ms Connolly made the comments during a brief exchange with reporters at a demonstration outside Leinster House in Dublin. Asked about her view of the potential ending of the UNIFIL mandate, she said: I think were in a very dangerous position in relation to that. Im seriously concerned about that. I hope that discussions will allow for the mandate to continue. But I think it brings into acute focus the use of the veto by America, something that has not been discussed in the Dail at any stage it has always been the use of the veto by Russia, absolutely right to discuss that. But the misuse of the veto by America was never brought into the equation and I really think it is time more than ever that we look at building up the UN as a peace institution. She added: Of course there are problems with the veto and the five permanent members, but the UN was set up after the Second World War to prevent a holocaust, to prevent slaughter, and now more than ever we need to double down on strengthening UN structures. The independent TD for Galway has the backing of Labour, Social Democrats, People Before Party-Solidarity and other independents. Asked if she had been in contact with Sinn Fein about whether it will row in to back her candidacy, Ms Connolly said she respected that the party was going through its own processes but added: It is taking a little longer than I hoped. Ms Connolly was speaking to the media at a demonstration for workers in the Oireachtas broadcast unit, who are considering strike action over pay and conditions. Many of the workers in the unit who are responsible for delivering live broadcasts of Dail and Seanad proceedings, are paid 12,000 euro on average per year. Some rely on social welfare supports to survive as they find it difficult to secure stable additional employment outside of sitting days. Workers argue the Oireachtas could make cost savings by employing them directly as civil servants rather than putting the service out to tender. Ms Connolly said these workers were being valued so little despite bringing the workings of democracy to the public. She criticised how they were left with precarious and uncertain working conditions. Somehow . . . We're fairly certain that all of this ends with TKC blogging from Guantanamo Bay or maybe even Uganda . . . Even if crossing the bridge into the Northland for a jaunt into the Golden Ghetto counts as vacation for this basement blogger . . . Either way . . . Check the newspaper and so many others in a hurry to play "white knight" for a local lady with better politics than most of the invisible service workers the American economy takes for granted and never quite factors into silly partisan politics . . . Check-it: "As records reveal more details, advocates and attorneys have questions about the Lenexa Police Department's tactics when investigating one of its city councilmember's immigration status." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . As this town recovers & argues following a deadly weekend . . . There are lots of items to consider tonight so we share this worthwhile overview of local police action, ALLEGED misdeeds, court cases, talk of solutions and community outreach. Check TKC news gathering . . . Kansas City mother wants answers in son's death after KCPD closes homicide investigation A grieving mother is demanding answers and justice after her son's death. Jonathan Rodgers was killed in October 2024 near East 6th Street Monroe Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri. Driver in custody after hit-and-run crash injures woman in Kansas City KCPD Captain Jake Becchina told KCTV a woman was hospitalized and in stable condition as a result of the crash. KCK police officer hospitalized after getting hit by suspect's car A KCK police officer is currently in the hospital after getting hit by a suspect's car after midnight today near the Kansas City Kansas Community College campus. Wave of weekend violence leaves 4 dead, 6 injured; Kansas City eyes new solution With four dead and six injured in weekend violence, Kansas City lawmakers tout a possible solution on the table. Olathe man charged with allegedly drugging underage victim, committing several sex crimes An Olathe man is in custody on a $400,000 bond after he was arrested and charged with allegedly drugging an underage victim and committing several sex crimes. Park Hill teacher out on bond, accused of making sexual advances toward students Isaiah Christopher Washington, 39, posted a $7,500 bond after he was charged with three misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree assault. 'Hostile and abusive': Independence family accused of years of torture, sexual abuse An Independence family has been accused of years of torture and sexual abuse against children. Leavenworth woman charged in child fentanyl death now sentenced in Walmart theft Tara Ann Huerta, 40, received a 12-month jail sentence for theft at Walmart. She also faces a murder charge in the fentanyl death of a 3-year-old boy in Leavenworth. 18-year-old identifies himself as suspect in 9 Kansas City armed robberies An 18-year-old has identified himself as the suspect in multiple armed robberies. Mother receives $625K settlement in fatal police shooting lawsuit The mother of Brandon Lynch, a man in mental crisis who was shot and killed by Olathe Police in late 2022, received $625,000 to settle a federal lawsuit. Experts explain background checks, offer parents advice after man charged with child sex crimes in KCMO Dennis Hernandez, 28, is set to go before a federal court judge Tuesday. Experts weighed in on the role background checks and parents play to spot potential problems. Overland Park Police Department offers new online support tool for sexual assault survivors The police department introduced SEEK THEN SPEAK, an online platform that shares resources and options for those who have experienced sexual assault. Overdose deaths in KC metro down as Narcan becomes more widely available Outside of First Call on Stateline Road in Kansas City, Missouri, there's a display of yard stakes - one for each life lost to an overdose. 186th Entrant Officer Class Begins The first day entailed human resources tasks, plus meeting command staff and Chief Stacey Graves. This class will graduate in approximately seven months. It also continues to the trend of larger academy class sizes at KCPD. Developing . . . Historical inspiration from joint resistance of Chinese, Australian peoples against Japanese aggression 15:02, August 26, 2025 By Chen Xiang ( People's Daily On October 24, 1943, on the beach of Aitape in northern New Guinea, Australian soldier Leonard George knelt in the sand, blindfolded and bound, awaiting execution by Japanese military officer Yasuno Chikao. Behind him stood Japanese guards and a crowd of local villagers compelled to witness the scene. This photograph of that moment, later discovered by American forces and published in Australia, stunned the Australian public. It exposed the brutal reality of Japanese atrocities during World War II: there was no pretense of humane treatment for prisoners of war; instead, captured Australian soldiers across the Southeast Asian battlefield were subjected to forced labor under punishing conditions, and those deemed too old, ill or weak were executed without hesitation. Leonard George's unyielding stance in the photograph became a symbol of defiance, galvanizing patriotic sentiment across Australia. It inspired Australian and American troops to mount a decisive counteroffensive against more than 100,000 Japanese troops in New Guinea, eventually thwarting Japan's ambition to use the island as a springboard for invading Australia. Australia's struggle against Japan was not only a fight for national survival but also a contribution to the global effort to defeat fascism. While Japan pursued its "northward and southward expansion strategies," the bulk of its ground forces were bogged down in the Chinese battlefield, leaving its naval and air forces to spearhead the "southward advance." Following the fall of Southeast Asia, Japan turned its sights on resource-rich and strategically positioned Australia. On the Malay Peninsula, 130,000 British and Australian troops were forced to surrender, and over 8,000 of the 15,000 Australian captives perished under brutal mistreatment. In February 1942, Japanese bombers struck Darwin, inflicting severe civilian casualties. In 1943, Japan launched an assault on New Guinea, defended by Australian troops, in a bid to sever supply lines between the United States and Australia and pave the way for conquest. These acts of aggression provoked outrage among the Australian people. From a population of barely 7 million, more than one in seven Australians joined the fight. Their determination reflected both national resolve and the global urgency of resisting fascist aggression. The conflict between Japanese militarism and Western countries also shaped the course of war. Since the Meiji Restoration, Japan's growing economic and military strength fueled a doctrine of expansion, cloaked in Pan-Asianist rhetoric that justified aggression against China and other Asian countries, and propelled the nation down the path of militarist expansion to dominate the Pacific Rim. Japan firmly opposed the U.S. Open Door Policy, and under the sway of extreme nationalism and militarist indoctrination, its soldiers became fervent agents of aggression. Placing Japan's interests above all others, they targeted not only Asian countries but also Western powers. The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor epitomized its drive to achieve supremacy in the Pacific. The joint resistance of China and Australia against Japanese aggression highlighted the historic significance of the international anti-fascist united front. In December 1941, Japan launched the Pacific War, occupying Southeast Asia within six months. With the establishment of the international anti-fascist united front, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and others placed greater importance on China's role as the main theater in the East. In the early stages of the Pacific War, as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia suffered repeated setbacks, China's prolonged resistance tied down the majority of Japanese ground forces and a considerable portion of its naval strength, limiting Japan's ability to expand southward. In the summer of 1942, Japan's high command sought to seize Port Moresby to cut off U.S.-Australia strategic communications. The campaign collapsed, hampered by overstretched forces still entangled in China and severe logistical constraints. The failure marked the Allies' first land victory in the Pacific War. By 1943, after setbacks at Midway and Guadalcanal, Japan urgently needed reinforcements, but its main forces remained mired in China, which greatly eased the island-hopping campaigns of the U.S., British, and Australian forces. At the same time, Australia's resistance against Japan made an important contribution to the global fight against fascism, providing crucial strategic support to both the Chinese battlefield and the Southeast Asian front. During the Pacific War, nearly 1 million Australians served across Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia. Their sacrifices weakened Japan's strength, halted its advance, and provided crucial military and logistical support to the Allied forces. Eighty years on, the joint resistance of the Chinese and Australian peoples remains a powerful reminder of the importance of international solidarity against aggression. The sacrifices made in the struggle for independence and justice underscore the importance of preserving historical truth. Attempts by Japanese revisionists to recast aggressors as "victims," glorify aggression, or deny atrocities must be firmly rejected. The lessons of the war remind us that maintaining the current international order and safeguarding world peace are shared responsibilities of all humanity to prevent the recurrence of past tragedies. (Chen Xiang is a special research fellow at the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. Azerbaijan and the UK intend to hold the next round of consular consultations in London later this year, UK Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty says during 6th UK-Azerbaijan strategic dialogue, Trend reports "Our Consular cooperation is growing along with the links between our people, and I welcome our next round of consultations in London later this year," Doughty said. He also emphasized the importance of the agreements reached in Washington between Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the US. "This is a moment of real hope for a more stable, prosperous South Caucasus and the UK stands ready to support you in turning that hope into lasting reality," the minister stressed. According to Doughty, the strategic dialogue between Azerbaijan and the UK is not only timely but also reflects the strength of bilateral relations. "Ours is a partnership that is rooted in mutual respect and with strong foundations, but with shared ambition on how it can grow. From energy to education, from security to culture, weve built solid connections not just between our governments, but increasingly between our people," he added. The minister also underlined that in the face of modern challenges, cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UK in defense, cybersecurity, counter-narcotics, and regional stability is of particular importance. On 25 August 2025, Doughty paid an official visit to Azerbaijan - the first engagement by a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister for Europe since 2023. During his one-day programme, the minister held a series of bilateral meetings covering a wide range of cooperation between the UK and Azerbaijan. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. On August 26, Lachin hosted a panel discussion on youth in cultural and creative industries with the participation of young people from Azerbaijan, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Farrukh Jumayev, Head of the International Relations Department of the Ministry of Culture, noted that President Ilham Aliyev has created all necessary conditions for the comprehensive development of youth in Azerbaijan. He emphasized that Azerbaijan supports the development of cultural and creative industries and the active role of youth in this field, adding that such projects strengthen cultural dialogue and cooperation among CIS countries. Representatives of youth organizations from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan shared information about projects implemented in their countries. The event continued with discussions, where participants addressed questions of interest to the youth. As part of Lachin City Day celebrations, a grand concert featuring renowned Azerbaijani artists and art groups will take place on a stage set up along the Hakari River. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. On August 26, a special meeting dedicated to the historic Washington visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, was held at the Cabinet of Ministers, Trend reports. Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Ali Asadov emphasized that President Ilham Aliyevs triumphant Washington visit has boosted Azerbaijans international standing and reputation, opening new opportunities for long-term regional peace. He noted that the August 8 victory etched in golden letters in the history of Azerbaijani diplomacy was the logical result of President Ilham Aliyev's strong leadership, determination, and principled stance. Highlighting the importance of the meetings held and the documents signed in Washington, the Prime Minister noted that the visit was crucial, on the one hand, for elevating Azerbaijan-US relations to a qualitatively new stage, and on the other hand, for the vital steps taken towards ensuring long-term peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Emphasizing the importance of the agreement reached on the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), Ali Asadov noted that this project, in addition to ensuring unimpeded communication between mainland Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, would give impetus to the development of transport links and the expansion of trade and economic cooperation in the region. In this regard, Asadov noted the need for the government to work daily to implement relevant tasks. Then, the speakers also included Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, and Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Fuad Najafli. At the meeting, the tasks facing the government arising from the results of President Ilham Aliyevs visit to Washington were identified. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. The Washington Declaration explicitly emphasizes the importance of ensuring an unobstructed and reliable connection between mainland Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, said the country's Prime Minister, Ali Asadov, Trend reports. Speaking at a special Cabinet session dedicated to President Ilham Aliyevs historic visit to Washington, Asadov stated that this is not only about strengthening bilateral relations but also about elevating Azerbaijans role on the global economic and transport map. "The trilateral summit in Washington with the participation of the leaders of Azerbaijan, the United States, and Armenia, and the subsequent signing of the Joint Declaration, demonstrated that peace advocated by Azerbaijan over many years has gained broad international support and has now been formally recognized. The declaration lays out a critical political framework for regional peace and creates the groundwork for future cooperation. The Joint Declaration, a comprehensive agreement, not only ends decades of armed conflict between the two countries but also represents the Azerbaijani peoples pursuit of historical justice, while reflecting the states political and diplomatic strength and its international standing. By implementing United Nations resolutions that had long remained unenforced, and by restoring truth and justice through military means and the sacrifice of its martyrs, Azerbaijan has positioned itself as the architect of the peace agreement with Armenia, bringing the conflict to a definitive conclusion on the political stage as well," he added. The PM stressed that President Aliyevs consistent position on securing an overland passage between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan has now been accepted by Armenia. Despite challenges, differences, and varying positions, this demand of the Azerbaijani President was also accepted by Armenia. The document signed in Washington clearly highlights the necessity of guaranteeing free and secure connectivity between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan. For this purpose, a special infrastructure initiative supported by the United States, the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), is envisaged. This will bring significant changes not only for Azerbaijan but for the entire regions economic and geopolitical landscape. On behalf of myself and the government, I sincerely congratulate the President and the people of Azerbaijan on this Washington victory, he stated. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. Azerbaijan is simultaneously laying the groundwork for lasting peace with Armenia while advancing its strategic partnership with the United States to a new level, said the Azerbaijani Prime Minister, Ali Asadov, Trend reports. Speaking at a special session dedicated to President Ilham Aliyevs historic visit to Washington, Asadov emphasized that the Washington visit marked a turning point, ushering Azerbaijani-US relations into a qualitatively new stage. "The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the preparation of the Azerbaijan-United States Strategic Partnership Charter opens a new page of cooperation and strategic partnership in the development of interstate relations between Azerbaijan and America. The annulment, during the White House meeting, of the unfair Section 907 amendment to the 'Freedom Support Act' adopted by Congress against our country in 1992, after 33 years and in the presence of the head of the Azerbaijani state, is a clear confirmation of President Ilham Aliyevs exceptionally high prestige worldwide. As President Ilham Aliyev said, 'Today, Azerbaijan does not need foreign assistance; we do not depend on it. Our economy is stable; our foreign debt is less than 7 percent of GDP. We have become a donor country ourselves.' Therefore, the cancellation of this amendment by President Trump carries symbolic meaning, and this gesture, by eliminating a historical injustice against Azerbaijan, reflects the special attitude of the American president towards President Ilham Aliyev. In addition, within the framework of the visit, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and ExxonMobil, which represents the continuation at a new stage of the partnership that began within the framework of the 'Contract of the Century' and laid the foundation of the national oil strategy," he stated. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. The victories achieved on the battlefield by our Glorious Army under the leadership of President and Supreme Commander Ilham Aliyev, along with the peace initiative spearheaded by Azerbaijan, were formalized in Washington with the participation and signature of the President of the US, Prime Minister Ali Asadov said, Trend reports. In his speech at a special session at the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to President Ilham Aliyevs visit to Washington, Asadov highlighted the historic significance of the trip. "The triumphant Washington visit of President Ilham Aliyev, which drew the attention of the entire world, not only strengthens our countrys influence and position on the international political stage but also opens new prospects for ensuring long-term peace in the region," he said. The Prime Minister noted that the warm reception of President Ilham Aliyev in Washington by President Donald Trump, the special respect, sincerity, and hospitality shown to our head of state, and the presentation of the symbolic key to the White House, clearly reflect the U.S. Presidents high regard for President Aliyevs leadership and personality. "The victories achieved on the battlefield by our Glorious Army under the leadership of President and Supreme Commander Ilham Aliyev, and the peace initiative spearheaded by Azerbaijan, were formalized in Washington with the participation and signature of the U.S. President. The historic documents signed during the visit, on one hand, elevate AzerbaijanU.S. relations to a new stage of development and strategic partnership, and on the other hand, lay the foundation for normalizing Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, addressing matters of critical importance for Azerbaijan and the region. After November 8, the world witnessed another historic event on August eighth: the date, written in gold in Azerbaijans diplomatic history, marked the achievement of the objectives of the peace concept, meticulously developed by President Ilham Aliyev to meet the challenges of the time, building on the foundation laid by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev. These achievements are the logical result of the strong leadership, tireless efforts, unwavering determination, principled stance, diplomatic skill, foresight, and wise decisions of the President of Azerbaijan. They underpin the liberation of Karabakh and all occupied territories, the assurance of full sovereignty, the creation of new geopolitical realities, and the strengthening of Azerbaijans international influence. In the post-war period, Azerbaijans foreign policy prioritizes sustainable peace, mutual recognition of state borders, and the opening of communication routes. In this context, the documents signed in Washington carry special significance," he said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. Baku Network, an Azerbaijani analytical center, has held its next event under its ongoing project Analysis of Hybrid and Ideological Threats, implemented with the support of the State Agency for Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The event brought together senior officials from the Baku Network Center and expert contributors. Opening the event, the centers director, Elchin Agajanov, emphasized that involving diverse experts in the project strengthens collaborative efforts: "One of the greatest tasks facing Azerbaijan today is to speak out on the international stage, to convey the truth, and to protect national interests. It is not enough to hold events and discussions solely within the country. Azerbaijani realities must be voiced in international tribunals, highlighted in European diplomacy, global media, and expert circles. If these truths do not become reference points there, much work remains to be done. In todays world, every field demands its own specialized expertise and methodology. Some draw from international law, others bring experience in information technology, while some are experts in political science or strategic communication. When the knowledge and skills of these diverse specialists are combined, the impact of their collective work becomes far more powerful. The defense of a nation is achieved not only with weapons, but with words, ideas, arguments, and facts. 'We are stronger together' is not just a slogan; it is the philosophy of practical action. A single voice may be local, but the voices of dozens or hundreds of experts can reach the international stage and gain power. It is this unity that has allowed Azerbaijan to break the information blockade and present its cause to the world. This success reflects not only diplomacy but also the systematic work of civil society, experts, and intellectuals. Most importantly, this struggle is not only for today but for future generations. Ensuring state security and passing on a strong, independent, and respected Azerbaijan to future generations is a duty for all of us. This mission can only be accomplished together through the combined power, synchronized efforts, and collaboration of professionals from different fields for a common goal," he said. Sahil Karimli, deputy director of Trend International Information Agency and project director of Baku Network, highlighted the centers broad capabilities: "The key is directing resources effectively. Todays event focuses on hybrid and ideological threats. These threats against Azerbaijan existed during the occupation, during the war, and continue today. They are mainly targeted at all generations of society, especially youth and vulnerable groups. Therefore, we must focus not just on defense but on proactive measures. Only through organization can we effectively counter these ideological attacks," he said. Political analyst and director of the Center for Political and Legal Studies, Khayal Bashirov, noted that hybrid warfare remains one of Azerbaijans most serious challenges: "During the occupation, our country was kept under an information blockade, and the world largely did not know whose territories were occupied. Hybrid wars are far more dangerous than classical military wars. The source of the threat could be any country. Unfortunately, NGO activity in this area remains weak," he said. Political commentator Turab Rzayev emphasized the importance of uniting individuals with diverse skills and perspectives: "The key is not that all opinions are the same, but that they are expressed for a common goal. Our goal is to live in a more developed, secure state and pass it on confidently to future generations. This can only be achieved through joint action. Nations around the world have been strengthened over centuries by trust. We must define our role clearly and mobilize our resources to the fullest," he said. Politologist Samir Hummetov stressed the necessity of coordination: "We sometimes approach minor issues superficially. But unresolved, these issues grow and become serious threats. In developed countries today, intelligence and technology are as important as industry. Jews are considered among the smartest people; they think, produce, and deliver results. Individually, we can accomplish tasks, but together we achieve a far greater effect," he said. The initiative, which runs from May through the end of August 2025, seeks to identify and counteract the sources of information-psychological attacks targeting Azerbaijans sovereignty, international reputation, and strategic interestsincluding media campaigns, disinformation, and ideological influence. The project engages international experts and analysts with the support of state institutions. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged under Azerbaijans Criminal Code with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued on August 26 at the Baku Military Court, Trend reports. The open court session, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that Vardanyan was provided with a Russian-language interpreter and a defense lawyer of his choice. Before questioning, Judge Aghayev explained the legal rights and obligations to victims and their legal heirs attending the trial for the first time. The next court session is scheduled for September 2. Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan). BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. The 6th International Conference on Problems of Cybernetics and Informatics (PCI) has officially opened in Azerbaijan's Baku at the Institute of Control Systems under the Ministry of Science and Education, Trend reports. The three-day event aims to discuss the latest scientific achievements in artificial intelligence, control systems, signal processing, optimization, and image recognition, present advanced research, and strengthen international cooperation. Leading scientists from Turkiye, the United States, Poland, France, Belgium, Georgia, Germany, Australia, Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Japan, and other countries are participating in the conference in a hybrid format. From the very first day, the program includes plenary and sectional sessions covering topics such as: - Optimization and optimal control; - Mathematical modeling, parametric identification, and inverse problems; - Numerical methods and computational technologies; - Decision-making in technical and socio-economic systems; - Modeling and management of oil and gas extraction, processing, and transportation; - Intelligent systems and decision-making; - Methods and systems of pattern recognition; - Stochastic and fuzzy models of decision-making. The conference brings together representatives of the local and international scientific community from more than thirty countries. Among the participants are Professor Ali Abbasov, Director of the Institute of Control Systems of Azerbaijan; Professor Rasim Aliguliyev, Vice President of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan and Director of the Institute of Information Technology; Professor Aminaga Sadigov, Deputy Director of the State Agency for Science and Higher Education and Acting Rector of Sumgayit State University; Professor Boris Mordukhovich from Wayne State University, USA; Professor Mamyrbayev Orken from the Institute of Information and Computational Technologies of Kazakhstan; and Dr. Abzetdin Adamov, a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), USA. The main goal of the International Conference, held in Baku since 2006, is to discuss scientific and practical challenges in cybernetics and informatics while fostering collaboration among research institutions, universities, international organizations, as well as the public and private sectors. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel This summer, it was sighted in Cadiz, Valencia, Alicante, and Lanzarote. Its sting can cause skin irritations similar to those of a jellyfish Last Wednesday, a swimmer spotted two specimens of the blue dragon (Glaucus atlanticus), a spectacular species of mollusk or sea slug, on the beaches of Vivers, in Guardamar del Segura in the Spanish province of Alicante. The beach was closed to bathing until the following day. The same measure was taken at Santa Barbara beach in La Linea de la Concepcion, in Andalusia, and at La Garita and Famara beaches in Lanzarote, in Spains Canary Islands. The closures were due to the fact that, although the slug measures no more than four centimeters, it can sting and cause skin irritation or burning. These are mild and exceptional injuries; they are not comparable to those from a Portuguese man-of-war, which the blue dragon feeds on and which carries a far greater number of stinging cells in its long tentacles, explains Juan Lucas Cervera, professor of Biology at the University of Cadiz and an expert in sea slugs. Regardless, blue dragons should not be touched, in case they cause an allergic reaction, and local authorities are asking the public to report any sightings of them. Blue dragon specimens. Image courtesy of Pedro Sanchez When the two blue dragons appeared in Guardamar del Segura, it was half an hour before the lifeguards shift ended and we didnt know if there were more specimens stranded or close to the coast, so we activated the protocol and raised the red flag, explains Jose Luis Saez, the towns mayor. A monitoring operation was deployed, but no further specimens were detected. Even so, they remain alert, as they do with jellyfish usually the so-called fried-egg jellyfish, which are fairly harmless in the area, and with the feared Portuguese man-of-war, which has appeared on occasion. There could always be a user who experiences a severe reaction, the mayor adds, while at the same time sending a message of reassurance, describing it as a very isolated episode that has ended up as just a holiday anecdote. In Cadiz, half a dozen specimens caused the red flag to be raised on Sunday, August 17, at Santa Barbara beach in La Linea de la Concepcion. Another specimen was also found in August at Canet de Berenguer beach, in Valencia. In Mallorca, one was located in the deep waters of the Tramuntana mountains a remarkable discovery, since there had been no scientific record of any in the Balearic Islands since 1916. For Cervera, closing beaches due to three or four specimens is an overreaction because there is no scientific evidence that they are a danger. This excessive caution may be due to the fact that to date, the presence of the blue dragon is not very common in our waters, and it remains to be seen whether it becomes more frequent from now on. Whats more, Cervera adds, because it feeds on the Portuguese man-of-war, which is very toxic, people think this species must also be dangerous. The blue dragon nibbles a bit on that type of jellyfish it doesnt swallow it whole and in doing so it takes in the stinging cells, which are still immature, accumulates them, and stores them as a defense system. The tentacles of the Portuguese man-of-war have coiled darts under pressure that fire when they touch another organism and inject a neurotoxin that affects the nervous system, explains Cervera. The species lives on the ocean surface, drifting with the currents. They float upside down, like when we float on our backs, to camouflage themselves with the seas blue color, and on their underside they are white, blending with sunlight when seen from below. Its a defensive strategy, he says. This feature distinguishes the blue dragon from other sea slugs, which stay in the intertidal zone or at greater depths. On the Iberian Peninsula, around 300 species have been described, and new ones are still being discovered. The blue dragon roams the waters of the North and South Atlantic and the Pacific in temperate waters, but sightings in the Mediterranean, as is now happening, are rarer. The species was cited [in a scientific publication] in the second decade of the 20th century in the Balearic Islands, although the first record was in 1839 in the Canary Islands, but then a long time passed before it was detected again, Cervera notes. This is in contrast to the Portuguese man-of-war, which has a wider distribution in the Mediterranean. The arrival of these specimens has been linked to rising Mediterranean temperatures, which at the end of June exceeded 28C (82F), with thermal anomalies of five degrees. The researcher stresses that there is still not enough evidence to confirm this link, since studies are lacking on the species ecology and the most favorable environmental conditions for it. What would be very interesting is to carry out monitoring, and whenever someone sees a specimen, they should take a photo and send it to us so we can keep a record, he suggests. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. One of the key projects currently underway at the Institute of Control Systems (ICS) is the development of an AI-based robot tutor system, the institutes Director General, academician Ali Abbasov, told reporters, Trend reports. Abbasov noted that the system will understand and respond in Azerbaijani, aiming to provide accessible and high-quality educational support to students who cannot afford private tutors. With this system, students will be able to interactively study subjects such as history, geography, and mathematics with virtual instructors, Abbasov said. He noted that access to databases is essential for the projects implementation. If provided, the system could be ready for use within seven to eight months. Negotiations are ongoing with the State Examination Center, and this system could become a milestone in applying artificial intelligence (AI) in education in Azerbaijan, he added. The official emphasized that the ICS has recently conducted significant research in AI, focusing on three main areas: intelligent decision-making, pattern recognition, and language technologies. "Researchers at the institute have developed the first Azerbaijani language model. While it is not comparable to major global language models, it is optimized specifically for Azerbaijani and designed for tasks such as virtual assistants in call centers, he concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. Within the framework of the agreement on cooperation in the field of military education signed between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, another group of the Combined Arms Armys servicemen departed for Isparta, Turkiye, to participate in the Mountain Commando Course, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense. During the course to be conducted under the command of the Mountain Commando School and Training Center, servicemen will acquire modern combat methods applicable day and night in different conditions, as well as gain knowledge about the capabilities of new technologies. Meanwhile, the main objective of the course is to further improve the combat skills of commando units and increase the level of professionalism of the personnel. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yiannis Loverdos visited Sweden from August 2225, 2025, to attend the inauguration of the renovated St. Georges Cathedral in Stockholm and held meetings with members of the Greek community, Trend reports. The Cathedrals reopening ceremony, marking the completion of interior restoration works, was held on Sunday, August 24. The service was officiated by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and attended by clergy, Ambassadors, representatives of Greek community organizations, and numerous faithful. In his remarks, Loverdos conveyed the Greek States gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarch for his ongoing contribution to the unity of the Church and Hellenism. He also thanked Metropolitan Cleopas for his decisive role in the Cathedrals renovation and spoke at the presentation of a book authored by His Eminence Metropolitan Cleopas, honoring Metropolitan Polyevktos Finfinis, founder of the Holy Metropolis of Sweden. During his stay, Loverdos met at the Embassy with Moissis Nikolaidis, President of the Federation of Greek Associations and Communities of Sweden, and the Federations Board members. Discussions focused on issues concerning the Greek community, including the governments Strategic Plan for the Greek Diaspora, with emphasis on digitizing services for Greeks abroad. He also held talks with representatives of the Parents Associations of the Greek Language Departments in Stockholm and visited the facilities of the Hellenic Cultural Center. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. Minister of Economy and Innovation Lukas Savickas, together with partner institutions, has signed an agreement to establish the Vytis Defense and Security Innovation, Testing, and Certification Center, Trend reports. According to information, the facility, to be located in Kaunas, is expected to begin operations in just over two years, with planned investments of up to 20 million euros Minister Savickas emphasized that the new center will provide Lithuanian companies and researchers with modern infrastructure to design, test, and implement advanced defense and security technologies. The Vytis Center will serve as a strategic hub where businesses, academia, and state institutions cooperate in developing, testing, and certifying both defense and dual-use technologies. The project is led by a consortium that includes the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, Tech-Park Kaunas (the project initiator and coordinator), the Innovation Agency, the Inland Waterways Authority, Vytautas Magnus University, the Lithuanian Riflemens Union, and the Lithuanian Energy Institute. Together, these organizations will pool expertise and resources to establish a state-of-the-art innovation infrastructure. The center will be designed to support companies of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises, and will specialize in drone systems for air and water, autonomous threat detection, small reconnaissance satellites, military communications, and mobile energy storage and backup power systems. Laboratories, engineering workshops, and dedicated testing environments will be set up to allow technologies to be tested on land, in water, and in the air. The center will also provide certification services for defense and security products. Investment in the Vytis infrastructure and innovation support services is projected at 20 million euros. In addition, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation and its partners are developing a broader Vytis initiative worth more than 300 million euros in subsidies, loans, and capital investments to strengthen defense and security innovation in Lithuania. This initiative will cover the entire innovation cycle from idea to export and leverage Lithuanias strengths in areas such as photonics and lasers, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, advanced materials, and energy solutions. Additional measures will be introduced from 2026, including more than 34 million euros to expand company capacities and 6 million euros to support partnerships that transform prototypes into mature technological solutions. Planned to open in 2028, the Vytis Center in Kaunas will become a comprehensive hub for experimentation, prototyping, and testing, supporting startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporations alike. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. On August 28, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will arrive in Estonia for an official visit, Trend reports. During his visit, Minister Wadephul will meet with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna and President Alar Karis, and he will also deliver remarks at the annual conference of Estonian heads of diplomatic missions, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Following the bilateral meeting, the Estonian and German Foreign Ministers will hold a joint press conference at the House of the Blackheads in Tallinn. The program will also include a meeting with President Alar Karis at the Presidential Palace. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 26. A major industrial project with the participation of South Korean investors has been launched in Uzbekistan's Fergana region, Trend reports via the regional government. Regional governor Khairullo Bozorov met with Ku Gi Do, head of AHA Co., Ltd., a global leader in educational and medical equipment, to review the progress of construction and discuss future development plans. A $20 million plant is being built in the Ecocity industrial zone on four hectares of land. The enterprise will produce interactive electronic boards (IFPD), electric vehicle chargers, medical equipment, and other products for both domestic and foreign markets. The plant is expected to begin operating at full capacity next year, creating more than 200 new jobs in the region. A second stage of the project foresees the launch of television production. Governor Bozorov confirmed regional authorities readiness to support investment initiatives and stressed the importance of accelerating the commissioning of the facility. The rector of the International University of Korea, Park Joon Ho, also attended the meeting. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. On August 20 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistans Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks became an important step in strengthening bilateral ties and set the tone for further cooperation. On the same day, Washington hosted the eleventh round of annual political consultations between Turkmenistan and the US. These events demonstrated a new dynamic in Turkmenistan-U.S. relations, where the key areas remain the economy, security, and the development of the C5+1 partnership format. The C5+1 format, which includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the United States, was established to strengthen dialogue between Central Asia and Washington. Since 2015, such meetings have become regular, but in the last two years, their pace has significantly accelerated. In 2024, the presidents of the Central Asian countries held their first joint summit with the U.S. president, which underscored the regions growing importance in American foreign policy. For Turkmenistan, participation in the C5+1 format is of particular importance. The country adheres to a policy of neutrality but is at the same time actively seeking new partnerships to strengthen its international position. The Meredov-Rubio meeting became another signal that Ashgabat intends to expand its spectrum of cooperation with Washington, while maintaining a balance in relations with neighbors and other major powers. By the end of 2024, trade turnover between the U.S. and Turkmenistan reached $218.5 million, a 93.8 percent increase compared to 2023. Turkmenistans exports are mainly textiles, chemical products, and oil-and-gas equipment, while the U.S. supplies aviation technology, electronics, and agricultural machinery. Washington has emphasized its interest in developing new areas of cooperation, primarily in energy and logistics. Turkmenistan, which holds the fourth-largest natural gas reserves in the world, is seen as an important player in ensuring regional energy stability. In 2024, the country produced 40.2 billion cubic meters of gas, of which about 20 billion cubic meters were exported. Another promising direction is the digital economy. In 2024, Turkmenistan increased the number of registered IT companies by 15 percent within the framework of its Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy of Turkmenistan for 2019-2025. American companies have expressed interest in participating in the project to build the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable line, designed to connect Europe and Asia across the Caspian Sea. Cooperation between Ashgabat and Washington goes beyond economics. Amid rising instability, the sides are discussing ways to strengthen regional security. Turkmenistan plays a special role as a country with a long border with Afghanistan. Support for infrastructure and trade development projects in border regions, analysts believe, reduces risks for the region while simultaneously strengthening Turkmenistans economy. According to figures presented at the Turkmen-Afghan business forum in 2024, mutual trade turnover between the two countries reached $46 million, more than doubling compared to the same period in 2023. The U.S. is also focusing on environmental and water resource issues. In 2024, several joint programs were launched for sustainable water management in Central Asia. For Turkmenistan, where the rational use of the Amu Darya River is of strategic importance, such cooperation opens new opportunities. According to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), these projects helped reduce water losses in irrigation systems by 10 percent in pilot regions. Todays dialogue between Turkmenistan and the U.S. shows that the partnership is reaching a new level. Whereas just a few years ago cooperation was limited to isolated projects, the two sides are now building long-term plans that take into account the interests of the entire Central Asian region. Ashgabats balanced policy allows it to maintain good relations not only with Washington but also with Moscow, Beijing, and other important partners. Such flexibility strengthens Turkmenistans position as a neutral state and opens broad prospects for its economy and international politics. Kazakhstan discloses promising GDP growth projections for 2026 Photo: lietuvos-bankas Kazakhstans GDP is projected to grow by 5.4 percent in 2026, with an average annual growth of 5.3 percent through 2028, driven by manufacturing, mining, agriculture, construction, transport, and trade. Nominal GDP is expected to rise from 183.8 trillion tenge (approximately $349.2 billion) to 229.8 trillion tenge (approximately $436.6 billion) by 2028. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Kazakhstan reports increase in coal and fuel oil supplies for heating season Photo: Official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kazakhstan has stockpiled 4.4 million tons of coal 9 percent more than last year - and 131,900 tons of fuel oil, marking a 32 percent increase, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov reported. A supply schedule for 257,000 tons of "social" fuel oil has been approved starting in September, with calls to expedite contracts and ensure reserves. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 26. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with the Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Han Chunlin, to discuss his upcoming visit to China, participation in the SCO and SCO Plus meetings, Trend reports. In the course of the meeting, the sides discussed preparations for Kassym-Jomart Tokayevs upcoming visit to the Peoples Republic of China and his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and the SCO Plus meeting in Tianjin. The Kazakh Leader emphasized that Kazakhstan prioritizes deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership with China. President also expressed confidence that the SCO summit will be highly successful and will mark a new milestone in the history of the Organization, contributing to the further development of comprehensive regional cooperation. In turn, the Ambassador stated that he will make every effort to ensure the successful conduct of the events in Tianjin and Beijing, which will give an additional boost to strengthening the multifaceted Kazakh-Chinese relations. The interlocutors also discussed prospects for developing trade-economic, investment, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. President Tokayev, at the invitation of Chairman Xi Jinping, will visit the Peoples Republic of China from August 30 to September 3. During the visit, high-level negotiations will take place, during which prospects for strengthening the comprehensive and enduring strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China will be discussed. The President of Kazakhstan will take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and the SCO Plus meeting in Tianjin from August 31 through September 1. American importers are closing the door to the countrys beans, causing prices in New York to skyrocket, while exclusively Brazilian products have become cheaper due to lower demand Donald Trumps trade war has reached Brazilian coffee producers. The U.S. presidents decision to impose a 50% tariff on all imports from Brazil has abruptly cut off one of the busiest channels in the global coffee market: U.S. companies are rejecting new contracts and reviewing existing ones with Brazilian producers. They are seeking to buy time to see if there is room for negotiation. But the commoditys price has already been shaken: futures contracts for arabica coffee the sweeter variety traded in New York rose at the fastest weekly pace in nine months (over 10%), marking seven consecutive days of gains, the last on Thursday, with a 3.3% jump. Protectionism has created imbalances between supply and demand. While the base price of coffee has risen on international markets, the premium paid for exclusively Brazilian coffee, now less sought after, is falling. This is a typical phenomenon in international trade when tariffs are imposed: the exporter usually takes the hit in the short term and lowers prices to avoid being shut out of the market. The importer, for its part, may see its margins reduced and try to renegotiate prices and contracts. And if the measure persists over time, the higher costs eventually reach consumers pockets. The current situation for U.S. roasters is like having to choose between a Ferrari and a Toyota, says Gustavo Gomez, president of Asoexport, Colombias coffee exporters association. Lets say Colombian coffee, for its quality, is the Ferrari. And Brazilian coffee, more mass-produced, is the Toyota. Now, because of the tariffs, the Toyota costs almost the same, so Id rather buy the Ferrari. Pavel Cardoso, president of the Brazilian Coffee Industry Association (ABIC) which brings together the companies responsible for production, marketing, and certification of coffee in South Americas largest country says: The United States has nowhere to find coffee at the price and quality that Brazil offers, and recalls that the U.S. coffee industry moves $343 billion a year, equivalent to 1.2% of U.S. GDP. He adds: The disruption in the supply chain caused by the tariffs will raise prices in the short term, both for arabica and robusta [the more bitter variety traded in London], especially for U.S. consumers. After exporters, the next on the list of those affected by the tariffs are end customers. According to Marcos Antonio Matos, the CEO of Brazils coffee exporters council (Cecafe), the U.S. and Brazil have a very close relationship when it comes to the coffee industry: Coffee accounts for more than 8% of the total value of the U.S. food service industry, and Brazil supplies 32% of the coffee consumed there. For every dollar spent on imported coffee, an additional $43 is injected into the U.S. economy. That multiplier effect is explained by everything that happens after the coffee arrives at the ports: transportation, storage, roasting, marketing, sales in supermarkets and coffee shops, associated jobs, taxes, and complementary services. Matos, who will travel to Washington in September to negotiate an exemption, warns: Iconic U.S. coffee brands could be affected, even disappear, if they are forced to modify their blends. High volatility Volatility has been the order of the day in coffee prices during 2025. The nearest contract price has risen 23% this year, but anyone who bought into Aprils fever and sold in Julys panic would have lost 30% of their investment. On Tuesday alone, prices in New York jumped nearly 4% and are up 28% in August alone. The likelihood that a cup of coffee will become more expensive in the U.S. is increasing. In Canada, where there are no tariffs on coffee imports, beverage prices have risen more than 27% this year double the rate reported in the U.S. The risk is obviously that tariff-related price rises are belatedly reflected in the U.S. data, and in any event show up in a lower volume of consumer spending. In other words, the tariff risk hasnt gone away, warns Bloomberg macro strategist Cameron Crise in a note. U.S. intermediaries will seek coffee in other producing countries, but when they do, they will find higher prices, warns Cardoso. Breaking established supply chains such as Vietnams exports to Europe or Asia will mean those countries will charge the U.S. more. That will push market prices higher, he adds. Meanwhile, other producers want to take advantage of the price surge. Colombia has just come off record harvest numbers and aims to grow further. But Gomez offers a reality check: Colombia cannot [exponentially] increase its production overnight. Thats due to nature: a coffee tree takes two years to grow. What can be done now is to take advantage of the moment to sell the bean at a better price, he concludes. Colombia, the worlds third-largest coffee producer, is the second-largest supplier to the U.S. and ships twice as much as Vietnam, which ranks third. Among the worlds six leading coffee producers, Colombia has ended up with the best tariff position, explains Wilber Jimenez, CEO of 930, a Colombian company that grows, roasts, and sells coffee by the cup. Colombia faces a 10% tariff, compared to Brazils 50% or Vietnams 20%, its two direct competitors. Jimenez, while acknowledging that the country does not have the capacity to replace Brazil in volume, says this difference is a competitive advantage that will allow them to gain ground in reputation and price. The pressure on prices is also explained by technical moves from futures market operators. Speculators have intensified their early purchases, betting that roasters who usually cover their needs between August and October will soon have to step into the market to secure their December supplies. Knowing that the roaster is likely going to need to buy December futures in the next eight weeks gives speculators another reason to keep pushing coffee futures higher, explains Ilya Byzov, a Sucafina trader, to Bloomberg. Weather is another risk factor: The arabica harvest was already smaller, and a recent frost has confirmed that trend, Cardoso confirms. Inventories are at historic lows, and the market is already looking ahead to the 2026 harvest, which could be a record if the weather allows. But until then, volatility will set the pace. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 26. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan met with King Abdullah II of Jordan in Samarkand and discussed cooperation in trade, investment, Trend reports via the Uzbek president's office. Furthermore, the leaders discussed ways to deepen political dialogue, cultural and humanitarian exchanges, and trade, economic, and investment cooperation. Both sides highlighted the long-standing friendship and noted the similarity of reform strategies in their countries. Agreements were reached to enhance collaboration in industries such as chemicals, textiles, smart agriculture, geology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. Plans were announced to establish an Intergovernmental Commission and a Business Council, with their first meetings scheduled by the end of the year, along with an Uzbek-Jordanian business forum to foster partnerships between leading companies. Cultural and educational cooperation will also be intensified, including joint events, concerts, exhibitions, and the study of shared spiritual heritage. Both leaders emphasized promoting tolerant and enlightened Islam, with Uzbekistan proposing to host an upcoming session of King Abdullah IIs Aqaba Process initiative in Samarkand. The launch of regular flights between the capitals and the introduction of a visa-free regime were discussed as measures to boost tourism and business exchanges. The talks concluded with King Abdullah II inviting President Mirziyoyev to visit Jordan in a constructive and trusting atmosphere. No matter where an entrepreneur is, business is always on their mind. Because work doesnt stopand business doesnt wait. Yelo Bank understands this rhythm, listens to the everyday needs of entrepreneurs, and continuously evolves to make their operations easier. As part of this commitment, Yelo Bank has updated its Internet Banking service. The newly designed platform offers 24/7 banking convenience with a simplified interface, more flexible operations, and enhanced security. Whether on a computer or smartphone, users can enjoy the same seamless experience. Yelo Banks mission goes beyond providing financial servicesits about reducing the daily workload of business owners, saving their time, and empowering them through digital solutions. In line with this vision, Yelo Bank has introduced a first-of-its-kind feature in the Azerbaijani banking sector: the pre-trip technical inspection payment via Internet Banking. This new service allows entrepreneurs to pay for inspections of motor vehicles used in passenger and freight transportationonline, from anywhere, without delays. Yelo Internet Banking redesigned for entrepreneurs who want to manage their business from anywhere, anytime. Start now and experience the ease of digital banking: https://bit.ly/4fUhclX. Need more information about our banking services? Then call 981 or visit our Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, or yelo.az accounts. Yelo Bank Brighter Banking! ASTANA, Kazakhstan, August 26. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received Chairman of the upper house of the Tajik parliament Rustam Emomali, and discussed the prospects for the development of the Kazakh-Tajik strategic partnership and alliance in the context of developing interparliamentary relations, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh President. In the course of the meeting, President Tokayev highly appreciated the steady progress in the development of bilateral cooperation and emphasized the importance of Rustam Emomali's visit for further strengthening the interaction between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. The Speaker of the Upper Chamber of the Parliament of Tajikistan thanked Tokayev for the warm reception and conveyed greetings from President Emomali Rahmon. According to Rustam Emomali, Kazakhstan is a reliable strategic partner and ally of Tajikistan. He congratulated the President of Kazakhstan on the 30th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic and pointed out that the parliaments of the two countries work constructively and businesslike for the benefit of their peoples. During the meeting, pressing issues of trade and economic cooperation, the water sector, and interparliamentary diplomacy were discussed. Moreover, the interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the current development of bilateral relations in the spirit of friendship and mutual support. Following the meeting, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded Rustam Emomali the Order of Dostyk (Friendship) II degree for his significant contribution to deepening the bilateral strategic partnership. Kazakhstan, Chinas Xinjiang set to develop roadmap for trade and economic co-op Photo: Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan During a visit to Urumqi, China, Kazakhstans Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliev, met with Erkin Tuniyaz, Chairman of Xinjiang, to strengthen trade and economic ties. They agreed to develop a Roadmap for cooperation, aiming to diversify exports, attract investments, and deepen interregional collaboration. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 26. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will visit the People's Republic of China from August 30 to September 3, Akorda's press service says, Trend reports. According to the information, the visit will take place at the invitation of the Chairman of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping. It is reported that high-level negotiations will be held during the visit, where prospects for strengthening the Kazakh-Chinese comprehensive and eternal strategic partnership will be considered. It is noted that from August 31 to September 1, the President of Kazakhstan will take part in the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the "SCO Plus" meeting in Tianjin. On September 2, in Beijing, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will speak at a meeting of the "Kazakhstan-China" Business Council and hold meetings with the heads of leading Chinese companies. On September 3, Tokayev will take part as an honorary guest in the ceremonial events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, August 26. Kyrgyzstan aims to establish a strategic partnership with Germany, Chairman of the Cabinet of the Ministers of Kyrgyzstan - Head of the Presidential Administration, Adylbek Kasymaliev, said at the opening of the Kyrgyz-German Business Forum in Cholpon-Ata, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz government. Speaking at the forum, Kasymaliev emphasized that Kyrgyzstan seeks to build an innovative, sustainable, and open economy and expressed readiness to implement joint projects with Germany. Kyrgyzstan is opening itself to the world as a reliable, predictable, and dynamic partner, ready to cooperate in various sectors. We are confident that on the basis of trust, mutual respect, and constructive collaboration, Kyrgyzstan and Germany can strengthen stability and ensure prosperity for our countries, Kasymaliev said. The forum, titled German Economy Day in Kyrgyzstan, was held in Kyrgyzstan's Cholpon-Ata as part of the Days of the Kyrgyz and German Economy series of events, aimed at promoting bilateral economic cooperation. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, August 26. Trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan and Germany has increased nearly four times from 2020 through 2024, said Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers -Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz government. He made the remark during a meeting with Michael Harms, Chairman of the Eastern Committee of the German Economy. Kasymaliev also noted that since 2022, German investments in Kyrgyzstan have tripled. "We believe promising sectors for German investment include IT, such as data center and logistics hub construction, renewable energy, including research on green hydrogen production, and the mining sector. Kyrgyzstan is ready to fully support German companies interested in implementing investment projects in our country," he said. In turn, Harms highlighted the importance of further strengthening bilateral trade, economic, and investment cooperation and proposed implementing a number of concrete, mutually beneficial projects. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Kyrgyz-German Business Forum German Economy Day in Kyrgyzstan and the fourth session of the Kyrgyz-German Business Council in Cholpon-Ata. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, August 26. Germany-based Rhenus SE & Co. KG will assist Kyrgyzstan in exploring optimal ways to efficiently use the transit potential and logistics centers of the Kyrgyz Temir Jolu State Enterprise (Kyrgyz Railways), Trend reports via the Kyrgyz government. A corresponding Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the national railway company under the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Kyrgyzstan and Rhenus SE & Co. KG. The signing took place following the fourth session of the Kyrgyz-German Business Council, attended by representatives from the countries business communities. During the session, Adylbek Kasymaliev, Head of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan and Chairman of the Cabinet of the Ministers, emphasized the countrys interest in German investments, technologies, and innovations that could modernize industries, create new jobs, and boost export potential. Special attention was given to potential cooperation in renewable energy, green technologies, transport and logistics infrastructure, and the financial sector. Kasymaliev also highlighted environmental and climate change issues, noting the risks associated with glacier melting and stressing that these challenges require consolidated efforts and joint initiatives. Tajikistan reports decline in grain production Photo: Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan Tajikistan reported a decline in grain and wheat harvests in the first seven months of 2025, yet overall agricultural production continued to grow, supported by steady gains in crop and livestock output. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Pallets of boxes filled with rice, sugar, legumes, flour, and cans of coconut oil. Bandages, dressings, serum, antiseptics to treat infections, antibiotics. The blockade of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip is clearly reflected in the warehouses of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, where thousands of tons of food, medicine, cleaning supplies, clothing, tents, and educational materials are piling up and cannot be delivered to the civilian population victimized by Israels attacks. In the Jordanian capital, Amman, the humanitarian agency watches as the materials stocked in one of its six locations in the city accumulate dust, while it is forced to rent new spaces, some with air conditioning to prevent supplies from spoiling. Aisles and aisles of pallets, as if it were an IKEA warehouse. We have more than 3,000 tons of food and a large amount of medical supplies here that are essential for a population in a very serious situation. All of this could be brought in immediately if Israel allowed it. Its unacceptable and unprecedented; we are the main United Nations agency on the ground, said UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler at an industrial estate on the outskirts of the city during a visit this Monday by Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni to learn about the projects in which the City Council is participating with funding. Surrounded by row upon row of packed boxes, the UNRWA spokesperson notes that the costs of renting the warehouse could be used for humanitarian aid. UNRWA spokesman Jonathan Fowler at one of the agency's warehouses in Amman. LAURA GUERRERO (AYUNTAMIENTO DE BARCELONA) Fowler admits that the agency created by the United Nations in 1949 has never enjoyed a buoyant financial situation. But what were experiencing now is unprecedented. He warns that UNRWA is suffering from a triple crisis: financial, following the withdrawal of U.S. funds; humanitarian, because the situation in Gaza, with the officially declared famine, is unprecedented; and political, due to the decision by the Israeli government and parliament to prohibit and restrict humanitarian operations. The spokesperson describes a very uncertain outlook for UNRWA starting in October and November due to the lack of funding and the blockade: There is a very real risk that operations will collapse by 2026 unless there is a change. The agency, which has 30,000 employees across the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jordan, and other countries in the region, has lost 360 of them since the war in Gaza began almost two years ago. Some have died while working, but others were at home with their families, just like any other citizen, Fowler says. In this context, the spokesperson demands that Israel allow the entry of the 6,000 trucks that UNRWA has waiting at the gates of the Strip, because the aid coming in is a drop in the ocean. Fowler also welcomes the increase in private contributions (around $260 million since the start of the war) and aid from public administrations as diverse as those of Germany, Ireland, Belgium, Spain, and the Barcelona City Council. Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni during a visit to one of the UNRWA warehouses in Amman on Monday. Laura Guerrero (AYUNTAMIENTO DE BARCELONA) During a visit to two of the six warehouses on the outskirts of Amman, the mayor of the Catalan capital announced that the citys annual contribution to UNRWA will double next year, increasing from 200,000 to 400,000 ($232,835-$465,550). The funds will be used to purchase medicine and food and strengthen the health project, with doctors, nurses, and social workers helping families of children with disabilities. The mayor recalled Barcelonas historical tradition of cooperation with Palestinian cities on issues such as urban development, the environment, education, and health, but noted the leap forward represented by the current situation of isolation: The current humanitarian crisis is of unprecedented proportions. The blockage of aid by Benjamin Netanyahus government means that several tons of food boxes whose expiration date is approaching in the coming weeks or months are sitting in one of the two warehouses visited Monday. Collboni also referred to Israels veto on his entry into the country, from where last week he wanted to travel to the occupied West Bank, to the cities of Ramallah and Bethlehem, whose mayors had invited a delegation from Barcelona. From the warehouses in Amman, the mayor declared: The important thing was not that I enter Israel, but that the 6,000 trucks with humanitarian aid can enter Gaza. Barcelonas commitment is above vetoes, he said, insisting that the objective of the visit is to learn about the projects in which the City Council is involved firsthand, to help and improve their situation and that far from changing its position, the veto [by Israel] reinforces the denunciation of isolation and Barcelonas commitment. During the second part of the mission, in Jordan, Collboni was accompanied by the Deputy Mayor for International Relations and Cooperation, Maria Eugenia Gay, and the Spanish ambassador to the country, Miguel de Lucas. During the first day of his visit to Jordan, Collboni received thanks from the Mayor of Gaza City, Yahya R. Sarraj, for Barcelonas solidarity with the Gazan population over the decades and for the shared values of friendship, peace, and humanity. At noon, Collboni met with his counterpart in Amman, and they signed a first memorandum of understanding for a future collaboration agreement on infrastructure and mobility. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, August 26. Chairman of the Senate of the parliament of Kazakhstan, Maulen Ashimbayev, called Tajikistan an important strategic partner and reliable ally during a meeting with Rustami Emomali, Chairman of the upper house of the Tajik parliament, Trend reports via the Kazakh parliament. In the course of the talks, Ashimbayev noted that thanks to the trustful relationship between the presidents of the countries, political contacts at all levels have been established, economic cooperation is actively developing, and cultural and humanitarian ties are being strengthened. Regular high-level meetings and reciprocal visits have led to important agreements on a wide range of issues, Ashimbayev said. He recalled that in 2023, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon paid a state visit to Kazakhstan, during which the Declaration on Allied Cooperation was signed. Last year, during the state visit of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Tajikistan, the Treaty on Allied Relations was signed. According to Ashimbayev, both documents gave a strong boost to expanding cooperation between the two countries and reflect the national interests of their peoples. Our key task now is to ensure the effective implementation of all agreements reached at the level of our Heads of State, he added. Rustami Emomali arrived in Kazakhstan today for an official visit. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 26. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan hosted the first meeting of special representatives of Central Asian countries on Afghanistan, Trend reports via the Uzbek MFA. The gathering, initiated by Uzbekistan, brought together envoys from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to coordinate regional approaches to developments in the neighboring state. The meeting followed the commitments outlined in the Joint Statement of the sixth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State and the 20252027 Roadmap for Regional Cooperation, adopted in Astana last year. Participants described the creation of the Contact Group as both relevant and timely, stressing its role as an independent regional platform for dialogue on shared interests concerning Afghanistan. Discussions focused on the need for Central Asian countries to adopt an independent approach to the Afghan issue, one that reflects the geostrategic proximity, intertwined cultural and economic ties, and shared interest in stability, security, and sustainable development. The envoys reaffirmed their commitment to building consensus-based, balanced, and realistic strategies toward Afghanistan while also supporting the restoration of trade, transport, logistics, cultural, and humanitarian connections. The representatives further recognized Afghanistans role in broader regional efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. They agreed that regular meetings of the Contact Group, including on the sidelines of future Consultative Meetings of Central Asian leaders, would help institutionalize cooperation. In conclusion, the delegations stressed that the new Contact Group strengthens the independent and responsible role of Central Asian states in shaping the regional agenda on Afghanistan, while contributing to the long-term stability and development of the wider macro-region. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 26. Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi will pay an official visit to Uzbekistan on August 2627, marking the first trip by a Japanese foreign minister to Tashkent in three years, Trend reports via Japanese MFA. During the visit, Iwaya is scheduled to meet with his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov. The two ministers will chair the inaugural strategic dialogue between their foreign policy agencies, focusing on expanding cooperation in politics, economics, culture and coordinated responses to international challenges. Speaking ahead of the visit, Iwaya stressed that Japan intends to continue supporting Uzbekistans economic reforms through infrastructure development, the promotion of green technologies, personnel training and improving social services. He noted that relations between the two countries rest on a foundation of historical ties, friendship and mutual trust. I have long dreamed of visiting Uzbekistan and am glad that this opportunity has finally presented itself, the minister said, expressing confidence that the visit will become a turning point in strengthening the strategic partnership and advancing bilateral and multilateral projects. The Defense Ministry said that the troops have been held since Sunday, following an operation against Ivan Mordiscos faction Colombias Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed on Tuesday that 34 soldiers have been held hostage for two days in the rural area of El Retorno, in the Amazonian department of Guaviare. People dressed in civilian clothes claim to be holding a group of soldiers. But this is not a detention, it is a kidnapping, because they are being held against their will, he told reporters. Admiral Francisco Cubides, commander of the Armed Forces, said the kidnapping took place on Monday after clashes with one of the FARC dissident structures led by Ivan Mordisco. As a result of these military operations, ten suspected members of that structure were killed [] When the troops attempted to leave the area, they were blocked by members of the community. The fighting also led to the capture of 10 members of the armed group, known as the Estado Mayor Central (EMC), including a minor, as well as the death of Willington Dumar Vanegas Leyva, a close ally of Mordisco in the region. It was then that members of the community surrounded the soldiers and prevented them from leaving. The people say it is a humanitarian corridor. What they are really doing is blocking the protection of other Colombians, said Cubides. He called on the Ombudsmans Office and the Organization of American States Mission to Support the Peace Process to help secure the soldiers release. It is not the first time the military has accused civilians of detaining soldiers under pressure from dissidents. In June, in the municipality of El Tambo, in the conflict-ridden department of Cauca, 57 soldiers were held against their will during another operation against the EMC. At the time, Minister Sanchez described it as a violation of international humanitarian law. Using civilians as human shields is a crime intended to block the advance of the security forces and state institutions in bringing social investment and justice to one of the regions most affected by violence, he said in June. The soldiers were released the following day. Pedro Sanchez during the press conference in Bogota. Mauricio Duenas Castaneda (EFE) In the first months of 2025, security in the department of Guaviare deteriorated sharply amid fighting between the dissident FARC faction led by Ivan Mordisco and another headed by his former lieutenant, Calarca Cordoba. Both groups are seeking to control the region with such violence that, between late May and June, the Ombudsmans Office reported more than 10,000 people were confined in rural areas of the northern part of the department. The crisis reached a breaking point in July, when a mass grave was discovered in the municipality of Calamar. It contained the bodies of eight religious and community leaders who had gone missing weeks earlier while taking part in a humanitarian mission. They were kidnapped and killed, allegedly by the Armando Rios front, which is part of Mordiscos faction. The impact was profound: Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the killings as a serious violation of fundamental rights, while the U.N. and the Catholic Church issued an urgent call for stronger protection of community leaders. Last Thursday, the Jaime Martinez front, another unit of the same dissident group, drove two trucks loaded with explosives from the department of Cauca to the vicinity of the Marco Fidel Suarez air base, in the heart of Cali, Colombias third-largest city. They detonated one of them in an attack that killed seven civilians and injured more than 79 people. Although the group has not claimed responsibility, authorities have unanimously blamed it, and the defense minister reiterated that the government will step up its offensive against Mordisco a drug trafficker with a bounty of more than 4 billion pesos ($1 million) on his head, who has put the Colombian state under significant pressure. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Tweet tweet button for twitter Published August 26, 2025 CAPTION: Dr. Ashanti Jones, Associate Program Director of the Marjorie S. Price Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at ULM (left), poses with APTA Louisiana President Dr. Karl Kleinpeter. Dr. Jones was presented with the Dave Warner Distinguished Service Award in Baton Rouge on August 23. MONROE, LA Dr. Ashanti Jones, Assistant Professor and Associate Program Director of the Marjorie S. Price Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at ULM, was recently awarded the Dave Warner Distinguished Service Award by the Louisiana chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The award was presented to Dr. Jones on August 23, 2025, during the APTA Louisiana Annual Meeting at the Crowne Plaza Executive Center in Baton Rouge, La. I am deeply humbled and honored to receive the 2025 Dave Warner Distinguished Service Award from APTA Louisiana, said Dr. Jones. To be recognized by my peers at the state level is incredibly meaningful, because it affirms that the work Ive devoted to advancing physical therapy, supporting students, and serving my community has made a lasting impact. It also reminds me that leadership is not about titles or positions, but its about service, advocacy, and lifting others up along the way. The Dave Warner Distinguished Service Award is one of APTA Louisianas highest honors. It is presented to an individual who has made outstanding professional contributions to APTA Louisiana and who has had a lasting impact on peers, the community, and the profession of physical therapy. The award recognizes not only dedicated service but also the embodiment of leadership, advocacy, and a commitment to advancing the mission of physical therapy in Louisiana. Dr. Jones was nominated for the award by Dr. Lisa VanHoose, Director of the Marjorie S. Price Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Dr. Jones embodies the spirit of excellence that defines our program, said Dr. VanHoose. Through her dedication, she demonstrates the profound impact that service can have, not only on the profession but on communities in need. Her work reflects the programs vision of preparing practitioners who embrace service as a calling and commit to leaving the world better than they found it. I would like to thank my colleagues and mentors who have walked alongside me in this journey, and I would like to thank Dr. VanHoose for nominating me, said Jones. I am also grateful to my peers in APTA Louisiana for their trust and collaboration, and to my students at ULM who motivate me daily to push the profession forward. Finally, I must thank my family for their unwavering love and support, which allows me to fully commit myself to this work, she added. Service is not simply something Dr. Jones does; it is her lifes ministry," continued VanHoose. Every aspect of her personal and professional life illustrates what it means to be a servant leader, providing a powerful, real-life model for colleagues, students, and the community alike. About the ULM Marjorie S. Price Doctor of Physical Therapy Program The Marjorie S. Price Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Louisiana Monroe prepares students to address health disparities by serving rural and underserved communities. Our students find holistic and creative solutions for their patients and work with compassionate care. ULM's eight-semester DPT program includes 32 weeks of experiential learning in 4 clinic locations: in-patient, out-patient, rural, and the student's own preferred interest. With more than 3,800 certified clinic sites and with a dedicated virtual day of the week, the ULM DPT program is determined to help students serve the communities they call home. For more information, please visit ulm.edu/dpt/program/ Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Clamor for Justice as Israel targets hospital, kills journalists A strong voice seeking justice is being raised from different parts of the world after Israel bombed Nasser Hospital in Gaza killing a number of Palestinians, including 5 journalists Tuesday August 26, 2025 8:12 PM , ummid.com News Network A strong voice seeking justice is being raised from different parts of the world after Israel bombed Nasser Hospital in Gaza killing a number of Palestinians, including 5 journalists. "Double Attack" The Israeli occupation forces Monday August 25, 2025 bombed Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis of Gaza consecutively two times. The occupation forces conducted the attack on the hospital around 10:00 Monday and a second attack minutes later when rescuers rushed to the hospital. At least 20 Palestinians, including 5 journalists and health workers, were killed in the double attack by the Israeli occupation forces, the Civil Defence in Gaza said. The 5 journalists killed in the latest Israeli attack included those working for Associated Press, Reuters, Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye. Videos and images available online reveal horrific details of the Israeli attack on the Nasser Hospital, one of the last major medical facilities still partly functioning in Gaza. One video shows the second Israeli attack took place as a doctor holds up bloodied clothes to show journalists. A video from Al Ghad TV showed the first hit the hospitals fourth floor, where reporters regularly set up live shots, followed minutes later by another explosion that targeted medics and journalists attempting to reach the wounded. Emergency crews rushing up a damaged staircase at the hospital when a second strike tore through the building. Clamor for Justice Clamor for justice is growing after yet another Israeli targeting of hospital and journalists. There needs to be justice. We havent seen results or accountability measures yet, United Nations rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan told reporters in Geneva. "The Israeli authorities have in the past announced investigations in such killings but these investigations need to yield results, he added. Canada, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia and other countries have also condemned the Israeli attacks on Nasser Hospital. International human rights and humanitarian organisations, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the Foreign Press Association, have expressed outrage and shock at the attack, which also targeted medical workers. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a leading body which promotes press freedom, said Israel had failed to provide evidence to back up its allegations, according to BBC. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing ICC arrest warrant over war crimes in Gaza, said the attacks were a tragic mishap. 'UK must sanction Israel' The International Centre for Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has called for urgent UK sanctions on Israeli political and military leaders after the Israeli attack on Nasser Hospital, according to Al Jazeera. Israels double-tap strike of journalists is yet another example of its systematic targeting of the press and the healthcare system, ICJP said. The UK must urgently implement sanctions to end the carte blanche impunity that has enabled Israel to commit war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocidal acts", it added. ICJP also noted that just two weeks earlier, Al Jazeera journalists were also killed in an Israeli strike on al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. "This is pattern matches its Investigation Units evidence of systematic war crimes and crimes against humanity carried out in Gaza", it said. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that four medics were killed in the Khan Younis attack after they rushed to help the victims of the first strike. Reuters news agency said its cameraman, Husam al-Masri, was among those killed in the Gaza hospital attack. The Associated Press (AP) said Mariam Dagga, a freelance journalist working for it, was also killed. AP said it was "shocked and saddened" by the 33-year-old's death. The others are said to have been Mohammed Salameh working for Al Jazeera, and photographer Muath Abu Taha, employed by the American TV Network NBC. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Maha Direct 2nd Yr Engg 2025 Round 3 Allotment - Direct Link Candidates should note that date of reporting to the allotted Institute and Confirmation of Admission after DSE 2025 CAP Round 3 result is from August 28 to 30, 2025 Tuesday August 26, 2025 6:15 AM , ummid.com News Network Maharashtra Direct Second Year Egineering CAP Round 3 Allotment 2025: Maharashtra CET Cell is set to release today i.e. Tuesday August 26, 2025 on its official website dse2025.mahacet.org.in Provisional Allotment Result of CAP Round 3 of candidates who have registered for admission in Direct 2nd Year Engineering and Technology (BE and B Tech) courses for the year 2025-26. DSE 2025 CAP Round 3 Counselling The Maharashtra CET Cell had published on July 23, 2025 DSE 2025 Provisional Merit List of registered candidates. The CET Cell had on July 29, 2025 released DSE 25 Final Merit List and Seat Matrix i.e. distribution of vacant seats in different colleges available for admission in Direct Second Year Engineering and Technology (BE and B Tech) courses. Following the release of DSE Final Merit and Seat Matrix, the CET Cell published the Round 1 Allotment result on August 05, 2025 and the result of CAP Round 2 allotment on August 14, 2025. The CET Cell released the details of the vacant seats for DSE CAP Round 3 on August 21, and asked the candidates to submit options from August 22 to 24, 2025. Now, based on the options submitted by the candidates, the CET Cell will release today i.e. Tuesday August 26, 2025 DSE 2025 Round 3 Allotment result on its official website. Steps to check Direct 2nd Year Engineering CAP Round 3 Allotment Result Go to the official website: " dse2025.mahacet.org.in ". ". Click on the link "CAP Round 3 Provisional Allotment List" under Important Links section of the Home Page. Enter your Application ID which starts with DSE25 and Date of Birth. Click on Submit button to check your name and position. Candidates should note that the CET Cell has confirmed date of release of DSE 2025 CAP Round 3 result. It has not mentioned any specific time. As per previous records however, DSE CAP Round 3 result will be published any time by today evening. Online registration for the students seeking admission in DSE 2025 - Direct Second Year Full Time Under Graduate Course in Engineering (B.E. / B Tech), started through the official website dse2025.mahacet.org.in on July 04, 2025 . The last date of online registration and application was July 19, 2025, as per the DSE 2025 Counselling Schedule released by the Maharashtra CET Cell. Maharashtra Direct 2nd Year Engineering Admission 2025 - Important Dates Online registration of application and uploading of required documents by the Candidate for admission on website (For Maharashtra State/All India/NRI/OCI/PIO/CIWGC/FN candidates): July 04 to 19, 2025 (Extended from July 15 to 19). Display of DSE 2025 Provisional Merit List: July 23, 2025 Display of DSE25 Final Merit list of Maharashtra State/All India candidates on website: July 29, 2025 Display of Provisional Allotment of DSE 25 CAP Round I: August 05, 2025 Display of DSE 2025 Provisional Allotment of CAP Round II: August 14, 2025 Display of Provisional Vacant Seats for Direct 2nd year DSE 25 CAP Round III : August 21, 2025 Display of DSE 2025 Provisional Allotment of CAP Round 3: August 26, 2025 Accepting to the offered seat by candidate through his/her login as per Allotment of CAP Round III: August 28 to 30, 2025 Display of Provisional Vacant Seats for Direct 2nd year DSE 25 CAP Round IV : August 31, 2025 Display of DSE 2025 Provisional Allotment of CAP Round 3: September 04, 2025 After publication of DSE Final Merit List on July 29, the admission process moved to the next stage when candidates whose names appear in the Final Merit List were asked to fill College Choice and Option Form. Candidates should note that the CET Cell had published DSE 2025 Seat Matrix giving details of vacant seats in various colleges after publishing the Final Merit List. Candidates were advised to read carefully the Seat Matrix before submitting DSE 2025 Option Form. This is important as allotment of seats will be done based on options submitted by the candidates. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Why Canada Photojournalist tears Reuters Press Card Reuters Photojournalist in Canada, Valerie Zink, tore her press card into two pieces and resigned accusing the prominent news agency of being an Israeli stooge and betraying the Palestinian journalists in Gaza Wednesday August 27, 2025 1:22 AM , ummid.com News Network Reuters Photojournalist in Canada, Valerie Zink, tore her press card into two pieces and resigned accusing the prominent news agency of being an Israeli stooge and betraying the Palestinian journalists in Gaza. I cant in good conscience continue to work for Reuters given their betrayal of journalists in Gaza and culpability in the assassination of 245 our colleagues, she wrote on announcing her resignation from the news agency. Valerie Zink resigned after the Israeli occupation forces (IDF) in yet another deliberate targeting of media persons, on Monday August 25, 2025 killed 5 Palestinian journalists. The Hebrew media reported that the entire operation was meticulously planned as per which the Israeli forces bombed Nasser Hospital around 10:00 Monday, and when people rushed for rescue operation and journalists for reporting, there was another round of bombing. Reuters news agency confirmed its cameraman, Husam al-Masri, was among those killed in the Gaza hospital attack. "A conveyer belt for Israeli propaganda" Zink accused the Western Media, including Reuters, of serving as a conveyer belt for Israeli propaganda. from New York Time to Washington Post, from AP to Reuters has served as a conveyer belt for Israeli propaganda, sanitizing war crimes and dehumanizing victims, abandoning their colleagues and their alleged commitment to true and ethical reporting, Zink wrote in the accompanying post. Valerie Zink also tagged the image of Reuters news agency Press Pass issued in her name tore into two pieces. Valerie Zink was working with Reuters since past eight years and her contract with the news agency was till January 31, 2026. "Deep Shame" Zink argued that by repeating Israeli military claims without verification, Western media has "made possible the killing of more journalists in two years on one tiny strip of land than in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, and Ukraine combined." By repeating Israels genocidal fabrications without determining if they have any credibility, willfully abandoning the most basic responsibility of journalism, Western media outlets have made possible the killing of more journalists in two years on one tiny strip of land than in WWI, WWII, and the wars in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, and Ukraine combined, to say nothing of starving an entire population, shredding its children, and burning people alive , Zink wrote. Zink cited the case of Anas al-Sharif, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Al Jazeera correspondent who was killed with his crew in Gaza City on August 10 , and accused Reuters of abandoning the award winning journalist. "It did not compel them to come to his defence when Israeli forces placed him on a hit list or when he appealed for protection after an Israeli spokesperson publicly threatened him. It did not compel them to report on his death honestly when he was hunted and killed weeks later," she said. Zink said that she can no longer wear her Reuters press pass without "deep shame and grief." Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Nasser Hospital and deliberate targeting of journalists Monday have sparked worldwide outrage . The Israeli occupation forces (IDF) have killed more than 240 journalists since October 2003, the number being the highest in any war. In a related report, Mariam Dagga, one of the reporters killed by the Israeli forces Monday, had donated her kidney to her ailing father. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic The sick are dying in the largest medical center in southern Gaza, with hardly any medicine available and many malnourished patients who are unable to leave the Strip for treatment The screams of Abdel Rahman Abu Shawish pierce the makeshift tent in the courtyard of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The 24-year-old Palestinian, who was shot by Israeli soldiers in early August as he tried to grab a bag of flour from a humanitarian aid truck in the southern Gaza Strip, now lies on a mattress he brought from home, in a tent in the hospital courtyard, because there are no free beds in the hospital. His left foot held in place by an external metal fixator that arrived four days late has deteriorated to the point where it can no longer be saved. Cut off my leg, cut off my leg! I beg you, for the love of God, cut it off. I cant take it anymore. Im going to die of pain, he cries, weeping. Doctors treating Abu Shawish report that the injury caused severe damage to his veins, arteries, and nerves, leaving his foot beyond repair. The situation has been exacerbated by shortages and overwhelming pressure on medical equipment. Access for foreign doctors is almost impossible, as is the impossibility of patients receiving treatment outside Gaza. Doctors deemed amputation necessary. This scene last Sunday at Nasser Hospital, the largest in southern Gaza, occurred hours before the Israeli bombing of the medical center. Hospital officials said at least 20 people were killed, including five journalists, and several more were injured. Gaza health authorities reported that the bombing was a double attack, as a second missile struck shortly after the first, when rescue teams arrived. The attack comes amid a conflict that, according to the Hamas-led Gaza Ministry of Health, has claimed more than 62,000 Palestinian lives since October 2023, almost half of them women and children. Nasser Hospital represents the complete collapse of Gazas healthcare system after 22 months of war. With medical supplies blocked at border crossings, foreign medical teams denied entry, and patients prevented from seeking treatment abroad, hospitals that once provided modern medical care now resemble 19th-century infirmaries. The hospitals director, Atef Al Hout, explains to EL PAIS that repeated attacks on medical facilities, coupled with severe shortages of medicines, equipment, and qualified personnel, have brought Gazas healthcare system to the brink of collapse. The malnutrition ward [at Nasser Hospital], designed for eight children, struggles to treat 25 The orthopedic department, built for 27 patients, now houses more than 200. The malnutrition ward, designed for eight children, struggles to treat 25. Premature births are more than double the usual rate. And the medical staff, working without basic supplies like gauze and painkillers, must choose which patients deserve the few remaining beds, while the rest sleep in the hallways. I cant I cant, says Abu Shawish. Im being treated in a place not fit for human beings. Im in an open tent, and there isnt even a bathroom. Were on the street. This young man, the father of a two-month-old boy named Kanan, wonders aloud: How is it possible that someone like me, who has just started life and started a family, could become disabled? Without access to prosthetics, crutches, or adequate treatment, he describes living in constant pain. Aid trucks Abu Shawish recalls that he only went to the aid trucks because he was hungry. Now, he says, he is afraid to face life in the enclave as an amputee. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Gazas healthcare system is collapsing, with less than half of hospitals and just over a third of primary health care centers barely functioning. Major facilities are operating at more than double or triple their capacity, amid severe shortages of medicines, supplies, and equipment, while international medical personnel and shipments face frequent denials and delays upon entry. Calling it a disaster is a polite way of putting it. In reality, the system is in critical condition Atef Al Hout, director of Nasser Hospital Hospitals are overwhelmed by the mass casualties from attacks on food distribution areas, leading to severe shortages of blood and plasma. According to the UN, from late May to mid-August, at least 1,857 Palestinians died while trying to obtain food. Two-year-old Abdel Rahman Kallab, pictured last Sunday, was admitted to Nasser Hospital 10 days ago after his weight plummeted over the course of a month. Mohamed Solaimane The crisis is exacerbated by evacuation orders threatening warehouses and medical facilities, which in turn pose a greater risk to essential services. His father, Ashraf Abu Shawish, works as an administrator at the same hospital, but is powerless to help his son. The occupation tortured my son twice, he says. First by shooting him and then by denying him treatment because they dont allow medicines to enter or the wounded to be taken abroad for treatment. The collapse of Gazas healthcare system is evident in every corner of Nasser. Dozens of orthopedic patients are crammed into two makeshift tents and the hallway between them, lying on thin mattresses theyve brought from their homes. The air is thick with the groans and sudden screams of patients pleading for painkillers that the nurses cant provide because theyve already run out. One man screams in frustration after being told he must wait until the next day for relief. Malnourished children At the mother and child hospital, 25 malnourished children lie emaciated and frail, some unable to sit or speak, while their mothers weep and plead with visiting journalists for help in obtaining treatment abroad. Doctors provide nutritional supplements but warn that recovery is slow and uncertain after such prolonged deprivation. Severe malnutrition is leaving the children frail and barely able to move. Last Sunday, the Gaza Ministry of Health reported the deaths of eight more people due to starvation, adding to the eight reported on Saturday, bringing the total number of hunger-related deaths to 289 since the start of the conflict. Last Friday, the UN officially confirmed that residents of Gaza City and its surrounding areas were suffering from famine. A total of 514,000 people almost a quarter of Gazas population are facing famine, and that number is expected to rise to 641,000 by the end of September. Two-year-old Abdel Rahman Kallab was admitted 10 days ago after his weight plummeted over the course of a month, weakened by persistent diarrhea and a lack of proper food. His mother, Ilham Kallab, cradles him in his hospital bed, sometimes leaving him on the mattress as she battles the fear of losing him. We didnt have any suitable food for a newly weaned child: no fruits, no vegetables, no meat, she adds. The only thing available were lentils and legumes, which caused diarrhea and worsened his condition. Dozens of patients lying on the floor at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis last Sunday. Mohamed Solaimane His mother explains that the little boy has been recovering very slowly for 10 days. I was hoping to give him protein, healthy fats, or fruit, but theres nothing available at the market, at high prices or otherwise. Shes also worried about her five other children, who have been left behind in a tent for displaced persons in similar conditions, fearing their health will deteriorate. Ahmed Al Farra, director of the Nasser Maternal and Child Hospital, confirms that the facility is under unprecedented pressure. His department received 100 cases per day before the war, but now the figure exceeds 700. Furthermore, overnight stays at the hospital used to be no more than six per day, but now reach 60. The malnutrition department, for example, is designed to accommodate eight patients, but now there are 25 children hospitalized, and we also have two malnutrition clinics that should receive 50 cases, but instead treat 240 weekly, he explains to EL PAIS. Select the most critical patients The director of the mother and child hospital adds that the staff is working through a nightmare, as doctors are forced to prioritize the most critical cases and choose which patients can stay overnight. According to Al Farra, overall health conditions are deteriorating rapidly. Before the war, the ideal birth weight was 3 to 3.5 kilograms, while now it ranges between 1.5 and 2.5 kilograms. Calling it a disaster is a polite way of putting it. In reality, the system is in critical condition, Al Hout, the director of Nasser, told EL PAIS. He explains that they dont even have basic supplies like saline solution. Antibiotics are scarce, wound dressings are out of stock, and medicines are depleted. We are facing a desperate situation, largely because the occupation is preventing the entry of even the most basic medical supplies. Al Hout confirms that deaths have occurred due to the shortcomings of the healthcare system. Before the war, Nasser Hospital had a maximum capacity of 342 beds, including 12 intensive care units and eight cardiac care units. Most other hospitals in the south have been destroyed or have ceased to function, and to cope with the situation, the hospital expanded its capacity: adding beds to existing rooms, utilizing corridors, and eventually establishing field hospitals. Capacity increased from 342 to 500, then to 588 with external tents, and now exceeds 1,000, three times the original capacity. The hospital is unable to perform even basic blood tests, except in intensive care or emergency cases, due to a lack of laboratory equipment. Its three X-ray machines, scheduled to be replaced by the end of 2023 thanks to a Japanese donation, are now handling around 1,000 cases daily, three times its normal load. The CT scanner, designed for 60 cases a day, is processing 300. These numbers are only a small part of the crisis, says Al Hout. The collapse of the healthcare system is deeper and more dangerous than these numbers can convey. Nurse Mohammed Aslan, who has worked through every war since 2008, says conditions are less than 10% of pre-conflict standards. The capacity of the two tents I oversee shouldnt exceed 45 patients, but at times its reached 110, and now there are more than 80, all of them on the floor, he says. Often, just two nurses oversee more than 40 patients, rationing dressings and delaying wound care. We provide what we have, not what they need, he says. This article was published in collaboration with Egab, a platform that works with journalists from the Middle East and Africa. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Complete control of the depressed industrial belt of eastern Ukraine, from which millions of Ukrainians have fled in the last decade, would offer a major victory to Putin and put Kyiv at risk of a new invasion Irina Artyomova, 42, lives in Kramatorsk, in the eastern Ukrainian province of Donetsk, about 12 miles from the front lines. Her reflection is simple but powerful. What would you think if a neighbor came to your house and said it was his, not yours? she asks in a phone call. Would you give up? Artyomova, along with her husband, Roman Dubinin, also 42, runs the aquarium in this Ukrainian city, a small oasis for civilians and military personnel battered by the Russian siege. Kramatorsk is one of the Kremlins coveted keys to bolster Russian control over Donbas, the region comprised of the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces and located at the heart of the New Russia desired by Vladimir Putin. The Russian president made this clear to his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, at the recent bilateral summit held in Alaska. The Russian leaders dream with deep historical and economic roots has clear consequences for the conflict and defense of Ukraine. According to the well-documented account of the meeting between Putin and Trump on August 15 in Alaska, the Russian president would be willing to freeze the front line if the Ukrainian government of Volodymyr Zelenskiy hands over Donbas to him. We are against it, Artyomova continues in a new message. We dont want to live under Russian control. We dream of victory and life in a free Ukraine. The Kremlins goal is not new: the pro-Russian uprising that began in Donbas in April 2014 and was supported by Moscow managed to conquer a third of the region. And since February 2022, after three and a half years of a full-scale invasion, Russian troops have occupied almost all of Luhansk, while Kyiv retains control of only 30% of Donetsk. Of the six million people who lived in Donbas in 2022, barely half remain today. Ukrainian historian Serhii Plokhy, in his book The Russo-Ukrainian War: The Return of History, recalls Putins long television appearance in April 2014, in which he defined what he considers Novorossiya, the New Russia, a term rescued from the imperial past: it would include, as the Russian leader then stated, the provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk, as well as Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, and Odessa. All of these are territories transferred to Ukraine in the 1920s by the Soviet government, he said. God knows why they did it. Putin and the nationalism he represents reject that gift as he has sometimes referred to it from the authorities of the Soviet Union to the Ukrainian republic at the time. Donbas, a territory bordering western Russia, has been a key industrial center since the 19th century; first for the Russian Empire, then for the Soviet Union, and finally for Ukraine. However, the lack of investment and modernization following independence in 1991 damaged this economic pillar, according to a 2020 World Bank report. In the decade prior to the 2014 occupation, the region had lost both population and economic clout, in a downward trend that perhaps further distanced its inhabitants from the center of power in Kyiv. The standard of living in Donetsk and Luhansk provinces, Plokhy recounts, was one of the lowest in the country, and for years the local Russian-speaking population had been mobilized by politicians who, in order to win votes, stirred up resentment against Western Ukraine. Ukraines steel and mining industries, moreover, have been decimated by the loss of territory. Continuing to hold on to it, without definitively ceding it to Russia, is also a mission to ensure that what was lost can be recovered in the future. Donetsk and Luhansk have been nourished for decades by labor migration from what is now the Russian Federation. Former Donetsk governor Pavlo Kirilenko admitted in an interview with EL PAIS in April 2022 that half of the remaining population in the province was pro-Russian and that enemy collaborators were a major problem. It is estimated that before the 2022 invasion, the population of the Donbas region was just over six million. Now it is barely half that. Tetiana Kozlovska, 40, is originally from Donetsk, the capital of the province of the same name. She left her hometown in 2014 and now lives in Kyiv. I feel frustrated after more than 10 years in which many people have died for their land, and perhaps for nothing, she says by phone, when asked about a possible cession of territory. Its painful. This graphic designer also doesnt believe that Russia will stop if it obtains Donbas. Its not about the land, she says, they dont want Ukraine to exist. Kozlovska hopes to return home one day. Traveling to the Donetsk strip still under Ukrainian control, especially to towns near the front lines, is like entering war-ravaged terrain, in almost uninhabited towns where a handful of people rebel against the daily terror of Russian bombing. Kyivs efforts to defend its sovereignty are concentrated in this 30% of the territory resisting the offensive. If Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, separated by less than 10 miles and in the heart of the Ukrainian resistance, key logistical centers for the army, were to fall to the invader, the doors would be opened for Russia to attempt to advance on Dnipropetrovsk province in the future. And from there, toward the river that is the backbone of Ukraine: the Dnipro. On August 12, the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War noted: The surrender of the rest of Donetsk Oblast as the prerequisite of a ceasefire with no commitment to a final peace settlement ending the war would force Ukraine to abandon its fortress belt, the main fortified defensive line in Donetsk Oblast since 2014, with no guarantee that fighting will not resume. This belt, on which Ukraine has invested 11 years of efforts to block a possible Russian assault from Donbas to the west, runs for about 30 miles along the highway between Kostiantinivka in the south and Sloviansk in the north. A bouquet of flowers next to the ballet pointe shoes of a bombing victim in Donetsk last March. Javier Cuesta Pokrovsk is another of the few large municipalities in Donetsk still in Ukrainian hands, but it is practically surrounded by the invading troops. During the siege of Pokrovsk, the Russian army has already taken up positions inside Dnipro. Thats why Finnish President Alexander Stubb illustrated in epic fashion last Monday in Washington during the summit convened by Trump, that Kramatorsk and Sloviansk are the bastion against the Hun hordes. Occupied Donbas The part of Donbas under the control of Russian authorities and troops can be divided into two zones: the area hit by the invasion and the pro-Russian separatist territory that remained more or less untouched by the fighting. Devastated forests and ruined cities marks the separation between the two. The withdrawal of the front from the city of Donetsk has brought a certain calm to the provincial capital, where more children and families are now on the streets, although the break with Ukraine more than a decade ago has also plunged this area into a severe economic depression. Peeling houses and abandoned factories and offices dot the landscape. The occupied region is also suffering from a severe water shortage crisis. The war unleashed by the Kremlin has devastated the Ukrainian water infrastructure that supplied the so-called separatist cities for years, even though they were under Moscows supervision. Water often doesnt reach the upper floors of buildings, and the Russian regime has imposed strict rationing, with homes going days without supply. The city of Mariupol, the greatest conquest of the Russian army, was exploited by Kremlin propaganda as an example of post-war reconstruction. Three years later, almost all construction work has come to a standstill, with progress only being made on the buildings that will be sold to Russians in this coastal city. The situation in the towns near the front is much worse. Drones hover menacingly over Gorlovka, less than 10 miles from the disputed Toresk, and shells fall with some regularity. We just want peace, Ukrainians in the occupied zone often say. Raisa, a woman from Mariupol, asked a few months ago if she felt liberated by the Russians, replied: From whom? However, in the self-proclaimed separatist republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, most people openly support being part of Russia. Those who considered themselves Ukrainian have fled or remain silent. It is unknown how many thousands of civilians have been detained in occupied territory, and some of them, like journalist Victoria Roshchyna, have died in prison. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Grand Canyon University is on track to welcome a record 133,000 students for the 202526 academic year, cementing its place as the largest Christian university in the United States. The milestone comes even as the institution endured years of heightened scrutiny from the federal government. During the Biden administration, Grand Canyon University (GCU) faced numerous federal probes into its operations, including actions by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). However, several of those cases have recently been dismissed. The FTC itself acknowledged the setbacks, stating: "This case, which we inherited from the previous administration, was filed nearly two years ago and has suffered losses in two motions to dismiss." The dismissals mark a significant legal vindication for GCU, underscoring the university's ability to rebound and continue expanding despite years of heightened federal scrutiny. Despite the pressure, GCU has maintained a frozen tuition rate for 17 consecutive years and continued expanding both its campus and online presence. Officials now point to a series of recent legal dismissals as vindication, reinforcing the university's ability to rebound and move forward. Enrollment projections include nearly 35,000 students on its Phoenix campus and 98,000 online, further strengthening its national reach. GCU has also invested in campus facilities, workforce partnerships, and faith-based initiatives, which leaders say will sustain long-term growth. By combining affordability, faith, and resilience in the face of federal challenges, GCU has positioned itself as both a leader in Christian higher education and one of the fastest-growing universities in the nation. 26 August 2025, Islamabad - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office Pakistan, in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), held a one-day media awareness session in Islamabad to strengthen journalists capacity for ethical and responsible reporting on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and Smuggling of Migrants (SOM). Over 30 journalists and editors from leading media houses participated in the workshop, which stressed survivor-centered reporting, accurate legal terminology, safeguarding victims identities, and avoiding sensationalism. Through interactive presentations, case studies, and discussions, participants explored how ethical journalism can shape public awareness, influence policy, and support Pakistans national response to these crimes. Facilitated by senior journalist Mr. Aoun Sahi, the session reinforced key principles: Correct terminology : differentiating Trafficking in Persons (TIP) from Smuggling of Migrants (SOM), stressing how misuse confuses the public and undermines legal/policy responses. : differentiating Trafficking in Persons (TIP) from Smuggling of Migrants (SOM), stressing how misuse confuses the public and undermines legal/policy responses. Survivor-centered approach : avoiding stigmatizing language, passive voice, or sensational headlines; protecting privacy and dignity with pseudonyms, blurred visuals, and trauma-informed interviews. : avoiding stigmatizing language, passive voice, or sensational headlines; protecting privacy and dignity with pseudonyms, blurred visuals, and trauma-informed interviews. Legal grounding : references to Pakistans Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act (2018) and Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act (2018). : references to Pakistans Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act (2018) and Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act (2018). Ethical guidelines : avoiding cliches, framing stories within human rights and social contexts (poverty, gender inequality, migration gaps), and highlighting systemic complicity. : avoiding cliches, framing stories within human rights and social contexts (poverty, gender inequality, migration gaps), and highlighting systemic complicity. Medias role: shaping public understanding, influencing government priorities, exposing organized crime, and sustaining momentum for reforms. This initiative highlights UNODC and FIAs commitment to working with the media in promoting accurate and constructive narratives that uphold the dignity of survivors while exposing organized crime. This event is supported by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Path to doctoral degree for UT San Antonio student, graduating in December, was never predetermined but rather carved through inspiration and determination. For the United States, Ismael El Mayo Zambada was a principal leader of a continuing criminal enterprise known as the Sinaloa Cartel. In addition to the alias El Mayo, he was known by the nickname Doc, according to one of the several accusations filed by the U.S. Attorneys Office against the drug lord, who pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy and directing a drug trafficking criminal enterprise. Washington maintains that the Sinaloa Cartel had operated at least since the 1990s thanks to the corruption of Mexican police officials, politicians, and judges. Zambada himself admitted this claim in his hearing in federal court in New York, where he said that he had indeed paid bribes to security officials and politicians, although he did not name any names, nor will he, according to the drug lords defense team. The U.S. Attorneys Office alleges that El Mayo and other cartel leaders, including Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, obtained substantial income and resources of up to $10 million gross over a 12-month period from the manufacture, importation, and distribution of cocaine in the United States. Added to this are the multimillion-dollar profits from the smuggling of other drugs, such as marijuana, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, the Sinaloa Cartels specialty. The figure recorded by the United States is just the tip of the iceberg of the veteran drug traffickers fortune. Judge Brian Cogan ordered the confiscation of Zambadas assets and property totaling $15 billion (280 billion pesos). The figure is stratospheric, but it is largely explained by the fact that, according to Zambadas own statement, he had been involved in the illicit drug trafficking business for nearly six decades, until his downfall last year, when he was handed over to Washington by Joaquin Guzman Lopez, one of El Chapos sons. El Mayo pleaded guilty solely to charges related to his leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel, filed by prosecutors in two separate indictments, one from 2009 and the other from 2012. Those documents describe the cartels operations as a criminal enterprise dating back to the 1990s, when it was also known as The Mexican Federation or The Alliance, operating as an organized crime syndicate founded on strong relationships between major drug lords, a council with representatives from the criminal organizations of its top leaders. The 2009 indictment names El Mayo Zambada, along with brothers Arturo and Hector Beltran-Leyva, Ignacio Nacho Coronel, El Chapo Guzman, and Jesus Zambada, El Rey, El Mayos brother. Filed almost 15 years ago, the indictment does not address the moment in which the alliance of legendary drug lords broke up due to mutual betrayals, nor the deaths of several of those criminal leaders (the two Beltran-Leyvas and Nacho Coronel) or their capture (El Chapo, El Mayo, and El Rey are all in the hands of the U.S. authorities). However, it does point to how the Sinaloa Cartel exercised control over government officials and law enforcement officers that allowed it to operate a large-scale narcotics transportation network involving the use of land, air, and sea transportation assets, which eventually led to the Cartel shipping multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America, through Central America and Mexico, and finally into the United States. The document indicates that, although the cartel leaders sometimes clashed, they prioritized the functioning of the organization, sharing trafficking routes, reducing violence, and, above all, ensuring their political and judicial protection. The 2012 document adds that, under the leadership of El Mayo and El Chapo, and equipped with hitmen and groups that functioned as armed wings, the Sinaloa Cartel spearheaded the trafficking of tons of cocaine and marijuana to the United States, laundered funds, and ordered murders in both Mexico and the U.S. The criminal group, according to the indictment, kidnapped, tortured, and threatened rival drug traffickers, potential informants, security agents, journalists, and innocent bystanders, as well as disloyal members. The prosecutors file chronicles the Sinaloa Cartels alliances with the armed wing Gente Nueva and its war against the Juarez Cartel, led by Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, known as El Viceroy, for control of the trafficking route to the United States. According to the Prosecutors Office, all profits obtained in the United States ultimately returned to El Mayo and El Chapo in Mexico. That money was also used by both bosses to reinvest in the criminal enterprise, the document adds: to purchase equipment weapons, ammunition, bulletproof vests, radios, vehicles and properties for the cartels use, but also to pay its members and associates. The document mentions the names of several municipal and state police officers from Sinaloa and Chihuahua on the cartels payroll and names them as co-defendants of Zambada and Guzman. Based on statements made Monday by El Mayo about corrupting police and military commanders, as well as politicians, it is certain that the organizations payroll included high-ranking officials. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed these statements and asserted that the criminal leader paid bribes to government officials, whom she described as corrupt. In Mexico, however, these alleged accomplices can breathe easily, as the kingpins lawyer, Frank Perez, has assured that his client will not cooperate in any way with U.S. justice. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition According to a survey conducted by the analytics company Nielsen on the feelings of the Hispanic population, only 10% are optimistic about their life opportunities For a long time, the American Dream has been a fundamental pillar of immigrant optimism in the United States, especially among Latinos. But after decades of being at the forefront of that dream, it seems that the idea that anyone, regardless of their origin, can achieve success, prosperity, and social mobility through hard work and opportunities in that country is disappearing at a rapid pace. Results published this month in the 2025 Hispanic Sentiment Study conducted by the Nielsen analytics company between March and April show that faith in this ideal has reached its lowest point since the survey began in 2018, with nearly half of Hispanics saying the dream is disappearing or no longer exists. This decline is due to a combination of economic, social, and institutional factors, especially during Donald Trumps second term. Rising costs of living, stagnant wages, and financial insecurity have made personal prosperity increasingly difficult to achieve, even despite the communitys growing economic contributions. These pressures, coupled with broader social challenges, have weakened the perception that the American Dream is attainable. The death of the American Dream? In 2025, 48.3% of Hispanics said that the American Dream is disappearing. This is a significant increase from 34.9% in 2023 and 30.5% in 2018, indicating an increasingly deep crisis of faith. The number of respondents who feel that the dream is already dead has also increased. That number more than doubled in just two years, from 10.5% in 2023 to 21.9% in 2025. At the same time, optimism has crumbled. In 2018, 22.4% of Latinos said the American Dream was still alive and well. By 2025, that figure had fallen by more than half to 10.6%. Even the more moderate belief that the dream is still alive, but not what it used to be has declined, from 47% in 2018 to 41.1% in 2025. By age Although skepticism about the American Dream spans all age groups, younger Latinos remain more optimistic than older people. Among those aged 18 to 24, 11.1% still believe the dream is alive and well, the highest proportion among all age groups. In comparison, only 6.7% of those aged 45 to 54 share that view. Young adults are also less likely to have abandoned the dream entirely. Only 15.2% of those aged 18 to 24 say the American Dream no longer exists, compared to 29.7% of those aged 25 to 34 and 25.6% of those aged 45 to 54. Although overall optimism has declined, younger Hispanics still have some hope, indicating that the dream, though weakened, has not yet died out for the next generation. By language Language, which is often an indicator of the experience of immigrants versus that of those born in the United States, also reveals significant differences in perspective. Both Hispanics who are fluent in Spanish and those who are fluent in English have experienced a sharp decline in optimism since 2018, but Spanish speakers continue to maintain a greater attachment to the dream. In 2018, more than a third (37.2%) of Spanish speakers said the American Dream was alive and well. By 2025, that optimism had fallen to just 10.5%, reflecting the overall trend. However, it is important to note that Spanish speakers are less likely to say that the dream has disappeared completely. Only 16.9% now believe that it no longer exists, compared to 22.4% of English speakers. Spanish speakers are also more inclined to take a middle ground: 48.3% believe the dream is still alive, but not what it used to be, compared to 40.3% of English speakers. This suggests that, although immigrants optimism has weakened considerably, it remains more resistant to total disillusionment than among Latinos who are fluent in English. By education Optimism has fallen across all education levels since 2018, but the data shows that Latinos with higher levels of education are now the most skeptical. In 2025, 35.4% of people with a four-year college degree said the American Dream no longer existed, along with 26.6% of people with graduate degrees. In contrast, only 16.6% of people with a high school diploma and 21.1% of people with an associates degree shared this view. When combining the most optimistic responses alive and kicking and still alive, but not what it used to be the majority or near majority of the most educated groups still believe the dream is still alive in some form. This figure stands at 55.8% among those with an associates degree, 53% among high school graduates, and 48.8% among those with less than a high school education. There is one exception among those with technical or vocational degrees, where combined optimism has fallen to just 39.8%, the lowest of all groups. A rapid change Since the Hispanic Sentiment Study began in 2018, belief in the American Dream has shown a steady downward trend. In that first year, only 9.1% of Latinos said the dream no longer existed. In 2023, that figure rose modestly to 10.5%, before more than doubling in just two years. Similarly, those who said the dream was alive and well declined steadily, from 22.4% in 2018 to 14.3% in 2023 and 10.6% in 2025. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition SOS Mediterranee says patrol vessel used by Libyan Coast Guard in attack had been donated by Italy in 2023. Migrant rescuers and humanitarian groups in Italy have condemned an attack by the Libyan Coast Guard on a search and rescue ship in the Mediterranean Sea. The non-profit SOS Mediterranee said the MV Ocean Viking vessel was targeted while carrying 87 rescued migrants to safety on Sunday afternoon. In a statement, the SOS Mediterranee said the incident occurred in international waters, about 40 nautical miles north of the Libyan coast, as the Ocean Viking was searching for a migrant boat in distress. The rescue vessel had been authorised by the Italian Coordination Centre to search for an additional boat in distress while en route to its assigned disembarkation port. The NGO said it was approached by a Libyan patrol vessel which "unlawfully demanded that we leave the area and head north". The Ocean Viking responded to say that it was leaving the area, SOS Mediterranee said, "however, without any warning or ultimatum, two men aboard the patrol vessel opened fire on our humanitarian ship, unleashing at least 20 relentless minutes of assault gunfire directly at us." Le immagini dalla nave Ocean Viking. L'aggressione. Dozzine i proiettili rinvenuti a bordo, sparati dalla c.d. guardia costiera libica. Oblo forati ad altezza uomo, interni, antenne, radaristica, RHIB di soccorso, raft di salvataggio: aggressione e danni senza precedenti. https://t.co/pIAU4qtO65 pic.twitter.com/Vqv3o4FtCJ Sergio Scandura (@scandura) August 25, 2025 "It is unacceptable that operators who intervened to save 87 lives were attacked by gunfire following a rescue" - Rosario Valastro, president of the Italian Red Cross - "Our deepest sympathy goes to the crew and the rescued migrants who, in addition to carrying out the necessary activities to address the shipwreck, had to deal with this sad episode which, we hope, will never happen again." No one was physically injured in the incident, however the vessel sustained significant damage, including broken windows on the bridge and bullet holes in rescue equipment. Following the attack, the ship set sail for Sicily, to the port of Augusta near Siracusa, where the 87 rescued migrants disembarked on Monday night. SOS Mediterranee stated that the patrol boat used in the attack was a gift from Italy to the Libyan Coast Guard in 2023, as part of a European Union border management programme. Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government has been actively working with Libya to stem migration flows, signing deals aimed at curbing irregular departures and strengthening border control. Yesterday, our teams and survivors on the Ocean Viking were deliberately shot at by Libyan Coast Guard, on a vessel gifted by Italy. We demand a full investigation into these horrifying events and an immediate end to all European collaboration with Libya.https://t.co/Be1oikdwYj SOS MEDITERRANEE (@SOSMedIntl) August 25, 2025 Valeria Taurino, general director of SOS Mediterranee Italy, called for "a thorough investigation" into the incident and for "those responsible for these life-threatening acts to be brought to justice". "We also demand an immediate end to all European cooperation with Libya" - Taurino said - "An entity that makes illegal claims in international waters, deliberately obstructs rescue operations for people in mortal danger, and targets unarmed humanitarian workers and rescued people cannot be considered a competent authority." Taurino also called for an "end to the criminalisation of rescue operations, an attitude that only creates fertile ground for these incredibly violent attacks." Frontex, the EU's border protection agency, described the incident as "deeply concerning" and has urged authorities to carry out a swift and thorough investigation. In a post on X, prominent left-wing politician Laura Boldrini called on the Italian government to "firmly condemn what happened, which certainly cannot be dismissed as an accident. And it must demand an independent and authoritative investigation to identify those responsible." What tourists need to know about the bottled water being sold illegally on Rome's streets. Despite visiting a city where water flows freely from drinking fountains around the clock, tourists in Rome continue to pay exorbitant prices for bottled water to unlicensed street traders. Not only is the water sold at well above the market price - for cash only and never with a receipt - tourists would be horrified to know the dubious origins of these bottles. Visitors to Rome, often struggling with the heat, regularly give in to persistent street hawkers and fork out up to 5 for a small plastic bottle of water. Of course tourists could get fresh drinking water from the roughly 2,500 nasoni fountains dotted all over the city, and even avail of the sparkling variety from the newer water kiosks which also have phone charging points. However, perhaps due to not bringing a refillable flask or maybe wrongly assuming that nasoni water is not drinkable, every day in Rome hordes of tourists hand over cash for bottled water from unauthorised street traders. Nasone, sampietrini, Colosseum: iconic Rome pic.twitter.com/HwlNht4wKa Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) October 27, 2024 What most tourists don't know is that, before being sold, these plastic bottles are hidden under bushes and in drains. The traders then try to make their sales while the refrigerated water is still ice cold. The phenomenon is particularly rampant around the Colosseum, with hawkers generally storing their merchandise in nearby hiding places on the Caelian Hill, where it appears to be delivered. Even worse is that often these bottles are filled with tap water before being sold - unsealed - to unsuspecting tourists. Wanted in Rome recently saw a pair of traders fill around a dozen water bottles from the nasone fountain at the viewing point overlooking the Circus Maximus. On Monday, municipal police officers reportedly seized 4,000 illegal items on sale around Rome, including counterfeit bags and bottles of unsealed water outside the Colosseum. Police said an investigation will soon get under way to trace the origin of the illicit bottled water in an effort to break the supply chain. The news serves as a reminder for tourists in Rome to enjoy the free water from the nasoni fountains - available 24 hours a day - and avoid the water being hawked illegally on the streets. Numerous NGOs are trying to prevent the Trump administration from incinerating a shipment of pills, intrauterine devices, and hormonal implants, stored on European soil, that would help 1.4 million women and girls The first alarm was raised at the end of July: several humanitarian and family planning NGOs denounced the Trump administrations intention to imminently destroy a major shipment of contraceptives. USAID, the U.S. aid agency, was storing them in Belgium, awaiting distribution to humanitarian missions, mostly in Africa. The operation, along with the contraceptives, was left in limbo when the U.S. government decided to dismantle its well-regarded development agency a move that, according to the scientific journal The Lancet, could lead to as many as 14 million preventable deaths by 2030. Washingtons order was that the pills, intrauterine devices, and hormonal implants stored in Belgium valued at nearly $10 million be incinerated in neighboring France. The outcry from civil society in both Europe and the United States seems, for now, to have stalled a measure that international organizations warn endangers the health of up to 1.4 million women and girls. A month later, the shipment scheduled for destruction in early August remains, apparently, stored in the Belgian town of Geel, near Antwerp. At least that is what NGOs suspect, since the U.S. State Department, which took over after USAIDs closure, refuses to explicitly confirm its status. We understand that the stocks are still in Belgium; we dont have definitive confirmation, but the indirect information weve received is that theyre still here, said Federico Dessi, director of Doctors of the World Belgium. The Belgian government insists it is not standing idly by. As soon as we learned of the possible destruction of the contraceptives stored in a warehouse in Geel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched diplomatic efforts with the U.S. Embassy in Brussels, a spokeswoman told this newspaper by email. All possible avenues are being explored to prevent destruction, including temporary relocation, she said, though she declined to give details of the negotiations so as not to prejudice the outcome. Pressure is also mounting in France, where the Green Party has called on President Emmanuel Macron to intervene: This decision is an affront to the fundamental principles of solidarity, public health, and sexual and reproductive rights that France defends, said Green Party leader Marine Tondelier in a letter to Macron. A citizen petition has also been sent to Frances National Assembly urging the government to be questioned on this issue and to do everything possible to prevent this incineration on French and European soil. The French Health Ministry said that France, unfortunately, has no legal means to requisition the stockpile, as these are not medicines of major therapeutic interest, and does not have a supply problem with this type of product. Even so, NGOs argue that governments can intervene to prevent incineration a measure they warn makes no sense given its cost of $167,000. Thats more than what it would cost to distribute them, said Sarah Shaw, director of London-based MSI Reproductive Choices. Biden-era aid In response to a query from EL PAIS, a State Department spokesperson simply confirmed last week, without clarifying a timeframe, that a preliminary decision has been made to destroy certain abortive contraceptive products from terminated Biden-era USAID contracts, which do not include HIV medications or condoms. According to the official explanation, Washington is merely enforcing the so-called Mexico City policy, also known as the Global Gag Rule. Since its introduction in 1984 under president Ronald Reagan, it has restricted U.S. foreign aid to organizations that provide, advise on, or promote legal abortion services, regardless of local laws or whether U.S. funds are used for such activities. Just days after returning to the White House, Trump reinstated this rule, traditionally maintained by Republican governments and rescinded by Democrats. Despite Washingtons silence, civic and political organizations in Belgium and France remain hopeful, using this hiatus to increase pressure on their governments to stop the destruction of perfectly usable contraceptives with several years of shelf life. Several NGOs have even offered to acquire them at no cost to the U.S., or handle the logistics to ensure they reach their intended destinations. The U.S. governments decision to incinerate millions of dollars worth of contraceptives is an intentionally reckless and harmful act against women and girls everywhere, said Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in a statement. The organization offered technical support to help deliver the contraceptives to countries in need. It is unacceptable to think that these medical products could be incinerated when global demand is so high, said Rachel Milkovich, MSFs sexual health specialist in the U.S. Unwanted pregnancies Earlier this month, along with about 15 other civil organizations, Doctors of the World Belgium sent a letter through lawyers to the Belgian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Development, demanding that they seize the stock stored on Belgian soil to prevent its destruction. They never received an official response, says Federico Dessi, and are now considering new actions, including the possibility of sending a formal demand letter legally obliging authorities to explain what steps they are taking. We want to encourage ministers to take action and find a way to save these stockpiles, ideally through diplomatic means, so they can be used to meet the needs of vulnerable people who require contraceptives for family planning and the prevention of infectious and communicable diseases, said Dessi. This argument is completely false, said Shaw, insisting that the U.S. administration rejected all offers to purchase them. These are not abortion-related items, but contraceptives. And as far as we know, even the current U.S. government policy isnt necessarily against contraceptives, said Dessi. We sincerely believe theres no contradiction between these items and what U.S. policy could be, since destroying them actually undermines public health and, in some ways, contributes to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases in different countries. Despite the few positive signs, she says they wont throw in the towel: We hope the governments will reach an agreement. Waterford residents have banded together to create a mural showcasing the connection between Irish and Indian cultures for a united front against racism. As part of this years Waterford Walls Festival, The Walls Project (TWP) has proudly unveiled a powerful new mural by acclaimed Irish artist AndyMc, celebrating cultural diversity and what it means to be Irish in 2025. John O'Connell, Executive Director of TWP, told Waterford News & Star that the mural, 'United Ireland', depicts two small children one of whom is Indian and the other Irish who have just completed an artwork symbolising their shared vision for a more inclusive Ireland. The mural was commissioned by a small group of Waterford residents in response to the recent negativity that some citizens, particularly those in the Irish-Indian community, have been subjected to. "At its heart, the artwork is a tribute to diversity, empowerment, and possibility, highlighting the vital role that all of the communities that make up our society play in shaping a better, more inclusive Ireland," said Mr O'Connell. "The public is invited to visit the mural on Jenkins Lane in Waterford City," he added. AndyMc, the artist who brought the vision to life for the Waterford residents, is a rising star on the Irish scene whose work stands out as a dynamic and thoughtful. His work is rooted in design, history, and community and with a rich portfolio to-date, his artistic voice brings layers of meaning and compelling visuals to public spaces, now including this new piece for Waterford Walls. The new mural, 'United Ireland', that was unveiled by The Walls Project. Pic: DGM Photographic The group who commissioned the piece had this to say: There is a lot of talk of a United Ireland. But in 2025, what does that really mean? For us it means inclusion. It means diversity. It means working together to create a better future. A future that improves the lives of all of the people who live on this island, regardless of their ethnicity, sexuality, religious beliefs or gender identity." The group said that for them a United Ireland is one that "prioritises love, compassion and respect above all else". "This commission is a love letter from the people of Waterford to every person who calls our country home," they said. "Romantic Ireland is still alive. But its fragile and its up to us to protect it. Meanwhile, Mr O'Connell said the mural adds to the growing legacy of Waterford Walls, Irelands largest street art festival, and reflects the festivals ongoing commitment to representation, community, and creativity. This mural is more than paint on a wall; its a statement of who we are and who we want to be," he said. "At Waterford Walls, we believe art can change how people see themselves, their neighbours, and their city," he added. "'United Ireland' reminds us that inclusion and creativity are the foundations of a stronger, more compassionate Ireland. Angel Lauren Wall from Waterford City lives with two debilitating conditions, Neurofibromatosis Type 2 and Bulbar Dysfunction. She needs significant medical care, and her conditions have severely impacted her ability to live independently. But her friend Stephanie Hyde hopes to change that. She has set up a GoFundMe page to raise 13,000 for care and technology that could improve Angels quality of life. She is the strongest girl you will ever meet. We just want to help keep my friend kicking ass and fighting NF2 and Bulbar Dysfunction. "We want to give her a better quality of life to enjoy with her little family, said Stephanie. ANGEL Angel is a 26-year-old mother from Waterford City. Stephanie said her friend suffered from migraines throughout her time at school, but was not diagnosed with NF2 until after she graduated. Angel now has a nine-year-old daughter, Ivy, and fiance, Jordan. Angel, her fiance Jordan and their daughter Ivy at Ivy's First Holy Communion. Currently, Angel is in a hospital in Dublin awaiting surgery. But before that, Angel and Jordan are to be married. Stephanie told us that they are trying to get the pair married before the surgery and were able to go dress shopping recently. Despite her condition, Angel is looking forward to her wedding. In 2022, Angel holds a BS in Molecular Biology from SETU in Waterford. Her graduation from which took place just nine days before her first surgery. NEUROFIBROMATOSIS and BULBAR DYSFUNCTION Angel has had 12 brain surgeries and 28 rounds of stereotactic radiotherapy. But despite that, she still lives with chronic pain, paralysis of one vocal cord, hearing loss and balance problems. Neurofibromatosis Type 2 or NF2 is a rare and incurable genetic condition that causes non-cancerous tumors to grow on the nerves, brain, spinal cord, and inner ear. Recently, Angel was also diagnosed with Bulbar Dysfunction. Bulbar dysfunction is a condition caused by neurological diseases like NF2. The condition caused by a weakness in the cranial nerves can affect a persons ability to swallow, breathe and speak. Angels condition is not terminal, but it has a profound effect on her life and her family. It is a terrible, scary diagnosis, said Stephanie. But Stephanie said the money they hope to raise may help to improve that. WHAT ANGEL NEEDS The money Stephanie hopes to raise will go to care and technology that will make Angel safer and more comfortable. The money raised will go toward specialist hearing aids, doorbell cameras and safety technology, vestibular therapy and rehabilitation, as well as personal and mobility aids. At first, Stephanie said her friend was hesitant about asking for help, but many of the things she needs are not available through the HSE and are too costly for her family to pay for by themselves. Stephanie said that just the hearing aids can cost 5,000 each. But the technology and rehabilitation care will help Angel to live more independently and spend more time with her daughter. This is to improve the quality of her life, not to pay for a funeral, said Stephanie. GOFUNDME At the time of writing, Angels GoFundMe page had almost reached its goal. Through the generosity of the public 12,193 had already been raised. "Thank you also to everyone who has donated so far. From the bottom of our hearts, it means the world to Angel and her family," said Stephanie. You can make a donation by visiting Angels GoFundMe page here. County Waterford was represented at the recent, 103rd commemoration of Michael Collins' death at Beal na Blath. Cllr Liam Brazil, was among those in attendance at the event that was also attended by Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD. The event took place o Sunday, August 24, and in her wide-ranging address titled, 'Thinking - in Long Strides', a reference to a phrase Collins reportedly used about himself, Minister MacNeill focused on what the next ambition is for the country - having built the walls of a successful and resilient state. She spoke of energy, security and ensuring, enduring soveign wealth. Those in attendance had their attention drawn towards the development of solar and wind energy and referencing those who would be opposed to such measures she said: "I say no, please think in long strides." She said such developments were not short-term issues and that energy security was integral to our sovereignty. Minister MacNeill also said she believed in the Future Ireland Fund and that it had the potential to allow the State build enduring sovereign wealth and to avoid the "boom-bust cycles" of the past, but only if "we have the political discipline to leave it alone". Waterfords population increased by 3,300 people in the last year. That is according to new figures released by the Central Statistics Office as part of the Population and Migration Estimates, April 2025 release. The estimated population of Waterford at the end of April 2025 was 134,100 people, a more than 3,000 increase on last years figure of 130,800. The figures are estimates, as actual figures are measured through the census every five years. The last Census was in 2022, and the population then was 127,363, an increase of 10% The annual estimates are based on who is usually resident. The increase in females was double that of males in Waterford. The number of women and girls in Waterford went from 66,000 to 68,300. And the number of boys and men increased from 64,800 to 65,800. There was no major increase in the age groups in Waterford. Population increases don't just include those coming into the country or county but births as well. Every region in Ireland saw a population increase. The south east region increased from 474,800 people in 2024 to 486,400 in 2025. NATIONAL OUTLOOK The population of Ireland now stands at 5458 600 people, an increase of 78,300. In the 12 month period, 125,300 people immigrated to Ireland while 65,600 left. Immigration was down 16% compared to the same period in 2024, while emigration was down 6.2%. Population and Migration Estimates April 2025 national infographic. Credit: CSO Of those coming into the country, 31,500 were Irish citizens returning. EU and UK citizens accounted for 25,300 and 4,900, respectively. The remaining 63,600 were from other countries. A West Waterford councillor has hit out at Uisce Eireann as the area of Monamon is left without water for a week. In a statement today, Cllr Donnchadh Mulcahy said the outage began last Wednesday, August 20, and there is no clear timeframe for restoration. It should not be the case that in 2025, families in Cappoquin, Lismore, and right across West Waterford are left without water for a week. This is not just an inconvenience its a disgrace. Rural communities are being failed time and time again, and it has to stop, said Cllr Mulcahy. The councillor said the outage was not listed on the Uisce Eireann website. A burst water main dated August 25-26 is listed for the Glenribbeen area, including Monamon, but it is unclear if this is cause of the week-long outage. Those repair works were due to be completed by 5pm today, August 26. In his statement, Cllr Mulchay cited one resident as saying: People are left in the dark. We dont know what the issue is, when it will be fixed, or why were not being kept informed. Cllr. Mulcahy has also called for a water tanker to be put on standby in situation. The councillor warned that what is happening in Monamon is part of a wider pattern. Across rural communities, he said Uisce Eireann is consistently failing to communicate, to plan, and to treat people with basic respect. By tomorrow, it will be one full week that people in this area have been left without water. Families, children, vulnerable people, and animals are all affected. This is simply not good enough. "Communities deserve respect, information, and action. "Leaving households without supply and without communication is unacceptable, said Cllr Mulcahy. Advertisement BusinessCompaniesBillionaires This was published 3 months ago King of the geeks: Maths whiz hands himself a $1.4 billion payday James Titcomb August 27, 2025 4:21am Save 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 Britains biggest taxpayer has paid himself a record 682 million ($1.42 billion) after a surge in profits at his high-tech trading firm. Alex Gerko, the Russian-born mathematician behind London-based XTX Markets, took home the lions share of a 1.28 billion profit split between 31 partners last year. Alex Gerko founded XTX just a decade ago. Gerko, 46, is one of Britains wealthiest people, with a personal fortune of 12 billion last year, according to The Sunday Times Rich List. He is believed to be Britains biggest single individual taxpayer, contributing 665 million in 2023 alone. Advertisement Gerko has been dubbed king of the geeks because his small trading firms computer science expertise and sophisticated algorithms gave it a modest but lucrative edge when trading billions of dollars every hour. Related Article Billionaires Wall Street surge makes billionaire CEO one of the richest women in the world He founded the company in 2015, having moved to London from Moscow to work at Deutsche Bank. Gerko renounced his Russian citizenship in 2022 after Russia President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine, and his company has given tens of millions of dollars to Ukrainian charities. XTX Markets uses huge numbers of cutting-edge Nvidia chips at a supercomputer in Iceland to predict financial markets with pinpoint accuracy, allowing it to undercut rival trading firms when handling $US250 billion. Advertisement Gerkos ethical endeavours Gerko owns 75 per cent of the company and has used his wealth to pursue a series of philanthropic endeavours. This includes a string of maths schools after he became dismayed at the state of British education in the subject, as well as conservation efforts, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Gerkos small trading firms computer science expertise and sophisticated algorithms gave it a modest but lucrative edge when trading billions of dollars every hour. Bloomberg He owns a 150-acre estate in the Chiltern Hills, previously owned by the philanthropist Lady Helen Hamlyn, which has been dubbed the Teletubby House for its sunken appearance in the surrounding hillside. Advertisement He has also invested in leading artificial intelligence companies, including the Silicon Valley firm Anthropic and British driverless car start-up Wayve. I am very happy to pay a ton of taxes. Alex Gerko Gerko is known for putting forthright opinions on social media. He deleted his X account last year, but frequently posts on LinkedIn, criticising Britains online safety laws and the BBCs coverage of the war in Gaza. The UK will soon have about as much freedom of speech as Russia if we dont stop this, he wrote last month. Advertisement Gerko has also supported a wealth tax, claiming: I am very happy to pay a ton of taxes. Related Article Billionaires The mysterious man behind OnlyFans gets $1.1 billion windfall Last year, he lost a legal case alongside employees at his former hedge fund, GSA Capital, over how payments to partners were taxed between 2010 and 2015. HMRC, the British tax authority, had said the payouts should be taxed at income tax rates rather than corporation tax levels. Gerko said this amounted to massive double taxation. He said: The amounts involved are small compared to the billions of pounds in tax I have paid, and been happy to pay, over the years. Advertisement The case is now being taken to the Supreme Court. The Telegraph, London The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the days trading. Get it each weekday afternoon. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Billionaires World markets UK Advertisement BusinessCompaniesTrump's America This was published 3 months ago Opinion Trumps Intel deal moves America to state-run capitalism Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist August 26, 2025 11:00am August 26, 2025 11:00am Save 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 Who would have thought that a Republican government would embrace US-style state capitalism? Last Friday, the Trump administration announced that the US government would take up a 9.9 per cent stake in troubled chipmaker Intel, converting $US8.9 billion ($13.7 billion) of grants that the company might have received under Joe Bidens Chips and Science Act into equity. The deal came after a meeting this month between Donald Trump and Intel chief executive Lip-Bu Tan, whose resignation Trump had previously demanded (without any obvious authority) because of his investments in some Chinese technology companies. He walked in wanting to keep his job, and he ended up giving us $US10 billion for the United States, Trump said after the meeting. US President Donald Trump said the Intel boss ended up giving us $US10 billion. AP Advertisement The Trump administration says it wont have board representation or any governance rights, although the US will receive a five-year warrant to buy an additional 5 per cent stake if Intel relinquishes control of its foundry, or chip-making, unit. Trumps Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said at the weekend that Trump had decided to turn the money that Biden was going to give away into equity for the American people. Related Article Billionaires The billionaire with an amazing story who changed Trumps mind He said Biden had been going to give Intel the money for free, but Trump had said, hey, we want equity for the money. Trumps perspective, he said, was: Why are we giving a company worth $US100 billion this kind of money? Under the Chips and Science Act, which set aside $US52.7 billion for grants to incentivise domestic chip-making, Intel could have received up to $US11 billion if it met a number of benchmarks. There were also provisions for sharing of windfall profits. Advertisement The $US8.9 billion was money allocated to Intel but not yet paid because it hasnt yet met the benchmarks. The Trump deal, in contrast, has no performance hurdles. The exchange of the grant money for equity is the largest public-private deal the US government has entered into since the bailouts of US auto companies and financial institutions during the 2008 global financial crisis, when there were fears of a financial system collapse. People come in and they need something. I hope Im going to have many more cases like [the Intel deal]. Donald Trump It follows a string of other unusual deals Trump has done with US private companies that have raised eyebrows and generated criticism within Republican circles. Among them are the 15 per cent tax Trump imposed on Nvidia and AMDs sales of some of their more advanced chips to China, chips they had been banned from selling to China until they agreed to give up a share of their revenues. Advertisement Trump has also proposed that the US should be gifted a stake in TikToks US business, which its parent ByteDance is being forced to sell, and demanded a golden share in US Steel as the price of its approval for the firms acquisition by Nippon Steel. The administration also has taken up a 15 per cent stake in a US rare earths miner. Related Article Trump's White House Trump makes unusual deal with worlds most valuable company Trumps trade deals with Japan and Europe and others also purport to include massive commitments to investment in the US investments that Trump claims would be at his discretion. Trump said on Monday that the economic strategy underpinning the Intel deal was to get as much as I can. People come in and they need something. I hope Im going to have many more cases like it [the Intel deal]. Advertisement There are already suggestions that other tech companies, such as Taiwans TSMC and South Koreas Samsung, that have been awarded grants not yet paid under the Chips and Science Act could face similar pressure to issue equity to the government if they want the funds. These deals would be anathema to traditional Republicans committed to free market capitalism, which in the US has had a Darwinian element to it that has driven competition and innovation. It would be galling to Republicans that the Intel deal was enthusiastically endorsed by Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders, who they regard as a socialist, if not something more extreme. Intel, with a market capitalisation of $US107 billion, didnt need government equity. It very recently raised $US2 billion from issuing shares to Japans SoftBank. Once the dominant chip designer and manufacturer in the US, it badly lags companies such as Nvidia and AMD and has few, if any, external customers for the chips its foundry makes. The company has incurred losses in each of the past six quarters and the foundry business lost $US13 billion last year. Advertisement Its problem is in technology, not its balance sheet. It missed the smartphone and AI revolutions and the industrys shift to the graphics processing units that have made Nvidia a $US4.4 trillion company. The fear in the industry is that to validate and protect its shareholding, the Trump administration or some future administration will try to direct business and encourage US companies to direct some of their business to Intel. Will the US government steer US companies to direct some of their business to Intel now? Bloomberg State-directed capitalism distorts decision-making and competition. Intel laid off 15,000 employees last year and has said it plans to cut another 20,000 this year. The US economy is slowing and the labour market shrinking. Will Intel be pressured to reduce or abandon those job cuts to help its new shareholder out? Advertisement Will Nvidia and AMD see sales they would have made diverted to Intel because of pressure on their customers from the White House, or a desire by companies to ingratiate themselves with Trump? Related Article Opinion AI Nvidia boss knows how to work Trump but what about the AI jobs carnage? Elizabeth Knight Business columnist Intel has explored the possibility of selling all or some of its foundry. Is a deal that might be in the best interests of its non-government shareholders now off the table? Those shareholders, incidentally, are being diluted by the issue of equity at below-market prices. Intel has given the government a $US10.6 billion shareholding in exchange for $US8.9 billion it could have gained without diluting its existing shareholders returns. The administration has no coherent strategy for its shift toward state-run capitalism. Advertisement There is no coherent industry policy other than Trumps fixation with tariffs. There doesnt seem to have been any thought given to how the government will manage conflicts that will arise by being both a policymaker for the semiconductor sector and now a participant in it. Trumps deals are just opportunistic grabs they have been described as shakedowns and extortion for cash or value by a president who seems himself as the consummate dealmaker. Nvidias rise and Intels fall have illustrated the dynamic and almost brutal cycles of US competition and innovation. Trump has now intervened in that cycle and is threatening to use the deal as a model for further interventions. Who would have thought that Republicans, rather than Democrats, would be pursuing an economic strategy that echoes that of the European economies of the 1970s, or the Chinese model they have routinely condemned? The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. At least nine cities are in dispute with the state government over rainbow-painted pedestrian crossings that officials have ordered be removed Rainbow crosswalks have sparked a cultural and political war over LGBTQ+ visibility in public spaces in Florida. At least nine cities are in dispute with the state government over crosswalks painted in the colors of the gay flag, which authorities have requested be removed under the justification that they pose a safety risk. Activists and municipal governments point out that this is actually a pretext as part of Governor Ron DeSantis broader effort to erase LGBTQ+ people from public life and that transportation regulations are being used as a weapon against inclusion. Some have described the campaign as state bullying and an extension of the cultural disputes that Florida has been involved in for years. The order originated from the federal government in early July, when Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued guidance to state governors to enhance safety, noting that highways are not for political messages or works of art. DeSantis enthusiastically embraced the directive and reinforced his position by declaring that he would not allow highways to be used for political purposes. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) then sent instructions to several cities, including Key West and Miami Beach, historic bastions of the LGBTQ+ community, warning that the decorative crosswalks must be removed or they will lose transportation funding. Since then, Key West, Miami Beach, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, and Delray Beach have all clashed with the state this summer. FDOT argues that the crossing colors could be dangerously distracting to drivers and pedestrians, and has set a deadline of the first week of September for their removal. However, local politicians and LGBTQ+ rights advocates have denounced the order as politically motivated. Various city officials have issued statements of support for their communities as they struggle to decide how to respond. Civil rights groups have also denounced censorship, and protests and legal challenges have already been organized. Rainbow crossings on Duval and Petronia in Key West, Florida, August 18. Rob O'neal (AP) The controversy has garnered national attention, and some fear it could set a precedent beyond Florida. Rand Hoch of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council called the orders plainly anti-LGBTQ+ and accused state and federal officials of extorting municipalities by threatening to withdraw funding. In Miami Beach, famous for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community, protests erupted Monday night against the order to remove the rainbow crossing from Ocean Drive and 12th Street in the heart of South Beach, an emblem of the citys gay pride march. Members of the city commission signaled plans to appeal the order or seek an extension, and criticized the state for using the safety justification as an excuse. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said she was outraged and that these installations reflect the values of respect and openness. In neighboring Fort Lauderdale to the north, protests also erupted Monday. There, officials were instructed to remove several street murals, rainbow designs along the beachfront, and some crosswalks, including one on Sebastian Street over Highway A1A in the popular gay beach district. Mayor Dean Trantalis, the citys first openly gay mayor, flatly rejected FDOTs justification, calling it an attempt to erase the presence of anything related to the LGBTQ+ community and not a safety issue. It could be the gay community this year, who knows what it will be next year, the mayor warned, suggesting that the crackdown on gay pride symbols is part of a growing trend of erasing diversity in Floridas public spaces. The first victim of the measure was the crosswalk in front of the LGBTQ+ nightclub Pulse in Orlando, central Florida, near a memorial honoring the 49 people killed in the 2016 shooting at the now-closed nightclub, the deadliest massacre on U.S. soil since 9/11. It was painted black and white last Friday night. Orlando authorities claimed they hadnt even received advance notice. Mayor Buddy Dyer called the incident insensitive and a cruel political act. Pedestrian crossing in front of Pulse, one of the most important venues for the LGBTQ+ community in Orlando, Florida. Left, in 2017, and right, on August 21. Orlando Sentinel (TNS via Getty images) In Key West, a city known worldwide for its LGBTQ+ pride celebrations, officials received a letter from FDOT on August 15 demanding the removal of rainbow crossings from the popular corners of Duval and Petronia streets, in the heart of the islands gay district, by September 3. The letter even points to the possible immediate withholding of state funds for any additional violations. City officials requested an administrative hearing on September 3. Key West Mayor Teri Dee Dee Henriquez said the intersection is not a state highway, and that the picturesque crossings meet FDOT requirements according to an engineering analysis, and that there have been no reported accidents at that intersection due to the crossings. In another city on the west coast of the peninsula, St. Petersburg, where there are five such art installations, authorities appealed the order. But on August 24, the state denied the request, reminding local officials that failure to remove the murals would result in the withholding of state funding for transportation. Following the denial, Mayor Ken Welch announced that the city would comply and allow FDOT to remove the rainbow crosswalk and related murals by the September 4 deadline. FDOT crews will be responsible for repainting the street, but the city must reimburse the cost. Faced with the capitulation of local officials, many residents protested and said they would repaint the murals with chalk. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Advertisement CultureBooksEpstein fallout This was published 3 months ago Epstein, Prince Andrew accuser Virginia Giuffre wrote a memoir. Its coming out months after her death Hillel Italie August 25, 2025 8:53am Save 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 New York: A posthumous and unsparing memoir by one of Jeffrey Epsteins most prominent accusers, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, will be published on October 21, publishing house Alfred A. Knopf announced on Sunday (Monday AEST). Giuffre, who died by suicide in April aged 41, had been working on Nobodys Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice with American author-journalist Amy Wallace. She had completed the manuscript for the 400-page book, according to the publisher. Virginia Roberts Giuffre (centre), pictured here in 2001 with Prince Andrew and Ghislaine Maxwell, died in April. Her memoir is slated for an October release. The publishers statement includes an email from Giuffre to Wallace a few weeks before her death, saying that it was her heartfelt wish the memoir be released regardless of her circumstances. The content of this book is crucial, as it aims to shed light on the systemic failures that allow the trafficking of vulnerable individuals across borders, the email reads. Advertisement It is imperative that the truth is understood and that the issues surrounding this topic are addressed, both for the sake of justice and awareness. Related Article Epstein fallout Trump knew Epstein stole young women, including Virginia Giuffre, from Mar-a-Lago Giuffre had been hospitalised following a serious accident on March 24, Knopf said, and sent the email on April 1. She died on April 25 in Western Australia. In the event of my passing, I would like to ensure that NOBODYS GIRL is still released. I believe it has the potential to impact many lives and foster necessary discussions about these grave injustices, she wrote to Wallace. In 2023, the New York Post had reported that Giuffre had reached a deal believed to be worth millions with an undisclosed publisher. Knopf spokesperson Todd Doughty said she initially agreed to a seven-figure contract with Penguin Press, but moved with acquiring editor Emily Cunningham after Knopf hired Cunningham as executive editor last year. Advertisement Loading Giuffre had often stated that, in the early 2000s, when she was a teenager, she was caught up in Epsteins sex-trafficking ring and exploited by Britains Prince Andrew and other influential men. Epstein was found dead in a New York City jail cell in 2019 in what investigators described as a suicide. His former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted in late 2021 on sex-trafficking and other charges. Related Article Epstein fallout Trump was never inappropriate with anybody, Ghislaine Maxwell tells investigators Andrew had denied Giuffres allegations. In 2022, Giuffre and Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement after she had sued him for sexual assault. A representative for Andrew did not immediately return a request for comment. Nobodys Girl is distinct from Giuffres unpublished memoir, The Billionaires Playboy Club, referenced in previous court filings and initially unsealed in 2019. Through Doughty, Wallace says she began working with Giuffre on a new memoir in 2021. Advertisement Giuffres name has continued to appear in headlines, even after her death. In July, United States President Donald Trump said that Epstein had stolen Giuffre from Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Florida where she once worked. She had alleged being approached by Maxwell and hired as a masseuse for Epstein. Maxwell has denied Giuffres allegations. Giuffre (centre) leaving a New York Federal Court in 2019. Bloomberg Doughty declined to provide details about the Epstein associates featured in Nobodys Girl, but confirmed that Giuffre made no allegations of abuse against Trump, who continues to face questions about Epstein, the disgraced financier and his former friend. Related Article Opinion Epstein fallout From Epstein to Trump, rich and powerful men have a vulnerable-women problem Kylie Moore-Gilbert Political scientist and writer Knopfs statement says the book contains intimate, disturbing and heartbreaking new details about her time with Epstein, Maxwell and their many well-known friends, including Prince Andrew, about whom she speaks publicly for the first time since their out-of-court settlement in 2022. In a statement, Knopf publisher and editor-in-chief Jordan Pavlin called Nobodys Girl a raw and shocking journey and the story of a fierce spirit struggling to break free. Advertisement Giuffres time with Epstein is well documented, although her accounts have been challenged. She had acknowledged getting details wrong, errors she attributed to trying to recall events from years ago. In 2022, she dropped allegations against Alan Dershowitz, saying in a statement at the time that she may have made a mistake in identifying the famed attorney as an abuser. Nobodys Girl was both vigorously fact-checked and legally vetted, a Knopf statement reads. Wallace, Giuffres co-author on her memoir, is an award-winning magazine and newspaper reporter whose work has appeared in The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, among other publications. She has also collaborated on two previous books, Pixar co-founder Ed Catmulls Creativity, Inc. and former General Electric CEO Jeff Immelts Hot Seat. AP If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1800 512 348, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or the National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Epstein fallout Jeffrey Epstein Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Advertisement CultureMoviesFilm This was published 3 months ago Ethan Coens new crime caper pays homage to campy B-movies Stephanie Bunbury August 20, 2025 10:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share As half of the Coen brothers, Ethan Coen has written and directed films with his brother Joel that pay tribute to many genres, while always looking unmistakably like Coen Bros movies. Going back to 1984, their first feature, Blood Simple, was textbook noir: shot in the shadows, ordinary people doing unspeakably bad things, laden with atmosphere. The Hudsucker Proxy (1994) leant into the snappy dialogue-driven dramas of the 50s; No Country for Old Men (2007) adapted Cormac McCarthys novel with appropriate gravitas; The Big Lebowski (1998) was an absurdist comedy about friendship, bowling and a missing rug. The brothers have carved out their shared name as the go-to weekend entertainment for the university educated. Margaret Qualley as the swaggering Detective Honey ODonahue in Honey Dont!. AP After making The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, their 2018 western, they decided to take a break from working together. What now? Joel Coen chose to make an austere version of Macbeth with his wife, Frances McDormand. His brother, meanwhile, turned to a pleasure he shares with wife Tricia Cooke: B-movie trash. Out of the bottom drawer came a script they wrote 20 years earlier, just as a fun thing to do together, called Drive-Away Dykes. It was a crime caper about a lesbian adventuress and her timid friend who discover on a road trip which includes a lot of stop-offs at lesbian bars in unexpected places that they are inadvertently driving away some very dodgy goods. Drive-Away Dolls, as it was renamed for distribution, had a very mixed response. Coen and Cooke, however, felt newly energised. The second in what will be their trilogy of lesbian genre films is Honey Dont!. This time they have gone hard-boiled, with a detective played by Margaret Qualley who also played the adventurer in Drive-Away Dolls set against an assortment of dead bodies, dumb cops and a profiteering preacher played with great gusto by Chris Evans, aka Captain America. Like Drive-Away Dolls, it is shot with brightly lit verve by Australian cinematographer Ari Wegner. Advertisement Neither of them can say exactly what led them down this road. At the most basic level, they are writing the kind of movies they like to see. We like B-movies, we like detective movies, we like genre movies and genre fiction of the hard-boiled kind: Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, that kind of stuff, Ethan Coen says. So you write the kind of stuff that you find yourself liking as an audience or as a reader, but its unlike most examples of the form in that the detective is a lesbian. They are also on a kind of mission. Cooke says she started looking for films with lesbian characters as a student. I didnt really understand my sexual orientation until I was almost an adult, maybe 18, she says. And then, when I was very aware of who I was, I thought Id watch some lesbian movies and there just arent that many. This was the 80s, so most of the ones that existed had tragic ends. Queer cinema took off in the 90s, but the films were still generally decidedly earnest. Where were the fun lesbians? The road movies and horror? So we decided to do that because nobody was doing it. Tricia Cooke (left), Margaret Qualley and Ethan Coen on the set of Honey Dont!. AP Cooke joined the Coens team in 1989. Recently graduated from New York Universitys film-making course, she got a job as a camera assistant on Millers Crossing, shooting in New Orleans. Unlike most film buffs of the time, she hadnt seen Blood Simple or Raising Arizona, but someone had put in a good word for her. Later, when she expressed an interest in moving to editing, the brothers took her on as an apprentice in New York; meanwhile, a friendship was brewing. Ethan asked me on a date, and we went to see Drugstore Cowboy, she told Moviemaker magazine. I told him, Im a lesbian, Im not interested. In the end, that didnt seem to matter. They married in 1993 and had two children, now adults; the relationship has clearly endured in an unconventional way, with both husband and wife having other partners. Its not easy sometimes, and it can be very difficult for even our friends and family to understand, Cooke said in the Moviemaker interview. You navigate it one day at a time. Weve been in this kind of dynamic for over 20 years, and we still take it one day at a time. Advertisement Back in the 90s, Cooke also had a thriving second social life in the bar scene; she was chief consultant on the look of the steamy dive bars where much of Drive-Away Dolls transpires but which, she has reported with some regret, barely exist any more. She has also directed short films on queer themes. Honey Dont! is set in Bakersfield in California, a downtrodden town on the edge of the desert full of peeling cement buildings, cracked pavements and dusty brown scrubland; Detective Honey ODonahues office is in a strip mall. Its inland California, as opposed to glamorous coastal LA or San Francisco, Coen says. To Americans, I think it signified entrapment, Cooke says. Chris Evans plays a dodgy priest in Tricia Cooke and Ethan Coens lesbian thriller. AP As a character, Honey isnt the kind of detective who melts into the background while snapping incriminating shots of unfaithful husbands; Qualley has devised a swaggering sashay and a visual style that would stand out anywhere, but certainly cuts a dash in the Bakersfield police station. The essence of Margaret seems to work well for this genre in particular, Cooke says. I think she reminded us a little of Lauren Bacall. Those classic actresses. Honey finds herself involved after a woman turns up dead in a car crash the day after she left Honey a message saying she desperately needed the detectives help. The trail leads to the Four Winds Church, where the seedy Reverend Drew Devlin urges his flock to find joy in submission, which he interprets very literally with whips, chains and the needier females in his deluded flock. He is also cavalier about murdering anyone who gets in his way, which may include Honey: cue vigorous fights involving kitchen utensils. Meanwhile, the enthusiastically promiscuous Honey meets her hot sexual match in MG, a rough but pleasing back-room police officer played by Aubrey Plaza. Advertisement Related Article Film Still stings: Why Carey Mulligan is tapping into childhood heartbreak over Take That split Neither Coen nor Cooke can point to a particularly queer aesthetic in their brace of films. In a perfect world, it would just be a detective movie where the detective is a lesbian, Coen says. We made this movie for that perfect world. Says Cooke: It gets politicised because, especially in our country, the LGBT community is politicised. Weve always had to fight for our rights, and weve made such great strides and now theres this big backlash because of the strides that were made. So even being able to have this voice on film is political now, for sure. Which leads us to the next film in the series possibly again with Qualley playing a third lesbian character. Weve got her on a lifetime contract, Coen jokes. It is already written. Is it even a genre? It sort of is, he says. Its a man-in-nature or woman-in-nature film. Or woman-in-God. The cosmos. But a B-movie? Yes, its Walkabout, its Deliverance! Whats a trashy example of those films? He cant think of anything, which clearly pleases him. Ours is going to be the first trashy one. Honey Dont! is in cinemas from August 28. Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday. Advertisement Updated NationalNSWCourts This was published 3 months ago More sides to every story: Shock development in Beau Lamarre-Condon case Clare Sibthorpe Updated August 26, 2025 10:32am ,first published August 26, 2025 8:48am Save 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 Alleged double killer Beau Lamarre-Condon will fight allegations he murdered Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies in Sydneys eastern suburbs, with his lawyer telling journalists history will be the judge. The former police officer allegedly used his service-issued Glock pistol to shoot 26-year-old television presenter Baird and 29-year-old Qantas flight attendant Davies inside a Paddington terrace in February 2024. Beau Lamarre-Condon (left) is accused of murdering Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. The 30-year-old has spent 18 months in custody on remand over the alleged murders as his case faced several court delays, including legal representation changes and withdrawals. However, on Tuesday morning at the John Maddison Tower Local Court, the case finally progressed when Lamarre-Condon pleaded not guilty to the two counts of domestic violence murder and one count of aggravated break and enter regarding an alleged incident with Baird, with whom hes accused of becoming fixated following a short, casual romance. Advertisement His Legal Aid lawyer, Ben Archbold, told Deputy Chief magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis that Lamarre-Condon would be defending the alleged murders. Later on Tuesday morning, Lamarre-Condon faced court via audiovisual link from inside Silverwater prison to formally enter the pleas. Lamarre-Condon faced court via AVL from inside Silverwater prison. Rocco Fazzari Wearing his prison greens, he stared intently at the camera for the five-minute appearance. He said not guilty to the three charges, and when told the case would be committed for trial, he said thanks, your honour before the link was cut. Advertisement Outside the court, Archbold told awaiting media, As youll probably appreciate, there are always more sides to every story. Related Article Graphic content Crime The chilling scene where Beau Lamarre-Condon allegedly dumped his victims Well have an opportunity to tell ours in the fullness of time, in the appropriate form, and I suppose history will be the judge, he said. Police allege Lamarre-Condon stalked Baird, potentially breaking into his Paddington home and damaging the television presenters car in the lead-up to the alleged murders. Baird had allegedly complained to friends about a shadowy figure standing over his bed. The then-serving police officer is accused of checking his service weapon out of Miranda Police Station ahead of a shift patrolling a pro-Palestine protest on the day of the deaths. Advertisement Police claim he then hid the couples bodies in surfboard bags he purchased at a Miranda shopping centre, before submerging them in a dam and leaving them about 180 kilometres south-west of Sydney, travelling in a rented white van. A three-day manhunt followed Baird and Davies sudden disappearance, before Lamarre-Condon turned himself in to police on February 23. Colleen Lamarre leaves court after her son entered pleas of not guilty. Sitthixay Ditthavong Days after his arrest, he allegedly revealed the bodies location to detectives from inside custody. In July, his second legal team, led by publicly funded lawyer Alexander Terracini, sensationally quit after an issue arose the day before his latest court appearance. Terracini had replaced Lamarre-Condons first solicitor, John Walford. Advertisement A third legal team replaced them, with Legal Aid appointing Sydney lawyer Archbold, who was granted a six-week adjournment in July despite the prosecutions objections. Related Article Crime The deluded fantasy world of Beau Lamarre-Condon The court heard a further count of aggravated break and enter regarding an alleged incident with Baird was dismissed. Lamarre-Condons mother, Colleen Lamarre, attended court to support her son on Tuesday and walked out of court without speaking to journalists. In his pre-policing days, Lamarre-Condon ran a celebrity blog, interviewing or posing with dozens of celebrities, including Taylor Swift. Advertisement The court heard the matter will next be heard in the Supreme Court on October 3 for arraignment. Lamarre-Condon has been fired from the NSW Police Force. Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here. Advertisement Updated NationalPorepunkah shooting This was published 3 months ago Porepunkah shooting: Weapons stolen from fatally wounded officers, alleged offender a sovereign citizen Cameron Houston and Carla Jaeger Updated August 26, 2025 11:39pm ,first published August 26, 2025 9:41am Save 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 Sovereign citizen Dezi Freeman is the target of a major manhunt in Victorias alpine region after allegedly executing two policemen and wounding a third in an ambush attack at a remote farm near Porepunkah, about 320 kilometres from Melbourne. Freeman, who once described police as terrorist thugs and Nazis when he was arrested in 2020 for minor traffic offences, fled into dense bushland immediately after the unprovoked attack on Tuesday morning. Dezi Freeman, a 56-year-old conspiracy theorist, is being pursued by police for allegedly killing two officers. Late Tuesday evening, police said Freemans partner and children attended a police station. Police said there was nothing to suggest they were with Freeman following the shooting. The 56-year-old was armed with a home-made shotgun, a rifle and at least one handgun stolen from a slain officer, according to police sources not authorised to speak publicly. Advertisement Ten officers entered the property just after 10am to serve a search warrant, when three members were blasted with gunfire. Related Article Porepunkah shooting Conspiracy theorist who called police Nazis: Alleged shooters background revealed A neighbour reported hearing a volley of up to 20 shots just after 10am, which killed a 59-year-old detective from Wangaratta and a 35-year-old officer from Melbourne. Another detective, who was wounded in the upper-leg was taken by air ambulance to The Alfred hospital, where he underwent surgery and remains in a stable condition. One of the murdered officers was planning to retire, the other was on secondment to the local area from Melbourne. Advertisement The seven uninjured officers remained at the scene for hours as they worked to contain the property, with police forced to carry the bodies of their slain colleagues from the active search scene. Speaking from Wangaratta on Tuesday evening, Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said the two officers were murdered in cold blood. I would like to acknowledge our fine and brave officers who lost their lives today in the line of duty. I would like to talk to the police, family and the loved ones of our lost and fallen officers. Myself and every member of Victoria Police are with you at this moment. Our hearts go out to you. We thank those courageous officers, Bush said. Advertisement He confirmed that Freeman had fled immediately after the shootings. He was heavily armed, and he was able to escape into the bush. I do understand that he was pursued, but he was able to get away on foot, Bush said. Loading Bush said he was obviously a very dangerous person and was known to police. Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt also paid tribute to the fallen officers, who are yet to be publicly identified by police. Advertisement Every officer is mourning right now, every one knows the spectre of self-sacrifice that follows police officers on every job they attend in every shift they work. They will go home and hug their families tighter than usual, in the sad and sobering knowledge that two of their colleagues lost that privilege in service of the community, Gatt said. The approximate location of the property where the officers were shot. Google Earth Freeman, who was living with his family on the 20-hectare property, was licensed to own firearms despite harbouring radical political views and an intense mistrust of law enforcement agencies and all levels of government. Several other sovereign citizens had at different times resided in makeshift accommodation on the off-grid property, according to neighbours and police sources. Sovereign citizens are considered to be part of a radicalised fringe group that follows conspiracy theories and believes the government is illegitimate. Members of this fringe group are known for their deep distrust of, and contempt for, law enforcement. Advertisement Scores of police converged on the property immediately after the fatal shootings, while heavily armed members of the Special Operations Group arrived from Melbourne by helicopter before midday. Police also deployed a Leonardo AW139 helicopter equipped with an infrared camera, which can detect thermal energy in darkness. Members of the Special Operations Group at the property on Tuesday. Joe Armao We have deployed every special resource into this ... to locate him. That is our priority, Bush said. The police chief said a robust risk assessment had taken place before police attended the property. Advertisement Our staff were armed when they went to the address, obviously. Bush said the fact 10 police officers had attended does talk to the gravity of the situation. The small township of Porepunkah was plunged into lockdown, with 90 students at the local primary school forced to stay indoors, while the Alpine Shire Council closed all offices and facilities. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his sympathy for the two officers and their families. Advertisement Our thoughts are with the police for the work they do, each and every day, Albanese said during a press conference in Canberra. The men and women who wear the uniform of the police take risks each and every day. Related Article Porepunkah shooting Porepunkah shooting as it happened: Two Victoria Police officers shot dead and one injured after ambush in High Country Premier Jacinta Allan also expressed her deep sorrow at the killing of the two police officers. Two Victoria Police officers have lost their lives in the service of our state. Another has been seriously injured and their families are facing the kind of grief that no family should ever have to experience, she said. Policing comes with danger and every day our police officers meet that danger with enormous courage and dedication. And this tragedy is a painful reminder of that bravery. Advertisement Freeman had come to the attention of locals during the coronavirus pandemic, when his behaviour became increasingly erratic and his opposition to police and government more strident. Born Desmond Filby, he grew up in Melbournes eastern suburbs and later changed his surname to Freeman to reflect his status as a sovereign citizen. Loading In 2021, he was arrested outside the Myrtleford courthouse after unsuccessfully attempting to privately prosecute then Premier Daniel Andrews on treason and fraud charges. As Freeman was marched to the station, he called officers scumbags and criminal filth who were obsessed with power. Porepunkah locals described Freeman as a strange cat, a recluse and one said he resembled a Rambo like figure who was strong and fit and known among some locals for his bush survival skills. Advertisement He liked being away from people and out in the bush, one local said. The cops will have their work cut for them catching him. Hes got a beautiful family though so my heart breaks for them. Loading A man who lived next to the property, said there were a lot of people living at the address. Its like a little community. You see a lot of cars driving in and out. Advertisement Theyve got a huge gate there. You couldnt get in, its like a bloody prison gate. Related Article Analysis Porepunkah shooting This was a job police knew could go nasty, but no one thought it would turn deadly The man said the first he knew of Tuesdays tragic events were when police began swarming the area. Im just waiting for them to catch this bloke so I can go home Im not allowed home till they catch the bloke. Another local described the feelings of residents of the small town of about 1000 people. Advertisement It has been quite scary because it is such a quiet and peaceful place. Nothing like this has ever happened here and suddenly we are seeing police everywhere and being told not to go outside. Get alerts on breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert. Advertisement NationalVictoriaMushroom trial This was published 3 months ago An offer of forgiveness and a tsunami of grief laid bare by Erin Pattersons victims Erin Pearson August 25, 2025 5:51pm Save 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 With hands shaking as he stood to face a Supreme Court judge, tearful mushroom lunch survivor and church pastor Ian Wilkinson offered the woman who nearly killed him forgiveness. Not for the lives Erin Patterson had taken, those of his wife Heather and friends Don and Gail Patterson, but for the harms she had done to him. Ian Wilkinson outside the Supreme Court on Monday. Luis Enrique Ascui I make an offer of forgiveness to Erin, Wilkinson said. I have no power or responsibility to forgive harms done to others. For the murders of Heather, Gail and Don, I am compelled to seek justice. However, I encourage Erin to receive my offer of forgiveness to those harms done to me with full confession. I bear her no ill will. Advertisement Now I am no longer Erin Pattersons victim, and she has become the victim of my kindness. A jury last month found Patterson guilty of murdering her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gails sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, and the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson, who was 68 at the time. She had fed them a beef Wellington laced with toxic death cap mushrooms on July 29, 2023. Prosecutors are calling for Patterson to be jailed for life, without the possibility of parole. Her lawyers concede the grave offending deserves a life sentence but want the judge to impose a minimum term when she can apply to be released. Advertisement It is a case so cold, so horrific our submission is the offender is not deserving of ... mercy, prosecutor Jane Warren said. On Monday, more than 100 people packed into courtroom four at the Supreme Court in Melbourne to hear those closely affected by Erin Pattersons crimes speak for the first time about the impact of what she did. Justice Christopher Beale said they highlighted the tsunami of grief the crime had caused. Ian Wilkinson was first to speak, battling to contain his emotions as he spoke of his beautiful wife of 44 years. From left: Don Patterson, Gail Patterson, Heather Wilkinson and Ian Wilkinson. Advertisement Heather was always supportive and encouraging to me, Wilkinson said. She was wise and had skills that made up for my shortcomings. Together, we faced life as a team and we delighted in each others company. A very important member of our family is missing. At one point, Wilkinson almost fell as he removed his glasses to reach for tissues to wipe away streams of tears. Advertisement Steadying himself with his right hand, the pastor took a short breath and clutched a black folder filled with notes before he continued. Related Article Mushroom trial The secret poison papers and an imaginary cat: What the jury didnt hear in Erin Pattersons trial Wilkinson said his wife was compassionate, intelligent, brave and witty and loved sharing life with others. He said she loved to learn languages and travel, but her proudest achievement and greatest work was their four children and six grandchildren. I think the way our children conducted themselves through the crisis of our illness and subsequent legal proceedings is testament to her mothering skills, he said. I continue to carry a heavy burden of grief over her untimely death. Its a truly horrible thought to live with, that somebody could decide to take her life. I only feel half alive without her. My consolation is that we will be reunited in the resurrection and the age to come. Advertisement Turning to his own injuries, Wilkinson said that after nearly dying, it had taken him the best part of two years to regain some health and strength after the fateful lunch. He paused to thank the medical professionals who battled tirelessly to save his life. Before taking a seat, the pastor also spoke about Erin Patterson, and the distress he carries at the callous and calculated disregard she showed his life and the lives of those he loved. Nearby, Patterson, 50, sat in the dock listening intently with reddened eyes and a chin that at times appeared to tremble. What foolishness possesses a person to think that murder is the solution to their problems, Wilkinson said. My prayer for her is that she will use her time in jail wisely to become a better person. His words were repeated in a further six victim impact statements read aloud which gave a painful reminder of the kind and generous people caught up in the tragedy. In total 28 victims prepared words for the judge to consider. Advertisement Heather and Ian Wilkinsons daughter Ruth Dubois, was the second to speak. Erin Pattersons legal team Sophie Stafford (left), Ophelia Hollway and Colin Mandy, SC, arrive at the Supreme Court. Chris Hopkins Her father remained standing by her side as she remembered a mother who was generous and kind, with gentle patience and a good sense of humour the person she went to for advice, who shared her successes and lifted her up during tough times. Its horrible to know it was these good attributes that were used to lure these people, Dubois said. The world seems colder and harsher. She said it was difficult to comprehend how her mothers murderer could spend months planning to kill and then sit and watch her victims eat the deadly beef Wellington. Advertisement There were multiple times she couldve stopped, could have cancelled the plans, helped medical staff changed the outcome. Instead, at every stop of the way she chose to follow through, she said. Related Article Mushroom trial The chapel meeting that set police on the path of a poisoner Erin Pattersons estranged husband, Simon, said the couples two children had been left without grandparents and had lost the kind of relationship with their mother that every child yearns for. He wrote about the safe, honest home their children now lived in with him and the trauma he had endured from what he described as an abrasive legal system and callous mainstream media he viewed as dehumanising. Strangers, he said, had menaced his home, and ambushed him at his door and in the street. Advertisement The court also heard a statement from Lynette Young, Gail and Heathers sister, who recalled that instead of stopping to buy Don Patterson a chocolate eclair for his birthday last year, she cried. Don Pattersons 100-year-old mother, Martha, wrote of her now broken family that she hopes God will help heal. His nephew Tim Patterson spoke of the victims final days alive and the injustice of never knowing why their lives were taken. I still ask myself, why? Why did Erin decide that shed make her lifes work a portrait of death and destruction? Why did she decide to focus her expertly hidden wrath upon the most selfless, loving people, group of people, Ive known? I guess thats the final injustice in all of this, the lack of explanation, reason or remorse, he wrote. Its a strange thing, but for some reason, I still cant fully accept theyre gone. In my mind, its just that we havent seen each other in a while. During a 10-week trial, the jury heard Erin Patterson invited her in-laws and the Wilkinsons to her home on the day of the lunch to falsely tell them she had cancer and ask for their advice on breaking the news to her children. Advertisement Simon Patterson had also been invited, but withdrew from the event the night before. Erin Patterson pleaded not guilty to all charges, claiming the deaths were a terrible accident, and continues to maintain her innocence. Prosecutor Jane Warren said the killer had engaged in an egregious level of premeditation, luring the guests to the lunch under false pretences, feeding them poison and subjecting those who died to slow and painful deaths. She added that Pattersons actions were followed by an elaborate cover-up, which was indicative of a complete absence of regret or remorse and complete indifference. Advertisement Defence barrister Colin Mandy, SC, called on the judge to sentence his client to a non-parole period, allowing for her possible release after the age of about 80. He said his clients conditions in custody, where she was largely held in isolation, were a significant factor the judge should consider when formulating his sentence. In all of the circumstances, we urge the court to impose a non-parole period, Mandy said. Patterson is to be sentenced on September 8. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Iranian officials leave the Iranian embassy in Canberra on Tuesday night, after ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi was expelled from the country. The Albanese government was told of Irans link to antisemitic attacks on Australian soil on Monday. Within a day, the prime minister made a historic call. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share Staff from the Iranian embassy bundled into a car as soon as darkness set in on Tuesday night. The white flash of cameras heralded their exit through the driveway gates. Three men in the back seat sought to block their faces with jackets, turning their heads away from the windows. Another man stood at the building, backlit by a doorway, and waved goodbye. It was hours after the Iranian ambassador to Australia, Ahmad Sadeghi, had stepped out to visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade headquarters in Canberra at the request of the secretary, Jan Adams. He returned with a letter declaring him a persona non grata an unwelcome person, under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and an order that he and three other Iranian officials leave the country within seven days. It was the first time Australia had expelled a foreign ambassador since World War II. A shocking discovery had prompted the historic dismissal: that Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was responsible for antisemitic attacks on Australian soil that had torn at the countrys social fabric and put the Albanese government under immense pressure. ASIO has gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed at Parliament House on Tuesday, standing next to ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess and Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw. The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks. Iran has sought to disguise its involvement, but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks on the Lewis Continental Kitchen in Sydney on October 20 last year, and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. ASIO assesses its likely Iran directed further attacks as well. Advertisement Loading The first alarm over foreign interference was sounded on January 21. Related Article Updated Antisemitism Ambassador expelled, terror law changes: Irans brazen antisemitic attacks on Australian soil A spate of antisemitic vandalism in Sydney and Melbourne had dominated the summer news cycle. Australias Jewish community was frightened. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was furious. Australia was being singled out for scathing criticism, and its police and security agencies had no answers. The December arson attack on the synagogue, in particular, fuelled politically charged accusations from the Coalition, local pro-Israel groups and Netanyahu, that the Albanese government had failed to do enough to tackle the rise in antisemitism. If the Iranian regime had hoped to terrorise Australias Jewish community, the seventh-largest in the world outside Israel, it achieved its goal. If it wanted to sow division between Israel and Australia, two historically friendly nations, it did that too. Advertisement Unfortunately, it is impossible to separate this reprehensible act from the extreme anti-Israeli position of the Labor government in Australia, Netanyahu said in a post on X in December that marked a period of fast-deteriorating relations. Albanese called a national cabinet meeting of state and territory leaders to tackle antisemitism on January 21. That same day, Kershaw issued a rare and striking statement. The AFP commissioner was also being pressured to lay charges against offenders, particularly those behind the synagogue attack. Adass Israel members Benjamin Klein (left) and Izzy Nussbacher outside the ruins of their synagogue on Tuesday. Simon Schluter Without going into specifics, Kershaw raised the possibility that malicious foreign actors were paying criminals in Australia to target synagogues and houses in Jewish suburbs. We are looking at if or how they have been paid, for example in cryptocurrency, which can take longer to identify, he said in the statement. We are looking into whether any young people are involved in carrying out some of these crimes, and if they have been radicalised online and encouraged to commit antisemitic acts. Advertisement Regardless, it all points to the same motivation: demonising and intimidating the Jewish community. At the time, the Coalition called for the government to substantiate such serious claims of foreign interference. It questioned why police would float such a prospect without evidence. If a foreign government is responsible, this would amount to acts of state-sponsored terror and one of the most serious national security crises we have faced in peacetime, said then-opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson. The AFPs argument, made in private, was that they were looking for the puppet masters, not the petty criminals at the end of their strings. They said they had strands of intelligence to suggest foreign players were involved, but not enough to make an allegation. That would take seven more months. Its taken us this long to have the evidence to actually know the Iranians directed these attacks, Burgess said in the prime ministers courtyard on Tuesday. Advertisement AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House on Tuesday. Dominic Lorrimer Our painstaking investigation uncovered and unpicked the links between the alleged crimes and the commanders in Irans [Islamic] Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC. The IRGC used a complex web of proxies to hide its involvement The IRGC are directing, through a series of cut-outs, people in Australia to undertake the crimes. Nos Hosseini, a spokeswoman for the Iranian Womens Association in Australia, described the IRGC as a private army to protect Irans supreme leader. Its job is to ensure the survival of the regime, not to protect the people, she said. It tortures dissidents, censors the internet, runs prisons, engages in proxy warfare. She was not surprised by the revelations. Groups representing the Iranian diaspora have been calling for the guard to be designated a terror organisation for years. This is what weve been warning successive governments about, Hosseini said. The IRGC is a well-resourced, well-funded and well-oiled machine that exists to sow discord and spread instability and chaos beyond Irans borders. By combining security intelligence with the AFPs investigations, and liaising with foreign powers, ASIO pieced together a clearer picture of why and how Australian suburbs had been targeted in a series of antisemitic attacks. Advertisement Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share Were shining a spotlight on Brisbane people and businesses making noise on social media. See all stories . Walking into Rode Meats in Stafford Heights, youre met with a cabinet full of fresh meat, a selection of pre-cooked take-home meals, and a smiling Ethan Johns. The 14-year-old apprentice butcher has become the unofficial face of the butcher shop thanks to his energetic, educational and enthusiastic behind-the-scenes videos on TikTok. Heaps of people come in just to see me, some of them are asking for autographs, he laughs. When this masthead visits the shop on a weekday morning, Johns is stopped by a passerby as soon as he steps outside. Ethan Johns from Rode Meats has become a viral sensation. Brittney Deguara Everyone around here knows who you are now, the local man tells him. Johns videos have amassed millions of views, putting the shop at the forefront of the #ButcherTok movement. A single clip of him making sausages, while showcasing his quick wit, was viewed nearly 5 million times. Advertisement Im 13 years old, but Ive already got 35 years of experience, he says in the video. Its all history from there The success of the channel as a whole, and Johns stardom, hasnt come as a surprise to Rode Meats owner Patrick Will Burgoyne, who describes the teen as outgoing. But he couldnt take credit for the idea to put him front and centre that honour belongs to the boys mum. Ethans mum came into the shop one day and said, Oh, when are we going to get Ethan in a video?, Burgoyne explains. This came after he had offered Johns a job the way Johns remembers it, he told him to come in and get a job instead of just clowning around while riding his bike to the supermarket. Its all history from there. Advertisement Since the account went viral three of the most popular videos had a combined view count of more than 8.6 million Burgoyne had noticed an uptick in customers travelling across the city to spend some money and meet the man himself. People are just coming from all over, travelling half an hour, 45 minutes, to come see Ethan and grab some food. Ethan Johns is a first-year apprentice at Rode Meats. Brittney Deguara One of nine apprentices across Burgoynes four butcher shops he and his partner also own Prestige Meats Fairfield, Yamanto and Mount Ommaney Johns describes his favourite jobs as making sausages and cutting steaks. Look at that sucker, he says while grabbing a piece of steak from the cabinet. Thats probably my favourite steak, or even my favourite meat in the whole shop. With three years to go until hes fully qualified, Johns will then decide whether he stays with the Rode Meats team or opens up his own shop. A rare dream come true Advertisement Johns is working in owner Burgoynes dream shop. It was actually a dream of mine to purchase this store, because its such an iconic Brisbane butcher shop. Ever since I was an apprentice, Ive always had my eye on this store [and said] if it ever came up for sale, Id always do whatever I could to try and get my hands on it. Rode Meats owner Patrick Will Burgoyne. Brittney Deguara In 2023, Burgoyne did get his hands on it, taking over the store from the previous owners who ran it for 43 years. The decision was also made at the time to keep the well-known name, rather than bring it under the Prestige Meats banner. Since it was such an iconic store, we didnt touch it, I didnt have it in me to change it, he laughs. The team at Rode Meats has 136 different sausage flavours on rotation. Brittney Deguara In the past two years, Burgoyne has turned the shop into a buffet of affordable options, with the aim of catering for all tastes and budgets. From pre-cooked, vacuum-sealed family pies, made by the in-house chefs and freshly cooked steak and chips, to over 136 different sausage varieties on rotation and every cut of meat you can imagine, its all on display. Advertisement We try and cater for absolutely everyone. The majority of meat is sourced from Tasmania, but cuts do come from other parts of the country. Without diving into politics too deeply, Burgoyne has an opinion on Australias lifting of import controls on US beef. Oh hell no. [Trump] calls it the greatest beef in the world, it just shows hes got no idea about meat. The dozens of staff employed across Burgoynes four stores, however, know about meat. And with the help of Johns and the Rode Meats team, that knowledge is going viral. And for anyone who recognised Johns from those viral videos, his message is clear. Dont be scared to come down and say hi to me, because Ill be here all week. What is Brisbanes Social Scene? Advertisement Advertisement InspirationCentral America The worlds most famous hat has been misnamed for 170 years Steve Madgwick August 27, 2025 3:00am Save 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 Unless I am an elite haggler, the price difference between the handwoven Panama hat hes cradling in his white-gloved hands and one from a stack in the nearby souvenir shops or mini-marts of Panama City will be $US4875 ($7502). Earlier, to my uninitiated, unappreciative eyes, these simple pinched-front fedora-style straw hats were all the same; a Sinatra-like historical anomaly, headwear of choice for sunstruck, mojito-swilling vacationers, cameoing on the heads of celebrities every few fashion cycles. If you want to pick up a genuine Panama hat while in Panama make sure its made in Ecuador. Alamy Today Ive enlightened myself, however, on a self-imposed quest to find the peak Sombrero Panama in Panama Citys UNESCO-listed old town, Casco Viejo. I try on 25-buck fakes in bargain basements and peruse comely $US180 ($275) numbers in boutiques of reasonable repute. Many a local has pointed me towards El Palacio del Sombrero, reportedly the Panamanian capitals premier hat shop, where Im currently scrutinising one that sells for $US5000 ($7640). Advertisement Salesman Bryant Villa spots incredulity in my rolling eyes so he schools me in the qualities of what he considers to be the best Panama hat in all of Panama. The two most crucial markers of top-shelf quality, apparently, are the size of the straw fibre used (the finer, the better) and the tightness of weave (for a balance of sun protection and breathability). Its all in the quality of the fibre and the tightness of the weave. iStock In basic quality hats, youll see a two-fibre weave just near to the band, but all this one is that kind of weave, he says. This is hard work and takes the artisan more time. A basic example of a genuine article can be finished in 10 days while the $US5000 specials like this can take up to eight months to produce, from field to head. It is a 33 grade, that being the number of points or strands in every square inch. Souvenir-style hats in Panamas Casco Viejo. iStock Advertisement Even El Palacio del Sombreros cheapest Panama hat, which sells for $US60 ($90 and negotiable), must be flexible and robust enough to pass the test it cannot lose shape after being rolled into its wooden travel box for 36 hours. The classic Panama style dictates that hats be white or of natural-straw colour, with a black band. The variable-width brim slopes down in front and up at the back. But each handmade item is ripe with nuance, says Byrant. They must not only be fitted to your head but matched with your face, too. They sell no synthetic machine-made hats, which are less flexible and portable and, frankly, rubbish. You can tell a hats handmade by the little flower shape in the middle of the crown. Its the artisans signature a must. Paradoxically, the most fundamental quality of a genuine Panama hat is that it has to be made in Ecuador. The tag inside my $US5000 hat reads: Handmade in Ecuador. 100 per cent Paja Toquilla. Montecristi. Some people think Montecristi is the brand, but its actually the name of a town in Ecuador with good-quality artisans. Advertisement Streetside in Panama City. iStock Toquilla straw hats, as they are also known, have been made from the eponymous native palm leaves in towns like Montecristi and Jipijapa (in Manabi Province) since the Spanish conquest. Bryant regularly visits his artisans to learn the process and understand the products. Ecuadors UNESCO-recognised national hat has been sold in this trade-hub country since the 1850s, which is when the misnaming began. A disturbing-looking dummy sitting in the corner of the shops hermetically sealed VIP lounge complete with a handle-bar moustache and monocle is an unsubtle clue as to why the name stuck. Said dummy, US president Theodore Roosevelt Jr, famously wore a Panama hat when he visited during the Panama Canals construction in 1906. He believed the Ecuadorians (and other) workers he saw also wearing the hats to be locals, and the anomaly was never truly corrected. Oddly enough, Panama has its own hand-woven UNESCO-recognised national hat: el sombrero pintao (painted hat). Byrant believes, and I unreservedly agree, that its far less elegant, stylish and of inferior quality to the Ecuadorian toquilla hat. Basically, its something farmers wear. Advertisement Related Article Opinion Tripologist What we can (and definitely shouldnt) steal from hotel rooms Michael Gebicki The Tripologist Casco Viejo is a touristy, ritzy seaside quarter of Panama City, replete with high-end restaurants and grandiose government buildings. An area metaphorically walled off from the surrounding crumbling neighbourhoods, which hotels warn tourists about (mine gave me a local map with areas marked not safe and daytime only). Everyday Panamanians would have to spend every cent of four months salary to secure one of El Palacio del Sombreros top-shelf travellers hat. But it does sell three or four $US5000 Panama hats each year, mostly to Europeans whistle-stopping into Panama City on a cruise excursion. Just to be clear, I was not one of those three or four people my pathetic, token offer too low to even register as an insult. The details Advertisement Visit Australians are granted a 180-day visa on arrival in Panama (but proof of funds and an onward ticket will be required). Smartraveller currently advises a high degree of caution when visiting Panama. See smartraveller.com.au Fly United Airlines flies from Sydney and Melbourne to Panama City via Houston. See united.com The writer travelled at his own expense. Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Traveller Guides Advertisement Exclusive WorldMiddle EastForeign relations This was published 3 months ago Trump administration applauds Australias decision to expel Iranian ambassador David Crowe and Michael Koziol Updated August 27, 2025 4:28am ,first published August 27, 2025 4:00am Save 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 London: The Trump administration has backed Australia in its dramatic move to name Iran as the instigator of criminal attacks on Jewish sites in Sydney and Melbourne, as Iranian officials threaten retaliation for being blamed for terrorism. The White House applauded the Albanese government for revealing Irans role in the attacks and expelling the Iranian ambassador, as experts warned the two incidents were signs of a growing threat to western democracies. Loading The Trump administration applauds this action by the Australian government, said a senior administration official. State-sponsored antisemitic violence must never be tolerated. Advertisement The support from US President Donald Trumps administration came in a statement to this masthead shortly before Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles revealed that he had met US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth in Washington. The Alliance between Australia and the United States is longstanding, built on our shared history of deep collaboration, Marles posted on social media on Wednesday at 4:45am, AEST. He did not say whether or nor he had discussed Iran with the US leaders. View post on X Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi rejected the accusations and signalled retribution for Australia after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese ordered the Iranian ambassador, Ahmad Sadeghi, to leave the country. Araghchi aimed a personal attack at Albanese by borrowing a line from one of Irans greatest enemies, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who rebuked Albanese for being weak on Palestine. Advertisement I am not in the habit of joining causes with wanted war criminals, but Netanyahu is right about one thing: Australias PM is indeed a weak politician, Araghchi said. Related Article Foreign relations Iran embassy staff dash for exit after a day not seen in Australia since World War II He claimed Iran did its utmost to protect Jewish people in its own country and that it therefore made zero sense for attack Jewish sites in Australia. Iran is paying the price for the Australian peoples support for Palestine. Canberra should know better than to attempt to appease a regime led by War Criminals. Doing so will only embolden Netanyahu and his ilk, he wrote on social media. ASIO director-general Mike Burgess said on Tuesday that the security service had evidence showing the Iranian government directed at least two attacks on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and Lewis Continental Kitchen at Bondi in Sydney and was likely involved in others. Advertisement The security agency traced the links between the incidents and commanders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, blamed for terrorism by several countries. Australia will move to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Albanese said on the ABCs 7:30 program on Tuesday night that the security authority knew of an intermediary between Iran and the alleged criminals who conducted the attacks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday. Alex Ellinghausen Were aware of at least one Sydney individual whos an intermediate [sic], he said. He declined to elaborate. Sadeghi, the expelled ambassador, retweeted Araghchis post about Albanese on X but made no comment himself. Advertisement An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, rejected the Australian accusations during a press conference in Tehran, Agence France-Presse reported. Related Article Crime Inside the James Bond arson attack in Bondi allegedly directed by Iran Any inappropriate and unjustified action on a diplomatic level will have a reciprocal reaction, he said. Baghaei suggested the move to expel the ambassador was influenced by domestic politics in Australia because the government wanted to compensate for the criticism it had recently received from Israel. Experts warned that Iran could resort to more indirect attacks on Western democracies when its direct military power has been degraded by Israel and the US over the past year. Advertisement As Iran braces for further rounds of conflict with Israel, it will seek ways to control the escalatory path, said Dr Burcu Ozcelik, a senior research fellow for Middle East and North Africa security at the Royal United Services Institute, a leading UK think tank. Regime operatives may deploy asymmetric warfare tactics like cyberattacks, assassination attempts or other subversive means to export the resistance against Israel, Ozcelik said. Loading The goal is to destabilise, distract and disrupt Western capitals while evading direct responsibility for its actions. Ozcelik noted that the British parliaments intelligence and security committee warned in July about the threat from Iranian espionage operations against dissidents and Jewish targets in Britain. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Investigations From tobacco kingpin to terror suspect: Police believe Australian crime boss did Irans firebomb bidding Thomas Juneau, an associate fellow with international affairs think tank Chatham House in London and a professor at the University of Ottawa, said the severe military setbacks for Iran and its partners, such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, might lead to change in approach. One interpretation suggests that it is plausible that Tehran, keen to avoid renewed open and direct military confrontation with Israel and the United States, will choose to focus even more in the future on such indirect attacks, he said. This could lead to more use of asymmetric tactics such as terrorist attacks, cyber warfare, acts of subversion and disinformation campaigns. The Australian government has not signalled any sanctions on individuals involved in the Sydney and Melbourne attacks, such as members of the IRGC, amid doubts about whether this would be effective. Advertisement XI'AN, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 Euro-Asia Economic Forum is set to take place in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, from Sept. 23 to 25. The forum is themed on "Unleashing New Synergies in Eurasia, Co-Building a New Pattern for Sustainable Development," according to the organizers. This year's forum aims to serve the country's overall diplomatic layout, showcase the achievements of Chinese modernization, and help create a new model of cooperation in Eurasia. Through building a high-level platform and organizing economic, trade and cultural activities, it is committed to fostering cooperation intentions and promoting people-to-people connectivity, the organizers told a press conference in Xi'an on Monday. According to Niu Kai, a member of the Organizing Committee of the Euro-Asia Economic Forum and vice mayor of Xi'an, the forum will organize 13 sub-forums, with topics of industrial capacity cooperation, joint establishment of rules, cultural exchange, technological innovation and collaborative governance. It will also host over 10 economic and trade exchange activities, and release a white paper on the observation of the Eurasian economy under the Belt and Road Initiative. Niu said the forum will invite delegates from member states, observer states and dialogue partners of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and relevant political dignitaries, ministerial-level officials and local governors from the Belt and Road Initiative partners, Central Asia, South Asia and West Asia. Representatives of international organizations, ambassadors to China, heads of multinational corporations, and experts and scholars, among others, are also expected to participate in the forum. The Euro-Asia Economic Forum, an important economic cooperation mechanism under the framework of SCO, has been held every two years since its inauguration in 2005. This year's forum marks the 11th edition, and is jointly organized by Shaanxi Provincial People's Government, SCO Secretariat, China Development Bank, the Export-Import Bank of China, Good-neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Committee of SCO and China Science Center of International Eurasian Academy of Sciences. Milu deer are pictured at Milu Park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin) BEIJING, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- In the suburbs of Beijing, groups of milu deer grazed leisurely in meadows on the banks of the Yongding River, their fawns playfully splashing in the water nearby. This serene picture once seemed almost unbelievable, considering that these creatures had been declared extinct in China. "Forty years ago, 22 milu deer were returned to China from the United Kingdom, marking the comeback for the species. Its population has since grown to over 14,000, through artificial breeding and reintroduction into the wild," said Bai Jiade, director of the Beijing Milu Ecological Research Center. Milu deer, also known as Pere David's deer, are endemic to China, where they bear the nickname "sibuxiang," or "like none of the four" due to their unique features -- a horse's face, a donkey's tail, cow-like hooves and a stag's antlers. In the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the milu deer were a rare sight, confined to the royal hunting park of Nanhaizi in Beijing. However, at the end of the 19th century, flooding from the Yongding River breached the park's walls, allowing the deer to escape and ultimately become prey for starving locals. In 1900, the remaining milu deer in the park were killed and taken by the Eight-Nation Alliance -- troops from Britain, the United States, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, Italy and Austro-Hungary -- resulting in their extinction in China. Fortunately, following continuous appeals and arduous efforts, China reintroduced milu deer from the United Kingdom. A total of 77 milu deer were brought back to Nanhaizi and to Yancheng City in east China's Jiangsu Province, starting in August 1985 in three batches. Researchers of the National Conservation and Research Center for Milu collect samples at Milu Park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin) "We aim to sustain the milu deer's population, ensure their healthy reproduction, preserve genetic diversity, and rebuild a wild population," said Bai. Since the return of the milu deer, scientists have achieved breakthroughs in disease control, breeding and genetics. A genetic resource bank for milu deer has been established to preserve genetic diversity, and measures have been implemented to prevent inbreeding, thereby reducing the incidence of animal diseases. Additionally, milu deer have been relocated to various places to establish new herds, paving the way for their reintroduction to the wild. Bai said that the significance of milu deer conservation extends far beyond the continuation of a single species. By grazing plants like reeds in wetland ecosystems, milu deer effectively prevent dominant species from overbreeding, thus preserving the habitat for other plants. Meanwhile, their dung can also nourish aquatic life. "Milu deer are like 'engineers' of the wetland ecosystem. They naturally regulate the ecological balance through their life activities," said Bai. He added that the milu deer's population expansion also exerts pressure on the habitat, and scientists are conducting research to find the optimal balance between the species and wetlands. Milu deer are pictured at Milu Park in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin) "I brought my child to meet the milu deer close, and he was absolutely thrilled. We learn their important role in the ecosystem," said a Beijing resident surnamed Li during an activity on Sunday to mark the 40th anniversary of the milu deer's comeback to China in Nanhaizi. China has established 95 milu deer reserves across 26 provincial-level regions, and has established the National Conservation and Research Center for Milu. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, former executive secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, hailed China's protection work on milu deer as a reference model for the protection of other endangered species worldwide. Bai said that his team is consistently working to minimize genetic risks and improve the environmental carrying capacity of milu deer habitats. "Milu deer conservation remains a long-term commitment," he added. A 20-year-old was arrested Monday while attempting to break into a local Louisville business confessed to police that he burglarized multiple other places. DOHA, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said Tuesday that Israel should respond to a Gaza ceasefire proposal that is already on the table. "It is time for Israel to give a serious answer to what it has already agreed to in the past," Al Ansari said in a media briefing, referring to the latest proposal that Qatar said was similar to the one that Israel had earlier agreed to. Al Ansari added that "what matters is not the location" for the talks, as reports alleged that Israel was talking with Egypt over where to restart the negotiations with Hamas. Meanwhile, in a statement released by the foreign ministry, Qatar strongly condemned the Israeli forces' bombing of the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, describing it as "a new episode in the ongoing series of heinous crimes" committed by Israel against the Palestinian people and a blatant violation of international law. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit MINDEN, La. -- A Minden police officer who was fired Monday by the City Council believes the decision was made because he knew about the behind-the-scenes payments made to a Texas couple prior to it becoming public. Lt. Jason Smith had been on paid administrative leave for an incident that Police Chief Jared McIver said happened around June 23. McIver recommended Smith for termination without providing public details. The City Council met in special session at noon Monday to consider the recommendation. The vote was unanimous to fire Smith -- the second Minden officer to get the ax in less than a month. Afterward, Smith told KTBS: "I think this shows how local government can trample the rights of their workers. I mean, I didnt, we were brought into a meeting to talk about some issues and we talked about those issues, and I wasnt supposed to know about the $25,000 payment and the $1,900 payment. Since I did know that, thats why I was fired." The payments to which Smith referred are somewhat connected to the dismissal last month of Lt. Chris Hammontree. He responded with his drug dog to a traffic stop on Interstate 20 on Jan. 3 involving Shawanda Hall and Donald Benard. In a search of the car, Hammontree reportedly cut open a stuffed animal in the back seat of the car and exposed the cremated remains of a child. Unknown to Mayor Nick Cox and the majority of the council members, McIver, city attorney Jimbo Yocom, the city's clerk and assistant clerk acted in an "administrative capacity" to negotiate a $25,000 settlement with the couple, in addition to a separate $1,912 payment for repairs to their car. The information became public through a series of public records requests made by KTBS. Cox also then issued his own statement about what happened and self-reported it to state auditors. Smith was placed on paid administrative leave shortly before posting an audio recording on YouTube where he confronts McIver about assorted police department issues, including the payments to Hall and Benard, along with the disciplinary action taken against Hammontree. At the time, Smith was chairman of the Minden Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board and police union president. Smith removed the recording from YouTube, but shared information in a Facebook post about the alleged evidence McIver used to place him on leave. Breedlove said McIver admitted in Monday's executive session his reason for holding the meetings with police officers was to get everyone on the same page because so many were upset about what happened with Hammontree. It was Smith's questioning of McIver that led to his being placed on leave, Breedlove said. "If that's what you were doing, then why fire the person (Smith) who tells you what he thinks. Not only was he on the civil service board, but he's the union president. That's his job to relay information about what's going on," she said about Smith. "During that meeting, the chief accused Jason of violating the civil service law by asking about Hammontree. That's a bad accusation. ... In Jason's case, he was trying to vent to the chief. He was asking about the payment. He asked about the investigation." Breedlove said she also learned from the executive session that another officer -- not publicly identified -- who's also been placed on paid leave. That officer allegedly was seen eating out with Smith. An email had gone out to all officers telling them no one was to have contact with Smith while he was on leave, Breedlove said. Additionally, a letter dated June 26 informing Smith he was on leave tells him "not to have any contact whether social media, phone, text, verbal or personal contact with any member or officer of the Minden Police Department during the course of these proceedings and until a decision of resolution has been reached, with the exception of the police chief. Lt. Smith shall not attend an MPA meeting on the grounds or facility of the Minden Police Department until a resolution has been reached involving this investigation." McIver supported the council's decision Monday. "The council was given all the facts and all the evidence. I believe they made the correct decision based on my recommendation. ... We are held to the highest of standards and we can't expect others to do right if we're not doing right." Smith wanted the executive session to be held in open session, despite the suggestion from the city's special attorney, Aaron Green, for a closed door session. He cited a provision of the state law that allows it when there is discussion of investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct. Breedlove countered that the investigation was over, and the council had a written recommendation in hand. "You cannot ignore his rights," Breedlove said, adding she couldn't stop them but wanted the objection on record. Green stood firm on his position so the council voted unanimously to go into executive session. It lasted for about an hour before the council emerged to vote without discussion to fire Smith. Smith will appeal his firing through civil service board. He also will appeal the executive session because, "I wanted the people to hear it." Breedlove will file an appeal in Webster District Court alleging an Open Meetings Law violation because Smith was denied his open hearing. Breedlove, who also serves as Hammontree's attorney, has already filed a civil service appeal in his case. The next scheduled civil service board meeting is in November. However, state law directs the board to set a hearing within 30 days of receiving a notice of appeal. Hammontree was fired on Aug. 4, but Breedlove has yet to receive notice of a meeting date. ----- Contributing reporter Tiffany Flournoy added to this report. Former irenology professor Masataka Mori led a Japanese delegation to Unit 731 sites in Harbin, NE China, where they saw evidence of germ warfare by the Imperial Japanese Army in WWII. After over 40 years of research, Mori reiterated the need to accurately document history. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Leesville, LA (71446) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. Slight chance of a rain shower. High around 75F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Areas of dense fog. Low 57F. Winds light and variable. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly has said she is seriously concerned about the potential misuse of a UN Security Council veto by the US. Ms Connolly said there was a need to double down on strengthening UN structures amid concern that the US could veto the renewal of a UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, to which Irish troops are deployed. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council the US, UK, Russia, China, and France each hold the power to veto and block the adoption of any proposal at the body. After her campaign team initially backtracked on a pledge to hold a press conference on Tuesday, Ms Connolly made the comments during a brief exchange with reporters at a demonstration outside Leinster House in Dublin. Asked about her view of the potential ending of the Unifil mandate, she said: I think were in a very dangerous position in relation to that. Im seriously concerned about that. I hope that discussions will allow for the mandate to continue. But I think it brings into acute focus the use of the veto by America, something that has not been discussed in the Dail at any stage it has always been the use of the veto by Russia, absolutely right to discuss that. But the misuse of the veto by America was never brought into the equation and I really think it is time more than ever that we look at building up the UN as a peace institution. She added: Of course there are problems with the veto and the five permanent members, but the UN was set up after the Second World War to prevent a holocaust, to prevent slaughter, and now more than ever we need to double down on strengthening UN structures. The Independent TD for Galway has the backing of Labour, Social Democrats, People Before Party-Solidarity and other Independents. Asked if she had been in contact with Sinn Fein about whether it will row in to back her candidacy, Ms Connolly said she respected that the party was going through its own processes but added: It is taking a little longer than I hoped. Irish presidential candidate Catherine Connolly (centre) attends a demonstration with opposition politicians outside Leinster House Dublin, in support of Oireachtas Broadcast workers (Cillian Sherlock/PA) Ms Connolly was speaking to the media at a demonstration for workers in the Oireachtas broadcast unit, who are considering strike action over pay and conditions. Many of the workers in the unit who are responsible for delivering live broadcasts of Dail and Seanad proceedings, are paid 12,000 euro on average per year. Some rely on social welfare supports to survive as they find it difficult to secure stable additional employment outside of sitting days. Workers argue the Oireachtas could make cost savings by employing them directly as civil servants rather than putting the service out to tender. Ms Connolly said these workers were being valued so little despite bringing the workings of democracy to the public. She criticised how they were left with precarious and uncertain working conditions. Weather Alert Bulletin: ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM SATURDAY TO 1 PM EST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches. * WHERE...Portions of central and northern Delaware, northeast Maryland, central, northern, northwest, and southern New Jersey, and southeast Pennsylvania. * WHEN...From 7 PM Saturday to 1 PM EST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury. && Info: Type: Winter Weather Advisory start_time_local: 2025-12-13T19:00:00-05:00 end_time_local: 2025-12-14T13:00:00-05:00 county_name: state: PA headline: Winter Weather Advisory from SAT 7:00 PM EST until SUN 1:00 PM EST county_fips: category: Met url: urgency: Expected severity: Moderate certainty: Likely geographicname: Upper Bucks County state_name: Pennsylvania TEHRAN, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Senior diplomats from Iran, France, Britain and Germany will meet in Geneva on Tuesday to discuss Tehran's nuclear issue, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. The talks will be held among deputy foreign ministers, Fars quoted Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, as saying on Monday. Diplomats will also discuss Iran's demand for the removal of sanctions and the UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorsed a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, as well as the path ahead, according to the report. The report came after Friday's phone call between Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his counterparts from the three European countries of France, Britain and Germany, collectively known as the E3, as well as the European Union's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas. Since last September, Iran and the E3 have held several rounds of talks on a range of issues, including Tehran's nuclear program and the removal of sanctions. The latest round took place in Istanbul, Turkiye, in late July. Over the past months, the Europeans have threatened to reinstate international sanctions on Iran by triggering the snapback mechanism, a clause in the 2015 deal that would allow the other parties to re-impose all international sanctions should Iran fail to comply with the agreement. UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday strongly condemned the killing of Palestinians in Israeli strikes that hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, said his spokesman. Those killed, in addition to civilians, included medical personnel and journalists, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement. "These latest horrific killings highlight the extreme risks that medical personnel and journalists face as they carry out their vital work amid this brutal conflict," he said. "The Secretary-General recalls that civilians, including medical personnel and journalists, must be respected and protected at all times. He calls for a prompt and impartial investigation into these killings." The UN chief reiterated that medical personnel and journalists must be able to perform their essential duties without interference, intimidation or harm, in full accordance with international humanitarian law, said Dujarric. Guterres also reiterated his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access across Gaza, and for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, said the spokesman. BEIRUT, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Finance Minister Yassine Jaber on Tuesday signed a 250 million U.S.-dollar loan agreement with the World Bank to support reconstruction of infrastructure damaged in recent Israeli attacks, the Finance Ministry said in a statement. The deal will establish a fund to rebuild essential infrastructure, including roads, power and water systems, schools and hospitals. Jaber called the agreement "an important first step toward reconstruction," noting that Lebanon has also received 20 million dollars from Iraq and a pledge of 75 million euros (87 million dollars) from France. The initial World Bank funding will finance urgent projects over the next 18 to 24 months to help displaced residents return home, reopen institutions and restore basic services. The agreement will be sent to Lebanon's parliament in the coming days for final approval. Learning stats through stories Statistics professor Johan Ferreira was feeling overwhelmed by the amount of screen time involved in online learning in 2021. What to do? He imagined students must be feeling the same way, and wondered what he could do to inspire them and make his subject matter more appealing. One of the topics in statistics is time series analysis: statistical methods to understand trend behaviour in data which is measured over time. There are lots of examples in daily life, from rainfall records to changes in commodity prices, import or exports, or temperature. Ferreira asked his students to write a short, fictional bedtime story using characters from time series analysis. The results were collected into a book that is freely available. He tells us more about it. Why use storytelling to learn about statistics? Im fortunate to be something of a creative myself, being a professional oboe player with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Its a valuable outlet for self-expression. I reflected on what other activity could inspire creativity without compromising the essence of statistical thinking that was required in this particular course I was teaching. I invited my third-year science and commerce students at the University of Pretoria to take part in a voluntary storytelling exercise, using key concepts in time series analysis as characters. Students got some guidelines but were free to be creative. My colleague and co-editor, Dr Seite Makgai, and I then read, commented on and edited the stories and put them together into an anthology. Students gave their consent that their stories could be used for research purposes and might be published. Out of a class of over 200 students, over 30 contributions were received; 23 students permitted their work to be included in this volume. We curated submissions into two sections (Part I: Fables and Fairy Tales and Part II: Fantasy and Sci-Fi) based on the general style and gist of the work. The project aimed to develop a new teaching resource, inspire students to take ownership of their learning in a creative way, and support them through informal, project-based peer learning. This collection is written by students, for students. They used personal and cultural contexts relevant to their background and environment to create content that has a solid background in their direct academic interests. And the stories are available without a paywall! What are some of the characters and stories? Student Lebogang Malebati wrote Stationaryville and the Two Brothers, a tale about AR(1) and AR(2). In statistics, AR refers to processes in which numerical values are based on past values. The brothers were both born with special powers, powers that could make them stationary and could trick an evil wizard. David Dodkins wrote Zt and the Shadow-spawn. In this story, Zt (common notation in time series analysis) has a magic amulet that reveals his character growth through a sequence of models and shows the heros victory in the face of adversity. He is a function of those that came before him (through an AR process). Then theres Nelis Daniels story about a shepherd plagued by a wolf called Arma (autoregressive moving average) which kept making sheep disappear. And Dikelede Rose Motselengs modern fable about the love-hate relationship between AR(1) (more of a linear guy with a bad habit of predicting the future based on the past) and MA(1), the type of girl who would always provide you with stationarity (stability). What was the impact of the project? It was a deeply enriching experience for us to see how students see statistics in a context beyond that of the classroom, especially in cases where students reformulated their stories within their own cultural identities or niche interests. Three particular main impacts stand out for us: students have a new additional reference and learning resource for the course content new students can refer to the experiences and contextualisation of this content of former students, leading to informal peer learning students engage in a cognitive skill (higher-order and creative thinking) that is not frequently considered and included in this field and at this level. In 2024, shortly after the book was published, we asked students in the time series analysis course of that year to read any one of four stories (related to concepts that were already covered in the course material at that point in time). We asked them to complete a short and informal survey to gauge their experience and insights regarding the potential of this book as a learning resource for them. The 53 responses we got indicated that most students saw the book as a useful contribution to their learning experience in time series analysis. One positive comment from a student was: I will always remember that the Random Walk is indeed not stationary but White Noise is. I already knew it, but now I wont forget it. Will you build on this in future? It is definitely valuable to consider similar projects in other branches of statistics, but also, in other disciplines entirely, to develop content by students, for students. At this stage, were having the stories and book translated into languages beyond English. In large classes that are essential to data science (such as statistics and mathematics), many different home languages may be spoken. Students often have to learn in their second, third, or even fourth language. So, this project is proving valuable in making advanced statistical concepts tactile and at home via translations. Our publisher recently let us know that the Setswana translation is complete, with the Sepedi and Afrikaans translations following soon. To our knowledge, itll be the first such project not only in the discipline of statistics, but in four of the official languages in South Africa. Johan Ferreira, Professor, University of the Witwatersrand. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. LISBON, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- The wildfire that erupted in Piodao, Arganil on Aug. 13 has become the largest wildfire in Portugal's recorded history in terms of area burned, scorching 64,451 hectares, according to a report on Monday. The report, published by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), confirms that the fire surpassed the previous record set by the 2017 Lousa fire in Vilarinho, which scorched 53,000 hectares. The blaze began at around 6 a.m. local time on Aug. 13, triggered by two lightning strikes on a remote ridge, and spread rapidly in the first hours. It raged for 11 days, spreading into multiple municipalities in central Portugal before being brought under control on Sunday. As of Sunday, Portugal had registered 80 major wildfires this year, with each burning more than 100 hectares, accounting for 97 percent of the total burned area nationwide. The districts of Guarda, Viseu and Castelo Branco have been the hardest hit. Wits scientists scoop prestigious French prize for AI-powered innovation The award from the Pierre Fabre Foundation recognises a South African innovation that adapts particle physics technology for real-time air quality monitoring. The University of the Witwatersrands Institute for Collider Particle Physics (ICPP) is one of the global winners of the 2025 ODESS Prize in France for a the design and deployment of AI-powered environmental monitoring system. The award, from the Pierre Fabre Foundation, recognises a South African innovation that adapts particle physics technology for real-time air quality monitoring. The competition attracted a record 350 entries from around the world. The winning project, led by ICPP Director Professor Bruce Mellado, integrates environmental sensors, IoT communications and artificial intelligence to detect air pollution and related health risks as they happen. Inspired by systems used at CERN to track subatomic particles, the technology offers a cost-effective way to monitor air in communities and respond quickly to hazards. This prize shows how the expertise and technologies developed in experimental particle physics can be applied far beyond the laboratory, says Mellado. The same principles that allow us to detect fundamental particles can help address challenges in society. Mellado and his team have been developing air quality monitoring networks for several years, with devices already deployed in parts of Gauteng, South Africa. These networks provide real-time data that help policymakers and communities act on pollution spikes an urgent need in areas where respiratory illnesses are on the rise. At the heart of the award-winning system is the AI_r platform, which combines affordable, high-accuracy sensors with cloud-based analytics. The platform not only monitors air quality but also links environmental data to health outcomes, enabling smarter public health interventions. The systems ability to combine environmental and health data in real time provides actionable information for decision-making, particularly in contexts where resources are limited, says Professor Mary Kawonga from the Wits School of Public Health and project lead on public health aspects for the project. The project has been supported by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, the National Research Foundation, iThemba LABS, the Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and CERNs IdeaSquare. "Research that tackles pressing development challenges is as critical as the air we breathe. This achievement, as part of a joint IDRC and UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office initiative, shows how South African leadership and innovation can harness the power of AI in ways that are rooted in local realities and deliver real-world impact," says Chaitali Sinha, Senior Programme Specialist at the Canadian IDRC. What truly sets the AI_r technology apart is its potential to empower local communities across South Africa by building capacity to understand and act on environmental and health data independently, says Professor Jude Kong, Executive Director of AI4PEP and collaborator on the AI_r project. This democratisation of advanced AI tools fosters resilience from the ground up, enabling sustainable, context-sensitive responses that extend far beyond immediate monitoring to long-term health and environmental improvements. Weather Alert ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT CST /1 AM EST/ SATURDAY NIGHT TO NOON CST /1 PM EST/ SUNDAY... * WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 11 below expected. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From midnight CST /1 AM EST/ Saturday Night to noon CST /1 PM EST/ Sunday. * IMPACTS...The cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. && VIENTIANE, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Laos is preparing for the potential impacts of Typhoon Kajiki, which is bringing widespread thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds, with efforts focused on ensuring public safety and minimizing damage. The typhoon is forecast to pass through Laos, bringing widespread thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds to many areas from Aug. 25 to 31. The Central Disaster Management Committee issued a notice on Monday, directing authorities at all levels to prepare for the storm's impact by warning the public to stay alert, designating temporary evacuation sites, and securing valuables and livestock in safe locations. A dedicated team has been deployed to monitor water levels and stay alert for potential landslides, flash floods, and strong winds. Additionally, officials from the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment met on Monday to discuss and monitor potential disasters related to the typhoon. The ministry has appointed a 24-hour monitoring team to track water levels and weather conditions. In response to ongoing risks from the storm, the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. has announced an extension of the temporary suspension of all passenger train services on Tuesday, following the initial suspension on Monday. The weather bureau of Laos has warned communities to stay alert and prepare for continuous heavy rainfall that may cause landslides and flash floods, urging citizens to closely monitor official forecasts and warnings. A concerted campaign has been launched, openly backed by the Conservative Party, Reform UK, the police and the courts, to create a mass fascist force in Britain, capable of being used not only against immigrants and asylum seekers but the entire working class under conditions in which class conflict is escalating. It is proceeding under the supportive political umbrella provided by the Starmer Labour governments escalating assault on asylum seekers and refugees. A new stage in this campaign was signalled last week, when the High Court ruled in favour of Conservative Party-run Epping Forest District Council, granting a temporary injunction to stop asylum-seekers from being housed in the Bell Hotel. Far-right demonstrators wave England and Union flags, and Reform UK flags as they stand outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, near London, July 27, 2025 [AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali] This was a legal victory for the right-wing mob organised and led by neo-Nazi groups and with the full participation of leading Tories and Reform UK politicians, which have kept the 138 asylum seekers in the hotel in Epping, Essex under siege for weeks. It had the intended effect of encouraging and legitimising the spread of similar protests in towns and cities already being held throughout the UK and which reached record numbers this weekend. The High Court accepted the arguments of the councils local planning department that the hotels owners, Somani Hotels Limited, did not advise or notify the local planning authority over a new use for the hotel to house male asylum seekers since April this year. Last month, the hotel was targeted for right-wing, racist protests following the arrest of a 41-year-old refugee from Ethiopia accused of sexually propositioning a schoolgirl. He has denied the charges and will attend a two-day trial from August 26. Neil Hudson, Conservative MP for Epping Forest and Alex Burghart, Conservative MP for Brentwood and Ongar called for the hotel housing asylum seekers to be closed. Despite evidence presented by the owners of the hotel that asylum seekers had been accommodated there without any issues for several years, judge Mr Justice Eyre cited several arrests made of asylum seekers to rule that he was satisfied that the fear of crime being committed by those accommodated in the Bell is a relevant factor to be considered in the balance of convenience operating in favour of the grant of interim relief. The court ruling has dire implications for the more than 32,000 asylum seekers being accommodated in hotels nationwidedue to the absence of any alternativesunder the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. The Bell Hotel, which is appealing the decision, has only until September 12 to comply and other councils, including Labour-run authorities, have already indicated they will take the same action. Eyres decision, and the campaigns surrounding it, are the direct product of Labours maligning of asylum hotels. Its official policy, alongside a pledge to stop the boats, is to end accommodation of this kind by the end of this Parliament (in 2029). Home Secretary Yvette Coopers effort to have Epping Councils case dismissed was launched on the basis that the government was working to close hotels housing asylum seekers as swiftly as possible, as part of an orderly programme. Events at the Bell Hotel have been used as a launchpad for a national campaign of far-right mobilisations against asylum seekers, demanding forced mass deportations. They are being led by neo-Nazi groups, the Homeland Party and Britain First, along with individuals with a long history of membership of various Hitler-worshipping outfits such as Eddy Butler, one of the founders of neo-Nazi terror gang, Combat 18. The Epping Says No! Facebook group is administrated by Homeland Party members. Tory Party Justice Secretary and prospective party leader Robert Jenrick attended an August 17 rally outside the Bell, prompting the neo-Nazi Butler to post a photo of himself standing directly behind Jenrick with the text: At the Bell Hotel riding shotgun for Robert Jenrick. But Jenrick is only one in a crowded field endorsing the message of the fascist groups. Robert Jenrick (centre) pictured with Eddy Butler, a former member of Nazi terror group Combat 18. (Butler is behind, with sunglasses) [Photo: Stand Up to Racism] Following the High Court ruling, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said that all 12 councils controlled by his party would do everything in their power to follow Eppings lead. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch wrote to the 26 leaders of councils the party controls saying: We back you to take similar action At a nearby public house with some of those besieging the Bell Hotel, Badenoch called on them to help inform party policy on immigration. She suggested detention camps along the lines of Nightingale pop-up hospitalsbuilt in the early months of the COVID pandemicbe used to hold asylum seekers. On Saturday, the main demand of the fascists was given the full front-page treatment by the Times which unveiled Farages new policy for the mass deportation of hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers. In an accompanying interview, Farage said a Reform UK government would organise five deportation flights a day. To enable this, reported the Times, there would be the arrest of asylum seekers on arrival, automatic detention and forced deportation, with no right of appeal, to countries such as Afghanistan and Eritrea. His plan would take Britain out of the European Convention on Human Rights and derogate from the UN Convention Against Torture and other international agreements. The same fascists organising demos outside asylum seeker accommodation have now begun an adjacent Raise the Colours campaign, illegally putting up thousands of England Saint Georges cross flags and Union Jacks on lampposts. Pedestrian crossings have been defaced with flag images and even roundabouts on roads. These have targeted areas with a large Muslim population, with no action taken against the perpetrators and several councils declaring support for the flags campaign. On August 21, Jenrick posted a photo on X of himself putting up a union flag on a lamppost with the words, While Britain-hating councils take down our own flags, we raise them up. We must be one country, under the Union Flag. In Leon Trotskys seminal work, Where is Britain Going? (1925), he predicted that if a fascist movement was to eventually get off the ground in Britain, it would not be primarily through the efforts of the scum which comprises far-right groups, but as a result of the development of fascist tendencies on the right-wing of the Conservatives. Farage joined the Conservatives as far back as 1978leaving it in 1992 to set up Reform UKs predecessors (UK Independence Party, and Brexit Party). As was prefigured by the emergence of Oswald Mosleys New Party as a split from Labour in 1930, which became the British Union of Fascists in 1932, fascistic tendencies will also arise from todays Labour Party. Every shift further right by the major parties is justified by claims that this is what is required to win back a constituency now backing Farage, who is leading both parties and has a 10-point lead over Labour. This confirms that combating the rise of the far-right is not possible simply by staging counter-protests, as advocated by Stand Up to Racism, and its pseudo-left advocates such as the Socialist Workers Party. It means breaking with and mounting a political struggle against the Labour government, its local representatives, and backers in the trade union bureaucracy whose betrayals have allowed the fascists channel social discontent against migrants and whose own racist, anti-migrant policies create the fertile ground for asylum seekersto be scapegoated for every social ill produced by capitalism. Farage and the Nazis depend on the noxious political climate in which Labour and Tories both demand an end of mass immigration and back the closure of asylum hotels. Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks from a lectern reading "Securing Our Borders" at the Organised Immigration Crime Summit (OIC) at Lancaster House, March 31, 2025 [Photo by Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Stand Up to Racism, and the related group Unite Against Fascism, are campaign groups led by various trade union bureaucrats, Labour lefts and members of pseudo-left groups. They promote placing demands on MPs and trade union leaders for action against the far right and racism and oppose criticisms that would supposedly alienate the bureaucracy and cut across their continued token support. As the WSWS noted, Precluded by such an alliance is any fight to unify all workers, British and immigrant, in a struggle against the capitalist profit system, which is the root cause of nationalism and xenophobia. To defeat the threat of fascism, the working class must adopt a socialist programme, including the defence of immigrants and asylum seekers. Only on the basis of exposing and opposing the right-wing, warmongering, pro-austerity policies of all the main parties can a movement of the working class defend migrants as part of a broader struggle for the rights of workers everywhere to good jobs, housing, wages and social services. Voices Without Faces is a new series of articles on the World Socialist Web Site. Our purpose is to focus on and give a voice to immigrant workers who are isolated from and out of the view of other workers, and the capitalist press, by raising real life conditions as well as, importantly, political issues. Readers and workers are encouraged to participate. Your anonymity will be guaranteed. Workers arrested in a mass police raid in Tallahassee, Florida, May 29, 2025. [Photo: HSI Tampa] At least 21 US states, all but one with Republican governors, have announced deployment of National Guard troops to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in managing detained migrants. By mid-2025, the Trump administrations second term is on track to exceed 400,000 deportations by years end, a pace not seen since deporter-in-chief Barack Obama. The administration has escalated large-scale workplace raids and militarized sweeps, using fascistic rhetoric about dangerous rapists and criminals to justify what is, in reality, an assault on the working class. These mass expulsions are part of a broader ongoing coup in Washington D.C., where democratic rights are being dismantled to consolidate authoritarian rule. As immigrants are rounded up, imprisoned and deported, the government is sending a clear message: those who labor in the fields, warehouses, restaurants and homes of America are expendable. Patricia, a DACA recipient brought to the United States as a child, shared her story with the World Socialist Web Site. Her experience lays bare the realities of capitalism: decades of hard work, sacrifice, and solidarity, met with constant fear, exploitation and threats of deportation. A mothers impossible choice Patricias story begins with a decision no parent should ever have to make: entrusting a stranger with her life. My mom was young when she crossed, Patricia recalls. She had to give me to the coyotes so I could get across. She couldnt come with me because they caught her the first time. Her mother later succeeded on a second attempt, wading through the Rio Grande in the dead of night. She told me she thought she was going to drown, Patricia says quietly. Shes never wanted to talk about it since. None of our parents really do. For a mother to take that riskto hand over her baby to strangersit means theres nothing left where you are. People dont leave for fun. They leave because theres no choice. A young man and a small child walk past a floating border buoy barrier on the Rio Grande. Tuesday, August 1, 2023, in Eagle Pass, Texas. [AP Photo/Eric Gay] From garage to garage Once reunited, the familys first years in the US were defined by instability and a very humble beginning. We lived from garage to garage, Patricia says. Sometimes five, six people in one room. I had nightmares for years after the crossingimages of running, hiding, drowning. I didnt even understand where the dreams came from until I got older. The trauma of her fathers crossing was just as profound. One time, [her father and others] were being smuggled in a truck, she explains. The driver hit speed bumps too fast, and they were tossed around like rag dolls. When he finally came home, he was a zombie. He couldnt even speak for a week. He didnt know if hed survive. Her father risked everything for a chance to see his own mother one last time in Mexico. He was terrified it would be the last time he saw her, Patricia says. Every time someone leaves, you dont know if theyll make it back. Family values in a climate of hate While Trumps rhetoric paints immigrant families as criminals, Patricias story reveals the opposite: sacrifice, humility, productivity and deep love. My parents worked every day, never complained, and gave up everything for us, she says. Weve always valued family first. We take care of each other. As the oldest, Patricia took on a parental role for her younger siblings, helping with schoolwork, meals, and household responsibilities. It wasnt a burden, she says. Its just what you do. You help your family survive. All these values stand in sharp contrast to the caricature used to justify mass deportations. They talk about us like were criminals, Patricia says. But we work harder than anyone. We love our families. We contribute. We belong here. Living under DACA: Its not protection. Its a leash. Patricia first obtained DACA status when she was a teenager. At the time, it felt like freedombut she quickly realized its limitations. DACA isnt security, she says. Its a leash. They know where you live, where you work, everything. At any moment, they can take it away. Now, as courts weaponize deportation proceedings, the stakes are higher than ever. If I lose DACA at my next renewal, I could be detained right there in court, Patricia says. Its a trap. Her younger siblings, all US citizens, live with the same fear. Theyve grown up knowing ICE could take me away. Theyve learned that citizenship doesnt always protect you. Not when the government decides otherwise. Patricias father still makes daily trips to the area where he works despite living in constant fear of ICE raids. Hes on social media all day, following every alert, Patricia explains. He stays in touch with us constantly, asking where we are, making sure were safe. This constant vigilancetracking ICE checkpoints, sharing locations of raids, warning neighborshas become part of daily life. Weve learned to survive like this, Patricia says, but it shouldnt have to be this way. The illusion of sanctuary California brands itself a sanctuary state, and cities like Los Angeles advertise themselves as safe havens for immigrants. Patricia is not convinced. They say California is a sanctuary, but ICE still comes here, she says. They raid workplaces, schools, neighborhoods. They coordinate with local police. Its not protectionits a false sense of security. The August 14 militarized operation in Los Angeles underscores her point. That day, dozens of heavily armed Border Patrol agents in full tactical gear descended on the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyotimed precisely with Governor Gavin Newsoms press conference promoting a Democratic redistricting initiative ahead of the 2026 midterms. Federal agents stage at MacArthur Park, July 7, 2025, in Los Angeles. [AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes] They put on a show, Patricia says bitterly. Democrats act like our defenders, but theyre using us as political pawns while letting the raids happen. Race, class and division Patricia is deeply frustrated with the political establishmentincluding Democrats and the growing number of Latino officials who claim to represent immigrant communities but fail to deliver real change. There is no voice available for the immigrant community, she explains. We have so many organizations, so many lawyers, so many people with good intentions trying to support us. But its really, really frustrating when we see Latino identities in the government and the true conversations that need to be had arent being had. Patricia emphasizes that even the language used to frame these debates has become a tool of exclusion and confusion, designed to hide the real class questions at stake. Theres so much language being used to disguise this conversation, she says. For a lot of undocumented folks who dont have the background or the vocabulary, it becomes hard to follow. But we do understand the ideas. We feel them in our lives. And what we understand is that its no longer just fear for ourselves, regardless of citizenship, regardless of race, regardless of nationality. Class is definitely a very, very big conversation that needs to happen. For Patricia, the promotion of identity politics has become a deliberate distraction from that conversation. They put people in power who look like us but dont fight for us, she says. Meanwhile, all workerswhite, Black, Latino, Asianwere all facing the same exploitation. Thats what they dont want us to see. A fight for the whole working class Patricia sees her community, made up overwhelmingly of immigrant and working class families, as a living proof of collective survival. Where we live, people take care of each other, she says. If someones short on rent, neighbors help. If ICE is in the area, everyone texts each other. Thats community. She rejects the capitalist obsession with individualism, where people are pitted against one another for survival. They teach us to compete instead of cooperate, Patricia says. But we survive because we stand together. Without everyone else, wed have nothing. Patricias voice sharpens when she addresses the broader political context. We came here to work. My parents worked themselves to the bone. Ive worked since I was a teenager. Were not criminalswere the workforce that keeps this country alive. The Trump administrations deportation machine, she argues, is not about protecting public safety but consolidating power for the ruling elite. Theyre criminalizing workers, she says. First immigrants, then anyone who protests, then anyone who speaks out. Patricias story is one among millionsbut it illuminates the stakes for the entire working class. As deportations accelerate and democratic rights are shredded, the alternative cannot be reliance on either corporate-controlled party. Weve learned nobodys going to save us, she says. Not the Democrats, not the Republicans. We have to protect each other. The fight against deportations and attacks on immigrants must be bound to the fight of all workersnative-born and immigrant alikefor political power and control over the wealth they create. TIANJIN, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Polina is a Russian graduate student at Nankai University in China's northern city of Tianjin. Having lived in the city since she was two years old, Polina is fluent in Chinese and even speaks the local Tianjin dialect. She enjoys exploring the rich diversity of Chinese cultures here while maintaining deep ties to her Russian roots. Join her summer explorations as she aspires to break stereotypes and bring people closer. After months of threatening to do so, management at Western Sydney University (WSU), one of Australias largest and predominantly working-class universities, this week formally announced the destruction of nearly 250 jobsalmost 10 percent of its workforce. In an all-staff email on Monday, WSU vice-chancellor George Williams said 238 jobs would be eliminated overall, with a vague aim of achieving about 70 percent of that cut via voluntary redundancies or VRs. Western Sydney University The true figure is higher than 238. Williams stated that more staff members would be affected by having their positions disestablished, which basically means they will be forced to compete with their colleagues for reclassified jobs, possibly at lower grades and wages. Significantly, Williams made the announcement shortly after reaching an agreement with the campus trade unions to head off votes by their members for industrial action and to help impose the cuts via cosmetic organisational change proposals in union-management enterprise bargaining agreements. Williams had earlier reported that this plan was the result of constructive conversations with the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU). On August 14, the NTEUs WSU branch president David Burchell equally enthusiastically hailed the deal struck with Williams. In an email to NTEU members, Burchell said he was pleased to report a broadly constructive and positive meeting with Williams. The result, Burchell wrote, marks a significant turning-point in this years turmoilswhen an element of decency and stability has been imposed on what has been a chaotic process. By decency and stability, Burchell meant a process for achieving managements job destruction target without any industrial action. Burchell said NTEU representatives had met with Williams in an effort to avert potential industrial disputation over the change process. In other words, the unions focus was on preventing any industrial action, which NTEU members had previously overwhelmingly voted for, that could disrupt or defeat the attack on jobs. This was a signal of a partnership with management to stifle opposition and resistance to the job elimination at WSU and nationally. The job destruction at WSU and accompanying Reset Western pro-business restructuring is typical of what is happening under the Albanese Labor government throughout Australias 39 public universities, where the NTEU recently admitted, at least 3,500 jobs are currently being eliminated. All up, the WSU management will accept 251 VRs out of the 381 applications made for thema process which the NTEU also suggested as a means of stifling opposition to the mass retrenchments. Williams claimed that the required cuts to academic posts could be achieved by VRs, but the administrative and support staff would suffer forced redundancies. He said he was sorry about this, but the voluntary redundancy applications from professional staff did not line up with the proposed organisational redesign. The details of the people and roles to be axed will not be known until later in the week, after the targeted staff members are summoned for meetings with their supervisors. Any final information about the scale and impact of the cuts will be released only after the end of a token three-week consultation period with the unions and affected staff members, as per the enterprise bargaining agreements (EBAs) with the NTEU and the CPSU. The Organisational Change clauses in the union EBAs offer little or no protection against retrenchments. The management only has to assert that the work of a targeted staff member is no longer required or can be accommodated within the workloads of remaining staff. The EBAs also provide for a spill and fill competition between employees for any vacancies. Clause 46.33 of the NTEUs academic EBA at WSU states: If there are 2 or more eligible Employees being considered for placement in a suitable new or vacant position in the new structure, placement will be determined using a merit-based selection process. In an attempt to justify the cuts, Williams cited both an anticipated operating deficit of $74.5 million in 2026 and a need to help Western better deliver on our mission. As he outlined in his email message, this mission features satisfying the narrow vocational demands of employers, rather than providing students with any broader and critical educational experience. In Williams words, this means: Consolidating our work around careers, employability, work integrated learning and placements to better support our students employability and to enable us to scale up opportunities for industry experience. Williams said the restructuring through Reset Western would align with our bold new strategy, WESTERN 2030. That blueprint, which involves dragging all the academic schools into three huge faculties, seeks to further transform the university along corporate lines. A WSU media statement revealed nervousness about the response of staff and students, despite the deal with the unions. It said the institution was expecting some tough and challenging weeks ahead as the retrenchment process was undertaken. Without naming the Labor government, the statement also alluded to the pressures that the government is applying to the universities. It said: Our financial challenges are due to range of factors including international student caps, increased competition for students from Western Sydney, declining revenue per student because of the Job-ready Graduates package, cost-of-living pressures, and changing student behaviours. Many of these pressures are sector wide. Labors agenda features sharp cuts to international student enrolments, on which the chronically underfunded universities have relied for fee revenue. Labor is also continuing the previous Liberal-National governments Job-ready Graduates program, which has set punishing fees of $50,000 or more on domestic arts, humanities and social sciences students, while cutting university revenues for these courses. The Albanese government is pushing the universities into compliance with Labors Universities Accord, released last year. It demands that universities subordinate both their teaching and research to the needs of big business and the construction of war-related industries, such as the $368 billion AUKUS plan to acquire nuclear-powered attack submarines for use against China in a US-led war. From next year, university funding will be tied to mission compacts, signed with a new government-appointed Australian Tertiary Education Commission, to deliver such outcomes. None of the resulting job destruction or pro-corporate restructuring would be possible without the support of the union apparatuses, which agree with its underlying thrust. As at WSU, the NTEU and the CPSU are trying to blame individual vice-chancellors for what is a nationwide offensive, even while seeking to deals with the same university chiefs to achieve their job cut and restructuring goals. The developments at WSU show how far the union leaders will go in their partnership with managements and the Labor government across the country. This must be stopped by the formation of new organisations of struggle, that is rank-and-file committees, independent of the compliant union apparatuses. The WSU Rank-and-File Committee calls for this offensive to be opposed by staff and students everywhere and throughout the working class. We say: Halt and reverse the thousands of job cuts and the resulting sky-rocketing workloads Stop the cuts to international student enrolments Free first-class education for all students instead of channelling billions of dollars into preparations for US-led wars. This is part of the broader struggle for a socialist perspective, against capitalism itself and its agenda of war and attacks on the working class and democratic rights. On August 2, the WSU and Macquarie University Rank-and-File Committees convened an online public meeting to fight for a such a unified campaign against the Albanese governments job cuts and the pro-corporate, pro-military reshaping of tertiary education. We urge staff and students to contact us to take up this essential fight, via the Committee for Public Education (CFPE), the educators rank-and-file network. Contact the CFPE: Email: cfpe.aus@gmail.com Facebook: facebook.com/commforpubliceducation Twitter: CFPE_Australia Facebook: facebook.com/groups/opposeaeusellout Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested last Friday by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on charges of misusing public funds during an overseas trip. He was remanded in custody until a second hearing today. Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe shows his handcuffs inside a bus taking him from court to a prison in Colombo, August 22, 2025. [AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena] Wickremesinghes arrest, which is unprecedented in character, has taken place amid intensifying political crisis confronting the government of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, compounded by growing popular opposition to its devastating International Monetary Fund (IMF)-dictated austerity program. The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National Peoples Power (JVP/NPP) government is committed to slashing the budget by imposing taxes on working people, cutting price subsidies and making further deep inroads into essential social services, including education and health. More than 400 State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are slated for privatisation or restructuring, which will result in the destruction of hundreds of thousands of jobs. In office for less than a year, the government is facing a growing wave of strikes and industrial action. Thousands of postal workers were on an indefinite national strike for a week over 19 demands on pay and conditions before their action was shut down by the trade unions on the basis of empty government promises. Non-academic workers from state universities throughout the country held a one-day strike last Wednesday against the 2025 budget cuts to their salaries. Workers at the state-owned Ceylon Electricity Board held a sick leave stoppage on July 22 against the governments restructuring plans and have threatened further action. Protests have taken place by students, unemployed graduates and farmers. Unable to meet any of the workers demands, the government has increasingly resorted to repressive measures. Last Friday, the same day that Wickremesinghe was arrested, it deployed the military to try to break the postal strike. Army personnel were sent to the Central Mail Exchange in Colombo to clear the large backlog of parcels that had accumulated. The government also threatened to sack striking postal workers. The governments decision to arrest Wickremesinghe, who was president from 2022 to 2024, on flimsy charges of corruption is a desperate attempt to divert public attention from its ruthless attacks on the social and democratic rights of working people. Wickremesinghe is accused of misusing public funds to attend his wifes graduation ceremony in London after an official visit to the US. The allegations barely rank on the scale of corruption that is rife in the Colombo political establishment, even if proven true. Wickremesinghe has been singled out because he is widely despised by working people for initiating the IMF austerity program in 2022 and cracking down on popular opposition to his governments measures. He was, however, installed in office with the assistance of all the parliamentary parties, including the JVP, which also agreed on the need for IMF assistance amid the countrys deep economic and political turmoil. Confronted by a profound balance of payments crisis fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war, the previous government of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse was compelled to default on its foreign loans. Prices and shortages of essentials immediately soared, provoking widespread protests throughout the country. Electricity blackouts occurred daily. The mass uprising in AprilJuly 2022 involving millions of workers, youth and the rural poor, defied the mobilisation of the military and forced Rajapakse to resign and flee the country. The right-wing Wickremesinghe was installed as prime minister, then president, not because he enjoyed any popular support. Indeed, he was the only parliamentarian of his United National Party (UNP). But with his long pro-US and pro-IMF record, he was seized upon as the figure who could salvage Sri Lankan capitalism and shore up bourgeois rule. During that acute political crisis, the JVP and other opposition parties were instrumental in diverting the mass movement into the political dead end of parliament with their demand for an interim parliamentary governmentthat is, one composed of the discredited capitalist parties. Wickremesinghe was installed in power anti-democratically through a parliamentary vote, not an election. The Wickremesinghe government reached an agreement with the IMF for a $US3 billion bailout loan that put the country on rations. The IMF instalments temporarily overcame the balance of payments crisis, but at a terrible social cost. Working people are being made to bear the burden through the imposition of drastic austerity measures that the IMF insists must be met if the instalments are to continue. The widespread hostility to the entire political establishment, traditionally dominated by a handful of powerful families, of which Wickremesinghe is one representative, was demonstrated at last years presidential and parliamentary elections. The JVP and its NPP electoral front, which only held a handful of seats in the previous parliament and had never held office, won both the presidency and a majority in parliament. The JVP, a party rooted in Sinhala chauvinism and petty bourgeois radicalism, did so on the basis of lies: that it represented a genuine alternative to the longstanding parties of bourgeois rule; that it was a clean party opposed to the corrupt political establishment; and that it would negotiate a better deal with the IMF to end the misery of working people. The last claim was immediately exposed. Within days of winning the parliamentary election in November, President Dissanayake, who is also finance minister, declared that his government would implement the IMFs demands to the letter. Ten months on, Dissanayake is well aware that the bulk of the IMFs savage austerity agenda is yet to be implemented, the underlying economic crisis has not gone away, and Sri Lanka will have to recommence paying off foreign loans. The economic difficulties have been compounded by the Trump administrations imposition of a 20 percent tariff on Sri Lankan exports to the US, which will hit the garment industry in particular. The Institute of Policy Studies warned this month that the tariffs could lead to a loss of $634 million in Sri Lankas exports and 16,000 jobs. The JVP/NPP governments budget for 2026, which will be presented to the parliament in November, will undoubtedly have to make even deeper inroads into the social position of the working class and poor. The government, as it implements the IMFs demands, is fearful that the rising anger among workers, youth and the rural poor could erupt in a mass movement that could eclipse the 2022 uprising. That is why it is cynically playing the corruption card and targeting a scion of the traditional Sri Lankan elites, knowing full well that layers of working people will rejoice that Wickremesinghe is getting what they regard as his just desserts. Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala boasted in parliament last Friday: The government has proved that it will implement the authority of law despite the rank of an individual whether being a former IGP [Inspector General of Police] or former MP or former minister or former president. As in its election campaign last year, the JVP/NPPs claim that the economic and social crisis is the product of corruption and waste is a complete fraud. While corruption is widespread in Sri Lankan ruling circles, as it is elsewhere, the capitalist system is responsible for the worsening conditions facing working people in Sri Lanka and internationally. The main opposition parties have denounced Wickremesinghes arrest, declaring it to be undemocratic and a petty act of political vengeance. All these parties, including the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and UNP, have long track records of anti-democratic actions. All of them are committed to IMF austerity program, but they fear that the arrest will undermine the necessary unity of the political establishment against the working class in troubled times. The working class, however, must take a serious warning from Wickremesinghes arrest. If the JVP/NPP is prepared to arrest and make an example of a prominent member of the political establishment, of which it is an integral part, then it will stop at nothing to impose the demands of the IMF and big business. It has already shown that it is ready to mobilise the military against postal workers and threaten them with mass sackings. Workers need to politically and organisationally prepare for a head-on confrontation with the government. What is required is the building of an independent political movement of the working class, rallying youth, the rural poor and other oppressed layers, to abolish capitalism and establish a government of workers and peasants. Society must be reorganised along socialist lines to meet the pressing social needs of the majority, not feed the profits of the wealthy few. This must be a part of the broader struggle for socialism in South Asia and internationally for which the unity with the working class globally is crucial. In a Detroit federal courtroom on August 19, Chengxuan Han, a 28-year-old Chinese doctoral student at the University of Michigan (U-Mich), entered a plea of nolo contendere, or no contest, to politically motivated federal charges. This decision comes just days after Hans defense team filed a motion to suppress statements obtained through egregious violations of her Fifth Amendment rights. This photo provided by the Sanilac County, Mich., Sheriff's Office on Friday, June 13, 2025, shows Chinese scientist Chengxuan Han. [AP Photo/Sanilac County Sheriff's Office] Han, a Ph.D. candidate at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, was charged with three counts of smuggling goods into the United States and one count of making false statements to federal officers. For the alleged crime of improperly shipping nonhazardous samples of C. elegans roundworms and plasmids for her scientific research, she faces up to 25 years in a federal prison20 years for the smuggling charges and five for the false statements charge. Her sentencing is scheduled for September 10. C. elegans hermaphrodite worm. [Photo: Bob Goldstein] In a parallel case at U-Mich, postdoctoral fellow Yunqing Jian faces similar charges, sensationalized as agroterrorism, over the transport of the common fungal pathogen fusarium graminearum. Jian is reportedly negotiating a plea deal, with a hearing set for September 18. Both Han and Jian have been held without bond in federal custody since early June. Yunqing Jian, Sanilac County Jail. The charges are a pretext to scapegoat Han and Jian, criminalizing the routine and harmless international exchange of biological materials. This is part of a broader campaign by the American ruling elite to poison public opinion against China. Trump administration officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, have inflamed the situation with unsubstantiated allegations of agroterrorism, transforming a minor customs infraction into an alleged national security threat. This legal witch-hunt is part of the ideological preparations for war, aimed at cultivating a political climate of fear, nationalism, and xenophobia. By portraying Chinese scientists and students as spies and threats, the state is attempting to sever international scientific collaboration and whip up anti-Chinese prejudice. The case against Han centers on four packages containing biological materials she sent from China in 2024 and 2025 to individuals associated with a laboratory at U-Mich where she was set to begin work as a visiting scholar holding a J1 visa. Upon her arrival at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on June 8, her first visit to the US, she was detained by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and subjected to a Tactical Terrorism Response Team inspection. Without an attorney present, she admitted to sending the research materials. However, the Motion to Suppress Statements filed August 7 by Hans defense attorneys tears apart the legitimacy of the governments evidence. The brief supporting the motion details two separate episodes of coercive interrogation that flagrantly violated Hans constitutional rights. Han was compelled to plead no contest even as this motion was pending, with a hearing set for November 7. For two-and-a half hours, CBP officers subjected Han to a custodial interrogation. Officer Hamika, the CBP interrogator, badgered Han with statements designed to elicit incriminating responses, such as, Nobody believes you, I want the truth, and Shes still lying. Authorities had predetermined that Han would not be allowed into the country and would be arrested based on the previously seized packages sent in her name. Yet, despite being in custody, despite the accusatory tone, and despite the predetermined outcome of her arrest, Han was never provided with Miranda warnings during this entire CBP interrogation. Established legal precedent mandates Miranda warnings once a border investigation becomes focused on criminal activity rather than routine admissibility. After the initial interrogation, Han was handed over to Homeland Security agents, including agent Ratterman. Here, for the first time, she was informed of her Miranda rights. However, what followed was an even more brazen violation of her Fifth Amendment protections against self-incrimination. Han, clearly confused by the complex legal situation and unfamiliar with US law, unequivocally invoked her right to counsel. Under established US Supreme Court precedent, once a suspect invokes their right to counsel, all questioning must cease. Agent Ratterman continued interrogating Han for roughly another two hours after this explicit request for a lawyer. Any subsequent waiver of Miranda rights by Han was not made knowingly or voluntarily. The motion highlights mistranslations and interpreter confusion throughout the Homeland Security interview, especially the following exchange: Agent Ratterman: But, that being said, there not going to be a lawyer here tonight. If you want a lawyer before you talk to me, thats fine. But what happens is we just gonna stop, and you gonna be under arrest. After the judge sees you, the judge will appoint you a lawyer, and we can make an arrangement after that point. OK? Interpreter (in Mandarin): He says if you dont talk to him, he is not able to provide you a lawyer. Then you first see a judge, and the judge will appoint you a lawyer. You are under arrest first, then the judge find you a lawyer. We can meet after that, if you dont want to talk now. Han (in Mandarin): I am willing to explain now. The agent told Han she had a right to a lawyer (however ambiguously), but the interpreter falsely told her the opposite. The brief notes that the agents statements and the interpreters misrepresentations aligned with Chinese legal practices where a lawyer is typically not present during interrogation. These factors, combined with Han's persistent confusion even at the end of the interview (when she again asked if she could request legal assistance), demonstrate that her waiver was not a free and informed choice, but the result of sustained pressure, manipulation, and a lack of understanding of her fundamental rights. The governments case is both unconstitutional and unscientific and has drawn the criticism of principled scientists. Caitilyn Allen, a plant pathologist and professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, told the World Socialist Web Site that Scientists frequently exchange plasmids, its part of normal research collaboration, usually done by mail [C. elegans] are harmless and very widely used as model organisms for studying development and for teaching biology [I]mporting without a permit has been punished with a fine, not a 20-year jail sentence. In an e-mail exchange, Prof. Allen affirmed that hers is a widely held interpretation: I think its accurate to say these are completely mainstream views in the scientific community. Plant pathologist and professor emeritus at Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Tom Sharkey confirmed this analysis: I would make all the points that Caitilyn Allen made and add just one thing. In science we are expected to make all raw data and all organisms needed to recreate results that are published freely available. Breaking rules about getting permission before transferring materials is a minor infraction. The rules are intended to prevent outbreaks. The rules are not to prevent movement of materials or protect intellectual properties. Patents do that. In fact, such movements to any interested lab are required so that all scientists can try to recreate our findings. Smuggling is a gross exaggeration of what is alleged. The regents and university administration capitulated early to the bipartisan war drive against China, ending their joint research partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University in January 2025 following pressure from Congress. They have fully cooperated with the witch-hunt against Han and Jian. The only organization at U-Mich that has opposed the persecution of Han and Jian is the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE). The political motivations driving the persecution of Han were clear in the statement of Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., the interim United States attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. Gorgon declared: This alien from Wuhan, China smuggled round worms and other biomaterials into our country The University of Michigan invited this Chinese national into our state to be a visiting scholar where it was going to give her more than $41,000 in a year to do her worm research at the Life Sciences Institute. Something is wrong in Ann Arbor. This is a direct political threat aimed at U-Mich and every institution of higher learning in the United States that dares to engage in international scientific collaboration. Jennifer Vasquez Sura, left, and her husband Kilmar Abrego Garcia at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Baltimore, Mayland Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. [AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough] Less than three days after Kilmar Abrego Garcia was released from a Tennessee prison, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained the Maryland father and union worker during a check-in at the Baltimore field office Monday morning. The Trump administration has made clear its vindictive intention to deport Abrego Garcia to Uganda, a country he has never been to and with which he has no connections. On Monday afternoon, however, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis temporarily blocked the deportation, citing due process concerns and ordering that Abrego Garcia be given a fair hearing before any removal can proceed. Since March, the 30-year-old Abrego Garcia has been subjected to public and private torture at the hands of the US government and its proxies. On March 12 he was violently arrested by immigration police. For three days he was shuttled through multiple facilities before he was illegally deported to El Salvadors CECOT mega-prison. Abrego Garcia was one of approximately 150 people to be deported under the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law that grants the president virtually unchecked powers to deport foreign nationals of enemy states without due process. Before this past March, the act had only been invoked three times: the War of 1812, World War I and infamously during World War II to justify the internment of Japanese Americans and immigrants in concentration camps. In CECOT, along with nearly 300 other detainees, Abrego Garcia was beaten, assaulted, and denied both medical care and access to his attorneys. After four months of claiming it was powerless in the face of a massive public outcry, the government abruptly returned him to the United States on June 6 where the Trump administration unveiled fabricated smuggling charges that kept him imprisoned for months and are now wielded as a cudgel to force him to abandon his fight against deportation. Holding back tears while speaking outside the ICE office in Baltimore with dozens of supporters and family members, including his wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, Abrego Garcia said, Regardless of what happens today with ICE, promise me this: That you will keep fighting, praying, believing in dignity and freedom. Not only for me. For everyone. After Abrego Garcia was seized by ICE agents on Monday, his lawyer Simon Sandoval-Mosheberg declared: There was no need for them to take him into ICE detention. He was already on electronic monitoring from the U.S. Marshals Service and basically on house arrest. We asked the ICE officer what the reason for his detention was. The ICE officer didnt answer. The ICE officer stated that he will be taken to a detention center. We asked the ICE officer which detention center. The ICE officer said that they werent able to say. Speaking on the governments plans to deport Abrego Garcia to Uganda, Sandoval-Mosheberg said it was preposterous that they would send him to Africa, to a country where he doesnt even speak the language, a country with documented human rights violations, when there are so many other options. Abrego Garcias lawyers revealed that the US government offered to deport Abrego Garcia to Costa Rica, if he agreed to plead guilty to the manufactured smuggling charges. The fact that theyre holding Costa Rica as a carrot and using Uganda as a stick to coerce him is such clear evidence that theyre weaponizing the immigration system in a manner that is completely unconstitutional, Sandoval-Mosheberg said Monday. Abrego Garcia is a union apprentice with the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 100 in Maryland. While SMART bureaucrats and AFL-CIO President Liz Schuler have released statements of support, none of them has threatened strike action to protect Abrego Garcia. The union bureaucracies have refused to call strike action in response to Trumps attacks on Abrego Garcia and the democratic rights of the entire working class because it would immediately call into question the policies of the Democrats, who fully support ICE and border security. SMART, like every AFL-CIO affiliate, is bound up with the Democratic Party. The union apparatus funnels dues money into Democratic campaigns and maintains its seat at the table by promising to contain and police the workers it purports to represent. Confident in the collaboration of the Democrats and trade union bureaucracies, following Abrego Garcias imprisonment, the fascist Trump administration doubled down on its lies Monday. The official White House X account tweeted out an image of Abrego Garcia that smeared him as an MS-13 gang member. Asked by a right-wing stooge during a press conference Monday to comment on the MS-13 gangbanger, Trump slandered Abrego Garcia as an animal who beat the hell out of his wife. Attorney General Pam Bondi added that Abrego Garcia would no longer terrorize our country. Weve got him under control the guy needs to be in prison. Not on the streets. Abrego Garcia, unlike the president of the United States, has been convicted of exactly zero felonies. Trump, a serial con man, liar and fascist currently overseeing genocide in Gaza, has been convicted of 34 felonies. Support for Trump and his fascist immigration policies remains well underwater in the United States. A July 2025 Reuters/Ipsos survey found Trumps overall approval rating and approval on the issue of immigration both sat at 41 percent. More recent national polling from University of Massachusetts Amherst found Trumps overall approval down to 38 percent compared to 58 percent disapproval. The UMass Amherst poll likewise recorded only a 41 percent approval of Trumps immigration operations, down from 50 percent just four months ago. Over the weekend and on Monday, protests were held in Washington D.C. and throughout the country against Trumps attacks on immigrants and plans to have the military occupy major US cities. Hundreds protest in Tacoma demanding release of disabled US Army veteran On Sunday, hundreds of people protested outside the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, to demand the release of Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry. According to family members, Chaudhry is a legal resident of the US and a disabled US Army veteran. His wife Melissa told local news outlets her husband was born in Pakistan but has lived in the US for the last 25 years. Melissa told FOX13 her husband is active in the local Veterans for Peace chapter. Alex Scheel, a member of About Face: Veterans Against the War, told the outlet Zahids detainment is totally unjustified. He was going to his regular appointments. ICE has yet to disclose why it detained Zahid Chaudhry. In 2024, Zahid was interviewed by FOX13 during a memorial service for Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish American and University of Washington graduate who was murdered by the Israel Defense Forces while attending a protest in the West Bank. At the September 2024 service for Eygi, Zahid recalled finding out she was murdered: I couldnt hold my tears yesterday, its Rachel Corrie all over again. Twenty-one years ago, it was Rachel Corrie. Rachel Corrie, an American peace activist, was run down and killed by an Israeli armored bulldozer in 2003. D.C. residents condemn kidnapping operations: They are hard workers! In the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Washington D.C., Monday morning, at least seven masked federal agents and one US Parks police officer were recorded by local residents as they kidnapped three workers in a Z.M.H. Heating & Air Conditioning truck. Several outraged residents filmed the thugs as they kidnapped the workers. Residents demanded the immigration agents show their faces and leave the workers alone. Hey, hes going to fucking work. Get the fuck out of our city. Take the mask off, you fucking coward! said one outraged resident, adding, They are hard workers! Over 200 protest plans for military immigrant camps in Indiana: No Hoosier concentration camps Hundreds of people gathered in Johnson County, Indiana, Sunday afternoon to protest plans to transform Camp Atterbury into an ICE detention facility. The protest was organized by aspiring Democratic congressional candidate Brad Meyer, who argued the deportation operations were bad strategically and economically. Signs carried by protesters did not mention economics but instead carried democratic slogans: Immigrant Rights = Human Rights Abolish ICE and No Hoosier concentration camps. (Hoosier is a nickname for residents of Indiana.) In an interview with WTHR13, Julian Franklin, a current member of the National Guard, said he opposes not only the use of Camp Atterbury but all of ICE. When I enlisted, I swore to protect the country and the Constitution from threats foreign and domestic. ICE is that domestic threat. The latest comments by Bundestag (Federal Parliament) Vice President Omid Nouripour (Greens) once again make clear that the Greens are among the most aggressive warmongers in German politics. After Christian Democrat Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently announced a purely symbolic partial halt to arms exports to Israel, Nouripour railed against this gesture and warned that Germany must not deviate one iota from its military partnership with Israel. The decision to stop arms deliveries to Israel sounds understandable given the devastating situation in Gaza, and many in my party also think it is right. But it is short-sighted, Nouripour told the Funke Media Group. German weapons played no role in the Gaza war, he claimed. This was symbolism for the domestic audience and did not help any child in Gaza. Instead, he emphasized that Germany was very dependent on Israel in matters of military and intelligence cooperation. In these matters, we need the Israelis more than they need us. That is the brutal reality, he said. Nouripours claim that German weapons play no role in Gaza is a blatant lie. Germany is Israels largest arms supplier after the US, and numerous German components are used in the weapons deployed in the genocide in Gaza. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Germany has supplied more than 1,000 tank engines to Israel in recent years. German arms companies such as Rheinmetall, MBDA Germany and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann also work closely with Israel in the development of missiles and other ammunition. Between 2019 and 2023, 30 percent of all Israeli arms imports came from Germany, including corvettes, submarines, tank parts and missiles. Since the beginning of the genocide in Gaza alone, Berlin has supplied weapons worth almost half a billion euros. Nouripours defence of the war alliance with Israel is not just limited to the Middle East. He explicitly links German support for Israels campaign of destruction in Gaza to NATOs war against Russia. Israeli arms technology and intelligence expertise are indispensable for Berlin, especially at a time when we dont know how things will develop in Ukraine and with the European peace order. In other words, support for Israels genocide is part of Germanys comprehensive war strategy to re-emerge as a major military power. The fact that Nouripour is railing against a decision that does not represent any real change underscores the Greens belligerence. Chancellor Merz merely announced that until further notice, no new exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip would be approved. Weapons that have already been approved but not yet delivered are not affected, nor are deliveries for naval and air defence. In all these areas, Israel will of course continue to be supported to the best of our ability, explained Chancellors Office Chief Thorsten Frei (CDU). Merz himself assured that there would be no change in Germanys policy toward Israel. The principles of Germanys policy toward Israel remain unchanged. We will continue to help this country defend itself, he stated. The alleged halt serves Merz merely as a political alibi in the face of growing outrage among the population. Nouripour, on the other hand, makes it clear that even symbolic moves away from Israel are unacceptable to the Greens. Significantly, Nouripours statements came on the same day that the UN-affiliated Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) officially declared a famine in Gaza City for the first time. The IPC stated that this famine is entirely man-made. Over half a million people are living in catastrophic conditions of hunger, misery, and death. By mid-2026, at least 132,000 children under the age of five will suffer from acute malnutrition. The famine is a direct consequence of the Israelis starvation blockade, which Berlin and the other imperialist powers fully support. For months, Israel has systematically halted aid deliveries and expelled aid organizations. Instead, with US help, it established a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation that uses food as bait to lure crowds into deadly traps. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the famine a man-made disaster, a moral indictment, and a failure of humanity itself. The ruling class in Germany bears full responsibility for this crimeabove all the Greens, who justify every arms delivery and every barbaric war crime in the name of German national interest and Israels right to self-defense. It is no coincidence that the Greens, who presented themselves as pacifists in the first years after their founding, are now among the most vocal advocates of rearmament and war. With Joschka Fischer as foreign minister, they supported the first German military intervention since the end of World War IIthe bombing of Serbiaas a governing party in 1998. Since then, they have always been at the forefront of German military interventions, whether in Afghanistan, Mali or the Middle East. As part of the coalition government led by the Social Democrats and including the Free Democrats, they were among those pushing for tougher military action against Russia in Ukraine and a massive increase in German military spending. At the beginning of the year, Robert Habeck, then Minister of Economics and Green Party candidate for chancellor, called for a tripling of the military budgetplans that are now being implemented by the Merz government with the support of the Greens. Nouripours crocodile tears over the devastating situation of children in Gaza are hard to beat in terms of hypocrisy. He and the Greens not only support arms deliveries but explicitly justify the slaughter of civilians. Former Green Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated in a notorious speech in the Bundestag on October 10, 2024: Self-defense naturally means not only attacking terrorists, but destroying them... When Hamas terrorists hide behind people, behind schools, then we enter very difficult territory. But we do not shy away from this. That is why I made it clear to the United Nations: then civilian locations can also lose their protected status. We commented at the time: Everyone should take note of these words. The former pacifists of the Green Party, who for a long time used phrases about human rights and democracy to justify imperialist wars, are now openly defending the destruction of hospitals and schools and the mass murder of civilians. The transformation of the Greens from a pacifist protest party into a militaristic state party is an expression of fundamental social processes. They represent the wealthy, academic petty bourgeoisie, which in recent decades has benefited from social attacks on the working class, and rising stock and property prices. Today, this milieu defends its privileged position through militarism, rearmament and complete identification with the predatory interests of German capital. The Greens shift toward war is thus not a mistake or a break with their origins, but the logical consequence of their petty-bourgeois character. As early as the 1990s, they played a central role in the return of German militarism with their human rights rhetoric. Three decades later, they belong to the most aggressive wing of the ruling class and are prepared to openly justify any genocide and any war of aggression if it serves the interests of German imperialism. Yesterday, the French Foreign Ministry summoned billionaire convicted felon and US Ambassador to France Charles Kushner to protest his remarks condemning the French governments statement of support for the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Kushner, the father of President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, denounced this statement for allegedly inciting antisemitic violence. In a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron published in the Wall Street Journal, Kushner wrote: Public statements haranguing Israel and gestures toward recognition of a Palestinian state embolden extremists, fuel violence, and endanger Jewish life in France. In todays world, anti-Zionism is antisemitismplain and simple. Kushners comment exposes the reactionary content of the attempt to falsely equate opposition to Israels Zionist regime with antisemitism. It means criminalizing opposition to genocide, charging any statement of support or sympathy for the Palestinian victims of the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza with being antisemitic. This includes even entirely empty statements by the French governmenta close ally of the Israeli regime that has, like Washington, pursued a criminal policy of arming Israel during the genocide. Kushners column epitomizes the semantic inversion of the term antisemitism being carried out by supporters of the Israeli regime. After the Nazi Holocaust of European Jewry, calls to oppose antisemitism were bound up with left-wing opposition to Nazism, military aggression, racial hatreds and police-state dictatorship. Kushners column in the Wall Street Journal, in contrast, was an unabashed call on the French government to build a fascistic dictatorship. Kushner held up as examples Trumps illegal acts of military aggression in the Middle East, his attacks on freedom of speech and freedom of opinion, and his mass deportations of foreign students opposed to the Gaza genocide. Trump, Kushner wrote, ordered strict vetting to bar entry for foreigners espousing antisemitic hatred and revoked visas for foreign agitators. He oversaw the deportation of Hamas sympathizers and cut funding to organizations promoting antisemitic incitement. And by crippling Irans nuclear-weapons program, he struck directly at the worlds leading state sponsor of antisemitism and terror and saved millions of lives. These measures prove that antisemitism can be fought effectively when leaders have the will to act. Mr. President, I urge you to act decisively, Kushner wrote to Macron, concluding: As US ambassador to France, I stand ready to work with you and with leaders across French society to forge a serious plan that addresses the roots of antisemitism and defeats it. The French Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning Kushners column and summoning him to its offices on the Quai dOrsay to receive a formal diplomatic protest. Describing Kushners column as an accusation that there is a supposed lack of sufficient action by French authorities to combat antisemitism, the French Foreign Ministry statement declared: The ambassadors allegations are unacceptable. They violate international law, in particular the obligation not to intervene in the internal affairs of other states specificed by the Vienna Convention of 1961 that governs diplomatic relations. They are moreover not up to the standard of quality for the trans-Atlantic bond between France and the United States or of the confidence that must flow from it between allies. The French Foreign Ministrys summoning of the US ambassador to deliver a protest amounts to official confirmation that an unprecedented crisis in US-French relations is underway. Indeed, since the end of the Nazi occupation of France in World War II, France has never summoned the US ambassador to France to protest. Moreover, the US governments contemptuous response to the French summons of Kushner makes all the more clear the collapse in US-French relations. Washington first issued a statement solidarizing itself with Kushners statement and making clear that Kushner was speaking in line with US policy. We stand by his comments, said US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott. Ambassador Kushner is our US government representative in France and is doing a great job advancing our national interests in that role. Then, in a rare gesture calculated to inflame tensions, Kushner refused to heed the French summons to the Quai dOrsaysending a lower-ranking diplomat, the charge daffaires at the US Embassy in Paris, Karen Enstrom, in his place. Enstrom met with two French diplomatic officials, one tasked with security affairs and another with American and Caribbean affairs, who reportedly stated that Kushners statement unacceptably interfered in French internal affairs. Whether or not the French Foreign Ministry ultimately decides to declare Kushner persona non grata and expel him from France on this basis, the Trump administration has clearly set out to provoke and stoke a diplomatic incident with France. This incident comes amid an accelerating collapse of economic and diplomatic relations between the United States and the European imperialist powers. It follows Trumps decision to unilaterally slap trade war tariffs on all European Union (EU) exports to the United States. At the same time, Washington-Paris tensions are mounting as Washington seeks to pivot towards wars targeting Iran and China, while the European powers call to continue the NATO war with Russia in Ukraine. Trumps decision to name a financial criminal like Kushner ambassador to France is not the least provocative action taken in this diplomatic crisis. A billionaire real estate developer, Kushner was convicted and disbarred as an attorney on charges of making illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion and witness tampering. Kushner tried to block his brother-in-law William Schulders cooperation with federal investigators against Kushner by hiring a prostitute to seduce Schulder, taping the encounter, and sending the tape to his sister. Kushner served 14 months of a 2-year prison sentence in 2005-2006. He received a full pardon from Trump, whose daughter Ivanka is Kushners daughter-in-law, at the end of Trumps first term, on December 23, 2020. However criminal the character of the Trump administrations policy, Macron does not in any way represent an alternative or have a less reactionary policy towards Israel and Gaza. It is not only that all the major European powers, including France, Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain, sent weapons to arm Israel as it bombed, murdered and starved tens of thousands of defenseless Palestinian civilians. Macron also championed the use of false claims that opposition to the Zionist regime in Israel is inherently antisemitic to investigate, arrest and fine opponents of the genocide. Stopping the Gaza genocide and the escalating spiral of imperialist wars requires building an international movement in the working class against all the imperialist governments arming and funding Israel, both in America and Europe. The wave of strikes set to begin next month against Macrons social cuts amid mounting working class opposition to austerity across Europe, like the mass social anger in America that underlay the No Kings protests against Trump earlier this year, must be taken as a starting point for the construction of such a movement. To join the Educators Rank-and-File Committee, fill out the form below. Teachers rally against attacks on education, students and immigrants in Los Angeles, California, May 17, 2025. The Educators Rank-and-File Committee, affiliated with the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), issues this urgent statement to teachers, parents and students as the new school year begins. We urge educators to reject the capitulation and collusion of the Democratic Party and trade union bureaucracies with the Trump administration. Educators must take the lead in a working-class counter-offensive against the fascist presidents attack on democratic and social rights. The urgent task is to form independent rank-and-file committees in every school and district and prepare for a nationwide general strike. Only through organizing on this basis can we mount the unified struggle needed to defend our rights and the future of our students. Democracy and education under attack This school year unfolds under the shadow of unprecedented assaults. Trumps deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and threatened use of forces in Chicago, New York and other cities marks a calculated move toward dictatorship. Immigrant families are being rounded up, detained and deported. The corporate-financial oligarchy knows its policies are deeply unpopular. It relies on repression and war to maintain its grip on wealth and power. Tariffs drain workers incomes, while trillions are cut from food stamps, Medicaid and other vital programs. Public education is a prime target. The aim is to roll back generations of social progress, suppress opposition and stamp out critical thought and culture. Defending the right to free, high-quality education requires a conscious struggle against capitalism and imperialist warnot futile appeals to the courts or the Democrats. Securing this right demands a revolutionary movement of the working class to expropriate the oligarchy and place economic and political life under democratic control. What teachers face this year Cuts to education and social programs: Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, backed by both parties, slashes $12 billion from public schools, on top of expiring pandemic aid. The result: layoffs, crowded classrooms, gutted health services and growing child hunger. Medicaid and food stamp cuts worsen the crisis. The Supreme Courts decision to allow the termination of $780 million in NIH grantstargeting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programssignals a purge of research and initiatives the White House deems undesirable, enforcing authoritarian discipline in schools. Escalating privatization: Fourteen states now have universal voucher programs; over half of all K-12 students are eligible for some voucher scheme. Trumps plan turns education into a tax shelter for the wealthy, diverting billions from public schools to private and religious institutions while deepening inequality. Citing a four percent nationwide enrollment decline since 2019up to 10 percent in major citiesfederal officials now demand closures and privatization. But this crisis stems from bipartisan austerity that has deliberately destabilized public education. War economy priorities: Social spending cuts free up resources for militarism. Schools are converted into recruiting grounds for imperialist wars, while remaining programs funnel students into defense and tech labor pipelines. Education Secretary Linda McMahon openly declares education must serve corporate and military interestsnot independent thought. Attacks on immigrants and democratic rights: ICE raids will intensify, targeting students, parents, even teachers. States slash programs for English Learners while imposing loyalty tests, religious mandates and censorship laws. Texas requires the Ten Commandments in classrooms; Oklahoma screens teachers for political views; Californias AB 715 would have imposed speech controls. Genuine education and free thought are under siege. Build rank-and-file committees now! Teachers face contract expirations in California, Philadelphia and other cities amid these unprecedented attacks. The leaders of the National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers function as Democratic Party adjuncts, suppressing real struggles to protect their privileges. We call for militant, democratic rank-and-file committees in every school and district, coordinated nationally and internationally, to unite educators, parents, students and workers in a common fight against austerity, dictatorship and war. Their demands must reflect what educators and students neednot what corporations and politicians claim is affordable: Real rank-and-file control: Committees must oversee all negotiations and contracts, stripping power from the union bureaucracy and transferring to educators in the schools. Full funding for public schools: Demand wage increases, healthcare, pensions, smaller classes, more support staff and safe buildings. No public money for private or charter schools! Expropriate the billionaires: Redirect trillions from war, policing, and corporate handouts to education, healthcare and social needs. Defend immigrant families: End deportations and oppose ICE raids and militarized police deployments. No censorship or repression: Defend free speech, oppose loyalty tests and religious mandates and protect historical truth in classrooms. Prepare a general strike: Unite educators and workers nationwide to defeat bipartisan attacks on schools and rights. Break with the Democrats and union bureaucracies The devastation of public education bears the Democrats fingerprints. From Biden to governors and mayors, Democrats have overseen closures, privatization and cutseven diverting COVID relief from classrooms. In Chicago, progressive Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Teachers Union pushed through a sellout contract imposing mass layoffs. Elsewhere, the NEA and AFT prepare similar betrayals, suppressing strikes and enforcing austerity. These bureaucracies channel teachers into dead-end lobbying, token protests, and electoral diversions to protect the status quo. Teachers must recognize: saving public education cannot go through the Democrats or union officials. Only independent rank-and-file committees, organizing mass action, can lead this fight. The pseudo-leftincluding Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of Americaseeks to trap opposition within the Democratic Party, whose pro-corporate and pro-war policies paved the way for Trump. Their claims that social inequality can be overcome without a frontal assault by the working class on capitalism are lies. The fight for public education is inseparable from the fight against war, dictatorship and capitalist rule itself. Building rank-and-file power and a socialist movement of the working class is the only path forward. The future of educationand societydepends on what we do now, in unity and struggle. To join the fight for rank-and-file committees, fill out the form below. Firefighters and police combing through the explosion site in Quatro Barras in search of evidence and remains [Photo: Secretaria de Estado da Seguranca Publica do Parana] On the morning of August 12, nine workers were killed in an explosion at Enaex Brasil in Quatro Barras, in the metropolitan region of Curitiba, capital of the southern state of Parana. The victims worked as production operators at the company, which is a leading manufacturer of explosives for mining and civil construction. The workers were mostly young, many with small children. The explosion occurred as workers were preparing to start their shift, shortly before 6 a.m. They were in one of the plants 25 units, a small building less than 30 square meters in size, where pentolite, a highly destructive substance, was being packaged. The workers bodies were fragmented. The structure collapsed completely, leaving a crater at the site. The explosion destroyed other structures at the plant and was felt almost 20 kilometers away. In addition to the noise and tremors, it damaged homes and businesses in the surrounding area. Production has been suspended since the accident. Forensic teams are still trying to determine how the explosion started. The Army, which regulates and supervises the manufacture of explosives, reported that the company was in compliance with technical inspections up to date. The municipality of Quatro Barras also confirmed that the company has all the necessary licenses. The Parana Public Prosecutors Office (MPPR) sent an administrative recommendation to Enaex Brasil and the municipality of Quatro Barras. It asked the city government to disclose a risk communication plan for the population near the plant, with escape routes and support points in case another explosion occurs, and requested an assessment of the influence of weather conditions on industrial activities. The MPPR requested that the company immediately suspend any handling of explosives until express authorization is granted by the competent authorities, under penalty of judicial interdiction. Destruction from the explosion at the Enaex Brasil factory in the metropolitan region of Curitiba (Parana) [Photo: Corpo de Bombeiros do Parana] StiqFepar, the Union of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry Workers of the State of Parana, did not even express solidarity with the victims, limiting itself to repeating the companys position. The Workers Party (PT)-controlled CUT, the countrys largest trade union federation, only released a statement through its branch in Parana. The statement called for a serious and swift investigation to clarify the circumstances of the accident and stated that We cannot and will not normalize situations that endanger the lives and health of workers. Enaexs bloody history Enaex is a transnational corporation based in Chile and part of the Sigdo Koppers conglomerate, which has been denounced for maintaining subhuman working conditions. Presented on its website as the largest rock fragmentation company in Latin America and the third largest in the world in the production of explosive-grade ammonium nitrate, Enaex Brasil claims to have as its purpose the humanizing of mining, but hides a history marked by death and destruction. Some of the most serious incidents were reported by the Latin American press: 2000 (Brazil) : Three workers died, and four others were injured after an explosion at Britanite Industrias Quimicas (the former name of Enaex Brasil). : Three workers died, and four others were injured after an explosion at Britanite Industrias Quimicas (the former name of Enaex Brasil). 2004 (Brazil) : another explosion at the same plant killed employees Jose Leandro Brazau, 25, and Pedro Prestes de Oliveira, 43, who were burned to death; a third worker suffered the amputations of his hands. : another explosion at the same plant killed employees Jose Leandro Brazau, 25, and Pedro Prestes de Oliveira, 43, who were burned to death; a third worker suffered the amputations of his hands. 2020 (Chile) : Four were killed in Santiago; an investigation found that the company did not have the proper license to operate. : Four were killed in Santiago; an investigation found that the company did not have the proper license to operate. 2021 (Chile) : Two workers were injured in an explosion at the Calama plant. : Two workers were injured in an explosion at the Calama plant. 2022 (Argentina): Three workers were killed in an explosion at the Olavarria plant in Buenos Aires. These so-called accidents have happened repeatedly for years and becoming a common practice for Enaex. These accidents are so destructive that investigations almost always end up inconclusive. This lets the company get off without any serious charges. Brazil as one of the most unsafe countries for workers Research on working conditions in Brazil shows that the tragedy at Enaex is part of a systematic massacre of workers. The growth of serious workplace accidents in Brazil (2007-2024) [Photo: Observatorio de Seguranca e Saude no Trabalho] Data from the Observatorio de Seguranca e Saude no Trabalho (Occupational Safety and Health Observatory) show a progressive increase in work accidents considered serious. In 2019, 102,105 serious work accidents were reported. Five years later, that number has almost quintupled, with 494,422 serious accidents recorded in 2024. The Observatorio itself highlights in its report that the records represent only those cases of workplace accidents that were officially reported to the Ministry of Health. In other words, they reflect only those cases that the government was able to identify. This number, however, is always lower than the actual total number of cases, as many are never reported. This is a frightening statistic, which continues to grow. In the first half of this year, 1,689 workers have already died in workplace accidents, according to the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE), representing an increase of 5.63 percent over the same period in 2024. With these figures, Brazil is likely to maintain its deplorable position in the global ranking of workplace accidents, behind only China and the United States. The Bridgestone case and the unstoppable killing machine In a more recent case, on August 19, 37-year-old worker Daniel Silva Saraiva was killed at Bridgestone in Santo Andre, a city in the traditional industrial region of ABC, in Greater Sao Paulo. He was performing maintenance on a machine when he was killed. Shortly after the incident, the Rubber Workers Union (Sintrabor) held a meeting in front of the plant. When the union director arrived at the site, the company already had a cleaning crew there to clean up the area, and that cannot be done, reported Sintrabor president Marcio Ferreira. But this action by Bridgestone a Japanese multinational corporation that is among the world's largest tire manufacturers which should be investigated as attempted fraud for altering the scene of a possible crime, was immediately covered up by the union president himself: I want to believe it was a mistake, not bad faith, he said. A local news website reported receiving audio recordings from factory employees claiming that the machine he was using had been malfunctioning for a long time, that teams had already been notified about the problem and nothing had been done, and that Daniel lost his life while unwinding the cutting machine when the blade accidentally fell on his head. Employees said it was heartbreaking. According to the website, the audio recordings also said, that the union never shows up for anything and now it has shown up at the company. One of the audio recordings released says: Everyone knows that the knife doesnt cut. I complained to everyone. I warned them: the knife is bad. And I bet theyll fix it now. Thats the problem. The kid lost his life to have to fix it (...). During a procession in honor of Daniel, a former employee recorded a video and made further allegations: Its hard to see a mother crying here, a wife crying, two little children crying, a family crying. And it reminds me of when I often came home bleeding, because I had had an accident at this same company, without being able to report it to CAT [Work Accident Report] because otherwise I would have been fired. (...) I resisted, because [I had] high profit sharing, a family to take care of. But today, as broken as I am, I see that it wasn't worth it. (...) The main rule remains the same: mass production and a life that is gone. A warrior who was gone, earning his daily bread. But when you really look at it, there was certainly negligence on the part of the company, which does not offer humane working conditions. In the same video, he repeated the phrase Human lives matter several times. He also affirmed the need for policies to protect real workers. In the video post, there are several comments from workers, former Bridgestone employees, and family members. In one of them, it is possible to read: This happened to me and happens to many other coworkers. I have six screws in my spine from this company, and they will remain with me for the rest of my life. After I returned to the company, they gave me two years and then fired me. Now, a question that no one is asking: where will this father find another job? We are treated like trash when we are not 100%. And so, we are replaced... May God comfort the hearts of this family and all their friends. Daniels death is triggering a long-suppressed revolt, not only against Bridgestone, but also against the union, which is run by Forca Sindical, Brazils second-largest union federation. Instead of acting as a brake on deadly exploitation at Bridgestone, the union has been a brake on workers' organization and struggle. It was at this same factory that, in 2020, workers staged a wildcat strike challenging the unions death policy amid a COVID-19 outbreak. A common issue for workers around the world The industrial murder of Daniel Silva Saraiva at Bridgestone is very similar to that of Ronald Adams, an American worker at Stellantis, which has been extensively reported by the WSWS. Also, the explosion at Enaex Brasil resembles the explosion that occurred the day before in the United States, at the U.S. Steel plant, which killed two workers and injured ten others. The similarities are not a coincidence. The generalization of so-called workplace accidents is inherent to the capitalist mode of production and is already factored into companies cost calculations. As one worker summed up in her comment on the Bridgestone case: For them [Bridgestone], it is cheaper to pay compensation than to restructure the entire assembly line. In the mid-19th century, Friedrich Engels concluded in The Condition of the Working Class in England that capitalism kills not only through weapons, but also through misery and working conditions, in what he defined as social murder. Marxs analysis complements this analysis by showing that capital, in its relentless pursuit of profit, reduces the workforce to a mere commodity; a commodity like no other, the only one capable of creating value (surplus value), but one that is easily replaced thanks to an industrial reserve army, the unemployed. With the modern day development of capitalism, social murder has not disappeared, but has only deepened in global production chains. And despite corporate propaganda, it is impossible to humanize the exploitation of labor under capitalism, a system in which the pursuit of profit takes precedence over the lives of the working class. The only way to end barbarism in the workplace is through the formation of rank-and-file safety committees, affiliated with the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), which carry out a program to reorganize production on a socialist basis. As the WSWS stated in response to the explosion at U.S. Steel: The unending wave of industrial slaughter and the sacrifice of lives for profit must end. Workers lives matter! must become a guiding principle for action. On Wednesday, a federal court struck down Texas Senate Bill 10, a law passed in May and set to go into effect September 1 that would require Texas school districts to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom across the state. The court ruling was limited to the 11 school districts from which plaintiffs reside, including Houston and Austin. Texas State Attorney General Ken Paxton vowed to appeal the ruling, absurdly declaring, 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. Visitors walk past a monument of the Ten Commandments outside the Capitol, Thursday, June 20, 2024, in Austin, Texas. [AP Photo/Paul Weber] Texas Senate Bill 10, which requires schools to display the poster, sized at least 16 by 20 inches in every classroom, was signed into law by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in May. This prompted immediate lawsuits arguing that the law violates the Establishment Clause contained within the First Amendment of the US Constitution. The legal effort against the Texas law, led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), represents several plaintiffs from varied religious backgrounds. One plaintiff, Griff Martin, a Baptist pastor, told the Texas Observer, The law undermines the separation of church and state as a bedrock principle of my familys Baptist heritage. Baptists have long held that the government has no role in religionso that our faith may remain free and authentic. Also speaking to the Observer, Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-President of the Freedom From Religion Foundation and participant in the lawsuit alongside the ACLU, stated, The state of Texas has no right to dictate to children how many gods to worship, which gods to worship, or whether to worship any gods at all. Making clear the explosive and reactionary atmosphere provoked by the legislation, Texas US District Judge Fred Biery wrote in his 55-page ruling striking down the law, For those who disagree with the Courts decision and who would do so with threats, vulgarities and violence, Grace and Peace unto you. Preceding the legal case in Texas, similar laws passed by legislatures in Louisiana and Arkansas were also declared unconstitutional by federal courts, with U.S. District Court Judge John deGravelles calling the Louisiana law facially unconstitutional. In June, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld deGravelles ruling that the law is unconstitutional. On August 4, a federal court in Arkansas struck down identical legislation calling for mandatory displays of the Ten Commandments in public schools. U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks issued a scathing retort to elected officials responsible for the legislation, writing in his 55-page decision, Why would Arkansas pass an obviously unconstitutional law? Most likely because the state is part of a coordinated strategy among several states to inject Christian religious doctrine into public-school classrooms. The attempt to demolish the First Amendments clear language is an assault on decades of jurisprudence and precedents, as well as the original intent of its drafters. The First Amendment to the US Constitution begins: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. Thomas Jefferson made clear the intent of the amendment in an 1802 letter: The Establishment Clause erects a wall of separation between Church and State. With the ratification of the post-Civil War Fourteenth Amendment, the federal prohibition of the establishment of religion was extended to bind state governments. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, center, speaks during a Senate and House Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding public hearing in Kerrville, Texas, Thursday, July 31, 2025. [AP Photo/Eric Gay] Making the anti-democratic designs of the fascist reactionaries in Austin clear, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick stated in a speech before the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in 2022 that the United States is a Christian nation and there is no separation of church and state. It was not in the constitution. Texas Republican State Representative Candy Noble, speaking of the laws passage in May, stated the religious motivation openly: It is incumbent on all of us to follow Gods law and I think we would all be better off if we did. The attempt by the far right to introduce religion into schools comes as part of a broader effort in recent years by Republican-dominated state governments to force through legislatures a rash of reactionary and antidemocratic laws targeting transgender students and teachers, ending abortion rights, and promoting the censorship of books, as part of a coordinated fascistic attack on public education and democratic rights. The shift by the ruling class towards the destruction of democracy follows a certain logic: In the current epoch of the breakdown of American capitalism and the rise of class struggle by millions of workers, the ruling class is terrified of an independent revolutionary movement by the working class. Arising from this, the ruling elites seek to violently head off the coming social revolt. The antidemocratic attacks occur simultaneous with Trumps ongoing coup to establish a presidential dictatorship in the United States, demonstrated in his deployment of federal agents and the military to the streets of American cities along with the armies of ICE agents rounding up immigrants around the country. The Democrats have made clear that they will not pose a fight against the fascism of the Republicans, as shown with their refusal to prosecute Trump for his attempted coup on January 6, 2021. The tone of the Democrats was set following in the early days of the Biden administration in 2021, when he declared, We need a strong Republican Party. From both parties full backing of the genocide in Gaza and the blood-soaked imperialist campaign in Ukraine against Russia, it is clear that the political and social interests of youth and workers can find no expression in the capitalist politics of either faction of the ruling class. Philadelphia teachers make signs in preparation for a strike. [Photo: Philadelphia Federation of Teachers] The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) announced a tentative contract agreement for its 14,000 members on Sunday night, just before the first day of classes, in a transparent effort to disrupt any movement of the working class amid a growing wave of struggle. In June, the members voted by 94 percent to ratify a strike if the school district did not offer them a tentative agreement before contract expiration. None of the details of the TA have been shown to members. An internal email sent to PFT members simply tells them the PFT and School District of Philadelphia have reached a tentative contract agreement, and school will open on time. It informs members they will receive several emails over the next few days with details about the agreement, and the date and time of the ratification meeting. Philadelphia teachers must join and build the Philadelphia Workers Rank-and-File Strike Committee to avoid the betrayal that is being carried out. Only through independent rank-and-file action can educators defend their wages, working conditions and dignity against the austerity imposed by union bureaucrats and city officials. The potential movement of this powerful section of the American working class, with a long history of militant struggle, terrifies the capitalist class throughout the region and more broadly. Last months 9,000-strong strike by Philadelphia municipal workers, shutting down essential services, shook the city and drew mass public support. This is precisely why the AFSCME union bureaucrats shut the strike down when it was at its most powerful. As striking workers gained momentum, the citys Democratic Party leaders turned to the union officialdom to scab on the strike and shut down the struggle at all costs. Now, desperate to prevent further working-class struggle, the city is relying heavily on union officials to suppress militant worker action. In addition to Philadelphia, Denvers public school teachers are also voting on their own sellout contract. Denvers 6,000 educators were among the wave of teachers who launched strike action in 2018-2019. Contracts for virtually every major school district in California also expired over the summer, although the California Teachers Association has refused to call a strike, nearly two weeks into the school year in some cities. School districts and municipalities throughout the country are facing a brutal wave of austerity, which is being deepened by funding cuts at the federal level. In Illinois, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) recently lied to the school districts 27,000 members, promising them protection from the Trump administrations budget cuts in a new contract, only to have the city declare a financial emergency and begin eliminating teacher positions. More cuts are planned in districts throughout the country. The teachers struggle comes as the Trump administration has mobilized federal troops and soldiers to seize control of the District of Columbia while targeting other cities to expand Trumps coup plans, citing crime and immigration as justification. Philadelphia has appeared on Trumps Department of Justices list of targets recently, due to its so-called sanctuary city laws. In Philadelphia, the school district faces a massive funding crisis. The SDP is facing massive deficits of around $306 million. The district plans to use 40 percent of its reservesfunds accumulated largely from federal COVID-19 reliefto cover this gap and avoid immediate cuts to classrooms and staffing. However, the deficit is expected to be $15 million in 2027 and could balloon to over $2 billion within five years if current trends continue. Due to state laws, Philadelphia cannot raise money through local taxes to solve its budget shortfalls. Union leaders rushed to proclaim the deal on Sunday evening, hailing stability for more than 100,000 students but their real concern was ensuring school doors open on time, regardless of the unresolved crises facing educators. PFT president Arthur Steinberg appeared alongside School District of Philadelphia superintendent Tony Watlington and Democratic Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker at a press conference Sunday to announce the TA. Steinberg was unable to contain his excitement, declaring he was thrilled at the prospect that school will open on time, as well as three years of labor peace. He declared the coming TA was a historic victory. In fact, it is a historic betrayal. Watlington hinted at the real content of the TA, stating it maintains our record of strong financial stewardship. Philadelphia teachers voted to strike in June following decades of social attacks which have placed them among the lowest-paid workers in the region. As of 2025, the average annual salary for a Philadelphia public school teacher is about $47,000 to $62,000, with starting salaries around $54,000 for those with a bachelors degree and one year of experience. Teaching assistants, an expanding group of exploited education workers, are paid between $25,000-$35,000 a year, placing them below the citys unrealistically low poverty line for a family of four ($32,000). Unsurprisingly, teachers and assistants are demanding substantial pay increases to compensate for their work. They also demand an end to the existing sick leave policy that penalizes teachers for using their contractually protected sick days, and the addition of 12 weeks of paid parental leavenone of which was included in the previous contract. The TAs announcement indicates the fraudulent character of the PFTs series of strike ready events held several weeks ago. Rather than preparing to strike, the stunts were part of an attempt to posture as it hammered out the details of the sellout with SDP leaders. Throughout these events, Steinberg gave press statements noting he had no intention of going on strike and that negotiations with the school district werent as irksome as they usually are. For months, the PFT and district officials quietly worked out the details, offering no information to educators in whose interest they were supposedly bargaining. Without providing updates on negotiations, union officials were able to hide details about the concessions they were making and what the school districts demands were. It is critical that educators act to countermand this sellout. The Philadelphia Workers Rank-and-File Committee, formed during the municipal city worker strike in July to fight back against the AFSCME union leaderships betrayal of their struggle, has issued a call to the citys teachers, declaring that It is a proven, iron law that as long as a struggle remains in the hands of the bureaucracy, the only possible outcome is a betrayal. The only path to victory is building independent rank-and-file strength and solidarity. It appealed to teachers to unite with Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) workers, who are currently facing massive job losses as the system implements its destructive doomsday budget cutbacks. On Sunday, as Philadelphia teachers were being informed about the TA, SEPTA initiated the first wave of service cuts to its system. These include the axing of 32 bus routes, a 20 percent reduction; and reduced frequency across all rail lines. In September, the system will enact a 21.5 percent fare hike, leaving the system teetering on the edge of collapse. This occurs as 5,000 SEPTA employees will see their contract expire in November. As the Philadelphia Workers Rank-and-File Strike Committee states, Our struggles are deeply intertwined and the need to join forces has never been greater Our strike has the potential to ignite a regional and national movement of public workers confronting similar crises. HANOI, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam is set to grant amnesty to more than 10,000 inmates on Sept. 2, the occasion of its National Day, which is expected to be the largest amnesty to date for reformed prisoners, local media VNExpress reported Tuesday. Chairing the review meeting on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh stressed that the process must reflect the party and state's consistent policy of granting clemency to individuals who have demonstrated genuine rehabilitation while serving their prison terms, the report added. All amnesty requests were screened and verified through a multi-level review process, involving inter-agency coordination across detention facilities managed by both the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense, the report noted. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player Freelance journalist Mariam Dagga, 33, who had been working with the Associated Press and other outlets during the Gaza war, poses for a portrait in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on June 14, 2024. Dagga was one of several journalists killed along with other people in Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. [AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi] On Monday, the Israeli military carried out two airstrikes, one after another, on Nasser Hospital in the south of the Gaza Strip, killing over 20 people. The second strike deliberately targeted and killed five journalists covering the aftermath of the first strike, including correspondents for Reuters, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera and others. So far, Israeli troops have killed 192 journalists during the Gaza genocide, most of them directly targeted in precision strikes. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, more reporters have been killed in Israels onslaught on Gaza than in any other modern war. Mondays deliberate, targeted murder of journalists and medical workers follows the announcement Friday by the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification food monitor that famine has officially set in in Gaza City. The report stated bluntly that this famine is entirely man-made and added that this is the highest number of people facing catastrophic hunger ever recorded by the Integrated Food Security Classification system. On Sunday, Gazas Health Ministry reported that 289 people, including 115 children, have died of malnutrition and starvation since October 2023. On Sunday alone, eight Palestinians in Gaza, including one child, died of starvation or malnutrition. On November 21, 2024, the International Criminal Court formally charged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare. This charge reflects the undeniable fact that the Netanyahu government, with the open support of the United States (under Biden and now Trump) and the tacit backing of all of the imperialist powers, is using deliberate mass starvation as a policy tool in its plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza. Israels offensive on Gaza City, launched last week, is a step in this systematic plan, which aims for the total military occupation of Gaza, the displacement of its population into concentration camps in the countrys south, and from thence their forcible transfer to other countries, such as South Sudan. As Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made clear in May, Within a year... Gaza will be entirely destroyed, civilians will be sent to... the south to a humanitarian zone... and from there they will start to leave in great numbers to third countries. On Friday, Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to ruthlessly attack Gaza City, the last area of Gaza outside direct Israeli military occupation. Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamass murderers and rapists in Gaza, until they agree to Israels conditions for ending the war, primarily the release of all hostages and their disarmament. But just a day earlier, Netanyahu said that the planned onslaught on Gaza City would take place regardless of any ceasefire agreement with Hamas. Were gonna do that anyway. There was never a question that were not going to leave Hamas there, Netanyahu told Sky News. In other words, Israel plans to open the gates of hell regardless of anything Hamas does, including laying down arms. These statements make clear that the Israeli war in Gaza is, and has always been, an effort to annex and ethnically cleanse Gaza, using the events of October 7, 2023 as a pretext. Fridays declaration of a famine in Gaza City and Mondays massacre of journalists at Nasser Hospital have prompted completely hypocritical condemnations of Israels actions by officials of several European imperialist powers. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy wrote in a post on X that he is horrified by the attack and that civilians, healthcare workers and journalists must be protected. We need an immediate ceasefire. But this same man declares, virtually with every breath, We support Israels right to defend itself against a defenseless population that Israel illegally imprisons and occupies and which it is seeking to exterminate. The British government has declared the anti-genocide group Palestine Action a terrorist organization and has arrested hundreds of people merely for taking part in demonstrations supporting the group. Whatever their verbal protestations about one or another massacre carried out by Israel, Washington, London, Paris and Berlin have enabled and defended the Gaza genocide. Responding to the latest atrocities, UN Secretary-General Guterres said that the deliberate famine is a failure of humanity itself, and UNRWA head Lazzarini said, The worlds indifference and inaction is shocking. Like Hannah Arendt said, The death of human empathy is one of the earliest and most telling signs of a culture about to fall into barbarism. One must be blunt. The crimes being committed in Gaza are not a failure of humanity, nor are they the product of the worlds indifference. Billions of people all over the world oppose the Gaza genocide. The US-Israeli campaign to exterminate the Palestinian people has been met by one of the largestif not the largestglobally coordinated mass protest movements in world history. Countless thousands of students, artists, and professionals have protested the Gaza genocide at grave risk to their careers and personal safety. What is lacking is neither humanity nor empathy, but perspective. The Gaza genocide is not a failure of humanity, but a crime of capitalism and imperialism. It arises not from the human condition, as a sort of existential barbarism pouring out of the human soul, but from a definite and concrete set of social relations. In 2017, the Oxfam charity reported that the worlds eight wealthiest billionaires own the same amount as the 3.6 billion people who form the poorer half of the worlds population. Since then, the financial oligarchy has only grown richer, with Oxfam noting that the wealth of the worlds billionaires rose three times faster in 2024 than in 2023. It is the vast expansion of the wealth and power of this oligarchy, whose riches are derived from the exploitation of the working class all over the world, that forms the social basis of the eruption of all forms of social barbarism. The capitalist ruling elites are waging an escalating global war, of which the genocide in Gaza is a component part and a precedent. With the Gaza genocide, the capitalist class is abandoning all restraints on the use of unbridled violence in the waging of imperialist war. In domestic politics, the domination of the oligarchy expresses itself in the open turn to dictatorship and mass repression, and the crossing of all boundaries that previously limited the use of domestic repression. The same Trump who proclaims that Gaza will become the Riviera of the Middle East once its population is expelled and its cities are plowed under declares that there will be no better place on earth to build factories or grow a company than the American police state he is constructing through military occupation and mass repression. Trump administration officials use virtually the same language to describe American cities as Netanyahu and his gang of fascists use to describe the Palestinians. Every capitalist party, in every country, is implicated in the Gaza genocide. All factions of the US political establishment, Democrats and Republicans alike, have repeatedly voted to arm Israel and proclaim the eternal right of Israel to defend itself. The Gaza genocide is not a cancerous growth on an otherwise healthy society but a symptom of the inner malignancy of capitalism. Moral appeals to the capitalist oligarchy are, in the words of Leon Trotsky, no better than prayers for rain. Stopping the genocide requires a direct assault on the entrenched socio-economic interests driving it. The social force capable of stopping the extermination of the Palestinian people, together with all other manifestations of capitalist barbarism, is the working class. Workers must be armed with the understanding that the fight against imperialist war and genocide is inextricably connected with the struggle against inequality and the rule of the capitalist oligarchy. The fight against war and genocide must be united with the struggle to defend the social and economic rights of workers in the fight for socialism. The independent intervention of the international working class, mobilizing broader sections of the middle class and youth of society behind it, is the only way to end the global eruption of capitalist barbarism. Clairton Coke Works 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. Steelworkers continue to contact the World Socialist Web Site to expose the unsafe conditions that led to the August 11 explosion at US Steel Clairton Coke Works, which killed two workers and seriously injured 10 others. Their statements underscore the need for an independent workers investigation into the disaster to prevent US Steel, the United Steelworkers and state officials from covering up the real causes of this disaster. To protect workers from retaliation by company and USW officials, the World Socialist Web Site is not revealing the identity of the workers speaking out. I have been to many other large industrial facilities, and nothing comes close to the run-down state of Clairton coke works, a worker with several years at the mill told the WSWS. The plant is in need of serious repair. Every battery with the exception of C battery, consists of old, rusted, and outdated technology. I dont want to work there. Im hoping to find another job, but for now I have to and dont want to get fired, the worker explained. Several workers have already confirmed that a broken valve in the reversal or control room for the 13 and 14 batteries led to the August 11 explosion. Workers report that the batteries were in disrepair and that the valve had been leaking for two to four weeks but the company refused to take the steps to repair it safely. 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. Neither the hospital, US Steel or the United Steelworkers have released an update on their condition. Workers at the mill are now being forced to work 12-hour days, six days a week, repairing the damaged mill. While cooler weather is expected this week, in the two weeks since the explosion, daytime highs reached the low 90s with temperatures in the steelworks much hotter. Workers are being told that if the repairs are not made fast enough the 13 and 14 batteries will not be restarted. The implicit threat, enforced by the USW, is that workers must take additional risks if they want to keep their jobs. My husband works at Clairton coke works. They are forcing all employees no matter what department they are in to work 12 hour shifts, 6 days a week, the wife of a steelworker told the WSWS. Concerned that additional disasters are in the making, she wrote: These employees are exhausted (and) overworked. US Steel, in a grotesque display of corporate greed and indifference, refused to allow coworkers of the deceased and injured to grieve following the explosion and were forced to remain on the job. There's no appreciation or mourning for those lost or injured on the explosion, she wrote. In statements last Friday to CBS Pittsburgh affiliate KDKA News, Richard Tikey, the vice president of USW Local 1557, denied that the explosion had been caused by antiquated equipment and rejected his own members statements that US Steel had been warned about gas leaks at least a month before the fatal blast. Tikey said there was a leak in the area of the explosion, but that it was corrected with a patch and did not lead to the explosion, to his understanding. He added that U.S. Steel had monitors to watch for any leaks, the local news station reported. The valve itself was last replaced in 2015, Tikey said. He does not believe the explosion was due to old equipment. Instead, the USW official blamed contractors for the fatal explosion in an effort to protect the company and the USW bureaucracys own role in colluding with managements savage cost-cutting that undermines workplace safety. As he understands it, KDKA reported, contractors significantly overpressurized, the valve with water as they were flushing it ahead of planned maintenance, causing the valve to split, releasing gas that would eventually ignite. As the wife of the Clairton steelworkers told the WSWS, It is always blame the employees even when an issue is brought to their attention months before anything happens and nothing is done about it. A former steelworker who had worked at the Clairton mill, including on the 13 and 14 batteries, wanted to know what safety equipment the workers were wearing at the time of the explosion and where the injured were located. If they were wearing SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) and survived the initial blast but [were] knocked out, the SCBA would protect them from suffocation. In addition to the general worn-down nature of the plant, the Clairton steelworker detailed several areas of grave concern, including: the enormous amount of coal dust throughout the mill; being instructed to work in areas of high gas without a gas monitor; and welding being done near and above flammable gasses. The worker explained that he did not have direct knowledge of what caused the August 11 explosion, but pointed to the general state of the plant that led to this and other disasters. Coal dust lays on every surface and floor of the plant, the worker said. Sometimes feet high, just one cigarette butt away from ignition. All dust is extremely flammable, a retired construction worker who specializes in air, water and fire damage restoration. Individual particles are so small and close together. Once one particle ignites it sets off a chain reaction, the worker explained. Neither US Steel nor the United Steelworkers have addressed the presence of coal dust throughout the facility or discussed its potential role in contributing to the severity of the explosion. This would be one of the topics an independent workers investigation would have to take. Coal dust in coal mines is known to be a major factor in fires and explosions. The 2010 Upper Big Branch disaster that killed 29 coal miners was caused when a spark from faulty equipment ignited a pocket of methane gas. The Clairton steelworker also pointed out the lack of safety in and around high gas areas: We work around dangerous gases. There is no way around that. He explained that areas known to have high levels of gas or the possibility of high levels have warnings posted. When you work in such an area you should be wearing a gas monitor that will warn you when levels are high. I have been advised that it is safe to travel through high gas hazard areas as long as you are quick without a gas monitor, he said. In my time there I have seen hot work (welding) being done near and above flammable gases and liquids. I have seen cigarettes being smoked in close proximity to extremely flammable gases. The transfer of 13/14 battery was a designated smoking area while the reversing room sat just feet away. Coke is produced by baking coal in specially designed ovens, where it is heated to over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit in an oxygen-free environment to prevent combustion. During this process, the coal releases gases and vapors, including coke oven gas, tar, ammonia and benzene. When operating properly, the gases, tar, ammonia and benzene are captured and further refined for sale. A portion of the coke oven gas is routed back into the ovens and used to maintain the high baking temperatures. Workers leaving the Clairton Coke Works at shift change. The USW bureaucracy operates joint labor-management safety committees with US Steel, and would have been fully aware of any safety complaints by workers. These committees provide cushy jobs for union bureaucrats who defend the companys interests. In the steel mills, oil refineries and other industries, these corporatist committees have been instrumental in the cover-up of fatalities and injuries, including the deaths of Ben and Max Morrissey at the BP Husky refinery in Oregon, Ohio, near Toledo, in September 2022. The Socialist Equality Party and the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) call for an independent workers inquiry into this tragedy. Building on the investigation of the death of Stellantis worker Ronald Adams Sr., this inquiry will expose both the immediate events that led to the explosion and the longstanding practices of corporate neglect and union collusion. The lost lives and the shattered families must not be swept under the rug through endless coverups 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. Donald Trump and Claudia Sheinbaum [Photo by DHS and Mexico City Government / CC BY 4.0 In response to continuing US threats to bomb drug cartels in Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum has issued unconvincing and toothless denials that they will ever be carried out. Asked in an interview with Fox News last Thursday whether he would support the bombing of the Mexican drug cartels, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Terrance Cole didnt dare to rule out the possibility that President Trump might give the green light to the bombings: So I know thats been in the paper the last few days. I know that decision lies with the president. The men and women of the DEA will support the decision that comes from the president. We will complete the mission, but lets remember we have been at war with these cartels for the last 40 years. The men and women of DEA have been consistent, theyve been at the forefront, theyve been at the tip of the spear, this is what we do and we will continue to support the mission and the orders that come down from the president of the United States. Referring to these remarks, a reporter asked Sheinbaum on Friday whether she saw a US strike against the cartels as a possibility. No, the president said emphatically, before pausing for five seconds to give even more emphasis to her response. Mexico is a free, independent and sovereign country, and no foreign government would dare to violate our sovereignty, Sheinbaum declared. Its not like before. Mexico has a lot of strength national and international [strength] because of our people, because of what we represent as a government of the people, she said. So, no, that wont happen. To say the least, this displays wishful thinking on her part. Sheinbaum also said that Mexicos Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente had told U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson that information provided by US government institutions when the information pertains to the security relationship between Mexico and the US has to be within the framework of agreed cooperation between the two countries. And the ambassador agreed, Sheinbaum claimed. But Mexico had not agreed to participate in any such initiative. Sheinbaum stressed that Mexico wants to collaborate with the United States on security issues, but doesnt want the US government to issue statements that provide incorrect information. Sheinbaum then suggested that her government would consider a US strike on Mexican cartels as an act of war against Mexico. She added, as Ive said: any attempt, we have the national anthem, [el cielo] un soldado en cada hijo te dio, that is, heaven gave you a soldier in every son. She said that that Mexicos historic foreign policy stance will always be for the self-determination of the peoples, not only when it comes to Mexico but all countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Sheinbaum also stressed that her administration on August 12 had handed over 26 drug lords to the US for prosecution in federal courts, including a large number of Sinaloa Cartel kingpins, following up on 29 high-profile drug lords handed over to Washington in February. But such facts hardly deter Trump and US imperialism. Instead, such actions only feed the beast. As Trump has said, Mexico and Canada do whatever the US wants. Sheinbaums pretensions are absurd given the nearly 10,000 US troops deployed along the border, the long history of US invasions of Mexico, the CIA overflights of Mexican territory, and the gathering of intelligence that can be used for military purposes. In March, the US annual threat assessment called cartels the most immediate and direct threat to Americas security. But this is a smokescreen for broader imperialist objectives, including pushing China out of Latin America. Within the Trump administration, figures such as Vice President Vance, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have been pushing for direct intervention against the cartels in Mexico. There is growing political consensus in Trump circles for an outright invasion of Mexico. Mexico is even denounced as a US adversary along the lines of Iran, China and North Korea in MAGA circles. We will not be intimidated and we will keep America safe because of President Trumps leadership. Not only against Iran, but also against Russia, China and Mexico, Bondi said in response to questions by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. In the face of any foreign adversary, whether it tries to kill us physically or by overdosing our children with drugs, we will do everything in our power, thanks to his [Trumps] leadership, to keep America safe, she concluded. The U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), which oversees Pentagon operations across North America, including Mexico, already was involved in combating cartels as part of a military-to-military relationship between the United States and Mexico that is robust and expanding, according to testimony to Congress from U.S. Air Force general Gregory Michael Guillot. But it had previously been sidelined in direct operations involving Mexico. Sources recently told journalist Ken Klippenstein that NORTHCOM has now been directed to manage the Mexico attack plans and have them ready by the middle of September. The Special Operations Command (SOCNORTH) that is part of NORTHCOM is being asked to prepare potential strike targets and direct action, smaller attack operations, against the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels, among others, including air and drone strikes. This action would be unilateral, meaning it would not involve the Mexican government, and would be conducted without its approval. A war on the cartels is likely to fail in any event because the illicit drug trade is not something that can be fixed by military means. Cartel operations depend on proceeds from the United States. This is not a case of foreign terrorism, but the product of conditions in the US, including the sale of weapons to Mexico. The reality is that Washington is seeking to use the war on drugs as a cover for reasserting its power and strategic influence in its so-called backyard. And Washingtons threats are not just aimed at Mexico and Venezuela; they are aimed at the entire Latin American region. Gen. Laura Richardson, the former commander of U.S. Southern Command, previously laid out with precision what US imperialism wants to plunder from Latin America and the Caribbean, including its rare earth elements, lithium, gold, oil, natural gas, light sweet crude, copper, abundant food crops and vast deposits of fresh water. The US government and military also have their eyes on the regions two bi-oceanic passages, the Panama Canal and the Drakes Passage, at the tip of South America, hence the US militarys renewed interest in Argentina, as well as, no doubt, the interoceanic corridor that is being developed to the tune of tens of billions of dollars between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico across Mexicos Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The Mexican-Lebanese geopolitical analyst Alfredo Jalife argues that one of the main goals of US policy is to maintain firm control over the so-called American Mediterranean, a term first coined in the 19th century by the geographer Alexander von Humboldt to describe the combined maritime space of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Jalife says that the area took on greater geopolitical significance in the mid-20th century due to the work of US strategists Admiral Alfred Mahan and political scientist Nicholas Spykman, with Spykman describing it as the US soft underbelly. US imperialism seeks to return to the 20th Century when Washington carried out dozens of military interventions in Latin America, including invasions, regime change operations, and military support and assistance to dictatorships. The Trump administrations openly stated goal is the concentration of US forces for a global war against China, in which Latin America constitutes a major battleground. What begins nominally as a fight against drug trafficking can evolve into the overthrow of targeted governments and a war between great powers for control of strategic resources and chokepoints. Mounting cracks in ruling Morena party Meanwhile, the Sheinbaum administration faces a more general crisis. There is infighting in the ruling Morena party between supporters of prior President Lopez Obrador (AMLO) and Sheinbaums constituency in the ruling class. Corruption, including that linked to cartels, continues on a large scale. A week ago, the US took action against banks it considered to be laundering cartel money, including one owned by a close Lopez Obrador confidante. The plea bargain reached this week between the US government and the co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, Ismael Mario Zambada, undoubtedly leaves some in government circles concerned about their links to corruption being exposed. Although Sheinbaum claimed earlier this year that Mexicos economy, the 13th largest in the world in nominal GDP terms, is doing very well, it in fact struggles. Mexicos economy grew 0.6 percent in the second quarter but was flat in annual terms. Public spending is being reduced as part of Sheinbaums plan to scale back the deficit from the levels it reached in 2024. This has led to fewer of the job-producing construction projects seen over the last five years. While Mexico remains the largest US trading partner, with nearly $840 billion in two-way goods traded, Trumps so-called America First policies have undercut the appeal of nearshoring by firms looking to move to the Latin American nation to be closer to US customers. Chinese investment has slowed. On July 31, Sheinbaum squeezed out a 90-day reprieve from Trump on a threatened tariff increase of 30 percent instead of 25 percent on goods not compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada trade deal that Trump signed during his first term. This, however, is little more than a bandaid. At the time, Trump wrote on social media: We will be talking to Mexico over the next 90 Days with the goal of signing a Trade Deal somewhere within the 90 Day period of time, or longer. But the upcoming revision of the USMCA trade agreement with the US and Canada has put an additional drag on investment, as has an expected slowdown of the US economy. Josue Gonzalez, a security expert at the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) says, It has been going on for eight months and it seems like three years, such is the intensity of the daily political exchange between the US and Mexico under Trump. Nothing like it had been seen in all this modern era. They do not seem like international or diplomatic relations, but a negotiation with a company 20 times smaller, an attitude towards Mexico, which he describes as absolute power as to the whole world: The level of pressure is brutal, as it has not been experienced at any other time. US pressure has sent ripple waves across Morena and among its different tribes, says Arturo Sarukhan, former Mexican ambassador to Washington. It is reducing the presidents political domestic wiggle room, and is making her choose between strengthening her position or shielding Lopez Obradors allies. Regardless of the ruling Morena partys populist guise, the interests of the Mexican ruling class foreclose any response that rallies Mexicans in defense of democratic and social rights. It instead requires that the Mexican working class continue to supply cheap labor for finance capital. And as growth stagnates, there are growing pressures by creditors to cut Morenas limited social programs and pensions. At the same time, the Mexican ruling class as a whole is fearful that opposition to the government will grow over its embarrassing subservience to Trump, exposure of corruption and planned social cuts. In the context of Trumps pressure, massive inequality and overall global instability, Mexicos ruling class will be driven to consider appeasing foreign investors by establishing a framework for martial law to crack down on social opposition in the working class, and to secure supply chains. While the Mexican government appeases Trump, it also secures support from the Mexican Armed Forces in response to the ongoing provocations by Washington, which seek to sow divisions within the state against Morena. The Mexican Senate recently approved legislation that will govern the performance of the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) as a Permanent Armed Force, under the leadership of the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena), which will have the responsibility of combating organized crime. The President of the Republic will hold the Supreme Command, while the High Command will correspond to the head of the Sedena. The command of the National Guard will thus cease to be civilian and instead fall to an active Division General appointed by the Federal Executive on the recommendation of the head of the Ministry of National Defense. The Mexican ruling class watches carefully Trumps ongoing coup attempt to establish a fascistic dictatorship, and itself considers using such measures domestically. These contradictions will further compound the economic damage already caused by Trumps constant threats of tariffs, mass deportations, military intervention, and the taxes on remittance payments from Mexicans residing in the US, which became a reality a couple of months ago. Sheinbaums responses to the onslaught of American imperialism have been entirely chauvinistic and reactionary. These attacks cannot be stopped nationally, or by supporting negotiations between the ruling elites, but only through the unification of workers in the US and Latin America on the basis of replacing capitalism with international socialism. Denver teachers at a protest on October 22, 2024 [Photo: Denver Classroom Teachers Association] Teachers in Denver, Colorado have been voting this past week on a new contract for 3,000 educators covering the next three school years. Their current labor agreement is set to expire on August 31. The new contract is based on a tentative agreement reached in June between the school district and the Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA). Announcing the June agreement, DCTA president Rob Gould stated that this agreement was made possible because our members showed up every single week and fought tirelessly to win a contract that respects, pays, and values the amazing work they do to support students every single day. However, as it soon became clear, the tentative agreement provided no meaningful provisions to meet teachers demands. The agreement is, in fact, only the latest in a years-long series of drastic cuts and austerity to public schools; including the notorious late 2024 decision by Denver Public Schools (DPS) to close seven public schools, displacing 1,087 students and dozens of teachers. Denver teachers should decisively vote no on this latest agreement, which only continues the blood-letting. Instead, they should revive and substantially expand the powerful strike they conducted in 2018, which was part of the massive strike wave of educators throughout the US and internationally in 2018 and 2019. State Democrats and their allies in the union bureaucracies, despite any pro-teacher rhetoric they may employ, are, in fact, seizing upon the vicious austerity agenda of the Trump administration to push through the deepest cuts. The attacks are not only being conducted through the misnamed collective bargaining process, the proceedings of which are entirely hidden from members until they receive a tentative agreement to vote on which contain none of their demands. It is directed by the Democratic Party-run state government, which continuously chips away at funding for public education and other needed social programs. To cite only one example: In May, Colorado House Bill HB25-1105, the Public Employees Retirement Association True-up of Denver Public Schools Division Employer Contribution reduced the total employer (DPS) contribution rate to the public employees retirement association (PERA) from 10.4 percent to 7.4 percent of salary. The reduction is partially offset through a reduction from 1.02 percent of teacher salaries to the DPS division health care trust fund to 0.20 percent. This means the bill simultaneously cuts both teacher pensions and health care. While the bill was justified by the relatively small unfunded liabilities in the DPS division of PERA, actuarial analysts warn that this state of affairs could quickly change, especially given the reduced contributions in the bill on top of future staff reductions and overall volatile market conditions, triggering the so-called Automatic Adjustment Provision or AAP. The AAP, if triggered, would increase employee pension contributions by 0.5 percent while reducing the annual cost-of-living increase for retirees, also by 0.5 percent. Teachers will only be able to resist all of these cuts through the formation of their own rank-and-file committees to take the struggle out of the hands of the union bureaucracy. The DCTA and Colorado Education Association (CEA) bureaucracieswhich are intimately tied to the Democratic governor and state legislaturedo everything in their power to stifle teachers just demands for better pay, benefits and classroom conditions for their students. The current tentative agreement that teachers are voting on, for its part, includes a 7.88 percent average increase the first year followed by average 4.15 percent increases in both the second and third years. These figures, already woefully inadequate, will be lower in the middle stratum of teachers with most of the increases going to first year teachers and teachers holding a doctorate, the latter of which constituting a small minority. Moreover, only a 2.97 percent average increase will be applied to Steps and Lanes, based on years of service and professional credentials obtained. Teachers only reach a higher step through multiple years of service, while advancing lanes involve a massive commitment in teachers time and money to achieve advanced degrees and credit hours rendering the proposed increase almost negligible. There is also an insulting $1,000 annual cost-of-living raise for the next three years along with a one-time $1,000 bonus before taxes. In other words, the agreement contains nearly microscopic pay increases along with small $1,000 lump sum payments, which will not be factored into any future pay increases. In February, during ongoing contract negotiations between DCTA and the Denver Public Schools (DPS), the government-assigned contract arbiter ruled that teachers would not be entitled to a meager 5.2 percent cost of living increase. This is even though the increase was stipulated in the teachers contract should there be proportionate reduction in the states budget stabilization factor, which serves as a rainy day fund for Colorado public schools. Not only was there a sufficient reduction but the budget stabilization factor itself was eliminated by state lawmakers. Celebrating the elimination of the program and promising increased funding for starved public schools as a result, Democratic Governor Jared Polis told a cheering crowd, That means smaller class sizes. It means better pay for teachers. It means better pay for paraprofessionals. It means more opportunities and pathways for kids to succeed and get ahead to help power our state for the future. This is a big deal. As the latest agreement in Denver, the states largest district, makes clear, however, these were all lies. Now, under the terms of the new agreement, pay for first year teachers will rise to a mere $57,666 from $55,257. This is far less than even the recommended $70,000 to $75,000 annual income needed to afford a one-bedroom apartment in the Denver city area. The agreement also includes provisions around classroom size that remain completely unenforceable. It only stipulates that the district will make reasonable efforts to reduce oversized classes. The current class size cap remains at 35 and has been at that level since 1994 with many teachers and administrators reporting classrooms at the cap level since. At the elementary school level, more than 38 percent of classrooms had over-sized classrooms of more than 25 students and 9 percent of classrooms had 30 students or more. Per the current contract, those classrooms are entitled to receive between one and three hours of support each day from a paraprofessional allowing younger students to receive adequate instruction given the large class size. Due in part to extremely low salaries, para-professionals are extremely difficult to find. According to Brian Weaver, co-chair of the DCTA bargaining team, Getting paras mid year is almost impossible. The admin says, Hey, Im looking for a para and nobody is applying, but you still have a class size that is unmanageable. Teachers have registered immense disapproval of the new contract on social media with hundreds signing a change.org petition calling for a no vote. One teacher who signed the petition stated, There is nothing even close to what the union told us in the beginning they were aiming for. To send us an email celebrating was in extremely poor taste. Any minuscule raise is completely negated by the ridiculous cost of healthcare premiums (for basically no coverage on a deductible based system). This is supremely disappointing! Another commenter noted, So, we got nothing again. Our health insurance is horrible. Cola non-existent, what a great contract. Everything that actually matters to 99 percent of us was just glossed over. With the White House in the distance, members of the South Carolina National Guard patrol Lafayette Park in Washington, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. [AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.] US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday morning instructing the Pentagon to prepare for nationwide military operations by National Guard troops modeled on the military-police occupation of Washington D.C., now two weeks old. The flagrantly unconstitutional and illegal order is a further step in the establishment of authoritarian rule in the United States. In comments following the signing of the orders, Trump mused that his critics were accusing him of being a dictator, adding, A lot of people are saying maybe we like a dictator. In this campaign, Trump relies on the complicity of both the Democratic Party and the corporate media to conceal from the American people the reality of a systematic conspiracy to establish a presidential dictatorship, unfolding in real time. Trump signed a total of four executive orders before television cameras, with much of his cabinet and Vice President JD Vance crowding around him and taking turns being called on to flatter their boss and receive praise from him. The degrading spectacle could be compared to that in the court of an absolute monarch, but only if the ruler was a semi-imbecile given to spewing nonstop lies and self-congratulation. The most ominous of the orders carries the anodyne title, Additional Measures to Address the Crime Emergency in the District of Columbia. It builds on the executive order Trump issued August 11, declaring the crime emergency to address the rampant violence and disorder that have undermined the proper and safe functioning of the Federal Government. None of those conditions actually exist as characterized by Trump. Whatever the level of street crime, it has in no way disrupted the functioning of the federal governmentcertainly not compared to the disruption caused by Trumps own actions in firing hundreds of thousands of federal workers and closing down entire agencies, without congressional authorization and in defiance of numerous court orders. Section 2 of the order authorizes the hiring of more police and prosecutors in the District of Columbia. It goes on to instruct the task force set up by Trump on March 27, 2025 to establish an online portal for Americans with law enforcement or other relevant backgrounds and experience to apply to join Federal law enforcement entities to support the policy goals of the administration. All police agencies participating in this task force shall immediately create and begin training, manning, hiring, and equipping a specialized unit that is dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nations capital that can be deployed whenever the circumstances necessitate, and that could be deployed, subject to applicable law, in other cities where public safety and order has been lost. The procedure outlined here is absolutely unprecedented in American constitutional history. Trump has ordered the creation of a vigilante unit, comprised of former police, soldiers and others with security backgrounds, to join in the repressive operation in the District of Columbia and to become part of a specialized unit that could be deployed in other cities where public safety and order has been lost. This amounts to the creation of an American version of the Freikorps, the paramilitary units of ex-soldiers and police that were organized in Germany after World War I to defeat the German Revolution, murder its most prominent leaders, Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, and crush the German working class. The Freikorps was the initial form of what was to become Hitlers Nazi stormtroopers. Section 2 of the executive order goes on to instruct Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to immediately create and begin training, manning, hiring, and equipping a specialized unit within the District of Columbia National Guard that is dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nations capital. Hegseth is also authorized to ensure the creation of similar police-type units within the Army National Guard and Air National Guard units in every state. These forces will be available to assist Federal, State, and local law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order whenever the circumstances necessitate The Pentagon boss is charged with designating an appropriate number of each States trained National Guard members to be reasonably available for rapid mobilization for such purposes. In addition, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure the availability of a standing National Guard quick reaction force that shall be resourced, trained, and available for rapid nationwide deployment. The executive order thus outlines a two-track process for the creation of a nationwide force directed by the president, through the secretary of defense, to send armed federal personnel to carry out policing anywhere in the United States: through volunteers recruited directly to come to the District of Columbia and through National Guard units in all 50 states. The text of this order, while signed by Trump, was drafted by White House lawyers working under the direction of Trumps top fascist aide, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who was standing by Trump as he signed. He praised Trump extravagantly, repeating the lie that in Washington D.C., No one can even find a record of being murder free for as long as weve been murder free under President Trumps leadership. This is one of the easily refuted barrage of lies that have accompanied the police-military occupation of Washington, since last week was the fifth week of the year without a homicide, including a two-week period in February and March, when no National Guard troops were patrolling the US capital. Trumps latest executive order establishes the framework for military operations throughout the United States, in violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, which forbids the military from assuming police functions except in circumstances of a complete breakdown of a local or state government. Those who wrote this order know full well that the Democratic Party will do nothing but file a few lawsuits, which will wend their way through the court system for months if not years, while Trumps volunteers and specialized units rampage through American cities. In his comments, alongside declaring that people like a dictator, Trump reiterated his threat that the next target of federal military-police takeover could be the city of Chicago. He claimed, Chicago is a killing field right now, a designation he has never applied to Gaza, where the killing is being perpetrated on a massive scale by Israeli forces armed, financed and egged on by Washington. Asked whether he was prepared to order National Guard troops into cities where state governors do not request the federal deployment, he replied, I am, before launching into a long digression on the subject of Chinese carp infesting the Great Lakes, in the course of which he confused the Democratic governor of Michigan with a Republican governor of New Jersey from three decades ago. There were no press reports afterwards on this symptom of mental decay in the 79-year-old president. In Chicago, state and local officials, all Democrats, held a press conference Monday afternoon in which they replied to Trumps threats of military occupation with a mix of hand-wringing, rhetorical opposition, and calls for Trump to use the National Guard to fight the real enemies of the American people, rather than the American people themselves. While Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, the billionaire who is planning a presidential bid in 2028, attempted to strike a populist and democratic note, Senator Tammy Duckworth, a former military helicopter pilot and double amputee from the Afghanistan war, revealed the real concerns of the Democratic Party. After denouncing Trump as a tinpot despot, she accused him of misusing the National Guard. We want the National Guard to fight our enemies, not our neighbors, she said, calling on Trump to reverse his policy on the war against Russia in Ukraine and provide massive military aid for the US-NATO war there, along the lines of the policy pursued by the previous Biden administration. The entire thrust of her speechwhich was enthusiastically applauded by the assembled Democratic Party officialswas that Duckworth wanted Trump to send US troops into Kiev or even Moscow rather than Chicago. YANGON, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- An event to launch the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report of Chinese Enterprises in Myanmar 2025 was held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar recently, the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar said in a statement on Tuesday. At the event, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia said that this is the first time that Chinese enterprises in Myanmar have released a corporate social responsibility report, which is of great significance as this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Myanmar. In recent years, the two countries have continuously deepened cooperation in various fields under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. Chinese enterprises have actively fulfilled their social responsibilities through concrete actions, giving back to the local community, and continuously strengthening the "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship between China and Myanmar, she said. Myanmar's Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations Wah Wah Maung appreciated Chinese enterprises' contributions to Myanmar's economic development, particularly in infrastructure construction, education and training, healthcare, environmental protection, and earthquake relief. She added that the ministry will continue to create a favorable business environment for Chinese enterprises and continuously deepen economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, the statement added. *In 1945, China triumphed after 14 years of unyielding struggle, which left a tremendous cost of 35 million military and civilian casualties. During the World Anti-Fascist War, China tied down and fought the bulk of Japan's forces -- eliminating more than 1.5 million enemy troops. *As the war went on, Yan'an gradually became the command center, and the CPC-led troops and militias held down more than 60 percent of Japanese forces that invaded China. *The complete triumph of WWII, many historians argue, marks the start of China's rise. The victory was the starting point for the Chinese people to move toward independence, prosperity and progress. BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- War veteran Zhang Xin will never forget the day Japanese aggressors surrendered. Yan'an, the revolutionary base in northwest China, was illuminated by many lanterns, while the sounds of cheers, firecrackers, gongs and drums echoed through the night. In southwest China's Chongqing, pilot Long Qiming took his family to a photo studio for a group portrait, while in Shenyang in northeast China, soldier Yang Huafeng whispered: "Dad, mom, we've won at last." Yan'an, Chongqing and Shenyang form an obtuse triangle on China's map. Like hundreds of other cities, they each hold memories of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression -- fought from 1931 to 1945. "Many of my comrades died fighting the invaders," Yang said. "The victory was hard-won." In 1945, China triumphed after 14 years of unyielding struggle, which left a tremendous cost of 35 million military and civilian casualties. During the World Anti-Fascist War, China tied down and fought the bulk of Japan's forces -- eliminating more than 1.5 million enemy troops. People visit the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Aug. 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Wu Qinghao) BEGINNING OF TRIBULATION On Sept. 18, 1931, Japanese troops blew up a section of railway under their control near Shenyang, capital of Liaoning Province, and blamed Chinese soldiers as a pretext for launching an attack. That night, the Japanese bombarded nearby barracks, marking the beginning of 14 years of invasion. The ruins of these barracks have been preserved. Located in a quiet alley, the rebuilt gray gate bears no bullet holes. But this was where the first shots were fired in the war of resistance, at a time when Nazi leader Adolf Hitler was still laying the foundation for his "vision" for post-depression Germany. "Japan was the first hotbed of the World Fascist War," said Li Donglang, a professor with the Party School of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (National Academy of Governance). "Therefore, the September 18 Incident marks the start of global fight against the Fascists." After seizing Shenyang and then the whole Liaoning, the Japanese soon took over the entire northeast China including also Jilin and Heilongjiang. But resistance never ceased. In the busy downtown area of Shenyang, an alley containing a brick gatehouse seems unremarkable among the towering buildings. But this is Fu'an Lane -- once the location of a local CPC committee, where on the second day after the September 18 Incident -- a declaration was issued by the CPC. It was recognized as the first declaration against the Japanese invaders. War veteran Yang Huafeng tells the story of his younger years in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, June 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) Yang Huafeng, born in 1933, still remembers the bravery of guerrillas in northeast China then. "They were just two or three hundred at most. Whenever they saw a small Japanese unit, they wiped them out," he recalled. Lacking weapons, the fighters made their own or used captured Japanese arms. Yang, who later joined the guerrilla forces, was from a village in Heilongjiang Province. His father was seized by Japanese troops and forced to work as a laborer. During interrogation, his father declared: "I am a Chinese!" This resulted in him being beaten to death. His mother was shot dead when she tried to rescue belongings from their burning home. In 1936, Zhang Xueliang, then commander of China's northeast army who retreated from Shenyang, took Kuomintang leader Chiang Kai-shek hostage and demanded that he stop the civil war and unite with the CPC against Japanese aggression. FORTITUDE AND SACRIFICE In 1937, the Japanese attacked Beijing, marking a full-scale invasion of China. On the main battlefields, impoverished China was no match for an industrialized Japan, which boasted a steel output more than 140 times greater than that of China. Following Beijing, other major cities -- such as Shanghai, Nanjing and Wuhan fell in quick succession. As a consequence, the national capital was moved from Nanjing in the country's east to Chongqing in the southwest. Mass migration ensued, eclipsing even the scale of Dunkirk. "Some 80 million or even close to 100 million Chinese -- approximately 15 to 20 percent of the entire population, were on the move," wrote British historian Rana Mitter in his book "Forgotten Ally: China's World War II, 1937-1945." Refugees were evacuated from Nanjing but 300,000 people who failed to escape were slaughtered by the Japanese invaders. Meanwhile, the likes of universities, factories and research institutes from the coastal areas relocated to the southwest, enabling them to continue their work in resistance. In a bid to subjugate China, Japanese warplanes bombed Chongqing for six years -- killing and wounding over 32,000 residents and destroying 17,000 houses. Su Yuankui, now 92, remembers June 5, 1941, as the day he lost his two sisters in Chongqing. Only eight at the time, Su was having supper when a siren wailed. His family rushed to a shelter, but as more people poured in, he was separated, crushed in the crowd, and then fainted. "When I woke up the next day, I was surrounded by corpses," he recalled. His two sisters were among the over 1,000 victims who died of suffocation and stampede in what was later described as one of WWII's deadliest air-raid tragedies. To survive Japanese bombing raids, Chongqing residents dug more than 1,600 air-raid shelters across the city, one of the largest such endeavors during the WWII. At the site of a giant crater, a monument was later erected bearing large characters meaning Spiritual Fortress. People visit the Chongqing Stilwell Museum in Yuzhong District of Chongqing, southwest China, Aug. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao) Chongqing became the command center of the World Anti-Fascist War in the Far East. In its downtown area is a gray-brick house, which is the former residence of U.S. General Joseph Stilwell, commander of U.S. forces in the China-Burma-India Theater. This was where Stilwell coordinated with Chinese leaders. Key decisions were made there -- including dispatching 100,000 Chinese expeditionary soldiers to Myanmar to fight against Japanese forces with the Allies, and launching the Hump airlift, a vital airlift route over the Himalayas and the primary way the Allies supplied China between 1942 and 1945. Long Wenwei's father, Long Qiming, originally from Hong Kong, joined the Chinese air force. "My father said they flew the Hump almost daily. Bad weather and Japanese fighters brought down many planes," revealed Long, now 81. Of the 28 Chinese trainees in his father's group, only a few survived. "Many who had breakfast with him failed to come back in the evening." Later, his father was assigned to a bomber unit. In one raid against a Japanese supply depot in Myanmar, he dived low to release his bombs with precision. When he returned, the tail of his aircraft was riddled with 14 bullet holes. LIGHTHOUSE OF HOPE In a cave dwelling on a hill in Yan'an, Mao Zedong wrote his famous essay "On Protracted War," which became the strategic guide for resistance. The enemy cannot gobble up the whole of China, though it can occupy many parts for a period of time. China cannot quickly oust the enemy, but most of the land will remain ours. In the end, the enemy will be defeated, but only after a difficult struggle, Mao wrote. "During the war, the CPC advanced the strategy of all-out resistance and protracted war, leading guerrilla warfare, building base areas and mobilizing the masses," said Tan Huwa, professor at Yan'an University. War veteran Zhang Xin tells the story of his younger years in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, July 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) In 1941, then-14-year-old Zhang Xin joined the Eighth Route Army, with the Chinese fighters employing guerrilla tactics. "The Japanese occupied many cities, so we went to the countryside to establish base areas -- the countryside was vast," he said. "By day we were in the villages, at night we fought the enemy." Poorly armed and short of guns, the Chinese force still pressed on. "Officers always led from the front," Zhang said. "I was young, and when retreating, the commander would sometimes give me his horse to ride." His unit endured two massive sweeps in north China. In the worst, they marched two days and nights to escape. Many comrades were killed. Of an initial 1,500 men, fewer than 800 remained. In Laishui of Hebei, 10 soldiers stayed behind to cover the retreat. Choosing death over capture, they held their ground before making a final, desperate leap from a cliff. But the outgunned Chinese managed to tie down large numbers of Japanese troops, reassuring local villagers that their army was still fighting, keeping hope alive, Zhang said. "The CPC-led forces waged vigorous guerrilla warfare behind enemy lines, expanding revolutionary bases and complementing the main front," said Tan. "As the war went on, Yan'an gradually became the command center, and the CPC-led troops and militias held down more than 60 percent of Japanese forces that invaded China," said Liu Fanchao, a historian specializing in CPC history in Yan'an. Toward the end of the war in 1945, CPC-led bases spanned nearly one million square kilometers and were home to about 100 million people. When Zhang finally reached Yan'an, he saw new vitality -- the Great Production campaign for self-sufficiency, the direct election and democratic governance, the arrival of progressive youth from across the country, and foreign correspondents like Edgar Snow, author of "Red Star Over China." "At Yan'an, people saw the spirit of hard struggle and determination to fight until the end. They believed this was where China's hope lay," said Li Zongyuan, curator of the Museum of the CPC. An aerial drone photo shows a cityscape of Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen) ENEMY'S FALL, NATION'S RISE The complete triumph of WWII, many historians argue, marks the start of China's rise. "Since 1840, China had suffered repeated military invasions by imperialist powers, and all those wars ended in China's defeat," said historian Wang Jianxue. "The war against Japanese aggression, however, united the entire nation for the first time and ended with a total victory, which helped us regain confidence," he said. "The victory was the starting point for the Chinese people to move toward independence, prosperity and progress," he said. China became a founding member of the United Nations and a permanent member of its Security Council -- marking the first time in modern history that China participated in shaping the international order as a major power. Pilot Long Qiming, after his retirement, settled in Chongqing, where he participated in commerce work, taking advantage of opportunities generated by China's reform and opening-up drive starting in the late 1970s. "He helped handle the city's first-ever steel export of 5,000 tonnes. It was such a rewarding moment," said his son Long Wenwei. Today, Chongqing serves as a pivotal gateway for foreign trade in China, facilitated by China-Europe railway services and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. The area where the war monument stands has turned into bustling business district where customers sip Colombian coffee or shop for chic couture from Europe. Veteran Yang Huafeng was happy to see his grandson admitted to a prestigious postgraduate program at a university in Hong Kong, while his granddaughter returned to China after studying in the United States and now works at a German automobile manufacturer in Shenyang. War veteran Yang Huafeng shows a commemorative medal he was awarded in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, June 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong) Veteran Zhang Xin later became one of the first ground crew members of the Chinese Air Force. He has witnessed China's leap in aviation -- the country now not only manufactures its own large aircraft but has also achieved intelligent aircraft production -- with robots being deployed in the manufacturing process. "The wartime memories taught us a hard lesson -- backwardness leaves one vulnerable to attacks. The same applies to the field of science and technology. We must outperform others and accelerate technological innovation," said Ha Enjing, a manager at Siasun Robot & Automation Co., Ltd., a leading robotics firm in Shenyang. Now brands like Rolls-Royce are among its clients and its products are sold to over 40 countries and regions. The once embattled Yan'an is now full of vigor. In the southern part of the city, where the self-sufficiency campaign was launched during the war -- towns and villages are developing booming businesses. Mafang Village, once poverty-stricken, now banks on hotel and food-processing projects. Last year the village's per capita disposable income of its farmers was roughly 23,000 yuan (about 3,216 U.S. dollars), up 13,000 yuan in less than 10 years. In his late 90s, Zhang Xin still hopes to revisit the Yan'an cave dwellings where he once lived during the war. "My comrades-in-arms are gone, but their aspirations live on," he said. "I want to tell them that the younger generation is building a stronger China -- one that will be bullied by none, and one that will contribute to safeguarding world peace." (Reporting by Han Song, Bai Xu, Gui Tao, Lou Chen, Cheng Lu, Sun Renbin, Wang Ying, Hong Kerun, Yu Yetong, Zhang Qin, Liu Enli, Li Xiaoting, Qiang Lijing, Chen Gang and Zhang Bin; Video reporters: Sun Renbin, Liu Bin, Jiang Zhaochen, Liang Aiping and Yang Shiyan; Video editors: Wang Houyuan and Wei Yin.) Tourists experience taking a boat in Bamei Village of Guangnan County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Aug. 25, 2025. In recent years, Bamei Village has developed local tourism utilizing its karst landscapes and cultural resources. A tourist resort which helps boost the local service sector has taken shape. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei) Tourists learn about tie-dye handicrafts in Bamei Village of Guangnan County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Aug. 25, 2025. In recent years, Bamei Village has developed local tourism utilizing its karst landscapes and cultural resources. A tourist resort which helps boost the local service sector has taken shape. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei) An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 25, 2025 shows a view of the Bamei Village in Guangnan County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. In recent years, Bamei Village has developed local tourism utilizing its karst landscapes and cultural resources. A tourist resort which helps boost the local service sector has taken shape. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei) Tourists are seen at a cafe in Bamei Village of Guangnan County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Aug. 25, 2025. In recent years, Bamei Village has developed local tourism utilizing its karst landscapes and cultural resources. A tourist resort which helps boost the local service sector has taken shape. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei) Tourists attend a bonfire party in Bamei Village of Guangnan County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Aug. 24, 2025. In recent years, Bamei Village has developed local tourism utilizing its karst landscapes and cultural resources. A tourist resort which helps boost the local service sector has taken shape. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei) Tourists experience archery in Bamei Village of Guangnan County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Aug. 24, 2025. In recent years, Bamei Village has developed local tourism utilizing its karst landscapes and cultural resources. A tourist resort which helps boost the local service sector has taken shape. (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei) Interview: Shanghai Spirit resonates across China-proposed global initiatives, says Kyrgyz expert People pose for photos outside the venue of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) International Investment and Trade Expo in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, July 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) BISHKEK, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed global initiatives fully embody the principles of the Shanghai Spirit, the guiding philosophy of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a Kyrgyz expert has told Xinhua. Mars Sariev, a political scientist from Kyrgyzstan and an expert on Central Asian issues, said the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative reflect the Shanghai Spirit, which is founded on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and the pursuit of common development. Depicting the Shanghai Spirit as the ideological and value-based foundation of the SCO, Sariev said that its essential unity with the three global initiatives lies in their shared vision of promoting a fair and sustainable world order. "These initiatives focus on sustainable development, peaceful coexistence and respect for cultures and sovereignty, which echoes the SCO approaches," he said. Guests attend the opening ceremony of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Forum in north China's Tianjin, July 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ran) As a practical example, Sariev pointed to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), in which nearly all SCO members participate. "China is actively developing infrastructure, logistics, cultural and humanitarian ties, providing the countries of the region, including Kyrgyzstan, with opportunities to participate in transnational projects and integrate into the Eurasian space," he noted. Sariev also highlighted the SCO's role as a genuine platform for amplifying the voice of the Global South. In today's multipolar world, he said, developing countries seek to defend their interests independently, without reliance on traditional power centers. He further observed that the SCO's expansion to include more Global South members amplifies the voice of developing countries on the world stage, helping reshape global governance toward a more balanced order. Cultural and media cooperation has also flourished within the SCO, with joint film productions, translation projects of classical literature and collaborative museum exhibitions. These projects, Sariev said, "create a common cultural space in which the historical interconnection of the peoples of Eurasia becomes a living part of modernity." He added that cultural exchanges lay the foundation for long-term trust and sustainable cooperation while fostering respect for the diversity, historical heritage and cultural achievements of other countries among younger generations. On the upcoming SCO summit in Tianjin, China, Sariev expressed high expectations for deepening cooperation in key areas, including economic integration, regional security coordination, and the promotion of environmental and digital initiatives. Claudia Schiffer celebrated turning 55 by sharing a series of vacation pictures in a swimsuit from Greece. She posed beside a pool in a white Chloe one-piece that featured a plunging neckline. The post quickly caught fans eyes, with many wishing her in the comment section. Claudia Schiffer wears a one-piece swimsuit in new photo Claudia Schiffer celebrated her 55th birthday in Greece by sharing a series of Instagram posts in a white swimsuit. The German supermodel appeared by the pool in a white one-piece swimsuit from Chloe, designed with a ruffled neckline and cut high along the legs. The suit was detailed with floral eyelet embroidery and carried the brands logo stitched in gold. While posing on a yellow towel, she styled the look with a mix of gold jewelry, including layered necklaces, a choker, and chunky rings, along with an oversized pair of sunglasses. She wore her blonde hair loose in waves and kept her makeup understated. In another image from the same set, Schiffer had wrapped a green towel around her waist as she sat at a backgammon table by the pool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The carousel also included close-up photos of personal items arranged beside her, such as a gold coastal charm watch, a bright yellow Rhode phone case, a cosmetics pouch, and Rhodes Lemontini peptide lip tint. Alongside the images, she wrote in her caption, 55 today, so lucky to have a happy and healthy birthday!! Fans also wished her birthday in the comment section. One user wrote, Happy happy Birthday!!! Forever Young! You are an icon. Another commented, Happy birthday and happy life from Spain, Claudia!! You are so beautiful and inspiring!!! The day before her birthday, the Love Actually star had already begun celebrating by sharing photos in a mint green dress. It was paired with gold sandals and a brown Chloe knit bag, styled with several gold rings. The post Claudia Schiffer Flaunts Her Toned Body in Plunging Swimsuit appeared first on Mandatory. LOS ANGELES (AP) A lawyer asked Katy Perry on Tuesday whether she stood to gain money or anything else from a trial in a long legal fight over a California mansion. Justice was the one-word answer from the singing superstar, former American Idol judge and recent astronaut, part of an hour of remote testimony she gave in a Los Angeles courtroom. In her tense, careful testimony, Perry wouldn't concede directly that she stood to gain money if she won, but did say, I stand to lose money if it doesnt work in my favor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She spoke during the second trial in a dispute over a $15 million mansion in upscale Montecito near Santa Barbara that she and former partner Orlando Bloom bought in 2020. The seller, 85-year-old Carl Westcott, said he was not mentally competent to make the deal and sued to undo it. Perry's side technically the defendant was her business manager, Bernie Gudvi prevailed in the first trial in 2023. Then Gudvi, representing Perry, countersued over lost rental income brought on by the legal fight and millions in maintenance the house allegedly required. That brought on the current sequel trial. Westcott's lawyer, Andrew J. Thomas, often tried to steer the conversation toward Bloom. Superior Court Judge Joseph Lipner ruled that the Pirates of the Caribbean and Lord of the Rings actor does not have to testify because it would be redundant and unnecessary, even though the house is officially owned by a company he set up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if she had any role in a remodel of the house Bloom oversaw, Perry replied that she acted as partner and adviser. The couple, who split up in July, have a daughter together whose fifth birthday was Tuesday. When asked about the nature of their partnership, Perry replied, We're family for life. Perry's attorney, Eric Rowen, objected to nearly every question by Thomas as irrelevant, including most of the queries about Bloom, which Lipner kept to a minimum. Rowen objected especially angrily when Perry was asked if she knew that Westcott had entered a mental institution earlier in the legal fight, apparently suggesting the question was an attack for the sake of the media present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is, I dont want to say unethical, but this is simply an effort to drive a narrative to parties outside this courtroom," Rowen said. The judge sustained his objection and the question was not allowed. The judge and lawyers referred to Perry as Miss Hudson. Her legal name is Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson. She's currently in the middle of an international tour, and has recently been tied to former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It wasn't clear where she was during Tuesday's questioning. Thomas asked Perry repeatedly whether she had had enough cash on hand to buy the $15 million mansion outright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I could have," she eventually said, "but I wanted to do a mortgage instead. Perry conceded that in the previous trial, she said she intended to live in the mansion, not to rent it out. But renters including the family of actor Chris Pratt are central to this trial. There was discussion of having Pratt testify, but he was not on the final witness list. There was one light moment at the end of Perry's testimony when she described some dealings with Westcott and said, I was pregnant at the time. She couldn't be heard clearly and Lipner said he had heard, It was private. No, pregnant! Perry said with a laugh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perry's own lawyer declined to cross-examine her and the judge excused her. Like the previous trial, this one has no jury, and Lipner will decide the outcome. Perry's testimony came on the fourth day of proceedings that are expected to go on for two more days. It's not the first long public fight Perry has had over a property. She previously sparred in court with an order of nuns who fought to stop the sale of a convent she had bought. She prevailed in that case. She also testified in a lawsuit that alleged she and her co-writers had stolen key elements of her hit song Dark Horse from a Christian musician. She lost at trial, but won on appeal. Benson Boones new stage design for his newly launched American Heart World Tour has drawn attention online for its resemblance to testicles. The tour promotes Boones second and latest studio album, American Heart. It commenced on August 22, 2025, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and is set to span several countries and cities around the world. The tour will conclude later this year in Stockholm, Sweden. Benson Boones new stage design has fans talking Photos of Benson Boones stage design for his American Heart World Tour were recently uploaded online. The stage has two big red heart-shaped platforms on opposite ends, separated by a runway. One platform has two stairs intersecting a portion of the runway. Meanwhile, the other has a silver design with a red border. Boones initials BB are inscribed in red in the middle of the latter platform. However, upon closer inspection, fans couldnt help but notice that the runway was shaped like a pair of testicles. Benson Boones stage for his American Heart World Tour. pic.twitter.com/EWGWHHCw2s Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) August 23, 2025 Fans later shared a plethora of reactions on social media, claiming the stage looks like balls. Looks like a ballsack, one fan wrote. Um. Whys it that shaped, another fan asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One fan suggested that the stage design had gone through multiple stages of approval before construction. Representation of BB forcing himself down our throat, a fan commented. Benson Boone kicked off his American Heart World Tour on Friday, August 22, 2025, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with a concert at Xcel Energy Center. The North American leg of his tour is expected to take place until October 11, 2025. He will subsequently launch the international leg of his tour on October 23 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and conclude it on November 18 in Stockholm, Sweden. In a recent Elle interview, the Beautiful Things hitmaker teased that this tour would be the most thought-out show he had ever played. Ive spent the last six months thinking and planning every songwhats going to be on the screens, what Im going to be doing, and what Im going to be wearing, he added. Its a whole world that Ive built in my head. Im really excited for people to see it. Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on Mandatory. The post Benson Boones New Stage Design Compared to B- appeared first on Reality Tea. Benson Boones new stage design for his newly launched American Heart World Tour has drawn attention online for its resemblance to testicles. The tour promotes Boones second and latest studio album, American Heart. It commenced on August 22, 2025, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and is set to span several countries and cities around the world. The tour will conclude later this year in Stockholm, Sweden. Benson Boones new stage design has fans talking Photos of Benson Boones stage design for his American Heart World Tour were recently uploaded online. The stage has two big red heart-shaped platforms on opposite ends, separated by a runway. One platform has two stairs intersecting a portion of the runway. Meanwhile, the other has a silver design with a red border. Boones initials BB are inscribed in red in the middle of the latter platform. However, upon closer inspection, fans couldnt help but notice that the runway was shaped like a pair of testicles. Benson Boones stage for his American Heart World Tour. pic.twitter.com/EWGWHHCw2s Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) August 23, 2025 Fans later shared a plethora of reactions on social media, claiming the stage looks like balls. Looks like a ballsack, one fan wrote. Um. Whys it that shaped, another fan asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One fan suggested that the stage design had gone through multiple stages of approval before construction. Representation of BB forcing himself down our throat, a fan commented. Benson Boone kicked off his American Heart World Tour on Friday, August 22, 2025, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with a concert at Xcel Energy Center. The North American leg of his tour is expected to take place until October 11, 2025. He will subsequently launch the international leg of his tour on October 23 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and conclude it on November 18 in Stockholm, Sweden. In a recent Elle interview, the Beautiful Things hitmaker teased that this tour would be the most thought-out show he had ever played. Ive spent the last six months thinking and planning every songwhats going to be on the screens, what Im going to be doing, and what Im going to be wearing, he added. Its a whole world that Ive built in my head. Im really excited for people to see it. The post Fans Compare Benson Boones New Stage to B- appeared first on Mandatory. In Harry & Meghan , the Netflix docuseries about their love story, the couple opened up about many moments of their relationship to date, including a special trip to Botswana. While With Love, Meghan is much more of a lifestyle programwith a focus on cooking, entertaining, and craftingviewers do occasionally get a peek into the Meghans life. In the second episode of season two, Meghan shared some new details about that fateful trip to Botswana with her guest, Queer Eye star Tan France. Netflix I cant help but answer personal questions. Im known for it. Was there a moment that you were like, I know that I love this guy, France asks Meghan, who replied it was on the third date. France looks taken aback by this, so Meghan goes on to explain that the couple went camping for five days together in Botswana for their third date. So you really had love to fall in love over those few days. Thats nice, France replies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But you really get to know somebody when youre in a little tent together, Meghan says, dropping her voice to a whisper, Theres What is that outside the tent? Yeah, thats an elephant. Are we going to be safe? Yeah, were going to be safe. Not missing a beat, France asked if Meghan told Harry she loved him first or if he came forward with the three little words. He told me, Meghan replied with a smile. Thats nice. Youre starting to blush. I will stop this line of questioning, France laughed. With a flick of her ponytail, Meghan says, Ive still got it. Season two of With Love, Meghan is now streaming on Netflix. Watch now You Might Also Like If you have more than one dog, you've certainly noticed how your fur baby siblings have bonded over time. Since dogs are innately pack animals, they instinctively grow close as they do everyday life together. There are some cases where canines don't mesh well, but usually our pups become BFFs. These two street dogs a black dog named Angelina Jolie and a Shepherd mix named Bob are the epitome of a bonded pair. When Angelina was attacked by another dog and had to stay in a medical clinic, the separation from Bob had a major impact on both pups. An Instagram video posted by Niall Harbison, founder of the Thailand dog rescue Happy Doggo, captured the close relationship between the canines and described how they've been side by side for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I've been feeding Angelina Jolie and little Bob for three and a half years on the streets of Thailand and they are inseparable," Harbison said of the furry friends. He explained how Angelina was injured from the attack and her condition went from bad to worse. She soon ended up in intensive care. Though medication and direct attention have been helpful, Harbison knew a visit from Bob would be the best medicine possible and he brought the dog to see Angelina. The results were instantaneous. "Bob coming down to visit her really put a pep in her step," the animal advocate shared. "Little Bob had also been missing her terribly." Update: Bob and Angelina Are Roommates Bob's time with Angelina had a wonderful effect on her health and she began to improve, though she still needed to stay with the Happy Doggo staff for close monitoring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the visit, the two besties were apart once again. Bob got very depressed without his BFF and stopped eating. Harbison decided the best thing for both dogs was to keep them together at the rescue. "We did the only sensible thing and got them 2 of the best beds money could buy and made them a place to stay at @wearehappydoggo while Angelina tries to recover," he explained in the updated Instagram that showed their "very own penthouse". "She unfortunately has very advanced stage 4 kidney failure. Its not good for her health wise but she has her rock beside her now." Related: Rescue Chihuahua Gives Up Dog Bed for 20-Year-Old Dachshund and We're Crying The heartwarming video showed Bob waiting for Angelina as she was released from the hospital. When they saw each other, the tail wagging was nonstop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We dont know what the future holds but the spark is back in both their eyes today," Harbison posted. "Love wins out." Learn more about Happy Doggo or make a donation by visiting their website or social media accounts on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. SIGN UP to get pawsitivity delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Aug 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. The Language of the Desert: Why Kuwaiti Arabic Matters Language is the heartbeat of a culture, and in Kuwait, mastering a few local phrases can transform your travel experience from transactional to deeply personal. This guide isnt just about memorizing wordsits about understanding the warmth, humor, and hospitality embedded in Kuwaiti speech. Heres what well cover: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Key differences between the Kuwaiti dialect and Modern Standard Arabic Essential greetings and pleasantries with English translations What locals actually say: Everyday slang & expressions, food and hospitality-related phrases, and cultural tips Pronunciation tips for non-Arabic speakers and speaking like a local FAQs about speaking Kuwaiti Arabic The cultural significance of language in Kuwait and respectful communication etiquette The Unique Heritage and Beauty of the Kuwaiti Dialect Kuwaiti Arabic belongs to the Gulf Arabic family and is quite distinct from Modern Standard Arabic. It carries with it a unique history and bears the influence of traditional Bedouin expressions, historical trade relationships with Persia, India, East Africa, and even British English. It is more than just a means of communication, it's the embodiment of the country's rich cultural heritage. Walking through Kuwait City's bustling Mubarakiya Souk, where the sounds of Kuwaiti Arabic float through the air like the fragrant scents of cardamom and saffron is a testament to the country's vibrant culture. It's not just about Modern Standard Arabic, or even the Gulf dialect - Kuwaiti Arabic has its own unique slang and expressions. Essential Kuwaiti Phrases Every Traveler Should Know (With English Translations) Greetings, Pleasantries, and Polite Phrases that Win Hearts Greet like a local with "Marhaba" (): A warm hello. "Salam Alaikum": Peace be upon you. This is often met with "Allah ysalmak" (May God protect you), a common response signaling respect for each other. Ask how they are with either "Shlonak" (For males) or "Shlolich" (for females). Thank them for help or kindness with "Shukran" (). Use "Arjuuk" () when ordering food or drinks, which means "please". To ask for directions, "Wayn al-majles?" ( ) Daily and Slang Expressions "Zain" (Good/Okay) - A quintessential Kuwaiti word "Inshallah" (God willing) - Used when discussing future plans "Ya'ni" (I mean/You know) - A filler word used frequently "Wallah" (I swear by God) - Used to emphasize truthfulness Cultural Tips ""Ma'a salama"" (Goodbye) - Literally "with peace" Kuwaitis value hospitality, so expect warm welcomes wherever you go. Food and Hospitality "Tafaddal/Tafaddali" (Please/Help yourself - male/female) "Bil'afiya" (Enjoy your meal) "Ahlan wa sahlan" (Welcome) FAQs About How to Speak Like a Kuwaiti (With English Translations) Is it difficult to learn the Kuwaiti dialect? Any new language can be challenging to learn, but with practice and patience, you can master the basics of Kuwaiti Arabic. Are there any cultural customs to keep in mind when speaking Arabic in Kuwait? Respect for elders and maintaining politeness is key. Remember to exude warmth and gratitude in interactions. Avoid pointing with your fingeruse an open hand instead. Also, left-handed gestures (like passing food) are considered impolite. Can I use English in Kuwait? While English is widely spoken in Kuwait, especially in business and tourism sectors, knowing basic Kuwaiti phrases shows respect and cultural awareness. Additional Resources "Arabic For Dummies" by Amine Bouchentouf "Kuwaiti Arabic: A Comprehensive Grammar" by Bruce Ingham FluentU Arabic Blog Al Jazeera Arabic News "Kuwait: Insight Guides" by Ashley Garrod "Kuwaiti Arabic: A Complete Course" by Mahmoud Abed Gulf Arabic Language Learning Resources TalkInArabic.com's Kuwaiti Dialect Section Kuwait Culture Office Educational Materials Kuwait Ministry of Information's Cultural Resources LivingArabic.com (Interactive dialect guides) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Embrace the language and culture of Kuwait, and use it as a means to connect with the locals through meaningful conversations and shared experiences. Speaking like a local will enhance your journey, leading to deeply personal and rich cultural insights. This story was originally reported by Wanderwisdom on Aug 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the Road Trips section. Add Wanderwisdom as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Walking into a mariscos restaurant is the quickest way to start daydreaming about an afternoon in coastal Mexico. The air is alive with the upbeat rhythms of banda or norteno music, the kind that makes your foot tap and your fingers tap out a beat to add to your playlist later. Servers glide between tables, conversations rise over the music and laughter flows as easily as the cerveza. Brightly painted walls are splashed with nautical flair fishing nets, seashell garlands and somewhere, almost always, a majestic swordfish painted mid-leap. Tables are busy with colorful platters and frosty micheladas. It's not just a restaurant, its an ode to the seaside towns from Puerto Vallarta to Ensenada, where flavors, culture and community converge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if its your first time at a mariscos restaurant, the menu can feel like uncharted waters. Here is a quick guide to help you navigate your way to the best dishes and classic, must-try bites. Mariscos: What to order at a Mexican seafood restaurant There are a few mariscos that you really shouldn't miss. Tostada de ceviche Ceviche is one of the most quintessential marisco dishes, capturing the perfectly balanced citrus tang that defines coastal Mexican cuisine. A tostada de ceviche is a crispy, golden corn tortilla piled high with marinated shrimp, often bathed in lime juice, tossed with diced tomato, cucumber, red onion and cilantro. Different restaurants put their own spins on it, also adding clamato juice and chile peppers. The flavors are bright, zesty and refreshing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ditch the forks and spoons and use your hands to eat it. Be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand for the juices overflowing after each bite. It's all part of the experience. My favorite place to order it: PoNys Miches, 725 Estrella Pkwy #125, Goodyear. 623-335-7775. instagram.com/micheladas_el_pony. Shrimp ceviche (left to right) mango habanero, green aguachile, and original at PoNy's Miches in Goodyear, Ariz, on Aug. 18, 2025. Coctel de camaron Coctel de camaron is one of the most popular marisco dishes, second only to ceviche. Its a mix of shrimp in a tangy, sweet, tomato-based sauce brightened with lime, cilantro, onion, cucumber and hot sauce served chilled in a tall glass or goblet. Each spoonful delivers a burst of briny freshness and is often paired with saltine crackers and tostadas. My favorite place to order it: PoNys Miches, 725 Estrella Pkwy #125, Goodyear. 623-335-7775. instagram.com/micheladas_el_pony. Aguachile Aguachile has been having a serious glow-up in recent years, quickly becoming a must-order at both casual mariscos spots and swanky ones. The dish starts with raw shrimp that's "cooked" in lime juice, then tossed with large pieces of cucumber and red onion and often topped with avocado. But the real star is the salsa de Aguachile, which translates to "chile water," a blend of chiles such as serrano and jalapeno, herbs like cilantro, lime and sometimes garlic. It packs an unapologetic punch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If your heat tolerance is low, order with caution, or at least with a drink on standby. Aguachile is served at Mariscos A Todo Mar in Phoenix on Aug. 19, 2025. The aguachile is a dish that is renowned in the world of mariscos. The first time I remember trying aguachile is where Im from, Sinaloa and typically the name says it all. Its spicy and there are three ways to prepare it, natural, in a green sauce and in a red sauce. Typically, the red sauce has chiltepin, the green has jalapeno, serrano, depending on the recipe, and natural is just the shrimp marinated in lime juice. The aguachile 100% must have raw shrimp marinated in lime juice. If you get an aguachile with cooked shrimp, its no longer aguachile, you are basically getting rid of the essence of the aguachile, said Jorge Antonio Gutierrez, owner of Mariscos Todo Mar. My favorite place to order it: Mariscos A Todo Mar, 2632 S. 83rd Ave. #108, Phoenix. 623-248-5653. Empanadas de camaron Empanadas de camaron are crispy, warm hand pies made with masa dough that has a red hue from chiles and other seasonings, which gives them their signature look. Inside youll find a savory filling of shrimp, sometimes mixed with tomatoes, onions, peppers and cheese to tie it all together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My favorite place to order it: Mariscos Mi Nuevo Nayarit, 6740 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 623-849-9593. milindonayarit.com. Shrimp empanadas are served at Mariscos Mi Nuevo Nayarit in Phoenix on Aug. 19, 2025. Chicharron de pescado Chicharron de pescado is proof that sometimes the simplest dishes steal the show. Bite-sized pieces of fish, usually white and flaky, are seasoned, dusted with flour and fried till crispy outside and tender inside. What takes the dish over the top is pairing it with a salsa verde or some guacamole. Its dangerously snackable and perfect for an appetizer. Fish chicharrones at Mariscos 7 Mares in Tolleson, Ariz, on Aug. 18, 2025. The fish chicharron is a dish that is ordered a lot. A lot of people eat it as is, or they make tacos as well. We pair it with a sauce which is soy sauce with pico de gallo and then we add two chiles toritos in the middle, which are stuffed with cream cheese, shrimp and wrapped in bacon, said Vivian Romero, manager at Mariscos 7 Mares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My favorite place to order it: Mariscos 7 Mares, 10740 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Tolleson. 623-936-6005. Ostiones preparados Move over Europe, Mexico has its own twist on oysters with ostiones preparados. Served right in their shells, instead of a simple squeeze of lemon, mariscos restaurants top raw oysters with various accoutrements like avocado, red onion, scallops, octopus, shrimp and all manner of different sauce options. No matter how the restaurant prepares them, expect a plate of oysters overflowing with toppings served with lemon wedges and hot sauces on the side. Prepared oysters at Mariscos 7 Mares in Tolleson, Ariz, on Aug. 18, 2025. We open the oyster right when it's ordered and we have either natural or prepared, which includes a shrimp marinated in lime, scallop, serrano chili, avocado and red onion. We bring over the sauces and people can top it with whatever they like, said Vivian Romero, manager at Mariscos 7 Mares. My favorite place to order it: Mariscos 7 Mares, 10740 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Tolleson. 623-936-6005. Camarones a la diabla Camarones a la diabla lives up to its devilish name with shrimp cooked in a rich, smoky tomato and red chili sauce. The heat is balanced by the sweetness of the shrimp, for a meal that feels like home-style cooking. This dish is traditionally paired with fluffy white rice or Mexican rice, a tomato-based red rice that helps mellow the spice while soaking up the sauce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My favorite place to order it: Mariscos Mi Nuevo Nayarit, 6740 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 623-849-9593. milindonayarit.com. Camarones a la Diabla are served at Mariscos Mi Nuevo Nayarit in Phoenix on Aug. 19, 2025. Torre de mariscos The torre de mariscos is one of the most Instagrammable dishes you can find at any mariscos spot. Its a towering seafood stack, piled high on a giant plate or platter, with layers upon layers of shrimp, octopus, fish, scallops, sometimes even crab and between these bountiful layers youll find avocado, cucumber and other vegetables, even sometimes mango to bring a bit of sweetness. It's usually paired with salsa negra a salsa that typically combines soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chile de arbol, garlic, lime, olive oil and spices a signature sauce that adds depth to the visually stunning dish. La Patrona is served at Mariscos Playa Hermosa in Phoenix on Aug. 19, 2025. The torre I came up with it while traveling in Mexico. I wanted something that was bold and I wanted something that was badass, which is why we named it 'La Patrona,' the boss. I guess you can say its the queen of our cold dish program here at Playa Hermosa. It has everything you need, it's very Instagram worthy, its a giant tower of seafood. Youll get some salsa with it, you get oysters, you get fresh scallop, you get both kinds of ceviche, you get whole aguachile shrimps and a good amount of vegetables to pick at. It's spicy, it's sweet, it's sour, got a lot of flavor in it and youll leave happy, especially if you pair it with a cold michelada, said Emmanuell Maldonado, owner of Mariscos Playa Hermosa. My favorite place to order it: Mariscos Playa Hermosa, 1605 E. Garfield St., Phoenix. 602-462-1563. mariscosplayahermosa.com. Everything else you ever wanted to know about mariscos What does mariscos mean? Mariscos means "seafood" in Spanish. What is Mexican mariscos? Mariscos are any type of marine animals that are edible such as shrimp, octopus, crab, fish, lobster, clams and other shellfish. In Mexican culture, it doesnt matter if mariscos are fried, seared or served raw; its a universal undefined to describe multiple forms of preparing and consuming seafood. Where did mariscos originate? Mariscos trace their roots to the countrys coastal traditions. Although there isnt a known person or town that truly invented the cooking style of mariscos, many drew inspiration from Indigenous and Spanish methods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jose "Pony" Flores, owner of PoNy's Miches, explained that when he thinks of a mariscos restaurant, he thinks of Sinaloa food or Nayarit food. "For me, personally, where the mariscos culture comes from is Nayarit and Sinaloa," he said. "You're gonna expect fresh seafood with lots of lime and with micheladas." Today, coastal regions such as Baja California, Veracruz, Nayarit and Sinaloa are known for their seafood dishes. Pair it with a michelada: These Phoenix Mexican restaurants make them best Got a story you want to share? Reach out at Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com. Follow @tiffsario on Instagram. Looking for the best things to do in Arizona? Sign up for our newsletter. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mariscos guide: What to order at Mexican seafood restaurants Aug. 26One of three people accused of smuggling drugs into Lebanon Correctional Institution, leading to an inmate's 2023 overdose death, could spend seven more years in prison. Landis Deqwon Talbert, 26, of Lincoln Heights in suburban Cincinnati was sentenced last week by Warren County Common Pleas Judge Robert Peeler to 5-7 1/2 years in prison. Talbert pleaded guilty to one felony count of involuntary manslaughter in the May 16, 2023, death of inmate Joshua Gunn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He, along with Lindsey Brooke Lucas, 40, of Moraine and Ryeheim Mekhi Isaiah Warren, 21, of Mt. Healthy in suburban Cincinnati, were each indicted in October 2024 with illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse onto the grounds of a specified governmental facility and trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound. In addition to involuntary manslaughter, Talbert was indicted on charges of corrupting another with drugs and possession of a fentanyl-related compound. Talbert and Lucas are accused of bringing fentanyl into the prison with help from Warren. Lucas formerly worked at the prison and is believed to have smuggled drugs into the prison by hiding them in her lunchbox, Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell said. She was an Amarak employee who was hired in April 2023 and terminated on June 22, 2023, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. Talbert reportedly "furnished those drugs to another inmate who died from ingesting those drugs," the grand jury report read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peeler ordered Talbert's prison term to be served consecutively to a 7-year term he began serving in 2018 for felonious assault and carrying concealed weapon convictions out of Hamilton County. The other charges against Talbert were dismissed as part of his plea. Talbert is incarcerated in the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville. He will be eligible for parole in October 2030, according to ODRC records. Warren is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 30 following a change of plea, and Lucas is scheduled to go to trial Oct. 2, according to court records. WARSAW, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Starlink's internet services to Ukraine will continue under the current arrangements despite Polish President Karol Nawrocki's veto on Monday, the head of the Polish Presidential Office has said. Zbigniew Bogucki made the announcement on social media platform X Monday evening as a response to Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski's criticism of the president, after the latter vetoed an amendment to the Act on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens. Gawkowski said on Monday that the president's decision complicates the continuation of Poland's financing of Starlink for Ukraine, which provides vital internet connectivity to the country and its military. The decision is "shutting down the internet for Ukraine," the deputy prime minister claimed. However, Bogucki said the veto would not stop the Starlink service in Ukraine, and that Starlink costs will continue to be financed under the current law until Sept. 30. Parliament should swiftly consider the president's bill in September, he said. Also on Monday evening, Bogucki confirmed that the president had submitted his own draft bill to the Sejm, or the lower house of the Polish parliament, which includes provisions granting access to benefits and healthcare only to those who are employed and paying contributions in Poland. Nawrocki argued that the "800 plus" child benefit should only be available to Ukrainians who are employed in Poland. The vetoed amendment would have extended the benefit to children under 18 who continue in education after finishing secondary school. Nawrocki has also stated that Polish soldiers will not be deployed to Ukraine, with support limited to logistics and reconstruction efforts. ***Editors Note: This story has been updated to clarify details provided by officials*** CLEVELAND (WJW) A man who died after being pulled from Lake Erie on Monday evening has been identified. According to the medical examiners office, the 72-year-old man is Albert Lenz of Bratenahl. Cleveland Metroparks police and other first responders were called to Edgewater Beach around 5:30 p.m. after surfers found a body in the water, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victim dead, suspect arrested after high-speed chase ends in crash in Cleveland: Sheriff WJW photo WJW photo WJW photo Crews at the scene started performing life-saving measures. Lenz was taken to a nearby medical facility, but he was pronounced dead. Atwood Lake deaths of Amish father, 4-year-old child preceded by spiritual delusion, said sheriff Lenzs cause of death is still being determined by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. (KRON) The passenger of a wrong-way car on Highway 17 was killed in a head-on crash overnight Saturday, according to the San Jose California Highway Patrol Area Office. Authorities believe the wrong-way driver was under the influence. CHP was first alerted at 12:38 a.m. to the wrong-way vehicle, a Toyota Camry, driving northbound in the southbound lanes of Highway 17, south of Santa Cruz Avenue. At that time, the Toyota drove another vehicle off the roadway as it attempted to avoid a collision, authorities said. Two minutes later, CHP officers learned that the Toyota had been involved in a head-on crash with a Honda Del Sol, and subsequently crashed into a Honda Civic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the Del Sol suffered major injuries in the collision and was rushed to a local hospital. The driver of the Civic was hospitalized with moderate injuries. A 43-year-old San Jose woman, who was the passenger in the Toyota, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to authorities. The driver, a 44-year-old San Jose man, had major injuries. The driver of the Toyota was believed to be driving while under the influence, CHP said. It is not known where the Toyota entered State Route 17 the wrong way. Authorities did not release any identities in the crash and no arrest was announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses to the fatal crash or anyone with information is asked to contact the San Jose CHP Area Office at 408-961-0900. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Trump on Friday said Memphis, which had the countrys highest violent crime rate last year, will be the next target of his federal crime crackdown. Were going to Memphis. Memphis is deeply troubled, Trump said on Fox & Friends. Trump has repeatedly threatened to deploy the National Guard and other federal resources to American cities he says are overrun by criminals. He has sent troops into Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes highlighted Baltimore and Chicago as cities in particular need of help fighting crime. Trumps focus on cities in blue states those led by Democratic governors with Black mayors has drawn criticism from Democrats, who have pointed out that some cities in red states have higher crime rates. Memphis Mayor Paul Young is a Black Democrat. Trump said Tennessees Republican governor, Bill Lee, welcomes the federal help. Below are the 10 big cities with the highest rate of crime per 100,000 people, based on FBI data from 2024 on murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Memphis, Tenn. Memphis, the second-biggest city in the red state of Tennessee, tops the list with 2,501 violent crimes per 100,000 people, according to data from the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city has recorded 145 murder victims in the first eight months of the year. Last year, it experienced 40.6 homicides per 100,000, placing it fourth among cities with at least 100,000 residents. Trump, citing high rates of crime, said Memphis would be placed early on the list of cities federal forces could target with an increased law enforcement presence, during an Aug. 21 interview with local radio host Todd Starnes. City police say overall crime has decreased by 22 percent compared to last year. Democratic Mayor Paul Young was the victim of an attempted kidnapping in June, when an alleged stalker visited his home with a taser, gloves, rope and duct tape. Detroit Detroit closely trails Memphis with a violent crime rate of 1,781 per 100,00 and a rate of 31.2 homicides per 100,000 residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, there were 203 homicides, the lowest number since 1965, according to city data. The number marks a 19 percent decrease from 2023 and 34 percent from 2022 for the Motor City. Mayor Mike Duggan left the Democratic Party to run for governor as an independent, aiming to replace term-limited Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Duggan said Trump deserved some credit for the decline in crime in the city. The federal government has been a huge partner in this. The president appointed Jerome Gorgon, the U.S. attorney, he said on a CNN podcast. Baltimore Baltimore had 1,606 violent crimes and 34.8 homicides per 100,000 people last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) have tangoed with the president over his comments about the Charm Citys high crime rates. Scott accused Trump of targeting Black-led cities for criticism, while Moore invited Trump on a walk around communities to see the reality of life in the city. Instead of accepting the offer, Trump told Moore to focus on driving down the crime rate, indicating he wouldnt join him for a walk before that. As of July 1, the city had recorded 68 homicides this year. Police said that reflected a 22 percent year-over-year decrease in homicides and a 19 percent decrease in nonfatal shootings. Kansas City, Mo. Kansas City, Mo., saw 1,547 violent offenses per 100,000 people in 2024. Last year, the city saw a 12 percent increase in nonfatal shootings and tallied 144 homicide cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe has said residents needed safer streets, pledging to remove guns and investing $10 million in public safety training for law enforcement. You cant legislate lower crime, but what you can do is give law enforcement the tools it takes, he said, according to the Missouri Independent. Last week, Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) touted a major funding boost to the FBI regional office in St. Louis to improve staffing numbers. Milwaukee The city of Milwaukee had 1,431 violent crimes per 100,000. So far this year, police have recorded 100 homicides and 293 rapes, marking a 10 percent and 1 percent year-on-year increase, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) created a statewide violence prevention office and poured $66 million into support services for victims. Evers noted in a press release that violent crime was going down statewide. And, yet, the rate of gun deaths in Wisconsin is trending in the opposite direction. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, the rate of gun deaths increased in Wisconsin by 54 percent from 2014 to 2023, compared to a 34 percent increase nationwide over that same time period. He later added that leaders could do better than nothing with proper investments in safety funding. Albuquerque, NM The FBI reported that 1,182 violent crimes occurred per 100,000 residents in Albuquerque, the largest city in the blue state of New Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, there was a total of 94 homicides reported, three fewer than the year prior. City police officers made 1,300 more arrests last year than in 2023, a 28 percent increase, according to KRQE. Houston Houston saw 1,148 crimes per 100,000 people last year, and violent crime in the red state of Texass largest city increased by about 4.5 percent from 2023 to 2024, Fox 26 reported. There were 320 murders and 13,354 burglaries in 2024. Much of the crime has been associated with nightlife. Houston Mayor John Whitmire (D) last month announced the formation of a club unit of the Houston Police Department designated to target bars and clubs with citations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His effort resulted in five club closures in a three-day period, Houston Public Media reported. Nashville, Tenn. Tennessees capital and its largest city, Nashville reported 1,124 violent crimes per 100,000 people; local police face a shortage of 100 officers, and leaders have struggled to increase staffing, the Nashville Banner reported. Still, crime rates in 2025 are 10 percent lower than last year, according to the city. The death toll reached 104 in 2024, one more death than the year before. Denver Denver saw 993 violent crimes per 100,000 people, according the FBI. Democratic Gov. Jared Polis has set a goal of reducing violent crime statewide by 6 percent year over year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a big state, and youre always going to see some communities where it goes one way, other communities where it becomes safer. But overall, Im very proud that violent crime has gone down just in the last two years, 13.9 percent, Polis said, as reported by ABC7. Denver Police Department said total violent crime is down 7.31 percent as of August. Washington, DC Violent crime was recorded at 926 per 100,000 in the nations capital, which is governed by Mayor Muriel Bowser (D). Officials said violent crime is down by 27 percent and at a 30-year low after reaching all-time highs during the pandemic. City leaders have also touted a 15 percent drop in the murder rate, in part crediting local violence intervention initiatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said the city remains overrun by criminals and this month deployed hundreds of federal agents and National Guard soldiers across the city. Officials say more than 1,000 arrests have been made since the start of the law enforcement surge Aug. 11. Trump said he will look to retain federal control of Washington beyond the 30-day period outlined in the Home Rule Act. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." If one common thread connects all leaders throughout history, its that they eventually stop being leaders. They are either deposed, defeated, resign, or simply just die. In many cases, their names and legacies are lost to time, as famously illustrated by the Percy Bysshe Shelley poem Ozymandias. But a rare few leaders have had such an impact that their memory enduresa feat all the more impressive for the men and women who ruled over parts of the ancient world. These ancient world leaders are still studied, and in many cases, admired and emulated to this day. Some, like Alexander the Great, were military leaders. Others, like Confucius, were thought leaders. And more still, such as philosopher emperor Marcus Aurelius, straddled both worlds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether history remembers them as inspirations or cautionary tales, these ancient leaders are united in the fact that their influence extends beyond their region, beyond their era, and into the world we inhabit today. Here are 10 leaders of the ancient world who helped shape the world as we know it. Keep Reading: What Made Cleopatra Such a Powerful Rule | The 13 Most Cunning and Ruthless Military Leaders of All Time Alexander the Great King of Macedonia Ruled from 336323 B.C.E. When Alexander III of Macedon (now Greece) ascended to the throne, he was only 20 years old. The young king didnt have decades ahead of him to rule and conquer; he would die in 323 B.C.E., just 37 days shy of his 33rd birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in that time, he seized control of the Corinthian League at Thermopylae; defeated and conquered the Achaemenid Empire (also known as the Persian Empire); and expanded his own empire beyond Greece. His realm stretched as far as parts of India and the Middle East. Alexander, a student of Aristotle, left a legacy of more than just military might. His dominance spread ancient Greek culture to the edges of the vast empires borders and beyond. Some of the cities which bore Alexanders name, like Alexandria in Egypt, became major centers of culture and education. Look no further than the famed, and later incinerated, Library of Alexandria). Learn More About Alexander the Great Getty Images Augustus Caesar Roman Emperor Ruled from 27 B.C.E.14 C.E. There are many ancient leaders who sought to be remembered for their acts of war. But the man born as Gaius Octavius wished instead to be remembered for peace, and so he was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first emperor of the Roman Empire is associated with the period known as the Pax Romana, a largely peaceful era for the Romans that saw little armed conflict. The concept of bringing peace is frequently evoked in the emperors memoir, Res Gestae, as he boasts of having restored peace to the sea and to Gaul and Spain. But all was not peaceful in the life of Augustus Caesar. Thrust into a power struggle when he was named heir to his late great-uncle Julius Caesar, Augustus formed the Second Triumvirate with Mark Antony and Marcus Lepidus in 43 B.C.E. only to find himself battling Antonys forces when conflict broke out between Egypt and Rome. Augustus was victorious in that fight, after which he became the first Roman emperor. Learn More About Caesar Augustus Getty Images Confucius Philosopher Lived from 551479 B.C.E. Not every influential leader of the ancient world is one who spread their ideology by force. A teacher and philosopher born in Qufu, China, whose familial circumstances remain a subject of debate, Confucius never sought to rule and never conquered anyone by means of force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, his principles of the Sangang Wuchangincluding the virtues of ren (humaneness), yi (justice), li (ritual), and zhi (wisdom)were put into writing by his disciples and grew in esteem as new dynasties took power in China. Confucius was born amid warring Chinese states under the Chou empire. Four centuries later when the first Han Dynasty took hold, Confucianism had become the guiding philosophy under which all of Chinas political machinations were guided. Learn More About Confucius Getty Images Ashoka the Great Emperor of Mauryan Empire Ruled from c. 268232 B.C.E. Ashoka the Great is remembered, especially after the Brahmi scripts which chronicled his rule were deciphered in the 19th century, as an example of early ethical governance. During his rule over the Mauryan Empire, which spanned much of South Asia, he implemented his Edicts to promote nonviolence and tolerance and focused his efforts on social welfare through planting trees, digging wells, and establishing medical facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remarkably, Ashokas ethical leadership was born of brutal bloodshed. He oversaw the conquest of Kalinga, a region in modern-day India between the Ganges and Godavari rivers. One Edict reports the death toll of the conflict reached 100,000. Although some ancient leaders would treat such carnage as a calling card, Ashoka was horrified by the violence. What occurred at Kalinga inspired him to pursue governance through the Buddhist principles of dharma. There is debate as to whether Ashoka was a Buddhist before the battle or if the bloody conquest made him a convert, but what is inarguable is that the leaders devotion to dharma caused Buddhism to spread and flourish in the region, even beyond the bounds of his vast empire. Missionaries sent out on Ashokas behest spread the message through Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and even the Mediterranean. Getty Images Qin Shi Huang First Emperor of China Ruled from 221210 B.C.E. Through his military might, Qin Shi Huang conquered his rivals during the Warring States period and unified China. Through his tyrannical authoritarian rule, he introduced a uniform culture to the empire. His dynasty collapsed not long after his death, but his enduring impact on the region is undeniable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the name of King Ying Zheng, he dominated the other warring states of Chu, Han, Qi, Wei, Yan, and Zhao, consolidating power as he went. He chose to forsake the title of king in favor of branding himself emperor. Under his leadership, Qin Shi Huang implemented a singular cultural system, demanding the entirety of the vast empire adhere to a single system of measurements, currency, and even a uniform system of Chinese characters (though regional dialects remained). Qin Shi Huang is also responsible for many of the titanic architectural works that still draw millions to China every year. Under his leadership, the walls that once divided the states were destroyed, but a new, stronger wall was order to be constructed on the empires northern border. The barrier served as a precursor to the famed Great Wall of China. And of course, his massive mausoleum, which took 38 years to build, features the sprawling terracotta army. Getty Images Hatshepsut Egyptian Pharaoh Ruled from 14791458 B.C.E. Cleopatra typically gets all of the attention when it comes to female rulers of Egypt, but theres an earlier woman who proved her enduring might. The accomplishments of Hatshepsut have never truly faded from history, despite the dogged efforts of her successor Thutmose III. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The longest-reigning female pharaoh in Egypt, Hatshepsut took power after the death of her husband, Thutmose II, and reigned for 20 years. In an effort to legitimize her authority in the eyes of a patriarchal ancient society, Hatshepsut styled herself in a male fashion, including donning a fake beard. Her attire was traditional, yet her leadership style eschewed some of the more aggressive acts that are common for new rulers trying to prove themselves. Rather than rule by war, Hatshepsut favored trade and diplomacy, including the famed expedition to Punt in the ninth year of her reign, which yielded gold, ivory and myrrh trees for Egypt. More focused on improving her empire than adding to it with more land, Hatshepsuts legacy is bolstered by the building and restoring of temples and other public works projects. Learn More About Hatshepsut Getty Images Marcus Aurelius Roman Emperor Ruled from 161180 C.E. Its common, even today, for powerful leaders to feel the need to publish their philosophies. If you like, you can thumb through Muammar al-Gaddafis The Green Book or a romance novel by Saddam Hussein. But what is uncommon is for one of these works to endure as a literary classic for millennia. Yet judging by how many people today still read Meditations, thats exactly what Marcus Aurelius achieved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there has ever been a leader who fit the profile outlined in Platos The Republic of the Philosopher King, its Marcus Aurelius. From a military standpoint, Aurelius fended off both Germanic and Parthian forces to preserve the Roman Empire. From a governing standpoint, Aurelius maintained stability within Rome even amid the scourge of the Antonine plague. In terms of influence, nothing Aurelius did with political power or military might compares to what he achieved with an authors pen. Written during his military campaigns, Meditations outlines the tenants of the Stoic philosophy to which he adhered, focusing on rationality and the removal of sensory indulgences from ones life. Meditations has influenced many world leaders across the centuries, even having been a favorite of U.S. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Bill Clinton. Learn More About Marcus Aurelius Getty Images Cyrus the Great Founder of the Achaemenid Empire Ruled from c. 550530 B.C.E. Cyrus II, also known as Cyrus the Great, oversaw the birth of the Achaemenid, or Persian, Empire. By the time his conquests concludedafter campaigns that conquered Media, Lydia, and BabylonCyruss empire was the largest in the history of humanity at that point in time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Cyrus isnt just revered for the size of his empire; his system of governance is also lauded. Future empires of this scale would have been entirely untenable were it not for the innovations in infrastructure he pioneered, primarily the formation of a multi-state system, where semi-autonomous regions known as satrapies would answer to a single central government overseen by Cyrus in the capital city. Cyrus also endeared himself to his people through compassion. His famed Cyrus Cylinder promotes Cyrus as a leader willing to oversee a state comprised of multiple nationalities and faiths, and the Hebrew Bible maintains that it was Cyrus who permitted the Jews to repatriate to Judah after the conquest of Babylon. Getty Images Attila the Hun Chieftain of the Hunnic Empire Ruled from 434453 C.E. Attila the Hun has endured in our collective memory as such a fearsome and dominant warrior-king that his name is often evoked in pop culture as a shorthand for ruthlessness. But to simply speak of the viciousness of Attila the Hun understates how remarkable what he achieved in his short life truly was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attila managed to unite the disparate war bands that were the Huns into a fierce and formidable military force. Consolidating power, Attila often deployed his forces for swift but devastating raids throughout Europe, intimidating even the most powerful empires. Although Attila never succeeded in conquering key Roman cities like Constantinople or Rome, his acts of annihilating terror on the Balkans, Gaul, and Italy echoed throughout ancient history, earning him the nickname Flagellum Dei, or Scourge of God. Learn More About Attila the Hun Getty Images Julius Caesar Roman Emperor Ruled from 6044 B.C.E. The reign of Julius Caesar reshaped ancient Rome in ways that still reverberate in our modern world. Even colloquial phrases in our lexicon like crossing the Rubicon and beware the Ides of March originate, in some sense or another, with Caesar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His first major achievement was the conquest of Gaul. From 58 to 50 B.C.E., Caesar conquered the lands comprising modern day Belgium, France, and parts of Germany up to the Rhine. Caesars tactical brutality, which included depriving his opponents of water and purposefully mutilating them, made him a celebrated general. Caesar was initially part of the First Triumvirate, alongside Crassus and Pompey. But after Crassus death, tensions between Caesar and Pompey came to a boiling point. Rather than submit to Pompeys demand that Caesar disband his army, Caesar took his army across the Rubicon and marched on Rome, ultimately defeating Pompeys forces and seizing sole control of the Roman Republic. It would be, under Caesar, a Republic no more. Caesar oversaw the governments transformation into the Roman Empire, with he, himself, at the top. He implemented a wave of changes to the practices of the empire: centralizing power, expanding the Senate, and even implementing the Julian calendar. That the intensity of his power grab matched that of his military conquests caused concern within the newly-restructured empire. The seemingly-untouchable emperor was ultimately felled by his own allies, including Brutus and Cassius, on the Ides of March in 44 B.C.E. Learn More About Julius Caesar Getty Images You Might Also Like The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals handed down a ruling Tuesday that is a major victory for religions in general and a specific win for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A three-judge panel upheld a 2023 federal district court ruling that rejected a lawsuit purporting that the Church of Jesus Christ had propounded false beliefs and misrepresented its history and practices to defraud members of donations. This is a great day for religious liberty in America, said Gene Schaerr, an attorney who filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the case on behalf of the National Association of Evangelicals, the Jewish Coalition for Religious Liberty and the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Latter-day Saint Laura Gaddy and others sued the church in 2018 claiming it fraudulently misrepresented its history and misused the tithing funds they donated. They made claims that the churchs practices violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. District Court Judge Robert Shelby rejected those claims in 2023 and Gaddy appealed to the 10th Circuit in Denver. The three-judge panel heard oral arguments on Sept. 23, 2024. All three judges found for the church in the ruling released Tuesday. All three agreed the church autonomy doctrine shielded the church from the RICO claim and that Gaddy failed to sufficiently describe acts that would support a RICO claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hold that the church autonomy doctrine bars plaintiffs first RICO theory, because it improperly requires adjudication of ecclesiastical questions, namely, the truth or falsity of religious beliefs, Judge Allison H. Eid wrote in the majority opinion. On plaintiffs second RICO theory, we need not decide whether the church autonomy doctrine applies, because plaintiffs complaint fails to adequately allege the requisite causal link between the churchs alleged misstatements about how it would use tithes and the plaintiffs alleged injury. The church autonomy doctrine is rooted in the First Amendment religion clauses that protects religions from government interference in their internal affairs, from issues related to doctrine, funds, membership and employment. Judge Harris Hartz joined Eid in the majority opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs have not pled enough facts to support the reasonable inference that they relied on the churchs alleged misrepresentations and omissions in continuing to pay tithes, Eid wrote in the majority opinion While they didnt apply the church autonomy doctrine to the tithing portion of Gaddys claims, Judge Gregory Phillips issued a concurring opinion to declare he didnt think the church autonomy doctrine should be applied in tithing cases. We hold that this defect renders implausible the necessary causation component of plaintiffs civil RICO claim that they were injured by reason of a RICO violation by the Church to the extent it is based on a fraudulent use of tithing funds theory. They thus have failed to state a claim upon which relief may be granted." Gaddy and the other plaintiffs complained about church history teachings. For example, they said some church artwork misrepresented how the Book of Mormon was translated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court ruled that matters of history fall within the realm of religious beliefs, Schaerr said. Theyre not historical facts that can be adjudicated by secular standards. Gaddy and company also alleged the church used tithing funds to build the City Creek development and that church leaders misrepresented that use. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against James Huntsman on a similar claim earlier this year. The ruling was a great win for religious bodies generally, said Schaerr, managing partner at Schaerr Jaffe and former associate counsel to President George H.W. Bush. First, the court recognizes the importance of the church autonomy doctrine, which is grounded in the First Amendment, protecting religious bodies from challenges questioning their beliefs, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, the court held the plaintiffs had not sufficiently articulated a case that the churchs statements caused them to make tithing payments they otherwise wouldnt have made, he said. Gaddy and the other plaintiffs have two options if they decide to continue the case. They could ask for an en banc review of the ruling by the three judges, essentially asking for a review of the decision by the entire panel of judges on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. They also could appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Schaerr believes the Supreme Court would support the Church of Jesus Christ and the religious autonomy doctrine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the ruling is fully in line with Supreme Court precedent, he said. Its consistent with 10th Circuit law and Supreme Court case law. Tuesdays ruling was welcomed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Todays ruling by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals confirms what courts have long said that disputes over religious doctrine and history cannot be resolved in secular courts," church spokesman Sam Penrod said. It also rejects the plaintiffs attempt to use federal law to attack the churchs use of tithing funds. All tithing donations to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are considered sacred funds. Tithing funds and earnings on invested reserves are dedicated to building the church and fulfilling its divine mission around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Penrod also said the church was grateful for the other faiths and organizations that filed friend-of-the-court briefs supporting the churchs position. Kay Burningham, the Salt Lake attorney who represented Gaddy, was critical of the 10th Circuit Courts ruling. The gravamen of the Gaddy case alleges that the LDS Church misrepresented its history, she said. We are disappointed that the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has interpreted the church autonomy doctrine as an affirmative defense to fraud, that is misrepresentations of fact. Historically, the First Amendment, from which the church autonomy doctrine derives, only protects sincerely held religious beliefs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blaine Evanson, a religious freedom attorney, was thrilled with the ruling but mildly disappointed the court stopped short of what many churches and attorneys have sought: a ruling that the church autonomy doctrine applies to tithing claims. Courts seem to struggle over where to draw the line, said Evanson, a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Instead, judges have preferred to rule using different rationales when they can, and have avoided squarely ruling whether church autonomy applies. He noted that the majority in the 9th Circuit Court en banc ruling for the Church of Jesus Christ in the James Huntsman tithing lawsuit did not apply the church autonomy doctrine either. Evanson said the majority in the Gaddy case also ducked the doctrine in the tithing portion of its ruling today. He said the majorities in the cases so far havent chosen to apply it in a way that would wall off those types of claims. Judges across the spectrum are willing to stay out of claims about historicity and doctrine, he said. When it comes to tithing, they seem more willing to adjudicate the claims. 11 Investigates: Former funeral home employee alleges director mishandled human remains A former funeral home employee who first exposed allegations about pet remains tells 11 Investigates, human bodies were also mishandled and she wants to know what happened to that part of the case. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Former employee reporting suspicions to police led to charges against Pittsburgh funeral home owner I just want people to know the truth, Tiffany Mantzouridis tells 11 Investigates. I want people to know what was really happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Funeral Director, Patrick Vereb, is already accused of taking money from families to cremate their pets, then dumping them in a landfill instead. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh funeral home owner accused of dumping pets in landfill instead of cremating them That former employee, Tiffany Mantzouridis, tells 11 Investigates she reported all of these allegations to law enforcement at the same time, and weve confirmed both cases were forwarded to separate state investigators. The Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office made an arrest in the pet cremation case more than four months ago, but 11 Investigates has spent weeks trying to find out what the Pennsylvania Department of State is doing with the allegations involving human remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tiffany Mantzouridis says she still has nightmares about what she witnessed when she worked for Vereb Funeral Homes in Hazelwood and Natrona Heights. There would be bodies that were decomposing in the garage, Mantzouridis said. The smell was always bad. If he did try to keep bodies cool in the summer, he would put them in the embalming room and just turn on the window AC unit. There were humans out on cots in the garage with the dead animals. Mantzouridis quit and reported her boss, Patrick Vereb, to police. A second former employee also quit and talked to police. She didnt want to go on camera, but tells 11 Investigates, she spent hours talking to investigators. Both women say they saw bodies lying on a freight elevator, in the embalming room and in the garage for days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They would be marbling and visibly decomposed at times. He was never in a hurry to get them embalmed either, Mantzouridis added. 11 Investigates confirmed state law requires a body to be embalmed or refrigerated within 24 hours of death. Mantzouridis says she also has invoices that show Vereb was charging families refrigeration fees for bodies that were going to be cremated - sometimes hundreds of dollars per person. He didnt have refrigeration, Mantzouridis said. He would charge people to refrigerate bodies that he wasnt refrigerating. 11 Ivestigates tracked down Patrick Vereb, who is already facing charges for mishandling animal remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We found him living with a relative and tried to ask him about the allegations involving human bodies. When he came to the door, he denied that he was Patrick Vereb and immediately shut the door. His lawyer would not talk to us either. Both former employees say they tried to tell a state investigator what they say they saw, but they didnt have a lot of confidence in him. He seemed more irritated that he had to spend time with us, Mantzouridis added. Then cut it off. Both former employees say there were no follow-ups. He kept emphasizing that he was getting ready to retire and that this would be a lot of work, Mantzouridis said. It was kind of uncomfortable and discouraging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We tracked down that retired investigator by phone. He told us he hired a lawyer but wouldnt give us his name. A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of State tells us their policies do not allow them to confirm or deny the existence of an investigation or comment on personnel; but, the agency did say it, encourages any member of the public who suspects a practitioner is violating professional standards and governing law to file a complaint on the departments website." The Department of State says if an investigator believes a crime was committed, they will forward those findings to another agency to review for charges. Patrick Vereb voluntarily deactivated his license. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW (COLORADO SPRINGS) Vitalant and FOX21 News once again teamed up to host an annual blood drive on Friday, Aug. 22, and the results are in, marking another successful drive! According to Vitalant, the FOX21 blood drive collected 43 units of blood, exceeding the drives goal of 27. A unit of blood is normally around a pint, so that makes a whopping 43 pints of blood donated for use in the Colorado Springs area. Of the 36 donors who signed up, 19 were first-time donors. According to the American Red Cross, only 3% of eligible people donate blood every year. But if you missed this years drive, dont worry. Visit Vitalants donation site to make an appointment at a donation center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most importantly, the 43 units of blood collected mean 129 lives will be saved from these much-needed donations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Authorities in Southern California announced Tuesday the arrest of 14 people accused of running what they called the largest organized retail theft operation targeting Home Depot in the company's history, with nine facing felony charges. The suspects are allegedly linked to 600 thefts at 71 different Home Depots, with losses exceeding $10 million across multiple Southern California counties, officials said. "They basically had been able to pull off over 600 different thefts from Home Depots in the surrounding counties," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said. "They must have thought life was grand. They've been making millions of dollars, didn't look like anyone was going to stop them." Ventura County Sheriff Office - PHOTO: The operation led to the arrest and criminal charges filed against nine defendants in connection with the largest Home Depot theft case in the country. Police say David Ahl, who a ran a storefront called ARIA Wholesale in Tarzana, was at the center of the operation. Ahl faces 48 felony counts including conspiracy, organized retail theft, grand theft, receiving stolen property, and money laundering, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: LAPD busts major burglary ring, seizes arsenal of weapons, officials say He remains in custody at Ventura County jail with bail set at $500,000 and faces up to 32 years in prison if convicted. Attorney information for Ahl was not immediately available. Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff said Ahl's "boosters" would systematically steal expensive electrical components like breakers, dimmers, and switches, sometimes hitting every Home Depot in Ventura County in a single day. The stolen goods were then allegedly delivered to Ahl's business or home in trash bags or Home Depot boxes. The boosters remain in custody at Ventura County jail with bail set at $250,000, police said. Ventura County Sheriff Office - PHOTO: The operation led to the arrest and criminal charges filed against nine defendants in connection with the largest Home Depot theft case in the country. The investigation also led to the arrest of Ahl's brother-in-law, who allegedly sold stolen merchandise through eBay. Ahl's ex-wife and her boyfriend were accused of running a "nearly identical" fencing operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During searches, investigators seized an estimated $3.7 million in Home Depot property and $800,000 in what they described as "dirty money" from alleged money laundering operations. Surveillance footage shown by officials captured suspects in action, including one who allegedly climbed around security measures when Home Depot placed high-value items behind cages and on higher shelves. Ventura County Sheriff Office - PHOTO: The operation led to the arrest and criminal charges filed against nine defendants in connection with the largest Home Depot theft case in the country. "This wasn't shoplifting. It was a criminal enterprise that allegedly stole millions of dollars, and it was finally stopped here in Ventura County," Erik Nasarenko, the county's district attorney, said in a press conference Tuesday. Home Depot Regional Asset Protection Manager Darlene Hermosillo emphasized that organized retail crime affects more than just profits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's about protecting the well-being and safety of our customers, our associates and the communities in which we serve," she said in a press conference Tuesday. The investigation was funded through a state grant program targeting organized retail theft. All defendants remain in custody and pleaded not guilty. -ABC News' Alyssa Pone contributed to this report. SCOTLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW) A 15-year-old boy was hospitalized Sunday and remains in serious condition and a man is facing charges after the boy was mauled by five dogs in Scotland County. Joshua Morton was charged with four counts of dangerous dogs at large and was given a $250,000 bond, Major Roger Alford said. The boy has undergone hours of surgery and is heavily sedated. The incident happened on Sneads Grove Road when the boy, Maison Adner, was on a bicycle with his 11-year-old cousin, according to Adners aunt. His cousin was able to chase the dogs away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alford says three of the dogs are in custody but two of them are still at large. News13s Shelby Martin will have a full report in our afternoon newscasts. * * * 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. * * * Shelby Martin is a multimedia journalist who joined the News13 team in May 2025. Shelby is from Orange County, California, and graduated in 2023 from California State University, Fullerton. You can 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Nineteen people have been arrested in connection with a Washington drug trafficking ring linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, authorities announced Monday. Over the last three weeks, authorities have been working to dismantle the drug trafficking ring, which distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin throughout western Washington. According to the Drug Enforcement Agency in Seattle, the alleged drug traffickers transported narcotics from Mexico through California, and at times used a semi-truck to haul huge loads of narcotics up the coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thank you for having us: Star of Portland-filmed Netflix drama shouts out Rose City Authorities said the drug deals occurred as far north as Whidbey Island and Arlington and as far south as Tacoma and Lacey. This Sinaloa Cartel-affiliated drug trafficking group brought misery and death to our community, said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. The work of DEA and our partners seized hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl from this group that could have yielded a staggering 6.9 million lethal doses. This fentanyl could have killed everyone living in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. The entire Puget Sound region is safer without the Camargo Banuelos brothers poisoning our communities. This indictment names not only the redistributors in the Western District of Washington, but also the brothers in Mexico who profited by spreading their poisons and addiction in the Pacific Northwest, said Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. We will work with DOJs Office of International Affairs to hold all the conspirators accountable here in the U.S. and abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indian boarding school survivors share stories in Portland According to court documents, the drug ring is led by 31-year-old Rosario Abel Joaquin, Carmargo Banuelos and his brother, 24-year-old Francisco Fernando Carmargo Banuelos, who are based in the Sinaloa area of Mexico. Throughout 2023 and 2024, undercover agents seized large shipments of drugs, including 95 kilos of meth and more than 41 kilos of fentanyl in October 2023. Authorities arrested 19 people for their alleged role in a Washington drug trafficking ring tied to the Sinaloa cartel distributing meth, fentanyl and cocaine (Courtesy DEA Seattle). Authorities arrested 19 people for their alleged role in a Washington drug trafficking ring tied to the Sinaloa cartel distributing meth, fentanyl and cocaine (Courtesy DEA Seattle). Authorities arrested 19 people for their alleged role in a Washington drug trafficking ring tied to the Sinaloa cartel distributing meth, fentanyl and cocaine. Law enforcement found a brick of cocaine during a search (Courtesy DEA Seattle). Authorities arrested 19 people for their alleged role in a Washington drug trafficking ring tied to the Sinaloa cartel distributing meth, fentanyl and cocaine. Law enforcement seized 11 guns (Courtesy DEA Seattle). Authorities arrested 19 people for their alleged role in a Washington drug trafficking ring tied to the Sinaloa cartel distributing meth, fentanyl and cocaine. Law enforcement seized over $340,000 during the arrests (Courtesy DEA Seattle). During the investigation, authorities learned that large loads of drugs were being transported by a co-conspirator, 44-year-old Isabel Villarreal Zapien, who is a truck driver from Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zapien was arrested on state charges in January 2024 and is now charged in a federal indictment. This investigation exemplifies the success achievable through effective interagency collaboration and coordination, said Homeland Security Investigations Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge Colin Jackson. HSI remains firmly committed to combating the dangerous networks responsible for importing deadly narcotics into the United States. These indictments highlight our dedication to holding these individuals accountable. Authorities noted that five of the defendants are charged with firearms violations including carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime or illegally possessing a firearm because of their previous criminal history or immigration status. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest Four other defendants were arrested at the takedown in early August in connection with serving multiple search warrants bringing the total number of defendants in this case to 19. During the arrests on August 4, 2025, law enforcement seized seven pistols, three rifles, nine kilograms of meth, more than five kilograms of fentanyl, nearly four kilograms of cocaine and more than one kilogram of heroin. Authorities also seized more than $342,000 in suspected drug trafficking proceeds. The investigation also led authorities to seize a significant number of narcotics before the coordinated arrests in August, including approximately 465 pounds of meth, about 269 pounds of fentanyl, 23 pounds of cocaine and about 6.4 pounds of heroin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also seized over $309,000 in assets and 11 other guns. Thirteen defendants are in custody while six are being sought by law enforcement, DEA Seattle said, noting the defendants face significant prison time, with some defendants facing a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Beijing upgraded its emergency response for flood control from Level III to Level II at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, warning of citywide downpours, according to local meteorological authorities. From Tuesday night to Wednesday night, some areas could receive over 70 mm of rain within six hours or more than 100 mm within 24 hours, said the Beijing meteorological observatory. The observatory issued an orange alert for rainstorms citywide at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday -- while red alerts have been issued for the suburban districts of Fangshan, Mentougou, Huairou, Changping and Yanqing. As of 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, the city's water and meteorological authorities jointly issued orange warnings for mountain torrents, noting that the districts of Fangshan, Mentougou, Changping, Yanqing and Haidian are all at high risk of mountain torrents, while mountainous areas in other regions of the city face a relatively high possibility of mountain torrents. Lei Lei, chief forecaster at the observatory, said the rainfall process is expected to have a long duration, large cumulative rainfall and a wide impact range. Daytime on Wednesday will be the main precipitation period, adversely affecting morning and evening commutes. The public is advised to stay away from dangerous areas such as mountains and river channels, suspend outdoor activities in mountains and waters, and take precautions against mountain torrents, as well as to refrain from being under or near tall buildings, billboards, temporary structures and large trees -- as strong winds will accompany the rainfall. On Tuesday afternoon, Beijing's neighboring province of Hebei also issued an orange alert for rainstorms from Tuesday night to Wednesday night, and initiated a Level III emergency response for flood control. In certain areas, rainfall could reach up to 200 mm and strong winds will occur, the Hebei meteorological observatory warned. China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. The national emergency response system also has four tiers, with Level I being the highest. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Two people from a day care in Blount County have been arrested, one charged with torturing a 1-year-old girl while the other was charged with not reporting it to the police. Police arrested Christa Castleberry and Elizabeth Payne on Monday after a report had been made about a child who has been abused at the Blessings by Day day care in Cleveland. Castleberry was a worker at the day care, while Payne was the manager of the location. Alabama beauty queen charged in overseas murder-for-hire plot wont go to trial until 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, the child was abused Aug. 20 after Castleberry, 26, allegedly pushed her head into a cot four times, hurting her eye. Payne, 29, is charged with failing to report the victims injury to police. Castleberry and Payne were arrested Monday. Both have since been released from the Blount County Jail, Castleberry on $15,000 bond and Payne on $1,000 bond. Blessings by Day has two other locations in Oneonta and Blountsville. The case will be presented to a grand jury Oct. 27. The case is under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. NEED TO KNOW Two people are dead and another person is missing after Hurricane Erin passed by the United States The storm has already killed nine people after hitting the Cape Verde Islands as a tropical storm The storm became a Category 1 hurricane on Friday, Aug. 15 and intensified into a Category 5 storm by the next day Two people are dead and another person is missing after Hurricane Erin passed by the United States last week. Although the storm never made landfall, it did make an impact on the East Coast, causing dangerous currents. One of the two victims who died was 59-year-old Ishmoile Mohammed, who was visiting Sailors Haven in the Fire Island National Seashore in Suffolk County from South Carolina when he was caught in a strong rip current on Saturday, Aug. 23, according to the Associated Press and the New Haven Register. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said lifeguards were able to pull him from the water, but that the man later died at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore. On Sunday, Aug. 24, a 17-year-old boy died after he was pulled away by a fierce ocean current while swimming at Hampton Beach, the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol said in a news release. The boy's dad attempted to go into the water and save his son, but became "distressed" himself. And in Massachusetts, police are looking for a man in his 50s who disappeared after his boat capsized off the coast os Salisbury Beach on Saturday, according to the AP. Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty The last passenger ferry leaving Oak Bluffs navigates increasing waves and wind due to Hurricane Erin traveling up the Atlantic coast on August 20, 2025, in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. The last passenger ferry leaving Oak Bluffs navigates increasing waves and wind due to Hurricane Erin traveling up the Atlantic coast on August 20, 2025, in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. Erin was the first named hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1 and runs through November 30. The storm earned its name upon becoming a tropical storm on Monday, Aug. 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm first impacted the Cape Verde Islands on Tuesday, Aug. 12, causing nine deaths and displacing 1,500 people, according to Reuters. By Friday, Aug. 15, the storm had intensified into a hurricane. One day later, the storm rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm before dropping to a Category 3 by Sunday, Aug. 17. On Monday, Aug. 18, the storm restrengthened into a Category 4 storm. At the time, tropical storm warnings were issued for Turks and Caicos and southeastern portions of the Bahamas, according to the NHC. Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty rews work at the scene where trees and power lines went down as the effects from Hurricane Erin impact Karl Street in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, United States on August 21, 2025. rews work at the scene where trees and power lines went down as the effects from Hurricane Erin impact Karl Street in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, United States on August 21, 2025. Evacuations were ordered for the Outer Banks of North Carolina, according to the Associated Press. The area experienced tropical storm-force winds, dangerous surf and coastal flooding beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 19. 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 storm eventually passed by the northeast and went out to sea, where it eventually dissipated. But the storm whipped up rip currents and high surf as it churned off the East Coast. Read the original article on People ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4) Utah health officials have confirmed two new cases of measles in children in Southwest Utah, bringing the total number of cases in Utah for this year to 13 cases. According to the Southwest Utah Public Health Department (SUPHD), both of these new cases are school-aged children who live in Washington County. Reportedly, the schools have notified parents by email about the exposure, providing information and guidance. I wasnt super concerned. We believe in vaccinations. And so I dont know, it was just kind of like, oh, thats good to know, said Carly Mcdonald, one of the notified parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know, we live in a country where everybody is entitled to their own opinion and the way they raise their children. And I support that for everybody. But I also think its really important to be informed from proper resources. Mcdonald also said, Or if you have questions to talk to your doctor, your provider, I dont think theres anything wrong with questions. I think the more informed we can be, the better. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released information about the exposure location so that anyone who may have been exposed can be informed. Anyone who was at Corner Clinic Urgent Care & Family Medicine (2351 S River Rd, Suite 5 in St. George) on August 9 between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. needs to watch out for measles-like symptoms. Common measles symptoms include high fever, cough, and a rash. Measles is a serious disease that can have serious complications including hospitalization and death. For every thousand cases, there are one to three people who lose their lives to measles. And so even though most people will be OK if you get the disease, there is the risk of complications, especially to kids, including things like seizures, pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness, said David Heaton, with SUPHD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHHS also has a survey for anyone who was at that clinic at that date and time to fill out to assess their risk. The last day to watch for symptoms is August 30. All previous cases in Utah were in unvaccinated individuals, though the vaccination status of the two new cases are unknown at this time. SUPHD says the best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine. Heaton told ABC4, Generally, this is an opportunity for us to get the message out to parents make sure youre updated on those vaccines. This is a vaccine thats been around a while. Its proven safe and effective. One of the most effective vaccines we have. Getting vaccinated According to DHHS, 90% of Utahns are vaccinated against measles and are urging those who are not vaccinated to get the MMR vaccine. Utah State Epidemiologist Leisha Nolan says that the most effective prevention against the measles is vaccination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of July 1, 2025, a total of 1,267 confirmed measles cases were reported by 37 jurisdictions in the United States, according to the latest information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to a study conducted by the DHHS, immunization rates with specific vaccines have decreased amongst kindergarteners throughout Utah since 2014. Amelia Salmanson, a measles epidemiologist with the DHHS, told ABC4.com that anyone who is exhibiting measles symptoms or is sick should do their best to stay home and away from others. They can also call ahead when seeking care so clinics can prevent spread in their waiting rooms. What is measles? Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through the air through coughing and sneezing. The CDC said those infected wont see symptoms appear until about a week after infection, and common symptoms include high fever, cough, and a rash. Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Measles can cause serious health complications, especially for those who are not protected through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline. They then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet. Measles in Utah Utah has largely been spared from measles cases in the last 10 years. There have only been five confirmed cases since 2015, including three in 2017. However, Utah has had a couple of scares in recent months after a passenger with measles traveled through the Salt Lake. While the national definition considers three or more cases as an outbreak, Utah defines an outbreak as one or more case. However, since most cases have been isolated within individual households, the DHHS is using the term Cluster. Amelia Salmanson notes that the organization has been preparing for measles in Utah for at least a year and have been working to reduce measles transmission outside of the identified households. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve been working really closely with our local health departments and our clinical partners to develop plans and processes to ensure that the transmission of measles stays ideally within kind of that immediate group, Amelia Salmanson, DHHS measles epidemiologist said. 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. Drug manufacturers have have sued North Dakota over a new law that will require them to sell more medication at a discount, arguing that it violates the U.S. Constitution and will harm their profits. (Photo by Mint Images/Getty Images) Three pharmaceutical groups have sued North Dakota in federal court over a new law that aims to stop pharmaceutical companies from limiting hospitals access to discount drugs. The law, House Bill 1473, makes it a class B misdemeanor for manufacturers to adopt policies that deny, restrict, prohibit, or otherwise interfere with pharmacies ability to obtain and dispense medication on behalf of hospitals participating in a federal program for low-income Americans known as 340B. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 340B program was created by Congress in 1992 to bring down health care costs for poor communities. Under the program, drug companies offer discounted products to qualifying hospitals and other medical facilities. Drug manufacturers that are part of Medicaid must participate in 340B. Some supporters of the 340B program feel federal law doesnt go far enough to protect patients and hospitals access to discount drugs. Lawmakers introduced House Bill 1473 earlier this year to address these perceived shortcomings. According to testimony on the bill, some drug manufacturers have adopted policies to limit how many pharmacies can participate in the program. Representatives of North Dakota hospitals say this has harmed their ability to get discounted drugs to their patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drug manufacturers have sued the state over the law, arguing that it violates the U.S. Constitution and will harm their profits. The first of the three lawsuits challenging House Bill 1473 was filed in April by drug manufacturer AbbVie less than a week after Gov. Kelly Armstrong signed it into law. Another manufacturer, AstraZeneca, and an industry association, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, filed additional suits earlier this month. According to North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley, states that have passed similar laws are also facing lawsuits from drug companies. This was anticipated when the legislation passed, said Wrigley, whose office is in charge of defending the law in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the claims in the three lawsuits overlap. All of the cases allege that the state law violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by encroaching on federal regulations. The pharmaceutical groups say that when Congress designed the 340B program, it intended for drug companies to be able to adopt the kinds of policies that House Bill 1473 outlaws. While 340B requires participating manufacturers to sell their medication at a discount, the companies can still require hospitals to abide by additional conditions to access those products, the plaintiffs claim. The groups also argue that pharmacies and hospitals are the ones enriching themselves off the 340B program, not drug manufacturers. They say that many hospitals and pharmacies use 340B to purchase medication at a discount, only to turn around and sell it to patients at full price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AbbVie and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America also allege that the law violates the constitution by attempting to regulate business in other states. Some North Dakota hospitals get drugs from out-of-state pharmacies, which in turn get their supply from out-of-state pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, the suits brought by AbbVie and AstraZeneca claim that House Bill 1473 violates the companies Fifth Amendment rights by forcing them to sell their property to a private party. All three court cases are still in their early stages. The state has only filed an answer in the AbbVie lawsuit. In the filing, attorneys for North Dakota denied all of AbbVies claims that the law is unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The penalty for a class B misdemeanor is 30 days in jail, a maximum fine of $1,500, or both. The North Dakota Board of Pharmacy can also impose civil penalties on violators, according to testimony on the bill. In legislative hearings, proponents of the bill said 340B is an essential program for many North Dakota communities. The program reduces costs for low-income patients and allows hospitals to provide a wider range of services, they said. Rep. Jon Nelson, a Rugby Republican and the bill sponsor, in testimony on House Bill 1473 called 340B a lifeblood to rural hospitals. North Dakota Monitor reporter Mary Steurer can be reached at msteurer@northdakotamonitor.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Two police officers were killed and another seriously wounded in a shooting Tuesday at a property in a rural part of Australia. The gunman remained at large as police scoured a vast remote area. The shooting occurred in midmorning when 10 armed police officers tried to execute a search warrant at a property in Porepunkah, a town of just over 1,000 people in Victoria state 200 miles northeast of Melbourne. The suspect killed a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable, Victoria's Chief Commissioner of Police Mike Bush told reporters at a news conference in the nearby city of Wangaratta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers "were met by the offender and they were murdered in cold blood," Bush said. The man fled alone, on foot and heavily armed into surrounding forest where hundreds of officers were still searching for him, the police chief said. Bush would not divulge what the warrant related to and wouldn't confirm the man's name or believed motivations. Officers were also seeking the man's wife and two children, whose whereabouts were unknown. Another detective was shot and was undergoing surgery Tuesday night, Bush said. The man's injuries were not life threatening. Australian media, including The Age newspaper, said the suspect was 56-year-old Dezi Freeman, describing him as a radicalized conspiracy theorist who had expressed hatred for the police. Freeman was a self-professed "sovereign citizen," the paper said, referring to a movement that falsely believes it is not subject to laws passed by the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a 2024 hearing to appeal his suspended driver's license, Freeman told a court that "even the sight of a cop or a cop car it's like an Auschwitz survivor seeing a Nazi soldier," the Sydney Morning Herald reported. "We urge the public in and around the township of Porepunkah to remain indoors until further notice," police said in a statement. Police wait near the scene of a shooting in the high country of Porepunkah in the state of Victoria, Australia, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. / Credit: Simon Dallinger/AAP Image via AP Public buildings and the nearby airfield were closed. The local school of just over 100 students was in lockdown for hours before students were allowed to go home. "Eerie feeling of dread" As darkness fell, the massive manhunt continued. Television reports showed helicopters and police dogs in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Porepunkah, known for its vineyards and scenic vistas, is a gateway to Victoria's alpine tourist region. Members of Victoria's police union were stricken by a "shocking and eerie feeling of dread," said Police Association Victoria Secretary Wayne Gatt. "Police stations have fallen silent in Victoria when we were first notified." Alpine Shire Mayor Sarah Nicholas said it had been a day of "deep sorrow and shock" for the community. "We are grieving together, and we will continue to support one another with compassion and care," she said in a video message on social media, her voice breaking with emotion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last police officer to be shot and killed on duty in the country was in 2023 in South Australia state, according to the National Police Memorial website. In 2022, two officers were shot dead by Christian extremists at a rural property in Queensland state. The three shooters, conspiracy theorists who hated the police, were shot and killed by officers after a six-hour siege in the region of Wieambilla. Such episodes prompt national news coverage because shooting deaths in Australia are rare. A 1996 massacre in the Tasmanian town of Port Arthur, where a lone gunman killed 35 people, prompted the government to drastically tighten gun laws and made it much more difficult for Australians to acquire firearms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video shows armed National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. Details on Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce engagement announcement Feds tell states to enforce English requirement for truck drivers, threaten to pull funding WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Two police officers were killed and another seriously wounded in a shooting Tuesday at a property in a rural part of Australia. The gunman remained at large as police scoured a vast remote area. The shooting occurred in midmorning when 10 armed police officers tried to execute a search warrant at a property in Porepunkah, a town of just over 1,000 people in Victoria state 320 kilometers (200 miles) northeast of Melbourne. The suspect killed a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable, Victorias Chief Commissioner of Police Mike Bush told reporters at a news conference in the nearby city of Wangaratta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers were met by the offender and they were murdered in cold blood, Bush said. The man fled alone, on foot and heavily armed into surrounding forest where hundreds of officers were still searching for him, the police chief said. Bush would not divulge what the warrant related to and wouldnt confirm the mans name or believed motivations. Officers were also seeking the mans wife and two children, whose whereabouts were unknown. Another detective was shot and was undergoing surgery Tuesday night, Bush said. The mans injuries were not life threatening. Police urged residents to stay indoors and told the public not to travel to the area. Public buildings and the nearby airfield were closed. The local school of just over 100 students was in lockdown for hours before students were allowed to go home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As darkness fell, the massive manhunt continued. Television reports showed helicopters and police dogs in the area. Porepunkah, known for its vineyards and scenic vistas, is a gateway to Victorias alpine tourist region. Members of Victorias police union were stricken by a shocking and eerie feeling of dread," said Police Association Victoria Secretary Wayne Gatt. Police stations have fallen silent in Victoria when we were first notified. The last police officer to be shot and killed on duty in the country was in 2023 in South Australia state, according to the National Police Memorial website. In 2022, two officers were shot dead by Christian extremists at a rural property in Queensland state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three shooters, conspiracy theorists who hated the police, were shot and killed by officers after a six-hour siege in the region of Wieambilla. Such episodes prompt national news coverage because shooting deaths in Australia are rare. A 1996 massacre in the Tasmanian town of Port Arthur, where a lone gunman killed 35 people, prompted the government to drastically tighten gun laws and made it much more difficult for Australians to acquire firearms. Hurricane Katrina was a terrifying experience for more than a million people affected across the Gulf Coast region. Nearly 1,400 people died, most of them in New Orleans and 20 years later, some communities are still struggling to recover. The National Hurricane Center says the costliest hurricane in U.S. history more than $201 billion based on the 2024 Consumer Price Index adjusted cost caused widespread flood damage across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. On Dauphin Island, Alabama, the barrier island town's west end beach was severed during Katrina. A 1.5 mile-wide gap was left behind. More than 300 homes were destroyed on the island, and for many of those homes, the land on which they stood was permanently washed away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Hurricane Katrina made landfall on Aug. 29, 2005, Dauphin Island has been shrinking and moving even more from additional storms and sea level rise. The island is now facing a dire existential crisis. Images of Dauphin Island from 2004, 2005 and 2008 shows the shrinking barrier island in Alabama. Mayor Jeff Collier never imagined storms, big or small, would batter the island so hard. Some residents are still paying property taxes on lots that are now under Gulf waters vacationers frequently swimming over top of them. "This area here is where most of those underwater lots are," Collier said as he took a CBS News crew on a tour of Dauphin Island. "There are probably 50 lots in this stretch of the island." Some residents' homes are sitting in perilous positions, their pilings now situated well into the Gulf. The homes are still technically livable vacationers even renting them out this summer but Collier says it's only a matter of time before another storm wipes out more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last 20 years, the town has rebuilt some of its white sand beaches. Last year, on the island's east end, the town was able to use Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill settlement money on a beach erosion project to push Gulf waters back about 350 to 400 feet, according to the mayor. But on a barrier island like Dauphin, constant maintenance is critical. Jillian Fairbanks visits the island frequently and has seen the erosion first-hand over time. "Just about a year later, I can already tell that the sand has eroded, I'd say 30 meters or so at least," Fairbanks said. "It was still a shock to see that happen already in one year." Her parents have lived there for 13 years. She says they've advocated for beach restoration projects for years to protect the town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's more calm, laid back, peaceful," Fairbanks said. "I'll come here as long as it's here." Images show how Hurricane Katrina eroded the beach on Dauphin Island. / Credit: USGS It will take millions of dollars from several grant sources to preserve what's left, and Collier says that's the biggest challenge. Dauphin Island is planning to use more oil spill settlement money to help pay for another beach restoration project for the island's west end, which will cost $60 million. The mayor is still pursuing additional funding sources to make the project possible. He's also utilizing help from an Environmental Protection Agency grant to upgrade the town's stormwater runoff systems to help mitigate street flooding during storms, even low-grade ones. As of April, Collier says the town had already spent more than $420,000 on the $1.2 million project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because these projects need continuous upkeep and oversight, Collier sought help from a special FEMA program. He said a grant for a $250,000 project would help the town hire an engineering and design firm to create a specialized disaster mitigation plan. The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant, or BRIC, includes investments in state planning and capacity building, such as $2 million in Alabama to support statewide building code implementation costs, according to Derrick Hiebert, who oversaw the program. He served as assistant administrator for the Hazard Mitigation Directorate at FEMA for the last two years. "We selected over 1,900 projects. FEMA selected over 1,900 projects worth nearly $5 billion," Hiebert said. "This included $150 million over three grants to improve three canal basins in South Florida that are plagued by flooding." The West End of Dauphin Island. He added the BRIC program was also funding a massive flooding mitigation project in Washington state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The North Shore Levy $80 million in federal funding to a community that has suffered significant economic disruption in recent years," he said. "It was going to protect 3,100 homes and businesses, removing them from the FEMA-designated floodplain and reducing risk in that community." Hiebert said it also helped some other western communities with wildfire mitigation efforts and was first established with bipartisan support. "It was established during the first Trump administration, after the passage of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, and it helped solve several long-standing challenges with local governments," Hiebert said. Against Hiebert's wishes, the Trump administration's FEMA canceled the program in April, calling it "wasteful and ineffective." In another announcement, the agency said BRIC resulted in a "lack of concrete results." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hiebert said he supports any administration's ability to "evolve and adapt" and he doesn't see changes to FEMA as a bad thing, but he believes the cancellation of such projects is "devastating" to the places that need them. "If the administration wants to change FEMA, or change the BRIC program to something different that looks a little different, that's the prerogative. That's good," he said. "These communities that were expecting these funds, that were counting on these funds for these real large-scale infrastructure projects, what hurts me the most is to know that some of them, or many of them, may not get built, and that these risks ... don't have another place to turn to address these risks." A heron walks along the West End of Dauphin Island. Hiebert said he quit his position in June, two months after the program was scrapped. A group of 20 states last month sued the Trump administration, seeking to block what they say was an illegal termination of BRIC. In response to the lawsuit, a FEMA spokesperson told CBS News that resiliency is a priority for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA. "But over the last four years the Biden Administration used the BRIC program as a piggy bank for its green new deal agenda," the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FEMA data shows the cut impacted nearly 700 projects at a cost of $3.6 billion. A CBS News investigation found that the recent BRIC funding cuts have disproportionately affected counties that supported Mr. Trump in the 2024 election. The elimination of the BRIC program also especially deprives vulnerable communities across the Southeast, the CBS News data analysis found. Earlier this month, a federal judge temporarily blocked the BRIC funding reallocation, arguing the transfer could lead to "irreparable harm" to flood-prone areas. Meanwhile, Collier says he has not heard any word from the federal government about next steps. "We're kind of in a limbo situation right now waiting to see what comes out of that," Collier said. CBS News reached out to FEMA for a comment, but has not received a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collier said if it comes down to it, he will pursue paying for the hazard mitigation plan out of pocket. "Of course, it's nicer when you have grant funds to work with, but at the same time, this is such a critically important thing that we need. ... If we can't get the funding elsewhere, you know, we just have to just deal with it ourselves," Collier said. "So, one way or the other, we're going to get our plan in place." Time is something Dauphin Island cannot afford. Even without a major hurricane, the beach is expected to continue washing away. Asked what keeps him up at night, Collier said, "just the fact that we know additional hurricanes will eventually hit this area ... knowing that there's a clock ticking, that we only have a certain length of time in order to make differences and changes on the island before the next one hits." Video shows armed National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. Why a judge blocked Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation to Uganda Democrats rally at DNC summer meeting WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Monday marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina first made landfall. On August 25, 2005, Katrina made landfall in southern Florida, cutting across the coast and then re-entering the Gulf of Mexico. It strengthened to a Category 5 storm, making landfall 3 days later over Louisiana, becoming one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in American history. It drew attention from all over the country, including in Kansas. In the immediate days following the storms arrival in Louisiana, dozens of supply trucks left the Air Capitol for The Big Easy. Many attempted the trip, despite treacherous conditions, for professional or personal reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We could still see the helicopters that were doing search and rescue trips, former chief photojournalist for KSN News, Kevin Stebral, said. Stebral left for New Orleans just days after its levees broke, submerging over 80% of the city in water. He was on assignment, following the first of many supply trucks filled by a collaboration between KSN and Dillons. We thought it would be good for people who had donated money and supplies to actually see where their donations and their money actually went, Stebral said. He journeyed by car, truck and boat, arriving after over 24 hours of travel. He was part of a wave of journalists, volunteers and family members making the trek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They lost everything. In that area right there, they took a direct hit, Robert Bunner, who had family in the disaster zone, said. VIDEO: Waterspout spotted off Florida beach Bunners, at the time, 7-year-old daughter had recently moved to Gautier, Mississippi, with her mother. The town was largely isolated as roads flooded and powerlines came down, so Bunner made it his mission to carve out relief where he could. [My daughters] school and everything was wiped out, it was pretty close to the ocean, so, you know, anything close to the ocean was wiped out, Bunner said. Still hundreds of miles from his destination, the scope was already clear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a pretty powerful, you know, thats hitting 400 miles inland, youre still getting pretty significant damage, he said. I seen tugboats and big ocean liners that were washed up on the beach already. After more than 48 hours, he finally arrived in his daughters neighborhood. Which homes were spared was seemingly random. She lit up like a lightbulb, he said. I had a big old smile on my face and, you know, she realized when she looked up that there it is, her dad, I made it to her. Bunner couldnt stay long. After a few hours, he and his daughter packed up and headed back to Kansas. The rest of his family was left with care packages of food, water, and other supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane Katrina caused an estimated 1,833 deaths and approximately $108 billion in damage. Adjusted for inflation, the damage would be approximately $178,644,055,299.54. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. HONOLULU (KHON2) On Aug. 25, Attorney General Anne Lopez marked the 40th year since 6-year-old Maile Gilbert was abducted and murdered on Oahu, which launched Hawaiis Maile Amber Alert system 20 years ago. Why Hawaiis Silver Alert isnt saving vulnerable adults yet The Maile Amber Alert has been used a total of five times since then, with each activation resulting in the safe recovery of the abducted child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maile Amber is an acronym for Minor Abducted In Life-Threatening Emergency/Americas Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response. It is a partnership between the four county police departments, the Hawaii Department of the Attorney Generals Missing Child Center-Hawaii (MCCH), the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Hawaii Department of Transportation and local broadcasters. As we reflect on Mailes life and the two decades of progress since the Maile Amber Alerts establishment, we renew our collective commitment to vigilance, prevention and the safety of every child in Hawaii, said Lopez. The success of this system is the result of the collaboration among law enforcement, state agencies, media and the public uniting for the safety of our children. Mailes legacy continues to save lives. The system is designed to mobilize the community through light-up highway signs, broadcast and device-based alerts, which aid law enforcement in their efforts to locate children and their abductors. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Forty years ago, my parents went through a tragedy that no parent should ever have to face, said Mindy Gilbert, Maile Gilberts surviving sister. Twenty years ago, when asked if Mailes name could be used for the states missing child alert system, they did not hesitate to say yes. Gilbert added, The alert is an important resource for the police departments, and it is our familys hope that it is used to help keep other families from going through what we did by getting pertinent information to the public as quickly as possible so that everyone is helping to save a childs life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every second counts when a child is abducted, said Amanda Leonard, MCCH Coordinator who oversees the states Maile Amber Alert program. The community plays a truly critical role in the success of the Maile Amber Alert system. We urge the public to please keep emergency alerts activated on your cell phone in the event that we need community assistance to locate and protect a child at serious risk. Check out more news from around Hawaii Anyone with information regarding missing children or the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact their local police department or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) City clerks urge voters to know where to vote and what to bring before arriving at the polls Tuesday. Municipal elections are one of the most important elections to vote for, said Mountain Brook City Clerk Heather Richards. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Whether this is your first time voting in your citys election or youre a lifelong municipal voter, double check where to vote because some cities have changed their district map or polling locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama child contracts measles, marking first case in state since 2002 Below is a list of some of the municipal elections happening in the Birmingham area. Click on your city to find where to vote: Some cities did not have polling locations listed directly on their website. If you cant find election information on your citys website, you can find that information on the Alabama secretary of states website. All voters must bring an Alabama state-issued ID. That can be a driver license, non-driver license or boater license, Richards 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 CBS 42. UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- For the first time in 10 months, an aid convoy made it to the Dilling region in Sudan's South Kordofan state with life-saving supplies, UN humanitarians said on Monday. The convoy of the UN Children's Fund will then be headed to the state capital of Kadugli, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). OCHA said the supplies will benefit more than 120,000 vulnerable people in Dilling and Kadugli, where humanitarian needs have reached catastrophic levels and communities have been under siege for months. However, the humanitarian office said that violence continues to escalate in North Darfur state. The International Organization for Migration estimated that insecurity forced about 1,000 people to flee the famine-stricken Abu Shouk displacement camp on the outskirts of the besieged state capital of El Fasher on Tuesday and Wednesday. OCHA said Abu Shouk, hit in several deadly attacks in recent weeks, suffered reported abductions of women and young children in recent days. There are also reports of a new wave of violence in El Fasher itself, including an artillery shelling of the main functioning hospital. The humanitarian office expressed grave concern over the worsening nutrition crisis in Melit, North Darfur. A recent survey by Relief International found that one in three children is acutely malnourished, putting thousands of children under 5 at imminent risk of severe illness, developmental complications and death. Melit is the same area where a World Food Programme aid convoy was attacked last week while trying to offload supplies. "The United Nations and its partners remain committed to providing life-saving support to people as access allows," OCHA said, adding that "insecurity, logistical challenges and severe underfunding continue to hamper" the efforts. The office called on all parties to "respect international humanitarian law, ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers, and prioritize the protection of civilians." COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) Upstate voters had the opportunity to hear from two Republican gubernatorial candidates, Attorney General Alan Wilson and U.S. Representative Nancy Mace, as they campaigned in Greenville and Laurens counties. Both candidates outlined their plans for the state if elected, addressing packed venues in their respective events. Both highlighted similar goals, if elected. Tax cuts and unnecessary spending. Nancy Maces event, billed as the Mother of All Town Halls, focused on education, tax cuts, and crime. She proposed freezing spending at the 2023 fiscal year level and providing permanent tax cuts for revenue above that level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My plan would be to take the 2023 fiscal year just a year and a half ago, to freeze that level of spending when the revenues come in and the general fund at about $11.6 million, and then for every dollar above that in revenue that comes into the state, you would then get a permanent tax cut, Mace said. Alan Wilson, speaking at the Freedom BBQ in Laurens County, stated, Im going to eliminate the income tax. Were going to do South Carolina, meaning were going to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse at the school district level, the municipal level, county level, state agencies. Views on education. If you cannot read or write by the third grade, you are automatically mandated to be held back, said Mace, during her event in Greenville County. They assign a reading mentor to that child. That child is also required to read 90 minutes a day at school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilson said, I believe that we need to bring back phonics. Reading and math comprehension to kids. We need to pay for work when theyre three or four years old. Wilson emphasized infrastructure improvements, including roads, bridges, and the energy grid. He also discussed educational reforms such as reintroducing phonics and math comprehension for young children. Mace talked about her views on crime. Im going to give a voice to everybody whos been wronged, and I am on a mission to root out corruption. I am on a mission to root out crime, she said. During her speech, Mace was interrupted by a protester questioning her stance on immigration, highlighting the contentious nature of the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to Mace and Wilson, three other Republicans are vying for the gubernatorial nomination: U.S. Representative Ralph Norman, State Senator Josh Kimbrell, and Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. The general election for governor is scheduled for November 3, 2026, with candidates continuing to campaign across the state to secure their partys nomination. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) After a gun fell through a mans pant leg in 2023 at the St. Paul Rodeo which was connected to a deadly Salem shooting days earlier a man has been sentenced for his role in the incident. On Monday, Marion County Circuit Court Judge Jodie A. Bureta sentenced 21-year-old Michael Ray Solis to 25 years in the Oregon Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole for first-degree manslaughter and unlawful use of a firearm. The case goes back to July 1, 2023, when Salem police responded to reports of a shooting at 7 p.m. near the intersection of 17th Street and Silverton Road Northeast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 100 street racers zig-zag through Portland On the scene, first responders said 34-year-old Steven Hill died from a gunshot wound. The Marion County District Attorneys Office said witnesses described seeing three men running from the area, with surveillance video nearby confirming witness accounts. Police identified Solis as one of the people present at the shooting, with witnesses later identifying Solis as the shooter, authorities said, noting Solis eventually admitted to the shooting. Gov. Kotek signs energy affordability bills, reiterates sanctuary laws Investigators determined there was no prior known relationship between Solis and Hill. However, Solis was associated with the 18th street gang, while Hill had tattoos affiliated with a Native American, but often rival, gang, the Marion County District Attorneys Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three days later, Solis was arrested at the St. Paul Rodeo for his involvement in a fight, officials said. During the arrest as Solis and a Marion County sheriffs deputy walked toward a patrol vehicle a handgun fell from Solis pant leg, authorities said, adding that the gun was later determined to be the same gun used to shoot Hill days earlier. Solis was released at the time, but arrested on July 17, 2023, after law enforcement had sufficient information to charge Solis for Hills death. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest The Marion County District Attorneys Office noted in Oregon, felony trial convictions can be appealed to higher courts, such as the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Oregon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sentences and convictions are often overturned, or reduced, the District Attorneys Office explained, noting, By reaching a resolution that avoids a lengthy appeal process and costly trial, the DAs office ensures a certain and final outcome for the victims family. This resolution was reached at the request of the victims family. Although Solis was initially charged with murder, the familys priority was a guaranteed conviction that would not be overturned on appeal, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy. I know they did not reach their decision lightly. This sentence ensures the same minimum incarceration length as murder and acknowledges Mr. Solis taking accountability for his actions. Most importantly, it provides Mr. Hills loved ones with a measure of justice and peace. The defendant will serve 25 years in prison with no chance of parole, bringing certainty to the family and a safer community. Murphy added, But for the relentless work of Salem Detective Stuart Gamble and the other detectives at Salem Police, I am convinced this case would have remained unresolved. Salem is lucky to have one of the best police departments I know of. District Attorney Paige Clarkson echoed, Marion County is fortunate to have such diligent law enforcement investigators and partners. Through their work, we were able to provide the family with some sense of justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 21-year-old Syrian has been rearrested and is now in pre-trial detention suspected of having been significantly involved in the knife attack on a young US man in the eastern German city of Dresden. The man, who has been detained since Tuesday, is thought to have injured the 20-year-old US citizen on a tram "with a dangerous object," the Dresden public prosecutor's office said. The statement referred to a knife attack. The suspect is accused of causing grievous bodily harm. The search for a second suspect has so far been unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 21-year-old was initially arrested shortly after the crime. However, the public prosecutor's office released him at the time because, in their view, there were no grounds for detention. For tactical reasons, the Dresden public prosecutor's office and the Dresden police department did not want to comment further on the status of the investigation. Victim of attack had wanted to protect women The US citizen, who had recently completed training as a paramedic, was injured in the face during the attack on Saturday night and remains in hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening. The attack occurred when the man intervened to prevent two men from harassing women on the tram, police said. He was attacked by one of the two perpetrators, who then fled. Fundraiser for victim receives great response The man's family have set up a fundraiser to support his medical costs, noting he now faces a challenging recovery - physically, emotionally and financially. By Tuesday afternoon, more than $50,000 had been raised. This amounted to about three-quarters of the fundraising goal. The money collected via the online platform GoFundMe is intended to cover medical expenses and ongoing care. 25 Investigates: Canton mom speaks out after 10 days in immigration detention For the first time since being detained by immigration officials, a Canton mother is speaking publicly about her experience. 25 Investigates first reported last week that despite living legally in the U.S., Jemmy Jimenez-Rosa was detained at Logan International Airport when returning from a family vacation in Mexico earlier this month. In an interview youll see only on Boston 25 News, she said she is still recovering emotionally and physically but chose to speak out for those who cannot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am. Im a sister, Im a daughter, I am a wife, she said. Im just a regular person, said Jemmy Jimenez Rosa. But the Canton mom suddenly found herself at the center of the national immigration debate. I didnt really think anything was gonna happen to me because Ive traveled before. I traveled multiple times, Jimenez-Rosa told Boston 25 Investigates. On August 11, Jemmy, her husband, and their three young daughters flew back to Logan from a family trip to Mexico. Jimenez-Rosa came to the U.S. legally from Peru at age nine. She is a lawful permanent resident with a Green Card that was just renewed this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the family reached Customs, an officer pulled her aside for additional questioning. They were like, well, do you want to go say goodbye? I was what do you mean goodbye? Jimenez-Rosa said. Immigration officers raised a decades-old misdemeanor marijuana possession conviction. At that moment, she realized she wasnt going home that night. My mind right now is just kind of like, Im gonna say goodbye to my kids. Im not going to see them again, like, whats happening? I just start thinking the worst, she recalled. Jimenez-Rosa says she spent the next four nights at Logan Airport, without access to a shower, a phone call, or even the knowledge that her husband had already hired an attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a cell, no windows, its just four walls, a toilet, a little sink, a bench, she said. I felt alone, scared. 25 Investigates has been pressing federal officials for answers. Customs and Border Protection referred Boston 25 News back to a statement they issued last week: 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. While in custody, Jimenez-Rosa said she suffered uncontrolled anxiety attacks that spiked her blood pressure and twice landed her in the hospital. She said she did not have access to her prescribed medication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After four nights at Logan, she was transferred to an ICE facility in Burlington. From there, she was moved again this time to a county jail in Maine that had space for female immigration detainees. In the meantime, her attorney went before a judge in Roxbury District Court and successfully argued to have her old conviction tossed out, saying Jimenez-Rosa did not have proper legal counsel at the time. Two days later, ICE released her 10 days after officers at Logan told her to say goodbye to her children. My concern right now is trying to get back to normal and just make sure my kids are okay, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked how she would summarize those 10 days in detention, Jimenez-Rosa didnt hesitate: Hell. That was Hell for me. I dont wish what happened to me being my worst enemy, she said. She added: They need to have a better system. This is not okay, because theyre ruining peoples life. Theyre separating mothers from their kids. Jimenez-Rosa said she is sharing her story for a larger purpose. Im doing it for the people that cant speak for themselves, she said. If they took time to listen to the people that are inside and hear their stories, they dont deserve to be there, a lot of them dont. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW 25 Investigates: Why Massachusetts is retraining teachers to help kids learn to read Hundreds of Massachusetts teachers went to back to school this summer. They participated in training to enhance how they teach young students to read. Throughout the year, 25 Investigates has been telling you about the reading crisis in our state. State leaders are investing millions of dollars into solutions. We asked to see that investment, firsthand. 25 Investigates was there in early August when hundreds of teachers spent four days in Mansfield in literacy instruction training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today weve got 300 teachers representing 84 districts across the state learning the basis of evidence-based early literacy instruction, said Patrick Tutwiler, Massachusetts Secretary of Education. The trainings, that fully funded by the state, were dubbed Literacy Launch Institute and are just part of Massachusetts efforts to improve literacy skills for students statewide. As reported by 25 Investigates first in February a national report revealed that 60% of Massachusetts 4th graders were reading below grade level, with even higher percentages among Black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students. The trainings targeted educators in grades Kindergarten through 3rd. Tutwiler says its crucial to target those students in the youngest grades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there are challenges between that period of time, its much easier to fix those challenges as they go forward, Tutwiler said. The Literacy Launch Institute aims to equip educators with the confidence and tools to reach all students, emphasizing the importance of early intervention. Massachusetts-based HILL for Literacy ran the workshops. Participating schools are eligible for additional support throughout the school year. Lisa Maucione, a teacher in Dartmouth Public Schools, told 25 Investigates that teachers are eager to learn the best ways to help their students, highlighting the need for effective reading instruction preparation. Teachers want this knowledge, Maucione said. They want to the best ways to help their students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not lost on Stephanie Grimaldi, an education professor at Westfield State University. We have an issue. We do a great job for many students. We dont do a job for all students yet, Grimaldi said. With the states investment in teacher training and tutoring programs, Massachusetts aims to ensure all students receive effective reading instruction. In addition to the professional development for teachers, the state is helping districts purchase high quality and structural material. The state is also introducing high dosage tutoring in 272 elementary schools, targeting 10,000 students in the first year to provide tailored instruction for struggling students. Thats tailored instruction for struggling students for 15 minutes a day over a week. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW ELKHART Three subjects face charges after police responded to a report of gunshots near an elementary school last week. Brayan Reyes Alvarado, 20, was charged with criminal recklessness with a firearm after police responded to a report of gunshots being fired outside a south Elkhart residence. In addition to the Level 6 felony he faces a misdemeanor count of illegal alcohol consumption by a minor. He was booked in the Elkhart County Correctional Facility on $5,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also arrested for illegal alcohol consumption was Marcos Mejia Martinez, 18, and a 17-year-old juvenile. Police said the three male subjects were given a portable breath test and that Reyes Alvarado produced a BAC of .016, Mejia Martinez a .040 and the 17-year-old a .077. Another 17-year-old, who did not show evidence of alcohol consumption, was released from the scene. According to court documents: Elkhart officers responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Richmond Street on Aug. 20 after a resident reported seeing someone fire a gun in the air. Security footage showed five men standing in the roadway as a silver Mustang approached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man who was later identified as Reyes Alvarado, based on his hair and clothing, was recorded retrieving a handgun from a blue Honda Civic, according to police. He could then be seen standing in the roadway and firing the gun in the air four times. He appeared to be shooting to the southeast, in the direction of Mary Beck Elementary School, according to police. The men got into a vehicle and left the area before police arrived. But officers soon found four sujbjects in a blue Honda CR-V who parked in the driveway of a nearby residence and spoke with them. After arresting three of the subjects and releasing the fourth, police searched the Honda CR-V with the permission of the vehicle owner. They say they found a black Glock 29 chambered in 10mm ammunition hidden under a pair of leggings in the back of the vehicle. Police also searched a Honda Civic for which Reyes Alvarado allegedly had the key, and say they found a box of 10mm ammunition. UNCASVILLE, Conn. (WTNH) Three lucky guests won life-changing jackpots last week at Mohegan Sun, according to a press release by the casino. Connecticut Lottery: How many people have won $1 million or more so far in 2025? Within four days, three people won more than $1.3 million combined. On Wednesday, Aug. 20, a guest won $484,961 when they hit the Super 4 Royal Flush Progressive Jackpot at a blackjack table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Aug. 22, Michael C. and Stephanie C. were visiting the casino from Lake Grove, New York when they spun a $338,662 jackpot on an IGT Wheel of Fortune Gold Spin slot machine. On Saturday, Aug. 23, a lucky Connecticut resident won $519,009 while playing an Aristocrat Buffalo Diamond slot machine. Congratulations to the lucky winners! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tacoma Mall continues to grow its store roster as it gets ready for its major Village expansion to open this fall. Additionally, one store is taking another run at a grand opening this week complete with its in-demand toy. New stores now slated for the main mall building as coming soon include Garage and Perfumania (not to be confused with the existing Parfumerie) as well as new restaurants and retail planned for The Village at Tacoma Mall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garage, a clothing store which last week submitted plan revisions to the city, will be next to Sephora. Perfumanias start date for construction is next month, according to its permit filing. The store sells discount designer brand perfumes. It will be between Zales and GNC across from GameStop. A media representative for the mall told The News Tribune last month via email that Garage and Perfumania were slated for fall openings. Another new store, Shoe Palace, is expected to begin construction early next year, according to its permit filing with the city of Tacoma. It has a store at South Hill Mall in Puyallup (its first Washington state location) as well as a store at Westfield Southcenter mall in Tukwila. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Permits also have been filed regarding upgrades and remodeling for the main Tacoma Mall building, 4502 S. Steele St., in a project its owner Simon real estate investment trust has called a multimillion-dollar revitalization. The Village at Tacoma Mall will include Daves Hot Chicken, Shake Shack, Supreme Dumplings, Simply Thai restaurant, Happy Lamb Hot Pot, Gong Cha bubble tea and Taco Street as well as a furniture showroom for Lovesac. The development has been planned to debut in October. Updated opening information was not immediately available on Monday. Labubu alert Pop Mart, which opened in July but had to reschedule its grand opening due to a Labubu doll shortage, is now advertising its grand opening celebration for Aug. 30. The mall opens at 10 a.m. According to a posting on the malls website, The line will start at Pop Marts location inside the mall between Helzberg Diamonds and Dairy Queen. The best entrance to use is between Kizuki Ramen and Jamba Juice. The U.S. Coast Guard on Monday offloaded a record-setting 38 tons of cocaine and marijuana valued at around $470 million at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale that the agency said it intercepted during multiple patrols in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea over the summer. The 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of marijuana was the largest narcotics offload in the Coast Guards history, the agency said. A U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton crew member plastic wraps drugs during an offload of approximately 76,140 pounds of illegal narcotics at Port Everglades Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. To put this into perspective, the potential 23 million lethal doses of cocaine seized by the U.S. Coast Guard and our partners, are enough to fatally overdose the entire population of the state of Florida, underscoring the immense threat posed by transnational drug trafficking to our nation, Rear Adm. Adam Chamie, Coast Guard Southeast District commander, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Coast Guard wasnt alone in the joint task force mission. Also taking part in the patrols were the U.S. Navy, U.S. Customs and Border Protections Air and Marine Operations and a ship from the Royal Netherlands Navy. But, most of the 19 interdictions at sea were done by sailors from the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton, the ship that brought the contraband back home Monday. Team Hamilton with our partners, worked incredibly hard the last several months to safeguard the American public from the dangers of illicit narcotics entering the United States, Capt. John B. McWhite, commanding officer of the 418-foot ship. The crew interdicted 11 go-fast vessels, detained 34 suspected drug traffickers, and seized a record 47,000 pounds of cocaine. The commitment and sacrifice of our deployed service members and their families, who forego time together for the protection of our Nation, are to be celebrated. U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 408 crew interdicts a suspicious vessel about 87 miles north of Bonaire, June 30, 2025. The crew of the Navs USS Cole provided support during the interdiction, resulting in the seizure of approximately 2,425 pounds of cocaine, according to the Coast Guard. Some of the most notable interdictions, according to the agency: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 26, aircrews spotted two speed boats about 115 miles southeast of the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. After a Coast Guard helicopter forced them to stop using airborne use of force tactics, meaning either shooting out the vessels engines or firing rounds across their bows, the boats stopped, the agency said. Boarding teams seized 8,800 pounds of cocaine, the Coast Guard said. On July 23, a Hamilton based helicopter crew went after a speed boat under way about 88 miles southeast of Socorro Island, Mexico. The crew again used tactics to stop it. A boarding team then raided the boat, which was hauling 9,160 pouds of cocaine, the Coast Guard said. On Aug. 18, the Navys USS Minneapolis Saint Pauls boarding team raided a speed boat about 130 miles sourh of Jamaica. The boats cargo was 6,425 pounds of cocaine, according to the Coast Guard. U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 404 crew interdicts a suspicious vessel approximately 52 miles north of Carabobo, Venezuela, Aug. 2, 2025. The crew of Royal Netherlands Navys HNLMS Friesland and an embarked Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron aircrew provided tactical support during the interdiction, resulting in the seizure of 3,618 pounds of marijuana, according to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard noted in its announcement that 80 percent of illegal drugs stopped from coming into the U.S. are intercepted on the high seas. The patrol in the Eastern Pacific is part of an ongoing Coast Guard-led mission called Operation Pacific Viper aimed at stopping South American-based cocaine smuggling efforts. PARIS, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The French foreign ministry summoned U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner on Monday following his accusations that France was not doing enough to combat antisemitism. However, according to French television channel TV5 Monde, it was the charge d'affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Paris who met with officials at the French foreign ministry on Monday, as Kushner was not in Paris. The charge d'affaires was informed that Kushner's remarks "constituted interference in France's internal affairs and presented an assessment that did not reflect reality," TV5 Monde reported, citing a diplomatic source. The French foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday evening that Kushner had recently expressed concern about the rise of antisemitism in France in a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron and accused the government of not taking sufficient action to address it. The ministry said it firmly refuted the accusations. "They violate international law, particularly the obligation not to interfere in the internal affairs of states, as provided for in the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," the ministry said. NEED TO KNOW Four Filipino Carnival Sunshine cruise workers were accused of child sex abuse once their ship docked in Norfolk, Va., on Sunday, Aug. 17 The three men and one woman, who denied the allegations, were then detained at the Decker Half Moone Cruise Center by the Customs and Border Protection The next day, they were taken to the nearby airport and deported out of the country Four Filipino cruise workers were deported after they were taken into custody on Sunday, Aug. 17, after their ship docked in Norfolk, Va. The four employees included one male restaurant steward, one male laundry attendant, one male deckhand and a female 3rd officer on the ship, Sookyung Oh, executive director of the Hamkae Center, said, per The Virginian-Pilot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The four were accused of being in a group chat that had some links to child pornography, but they weren't shown any evidence of it, Aquilina Soriano Versoza, executive director of the Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California, said, per The Virginian Pilot. All of the workers absolutely denied having anything to do with child pornography. No one has been charged with any crimes, Soriano Versoza said. Advocacy groups said that the four crewmembers, who were not allowed access to legal counsel, were told they must sign deportation paperwork or face the potential of a $250,000 fine or jail time. As a result, their valid C1/D visas were revoked, and they were subjected to a 10-year ban, Soriano Versoza said. Soriano Versoza told The Virginian-Pilot that when the crew members applied for their visas and jobs, they all went through background checks, and each has a clean background and no criminal records. She also said they participated in orientations warning about child sex abuse images and opening unrecognizable computer links. Stephen Katz/The Virginian-Pilot/Tribune News Service via Getty The Carnival Sunrise as seen departing from Nauticus' Decker Half Moone Cruise Center on April 29, 2019 The Carnival Sunrise as seen departing from Nauticus' Decker Half Moone Cruise Center on April 29, 2019 After U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents arrived at the cruise ship port on Aug. 17, they transported the four detainees to the Delta Hotels near Norfolk International Airport. The next day, they were driven to the airport and deported from the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBP confirmed the enforcement. The federal agency said the crew members were found inadmissible and were denied entry to the United States as part of ongoing cruise vessel operations where we enforce immigration law, per 13News Now. We really think that this is a part of CBP trying to reach the quotas that is being put on them by the administration, but they are not responding to us, Soriano Versoza said, per WHRO. They are deported with this accusation hanging over them but no due process to clear their names, she said, per The Virginian Pilot. They are having their valid visas revoked on accusations alone. These are the latest cruise employees apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk. In 2025, 28 people were deported after being detained at the Virginia port, according to the advocacy groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is a law enforcement matter that involves the entire shipping and cruise industry. We cant speak for others, but we always cooperate with law enforcement investigations, a Carnival Cruise Line representative said in a statement to PEOPLE. Getty US Customs and Border Protection form to fill out US Customs and Border Protection form to fill out On July 20, Soriano Versoza told The Virginian-Pilot that 21 Carnival Cruise Line employees in total had been detained during different raids beginning in April. Like those on Aug. 17, they were "falsely accused" of possession of child sex abuse and were denied due process, she said. In July, U.S. Rep. Robert C. Bobby Scott, whose district includes Norfolk, issued the following statement. "It is unclear based on press reports why these recently deported seafarers were targeted. Especially, whether for each individual detained, if there was probable cause that they had committed a crime, he continued. Our nation was founded on the fundamental principles of due process. Under our Constitution, everyone is entitled to due process regardless of citizenship or immigration status. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. A representative for Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for more information on Monday. Read the original article on People GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Another Coast Guard rescue mission shows just how quickly conditions on Lake Michigan can change. A helicopter crew from the Traverse City Air Station was summoned to the Frankfort North Pier late Sunday night after four people became trapped by the rising waves. News 8 affiliate UpNorthLive reports that two fishermen, along with a 14-year-old girl and her dad were trapped toward the end of the pier after waves picked up and made it too dangerous to return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frankfort Police Chief Mark Ketz told UpNorthLive that the lighthouse is approximately 1,800 feet from shore and that the direction of the wind and the waves shifted within 20 minutes. The wave height didnt change, but the amount of waves that were crashing over the pier and amount of water that was actually coming over the top of and onto the surface of the pier increased dramatically, Ketz said. The Coast Guard crew measured the sea spray at roughly 30 feet. The helicopter pulled as low as safely possible approximately 10 feet above the spire of the lighthouse and lifted the four people to safety. Ketz said multiple rescue plans were discussed, but officials on scene determined the safest way was to call in the Coast Guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They could have waited and it could have been even later at night, the weather could (have) gotten even worse, Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Ray told UpNorthLive. So, it was good that they called when they did. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. (Courtesy: DeKalb Co. Schools) (Courtesy: DeKalb Co. Schools) DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) A brand-new Career Technical Education Facility is headed to DeKalb County. DeKalb County Schools was awarded $18 million through the Alabama Career and Technical Education (CTE) Facilities Grant Program. The grant funding will assist officials in building a state-of-the-art career technical education facility that will serve students from across DeKalb County. Superintendent Wayne Lyles expressed his gratitude for the support, noting the transformative impact this funding will have on students and the community: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This grant represents a historic investment in the future of our students and our regional workforce. Career Technical Education opens doors to high-demand, high-wage careers. With this new facility, we will be better equipped than ever to provide the skills and certifications our students need to succeed. This project will not only strengthen our schools but also support economic growth across Northeast Alabama. The new facility will replace the current DeKalb County Technology Center, which has served students for more than 50 years. According to DeKalb County School, enrollment at the center has more than doubled in recent years, rising from 401 students in 2021 to a current enrollment of 832 students for the 2026 school year. The new facility will offer innovative programs such as cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and business with multi-media marketing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the facility will also house the DeKalb Fine Arts Academy, which is expected to expand and provide an 800-seat auditorium-style theatre for productions. The new 95,000 square-feet Career Technical Education Facility is estimated to cost around $40 million, and will be located on a 42-acre tract of land within the Rainsville Industrial Park. DCS added that the location will be safer for bus and student transportation efforts. Fort Payne City Schools also partnered with DeKalb County Schools for this project. According to DeKalb County Schools Superintendent, Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter played a key role in creating funding for supporting career and technical education in our state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter represents Alabamas 24th House district, which includes parts of DeKalb County. There is no word on when construction will begin. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 search warrant for an animal cruelty investigation connected to Geralyn Serino, who was or is currently the president of Lost Paws Animal Rescue in New Jersey, was executed on Aug. 18 Amid the search, authorities found 37 cats and eight dogs in "horrific condition" in Serino's possession Their living conditions were "sickening," and they were found "in cages with like eight or nine inches of feces" with no food or water, Animal Alliance founder Annie Trinkle said The president of a New Jersey animal shelter was allegedly keeping 45 animals in deplorable conditions in her Annandale, N.J., home on Monday, Aug. 18. On Thursday, Aug. 21, Geralyn Serino, who was or is currently the president of Lost Paws Animal Rescue, was being issued a warrant for animal cruelty allegations by Hunterdon County law enforcement, per News 12. Upon their arrival, the authorities discovered and seized 45 animals from Serinos home. (Serino was listed as the home's owner on property tax records and the president of the animal shelter in IRS documents obtained by the local news station.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were 37 cats and eight dogs; of those animals rescued, seven were transported for immediate veterinary treatment by Crown Veterinary Specialists, per the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office news release. PEOPLE reached out to Lost Paws Animal Rescue for comment. Getty Stock image of a veterinarian at work in the veterinary clinic caring for a black cat. Stock image of a veterinarian at work in the veterinary clinic caring for a black cat. "There was a lot of concern they saw the animals that she had for adoption were in horrific condition," Annie Trinkle, founder and executive director of Animal Alliance, told My Central New Jersey. Trinkle was on-site when the search warrant was executed. Many rescued today were in dire condition. It was sickening. Animals in cages with like eight or nine inches of feces. No litter. No food. No water, she continued of the "deplorable conditions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were filthy dirty. Some had eyes sealed shut with disease. Just very, very bad." Trinkle added, "It's a very complex situation for people in animal welfare to deal with, because here's someone that's running an animal rescue group and these animals it was tantamount to cruelty, the conditions they were living in." The remaining animals were taken to various shelters, including Tabby's Place, Somerset Regional and Animal Alliance. Tabbys Places director of operations, Danielle Rice, told News 12, It is very difficult seeing cats in these conditions, particularly from an organization that was set up to help cats in this type of situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These cats are still under quarantine, Rice said. Were treating them for upper respiratory infections, diarrhea, malnutrition and dehydration. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact either the prosecutors office at 908-788-1129 or the Franklin Township Police Department at 908-785-9594. Information can also be provided through the Hunterdon County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-321-0010. All anonymous reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential. Read the original article on People HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Holmes County Sheriffs officials have been working for more than a week to sort out a large fight that broke out on August 17 at Lake Cassidy. Deputies responded to reports of dozens of people gathered at the waters, fists flying, people yelling, and even shots fired into the air. Sheriff John Tate says both groups, one from Alabama and the other from Walton County, were involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group from Alabama started to insinuate a fight and attacked one of the victims; that fight led to the video yall saw on social media, Sheriff John Tate said. Authorities working to identify suspects in Lake Cassidy brawl Investigators say the group first met at the Wagon Wheel bar in DeFuniak Springs, before heading to Lake Cassidy. The reason for the fight remains unclear, though a witness told deputies it may have been over a girl. Individual here is Robert Williams. This is kind of what started the fight. This is basically the first punch that was thrown, but Robert Lee Williams is a 27-year-old black male from Geneva, Alabama, Tate said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators have identified four other people they say played major roles in the brawl. Brian Silas is charged with battery, attempted murder, aggravated battery, and affray. Myniko Harrison is facing felony battery and affray. Zachary Windham is accused of battery, improper exhibition of a firearm, discharging a firearm in public, and affray. Lajavis Silas, along with Robert Williams, is charged with battery and affray. Some of the individuals are already on probation or have had previous charges. The sheriffs office says theyve reached out to all five individuals, but so far none have returned calls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tate says they will track down those individuals and hold them accountable. They may not be the only ones. 4 illegal immigrants arrested in Washington County traffic stop He interviewed 19, 20 people involved in this case. And things may change; its still an ongoing investigation. He still got people to interview and people to locate. And there may be some more charges coming forth in this incident, other than what weve got so far. But you know, it takes time, Tate added. Despite the chaos and what appeared to be some severe beatings, none of the victims went to the hospital. Investigators believe others may have also been involved and are asking anyone with information to come forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW A 5-year-old girl is in the hospital in a critical condition after being swept into a storm drain in Sarasota, Florida The accident happened around 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug 24, when the break caused water flow to increase and drag the child into the drain A neighbor told ABC7, "We are really praying, just really devastated for the [little girl's] family, but really praying for a miracle" A girl, 5, is in critical condition after being swept into a storm drain in Florida. The incident occurred following a water main break on Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota, at around 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, according to reporting from ABC 7, Fox13 News, and Tampa Bay 28. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police told the outlets that a water main broke east of Honore Avenue near Sarasota Christian School, near to where the child had been playing, beside a culvert. The break caused water flow to increase, and the girl was pulled into the drain by the strong current. Emergency services found the girl in the drainage system about 100 yards west of where she had been dragged in, per ABC 7. She was then transported the girl to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Sarasota County Fire Department responded to a rescue in the 5400 block of Bahia Vista St. The call came in around 6:14 p.m., Sunday. Aug. 24. One patient was rescued and transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, the Sarasota County Emergency Service said in a statement to PEOPLE. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Sarasota County Government Facebook A large hole after a water main break on Bahia Vista Street on Sunday, Aug. 24 A large hole after a water main break on Bahia Vista Street on Sunday, Aug. 24 Sarasota County Fire Department Assistant Chief Tim Dorsey told ABC7 this was a "high-risk" rescue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Theres a tremendous amount of risk and danger, he added. Dorsey noted that the rescue crew was "quickly" able to find the girl after they planned out a search area. He said they then started resuscitative efforts and transported the child to a local hospital. "They happened to all be in station, right place, right time. They were there very quickly," Dorsey said of the firefighters, per Fox13 News. The case is currently being investigated by the Sarasota County Sheriffs Office, according to Fox13 News and ABC7. An anonymous neighbor said that the first she knew of the accident was hearing "people talking and shouting." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I heard that one of the neighbors little girls was playing in the water and got swept down," she added to the outlet. I cant fathom what they are going through right now. We are really praying, just really devastated for the family, but really praying for a miracle. My daughter is actually [a] friend of hers, and she asked if we would want to play in the water with them, the neighbor continued. And they would have, if they hadnt been going to Grandmas. Just devastating. Getty Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice, Florida, USA Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice, Florida, USA Another neighbor, Tom McGee, revealed that his doorbell camera captured the emergency responders' arrival. "I saw the ambulance come up with a stretcher, and they went to where the water main break was, and then they all went running down the street," he told Fox13 News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A large hole was left in the road following the incident, per the outlet, with road crews repairing the damage on Monday. On Sunday, the Sarasota County (FL) Sheriff's Office confirmed on Facebook that part of Bahia Vista St had been reopened; however, they urged "caution when traveling near this area. There is currently a road closure due to a water main break in the 5400 block of Bahia Vista St. Sarasota County Public Works is currently on site addressing the issue, they continued. Bahia Vista St. will be closed East and Westbound between Honore Ave. and Arcadia Ave. until further notice. Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route. PEOPLE has contacted the Sarasota County (FL) Sheriff's Office for further comment, but did not immediately receive a response. Read the original article on People $50 a week for 40 weeks: How no-strings cash changed the lives of teens NEW ORLEANS Kapri Clark used the $50 to help pay for her braces. Lyrik Grant saved half of it and used the rest for dance classes. Kevin Jackson said he squandered the cash on wings, ride shares for dates, and some DJ equipment he later tossed. For the past five years, Clark, Grant, Jackson, and hundreds of high schoolers in New Orleans have shopped or saved as part of a project to explore what happens if you give cash directly to young people, no strings attached. That was the most helpful thing ever, said Clark, now a student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, who said she could still use that extra cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $50 study, as its known, began at Rooted School, a local charter school, as an experiment to increase attendance. The study has since grown to eight other high schools in the city, as well as Rooteds sister campus in Indianapolis, with students randomly selected to receive $50 every week for 40 weeks, or $2,000 total. By comparing their spending and savings habits to a larger control group, researchers wanted to figure out whether the money improved a teens financial capability and perception of themselves. They also wanted to know: Could the cash boost their grade-point averages and reading scores? Now, as the experiment expands to Washington, D.C., and perhaps Texas, a final report of the $50 study suggests a little bit of spending cash can make a difference in young peoples lives. The report, released Tuesday, shows students who received the cash payments were slightly more likely to attend school than those who didnt. Academic performance did not differ between the groups. But financially, the extra cash helped students acquire stronger long-term planning skills and familiarity with savings accounts and other financial products, The Hechinger Report explains. They ended the study, on average, with $300 saved away a 15% savings rate, triple the national average for American adults. When young people are given the opportunity to manage money in low-stakes environments, they build the habits that shape long-term financial health, said Stacia West, an associate professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and co-founder of the Center for Guaranteed Income Research, which partnered with the Rooted School Foundation to run the study. The short-term habits were seeing are laying the foundation for lifelong financial capability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the United States and the globe, hundreds of communities have tinkered with some form of universal basic income, or UBI, a social welfare program that provides people with regular cash payments to meet their needs. Direct cash transfer programs like the $50 study or the child tax credit for families are similar, but they often provide smaller amounts and target specific populations to boost a persons income. Many studies have linked UBI to financial stability and better employment and health outcomes. In the U.S. and Canada, researchers have found links between cash transfer pilots that focus on low-income families and better test scores and graduation rates for their kids. So far, though, few experiments have targeted young people or examined how the programs influence their lives specifically. Theres a deep, deep distrust that we adults have of young people, said Jonathan Johnson, CEO of the Rooted School Foundation, which operates the networks four charter schools. That distrust is to their detriment. In New Orleans, roughly four in five of Rooted students come from economically disadvantaged families, and during the pandemic, many struggled to prioritize school. Some students skipped class to provide child care for their working parents, or because they needed to work themselves, according to Johnson. With some seed funding from a local education nonprofit, Rooted started a micropilot to test whether cash could help students make ends meet and get themselves to school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original cohort included 20 students, half of whom received the $50 payment. In that micropilot, those receiving the cash saw their material well-being improve, meaning their family could more easily afford rent or utilities, and they gained skills around setting financial goals. Rooted added students from its Indianapolis campus and another high school in New Orleans, G.W. Carver. And for their final report released this week, researchers sifted through the spending and survey data from 170 students who received the cash payments and 210 students who did not. The two-year report found students in the treatment group attended 1.23 more days of school, and spent close to half their funds on essentials like food and groceries. The report also noted that 70% of all students at the participating schools qualify for subsidized meals, suggesting this spending may reflect efforts to meet immediate nutritional needs. One 12th grader in a survey mentioned using the money to feed their siblings. Kapri Clark recalled waiting every Wednesday morning for the $50 deposit to appear in her banking app. And every Wednesday afternoon, during her senior year at Carver High School, she put that money toward her $200 bill for braces she covered out of pocket. She braided hair to cover the rest, and still books clients when she has time in between her studies to become a nurse at the Lafayette campus. Even in college, Clark can see the need for some supplemental income for herself and her peers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I make enough to take care of myself, but I watch every dollar, said Clark. Theres a lot of people struggling in life to eat, to live. Think if they got kids. Read Irvin, chief of staff for Collegiate Academies in New Orleans, a network of five charter high schools that includes Carver High, said the $2,000 had provided the extra incentive a few students needed to stick it out until graduation. Thats incredibly impactful for their life trajectories, she said. In January 2024, the city of New Orleans invested $1 million to bankroll another extension of the study, as part of an economic mobility initiative that tapped federal Covid relief funding. During the pandemic, a skyrocketing murder rate and spike in overall crime had convinced the city to help more residents, especially young people, find stability. Research shows that people who are economically stable are less likely to commit crime, said Courtney Wong, the citys deputy director of economic development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city funding not only expanded the $50 study to nine high schools, it also set a longer timeline for the research: About 800 seniors who participate will have their data tracked for 18 months after their graduation. A former high school teacher and administrator, Wong said $50 could have made a difference in the lives of many of her former students. This targets young people in that perfect moment, she said. Theyre in the right spot where even a little amount of help could have big, positive impacts before issues of crime or unemployment or things like that even come up. Researchers also found students who received the $50 reported greater agency. They felt more control over their finances and more confidence about making long-term financial decisions. Students, according to the report, aligned their spending to future goals such as college prep classes and getting a drivers license. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lyrik Grant, a rising junior at Carver High School, is the second-youngest of six kids with two working parents. She could ask them for help, but the $50 allowed Grant to afford the tights and tops she needed for dance class on her own. The money helped cover a college entrance exam, which she aced, and Grant wants to learn how to drive soon. My first thought was: What am I going to do with all this money? Grant said, adding that the cash helped some of her classmates find financial stability. Children dont always want to spend their parents money, and some parents dont always have money to give them. Still, for some students, the money wasnt exactly life-changing. Irvin of Collegiate Academies said many used the cash to just be teenagers. That was true for Kevin Jackson, a rising junior at Rooted School New Orleans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its cool to get free money, he said. I was spending it on the TikTok shop: posters, keyboards, lights stuff I liked, not stuff I actually needed. Despite the studies that show a positive impact from UBI, many Americans appear skeptical of the idea of a federal program that gives unconditional financial support to people. Aditi Vasan, a pediatrician and researcher at PolicyLab at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, said skeptics often worry about recipients using public dollars for drug use or other illicit behavior, even though the data does not support that. Still, that fear will likely keep any large-scale cash transfer program from being adopted in the United States any time soon, she said. That concern exists certainly for cash transfers in general but might be particularly magnified for teens, Vasan said. Weve not seen that play out in the evidence from the quality studies that have been done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next year, in Washington, D.C., the nonprofit Education Forward will fund a pilot of the $50 study with 40 high schoolers. The Rooted school network resumed talks, meanwhile, to take the study to neighboring Texas, after state lawmakers earlier this year failed to pass legislation that threatened to ban local governments from adopting guaranteed income programs. Talia Livneh, senior director of programs for the Rooted School Foundation, said the politics may need to catch up to the research. I dont think what were doing is so radical. I believe this just works, she said. Kids dont lack character. They lack cash, Livneh added. They deserve deep, deep trust that students and people know whats best for them. Its been four years since Vernell Cheneau III received the $50 for 40 weeks while a student at Rooted in New Orleans, and his economic life isnt easy. He struggled for months to find part-time work in his hometown. But on a recent summer morning, the same day he finally received a job offer, Cheneau recalled what he learned from the study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You learn that money goes fast, especially if its free, said Cheneau, 22. As a student, he tried to use the money to build some credit history. Since then, hes learned the full cost of being an adult in America: health care, fuel, and maintenance for his car, getting your hair done before a new job. Cheneau has also spent that time trying to convince friends and family to support UBI. Most oppose giving free money to people, he said. How much does it cost to feed children? Get to work? We cant just allow people to drown. Everything costs something, Cheneau added. If youre stuck in a rut, its expensive to restart. In this country, its expensive to be poor. This story was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education, and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. CRITTENDEN COUNTY, Ark. Lanes on Interstate 55 are open after a police incident involving a semi-truck driving the wrong way on the Mississippi Bridge near West Memphis. Traffic officials have not released additional information on the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. NEED TO KNOW 59-yearold Richard Michael "Mike" Robinson of The Dalles, Ore., had been arrested in Colorado and identified as a person of interest" following the discovery of human remains in Oregon last month The remains of He Kiki Meihong were found inside a storage box in a storage unit on West 6th Street in The Dalles, Ore.," on July 29, per authorities Meihong was last seen in Glenwood, Wash., on May 25 when her fiance dropped her off to go fishing with her friends, according to a missing person poster shared by police A man has been arrested following the discovery of human remains in Oregon last month. On Monday, Aug. 25, the City of The Dalles Police Department revealed in a press release that 59-yearold Richard Michael "Mike" Robinson of The Dalles, Ore., had been arrested in Colorado and identified as a person of interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This came after the remains of He Kiki Meihong were found inside a storage box in a storage unit on West 6th Street in The Dalles, Ore.," on July 29. While the release stated she was 20 years old, a missing person post by officials noted that she was 39. Human remains were located and transported to the Oregon Medical Examiners office in Clackamas for autopsy and identification, authorities said. They added that Meihong was a resident of the Mid-Columbia area and originally from China. Her next of kin have been informed of her death. City of The Dalles Police Department Richard Michael Robinson Richard Michael Robinson Meihong was last seen in Glenwood, Wash., on May 25 when her fiance dropped her off to go fishing with her friends, according to a missing person poster shared by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PEOPLE reached out to the City of The Dalles Police Department for further comment, but they did not immediately respond. The post stated that she lived in Butte, Mont., but had been staying with her partner. Since the discovery of the remains, detectives have been working collaboratively on leads and following up on tips, authorities continued in their statement. A person of interest was developed and follow-up investigation was completed in California, Washington, Utah, Nevada and Colorado. City of The Dalles Police Department He Meihong He Meihong 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 release added that Robinson, "who also spent time in Klickitat County, Washington," was arrested on a warrant for failure to register as a sex offender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is currently in the Larimer County Jail, after which he will be relocated to Oregon, according to authorities. The investigation remains ongoing with authorities asking individuals with information to contact The Dalles Police Department at 541-296-2613 or 541-296-2233, send an email to Policecontact@ci.the-dalles.or.us or report online at The Dalles Police on Tip 411. Read the original article on People ALBERTVILLE, Ala (WHNT) The Albertville Police Department said it has arrested six men as part of a child exploitation sting operation. APD said the arrests come from a multi-day undercover operation with the Covenant Rescue Group targeting child exploitation. The department said the following were arrested and charged with traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeremy Andrew Cockrell, 24, Wellington, AL Hernan Flores Ramirez, 25, Huntsville, AL Charles Allen Parker, 44, Jacksonville, AL Salvador Ramirez Resendiz, 23, Huntsville, AL Dustin Shane Sims, 44, Boaz, AL Roberto Salvador, 43, Boaz, AL APD said the arrests were made after an undercover operation where suspects engaged in online communication with people they believed to be minors. The men were arrested after they arranged to meet the undercover officers, according to authorities. Each man was taken to the Marshall County Jail and is being held on a $1,000,000 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 WHNT.com. A visitor explore the models of a small telegraph transmitter and a hand-cranked motor used by Xinhua News Agency during its years in the revolutionary base of Yan'an, a city in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, at an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. China's national news agency, Xinhua, on Tuesday opened an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The exhibition, opened at the National Financial Information Center in Beijing, features more than 140 photographs, wartime relics, and over 10 works of painting and sculpture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's national news agency, Xinhua, on Tuesday opened an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The exhibition, opened at the National Financial Information Center in Beijing, features more than 140 photographs, wartime relics, and over 10 works of painting and sculpture. Liu Jian, vice president of Xinhua News Agency, said that Xinhua will continue to document the tireless endeavors of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people, and the historic transformations of the great era. The exhibition is jointly organized by the Xinhua News Agency Art Gallery and some other Xinhua affiliates, with support from the Agricultural Bank of China. In addition to the main display in Beijing, several satellite exhibitions will be held in Shanghai and Nanjing, among other venues. A visitor views exhibits at an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. China's national news agency, Xinhua, on Tuesday opened an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The exhibition, opened at the National Financial Information Center in Beijing, features more than 140 photographs, wartime relics, and over 10 works of painting and sculpture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) People visit an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. China's national news agency, Xinhua, on Tuesday opened an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The exhibition, opened at the National Financial Information Center in Beijing, features more than 140 photographs, wartime relics, and over 10 works of painting and sculpture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) A visitor views a sculpture of the Canadian surgeon Norman Bethune, who led his medical team to China in 1938 to help Chinese people fight against Japanese invaders and sacrificed his life in November 1939, at an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. China's national news agency, Xinhua, on Tuesday opened an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The exhibition, opened at the National Financial Information Center in Beijing, features more than 140 photographs, wartime relics, and over 10 works of painting and sculpture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) People visit an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. China's national news agency, Xinhua, on Tuesday opened an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The exhibition, opened at the National Financial Information Center in Beijing, features more than 140 photographs, wartime relics, and over 10 works of painting and sculpture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) A visitor views an exhibit at an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. China's national news agency, Xinhua, on Tuesday opened an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The exhibition, opened at the National Financial Information Center in Beijing, features more than 140 photographs, wartime relics, and over 10 works of painting and sculpture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) A visitor views an exhibit at an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. China's national news agency, Xinhua, on Tuesday opened an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The exhibition, opened at the National Financial Information Center in Beijing, features more than 140 photographs, wartime relics, and over 10 works of painting and sculpture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) A sculpture created by sculptor Wu Weishan for the expansion project of the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders is exhibited at an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. China's national news agency, Xinhua, on Tuesday opened an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The exhibition, opened at the National Financial Information Center in Beijing, features more than 140 photographs, wartime relics, and over 10 works of painting and sculpture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Sculptor Lang Yue (L, front) introduces his sculpture work at an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. China's national news agency, Xinhua, on Tuesday opened an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The exhibition, opened at the National Financial Information Center in Beijing, features more than 140 photographs, wartime relics, and over 10 works of painting and sculpture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) A photo taken by American journalist Edgar Snow, who once ventured deep into China's revolutionary heartland, is exhibited at an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. China's national news agency, Xinhua, on Tuesday opened an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The exhibition, opened at the National Financial Information Center in Beijing, features more than 140 photographs, wartime relics, and over 10 works of painting and sculpture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) People visit an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. China's national news agency, Xinhua, on Tuesday opened an art exhibition highlighting the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The exhibition, opened at the National Financial Information Center in Beijing, features more than 140 photographs, wartime relics, and over 10 works of painting and sculpture. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Temperatures regularly soar to 40 degrees Celsius in the Lebanese summer, with humidity reaching up to 60%. For Beirut's 2 million residents, taking a dip in the glistening Mediterranean Sea might seem like the obvious way to cool down, with the city boasting some 5 kilometres of coastline. Palm trees line the coastal promenade offering expansive views of the turquoise waters. But for many, a swim is still out of the question. Up to $60 for pool access The sea around Beirut is considered heavily polluted. Meanwhile, 80% of Lebanon's coastline is not freely accessible to the public, says Mohammad Ayoub, director of Nahnoo, an NGO that advocates for more public spaces in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expensive beach clubs, private mansions and restaurants line the sea, meaning there is little opportunity to enjoy the beach for those with low incomes. Entry into the private beach clubs of Beirut averages the equivalent of $20 to $29 - and that's only during the week. Prices soar even further on weekends, easily reaching the equivalent of $60. That includes an umbrella, a beach lounger and access to the club pool, an option highly sought-after by guests considering the pollution levels of the sea. Only some 40 kilometres of Lebanon's 220 kilometre-coastline are still in public hands, says Ayoub. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But that doesn't mean that the remainder is truly freely accessible," he says, explaining that these are areas where industrial waste and rubbish are often being poured into the sea. Day trips often unaffordable And yet many families have no choice but to go swimming here, simply because they cannot afford to pay the entry fee of the beach clubs, Ayoub says. Some facilities outside Beirut may be cheaper - or even free - but getting there poses another hurdle for many, due to the high petrol prices, he notes. Lebanon has been reeling from the worst economic crisis in its history since 2019, blamed on decades-old corruption. For much of the population, this means paying for a trip to the beach is near-impossible, according to Ayoub. High levels of pollution Beirut also has a public beach - Ramlet al-Bayda. However, according to an annual report by the CNRS research institute, pollution levels are higher here than nearly everywhere else in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CNRS deems swimming here highly unsafe after tests showed a very high level of bacterial pollution, it said. According to Ayoub, Lebanon's political leaders are not interested in cleaning up the water and beaches or improving public access to the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, the country is suffering from the worst drought in years, like many in the region. Households no longer have regular and sufficient access to water. Anyone who can afford to buys additional supplies from private traders. Water levels are lower than they have been for a long time, says Nadim Farajalla, chief sustainability officer at Beirut's Lebanese American University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The very limited capacity to collect and store rainwater during the winter months also adds to the issue, he says. Meanwhile, political blockades are preventing the completion of important infrastructure projects, according to Farajalla. In Lebanon, there is a stark contrast in summer: The wealthy sunbathe in exclusive beach clubs, while the less well-off have only a few, often polluted public beaches at their disposal. Despite laws that stipulate public access, high fees and privatised resorts make many beaches inaccessible for most people. Marwan Naamani/dpa The water level at Lake Qaraoun, the largest Lebanese reservoir on the Litani River, has fallen to a historic low. Experts say this is the region's worst drought ever, threatening agriculture, power generation and household water supplies. An intense heatwave and an unusually dry winter have caused this drastic drop. Marwan Naamani/dpa Beaches that are both free and safe to swim in are extremely rare in Lebanon. The coast belongs to the rich upper class. Those without money to spend on cooling off at a pool are forced to sweat out high temperatures at home. And even there, there is not always water. Marwan Naamani/dpa Young people cooling off on a public beach in Beirut's Manara neighbourhood during the high temperatures in August. Despite laws requiring public access, high fees and privatised resorts make many beaches inaccessible to most. Marwan Naamani/dpa Advertisement Advertisement NORTH CANTON, Ohio (WJW) A 77-year-old man is suspected of firing a revolver at a Washington Square restaurant, after accusing workers there of giving him food poisoning. Officers responded just before 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, to Lucky Star Express, 1973 Maple St., Canton, in the Washington Square plaza, for a report of shots fired, according to a Sunday news release. Charges to be filed against Amish mother accused in sons drowning at Atwood Lake Witnesses at a nearby restaurant, who called 911, told police they saw the man fire a revolver toward the restaurant, which was closed at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minutes later, officers found the man, identified as Robert W. Henderson, 77, of North Canton, behind the wheel of a car in the parking lot, with a rifle in the passenger seat. He was arrested without incident. Officers noted two bullet holes in the stores front door one in the door frame and another near its locking cylinder, North Canton police Maj. Matthew Buzzard told FOX 8 News. Officers later recovered from his vehicle a .357-caliber revolver matching witnesses description, according to the release. No one was injured. Officers later confirmed workers were in the rear of the store, but they dont believe the man was shooting toward them or trying to break into the store, Buzzard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the shooting, witnesses said they saw Henderson drive around the parking lot then park again near the restaurant, Buzzard said. Thats where North Canton officers found him. Officers later spoke with the mans wife, who said she and her husband had eaten food from Lucky Star days prior, then developed what appeared to be food poisoning, Buzzard said. Officers who followed up with restaurant workers after the shooting said Henderson was in the store earlier in the day, yelling about them giving him food poisoning, he said. Henderson maintained his innocence and denied shooting at the restaurant, Buzzard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pedestrian killed after being hit by 2 vehicles on State Route 113 Charging documents obtained by FOX 8 News allege there were at least six victims, all people from the nearby restaurant, whom Henderson made to fear for their lives. Henderson is now charged with felony counts of inducing panic and vandalism and eight misdemeanor counts including charges of aggravated menacing and discharging a firearm in a public place, Canton Municipal Court records show. Henderson was held in the Stark County jail without bond, before his arraignment on Tuesday, Aug. 26, where he was handed a $75,000 bond on the felony counts, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henderson is due back in court on Thursday, Aug. 28, court records show. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. We Americans are crazy about ground beef. We eat on average three hamburgers a week, which comes out to around 50 billion burgers a year. And when we're not eating burgers, chances are we're enjoying a classic meatloaf, old-school beef tacos, or a hearty, beefy Bolognese sauce over pasta, both at restaurants and at home. Cooks love having ground beef on hand because it's versatile, it's relatively affordable compared to other beef cuts, and most importantly, almost everyone likes it. But dangers lurk beneath its wholesome image. While serious carnivores crave rare, juicy burgers and even raw ground beef dishes such as steak tartare, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends cooking ground beef thoroughly, since it's more susceptible to pathogen contamination that other cuts. This is because the increased surface area on ground meat exposes more of the meat to any pathogens that may have been on its surface before grinding. While regular USDA inspection of meat and meat-producing facilities ensures almost all ground beef we eat is safe, on occasion, contaminated meat makes its way to the public - and recalls are the next step to restore public safety. Here are some of the biggest ground beef recalls that have occurred in the U.S. and their consequences for burger lovers. Read more: Forgotten Old-School Ground Beef Dishes That Need To Return To The Dinner Table 2008: Hallmark /Westland Meat Packing Co. Ground beef texture shot - Yevgen Romanenko/Getty Images In 2008, America's burger lovers dodged a bullet: California-based Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company recalled 143 million pounds of beef, some of which had been bought for school lunch programs. At the time, it was the biggest beef recall in American history. Thankfully, no illnesses were reported from the facility's meat. The recall was prompted by inspection violations rather than any specific contamination and involved meat produced by the company since February 2006. It came on the heels of several other high-profile cases of beef contamination: in 2007, cases of E. coli-contaminated beef spiked, sparking 20 recalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the Hallmark/Westland recall was appalling: In January 2008, the Humane Society of the United States released an undercover video taken at the facility that showed sick animals, many unable to walk, being kicked, dragged, blasted with hoses, and carried with forklifts. Besides the obvious cruelty of these actions, they also posed a risk to meat-eaters: The U.S. forbids the sale and consumption of non-ambulatory cattle, which have a higher chance of carrying mad cow disease. The USDA suspended inspections - and thus, operations - at the plant until the situation was corrected, and a trade organization, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, condemned the behaviors seen in the video. "Our profession strongly promotes proper care and handling practices for livestock, and abuses seen in this situation cannot be tolerated," the AABP said in a press statement. 2014: Rancho Feeding Corporation Stack of shaped burgers between paper - Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Regular federal inspection of meat and meat-processing facilities is the reason we take meat safety for granted: When we pick up a fresh-looking package of ground beef or other meat, we assume without question that we'll be able to eat it without getting sick. The system only works, however, when meat processors listen to and follow the inspectors' directives. But between 2012 and 2014, one company - Rancho Feeding Corporation - chose to defy the USDA and sell beef that the federal agency's inspectors had labeled unfit for consumption. According to federal prosecutors, this was no innocent oversight. They asserted that one of Rancho's co-owners ordered employees to carve the "USDA Condemned" stamps off cattle carcasses that had failed inspection and continue to process and sell them. Prosecutors also asserted that Rancho intentionally slaughtered and processed cattle with cancer eye, which rendered them unfit for human consumption. According to these officials, Rancho staff tried to sneak these diseased carcasses past inspectors by switching out their heads with heads from healthy cattle. Fortunately, no illnesses were linked to this meat, but things didn't end well for Rancho, which was forced to recall 8.7 million pounds of beef products and soon after, ceased operations. 1997: Hudson Foods Woman in supermarket with ground beef - Oscar Wong/Getty Images A difficult lesson most adults learn from hard experience is that when you screw up, your best move is to fess up quickly and fix the problem. Trying to cover up your error is a bad move, and even worse is doubling down and insisting you did nothing wrong when caught. Unfortunately, the senior management at Hudson Foods Inc. never got this memo. In 1997, the company recalled 25 million pounds of ground beef, some of it earmarked for chains including Burger King, Boston Market, and Walmart, due to an outbreak of E. coli in Colorado linked to meat from a Hudson facility in Nebraska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the recall was technically voluntary, the USDA made it clear it would shut the plant down if the company failed to comply. Inspectors found problematic quality control and record-keeping at the plant, which could have resulted in old meat being mixed into new batches. Hudson management initially claimed that the contamination came from one of the slaughterhouses that provided the meat, not from its own facilities. Company officials later told the USDA that the source of contamination was a single lot - but the USDA determined this lot had never been shipped to Colorado, so it could not have caused the outbreak. This fib landed Hudson Foods and two of its executives facing a federal indictment for providing false information to the USDA. The Hudson plant involved in the recall closed and was sold to another company. 2009: Beef Packers Inc. Person inspecting ground beef in store - Grace Cary/Getty Images For most people, food poisoning means a few days of utter misery. But for certain populations, including children, older adults, and people who have compromised immune systems, it can be downright scary, if not deadly. And scarier still are drug-resistant strains of foodborne bacteria: If one of these hits you, you'll likely have to just ride it out and hope for the best. In 2009, about 40 people across nine Western states experienced this nightmare, contracting a drug-resistant strain of salmonella Newport, which can cause a week or more of fever, chills, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and headaches. Their illness was traced back to ground beef produced by California-based Beef Packers, which recalled 826,000 pounds of ground meat in response. Identifying the affected meat, however, was tricky for consumers: Beef Packers had shipped the meat to multiple distribution centers, where it was repackaged and rebranded for delivery to retailers. This meant the tainted meat appeared under multiple brand names. Thus, the USDA urged consumers to do their due diligence and ask store management if their meat was affected. 2007: Topps Meat Company Stacks of raw burger patties separated by liners in a factory - Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Smart (or lucky) businesses can overcome some pretty serious reputational damage and continue to thrive - consider all the airlines that continue to fly even after high-profile crashes. But sometimes, just one big screwup is enough to destroy an established business. This was the case with New Jersey-based Topps Meat Company, which recalled 21.7 million pounds of ground beef in 2007 following an E. coli outbreak that sickened over 30 people in multiple states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recall not only put a halt to Topps' ground meat production but also revealed irregularities in its processes for other meat cuts, such as steaks. This led the USDA to threaten to stop all meat production at Topps. The company also faced multiple lawsuits from people sickened by the tainted beef. In addition, unlike many other food producers, Topps had no revenue source other than meat processing, and after all the high-profile illnesses and lawsuits, Topps knew its existing customers would almost certainly choose to get their burgers elsewhere. This cascade of falling dominoes was more than the company could sustain, and only a week after the recall, Topps announced it was closing shop. On one of the company's final days, employees held a barbecue at Topps headquarters, where they grilled and ate the last of the burgers - cooked safely to well done, of course, one of the many tips when cooking ground beef. 2009: JBS Swift Beef Company Pre-shaped raw burgers on wooden board - Goskova Tatiana/Shutterstock Tracking down tainted ground beef isn't as easy as you might think. Some of the most common pathogens that thrive in ground beef, such as E. coli and salmonella, have no effect on the taste, smell, or appearance of ground meat. Thus, a tainted burger will look and taste just like a safe one - and you'll have no way of knowing you're in trouble until the bacteria settle into your system and start to do their work. This means that tracking down the source of an outbreak - or even realizing that cases of food poisoning in different locations may be related - can require a bit of detective work. For instance, a 2009 E. coli outbreak that sickened around 23 people in nine states was traced to ground beef from JBS Swift Beef Company. Health officials in Michigan identified a specific DNA fingerprint in the E. coli bacteria found in an open package of beef in a patient's home, and officials in other states discovered the same strain in other ill patients, along with patient reports of having eaten rare ground beef before falling ill. This discovery led JBS Swift Beef to recall 41,280 pounds of ground beef, and four days later, it recalled an additional 380,000 pounds of other beef cuts. 2023: American Foods Group Foam tray of ground beef - Subjug/Getty Images When it comes to food safety, a good motto is better safe than sorry. A case in point is the 2023 recall of 58,281 pounds of ground beef produced by Wisconsin-based American Foods Group (doing business as Green Bay Dressed Beef LLC). While no illnesses were linked to the beef, the potential for a deadly outbreak was there: A meat sample examined by a state inspector found it tested positive for shiga-toxin-producing E. coli 0103, a strain that's more difficult to detect and identify than more common strains. The state inspector notified the USDA, which triggered the recall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recalled products were 80-pound boxes of 10-pound plastic-wrapped chubs of ground beef - they were intended to be sold to retailers, not directly to consumers. These packages were to be sent to distributors in Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio. The USDA warned distributors to look out for these products and not process them further or sell them. 2022: Tyson Foods Bins of raw ground beef - Erik Isakson/Getty Images Most ground beef recalls are due to invisible dangers, such as E. coli or salmonella. But while it's easier to keep visible contaminants out of meat - and easier to spot and remove any that make their way in - on occasion, visibly contaminated meat makes its way to consumers. In 2022, Tyson Foods began to receive complaints from shoppers, who had found shards of mirror-like material in the company's ground beef. While no one reported any injuries or illnesses from this contamination, Tyson took their complaints seriously. The company notified the USDA and launched a recall of 93,679 pounds of ground beef. Fortunately, Tyson was able to narrow down the problem to meat produced on a single day at a single factory in Amarillo, Texas. Moreover, all this meat was destined for a single customer, the Texas supermarket chain H-E-B. The USDA urged consumers who may have purchased the affected meat to check their refrigerators and freezers for the products and discard or return them. Hungry for more? Sign up for the free Daily Meal newsletter for delicious recipes, cooking tips, kitchen hacks, and more, delivered straight to your inbox. Read the original article on The Daily Meal. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in Americait causes roughly one out of every five female deaths, which is more than breast cancer, Alzheimers disease, or accidentsyet theres still quite a bit of confusion over what heart attack symptoms in women actually look like. Occasionally, a heart attack can be as dramatic as its portrayed on TV or in the movies, with someone gasping and grabbing their chest, but the symptoms are usually far more subtle, especially in women. In fact, many simply cant believe they are having a heart attack and put off calling for help, even though every minute counts when it comes to survival. We have a saying that time is muscle, says Holly Andersen, M.D., attending cardiologist at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, and scientific advisor for Womens Heart Alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meet the experts: Holly Andersen, M.D., attending cardiologist at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, and scientific advisor for Womens Heart Alliance; Marla A. Mendelson, M.D., co-director of the Women's Health Research Institute at Northwestern Medicine; Erin Donnelly Michos, M.D., associate director of preventive cardiology at Johns Hopkins Medicine; Amy Sarma, M.D., a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital Since the symptoms can often mimic other, less critical conditions, many women may lose crucial time and treatment as they wait to see if the pain passes before calling 911 (which you absolutely should do if you believe youre having a heart attack) or going to urgent care. Theres the perception that a woman would never think shes having a heart attack, so shes going to think its everything else but, says Marla A. Mendelson, M.D., co-director of the Womens Health Research Institute at Northwestern Medicine. Women more often take a wait-and-see approachtoo busy to have a heart attack right nowand too many women are dying of their heart attacks, adds Dr. Anderson. Keep in mind that people go on to survive and live a full life after a heart attack, and the sooner you get help, the better your chances will be to recover. What exactly is a heart attack? Unlike cardiac arrest, which is when the heart suddenly stops beating, a heart attack happens when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart slows down or is cut off. Essentially whats happening is that the arteries in the heart are unable to provide sufficient blood flow to the working heart muscle, and most commonly this is due to atherosclerosis, says Erin Donnelly Michos, M.D., associate director of preventive cardiology at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Atherosclerosis is when the arteries become narrowed due to a buildup of plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other materials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although plaque naturally builds up over time, a heart attack occurs when that plaque ruptures, forming clots, says Dr. Michos. The obstruction or blockage of the arteries causes the heart muscle to begin to die. This is why its an emergency, because if the heart muscle dies, it doesnt repair itself, says Dr. Michos. What are the symptoms of a heart attack in women? Extreme fatigue Being tired or sleepy is one thing, especially after a long day dealing with work, family, and other responsibilities, but being so overwhelmed by exhaustion that you can barely moveespecially when combined with muscle weakness and/or any of the other symptoms on this listmay be a warning sign of a heart attack. In fact, one study found that 70% of women who experienced a heart attack had felt unusual fatigue, making it the most common symptom, followed by sleep disturbance and shortness of breath. Indigestion It may sound surprising, but a heart attack can present as feeling like you ate something that really didnt agree with you. Blame this on the hearts position in your body: It sits on top of the stomach, so a burning sensation in your chest area might feel like simple indigestion. We still see women staying home because they think they have indigestion and are treating themselves with antacids, says Dr. Mendelson. So if youre experiencing indigestion that feels extremely intense, lasts longer than usual, and doesnt respond to antacids, get to a doctor right away. Jaw and back pain When there is reduced blood flow to the heart, the pain can radiate out from your chest and up to your jaw or backit can even feel like a toothache. Everyone perceives pain differently, so you may feel it in a different spot than someone else, says Dr. Mendelson: Its the perception of the symptoms. Heartburn Just as a heart attack can feel like indigestion, for some people it may be mistaken for heartburnand vice versa. The heart sits right on top of the esophagus in the stomach, so sometimes heartburn can feel like a heart attack, and a heart attack can feel like heartburn, says Dr. Michos. If youre feeling heartburn, try to rest and see if the pain dissipates. If the discomfort came on suddenly, youve never had it before, it lasts longer than five to seven minutes, and its not going away with sitting and resting, and this is a new thing, then this is how a heart attack presents, says Dr. Michos. Shortness of breath Shortness of breath after a spin on a stationary bike or a jog is normal. But if you experience shortness of breath when youre just sitting on the couch or if youre unable to make it up the stairs you use every day, that could be a sign that something more serious is going on in your heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if that shortness of breath isnt accompanied by chest pain, it could still signify a heart attack. I always tell patients that if they think that something is wrong, they should seek immediate medical attention, as everyone experiences a heart attack differently and the absence of chest pain does not mean that its not your heart, says Amy Sarma, M.D., a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Left arm pain One of the more well-known signs of a heart attack, sudden pain in the left arm is similar to jaw and back pain, because your brain cant decipher where the pain is coming from (in fact, you can feel the pain in either arm, though left is more common). Because the nerve endings all come into the spinal column at the same placefrom the upper arm, from the chestthe brain cant pick out that its actually happening in the heart, says Dr. Mendelson. If you prick your finger, you know exactly where youre poking your finger, but you dont have that in the chest. Nausea Because the heart sits on top of the stomach, a heart attack may cause nausea, along with other symptoms of an illness, such as feeling clammy, dizzy, and lightheaded. The hearts your major, vital organ, and its not getting enough blood flow, and the heart muscles dying, and people feel incredibly sick, says Dr. Michos. Chest pain This is the most notorious sign of a heart attack: the feeling of an elephant sitting on your chest, or a feeling of sudden tightness near your heart. It can feel like pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, says Dr. Michos. Thats the typical presentation. If youre experiencing this, its important to get to a medical professional right away. What to do if I think Im having a heart attack Call for help immediately. Dont call your doctor, or your spouseyou can alert them later. Call 911, says Dr. Andersen. When you get to the ER, tell them you think youre having a heart attack and insist they do an EKG and blood test. If you are getting pushback, go ahead and tell them you are having chest pain, since that is the symptom that will most likely trigger action, Dr. Anderson adds. You Might Also Like Authorities searched the South St. Paul home of a man with a history of making threats against law enforcement and found drugs and approximately 90 guns, including a rifle with a scope set up on a tripod overlooking the front door, according to court documents. Kollin J. Konitzer, 34, is well known to authorities due to his concerning, escalating pattern of conduct toward law enforcement, the documents say. So when South St. Paul police learned the afternoon of Aug. 19 that Konitzer was on his way to city hall to talk about a records request, he was met in a lobby by a commander. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer saw that Konitzer had a gun at his hip under his shirt, then discovered he did not have a permit to carry a firearm, according to a criminal complaint filed in Dakota County District Court. Konitzer was arrested and jailed, and police filed a petition for an extreme risk protection order against him the same day alleging that he has made several threats to law enforcement and his ex-partners. On Wednesday, agents with the Dakota County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant on Konitzers home in the 300 block of Seventh Avenue South and found the stockpile of handguns, shotguns and rifles, according to a complaint in that case. A safe in his bedroom included 0.91 grams of fentanyl and a pill bottle with no identifying prescription information that contained 53 pills of methylphenidate, a controlled substance primarily used to treat ADHD, the complaint says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Konitzers LinkedIn page says he is the owner and founder of Alphabet Soup Arms LLC, a business that was registered with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State in November and is considered active. The online record cites his South St. Paul home as the principal place of business. The petition for an extreme risk protection order, which a judge granted Aug. 20, details a history of alleged threatening behavior toward law enforcement, including a comment that he could kill the police chief before he could return fire, the document reads. He also allegedly has made countless social media posts promoting anti-government ideology. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehensions Behavioral Threat Assessment Team considers Konitzer to be a threat due to his concerning, escalating pattern of conduct toward law enforcement, according to the petition. The BCA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and South St. Paul police have all issued officer-safety alerts about Konitzer, and the city of Osseo is forwarding charges for disorderly conduct for his interaction with a front desk clerk, the petition continues. Loaded 9 mm handgun Because of his prior interactions with South St. Paul clerical staff, Konitzer has been directed to interact with police commanders, the charges say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Cmdr. Dan Salmey met Konitzer at the front window of the police department lobby, he said he wanted data he had requested several years prior regarding an interaction with officers. He also said he wanted to file a complaint related to the data request. Salmey saw the outline of a handgun through Konitzers shirt. At one point he grabbed the grip of the firearm with his middle, ring and pinky fingers, leaving his index finger free, the charges say. Salmey then reviewed a prior investigation involving Konitzer and learned he does not have a valid permit to carry a pistol. Salmey returned to the lobby and asked Konitzer if he had a firearm on him. He replied, Oh absolutely, the complaint states. Konitzers 9 mm Sig Sauer handgun had one round in the chamber and 12 rounds in the magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Konitzer was being placed under arrest, he reportedly said, I have been waiting for this. Another officer tried to read Konitzer his Miranda warning, but he became irate and began screaming and swearing at the officer. Konitzer invoked his right to remain silent. Dakota County prosecutors charged Konitzer with possession of a pistol in a public place without a permit, a gross misdemeanor, and five counts of felony fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance. At a first court appearance Friday on the drug charges, prosecutors requested that Konitzer be held on significant bail $150,000, without conditions due to the extreme risk protection order and the guns found at his home. He was released from the Dakota County Jail after posting a $100,000 bond with conditions, including no possession of firearms. An attorney in the drug case is not listed in the court file, and a court-appointed assistant public defender in the no-permit gun case did not immediately return a message Monday asking for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Konitzer does not have a criminal history, other than a speeding ticket. Grievances with the BCA The extreme risk protection order petition recounts Konitzers other alleged threatening and questionable behavior with government agencies. The BCA reported that Konitzer has had grievances with the agencys firearms-instructor certification, and that he has been creating his own certificates purporting to allow the user to conceal and carry, despite lacking BCA approval, the petition alleges. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, Konitzer issued a certificate to an individual who was later denied a permit in Anoka County. In response, Konitzer told Anoka County that his group would be backed, and they would be armed, the petition reads. In April, Konitzer went to the South St. Paul police lobby and made obscene gestures to a staff member. After his application to become a South St. Paul police cadet was denied, the petition says, Konitzer emailed city staff in July, stating, Well break that thin blue line of tyranny one way or another! Konitzer also allegedly had approached South St. Paul officers squad vehicles after making social media posts about Molotov cocktails, explosives and firearms. Recently, he went to the South St. Police Department and the BCAs headquarters in St. Paul while armed and wearing a tactical vest, according to the petition. BOSTON (SHNS) A colonial-era law prevents alcohol sales any earlier than 10 a.m. on Sundays. In A Beautiful Brunch Act, or the ABBA Bill, Rep. Adam Scanlon is trying to change that. In Massachusetts, alcohol can be served as early as 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday. But on Sundays, that start time is at least two hours later something Scanlon discovered when a constituent told him about an experience trying to order a mimosa in Provincetown at 9 a.m. Scanlons bill (HD 4982) would allow drinks to be poured starting at 8 a.m. Sundays. From the research weve been able to find, it suggests that the reason the 10 a.m. law is in place is because Massachusetts has what are known as blue laws. And although Massachusetts has taken steps to repeal or reform many of those, there are still many on the books like that, which has an impact on service, the North Attleborough Democrat said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states so-called blue laws stem from Puritan laws meant to promote morality and religion, and those still on the books regulate which businesses can legally open on Sundays and holidays, and when alcohol can be sold. The complete ban on Sunday alcohol sales was not lifted until 2004. Its hard for me to justify having one day of the week, specifically a Sunday, fixed for obviously religious reasons, in todays modern age, Scanlon said. He said he has worked on policy around addiction and I dont really feel this would cause any undue burden on public safety. The governor has taken a lot of time to talk about what regulations can be repealed to make our state more business-friendly, Scanlon added, referring to Gov. Maura Healeys May announcement that her administration cut or amended a quarter of all regulations under the oversight of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill was filed July 30, and the Senate on Monday agreed with the House in referring the bill to the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. Asked why he wanted the bill title to reference the 70s Swedish pop group ABBA, Scanlon said, ABBA is a popular band in the LGBTQ community, and LGBTQ people enjoy brunches from time to time. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. (The Center Square) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday added three more bills to the second special session, which began August 15. The Texas Senate has already passed most of the bills on the legislative agenda. The Texas House is also passing bills at record speed. Special sessions last for 30 days; legislative bills are put on the call by the governor and can be amended at any time. The first special session ended after more than 50 House Democrats absconded for more than two weeks, effectively killing the session. After enough Democrats returned for the House to meet quorum, the House began hearing and passing bills on the agenda over the past week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott sent a message to the Texas legislature expanding the second special session agenda to include bills designed to improve public safety and election security. He added legislation to prohibit same day voter registration in Texas; legislation authorizing contracts with sheriffs and constables for the provision of law enforcement services; and legislation related to appropriating or transferring funds to or from a law enforcement agency. This is in addition to three other bills he added to the second special session six days ago, including a bill to impose penalties or punishments for legislators who are willfully absent during a legislative session, The Center Square reported. We need to ensure that rogue lawmakers cannot hijack the important business of Texans during a legislative session by fleeing the state, Abbott said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also added a bill that House Speaker Dustin Burrows identified as a priority for the special session, HB 25, filed by state Rep. Joanne Shofner, R-Nacogdoches. It would legalize the sale of over-the-counter Ivermectin, The Center Square reported. Texans should have increased access to the benefits of Ivermectin, Abbott said. He also added legislation to the call related to a Texas Water Development Board groundwater study of East Texas aquifers. The Texas House already passed this bill to implement new safeguards for groundwater availability. It also passed another bill related to flood control management and infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also already passed a judicial omnibus bill that establishes new courts, modernizes judicial administration and operations, and delivers additional resources to address judicial workloads. It also passed two property tax reform measures with mostly Democratic opposition, The Center Square reported. It also passed two property tax relief measures. After the bills passed, Burrows said, The Texas House continues to work through the special session call by passing a range of priority legislation to make Texas a stronger, more prosperous, and fairer state. The property tax reform bills create a system to better inform taxpayers and increase accountability for local governments when setting tax rates, he said. The judicial omnibus bill establishes much-needed new courts to handle increasing judicial workloads, he added. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) An Abilene Associate Municipal Judge has resigned after she says she was denied access to her client during a recent CBD business raid. Chaile Allen announced her resignation from her position as Associate Municipal Judge for the City of Abilene Monday. Allen also has a private law practice in Abilene, and in her resignation announcement, she cited issues she has with a recent raid the Abilene Police Department conducted at her clients business, CBD House of Healing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She says that when the business on Catclaw Drive was raided August 23, she was denied access to her client despite repeated requests. In the announcement below, Allen says this denial is an alarming violation of his constitutional right to counsel: Today, I made the decision to resign as Associate Municipal Judge for the City of Abilene, effective immediately. When I accepted this role, I did so out of a commitment to serve my community while continuing to represent my private clients. Unfortunately, the blatant disregard for my clients rights left me with no other choice. On August 23, 2025, my client CBD House of Healing was raided by APD. Despite repeated requests by my client, I was denied access to him an alarming violation of his constitutional right to counsel. It is my position that this entire situation could have been avoided through open and honest dialogue with Abilene Policed Department; however, my attempts to do so with both Chief Seratte and Officer Valentine were wholly ignored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I remain committed to defending due process, holding agencies accountable when they deny citizens their rights, and serving this community through my law practice. BigCountryHomepage.com will have more on this story throughout the 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 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. Signage for Villanova University on campus outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 9, 2025. The school received two false reports of an active shooter in recent days, one on Aug. 21 and another on Aug. 24. Credit - Matthew HatcherAFP/Getty Images As students have started returning to their college campuses for the fall semester, a number of universities have faced false reports of active shooters. On Tuesday morning, officers responded to a call about gunshots near a campus library at West Virginia University (WVU), but later said that investigators found it was a hoax and there was no threat to campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like many other higher education institutions across the country, we believe West Virginia University was the target of a swatting incident this morning on the Downtown area of the Morgantown Campus, WVU Police Chief Sherry St. Clair said in a statement posted on social media. A number of other schools have also received false reports of gunmen on their campuses since late last week, including the University of Colorado Boulder; the University of New Hampshire; the University of Arkansas; Iowa State University; the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; the University of South Carolina; the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; and Villanova University. Such hoax calls, often referred to as swatting, have targeted a range of people and locations in recent years, including hundreds of schools across the U.S. Heres what to know about the latest incidents, and about false active shooter reports more broadly. The recent incidents Shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, authorities received a report that shots had been fired at a library on the WVU campus. Officers responded to the scene, and after clearing the building, concluded that it was a false report, according to WVU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day before, at least five other schools dealt with similar incidents. Just before 5 p.m. on Monday, authorities received a report from someone who claimed they heard shots fired near a library on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. The school sent an alert to campus community members advising them to shelter in place, but police searched the area and didnt find anyone injured or any suspects. The school later said it was the latest target in a string of hoaxes directed at campuses around the country. Read More: Hoax Active Shooter Swatting Calls Are Tormenting Schools. Police Can Do Little to Stop Them Also on Monday evening, the University of New Hampshire Police Department responded to a report of gunshots in a campus library. But after officers searched the area, they determined that the call was a hoax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the day, shortly before 2 p.m., the University of Arkansas advised campus community members to avoid the area near a library because of a reported active shooter. The school later said that police were responding to multiple reports around campus. But a couple hours later, the University of Arkansas said that police didnt find any evidence of an active shooter on campus. Iowa State University also grappled with false reports on Monday. Officers responded to the scene after receiving multiple calls about an active shooter on campus, but found no credible threat, the school said. The calls appear to be similar to several anonymous and false swatting calls at universities across the country, triggering a response from law enforcement, the Iowa State University Police Department said in a press release. And around 1 p.m. on Monday, authorities received a call that someone had a weapon at a library on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus. Officers searched the area, but didnt find anyone who posed such a threat. On Sunday evening, authorities received two separate calls claiming that there was an active shooter at a University of South Carolina library. Both calls were made by a man whose identity is unknown, and included background noise that sounded like gunfire, according to the University of South Carolina. The school advised campus community members to shelter in place, and officers searched the area. But the campus police department later said that it believes the incident was part of a swatting hoax, noting that similar incidents have occurred at other universities recently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, on Thursday, authorities received a call about an active shooter on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus. But officers found no evidence of a shooting, no injuries, and no active threat to campus, and determined that it was a false threat. Villanova University received two false reports, one on Thursday and one on Sunday. Associate Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of Police David Tedjeske said in a message to campus community members on Tuesday that federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies are investigating the incidents, adding that other schools across the country have dealt with similar hoaxes. Tedjeske didnt share many details about the false report calls, citing the ongoing investigation. Authorities havent yet identified the person or people behind the calls, according to Tedjeske. These phone calls were complete hoaxes and the safety of our campus and community was never compromised, Tedjeske said, though later added that any report of a possible active shooter would be taken seriously. We will never risk the safety of this community by assuming that the next call is just another hoax. What is swatting? Swatting refers to when an individual makes malicious hoax calls to emergency services, such as falsely reporting a shooting or bomb, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The intent is to cause large-scale deployment of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams, bomb squads, and other police resources, DHS said. Authorities say phony reports divert first responders away from real emergencies, and that these hoax calls can spark fear and even be dangerous, since officers respond to the scene expecting to encounter a serious threat. According to DHS, swatting incidents often occur in clusters across the country. A growing problem Swatting incidents have become increasingly frequent in the U.S. in recent years. According to research by the Educators School Safety Network, a nonprofit focused on school safety, nearly 64% of all violent incidents in the 2022-2023 school year were false active shooter reports, making swatting the most frequent violent incident reported that year. The nonprofit recorded more than 446 swatting incidents in that time, a 546% increase from the 2018-2019 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This alarming trend has increased dramatically and shows no sign of slowing, Educators School Safety Network said on its website. While these swatting incidents may be considered just a threat, in reality they have a significant impact by traumatizing students and staff, consuming emergency response resources, robbing students of instructional time, and undermining the perception of safety and security required for a school to function effectively. Contact us at letters@time.com. KABUL, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Afghan police set on fire 29.8 tons of illegal drugs seized during a series of operations in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, according to a statement issued late Monday by the office of the Deputy Minister of Interior for Counter-Narcotics. The confiscated substances included 1,442 kg of methamphetamine (ICE), 588 kg of heroin, 15,714 kg of hashish, 460 kg of opium poppy, and other narcotics, along with materials used in drug production, said the statement. The contraband was uncovered during counter-narcotics operations in Jalalabad city and various districts of the province, it said. Without furnishing details on whether the narcotics had been discovered, the statement noted that 2,586 individuals were arrested for smuggling, purchasing, and selling the illicit drugs, and their dossiers were referred to the judiciary for further investigation. Additionally, police have rounded up 5,786 drug users in the province and shifted them to rehabilitation centers for treatment, it said. The Afghan interim government, which banned poppy cultivation, drug processing, and trafficking in April 2022, has vowed to fight the menace until the country becomes a drug-free nation. SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding is launching its Veteran Free Roof Giveaway, allowing veterans in the community a chance to receive a brand new roof. This initiative seeks to honor and give back to one deserving veteran in New England with a free roof replacement from Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding (AQRS) and GAF roofing. Community members are urged to nominate a veteran in their lives by submitting a short story detailing their service. Legionella bacteria outbreak raises local and national concern Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is more than just a roof its about protecting those who once protected us, said Adam Quenneville, owner of AQRS. We are honored to provide this opportunity to a veteran who has given so much to our country Nominations for the giveaway opened on Monday and will close on September 22. Short stories should be 200 words or fewer, and photos are strongly encouraged. A panel will then select four finalists who will be featured on the AQRS website and social media platforms beginning on September 30, allowing the public to vote through these channels. The winner will then be selected by the public on November 11, Veterans Day. The selected veteran will receive a full roof replacement using premium roofing materials, backed by a Golden Pledge Warranty, which AQRS said is a prize valued at up to $15,000. The Veteran Free Roof Giveaway was launched as part of AQ Cares, AQRSs charitable division, which focuses on community outreach and volunteering. The company said it hopes to continue implementing these types of programs to strengthen communities throughout New England. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe in building more than roofs we believe in building hope, security, and gratitude for those whove earned it, said Morgan Bennett, Director of Marketing and Business Development at AQRS. To nominate an individual for the giveaway: Must be a U.S. military veteran (active duty eligible) Must own and live in the nominated home Home must be located within the AQRS service area The roof needs replacement (to be verified by inspection) We have QR codes that you can scan right to the form fill, Bennett adds. You can be a self-nominate, or you can be a friend or family member who knows a good veteran to nominate. Our website has a form to fill out as well, and if youre having any problems doing this. Give us a call, well walk you through it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Submissions can be sent to newroof.net. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) Attorney General Russel Coleman is leading the charge in the fight against nonconsensual intimate imagery (NCII), commonly known as deepfakes. In letters to search engines and payment platforms, a coalition led by six states demands stronger safeguards against creating deepfakes, including warnings and redirecting users away from harmful content. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Computer-generated NCII has the potential to affect nearly everyone and has notably been used to embarrass, intimidate, and exploit. The darkness on the internet is spreading, and it poses a growing danger to Kentuckians, particularly women and girls. These online deepfakes can lead to emotional distress and long-term damage. Nearly every AG in this country on both sides of the aisle is joining the fight to protect our kids, Attorney General Coleman said. Coleman cited the death of 16-year-old Elijah Heacock, a boy from Glasgow who took his own life after being threatened and exploited for money using AI-generated photos, a letter written by his mother to the Casey County Sheriffs Office explains. The letters point to existing protections in place in which search engines limit access to content, for example, on how to build a bomb and how to kill yourself. The coalition urges Google, Yahoo!, and Bing to take similar measures for topics such as how to make deepfake pornography, undress apps, nudify apps, or deepfake porn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news In May, President Donald Trump signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which increases consequences for people who post and create revenge porn. Congressman Brett Guthrie said he accompanied the Heacock family to attend the bills signing. This law honors the memory of young Americans, like their son Elijah Heacock, who tragically passed after an online extortion scheme, Gutherie wrote. Thank you to First Lady Melania Trump for prioritizing this important bill and working with Congress to protect victims of revenge and deepfake revenge pornography. It will save lives. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Artificial intelligence startup Anthropic has settled a class-action copyright infringement lawsuit, in which authors accused the company of training its AI models on their work without permission, according to a Tuesday court filing. San Francisco-based Anthropic, which trained its AI assistant Claude using copyrighted books, was sued by authors Andrea Bartz, Charles Graeber and Kirk Wallace in August 2024. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, U.S. District Judge William Alsup ruled that AI models could legally learn from copyrighted books without the authors consent. The decision was a partial win for Anthropic. Alsup found the usage to be exceedingly transformative and a fair use, though the company might have broken the law by pirating a large portion of its source material. According to the filing in the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, the tech company and the involved authors asked the court to pause its proceedings while they finalized the settlement deal. "Fair use" doctrine, which allows for the limited reproduction of copyrighted material without consent in some circumstances, is a key component of AI companies' defenses against copyright claims. This historic settlement will benefit all class members," Justin Nelson, a partner at Susman Godfrey and lawyer for the authors, said in a statement to The Times. "We look forward to announcing details of the settlement in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alsup originally ordered the matter to go to trial in December to decide how much the AI company would pay in piracy damages. If it went to trial, the damages could have reached up to $150,000 per case of willful copyright infringement and could have cost the startup billions. In early August, Anthropic attempted to get an appeal and was denied. Anthropic, founded by former OpenAI employees and backed by Amazon, pirated at least 7 million books from Books3, Library Genesis and Pirate Library Mirror, online libraries containing unauthorized copies of copyrighted books, to train its software, according to the judge. They also bought millions of print copies in bulk and stripped the books bindings, cut their pages and scanned them into digital and machine-readable forms, which Alsup found to be in the bounds of fair use, according to the judge's ruling. The mere conversion of a print book to a digital file to save space and enable searchability was transformative for that reason alone, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anthropic later purchased the books it initially pirated. Alsup said the purchases did not absolve the company, but the move could reduce damages. The agreement is being reached as many other copyright cases against AI companies are being brought to courts around the country. Most recently, Walt Disney Co. and Universal Pictures sued aAI company Midjourney, which the studios allege trained its image generation models on their copyrighted materials. 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. How AI and time zones are driving US companies to hire developers in Latin America Hiring outside the U.S. isnt new. Whats changed is why and where. Teams that once defaulted to far-offshore arrangements are running into the same problem again and again: Work stalls when the people you need are asleep. At the same time, although the hype was that AI would flood the market with code and reduce demand for engineers, it instead changed which engineers you hire. Whats still required is judgment. Teams need senior engineers who decide how to build, what to prioritize, and whether AI-assisted code is ready to release. In the U.S., that talent is in high demand and expensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Put those factors together, and the choice gets simple: you want senior talent you can afford, working on your hours. Thats why more teams are hiring in Latin America. It offers full workday overlap with U.S. hours and makes senior expertise financially reachable for companies of all sizes. Near (Hire With Near), a staffing and recruiting company specializing in LatAm hiring, explains why more U.S. companies are hiring developers and other engineering roles in Latin America and what it means for collaboration, budgets, and the kind of talent companies can hire. Why more U.S. teams are looking to hire tech talent in Latin America Real-time collaboration beats overnight handoffs For decades, companies looked first to India and the Philippinesand later to Eastern Europeto stretch budgets and add capacity. That offshore model is optimized for cost and follow-the-sun coverage. It fits jobs you can hand off overnight: support requests, routine updates, and tightly scoped tasks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt work well for solving problems that are urgent. The more time zone separation, the less live conversation you get. Real-time back-and-forththe kind you need for reviews and Is this shippable? decisionsworks best when teams share their working day. Looking at 12,038 employees, researchers found that an additional hour of time-zone difference cut real-time communication by 11%, shifting more work outside normal hours. Their advice: organize teams on a northsouth line so workdays overlap. With shared hours, you flag a problem at noon and release the fix by end of day. Without them, you write a Slack message and hope someone sees it at midnight. Infographic showing timezone alignment of Buenos Aires, Argentine and New York City, USA. - Near (Hire With Near) Thats why time zone alignment has become a key deciding factor in where to hire, and why Latin America is the practical choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An engineering lead explained why theyre shifting to Latin America like this: Our senior QA in Sri Lanka is excellent, but we dont get enough overlap to keep quality and throughput high. We often ship without her. The fix is obvious: a tester who is online when we are. Latin America spans U.S. time zones or sits close enough that most teams get 6+ hours of overlap without asking people to work non-traditional hours or skipping their input. Teams are increasingly deciding that real-time back-and-forth matters more than a lower hourly rate 12 time zones away. With AI boosting demand for senior devs, Latin America is the practical pipeline AI hasnt removed the need to hire developers; its increased the demand for more experienced ones. Recent computer science graduates are struggling to find entry-level positions. According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of NY, the unemployment rate for computer science grads is 6.1%. For computer engineers its 7.5%. Both are much higher than for other disciplines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the flip side, research by SignalFire of 650 million tech professionals shows an increase in hiring for mid and senior-level roles since 2023 at both big tech companies and startups. Here are the types of roles teams are prioritizing: Principal-level software engineers (senior ICs) to set technical direction, review AI-assisted code, and make the call on what ships and when. Platform engineers to build the plumbing so products run fast, reliably, and cost-effectively (the tools, cloud setup, and deploy pipeline). Data engineers to make sure the right data flows to the right places so AI features actually work in the product. Reliability engineers (SREs) to keep systems up and secure and prepare for incidents and audits. QA engineering leaders to catch issues before customers do, mixing hands-on testing with automation to keep quality high. These mid- and senior-level roles command top-tier pay in the U.S., with annual salaries as high as $245,000 for a senior full-stack developer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And even with headlines about a cooling market, the fundamentals havent changed. For much of the past few years, the U.S. has had fewer job seekers than open roles (BLS). And workforce participation hasnt fully bounced back to pre-2020 levels (U.S. Chamber of Commerce). In other words, experienced engineers are still hard to find and expensive to employ. Thats what moves the search south. Hiring in Latin America typically lowers salary costs by roughly 3070% compared with U.S. rates. This difference is driven by cost-of-living and local market conditions rather than capability or short-changing hires. For a startup or mid-market company, that gap is often the difference between two junior-level hires spread thin and one principal who raises the ceiling for everyone else. Its also a leveling effect: small firms can afford the caliber of talent that used to be the private preserve of big tech. Table listing average salaries for senior level roles and their differences for a LatAm and US hire. - Near (Hire With Near) The supply side: a bigger, readier talent pool Latin America's technical capacity has grown substantially, turning it into a solid alternative to distant markets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The numbers demonstrate this expansion: The result is a large, experienced talent base that already works with U.S. stacks and practices and standard U.S. business hours. According to Julia Guillen, a senior tech recruiter at Near, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Clients are consistently surprised by the caliber of talent available in LatAm. They don't expect to find senior engineers who've worked with major U.S. companies, understand modern development practices, and often have more hands-on experience with specific frameworks than candidates they'd find locally." Final thoughts For big companies, this isnt new; many have maintained Latin American engineering hubs for years. Whats changed is accessibility. Remote-first norms and a deeper regional talent pool mean startups and mid-market firms can now do what only enterprises could do a decade ago: hire senior engineers who can raise the bar for architecture, reliability, and delivery cadence, without breaking the budget or waiting a day for answers. The through-line is simple. AI raised the premium on judgment. The U.S. market keeps senior talent scarce and pricey. Latin America makes those hires reachable. And the northsouth alignment lets teams move at the speed of conversation, not next-day catch-ups. This story was produced by Near (Hire With Near) and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. MOSCOW (Reuters) -All 250 passengers aboard an Air China flight from London to Beijing resumed their journey after an unscheduled landing in Siberia, Russia's state aviation watchdog said on Tuesday. Earlier, Russia's civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, reported that the crew of an Air China Boeing 777-300 opted to land at an alternate airfield in the Russian city of Nizhnevartovsk. The preliminary reason for the diversion was said to be a malfunction in one of the aircraft's engines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Passengers spent 13 hours in Nizhnevartovsk airport, where they were provided with food and soft drinks. A replacement aircraft departed the airport at 1622 GMT. (Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Guy Faulconbridge and Maxim RodionovEditing by Andrew Osborn and Sharon Singleton) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Theres been a concerning increase in fake threats called into college campuses nationwide. Six have been reported since last Thursday. The most recent happened on Monday night at the University of Colorado. When dispatchers answer the call, they know their response can mean the difference between life and death. You never know who is on the other line, Metro Nashville 911 Operations Supervisor Sebrina Jackson said. We treat every call with a purpose. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Lately, theres been an uptick in swatting nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson said these pranks make her teams job harder, and they can also endanger responding officers. Were thankful that its not real, but its also concerning that people think its OK to do that, Jackson said. In the past week, six false shooting calls have happened at college campuses, including the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and Villanova. A swatting call that sticks out in Jacksons mind is a day or so after the Covenant School mass shooting in 2023. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com People dont realize how they can hurt people when they do that, Jackson said. We hope theyll think about that before they do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson said her team trains for these types of calls and lets police know if they believe it could be fake. Dispatchers said swatting distracts from real emergencies. In Tennessee, its illegal to make threats of mass violence against schools including on college campuses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jim Stern, a counselor at Roseville Area High School, stood in front of the group gathered in front of him Friday outside the school, socializing among each other, and held a bullhorn up to get their attention. Welcome back to school, he said. Hope you had a good summer. The group wasnt high schoolers prepared for the school year they were graduates of former Alexander Ramsey High Schools class of 1975, gathered together for a tour of their high school, now Roseville Area High School, before their reunion, which was held Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides being their 50th reunion, and their first since the pandemic prevented the 45th, its also the one where the former classmates will first see the time capsule their class buried 50 years ago. It was thought lost after school renovations seemingly buried it under concrete. Originally, the class had planned to have the time capsule unburied for their 25th reunion, but when former classmates Bobbie Evangelist, Cindi Baisi and others returned to the campus, they discovered that renovations had made it impossible to find. We just thought wed come here in the summer, dig it up and be on our way, Evangelist said. We dug a lot for a couple days and we never we had a whole crew out here. We had the custodians from the school helping us. Found accidentally It wasnt until around the classmates 40th reunion that the time capsule was found accidentally while work was being done on the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the items originally buried in a baby casket to preserve them were newspapers, including a copy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press with a headline reading Wendy nixes session, a reference to then-Gov. Wendall Anderson. A Time magazine carries a photo of then-President Gerald Ford. A TV Guide features a story on the Bob Newhart Show. Theres also a bottle of Italian liqueur from 1973 to 1976, the legal drinking age in Minnesota was 18. A troll doll, student identification cards and photos and a fake skeleton also were there. Theres also a Rams logo the team nickname of Alexander Ramsey. Each of the 550 or so students also wrote letters, either to their future selves or to friends. Classmates got those letters back at Saturdays reunion. For those who couldnt attend, the rest will be mailed to them or sent to their next of kin. Even 50 years later, Suzi Ramsey Fiedler remembered what she wrote to herself, she said before the school tour. It included the number of children and career she wanted and the airline pilot she imagined herself marrying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Classmate Diane Kinderwater, of New Mexico, who opened her letter ahead of the school tour, was happy that she ended up on TV like her younger self dreamed of doing. Im so happy, said Kinderwater, who has worked in broadcasting. Memories The group followed Stern through the school, asking each other where theyre living now, remembering moments from their time there, their chatter filling the hallways. Many now live out of state. A former exchange student from Finland returned with his wife, the two of them taking the trip from Helsinki to visit the school where he joined the speech team to help himself improve his English. Most of the school is unrecognizable to the group, except for the gym, which they said is the same, and some of the hallways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Life at school is different, too. The school no longer has a designated smoking area for students and students dont just sign themselves out of class when they want to like those in the class of 1975 were able to do. Other things have stayed the same. We were involved in theater. We were involved in band, in orchestra, in art, Kinderwater said. The school provided us many opportunities, and many students took advantage of it, and were in a position to be able to take advantage of it. The class visited the band room, the auditorium completed after they graduated, the auto shop and media center. They caught up, joked around and recalled pranks including at least one streaking incident. For them, the tour wasnt so much a chance to see the new parts of the building as it is a chance to remember their time there. Reunions dont miss the 50th At the end of the tour, Stern holds up the bullhorn again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youve been much, much better than the class of 74, Stern said to laughter from the group. He wasnt quite kidding hes also led school tours for the class of 1974, 1973 and 1959. I joke with my colleagues, I may be doing this until I retire because the 50th just keeps coming for younger graduates, Stern said. The classmates joke about who will plan the 75th. My dad always said, Reunions dont miss the 50th, Ramsey Fiedler said. Thats what he always said. Reunions, people compare what you do in your life. But he said, The 50th, theyre all over that and now theyre just interested in your life. Related Articles A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. For the second day in a row, President Donald Trump has felt the need to assure Americans that, no, he is not a dictator. Im not a dictator. I just know how to stop crime, he said at an hourslong Cabinet meeting at the White House, where he held forth at great length and many of his Cabinet secretaries celebrated him with over-the-top paeans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question of whether Trump is trying to be a dictator has come up this week as he appears to be looking for new cities where he can dispatch the National Guard. These are places such as Chicago, where democratically elected local officials dont want federal troops on patrol and dont feel that their crime rates justify such an emergency action. If this were happening in any other country, we would have no trouble calling it what it is: a dangerous power grab, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Monday. He called Trump a wannabe dictator. Trump on Monday clarified that he thinks a lot of people might actually like to have a dictator in the US, as long as streets were safe. But he does not seem to want to deploy the National Guard to cities in red states, which suggests his current military moves have at least something to do with politics and imposing his power over people in states that have voted against him. Much of his second presidency so far has been about consolidating power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just this week he has announced the government is taking a stake in Intel, the foundering tech company, which is more in line with Trumps nationalism than it is with American capitalism. He is trying to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over issues with her mortgages even though she has not been officially accused of any wrongdoing in an apparent effort to exert more control over the Federal Reserve. Lisa Cook, member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, attends a meeting in Washington, DC, on June 25. - Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images But the consolidation of Trumps power extends to most of his presidency. Taking power from Congress. Lawmakers are supposed to have the power to regulate international trade, but Trump wields tariffs as a weapon and sets the rates himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expecting help from the courts. He has made clear that he expects the Supreme Court justices he appointed to fall in line with his challenges to the separation of powers, and they have frequently complied. Installing loyalists. He is actively trying to deconstruct the federal bureaucracy and insisting that new bureaucrats express support specifically for his policy positions. Controlling information. He fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics when he disapproved of a less-than-stellar jobs report. His administration has also tried to delete the very idea of climate change from the federal government. Imposing his will over the arts. He has essentially taken over the Kennedy Center. President Donald Trump announces nominees for the annual Kennedy Center Honors on August 13 in Washington, DC. - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Rewriting history. See efforts to change exhibits at the Smithsonian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Purging top general officers from the military. Retired Gen. David Petraeus said the number of fired general offers is concerning and unprecedented. Targeting political enemies. Trump has frequently called for investigations into his political opponents. The Department of Justice appears to be answering some of those calls. Seeking advantage in the coming elections. Trump has pushed for red states to create more Republican seats in Congress and threatened to sue when blue states try to do the same. The list goes on. Lawmakers wait in line to debate a redistricting bill in the Texas House on August 20 in Austin. - Brandon Bell/Getty Images All of these moves relate to control and power. But Trump is not a dictator, according to Daniel Treisman, a professor of political science at the University of California at Los Angeles and co-author of the book Spin Dictators: The Changing Face of Tyranny in the 21st century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I put some questions about dictatorship to Treisman by email. His answers are below. Trump says hes not a dictator. Is he right? TREISMAN: Yes, he is a president who was elected in a mostly free and fair election. And he is still subject to numerous checks and balances from other institutions and constitutional actors. Whether he would like to become a dictator is another question the answer to which only he knows for sure. Democrats such as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker say Trump is a wannabe dictator. Are they right? TREISMAN: Only Trump knows his true aim, but he is certainly challenging or ignoring constitutional restrictions that previous presidents took for granted. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks to the press while on board a water taxi passing Trump Tower on the Chicago River on August 25. - Scott Olson/Getty Images How has the definition of dictator evolved over time? TREISMAN: In ancient Rome, a dictator was a leader who was temporarily given supreme power at a time of emergency to resolve a specific crisis. These days, dictator is used to refer to leaders in non-democracies. The term is treated as synonymous with autocrat or authoritarian. Modern dictators are leaders who have seized power unconstitutionally rather than being elected, or else who have eroded institutional constraints and consolidated power to the point that they cannot be removed through peaceful political processes. Are there specific, defining characteristics of a modern dictator? TREISMAN: Modern dictators either seize power without election or, having come to power democratically, undermine electoral institutions so that they are almost guaranteed to win. They generally consolidate control, intimidating or coopting the legislature, courts, media and other power centers, so that they are not constrained by other actors. When most people think of dictators, they think of Hitler, Stalin or Mussolini. Youve argued that todays dictators wear suits and control information rather than wear military uniforms and control everyday life. Does that weaken the idea of dictatorship? TREISMAN: There is a new, increasingly prevalent model of democracy that competes with the old, more openly brutal approach. This model, which my co-author Sergei Guriev and I call spin dictatorship, is based more on manipulating media, emphasizing external threats, and pretending to be democratic. The old-type fear dictators used more overt repression and violence to intimidate the public very large numbers of political prisoners and state killings. Although they use different techniques, both types are dictators in the sense that they seek to monopolize political power and hold office indefinitely, without checks and balances or fair elections. If people are generally free in their daily lives, why is it fair to label autocratic leaders today as dictators? TREISMAN: Dictatorship is a kind of political rule rule by a self-appointed or irremovable leader who is not subject to voters or constitutional restraints (although some might pretend to be). Some dictators allow a certain sphere of freedom in daily life. They are authoritarian but not totalitarian. Still, even under a generally benevolent dictator (and there arent many of these), citizens do not have the security that comes from living in a state with reliable rule of law. They are vulnerable to the whims of those in power. And they do not have the freedom to collectively reject their ruler. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A voter in Missouri is going viral for an all-too-blunt assessment of Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.) and President Donald Trump. Tom Williams / Getty Images I am pissed, and Im pissed at you, a man who identified himself as Fred Higginbotham told Alford at a town hall on Monday as he urged him to study the Constitution and get Trump out of office. Trump, he said, is a dictator. Andrew Harnik / Getty Images Related: JD Vances Old Epstein Tweets Are Coming Back To Haunt Him In A Big Way I listened to him for about a half hour today, and I got sick at all the lies he brought up, Higginbotham said, later adding: You need to take your head out of Trumps ass and start doing your representation of us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many in the room cheered. Higginbotham also spoke of his own struggles, saying he was about to lose his farm, and urged Alford to increase taxes on large corporations and the wealthy: Constituent: I am pissed, and I am pissed at you. The man is a dictator. He knows nothing about what he talks about. You need to take your head out of Trumps ass. pic.twitter.com/B5m3Sx6qve Acyn (@Acyn) August 26, 2025 Acyn / C-SPAN / Via x.com Many GOP lawmakers have largely shunned town halls and other public events this year. When they do turn up for them, they often face a roomful of angry voters ready to shout and jeer. Alford, however, is planning to hold 15 town halls this week, according to Kansas Citys KSHB. But it was his encounter with a single voter on Monday that took off online, as many on X echoed the cheers of those in the room: 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" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Hillary Clinton Just Hit On One Of Donald Trump's Biggest Insecurities With Three Words WUTangKids / Acyn / C-SPAN / Via x.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: "Can A Trump Supporter Explain": 49 Brutal, Brutal, Brutal Political Tweets Of The Month Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RRozen1 / TheTNHoller / Via x.com This article originally appeared on HuffPost. 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: MAGA Is (Loudly) Regretting Their Votes After Witnessing ICE Raids Across The Nation, And It's Reallyyyy Not Looking Good For Trump Read it on BuzzFeed.com Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Park Byeong-seug, special envoy of President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji met with Park Byeong-seug, special envoy of President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung, in Beijing on Tuesday. Zhao, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that the two heads of state have reached important consensus on deepening China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership, pointing out the direction for the development of bilateral relations. China stands ready to work with the ROK to adhere to mutual respect, enhance dialogue and communication, deepen practical cooperation, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and promote the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations, Zhao added. The NPC of China is willing to enhance exchanges and cooperation with the National Assembly of the ROK to contribute to the sustained and positive development of China-ROK relations, Zhao said. Park said the new ROK government attaches great importance to developing a mature and stable ROK-China relationship. He noted that the ROK is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continuously enhance political mutual trust, strengthen friendly feelings between the two peoples, bring ROK-China relations back on track, and jointly promote regional peace, stability and development. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Park Byeong-seug, special envoy of President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae-myung, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) NEED TO KNOW American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and her musician husband Thomas Deluca were allegedly shot and killed with their own firearm on July 10 The suspect, Raymond Boodarian, called police from their home Boodarian allegedly stole numerous items from the home including the couples own gun, which he hid in his home On the sun-drenched morning of July 10 in the San Fernando Valley, Robin Kaye, a longtime music supervisor for American Idol, and her husband, rock guitarist Thomas Deluca, both 70, had just returned from grocery store run when their quiet life was shattered. What followed was a brutal break-in: a deadly confrontation that turned their home into a crime scene and their serene neighborhood into the setting of a double homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what has not been publicly disclosed until now is that the alleged suspect, Raymond Boodarian, 22, fled the scene with their stolen firearm, allegedly used in the murders, and later hid it under his bed. He also took jewelry and what may have been the couples cell phone. Police say, according to an affidavit revealed exclusively by PEOPLE, Boodarian used a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic pistol with a 10-round magazine allegedly shooting the victims in different areas of the home before fleeing. The gun, sources say, had only been purchased a week or so earlier. Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times/Getty Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca's home on July 15, 2025. Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca's home on July 15, 2025. A police search warrant exclusively obtained by PEOPLE details what investigators later found at Boodarians Reseda townhouse: the couple's alleged firearm, 12 brass casings, bullets from the chamber and magazine and 11 live rounds from a box tucked under his mattress, toward the foot of the bed. The list of stolen items paints a grim inventory of the couples final hours and the suspects haul: two black smart watches, two bracelets, two white metal necklaces, three stone-studded rings, one Greek-symbol ring, clear stone earrings, a cross pendant featuring a white Jesus figure and a white metal cross. The police also confiscated two cell phones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boodarian was arrested outside his residence, sans shirt, on July 15. TMZ/BACKGRID Raymond Boodarian was arrested on July 15. Raymond Boodarian was arrested on July 15. A search warrant affidavit filed that day and obtained by PEOPLE reveals a series of eerie, tragic details. Five days earlier, on July 10, a neighbor had called police after spotting an intruder climbing Kayes fence, allegedly attempting to break into the couple's office. The LAPD generated a radio call at 4:10 p.m. Then, 35 minutes later, another 911 call came in, allegedly from Boodarian. According to the affidavit: The 911 caller then stated, Please dont shoot me. Surveillance footage would later fill in the missing pieces: Boodarian is seen scaling the front fence at 4:06 p.m. Kaye and Deluca returned home at 4:43 p.m. Ten minutes later, the same suspect is seen fleeing a handgun tucked into the waistband of his pants, the affidavit says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasn't until four days later that officers discovered the bodies of Kaye and Deluca, after police responded to a welfare check at the couples home. A friend of the victim, who requested the check, told officers she had not heard from the couple for several days and was worried. Inside, officers found the couple deceased with multiple gunshot wounds, plus numerous casings, per the affidavit. Their bodies were in a state of decomposition consistent with having been there for "several days." Kaye and Deluca sustained multiple gunshot wounds on July 10 at approximately 4:45 p.m., according to their death certificates, obtained exclusively by PEOPLE. Deluca died within seconds of being shot, while Kaye died minutes after sustaining her gunshot wounds, the death certificates further revealed. The manner of death for both was listed as homicide. They were both cremated on July 23. Robin Kaye/Facebook Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca. Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca. Facing two counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree residential burglary, a dazed-looking Boodarian arrived in a Van Nuys courtroom in a suicide gown on Wednesday, August 20, for his arraignment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Martin L. Herscovitz suspended the hearing and referred Boodarian to a mental health court for evaluation after he repeatedly failed to respond. Boodarian's public defender, Nancy Kolocotronis, told the court that her client is allegedly suicidal. Judge Herscovitz said Boodarians arraignment will hinge on the evaluation of his mental fitness, telling the court last week that he didn't believe it was "fair" to continue without the suspect's involvement. Per recent court records obtained by PEOPLE, a psychiatrist was appointed to examine Boodarian and prepare a report on his current mental status. Boodarian is scheduled to appear in mental health court on Sept. 3 in Hollywood. He's still being held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles. If convicted as charged, he faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or death. Read the original article on People Robin Kaye on Feb. 16, 2017, in Hollywood, California - Credit: Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Guild of Music Supervisors Over a month after American Idol supervisor Robin Kaye and her musician husband, Thomas Deluca, were found dead in their Los Angeles residence, a cause of death has been revealed. According to a death certificate obtained by People, Kaye and Deluca, both 70, died after suffering multiple gunshot wounds that they sustained on July 10. Their deaths were listed as a homicide. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although their death certificates report that the couple sustained their fatal injuries, which caused them to die within minutes of each other, on July 10, their date of death was originally recorded as July 14. People stated that the Los Angeles County Medical Examiners Office previously told the outlet that the couple was pronounced dead on July 14, which is the date authorities say Kaye and Deluca were found dead in their Encino, California, home following a welfare check call. The outlet also noted that although Kayes death certificate, which was issued on July 23, originally stated that no autopsy was performed, documents show that autopsies were conducted for both Kaye and Deluca and used to determine their cause of death. People stated that the notation was corrected by an amendment filed on Aug. 4. Three days after police found the couples bodies, Raymond Boodarian, 22, was charged with two counts of murder with enhancements for killing the couple while committing a robbery, intentionally using a firearm, and committing multiple murders. Boodarian also faces a burglary charge. Last week, Boodarian appeared in court wearing a suicide gown and was deferred to mental health court for evaluation. A judge ordered Boodarian back into custody without bail and set a Sept. 3 hearing in mental health court. He said any arraignment on Boodarians murder charges would have to wait until hes deemed mentally competent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say Boodarian was burglarizing the Encino residence when the couple arrived home from a shopping trip and encountered him on July 10. He allegedly shot the couple multiple times with a gun located in the home before fleeing. In a matter of moments, this couple was senselessly killed in their own home as they returned from the grocery store, L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a previous statement. This tragic shooting has shaken a valley community and the notion that home should be our safe sanctuary. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Happy Tuesday, and welcome to another edition of Rent Free. As I mentioned last week, I'm on vacation and out of the country. So this newsletter, like the last, will be a bit shorter and less pegged to the news. Instead, I wanted to write a column about the problem of using "one weird trick" to fix the housing crisis. The Problem With 'One Weird Trick' In a July installment of his Why Shit Not Working video series, New York City Councilmember Chi Osse and actress Ilana Glazer took a swing at a few wonky regulations they say are making the city excessively expensive, like floor area ratios that govern the shape of buildings and sections of the building code that require two staircases and larger elevators in apartment buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The more you dig, the more bizarre rules you find making housing more expensive," says Osse in the episode. To end New York's million-unit housing shortage and make the city affordable for aspiring artists and creatives, Osse says, "we need to be intentional by ending weird rules." WHY SHIT NOT WORKING: EPISODE 11 pic.twitter.com/mghA4LUfLo Chi Osse (@OsseChi) July 3, 2025 As far as short-form videos about housing policy go, this one is pretty good. It nails the basics by blaming high rents on an insufficiency of housing units and blaming that insufficiency of units on government regulation. Painting obscure zoning and building code requirements contributing to this insufficiency as "weird" and "bizarre" helps to excite the viewing public's interest in getting rid of this regulatory minutiae, which they otherwise wouldn't care about. All the same, there's a way in which the rhetorical tactic taken by Osse and Glazer's video is generally unhelpful and even dishonest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theirs is an example of the "one weird trick" to housing policy: identify a rule that is helping to drive up housing costs, stress its obscurity, then hype the impact of its repeal on bringing costs down. There are indeed many weird rules that drive up the cost of housing that could be safely eliminated. Yet it's inaccurate to say, as Osse and Glazer imply in their video, that the elimination of a few weird rules will meaningfully combat the yawning shortage of units they identify as making New York City unaffordable. Much broader deregulatory reform that goes beyond the elimination of a few "bizarre rules" would be required to eliminate that shortage. The staircase rules Osse and Glazer mention are a great case in point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In most cities and states, the building code currently requires that residential buildings over a certain size (typically three stories) have two staircases. Critics of this requirement say it does little to achieve its stated purpose of increasing fire safety but does often make it infeasible to build smaller apartments on smaller lots. Reformers have proposed letting buildings of up to six stories have just one staircase. New York City is actually more liberal than most major cities by already allowing single-stair buildings of up to six stories for buildings with a 2,000-square-foot floor plate. The City Council considered an additional reform, promoted by the Center for Building in North America, that would allow 4,000-square-foot buildings to have just one staircase. The Manhattan Institute's Eric Kober wrote in a policy brief last year that the adoption of single-stair reform, plus reform to the elevator and floor-area-ratio rules mentioned in Osse and Glazer's video, would "encourage construction of point-access-block apartment buildings up to six stories on relatively small sites." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kober says it would be "another necessary step" toward Mayor Eric Adams' moonshot housing goal of building 500,000 units over a decade. And yet necessary does not mean sufficient, even for Adams' moon shot, which is half of the one million units Osse wants to see built in the city. Indeed, Kober's mention of single-stair reform comes in the final "Additional Reforms" section of a very long brief that proposes major reforms to everything from rent regulation and zoning to the entitlement process and the tax code. Adams' moon shot "will not be achieved without far-reaching changes to the many laws and regulations that impede housing construction," writes Kober. If that's the case, a few "one weird tricks" certainly won't get the city to build an additional million units either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pitching "one weird trick" as the way of eliminating America's high housing costs can easily lead policymakers and the public to focus on more marginal reforms that ultimately disappoint. Indeed, we've gone through this already with "middle housing" reforms adopted by several cities and states that allow duplexes, triplexes, and the like in formerly single-family-only neighborhoods. Reformers are right to argue that single-family-only zoning has done much to drive up housing costs and price people out of desirable neighborhoods. Nevertheless, the "one weird trick" of allowing a few additional units per lot has produced relatively few additional units where it's been tried. Many other liberalizing reforms, from greater density allowances and shrinking minimum lot sizes to eliminating permitting and parking requirements to cutting taxes and reducing impact fees, are required as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's a lot of "one weird tricks." Each one might be necessary to boost housing production, but none are going to be sufficient. Examples of proposed necessary but not sufficient "tricks" in the housing space abound. Getting rid of the federal requirement that manufactured housing permanently sit on a steel chassis is all well and good. A lot more will likely be required to significantly increase the production of manufactured housing. Exempting infill housing from environmental review requirements, where they exist, is important. It doesn't address the zoning limits, union wage requirements, green building codes, and affordable housing mandates that also render new urban apartments infeasible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The "one weird trick" approach can also be unproductively focused on allowing a particular type of housing, when a broadly deregulated housing sector would build something else instead. Some supporters of single-stair reform, for instance, argue that the benefits of the reform can be oversold. Builders will continue to construct a lot of larger apartment buildings with double-staircases, provided the zoning allows for it. Liberalizing infill housing doesn't do anything to enable greenfield development where that's most in demand. Meanwhile, the public likely has only a limited appetite for the next regulatory tweak that will solve everything. Critics of deregulation will often point to the marginal benefits of individual reforms to argue that the real solution to the high housing costs is aggressive government intervention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A focus on "one weird trick" also allows politicians an easy out from supporting the broad-based deregulation necessary to get America building again. If a few simple rule changes are all that's necessary, there's no need to push for more general liberalization. And if "one weird trick" can produce a lot more homes, policymakers might assume that the cost of adding a new bizarre rule here or there surely can't be that high either. In a now-canonical column, The New York Times' Ezra Klein wrote about the problem of "everything-bagel liberalism," where a piling on of seemingly desirable rules and mandates renders the production of new housing, new transit, and more, infeasible. Each rule or mandate might seem like a good thing individually, but each one adds to an increasingly burdensome tangle of red tape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inverse of this view is that peeling off these rules one by one won't fix the fundamental problem. To stick with Klein's metaphor, if you don't like an everything bagel, the solution isn't to individually pick off every single poppyseed, sesame seed, and chunk of onion. It's to get a new bagel that doesn't have any of those things to begin with. We need a new, much more fundamentally liberal set of rules to bring down America's high housing costs. There's reason to have some skepticism that the slow, steady repeal of individual regulations might not get us there. To be sure, revolutionary liberalization of housing policy in one fell swoop isn't particularly realistic either. Omnibus zoning reform bills tend to do poorly in the state legislatures where they're proposed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we've seen with recently introduced bipartisan housing legislation in the U.S. Senate, bills that include lots of little tweaks can bring together lawmakers who wouldn't otherwise sign up for each other's more ambitious proposals. Fighting righteous battles that can be won is still good, even if the larger war will drag on regardless. Nevertheless, the goal is winning the war and ending America's housing shortage. In Montana this year, one lawmaker proposed a bill that would have created free speechstrength protections for private property owners. It didn't pass, but it did put on the table what the end goal of zoning liberalization should look like: broad, robust protections for people's property rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be interesting to see more people interested in zoning liberalization propose similarly ambitious policies. If transformative change is required, then it would be helpful for people to propose that transformative change. The post America's Housing Shortage Won't Be Fixed With 'One Weird Trick' appeared first on Reason.com. Angry constituents confronted Republican Rep. Mark Alford of Missouri during a town hall on Monday evening, accusing the lawmaker of being more loyal to President Donald Trump than the people he represents in Congress. Alford, one of the few Republicans willing to make an appearance at an in-person town hall, calmly responded to aggressive questions and comments from his constituents, even when they used profanity. I am pissed and I am pissed at you, Fred Higginbotham, a resident of Bolivar, said to Alford. Get Trump out of office. The man is a dictator. He knows nothing about what he talks about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You need to take your head out of Trumps a** and start doing your representation of us, Higginbotham said to a round of applause from the crowd. Despite the hostility, Alford thanked Higginbotham for his question before responding calmly. Mark Alford, a Republican Missouri Representative, faced some pushback from constituents about Donald Trumps agenda (AP) At times, the town hall was contentious, with some people yelling at Alford to express their disappointment. Your job as Congress is to check and balance our president, one man told Alford. Theres been no checks and balances at all. However, for the most part, the town hall remained civil, even though most attendees appeared upset with Alford, according to local news KSHB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of Alfords Republican colleagues opted to host virtual town halls or cancel their in-person town halls entirely this past year after several devolved into chaos from disgruntled constituents unhappy with the way Trump has capitalized on executive authority to force change. Videos posted from town halls earlier this year showed Republican lawmakers struggling to speak over irate constituents while defending Trumps record. Alfords town hall appeared different in tone but also in substance; the Missouri rep broke from Trump on several matters and put some distance between himself and the president. Fred Higginbotham angrily confronted Alford about allowing Trump to implement his agenda without pushback (AP) Im not the best of friends with Trump, Alford told constituents. I met him maybe five or six times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called some of the sweeping federal workforce layoffs mistakes, and said he disagreed with sending the National Guard into other cities unless the governor asks. Alford also admitted that some Medicaid cuts in Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill have hurt rural hospitals because theyre losing some of this money. But contended that he is trying to make up for some of it by bringing projects back to the state. While many in the room seemed dissatisfied with Alfords alignment with Trump, even if its not the most aligned a Republican rep has been, Alfords seat is considered safe. He won his district in 2024 with approximately 71 percent of the vote likely making him more comfortable touring around the district. That doesnt mean Alford hasnt faced intense pushback from constituents, though. In February, one of Alfords town halls turned hostile when several constituents fumed about federal workforce cuts. PARIS (AP) France s prime minister has announced a confidence vote next month that likely will lead to the collapse of his centrist government and prompt another period of political instability in the European Unions second-biggest economy. Francois Bayrou said Monday he would seek approval for his unpopular budget plans on Sept. 8 at the National Assembly, Frances lower house of parliament. Opposition parties quickly said they would vote against it. President Emmanuel Macron, who has vowed to stay in office until the end of his term due in 2027, may soon face the complex task of appointing a new prime minister for the third time in a year. The prime minister focuses mostly on domestic policies, while the president retains substantial powers over foreign policy, European affairs and defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a look at whats at stake. Bayrous risky strategy Early legislative elections called by Macron in June last year led to a chaotic situation in parliament, divided among three minority blocs that do not have enough seats to govern alone. Bayrou, 74, has been in office since December. He unveiled plans last month to cut 44 billion euros ($51 billion) in spending, after Frances deficit hit 5.8% of gross domestic product last year, way above the official EU target of 3%. The plans includes removing two state holidays. Bayrou has no option beyond relying on the support or at least abstention of adversaries on the left and right to pass the budget bill. Thats why he decided to seek a confidence vote ahead of the debate that is scheduled to start in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The uncertainty prompted by his decision has alarmed financial markets. The Paris CAC 40 benchmark index fell around 2% after opening on Tuesday. Opposition vows to vote against it All opposition parties on the left and the far-right said they would vote against expressing confidence in Bayrous government. Hard-left France Unbowed lawmakers said they want to make the government fall, and the Socialists vowed to reject an unfair budget. The national secretary of the Greens, Marine Tondelier, described Bayrous confidence vote as a resignation de facto. The far-right National Rallys lawmakers also will vote against it, party leader Marine Le Pen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Far-right and left-wing lawmakers hold over 320 seats at the National Assembly while the centrists and allied conservatives hold 210, making it impossible for Bayrous government to survive if opposition groups team up. What lies ahead If a majority of lawmakers vote against expressing confidence, Bayrou and his ministers will have to resign. Macron will be in charge of appointing a new prime minister. He could pick a figure from the traditional left or right in an effort to consolidate his centrist alliance, but either one would be in a precarious position amid the political deadlock in parliament. Bayrou succeeded a conservative, Michel Barnier, who was ousted after only three months in office. Some politicians, including Le Pen, are urging Macron to call a new round of legislative elections in the hope of reshuffling the political cards before the 2027 presidential election. The French president has not said whether he would be ready to use that option. Major General Konstantin Kuvshinov, former head of the 9th Medical and Diagnostic Centre of Russias Defence Ministry, has been held in a pre-trial detention centre since late April 2025 in a criminal case on large-scale fraud. Source: Russian outlet Mediazona, citing a case card on the website of Moscow courts; Russian state outlet TASS Details: According to the case materials, Kuvshinov is accused of embezzling over RUB 57 million (approx. US$410,000). Investigators believe that in 2022 the Russian Defence Ministrys medical centre concluded state contracts with the companies Delrus and TDA-Service for the supply of medical equipment whose prices turned out to be inflated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early June, military investigators announced criminal fraud cases against Delrus deputy head of sales Igor Ignatov and TDA-Service commercial director Alexander Khotsin. A court sent the first manager to a pre-trial detention centre and placed the second under house arrest. Major General Konstantin Kuvshinov headed the 9th Medical and Diagnostic Centre of the Defence Ministry, located in Moscow, from February 2019 to May 2025. Before that, he headed the ministrys Main Centre of Military Medical Expertise. Background: Major General Konstantin Ogiyenko, the Russian commander of the 1st Special Purpose Air and Missile Defence Army, which protects Moscow from airstrikes; he was a suspect in a bribery case. Major General Ivan Popov, a former commander of the 58th Army of the Russian Armed Forces, was detained and arrested in May 2024 in a case of particularly large-scale fraud. In July 2024, Russias FSB arrested Deputy Defence Minister and Army General Dmitry Bulgakov in a corruption case. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Perhaps Desmond Filby to use the name he was given at birth always had a Mr Hyde lurking beneath the Jekyll-like persona he presented to the world. If so, he hid it well, at least from most of the locals. Those who remember him before he became Dezi Bird Freeman, the conspiracy theorist and alleged police killer, recall a reserved man who was unfailingly polite when he came into town to pick up his post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With two children and a charming wife who taught music and worked shifts at the local supermarket, he seemed to fit neatly into small-town Australia: an unremarkable man living an unremarkable life amid the trout streams and mountains of Victorias high country. His alter-ego, however, was anything but. Desmond Filby the landscape photographer was the kind of man who helped his children with their prep and doted on his wife. Dezi Freeman the sovereign citizen, by contrast, was a paranoid conspiracy theorist who allegedly shot dead two police officers and wounded a third. When Mr Freeman became a crank, and what turned him from a crank into a suspected killer, remain unknown and perhaps always will. Yet, as in so many recent cases in Australia and beyond, the coronavirus pandemic seems to have played a decisive role in tipping him over the edge. Dezi Freeman allegedly shot dead Vadim De Waart and Neal Thompson in Prepunkah, rural Australia - Victoria Police His conspiratorial streak predates Covid. In 2019, he tried to place a magistrate under citizens arrest during a dispute over public access to a nearby national park, an act that suggested at least a passing flirtation with the sovereign citizenship ideology, which casts representatives of the state as enemies of the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it was Covid that transformed him into a full-fledged adherent of a movement whose violent fringes are causing growing concern across the English-speaking world. He went from being just a pretty ordinary country bloke, a normal dude youd see at the local footy club all the time, to quite a strange bloke, the Sydney Morning Herald quoted a local as saying. He fell down a bit of a rabbit hole and sort of disappeared and went off radar. It began, acquaintances say, with his refusal to wear face coverings in shops and a rejection of lockdowns and vaccinations. It culminated in 2021, when Mr Freeman took a leading role in an attempted private prosecution of Victorias premier, Daniel Andrews, for treason. Arrested outside the courthouse where a magistrate later ruled that Mr Andrews lockdown policies did not, in fact, amount to treason Mr Freeman could be heard denouncing the police officers taking him away as scumbags and criminal filth. Dezi Bird Freeman, screaming abuse, being escorted away by police from a courthouse, after attempting to arrest judges Mr Freeman, who is 56, appears to have developed an abiding hatred of the police, with whom he had had repeated run-ins over a string of parking and driving offences. During a hearing last year to appeal the suspension of his driving licence, he told a court that even the sight of a cop or a cop car [was] like an Auschwitz survivor seeing a Nazi soldier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such outlandish language is common in sovereign citizen circles. Its adherents may not exactly see themselves as above the law, but they certainly believe they are exempt from it. The movement, a particular phenomenon of developed English-speaking countries rooted in common law, rests on a misinterpretation of jurisprudence: the supposed right of individuals to declare themselves independent or sovereign of the state. Parts of Porepunkah, including a primary school, were placed into lockdown after two police officers were shot dead and a third critically injured - SIMON DALLINGER/EPA/Shutterstock It is not new. It first gained traction in the United States in the Seventies and later in Canada under the Freeman of the Land movement, a name that may even have inspired Freemans own. Adherents, often drawn from far-Right or fundamentalist Christian backgrounds, have long resorted to violence. Terry Nichols, the co-conspirator in the Oklahoma City bombing that killed 168 people in 1995, was a self-confessed sovereign citizen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ideologys violent side has grown in Australia in recent years, however. Dezi Bird Freeman is suspected of shooting dead two police offers at this house in Prepunkah, Victoria, and seriously injuring a third In 2022, three self-proclaimed sovereign citizens, Gareth, Nathaniel and Stacey Train, ambushed and killed two police officers and a neighbour at their remote property near Wieambilla in Queensland before being shot dead themselves. All three subscribed to extremist Christian beliefs that appeared to intensify over Covid, when Nathaniel and Stacey Train lost their jobs at a local school for refusing to be vaccinated. As in Mr Freemans case, there was little in Nathaniel Trains background to suggest he might turn killer. He was not just a teacher but the schools headmaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like the Trains, Mr Freeman was expecting a visit from the police, in his case over a sexual abuse investigation for which he had already been questioned. So erratic had his behaviour become that his wife, now missing, confided her fears to a neighbour just days before the attack. Whether it could have been prevented is a question for another day. What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that the sovereign citizen movement as inchoate as it is poses a growing threat to police officers and public servants in Australia and beyond, as Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister, acknowledged after the shootings. This ideology of not seeing themselves being subject to our laws and our society is of real concern, he said. This threat is very real and we need to be very vigilant about it. 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. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is building a fundraising juggernaut that is rivaling some of the Democratic Partys core infrastructure, prompting questions about both her future and the partys. Small-dollar donations contributions of less than $200 are the lifeblood of campaigns and a key measure of voter enthusiasm. And on ActBlue, Democrats largest online fundraising platform, the New York congresswoman received the third-most small-dollar donations in the first half of the year. That trailed only the Democratic National Committee and the partys Senate campaign arm, key party infrastructure. Ocasio-Cortez beat the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the House campaign arm, and every other individual candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ocasio-Cortez raised nearly $15 million total in the first half of 2025 from 736,000 contributions, an average of $20 a donor. Notably, her fundraising spiked after the March announcement that she would join Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders national Fighting Oligarchy tour. Theres too many in the Democratic Party who like to criticize Bernie or be in friction with him. Far fewer have seen the political power of embracing him. AOC always has, said Faiz Shakir, a senior Sanders adviser. Waleed Shahid, a Democratic strategist who has worked on several progressive campaigns, argued that Ocasio-Cortez could reshape the partys larger direction by sidelining big donors. History shows that independent political and fundraising operations often do more to change a partys direction than the partys own infrastructure, Shahid said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And David Axelrod, the veteran Democratic political strategist, said that Ocasio-Cortez was well-positioned to lead her party into the future. She has extraordinary communication skills. She is very authentic. She has a very clear point of view and knows how to communicate it in modern media. Shes done well and Im sure her name will surface in speculation about future elections, said Axelrod, a CNN contributor. The DCCC declined to comment. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders participate in a stop on the Fighting Oligarchy tour in Bakersfield, California, on April 15. - Aude Guerrucci/Reuters Facebook ads and the Sanders alliance Ocasio-Cortezs US House campaign has plowed more than $500,000 into Facebook and Google advertising over the last three months, much of it aimed at fundraising and collecting voter contact information, while shes lent her fundraising prowess to a range of high-profile candidates and causes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her tour appearances with Sanders contributed to her strongest-ever fundraising quarter in the first three months of this year, during which she hauled in a total of $9.6 million. And according to her campaigns most recent FEC report, Ocasio-Cortez had nearly $10 million in cash on hand as of June 30. Oliver Hidalgo-Wohlleben, Ocasio-Cortezs campaign manager and senior adviser, noted that her campaign has only four double-max donors, meaning they gave the federal limit of $6,600 for both a primary campaign and the general election. Our focus is taking on the Trump administration as he sells pieces of the government to the highest bidder and guts Medicaid and food stamps for kids, Hidalgo-Wohlleben said in an email. We will continue to be active in NY-14, NY state, and across the country to hold him and Republicans accountable. Ocasio-Cortez has directed her supporters to give to a range of other causes that she supports, including school supplies for community residents, and aid for the population of Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war. Ocasio-Cortez has described Israels conduct of the war as a genocide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And after stepping in to endorse Zohran Mamdani the democratic socialist state assemblyman who scored an upset victory in New York Citys Democratic primary for mayor earlier this summer Ocasio-Cortez has also been helping to raise funds for his general election campaign. Its time for Democratic leaders to unite behind Zohran Mamdani. If they dont now, how can they call for party unity later? We must lead by example. Lets win together, she wrote in a recent fundraising missive. Shakir, the Sanders adviser, argued top Democrats should take better note of Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdanis ability to invigorate the partys grassroots and the great political and policy possibilities of being working-class candidates with integrity. If the brand and reputation of the Democratic Party is to be improved, we need more engagement with real voters, broader support from working class donors, and more strategic policy input from regular people, he said. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks to the media after the House of Representatives voted to pass President Donald Trump's spending and tax bill, at the US Capitol on July 3. - Ken Cedeno/Reuters What are her plans with the funds? Ocasio-Cortez represents a safe Democratic district, one she won with a successful primary challenge of former Rep. Joe Crowley in 2018 by running to his left. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She won reelection last year by nearly 40 points and has established a strong national profile. Ocasio-Cortez was among the most favorably viewed national figures in a Gallup survey published this month. The $10 million in her account could be fully transferred to any future federal campaign or to a bid for state office with some restrictions. Some of her allies want her to challenge Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, in 2028. Ocasio-Cortezs aides arent commenting about her future. But Ocasio-Cortez turned 35 last October the minimum age required to run for president and her name is now also being mentioned in conversations about the 2028 White House race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether people feel like shes ready to run the United States of America or govern the United States of America, I cant answer that, Axelrod said. Voters will answer that question, if she runs. But I think shell have a devoted following if she does, and that will make her a factor in the race, if thats what she decides to do. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Mail-in ballots that Pennsylvania voters submit without proper dates on the return envelope may not be discarded, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday, the latest twist in an years-long legal fight over mail voting rules in the battleground state. Pennsylvania election officials have rejected thousands of votes in recent years under a state law that requires voters to handwrite a date on the outer envelope when voting by mail. That practice disproportionately affects Democratic voters, who are far likelier than Republicans in the state to vote by mail meaning Tuesdays ruling, if it stands, would likely boost Democrats in future elections. Democrats have repeatedly sued to get those undated and wrongly dated ballots counted, and on tuesday a three-judge panel of the Philadelphia-based Third Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that the states rejection of undated ballots imposed an unreasonable burden on voters ability to cast ballots with virtually no benefit for preventing fraud. And only some counties, the judges noted, offered voters a chance to correct their errors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of the Commonwealths date requirement, an inadvertent typographical error or a flipped number or even a stray pen mark in the date field will remove the ballot contained within the return envelope from consideration. And the voter may never be the wiser, wrote Judge D. Brooks Smith, a George W. Bush appointee, for a unanimous panel. Brooks decision was joined by Biden appointee Arianna Freeman and Obama appointee Patty Schwartz. They concluded that the requirement to discard misdated or undated mail-in ballots violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments protections of the right to vote by creating impermissible burdens with virtually no benefit to the state. In fact, they concluded, the date requirement was actually cumbersome for state officials to implement as well, with virtually no benefit in preventing fraud. The judges found the fraud argument particularly weak, finding only one case in the past six years in an extremely unusual circumstance and said it wasn't enough to counter the number of disenfranchised voters. [D]iscarding thousands of ballots every election is not a reasonable trade-off in view of the date requirements extremely limited and unlikely capacity to detect and deter fraud, Smith wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling has implications for the 2028 presidential election and closely fought congressional races in the crucial swing state. It also lands amid a renewed push by President Donald Trump to kill the practice of mail-in voting altogether, an echo of his false claims that election fraud fueled by increased mail balloting during the Covid pandemic tanked his 2020 reelection bid. The long-running lawsuit was brought by a Pennsylvania voter whose ballot was rejected during the 2022 midterm elections. Democratic Party organizations also backed the litigation, which was lodged against all 67 Pennsylvania counties. The appeals court noted that just two counties Berks and Lancaster opted to defend the envelope dating requirement. The Republican National Committee joined in the effort as well on the side of the counties. Many county election officials have long said that the date requirement serves no election administration purpose and can trap voters who, for example, write their date of birth on the envelope. Pennsylvania law is clear: if you vote by mail, you must sign and date your return envelope. The liberal groups fighting to overturn this basic protection which was passed into law by the states legislature are essentially fighting to count illegal ballots. Thats unacceptable, The RNC and the Republican Party of Pennsylvania are currently reviewing every option in light of this ruling, said the Republican National Committee and the Pennsylvania Republican Party in a joint statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the ruling, Smith noted that the RNC had argued Pennsylvanias dating requirement for wills and property transactions showed that a similar requirement for voting is reasonable. But he emphasized that voting is a constitutionally protected activity with heightened requirements. This is like arguing that the Commonwealth can ban handguns because it bans lots of things, like owning a polar bear, Smith wrote. Democrats celebrated the ruling as a vindication of efforts to expand access to mail-in balloting. Not only have we been securely voting by mail for decades, but even the President does it, said Rep. Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.), the ranking Democrat on the House Administration Committee, which oversees election policy. Republicans want to make it harder for Americans to vote because they know their agenda is deeply unpopular. We wont let that happen. SUVA, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Fiji Online Safety Commission has raised an alarm over the growing trend of private communications and personal information being shared on social media platforms in the island nation. Commissioner Filipe Batiwale said on Tuesday that exposing someone's personal details without their consent can cause humiliation, emotional distress, and in some cases have devastating consequences for individuals and their families, according to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. "Privacy, dignity and respect are fundamental to safe online behaviour," Batiwale stressed, adding that while not every disclosure may qualify as cyberbullying under the law, it can still cause significant social harm. The Online Safety Act 2018 makes it an offence to post electronic communications that cause harm, including harassment, intimidation or humiliation. It also extends protection against discrimination, including based on sexual orientation. However, Batiwale noted that stigma around sensitive issues persists in Fiji, making people feel particularly vulnerable when private matters are made public online. The commissioner appealed to the public to think carefully before sharing or forwarding information on social media, reminding them that digital spaces are not free from accountability. INDIANAPOLIS The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld an Elkhart mans conviction for child molesting, which netted him decades behind bars. Stephen Hunter, 78, received a 50-year sentence after he was convicted of child molesting as a Level 1 felony and as a Level 4 felony at a July 2023 trial. He was arrested in 2021 based on allegations from a victim who was under age 12 at the time of the incidents, which happened between 2016 and 2018. Prosecutors told the judge that Hunter was an active member of his church who lured kids to his residence with toys, games and movies. He waited till the victim was alone and asleep in his home before molesting her, the judge heard at his sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter written to the court, the victim accused Hunter of stealing her childhood and teenage years, but she was glad to see justice done. Hunter argued in his appeal that the trial court abused its discretion by denying his motions for a mistrial. His first request came after a witness made reference to two separate incidents with children and the second after another witness said she didnt know other stuff had happened. Appellate justices ruled that neither remark justified the extreme measure of declaring a mistrial. Hunter also argued that the court abused its discretion by denying the admission of evidence related to the victims relationship with a close friend in middle school. He said the exclusion of the evidence prevented him from conducting a full and effective cross-examination and that it hurt his defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunters attorney elicited testimony about the friend disclosing to the victim their own experience with sexual abuse, and encouraging the victim to report Hunters behavior to the authorities. Hunter was allowed to challenge the victims credibility and motivation for making her allegations, even though he could not elicit testimony about the victims dating history, according to the appellate opinion. And Hunters defense was not hindered by the exclusion of the evidence, the opinion states. His defense merely could not overcome Victim 1s consistent and corroborated testimony about his abuse of her. By Rachel More BERLIN (Reuters) -Apple can no longer advertise its Apple Watch as a "CO2-neutral product" in Germany, following a court ruling on Tuesday that upheld a complaint from environmentalists, finding that the U.S. tech company had misled consumers. Apple had promoted the device online as "our first CO2-neutral product," a claim found by a panel of judges to be unfounded and in violation of German competition law, according to a statement from a regional court in Frankfurt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Apple spokesperson said the court ruling "broadly upheld our rigorous approach to carbon neutrality" and declined to comment on whether the company would appeal Tuesday's ruling. In June, Apple had said the German lawsuit threatens "to discourage the kind of credible corporate climate action the world needs." Still, a spokesperson referred on Tuesday to a report that Apple will phase out the 'carbon neutral' label it uses for Apple Watches in order to comply with EU legislation coming into force in September 2026 restricting the use of such terms. Apple based its claim of carbon neutrality on a project it operates in Paraguay to offset emissions by planting eucalyptus trees on leased land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The eucalyptus plantations have been criticised by ecologists, who claim that such monocultures harm biodiversity and require high water usage, earning them the nickname 'green deserts.' However, the Frankfurt court said that leases for 75% of the project area were not secured beyond 2029 and that the company could not guarantee these contracts would be extended. "There is no secure future for the continuation of the forest project," the statement said. Alongside Apple, Meta and Microsoft have also invested in similar projects in Latin America in return for carbon credits. Environmentalist group Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), which brought the case against Apple, hailed the ruling as a success against "greenwashing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The supposed storage of CO2 in commercial eucalyptus plantations is limited to just a few years, the contractual guarantees for the future are not sufficient and the ecological integrity of monoculture areas is not guaranteed," DUH head Juergen Resch said in a statement. (Reporting by Rachel More, Editing by Friederike Heine and Louise Heavens) ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) As New Mexico students head into a new school year, families want to know: Are classrooms safe? Will student outcomes improve? And is the state moving up in national education rankings? This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, Chris and Gabby host the leader of the states largest school district, Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Gabriella Blakey. More than a year into her role, Blakey shares about lessons learned over the last year, new safety measures, and academic goals for the states largest district. She also addresses a new tool school staff has available for use in emergencies. The Centegix alert badge was used by a teacher to summon police when someone reported seeing a student with a gun at West Mesa High School last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the full discussion above, Blakey answers questions about teacher vacancies, the incoming kindergarten class, graduation rates, growth goals for APS, and more. Stay informed with the latest news by subscribing to the New Mexico News Insiders podcast wherever you listen. Download new episodes of the New Mexico News Insiders every Tuesday, starting around 5:30 a.m., Mountain time. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean, among others. You can also watch our podcasts in video form, both on-air and online. Tune in to an abbreviated version of the New Mexico News Insiders podcast on broadcast television every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. on Fox New Mexico. Full video episodes are posted on KRQEs YouTube page at youtube.com/krqenews13. Having trouble finding the show? Try searching your favorite podcast player with the term KRQE or New Mexico News Insiders (without the quotes). You can also use the links above to find the podcast on each service or listen to the audio player at the top of this post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have a question, comment, or suggestion for who should be interviewed on the podcast, let us know! Email your hosts at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. An archaeology student from the US state of Florida has discovered a rare 9th-century gold object during her first excavation in the UK. The student, Yara Souza, unearthed a gold medallion from the medieval period in about 90 minutes during work carried out by Newcastle University in the Redesdale area of Northumberland in July. "I couldn't believe I found something so fast on my first dig, it was quite an exciting and slightly overwhelming experience," Souza told the Daily Mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the university, the object, which dates back to the 800s, is about four centimetres long and has a decorative ornament on one end. The piece was found close to the route of Dere Street, an important road connecting York and Edinburgh during the Roman Empire. Related This road continued to be used after the fall of Rome and became part of the A68 motorway, which today runs from Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, to the north-east of England. According to experts, the gold object may have had a religious or ceremonial function. Gold was a high-status material used by the elite of the period, and Dere Street connected two major religious centres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Gerrard, Professor of Roman Archaeology at Newcastle University and Souza's supervisor, said: "This is an exciting discovery of exceptional quality. I am delighted for Yara that she has made such a find so early in her career." Gerrard also pointed out that Dere Street was an important route in the post-Roman period, saying: "This object shows that high-status people continued to use the road. It may have been deliberately buried," he added. Souza is studying archaeology at Newcastle University. Recalling that she was unable to take part in the excavations of the Roman fortress at Birdoswald last year due to illness, she said: "It was incredible to find something that had not seen the light of day for over a thousand years after waiting a year. I literally passed out," he said. Thousands of people were left without power when a huge dust storm rolled through Phoenix. It temporarily shut down the airport, forcing more than 40 flights to divert. Some returned to their origins, but later reached the Arizona capital. A huge dust storm in Phoenix forced more than 40 flights to land elsewhere on Monday evening, delaying passengers by up to five hours. Also known as a haboob, the enormous wall of dust darkened the sky and left thousands of people without power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ensuing storm brought heavy rain and wind, and a temporary ground stop was put in place at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. One in four flights were delayed throughout the day, numbering over 300, per FlightAware. Data from Flightradar24 showed that 43 were diverted from Phoenix, one of the country's busiest airports, with over 25 million passengers last year. The airport's X account advised travelers to check their flight status before beginning their journeys. A spokesperson told Business Insider that "contractors worked through the night to make repairs to areas impacted by last night's storm." They added that all systems were back to normal on Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many diverted flights landed at nearby airports like Tucson, but some others went back to their origins. British Airways Flight 289 had flown nine hours from London before changing course over Arizona, circling once, then diverting to Las Vegas, 250 miles away. Meanwhile, an Alaska Airlines flight from Portland, Oregon, spent two and a half hours flying to Phoenix but had to turn around during its descent. After nearly four hours in the air, it too diverted to Las Vegas. Both planes later took off again and reached Phoenix with delays of around four hours. Timelapse of the #haboob from tonight. Stay safe, Phoenix! pic.twitter.com/I3vamwVOZv City of Phoenix, AZ (@CityofPhoenixAZ) August 26, 2025 An hour after leaving Burbank, Southwest Flight 1555 twice circled over western Arizona before returning to California. After a two-hour journey, it landed in Ontario, near Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it took off again just over an hour later. It touched down in Phoenix at 9:20 p.m., or five hours later than passengers initially expected. An American Airlines Airbus A321 spent two hours in the air before landing back in Los Angeles. After another two hours on the ground, it took off again and reached the Arizona capital. It was a similar story for those on board United Airlines Flight 5244, which also returned to Los Angeles before touching down in Phoenix over three hours behind schedule. It wasn't just passengers who were affected, either. A small cargo plane operated by Aeronaves TSM circled a couple of times over Arizona before returning to Hermosillo, in northern Mexico, an hour and a half after taking off. Read the original article on Business Insider (The Center Square) Gas prices in Arizona and Nevada are cheaper than in California for several reasons, according to American Automobile Association spokesperson John Treanor. Factors vary from regulations and gas taxes to supply and demand. There are a lot of nuances with prices, Treanor told The Center Square. Nevada on Tuesday saw an average gas price of $3.80 per gallon, according to AAA. For Arizona, gas averaged $3.36 a gallon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California's average price Tuesday was $4.58 per gallon, the highest rate in the nation. Washington's and Oregon's prices are also higher than Nevada and Arizona. Washington's price averaged $4.40 a gallon on Tuesday. Oregon's average was $3.98. Gas prices are affected by state taxes. According to the Tax Foundation, California had the nation's highest gas tax per gallon at 68 cents. Arizona and Nevada have much lower gas tax per gallon prices. Nevada ranked 40th with 24 cents per gallon, and Arizona finished 46th with 19 cents per gallon. While gas taxes play a role, oil refinery regulations also increase prices, Treanor said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parts of Arizona and Nevada get their gas from California oil refineries, which makes fuel prices in those areas more expensive due to Californias regulations on refining oil, he said. The middle of Arizona, including Maricopa County, buys its gas from California. In contrast, the outer areas of the state, such as Pima County, get their gas from Gulf states, which makes it less expensive, Treanor said. In addition, states with a lot of fuel and low demand have lower prices than states with little fuel and high demand, he said. Around 60% of fuel prices are determined by world prices for a barrel of crude oil, Treanor said. Once an oil refinery in America buys the crude oil, he said, the fuel prices from these refiners are going to be different due to different state regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California is more expensive than other states because of its regulations, Treanor said. Prices are also affected by the cost of transporting fuel from oil refiners to gas stations, the AAA spokesperson said. (The Center Square) Arizona is suing two individuals who are accused of operating a predatory real estate scheme that cost homeowners their properties. Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a lawsuit on Monday against Edward Trenton Albarracin and Gretchen Marie Zamjahn, who are husband and wife. Mayes said the alleged scheme targeted older people in Arizona who are struggling. Let me be clear: Anyone who tries to profit by exploiting vulnerable Arizonans will be held accountable by my office, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the lawsuit, Mayes accused Albarracin and Zamjahn of operating a scheme that advertised themselves as professionals who could save people from foreclosure. Mayes alleged the couple made false promises. She said that instead of helping these homeowners, the couple tricked them into signing over deeds to their homes. The lawsuit alleged the defendants would contact homeowners facing foreclosure and offer to buy their mortgages so they could stay where they lived. Mayes said Albarracin and Zamjahn told the vulnerable homeowners that they would need to transfer their deed into a trust. The lawsuit alleged these deeds were actually moved into shell limited liability companies owned by Albarracin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney general said Albarracin signed the deeds representing the company, whereas Zamjahn certified transactions illegally. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleged that these two individuals misled and pressured people into filing fake bankruptcy or probate claims. The attorney general alleged the husband and wife violated the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act and the Adult Protective Services Act. Additionally, Mayes asked to void any transactions made by Zamjahn due to their alleged illegality. Before this case was announced, Mayes secured an emergency receivership last week from an Arizona judge that will seize all of Albarracin and Zamjahns assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Scott Minder appointed Peter Davis to be the receiver who will secure their real estate, vehicles and cash. Mayes, meanwhile, is seeking restitution for the victims and an injunction that will prevent Albarracin and Zamjahn from ever buying real estate in Arizona again. These scammers pretended to offer a lifeline to homeowners in crisis but in reality, they were stealing peoples homes out from under them, Mayes said. Arkansas State Broadband Director Glen Howie discusses a tentative timeline for the federal BEAD program during a town hall meeting at the Fayetteville Public Library on Aug. 20, 2024. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) A seven-day comment period began Monday for the public to weigh in on Arkansas final draft plan for adding broadband internet service to underserved areas of the state. The states Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD) has provisionally designated 23 internet service providers to receive $308.3 million in grants to provide high-speed broadband service throughout the state, according to the draft plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and BEAD Director Glen Howie both highlighted in a press release that the latest iteration of the state plan is $275 million lower than an earlier version. The public comment period ends Friday. Comments can be submitted via the state Department of Commerces BEAD site. The Trump administration in April gave states an additional 90 days to submit final draft plans because the agency overseeing the BEAD rollout was expected to adjust program requirements to remove regulations considered to be burdensome to business. The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act established the BEAD program, providing $42.45 billion to expand high-speed broadband access throughout the United States. As it has with many Biden-era programs, the Trump administration dismantled diversity, equity and inclusion requirements in BEAD regulations along with environmental and technological rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas $ 1 billion BEAD program received 730 applications from 33 internet service providers, the draft plan states. Fiber optic cable accounts for 76% of the technology to be deployed by the 23 preliminary award recipients, according to the draft. Under the plan, Harrison-based Hometown Internet LLC would receive the largest grant $88.5 million. The second-largest grant of $68.9 million would go to Little Rock-based Aristotle Unified Communications. Rounding out the top five preliminary recipients would be Brightspeed, $26.3 million; Comcast, $21.9 million; and Premier Holdings LLC, $20.8 million. The funds arent expected to be awarded until after federal approval. The deadline for the state to submit the final draft proposal to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is Sept. 4. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Arkansas is moving closer to universal high-speed internet coverage with the release of its final proposal under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The $1 billion initiative represents the largest public broadband investment in state history, and officials say it will ensure every home and business in Arkansas is connected. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders praised the proposal as a transformative step for the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BEAD Program is about more than faster internetits about opportunity, Sanders said. By connecting every community with high-speed access, were giving students the tools to succeed, entrepreneurs the ability to grow their businesses, and families access to better healthcare close to home. The Arkansas State Broadband Office said the competitive application process drew 730 proposals from 33 internet service providers (ISPs), with 23 providers selected for preliminary awards. Those projects will extend service to more than 79,000 homes and businesses across the state. According to broadband office director Glen Howie, nearly all eligible areas received multiple bids from providers. Following negotiations for the remaining 0.1% of locations, Arkansas has achieved coverage for every single location, Howie said. This incredible outcome demonstrates the strength of our market-driven approach and the commitment of providers to serving Arkansans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas officials say the plan secured coverage at one of the lowest average costs per location in the nation$3,891. The final funding allocation now stands at $308.3 million, a $275 million reduction from earlier estimates, after adjustments required by federal restructuring guidelines. When implemented, the program will use a mix of technologies: 76% fiber connections 16% low-Earth-orbit satellite service 7% licensed fixed wireless 1% hybrid technologies The final proposal is now open for public comment through Friday, Aug. 29. Arkansans can review the plan, access supporting documents, and submit feedback through the Arkansas BEAD Webpage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pending approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) by Dec. 4 and authorization from the Arkansas General Assembly, broadband construction is expected to begin in the first half 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 WREG.com. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The Arkansas State Broadband Office says theyre in one of the final steps of the BEAD program, Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment. The state is releasing its final proposal for public comment. Communities across Arkansas without broadband could soon be on their way to high-speed internet. Over $1 billion in grants available for Arkansas high-speed internet access programs Its through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, or BEAD. The state has submitted its final proposal for the plan. Paul Wilson says this is great for a community like Keo, where some homes and businesses are set to receive broadband through the BEAD program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, in the country you realize youre having the peace and quiet of the country, you give up some advantages, but we would love to have it, Wilson said. Funding for BEAD comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. It created a $42 billion federal grant program. Arkansas is receiving $1 billion. Glen Howie is the director of the state broadband office. All 79,000 locations across the state are subject to a grant award. This would get us on track to 100% connectivity in Arkansas, Howie said. Howie says the state has provisionally awarded 23 internet service providers. The project is in the final stages since it started in 2021. He says people deserve to be connected yesterday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having high-speed internet connectivity, it changes peoples lives. Were very excited and proud to get that out to the last 70,000 locations, Howie said. There is a public comment period and a few more steps before construction is expected to begin. We are always ready for progress, Wilson said. Broadband nutrition label? FCC wants clarity from ISPs The final proposal also has adjustments required by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. The total BEAD Grant Outlay stands at $308.3 million, a $275 million reduction from previous estimates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After final approval, they hope to start construction in the first half 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 KARK. By Dai Ruoxuan, Zhang Yiyi BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- This summer, like many of her peers, Cheng Xin (pseudonym), a university student in east China's Zhejiang Province, took up babysitting as a part-time job. It was not her first experience. During previous holidays, she had already provided childcare for busy parents. "I first learned about this job on Douyin when I saw college vloggers share their babysitting experiences. They played with kids and recorded their daily routines, which seemed interesting," she said. Seeing parents posting babysitting requests on the secondhand marketplace app Xianyu, she considered it a good opportunity. "Kids need companionship, and I enjoy being with them. I can also earn some pocket money, so I decided to give it a try." Cheng's daily routine as a babysitter is both structured and varied. In the morning, she arrives at the employer's home to help with breakfast and homework. When the weather is pleasant, she takes the children outdoors. At midday, she prepares simple meals if the parents are busy. In the afternoon, she leads English-based interactive activities. Throughout the day, Cheng keeps parents updated with photos and short videos. "It's important to keep parents informed," she said. Cheng's well-designed activities create a bilingual environment tailored for different age groups. For children aged 3 to 5, she uses immersive play such as singing English nursery rhymes, and for elementary schoolers, she plays word-chain games. Parents believe that college babysitters bring unique advantages. Compared with grandparents, college students often have more energy and interact with children in more creative and dynamic ways. Unlike Cheng, another college babysitter, Chen Ke (pseudonym), entered this field by chance when her cousin asked her to look after her six-year-old niece, Xiaohuasheng, last summer. "I taught her characters, read stories and spent our free time drawing and folding paper together," Chen said. She noted that babysitting differs from tutoring, as it requires not only academic guidance but also emotional support and engaging playtime. "When she gave me a drawing of an animal and said, 'I only want to play with you,' it felt so worthwhile," Chen said. Spending time with children, she added, also helped her shed her impatience and reflect upon the meaning of responsibility. On China's social media platform Xiaohongshu, hashtags such as "college students babysitting" have attracted over 46 million views and more than 1.1 million discussions. On Douyin, related topics have racked up nearly 400,000 views. Parents are also welcoming the trend. "A college girl comes daily to build blocks and read picture books with my elder daughter. My daughter loves spending time with her, and I can also enjoy a break," said an expectant mother in Beijing. According to Chu Zhaohui, a researcher at the China National Academy of Educational Sciences, the phenomenon is "a two-way growth experience." The moderate age gap between college students and children makes interaction easier, he said, adding that children can learn more efficiently in such an equal relationship. Meanwhile, college students can gain a stronger sense of responsibility and valuable social experience. Still, the market of college babysitting remains largely unregulated. Chu suggested that, with growing demand, parents and students should draw up written agreements to clarify responsibilities, duties, schedules and payment. Such measures, he said, would protect both sides and encourage broader participation. EUREKA SPRINGS, Ark. The Arkansas State Police (ASP) is looking for a suspect involved in a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run north of Eureka Springs on Saturday, August 23. At around 2:35 a.m. Saturday, ASP says troopers recieved reports that a pedestrian was struck on State Highway 187 near Nightendale Road at around 2:35 a.m. In a press release, ASP identified 61-year-old Penny Bowling of Holiday Island, Arkansas, as the victim in the hit-and-run. She was pronounced deceased at around 3:30 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas couple charged with attempted murder, abuse of 7-year-old son ASP is asking the public for help locating the vehicle and the driver involved in the crash. The suspects vehicle is believed to be a newer model white Chevrolet pickup truck. Anyone with information on the suspect vehicle or driver should call Arkansas State Police Troop L at 479-751-6663. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Army introduced the Master Combat Infantryman Badge earlier this year to recognize some of its most accomplished and dedicated soldiers. Last week, it went to an Air Force recipient. Senior Master Sgt. Greg Cleghorn, a security forces supervisor in the Iowa Air National Guard, was awarded the Armys MCIB on Aug 18. Cleghorn is the first Iowa air guardsman to receive the award. Air Force troops can only qualify for the badge through previous service in the Army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Master Combat Infantryman Badge itself is new in the Army but its heritage is not. The Army introduced the award in May to recognize soldiers who had earned two other highly regarded decorations, the Expert Infantryman Badge and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Cleghorn earned both as a soldier in the Army before joining the Air National Guard, making him eligble to wear the MCIB. Iowa Air National Guard Security Forces manager SMSgt Greg Cleghorn recieves the Master Combat Infantryman Badge during annual training at Joint Base Hickam Pearl Harbor 18 Aug 2025. Iowa Air National Guard photo by Staff Sergeant John Johnson Its still an individual award at this point, but Im proud to wear it and to represent the Iowa Guard, Cleghorn said in a release from the 132nd Wing. When I go someplace, it will be unique and draw attention to the state of Iowa while I am wearing Iowa Guard patches. Cleghorn enlisted in the Army in 1998 and earned the EIB in 2000 while with the 4th Infantry Regiment in Hohenfels, Germany, according to the Air Force release. He later joined the Iowa Army National Guards 194th Long Range Surveillance Detachment, where he earned the CIB in Iraq in 2004. One badge for two esteemed awards In May, the Army introduced the MCIB to close a loophole in Army uniform regulations that made it impossible for soldiers who had earned both the EIB and CIB to wear them together. Because the CIB and EIB are held in high esteem in the Army, they are worn on the same spot on Army uniforms: at the top of the left breast pocket, above all other awards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Combat Infantryman Badge is sometimes called the most prestigious award in the Army. It is awarded only to infantry soldiers and a handful of others in direct-action roles like Special Forces who have engaged in active ground combat while personally present and under hostile fire, according to Army regulation. The EIB is the top skill badge for infantry soldiers and is awarded to those who pass a long series of infantry-specific field tests. Over a multi-day course, soldiers must pass tests on marksmanship and weapons use, land navigation, medical problems, and a 12-mile ruck march to earned the EIB. Top Stories This Week News Pentagon fires heads of Navy Reserve, Naval Special Warfare Command By Nicholas Slayton News King of Malaysia cancels purchase of UH-60 Black Hawks, calling them flying coffins By Matt White News Demoted general sues Utah National Guard, governor over firing By Jeff Schogol But since the two awards occupy the same spot on a uniform, Army regulations have long mandated that soldiers who earn both can only wear one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The MCIB, then, was authorized this year as a sort of one badge to rule them all for soldiers who had earned both to wear on the top spot of their uniforms. The MCIB has the same blue rectangle and engraved musket that make up the other two awards, but is ringed in gold oak leaves, distinctive from the silver leaves of the CIB (for non-infantry soldiers with direct combat service, the Army awards the Combat Action Badge and the Combat Medical Badge and equivalent Expert and Master versions). The CIB cant be earned in the Air Force even for direct combat but once awarded, it can be worn if a soldier moves over to the Air Force or Air National Guard. That doesnt apply, however, for soldiers who go on to join the Navy or Marines, though a CIB-recipient joining one of the maritime service can apply to instead wear their new services Combat Action Ribbon. The M240 has been a staple of U.S. firepower for nearly 50 years. Heavy, rugged, and combat-proven, the belt-fed 7.62x51mm machine gun has been carried by generations of American troops in conflicts from the Gulf War to Afghanistan. Now, after decades of service, the Army is laying the groundwork to replace it. This effort is still in its earliest stages, and theres no official program of record yet. But buried in the Armys fiscal year 2026 budget request is a clear signal: the service is preparing for what its calling the Future Medium Machine Gun, or FMMG. Why replace the M240? The M240 remains reliable and effective, but it comes with tradeoffs. The infantry M240B variant weighs over 27 pounds unloaded, and fully kitted out, it can approach 35 pounds, and that isnt including ammo. Even the lighter M240L still tips the scales at around 22 pounds. Thats a lot of weight for dismounted troops to carry, especially in environments where speed and maneuverability are critical for survival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres also the question of range. While 7.62 NATO rounds are effective out to 800900 meters, adversaries are increasingly fielding weapons that can reach farther. The Russian PKP, Chinese QJY-88, and other belt-fed machine guns can deliver accurate fire at distances that challenge the M240s effectiveness. The Armys goal with the FMMG is to close that gap, either by improving existing capabilities or moving to a new caliber entirely. What might replace it? So far, the Army hasnt released formal requirements or a request for proposals. But based on current and previous programs, we can get a pretty good idea of what could compete. In March 2025, the service issued a Request for Information (RFI) asking the defense industry to weigh in on the possibility of a next-generation medium machine gun that can fire .338 Norma Magnum and 6.8x51mm ammunition in the same weapon, with a conversion kit. The 6.8x51mm is what is fired from the Armys new M7 and M250 weapons. Top Stories This Week News Pentagon fires heads of Navy Reserve, Naval Special Warfare Command By Nicholas Slayton News King of Malaysia cancels purchase of UH-60 Black Hawks, calling them flying coffins By Matt White News Demoted general sues Utah National Guard, governor over firing By Jeff Schogol Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The .338 Norma has already seen use with U.S. special operations units in the Lightweight Machine Gun-Medium program (LMG-M), which is ongoing with SOCOM. It is a 300-grain bullet that travels at approximately 2,650 feet per second, delivering over 4,900 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. Roughly twice the 7.62 NATO stats. It stays supersonic past 1,300 meters and remains lethal beyond 1,500, nearly double the range of an M240. The SIG Sauer MG 338 is one of those LMG-M submissions undergoing testing and evaluation. As the name implies, it fires the .338 Norma and is designed to give operators more range and punch than a 7.62 weapon without stepping all the way up to .50 cal. It can also be set up to fire 7.62 NATO and the 6.8x51mm SIG Fury round in addition to the .338. At 25 pounds, though, it isnt necessarily lightweight, so besides the step-up in caliber, this contender doesnt seem viable. SIG Saeur MG 338. Photo via Sig Sauer. The Knights Armament Light Assault Machine Gun (LAMG) is a belt-fed, open-bolt machine gun available in both 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm NATO variants. The LAMG dramatically reduces felt recoil, making it easier to control in full-auto even at its very low weight of around 11 pounds. The 7.62 variant weighs as little as 14 pounds unloaded, nearly half the weight of a standard M240B. The LAMG uses a side-mounted feed cover and integrates modern features like M-LOK rails, quick-change barrels, and suppressor-friendly gas tuning. FN Herstals Evolys is a next-generation belt-fed machine gun platform available in 5.56mm and 7.62mm NATO configurations. Weighing in at roughly 12 pounds (5.56) and 14.3 pounds (7.62), the Evolys is significantly lighter than legacy GPMGs like the M240, while incorporating features more commonly found on rifles. It uses a top-feed belt system with side ejection, offers ambidextrous controls, and is designed with a monolithic upper rail for optics and laser devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ruggedized, Enhanced Army Precision Rifle (REAPR), is a .338 Norma Magnum belt-fed machine gun in development by Ohio Ordnance Works, designed to deliver effective fire out to 2,000 meters while remaining man-portable at around 23 pounds. It uses a short-stroke gas piston, fires from an open bolt, and incorporates familiar M240 design elements with modern upgrades in barrel mounting, recoil control, and optics compatibility. Still in development and not yet fielded, the REAPR is positioned to compete with platforms like the SIG MG 338, especially if the Army pursues long-range overmatch in its future machine gun plans. A REAPR mounted on a vehicle. Photo via Ohio Ordnance Works. What happens next If the Army receives the funding for the FMMG program, the effort could move into a prototyping phase similar to the process used for the Next Generation Squad Weapon program. That could involve competitive evaluations, live-fire trials, and eventually a production contract. Or it could stall out entirely. There are more considerations leaders must consider than we covered, but we dig into it in our video for YouTube, which you can check out here. A Reserve soldier has been kicked out of a full-time position with a Civil Affairs reserve unit in Florida after posting personal criticisms online of U.S. support for Israel and sharing information on an app that compiles the locations of ICE agents from public sources. Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Estridge was notified of his involuntary release from a full-time IT staff role at the 350th Civil Affairs Command, a reserve unit in Pensacola, Florida, according to a counseling memo shared with Task & Purpose. The memo indicates that Estridge was removed from the Reserves active duty operational support program due to misconduct after an Aug. 9 review of his social media found online posts and public statements that ran afoul of service rules and regulations. Those posts criticized U.S. support for Israel and the Israeli Defense Forces conduct in Gaza, as well as arrests and raids by agents of U.S. Immigration, Customs and Enforcement. He also shared publicly sourced databases on ICE agents and an app designed to inform locals about ICE presence in an area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Estridge has drawn attention to his case in a TikTok video posted Aug. 22. Appearing in uniform, Estridge said he is being investigated by his Army Reserve unit for his views on Israels military campaign in Gaza. As of Tuesday morning, the TikTok video had garnered over 230,000 views, 45,000 likes and thousands of comments and shares. When I joined the military, I took an allegiance to support the United States of America. I did not ever take an allegiance to support Israel, but yet I am deemed a threat to national security because I do not support Israel and their genocide against the Palestinian people, he said in the video. Since when does not supporting a foreign nation get a U.S. soldier investigated for being a threat to national security? Estridge told Task & Purpose that he was counseled by his chain of command for his social media posts, escorted from the building where he works and told he was under investigation as a threat to national security. Maj. William Allred, an Army Reserve spokesperson, originally said they were aware of Estridges TikTok post but was not undertaking an investigation, adding that his comments and views in the video do not reflect the policies and/or viewpoints of the Army Reserve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After publication, a spokesperson for the Army Reserve told Task & Purpose that his command would be taking appropriate administrative actions for the social media posts. A counseling memo he received states that continued conduct of this nature could lead Estridge to be separated or face Uniform Code of Military Justice violations for allegedly making disloyal statements and statements dissuading the public to support military service, insubordinate statements about senior officials and military leaders, communicating threats or obstructing justice. Many of your public statements concerning the United States Government and its senior leaders, dissuading public support of the military, and the identity and whereabouts of ICE agents violates several punitive articles in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, according an Army memo from the 350th Civil Affairs Command. Estridge told Task & Purpose that when he was counseled on the social media statements, he was presented with printed copies of 13 social media posts that were flagged by his command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Counseling soldiers is a step taken by commanders before a case escalates to administrative actions or punishment. Estridge said his command could have given him a warning and requested he remove the posts before they actually escalated it to we think youre a threat to national security.' A full-time position ended Estridge said he has overseen IT staffers for several years at the 350th Civil Affairs Commands civil military operations center in Pensacola, working mostly in full-time positions as a reservist. He joined the National Guard in 2004 and served until November 2012 as a combat medic, deploying to Iraq in 2007 and 2010, according to a copy of his service record he provided to Task & Purpose. He later became an IT specialist in the Army Reserve and deployed to Kuwait and Qatar. But he now worries where his career is headed. Estridge said he was escorted out of his office on Thursday, but returned Friday to ensure other IT staff were able to continue his work. His access to the office and the Armys online classified information networks were taken away but he still has access to military systems on his cell phone. Top Stories This Week News Pentagon fires heads of Navy Reserve, Naval Special Warfare Command By Nicholas Slayton News King of Malaysia cancels purchase of UH-60 Black Hawks, calling them flying coffins By Matt White News Demoted general sues Utah National Guard, governor over firing By Jeff Schogol Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My personal phone has access to the military network so I can check my email and [Microsoft] Teams, he said. But Im afraid to even log in to check my email because then theyre gonna say, well you accessed the military network when you were told you cant. Estridge said he remains on full-time orders with his Florida-based Reserve unit until Aug. 30. He had expected to continue on full-time orders for another year-long tour beginning in October. Estridges service record shows that he is part of a Troop Program Unit or on TPU status. A spokesperson for the Army Reserve said that Estridges future military pay will depend on the conclusion of the administrative actions. Estridge said his posts have ironically gotten more attention because of the Armys reaction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know its not gonna make a difference, but at least I feel like Im trying to do something even though I only had like 60 friends on Facebook, 15 followers on Instagram, so its like almost nobodys gonna see this stuff, he said. In fact, if the military hadnt counseled me, I never would have made that video and nobody would have ever seen this stuff. The pitfalls of military social media Estridge is not the first active-duty troop to find consequences at work for social media posts, or to voice his criticisms of Israel. Since war broke out between Hamas and Israel, active duty troops have sought conscientious objector status over the U.S. militarys support while others took to more extreme forms of protest like Senior Airman Aaron Bushnell who died after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C. However, the notion of troops posting their political opinions on social media is an issue that the military is increasingly grappling with. Troops who get political online can be flagged for violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice or Department of Defense-wide social media policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the more high-profile incidents of troops turning to social media to voice their displeasure with the militarys current politics involved Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, a Marine officer who criticized leadership over Afghanistan in a Facebook video. Scheller posted his video in 2021, and was eventually court martialed and separated from the service. However, after the turnover from the Biden administration to the Trump administration, new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced in July that Scheller would lead the Pentagons review of how military officers are promoted and selected for command. In 2020, two soldiers deployed to the Middle East faced disciplinary actions for posting a TikTok titled message for liberals where they were uniform with flaks and M4s, as they mocked liberals and Democrats for being snowflakes, crybabies, and burning our fking country down while were over here. Other troop social media video scandals have waded into political commentary and topics that led to formal inquiries like an Army lieutenant who was investigated after he posted a video of himself making a Holocaust joke on TikTok, a Marine reservist who was busted down in rank after he shared a photo of a swastika made of boots to social media, and a pair of Marines who were investigated after a Snapchat video surfaced showing them in blackface and making racial slurs. UPDATE: 8/26/2025; This article has been updated with information supplied by the Army Reserve after publication about Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Estridges command taking administrative actions and how that could impact his military pay. The U.S. Armys new plan to become a leaner, more modern force may actually undercut combat readiness, warns a congressional watchdog. The Army Transformation Initiative, or ATI, could affect the availability of Army forces to support Combatant Command requirements and the effectiveness of Army ground operations, as well as the effectiveness of ATI-proposed changes to existing headquarters units, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service, or CRS, which is Congress in-house think tank. The specifics of ATI have yet to be finalized in the wake of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths April directive that called for transforming the Army at an accelerated pace by divesting outdated, redundant, and inefficient programs, as well as restructuring headquarters and acquisition systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hegseths directive was quickly followed by a letter to the force from Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, which outlined a plan to convert Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, or IBCTs, to Mobile Brigade Combat Teams to improve mobility and lethality in a leaner formation. The letter also vowed to cancel the procurement of outdated crewed attack aircraft such as the AH-64D [helicopter], excess ground vehicles like the HMMWV [High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle] and JLTV [Joint Light Tactical Vehicle], and obsolete UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] like the Gray Eagle, as well as canceling programs that deliver dated, late-to-need, overpriced, or difficult-to-maintain capabilities. Army aviation would also take a hit, with Army Reserve helicopter units being inactivated, active-duty combat aviation brigades losing an air cavalry squadron apiece and medevac units having fewer helicopters. However, the Army would field more drones and long-range missiles, the M1E3 tank and the Future Long-Range Assault Helicopter. CRS questions whether converting IBCTs into Mobile Brigade Combat Teams would affect the Armys 14 active component IBCTs and 20 National Guard IBCTs with potential operational impacts in terms of organization and capabilities for Army infantry formations. Downsizing medevac helicopters could affect casualty evacuation operations and patient survivability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interestingly, CRS also suggests that the combatant commands may have been frozen out of the ATI process. It also is not known if Combatant Commanders played any role in the development of ATI or had the opportunity to express their respective concerns over proposed ATI changes, the report said. In particular, reports that the Army may eliminate four of its six Security Force Assistance Brigades, which primarily support Combatant Commanders security force assistance efforts, could have operational implications, the report noted. Congress has already complained that the Army has yet to provide details and cost savings for ATI. Nor does the Army even have metrics to assess whether ATI is working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to see your homework, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said in June. Without measures of effectiveness and a subsequent evaluation, ATI might be viewed by some as transformation for the sake of transformation, CRS concluded. Mount Etna has once again erupted, meaning potentially major consequences for anyone visiting the popular holiday island of Sicily in the coming days. The Italian Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) reported strong ash emissions from the volcano's summit craters on Monday, prompting authorities to raise the highest alert level for air traffic. Mount Etna, which rises to more than 3,300 metres, is Europe's largest active volcano. It erupts regularly and is under constant monitoring, with its spectacular displays attracting large numbers of spectators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Catania's international airport remains open for now, as of Tuesday. However officials are recommending travellers check with airlines to determine whether the volcanic eruption is affecting already booked flights. Travellers can also find updates on the Catania Airport website. A package holiday booked in the EU can also be cancelled without incurring fees if it is significantly disrupted by extraordinary circumstances. However this requires that the holiday destination is directly affected by the volcanic eruption. Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology offers detailed updates on the activity of Italian volcanoes (in English and Italian), covering Mount Etna and the Stromboli volcano on the island of the same name. Experts generally advise regularly checking online resources like these before travelling to a volcanic region. Your country's foreign ministry will likely also offer advisories and travel warnings for your destination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In many countries, national authorities provide warnings and information about natural hazards on their websites, often in English. Additionally, holidaymakers can ask for specific advice at hotel receptions or from their hosts. Mount Etna had already erupted in June, with a huge column of smoke causing days of cancellations before the local airport could reopen. There are over 1,500 active volcanoes worldwide, some of which are located in holiday regions. As such, volcanic eruptions are not uncommon, and for some intrepid travellers they are even reason to fly to a destination, not avoid it. The Clarke Cooke House restaurant on Bannister's Wharf in Newport. (Photo by Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current) The assistant attorney general who told Newport police officers they would regret arresting her on Aug. 14 will be off the job without pay through February 2026, the AGs office announced Monday. Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagans suspension length came ahead of her arraignment Wednesday morning in Newport County District Court, where she pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor trespassing charge before Judge J. Terence Houlihan. The charge was filed, meaning it can be dismissed after a year. Houlihan ordered Flanagan to stay away from the Clarke Cooke House. Flanagan was arrested around 10 p.m. Aug. 14 outside the Clarke Cooke House after she had refused to leave the Bannisters Wharf restaurant and bar with a friend. Body camera footage, which has since gone viral, shows the 34-year-old repeatedly demanding officers turn off their body cameras and insisting, Im an AG. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronhas office began a review of the incident upon learning of Flanagans arrest, with Neronha calling her behavior inexcusable. Neronha said he personally met with Flanagan Monday, where he formally placed her on leave from her $112,920-a-year job for the next six months. We hold our attorneys to the highest personal and professional standards, and Ms. Flanagan plainly did not meet those standards here, Neronha said in a statement. I sincerely hope she takes this time to reflect on the seriousness of her conduct and makes corrective changes in her life. She has a long road ahead of her, but I believe that in the long run, our worst moments can inspire us to become better people, he continued. Flanagan has since written apology letters to each officer involved, attorney generals office spokesperson Timothy Rondeau confirmed in an email Tuesday. He said copies were not available, while the Newport Police Department declined to release them. The menu at the Clarke Cooke House now includes an Im an A.G. mocktail. (Photo by Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current) The Clarke Cooke House seems to be doing just fine following the incident. Its now serving a non-alcoholic Im an A.G. Bellini. The mocktail is made with non-alcoholic sparkling wine, peach nectar and simple syrup served on the rocks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One server who declined to give her name said its still yet to dominate sales. I think people are too afraid to order it, she said. Flanagan is scheduled to be arraigned before Judge J. Terence Houlihan Jr. at 9 a.m. Wednesday, according to online records. She has retained Newport-based Kevin Hagan, who declined to comment on his clients case Tuesday afternoon. If convicted, Flanagan could be fined up to $1,000 and face up to one year in prison. This story has been updated to include the disposition of Flanagans case in court Wednesday morning. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Men appear to be dying disproportionately from preventable diseases and conditions way more than women, and in many cases it's their own damn fault: because they're refusing to go to the doctor until it's too late. In interviews with the New York Times, doctors and public health experts expressed concerns with the state of men's preventative care, which they say many chaps tend to ignore to their own peril. Breaking this issue down between men and women is fraught for a number of reasons. For one thing, women's health has only been taken seriously by the medical establishment for the past few decades; the FDA wasn't even required to include women in clinical trials until 1993. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, there are some indications that medical reticence may be hurting men in sweeping ways. According to a landmark study conducted by the American Heart Association in the late 1990s, men made up 75 percent of all sudden cardiac deaths, with men aged 45 to 75 particularly likely to die due to coronary artery disease. With symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath as early warning signs, coronary artery disease can easily be treated if it's caught early enough but men have to convince themselves to go to the doctor first. Though heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men globally and in the United States, prostate cancer is another major killer that could be treated effectively by regular screenings. The American Cancer Society estimates that in the US, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetimes and that one in 44 men will ultimately die from it. According to Eric Wallen, the chair of urology at Medical University of South Carolina, a lot of men erroneously believe they don't need to get prostate exams, which are indeed uncomfortable, but probably not much more so than a pap smear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think a lot of people are falling back on, 'Well, thats not really recommended,'" Wallen told the NYT his patients. (According to the University of California at Los Angeles' Health system, those screenings very much are recommended for all men between the ages of 50 and 55, or at age 45 if they have a family member with prostate cancer. Any man who has to get up frequently in the night to urinate, often an early warning sign of prostate trouble, should also get checked out.) Changes to the way men get healthcare after COVID which killed men far more often than women, studies have shown may also have to do with their increasing health disparities. "I used to joke and say Viagra was the best thing to ever happen to the mens health movement," Mike Leventhal of the Tennessee chapter of the Men's Health Network advocacy organization told the NYT, "because at the time, you had to look a doctor in the eye and tell him about why youre there." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, men can discreetly get their erectile dysfunction (ED) medication from telehealth services like Ro or Hims without having to go through the screenings previously required to obtain those medications, which are known to induce a drop in blood pressure that may be dangerous for men with certain preexisting conditions. Speaking to the NYT, Johns Hopkins urology professor Arthur Burnett said the telehealth trend is also worrisome because ED can also be an early sign of heart disease one that would not be caught by a virtual prescriber going through dozens of requests for prescriptions each day. "These services allow people to just quickly make requests that dont necessarily allow a proper health work-up and may miss diagnoses," Burnett warned. More on male health: As Health Questions Swirl, Weird Spot Appears on Trumps Hand ATHOL, Mass. (WWLP) An Athol man was found guilty on Monday of 16 crimes related to domestic violence and sexual assault incidents against his former girlfriend in 2021 and 2022. Suspect runs away after stealing car in Springfield with children inside The Northwestern District Attorneys Office states that the charges against 39-year-old Christopher Mundell of Athol are in connection with several domestic violence and sexual assault incidents that occurred in 2021 and 2022 against his former girlfriend in Montague and Athol. Evidence presented at the trial also showed that Mundell threatened to kill the victims pets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mundell was on probation related to a 2010 conviction for sexually assaulting and stabbing a 2-year-old child at the time the crimes occurred. He was sentenced to 11 to 13 years in state prison on that case and was released in 2021. In December 2024, Mundell was found in violation of his probation and sentenced to 2.5 years in the House of Correction based on his commission of the new crimes. On Monday, Mundell was found guilty following a two-day trial and three days of deliberations. He was convicted of the following: Assault and battery on a family or household member (6 counts) Threatening to commit a crime (2 counts) Suffocation Kidnapping Indecent assault and battery Assault with intent to commit rape Intimidation of a witness Breaking and entering during the daytime with the intent to commit a felony Vandalism Wanton destruction of property He was acquitted on one count of indecent assault and battery and on one count of withholding evidence from a criminal proceeding. Mundell is scheduled for sentencing on September 18th at 2:00 p.m. in Franklin County Superior Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survivor in this case showed tremendous courage by coming forward and testifying against Mr. Mundell in three separate proceedings. The case was particularly egregious. We would also like to thank Detective Sergeant Doug Kaczmarcyk from the Athol Police Department for his thorough investigation, which played a crucial role in securing these convictions, said Assistant District Attorney Andrew Covington. 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. Atlanta Community Food Bank opens first Atlanta store The Atlanta Community Food Bank has opened its first free-standing store in the city of Atlanta, providing a new resource for residents in need of food assistance. Located in the Adamsville neighborhood, the new Community Food Center offers a grocery store-like experience where individuals can shop for food with dignity and ease. Channel 2s Lori Wilson reports the center aims to serve about a thousand families each week, improving access to fresh food for the local community. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] This new Community Food Center stands for dignity, access and hope, said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fran White, a resident of Adamsville who just turned 87, expressed her commitment to helping others in her community. I know what it is to have and to have not ... I try to come and get all the information that I can acquire so that I can help somebody, she said. Residents can register by phone or online to make an appointment to shop at the new center once every two weeks. Each appointment lasts 15 minutes and accommodates about eight people at a time. Giving people the choice about the food that theyre going to receive really helps them have a more dignified experience, said Kyle Waide, CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Residents can register by phone or online to make an appointment to shop at the new center once every two weeks. Each appointment lasts 15 minutes and accommodates about eight people at a time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shoppers weigh their food, show their ID and then proceed with their selections, ensuring that the process is efficient and respectful. Fran White, who has lived in the neighborhood most of her life, noted the importance of the center for her and her friends who often seek her help with food. The opening of the Atlanta Community Food Banks new store marks a significant step in addressing food insecurity in the area, offering residents a dignified way to access the nutrition they need. As White put it, Im not as young as I used to be and Im not as old as Im gonna get, but I enjoy helping people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Learn more about getting help at the Community Food Center website. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] SOFIA, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria's state postal service is set to suspend all types of shipment to the United States from Aug. 26, due to planned changes by the U.S. administration to its rules on customs clearance of imports valued less than 800 U.S. dollars. Bulgarian Posts said it would inform its customers if there were any changes to the situation. According to an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, the long-standing "de minimis" exemption rule, which allowed goods worth less 800 dollars to enter duty-free, is to end Aug. 29. On Aug. 21, Bulgarian Posts said on its website that the Universal Postal Union has informed the postal operators of its member countries that the U.S. administration plans to cancel the minimum duty exemption for international postal shipments containing goods entering the country, and to establish a specific methodology for the collection and transfer of customs duties. Requirements on the electronic advance data for a customs declaration, which must be sent to the U.S. postal operator have also been tightened, Bulgarian Posts said. "In connection with the new requirements, there is a significant delay in the dispatch and delivery of shipments to the U.S., as well as in the return of shipments by the U.S. postal operator and the need to re-dispatch them to the U.S.," it said. NORTH KINGSTOWN Two years ago, Gov. Dan McKee visited the Quonset Business Park to celebrate the beginning stages of work on Revolution Wind, a multibillion-dollar offshore wind farm that advocates believed would help transform Rhode Islands energy system. Wind is the future of our state, McKee declared that day in 2023. On Monday, Aug. 25, McKee was back in the state-owned business park, this time with the Revolution project in jeopardy after the Trump administration three days earlier ordered a halt to all offshore work on the 65-turbine wind farm that has contracts to supply power to Rhode Island and Connecticut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest move by the Trump administration is an attack on Rhode Islanders. Its an attack on our jobs. Its an attack on our energy. Its an attack on our families and their ability to pay the bills, McKee said at a news conference, flanked by the congressional delegation, state cabinet members and union leaders. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont held a similar event earlier in the day. Why was the Revolution Wind project stopped? Its unclear why the wind farm is being stopped now, with all 67 of its monopile foundations already pile-driven into the Atlantic Ocean floor about 15 miles south of Little Compton. With 46 of its turbines in place, total work on the project 80% complete. Much of that construction has come this spring and summer, on the watch of President Trump, whos made no secret of his distaste for renewable energy. The stop-work order from the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management cited the need to review the project in relation to the protection of national security interests of the United States and prevention of interference with reasonable uses of the exclusive economic zone, the high seas, and the territorial seas. McKee said he has yet to get a fuller explanation from Washington. He said hed requested to speak to Doug Burgum, secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, which has authority over BOEM, and was told theyd be able to have a conversation shortly, within the next 24 hours to determine what the intent here is and what the remedy is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because you cannot just walk away from a project that is 80% complete, that is going to deliver electricity to 350,000 homes at a competitive rate as were fighting to keep our costs as low as we can on energy for our families, McKee said. Gov. Dan McKee speaks at a Monday afternoon press conference on Aug. 25, 2025 with members of the RI legislative delegation and union members blasting the Trump administration plans to stop the almost complete Revolution Wind project. Efforts to develop offshore wind in Rhode Island go back almost 20 years Revolution Wind is supposed to be the culmination of efforts to develop offshore wind in Rhode Island that stretch back nearly two decades. Under the leadership of then-Governor Donald Carcieri, a Republican better known for the 38 Studios debacle, the state bet big on offshore wind, rationalizing that if the nations first ocean wind farm were built in Rhode Island, the state would position itself to become a hub for what at the time was seen as an industry full of promise. The five-turbine Block Island Wind Farm went into operation in 2016 with barely a hitch and has been largely meeting its annual production goals ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project has been widely criticized, however, for astronomical prices that have saddled ratepayers with hundreds of millions of dollars in above-market costs. But the 20-year contract with Revolution Wind, a 50/50 joint venture between Danish energy company rsted and Skyborn Renewables, was different. With a fixed price of 9.8 cents per kilowatt hour, it was projected at the time of its approval in 2019 that it would save ratepayers money. Indeed, the price is less than what most Rhode Islanders are paying right now for power and much lower than the rate that will take effect in the winter when prices typically escalate as demand climbs for natural gas, the primary source of power generation in the region. The Revolution project is also seen as crucial to efforts to meet climate and renewable energy targets mandated by state law and rein in Rhode Islands greenhouse gas emissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terry Gray, who as director of the state Department of Environmental Management heads up climate policy in Rhode Island, said that without Revolution Wind, the state may still be able to get to net-zero emissions by 2050 as the Act on Climate requires, but it will be harder. He said the state also would be forced to find a new source of renewable energy certificates to offset its power use from conventional sources. Because those certificates are sold on the open market and are available to other states with renewable energy requirements, their prices can be volatile. It may mean higher costs for those certificates that would be passed on to Rhode Islanders, according to Gray. (Rhode Island Energy, when asked, came to a similar conclusion.) Theres going to be more and more demand for those credits, because all the states have these renewable energy standards, Gray said. Its a market thing. It could get more expensive. Revolution Wind would supply a large portion of Rhode Island's power Because Rhode Island is one of the smallest energy consumers in the nation, the loss of the wind farm could have a big impact on power supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to data filed with the state Public Utilities Commission, Revolution Wind is projected to generate about a fifth of Rhode Islands electricity on an annual basis. In winter, when peak usage drops and winds generally pick up, the project may be able to meet a quarter of demand during some periods of time. Rhode Island Energy, the states largest utility, says it is watching the situation with Revolution Wind closely. The challenges of getting new generation projects approved and built, at a time we are seeing datacenter and other growth nationwide strain existing resources, continues to create concerns for both resource adequacy and affordability, spokesperson Caroline Pretyman said. It remains our position that an "all of the above" holistic approach to energy resources enables the most significant benefit to our customers, allowing a balance of affordability, reliability and sustainability. Its not just Rhode Island thats counting on the wind farms production. The New England electric grid, a system already facing strains, is factoring in Revolution Wind to meet demand that was going down but is now expected to increase as electrification continues and data centers proliferate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With natural gas pipelines in the region at capacity, nuclear power plants closing, and efforts delayed or stifled to import more hydropower from Canada, planners have been looking to offshore wind for added production. Independent System Operator New England, the nonprofit in charge of the regional grid, said its been including the 704 megawatts of capacity from the wind farm in its analyses of near-term and future grid reliability. Delaying the project will increase risks to reliability, ISO-NE said in an Aug. 25 statement. As demand for electricity grows, New England must maintain and add to its energy infrastructure, the organization, which doesnt often comment on individual energy projects, continued. Unpredictable risks and threats to resources regardless of technology that have made significant capital investments, secured necessary permits, and are close to completion will stifle future investments, increase costs to consumers, and undermine the power grids reliability and the regions economy now and in the future. Offshore wind has generated investments and jobs in Rhode Island The Revolution Wind project has led to big investments in local ports, including $125 million in the Port of Providence, $35 million in the Quonset Business Park and $100 million in New London State Pier, according to rsted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company established a fabrication center in ProvPort, where 130 workers built components for Revolution Wind and the South Fork Wind Farm, an earlier project developed by the company off Rhode Island thats been supplying power to Long Island since December 2023. The company has also set up a regional operations and maintenance hub in Quonset with about 50 workers. Union leaders said that the entire project has supported about 1,000 jobs in Rhode Island. Another 1,500 jobs in states like Texas and Louisiana have benefited from ship construction and other activities, according to rsted. Quonset is also where the transmission cable from Revolution is supposed to make landfall. When McKee and other officials stopped by the site in November 2023 it was to look at the beginnings of work on the onshore route of the cable to what was at the time a planned substation in the park. Since then, the substation has been almost finished it's 90% complete, according to a spokesperson for rsted and 82 miles of the 83-mile-long cable have been laid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Workers with the Millwrights Local 1121 are at sea but unable to work on the cable as they wait for word from Washington, said business representative Andy Benedetto. Tony Vaz, a union carpenter who underwent training to work on offshore wind farms in 2009, was set to join them this week as a rope access technician that guides the unspooling of the cable. Hes already done two-and-a-half month-long tours on the cable installation ship and was set to go out again Aug. 28 for another stint. He was on vacation at Niagara Falls with his family when he heard the news of the stop-work order. I drove nine hours and came straight here, because this is a big deal for me, said Vaz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he saved money from his previous work on the wind farm and expected support from his union, but he was frustrated by the situation. I hope he changes his mind and lets us finish what we started, he said of the president. Revolution Wind worker Tony Vaz talks with reporters after a Monday afternoon press conference. Differing views on America's energy policy This is the second time the Trump administration has shut down an offshore wind project that was already under construction. In the spring, after a month-long pause, work started up again on Empire Wind, off the New York coast, with reports that the administration had won concessions from the state on a proposed new natural gas pipeline. In an interview on Fox News, when asked about the Revolution order, Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin said that Trump is not a fan of wind, the economics of it and that states need more power from fossil fuel-burning power plants that can operate around the clock, rather than renewable sources that are intermittent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need more natural gas, Zeldin said. We need to build more pipelines. The Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity echoed the need for more fossil fuel generation, saying that the false narratives put forth decades ago by climate alarmists should no longer be the basis of sound state or federal public policy. But before the news conference in North Kingstown, U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, the Rhode Island Democrat who is the leading voice in Congress on climate change, said the administrations action isnt really about energy policy. Trump is running a political errand for the fossil fuel industry, he said. Well just have to see what the price is for this little bit of extortion. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: McKee says Trump halting Revolution Wind endangers RI jobs Audit prompted by 25 Investigates reporting says DESEs child safety regulations lack oversight An audit released by the state says the Department of Elementary and Special Education (DESE) failed to comply with regulations around special education and child safety. The audits numerous findings claim that DESE failed to properly investigate reports of child abuse and neglect which could mean educators or individuals who pose danger to students could still be in classrooms or educational settings without review or disciplinary action. The audit was prompted by 25 Investigates reporting on sexual abuse in Massachusetts public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a period of over I believe 40 months or so during the audit period where there was little to no communication between department of children and families and dese regarding those child abuse and neglect cases, said State Auditor Diana DiZoglio. Its a really serious issue. We have these young children who are relying on accountability being served in terms of if that abuse and neglect is occurring and to see that communication was lagging, that those investigations werent occurring in a timely fashion or at all in some instances is really disappointing, disheartening and discouraging, said State Auditor Diana DiZoglio. Further findings claim dese did not comply with communication about supportive environments for LGBTQ students. It also highlights a failure to resolve special education complaints within the required timeframe. The audit also flagged DESE was also cited for not overseeing the use of confidentiality clauses and settlement agreements with families who may have had challenges with their local school districts getting services for their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Time is truly of the essence, these kids only get one shot when they are going through these years of early education, during their youth and we need to make sure that were doing everything we can to make sure that those services are provided in an adequate fashion, said State Auditor Diana DiZoglio. State Auditor Diana DiZoglio says DESE has already worked to implement changes to make sure these issues are addressed. Boston 25 News reached out to DESE for comment. In a statement, a spokesperson says The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is committed to making schools safe and welcoming spaces for all students. The Department has addressed the findings in the auditors report and will continue to look for ways to improve. State Auditor Diana DiZoglio says the office will be following up with DESE in the following months to make sure these issues are a top priority. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Tourism marketing agency Visit Orlando, credited with helping build Central Florida into the nations top vacation place, might have misappropriated nearly $20 million in tourist-tax revenue by improperly classifying the money as private rather than public funds, Orange County auditors say. Its very hard to parse out from the records which funds are which, said assistant comptroller Wendy Kittleson, who raised the possibility Tuesday during a three-hour public discussion of Visit Orlandos spending practices with the Board of County Commissioners. She stressed the $19.9 million figure was an estimate based on Visit Orlandos private revenues dating back to 2019. The agencys public revenues are subject to stricter spending rules than its private funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guess flabbergasted Casandra Matej, president & CEO of Visit Orlando, who appeared before the commission to respond to a withering comptrollers examination of her organization, which gets over $100 million a year in hotel and short-term lodging tax revenue to promote tourism. That was not in the audit, she said, referring to the 66-page document released last month by Comptroller Phil Diamonds team of examiners. I mean were willing to look at all of our dollars. Theres not an issue there. Its just that was the first time we heard it. While Visit Orlando gets some private contributions from tourism companies, most of its operating budget comes from taxpayers. Theyre making some assumptions, Matej said of the auditors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scrutiny comes amid a growing debate about Visit Orlandos role and the use of tourist tax revenues in Central Florida and around the state. Legislators have sought to shift some of the money designated for marketers like Visit Orlando toward needs like transportation and affordable housing, but those efforts have so far failed amid heavy pressure from the tourism industry. Diamond said examiners reviewed Visit Orlandos reported private funds in 2023 and determined about $3.54 million or 39% should have been classified as public money generated by the countys Tourist Development Tax, the 6% surcharge on the cost of a hotel room or other short-term lodging. They then figured Visit Orlando might have misclassified a similar percentage in other years. Commissioners directed Visit Orlando to square its funding and report back in December. Diamond said his team intends to look at Visit Orlandos records from 2019 when its current funding agreement was signed through 2024 to come up with a more precise analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad said it is critical for Orange County to manage its revenues wisely. We just got Doged, said Semrad, a tourism economics professor at the University of Central Florida, referring to a team of auditors from the newly created Florida Department of Governmental Efficiency, or DOGE, who are conducting a state probe of county spending. If were doing business in ways that dont look transparent to the publicthen we are going to be criticized and used as a state example of a county who cannot manage its TDT. Florida DOGE team arrives in Orange County in hunt for government excesses She listed some questionable spending the comptrollers audit cited in its probe of Visit Orlando, including car allowances and office furnishings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matej defended Visit Orlandos work, but also said she considered the audits criticisms to be an opportunity to improve. In most cases, weve already taken action and or were in the process of taking action to address the audits findings, she said. Orlandos leadership in the tourism sector is not guaranteed, and we must continue to market and sell our destination with the same ambition and innovation that earned us this position. As we move forward, we will refine our practices in line with industry standards and stay focused on our mission, which is to inspire, promote and grow global travel for the economic and community benefit of Orange County, she said. shudak@orlandosentinel.com AUSTIN (KXAN) As Austins airport expands, it wants to bring in more local, small businesses and help them be prepared for the business environment of airport concessions. The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and the city of Austin Small Minority Business Resources Department (SMBR) will host a three-part prep series next month for small businesses interested in expanding into the airport. MAPS: Austin airport restaurants with brick-and-mortar locations in the city Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The series, called Gateway 2 Concessions, was designed to give prospective concessionaires the tools and insight they need to successfully navigate the unique business environment of airport concessions, a press release from AUS stated. The series is part of the airports multi-year expansion, development and improvement program, Journey With AUS. As part of the expansion, the airports concession program is actively seeking innovative, diverse, and dynamic small businesses, the release stated. Our upcoming series gives small, local, and diverse businesses a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the Airport Concessions business from industry experts, said Edward Campos, Director of SMBR. Were equipping our community of small businesses with the tools, connections, and confidence they need to secure a successful takeoff at AUS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AUS said in the release that the new concession spaces give small businesses the chance to gain visibility and grow, since millions of passengers travel through the airport each year. How many tacos did Austins airport sell in 2024? More than 21.7 million passengers passed through the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in 2024. According to airport data, in 2024, AUS travelers purchased over 1 million tacos and more than 100,000 pounds of brisket. Plus, more than 9,000 Tylers T-shirts and over 7,000 Keep Austin Weird shirts were sold. According to AUS, the Gateway 2 Concessions Prep Course Series includes the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gate 1, Understanding the ACDBE Program, Sept. 3: This virtual workshop provides a foundational overview of the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program, including goal setting, certification steps and the broader role this program plays in upcoming opportunities at AUS. Gate 2, A Real Look into Concession Opportunities, Sept. 10: Hear directly from an experienced concessions operator and industry expert on what it takes to run a business in the airportfrom day-to-day logistics to contract terms and long-term development. Guest Speaker: Cassandra Boseman, Principal Owner, ONE Enterprise Group Facilitators: John Gallo (AUS Deputy Chief Officer) and Jolene Cochran (SMBR Program Manager) Parties interested in attending Gate 2| A Real Look Into Concession Operations must register and attend this in-person workshop. Gate 3, Business Concepts and Revenue Contracts, Sept. 17: This course will discuss understanding your business capabilities, ensuring you are certified in the correct NAICS codes and knowing what questions to ask prior to proposing on concession opportunities. This discussion will be led by one of the airport industrys top ACDBE managers in aviation procurements. Registration to attend the courses is available online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Aug. 25Austin Utilities has appointed Tom Dankert as its new general manager. Dankert is the current Administrative Service Director for the City of Austin, and will replace Mark Nibaur, who is retiring after leading the utility since 2010. Dankert's appointment is effective Oct 6. Dankert graduated from Austin High School and went on to get his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Mankato State University. He immediately returned to Austin to work for the CPA firm of Bowlby, Anfinson, Crandall & Haedt (now CliftonLarsonAllen). After five years with the CPA firm, he was hired by the City of Austin and promoted to the position of Director of Administrative Services in 1998. He has held this position for the last 27 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While I leave behind fond memories of my time at the City of Austin including working with some phenomenal staff, I look forward to joining the team at Austin Utilities to continue their tradition of providing safe, reliable, and responsible public utilities to our community," Dankert said. "The work ethic and dedication of their Board of Commissioners and employees have proven over the years to be a real asset to our community. This is a team that I now get to play for." Steve Greenman, Board President, extended his congratulations. "The Austin Utilities Board of Commissioners is excited to welcome Mr. Dankert to lead us into the future at Austin Utilities," Greenman said. "With Tom's resume of efficient, smart, and transparent leadership, along with being a lifelong resident of Austin, we know we are in good hands." His wife, Sheri, is the secretary-treasurer at The Hormel Foundation. His daughter Erin is a doctor in the Emergency Department at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Austin, while his son Jack is attending New York University for his LLM (Master of Laws) specializing in tax law. Melbourne, Australia Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused Iran of organizing two antisemitic attacks in Australia and said the country was cutting off diplomatic relations with Tehran in response on Tuesday. The Australian Security Intelligence Organization concluded the Iranian government had directed arson attacks on the Lewis Continental Kitchen, a kosher food company, in Sydney in October last year and on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December last year, Albanese said. Iran's government denied the allegations. There has been a steep rise in antisemitic incidents in Sydney and Melbourne since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023. Australian authorities have previously said they suspect that foreign actors are paying local criminals-for-hire to carry out attacks in the country. Police have already arrested at least one suspect in the Sydney cafe fire investigation and two suspects directly accused of torching the Melbourne synagogue. Member of Parliament Josh Burns walks past the damaged Adass Israel Synagogue, Dec. 10, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. An arson attack on the synagogue forced congregants to flee as flames engulfed the building. / Credit: Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Sayed Mohammed Moosawi, a 32-year-old Sydney-based former chapter president of the Nomads biker gang, has been charged with directing the fire bombings of the Sydney cafe as well as the nearby Curly Lewis Brewery. The brewery was apparently confused for the cafe and mistakenly targeted three days earlier for an antisemitic attack. Giovanna Laulu, a 21-year-old man from Melbourne, was charged last month with being one of three masked arsonists who caused extensive damage to the synagogue in December. A second alleged arsonist, a 20-year-old man also from Melbourne, is expected to appear in court Wednesday, a police statement said. He has not been publicly named. "ASIO has now gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion," Albanese told reporters. "The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks. Iran has sought to disguise its involvement but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks. "These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil," he said. "They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community. It is totally unacceptable." Debris is strewn at the burnt-out Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, Australia, on Dec. 9, 2024. / Credit: YUMI ROSENBAUM/AP Shortly before the announcement, the Australian government told Iran's Ambassador to Australia Ahmad Sadeghi that he will be expelled. It also withdrew Australian diplomats posted in Iran to a third country, Albanese said. An alert to Australians in Iran noted the embassy's closure and urged them to "strongly consider leaving as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so." "Foreigners in Iran, including Australians and dual Australian-Iranian nationals, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest," the warning read. Australia updated its warning to travelers to its highest level: "Do not travel" to Iran. Iran has a long history of detaining Westerners or those with ties abroad to use as bargaining chips in negotiations. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that Canberra would keep some diplomatic lines open to Tehran to advance Australia's interests. She added that it was the first time Australia has expelled an ambassador since World War II. Albanese said that Australia will legislate to list Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. Australia's law makes providing support to a listed terrorist organization a crime. The government has previously rejected calls to list the Revolutionary Guard under existing terrorism laws because it is a government entity. Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has been accused of carrying out attacks abroad over the decades of its existence, though it broadly denies any involvement. The Guard's Quds, or Jerusalem, Force is its expeditionary arm and is accused by Western nations of using local militants and criminals in the past to target dissidents and Israelis abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S., during the first Trump administration in 2019, formally designated the Guard a foreign terrorist organization, accusing it not only facilitating, but perpetrating terrorism. A spokesperson for the Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomed the terrorist designation for the Revolutionary Guard, adding in a statement that the group was "outraged" that a foreign actor was behind the crimes. "Foremost, these were attacks that deliberately targeted Jewish Australians, destroyed a sacred house of worship, caused millions of dollars of damage, and terrified our community," the statement said. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Israel has arrested several people on charges they had been paid or encouraged by Iran to carry out vandalism and monitor potential targets there. Iran denied Australia's allegations through its Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, who tried to link it to the challenges Australia faced with Israel after announcing it would recognize a Palestinian state. "It looks like the action, which is against Iran, diplomacy and the relations between the two nations, is a compensation for the criticism that the Australians had against the Zionist regime," Baghaei claimed. The move against Iran came a week after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu branded Albanese a "weak politician who had betrayed Israel" by recognizing a Palestinian state. Netanyahu's extraordinary public rebuke on social media came after an Aug. 11 announcement by Albanese that his government's recognition of a Palestinian state will be formalized at the United Nations General Assembly in September. That announcement was followed by tit-for-tat cancellations of visas for Australian and Israeli officials. Albanese previously resisted calls to expel Iran's envoy to Canberra before, analysts said, including in 2024 when Sadeghi was summoned for meetings with foreign ministry officials over his social media posts. Michael Shoebridge, a former Australian defense and security official and director of the think tank Strategic Analysis Australia, said he didn't believe the move was prompted by Israel's complaints. "I don't think that's a matter of Australia-Israel relations, but a matter of community cohesion here in Australia," he said. Neither ASIO director-general Mike Burgess nor Albanese explained what evidence there was of Iranian involvement. Burgess said no Iranian diplomats in Australia were involved. "This was directed by the IRGC through a series of overseas cut-out facilitators to coordinators that found their way to tasking Australians," Burgess said. While antisemitic incidents increased in Australian after the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7 2023, Iran was responsible for a transition in October last year when the violence more directly targeted people, businesses and places of worship, Burgess said. "Iran started the first of those," Burgess said. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore calls Trump D.C. National Guard deployment "unconstitutional" Video shows armed National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. Young chef brings kindness to the table at Santa Monica's Muse LONDON -- Australian officials on Tuesday said they would expel Iran's ambassador after accusing Tehran of directing antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne last year. Australia's intelligence agency, ASIO, said it determined Iran was behind attacks on Lewis' Continental Kitchen in Sydney on Oct. 20 and the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on Dec. 6, according to government officials. "These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters during a press conference in Canberra on Tuesday, according to an official transcript. Hilary Wardhaugh/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: The Iranian national flag flies over the Iranian embassy building in Canberra on Aug. 26, 2025. ASIO in a statement said intelligence officers had "uncovered and unpicked" links between the attacks and commanders in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, accusing the Iranian military of using a "complex web of proxies" to hide its involvement in the attacks in Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australia's legislators will seek to list the IRGC as a terrorist organization, Albanese said. Iranian diplomatic staff in Australia weren't involved in directing the attacks, Director-General of Security Mike Burgess said. "ASIO now assesses the Iranian Government directed at least two and likely more attacks on Jewish interests in Australia," Burgess said in a statement. Lukas Coch via Reuters - PHOTO: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, Aug. 26, 2025. Operations at the Australian embassy in Tehran were suspended, Albanese said, adding that Australian diplomats left the country. Australian Foreign Minister Peggy Wong said the alleged acts of aggression by Iran "have crossed a line." "This is the first time in the post-war period that Australia has expelled an ambassador," Wong said. "And we have made this decision because Iran's actions are completely unacceptable." Australia has accused Iran of orchestrating attacks on Jewish communities in Melbourne and Sydney. Ahmad Sadeghi, Tehrans ambassador in Canberra, and three other diplomats were expelled from Australia after credible evidence linked criminals working for Iran to the 2024 firebombings of a synagogue and a kosher restaurant. Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister, Penny Wong, the foreign minister, and Tony Burke, the home affairs minister, made the announcement at a snap press conference on Tuesday alongside Mike Burgess, the chief of spy agency Asio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Albanese called the fires at Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne and Lewis Continental Kitchen, a restaurant in Sydney, two extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation. Asio assesses it is likely Iran directed further attacks as well, Mr Albanese said. They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community. It is totally unacceptable, and the Australian government is taking strong and decisive action in response. The December 2024 attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue shook Melbournes Jewish community - Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Mr Burke said Australia would declare the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organisation. This sends the strongest possible signal that this conduct has reached a new and totally unacceptable low, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli embassy in Canberra welcomed the strong and important move in a statement posted to social media, minutes after the press conference. Irans regime is not only a threat to Jews or Israel, it endangers the entire free world, including Australia, the statement read. Announcing the expulsion of Mr Sadeghi and three other Iranian diplomats, Ms Wong said the ambassador had been declared persona non grata. It is the first time a foreign ambassador has been expelled by Australia since the removal of Japans officials during the Second World War. They will have seven days to leave the country, Ms Wong said. We have made this decision because Irans actions are completely unacceptable. Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister, said Iran tried to undermine social cohesion - LUKAS COCH Australian staff working in Iran had been moved to a third country and operations in Canberras embassy in Tehran were suspended, Mr Albanese said. Other Australians living in Iran were urged to evacuate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smarttraveller, the Australian governments travel advice website, posted on Tuesday afternoon: Foreigners in Iran, including Australians and dual Australian-Iranian nationals, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. Former biker boss allegedly offered cash for attack Mr Burgess said intelligence suggested that the IRGC had tasked Australian criminals with anti-Semitic attacks through a series of overseas cut-outs and facilitators. None of the diplomats who had been expelled were directly linked to the crimes. Iran and its proxies literally and figuratively lit the matches and fanned the flames, Mr Burgess said. His comments on Tuesday followed an almost year-long investigation into the October 2024 arson attack on the restaurant in Bondi, east Sydney. Sayed Moosawi, a former chapter president of the Nomad biker gang, was identified as a key suspect. The Oct 2024 fire gutted the restaurant and forced nearby residents to evacuate - ABC Police allege that 32-year-old Mr Moosawi using the name James Bond on the Signal messaging service told his associates I got something good lined up and that he was offered 12,000 Australian dollars (6,000) to set up the arson on the Jewish business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pleaded not guilty to directing the crime, and was let out on bail after he offered up his house and 1m if he breached his conditions. The attack on the restaurant marked a transition from the intimidation of Jewish people to direct attacks, with the Australian authorities recording a rise in both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Police officers investigate the fire at Lewis Continental Kitchen in 2024 - Nine News Australia Iran started the first of those [anti-Semitic attacks], Mr Burgess said. But not all of those are directly Iran in our view. When the synagogue was set alight on Dec 6, worshippers narrowly escaped serious injury. Benjamin Klein, a board member, told national broadcaster the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC): There was banging on the door, some liquid was thrown inside and was lit alight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The few people inside the synagogue ran outside the back door. One of them got burned. Police announced last week that the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) had arrested a third man in connection with the attack. One of the suspects, a 20-year-old from Melbourne, is due to appear in court on Wednesday. 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. GAZA, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- At least 50 Palestinians were killed in Israeli army attacks across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, said the civil defense in Gaza. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for civil defense in Gaza, told Xinhua that 12 Palestinians were killed in Israeli shelling that targeted tents housing displaced persons in several areas of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Basal said that six people were killed when Israeli aircraft targeted a house in the Bureij refugee camp. He added that a man and his wife were killed in an airstrike that targeted their tent in the al-Sawarha area, west of al-Nuseirat, in central Gaza. Seven people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a residential house in the al-Sabra neighborhood, south of Gaza City. Seven others were killed in Israeli artillery shelling of the al-Saftawi area, north of the city, according to Basal. He added that two women were killed when Israeli helicopters targeted a warehouse housing displaced persons in the city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. Six people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a residential apartment and a gathering of Palestinians in the al-Jalaa and al-Zeitoun neighborhoods, he said. Eight people were killed near aid distribution centers at the Netzarim and Khan Younis junctions in central and southern Gaza, according to Basal. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli army on these incidents. Since Israel resumed its intensified military campaign on March 18, at least 10,975 Palestinians have been killed and 46,588 injured, bringing the overall death toll in Gaza since the war began in October 2023 to 62,819, with a total of 158,629 people injured, according to data released by health authorities in Gaza on Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, health authorities warned that hospital blood banks in Gaza are suffering from a severe and critical shortage of blood units and blood components. Meanwhile, three people died of famine and malnutrition in Gaza in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll of hunger to 303, including 117 children, the health authorities said Tuesday. By Renju Jose SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia's postal service said on Tuesday it had temporarily suspended parcel shipments to the United States after President Donald Trump's administration decided to scrap a customs tax rule that allowed low-value packages to enter duty free. The Australian government-owned Australia Post's move comes after several European and Asian carriers, including Swiss Post and DHL, which runs Germany's postal service Deutsche Post, Japan Post and Korea Post paused shipments to the United States because of the new rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are disappointed we have had to take this action, however, due to the complex and rapidly evolving situation, a temporary partial suspension has been necessary to allow us to develop and implement a workable solution for our customers," Australia Post said in a statement. The U.S. government said last month that packages valued at or under $800 sent to the United States would face all applicable duties from August 29 as it suspended a "de minimis" exemption for low-value shipments. Goods shipped through the postal system would face one of two tariffs: either an "ad valorem duty" equal to the effective tariff rate of the package's country of origin or, for six months, a specific tariff of $80 to $200 depending on the country of origin's tariff rate. Packages sent to the U.S. and Puerto Rico lodged on or after August 26 would not be accepted until further notice, the postal service said. Gifts under $100, letters and documents are unaffected by the change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australia Post said it would continue to work with the U.S. and Australian authorities, and international postal partners to resume services to the U.S. soon. Nicola Charwat, Senior Lecturer at Monash University, said the impact in Australia would be mostly felt by small businesses that sell directly to U.S. consumers. "This includes businesses specialising in sustainable clothing and gifts, as well as distinctly Australian goods such as cosmetics, food and wine. These parcels will now be subject to a 10% baseline tariff," Charwat said. Japan Post on Monday said it would suspend accepting some postal items to the U.S. Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa said the move would have "only a limited impact" on users as there were alternative shipping methods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Korea has stopped shipping packages to the U.S. though customers will be able to send through its partnership service with UPS, Korea Post said last week. FedEx's Australian business said it continued to accept and transport shipments to the United States. "As an express carrier, our international express offerings are not impacted by the decisions of postal operators," FedEx Regional Vice President Peter Langley said in a statement. (Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney, Heejin Kim in Seoul and Mariko Katsumura in Tokyo; Editing by Stephen Coates) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said the Iranian government orchestrated anti-Semitic attacks on Australian soil and has announced the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador. Speaking to reporters, Albanese said the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) had confirmed Tehran's involvement in attacks targeting Australia's Jewish community, including Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue and Sydney's Lewis' Continental Kitchen. "These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil," the prime minister said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community," he added. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that this marks the first time since World War II that Canberra has expelled an ambassador. In addition to ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi, three other Iranian diplomats have been declared persona non grata and must leave Australia within seven days. The Australian embassy in Tehran suspended its operations, Wong said, with all staff safely relocated to a third country. She urged Australians in Iran to leave immediately if it is safe to do so. Last October, the Jewish restaurant Lewis' Continental Kitchen in Sydney was severely damaged in an arson attack, though no one was injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few weeks later, unknown perpetrators set fire to the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. Both attacks left the Jewish community in fear. "I can also announce the government will legislate to list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC, as a terrorist organization," Albanese said. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday said the Iranian government orchestrated anti-Semitic attacks on Australian soil and has announced the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador. Speaking to reporters, Albanese said the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) had confirmed Tehran's involvement in attacks targeting Australia's Jewish community, including Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue and Sydney's Lewis' Continental Kitchen. "These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil," the prime minister said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community," he added. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that this marks the first time since World War II that Canberra has expelled an ambassador. In addition to ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi, three other Iranian diplomats have been declared persona non grata and must leave Australia within seven days. Australian embassy in Iran suspends operations The Australian embassy in Tehran suspended its operations, Wong said, with all staff safely relocated to a third country. She urged Australians in Iran to leave immediately if it is safe to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can also announce the government will legislate to list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC, as a terrorist organization," Albanese said. "The IRGC used a complex web of proxies to hide its involvement. This is the sort of obfuscation and boundary blurring I warned about earlier this year," said ASIO director-general Mike Burgess. Last October, the Jewish restaurant Lewis' Continental Kitchen in Sydney was severely damaged in an arson attack, though no one was injured. A few weeks later, unknown perpetrators set fire to the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. Both attacks left the Jewish community in fear. Melbourne is home to the country's largest Jewish population, with around 55,000 Jews living there according to a 2021 census, the Jewish Council of Australia (JCA) has reported. Sydney is number two, with about 47,000. The two major cities combined are home to some 84% of Australian Jews. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday announced the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador, accusing Tehran of orchestrating anti-Semitic attacks on Australian soil. Albanese said the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) confirmed Iran's involvement in attacks targeting Australia's Jewish community, including Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue and Sydney's Lewis' Continental Kitchen. "These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil," the prime minister said. "They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foreign Minister Penny Wong said this marks the first time since World War II that Canberra has expelled an ambassador. In addition to ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi, three other Iranian diplomats have been declared persona non grata and must leave Australia within seven days. Iran rejects anti-Semitic claim Iranian Foreign Office spokesman Ismail Baghai called the accusations unfounded and said his ministry is preparing a response, the Tasnim news agency reported. Anti-Semitism has no place in Islam, Baghai said. "This concept is a Western invention and they themselves must answer for their historical past." Australian embassy in Iran suspends operations The Australian embassy in Tehran suspended its operations, Wong said, with all staff safely relocated to a third country. She urged Australians in Iran to leave immediately if it is safe to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can also announce the government will legislate to list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC, as a terrorist organization," Albanese said. "The IRGC used a complex web of proxies to hide its involvement. This is the sort of obfuscation and boundary blurring I warned about earlier this year," said ASIO director-general Mike Burgess. Last October, the Jewish restaurant Lewis' Continental Kitchen in Sydney was severely damaged in an arson attack, though no one was injured. A few weeks later, unknown perpetrators set fire to the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. Both attacks left the Jewish community in fear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melbourne is home to the country's largest Jewish population, with around 55,000 Jews living there according to a 2021 census, the Jewish Council of Australia (JCA) has reported. Sydney has the second-largest Jewish community, with about 47,000. The two major cities combined are home to some 84% of Australian Jews. Canberra expelled Tehrans ambassador after accusing Iran of masterminding at least two antisemitic attacks on Australian soil. Australias Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the countrys intelligence services had linked Irans military to arson attacks in Sydney and Melbourne, throwing out an ambassador for the first time since World War II, a move The Sydney Morning Heralds national affairs editor dubbed the diplomatic equivalent of the nuclear option. Iran rejected the charge. Albanese was just last week labeled weak by his Israeli counterpart after he said Australia would recognize a Palestinian state: The two countries have seen relations nosedive, with Canberra barring an Israeli far-right politician from entering Australia and Israel revoking the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. By Christine Chen SYDNEY (Reuters) -A manhunt is underway in southern Australia for a heavily armed gunman who police said shot dead two officers and wounded another on Tuesday as they tried to serve a warrant at a rural property in the state of Victoria. Police said the suspect fired on a team of 10 officers in Porepunkah, about 300 km (186 miles) north-east of the city of Melbourne, at around 10.30 a.m. (0030 GMT). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a news conference on Tuesday evening, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old senior constable had been fatally shot, and another detective was seriously injured and being treated in hospital. He told reporters the suspect was heavily armed and dangerous, and urged the local community to stay indoors as "hundreds of police resources" conducted ground and air searches in the area. "The suspect for this horrific event is still at large," Bush told reporters. "We have deployed every specialist resource into this area to locate him." "Our priority is to arrest him to ensure that he's held to account for the actions, but also very much to bring safety and security to this community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local media outlet The Age said the officers were serving a warrant for historical sex abuse allegations when they were ambushed by the gunman, who then fled with several family members, including children. Bush said the suspect had escaped the property on foot alone, and that it was unclear where his wife and two children were. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation also reported that police believed the shooter was a "sovereign citizen". Sovereign citizens believe the government is illegitimate. The town of Porepunkah is home to 1,000 residents and is located at the base of Australias alpine ranges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Today has been a day of deep sorrow and shock for our community," Mayor Sarah Nicholas said in a statement. The local council's facilities across the town, including libraries, information centres and depots, would remain closed until further notice, Nicholas added. Porepunkah Primary School principal Jill Gillies told ABC Radio Melbourne that the school was forced to lock down from 11.30 a.m. local time. ABC has since reported that the lockdown had been lifted. The local airfield also closed due to the ongoing emergency response. Police Association Victoria Chief Executive Wayne Gatt said officers across the country were shocked by the incident, a rare occurrence in Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's a shocking and eerie feeling of dread and indeed a sense of not knowing what to do," he said. "Our members today paid the ultimate price for protecting the community." (Reporting by Christine Chen in Sydney; Editing by Michael Perry and Raju Gopalakrishnan) A major manhunt is underway after two Australian police officers were shot dead in an execution by a suspected sex offender who then fled into the bush. Ten officers were ambushed at a rural property in the Victorian Alps, 180 miles north-east of Melbourne, on Tuesday morning as they attempted to serve a warrant linked to historic sex abuse allegations. A 59-year-old detective, who was about to retire, and a senior constable, 35, were fatally shot. A third officer was shot in the leg and airlifted to hospital and is now in a stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said the officers were murdered in cold blood. One source described the killings as a straight-out execution. The identities of the slain officers have not yet been released. Mike Bush, the chief commissioner of Victoria Police, said the alleged suspect Dezi Freeman had escaped the property on foot alone. He said it was unclear where Freemans wife and two children were, despite initial reports they had been taken hostage by the suspect. Freeman, a local man in his 50s, was well-known to police and self-identifies as a sovereign citizen, a member of a radical group that rejects government and law. He has previously referred to police as friggin Nazis and terrorist thugs, according to Melbournes Herald Sun. Dezi Freeman was arrested outside a courthouse in 2021 after he took part in a protest against then premier Daniel Andrews - X.com In a news conference on Tuesday, Mr Bush warned that the suspect was heavily armed and very dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He urged the local community of Porepunkah at the foot of Mount Buffalo to stay indoors as hundreds of police resources conducted ground and air searches. The suspect for this horrific event is still at large, commissioner Bush told reporters. We have deployed every specialist resource into this area to locate him. Footage showed heavily armed police officers along with sniffer dogs scouring the area into the night as a helicopter flew above. Shootings are rare in Australia, where the country has some of the worlds strictest gun-control laws. Anthony Albanese, the prime minister, paid tribute to the killed police officers and called the shooting horrific. This is terrible news, and my heart goes out to the families who are grieving tonight, he told ABC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the officers had descended on the property at 10.30am local time to execute a search warrant when they were hit by an outburst of gunfire which occurred over minutes. They were met by the offender and they were murdered in cold blood, commissioner Bush said. The suspected gunman, who had been living in an old bus on the remote 20-hectare property, allegedly stole guns from the slain officers before fleeing into dense bushland. He was heavily armed and he was able to escape into the bush, the police chief added. I do understand that he was pursued but he was able to get away on foot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town of Porepunkah is home to 1,000 residents and located at the base of Australias alpine ranges. The remote Porepunkah property where the shooting took place - x / @geotechwar Police officers patrol the area near the shooting near Porepunkah in Victoria, Australia - Simon Dallinger/Shutterstock/EPA Sarah Nicholas, the mayor of the Alpine Shire, said in a statement: Today has been a day of deep sorrow and shock for our community. Theres a shocking and eerie feeling of dread and indeed a sense of not knowing what to do, he said. Our members today paid the ultimate price for protecting the community. Parts of the town were under lockdown throughout most of the day, and schoolchildren kept inside as the manhunt continued. Emily White, a resident, described the shock and fear the town was feeling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were such a small community, and well leave our cars unlocked, and well leave our front doors open. Nothing like this ever happens, she told the BBC as she sheltered in a caravan park next door to where the shooting took place. I think reality really set in that this is a really, really horrible situation, Ms White added. The shooting has been compared to a deadly incident in 2022, when two young police officers were shot dead at a remote property north-west of Brisbane by three radicalised sovereign citizens. 01:31 PM BST Thats all for today Thanks for following our live coverage of the manhunt for a suspected sex offender who allegedly shot two police officers in Australia before fleeing into a bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres a reminder of what happened today: Two Australian police officers were shot dead in an execution by a suspected sex offender who then fled into the bush The officers were ambushed at a rural property in the Victorian Alps, 180 miles north-east of Melbourne, early this morning A 59-year-old detective and a senior constable, 35, were killed instantly while a third was wounded The suspect was named as Dezi Freeman, a local man in his 50s, who was well known to police A major police operation is currently underway as officers continue their hunt for Freeman deep into the night Well be back soon with more updates. 01:20 PM BST Albanese: All of Australia is in mourning Anthony Albanese, Australias prime minister, has paid tribute to the killed police officers and said Australia is in mourning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All Australians are mourning with the families, loved ones and colleagues of the two Victoria Police officers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty, he wrote on X. He added that the events were a reminder of the risks police take each day to protect us. Shootings are rare in Australia, where the country has some of the worlds strictest gun-control laws. All Australians are mourning with the families, loved ones and colleagues of the two Victoria Police officers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. Our nation's condolences are with everyone whose world has been shattered by this horrific shooting. While we can Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) August 26, 2025 01:03 PM BST Suspect could survive for a long time in rugged bushland A neighbour of suspect Dezi Freeman said he was used to living off-grid and that he could likely survive a long time in the thick bushland. The cops will have their work cut out for them catching him. Hes got a beautiful family though so my heart breaks for them, the neighbour told the Sydney Morning Herald. 12:43 PM BST Pictured: Shooting suspect being arrested in 2021 Dezi Freeman was arrested outside a courthouse in 2021 after he took part in a protest against then premier Daniel Andrews - Telegram 12:09 PM BST Identities of killed police officers still not released Jacinta Allan, the Victorian premier, has said that the identities of the slain police officers will not yet be made public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its important to remember, as Im sure we do, there are families who are grieving, she said. There are family members who still need to have this just so deeply heartbreaking news broken to them, and they deserve the dignity of being supported when they hear that news in the appropriate way. Its also important to remember that this continues to be an active crime scene. What we know is that a 59-year-old detective, who was about to to retire, and a senior constable, 35, were shot dead this morning in the incident. 11:54 AM BST Pictured: The scene of the deadly shooting The remote Porepunkah property where the shooting took place this morning - x / @geotechwar 11:26 AM BST Australian PM says sovereign citizen ideology of real concern The suspected shooter, Dezi Freeman, is reported to be a self-declared sovereign citizen member, a group that relies on false legal arguments to claim the government is illegitimate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about how much of a threat to Australian society the resurging movement poses, Anthony Albanese, Australias prime minister, told ABCs 7.30 programme: It is of real concern. He continued: We know that the director general of Asio [Australian Security Intelligence Organisation] has warned about far-right extremism. This is something that has permeated other nations as well. We see it being multiplied in the United States. The fact that this ideology of not seeing themselves being subject to our laws and our society. And it is of real concern, and ASIO have warned that this threat is very real, and that we need to be very vigilant about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Albanese also referenced the deadly police shooting in Queensland in 2022, when two officers were killed by three sovereign citizen members at a remote property in Wieambilla. 11:05 AM BST The shooter will be found, says Victorian Premier Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said police will work through the night to find the suspected shooter. Clearly every resource is being deployed to apprehend this offender, she said. This offender will be found. He will be dealt with. 10:50 AM BST Pictured: Search continues as night falls Police officers patrol the area near the shooting near Porepunkah in Victoria, Australia - Shutterstock Editorial 10:40 AM BST Nothing like this ever happens, says local A local who lives just metres away from where the shooting took place has described the shock and fear the small community is feeling as the search for the suspect continues. I think reality really set in - that this is a really, really horrible situation, Emily White told the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms White owns the Mount Buffalo Caravan Park, next door to the property where the suspect killed two police officers, where she has been hunkered down with staff and guests since the incident this morning. Were such a small community, and well leave our cars unlocked, and well leave our front doors open. Nothing like this ever happens. Its freaking scary... these police officers went to work today, just do a check on someone, and now theyre not coming home. 10:32 AM BST Mayor: It is a day of deep sorrow and shock Sarah Nicholas, mayor of Alpine Shire, said it had been a day of deep sorrow and shock for the community. Visibly emotional, she paid tribute to the officers killed and extended her thoughts, love and unwavering support to their families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hold our police in the highest regard. They serve with courage, compassion, and dedication, and their loss is felt profoundly across our region, she said. She thanked the teachers at the local school for looking after the students and for locals for staying indoors as the search continues. We will keep our community informed as services resume. We are grieving together, and we will continue to support one another with compassion and care. Please stay safe, she added. 10:11 AM BST Suspect once called police terrorist thugs Dezi Freeman, who has been identified as the alleged shooter, previously called the police terrorist thugs, according to reports. Last year, Mr Freeman also screamed shame on you at a judge who dismissed his appeal against a drug-driving ban. Gods got his finger on you mate, theres no escaping, he shouted in court, Melbournes Herald Sun newspaper reported. Court documents reveal that the 50-year-old shooting suspect had also previously referred to police as Gestapo the secret police of Nazi Germany and described them as corrupt filth. 09:43 AM BST Mapped: Where the shooting took place 09:43 AM BST Police: No information on whereabouts of suspects family Mike Bush, Victorias police commissioner, said officers are still trying to understand where the suspects wife and two children are. Initial reports suggested he had taken them hostage as he fled into the bush, however Mr Bush said there is no information to suggest whether he is with or without them. Asked about the terrain that the suspect is in, the police chief said it is semi-rural and can be rugged. It depends how far he has got. But weve got every resource on the ground and in the air looking for him at the moment, he said, adding that it is a large area. 09:33 AM BST Suspect still at large and heavily armed The suspect is still at large and heavily armed, police have confirmed. Mike Bush, Victorias police commissioner, said that it is the the priority of police to locate him. Speaking at a press conference, he said: In terms of the current situation, the suspect for this horrific event is still at large...We have deployed every specialist resource into this area to locate him Our priority is to arrest him, to ensure that hes held to account for the actions, but also very much to bring safety and security to this community. Mr Bush added: He was heavily armed and he was able to escape into the bush. I do understand that he was pursued He was on his own, according to our police witnesses that saw him head into the bush. We are still looking to locate his partner and two children. 09:30 AM BST Suspect named as Dezi Freeman The suspect has been named by Australian media, citing police sources, as Dezi Freeman, a local man in his 50s. According to reports, he identifies as a sovereign citizen and has frequently attended anti-government protests. He has a wife and two sons and lived on an abandoned bus, sources said. Police confirmed the suspect was known to police before the incident. Dezi Freeman has been named as the suspect accused of shooting two police officers 09:26 AM BST Police share information on victims Victoria Police Commissioner Mike Bush, who is currently speaking live, revealed that one of the officers killed in the shooting was a 59-year-old detective and the other officer was a 35-year-old senior constable. Another officer who was also shot is currently in surgery, his injuries are not life threatening, Mr Bush added. The suspect is still at large, he said. We have deployed all specialist resources into the area, he added. Wayne Gatt, from the Victoria Police Association, then offered his condolenses. Police stations have fallen silent in Victoria, theres a shocking and eerie feeling of dread, he said, emphasising that hundreds of our members are still putting their lives in danger as they try to locate the suspect. 09:16 AM BST In pictures: Police and helicopters swarm the rural town Police at the scene of a shooting in the high country of Porepunkah in Victoria, Australia - Shutterstock Editorial Parts of the rural town of Porepunkah were placed under lockdown after two officers were shot dead - Shutterstock Editorial A helicopter hovers over the area as the search for the suspect continues - Shutterstock Editorial 09:03 AM BST Injured officer in serious, but stable condition A police officer who was injured in the shooting is in serious but stable condition, the hospital he was airlifted to has confirmed. The policeman was seriously injured after being shot in the lower body while visiting a property in rural eastern Australia. The two officers who were shot dead were identified by media as a senior officer from Melbourne who was preparing to retire, and another who lived locally in the Alpine Shire. 08:52 AM BST Situation remains active Jacinta Allan, the Victorian premier, confirmed that the situation remains active. A police operation is currently under way in Porepunkah, in Victorias northeast. I have been briefed by the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police. This situation remains active, she said. Victoria Police officers, and all our first responders, show extraordinary bravery and courage every single day. They are the best of us and the thoughts of all Victorians are with them today. Sarah Nicholas, the mayor of the Alpine Shire, added that the community extends heartfelt condolences to the slain officers. Our thoughts, love, and unwavering support are with you during this incredibly painful time, Ms Nicholas said. We hold our police in the highest regard. They serve with courage, compassion and dedication, and their loss is felt profoundly across our region. We are deeply grateful for their service and commitment. 08:47 AM BST Locals warned to stay indoors Authorities have warned locals to stay indoors as the search continues for the gunman. Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said: I want to further assure the rural community around Bright that we will do everything to bring this person into custody so that your community is safe. Can I please ask you just to stay at home, not go out and about at the moment, until this operation is concluded, he said. Im leaving now to head to the area to support our officers and support the operation. A police press conference is expected to start soon. 08:43 AM BST Local police mourn the brave officers Wayne Gatt, the secretary of Victorias police union, said that every officer is mourning the brave officers. Their dedication to protecting the lives of others, cost them their own, Mr Gatt said. Every officer is mourning right now, every one knows the spectre of self-sacrifice that follows police officers on every job they attend in every shift they work. They will be supporting each other and grieving as one as they try to make sense of this tragedy. 08:39 AM BST Suspect reportedly identifies as sovereign citizen The suspected attacker is a self-declared sovereign citizen, according to Australian media reports. Sovereign citizens are members of a radicalised fringe group that rejects government and law in preference for their own courts based on pseudo-legal arguments. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) considers the movement a growing threat and has warned that it has attracted more members since the Covid lockdowns fuelled anti-government sentiment and mistrust in institutions. The AFP in 2023 said the movement - which has existed for decades in the country - has an underlying capacity to inspire violence after its recent resurgence. The Porepunkah shooting bears similarities to the 2022 murders in Wieambilla, Queensland, in which three radicalised sovereign citizens murdered two young constables. The killings sent shockwaves across the country where shooting deaths are rare. 08:35 AM BST What do we know so far? This morning at around 10.30am local time, 10 officers went to a remote property in Porepunkah, at the foot of a mountain in northeast Victoria. The police were issuing a warrant for historical sex abuse allegations when they were ambushed and fired at, Australian media reported. Two officers were fatally shot and a third was seriously injured after being shot in the lower body, Victorias state police service said in a statement. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still being determined and it remains an active and ongoing situation, it said. No other officers were hurt, police said. Legal sources told the Herald Sun newspaper the shooting was a straight-out execution as the officers boarded a renovated bus on a property that neighbours described as a hippy community. The suspect took two weapons from the fatally wounded officers, the Age newspaper reported. Heavy gunfire prevented other officers from entering the property. The suspect is now on the run along with his family and a major manhunt is underway. 08:27 AM BST Significant search underway for gunman Police have confirmed that a significant search is underway for the suspect responsible for a deadly police shooting in Porepunkah, 300km north-east of Melbourne. In a statement at 4:30pm local time (7.30am BST), Victoria Police said it was believed the offender has since left the property and at this time his whereabouts are unknown. A significant search is actively underway to locate the man. We urge the public in and around the township of Porepunkah to remain indoors until further notice, the statement said. Police also asked people to avoid the area. 08:18 AM BST Breaking news... We are bringing you all the latest updates after two police officers were shot and killed in rural eastern Australia and the suspect went on the run. 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. This photo taken on Aug. 25, 2025 shows the exhibits of "Radiant Stars: Lingjiatan Culture Photo Exhibition from Anhui, China" in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The photo exhibition, co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, the Anhui Museum, and the Bangladesh National Museum, was inaugurated here on Monday, drawing an audience of over 600. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua) DHAKA, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- The "Radiant Stars: Lingjiatan Culture Photo Exhibition from Anhui, China," co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, the Anhui Museum, and the Bangladesh National Museum, was inaugurated here on Monday, drawing an audience of over 600. Attendees included Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources of Bangladesh, and Sun Yong, vice governor of China's Anhui Province, together with representatives from Chinese enterprises, overseas Chinese associations in Bangladesh, local friendship organizations, as well as teachers and students. Through 50 display panels marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh and 38 sets of jade replicas, the exhibition presents a comprehensive picture of the rich historical heritage and profound cultural significance of the Lingjiatan site. Sun said that this exhibition serves as a vibrant window into Anhui's splendid culture and a grand feast of China-Bangladesh cultural exchange, providing a valuable opportunity for the peoples of both countries to enhance mutual understanding and friendship. For her part, Rizwana said that this exhibition is not only about art and heritage - it is a dialogue between two nations and a celebration of friendship. "This exhibition should mark not an end, but a beginning," said Rizwana. "Moving forward, I see three responsibilities: preserving cultural heritage together, promoting cultural literacy among youth, and advancing people-to-people connectivity." The exhibition, running until Sept. 26, also saw the Anhui Museum donate 17 sets of cultural and creative products to the Bangladesh National Museum and the signing of a cooperation memorandum between the two museums. People visit the "Radiant Stars: Lingjiatan Culture Photo Exhibition from Anhui, China" in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Aug. 25, 2025. The photo exhibition, co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, the Anhui Museum, and the Bangladesh National Museum, was inaugurated here on Monday, drawing an audience of over 600. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua) A man visits the "Radiant Stars: Lingjiatan Culture Photo Exhibition from Anhui, China" in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Aug. 25, 2025. The photo exhibition, co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, the Anhui Museum, and the Bangladesh National Museum, was inaugurated here on Monday, drawing an audience of over 600. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua) Authorities have identified a motorcyclist who was killed in a crash on Sunday afternoon. The Essex County District Attorneys Office says 72-year-old Charles Parisi Jr., of Gloucester, was riding his motorcycle on the High Street section of Route 1A in Ipswich around 4 p.m. when he collided with a Dodge pickup truck. Parisi Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say the driver of the pickup truck, a 49-year-old Lynn man, remained at the scene and is cooperating with police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash is being investigated by the Ipswich Police Department, Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. 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 An Illinois auto shop owner and his three employees are facing federal charges after allegedly violating the Clean Water Act. As reported by local outlet WMBD News, the owner of All Around Auto and Tire in Pekin, Illinois, was indicted by a federal grand jury in mid-July for allegedly dumping gas from junk cars into the city sewer system. Three employees were also included in the 16-count indictment. Authorities say the auto shop workers conspired to violate the federal Clean Water Act in an illegal dumping operation. The majority of the charges stem from pouring gasoline into the sewer system between February and March 2021. If convicted on all charges, the owner and employees could each face up to five years in prison, the local station reported in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The owner and his employees are accused of dumping the gas without pretreating it, which could "create a fire or explosion" inside the water treatment plant. The city of Pekin also has an ordinance in place that prohibits the discharge of "gasoline, benzene, fuel oil or other flammable or explosive liquid, solid or gas into the sewer system." As noted by the Environmental Protection Agency, industries are required to pretreat pollutants in their waste in order to "protect local sanitary sewers and wastewater treatment plants." According to water enforcement procedures under the Clean Water Act, substances such as metals, oil, and grease, as well as other pollutants, can interfere with the operation of local sewers and treatment plants. This can lead to untreated or inadequately treated pollutants making their way into local waterways, potentially resulting in a number of harmful effects. These might include the destruction of fragile ecosystems and threats to human health as well as economic impacts. For example, a decline in local marine life can harm fishing industries. Do you think sewage pollution is a major problem in America? Yes In most states In a few states No 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. AVON, Ala (WDHN) Residents in the town of Avon will head to the polls for the first time in over 20 years to vote on the next mayor. The townspeople will be choosing between an army veteran, Jeffery Benton, a real estate agent, Evan Gardner, or a local business manager. There hasnt been any change in the last 6-8 years I have lived there, so that was the reason I put my name in the hat to run for mayor, said Benton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its time for change, and I want to be the one to bring that change..Town officials say there hasnt been any change in over two decades due to no one being willing to run despite the public notices given until now, Gardner told WDHN. The opening this year comes after the current mayor, Tim Prevatt, decided not to run for reelection. In fact, he was appointed as mayor after serving as pro temp to the prior mayor, Archie Dupree, who stepped away after battling health issues. Benton says if elected, he would like to focus on repairing some of the roads in the town as well as improving the quality of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would like to see more small businesses in the area, as well as maybe a splash pad for the kids, said Benton. As for Gardner, hes been living in Avon for three years but says there is plenty of opportunity for the town through road improvements, home safety, and property value. He notes that within the last year, Avon experienced two fires, and in both cases, water supply issues arose due to the lack of fire hydrants. That should never happen. Our resident safety is number one. We need to develop a plan to install more fire hydrants, which will lower home insurance rates, and improve roads, which will increase property value. The other thing I want to do is increase visibility and have people come together, said Gardner. Both candidates say they hope people will come out for this election, which they say is important and took a lot of effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Town officials have been preparing since earlier this year, going to conferences and seeking advice from other town clerks and board of registrars. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) It has been five years since Trooper George Baker was killed during a police chase in Tangipahoa Parish. Since then, the Louisiana State Police have continued to support his family. One way they have done so is by escorting his daughter, Harper, into school every year since his passing. This year, the tradition continued when troopers escorted the young girl into Oak Forest Academy, where she has gone since Pre-K. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harper entered third grade this year, and her first day of school was Wednesday, Aug. 20. Her mom, Heather Baker, said, Harp absolutely looks forward to have her daddys friends be with her on her first day. The daughter of fallen LSP trooper George Baker was escorted into the third grade by LSP troopers. (Photo courtesy of Heather Baker) The daughter of fallen LSP trooper George Baker holds a picture of her dad on her first day of third grade. (Photo courtesy of Heather Baker) The daughter of fallen LSP trooper George Baker received flowers from an LSP trooper on her first day of third grade. (Photo courtesy of Heather Baker) The daughter of fallen LSP trooper George Baker stands outside school with LSP troopers. (Photo courtesy of Heather Baker) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this years entrance into school was not as exciting as last years, it was not any less meaningful. Harpers mom said, She knows she has all of daddys friends wrapped around her little finger. Heather said she is not sure if their presence means more to her or Harper. She said, It means more to our family than LSP could ever know. The troopers are there on more than just this one day. Heather said they call and check on them often, including important dates like Christmas and Harpers birthday. She said, From rookie troopers to command staff, I know they have our back, always. Louisiana State Police released this statement about what being there for the Baker family means to them. Louisiana State Police remains deeply committed to honoring Trooper Bakers sacrifice and ensuring his family knows they are never alone. Heather and Harper will always be part of the LSP family. Escorting Harper to her first day of school is about more than a tradition, it is a way for us to show her that her fathers legacy lives on through the men and women who served alongside him. These moments remind us of the bond we share, not only with our fellow Troopers, but with their loved ones who carry forward their strength and courage. Our support for Heather and Harper is unwavering, and we will continue to stand beside them, not just on milestone days, but throughout their journey. Law enforcement officers remember police officer who died after CDC shooting 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. Students getting their l lunch at a primary school. (Photo by Amanda Mills/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.) As a new school year begins in Ohio, an old problem persists: child hunger. Hunger relief programs continue to strain under the demand, while receiving less support from state and federal sources. According to Feeding America, 1 in 5 children in the state face hunger, amounting to more than 517,000 kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have a lot of people bending heaven and earth to get food into kids mouths, but the problem is, we cant do it alone, said Deacon Nick Bates, director of Hunger Network in Ohio, which partners with religious congregations and local agencies to address hunger. Bates has seen firsthand the compromises that have to be made at church food pantries and other hunger-relief efforts across the state because of state and federal budget cuts. Fresh foods are in limited supply, and resources are being spread thin. Instead of being able to give out five days worth of food, it means giving two to three days worth of food, Bates said. He said the long-term effects of hungry kids will hit the state in different ways, from health outcomes to education struggles, even with the waning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We should recognize that the pandemic may have ended, but the scars still remain, Bates said. One of those scars is hunger, and when kids are hungry, theyre more likely to get sick; when kids are hungry, they have trouble learning. Hunger and school funding School districts are finding their own ways to support their students, even as they navigate a new educational funding model, on the state and federal level. The Pickerington Local School District receives federal funding to allow the districts 12,000 students to receive free breakfast and lunch. Education support professional Joie Moore is nervous that the funding might not exist next year because of the back-and-forth over education (and other) funding happening in Washington, D.C., potentially leaving some students in the lurch when it comes to meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have worked in the school system for 15 years, so I know whats its like to not have (the funding), said Moore. I remember when it was a cheese sandwich (if a student couldnt pay for lunch), and thats not enough to sustain a child throughout the day. Schoolchildren eat lunch. (File photo by Spenser Heaps/Utah News Dispatch) Moores two children went through Pickerington schools, and she has served in many roles at the district, including helping at lunchtime. She engaged with students who didnt have enough to eat at home, despite families working two and three jobs just to keep a roof over their heads. We had kids that would come into school hungry, and I would keep granola bars, protein bars, Goldfish, those kinds of things, in my drawer so they have at least something to snack on, Moore said. The district, like many others in the state, may have to find a way to do more with less, something Moore said the district has dealt with in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But with the new state operating budget cutting public school funding through changes to the Fair School Funding Plan model thats been in effect for the last four years, the district is looking at dire numbers, according to Moore, who is also president of the Pickerington Support Staff Association. The most recent attempt to put a levy on the November ballot didnt make it past the school board. If a levy isnt brought forth and supported by district voters, Moore is concerned staff reductions are the next step to make ends meet. We have to have funding to give our kids textbooks, to give them food, all the things they need, Moore said. If were able to keep that (federal funding for school meals), but we dont have the money to support the staff, thats going to affect how we do that. Further cuts In the state operating budget approved by the General Assembly in June, the Ohio-based Childrens Hunger Alliance received a total of $5.5 million over the next two years, down from Gov. Mike DeWines proposal that the alliance receive $7.5 million over the biennium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alliance supports programs in child care centers, after-school programs, summer meals, and weekend meals, and it provided about 11 million meals to more than 160,000 children in 2024, according to the organization. The $2 million budget cut means direct impacts for Ohio children in need of food, according to the hunger alliance, including 1.2 million fewer meals for children returning to school this month. Despite the state budget cut, we do NOT plan to cut any children from our programs, a statement from the alliance said. To make the numbers work, we will have to provide less food over fewer weeks during the year. The alliance projected they would serve more than 400,000 meals by the end of the summer, including rural grab-and-go summer meals. Childrens Hunger Alliance distributes food at the Upper Valley Medical Center parking lot in Troy on Tuesdays during the summer. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal). The Ohio Association of Foodbanks is also providing summer meal delivery for rural and underserved areas, despite also doing more with less funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The associations earmark in the state budget included up to $24.5 million per year, to be used for purchasing, storing and distributing food, along with a small amount for capacity building, such as shelving and freezers, according to the associations executive director Joree Novotny. The state budget came as Congress debated their own budget bill, one that sought hundreds of billions in cuts, particularly from programs including SNAP, which the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities called the deepest SNAP cut in history. More than 40% of households in Ohio receiving SNAP benefits have children, according to Feeding America. The final budget was passed 51-50, with the tie-breaking vote coming from Vice President and former Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funding reductions were a cut to the knees for food assistance programs already facing growing demand and Ohio counties already facing benefits shortfalls. Novotny said while Congress did reauthorize legislation to establish permanent summer food benefits and the expanded summer meal delivery for rural and underserved areas, food insecurity continues to be a problem because of the various economic impacts that surround it. This includes grocery store food prices, housing and utility costs, along with child care and other household needs. Tradeoffs in the quality of food and the quantity of food are often made first as family budgets are squeezed, Novotny told the Capital Journal. Unfortunately, Ohios statewide hunger relief network has less food on our shelves to help fill those growing gaps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The association leader cited a 23% reduction in state funding for food sourcing, along with increased food costs for the organizations trying to help hungry Ohioans as reasons the funding gaps are becoming untenable. Between April and June of this year, the statewide food bank network provided less than four days worth of groceries per pantry visitor on average. In the same period in 2019, the network was able to provide seven days of groceries. While food supply costs were only up 2% between April and June of 2025 compared to the 2019 period, the association said food pantry visits went up by 89%. The School Nutrition Associations analysis of the federal budget bill found that fewer children will be automatically eligible for free school meals as eligibility for SNAP gets stricter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also predicted that less schools will enroll in the Community Eligibility Provision, a federal program that allows school districts with a high percentage of low-income families to receive free meals for all students. The number of Ohio school districts taking up that provision has seen an increase over the last two years, due to an increase in eligibility, according to the Food Research & Action Center. Data from the center noted 357 of Ohio school districts who were eligible for the provision took the assistance in the 2023-2024 school year. In the 2024-2025 school year, 534 school districts participated.. The superintendent of Edison Local Schools in Jefferson County recently announced the district would not be continuing with the provision in the 2025-2026 school year, going back to a paid model for anyone not eligible for free or reduced-cost meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While CEP has allowed the district to offer meals at no cost to families, the current model is no longer financially sustainable, Superintendent Bill Beattie wrote in a letter to families. This was not an easy decision, but its one we must make to ensure the long-term stability of our food service program. Beattie said the district can no longer sustain (the program) without compromising other essential services. Compromise seems to be the standard for many schools in Ohio as they figure out how to manage with the state budget funding changes on top of less federal funding. Ohio Education Association President Jeff Wensing said the problems lie solely at the feet of legislative leaders, who dont have students at the heart of their priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were in a position now where the legislators have determined there are going to be winners and losers in school meals, Wensing said. These are problems that we have, and every real problem that we currently have, you have to pin at the door of the Republican Party, because thats the party thats been in control (in Ohio) for over three decades. This story has been updated to correct data on the total Ohio schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Gov. Brian Kemp said Monday that hes deploying the National Guard in Georgia to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the state, amid President Donald Trumps push for greater immigration enforcement and a federal government crackdown on crime in several major cities. Kemps office told Capital B Atlanta via email Tuesday that the estimated 75 Georgia National Guard soldiers and airmen should be on duty shortly after mid-September after participating in training and in-processing activities. Unlike whats happening in the nations capital, Kemp said his National Guard troops wont be making arrests or conducting other law enforcement functions in the Peach State. Theyll be helping ICE with administrative and logistic support tasks, including appointment scheduling, biometric collection, data entry, and vehicle maintenance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am proud to stand with President Trumps team in the ongoing efforts to secure our nations border and keep Americans safe, Kemp said in an emailed statement. The deployment announcement came amid a push by the Trump administration to combat crime in several major U.S. cities across the country that happen to have Black mayors, despite major categories of crime being on the decline in those places. Read More: Atlanta Budget a Safeguard Against Potential Trump Cuts, Lawmakers Say Democrats, including state Sen. Nan Orrock, have suggested Trump Atlanta will soon be on Trumps list of targeted cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Trump] didnt forget about Atlanta, he will come for Atlanta, Orrock said at a recent Marci Collier Overstreet campaign event, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Its only a matter of time. The White House pushed back Tuesday, echoing a common refrain from Trump about crime in largely Black cities. If Democrats spent half as much time addressing crime in their cities as they did going on cable news to complain about President Trump, their residents would be a lot safer, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told Capital B Atlanta via email. Trump has previously referred to Atlanta as a killing field despite a multiyear decline in the citys murder rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall crime was down 8% year over year on Aug. 9, according to the latest available data from the Atlanta Police Department, which noted homicides were down 25% from the same time last year. Aggravated assault and robberies were up 20% and 35%, respectively. ICE arrests in Georgia have also surged since Trump took office, according to Axios Atlanta. On Monday, Trump signed an executive order authorizing U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to ensure National Guard units in each state are properly trained and available to assist Federal, State, and local law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order whenever the circumstances necessitate, as appropriate under law. Trump has focused much of his crime-related criticism on Chicago in recent days, calling the Windy City a disaster, on Friday. But on Monday, the president signaled hesitancy to send troops into Illinois most populous city without the consent of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt get a request from the governor, Trump told White House reporters on Monday. Illinois is affected maybe more than anybody else. And I think until I get that request from that guy, Im not going to do anything about it. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, told NPRs Morning Edition that sending National Guard troops into his city without Pritzkers sign-off would be illegal and costly. The city of Chicago is not calling for American troops to occupy American cities, Johnson told NPR. Its not democratic. Its unconstitutional. Read More: Amid ICE Sweeps and Travel Bans, Heres How to Support Black Immigrants in Atlanta Kemps office said Georgia National Guard troops will report directly to local ICE leadership while remaining under his control and direction, differentiating deployment here from whats been happening the past two weeks in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The request to support ICE is different and separate from the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force mission, Kemps office said. Kemps team suggested concerns over federal government overreach by Trump are misplaced, noting that the Georgia National Guard has a long history of partnering with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure the safety and security of our communities, our state, and our nation. The post Backing Trumps ICE Crackdown, Kemp Mobilizes Georgias National Guard appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. Baltimore City students are showing slow but steady progress in English, math and science, as reflected in their latest Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program standardized test scores. Although the scores, released Tuesday, still rank toward the bottom statewide, City Schools test results have continued to track upward since the coronavirus pandemic disrupted learning in the 2020-21 school year. In contrast, the results in other school districts statewide tended to fluctuate more, increasing one year and dropping the next. The districts CEO, Sonja Santelises, trumpeted what were described in a news release as nine consecutive years of literacy gains and three straight years of math gains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MCAP data: View 2025 standardized test results for Maryland, schools, districts This level of sustained literacy and math progress is the result not only of our dedicated school leaders and staff, but also the diligence of our students, Santelises said in a statement. As proud as I am of our trajectory, there is much more to do. We will continue refining our strategies to prepare every student for success. In English language arts, the percentage of proficient students in Baltimore City Public Schools rose from 27.7% in 2023-24 to 31.2% in 2024-25. Since 2021-22, proficiency has grown by 8.8 points, up from 22.4%. Of course, growth is relative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baltimore City Schools still rank lowest of all 24 districts statewide. For comparison, in the highest-ranking district statewide, Worcester County, more than two-thirds of students (68.5%) met that benchmark on the English tests, and the state figure was 50.8%. But the improvement is real and it comes as Maryland works to address a statewide reading crisis that began in 2013, when test scores entered a decadelong decline. Because these test results reflect learning deficits that occurred in previous years, the damage already has been done by the time educators become aware of it, according to Maryland READS, a nonprofit that uses research to provide insights on reading instruction. The group praised Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Carey Wright, who was appointed in April 2024 after serving as interim leader, in an emailed statement but said that further action will be required to reverse the trends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Maryland is serious about a reading comeback, the State must do more than hire the right superintendent, the organization wrote. Our legislature must invest real, sustained resources in literacy. City students math scores also improved, with proficiency rising from 10.2% in 2023-24 to 12.6% in 2024-25 more than double the 6% proficiency rate in 2021-22. The states improvement plan calls for 25% of students to reach proficiency in math by the 2026-27 school year, nearly tripling the current percentage. For the second year in a row, the Baltimore City was not the lowest-scoring school district in math, edging out Somerset County, where just about 1 in 10 students achieved state proficiency. In contrast, nearly half of the students in Worcester County, 47.7%, achieved proficiency on math tests, and 26.5% Marylanders were deemed proficient. In science, in which fifth and eighth graders are tested, Baltimore City students proficiency climbed from 6.4% in 2023-24 to 10.3% in 2024-25, another sign of positive momentum, though the district still placed last among the 24 school districts. Howard County had the highest science scores with 42.1% achieving proficiency on state tests, and 28.5% of Marylanders as a whole scored proficient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Baltimore school with the highest test scores overall was Hampstead Hill Academy, where nearly two-thirds of its students 63.9% achieved proficiency on at least one of the state tests. In second place was Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, with an overall proficiency rating of 60.7%, while Medfield Heights Elementary, where 54.5% of students achieved proficiency, ranked third. Baltimore School for the Arts students aced the English proficiency tests; 93.2% of its students overall hit the target. But in four city schools, 5% of students or fewer tested as proficient. The highest-scoring city school in math was Medfield Heights Elementary School, where 53% of students on average scored as proficient. But 5% or fewer students in 43 schools failed to score as math-proficient. Hampstead Hill Academy had the highest overall science score, where a median of 57.7% of students achieved proficiency on science tests, while 48 schools had 5% or fewer students who achieved science proficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schools in which fewer than 10 students took the state test were excluded from this analysis. Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich. Contact Mary Carole McCauley at mmccauley@baltsun.com, 410-332-6704 and x.com/@mcmccauley. BARLING, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Barling police are looking for a missing man after his vehicle fell into the Arkansas River on Aug. 25. Donald McGrew in 2024 Courtesy: Barling Police Department According to Barling police, around 11:28 a.m., personnel at Lock and Dam 13 reported that a tugboat operator witnessed a vehicle fall into the Arkansas River from a downstream boat ramp at Springhill Park. Sebastian County first responders rescue person who drove car into river Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say multiple agencies responded to the scene with boat crews and divers. The vehicle was recovered, but the driver of the vehicle has not been located. The driver is believed to be Donald McGrew. McGrew has shoulder-length hair, a Pegasus tattoo on his right upper arm, a severe burn scar on one of his forearms and is blind in one eye. Responding agencies include Barling Police Department, Barling Fire Department, Sebastian County Sheriffs Office, Arkansas Game and Fish, Arkansas Highway Police, Fort Smith Fire Department, Fort Smith Dive Team, Sebastian County Search and Rescue, and Central City Police Department. Barling police say they searched for McGrew throughout the day on Aug. 25, and will resume the search on Aug. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TEXAS (The Texas Tribune) A Texas House panel on Monday approved a legislative proposal limiting transgender peoples use of bathrooms in government buildings, the first time in over eight years the lower chamber has advanced a bathroom bill. Senate Bill 8 was passed by the House State Affairs Committee in a 9-3 vote after an amendment that would have removed language aimed at giving the bill legal insulation failed. Last week, tensions between Texans flared at the Capitol during public testimony Friday on the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CJ Grisham spoke in favor of the restrictions in SB 8, one of the items Gov. Greg Abbott asked legislators to pass during this years special legislative sessions. After Grisham spoke, several people attending the House State Affairs meeting booed and hurled expletives at him, saying he should be ashamed. Grisham responded with his own expletives before being ushered to the back of the room by a House staff member. A Department of Public Safety officer eventually removed Grisham from the room after a woman in the audience said she felt threatened. In an interview, Grisham said he felt threatened and that he would file a complaint with DPS for being unfairly removed based on his speech. Im just making out how stupid this Oh, I feel threatened, thing is, just because I exist, Grisham said. I mean, its the same argument theyre making in there, that, Am I a threat to you because I exist? Conservative legislators have spent more than a decade proposing various bathroom bills, and six such proposals have passed through the Senate over the years. Fridays hearing, however, was the first time in eight years that a House committee has taken up such a bill. SB 8 now heads to the House floor, where 82 out of the Houses 150 members have signed on to an identical bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of the bill said restrictions are necessary in order to prevent potential discomfort or harm that might come to women in private spaces, and to recognize the reality of biological sex. At one point on Friday, Jack Finger, of the San Antonio Family Association, was reprimanded by committee chair Rep. Ken King, R-Canadian for comments he made. How on earth did we get to the point where men are allowed to go into womens restrooms and locker rooms and shower with them, and nobody can do anything about it? Finger said. I, for one, am tired of that, I wont put up with it. Ive seen it at least a couple of times in San Antonio, and I was tempted to help that gentleman to save money on his transgendered operation by physically helping him get there. King warned Finger not to make threats or inappropriate comments. Finger assured the committee nothing happened, and that SB 8 was needed to instill decency back into society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 8 would restrict use of bathrooms at public and charter schools, public universities and government buildings. But SB 8 goes further than previous bathroom bills and would also limit what family violence shelters, prisons and jails that trans people can be placed into. If a person uses a restroom not matching their sex assigned at birth, the institution would receive a $5,000 first-time penalty under SB 8, rather than the individual who went into the restroom. The bill also allows for complaints to be made to the attorney general, who can then open investigations. Subsequent violations would carry a $25,000 fine per violation. Rep. Angelia Orr, R-Itasca, laid out the bill on Friday and said during questioning from fellow lawmakers that determining who would belong in each bathroom would be based on how someone looks. Opponents of the bill claimed it would incite violence and harassment against both cisgender and trans people when using the bathroom. Some cited a case in Minnesota, where a cisgender teenage girl was harassed by a waiter in a Buffalo Wild Wings who believed she was in the wrong restroom. Minnesota does not have a law restricting bathroom use based on sex or gender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When will this become inspections to prove that your daughter can enter the girls locker room? Simon Shepherd, a trans Texan from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, said during his testimony. But thats the thing the bill and this ideology is not rooted in legitimacy. Bill supporters raised concerns that allowing transgender students to use bathrooms in public schools and public areas constitutes sexualization of children. When we allow co-ed access to intimate spaces under the guise of gender identity, we expose children to sexualized situations they are not emotionally equipped to handle, Travis County GOP Chair Jennifer Fleck said during testimony. A line must be drawn. Protecting children should not be controversial. SB 8 also includes provisions seeking to insulate it from legal challenges, including one that would prevent a state court from ruling any part of the bill is unconstitutional or file any injunctions against it. Reps. Rafael Anchia, D-Dallas, and Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, expressed concern over the attempted shielding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does seem like they are closing the door to the court, Thompson said during the hearing. Lawmakers have until Sept. 13 to pass any bills during the special session. If passed, the bill would join a slew of other legislation signed off by the Legislature earlier in the year that limit trans Texans from being recognized in state and medical records. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. * Primarily born to address security concerns, the SCO has, over its 24-year development, grown into a comprehensive regional organization representing nearly half of the world's population. * Dedicated to maintaining regional security and promoting common development, the SCO adheres to the Shanghai Spirit, which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development. * As one of the founding members, China has always made the SCO a diplomatic priority and firmly upheld the Shanghai Spirit. The upcoming SCO Summit 2025 is expected to pool consensus and steer the organization toward building a closer community with a shared future. BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from Asia, Europe and Africa will gather in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 for the largest-ever Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in history, charting the blueprint for the bloc's next decade of development. Primarily born to address security concerns, the SCO has, over its 24-year development, grown into a comprehensive regional organization representing nearly half of the world's population. Here is what you need to know about the SCO's remarkable journey and what to anticipate at the Tianjin summit. An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 25, 2025 shows a light show along the Haihe River in north China's Tianjin. (Photo by Du Penghui/Xinhua) AN EVOLVING REGIONAL BLOC The SCO traces its roots to the "Shanghai Five" mechanism, when China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan came together in 1996 to manage border security issues after the end of the Cold War. On June 15, 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was established with Uzbekistan joining as the sixth member. What began as a regional security grouping has evolved into a regional organization encompassing nearly half of the world's population, a quarter of the global landmass and a quarter of global GDP. With the accession of India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus, the SCO now has 10 member states, alongside two observer states and 14 dialogue partners. Dedicated to maintaining regional security and promoting common development, the SCO adheres to the Shanghai Spirit, which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development. This spirit has guided the bloc to chart a path of regional cooperation, transcending differences in ideology, social system and development path, and setting an example for a new type of international relations. Over the years, SCO member states have seen deepened political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation, which led to regional stability, steady trade growth, joint infrastructure projects, and coordinated action in fields such as food and energy security. Through mechanisms such as the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, SCO members have worked together effectively to maintain regional peace and stability by combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Security frameworks have been strengthened, and joint exercises have expanded into cyberspace. In the first 20 years since its establishment, the total trade value of SCO member states increased nearly 100-fold, while their share of global trade rose from 5.4 percent in 2001 to 17.5 percent in 2020, demonstrating growing influence, according to a trade development report released in 2022. People visit the pavilion of India during the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) International Investment and Trade Expo in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, July 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) "The Shanghai Spirit is the 'root' and 'soul' of the SCO," said Fan Xianrong, a Chinese foreign ministry official responsible for coordination work in the SCO. In the face of the ever-changing international landscape, SCO member states would continue to champion this spirit through concrete actions, offering their solutions for creating a fair and equitable global governance system and support for the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, according to Fan. CHINA: A FIRM UPHOLDER OF SHANGHAI SPIRIT As one of the founding members, China has always made the SCO a diplomatic priority and firmly upheld the Shanghai Spirit. The country has put forward a series of important initiatives and propositions, and contributed Chinese wisdom, solutions and dynamism to the regional development. China has proposed the building of an SCO community with a shared future, an inspiring vision that enriches the Shanghai Spirit. It also called on SCO members to build a common home featuring solidarity and mutual trust, peace and tranquility, prosperity and development, good-neighborliness and friendship, as well as fairness and justice. On the economic front, trade and investment ties between China and other SCO members have become increasingly robust, with cooperation spanning across sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture and technology, enhancing the well-being of the people across the region. In 2024, China's trade with other SCO members, observer states and dialogue partners reached a historic high of 890 billion U.S. dollars, or 14.4 percent of the country's total foreign trade. In the same year, the number of China-Europe freight trains passing through the SCO countries and regions reached 19,000, an increase of 10.7 percent compared with 2023. This file photo taken on Oct. 13, 2022 shows an international freight train about to depart from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (Lianyungang) International Logistics Park in Lianyungang City, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo by Wang Jianmin/Xinhua) In one of its latest efforts to promote tech cooperation, China has welcomed all SCO parties to use its BeiDou navigation system and participate in the development of the International Lunar Research Station, while pledging to provide at least 1,000 training opportunities on digital technology to other SCO countries in three years. Since taking over the SCO presidency in July 2024, China has worked closely with all parties and hosted over 100 events with the theme "SCO Year of Sustainable Development," including ministerial-level meetings, an SCO political parties' forum, a media and think tank summit, and an art festival. "China will work with all parties of the SCO to remain true to the organization's original aspiration, shoulder its mission, carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, and provide SCO solutions for global governance and reform," Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Bin told the press last week. WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TIANJIN SUMMIT With leaders from more than 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations set to participate, the upcoming SCO Summit 2025 is expected to pool consensus and steer the organization toward building a closer community with a shared future. Key outcomes will include the signing of a declaration by leaders of SCO member states at the summit as well as the approval of a development strategy of the bloc for the next 10 years, according to Liu. The summit will also issue statements marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th founding anniversary of the United Nations, and adopt a series of outcome documents on strengthening security, economic, people-to-people and cultural cooperation. Delegates sign documents at the 36th meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, March 18, 2021. (Photo by Zafar Khalilov/Xinhua) China will also elaborate on its new vision and propositions for the SCO in carrying forward the Shanghai Spirit, embracing the mission of the times, and responding to the people's expectations, and announce new measures and initiatives to support the high-quality development of the SCO and comprehensive cooperation. "China believes that a friendly, united and productive Tianjin Summit will advance the SCO into a new phase of high-quality development, characterized by greater solidarity, closer coordination, stronger momentum and higher effectiveness," Liu said. Sheradil Baktygulov, director of the Institute of World Policy of Kyrgyzstan, expressed high expectations for the summit. "The SCO Tianjin Summit will take place at a difficult time of global turbulence, but it will become a guiding bright star -- showing the right path to safe and stable development." (Video reporters: Zhang Jingyao, Jiang Chao, Ahmad Kamal, Jiang Youlin, Azamat, Zhang Jiye; Video editors: Hui Peipei, Wei Yin, Zheng Xin, Zhao Tianlin, Zhao Xiaoqing.) The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about Lightning Shared Scooter Company LLC (LSSC), which the consumer protection group alleges is operating as a pyramid scheme. LSSC has been given an F rating by the BBB due to its failure to respond to complaints and its lack of a required competency license from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The company has attracted attention after a surge in consumer complaints and reports to the BBB Scam Tracker in July. Investors in LSSC were presented with what appeared to be an SEC certificate, but the document contained numerous typos, grammatical errors, and a fabricated certificate number. The company promotes itself as the leading shared scooter company and encourages investments in scooter leases with promises of daily returns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports from the BBB Scam Tracker indicate that losses from the scheme range from $1,000 to $55,000, corresponding to the various investment levels offered by the company. Investors are recruited by friends and family members and are incentivized to bring in new members with the promise of bonuses based on the recruits investments. Payments to LSSC were required to be made in cryptocurrency, which the BBB warns is a common tactic in fraudulent investment schemes. Scam reports related to LSSC have come from 17 states, with a significant number coming from California and Florida. As a result, the Salinas, California Police Department has issued a warning to residents, and the Minnesota Attorney Generals Office has cautioned consumers about a fraudulent electric scooter investment opportunity. The BBB advises consumers who are approached by the LSSC to file a report with the BBB Scam Tracker. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW PORTO RAFTI, Greece (AP) Bus coupon in hand, Diamantoula Vassiliou headed for the sea, determined to make the most of her brief beach excursion. The Athens resident was among thousands who took a four-hour tour this month to Avlaki Beach, one hour north of Greece's capital, many hauling plastic coolers and homemade lunches the accoutrements of summer holidays in leaner times. We come here because theres no money, said Vassiliou, for whom day trips have replaced weeklong vacations for four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greeces tourism industry is booming and the crystalline waters along its vast, rugged coast have transformed the nation into a source of envy-inducing Instagram posts. Foreign arrivals this year are expected to be up to four times the countrys population of 10 million, according to industry estimates, matching 2024 data. But many Greeks are watching from the sidelines the result of both surging prices and slow wage growth. According to European Union data, almost half of Greeks were unable to afford a one-week holiday last year, the second-highest rate in the bloc after Romania. This compares with about one in three for Italy and one in five for France and represents only a modest improvement from 2019, the year after Greeces crippling financial crisis ended. Luxury resorts have crowded out the budget guesthouses and campsites that once made pricey destinations like Santorini, Mykonos and Paros accessible to Greek families. Tourism is the bedrock of Greeces economy, directly supplying around 12% of the countrys output. But as businesses increasingly cater to foreign visitors, many no longer close during the summer, preventing local workers from taking a break. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among them is Iosif Solanakis, who on a windless August afternoon waited at the foot of Athens' Acropolis for customers to take a tour on his electric buggy. The money I make in the summer has to keep me going in the months when there isnt much work," he said, laughing. I only get to sample the sea whenever I can grab a few hours off. Concern about holiday poverty, a term coined by labor unions, is spreading across Europe as rising costs sour summer plans. Beachgoers in Italy have taken to social media to complain about soaring prices for a standard umbrella and two lounge chairs, the centerpiece of an Italian seaside holiday. A spot with a sun lounger at popular beaches along the Italian Riviera can run up to 80 euros ($93) a day, while luxury spots charge several hundred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Greece, many are packing their own umbrellas, carrying plastic containers of homemade food in scenes reminiscent of the 1980s and relying on buses instead of ferries or flights. A six-day island trip for a family of four costs some 3,500 euros ($4,070) in a country where the average monthly income barely tops 1,000 euros ($1,160), according to Giorgos Lehouritis, head of Greeces Consumer Protection Institute. Rising rent and utility costs consume almost all of that. You have to live on the rest and thats poverty," Lehouritis said. Nikos Margaritis, a retiree, said on his way to Avlaki that holiday accommodation is out of reach on his tight budget. Someone who has worked 35 or 40 years should receive more support, he said. I have worked for 42 years. Do I deserve something better? I do. ___ AP writer Colleen Barry contributed from Milan. Summer vacation has come to an end in Bedford. Many K-12 students will have to get used to setting their alarms, grabbing their backpacks and lunches, and morning commutes to one of the six public schools in the district. Today is the first day of school, and adventures await. This year, the Bedford School District expects to teach more kindergarten students over longer days. In March, voters approved extending the districts kindergarten classes from half days to full days. Kindergartners at Peter Woodbury, Memorial, and Riddle Brook elementary schools will now stay in school from 8 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That prompted an incease in enrollment. When the district offered half-day classes last school year, it had 177 pupils in kindergarten. That number swelled to 229 students enrolled as of Monday, Bedford Superintendent of Schools Michael Fournier said. Fournier said full-day kindergarten will allow students more time to learn and acquire knowledge through play. Bedford is one of the last school districts in the state to move to a full-day kindergarten program. Fournier said they used to have much less time to bring students to the same learning and developmental milestones as everyone else. Every kindergarten student is required to meet minimum standards set by the state. We had half the time to get them the same distance as every other school in the state. So really, it gives students the gift of time, allows them more time to learn the content, and allows them more opportunities for a play-based approach, Fournier said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Play is an important part of both physical and cognitive development. A 2018 state law requires schools to use early childhood best teaching practices and play-based learning that comprise movement, creative expression, exploration, socialization, and music. Each of the three elementary schools has four kindergarten teachers with their own classrooms, Fournier said, for a total of 12 kindergarten classes this school year. Two new teachers were hired and another four were internally transferred to their new positions. Additional space for the classes was already available due to declining enrollment in other grades. Cellphone policyThe district also recently revised its policies to conform to a new state law. Legislation passed in June bans student use of cellphones in public schools from bell to bell, or the entire school day, including lunch, recess, and between classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bedford had already prohibited cellphones, paging devices, and similar items in school buildings. In policies adopted in 2017, students caught using unauthorized devices could receive up to a two-day suspension. This years revised policy prohibits any non-district-provided internet/cellular-capable device that can support voice or video calls, texts, emails, or instant messages, including cellphones, tablets, laptops, and smart watches. Consequences for violating the policy were changed to a strike-based system, with students simply being directed to put their device away on the first offense. With the second offense, teachers will notify the students parent or guardian and can contact administration. The student may be sent to administration and their device confiscated in subsequent offenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Repeated violations may result in progressive disciplinary action consistent with the districts code of conduct, the policy says. The 2025 revision also added new exceptions to the policy. Previously, if shown good cause by a parent or guardian, school administration could authorize a student to use the devices for specific purposes at certain times. Now, students with medical, disability, or language proficiency needs are exempt from the policy. Many modern insulin pumps, glucose sensors, and translator devices have cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity. Administration can still approve additional exceptions as needed, per the policy. zmarano@unionleader.com Anas Modamani is still a fan of selfies. A decade after taking his famous picture with then-German chancellor Angela Merkel, the young man from Syria is often approached on the street and asked to pose for a smartphone. "Back then, I took selfies with Angela Merkel. Today, other people take selfies with me, and I like that," the 27-year-old says. Modamani might be the most famous Syrian in Germany. Shortly after arriving in Berlin in September 2015, he posed for a selfie with Merkel outside an asylum seekers' shelter in Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The encounter, captured by the press, went viral, with images of the posing pair appearing on newspapers around the world. They came to symbolize Merkel's decision in 2015 to welcome hundreds of thousands of refugees, fleeing countries including war-torn Syria. Full of praise for Merkel Modamani still proudly displays the photo on his social media channels, where he boasts tens of thousands of followers. "The selfie with chancellor Angela Merkel means a lot to me. She saved my life, and the lives of many other people who came from Syria to Berlin, to Germany," he says. "She is the strongest woman in my eyes." He recently met with Merkel again, this time for coffee in her office in Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her autobiography "Freedom: Memoirs 1954 - 2021," the former chancellor describes her first meeting with Modamani. She recalls how he approached her that day holding up his phone and said the word "selfie." "At that moment, I did not have the slightest idea of the stir this picture would create, but simply thought: Why not?" Merkel wrote. She said she could not understand the accusations that followed, when opponents said the photos had encouraged more people to come to Germany. 'Part of Germany's future' In late August 2015, Merkel spoke the words that would come to define her time in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We can do it," the then-chancellor proclaimed, referring to the country's ability to take in the large numbers of refugees arriving at its borders. Modamani's response: "Yes, I did it." The 27-year-old, who came to Germany as a teenager leaving his family behind in Syria, has achieved a kind of turbo integration into German society. He has learned German, supporting himself by working as a parcel delivery driver and in a supermarket, studied media management, obtained German citizenship, and now works as a video journalist for Germany's international broadcaster Deutsche Welle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was difficult at first," he says. "A new language, a new culture, new laws," he lists. "But I learned never to give up." And, he stresses, he is not alone in this. "Many Syrians have started businesses, created jobs and now pay taxes like everyone else." Many work as doctors, engineers and journalists, he says. "We are contributing to Germany's success. We are showing that Syrians are not just refugees, we are part of Germany's future." Modamani's following Modamani sounds like a politician, and he is certainly politically engaged with a large audience on social media, including back home in Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His videos often feature Arab immigrants talking about their lives, often in their native language. "I want to give people a realistic picture of Germany," he says, stressing that Europe is not a paradise. With nearly 170,000 followers on TikTok and over 91,000 on Instagram, Modamani wants his audience to know: "It's not enough to just come to this country. You have to work hard on yourself." He said people hoping to come to Germany often ask him what it is like. "Watch a video," he tells them, referring them to his clips. Documentary in the works Besides his work for Deutsche Welle and on his social media channels, Modamani is planning his first documentary, which he hopes to shoot in the coming months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The film will focus on the lives of 10 different Syrians in Germany. "Five made it, five didn't," he explains. Modamani has visited his parents and siblings in Syria, where much has changed since the fall of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. But he doesn't want to return permanently. He is too attached to Berlin and the life he has built here alongside his Ukrainian girlfriend. The thing about German bread "Berlin has given me everything I ever wanted," Modamani says. "I love Berlin because it's multicultural and the food is delicious. There's Arabic food, Turkish food, Chinese food." However even after 10 years, some German eating habits still puzzle him. "I only know one type of bread, the Arabic kind. But the Germans have thousands of types of bread." Anas Modamani in front of Berlin's landmark Brandenburger Gate. Manuel Genolet/dpa BERLIN (Reuters) -Russian state assets frozen since the start of the Ukraine war should stay in the Euroclear securities repository in Belgium for now, the Belgian prime minister said on Tuesday, adding that seizing them to benefit Ukraine would raise legal issues. G7 countries have frozen some $300 billion of Russian sovereign assets since Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The European Union estimates that 210 billion euros ($246 billion) of that is held in the EU, mainly in the form of government bonds at the Euroclear repository. "A whole lot of these funds are immobilised in Brussels at Euroclear. I know that there are governments that are trying to seize the money. But I would like to warn that this is not so easy legally," Prime Minister Bart De Wever told reporters during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement De Wever said the assets include funds from the Russian central bank that have legal immunity, meaning any political decisions to seize them could have serious repercussions. "Other countries will also withdraw their state funds. This will have systemic consequences and is also very dangerous from a legal perspective. I believe we should keep these state funds immobilized," he said. He said it was acceptable to use the income on the funds to help Ukraine but he warned against using the principal. "It's like a goose that lays golden eggs. We should keep this goose. And in the end, when we talk about a peace treaty, then the goose can be put on the table ... until that moment, I believe it is wise to keep the situation as it is today," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. President Donald Trump has been leading a renewed peace push to end the three-and-a-half year war. ($1 = 0.8542 euros) (Reporting by Miranda Murray; Writing by GV De Clercq; Editing by Makini Brice) The Benelux countries believe Moldova and Ukraine share a common future within the European Union, Luxembourgs Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel has said. Source: Bettel at a press conference on Tuesday 26 August, as reported by European Pravda Details: Bettel is currently in Odesa, a city in Ukraines south, with Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot and Heleen Bakker, Director-General for European Cooperation at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the press conference, Bettel noted that he had arrived in Odesa from Moldova, where, in his words, "there is no will to say there is a future for one country without the other country". "We believe, and also after discussions that we had, that it's a common future for both countries and not to use one country against the other country like Russia would love to do it," he said, referring to Ukraines EU accession. Background: The actual launch of Ukraines accession negotiations is known to have been blocked by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been exploiting the issue for domestic political purposes. Hungarian authorities organised a manipulative public survey on whether citizens supported Ukraines accession to the EU, later claiming that 95% voted against it. Hungarys veto has sparked concerns over a possible "decoupling" of Ukraine and Moldova on their paths to EU membership to avoid harming Moldovan President Maia Sandus position ahead of this autumns parliamentary elections. The EU believes Orbans veto could now be tackled under Denmarks rotating EU Council presidency, keeping the "decoupling" scenario at bay for the time being. Recently, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky also declared that his country opposes splitting Ukraine and Moldova on their path to the EU. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! RUSHVILLE - Known for her energetic and lively spirit, Holly Bess was widely respected by the Rush County community. Her vivacious and sometime mischievous nature was a source of joy to her family, friends and community. Even as she battled an aggressive cancer, she remained brave and full of grace, faith and love. Her death in February of 2024 affected many who knew her. Her daughter, Alexa Welborn, considers Holly her biggest inspiration. One word comes to mind when Alexa remembers her mom: beautiful. Not only was she beautiful in her appearance, but her soul was beautiful. She was everything to our family; her inner beauty was everything to even strangers, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of her favorite memories of her mom was her familys trip to Disney World. Holly, her grandson Huck, and Alexa endured a long wait in the rain to ride in a water attraction. When they got in the rides raft with 10 strangers, Holly suddenly splashed everyone with the water in the raft. Huck was dying laughing, but I think Mom was laughing harder, Alexa said. Holly sought to make the most of every moment with exuberance and authenticity. Her friend Denise Connolly recalls a trip to Florida they took together with friends one winter. We got down to Florida, and it was even cold down there. It was really windy. Holly and I said heck with it. Were going to the beach, Denise said with a laugh. Despite the cold wind whipping through the shoreline, they wrapped themselves in their cover-ups and sat on the beach for hours. The next morning, their cherry-red faces stung with wind burn, but they had no regrets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We did have the best time. We just were determined to have a good time, Denise said. That was Holly; her zest for fun was limitless. And so was her compassion. I think everyone who knew Holly would say the same thing: she was the most selfless, honest person. Everybody she came in contact with, she brought them in, her husband Brian Bess said. As a young girl, Hollys family moved to Rush County and she just loved the sense of family, the sense of friendship that the community is about, Brian said. Holly built close friendships, which further fueled her love for the community. Rush County has been a wonderful place to live, and Holly felt that, Brian continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holly, through the remainder of her life, embodied the closely-knit love that flows through the Rush County community. Holly and Brian raised their daughters Alexa and Kelsey Gray to embrace the communitys kinship and pride. They made sure me and my sister knew where we came from and how lucky we were to be from a small community, Alexa said. To honor Hollys legacy, Brian and his daughters started the Holly Bess Community Fund at the Rush County Community Foundation. Just as she provided support for the community through her rich relationships, the Bess family wants to emulate her generosity and love for Rush County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although she would not want the spotlight on her, she would want the help that it [the fund] is going to bring to people, Brian said. The Holly Bess Community Fund is an unrestricted fund that will provide support for Rush County as needs arise. The fund was a part of Lilly Endowments GIFT VIII matching grant opportunity, which allowed the Bess family to triple the impact of the fund. We were wanting her name and her act of giving and the way she lived to carry on into the future, Brian said. To honor Holly, her graciousness and her legacy, those interested may donate to the Holly Bess Community Fund by visiting rushcountyfoundation.org/donate. Credit - Photoillustration by TIME; Source images: Sean Gladwell, picture alliance (2), Cheng Xin, Justin Sullivan, NurPhoto/Getty Images TIME, in partnership with Statista, the leading global provider of market and consumer data and rankings, has published the first annual "Best Employers ranking. Employers can help shape the workforce in a country. However, employee workplace satisfaction not only impacts company culture, but can influence productivity, innovation, profitability, and industry reputation. Here's how the winners were selected. Methodology The research project Best Employers of 2025 was based on surveys conducted using several online access panels to guarantee a representative sample of employees across each country, starting with Brazil, India, and Australia. In Australia, 200,000 employer evaluations were conducted for companies from all sectors employing at least 200 people in the country. In India, more than 800,000 employer evaluations were conducted from companies employing at least 800 people in the country. In Brazil, more than 500,000 employer evaluations were conducted from companies employing at least 500 people in the country. Participants were asked, through an open-ended question with an auto-complete function, to name their current employer. This method ensures neutrality and prevents companies from influencing the selection of respondents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employers were scored based on a combination of two types of evaluations: employees willingness to recommend their own employer (direct score) and their willingness to recommend other employers in the same industry (indirect perception score). For the direct score, respondents were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their employer to friends and family. The responses were graded on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 means I wouldnt recommend my employer under any circumstances and 10 means I would definitely recommend my employer. For the indirect score, employees were asked about their willingness to recommend other employers within their industry. Respondents were shown an industry list of employers and asked to give an opinion on those that stood out, either positively or negatively (Response options: would recommend, would not recommend, no opinion) Additionally, an open-ended question allowed respondents to name other employers. Greater weight is given to direct recommendations, as they provide the strongest reflection of employee satisfaction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This ranking reflects not only how employees view their own workplace but also how companies are perceived across their sector, creating a balanced and independent view of the top employers. See the full lists here. Contact us at letters@time.com. An effort to turn the Eugene S. Pike House in Chicagos Beverly neighborhood into a community center will be incorporated into this years Beverly Art Walk. This years event also will feature We The People a community protest art project led by Elaine Miller and Dawn Liddicoatt, according to the Beverly Area Arts Alliance. The groups website stated the project features repurposed yard signs painted with crowd scenes and self portraits, mixed with the words We The People and other slogans using artistic expression to celebrate individuality, connection and community and fight fascism. Now in its 12th year, the Beverly Art Walk, planned from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 27, will include art, music, vendors, food and family friendly fun, organizers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Efforts led by the Ridge Historical Society and the Beverly Area Planning Association Historic Buildings Committee resulted in the Tudor Revival Eugene S. Pike House being declared one of Illinois Most Endangered Historic Places by Landmarks Illinois in 2022. The subsequent formation of the Eugene S. Pike House Foundation yielded a plan for rehabbing and turning the house over for use by the Beverly Area Arts Alliance as an arts and cultural center with artists-in-residence quarters. A celebration of art, music, and creative culture, the Beverly Art Walk, the cornerstone event of the Beverly Area Arts Alliance features pop-up galleries hosting over 100 artists, musical performances, public art installations, demonstrations and home studio visits in 39 venues across the neighborhood, kicking off with a rededication at an art installation near the Pike House at 1826 W. 91st St. The homes original owner, Eugene S. Pike, was a prominent real estate developer and financier who helped rebuild the city after the Great Chicago Fire. The Pike family inhabited the home for two generations and eventually expanded it to 3,000 square feet. They also owned surrounding acreage. The Forest Preserves of Cook County purchased the property in 1921, and the house served as a watchmans residence until 2015, then sat unused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years Beverly Art Walk will celebrate the coming of the future Pike House Community Cultural Center with a variety of programming in the area around the Pike House including live music, the Uprising Craft Market, a live painting collaboration by Won Kim and other Chicago street artists, as well as Sanctuary, a temporary art installation at a limestone monument situated near the 91st Street Metra station. The monument marks the area where a bird sanctuary was located in the 1920s, and Sanctuary will feature unique bird houses and sculpture by local artists. The monument itself will be topped with a whimsical and eccentric sculpture by John Colson. A rededication ritual at the monument will kick off the Art Walk at 11 a.m. and sales of the bird houses will support the effort to save the Pike House. The theme continues with Birds, Bees & Butterflies art and activations in nearby Cosme Park. Sanctuary is designed to bring joy, beauty and humor to passersby and celebrate a connection to history, nature, and a sense of place, Beverly Art Walk Curator Sal Campbell said in a news release. Its a perfect way to kick off the best day of the year! The Beverly Art Walk will reach throughout the neighborhood to showcase area visual artists where they create their work with studio tours, including Ashley Januarys new studio space at 103rd and Walden as well as those of professional illustrator and watercolor artist Judie Anderson, ceramic artist and educator Dan McCabe, Art from the Heart teaching artist Pat Egan, artist, educator and gallerist of boundary Susannah Papish, nationally-acclaimed photography artist Clifton Henri of Flypaper Studio, painter, sculptor and educator Brian Keane and artist/designer Tom Olson, nephew of renowned designer Jack Denst. Many of the studio artists have invited other local artists to join them for Art Walk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Venues along Western Avenue and in clusters around 103rd and 99th streets will be teeming with art and music, organizers said. Works by Jennifer Cronin, a Chicago artist known for her captivating realistic paintings that explore the complexity of everyday life, will be exhibited at the Vanderpoel Museum where visitors can view the museums renowned collection of turn-of-the-century art. The Beverly Arts Center will feature Making A Scene, an imaginative world full of characters created by painter, multimedia and fiber artist Kathy Weaver to consider our humanity in an age of technology and warfare. Kids of all ages can make their own characters inspired by the exhibit. Other activities and works include: spoken word performances led by Chicagos Poet Laureate Avery R. Young in the courtyard, piano concerts as part of Chicago Plays piano crawl, Black American history quilts by Dorothy Straughter and vibrant artwork and music by SXU students and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Garage gallery behind Nickys of Beverly will continue its tradition of featuring enigmatic and idiosyncratic works in a range of mediums and styles, and live music throughout the afternoon and evening. Beverly Phono Mart on 103rd Street will feature works by artist and owner Chantala Kommanivanh and his brother Von, and Heritage Gallery will feature a wide range of works including paintings, jewelry, mosaics and more. Two Mile Coffee Bar, Afro Joes, Oleander & Artesian and other venues around 99th and Walden will feature arts experiences for all ages. The Beverly Art Walk will be capped by an after party highlighted by world music performers Chicago Afrobeat Project at Nickys of Beverly, 105th Street and Western Avenue. The Beverly Hills Unified School District's Board of Education approved a proposal Tuesday night to display the Israeli flag on all campuses and district facilities in recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month in May. The proposal is part of a resolution to combat antisemitism that also calls for educating students about Jewish history and commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah), International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and Oct. 7 as a Day of Remembrance of the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. The resolution passed in a 3-2 vote, with board President Rachelle Marcus voting no due to fears that displaying the Israeli flag would make schools a target. Board member Amanda Stern voted no because she does not believe "partisan material" such as a national flag belongs in a public school resolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The resolution was introduced earlier this month and sparked fierce debate over whether it is appropriate to dedicate so much time and so many resources to recognizing a specific ethnic and religious group in a public school setting. It has also raised concerns that displaying the Israeli flag doesn't simply signal support for the Jewish people but also represents support for the Israeli government and its actions in Gaza, where more than half a million people are living in famine amid the ongoing war. "This proposal conflates Jewish faith and identity with the political actions of a foreign government and undermines the inclusive and respectful environment that public schools are meant to foster for all students, regardless of their background," Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Los Angeles chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said in a statement. "It is deeply insensitive and distressing to Palestinian students who have lost countless family members to Israels violent military campaign and the man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza." All five members of Beverly Hills Unified's Board of Education had initially expressed their support for the resolution during an Aug. 5 meeting but decided to revise some of its wording before bringing it back for a vote Tuesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: At Beverly Hills High, Trump victory celebrations ignite simmering racial tensions In particular, they changed phrasing saying that the purpose of displaying the Israeli flag is to signify support for the Jewish state to say the purpose is to signify support for the Jewish community. During the Aug. 5 meeting, public speaker Daniel Lifschitz said he supported the spirit of a resolution to combat antisemitism. However, he raised several concerns around its language, especially how it completely eliminates "any distinction between anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiment." Board member Russell Stuart responded that people have different opinions about whether it is possible to be against the country of Israel without being against the Jewish people, but he emphasized that the purpose of the resolution is to make Jewish students feel supported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the end, our job is not to solve geopolitics," he said. "Our job is to make sure that our students in our school district come to school and feel safe." Andrea Grossman, who attended Beverly Hills Unified schools and sent her three children to schools in the district, said during the Aug. 5 meeting that she read the resolution with concern and dismay. She feared the resolution would "ignite rather than discourage antisemitism" and thought the setting was inappropriate. "Beverly Hills is a public school district in a diverse city with more than one religion, with more than one ethnic group," Grossman said. "Your resolution would be appropriate in a Jewish day school, in a private school, not funded by taxpayer dollars." In Tuesday night's meeting, board member Stern said she recognized that a number of community members had come forward to say that opposition to antisemitism did not equal support of Israel's policy and military decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would like to keep this as a resolution against antisemitism. ... I grapple with conflating this with Israel," she said. "I love Israel, but I don't think it belongs here." A public commenter said earlier this month that it is unfair to focus so heavily on the atrocities faced by the Jewish people and not provide the same recognition to other persecuted groups, such as Armenians, Uyghurs and Black people in the United States. In Tuesday night's meeting, board President Marcus, who voted no, said she believes the resolution can accomplish its goal of educating students about antisemitism without displaying an Israeli flag. "I fear [for] the safety of the students in the school," she said. "I don't want to put something on the front of the school that will make us targets of any kind." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Anti-Defamation League reported 9,354 antisemitic incidents across the United States in 2024 a 344% increase over the last five years and the highest number since the organization started tracking incidents in 1979. L.A. County saw a 91% increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes from 2022 to 2023, the latest year for which data are available. Board member Sigalie Sabag emphasized the importance of passing the resolution against this backdrop of hate. "This resolution affirms a commitment to educating about Jewish history, accurately remembering the tragedies the Jewish people have endured, and standing publicly against the growing darkness of antisemitism," she said on Aug. 5, "which, make no mistake, has reached a critical tipping point." A spokesperson for the district said in a statement that the Israeli flags will not be mounted on a flagpole, but displayed in different locations around campuses. 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 press conference on the 25th China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT) is held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. The 25th CIFIT is slated to be held from Sept. 8 to 11 in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province, the organizer announced Tuesday. (Xinhua/Pan Xu) BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- The 25th China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT) is slated to be held from Sept. 8 to 11 in Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province, the organizer announced Tuesday. Covering an area of around 120,000 square meters, the four-day event will feature more than 70 investment-themed activities and over 100 roadshows, Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji told a press conference. This year's fair features the United Kingdom as its guest country of honor. So far, delegations from more than 110 countries, regions and international organizations have signed up, with 51 countries and regions to host exhibitions, Ling said. Against the backdrop of weak global economic momentum, rising trade and investment barriers, and slowing cross-border investment, active participation in this event highlights China's enduring appeal to foreign investors, he noted. This year's CIFIT will also serve as a bridge for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) participating countries and regions, fostering closer ties and promoting practical cooperation, said Wang Jinfu, vice governor of Fujian. To date, 77 BRI participating countries and regions have confirmed their attendance, with more cooperation outcomes to be presented during the fair. First launched in 1997, the CIFIT, organized by the Ministry of Commerce, has become an important platform for boosting investment and facilitating global development. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) From the use of Artificial Intelligence and cell phones, to the future of the state takeover of Providence schools, there are a lot of headlines heading into the new school year. In the video above, Boston Globe columnist Dan McGowan joined Patrick Little on 12 News This Morning to discuss the biggest issues on the minds of teachers and district leaders. 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. The Texas House on Tuesday sent a measure to Gov. Greg Abbotts desk that would let the attorney generals office independently prosecute election-related crimes, years after the states highest criminal court ruled the office could not do so without an invitation from local prosecutors. Members of the Legislatures lower chamber voted 8554 to pass Senate Bill 12, from Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, and Republican Rep. Matt Shaheen of Plano, after a roughly hourlong debate that centered on the constitutionality of the measure. Four years ago, the all-GOP Court of Criminal Appeals ruled the attorney generals office could not unilaterally prosecute election crimes such as voter fraud due to the separation of powers clause of the Texas Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic lawmakers who opposed SB 12 grilled Shaheen about the bills constitutionality, considering the ruling. Shaheen insisted that the bill would fix the ruling from the states highest court for criminal matters. A separate proposal to put the measure before voters as a constitutional amendment failed to reach the required two-thirds threshold. By passing SB 12, the Legislature ensures that Texas election laws are fully enforceable and that the criminal violations can be prosecuted, Shaheen said on the House floor Tuesday. This legislation strengthens public confidence in Texas elections and safeguards the integrity of our democratic process. The bill marks the latest in a long-running effort to give the attorney generals office the authority that the offices current leader, Ken Paxton, used in Texas in the wake of the 2020 election, which he unsuccessfully and baselessly argued was stolen from Donald Trump in other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paxton was stopped by the Court of Criminal Appeals when it ruled that he must get permission from local county prosecutors to pursue election cases. Last year he successfully helped unseat three judges who had ruled against him. The initial decision unleashed a political firestorm fueled by GOP leaders Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick among them who pressured the court to reconsider. The court did and affirmed its finding that the separation of powers clause of the Texas Constitution only allows the attorney general to step into a criminal prosecution election-related or otherwise at the invitation of the local district or county attorney. During this years regular session, the latest push to undo that ruling stalled out due to a disagreement between both chambers. Abbott then asked lawmakers to reconsider during the current overtime special session, specifically calling for a constitutional amendment, which required two-thirds approval from each chamber and voter approval on the statewide ballot. That measure, which would have asked voters to amend the state constitution, failed to clear the House Tuesday when it fell 16 votes short of the 100 it needed to reach the two-thirds mark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The constitutional amendment would have established that the attorney general has concurrent jurisdiction with each county or district attorney to prosecute state election crimes. But the Republican-controlled chamber sent a bill to Abbotts desk that amends the states election code to give the attorney general jurisdiction. That measure needed only a simple majority because it does not involve a change to the Texas Constitution. Paxton and his political allies say the attorney generals office should have the power to investigate and prosecute allegations of voter fraud because district attorneys in the states largest and bluest counties wont properly pursue such cases. After the Court of Criminal Appeals ruling, Paxton called on the Legislature to right this wrong, arguing cases of fraud would otherwise go unpunished. Evidence of widespread voter fraud remains scant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Paxtons office has opened more than 300 investigations of suspected crimes by voters and election officials, they have successfully convicted only a handful. Many cases crumbled after the ruling, and those who were targeted have described relentless persecution from the state. Though the constitutional amendment failed Tuesday, Republican lawmakers have argued they can grant the attorney general prosecution power without tweaking the state Constitution. Hughes, the senator who carried the prosecution bill in the upper chamber, made that case last month, pointing to a state statute that says the attorney general shall perform other duties as may be required by law. He said his bill would pass constitutional muster because it adds to those duties by mandating that the attorney general shall prosecute election fraud, rather than making it optional, as in the law that was struck down in 2021. Abbotts office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the passage of SB 12 and failure of the constitutional amendment he requested. 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 new draft law by Polands President Karol Nawrocki, which limits aid to Ukrainians, provides for access to services and healthcare only for those citizens who work and pay contributions in Poland. Source: RMF FM, citing Zbigniew Bogucki, Head of the Polish presidents office, as reported by European Pravda Details: Bogucki said that the presidential bill on assistance to citizens of Ukraine has already been submitted to the Sejm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that the presidential bill provides, in particular, for access to services and healthcare only for persons who work and pay contributions in Poland. "There cannot be a situation where Poles are in a worse position than citizens of Ukraine. Until now it has been so, and this government has continued to propose this," Bogucki said on the Telewizja Republika channel. He emphasised that President Nawrocki is open to new proposals. He also called on the Speaker of the Sejm Szymon Hoownia, not to send either the bill concerning Ukrainians or the bill on freezing energy prices to public debate so they can be approved quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He promised that he would address the speaker with such a request in writing. Bogucki also said that the current government had a year and a half to adopt "good decisions" adapted to todays needs, "so that they are fair first and foremost for Poles, but also fair for all Ukrainians who have honestly entered the Polish socio-economic system". Background: On 25 August, Polands President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a new version of the law on assistance to citizens of Ukraine. He also announced a legislative initiative that would equate the symbols of Ukrainian nationalists with Nazi and communist symbols in Polands Criminal Code. Kyiv warned Poland of its intention to "respond" if the Sejm bans red-and-black symbolism. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A years-long legal battle over whether a Wyoming college sorority should be forced to accept a biological male member has ended with a federal court once again siding against female students, sparking outrage among those who want the sisters safety on campus. At the center of the controversy is Artemis Langford, a transgender student admitted into the Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG) sorority at the University of Wyoming in 2022. A group of six sorority sisters, dubbed Saved Sisterhood, in response sued their national sorority oversight organization, claiming that certain laws directly promised a women-only membership, and accusing leadership of bullying them into accepting Langford against their will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original lawsuit and following legal complaints, which listed a series of detailed complaints about inappropriate behavior from Langford, including voyeurism, and allegedly walking around nude in front of sorority sisters- was dismissed last year by U.S. District Judge Alan Johnson. Judge Johnson, a graduate of the Wyoming law schools class of 1964 and nearly 86 years old, argued that private groups can define what a woman is, however they choose, and that the court would not impose a circumscribed definition on the sorority. In laypersons terms, sororities at The University of Wyoming no longer have the legal right to recognize the biological differences between a true man and woman, according to the Judge. While the plaintiffs appealed, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ultimately upheld the dismissal, leaving the sorority with little recourse, according to Wyoming Public Media. Womens rights advocates say the decision represents a betrayal of female college students across the nation. Former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines, who attended oral arguments in support of the sisters, blasted the sorority oversight committees refusal to define what a woman is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kappa said there isnt a singular definition of womanhood, Gaines explained at the Save Sisterhood press conference held outside the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in May of 2024. That should alarm every woman in America. If our spaces, our privacy, and our safety dont matter here, then where do they matter? The plaintiffs attorney for the six sorority sisters, May Mailman, argued the case wasnt just about identity, but also about contracts and fairness. Kappas directors have a simple duty. They must respect the clear terms of Kappas bylaws. They utterly failed to do so by ending the sororitys women-only membership and threatening existing members to accept the unlawful change or else lose their own membership, Mailman argued during the trial. Yet, mainstream media largely celebrated Langfords inclusion, framing him as a brave woman breaking barriers. MSNBC, for example, interviewed Langford as a trailblazer without acknowledging the discomfort and safety concerns of the women forced to share their private space. MSNBC appears not to have interviewed any of the other sisters or Greek community members about their feelings regarding Langfords presence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Langford remains the first, and only, male sister in the sororitys history, but potentially not the last. He is 6 feet tall and weighs around 260 pounds, according to an interview that two sorority sisters held with Fox News, where they described the threat Langford poses and the inappropriate sexual nature he has forced on the KKG sorority house. Election Day at the Scott County Public Library precinct in Georgetown, Kentucky, on Nov. 5, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes) Two Kentucky senators a Republican and a Democrat plan to sponsor legislation in 2026 to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot with the aim of restoring voting rights to most convicted felons. Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, and Sen. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville, told Tuesdays Interim Joint Committee Local Government that their legislation would exclude people convicted of treason, election-related crimes, sexual offenses and crimes against children. Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd) A spokesman for Senate Democrats said the legislation has not yet been drafted, as the details are still being worked out. Higdon said the language will be pretty much identical to previous versions of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His 2020 version also excluded people with intellectual or developmental disabilities or serious mental illnesses who have been adjudicated as disabled and who have not retained their voting rights or had those rights restored. That language replaced the outdated label of idiots and insane persons. In 2019, Gov. Andy Beshear restored the voting rights of some 140,000 Kentuckians through an executive order. Beshear also excluded those convicted of violent crimes and other serious offenses. Higdon and Herron expressed concern Tuesday that a future governor could undo Beshears order and undo those restored rights. Those folks that have served their time they need that to get that privilege of voting back, as long as it wasnt a crime against a child, bribery, or any of those listed in the constitutional amendment, Higdon said. Rep. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd). Voting rights restoration varies across the United States, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In 23 states, people convicted of felonies lose their right to vote while behind bars and then get that right restored automatically when released. Kentucky is one of 10 states that require additional actions for a persons voting right to be restored, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been my belief that once someone has been convicted of a crime, they do their time and they come out, that a part of them coming out and being a citizen and being whole is that they should be able to vote again, Herron said. Herron and Higdons amendment would relate only to voting rights, not other civil rights lost, such as the ability to run for office. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) Birmingham residents will head to the polls Tuesday to cast their vote for mayor. One of the key polling locations will be the Jefferson County Courthouse, where voters said they are ready to make their voices heard. Several residents said they believe showing up to the polls is an important way to make a difference in their community. I cant sit back and give off statements and an opinion, Michael Franklin said. So what is not being handled or done in a city where I didnt put forth an effort to make a difference in who was running the city? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have a vested interest in the future of Birmingham, and so one of the best ways for me to express that interest is to get out and vote, Del Smith said. Its very important to get out and vote because it affects our neighborhoods, it affects our kids, how they think and how they move and how they basically maneuver through the world and stuff like that, Brian Glenn said. So we need a great leader in place. While some voters expressed their motivation to head to the polls, experts said turnout in Birmingham city elections is often low. Only about 25% of registered voters participated in 2021. Hoover mayoral candidates make final campaign push ahead of election day Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Peter Jones, an associate professor of public administration at UAB, said that makes local elections even more important. When we think about public safety, when we think about our water, when we think about the roads, the sidewalks, the quality of our education, those are being impacted most by our local officials, Jones said. Theyre the ones making decisions about how to allocate resources, about the strategic vision for our communities. As for the candidates, former Birmingham Mayor William Bell said election eve is critical for reaching people and ensuring supporters show up. Now is the time to activate everyone that they have a part of that organization to make sure that theyre getting their signs out, contacting last-minute voters, to make sure that they know that theres an election tomorrow and to be able to mobilize the people that theyve identified as their voters, Bell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Election officials encourage voters to research candidates and make their voices heard, reminding residents that in local elections, every vote counts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. A trio of visually impaired New Hampshire residents filed a lawsuit against the state last week after Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a bill into law that they say makes absentee voting even harder and burdensome for voters. SB 287 requires anyone seeking to vote by absentee ballot to show photo identification in person or have their absentee ballot application form notarized. While the law was meant to prevent voter fraud, the burden of the law will fall on the most vulnerable, the lawsuit claims. The law requires voters to show such proof for every local, primary and general election in order to receive an absentee ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs Adele Robertson of Exeter and Regina Wilson of Brentwood are visually impaired; Daniel Frye of Concord is blind. All are regular absentee voters. Ayotte signed the bill into law along with 42 other bills on Aug. 1 with no public statement. The defendants are listed as Secretary of State David Scanlan and Attorney General John Formella. No response had been filed in court as of Monday afternoon. The plaintiffs seek to have a judge issue an injunction to halt the new absentee ballot requirements. The plaintiffs say New Hampshire already has stringent limitations on absentee voting, including being out of town for the election, physical disability or a religious observance. Before the law was enacted, voters had to confirm their identity by registering to vote, which requires residents to show proof of citizenship, age, domicile and identity. Voters also must submit a new ballot application for each election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The need for absentee voting is particularly great among certain groups. In particular, some voters with disabilities are especially likely to rely on absentee voting as it may be difficult or impossible for them to vote in-person, the lawsuit reads. The changes under SB 287 impose even more hurdles for New Hampshire absentee voters. Once the law takes effect on Sept. 30, voters must include one of the following: A copy of the voters photo identification with the absentee ballot application. A notarized signature on the absentee ballot application form. Or, personally presenting a qualifying photo identification to the city or town clerk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law will require those applying for absentee ballots to have the technology to make a copy of requisite photo identification. A notorized application could also be a challenge for some. For blind or visually impaired voters like Plaintiffs, having to figure out transportation to a notary or to a clerks office can prove to be very difficult. And their visual impairments make creating copies of their photo identification or using online notary services more difficult than for other voters, the lawsuit reads. To make matters worse, SB 287 imposes these requirements in every election in which New Hampshirites seek to vote by absentee ballot. Voters cannot simply provide this information once they must do so repeatedly for each local, primary, and general election in which they wish to vote absentee. The law imposed a severe burden on the right to vote, especially those with disabilities, the suit says. The lawsuit also says that New Hampshire also holds a lot of pride in holding secure and accurate elections. According to Defendants themselves, then, there is no election integrity problem in New Hampshire, let alone one involving the already-restrictive absentee voting process, the lawsuit says. SB 287 is not supported by any government interest that is sufficiently weighty to justify the burdens it imposes on Granite Staters voting rights. ARUP Blood Services and the American Red Cross are both out for blood but in the nicest way. They want to save lives. And theyre also each offering something in exchange for folks who extend a helping arm to replenish a lagging blood supply leading into the long holiday weekend. The American Red Cross is giving blood donors a Peanuts character mystery bag containing one of four limited-edition T-shirt designs, while supplies last. Each showcases one of the PEANUTS characters. The mystery is which one is in which bag. And some of the bags include a golden ticket that can be redeemed for all four of the character T-shirts. The deals good from Aug. 29 to Sept. 21 or while supplies last. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ARUP has been offering a monthly incentive this summer to donate blood: The chance to win a $1,500 Disney gift card thats good anywhere Disney-related, including the restaurants or even a cruise. Two people have already won such a gift card and the final card will go to someone who donates blood by the end of Labor Day weekend. For those who dont get the big card, each will still get a gift card to Amazon, Megaplex or Texas Roadhouse, among others, ARUP spokesperson Deb Jordan said. A serious need that doesnt leave This time of year is tricky for blood banks and demand sometimes outpaces supply. People are taking that last vacation of summer leading up to Labor Day. Families are adjusting perhaps-already-busy schedules to adapt to the school year and changes in work routines. And nationwide, severe weather and hurricanes put pressure on the blood supply, as Keith Paul, a spokesman for the American Red Cross pointed out, adding that besides increasing needs, weather events can disrupt blood drives. Between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, weather events cancelled about 1,500 blood drives nationwide for the American Red Cross. And Jordan told Deseret News that during summer months, there are no school blood drives, which typically help bolster the blood supply a lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ARUP, which provides all the blood used by University of Utah Health and the Huntsman Cancer Hospital and center, hopes those who have never given blood before and others who havent given recently will make an appointment to donate. Jordan said that each year ARUP provides roughly 25,000 blood products to those two hospital systems. We need about 75 donors a day to keep up, she said. Boxes for blood are pictured at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center and Lab in Murray on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Benjamin Donner, executive director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter, said his organization supplies the rest of the hospitals in Utah with blood and as part of the American Red Cross network, the blood is sometimes shipped elsewhere to save lives. Not having enough blood is a situation nobody wants to be in, he said, noting that ARUP and the American Red Cross sometimes end up helping each other out, as well. They back each other up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Running out is unusual, but it can happen and hospitals then have to decide whether to postpone surgeries or which critical patients need blood the most. Nationwide, Donner said the American Red Cross needs roughly 12,500 blood donors a day to meet the need, as well as 3,000 platelet donations a day. Sometimes donations can be broken into components to help more than one person. And other times, it takes more than one blood donation to save a single life. He once needed blood and would have died without donations from four people, he said. When you donate, per Donner, You are literally giving a piece of yourself to save the life of somebody else. Its very much a humanitarian work thats happening every day. All about blood Whole blood donations last 42 days and donors can donate every 56 days. Platelet donations only last five days, but donors can give every two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most needed whole blood, which is fortunately also the largest group of people at 38% of the population in the U.S., is O-positive blood, which can be used as a transfusion for anyone with a positive blood type. O-negative is blood gold, because thats the universal donor and all blood types can take O-negative blood. But there are fewer O-negative donors than O-positive. About 7% of people are universal donors. Other blood types can be given to people with the same blood type, so A-positive blood can be given to A-positive recipients. The exception is AB-positive blood, which fewer than 4% of people have. Its the universal recipient for whole blood, so someone whos AB-positive can also take the A-positive blood and any other type, too. AB-positive and AB-negative are universal donors for plasma and platelets AB-negative is the rarest blood type, at fewer than 1% of the U.S. population. An AB-negative recipient can get blood from anyone else who has a negative blood type How to give blood ARUP Blood Services is open seven days a week and has two donor centers. 100% of the blood and platelets that are collected through ARUP stays in Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To schedule an appointment, visit www.UtahBlood.org or call 801-584-5272. Appointments are encouraged. To donate through the American Red Cross, appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends the plenary meeting of the 13th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee on Aug. 26, 2025. China's national political advisors on Tuesday shared their views on the drafting of the country's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). Fourteen members of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee delivered remarks on the topic. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's national political advisors on Tuesday shared their views on the drafting of the country's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended the plenary meeting of the 13th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th CPPCC National Committee. Fourteen members of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee delivered remarks on the topic. Their suggestions included placing the development of new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions in a more prominent strategic position, giving strategic priority to the expansion of domestic demand in the drafting of the plan, promoting digital economy-real economy integration, and boosting consumption. Their suggestions also included enhancing scientific and technological innovation, advancing comprehensive rural revitalization, nurturing a support system for high-quality population development, improving the social governance system, and building a beautiful China where humans and nature coexist in harmony, among others. The meeting was presided over by Qin Boyong, vice chairperson of the CPPCC National Committee. The logo for the Department of Health and Human Services is seen in front of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Atlanta headquarters. A gunman opened fire on the building on Aug. 8. Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images The Trump administrations cuts to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding for state and local health departments had vastly uneven effects depending on the political leanings of a state, according to a KFF Health News analysis. Democratic-led states and select blue-leaning cities fought back in court and saw money for public health efforts restored while GOP-led states sustained big losses. The Department of Health and Human Services in late March canceled nearly 700 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grants nationwide together worth about $11 billion. Awarded during the covid-19 pandemic, they supported efforts to vaccinate people, reduce health disparities among demographic groups, upgrade antiquated systems for detecting infectious disease outbreaks, and hire community health workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially, grant cancellations hit blue and red states roughly evenly. Four of the five jurisdictions with the largest number of terminated grants were led by Democrats: California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, and Massachusetts. But after attorneys general and governors from about two dozen blue states sued in federal court and won an injunction, the balance flipped. Of the five states with the most canceled grants, four are led by Republicans: Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Ohio. In blue states, nearly 80% of the CDC grant cuts have been restored, compared with fewer than 5% in red states, according to the KFF Health News analysis. Grant amounts reported in an HHS database known as the Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System, or TAGGS, often dont match what states confirmed. Instead, this analysis focused on the number of grants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The divide is an example of the polarization that permeates health care issues, in which access to safety-net health programs, abortion rights, and the ability of public health officials to respond to disease threats diverge significantly depending on the political party in power. In an emailed statement, HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said the agency is committed to protecting the health of every American, regardless of politics or geography. These funds were provided in response to the COVID pandemic, which is long over. We will continue working with states to strengthen public health infrastructure and ensure communities have the tools they need to respond to outbreaks and keep people safe. The money in question wasnt spent solely on covid-related activities, public health experts say; it was also used to bolster public health infrastructure and help contain many types of viruses and diseases, including the flu, measles, and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus. It really supported infrastructure across the board, particularly in how states respond to public health threats, said Susan Kansagra, chief medical officer of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump cutbacks came as the U.S. recorded its largest measles outbreak in over three decades and 266 pediatric deaths during the most recent flu season the highest reported outside of a pandemic since 2004. Public health departments canceled vaccine clinics, laid off staff, and put contracts on hold, health officials said in interviews. After its funding cuts were blocked in court, California retained every grant the Trump administration attempted to claw back, while Texas remains the state with the most grants terminated, with at least 30. As the CDC slashed grants in Texas, its measles outbreak spread across the U.S. and Mexico, sickening at least 4,500 people and killing at least 16. Colorado, which joined the lawsuit, had 11 grant terminations at first, but then 10 were retained. Meanwhile, its neighboring states that didnt sue Wyoming, Utah, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma collectively lost 55 grants, with none retained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Jackson, Ohio, a half-dozen community health workers came to work one day in March to find the Trump administration had canceled their grant five months early, leaving the Jackson County Health Department half a million dollars short and them without jobs. I had to lay off three employees in a single day, and I havent had to do that before. We dont have those people doing outreach in Jackson County anymore, Health Commissioner Kevin Aston said. At one point, he said, the funding helped 11 Appalachian Ohio counties. Now it supports one. Marsha Radabaugh, one employee who was reassigned, has scaled back her community health efforts: Shed been helping serve hot meals to homeless people and realized that many clients couldnt read or write, so she brought forms for services such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to their encampment in a local park and helped fill them out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would find them rehab places. Wed get out hygiene kits, blankets, tents, zero-degree sleeping bags, things like that, she said. As a counselor, shed also remind people that theyre cared for, that theyre worthy of being a human because, a lot of the time, theyre not treated that way. Sasha Johnson, who led the community health worker program, said people like Radabaugh were basically a walking human 411, offering aid to those in need. Radabaugh also partnered with a food bank to deliver meals to homebound residents. Ashton said the abrupt way they lost the funds which meant the county unexpectedly had to pay unemployment for more people could have ruined the health district financially. Canceling funding midcycle, he said, was really scary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist and promoter of vaccine misinformation, has called the CDC a cesspool of corruption. At HHS, he has taken steps to undermine vaccination in the U.S. and abroad. Federal CDC funding accounts for more than half of state and local health department budgets, according to KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. States that President Donald Trump won in the 2024 election received a higher share of the $15 billion the CDC allocated in fiscal 2023 than those that Democrat Kamala Harris won, according to KFF. The Trump administrations nationwide CDC grant terminations reflect this. More than half were in states that Trump won in 2024, totaling at least 370 terminations before the court action, according to KFF Health News analysis. The Columbus, Ohio, health department had received $6.2 million in CDC grants, but roughly half of it $3 million disappeared with the Trump cuts. The city laid off 11 people who worked on investigating infectious disease outbreaks in such places as schools and nursing homes, Columbus Health Commissioner Mysheika Roberts said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also said the city had planned to buy a new electronic health record system for easier access to patients hospital records which could improve disease detection and provide better treatment for those infected but that was put on ice. Weve never had a grant midcycle just get pulled from us for no reason, Roberts said. This sense of uncertainty is stressful. Columbus did not receive its money directly from the CDC. Rather, the state gave the city some funds it received from the federal government. Ohio, led by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and a Republican attorney general, did not sue to block the funding cuts. Columbus sued the federal government in April to keep its money, along with other Democratic-led municipalities in Republican-governed states: Harris County, Texas, home to Houston; the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County in Tennessee; and Kansas City, Missouri. A federal judge in June blocked those cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of mid-August, Columbus was awaiting the funds. Roberts said the city wont rehire staff because the federal funding was expected to end in December. Joe Grogan, a senior scholar at the University of Southern Californias Schaeffer Institute and former director of the White House Domestic Policy Council in Trumps first term, said state and local agencies are not entitled to the federal money, which was awarded to deal with an emergency that has ended. We were throwing money out the door the last five years, Grogan said of the federal government. I dont understand why there would ever be a controversy in unspent covid money coming back. Ken Gordon, Ohio Department of Health spokesperson, wrote in an email that the $250 million in grants lost had helped with, among other things, upgrading the disease reporting system and boosting public health laboratory testing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the canceled HHS funding wasnt slated to end for years, including four grants to strengthen public health in Indian Country, a grant to a Minnesota nonprofit focused on reducing substance use disorders, and a few to universities about occupational safety, HIV, tuberculosis, and more. Brent Ewig, chief policy and government relations officer for the Association of Immunization Managers, said the cuts were the predictable result of boom, bust, panic, neglect funding for public health. The association represents 64 state, local, and territorial immunization programs, which Ewig said will be less prepared to respond to disease outbreaks, including measles. The system is blinking red, Ewig said. Methodology KFF Health News analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grants sought to answer four questions: 1) How many grants have been terminated in the U.S. under the Trump administration since March? 2) Which states saw the most grants cut? 3) What were the grants for? and 4) Did the grant terminations affect blue, red, and purple states differently? This follows a similar analysis by KFF Health News for an article on nationwide NIH grant terminations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our primary data source was a Department of Health and Human Services website showing grant terminations. We compared an initial list of grant terminations from April 3 with one from July 11 to determine how many grants had been restored. The USAspending.gov database helped us track grants by state. To classify states politically, we followed the same steps from our April coverage of National Institutes of Health grant terminations. States were blue if Democrats had complete control of the state government or if the majority of voters favored Democratic presidential candidates in the last three elections (2016, 2020, 2024). Red states were classified similarly with respect to the Republican Party. Purple states had politically split state governments and/or were generally considered to be presidential election battleground states. The result was 25 red states, 17 blue states, and eight purple states. The District of Columbia was classified as blue using similar methods. This analysis does not account for potential grant reinstatements in local jurisdictions where the funds were awarded indirectly rather than directly from the CDC; it accounts only for the recipients location, and excludes grants terminated from Compacts of Free Association states and other foreign entities that received grants directly from the CDC. At least 40 CDC grants were terminated that were meant for global health efforts or assisting public health activities in other nations following the Trump administrations order for the CDC to withdraw support for the World Health Organization. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to KFF Health News free Morning Briefing. This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Some Mississippi lawmakers are defending the states new age verification law after a social media app cut off Mississippians access because of it. Bluesky temporarily blocked access in Mississippi last week. The move comes after House Bill 1126 became law this summer. The law requires social media platforms to verify the age of users before granting access. Bluesky officials said following the law means collecting and storing sensitive personal information, monitoring underage users and taking on costs they cant afford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Fabian Nelson (D-District 66) insisted that the laws intent is clear. Supreme Court allows Mississippi to require age verification on social media like Facebook and X We definitely dont want to lose any, you know, any social media platform. We want to make sure that were a business-friendly state for every single person. And so, thats not our intent to run anybody out of business. Our intent is making sure that our children are safe online, and were going to support that at whatever cost necessary, he said. Nelson believes smaller platforms can find affordable ways to comply. Experts said the situation highlights the challenges smaller tech companies face when new regulations come into effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This contrast underscores the precarious position of smaller technology companies when confronted with sweeping regulatory mandates: they may lack the technological or legal resources and infrastructure to adapt without undermining their core values or exposing users to risks, said Steven Herman, executive director at the Jordan Center for Journalism Advocacy and Innovation at the University of Mississippi. While the law aims to protect young users from online dangers, it also sparks a debate about balancing safety with the commercial survival of smaller social platforms. 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. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) Residents of Boardmans Westview Drive were at Monday evenings township trustees meeting to express concerns about the parking on their street when St. Charles School is dismissing. The school is located at the corner of Westview and U.S. Route 224. Resident Anna DeAscentis said people start parking on both sides of Westview starting as early as 1:45 p.m. for a 2:20 p.m. dismissal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The west side of the street prohibits parking at any time. She said vehicles often back up along Route 224 as far as the Boardman Plaza waiting to pick students up. Just the other day, I was coming home for work. Theres only one lane to get on the street when youre turning off of 224, and in front of me was a car and a bus head-to-head. Nobody was going to move. Plus, none of the moms sitting on the sides of the street were going to move, DeAscentis said. Boardman Police Chief Todd Worth said he would check if any traffic laws were being violated and he would talk with the schools principal to see if the situation could be improved. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW Declan Perry, 27, was found dead and wrapped in duct taped blankets outside of a Massachusetts hospital on Saturday afternoon Neighbors told police they saw a man carrying a "large, heavy blanket" out to the same car earlier that morning Authorities said investigators have searched Perry's apartment and "seized several items of evidence" in connection to the investigation into his death When Declan Perrys neighbors saw news reports about a dead man wrapped in duct tape and blankets found outside of a Massachusetts hospital on Saturday, they contacted police and explained how they watched a man carrying a large, heavy blanket out of his residence and into the back of a car earlier that very same day. Perry, 27, was pronounced dead around 2:15 p.m. Saturday after a unit coordinator at the South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, Mass., discovered his unresponsive body inside a black Honda Civic parked right outside the emergency room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, authorities say theyre connecting the dots and investigating what led to Perrys death and how he got from his apartment in Portland, Maine to a hospital in Weymouth, Mass., more than two-hours away. The Plymouth County District Attorneys Office announced Monday that the shocking discovery has since led investigators to begin looking into the suspicious man whom neighbors allege carried Perrys body out to the car earlier that day. Officials said they believe the unidentified man knew Perry, though they havent explained how. PEOPLE reached out to the district attorneys office for more information Tuesday but did not hear back. The investigation is active and ongoing, the DAs office said in a statement shared on social media. The victim and the identified person of interest were known to one another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said in their statement Monday that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is still working to determine manner and cause of death, while police continue to connect the dots between Perry and the alleged suspect. Authorities said Monday that investigators sought and obtained a search warrant for Perrys residence in Maine and seized several items of evidence in connection with the investigation into his death. That investigation remains ongoing. Read the original article on People BENTON, Ky. (FOX 56) The search for a Marshall County woman who hadnt been seen since late June came to an end on Monday. Kathryn Pipitone, 53, was last seen around 7 a.m. on June 28 inside her US Highway 68 home in Aurora, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). NamUs said the family made comments that Pipitone may be headed to Arizona with a male. Pipitone was reported missing two days later, emphasizing that she wasnt in good health and couldnt walk long distances. MISSING IN KENTUCKY Kathryn Pipitone, 53, had been missing for nearly two months (NAMUS) On Aug. 26, the Marshall County Sheriffs Office announced that the search for her had come to an end when forensic analysis confirmed human remains were those of Pipitone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marshall County Coroner Kenny Pratt told FOX 56 that her body was found on Monday inside the crawlspace of her home. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Pipitone family at this difficult time, Benton said. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Authorities couldnt answer questions regarding how Pipitone died and if there was foul play involved. Her death remains under investigation by the Marshall County coroner and sheriffs offices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON, D.C.Starting next month, the Trump Administration plans to deploy 1,700 National Guard troops to assist ICE officials in 19 states. ICE is overwhelmed, Homan said. We got almost 700,000 illegal aliens with a criminal history that were trying to find, so the National Guard: theyre a support function; theyre a force multiplier. Homan said the troops will help ICE with transportation and intel, but will not make arrests. State Rep. Ed Delaney (D-Indianapolis) called the move a show of force and a way for the Trump Administration to distract from lower-than-anticipated deportation numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the federal government is literally out of control, DeLaney said. The governor has the option of saying we wont participate. I hope the guy, he wont participate. We reached out to Gov. Mike Brauns Office for comment. The office referred us to the Indiana National Guard. The Guard has not released a statement as of the publication of this article. Earlier this month, Gov. Braun said Indiana would fully partner with federal immigration authorities. That includes plans to detain hundreds of undocumented migrants at Camp Atterbury and the Miami Correctional Facility. Were corroborating with ICE here on the worst first, Gov. Braun said during a media event last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mission is expected to last through mid-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 WTTV CBS4Indy. BOSSIER PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) The Bossier Sheriffs Department is searching for qualified applicants to help lead the Steve Hoyle Substance Abuse program. Bossier Sheriff's Office Hiring Counseling and Teaching Positions for Substance Abuse Masters Degree According to the Louisiana Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Steve Hoyle Intensive Substance Abuse Program (SHISAP) is a 6-month program, holding a 600-beds for men that focuses on substance use disorders (SUD), criminogenic, and reentry needs treatment program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program has its own facility on the three-building state correctional campus of the Bossier Parish Correctional Center. SHISAP participants are referred to the program by court orders, judges, treatment agencies, or by the potential participant or their loved one. The Bossier Parish Sheriffs Office is seeking qualified applicants to fill a Contracted Counseling/Teaching position. Applicants should have a Masters degree in a social science field Be prepared to instruct a classroom of about 20 incarcerated individuals Perform administrative duties related to student files Must successfully pass a background check and a drug screen Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The completion rate of SHISAP is approximately 85% to 87% with an average of 100 participants completing the program each month. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. Boston hiring practices under microscope in wake of recent city employee arrests Two Boston city councilors are calling for an emergency review of the citys hiring practices and an audit of city hires since 2023 after several incidents involving workers with criminal records and recent arrests. The most recent case involves a Boston city worker who was pulled over by a state trooper after leaving work on July 30. A police report identifies that employee pulled over for driving with tinted windows on Old Colony Avenue as 25-year-old Nasiru Ibrahim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In video obtained by Boston 25 News, the trooper asks Ibrahim if he has any arrests for firearms offenses. Yeah, but nothing recently. Not in like the last five years, said Ibrahim. Body camera footage shows how quickly the traffic stop escalates when the trooper reaches to take a look inside a backpack on the floorboard. As the Trooper reached to feel it, Ibrahim yanked it and tried to drive away, said the police report. The trooper dove headfirst into the vehicle and fought with Ibrahim to put the car in park. He used his Taser on Ibrahim and alleges Ibrahim then grabbed the Taser and used it on him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An off-duty Boston Police officer stepped in moments later to help make the arrest. A Glock 23 Gen 4 .40 caliber pistol was located in a sweatshirt beneath the seat. It contained a Glock Switch qualifying it as a machine gun, as well as a large capacity feeding device, said the police report. Ibrahims attorney said he believes there are legal issues involving the case. We are examining the constitutionality of the traffic stop and are pursing all avenues, said attorney Peter Marano. On Monday, Mayor Michelle Wu told reporters the employee was on unpaid leave pending the investigation. Asked how he was hired with a criminal background in the first place, Mayor Wu said the city has programs that offer second chances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have many programs that the city has created to ensure that individuals can get a second chance, Wu said. People who have done their time, put in the work to support themselves and to take care of their own lives and are re-entering our community have a pathway. That also still means we are holding every employee to a very high standard. Councilors Flynn and Murphy believe a review of needed, and the emergency hearing order they filed will be addressed at Wednesdays Boston City Council meeting. They point to a separate case in which a registered sex offender was found to be working in the citys Parks and Recreation Department. The employee resigned earlier this month after roughly a year of employment, according to the councilors emergency resolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am frustrated. Im disappointed. We cant keep making these mistakes, Councilor Flynn told Boston 25 News. Is this a complete breakdown in the systemwide human resources background check? Several other employees have faced arrest and charges in recent months. In May, two Boston City Hall staffers were fired days after police responded to a domestic violence call. Among the changes Councilors Flynn and Murphy want to see: Pre-employment screening, including mandatory Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) queries and enhanced criminal background checks for all positions Tiered risk-based screening, with stricter standards for jobs involving children, seniors, or vulnerable populations Conditional employment offers, pending completion of full criminal, sex-offender, and reference verification Continuous monitoring, including annual Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and SORB rechecks for all employees, and immediate alerts for new arrests or registry updates Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rapid suspension protocols, requiring immediate administrative leave when credible allegations of violent or sexual crimes arise Audit of recent hires, with a report to the Council on all hires since July 1, 2023, including the number screened through SORB, exceptions granted, and policy compliance 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 Botswana has declared a public health emergency with hospitals and clinics running short of essential supplies as a diamond downturn saps the mining nations finances. Duma Boko, Botswanas President, told the country that the medical supply chain had failed and he was calling in military lorries to make sure stocks got through. The diamond-rich southern African country has one of the continents strongest and most stable economies, but has been tipped into increasing disarray by a falling market for its gems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The countrys vast diamond reserves have until recently made up about a third of revenue and the majority of exports. Yet prices have slumped since a pandemic spending splurge, and the rising popularity of lab-grown stones has hit them further. Botswana until recently also received significant aid payments for its health services from the United States, including around a third of the budget of its anti-HIV programmes. Mr Boko, a 55-year-old Harvard-trained lawyer who was elected last year, announced more than 13m ($18m) in emergency funding to restock clinics and hospitals. He said: This scenario is not sustainable. We are taking bold steps to ensure that never again will Botswana suffer due to broken systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said the price at which the government procures medical supplies was inflated, and that existing distribution systems were causing loss, waste and damage. Earlier this month, the countrys health ministry warned that its system was severely strained and that it owed 56m ($75m) to private health facilities and suppliers. At the time, the government warned it was running out of medicines for hypertension, cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, asthma, mental and sexual health. The ministry also postponed elective surgeries. Diamond prices have slumped since a pandemic spending splurge and the rising popularity of lab-grown stones has hit Botswana further - MONIRUL BHUIYAN/AFP/Getty Images A note from Oxford Economics Africa said that in 2017 mineral receipts made up 33.6 per cent of government revenue. Last year that was just five per cent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brendon Verster, an economist at the analysis consultancy, said: The country relies quite extensively on diamonds for both government revenue and export earnings. After the Covid-19 crisis, rough diamond prices increased quite a bit, then they declined quite a bit and we have seen rough diamond prices havent really recovered, they remain quite subdued. The other problem is all this is due to the rise in popularity of synthetic diamonds. We are part of the opinion that theres been a structural shift in the global diamond market and this has kept diamond prices subdued. That means Botswana is struggling quite a bit. Botswanas Debswana Diamond Company, a joint venture between the government and mining giant De Beers, has been cutting production in 2024 and 2025 because of weak demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, the finance ministrys permanent secretary, Tshokologo Kganetsano, said the countrys monthly public wage bill far outstripped the available funds. Botswanas leaders have for years said they will diversify the economy away from mining, but have made slow going. 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. Anticipation is building for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, set to take place from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 in Tianjin, China. How do experts and citizens of member states view the event, and what are their expectations? Click to learn more. #GLOBALink #SCOTianjinSummit Three bounty hunters face felony charges, including aggravated kidnapping, after mistakenly apprehending a man in Richardson, believing him to be a capital murder suspect who had fled to Iraq. The incident occurred on June 1 at a home in the 3800 block of Aberdeen Court, where 22-year-old Hussein Alsaadi, an aspiring barber whose family immigrated from Iraq in 2012, was cutting a clients hair in his familys garage. According to an arrest warrant affidavit, a U-Haul van pulled up, and three men jumped out, threw two stun grenades, and aimed AR-15 rifles at Alsaadi and his brother. They said, Youre wanted for Capital Murder by Terrorism, Alsaadi recounted, per Fox 4 KDFW. I actually started laughing because I was like, Oh my God, yall have the wrong person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bounty hunters, working for Bring Em Home Bail Bonds through the Clandestin Group, were targeting 23-year-old Hussein Alsaaidi, a capital murder suspect who had cut his ankle monitor and fled to Iraq in August 2024 after posting a $500,000 bond. The suspects last name is spelled with two is, unlike Alsaadis single i. The bounty hunters, led by Alan Hinton, claimed that a 79% facial recognition match by an AI tool led them to Alsaadi. They just assumed it was me, but obviously they had the wrong guy, Alsaadi said, Fox 4 reported. Hinton and Devon Allard Carter face charges of aggravated kidnapping and execution of a capias or arrest warrant. A third suspect remains at large. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinton, who described himself as a fugitive recovery agent, told police they relied on months of intelligence and informant tips. We instantly made those calls to Richardson P.D., Hinton said, after Alsaadi maintained his innocence. A mobile fingerprinting device used by an FBI task force detective confirmed Alsaadi was not the suspect, and police released him. The U.S. Marshals Service noted that Bring Em Home Bail Bonds never contacted them about the case, adding that such a call would have clarified that Alsaadi was not the target. The real suspect, charged in a February 2024 drug-related killing in northwest Dallas, was 7,000 miles away in Iraq, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alsaadi, whose family fled Iraq after two uncles were kidnapped and killed, said the ordeal left his father in tears. I feel it right now, like Im going to cry, because my dad has already been through a lot, he said, reflecting on the trauma to his family, including his special-needs sister. Alsaadis attorney, Damon Mathias, emphasized the responsibility of bounty hunters, stating, per Fox 4, That cannot be taken lightly and cannot be callously, Oops I got the wrong guy, after youve done something like that. Hintons attorney, Alain Jayoma, defended his client, saying, My client has no criminal history at all. He was executing this warrant based on the law thats out there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hinton added, Its just not who I am, noting the challenges of his job without qualified immunity. The client of Alsaadis, whose hair he was cutting at the time of capture, was a first-time customer who turned out to be an informant for the bounty hunters. Alsaadi, who has an unrelated evading arrest charge being resolved through a different bail bonds company, urged better vetting by bounty hunters. I would just hope they actually check their information before they go and do that and traumatize a family, Alsaadi said, Fox 4 reported. Bring Em Home Bail Bonds declined to comment. The investigation is ongoing, with police reviewing body camera footage that captured the incident, including the flash bang and Alsaadis removal from the garage. (This story has been updated with new information.) Kentucky bourbon has taken another hit as the economy and global trade conditions continue to prove challenging for the industry. According to an Aug. 19 Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, Kentucky Cooperage, a subsidiary of the family-owned Independent Stave Co. known for making staves, mulch and barrels, will lay off 112 employees from its Lebanon facility Oct. 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Kentucky Cooperage has concluded that it, unfortunately, must significantly reduce its employment at its Lebanon manufacturing facility located at 712 E. Main St.," the letter stated. "We have made a strategic decision to consolidate operations to a single shift at Kentucky Cooperage. This step is part of a well thought-out plan to ensure long-term strength and stability while staying aligned with current market demand," Independent Stave Company marketing and communications director Teri Smith said in a statement. "We regularly evaluate our network of cooperages and mills to maximize efficiency and operate sustainably. These efforts allow us to maintain reliable supply, protect quality, and keep pricing competitive. Quality and service remain top priorities, and we preserve the flexibility to quickly scale production as market needs evolve." Tell us what you think. Submit your letter to the editor. The WARN letter states that despite the layoffs, the entire plant will not be closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April 2025, Louisville-based Brown-Forman Corporation, one of the leading global suppliers of bourbon and other distilled spirits, announced the closing of its famed Louisville cooperage, which was later sold in May for nearly $14 million, The Courier Journal previously reported. As of June, the company said it has "no plans to reopen" the former Brown-Forman cooperage. More: Recently closed Brown-Forman cooperage in Louisville sold for nearly $14M. Here's what to know Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_. This story was updated to add a gallery. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Cooperage to lay off more than 100 employees Update, July 26, 3:08 p.m. The Texas Department of Public Safety announced in an update that the vehicle driven by Morgan was reported stolen out of Concho County earlier on Aug. 26. Morgan remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, as per TxDPS. He is facing several charges related to the incident, including unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, evading arrest or detention in a vehicle, unlawfully carrying a weapon and possession of marijuana. TxDPS stated that criminal charges will be filed against Norman should he recover from his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Criminal charges are pending against a Brady man after he fled law enforcement at high speeds in Tuscola before being flung from his vehicle in a rollover collision, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. TxDPS reported that, at approximately 6 a.m. on Aug. 26, a TxDPS trooper attempted to stop a white Ford work pickup truck for a traffic violation as it traveled north on US 83, near the south side of Tuscola, Texas. SAISD addressed tax rates, Lake Views lunch situation, F TEA ratings The agency said the driver, identified as 29-year-old Jeremy Clarence Morgan of Brady, allegedly refused to stop and fled at a high rate of speed. TxDPS stated that Morgan then, while continuing north on U.S. 83, lost control of his truck in a slight curve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pickup would leave the roadway as a result, traveling through a drainage ditch and entering the parking lot of a nearby Lowes grocery store. The vehicle would strike several objects and overturn, coming to a rest on railroad tracks located to the north of the parking lot. Morgan, who TxDPS said was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, was ejected from his vehicle and sustained incapacitating injuries. He was transported to Hendrick Hospital. TxDPS stated that an investigation into the incident is ongoing and that criminal charges are pending. A Brady man is facing possible criminal charges after an attempt to evade law enforcement resulted in a rollover crash on Aug. 26, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. Progressives were elated when Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani won an upset victory over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democrats' New York mayoral primary this past June. The 33-year-old self-described socialist's win "sends a clear message," gushed Jared Abbott in Jacobin. "A bold populist campaign and a laser-like focus on economic issues can break through to voters, even when insiders, billionaires, and the party establishment line up in opposition." Conservatives' equally vociferous denunciations of Mamdani as a "public menace" pushing a platform of "dangerous radicalism" is evidence that they too think he'll be a transformative figure. And yet, amongst all the gloating and gloom, one has to wonder if Mamdani is the dog that caught the car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York City's government is on the eve of a major fiscal contraction. The city's era of overbudgeted spending supported by surplus tax revenues and pandemic-era federal aid is coming to an end. Within a few weeks of taking office, the next mayor of New York will be legally required to propose a balanced budget in the face of a multi-billion-dollar budget gap. If he triumphs in the general electiona race he's currently favored to winMamdani's first decisions in office will involve deciding which expensive promises he'll abandon first as he tries to plug this fiscal hole. This isn't the starting position an aspiringly transformative left-wing politician would pick. Indeed, it's more or less the situation that confronted Brandon Johnson, Chicago's wildly unpopular mayor, when he took office in 2023. Like Mamdani, Johnson is a former left-wing activist who won a long-shot election by promising a raft of progressive spending to be paid for by new taxes on the rich. In office, the Democratic mayor has been confronted by the challenges of budgets that need balancing as the city slowly bleeds both businesses and residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson's attempts to cope with those problems while fulfilling his campaign promises have generally ended in disaster. Add a botched response to the city's migrant surge and some lingering COVID-era crime concerns, and his approval ratings barely crack the double digits. For all the hype about his meteoric rise, Mamdani could end up just another failed big-city progressive mayor. To be sure, Mamdani has some advantages that the hapless, union-dominated Johnson doesn't. His personal charisma and lack of indebtedness to traditional interest groups could give him more freedom to chart an independent policy course and convince voters it's the right one. And some of his statements in this election cycle suggest a degree of pragmatism on policy and appointments. A few of his comments sound almost "abundance agenda"coded. It's possible that fiscal reality will convince Mamdani to abandon the hardcore version of his agenda and instead spend his tenure enacting pro-growth "good government" reforms that liberals, leftists, and even a few libertarians will agree on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or maybe he'll stick to his radical guns and go out in a blaze of ideological fire. Either way, the socialist revolution that the primary allegedly heralded has already failed. Brandon Johnson 2.0? Like Mamdani, Johnson began his political career as an activist. Specifically, he was an organizer with the left-wing caucus of the already left-wing Chicago Teachers Union. His narrow 2023 victory in the Chicago mayor's race kicked off something a lot like today's Mamdani-mania, with progressives hoping he'd make good on his promises to tax rich corporations, take a less punitive approach to crime, and spend much more money on schools and housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The left-wing outlet In These Times even saw in his victory the emergence of a "new Chicago school" that would take back the city from the acolytes of the old Chicago School of the free market economist Milton Friedman. (Whether Friedmanites were actually running Chicago before Johnson, or what the mayor might do to disprove MV=PY, are questions for another time.) Unfortunately for Johnson, his efforts to patch over Chicago's budget problems led to a lot of bruising, reputation-damaging political fights. That has made it much harder to implement many of his original priorities. After running a campaign to not use property tax increases and one-off budgetary gimmicks to balance the city's books, last year he proposed a budget that did just that. For his trouble, the Chicago City Council voted unanimously to reject his proposed $300 million property tax hike. While Johnson ran on taxing big corporations, his budget balancing has instead involved a lot of tax hikes on ordinary consumer spending. The 2025 Chicago budget increases taxes on digital streaming services, grocery bags, and rideshare trips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Johnson pressured Chicago's much-indebted school system to take on even more debt to cover a more generous teachers' union contract, the entire school board resigned in protest. Johnson's reputation also took a huge hit from his botched handling of the migrant crisis. Among other scandals, his administration spent $1 million on a never-opened shelter camp and paid out-of-state contractors obscene fees to staff shelters. City voters had to watch this waste play out even as their own taxes were going up. It's little wonder that, when a referendum gave them a chance, they voted down one of Johnson's key priorities: a $1 billion "mansion tax" to fund vaguely defined affordable housing and homelessness programs. By February 2025, some polls showed a mere 6 percent of the city holding a favorable opinion of Johnson. His approval ratings have since recovered somewhat, but are a still-dismal 26 percent. Checking the Till British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher liked to say that the problem with socialism is you eventually run out of other people's money. Mamdani is in the awkward position of having run out of other people's money before even being elected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Come January 16, the mayor is required to propose a balanced budget for the coming fiscal year. The Citizens Budget Commission, an independent watchdog group, estimates that this budget will have to plug a roughly $6 billion to $8 billion gap between tax revenues and expenditures. "The city has built up spending to an unsustainable level," says Ana Champeny, the group's vice president for research. "Even if the revenue estimates are too low and you take into account underspending, you're still facing a good $6 billion hole you need to fill before you think about anything new." Already, the city has a budget gap of about $3 billion, which it has been able to cover only by prepaying for city services with accumulated surplus tax revenue from the pandemic years, when outsized Wall Street profits filled city coffers. But those surplus funds are quickly being drawn down, even as tax revenues continue to grow. Meanwhile, lingering pandemic-era federal aid is also running out, and the Republican president and Congress are exceedingly unlikely to give the city more money anytime soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under less optimistic scenarios, Champeny says New York's fiscal hole will be $8 billion in the coming fiscal year and close to $10 billion after that. Mamdani has proposed raising $10 billion in new revenue, most of which would come from huge new taxes on corporations and millionaires. Theoretically, this would be enough to pay for the $10 billion in new spending he's proposed, which includes fare-free buses; free, universal child care; city-owned grocery stores; new affordable housing; and more. But given the legal requirement to balance the city budget, every dollar Mamdani manages to squeeze out of new taxes must first go to shoring up the city's existing programs. In order to pay for the new programs he wants, he'll actually need to raise $18 billion to $20 billion in new revenue. There are many, many policy arguments to be made against fare-free buses and city-run grocery stores. Reason has published quite a few of these arguments. Making buses fare-free would require spending $800 million a year. When surveyed, low-income transit riders say they'd prefer better service over reduced fares. If city-run grocery stores in New York work as well as they do in the other cities where they've been tried, one can anticipate empty shelves. Any affordable housing construction blitz would be undermined by the incredibly high per-unit construction costs of subsidized housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These policy arguments are almost beside the point, however. Under the city's current fiscal constraints, Mamdani almost certainly won't be able to pay for new programs. Indeed, the odds are high that he'll have to slash current spending to balance the city's budget. And there's worse news for New York's socialists: Any progressive tax increases will have to be approved by skeptical politicians in Albany. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, has already said that she would not support Mamdani's proposed tax hikes, saying in a press conference that she's "not raising taxes at a time where affordability is the big issue." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if the governor softens her stance, New York state itself has structural budget imbalances it needs to shore up. That makes state officials even less willing to raise taxes to pay for someone else's budget problems. Machine vs. Reform While Johnson and Mamdani have similar worldviews, there is an important political difference between them. Johnson is a traditional "machine" candidate who had to rely on the support of vested interest groups (in his case, unions) to get elected. Mamdani is a "reform" candidate who eschewed traditional coalition building and made a direct appeal to voters; his appeal rests much more on his personality than on any endorsements or powerful backers. "They are really different politicians," says David Schleicher, a professor at Yale Law School. "In Chicago, the mayor is a member of an interest group. He was a literal employee of the teacher's union. Mamdani isn't an anything." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this way, Schleicher argues, Mamdani is more like Daniel Lurie, the neophyte centrist mayor of San Francisco who won election without an appeal to the city's traditional left-wing establishment. Mamdani's leftist supporters might bristle at that comparison. Lurie is a millionaire whose primary message on the campaign trail was taking back San Francisco's streets from vagrancy. Yet as a matter of pure politics, Mamdani could certainly do worse than following Lurie's trajectory. In a city dissatisfied with the status quo, Lurie's independence from vested interest groups has made him incredibly popular. A July poll from the San Francisco Chronicle put his approval rating at 73 percent. Notably, voters rank Lurie higher than they rank the city's handling of individual issues. His outsider status means people don't, or at least don't yet, see him as owning the city's problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contrast that with Johnson, whose dependence on the city's unions means that voters see little daylight between him, the powers that be, and all that goes wrong in the city. The real question, then, is how Mamdani might use the popularity and independence his reformer status affords him. One can imagine a few possibilities. Perhaps he will try to govern as a Brandon Johnson with a better sales pitch. In this scenario, the city's looming fiscal problems will prevent Mamdani from pushing through the most expensive parts of his agenda, and even force him to make up popular cuts, but the man himself will largely avoid any blame. That could leave him with enough popularity to force through some left-wing policies that don't directly cost the city money, such as a $30 minimum wage and a rent freeze on rent stabilized units being top of the list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or maybe he'll do something different. For all his socialism, Mamdani has given some indication that he understands a rising tide lifts all boats. As an assemblyman, he wasunlike a lot of the city's leftistsa major proponent of Mayor Eric Adams' "City of Yes" initiative that eased zoning restrictions on new housing. Indeed, he opposed efforts to water down its elimination of parking mandates. On the campaign trail, he has repeatedly praised the performance of housing markets in Tokyo and Jersey Citytwo places known for their lighter-touch zoning regulations. At least one of his campaign videos is about lowering licensing fees and the burden of city regulations. This is all evidence that he's imbibed some of the "abundance agenda" literature, even if he's far from a full convert. Mamdani certainly could afford to alienate his original tiny base of socialist supporters, who were netting him just 7 percent in the polls as late as January. Perhaps his frustrated efforts at getting a hardline socialist agenda enacted will see him spend more time on pro-growth tweaks to city policy that he has the power to implement, that don't cost anyone anything, and that actually address his signature issue of affordability. Not the Revolution We Needed That New York City would benefit from such policies is hard to deny. The city is still short almost half a million residents from its peak pre-pandemic population. Only international immigration has prevented New York City from losing residents during its anemic post-COVID recovery. With the migrant surge now over and international immigration likely to fall under the Trump administration, New York will almost certainly lose population in the coming yearly census estimates. Even if Mamdani could enact all the tax increases he wanted, he'd still be limited by the fact that people and jobs are leaving his city. A big tax hike is no way to convince them to stay. "If you live in New York and you are facing the prospect of a significantly larger income tax bill, Hoboken looks significantly more attractive," says Manish Bhatt of the Tax Foundation. This is a situation a lot of America's legacy cities have faced lately. People are moving out and taking their tax dollars with them. Budgets are consequentially strained, leaving less money for standard progressive approaches to such urban issues as housing affordability, education quality, and crime. The silver lining is that these grim fiscal and demographic realities give stridently left-wing politicians like Mamdani or Johnson a lot less room to enact their profligate, anti-market agenda. Nevertheless, a silver lining is still just a lining. The consequences of electing progressive ideologues might be limited by post-pandemic budget crunches, but they're still hardly the people one wants to be setting policy. America's largest cities would benefit handsomely from lower taxes, less spending, more choice in government services, fewer regulations on where housing can be built, and what landlords are allowed to charge. Mamdani's socialist revolution has already been defeated by fiscal reality. There's an outside chance that, if elected, he might focus on a few productive reforms. He seems savvy enough that he might avoid the political pitfalls that Brandon Johnson has stumbled into. But actually overcoming New York's myriad problems will require a much different candidate. The post Brandon Johnson's Chicago Is a Preview of Zohran Mamdani's New York appeared first on Reason.com. Brawls break out in Oregon District; businesses say were doing what we can Multiple videos posted on social media captured brawls that broke out in the Oregon District over the weekend. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The fights broke out early Sunday morning. One fight involved two men, with others trying to break it up. Another fight began with two other men squaring off, and many other people jumped in. A third fight broke out between two or more women. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It sends a message that the Oregon District Business Association (ODBA) is trying to avoid. The majority of the time, thats not the situation that youre going to be experiencing down here, so it is a little bit frustrating, Nikki Stargell, ODBA president, said. She said almost all of the businesses, including bars, were closed when the fights happened. Were doing what we can on our end, were closing up shop. But people still feel comfy enough to come down here and party and bring their alochol, Stargell said. Dayton police confirmed they were dispatched to two fights, one after 2 a.m. and a second after 3 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ODBA believes officers often ticket or arrest people, but there must be legal follow-up. We need everyone from the top to the bottom to be collaborative and help us keep our streets safe and vital and vibrant, Stargell said. The ODBA emphasized that DORA ends at midnight, which means you cannot have an open container after that. Anyone who can recognize people invovled in the fights is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 937-222-STOP. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Tuesday ordered police to tighten security around Jair Bolsonaro's home, including 24-hour patrols, citing increased flight risk ahead of final arguments in the former president's trial. Moraes put Bolsonaro under house arrest in a gated community in Brasilia earlier this month after finding the politician had failed to comply with restraining orders meant to stop trial interference. Bolsonaro faces charges of plotting a coup to overturn his 2022 electoral defeat, and final arguments in the case will begin early next month. He has denied the accusations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police reinforcement is "appropriate and necessary" as the next phase of the trial approaches, Moraes said in his decision. He also pointed to findings in a recent police report as cause for concern that Bolsonaro could try to flee. The police found a draft of a letter from Bolsonaro in 2024 requesting asylum in Argentina, and accused him and his son Eduardo of trying to interfere with the trial. Eduardo Bolsonaro, a Brazilian congressman now living in the U.S., has been lobbying in Washington on his father's behalf. Bolsonaro's lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense previously said the drafted asylum request did not indicate flight risk, given it was from a year ago, and said Bolsonaro did not breach restraining orders. Moraes instructed police to avoid disrupting Bolsonaro's daily routine, and not bother his neighbors. (Reporting by Ricardo Brito in Brasilia; Additional reporting and writing by Andre Romani in Sao Paulo; Editing by Kylie Madry) Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has requested the police to tighten security around former President Jair Bolsonaros home while he is under house arrest. Moraes on Monday sent a notice to police calling for full-time monitoring near Bolsonaros house to ensure he is complying with the restraining orders against him. Earlier this month, the embattled former president was placed under house arrest after Moraes determined that he had violated precautionary measures imposed by the court restricting his social media use and political messaging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said last week that they had found a draft letter on Bolsonaros phone of a request for asylum in Argentina. It was last edited in 2024, police said. Bolsonaros legal defence said the document was not evidence that the former president was a flight risk. Bolsonaros trial is expected to start on September 2. The former president 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. His case has been a flashpoint for the administration of United States President Donald Trump, who insists it is a witch-hunt against his former ally. Last month, Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on Brazil, directly tying the levy to the trial of his fellow right-wing politician, Bolsonaro. That was followed by sanctions against Moraes, with the Trump administration accusing the judge of arbitrary detentions that violate human rights. (Photo: Getty Images) Brian Harris, whose decades as leader and lobbyist for the anti-abortion group Tennessee Right to Life were instrumental in ushering in the states 2022 near-total abortion ban, died Saturday at his home in South Carolina after an extended illness. He was 57. Harris served as president of Tennessee Right to Life for 23 years after leaving behind the aspiring musician career that first brought him from Indiana to Tennessee and taking over a dormant Nashville chapter of the organization in 1992. Harris went on to transform Tennessee Right to Life into a powerful statewide political force whose candidate endorsements and criticisms could spell electoral victory or defeat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill ushered in a series of increasingly restrictive abortion laws beginning about a decade ago, at a time when Tennessee had far fewer limits on abortion access than neighboring Southern states. Brian Harris, former president Tennessee Right to Life (Photo: Courtesy of Tennessee Right to Life) That shifted under Harris leadership and as Republicans came to dominate the state legislature. Tennessee Right to Life is credited with turning out the vote for a successful constitutional amendment that stripped the right to an abortion from the Tennessee Constitution in 2014. Until then, Tennessee lawmakers were limited in the restrictions on abortion they could enact. The legislature soon adopted more stringent abortion regulations, at times modeled on sample language submitted by Harris organization, which worked in tandem with a national network of conservative anti-abortion attorneys. Lobbying from Tennessee Right to Life resulted a 48-hour waiting period for abortions, ban on the use of telemedicine for abortion-inducing medications, the creation of a choose life license plate, and a requirement that doctors performing abortions obtain admitting privileges at local hospitals, which led to the closure of abortion facilities in Knoxville and Memphis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris work with Tennessee Right to Life culminated in the states so-called trigger law in 2019 that conditionally banned abortions if the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision establishing a federal right to abortion. The Supreme Court subsequently did overturn Roe in 2022, and Tennessees trigger law took effect weeks later. A legal challenge to portions of the law remains ongoing. Harris left Tennessee Right to Life in 2021, emailing a reporter at the time that he had moved to a small town outside Charleston, South Carolina. Theres been a big turnover at TRL, he wrote without detailing the reasons for his departure. Harris is survived by two sisters, his grandfather, stepfather and nephews and nieces. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY) After holding a special session earlier this month to conclude one of its two internal investigations into city operations, the Bridgeport City Council met again Monday night to approve plans to move forward with the second investigation. During Monday nights meeting, council members approved plans to retain the law firm Flannery Georgalis, LLC to lead the second investigation, also known as Investigation B. We want to be very cautious with the money that we spend, and we want to be good stewards of the peoples money. So, we set a cap on that at $25,000, and well ask the firm to come back and report to us once they hit that level to see if theres more work to be done or if we have enough, to see where were at or what we need to do, Bridgeport Mayor Robert Matheny said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other legal developments, the council voted four to two, failing to pass a motion to terminate all current agreements, written, verbal, or implied, with the law firms Forst Todd Brown, Babst Calland, and the Law Office of Philip A. Reale, PLLC. in the matter of Genesis Partners, LTD v. City of Bridgeport and former mayor Andrew Lang, with current Mayor Matheny recommending transferring the case to the citys in-house legal counsel for further handling. What are West Virginias Sister Cities and what are they for? Bridgeport City Attorney Dean Ramsey said that the city would only be able to withdraw from the case with approval from the Kanawha County courts. What I need an answer on from lawyers is whats the best course, because in my opinion, the state legislature flat out screwed up. Thats the stupidest daggone law, to pass it and say that a county can tell the city to do a TIF without the citys input, I mean thats stupid, flat out stupid, Bridgeport Councilman Chris Kinney said. This is a huge issue that I have got a ton of questions on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second case, City of Bridgeport v. Michael Graney, was voted on and the council approved postponing the citys withdrawal from the litigation altogether. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MOSCOW, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- "Katyusha," the first giant panda ever born in Russia, celebrated her second birthday on Sunday at Moscow Zoo, where a week-long gala greeted visitors pouring in to honor the "popular star." To mark the special day, the zoo crafted a bespoke "cake" using bamboo and fresh fruits, paired with an ice sculpture shaped like the number "2." Frozen within the ice were carrots, one of the cub's favorite treats. On her birthday, zookeepers went the extra mile to build a tiny bamboo hut as a special gift. Amid visitors' cheers, "Katyusha" was instantly captivated by the hut: she sniffed out the biscuits hidden inside by her keepers, then quickly tore into the bamboo structure, munching away with obvious delight. Moscow Zoo was decked out in Chinese-style decor throughout the week. Red lanterns, an iconic symbol of joy and festivity in Chinese culture, lined the path from the zoo's entrance all the way to the Giant Panda Pavilion. Visitors enjoyed traditional dragon and lion dances, elegant tea ceremonies, handicraft workshops, and a documentary on the growth journey of "Katyusha." Giant pandas are globally recognized as flagship species and umbrella species. In line with this, Moscow Zoo launched a special themed tour titled "Guests from China," linking exhibits of animals native to China to highlight the country's rich biodiversity and ecological progress. Svetlana Akulova, director general of Moscow Zoo, shared updates on the current condition of "Katyusha." "She is not just a symbol of the Russia-China friendship, but also a vital component of our joint Sino-Russian scientific research program on giant pandas. Her growth is a rare example of natural maternal rearing in a zoo setting," Akulova said. Vasilyeva, a Russian teenage girl, dressed up as an adorable giant panda in a black-and-white patterned hoodie. She made a special trip to the zoo with her family to join the celebrations. "I've always loved giant pandas," she said, "because they're a bit lazy, just like me! We have so much in common." Outside the panda's enclosure, Ms. Dmitriyeva held her young daughter and watched the panda for a long time. "It's so good to see an animal as precious and unique as this in Russia," she told Xinhua. Even in China, the family of "Katyusha" has a huge group of fans. Chinese netizens affectionately refer to her as "Princess Shasha," a cute diminutive of her Chinese name. Wu Kai, an expert in giant panda breeding and cub rearing at the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Panda, has a special bond with "Katyusha." Two years ago, he traveled to Moscow to assist with the panda mom's delivery and witnessed the cub's birth. With over a decade of experience, Wu has been part of nearly 200 giant panda births. "Katyusha" is the third cub he has helped deliver outside of China. "I often watch videos about this panda family online," Wu said. "Once you've cared for a panda cub, they stay in your heart. I just hope she grows up healthy and happy." At the grand celebration, the Chinese Embassy in Russia presented a special gift to "Katyusha." Minister Counselor Zhang Wei said, "The birth of 'Katyusha' is a cute representative of the enduring China-Russia friendship in the new era. She's not just a 'special envoy' for cultural exchange, she has also become a top celebrity loved by millions on social media in both countries." The cub's parents, "Ru Yi" and "Ding Ding," arrived in Moscow in April 2019 as part of a Sino-Russian panda conservation collaboration. On Aug. 24, 2023, "Ding Ding" gave birth to her first cub, making "Katyusha" the first giant panda born in Russia. The cub's name was chosen via a public vote that drew over 380,000 Russian participants. The panda family has held a special place in the hearts of the Russian people since then. Astronomers have spotted the brightest fast radio burst yet coming from a nearby galaxy. Observations of this phenomenon, a powerful flash of radio waves that lasts only about a millisecond, could shed light on one of the most mysterious cosmic phenomena ever studied. Fast radio bursts, or FRBs, were first discovered in 2007, but their exact sources remain unknown. Since their identification, astronomers have been tracing the bursts origin in the hopes of gathering clues about what unleashes them and sends them across the cosmos. Astronomers observed FRB 20250316A, nicknamed RBFLOAT for Radio Brightest FLash Of All Time, on March 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The signal was traced to the galaxy NGC 4141 about 130 million light-years away from Earth. The details of the detection, made with the FRB-hunting Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment, or CHIME, and its newly operational, smaller array of telescopes, called Outriggers, were published Thursday in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. With the CHIME Outriggers, we are finally catching these fleeting cosmic signals in the act narrowing down their locations not only to individual galaxies, but even to specific stellar environments, said lead study author Amanda Cook, a Banting postdoctoral fellow at the Trottier Space Institute and Physics Department at McGill University, in a statement. After the burst was detected, scientists used the James Webb Space Telescope to zoom in on where it originated. The observations add evidence to a leading theory that magnetars, or the highly magnetized remnants of dead stars, could be a source of fast radio bursts. A study about Webbs follow-up observations was also published on Thursday in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. This was a unique opportunity to quickly turn JWSTs powerful infrared eye on the location of an FRB for the first time, said Peter Blanchard, lead author of the Webb study and research associate in the Harvard College Observatory at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, in a statement. And we were rewarded with an exciting result we see a faint source of infrared light very close to where the radio burst occurred. This could be the first object linked to an FRB that anyone has found in another galaxy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new insights from both studies could also be used to help astronomers solve another key mystery surrounding fast radio bursts by determining whether they have a repetitive pattern, like a cosmic heartbeat, or whether there are different flavors of radio bursts that release a singular bombastic signal before falling silent. A CHIME in the nick of time The CHIME radio telescope near Penticton, British Columbia, at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory, has enabled astronomers for the past seven years to spot thousands of fast radio bursts when they arrive at Earth after traveling across the cosmos. Work was completed earlier this year to get Outriggers up and running at sites in British Columbia, West Virginia and California with the goal of tracing fast radio bursts to their specific locations with enhanced precision. The Outriggers combine pinpointing capabilities with a large field of view, said Wen-fai Fong, coauthor on the CHIME study and associate professor of physics and astronomy at Northwestern Universitys Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. Astronomers had their chance to test the arrays game-changing capabilities in March, just a couple of months after the Outriggers came online, Fong said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RBFLOAT released as much energy as the sun produced in four days but in less than a second. The Outrigger telescopes enabled the team to pinpoint the fast radio bursts point of origin to a region measuring about 45 light-years across, an area smaller than a cluster of stars. The precision of the location is like spotting a quarter from about 100 kilometers (62 miles) away, Cook said. Prior to the Outrigger telescopes capability to triangulate a fast radio burst to its source, it was like talking to someone on the phone and not knowing what city or state they were calling from, said study coauthor Bryan Gaensler, dean of the University of California, Santa Cruz science division. Now we know not only their exact address, but which room of their house theyre standing in while theyre on the call. Zooming in on a galactic arm Follow-up observations made with the 6.5-meter MMT telescope in Arizona and the Keck II telescopes Cosmic Web Imager in Hawaii revealed that RBFLOAT came from the spiral arm of a galaxy, which is full of star-forming regions. But it originated near, and not inside, a star-forming region. The MMT telescope captured an image of the location of RBFLOAT next to its host galaxy. - Yuxin "Vic" Dong/MMT Some previous fast radio bursts appear to have come from magnetars, or highly magnetized rotating neutron stars that release radio waves. Scientists have long hypothesized that neutron stars, ultradense core remnants left behind after massive stars explode, might be the origin of fast radio bursts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Magnetars typically form when gravity triggers a gigantic star to collapse on itself. And star-forming regions are where young magnetars can be found. The fact that the burst was traced to a region outside a star-forming clump could suggest that the magnetar was kicked from its birth site or that it was born right at the FRB site and away from the clumps center, said study coauthor Yuxin (Vic) Dong, graduate student and National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow in the department of physics and astronomy at Northwestern University. Webbs powerful gaze Blanchards team used the Webb telescope to search for a signal in infrared light that may have originated at the same cosmic location as RBFLOAT. Webbs data revealed an object, named NIR-1, which could be a massive star or a red giant a sun-like star at the end of its life that has brightened significantly. Neither star is considered a candidate for the direct cause of a fast radio burst. But an unseen companion like a neutron star could be siphoning material away from the larger star and that may have been enough to release a burst of radio waves, Blanchard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also possible that the infrared light that Webb detected was a reflection of a flare caused by the same object that released the radio burst, such as a magnetar. Whether or not the association with the star is real, weve learned a lot about the bursts origin, Blanchard said. If a double star system isnt the answer, our work hints that an isolated magnetar caused the FRB. To repeat or not to repeat Studying the immediate surroundings where both repeating and non-repeating fast radio bursts occur can help astronomers determine what causes the signals to repeat in the first place, Fong said. While many fast radio bursts are known to repeat pulsations over several months, the RBFLOAT did not release any repeat signals in the hundreds of hours after it was initially observed. The Webb telescope captured an infrared image of the galaxy NGC 4141 and an object called NIR-1 that may be related to the burst. - NASA/ESA/CSA/CfA/Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/CfA/P. Blan RBFLOAT is the first non-repeating burst to be localized to such precision, said Sunil Simha, coauthor on the CHIME study and a Brinson postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern Universitys Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics and the University of Chicagos Astronomy and Astrophysics Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since this represents the first non-repeating FRB with its local environment fully mapped out, it remains to be seen if others will follow suit, or if this was an oddball, Fong said. The results of both studies provide insight into the question of whether all fast radio bursts eventually repeat, said Liam Connor, assistant professor of astronomy at Harvard University. Connor has studied the phenomenon before but was not involved in either study. Before detecting FRB 20250316A, CHIME had been unknowingly monitoring the source every day for seven years, because CHIME sees the whole Northern Sky once per day, Connor wrote in an email. Somehow, zero bursts were detected in thousands of transits, until one of the brightest events of all time suddenly went off. If all FRBs are repeaters, then clearly some are extremely sporadic and unpredictable. Previously, cataclysmic theories, like the collision of massive objects, have been ruled out for repeating fast radio bursts since the source would be destroyed while producing the first burst, Dong said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We can reopen the door to those more explosive theories for RBFLOAT and its kin, she said. Simha wants to build a database that shows where fast radio bursts have originated, which could reveal what may be responsible for creating them and if they are all created equally. More data could show if there are multiple ways to produce fast radio bursts, Blanchard said. The CHIME telescope and its Outriggers continue monitoring the sky to see whether other non-repeating fast radio bursts release another signal. The telescope array is anticipated to help localize hundreds of fast radio bursts a year. And the team will continue to monitor RBFLOAT in case it has another outburst. Alternatively, maybe we never detect another burst from this source, and start to see additional seemingly one-off bursts, potentially in similar environments, Cook wrote in an email. Then were trying to solve the mysteries of the origins of at least two different populations. In either case, we are really excited to uncover the mysteries the universe has in store for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Nigel Farage at the Aug. 26, 2025 launch of his Reform Party's plan to deport asylum seekers. Credit - Jacob KingPA Images via Getty Images The country is like a tinderbox now, according to Robert Jenrick, a prominent Conservative Party politician and potential future leader. Seven out of ten Britons agree, at least judging by a recent poll from The Economist. Not to be upstaged, Elon Musks AI Grok gave us the date of Aug. 5 for when things would boil over. And a few days later, indeed, there were perhaps 20 protests across the country against asylum-seekers housed in hotels. There was no widespread civil unrest. Total attendance at those demonstrations was in the low thousands. Yet there are still worrying signs about Britains direction, and how the political and media class are fueling xenophobia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration has soared up the political agenda. By some measures it is now the most important issue for much of the electorate. It is the signature issue for Nigel Farages Reform Party, which has made major gains at the ballot box and has surged to the top of opinion polls. Farage may well be Prime Minister come the next general election, and worryingly, unveiled plans for mass deportations today. More conventional politicians are at a loss on how to respond to all of this. Jenrick has tried to outdo Farage with overtly ethno-nationalist rhetoric, appearing alongside far-right extremists at a recent demonstration, and saying that the U.K. remains too divided while citing the declining share of the white British population in some communities. But he is hardly alone. The Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Philp, has falsely claimed that half of social housing in London was occupied by foreigners. Kemi Badenoch, the hapless leader of the Conservatives who herself did not move to the U.K. from Nigeria until her teenage years, has been unwilling or unable to make her position clear but has frequently spoken out against immigration. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a highly-criticized speech months earlier about the risk of Britain becoming an island of strangers, using language that evoked the white nationalist Enoch Powells infamous 1968 Rivers of Blood speech. Starmer also blamed the open border policies of the previous Conservative government in those remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part of the issue is that the debate around immigration is not moored in reality. Politicians and the media have focused incessantly on the small boats carrying asylum-seekers who make the dangerous journey across the English Channel. That has fed a national perception that the U.K. has lost control of its borders, and at a local level, the crossings are a very visible and extended sign of policy failure as asylum-seekers are housed in hotels for extended periods. A recent YouGov poll suggests that nearly half of Britons think that irregular migrants are the majority, despite legal migration constituting more than 90% of the 3 million-plus who moved to the U.K. over the past four years. So where next? Net migration is falling fastdown more than half from its 2023 peak as the extraordinary post-pandemic surge recedes and the center-left Labour government pursues more restrictive measures. It will fall further. Butgiven the disconnect between the actual numbers and public perceptionsthis may not help the Starmer government unless they can be seen to be addressing small boat arrivals. Pessimism is easy. Research and empirical evidence from across Europe suggests that chasing the far right is a disastrous and self-defeating strategy. So far, the U.K. experience has reinforced that. The message from both the government and the Conservatives appears to be: Nigel Farage is right about immigration. Dont vote for him. The risk is that British politics goes the way of other large European countries like France, Germany, and Italy, where steadily more draconian policies and rhetoric have merely fed the flames of xenophobia and further boosted the political appeal of the extreme right. Fortunately, the U.K. is very different. By most measures, it is considerably more integrated, and genuinely racist and ethno-nationalist attitudes are much less deeply rootedlargely confined to a hard core of older reactionaries and a younger, and very vocal, but rather small minority of online racists. When the host of a popular podcast suggested that former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak couldnt be English because hes a brown Hindu, this was met with almost complete rejection among the general public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what would a more positive agenda look like? Starmer, who says he deeply regrets the tone and language of his May speech, may be starting to realize that chasing Reform and Farage is a blind alley. Sounding more like Tony Blairwho combined a tough line on asylum seekers with liberal policies towards immigrantshe struck a positive note on the latter, saying weve always benefited from the talent, resilience, and enterprise of people who came here. Much more of this, said much much more consistently, is required. The government needs to trumpet the U.K.s success in managing high levels of immigration, both economically and socially. We have yet to hear a Cabinet Minister point out that migrants now fill one in five jobs in the U.K.; that they are more likely to be employed and less likely to claim benefits. There is absolutely no inconsistency in making this argument while prioritizing the need to control our borders. Read More: How Britain Beat America at Immigration But we are well beyond the point where simply explaining economic realities is enough. More important is the political and moral case. The government needs to argue that immigration, and its accompanying ethnic change, is something that Britain has both absorbed and benefited from over the last half-century. For most of us, that is our lived experience: the nature of British society today is such that much of the public have partners, relatives, friends, and co-workers of a different ethnic group, and for the vast majority of us our attachment both to this country and our fellow Britons is far more important than our ethnic identity. Ultimately, diversity should be our greatest strength, and it is that argument that anti-immigration zealots fear most. Contact us at letters@time.com. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) A British Airways flight attendant who was found naked and reportedly staging a one-man disco in a business class restroom on a flight from San Francisco has pleaded guilty to charges related to the incident, The Guardian reports. The flight attendant, identified by The Guardian as Haden Pentecost, was found naked and high on drugs in a toilet onboard a flight from San Francisco International Airport to London Heathrow. Pentecost, The Guardian reports, was agitated, sweating and babbling. He was stood down from duty by the flights manager when he failed to assist with pre-flight safety checks. Complaining of stomach cramps, he reportedly said he needed to change clothes before locking himself in one of the planes toilets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soft Clubbing is redefining nightlife in major cities like San Francisco It was there he was found naked by a colleague and reportedly, oblivious to the fact that he had no clothes on. The colleague dressed Pentecost and moved him into a free seat. The court reportedly was told that the flight attendant had dilated pupils, a high heart rate, and had to be checked every 20 minutes until the plane landed at Heathrow. A blood test revealed he had methamphetamine and amphetamine in his system during the incident. According to a separate report from the BBC, Pentecost pleaded guilty to performing an aviation function while impaired by drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has reportedly since been fired by British Airways. Pentecost, 41, was reportedly granted bail and will be sentenced at a later date. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Brittanee Drexels mother wants a judge to give her ownership of two remote Georgetown County properties owned by Raymond Moody and his ex-girlfriend Angel Vause, court documents show. Dawn Conley filed a lawsuit Aug. 13 seeking control of parcels at 5502 and 5498 Rose Hill Road, which have a combined assessed value of $5,030. The move comes four months after attorneys for Conely asked a judge in Georgetown County to seize the assets of Moody, the man convicted of abducting and killing her 17-year-old daughter in 2009 while she was on spring break on the Grand Strand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conley sued Moody in January 2023, and a jury awarded her $700 million $200 million in actual damages and $500 million in punitive damages after a trial in February. According to Conleys Aug. 13 complaint, Moody transferred the parcels to Vause and a man named Brian Cooper on Oct. 20, 2022. Conley lawsuitDownload Debtor (Moody) conveyed his interest in the Property in exchange for no consideration while knowing that Debtor owed a debt to Plaintiff. Debtors actions were taken in direct response to being indebted to Plaintiff. Upon information and belief, Debtor fraudulently transferred the Property in an effort to put his assets outside the reach of his creditors, including Plaintiff, the lawsuit says. Walk and vigil held on 6th anniversary of Brittanee Drexel's disappearance (Image 1)_56947 At one point during Februarys civil court proceedings Moody expressed remorse for raping, kidnapping and killing Drexel in 2009 after she came to Myrtle Beach from Rochester, New York, with friends for spring break. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im at a loss for words. I mean, Moody said. I just have so much regret. Ive realized it doesnt matter how sincere I am about how I feel about things Ive done. Its just not enough. Moody was convicted of murdering Drexel in April 2009 in Georgetown County. Conley sued Moody in January 2023 for intentional infliction of emotional distress, blaming him not only for taking the New York teenagers life but for lying about it for years as the case drew national attention After years of tracking down tips and searching for Drexel, authorities charged Moody with murder in May 2022 after confirming that remains found in a wooded area along Old Town Avenue in Harmony Township were those of Drexel, who was last seen alive in Myrtle Beach. Meanwhile, Vause is serving 18 years in federal prison for lying to the FBI during its investigation into Drexels murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. WOODSTOCK, Ill. Inside of his Woodstock studio, sculptor Erik Blome is putting the finishing touches on his latest statue. Hes brushing the bronze with steel wool. Im trying to get that feeling of like a retouched photo, Blome said. I kind of like the metal coming through in places so you know its bronze. During a 40-year career, he has sculpted historys heroes like Abraham Lincoln and living legends like Wayne Gretzky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the 58-year-old artist has never worked on a piece quite like the one he sculpted for Wentworth Park on Chicagos Southwest Side. I did approach this with some conviction, he said. It really meant something to me. It is a statue memorializing Chicago Police officer Ella French, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Englewood in 2021. Her partner, officer Carlos Yanez, Jr., was also seriously wounded. More: Remembering Ofc. Ella French: Chicago street renamed in her honor In four years, the grief has never faded for Ellas mother. It comes at you, Elizabeth French said. Ill be going along just fine, and something will trigger a memory or whatever and then theres just this intense wave of sadness, then you just keep moving forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To help with her grief, Elizabeth French started a non-profit in Ellas honor called Light the Line. The organization supports on-duty police officers with a mobile wellness unit that travels around the city to provide services, resources, and meals to on-duty police officers. Elizabeth French said Ella was a chatterbox, who connected with just about everybody. Her personality, Elizabeth said, As she got older and matured, her sense of wanting to help somewhere in the world, it just made a lot of sense to me. Ella French was beloved by her fellow officers. One month before her death, she helped save the life of a one-year-old who was shot. She rushed the infant to Comer Childrens Hospital, never leaving the babys side, eventually escorting her on a gurney to the emergency room in a moment captured by a WGN camera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Fallen officer Ella French helped save life of infant wounded in Englewood mass shooting She was also one of the officers involved in the mistaken raid on the home of social worker Anjanette Young. Young praised Ella for showing her dignity and respect. All I know is that in some way shape or form that she touched people to the point that they feel called to do this, she said. The idea for the statue came from Chicago City Council members Marty Quinn and Silvana Tabares and from the Fraternal Order of Police. Its a passion project that started one year ago in Blomes studio. Thats what I was trying to show the humanity of her, Blome said. Making a piece of artwork, you can focus on that more. Bring that out. Thats kind of what I think the virtue of art is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His talent is bringing bronze to life. He referenced Frenchs uniform and vest, and using dozens of photos he crafted a likeness. I wanted to cup her face, because she just looked so real to me, Elizabeth French said. But to imbue the statue with Ellas essence, he had to show how she connected, she was so loved because she so freely gave it to others, especially her pet pit bull, Bella. The inclusion of her pet on the pedestal indicates Ellas empathy, according to her mother. Her empathy for all creatures, and especially her empathy for big dogs, she said. Last week, the 800-pound slightly larger than life sculpture was delivered to Wentworth Park in Chicagos Garfield Ridge neighborhood. It will stand as a monument to one of Chicagos everyday heroes, and one of only a handful of statues depicting women in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The small things you do, the way you contribute on a daily basis are what make you great, Blome said. You dont have to be famous. The statue will be publicly unveiled on August 31. It would have been Ellas 34th birthday. It was like a wonderful sad moment to see this, Elizabeth French said. Shes just a statue now and I cant reach out and touch her anymore. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 26Deputies received a report at 11:23 a.m. Monday of a shop building that was broken into at 73341 220th St. in Albert Lea. Welding tools were stolen and the building was flooding. Chainsaws reported stolen Deputies received a report at 11:35 a.m. Monday of two chainsaws that were reported taken about two weeks prior at 310 S. U.S. Highway 65 in Glenville. 1 arrested on restraining order violation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies arrested Victor Joseph Savick, 80, on a harassment restraining order violation at 3:42 p.m. Monday at 608 Lakeshore Drive in Freeborn. House broken into A house was reported broken into at 4:42 p.m. Monday at 1405 W. Ninth St. in Albert Lea. The break-in reportedly occurred sometime during the day. 1 arrested on no-contact order violation Deputies arrested Shee Lo, 36, on a domestic abuse no contact order violation after receiving a report at 5:48 p.m. Monday of a man with a knife at the door at 202 Hillcrest Drive in Clarks Grove. 1 arrested for obstruction, A&D hold Police arrested Kelly Gene Lair, 38, on an arrest and detain hold and obstruction with force at 8:23 p.m. Monday at 411 S. Broadway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Exhaust pipe cut on vehicle Police received a report at 11:24 a.m. Saturday of an exhaust pipe that was cut on a vehicle at 16942 785th Ave. in Albert Lea. 1 arrested for burglary, driving after cancellation Deputies arrested Adam Edward Sorum, 38, for driving after cancellation inimical to public safety and first-degree burglary after he reportedly fled from a Minnesota State Patrol trooper and fled on foot into a residence at 15674 750th Ave. in Albert Lea. Items reported stolen Police received a report at 12:25 a.m. Friday of items that were reported stolen from a garage at 1513 Edina Ave. sometime overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement E-bike stolen An E-bike was reported stolen at 2:39 p.m. Saturday at 2246 Margaretha Ave. It was believed to have been stolen between 4 a.m. and 2 p.m. that day. Glass shattered in door Glass from a door was reported shattered at 4:24 p.m. Saturday at 115 N. Washington Ave. It was unknown whether someone had tried to make an entry or if the glass had broken for some other reason. 1 arrested on warrant Police arrested Rachel Beatrice Hutchins, 45, on a Dakota County warrant for a probation violation at 4:39 p.m. Saturday at 2512 W. Main St. Man arrested for disorderly conduct, obstruction Police arrested Andrew James Harte, 34, for impeding traffic, disorderly conduct and obstruction after receiving a report at 9:23 p.m. Saturday of a man who had knocked on a door at 1708 Sunset St. Another caller stated a male was jumping into traffic on Fountain Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shoplifter reported Police received a report at 3:11 p.m. Sunday of a shoplifter at 2500 Bridge Ave. 1 arrested for warrant, domestic assault Police arrested Rene Villafranco Jr., 38, on a Cameron County, Texas, warrant and domestic assault-fear at 7:28 p.m. Sunday at 1012 W. Clark St. Theft reported A chrome grill was reported stolen from a vehicle at 9:07 p.m. Sunday at 820 Happy Trails Lane. Officers responding to a report of a break-in ended up having to chase at least one of the suspects for miles until they were able to arrest him at a gas station. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, units were dispatched to the 9300 block of Topanga Canyon Boulevard in the Chatsworth neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley at about 2:42 a.m. Tuesday for a reported burglary taking place at a business. Officers spotted about five to six suspects with masks on, LAPD said. When the suspects saw the officers, they got into a grey truck and led police on a pursuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video: Brave skateboarders do tricks on roof of Southern California elementary school The pursuit was eventually taken over by California Highway Patrol officers, who followed the truck on and off the 405 Freeway. Eventually, the driver of the truck made his way to an Arco gas station in the Westchester neighborhood. It is not known why he chose to go there; however, he was taken into custody at the gas station, located at La Cienega and Century boulevards. Burglary suspect arrested after long, early-morning pursuit through Los Angeles. Aug. 26, 2025. (KTLA) Per LAPD, the driver was arrested for felony evading and burglary. A burglary report was taken, although it was not immediately known how much damage the business sustained or whether any products were stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video from the scene taken by KTLA photojournalist Dan Lunsford shows the grey pickup parked next to a gas pump. The driver was seen being taken out of a CHP squad car in handcuffs and being transferred to an LAPD cruiser. The statuses of the other suspects werent disclosed by police. No individuals other than the one suspect and law enforcement officers were seen at the gas station, footage shows. No further details were immediately available. Alberto Mendez and KTLA photojournalist Dan Lunsford 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. Patriotism, enforced: "Actions have consequences," writes the official White House X account. "Burn the American flag, disrespect our nation, incite violence: ONE YEAR IN JAIL. No excuses." "Desecrating [the American flag] is uniquely offensive and provocative," reads the new executive order from President Donald Trump, released yesterday. "It is a statement of contempt, hostility, and violence against our Nationthe clearest possible expression of opposition to the political union that preserves our rights, liberty, and security. Burning this representation of America may incite violence and riot." "Notwithstanding the Supreme Court's rulings on First Amendment protections, the Court has never held that American Flag desecration conducted in a manner that is likely to incite imminent lawless action or that is an action amounting to 'fighting words' is constitutionally protected," adds the order. "My Administration will act to restore respect and sanctity to the American Flag and prosecute those who incite violence or otherwise violate our laws while desecrating this symbol of our country, to the fullest extent permissible under any available authority." Essentially, the order says that you cannot just be flag-burninga protected act of speechto go to jail; you must also be breaking another law in the process. It's bad, but less extreme than it looks. President Trump's executive order on flag-burning is replete with qualifiers that strip it of any discernible meaning. "To the fullest extent possible" sounds aggressive, but it actually means "within the bounds permitted by law." pic.twitter.com/IokyJq1LyO Ed Whelan (@EdWhelanEPPC) August 25, 2025 But it gets trickier for people who aren't full citizens: "The Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting within their respective authorities, shall deny, prohibit, terminate, or revoke visas, residence permits, naturalization proceedings, and other immigration benefits, or seek removal from the United Stateswhenever there has been an appropriate determination that foreign nationals have engaged in American Flag-desecration activity under circumstances that permit the exercise of such remedies pursuant to Federal law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In principle, I think having the expectation that immigrants, no matter where they are in their naturalization process, be on better behavior and show they really want to be a part of this country makes sense; this expectation is shared by most Americans: Follow our laws, respect the whole American project, and maybe you too can become part of it. But it's the Trump administration, and this seems likely to be stretched and warped and used arbitrarily as just another weapon in its arsenal to try to deny immigrants naturalization. Antonin Scalia, in defense of the right to burn the American flag: "If it were up to me, I would put in jail every sandal-wearing, scruffy-bearded weirdo who burns the American flag. But I am not king." The arch conservative justice was part of the 5-4 majority decision in Texas pic.twitter.com/hDEe2uzIkz Robby Soave (@robbysoave) August 25, 2025 Look, I am a flag respecter. A flag appreciator. I've long demurred on purchasing an American flag bikini because it doesn't feel respectful enough. (Do flags really belong on boobs?) I love America. I can't stop dunking on the Europoors. I love ice in my water and full-blast A.C. But it's rather king-like and gross to try to force this type of patriotism. Let them enjoy all their rights to the fullest extent possibleincluding their rights to be gigantic assholes about the flagand be confident that a little shred of appreciation for America the Beautiful will grow. Stakes are getting higher: "The U.S. government is likely to take ownership stakes in more companiesjust as it did with Inteltoward the goal of building a sovereign wealth fund, National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett said Monday," reports Axios. "Last week, the government said it would take a nearly 10% position in Intel, in exchange for grants previously awarded to the chipmaker.Hassett, in a CNBC interview Monday morning, referred to that investment as a 'down payment' on the creation of a sovereign wealth fund, something President Trump has said he wanted the country to have." Who oversees the sovereign wealth fund? What happens to it at the end of Trump's term? What is the purpose of it, exactly? Does this just force the government to keep doing this type of thing? What do Intel's competitors think about this, and how was Intel chosen? Does this feel a bit adjacent to the Chinese Communist Party to anyone else? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are also lots of outstanding questions about how the company's own decisions will be made. From the Cato Institute's Scott Lincicome, writing at The Washington Post: The most immediate risk is that Intel's decisions will increasingly be driven by political rather than commercial considerations. With the U.S. government as its largest shareholder, Intel will face constant pressure to align corporate decisions with the goals of whatever political party is in power. Will Intel locate or continue facilitiessuch as its long-delayed "megafab" in Ohiobased on economic efficiency or government priorities? Will it hire and fire based on merit or political connections? Will research and development priorities reflect market demands or bureaucratic preferences? Will standard corporate finance decisions that are routinely (and mistakenly) pilloried in Washington, such as dividends or stock buybacks, suddenly become taboo? Scenes from New York: I can't stop consuming benchpressgate content. Zohran not benching 135 isn't a huge deal. I actually served with a few Marines who couldn't do that and we never gave them a hard time. We didn't want them worrying during pregnancy and we knew they'd get strong again after coming back from maternity leave. Robert Sterling (@RobertMSterling) August 25, 2025 QUICK HITS Really wild scenes from the Democratic National Committee's summer meeting: DNC members now watching a polling presentation that says "tough on crime" messaging is less powerful than "serious about safety" messaging. https://t.co/OyMb9qw05f pic.twitter.com/eMpTEd58Z8 David Weigel (@daveweigel) August 25, 2025 "Donald Trump moved to oust Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, a dramatic escalation in the president's battle for more control over the US central bank that unnerved investors," reports Bloomberg. "In a letter posted on Truth Social late on Monday, Trump said he had 'sufficient cause' to fire Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Fed Board in Washington, based on the allegations she made false statements on one or more mortgage loans." ("The Trump administration has accused Cook of committing fraud in 2021 while seeking mortgages on two propertieson a home in Michigan and a condominium in Atlantaby describing both of them as her primary residence," reports The Washington Post. The properties were acquired prior to her term starting.) Cook's term was not set to expire until 2038, more than a decade from now. "This is a kill shot at Fed independence," Aaron Klein, a senior fellow at Brookings, told Bloomberg. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is helping to bring whole-fat milk (and yogurt and cheese) back to American schools, reversing 45 years of bad guidancefavoring skim-milk productsfrom the federal government. How Democrats abdicated responsibility for law enforcement in D.C., and how Trump might not be making things much better: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post Burn, Baby, Burn appeared first on Reason.com. Burning Man 2025 got off to a chaotic start as festivalgoers faced miles of traffic followed by powerful winds that swept through the Nevada desert. On Sunday, August 24, cars lined up for miles along the road leading into Black Rock Desert in Pershing County. A TikTok the following day showed footage from an aircraft that flew over the grounds, showing cars backed up in stand still traffic for hours. You can see cars lined up for miles in the desert. The fact its in the middle of nowhere and theres still traffic, one person commented on the viral video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another quipped, Genuinely confused what there could possibly be traffic for? Can people not park once they arrive or something?? After all these years someone didnt come up with something to fix this? 8+ hrs till gate. And its supposed to rain again, a third stated. KOLO 8editor Jennifer Devine, a longtime attendee, reported from the scene, describing the conditions as really hot and a little dusty. SIGN UP for Parades Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox The situation worsened late in the afternoon when wind speeds surged to between 45 and 55 mph, drastically reducing visibility. Its bad, Devine said while taking shelter inside her truck. I cant see. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 5:45 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for the region, warning that the dangerous gusts could last for at least two hours. Festival officials quickly urged attendees on social media to secure tents and personal items. The weather threat continued the following day, too. For participants already in Black Rock City, tell your neighbors whats coming and take care of your camps, read one of the many updates on X from the Burning Man Traffic account. If weather conditions worsen, you should expect significant delays on Gate Road and on CR34 from Gerlach to the 8-mile playa entrance, possibly for several hours, the post also shared. There are lightning strikes to the west and east of BRC, and the National Weather Service indicates thunderstorms and high winds may be inbound to Black Rock City in the next hour. If weather conditions worsen, you should expect significant delays on Gate Road and on CR34 from Burning Man Traffic (@bmantraffic) August 26, 2025 Despite the difficult conditions, officials confirmed that the Black Rock City gate remained open. However, the extreme winds and heavy traffic created significant delays. As of Monday evening, the account notes there's still a six hour wait until the gate. Burning Man, known for its massive art installations, self-expression, and temporary desert city, draws tens of thousands of participants each year. For many, enduring the harsh conditions of the Black Rock Desert is seen as part of the festivals ethos. This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. COVID-19 cases are surging again in California, and health officials warn delays in the Trump administrations vaccine rollout could make matters worse. Public health departments around the state are sounding the alarm over an uptick in cases, fueled by COVID subvariant Stratus. "California's in the middle of a COVID-19 wave, and statewide rates are among the highest in the nation," said Dr. Matt Willis, former health officer of Marin County wrote in a blog post on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Willis said COVID-related emergency department visits are more than twice the level they were last winter, but they remain below last summer's surge. For children under 12, those visits are rising quickly and are more than twice California's average, he said. And among those aged 75 and older, emergency room visits have nearly doubled in the past month. In every corner of the state, wastewater data shows "high" COVID activity, he said. Dr. Elizabeth E. Hudson, the regional physician chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, told the LA Times that outpatient cases are increasing and with back-to-school season upon us, things could get much worse. We are expecting to see an uptick in COVID in children over the next few weeks, and this is already being seen in some parts of the country," she told the Times. A Delayed Vaccine Rollout The news of Stratus' takeover comes as the Trump administration has reportedly delayed the rollout of the updated fall vaccine. By June of last year, the federal government had already approved the annual update of the shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And this year, it's no secret that the Department of Health and Human Services is led by vaccine skeptic Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy has openly questioned mRNA vaccine technology and even dismissed all 17 experts serving on the CDCs influential vaccine advisory committee. In May, Kennedy announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would not longer recommend COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women. "Bottom line: its common sense and its good science," Kennedy wrote on X. "We are now one step closer to realizing [Trump's] promise to Make America Healthy Again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously, the CDC recommended that everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID vaccine. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at UC San Francisco, recently told the LA Times that this could become a "super big barrier" for vaccination. Despite updated guidance, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that it "strongly recommends" vaccines for children ages 6 months to 2 years. Meanwhile, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has also updated guidance recommending COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant and lactating women. Dr. Willis says, "were in an unfortunate limbo, created by an administration thats uncommitted to vaccines, between the slow shutting down of 24-25 vaccine availability and access to the 25-26 version. This is particularly concerning in California as our transmission rates continue to climb." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Willis, who runs Your Local Epidemiologist, offered the following tips regarding the slow vaccine rollout: If youre in a higher-risk group, get a shot now if you can. "If you were my patient, were at high risk, and hadnt had a Covid shot this year, Id probably recommend getting the current vaccine if you can find it locally." If you cant get vaccinated now, sign up for the new shot. Wear an N95 mask indoors. "Nows a good time to mask in indoor public places if youre in a high-risk group." Stay tuned to our social channels. "Were trying to answer a few extra questions as they come up on Instagram and elsewhere." READ MORE: New COVID Variant With This Distinctive Symptom Driving Up Cases In CA What Is 'Stratus'? The XFG COVID-29 varient, known as Stratus, is currently the dominant strain spreading around the U.S., according to the CDC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Stratus accounted for 14% of COVID-19 cases in late June. Stratus was first detected in Southeast Asia in January, but didn't show up in U.S. surveillance reports until May, when it represented less than 0% of infections. The World Health Organization classified XFG as a "variant under monitoring" in June. According to the World Health Organization, XFG is defined as a recombinant or hybrid of two omicron strains, LF.7 and LP.81.2. NB.1.18.1 (Nimbus) and XFG (Stratus) appear to be more transmissible compared to other variants, Dr. Albert Ko, professor of public health, epidemiology and medicine at Yale School of Public Health, told TODAY.com. The Stratus variant may be better than others at evading immunity protection, according to experts. Although vaccine guidance is changing, the CDC website still says the COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against "severe illness, hospitalization and death." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stratus is similar in symptoms and seriousness to other Omicron variants, but it may present a never-before-seen symptom: hoarseness. Here are more symptoms of the XDG Stratus Variant: Sore throat Voice hoarseness Fatigue Congestion or a runny nose Cough Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea Fever or chills Muscle aches Shortness of breath Loss of sense of taste or smell Headache READ MORE: 'Razor Blade' COVID-19 Variant Stratus Drives Up Cases In California CA COVID Rates Surge Among 'Highest In The Nation' originally appeared on the Across California Patch Members of Israeli forces are seen during a military operation in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Aug 26, 2025. The Israeli army withdrew from the central West Bank city of Ramallah on Tuesday following a large-scale raid on Tuesday morning, according to Palestinian sources. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) RAMALLAH, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army withdrew from the central West Bank city of Ramallah on Tuesday following a large-scale raid on Tuesday morning, according to Palestinian sources. Palestinian security forces said that heavy Israeli forces stormed central Ramallah, raiding several shops and money exchange companies. Local sources reported that several Palestinians were arrested during raids on money exchange shops in Ramallah and al-Bireh. According to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, 20 Palestinians were injured during the raid, including a 12-year-old boy who was shot in the back and two pregnant women who suffered suffocation. Video footage circulated on social networks shows Israeli military vehicles storming central Ramallah and firing live bullets and tear gas canisters, causing fear and panic among residents, particularly in a commercial area housing official Palestinian institutions. The sources confirmed that Israeli forces later withdrew from the city center. In a statement on Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces said that its forces and Israel Border Police forces conducted a targeted raid on a currency exchange business that transfers funds to Hamas in the center of Ramallah on Tuesday morning. "During the activity, five wanted individuals suspected of terrorist activity were apprehended and transferred for further processing by the security forces. In addition, hundreds of thousands of shekels that were identified as terror funds were confiscated," it added. Ramallah and al-Bireh Governor Laila Ghanem condemned the military operation in a brief statement, saying that Israel "will not succeed in breaking the will of the Palestinian people through raids and arrests." Vehicles of Israeli forces are seen during a military operation in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Aug 26, 2025. The Israeli army withdrew from the central West Bank city of Ramallah on Tuesday following a large-scale raid on Tuesday morning, according to Palestinian sources. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) A vehicle of Israeli forces is seen during a military operation in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Aug 26, 2025. The Israeli army withdrew from the central West Bank city of Ramallah on Tuesday following a large-scale raid on Tuesday morning, according to Palestinian sources. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) Members of Israeli forces are seen during a military operation in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Aug 26, 2025. The Israeli army withdrew from the central West Bank city of Ramallah on Tuesday following a large-scale raid on Tuesday morning, according to Palestinian sources. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) A vehicle of Israeli forces is seen during a military operation in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Aug 26, 2025. The Israeli army withdrew from the central West Bank city of Ramallah on Tuesday following a large-scale raid on Tuesday morning, according to Palestinian sources. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) (The Center Square) The Caddo Parish School Board voted in favor of a $1.3 million bid for the Queensborough Elementary School property nearly four months after announcing its closure. Seven school board members voted in favor of the bid, while Dr. Bonita Douzart voted no and Christine Tharpe abstained. The school board met Aug. 19 to hear public comment about the potential sale of the property before ultimately voting in favor. Among those who spoke, Shreveport resident and former Queensborough employee Jaqueline Miller expressed concerns over the parish being lowballed for the former elementary school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe that we are being lowballed, said Miller. I believe that the school building is worth more than that. That school suffered a devastating fire in the late 80s and 90s It was completely redone, the foyer and that wing. It is a beautiful school site. According to Miller, it takes a large amount to build a new school in todays climate. She felt the money obtained from selling the school building should go to the schools that absorbed those students. While Miller felt the parish was being cheated, school board member Barry Rachal expressed a different outlook, noting that this is the most money the board has gotten for a property since he joined nearly two decades ago. We have never, not once, gotten this much money for a single piece of property that weve ever sold, said Rachal. We have sold them at up to 70% discount of appraised value In this case, were getting 93% of what a commercial property appraiser appraised the property at. Willis Knighton Health of Shreveport secured the property with its $1.3 million bid. However, it is unclear what they plan to do with it moving forward. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) California State University, Bakersfield kicked off the first day of its 2025 fall semester on Monday. President of CSUB, Dr. Vernon Harper, continued the tradition of welcoming new and returning students to the Red Brick Road early Monday morning. Really, really excited for our Runners to join us on campus today. Its been a long hot summer, and were happy to have everyone back. And a new school year brings new academic programs to the institution: our concentration on artificial intelligence and STEM programs, but also making sure were delivering the type of instruction that can really elevate all of our students and their families, Harper said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CSUB has also launched a new dance credential too. The fall semester is also under way at Bakersfield College and there is still time to register for classes there. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. CALERA, Ala. (WIAT) The Calera police chief said his department is in desperate need of more Spanish-speaking officers and dispatchers. Police chief David Hyche said his officers often interact with people who dont speak English. He said the language barrier makes police work harder, leading to situations that waste resources and keep officers from patrolling their beats. Hyche said this past weekend, his officers were making an arrest for driving under the influence when they ran into what he called a common situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a communication problem, Hyche said. We were not able to communicate in English, so we used translation service to talk to the driver. Its difficult to do a sobriety test, even through a translation service, but virtually impossible when you have a language barrier like that. He said his department has two Spanish-speaking police officers. Theyre on call, and we can call them at night, and they can help out, Hyche said. I mean. thats not really that fair to them. Two is not enough. Birmingham police seeking assistance regarding fatal New Years Day shooting When the Spanish-speaking officers arent available, the department uses a telephone third-party transportation service. As was the case of the arrest this past weekend, the service is not always practical, Hyche said. That is why he is trying to hire more Spanish-speaking officers and dispatchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were short-staffed, and it would get people back on the street quicker because it took a little bit longer period of time to get this done as you could imagine, Hyche said. Ruth Arellano lives in Calera. She speaks Spanish and English, but her mother only speaks Spanish. She thinks adding more bilingual officers and dispatchers would be great for the city and make her feel safer. I think that would be a really good thing, especially growing up with my mom, Arellano said. Its hard for her, too. Shes still learning, but especially with the community here. Theres a big Hispanic community, so Im sure that would help a lot. If you speak Spanish and are interested in applying for a job with the Calera Police Department, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. ST. GEORGE, S.C. (WCBD) A California man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after admitting to a violent attack and kidnapping of an 89-year-old woman inside her Summerville home. Enver Zueros pleaded guilty in Dorchester County court Monday to burglary and kidnapping. Prosecutors said he drove across the country after the woman stopped sending him money, rented an Airbnb near her home and waited until her caregiver was not present. In court, prosecutors described how Zueros sprayed the woman with bear repellent, struck her in the face and tied her with duct tape and a dog leash before forcing her into her own car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim, identified in court as Delores Johnson, gave her own account of the attack. He was pushing me to the inside of my car, putting a plastic bag over my head so I could not breathe freely. I felt like I was suffocated, she told the judge. New safe house for domestic violence victims opens in the Lowcountry Family members testified about weeks of wound care, physical therapy and the lasting fear Johnson has endured since the attack. This man is a very weak man. This man is a person who deserves to go to prison for the rest of his life, Summerville Police Chief Doug Wright said. Before sentencing, Zueros addressed the court directly. This incident happened not because of who I am, but because of what Ive been through and how much self loathing and just no desire to continue living anymore. And whenever all that joy is just taken from you, it just makes you do stupid things. And Im sorry that my shortcomings brought someone else down along with me. Enver Zueros pleaded guilty in Dorchester County court Monday to first-degree burglary and kidnapping. Circuit Judge Jerrod Anderson sentenced Zueros to 30 years for kidnapping and 20 years for burglary. The judge ordered the sentences to run consecutively, for a total of 50 years. As part of the plea, an attempted murder charge was dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said if the victim had not been found that night, she likely would have died. At the time of the crime, Zueros was out on bond for attempted murder in California. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Twelve days after they said their son had vanished from a parking lot outside a sporting goods store, the parents of baby Emmanuel Haro have been charged in his death. Emmanuel's parents, Jake Haro, 32, and Rebecca Haro, 41, were charged Tuesday afternoon in Riverside County Superior Court on one count each of murder with malice. They also were charged with making a false police report, a misdemeanor. Riverside County prosecutors are asking that they be held in lieu of $1-million bail. Authorities say the couple faked the 7-month-old's disappearance and the infant is presumed dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Haros appeared briefly for their arraignment about 1:30 p.m. in a packed courtroom. They were assigned the same public defender and said few words. Jake Haro, left, speaks with public defender Brian Cosgrove during his arraignment Tuesday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Rebecca Haro's eyes appeared red, her voice hoarse as she answered a few questions from the judge. Jake Haro wore a red jail jumpsuit and black-framed glasses. He stared ahead without turning back to the audience. Both parents continued their arraignments to Sept. 4 and did not enter a plea. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Rebecca Haro said she was attacked in a Yucaipa parking lot Aug. 14 outside a Big 5 store while changing Emmanuel's diaper. But investigators said there were inconsistencies in her initial statement, and when they confronted her about those details, they said she stopped cooperating. Authorities arrested the parents at their Cabazon home Friday. Sheriff's investigators are now focused on finding Emmanuel's remains. Over the weekend, search teams scoured an isolated field in Moreno Valley. They were accompanied by Jake Haro but did not find anything, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case has captured the fascination of true-crime mystery fans, with the couple maintaining their innocence as a prior criminal case against Jake Haro has resurfaced. Read more: The tragic end of Emmanuel Haro: Demanding 'answers for this beautiful, little baby' Jake Haro was previously convicted of child abuse in 2023 with his previous wife. A medical report showed that his daughter was seriously injured when she was examined at a Hemet hospital in 2018, according to court records. The unidentified girl suffered head trauma and had multiple fractures and signs of past bone breaks, police said in an affidavit. Jake Haro was convicted of willful cruelty to a child and was on probation in that case when he was arrested last week. After Emmanuel's disappearance, Riverside County child protective services removed a 2-year-old child from the Haro home. It's unclear what prompted the child's removal and a county spokesperson declined to comment, citing state confidentiality laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the case has moved forward, Rebecca Haro has maintained the couple's innocence and pleaded for people to look for her son. "I will not give up. I will not give up on my baby, she told a reporter from the Southern California News Group while in custody. "I want to be out looking for my baby." During the investigation, Emmanuel's parents surrendered their phones to investigators and allowed detectives to search their home. Their vehicle also was taken by investigators as part of the search for their son, according to attorney Vincent Hughes, who acted as a de facto spokesperson for the couple in the early days of the investigation. After authorities said that the couple had stopped cooperating with the investigation, Hughes said that was not the case and that the child's mother had just refused to take a polygraph test. 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. By Brad Brooks (Reuters) -California Republicans filed on Monday their second legal challenge against Governor Gavin Newsom's redistricting plan, which aims to give Democrats five more Congressional seats amid a nationwide scramble for advantage in 2026 elections. The lawsuit filed by Republican lawmakers argues that the redistricting plan goes against the California constitution and requirements that political maps be drawn by an independent redistricting body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is an issue about good governance in the state of California," said Corrin Rankin, chairwoman of the California Republican Party, at a press conference announcing the legal action. "Californians deserve to have the right to choose our legislators." The effort by Newsom and Democrats in California's legislature to rework the state's Congressional maps was passed last week. It came in response to Texas Republicans pushing through new Congressional maps in that state that could give the GOP five more seats in Congress, as urged by President Donald Trump. Trump is asking several Republican-led states to redraw their Congressional maps ahead of next year's midterm elections in an effort to retain control of the House. California Republicans had already filed one lawsuit to stop Newsom's redistricting plan, but it was rejected by the state's supreme court last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, lawmakers filed an emergency petition before the top court against the California legislature and California Secretary of State Shirley Weber. "The Constitution's guardrails on redistricting are essential to ensuring that Californians are spared from the political influence and inherent turbulence of perpetual map-drawing in the hands of the Legislature," the lawsuit read. Weber's office declined to comment. Hannah Milgrom, a spokeswoman for Newsom, said in a written statement that the Republican legal challenge would fail. "Trump's toadies already got destroyed once in court. Now, they are trying again - to protect Trumps power grab and prevent the voters from having their say ... They will lose," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump told reporters in Washington on Monday that his administration could challenge California's redistricting with its own lawsuit. Newsom on X said, "bring it." The Texas redistricting plan that passed the Senate early on Saturday is also the target of legal action. A group of 13 Texas residents filed a lawsuit against their Governor Greg Abbott over the weekend, arguing the redistricting plan was racially discriminatory. (Reporting by Brad Brooks in Colorado; editing by Donna Bryson and Nia Williams) Former Vice President Kamala Harris' decision to forgo a run for California governor has created a wide-open race in next years election to run the nations most populous state, according to a poll released Tuesday by UC Berkeley and the Los Angeles Times. Nearly 4 in 10 registered voters surveyed said they are uncertain about whom they will support in the 2026 contest to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom. "It's very unsettled. Most of the voters, the plurality in this poll, are undecided," said Mark DiCamillo, director of the poll, which was conducted by UC Berkeleys Institute of Governmental Studies and co-sponsored by The Times. "They don't really know much about the candidates." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those who had a preference, former Democratic Rep. Katie Porter of Irvine had a small edge as the top choice, with the backing of 17%. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican, was the only other candidate who received double-digit support, winning the backing of 10% of respondents. DiCamillo said Porter's unsuccessful 2024 U.S. Senate campaign boosted her recognition among California voters, but cautioned that she had a small, early lead more than nine months before the June 2 primary. Bianco's support was driven by voters focused on crime and public safety, taxes and the budget deficit, perennial concerns among GOP voters, according to the survey. Read more: Who is running for California governor in 2026? Meet the candidates Other top candidates for governor former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former state legislative leader Toni Atkins, current California Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former state Controller Betty Yee, wealthy businessman Stephen Cloobeck and conservative commentator Steve Hilton received single-digit support as voters' first choice in the poll. A few potential candidates also had single-digit support, including billionaire Los Angeles businessman Rick Caruso, former Trump administration official Ric Grenell and former GOP state Sen. Brian Dahle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survey is among the first independent public polls since Harris announced in late July that she would not run for governor in 2026, dramatically reshuffling the calculus in a crowded race that the former vice president was widely expected to dominate if she mounted a campaign. The poll also took place after Lt. Gov Eleni Kounalakis dropped out of the contest this month to run for state treasurer instead. "It's pretty wide-open," DiCamillo said. "And when you look at the second-choice preference, first and second together, it's bunched together." When voters were asked to rank their top two choices, Porter received 22% as the first or second choice, Becerra got 18%, Bianco notched 15% and Hilton won 12%, according to the poll. None of the politicians running are well known by Californians compared with the states last three governors: Newsom, the former mayor of San Francisco and lieutenant governor, who during his two terms as governor has positioned himself as a foil to President Trump ; former two-term Gov. Jerry Brown, who along with his father left an indelible imprimatur on California's history; and former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a global celebrity who returned to the Hollywood limelight after he left office, along with launching efforts to fight climate change and support independent redistricting nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A pressing question is whether anyone else enters the race, notably Caruso, who has the ability to self-fund a campaign. The deadline to file to run for the seat is March 6. Whoever is elected as California's next governor will face the difficult task of contending with a hostile Trump administration and an electorate looking to the state's next leader to address its most pressing concerns. Economic issues are top of mind among all registered voters, with 36% saying the cost of living is their greatest concern and 25% focusing on the affordability of housing, according to the poll. But there were sharp partisan disparities about other issues. Democrats were more concerned about the state of democracy, climate change and healthcare, while Republicans prioritized crime, taxes and immigration. Two of California's most prominent Democrats, Newsom and Harris, are longtime friends grounded in their Bay Area roots and both viewed as potential 2028 presidential candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a potential White House hopeful, Newsom has an edge over Harris among Californians overall as well as the state's Democrats, according to the poll. Roughly 45% of the state's registered voters said they were very or somewhat enthusiastic about Newsom running, compared with 36% who expressed a similar sentiment about Harris. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of registered voters and 51% of Democrats said Harris should not run for president again after two unsuccessful White House bids in the primary in 2020 and in the general election in 2024. "She lost, which is always a negative when you're trying to run again," DiCamillo said. "It's interesting that even after Harris bowed out of the governor's race, most Californians don't really think she should run for president." While he described Newsom's support as a "mixed bag" among the state's registered voters, DiCamillo pointed to his strength among Democrats. Nearly 7 of 10 registered Democratic voters in the state said they are very or somewhat enthusiastic about Newsom running for president, compared with 54% who expressed similar feelings about Harris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poll took place during a tumultuous period as Trump's far-right policies begin to hit their stride. Drastic cuts to healthcare, nutrition, reproductive rights and other federal safety-net programs are expected to disproportionately affect Californians. The Trump administration's aggressive immigration raids in Los Angeles and across the state and country have caused the nation's partisan divide to widen, driven by the president's decision to deploy the military and target all undocumented immigrants, including law-abiding workers. Higher-education institutions across the nation have been targeted by the Trump administration, including UCLA, which is being threatened with a $1-billion fine. Californians were surveyed shortly before Democratic state lawmakers, trying to fight the Trump administrations agenda, voted Thursday to call a special election in November to redraw the states congressional districts. The action was taken to counter gerrymandering efforts in Texas and other GOP-led states as both parties fight for control of Congress in next years midterm elections. The Berkeley IGS poll surveyed 4,950 California registered voters online in English and Spanish from Aug. 11 to 17. The results are estimated to have a margin of error of 2 percentage points in either direction in the overall sample, and larger numbers for subgroups. 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. VERNAL, Utah (ABC4) New information about a fossil found nearly 40 years ago has been unveiled after radiocarbon testing. The fossil belongs to an ancient camel native to Utah and North America, and is much older than scientists expected. According to a press release from the Utah Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks, in 1987, a bone was found buried near the Green River. It was brought to the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum, where it was identified as the shin bone of the extinct Camelops hestemus by then Park Manager Alden Hamblin and retired Bureau of Land Management paleontologist and mammal specialist Greg McDonald. At that time, most of the oldest fossils from this ancient camel in Utah and surrounding states were no older than 20,000 years old. Recently, a radiocarbon age on the bone revealed that it was actually around 33,000 years old. Camelops hesternus along the Green River near Split Mountain 33,000 years ago. (Friends of the Utah Field House/Utah State Parks, Brian Engh) 33,000 year old tibia (shin bone) of Camelops hesternus from near Vernal, Utah. (John Foster/Utah State Parks) The only other dated Utah Camelops, and most of those in the region that have actually been radiometrically dated, are from less than 20,000 years ago, almost 10,000 years ago, Utah Field House Curator John Foster is quoted in the release. We expected it to be from around 10,000 years ago, maybe 15,000 if we were lucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the press release, Camelops hestemus was a distant ancestor of the Arabian and Bactrian camels that were familiar with today. Camelops lived in North America between 3 million and 10,000 years ago. When Ice Age mammals such as horses, mammoths, and ground sloths began disappearing from North America, this ancient camel went away too. We have records of early camels in this region from tens of millions of years ago, Utah Field House Park Manager Steve Sroka is quoted. They probably originated here in North America. With the knowledge that Camelops hestemus were living in Utah around 33,000 years ago, scientists are now aware that these camels were living here just before the last glacial maximum during the Ice Ages, the press release says. At that time, conditions in Utah would have been noticeably colder and wetter than they are today. Following this new finding, a team of independent scientists and Utah State Parks scientists published their study in the Historical Biology journal this summer. 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. In the face of growing public concern over the future of the Chassahowitzka River Campground, leaders of the state agency that owns the land on Tuesday said any decision to sell the property is still months away. On Aug. 15, the Southwest Florida Water Management District announced that the 40-acre campground in Citrus County will close Oct. 1 for a full assessment of hurricane damage to a camp store and a deck. But they added that repairing those damages is not an effective way to utilize taxpayer dollars and hinted the land could be sold in the future. Those assessments are going to take time before final decisions are made, the district said during a public meeting in Brooksville Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to collect the data, said Brian Armstrong, executive director of the district. We need to let ideas play out to see if theyre good or bad. Floridians already on edge after repeated public lands controversies over the past year were quick to garner petitions and plan protests urging the government to keep the site in public hands. They argue that the campground offers an increasingly rare opportunity for Floridians to experience, and in turn want to protect, an environment unimpeded by human development. The campground issue wasnt on the districts meeting agenda Tuesday, but roughly 20 people spoke during a public comment period opposing a potential sale, including staff who have managed the camp for more than a decade. Also joining in the opposition this week was Sonny Vergara, who served as the head of the water management district for six years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter to the governing board Monday, Vergara urged the group to consider the broader implications of potentially opening up the land for sale, and disagreed with the districts argument that it doesnt have conservation value. The campground has served as a vital point of public engagement with nature, fostering environmental appreciation and stewardship, Vergara wrote. Its closure and potential sale risk severing that connection and diminishing the Districts legacy of conservation leadership. Still, districtofficials signaled during the meeting that they no longer want to manage the campground. The agencys lawyer pointed to dangerous conditions at the site and recommended limiting its liability. We dont want to be in the public campground business, said John Mitten, a district governing board member. I encourage those that are here, if you want to keep it functioning, call your county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. J.J. Grow, a Republican from Inverness, told the Tampa Bay Times last week that he was against opening up the land for sale, and said that his goal is to work on an agreement where the property could be cheaply leased to Citrus County, which could fund storm repairs and manage the property. The district has said its open to the idea. Operations of the campground have been a matter of a legal dispute that was recently settled between the county and the water district in May, when the boat dock and parking lot were determined to belong to the county. On Tuesday, county commissioners were slated to vote on finalizing the deed for those facilities. Last week, theTimes visited the campground and spoke with staff who felt blindsided by the announcement of the closure. Dennis Blauer, the campgrounds general manager, said he was told to remove all equipment, including five dozen rental kayaks, by the end of September. His daughter Heather, the camps property supervisor, has been fielding an increase in calls from campers about their reservations that were made past the closing date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governing board members on Tuesday appeared to question why camp staff continued to book reservations after their contract was slated to end in September. After the meeting, the campgrounds administrator, Elaine Moore, said she took issue with that. She said the district has been extending her contracts on a monthly basis, and she had no reason to believe the end was near. Never once was I told the campground was going to close, Moore said. Its not fair to say we shouldnt have been taking reservations. I figured, if someone else takes over the campground, they would all want our future bookings. 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. Aug. 26Russo announces for SOS race State Rep. Allison Russo, announced on Friday that she intends to seek the office of Ohio 's secretary of state in 2026. Russo, a Democrat who represents the 7th District in the Columbus area, has served in the House for four terms. Trending * 'Hero' Boza just wanted to help his friends * State seeks repayment from Scioto County mental health and addiction services provider Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm running for secretary of state to restore your power in your government," she said. "The secretary of state's job isn't just pushing paper. It's making sure your voice is heard, that every vote is counted, and that our elections are fair, accessible, and secure." Ohio's current secretary of state, Republican Frank LaRose, is term limited from running again in 2026. He is seeking the position of state auditor in 2026. Other candidates running for secretary of state in 2026 are Robert Sprague, the current state treasurer, and Marcell Strbich, a retire U.S. Air Force officer, on the Republican side; and Bryan Hambley, an oncologist, in the Democratic primary. Whaley endorses Acton for governor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Amy Acton, the former state director of health, has picked up the endorsement of former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley in her campaign for governor. "I know firsthand the challenges facing Ohio and that's why I am proud to endorse Dr. Amy Acton for governor," Whaley said. "Dr. Acton understands that true leadership means fighting for the wellbeing of every Ohioan, and she'll be a steadfast advocate for reproductive rights, affordable healthcare, and building a future where every Ohioan, regardless of what region you live, has the opportunity to thrive." Trending * New year, new leader Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * KofC, Players Poker Room team up for event Whaley was the Democratic nominee for governor in 2022, running unsuccessful against Republican Mike DeWine. Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is seeking the governor's office on the Republican ballot. Union endorses Husted The Northwest Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council has announced their endorsement of U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, in his bid for re-election in 2026. The union, which represents 18 local union affiliates, made their endorsement on Thursday, according to the Toledo Blade. Husted was appointed to the seat when Republican JD Vance resigned, after his election as U.S. vice present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat who lost his bid for re-election in 2024, announced a 2026 Senate run earlier this week. You Might Like Ashland, KY Following his dream Gallery An international experience Columnists Danny Tyree: Men, are you reading enough fiction? News Marking five years Botswanan President Duma Boko speaks at the opening of the African Union (AU) Global Coalition Continental Consultation on Synthetic Drug Supply Reduction in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 25, 2025.(Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua) GABORONE, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's President Duma Boko on Monday called for a fortified, intelligence-driven alliance among African nations to combat the escalating crisis of synthetic drugs. Speaking at the opening of the African Union (AU) Global Coalition Continental Consultation on Synthetic Drug Supply Reduction in the capital, Gaborone, Boko highlighted the transnational nature of the challenge of synthetic drugs as a threat outpacing traditional law enforcement. He detailed how criminal syndicates are exploiting modern technology to traffic illicit substances and launder profits through complex channels, undermining both regional security and public health. "Our response must be equally swift and strategic," Boko said, stressing that it must be grounded in intelligence-led policing, strengthened regional partnerships, comprehensive legal frameworks, and proactive community engagement. "We cannot allow these networks to operate with impunity," he said. Amma Twum-Amoah, AU commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, outlined the AU's multipronged strategy, including establishing continental early-warning systems, creating integrated data platforms, and enhancing capacity-building for member states. The three-day event is being held under the theme, "Strengthening Efforts Towards Addressing Drug Trafficking and Advancing Crime Prevention, Justice, Criminal Justice and Rule of Law in Africa." Amma Twum-Amoah, African Union (AU) commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, speaks at the opening of the AU Global Coalition Continental Consultation on Synthetic Drug Supply Reduction in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 25, 2025.(Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua) Canada looked to deepen relations with both Europe and South America as part of efforts to diversify trade ties in the face of US tariff threats. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys meetings this week in Germany, Latvia, and Poland will focus on trade, defense, and energy co-operation, CBC reported, with the Canadian leader adding that his country could play an important role in Ukraine. Meanwhile Canadian officials said they would restart talks over a free-trade agreement with Mercosur, South Americas biggest trading bloc, negotiations which have been frozen since 2021: Last year, Canada sent more than three-quarters of its goods exports to the US. A Canadian man was arrested for speeding more than 100 mph on Route 16 in New Hampshire, state police said Tuesday. Xinnan Yan, 27, of Markham, Ontario, Canada, was arrested on a charge of reckless driving, state police said. Yan was transported to the Troop E barracks in Tamworth and later released on personal recognizance bail. At 6:01 p.m. Friday, Trooper First Class Eric Call was on patrol in Tamworth when he saw a 2024 Ferrari SF9, driven by Yan, traveling northbound at 111 mph in a posted 55 mph zone, state police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yan is scheduled to appear in Ossipee District Court on Oct. 29. 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 ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Two men were arrested on Wednesday following a narcotics investigation in Canandaigua and surrounding areas, police said. 21-year-old Amarion McMahon of Geneva, and 27-year-old Matthew Stanley of Red Creek, were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree with intent to sell and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, the City of Canandaigua Police Department reported. Police allege that during their arrests Wednesday, McMahon and Stanley were found with a large quantity of crack cocaine and a defaced, loaded 9mm handgun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both men were arraigned and were held without bail. McMahon, who is currently on parole, and Stanley are both considered predicate felons, police said. Additional felony charges are pending. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. MUSKOGEE, Okla. (KFOR) An Oklahoma man has been charged with child sexual abuse after his 11-year-old stepdaughter gave birth in their home. The Muskogee Police Department says its officers responded to a local hospital there on August 16 after getting a call that an 11-year-old had given birth at her home, in town, over an hour earlier. Dustin Walker, the childs stepfather, and Cherie Walker, the childs biological mother, were initially arrested and charged with child neglect. They were both booked on $100,000 bonds. Surviving victim of Choctaw-Del City high school football game shooting files federal lawsuit Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is horrific, said Janet Hutson, Muskogee County Assistant District Attorney. I mean, the 11-year-old child was obviously raped. She cannot give consent by whomever this person is. KJRH, an NBC affiliate in Tulsa, Oklahoma, interviewed a woman who said she was the 11-year-olds grandmother, who preferred to go by Michelle. She said the community didnt know the whole story. Theyve made my daughter and my son-in-law a monster, said Michelle. They are not. They love those children. They love them. KJRH employees asked Michelle who she believed the new babys father was. She keeps telling us that it was a little 12-year-old that I used to babysit, said Michelle. She keeps telling everybody that it was him. They got curious. Thats all I know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Hutson confirmed to News 4 that the narrative isnt supported by DNA testing. She said DNA testing shows with a 99.9% probability that Dustin Walker is the father of the 11-year-olds baby. That is the allegation, and that is the report from OSBI, said Hutson. Dustin is being charged with child sexual abuse. Cherie is being charged with enabling child sexual abuse. The couple is also facing charges of child neglect tied to the 11-year-old and five of their other younger children. She would have conceived when she was approximately ten, said Hutson. The trauma that she has endured, I cannot fathom, and the community as a whole is outraged with what has occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) The Greensboro Police Department is investigating a homicide after a 35-year-old woman was found dead on Monday afternoon. At around 1:36 p.m. on Monday, the Greensboro Fire Department, Guilford County EMS and officers came to the 1500 block of McConnell Road after getting a cardiac call. Police found a 35-year-old woman, Meyling Mercedes Carrion-Ruiz, dead at the scene. Investigators say details regarding how Carrion-Ruiz was killed are still under investigation and that her death is being investigated as a homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carrion-Ruizs death is the 26th homicide of the year in Greensboro. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW Caroline Kennedy acknowledged her family, known for its long history in American politics, has drastically changed since "Its pretty different than in the past," Caroline told New York magazine in a statement Caroline's comments come months after she issued a rare, scathing statement against her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr. before he was confirmed as Donald Trump's health secretary Caroline Kennedy is revealing more about the state of affairs in her storied family. In a statement to New York magazine, the daughter of former President John F. Kennedy noted that her family, known for its long history in American politics, has shifted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caroline's comments come nearly seven months after she issued uncharacteristically scathing claims about her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also known as Bobby ahead of his confirmation hearing for health secretary. Just to state the obvious though it seems often underweighted these days there are now more than 100 adults in our family so its pretty different than in the past, she told the magazine. Caroline's statement reinforced the "warning" that New York writer Reeves Wiedeman received about "trying to analyze the family as a cohesive unit" in today's age, per the article, which was published in the Aug. 25 issue. MPI/Getty John F. Kennedy with Jackie, John Jr. and Caroline in 1963 John F. Kennedy with Jackie, John Jr. and Caroline in 1963 The Kennedy family legacy of the former president as well as RFK Sr., Ted, Jackie, and Ethel saw a fairly public fracture when Bobby set his sights on politics in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the modern Kennedy family, most of whom have aligned with the Democratic Party, have distanced themselves from Bobby (now a figure in President Donald Trump's administration) and denounced him as unfit to serve in public office. Less than 24 hours before Bobby's first confirmation hearing to become Trump's health secretary, Caroline issued a bombshell video statement on Jan. 28 about her cousin's character, and why she believed he was unqualified to lead U.S. health policy. In the rare statement, Caroline referenced Bobby's history of drug addiction, detailed an alleged pattern of gruesome animal abuse, and accused him of exploiting the "desperation of parents of sick children" by advocating against science-backed vaccines. In addition, Caroline said, Bobby "continues to grandstand" off of the tragic Kennedy assassinations in the 1960s and takes advantage of his family's famous name. LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock; Jason Mendez/Getty JFK's daughter Caroline Kennedy and RFK's son Bobby Kennedy Jr. JFK's daughter Caroline Kennedy and RFK's son Bobby Kennedy Jr. Its incomprehensible to me that someone who is willing to exploit his own painful family tragedies for publicity would be put in charge of Americas life and death situations, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike Bobby, I try not to speak for my father, but I am certain that he and my uncle Bobby, who gave their lives in public service to this country, and my uncle Teddy, who devoted his long Senate career to the cause of improving health care, would be disgusted. After Caroline's statement, a Kennedy family insider told PEOPLE that there's always been a touchy dynamic between JFK's daughter and the many children of RFK, noting that Caroline's attack merely brought the tension to the surface. "I think Caroline and [John F. Kennedy Jr.] were always first among unequals," the source said, "and the RFK kids were always tagging at their heels." The source added that, with the modern Kennedy family "in tatters," Caroline, 67, and Bobby, 71, have found themselves the two remaining figureheads of their generation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Bobby Jr. basically wanted to be Caroline, but he never had the discipline, the gravitas or the intelligence or the discretion to do any of that," the source claimed. Bettmann Archive/Getty Kennedy family patriarch Joseph with 17 of his grandchildren. Bobby Jr. is in the front row, second from left. Caroline is in the middle row, fourth from left. Kennedy family patriarch Joseph with 17 of his grandchildren. Bobby Jr. is in the front row, second from left. Caroline is in the middle row, fourth from left. While Caroline a U.S. diplomat who has served as the ambassador to both Japan and Australia has largely remained reserved in the public eye, Bobby has been known to frequently weigh in on controversial topics and walk himself into a corner at times (such as during his first confirmation hearing, when he was questioned about his flip-flopping stances on some issues). After seeing Caroline break her longtime pattern of silence in a failed attempt to keep her cousin out of government, PEOPLE's source said that the Kennedy family is no longer what many Americans remember. "I tend to think the pages turn," the insider said. "[Caroline] has never spoken publicly about anything in her 60 years, and she comes out with this. The only time Jackie spoke out was the preservation of Grand Central. That's how rarely these people speak up." Read the original article on People President Donald Trump wants to eliminate cashless bail in the nations capital and across the country. But what exactly does that mean, and what is the controversy all about? Cashless bail is a term for criminal justice reform policies that have upended the traditional practice of making bail allowing people to pay to be released from jail before trial. Instead, reformers have called to replace that money-based system with one that focuses on public safety, defendants rights and ensuring people accused of crimes return to court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington, DC, the immediate target of Trumps ire, removed cash bail in most cases in 1992. Democratic-controlled states like New York, California and Illinois have passed bail reform laws in recent years, as have Republican-controlled states like Alaska and, under Republican Gov. Chris Christie, New Jersey. Bail reform advocates say a person who has been accused of a crime, but not yet convicted, shouldnt be held in jail based on whats in their bank account. The overall justification to move away from a money-bail system is basic fairness, said Insha Rahman, the vice president of advocacy and partnerships at Vera Action, an advocacy group. There should not be two systems of justice, one for the poor and one for the rich. But the reforms didnt just limit or eliminate cash bail they also made certain lower-level crimes ineligible for pre-trial detention. Opponents of the reforms say they have tied judges hands and created a revolving door of people repeatedly arrested and then immediately released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have turnstile justice where recidivists have been arrested for the same crime hundreds of times and you cant impose bail, said James Gagliano, a retired FBI supervisory special agent and doctoral candidate at St. Johns University. Its wrong and it doesnt fix the system. The basics of how bail works In general, when you are arrested and accused of a crime, you are taken to court in short order for a detention hearing. There, a judge hears some of the allegations and evidence and then decides whether to keep you in jail before the trial. The judge can also decide to let you out until trial under some conditions, known as bail. Typically, bail includes a monetary amount that is returned to you at the end of the case. Bail can range from the non-monetary personal recognizance to thousands or even millions of dollars. The amount is ostensibly based on some combination of the severity of the crime and a total that incentivizes you to come back to court for trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over time, this system led to an industry of bail bond businesses that pay off your bond in exchange for a fee. If you cant afford to pay, you are stuck in jail until trial. In the US, about 562,000 people are detained in local jails, and about 80% of them have not been convicted of a crime, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. The teenager who spent 3 years in Rikers because he couldnt pay $3,000 The problem with the money-based bail system is best exemplified by the short life of Kalief Browder. The 16-year-old New York high schooler was arrested in 2010 on charges of stealing a backpack, and unable to pay the $3,000 bail, he spent three years at New Yorks notorious Rikers Island jail without being convicted of a crime. The charge was eventually dropped, but the trauma of the years of imprisonment, including long periods in solitary confinement, left its mark. He died by suicide in 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Browders story, later turned into a Netflix documentary, spurred greater awareness about the unfairness of the money-bail system and spurred calls for reform. In 2017, the bipartisan duo of Sens. Kamala Harris and Rand Paul introduced a bail reform bill that featured Browders story. (The bill did not become law.) At the other end of the spectrum, wealthy people are able to use their money to avoid jail time before trial. The movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, for example, was charged with rape and criminal sex act in 2018 and then released on $1 million bail. Rahman previously worked as a public defender in the Bronx, New York, and said she saw people stuck behind bars for minor crimes, like jumping the subway turnstile or possessing marijuana, just because they were poor. What I saw every day in the courts was people were there in jail because they couldnt afford the price of their freedom, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For every single one of those cases, from the most minor and insignificant to the most serious and concerning, the bail system was exactly the same, she added. An amount of money would be set, and whether or not the person could pay it was the determining factor of whether they stayed in jail or were released. That privileges money and wealth, not public safety. A man pays cash bail in the bond office to secure his brother's release on December 21, 2022, at Division 5 of the Cook County Jail. - Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service/Getty Images Advocates for reform also say spending any time in jail is destabilizing and can lead to losing a job or housing setting the stage for further crime. Further, the idea that requiring someone to post bail money will ensure they come back to court misunderstands criminal behavior and why people fail to show up for trial, said David Olson, the co-director of Loyola University Chicagos Center for Criminal Justice. Its not that they fear losing money, its things like they have a substance use disorder, or theyre homeless, or theyve got mental health issues, or they have no reliable transportation to get to court, he said. The impact of bail reform policies The bail reform movement has succeeded in changing bail systems in several states over the past decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico largely eliminated cash bail in 2016, as did New Jersey in 2017 and Alaska in 2018. New Yorks bail reform efforts became law in early 2020, and Illinois law began in 2023. While each state law is different, these laws have generally limited or eliminated cash bail for misdemeanor offenses. In their place, the new systems try to use less restrictive means to ensure defendants return to court, such as supervisory release, electronic monitoring or connections to pre-trial services. The impact of these changes is a major source of debate. In New York, the bail reform bill signed into law by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo made certain lower-level crimes completely ineligible for pre-trial detention, such as shoplifting or misdemeanor assaults. Most violent crimes are still eligible for detention and cash bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the law has faced sharp criticism and has been changed several times to give judges more discretion in deciding when people can be kept in jail pre-trial. New York Citys mayor and the states governor, both moderate Democrats, say the law has allowed people accused of low-level crimes to remain free despite repeated arrests. For example, in 2022, Adams and police officials said 211 defendants were each arrested at least three times for burglary through June of that year, a major jump compared to the 87 people in the first six months of 2017. Some of the bail changes done in 2018, reformed again in 2020, were still not doing the job that I needed to be done here, and that is to protect New Yorkers, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in 2022. Gagliano, the former FBI agent, said he believed the bail reform laws were an overreaction to tragic situations like Browders. He said police are frustrated that they can arrest people and the defendants are released before the paperwork is even finished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre now bringing them in, putting them in front of a judge, the judges hands are tied and the judge has to release the person because that crime in and of itself is not eligible for bail, he said. To me, its just throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Trump supporters protest New York state's bail reform laws in Times Square in New York City on February 23, 2020. - Gabriele Holtermann-Gorden/Sipa However, researchers have questioned the connection between bail reform and crime stats. In one study, the Brennan Center for Justice, a nonprofit progressive think-tank, analyzed crime data from 33 cities from 2015 to 2021 and found no evidence that bail reform affects crime rates. More broadly, jurisdictions across the country saw crime rates rise in the years after the Covid-19 pandemic, only to then decline in the past couple years. Olson, who is studying the impact of Illinois bail reform law, similarly said the early evidence suggests the law there has had an altogether muted impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We got rid of money, the jail population went down a little bit, the (pre-trial) hearings got a little bit more complicated and take more time, he said. It doesnt seem like crime has gone up. It doesnt seem like failure to appear rates have changed a whole lot. Trumps executive orders target cashless bail Still, the president is one of those critics of the reforms. Trump signed executive orders at the White House on Monday that would withhold grant funding to districts that have a cashless bail policy and would move applicable criminal defendants in DC to federal custody to ensure theyll be held in federal prison pre-trial. One order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to send the president a list of states and local jurisdictions that have substantially eliminated cash bail within 30 days. Federal funding for those jurisdictions could be at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our great law enforcement officers risk their lives to arrest potentially violent criminals, only to be forced to arrest the same individuals, sometimes for the same crimes, while they await trial on the previous charges, the executive order reads. This is a waste of public resources and a threat to public safety. While signing the orders at the White House, Trump offered his own views on the policies. President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on August 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images That was when the big crime in this country started, Trump said. They kill people, and they get out cashless bail, he added. They thought it was discriminatory to make people put up money because they just killed three people lying on a street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Policies vary by jurisdiction, but judges can generally detain defendants accused of serious crimes such as murder or manslaughter before trial. The president has his own personal experiences with cashless bail. After his arraignment on charges of falsifying business records in New York in 2023, he was released on his own recognizance without putting up any cash. He similarly was released on his own recognizance in his two federal criminal cases in Washington, DC, and Florida. In his case in Fulton County, Georgia, where he faced charges connected to alleged efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss, he had to post a $200,000 bond, contributing 10% himself and working with a bail bonds company to cover the rest. CNNs Alayna Treene, Holmes Lybrand, Tara Subramaniam and Daniel Dale contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Criminal justice advocates warn that President Donald Trumps executive orders aimed at ending cashless bail policies will disproportionately impact low-income communities. Black and brown people, who are overrepresented in the criminal justice system, will suffer the most, they say. Black Americans are already over 25% more likely to be held in jail pretrial with bail than white people facing similar charges, according to a report by the Prison Policy Initiative. Trump signed two executive orders Monday as part of his administrations stated effort to reduce crime in the nations capital. The orders also came two weeks into the administrations federal takeover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Trumps latest move, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser defended the citys approach to public safety, pointing to an emergency crime bill passed in June 2024 that, in part, expanded the list of offenses that would be ineligible for pretrial detention, and has reduced crime in the district. It, I frankly think, has worked better than any system, Bowser said at Mondays press conference in response to Trumps latest round of executive orders. Under cashless bail systems, individuals accused of misdemeanors, violations, or low-level felonies may be released without paying money. Instead, law enforcement or prosecutors use risk assessment tools which consider factors like criminal history, offense severity, and likelihood of appearing in court to help judges decide whether a person is eligible for release. Cashless bail is a disaster, Trump said during Mondays press conference. Its been a horrible thing for crime, especially violent crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2024 study by the nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law found no statistically significant link between bail reform and crime rates. The researchers compared crime trends in 22 cities that implemented some form of bail reform with 11 cities that did not. Multiple criminal justice advocacy nonprofit organizations, including the ACLU, the Vera Institute of Justice, and the Advancement Project, denounced the administrations assessment of Washingtons cashless bail system, which has been a nationally recognized model since 1992. There is no public safety crisis here, only a political one. This executive order is not about crime, its about control, wrote Clinique Chapman, CEO of the D.C. Justice Lab, in an emailed statement to Capital B. Replacing our system with a money-based model would mean jailing people simply because theyre poor. Once again, its DCs Black residents that will pay the price. How will Trumps executive orders to end cashless bail affect Black communities in the nations capital, and what are the potential ripple effects to other cities and states? What are Trumps executive orders on cashless bail? President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on Aug. 25 that includes ending cashless bail in the District of Columbia. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Trump issued two executive orders on Aug. 25 addressing cashless bail systems. The first threatens to withhold federal funding from jurisdictions like Washington, D.C., California, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York that rely on risk assessment tools rather than a persons ability to pay for release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judges still have discretion and may still detain individuals, set cash bail, or a secure bond if they are deemed a flight risk or a threat to public safety. A secure bail bond requires an individual or a loved one to pay money or provide collateral often through a private bail bond company to secure release from jail before trial. If the charged individual appears in court as required, the collateral may be returned, but fees paid to the bond company are typically non-refundable. Its more an incentive for those accused of a crime to return to court because they dont want their familys home to get taken away if they skipped town, said Michelle Esquenazi, president and founder of the New York State Bail Association. The other executive order directs law enforcement to pursue federal charges that allow individuals to be held in pretrial detention without the option of release effectively bypassing local judges discretion to grant release without cash bail. According to The New York Times, before Trump signed the order on Aug. 25, federal prosecutors had already begun charging individuals in the district with minor offenses, such as open container violations and vandalism, to detain them pretrial. Can the federal government override local bail laws? Were ending it, but were starting by ending it in D.C., and that we have the right to do through federalization, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While legal experts say its unclear whether the federal government can constitutionally override local bail laws particularly in cities like Chicago, New York, and Baltimore, which set their own policies the federal government cannot do so directly. Instead, it may apply political or financial pressure, though such efforts would likely face legal challenges over states rights. Insha Rahman, vice president of advocacy and partnerships at the Vera Institute of Justice, noted that many of those targeted areas by this administration are led by Democratic, mostly Black leaders, who have opposed Trumps efforts. Cities and states should be ready with a plan of action to challenge these unconstitutional actions this overreach in court, she said while highlighting mayors of Baltimore, Boston, and Oakland, California, as well as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Trump has indicated that Chicago may be the next city where his administration deploys federal forces. In response, the citys mayor noted that Chicago home to one of the largest Black populations in the U.S. has seen a significant drop in violent crime, including a more than 30% decrease in homicides. And Pritzker told Trump: Dont come to Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, Washingtons police department has reported sharp declines in crime across several categories, but that did not stop the districts 30-day takeover. Rahman emphasizes that Trumps actions this term, including cuts to health care, food assistance, and jobs programs, actually undermine safety rather than improve it. How does cash bail hurt Black communities? Black people are more often assigned bail and at higher amounts than white people, the American Bar Association reports. Nearly 60% of people who are incarcerated for three days can experience job loss or must change jobs, a federal probation report from 2018 found. The report also found that, during just three days in jail, some individuals lost custody of their children or were evicted from public housing, which often prohibits residents with a criminal record. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that while the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution protects against excessive bail, it does not guarantee a right to it in all cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to targeting Washingtons long-standing cashless bail regime, Trumps executive order directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to compile a list within 30 days of states and local jurisdictions that have substantially eliminated cash bail for crimes that pose a clear threat to public safety and order, including violent, sexual, indecency, burglary, looting, and vandalism offenses. Earlier this month, Bondi released a list of 35 jurisdictions states, counties, and cities labeled as sanctuary jurisdictions. These places, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, were warned they could face legal action or lose federal funding if they did not comply. Some locations on this list may appear on Bondis impending cashless bail list. What does the cashless bail policy have to do with federal funding? Trump expressed frustration with Washingtons cashless bail system that, in his view, releases too many individuals instead of holding them in federal custody. Police activity in the district has faced increased scrutiny since he issued an executive order directing federal agents and local officers to crack down on crime despite the city recently reaching a 30-year low in violent crime. Esquenazi, who is also president of the National Association of Bail Agents, said this administration has been doing a deep dive on how federal funds such as those from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, named after a slain New York Police Department officer, have been allocated locally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What theyre deciding to do is shut down the federal gush of money to the states so that they will stop using that money to fund these programs, Esquenazi said in a phone interview with Capital B. Essentially, what happens is an offender is arrested by the state, prosecuted by the state, and then released free by the state, so these offenders are not particularly impacted. Theres no essential consequence to any of it. Rahman said those federal grants arent that substantial, and theres a community safety benefit to these pretrial services programs. These pretrial services programs remind people to come back to court. People are coming back to court, Rahman said. The court experience rates improve, and they provide the connection to services, mental health, drug treatment, job training opportunities that actually help to prevent and break the cycle of crime. The post Cashless Bail Helps Keep Families Together. Trump Wants to Shut It Down. appeared first on Capital B News. KABUL, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- The counter-terrorism police have discovered arms and ammunition during a series of operations in eastern Afghanistan's Kapisa province, said a news release of the provincial police office on Tuesday. The weaponry, according to the news release, includes seven stocks of AK-47 assault rifles, pistols, projectiles and hundreds of bullets, which have been discovered from individuals who kept them illegally. Without providing further details, the news release warned that no one has the right to possess or carry arms unlawfully. Previously, police discovered and seized arms and ammunition, including three anti-aircraft guns, in the southern Uruzgan province some 10 days ago. President Donald Trump on Monday signed two executive orders targeting cashless bail, claiming that the practice in certain Democratic cities is leading to criminal activity. That was when the big crime in this country started, Trump told reporters at the White House. Somebody kills somebody, they go in, Dont worry about itno cash, come back in a couple of months, well give you a trial, you never see the person again. The President said he plans to eliminate the practice, starting with his federal takeover of Washington, D.C., which he claims has been a hotbed of crime despite declining crime rates. Were starting by ending it in D.C., and that we have the right to do through federalization, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also criticized Illinois, which in 2023 became the first state to completely eliminate cash bail. They have a great cashless bail. You dont even have to go to court sometimes, Trump mocked. Heres what to know. What is cashless bail? Cashless bail is a system that allows people to be released from pretrial detention without paying any money. The condition of release depends largely on the severity of the crime, meaning that individuals accused of certain low-level, non-violent crimes have a higher chance of being released before trial. Proponents of cashless bail argue that its counterpart, cash bail, is unjust, particularly to poor people. Those who cannot afford to bail themselves out may resort to extortionary private bail bond companies. Or if they cant pay bail, they have to stay in jail despite not being convicted of any crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 2019 book excerpt published in TIME, criminal justice advocate Alec Karakatsanis wrote, In the six years before my organization, Civil Rights Corps, filed a constitutional civil rights lawsuit challenging the money bail system in Harris County, Texas, 55 human beings died in the local jail in downtown Houston because they were too poor to buy their release before trial. Data from the Vera Institute of Justice, an organization that advocates for alternatives to cash bail, shows that roughly half of people in the U.S. struggle to afford a $400 emergency expense. The Eighth Amendment prohibits excessive bail, though the average bail set on a felony case is $10,000. The American Civil Liberties Union, in a statement after Trump issued his latest executive orders targeting cashless bail, said the people who will be most impacted are those with the fewest resources. Whether we can afford to pay should never determine our freedom. Which U.S. jurisdictions have cashless bail? At the federal level, cash bail for those charged with federal crimes was largely curtailed by the Bail Reform Act of 1966, which aimed to assure that all persons, regardless of their financial status, shall not needlessly be detained pending their appearance to answer charges, to testify, or pending appeal. But this was repealed by an amendment in 1984. The 1984 law substantially modified modern operations of federal criminal courts, establishing a practice whereby certain charges would almost certainly result in preventative detention, according to a report released earlier this year by the nonprofit The Bail Project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States and smaller local jurisdictions have also implemented their own bail reforms. Washington, D.C., has operated without a money bail system since 1992, instead relying on judges risk assessments to determine whether someone who is awaiting trial is a flight risk or a threat to public safety. New Jersey also adopted a pretrial public safety assessment as an alternative to cash bail in 2017. New York removed cash bail for certain crimes in 2020. In 2023, Los Angeles County implemented a Pre-Arraignment Release Protocol, a zero-bail policy system that eliminated cash bail except for the most serious of crimes. Illinois, however, made history the same year, becoming the first state to abolish cash bail altogether, after the states Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of a law that would abolish it. Criticisms of cashless bail policies Trump and his team have argued that cashless bail enables more crimes. Cashless bailthey thought it was discriminatory to make people put up money because they just killed three people lying on a street, the President said in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fact sheet released by the White House reads: Cashless bail policies allow dangerous individuals to immediately return to the streets and further endanger law-abiding, hard-working Americans because they know our laws will not be enforced. A connection between bail reform and crime rates, however, has not been clearly established. The factsheet cited a 2023 study from the District Attorneys Office of Yolo County, Calif., which found that the countys COVID-era zero bail policy resulted in 163% more crime and 200% more violent crime compared to those who posted bail from April 2020 to May 2021. The study, however, noted that individuals were released without any conditions and without any type of risk assessment conducted. A Brennan Center for Justice report in August 2024 found that while both politicians and police leaders have blamed cashless bail and similar policies for upticks in violent crime, there is no statistically significant relationship between the two, after researchers compared 22 U.S. jurisdictions with bail reform policies to 11 without. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A year after the law eliminating cash bail in Illinois took effect, researchers at the Loyola Chicago Center for Criminal Justice released a report that said: While we lack the data needed for a causal analysis at this point, we can say at least that crime in Illinois did not go up. Trump, however, appears to echo Republicans false claims that Democrat-led jurisdictions have suffered disproportionately from violent crimes. When Im re-elected, I will crack down on the left-wing jurisdictions that refuse to prosecute dangerous criminals and set loose violent felons on cashless bail, Trump said in 2024, which was quoted in the White House fact sheet. Trumps orders on cashless bail One executive order was specific to D.C., where Trump ordered law enforcement to ensure that those arrested in the capital are held in Federal custody to the fullest extent permissible under applicable law and, to the extent possible, to pursue Federal charges and pretrial detention for such arrestees. Attorney General Pam Bondi is also tasked with reviewing practices by D.C. law enforcement that could result in pretrial release of criminal defendants who pose a threat to public safety. Under the order, she must also review the capitals cashless bail policies and press the district to change them. Pressure may include federal funding decisions or the provision of Federal services or approvals by agency heads, as well as actions the Attorney General identifies as necessary and appropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other order has a national scope: the Attorney General must submit a list within 30 days of state and local jurisdictions that have, in the Attorney Generals opinion, substantially eliminated cash bail as a potential condition of pretrial release for crimes that pose a clear threat to public safety and order. These, according to the order, may include violent, sexual, or indecent acts, or burglary, looting, and vandalism. The Administration will then identify federal funds currently provided to those jurisdictions that may be suspended or terminated. Contact us at letters@time.com. Officers with Customs and Border Protection busted two men wanted in Texas for child sex crimes over the weekend. CBP officers arrested 49-year-old Cirino Gutierrez and 70-year-old Bernardo Vasquez Rodriguez separately this weekend. Both suspects were wanted in Texas for indecency with a child by sexual contact. Gutierrez, an American citizen, was wanted in the South Texas town of Alton. Rodriguez, a Mexican citizen, was wanted in Harris County near Houston. In Texas, indecency with a child by sexual contact is a second-degree felony, which can bring up to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Gutierrez approached the Progreso International Bridge about halfway between Brownsville and McAllen on August 23, CBP officers referred him for secondary inspection, according to a press release. Then, they used biometric verification to run him through law enforcement databases. He had a felony warrant from the Alton Police Department for indecency with a child by sexual contact. Officers turned him over to the department to bring him to jail so he could face the warrant. Gutierrez was booked in the Hidalgo County Jail on August 25, according to jail records. He faced a $20,000 bond. CBP officers frequently encounter fugitives of the law wanted for a variety of offenses, sexual crimes against children still rank amongst the most heinous, said Progreso Port Director Michael Martinez in the release. Then the next day, August 24, Rodriguez approached the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge near Laredo, according to a press release. He was a passenger on a commercial bus at the time, and CBP officers similarly referred him for secondary inspection for biometric verification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found he had an outstanding felony warrant for indecency with a child by sexual contact from the Harris County Sheriffs Office near Houston. They turned him over to the Webb County Sheriffs Office to await criminal proceedings. This apprehension reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities, our children, said Laredo Port Director Alberto Flores in the release. We will continue working alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that individuals accused of committing crimes against children are held accountable. In both instances, officials credited the National Crime Information Center a centralized automated database where law enforcement agencies can share information, including outstanding warrants. Last week, CBP officers in Del Rio nabbed a suspect wanted in White Settlement for aggravated sex assault of a child. On the same day in Eagle Pass, CBP officers arrested a man wanted in Chicago on the identical charge. As The Dallas Express previously reported, ICE also arrested a Mexican national on August 18 in Houston, who was a criminal alien and convicted child predator. SHADY SPRING, WV (WVNS) Raleigh County students are preparing to return to the classroom. But this year there will be new expectations regarding mobile devices. Fraud scams: Dont fall for that call In its 2025 session, the West Virginia Legislature passed House Bill 2003 restricting cell phone use in schools. Counties across the state have adjusted their policies accordingly. According to local educators the range of features available through smartphones can make it very difficult for students to focus on their studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I as a classroom teacher cant compete with the cell phone. Its way more interesting than I am, theres a lot more things; it occupies the students hands, eyes, and ears, Shady Spring teacher, William Wood told 59News. So, the state has issued this cell phone policy to help kids learn. The new policy requires students to keep devices put away during instruction. This can mean leaving the device in a pocket, backpack, purse, or car. Some parents have voiced concerns about being able to contact students during the school day in the event of an emergency. Teachers said there will be other avenues available through which parents can reach their kids, even while class is in session. We are a highly connected school. There [are] opportunities outside the classroom for the student to use their phone, said Wood. Theres a world of opportunities out there and we want every door possible to be open to all our kids. If they dont make the grades and dont make the test scores, some of those doors become shut. At Shady Spring High School, violation of the new policy can result in confiscation of a students mobile device. Wood said it will be an adjustment for students and teachers alike, but says students will have greater learning opportunities with the new policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) It was a different kind of stake out as Champaign County law enforcement took a break from patrolling the streets and raised money for a great cause. Officers set up shop outside the North Fair Texas Roadhouse for their annual tip-a-cop fundraiser. 10% of dine-in orders went to Special Olympics Illinois. Anti-gun violence advocates working for change after Champaign shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers said they had a good turnout, which is par for the course. Never had an issue where I reach out to these departments, they theyre usually immediately, helpful to both the command team and the officers themselves, said correctional officer Micah McMahon. Usually the first thing they want to do is come out and support a great cause. These officers and a good chunk of them are coming on their own time doing, volunteering their time in uniform to just raise money for a great cause. And thats what makes this all worth it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. SACRAMENTO, California An expansive network of labor juggernauts and Democratic-aligned groups is pledging to help the campaign to gerrymander Californias congressional map with its ground game and field operation, a spokesperson for the effort first told POLITICO. The California Democratic Party and Gov. Gavin Newsoms political team will get support with grassroots organizing from SEIU California, the California Teachers Association and California Federation of Labor, union allies that have supported the governor in past ballot measure campaigns. Also involved are the California Calls Action Fund, the CHIRLA Action Fund and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. So far, the campaign for California Democrats counter-Texas gerrymander has recruited more than 20,000 volunteers to assist, while 75,000 supporters watched a recent volunteer Zoom and nearly 1,000 Californians registered for a first round of trainings, according to the spokesperson, Nathan Click. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic Party perennially leans on left-leaning labor groups for canvassing, and in blue California, the bench of eager union volunteers and paid door knockers is so deep that members routinely travel out of state to campaign . The success or failure of this reactivated ground operation and the strength of the opposing campaigns field work could be particularly critical in a low-turnout, off-year election. California voters will decide whether to redraw the state's congressional lines with the aim of flipping five GOP House seats on Nov. 4. Our members have been looking around and seeing an administration that has shown nothing but cruelty to their neighbors and family members, said SEIU state political director Oscar Lopez. They are champing at the bit to join the fight back. SEIU California will communicate with its 750,000 odd members about the rapidly approaching election but also knock on the doors of non-union voters, Lopez said, likening the effort to 2021, when the union fought Newsoms recall with similar methods. Aisle 518, the Democratic firm that services both Newsom and Bernie Sanders digital operations, is helming the campaigns fundraising and digital efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CTA dropped $3 million into Newsoms redistricting campaign committee and SEIU Californias state council cut a $1 million check for the effort, financial disclosures show. And that wont be SEIUs last contribution, said Lopez. The campaign raised more than $9 million from digital grassroots and mobilization efforts alone during its first week, Click told Playbook. That figure doesnt include the big sums from unions or from John Pritzker, who gave a quarter of a million dollars and is the cousin of a potential Newsom 2028 competitor, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Like this content? Consider signing up for POLITICOs California Playbook newsletter. Germany will not join partners such as Canada and France in recognizing a Palestinian state, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday after a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. "We will not join this initiative," said Merz in a joint press conference with Carney in Berlin. "We do not consider the conditions for state recognition to be fulfilled in any way at present." Germany considers the recognition of a Palestinian state to be among the final steps in a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live peacefully side by side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, Carney announced in late July that his country would recognize Palestine as a state at the UN General Assembly in September. French President Emmanuel Macron is also planning to do so, while Britain has threatened Israel with doing so unless certain conditions are met. Carney justified the move by saying that the prospects for a two-state solution were getting worse and worse. While Merz introduced a partial arms embargo on Israel in response to Israeli plans to expand the war into Gaza City, he has now confirmed that Germany will not follow his partners in recognizing Palestine, even after the United Nations declared famine has broken out in parts of Gaza. Israel's deadly attacks continued on Monday, with at least 19 people, including five journalists, killed in a strike on the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Over the course of the upcoming Labor Day weekend, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) projects over 856,000 passengers will travel during that time. The forecasted 856,000 passengers marks a 6.6% decrease from the same time last year, but is consistent with the 2023 numbers. From August 28 through September 2, CLT is preparing for an estimated 204,000 passengers to pass through TSA checkpoints, which represents a 2.4% decrease compared to the record-breaking 2024 Labor Day weekend, but an almost 14% increase above the previous record-setting 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide, TSA anticipates screening more than 17.3 million passengers and crews. Travelers are encouraged to review CLTs Dont Wing It, Prepare to Fly! guide for a smooth, stress-free journey. The guide includes information on things like REAL ID, food and beverage offerings, and parking reservation Royalty Program. NEW ADDITIONS Construction on the Terminal Lobby Expansion is expected to be completed next month. The project adds 175,000 square feet of new space and renovates 191,000 square feet of existing space. In 2025, CLT welcomed seven new food, beverage, and retail offerings, bringing the total to 149. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, TSA introduced Families on the Fly, a dedicated screening lane at Checkpoint 1 for travelers with children. On Aug. 19, American Airlines opened Provisions by Admirals Club, an innovative grab-and-go lounge located next to Gate A1. Additionally, American Airlines is offering temporary flights to Albuquerque, New Mexico (Oct. 313), Vail, Colorado (Dec. 18Jan. 5), and a special route to Green Bay, Wisconsin for the Nov. 2 Panthers-Packers game. Seasonal nonstop service includes Aspen, Colorado (DecemberMarch) and Palm Springs, California (Dec. 20April, Saturdays 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 Queen City News. CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N.Y. (WIVB) An Ohio mans arrest is sparking renewed interest in a missing womans case from 2008 in Chautauqua County. Ohio police arrested 65-year-old Kenneth Anderson, accusing him of kidnapping, raping and assaulting a woman in Ohio. People in the Southern Tier hope the arrest brings investigators closer to solving the case of Corrie Anderson, a Jamestown mother of three who went missing while running errands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those closest to Corrie have always thought Kenneth, Corries estranged husband, was somehow involved in her disappearance, but no arrests have ever been made. Merry Williams-Diers is the founder of Western New York Missing and Unsolved Persons. She suspected Kenneth had something to do with it. Her suspicions have grown. Corrie was a mother. Corrie was a sister. Corrie was a best friend. Corrie was a daughter. Corrie was so many things to so many, Williams-Diers said. You put yourself in those shoes, as a Chautauqua County resident, and wonder, how many people are gonna give up on looking for me if I were to go missing? My answer to that is, I hope no one stops looking for me. The Buffalo News reports that last week, Kenneth was arrested in Ohio and charged in the kidnap, rape and assault of a woman there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court documents obtained by WIVB News 4, Kenneth has also been charged with resisting arrest and obstructing official business. Williams-Diers hopes this makes investigators take another look at Corries case. I do remain hopeful. Some days its easier said then done, but at the end of the day, if we become complacent then these cases are definitely not going to be solved, you know what I mean? She said. Anytime we can get any sort of media attention, traction, or just departments communicating, I think it is a beneficial thing. Williams-Diers worries that other woman were harmed. She started a petition on change.org seeking justice against Kenneth Anderson. Latest Local News Sarah Minkewicz is an Emmy-nominated reporter and Buffalo native who has been a part of the News 4 team since 2019. Follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMinkewicz and click here to see more of her work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A short-range air defense (SHORAD) vehicle that can be loaded with up to 96 small interceptors at a time has been spotted amid ongoing preparations for a huge Chinese military parade in the countrys capital, Beijing, next week. Referred to as the FK-3000, the self-contained system was developed with a particular eye toward offering mobile point defense against waves of incoming drones. The FK-3000 was developed by the state-run China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) and first emerged publicly at the Zhuhai Air Show in 2022. The extent to which the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) may have now fielded it, and whether it has been assigned a new designation in the process, is unknown. This picture, showing an FK-3000 still under wraps, first began circulating online some two weeks ago. Chinese internet The SHORAD system consists primarily of a turret that can be loaded with the aforementioned mini-interceptors, as well as larger types, mounted on a 66 Shaanxi SX2220 tactical truck. The FK-3000 has been shown with asymmetric interceptor loads in the past, as seen below. An FK-3000, or mock-up thereof, previously seen on display with 48 small interceptors loaded on one side of its turret and larger interceptors on the other. Chinese internet The clearest image that has emerged from the parade preparations so far, seen at the top of this story, shows an example with 12 missile canisters loaded on each side. The front covers on the canisters appear to have cross-cut patterns, which could point to quad-packed interceptors inside. They could also be cuts to help a larger interceptor break through. As noted, multiple interceptors are available for the system. A close-up of the missile canisters seen in the image from the parade preparations, with what looks to be cross-cut patterns visible on the front covers. Chinese internet The turret on the FK-3000 is further armed with a 30mm automatic cannon. Automatic cannons like this are an increasingly common feature on SHORAD systems globally, including in the United States, especially ones with a counter-drone focus. They are often paired with proximity-fuzed and/or airbursting ammunition to increase the probability of a hit against smaller targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FK-3000 also has an integrated radar array and electro-optical and infrared video cameras for target detection and tracking. Depending on the particular interceptors it is loaded with, the FK-3000 has a reported slant engagement range from 300 meters to 12,000 meters, depending on the particular interceptors it is loaded with. CASIC has said in the past that it is capable of downing a variety of aerial threats, including helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones. It has also been described as having an anti-cluster and anti-ammunition capability, which points to a mission set commonly known as C-RAM (counter-rockets, artillery, and mortars). A placard discussing the FK-3000 seen at an earlier trade show in China. Chinese internet An electronic warfare jammer has also been offered as part of the FK-3000 system, but it is unclear when the versions that will be on display at the upcoming parade in Beijing will have that feature. The examples that have been seen so far as part of the ongoing preparations do feature a very prominent antenna dome on top of one side of the cab, which could be tied to a beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications/networking capability. When it was first unveiled in 2022, CASIC said the truck-based FK-3000 could also act as a central node in a team together with a pair of tracked uncrewed ground vehicles with their own SHORAD turrets loaded with small interceptors. While multiple types of UGVs have emerged as part of the preparations for next weeks parade in Beijing, it is unclear whether any of them are tied to this SHORAD system. Even by itself, and just with 24 interceptors, the system looks to offer a significant amount of SHORAD capability in a self-contained road-mobile package. At the same time, multiple truck-based FK-3000s loaded with different mixes of interceptors could provide a significant layered point-defense against a wide variety of targets, while also offering valuable magazine depth benefits, especially if they can be networked together. The mobility would help it keep up with forces on the move, as well as rapidly get into position or reposition in other operational contexts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FK-3000 is just one of a number of new SHORAD systems to emerge in China in recent years. This also includes the Type 625E, which features a turret that can be loaded with up to eight anti-air interceptors, and is also armed with a six-barrel 25mm Gatling-type cannon, all mounted on an 88 light armored vehicle chassis. A Type 625E SHORAD system. Chinese internet Since 2022, the war in Ukraine has provided clear evidence of the potential threats posed by attacks involving mixtures of various tiers of drones, as well as subsonic cruise missiles, even in relatively modest volumes. This has all been further underscored by observations of attacks launched by Iran on Israel, as well as by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen on warships and commercial vessels in and around the Red Sea, in the past two years or so. Last year, in light of these threats, Russia also rolled out a new variant of its Pantsir SHORAD system capable of being loaded with up to 48 smaller interceptors at once and with a particular focus on defending static sites against drone attacks. The Pantsir SMD-E version also notably deleted the two twin-barrel 2A38M 30mm automatic cannons found on most other ground-based variants. A Pantsir SMD-E SHORAD system on display. Rostec The FK-3000 also stands in stark contrast to the kinds of systems that the U.S. military is now in the process of fielding as it continues to play catch-up after decades of neglecting the SHORAD mission following the end of the Cold War. For example, the U.S. Armys new Stryker-based Sgt. Stout SHORAD vehicles can be loaded with just eight Stinger missiles, or four AGM-114L Longhow Hellfires, or a mix of the two, and is also armed with a 30mm automatic cannon. The Army has the palletized launchers for its Enduring Shield system that can be packed with up to 18 AIM-9X Sidewinders, as well, while the U.S. Marine Corps has adopted a version of Israels Iron Dome, the launcher that can hold up to 20 Tamir interceptors at once. Neither Enduring Shield nor Iron Dome are self-contained mobile systems. One of the US Armys Stryker-based Sgt. Stout SHORAD systems with its turret configured to fire both Stinger and AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missiles. US Army An Enduring Shield launcher. Leidos Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A launcher for the Marine Corps version of the Iron Dome system. A total of 10 Tamir missile canisters are seen here loaded on the launcher, which can hold up to 20 at a time. USMC A Marine Corps MRIC Expeditionary Launcher. A total of 10 Tamir missile canisters are seen here loaded on the launcher, which can hold up to 20 at a time. USMC The Army did previously test a Miniature Hit-to-Kill (MHTK) interceptor from Lockheed Martin that could be quad-packed into launch canisters. That work was conducted as part of broader testing of a truck-mounted Multi-Mission Launcher (MML) capable of carrying up to 15 launch canisters at once, which would have allowed for a total load of 60 MHTK interceptors. However, the service did not decide to pursue that as an operational capability. Externally at least, the MHTK design has some very rough similarities to the smaller interceptors CASIC has shown for the FK-3000. A cutaway mock-up showing how multiple MHTK interceptors can fit inside a single Multi-Mission Launcher cell. Joseph Trevithick With the threats posed by drones, in particular, continuing to expand and evolve, Chinas FK-3000, with its ability to carry a very large load of small interceptors, may come to reflect a broader trend in future short-range air defense systems globally. Contact the author: joe@twz.com Mike Evans knew something had to change. As the lead instructor for American Government 1101 at Georgia State University in 2021, Evans had watched his students over the years show up with fewer facts and more conspiracy theories. Gone were the days when students arrived on campus with dim memories of high school civics. Now, they came armed with bold, often misleading beliefs shaped by hours spent each day on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One example of misinformation making the rounds back then was an anonymously posted video that more than half of teens in a national survey said provided "strong evidence" of U.S. voter fraud. The video was actually shot in Russia, crucial context that could be gleaned by entering a few choice keywords into a browser. Ignoring the problem of online gullibility felt irresponsible -- even negligent. How could the course deliver on its aim of helping students become "effective and responsible participants in American democracy" if it turned a blind eye to digital misinformation? At the same time, a major overhaul of a course that enrolls more than 4,000 students each year -- with 15 instructors teaching 42 sections in person, online and in a hybrid format -- would create a logistical nightmare. That's when Evans, a political scientist, came across the Civic Online Reasoning curriculum, developed by the research group I used to lead at Stanford University. The curriculum, which is freely available to anyone, teaches a set of strategies based on how professional fact-checkers evaluate online information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fall 2021, he reached out with a question: Could aspects of the curriculum be incorporated into American Government 1101 without turning the whole course on its head? My team and I thought so. Teaching informed citizenship Evans' challenge was hardly unique to his campus. For Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, social media -- especially YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat -- has become their source of information about the world, eclipsing traditional news outlets. In a survey of more than 1,000 young people ages 13 to 18, 8 in 10 said they encounter conspiracy theories in their social media feeds each week, yet only 39% reported receiving instruction in evaluating the claims they saw there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We built our Civic Online Reasoning program to address this gap. When we launched the program in 2018, digital literacy was a catchall that included everything from editing and uploading videos to cyberbullying and sexting. "Checking the credibility of sources" was just one criterion among many buried in a list of desired outcomes. We narrowed the focus of our program to skills essential to being an informed citizen, such as "lateral reading" -- that is, using the full context of the internet to judge the quality of a claim, identify the people or organizations behind it and assess their credibility. Rather than fixate solely on the message, we taught students to vet the messenger: What organizations stand behind the claim? Does the source of the claim have a conflict of interest? What are the source's credentials or expertise? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We tested our approach in an experiment in 12th-grade classrooms teaching government in Lincoln, Neb., public schools. Across six hours of instruction -- two hours less than the average teen spends online each day -- students nearly doubled in their ability to locate quality information compared to a control group. We thought it wouldn't be a huge leap to extend our approach to college classrooms. In a version of this program modified for Evans' course, we designed six short modules that could be used asynchronously, meaning that students could complete them on their own time, regardless of course format. Unlike information literacy lessons that soar above the particulars of any one discipline, our modules were closely tied to course content. In a unit on the executive branch, for instance, students examined an Instagram video that falsely claimed President Joe Biden wanted Americans to pay more at the gas pump. In a module on the judiciary, they watched a video on TikTok about Ketanji Brown Jackson's Supreme Court confirmation, posted by a partisan, left-leaning organization. We created videos that pulled back the curtain by deconstructing tactics common in political campaigns -- quotes ripped from context, videos spliced and selectively edited, and corporate-funded websites that masquerade as grassroots efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also taught students how to check facts like the pros. The main strategy was lateral reading -- searching across the Internet to see what other, more credible sources say about an organization or influencer. We challenged common assumptions too, such as that Wikipedia is always unreliable. Not true, especially for "protected pages," indicated by a padlock icon at the top of an article, which prevent editorial changes except those made by established Wikipedians. Another is the belief that a dot-org website has passed rigorous tests that qualify it as a charity, which is never true. Dot-org has always been an "open" domain that anyone can register, no questions asked. These lessons took just 150 minutes in total over the semester, and instructors didn't need to change a thing; they just listed the lessons on the course schedule. Positive outcomes, modest effort Did this approach work for Evans and his American Government 1101 students? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across two semesters in one academic year, 3,488 students took a test at the beginning of the course and again at the end. It included items such as one in which students evaluated a website that claimed it "does not represent any industry or political group" but is actually backed by fossil fuel interests. In June, Evans, two co-authors and I uploaded a preprint of a journal article, which hasn't yet been peer reviewed, that documents the experiment and its results. We found that from the beginning to the end of the semester, students became a lot smarter at identifying shady sources and more confident in evaluating where information comes from. Students' scores showing how well they were able to do this improved by 18%. Even better, 80% said they "learned important things" from the modules. Not bad for an easily adopted addition to the course. These results add to other studies we've conducted, such as one in a college nutrition class and one in a rhetoric and writing intro course, that similarly showed how educators can improve students' digital literacy -- and their awareness of misinformation -- without causing a major disruption to the curriculum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And I believe it's needed. A chasm separates the approved content that appears on students' reading lists and the massive amount of unregulated, unverified and unreliable content they consume online. The good news? This intervention could work in any subject where misinformation runs wild: history, nutrition, economics, biology and politics. Findings similar to ours from other college campuses buoy our confidence in the approach. These changes don't require waiting for a big revolution. Small steps can go a long way. And in a world flooded with misinformation, helping students learn to sort fact from fiction might be the most civic thing we can do. Sam Wineburg is an emeritus professor of education at Stanford University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The views and opinions in this commentary at solely those of the author. TEHRAN, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Monday strongly condemned a deadly Israeli attack earlier in the day on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip. The attack, in which at least 20 Palestinians, including five journalists, were killed and several others injured, was a "heinous crime," he said in a statement. Baghaei said the "brutal bombing was a war crime" designed and perpetrated by Israel in line with its "genocide" plan against Palestinians to eliminate Palestine as a nation and identity. The relevant international organizations' inaction in the face of Israel's "flagrant violations of human and humanitarian rights in Gaza and the West Bank is disgraceful," he said, highlighting the legal and moral responsibility of all governments to stop the "genocide" against Palestinians and punish Israeli "criminals." Nasser Hospital is the last remaining partially functional hospital in southern Gaza. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) Chef Niema DiGrazia is back on screen, serving up some heated competition, but this time, shell face off against her own sous chef, Chef DeUnaka Haley. Chef Niema and Chef DeUnaka will battle it out on the competitive cooking show Chef Grudge Match. A new Food Network series designed to settle old issues between a chef and their right-hand man in the kitchen. Sous Chef DeUnaka Haley is out to finally earn Chef Niemas trust and convince her to modernize their dishes, or risk losing customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair will compete in a timed battle, utilizing secret weapons each chef can bring from home. When the final bell rings, judges will taste each chefs dish and decide who walks out of the arena with $10,000 in cash, the others most cherished knife, and the final word in a lasting battle of student versus master. This isnt Chef Niemas first bout on a television competition cooking show. Known for her award-winning fusion of Sierra Leonean, Caribbean, and Southern flavors, she recently won on Food Networks popular Beat Bobby Flay in an episode titled Fight Like a Lion. You can catch her and Chef DeUnaka on season one, episode four So Sous Me of Grudge Match airing Tuesday, August 26 at 8 p.m. CT, on Food Network. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The winner will also walk away with $10,000 and bragging rights for life. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. UPDATE: Virginia State Police say Anthony Cole Pavona has been found and is safe. CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) The Chesapeake Police Department is searching for a young adult it said is endangered. According to Chesapeake Police, Anthony Cole Pavona, 18, was reported missing Monday in the Dunedin area of Western Branch in Chesapeake. Virginia State Police say he was last seen around 11 p.m. Sunday and is believed to be traveling on foot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pavona is believed to be endangered due to concerns with his mental state. He is between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10 in height, 120 to 130 pounds, has blue eyes and brown hair and wears glasses. Police said it is not known what Pavona was wearing at the time he went missing. Anyone with information on where Pavona is is asked to call Chesapeake Police at 757-382-6161 or call 911. 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. CHICAGO Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker pushed back Monday on a threat by President Donald Trump to deploy federal troops in Chicago to fight crime, calling it unconstitutional and unamerican, and designed more for theater than public safety. Pritzker, speaking at a news conference along with top Democratic officials from across the state and with the iconic Chicago skyline in the background, said there is no justification for Trump to use soldiers to patrol the city. We have crime like other cities do, but lets be clear, we are actually in better shape than the 30 biggest cities across the United States, the governor said. Its important to understand that the president of the United States is doing this for theatrics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzkers comments came hours after Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, renewed his threat to make Chicago the next focus of his effort to draw public attention to crime even as violent incidents fall back to pre-pandemic levels throughout the nation. No request for federal assistance has been made, Pritzker said nor has any communication come from the Trump administration. No one from the White House or the executive branch has reached out to me or to the mayor, the governor said. No one has reached out to our staffs. No effort has been made to coordinate or to ask for our assistance in identifying any actions that might be helpful to us. While most officials in a state dominated by Democrats agree with Pritzker, the leader of the Chicago Police union, John Catanzara, told POLITICO that the department is short 1,000 officers and could use reinforcements. More manpower is still needed, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor, who arrived by water taxi to emphasize the citys vibrancy and beauty, made his remarks days after Trump floated the idea of federal intervention in Chicago. If we need to, were going to do the same thing in Chicago, which is a disaster, Trump said at a White House briefing last week, referencing prior National Guard deployments. On Monday, Trump ratcheted up his rhetoric, suggesting the federal government may need to barge in on Illinois. Pritzker, who was joined by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and numerous city and state officials, civic and faith leaders, said Illinois has the authority and the resolve to block any attempt to override local control. They vowed to fight any National Guard action in the courts, and they urged protests to be peaceful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson echoed Pritzker in criticizing Trumps motives. The mayor noted that crime was on the decline in Chicago, down more than 30 percent. We are being targeted because of who we are as a city, said Johnson, pointing to Chicagos progressive roots in labor and immigration. Chicago Alderwoman Samantha Nugent, who previously worked with the Cook County Department of Homeland Security, said shes concerned that the National Guard potentially converging in Chicago would only create confusion because there would be a question about whos controlling the mission. The Chicago Police superintendent is in charge of the chain of command, not the Guard, she said. The high-profile press conference followed Johnson speaking out against Trump over the weekend, telling MSNBC that if the president moves ahead with his threat, it would be a flagrant violation of our Constitution. Over the weekend, former Chicago mayors Rahm Emanuel and Lori Lightfoot also criticized Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you look at what he did in D.C., hes not going to actually deal with crime, Emanuel said on CNN. This is an attempt to deal with cities that are welcoming cities, known as sanctuary cities, and deal with immigration. Trump also said a group of African American ladies are screaming for the Trump administration to address violence in Chicago. It was an apparent reference to Chicago Flips Red, whose members have criticized Johnsons handling of the large influx of migrants who needed housing and other services during the Biden administration. First lady Melania Trumps social media team has posted a video that appears to artistically slow down her arrival with the president at Thursdays Congressional Ball. The video shows Donald Trump, 79, and Melania, 55, arm in arm, carefully descending a staircase in the grand foyer of the White House to the tune of Hail to the Chief. But the FLOTUS-approved video appears to be slightly slowed down from other footage of the Trumps coming down the stairs on the night at a marginally faster pace. CHICAGO The owner of a Southwest Side grocery store received three and a half years in prison for stealing from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Yousef Abu Alhawa stole more than $8.3 million from 2011 to 2019 as a grocery store owner in Chicago Lawn. He fraudulently redeemed SNAP and WIC benefits for non-eligible items or cash and redeemed SNAP and WIC benefits on behalf of stores ineligible to participate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alhawa, 50, of Lockport, pleaded guilty last year to wire fraud and tax charges. He was also accused of filing false income tax returns from 2015 to 2017. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines He was sentenced to 42 months in prison last week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. A Chicago man was arrested on firearm and other charges. According to a release from the Lee County Sheriffs Office, on August 24 at approximately 9:40 p.m., a deputy from the Lee County Sheriffs Office was assisting the Dixon Police Department in attempting to locate a vehicle that had fled from Dixon Police Officers. The deputy saw the vehicle on N. Peoria Ave. in the area of Dixon High School. The deputy attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle as it was heading southbound on Peoria Ave. The vehicle sped to 55 miles per hour in a 30 mile per hour zone and disobeyed a stop sign at Peoria Ave. at Second St. and the stop sign at Peoria Avenue. and Third St. The vehicle collided with another vehicle while disregarding the stop sign at Peoria Ave. and Third St. A search of the vehicle revealed a firearm. Jaime Santiago (Lee County Sheriffs Office) The driver, Jaime Santiago, 59, of Chicago, was arrested and charged with the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, a Class 4 felony Aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer, a Class 4 felony Possession of a firearm without requisite FOID card, a Class A misdemeanor Possession of a firearm ammunition without requisite FOID card, a Class A misdemeanor No valid drivers license Never issued, a petty offense Operating an uninsured motor vehicle, a petty offense Speeding (21 to 25 mph over the limit), a petty offense Improper lighting one headlamp, a petty offense In accordance with the Illinois SAFE-T Act, Santiago was released from custody with pretrial provisions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In 2024, the Chicago Reader covered 34 art venues, 156 performing arts venues, theaters and live music, conducted 311 theater reviews, 202 film reviews, 52 visual art show reviews and published 1,627 concert announcements. Of those, 491 freelancers, many of them practicing artists, contributed over 1,500 articles. We tell yall about a lot, according to Ellen Kaulig, the Chicago Readers chief of staff. That storied history will continue now that the 54-year-old publication is being acquired by Noisy Creek the media company that bought alternative weeklies in Seattle and Portland, Oregon The Stranger and the Portland Mercury. Noisy Creek is the brainchild of Brady Walkinshaw former Democratic legislator in the state of Washington and CEO for the climate news website Grist.org. Walkinshaw did not disclose terms of the deal, but said it will close this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The acquisition of the Reader also comes with the search for a new editor in chief and the addition of the EverOut events guide and independent ticketing platform Bold Type Tickets to help sustain and grow local media, Walkinshaw told the Tribune. Short-term efforts are focused on stabilizing the Reader and its resources, and in the long term, investing, developing and growing. We hope what were doing is going to be able to give the Reader the runway that it needs because its truly one of the most beloved and iconic alternative weeklies in America, Walkinshaw said. We have every intention to keep it hyper-local, with local leadership, local partners. What were bringing is capital, and a model that can support it. The Reader converted to a nonprofit business model nearly three years ago, yet it continued to struggle financially, resulting in layoffs of non-union employees, organizational restructuring, and the resignation of CEO Solomon Lieberman earlier this year to keep the paper afloat. January was really hard for us we made hard choices that really tried to respect our audience, and the integrity and history of the paper, Kaulig said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A statement by the Chicago Reader Union explains that while voluntary buyouts have transpired in recent weeks, the union is looking forward to working with Noisy Creek. Our biggest priority is ensuring we maintain staffing levels that allow us to keep putting out our best work. The Reader scaled back to biweekly for several years, but resumed weekly print publication last summer. Weve kept printing 63,000 free copies every single week that go out to over 1,000 locations citywide, Kaulig said. We have had to cut back to a minimum viable product of 28 pages, just because thats what we needed to do. Current Reader staff considers 2002 to be the papers zenith when the weekly page count was 52 on average. Walkinshaw, a self-professed nerd on the business of media, is excited about Noisy Creeks business model, one that blends advertising, print subscriptions, ticketing live events and philanthropy to fund journalism. Since he founded the company last summer on the West Coast, the initial team of about 36 people has grown to about 55, pre-Reader. Now that number is 80. Walkinshaw attests that print is a powerful medium that is valued. Relationships to the arts/cultural community, small businesses and advertising remains important. But its the event calendar EverOut and the ticketing company that helps people understand what to do in the place that you live and love and showcase events that are happening in your own community, Walkinshaw said. The revenue from the ticketing platform, used by small venues, is a funding stream for local news. Walkinshaw said Noisy Creek is aspiring to launch the ticketing efforts in Chicago in early 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kaulig said Noisy Creek and the Reader coming together, sharing services will allow Reader staff more bandwidth to celebrate their readers more leveraging relationships and access to be able to get more Chicagoans out doing cool things in the city as a thank you for their support of the Reader, be it a tour of a hidden prop house, or a backstage tour at a theater, access points that people dont get in everyday life, that showcase how beautiful and transformative the arts and culture scene is in Chicago. Noisy Creek is coming in with an events and ticketing platforms that ties into the local arts community that were known for supporting and highlighting. Its really cool synergy, Kaulig said. We thought we may be at the end theres so many cool things that we get to do now, the biggest one is keep on keeping on. We would not be here without institutional support and small donors. The Reader was launched in 1971 by a group of Carleton College (Minnesota) graduates as a free weekly, the broadsheet turned tabloid leans into long-form, community-driven journalism, arts and culture news, politics, and offbeat classified ads. Along the way, ownership changed hands a number of times: From the original owners to Creative Loafing, a small chain of alternative weeklies based in Atlanta in 2007, to Atalaya Capital Management, a New York-based hedge fund, that acquired the Reader out of bankruptcy in 2009. Wrapports, a Chicago investor group that acquired the Sun-Times in late 2011, added the Reader to its portfolio in May 2012 for about $2.5 million. After 40 years of covering the citys West Side, Voice Newspapers faces uncertain future in wake of editors death Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, Chicago attorney Len Goodman and real estate developer Elzie Higginbottom bought the Reader from the Chicago Sun-Times for $1 and the assumption of debt, rescuing it from dissolution and pumping more than $1 million each into the paper to keep it afloat. The Reader went nonprofit in May 2022 under then-publisher Tracy Baim in a process that pitted Goodman against Higginbottom before picketing employees helped push it over the finish line. Baim stepped down and the board installed Lieberman as her successor in February 2023, adding the since-eliminated CEO role to the job. I think the model that Noisy Creek is offering is innovative and can work theyve already seen it work out in Seattle, said Baim, executive director of Press Forward Chicago. The Reader being stabilized is so important to the message that Press Forward Chicago is sending that we need to shore up support for journalism and its role in a civic society. The Reader plays an important role, as do so many other publications, and Im grateful that its going to have a future. Walkinshaw agreed. The way this will succeed is in partnership and supporting and working with the Chicago community, he said. Itll have to be led in partnership with journalists and nonprofit donors and ticketing venues and creators of all sorts in Chicago. Wm. Steven Humphrey, the 25-year editor in chief of the Portland Mercury, is psyched that the Reader will be under the Noisy Creek umbrella, as it was the paper that introduced him to alternative weeklies when he lived in Chicago. It was a huge influence on me, and the way I do things, he said. We are going to learn so much from them because they have so much institutional knowledge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Humphrey said the Portland Mercury was not in print for two or three years, but next year the publication is going back to publish a monthly issue since Noisy Creek acquired them. He added the paper had to let go of three-quarters of their staff during the pandemic, but with Noisy Creeks support, the editorial staff is able to grow and afford to be creative again. The tenets on which alternative weeklies were built that created love, trust, joy and happiness for how people connected to their community are the same as they were 10 to 30 years ago as they are today, Walkinshaw said. He wants to bring that back things such as thoughtful feature reporting, voicey, provocative, and irreverent coverage, as well as really strong arts and cultural coverage. Speaking about the vision for the future of the Reader, Walkinshaw expects to double down on music, literary, theater, live performance, criticism and coverage. That kind of work is the kind of work that Im really excited to invest in, he said. drockett@chicagotribune.com Chick-fil-A will add dozens of new locations throughout Ohio over the next few years. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A spokesperson with the company said they are slated to open 25 to 30 new restaurants by the end of 2027, which will create up to 3,000 jobs. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the new locations will be in Fairborn; however, it is unclear exactly when or where itll open. The spokesperson said several new restaurants will open in the Cincinnati area in Fall 2025. They will be located in the Middletown/Franklin area, West Chester, Madisonville and in Northern Kentucky. A licensed location will also open inside the Miami University Armstrong Student Center, the spokesperson added. Central Ohio will also be getting some new locations, some of which will be in Athens, Whitehall, Hilliard, Lancaster and Marysville. A new restaurant recently opened in Westerville, and another is scheduled to open in Groveport by the end of the year, according to the spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other new locations will be scattered across the northern part of the state, in cities like Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Oregon, Findlay and more, the spokesperson said. Ohios mix of vibrant cities, close-knit suburban communities and deep-rooted traditions truly makes it the Heart of it All. This is a state with a rich history built on entrepreneurial spirit, heart, hard work and Midwestern hospitality. Its been an honor to serve Ohioans for the past 45 years and we look forward to building on our restaurant companys legacy in such a strong state. Were grateful for Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators and Team Members who create remarkable experiences for our Customers and show tremendous care every day. As we continue to grow, we look forward to bringing more opportunities that support and uplift local communities. Chick-fil-A Area Director for the Midwest Region Omar Dione said For more information, click here. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Israeli army has launched a prolonged raid on Ramallah and el-Bireh in the occupied West Bank as it continues to relentlessly pound Gaza, and the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reports that at least 58 Palestinians have been wounded. Those injured on Tuesday included a child hit by live fire. The Palestinian Ministry of Health said the 13-year-old underwent surgery after being wounded in the abdomen. Witnesses said Israeli forces stormed a currency exchange shop in an area between Ramallah, where the Palestinian Authoritys presidential compound al-Muqataa is based, and el-Bireh, detaining at least three Palestinians while Israeli snipers positioned themselves on rooftops and soldiers stormed the central vegetable market area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PRCS said eight people were hit with live bullets, 14 were struck with rubber-coated steel bullets including a 71-year-old man and five were wounded by shrapnel. Another 31 Palestinians suffered tear gas inhalation, including two pregnant women. BREAKING: Israeli occupation soldiers fire a stun grenade into a shop, sparking fear among civilians, during their ongoing raid into downtown Ramallah. pic.twitter.com/HvKiGdOHyF Quds News Network (@QudsNen) August 26, 2025 A rescue team was prevented from reaching the wounded in the besieged areas, the PRCS said. The Palestinian Authority presidency condemned what it called a dangerous escalation by Israeli forces. Labelling the raids criminal acts of aggression, the presidency said the Israeli government is fully responsible and urged the United States to step in and halt ongoing crimes in the occupied West Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xavier Abu Eid, former communications director for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), said the raid lasted a few hours in an area close to three schools and a market. This is part of the daily life of Palestinians, Abu Eid told Al Jazeera from Ramallah, noting that Israel is conducting a show of force to remind residents who is actually ruling here. Al Jazeeras Hamdah Salhut, reporting from Amman, said of the ongoing Israeli army assault and settler violence in the occupied West Bank: Palestinians are rendered defenceless in the face of all of these threats: Theyre forcibly displaced from their homes. They are constantly attacked by settler violence, and these settlers are emboldened by the Israeli government. There have been murders, theres been arson, there have been olive trees that have been uprooted, livestock that have been killed, and people who have been injured in the process of trying to protect their land from these illegal Israeli settlers. Then you have the Israeli army, which emboldens these settlers [and] protects these settlers, she added Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salhut noted that earlier this year, one of the largest Israeli military incursions into the northern part of the occupied West Bank is actually still ongoing; refugee camps were completely destroyed, and Palestinians, intimidated by the Israeli military, were forced to leave with nowhere to go. War on all Palestinian people Adel Abdel Ghafar, senior fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, said Israels latest military operation in Ramallah showed its war is not just with Hamas or Gaza but with all the Palestinian people. Weve seen increasing incursions of the Israeli military into the West Bank. Weve seen the demolition of homes. Weve seen demolition of properties, he told Al Jazeera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is all part and parcel of the collective punishment of the Palestinian people in the West Bank, he said, adding that part of the goal is to financially strangle people in the territory. He added that Israel was able to carry out its operations with impunity across the West Bank because the Palestinian Authority is unable to respond effectively. BREAKING: Israeli army snipers occupy the rooftop of the Arab Care Hospital in downtown Ramallah, in the central occupied West Bank. pic.twitter.com/why01lw80M Quds News Network (@QudsNen) August 26, 2025 Oslo is dead The West Bank has seen a surge in Israeli military and settler violence since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023, and tens of thousands of Palestinians have been forced out of their homes. Ramallah recorded the highest number of attacks, 585, followed by 479 in Nablus in the northern West Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 671 Palestinians, including 129 children, have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers across the region since October 2023, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Paris-based political journalist Faten Elwan said the raid in Ramallah appeared to be more of a show of force over the West Bank rather than a targeted military operation. Israel is sending a clear message that Oslo [Accords] is dead, that the Palestinian Authority is dead and that there is no power on the ground but the Israeli forces and the settlers that now act as a shadow government for the vision of the Israeli army, she told Al Jazeera. The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993 and 1995, were supposed to bring about Palestinian self-determination in the form of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. This would mean that Israel which was formed on the land of historic Palestine in 1948 in an event Palestinians know as the Nakba, or Catastrophe would accept Palestinian claims to national sovereignty. The claims, however, would be limited to a fraction of historic Palestine, with the rest remaining under Israels control. NANNING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- A court in China on Tuesday sentenced Liu Xingtai, a former senior legislator of Hainan Province, to death with a two-year reprieve for accepting bribes. Liu, former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hainan Provincial People's Congress, has been deprived of his political rights for life, his personal property will be confiscated, and his illegal gains from bribery will be recovered and turned over to the state treasury, according to the verdict of the Intermediate People's Court of Guilin City in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The court found that Liu had taken advantage of his positions in Shandong and Hainan provinces between 2003 and 2024 to assist individuals and organizations in matters related to business operations, business contracting and disbursement of funds. He accepted money and valuables worth more than 316 million yuan (about 44.38 million U.S. dollars) in return, the court said. Liu stood trial on May 29, pleaded guilty and expressed remorse in his final statement. KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44) A pornographic video involving minors has been circulated among Killeen Independent School District students. Interim Superintendent Dr. King Davis sent a message to district families on Tuesday morning, saying the video was created outside of school. The situation appears to be isolated to one school, which was not named. Dr. Davis says the video has disrupted the learning environment and has the potential to spread further if not addressed immediately. Dr. Davis says possessing or sharing pornographic material of minors is against the law and carries severe consequences. Under Texas Penal Code 43.26, possession or distribution of child pornography is a felony offense. Texas Penal Code 43.261 also makes it illegal to electronically transmit or share sexual images of minors, even if the individuals involved are underage themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students who are found to have this material on their phones, or who are forwarding or showing it to others, could face criminal charges as well as school disciplinary action. Dr. Davis says this type of material can also constitute sexual harassment or exploitation under Title IX, which is the federal law prohibiting sex-based harassment and discrimination in schools. Dr. Davis says district parents and guardians are urged to: Check your childs phone and devices immediately to ensure this content is not present. Remind your child that possessing, viewing, or sharing this type of material is not only inappropriate, it is a crime that can result in an arrest, charges, and lasting legal consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Davis says the districts top priority is the safety and well-being of its students. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. A child trapped inside a burning Asbury Park home was rescued from a second floor window Monday morning, officials said. The duty battalion chief went to the side of the house and the child jumped out of the window into his arms and the arms of police officers, according to a report from the Asbury Park Press. The child was not injured. The fire happened at a home on the 500 block of Prospect Avenue and was fought by local fire companies as well as those from other local towns including Neptune, Long Branch and Ocean Township, according to Asbury Park Professional Firefighters Local 384. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mutual aid companies then operated alongside APFD to bring the fire under control, limit damage, and prevent tragedy, the union said in a Facebook post. The union said this was the second time in just over a year that a child was rescued from a house fire in the city. A powerful reminder of the life-saving importance of rapid response, adequate staffing, and regional cooperation, the union said. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. By Fabian Cambero SANTIAGO (Reuters) -Chile is in the final phase of negotiations with the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) over tariffs, Chile's undersecretary of international economic affairs Claudia Sanhueza told Reuters on Tuesday. Chile is the world's largest copper producer and copper cathodes are already exempt from U.S. tariffs. Sanhueza said President Donald Trump's administration currently had low tariff rates on other exports from the Andean nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of July, a delegation from Chile traveled to Washington to meet with USTR representatives to work towards an agreement. We are under a confidentiality agreement, but discussing different topics of interest to maintain our strong economic and trade relationship with the United States, Sanhueza told Reuters on the sidelines of an export event. We are now holding virtual talks because they are in the final phase," Sanhueza said, adding that a lot of progress had been made in the second round of talks. The USTR did not immediately reply to a request for comment. (Reporting by Fabian Cambero; Additional reporting by Alexander Villegas; editing by Cassandra Garrison and Brendan O'Boyle) BEIJING (Reuters) -China and Russia should jointly safeguard their security and development interests, Chinese President Xi Jinping told the visiting Russian parliament speaker on Tuesday, in their efforts to build a more "equitable" international order. The two sides should continue their traditional friendship and deepen strategic mutual trust, state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Xi as saying. U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier this week that he might impose "massive" sanctions on Russia in two weeks depending on whether progress was possible in his bid to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump held a summit with President Vladimir Putin in Alaska earlier this month, but has been unable to coax him into a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. On Monday, Trump said China had to give the United States rare earth magnets or "we have to charge them 200% tariff or something". Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of Russia's lower house of parliament the State Duma, arrived in China on Monday ahead of Putin's visit to China this weekend, where he will cross paths with tens of Global South world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at a security forum. Indian exporters are bracing for additional 25% U.S. tariffs from Wednesday as punishment for New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia and China should "unite" the countries in the Global South, Xi told Volodin, a key domestic ally of Putin's. Putin will also be the principal foreign guest of honour at a military parade in Beijing next week marking the formal surrender of Japan and the end of World War Two. Ahead of what is set to be a massive public showcase of China's modernising armed forces, Beijing has mounted a campaign saying China and the former Soviet Union played a pivotal role in the Asian and European theatres during World War Two. China-Russia relations serve as a "source of stability for world peace", said Xi. (Reporting by Ryan Woo; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Kate Mayberry) By Sophie Yu and Farah Master BEIJING/HONG KONG (Reuters) -In the past few months, Wang Shuyun, a 78-year-old retiree in Beijing, splashed out on an 8,000 yuan ($1,115) nutrition course to help her lose weight and lower her blood sugar, and spent 1,200 yuan on Adidas shoes. A former civil servant with a far-above-average monthly pension of 10,000 yuan and no children, she also regularly splurges on imported milk from New Zealand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I focus on living a good life for myself, which I consider the most important goal," said Wang. She is one of some 300 million retirees in China, the core of the country's "silver economy" that is now being aggressively promoted. Beijing flagged "a new age" for the elderly in a 2021 policy guideline, calling for "the vigorous cultivation" of a silver economy, but this year authorities have gone into overdrive. They have issued at least 20 statements on the topic, urging companies to improve food, health and senior care services, offer more financial products and focus on new business models. Their urgency is twofold. China is greying so rapidly that the number of people aged 60 and above is set to hit 400 million by 2035 - roughly equal to the populations of the United States and Italy combined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, overall spending growth has been weak with younger generations losing consumer confidence, beset by a raft of economic woes from trade tensions to a debt-stressed property sector, that have resulted in deflation and job insecurity. Economists note that China's past four decades of rapid growth have resulted in older people having a comfortable level of savings, allowing them to spend more freely than previous older generations who lived very frugally. According to data from research firm Euromonitor International, total consumer expenditure by Chinese households headed by people aged 60 and over is likely to have climbed 129% from 2015 to 2025, outpacing the 79% rate for the overall population. "This suggests that mature consumers are not only growing in number but also increasing their spending at a significant pace," said Jana Rude, Euromonitor's senior global insight manager for consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While elderly households are, on average, spending less than younger generations, in aggregate, they are a major force. The rapid pace of their spending growth is set to become more accentuated, with Euromonitor predicting total expenditure for Chinese aged 60 and over to more than triple between 2025 and 2040 compared to a 136% jump for the total population. By 2040, it estimates the 60-plus group will account for 34% of China's total consumer expenditure from 24% currently. SILVER TECH Among Chinese companies setting their sights on older consumers is Lao Feng Xiang, a century-old jewellery firm that declared it had "crossed over into silver technology" when it debuted AI glasses in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The glasses, it said, provide an "elderly-friendly experience", giving assistance in reading small print items like drug labels and menus, voice navigation help if they get lost and can offer "emotional dialogue" for companionship. Tech giant Xiaomi also says it has endeavoured to add elderly-friendly functions on its phones and televisions, as well as remote assistance features enabling children to easily control their aged parents' living environments with smart lights and air conditioners. Ping An, an insurance and health care conglomerate, says providing senior care services and products is a big growth area. Since late last year, it says it has launched hundreds of home-based senior care benefits, such as an AI system to monitor health and environmental risks, expanding a service that it introduced in 2021 and is now available in 75 cities. Despite government and corporate efforts, however, economists note that at the end of the day, older people tend not to spend that much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, while former civil servants like Wang get generous pensions, the average urban retiree in China draws a much smaller monthly pension of 3,000 yuan, while pensions for those in rural areas can be as low as 200 yuan. Older generation spending "is unlikely to be strong enough to offset deflationary pressures or drive broader economic growth," said Alicia Garcia Herrero, chief economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis. Qiao Li, a 66-year-old retiree in Beijing, might be a case in point. One recent big purchase has been 50,000 yuan on a necklace made of wooden beads and turquoise, but in general, he prefers to use his extra cash on fresh vegetables to share with relatives. ($1 = 7.1800 Chinese yuan) (Reporting by Sophie Yu and Farah Master; Additional reporting by Casey Hall in Shanghai; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) Beijing has been urged to take a pragmatic approach towards South Korea's new government following a recent summit that signalled a thaw in relations with Japan. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba agreed to work closely on economic and security issues, while also emphasising the need to move beyond historical disputes and the importance of their relationship with the United States. The three countries agreed to a three-way defence agreement in August 2023. Analysts said Lee's approach to foreign policy focused on shared international challenges and interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Zhan Debin, director of the Centre for Korean Peninsula Studies at Shanghai University of International Business and Economics, said: "Whether in the context of South Korea-Japan, US-Japan-Korea, or US-South Korea cooperation, the common denominator is addressing the so-called 'China challenge'. "From Beijing's perspective, there is little reason to have high expectations of the Lee administration; China should adopt a pragmatic view of Seoul's new government and its diplomacy." Lee, who was elected in June, made Japan the destination for his first foreign visit rather than the US. He was the first South Korean president to do so since the two countries normalised diplomatic relations in 1965. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Lee met Donald Trump in Washington, where he encouraged the US president to engage with North Korea. Trump expressed his willingness to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, possibly this year, but also surprised Lee by pushing for the US to be given "ownership" of land that hosts US military bases. Lee was known for his hard-line views on Japan before coming to power, but his government is effectively continuing his predecessor Yoon Suk-yeol's policy towards Japan, which means that ties with Tokyo remain a higher priority than relations with China, according to Zhan. "South Korea sees itself and Japan as facing similar conditions in security, economics, society and the geopolitical environment. Therefore, as long as South Korea shows some flexibility on historical issues, bilateral cooperation should not be difficult, with many potential areas for collaboration," Zhan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Lee and Ishiba's meeting, they issued a joint statement stressing the importance of "future-oriented, mutually beneficial cooperation" and pledged closer cooperation on artificial intelligence, trade and denuclearising the Korean peninsula. They also announced plans to address "common social and economic issues" such as low birth rates, an ageing population and agriculture. The statement highlighted the "very strong" desire of South Korea and Japan to reach consensus, which reflected not only domestic political needs but also the need to address perceived external challenges, Zhan said. Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a professor of international relations at King's College London, said: "South Korea and Japan improving their relations and meeting at the bilateral level so frequently and at the highest levels poses a strategic dilemma for China." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the efforts to strengthen their own relationship and the three-way relationship with the US put them "in a stronger position vis-a-vis China" while remaining open to engagement with Beijing. However, Zhang Muhui, an associate professor at the Academy of East Asian Studies at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea, said it was difficult to interpret this as an effort to put joint pressure on China. "I think Lee's administration is more likely to pursue a balanced approach between Washington and Beijing - leaning on the US and Japan for security while remaining economically and diplomatically engaged with China," Zhang said. Sean O'Malley, a professor at the Department of International Studies at Dongseo University in Busan, South Korea, agreed, saying: "If successful, this thaw will temper what South Korea's liberals saw as overly accommodating diplomatic policies by the previous conservative government of Yoon Suk-yeol, and will indicate a return to the status quo circa 2016-2017, before relations became extremely strained under the previous liberal government of Moon Jae-in." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Beijing could see it as a threat, according to Joonbum Bae, an assistant professor of political science at Colorado State University, and will be "keen on understanding" what the closer cooperation between South Korea, Japan and the US means. Historical issues between Tokyo and Seoul tended to be "deprioritised" when the two capitals faced common security challenges, he added. "The muted and brief references to historical issues from the meetings - despite the South Korean president having been a vocal critic, for example, of prior agreements on comfort women - can be understood in terms of the urgency that other common areas of mutual interest have within a challenging international environment," he said. The Saturday statement noted that Ishiba reaffirmed Japan's commitment to uphold past administrations' positions on historical issues, including a 1998 declaration, in which prime minister Keizo Obuchi expressed "deep remorse" and offered a "heartfelt apology" for Japan's colonial-era actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Japan's wartime actions have long shaped its relations with its neighbours, especially China and South Korea. In the case of the latter, the use of forced labour and the "comfort women" forced into military prostitution remain a source of tension. Ahead of Lee's arrival in Tokyo, he gave an interview to several Japanese newspapers in which he said that previous agreements on contentious historical issues "cannot be overturned". He said that while the historical grievances continue to stir anger in South Korea, "trust between nations and policy consistency are extremely important". This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. By David Lawder and Joe Cash WASHINGTON/BEIJING (Reuters) -Senior Chinese trade negotiator Li Chenggang is expected to travel to Washington this week to meet U.S. officials, a United States government spokesperson said, with the two superpowers looking to chart a path beyond their current tariff truce. Li, China's international trade representative who has participated in recent U.S. trade talks alongside Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, may meet deputy-level U.S. government officials, the spokesperson said late on Monday, adding that the visit was not part of a formal negotiating session. A U.S.-based source familiar with the negotiations said there was no meeting planned between Li and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and he was not coming at the request of the U.S. side. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to not being authorized to speak publicly on the matter, said that Washington does not consider Li the primary interlocutor for planning future trade negotiations under the channel established by U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. That role would fall to Vice Premier He, who is China's economy czar, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The Wall Street Journal first reported on Monday that Li would travel to Washington. Traders on both sides of the Pacific are watching to see whether this month's latest tariff extension will become permanent or if Trump will once again upend global supply chains with a fresh wave of prohibitively high duties on Chinese imports. U.S. retailers are stocking up ahead of the critical end-of-year holiday season, while Chinese producers - locked out of the world's top consumer economy - say they are in "survival mode," scrambling to secure market share elsewhere to stay afloat. The world's two largest economies on August 11 agreed to extend their tariff truce for another 90 days, locking in place levies of 30% on Chinese imports and 10% Chinese duties on U.S. goods. That extension was largely negotiated in late July in Stockholm, a meeting led by He and Bessent, with Li and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in attendance. Once Trump's tariffs top 35%, they become prohibitively high for Chinese exporters, economists warn. The Chinese Commerce Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. AGRICULTURE DISCORD The timing of the visit is particularly awkward given the recent highly critical comments by the Chinese ambassador to the United States regarding Trump's trade policy, the source said. Hussein Ali Mwinyi (C front), president of Tanzania's Zanzibar, poses for a group photo after awarding medals to members of the 34th batch of the Chinese medical team and experts from the China-aided schistosomiasis control project for their distinguished service in improving healthcare in the Zanzibar Archipelago, in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on Aug. 25, 2025.(Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman) DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Hussein Ali Mwinyi, president of Tanzania's Zanzibar, on Monday awarded medals to members of the 34th batch of the Chinese medical team and experts from the China-aided schistosomiasis control project for their distinguished service in improving healthcare in the Zanzibar Archipelago. Speaking at the ceremony marking the conclusion of their service, Mwinyi thanked the Chinese government for its longstanding cooperation with Zanzibar, particularly in the health sector. "I extend my sincere gratitude to the 34th Chinese medical team for the excellent work you have done during your entire stay here in Zanzibar. You have treated patients, trained students, donated equipment and medicines, and provided much-needed care to many Zanzibaris," the president said. Mwinyi also commended the schistosomiasis control project team for their efforts in significantly reducing infection rates, and pledged his government's readiness to welcome the 35th Chinese medical team and the next group of schistosomiasis control project experts. Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, Zanzibar's minister of health, said the 34th Chinese medical team has served more than 41,000 patients, performed over 4,200 surgeries, and introduced new treatment methods previously unavailable in the islands. The team also conducted rural clinics, supported orphans, and donated medical supplies worth more than 1.6 billion Tanzanian shillings (about 620,000 U.S. dollars). On the schistosomiasis control project, Mazrui noted that more than 125,000 people had been screened, all infected patients treated, and the prevalence rate on Pemba Island had been cut from 1.23 percent to 0.79 percent. Chen Wei, head of the 34th Chinese medical team, expressed appreciation for the great support and trust shown by the Zanzibari government and people. He said the Chinese medical team will continue to strengthen health cooperation with Zanzibar, deepen exchanges in medical technology and talent training, further expand service coverage, and contribute to the sustainable development of Zanzibar's health sector. Christian leaders in Jerusalem have issued an urgent warning about the devastating consequences of the Israeli government's planned takeover of Gaza City. A joint message from the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates in Jerusalem on Tuesday expressed great concern about the upcoming evacuation of the city, which is crowded with hundreds of thousands of civilians. The Greek Orthodox Church of St Porphyrius and the Catholic Church of the Holy Family, both located in Gaza City, have served as a refuge for hundreds of civilians - including children, the elderly and people with disabilities - since the beginning of the war almost two years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Many of those who have sought refuge within the walls of the compounds are weakened and malnourished by the hardships of recent months," the statement from the church leaders said. "Leaving the city of Gaza and trying to flee to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence." For this reason, the clergy and nuns have decided to "stay and continue to care for all those who are in the facilities." The spiritual leaders said it was "time to end this spiral of violence, put an end to the war and prioritize the common good of the people." "It is with great urgency that we appeal to the international community to work towards an end to this senseless and destructive war and the return of the missing and the Israeli hostages," the statement added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christians are only a small minority in the Holy Land. In Israel, around 180,000 of 10 million inhabitants profess Christianity. According to estimates, 50,000 Christians live in the West Bank and the Arab-majority eastern part of Jerusalem, and around 1,000 in the embattled Gaza Strip. Wounded Palestinians arrive at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis after gunfire targeted those waiting for American aid in the al-Tina area, southern of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Authorities in Switzerland have arrested the husband of a former finalist for Miss Switzerland, alleging that he strangled her to death before dismembering her and blending her body parts. Kristina Joksimovic was killed during the February of 2024, according to the BBC. Police referred to the 38-year-old beauty queen by her initials in court documents, Cincinnati's police union unanimously voted no confidence in Mayor Aftab Pureval during a meeting Monday night, citing concerns among members over the response to the viral brawl. In a symbolic move, the Cincinnati Fraternal Order of Police announced the vote in a post Aug. 25. It comes after outcry from union president Ken Kober over a charge recently filed against a White man who is believed to have delivered the slap that appeared to escalate the Downtown fight last month. Kober has previously alleged the city solicitor's office ordered officers to file the charge against the man after calls from local Black leaders. A city spokeswoman denied the claim, saying the city solicitor's office did not order police to file charges but often collaborates with officers to provide legal guidance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "FOP members have a complete lack of faith in the mayor's ability to fix pressing issues or lead the city effectively moving forward," the police union wrote in the post. "Deciding to push politics into the justice system is unforgivable." Pureval said in a statement he was disappointed to hear of the vote and does not believe it reflects the work his office has done to support officers, like increasing funding to address staffing challenges. "I have been proud to stand with our officers at every turn as they make sacrifices to protect residents," Pureval said. "All of us have a common goal: the health and safety of those we serve. This is a time to work together and continue improving safety in our city." The union said much of its concerns center around decisions made by Pureval following the July 26 fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union pointed toward Pureval's three-day delay in commenting on the fight, despite his leaving town for a conference and family vacation the following day. They also cited their on-going grievances with Iris Roley, who is a paid consultant advising city leaders on police reform. This unanimous vote of no confidence is a clear message from our members that Mayor Pureval's leadership has fallen short in supporting the men and women who protect this city every day, Kober said. From political interference in law enforcement to neglecting the well-being of officers and the community, these failures demand accountability and change. Pureval, a Democrat, is up for reelection this fall, along with a large field of candidates for City Council. This story was updated with comment from Mayor Aftab Pureval. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati police union votes no confidence in Mayor Aftab Pureval The city has launched the second project of its kind this year to begin the process of building affordable housing around Honolulus Skyline rail system, this time in Kalihi at the site of the old Dee Lite Bakery. The Honolulu Department of Housing and Land Management on Monday issued a request for qualifications, or RFQ, seeking a qualified development partner to level the two adjacent properties at 1930 Dillingham Blvd. and at 1907 Eluwene St. and turn the more than half-acre lot into possibly 150 affordable units for renters. They would live within walking access of the Kalihi rail station planned for the middle of Dillingham Boulevard thats scheduled to open in 2031, along with the rest of the 19-station, 18.9-mile route from East Kapolei to the Civic Center station in Kakaako. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current four rail stations located town side of the Aloha Stadium /Halawa station are currently undergoing trial running through the Joint Base Pearl Harbor -Hickam, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Lagoon Drive and Middle Street transit center stations that Mayor Rick Blangiardi has announced will open for paid ridership on Oct. 16. The entire system of Skyline, TheBus and TheHandi-Van will then open for free ridership on the weekend of Oct. 18 and Oct. 19 to encourage coordinated access to Skyline through public transit. Groundbreaking has begun on Skylines final six stationsin Kalihi, Honolulu Community College, Iwilei, Chinatown, downtown and the currently planned final stop in Kakaakos Civic Center. But Blangiardi wants to push on to Ala Moana Center, Hawaiis largest transit center, and his alma materthe University of Hawaiialong with a second station in West Oahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the Kalihi station transient-oriented housing project, Kevin D. Auger, director designate of the Department of Housing and Land Management, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in an email that while the City is not prescribing a unit count, preliminary analysis indicates the site could accommodate in excess of 150 affordable units, subject to final lot size and project financing. More precise details need to be worked out with the future developer on its financial relationship with the city and more specific details for the site, located just over a mile from downtown Honolulu and near Honolulu Community College, Kalakaua Middle School, Kalihi Kai Elementary and other Kalihi destinations. This convenient location positions the site to serve as a catalyst for community revitalization and walkable, sustainable urban living, Auger said. The city bought the site to specifically turn it into transit-oriented development around Skylines Kalihi station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The RFQ permits the developer to request funding from the City ; at this stage, we do not yet know what will be requested, or what the City will ultimately bring to the table, Auger told the Star-Advertiser. Currently, the City is leveraging the land itself and potentially funding in the future. Risks, costs, and financing responsibilities will all be subject to negotiation as part of the Development Agreement and Ground Lease process. In March, the Department of Land Management issued an RFQ to build affordable housing around Skylines Iwilei Center station. In a statement at the time, Mayor Blangiardi said, Housing is not just about constructing unitsits about creating thriving, walkable, and connected communities where people can truly live, work, and thrive. This transformative project is a pivotal step in reimagining Iwilei as a thoughtfully designed, transit-oriented neighborhood that puts affordability, sustainability, and quality of life at the forefront. An agreement with the new Iwilei developer will be announced soon, the city said. In the meantime, the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation has announced that the first of two public design workshops for the Kalihi and Kapalama stations has been scheduled from 6 to 8 :30 p.m. Sept. 11 at the King David Kalakaua Middle School cafeteria with contractor Tutor Perini Corp. This story was produced by the Berks County Bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom. Sign up for Good Day, Berks, a daily dose of essential local stories at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/gooddayberks. READING Reading officials were late to convene a citizen-led commission that can propose major changes to city government, violating the home rule charter and blowing past a City Council deadline. The mayor and Council each recommended most of their appointees to serve on the group, called the Charter Review Commission, late last year, according to emails from city employees. However, no one within the city government organized the commissions first meeting until August. The commission now is set to meet Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in City Council chambers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Records obtained by Spotlight PA show months of confusion among city employees, including questions about who had been appointed to the commission, the possible legal timeline the commission faced, and who would bring everyone together. The delay affects when Reading residents can vote on changes to their government. The more time that passes before the commission convenes, the longer it will take to put proposals to the ballot. > The charter itself is the governing document of the city, comparable to Readings version of the U.S. Constitution. It is separate from the citys Code of Ordinances, which City Council and the mayor add to regularly. For example, Reading City Council in July approved a proposal decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana. That change will be reflected in the ordinance code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission, however, has the rare ability to propose structural changes that elected officials may not choose to make themselves. Those proposals then are taken to all residents in the next election for approval, regardless of how elected officials may feel about them. Only citizen-led petitions offer the same power. In 2019, the commission voted to put on the ballot an amendment to establish term limits for some local elected offices. According to the Reading Eagle, city officials were skeptical of, or outright against, the proposal at the time. Regardless, voters approved it in 2020. The commission is required to meet every three to five years, according to the citys charter, but there is no penalty listed if the city fails to bring the body together. Many home rule charters in the state do not have a mandatory commission meeting, said Paul Janssen, director of Albright Colleges Center for Excellence in Local Government. He was a facilitator for the review commission in 2015. Unless you have citizens that are demanding a change, then its up to the government to decide whether they see enough initiative to cause the commission to come together or not, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citizens had two options if they wanted to force the city to convene the review commission: take the issue to court or file a complaint with the Charter Board. The Charter Board, which is separate from the commission, is supposed to meet year-round to enforce the documents provisions and handle complaints about possible violations. If a resident wanted to complain about the commission not meeting, going to the board would be simpler than going to court. However, the board has been vacant since April. The Charter Boards solicitor can still do the early work to process any charter complaints submitted, but cannot issue opinions, said Jack Gombach, the citys managing director. Mayor Eddie Moran has the responsibility of nominating people to the board, but Gombach said the administration has had a difficult time getting residents to apply for the volunteer positions. Evelyn Morrison, a Reading native who served on the commission in 2019 and has been nominated to serve again this year, said she threatened to go to court after she learned the Charter Board was empty because the commission was not convened on time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our government is not working, Morrison said, referencing the vacant board that is supposed to take resident complaints. Is there something thats going on that we dont understand? Managing director cites breakdown in communication The Charter Review Commissions job is to review the home rule document and recommend changes to the mayor and City Council that are then sent to voters. The commission must deliver these recommendations within six months of being appointed. The Council appointed its nominees in September 2024 via a city resolution and gave the commission an April 1, 2025, deadline. Emails obtained through a Right-to-Know request show that last September, City Clerk Linda Kelleher asked Reading Solicitor Fred Lachat; Morans chief of staff, English Bradley; and others when the commission would be convened. She did not have the names of the mayors nominations. The council solicitor, Mike Gombar, told her all nominations needed to be approved by October, she said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the emails, she did not receive a written response until the following January. A short series of messages followed regarding who had been tapped to serve. Gombar asked for contact information for the mayors selections, but none was provided via email. In February, Kelleher asked Lachat if he had convened the commission, but never received a written response. Kelleher told Spotlight PA she asked the mayors office and Lachat repeatedly for information without success. Finding contacts for some of the names provided was like a needle in a haystack. Morrison, the former Charter Review commissioner, shared with Spotlight PA an email she received July 10 from Kelleher, apologizing for the long communication blackout. Kelleher still did not have the contact information for the mayors nominations, she said in the email, but the managing directors office would reach out with more information about the first meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gombach, whose position acts as the citys chief administrative officer under the mayor, told Spotlight PA that he did not know until recently that there had been a lapse in communication. He believed Kellehers office had the responsibility of convening the first meeting. Neither the charter nor the City Council handbook dictates who has the authority or responsibility to get the commission together, only how many members the Council and mayor must appoint. Gombach said he thought the law and clerk offices each dug in and believed the other should convene the meeting, creating a personal issue instead of solving the professional problem. I think its disappointing, really, to our community, Gombach said. The expectation is that were all able to work together and communicate and serve the public interest, but when these little typical work issues come up, the answer isnt to escalate. Its deescalate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelleher scheduled the first 2019 commission meeting, she said, but she did not attend others after the commission elected its own officers. Lachat attended most meetings as legal counsel, she said. She told Spotlight PA that her attempts to gain contact information or assist with the current commission went unanswered. Now, she said, the situation boils down to people sitting around pointing fingers. Whats next? The managing directors office scheduled the first meeting of the new commission for Aug. 28, according to public meeting notices. The commissioners now will choose officers to lead each meeting and have a small budget available. Will Cinfici, the chair in 2019, told Spotlight PA he recommended the commission decide on a structure as quickly as possible. It can then get on to the business of hosting public hearings and issuing surveys to get more public input on what changes residents think are necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also hoped the mayor would be able to fill the full-time Charter Board quickly. Not only does the board serve residents, but it provides guidance to the commission. It is a very useful tool, and the citizens on there were very dedicated, very thorough, Cinfici said. Reading their decisions, they read like legal opinions. They were reasonable and well cited. Morrison told Spotlight PA she looks forward to more people being involved with the commission and the board. She anticipates ideas will come primarily from the community when the former starts meeting. Review is always important when it comes to our government because its always an ever-changing document, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. A former McAlester police officer and longtime business leader in the community has died. The City of McAlester and its police department are left remembering Charlie Rogers, who served as an officer in Krebs and McAlester for nearly 20 years before becoming an influential part of the local business community. Rogers worked his way through the ranks as police officer, eventually becoming a master patrol officer and a detective before his retirement, according to the City of McAlester. He also worked in the role of hostage negotiator for MPDs SWAT team and held leadership roles within the Fraternal Order of Police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McAlester Police Chief Kevin Hearod said Rogers, who was honored as Officer of the Y/ear in 2014, leaves behind a legacy. Charlie Rogers exemplified the spirit of service through both his law enforcement career and his later role leading a longstanding family business, Hearod said. His legacy in community service, in business and in philanthropy leaves a meaningful imprint on McAlester. We are grateful for his service and send our heartfelt thoughts to his loved ones. Upon his retirement from the law enforcement sector, Rogers took on the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company in McAlester with the title of chief executive officer in 2017. That business, which was established in 1943, experienced significant growth and earned national recognition under Rogers leadership, a release states. McAlester Mayor Justin few said Rogers invested in the community, both through his work as an officer and as a business leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we grieve the passing of Charlie Rogers, we also celebrate the tremendous kindness and leadership he brought to McAlester, Few said. As a law enforcement officer, a business executive, and a philanthropist, he invested in the safety and success of our city. On behalf of our citizens, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, and we commit to carrying forward the values he championed. Rogers also devoted time to various civic and charitable efforts, including Keep McAlester Beautiful and the Hudson Strong Foundation. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The City of Portland is searching for a city administrator, and applications have just opened online. The administrator is a newly created position for the city after shifting its style of government at the start of 2025 and will cost the city between $284,000 to $393,000 per year. Ready for winter? Old Farmers Almanac reveals Pacific Northwests 2025-2026 winter forecast For the past several months, the city admin role has been overseen by current administrator Michael Jordan, who has worked with the city for more than a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this role, the city administrator is in charge of overseeing an $8.6 billion budget along with 6,800 public servants in public safety, public works, community and economic development, and city operations. The role also advises the Portland mayors office currently led by Mayor Keith Wilson, who took office in January 2025. He is also in charge of making the final selection. Our city administrator will set the tone for Portland, Wilson said. They will inspire and guide city staff, deliver high-quality services that Portlanders can trust, and help us solve our biggest challenges. Love Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes? You have this Washington farmer to thank Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan will step down from the role at the end of the year to allow the next administrator to take the reins in late 2025 or early 2026. He said his role for the interim year was to help adapt the citys organizational structure, build a budget, and establish new models for working with city council. My assignment is clear: handing off the keys to a city government thats ready to deliver for Portlanders, Jordan said. Im excited for the next city administrator to lead our dedicated team in writing Portlands next chapter. Applications for the role are open on the City of Portlands website. Stay with KOIN 6 News as we continue to follow this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The modular jail has been a topic of conversation over the last day after Sunday mornings deadly shooting near the Power and Light District. This summer, the Downtown Community Improvement District (CID) put in armed security guards in that area of the city. ATV driver accused of shooting into car, narrowly missing toddler in Kansas City Downtown Council of Kansas City Vice President Sean OByrne said the CID added three-armed security guards from 2 p.m. until midnight. The armed security guards are in the area of Grand Boulevard from 6th Street on the north to 14th Street on the south. 14th Street is where the T-Mobile Center is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That has worked out, and its worked out well, OByrne said Monday. The shooting Sunday happened just after 4 a.m. though. OByrne said theyll need additional help in those hours. I believe what were looking at is of course working with our KCPD, with our elected officials and property owners on finding a solution that works on every level because this does touch on each one of those levels, he continued. We do believe that there is a need for additional jail cells with a modular jail. We believe that that would help increase police presence certainly, coordination with our property owners, with all of those together, working together, we think that could change the dynamic. Back in May, OByrne told FOX4 he thought the modular jail could be built in six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, City Spokeswoman Sherae Honeycutt told FOX4 that that jail will not be done by the end of the year. Councilman Nathan Willett told FOX4 that city staff want to get the modular jail done early this spring. Ill be pushing for as soon as possible, but you obviously go into winter months, you have construction obviously barriers, he said during his interview Monday. Why cant we get it done? I mean, lets look at what is actually slowing up the timeline. If we actually think we have the labor and we have the people who are willing to go out there and work and get it done at that time, lets do it. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Willett says he likes a site for a modular jail off of Front street, somewhere east of the Ballys Casino where no neighborhoods are. The final site for it hasnt been decided yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two good Samaritans are being hailed as heroes after they jumped into a creek at a South Carolina marina and rescued a ride-share driver who accidentally drove into the water during a rainstorm, according to police. The dramatic rescue in Isle of Palms, near Charleston, was captured by a marina security camera and released on Monday by the Isle of Palms Police Department. "We are extremely grateful to the two men who acted quickly and heroically to save a life in need," the police department said in a social media post. Isle of the Palms Police Department - PHOTO: Two good Samaritans are being hailed as heroes after they dove into a creek in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, to pull a rideshare driver from his vehicle when he drove into the water. The accident unfolded just after 9 p.m. on Saturday at the Isle of the Palms Marina, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver, whose name was not released, apparently drove into Morgan Creek when heavy rain obscured his vision and he failed to differentiate the roadway in the marina parking lot from a boat ramp, officials said. MORE: See the reunion between a woman and the 23-year-old who saved her life The civilian rescuers were at a large gathering at the marina when they witnessed the car go into the water and immediately start to sink, according to police. One of the men jumped over a railing and entered the water, while the other ran down the boat ramp and waded into the water, according to the security video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Two good Samaritans pulled the driver from the car before it went underwater," police said in a statement. MORE: Good Samaritans band together to save 71-year-old in fiery highway crash The driver was taken to a hospital and treated for minor injuries, police said. "This incident underscores the dangers of driving during severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flooding, particularly at night. Water can quickly obscure where the roadway ends and make it difficult to gauge depths." Isle of Palms Police Chief Kevin Cornett said in a statement. ABC News' Darren Reynolds contributed to this report. This photo taken on Aug. 25, 2025 shows the Thai-made BYD electric vehicles at Laem Chabang Port, Thailand. BYD announced on Monday that its Thailand plant has officially exported the first batch of BYD DOLPHIN electric vehicles (EVs) to the European market, totaling over 900 units, with destinations including Britain, Germany and Belgium. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) BANGKOK, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- BYD announced on Monday that its Thailand plant has officially exported the first batch of BYD DOLPHIN electric vehicles (EVs) to the European market, totaling over 900 units, with destinations including Britain, Germany and Belgium. The export operation was carried out by BYD's own vessel, the "BYD ZHENGZHOU," which has set sail from Thailand to Europe for the first time, marking a further enhancement of BYD's global supply chain and highlighting Thailand's role in the global automotive landscape as a regional production hub and export gateway for EVs. In his speech, Phonnathorn Vongprom, director of the fourth Regional Investment and Economic Center from Thailand's Board of Investments, said BYD's decision to export EVs from Thailand to Europe demonstrates the strong economic links between Thailand and international markets. He added that the Thai government will continue to promote and support such investments to strengthen the domestic value chain, enhance technological capabilities, and solidify Thailand's position in the global EV industry. Yuphin Boonsirichan, chairwoman of the Automotive Industry Club, Federation of Thai Industries, said that this milestone reflects BYD's strong confidence in Thailand and reaffirms the country's importance in the global electric vehicle supply chain, highlighting Thailand's capability to become a global connection for EV production and exports. "Following the delivery of our 90,000th NEV in July, we are once again achieving a breakthrough. The export of Thailand-produced DOLPHIN models to Europe for the first time not only represents another step forward in BYD's globalization strategy, but also underscores Thailand's vital role in the global EV supply chain," said Ke Yubin, general manager of BYD Thailand. As a key part of BYD's global production network, BYD's Thailand plant, located in Rayong Province, integrates local supply chains and demonstrates BYD's advanced manufacturing expertise. It not only serves domestic demand but also supports exports to Europe and other global markets, reinforcing Thailand's role as a strategic hub in the worldwide EV industry. Phonnathorn Vongprom, director of the fourth Regional Investment and Economic Center from Thailand's Board of Investments, speaks during a see-off ceremony at Laem Chabang Port, Thailand, Aug. 25, 2025. BYD announced on Monday that its Thailand plant has officially exported the first batch of BYD DOLPHIN electric vehicles (EVs) to the European market, totaling over 900 units, with destinations including Britain, Germany and Belgium. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) Ke Yubin, general manager of BYD Thailand, speaks during a see-off ceremony at Laem Chabang Port, Thailand, Aug. 25, 2025. BYD announced on Monday that its Thailand plant has officially exported the first batch of BYD DOLPHIN electric vehicles (EVs) to the European market, totaling over 900 units, with destinations including Britain, Germany and Belgium. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) Yuphin Boonsirichan, chairwoman of the Automotive Industry Club, Federation of Thai Industries, speaks during a see-off ceremony at Laem Chabang Port, Thailand, Aug. 25, 2025. BYD announced on Monday that its Thailand plant has officially exported the first batch of BYD DOLPHIN electric vehicles (EVs) to the European market, totaling over 900 units, with destinations including Britain, Germany and Belgium. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) This photo taken on Aug. 25, 2025 shows the "BYD ZHENGZHOU" vessel moored at Laem Chabang Port, Thailand. BYD announced on Monday that its Thailand plant has officially exported the first batch of BYD DOLPHIN electric vehicles (EVs) to the European market, totaling over 900 units, with destinations including Britain, Germany and Belgium. (Photo by Rachen Sageamsak/Xinhua) President Donald Trump has no plans to delay additional tariffs on India that are set to take effect Wednesday, according to a White House official, granted anonymity to discuss the administrations plans. The new levies imposed, in part, to pressure Russia to end its war on Ukraine by punishing one of its largest oil buyers will raise the countrys tariff rate to 50 percent and are likely to inflame tensions between the worlds two largest democracies. They are set to take effect despite the hope among some in Trumps orbit that last weeks appointment of Sergio Gor to be the next ambassador to India was a sign of an improving relationship between the two countries. Syed Akbaruddin, Indias former ambassador to the United Nations, said the new levies are being seen in India as more than a trade dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their imposition is viewed as a blow to confidence in the IndiaU.S. partnership, Akbaruddin said. If left unchecked, these could erode two decades of strategic convergence. The U.S. hit India with a 25 percent tariff after the two countries failed to reach an initial trade agreement this summer, and relations worsened this month after Trump signed an executive order slapping an additional 25 percent levy over the countrys purchases of Russian oil. India is the second-largest purchaser of Russian oil behind China but the Trump administration opted not to move forward with so-called secondary sanctions on the latter country amid a broader tariff dente, which expires in November. While some proponents of the U.S.-India relationship had hoped Trump would delay the imposition of the Russian oil tariffs, the administration signaled it would make good on the threat to hike tariffs on Monday when U.S. Customs and Border Protection uploaded a draft notice with guidance for importers, clarifying its plan for the additional 25 percent tariff hike. The additional tariffs are souring a once positive relationship between the two world leaders who have called each other friends and come as efforts to coordinate a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have stalled following a recent meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Indians, meanwhile, have shown little sign of budging on their Russian oil purchases, which the government has framed as purely an economic decision. Now, Indias 50 percent tariff rate will be nearly as high as the 55 percent levy Chinese goods face. Mark Linscott, a former negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representatives Office who was involved in negotiations with India during Trumps first administration, described the new tariffs as unfortunate. Its hard to predict how things might unfold from here, but its clearly a low moment now, Linscott said. A White House official, granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the relationship between the two countries, said, they "dont think this is necessarily the end of the relationship between the two countries." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tariff-fueled rift with India may have geopolitical implications that go beyond the U.S.-India relationship. For much of this century, U.S. presidents have sought to pull New Delhi into closer strategic ties and pry it away from its traditional relations with Moscow through Indias membership in the China-countering group known as the Quad, which also includes Australia, Japan and the United States. Those efforts appeared to be bearing fruit as recently as January following a meeting in Washington with top diplomats from Quad countries when Indias Foreign Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told reporters that New Delhi was willing to nudge the grouping toward a greater defense and security focus. That initiative is likely dead as long as the Trump administrations tariff punishment continues. The Indian embassy in Washington declined to comment, but Indias Ministry of External Affairs has previously called the tariffs unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable, and said that India will take all necessary steps to protect its national interests. In a modest concession to Washington, Indian refiners plan to trim their purchases of Russian crude in the coming weeks, according to reporting from Bloomberg. But its not clear if a slight reduction will move the needle for the Trump administration, and the country has no plans to sever its deep financial ties with Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the White House has maintained that it views the oil purchases as supporting the war in Russia, with Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro in a recent Financial Times op-ed calling it profiteering by Indias Big Oil lobby. Navarro has repeatedly defended the tariff hike being targeted specifically on India instead of China, pointing out that tariffs on some Chinese goods are already as high as 50 percent. India was one of the first countries to begin trade talks with the U.S., with Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreeing during a White House meeting in February to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Vice President JD Vance announced during a trip to India in April that the countries had finalized terms of reference for negotiations, and Trump teased for weeks in July that a trade agreement with India was close. The fact that the country did not receive one of Trumps July tariff letters was widely seen as a good sign. That appeared to fall apart when Trump posted on Truth Social in late July ALL THINGS NOT GOOD! with India, especially with the countrys relationship to Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their Tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the World, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary Trade Barriers of any Country, Trump wrote on Truth Social. The new tariffs threaten to push India closer to not only Russia but China and other members of the so-called BRICS group of emerging economies that Trump has in recent weeks railed against. Still, proponents of the U.S.-India relationship havent given up hope. Trump and Modi could meet at the UN General Assembly in New York next month, which could give the men a chance to hash out their differences in person. "Despite the current negative commentary in India about the bilateral relationship, I believe that the Indian government would like to try to work things out and I think the Trump administration has the same desire, said Kenneth Juster, who served as U.S. ambassador to India during the first Trump administration. While the current tariffs may be in effect for several weeks, I hope that the two leaders will meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in late September and get the relationship back on track. Phelim Kine and Daniel Desrochers contributed to this report. GA mayors trial for deadly crash goes to jury A jury heard closing arguments Tuesday in the trial for a former Georgia State Trooper and current mayor charged in a deadly crash. Anthony AJ Scott is accused of causing a crash that killed 16-year-old Isabella Chinchilla and 17-year-old Kylie Lindsey in 2015. Scott, now the mayor of Buchanan, allegedly drove at speeds up to 90 mph without lights or sirens and crashed into the teens Nissan Sentra. The jury is now in deliberation. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Kellie Lindsey, Kylies mother, has been in the courtroom throughout. She told Channel 2s Candace McCowan that she wants this chapter to finally come to a close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt ever plan for it to be this long, and it has been horrific, she said. Court resumed Tuesday with prosecutors and defense attorneys presenting their closing arguments. Prosecutors laid out the charges against Scott, including second-degree homicide by vehicle, reckless driving and speeding. The defense argued that the collision was the fault of the teen driving the other car that was struck. The driver, Dillon Wall, was only 18 years old at the time. He testified during the trial and is ready for an end. Moving forward, putting it in the past and trying to heal, he said. This is the second time Scott is being tried for the case. A judge declared a mistrial in 2019, saying the Carroll County prosecution withheld evidence. The DeKalb County District Attorneys Office is now prosecuting the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted. RELATED STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A Clovis restaurant where a cockroach was discovered crawling not just inside the establishment but on top of food has closed. Perhaps permanently. A hand-written note taped onto the front door of the Mitsui Buffet off Shaw Avenue said the restaurant is closed for a remodel. Its listing on the internet stated a temporary closure as well. But there are signs elsewhere that seem to indicate Mitsui, which has been open since 2010, might be shutting down for good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Messages left for owner Huang Feng were not immediately returned. The Fresno County Department of Public Health said it has an inspection scheduled later this month at the buffet. That could help reveal more about the restaurants future. Here are some hints of the direction Mitsui could be heading toward: Mitsuis health permit expired in May and the restaurant has an unpaid balance of $1,539.20 to the county, according to the Fresno County Department of Public Health. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control states Mitsuis liquor license was automatically revoked and its license expired April 30. The restaurants listed telephone number was no longer in service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, theres the incident at the restaurant involving a cockroach. A sign taped on the front door of the Mitsui Buffet is Clovis states that the restaurant is closed for remodel. But signs elsewhere indicate Mitsui might be going out of business after its liquor license was revoked and its health permit was not renewed. Cockroach and crawfish In April, Fresno couple Lilly Holsworth and Anthony Moua decided to enjoy a date night at Mitsui. Both had been to the buffet a couple of times before and felt comfortable eating there again. For about $20 per person, customers could eat all they want from a variety of foods already cooked and kept warm under heaters. Holsworth, in particular, was looking forward to eating seafood. So she filled her plate with crawfish, which was part of a seafood boil. Moua, too, was drawn to the smell of the seafood boil, so he decided to get a plate of his own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when he picked up the serving spoon that rested inside the buffet warmer, a cockroach emerged within the large container full of crawfish and started moving. Mitsui Buffet posted a hand-written note on its front door stating that it was closed for remodeling. But there are indications elsewhere that Mitsui might be shutting down for good, including the restaurant letting its health permit expire in May. Moua pulled out his camera phone to try to confirm what he thought he saw. There it was on video: A cockroach crawling atop a crawfish then onto a corn on the cob. You see that, right? Moua says in the video. Moua rushed back to the table to warn his girlfriend. Holsworth immediately pushed aside her plate, which still had two or three crawfish left. Shed already eaten the rest. What if the cockroaches laid eggs in the food? Moua asked aloud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moua tried asking for a full refund. He said the restaurant only offered credit toward a future visit. Moua decided it wasnt worth getting into a heated argument. He also could tell his girlfriend wasnt feeling well. So the Fresno couple hurried home. Holsworth rushed to the bathroom and forced herself to throw up. When her family asked what was wrong and Holsworth told them, they suggested she tell others. Maybe message the news media so people could avoid going through a similar experience. That just doesnt sit right with me, Holsworth said. The manager, she was being passive aggressive and said they dont do refunds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one thing if you see the cockroach on the ground. But its on the food. I literally was sick to my stomach. More violations The Fresno County Department of Public Health said Mitsuis current closure was not due to any enforcement action issued by the countys environmental health team. But because Mitsui hasnt renewed its health permit, the health department could impose additional fines and a possible closure. Mitsui has continued to be found in violation of various health codes that date back to December 2024, including rodent droppings on the floor. In the latest consumer food protection inspection report, the health department stated in May that there were no rodents, insects, birds or other animals observed to be in the restaurant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Mitsui still was found in violation of: not maintaining a clean and sanitized area after one dead cockroach and two cockroach eggs were observed in cabinets under the buffet line. not separating food and protecting it from contamination. not keeping potentially hazardous foods at appropriate holding temperatures. Moua said hes driven past Mitsui a few times since the cockroach incident. He said he was surprised to find cars parked outside of the restaurant. He said he used to enjoy eating at Mitsui but couldnt picture himself ever returning. Workers at nearby businesses said they have not seen customers coming in or out of Mitsui for roughly two months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The standards there kept getting worse, Moua said. The setting was starting to deteriorate. I know its a buffet. Im not expecting the place to be amazing. I just wasnt expecting to see a cockroach on food that I was about to eat. A CNN fact-checker shredded a deluge of Donald Trumps false claims about crime in Washington, D.C. During Trumps second Oval Office press conference of the day on Monday, the president defended his deployment of the National Guard and takeover of the police force in the nations capital, touting an 11-day murder-free period. Despite polling showing how unpopular Trumps moves are in D.C., the president continued to claim that, under his watch, the city has transformed from the most dangerous place in the world to the safest place in under two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Towards the end of Trumps White House meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday, CNN News Central brought in senior reporter Daniel Dale to fact-check the U.S. commander-in-chiefs claims. Asked whether Trumps claim about D.C.s first murder-free week in many years, Dale responded that it is not accurate, citing other similar stretches this year in the district. CNN's Senior Report Daniel Dale fact-checked Donald Trump's claims to reporters about crime in Washington, D.C. (CNN) There has currently been the 11-day stretch without a reported homicide, but that also happened earlier this year, he said. In February and March, there was a 16-day stretch with no reported homicides in the district. So the president is exaggerating again. Dale also pointed to another claim that was not even close to true: that the capitals crime was at an all-time high when he took office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While D.C.s murder rate two years ago hit levels not seen since the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s, the period since has seen a steep decline under the leadership of Chief Pamela Smith, who was named to her role in 2023. Statistics made public by the D.C. government and the Department of Justice show that other violent crimes have also declined during the same period. Crime figures from the Metropolitan Police Department for the District of Columbia state that violent offenses fell last year to their lowest level in 30 years and have continued to decline in 2025, according to preliminary data for the first half of the year. The president addressed reporters in two Oval Office press conferences on Monday (Getty Images) Dale also dug into Trumps pledge to deploy National Guard troops into Republican strongholds, before adding, but there arent that many of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you look at the top 25 cities for crime, just about every one of those cities is run by Democrats, Trump told reporters. Dale quickly shut down Trumps claims, arguing that many Republican-led cities face high crime rates. There are indeed a bunch of cities in red states that are high on national crime rate lists, however you slice the data, Dale said. Just looking at the facts, cities like Memphis, Tennessee; Cleveland, Ohio; Kansas City, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Houston, Texas, all among the 10 or 15 cities with the highest violent crime rates, all in red states with Republican governors. So, whos to blame for that?, he asked. President Donald Trump on Monday held another Oval Office press conference riddled with false claims about his federal takeover of Washington, D.C., and cited several baseless statistics that were nowhere close to reality, according to CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale. Earlier this month, Trump federalized the districts Metropolitan Police Department and deployed National Guard troops to quell the supposed bedlam there. And he claimed on Monday that this month marks the first time in years that D.C. has gone 11 days without a murder. Dale quite easily proved later on Monday that this isnt true in the slightest. Related: Parents Of Teen Who Died By Suicide After Using ChatGPT Sue OpenAI And Sam Altman There has currently been the 11-day stretch without a reported homicide, but that also happened earlier this year, Dale said Monday during an appearance on News Central. In February and March, there was a 16-day stretch with no reported homicides in the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the president is exaggerating again, and that wasnt his only false claim, guys, on the subject of D.C. crime, Dale continued. He said that it was an all-time crime high when he took office. He said the worst day was the day he came back; not even close to true. Trump claimed violent crime in D.C. was at the all-time worst when he took office in January. That is false. Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press Trump has not only denied that violent crime in Washington is at a 30-year low, but said people should be thanking him for quelling it. He lied to reporters on Monday by saying that crime was at its all-time worst before he ordered troops to patrol the city. Dale noted that crime in the district has not been even close to its all-time highs of the early 1990s. Recognizing that Trump has publicly rejected these statistics, he generously offered to focus on the least falsifiable kind of crime alone murder. The fact-checker showed that there were 187 homicides in the district in 2024, versus more than 470 homicides in 1990 and 1991, according to the Department of Justice and Criminal Justice Research Center, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So no, nowhere close to an all-time peak, Dale said Monday. Related: 'Extremely Dishonest': CNN Fact-Checker Nails Trump On 13 'Flat False' Claims Dale further noted that Trump likes to blame crime on cities Democratic mayors, but noted that places like Memphis, Cleveland, St. Louis and Houston are in states that have Republican governors and are among the 10 or 15 cities with the highest violent crime rates. So, whos to blame for that? Dale asked Monday. I think thats subjective and complicated, but its just not true that there arent many cities in red states that are high on those terrible lists. Related... Read the original on HuffPost President Donald Trumps former national security adviser John Bolton spoke out after the FBI raided his home last week, taking aim at the presidents stance on the war in Russia and Ukraine. The FBI raided the Trump adviser-turned-critics home in Bethesda, Maryland and office in Washington, D.C. on Friday morning as part of an investigation related to classified documents. In his first comments since the raid, Bolton wrote an op-ed Monday in the Washington Examiner slamming Trumps Russia-Ukraine policies following his meetings with the countrys respective leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trumps Ukraine policy today is no more coherent than it was last Friday when his administration executed search warrants against my home and office, Bolton began. Collapsing in confusion and haste, Trumps negotiations may be in their last throes, along with his Nobel Peace Prize campaign. Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska. Trumps furious pace trying to move an extraordinarily complex conflict to resolution over the past two weeks was one of several significant mistakes, Bolton said. The Trump adviser-turned-critic said that Trump has made several significant mistakes in his attempts to bring about peace in Ukraine. (AP) The meeting, which many considered as a victory for Putin, resulted in no ceasefire deal. Following that summit, Trump made a stunning about-face, his former national security adviser continued, noting the U.S. president abandoned his prior threats of imposing sanctions or tariffs if there was no agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days later, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a group of European leaders at the White House. He then announced he planned to arrange a trilateral meeting with Putin, Zelensky and himself. None of this was realistic, and no meeting appears likely anytime soon, Bolton blasted. He then concluded that the U.S. presidents efforts over the last two-plus weeks may have left us further from peace and a just settlement for Ukraine than before. The Independent has asked the White House for comment on Boltons piece. FBI agents leave the house of former national security adviser John Bolton in Bethesda, Maryland as part of the early stages of an investigation related to classified documents, Vice President JD Vance has said (AP) Hours after Fridays FBI raids, Trump said he wasnt aware of them until after they happened. I saw it on television this morning, he told reporters. The president noted that he wasnt a fan of Bolton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My house was raided also, Trump said, referring to the FBI raid of his Mar-a-Lago compound in 2022. So I know the feeling. Its not a good feeling. Just weeks prior to the raids, Bolton accused Trump of running a retribution presidency. Earlier this year, the U.S. president revoked Boltons security detail, which he received following threats against his life from Iran. The former national security adviser isnt alone; in his second term, Trump has targeted his so-called political enemies, including law firms, news organizations, former government officials, ideological opponents, and universities. U.S. President Donald Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month in a summit that resulted in no ceasefire deal (AFP/Getty) However, Trump and Bolton have had a feud since 2019, when the president asked his national security adviser to resign. Bolton then wrote a book, which Trump tried to halt from being published, alleging he shared classified information from his time in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge found that Bolton likely jeopardized national security by disclosing classified information in violation of his nondisclosure agreement obligations but allowed the memoir to be published. The Justice Department also launched a criminal investigation into whether Bolton disclosed classified information in his book. Both probes were dropped under the Biden administration. Vice President JD Vance suggested there was a new probe into Bolton, telling NBCs Meet the Press last week that the investigation is in the very early stages. Classified documents are certainly part of that probe, but that theres a broad concern about Ambassador Bolton, he said. The vice president rejected that the raid exemplified retribution against a vocal Trump critic. "I suspect that if the media and the American people let this case actually unfold, if they let the investigation unfold, as its currently doing, theyre going to find out that what were doing is being very deliberate and being very driven by the national interest, and by the law here and thats as it should be, he said. HONOLULU (KHON2) Starting college can be both exciting and intimidating. At the University of Hawaii at Manoa, often times new students face homesickness, culture shock and the challenge of finding community. Helping them through those first months are resident assistants. One simple agreement that could save your college experience Makoa Miura, a resident assistant and associate residence director, remembers what it felt like to arrive on campus in 2021. Originally from Kapolei, he said his freshman year was difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I first became a resident assistant because I was having a really rough time my freshman year, Miura said. As a first-generation college student, navigating college was very different from how I navigated high school, and I really relied on my resident assistant. And that support he received from those investing in his future shaped his decision to take on the role himself. UH Manoa dining has a hidden food court for everyone I wanted to make sure that I could go ahead and help them navigate their freshman year, he said. Especially those first-generation college students, so they wouldnt have to face the same challenges I did. Learning from the campus and the land For Miura, the heart of a meaningful college experience in Hawaii lies in recognizing the reciprocal relationship between students and the place they now call home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He emphasized that education is not a one-way exchange, but rather a responsibility to both learn from and contribute to the community: Some things students might not expect is how deeply intertwined the university is with the community that surrounds it, he said. That includes partnerships with organizations that care for the land and environment. Miura also stressed the importance of approaching Hawaiis culture with humility and genuine respect. He reminds students that their mindset matters when engaging with local traditions and perspectives: When you come here, and you are learning from the university, you are taking something from the islands. So, making sure that during your four years here, or longer, that youre giving something back as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miura explained that engaging with Native Hawaiian culture requires more than surface-level participation. Its about cultivating an attitude of humility, care and genuine interest. He urged students to be mindful of how they enter cultural conversations and experiences. Just making sure that youre approaching things from an area of an appreciation instead of appropriation, Miura said. Approaching different conversations oriented around Hawaiian culture through a lens of curiosity. Wanting to learn more about the place that you are currently residing in, and how you can give back. Beyond cultural respect, Miura highlighted how Native Hawaiian values like aloha and malama aina love, compassion and care for the land can serve as everyday guiding principles. He encouraged students to bring these values into every environment they enter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any space youre entering, either on campus or off campus, youre making better than what it was when you first entered it. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Building friendships and finding support One of Miuras biggest recommendations for new students is to take advantage of the programs hosted by residence halls. These events, he explained, often become the starting point for building meaningful friendships and creating a sense of belonging on campus. At these programs are where a lot of people will meet their friends, he said. Sometimes theyre lifelong friends. Its a great way just to bond with people over shared interests, maybe even if youre trying something entirely new to you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that campus-wide events, such as late-night activities at the Campus Center, offer another opportunity for connection. These gatherings encourage students to step outside their routines and engage with peers from different backgrounds. Its a great way to get out of your room, out of your shell, and kind of interact with other people from other backgrounds, Miura said. When students begin to feel the weight of homesickness, Miura emphasized that they dont have to navigate it alone. He pointed to the many resources available through residence life and across the university, to encourage students to seek support when they need it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are a plethora of resources to you, he said. Depending on what challenges you might be facing maybe a bit more professionally about the homesickness youre feeling, we could go ahead and refer you to the counseling and student development center. Finding the right program Miura emphasized that getting involved in student clubs and organizations can make a big difference in finding a sense of belonging at UH. He shared from his own experience how joining a program helped him connect with others and build community on campus. Something thats really helped me is finding a program, he said. Just finding one can really help you find community. His own path included joining the Native Hawaiian Science and Mentorship Program, which connected him with others in his field of study. For Miura, that sense of connection came through the Native Hawaiian Science and Mentorship Program, which introduced him to peers in his field of study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also pointed to TRIO Student Support Services as another valuable resource, especially for first-generation students navigating college for the first time. They do a really good job at finding programs for students to come together and build community and people that you can kind of build a cohort with to navigate college together, he added. Adjusting to life at UH Manoa requires more than learning where to go for class. It means giving back to the land, respecting Hawaiian culture, and building community. Miuras words point students toward the essentials: attend programs, join a club, talk to resident assistants and use resources early. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can click here to learn about opportunities that can help you meet likeminded people on campus. You can click here to learn more about UHs student housing facilities and opportunities. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 For those who take those steps, college becomes a time not just of study but of connection, growth and belonging. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. At least a half-dozen universities across the country welcomed students to first-day-of-fall classes Monday with run-and-hide warnings about possible gunmen on campus. In almost all the cases, police and administrators said the reports were hoaxes or swatting calls, which is when someone uses temporary cellphone numbers and voice-cloaking apps to create havoc. A few campuses said simply that no evidence of a gunman or violence was found. The reports were sent to students at the University of Arkansas, University of Colorado Boulder, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, the University of New Hampshire and Northern Arizona University, according to student alerts and school statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, according to campus officials, the University of South Carolina received two reports of an active shooter at Thomas Cooper Library in Columbia on Sunday night, the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga received a hoax active shooter call on Aug. 21, and Villanova University near Philadelphia received two false active shooter reports during freshman orientation last week. Students at Villanova University in Villanova, Pa., were alerted to an active shooter situation on campus on Thursday. (NBC Philadelphia) The University of Arkansas canceled classes Monday after it determined that reports of "active threats" could not be confirmed. "Students are free to leave campus at this time if desired," university police said. Kansas State University described a false report Monday at its Manhattan campus as "similar to other swatting reports happening at universities across the country." University of South Carolina police said in a statement Monday that both false reports Sunday night appeared to have been made by the same male and that they triggered a massive response that included "mutual aid," or officers from surrounding communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Both calls were initiated by an unknown male and included background noise that mimicked gunfire," police said. Northern Arizona University said in a statement that a caller reported a gunman Monday at Cline Library on its Flagstaff Mountain Campus, triggering a response that included Flagstaff police, Coconino County sheriff's deputies and state and federal agents. "The report was determined to be a hoax, and at no time was there an active threat to the NAU community," the university said in a statement. "An investigation is underway into the false report, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation." University of Arkansas students and employees evacuate and take shelter on Aug. 25, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark., as police respond to reports of a shooting. (Michael Woods / AP) An FBI spokesperson said the bureau was aware of many of the reported incidents and was helping with investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The FBI continues to work with state and local partners to investigate the swatting hoaxes but cannot say at this stage whether or not the incidents are connected," the bureau said. Some of the earliest swatting incidents in the 2010s involved false shooting reports at the homes of celebrities, and in recent years, they have expanded to include politicians and institutions. The FBI created a national database to track such fake calls. Last year, authorities alleged a California teenager carried out hundreds of swatting calls that targeted historically Black colleges, high schools, the homes of FBI agents and a Florida mosque in a spree he ultimately admitted. CORRECTION (Aug. 25, 2025, 11:06 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misidentified one of the schools that received a false shooting report. It was the University of Colorado Boulder, not Colorado State University Boulder. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (The Center Square) Colorado remains committed to building more homes to address the ongoing housing crisis. Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, joined state legislators in making that commitment. It is not rocket science that by increasing housing supply, we can decrease rent spikes and help more Coloradans realize the dream of home ownership, Polis said. Breaking down barriers to housing includes getting rid of parking requirements, building more housing near transit lines, and reworking zoning in order to save people money, and help Coloradans live where we want to live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This came in response to a new report from Pew Research Center that found that increasing housing in low-income neighborhoods has a direct correlation with decreasing rent prices. The report analyzed publicly available housing data and discovered that the U.S. faces a shortage of between 4 million and 7 million homes. This is a result of "restrictive zoning ordinances," according to the report. Colorado alone needs upward of 134,000 more affordable homes for extremely low-income households, according to the 2025 report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition. With a shortage of over 100,000 homes across Colorado, our housing laws will help spur new housing options that will make it more affordable to call Colorado home, said House Speaker Pro Tempore Andy Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boesenecker added that Democrats are making this issue a priority. From building more high-quality starter homes to modernizing building codes and removing barriers to low-cost modular homes, Colorado Democrats have made housing affordability a top priority at the Capitol, he said. This PEW study confirms that the work that Colorado Democrats have done to accelerate budget-friendly housing options will help prevent rent prices from skyrocketing. Previous reporting from The Center Square has noted the connection between low supply of affordable housing and increasing homelessness. The PEW report found rents increased the most in the lowestincome ZIP codes. Notably, Denver was listed as one of the cities that saw some decreases in rent prices from 2023 to 2024, especially in older, less expensive buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Polis updated a previous executive action to push more affordable housing for Colorado. The amended executive order directed state agencies to prioritize grant funding to local communities that are leading on the effort to create more housing that Coloradans can afford. Community leadership is defined as compliance with a number of strategic growth state laws designed to make housing more affordable and increase supply. Solving our states housing crisis requires us to remove barriers to building more housing and prioritize housing near transit to encourage homeownership and affordability at all entry points, said Rep. Steven Woodrow, D-Denver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governors office applauds efforts made so far, citing a number of landmark laws largely pushed by Democrats. Colorado is leading the way in lowering the cost of housing and breaking down government barriers blocking new housing that people can afford, Polis office said in a statement. Colorado Sen. Rod Pelton, a Cheyenne Wells Republican, and Senate President James Coleman, a Denver Democrat, speak during the sixth day of the special legislative session on Aug. 26, 2025. (Photo by Delilah Brumer/Colorado Newsline) Two tax credit bills from the special legislative session are headed to Gov. Jared Polis desk after gaining approval from Colorado lawmakers on Tuesday. The bills would both allow the states treasury department to sell state tax credits in order to raise revenue for the current fiscal year, with one sending money to the general fund and the other funding programs to lower health insurance premiums. Large taxpayers would be able to buy credits for future tax liability at a lower rate, so the state would get that money now and the payer would benefit from the discount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislature began its special session last Thursday to lessen the blow of an approximately $750 million gap in the states budget, spurred by tax code changes in the recent federal Republican tax break and spending cut law. Several revenue-raising bills already passed the Legislature on Monday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The first of the two tax credit bills, House Bill 25B-1004, was approved by the Senate on Tuesday in a mostly party-line vote. The bill would sell up to $125 million of insurance premium tax credits and corporate income tax credits for the current fiscal year, allowing qualifying companies to pay certain state taxes early at a discount. The money raised, which could be up to $100 million, would go to the states general fund, which pays for a wide range of basic services including education, health care and public safety. Sen. Janice Marchman, a Loveland Democrat, voiced support for the bill during final Senate debate, and said it is necessary to help fill the state budget hole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (This bill) is a practical and disciplined bridge, Marchman said. It protects district funding and essential local services now, while we take up the structural work to make Colorados tax code stable for the long run. But Senate Republicans said the Legislature should be focused on cutting costs, not selling tax credits that could hurt state revenue down the line. It could possibly help fill the gap this year, but it causes problems in the out year, said Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Brighton Republican who sits on the Joint Budget Committee. Thats why Im saying that it doesnt necessarily fix our budget. It may help with the gap in the short term, but it just pushes out, kicks the can down the road, if you will, into the next years. The Senate then approved House Bill 25B-1006, which would sell tax credits to bring in money for the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise fund. That pays for programs to reduce individual insurance market premiums. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill 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 insurance 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 people without permanent legal status. It is possible Congress will extend or partially restore the federal enhanced premium tax credit in question, in which case the sale of tax credits proposed in the bill would not occur. The bill originally borrowed the money from the states Unclaimed Property Fund. The funding mechanism was amended in its Senate committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several Senate Republicans warned about overreliance on the sale of tax credits, and raised concerns that the credits wouldnt all be sold. Democrats said the bill will help vulnerable Coloradans, though some argued that the bill does not do enough. Sen. Iman Jodeh, an Aurora Democrat who sponsored the bill, said she fears for people whose health care premiums will increase, and urged lawmakers to pass the bill as a way to ease that burden. What happened in July (with the federal law) is about to be catastrophic for Colorado, Jodeh said. I refuse to stand before my constituents, before anyone in Colorado, and face any kind of moral reckoning because we did nothing, because we chose to make it political, because we couldnt find a funding source that pleased everyone. After the Senate passed HB25B-1006, the House agreed with the Senate amendments. It now heads to the governors desk. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE VILNIUS, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Lithuanian parliament on Tuesday approved the appointment of Social Democrat Inga Ruginiene, incumbent minister of social security and labor, as Lithuania's new prime minister. After the parliament's approval, Ruginiene now has up to 15 days to present a new cabinet list agreed with the president to the parliament for a vote. She will officially take office after the president signs a decree appointing her as the prime minister, and she, together with the new Cabinet, takes the oath in the parliament. Ruginiene, 44, was elected to parliament for the first time in 2024. Before her political career, she served as chair of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation. Former Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas stepped down on Aug. 4, triggering the automatic resignation of the entire cabinet. On Aug. 6, the presidium of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP) nominated Ruginiene as the party's candidate for the prime minister. The LSDP, Nemunas Dawn, the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union, and the Christian Families Alliance signed an agreement on Monday to form a new ruling coalition. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) An annual festival that celebrates the culture and ancestry of Greece is returning to Columbus for the Labor Day weekend. The Columbus Greek Festival is kicking off its 52nd year on Friday, where visitors can flock to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 555 N. High St. for a full weekend of activities. Stacey Stathulis, who is the public relations and marketing chair for the event, expects a busy weekend and a good turnout for the festival. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral will be open for tours throughout the weekend. (Courtesy Photo/Columbus Greek Festival) Greek folk dancers will perform in traditional dress throughout the weekend. (Courtesy Photo/Columbus Greek Festival) Spanakopita, a blend of spinach and cheese wrapped in a buttered dough. (Courtesy Photo/Columbus Greek Festival) Baklava is a must-do treat for visitors at the festival this weekend. (Courtesy Photo/Columbus Greek Festival) A lot of the times, we catch people coming in for lunch or dinner one day and try as much of the food as they can and want to come back other days, Stathulis said. Historically, Sunday has been our biggest day because people dont have to go to work Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each year, the festival promises a full menu of Greek specialties from Gyros, Lamb Chops and Spanakopita, to pastries including Baklava, Kataifi, Macaroons and more. Patrons can dance to live Greek folk music, watch traditional festival folk dancers and go on tours through the cathedral. Reynoldsburg to hold annual festival featuring food trucks and live music Admission for the festival is $5 per day for adults or $10 for a weekend pass. Kids who are 12 years and younger are free. Hours for the event are Friday from 4 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday from noon to 11 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional details on the Columbus Greek Festival, you can visit the events website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) The Columbus Police Department is seeking the publics help in searching for a juvenile runaway. CPD says officers are searching for 15-year-old Dwayne Batts, who is described as a Black male, standing 5 foot 8 inches tall, weighs 202 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was reportedly last seen wearing gray crocs, gray sweatpants, and a gray shirt with yellow graphic designs. Batts was last seen in the 5600 block of Blueridge Drive on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on Harris whereabouts is encouraged to contact 911 or the CPD Special Victims Unit at 706-225-3449, or the lead investigator, Detective Chris Whitehead at 706-225-4278. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. It was a cold early morning, Jan. 8, 1993, and it was shattered by six words blasting from a police radio: Five in the cooler at Browns. Quickly, the details emerged, the horror spread and things got worse. There were seven people dead, the owners of a Palatine restaurant and five of their employees, fatally shot with a .38-caliber revolver, covered in blood, some shot six times and some only once. Remember? This would come to be known as the Browns Chicken massacre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The slaughter and the subsequent and frustrating search for the perpetrators and eventual murder trial captivated the media, traumatized suburban parents everywhere and became part of what writer Patrick Wohl writes is Americas fixation with true crime. In an odd way, reading or watching a true crime story can serve as an escape because its far from anything most people will experience, he writes. But for those who were actually there, the depiction of a tale involving the murder of a loved one can also be an exercise in re-traumatization. He writes these sentences and so much more in his new book, Something Big: The True Story of the Browns Chicken Massacre, A Decade-Long Manhunt, and the Trials That Followed (Post Hill Press), a sensitive and thoughtful journey back to that distant horror and how it continues to affect lives. The author was born in 1994, the year after the Browns killings, and writes as someone who was raised not far from where (the crime) occurred and grew up eating the fried chicken from the chain for which the crime is named eponymously referred, it always struck with me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so he began to write a book that focused on the stories of the people involved and the human elements of the tragedy. Naturally, before diving in, he did his research and one of the books that was helpful to him was 2003s The Browns Chicken Massacre, written by then Pulitzer Prize-winning Tribune reporter Maurice Possley. I knew what a fine writer Possley was in part because he and I had collaborated on a previous book, 2001s Everybody Pays: Two Men, One Murder and the Price of Truth, about a prolific mob hit man named Harry Aleman and a heroic citizen named Bob Lowe who testified against Aleman. We remain proud of that book and I talked to Possley, who now lives and works in Ireland with his wife, author Cathleen Falsani. He plans to read Wohls book and he remembers writing his Browns book. It was a very quick project, said Possley, whose work focuses on prosecutorial misconduct, wrongful convictions, and other criminal justice issues. The arrests in the Browns case came in May 2002 and I signed a book contract in July and the manuscript was submitted by either end of September, maybe October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He provided some details: I printed out every news story I could find about the case, from the day of the murders and up to and after the arrests. I assembled these as well as reports, such as the BGA report and other documents to create a timeline of events. I then began to write the story chronologically. I was able to conduct some interviews and I had some pals help in the interviewing process. Wohl is a Park Ridge native, graduate of Maine South High School who earned a law degree from George Washington University. He now works as an attorney in Washington, D.C., but is serious about his writing. His first book, 2024s Down Ballot: How a Local Campaign Became a National Referendum on Abortion, was about the 1990 campaign for Illinois state representative between Penny Pullen and Rosemary Mulligan. It was a race shadowed by the question of legalized abortion and was one of the closest races in Illinois history. For this new book he spent two years talking to dozens of people, all but a few of them willing to share their memories and emotions. He interviewed victims family members, former cops, attorneys, a DNA expert and former suspects. Each of the books 24 chapters focuses on one person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People trusted me with incredibly intimate stories, Wohl writes. Many of them still live with this tragedy day in and day out. To them, its not just a story. That trust was well placed. Wohl is true to his word, expressed on the books opening pages, to respect the families while still managing to tell a compelling narrative for readers with no connection to Palatine. I read Possleys book again and Wohls the next day. Doing so gave me as full and insightful a package as I think possible, reminding me of the details of the crime, its effects and aftermath and artfully charting its ongoing ripple effect. You might want to try that same one-two literary punch. In any case, it is important to remember the names of the dead. Those names were Richard Ehlenfeldt, Lynn Ehlenfeldt, Guadalupe Maldonado, Michael Castro, Thomas Mennes, Rico Solis and Marcus Nellsen. What of the killers, now serving life sentences in an Illinois maximum-security prison? Why dignify them. If you want to know, you can look that up. rkogan@chicagotribune.com Nichole Keway Biber, the Mid-Michigan campaign organizer for Clean Water Action and a Tribal citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, calls out concerns in Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel project plan. Aug. 26, 2025 | Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance Environmental advocates on Tuesday delivered several boxes full of letters to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmers office asking her to take a public stance as state regulators mull permits necessary for Canadian pipeline company Enbridge to move forward with its Line 5 tunnel project. Every one of these letters being delivered today were written with clear purpose, with love for the Great Lakes and with the hope that at long last, we will be the ones to influence decision making on behalf of the next seven generations, said Nichole Keway Biber, the Mid-Michigan campaign organizer for Clean Water Action and a Tribal citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Line 5 pipeline stretches for 645 miles across Michigan, beginning in northwest Wisconsin and ending in Sarnia, Ontario. Included in that stretch is a 4.5 mile segment of two separate pipelines located on the lakebed in the Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet. Tribal nations and environmental advocates have long called for the pipelines shut down, pointing to the 2010 Kalamazoo River Oil Spill, where Enbridges 6B pipeline ruptured, spilling thousands of gallons of oil into the waterway. Gaps in the pipelines protective coating were identified in 2014, and the pipeline has been struck by anchors twice since 2018, resulting in three dents in the dual pipelines and damage to one of the pipelines supports. In late 2018, the state and Enbridge announced an agreement for the pipeline company to replace the dual pipelines with a new segment housed in a concrete line tunnel buried in the bedrock beneath the Straits of Mackinac. Nichole Keway Biber, the Mid-Michigan campaign organizer for Clean Water Action and a Tribal citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, calls out concerns in Enbridges Line 5 tunnel project plan. Aug. 26, 2025 | Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In order to move forward with the project, the company needs to secure permits from the Michigan Public Service Commission, the Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. However, Indigenous activists and environmental advocates have remained opposed to the pipeline project, arguing the tunnels design carries risk for explosion, while the tunnels construction carries its own environmental harms. With the Michigan Public Service Commission giving the project its approval, and President Donald Trumps Administration working to fast track permit approval through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Line 5 opponents are looking at Enbridges required redo of its water resources permit as one of the last chances to block the tunnel project and secure a shutdown of the pipeline. Public comment on the permits opened on July 17, with the department accepting comments through Aug. 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As EGLE continues to hear input from the public, Sean McBrearty, campaign coordinator for the anti Line 5 Oil and Water Dont Mix coalition said the department has a responsibility under Michigan Law to look at the environmental impact of the tunnel project. In order to approve a permit under the Great Lakes Submerged Lands Act, there needs to be minimal impact to the surrounding environment McBrearty said. Based on the findings of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers draft environmental impact statement, the department has all the teeth it needs to deny the permit, McBrearty said. Activists opposing Enbridges Line 5 pipeline carry boxes of letters to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asking her to speak out against permits for a tunnel project expected to prolong the pipelines operations. Aug. 26, 2025 | Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance He also raised concerns on the quality of the bedrock, while arguing Enbridge hadnt taken into account the risk of drilling into methane deposits, carrying risks for explosion and flooding of the tunnel. In an email to the Michigan Advance, Enbridge spokesperson Ryan Duffy said the ground conditions were not part of EGLEs permit review and were instead reviewed and examined over several years in the Michigan Public Service Commissions approval process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissions approval is under review by the Michigan Supreme Court following appeals from the Bay Mills Indian Community, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi alongside multiple environmental groups. Since the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy first granted these same permits four years ago, our team has made consistent progress in refining the project. Weve gathered extensive site-specific environmental data, which has been thoughtfully integrated into our updated application, Duffy said in a statement. We are confident in the quality and expertise of our tunnel team and its environmentally respectful approach to building the tunnel. Our commitment to safeguarding the Great Lakes, preserving the environment, and supporting local communities remains at the heart of this project. While Gov. Gretchen Whitmer campaigned on shutting down Line 5, terminating the companys easement to operate on the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac in 2020, advocates at Tuesdays press conference demanded Whitmer reaffirm her opposition to the pipeline. When asked for comment, Whitmers Press Secretary Stacey LaRouche directed the Michigan Advance to EGLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EGLE is committed to taking regulatory action within its statutory authority that protects public health and the environment. During our review of this proposed project, our top priority has been protecting the Straits of Mackinac and the surrounding wetlands from adverse environmental impacts, Scott Dean, the departments strategic communications advisor, said in an email. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Montana State Capitol in Helena on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (Photo by Mike Clark for the Daily Montanan) Public Service Commissioner Jennifer Fielder has called on Gov. Greg Gianforte to immediately suspend PSC President Brad Molnar, alleging Molnar is stymieing an internal investigation into his conduct. But Molnar has described the demand as patently unlawful and a calculated move to oust him as the PSC prepares to consider one of the largest proposed regulatory deals in Montana a merger between NorthWestern Energy and South Dakota-based Black Hills Corp announced last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Montana, the governor has the authority to suspend a commissioner if the commissioner fails to perform their duties, as described in state law. In an email, a spokesperson for the Governors Office said the governor will review the complaint from Fielder and is committed to due process. The call for Molnars temporary suspension for his alleged interference with the process and his retort that the demand to the governor is more about discouraging rigorous oversight of regulated utilities is the latest development in the investigation of unprofessional conduct by Molnar. Public Service Commission President Brad Molnar stands during a press conference in Helena, Montana, on July 29, 2025. (Jordan Hansen / Daily Montanan) Molnar publicly announced the investigation last month and admitted he was probably guilty of inadvertently offending others at times as a redneck wearing a white shirt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he also said he believed the charges didnt merit the legal bill potentially $10,000 to outside counsel. Additionally, he argued a resolution should have started with a meeting instead of a full blown investigation. Monday, Commissioner Randy Pinocci raised a similar matter. He said Fielder should have brought her concerns to the full board and Molnar himself before calling on the governor. He also said Molnar should have had the chance to voluntarily step aside as president first. He didnt get that opportunity because Fielder did all that behind everybodys back including the entire organization of the Public Service Commission, Pinocci said. That makes us look bad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter dated August 20, Fielder told Gianforte it was her unpleasant duty to call on the governor for Molnars suspension on behalf of a response team investigating Molnar. A PSC policy describes the response team as made up of the PSC president (in this case, vice president since Molnar is president and respondent) and three staff members the executive director, chief legal counsel, and human resources officer. Fielder, vice president of the all-Republican five-member PSC, said the response team has been working to carefully address the misconduct allegations, but Molnar has interfered. Commissioner Molnar has been using his high-level position in a multitude of ways to thwart the investigation and stop it from reaching its conclusion, wrote Fielder, acting chairperson of the response team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said normally, agency management would suspend someone who tried to interfere with an investigation, but only the governor can suspend a member of the Public Service Commission. Fielder also said Molnar has received countless polite reminders about workplace conduct, a handful of stern rebukes and two written warnings reminding him that retaliation is unlawful, but he is averse to following agency policies. She outlined eight actions she described as part of a hostile pattern of activity to derail the investigation, including threats of retaliation an allegation Molnars lawyer described as inflammatory and that Molnar held a press conference to blow up publicity on a confidential matter. She also said he made public comments that were dismissive, untruthful and retaliatory, and that he demanded the investigation be terminated. (Fielders letter said retaliation details were pending completion of investigation.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Molnars ongoing attempts to use his high-level position within the agency to stop an investigation of his own misconduct are reprehensible, Fielder wrote. (Molnar has previously said a title he uses for himself in jest is one example of the alleged misconduct El presidente de la grande mucho macho man Molnar commander of all the forces of the five districts. He said he is accused of being insensitive to women in leadership, but he uses the title because because the PSC leader used to be called a chairperson, and he believes thats the proper title.) Fielder said his actions have driven up the cost of the investigation and created serious liability risks for the response team and the state of Montana. In a letter to Gianforte on behalf of Molnar, however, lawyer Matthew Monforton not only said the governor should reject Fielders request, he chastised Gianforte for publicly celebrating the proposed NorthWestern merger the same day it was announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PSCs job is to scrutinize whether or not the proposed merger will benefit not just the utility, its shareholders, your political allies, and Wall Street speculators, but Montana ratepayers, too, Monforton wrote. Molnar was on the PSC in 2007 and he voted against a proposal to sell NorthWestern to an Australian company, Babcock and Brown Infrastructure. History vindicated that judgment: Babcock and Brown collapsed into insolvency just two years later, Monforton wrote. He said Molnar is currently the only commissioner who has previously reviewed a NorthWestern buyout proposal and the only commissioner who remembers what rigorous regulatory oversight of such proposals looks like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monforton argued the governor should reject Fielders complaint, and he believes Gianfortes legal counsel has undoubtedly informed him of its frivolousness. In an email, the communications director for the Governors Office said the office will review the complaint itself. The governors office is committed to an impartial review of any complaints made under MCA 69-1-113, and the review involves only the matters raised in the complaint, said Communications Director Sean Southard. MCA 69-1-113 states: Removal or suspension of commissioner. If a commissioner fails to perform the commissioners duties as provided in this title, the commissioner may be removed from office as provided by 45-7-401. Upon complaint made and good cause shown, the governor may suspend any commissioner, and if, in the governors judgment the exigencies of the case require, the governor may appoint temporarily some competent person to perform the duties of the suspended commissioner during the period of the suspension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Public Service Commission director and legal counsel did not respond to questions, including about the procedure for suspension of a commissioner and status of the misconduct investigation, but said the PSC strives for fairness and accountability. Unfortunately, because this is a pending administrative matter, the agency cannot comment on this topic at this time, said PSC Executive Director Alana Lake in an email. Monforton, however, argued the governor should throw out Fielders complaint, both because it is substantively deficient, but also because she sent it unilaterally and secretly, violating the PSCs policy manual and the state Constitutions Right to Know. In Montana, a public officer cannot be suspended or removed without first being apprised of the specific allegations against him, Monforton wrote. He said suspension or removal also requires actual evidence of misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he said Fielder didnt inform Molnar of any problems, nor did she provide evidence beyond her own conclusions. We learned of Commissioner Fielders complaint only after your General Counsel, Anita Milanovich, provided us with a copy, Monforton wrote. Commissioner Fielders systematic concealment of her actions violates both the letter and spirit of Montanas constitutional commitment to transparent government. However, Southard said the Governors Office will respect due process in its review. The office is also committed to due process by issuing required notice and providing an opportunity to be heard as this process moves forward, Southard said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his response to the governor, Monforton said many of the allegations Fielder made against Molnar are over actions that constitute protected First Amendment activity, from taking a legal position about his duties to holding a press conference. He has every right to assert legal positions about his role and responsibilities, the letter said. It also said he doesnt need to stay quiet. Commissioner Molnar is under no obligation to remain silent about the illegal and corrupt investigation pending against him. The letter said Commissioner Fielders characterization that the purpose of Molnars press conference was to blow up publicity betrays improper hostility toward protected speech rights. In a phone call, Commissioner Pinocci said the rest of the commissioners should have had a chance to weigh in on the letter Fielder sent to add to or subtract from it or reject it altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said she should not have acted unilaterally. This is bizarre. It is unacceptable, Pinocci said. The PSC did not answer a question about the steps its response team took prior to sending the letter to the governor. The response team responds to and investigates internal complaints. Pinocci, though, said he should have had the opportunity to confront Molnar himself, and the tact Fielder took runs contrary to any process hes seen in 30 years in politics and on governing boards. She ought to be ashamed of herself, Pinocci said. He said the situation looks worse because her letter came within 24 hours of the announcement NorthWestern was seeking the multibillion dollar merger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im telling you, this just looks bad. You write that down. Commissioner Pinocci has got a responsibility, a duty, to his ratepayer, Pinocci said. But he said he suspects Fielder may have other motives. Maybe she just wants to be president so she can be the bigshot at the wheel, he said. In her request to the governor, however, Fielder said the demand is related to Molnars behavior and an interest in completing the investigation, not his regulatory stances. She said people have the right to a workplace free from harassment and discrimination, and the response team needs time to resolve the misconduct allegations without interference from Molnar. As a result of Commissioner Molnars own actions, it has become abundantly clear that this is not possible with his presence in the workplace, Fielder wrote. In no way is this recommendation based on Commissioner Molnars regulatory decisions, nor does it come in direct response to allegations (the response team) is currently assessing regarding workplace misconduct. MEMPHIS, Tenn. After two hours of debating about where to build a new Shelby County jail, county commissioners decided Monday they needed more information and more time before choosing a location. The proposed location in the New Chicago area of North Memphis is getting pushback from people who live there. Ive seen politics at its best in this meeting today, you playing with peoples lives when youre talking about New Chicago, said Dr. Carnita Atwater, executive director of the New Chicago Community Partnership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Atwater was upset after what she calls a confusing meeting Monday at the Shelby County Commission. Atwater spoke in opposition to relocating the Walter Bailey Jr. Criminal Justice Center from 201 Poplar to the old Firestone plant site in North Memphis. Opposition from her and others forced commissioners to consider other locations. I think it was wrong to single out North Memphis, and I think it was wrong to single out a Shelby Farms or whatever the case may be. If we are actually going to do a study, we need to broaden it out just like we articulated for the last five minutes, Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jail, courts could move to North Memphis in proposal under consideration by county After much back-and-forth over language, funding sources for the new jail, and concerns over location, a motion was made to table the discussion. I am going to move to send this back to committee for more expanded information, Commissioner Henri Brooks said. But in between trying to send the amendments back to committee, Commissioner Brittney Thornton attempted to take the New Chicago site completely off the table If you look at the documents, its very obvious, I dont care how much language we amend, New Chicago is setting itself up for it to be, Thornton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioners are set to bring this back up in committee next Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. AHS class of 69 lunch date set ANDERSON Members of the Anderson High School Class of 1969 will meet for lunch at Arts on North Broadway, on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 12:30 p.m. All classmates, spouses and friends are invited. UAW Labor Day picnic Sept. 1 ANDERSON The United Auto Workers will again join with the Anderson Federation of Teachers Local 519 for a Labor Day picnic. The picnic will Monday, Sept. 1, at the Victor and Sophie Reuther Union Hall, 2840 S. Madison Ave., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The celebration #WorkersDeserve! is not limited to union members. Local leaders urge the community to come together to demand what workers deserve. DeVoe headlines Muncie concert MUNCIE Indiana artist Jennie DeVoe will perform in a free outdoor concert as part of the 2025 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. The concert will be Saturday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m., at Canan Commons, 500 S. Walnut St. Cory Hill will open the show. An Indiana native and Ball State University graduate, DeVoe blends Americana, soul and blues genres. NORMAL, Ill (WMBD) Blueberries, blackberries, apples, pawpaws and many other fresh fruits were on display today as the Refugee Food Forest had its 10-year anniversary on Aug. 25 in Normal. The land was originally developed in 1864 for the Illinois soldiers and orphans home. The same land is now used for educational opportunities and offers fresh fruits for those in need. Weve got a school nearby and the kids spend a lot of time here. It kind of reflects back on the past of this area, which was an orphanage, Mayor of Normal, Chris Koos said. It provides fresh fruit for people who want to come and pick up good, healthy fruit. A lot of volunteers spend time here. So, its a community event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Koos and Bill Davis, who planted the seeds at the Food Forest, received a congressional certificate from Congressman Eric Sorensen at the ceremony on Monday. Well, its really flattering and that people recognize were doing something innovative and something thats good for the community and maybe something that distracts us from the day to day, Koos said. While some of the items may not last as long or grow as well as other items that are native to the area. Koos said that a lot of work goes into the Food Forest from the University of Illinois extension program. But, talking to the Illinois Extension Service, who work very hard on this. Some varieties do, some dont, he said. So the ones that dont, they get replaced for something new. And so theres experimentation and maintenance ongoing all the 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 CIProud.com. This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. PROVO, Utah (ABC4) Utah Transit Authority (UTA) reported FrontRunner delays between American Fork and Provo due to police activity. Trains are reportedly being held for police activity, so UTA is warning of 10-to-15-minute delays southbound from American Fork to Provo and northbound from Draper to Murray. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson from UTA told ABC4.com that the FrontRunner train was held in Lehi because a person was near the rails. UTA police responded, and they were able to remove the person without incident or injury. Trains are running again, so FrontRunner activities should return to normal shortly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The kitchen at the John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center in Fairmont, West Virginia, is used to prepare food for around 200 seniors who receive food through Meals on Wheels or the local senior center. (Photo by Kristian Thacker/West Virginia Watch) The company set to purchase the states four long-term care hospitals says theyll continue a long-standing partnership with senior feeding programs, including Meals on Wheels, in Marion County. The kitchen at the John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center in Fairmont is used to prepare food for around 200 seniors in Marion County who rely on the senior center and the local Meals on Wheels program for free meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We deliver all through Marion County, said Leisha Elliott, director of the Marion County Senior Center. Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Aug. 16 that the state would sell its long-term care hospitals for $60 million to New York-based Marx Development group. The hospitals had been operating at a combined $6 million annual loss, according to Morrisey, and the buildings needed millions of dollars in renovations. Seniors receive free meals at the Marion County Senior Center in Fairmont, W.Va. (Leisha Elliott | Courtesy photo) The news caught Elliott by surprise and she was unsure about the future of the senior feeding partnership. Chelsey Gheyara is vice president of growth and experience for Majestic Care, a subsidiary of a subsidiary of Marx Development Group that will operate the hospitals in the state. She told West Virginia Watch in an email they did not anticipate any disruptions to Meals on Wheels and other food services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know how important the Meals on Wheels program and senior center services are to the Fairmont community , Gheyara wrote. As we move forward, Majestic Care will work with local leaders and program partners to ensure continuity and collaborate on any future enhancements that benefit residents and the community. In response, Leisha said, We still havent heard from the John Manchin Health Center or the new owners. She continued, In the meantime, we are exploring every avenue to ensure our nutrition program is the best it can be, because our top priority is serving the seniors of Marion County. Morrisey has said that following the sale, the hospitals will retain the current population and improve the quality of care. As part of the deal, the company has agreed to build three to five new facilities to replace aging facilities and source the materials and labor from West Virginia, Morrisey said. There is no requirement that the hospitals are in the same location, though Majetistic has said that the ultimate goal is to keep new buildings close to the current facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sale is expected to close Sept. 30 with a possible 30-day extension. West Virginia Watch has filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the governors office to review the contract. It has not yet been released to the public. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE LISBON, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Portugal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday condemned as "unacceptable" an Israeli attack on Nasser Hospital in Gaza, urging unconditional protection of civilians, journalists and health workers, and calling for an immediate ceasefire. "The Israeli attack on Nasser Hospital in Gaza is inqualifiable. Journalists, civilians and health professionals must be protected unconditionally. A ceasefire is an imperative of the most elementary humanity and cannot be delayed any longer," the ministry said in a statement posted on social media platform X. At least 20 Palestinians, including five journalists, were killed on Monday in the strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip. Nasser Hospital is the last remaining partially functional hospital in southern Gaza, serving as a crucial lifeline for residents amid the ongoing conflict. Portugal has consistently voiced concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reiterated its support for international efforts to secure a ceasefire and ensure access to medical care and humanitarian aid. Wind turbines spin against the setting sun just north of Watertown along Interstate 29 in 2023. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) A company is asking South Dakota regulators for approval to construct a $750 million wind farm in western South Dakota that would produce up to 300 megawatts enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes. The proposal from Philip Wind Partners, a subsidiary of Chicago-based Invenergy, would be in a 70,000-acre area of privately owned land in Haakon County about 15 miles north of Philip, which is about 85 miles east of Rapid City. Plans call for up to 87 turbines and up to seven miles of electrical transmission lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the application, the project would create about 200 construction jobs and 12 long-term jobs. Over 30 years, the company anticipates more than $85 million in payments to landowners, over $50 million in property taxes, and over $10 million in state and local sales taxes. Power from the project would be delivered into the Southwest Power Pool, which the application says faces a regional electric capacity shortfall later this decade. The Southwest Power Pool is a nonprofit corporation tasked by the federal government with managing the electrical grid and wholesale power market in many of the Great Plains states. Philip Wind Partners said it situated turbine locations to avoid unbroken prairie grasslands and avoid sites near prairie grouse mating spots. The Western Area Power Administration has completed an environmental review of the project, issuing a finding of no significant impact. The commission will review the application over the coming months. If approved, construction could begin as early as next year, with operations beginning by 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, Invenergy was awarded a permit for a 260 megawatt, 68-turbine project in northeastern South Dakota called the Deuel Harvest Wind Energy South. The south in that projects name distinguishes it from the 109-turbine Deuel Harvest Wind Farm, which Invenergy completed in 2021 and sold to Atlanta-based Southern Power. South Dakota ranks 13th in the nation with about 3,500 megawatts of installed wind energy capacity, according to the American Clean Power Association. Philip Wind Partners project map The Philip Wind Partners project map. (Courtesy of Public Utilities Commission) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Iberville Parish officials told residents Tuesday that the proposed solar farm project wont be moving forward after NextEra Energy withdrew its application. The proposed $250 million project in White Castle aimed to generate up to 175 megawatts of renewable energy and was scheduled to start operations by December 2027, pending approval. It was expected to create over 200 construction jobs. We sincerely thank all residents who attended the community meeting in May and those who stayed engaged and informed throughout this process, parish officials wrote in a statement on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Plaquemine Post South, residents strongly opposed the proposed project at the May meeting, raising concerns about negative impacts on the quality of life and the agricultural industry. China races to build worlds largest solar farm to meet emissions targets 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. Will the ASIO or the Australian government explain where the con job ended and the IRGC plot began? The Australian Federal Police and New South Wales Police made a dramatic revelation on March 10: A wave of serious arson and vandalism attacks against Jewish Sydney area targets, including a supposed explosive-filled caravan plot, was allegedly part of an organized crime rings plan to distract law enforcement and obtain reduced prison sentences in exchange for aiding in the polices investigation. Organized criminals had allegedly sought to exploit escalating antisemitism in Australia since the October 7 Massacre to sow disorder with at least 15 different attacks, including the January 19 Dural incident, in which an explosive-filled caravan and documents indicating potential Jewish communal targets were uncovered in a Sydney suburb. The Dural plot was dubbed a "con job" by law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement upended preconceptions about the spike in antisemitism. While law enforcement emphasized that while the attacks were not motivated by antisemitism, the Jewish community had still suffered, Jewish community groups had to issue statements explaining that this didn't diminish how Australian Jews had been targeted and that not all attacks in the last 18 months had been con jobs. Yet the con job narrative was brought into question on Tuesday with the announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation that Iran had orchestrated two antisemitic attacks in Australia -- The December 6 Adass Israel arson attack in Melbourne and the October 20 Lewis' Continental Kitchen arson attack in Sydney. The arrests related to Lewis' Continental Kitchen were supposedly part of the con job crime ring. Two men were arrested in the March sweep, one of whom allegedly directed the arson. Former gang leader Sayed Moosawi had first sent two men to the Curly Lewis Brewery to set it on fire, in what seemed to be a mistake by the man who communicated with contracted arsonists under the pseudonym "James Bond." Three days later, the similarly named Kosher Lewis' Continental Kitchen was set ablaze by two other men. Antisemitic vandalism discovered in Australia (credit: SCREENSHOT/X) If the Lewis' Continental Kitchen arson was both part of the March 10 network and also directed by Iran, according to the Tuesday revelations, then the designs behind the other con job incidents may also be brought into question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ASIO Director-General of Security Mike Burgess said during a Tuesday press briefing that it was likely that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was behind other attacks, and had used organized criminal elements to obscure its own involvement. Perhaps Iranian involvement had been concealed to such an extent that it led the AFP to declare that while foreign criminal elements were involved, no foreign state actors were suspected. Yet perhaps this was more subterfuge from Australian authorities. The Dural Caravan was discovered on January 19 and was revealed to the public on January 29. Though the AFP suspected from the beginning that the Dural matter was a hoax, this was only revealed on March 10, once law enforcement said they felt that they had advanced far enough in their investigation. Yet Burgess revealed that ASIO, the AFP, and foreign partners had been investigating the suspicion of Iranian involvement since October. Albanese and the AFP had also said on January 22 that authorities were investigating whether foreign actors were funding local criminals to commit the wave of antisemitic arson and vandalism attacks in the country. Albanese said an officer informed him that some of the antisemitic attacks were being committed by perpetrators who lacked ideological motivation but may have been "paid actors." This theory was seemingly put to rest when the "Con job" crime ring was revealed. The Jewish community in Australia is owed an apology In a statement thanking ASIO, the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies referenced the con job theory, adding that it was looking forward to learning the full extent of Iran's activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Those who sought to downplay the threat against the Jewish community or dismiss the campaign of terror targeting our community as a criminal con-job or hoax owe the Jewish community an apology," the Board said on Tuesday. "Our community firstly had to endure a summer of terror and then had salt rubbed in our collective wound through gaslighting and equivocation from some quarters about the extent of the threat. These were Serious antisemitic attacks on the Jewish community, and there should be no further equivocation." The NSW Police didn't respond to queries from The Jerusalem Post about whether it still believed there was a "con job" or if the theory had been altered, directing all questions relating to the IRGC investigation to other Commonwealth bodies. It remains to be seen if ASIO or the Australian government will explain where the con job ended and the IRGC plot began, and which acts of vandalism and arson were just criminals taking advantage of the situation and which was part of an Iranian campaign of terror. TALLINN, Estonia (AP) Activists have raised concerns about the health of a Belarusian journalist sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison in the latest closed-door trial targeting the countrys media. Aleh Suprunyuk, 58, was sentenced on Aug. 8 after being found guilty of participating in an extremist group for articles he wrote for the Belarusian Association of Journalists, or BAJ. Belarus government labeled the organization as extremist a common label used by officials to crack down on dissidents in March 2023. Details of his trial only became public knowledge on Monday. The journalists conviction is part of an ongoing crackdown on government critics following unprecedented mass protests following Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko 's disputed election on Aug. 9, 2020. Human rights groups say authorities have arrested more than 65,000 people and hundreds of thousands have fled the country for fear of persecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suprunyuk, a prominent editor for the First Region news website and a former chairman of the Brest branch of the BAJ, monitored the persecution of the countrys media workers. His sentencing follows a similar closed trial against Belarusian journalist Daniil Palianski, who was sentenced on July 25 to 10 years in prison for high treason. Independent journalist Pavel Dabravolski has also been detained in a pretrial detention center in Minsk, according to Belarus Viasna Human Rights Center. The health of Suprunyuk, who is disabled, has sharply deteriorated since his arrest in January, BAJ leader Andrei Bastunets said in a statement Monday. The group says that 38 Belarusian journalists are currently behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation is only getting worse and there are serious concerns about Suprunyuks health, Bastunets said. We have had no contact with him for six months, which shows the authorities attitude toward journalists. He also said that repression in Belarus showed no signs of stopping, despite a phone call between Lukashenko and U.S. President Donald Trump on Aug. 15. We see that the U.S. presidents calls to release Belarusian political prisoners and Trumps phone calls with Lukashenko are leading to opposite results political repressions are not stopping. Writing on social media, Trump said he had a wonderful talk with the highly respected President of Belarus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The purpose of the call was to thank him for the release of 16 prisoners. We are also discussing the release of 1,300 additional prisoners, Trump said. There are 1,196 political prisoners in Belarus, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate and peace activist Ales Bialiatski, according to the human rights group Viasna. NORMAL, Ill (WMBD) U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen made an appearance at the founders suite on the campus of Illinois State University on Monday. Sorensen, a Democrat who represents the 17th District, voiced his support on behalf of the AFSCME Council 31 over disputes on the social benefits cuts in the Big, Beautifull Bill that would impact Medicaid, SNAP and other programs. There are too many people at stake, too, that were talking about, 100,000 people in our district that are going to lose their health care, he said. Were talking about SNAP benefits that are going to go away when the price of groceries at the grocery store keeps going up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans claim that cuts to these programs are an effort to reduce fraud, waste and abuse and to put better work restrictions on able-bodied individuals. Sorensen said in response This is not about waste, fraud and abuse, he said. This is really about putting red tape in front of people who now have to jump through hoops every month. Because Congress is not back in session until September, Sorensen said that he is looking forward to potentially finding a bipartisan solution with U.S. Rep. Darren Lahood, a Dunlap Republican. As we go forward or we get back into session in September, you know, well be looking for it, he said. But I think its already telling that some of the House GOP members are already trying to come up with legislation that would fix what is wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, shown here on June 28, 2022, claims the Constitution pipeline, a proposed 125-mile project that would transport gas from the fracking fields of Pennsylvania into New York, would save New Englanders money. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Building a new natural gas pipeline from Pennsylvania to New York would not make electricity in New England more affordable or reliable, experts say, despite the Trump administrations push to revive a project that stalled out years ago. Environmental advocates object to the construction of more gas infrastructure at a time when much of New England is trying to wean itself off fossil fuels, but there are economic concerns as well. Industry insiders say the proposed Constitution pipeline would do little to get more gas to New England power plants and could raise costs for both generators and consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There certainly is an increasing demand for energy, particularly electricity, said Jeremy McDiarmid, managing director and general counsel for national industry group Advanced Energy United. But the narrative that natural gas is going to somehow create a big downward pressure on electricity and energy bills is just not proven out in the data. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin breathed new life into that narrative in a Boston Globe op-ed published this month. The piece advocates for the approval of the Constitution pipeline, a proposed 125-mile project that would transport gas from the fracking fields of Pennsylvania into New York, on the grounds that it would save New Englanders money. Its the latest in the EPAs shift away from its historical mission of safeguarding environmental and public health and toward slashing regulations with the goal of unleashing American energy and lowering costs for residents. Since President Donald Trump took office, the agency has announced plans to end the $7 billion Solar for All program that funds solar projects for low-income households, eliminate the Energy Star label for energy-efficient appliances, and strip itself of authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. The Constitution pipeline is not a new project. Federal regulators initially approved it in 2014, but New York rejected the projects water-quality certification in 2016. Legal battles ensued, and in 2020, energy development company Williams dropped the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, in May, the Trump administration lifted its stop-work order on a major offshore wind project under construction off Long Islands coast, claiming the move was part of a deal in which New Yorks Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul agreed to reverse the states long-standing opposition to natural gas pipelines. Days later, Williams declared it would resurrect plans for two pipelines: Constitution and the Northeast Supply Enhancement project, a shorter line that would mostly run underwater off New Jersey and New York. In his Boston Globe piece, Zeldin traces New Englands soaring electricity prices the highest of any region in the continental U.S. back to an inadequate supply of natural gas to the areas power plants. The Constitution pipeline would transport more gas into New York, where it could be exported to its neighbors to the East. More gas would mean more reliable power generation and lower electricity prices, Zeldin contends. It has the ring of a plausible argument. New Englands power producers are heavily dependent on natural gas 55% of the regions electricity came from gas-fired plants in 2024 and leadership at regional grid operator ISO New England has pointed to lack of gas supply as a concern for reliability as demand on the system grows. At the same time, the Trump administrations hostility to offshore wind has slowed or sidelined several developments that states like Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts were counting on to boost power supplies in coming years. While there are a tremendous amount of ambitions around large-scale renewable energy, we have really struggled to make that operable, said Dan Dolan, president of the New England Power Generators Association, a trade group that represents the regions electricity producers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Piping more gas up from Pennsylvanias ample supplies could seem like an economically sensible way to bolster the grid in light of these facts. The reality is far more complicated, however, say advocates and experts. The major problem is that the pipeline wouldnt actually bring much, if any, new gas into New England, Dolan said. The Constitution pipeline would terminate in Schoharie County, New York, where it would connect to pipes that already carry gas into New England. That existing infrastructure is the true bottleneck, he said. The pipes into and around New England are narrow and limited, so bringing a higher volume of gas into New York doesnt mean more can flow throughout the neighboring region. There are no plans in the works to alleviate those constraints, and the models for funding such projects make it highly unlikely there will be any proposals for pipelines into or within New England in the near future, Dolan said. I am not aware of any large-scale gas supply projects into New England today, he said. Until there is a way to increase that, I struggle to see how Constitution changes anything meaningful for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, multiple New England states are enacting plans to transition away from natural gas for home heating and appliances. In late 2023, Massachusetts regulators laid out plans for transitioning gas utilities toward clean energy, with the explicit goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. In May 2025, Maine opened an investigation into the future of its gas utilities. These efforts could reduce demand for natural gas for heating, freeing up some supply for power plants, Dolan said. Even if new pipelines increased New Englands gas supply, that influx of fuel would be unlikely to consistently lower prices in the long term, experts said. Despite the appealing logic that more supply leads to lower costs, natural gas prices are inherently volatile and susceptible to influence by global events. In 2022, for example, the wholesale price more than tripled from its 2020 level, hitting $6.45 per million British thermal units, after Russia invaded Ukraine. Last year, the average price was $2.20; next year it is forecast to hit $4.30, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The region is already over-reliant on natural gas, said Sarah Krame, staff attorney with the Sierra Clubs environmental law program. That is why we have seen volatile and skyrocketing gas and electricity bills in recent years. A better solution to both price and reliability worries, said advocates, would be to build a system that simply requires less gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That would mean relying on a diverse portfolio of options that includes solar, offshore wind, battery storage, energy efficiency, and demand-response programs. Such resources could be coordinated to create virtual power plants a collection of geographically distributed resources that can work together to supply power to the grid and reduce demand. Not only do these networks emit less greenhouse gases than fossil-fueled plants, but their components can be built more quickly and cheaply, McDiarmid said. This approach already had a chance to prove itself this summer, when solar and storage worked together to lower peak demand during a heat wave that saw temperatures hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit around the region, noted Amy Boyd Rabin, vice president of policy and regulatory affairs at the Environmental League of Massachusetts. To me thats a sign that we need more renewables, not that we need to double down on fossil fuels, she said. This article first appeared on Canary Media and is republished under a Creative Commons license. COLUMBIA, Mo. Construction is now underway along three stretches of Interstate 70 in Missouri as a $2.8 billion interstate improvement project continues. In all, 200 miles of interstate will be updated and expanded, with three lanes of traffic going both ways from Blue Springs near Kansas City to Wentzville in St. Charles County. We now actively have projects taking place in the middle part of Missouri over on the St. Louis side and over in Kansas City, Eric Kopinski, the program manager for the Improve I-70 Project, said. Were going to keep the machine moving and really keep going with the improvements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kopinski said the Missouri Department of Transportation spent years crafting the right path forward for this multibillion-dollar project. (MoDOT) spent a considerable time looking at different scenarios on whats the best way, whats the most efficient way, Kopinski said. We really want to make sure we maximize these improvements to the best of our ability. Kopinski said dividing the entire project into multiple segments allowed for maximum competition among contractors as well as to ensure there was a workforce that was shovel ready. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Construction for the first phase began in 2024 between Columbia and Kingdom City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $405 million project involves a complete interstate makeover, including creating completely new interchanges at U.S. Highway 63 and U.S. Highway 54 as well as the new third lane. This stretch of interstate is expected to be finished by the end of 2027. Construction continues on the largest project in MoDOTs history: the $600 million reconstruction of Interstate 70 between Warrenton and Wentzville. This part of the overall project should be finished by late 2028. Also underway, a $350 million contract to improve and expand Interstate 70 between Blue Springs and Odessa. This stretch looks to be completed by the end of 2028. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2030. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. ST. LOUIS Its been just over 101 days since the destructive May 16 tornado struck parts of St. Louis. For some, it still feels like yesterday. The absolutely strangest thing about it is were still living with it, Ville resident Dan Corwin said. Theyre tearing down a house right here and Im living in one with water damage from it. You go two blocks, and some people never would have known it existed. On Monday, a crew from Modern Masonry are working on repairs to a home damaged by the EF3 tornado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The roof was torn off, so the house has to be, the parapet wall, back wall, re-laid and tuckpointed, James Booker, Modern Masonry, said. Religious leaders indicted; ran forced labor call centers in Missouri and elsewhere St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer signed Executive Order 90 on Monday, offering help to property owners about permitting process for rebuilding from the tornado. The order instructs the building commissioner to expedite permit applications. I dont know how you do any better with the amount of damage that was done, Corwin said. This goes on for 2.5 miles. Weve got four houses in a row that fell down, and then two that didnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For his part, Corwin has taken it upon himself to help his neighbors by learning roofing repair over the last 100 days. Hes worked on four flat roofs since May 16. Theyre cleaning up the gutters and cleaning up the piles in front, Corwin said. We always can do it faster but theres just a lot, a lot of stuff to be done. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. On Aug. 13, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaums administration corralled 26 narcotraffickers onto planes destined for the United States, where they will be prosecuted for a litany of drug and violent offenses. One was wanted in the killing of a Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy nearly two decades ago. This wasnt the first prisoner transfer from Mexico to the United States. In February, Sheinbaum handed over 29 cartel figures to the U.S. Justice Department. All of this is coming at a time when the Mexican security forces are accelerating counter-narcotics operations throughout the country. According to Mexicos secretary of public security, homicides have declined by more than 25% during Sheinbaums first 10 months; more than 1,200 drug labs have also been dismantled. If the Trump administration is impressed with the progress, officials havent shown it. In fact, Washington is enlisting the U.S. military to help with the problem of cartel violence next door. President Trump signed a directive ordering the Defense Department to begin using force against Latin American drug cartels that Washington previously designated as foreign terrorist organizations . Six of those cartels are in Mexico. As if to underscore the point, the Pentagon ordered 4,000 Marines and sailors to the waters of Latin America and the Caribbean, alongside Navy destroyers, reconnaissance aircraft and a nuclear-powered missile cruiser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of this is exactly a surprise. Trump, after all, flirted with bombing cartel fentanyl labs in Mexico during his first term. His senior advisors, from Vice President JD Vance to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have broached the possibility of using U.S. military force to degrade the cartels power. And the Central Intelligence Agency, with the cooperation of the Mexican government, has increased surveillance flights over cartel-dominated territory to better map the terrain. But let there be no mistake: pulling the trigger on U.S. military force inside Mexico would be about as effective as putting a Band-Aid over a gaping wound. We can say this with a high degree of confidence because military force has already been deployed against the cartels for years, with no discernible impact other than more violence, death and a continuation of the very drug trafficking the United States wants to stem. Successive Mexican governments since the turn of the century bought into the notion that, with the right amount of military pressure, the cartels would either fold up shop, bargain with the state or collapse under their own weight. In 2006, Mexican President Felipe Calderon declared a full-scale war against narcotrafficking organizations, complete with the deployment of tens of thousands of Mexican troops to the countrys most violent states and looser rules of engagement. Calderons successor, Enrique Pena Nieto, had implemented the same strategy with a special emphasis on targeting the cartels leadership structure. Even Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who campaigned on a Hugs, Not Bullets approach, came to rely on the Mexican army during the latter years of his presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result was precisely the opposite of what Mexico hoped to achieve. Although some high-profile narcotraffickers were captured , the cartels as a whole increased violence against the state and did so more brazenly. Politicians, police officers, soldiers and senior government officials have all been targeted by the cartels, and the massacre of civilians is now the norm. Last year, Mexico experienced its deadliest election campaign in history, with around 200 politicians , candidates and public servants murdered in the lead-up to June elections. The so-called kingpin strategy, centered on neutralizing cartel leadership, has also fractured Mexicos cartel landscape, making it even more difficult for the state to contain the problem. As my colleague Chris McCallion and I wrote in a new paper , taking out senior cartel figures tends to cause intense internal competition within the targeted group and between replacements who fight among themselves for power. Smaller groups affiliated with larger cartels may use the absence of authority at the top to go their own way. As a consequence, more people have died; areas of Mexico previously insulated from the cartels are now on the front lines. And states like Sinaloa that have been at the epicenter of the drug trade have seen an exponential rise in killings. In 2006, when Calderon declared war on the cartels, Mexico registered approximately 10,000 homicides; today, the figure has more than tripled . If the Trump administration green-lights military operations, the United States is unlikely to mimic the Mexican governments heavy-handed strategy entirely. U.S. troops wont be patrolling on Mexican soil anytime soon. Its more likely the United States will stick with airpower; indeed, U.S. military officials have already discussed the option . Airstrikes, however, wont be any more effective at degrading the cartels or diminishing the flow of drugs into the United States than ground operations would be. Bombs can destroy labs and kill cartel members but are highly unlikely to alter the profit motives these criminal organizations operate on. The drug business is, in a word, big. The cartels rake in billions of dollars every year from the trade. The rate of return, particularly on fentanyl, is huge; according to a 2023 indictment , hundreds of dollars in precursor chemicals can net profits 200 to 800 times larger. Its very difficult to believe the Sinaloa cartel, the New Jalisco Generation cartel or any other criminal group would give all of this up, particularly when competitors are waiting in the wings to increase their own market share. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no magic bullet to stopping the drug trade. Washington has been pursuing a war on drugs for decades now, and the verdict is pretty clear: The drugs have won. This doesnt mean the United States should be complacent. For instance, the Drug Enforcement Administration should come out of Washingtons budget fights adequately resourced. Border control officers need more technology to detect drug shipments. Washington and Mexico City must strengthen their bilateral intelligence cooperation, which has already picked up during the first 10 months of Sheinbaums term. And while sanctions arent a panacea, they can deter some Americans from working with the cartels. Bombing Mexico, however, wont do anything but jeopardize the very relationship with Mexico the Trump administration needs to contain the problem. Daniel R. DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. For the record: 9:00 a.m. Aug. 26, 2025: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Planned Parenthood Los Angeles had closed clinics. The closed Planned Parenthood clinics were elsewhere in California. At 8:05 a.m. a student ran into my classroom with tears in their eyes. We talked together until the bell rang, after which they headed to their first-period class no longer wanting to go home and certainly more prepared to learn. So it began, my first student interaction on my first day of a new job, all before school started. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is why I am here, I thought. In 2024, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles hired and trained 16 health educators to expand the Wellbeing Center project, a program designed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to bring mental and sexual health services to public high school students right on their campuses. I was in that new cohort of educators, working with others to staff more than 20 centers at L.A. high schools, with plans to expand to 50 in the coming years. Read more: Agents detain student at gunpoint near school; safe zones to be expanded around LAUSD campuses Our Wellbeing Center classrooms had an open door four days a week, accessible to any student who walked in with a pass. My job was to be a trusted adult with resources, information and a nonjudgmental listening ear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know critics of such programs think students shouldn't get to take mental health breaks at school because it isnt what happens in the real world. They miss the point. Wellbeing Centers are about what the world could be like. They are places where young people have agency to ask questions without fear, where they find mentors who dont grade or discipline them, where they can practice self-regulating their emotions instead of cutting class and storming off campus. Read more: Gen Z students want better mental health care access on campus I sat across from students who told me about being sexually assaulted, and about having suicidal thoughts. Others had been cheated on, were nervous about exams, were being bullied by their peers or were grappling with the news they werent going to qualify for graduation. One student came to the WBC to call her father for the first time in her life, and another came to talk after learning her father was leaving. Students told me I was their safe person, that I was who theyd come out to first, that no one else in school listened like the staff at the Wellbeing Center. WBCs are an urgent response to problems that we need to take seriously. The reality is that 90% of my interactions with students involved helping them through different stages of mental health crises. It was not always the easiest job, but I never doubted that we were needed. Then, because of the Trump administrations One Big Beautiful Bill Act, I lost my job on July 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That budget bill targeted Planned Parenthood, ending its eligibility for Medicaid reimbursements. In California, Planned Parenthood estimates that losing the reimbursements will cost the statewide system $300 million. It is fighting the cuts in court , but in the meantime, clinics across the state are closing entirely. For Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, the effort to stabilize itself means sharply downsizing the education department. Read more: Amid youth mental health crisis, teens ask for a kinder college admissions process Los Angeles is losing Planned Parenthood educators who worked on health initiatives in the Black and Latino communities and in a variety of school-based programs, including the Wellbeing Centers. Were talking about educators who led workshops for parents about how to have sexual health conversations with their children, who connected foster youth with health insurance and who presented comprehensive sexual education classes in our schools. These community workers aren't being laid off because they aren't effective in their jobs. They've been laid off because the government doesnt value Planned Parenthood and the mental and sexual health education it has provided. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can describe the ways the real world intruded on the high schools where I worked school shootings, the pandemic, the January wildfires, immigration raids but just writing those words raises the question: Is now really the time we want to cut mental health programs for kids? Read more: Contributor: What kids need and adults need to know to combat the youth mental health crisis When I told my grandmother Id been laid off, she said she didnt think President Trump knew his budget would eliminate roles like mine, jobs that provided direct help for students who needed it so badly. She said he wasnt a nice man, just a businessman. And of course, he didnt know who he was laying off, not that my employment status is what is important here. Yes, the layoffs are bad news for me and my colleagues, but they are bad news for everyone. For my students, for Los Angeles and for the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Telling people I lost my job is painful, not because Im embarrassed to be unemployed, but because it means that there will be fewer trusted adults in WBCs in L.A. schools. Not every Wellbeing Center will vanish, but the gaps in access will be real. For that, Im devastated. Jessica Lipaz is an interdisciplinary educator and writer in Los Angeles. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian parliament's lower house, the State Duma, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian parliament's lower house, the State Duma, in Beijing on Tuesday. Xi pointed out that China-Russia relations are the most stable, mature and strategically significant major-country relations in today's volatile and changing world. Persistently promoting the high-level development of China-Russia relations is in the fundamental interests of the two peoples and is also the source of stability for world peace, he said. "In May this year, I paid a state visit to Russia and attended the celebration to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union," Xi said, noting that next week, China will hold a grand event 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. China and the Soviet Union, as the main battlefields of World War II in Asia and Europe, respectively, made immense national sacrifice in resisting the aggression of Japanese militarism and German Nazism, and greatly contributed to the victory of World War II, Xi said. It is important that the two sides carry forward traditional friendship, deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen exchanges and cooperation across the board, jointly safeguard their security and development interests, Xi said. He called on the two sides to promote solidarity with other Global South countries, commit to true multilateralism, and work for a more just and equitable international order. Xi emphasized that cooperation between legislative bodies is an indispensable part of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era. It is hoped that the two sides will actively share experience on governance and lawmaking in order to provide more robust legislative guarantees for China-Russia strategic coordination and comprehensive cooperation under the new circumstances, he said. Volodin conveyed to President Xi the cordial greetings and best wishes from Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said that under the strategic guidance of the two presidents, the Russia-China relations have seen further development and yielded fruitful outcome. The Russian State Duma is committed to acting in line with the important consensus between the two presidents, reinforcing exchanges and cooperation between the legislative bodies, and working hard to make the bilateral relationship even more productive, he noted. Volodin said that eight decades ago, people in the Soviet Union and China made great contributions to the victory over fascism. Russia will join China in celebrating this hard-won victory, honoring fallen heroes, and working for a better future, he said. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian parliament's lower house, the State Duma, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) It has been nearly three years since Darrian Johnson shot and killed Kaisean Tyler in a Sioux Falls apartment. Monday, family and friends thought they would learn Johnsons fate for the violent crime, but that didnt happen. Missing girl found safe in Colorado In May, a judge convicted Darrian Johnson of first and second-degree murder. He shot and killed Tyler in a Sioux Falls neighborhood in September of 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecution did not mince words in court Monday, saying the community needs protection from Johnson. Loved ones gave impact statements, with one describing Tyler as funny, smart and a protective person. She said she was trying to keep his memory alive by telling stories. Another said the shooting has caused pain and anguish for many people and that it has left family and friends horrifically traumatized. Then, Johnsons attorney spoke. He said Johnson believes he was acting in self-defense and that Johnson feels he was not heard throughout the trial. As she got ready to sentence Johnson, the judge asked if he had anything to say. He said he knows the family is hurting but did not apologize for the crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson then asked the judge for a continuance, for what he claims were false charges and inaccurate statements made against him in court. By law, the judge said she had to grant it, and the next hearing is tentatively set for September 4th. Johnson is convicted of first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence with no possibility of parole. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Content Warning: This article discusses domestic violence. If you are in distress and need someone to talk to, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. AUSTIN (KXAN) A 43-year-old man arrested by U.S. Marshals on Aug. 21 faces a manslaughter charge in connection with the April 24 death of a woman, according to an arrest warrant affidavit from the Austin Police Department. The suspect, Reginald Crosby, was previously convicted in 2003 for the aggravated sexual assault of a child, according to Travis County Court records. He was sentenced to eight years in the custody of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, he pleaded guilty on a charge of failure to register as a sex offender. He was sentenced to two years in prison, court records said. He entered another guilty plea on a charge of attempted failure to register in 2024. For that, he was sentenced to 40 days in Travis County jail. Just prior to his recent arrest, APD arrested Crosby in late May on a new charge of failing to register as a sex offender. KXAN reached out to his attorney in that case for comment. According to APD, it was during that arrest in May that Crosby allegedly told detectives he and the victim, who was an intimate partner of his, had a fight on April 23. Crosby then told detectives that they made up, according to APD. The victim, Regina Jones, died the day after that alleged fight. The Travis County Medical Examiner reported to APD that her death was caused by blunt trauma to the head, the affidavit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the affidavit, Crosby allegedly took a shower and made three phone calls prior to calling 911. Crosby is currently held at the Travis County Jail on a $50,000 bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) As students across Central New York get ready to head back-to-school, some will be dealing with stress and anxiety. Parents can also deal with the same feelings which is why its important to recognize signs and symptoms and know when its the right time to reach out for help. On Cool Schools on WSYR+, Dr. Monique Winnett from St. Josephs Health shared her tips for managing stress for both students and parents. You can watch Cool Schools Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. on our free streaming channel WSYR+. Episodes are also available on demand. You can download WSYR+ for free on any connected Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BLUEFIELD After a summer featuring weeks of scotching temperatures accompanied by thunderstorms and flood alerts, the coming weeks forecasts offer cooler temperatures with sunny skies as the fall season approaches. The fall season officially begins Sept. 22, but forecasters with the National Weather Service offices in Blacksburg, Va. and Charleston have been predicting weather hinting of the time when fall foliage starts appearing and thoughts of fall festivals and Halloween begin. Weather and around Mercer County for the coming week and weekend include mostly to partly sunny skies with high temperatures reaching only the mid or lower-70s with nighttime lows in the upper 40s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Raleigh and Fayette Counties, residents can expect the same trend of mostly sunny days with highs only reaching the lower 70s. When night falls, temperatures should drop into the lower 50s to upper 40s, according to meteorologists at the weather services Charleston office. The same has been forecasted for Southwest Virginia. The National Weather Services office in Blacksburg, Va. predict that the coming weeks temperatures will reach only the mid to upper 60s with lows reaching only the mid to upper 40s. Meteorologist Will Perry in Virginia said the weeks current forecast is around 5 to 10 degrees below normal. Temperatures this time of year are normally in the upper 8s with lows in the 60s. A large high-pressure system from Canada has been pushing colder air into the United States. It is a break from the heat, he said, adding the summer has had normally warm temperatures with some above-normal readings, so the new temperatures are a big change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regions forecast also lacks any predictions for rain or thunderstorms. Most of the countrys precipitation is now along the Gulf Coast, Florida and the southern Rocky Mountains, Perry said. Below-normal temperatures could last through the coming weekend and even until Sept. 7, he said. Across the nation, the weather services outlooks for both temperature and precipitation, covering the week from last Sunday to Labor Day, show nearly normal conditions in both categories. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com Aug. 26JAMESTOWN The Jamestown City Council will consider submitting a Community Development Block Grant application to the state of North Dakota to acquire land for a three-phase development of affordable senior housing near Walmart. The Jamestown Finance and Legal Committee approved a public hearing date of Tuesday, Sept. 2, to hear the request from Beyond Shelter Inc. to submit a Community Development Block Grant application to the state. On Tuesday, Aug. 19, the Finance and Legal Committee also added the request from Beyond Shelter to the City Council's agenda for its meeting on Sept. 2. Beyond Shelter is the nonprofit that is a general partner in the affordable senior housing project that will be called the Buffalo Manor Apartments which will be located west of Walmart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Community Development Block Grant Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities principally for low- and moderate-income people, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's website. The city of Jamestown is the name and sponsoring unit on the final application for the Community Development Block Grant. The application says funds from the Community Development Block Grant would be used to acquire 7 acres of land located near 1104 25th St. SW. Beyond Shelter will develop the land to support senior affordable rental units west of Walmart. The city would be the entity that receives the funds if the Community Development Block Grant application is approved, and Beyond Shelter would receive the funds from the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buffalo Manor Apartments will consist of 39 affordable senior housing units 33 one-bedroom units and two-bedroom units. If there is demand for more affordable senior housing units, Beyond Shelter plans to add two more phases each consisting of 39 units. The estimated cost is more than $15.4 million for the construction of the 39-unit senior housing apartment building. Construction is expected to start in fall 2026 with completion expected in fall 2027. Ministers are in talks with councils to take over the 5bn government contracts to house asylum seekers and end the use of hotels. Local authorities have put forward proposals to use the money to buy and renovate properties where they would house and support tens of thousands of migrants. The current contracts with private accommodation suppliers Mears, Serco and Clearsprings are due to end in 2029, but are subject to a break clause next year that the Government is considering activating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to stop using hotels to house asylum seekers by the end of the Parliament in 2029. There are currently more than 32,000 migrants housed in up to 210 hotels at a cost to the taxpayer of more than 5m a day. The alternative plan has been spelled out by Chris Naylor, the former chief executive of Barking and Dagenham council, who is working on the plan with authorities across the country, the Refugee Council and think tanks. Plan could create assets for public good We have been working with a number of local authorities up and down the country, and organisations like the Refugee Council and think tanks to propose to Government a new arrangement, he said. This would see local authorities taking much more responsibility for both sourcing accommodation and supporting asylum seekers. Its core business for councils. Its something councils want to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue right now is that you have huge amounts of public sector money almost 5bn was spent last year on asylum seeker accommodation being spent on private sector, essentially building properties in the private sector. The proposition from local government is that that money is used to fund properties that can be owned by the public sector in the short to medium term to house asylum seekers and homeless families but providing an asset in perpetuity for the public good. Mr Naylor said such a shift would require two conditions. The first would be for the Home Office to move away from its centralised control of deciding where asylum seekers should be housed, and devolve that process to councils. Secondly, it means ending the contracts [with Mears, Serco and Clearsprings]. Those contracts run out in 2029. These arrangements would be in place by then but the Government has an opportunity to break those contracts in 2026. We would encourage them to do that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Home Office has received some 200 expressions of interest in piloting asylum housing schemes from principal local councils, of which there are 317 in England, along with 22 single-tier councils in Wales. Dame Angela Eagle, the Home Office minister, confirmed this summer that ministers were considering activating the break clauses to move to alternative ways of housing asylum seekers. We are looking closely via the pilots to see what we might be able to do, given that the break clauses represent opportunities for us to evolve away from the system we are in at the moment to something different, she said. Ministers are also proposing using mid-sized sites such as former student accommodation, empty tower blocks and ex-teacher training colleges to house asylum seekers. The former RAF Wethersfield in Essex, where the Government has expanded capacity to house asylum seekers despite a pre-election pledge to close it - Tolga Akmen/EPA/Shutterstock Labour scrapped two of the former Tory governments big accommodation sites the Bibby barge in Dorset and former RAF Scampton base in Lincolnshire but have retained and expanded the former Wethersfield air base in Essex for up to 1,225 asylum seekers despite a pre-election pledge to shut it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, The Telegraph revealed that Clearsprings had issued an appeal for 5,000 residential units to house up to 20,000 asylum seekers on short-term, four-month leases. The number of migrants crossing the Channel so far this year has reached 28,300, up 43 per cent on the same point last year and the highest number to date since the first small boat arrivals in 2018. Last week, the Home Office said there were a record 111,084 asylum applications in the year to June. More than 50,000 migrants have lodged appeals against the refusal of their asylum claims. It comes as the owner of an Essex hotel, which was blocked from housing asylum seekers at the site, is set to have a bid to challenge the decision heard at the Court of Appeal on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somani Hotels Limited, which owns the Bell Hotel in Epping, is seeking to appeal against a High Court ruling ordering it to stop accommodating asylum seekers at the site by Sept 12. It followed Epping Forest district council asking a judge to grant a temporary injunction, claiming that the company had breached planning rules. 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. Authorities are facing hundreds of complaints from second home owners who have been hit with the 100pc council tax premium, data shows. Homeowners have been left distressed by a lack of communication from councils over their high bills, according to dozens of complaints seen by The Telegraph. More than 200 town halls introduced a 100pc council tax premium on second homes in April, causing a typical bill to rise to 3,672. The Telegraph is calling for the levy to be abolished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Freedom of Information request sent by the Taxpayers Alliance found there had been 311 complaints made to councils with reference to second homes since 2023. Many authorities were accused of issuing incorrect bills. It comes as Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary, faces criticism after the Telegraph revealed the bill for Ms Rayners flat in Admiralty House is covered by the taxpayer because it is designated as a second home. One homeowner challenged the premium with Wigan council, but was left extremely disappointed by their response. The complaint to the council said: Important details have been ignored, and despite following your guidance and providing the necessary documentation, we have been charged an unjust premium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I clearly explained our situation, and took every step recommended by the council. In return, we received inflated council tax bills and no substantive response to our queries. Another claimed to have asked for a response four times to an application to have the premium lifted, but was not successful. West Northamptonshire council, which is now run by Reform UK, was forced to apologise for its poor communication. A complainant said they had emailed the authority to book an appointment to discuss the premium, but the situation was only resolved after multiple court threats, legal advice, legal action and huge financial struggle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complainant added that the council had since apologised for the distress caused, and for having to contact us on multiple occasions about the same issue. Another person complained to the same authority: This is an abuse of the legislation, and we are dismayed that both a Conservative-led and now a Reform-led council are prepared to implement such a measure. The council told The Telegraph that it was working to resolve concerns as quickly and respectfully as possible. Meanwhile, a family in Wychavon, in Worcestershire, told the council they had been in touch four times to inform you this is not our second home and never has been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint said: I will be surprised if this ever gets sorted. The area with the most complaints was Kensington and Chelsea, with 21. One resident claimed that the council left just 72 hours between responding late to a query and issuing a criminal court summons. Second home owners in Kensington and Chelsea are charged council tax at the standard rate after the council opted to not implement the premium. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said that councils should be willing to engage with residents on any complaints they may have and explain decisions they have taken. Second home owners have been fighting back against the levy since its introduction earlier this year. The application of the premium has been disputed in 55 councils, The Telegraph previously revealed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disputes led to New Forest council removing 230 premiums and adding exceptions to 199 accounts. North Yorkshire council recorded a total of 310 exceptions to the council tax premium on second homes. Joanna Marchong, of the TaxPayers Alliance, said: Councils have declared open season on property owners, with second home premiums becoming the latest front in their war on property. Every year, more homeowners are dragged into disputes over unfair classifications and punitive hikes, yet town halls show little interest in providing fairness or competence. The Local Government Association, which represents councils across England, said that authorities need all options possible to ensure a supply of homes for rent and sale that meets local needs. 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 Center Square) A grand jury indicted a southern Ohio county commissioner and his wife on charges of operating a kickback scheme involving public contracts with the Southern Ohio Port Authority. State Auditor Keith Faber announced the 13-count felony indictment of Bryan Davis, a Scioto County commissioner accused of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity involving bribes and public contracts. His wife, Lorinda Sue Davis, faces 10 felony counts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an outright abuse of the public trust, Faber said. We will work to ensure justice is served for the people of Scioto County. Two others were indicted earlier in the same corruption scheme. Robert Horton, who led the Southern Ohio Port Authority and the Scioto County Economic Development Department, was indicted in February on 15 counts. His wife, Lioubov Horton, was indicted on 12 criminal counts. The recently released indictment says Horton received kickbacks for public contracts for construction at the Southern Ohio Aeronautical Regional Business Park, and Bryan Davis used his position as county commissioner to secure the contract and public funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also alleges Lioubov Horton and Lorinda Davis received kickback payments through a consulting firm they owned. The indictment also says the four met in person and talked about ways to give false information to investigators and falsify records. Fabers Special Investigations Unit began to look at the four after a complaint of an unlawful interest in a public contract between the Southern Ohio Port Authority and an out-of-state company for a building at the business park. Bryan Davis has been charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, theft in office, money laundering, aggravated theft, tampering with evidence, attempted tampering with evidence, receiving stolen property, forgery, obstructing justice, tampering with records and filing incomplete, false, and fraudulent returns. Lorinda Sue Davis is charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, money laundering, tampering with evidence, attempted tampering with evidence, receiving stolen property, forgery, obstructing justice, tampering with records and filing incomplete, false, and fraudulent returns. Defense lawyers quit murder case following mistrial Following a mistrial, two defense lawyers quit a murder case this week, citing disagreements with their client on how to proceed. Jaylan Mendoza, 23, is charged with murder in the Aug. 20, 2023, death of his father Delwin McCloud, 42. Lawyer Lakeisha Murdaugh wrote the reasons included that Mendoza wanted certain physical evidence presented to the jury that went against her professional judgment. Their relationship had broken down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Co-counsel Amishi Sanghvi also withdrew, filings show. Mendozas new trial is Sept. 29. A court hearing is set for Sept. 4 to see if he has picked a new lawyer. Judge Natalie Bokota declared a mistrial last month after an Illinois university police officer had been allowed to stay on the jury. As the juror was later questioned alone in court, he said that fellow jurors had already asked him questions on guns, bodycams and trespassing laws. A deputy prosecutor went over case law again and discovered that it would still violate state law, even if he didnt work as a police officer in Indiana. A jury screening form used in Lake County asks candidates if they have served as a police officer, and to list their current job and spouses occupation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mendoza was granted bail last year after Murdaugh introduced footage provided by Mendozas brother, who used his phone to record the security footage. It was a second or two longer and appeared to show McCloud lunging at Mendozas neck, the lawyer argued. In filings, prosecutors disputed the characterization. Man gets just over three years for bank fraud A man got just over three years Monday for a multi-state check-cashing scheme. Ricardo Castro Murillo, 34, of Honduras, got 37 months after a plea agreement for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, Acting U.S. Attorney M. Scott Proctor said in a release. He will also serve one year on supervised release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors alleged he and co-defendants cashed nearly 170 fake checks in January 2023 for $233,000 from a company that operates dairy farms in Northwest Indiana. They cashed another 178 fake checks in June 2023 for almost $300,000 at the same bank company in Northwest Indiana, plus three check-cashing stores in Oklahoma. The checks pretended to be from an Oklahoma building supply company. Castro Murillo participated in a far-reaching conspiracy that caused major financial harm to community banks and small businesses across the United States. Due to the unwavering efforts and collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement, Castro Murillo was brought to justice for his role in this scheme, Proctor said in a release. The sentence imposed by the court sends a message that there are real consequences for engaging in fraud, particularly in northwest Indiana. Co-defendant Luis Banegas Rodriguez got 27 months. Calumet City man gets probation for shooting at tow truck A Calumet City man got one year probation earlier this month for shooting at a tow truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawrence Bolling pleaded guilty to misdemeanor criminal recklessness. He was sentenced Aug. 12. Merrillville Police were called Feb. 3 for shots fired near 85th Avenue and Polo Club Drive, according to an affidavit. The victim said he was looking for cars to tow in The Lakes at 8201 apartment complex when Bolling came holding a red plastic cup, yelling and threatening him. Towing cars would get him laid out and dropped dead, Bolling said, according to the affidavit. The tow truck driver said he didnt understand Bollings problem, since he wasnt towing his car. Bolling got in his face, and the man returned to his truck, while Bolling tried to push the door shut on him, according to charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the victim drove off toward W. 85th, he rolled down the window and told Bolling if he parked illegally, hed get towed like everyone else. The man then heard three booms. Witnesses told police the man fitting Bollings description walked back to the visitor parking spots holding a gun. Post-Tribune archives contributed. mcolias@post-trib.com BRASILIA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Brazil and Canada said on Monday they will work together to resume the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) and Canada, with a meeting of chief negotiators expected to be held in early October. "As a timely step towards greater economic diversification, we have ordered our senior trade officials to begin talks, including a meeting of chief negotiators in early October, with a view to resuming negotiations on the free trade agreement between Mercosur and Canada, together with our partners Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay," said a joint statement issued after Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira met with visiting Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu. "Canada and Brazil share a long-standing commitment to open, fair and sustainable trade, working together to promote prosperity bilaterally, regionally and within the global trading system," said the statement. The two countries agreed to intensify bilateral trade and investment flows as part of their market diversification and expansion strategies, according to the statement. Both countries also reaffirmed their "support for a rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) as its central pillar, and the need to defend open and predictable global trading rules, which have contributed to the growth and prosperity of our countries." Mercosur is a South American trade bloc established in 1991 with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay as its founding members. Brazil holds the rotating presidency of the bloc currently. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Utah Third District Judge Dianna Gibson has ruled that the Legislature unconstitutionally overrode a citizen ballot initiative by enacting its own maps, in a redistricting case that was sent back down to lower courts after the Utah Supreme Court upheld Utahns right to alter and reform their government in a game-changing ruling last year. The highly anticipated ruling is a major decision from the lower courts, revealing that they deem Utahs Congressional boundaries from H.B. 2004, which made the 2021 Congressional Map, was not enacted under S.B. 200 and Proposition 4. Therefore, it cannot lawfully govern future elections, and the legislature must redistrict a new map. Judge Gibson ruled that Proposition 4 is the law on redistricting in Utah, and therefore the maps from H.B. 2004 cannot be used. Her decision directs the Legislature to design a remedial congressional redistricting map in line with the requirements of Prop 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Utah Supreme Court ruling means gerrymandering lawsuit can move forward This ruling marks the latest entry in that complex saga that began in 2018, when voters passed a citizen ballot initiative run by Better Boundaries. The initiative, better known as Prop 4, created an independent redistricting commission to draw new boundary lines for Utahs congressional districts. In 2020, the Utah Legislature watered down Prop 4, gutting the commission created by the initiative in S.B. 200 and replacing those maps with its own in H.B. 2004. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the legislature argue that those maps, which are still used today, are gerrymandered. In their lawsuit, plaintiffs League of Women Voters of Utah, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and others argue the lines break up Salt Lake City into four districts, diluting minority votes in the traditionally red state. Plaintiffs also argue Utahns have a constitutionally protected right to alter and reform their government, which they attempted to do via Prop 4 before it was altered by the legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Utah Supreme Court upheld that right in a major ruling last year, kicking the case back down into Utahs lower court. Utahs top lawmakers discredited the ruling, calling it the worst decision theyve ever seen. Earlier this year, both parties argued the merits of the case before Judge Gibson. The decision proposes a timeline to govern redistricting proceedings between now and November 1, 2025, as Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson has asked the court for the case to be finalized by November so that if new lines need to be drawn, they can be drawn before the 2026 midterm elections. Its widely anticipated that this ruling will be appealed to the Utah Supreme Court. The court has set a Status Conference for Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, at 10 a.m. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A court has vacated several zoning changes Wilson County commissioners approved in 2023 after a lawsuit was brought by four residents who alleged the commission did not follow proper procedure. The county commission approved the resolution in May 2023. It involved several zoning amendments to effectively raise the minimum amount of land in the county that can be subdivided. The amendments involved zoning in multiple categories, but centered around increasing the A-1 agricultural zoning minimum lot size without sewer access from 40,000 square feet to 80,000 square feet, attorneys said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The zoning changes were in part a response to opinion about the impact of extreme growth in Wilson County, officials at the time said. There were also concerns about farmland preservation in Wilson County and larger lot sizes helping to reduce lots in agricultural areas, Wilson County Planning Director Christopher Lawless said. Chancellor C.K. Smith ruled the county has the power to enact zoning regulations like what was approved, but that statutory procedures to pass the resolution were not followed. The chancellor voided the resolution in Wilson County Chancery Court on Aug. 26, and granted the plaintiffs' motion for summary judgement. Jay White with Agee & Johnson Realty and Auction in Lebanon, Tenn., is part of a lawsuit claiming new Wilson County zoning regulations meant to manage growth will harm existing property owners. There is a 30-day appeal period. A decision on how to proceed after the ruling will have to be made by the county commission, Wilson County Attorney Mike Jennings said. The plaintiffs believed the changes were done illegally, were detrimental to property values of certain landowners and negatively impacted overall property values in Wilson County. Attorneys Elliott Benson and Byron Gill represented the plaintiffs, which included Jay White and Frank Bryant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of the zoning amendments impacted land within the city limits of Lebanon, Mt. Juliet and Watertown. Reasons the residents challenged the legality of the final resolution included: It wasnt first submitted to the Wilson County Planning Commission. There wasnt adequate summary in the published notice. Failure to allow the public to speak after the resolution had been substantially altered. There is a present and vocal anti-growth movement in Wilson County, which at least partly contributed to the passage of the zoning regulations in 2023, Benson said. Assuming the county again attempts to modify the zoning regulations, my hope is that this time around, people will be more informed and not so quick to jump on the bandwagon that larger lot sizes mean less growth and is the best course for our county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilson County is in the process of updating its master land use plan. The land use plan does not directly involve zoning, but could influence some zoning change, according to Lawless. Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Wilson County zoning regulations nixed in court ruling after lawsuit COVID-19 is once again climbing to troubling levels in California a worrying trend as health officials attempt to navigate a vaccine landscape thrown into uncertainty by delays and decisions from the Trump administration. Public health departments in Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties have reported jumps in the coronavirus concentrations detected in wastewater in recent weeks. L.A. County also has reported a small increase in patients hospitalized with COVID. "There is a lot of COVID out there," said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at UC San Francisco. "COVID is coming a little bit later than last year." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rate at which COVID lab tests came back positive in L.A. County is 12.6% for the week that ended Aug. 16, up from 7.6% a month earlier. In Orange County, it's 14.4%, up from 8.1%. "We are seeing outpatient cases increase," said Dr. Elizabeth E. Hudson, the regional physician chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California. "With back-to-school season in full swing ... we are expecting to see an uptick in COVID in children over the next few weeks and this is already being seen in some parts of the country." In a blog post, Dr. Matt Willis, former public health officer for Marin County, wrote that "California's in the middle of a COVID-19 wave, and statewide rates are among the highest in the nation." Read more: COVID surges nationwide with highest rates in Southwest as students return to school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among senior-age residents in Orange County, emergency room visits for COVID-like illness, as well as hospitalizations for COVID, are also on the upswing, said Dr. Christopher Zimmerman, a physician with the Orange County Health Care Agency's Communicable Disease and Control Division, and Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, the county's health officer. Hudson said the coronavirus subvariant XFG, nicknamed Stratus, accounts for the vast majority of variants seen in wastewater. "This is another Omicron subvariant, so previous infections with other Omicron variants may offer some residual protection, but, as we know, that protection is not complete, so you can certainly be reinfected," Hudson said. It does seem that this summer, COVID season has been less intense than last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In L.A. County, for instance, current COVID hospitalizations for the week that ended Aug. 16 are about half the level seen during the same week last year. And in Orange County, emergency room visits related to COVID-like illness are less than half what they were last summer. "Last summer's COVID surge was the largest since 2022, so this year's surge is more on par with our less-severe summer surges," Hudson said. "People are definitely getting COVID this summer, but the intensity is much less than in 2024." The rise in COVID comes as the Trump administration has delayed the rollout of the updated vaccine for the fall. Last year, the federal government had fully green-lighted the annual reformulation of the vaccine by June, in time for a rollout that began in September. This year, however, the Department of Health and Human Services led by vaccine skeptic Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has in effect delayed the rollout of this fall's COVID shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Updated COVID-19 vaccines have been delayed this year due to federal policy changes, and we are awaiting [Food and Drug Administration] licensure of this seasons products," the L.A. County Department of Public Health said in a statement to The Times. "This means availability in September may be later than what people experienced last fall." Read more: U.S. pediatricians' new COVID-19 vaccine recommendations differ from CDC advice County health officials noted that the FDA could further revise or limit who can get an annual COVID shot as the agency signaled in May "though current evidence continues to show that the vaccines are safe and effective across all ages." The California Department of Public Health also warned that because the federal government hasn't made decisions on licensure approvals and recommendations, "availability and timing of specific COVID-19 vaccine products may be more limited and occur on a later schedule." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Were in an unfortunate limbo, created by an administration thats uncommitted to vaccines, between the slow shutting down of 2425 vaccine availability and access to the 2526 version," Willis wrote in the Your Local Epidemiologist in California blog. Chin-Hong said that the timing of the vaccine rollout is in such flux and he recommends anyone at risk for severe complications from COVID who hasn't been vaccinated in more than a year to get inoculated now. Read more: COVID rising in California. How bad will this summer be? People at severe risk for COVID illness include those 65 and older, those who have compromised immune systems, those who are pregnant, and all infants and children age 6 months to 23 months. (Children age 2 to 5 are also at greater risk for complications from COVID compared with older children.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If they haven't gotten it in a year, just go ahead, maybe, get it now," Chin-Hong said. "Because also, the vaccine that's being proposed [for this fall] is relatively the same formula as last year. ... It's less important to wait." It might also be easier to get the COVID-19 vaccine now ahead of potential changes in federal recommendations and approvals later this year. Chin-Hong called the delay in formulating a COVID vaccine game plan for this fall "just weird," as "usually in public health, preparation is everything." Read more: RFK Jr. pulls $500 million in funding for vaccine development Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this point in previous summers, health officials typically already would be urging people to make plans to get a fall COVID vaccine. But this time around, "Nobody knows details about who's going to be eligible, exactly," Chin-Hong said, except for those age 65 and up and younger people with chronic health conditions. "We have a whole new discussion, like, 'When is it coming? Who is it going to be eligible for? ... Do kids have to talk to their pediatrician first? Would pharmacists actually allow them to get it? ... Would healthy pregnant people [be able] to get it?" Chin-Hong said. It's as if officials are talking about a new vaccine and a new illness, but the COVID-19 vaccine has been around for more than four years, Chin-Hong said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Pandemic aged our brains faster, whether or not we got COVID, study says But the federal government's treatment of COVID shots is not happening in a vacuum. Kennedy has maligned mRNA vaccine technology the basis for the most commonly administered COVID shots and ordered the firing of all 17 experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's influential vaccine advisory committee. One person who will lead a committee to review the safety of COVID vaccines for the CDC has described the shots as "the most failing medical product in the history of medical products," the New York Times reported Friday. COVID-19 vaccinations averted 2.5 million deaths globally from 2020 to 2024, according to a report published in the journal JAMA Health Forum in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vaccine-skeptic leadership of Kennedy over the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the FDA and CDC, has prompted such a split in the medical community that mainstream organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics are issuing their own recommendations concerning vaccines. Read more: COVID 'razor blade throat' rises as new subvariant spreads in California The CDC, for instance, earlier this year asked that parents talk with a healthcare provider before getting the COVID vaccine for healthy children. That's an extra step parents may need to take to get their children vaccinated, and could end up being a "super big barrier" for vaccination, Chin-Hong said. Previously, the CDC recommended everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID vaccine in the fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC also recently offered "no guidance" as to whether healthy pregnant women should get the COVID vaccine. On Friday, by contrast, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended that people "receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine or 'booster' at any point during pregnancy, when planning to become pregnant, in the postpartum period, or when lactating." Read more: Dismissed members of CDC vaccine committee call Kennedy's actions 'destabilizing' "The COVID-19 vaccines are particularly effective at reducing morbidity from COVID-19 complications in pregnant patients and their infants," the organization said. "Data also support the benefit of vaccination in reducing pregnancy complications, such as severe maternal morbidity, preterm birth, and stillbirth." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the American Academy of Pediatrics on Aug. 19 recommended that infants and children age 6 months to 23 months get the updated COVID vaccine, since they "are at high risk." The group also said that children ages 2 and older should be offered the latest COVID vaccine if their parent or guardian wishes. "The COVID vaccine situation is unsettling. ... Differences in guidance from the CDC and other medical professional groups will be challenging for the public," the Orange County communicable disease control team 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. HIGH POINT COVID-19 is making an unwelcome reemergence. The virus that upended society 5 1/2 years ago has spiked across the country. The percentage of positives for COVID and people going to clinics has skyrocketed in the past couple of weeks, said Jordan Smith, associate professor of clinical sciences at High Point University. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that, as of last week, the percentage of lab tests coming back positive for COVID-19 are rising nationwide. Emergency department visits for the virus are increasing with patients of all ages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A new variant of COVID-19, commonly referred to as the stratus or nimbus variant, has spread rapidly, Smith told The High Point Enterprise. The latest variant is marked by people getting a severe sore throat. But unlike the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, the latest surge of infections hasnt led to significantly greater hospitalizations. People who have gotten vaccinations or immunity by contracting COVID-19 have kept severe cases relatively in check, Smith said. I think a lot of people are getting sick and dont even realize they got it from COVID, he said. The spike in COVID-19 cases now may serve as a precursor for infection rates this fall, said Dr. Mishi Jackson, lead physician at Novant Health Union Cross Family Medicine in Kernersville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traditionally what weve seen is an ebb and flow, she said. But when we are traditionally going into the cold and flu season in early and late fall, it means that we will see a lot of respiratory cases. The trends with COVID-19 heading into the fall take place against a backdrop of vaccination conflicts among medical researchers, the Centers for Disease Control and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a self-proclaimed skeptic of many vaccines. Confrontations between the medical community and Kennedy have played out since Kennedy took office in the administration of President Donald Trump at the first of this year. One of the most recent conflicts involves the fall vaccinations for COVID-19. A CDC expert panel last June was supposed to make recommendations about the upcoming COVID-19 vaccinations. Among the options the panel was considering were whether to suggest shots for high-risk groups but still give lower-risk people the choice to get vaccinated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Kennedy dismissed the 17-member panel and appointed his own advisory group, which includes vaccine skeptics. Kennedy also later excluded the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association and other top medical organizations from being involved in establishing vaccination recommendations. Smith said hes worried about the mixed messages that the public is getting about vaccinations and the confusion that could ensue. Essentially what we have is considered pretty good protection against the strains that are circulating at the moment and should prevent severe illness, he said. But the federal government hasnt announced a new vaccine for COVID-19 to carry through the fall and winter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson said she encourages patients at Novant to speak with a trusted health care provider amid the possible confusion over mixed messages about vaccinations. They need to focus on what traditionally vaccines have done, which is prevent severe respiratory illnesses, she said. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services said that vaccinations remain the best method for countering COVID-19. N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is closely monitoring for changes in federal recommendations and remains committed to ensuring that all North Carolinians have access to vaccinations, the state agency said. The archive video above aired on Aug. 22. NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (WTNH) CPR retraining, modified nutrition, and on-site security- these are just come of the changes leaders at the YWCA New Britain Childcare say theyre adopting after a child choked to death in their care last month. According to family, 2-year-old Saunti Reynolds choked to death while eating just hours after being dropped off for the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2-year-old boy who died at New Britain day care laid to rest His mother Shamyra Cooke said she was originally told he was choking but would be okay. But when the family arrived at the day care, they were told he wasnt breathing. Cooke told reporters she wished she was called sooner. After closing for nearly a month following the July 29 incident, the childcare facility resumed school-age programming on Monday. Their infant, toddler and preschool programs are scheduled to resume Wednesday. DCF investigating childs choking death at YWCA in New Britain As the YWCA reopens, they said they added the following to their safety and training requirements: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPR and first aid retraining for all childcare staff, managers and support staff Emergency practice drills for medical situations, led by nursing consultants Modified nutrition policies, including updated food options chosen in consultation with independent experts in education, nursing and nutrition We believe these steps show our commitment to providing safe and loving care for each of our children, CEO Tracey Madden-Hennessey said in a statement to YWCA families. We recognize that trust and confidence after a difficult even is important both for families and staff. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Everything old is new again at Cracker Barrel: The restaurant chain has decided to dump its new, modern logo and go back to the old one of a guy with a barrel. The company released a statement to HuffPost on Tuesday announcing the change. We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have. Related: Conservatives Seize On Minneapolis Shooting To Push Anti-Trans Messages Our new logo is going away and our Old Timer will remain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Cracker Barrel, its always been and always will be about serving up delicious food, warm welcomes, and the kind of country hospitality that feels like family. As a proud American institution, our 70,000 hardworking employees look forward to welcoming you to our table soon. We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our Old Timer will remain. At Cracker Barrel, its always been and always will be about serving up delicious food, warm pic.twitter.com/C32QMLOeq0 Cracker Barrel (@CrackerBarrel) August 26, 2025 The new logo debuted last week, but the company immediately had to deal with the slings and arrows of MAGA types angered over the supposedly woke design. The decision to dump the logo comes just hours after President Donald Trump suggested on his TruthSocial platform that the restaurant chain go back to the old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response (the ultimate Poll), and manage the company better than ever before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House took a victory lap over the change in a statement Tuesday night. President Trump has unmatched business instincts, and an uncanny ability to understand what the American people want, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. Cracker Barrel is a great American company, and they made a great decision to Trust in Trump! Related: Prosecutors Just Cant Convince Grand Jury That Woman Who Filmed Feds In DC Committed Felony Trump also offered his congratulations to Cracker Barrel on changing back its logo in a post on Truth Social. All of your fans very much appreciate it, Trump wrote. Good luck into the future. Make lots of money and, most importantly, make your customers happy again! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The companys reversal comes a day after Cracker Barrel conceded that we couldve done a better job sharing who we are and who well always be. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Cracker Barrel is responding following fan backlash on its recent redesign efforts. The 56-year-old restaurant chain, founded in 1969, said in a lengthy statement shared to its website Monday, that the company "could've done a better job sharing who we are." "If the last few days have shown us anything, it's how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel. We're truly grateful for your heartfelt voices," Cracker Barrel said. "You've also shown us that we could've done a better job sharing who we are and who we'll always be." Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images - PHOTO: An exterior view of a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Cracker Barrel announced last year it would begin to renovate its combination restaurant-and-retail establishments in an effort to modernize the longtime chain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The changes included shifting from a classic Southern country store aesthetic to a contemporary country theme with a minimalist logo change, brighter locations, updated seating, lighting and bookcases, while some Cracker Barrel signatures would remain, such as its stone fireplaces and taxidermy deer heads. Cracker Barrel - PHOTO: The old corporate logo for Cracker Barrel (left) and their newly unveiled logo. Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino previously appeared on "Good Morning America" on Aug. 19, saying the veteran company needed to refresh its restaurants and stores. "Cracker Barrel needs to feel like the Cracker Barrel for today and for tomorrow," Masino said. "The soul of Cracker Barrel's not changing -- the rocking chairs are still there, the fireplace is there, the peg game -- all the things that make Cracker Barrel Cracker Barrel." Cracker Barrel fans have mixed feelings about restaurant chain's redesign Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But critics voiced their displeasure at the changes on social media and Cracker Barrel's stock even dropped by as much as 13% last Thursday, as Reuters reported. On Monday, Cracker Barrel vowed not to turn its back on its company's values of "hard work, family, and scratch-cooked food made with care" and promised to keep some of the classic Cracker Barrel its fans have come to love over the years. Joe Raedle/Getty Images - PHOTO: The new Cracker Barrel logo is seen on a menu inside the restaurant, August 21, 2025 in Homestead, Florida. "What has not changed, and what will never change, are the values this company was built on when Cracker Barrel first opened in 1969: hard work, family, and scratch-cooked food made with care," Cracker Barrel continued in its statement. Mixed reviews for new Cracker Barrel logo, CEO says redesign feedback has been 'overwhelmingly positive' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The things people love most about our stores aren't going anywhere: rocking chairs on the porch, a warm fire in the hearth, peg games on the table, unique treasures in our gift shop, and vintage Americana with antiques pulled straight from our warehouse in Lebanon, Tennessee." Cracker Barrel also assured restaurantgoers its food will remain a main focus as it worked to bring in and build a loyal fanbase in "the next generation of families." Joe Raedle/Getty Images - PHOTO: The new Cracker Barrel logo is seen on a menu inside the restaurant, August 21, 2025 in Homestead, Florida. "While our logo and remodels may be making headlines, our bigger focus is still right where it belongs in the kitchen and on your plate: serving generous portions of the food you crave at fair prices and doing it with the kind of country hospitality that brightens your days and creates lasting memories," Cracker Barrel said. "Meatloaf, chicken n' dumplins, country fried steak, sides that taste like Sunday supper, and yes, the world's best pancakes, they're all still here, with a few new dishes joining the menu." "We know we won't always get everything right the first time, but we'll keep testing, learning, and listening to our guests and employees," Cracker Barrel added. Cracker Barrel responded on Monday to criticism of its new logo. "You've also shown us that we could've done a better job sharing who we are and who we'll always be." The new logo is part of the brand's turnaround campaign; it no longer features the "old timer." Cracker Barrel knows fans miss Uncle Herschel the "old timer" on its old logo. The restaurant chain responded on Monday to widespread criticism of its new logo and remodel. The pushback centered on the streamlined logo, which very noticeably did not include the "old timer," or Uncle Herschel, seated on a chair leaning up against a barrel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We love seeing how much you care about our 'old timer.' We love him too. Uncle Herschel will still be on our menu (welcome back Uncle Herschel's Favorite Breakfast Platter), on road signs, and featured in our country store," the company said in a new statement, released Monday. "He's not going anywhere he's family." The company didn't say, however, that he was coming back to the logo. Instead, the restaurant chain headquartered in Lebanon, Tennessee, said it was focused on "the kitchen and on your plate: serving generous portions of the food you crave at fair prices and doing it with the kind of country hospitality that brightens your days and creates lasting memories." The "old timer" logo, which had been in place since 1977, was replaced with a barrel-shaped yellow background the the restaurant's name written across it in a similar font. Cracker Barrel changed its logo in 2025, causing controversy. Cracker Barrel Cracker Barrel did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was trading up less than 1% after the bell. The Southern food chain is in the midst of a turnaround campaign aimed at luring in customers with new menu items and bringing back old ones along with a restaurant refresh and new logo. "If the last few days have shown us anything, it's how deeply people care about Cracker Barrel," the company wrote in its statement Monday. "We're truly grateful for your heartfelt voices. You've also shown us that we could've done a better job sharing who we are and who we'll always be." Read the original article on Business Insider SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A jet that had left Watertown and crashed near Granite Falls, Minnesota, had reported an engine failure during the flight, a preliminary crash report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said. SD wins large lottery prizes ahead of $815M Powerball The July 21 crash killed pilot David Colin Dacus, 49, of San Francisco, California and injured instructing pilot Mark Ryan Ruff, 43, of Dallas, Texas, according to the Yellow Medicine County (Minnesota) Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NTSB will continue to investigate and will issue a final report. Ruff was instructing Dacus on the Aero Vodochody L-39 jet in a flight from Wyoming to Osk Kosh, Wisconsin, the NTSB report said. On the third leg of the flight that left from Watertown, Ruff reported engine trouble and determined the jet could not land at the Granite Falls airport. He told Dacus three times to eject, but there was no ejection according to the NTSB report. Ruff was able to eject. Emergency personnel found Dacus in the seat with the unused ejection firing mechanism. Report_CEN25FA269_200598_8_26_2025 2_35_00 PM (1)Download The two flights from a site in Wyoming to Gillette, Wyoming, and then from Gillette to Watertown were uneventful, the NTSB report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the flight left Watertown, the instructor pilot said both pilots smelled smoke in their helmets and saw smoke in the cockpit. 4-5 seconds later the aircraft shook briefly in conjunction with an audible metal- to-metal grinding noise, the NTSB report said. The instructor pilot first expected to land at the airport in Granite Falls but decided to head to the airport in nearby Marshall, Minnesota. While flying to Marshall, the instructor pilot determined the jet would not reach that aiport so Granite Falls became the destination, the NTSB report said. The jet was approaching a power line when the instructor pilot Ruff told the training pilot Dacus to eject for a third time. The instructor pilot was able to eject. Jet crash near Granite Falls, Minnesota. NTSB photo Jet crash near Granite Falls, Minnesota. NTSB photo The jet crashed around 5:30 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The NTSB report said Ruff had originally filed a plan to fly to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, but had decided to fly into Osk Kosh. Ruff was going to cancel the instrument flight to Fond du Lac to visually fly to Osk Kosh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Industry websites describe the Aero Vodochody L-39 as a versatile jet trainer. Watertown is about 85 miles from Granite Falls. Granite Falls is on U.S. Highway 212 and Minnesota Highway 23. The municipal airport is about four miles south of the city. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. WAYLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) In the morning, the Gun Lake-area site was empty. By the afternoon, a new Hot n Now restaurant was in place and looked ready to go. Crews on Tuesday delivered and assembled the building at at 1146 129th Ave. near US-131 in Wayland Township, across the street from the Gun Lake Casino, as the iconic brand makes its return to West Michigan. The 737 square-foot drive-thru building was manufactured by B Cubed Manufacturing, which builds plug-and-play structures off-site. After Tuesdays installation, crews will work on the finishing touches, like putting in cooking equipment and hooking up the building to utilities. Crews install Hot n Now in Wayland Township. (Courtesy LIDAR Drone Services) Crews install Hot n Now in Wayland Township. (Courtesy Hot n Now) Crews install Hot n Now in Wayland Township. (Courtesy Hot n Now) Crews install Hot n Now in Wayland Township. (Courtesy Hot n Now) Crews install Hot n Now in Wayland Township. (Courtesy Hot n Now) Crews install Hot n Now in Wayland Township. (Courtesy Hot n Now) Crews install Hot n Now in Wayland Township. (Courtesy Hot n Now) Crews install Hot n Now in Wayland Township. (Courtesy Hot n Now) Crews install Hot n Now in Wayland Township. (Courtesy Hot n Now) Crews install Hot n Now in Wayland Township. (Courtesy Hot n Now) Hot n Now returning to West Michigan this summer with wallet-friendly prices Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been an exciting past 48 hours from getting our semi-trucks out of our facility in Alpena and then seeing the sections lifted into place, Jeff Konczak, owner of B Cubed Manufacturing and one of the owner of the Hot n Now franchise, said in a release. I get to witness a lot of our deliveries and assemblies, but this one has been especially enjoyable. The new Hot n Now is expected to open in October. On the menu will be some of the brands signature items, like The Olive Burger and Cheesy Taters, alongside wallet-friendly prices, the team previously told News 8. The once-popular Hot n Now first got its start in 1984 in Kalamazoo. It saw success with locations across the country until the 1990s. After changing ownership several times, it filed for bankruptcy in 2004. But in January, Gun Lake Investments, the nongaming investment arm for the Gun Lake Tribe, announced it would be reviving the brand. Hot n Now will be opening a Wayland township location this summer. (Courtesy HNN Holdings, LLC) Hot n Now will be opening a Wayland township location this summer. (Courtesy HNN Holdings, LLC) Inside new Oasis at Gun Lake Casino: Swim-up bar, stage, pools Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, we are one step closer to bringing the nostalgic Hot n Now brand back with new refreshed elements, Monica King, CEO of GLI, said in the release. Its very exciting to witness the assembly process and watch that iconic logo and red rooftop it all off! The team is working on opening an Alpena location this fall at 320 Johnson St. GLI is also looking for opportunities to open other locations, according to the release. An independently-owned Hot n Now still operates in Sturgis. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SYDNEY, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- A major search remains ongoing for a gunman who fatally shot two police officers and injured a third in southeast Australia on Tuesday, police said. Mike Bush, the police commissioner in the state of Victoria, said at a press conference on Tuesday night that a 59-year-old detective and 35-year-old senior constable were fatally shot while executing a warrant at a property in the small town Porepunkah, 210 km northeast of Melbourne earlier in the day. A third officer was airlifted to hospital and was undergoing surgery for injuries not considered life-threatening, Bush said, while seven others who were also deployed to execute the warrant were not physically injured. The shooting triggered a lockdown in Porepunkah and surrounding towns as police launched a major search operation for the gunman, who is believed to have escaped into surrounding bushland in Victoria's alpine region armed with several guns. "The suspect for this horrific event is still at large. We believe he is armed," Bush said, adding that every police resource has been deployed to locate the "very dangerous" gunman. Residents of Porepunkah and surrounding towns have been advised by police to stay indoors and to avoid unnecessary travel. Bush said that police are working to locate the gunman's partner and two children. Local media reported that he was on the run with members of his family. UPDATED: 12:30 p.m. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) One person was injured in a multivehicle crash at the intersection of 26th Street and Phillips Avenue Tuesday morning. According to the Sioux Falls Police Department spokesperson Aaron Benson, a vehicle heading east on 26th street failed to stop at a red light and crashed into a southbound vehicle, causing it to roll. The southbound vehicle hit two other vehicles in the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the southbound vehicle was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The driver who ran the red light was given a citation for failing to stop at the light. 10:33 a.m. Emergency crews are responding to a crash at 26th St. and Phillips Ave. Tuesday morning. Teenager dead in Minnehaha County after UTV crash KELOLAND News was on the scene and took this photo of a car flipped on its side. We reached out to Sioux Falls Police for more information. This is a developing story. Stay with us on-air and online for more details as they come. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Felonies The following people were booked into the Lee County-Tupelo Adult Jail in connection with felony charges ending Monday at 11 a.m. Cordarius R. Bell, 33, of Grand Junction, Tennessee, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, trafficking methamphetamine. Marla Clifton, 43, of Dyersburg, Tennessee, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, trafficking methamphetamine. Carter Dickerson, 19, of Mooreville, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, aggravated domestic violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alan Wayne Emison, 44, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, violation of parole. Shamarius Gardner, 25, no address listed, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, aggravated assault. Troy Lee Jackson, 30, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, violation of probation, no drivers license, no insurance, improper equipment. Lucas Jean Lee, 43, of Pontotoc, was arrested by the Saltillo Police Department, Department of Corrections warrant. Jager Samuel Livingston, 32, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, burglary of an auto, burglary of a dwelling, public intoxication, possession of a controlled substance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jamie Martin Lober, 46, of Saltillo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, grand larceny, shoplifting. Richard L. Mansfield, 59, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, failure to register as a sex offender. Nathan Hodges McIntosh, 35, of Mantachie, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, possession of cocaine, DUI other. Janzten D. Pinson, 37, of Pontotoc, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule I drug, expired tag, no insurance. Richard Scott Reynolds, 32, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule II drug, contempt of court, possession of paraphernalia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dashawn L. Stewart, 41, of Belmont, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff Office, two counts of the sale of methamphetamine, trafficking methamphetamine. Scottie Lee Walls, 58, of Mooreville, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, home repair fraud, violation of Intensive Supervision Program, no drivers license. Blessin Marshai Young, 23, no address listed, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, possession of fentanyl. Lee County Sheriffs Office The following reports were filed Monday by the Lee County Sheriffs Office. A Katie Anne Lane Auburn said she parked her 2019 Toyota Camry outside her apartment around 7 a.m. She said the doors were locked and she brought the keys inside. When she walked outside around 1 p.m., it was gone. She said she was up to date on the payments and there was no record of it being towed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A County Road 811, Saltillo, woman said a white Chevy Tahoe passed her and then slammed on his brakes. The Tahoe then drove very slowly. When she tried the pass the SUV, it swerved into the other lane, trying to run her off the road. The Tahoe eventually turned on a side road and she continued on her way. A Drive 1998, Saltillo, man said several white males and females were shooting guns toward his residence around 7:30 p.m. He said they are on a neighbors property while shooting. A County Road 1460, Tupelo, man said his neighbors saw a gray SUV parked on his property around 10 p.m. They say the vehicle pull into the drive and park, but never saw anyone get out. The SUV was gone by the time the man arrived back home. A Drive 57, Tupelo, man has been taking care of four puppies that showed up at his house a week ago. He has been trying to find them a home and wanted to know if the deputy could help. He was advised to carry them to the Lee County Humane Society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A County Road 601, Guntown, man, 72, wanted to report a lost firearm. He said he hid the gun inside his residence before his grandkids came over. He has searched the house and cannot find where he had it hidden. He wanted a report on file. A Green Tee Road woman said there has been a Lab puppy hanging around her house. She wanted to know if it would be OK for her to carry it to the animal shelter on her own. A Palmetto Road Dollar General employee was outside on break when she saw a Black male leave the store with a cart full of items that were not in bags. He then began tossing merchandise into his vehicle. When she walked up and asked for a receipt, he said it was inside where he had gone through the self-checkout. She told him he was lying, because the self-checkout machine wasnt working. He jumped in the car and drove away. A County Road 1310, Mooreville, woman said someone came onto her property and damaged her car. The windshield was broken. Three doors and the trunk lid were scratched. Offensive words were carved into the drivers door and the trunk. Neighbors saw a white female out by the car and thought it was the victim. Anyone with information on any of these reports is urged to call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 841-9041, the Tupelo Police Department at 841-6491 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at (800) 773-TIPS or download the P3 Tip App and leave an anonymous tip that way. TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) A man was arrested in Taylorville after police said a Crime Stoppers tip helped officers locate him in their city. The police department said in a post on Facebook that they were looking for 30-year-old Briar D. Samson in connection with burglary and methamphetamine charges. WCIA reported in April that Samson had been arrested for burglary, and court records indicate that he was scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 11 for a pretrial hearing. Records also show he was issued a notice to appear on Aug. 14 for possession of meth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, both dates have passed, and there are no updates in the court records. Trial begins for man accused of shooting, beating State Trooper in Springfield Taylorville Police said that after receiving a tip, they surrounded a home in Taylorville, spoke with the homeowner and arrested Samson without incident. We hope that he will be held accountable for his charges, thereby preventing future pursuit, officials wrote. WCIA reached out to the Christian County States Attorneys Office to learn more about Samsons cases but did not hear back immediately. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. To many Washington insiders, President Trumps early August Beltway crime crackdown seemed like an opportunistic and hamhanded pivot after getting walloped for weeks over the Jeffrey Epstein affair. But if it wasnt clear then, it is now: The White Houses public safety play is a deliberate ploy to refocus the narrative on an issue that favors Republicans ahead of the midterms one thats already backing Democrats into a corner. The president in recent days is leaning even further into using the National Guard as a glorified police force, visiting the troops and allowing them to be armed. Hes suggested hes eyeing Chicago and New York next for their next deployment. On Sunday, he needled Maryland Gov. Wes Moore for Baltimores notorious crime statistics, hinting he could send troops there as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's a sign that despite polling showing how unpopular Trumps moves are in Washington, the president is playing to a national audience and betting this is a battle he and the GOP can win. If his recent escalation was an attempt to goad Democrats into declaring that crime isnt a problem, repelling swing voters in the process, top Democrats did not disappoint him. Over the weekend, Democratic Govs. JB Pritzker of Illinois and Kathy Hochul of New York released statements arguing that crime in their cities was down or that theres no emergency requiring the National Guard. Other Democrats have glossed over voters concerns about public safety, deriding Trump as an authoritarian. The problem is that while some voters might not like overtly political power grabs, history shows they dislike feeling unsafe even more. Expanding homeless encampments and drug overdoses in plain view have left many of them fearful. Dan Turrentine, a Democratic strategist and host of the 2Way podcast The Morning Meeting, called crime an 80-20 issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just like with immigration, Trump has found another issue where the Democratic Party is on a back foot. They don't want to admit that there's a problem even though nobody in New York City, Chicago, Washington, Los Angeles or San Francisco would say things are good, he said. The fact that we have people arguing that crime is not a problem is crazy. [Trump] senses that it's a vulnerability on the part of Democrats and it is, GOP strategist Karl Rove told me. It galvanizes public attention, keeps the Epstein issue and to a lesser extent the Ukrainian war issue off the front pages and keeps the focus on the controversy between the president and the big-city Democrats. A White House official said Trump is giddy about the prospect of forcing the Democrats to defend the indefensible. Nobody wants to walk outside and have to worry about getting mugged or carjacked, the person argued. Democrats will have to either side with Donald Trump, or side with crime and murder. To the president, this is basic, common-sense shit, the official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Going back to Richard Nixon, Republicans' tough-on-crime messaging has long won them favor with American voters. Their advantage has continued in recent years. In 2022, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) changed the trajectory of his struggling reelection campaign by attacking his Democratic opponent for supporting ending cash bail and decreasing police funding. Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes responded by accusing Johnson of being a hypocrite given his support for Trump after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. It didnt work. That was followed by the nationwide backlash against progressive district attorneys, mayors and other local leaders who eased up on prosecutions and embraced decriminalization experiments inspired by the George Floyd protests in 2020. Even in liberal cities such as Portland, San Francisco and Chicago, Democratic voters rejected criminal justice overhauls and elected officials they felt would be tougher on crime. Earlier this month, CNNs data guru Harry Enten dug into polling on crime and declared that Trump is like Air Jordan towering over [former President] Joe Biden on crime issues. While Biden was underwater on crime by 26 points in 2024, Trump had a plus-one favorability on the matter in August, just before his National Guard moves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans are far more hawkish on crime than a lot of Democrats want to admit, Enten said. Perhaps thats why a Harvard CAPS/Harris poll taken last week found that 54 percent of voters believe Trumps actions in Washington were justified and necessary and just as many thought his show-of-force would make the area safer. Its possible the polling could shift. Politics is a pendulum, and with Republicans in power and Trump shattering norms by putting service members on the beat, voters could move in a new direction. Rove himself questions whether this will play in the midterms. Crime is most salient to voters when there are riots, mass protests and other types of urban distress, he argued something were not seeing right now, even if it is a top worry. Also, one of the ironies is when there is success in something, the issue tends to dissipate, he said. The more secure the border is, the less important it is to voters. Ditto with crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Hill Republicans are cheering Trumps latest cause. To understand why, look at the congressional maps: The GOPs midterm battleground runs through suburban seats outside of major cities, places like Long Island and the suburbs of Philly and Atlanta. Just as helpful for Republicans is that the focus on crime could draw the spotlight from Medicaid cuts and the economy writ large, where voters are still unsettled. Any time we are talking about crime is a win, one senior NRCC official told me. Democrats, he added, are already doing just what theyd hoped: Replying with indignation that comes across as sympathy for criminals and citing statistics to argue that crime is no longer an issue when no one actually feels its true. The matter is poised to play a starring role in the coming weeks. We could see Trump deploy the National Guard in other big cities and Congress could take up crime-related bills when it returns in September. While Trump has hinted that he might circumvent the legislative branch and declare an emergency to extend his D.C. police takeover which requires congressional approval after 30 days theres already talk among Hill Republicans about making sure Democrats are forced on record in some fashion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their hope? That Democrats unify and vote down an extension of the D.C. takeover or other crime measures then pummel them on the campaign trail as soft on crime. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has already poured cold water on extending Trumps police authority, and Ive spoken with people in the House who predict House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries can keep all his members in line to oppose such a measure. The question, however, is whether they should. Rove said if Democrats were smart theyd use the opportunity to dispel the soft on crime narrative Republicans are pushing and he said theres an easy model they could summon. When Clinton was accused of being soft on crime in the 1990s, he called for 100,000 new police officers. Democrats could also point out that Trump is blocking local funding for cops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turrentine said Democrats should say they agree with Trump that crime is a major problem but propose to do even more. His suggestion: offer proposals to fund hundreds of thousands of new police officers, reform bail laws and force local prosecutors to crack down on small crimes. Turrentine criticized his own party for not having these kinds of specific solutions. While many voters may not like what Trump is doing, he said, they appreciate that he is doing something. Polling suggests hes on to something. A recent survey by the left-leaning group Data for Progress found that majorities of voters agreed that Trumps power play was authoritarian and an attempt to distract from bad headlines. But the same group found that more than half of those polled agreed with this statement: Trump is doing what's necessary to crack down on crime. The average voter says, Common sense tells me this is a problem. I don't feel safe. And you guys don't want to address it, Turrentine said. The party, he continued, needs to wake up. You know, this issue hurt you in 2024. You know the public perception is that you're soft on crime, he said. You need to get on top of this. More than 500 people were arrested by British police over a single weekend earlier this month, including many elderly retirees. Their crime? Holding placards expressing support for the banned activist group Palestine Action at a protest in London. Among the arrested was La Pethick, an 89-year-old former psychotherapist who told the Associated Press, We are having our right to peaceful protest being taken away. it was just one recent example of Europes increasingly harsh crackdown on free speech. The quashing of dissent across the European Union and the U.K. has become a particularly contentious issue since Israel began its brutal assault on Gaza in response to the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023. But systematic repression of the right to protest can be traced back to the previous decade. The 2010s saw a significant increase in global protest and activism, particularly with regard to climate change, coinciding with the growth of more radical organizations such as Extinction Rebellion in the U.K. and the Sunrise movement in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The increasingly radical tactics of environmental activists was a response to a perceived lack of global action on climate change and the belief that more aggressive methods were necessary to attract public attention and bring pressure to bear on governments. In recent years, climate activists have focused on disrupting daily life through actions like blocking motorways; targeting corporations that profit from environmental destruction; and headline-grabbing stunts, such as splashing the Mona Lisa and other famous works of art with soup and paint. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. In Europe, governments have responded by systematically undermining fundamental freedoms through the deliberate conflation of protest and civil disobedience with organized crime and terrorism. This effort has been spearheaded not by the continents usual suspects of illiberal authoritarians, but by supposed beacons of liberal democracy like Germany, the U.K. and France. Last March, for example, prosecutors in Munich charged Germanys Last Generation climate activist movement with suspicion of forming a criminal association after several members of the group glued themselves to a motorway. The charge, which is more appropriate to organized crime than environmental activism, was roundly condemned by human rights groups. Julia Duchrow, head of Amnesty International Germany, described it as a new form of state repression against climate activists that stigmatizes and criminalizes the climate movement as a whole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The response to environmental activism in the U.K. has been equally extreme. Under draconian measures introduced in the 2022 Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, those who cause public nuisance by blocking roads can be punished by a prison sentence of up to 10 years, rather than the simple fine that was applied previously. In fact, the U.K. has now become a world leader in the repression of climate activism, second only to Australia, arresting environmental and climate protesters at three times the global average rate, The Guardian reported. France has also taken an authoritarian turn under President Emmanuel Macron, with multiple groupsincluding Yellow Vest protesters, trade unionists and climate activistshaving faced violent crackdowns by police. The instrumentalization of policing and the courts to conflate activism with criminality sets a dangerous precedent. Since October 2023, this repressive template has also been deployed against those protesting Israels actions in Gaza. At the onset of the war, when thousands of people around the world were taking part in pro-Palestine demonstrations, both Germany and France imposed a blanket ban on all such protests. In May 2025, Germanys crackdown on pro-Palestine sentiment took a turn for the surreal when a German court ruled that it was unlawful to hold up a placard asking, Have we learned nothing from the Holocaust? German authorities also stand accused of mirroring the tactics of U.S. President Donald Trump by attempting to deport four anti-war activists who have not been convicted of any crimes. Their lawyer, Benjamin Dusberg, described the rulingwhich is being appealedas in no way compatible with the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. And just last month, the British government rushed legislation through Parliament to ban Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act. That marked the first time the law, which has been used to proscribe organizations like the Islamic State and al-Qaida, has been applied to a direct action protest group, despite the fact that the governments own Prosecution Review Group assessed that any potential ban would be novel and unprecedented. The move has also been roundly condemned by the United Nations as a disturbing misuse of anti-terrorism legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The actions of France, Germany and the U.K. are, however, just the most egregious examples of a widespread trend of repression across the continent. In its annual report on the rule of law in Europe, the human rights watchdog Liberties reported an increase in restrictions on the right to peaceful protest in all countriesfrom bans on individual protests to the disproportionate use of force by the police and legislative changes. The report noted that pro-Palestine protesters and environmental activists have received particularly harsh penalties. A comprehensive report on climate activism by another NGO, Climate Rights International, identified a similar trend whereby increasingly harsh, overly broad and vague criminal laws were used against climate protesters and activists. The ease and speed with which European states have eroded what has long been considered a fundamental right raises serious questions about the robustness and specificity of European human rights legislation. The right to protest has traditionally been traced to Articles 9, 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, or ECHR, which guarantee the rights to freedom of thought, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and association. As the European Greens argued in 2020, These rights together allow the participation [in] peaceful demonstration. However, as professor Richard Martin of the London School of Economics points out, Technically, theres no right to protest per se thats protected by an article in the European convention on human rights. As a result, the right to protest is overly reliant on Articles 9, 10 and 11, which are qualified rights and therefore often open to legal interpretation. For instance, racist speech is illegal in France, and neo-Nazi political parties are banned in Germany. According to Martin, in practice the ECHR actually provides a framework for limiting some of these rights rather than bolstering them, a reality that many governments across the continent have been quick to exploit to severely limit the right to protest. Repression by European states also involves the othering of protesters and activists by branding them as terrorists, criminals, foreign agents, anarchists or extremists, as well as attempts to smear protest organizations and individual activists in the press. A particularly egregious example was a recent briefing from the U.K. Home Office in the runup to the vote to proscribe Palestine Action, intimating that the group may be funded by Iran. The briefing was leaked without any accompanying evidence and amplified by several hard-right news outlets, despite the fact that the most recent report by Parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee on Iranian threats to Britain made no mention of Palestine Action whatsoever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Impassioned protest and direct action have long been key to righting wrongs that governments would prefer to ignore, and the activities of groups like Palestine Action and Last Generation follow what the veteran social activist Suresh Grover called a tradition of protest that has been instrumental to civil rights movements throughout history. The instrumentalization of policing and the courts to conflate such activism with criminality and terrorism for expedient political ends sets a very dangerous precedent. It not only tarnishes Europes much vaunted depoliticized criminal justice systems, but ultimately endangers all Europeans most basic democratic freedoms. John Boyce is an Irish freelance journalist with a background in international relations and Hispanic affairs. He writes for a variety of publications on Anglo-Irish, Spanish and European politics. The post The Criminalization of Protest Across Europe Puts Civil Liberties at Risk appeared first on World Politics Review. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal has begun an investigation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in response to reports of abusive tactics, excessive use of force and unlawful detention of U.S. citizens by the government agency. The investigation also follows death threats Rep. Corey Paris, D-Stamford, received after posting a message recently on Instagram reminding people to stay aware of their surroundings, look out for one another and seek out trusted legal resources if needed after he was alerted of multiple reports of ICE activity within his district. Paris post was reposted by Libs of TikTok, a far-right roll site that has previously inspired bomb threats and harassment. The group accused the state legislator of doxxing ICEs live location and tagged the Department of Justice, saying Charge him. Blumenthal said at a press briefing in Hartford that as a public official, Paris was performing his duty when he urged his constituents to be safe and aware. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That kind of warning is the kind of advice by most public officials in the Department of Justice of the United States, he said. There needs to be a reckoning and accountability for ICE. There needs to be a leveling of responsibility for this incident that has been done by somebody within ICE. Blumenthal said he is asking questions of ICE, through the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, that relate directly to specific incidents that have been reported and the increasing number of those incidents, detentions, excessive use of force and abuses, which he said are more characteristic of a police state than a democracy. Joined by immigration advocates and Paris Tuesday, Blumenthal said he had sent an inquiry to the agency asking for certain factual information regarding recruiting, retention and compensation that may aggravate the problems of improper arrests, potential use of force and other abusive tactics. He also said he is inquiring of the records ICE is receiving and interviewing potential witnesses who have firsthand experience. Many of the victims have no ability to assert their rights, he said. They are in prison or deported before they can actively assert their rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the progression of the inquiry will depend on how quickly and cooperatively ICE responds. To people who are in favor of strong immigration enforcement, you should also support holding government officials accountable when they break the law or they abuse rights, when they engage in tactics that are repugnant to our democracy and our fundamental values, he said. Asked if Blumenthal expects resistance to his inquiry, he said there may very well be. ICE has resisted scrutiny so resistance wouldnt surprise me but you have the responsibility to hold them accountable, he told the Courant. We are going to pursue it the best we can given the limits of our being in the minority. This administration resists oversight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paris said what he and his family have gone through pales in comparison to what so many immigrant families are going through. It is not fair nor is it appropriate or has it ever been appropriate in our democracy and our country to simply disagree and target elected officials because of the dissent they hold against the federal government and the current administration, he said. In fact our democracy has lasted for centuries and we have been strong as a republic because we have held truth to the idea that dissent does make our democracy stronger and in its absence we simply fall into a tyrannical and authoritarian government, which we cant allow to happen. Paris said his biggest concern is for the safety of all people who might be targeted whether justly or unjustly. Yes, we should get rid of violent offenders in our country, he said. We must also remember they have rights under our Constitution as well. The Constitution of the United States says every person under U.S. jurisdiction has the right to freedom, has the right to liberty, has the right to due process as long as they are under our jurisdiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paris added that the attacks that are happening are not sporadic. These attacks are coordinated, he said. The attacks against elected officials and against immigrant families. Against those who speak out for simply having a difference of opinion under this federal government and the administration. They are a coordinated effort that will ramp up more and more over the next few years. We must remain completely solvent in our quest in ensuring people have their rights to the First Amendment. They have their right to speak out without there being fear of harm or retribution. House Republican leader Vincent Candelora and Rep. Greg Howard, House ranking member of the Public Safety Committee, responded to the press conference Tuesday charging that Democrats are investigating law enforcement tactics while positioning criminals as victims. Senator Blumenthals criticism of ICEs handling of people he himself called dangerous criminals is contradictory and misguided, Candelora and Howard said in a joint statement. Rather than undermining the men and women who enforce our laws, he should step away from the cameras and focus on solutions to the illegal immigration crisis he and his Democratic colleagues in Washington not only ignored but allowed to worsen throughout the Biden presidency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked how the incident has affected him, Paris said one thing he is focused on is morality and doing the right thing by all people regardless of their walks of life. It is hard for me to understand a world, where so many people claim to be believers or hold some kind of evident truth or belonging to a faith, that is so hateful to their fellow human person, he said at the conference. Sharing the challenges immigrants are facing, Tabitha Sookdeo of CT Students for a Dream, said the investigation shines a light where so much cruelty has been hidden. Over the weekend dozens of children were left without their parents, all right before the beginning of the school year, she said. This is a moment that demands moral courage because every day that passes more families are torn apart and in Connecticut we are feeling this deeply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She cited two high school students taken by ICE agents, including one in Meriden and another, Esdras, who attended Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven. Tomorrow his desk will sit empty, she said of Esdras. Instead of preparing for his first day of school he will be locked in a detention facility in Plymouth, Massachusetts preparing to see an immigration judge. Let me be clear, she continued. Connecticut residents dont want our tax dollars to be used for this cruelty. We want our money to go toward strengthening our community and ensuring our schools have enough teachers and veterans and residents receive the health care they deserve. She added that undocumented immigrants pay over $96 billion into Social Security and Medicare, programs that they cannot benefit from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tanya Kimball, senior director of programs for Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, said ICE actions are the very definition of racial profiling based on skin color and languages people are speaking. American citizens, refugees, humanitarian parolees, those with pending asylum applications .. have been detained and many have been deported, she said. Our government works for the people all the people. We stand with you against the violence. When any part of our community is threatened, we are all threatened. When violence is used to intimidate or to silence, it tears the fabric of who we are and who we aspire to be. CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) One person is in the hospital after police shot them while responding to a call in Lemoyne Borough on Monday. Officers from the West Shore Regional Police Department responded to a person in distress at 6:45 p.m. on 3 Lowther St., Pennsylvania State Police said. Upon arrival, PSP said a person brandished what appeared to be a handgun at the responding officers. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Alerts An officer then shot the person, who was transported to a local hospital, PSP said. Their name has not been released. PSP said no officers were injured and there is no threat to the public. The case is under investigation by PSP and the Cumberland County District Attorneys Office. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. NEED TO KNOW The search has ended for father of five Jimmy Jett, who went missing after he fell overboard off the coast of Louisiana on Aug. 24 The dad had been fishing with friends when he entered the water After days of searching, the U.S. Coast Guard informed the United Cajun Navy on Aug. 26 that they'd found his body After five days of searching, the body of father of five Jimmy Jett, who went missing after he fell overboard while fishing with friends off the coast of Louisiana, has been found. Jett was on a fishing boat near Marsh Island in the early morning hours of Sunday, Aug. 24, when he fell overboard, CBS affiliate KLFY and FOX affiliate KADN reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local sheriffs departments, the United Cajun Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard immediately launched a search and rescue operation for the missing man. The Coast Guard was able to coordinate several aerial searches, while divers and search boats looked for Jett from the water, according to KLFY. After hours of looking, crew members paused at nightfall. In a statement posted on Facebook on the evening of Monday, Aug. 25, the United Cajun Navy said they was coordinating with the Coast Guard to look for the missing fisherman 12 miles south of the island and shared a map of their search area. The map track shown is the grid being run by our good friends at Southern Sea Plane out of Belle Chasse, La, the nonprofit wrote at the time. Numerous additional planes and helicopters have searched the area for the missing fisherman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Cajun Navy added, Please keep the family and friends in your prayers. On the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 26, three days after the search began, the United Cajun Navy received a call from the Coast Guard to stand down. They called us this morning, and thanked us for helping, Brian Trascher, the national vice president for the United Cajun Navy, tells PEOPLE. They told us we could ground the aircraft because they had found him. 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. United Cajun Navy/Facebook The map showcasing the search for the missing man. The map showcasing the search for the missing man. While the Coast Guard didnt share information about how Jett ended up in the water, the agency said that they believe Jett drowned and had positively identified his body, Trascher says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vermilion Parish Coroners Office also confirmed to KLFY that his body had been recovered and identified. The Coast Guard did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment. Read the original article on People UPDATE: Additional charges have been filed against a Davenport man who was arrested after threatening his ex-wife and police with a gun. Danarease Lawless now faces these charges, according to Scott County Jail records: Misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree theft 14 felony counts of violating a no-contact order 2 misdemeanor counts of violating a no-contact order 4 felony counts of child endangerment Felony count of felon in possession of a firearm Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Felony count of intimidation with a dangerous weapon Felony count of trafficking in stolen weapons Felony count of assault while displaying a weapon Felony count of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon Felony count of assault in violation of a no-contact order EARLIER: A man from Davenport was being held Tuesday in the Scott County Jail without bond after police say he threatened his ex-wife and Bettendorf Police officers with a gun, according to a news release from Bettendorf Police. According to the criminal complaint, the Scott Emergency Communications Centers received a 911 call on about 7:39 p.m. Monday and overheard a man and a woman arguing with each other at a townhouse in the 800 block of Hillside Drive in Bettendorf. Bettendorf Police officers arrived and learned that the man, identified as Danarease Lawless, 37, of Davenport, was the ex-husband of the woman. He was allegedly armed with a gun and went into the home, took his ex-wifes keys and threatened her with the gun, and threatened to shoot police officers, according to a news release from Bettendorf Police. Danarease Lawless (Scott County Jail) Four children ages 4, 5, 6 and 7 were in the home at the time of the incident, and they were inside with Lawless after the ex-wife escaped, the release says. Officers tried to communicate with Lawless but were unsuccessful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Units from the Iowa State Patrol, the Scott County Sheriffs Office, and the Davenport Police Department responded to assist. Bettendorf Police Departments Emergency Response Unit, Crisis Negotiations Teams and armored rescue vehicles from the Davenport and Bettendorf Police Departments were deployed. Officers were able to rescue three of the children from the home at about 9:40 p.m. Lawless left the home a short time later, carrying the fourth child. He surrendered to officers. No one was injured. Detectives later found the gun, which appeared to have been hidden under a dresser. Officers determined that it had been stolen out of Davenport. Lawless is prohibited from owning a firearm because of a felony conviction in 2010. Officers found a debit card with Lawless information on it in the hallway by the bedroom and a pair of mens gym shoes, which Lawless said were his. This incident is a great example of our highly trained first responders from many different agencies working together and supporting one another to resolve issues and keep our community safe, said Bettendorf Police Chief Doug Scott. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawless faces felony charges of felon in possession of a firearm, intimidation with a dangerous weapon and trafficking stolen weapons, as well as misdemeanor charges of violation of a domestic no-contact order and fourth-degree theft. He was being held without bond Tuesday in the Scott County Jail and has a preliminary hearing on Sept. 5. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. COLUMBIA, Tenn. (WKRN) This weekend, the My Day 5K and 1-mile trot returns to the Maury County Fair, and this year will honor the life of a local teen who died in a fire. Will Spiess, 19, died in a camper fire at the Natchez Trace Campground in Lewis County in 2023. He was in the 11th grade at Columbia Central High School. The teen, who had special abilities, was often found in the hall greeting students and teachers with his bright smile, according to friends who spoke with News 2 following his death. Iconic Jacks Bar-B-Que sign removed from Broadway Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My Day 5K organizers said Will believed everyone deserved a friend and never met a stranger. Funds raised from the race will benefit Kings Daughters School, the Maury County Special Olympics, and Best Buddies of Tennessee. This years My Day event is an expansion of previous events. The races are part of the expanded mission of My Day. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts The race is set for Saturday, Aug. 30, at 8 a.m. To register for the race, 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 WKRN News 2. SEOUL, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's Korean Air said Tuesday that it will purchase 103 next-generation aircraft from Boeing, 19 spare engines from GE Aerospace and CFM International, and a comprehensive engine maintenance program with GE Aerospace. The total purchase was valued at about 50 billion U.S. dollars, including 36.2 billion dollars for Boeing aircraft and 13.7 billion dollars for spare engines and a 20-year engine maintenance service contract, the Asian country's flag carrier said in a statement. The signing ceremony was held in Washington after South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's summit meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. It marked the largest deal in the airline's history. The aircraft were scheduled for a phased delivery through the end of 2030. Aug. 26 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1920, eight days after it was ratified, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution went into effect -- giving women the right to vote. In 1964, Democrats nominated U.S. President Lyndon Johnson and Hubert Humphrey. They won easily in November. In 1978, Cardinal Albino Luciani was elected the 263rd pope and chose the name John Paul I. He died 33 days later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1983, catastrophic flooding in France and Spain destroyed much of the old town of Bilbao, Spain, when the Ria de Bilbao burst its banks. Dozens died. More than 25,000 women take to New York City's Fifth Avenue on October 23, 1915, advocating for womens voting rights. On August 26, 1920, eight days after it was ratified, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution went into effect -- giving women the right to vote. File Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress In 1996, a court in South Korea sentenced former President Chun Doo-hwan to death for the coup that put him in power. Chun's death sentence was commuted in 1997. In 2008, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed decrees recognizing the independence of Georgia breakaway regions South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Medvedev said granting them independence was an act of necessity and he urged other nations to make similar diplomatic moves. On August 26, 1964, Democrats nominated U.S. President Lyndon Johnson (L) and Hubert Humphrey. They won easily in November. UPI File Photo In 2014, Palestinian militants and Israel agreed to end seven weeks of hostilities that left more than 2,000 people dead. The cease-fire was arranged in Egypt. File Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI In 2015, a former employee of WDBJ-TV in Virginia opened fire on his former colleagues on live television, killing news reporter Alison Parker and videographer Adam Ward. Vicki Gardner, who was being interviewed at the time of the shooting, was injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, a suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport killed more than 180 people, including 13 U.S. service members working to evacuate people as the United States withdrew from the Afghanistan War. Israeli protesters have taken to the streets in large numbers across the country, demanding the release of captives held in Gaza and an immediate end to Israels ongoing war on the besieged enclave. Demonstrators blocked major roads on Tuesday in Tel Aviv and other cities, holding pictures of captives taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack in southern Israel, and calling for an immediate ceasefire. Hundreds gathered outside Israels Ministry of Defence headquarters in central Tel Aviv in what was billed as a Day of Disruption, organised by families of the captives, who have accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government of abandoning their relatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For 690 days, the government has been waging a war without a clear objective, said Einav Zangauker, whose 25-year-old son Matan remains held in Gaza. We could have saved hostages and soldiers, but the prime minister chose, again and again, to sacrifice civilians for the sake of his rule, she told the Reuters news agency. Ruby Chen, the father of 21-year-old Itay Chen, a US-Israeli soldier whose body is being held in Gaza, urged officials to resume talks. Go back to the negotiation table. Theres a good deal on the table We could get a deal done to bring all the hostages back, he said. Despite growing international condemnation and declarations of a famine from aid agencies and the United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), Israel is carrying out a new offensive on Gaza City. The Israeli military chief reportedly said that a deal was on the table to free the captives, and added that the offensive to seize Gaza City would pose a great danger to their lives, according to Israeli media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now its in Netanyahus hands, Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir was quoted as saying by Israels Channel 13 news during his visit to the Haifa naval base on Sunday. A protester holds up a sign with an image depicting US President Donald Trump as others wave Israeli flags during a rally to demand the immediate end of the war in Gaza, on August 26, 2025 [Shir Torem/Reuters] The protests come as Israel intensifies its genocide in Gaza, while a new poll from an Israeli research group has revealed overwhelming support among Jewish Israelis for the claim that there are no innocents in the Gaza Strip The survey, conducted by aChord, a social psychology research group based at Hebrew University, found that 76 percent of Jewish-Israeli respondents partially or fully agreed with the statement that no civilians in Gaza can be considered innocent. Even among voters who support opposition parties, nearly half (47 percent) fully endorsed the claim. Researchers said the findings highlight a deeply entrenched public acceptance of Israels devastating military campaign, which has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians and levelled much of Gaza. Protesters take part in a rally to demand an immediate end to the war [Shir Torem/Reuters] These are difficult findings, researcher Ron Gerlitz said in a post on X. They shed light on the enormous number of Palestinian civilians killed in the war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli news outlet Haaretz reported that dozens of protesters demonstrated outside a restaurant in Jerusalem that was hosting an event by the Binyamin Regional Council, a body that oversees dozens of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. According to Haaretz, the protesters chanted, They are starving, you are celebrating. Gazas Ministry of Health said that at least 64 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks since dawn, including 13 who were shot dead while seeking desperately needed aid. Half of Gazas 2 million people are sheltering in Gaza City, with thousands now crammed into coastal areas or fleeing south to camps in central Gaza and al-Mawasi. Daytona Beach city commissioners move to tackle vulgar T-shirts on store displays Daytona Beach city commissioners are taking action to address concerns about vulgar T-shirts displayed in storefronts, despite protections under the First Amendment. The city plans to send a letter to shop owners asking them to remove T-shirts with inappropriate language from their window displays. This step follows numerous community complaints. I think asking is a good start and also it puts everybody on notice, said a local resident. Another shop owner mentioned, I stopped doing them because I dont want to upset one family that comes here. I want them to come back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court sets a high bar for what qualifies as obscene material, which limits the citys ability to enforce the removal of these T-shirts through legal means. Florida does have some obscenity laws that prohibit the sale of vulgar material to minors, but these laws still fall under the protection of the First Amendment. Although the citys letter doesnt have official legal power, it really shows a community effort to discuss concerns about the merchandise displayed out in the open. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Daytona International Speedway has been told its checkered-flag crosswalks have to go as Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Trump administration push a crackdown on street art. The racing-themed pattern will be redone so the crossings conform with new standards, Speedway officials said they were told by the state. The decorative crosswalks near the racetrack are used by thousands of race fans during the Daytona 500 and other marquee events in whats been nicknamed the World Center of Racing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jared Perdue, secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, said his agency has flagged more than 400 locations across the state with all kinds of street art for review. Pavement art is not allowed, and we are removing everything that is not compliant with state, federal standards, he said at an event in Tampa. Thats the approach we are taking. The department did not respond to inquiries about Daytona Beachs checkered crosswalks. Susan Cerbone, a spokeswoman for Daytona Beach, said she also heard the checkered crosswalks are to be painted over, but she has not seen written notification from FDOT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, state transportation officials painted over a rainbow crosswalk near the Pulse memorial commemorating 49 people who were killed in a 2016 mass shooting at the popular gay nightclub. The removal came after a July 1 directive from Sean Duffy, President Donald Trumps transportation secretary, stressing the need to keep crosswalks free from distractions. Roads are for safety not political messages or artwork, Melissa Braid, a spokeswoman for the Federal Highway Administration, said in a statement this week. The Secretary has made every state receiving federal dollars responsible for identifying hazards on their roads. Its not just rainbow crosswalks being targeted. Street art slated for removal in Tampa includes a back the blue mural painted by law enforcement supporters. Orlando was notified it must remove 18 colorful crosswalks and street art, including downtown beautification street murals. Seminole County is repainting its high-visibility green crosswalks to black and white. Trump is familiar with the Daytona speedway. He attended the Daytona 500 in February, his second time as president . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daytona Beach and the Speedway hailed the checkered crosswalks in a 2021 social media post. This project has given us another way to share the racing excitement just ahead of the start of NASCARs season right here in its hometown of Daytona Beach, Chip Wile, the Speedways president at the time, said in the announcement. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) Authorities arrested a D.C. man at a San Francisco airport for having child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). The U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) for the District of Columbia announced Tuesday that 42-year-old Hershel Andrew Green, III, was arrested at San Francisco International Airport on Aug. 24. He is facing charges for possessing and distributing CSAM. Man arrested in flag-burning incident near White House hours after Trump order Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USAO said that during an investigation, agents found online communications between Green and someone else related to sexually abusing children. Green both received and distributed images and videos that included the sexual abuse of prepubescent children. Officials said that Hershel will make his first court appearance on Tuesday in San Francisco. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A Washington, D.C. man was sentenced Tuesday in connection with an incident last year, during which he crashed a stolen car into a parked vehicle, threw away a loaded gun and punched a police officer in the face as he fled. Lamar Redfield, 34, had previously been convicted on narcotics and firearms offenses out of Arlington, Va., during the time of the incident, the U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) noted. The new charges against him stem from Oct. 21, 2024, during which Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were on patrol in the 3100 block of Minnesota Avenue SE. There, they noticed a stolen black Hyundai Sonata, occupied by two men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USAO said the passenger fled before police could catch him, but the driver, later identified as Redfield, reversed and crashed into a parked vehicle. Trump orders creation of new National Guard unit to enhance law enforcement He abandoned the Hyundai and began to run, with MPD chasing after him. As Redfield continued to flee, he took a gun from his jacket and placed it on the ground before continuing to run. When officers caught him, the USAO claims he punched one of the officers in the face. He was then detained without further incident and was found to have half an ounce of suspected meth and one ounce of synthetic cannabinoids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pleaded guilty earlier this year to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. A judge sentenced Redfield to 65 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) From worry to wonder, back and forth. From birthdays to special events, when theyre turning 16, Terris mother (she withheld her last name) was single and pregnant, and traveling when her daughter came into the world two days after Christmas. It was the 60s, she sympathized. Things were very different. She was in her 20s. The Deaconess Home and Hospital took her in and facilitated an adoption, successful in every respect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terri grew up a preachers daughter, well-loved and cared for. She didnt know quite what to do when she got pregnant herself at 19 going on 20, but she did know where to turn for thoughtful guidance. I knew I probably wasnt going to have a lot of support from the father, she recalls. Teris son was another in a very long line of children adopted through this organization. When I did come to Deaconess, they were able to counsel me on what to expect. They told me, Youre going to have lots of emotions throughout the coming years, and through their life, and how to handle those things. The home that began in Guthrie in 1900 and moved to a 40-acre farm at the end of a railroad spur off Portland Avenue in 1910 started out as an out-of-the-way refuge for women to spend their pregnancy. previous More Great State Stories They received medical care and counseling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They might have been trained in a vocational skill. Many of them released their babies to a future with another family. From founder Anna Witteman to her daughter and son-in-law, Ralph and Gladys Butterfield, to their granddaughter Jan Thompson, who we interviewed in 2000, Deaconess was home, hospital, birthplace, and adoption facilitator for some 14,000 expecting mothers. I think Deaconess has existed for 125 years to provide care for people in vulnerable situations, states current Executive Director Heather Hails. The name on the cornerstone of their offices reads Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption, but she argues the job still involves the same situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think meeting people in a time of vulnerability and a time of need is a privilege, she continues. And dont think we take that lightly. 125 years since their doors opened, there are still women coming in, facing difficult decisions, and families who would desperately like to adopt a child. In the middle of all that wonder and worry, Deaconess is still here to guide them through. Deaconess Pregnancy and Adoption will celebrate 125 years with a gala on August 28th. For more information, including how to buy tickets, visit their website here. Great State is sponsored by True Sky Credit Union Follow Galens Great State adventures on social media! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A motorcyclist was killed after a crash on Monday night in northwest Charlotte, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Around 8:20 p.m. on August 25, officers responded to a crash between a motorcycle and a Chevrolet SUV on the 5600 block of Paw Creek Road. When they arrived, they saw the motorcycle on its side and the driver lying next to it unresponsive. The motorcyclist, identified as 64-year-old Thomas Pruitt, was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said. The Chevrolet and its driver were reportedly at the scene of the crash. CMPD said the driver of the Chevrolet was not impaired. Meanwhile, toxicology reports are pending for Pruitt. Police did not say what caused the two vehicles to collide with each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paw Creek Road was shut down during the investigation. 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 Queen City News. The death toll from Israel's latest air strikes on Yemens rebel-held capital has risen to 10, health authorities said on Monday. Multiple strikes rocked Sanaa on Sunday, days after the Iranian-backed Houthis fired a missile towards Israel that its military described as the first cluster bomb the rebels had launched since 2023. The Israeli strikes hit a facility owned by Yemen's main oil company, which is controlled by the Houthis, along with a power plant and a military site in an area where the presidential palace is located, according to the Houthis and Israel's military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fireball and plume of thick smoke rose above the city. Anees al-Asbahi, a spokesman for the Houthi-run Health Ministry, said in a statement that 10 people were killed in the strikes on the oil facility and power plant. People walk past the wreckage of a fuel truck destroyed in Israeli air strikes in Sanaa, 25 August, 2025 - AP Photo He said the strikes wounded 102 others, including seven children and three women. Twenty-one were in critical condition, he said. The strikes came after the rebels launched a missile last week towards Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. There was no reported damage or injuries. Israel's military said the missile fragmented mid-air after several interception attempts. The Houthis have launched missiles and drones toward Israel and targeted ships in the Red Sea throughout Israels war against Hamas in Gaza, the groups says in solidarity with Palestinians. People ride a motorbike as smoke billows following Israeli air strikes on multiple areas including a power plant and a gas station in Sanaa, 24 August, 2025 - STR/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved In response to the Houthi attacks, Israel and a United States-led coalition bombarded rebel-held areas in Yemen, including Sanaa and the strategic coastal city of Hodeida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli strikes knocked the Sanaa airport out of service in May. In May, the Trump administration announced a deal with the Houthis to end the air strikes in return for an end to attacks on shipping. The rebels, however, said the agreement did not include halting attacks on targets it believed were aligned with Israel. Strength forged in caves -- how Chinese communists led people's war against Japan's invasion Xinhua) 08:12, August 26, 2025 An aerial drone photo taken on June 27, 2023 shows the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall in Yan'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen) YAN'AN, Shaanxi Province, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Even though Yan'an, located in northwest China's Loess Plateau, remains a relatively small city, it stands as an expansive museum for the living legacy of the Second World War, with sites that once were war-time military camps, command centers, army colleges, and schools to educate captured Japanese soldiers. After the Long March (1934-1936), Yan'an served as the base of the Communist Party of China (CPC) leadership in around 10 years from 1937 to 1947. Its typical landscape of cave homes, dug out of barren earth, became the headquarters from which the CPC led the resistance against Japanese aggression. American journalist Edgar Snow arrived in Yan'an in 1936 and left with a wealth of interview materials and photos, which later served as the basis for Red Star Over China, a book that introduced this "mysterious" stronghold to the world. Snow wrote of unmatched determination to fight the Japanese and described "a rocklike solidarity" among the people of the region led by the CPC. Undated file photo taken in 1936 shows American journalist Edgar Snow (1st R) on his journey for interviews in the northern areas of Shaanxi Province in northwest China. (Xinhua) "As the war went on, Yan'an gradually became the command center, and the CPC-led troops and militias held down more than 60 percent of Japanese forces that invaded China," said Liu Fanchao, a researcher at Shaanxi Yan'an Cadre Academy. As the war of resistance progressed, CPC-led bases spanned nearly one million sq km and were home to 100 million people, about one forth of the whole nation's population back then, she said. A PEOPLE'S WAR Despite its austere simplicity, Mao Zedong's cave dwelling in Yangjialing in Yan'an is a frequently-visited tourist destination. Here, amid the stark surroundings of the Loess Plateau, Mao articulated his famous dictum to visiting American journalist Anna Louise Strong that "All reactionaries are paper tigers." "This statement underscored Mao's belief in the ultimate triumph of popular resistance over adversaries," said Liu Ting, a staff member of the Yangjialing site. Immediately after the Sept. 18 incident in 1931, which was the beginning of Japan's 14-year invasion of China, the CPC made a declaration to oppose Japanese invasion. In 1935, the CPC advocated a united front against Japanese aggression. "The CPC actively promoted and upheld the united front, rallied forces of the entire nation," said Cao Rong, a CPC history researcher at Shaanxi Yan'an Cadre Academy. With Yan'an as the guiding core, the Eighth Route Army, the New Fourth Army, and other armed forces led by the CPC carried out guerrilla warfare in the vast rural areas. Exhibits are seen at the Taihang Memorial Museum of the Eighth Route Army in Wuxiang County of Changzhi, north China's Shanxi Province, Dec. 20, 2019. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) In 1941, 14-year-old Zhang Xin joined the Eighth Route Army. "The Japanese occupied many cities, so we went to the countryside to establish base areas. The countryside was so vast," he recalled. Veteran Liu Yichou, now 100 years old, still bears scars on his head, back and hands. "In every battle, one either got injured or killed in action," he recalled. "We had a company of around 150 men. We would have been lucky if 40 could make it back. Back then, all I wanted was to drive the Japanese invaders out of my country." The Japanese troops soon realized the strength of their opponents. In the battle of Taihang Mountains, they attempted to annihilate the Eighth Route Army who led the attacks, and only found that they had to change the commanders. Japanese officer Norihide Abe, who was called an expert in mountain warfare, was called in. As soon as he arrived, he was killed, becoming the highest-ranking Japanese officer to fall to the Eighth Route Army. One of the biggest difficulties the Japanese invaders encountered was that the villages were organized by the Eighth Route Army. Villagers pretended to obey the Japanese army, but secretly provided intelligence and transported supplies to the Eighth Route Army, and even took up weapons to fight alongside them. In all base areas, the Party mobilized villagers to form defense teams. The number of militia members reached approximately 2.6 million and the Japanese invaders could not tell who was a civilian and who was a soldier. Hisaichi Terauchi, then commander of Japan's North China Area Army, lamented the losses to the Eighth Route Army and militia, acknowledging that they had become more unified with vigorous operations. The so-called "security areas," he said, were only limited to areas within a few kilometers on both sides of major transportation routes. Issei Hironaka, a historian at Japan's Aichi Gakuin University, noted that the Eighth Route Army firmly held down the Japanese troops on the North China battlefield, drained their strength, and prevented a swift end of the war. If the Eighth Route Army had been suppressed, the war would not have dragged on for so long and the outcome would have been very different, he said. "If the Japanese attack the West Indian Ocean, all our positions in the Middle East will be lost," then British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once warned. "Only China can help us to prevent that from happening." The cost, however, was immense. To eliminate the CPC-led forces, the Japanese army launched brutal "mopping-up operations." During one such operation in May 1942, poison gas killed about 1,000 military personnel and civilians in Dingxian County, Hebei Province, in north China. "Starting from October 1938, the Japanese invaders gradually shifted their main forces to combat the Eighth Route Army and the New Fourth Army, but it did not prevent the armed forces of the Party from expanding," said Li Zongyuan, curator of the Museum of the CPC. By the end of the war, the people's army had grown to about 1.32 million and had eliminated more than 1.71 million Japanese and puppet troops, Li added. "The Japanese army was trapped in a people's war in China and could not allocate more troops to the Pacific theater," said Liu Fanchao. "The CPC's perseverance in the war also inspired the people across the country and deterred those who wanted to surrender." BEACON OF HOPE The Phoenix Mountain, or Fenghuangshan in Chinese, in Yan'an, is also home to several earthen caves. Here in 1938, Mao Zedong wrote what would become a blueprint for winning the war. The essay titled "On Protracted War" mapped the war in three stages, namely, strategic defense, strategic stalemate and strategic counteroffensive. "Chairman Mao's vision took him well beyond the caves to be acutely aware of the situation. He believed that people, not just armies, would win," Liu Fanchao said. Aerial photo taken on May 8, 2021 shows a former revolutionary site at Yangjialing mountain in Yan'an City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Xinhua/Liu Xiao) The Yan'an period was a crucial stage in the development of Mao Zedong Thought, an ideology that served as the theoretical banner for guiding the war to victory and even constructing a New China, making Yan'an a "beacon" of China's future. As a political center, Yan'an drew thousands of writers, artists, scientists and hopeful youths who trekked through enemy lines. Institutions in the city trained thousands of talent seasoned in guerrilla warfare. "The gates of Yan'an stand open all day," wrote poet He Qifang in 1938. "Young people arrive, luggage on their backs, hope in their eyes." Writing about that period, British historian Rana Mitter noted that the powerful status of Yan'an as a beacon of radical resistance attracted large numbers of migrants, some 100,000 between 1937 and 1940. U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt had talks with Snow and came to understand the situation in Yan'an. His administration later sent a U.S. Army Observation Group, or the Dixie Mission to Yan'an in 1944. The Dixie Mission staff's "cave hotels" remain in today's Yan'an Middle School, showing visitors the China-U.S. cooperation of the time in fields of communications, transportation, intelligence, guerrilla warfare, weather observation, demolition, and weapon development. The U.S. reports gave positive comments on what happened in Yan'an, and highlighted its democratic political practices. In 1942, a rectification movement against subjectivism, sectarianism and stereotyped Party writing was launched across the whole Party. "Advancing the building of the Party as a major undertaking during the war provided the political guarantee for it to serve as the pillar in the war of resistance," said Lu Xiaona, a lecturer at the School of History and Culture, Shanxi University. "The CPC, which championed perseverance and hope throughout the war, showed the world that a nation united could defeat any invader," she added. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. By hosting an unprecedented short-notice summit with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and key European leaders on Monday, President Donald Trump significantly raised the prospects for ending Russia's three-and-a-half-year-long war against Ukraine. The vibe at the opening was affable and positive. The participants genuinely looked determined to work out compromises that only a few weeks ago appeared illusory. It was a good sign for long-term Euro-Atlantic security cooperation in the face of challenges that, in Trump's words, we have not faced since World War II. Toward the end, Trump's call to Moscow brought a follow-up U.S.-Ukraine-Russia summit within reach. But the rising expectations also reveal formidable obstacles on the path to peace. As the world's leaders were heading to Washington, Russian leader Vladimir Putin's forces unleashed 182 infantry assaults, 152 massive glide bombs, more than 5,100 artillery rounds and 5,000 kamikaze drones on Ukraine's defenses and 140 long-range drones and four Iskander ballistic missiles on Ukraine's cities. The attacks claimed at least 10 civilian lives, including a small child. This is how Russia attacks Ukraine daily, signaling disrespect for Trump's diplomacy. The Monday summit also revealed that Putin's ostensible concession at the Alaska summit to agree to international security guarantees for Ukraine is a poisoned chalice. On the surface, it seemed like a breakthrough toward compromise. The White House summit participants jumped on it and put the guarantees at the center of discussions. And yet there has been no agreement, and the world has more questions than answers. How could the Ukrainian armed forces be strengthened to deter Russia? Who would pay? How could Russia be prevented from rebuilding its Black Sea Fleet and blocking Ukrainian grain exports? What troop deployments would be needed? Who would put boots on the ground in Ukraine? What kind of guarantees should match what kind of territorial concessions? Such questions are fraught with complex debates. Between the U.S. and Europe. Within Europe. Within the Trump administration. Within Ukraine. And all of that even before having to negotiate the issue with the Kremlin. The net outcome of the past week's diplomatic huddles will be Putin buying time for his aggression as Washington abstains from sanctions hoping for peace. Disingenuously, in exchange for this poisoned chalice of a concession, Putin demanded that Ukraine should cede not only lands currently under Russia's illegal military occupation but also a large piece of the Donetsk province still under Kiev's control. That area is home to 300,000 people and is a major defense stronghold. Controlling it would give Russia a springboard to deeper attacks targeting big cities and threatening to bring Ukraine to its knees. Putin's offer also threatens to tear apart Ukraine's society. In my tracking poll with Ukraine's Academy of Sciences Institute of Sociology completed in early August, close to half of 567 respondents want Ukraine to reassert control over all of its internationally recognized territories, including the Crimean peninsula illegally annexed in 2014. Only 20% would be content with freezing the conflict along the current front lines. The option of ceding territories to Russia still under Kiev control is so outrageous that it was not included in the survey. Eighty percent of Ukrainians continue to have faith in Ukraine's victory and to see democracy and free speech core values Putin would take away as vital for Ukraine's future. Getting Ukrainian society right is important for Trump's peace effort to succeed. Discounting Ukrainians' commitment to freedom and independence has a lot to do with where we are now. Putin launched the all-out invasion in February 2022 expecting Ukrainians to embrace Russian rule. Then-President Biden assessed that Ukrainians would fold quickly and delayed major military assistance to Kiev. Misjudging Ukrainians now would most likely result in a rejection of peace proposals and possibly a political crisis there, inviting more aggression from Moscow while empowering more dogged resistance to the invasion, with a long, bloody war grinding on. Thankfully, Trump has the capacity to keep the peace process on track. First, he can amplify two critically important messages he articulated at the Monday summit: U.S. willingness to back up Ukraine's security guarantees and to continue to sell weapons to Ukraine if no peace deal is reached. Second, he can use his superb skills at strategic ambiguity and pivot back to threats of leveraging our submarine power and of imposing secondary sanctions on countries trading with Russia. Third, he can drop a hint he'd back up the Senate's bipartisan Supporting Ukraine Act of 2025, which would provide military assistance to Ukraine over two years from confiscated Russian assets, the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal proceeds and investment in America's military modernization. The Monday summit makes the urgency of these and similar moves glaringly clear. Mikhail Alexseev, a professor of international relations at San Diego State University, is the author of "Without Warning: Threat Assessment, Intelligence, and Global Struggle" and principal investigator of the multiyear "War, Democracy and Society" survey in Ukraine. (COMMENT, BELOW) SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- A symposium commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War was held here on Monday, attracting over 600 attendees from Iraq and China. The symposium, under the theme of "Remembering History and Creating A Better Future," was co-organized by the Chinese Embassy in Iraq, the Chinese Consulate General in Erbil, and the China Studies Center at the University of Sulaimani. In his opening speech, Chinese Ambassador to Iraq Cui Wei said that 80 years ago, after 14 years of arduous and heroic struggle, the Chinese people achieved a great victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, marking the full victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. China stands ready to work with the international community to firmly uphold the correct view of the history of World War II, safeguard the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, and practice true multilateralism, he added. During the symposium, scholars, experts and officials emphasized the importance of China's role in the World Anti-Fascist War, expressing their commitment to drawing lessons from history, cherishing peace, and jointly advancing Iraq-China friendship and cooperation. In his concluding remarks, Chinese Consul General in Erbil Liu Jun said that China will unswervingly pursue the path of peaceful development, promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and contribute Chinese strength to world peace and development. A photo exhibition was also held on the occasion to highlight the process of the Chinese people uniting to fight against Japanese aggression. The Washington state Capitol on March 13, 2025. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard) Lawmakers in Washington are divided on whether to dial back a state law critics blame for a sudden spike in deaths and serious injuries among children enmeshed in the states child welfare system. Through June, at least 92 of these children had died or nearly died, the states Office of the Family and Childrens Ombuds reported last month. The figures only capture cases the state Department of Children, Youth and Families is aware of, including those not tied to child abuse or neglect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initial sponsor of the 2021 law, known as the Keeping Families Together Act, stands by her measure, saying its not to blame for the jump. We are all in a state of crisis trying to figure it out, said Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, D-Mukilteo. The reality is that this is a community problem that we all now have to face. The law raised the standard for separating children from their parents, and aimed to keep them with other family members if they needed to be removed from their parents homes due to abuse or neglect. The goal was to stop poverty from being used as a reason to take kids away from their parents, and to avoid inflicting the trauma of being separated from family. But Republican lawmakers believe the law is keeping children in unsafe environments. And some Democrats are also questioning whether it needs to be adjusted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our state is going in the wrong direction, said state Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn. I know that foster care is not perfect, but to me, its much more preferable and safer than being dead. Meanwhile, to the dismay of Republicans, the state recently pulled support for a facility in Kent caring for drug-exposed babies. The head of Washingtons child welfare agency says shes learned how blunt of an instrument policy is, and that it can only go so far in addressing these complex cases. If we think that a child should be removed, we really need to prove it, and it shouldnt be easy, said Secretary Tana Senn, a former state lawmaker who co-sponsored the Keeping Families Together law. I think thats been an important change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the chair of the House panel that tackles these issues, Rep. Steve Bergquist, said in an email that if the child fatality and injury statistics dont improve by this winter, hes made clear to officials that there would be a need to revisit this policy next session. Bergquist, a Democrat from Renton, hopes to come up with a bipartisan bill that will help improve supports for our youth and families that are caught up in these difficult situations. What that could look like is unclear at this point. House Democratic leaders, Speaker Laurie Jinkins and Majority Leader Joe Fitzgibbon, deferred to Ortiz-Self on how to proceed with the law. Whats next? Couture drafted a bill this past legislative session to lower the standard for removal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the state needs to prove a child is at risk of imminent physical harm. Coutures bill would make it imminent or serious physical harm. The measure would also force officials to work from the presumption that children need to be removed if a parent or guardians use of any Schedule I or II drug, other than cannabis, puts the child at risk of being exposed to the controlled substance. To get their child back, parents would need to prove six months of sobriety or drug testing. The Department of Children, Youth and Families, which oversees the states child welfare system, doesnt like the proposal, saying it goes too far and would make it more difficult to reunite children with their families even when its safe for them to return. Couture is open to suggestions. His legislation had some Democratic support, but didnt get a hearing in Bergquists committee this year in Olympia. The chair said he was open to discussing the measure, along with another Democrat-led bill focused on removing kids from homes where parents are using drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of children entering the states child welfare system since the Keeping Families Together law went into effect in mid-2023 has remained largely stable. In fiscal year 2023, running from July 2022 to June 2023, around 3,300 children were removed from their parents. This past fiscal year, ending in June, it was about 3,180, according to the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Fiscal year 2024 saw a major drop in children entering the welfare system, down to just over 2,800, as the Keeping Families Together Act didnt initially weigh the presence of opioids in determining when children should be placed in foster care away from their parents. Lawmakers addressed the issue in 2024, instructing courts to give great weight when factoring in this risk, and removals ticked back up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX For years, the number of children entering state care has been trending down, from a recent peak of more than 6,000 in 2017. The only time theyve gone up since then was after legislators passed the 2024 fix. I think were back to a place where people are having more of a balanced test, Senn said. Ortiz-Self is open to discussing changes like those approved in 2024, but thinks people want a simple fix when the overarching problem is children being born with fentanyl in their systems and the opioid crisis. What we have to do is figure out, what are the services, what are the things that we need to do to help families and to address this opioid crisis that we are in, but removing, arbitrarily, kids from their homes without any due process is not the answer, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senn also points to increasing financial stressors on families as fueling the rise in child fatalities and serious injuries. Senns agency has already taken some steps to respond. The state now requires safe child consults for all child welfare cases involving opioid use and a child younger than 3. These reviews help determine whether officials will allow a child to go home or petition a judge for care elsewhere. Caseworkers on neglect and medically complex cases are also getting increased training. The Department of Defense (DOD) tech innovation chief stepped down from his role, the latest departure, coming just days after DOD Secretary Pete Hegseth ousted three top military officials last week. Doug Beck, who has led the California-based Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) since 2023, resigned on Monday, a U.S. official familiar with the matter and speaking on the condition of anonymity told The Hill on Monday. The DIU did not immediately respond to The Hills request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DIU works on accelerating the adoption of commercial technology throughout the U.S. military and partners with organizations across the DOD to rapidly prototype and field dual-use capabilities that solve operational challenges at speed and scale. The DIU has five offices around the country: Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin, Chicago and at the Pentagon itself. Beck, who is a captain in the Navy Reserve, served in Iraq and Afghanistan with a joint special operations task force. Before leading the DIU, which was established in 2015, Beck was a vice president at Apple and was with the tech behemoth for more than 13 years, according to his LinkedIn profile. Becks departure from the DOD comes just three days after Hegseth terminated three senior military officials the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse; Rear Adm. Milton Sands, who oversaw Naval Special Warfare Command; and Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, the head of the Navy Reserve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also last week, the Air Force announced that its chief of staff, Gen. David Allvin, will retire two years into his four-year term. Becks departure was first reported by Politico. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Delano police are investigating an alleged assault that occurred early Monday morning. Police responded to the 300 block of Dover Place Aug. 25, at about 3:30 a.m. for a report of an assault. The department said a 34-year-old man with a puncture wound was located and transported to a nearby trauma center. The victim is in stable condition, police said. This is an ongoing investigation and no additional details are being made available at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is urged to contact the Delano Police Department at 661-721-3377 or the departments tip line at 661-721-3369. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BERLIN, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Authorities said Tuesday afternoon to expect delays while emergency services responded to a two-car crash with injury on Vermont Route 62 shortly after 5:00 p.m. The crash was reportedly near the intersection of VT-62 and the Berlin State Highway. Police said to expect delays, and that responders from Berlin, Montpelier, Barre Town, and Barre City were all on the scene. No road closures were reported, but drivers should use caution. (Courtesy: Montpelier PD) Two vehicles can be seen well off the road in one of the photos supplied by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story may be updated 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 ABC22 & FOX44. AUSTIN (KXAN) Delta Air Lines will end its nonstop route between Austin and Midland in November. The route, which launched in April 2024, will be discontinued effective Nov. 9, an airline spokesperson told KXAN, as Delta [adapts] our schedule to align with customer demand. The spokesperson said Delta remains committed to serving Central Texas. Midland will still be served with direct service from Austin by Southwest Airlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AUS-MAF route is the second intra-Texas route canceled by Delta this year. Nonstop service to Harlingen ended in June. At that time, Delta said it would reallocate equipment to support the Midland route. AUS Data Hub: Passenger totals, busiest months and new flights in 2025 and 2026 Delta has launched several new flights from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport this year, with a further expansion of flights coming in 2026. The airline will also open a permanent flight attendant base at the airport in October. In May, Delta overtook American Airlines as the second-largest airline operating at AUS in terms of passenger traffic, behind only Southwest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Delta passenger plans to sue the airline after a flight attendant allegedly slapped him across the face so loudly that it could be heard through noise-canceling headphones, his lawyer said. Mohammad Shibli, his wife, and their two young boys were on a Delta flight from Atlanta to Fresno for his sister-in-laws wedding on July 29 when he was allegedly slapped across the face by a flight attendant, his lawyer Ali Awad said at a press conference Tuesday. The attack unfolded after Shibli and his wife each asked a flight attendant for water for their 2-year-old son, who was crying out of thirst, but were denied any beverage because the cart wasnt at their rows yet, Shibli said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tensions escalated when the flight attendant arrived at Shiblis row and asked if he wanted anything. Shibli, who had gotten water from a different attendant, said he didnt want anything, but the attendant was persistent, Shibli claimed. I asked her to leave me alone, Shibli said. She then asked if I wanted the police to meet me at the gate, insinuating that she was going to have me arrested. A Delta passenger is suing the airline after a flight attendant allegedly slapped him across the face mid-flight, his lawyer says. (AFP/Getty) When Shibli questioned her response, the flight attendant ignored him. However, she later bumped into him hard enough that the stranger in his row asked him, Whats her deal? Shibli said during the press conference. Shibli says the flight attendant then leaned closer to my ear and whispered a very vulgar word. As she walked away, Shibli says he stood up and responded with a few bad words. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was at that time, the Delta attendant took a few steps toward me and struck me with an open palm as hard as she could, Shibli recalled. In a witness statement, the passenger seated directly in front of Shibli said they heard the slap through their noise-canceling headphones. I hear [flight attendant] talking to someone, but cannot distinguish what they are saying at all. That is when I heard a very loud smack sound and I immediately took my right earbud out and looked behind me to see the flight attendant and a man behind me yelling at each other, the other passenger said. Shibli said the interaction left him feeling helpless in front of his son and humiliated as the flight lasted four more hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one should ever experience physical abuse like this, especially on a plane mid-air with nowhere to go for four hours, he said. Shibli said he saw law enforcement officers questioning the Delta employee after the flight landed, but he didnt know if she had been arrested or charged. Delta confirmed to The Independent that the employee has been suspended while they investigate. During the press conference, Shiblis lawyer, Awad, recalled a controversy that embroiled Delta last summer when two employees wore Palestinian flag pins on their uniforms. Delta said the plane had been 'taken out of service for maintenance' (AFP/Getty) At the time, the airline replied to an X user who claimed they would be terrified to see someone wearing a Palestinian flag because it didnt reflect their culture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delta later changed its policy so that employees could only wear U.S. flag pins on their uniforms. After bringing up the incident, Awad noted that Shiblis wife was wearing a shirt that said Palestine on it at the time of the altercation on the flight. The lawsuit, which will be filed this week, will demand every Delta employee in the country receive education and sensitivity training on Palestine, and that Shibli receive a days worth of Deltas profits, Awad said. Awad estimates the airlines daily profits to be over $20 million. This case is not about a slap. This case is about everything that Delta has done, and continues to do, exhibiting a pattern of recklessness and negligent behavior within their company, Awad said during the press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to The Independent, a Delta spokesperson said it has launched an investigation into the incident. While Delta does not comment on internal investigations or pending litigation, we are taking this situation very seriously. This flight attendant has been suspended while the investigation is ongoing, the spokesperson said. A former California judge has been indicted on federal charges alleging he sexually assaulted two court employees and tried to cover up the incidents. Adolfo Corona, 66, was indicted Thursday by a federal grand jury in Fresno. The indictment underscores the seriousness of the allegations against a former member of the judiciary. If convicted, Corona could face up to 40 years in prison for the assault charge alone. Prosecutors allege Corona led a 33-year-old court employee into a courthouse stairwell on March 14, 2024, where he sexually assaulted her. The five-count indictment also charges him with obstructing investigations and making false statements to FBI agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second alleged victim, age 43, was found passed out alone in Coronas chambers on December 5, 2023. Corona had been alone with her for approximately two hours before she was discovered. The judge allegedly lied to investigators about his whereabouts during the second incident. Corona told the FBI he had left to pick up a motorcycle, prosecutors say. In an apparent attempt to fabricate an alibi, Corona allegedly pressured a motorcycle dealership employee to alter company records. The falsified documents would have shown he picked up his motorcycle at the time of the alleged assault. Federal officials, including U.S. Attorney Eric Grant and FBI Special Agent Siddhartha Patel, announced the charges. The case underscores federal authorities willingness to prosecute judicial misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corona, a Democrat-appointed judge, served on the California Superior Court after being appointed in 2003 by then-Gov. Gray Davis. Each obstruction charge carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence. Federal prosecutors Karen Escobar and Michael J. Songer will handle the case. A federal judge will determine sentencing if Corona is convicted, following U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The indictment remains an allegation, and Corona is presumed innocent until proven guilty. His arraignment date has not been announced. Members of the Democratic National Committee on Tuesday rejected a proposal for the party to endorse an arms embargo on Israel sparking anger among antiwar activists and signaling that the debate about the partys approach to Israel-Palestine remains far from settled. The DNCs 47-member rules panel voted down the resolution, which means it will not receive a full vote among the more than 450 DNC members who have gathered in Minneapolis for the partys summer meeting. Related: Ex-Labor Secretary Robert Reich Says This 1 Obsession Will Be Trumps Downfall Notably, the panel also rejected suggestions to amend the language so it only referred to offensive weapons. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers have opposed offensive military equipment for Israel including through a high-profile Senate vote last month noting the civilian toll of Israels ongoing U.S.-backed attacks in Gaza and extensive allegations of Israeli war crimes. The resolution also included a call for recognizing Palestinian statehood, as U.S. allies France and Britain are preparing to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Margaret DeReus, the director of the policy project at the pro-Palestinian Institute for Middle East Understanding, issued a statement following the vote calling the development standard practice for a historically unpopular Democratic leadership that will not win elections until it decides to become a political party that actually listens to its voters. Almost immediately afterwards, a flop-flop over a related, but softer, resolution underscored how the party apparatus is struggling to reflect its members views. Earlier, the panel had passed a resolution from DNC Chair Ken Martin calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, including the release of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas; more aid for Palestinians; and a so-called two-state solution for the region. His resolution did not specify how the U.S. could use its leverage as Israels chief backer to achieve these goals, which American officials have endorsed for years but seen little progress toward. The Martin resolution also noted the Hamas-led massacre on Oct. 7, 2023, which led Israel to invade Gaza in retaliation, while saying the subsequent war has killed tens of thousands without specifying Israels responsibility for the vast majority of those deaths. Related: Joe Rogan Turns On Trump To Shut Down His Signature Claim The Democratic leader developed his proposal after the arms embargo resolution was submitted earlier this month, in consultation with the hard-line pro-Israel group Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI). The organization has, for years, sought to limit Democrats questioning of U.S.-Israel relations, often by spending heavily against progressive politicians alongside hard-line pro-Israel groups closer to Republicans, like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DMFI applauded the passage of Martins resolution before Martin withdrew it, acknowledging it did not satisfy antiwar Democrats. He said he would instead establish a DNC task force focused on Gaza. The upshot is that the party position on the issue remains that of its 2024 election platform, which referenced Israel far more than Palestinians or Gaza and reflected the views of then-President Joe Biden, which most Democrats opposed even at the time. Despite the back-and-forth, Halie Soifer of the Jewish Democratic Council for America another group involved in discussions about Martins resolution expressed satisfaction that the committee passed language that struck an important balance, noting the arms embargo proposal did not mention the hostages Hamas captured on Oct. 7. We hope to be a part of the discussion on next steps, Soifer told HuffPost. Martins plan remained unclear on Tuesday evening. A frank discussion will necessarily involve stiff disagreements, however. Democratic-aligned figures almost universally criticize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the continued fighting and famine in Gaza. The question is one of tactics, and those arguing for the status quo must contend with the failure of Biden-era logic to prevent a spiraling nightmare. Related: Democrats Flip Key Seat In Iowa District That Trump Won By Double Digits We are reconciling our longstanding support of Israel with a war that has now gone on for too long ... its not consistent with our values as Jewish Americans, that any community, including the most densely populated area on earth, Gaza, would be without food, Soifer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she defended ongoing U.S. military support for Israel, citing threats from regional enemies like Iran which Israel itself attacked in June, pulling the U.S. into a war that dealt lasting damage to hopes of diplomacy with Tehran. Regardless of how it started, we have to remember there were hundreds of Iranian missiles launched at Israel that without U.S. military assistance [in interception] likely would have cost many more lives, Soifer said. Skeptics of unchecked U.S. support for Israel argue it enables Israeli officials to pursue risky policies while ignoring demands from Washington to, say, ease their siege on Gaza. Id like to think there can be a path forward that encourages the Israeli government to allow in more aid without threatening security assistance, Soifer said. Related: 'Never Seen Anything More Pathetic': Trump Envoy Mocked After Public Groveling Session Israel policy has been a year-long source of intraparty contention among Democrats. Biden sustained overwhelming U.S. backing for the Gaza war throughout his presidency, resisting high-profile opposition by the Uncommitted movement of primary voters and some legislators, and warnings the approach was fueling a disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates for a more balanced U.S. approach to Israel-Palestine say it is a moral and political necessity that the Democratic Party should prioritize. They have seen signs of hope in the political success of critics of the Gaza war, like New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, legislators moves in Washington, and polls showing Democrats and those aligned with them are increasingly wary of Israel. Organizations like Democratic Majority For Israel, despite their name, dont represent the vast majority of Democratic voters, DeReus said in her statement. Its another sign of just how out of touch Democratic Party leadership is today that dark money groups like DMFI were consulted ahead of DNC Chair Ken Martins decision to introduce his bland resolution, while advocates for Palestinian rights who represent most Democrats were once again shut out and ignored. DeReus group did not speak with Martins team, a spokesperson said, and Abbas Alawieh of the Uncommitted movement said his group was consulted but not given a chance to offer feedback before the Martin resolution was finalized and made public. Democrats have repeatedlytold pollsters they now sympathize more with Palestinians than Israelis. Martins withdrawal of the status quo resolution in favor of inviting dialogue was welcome, Alawieh told HuffPost. What remains unanswered is why party leaders keep shutting down the obvious, popular, and urgent policy needed in this moment cutting off weapons aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel says it respects the laws of war and works to limit civilian casualties. Dozens of aid groups and human rights organizations, including in Israel, say the Palestinians are enduring a man-made crisis through Israeli policies that repeatedly violate international and U.S. laws. Amid continued reports of horrors in Gaza, growing numbers of Americans have rejected Israels military operation. An August YouGov survey showed 65% of Democrats see it as a genocide, and in a July Gallup poll, support for the Israeli campaign hit a new low, with only 8% percent of Democrats and 25% of independents approving of it. Beyond policy prescriptions for Israel-Palestine, a core dispute among Democrats is whether to see the issue as inseparable from the broader agenda of challenging Trump and winning back Americans support. Some treat discussing and arguing about Gaza as a distraction. The tendency was on display during the rules committee discussion, with a member from California, Harini Krishnan, describing a wave of outside calls and messages about the embargo proposal and saying: I truly hope that as a party we can move beyond this issue. Our country is falling apart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She did not support the arms embargo bid. When the sponsors of the resolution left the committee room and journalists followed them, another panelist, Terri Pickens from Idaho, said she wished the media were as interested in a unanimous resolution condemning ICE. But others note Israel-Palestine policy is central to alarming Trump administration behavior both domestically and abroad, and a meaningful position is key to showing voters Democrats are serious about universal human rights. Amid the administrations mass deportation of immigrants, it has targeted thousands of students and scholars involved in antiwar activism like Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and antiwar organizer whom the administration alleges threatens U.S. foreign policy. Khalil told HuffPost last month he sees a direct link between his experience and the Biden administrations embrace of Israel amid the Gaza war, and a need for politicians to end unconditional support for Tel Aviv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Biden administration laid the groundwork to my detention, to the repression of freedom of speech in this country, by aligning with the Israeli narrative, Khalil said. The Biden administration would actually gaslight you: Oh, were actually for peace or were helping. No, youre not you literally gave Israel everything it needs to commit this genocide. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Democrats are looking to flip two Republican-leaning state Senate seats Tuesday as they seek to continue their partys success in special elections this year. Voters are heading to the polls in Iowa and Georgia to fill seats vacated by Republicans. The election in Iowa may be a bit more consequential, as it will determine whether Republicans continue to hold a supermajority in the state Senate, but wins or overperformances in either race would be a boost to Democrats at a time the party is seeking to improve its brand. Heres what to know about the special elections Tuesday. Democrats competing in Republican-leaning districts The Democrats competing for the two state Senate seats are facing a bit of an uphill battle, but one much more than the other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Georgia Senate seat in the states 21st District first became vacant in May when former state Sen. Brandon Beach (R) resigned from office after President Trump appointed him to become the U.S. treasurer. He had held the seat for more than a decade, representing a northern suburb of Atlanta. The district is overwhelmingly Republican-leaning, having last elected Beach to another term with more than 70 percent of the vote last year. But Democrat Debra Shigley is hoping to pull off an upset as she competes on the same ballot with a half-dozen Republicans. All the candidates running for the seat will face off, and the winner must receive a majority of the vote to win the seat. If no candidate receives a majority, then the top two best-performing candidates will advance to a runoff next month. But with what is expected to be a significantly low-turnout election, predicting how the electorate will look is difficult. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iowas Senate seat in District 1 will be the second one this year that Democrats are trying to flip. It became vacant in June when former state Sen. Rocky De Witt (R) died in office from cancer. De Witt won the districts last election relatively comfortably in 2022 but by a much smaller margin than Beach did in Georgia last year, ousting a Democratic incumbent by about 10 points. In what is also expected to be the same type of lower-turnout elections that their party has excelled in, Democrats hope Catelin Drey (D) can defeat the Republican choice for the seat, Christopher Prosch. DNC going all in on Iowa In a sign of their focus on the Iowa race, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is engaging in a full-court press to try to win the seat, dispatching volunteers and resources to the small district in the Hawkeye State. The DNC has sent a team of 30,000 volunteers for get out the vote efforts and host text- and phone-banks with the state Democratic Party. Along with the seat appearing potentially attainable, the party is particularly interested in it because winning the race would eliminate the two-thirds GOP supermajority in the state Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although Republicans have control of both chambers of the state Legislature and the governors mansion, breaking up the supermajority would ensure the governors nominees couldnt sail through on a party-line vote, as a two-thirds majority is needed for confirmation. The DNC is planning to support Drey, who is the founder of the grassroots organization Moms for Iowa, with canvassing, digital engagement and phone calls. DNC Chair Ken Martin said the party has ignored the importance of downballot elections for too long. Rebuilding the Democratic Party starts from the ground up, and weve seen amazing victories in Iowa so far this year, he said. Were all hands on deck to break the Iowa Republican supermajority and invest our resources in supporting candidates on the ground everywhere. Dems hoping to continue their winning streak The biggest takeaway Democrats will look for from Tuesday nights result is whether their candidates can continue the trend of performing better than the party did in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The party has already been doing that through most of the special elections this year, one bright spot for the Democrats despite consistently low approval among voters of the party in polling. The DNC said in a release that Democrats have been overperforming in special elections in 2025 compared to the partys past performances by almost 16 points. That success has seen high points in Iowa and Pennsylvania earlier this year, when Democratic candidates flipped state Senate seats in districts that voted for Trump in the 2024 election. Democrat Mike Zimmer won in Iowa in January by about 3.5 points in an Iowa district that voted for Trump by more than 20 points, and Democrat James Malone prevailed in March by almost 1 point in a Pennsylvania district Trump also carried by double digits. If a similar overperformance is seen in Iowa on Tuesday, that should be enough for Drey to pull off a win. But it will require the same amount of energy Democrats seemed to have in past elections. Democrats also scored a comfortable victory in April in a hotly contested Wisconsin Supreme Court race and outperformed in two special U.S. House races in Florida, despite losing in the deep-red districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the Iowa race is expected to be a lower turnout contest compared to regular ones, early reports indicate higher voter participation than normal for a special election. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. DAMASCUS, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli drone strike targeted a Syrian military position in the southern countryside of Damascus on Tuesday, killing at least two soldiers and wounding several others, according to local and monitoring group reports. Syria's Lebanon-based Sham TV television reported that three Syrian military personnel were killed and four others injured when an Israeli drone strike hit a military site in the town of al-Kiswah, southwest of Damascus. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights gave a slightly different account, saying two military personnel from the 44th Division, including a commander, were killed, and six others wounded, two of them critically. Earlier in the day, the monitor reported that an Israeli strike killed a young man when his house was hit in the village of Tarneja in Quneitra province, near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. It was not immediately clear whether that strike was carried out by a drone or a missile, and the reasons for the targeting remain unknown. The development comes amid reports of Israeli incursions into southern Syrian areas, amid condemnation from the Syrian interim authorities. Ruwa Romman represents part of the Atlanta suburbs in the Georgia statehouse, but earlier this summer, she was knocking on doors in the Bronx because she saw New York Citys mayoral race as part of a national battle. By working to elect Zohran Mamdani, Romman hoped she was working to reshape the Democratic Party and U.S. politics writ large. One voter told Romman he was hesitant about Mamdani, 33, because he values experience. As they talked, a neighbor ran over. He wanted to make his own argument: You better vote for him! Anybody whos willing to stand up for babies in Gaza is absolutely going to have your back. Romman, a Palestinian American, teared up. Mamdani triumphed in the mayoral primary, defying opponents who called him extreme for condemning Israels U.S.-backed offensive in Gaza. For Romman and others, the win marked a vital shift. Last year, as part of the Uncommitted movement which organized hundreds of thousands of voters to tie support for the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee to their positions on Gaza they spent months arguing the Democratic Party risked votes over Joe Bidens unchecked support for the unpopular Israeli campaign. Their supporters included Mamdani. The party never reconsidered the policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zohrans campaign for me really does feel like a new day, building on the anti-war organizing power we, through the Uncommitted movement and Democrats all around the country, built over the last couple of years, said Abbas Alawieh, a co-founder of Uncommitted. I dont think I was able to officially get out of my post-general election malaise until Zohran won, and now Im ready to fight again. The story of the 2024 movement is inseparable from two of the biggest debates among Democrats as they try to regain power: how to reform their party and how to talk about U.S.-Israel relations. Washington remains Israels chief backer as Tel Aviv is worsening the man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza and quashing chances of a future peace deal involving a Palestinian state rooted in the occupied West Bank. Exactly a year ago, at the Democratic National Convention, activism by anti-war Democrats reached its crescendo, and the party establishment defined by Biden and sensitive to hardline pro-Israel donors refused to make significant concessions in response, most notably by denying a request for a brief convention speech by Romman or another Palestinian American. This week, as Democratic leaders congregated again at their annual summer meeting, a back-and-forth over two proposed policy positions on Israel ended in the rejection of an arms embargo proposal, renewed anger among anti-war Democrats and lawmakers and a pledge for a new party task force on Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the latest sign that the partys response to the war will remain central to its shifting identity.Last month, 28 senators supported an effort to block U.S. weapons for Israel a group including most Democrats in the chamber and 12 senators who previously rejected such efforts. Candidates for the partys 2028 presidential nomination are being pushed to be direct about the war, as Pete Buttigieg recently learned after offering mealymouthed comments. At this potential turning point, four leaders of the Uncommitted movement told HuffPost they feel a blend of hope and disappointment. They see the party evolving on both foreign policy and better representing its various constituencies, but they wish it had done so earlier, limiting damage from U.S.-backed Israeli attacks and aid restrictions and even potentially avoiding a second term for Donald Trump. Discussing lessons that could help for the future, they say the biggest is the need for urgent change. I do not think the people who currently control the Democratic Party are salvageable, Alawieh said. The Democratic Party is salvageable, and the way we salvage it is by taking away power from people who currently have power and are wielding it in favor of endless war and endless bombs, and giving that power to candidates, to operatives, to people in our party who see everybodys humanity as one and the same who do not see more human life when looking at an Israeli life versus a Palestinian life. Related: The Delicate Dance Between Kamala Harris And Pro-Palestinian Activists A Plane Taking Off That Got Stuck Midair Uncommitted leaders identify two periods in their advocacy: before and after Biden abandoned his presidential candidacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late 2023, protests swelled against Israels operation in Gaza, which was cast as retaliation for the Oct. 7 attack by Palestinian militants, organized by the group Hamas, but quickly came to look like devastating U.S.-funded collective punishment for the strip. (Israel maintains its military operations are targeted and minimize harm to civilians.) Anti-war organizing got the Biden teams notice, particularly in Michigan, a swing state crucial to the presidents reelection plan that has a large Arab and Muslim American community. His campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, visited local leaders in January 2024, and after many said they wanted a summit with policymakers instead, the White House dispatched senior officials to the Arab-majority city of Dearborn on Feb. 8. Among the invitees was Alawieh, who two days earlier had unveiled the Listen to Michigan model that would drive Uncommitted movements nationally: asking voters in Democratic primaries not to mark support for Biden, to prove it was politically important to moderate his Gaza policy. Describing the terror he experienced as a child in Lebanon hearing Israeli jets drop U.S.-provided bombs, Alawieh asked Biden advisers Jon Finer and Samantha Power if they had urged the president to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. Youre not going to get that answer, White House official Steve Benjamin said of the question, though Finer expressed regret about the administrations rhetoric, and Power, a former war correspondent, told Alawieh she knew how scary life was in a warzone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A pattern was set: Establishment figures would hear Uncommitted out but dodge its demands. The movement gained momentum, winning 100,000 votes in Michigan and significant numbers in other states primaries. Organizing was not easy, because some of the people most affected by Gazas pain wanted nothing to do with Democrats, and because defenders of a blank check for Israel were mobilizing, too. One Uncommitted activist in Washington state told HuffPost local right-wing commentators repeatedly tagged him and his employer in critical social media posts; he said the company eventually fired him, citing performance issues though he had received a promotion and raise a few months earlier. (The organizer requested anonymity for professional reasons.) To the extent senior Democrats engaged with the movement, it was quietly as when political assessments helped drive Biden to withhold a shipment of bombs for Israel in April. It was also mostly a one-way street, the co-founders told HuffPost. In May, for example, a White House official reached out asking Uncommitted to praise a planned Biden speech endorsing an end to the war, Alawieh said. (The group did not do so because the official clarified the president would not suggest cutting off firepower in calling for a ceasefire.) Then Biden abandoned his candidacy on July 21. As Kamala Harris less old-school and known for speaking more about Palestinian distress took over, expectations grew that the campaign and administration might embrace ideas from anti-war voices in their political tent. Beyond activists, a growing number of Democratic politicians were questioning the U.S.s Gaza policy, speaking of alleged Israeli war crimes and using Americas leverage as Israels weapons supplier to push Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a deal with Hamas to end fighting, free Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners and allow aid into Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington soon after Kamala Harris became Democrats' 2024 presidential nominee. Bloomberg via Getty Images Instead, the period between then and the DNC felt like a plane taking off that got stuck midair, Romman said. Fresh goodwill between Uncommitted and the campaign apparatus petered out within a month mostly because of stubbornness by the latter, but also mutual misunderstandings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Real trouble began on Aug. 7. Before a campaign rally in Detroit, Alawieh and fellow Uncommitted co-founder Layla Elabed briefly met Harris. Both requested a discussion of an arms embargo on Israel and walked out feeling really confident, Elabed said, describing genuine sympathy from Harris when she spoke of Michiganders losing relatives in Gaza. Uncommitted issued a statement saying Harris was open to that conversation, a tacit enticement for anti-war voters. Then the message was amplified by Republicans, panicking Harris advisers who soon issued a rejection of an embargo. The organizers knew Harris did not support the idea, Elabed told HuffPost, which was why they wanted to argue for it and say reconsidering could not wait until after the election; U.S.-backed Israeli attacks were killing Palestinians daily. Harris aides, meanwhile, felt ambushed and typecast, with one later telling HuffPost that the campaigns statement was misunderstood as a blanket defense of Israeli policy despite also emphasizing that Israel should follow international law. Anxious about having only 107 days to campaign, and often hearing from pro-Israel voices with greater sway in the party than Uncommitted, they became wary of the movement. The convention in Chicago two weeks later featured the first-ever DNC panel on Palestinian rights, and Uncommitted leaders seemed to get VIP treatment. Democratic officials handed them convention credentials as if they were $1 million checks, Waleed Shahid, another Uncommitted organizer, recalled to HuffPost. Yet the goodwill remained on the partys terms: Uncommitteds key demand for the convention speaking slots for a Palestinian American (they said they discussed several options) and a doctor who had volunteered in Gaza went unmet, despite an overnight sit-in and support from major party figures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A month later, Harris had not outlined a possible policy shift on Gaza or fulfilled Uncommitteds request to visit Dearborn to meet families with ties to Palestine and Lebanon. The group announced it would not endorse her, while strongly warning against Trump. Days later, the Biden administration supported a new military operation by Netanyahu into Lebanon. Many Arab Michiganders have roots there; Alawieh said the moment made him certain that the people who currently control the Democratic Party would prefer that people like my family, maybe even me, didnt exist. Trump vaguely promised peace, and in November, as support for Democrats tumbled among groups they had previously won, with some citing Gaza as their chief reason, he won Michigan, racking up votes in Arab-heavy areas. He tapped an ally from one such town, Hamtramck, as an ambassador. The lesson my cousins are seeing is that if a local Arab American puts themselves out there for Donald Trump, they get rewarded, Alawieh said. If a local Arab American puts their neck out for the Democratic Party, they get rewarded by getting the privilege of sleeping outside that partys convention, begging them not to keep a muzzle over their communitys mouth. With Trumps blessing, Netanyahu has intensified his aid restrictions and battle plans in Gaza, accelerating Palestinian deaths. Lessons Learned Uncommitteds experience offers signs about Democratic politics beyond 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief among them is institutional resistance to change, regardless of how voters vote or say they feel. Party power players still set the agenda, often subtly and particularly on the most sensitive issues like Israel-Palestine. When the Uncommitted leaders spoke with an Obama-era figure after the DNC, the person told them they never had a chance at getting a speaker, Alawieh recalled. When he said the group had lengthy negotiations with party officials, the person retorted that might have been sincere, but the decision rested above such discussions with the people who paid for that stage, namely donors. Specific Democrats challenging the Gaza war had become obvious targets for ardent Israel supporters, who successfully unseated Reps. Cori Bush (Mo.) and Jamaal Bowman (N.Y.), but Uncommitted was attempting a so-called inside game of accepting the person leading the party Biden or Harris and seeking to persuade them. It became clear that successfully spurring the partys national leader to defy pressure to defer to Israel would be bigger, however, than a series of primary wins. The Obama-era figure suggested a campaign like the effort to secure the 2015 Iran nuclear deal over Netanyahus objections, which involved a media blitz and consistent advocacy by lawmakers and even European officials, Shahid told HuffPost. Related: Gavin Newsom Handily Roasts Donald Trump's Offhand Insult With many Democrats comfortable with and benefiting from the status quo, individual obstinacy and defensiveness are challenging, too. Biden advisers who dominated the campaign even after Harriss rise often argued against differentiating her from the president, including on Gaza, citing history but overlooking the argument that vice presidents had lost elections by failing to seem different from their bosses, notably in 1968 during the Vietnam War, a campaign aide told HuffPost. Former Harris aide Ammar Moussa and liberal commentator Matt Yglesias, among others, have publiclyattacked Uncommitted, claiming it was politically unwise. Some Democrats say its activists have gone silent, though they regularly condemn Trumps approach to Gaza and, unlike under Biden, are not part of his broad political sphere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Organizers in the movement want the party to eventually convey respect for Americans disturbed by the Gaza war and see, as Republicans growing debate over U.S. support for Israel shows, that the sentiment is a major political reality. Even far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is willing to fight Trump on this issue it is the swing vote, Romman said. Making amends will involve seeing nuance among anti-war organizers, not dismissing the movement for political convenience. Alawieh said Democratic leaders confused Uncommitted with the Abandon Harris movement, while the campaign aide described the latter to HuffPost as a nuisance, not a warning sign. Plummeting conditions in Gaza since then have fueled more public anger over Americas role as Israels enabler; courting those with that viewpoint will likely be important in future campaigns. For more success in future activism, Uncommitted and other anti-war organizers will need to practice introspection, too. Shahid described a regret about strategy after watching Mamdanis primary win. He told HuffPost he believed frustration over Gaza should have been championed by a specific candidate, running against Biden to be the 2024 Democratic nominee on generational anti-war grounds a position that could possibly have also tapped wariness over Bidens age, the factor which doomed his candidacy and left Harris with a unique, unenviable bid to finish the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately, one of the Harris campaign aides argued Uncommitted also struggled with an inability to communicate to their own base they got them angry but were not able to calm them down long enough to help them understand what the difference was between Harris and Trump. They said the campaign was giving as much as they could on outreach to Muslim and Arab communities, with Harris repeatedly meeting with Palestinians before and after her candidacy, yet Uncommitted gave no clear recommendation to its supporters with their nonendorsement. (Alawieh did say he would vote for Harris, not as a love letter but a chess move, while other Uncommitted leaders said they could not.) Looking Forward Uncommitted has long described the U.S.-Israeli campaign as a genocide framing that is increasingly common. There is clear potential for the movements ideas to keep gaining support, not least as a way for Democrats to blast Trump. Yet the policy shift it sought remains elusive, and those implicated in past Democratic choices on Gaza are still wielding power. Bidens secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has joined the board of the Center for American Progress, a hub for liberal ideas, while his Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, is a regular pro-Israel commentator on CNN. Both, along with other senior Biden aides like his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, have repeatedly defended their record rather than acknowledging the administration failed Palestinians or hurt U.S. foreign policy. The Uncommitted figures are optimistic because of moments like Mamdanis win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His success gave Elabed validation, she said, after two years of not actually winning anything that bold moral clarity on Palestine doesnt have to be a political liability. While Gaza hardly came up at every door when she was canvassing for Mamdani, Romman argued it should now be obvious Democrats treatment of the issue is a bellwether for voters, representing gut politics [because] if youre willing to throw somebody under the bus the implication is you can throw everybody else under the bus. That logic is why she and others continually urge observers not to see concern over the war as simply an issue for Arab and Muslim Americans a tactic often used to downplay Uncommitted. In a recent reflection, Shahid linked the movements 2024 experience to the 1964 attempt by civil rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer to force the Democratic Party to include Black delegates from Mississippi a history Uncommitted regularly referenced. The party did not concede to their demands, but their presence cracked the door open. Within a few years, Black Democrats were inside the party structure, reshaping who had standing in the coalition, he wrote. To help shape future Democratic discussions, and particularly their own continued advocacy in Michigan, Uncommitteds leaders in December 2024 developed a memo analyzing their campaign. (Alawieh shared it exclusively with HuffPost; it is attached below.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By forcing conversations that the Democratic establishment preferred to avoid, [Uncommitted] elevated marginalized voices and made issues like Palestinian rights central to the partys internal debates, the document reads. The lesson isnt that protest doesnt workits that it works as far as the infrastructure beneath it... Primaries are where influence is built. Success demands long-term infrastructure, savvy donor engagement and deep organizing within Democratic coalitions. Related: Trump Boasts About Raising $1.5 Billion Since The Election, And Critics Are Furious For Alawieh, one year is too early to fully chart the impact of the anti-war campaign. He and his allies are already looking to future fights. Uncommitted sought to answer the question: Can enough people power outweigh the organized and outsized influence of money in our politics? Today the Zohran experience says enough people power actually can be the difference, Alawieh said. The Uncommitted experience in and of itself cant be understood for its full contribution until we see more of the waves that come from the organizing. More on Politics Maggie Haberman Reveals What Donald Trumps Marathon Cabinet Meeting Was Really About Gavin Newsom Needed Just 1 Question To Troll Trump After President Insulted Him DC Mayor Muriel Bowser Praises Donald Trumps Police Takeover Read the original on HuffPost COLUMBUS, Ohio (WKBN) The Ohio Department of Commerce (ODC) Division of Financial Institutions is urging consumers to be aware of imposter scams. Reports of imposter scams in Ohio are up nearly 47% since last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Reports from adults aged 60 and over who lost more than $100,000 increased by more than 800% in the past five years, jumping from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rise in imposter scams is truly alarming, and the reality is that anyone can fall victim to these sophisticated schemes, said Kevin Allard, superintendent of the Division of Financial Institutions. These criminals are skilled at creating scenarios that can catch even the most cautious person off guard. The scams involve criminals pretending to be somebody the victim trusts, such as a family member or a government official, using high-pressure tactics and fake emergency scenarios to trick them into sending money or personal information. Imposter scams tend to be dangerous because they play on your emotions, Kenyatta Bagby, Office of Consumer Affairs manager, said. They are trying to do whatever they can to keep you on the phone. Any time that you feel pressured to make a payment or give them any kind of information, hang up the phone. The ODC encourages people to recognize the red flags when on the phone, including: high-pressure tactics, unusual payment requests, unsolicited contact, information fishing, and too-good-to-be-true promises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preventive measures that can be taken include keeping things like Social Security numbers and passwords private, trusting your instincts, hanging up and calling organizations directly, and staying informed on current scams so you can avoid them. If you think youve been the victim of an imposter scam, you should contact local authorities and report it to the Ohio Attorney General and the Office of Consumer Affairs within the Division of Financial Institutions at (866) 278-0003 or webdfi-oca@com.ohio.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 WKBN.com. GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) Deputies located a missing and endangered man. According to the Greenville County Sheriffs Office, 48-year-old Henderson Tamer was last seen leaving the area of Saw Blade Ridge on foot. Deputies said Tamer was safely located. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state was fully embracing a new policy of wiping asphalt art from streets across the state, regardless of messaging, intent or even potential safety benefits. Orlando was the first to feel the brunt of the states new road manual, which saw the locally famous rainbow crosswalk at Pulse nightclub erased overnight. DeSantis contended the state was broadly applying the new rules, painting over everything from rainbows to a Back The Blue pro-police mural in Tampa. The Florida legislature passed a law that was very clear were not doing the commandeering of the roads to put up messaging, he said at a press conference in Tampa on Tuesday. Weve made the policy decision in Florida that were not going to use the roads for that purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orlando officials were shocked last week when they learned the mural in remembrance of the 49 killed at the former Pulse nightclub had been wiped away overnight. The following evening, City Hall received notice that at least 18 other crosswalks, intersections, and road markings were deemed by the Florida Department of Transportation to no longer comply with state rules and had to be removed by Sept. 4. The 18 markings include artistic apolitical murals highlighting crosswalks in downtown Orlando, paver crosswalks in Creative Village and colorful bicycle logos in a bike lane near a Lake Nona elementary school. Florida Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue said the state had done an inventory of at least 400 locations ahead of its recent decisions, and is in the process of paving over anything not in compliance. Pavement art is not allowed, and were removing everything that is not compliant with state and federal standards, he said alongside DeSantis Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis said the state was following the lead of the Trump Administration, which is moving to wipe murals from streets across the country. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy tweeted earlier this year hes specifically targeting rainbows. Now with the Trump administration, theyre very aggressive in saying the roads shouldnt have the markings on them, DeSantis said. Seminole County received a similar notice and confirmed it was painting over bright green high-visibility trail crossing once lauded as a safety enhancement. Orlando hasnt decided whether it will appeal the states order. If the markings are still there on Sept. 4, the letter states FDOT will pave over them and bill the city for the expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the letter notes Orlando is allowed to appeal, it adds that any hearing wont result in a decision in the citys favor, stating the agency had already reviewed the pavement markings at the location(s) mentioned above and determined that the pavement markings will not be allowed. DeSantis dismissed the concerns of cities opposed to the rainbow removal such as Delray Beach, which has a scheduled hearing next month on its noncompliance in removing its colorful Pride intersection. I dont know why youd want to try to make a scene over it, he said. Just understand this has been done across the state and its been regardless of the messaging thats been used. Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins participates in the extradition from California of Harjinder Singh, accused of causing an accident that killed three people in Florida. (Via Collins' X account) Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday defended Florida law enforcement for letting semi-truck driver Harjinder Singh leave the state after apparently causing a traffic accident that killed three people here. Singh, from India, faces three vehicular homicide charges after attempting a U-turn, leading a minivan to collide with his trailer, killing its passengers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt obvious to the troopers at the time that there was a criminal offense that had been committed, DeSantis said, answering a question about why Singh was allowed to leave the scene of the crash and fly back to California. The witnesses were dead, he added. Dashcam footage started circulating online, showing the crash from the cab of Singhs truck. After troopers reviewed the video, clearly it was a situation where there was probable cause that a crime had been committed, DeSantis said. Lt. Gov. Jay Collins traveled to California to bring Singh back to Florida. DeSantis also responded to a Change.org petition that has more than 3 million signatures calling for a fair sentencing for Singh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He intended to get behind the wheel knowing that he didnt have the full capacity to be able to handle that vehicle. He was driving it around knowing that he was not well situated to do that. He attempted a very reckless U-turn with a very massive truck knowing how very dangerous that is. So, the notion that somehow this guy wasnt really at fault they almost portray him as like a victim of what happened here. You know, I dont buy that, DeSantis said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Property taxes DeSantis offered the remarks during a news conference he called in Tampa to discuss infrastructure projects. He also discussed his Florida DOGE audits of local government spending after being asked if he intends the initiative to lay the groundwork for his proposal to eliminate property taxes, a main revenue source for cities and counties. I dont think anybody can justify the increases that weve seen in many of these local government budgets over the last four or five years, DeSantis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were the only state that can probably pull this off given the structure of our economy, he added, highlighting the tourism industrys importance to the tax structure. DeSantis said his administration is studying the tax structure and that he expects to have something on the ballot in 2026 to allow voters to eliminate the tax. You have people that are paying taxes who arent residents here. Literally, you can shift the tax burden to people that cant I mean, local government can shift more to people that cant even vote them out of office, DeSantis said. He provided further commentary on the increasing cost of houses and their conversion by hedge funds into rental properties, saying, Weve never had a situation where home prices are more out of whack from median household income. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you say your personal homesteaded residence cant be subject to property tax but the investors could still be subject to property tax, what does that do? That basically puts a thumb on the scale in favor of traditional home ownership, DeSantis said. Taxes are up to the discretion of the government and voters, he said, while factors like home prices and insurance are, despite government intervention, ultimately are up to the private sector. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Editors note: This story was originally published on Aug. 26, 2024. A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives. When the battle rages in your own community, your emotions are oh so close to the surface. Paris in the summer of 1944 was the site of intense fighting and high drama. So on Aug. 26, 1944, when French Gen. Charles de Gaulle braved the threat of German snipers as he led a victory march in Paris, which had just been liberated by the Allies from Nazi occupation, the party was on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And blow-by-blow accounts were provided by newspapers in the U.S., including the Deseret News. German forces were occupying Paris, while resistance fighters worked to keep the hope of freedom from takeover alive. As rumors that Germans were preparing to disarm local police grew, the uprisings began in earnest. On Aug. 19, resistants seize police headquarters near Notre Dame Cathedral, build barricades throughout Paris. German tanks threatened to crush the uprising but a cease-fire reached. It looked like some French leaders were prepared to enter into a truce with the Germans, but de Gaulle would not be denied. On Aug. 22, Allied Supreme Commander Dwight Eisenhower, responding to de Gaulles threat to go it alone with French forces, agreed to the Allied assault on Paris. On Aug. 24, Americans covered French forces, who were given the honor of liberating Paris. When the French got bogged down by German resistance, some U.S. forces were ordered to Paris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 25, the French and Americans battled their way into Paris, forcing a German surrender. Th next day, de Gaulle led a procession down Champs-Elysees to Notre Dame despite worry over sniper fire. De Gaulle, who died in 1970, transitioned to statesman in the ensuing years, chairing the Provisional Government of the French Republic until 1946. He returned as prime minister in 1958, and was later elected president of France until he resigned in 1969. A.E. Hotchner, Associated Press As an interesting side note, there were reports through the years that writer Ernest Hemingway, then a war correspondent, on the day Allied troops marched into Paris, made straight for one of its most luxurious hotels and liberated the Ritz bar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per reports, Hemingway was covering the war with General George Pattons 3rd Army for the American magazine Colliers. De Gaulles famous speech On June 18, 1940 one day after British Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivered his Their Finest Hour speech over radio airwaves de Gaulle himself broadcast to German occupied France, and rallied the French Resistance to him in London. With threat of an armistice with Germany imminent, de Gaulle refused to accept that the fight for his country was over; Quoi quil arrive, la flamme de la resistance francaise ne doit pas seteindre et ne seteindra pas, he said, or Whatever happens, the flame of the French resistance must not and will not be extinguished! But the BBC didnt record the speech. And few heard his famous line. So, the furious de Gaulle repeated his message in a speech that was heard much more widely on June 22. This time it was recorded. De Gaulle was recognized by Churchill as the leader of all Free Frenchmen, wherever they may be and made many more broadcasts to France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about those moments in history, and how French resistance fighters and French collaborators were remembered and treated: A lucky drive through WWII France Liberation of Paris Paris recalls its recovery of honor Paris awes liberators withy riotous party and a few potshots Opinion: When D-Day veterans are gone, will we remember? This week in history: De Gaulle returns to power Chronology of liberation Aug. 15 End of occupation brought woe to French collaborators Artist Lakey Goff (left) listens to Arkansas Capitol Arts and Grounds Commissioner Stephen Bright (right) during the commission's meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the Arkansas Capitol. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate) The artist who designed a monument to the unborn to be built on the Arkansas Capitol grounds said Tuesday that she expects to have raised a total of $100,000 for the project by the end of October. Act 310 of 2023 authorizes the Secretary of State to decide where to place a suitable monument commemorating unborn children aborted during the era of Roe v. Wade. The law states that Arkansans had at least 236,243 abortions while the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion was in place from 1973 to 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late 2023, the Capitol Arts and Grounds Commission selected artist Lakey Goffs idea of a living wall of flora and fauna for the monument. Act 310 established a trust fund to raise money via private gifts, grants and donations, and fundraising for the project began in May 2024. The effort has raised $25,110, Capitol Arts and Grounds Commissioner Michael Harry said Tuesday. The projects price tag is estimated at over $900,000, an increase from Goffs projection last year of very roughly between $250,000 and $500,000. Commissioner Stephen Bright, a former state representative and the Secretary of States Chief Taxpayer Services Officer, told the New York Times that he hoped to change the design to reduce its cost to about $700,000. The Times reported in June that advocates for the monument had raised about $19,000. Goff told the commission that more donations started coming in after the article was published. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commissioner Tony Leraris said he was cautiously optimistic that the effort could raise $75,000 in just over two months. unborn monument appropriation Im afraid with this gigantic, almost seven-digit number thats in front of us [for the total cost], I think well all be dead and gone before the money is ever raised, Leraris said. Leraris was the sole commissioner to abstain from last years vote on the monument design, saying Capitol monuments should be for military and government-related things. Goff said she is certain the project has the momentum to meet its fundraising goal. Theres no fear here, theres no lack, theres no scarcity, and its going to be beautiful for everyone, she told the commission. I just want this anxiety and fear to leave right now in Jesus name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Arkansas Legislative Council authorized the commission earlier this month to use $20,000 of the donated funds for the monuments design and construction. Bright said the commission used roughly $16,000 of the appropriation to pay landscape architects from Development Consultants Inc. for their work on the project. Little Rock contracting firm Nabholz is the project manager for the monument, and Goff said the firm is not charging the state for its work because it is a pro-life company. Construction is not allowed to begin until 10% of the necessary funds have been donated, Harry said last year when the commission accepted Goffs recommendation for the monuments location. Goff proposed placing the monument in the grassy space behind the Capitol and to the north of the Supreme Court building, near a set of picnic tables. Goff said she is seeking to copyright her design of the monument, meaning it would no longer be subject to change. Harry expressed concern about Goffs decision, saying the state can only build a monument it can afford to pay for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its going to be loosely based on the idea of what you submitted but the final design will be up to the landscape architect and design team as opposed to how much money we actually have, Harry said. Bright said the commission should consider smaller projects with Nabholz and DCI if the goal of raising $100,000 by the end of October isnt met. We dont want the memorial to languish out there forever and not get built, Bright said. The commissions next meeting will be Oct. 7. Conservatives are threatening boycotts of Cracker Barrel after the company swapped its rustic logo for a cleaner design, accusing the chain of betraying its middle-American values. But LGBTQ+ historians say the uproar ignores a deeper irony: Just three decades ago, the Tennessee-founded restaurant was notorious for firing queer employees and became the target of one of the countrys longest-running equality battles. The chain, famous for its biscuits, rocking chairs, and Southern nostalgia, introduced a new logo last week, retiring the man sitting next to a barrel in favor of a simplified yellow-outlined wordmark. The update was part of a $700 million rebrand meant to freshen stores and attract younger diners. Instead, it triggered a stock dip and a wave of backlash from conservatives who claim the company has abandoned its roots. Far-right activist Robby Starbuck, who has had success targeting brands he deems too woke by calling for boycotts, described the redesign as proof of cultural betrayal. Over the weekend, Starbuck said on his web series that Cracker Barrel had shifted from old American nostalgia to cold, dead, lifeless, and modern. He mocked the change, adding that a friend asked what remained after removing the cracker and the barrel, and he answered, nothingness, the same nothingness that the left wants you to stomach in every other facet of your life. Starbuck then argued that Cracker Barrel was infested with left-wing activists who are more interested in safe spaces, pronouns, and virtue signaling than they are in their customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pointed to the companys rainbow-colored rocking chairs, its sponsorship of Nashville Pride and River City Pride in Evansville, Indiana, and its engagement with the Human Rights Campaign and Out & Equal as evidence of what he calls a betrayal of the brands so-called middle-American values. He concluded, A conservative cant give their money to Cracker Barrel. A Christian cannot give their money to Cracker Barrel, and so we wont. A forgotten past For many LGBTQ+ people, the outrage is heavy with irony. In January 1991, Cracker Barrel adopted a written policy stating that employees whose sexual preferences fail to demonstrate normal heterosexual values would be terminated. At least 11 workers lost their jobs, including Georgia cook Cheryl Summerville, who was handed a dismissal slip that read, The employee is being terminated for being gay. Summervilles firing made national news, landing her on Oprah and 20/20 and turning her into a reluctant face of the fight for workplace equality. Protests quickly followed, and in August 1991, about 150 demonstrators occupied nearly every table at Cracker Barrels flagship location in Lebanon, Tennessee, effectively shutting down Sunday brunch. Activists also took the fight to Wall Street. But the movement soon expanded beyond protests. That December, Carl R. Owens, a member of Queer Nation Atlanta, published a letter in Southern Voice under the headline Buy Cracker Barrel. He noted that the company had fired at least 17 people on the basis of their sexual orientation and praised Queer Nation activists who had formed picket lines, experienced arrest, taunts and threats of physical violence. Owens urged individual lesbians and gays across the United States to purchase a (one) share of Cracker Barrel Inc. stock. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal, Owens wrote, was to have thousands, hundreds of thousands of single share owners of Cracker Barrel stock adding, This will create some serious problems for the company. He argued that a nationwide Buy One campaign would send a strong message that gays and lesbians are not going to tolerate continued discrimination, calling it a remarkable empowerment for our community and a vivid example of our presence and power. He also suggested that once the campaign succeeded, participants could donate their shares to groups such as the Lambda Legal Defense Fund. The proposal, though ambitious for the pre-Internet era, caught on. Along the way, it gained unexpected allies like the New York City Employees Retirement System and the Sisters of Mercy, a Catholic order that managed hospital endowments. And by 1993, Cracker Barrels shareholder base had more than doubled. After a decade of shareholder battles, Cracker Barrels board amended its nondiscrimination policy in 2002 to include sexual orientation. Amanda W. Timpson and Yesterqueers That history has reemerged thanks to Amanda W. Timpson, a public historian and the creator of the viral project Yesterqueers. In a video that circulated widely on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube after Timpson posted it on Saturday, she explained that Cracker Barrels decade-long journey from blatant homophobia to being the front porch of Pride was driven by queer activists using brunch and the stock market as their weapons. In a Monday interview with The Advocate, Timpson said she had first researched the Cracker Barrel controversy years ago and returned to it because it connected current headlines with overlooked queer history. One of the things thats happening right now is people are feeling hopeless and beaten down, and the problems feel so big especially for younger queer people who do not have the in-person community that a lot of us had growing up, she said. So I think the thing that was so engaging about this video is that it was a very long fight, and it was a very unconventional fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She pointed to Owenss shareholder strategy as precisely the kind of creative activism people find compelling. It was this one guy who looked at the problem and was, like, I think theres another way to do this, she said. And one of the things I learned the first time I was researching this video is that there are a lot of funds, especially retirement and pension funds, that use their investing as a way to change the world. So the fact that the New York City ERS and the Sisters of Mercy were the first two to come on board is actually not all that surprising. Timpson emphasized that the fight also exposed how few protections queer workers had at the time. Cheryl Summerville didnt know it was legal for her to be fired for being gay until she was fired for being gay, Timpson said. She just assumed that was not legal which is a reasonable assumption but it was totally legal everywhere except Wisconsin. And we only recently got those federal protections in 2020 with [the U.S. Supreme Court case] Bostock. In response to some commenters accusing her of being a Cracker Barrel apologist, Timpson pushed back. Theyre still a mostly terrible company. They never crossed 80 on the HRC rating, and then they dropped out of being rated, she said before turning back to why the story is still a compelling one. But a bunch of queer activists worked together with allied activists, and they did it for a decade, and then they saw real, tangible change. Manufactured outrage Regarding Starbuck's comments on the companys recent move, Timpson said the far-right commentator is using a familiar playbook. I sure do wish hed use his powers for good, she said. Unfortunately, he has tapped into something that works really well. He basically followed the [Focus on the Family founder James] Dobson and [televangelist Jerry] Falwell models of lets get people really riled up so that they are operating from a place of emotion and not a place of logic and reason. He is dangerous. He causes demonstrable, measurable harm with the things that he does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Timpson, the antidote is education. My goal with Yesterqueers is to celebrate the broadest possible expanse of queer history and to bring queer history out of the shadows, she said. History is humanity. You cannot be a human successfully without a sense of connection to whatever your history is. The Human Rights Campaign, which Starbuck repeatedly attacked in his video, dismissed the controversy. Eric Bloem, the HRCs vice president of workplace equality, through a spokesperson, told The Advocate, Like most things Robby Starbuck is concerned about, this is a manufactured non-issue. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Despite claims it's 'too woke,' Cracker Barrel actually has a fraught LGBTQ+ history RELATED More than seven years after DNA testing freed two men from prison, clearing them in the 1994 slaying of Antwinica Bridgeman, prosecutors have not filed new charges in the case despite a genetic match between semen found on her underwear and a man who lived nearby. Last week, a federal judges opinion on the two mens civil lawsuits against city and county authorities revealed previously unreported details about the man, including his name Clarence Neal and that he had pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman in 2001 as well as being implicated in several other rapes. Judge Martha Pacolds opinion also disclosed that the Cook County states attorneys office sent investigators in 2017 to interview Neal. The opinion describes how Neal made several conflicting statements when they asked him if he had a sexual history with Bridgeman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevest Coleman and Derrell Darryl Fulton, who spent 23 years behind bars after being arrested in Bridgemans slaying, are suing the Chicago Police Department, Cook County, several officers and a prosecutor. Attorneys for the defendants asked the judge to resolve most of the complaints in their favor, but Pacold ruled that the bulk of the cases can move forward toward trial. Her opinion, reached in late March, was unsealed Wednesday, Aug. 20, with some material redacted. While the suits continue to work their way through the civil court system, the lack of new criminal charges has drawn criticism from Coleman and his lawyer, who say justice is being left undone. Bridgeman disappeared in April 1994 after celebrating her 20th birthday and was found dead more than two weeks later. Coleman and Fulton were convicted in 1997 and freed after two decades when DNA testing did not find a match with either of them, or with Bridgemans boyfriend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the DNA matched the man later identified as Neal, according to court records. The Cook County states attorneys office declined to comment, and a spokesperson for the Chicago Law Department said the City does not, and cannot comment on ongoing litigation. Efforts to reach Neal for comment were unsuccessful. Attorneys for police and the county have argued that Coleman and Fulton are guilty and said the states attorney declined to fight their certificates of innocence because of scarce resources. The (Cook County states attorneys office) also rejected the suggestion that the real killer is Neal, instead concluding Neal likely had a sexual encounter with the victim before the murder took place, attorneys for police officers who are defendants in the cases wrote in a 2021 court filing. Nonetheless (the office) concluded it would be impossible to overcome their burden of proof on a retrial in this day and age given the presence of Neals DNA on the victims underwear, combined with the confessions being contested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russell Ainsworth, an attorney who represents Coleman in his civil lawsuit, called the case a travesty, saying it was inconceivable that the DNA of the person or people responsible for her death would not be found on her body. The Tribune has reported extensively on Coleman, Fulton and Bridgeman. On the night Bridgeman disappeared, she had gone to a friends home in the 900 block of West Garfield Boulevard to celebrate her 20th birthday. It was April 11, 1994, and she was wearing a Chicago Bulls jacket. A small group of friends, including Coleman, toasted Bridgeman, who went by Mikey. As the party wound down, Bridgeman and Coleman walked a teenage girl home, then continued on their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Coleman worked for the White Sox as a respected member of the groundskeeping crew at the new Comiskey Park. Coleman was also affiliated with the Gangster Disciples and couldnt walk Bridgeman, who lived on 53rd Street, past the intersection of 55th and South Peoria streets because of an ongoing conflict with a rival gang. In a 2017 interview, Coleman told the Tribune he watched as Bridgeman walked away alone. That was the last time anyone reported seeing her alive. More than two weeks after the party, Colemans mother, Cecelia, asked him to find the source of a stench at their greystone, also in the 900 block of West Garfield, records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That led Coleman and a friend outside to check out the basement, which was in an abandoned part of the building known to attract squatters. They couldnt open the door, so they looked through a window, records show. Oh my God, there is a body, Coleman said, according to the friends statement to prosecutors. Coleman told his mother, and she called police. In the basement, officers found Bridgeman in a grisly state, wearing the clothes from the party but partially disrobed, with a piece of concrete in her mouth. She had been impaled with a pipe, though officials later determined she suffocated on the concrete. Police focused on Coleman after they learned he had been with her on the night she disappeared. They narrowed in on Fulton after Bridgemans boyfriend at the time said Fulton and a cousin of Fultons had previously harassed her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A group of Chicago cops with a history of alleged misconduct obtained confessions from Coleman and Fulton, which led to their convictions. The case re-emerged after Fulton wrote a letter to prosecutors years later seeking a review of the case and more testing. A forensic report dated May 31, 2017, states that Coleman, Fulton, Fultons cousin and Bridgemans boyfriend were all excluded as the source of semen collected from her underwear. The testing did match the man later publicly identified as Neal, according to the report. In an August 2017 Cook County criminal court hearing, prosecutors acknowledged serious issues have been raised in this case based on new DNA findings that could merit some form of relief for Coleman and Fulton but argued that the presence of another mans semen didnt prove Coleman and Fulton were innocent of the crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states attorneys office, then led by Kim Foxx, sent investigators to interview Neal after the DNA testing, according to the federal judges opinion. Initially, Neal told investigators that he had known A.B. for only about a month, had seen her only in passing, and never spoke to her, the opinion states. He denied having any sort of sexual relationship with her. However, he later said that if anything happened, he had stuck his hand down (Bridgemans) pants or vice versa. Neal later changed his story to say he may have had a quickie with Bridgeman, according to the opinion. The opinion also cites a later deposition in which Neal said Bridgeman had never removed her clothes during this encounter and had only performed oral sex on him. The identity of the person who killed Bridgeman is a key issue in the lawsuits brought by Coleman and Fulton. Fulton sued the city and county in December 2017, shortly after being freed. Coleman filed his lawsuit in February 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their suits, the two men assert their innocence in Bridgemans death and allege they were framed. The judges opinion on the defendants motions for summary judgment clears the way for the cases to go to trial or potentially be settled after years of delay. As for Bridgemans slaying, attorney Stuart Chanen, who has represented other clients in wrongful conviction cases, said the length of time and tangled history make it challenging to bring new charges. Its also hard for prosecutors to convict another suspect beyond a reasonable doubt when they are already on record pointing the finger at two other defendants, he said. The problem is, its still 30 years later from the rape and murder, Chanen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coleman, one of the wrongly convicted men, told the Tribune he is disappointed by the lack of new movement in the case. Thats what I dont get. You were so quick to get me but youre taking your time (now), Coleman said in an interview. That I dont understand. gpratt@chicagotribune.com Wang Hongzhi, a member of the Communist Party of China Leadership Group of the National Development and Reform Commission and head of the National Energy Administration, attends a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on achievements in high-quality energy development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's energy sector has achieved breakthroughs and historic accomplishments during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), an official said on Tuesday. Wang Hongzhi, head of the National Energy Administration (NEA), made the remarks at a press conference, saying that the country will achieve key energy development targets for the period as scheduled. According to plan, China aims to bring the annual domestic energy production capacity to over 4.6 billion tonnes of standard coal by 2025, and increase the share of non-fossil energy in total energy consumption to around 20 percent. China is making remarkable strides in green and low-carbon development, emerging as an important force in the global shift toward clean energy, said Wang. GREEN TRANSITION China's low-carbon transformation has accelerated at an unprecedented pace during the five-year period from 2021 to 2025. In this period, the country has built the world's largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system -- with the share of renewable energy in its total installed power generation capacity rising from about 40 percent to roughly 60 percent. China has led the world in installed wind power capacity for 15 consecutive years and in installed photovoltaic power capacity for a decade, Li Chuangjun, an official with the administration, revealed. In the 2021-2025 period, China has emerged as a global leader in new energy technology and equipment, with its new energy patents accounting for more than 40 percent of the world's total. The country has kept breaking world records in key areas over the past five years, including photovoltaic conversion efficiency and the single-unit capacity of offshore wind turbines. The scale of the country's new types of energy storage has also surged to the top position worldwide, said Wang. In addition, China has established the world's largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network during this period. By the end of July 2025, the number of China's charging infrastructure facilities had reached 16.696 million units, 10 times the amount at the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), said Du Zhongming, another NEA official. GLOBAL CONTRIBUTION The past five years have also witnessed China's significant contributions to global low-carbon transition. During this period, China's exports of wind power and photovoltaic products have helped other countries cut carbon emissions by around 4.1 billion tonnes. Centered on green transition and innovation cooperation, China has signed cooperation agreements in the field of renewable energy with over ten countries, including Kazakhstan, Denmark and Singapore, with these deals serving as guides for green energy collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). At this year's Meeting of Energy Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States, Chinese and overseas companies signed agreements for 25 energy projects, with a total value of approximately 40 billion yuan (about 5.62 billion U.S. dollars). China has partnered with over 100 countries and regions in green energy projects and steadily advanced cooperation in fields such as clean energy, infrastructure upgrading and transformation, and power interconnection across the ASEAN, Central Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa. Moving forward, China will contribute initiatives regarding energy security, energy transition and global climate response, advance high-quality green energy cooperation under the BRI and promote the establishment of a fair, balanced and universally beneficial global energy governance system. A press conference on achievements in high-quality energy development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) is held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) A journalist asks questions at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on achievements in high-quality energy development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Journalists work at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on achievements in high-quality energy development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) A Detroit man was arrested after police raided a house in Beaver County. Beaver County District Attorney Nate Bible said the Beaver County Detective Bureau, the Beaver County Drug Task Force, HIDTA and the Beaver County ESU team led an investigation for multiple weeks before executing a search warrant in Beaver Falls. On Saturday, police seized the following items from a house on the 1700 block of 4th Avenue: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approximately 86 grams of crack cocaine Approximately 12 grams of crack cocaine Approximately 37 grams of fentanyl Approximately 26 grams of Crystal Methamphetamine Approximately 2.5 pounds of marijuana 818 - Oxycodone pills 286 - Xanax Bar $7,766.00 in US currency Philip Jamale Riser, 35, of Detroit, was arrested and taken to the Beaver County Jail. He faces six felony drug charges and one misdemeanor. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) At several of Oregons biggest school districts, students are returning to classes after their summer break on Tuesday. Portland Public Schools and Beaverton School District are both beginning classes today, with thousands of students expected across both districts. Indian boarding school survivors share stories in Portland The head of PPS visited several campuses today to check in with students, teachers and staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One trend seen by KOIN 6 News was helping ease the transition for students especially those moving to middle and high school by staggering starts, where not all grades come at once and more peer to peer interaction. Its like a buddy system where older students help the younger ones get acquainted, especially when they are merging from different elementary schools into high school. Following an executive order by Gov. Kotek, students will also be returning to a changed environment where phones need to be off and away during school hours. According to Kotek, the phone ban is expected to help kids focus better and to improve kids safety and mental health. At Portland Public Schools, students will need to have their phones in their bags or lockers during the day, but some schools are taking it a step further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ida B. Wells High School in Southwest Portland is one of the schools implementing Yondr Pouches, where students phones will be locked during the day. Wells High School is holding an information session at the school on Tuesday night, where people can learn more about the new system. KOIN 6 News Emma Jerome spoke with Dr. Isaac Cardona, PPSs Chief of Schools, about the new policies and how they will impact students this year. Theres different levels, at K-5 you might see teachers use like a caddy or in some way collecting them at the beginning of the school day, said Cardona. At high school, you know, there are different ways to do it, so it could be Yondr Pouches or it could be in backpacks off and away as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other school districts, like the Hillsboro School District, which begins classes next week, will also be adopting phone policies straight away. Salem-Keizer Public Schools, Oregons second-largest school district, also begins classes next week. All schools around Oregon are expected to have new phone policies in place by Jan. 1, 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. BUCKHANNON, WV (WVNS) Governor Patrick Morrisey released a proclamation stating that for the first time, West Virginia will celebrate Dignity Day as part of an effort to recognize those that struggle with their mental health. According to a press release, Dignity Day, to be recognized on September 15, 2025, will shine a light on those that lived and died in state institutions, acknowledge those that survived them, and work to recognize the value of those who still struggle with their mental health in the current day. The West Virginia State Hospital Initiative (WVSHI) requested the proclamation, a nonprofit organization aimed at preserving the legacy and past of institutional mental health care, the release stated. WVSHI launched the initiative, Project Dignity, to ensuring that the stories of those previously institutionalized are remembered. This proclamation is not symbolic to us, it is an answer to silence. I was once told that time had taken over and perhaps, we should just let it all go. But how do you let go of thousands of lives? How do you let go of people whose only circumstance was to be ill, disabled, or vulnerable? I refused to accept that. With this proclamation, West Virginia has spoken what history too often withheld: their lives mattered, their dignity endured, and they will not be forgotten. Titus Swan | Chairman and Founder, WVSHI Credential WV Connect event to strengthen partnerships between workforce, education, and business sectors Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proclamation mentions an annual observance, though the document only applies to the year in which it was signed. WVSHI plans to submit the proclamation yearly until Dignity Day becomes part of the states calendar and awareness, the release stated. These are people who never had a chance to even be acknowledged in the first place. So, what this means is, if you were alive at one point you were a name that was meant to be called to a dinner table. You are somebodys mother, somebodys father, somebodys brother, someones family member; you matter just as much now as you did then. Titus Swan | Chairman and Founder, WVSHI The acknowledgement is not meant only for those of the past, but also knowledges people currently struggling with their mental health. The proclamation recognizes those who have been previously institutionalized, their families and how they were affected by it, too. In creating the day of remembrance, West Virginia affirms the dignity and respect that belongs to each life, the release noted. Dignity Day reflects who we are willing to be as people. It is not only recognition of those whose lives were touched by institutionalization, but of the choice of a state to remember them, to honor them, and to say clearly: they mattered. Titus Swan | Chairman and Founder, WVSHI WVSHI encourages residents throughout the state and the surrounding area to get involved in commemorating Dignity Day on September 15, 2025. For more information on WVSHI and their mission, visit their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Aug. 25Former Bernalillo County judge and deputy district attorney Julie Altwies was known for being tough on criminals and an advocate for victims' rights. "I remember her being very diligent and dedicated to prosecuting violent crimes," deputy district attorney David Waymire said. Altwies died in her sleep on Aug. 4. She was 67. Altwies was a leading prosecutor in the 1996 Hollywood Video murder case that involved the killing of five people in the metro area. She later became a Bernalillo County Metro Court chief judge and headed the county drug court program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She was so proud of the work that she was doing, especially when she got into the drug court," said Altwies' sister, Jane Altwies. "She never stopped talking about that and all the good things that were coming from it." 'Always mindful of victims' rights' Julie Altwies was born in Tiffin, Ohio, on Feb. 22, 1958. She attended the University of New Mexico and UNM School of Law before working at the Bernalillo County District Attorney's Office. In 1996, Altwies was the lead prosecutor in the Hollywood Video murder case where five people were shot and killed: three employees of the video store, Jowanda Castillo, Zachary Blacklock, and Mylinh Daothi, and Blacklock's grandparents, Pauline McDougall and George McDougall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Esther Beckley pleaded guilty to killing the McDougalls while Shane Harrison was found guilty of murdering the married couple. The jury was "deadlocked" on whether he fatally shot the employees, the Journal reported on Jan. 23, 1998. The McDougalls' granddaughter and Blacklock's cousin, Holly Jewell said during the trials Altwies explained everything that was going on in "layman's terms and (was) very straightforward with us with what to expect, what we would see in the courtroom." "We would be prepared for what was going to happen and things that were going to be said," Jewell said. "She shielded us from things that might have been even more traumatic or open more wounds. "She was caring and kind and comforting at a time when not much eased the pain and not much made things easier." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another case Altwies was involved in resulted in the indictment of an unknown man later identified as Robert Howard Bruce suspected of stalking, drugging and raping nine Albuquerque women in an eight-year-period. The indictment was based on DNA samples taken from most of his victims and on the methods he used during the attacks, according to the April 20, 2000, Journal. That was the first time that happened in New Mexico, Waymire said. Altwies was later appointed then elected Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court judge and became chief judge. During that time, she headed the local drug court program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a June 2, 2009, Journal article about a drug court graduation Altwies was quoted as saying, the program works "more than anything else in our system." Altwies retired in 2014, but not before receiving accolades such as prosecutor of the year by the New Mexico District Attorney Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Jewell said she and Altwies were friends with former MADD New Mexico chapter president, the late Nadine Milford. Milford championed for DWI reform after her daughter and three grandchildren were killed in a fatal crash on Christmas Eve in 1992. Altwies was prosecutor in that case. Waymire said he will remember Altwies for her "dedication to the cases and being focused on the results of the cases." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She was always mindful of victims' rights and putting the hard work in," he said. Jane Altwies said her sister also officiated many marriages, including those involving people whose lives were impacted by violent crimes. "I think that speaks a lot to her commitment (to) supporting New Mexicans affected by crime," Altwies said. Outside the courtroom, Julie Altwies loved being around dogs. "One of the things that gives me some comfort right now is that she'll be able to see her favorites, Buddy and Duke (golden retrievers) and George (mutt)," Altwies said. "There wasn't one dog she could pass without giving them a pet or a treat. Often times, I'd bring my dog and she would love them before she would even say hello to me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Altwies also enjoyed buying gifts for family, Jane Altwies said. "As we have been taking care of her belongings," Altwies said, "we're finding gifts for future birthdays for nieces and nephews and grandchildren." Altwies is survived by her mother Mary Janet Altwies and sisters, Jolene Altwies and Jane Altwies. A visitation is scheduled for 6-6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at French Funerals and Cremation at 7121 Wyoming NE, followed by memorial services from 6:30-7 p.m. Aug. 26As the search for a new superintendent at Dixon Public Schools kicks off, the school board is being asked to reconsider its residency requirement. The board voted to hire the Illinois Association of School Boards in December 2024 to conduct the search in anticipation of current Superintendent Margo Empen's July 2026 retirement. At a special meeting Aug. 8, an IASB consultant told the board that requiring the new superintendent to live in the district may be making some candidates wary of applying. [ Dixon School Board OKs agreement to begin the search for a new superintendent in June ] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The job is posted and will be up until Sept. 12. At that point the board will find out how many people applied, consultant Carmen Ayala told the board at the Aug. 8 meeting. Although it's still early, Ayala said, there's not "as robust numbers coming through." Candidates are "concerned" about the requirement that the individual, if hired, must live in the district and has up to a year to relocate, Ayala said. Ayala said she talked about two candidates who were interested in the Dixon position, but didn't want to, or think they could, move. One of them lives about 20 minutes outside the district, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the question posed by Ayala is: "Do you want to lose a potential great candidate for 20 minutes living outside of the district?" The school district reaches beyond Dixon's city limits. It covers as far south as U.S. Route 30, north past Grand Detour, west covering Palmyra and parts of Nelson and east past Nachusa, according to the district map. The board wants to have the residency requirement for two reasons: loyalty and involvement in the community, Board President Linda Wegner said. Although the preference is to have the superintendent live in the district, "20 minutes, I think, it's worth conversation," Board Vice President Brandon Rogers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Initially, we were thinking we don't want to be a stepping-stone community. We don't want this to be a job as a leadup to moving to the suburbs," Wegner said. "I think" living in the district "makes a difference in how many extracurricular activities you're at, how much you're seen in the community, and so on," Wegner said. It also could make a difference in what community a person is loyal to, Rogers said. "I think the community lens is going to be put on like, 'Wait a minute, you guys hired someone and they still live in" another town "and they have no intention of moving. I think the community would be like 'Why'd you hire this person? They're going to leave'," Rogers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But for potential candidates, moving might be difficult for two reasons: bad timing and/or a bad housing market, Ayala said. If everything goes according to plan, the board would like the new superintendent to start in January 2026 to work alongside Empen before she retires. That start date if a potential candidate has young kids falls in the middle of a school year and could make it difficult to move, Ayala said. As for housing, there's not much available in Dixon it's long been a topic of discussion for the Dixon City Council for at least the past year. On a wider scale, home prices are going up across Illinois while sales are down, according to a July 2025 report from Illinois REALTORS. For now, the residency requirement is still in place, but the board will reconsider if they get a low number of applications by September, Rogers told Shaw Local. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the current tentative schedule, the IASB will present the board with an estimated six candidates Oct. 15. The board will interview those individuals in closed session and select finalists. The finalists will meet with teachers and parents at a special meeting near the end of October before the board makes its decision. Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, withdraws his resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza during a meeting of the Resolutions Committee at a Democratic National Committee meeting Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) A Democratic National Committee panel did not advance any resolution on Israels war in Gaza during its meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday, reflecting the partys deep divisions over how forcefully to confront one of the U.S.s closest allies. The panel rejected a resolution, brought by a 26-year-old new DNC member, calling for an arms embargo on Israel and a recognition of Palestinian statehood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The panel unanimously passed a resolution brought by DNC Chair Ken Martin reaffirming the partys current position that calls for for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas since Oct. 7, 2023, and the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. Martin withdrew his resolution, however, and promised to form a task force to continue to have the conversation, to work through this and bring solutions back to our party. The move buys Martin and the party more time to deal with one of the most contentious and emotional issues roiling the party. Advancing a status quo resolution risked further alienating young progressive members of the party incensed at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, yet calling for an arms embargo would surely upset older Democrats whove long supported Israel. This is a moment that calls for shared dialog. It calls for shared advocacy, and thats why Ive decided today, at this moment, listening to the testimony and listening to people in our party, to withdraw my resolution, Martin said. Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, talks to Allison Minnerly, a delegate from Florida, after the failure of her resolution calling for an arms embargo on Israel and for members of Congress to formally recognize Palestinian statehood during a meeting of the resolutions committee at a Democratic National Committee meeting Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Resolutions passed by the DNC resolutions committee are meant to elevate principles consistent with the partys platform and are largely symbolic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida DNC member Allison Minnerly told reporters after the meeting she was disappointed Democrats didnt pass her resolution. Overwhelmingly, Democrats want the end of U.S. involvement in this war, particularly they want their elected officials to not be complacent in this crisis. So while its important that the conversation started today, the chair has placed a comma on that conversation, Minnerly said. Last month, 27 Democratic U.S. Senators including Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith voted for a resolution to block the sale of American bombs and firearms to Israel. The resolution didnt pass, but a growing number of Democrats voted in favor of it as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza grows more dire amid widespread hunger and suffering. Martin, who was the longest serving chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer Labor Party, has struggled to keep the various Democratic factions together in his six months at the helm of the DNC. He pushed out 25-year-old DNC Vice Chair David Hogg, who aimed to bring a new generation of Democrats into office even if it meant contentious primary challenges. Martin is also confronting slowing donations and a dissatisfied voter base eager for a stronger resistance to President Donald Trump. MINNEAPOLIS The Democratic National Committee delayed making a final decision on a pair of dueling resolutions on the U.S.-Israel relationship, with Chair Ken Martin calling for Democrats to keep working through an issue that continues to roil the party. Democrats had appeared headed for a showdown on Tuesday as the DNCs resolutions committee considered the competing resolutions, one of which called for a military arms embargo and suspension of military aid to Israel. The committee initially voted to reject that measure while advancing the one backed by Martin, which called for unrestricted aid to Gaza and a two-state solution. But soon after the arms embargo vote failed, Martin announced he was withdrawing his successful resolution, after speaking briefly with the backers of the vote on the sidelines of the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a divide in our party on this issue, Martin said, when announcing hed pulled his resolution. This is a moment that calls for shared dialogue, calls for shared advocacy. Martin pledged to appoint a committee, comprised of stakeholders on all sides of this, to continue to have the conversation, to work through this, and bring solutions back to our party. Martins decision was greeted by applause in the room. But Allison Minnerly, the Florida DNC member who submitted the failed measure, said that while Martin had placed a comma on the conversation, it was still disappointing when its clear what voters want. I think that there could have been more intentional conversation sooner, Minnerly said. I do think that his decision to pull his resolution now might reflect, maybe, some inner thoughts and fears that even the establishment Democratic Party, here at the DNC, is not aligned with the base and trying to avoid that conversation because its already created a problem with the party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minnerly, who spoke with Martin briefly after her measure failed, said he did not share a timeline with her on when he planned to set up the task force. The vote on the resolutions had become a kind of proxy battle for wings of the party and a test of Democrats continued shift on Israel amid a brutal war with Hamas. Martins resolution represented a more traditionally mainstream compromise approach. But progressives had pushed the failed measure that called for an arms embargo and recognition of a Palestinian state. The defeated resolution contained similar language to a Senate resolution led by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) last month, which 44 senators a majority of the Senate Democratic Caucus signed onto. While that arms embargo resolution failed, it gained support from 12 new Democratic senators since the previous it had been considered, the latest in a series of signs that Democrats frustration is deepening with Israels conduct and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In her remarks to the committee, Minnerly called on the DNC to align with Democratic voters, Seven percent of Democrats support the party's current position in this conflict and in this crisis, in service to our voters and as the body that is responsible for electing Democrats, we must give clear and actionable items and solutions to our members that align us with our voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some resolution committee members raised concerns that Minnerlys resolution did not mention Hamas, and Id like to see the onus of a ceasefire, not only with the right-wing government but with Hamas, and it does not mention that, said Harini Krishnan, a DNC member from California. I truly hope that, as a party, we can move beyond this issue, Krishnan said before the resolutions were withdrawn. Our country is falling apart. Brian Romick, president of the Democratic Majority for Israel, cheered DNC members for rejecting the DNC arms embargo resolution, saying in a statement that it sent a clear and resounding message by defeating a reckless and divisive resolution. But others on the committee expressed fear that if they didnt more aggressively stand up to Israel, I worry that we are losing our future as a Democratic Party by not being courageous on this issue, said Sophia Danenberg, a DNC member from Washington. The committee also approved a grab-bag of other messaging priorities, including condemning President Donald Trumps second term, combatting dark money in presidential primaries and backing Texas Democrats efforts to stop the states gerrymandering. A former University of Toledo medical fellow has been sentenced to prison for setting a house on fire in December, our CBS affiliate WTOL-11 TV reported. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Andrew Campbell, 34, was sentenced to four to six years in prison on Tuesday after pleading no contest to three aggravated arson charges in July. Three other charges of aggravated arson were dismissed in the plea deal, WTOL-11 reported. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campbell must also forefeit any interest in a Toyota RAV4 and register as a lifetime arson offender, according to WTOL-11. The man was convicted of setting a home in Sylvania Township on fire on Dec. 7, 2024. WTOL-11 reported that this home belonged to another local doctor. The Lucas County Prosecutors Office said one firefighter was injured while responding, and the home was significantly damaged. This case highlights the very real dangers arson presents to our community, Lucas County prosecutor Julia Bates said. Were grateful for the swift action of emergency responders and the thorough investigation by the Sylvania Township Police Department and the Ohio State Fire Marshals Office. We hope this resolution sends a strong message about the seriousness of this offense and that regardless of occupation, we will pursue justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campbell was a fellow with the universitys Hematology-Oncology program, the University of Toledo confirmed to WTOL-11. The university placed Campbell on administrative leave without pay on Dec. 20 after it learned about the criminal charges against him. A spokesperson with the University of Toledo confirmed to our CBS affiliate that Campbell is not a current employee in July. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Endoscopists introduced to AI-assistance tools during colonoscopies had a lower rate of detecting abnormalities after having said tools taken away, according to a study published this month in the Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology journal. Dr. Marcin Romanczyk, who conducted the study, said the results were a surprise, and he speculated that the decrease in detection rates were, in part, a result of overreliance on AI. In critical sectors like aviation where lives are at stake, there has been previous evidence of professionals relying too much on automation at the expense of safety. Artificial intelligence may be a promising way to boost workplace productivity, but leaning on the technology too hard may prevent professionals from keeping their own skills sharp. More specifically, it sounds like AI might be making some doctors worse at detecting irregularities during routine screenings, new research finds, raising concerns about specialists relying too much on the technology. A study published in the Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology journal this month found that in 1,443 patients who underwent colonoscopies with and without AI-assisted systems, endoscopists introduced to an AI-assistance system went from detecting potential polyps at a rate of 28.4% with the technology to 22.4% after they no longer had access to the AI tools they were introduced toa 20% drop in detection rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The doctors failure to detect as many polyps on the colon when they were no longer using AI assistance was a surprise to Dr. Marcin Romanczyk, a gastroenterologist at H-T. Medical Center in Tychy, Poland, and the studys author. The results not only call into question a potential laziness developing as a result of an overreliance on AI, but also the changing relationship between medical practitioners and a longstanding tradition of analog training. We were taught medicine from books and from our mentors. We were observing them. They were telling us what to do, Romanczyk said. And now theres some artificial object suggesting what we should do, where we should look, and actually we dont know how to behave in that particular case. Beyond the increased use of AI in operating rooms and doctors offices, the proliferation of automation in the workplace has brought with it lofty hopes of enhancing workplace performance. Goldman Sachs predicted last year the technology could increase productivity by 25%. However, emerging research has also warned of the pitfalls of adopting AI tools without consideration of its negative effects. A study from Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University earlier this year found that among surveyed knowledge workers, AI increased work efficiency, but reduced critical engagement with content, atrophying judgment skills. Romanczyks study contributes to this growing body of research questioning humans ability to use AI without compromising their own skillset. In his study, AI systems helped identify polyps on the colon by putting a green box around the region where an abnormality would be. To be sure, Romanczyk and his team did measure why endoscopists behaved this way because they did not anticipate this outcome and therefore did not collect data on why this happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, Romanczyk speculates that endoscopists became so used to looking for the green box that when the technology was no longer there, the specialists did not have that cue to pay attention to certain areas. He called this the Google Maps effect, likening his research results to the changes drivers made transitioning from the era of paper maps to that of GPS: Many people now rely on automation to show the most efficient route, when 20 years ago, one had to find out that route for themselves. Checks and balances on AI The real-life consequences of automation atrophying human critical skills are already well-established. In 2009, Air France Flight 447 en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris fell into the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 228 passengers and flight crew members on board. An investigation found the planes autopilot had been disconnected, ice crystals had disrupted its airspeed sensors, and the aircrafts automated flight director was giving inaccurate information. The flight personnel, however, were not effectively trained in how to fly manually in these conditions and took the automated flight directors faulty directions instead of making the appropriate corrections. The Air France accident is one of several in which humans were not property trained, relying instead on automated aircraft features. We are seeing a situation where we have pilots that cant understand what the airplane is doing unless a computer interprets it for them, William Voss, president of the Flight Safety Foundation, said at the time of the Air France investigation. This isnt a problem that is unique to Airbus or unique to Air France. Its a new training challenge that the whole industry has to face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These incidents bring periods of reckoning, particularly for critical sectors where human lives are at stake, according to Lynn Wu, associate professor of operations, information, and decisions at University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School. While industries should be leaning into technology, she said, the onus to make sure humans are appropriately adopting it should be on the institutions. What is important is that we learn from this history of aviation and the prior generation of automation, that AI absolutely can boost performance, Wu told Fortune. But at the same time, we have to maintain those critical skills, such that when AI is not working, we know how to take over. Similarly, Romanczyk doesnt eschew the presence of AI in medicine. AI will be, or is, part of our life, whether we like it or not, he said. We are not trying to say that AI is bad and [to stop using] it. Rather, we are saying we should all try to investigate whats happening inside our brains, how we are affected by it? How can we actually effectively use it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If professionals and specialists want to continue to use automation to enhance their work, it behooves them to retain their set of critical skills, Wu said. AI relies on human data to train itself, meaning if its training is faulty, so, too, will be its output. Once we become really bad at it, AI will also become really bad, Wu said. We have to be better in order for AI to be better. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Chongli, a co-host for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, hosted a BMX freestyle event for youth, where riders performed tricks and stunts on a specially designed park, with points awarded for creativity, difficulty, and execution. Search online for natural antidepressants and St. Johns wort will will most certainly pop up. The herbal supplement, sold in capsules, tablets, teas, and tinctures, has long been promoted as a remedy for depression. People who are reluctant to take synthetic antidepressant drugs like Prozac are often drawn to this natural remedy. I often hear from patients curious about natural alternatives like St. Johns wort, says Dr. Sharon Batista, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Mount Sinai Hospital and a practicing psychiatrist in New York City. While this herb does have legitimate antidepressant properties, I generally advise against its use due to concerns that outweigh its potential benefits. What is St. Johns wort? St. Johns wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is a plant with bright yellow, star-shaped flowers that blooms around June 24thSt. Johns Daywhich is how it got its name. Advertisement Advertisement In ancient Greece, it was used for wound healing, as a diuretic, and for menstrual disorders. Since then, it has also been used as a folk remedy for a wide range of ailments, but nowadays it is most often taken for depression. St. Johns wort is a yellow flowering plant native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. Image: DepositPhotos Is there evidence that it helps with depression? Studies on the effectiveness of St. Johns wort for depression have found mixed results. In some clinical trials, St. Johns wort worked no better than a placebo for treating minor and major depression. Other studies, including a review of 29 international trials, suggested it may be as effective as standard prescription antidepressants for treating mild to moderately-severe major depressionand with fewer side effects. Interestingly, results varied by location. Studies from German-speaking countries, where St. Johns wort has a long history of medical use, gave more positive results than those from the United States. The research is mixed and not strong enough [for St. Johns wort] to be FDA approved like its antidepressant counterparts, says Dr. Simon Faynboym, a psychiatrist at Neuro Wellness Spa in California. Advertisement Advertisement Researchers believe that St. Johns wort increases levels of chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brainsimilar to how prescription antidepressants work. Is it safe? If you already take prescription antidepressants, taking St. Johns wort can lead to a potentially life-threatening increase in serotonin, psychiatrists warn. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include agitation, diarrhea, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, hallucinations, and increased body temperature. St. Johns wort also increases levels of liver enzymes like CYP3A4, which speed up the breakdown of many medicines in the liver. Because of this effect, St. Johns wort can drastically weaken medicines such as birth control pills, some HIV drugs (like indinavir), some cancer medications (like irinotecan), warfarin (a blood thinner), digoxin (a heart medication), cyclosporine (used to prevent the body from rejecting transplanted organs), and oxycodone (a pain medicine). These drug interactions are so concerning that France has banned all St. Johns wort-containing products. Advertisement Advertisement Most patients are surprised to learn that these interactions can be life-threatening, says Batista. Related Health Stories Can you hack aging with NAD supplements? Do infrared saunas work? What the science says. Why do some people need less sleep? Why is fluoride in water so controversial? The science of fluoridation, explained. Does ashwagandha actually help with anxiety and sleep? Dr. Ritu Goel, an integrative psychiatrist in private practice in California, advises anyone taking any kind of prescription medicine to consult their doctor or pharmacist before even considering using St. Johns wort. She also cautions that it may increase sun sensitivity, trigger mania in individuals with bipolar disorder, and is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. What else to know If we choose to try it, I generally recommend a standardized extract of approximately 300 mg taken three times daily, totaling 900 mg per day, with a follow-up assessment after 6-8 weeks, she says. We also ensure theres a plan in place if side effects occur or mood symptoms worsen. Advertisement Advertisement Another thing to keep in mind is that dosing varies widely among manufacturers. As with many supplements, quality control is not as tightly regulated as in prescription medications and there is no standardized dosing, says Faynboym. When I discuss this with patients, I let them know this means that potency and purity may be inconsistent, and its unclear exactly how much is in each capsule. For this reason, Goel suggests choosing brands that undergo third-party testing to verify that the product actually contains what it says on the label. Goel points out that it may take several weeks before the benefits of St. Johns wort are noticeable. Bottom line Goel reminds her patients that while St. Johns wort can help some people with mild to moderate depression, its not a miracle cure, and its not suitable for everyone. The problem with St. Johns wort, says Batista, is that it acts like a drug, but isnt regulated like one. Until standardized formulations and long-term safety data become available, she believes the risks of using St. Johns wort arent justified, especially when there are well-studied and safer alternatives. Advertisement Advertisement Faynboym advises anyone considering St. Johns wort to speak with their healthcare provider first about the risks and benefits, especially if they are already taking other medications. Herbal remedies should be approached with the same caution and respect as prescription drugs, he says. This story is part of Popular Sciences Ask Us Anything series, where we answer your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the ordinary to the off-the-wall. Have something youve always wanted to know? Ask us. Dog owners asked to use extra caution as turtle hatchling season continues People in Central Florida are being asked to do their part to help baby turtles during hatchling season. Officials said owners must keep their dogs on a leash to prevent them from becoming entangled in a turtle nest. Legislation allowing dogs on Volusia County beaches has been under discussion for months, but it comes with responsibilities to safeguard local wildlife. I dont see this happening when the owner is with them. Its when theyre unassisted, said Kevin Brown with Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol, emphasizing the need for caution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to keeping dogs leashed, officials recommend residents turn off lights near the water to further protect turtle hatchlings. In Central Florida, hatchlings generally emerge from the sand in mid- to late July, peaking in August and September. By following these guidelines, residents can help ensure the safety of vulnerable turtle populations during this critical time. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Acolytes of former White House adviser Elon Musk ignored privacy warnings and mishandled sensitive Social Security information, according to a whistleblower complaint filed Tuesday. Officials from the so-called Department of Government Efficiency potentially put hundreds of millions of Americans sensitive information at risk by copying a critical Social Security database and uploading it to an insecure cloud server, according to the complaint, filed with members of Congress by the Social Security Administrations chief data officer, Charles Borges. Specifically, DOGE officials made a live copy of the numerical identification system, a database known as the Numident, in June despite warnings that doing so violated security protocols and could expose Americans personal identifying information. Related: 'Never Seen Anything More Pathetic': Trump Envoy Mocked After Public Groveling Session Should bad actors gain access to this cloud environment, Americans may be susceptible to widespread identity theft, may lose vital healthcare and food benefits, and the government may be responsible for re-issuing every American a new Social Security Number at great cost, said the complaint filed by Borges lawyers at the Government Accountability Project, a whistleblower protection group. A demonstrator protests against DOGE's effort to share Americans' private personal data, at a "Hands Off!" rally against the Trump administration on April 5 in Riverside, California. David McNew via Getty Images The complaint, first reported by The New York Times, is the latest fallout of a long-running effort by Musks underlings, whom he brought into government from his private companies, to gain access to the governments most sensitive databases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Numident is a master file of everyone who has a Social Security number, or everyone whos applied for a Social Security number, Kathleen Romig, a Social Security expert with the liberal Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, told HuffPost. So thats hundreds of millions of Americans, and it includes your full name, any past names, your mothers maiden name, and all your parents information, your Social Security number, your date of birth, your place of birth, your citizenship status, ethnicity, sex, and of course, if youve died, the date of your death, she added. Borges alleged that DOGE copied the Numident data to an internal agency server, and he had raised concerns to his supervisorsabout what his lawyers call a disturbing pattern of questionable and risky security access and administrative misconduct. Earlier this month, according to the complaint, Borges also reached out about his data security concerns to several DOGE staffers at Social Security including Edward Coristine, the 19-year-old known as Big Balls but was not reassured by their responses. Related: Joe Rogan Turns On Trump To Shut Down His Signature Claim An SSA spokesperson told HuffPost the agency takes all whistleblower complaints seriously and maintains that sensitive personal information is kept in secure environments that have robust safeguards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data referenced in the complaint is stored in a longstanding environment used by SSA and walled off from the internet, the spokesperson said. High-level career SSA officials have administrative access to this system with oversight by SSAs Information Security team. We are not aware of any compromise to this environment and remain dedicated to protecting sensitive personal data. Since being created by President Donald Trump in January, DOGE has pushed for access to government data in the name of finding ways to root out fraud. In March, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against DOGEs efforts to access the data, but the Supreme Court overruled the decision in June, granting DOGE access to the data while the lower courts consider the case. Elon Musk flashes his T-shirt that reads "DOGE" to the media as he walks on the South Lawn of the White House in March. A whistleblower complaint filed Tuesday alleges that Musk's acolytes in the department mishandled sensitive Social Security information. Jose Luis Magana via Associated Press Musk and Trump repeatedly complained about Social Security databases containing outdated information, such as Social Security numbers for people not listed as dead even though they were 120 years old. They ignored previous watchdog investigations that found outdated number holders werent receiving benefits. This account is a clear example of how the Trump administration is playing fast and loose with Americans most sensitive personal information, said Senate Finance Committee ranking member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). Trump and DOGEs reckless treatment of Social Security data jeopardizes the financial security and personal safety of every single American. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the Supreme Court threw out the injunction, the DOGE staffers got to work setting up a cloud environment to which they could transfer a copy of the Numident. A risk assessment warned the Numident is a high-value asset and that unauthorized access to the data could be catastrophic. The project moved forward, and in mid-July, Aram Moghaddassi, a Musk protege serving as Social Securitys chief information officer, signed off on it. I have determined the business need is higher than the security risk associated with this implementation and I accept all risks associated with this implementation and operation, Moghaddassi said in an email, according to the complaint. Related: Hillary Clinton Just Rebranded Trumps America With A Stinging Label Romig said she was not reassured by the SSAs statement that the project is fully walled-off from the internet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fact that it is SSAs chief data officer who is raising the alarm here, and the fact that he had provided a lot of documentation showing that other SSA staff saw this as a high-risk proposition, makes you wonder how walled-off it is, Romig said. Why would multiple people say its high risk if its truly that secure? More on Politics 'Big Balls' Is At The Social Security Administration Elon Musks DOGE Posts Classified Data On Its New Website Ex-Labor Secretary Robert Reich Says This 1 Obsession Will Be Trumps Downfall Read the original on HuffPost Department of Government Efficiency whistleblower Charles Borges has revealed that DOGE employees uploaded a copy of an important Social Security database containing the full names, dates of birth, and addresses of hundreds of millions of Americans onto a cloud server, making the data vulnerable to leaks and hackers. Borges, the Social Security Administrations chief data officer, indicated that DOGE refused to put independent security or oversight mechanisms in place, creating enormous vulnerabilities. Should bad actors gain access to this cloud environment, Americans may be susceptible to widespread identity theft, may lose vital health care and food benefits, and the government may be responsible for reissuing every American a new Social Security number at great cost, Borges wrote in his whistleblower complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite cybersecurity officials at the SSA expressing their concern, DOGE stooges said that its mission was more important than the basic safety and security of American citizens personal information. I have determined the business need is higher than the security risk associated with this implementation and I accept all risks, said SSA Chief Information Officer Aram Moghaddassi, who previously worked for former DOGE leader Elon Musk at X and Neuralink. This only reaffirms the well-documented concerns about the security risk that giving young, Silicon Valley-coded DOGE-bros like Edward Coristine (aka Big Balls) access to sensitive information on millions of Americans raises. The White House has yet to comment on Borgess most recent complaint. President Donald Trump called for Harvard University to pay a sweeping $500 million settlement to restore its federal funding, saying the elite university has been very bad. We want nothing less than $500 million from Harvard. Dont negotiate, Linda, Trump said to Education Secretary Linda McMahon during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. He continued, Theyve been very bad. Dont negotiate. Harvard has been one of the Trump administrations biggest targets, and an agreement between the two parties has so far proven elusive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvard did not immediately respond to CNNs request for comment. The administration has argued its cracking down on antisemitism on campus amid the Israel-Hamas war. But Harvard, the only school to take on the White House directly in court, has become the epicenter of a broader clash over academic freedom, federal funding and campus oversight. And theres a belief inside the White House that targeting the countrys most elite academic institutions is a winning political issue for the president. Trumps comments come as a federal judge is expected to soon rule in the schools funding case against the Trump administration. Harvard had asked for an expedited final decision from US District Judge Allison Burroughs before September 3, which the school said was the first date it would be required to submit paperwork to close out grant funding. The administration has previously reached agreements with fellow Ivy League institutions Columbia University and Brown University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbia agreed to pay the US Treasury $200 million over three years and an additional $21 million to settle US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigations. An independent monitor will oversee implementation of various provisions of the deal. Days later, Brown agreed to pay $50 million in grants over 10 years to Rhode Island workforce development organizations, avoiding direct payments to the federal government. And Browns resolution agreement specified that no provision shall be construed as giving the United States authority to dictate Browns curriculum or the content of academic speech. The White House continues negotiations with Cornell University and Northwestern University. CNN reported earlier this month that the administration is seeking a staggering $1 billion settlement from the University of California, Los Angeles, something the schools leadership has cast as a nonstarter that would devastate the public university. At the same Tuesday Cabinet meeting, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the Trump administration is having fun working across agencies to pressure higher education institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As an example, he pointed to recent administration actions to try to address university ownership of patents for research that federal funding has paid for. So we are going to make a deal with them all, which is: if we give them the money, dont you think its fair that the United States of America and the taxpayers who fund it get a piece of that, right? Lutnick said. The administration targeted Harvards patents last month, with Lutnick writing a letter to President Alan Garber issuing an immediate comprehensive review of the schools federally funded research programs. The administration is also initiating an arcane process under the Bayh-Dole Act that means that if Harvard doesnt disclose or patent its inventions, the federal government can take ownership of them or grant third-party licenses. I mean, we just have a blast, you know? Because Lindas hitting Harvard, and she says, What can we do now? We send them a patent letter and hit them again. So were having fun together, Lutnick said. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The federal worker who threw a loaded Subway footlong hoagie into the bullet-proof-vest-covered chest of a federal agent has done us a public service. Sean Charles Dunns impulsive act of disgust at seeing Washington, DC, being occupied by federal troops has made him perhaps Americas most famous food thrower since a bunch of guys in Boston hurled tea into the harbor a long time ago. Before Dunn threw the sandwich, he reportedly voiced his displeasure to the Customs and Border Patrol officers he saw on the street corner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why are you here? Dunn asked. I dont want you in my city. I dont condone food throwing, especially if I just paid for it and Im hungry. But youve got to admit, food tossing has some solid roots in this country as a protest option. Dunn, a 37-year-old employee at the U.S. Department of Justice, was fired from his job after wasting a perfectly good footlong in what was charged as a felony count of assault. A felony? Those Subway rolls seem misdemeanor soft to me. If Dunn was trying to cause physical harm, the sub sandwich was a poor choice. And if he wanted to make the most of it, he would have unwrapped the sandwich first and thrown it in a way that sprayed the sloppy contents like edible shrapnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, instead, he kept the sandwich neatly wrapped and aimed at a border agents body armor. Thats more of a weak gesture of assault, rather than a real assault. This more like a 'Deep Cheesesteak' than a "Deep State' assault Nevertheless, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is herself full of baloney, announced Dunns arrest with the solemnity usually reserved for busts of narco traffickers. This is an example of the Deep State we have been up against for seven months as we work to refocus DOJ, Bondi wrote. You will NOT work in this administration while disrespecting our government and law enforcement. Please, girlfriend. Youre embarrassing yourself. Deep State? More like Deep Cheesesteak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Trump demands: Ditch vote-by-mail. Republicans shouldnt. I guess Bondi, as usual, thinks we all have amnesia. This is the same administration that pardoned more than1,500 rioters who criminally stormed the U.S. Capitol to stop a lawful election and to prevent the smooth transfer of power for the first time in our countrys history. Many of these violent insurrectionists used hard objects, not soft bread rolls, to batter and injure 140 police officers, leaving them with broken bones and traumatic brain injuries. Bondis DOJ not only sanctioned this lawlessness, but it hired one of the insurrectionists to serve in a senior position, even though he was on camera during the January 6, 2001, storming of the Capitol, urging his fellow rioters to kill the police protecting the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yeah! Kill em! Yeah! shouted Jared Wise. Wise is now an advisor for Ed Martin, the director of the DOJs so-called Weaponization Committee, which was established by President Donald Trump to seek vengeance against his political enemies. Thats a real poop sandwich. So, this is a jaw-dropping lapse of self-awareness on Bondis part to carry on so righteously about prosecuting the harmless sub sandwich thrower while giving a pass to the real attackers looking to maim or kill law enforcement officers. Over-charging the sub sandwich thrower just underlines the lack of impartiality that is supposed to be a DOJ hallmark. Food throwing: 'DC's sub' vs 'Sunshine State slushie' We have some experience right here in Florida with politically motivated food throwing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondi got her new job after Trumps first pick for U.S. attorney general was then Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, a pick that even Republicans thought was too ridiculous to consider. Gaetz withdrew his nomination, paving the way for Bondi. Editorial: Palm Beach County deserves better than what Florida DOGE is offering If Gaetz had Bondis new job, he would have first-hand experience with food throwers. While the Panhandle politician was campaigning for his seat in 2019, Amanda Kondrat'yev, a 35-year-old woman who had previously run against Gaetz and lost, tossed a full red slushie drink at him as he walked out of a political event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The loaded slushie did not pop its lid when it landed on Gaetz pale green shirt, sparing him all but a few drops. He insisted on prosecuting the woman, asking for prison time. Kondratyev eventually pleaded guilty to battery and served a 15-day jail sentence with a $500 fine. Four years later, Gaetz was hit with a loaded drink by another woman who happened to be walking by him at the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival. The woman told police that she just tripped, accidentally spilling her drink on Gaetz as she walked by. But Gaetz insisted on prosecuting her for assault. "If we start allowing stuff to be thrown or hurled, if we allow people to be harmed, there is a severe risk of escalation and accident," Gaetz said on his podcast. "And we don't want to see anyone in harm's way, whether it's family members, supporters or even our detractors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Here are 10 signs your child's Florida school is under siege by ICE So far, Dunn has been hailed in Washington, DC, where he is known as the Hoagie Hero, and the man arrested for assault with a deli weapon. To me, Dunn's a "hero with a hero" who has performed a valuable public service by pointing out the new motto that best describes the current state of our rule of law: And justice for some. Frank Cerabino is a news columnist with The Palm Beach Post, which is part of the USA Today Network-Florida. He can be reached at fcerabino@gannett.com 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: DC sandwich thrower points out Trump's broken justice system | Opinion DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) Residents, business leaders, and stakeholders in Dorchester County are encouraged to attend one of two Community Vision Plan briefings. The first of the two meetings will be held Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in St. George, and the second is planned for Summerville on Wednesday evening. The informational sessions, hosted by the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber Foundation, will highlight progress on the Community Vision Plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foundation worked with Dorchester County and the Town of Summerville to create a roadmap for the future. Organizers said it was influenced by a survey that more than 3,200 residents across the county participated in. Leaders say housing and a sustainable workforce were high on the list, along with responsible growth in areas like Ridgeville and St. George. The plan also addresses quality of life, from parks and recreation to keeping jobs closer to home, so people can spend less time commuting and more time in their community. There will be two community briefings held on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Those interested in attending can sign up using the links below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. George Briefing (click here to sign up) Date: Tuesday, August 26 Time: Doors open at 5:00 PM | Program begins at 5:30 PM Location: Klauber Building, 225 N. Parler Avenue, St. George Summerville Briefing (click here to sign up) Date: Wednesday, August 27 Time: Doors open at 5:00 PM | Program begins at 5:30 PM Location: Summerville Town Council Chambers, 200 S. Main Street, Summervil Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Israel has killed 20 people, including journalists and health workers, in a strike on Nasser Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip. In fact, it was two strikes that hit the hospital in Khan Younis on Monday 10 minutes apart about 10am (07:00 GMT). Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement released in English only that Israel deeply regretted what he characterised as a tragic mishap without explaining how Israel had hit the same hospital not once but twice in apparent error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what is a double-tap strike? Is it legal? Heres what we know: What happened at Nasser Hospital? The first strike hit the top storey of the hospital where Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri was operating the news agencys live feed. The second strike was filmed live as it killed rescue workers and journalists who had run to the scene to help after the initial strike. Israel told foreign doctors volunteering at Nasser Hospital to leave the facility before the attack for some arbitrary reason and instructed them not to return until the next day, Dr Mimi Syed, who has done two volunteer missions to Gaza, told CNN, calling Netanyahus statement of a tragic mishap absolutely untrue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement https://x.com/_ZachFoster/status/1960073822985437419 What is a double-tap strike? Essentially, its two strikes on the same target. The first strike is intended to kill an individual or individuals, the second to kill any rescue workers who come to help. The United States is thought to have been among the first to use double-taps extensively, carrying out double-tap drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen and Afghanistan during the administration of former President Barack Obama. The tactic was adopted by other armies, such as those of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the Russian army in Ukraine. How much does Israel use it? Israel now routinely uses the tactic in its war on Gaza, according to a joint investigation in July by Israeli magazines +972 and Local Call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One source present in the military command rooms overseeing the strikes said planners know that the tactic amounts to a death sentence for the sometimes hundreds of people injured in the initial strike and their rescuers. If theres a strike on a senior commander, another one will be carried out afterwards to ensure rescue efforts dont take place, the source explained. First responders, rescue teams they kill them. They strike again, on top of them. Is it legal? Not at all. Double strikes are breaches of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the targeting of medics, anyone assisting in rescue efforts or those wounded in the first strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, Mondays strikes targeted a hospital full of medical staff, rescuers and journalists. All of the above are protected under international law, yet Israel has consistently been accused of targeting them in its war on Gaza. There are no accurate numbers for the total number of healthcare and Civil Defence workers Israel has killed during its war on Gaza. However, Mondays killings bring the number of journalists killed by Israel in Gaza to at least 273, according to an Al Jazeera tally, making it the deadliest single conflict for reporters in history. Israel has also consistently been accused of deliberately targeting journalists in its attacks on Gaza. Are these warning taps? No, youre thinking of roof-knocking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roof-knocking refers to dropping light ordnance onto the roof of a target shortly before a primary strike to warn inhabitants that a larger strike is imminent and ostensibly give them time to evacuate. When the roof knock is on a residential building, whole extended families would find themselves with minutes to flee their homes. What Israel calls roof-knocking dates to its previous wars on Gaza, such as 2008, 2012 and 2014, and is often conflated with any kind of warnings issued to people living in a location Israel wants to attack sometimes giving them as little as five minutes to get out. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, said Israel manipulates what could be claimed as a humanitarian measure by using heavier ordnance during the initial strike, in effect turning it into a double tap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Condemning the practice during Israels 2014 war on Gaza, Amnesty said: There is no way that firing a missile at a civilian home can constitute an effective warning. Two days after it started its current war on Gaza, Israel said it would no longer extend this warning to Palestinians. Instead, it said, text messaging and what were found to often be out-of-date maps would be used to guide civilians out of harms way. Journalists killed in an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital on August 25, 2025 [Screengrab/Al Jazeera] What did Israel say? In addition to saying that hitting the same hospital wing twice was a tragic mishap, Netanyahu claimed Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff and all civilians, adding: The military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. https://x.com/netanyahu/status/1960030187933835604 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli army issued a statement claiming it regretted any harm to uninvolved individuals and does not target journalists as such. Surely Israel plans to investigate? An analysis in August by Action on Armed Violence concluded that 88 percent of the investigations the Israeli military said it was launching into its own conduct were either stalled or closed without action. According to its own leaked report, Israel has known throughout its war in Gaza that 83 percent of the people it was killing were civilians, amounting to about 52,000 people in 22 months of the war. It has also been accused of systematically destroying Gazas healthcare system as well as routinely detaining and torturing its healthcare staff. Downed power lines, dust advisory from high winds in Imperial County IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) High winds in eastern San Diego County and in Imperial County caused a wall of dust to blow across Interstate 8 and knocked some power lines onto the freeway, closing it to through traffic. Caltrans issued a high wind advisory for Interstate 8 from Alpine to Ocotillo amid the severe weather. Drivers are advised to reduce speed and use headlights and wipers as thunderstorms move through the region. Severe thunderstorm, flash flood warning for parts of eastern San Diego County due to heavy rain, storms Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caltrans reports both directions of I-8 at Gordons Well Road in Imperial Valley are closed because of downed power lines that were blown onto the freeway. Officials say it is never safe to touch downed power lines. High winds continue to bring down powerlines. I-8 is blocked in both directions at Gordons Well Road due to downed powerlines across the highway. For the latest road conditions: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov (PHOTO: Caltrans) Downed power poles are also blocking SR-115 in both directions from Miller Road to I-8 in Imperial Valley, Caltrans reports. Downed power poles are blocking SR-115 in both directions at Evan Hewes Highway. Remember to never touch downed power lines. For latest road conditions: https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov (PHOTO: Caltrans) The high winds created a wall of dust from near Calexico to near El Centro Naval Airfield to Plaster City, according to NWS. There was less than one mile of visibility on Interstate 8, and along CA Route 111 and on CA Route 86. A dust advisory was in place until 4:15 p.m. Monday. The high winds came with severe thunderstorms that moved across Southern California on Monday. The warnings mostly expired by Monday afternoon, however some flash flood warnings and flood watches and advisories remained in place through the evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Torrential rain, hail possible for parts of San Diego County this week In Imperial County, a flood watch will remain in effect through Monday evening. NWS reports high atmospheric moisture, in combination with instability and slow moving showers and storms, could bring heavy rainfall and flooding to the region. Other emergency road closures in Imperial County due to downed power poles include portions of Clark Road, Bennett Road and Anza Road. This follows a weekend of rain and lightning from increased monsoonal moisture sweeping through the region. And its not over just yet, some parts of San Diego County could see more precipitation through Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Full forecast at fox5sandiego.com/weather Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. UPDATE (8/26): The Wood County Sheriffs Office said Meinert was found safely and is with his family. We received confirmation of his whereabouts and condition from the local law enforcement agency and the silver alert has been lifted, the sheriffs office said. MINEOLA, Texas (KETK) The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has issued a Silver Alert for a missing man with a cognitive impairment, last seen in Mineola on Monday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LIST: What to know about every Texas DPS alert According to DPS, 72-year-old Lawrence Meinert was last seen around 11 p.m. on the 280 Block of CR 2798 wearing a gray striped shirt, gray shorts and brown flip flops. Description: Hair: White Height: Five feet, 11 inches Weight: 150 pounds Eyes: Hazel Lawrence Meinert, courtesy of Texas DPS Vehicle: Make: Chevrolet Model: Silverado Year: 2005 Color: Gray License State: Texas License Number: HKX4749 Stock image of the truck, courtesy of Texas DPS East Texas middle school student suffers skull fracture in cafeteria altercation; parents demand answers If anyone sees Meinert or his truck, they are encouraged to contact the Wood County Sheriffs Office at 903-763-2201 or their local law enforcement agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CAIRO/JERUSALEM, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Arab League and Egypt on Monday condemned an Israeli strike on Gaza's Nasser hospital that killed at least 20 people, an incident Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a "tragic mishap." Gaza health authorities said the strike on the hospital in Khan Younis, the last one operational in southern Gaza, killed five journalists and four medical staff. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit called the attack "just one episode in a relentless series of massacres deliberately targeting civilians." The Egyptian Foreign Ministry labelled it a "new episode in a long series of blatant Israeli violations of international humanitarian law." In a statement, Netanyahu said Israeli military authorities were conducting a thorough investigation. "Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians," he said. An Israeli military spokesman, Effie Defrin, told reporters the army "does not intentionally target civilians" and blamed Hamas for creating "impossible conditions" in the territory. According to Gaza's health authorities, an initial strike hit the fourth floor of the complex, and a second strike targeted medical teams as they responded to the casualties. Citing Israeli military officials, Israel's Kan TV reported the strike was carried out by a tank, not an aircraft. The report said the tank targeted a camera on the hospital that troops believed Hamas was using to monitor their movements. The war, which began in October 2023, has devastated the coastal enclave. Israel does not permit foreign journalists into Gaza, but local reporters continue to provide coverage. According to Gaza health officials, at least 273 journalists and a total of 62,744 people have been killed by Israeli fire since the conflict began. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 armed group have resumed negotiations in Qatar as violence deepens in the countrys mineral-rich eastern provinces in spite of a recently signed an agreement to reach a full peace deal. Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said delegations from Kinshasa and the M23 were meeting in Doha to review the implementation of a truce signed in July. Weve received the two parties here in Doha to discuss the earlier agreement, Ansari said at a news briefing on Tuesday. The deal, brokered by Qatar, committed both sides to a ceasefire and a path to a final settlement. Under its terms, talks were supposed to begin on 8 August and conclude by 18 August. Both deadlines passed without progress, and the agreement has faltered amid accusations of violations from both sides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ansari said the current discussions include plans to create a mechanism for monitoring the truce, as well as an exchange of prisoners and detainees. He added that the United States and the International Committee of the Red Cross were closely involved in supporting the talks. The Qatar-led initiative followed a separate ceasefire agreement signed in Washington between Rwanda, who back M23, and DRC in June. But the M23 rejected that deal, demanding direct negotiations with Kinshasa to address what it called unresolved political grievances. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that he ended the conflict, and several others, describing DRC as the darkest, deepest part of Africa and asserting that he saved lots of lives. On Monday, Trump claimed that nine million people were killed with machetes during the decades-long war, insisting, I stopped it. Rights groups have dismissed Trumps claims as misleading. It is far from the reality to say that he has ended the war, said Christian Rumu of Amnesty International. People on the ground continue to experience grave human rights violations, and some of these amount to crimes against humanity, he added, calling on Washington to accelerate efforts to secure peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite multiple ceasefire attempts, fighting has intensified in North and South Kivu provinces, forcing more than two million people from their homes this year. Human Rights Watch last week accused the M23 of carrying out ethnically targeted mass killings, while United Nations experts have said Rwandan forces played a critical role in supporting the groups offensive. Rwanda denies involvement, but the M23s capture of vast areas, including the regional capital Goma earlier this year, has fuelled fears of a wider regional conflict. The DRCs eastern region, home to some of the worlds richest deposits of gold, cobalt, and coltan, has been devastated by years of armed conflict, with civilians bearing the brunt of atrocities despite repeated international mediation efforts. Ice buildup in the landing gear of a U.S. Air Force F-35A due to hydraulic fluid contaminated by water was the root cause of a crash at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska in January, according to a recently released report on the mishap. The incident also highlights an automated ground-operation mode in the F-35s avionics, which wrongly determined that the jet had landed while it was still airborne because of how the ice had impacted the landing gear struts. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) released an unclassified report yesterday on the mishap in question, which occurred back on Jan. 28. A video, seen below, showing the F-35A tumbling vertically into the ground and then bursting into a fireball, quickly went viral at the time. The pilot, assigned to Eielsons 354th Fighter Wing, was able to eject and suffered minor injuries. The aircraft was a total loss, and the accident cost the Air Force approximately $196.5 million. F-35 mishap at Eielson AFB, AK. Pilot appears to have ejected. https://t.co/7LpsoyJGKF pic.twitter.com/lNWIgqkVHV TheIntelFrog (@TheIntelFrog) January 29, 2025 After initial takeoff, the MAs [mishap aircrafts] nose landing gear (NLG) did not retract properly due to hydraulic fluid contaminated with water that froze, preventing full strut extension and resulting in the NLG being canted to the left. After running initial checklists, the NLG was still turned approximately 17 degrees to the left, the reports executive summary explains. The MP [mishap pilot] initiated a conference call with Lockheed Martin engineers through the on-duty supervisor of flying (SOF). The MA held for approximately 50 minutes while the team developed a plan of action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The canted nose wheel made it unsafe to attempt an emergency barrier engagement landing using the arresting gear installed of the main runway at Eielson. A stock image of an F-35A assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson Air Force Base. USAF The MP accomplished two touch-and-go landings attempting to recenter the NLG wheel. While both attempts failed to center the NLG wheel, the right main landing gear (MLG) strut and then left MLG strut did not fully extend after takeoff due to ice forming inside the strut, it continues. After the second touch-and-go, all valid Weight on Wheels (WoW) sensors indicated the MA was on the ground, and the MA transitioned to the on ground flight control law (i.e., automated ground-operation mode causing the MA to operate as though it was on the ground when flying). However, because it was actually airborne, the MA was uncontrollable. The pilot successfully ejected and emergency responders were at the scene within a minute. An annotated satellite image showing the approximate area of the runway where the F-35A made the final touch-and-go and where the aircraft came down. USAF Another annotated satellite image showing where the pilot and the ejection seat came down relative to where the F-35A impacted the ground. USAF The report separately notes that the F-35 flew upward after the pilot ejected and reached an altitude of 3,205 feet mean sea level (MSL), or 2,665 feet above ground level (AGL), before it stalled and fell back to Earth. This helps explain the vertical descent seen in the viral video. The report says the aircraft was already pitched up 30 to 40 degrees, and was in a 38-degree bank to the left, when the pilot punched out. Yesterday, A USAF F-35A Lightning II aircraft crashed during its approach to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The pilot successfully ejected using the Martin-Baker US16E seat. This was the 10th successful ejection from the F-35 #MartinBaker#EngineeringForLifepic.twitter.com/rItpkKzLSD Martin-Baker (@MB_EjectEject) January 29, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accident investigation board (AIB) president found, by a preponderance of the evidence, the cause of the mishap was hydraulic fluid contaminated by water that froze in the NLG and MLG struts. The ice prevented the struts from full extension that led the WoW sensors to declare the MA was on the ground when it was airborne, the report adds. Additionally, the AIB president found, by a preponderance of the evidence, that crew decision making including those on the in-flight conference call, lack of oversight for the Hazardous Materials program, and lack of adherence to maintenance procedures for hydraulic servicing were substantially contributing factors. The F-35A that crashed, tail number 19-5535, had initially taken off from Eielson as part of a four-ship flight tasked to act as red air aggressors during routine training. The first indication that something was wrong with the landing gear came from an overspeed gear warning to the pilot as they accelerated past 275 knots calibrated airspeed (KCAS). This alert if the predictive or current aircraft speed rises above 300 KCAS or 0.65 Mach with LG doors not indicating locked, gear handle down, or ALT GEAR EXTENSION commanded, according to the report on the mishap, which also notes that the clean aircraft structural limit is 300 [KCAS]. It is a common occurrence for the predictive OVERSPEED GEAR caution to assert on initial takeoff in the F-35A, the report also says, but does not elaborate on. This is especially true in a cold temperature environment such as Eielson AFB on the day of the mishap. This does underscore the unique challenges associated with operating F-35s, as well as many other aircraft types, in the often extreme cold weather found in Alaska. TWZ previously explored these realities in detail as the Air Force first began to build up its F-35 force at Eielson in the early 2020s. The recorded temperature in the area around the time of the mishap on Jan. 28 was 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of what specifically happened to the aircrafts landing gear, the NLG Uplock Hook is used to ensure the NLG assembly is up and locked appropriately. The uplock is mechanically slaved to the NLG door, the report explains. The NLG is in the uplock so NLG door actuator will start to close the door, raising the uplock hook into the LOCKED position. When the uplock hook is in LOCKED position, the doors are closed and aircraft is ready for full flight envelope. A graphical breakdown of the F-35 nose landing gears uplock. USAF A rendering of a part of the F-35 nose landing gear, which also notes an area where there was possible ice buildup on the jet involved in the mishap. USAF The NLG centering cams are used to ensure proper centering of the NLG. One of the cams is mounted at the top of the landing gear strut and the other one is mounted at the bottom of the landing gear, the report adds. At the beginning of the mishap flight, the NLG didnt fully extend due to ice build-up within the NLG strut. This ice buildup was the combination of significant water contamination in hydraulic fluid used to service the struts and ambient freezing temperatures around Eielson AFB (Tab J-189). The lack of full extension caused a misalignment that prevented the NLG uplock hook from catching the NLG uplock roller, causing damage to the metal adjacent to the roller. Water contamination in the hydraulic fluid had also caused pitting in the affected landing gear piston, but investigators determined this did not impact the functioning of the gear during the mishap. The inability of the strut to fully extend and retract impacted the proper function of the WoW sensors and flight control law (CLAW) on the MA. According to Lockheed Martin, if a MLG strut fails to fully extend to a pre-determined length then the WoW sensors cannot extend and will report weight ON wheels, the report notes. The WoW sensors are one component of the F-35As flight control system. Each MLG has two WoW sensors that are mounted on the shock strut. These sensors, along with a single WoW in the NLG, are part of a redundant system that is intended to function even when multiple WoW sensors fail. When the shock struts are fully extended and then compressed by the weight of an aircraft, the WoW sensors are designed to reflect that the aircraft is on the ground. An annotated image showing the WoW sensors on the F-35s main landing gear. USAF The WoW sensor on the F-35s nose landing gear is also seen in this annotated image. USAF Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue, of course, was that the F-35 in this case was very much not on the ground. The cascading problems then ran into the jets flight control law programming. The F-35A is controlled by execution of a defined set of algorithms, known as CLAWs. The F-35A CLAWs include power approach (PA) for takeoff and landing, up-and-away (UA), and on-ground (OG). The PA CLAW is selected when airspeed is less than the programmed air speed or when precise control of the aircraft is required. The OG CLAW is selected when three of five WoW sensors suggest there is, in fact, weight on the wheels because the aircrafts weight has compressed the extended strut while on the ground, the mishap report explains. If an aircraft is airborne but still in the on-ground CLAW, it will experience significant degradation in flying qualities and loss of control can be expected. This is because CLAW software is designed to provide the desired aircraft response rather than direct control by the pilot. Lockheed Martin was apparently previously aware of the potential for problems with the WoW sensors, especially in extreme cold weather environments. The sensors themselves are understood to be relatively fragile. The WOW switches on the MLG are a mechanical plunger switch that are known to have a history of failure due to internal damage These failures assert as actionable HRCs [Health Reporting Code] and become more frequent during extreme cold weather operations where aircraft are prepared for flight in a climate controlled hangar and takeoff 20-40 minutes after being exposed to outside ambient conditions, according to an expected from April 2024 Lockheed Martin maintenance newsletter reproduced in the Air Forces report report on the January crash. Faults should be taken as an early indication of failure. If an actionable HRC is asserted noting a fault to a MLG WOW switch, the AFRS tied to that HRC must be followed Not acting on a WOW switch fault HRC could result in WOW switches faulting on a future flight which can cause erratic flying qualities making it difficult for the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its conclusions, the report commends the actions taken by all involved to address a challenging situation that had not been seen in the F-35 fleet previously. It notes that, in the absence of the cascading WoW sensor and CLAW issues, the immediate results of the second touch-and-go attempt would have given the MP enough control authority to safely land. The report notes that this latter point was underscored by another F-35A landing uneventfully at Eielson just nine days later after suffering a similar landing gear issue. An F-35 inside a hangar at Eielson. USAF However, with the HRCs in hand, the participants in the conference call on Jan. 28 potentially could have referenced the Lockheed Martin maintenance circular from April 2024 that said these WoW sensor issues could lead to aircraft controllability issues, the report continues. Had they considered this potential outcome, they likely would have advised a planned full stop landing or a controlled ejection instead of a second touch-and-go. The reports conclusions also underscore the problems on the ground with adherence to maintenance procedures and oversight of the storage of hazardous materials like hydraulic fluid as contributing factors in the mishap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unclassified report on the Jan. 28 crash does not include any detailed recommendations for any changes to policies or procedures in light of the lessons learned from the incident. The lessons learned could well have impacts outside of the Air Force, and even the rest of the U.S. military. In particular, there are other F-35 operators that have to deal with very cold weather environments. Many future operators, like Canada and Finland, are expecting to fly their jets in frigid conditions, too. The accident at Eielson also serves as a reminder of the highly automated and otherwise computerized nature of the F-35, as well as many modern aircraft, and the additional complexities that can lead to, especially in emergency situations. This is not the first time that the jets flight control software has come up in a mishap investigation. Thankfully, in this particular case, the pilot was able to eject, and the F-35A came down without causing injuries or severe damage on the ground. Contact the author: joe@twz.com A 17-year-old girl who has dreamed of studying at a Ukrainian university has been brought back to Ukraine from the temporarily occupied territories. Source: Bring Kids Back UA initiative Details: Kseniia and her mother lived for three years under occupation. Her older sister was already in government-controlled territory, as she had managed to leave earlier. Despite everything, Kseniia continued studying online at a Ukrainian school, as she had dreamed since childhood of entering a Ukrainian university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After an unsuccessful attempt to break free from the occupied territory, her sister asked for help. Thanks to the coordinated work of the Ukrainian Child Rights Network team, it was possible to prepare the necessary documents, develop a safe route and organise an escort," the statement from the initiative reads. The girl was able to finally meet her older sister. Kseniia is now preparing to enrol at a Ukrainian university and dreams that her mother will also be able to return from occupation and be by her side. Background: Earlier, three children from the occupied territories and a young man who had been unlawfully taken to Russia were brought back to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! TALLAHASSEE FloridaHighway Patrol troopers investigating the tractor-trailer crash that killed three people onthe Turnpike two weeks ago did not question the drivers immigration status for two days, according to an arrest report obtained by the Times/Herald. In a case that has become the latest flash point in the nations immigration crackdown, Gov. Ron DeSantis hascalled the driver an illegal immigrant and used the case to boost the profile of his new lieutenant governor. But its also raised questions about why state troopers nearly all of whom have been deputized to enforcefederal immigration laws allowed the Indian citizen to leave the scene and return to California the next day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver, Harjinder Singh, 28, is being held in a St. Lucie County jail on three counts of vehicular homicide and three counts of manslaughter after police said he made a sudden U-turn on the highway in front of a minivan on Aug. 12. The van slammed into the side of the tractor-trailer, killing all three passengers. Initial indications did not necessarily make trooperssuspicious enough tocheck Singhs immigration status, his arrest report shows. Singh held a valid commercial drivers license from California. The state is one of 19 that issue licenses regardless of immigration status. Troopers also checked him through a federal criminal database, which would reveal whether immigration authorities had a warrant for his arrest or detention or if he had a criminal record. Such checks are standard when a motorist is stopped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It wasnt until Aug. 14 that troopers spoke with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which told them that Singh had entered the country illegally through Mexico in 2018. The report states that Border Patrol officers found him and gave him a notice to appear in court, and he was released on an immigration bond. His court date was scheduled for 2027, a date far in the future due tothe nations immigration courts backlog. Because he applied for asylum in 2018, Singh was allowed to be in the country. The report does not state why or how troopers made contact with ICE about Singhs immigration status. Troopers issued an arrest warrant on Aug. 15 after an employee at a tow yard called and told them that a dashboard camera video from Singhs truck was posted on a Facebook account titled Truckers Wall of Shame, the arrest report states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two of the victims, 37-year-old Faniola Joseph and 54-year-old Rodrigue Dor, died at the scene. The driver, Herby Dufresne, 30, died at a hospital. Authorities and politicians have since blamed other states and past administrations for the wreck. Singh, who needed an interpreter to speak to troopers at the scene, subsequently failed an English Language Proficiency assessment, including identifying just one of four highway traffic signs, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. He was denied a work permit in 2020, when Donald Trump was president, but granted one in 2021, when Joe Biden was president, the Department of Homeland Security told Fox News. A spokesperson for California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the Trump administration renewed the permit in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Singh was first issued a commercial drivers license in Washington in 2023, the Department of Transportation stated. State authorities told The Oregonian it was valid until 2024, when California issued a license. Washington officials said they were investigating his licensing history. DeSantis has repeatedly blamed sanctuary states for issuing the license in the first place. Last week, he dispatched his newly appointed lieutenant governor, Jay Collins, to extradite Singh from the state as Fox News cameras rolled. (Collins is not a law enforcement officer, whohandles extraditions.) Were going to make sure that this thug is brought to justice and faces it in Florida, Collins told reporters, adding, How many more lives have to be lost because of Gavin Newsoms failed policies? A spokesperson for Newsom responded, 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? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 90% of Florida Highway Patrol troopers now enforce immigration laws under ICE oversight while performing routine duties. Troopers can question individuals about their right to remain in the United States and process immigration violations when they arrest someone on state or federal charges. Certified Highway Patrol troopers check immigration status through federal databases such as the National Crime Information Center, which flags deportation warrants and ICE detainers. In Singhs case, the system showed that the information on his drivers license and medical certification was valid, according to the arrest report. Because not all immigrants without permanent legal statusappear in the crime system, officers also rely on ICE supervisors for confirmation. If a certified trooper had run a full database check on Singh, it likely would have shown that he had an open case pending before the immigration court. DeSantis administration has not answered questions from the Times/Herald about how Singh was allowed to leave the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis told reporters last week that investigators quickly learned his immigration status after the video went viral. Soon as the video leaked, and then we knew that there was a crime that was committed, they were able to get that information in short order, DeSantis said. He said that there wasnt enough information at the scene for troopers to make an arrest because there were no witnesses to the crash. If you had someone that had survived, then you may have been able to get probable cause at the scene, he said in Tampa on Tuesday. As it is, the witnesses were dead, and so the troopers had to rely on getting the video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest report states that there were four witnesses to the 3:45 p.m. crash, including Singhs brother, who was in the passenger seat of the truck. Harneet Singh, 25, said they had dropped off a load of produce in Melbourne at 6 a.m. and tried to rest until 12:30 or 1 p.m. Their second stop was in Miami, and the GPS instructed them to drive north and turn around at exit 193, the arrest report states. He said Harjinder Singh pulled over to the shoulder, which he thought was to check brakes or change a tire, but then kept driving and tried to make a U-turn into the southbound lanes, the report states. (The Department of Homeland Security said Harneet Singh was an illegal alien and arrested him last week.) Harjinder Singh requested a lawyer through an interpreter and did not give a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A motorist behind them noticed the big rig in the northbound shoulder attempt a U-turn, andsaid that the minivan didnt have much time to react to the crash, the report states. Another motorist turned around and went back to the scene, where they reported seeing a man in a turban grab a hammer to help break the windows of the minivan. Miami Herald staff writer Syra Ortiz Blanes contributed to this report. A driver was hospitalized after he suffered a medical event and crashed into a utility pole in Darke County late Monday night. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Around 11:50 p.m. Monday, Darke County Sheriffs Deputies were dispatched to the area of Ohio-Indiana Stateline Road and Pickett Road on reports of a single vehicle crash. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The preliminary investigation shows that a pickup truck, driven by 85-year-old Hans Neudecker of Winchester, Indiana, was traveling south on Ohio-Indiana Stateline Road. Neudecker then suffered a medical event while driving and lost control of the vehicle, according to the sheriffs office. Neudecker then drove off the left side of the road and struck a utility pole. Neudecker was taken to Reid Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash remains under investigation by the Darke County Sheriffs Office. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man led Munford Police on a chase into Millington with only two tires left on his vehicle earlier this month, according to police. Jordan Ruble is charged with felony evading, reckless driving, simple possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, improper display, and driving while revoked. On August 10, the Munford Police Department says it started when they attempted to stop a black Cadillac for a traffic violation near Highway 51 and Charles Place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the driver refused to stop, a police chase was initiated. During the chase, stop sticks were put in place near Highway 51 and Simmons Road. Officers say the driver only had two tires left on his vehicle when he continued on West Union in Millington. That is when the car stopped, and the driver, identified as Jordan Ruble, was taken into custody without further incident. Jordan Rubles bond was set at $25,000. 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 WREG.com. (The Center Square) Harjinder Singh, in St. Lucie County Jail and facing three charges each of vehicular homicide and manslaughter, is due back in a Florida courtroom Wednesday. On Aug. 12, he tried with an 18-wheeler to make a U-turn on the Florida Turnpike through a point in the divided highway marked official use only, leading to the deaths of three people in a minivan. Singh had correct responses to two of 12 verbal questions on an English language proficiency assessment and correctly identified only one of four highway traffic signs during an interview with the Federal Motor Carrier Administration. At 10 a.m. Tuesday morning, a worldwide petition on his behalf entitled plea for fair sentencing was just shy of 3 million digital signatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, in a network broadcast interview, said there is no likelihood of leniency. Its beyond infuriating, Collins said. He illegally entered in 2018. He put peoples lives at risk, doesnt understand the language, doesnt understand the signs, and we think because of his ethnicity hes not supposed to have accountability? Thats not how this works. Its ridiculous. Of course he fled back to California. We know Gavin Newsom doesnt care about this, doesnt take it seriously. Its an illegal immigration ideocracy in California, and its failing America, it puts peoples lives at risk, and there will be nothing like that here in Florida. Hes going to pay the price, do his time, and go back where he came from. Singh is from India and sought asylum in America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Singh, seen on video from inside his truck making a U-turn in a 70 mph zone of the Florida Turnpike, had correct responses to two of 12 verbal questions on an English language proficiency assessment and correctly identified only one of four highway traffic signs during an interview with the Motor Carrier Administration. An arrest report identifies those killed as Herby Dufresne, Faniola Joseph and Rodrique Dor. A monsoon storm fronted by a massive wall of dust bowled through the Phoenix area on the evening of Aug. 25, knocking out power to thousands, delaying flights and damaging Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The storm moved in from the southeast, blowing across San Tan Valley just before 5 p.m. and reaching downtown Phoenix within an hour, bringing sheets of rain and howling wind illuminated by bolts of lightning. People leaving work screamed with a mix of delight and fright as they ran out of downtown buildings into the downpour toward parking structures. The wind whipped debris across wet streets, shook street signs and downed branches over sidewalks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A flood advisory was in effect until 9 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Storm causes ground stop at Phoenix Sky Harbor A ground stop was issued at Phoenix Sky Harbor due to thunderstorms around 5:30 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. It was lifted about 30 minutes later. The average flight delay was 15 minutes, as of 6:55 p.m. Three flights were canceled, 104 flights were delayed and one flight was diverted as of 8 p.m., the airport's website said. The storms also caused leaking and other damage to the airport, Sky Harbor spokesperson Gregory E. Roybal said. Crews were working to identify damage and roof leaks, and clean up water where it had collected in passenger areas, Roybal said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airport was still assessing damage and resuming operations that had been halted as of 8:50 p.m., Roybal said. "The extreme weather impacted various areas throughout the airport, including the PHX Sky Train," he said. There were leaks reported in both terminals, and debris on roadways, he said. Thousands of homes without power following storms More than 41,000 Salt River Project customers were experiencing outages in the Phoenix area at about 7:30 p.m., according to the company's outage map. There were over 7,400 Arizona Public Service customers in metro Phoenix experiencing outages, according to the company's website as of 8:40 p.m. Aug. 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Cox customers also received an outage notice in the Phoenix area around 6:35 p.m. What are storm chances like for the rest of the week? Storm chances for Aug. 26 remained at 30% to 50%, though the storm forecast was not as widespread. A shift to a westerly flow later this week was expected to bring drier air and clear out thunderstorm chances after Aug. 27, according to Tom Frieders, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Phoenix. Monsoonal moisture could bring temperatures down, hovering in the low 100s or even high 90s through the week. What should I do in a dust storm if I am driving? "Dust storms lead to dangerous driving conditions with visibility reduced to near zero. If driving, avoid dust storms if possible," the weather service said. "If caught in one, pull off the road, turn off your lights and keep your foot off the brake." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Arizona Department of Transportation has helpful tips for drivers who may get stuck in a dust storm while driving. The "Pull Aside, Stay Alive" campaign aims to save drivers from dangerous situations by providing tips to survive a blowing dust event. If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down. Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can. Weather in the Valley: What will fall be like in Arizona? See the latest weather forecast from the experts Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway. Turn off all vehicle lights. You do not want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide and possibly crash into your parked vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake. Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds. More information on dust storm safety can be found at PullAsideStayAlive.org. And safety tips for driving in rainstorms can be found at azdot.gov/monsoon. A haboob comes into Chandler on Aug. 25, 2025. Tips for driving in the rain The Arizona Department of Transportation provided the following safety tips for driving in the rain: Inspect windshield wipers and replace them if necessary prior to expected rainfall. Turn on the headlights. Reduce speeds. Avoid sudden braking on wet pavement. Create a "space cushion" between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Avoid areas where water has pooled in travel lanes. How to protect yourself from lightning strikes Here are lightning safety tips from the National Weather Service: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pay attention to the weather. If you see big blue clouds, otherwise known as thunderheads, go inside. These types of clouds could mean a thunderstorm is coming. Get in a building with plumbing and wiring. If lightning strikes the building, the lightning will be conducted around and into the ground. Stay in your car. A vehicle will give you protection as electricity from lightning will pass through the vehicle's structure instead of hitting you. Get off of open water. A boat out on the water is likely to be the most prominent object and you could be struck. Do not shower or bathe. If lightning hits your pipes, it could be conducted into the water in your bath or shower. Do not use electric appliances with plugs or cords. Wireless cellphones are OK, as are laptops that are connected to Wi-Fi but not plugged in. Follow the 30-30 rule. If you hear thunder within 30 seconds of a lightning bolt, that means the thunderstorm's distance is threatening. Wait at least 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder to go out. That gives the storm enough time to move away or dissipate. You dont have to be near a storm to get struck. Lightning strikes can easily travel 10 miles or more. A record lightning flash in Oklahoma in 2007 traveled nearly 200 miles. Seek shelter if you hear thunder. Do not shelter under a tree. If lightning strikes the tree, the ground charge from the strike could travel into you. Don't huddle in a group. If you are outdoors with friends or family during a thunderstorm, don't all clump together. Keeping separation could reduce the number of people injured if lightning strikes. (This story has been updated to add more information.) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Metro Phoenix monsoon storm causes outages, damage at Sky Harbor Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Planes are flying out of Phoenix again Tuesday after dust storms blew through central Arizona on Monday, grounding flights and knocking out power to thousands. The Federal Aviation Administration announced a flight stoppage around 9:30 p.m. EDT at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport due to the weather before lifting the restrictions about an hour later. Video of the storms showed walls of dust -- known as haboobs -- move across the Phoenix metropolitan area Monday. More than 40,000 people lost electricity during the event, which was created by winds from thunderstorms that lift dust and debris skyward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 1:20 p.m. EDT Tuesday, over 3,400 customers were without power in Arizona. Haboobs can be thousands of feet high and stretch for miles. The weather phenomenon can roll in with little warning and severely decrease visibility. The FAA reported that thunderstorms could cause delays at Phoenix Sky Harbor again Tuesday. The airport replied to a question on its Facebook page Tuesday at approximately 12:30 p.m. EDT that "All operations are normal" at that time. ULAN BATOR, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's Ecological Police Department on Tuesday issued a bubonic plague warning amid fear of the spread of this disease in Ulan Bator. The warning came after 22 dead marmots were discovered and seized by police last week from a vehicle travelling from western provinces to the capital city of Ulan Bator. Currently, relevant officials of the country, including police officers and inspectors, are working 24 hours at all checkpoints on the outskirts of Mongolia's capital to prevent the spread of bubonic plague A total of 137 soums (administrative subdivisions) of 17 provinces in Mongolia are now risk areas of bubonic plague, according to the country's National Center for Zoonotic Diseases. The bubonic plague is a bacterial disease that is spread by fleas living on wild rodents such as marmots, which can kill an adult in less than 24 hours if not treated in time, according to the World Health Organization. DISCLAIMER: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. MARSHALL, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) An early morning shooting Sunday prompted a multi-agency effort that has resulted in two arrests. On August 24 at approximately 2:33 a.m., Marshall Police Department (MPD) patrol officers reportedly responded to reports of gunfire on the 400 block of West Pincrest Drive. Officers say they were quickly notified of a gunshot victim who arrived at a local hospital, shot in both legs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marshall Police Department Criminal Investigation Division (CID) immediately launched an investigation with the Joint Harrison County Violent Crime and Narcotics Task Force and the Harrison County Sheriffs Office. After investigating and executing multiple search warrants, officers believed they identified suspects. Braylon George, 20, and JerBraylon Brazzell, 19, were arrested for Aggravated Assault from a Moving Vehicle, a first-degree felony, in connection with the incident. A third suspect has been identified and is being sought. The victim is still in serious condition, and the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information can call Sergeant Farnham at (903) 934-7854 or contact Harrison County Crimestoppers at (903) 935-9969 to remain anonymous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KILGORE, Texas (KETK) An eighth-grade student at Kilgore Middle School suffered a severe head injury last week after being body-slammed during lunch in the school cafeteria, sparking outrage among parents and community members. The incident happened on Thursday afternoon when Lukas Hardeman was talking with friends at the lunch table. Family members said another student picked him up and slammed him headfirst into a steel chair. Sheriffs Office: San Antonio man kidnaps Rusk County girl, takes her to New Mexico Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hardeman was rushed to a local emergency room, then transferred to a Dallas hospital where surgeons cut two holes into his skull to stop bleeding and relieve swelling. Doctors later confirmed he has a six-inch skull fracture, though thankfully no signs of permanent brain damage. He now faces a long recovery that includes monthly trips to Dallas for physical and speech therapy. His grandmother, Tonya Hill, described Lukas as sweet and lovely, saying she has never seen him angry. She added that he was baptized over the summer. The incident has drawn criticism of Kilgore ISDs handling of bullying reports. At a school board meeting held before Hardemans return home, parents and community members demanded accountability and stricter policies. Kilgore ISD is minimizing it and stating it has been blown out of proportion, David Trussell, the victims uncle, said. It has not been blown out of proportion. We want answers, and we want change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement East Texas school district works with investigators after potential student hit list A Kilgore ISD parent also urged the district to follow its own policies: Not reporting bullying is not just negligent, it is a direct violation of state law and district policy. The principal is responsible for documenting all reports, and none of these steps were taken. Kilgore ISD released a statement on Tuesday, stating that they understand the importance of ensuring the well-being of all students. In regards to last weeks student assault that occurred at our Middle School Campus, please know that the KISD School Board of Trustees and our KISD District fully understand and accept the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of every student entrusted into our care. The event from last week has left us all shaken, it was both unexpected and deeply troubling, and our thoughts and prayers remain with our student who was injured. The safety and security of our students and staff members continues to be our highest priority. No student should feel uncertain, afraid, or anxious about attending school. This week we have begun a thorough review of our campus safety measures, our district communication practices, security protocols, and programs that the District and our campuses have in place to keep everyone safe. KISD is committed to taking every necessary step to keep our students and staff safe, to improve upon our current safety practices, and to restore the trust of our students, parents, and Bulldog Community. Kilgore ISD After the meeting, Hardemans family drove him through the streets of Kilgore, where he was welcomed with cheers and support from neighbors as he begins his recovery. 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. Nigel Farage, the leader of the United Kingdoms hard-right Reform Party, has promised to carry out mass deportations of asylum seekers and people who arrive in the country illegally if he becomes prime minister. Echoing President Donald Trumps sweeping deportation program in the United States, Farage said he would begin detaining all illegal immigrants immediately at military bases across the country if his party triumphs in the election. If you come to the UK illegally, you will be detained and deported and never, ever allowed to stay, period. That is our big message from today, Farage said on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: Britain Is Getting the Immigration Debate All Wrong Farge's Reform Party has grown in popularity as the Labour government has struggled to deal with some 28,000 people crossing the sea by boat to arrive in the U.K. in 2025. Protests took place across the country this weekend outside hotels where asylum seekers were being temporarily housed. Farage, who is friends with Trump and is known outside of the U.K. as one of the leading campaigners behind Brexit, described illegal immigration as a scourge as he outlined his plans at a press conference. The only way we will stop the boats is by detaining and deporting absolutely anyone that comes via that route, Farage said. And if we do that, the boats will stop coming within days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His plan, which he named Operation Restoring Justice, would include the deportation of 600,000 asylum seekers, including women and children, who would be sent back to their own countries or third-party nations. It is unclear how Farage would meet that target, however. When asylum requests were at their record high in June 2024, there were 224,742 cases in the system, according to government data. But there are currently fewer than 100,000 people awaiting a decision on their asylum claim. The deportations of asylum seekers and people arriving in the U.K. illegally, according to Farages plan, would occur on arrival and with no right of appeal. To do this, Farage concedes that his party would have to bypass or withdraw from specific human rights conventions, and he specifically named repealing the 1998 Human Rights Act and leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Legal experts have criticized the legality and reality of Operation Restoring Justice, with former Attorney General Dominic Grieve telling The Independent that the courts would likely block the plan under British common law. Other experts note that the cost of this mass deportation effort would be astronomical Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farage has made clear that he is taking inspiration from Trumps aggressive crackdown on immigration in the U.S. In an interview with The Times this weekend, he named Trump when discussing his plans to send asylum seekers back to countries like Afghanistan and Eritrea. Farage said he would pay these countries to return migrants. Read More: Trumps Attacks on Immigrants are an Attack on us All We have enormous muscle on these things, he said. We can be nice to people, we can be nice to other countries, or we can be very tough to other countries. But all the diplomatic levers that we have, if we have to use them, on visas, on trade, sanctions I mean, Trump has proved this point quite comprehensively. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats immediately pushed back against Farages plans and the idea of ripping up human rights conventions. Party leader Daisy Cooper said in a statement that Winston Churchill would be turning in his grave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.K. has been hit by a wave of anti-migrant protests in recent months, with two days of protests this past weekend targeting hotels housing asylum seekers. The protests were sparked after a hotel resident allegedly tried to kiss a 14-year-old girl and was charged with sexual assault. There are more asylum seekers in hotels than usual this year, with figures showing 32,000 asylum seekers an 8% increase during Keir Starmers first year in office. Polls show that immigration is one of if not themost important issues for the electorate this year. Contact us at letters@time.com. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) East Carolina Universitys Office of Continuing Professional Education will host a kickoff event for its Lifelong Learning Program on August 29. The event will provide an opportunity for adults in eastern North Carolina to meet instructors, learn about upcoming courses, reconnect with fellow program members, and register for fall offerings in person. The Lifelong Learning Program offers affordable, engaging, and stress-free learning opportunities, without entrance requirements, exams, or grades, to adults 18 years and older. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can learn more or register for a class, trip, or event on the Lifelong Learning Programs website. RSVP for the kickoff event by 5 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 28. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A World War II subchaser has been sitting in North Carolinas Cape Fear River for 80 years, and historians are investigating its mysterious journey inland. According to the Charlotte Observer, East Carolina University has embarked on an archaeological biography to uncover how the USS Patrol Craft-1084, originally built to defend against German submarines, ended up more than 100 miles from the ocean. ALSO READ >> Century-old treasures emerge amid post-Helene Lake Lure restoration efforts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nathan Richards, a professor in the Program in Maritime Studies at East Carolina University, noted the creative reuse of such vessels post-war. People in the past were very creative with reuse, he said. They did not live in todays throwaway consumer culture. After World War II, the subchaser was sold for an estimated $5 a ton, a common fate for many military vessels of the era. It was reportedly purchased by businessman Richard Minges in 1947 for around $2,250, which would be approximately $32,000 in 2025. The subchaser was intended to be used as a floating dock near the Grove Street bridge in Fayetteville. However, unsubstantiated reports suggest it was later sold to Oscar Breece and his brother to be used at a site known as Breeces landing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lack of concrete evidence about the vessels history has prompted ECU graduate student Harley Drange to investigate the ships past as a thesis project, which may take a year or more to complete, the Observer reported. The PC-1084 was one of 973 patrol boats built during WWII, with many turned over to the U.S. Maritime Commission or the Department of States Foreign Liquidation Commission for disposal after the war. Parts of the PC-1084 have reportedly been illegally salvaged for scrap metal, and the ship is rapidly deteriorating. Richards observed that during a recent visit, a flooding event caused significant damage to the vessels structure. VIDEO: City takes action after volunteer removes signs honoring WWII nurse Who should be held liable when a persons biometric data their facial features, voice or fingerprints is misused? Illinois is home to some of the strongest consumer privacy regulation in the country, including its rules governing the use of biometric data. Perhaps you were one of the folks who got a check from Facebook after a class-action lawsuit alleging violations of Illinois 2008 Biometric Information Privacy Act. Facebooks Tag Suggestions feature used facial recognition to scan users uploaded photos, creating face templates or biometric identifiers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs said this happened without the required written consent or publicly available retention/destruction policy. In February 2021, the case was resolved with a court-approved $650 million class-action settlement widely described by the judge as a landmark in consumer privacy law. Facebook isnt the only company dealing with these lawsuits. A Chicago man sued Home Depot this month, alleging the retailer used facial recognition at self-checkouts without consent or required policies a potential violation of BIPA. One could argue that our biometric privacy rules are a very important tool in protecting personal privacy. Indeed, we are grateful for barriers to widespread misuse of such personal information. On the other hand, you could also argue that Illinois biometric data laws are responsible for regulating a marketplace that is changing by the second and theyre not keeping up. Theres truth to that, too. Take this question, for example: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should digital infrastructure providers like data centers or cloud platforms be held liable when someones biometric data is misused? Legal minds are actively debating this question. And many in the industry including those who lobby on its behalf are concerned their network could be in the legal crosshairs unfairly if the rules arent updated. Illinois biometric rules apply to any private entity that collects, captures, purchases, receives through trade or otherwise obtains a persons biometric identifiers or information. That means if a company is in possession of, or is making use of, biometric data, it has duties such as proper informed consent before collection and written, publicly available retention and destruction policies. So far, most high-profile cases have focused on end-user firms such as employers, retailers and social-media platforms. But theres no explicit carve-out in BIPA for data centers or cloud providers. If they merely store encrypted information, they can argue theyre not collecting or using biometrics. But if a provider offers biometric processing services or fails to safeguard the data in its possession plaintiffs could test the boundaries of liability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot to gripe about when it comes to data centers their reliance on our natural resources, or their debatable claims of being long-term job creators. This wont be the last thing we write about the industry. But in this case, we think theres room for improvement and clarification. Its important to keep laws up to date with fast-moving technology. Its also important that our state remains competitive as a tech hub. The state has done this before. Just last year, lawmakers approved, and Gov. JB Pritzker signed, changes to BIPA that limited potential damages and broadened the definition of written release to cover electronic signatures. Legislating is a slow process, but when youre regulating something so big and fast-changing, you have to be nimble. If data centers played or could play an active role in policing use of biometrics, they would be fair game as potential defendants. But they dont. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data-center industry has a solid argument here, we believe, that they shouldnt be liable under BIPA for misuse of peoples likenesses or identities. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. Space is written into Central Floridas DNA. Theres little doubt that the regional economy has benefited greatly from the presence of the nations primary space-launch site in Cape Canaveral, dividends that have only multiplied with the advent of commercial space flight and establishment of Patrick Space Force Base. Its not just the economic gains: Local residents still thrill to the sight of a rocket climbing into the sky, and grin when a sonic boom from a decelerating spacecraft rattles their windows. When tragedy strikes, our grief knows no bounds. That doesnt mean local residents are ready to write a blank check for space-related activities particularly use of taxpayer-owned assets by for-profit companies. If private space enterprises like SpaceX or Blue Origin want to launch from government facilities, they should reimburse for those costs particularly when they seek exclusive use of launchpads or other infrastructure. And when they ask for leeway to close public assets, like area beaches or the Merritt Island Natural Wildlife Refuge, they need to make their case to the public, not just NASA with full and open accountability. That should include a willingness to answer tough questions in an open forum, and due diligence to ensure that restrictions on public access to public land arent tighter than they need to be. Community advocates say thats not happening with planned launch/landing facilities being requested by SpaceX that would allow it to fire off more big rockets as well as bring them back to Earth. They are urging locals to speak out at a series of public meetings this week and are justifiably unhappy that the meetings arent as public as they could be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon Musk and SpaceX positioned to profit off billions in new government contracts The critics raise multiple issues. First, the potential environmental impacts on a fragile, beloved piece of coastline need extensive study particularly when it comes to impacts on the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which lies north of the proposed launch site. If all goes well, there still could be significant impacts on the birds and other species that call the refuge their home. And as any casual observer knows, things dont always go well with SpaceX launches or landings. The Federal Aviation Administration and NASA could shut down an inquiry into the environmental ramifications with a finding of no significant impact on area wildlife, shoreline and salt marsh and the FAA has already released a draft explanation of that position. Yet it discusses significant problems with launches, including noise levels so high they could wake up people in Titusville or Cocoa Beach, and notes the incredible abundance of wildlife that make this area their home. This section of coast is one of the few places in Florida where residents can see a beach unshadowed by condominiums. Increased launch activity could have a significant impact on this natural treasure and maybe thats a tradeoff worth making. But its a decision that deserves deep scrutiny. Theres no rewind button. Second, the SpaceX proposal would shut down access to Playalinda Beach, a popular stretch of the Canaveral National Seashore, for 60 days or more each year. This, despite the fact that the public access road that leads to that section of the shore lies well outside the recommended 3.11-mile shutdown radius that NASA imposes. (Sponsors of a petition on Change.org note that people work and live within two miles of SpaceXs dedicated facilities in Boca Chica, Texas while that might not be the most compelling argument, it deserves an explanation.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents have a chance to make their opinions known at two in-person hearings this week, as well as a two-hour virtual forum Sept. 3. Unfortunately, access to Tuesdays hearing at the Kennedy Space Center/Visitors Complex the closest for Orlando-area residents requires a parking pass that must be printed out or downloaded to a cellphone for those wishing to attend. (A link to the printable pass can be found in the online version of this editorial.) Public input is scheduled for two time frames: 1-3 p.m., and 6-8 p.m. Thursdays meeting is set for the Radisson Conference in Cape Canaveral, with the same two time slots. The Sept. 3 online hearing will take place from 6-8 p.m. Its not nearly enough time to get the answers the public deserves, says Robert Harper of the organization Save Our Beach and he has a point. While its true that a full environmental impact study of the proposal might add a few years to the SpaceX proposal, federal officials should do their best to balance the request while protecting the public and the seashore. That might delay SpaceXs request, or incorporate a shutdown area with a smaller shutdown zone that, for now, preserves Playalinda access. That seems like a worthwhile tradeoff to examine. Federal officials should take the time to listen to local residents, and find a way for everyone to be accommodated. 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 Theres an officer in the Catholic Church colloquially known as the Devils Advocate. His duty, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia, is to make all possible arguments, even at times seemingly slight against candidates for sainthood. No canonization is legal without his input. The churchs example is worth following by the criminal justice system to prove innocence, not guilt. Every detective bureau and prosecutors office should employ someone whose job is to argue in every case: Youve got the wrong guy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They get it wrong much too often. The National Registry of Exonerations lists 3,724 convicted people who were proved innocent eventually. Some of them had served most of their lives in prison. The saga of Sidney Holmes Sidney Holmes of Pompano Beach was exonerated two years ago. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill July 1 awarding him $1.7 million for the 34 years he served of a 400-year prison term for a convenience store robbery he did not commit. He was a new 23-year-old father when he was arrested, and 57 when freed. I missed 34 years of being a father to my son, Holmes said. Holmes was a victim of common fault lines in the justice system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mistaken witness identification from an improperly suggestive photo lineup convinced investigators and prosecutors that Holmes was the getaway driver in a robbery. They overlooked a significant discrepancy between Holmes car and a similar Oldsmobile. The criminals car trunk had a hole in place of a lock; Holmes car didnt. The state finessed that by assuming his car was repaired after the robbery. Only 400 years Once they convinced themselves they had the right suspect, it was over. Holmes wouldnt name accomplices, because he couldnt. The prosecutor asked the judge to give him 800 years but the judge reduced it to 400. The identification of Holmes was scientifically unreliable and contrary to modern-day best practices, said Broward State Attorney Harold Pryor, whose office reinvestigated the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriffs deputies who did the original investigation expressed shock that Holmes was sentenced to and had served so much time in prison, Pryor said. There have been 93 exonerees in Florida. Broward and Miami-Dade lead the state with 13 cases each in this dubious category. Holmes was one of eight who had served 30 years or more. He and four other long-term prisoners were freed because state attorneys whose offices originally convicted them now have conviction review units to hear pleas from convicts who had exhausted their appeals in the courts. Too few case reviews Only five such units exist in Florida, according to the National Registry of Exonerations in Broward, Hillsborough, Palm Beach, the Ninth Judicial Circuit (Orange and Osceola counties) and the Fourth (Duval, Nassau and Clay). That leaves 15 circuits with no mechanisms for righting such terrible wrongs. The Innocence Project of Florida, a voluntary group, is the only statewide resource. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a conviction, the odds are extremely long against a successful appeal. Appellate courts arent concerned with guilt or innocence, only whether a trial followed procedural rules. All of the appellate rules are stacked in the states favor. In a notorious case, the state Attorney General opposed DNA testing sought by a prisoner named Wilton Dedge and argued for the sake of finality that he should not have it, even if they knew he was innocent. The test proved him innocent another case in which an eyewitness ID was wrong. Dedge was released after 22 years of a life sentence. The Legislature gave him $2 million. The best way to rectify such wrongs is to prevent them from happening. A ton of work needed To that end, a 2017 Florida law established some, but not all best practices for witness identifications, according to Seth Miller of The Innocence Project, which helped to clear Holmes. But the law still allows photo lineups and leaves enforcement to the discretion of trial judges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is still a ton of work to be done to identify such cases and determine whether the suggestive photo lineup contributed to a wrongful conviction, Miller said. Other human factors contribute to wrongful imprisonment, and exculpatory DNA is not present in most cases. People with arrest records, as Holmes had, are typically prime suspects. False confessions were found in 13% of exonerations. Nearly 30% involved false or misleading forensic evidence. Outright perjury or false accusations contributed to more than six of every 10 cases. When mistakes are made, they tend to cascade. A trait known as confirmation bias can cause detectives and prosecutors to zero in on preferred suspects, ignoring evidence that might clear them. This is why its to everyones advantage to have someone aggressively second-guessing every case before it goes to trial. No one should endure what happened to Sidney Holmes. _____ The return of school has us focused on education, and with that in mind we believe its worth weighing in on two major changes in the way the state of Illinois measures proficiency in reading, math and science. First, the scores needed to be considered proficient are going down for math and reading. For high schoolers, these scores come from the preACT and the ACT, a test with scores ranging from 1 at the low end to 36 on the high end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously, the state used SAT scores to measure high school proficiency, with proficiency standards above the national average. Now, scoring an 18 in English language arts and a 19 in math on the ACT will count as proficient for high school juniors. To put that in perspective: an 18 is below the national average ACT score of 19 and far below what selective universities such as the University of Illinois expect, where most freshmen scored between 30 and 34. For students in lower grades, the same trend holds true proficiency scores based on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness for English and math went down, while science went up slightly. Second, its about to become a lot more difficult to understand how students are doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Education reporter Becky Vevea of Chalkbeat hit the nail on the head when she wrote that, Comparisons to achievement in past years, including to pre-pandemic performance, now will be difficult due to the shifting benchmarks. Yes. And while state officials make the case that this was a necessary change, we wonder cynically whether this move was about obfuscating continued declines. The Illinois State Board of Education spun the move this way: Illinois right-sizes assessment performance levels to give families and educators more accurate data on student success. But the states attempt to right-size expectations comes against the backdrop of already troubling results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, just 30% of fourth graders across Illinois were proficient in reading, according to the Nations Report Card. No matter the reason, the reality is were not going to be able to easily measure how well kids are reading and doing math compared with previous school years. Thats a problem when proficiency isnt where it needs to be. Were cheering for students and teachers across Illinois this school year. We know life in the classroom is tough for kids and adults alike, and the process of learning is hard work. But its worth it the rewards of being able to read and enjoy great books and perform challenging calculations on your own are great. This knowledge gives kids power and agency, two things theyll need after graduation. Now is not the time to move the goalposts on test scores. Its time to get serious about what these scores are telling us essentially, that many of our kids need our help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lowering expectations also wont inspire better outcomes. On the contrary, it risks misleading parents and denying the very students who need help the support they deserve. Under these lowered thresholds, more kids will be considered proficient in reading and math than last year. Thats good for administrators who want to pad their own grades. But it doesnt serve anyone else. The point of the tests isnt just to pass by any means necessary, even if that means making it easier to do so. The point is to be honest with parents and the people tasked with running our schools about how the system is doing. _____ Chicagos most momentous budget season in recent memory begins this coming Thursday with the Chicago Board of Educations vote on a budget for the school year that already is underway. Shortly thereafter, a working group appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson is scheduled to submit a preliminary report with recommendations both for cost reductions and revenue increases in the 2026 budget. The deadline for that submission is Sunday, Aug. 31. And then in mid-October, Johnson is slated to propose his own budget, which will kick off a series of City Council hearings and likely weeks of negotiations between various factions on the council and the mayors office to hammer out a spending plan by the end of this calendar year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the mayor and his progressive allies on the school board and the City Council, these coming weeks in short are a test. Can progressives, no longer able to sidestep the stark budgetary realities that have been well understood now for months, make the tough decisions that those in the positions they hold are called upon to make when they seek these seats of responsibility? Its fair to say that Chicago hasnt been well governed since the onset of the pandemic. Billions in federal pandemic aid temporarily papered over structural deficits at Chicago Public Schools and in city government. Both entities foolishly used the largesse to substantially expand their unionized staffs and now dont have the revenue base to support those higher costs. Progressives have advocated for every tax idea imaginable to fill the breach and have been stymied by legal and political impediments, particularly the inconvenient fact that most of their tax-the-rich schemes require state approval, which hasnt been forthcoming. Now its showtime, folks. We will get our first indication of whether adult governance will prevail on Thursday, when the school board finalizes its budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interim CPS CEO Macquline King offered a budget that closes a gap of hundreds of millions without cutting classroom resources. But in so doing King rebuffed the mayor who supported her for the CPS post. She decided CPS couldnt cover $175 million of the contribution Chicago must make to the badly underfunded Municipal Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago, which funds retirement benefits for CPS employees as well as city workers. By state law, that duty belongs to city government, not CPS. A majority of school board members, most of whom the mayor appointed, are pushing for CPS to make the payment and take on hundreds of millions in high-priced debt to do so a decision, weve emphasized before, that would be highly irresponsible and likely would mean more downgrades for a school district already with a credit rating well below investment grade. Will any of those school board members back down and do the responsible thing Thursday? That will be the first sign Chicagoans get of how Johnson and his allies intend to plug budget holes that, between CPS and the city of Chicago, exceed $1.5 billion. Within a few weeks, between the school boards action and the recommendations of Johnsons budget working group (as well as City Halls response to those suggestions), we should have a much better idea than we do now of whether pragmatism will hold sway in resolving Chicagos budget crises. Will unionized city workers be asked to make sacrifices to help balance the budget or will Johnson and fellow progressives put most of the onus on taxpayers? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson isnt the only Chicago politician responsible for the citys current sorry predicament. Since Rahm Emanuel left office after two terms as Chicago mayor, this city has grown the size of its government even as its leaders knew federal aid was transitory and the exorbitant bill to shore up Chicagos underfunded pensions only would grow for the foreseeable future. But Johnson is the man who asked for the responsibility to govern. Its past time to do so. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. LONDON, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- For the first time on record, a lung from a genetically modified pig has been successfully transplanted into a human body, Chinese scientists announced in a study published in Nature. "Lungs are complex organs to transplant, but the surgery is a step towards clinical trials," Nature reported Tuesday. The recipient, a 39-year-old man in China who was brain dead, received the lung that had undergone six genetic modifications to improve compatibility with humans. The organ remained viable and functioning for nine days in his body with no signs of hyperacute rejection or infection. He Jianxing, corresponding author of the study, told Xinhua that with growing global demand for organ transplants, xenotransplantation is considered a promising solution to the shortage of donors. He said the achievement marked a vital step forward in lung xenotransplantation. "This study marks a milestone in translational medicine," said Beatriz Dominguez-Gil, director of the National Transplant Organisation. At least half a dozen people in China and the United States have so far received genome-edited pig organs, including hearts, kidneys, livers, and a thymus. Dominguez-Gil highlighted the significance of the breakthrough, noting that lungs are especially difficult to transplant due to their delicate physiological balance. They receive a very high blood flow and are constantly exposed to ambient air, making them particularly vulnerable. "Lungs are the most difficult organ to transplant," said Muhammad Mohiuddin, a surgeon and researcher at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, who in 2022 led the first pig-heart transplant into a living person. "I applaud their effort," he was quoted by Nature as saying. "It's a first step" toward lung xenotransplantation - the use of animal organs in humans. There are two actions that are both anti-democratic and anti-Democratic that Texas Republican state lawmakers and Gov. Greg Abbott are doing in messing around with the lines of the Lone Star States 38 congressional districts and both are bad. And the Texans moves are causing other states, notably California, to respond. Its an eye for an eye, blinding everyone. We hope that the courts stop Texas and that California then stands down. As for New York, the Empire State isnt a factor due to our state Constitution and any talk from Albany Dems is just bluster. The first sin of the Texas Republicans, directed by President Donald Trump, is that they have rearranged the maps to maximize the number of districts that Republicans will likely win and minimize the number that Democrats have a good chance at victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP thinks that their creation will produce 30 GOP seats, up from the current 25. Trump wants that to pad the Republicans narrow control of the U.S. House of Representatives, which is only three seats. And they were blatant in their partisan political scheme, saying in floor debate in both chambers of the Austin legislature that they wanted more Republicans elected to Congress. The other sin coming from Texas is that they are gerrymandering which is as old as the Republic for the 2026 midterm elections. That is a new one. Mapmaking has always been a once a decade exercise, following the decennial census. But the most recent census was in 2020 and the next national count isnt until 2030. So there was normally scheduled redistricting in 2022 and the next round shouldnt be until 2032. But why stop there with new maps for 2026? Why not draw new maps every two years? Just think, this way Americans could always have a new member Congress after 24 months due to new districts. Absurd? Of course it is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is so very wrong that its hard not to agree with the Democrats that they should fight back. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrats in the Sacramento legislature have redrawn their 52 districts so the Dems will gain five congressional seats. Those maps are subject to voter approval, which would amend the state constitution. As for New York, the state Constitution here is much harder to change and it also has constraints on gerrymandering and noncensus cycle year redistricting. We wish more states had those constraints. We wish Texas had the same constraints. Amending the New York Constitution requires approval by two successive sessions of the Legislature in Albany. So the current state Legislature, the 206th session, which sits from January 2025 until December 2026, will need to approve any change. And then the 207th New York State Legislature that is elected in November 2026 and takes office on Jan. 1, 2027 will also have to vote. If they pass the amendment, it will go to the voters in November 2027. That despite Albany Democrats who have argued in recent years that they dont like to have constitutional amendments voted on by the public during double off-years, with no federal or state offices on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If approved by voters, the lines for New Yorks 26 districts could be redrawn for the 2028 elections, but the state Constitutions anti-gerrymandering rule would still be in place, so it wouldnt be like what Texas and California are doing either in terms of timing or political outcome. Too often New York does the wrong thing, but here New York is the state that is not acting against the interests of the public. _____ EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) A 43-year-old man is dead following a motorcycle crash in Effingham that happened over the weekend. The crash happened Saturday at 12:43 a.m. Kim Rhodes, the Effingham County Coroner, said a motorcyclist was leaving southbound I-57 and was driving up the ramp leading to Keller Drive. The motorcyclist lost control of his bike on the ramp and crashed, Rhodes said. Rhodes added that the motorcyclist was found by a truck driver who called 911. He was transported to HSHS St. Anthonys Hospital, but was pronounced dead at 5 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal surveillance of Illinois drivers sparks state crack down on license plate data The motorcyclist was identified as 43-year-old Justin Kresin of Effingham. No autopsy was performed, Rhodes said, but samples were taken from Kresin for toxicology testing. The results should be known in three weeks. The Illinois State Police said they are still investigating the crash alongside Rhodes 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 WCIA.com. The Sinaloa Cartels co-founder, also known as El Mayo, pleaded guilty to charges of racketeering and criminal enterprise. Ismael Zambada Garcia, a 75-year-old from Sinaloa, Mexico, pleaded guilty on August 25 to leading a continuing criminal enterprise the Sinaloa Cartel, according to a press release from the Department of Justice. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations. This foreign terrorist committed horrific crimes against the American people he will now pay for those crimes by spending the rest of his life behind bars in an American prison, said Attorney General Pam Bondi in the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After his guilty plea, Garcia will spend the rest of his life in prison and pay $15 billion in forfeited money to the federal government. His official sentencing is set for January 13, 2026. Garcia was charged in the Western District of Texas with RICO conspiracy for money laundering, murder and drug conspiracies, and murder and kidnapping from January 1, 2000, to April 11, 2012, according to the release. He was charged in the Eastern District of New York for being a principal leader of a continuing criminal enterprise from January 1989 to January 2024. In his plea agreement, Garcia transferred the Texas indictment to New York for the plea and sentencing process, where he will face justice for the crimes outlined in both indictments. The remaining indictments will be dismissed at the time of sentencing, the release reads. Garcia began his ascent to power when the Sinaloa Cartel first started in the early 1980s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For decades, the Sinaloa Cartel under El Mayos leadership made billions of dollars by importing dangerous drugs to the United States intensifying the drug epidemic in our communities by flooding our streets with cocaine, heroin, and deadly fentanyl, said Matthew Galeotti, acting assistant attorney general of the DOJs Criminal Division, in recent remarks. In his plea, Garcia admitted to leading the sprawling criminal enterprise that distributed more than 1.5 million kg (or 3.3 million lbs) of cocaine enough to kill 1.25 billion people. He also made corrupt payments in order to operate with impunity, and used extreme violence to protect the cartel. Since the late 1980s, the Sinaloa Cartel has trafficked lethal quantities of drugs, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, into America, laundering billions in proceeds back to Mexico, according to the release. The cartel initially focused on cocaine distribution through cooperative arrangements and coordination with South American supply and distribution networks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in the 2000s, the Colombians saw increased law enforcement and began abandoning their American distribution businesses. Instead, they began allowing Mexican traffickers to invest in cocaine shipments at wholesale prices, then distribute the drugs themselves in the United States. As a result, Mexican traffickers and the Cartel began to take a more integral role in moving cocaine from Colombia into and throughout the United States, the release reads. Under Garcias leadership in particular, the Sinaloa Cartel expanded into producing and trafficking fentanyl. Members would purchase fentanyl precursor chemicals from Chinese companies and produce the drug in Mexico before distributing it in America. The cartel also generated billions in illegal profits from American drug sales, allowing it to build a large-scale narcotics transportation network over land, sea, and air. It was eventually able to ship multi-ton quantities of drugs into the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the 2016 capture of his partner, the drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, Garcia worked on growing his individual power and position in the cartel. Under his leadership, the Sinaloa Cartel used brutal violence, intimidation, and murder to silence witnesses and deter law enforcement. Garcia used corruption at all levels to guarantee the cartels success, according to the release. Local police officers would escort the drugs through Mexico, and corrupt officials would warn the cartel of military action even consulting with the syndicate about ongoing investigations. Todays plea is a proud moment for the FBI and its partners as the founders of a notoriously violent drug trafficking organization, one that engages in an array of illegal activity including murder and corruption, face the consequences of their actions, said FBI Director Kash Patel in the release. After Garcias capture in 2024, the Sinaloa Cartel fractured leading to civil war between a faction loyal to him and a faction loyal to the sons of El Chapo, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. The conflict left more than 1,300 dead and more than 1,500 missing. Earlier this year, 17 family members linked to the Sinaloa Cartel were traded to America as part of a deal between the DOJ and a son of El Chapo, as The Dallas Express also reported. Cartels, including Sinaloa, Los Zetas, Los Caballeros Templarios, the Beltran-Leyva Organization, and the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, have operated across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in the past. Our work does not end here, Patel said in the release. We will continue to relentlessly leverage everything at our disposal in our efforts to thwart the Sinaloa Cartel and put an end to their drug trafficking operations and the carnage that goes along with it. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The El Paso County Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics assistance in identifying a man who may go by the alias of coyote and may have been involved in a theft in East El Paso County. The incident happened along the 13900 block of Horizon Boulevard, the Sheriffs Office said. The suspect is described as an Hispanic male, possibly with a buzz cut or bald. He was last seen wearing a black cutoff T-shirt, gray pants, and gray shoes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect has tattoos on both arms and may be known by the alias Coyote. Anyone with information regarding the identity or whereabouts of this suspect is urged to contact the El Paso County Sheriffs Office at (915) 273-3800, ext. 5455. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Court documents reveal that an El Paso Fire lieutenant was on his phone and had a couple of drinks before a crash earlier this month that seriously injured another person in East El Paso. El Paso Fire Lieutenant Manuel Esquivel Alvarez is facing a charge of intoxication assault with a vehicle, causing serious bodily injuries after crashing into a pink three-wheel motorcycle on Aug. 19 at the 8000 block of Gateway East. Manuel Esquivel Alvarez. Photo: EPPD. Police responded just after 5 p.m. that Tuesday to the scene of the crash, where the victim, Victor Manuel Estrada, was transported with serious injuries consisting of a fractured pelvis and several broken ribs, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents say that Alvarez told police that he had two or three tall beers and was coming from Cabo Joes and was on his way home. UPDATE: Fire lieutenant was speeding before crash An officer at the scene smelled an odor of alcohol coming from Alvarez, and he seemed to be off balance and had bloodshot eyes, according to court documents. Alvarez also told the officer that he had some chest pain and anxiety and wanted to know if Estrada was okay, court documents said. The officer asked Alvarez what happened, and he told the officer that he was trying to go home and that while he was driving, he was using his phone. He told the officer that traffic slowed down all of a sudden, and he crashed into Estrada, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer asked Alvarez if he felt okay to be driving after drinking at Cabo Joes, to which he said yes. The officer asked him on a scale of 0 to 10 what he would rate himself in terms of being intoxicated, and Alvarez said 4, according to court documents. Alvarez agreed to perform a standardized field sobriety test at the scene to which he failed. He was then placed under arrest and was transported to a local hospital due to the chest pains and anxiety he was experiencing, according to court documents. At the hospital, Alvarez provided a voluntary blood sample and was medically cleared. He was then transported to the Mission Valley Regional Command center for processing. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission launched an investigation into Cabo Joes, where Alvarez was at before the crash. As of last week, the City of El Paso confirmed Alvarez was still employed with the Fire 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 KTSM 9 News. The BlueOval SK battery manufacturing complex is located along Interstate 65 at Glendale in Hardin County. It is a joint venture between Ford Motor Co. and South Korea-based company SK On. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony) A nine-month campaign to unionize a massive electric vehicle battery plant in Hardin County will culminate in a vote by more than 1,400 hourly workers this week. The United Auto Workers (UAW) launched its campaign last November to unionize the BlueOval SK battery manufacturing complex, a joint venture between Ford Motor Co. and South Korea-based company SK On. The $5 billion complex in Glendale has been described by state officials as the single-largest economic development investment in state history that would employ 5,000 people when a second planned plant becomes operational. The company began production at the plant last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will oversee the union election starting Tuesday and begin counting the vote Wednesday evening. The lead-up to the election has been contentious between the UAW and BlueOval SK. The union, representing 391,000 active members including workers at Fords auto manufacturing plants in Louisville, last month called on the NLRB to investigate what it argued were violations of federal labor law by BlueOval SK for allegedly employing a scorched-earth anti-union campaign designed to scare workers and chill support. The UAW referenced a Louisville Courier-Journal report that found workers have raised concerns about mold exposure, injuries including broken bones and run-ins with bats. A BlueOval SK spokesperson has denied assertions from workers of unsafe conditions. A BlueOval SK spokesperson also told the News-Enterprise in Hardin County the UAWs call for an investigation last month was a dishonest tactic to stall a timely and fair election. Tyler Connor, a production operator at BlueOval SK, wrote in a commentary provided to the Lantern through a UAW spokesperson, that he quickly decided to support a union because of negative experiences he had ranging from a lack of training for his job, constant policy changes that made personal life planning difficult and other concerns about workplace safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He wrote that a fire alarm went off one day, but he failed to hear it because of noise from a nearby air hose leak. A coworker walked by and let Connor know people were evacuating. If that had been a real emergency, I could have been trapped. Thats not just poor communication its dangerous, Connor wrote. I want my voice heard, promises kept and a safer work environment. I want the peace of mind that comes with a union contract and a seat at the table to negotiate over our working conditions. If battery workers at the BlueOval SK plant choose to unionize, it would mark another victory for the UAW after unionizing other electric vehicle battery plants including most recently in Indiana. The UAWs efforts are a part of its larger push to unionize electric vehicle battery plants across the country, but the union has had challenges with organizing in the South. Mallory Cooke, a spokesperson for BlueOval SK, in an emailed statement to the Lantern said the company has not, and will not, violate any labor laws. The company has launched its own website making the case to workers against unionization, arguing a union could take away workers pay and autonomy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mutual respect is a critical part of our culture, Cooke said. BlueOval SK looks forward to our team having their voices heard. Our team members have endured months of union sales tactics and slanders against their exciting jobs and proud accomplishments. They are ready for their voices to be heard. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Tesla CEO Elon Musk has a long history of criticizing Apple. Musk's xAI and X sued Apple and OpenAI on Monday, alleging monopolistic behavior. He criticized Apple and its CEO years ago before appearing to patch things up during an HQ visit. Elon Musk's companies X and xAI sued Apple and OpenAI this week. The billionaire has criticized the tech giant's partnership with OpenAI before, but this is the latest flare-up of Musk's one-sided beef with Apple. The first signs of Musk's clash with the tech giant came back in 2015 when he joked that Apple employed Tesla's rejects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They have hired people we've fired," Musk told German newspaper Handelsblatt. "We always jokingly call Apple the 'Tesla Graveyard'. If you don't make it at Tesla, you go work at Apple. I'm not kidding." In the interview with the news outlet, the Tesla CEO shrugged off reports that Apple was looking into making its own electric car which the company has since reportedly scrapped and took a dig at some of Apple's new product offerings at the time. "Did you ever take a look at the Apple Watch?" Musk said. "No, seriously: It's good that Apple is moving and investing in this direction. But cars are very complex compared to phones or smartwatches. You can't just go to a supplier like Foxconn and say: Build me a car." In the decade since, Musk has continued to be outspoken about Apple's products and strategy. Here's a history of Musk's on-again off-again criticisms of Apple and its CEO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, Musk reportedly tried to take CEO Tim Cook's job. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Apple CEO Tim Cook. Britta Pedersen-Pool/Getty Images, Steve Granitz/WireImage According to Tim Higgins' book "Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century," Tim Cook had suggested that Apple acquire Tesla in 2016. At the time, Musk reportedly said he wanted to be CEO and Cook allegedly agreed, until Musk clarified that he wanted to be CEO of Apple not just Tesla. According to the book, which cited a source who had heard Musk's retelling of the exchange, Cook uttered an expletive before hanging up on Musk. Both Musk and Apple have denied the reports, saying they have never spoken. "There was a point where I requested to meet with Cook to talk about Apple buying Tesla," Musk said on Twitter when the book came out in 2021. "There were no conditions of acquisition proposed whatsoever. He refused to meet. Tesla was worth about 6% of today's value." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2018, Musk said Apple's devices don't "blow people's minds" like they used to. Tim Cook visits an Apple store in New York City on September 16. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images In an interview with Recode's Kara Swisher in 2018, Musk said Apple's products have grown stale. "There's not many products you can buy that really make you happier," he said. "I still think, obviously, that Apple makes great phones. ... I still use an iPhone and everything. But Apple used to really bring out products that would blow people's minds, you know? And still make great products, but there's less of that." Musk compared Apple to Tesla, saying Tesla planned to avoid Apple's pitfalls when it comes to consumer interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't think people are necessarily running to the store for the iPhone 11," Musk said. "But I think with Tesla, we really want to make products that people just love, that are heart-stopping." He doubled down his criticisms of Apple's technology in 2020. John Raoux/AP Photo In 2020, Musk criticized the iPhone's software while speaking at the Satellite 2020 conference. "Technology does not automatically improve," Musk said. "People are used to the phone being better every year. I'm an iPhone user, but I think some of the recent software updates have been not great." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continued to say that the software seemingly "broke" his email system. In 2022, a key Apple exec deleted his Twitter account amid Musk's changes to Twitter. Phil Schiller, former head of Apple marketing Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Phil Schiller, the senior Apple executive who runs the company's App Store, deactivated his Twitter account in November 2022, shortly after Musk reinstated Donald Trump's account. Schiller had hundreds of thousands of followers on the site and had formerly served as Apple's head of marketing. His decision to delete his account spawned headlines. Musk has slammed the tech company for its App Store fees. Some Apple workers in Australia went on strike on Tuesday. Loren Elliott/Reuters "Did you know Apple puts a secret 30% tax on everything you buy through the App Store?" Musk tweeted in November 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was one of many times the billionaire has criticized Apple for its App Store fees. In 2021, he called the fees a "de facto global tax on the internet," and in November 2022, he tagged the Department of Justice's antitrust division in a criticism of the fees. Now that he owns X, formerly Twitter, Apple's fees could have an impact on Musk's business and his plans to generate revenue by charging users for verification on the social media site. Apple controls app distribution for the iPhone and iPad, and takes between 15% and 30% of most in-app purchases made on iOS apps. The company typically requires that developers use in-app payment systems, though it has slightly softened that requirement for certain apps like Netflix and Spotify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon Musk seemingly declared "war" on Apple in a since-deleted tweet in 2022. Elon Musk Tim Cook meme Elon Musk The billionaire accused Apple of monopolizing the market and opposing free speech in a series of tweets. "Apple has mostly stopped advertising on Twitter," Musk posted on Twitter in November 2022. "Do they hate free speech in America?" In a series of tweets in November 2022, Musk accused Apple of being politically biased, called for Apple to publish all actions it has taken toward censorship, and asked his followers for support in his fight against the largest tech company in the world. The Tesla CEO later added that Apple had "threatened" to take Twitter off its App Store and "won't tell us why." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Apple did not respond to a request for comment at the time. Musk took aim at Cook in 2022. Apple CEO Tim Cook. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Musk said Apple stopped spending ad money on Twitter in 2022, but Cook never publicly responded. "What's going on here @tim_cook?" Musk tweeted in November 2022. In the first quarter of 2022, Apple was the top advertiser on Twitter, accounting for 4% of the social media company's revenue, according to The Washington Post. Up until Musk's takeover, Twitter and Apple appeared to enjoy a symbiotic relationship. Apple frequently used the site for product announcements, and Apple even integrated tweets in its iOS operating system in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a New York Times op-ed in November 2022, Yoel Roth, Twitter's former head of trust and safety, said that "the calls from the app review teams had already begun" when Musk's rollout of paid verification badges led to chaos, with users impersonating public figures and major companies. Musk didn't seem afraid of the consequences of beefing with Apple. Taylor Hill/Getty Images In the past, Musk has said he doesn't see Apple as a threat to Tesla. Musk said in November 2022 that he'd create his own smartphone if Apple booted Twitter off the App Store. "I certainly hope it does not come to that, but, yes, if there is no other choice, I will make an alternative phone," Musk posted on Twitter at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk hinted that his next step could be an iPhone following Apple's WWDC event. After a user on X, formerly Twitter, posted that they foresee the platform partnering with Samsung to manufacture an X phone, Musk Musk responded, "It is not out of the question." Musk appeared to temporarily pause his criticism of Apple after visiting its headquarters in 2022. The circular Apple Park headquarters building is visible from the roof of the visitor center. Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images Days after declaring "war" on Apple, Musk posted a video that appeared to show him at Apple's campus in Cupertino, California. New York Times reporter Kate Conger also posted on Twitter at the time that Musk and Cook were spotted together on Apple's campus by employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thanks @tim_cook for taking me around Apple's beautiful HQ," Musk posted on Twitter later that day. In an interview with GQ several months later in April 2023, Cook opened up about his relationship with Musk and said he felt "very strongly about engaging with people regardless of whether they agree with you or not." "I actually think it's even more important to engage when there's disagreement," Cook said in the interview. Following his visit, Musk seemed to quiet down about his criticism of Apple and its CEO at least temporarily. Musk has never shied away from picking a fight online. Apple CEO Tim Cook. Eric Gaillard/Reuters The billionaire has been known to start his fair share of feuds on X, and he's never appeared hesitant to speak his mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Musk has public feuds with both Mark Zuckerberg and Sam Altman. In March 2024, the billionaire sued OpenAI accusing it of betraying its original mission of being open-sourced and "developing AGI for the benefit of humanity." Musk has also publicly argued with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Stephen King on X. The billionaire also seems to have a tense relationship with former CNN host Don Lemon. Musk has also personally called up CEOs of companies that have pulled ads from X to complain, Financial Times reported in November 2022. Musk threatened to take action against Apple users after denouncing its partnership with OpenAI. Elon Musk. Beata Zawrzel/Getty Images After Apple announced a partnership with OpenAI at the WWDC conference, Musk published a number of posts on X denouncing Apple's move to integrate ChatGPT as an opt-in feature across its software on iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. "If Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, then Apple devices will be banned at my companies," Musk wrote. "That is an unacceptable security violation." He also added that anyone visiting his companies would have to store their Apple devices in a Faraday cage, which is a type of container that blocks electromagnetic transmissions. Musk, whose Grok AI chatbot is a ChatGPT competitor, also mocked Apple's artificial-intelligence chops, posting that it wasn't "smart enough to make their own AI." Musk criticized Apple during and after the recent WWDC event. JIM WATSON/AFP/Kevin Mazur/Getty Images In addition to multiple posts slamming Apple's partnership with OpenAI, Musk also made it clear he wasn't impressed with Apple's recent updates. During the WWDC event in June 2024, Musk replied to a post on X about the crowd cheering when Apple introduced an iPhone home screen revamp with, "Um ok." He also responded to a post from Cook that promoted Apple Intelligence. "Don't want it," the Tesla CEO wrote."Either stop this creepy spyware or all Apple devices will be banned from the premises of my companies." Apple has yet to comment on Musk's criticisms. In the meantime, it appears that Musk's one-sided beef with the company will continue. Apple's Apple Intelligence features are scheduled to roll out later this year alongside the new iPhone lineup. Tesla, SpaceX, and X employees will likely be waiting to see whether their boss makes good on his word and bans Apple devices. Musk complained about Apple not including Grok on the "Now Trending" list on the App Store. "Unfortunately, what choice do we have? Apple didn't just put their thumb on the scale, they put their whole body!" Elon Musk wrote on X on Monday. Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images Musk began ramping up criticism of the App Store in mid-August. On August 11, Musk posted on X that Apple had committed an "unequivocal antitrust violation," alleging that the tech giant was making it "impossible" for any AI company other than OpenAI to hit No. 1 on the App Store. He threatened that his company would take legal action at the time. A day later, he posted a similar complaint, with a screenshot of ChatGPT ranked as No. 1 in the Apple App Store. "Grok is the smartest AI in the world on the toughest tests and just came first by far in coding, but is not mentioned at all under 'AI' by Apple," Musk posted on X on August 12. Musk's companies sued Apple and OpenAI. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has the voice assistant Apple CEO Tim Cook wishes he had. Anadolu / Doug Peters - PA Images / Getty Musk's social media company X and his AI company, xAI, filed a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI on Monday in a Texas federal court. The suit accuses the companies of engaging in monopolistic behavior by using their dominance in the smartphone and AI market to hinder Musk's companies' growth. The lawsuit targets Apple's deal with OpenAI announced last summer, which integrates ChatGPT into Apple Intelligence and Siri. "Working in tandem, Defendants Apple and OpenAI have locked up markets to maintain their monopolies and prevent innovators like X and xAI from competing," the lawsuit said, alleging that the two engaged in an "anticompetitive scheme" that caused billions of dollars in damage. In a statement to Business Insider, OpenAI said the latest filing was "consistent with Mr Musk's ongoing pattern of harassment." Musk has been vocal about his disapproval for OpenAI and has sued the startup more than once. Apple previously told Business Insider that the App Store is "designed to be fair and free of bias." "We feature thousands of apps through charts, algorithmic recommendations, and curated lists selected by experts using objective criteria," the spokesperson said. Read the original article on Business Insider Embarrassed herself: Prosecutor arrested outside New England restaurant gets 6-month, unpaid leave A prosecutor who told police that they would regret arresting her in a now-viral bodycam video captured outside of a New England restaurant has been placed on six-month, unpaid leave. Rhode Island Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan was taken into custody for trespassing after she reportedly refused to leave the Clarke Cooke House on Bannisters Wharf in Newport, Rhode Island, on Aug. 14, according to the Newport Police Department. In a statement shared with Boston 25 News, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said Monday that he hopes Flanagan uses her time on leave to reflect on the seriousness of her conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On August 14, Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan mistreated the Newport Police Department and embarrassed herself, the Office, and frankly, me. We hold our attorneys to the highest personal and professional standards, and Ms. Flanagan plainly did not meet those standards here, Neronha said. Today, I met with Ms. Flanagan and placed her on unpaid leave for six months. I sincerely hope she takes this time to reflect on the seriousness of her conduct and makes corrective changes in her life. Newport Police Department Flanagan repeatedly told the arresting officer, I want you to turn your body cam off, during the incident, video shared by police showed. The officer can then be heard asking a man at the eaterys host station, Do you want them trespassed? The man responds, Anything we can do. The officer then informed Flanagan and another woman that they were trespassing and asked them to leave the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After some pushback, the officer said, Lets go, and placed Flanagan in handcuffs. Newport Police Department As Flanagan was escorted to a nearby police cruiser, she can be heard in the video yelling, Im an AG! Im an AG! Youre going to regret this. Youre going to regret it, Flanagan warned the officer as she was loaded into the cruiser. The police department stated that the officer did not comply with Flanagans request to turn off the body camera, as she was a suspect in the case, not a victim. Flanagan has worked for the Rhode Island AGs office for seven years, officials said. Newport Police Department She has a long road ahead of her, but I believe that in the long run, our worst moments can inspire us to become better people, Neronha added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neronha spoke with the officers involved on Monday and apologized on behalf of his office. Flanagan has pleaded not guilty to trespassing charges. The incident remains under investigation. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW (NewsNation) The search for Emmanuel Haro has reached 11 days, and the mission to find the missing baby now has police trying an old-school method. Detectives were seen taking Haros father, Jake, out with them on the victim-recovery mission. Haro, who was arrested with Rebecca Haro, Emmanuels mother, was filmed wearing an orange prison jumpsuit Sunday, assisting crews search for Emmanuels body in Moreno Valley, California. Chris McDonough, a retired homicide detective and executive board member of the Cold Case Foundation, tells Banfield that Haros help in the search could wind up being what proves him guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baby Emmanuel Haro believed to be dead, wasnt kidnapped I would suspect they probably have some type of digital footprint and or forensic evidence from some of the search warrants they did, he said. And of course, theyre looking for malice, right? And in California, malice is a mental state of mind (in) which a person intends to kill somebody. So, this may go to his detriment if he is playing that game, Im going to take him out there and burn some time up. But the prosecutor may use that against him to show that he had specific intent to kill his child. Haro probably made deal with the authorities: Former detective McDonough thinks Jake Haro may know Emmanuels whereabouts, which would explain why detectives pulled him out of jail to join the search. He points out that the detective standing next to Haro has his arms crossed, while Haro is leaning off to the side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve got all those resources there, so they must have had something in that interview room to prompt them to pull him out of the county jail and pull him down there. Authorities with Haro zeroed in on a particular part of the freeway right along the San Bernardino riverside. McDonough questions whether that could potentially also lead to finding Emmanuel. Family hasnt seen missing baby Emmanuel Haro for a month: Journalist So maybe they were thinking, if we take him down here, hes going to bring us back to the reenactment of, potentially, how this child got to that area, he said. Haro might turn on his wife: Former detective McDonough feels Haro might turn on his wife or place the blame on her for Emmanuels disappearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why? In Haros past case where he was accused of child cruelty, he blamed his significant other, as well. So this may be his same play, McDonough said. And so its going to be a he said, she said, and theyre going to let the defense fight it out. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. JERUSALEM, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Israelis took to the streets on Tuesday, blocking highways, burning tires and rallying outside ministers' homes to demand a ceasefire in Gaza that would secure the release of hostages still held in the enclave. The "National Day of Struggle" was organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents relatives of the captives. The group urged the public to step up pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his ministers to advance truce talks. However, far-right members of Netanyahu's coalition have threatened to resign if Israel agrees to a ceasefire. The protests came as leaders said plans for an offensive to "conquer" Gaza City were moving forward, describing it as necessary to defeat Hamas. The planned offensive, which the army has already begun in its initial stages, involves mass displacement and the destruction of the enclave's main urban center, already stricken by famine. Netanyahu convened his cabinet in the afternoon, but no announcement followed. A government official, speaking with Xinhua on condition of anonymity, said the meeting focused on a regional review, and only "briefly" touched on the Gaza City offensive. It did not address the stalled ceasefire negotiations or the recent proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt that Hamas endorsed last week. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari confirmed on Tuesday that Israel has yet to respond to the proposal, which he said "matches 90 percent of what Israel wants." "The ball is now in Israel's court, and it seems that it does not want to reach an agreement," he said. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum accused Netanyahu of deliberately avoiding discussion of the deal. "It is very sad that precisely on the day when masses of Israelis take to the streets with a clear demand to bring all the hostages home and to end the war, Netanyahu continues his campaign to sabotage the agreement, in complete contradiction to the will of the people," it said in a statement. During the day, protesters carried signs reading "Hostage Deal Now" and blocked Highway 1, which links Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and the Ayalon Highway, the country's main artery. By nightfall, protesters gathered in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square. According to the forum, about 200,000 gathered there. Sharon Cunio, a former hostage and the wife of David Cunio, who remains in Gaza, said their daughters began preschool without their father. "A few days ago, when I was putting them to bed, they asked me, 'Are you sure daddy will come back?' So here are the facts: there is a deal on the table, the military's chief of staff says we must move forward with it. So why can't I tell my daughters I am sure their father will come back?" she said. Hamas seized 251 hostages during its surprise attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which resulted in the killing of about 1,200 people in Israel. Most have since been freed in swaps, killed or died in captivity. Around 50 remain in Gaza, including about 20 believed to be alive, according to Israeli figures. Israeli strikes and gunfire have killed at least 62,819 people and wounded 158,629 in Gaza since the war began, according to the Gaza health authorities. TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) The Tuscaloosa Police Department is conducting an investigation after an employee was found dead at DCH Regional Medical Center Monday. DCH contacted TPD after find an employee dead at their work area, according to Capt. Jack Kennedy. Preliminary findings from the medical examiner suggest that the individual died from a medical issue. Authorities say no signs of criminal activity or foul play were found. The case is 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 CBS 42. Ludrick Cooper, an eighth-grade teacher in South Carolina, didnt always like the idea of using artificial intelligence in the classroom or otherwise. But he eventually came around. This is the new encyclopedia, said Cooper, who loved reading encyclopedias growing up. Cooper is just one of many teachers now incorporating AI into lesson plans, another sign that AI-powered tools are becoming more commonplace in the classroom even as the technologys advantages and risks are still developing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six in 10 teachers said they used an AI tool for work in the 2024-2025 school year, according to a study from the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup. On Tuesday, First Lady Melania Trump announced the Presidential AI Challenge, a push to encourage students in grades K-12 use AI to address community challenges. Just last month, OpenAI launched a study mode for ChatGPT and announced a partnership with Instructure, whose learning platform is used by millions of students. OpenAI, Microsoft and Anthropic also teamed up with the national and New York American Federation of Teachers unions to invest approximately $23 million for AI training for 400,000 K-12th grade teachers. AI can offer benefits to education, like more engaging lessons or easier access to information. However, some experts worry about the risks, like making cheating easier, widening education inequalities or worsening students mental health. AI is a little bit like fire. When cavemen first discovered fire, a lot of people said, Ooh, look what it can do, Sarah Howorth, an associate professor of special education at the University of Maine, told CNN. And other people are like, Ah, it could kill us. You know, its the same with AI. AI in the classroom Instructure, the company behind learning platform Canvas, is collaborating with Open AI on a new tool called the LLM-Enabled Assignment which allows teachers to create customized, interactive AI-powered lessons while tracking student progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LLM is short for large language model, the underlying technology behind ChatGPT and other chatbots. With the tool, teachers can instruct the AI to create a persona that can be incorporated into a lesson plan by typing in a prompt. For example, a history teacher could tell the AI to take on the role of a president, politician or other historical figure. Melissa Loble, Instructures chief academic officer, told CNN the partnership underscores that people want to learn differently and engage in learning differently. Like Kayla Jefferson, a New York City high school social studies teacher who says she uses AI to keep students engaged, help them learn from each other and strengthen their global literacy skills. One of her assignments involves summarizing and reflecting on a news article using the AI-powered Padlet bulletin board, where the students can engage with each others posts, Jefferson told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many AI-powered tools can also aid in accessibility, Howorth said, such as talk-to-text and text-to-speech tools that help those with visual impairments or dyslexia. Ludrick Cooper, an 8th grade ELA teacher in South Carolina, in his classroom. Cooper is one of many teachers now incorporating AI into lesson plans. - Courtesy Ludrick Cooper However, Matthew Rascoff, the vice provost for digital education at Stanford, said that AI companies need to develop more technology that fosters learning as a social exercise, rather than the current model in which AI tools tend to help one person at a time. Tools that promote social learning learning as a group, for example develop collaboration skills that kids can then use in their own communities. Great classrooms create a sense of mutual responsibility for everybodys learning, Rascoff explained. AI brings certain risks Integrating AI technology and education comes with certain risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York City Public Department of Education (NYC DOE) initially banned ChatGPT on district-issued devices and networks over concerns students could use the tech to cheat. The city later reversed course after then-NYC DOE Chancellor David Banks said ChatGPT had initially caught NYC schools off guard. Instructure said its LLM-Assignment pushes back on students asking for answers, describing the tool as a guided experience that keeps students accountable and learning authentically. Cheating isnt the only risk AIs effects on mental health are still poorly understood, including in children. One mother, for example, alleged startup Character.AI was responsible for her 14-year-old sons suicide; she and other families have sued the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Instructure spokesperson said the technology in Canvas will be used in a controlled environment, with safeguards managed by the institution to make sure conversations stay relevant to the coursework. And while some AI tools are helpful for people with different needs, the technology still doesnt have solutions for certain disabilities. Talk-to-text features, for example, can still get tripped up by people with stutters or accents, Howorth said. An empty elementary school classroom is seen on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021 in the Bronx borough of New York. - Brittainy Newman/AP Poorer school districts could also struggle to access the latest AI technology, widening the gap with areas that are better-off, Robin Lake, director of Arizona State Universitys Center on Reinventing Public Education, told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In two rounds of a nationwide survey of school districts, the center found disparities in which districts were providing AI training for teachers, Lake said. High poverty districts reported lower numbers. We should be doing things to make sure that more disadvantaged schools and school districts students are getting access to the advantages of AI, she said. More advantaged kids tend to have better access to tools and opportunities and great instruction. Some urban and rural school districts reported that theyre overwhelmed with current needs, which makes it hard to think about future tools like AI, she added. Even when AI is available, not all educators are convinced it belongs in a classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lauren Monaco, a New York City pre-K and kindergarten teacher with more than 20 years of experience, described AI as a crutch that keeps people from learning for themselves. Unlike using AI, teaching involves more than just a transactional information input-output and takes personal analysis that computers cant do, Monaco told CNN. Our profession has been under attack, Monaco said. I just want to keep asking the question: Who benefits from this? But ASUs Lake said theres another factor AI is already being used in the workforce. What are students going to need to be successful in an AI economy once they get out there? she said. Thats another issue that educators should be grappling with. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SPRINGFIELD Police have been called to Union Station at least 400 times over the past three months for a range of problems, prompting a push to make the citys transportation hub safer and more welcoming. It is continuous. It has been an issue since December, said Ryan Walsh, police spokesman. The station has seen drug use, fights and the unhoused loitering there. In the past three months, it was the site of five overdoses, five larcenies, 15 arrests, 90 calls for ambulance assists, 80 calls for disturbances, 50 calls for trespassers and 25 calls for concerns about psychiatric behavior, Walsh said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, two people were injured and two juveniles were arrested in a shooting that took place outside Union Station. The victims recovered from their injuries. For months, off-duty police have been working paid details to patrol the station at busy or problem times, but this will go a step further, Walsh said. The new Safe Travels Initiative Task Force at Union Station is a partnership between police, the citys economic development department, the Hampden Sheriffs Department and the Appleton Corporation, which manages the station. The effort kicked off last week with training led by Police Lt. Brian Elliot, who also heads up the Hope 2.0 street outreach pairing police with clinicians who work with the homeless. The departments Springfield Metro and C3 divisions will be part of the regular patrols, Walsh said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the historic Union Station was renovated after being closed for decades, there were plans to turn it into a hub that would include restaurants, retail space and more. But that changed when businesses showed more interest in leasing space. While there is a Dunkin outlet, a Subway and a convenience store, much of the rest of the building is rented as commercial space, including the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence training center, located in the spot originally set aside for a restaurant, said Timothy Sheehan, chief development officer for the city. Union Station is owned by the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, the real estate arm of the city. About 80% of available space is rented and some of the open space is hard to lease because of low ceilings in one part of the 1929 building, he said. The issue is if we are going to attract people as a travel center, there needs to be more of a security presence than there has been to date, Sheehan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An estimated 3 million people travel through Union Station every year. The city is hoping that number will expand with the long-term plan to create east-west rail. The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority is offering fare-free rides through the end of September. The last time fares were collected was November 2024. With free fares, ridership is up 30%, the authority said. Because Union Station can also serve as a gateway for people who are coming into the city, it is important to ensure it feels safe, Sheehan said. Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said in a statement Friday that the project will make Union Station safer and more welcoming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some high schools use PVTA buses instead of standard school buses for transportation. One school, run by the Springfield Empowerment Zone, is downtown and those students pick up their buses at Union Station, said Azell Cavaan, school spokeswoman. Last school year, at least one person who was believed to be homeless was making students uncomfortable, she said. The Springfield Police Department is committed to the safety of all our residents and visitors who travel through Union Station, Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers said in a statement. The task force is expected to work with the management, tenants and travelers of Union Station to prevent crime and respond quickly to any problems, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the first day of the initiative Monday, building manager Nicole Sweeney briefed the second shift of officers, timed to arrive just as students were dismissed at 2 p.m. from the first day of classes at city schools. This is Day 1, she said. We are excited to provide a safe environment for the traveling public. Bob Alberti, director of law enforcement for the sheriffs office and a former Easthampton police chief, said their first job is to integrate the city police with the sheriffs personnel and show them around Union Station. Besides police, there was a smattering of travelers Monday moving through the stations main concourse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twins Lauren and Lori Phillipps were waiting for a Greyhound bus to Boston after a weekend visit. Lauren said its a good idea to have a police presence. Emotions sometimes run high when traveling. Staff writer Jim Kinney contributed to this story. Read the original article on MassLive. GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) Environmental groups in Glynn County claim a developer illegally filled in wetlands on St. Simons Island, and after two court dismissals, theyre pushing to have the case heard again. They filed the suit in 2019 alleging that Sea Island company violated the Clean Water Act when they filled a wetland, a half-acre wetland located on their property under a permit that was fraudulently obtained, Attorney at Butler-Snow Laura Heusel said. In applying for the permit, they told the [U.S. Army] Corps of Engineers they intended on filling the wetland in order to build a commercial office building in this wetland. Instead, they filled this wetland with landscaping and sodding. The lawsuit was filed by the Glynn Environmental Coalition, Center for a Sustainable Coast, and St. Simons Island resident Jane Frazer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Clean Water Act states you cannot discharge a pollutant. A pollutant would include sodding. It would include any kind of filler material you would put in the wetland, Heusel said. Last week, the plaintiffs filed a petition for a rehearing to the Eleventh Circuit court. However, the courts have ruled in favor of Sea Island Acquisition twice already. First, a lower court ruled the plaintiffs did not have standing to bring the case and couldnt prove environmental harm. A second time, a district court and the Eleventh Circuit federal court ruled that the St. Simons wetland did not qualify as a jurisdictional wetland under a 2023 Supreme Court decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Supreme Court case called Sackett v. EPA, the U.S. Supreme Court narrowed the definition of a jurisdictional water of the U.S, Heusel said. Now, a continuous surface connection is required, and we still believe that what was included in our lawsuit showed that Sea Island companys wetland had a continuous surface connection through a salt marsh that connected to Dunbar Creek. Heusel said that while the St. Simons wetland cant necessarily be restored to its original state; environmentalists worry about the precedent this case could set. The 11th Circuit makes the test for jurisdictional water under Sackett even more narrow, which could affect the jurisdictional status of other water bodies, especially in coastal systems. The Eleventh Circuit is yet to rule if it will grant a rehearing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Tuesday afternoon, activists plan to submit their comments to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and host a news conference outside of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmers office to oppose the Line 5 tunnel project in the Straits of Mackinac. Last month, the state opened a public comment period for Enbridge Energys Line 5 tunnel project. The comment period ends August 29, 2025. Enbridge is currently planning to construct a 3.4-mile-long tunnel beneath Lake Michigan, replacing and relocating the Line 5 pipelines crossing the Straits of Mackinac and encasing them in the tunnel bored beneath the lakebed. The full 634-mile-long pipeline runs through the Great Lakes from Wisconsin to Michigan and ends in Ontario. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public comment on Line 5 tunnel project permit open Enbridge says the tunnel will help protect the pipeline better in the wake of growing concerns regarding the aging pipelines structural stability. Line 5 has been in operation since 1953, and in 2017, Enbridge officials came forward and revealed that engineers had known about gaps in the pipelines coating in the Straits of Mackinac, sparking fears of a potentially catastrophic oil spill in the Great Lakes. An above-ground section of Enbridges Line 5 at the Mackinaw City, Mich., pump station is seen, Oct. 7, 2016. (AP Photo/John Flesher, File) Those fears were exacerbated in 2018, when a boat anchor damaged part of the line. At that time, the company reached a deal with then-Michigan Gov. Rick Snyders administration to build a protective tunnel around the line. 2025-07-16-NoticeDownload Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 6 News will have more updates on the news conference in our later shows. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (NewsNation) The Environmental Protection Agency issued an internal memo warning of substantial threat to public health and the environment from the East Palestine train derailment just 10 days after telling residents it was safe to return home, according to internal documents obtained by NewsNation. The February 2023 EPA document described the burning of toxic chemicals as an open burn and warned of an increased likelihood of external exposure, inhalation, ingestion, or direct contact to human populations. The memo also acknowledged high levels of hazardous substances or pollutants or contaminants in soils largely at or near the surface, that may migrate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emails show EPA efforts to discredit scientist in East Palestine The internal warning contradicted public statements from EPA Administrator Michael Regan, who told residents two weeks after the Feb. 3, 2023, derailment that all families need to know that they are safe and that air monitoring had not detected health concerns in the community. Internal memo documented toxic chemical release and exposure risks The document details the release of vinyl chloride and benzene, among 10 toxic chemicals, into the atmosphere when officials burned five tanker cars to prevent an explosion. Despite the internal concerns, the EPA encouraged residents to return home after a three-day evacuation and maintained publicly that the area was safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EPA, Norfolk Southern manipulated soil testing data: Report When questioned in June 2023, EPA on-scene coordinator Mark Durno said he didnt see any exposure potential from the derailment site based on the hundreds of thousands of monitoring points that we have. Jami Wallace, a lifelong resident and head of the Unity Council in East Palestine, said the document proves residents suspicions. The EPA knew everything that was going to happen. They knew all the issues that we were going to have from the beginning, Wallace said. We were lied to and we were betrayed, but this memo just kind of shows you know exactly what we said was right. Residents reported health issues after being told area was safe Attorney Mindy Bish, representing East Palestine residents, said the internal document shows officials knew these were toxic substances, that they were cancer-producing but failed to protect residents who returned to their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump investigating health effects of Ohio train derailment The community has reported numerous health issues, including rashes, nosebleeds and respiratory problems since the derailment. In response to the revelations, an EPA spokesperson said: The Trump EPA cannot speak for actions taken during previous administrations. We are very concerned by claims that have come to light over the past few months. The Trump Administration is committed to maximum transparency and as such we intend to conduct a thorough review of decisions made in the aftermath of the train derailment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. A containment boom collects oily material from the surface of the Tangipahoa River at Serenity Sands near Independence on Monday, August. 25, 2025. Cleanup crews were collecting contaminants from the waterway, ditches and ponds after an explosion four days earlier at the Smitty's Supply facility in Roseland. (Photo by Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) AMITE Firefighters were close to extinguishing a fire Monday evening thats been burning since Fridays explosion at a petroleum products plant in Tangipahoa Parish. Emergency responders are now focused on containing and cleaning up materials believed to have spilled from the site. The fire at Smittys Supply in Roseland was roughly 98% contained as of about 4 p.m. Monday, said Bray Fisher, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys regional on-scene incident commander. After initially setting up an evacuation zone with a 1-mile radius, officials have allowed all but seven households directly adjacent to the plant site to return home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students at Roseland Elementary School, a few hundred yards from Smittys Supply, will be able to return to campus Tuesday, officials said. There have been no injuries or deaths as a result of the explosion and fire. Officials are awaiting lab results to confirm the chemicals and materials involved in the blast. Much of the surrounding area was covered in an oily mixture Friday afternoon when rainfall mixed with the plumes of smoke from Fridays blaze. Gov. Jeff Landry, who traveled to Tangipahoa for Mondays news conference, said there is no evidence the residue is harmful, but he recommended that residents refrain from cleaning their property until there are assurances there is no risk. Neighbors could take their vehicles to a carwash, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there wouldnt have been a rain event, you probably wouldnt have seen much, the governor said. Efforts to contain damage from the explosion are largely focused on the Tangipahoa River, which had a visible oil slick stretching several miles south to Independence and beyond. Residents in the Fletcher Isles neighborhood, near the rivers mouth in Ponchatoula, reported seeing oil where the river enters Lake Pontchartrain more than 40 miles downstream. A small alligator swims through an oily sheen in the Tangipahoa River near its mouth at Lake Pontchartrain. Residents in the area have reported seeing oil gather along the shore since the Aug. 22, 2025, explosion at Smittys Supply in Roseland, some 40 miles upstream. (Reader submitted photo) Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller said crews have deployed more than 5,900 feet of containment boom to recover contaminants from rivers, ponds and ditches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the many cleanup spots is Serenity Sands, a recreational site along the Tangipahoa River near Independence. Cleanup crews parked a vacuum truck on the bridge above the beach to drop containment material and recover a petroleum slick that had been flowing through the area since Friday. Fisher said workers have so far recovered a total of 100,000 gallons of material and 10,000 gallons of firefighting foam. The governor said officials are aware of reports of petroleum products entering open water. We are going to be here every step of the way until we get the site cleaned up and figure out a way to move forward, Landry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sam Paji, who owns a small gas station and convenience store along U.S. Highway 51 in Roseland, about 2 miles from Smittys, said chemical residue collected on his property, and one of his air conditioning units stopped working after Fridays explosion. He has an inspector coming out this weekend to assess damages and determine the cause of the broken A/C unit. As of now, the biggest impact to his business has been the loss of revenue from officials shutting down the highway in that part of town. Paji said he was forced to close his store over the weekend and retreat to his home in Hammond. Obviously, we lost a lot of business, he said. Courtney Burdette, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, said her agency and the EPA have continuously monitored the air near Smittys Supply for toxins. The results, which are posted to the agencys website, have so far been within safe levels, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EPA and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the explosion, officials said. Smittys Supply has been previously cited for Clean Water Act violations for releasing contaminants into drainage areas, including oil, grease, fecal coliform and carbon compounds such as methane and ethanol. The company has been fined more than $161,000 since 2021, according to the EPAs website. There is no indication that any of the past offenses are connected to last weeks explosion. Asked about the companys history of violations, Landry said emergency response efforts should take priority now, and the possibility of any additional infractions would be covered in the ongoing investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor also noted Smittys Supply is an absolutely vital and important company that creates products that allow all of us to enjoy the quality of life not only in this country but in this world. It employs some 400 workers, who Landry said are also impacted by the explosion. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A migrant hotel resident told a 14-year-old girl he wanted to have Jamaican babies with her after she offered him a slice of pizza, a court heard. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, from Ethiopia, is also alleged to have attempted to kiss the girl and get her to drink a beer with him. When she told him she was too young, the Ethiopian replied: Age doesnt matter, Chelmsford magistrates court heard. The 14-year-old girl said: He said he wanted to make Jamaican babies, and said that if you come back to the hotel, we can have sex and have lovely babies It really creeped me out about that because anything could have happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Kebatu denies two counts of sexual assault, one count of attempted sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of harassment without violence. At the opening of the 38-year-olds trial on Tuesday, prosecutors said Mr Kebatu approached the girl, who was sitting with a female friend and told them he wanted to have a baby with each of them before attempting to kiss them. Stuart Cowen, prosecuting, said Mr Kebatu had only recently arrived in the UK when the two 14-year-olds rejected his advances. Mr Cowen told the court the case has attracted quite a lot of publicity because of the defendants personal circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged assault provoked protests and counter-protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, where Mr Kebatu was staying. Similar protests have since been held outside hotels across the country housing asylum seekers. The case provoked protests outside the Bell Hotel - Ben Montgomery According to court listings, Somani Hotels Ltd, which owns the Bell Hotel, will have its bid to appeal against a High Court ruling that it cannot house asylum seekers at the site heard by the Court of Appeal on Thursday. Mr Kebatu is alleged to have initially approached the two friends on July 7, before putting his hand on one of the girls thighs and attempting to kiss her again the following day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another member of the public, who the court heard offered to help the defendant with his CV, alleges Mr Kebatu tried to kiss her, put his hand on her leg and told her she was pretty on July 8. The asylum seeker spoke through an interpreter to give his date of birth as in December 1986, making him 38 years old. Opening the case against the defendant, Mr Cowen said: Its the Crowns case that he said he wanted to have a baby with each of [the teenagers] and attempted to kiss them. He invited them back to the Bell Hotel, where he was a resident, having recently arrived in the UK. These advances were rejected and it was made clear to him [the girl] and her friends were 14 years of age. He kept wanting us to go to the hotel A video of a police interview with one of the teenage girls was played in court in which she said she and her friends had been sitting on a bench eating pizza when they noticed Mr Kebatu standing nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes hovering, hes come over, he looked hungry so we was like do you want a slice?, she said. He sat down, eating a slice. Out of nowhere, he said, I want one baby from you and one baby from your friend. I put my boy mate between us. She said that, even though the boy was sitting between them, Mr Kebatu attempted to kiss her. The teenager told police that on another occasion, the asylum seeker kept wanting us to come back to the Bell Hotel with him. She said: We was out again, we see him, hes seen us, he started waving at us. The court heard that Mr Kebatu allegedly came and sat next to her and tried getting her to drink his beer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When she told him no and said she was only 14, he allegedly replied: Age doesnt matter. Mr Kebatus trial, which is expected to last two days, continues. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Jeffrey Epsteins estate has been asked to hand over a birthday book compiled for him by his ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell which Donald Trump reportedly contributed to. The US House oversight committee subpoenaed the estate of the late paedophile on Monday for a number of documents including a book that was compiled with notes from friends for his 50th birthday, his last will and testament, agreements he signed with prosecutors, his contact books, and his financial transactions and holdings. Mr Trump allegedly sent a letter to Epstein in 2003 for the birthday book, in which he told his former friend they had certain things in common, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president denied sending the card, which imagined a cryptic conversation between the two men ending with: A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday and may every day be another wonderful secret. Engimas never age, was written elsewhere in the card. In an interview with Todd Blanche, the US deputy attorney general, last month, Maxwell, who is serving a prison sentence for sex trafficking girls to Epstein, confirmed she put the book together but did not remember if Mr Trump had sent a message. The committees subpoena is the latest effort by both Republicans and Democrats to respond to public clamour for more transparency on the case of Epstein who was found dead in his New York jail cell in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The subpoena, signed by James Comer, the Republican chairman of the oversight committee, and dated Monday, informed Epsteins estate about its review into the possible mismanagement of the federal governments investigation of Mr Jeffrey Epstein and Ms Ghislaine Maxwell, the circumstances and subsequent investigations of Mr Epsteins death, the operation of sex-trafficking rings and ways for the federal government to effectively combat them, and potential violations of ethics rules related to elected officials. Pressure from politicians to release more information is likely to only grow when Congress returns to Washington next week. A bipartisan group of House members is attempting to manoeuvre around Republican leadership to hold a vote to pass legislation meant to require the justice department to release a full accounting of the sex trafficking investigation into Epstein. 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 spokesman for the European Commission has defended the European Union's regulations for large online platforms after US President Donald Trump threatened countries with such rules with new tariffs. The commission was "firmly rebutting" Trump's comment shared on social media that US companies were targeted by such legislation. The EU's Digital Services Act "does not look at the colour of a company, at the jurisdiction of a company, nor at the owner of a company," the spokesman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bloc's rules "apply to all platforms and companies operating in the EU, irrespective of their place of establishment," he added, stressing that the last enforcement decisions concerned Asian online giants AliExpress, Temu and TikTok. On Monday, Trump announced on the Truth Social platform that he would defend US interests against countries that target US technology companies with legislation. The US president threatened countries that have a digital tax or regulations for digital technology with additional tariffs on their exports to the States and the imposition of export restrictions on US technology and computer chips if they do not change their regulations. Trump did not explicitly mention the EU or individual members of the 27-countries strong bloc. The US government, however, has long been calling for changes to the EU digital laws, which are designed to prevent the spread of misinformation on platforms such as X, for example, and also affect other US companies such as Amazon, Apple and Meta, Alphabet and Microsoft. ACCRA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The investigation board established by the Ghanaian government to probe the military helicopter crash early this month commenced its work on Monday, according to a release from the Ministry of Defense. The board, chaired by National Security Coordinator Abdul-Osman Razak, has 30 days to submit its findings. The release said the preliminary investigation team, which had been tasked to gather all available evidence related to the crash to aid the work of the board of inquiry, presented its report on Monday for the inquiry to commence. The board, with members drawn from the Ghana Air Force and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, and advisers from the United States Air Force, may also invite other relevant experts and institutions, both local and international, to assist with the investigations, it said. A military helicopter crashed in Ghana's Ashanti Region on Aug. 6, killing all eight occupants, including Defense Minister Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, and Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission rejected on Tuesday U.S. President Donald Trump's criticism that EU digital services rules unfairly target U.S. tech companies and denied they amounted to censorship. Trump wrote on Monday he would impose additional tariffs on all countries with digital taxes, legislation or regulations, saying they were "all designed to harm or discriminate against American technology". The United States and the European Union last week agreed a joint statement on a deal to limit most U.S. tariffs on EU goods exports to 15%, with little mention of digital services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has consistently criticised the EU's Digital Markets Act, which seeks to curb the power of tech giants, and the Digital Services Act, which requires large online platforms to tackle illegal and harmful content. The European Commission, which proposed both acts, said on Tuesday it was the sovereign right of the EU and its member states to regulate economic activities. The Commission firmly rebutted Trump's statement that the EU was targeting U.S. companies, insisting the DMA and DSA applied to all platforms and firms operating in the bloc. A spokesperson added that the last three DSA enforcement decisions were against AliExpress, Temu and TikTok - all Chinese-owned. The Commission has also opened DSA investigations into X and Meta. Accusations that European Union data laws censor social media, as Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg has asserted, were "completely wrong and unfounded", the EU spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DSA was not asking platforms to remove content, but to enforce their own terms and conditions, which set out things that should not be on their platforms. "And when we're talking about this, more than 99% of content moderation decisions taken here in the EU online are proactively done by platforms based on their own terms and conditions," the spokesperson said. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; editing by Barbara Lewis) EU member states must ensure that Ukrainians under temporary protection have access to essential medical care and means of subsistence, although the level of social and family benefits, along with medical assistance, is determined by each member state individually, the European Commission has said. Source: European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert, speaking to journalists in Brussels on 26 August, as reported by European Pravda Details: The decision on the amount of material support or the scope of medical assistance for Ukrainian refugees is taken by each EU country separately, but they must ensure that Ukrainians have basic means of subsistence and medical care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As for social benefits and medical benefits. The level of social and family benefits varies from one member state to another," Lammert stressed. He said that, according to the Temporary Protection Directive, "member states, if there are not sufficient resources themselves by the beneficiaries, have to provide people enjoying temporary protection with the necessary assistance in terms of social welfare, medical care and livelihood". The European Commissions spokesperson underlined that the directive does not set any amount or minimum threshold for the necessary social assistance and that its level remains at the discretion of member states. "Member states adopted the prolongation of the temporary protection at the Home Affairs Council in July until 2027. By doing so, the EU is reinforcing its unwavering commitment to support Ukraine for as long as needed," Lammert emphasised. Background: Earlier, it was reported that Polands new draft law, proposed by President Karol Nawrocki, limits aid to Ukrainians, granting access to services and healthcare only to those who work and pay contributions in the country. On 25 August, Nawrocki vetoed a new version of the law on assistance to citizens of Ukraine. He also announced a legislative initiative that would equate the symbols of Ukrainian nationalists with Nazi and communist symbols in Polands Criminal Code. Officials in Kyiv have responded to Nawrockis initiative to ban the Ukrainian red-and-black flag, warning of possible consequences if the Polish Sejm implements the measure. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The European Commission has reiterated that opening the first negotiating cluster in Ukraines EU accession talks requires approval from all 27 member states, but Ukraine must continue reforms regardless of this process. Source: Paula Pinho, European Commission Chief Spokesperson, in a conversation with journalists on 26 August, as reported by European Pravda Details: The European Commission is encouraging Ukraine to continue reforms regardless of when the first negotiating cluster in the EU accession process will be opened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But you know the rules, it requires unanimity of all Member States to open the clusters, and that's why we continue to work with Ukraine, encouraging them to do the reforms that they have been carrying out independently of the opening of the clusters, because this work will pay off," Pinho stressed. She added that the European Commission is working with all member states "to make sure that sooner rather than later we can proceed also with the formal opening of the clusters". Background: European Pravda reported that on 26 August, Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, held a video meeting with Taras Kachka, Ukraines Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, to discuss Ukraines accession to the EU and the necessary reforms. Last week, Kachka also held talks with the foreign ministers of five EU countries to coordinate positions ahead of the September EU Council meeting dedicated to enlargement. Media reports suggest that the EU is once again weighing the option of opening the first membership negotiating cluster with Moldova, while holding off on taking the same step for Ukraine. Kachka earlier stated that the idea of separating Ukraine and Moldova in the EU accession process would undermine the strength of European integration, which is necessary for Ukraine, Moldova, and the EU itself. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Robin Kaye at the 6th Annual Guild of Music Supervisors Awards in 2016. - Credit: Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images On July 14, officers with Los Angeles Police Department were called to conduct a welfare check at a home in Encino. Inside, they found two people dead Robin Kaye, a longtime music supervisor for American Idol, and her husband, Thomas Deluca. The pair had been shot and killed several days earlier, with authorities later determining that Kaye and Deluca sustained their fatal injuries on July 10. Not long after their bodies were discovered, police quickly identified, arrested, and charged a suspect, 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian, in the shocking killing that has rattled a neighborhood and a longtime reality TV tentpole. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres everything we know about the case so far. Kaye spent more than a decade working as a music supervisor on American Idol. She joined the show in 2009 and is credited on nearly 300 episodes. After her death, a spokesperson for the show called Kaye a cornerstone of the Idol family, and was truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her. The statement continued: Robin will remain in our hearts forever as we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time. Former American Idol judge Randy Jackson called Kaye a dear friend and said she consistently went the extra mile, meticulously ensuring songs were placed and cleared for the show. She was truly one of a kind. Forever loved and deeply appreciated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with American Idol, Kaye worked as a music supervisor on several other major shows, including Miss Universe, Lip Sync Battle, The Dance Scene, and Crashed. Deluca also worked in music, a guitarist and songwriter who spent many years plying his trade in Nashville. He co-wrote songs that were recorded by Aerosmiths Joe Perry, Jennifer Rush, Meredith Brooks, Molly Hatchett, and David Allen Coe. (The song he co-wrote for Coe, Son of the South, was later reworked by Kid Rock as Son of Detroit.) Deluca also played in a band called the Piggies and recorded a solo, Down to the Wire, which Epic released in 1986. Per People, Kaye and Deluca met at a concert in 1983, when Kaye was also in Nashville and working for Waylon Jennings. The couple later relocated to Los Angeles in the middle of the decade and married soon after. They moved into their house in Encino in 2023. According to authorities, Kaye and Deluca had returned from the grocery store on July 10 when they confronted a stranger in their house. Police say the suspect, Boodarian, had entered through an unlocked door, and that the houses alarm system was off at that time; a previous LAPD statement said there were no signs of forced entry or trouble. During the confrontation that ensued, Boodarian allegedly shot Kaye and Deluca multiple times with a gun that belonged to the couple. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Kaye and Delucas bodies werent discovered until the welfare check on July 14, it was later revealed that two 911 calls were made on the day of the killing including one allegedly from Boodarian himself. The first call from a neighbor about a possible burglary came at around 4:10 p.m. and prompted LAPD officers to check the home and walk the perimeter, while a helicopter conducted a fly-over. Its believed Boodarian was inside the home at this time, though no suspicious activity was detected. The second call came around 4:44 p.m., with a search warrant affidavit stating that the 911 caller identified himself as Raymond Boodarian and advised that someone broke into his office. According to the affidavit, the caller also stated, Please dont shoot me. Despite the two 911 calls, and subsequent house checks, authorities did not immediately find Kaye and Delucas bodies. Officers arrived on scene and conducted a check of the surrounding area and attempted to visually check the residence through the security gate. They attempted entry at two access points but both were locked and secured, LAPD Communications Director Jennifer Forkish previously said (via the Los Angeles Times). The home was secured with surrounding walls. The Air Ship visually checked the location and advised there was no visible activity or evidence of break in. After taking additional steps to contact the persons reporting and residents at the location, officers cleared from the scene. It wasnt until a neighbor called the police four days later to say they hadnt seen or heard from Kaye or Deluca that police finally entered the couples home and found them dead in separate rooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities quickly zeroed in on Boodarian as the suspect and they were able to track his location by pinging his cellphone. He was arrested and eventually charged with two counts of murder, as well as a burglary charge. Boodarian was finally arraigned on Aug. 20, and showed up to court wearing a protective suicide gown, according to his public defender. Boodarian neither entered a plea, nor responded to questions asked by the judge. He does have severe mental health issues, his lawyer, Nancy Kolocotronis, said. The arraignment was eventually suspended. At the end of the hearing, Judge Martin L. Herscovitz ordered Boodarian back into custody without bail and set a Sept. 3 hearing in mental health court. He said any arraignment on Boodarians murder charges would have to wait until hes deemed mentally competent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If convicted as charged, Boodarian faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. In a matter of moments, this couple was senselessly killed in their own home as they returned from the grocery store, L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman previously said in a statement. This tragic shooting has shaken a valley community and the notion that home should be our safe sanctuary. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The joint Russia-Belarus Zapad drills are a regular cause for concern in Europe. While thinly veiled as defensive, the exercises have been straining Belarus' relations with its neighbors for over a decade. This September, they will be held again. The fifth set of exercises, Zapad-2025, has been downsized and moved further from the border, although they are still a cause for suspicion after the last "joint drill" Union Resolve in early 2022 was used to mask the buildup of a Russian assault force that stormed into Ukraine in February of that year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe to the Newsletter Belarus Weekly Join us This time, Belarus experts who spoke with the Kyiv Independent say that an attack on NATO countries from Belarus is unlikely. At least for now. What are the Zapad exercises? Zapad (meaning "west" in Russian) is one of a set of biannual joint Russia-Belarus military exercises held in September. It alternates with the Union Shield drills, the Russia-based part of the exercises, which are themselves part of a four-year cycle of Russian military drills. When held in Belarus, Zapad tends to alarm NATO member states due to their proximity to the borders of neighboring Poland and Lithuania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drills were inaugurated in 2009 under the Union State framework. The goal was to coordinate and train the Regional Military Grouping, the Union's defense force, which combined the Belarusian military and the Russian 20th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Western Military District. Each Zapad reportedly involves between 12,000 and 13,000 troops, though NATO has contested the officially reported numbers. Referring to multiple drills occurring at around the same time, Western observers say that Russia has split one major drill into smaller exercises to avoid triggering the Vienna Document, which requires transparency for large exercises. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Eternal Flame in the Hall of Military Glory at the Mamayev Kurgan World War Two (WWII) Memorial complex in Russia's southern city of Volgograd on April 29, 2025,(Alexander Nemenov/AFP via Getty Images) Officially defensive, Zapad scenarios typically involve an attack by "terrorist groups" from across the border or foreign-backed domestic unrest. In reality, the fake adversaries are clearly meant to represent neighboring NATO member states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notoriously, Zapad-2017 featured three fictional states, Vesbaria, Lubenia, and Veyshnoria, which resembled the Baltic states Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, and included territories in the Suwalki gap, an area of land separating the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad Oblast and western Belarus. Veyshnoria, based on a chunk of western Belarus with a Catholic-majority population, was described as having separatist tendencies. The scenario was so far-fetched that it became an anti-regime meme in Belarus, with the fake country receiving a flag, anthem, an election committee, and a fake foreign ministry Twitter account. As a result, in 2022, the mention of Veyshnoria was branded extremist by Belarusian authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, after the signing of the Minsk agreements, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko experienced a brief thaw with the West. To avoid further damaging relations with the West, he invited international observers and moved them further from the border. Similar moves are being repeated in 2025 although under wildly different circumstances. Read also: In push for more soldiers, Russia recruits HIV-positive prisoners, civilians From joint drill to invasion launchpad Following his reported loss in the 2020 presidential election, Lukashenko relied on Moscow's support to suppress nationwide protests at the rigging of the result in his favor. Then, in response to Western sanctions, Lukashenko launched an artificial migration crisis, funneling irregular migrants to the EU borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Zapad-2021 drills reflected the deteriorated relations the war games scenario openly described the imaginary "Western states" inspiring riots within Belarus and then launching open aggression. Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War saw these drills as a further move to integrate Belarusian forces into Russian command structures. For the first time, the scale of the exercises was not downplayed. While Belarus still hosted some 12,800 troops, the officially reported overall number of personnel involved reached 200,000. The highest estimates by NATO experts of the total number of troops taking part in previous drills did not exceed 100,000. Russia began preliminary training months in advance of the 2021 drills and practiced drone warfare and communications jamming. A southern element to the scenario involving Ukraine was introduced. Lukashenko spoke of a "heating up from the south" while talking about the procurement of Russian S-400 air defense systems. In late September, the Belarusian military reported the full withdrawal of Russian troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon, however, Russia and Belarus announced snap exercises, Union Resolve, which were not governed by any treaty or agreement. The drills were a cover for the amassing of the attack force for Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko attends a joint exercise of the armed forces of Russia and Belarus outside Minsk on Feb. 17, 2022. (Getty Images) The invasion saw Russia-Belarus military cooperation move from the theoretical to the practical. In October 2022, Lukashenko announced that the Regional Military Grouping, previously trained at Zapad exercises, would be deployed in Belarus, citing an increased threat at the Union State's frontiers. According to the monitoring group Belarusian Hajun, which actively reported Russian troops' movement in Belarus at the time, the deployment served as a cover-up for training mobilized Russian personnel at Belarusian training ranges before dispatching them to Ukraine. The training, reportedly involving up to 15,000 Russian troops, lasted until July 2023 and concluded without any notification of the withdrawal of the Regional Military Grouping. In late 2022, Russia's then Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced new Zapad drills only to cancel them in September 2023. U.K. Intelligence attributed the cancellation to the depletion of Russian military resources. What's next? The Zapad-2025 drills were kept in secret for months, while the eventual location and number of troops had been changing on a monthly basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially announced to involve up to 13,000 troops, the drills were downscaled and pulled deeper into the country in May. In July, Belarusian Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Muraveika said Belarus might backtrack, citing military activities of its "Western colleagues." The referred activities were defensive drills conducted in Lithuania and Poland that were themselves launched in response to Zapad-2025. Lithuania held Arsus Vilkas (Fierce Wolf 2025) drills between Aug. 11 and Aug. 22. From mid-August to late September, Poland hosts Iron Defender-25, a joint exercise with NATO allies, involving around 34,000 military personnel and some 600 units of military equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belarus' neighbors have also announced their withdrawal from the anti-landmine treaty, allowing them to fortify their border with minefields. A soldier of the Polish Border Guard is seen as he stays guard before the prime minister's visit on the Polish-Belarusian border in Ozierany Male, Poland on March 22, 2025. (Getty Images) According to Lithuanian intelligence, Zapad-2025 is expected to include fewer troops than before some 30,000 personnel in total, with 6,000-8,000 of them stationed in Belarus and some in Russia's exclave, Kaliningrad Oblast. The drills have likely been downscaled due to Russian losses in Ukraine and a lack of hardware on the battlefield, the opposition watchdog Belpol has suggested. The independent security think-tank iSANS estimated that only about 2,150 Russian troops, limited to their permanent location two Russian communications bases and an airfield were stationed in Belarus in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional Russian troops have begun to arrive on Aug. 6. Their precise numbers remain unknown. The Ukrainian State Border Guard Service estimated that several hundred Russian soldiers and dozens of pieces of equipment amounts assessed as non-threatening have already arrived. Political analyst Artsiom Shraibman said that a downscaling akin to the 2017 drills would have required Moscow's approval. Minsk might have been assured that no new offensive was planned and that the Kremlin currently has different priorities, and Lukashenko presented it as a peacemaking gesture, Shraibman told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a conversation with the Kyiv Independent, Belpol representative Uladzimir Zhyhar also noted that Belarusian-Russian military cooperation is a concern for the longer term: Russia is investing in the Belarusian military-industrial complex to produce the weapons that have proved effective in the war against Ukraine. Launching large-scale military operations before these production facilities reach full capacity, while also being unable to protect them from retaliatory strikes, is "impractical" for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zhyhar said. Belarusian industrial enterprises and over 200 commercial structures are set to reach full capacity by 2027-2028, producing around 300,000 152 mm artillery shells, 450,000 122 mm rockets for Grad multiple launch rocket systems, up to 1,000 strike and reconnaissance UAVs, approximately 1,000,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition, and 30-50 electronic warfare systems, according to Zhyhar. Rather than an all-out attack, Belpol foresees a limited provocation in the mid-term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia might attempt to capture some territory in a NATO member-state to see if it triggers Article 5 or if the United States and other major NATO countries refrain from intervening a lot will depend on their reaction. "We can say with confidence that by 2029-2030, Putin will still want to invade Europe and split NATO," Zhyhar said, citing Belpol's military experts. Shraibman outlined other hypothetical scenarios for Kremlin provocations. Russia might reignite the migration crisis and stage a lethal border clash, resume air strikes on Ukraine to provoke retaliation on Belarus, which would trigger defense obligations under the military doctrine Belarus and Russia agreed in December 2024, or it might escalate tensions over access to Kaliningrad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, all of these scenarios are purely hypothetical, Shraibman said, adding that Belarus can still be treated as an actor separate from Moscow one that can be reminded of the cost of an all-out war. Read also: Once a top backer, Poland fades from Ukraine peace talks amid domestic turmoil Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Earlier this week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed the first human case of a flesh-eating parasite in the U.S. The patient, a Maryland resident, had recently returned from travel to El Salvador and was found to be infected with New World screwworm, an HHS spokesperson told ABC News. MORE: RFK Jr. claims doctor said parasite 'ate' part of his brain It comes amid an outbreak of the parasite among livestock in Mexico and countries across Central America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's what you need to know about the infestation, including how it spreads, what the signs are and how it can be treated. What is New World screwworm? New World screwworm (NWS) is a species of parasitic fly that feeds on live tissue and can cause myiasis, which is an infestation of larvae, or maggots. They can infest many types of animals, including livestock, pets, wildlife and, in rare instances, humans. Ramdan Fatoni/Getty Images - PHOTO: Cochliomyia hominivorax, the New World screw-worm fly, or screw-worm for short, is a species of parasitic fly that is well known for the way in which its larvae (maggots) eat the living tissue. "New World screwworm kind of gets its name because these are little parasites and, when they actually land on an open wound, they're going to screw down into the wound -- that's how they burrow in -- and actually consume tissue," Lori Ferrins, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Northeastern University, told ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ferrins explained that a female NWS will find a living host, land in an open wound and lay somewhere between 200 and 300 eggs. After the eggs hatch, the maggots burrow further into the tissue and cause painful infestations. NWS is not typically found in the U.S. and is present in countries in Central and South America as well as the Caribbean, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What are the symptoms? NWS infection can cause several symptoms including skin lesions that don't heal or worsen over time, painful wounds or sores, bleeding from open sores, feeling or seeing maggots in sore or a bad odor from the site of the infestation, according to the CDC. The maggots can also be found in the eyes, nose and mouth, the federal health agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: RFK Jr. claims doctor said parasite 'ate' part of his brain "The larvae of the New World screwworm are particularly nasty, and that's why it has been given this name," Dr. Shira Doron, chief infection control officer for Tufts Medicine Health System, told ABC News. "Here in the hospital, we may have a patient come in and, with a painful open wound, we may notice that there are larvae or maggots in it." How is it treated? There is currently no drug-only cure but there are effective treatments for NWS infestation. If someone believes they may be infected or sees and feels maggots in a wound or anywhere else in the body, they should contact a health care provider immediately, according to the CDC. A physician will have to remove the maggots, which may require surgery, the CDC says. The agency said patients should not try to remove or dispose of the maggots themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We want to physically remove those, kill them, and send them off to a special lab to see if we're dealing with something from another country, which then implies the need for a more robust public health response to prevent it from becoming a widespread problem," Doron said. How to prevent infection Doron said anyone traveling to parts of the world where NWS infestation is common should keep any open wounds covered and use an insect repellent approved by the EPA. "Things like long sleeves, long pants, tucking your pants into your socks, all of the techniques that you've probably heard of to avoid insect bites, because there are so many health implications that are associated with a wide variety of insects," she said. STOCK IMAGE/Getty Images - PHOTO: In this undated file photo, cattle are shown on a road on Ometepe Island, Rivas State, Nicaragua. Ferrins said there are currently efforts to prevent the parasite from crossing into the U.S., including building a sterile fly production facility in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are steps we can take to then control or eliminate the presence of [NWS}, just like we did in 1966," she said. "And so the way that that was actually done was through breeding and dispersing sterilized male flies that actually will mate with the wild female fly." She went on, "Effectively, that just means that when the female screwworm fly goes on to kind of lay its eggs again, they don't hatch. And so that effectively stops the life cycle." How concerned should we be? Ferrins said the U.S. eradicated screwworm in 1966, and the country has been relatively free of the parasite aside from an outbreak in 2017 in the Florida Keys. "The Florida Keys incident or infection period resulted only in infections in animals, so there was no human infection at that time," she said. "So, it's very rare to actually even have a human infection." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: RFK Jr. claims doctor said parasite 'ate' part of his brain Screwworm has not been detected in animals within the U.S., but the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a press release earlier this month that NWS "is not only a threat to our ranching community -- but it is a threat to our food supply and our national security." Ferrins added that the risk of infection is currently low in the U.S., so there is no cause for major concern. "My advice to people would be: be on your guard but ultimately, there's no active signs of infection here, locally acquired infection in the United States," she said. ABC News' Youri Benadjaoud contributed to this report. CASE UPDATE: In May 2025, Lyle and Erik Menendez were resentenced to 50 years to life with the possibility of parole. Due to that resentencing, they are now eligible for parole hearings under youth offender parole laws. In August 2025, the brothers' first bids for parole were denied. In September 2025, a judge rejected the brothers' habeas petition for a new trial. This article was originally posted on March 1, 2024. Lyle and Erik Menendez have been behind bars in California for more than three decades for the 1989 killing of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. They were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in the notorious case that captured the nation's attention. Now, the brothers are hoping that new evidence will reopen their case and set them free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "48 Hours" contributor Natalie Morales speaks to Lyle Menendez from prison as he awaits a judge's decision in an encore of "The Menendez Brothers' Fight for Freedom," now streaming on Paramount +. The Menendez brothers admit that they killed their parents. Instead, the focus of the case has long been on why they did it. They insist that they killed out of fear and in self-defense after a lifetime of physical, emotional and sexual abuse suffered at the hands of their parents. One of their lawyers, Cliff Gardner, tells "48 Hours" that new evidence corroborates those longstanding claims and lessens their culpability. Gardner argues that Lyle and Erik Menendez should have been convicted of manslaughter instead of first-degree murder, and that if they had been, they would have received a much shorter sentence and been out of prison a long time ago. New evidence in the case includes this letter written by Erik Menendez to his cousin Andy Cano in December 1988. / Credit: Superior Court of the State of California, Los Angeles County The new evidence includes a letter that Gardner says was written by Erik Menendez to Erik's cousin, Andy Cano, in December 1988, about eight months before the crime. The letter reads, in part, "I've been trying to avoid dad. It's still happening, Andy, but it's worse for me now. Every night I stay up thinking he might come in. I'm afraid. He's crazy. He's warned me a hundred times about telling anyone, especially Lyle." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andy Cano did testify at the brothers' trials. He said that Erik Menendez at age 13, years before the killings, told him that his father was touching him inappropriately. Prosecutors at trial suggested that Cano was lying. The brothers were tried twice. Their first trial ended in a mistrial when two juries, one for each brother, couldn't reach a unanimous decision as to whether Lyle and Erik Menendez were guilty of manslaughter or murder. When they were tried a second time, prosecutors attacked the abuse allegations more aggressively. They referred to the allegations as "the abuse excuse." That trial resulted in the brothers' convictions for first-degree murder. Gardner says this letter is proof that the abuse allegations were not made up. He says the letter was never presented at either trial, and that it was discovered in storage within the last few years by Andy Cano's mother. Andy Cano died in 2003. The letter isn't the only piece of evidence that has surfaced. Roy Rossello, a former member of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, has come forward claiming that he was also sexually abused by Jose Menendez, back in the early 80s, when Rossello was a minor and a member of the band. At the time, Jose Menendez was working as an executive at RCA Records, and RCA signed Menudo to a recording contract. Jose Menendez, top row, second from left, is pictured with former members of Menudo in 1983, including Roy Rossello, bottom right. / Credit: Sony Music/RCA Records Rossello is now 54 years old. He says in a sworn affidavit filed in 2023 that he went to Jose Menendez's home in the fall of 1983 or 1984. Rossello would have been between 14 and 15 years old at the time. He says he drank "a glass of wine," then felt like he had "no control" over his body. He says Jose Menendez took him to a room and raped him. Rossello also states in the affidavit that he was sexually abused by Jose Menendez on two other occasions, right before and right after a performance at Radio City Music Hall in New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When I first heard about it I cried," Lyle Menendez told Morales. "For me, it was very meaningful to just have things come out that caused people to really realize, OK at least this part of what it's about is true." The Menendez brothers' attorney, Cliff Gardner, filed a habeas petition in May 2023 citing the letter and Rossello's affidavit as new evidence that proves his clients' convictions should be vacated. "The boys were abused as children. They were abused their whole life. And this is a manslaughter case, not a murder case. It's just that simple," Gardner said to "48 Hours" about the Menendez brothers. "My hope in the case is that the judge will realize that this new evidence is indeed credible and persuasive, and he'll vacate the convictions." If that happens, it would be up to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office whether to retry the case. In a statement, the district attorney's office told "48 Hours" it is investigating the claims made in the habeas petition. It is unclear when a judge will rule in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 3, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon said the Menendez murder case is being reviewed by his office, naming two new factors that prosecutors are looking at ahead of a court hearing next month. Gascon said in a news conference that there could be potential for resentencing or possibly even a new trial. Trump slams the left as new details emerge in Charlie Kirk shooting investigation New evidence emerges on Charlie Kirk's suspected killer Robert Redford, Oscar-winning actor and director, dies at 89 | Special Report STEARNS, Ky. (FOX 56) A former assistant principal at McCreary Central High School has signed a plea agreement in the federal sex abuse case. Prosecutors said 48-year-old Aaron Anderson had an illegal relationship with a student, 16 or younger, from August 2023 to Valentines day 2024. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents said they exchanged thousands of messages on a school-issued device, and Anderson gave her gifts and molested her in his office. His re-arraignment is set for Aug. 29 in London. The September trial is canceled. Anderson faces up to 10 years in federal prison, with state charges including rape and misconduct still pending Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. A former Social Security Administration (SSA) worker was sentenced to prison for trying to coerce one of his beneficiaries for sex, United States Attorney Leah Foleys office said Monday. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret Guzman sentenced Dae Sung Kim, 36, of Auburn, to six months in prison and five years of supervised release. Kim pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to induce a person to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution in February, Foleys office said in a statement. This was a shocking abuse of power by someone entrusted to serve the public, Michelle Anderson, acting inspector general of the Social Security Administration, said in Foleys statement. The defendant, while employed as an SSA claims specialist, attempted to exploit a vulnerable, disabled mother seeking to apply for reinstatement of disability benefits after losing her job. This predatory behavior is intolerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an in-person visit to the Social Security field office in Gardner in March 2024, a woman sought benefits after she lost her job, Foleys office said. Kim accessed her personal information through the SSAs computer system to draw up her phone number and called her with his personal cell phone. When he called, Kim said he understood her situation was difficult before he suggested that maybe they could work something out that would benefit them both, and suggested sex in exchange for money, Foleys office said. He texted her and suggested she travel to Massachusetts to meet him. Kim offered an exchange of $100 for sex in a car in a hotel parking lot, the statement read. He continued to solicit for several months, even after an undercover law enforcement agent impersonated the beneficiary. Kim asked for nude photos before he proposed the hotel parking lot in Fitchburg. After Kim drove to the parking lot to meet with her in October 2024, law enforcement officials found and arrested him, Foleys office said. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. NEOSHO, Mo. A former Neosho school counselor will go to prison for having sex with a teenager. Earlier this afternoon, a judge sentenced Jacob Oakes to five years in prison. Jacob Oakes Back in June, Newton County Prosecutor William Lynch secured the guilty plea from Oakes on one count of second-degree statutory rape. He admitted to having sex with the victim, who was under the age of 17. The teen told investigators Oakes abused her at his home starting in 2021 up until March of last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS: Former Missouri school counselor pleads guilty to child sex crime The Neosho School District placed Oakes on administrative leave as soon as charges were filed in April 2024. He has since been fired from the school district. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CAPE TOWN, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- The South African government on Monday condemned violence in schools, vowing a "zero tolerance" stance toward such behavior. "Government condemns all forms of violence in schools, which undermine learning, safety and the future of children," it said in a government news bulletin. "Schools must be safe spaces, and teachers must be respected for their role in shaping young minds," the government stressed. "Violence in schools is unacceptable, and learners must respect rules, teachers, and peers." The statement came after a series of recent incidents across the country. On Aug. 22, in KwaZulu-Natal Province, a 17-year-old Grade 10 student was stabbed in the neck outside Trenance Park Secondary School during school hours by two Grade 8 students, who were later handed over to the police. On the same day, a mass brawl at Esther Payne Smith Secondary School in Pietermaritzburg in the same province left two students, aged 15 and 17, with head and leg injuries. In another case in North West Province, a viral video sparked outrage after showing students at Hoer Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp dousing a teacher with water on Aug. 19. The students involved were suspended for five days pending disciplinary hearings. According to the government news bulletin, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is currently working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure active police involvement in creating safe and orderly learning environments. "The SAPS-DBE collaboration strengthens early detection of criminal activity in schools and provides a support system to teachers and learners facing threats," it said. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The former owner of the site of the city of Las Vegas deadliest fire surrendered to authorities Tuesday, three months after a judge gave him 90 days of freedom. Adolfo Orozco-Garcia, 49, originally faced 27 charges related to the December 2019 fire that killed six tenants: Donald Keith Bennett, 63; Tracy Ann Cihal, 57; Francis Lombardo Jr., 72; Cynthia Mikell, 61; Kerry Marie Odo-Baclaan, 46; and Henry Lawrence Pinc, 70. The fire injured 13 people and left more than 50 homeless. It is the deadliest fire within Las Vegas city limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ex-owner of site of Las Vegas deadliest fire sentenced to prison In January, Orozco-Garcia took a plea deal, avoiding a lengthy trial scheduled to begin in February. Orozco-Garcia agreed to an Alford plea on two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one charge of wanton disregard of safety resulting in substantial bodily harm or death, documents said. An Alford plea, essentially a plea of no contest, means a defendant does not admit guilt, but believes prosecutors had enough evidence to convince a jury to convict. Orozco-Garcia admitted the deal meant he could have served less time should a jury have convicted him. FILE In this Dec. 21, 2019, file photo, investigators work the scene of a fire at the three-story Alpine Motel Apartments in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker, File) In June, Clark County District Court Judge Jacqueline Bluth sentenced him to 19-48 months in prison. She allowed him to remain out of custody and self-surrender in 90 days, which landed on Tuesday. Bluths sentence means Orozco-Garcia will be eligible for probation after serving 19 months. The maximum time he could serve is four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire marks the deadliest in the city of Las Vegas history. The 1980 fire at the then-MGM Grand, located in unincorporated Clark County and not the city of Las Vegas, killed 87 people. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Former national security adviser John Bolton isnt backing down from attacking President Donald Trump since the FBI raided his home last week. Federal agents conducted the search at Boltons house in Bethesda, Maryland, as part of a probe into his handling of classified documents. Several outlets reported that the investigation was ordered by FBI Director Kash Patel. Bolton was not detained or charged with any crime. Bolton, who served under Trump between 2018 and 2019 during his first presidency, found himself at the center of scrutiny after he published a harshly critical memoir, The Room Where It Happened, that recounts his time in the administration. While some officials have claimed that Bolton disclosed classified information, the Justice Department abandoned its lawsuit against the book and dropped a separate grand jury investigation in 2021. FBI agents carry empty boxes to former national security adviser John Bolton's house, Friday, August. 22, 2025, in Bethesda, Md. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) In his first comments on social media since the raid, Bolton wrote on X on Tuesday that Trumps Ukraine policy today is no more coherent than it was last Friday when his administration executed search warrants against my home and office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collapsing in confusion and haste, Trumps negotiations may be in their last throes, along with his Nobel Peace Prize campaign, Bolton continued, referencing the presidents desire for the prestigious award. Donald Trumps Ukraine policy today is no more coherent than it was last Friday when his administration executed search warrants against my home and office. Collapsing in confusion and haste, Trumps negotiations may be in their last throes, along with his Nobel Peace Prize John Bolton (@AmbJohnBolton) August 26, 2025 Bolton attached an op-ed that he wrote for the Washington Examiner, published on Monday, in which he offered a sharp critique of Trump after he separately met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent weeks. Trump has repeatedly told reporters that hell know in two weeks what Im going to do. Trumps furious pace trying to move an extraordinarily complex conflict to resolution over the past two weeks was one of several significant mistakes. It inevitably made reaching an agreement on a ceasefire, let alone a full-scale peace agreement, more difficult, Bolton wrote. Of course, its never over until its over, especially with Trump. But his efforts over the last two-plus weeks may have left us further from peace and a just settlement for Ukraine than before, he went on to conclude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate post on X, Bolton said that the Trump administrations failing diplomacy has resulted in international bilateral relationships suffering considerable damage. The longer India hangs out to dry, the worse the New Delhi-Washington relationship gets, Bolton wrote, in reference to how Trumps decision to impose an additional 50% tariff on imports from the country has strained ties between the two nations. Bolton had repeatedly criticized Trumps handling of the Russia-Ukraine war in the weeks leading up to the raid. The day before, he posted that Putins flattery campaign is working Trump over, adding that Its important to remember: Ukraine didnt take anything on, they were invaded. If the White House wants to keep the table set for negotiations, backing down is not how you do it, he said in another post. Our adversaries listen to us when they see our capabilities are much stronger than theirs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump on Friday had initially told reporters that he didnt know about the case. Hes not a smart guy, but he could be a very unpatriotic guy, Trump said. Were going to find out. He later changed his tune, calling Bolton a sleazebag: I could know about it. I could be the one starting it. Im actually the chief law enforcement officer. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Why is there not a rating on this post? There's not enough verified evidence for us to definitively confirm or debunk this rumor. Contact us if you have credible information to share. We'll update this post as necessary. In August 2025, a claim spread online that Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist running for New York mayor, wanted to "end all misdemeanor charges." The rumor about Mamdani, who won the city's Democratic primary in June, spread on X, Facebook and Reddit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It appeared to originate from a New York Post story (archived), which claimed: "Zohran Mamdani and his comrades at the Democratic Socialists of America want to wipe out the enforcement of all misdemeanor offenses." Other news outlets also published stories based on the Post's reporting. In response, several X posts alleged that the Post made up the claim. The most notable part about this headline, Zohran Mamdani wants to end all misdemeanor charges, is that the article itself doesnt include a single citation showing that Zohran Mamdani seeks to end all misdemeanor charges because they made it up. https://t.co/dd3izDTqf5 Aaron Carr (@aaronAcarr) August 25, 2025 As of this writing, Mamdani's platform did not include any indication that he wants to end enforcement of misdemeanor offenses. The Post appeared to base its story off of the Democratic Socialists of America's political platform, which did, in fact, include a call to "end all misdemeanor offenses." Mamdani is a DSA member. The DSA is a progressive, political nonprofit organization not a political party that entered the mainstream political consciousness through the 2016 presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. The organization believes in the abolition of capitalism and collective, social ownership of the economy. Mamdani did not immediately return an inquiry from Snopes about his stance on the DSA's call to end misdemeanor offenses; the Post's reporter on its story, Gabrielle Fahmy, also did not immediately respond with any evidence that Mamdani supports or has supported that part of the DSA's platform. As such, we could not rate this claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is worth noting that the Post, a conservative tabloid, often attacks Mamdani, which Mamdani has joked about and addressed in his campaign videos. Mamdani's public-safety platform Mamdani's full public-safety platform is available on Google Docs, accessible from a link on his campaign platform page. A search through that document found no mention of "ending" misdemeanor offenses, nor any mentions of misdemeanor offenses at all. Instead, the document focused almost entirely on the creation of a new "Department of Community Safety" that aims to "prevent violence before it happens by taking a public health approach to safety" (see Page 1). The department would work to improve social services, such as for mental health and homelessness, with the idea that police could then spend more time on fighting serious crimes, instead of dealing with "the failures of our social safety net," as Mamdani put it in a campaign video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a New York State assemblymember, Mamdani has supported criminal-justice reform legislation easing penalties on nonviolent crimes, such as a proposal that would decriminalize possession of controlled substances. However, as of this writing, nothing in his legislative history nor in his mayoral campaign platform suggested ending enforcement of "all misdemeanor offenses." DSA's criminal-justice platform The DSA's platform calls for the abolition of the "carceral state," a term used in academia that has no single accepted definition, but by in large often refers to the system of mass incarceration and policing in the United States. As part of that political philosophy, the DSA has called for ending misdemeanor charges, per its website: End the criminalization of working-class survival End all misdemeanor offenses, accounting for 80% of total court dockets, reduce jail churn by reducing arrests, and cut funding to prosecutor's oces Mamdani has appeared to indicate support for the DSA's criminal-justice platform before. In 2020, a podcast host on "The Far Left Show" asked him whether prisons were obsolete, a reference to Marxist scholar Angela Davis' book calling for the abolition of prisons. In response, Mamdani questioned the purpose prisons serve, referencing high rates of recidivism and calling for "a system of justice that will repair the harm that has been caused and address it in a serious way, because right now we don't have it and it makes everyone more unsafe" (see 23:18 for the start of this conversation). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, as a mayoral candidate, he has also reportedly walked back various positions he held in 2020, including a call to defund the police. As such, it was not possible to say how much of the DSA's criminal-justice platform Mamdani supports as of this writing. Sources: "A Socialist: Zohran Mamdani Is Running for Mayor - NYC-DSA." NYC Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) -, 25 Feb. 2025, socialists.nyc/zohran-mayor-nyc-dsa/. Blair, Anthony. "Riley Gaines Latest to Mock Zohran Mamdani for His 'Mamscrawny' Gym Fail: 'Absolutely Judging.'" New York Post, 25 Aug. 2025, nypost.com/2025/08/25/us-news/riley-gaines-latest-to-mock-zohran-mamdanis-failed-bench-press/. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Davis, Angela. Are Prisons Obsolete? Seven Stories Press, 2003, decolonisesociology.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/angela-davis-are_prisons_obsolete.pdf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic Socialists of America. "What Is Democratic Socialism? - Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)." Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), www.dsausa.org/about-us/what-is-democratic-socialism/. "DSA Political Platform - Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)." Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), www.dsausa.org/dsa-political-platform-from-2021-convention/#abolition-carceral. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Galvin, Shane. "Zohran Mamdani Fails at Bench Press While Trying to Show-off at Men's Day in Brooklyn as Cuomo, Adams Roast Rival." New York Post, 24 Aug. 2025, nypost.com/2025/08/23/us-news/zohran-mamdani-fails-to-bench-press-meagre-weight-while-trying-to-show-off-at-annual-mens-day-in-brooklyn/. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Hong, Esther K. "'The Carceral State(S).'" Michigan Journal of Race & Law , vol. 30, no. 1, 2025, repository.law.umich.edu/mjrl/vol30/iss1/2?utm_source=repository.law.umich.edu%2Fmjrl%2Fvol30%2Fiss1%2F2&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani, Zohran Kwame. "A Member of the NY Post Editorial Board 'Joked' That My Campaign Launch, Packed with Working Class New Yorkers of Color, Would Be Blown up by Israel. I Shared These Words at the Bangladeshi American Advocacy Group's Annual Civic Engagement Event Last Night." X (Formerly Twitter), 24 Oct. 2024, x.com/ZohranKMamdani/status/1849843413488685369. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. ---. "Every Politician Fears the Day When the Uncomfortable Truths of Their Past Come Out. For Me, This Was Yesterday When the @NYPost Released a Bombshell Story on My Campaignfor Student Body vp of Bronx Science." X.com, 13 Apr. 2025, x.com/ZohranKMamdani/status/1911553371930058909. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. "NY State Assembly Bill 2025-A4929." NYSenate.gov, 2025, www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4929. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Pazmino, Gloria. "Mamdani Confronts His Past Calls to Defund Police after an Officer's Death in New York." CNN, 31 July 2025, www.cnn.com/2025/07/31/politics/mamdani-defund-police-shooting. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Post Editorial Board. "Mamdani's Vow to Wage War on Trump WILL Be a Nightmare for New York City." New York Post, 10 Aug. 2025, nypost.com/2025/08/10/opinion/zohran-mamdani-will-make-new-york-city-a-living-nightmare/. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Schwartz, Joseph M. "History." Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), July 2017, www.dsausa.org/about-us/history/. "The Department of Community Safety Report - Zohran for NYC." Google Docs, docs.google.com/document/d/1a7ejjSZWWIAcxfcWnkYaqvnjihTb0LAOQkj8g10-npg/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.2gazcsgmxkub. The Far Left Show. "A RISING NY SOCIALIST NOMINEE (Conversation W/ Zohran Kwame Mamdani)." YouTube, 14 Aug. 2020, www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVYf0PcJJoI. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Zohran for NYC." Zohranfornyc.com, 2025, www.zohranfornyc.com/platform. "Zohran K. Mamdani - Assembly District 36 |Assembly Member Directory | New York State Assembly." Nyassembly.gov, nyassembly.gov/mem/Zohran-K-Mamdani/sponsor/. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. "Zohran Kwame Mamdani on Instagram: 'Every New Yorker Deserves to Be Safe. Today, I'm Announcing a Plan to Deliver Exactly That. Our Department of Community Safety Will Implement Evidence-Based Strategies That Will Prevent Violence and Crime before They Occur. Learn More at Zohranfornyc.com/Safety.'" Instagram, 1 Apr. 2025, www.instagram.com/reel/DH6XfYpOd6z/?hl=en. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Zohran Mamdani for NYC. "Uganda Miss Me! (but I'll Be Back Soon)." YouTube, 21 July 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_K-mi0sJvc. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. WASHINGTON, D.C. (PIX11) As one of the most powerful minorities advising the President, Lynne Patton sits down exclusively with PIX11s Monica Morales in her new role as the deputy assistant to President Trump. We get an exclusive look behind the scenes at her job at the White House, what she is working on to improve the lives of Americans, and the future of New York City public housing. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lynne Patton met PIX11s Monica Morales in the Secretary of War room inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, just steps away from the White House. She broke big news right away about a new national program to create jobs. Known to many as a longtime Trump Organization executive and a fiercely loyal ally of the Trump family, Patton is the deputy assistant to President Trump, placing her exactly where she says she wants to be in the heart of the action. Her political appointment, she says, is a calling thats deeply personal. Patton talked about what its like to be one of the most powerful minorities serving in an administration often criticized for racially insensitive policies and rhetoric. Patton defends her boss. More Monica Makes It Happen Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raised in Connecticut, Pattons trajectory has been anything but conventional. In 2019, Patton was appointed the Head of Region II of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. PIX11 News was there every step of the way when she visited and stayed in New York City public housing. Her new job, Patton says, comes with real power, advising the president directly on issues affecting public housing and low-income communities across the country. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. By Anna Hirtenstein and Marwa Rashad LONDON (Reuters) -U.S. and Russian government officials discussed several energy deals on the sidelines of negotiations this month that sought to achieve peace in Ukraine, according to five sources familiar with the talks. These deals were put forward as incentives to encourage the Kremlin to agree to peace in Ukraine and for Washington to ease sanctions on Russia, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has been cut off from most international investment in its energy sector and from striking major deals due to sanctions following the Ukraine invasion that began in February 2022. The officials discussed the possibility of Exxon Mobil re-entering Russias Sakhalin-1 oil and gas project, three of the sources said. Exxon, the top U.S. oil producer, has held numerous discussions with Russian state-controlled oil firm Rosneft about re-entering the project after receiving approval from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control under the administrations of both former President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump, said a separate source familiar with the matter. Government officials also raised the prospect of Russia purchasing U.S. equipment for its LNG projects, such as Arctic LNG 2, which is under western sanctions, four sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of the sources could be named because they were not authorised to speak publicly on the negotiations. Another idea was for the U.S. to purchase nuclear-powered icebreaker vessels from Russia, Reuters reported on August 15. The talks were held during U.S. envoy Steve Witkoffs trip to Moscow earlier this month when he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev, three of the sources said. They were also discussed within the White House with Trump, two of the sources said. These deals were also briefly discussed at the Alaska summit on August 15, one source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House really wanted to put out a headline after the Alaska summit, announcing a big investment deal, said one of the sources. This is how Trump feels like hes achieved something. 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, a White House official said in response to questions about the deals. It is not in the national interest to further negotiate these issues publicly, the official said. A spokesperson for Dmitriev declined to comment. Exxon Mobil declined to comment. Rosneft and Novatek did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TALKS COINCIDE WITH THREATS Trump has threatened to impose more sanctions on Russia unless peace talks make progress and to place harsh tariffs on India, a major buyer of Russian oil. Those measures would make it difficult for Russia to maintain the same level of oil exports. Trumps dealmaking style of politics has been on display before in the Ukraine talks, when earlier this year the same officials explored ways for the U.S. to revive Russian gas flows to Europe. These plans have been stalled by Brussels, which put forward proposals to fully phase out Russian gas imports by 2027. The latest discussions have shifted to bilateral deals between the U.S. and Russia, pivoting away from the European Union, which, as a bloc, has been steadfast in its support for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the same day as the Alaska summit, Putin signed a decree that could allow foreign investors, including Exxon Mobil, to regain shares in the Sakhalin-1 project. It is conditional on the foreign shareholders taking action to support the lifting of Western sanctions on Russia. Exxon exited its Russian business in 2022 after the Ukraine invasion, taking a $4.6 billion impairment charge. Its 30% operator share in the Sakhalin-1 project in Russia's far east was seized by the Kremlin that year. The U.S. has placed several waves of sanctions on Russias Arctic LNG 2 project, starting in 2022 and cutting off access to ice-class ships that are needed to operate in that region for most of the year. The project is majority-owned by Novatek, which started working with lobbyists in Washington last year to try to rebuild relations and lift the sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Arctic LNG 2 plant resumed natural gas processing in April, albeit at a low rate, Reuters reported. Five cargoes have been loaded from the project this year onto tankers under sanctions. A production train was previously shut down due to the difficulties in exporting given the sanctions. This project was intended to have three LNG processing trains. The third is in planning stages, with technology expected to be supplied by China. Washington is seeking to prompt Russia to buy U.S. technology rather than Chinese as part of a broader strategy to alienate China and weaken relations between Beijing and Moscow, one of the sources said. China and Russia declared a "no limits" strategic partnership days before Putin sent troops into Ukraine. Xi has met Putin over 40 times in the last decade and Putin in recent months described China as an ally. (Reporting by Anna Hirtenstein and Marwa Rashad in London; additional reporting by Timothy Gardner in Washington and Sheila Dang in Houston; editing by Barbara Lewis and Nia Williams) QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) New video shows the moment NYPD officers opened fire on a carjacking suspect in Queens, accidentally striking one of their own. Investigators say 28-year-old Kevin Dubuisson went on a one-man crime spree Friday, allegedly stealing a car and plowing into a woman and her 88-year-old mother as they returned home from a hair salon. More Local News I saw a big black car back into my car, sent to the sidewalk. My mother fell, and I fell next to her. Next thing I knew, I heard shots fired, the woman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said the crash left her mother badly injured. I saw her blood was trickling down the sidewalk and I screamed for help, she said. She has a hematoma, fractured wrist, and now shes not doing good. Shes still hospitalized and marked her mothers 88th birthday by her bedside, Sunday. During the chaos, police shot Detective Corey Fisher, who was caught in the crossfire. Ken Tong recalled hearing the gunfire from his window. I heard commotion, shouting, and I heard, Get down, get down, stop, and four shots, Tong said. Video shows Fisher crawling to safety as officers rushed to tie a tourniquet around his leg. He was hospitalized with a broken leg and released on Monday, surrounded by his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dubuisson, who police say is a repeat offender on parole and had been arrested just a day before, was taken into custody at the scene. He is being held without bail on Rikers Island and faces a litany of charges. NYPD detective shot by friendly fire released from Queens hospital Investigators say his crime spree began at a Mobil service station nearby off Parsons Blvd., where he tried to steal a car from the lot. He was trying to punch me. I was trying to take the keys out of the car, the mechanic recalled.. Minutes later, Dubuisson allegedly approached a 9-year-old sitting in his fathers car before being scared off and then carjacking an Uber driver near the Whitestone Expressway Service Road leading to the rush-hour gunfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The circumstances surrounding the friendly fire shooting remain under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Aug. 25MORGANTOWN In early July, hope was fading that the West Virginia Division of Highways would be able to get traffic lights installed on Chaplin Hill Road at I-79 Exit 155 in time to assist with the influx of fall traffic into Morgantown. Now there appears to be some doubt as to whether they'll be in place before the calendar turns over to 2026. During a recent update before the Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board, MPO Executive Director Bill Austin said the construction of the temporary lights isn't scheduled to be open for bidding until October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if that schedule would get the lights in place in December, Austin replied, "That would be optimistic." The lights have been a priority of the MPO since October 2023 more than a year before DOH brass officially signed off on their placement. The local commitment was reinforced in November, when the DOH said the MPO would need to chip in $750, 000 of the money it receives for suballocation in order to get the job done this fall, which it did. According to the DOH, the lights will be full signal installations using wood poles in order to avoid the long lead time for steel support poles. The project will consist of signals at both the I-79 northbound and southbound ramps along Chaplin Hill Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lights carry the "temporary " tag as there is a major overhaul of Exit 155 in the works. On July 9, the Monongalia County Commission, developer WestRidge and the state signed off on a three-way agreement to construct the $135 million upgrade. In other news, Austin said the DOH has softened its position on a potential pedestrian bridge over Don Knotts Boulevard. The bridge would provide a direct connection between Morgantown's 1st Ward and amenities along the city's riverfront. Despite being a longtime wishlist item for the city and a Tier 1 priority of the MPO, the DOH has had its doubts that such a facility could be reasonably constructed given the significant drop in elevation from the 1st Ward side of Don Knotts down to the rail-trail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December, the MPO Policy Board approved $37, 200 for consultant Kimley-Horn to put together a project feasibility study. In May, the consultant presented a cost of $7.4 million to $11.1 million to build an approximately 1, 300 foot paved trail starting at the corner of Callen Avenue and Lawnwood Street and descending at 4.5 % grade down to the bridge, which would deliver pedestrians and cyclists to the rail-trail access and parking lot near Mountaineer Heritage Park. "There have always been concerns from the division of highways about that project. The discussions have resulted in the division of highways accepting the idea that this is a potential idea that could be constructed. If the city and the MPO move forward with it, it's one that could happen, " Austin said. "So, that is a milestone considering how long the city of Morgantown has been working on this project." As for some other projects in and around Morgantown The design work for improvements to the intersection of Smithtown Road ( W.Va. 73) and Don Knotts Boulevard (U.S. 119) is wrapping up and the project will be out to bid in 2026. Previously estimated in the $2 million to $2.5 million range, the work will include a new traffic light and a reconfiguration of the intersection to provide two departure lanes heading south (away from town) on Don Knotts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The design study for Phase II of Green Bag Road improvements, which will include everything outside the middle section being addressed in Phase I, is being finalized and will likely be available for public review later this fall. Phase I, which includes roundabouts at the Kingwood Pike /Dorsey Avenue intersection and the Mississippi Street intersection, is currently tied up in court as the DOH is attempting to claim a number of properties via eminent domain. Widening projects on Van Voorhis Road and the eastern segment of West Run Road are now scheduled for completion in spring 2027. The roundabout under construction at the intersection of University Avenue and Collins Ferry Road is anticipated for completion in August 2026. Construction has begun on an expansion of Interstate 275 in Pinellas County from Fourth Street North, near the Howard Frankland Bridge, to the 38th Avenue exit in St. Petersburg, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday. The 7.5-mile stretch is expected to gain tolled express lanes that will eventually connect to the four express lanes scheduled to open next spring on the Howard Frankland Bridge. From Fourth Street North to the Gandy Bridge exit, the state transportation department plans to add one express lane on northbound I-275. The southbound side already has a single express lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From south of the Gandy Bridge exit to the 38th Avenue exit, crews will add four express lanes, two in each direction. That slice of I-275 is frequently snarled during morning and afternoon rush-hour traffic. Pedestrians and cyclists are also slated to gain a 12-foot-wide pathway along the north side of Ulmerton Road, from Fountain Parkway North to west of I-275. The $340 million project doesnt have a projected end date yet. Its part of a broader effort, known as Tampa Bay Next, to relieve congestion in Tampa Bay by adding express lanes along portions of I-275. The Gateway Expressway, which opened last year, and the new Howard Frankland Bridge are other components of that effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The extension of express lanes into Pinellas County may start to make Tampa Bay look more like Orlando or Miami, where drivers have long used tolled lanes to bypass traffic along major throughways like I-4 and Interstate 95. Other highway widening projects currently under construction in Tampa Bay focus on relieving congestion at clogged exits. Take Tampas downtown interchange, where I-275 and Interstate 4 connect, sometimes called malfunction junction. Construction for a widening project involving that interchange is scheduled to wrap up in early 2027, giving drivers another lane between westbound I-4 and both directions of I-275, as well as between southbound I-275 and eastbound I-4. Crews are also widening Tampas Westshore interchange, which takes drivers from I-275 to the airport, Veterans Expressway and State Road 60. Wildfires are intensifying across the western United States amid dry fuels and gusty winds, leaving one firefighter dead in Montana and thousands of homes threatened elsewhere. Millions of people are under heat watches and warnings from California to Washington, with temperatures soaring past 100 degrees in some areas. AccuWeather experts warn that any new fire starts could quickly spread in the hot, dry conditions. Fires in California, Oregon Firefighters battle the Pickett Fire burning in the Aetna Springs area of Napa County, California, on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. (Photo credit: AP Photo/Noah Berger) In California's Napa County, the Pickett Fire has burned nearly ,000 acres and prompted mandatory evacuations. More than 2,000 firefighters are battling the blaze, including 10 helicopter crews, Cal Fire said. As of Friday morning, the fire was 41% contained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cal Fire investigators have interviewed a contractor and a vineyard manager in Calistoga where the blaze is believed to have started, according to NBC Bay Area. Investigators are looking into whether improperly discarded ashes may have sparked the fire, after a contract worker reportedly removed ashes from what he thought was a cooled oven and placed them on a pile of flammable material. An aircraft makes a fire retardant drop during the Pickett fire in Calistoga, California on August 21, 2025. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images) The Flat Fire, burning approximately two miles northeast of Sisters, Oregon, has scorched nearly 24,000 acres and destroyed at least 10 structures, including four homes. Thousands of additional homes are threatened, according to Central Oregon Fire Info. Evacuations remain in effect under the direction of the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. The Flat Fire is only 7% contained. Colorado's Lee Fire 4th largest in state history The Lee Fire in northwest Colorado has grown to nearly 140,00 acres, making it the fourth-largest wildfire in the state's history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blaze, burning near the town of Meeker in Rio Blanco County, located about 220 miles west of Denver, surpassed the size of the 2002 Hayman Fire, which consumed 137,760 acres between Denver and Colorado Springs. Drought, extreme weather, and multiple days of Red Flag warnings have fueled the Lee Fire's rapid spread, pushing it past 100,000 acres in just eight days, according to the U.S. Forest Service. As of Friday, the Lee Fire was 90% contained. Officials confirmed it has already destroyed several homes and government buildings and forced evacuations in the county. Grand Canyon fire slows with monsoon rain In Arizona, the Dragon Bravo Fire, sparked by lightning on July 4 on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, has burned more than 145,000 acres. Recent rain from the annual monsoon has slowed fire activity, allowing crews to reach 75% containment. Firefighters are now shifting to suppression repair, removing hazard trees and stabilizing soil to restore access routes into the park. Utah fire nearing full containment In central Utah, officials report strong progress on the Monroe Canyon Fire, which has burned nearly 73,000 acres and forced evacuations. The blaze is now 95% contained. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. Today we discuss flora, fauna and self-gratification. You've been away. Yes, I was living in a tent for two weeks, communing with the pine trees and black bears of the Sierra. You heard about California's likely special election? I did. It seems Gov. Gavin Newsom will have his way, with help from the Democratic-run Legislature, and voters will be asked in November to approve a partisan gerrymander aimed at offsetting a similar Republican power grab in Texas. As many as five GOP House seats could be erased from the congressional map drawn by California's independent redistricting commission, which voters established more than a decade ago expressly to take the line-drawing away from a bunch of self-interested politicians. Fighting fire with fire! Could we please retire that phrase. Huh? Also references to knife fights and Democrats showing up with pencils, rubber bands, butter knives and other wimpy implements. The campaign hasn't even started and already those metaphors have grown stale. Fine. At least Democrats are showing some fight. In an impulsive, shortsighted fashion. Look, I get it. President Donald Trump truly knows no bottom when it comes to undermining democratic norms, running a familial kleptocracy and, in the felicitous phrase of Gustavo Arellano, my fellow Times columnista, treating the Constitution like a pee pad. Democrats are powerless in Washington, where a pliant Republican-controlled Congress and a supine right-wing Supreme Court have shown all the deference of a maitre d' squiring Trump to his favorite table. So the idea of doing something to push back against the president is quite invigorating and, no doubt, gratifying for Democratic partisans. It's also expedient and facile, sparing the party from looking inward and doing the truly hard work it faces. Taking on Republicans over redistricting a fight among insiders, as far as many voters are concerned does absolutely nothing to address the larger problem confronting Democrats, which is the absence of any broader message beyond: Trump, bad! We saw how that worked for them in 2024. But this is a "break-the-glass" moment for our democracy. Gov. Newsom said so! Please. The only thing worse than a grasping and nakedly calculating politician is a politician who wraps his grasping and naked calculation in all sorts of red, white and blue bunting. At bottom, this is all about Newsom's overweening presidential ambitions. How so? The whole episode started when our gallivanting governor went on a left-wing podcast during a Southern campaign swing and huffed and puffed about responding to Trump and Texas by executing a similar gerrymander in California. (He elided the fact that, under the state Constitution, he has no such authority. Hence the need for a special election to seek voter approval of new, slanted political lines.) Soon enough, Newsom's threat took on a life of its own. Normally, redistricting is done once every 10 years, after the latest census. Suddenly, mid-decade redistricting became a new front in the ever-escalating war between red and blue; now several more states are talking about rejiggering their congressional maps for partisan gain. The problem for Newsom and his fellow Democrats is that Republicans have a lot more gerrymandering opportunities than they do. So instead of those five Democratic-held seats in Texas, many more could be at risk for the party in 2026. Golly. Though, it should be said, at this point all that election handicapping is nothing more than speculation. What do you mean? Democrats need to flip three congressional districts to seize control of the House. That's why Trump prodded Texas Republicans to try to nab those five extra seats, to give the GOP some padding. But there's no guarantee Republicans will win all five seats. They're counting on the same strong Latino support Trump received in 2024, and recent polling suggests some of that pro-GOP sentiment may be waning. Beyond that, the ever-insightful Amy Walter, of the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, makes an important point. "Even as the possibility of new maps in Texas and California may change the size and the shape of the 2026 playing field," she wrote in a recent analysis, "the fate of the Republican-controlled House is ultimately still going to be determined by two fundamental questions: how do voters feel about the state of the economy, and how do independent voters assess the party in power?" It's a long way to November 2026. But at this point, neither of those factors augurs well for Trump and Republicans. Well, they started it, by messing with Texas. True. And none of this is meant to defend Trump, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott or the president's other political henchmen. But effectively disenfranchising millions of California Republicans isn't any better than effectively disenfranchising millions of Texas Democrats. Huh? If Democrats have their way, the GOP would hold just a handful of California's 52 House seats, or even less. How is that possibly fair, or representative, in a state that's home to millions of Republican voters more, in fact, than any state other than Texas. There are already countless residents, many living outside Democrats' city and suburban strongholds, who feel ignored and politically impotent. That's not healthy for California, or democracy. It breeds anger, resentment, cynicism and a kind of political nihilism that, ultimately, helps lead to the election of a middle-finger president like Trump. Of course, Newsom may not care, since at this twilight point of his governorship it's all about his White House hopes and desire to pander to the Democrats' aggrieved political base. By fighting fire with fire! And potentially burning the whole place down. (COMMENT, BELOW) Mark Z. Barabak Los Angeles Times/(TNS) Mark Z. Barabak is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, focusing on politics in California and the West. JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- As part of its Group of 20 (G20) presidency, South Africa emphasized on Monday that strengthening governance and institutions is essential for development. "In an increasingly complex and uncertain world, agile, transparent, and effective public institutions are indispensable," said Phindile Mkwanazi, acting principal of the country's National School of Government. "Developmental states that are responsive to citizens and committed to shared prosperity can help achieve sustainable development and lasting peace." Mkwanazi made the remarks at a Think 20 (T20) symposium themed "State Capacity and Institutional Transformation in Times of Complexity: Exploring State Capacity for Agile Public Institutions." The event was held in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital, under the framework of South Africa's G20 presidency. She noted that developmental states are more committed to a "shared future" and prioritize citizens, in contrast to "narrow or hegemonic" approaches that put self-interest above the collective. She stressed that building strong state capacity is essential to advancing the G20's objectives. Mkwanazi underscored the importance of stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors, while also ensuring the greater inclusion of marginalized groups and rural women. She said the success of the G20 would depend on prioritizing state capacity to push sustainable development. Established in 2012, the T20 is an official G20 engagement group that brings together global research institutes to provide policy advice on issues such as climate change, inequality, and sustainable development. Claim: In August 2025, Cracker Barrel fired Arthur MacWaters, who headed marketing, over a company rebrand. Rating: Rating: False In August 2025, a social media rumor (archived) claimed Cracker Barrel fired the company's alleged head of rebranding, Arthur MacWaters, after its new logo sparked backlash online. An X post (archived) shared on Aug. 23, 2025, read: I was fired from Cracker Barrel today. I ran our company's rebranding team. Turns out a small group of angry activists didn't like that we took the old guy off the logo and threw a fit. They blamed me for tanking the stock price 19% and fired me on the spot. Taking some time to reflect and will start looking for jobs soon! The post also included what appeared to be a resume listing a stint as Cracker Barrel's chief marketing officer beginning in January 2025. The alleged resume also listed roles at Jaguar Land Rover UK, Bud Light, Netflix and other companies. (@ArthurMacwaters on X) Facebook users (archived here and here), including comedian Terrence K. Williams (archived), also shared the claim about the firing. However, the images they shared included only the portion of MacWaters' supposed resume that listed his alleged role at Cracker Barrel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Terrence K Williams on Facebook) Snopes readers searched our website to verify whether the rumor was true. However, the claim was false. Cracker Barrel confirmed it had no record of employing anyone named Arthur MacWaters, and a LinkedIn profile under that name didn't list any work with the company. In response to Snopes' emailed inquiry about the social media posts, a spokesperson for Cracker Barrel said, "No, this isn't accurate. There's no record of this individual working for the company." Cracker Barrel's website confirmed Sarah Moore has worked as the company's chief marketing officer since July 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also found a LinkedIn profile (archived) under the name Arthur MacWaters that used the same photo as the MacWaters X account. It listed work as the co-founder and president of Legion Health and a senior business analyst for McKinsey & Company not Cracker Barrel or any of the other companies included on the resume attached to the X post. Snopes reached out to MacWaters to confirm whether his post was intended as a joke, but did not hear back by the time of publication. However, there were several signs that the post was meant to be humorous. For example, the supposed resume he shared included roles at other companies that have recently been embroiled in controversies over "wokeness," including Jaguar Land Rover and Bud Light. It also showed he was working at both Cracker Barrel and Jaguar Land Rover at the same time, which would be highly unlikely. The alleged resume also said MacWaters worked as "part of the talented cross-functional team that was responsible for ideating and launching New Coke," referring to Coca-Cola's 1985 rebranding effort that backfired on the company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snopes has previously reported on other rumors about Cracker Barrel, including false claims that the restaurant chain was closing all of its locations. We also examined the controversy over its 2025 logo change. Sources: "Management | Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc." Investor.crackerbarrel.com, investor.crackerbarrel.com/corporate-governance/management. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. "Arthur MacWaters - Legion Health | LinkedIn." Linkedin.com, www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-macwaters/. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Chia, Osmond. "Donald Trump Attacks 'Woke' Jaguar as Firm Names New Boss and Rebrands." BBC, 5 Aug. 2025, www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0l61d5g9ggo. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holpuch, Amanda. "Behind the Backlash against Bud Light's Transgender Influencer." The New York Times, 21 Nov. 2023, www.nytimes.com/article/bud-light-boycott.html. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Klein, Christopher. "Why Coca-Cola's 'New Coke' Flopped | HISTORY." HISTORY, 23 Apr. 2015, www.history.com/articles/why-coca-cola-new-coke-flopped. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Did Florida ban "The Diary of Anne Frank" from public library shelves? No, that's not true: A graphic version of Anne Frank's diary was removed from school library shelves in Escambia County, Florida, after a complaint that it minimized the Holocaust with the inclusion of Frank's description of her private thoughts about sex. A group that tracks book bans recently added the original version of "The Diary of Anne Frank" to the list of books pulled from Escambia schools. A federal judge has since ruled unconstitutional a state law used to pressure schools to remove books with sexual content. The claim appeared in a post (archived here) shared on X by California State Senator Scott Wiener on August 25, 2025. The post read: Florida banning the Diary of Anne Frank tells you everything you need to know about the MAGA movement. This is what the post looked like at the time of writing: Source: screenshot of X.com by Lead Stories "The Diary of Anne Frank," first published as "The Diary of a Young Girl" in 1947, tells the German girl's personal story in her own words, based on her letters and diary entries written during the two years she was hiding from Nazis occupying the Netherlands during World War II. It became required reading for students in many schools around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Confirming if this book, or any book, has been banned by a school district is not simple as there is no single list. An online database (archived here) maintained by PEN.org, a national organization that advocates for freedom of expression, does list "Diary of a Young Girl" as banned from Escambia County, Florida, schools. That's the only result when searching for "Anne Frank" in the database. Source: screenshot of pen.org by Lead Stories A June 15, 2025, article (archived here) in the Pensacola News Journal, the newspaper in Escambia County, also reported the book was banned there, along with 1,300 other books, encyclopedias, and dictionaries. The article gave as a source of its information an online list of books banned by Florida schools compiled by the Florida Freedom to Read Project. But when Lead Stories entered "Anne Frank" in the search box at the bottom of the article, only a graphic adaptation of the book appeared in the results. Source: screenshot of pnj.com by Lead Stories "Anne Frank: The Anne Frank House Authorized Graphic Biography" (archived here), published in 2010, is not the same graphic adaptation of the Frank's story that was taken off the Escambia library shelves after a complaint in 2023. That book is "Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation," published in 2018. The publisher's description (archived here) reads: A timeless story rediscovered by each new generation, The Diary of a Young Girl stands without peer. This graphic edition remains faithful to the original, while the stunning illustrations interpret and add layers of visual meaning and immediacy to this classic work of Holocaust literature. The "Indian River Moms for Liberty" group filed a complaint with the Vero Beach High School principal in 2023, demanding that the graphic version be removed from the school's library shelves because it violated a Florida law against "minimization of the Holocaust." Source: screenshot of penguinrandomhouse.com by Lead Stories Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation" was removed in Indian River County FL schools for "minimization of the Holocaust." Florida state standards dictate that all teaching of the Holocaust must be historically correct, specifically 6A-1.094124 (3)(b). It was decided that... pic.twitter.com/ZpQZ2YMvs5 -- Moms for Liberty (@Moms4Liberty) April 10, 2023 The book included the then-13-year-old Frank's personal thoughts on sex, along with illustrations. Source: screenshot of penguinrandomhouse.com by Lead Stories Sen. Wiener's spokesperson told Lead Stories in an email that he posted his comment after reading an article (archived here) published in The Guardian on August 16, 2025. The report titled "State-driven censorship': new wave of book bans hits Florida school districts," said that Hillsborough County, Florida, has removed "The Diary of Anne Frank" from school libraries, although it did not cite a source for that information. The Guardian's reporter also did not immediately reply to a Lead Stories email asking about her source. But nowhere in the Guardian article is there a claim that the ban on the book is statewide. Lead Stories only found it limited to two counties, and the sourcing for the reports of bans in those two were uncertain. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has pressured some local school officials to remove a list of books he concluded were pornographic, but no version of Anne Frank's story was on his list. Any effort to ban the book statewide in Florida would be more difficult after a federal district judge ruled that parts of Florida House Bill 1069, which has been used law for the banning books that describe "sexual activity" from public school libraries, was "overbroad and unconstitutional." State officials have said they would appeal the August 2025 ruling. Did retired Gen. Mark Milley tell troops being deployed to U.S. cities in August of 2025 that they "do not report to a dictator", as posts on social media claim? No, that's not true: Milley's remarks were made in September of 2023, almost two years before President Donald Trump sent the National Guard to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Milley, in a speech at his retirement ceremony, addressed American military members in total, not any specific units or service branch. The claim appeared in an August 24, 2025 X post (archived here) on the @MarioNawfal account, with the caption: "GEN. MILLEY TO THE NATIONAL TROOPS BEING DEPLOYED TO U.S CITIES: "WE DO NOT REPORT TO A DICTATOR!"". This is what the post looked like at the time this fact check was written: Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot of post at x.com/MarioNawfal. The quotes are accurate, just placed in a misleading 2025 context, as opposed to the 2023 context, which was the end of Milley's tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in which position he had clashed with Donald Trump during his first term as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video accompanying the post is unaltered, showing the same September 29, 2023 speech reported on by numerous credible outlets (archived here) and still available on the YouTube channel of the Associated Press (archived here.). In that speech, Milley argued the strength of the U.S. military is that its members swear an oath to defend the constitution and not to any person. Claim: U.S. President Donald Trump once said the Japanese came through the Panama Canal to attack Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Rating: Rating: Incorrect Attribution On Aug. 24, 2025, a series of posts claimed U.S. President Donald Trump once said the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor during World War II by coming through the Panama Canal. Since he was elected to his second presidential term, Trump has called for the return of the Panama Canal to United States' control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same meme spread across Instagram and Facebook, and claimed the 1941 Japanese attack was Trump's reason for taking "back" the Panama Canal. (Screenshot via Facebook) We found no evidence of Trump making the above statement. Had Trump actually said this in public, it would have been widely covered by mainstream news outlets. As such, we rate this claim as an incorrect attribution. We looked for examples of Trump making the above claim in the news, and searched for variations of statements alleging that Japan attacked Pearl Harbor through the Panama Canal. The only available sources were social media posts displaying the same meme in question and news stories that matched the same keywords but were unrelated to the claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In December 1941, during World War II, Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, a U.S. naval base near Honolulu, Hawaii. Around 2,400 people, including civilians, were killed in the attack, resulting in the U.S. declaring war on Japan and entering the wider conflict. Per the National World War II Museum, the Japanese Navy dispatched fleet carriers across 3,000 miles of open ocean from Japan to the Hawaiian islands. Japanese aircraft then launched from these carriers a few hundred miles north of the islands. The Panama Canal is located in the southern part of Central America and was controlled by the U.S. in 1941. Any assertion that the Japanese would have used it to get to Hawaii is outlandish at best. The Panama Canal's construction was completed by the U.S. in 1914, revolutionizing global navigation by cutting ships' travel around South America from a few months to a few hours. In 1977, then-U.S. President Jimmy Carter agreed to gradually hand over control of the canal to the Panamanian government, which took over completely by 1999. While Trump did not claim that Japan had used the canal during World War II, he has made a number of other unsubstantiated claims about the canal while repeatedly calling for returning it to U.S. control. In his second presidential inauguration speech in January 2025, Trump said the U.S. lost 38,000 people in the construction of the canal and it was now being operated by China: President McKinley made our country very rich through tariffs and through talent he was a natural businessman and gave Teddy Roosevelt the money for many of the great things he did, including the Panama Canal, which has foolishly been given to the country of Panama after the United Spates the United States I mean, think of this spent more money than ever spent on a project before and lost 38,000 lives in the building of the Panama Canal. We have been treated very badly from this foolish gift that should have never been made, and Panama's promise to us has been broken. The purpose of our deal and the spirit of our treaty has been totally violated. American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape, or form. And that includes the United States Navy. And above all, China is operating the Panama Canal. And we didn't give it to China. We gave it to Panama, and we're taking it back. As we have reported previously, China does not control the canal, and there is no Chinese military presence there, although U.S. experts have raised concerns about ports being run by a Hong Kong-based company, as well as Panama's cooperation with Beijing. The official death toll for workers during construction of the canal was estimated at 5,600 (not 38,000 as Trump claimed), and the majority of those workers were from Barbados. According to an estimate from Matthew Parker, author of "Hell's Gorge: The Battle to Build the Panama Canal," around 300 U.S. workers likely died during construction. However, some historians believe the overall death toll was much higher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has been accused before of being ignorant around the events and history of Pearl Harbor. According to a 2020 book "A Very Stable Genius" written by two reporters from The Washington Post, Trump appeared to have little understanding of the significance of Pearl Harbor: The first couple was set to take a private tour of the USS Arizona Memorial, which sits just off the coast of Honolulu and straddles the hull of the battleship that sank into the Pacific during the Japanese surprise bombing attack in 1941. As a passenger boat ferried the Trumps to the stark white memorial, the president pulled Kelly aside for a quiet consult. "Hey, John, what's this all about? What's this a tour of?" Trump asked his chief of staff. Kelly was momentarily stunned. Trump had heard the phrase "Pearl Harbor" and appeared to understand that he was visiting the scene of a historic battle, but he did not seem to know much else. Kelly explained to him that the stealth Japanese attack here had devastated the U.S. Pacific Fleet and prompted the country's entrance into World War II, eventually leading the United States to drop atom bombs on Japan. If Trump had learned about "a date which will live in infamy" in school, it hadn't really pierced his consciousness or stuck with him. "He was at times dangerously uninformed," said one senior former adviser. The book itself relied on hundreds of interviews with mostly unnamed sources. The authors said their scenes were based on firsthand accounts. Kelly thus appears to be one of the few named sources for the above interaction. Trump in turn called the book "Fake" and the reporters "third rate." The reporters were part of a 2018 Pulitzer Prize-winning team for their reporting on Trump and Russia. In 2017, Trump and first lady Melania Trump misquoted President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and misstated the date of the attack on social media, respectively. For example, Trump posted on what was then Twitter: "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 'A day that will live in infamy!' December 7, 1941." The real quote from Roosevelt was: "A day which will live in infamy." We have previously covered Trump's past statements about the canal as well as the history of U.S. ownership. Sources: Izzo, Jack. "Did US Once Own Panama Canal as Trump Suggested? Yes, Here's the History." Snopes, 3 Jan. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//news/2025/01/04/us-trump-panama-canal/. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lima, Cristiano. " White House Misremembers Historical Details on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day." Politico, 7 Dec. 2017, https://www.politico.com/story/2017/12/07/trump-white-house-pearl-harbor-day-mistakes-286593. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. "Panama Canal: What You Need to Know Now." Dw.Com, Aug. 1, 2025. https://www.dw.com/en/panama-canal-why-is-trump-interested-in-it/a-71248886. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Parker, Ashley. "New Book Portrays Trump as Erratic, 'at Times Dangerously Uninformed.'" The Washington Post, 15 Jan. 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/new-book-portrays-trump-as-erratic-at-times-dangerously-uninformed/2020/01/15/4d45bf44-370f-11ea-a01d-b7cc8ec1a85d_story.html. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. "Pearl Harbor: Attack, Deaths & Facts." HISTORY, 29 Oct. 2009, https://www.history.com/articles/pearl-harbor. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Pearl Harbor Attack, December 7, 1941." The National WWII Museum | New Orleans, 7 Dec. 2021, https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/topics/pearl-harbor-december-7-1941. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Rucker, Philip, and Carol Leonnig. A Very Stable Genius: Donald J. Trump's Testing of America. Penguin, 2020. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. "The Inaugural Address." The White House, 20 Jan. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/remarks/2025/01/the-inaugural-address/. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025. Updates: Aug. 26, 2025: The article was updated to refer to Japanese planes as "aircraft," not jets. MOSCOW (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said that he had discussed nuclear arms control with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the summit in Alaska - and that China should be involved too - with the ultimate aim of "denuclearization". What has Putin offered Trump on nuclear weapons and what might he offer? PUTIN'S OFFER Just a day before his meeting with Trump, Putin suggested that Moscow and Washington could reach a deal on nuclear arms control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia, the United States and China are all undertaking major modernisations of their nuclear arsenals just as the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty - signed in an attempt to reduce the risk of nuclear war - is poised to expire. 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. The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or New START, which caps the number of strategic nuclear warheads that the United States and Russia can deploy, and the deployment of land- and submarine-based missiles and bombers to deliver them, is due to run out on February 5, 2026. The United States blames Russia for the collapse of Cold War agreements such as the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States formally withdrew from the INF Treaty in 2019, citing Russian violations, which Moscow denied. The United States withdrew from the ABM Treaty in 2002. Russia, which has said it would resume nuclear testing if the United States did, has also raised concerns about Trump's so-called "Golden Dome" missile defence shield. CHINA TOO? The United States has long wanted to involve China, the world's third largest nuclear power, in arms control but Beijing has so far resisted. "China remains intent on modernizing, diversifying, and expanding its nuclear posture," according to the U.S. intelligence community's Annual Threat Assessment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China is the world's third largest nuclear power with about 600 warheads, followed by France with 290, and Britain with 225, according to the Federation of American Scientists. NUCLEAR THREATS Both Putin and Trump have explicitly warned in public of the risk that World War Three could break out over Ukraine. Putin last year lowered the threshold for a nuclear strike in Russia's nuclear doctrine, including a clause that it could consider a nuclear strike in response to a conventional attack on its territory. Trump in August said he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in "the appropriate regions" in response to remarks from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev about the risk of war between the nuclear-armed adversaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has repeatedly cautioned the West that Moscow is not bluffing about being ready to use nuclear weapons if Russia were attacked. The United States in 2022 was so concerned about the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia that it warned Putin over the consequences of using such weapons, according to Bill Burns, who was then director of the Central Intelligence Agency. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Alex Richardson) By Nichola Groom (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump has used his second term in the White House to stymie development of wind and solar energy facilities that were a cornerstone of former President Joe Biden's climate and energy agendas. Here is a timeline of actions his administration has taken to unravel federal support for clean energy projects: January 20 On his first day in office, Trump paused new leasing and permitting of wind energy projects on federal lands and waters pending a federal review. This marked a major shift in U.S. energy policy, which under Biden had been focused on decarbonizing the U.S. electricity grid by 2035. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement April 17 The Trump administration ordered construction to stop on Equinor's offshore wind project off the coast of New York, saying it had been approved without a thorough environmental analysis. A month later, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum allowed work to resume, in an apparent compromise with the state that would see cancelled plans for the Constitution natural gas pipeline from Pennsylvania to New York revived. May 14 The Interior Department said it would take steps to rescind a Biden-era rule that had lowered fees for solar and wind projects on federal lands, increasing costs for developers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement July 4 Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a massive tax and spending package that ended subsidies for wind and solar energy projects years earlier than planned. Project developers, manufacturers and analysts predicted the legislation would slash installations of renewable energy over the next decade, kill investment and jobs in the clean energy manufacturing sector supporting them, and worsen a looming U.S. power supply crunch. July 17 The Interior Department announced new layers of review for solar and wind projects on federal lands, requiring sign-off from top officials. August 6 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Interior Department said it was canceling the Biden administration's approval of the 1,000-megawatt Lava Ridge wind project in Idaho, citing legal deficiencies and community opposition. August 7 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it would end a $7 billion grant program that sought to expand solar energy to low-income communities. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said that since passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), his agency no longer had the authority to administer the program. August 15 The Treasury Department unveiled rules that make it harder for wind and solar projects to claim the tax credits that are being phased out under the OBBBA. The changes are in response to an executive order Trump issued in July directing the agency to restrict tax credit eligibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement August 18 Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said her agency would no longer support wind and solar projects on productive farmland. A day later, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it would heighten scrutiny of some solar and wind projects but stopped short of ending all agency support for clean energy projects on U.S. farms. August 21 The Commerce Department launched an investigation into imported wind turbine components, citing national security risks. About two-thirds of the value of a typical U.S. wind turbine is imported, according to energy research firm Wood Mackenzie. August 22 The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management ordered Danish company Orsted to stop work on a wind farm off the coast of Rhode Island that is 80% built. BOEM cited unspecified national security concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement August 25 The administration said it will move in the coming weeks to revoke approvals for US Wind's offshore wind project off the Maryland coast. The statement was made in a legal filing by the U.S. Department of Justice in a lawsuit challenging the government's permitting of the planned facility. (Reporting by Nichola Groom; Editing by Stephen Coates) By Michael S. Derby, Ann Saphir and Howard Schneider (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday took the unprecedented step of ordering Governor Lisa Cook removed from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, saying questions about the mortgages on properties she owns that are the subject of a criminal probe by his administration are sufficient cause for dismissal. The Fed has long been seen as enjoying a privileged status, distanced from political interference by stipulations in the Federal Reserve Act that prevent a president from firing its leaders over policy disagreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Act does permit removal for "cause." Just what that means in the Fed's case is unclear and likely to be the focus of a legal challenge ultimately decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Here's what is known - and isn't. WHAT IS COOK ALLEGED TO HAVE DONE WRONG? When Cook was an academic, she bought two properties in 2021 - one in Georgia and one in Michigan. The mortgage documents for both said they were each her primary residence - a declaration that typically results in a lower mortgage rate than a borrower can otherwise arrange. She has not provided an explanation, though she did say in a statement last week that she is "gathering the accurate information to answer any legitimate questions and provide the facts." COOK WON'T RESIGN Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No president has attempted to remove a Fed governor before, so just what follows from here is unclear. Cook released a statement saying she will not resign and she will continue to carry out her duties. "President Trump purported to fire me 'for cause' when no cause exists under the law, and he has no authority to do so." Her lawyer Abbe David Lowell said Trump's demands lacked proper process, basis, or legal authority, and "we will take whatever actions are needed to prevent his attempted illegal action. WHAT TRUMP SAID In a "Dear Governor Cook" letter on Monday, Trump said he was removing from her position effective immediately, citing the Federal Reserve Act's "for cause" removal clause. "The American people must be able to have full confidence in the honesty of the members entrusted with setting policy and overseeing the Federal Reserve. In light of your deceitful and potentially criminal conduct in a financial matter, they cannot and I do not have such confidence in your integrity. At a minimum, the conduct at issue exhibits the sort of gross negligence in financial transactions that calls into question your competence and trustworthiness as a financial regulator." WHAT THE FEDERAL RESERVE ACT SAYS Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Each member shall hold office for a term of fourteen years from the expiration of the term of his predecessor, unless sooner removed for cause by the President." HOW IS 'FOR CAUSE' DEFINED? Removal "for cause" is a standard normally understood to mean malfeasance, incompetence, or wrongdoing. Kathryn Judge, a professor at Columbia Law School, said that definitions for such terms are typically written into an agency's governing statute, but that is not the case with the Fed. "We have very little case law on this issuethe Fed is one of the few where the language is not used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IS THE FIRING ATTEMPT LEGAL? It's unclear. Peter Conti-Brown, a scholar of the Feds history at the University of Pennsylvania, said he believes the central bank should come to the legal defense of Cook amid the large gray areas over whether the firing is even legal. Conti-Brown said that while the law is unsettled, his interpretation of the Federal Reserve Act giving the president power to fire a central banker for cause likely pertains to their conduct on the job, not actions prior to confirmation and not things that happen in their personal life unrelated to work. These officials have been vetted by our President and our Senate, that means that all things that they had done during their times as a private citizen were already vetted, Conti-Brown said. So the idea that you can then reach back, turn the clock backward and say, you know, all these things that have happened before now constitute fireable offenses from your official position is to me incongruous with the entire concept of for cause removal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? A Cook challenge to Trump's firing could end up in the Supreme Court. It is not known how the high court might rule, although in an opinion earlier this year in a case over Trump's firing of officials from independent labor boards, the Supreme Court signaled it views the Fed through a unique lens. Lawyers for the fired officials had argued that allowing Trump's dismissals to stand would undermine legal protections for Fed policymakers. "We disagree," a majority of justices said in the court's brief, unsigned ruling. "The Federal Reserve is a uniquely structured, quasi-private entity that follows in the distinct historical tradition of the First and Second Banks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile it's unclear how she would be removed from her position if she fights it. The Fed has its own security. A Fed spokesperson declined to comment. (Reporting by Michael S. Derby, Ann Saphir and Howard Schneider;Editing by Dan Burns and Michael Perry) Facts in the shooting death of a Crossville man on Main St. near the intersection of Fourth St. are slowly coming to light and present a vastly different scenario than what was reported over the weekend and especially on social media. The deceased is identified as Albert Darrell (Al) Sturgill Jr., 62, a former mechanic at Fairfield Glade living in Crossville. The man charged with attempted second-degree murder is Eric B. Garrison, 42, Tima Rd., Lake Tansi area. Officials stated Monday they expect the charge to be amended or upgraded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garrison was expected to make a very brief appearance in General Sessions Court Monday for the purpose of seeing if he plans to hire an attorney or needs legal counsel appointed. A bond hearing or preliminary hearing will be held on a later date. Crossville Police were called to the area on Main St. between the Cumberland County Courthouse and War Memorial Park on reports of a physical altercation that had spilled into the street. This happened around 4:45 p.m. Saturday with Main St. busy with motorists going to the county fair, local restaurants and other venues and the fracas resulted in traffic being stopped. Videos and photos were taken by witnesses. The arrest affidavit filed by Crossville Police Departments Detective Tim Vandever relates the following as seen on one of the videos: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Garrison can be seen in the video get struck in the head with some type of stick that the older male (Sturgill) was holding. There were two other males that appeared to be trying to separate them (Garrison and Sturgill). Mr. Garrison then runs back to his vehicle and retrieves a firearm. There is a female in the video that tries to keep Mr. Garrison from returning back to the altercation. The other two males are between Mr. Garrison and the male that he was fighting with. When Mr. Garrison approaches them, he is able to reach around the two other males and the female. He then fires a shot that strikes the old male and he falls to the ground. Mr. Garrison then walks toward the direction of his vehicle and goes out of camera view. Sturgill, who was gravely injured, was rushed to The University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville where he died the following day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has joined CPD in the probe and Cumberland County Sheriffs Office deputies assisted. Detectives and agents Monday were meeting with the District Attorneys office and interviewing witnesses. It is not unusual for suspects to be charged with an offense and that charges later be upgraded, amended or otherwise changed. As evidence continues to be gathered including blood analysis and items found at the scene, and witnesses are interviewed, more information will become available. Funeral services for Sturgill have not been announced as of press time Monday. Records show at press time Garrison remains jailed under a $1 million bond. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) Reports of gunfire at West Virginia University on Tuesday morning prompted an emergency response, but according to officials, it was all a hoax. Less than 30 minutes after an alert was sent out by WVU telling students to shelter in place due to gunfire reports near the Wise Library, another alert confirmed the report was false. There was and is no threat to campus. Officers are investigating, the second alert said just after 8 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Monongalia County Sheriffs Department said in a release that during a thorough search of the campus, there is no evidence of an active shooter. UPD and Morgantown Police respond to false shooting report at WVU (WBOY image) UPD and Morgantown Police respond to false shooting report at WVU (WBOY image) UPD and Morgantown Police respond to false shooting report at WVU (WBOY image) These are the best colleges in West Virginia for 2026: report Similar threats have been reported at several colleges across the country since classes began, NBC News reported Monday. The University of Arkansas, the University of Colorado Boulder, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, the University of New Hampshire, Northern Arizona University, the University of South Carolina, Villanova University, and the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga have all received similar threats in the past week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the beginning of the school year in 2024, a trend of threats at high and middle schools swept across the country and led to the arrest of several students in West Virginia. WVU said anyone with information that may be useful to the investigation of the false threat should contact University Police at 304-293-3136. 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 WBOY.com. Around half of the enclave's two million people currently live in Gaza City, with several thousand already moved westward, pouring into the heart of the city and along the coast. More Palestinian families left Gaza City on Tuesday after a night of Israeli shelling on its outskirts, as well as in the city's eastern suburbs. Residents said Israeli aerial and tank shelling continued throughout the night and early on Tuesday in the eastern Gaza City suburbs of Sabra, Shejaia, and Tuffah, as well as in Jabalya to the north, destroying roads and houses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Earthquakes, we call it, they want to scare people to leave their homes," said Ismail, 40, a Gaza City resident. The IDF said it was operating in the area to locate weapons and destroy tunnels used by terrorists. Despite widespread protests at home and international condemnation, Israel is preparing to launch a new offensive in Gaza City, in what it describes as Hamas's last bastion. Israeli strikes at Nasser Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip on Monday reportedly killed at least 20 people, including journalists working for Reuters, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and others. Palestinians purchasing food at an outdoor market in Gaza City on Aug. 18, 2025. (credit: TPS-IL) At least 34 people were killed in Israeli strikes in the enclave overnight and on Tuesday, the Hamas-affiliated Gaza Health Ministry said, including 18 people around Gaza City. Thousands move westward Around half of the enclave's two million people currently live in Gaza City, with several thousand already moved westward, pouring into the heart of the city and along the coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others have ventured further south to central Gaza and the coastal area of Al-Muwasi near Khan Yunis. Monday's attack on Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis killed cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor, near a live broadcasting position operated by Reuters. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel deeply regretted what he called a "tragic mishap," but the Israeli military has yet to provide details of the incident. DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Tanzanian government has launched a nationwide initiative to support children living and working on the streets in a bid to protect vulnerable groups and promote inclusive development. The initiative to support children in street situations (CiSS) was inaugurated by Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups Dorothy Gwajima in the port city of Dar es Salaam. The initiative will first be implemented in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Mwanza regions, focusing on providing education, vocational training, and life skills to street-connected children. "The government is committed to ensuring that no child is left behind. Every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves protection, care, and the opportunity to reach their full potential," Gwajima said at the launch on Monday. She noted that children in street situations remain among the most at-risk populations in Tanzania, facing threats to their safety, health, and education. According to the minister, the CiSS program will complement ongoing government efforts to rescue, protect, and reintegrate street children into safe environments. Family members of a 32-year-old man who was taken into custody Monday raised questions about Chicago police officers account of the arrest after a video apparently taken by a bystander appeared to show officers punching the man multiple times during a scuffle, even though the officers reported that he threw a punch at them first. Jamale Douglas, 32, was charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery to a police officer, as well as misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest, reckless driving and having an expired drivers license. He appeared before Judge Shauna Boliker at the Leighton Criminal Court Building on Tuesday and was released while his case is pending. In a proffer to the court, Assistant States Attorney Adam Weiner said the police officers saw Douglas on a motorbike without plates, and eventually stopped him after he began driving into oncoming traffic about 1:15 p.m. in the 2600 block of West 71st Street on the Southwest Side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He refused to give his name, Weiner said, and flailed his arms as officers tried to detain him. Douglas then threw two closed fist punches at the officers who responded by delivering direct strikes, Weiner said. A police report filed with the case gives the same account. But Douglas mother, Georgia Wilderness, disputed the account, citing a cellphone video of the arrest. A request for comment to the Chicago Police Department was not immediately returned. A spokeswoman for the states attorneys office said they could not comment on pending cases. During the court hearing, Weiner said, Douglas broke free as the officers tried to detain him. An officer fell and landed on his knee and elbow, he said. A video posted to Facebook by Douglas sister, shows two officers talking to Douglas with the motorbike nearby. As the officers approach him, one puts a hand on Douglas arm and he says: Dont touch me, bro. Im trying to pull out my ID. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Douglas then struggles against the officers as they try to place him under arrest. As the struggle continues, the officers tell him to stop, with one officer saying to Douglas, Dude, theres a car coming. Stop it. After about a minute, as Douglas continues to resist, the video appears to show one officer punch him in the stomach. Why you punch me? Douglas is heard asking. The officer replies: You just punched me as Douglas then says, I didnt punch you. The second officer then swings twice at his face, according to the video. The video did not appear to show Douglas punch the officer, though the officers partially block him from view of the camera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why are you punching him? a bystander yelled at the officers. Restrain him the right way, another bystander yelled. One of the officers then punches him three times, according to the video. Douglas breaks free, and an officer falls to the ground, the video showed. I was crying watching the video, Douglas mother, Georgia Wilderness, told the Tribune. I was crying. Wilderness said her son struggles with mental illness, and only sought to get garbage bags from a nearby Family Dollar when he came in contact with the police. After her sons hearing, she disputed that her son punched the officer, saying, We saw the video. During the hearing, Weiner said Douglas has three prior felony convictions, including aggravated battery to a police officer. Court records show that Douglas pleaded guilty to aggravated battery to a police officer in two other cases in 2011. The Highlander is back in business en route to Paradise at Mount Rainier National Park. Kimberly and Shawn Crittenden have reopened the restaurant as a family-friendly destination just six miles west of the Nisqually entrance on Route 706. After a couple decades as The Highlander, from 2021-2024, it operated as a 21-and-up spot called The Trailhead Bar and Grill. The Highlander now opens daily at 8 a.m. for breakfast (most dishes $11.99-$21.99), with omelets, hash, country-fried steak, a charbroiled pork chop, French toast and pancakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turning to lunch and dinner, the kitchen currently closes around 8 p.m. but will continue to have some food available as long as the bar is open, the owners wrote in a Facebook post. The menu leans on classic comfort food, explained Shawn Crittenden in a phone call this week, including steaks (a 12-ounce ribeye with two sides for $26.99) and nine specialty burgers (most $13.99-$20.99). He highlighted the Sasquatch burger featuring a custom patty of equal parts (25%) wagyu beef, bison, boar and venison with a housemade bacon jam. Other homemade touches include blackberry jam and buttermilk biscuits, freshly battered cod and hand-pounded country-fried steak. Apps include slow-roasted-then-fried wings in various sauces, fried pickles and onion rings. Make any salad a wrap, from the classic chef or Cobb to a chicken-bacon-ranch and Caesar. Soups are also made in house: always chili, a rotating special, and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday a clam chowder. Burgers and sandwiches prime rib dip, cheesesteak, club, patty melt are served with a side. That list includes a baked potato, mac and cheese, potato salad, BBQ beans, rice pilaf and fries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A kids menu has several options under $10. In addition to managing the administrative side of the business, Kimberly is the head baker, making pies (blackberry, an array of cream pies) and other treats from scratch. You can even take a whole pie back to the cabin ($25.99-$26.99). Its the Highlander. Always will be. The restaurant is something of a homecoming for the Morton-based couple, who met while living in Ashford and working at The Highlander in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Kimberlys sister and her late mother also worked there around that time. Shawn and Kimberly fell in love, got married and moved to Morton; they opened Papa Bears Restaurant and Lounge about nine years ago. On a midwinter visit to Ashford earlier this year, explained Shawn Crittenden, he noticed, There was so much traffic for a January day. I sat in Elbe and just kind of watched for a bit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He figured there must be a specific event, but there wasnt just a lot of people, presumably enjoying winter activities on the mountain or a quick getaway in the forest. He asked around and learned there are reportedly a few hundred Airbnbs in the area with more on the way like what Packwood did a few years ago, he said. He also knew The Trailhead had closed at the end of last season. Morgan Utt and Jenny Hannah (Hannah also runs Cruiser Cafe in Eatonville) took over the storied haunt in 2021, ending a two-year drought. The previous proprietors had purchased it in 2016 from longtime owner Patti Lee Andres, who had managed the restaurant since 1996, according to state records. Crittenden reached out to the listing agent. When another sale fizzled, he recalled, the agent called back, and they were off to the races. They had hoped to reopen in line with the start of the summer season, but permitting took several months much longer than he expected. They opened the doors Aug. 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far its been amazing support, said Crittendecn this week. They have split the space again to accommodate a bar and lounge on one side and an all-ages dining room on the other. In addition to the personal sentimental value, Crittenden said they are optimistic about the region despite recent setbacks notably the loss of access to Mowich Lake via the defunct Carbon River Bridge and the closure just this month of the White River Bridge between Buckley and Enumclaw, leading to the northeastern park entrance at Sunrise. Back when we worked here, it was just a bustling place, he said of The Highlander. These areas are gonna continue to grow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traffic flow to the park has jumped dramatically in the past 20 years, according to National Park Service data. An estimated 2.49 million people visited Mount Rainier last year, down slightly from an all-time high of 2.52 million in 2023. Car traffic has likewise boomed: Until 2017, around 600,000 vehicles entered the park, but in recent years that number has neared or surpassed 1 million and those stats dont account for visitors enjoying Forest Service or other recreational lands not managed by NPS. Along Route 706, other dining options include Paradise Village, Rainier BaseCamp Bar and Grill, Whittakers, Copper Creek and Wildberry. The Highlander Family Restaurant & Bar ANTIOCH, Tenn. (WKRN) Detectives are investigating a shooting at an Antioch apartment complex that left a 22-year-old man dead early Sunday morning. Metro police said Jerrion Phillips was shot and killed after a resident tried to break up a fight between Phillips and his girlfriend at an apartment complex in the 2100 block of Century Farms Parkway. Investigators said the shooting may have been an act of self-defense, but no charges have been filed. RELATED: Man dead after shooting in Antioch; police investigating possible self-defense motive Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phillips mother, Alexis Phillips, said she hopes police continue to investigate. She describes what she saw in surveillance video as heartbreaking. Ive been up all night just analyzing everything and every video, she said. And I cant see self-defense in either one. He was running for his life, and a dude was just chasing him, shooting him. And he was screaming for help. Cases involving self-defense can take weeks or even months to resolve, according to law enforcement experts. Sgt. Jason Hurley with the Middle Tennessee State University Police Department, who has covered similar cases, said investigators typically review text messages, video, and other evidence before determining what happened. | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County Police said investigations involving possible self-defense and domestic disturbances are often complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee President and CEO Sharon Roberson said people in dangerous domestic situations should reach out for support before circumstances escalate. The most important thing anyone in a domestic violence circumstance could do is to ask for help, Roberson said. We provide more domestic violence services comprehensively than anyone in the state of Tennessee, including a 24-hour crisis line (1-800-334-4628). Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Until investigators determine whether charges will be filed, Alexis Phillips said she will keep pushing for justice for her son. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is going to be a battle, she said. I moved here from Memphis to keep my kids safe, just for my kid to be killed here. Metro police said once detectives finalize their reports, the findings will be sent to the district attorneys office, which will decide whether charges are filed in the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. This spring, severe flooding destroyed thousands of acres of crops across Arkansas and other Southern states, forcing farmers to scramble to recover. What's happening? From April 2 to 6, heavy rains flooded over 260,000 acres of farmland in the Arkansas Delta, causing an estimated $79 million in damages, according to the University of Arkansas. Lonoke, Lawrence, Clay, and other counties lost roughly half their planted crops. Lonoke County farmer Harrison Jones told the Arkansas Times it was "the biggest total acreage losses we've ever had." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rainfall during this period set records, nearly doubling the usual April amount, with some areas receiving up to 12.5 inches. Floodwaters forced the Isbell family to skip planting 1,500 acres of rice, increasing their losses. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group analyzed the storm and found that rising global temperatures made the rainfall 9% heavier and the flooding 1.4 times more likely than it would have been without this warming. They warned that if global temperatures continue to rise, storms such as this will strike more often and with greater intensity, putting even more pressure on farmers and driving up prices at the grocery store. Why are these floods important? These extreme weather events, worsened by the warming planet, are hitting farming families hard, threatening their livelihoods and the food supplies that communities rely on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Floods not only destroy crops but also delay planting and harvesting, thereby reducing farmers' yields and increasing their costs. This often leads to higher food prices and less reliable access to fresh produce for families everywhere. Floodwaters also cause soil erosion and wash harmful chemicals into rivers and lakes, disrupting local ecosystems and food chains. As the changing climate fuels more extreme weather, farming communities face growing risks that threaten their way of life and the food many depend on daily. What's being done about the flooding? Experts urge investment in improved flood warning systems and stronger infrastructure to better manage extreme weather. Farmers and communities are pushing for policies that support clean energy and reduce the pollution that is driving the warming of the planet. 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. Individuals can raise awareness about the changing climate and support sustainable farming practices. While the challenges remain significant, coordinated action offers hope for communities to adapt and continue feeding the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Climate change isn't creating new risks: rather, it's amplifying existing ones," Texas Tech University climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe said. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. People are recognizing the extensive potential of a humble crop buckwheat. Buckwheat, which is actually a seed and not a grain, is one of the most resilient and versatile crops. It's generally overlooked in America, but researchers and farmers want to change that. Civil Eats reported on the growing appreciation of buckwheat, dubbing it a "climate-solution crop," and sharing reasons many agriculturists love it. The plant grows quickly, pushing out weeds, even in less-than-perfect soil and dry conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keith Kisler, a farmer on Washington state's Olympic Peninsula, explained to Civil Eats: "I don't do any weed control, and we don't water. It's planted, it germinates, it grows, it flowers, it's harvested." What's more, buckwheat lays a nutritious foundation for the next crops. Kisler said, "When I follow it with a grain crop, that grain crop does better in that section of the field." This powerhouse plant offers vitamins A, B, C, and E, plus potassium and magnesium. The seeds can be eaten alone or milled into flour to make just about any baked goods. Washington State University researchers explored its culinary potential in 2021, using a $350,000 Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Project grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Collaborating with local growers like Kisler, the team created a buckwheat pancake mix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephen Bramwell, a Thurston County extension director and WSU agriculture specialist, collected feedback from almost 300 school districts using the mix in lunch programs. He told Civil Eats: "After many rounds of taste tests at the Breadlab and schools, we've dialed it in to 50% buckwheat." Following that was another USDA grant for the WSU researchers. It funded the More Bang for Your Buckwheat project, which aimed to develop varieties with traits that appeal to farmers and consumers. The grant also supports the third annual Buckwheat Festival in Burlington. This small event educates people on buckwheat's potential. Beyond pancakes, buckwheat can be used to make plant-based milk alternatives, muffins, chili, bread, beer, tofu, cookies, and soba noodles. It can also stand in for more climate-sensitive crops. A focus on it could bolster the human food supply and create healthier soil for other crucial crops. Plus, about 35% of the world's food crops rely on pollinators, and one of the most important pollinators bees love buckwheat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This crop could be a solution to future farming challenges caused by the changing climate. When American-grown buckwheat stays in the country, it creates a more sustainable and nutritious food supply for everyone. Farmers, researchers, and buckwheat advocates want this seed to be a year-round crop embraced by all of America. Pancake mixes and festivals put a spotlight on how this underrated crop could revolutionize the agriculture industry, lessening waste and pollution. More buckwheat could create a cooler, cleaner future for Earth and everyone on it. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) The father of Miguel Uribe, the Colombian presidential candidate fatally shot at a political rally earlier this year, launched a presidential campaign Tuesday in what he called an effort keep his son's legacy alive and build a safer and more prosperous Colombia. Miguel Uribe Londono, 72, announced his candidacy with a speech outside the congressional building in the capital where his son became a well-known senator, and spoke behind a podium fitted with the campaign logo used by his deceased son. Together we can build a secure Colombia where people will not fear going out into the streets, and where business owners will not have to make extortion payments to gangs, Uribe Londono said in Bogota. A democratic Colombia, where the government does not foment divisions between the rich and the poor, whites or Blacks, or those who are on the left or on the right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uribe Londono was a member of Bogotas city council in the late 80s and a senator for Colombias Conservative Party in the early 90s. But he had no plans to run for the presidency before his sons death, and was not widely known by the public. He gained new prominence during his sons nationally televised funeral, when he delivered a speech decrying what he called the country's descent into madness under the administration of left-wing President Gustavo Petro and urging Colombians to vote in next year's elections. Uribe Londono is one of five candidates that are running for the Democratic Center, the conservative party that Miguel Uribe belonged to. The party has said that later this year, it will use opinion polls to decide on its final candidate. Sergio Guzman, a political analyst in Bogota, said that Uribe Londonos decision to enter the presidential race reinvigorates the Democratic Center, which has struggled to find a popular candidate while its leader, former President Alvaro Uribe, fights corruption allegations in Colombian courts. The former president is no relation to Uribe Londono Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guzman said that Uribe Londono, whose wife was murdered in the 1990s, symbolizes the pain of many victims, especially those who are conservatives. Uribe Londonos entry into the presidential race comes as Colombia faces a new wave of violence, caused largely by rebel groups and drug gangs that are trying to take over territory abandoned by the FARC, the guerrilla army that made peace with the government in 2016. Last week, seven people were killed as a FARC hold-out group set off a car bomb outside a military base in Colombias third largest city. While in the province of Antioquia, rebels took down a helicopter that was conducting anti-narcotics operations, killing 13 police officers. Petro has attempted to broker peace deals with the nation's remaining rebel groups, and granted many of them ceasefires in an effort to boost negotiations. But these peace talks have yielded few results, and critics of the president say they have helped the rebel groups to become stronger. I am not the only father who has lost that which he loved the most" Uribe Londono said on Tuesday. But I would like to be voice of the latest father, who has had to accept the cruel destiny that they want to impose on us with violence and terror. WASHINGTON (AP) The Justice Department has reached settlements with a group of current and former FBI agents who have said they were disciplined for invoking personal and political views, including about the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot and the COVID-19 vaccine, and for clashing with supervisors about approaches to investigations, their lawyers said Tuesday. Empower Oversight, a group founded and led by former staff members of Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, announced the resolutions of 10 cases, including eight settlements in the last few weeks. Many of the cases concern agents who had accused the FBI of politicization during President Joe Bidens administration, a claim leadership denied. Some had resisted the mandate to take the COVID-19 vaccine and complained about what they saw as overreach during the bureau's sprawling investigation into Jan. 6. One attended President Donald Trump's speech on the Ellipse that day and later showed up at the Capitol but was not involved in any violence, his lawyers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three of the agents are returning to duty at the FBI. Others are being permitted to voluntarily retire, and some are receiving restoration of back pay and benefits, the organization said in a statement announcing the deals. The FBI did not return an email seeking comment, though Director Kash Patel said on social media last week that agreements had been reached. The resolutions come even as the FBI under Patel has moved to reassign and outright dismiss experienced senior executives for unclear reasons. The bureau this month fired, among others, a former acting director who had resisted a Trump administration demand to produce the names of agents who participated in Jan. 6 investigations. The head of its Washington field office, who had played an important role in those probes, was also forced out. The FBI Agents Association has warned that those terminations were done without due process. The settlements announced Tuesday include agents who were held up by Republican lawmakers looking to establish that the FBI during the Biden administration had become intolerant of the expression of conservative viewpoints something Patel's predecessor, Chris Wray, vigorously denied. Several testified before a special House committee in 2023 investigating what Republicans called the weaponization of the federal government against conservatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats dismissed the testimony, calling the hearing another attempt by Republicans on the committee to help Trump. Those being reinstated include Steve Friend, who has said he was suspended and later resigned after refusing to participate in a SWAT team arrest of a Jan. 6 suspect, and also objected to a COVID vaccine mandate. Another is Garret O'Boyle, who complained to Congress about the FBI's handling of Jan. 6 investigations. His lawyers said he was suspended after being suspected of improperly leaking case information about conservative activist group Project Veritas to the organization, which he denied. Also reinstated was Zachery Schoffstall, whose lawyers say he was disciplined after he complained about the exclusion of what he believed was exculpatory information in an FBI affidavit during an investigation into a white nationalist hate group. One of the 10 settlements was reached last year, when the Biden administration agreed to restore the security clearance of Marcus Allen, another FBI employee who had accused the bureau of politicizing its work. He formally resigned. The FBI is intensifying its search for Travis Decker wanted in the death of his three young daughters near the Washington state campground where their bodies were found nearly three months ago. A two-day, multi-agency effort near Rock Island Campground outside Leavenworth, Wash., will cover rugged, heavily forested U.S. Forest Service land in hopes of locating the triple-murder suspect, Chelan County Sheriff Michael L. Morrison said Monday. Decker, a 32-year-old former soldier, has been wanted since June 2, after the bodies of 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn and 5-year-old Olivia, were found in a remote campsite in Chelan County. Their hands were zip-tied, and they had plastic bags over their heads, officials said. An autopsy later determined the cause of death to be suffocation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newly announced grid search operation, which is expected to last through Tuesday, is being led by the FBIs Seattle office in conjunction with federal, state and local agencies. While investigators have no evidence about whether Decker is alive or dead, specialty teams from the federal government and local partner agencies are searching for clues that could lead to him or provide information about the murder of his three daughters, FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Peter Orth in Yakima said Monday during a press conference. The ongoing search for the suspect, which has nearly stretched into three months, has taken investigators over rough terrain, nearly inaccessible locations, and areas covered with dirt roads that stretch for miles, with no cellphone service and other challenges. That effort gets more difficult as time goes on, Orth said. The elements bury, they carry away, erode the very items that were looking to seek and capture for the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 100 FBI agents and other law enforcement officers are taking part in the operation, which also includes diving teams searching areas of Icicle Creek that were previously inaccessible. Teams are currently searching within a quarter-mile radius around the campground, Morrison told reporters. If we need to expand out further, we will, Morrison said, noting that there hasnt been any evidence that prompted the two-day grid search of the area. Its just due diligence, making sure that were checking our boxes, he said. KHARTOUM, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese government convened in the capital Khartoum on Tuesday for the first time since war broke out in mid-April 2023, with discussions centered on launching "an inclusive Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue that excludes no one," as part of efforts to foster national recovery. The session, chaired by transitional Prime Minister Kamil Idris and attended by all 22 cabinet members, also focused on developing foreign relations through official and public diplomacy, and working towards achieving peace across Sudan. At a press conference after the session, Idris outlined the government's key priorities, including post-war reconstruction, economic revival, improving security for citizens, supporting the voluntary return of displaced persons and refugees, and boosting productive sectors to raise national output. The prime minister recently announced that the government will relocate to Khartoum in the coming months, after previously operating from Port Sudan, eastern Sudan. Sudan remains gripped by a conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which erupted in April 2023. The fighting has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, both internally and across borders, deepening the country's humanitarian crisis. Authorities at the federal, state and local level carried out an initiative to cut down on crime by rounding up more than 80 people in Connecticut and about half a dozen other states wanted for egregious offenses involving violence. The initiative, dubbed Operation No Escape, was a collaboration led by the FBI and partnering with the U.S. Marshals Service, the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection which oversees the Connecticut State Police and municipal police departments across the state. This is one of the most effective ways to cut down on violent crime, Acting U.S. Marshal John Iverson said during a news conference Tuesday morning at the FBIs New Haven Field Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to P.J. OBrien, special agent in charge of the FBIs Connecticut district, Operation No Escape was part of a larger nation effort known as Summer Heat a multi-agency fugitive operation to combat violent crime. OBrien said the statewide effort took place over the past three weeks and led to 84 people with warrants out for their arrest being taken into custody, most of whom were apprehended in Connecticut. About half a dozen apprehensions occurred in other states , stretching from New York to as far as California, and in Puerto Rico. Federal agents worked with state and municipal police to prioritize individuals who were wanted for the most violent crimes and egregious warrants, OBrien said. They were not tied to any one gang or criminal enterprise, but rather those most wanted by authorities across Connecticut. A majority of those apprehended were U.S. citizens, OBrien said. Most of them were wanted for crimes in Connecticut and had ties to the Nutmeg State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Ronnell Higgins, commissioner of the DESPP, initiatives like Operation No Escape help drive down violent crime, making Connecticut a safer place to work, live and raise a family. We are stronger because we are working together, Higgins said, adding that the individuals who were apprehended posed a threat to the many neighborhoods in the state. During the first quarter of the year, the state saw nearly a 10% drop in crimes against persons which includes homicide, sexual assault, robbery, kidnapping and other serious offenses compared to the same time period in 2024, according to Higgins. It represented the lowest those types of crimes have been since 2021, Higgins said. Higgins also said he has a simple message for criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will find you, we will take you into custody, we will turn you over to states attorneys offices for prosecution and you will be held accountable, he said. OBrien said authorities anticipate making additional arrests based on the efforts that arose out of the operation. He also said the FBI New Haven Field Office will be working toward establishing a top 10 most wanted list in Connecticut, similar to the national model that has been in place for years. Our work has not concluded, OBrien said. The top 10 list will look to engage the public through an advertising campaign and will offer cash rewards for information leading investigators to the states most wanted fugitives, he said. It could be rolled out as early as this fall and will be part of the standing portfolio for the FBIs Connecticut district. Donald Trump (left) is attempting to fire Lisa Cook (right) in his latest attack on the Federal Reserve. Getty Images/Associated Press A lawyer for Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook said he is to file a lawsuit over President Donald Trumps attempt to fire her. President Trump has no authority to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, her lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement on Tuesday. Related: Fed Governor Whom Trump Wants Gone Says She Has 'No Intention Of Being Bullied' To Resign His attempt to fire her, based solely on a referral letter, lacks any factual or legal basis. We will be filing a lawsuit challenging this illegal action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said Monday in a letter posted on his Truth Social platform that he was removing Cook effective immediately because of allegations that she committed mortgage fraud. Cook pledged to remain in the position. She has not been charged with any wrongdoing, let alone convicted. President Trump purported to fire me for cause when no cause exists under the law, and he has no authority to do so, Cook said in a statement on Monday. I will not resign. Related: Nobel-Winning Economist Shreds Trump Over This 'Completely Insane' Move Cook has recently come under fire from Trump and members of his administration, notably Bill Pulte, a Trump appointee to the agency that regulates mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Pulte alleged that Cook had claimed two primary residences in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Atlanta, Georgia in 2021 to get better mortgage terms. Mortgage rates are often higher for second homes or those purchased for rental purposes. Many commentators view Trumps actions as an attempt to appoint a loyalist to the influential board, thereby gaining greater sway over the decision to cut rates. Cook, the first Black woman to sit on the Feds board, was appointed by then-President Joe Biden in 2022. Related: Hillary Clinton Just Rebranded Trumps America With A Stinging Label It comes as Trump has repeatedly attacked the Feds chair, Jerome Powell, for not bringing down the cost of borrowing, and even threatened to fire him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other officials have sued to be reinstated after being ousted by Trump. Related... Read the original on HuffPost By Mike Scarcella (Reuters) -A prominent Washington lawyer who launched a new firm this year to represent officials targeted by President Donald Trump is quickly gaining new clients, including Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez. Abbe Lowell, whose clientele includes Hunter Biden and New York Attorney General Letitia James, filed a lawsuit on Thursday on Cook's behalf, alleging Trump's effort to fire her over mortgage fraud allegations is unlawful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monarez this week also turned to Lowell, along with fellow longtime Washington lawyer Mark Zaid, after the White House said on Wednesday she was being fired. Lowell and Zaid in a statement accused Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of targeting Monarez for refusing to support "unscientific directives" and dismiss health experts. Zaid, known for his legal work on national security matters and for whistleblowers, is also a plaintiff in a lawsuit Lowell filed on his behalf in May after the Trump administration stripped Zaid of his U.S. security clearance. Cook was appointed by Democratic former President Joe Biden in 2022 and is the first African-American woman to serve on the U.S. central bank's governing body. Trump in a letter announcing his move to fire Cook on Monday said he had "sufficient cause to remove you from your position" because in 2021 she had indicated on documents for separate mortgage loans on properties in Michigan and Georgia that both were a primary residence where she intended to live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged. In Cook's lawsuit, Lowell and attorney Norm Eisen, who served as co-counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee in the first impeachment of Trump in 2020, called the Republican president's bid to remove Cook from the politically independent Fed "unprecedented and illegal." Monarez has so far not filed a lawsuit over her attempted ouster from the CDC. NEW FIRM Lowell was a partner at major U.S. law firms before announcing in May that he was opening his own firm to represent government officials under fire by the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He represented Biden's son Hunter against criminal gun and tax charges before he was pardoned in December. He has also represented former Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, failed Democratic U.S. presidential candidate John Edwards, Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump, and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. New York's attorney general James hired Lowell after the Trump administration referred her to the Justice Department for allegedly falsifying real estate records. James has denied the allegations. Lowell is also a lead attorney in a lawsuit filed in July accusing the Justice Department of illegally firing three former government employees, including a lawyer who prosecuted people involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. His new firm employs two former lawyers at Skadden Arps who quit over its response to Trump's executive orders targeting the legal profession. Skadden is one of nine law firms that cut deals with the administration to avoid Trump's crackdown on firms he accused of "weaponizing" the legal system, while four other firms successfully sued. (Reporting by Mike Scarcella; Editing by David Bario, Andrea Ricci and Paul Simao) MCCLAIN COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) The man accused of setting a McClain County deputys cars and house on fire will now face federal charges. 28-year-old Austin Garrett Reeves was charged with arson in Indian Country, burglary in the third degree, and felon in possession of a firearm through the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. Reeves reportedly set a McClain County deputys car and house on fire Saturday morning. A neighbors surveillance camera caught who police believe was Reeves leaving the scene, setting himself on fire in the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, when Reeves was arrested at his home in Norman on Saturday afternoon, investigators found a large burn on the left side of his body. His car and boots smelled of gasoline, according to records. RELATED: Neighbors camera captures moment someone lights deputys vehicles on fire McClain County Sheriff Landy Offolter said Monday he still could not understand how Reeves was free in the first place. Thats the biggest (question) Id like to know the answer to, said Offolter. Reeves was arrested early Friday morning for allegedly burglarizing cars at the same deputys home. He reportedly stole a gun during the burglary. He was transferred to Lighthorse police custody because he was a tribal member. Hours later, however, he was released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KFOR reached out to Lighthorse Police and the Chickasaw District Attorneys office to find out why Reeves was released and no charges were filed. A spokesperson for Chickasaw Nation said they would provide News 4 information by airtime, but that information was never received. Ive been in law enforcement now 47 years, and Ive never seen that happen here in Oklahoma before, said Offolter. Court records showed Reeves reportedly burglarized two more homes in the area days prior to the fire at the deputys home. Items were found in Reeves car reported stolen from those crimes. Offolter said he was still working to determine a motive. My deputy never had contact with this subject before, and he really wasnt even involved in the arrest the night before, said Offolter. That was some other detectives, so I really dont know, and he doesnt either. The community has rallied around the deputy and his family, whose name has not been released by McClain County. They lost everything in the fire. Donation drives and a GoFundMe page have helped raise needed clothing and supplies, as well as more than $25,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Daniel Villegas, the man who was falsely imprisoned in a 1993 double murder and spent 20 years behind bars, has now been given the go-ahead to sue the City of El Paso, according to court documents obtained by KTSM. Federal District Court Judge David C. Guaderrama made the ruling on Friday, Aug. 22 in El Paso. The lawsuit was originally filed in 2015 and cites three key actions by El Paso Police that impaired Villegas rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge dismissed the first of the three but is allowing the lawsuit to go to trial on the grounds the the Police Departments leaders were encouraging officers to clear cases at all costs and tolerating dishonesty while deliberately failing to supervise officers. Villegas, now 48, was convicted of capital murder in 1995 and sentenced to life in prison for the 1993 drive-by shooting deaths of Armando Lazo and Robert England. The conviction was overturned in 2013 and Villegas was acquitted in 2018. Felix Valenzuela, one of Villegas attorneys, sent KTSM the following statement: We are very happy to get Daniel justice from the almost 20 years of his life that was taken away from him 31 years ago. Daniel always said the outrageous conduct by the police detectives was something he thought only happened in the movies or nightmares. He lived it: He was physically and emotionally abused and still lives with those scars today. We look forward to bringing to the jury Daniels case and only ask for justice for Daniel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of El Paso also issued a statement about the case: The City of El Paso respects the courts ruling in the lawsuit filed by Mr. Daniel Villegas. While some claims were dismissed, others remain and will proceed as directed by the court. Because this matter is still active litigation, the City cannot comment further at this time. Guaderrama in his ruling also dismissed several claims in Villegas lawsuit that El Paso Police didnt properly train its officers and detectives and that the department failed to investigate and discipline officers accused of wrongdoing. The judge ruled that the Villegas and his lawyers did not provide enough evidence on those issues. Here is a full copy of the judges ruling allowing the lawsuit to proceed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement show_temp (1)Download Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MADISON, Wis. (AP) A Wisconsin judge accused of helping a man evade arrest by U.S. immigration agents lost an attempt Tuesday to throw out the Trump administrations case against her. The prosecution of Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan has highlighted the push by President Donald Trump s administration to confront state and local authorities who resist his sweeping immigration crackdown. Democrats have accused the administration of trying to make a national example of Dugan to chill judicial opposition to its deportation efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was arrested at the county courthouse in April and indicted on federal charges in May. She quickly filed a motion to dismiss the charges, arguing that she was acting in her official capacity as a judge and is therefore immune from prosecution. However, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman on Tuesday rejected that argument and upheld the July recommendation of a magistrate judge who also ruled that the case could proceed. Adelman said the dispute boils down to Dugan arguing that there is a general rule of immunity for judges from prosecution, with some limited exceptions, while the government argues that the cited exceptions are simply examples of types of prosecutions that have been brought. A review of the relevant history reveals the government has the better of the argument, Adelman wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that the particulars of this case may be unusual, but there is no firmly established judicial immunity barring criminal prosecution of judges for judicial acts. There is no basis for granting immunity simply because some of the allegations in the indictment describe conduct that could be considered part of a judges job. Attorneys for Dugan said in a statement that they were disappointed with the judge's decision, but we look forward to the trial which will show Judge Dugan did nothing wrong and simply treated this case like any other in front of her courtroom. Steve Caballero, spokesman for prosecutors in the U.S. attorney's Milwaukee, had no comment on the ruling. Adelmans decision could be appealed to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. He scheduled a hearing in the case for Sept. 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dugan has pleaded not guilty to helping a man in the country illegally try to evade authorities. No trial date has been set. She faces up to six years in prison and a $350,000 fine if convicted on both counts. In a motion in May to dismiss the charges, Dugan argued that the federal government violated Wisconsins sovereignty by disrupting a state courtroom and prosecuting a state judge. Dugan also argued that the prosecution under federal law violated the U.S. Constitutions separation of powers because it overrides the state of Wisconsins ability to administer its courts. The judge rejected her arguments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dugan is charged with concealing an individual to prevent arrest, a misdemeanor, and obstruction, which is a felony. Prosecutors say she escorted Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, 31, and his lawyer out of her courtroom through a back door on April 18 after learning that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were in the courthouse seeking to arrest him for being in the country without permanent legal status. Agents arrested Flores-Ruiz outside the courthouse after a brief foot chase. Milwaukee police last week released body camera footage of Dugan saying she didn't know Flores-Ruiz was in the country illegally. The comments were captured three days before her arrest after Dugan called police because of potentially threatening flyers she and family members had received. The footage shows Dugan telling police that media reports had been swirling about how she supposedly hid Flores-Ruiz in her courtroom. She goes on to say she didnt know the person in her courtroom that day was in the country illegally, and she denied giving him special treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its all lies, Dugan told officers. She later said, I didnt do anything that theyre saying. Dugans case is similar to one brought during the first Trump administration against a Massachusetts judge, who was accused of helping a man sneak out a courthouse back door to evade a waiting immigration enforcement agent. That case was eventually dismissed. ___ This story has been updated to correct the U.S. district judge's name to Lynn Adelman, not Lynne. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A federal judge has denied a motion to dismiss some of the charges against the Tops mass shooter, including those that carry the death penalty. Payton Gendrons defense team had previously filed to dismiss certain hate crime and firearm charges. In their motion, the defense argued that the hate crime offenses are not predicate crimes of violence. Lawyers for Tops mass shooter argue to throw out federal indictment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 17-page written decision filed Thursday, Judge Lawrence Vilardo dissected each argument presented by Gendrons team of public defenders before ultimately ruling against them. This case is expected to be back in court next month for oral arguments on the defenses motions to suppress specific evidence. Latest Local News Marlee Tuskes is an award-winning anchor and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2019. See more of her work here and follow her 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. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman has denied a motion to dismiss the federal case against Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan, clearing the way for a trial on charges she obstructed immigration officers who came to her courtroom to make an arrest. In the crucial, long-awaited ruling, Adelman turned back the arguments of Dugan's high-powered legal team that the judge was immune from prosecution and that the case was an example of judicial overreach. Adelman's ruling agrees with the report of U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Joseph, who recommended in early July that the Dugan case should not be dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is no basis for granting immunity simply because some of the allegations in the indictment describe conduct that could be considered 'part of the judge's job,'" Adelman wrote in the 27-page ruling. "As the magistrate judge noted, the same is true in the bribery prosecutions, concededly valid, where the judges were prosecuted for performing official acts intertwined with bribery." Adelman, 85, was appointed by President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, and is considered among the most liberal federal judges in the nation. The case against Dugan has highlighted the escalating tension between the nation's judges and the Trump administration as it advances a crackdown against undocumented immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his decision, Adelman rejected the defense's attempt to tie this case to a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that sided with President Donald Trump's argument that he was immune from prosecution when he acted in his official capacity. Adelman also rejected Dugan's argument that her arrest and prosecution was a violation of the separation between state and federal powers under the U.S. Constitution. But the judge did say that Dugan raised "some very real concerns" about judicial immunity. "She wonders why, if official acts enjoy no immunity, a judge could not be prosecuted for handling contraband during a trial or scheduling a hearing in a manner that inconveniences federal law enforcement," Adelman wrote. He then wondered could a state judge be charged for ordering an undocumented immigrant into custody, thwarting a planned arrest by federal immigration officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The response by federal prosecutors on this issue, Adelman wrote, was "unsatisfying." Adelman scheduled a hearing at 11 a.m. Sept. 3, 2025, in his courtroom in downtown Milwaukee. Dugan will not appear. Adelman said earlier he will want to know at such a hearing if there will be an appeal. An appeal would go to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers cases from Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana and is headquartered in Chicago. An appeal would freeze the process until the higher court rules, putting off a trial to 2026. However, if Dugan's team doesn't appeal, a trial could be scheduled sooner, possibly later this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Dugan's legal team said, While were disappointed by this decision, we look forward to the trial, which will show Judge Dugan did nothing wrong and simply treated this case like any other in front of her courtroom." The statement did not make clear whether Dugan plans to appeal the decision. The U.S. Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Dugan is currently suspended with pay by order of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Joseph issued her report after Dugan's attorneys filed a motion to dismiss, saying the judges are immune from prosecution when acting in their official capacity. Adelman cited Joseph's report several times in his ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dugan is accused of helping Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an undocumented immigrant charged with battery, elude federal immigration officers in April 2025. Dugan was indicted in May and pleaded not guilty. A trial was scheduled for July but was canceled as the motion to dismiss advanced. Federal prosecutors backed Joseph's recommendation, saying the defense was mischaracterizing previous court decisions. They also argued that the criminal charges arose from her "unilateral, non-judicial and unofficial actions outside the role of a Wisconsin state judge." Dugan was indicted May 13 on charges she obstructed a federal agency and tried to help undocumented immigrant Flores-Ruiz escape federal agents at the Milwaukee County Courthouse on April 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flores-Ruiz, 31, was taken into custody following a chase outside the courthouse. Federal officials say Flores-Ruiz illegally re-entered the United States from Mexico after being deported. FBI agents later arrested Dugan at the courthouse, making her a high-profile example of the clash between the Trump administration and the judiciary. Dugan, 66, pleaded not guilty to the felony and misdemeanor charges she faces. If convicted, she faces up to six years in prison, but first-time nonviolent offenders typically get shorter sentences or probation. Flores-Ruiz has agreed to plead guilty to having entered the U.S. illegally after being deported in 2013, according to federal court records. His misdemeanor battery case is set for trial later this year. (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Federal judge denies motion to dismiss case against Judge Hannah Dugan Protesters gather outside of the Milwaukee FBI office to speak out against the arrest of Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner) A federal judge on Tuesday denied a motion to dismiss the criminal charges against Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan in the immigration enforcement-related case that has drawn national attention as an example of the Trump Administrations effort to punish judges it sees as antagonistic to its increased deportation efforts. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman issued a 27-page order denying Dugans motion. Dugans attorneys had filed to dismiss the case earlier this summer, arguing that the prosecution violated judicial immunity and represented extreme federal overreach into the operations of the state court system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dugan was arrested in April after federal prosecutors alleged she had acted to conceal a man without legal authorization to be in the U.S. from federal agents. The man, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, was in Dugans courtroom to appear for a hearing on a misdemeanor battery charge against him when agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Agency and FBI came to the courtroom to arrest him. The agents were in possession of an administrative warrant signed by an ICE official, rather than a judicial warrant granted by a federal judge. The administrative warrant did not give the agents the authority to enter private spaces in the courthouse. Dugan directed Flores-Ruiz and his attorney out a side door of the courtroom, which led them to the same hallway where the agents were standing but not directly past them. An agent rode down in the elevator with Flores-Ruiz and he was later arrested on the street. Dugan has been charged with a felony and a misdemeanor for allegedly trying to help Flores-Ruiz evade arrest. Adelmans decision Tuesday is an important step toward Dugans case moving to a trial. In his order, he cited the report of U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Joseph several times. Joseph had recommended that the motion to dismiss not be granted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no basis for granting immunity simply because some of the allegations in the indictment describe conduct that could be considered part of a judges job, Adelman wrote. As the magistrate judge noted, the same is true in the bribery prosecutions, concededly valid, where the judges were prosecuted for performing official acts intertwined with bribery. Adelman gave Dugans attorneys until Sept. 3 to appeal his order. If the order is appealed, Dugans trial likely wouldnt occur until 2026. However if there isnt an appeal, a trial could take place much sooner. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX HANOI, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam has completed the eradication of temporary and dilapidated housing nationwide, five years ahead of schedule, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Tuesday. Chairing a national conference to review the campaign the same day, Chinh hailed the result as a remarkable achievement in the country's poverty reduction efforts, Vietnam News Agency reported. Since the campaign was launched in October 2024, over 334,230 houses have been built or repaired nationwide, including 255,310 newly built and 78,924 repaired, according to the prime minister. The efforts were supported by more than 24.76 trillion Vietnamese dong (about 939.1 million U.S. dollars) in funding and over 2.7 million volunteer workdays, he said. An attempt to reverse a ban on commercial fishing at a major biodiversity hot spot has been defeated after a landmark ruling by a federal judge. The Guardian reported that the ruling affirms the earlier ban on fishing around the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. The current administration's attempts to skirt the restrictions in April were met with fierce opposition from conservation groups. Earthjustice filed a lawsuit on behalf of these groups in May, and a judge ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. The ruling ordered all fishing activities occurring between 50 and 200 nautical miles around the Johnson Atoll, Jarvis Island, and Wake Island to cease immediately. An attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, Maxx Phillips, said of the outcome: "This is a huge win for the Pacific's irreplaceable marine life and the rule of law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously known as the Pacific Remote Island National Monument, the monument gained its current moniker in January. It was established by outgoing President George W. Bush in 2009, and the protected zone was expanded by his successor in 2014. The area is just over 490,000 square miles of open ocean, coral reefs, and island inhabitants. The seven islands and atolls within are recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for their outstanding cultural and ecological value. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service describes the monument as "one of the last frontiers of scientific discovery in the world and is a safe haven for Central Pacific biodiversity." Protecting this natural treasure against commercial interests is a tall order, but effective community-based actions can still triumph over big-money interests. While fishing bans can attract controversy, they've been shown to work elsewhere and, crucially, they usually work out well for fishing vessels, too. A more sustainable approach to fishing protects the environment and allows fish stocks to replenish. These stories also serve as a reminder of the importance of backing policymakers and companies who prioritize climate issues. In a press release hailing the decision, the organizations behind the effort spoke of the impact the ruling will have today and in the future. Jonee Peters, executive director of Conservation Council for Hawaii, said: "We applaud the court for rejecting the Fisheries Service's attempt to gut fishing protections which ensures a voice for all those concerned about protecting the monument's vital species and ecosystems for today and for future generations." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Washington, D.C. (WSAV) President Donald Trump has signed the HALT Fentanyl Act into law which gives law enforcement more power in the fight against the drug. The law places all fentanyl-related substances in the highest drug classification alongside heroin and LSD. The legislation groups all synthetic fentanyl versions as Schedule I controlled substances, putting them in the same category as heroin and LSD. The category at highest risk of abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greg Swan, who lost his son Drew to fentanyl, attended the White House signing ceremony alongside other grieving parents. If your priority is staying alive, getting this legislation passed was significant, said Swan. You cant get your kid back, but you can do things that would have never happened had your kid not died to make this worthwhile. The Drug Enforcement Administration reported seizing 60 million fentanyl pills and 8,000 pounds of powder in 2024, quantities officials say represent lethal doses for all Americans. Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff voted for the measure, saying the law provides critical enforcement tools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This will immediately empower the Department of Justice to go after those who are producing and trafficking these massively addictive and deadly substances, said Ossoff. Criminal justice advocates dislike the laws mandatory minimum sentencing provisions. Mandatory minimums do have some predictable outcomes, though they increase incarceration and they disproportionately impact communities of color, said Liz Komar, sentencing reform counsel for The Sentencing Project. We cant arrest our way out of a public health crisis. Swan said while the law is a step forward, the drug crisis requires solutions beyond criminal penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An Alaskan glacier buttercup is seen in this undated phtoo. (Photo by Rob Lipkin/University of Alaska Anchorage Natural Heritage Program, provided by Center for Biological Diversity) Officials at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have declined to advance the listing of the Alaskan glacier buttercup flower as threatened or endangered, saying there is little evidence that a planned nearby graphite mine or climate change are threatening the flower. The service published its determination Monday in the Federal Register alongside seven other petitions for environmental protection. Six of the petitions were deemed worthy of further study; the buttercup and the eastern population of the golden eagle were denied further review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know this administration doesnt think that climate change is a problem. Its disappointing but its not surprising that they really chose to dismiss the bulk of the climate change problem here, said Cooper Freeman, who filed the buttercup petition for the Center for Biological Diversity, a national environmental group active in Alaska. In most cases, Endangered Species Act protection for an animal or plant will result in development restrictions in areas where that animal or plant lives. The Alaskan glacier buttercup has been found on only a handful of rocky slopes within the Kigluaik Mountains of the Seward Peninsula. Those slopes are near the planned site of Graphite One, a planned graphite mine intended to supply raw material for high-tech battery manufacturers outside the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the Center for Biological Diversity asked the federal government to protect the buttercup, citing both long-term climate change and the prospect that the mine could disrupt the flowers habitat. But in its analysis, the Service concluded that there is no evidence so far that construction of the mine or its supporting infrastructure would disturb the slopes where the flower can be found. While there is some evidence that the flower could be affected by climate change and thus warrant protection, the service concluded that it isnt clear whether climate change affecting the buttercups sister species would also affect the Alaskan subspecies. Based on our review of the petition, sources cited in the petition, and other readily available information, we find that the petition does not provide substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing the Alaskan glacier buttercup (Ranunculus glacialis subsp. alaskensis) as a threatened species/an endangered species may be warranted, wrote the staff of the Northern Alaska Fish and Wildlife Field Office in their final analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Freeman, speaking Monday by phone, said the filing was not intended to interfere with construction of the graphite mine, though he doesnt think the mine is a good idea. Instead, he said, the petition was one of a number of measures the center is taking in an attempt to protect plants and animals that form the foundation of Arctic ecosystems. Other animals and plants can simply move north, or to higher elevations when their environment warms, he explained. For species in the Arctic, youre already at the north end. Theres nowhere to go, he said. Freeman said he was alarmed by a 2023 scientific paper that estimated that by 2040, more than 60% of plant species common to the Beringian Arctic the area around the Bering Strait could lose some or all of their survivable range due to a warming climate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We could be looking at a complete demolition of the base of the Beringian Arctic ecosystem in 15 years. Thats astounding, he said. The paper examined 66 species of plants, and while the buttercup wasnt one of them, he believes its similar enough to be threatened by the changing environment. We are trying to ring the alarm bells that if we dont get a handle on this soon, its going to be bleak, he said. ILLINOIS (WCIA) Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has immediately ordered the largest automatic license plate reader (ALPR) system in the U.S. to shut off access to a federal agency. Giannoulias said this comes after an audit by his office found that a federal agency had accessed Illinois license plate cameras to surveil drivers. On Monday, Giannoulias said his office had recently learned that U.S. Customs and Border Protection gained access to Illinois license plate camera data. Giannoulias added that this violates a state law his office initiated. Several states accessed Danville license-plate data for immigration reasons; Illinois cracking down Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flock Safety operates the largest ALPR system in the nation. In June, Giannoulias office announced it would audit Flock Safety data sharing practices with several law enforcement agencies. According to Giannoulias, the audit revealed that Flock did not have proper safeguards in place for data sharing. His office also said the company was running a pilot program with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Some of the Flock leadership, Giannoulias added, was unaware of the pilot program. This sharing of license plate data of motorists who drive on Illinois roads is a clear violation of the state law. This law, passed two years ago, aimed to strengthen how data is shared and prevent this exact thing from happening, Giannoulias said. I take my responsibility as Secretary of State seriously. Its why we spearheaded this legislation, which now gives us the tools needed to hold Flock accountable for its actions. Budzinski roundtable discusses Big Beautiful Bill Medicaid impacts in Champaign Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, Flock said theres more to the story. As of last week, all ongoing federal pilots have been paused, according to Garrett Langley, Flock CEO. Langley added that Flock does not have a contractual relationship with any U.S. Department of Homeland Security agencies. But, they do have limited pilots with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Flock said these limited pilots were designed to assist agencies in reducing human trafficking and fentanyl distribution. We clearly communicated poorly. We also didnt create distinct permissions and protocols in the Flock system to ensure local compliance for federal agency users, Langley said in a statement. I appreciate the sensitivities surrounding local and federal cooperation on law enforcement matters, and I understand that in order to allow communities to align with their laws and societal values, these definitions and product features are critical. Giannoulias is also urging local police departments make a change by re-examining their agreements with Flock and reconsidering the level of access they grant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker signs bill to protect freedom of press, Illinois journalists Flock, for its part, emphasized that it does not own or control access to customer data agencies control who can access their system, their sharing permissions and under what conditions they share that data. Langley said the company is already pivoting to work on creating features that ensures further compliance with local laws, regulations, and community norms. All federal customers will be designated within Flock as a distinct Federal user category in the system. This distinction will give local agencies better information to determine their sharing settings, Langley said. Moving forward, federal users will not be added to Statewide or Nationwide lookup. Any sharing request, audit or display of these agencies will clearly delineate that an organization is federal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Langley also said the company will focus on training, to support agencies in following local laws. His full statement can be found here. In Illinois, the Trust Act restricts local law enforcement in Illinois from working with federal authorities including ICE on immigration enforcement without a court warrant. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two Chicago women are facing federal assault charges stemming from a scuffle with agents during an immigration enforcement action on the West Side over the weekend. The charges against Joshalin Rivera, 26, and Daishalie Urdiales, 24, are believed to be the first such case lodged in U.S. District Court against Chicago residents since the Trump administrations crackdown on illegal immigration began earlier this year. Both Rivera and Urdiales were charged in a criminal complaint made public Tuesday with one count of assaulting a federal employee during the performance of official duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At an initial appearance in court Monday, federal prosecutors moved to have both women detained pending trial. But U.S. Magistrate Judge Young Kim denied the motion and ordered both released on an unsecured bond instead, court records show. Lawyers for the women declined to comment Tuesday. According to the complaint, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other law enforcement agencies were conducting an enforcement operation in the 5500 block of West Jackson Boulevard on Sunday morning when bystanders began to gather near the rear entrance of an apartment building. Urdiales entered an upstairs residence where officers were standing and asked them if they had warrants for the individuals who were being detained, according to the complaint. She then left and stood on the rear steps with Rivera, who shouted at one officer: I hope your kid dies a (expletive) miserable death, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riveras remarks, which were captured on an audio recording, also included threats to shoot the officers, the complaint alleged. They lucky I aint got my (expletive) on me. Id pop both of they ass pop them right in their (expletive) face, Rivera allegedly stated. According to the complaint, Rivera could be heard stating: Im busting all their (expletive) windows. One of the officers who was inside the apartment then heard glass breaking on the street below and saw that the windows of his unmarked government vehicle had been shattered by a brick, the complaint alleged. The officer announced himself as police and asked the bystanders who had broken his windows; two of them pointed in the direction of Rivera, the complaint stated. When Rivera ran around the corner, Urdiales tried to physically prevent the officer from getting to her, pushing the officer and pulling his gun magazine from his chest and throwing it to the ground, the complaint alleged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rivera, meanwhile, allegedly scuffled with another officer who heard her colleagues calls for help over the radio. The complaint alleged Rivera reached and grabbed into that officers vest in the direction of her firearm. After their arrest, Urdiales told officers she did not know Rivera and was simply trying to tell them it wasnt her who threw the brick, the complaint stated. Public records show Rivera and Urdiales share an apartment in the 3100 block of West Walton Street, in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com A Harper Woods woman is to be sentenced in February after pleading guilty in federal court after she was accused of distributing drugs to three Grosse Pointe Woods residents who fatally overdosed in 2023. Aerian Porter-Craig pleaded guilty Friday, Aug. 22, to two counts of distribution of fentanyl and cocaine in U.S. District Court in Detroit, according to a plea agreement. Sentencing is set for Feb. 25. She could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison, according to the agreement. It indicates that the parties agree that a sentence no lower than 16 years is the appropriate disposition of the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Aerian has accepted responsibility for her actions and was close friends with the victims in this case. She has a great deal of remorse and compassion for the families involved," Porter-Craig's attorney, Steven Haney, Sr., indicated in an email to the Free Press on Aug. 22. If the court accepts the plea agreement and imposes sentence consistent with its terms, federal prosecutors will move to dismiss any remaining charges, specifically, those of distribution of fentanyl and cocaine resulting in death. Porter-Craig, then 32, was arrested in September 2024 after a criminal complaint was filed against her in federal court. The residents who died from drug overdoses on the same day thought they were buying cocaine, but federal officials said the drugs they received were laced with fentanyl. More: Feds: ER nurse from Grosse Pointe Park, who tampered with fentanyl vials, pleads guilty Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the plea agreement, on or about June 9, 2023, Porter-Craig, through phone calls and text messages, knowingly agreed to sell a controlled substance to several adults. She delivered a controlled substance to a Grosse Pointe Woods man at his home the evening of June 9, 2023. He had intended to buy cocaine, according to the filing. It indicated that shortly after the delivery, he and a woman ingested the controlled substances that Porter-Craig delivered, and both died within minutes. A medical examiner determined their causes of death were fentanyl toxicity. Porter-Craig also delivered a controlled substance to another woman at her Grosse Pointe Woods house. The woman also intended to buy cocaine, according to the plea agreement. Shortly after the delivery, it indicated, the woman ingested the controlled substance that Porter-Craig delivered and died within minutes. A medical examiner determined that she died of fentanyl and xylazine toxicity. "But for the ingestion of the controlled substance the defendant distributed, Victim 1, Victim 2, and Victim 3 would not have died," according to the plea agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It indicated there was some remaining controlled substance that Porter-Craig delivered at the homes of victims 1 and 3, with a lab analysis showing it contained a detectable amount of cocaine and fentanyl. Court documents did not identify the victims by name or age. Grosse Pointe Woods public safety officers found two victims, a man and a woman, dead in the 1000 block of Canterbury on June 10, 2023, according to the original complaint filed in court. Then, they found another woman dead in the 1400 block of Edmundton, about a half-mile away. Autopsies by the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office determined the man and the woman on Canterbury died from fentanyl toxicity, per the complaint, and the other woman died from fentanyl and xylazine toxicity. Xylazine is a non-opioid animal tranquilizer that is not safe for human consumption and is most often mixed with fentanyl by drug traffickers. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's Detroit office issued warnings about xylazine in April 2023, just two months before the three Grosse Pointe Woods residents died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact Christina Hall: chall@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @challreporter. Support local journalism. Subscribe to the Free Press. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Woman pleads to selling drugs after 3 Grosse Pointe Woods residents OD The owner of the Financial Times is suing an AI giant over claims it illegally scraped content from articles to train a chatbot. Nikkei has filed a lawsuit alongside the daily Japanese title The Asahi Shimbun against Perplexity AI, accusing the US tech company of copyright infringement. The two media groups allege that Perplexity used their articles without permission to help train and provide answers for its Google-style search engine since June last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nikkei and the Asahi also accused the companys AI software of inserting errors into responses attributed to the titles, which they said severely damages their credibility. The publishers said: This course of Perplexitys actions amounts to large-scale, ongoing free riding on article content that journalists from both companies have spent immense time and effort to research and write, while Perplexity pays no compensation. If left unchecked, this situation could undermine the foundation of journalism, which is committed to conveying facts accurately, and ultimately threaten the core of democracy. The two media publishers are seeking an injunction to ensure Perplexity stops stealing content and deletes all existing data, while also seeking damages of 2.2bn yen (11m) each. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News publishers are increasingly targeting tech companies amid concerns that the rapid development of AI is fuelling widespread copyright infringement. Perplexity, which is based in San Francisco, is already facing legal action from Rupert Murdochs Wall Street Journal and New York Post. The BBC has also threatened an injunction against the company over claims it has ripped off the broadcasters stories. Perplexity has branded the BBCs allegations manipulative and opportunistic. Perplexity, which was founded in 2022, is an AI-powered search engine that enables users to search the web by asking questions in a conversational style. It runs a default language model and also provides subscribers with access to others, including ChatGPT and Claude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company, which counts Amazon founder Jeff Bezos among its investors, has more than 30m users and last month secured an $18bn valuation following a fresh funding round. However, the joint action by Nikkei and Asahi opens up a new front in the conflict between the tech and creative industries. Nikkei, which was founded as a market news provider in 1876, has grown into one of the worlds largest media organisations with roughly 1,500 journalists worldwide. It bought the Financial Times from Pearson in a 844m deal in 2015. The Left-leaning Asahi Shimbun or rising sun newspaper is one of Japans oldest dailies and considered a paper of record in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perplexity has been contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. MILAN The Finnish military has launched a tender to procure mixed-sized military robots that will help ground forces in disposing explosive threats, as more armed forces in Europe refine their combat robotics requirements. The Nordic country is seeking two models of robots, a large and a smaller variant, that will equip the Finnish Defense Forces explosive ordnance and improvised explosive device teams. Robots will be used in all standard EOD/IEDD operations, mainly in Finnish terrain, but shall also be capable of operating in international crisis management missions around the world, a notice published last month by the militarys Logistics Command said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initial planned purchase is for four platforms, including spare parts and training, but a follow-on order could entail a total of eight. The tender envisions vehicles that weigh less than 300 kilograms (662 lbs), move on tracks, can be operated wirelessly, and can be fitted with at least two disruptors, which are typically used for disabling explosive devices. In addition, a human operator must be able to use the systems remote control or interface to activate the disruptors. The estimated value of the purchases is 14,3 million euros (16,7 million USD). Ukraine has been at the forefront of unmanned ground vehicle technologies over the last few years, contributing to fast-track interest in them. The country recently announced the creation of the worlds first UGV battalion. The development of such platforms has previously been slower, as militaries were gradually fine-tuning their plans to field them as a complement or outright replacement of legacy systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July 2023, only a few months after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Estonian Defence Forces organized a demonstration for vendors to show off their vehicles abilities. At the time, one of the events organizers told Defense News that for the systems to be deployed in operational scenarios like what was unfolding in Ukraine, they required much more robustness and testing. Since then, UGV manufacturers have multiplied contracts both within and outside of Europe. The Estonian-based producer Milrem Robotics, which was acquired by the Emirati conglomerate Edge Group, has over a dozen of its THeMIS UGVs in various configurations to Ukraine and received orders from the Japanese and Emirati militaries last year. In June, the Dutch Ministry of Defense signed a contract on behalf of the Ukraine Task Force with Rheinmetall Defense Nederland to supply 20 UGVs to the Ukrainian forces. France is currently testing the Aurochs 4x4 UGV as it plans to field combat-ready robotic capabilities by 2040. Similarly, last month, Italy hosted the first EU-wide OPEX operational experimentation, in partnership with the European Defense Agency, where six European defense companies demonstrated the capabilities of drones and robotic ground systems. Los Angeles Fire Department crews stopped a brush fire that broke out Monday afternoon in Sherman Oaks. Full containment, however, will require the use of heavy equipment to extinguish burned material along the control lines, according to fire officials, who warn of potential delays on the 405 Freeway. The brush fire was reported shortly before 2 p.m. in the 15300 block of Burbank Boulevard, near Haskell Creek, where about nine acres were scorched before firefighters were able to halt the fire's progression, according to the LAFD. Fire crews on the ground and in the air battled the fire. No injuries were reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Fire companies are proceeding with extreme caution due to damaged trees and branches throughout the burn area," fire officials said in a statement. "Heavy equipment crews are en route to assist with mop-up and the establishment of a bare-earth dozer lines around the perimeter, with full containment expected to require an extended operation into early evening." Fire officials encouraged people to use alternative routes and avoid the area. The fire and traffic delays come amid a 10.2-mile repavement project through the Sepulveda Pass from Van Nuys to Westwood. The project includes a series of overnight road closures. with one that begins Tuesday and ends Thursday. Overnight lane closures are expected from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. The $143.7-million project will consist of replacing sections of two lanes in each direction from Victory Boulevard to Mulholland Drive, according to Caltrans officials. UPCOMING CLOSURES ON I-405 Upcoming overnight lane closures happening on I-405 through the Sepulveda Pass 8/26-8/28. Find more details below. Project Website: https://t.co/gcy9m9yAS6 Project Alerts: https://t.co/olYi4Va8u9 pic.twitter.com/ji35PP3s3p Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) August 25, 2025 The project also includes restoring and replacing two overhead sign structures, doing 98 sign panel replacements, upgrading 6,400 feet of guardrail and upgrading 10 curb ramps. 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. VIENTIANE, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Laos will launch a pilot program for its new digital arrival registration system, replacing traditional paper-based immigration forms for foreign travelers. Starting from Sept. 1, the Immigration Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security will launch a pilot implementation of its new online entry and exit registration system, according to the local news website Lao Phattana News on Tuesday. The trial will begin at four international checkpoints. After a momentary respite from much-needed rain, officials have warned that wildfire smoke in British Columbia will again be increasing as temperatures warm in the coming days, the Keremeos Review reported. As one fire has been placed under control, officials have shifted resources toward Port Alberni to combat the still-raging Mount Underwood fire. "Our long-term objective is full containment of this incident in all areas where it is safe to do so to avoid any potential challenges down the line," said Karley Desrosiers, fire information officer for BC Wildfire Service, according to the Keremeos Review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Summer is kind of winding down but we want to be able to leave this area confident that this fire is not going to pose any issues or risks to the community," she continued. What's happening? Despite the recent rainfall, the Mount Underwood fire has burned 3,600 hectares (roughly 8,900 acres) and knocked out power to about 500 customers, according to Global News. Workers for BC Hydro have been racing to replace about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) of power line and 56 power poles. Despite these efforts, the customers might not see their power restored until August 30, Global News reported. About 60 BC Hydro personnel were onsite working to restore power to the remote areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the BC Wildfire Service had 160 firefighters combating the Mount Underwood blaze, an effort that has been made much more challenging due to the rugged, inaccessible terrain, according to Global News. In response to the blaze, officials have issued two evacuation orders and three evacuation alerts, which remain in effect but are subject to regular review. "We are in a position to be reevaluating the evacuations and alerts and from our perspectives, we make those recommendations that the risk has reduced," said Desrosiers, the fire information officer, according to Global News. Why are there so many wildfires this summer? As global temperatures rise, many areas have seen the high heat, drought, and winds that make for prime conditions for wildfires to spark and spread. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The result has been more frequent wildfires and fires of greater intensity, according to the University of Washington. "The increase in fire activity over the last several decades has been fairly profound in many regions of the world," said Brian Harvey of UW. "From the early 1980s to just before the end of the century, there was one year where the U.S. exceeded six million acres burned," he continued. "Since the year 2000, there have now been 13 such years." With global temperatures projected to continue their cataclysmic rise, experts expect the number and severity of wildfires to continue to increase, as well. What's being done about wildfires? To mitigate the current threat from wildfires, governments can invest more resources in forest management and firefighting capabilities. Meanwhile, those looking to protect themselves and their families from the dangers of wildfire-smoke exposure can wear N95 masks and invest in air purifiers for their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the only way to reduce the number and severity of wildfires over the long term is to reverse the trend of rising global temperatures. This requires swift and aggressive action aimed at reducing the amount of heat-trapping pollution entering the atmosphere. While this problem might seem so large as to be insurmountable, there are plenty of actions that can be taken at the local, community, and individual levels to make a difference. To spur on political change, you can support pro-climate candidates and contact your current elected representatives to urge them to take action. Taking things a step further, by driving an EV or installing solar on your home, you can reduce planet-heating pollution while also saving money on gas and electricity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EnergySage makes it easy to compare quotes from vetted local solar installers while ensuring maximum savings from tax credits and other incentives. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. (FOX40.COM) Thunderstorms have produced thousands of lightning strikes in California since Sunday, resulting in some fires. FOX40 spoke with Cal Fire Unit Chief Brian Estes on Monday afternoon in Auburn, where crews are ready to deploy where needed. Estes said California saw about 20,000 lightning strikes in 24 hours between Sunday and Monday, primarily north of Placer County into the northeastern corner of the state. From those lightning strikes, about 100 fires were reported. Estes said most of the lightning fires have been kept very small because extra firefighting resources have been pre-deployed into parts of the state expecting the most thunderstorms. Additionally, Cal Fire and the U.S. Forest Service have many ways to spot those fires early. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of cameras that we have now, and especially with the artificial intelligence component of our cameras out of our Grass Valley ECC (Emergency Command Center), Estes explained. All of our cameras here across our region have an AI component to them. So theyre not just an observation post. Theyre actually detecting new starts and new columns and smoke on the horizon. The state also has a series of lightning detection devices that are not cameras. They can detect those strikes, where they happened, how intense they were, if they were cloud-to-cloud or actually a positive strike with the ground, Estes said. And obviously they give us the opportunity to see if there was a fire ignition that came with that. When thunderstorm clouds collapse, they can send strong gusts of wind rushing to the ground. Those outflow winds can cause fires to rapidly grow in size. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And those can be tremendously dangerous, not only for the public, but also for our firefighters who are battling those fires, Estes said. Travelers to the high Sierra are advised to be alert for the possibility of thunderstorms each afternoon through midweek. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. An already crowded Democratic primary in a top House battleground in Pennsylvania is about to become a proxy battle between party leaders. Firefighters union head Bob Brooks is kicking off a campaign Tuesday to unseat GOP Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in Pennsylvanias Lehigh Valley, his team shared first with POLITICO. And hes starting with a number of heavyweight endorsements from across the party spectrum that set up the possibility of edging out the candidate who had seemed like the favorite of some state and national Democrats. Brooks, who is pitching himself as a working-class everyman, is entering the primary in the states 7th Congressional District with the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), the SEIU state council and the International Association of Fire Fighters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those endorsements reveal a split in the political establishment: Carol Obando-Derstine, a onetime aide to former Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), has already won the support of the influential liberal group EMILYs List as well as former Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.), who represented the district for three terms before narrowly losing to Mackenzie last year. Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure and former federal prosecutor Ryan Crosswell are also running for Mackenzies seat. Mackenzie is a top target of national and statewide Democrats in next years midterm elections who see him as one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the House. His district is a perennial bellwether that Donald Trump flipped in 2024 after Joe Biden won it in 2020. The fact that a Democratic congressman and top member of Gov. Josh Shapiros administration are throwing their weight behind Brooks suggests that some in the Democratic establishment have not been impressed by the current primary field looking to defeat Mackenzie. Im running for Congress because Washington doesn't give a damn about working people, and its time for that to change, Brooks said in a statement. Congressman Mackenzie hasnt held a real job a day in his life and sells out Pennsylvania working families every chance he gets he voted this summer to kick thousands of our neighbors off their health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brooks, who leads the 8,000-member Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association, highlights his experience in his campaign kickoff video, which includes images of his firefighter helmet and quips like, Washington is on fire, but were gonna run in there and build something better from the ashes. His spot calls for universal health care, a progressive priority, and to make things more affordable. Brooks' entry comes as some Democrats privately cited lackluster fundraising numbers from Obando-Derstine, who brought in just $208,000 in her first few months of her campaign, which was less than Crosswell collected despite having jumped in a month earlier. The campaign launch spot shows Brooks standing alongside Shapiro, a popular incumbent, at a press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans expressed confidence in holding onto the district. Bernie Bro Bob Brooks might be the biggest clown yet to join this far-left circus," said National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Maureen OToole. "His toxic, socialist agenda that will destroy the economy, push woke gender ideology on kids, and leave our borders wide open has no place in the Lehigh Valley. Brooks, who has never run for elected office before, is betting that his background as a firefighter and support from the IAFF is likely to garner attention at a time when the union has trended away from Democrats and Trump has made inroads with the traditional Democratic constituency. Last year, the IAFF did not endorse Kamala Harris or Trump, a blow for Democrats after the union served as a key ally to former President Joe Biden. In a statement, IAFF General President Ed Kelly said Brooks is one of us plain and simple and will have the backs of working folks every step of the way. Brooks advisers include Tommy McDonald and Eric Stern, both veterans of Sen. John Fettermans 2022 campaign. First lady Melania Trump on Tuesday announced the launch of the Presidential AI Challenge, a nationwide contest inviting students from kindergarten through 12th grade to develop projects that use artificial intelligence to address community challenges. The first lady framed the effort as a call to innovation for America's youth. In the challenge, students are instructed to create projects that show how AI could be applied to solve a local challenge -- from improving school resources to addressing environmental concerns. "Just as America once led the world into the skies, we are poised to lead again, this time in the age of AI," she said in a video post on X Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump administration's new artificial intelligence plan focuses on deregulation, beating China Drawing on her own experience producing an AI-narrated audiobook of her 2024 memoir, "Melania," the first lady said she had "seen firsthand the promise of this powerful technology." "The Presidential AI Challenge will be the first step in preparing our next generation with a base understanding of this important new technology," she said in a news release. Jacquelyn Martin/AP, FILE - PHOTO: In this May 8, 2025, file photo, First lady Melania Trump speaks during an event in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C. The contest comes after President Donald Trump's April executive order directing federal agencies to advance AI education for American youth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president touted the new challenge in his Cabinet meeting Tuesday, praising the first lady for her work. "It's going to be a very good challenge, I can tell you put her heart into it, which will inspire the next generation to stay on the cutting edge of this vital technology," President Trump said. Registration opened Tuesday on the official website. Each team must have an adult mentor or teacher, and entries are due by Jan. 20, 2026. MORE: Elon Musk's xAI sues Apple, OpenAI over alleged scheme to dominate AI Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, said the aim is to ensure students collaborate on real-world solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We want to have America's youth plugged in and working on and using AI tools," he told Fox News Channel's Fox and Friends on Tuesday. State champions will be named in early 2026, with winners advancing to five regional competitions. Finalists will be invited to Washington for a three-day showcase at the White House in June 2026, according to the White House. National champions in the competition will receive $10,000, either for their school or per team member, along with other prizes. First lady Melania Trump on Tuesday announced an artificial intelligence contest for K-12 students nationwide. Are you ready for an AI challenge? Take part in this nationwide initiative to discover, develop and expand AIs potential, she said in the video announcement. For the challenge, student participants must complete a project that involves the study, development or use of an AI method or tool to address a community challenge. The contest also invites educators to come up with new and creative approaches to teaching with AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As someone who created an AI-powered audio book and championed online safety through the Take It Down Act, Ive seen firsthand the promise of this powerful technology, she said, referencing the audio book version of her 2024 memoir, Melania, which was narrated by an AI-generated version of her voice. The first lady encouraged those eligible to apply online to compete in the challenge online. (An educator or supervising adult must complete and submit a form for each team to participate.) In his Cabinet meeting Tuesday, President Donald Trump drew attention to his wifes initiative and directed the public to the new AI.gov website. The site says, Early training in the responsible use of AI tools will demystify this technology and prepare Americas students to be confident participants in the AI-assisted workforce, propelling our Nation to new heights of scientific innovation and economic achievement. The presidents personal embrace of AI, by contrast, has been less focused on scientific innovation and economic achievement than on trolling his political rivals and visualizing retribution. As internet culture reporter Steven Asarch wrote for MSNBC: Theres a term for someone using social media this way that cant be repeated in polite company, so lets just call it slop-posting. ... Even in the most harmless AI-generated memes, Trump is muddying the waters on what is real, encouraging his supporters to believe everything and nothing. Did a woman in a bikini really catch a snake? Is Obama really going to be arrested? To a Trump supporter steeped in these memes, the answer may not even matter. The announcement came on the same day that a new study reported that AI-powered chatbots are inconsistent in how they deal with prompts related to queries about suicide. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com With just three weeks until Manitobas general moose opener, a First Nation in the province says it is barring non-Native hunters from hunting in its territory. The Bloodvein First Nation erected the first no-trespassing signs on Saturday, setting the stage for a legal conflict with other hunters and the provincial government. During a press conference over the weekend, the First Nation said the blockade would apply to non-indigenous hunters anywhere on the Bloodveins traditional lands, which lie along the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg. The no-trespassing signs also include fishing and trapping in the bans. Its leaders have also called on the Manitoba government to stop issuing hunting licenses within the territory. Chief of the Bloodvein First Nation Lisa Young said this has become necessary due to years of over-harvesting and wasteful hunting practices by outsiders. The Bloodvein First Nation says it has a legal right as a sovereign nation to bar non-Indigenous hunters. Photo via Facebook We sustain ourselves with our hunting and fishing, and weve had some unsuccessful hunts over the years because of the overhunting in our area, Young told CBC News. She added that the community only had one successful moose hunt last year. Wed like to stop people from driving onto our First Nation and taking over this area and hunting off our river. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Young said shed already turned away two non-Native hunters on Saturday who were trying to scout for moose. She and other Bloodvein members have claimed they are acting within the bounds of the law and standing by their rights as a sovereign nation. Several other First Nations leaders, including the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, have publicly supported the move. Non-Native hunters have taken issue with the Bloodveins stance, however. Chris Heald, senior policy advisor for the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, called the blockade uncalled for and illegal in an interview with the CBC Sunday. One of the no-trespassing signs is set up at a community checkpoint along the roadway. Photo via Facebook Heald said the First Nations claims that there arent enough moose to go around are misguided, and that the governments population data says otherwise. He said that even if moose numbers were down, fish and wildlife on the Bloodveins traditional lands are still shared resources managed by the provincial government, and not the First Nation alone. I dont think the First Nation can assert sovereignty over traditional areas and say that licensed hunting cant go on, Heald said. These hunters have already purchased their license based on [the governments] science and data. And how is a certain group to say the other group cant go? Its just not legal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: Disrespectful Violations Prompt Ute Tribe to Close 4 Million Acres to Nontribal Hunters, Anglers, Campers Heald said that with moose season set to open on Sept. 15 in most of the province (a few areas opened Aug. 25), he expects there to be additional conflict between First Nation members and non-Native hunters in the coming weeks. Hes now asking the provincial government to take a leadership role and broker a solution. I hope cooler heads prevail And I hope the province steps in and removes this roadblock on provincial Crown Land, Heald said. Nobody has the authority, in my mind, to block access. Rep. Nellie Pou's recent trip to Israel has fueled criticism of her from the left as GOP attacks on her intensify in advance of her first reelection bid. (Hal Brown for New Jersey Monitor) Rep. Nellie Pou, a Democrat who won her first election to Congress in 2024 even as her district swung to the right, is facing increasing attacks from progressives and Republicans as she gears up for her first reelection fight next year. Republicans believe Pou, who succeeded Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. after Pascrell died last August, is the most vulnerable House Democrat in New Jersey, and have targeted her over her votes against GOP spending bills and for her opposition to President Donald Trumps immigration policies. Progressive activists, meanwhile, are criticizing her for joining other Congress members on a recent trip to Israel paid for by a pro-Israel lobbying group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics, noted that incumbents are easiest to topple during their first reelection campaigns, and Republicans have a slim majority in the House of Representatives that they want to retain after next years midterm elections. Rasmussen added that Pous vulnerability was exposed last November when she won her election by a relatively small margin. Pou defeated Republican Billy Prempeh by five points. The last time Pascrell sought reelection in a presidential election year, he defeated Prempeh by 34 points. At a time when Rasmussen believes laying low would be the safest way for Pou to keep her seat, he said her trip to Israel made her an even bigger target. Its just the icing on the cake, he said. This melting pot of the district, it adds all these layers of opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to the New Jersey Monitor, Pou spokesman Mark Greenbaum defended the junket by saying members of Congress face a responsibility to be in the room where decisions are made. Congresswoman Pou took the opportunity to meet with decisionmakers face-to-face and there pressed for a surge in aid to address the humanitarian crisis, the freedom for all remaining hostages, the path to a two-state solution, and a clear stated plan for ending the war in Gaza and rebuilding to begin, Greenbaum said. Selaedin Maksut, executive director of the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, warned Pou will lose key support if she doesnt stop accepting support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee one of its affiliates paid for the trip to Israel and vocally support the Palestinian community in Pous 9th District, which includes Paterson neighborhoods with significant numbers of Palestinian residents. Even in the Republican Party, we are seeing more and more people come out very vocally and boldly against support of Israel. The blind support that our government has cannot be justified, said Maksut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 9th District, which includes parts of Bergen, Hudson, and Passaic counties, has historically been a solidly Democratic one. But Trump won the district by about one point (in 2020, Biden won it by nearly 20 points), a win fueled in part by support from Latino voters. The district is 41% Hispanic, census data says. Pro-Palestine protestors who gathered near Pous office last week demanded she stop taking money from pro-Israel lobbyists and sign on to the Block the Bombs Act. That bill would block the transfer and sale of certain U.S. weapons to Israel unless Israel provides assurance that it will comply with U.S. and international human rights laws. Pous visit to Israel came just after Israel officials approved a military occupation of Gaza City, and as Paterson residents grappled with disrupted water service and citywide boil advisories after a massive water main break. Hafsa Habehh of American Muslims for Palestines New Jersey chapter said Pou should have remained home to deal with that crisis. Lawmakers are supposed to spend their August recess in their communities to engage with constituents and work in their districts, Habehh said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the attacks on Pou from Republicans are relentless. The National Republican Congressional Committee sent 11 press releases in the first three weeks of August attacking Pou as an out-of-touch Democrat, clueless, and a supporter of the far-left. Pou wont be squatting in this Trump-won district much longer, one says. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CHICAGO, Ill. (WMBD) Five young poets from Peoria are being honored after winning a statewide competition. They are part of the 25 winners of the 2025 Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards, said Sarah Sommers, a Illinois Humanities spokesperson. In Peoria, Sommers said this years winners are: Kindergarten Happy Days by Alantis Martin from Whittier Primary School First Grade Ballgown, Please! by Jennifer Eklund from Whittier Primary School Second Grade Wind and Grass by Jermany Ashford from Whittier Primary School Third Grade The Hibiscus Flower by Delilah Long from Whittier Primary School Fourth Grade The Nature Walk by Mya Watkins from Whittier Primary School Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The competition runs from January through May every year. Peoria Public Schools spokesperson Marjorie Kauth said Mya Watkins now attends Harold B. Dawson Middle School. Done in partnership between Illinois Humanities, Brooks Permissions, the Poetry Foundation and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, the Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards is an annual competition for Illinois poets between kindergarten and 12th grade. Sommers said 25 winners and 12 honorable mentions were chosen from 867 submissions from 187 schools across the state. Winners receive a cash prize and publication in a chapbook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Sept. 13, the winning poets will be celebrated at a ceremony at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago. Winners will recite their poems for friends, families and teachers. To learn more about the awards and for the full list of winners, visit the Illinois Humanities 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Louisiana and U.S. flags are ordered to be flown at half-staff Friday for the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Gov. Jeff Landry proclaimed Aug. 29, 2025, as Hurricane Katrina Remembrance Day. He and First Lady Sharon Landry encourage residents to participate in a day of prayer. Statement from Landry: Twenty years ago, our state endured one of the darkest chapters in its history. But out of that tragedy, the people of Louisiana showed the world what it means to rebuild, recover, and rise stronger than ever before. This week, we honor the lives lost and pay tribute to the countless heroes who answered the call. As we remember Hurricane Katrina, we also recognize the incredible progress weve made to rebuild stronger, invest in preparedness, and protect the future of our great state. Gov. Jeff Landry How Hurricane Katrina shaped these New Orleans educators 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. In an unusual move, multiple groups advocating for utility customers filed an alternative proposal Tuesday that they said should resolve Florida Power & Lights rate case. Signing onto this settlement is the Office of Public Counsel, the Legislature-appointed advocate for all utility customers statewide. One entity that opposes the deal: Florida Power & Light. The new proposal would roughly halve the companys original request to hike customer rates by nearly $10 billion over four years, which is believed to be the highest rate hike request in American history. Instead, this version would result in a $5.2 billion increase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company filed its own proposed settlement last week, with the support of big-business groups involved in the case, such as Walmart and industrial corporations. That settlement lowered the total hikes to about $7 billion, but granted large corporations a higher percentage discount than residents next year, while the 2026 hike for small businesses tripled. Bradley Marshall, an attorney representing some of the organizations that filed the proposal, said it was likely the first time groups had filed such an alternative settlement that did not count the utility as a signatory. Walt Trierweiler, the public counsel, told the Tampa Bay Times that his office tried for more than two months to negotiate significant bill reductions with Florida Power & Light, to no avail. His office could not just stand by and let a handful of special interests inflict a grossly unfair share of FPLs significant rate increases upon the vast majority of customers in exchange for a narrow range of benefits to the few, Trierweiler wrote in an email. As the statutory representative for all of Floridas customers, the most meritorious option was clear, even if it had never before been attempted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumer groups hailed the move. This settlement puts fairness back on the table for Florida families, said MacKenzie Marcelin, deputy director of campaigns at Florida Rising, one of the groups represented by Marshall. FPL, in opposing it, have turned their back on the people who keep this state running. Florida Power & Light spokesperson Andrew Sutton said that the company stands behind its original deal. The purported settlement filed by the Office of Public Counsel (OPC) has no legal merit as an enforceable settlement, by definition, resolves the differences of two or more adverse parties, Sutton wrote in a statement. What the OPC has filed involves three parties who are already aligned, which is like settling with yourself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the public counsel and Florida Rising, the consumer groups that joined this settlement are the League of United Latin American Citizens of Florida, the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida and Floridians Against Increased Rates. They have argued that as organizations that advocate for regular residents, they represent the vast majority of Florida Power & Lights customer base, unlike the large corporate groups whose clients are a small but powerful minority. The alternative settlement proposes to do away with a new mechanism that the public counsel previously said amounted to double-charging customers for taxes in order to pad profits. It also would lower the rate of profit for Florida Power & Light shareholders to 10.6%, a reduction from the companys proposed settlement but still higher than any other company in Florida and, according to Tuesdays filing, greater than any other company in the lower 48 states. The Public Service Commission, which regulates Florida utilities, did not immediately respond to an email requesting more information about how it would handle the two competing settlements. Last week, it released a new schedule with meetings set in September and October, including two weeks of continuous hearings for lawyers to grill witnesses and otherwise dissect the case in front of regulators. 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. MANILA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed and some others injured after a van crashed into a roadside house along a highway in Antique province in central Philippines on Monday, police said. Police said the van, carrying 12 people, was heading south to their hometown in Sibalom when it crashed into a house in Laua-an town early Monday morning. "The driver lost control of the vehicle, which, according to witnesses, was at full speed," a police officer said. No occupants of the house were injured in the crash. Police were investigating the crash. Florida could be the next big target for Republicans to redraw their congressional lines to their advantage, with plans in the works to potentially target three to five House seats currently held by Democrats before the 2026 midterm elections. The state already has a highly gerrymandered map that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed through in 2022, which led to a congressional delegation of 20 Republicans and eight Democrats. A more aggressive gerrymander in Florida would launch another salvo in the political battle that has most recently seen GOP-controlled Texas and the Democratic-controlled California fight to enact new political maps. Currently, Democrats would need to win just three GOP seats in the House to claim control of the lower chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump, whose administration has pushed Texas to redistrict, has encouraged three other GOP-controlled states Indiana, Missouri and Florida to redraw their congressional lines. "With California moving forward with their maps, there'll be even more pressure to do that," said one Florida GOP operative, who spoke anonymously to discuss conversations among state lawmakers. "I do think Washington's going to look at Florida and be like, 'All right guys, you gotta fix this.'" In early August, Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez took a first step and announced the creation of a select committee on congressional redistricting. Perez said that was prompted by a July Florida Supreme Court decision that upheld the state's current gerrymander and rejected a legal challenge over its elimination of a majority-Black district in North Florida. Critics had said that the 2022 lines violated the state's "Fair Districts" constitutional amendments passed in 2010 that were intended to prevent partisan and racial gerrymandering. Perez says the committee had to be created now, to examine in a timely way the intersection of the Fair Districts provisions with their redistricting efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[T]here are national conversations ongoing in other states related to midterm redistricting," Perez said in the memo. "Exploring these questions now, at the mid-decade point, would potentially allow us to seek legal guidance from our Supreme Court without the uncertainty associated with deferring those questions until after the next decennial census and reapportionment." The select committee will hold its first meetings as early as the week of Oct. 6. The expectation among Florida lawmakers and GOP operatives in the state is that further debate and potential passage of a new congressional map would be added onto the docket for the Florida legislative session that begins in January 2026, though they say the situation is fluid and are waiting to see how the redistricting select committee operates. There are at most five Democratic Florida U.S. representatives whose districts would be targeted during a potential redraw, according to two Florida GOP operatives familiar with discussions among lawmakers. Democratic U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Lois Frankel, Jared Moskowitz and Frederica Wilson, as well as Rep. Darren Soto, in Orlando, could see their districts become more competitive by including more Republican-leaning areas, or be drawn into the same district to set up an intraparty primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones, a Democrat in South Florida, called the potential redraw "a straight-up power grab, politicians picking their voters, instead of voters picking their representatives." "The Republicans drew the damn maps, and now they want to come back and cut out Black Democrats and even Democrats who have worked across the aisle for their district," Jones said. Florida Atlantic University political science professor Kevin Wagner said there is substantial risk for the GOP in targeting Democratic seats and taking away reliably Republican voter bases away from strong GOP districts. "It depends how much of a risk they wanna take. Because if you were in a +20 district towards your party, are you okay making it go +5 or +6? People get worried and they don't want to be in a non-safe district. It's a little more horse trading than people think," Wagner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The assumptions from redrawing the maps is that voters are going to vote in the same magnitude and pattern that has existed previously. Sometimes that turns out to be true and sometimes it does not," he added. Calling for mid-decade census Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis supports a mid-decade redraw in his state, but he's also taken it a step further. In recent weeks he has repeated Mr. Trump's call for an early "redo" of the decennial Census count in order to omit undocumented immigrants from the count and claimed Florida's population has increased enough to be allocated another congressional seat. DeSantis claimed Florida's population was undercounted by about 700,000 people and Florida's final population count just needed 100,000 to get an additional U.S. House seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Census Bureau revealed in 2022 there had been an undercount of 3.48% (over 756,000) for Florida. DeSantis said state Attorney General James Uthmeier will also make the argument to the Commerce Department, which oversees the Census Bureau, for a new mid-decade census. Uthmeier sent a letter in July to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick calling for "a corrected census to give Floridians the representation they deserve in Congress." "It's not unusual that states complain that they've not got sufficient representation of their population. There are legitimate arguments about how we count, whether that is an accurate representation of the population," Wagner said. The Census Bureau has not announced any changes or plans for a corrected census to be completed by the 2026 midterm elections. The Constitution states the enumeration, or census count, will happen every ten years. One Census Bureau employee, given anonymity to discuss internal discussions, said it'd be logistically "impossible" to conduct a census and reallocate congressional seats in time for the 2026 midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS News has contacted the Commerce Department for comment regarding any plans to change the census timeline. Thus far, there have been no official announcements to do so. Generally, DeSantis does believe there is the political appetite in Tallahassee to redraw the state's congressional lines. "Even if they don't do a new census, even if they don't revise the current Census, I still think it is appropriate to [redraw the lines]," Desantis said during a press conference in Florida on August 11. "I've spoken with some folks in the Florida Legislature, and I think that there's broad acknowledgement that this is something that is going to happen," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Extreme weather slams the West with dust storms and wildfires Cracker Barrel scrapping new logo, returning to old one after backlash Shooting at Minneapolis Catholic school, suspect contained, sources say | Special Report Florida creating ICE checkpoints for truck drivers in search for undocumented immigrants Floridas Attorney General announced that the states agricultural inspection stations will serve as checkpoints for ICE to make sure truck drivers are documented and can speak English. The inspections will be conducted at all state agricultural inspection stations as part of a broader immigration enforcement effort, Florida officials said. This measure comes in response to a recent accident where a semi-truck driver, who was in the country illegally and unable to speak English, was involved in a crash that resulted in three fatalities. There is major liability here, said Attorney General James Uthmeier, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that drivers can read street signs and operate vehicles safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigration attorney Rebecca Black expressed skepticism about the need for such measures, stating, I dont think any trucking company would risk valuable merchandise and the valuable truck with somebody whos undocumented and doesnt have a drivers license. During a news conference Monday, Uthmeier and other state agencies announced the new enforcement measures. The focus is on ensuring that commercial drivers, especially those operating large vehicles like 18-wheelers and tractor trailers, are properly documented and can communicate in English, they said. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Floridas protections against costly lawsuits designed to silence free speech earned a poor grade from a national watchdog group. In its Anti-SLAPP Report Card released Aug. 25, the Institute for Free Speech evaluated state laws shielding people from SLAPP suitsshort for strategic lawsuits against public participation. Florida received a C- rating, placing it among the weaker states when it comes to defending free expression. More recently, these Florida laws, which are central to First Amendment protections, came under a national spotlight for having potential application in a federal lawsuit between President Donald Trump and the Wall Street Journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit followed a July 17 Wall Street Journal report revealing that a leather-bound birthday book given to Jeffrey Epstein by family and friends in 2003 included a letter from Donald Trumpone of many messages collected for the convicted sex offender. Trump vs. WSJ: What to know about First Amendment issues in Trump's lawsuit against Wall Street Journal Florida law protects statements that criticize governmental entities, but the free speech group says the "scope of protected speech" is too narrow. The anti-SLAPP law also doesnt require halting the discovery process when an anti-SLAPP motion is filedeven though discovery is often the costliest phase of a lawsuit, as both sides gather evidence. The pace of continued progress in protecting more and more Americans free speech rights is astonishing. Yet, there are still far too many states in which wealthy plaintiffs can silence critics with the threat of financial ruin, said David Keating, the president of Institute for Free Speech, in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But uniquely, and unusually, Florida's law awards attorney fees to the losing party in federal courts. Usually, anti-SLAPP laws apply in state court, but federal courts have taken different opinions on whether they apply there, since some state laws may infringe on federal civil procedure rules. The president's lawsuit against the prominent newspaper is an example of where anti-SLAPP laws may apply, since news outlets meet the one part of the law's requirements that a lawsuit must breach free speech in connection with a public issue. More: Florida free speech law could aid Wall Street Journal in Trump defamation suit The free speech group reported that nearly 63% of Americans have good anti-SLAPP protections in state courts. Nearly 40 states have some version of these laws, and eight were awarded a perfect score, including Montana, Idaho, Ohio and Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida scored in the bottom-half of anti-SLAPP protections, with about seven states graded lower than Florida and 12 graded a zero meaning they didn't have any anti-SLAPP protections. 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: Watchdog group criticizes Florida's SLAPP protections The Monarch Hill landfill will close around 2050 under an agreement reached between Broward County, the company that runs the site, and two of the cities that neighbor the location thats come to be known by some neighbors as Mount Trashmore. Coconut Creek and Deerfield Beach were poised to fight the expansion of the Monarch Hill landfill in northern Broward County, but both agreed last week to settle with Broward County and Waste Management, a move that allows a significant expansion as Broward looks for long-term solutions to its waste-disposal needs. The Monarch Hill landfill, located north of Sample Road and east of Floridas Turnpike in an unincorporated area that borders Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach and Coconut Creek, was originally set by the Broward County Commission to expand 100 feet in height and 24 acres in length, a move local government officials at the time characterized as unfortunate but necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County and local officials are in the middle of implementing an ambitious master plan to address the countys long-term waste disposal demands. Coconut Creek filed a lawsuit opposing the expansion earlier this year, with Deerfield Beach eventually joining in. Under the terms of an agreement formalized last week, Waste Management will close the site after it reaches an additional 25 million cubic yards of trash, which should happen around 2050, according to information provided by Deerfield Beach. Waste Management also will provide Deerfield with $15,000 a year for litter cleanup along Wiles, Sample, Powerline and Lyons roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other concessions include odor-control measures, groundwater monitoring and a 5% host fee to the cities. According to WLRN, Coconut Creek convinced Waste Management to rename the site because of the citys reputation as The Butterfly Capital of the World. The city opposes the sight being named after a well-known species of butterfly. The new name has not been chosen. At the end of the day, I view this as we fought and we won. I really do see it that way. I think there is some win-win, Coconut Creek Commissioner Josh Rydell told WLRN. Monarch Hill also is known for doubling as the site of Californias famed Hollywood sign for the filming of the 2012 movie Rock of Ages, featuring Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Julianne Hough. Homeowners associations could become a thing of the past if one South Florida politician has his way. State Representative Juan Carlos Porras (R-Miami) says hes considering filing legislation that he hopes will abolish HOAs statewide at the next legislative session. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You know, it might just be time we take a look if HOAs are really even necessary, Porras told WPTV. Maybe we should just do away with homeowners associations as a whole. With increases in HOA fees and special assessments since the Surfside condominium collapse in 2021, many Florida residents are finding themselves at their wits' end. Porras says he spoken to so many frustrated homeowners that he's now questioning whether the current HOA system still makes sense. It was a failed experiment HOAs are resident-operated organizations that create and enforce rules in a community, which often consists of townhomes or condominiums. When you move into a property in one of these communities, you must agree to abide by the rules of the association and, in many cases, pay an HOA fee. As WPTV reports, more than 40% of Florida residents live in a community with an HOA or condominium owners association. With Floridas population topping 23 million, thats more than nine million residents living in one of these communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among that large cohort, many have grown frustrated with the rising fees and costly legal disputes. Porras, who has been advocating for HOA reform for two years, has lost faith in the current system especially in areas like Miami-Dade County, where residents pay high fees without seeing significant community benefits. "It [HOAs] was a failed experiment, to be quite honest," said Porras. In Miami-Dade County, where I live, its just a bunch of houses. The HOA doesnt really maintain anything other than the grass in some areas. And yet, youre being charged $500, $600 plus a month. In reality, you dont see a lot of that money going back to your community. "Even in my district, one of the largest organized crime busts in the states history occurred with our HOA, The Hammocks," Porras told FOX 29 in May. "They stole millions of dollars from our residents." Read more: Do you own rental properties in the US? These 6 hacks can help you boost your income and lower your tax burden Statewide anger at overbearing associations According to recent data from Frontdoor, almost 70% of American homeowners indicated that they would prefer to buy a new home in a community without an HOA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frustration with HOAs in Florida has been well documented over the years. Take Sharon Siebert, for example. Siebert lives in Sandalwood Lakes in Palm Beach County, where monthly HOA fees have risen to $700 a month for some residents. When Siebert fell ill and found herself out of work, she fell behind on her HOA fees and nearly lost her home. I understand that its a business, I understand that the business is to make sure the properties are maintained, Siebert shared with WPTV. But at the same time, when youve been here a long time and always maintained your property, its difficult when you find yourself in a tough situation and theres no help. And then theres Irena Green, who lives in the Creek View subdivision of Tampas Hillsborough County. Green found herself in a dispute with the HOA over her brown grass, which was the result of mandatory watering restrictions due to drought. The dispute escalated when Green accidentally missed a court appearance and spent a week in jail for contempt of court. I bought seeds and watered my grass to comply, Green told WPTV. It makes me feel horrible. I work hard to buy this home for me and my kids in a better neighborhood and environment, and to be taken to jail and to be treated like that for brown grass at my own home... thats horrible. Whats next? Whether Porrass bill gains traction in Floridas legislature remains to be seen, but one thing is certain with more than nine million Florida residents living in HOA communities, this proposal to eliminate them would be a massive legal, political and financial undertaking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Porras has acknowledged that his plan will not include condominium owners associations, as these multifamily buildings are said to be more complex. Instead, Porras wants to abolish single-family HOAs. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has yet to weigh in on Porrass plan, but the governor shared a quick comment on HOAs with Fox 29 in May. There needs to be more transparency in the HOAs, and maybe local governments should have more control over how they manage things. 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. Not beary wise. A young black bear mauled a Florida man earlier this month after he shouted at two juvenile animals that had wandered into the yard of his Apopka home. Alexander Rojas, identified by News 6 as the victim, spotted two young bears running across his front yard around 4 a.m. on August 15. Stepping outside, he shouted to haze them, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said, per the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But instead of fleeing, one of the bears spun around and lunged, sinking its teeth and claws into Rojas before he was able to fight it off and stumble back into his home. In a GoFundMe created by Rojass sister, Yhelisa, Alexander said he was confronted by the two bears on his way to work, one of which bit his forearm, requiring stitches and possible nerve or tendon damage. One of two young black bears in Alexander Rojas' Florida yard attacked him on August 15 (Getty/GoFundMe) At the beginning of the video, I can be heard yellingthis was an attempt to scare the bears away as one was already charging toward me, Alexander wrote, referring to Ring doorbell camera footage shared with the news outlet. I was not attempting to engage with the second bear. In that moment, I had three immediate options: attempt to open the door while a bear was still within five feet, run left where another bear of similar size was approximately 30 feet away, or run right toward the woods where the mother bear could potentially be. I had to make a rapid decision under pressure. Ultimately, I evaded both bears by hurdling over a vehicle and moving into an open space further down the street. I want to emphasize that I did not harm or kill any of the bears, he continued. A Ring doorbell footage captured the juvenile bear attacking Rojas (GoFundMe) FWC investigators said the attack was reported on Thursday, after which a trap was placed on the property in an effort to capture the bear responsible. Alexander Rojas was treated, then released, at a local hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No bears were harmed during the encounter. My intent in sharing this information is solely to raise community awareness, he wrote on the GoFundMe page. At the time of publication, two donors have contributed just $116 toward the fundraisers $3,500 goal. FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) A man wanted in Florida for multiple sex crimes against children was taken into custody Tuesday morning in Franklin, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. A warrant for the arrest of 44-year-old Andrew Paul Johnson was reportedly issued in the Circuit Court of the Fifth Judicial Circuit in Hernando County, Florida on Aug. 18. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Authorities stated that Johnson was wanted for lewd and lascivious molestation of children under 12, lewd and lascivious molestation of children between 12-16, lewd and lascivious exhibition, and harmful material transmitted to minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force reportedly requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service Middle Tennessee Fugitive Task Force after developing information that Johnson was living in the Franklin area. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Johnson was found at a Franklin business along Murfreesboro Road on Tuesday, Aug. 26. He was arrested and taken to the Williamson County Sheriffs Office Jail. The U.S. Marshals Service is committed to protecting those vulnerable in our communities b apprehending dangerous fugitives, wrote the agency in a release about the arrest. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said he was booked as a fugitive from justice and awaits extradition back to Florida. No additional details about the incident were immediately released. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. President Donald Trump speaks during an executive order signing in the Oval Office on Feb. 11, 2025. Trump signed two immigration-related orders in an event closed to press photographers. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) The Florida Supreme Court will not decide the Pulitzer Prize Boards legal wrangle with President Donald Trump, declining to hear arguments the courts should delay the lawsuit until the president leaves office. This cause having heretofore been submitted to the Court on jurisdictional briefs and portions of the record deemed necessary to reflect jurisdiction under Article V, Section 3(b), Florida Constitution, and the Court having determined that it should decline to accept jurisdiction, it is ordered that the petition for review is denied, the court said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No motion for rehearing will be entertained by the Court. Pulitzer attorneys asked to shelve the dispute at least until Trump leaves office, pointing to a potential conflict should a state court seek to exercise authority over the nations chief executive. The case is in Florida because Trump and one of the board members live here. A state trial judge and the Florida Fourth District Court of Appeal rejected that argument, ruling there was no need to delay adjudication of the case. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1997 that presidents are not immune from lawsuits while in office. Trump filed the defamation lawsuit against the Pulitzer board, the group that decides who wins Pulitzer prizes, after it bestowed a joint award in 2018 to The New York Times and The Washington Post for their reporting on alleged Russian interference in Trumps first election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Special Counsel Robert Mueller reported in 2019 that his investigation uncovered insufficient evidence of collusion between the Russians and Trumps campaign, despite multiple efforts from Russian-affiliated individuals to assist the Trump campaign. Mueller left unresolved whether Trump committed obstruction of justice. The Pulitzer board argued that halting the case would avoid constitutional conflicts that could arise from Trump serving as plaintiff in a case that could involve official acts as president. Trump argued the case should carry on. Both courts sided with Trump. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia delivers a speech during a symposium held 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 in Yangon, Myanmar, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) YANGON, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- A symposium was held here on Tuesday 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 event, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia said that Taiwan's return to China is the victory achievement of World War II and an important part of the post-war international order. She called for promoting a correct view of World War II history, maintaining the post-war international order, and working together to build a community with a shared future for mankind. Myanmar's Deputy Minister for Information U Ye Tint said that Myanmar has firmly observed the one-China principle, and called on the international community to oppose hegemony and power politics and work to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous world under the framework of the United Nations. A symposium is held 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 in Yangon, Myanmar, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) Myanmar's Deputy Minister for Information U Ye Tint delivers a speech during a symposium held 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 in Yangon, Myanmar, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe) Some truckers are responding positively to Floridas decision to use weigh stations as ICE checkpoints, believing it will enhance road safety. The announcement comes in the wake of a deadly semi-truck accident involving Harjinder Singh, who is accused of making an illegal U-turn on Floridas Turnpike, resulting in the deaths of three people. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stated that law enforcement will increase efforts to identify undocumented immigrants operating large trucks with out-of-state commercial drivers licenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Singh, who is in the U.S. illegally, is currently held in the Saint Lucie County Jail without bond, facing charges of vehicular homicide and manslaughter. Uthmeier highlighted that Singh failed an English proficiency test but managed to obtain commercial drivers licenses in Washington and California. Law enforcement will be stationed at checkpoints entering Florida to ensure CDL drivers meet English proficiency requirements. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. PALMYRA, New York (ABC4) After nearly four years of preparations, leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be rededicating the Hill Cumorah Historic Site in Palmyra, New York on Sept. 21. According to a press release, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will preside and offer the dedicatory prayer. On-site participation is by invitation and requires a ticket, which can be found through the Church website. The Hill Cumorah is among 30 historic sites operated by the Church across the United States. Officials say these sites highlight the heritage of the Church and help visitors understand significant events in Church history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement History behind the Hill Cumorah Site The Hill Cumorah in Manchester, New York, is where, according to Church officials, Joseph Smith received visitations from the Angel Moroni and retrieved the gold plates that contained the record now known as the Book of Mormon. The Sacred Grove in Palmyra, New York is just four miles north of the Hill Cumorah and the site of Joseph Smiths First Vision of Deity. According to the Church, Latter-day Saints believe that the Book of Mormon was originally written in an ancient language on metal plates, often referred to as gold plates. The final writer in the book, a prophet named Moroni, buried the plates in the hill now known as Cumorah in about 420 A.D. Several centuries later, the Church believes Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was guided to the plates and was allowed to take the plates from the hill where he translated the record to English by the gift and power of God. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Church purchased the property in 1928 and has welcomed visitors to the hill since. A monument featuring a statue of the angel Moroni was dedicated on the hill in 1935. Renovations and rehabilitation Church Historian and Recorder Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. said the Church was rehabilitating the landscape, removing pageant infrastructure and upgrading the messaging of the hills historical and sacred significance. Twenty-three buildings used to support the pageant were removed from the hill, including restrooms, a costume shop, cast changing rooms and an administration building. The area is being reforested with thousands of native tree seeds, which Church leaders say will one day be a mature forest that more closely resembles what Joseph Smith would have seen in the early 1800s. The rededication can be viewed live on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 1 p.m. EDT and for two weeks after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Donald Trump is hoping to replicate his law enforcement efforts in Los Angeles and Washington, DC, in cities across the country, with the administration making moves to once again use the US military for its anti-crime agenda. Trump is afforded certain presidential powers that he could use to deploy the National Guard and federal law enforcement agencies in US cities to crack down on crime though such a move would be unprecedented and, some experts and local leaders argue, illegal. Hes already facing a legal challenge in California following the June deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles after he claimed protests were blocking his federal immigration agenda. If the president can use the Army as a domestic police force, that can be a very powerful tool of oppression, and that is why we have a principle in this country going back hundreds of years against using the military for domestic law enforcement, Elizabeth Goitein, the senior director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, told CNN. And that is the principle that Trump is completely shredding here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has signaled he intends to expand the US militarys role in domestic law enforcement activities across the country. CNN reported last week that the administration has been planning for weeks to the National Guard to Chicago, though it remains unclear when the deployments would start or how many troops would be sent. On Monday, Trump signed an executive order establishing specialized units in the National Guard to address crime in cities, though it is unclear how the order will work in practice. The National Guard already has reaction forces, designed to rapidly respond to incidents requiring law enforcement or security support in each state, territory and DC. Speaking to reporters Monday, the president said he may or may not wait until governors request National Guard troops before ordering deployments to address crime. We may just go in and do it, which is probably what we should do, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president is already facing pushback from big-city mayors, and governors are also likely to challenge him; outside of Washington, DC where the National Guard reports to the president a governor is in charge of the states guard troops. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, has decried Trumps threats, saying Monday, What this president is attempting to do is not just unconstitutional, but it is very much a threat to our democracy. Meanwhile, Illinois Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said at a news conference Monday, Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. You are neither wanted here nor needed here. This is not about fighting crime. This is about Donald Trump searching for any justification to deploy the military in a blue city, in a blue state, to try and intimidate his political rivals, Pritzker added, vowing to see the Trump administration in court if troops arrive in Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Janovsky, the acting director of The Constitution Project at the Project on Government Oversight, a watchdog group, warned that deploying troops to cities is an inherently escalatory situation that puts the folks who live in these cities and service members who are sent in in a dangerous and volatile situation. However, he added, Theres very little to stop a president from doing this at the outset. These powers unlock when specific circumstances exist. The problem is the president, under these laws, is the person who makes that determination, Janovsky told CNN. And then its very hard to unring that bell. Los Angeles is expected to serve as the blueprint Trump has made exaggerated claims about crime across the United States to support an expansion of his law enforcement efforts, though violent crime nationally fell in 2024, including in many of the big cities Trump has called out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You look at Chicago, how bad it is. You look at Los Angeles, how bad it is, Trump said earlier this month. We have other cities that are very bad. New York has a problem. And then you have, of course, Baltimore and Oakland. Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi has also made clear that cities and states across the country with so-called sanctuary policies, which limit local officials from assisting in federal immigration enforcement, could be a target for the National Guard. California National Guard members are positioned at the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles on June 10. - Eric Thayer/AP Sources told CNN that the administrations future plans including in Chicago, which is a sanctuary city are expected to look like Trumps deployment of the National Guard earlier this summer to Los Angeles to quell immigration protests. In June, Trump tried to circumvent California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom to deploy National Guard members by invoking Section 12406 of the US Code, which allows the president to deploy the guard as necessary to repel invasion, suppress rebellion or execute laws. Trump, who also mobilized the Marines to LA, argued that he was not able to enforce federal immigration laws in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The legality behind Trumps action is now being challenged in a California court in a case that could have major implications for his future efforts. Goitein told CNN that Trump may not be able to use Section 12406 in cities where hes looking to crack down on crime. In Los Angeles, the pretext was that he was unable to conduct ICE raids because of the protests. Immigration law is federal law, Goitein said. Violent street crime, which is really what hes talking about, is overwhelmingly a matter of state and local law, not federal law. Trump could invoke the Insurrection Act Another potential avenue for Trumps anti-crime agenda: the Insurrection Act, a rarely invoked law that permits the president to use military forces to end an insurrection or rebellion on US soil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main provision of the Insurrection Act which was passed in 1807 and updated during Reconstruction states that troops can be deployed to a state by the president only if the governor or state legislature requests it. Another provision of the law, however, outlines that under certain limited circumstances involved in the defense of constitutional rights, the president can send troops unilaterally. The Trump administration quietly discussed evoking the Insurrection Act in Los Angeles in June, but ultimately decided against it. During his first term, Trump threatened to wield the Insurrection Act following the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, arguing that he could use it as a way to break up anti-fascists, or antifa, who he said were organizing violent riots that led to looting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residence, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them, Trump said at the time, though he never did. Goitein told CNN that even the Insurrection Act, as broad as it is does not give (Trump) unlimited authority. When the states fail to protect the constitutional rights of a class of people and those rights are enshrined in state law then the military can be deployed to enforce those laws under the Insurrection Act, Goitein said, not the state and local laws that apply in the context of violent street crime. There may be constitutional limits to Trumps efforts The legal battle playing out in California over Trumps deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles provides some insight into the possible challenges the president can face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsoms lawyers claim the president violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which largely prevents the president from using the military as a domestic police force, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, a liberal-leaning law and policy organization. Newsoms lawyers say the deployment was a violation of the act since it bars the military from engaging in civil law enforcement unless explicitly authorized by law, according to the complaint. People protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids move through downtown Los Angeles on June 10. - Spencer Platt/Getty Images But Trumps lawyers insist the National Guard and Marines didnt engage in any civil law enforcement and therefore didnt violate the act. Another possible limit to Trump expanding his efforts could be the 10th Amendment of the US Constitution, which says the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsoms lawyers also claim Trumps move to call up the National Guard against the governors wishes violates the 10th Amendment, arguing that the move infringed on the governors authority as commander in chief of the California National Guard and the states sovereign right to control and have available its National Guard in the absence of a lawful invocation of federal power. CNNs Hannah Rabinowitz, Alaa Elassar, Zachary B. Wolf, Zoe Sottile, Julia Vargas Jones and Sarah Moon contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com It was the spring of 1981 when Chrysta Castaneda, a math wiz from a nothing-much town in Kansas, opened her Harvard acceptance letter. This not only felt like her winning ticket out of her familys paycheck-to-paycheck existence, but the beginning of the life she had always imagined for herself one lived alongside other rising stars on the cusp of changing the world. And for a while, it was. Until the spring of her sophomore year, when her parents called with devastating news: Her fathers sudden salary cut, combined with the looming cost of sending three younger siblings to college, meant the family could no longer afford the tuition. Chrysta took on multiple jobs, the school increased its financial aid, but it wasnt enough. No matter how deserving she was, no matter how hard she worked, she was stopped short by the very thing she went to Harvard to escape her class. She withdrew, packed her bags and finished her degree at Kansas State University on a full scholarship. Six years later, she earned her law degree from Southern Methodist University. This isnt a story about a life gone sideways because a young woman had to leave the Ivy League: Chrysta went on to do big things, including representing T. Boone Pickens, Wall Street raider-turned-environmentalist, in the final and most high-stakes trial of his life. She wrote a book about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, 40 years later, Chrysta wants to go back to Harvard not as a do-over, but to finish what she started. But the University has said no. Twice. Initially she petitioned the school in February 2024, thinking her candidacy was assured. Even by Harvards own records shes in good standing, on a leave of absence. I thought I only needed to demonstrate that I had used my time wisely in the interim years, said Chrysta. But when Harvard promptly denied her request, she appealed again, one month later, filing an evidence-based legal argument. That appeal was also denied. Harvards 1982-1983 and 2025-2026 student handbooks limit undergraduate enrollment to those without bachelors degrees. But both handbooks also leave wiggle room: Exceptions to the rules may be made only by special vote of the Administrative Board of Harvard College (hereafter referred to as the Administrative Board) or by those administrative officers or committees to which the Faculty, for certain matters, has delegated authority to act on its behalf. So why is Harvard a hard no? I contacted the university and they pointed me to the handbook without any further explanation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to know whats really behind this steadfast refusal. Limited space? Cases like Chrystas are rare, its highly unlikely that the school will be overrun with requests from 60-year-olds seeking to join the class. Transfer credits that could dilute the prestige of a Harvard degree? Chrysta isnt asking to apply any of her credits from Kansas State towards her class standing. Shes seeking a place as a junior, exactly where she left off. Financial aid? Shes not requesting any. All she wants is a seat in the classroom. To Harvard its about precedent. To Chrysta, possibility. With life expectancy increasing, ones seventh decade is no longer a walk into the sunset. Instead, many like Chrysta are using their personal and professional experiences to create new business ventures. (Like how none other than Katie Couric started KCM.) If admitted to the University, Chrysta intends to study how AI can be shaped by our lived experience. We cant expect our machines to help us, if they dont know our life story, said Chrysta. Frankly, Harvard could use a redemption arc of its own: Recent headlines have been almost exclusively mired in the schools fight with Trump. The university is still reeling from the Claudine Gay ouster as well as charges of anti semitism and Islamophobia. A story about a 62-year-old woman getting a second chance at a Harvard diploma feels like a gift from the PR gods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harvard has the opportunity to champion a woman in her 60s, twice told by the school that she didnt belong. A win for Chrysta Castaneda is a rallying cry for any of us whove ever wondered, Are we done, or just getting started? The post Forced To Withdraw From Harvard 40 Years Ago, She Wants Back In. Will the University Let Her? appeared first on Katie Couric Media. The first time I went to a concert in Washington, D.C., I jogged from the bus barefoot. I'd worn flip-flops and was running late, so I kicked them off to move faster. I often walk barefoot herewhether to a record store in Adams Morgan, along the Wharf after a show at the Anthem, or through the quiet streets of Takoma Parksometimes by choice, sometimes to let my girlfriend rest her feet after a long day in heels. It's nice knowing I can do this without worrying about stepping on blood, human waste, or a heroin needle. This wasn't the case back home in Vancouver, Canada, especially in the Downtown Eastside. There, it wasn't uncommon to see a dead body on the way to or from a concert. Since moving to D.C. in 2023 to study law, I've felt safe and at home. Sure, I've had strange subway encounters (a hooligan dipped his finger into my strawberry Dr. Pepper), and I've had my bike stolen once (compared to three thefts in Vancouver, all while locked), but I've never been seriously afraid or concerned for my safety. However, the numbers don't lie. Though there is considerable dispute over D.C.'s crime statistics recently, the district had the fourth-highest murder rate in the country in 2024. There were nearly 1,000 carjackings in 2023, a 650 percent increase since 2017. Further, persistent, often masked shoplifting is a blight on business owners city-wide. On August 11, President Donald Trump declared a crime emergency in D.C. following the assault of a Department of Government Efficiency staffer earlier that same week. The cost of the takeover is estimated to run about one million dollars per day. While it's possible such action could be effective, there has so far been little noticeable difference across most of the city, for better or worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement D.C. isn't the endgame. Trump has said that using the National Guard in D.C. is "a sort of test" to determine whether he should deploy the National Guard for similar purposes across America, with Baltimore and Chicago next in his crosshairs. Take it from a Canadian: Even if the goal is reducing crime, establishing a nationwide infrastructure of military policing is a dangerous play and ought to be weighed against the considerable risks such a program would pose. The president is likely within his rights if he limits deployments to the National Guard. The Posse Comitatus Act bars the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air and Space Forces from domestic law enforcement, but its text doesn't cover the Guard. Though some organizations argue that a federalized national guard is subject to these restrictions, in Perpich v. Department of Defense, the Supreme Court held that a federalized Guard operates as part of the Army, but the act allows exceptions "expressly authorized byAct of Congress," which includes the president's authority to federalize the Guard to enforce federal law. By contrast, Trump's earlier deployment of 700 Marines to Los Angeles likely crossed the line. Even then, the act's penaltiesa fine or up to two years in prisonare unlikely to apply after Trump v. United States, which granted presidents presumptive immunity for official acts. The Posse Comitatus Act reflects one of the key grievances in the Declaration of Independence: the king's insistence on keeping standing armies in times of peace without the consent of the legislatures. The Founders understood that an ever-present standing army could easily be weaponized against ostensibly free people. This is also why they, with the inclusion of the Second Amendment, affirmed the importance of a militia from among the people themselves. The National Guard was born out of this militia tradition and intended as an alternative to standing armies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turning the National Guard into a standing federal police force would reproduce the very same risks the Guard was created to mitigaterisks that still persist in Canada, which never sought to place the might of the militia back in the hands of the people themselves. Watching videos from D.C. today, it's hard to miss parallels with scenes from the now-infamous Canadian trucker Freedom Convoy of 2022. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stirred similar sentiments of lawlessness to justify the suspension of civil liberties and violently crack down on protests against COVID-era restrictions. Worse still, the Canadian government seized the bank accounts of those who supported the protestors. A Canadian court has found Trudeau's actions illegal, but the damage was done. Trudeau didn't need to deploy the military to enforce this crackdown, instead giving the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) provincial police authority without regard to the civil liberties of protestors. The Mounties, as they're commonly known, operate as a comprehensive nationwide police force, combining regionally variable local policing abilities with powers akin to those held by the FBI, CIA, ATF, and other U.S. Agencies. They can even be deployed abroad to assist with military missions. Despite Canada's ability to quickly mobilize its federal police against these protestors, the country is no safer for it. Canadians are unable to defend themselves from home invasions, police have encouraged residents to leave their car keys on their front doorstep to avoid encounters with thieves, and Canada's bail system has enabled absurd recidivism outcomes. These failings aren't exclusive to areas that are municipally policed; in fact, rural areas, which are generally policed directly by the RCMP, face higher levels of severe crime. The problem isn't a lack of police; it's a lack of the right to self-defense and serious consequences for perpetrators. Canada's frail separation of powers and weak protection of civil liberties aren't features America should seek to emulate. Thankfully, D.C. continues to remain vastly more tolerant of protest, even during this period of heightened tension. But the Founders did not fight a revolution to see American cities patrolled by a permanent military presence. They understood that a government with soldiers turned inward against its own people ceases to be a guardian of liberty and becomes its greatest threat. The post Forget MAGA, Trump Is Making America Canada appeared first on Reason.com. Makers Row, a food and beverage hub in West Allis, has secured a partnership with a Green Bay-based agriculture technology that will bring one of the largest hydroponic farms to the area. Fork Farms plans to open a farm within the Makers Row development, at the corner of West National Avenue and 66th Street, Fork Farms said in an Aug. 25 news release. The farm will be able to grow up to 34,000 pounds of fresh produce annually. This site will also serve as Fork Farms' new Milwaukee-area headquarters and would feature a hydroponic showroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The farm will occupy more than 5,000 square feet and will use Fork Farms' vertical growing systems, stacked indoor setups that grow plants with water and nutrients. According to Fork Farms, this technology reduces water use by 98% compared with traditional farming and allows crops such as lettuce and greens to grow faster in controlled environments. The timeline for the project wasn't disclosed. Makers Row recently launched a new entity called Makers Row Farms LLC to operate the hydroponic farm. We are elated to partner with Makers Row Farms and support them with growing thousands of pounds of fresh produce for the local community, Michael Hostad, chief revenue officer for Fork Farms said in the release. By growing food locally where its consumed, we create a more sustainable, resilient food system for future generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert Monnat, developer of Makers Row, said the city has supported the project and its focus on welcoming Wisconsin-based businesses. In addition to corporate clients looking to support highly nutritious in-house dining for employees, we see opportunities to support direct-to-consumer sales through the adjoining West Allis Farmers Market," Monnat said in the release. West Allis Mayor Dan Devine told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he's very excited for this project to move forward. "The Fork Farms concept of providing year-round access to fresh, locally grown produce ties in nicely with the West Allis Farmers Market," Devine said. "Together, these offerings create a unique, year-round hub for fresh food in West Allis." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Devine also said it was nice to see some activity on one of the remaining pieces of the Six Points Neighborhood. "We are grateful that Fork Farms chose West Allis to be the home of their corporate headquarters," he said. As of 2025, Fork Farms partners with organizations in all 50 states and internationally, with more than 4,000 units installed worldwide. The company has been recognized as one of Inc. Magazines 5,000 Fastest Growing Companies in America and was named the fastest-growing agriculture and natural resources company on the list. Adrienne Davis is a south suburban reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fork Farms bringing large hydroponic farm to Makers Row in West Allis ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A former Albuquerque firefighter who was accused of rape but was found not guilty is now suing the city. Aden Heyman is one of three former Albuquerque firefighters who faced rape charges, but he is now a free man. In July, a jury decided Heyman was not guilty of raping a woman during an off-duty party in 2023. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Heymans attorney filed a lawsuit against the city of Albuquerque, Albuquerque Fire Rescue Chief Emily Jaramillo, and Deputy Chief Chris Sotelo. We are seeking in this lawsuit to hold everyone accountable for terminating Mr. Heymans employment and defaming him on patently false allegations on an incomplete and inadequate investigation, said Jason Bowles, Heymans attorney. The lawsuit outlines Heymans complaints, stating that after being employed by AFR for about 12 years, in 2023, He was fired after allegations were made against him. After he was terminated, the lawsuit said Chief Emily Jaramillo issued a public statement implying his guilt in the alleged acts. Chief Jaramillos statement, shared by KRQE News 13 in 2023, said, in part, We have a zero tolerance for unethical behavior. Our handling of this matter was transparent, unbiased, and timely, resulting in the terminations after a thorough internal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This went out all over the media that they had done this, and it was just not true, said Bowles on July 8. The lawsuit claims Heyman should be compensated after suffering severe damage to his personal and professional reputation. Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded to the lawsuit in a statement saying theyve received the complaint and are currently reviewing it, but will not comment on pending litigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Iowa Supreme Court's Attorney Disciplinary Board and the Grievance Commision of the Iowa Supreme Court handle ethics complaints filed against Iowa lawyers. (Photo via Canva; seal courtesy of the Iowa Supreme Court) A former attorney who admitted neglecting a clients case and then inadvertently overbilling her is now seeking reinstatement of his Iowa law license. In January 2025, attorney Matthew Boles of Des Moines consented to the suspension of his law license for up to two years. The Iowa Supreme Court then imposed a six-month suspension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show the suspension was tied to Boles handling of a lawsuit brought by a woman who was severely injured in a 2015 boating collision on the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. With Boles as her attorney, the woman pursed legal action against the operator of the other boat and was able to secure a $1,360,000 settlement in the case. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Once the settlement was paid out, Boles was to retain one-third of the amount as his fee, pay any outstanding medical bills or Medicaid liens, and route the remainder to his client. However, there was a mix-up with regard to the medical bills that resulted in one hospital returning a check for payment and in Boles charging his client $47,586 in fees above the agreed amount. At the same time, Boles also neglected to provide his client with an accounting of all the settlement disbursements. Two years later, in September 2019, the client contacted Boles after she was denied a home equity loan due to money she still owed Medicaid for medical care related to the boating accident. Boles allegedly promised to resolve the issue but didnt write to Medicaid until July 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a sworn statement he later provided the court, Boles indicated it was only after the client asked for a full accounting of the settlement proceeds that he reviewed the records and realized I had received more than the agreed-upon attorney fee. At that point, he said, he used his own funds to pay his clients debt to Medicaid. The Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board later charged Boles with retaining more funds than permitted by his contingency-fee agreement money, the board said, that should have instead been used to resolve the clients debt to Medicaid. The matter was resolved in January with the six-month suspension of his law license. At the time, the disciplinary board had argued that an 18-month suspension was warranted, noting prior disciplinary action for similar conduct. Court records show that in 2000, Boles was given a private admonition for neglect of a client matter. In 2004, he received a private admonition for representing a client without a clear fee agreement in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2012, Boles law license was suspended for 30 days for misconduct primarily related to billing and accounting practices. In that case, the disciplinary board alleged Boles neglected one incarcerated clients post-conviction relief case, charged several other clients unreasonable fees, failed to promptly return unearned fees, and failed to properly handle a clients property. Last month, Boles, who had been licensed to practice law in Iowa since 1993, filed an application for reinstatement of his law license. Records from the Iowa Judicial Branch indicate the request has yet to be acted upon by the Iowa Supreme Court and that Boles license remains suspended. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This report includes discussion of sexual assault and/or rape. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Rape & Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1-888-421-1100. SPANISH FORK, Utah (ABC4) A former elementary school janitor involved in four child sexual abuse cases has been charged again. This time, he is accused of sexually abusing a young neighbor in the early 2000s. Adrian Villar, 66, has been charged with one count of sexual abuse of a child, two counts of sodomy on a child, one count of obstruction of justice, and one count of lewdness involving a child. He is now facing four criminal cases involving five child victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, a victim contacted the Spanish Fork Police Department about multiple sexual assaults allegedly committed by Villar between 2000 and 2003. The victim stated that his family lived next door to Villar, and at this time, the victim was between 4 6 years old. Villar would have been in his 40s. The victim reported that he would go to Villars house to play with a friend around his age, and that Villar would sexually assault him. Villar allegedly exposed himself to the child and sexually abused him multiple times. After the sexual assault, Villar would allegedly threaten to kill the victim if he told anyone. He was stern to the point that the victim was convinced that his life was in danger if he ever spoke of the assaults, documents say. Since then, the victim reported that he has spent a lot of time in therapy and experienced severe trauma and fear as a result of Villars alleged abuse. Villar has been in the Utah County Jail since his arrest in July and is still being held without bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former elementary school janitor arrested a third time for alleged sexual abuse of a child Previous accusations Earlier this year, in July, a now-teenage victim came forward about sexual abuse allegedly committed by Villar while the victim was attending Sierra Bonita Elementary School in Spanish Fork several years ago, where the 66-year-old formerly worked. The victim told police that Villar had asked him to come into a bathroom that was labeled out of order and help him clean up a mess. When the victim went inside, Villar allegedly sexually abused the child. Afterward, Villar allegedly threatened to kill the victims parents if he told anyone what happened, and looked angry. The victim felt terrified and anxious about seeing Villar again. Villar was previously arrested and charged in 2018 for the alleged sexual abuse of two children attending Sierra Bonita Elementary School. He is facing two charges of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and one charge of lewdness involving a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to documents, the two young boys were attending the special needs program at the school when the assault happened. The two children, ages 8 and 11 at the time of his 2018 arrest, told police that he had taken them to secluded areas to sexually assault them and told them to keep it a secret. FIRST STORY: School janitor arrested on child sex abuse charges In December 2023, while on pretrial release for his 2018 case, Villar was arrested by the Santaquin Police Department after a victim told police that she had been sexually abused by the former janitor during the 2017-2018 school year at Santaquin Elementary School. The female victim told police that she had been forced into a closet and sexually assaulted by the janitor. After that abuse, he allegedly threatened to hurt her or anyone she loved if she told anyone about what he was doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Nebo School District shared the following statement about Villar. Adrian Villar is no longer employed by Nebo School District. Our hearts go out to the victim for all they experienced. Nebo School District is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. We believe that every student deserves to feel safe and respected at school. We want to make it clear that inappropriate behavior, including sexual misconduct and harassment by students or staff, is not tolerated. Nebo School District currently has and has had for many years policies and trainings that address student and employee misconduct, including sexual misconduct and harassment, and that we are continually improving and refining our policies and trainings. We remain unwavering in our mission to create a safe and supportive environment for students in our district. Nebo School Districts 2023 statement on Adrian Villar 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. BERLIN, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- A major fire broke out on Monday afternoon at a warehouse in Hamburg, a northern German port city, triggering explosions and further blazes, local authorities said. More than 100 firefighters were dispatched. A fire department spokesperson said several people were injured but did not give an exact number, adding that the figure was in the single digits. The blaze began when a vehicle parked inside the warehouse in the city's southeastern port area caught fire, causing explosions of pressurized containers and spreading flames to nearby warehouses, according to the fire brigade. Debris from the explosions landed on the nearby A1 highway, forcing closures and causing traffic jams stretching more than 10 km, police said. Local media reported a large column of dark smoke was visible from afar. The area has been sealed off as rescue operations continue. The Port of Hamburg is Germany's largest all-purpose port and the country's leading foreign trade hub, according to its website. As president of the now defunct University Senate, DeShana Collett, Ph.D, PA-C, prominently opposed a change in the University of Kentucky's internal governance. (University of Kentucky photo) The last chair of the disbanded University Senate has left the University of Kentucky after UK agreed to pay her $375,000 and she agreed to not seek university records under the states open records law. DeShana Collett, formerly a tenured professor in physician assistant studies, played a prominent role last year in opposing a change to UKs internal governance that she and others warned would strip faculty of decision-making power over academic decisions. UK President Eli Capilouto recommended creating a faculty senate to replace the University Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK Board of Trustees approved the change over the faculty objections. UK President Eli Capilouto (Photo by Mark Cornelison | UK Photo) In the final meeting of the University Senate, Collett presided over a vote of no confidence in Capilouto. Collett and the university entered a separation agreement at the end of June, according to documents obtained by the Kentucky Lantern. She was not comfortable in the environment that she was subjected to after the administration abolished the University Senate and she felt like it was in her best interest to separate her employment, said Joe Childers, an attorney representing Collett. The aftermath of the no confidence vote was the subject of an article in The Chronicle of Higher Education that reported Collett had written to faculty members warning of acts of retaliation by the UK administration after the vote. Collett told the Chronicle that the UK provosts office had taken control of the University Senates online voting system and would have access to how individual Senate members had voted on Capilouto. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an Aug. 20, 2024, email, Collett forwarded a message that she had shared with faculty members to Lisa Tannock, a former associate provost for faculty advancement, saying that provost office employees were assuming control of the University Senates voting system, a PollEverywhere account, which had access to all Senate-recorded votes. Collett added in her email to Tannock that the University Senate did not keep records of individual members votes and was not required to. Tannock said in a response that this matter is under serious investigation with the possibility of becoming a criminal investigation. Childers told the Lantern that UKs general counsel later said there was no investigation. Throughout the past year, Childers also submitted open records requests to the university on behalf of his client. He said they were denied as unduly burdensome, until appeals were sent to the Kentucky attorney generals office. The requests sought emails among UK administrators mentioning Collett. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UK agreed to provide the documents by July 31, but settlement discussions that resulted in the separation agreement had begun before then, Childers said. Childers said Collett was paid $375,000 as part of the separation agreement. It also includes a section that requires Collett to not make open records requests to UK, other than for her personnel file, as long as she is not employed by the university. She also agreed to withdraw her pending requests. Childers said in his experience, a clause like that is not typical in university separation agreements, but UK insisted on it. Collett agreed to get the matter resolved. Jay Blanton, a spokesperson for UK, told the Lantern this is a standard settlement agreement with normal terms and conditions. He added that in the meantime, the University of Kentucky will focus on whats most important to the state how we advance Kentucky by making it healthier, wealthier and wiser. Tuesdays Top Stories Tuesdays Five Facts [1] Former Albuquerque firefighter sues city after being found not guilty of rape In July, a jury found Aden Heyman was not guilty of raping a woman during an off-duty party in 2023. Earlier this month, Heymans attorney filed a lawsuit against the City of Albuquerque, along with Albuquerque Fire Rescue Chief Emily Jaramillo and Deputy Chief Chris Sotelo. [2] High flash flooding risk, muggy, & gusty Very humid conditions are present as periodic showers with rumbles of thunder are leftover but mostly dissipating in northern areas to the high elevations of western areas, as well as in the Sacramento Mountains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [3] Community frustrated over crimes by unhoused individuals The Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office is voicing his outrage after an unhoused man was arrested for threatening workers at an Albuquerque hotel. Deputies arrested 37-year-old Lucas Pedraza-Abrams after they say he threatened staff and damaged property at the Marriott in uptown at least three times this summer. [4] New Mexico researchers look for ways to prevent wildfires caused by power lines Local researchers are looking at ways to prevent power lines from igniting wildfires, as well as the potential damages to electric grids. Sandia National Labs Researcher Brian Pierre presented to lawmakers how wildfires impact the electric grid. [5] UNM launches free bike and scooter valet service for students, staff, and faculty Students and staff who bike to class at UNM are being offered a new service on campus as the university is rolling out a free bike valet. Student leaders proposed the program after seeing more people biking and scooting to campus. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Retired Ford Motor Co. engineer Don Ufford, who served as the iconic company's director of global vehicle engineering, is taking a shot at political office, running as a Democrat for a U.S. House seat based in Oakland County. Ufford, a 60-year-old Bloomfield Township resident, made public his run in Michigan's 11th Congressional District next year on the morning of Aug. 26, saying he wants to give back to his neighbors and fight against what he describes as the divisiveness and chaos being sown by Republican President Donald Trump. "I'm not a career politician," said Ufford, who is making his first run for elected office and hopes to succeed U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Birmingham, who is running for the Democratic nomination for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat next year. "(At Ford) one of my main jobs was to help people with different perspectives come together and try to craft a solution. ... I just loved working with groups and helping people find solutions to real problems. That's probably the mindset I'll take to Washington." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ufford released a video on social media where he talks up his homespun background he grew up on a farm in South Dakota before heading off to college and winding up as an engineer at Ford in Michigan as well as his experience leading or being part of teams that developed or redesigned the Ford Escape, Mustang and F-150 pickup. He also spent time post-retirement after nearly 30 years at Ford working for the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Office of Management and Budget, where he said he was part of the effort to secure $50 million to help train Michigan workers to make maritime vessels and technology. Ufford argued in the video that the Trump administration is gutting climate science, public education and health care while also putting individual freedom at risk. He also believes Trump's tariffs have been haphazard, forcing prices higher and threatening to crash the U.S. economy. "The tariffs and the way they're going about it, they're chaotic and business doesn't know what to expect," Ufford, who retired from Ford in 2019, told the Free Press in an interview ahead of his announcement. "In some cases they're reckless. ... Business needs predictability." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As head of global vehicle engineering, Ufford said, his role was to lead the team that worked worldwide, trying to identify customer needs and then working with designers and other teams at Ford to make changes or launch new lines. As such, he has far-reaching experience with the automaker's international operations and how they affect businesses and workers in Michigan. By jumping into the race for the 11th District, Ufford is taking a shot at a seat expected to remain a Democratic stronghold, which it has been for Stevens since being redrawn after the 2020 census though it was previously held by Republicans. Ufford's experience in manufacturing and enthusiasm for building workforce training initiatives could also potentially play well in a district where Stevens has made those same issues central to her policy preferences and campaigns. But as a newcomer, Ufford will have to find substantial financial backing and take on a field of others looking to nab the seat notably including state Sen. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, who is well known in political circles in southeastern Michigan and has collected a string of endorsements, including from state Attorney General Dana Nessel, though Moss currently lives outside the congressional district's boundaries. Lawyer Aisha Farooqi has also filed to run for the seat, as have Republicans Mike Steger, who founded a pro-Trump advocacy group, and lawyer Anthony Paesano. Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on X @tsspangler. This story was updated to add a video. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Former Ford engineer joins race to fill Haley Stevens' U.S. House seat VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) Lithuania's parliament on Tuesday elected a former labor union leader and relative political newcomer as the country's new prime minister, weeks after her predecessor resigned following investigations into his business dealings. Lawmakers approved Inga Ruginiene, 44, as the new head of government by 78 votes to 35. Ruginiene, a former head of Lithuanias labor union confederation, joined the center-left Social Democratic Party just before a general election last year and then served as minister for social affairs and labor under Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas, who resigned at the end of July after less than a year in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paluckas had been dogged by media investigations into his business and financial dealings. Several media outlets published investigations in July regarding his past and present ventures and alleged mishandlings, including ones more than a decade ago. Anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies in the country subsequently launched their own inquiries. President Gitanas Nauseda, who nominated Ruginiene as the new prime minister, told parliament before Tuesday's vote that she is a constructive negotiator who seeks compromise. Ruginiene told lawmakers she will focus on restoring stability" and will work to ensure that the government carries out the work entrusted to it by the voters. The Social Democrats on Monday signed an agreement on a new center-left coalition with two junior partners, one of which is new to the government. It has a solid majority in the parliament, or Seimas, with 82 of the 141 seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruginiene must still be formally appointed by the president and sworn in at a ceremony in parliament, but those are formalities. Her government should serve out the remainder of the four-year term that started with last fall's election. Lithuanian foreign policy is unlikely to change because of the government shakeup. Nauseda, who was elected separately, is the countrys face on the world stage and has been one of the most stalwart supporters of Ukraines fight against invading Russian forces a position that has broad political support in the Baltic nation of about 2.8 million people. The European Union and NATO member sits on the Western alliance's eastern flank. It has borders with Russia's Kaliningrad exclave and with Russia-allied Belarus. Former LPSS construction director arrested for public record tampering and fraud LAFAYETTE, LA. (KLFY) Robert Gautreaux, former Lafayette Parish School Systems (LPSS) Director of Construction, Maintenance, and Facilities, has been arrested for charges of injuring public record and filing false public records, police said. During the investigation, it was discovered forged bids and the use of an unlicensed contractor by Lafayette Parish School System by a state auditor. LPSS received a letter on May 21 from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, which found that a contractor that worked on a Lafayette school was unlicensed, and that two other bids for the project were forged. Other forged bids have since been discovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two district employees were placed on administrative leave in connection with the matter, and the district handed the investigation over to the Lafayette Police Department. It is unclear if Gautreaux was one of those two employees. Gautreaux was replaced by Associate Superintendent Mark Rabalais, who has assumed direct oversight of the department for LPSS. Gautreaux returned to teaching agricultural science, after less than two years overseeing construction and maintenance projects before his arrest, LPSS Communications Director Tracy Wirtz has confirmed. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest The arrest of Mr. Gautreaux is very upsetting to me. He is a friend and has been a great asset to LPSS in both his teaching and administrative capacities. At the same time, however, all employees of LPSS are expected to perform their job duties in accordance with legal requirements. If it is ultimately determined that he failed to do so, then appropriate administrative action will be taken. In the meantime, I have directed my staff to continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and the District Attorneys Office until this matter is resolved. Superintendent Francis Touchet, Jr. said. At this time, Gautreaux is booked in Lafayette Parish Correctional Center and his bond is set at $20,000. 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. A federal watchdog investigation into former special counsel Jack Smiths two prosecutions against President Donald Trump is based on imaginary and unfounded accusations, attorneys for Smith said in a letter obtained by CNN. The letter dated Monday from Smiths lawyers is the first time the former special counsel has responded to accusations leveled against his investigations into the president by conservative lawmakers and media outlets, including the current attorney general. Smith spearheaded the two federal criminal cases brought against Trump - one for allegedly mishandling classified documents and another for his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Both cases were abandoned by Smith after Trump won reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Smith followed well-established legal principles in conducting the investigations into President Trump, and the courts presiding over the resulting prosecutions have already rejected the spurious allegations that the manner in which Mr. Smith prosecuted these cases was somehow improper, his attorneys Lanny Breuer and Peter Koski wrote. The New York Times first reported the letter. The letter was addressed to Jamieson Greer, the head of the Office of the Special Counsel, an independent watchdog office that has no affiliation with the office Smith used to run. Trump appointed Greer to the role in an acting capacity after he fired the previous head of the office, who was appointed by President Joe Biden for a five-year term. Greers office has launched an investigation into whether Smith improperly engaged in political activities through his prosecutions against Trump. The investigation was made public after Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas claimed that Smith used his DOJ role to influence the election in favor of Bidens and Vice President Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smiths attorneys this week said that the investigation is premised on a partisan complaint that suggests the ordinary operation of the criminal justice system should be disrupted by the whims of a political contest. But the notion that justice should yield to politics is antithetical to the rule of law, it says. The Office of Special Counsel declined to comment. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A former Tartan High School band director who sexually assaulted one of his music students at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis was sentenced Monday to four months in the workhouse and five years of probation. Daniel James Felton, 32, pleaded guilty in May in Hennepin County District Court to the sole count of felony third-degree criminal sexual conduct after reaching an agreement with the prosecution. Judge Sarah Hudleston imposed the longest jail term allowed under the plea deal. The sentence includes a stay of imposition, which means the felony conviction will be considered a misdemeanor if he successfully complies with the conditions of his probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Felton was the music director at DeLaSalle for nearly two years before leaving the school in August 2022 for Tartan in Oakdale, according to his now-deleted LinkedIn profile. Felton was put on leave from Tartan on Feb. 13, four days after a personal injury lawsuit was filed against him and DeLaSalle in Hennepin County District Court. He resigned from Tartan on Feb. 26. Felton was also a Twin Cities professional gospel musician and a band director at The Holy Christian Church International, which his parents founded on St. Pauls West Side in 2000. His father serves as its senior pastor, his mother the director of womens affairs, the churchs website says. Felton was living in Brooklyn Park with his now ex-wife and three daughters when the civil suit surfaced. They moved to Celina, Texas, before the criminal case was filed in August 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Hudleston agreed to a request by Feltons attorney that he serve the sentence at a Texas jail so that he can retain work as a utilities concierge, which involves helping apartment complexes set up utilities for tenants. Hell be allowed work release after a week in custody, electronic home monitoring after a month. Assaulted in his car The criminal complaint says the victim went to Minneapolis police in January 2024 and reported Felton assaulted her several times beginning in April 2022, which was her senior year at DeLaSalle. She said he was her band and choir teacher during her junior and senior years. Felton added her on Instagram in April 2022 and began sending direct messages, which became sexual, she reported. She said the first assault happened that month after Felton offered her a ride home after a concert. Instead of driving straight home, she told police, he took her to an empty parking lot and touched her in a sexual manner, placing his hand on her inner thigh, the complaint says. She reported the interaction made her feel uncomfortable and she asked him to take her home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional sexual assaults took place between April 2022 and August 2022, mostly in his car, she told police. She reported he would emotionally coerce her into sex acts. Police were given Instagram messages that Felton and the girl purportedly exchanged between April 2022 and September 2022. The messages include Felton telling her multiple times he loves her and describing in detail what he wanted to do to her, the complaint says. Civil case pending The civil case was filed Feb. 9 by the Minneapolis law firm Storms Dworak on behalf of the victim, who is listed as Jane Doe. It includes screenshots of sexually-explicit Instagram messages purportedly sent to the girl by Felton and alleges several assaults, including one in his DeLaSalle office. The lawsuit remains pending in court, with a judge halting further proceedings in September until the criminal case was concluded. Related Articles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Felton also worked as a music teacher at Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis from January 2016 to early November 2018. He taught in the Osseo school district in 2018 and 2019, then for the Spring Lake Park school district until leaving for DeLaSalle. He had earned a bachelors degree in music from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn., and then a masters degree in music education from the University of Minnesota. Felton was the second Tartan teacher to resign in February 2024 amid sexual misconduct allegations. Ann Margaret Bacon, 26, of Hastings, quit her special education job at the school on Feb. 8, the same day Oakdale police interviewed her after Tartan administration and a school resource officer received a report that she had sex with an 18-year-old male student at a Vadnais Heights hotel room and at her St. Paul apartment. Shes pleaded guilty to felony third-degree criminal sexual conduct alleging a prohibited occupational relationship, and a jury trial is scheduled for October. Watch live: Ex-Mass. State Police Trooper Michael Proctor appealing his termination Former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor is appealing his firing for misconduct related to the Karen Read murder case. >>> Follow Ted Daniels live updates on X <<< The MSP lawyer played Michael Proctors 20/20 interview before lunch was called. Back in 45 mins Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) August 26, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Good morning from downtown Boston and the MA Civil Service Commission. I'm inside the hearing for fired state trooper Michael Proctor as he attempts to get his job back. Proctor is here with his wife Elizabeth and 4 others. Live Stream here: https://t.co/f5mp9pxVq3 pic.twitter.com/1Pc7QesxNc Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) August 26, 2025 Proctor was dismissed from the Massachusetts State Police in March for unsatisfactory performance, which included sending inappropriate text messages and drinking on the job during an investigation. The Civil Service Commission is reviewing Proctors appeal, which challenges the disciplinary actions taken against him. The hearing is expected to last two days. Proctors firing came months after he came under fire for a series of disparaging texts he sent about Read, which he read aloud in court during witness testimony at her first trial. Proctor admitted on the stand that the texts were unprofessional. Michael Proctor kept on full duty months after state police learned of profane texts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called Read things like a whack job and other derogatory words. He also talked about her medical issues and wrote, No nudes so far, while going through her phone. In a sit-down interview this summer with our Gene Lavanchy, Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble acknowledged Proctors right to appeal the disciplinary action taken against him, while making clear he believes the department acted appropriately. I cant speculate on a potential decision point on what the Massachusetts State Police would do given that, Noble said. But what I can tell you is my actions have been loud and clear. I stand behind the decision that we made, and I believe that it was a righteous decision. Proctors case has drawn significant public attention and scrutiny, leading to questions about whether he could ever effectively return to duty. It would be difficult for him to have any effective role on state police, given everything weve learned about the case and all of the notoriety around it, dont you think? Lavanchy asked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would have to await the Civil Service decision before I would make any decisions. The commissions ruling could determine whether Proctor is reinstated or whether the departments disciplinary actions will stand. Proctor was assigned to investigate the death of Reads Boston police officer boyfriend, John OKeefe. He was relieved of his duty without pay in summer 2024 after a mistrial was declared in Reads first murder trial, and his last day with the Norfolk District Attorneys Office followed soon thereafter. Read was acquitted of murder and manslaughter in OKeefes death in June. Proctor wasnt called to testify in the second trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hearing begins at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday and is expected to last two days. 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 former Wisconsin Lutheran High School teacher has pleaded guilty to two of 14 charges filed against him earlier this year. Justin Liepert, 36, pleaded guilty in Waukesha County Circuit Court on Aug. 22 to one felony count of child enticement and one felony count of possession of child pornography. Each carries prison time of up to 25 years, a potential fine of up to $100,000, or both. Liepert remains in the Waukesha County Jail, according to the jail's inmate list as of the afternoon of Aug. 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liepert was charged in February with three misdemeanor counts of sexual intercourse with a child 16 or older and one felony count of child enticement. In April, the Waukesha County District Attorney's Office filed an amended criminal complaint with 10 additional charges of felony possession of child pornography. As part of Liepert's agreeing to plead guilty to the two felony charges, the remaining charges were dismissed but read into the record. His sentencing will take place Nov. 24, according to online court records. According to the amended criminal complaint: A 16-year-old student told police they had talked to a man on social media that the student described as a "married, Lutheran school teacher with a young son," later identified as Liepert. The two arranged to meet at the student's home in Wales and engaged in sexual acts three or four times in early 2024 in Liepert's vehicle, which was parked away from the student's home. Liepert also sent the student a sexually explicit video of Liepert and another younger male engaging in a sexual act, the complaint said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Children younger than 18 cannot consent to sexual intercourse, according to state law. In February, police executed a search warrant of Liepert's home and seized several electronic devices, including Liepert's phone and a laptop. Police discovered two videos that appeared to depict child sexual assault material on Liepert's phone and photos of children engaging in sexual acts on the laptop, the amended complaint said. Liepert's attorney, Paul Bucher, said his client is remorseful and understands he's going to prison. Other cases Online court records show there are also two other cases connected to Liepert's. According to the criminal complaint for the other two cases, which lists both cases together, the same victim in the Liepert case had also spoken, separately, to two other men on social media: Calvin Trail and Eric Prucha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trail, 33, of Fort Atkinson, was charged in Waukesha County Circuit Court in February with one felony count of second-degree sexual assault of a child younger than 16 and one felony count of causing a child older than 13 to view/listen to sexual activity. The criminal complaint also alleged that Trail performed sexual acts on the victim. The complain also states that Trail sent the victim inappropriate videos of himself, the complaint said. Trail also is facing charges in Jefferson County, which include one felony count of child enticement, one felony count of exposing his genitals to a child, one felony count of child sexual exploitation and two misdemeanor counts of sexual intercourse with a child 16 or older. That case is also pending, according to online court records. A hearing for Trail's Waukesha County case is scheduled for Sept. 25. A status conference for Trail's Jefferson County case is scheduled for Aug. 26. Prucha, 36, of West Allis, was also charged in Waukesha County Circuit Court in February with one felony count of causing a child older than 13 to view/listen to sexual activity. Prucha was charged after police alleged he sent the same victim photos of himself naked, a video of himself exposing his private parts, as well as a video of himself engaged in a sexual act with another man. The victim told police they had never met Prucha and only communicated via apps, the criminal complaint said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A plea/sentencing hearing for Prucha's case has been scheduled for Oct. 30. Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Former Wisconsin Lutheran teacher pleads guilty to child enticement, porn A 32-year-old Army captain is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty Thursday to selling stolen items from Fort Stewart, Georgia, including generators, welders and a tractor. Capt. Jacob Suenkel, of Richmond Hill, Georgia, stole the equipment between late 2024 to May 2025 while serving at the post, according to prosecutors. Suenkel stole more than $150,000 worth of skid-steer loaders, UTVs, trailers, generators, welders, commercial-grade hand tools and a tractor and sold them on social media platforms, such as Facebook Marketplace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacob Suenkel violated the trust of his employer and unsuspecting buyers, and is being held accountable for his theft, U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Heap said in a statement Monday. This guilty plea offers assurance that those who commit theft will be brought to justice. Ryan OConnor, special agent in charge at the southeast field office of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, added: Stealing from the Army isnt simply about lost property; its a matter of national security and good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Suenkels most costly theft was that of a Bobcat skid-steer, which retail between $30,000 to $80,000, depending on their size. According to court documents, Suenkel drove onto Fort Stewart in his personal truck with a trailer attached to it in mid-February. He went to the bases Department of Public Works, loaded a Bobcat skid-steer and drove the equipment to a storage lot off post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four days later, he sold the Bobcat for $22,000 to a customer hed met through a posting on Facebook Marketplace. Defendant admits that he did not have, and knew that he did not have, lawful authority to take the Bobcat, the plea agreement reads. Suenkel faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. BERLIN, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Germany's auto industry have cut more than 51,000 jobs over the past year as weak demand, U.S. tariffs and the costly shift to electric vehicles weighed heavily on the sector, according to a report by consultancy EY. Employment in the auto sector fell by nearly 7 percent over the 12 months to June, making it the hardest-hit branch of German industry, according to the report, quoted by the German press agency (dpa) on Tuesday. Across the broader industrial sector, headcount dropped by about 114,000 to 5.42 million, down 2.1 percent year-on-year. Actually, major automakers have reported significant profit declines. BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, Germany's three largest automakers, all reported steep profit declines in the first half of 2025, citing U.S. tariffs as a major drag on earnings. Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), said the tariffs still impose billions of euros in added costs each year, a heavy burden as carmakers navigate the transition toward electrification. In 2024, Germany exported around 450,000 vehicles to the United States while German carmakers produced more than 840,000 vehicles at U.S. facilities, roughly half of which were exported globally, according to the VDA. This cross-border production model is particularly vulnerable to sudden policy changes. Macroeconomic indicators also signal weaker export momentum. The Ifo Institute has reported that export expectations in Germany deteriorated in August, falling to minus 3.6 points from minus 0.3 points in July. "Disillusionment is spreading in export business," said Klaus Wohlrabe, head of Surveys at Ifo. "Although a tariff rate of 15 percent from the U.S. is less than feared, it will nevertheless weaken export momentum." EY's Jan Brorhilker said "Severe profit declines, overcapacity and weakening foreign markets are making substantial job cuts unavoidable, especially in Germany, where management, administration and R&D are concentrated." Since early 2024, several automakers and suppliers, including Ford, Stellantis, Volkswagen, ZF and Bosch, have announced layoffs or plant closures in Germany and other European countries. In addition, shrinking order books, along with rising energy and labor costs, are eroding the region's industrial competitiveness. According to the Ifo Institute, more than one-third of companies report a shortage of orders, with the auto, machinery, and electrical equipment sectors hit particularly hard. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) U.S Attorney for the Northern District of Florida John P. Heekin announced a Fort Walton Beach man was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison on Tuesday. In a media release, Taj Tariq Tamboura Robinson, 35, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Court documents establish that between 2018 and 2023, Robinson was a high-level distributor in a drug trafficking and money laundering organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials said that Robinson provided large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana to other dealers in the Northern District of Florida and elsewhere. 5 individuals identified in Lake Cassidy brawl Robinson and his co-conspirators further laundered the proceeds of their drug conspiracy by purchasing and selling real estate and vehicles in other peoples names, officials added. Robinson received a total sentencing of 13 years in prison, which will be followed by six years of supervised release. In addition, the government administratively and judicially forfeited over $265,000, two vehicles, and multiple pieces of jewelry from Robinson and his co-conspirators, officials wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sentence was the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As part of a prisoner exchange on 14 August, 26-year-old serviceman Stanislav Panchenko has come back from captivity along with his four-legged friend a cat named Myshko. Source: Novyny Donbasu; Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne Details: Myshko had lived for more than four and a half years in penal colony No. 32 in occupied Makiivka in Donetsk Oblast alongside Ukrainian POWs. Another man who had cared for Myshko has been behind bars for over seven years and is still awaiting release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I couldnt leave Myshko behind in the colony, he would have faced the fate of a stray. By then, he was, you could say, our family cat," Stanislav shared. Stanislav Panchenko was born in Poltava Oblast. He has served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine since 2017 and was captured in Donetsk Oblast in January 2019. His mother, Valentyna Panchenko, said that Stanislav was initially held in a Donetsk pre-trial detention centre and was later transferred to penal colony No. 32 in Makiivka after a "sentence" had been handed down. He was sentenced to 17 years in prison on fabricated charges of "seizing power". Stanislav and Myshko in hospital Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Novyny Donbasu Stanislav explained that the animal had been brought to the Makiivka barracks by their "quartermaster" a prisoner responsible for maintenance work in the colony. The kitten was very small, but the prisoners nursed it back to health. At first, the men thought it was a female cat and named her Myshka, but later discovered it was a male so he was renamed Myshko. The soldiers made a special bag for the cat, marked "Cat Home" and "Myshko wants to go to Poltava". Stanislav spent almost seven years behind bars, and when he was released, he took the cat with him. Myshkos bag Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Novyny Donbasu "We decided that whoever was freed first would take the cat with them. So in winter, we ordered a special bag with reinforced walls and a base so Myshko could be transported comfortably from prisoners working in the sewing workshop. The guards confiscated it three times, but fortunately we were always able to get it back," the serviceman said. Stanislav said Myshko is very clever and affectionate. During the journey from occupied Donetsk, he sat quietly in the bag and did not make a sound. "When we were finally exchanged, we were being transported in ambulances. I warned the staff just in case that I had a cat in the bag. They were very surprised: A cat? Alive?! I said: Yes, alive. Hes also from penal colony No. 32. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I opened the bag to show them. When we were settled in hospital, I warned the staff again," he recounted. Myshko now lives with Stanislav and is gaining weight. "I hope that my fellow unfortunate friend, with whom I raised Myshko, will also soon be part of an exchange," the defender added. Background: On 14 August 2025, 84 Ukrainians were released from captivity, including 51 civilians. Among those freed were three civilian women who had been held for over six years, as well as three doctors captured in Donetsk seven years ago. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A series of tragic crashes in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex over the weekend left two pedestrians dead and two others critically injured, including a beloved local comedian killed in a hit-and-run near downtown Dallas. Henry Cruz, a 29-year-old comedian, died early Saturday morning while walking home with friends after a performance. Noah Robertson, owner of Sharks Comedy Club in downtown Dallas, remembered Cruz as a rising talent in the local comedy scene. The really cool thing was we got to see Henry blossom into a really good comedian, Robertson said, per NBC 5 DFW. Henry was awesome, he was very funny, he was a very genuine guy. He loved making people laugh. He was just a really nice, good person, and sometimes thats hard to come by these days; everybody loved him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robertson, who booked Cruz about three years ago and became his friend, expressed his grief: I had no idea that walking with Henry that night that I would never get to see him again, you know. Youve got to let people know that you care about them and love them because you dont know when youre going to get that chance again. Details of the hit-and-run remain under investigation, and no suspect has been identified. In a separate incident Sunday night in Fort Worth, a woman was killed and a man was critically injured after a truck struck them while they were walking on a service road in the 3900 block of Benbrook Highway. The crash occurred just before 10 p.m., according to Fort Worth police. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, and the man was taken to a local hospital in critical condition. The truck driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities. The victims identities have not been released, and the cause of the crash is still under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another pedestrian was seriously injured in Dallas on Saturday night at the intersection of South Hampton Road and West Illinois Avenue. The incident occurred at 9:10 p.m., when a vehicle struck a pedestrian, according to Dallas police. Dallas Fire-Rescue transported the victim to a local hospital in critical condition. The driver stayed at the scene, and police are continuing their investigation. The pedestrians identity has not been disclosed. Authorities are working to determine the causes of all three crashes, and no further details have been released. Aug. 26 (UPI) -- An investigation of Australian video platform Kick was opened by French prosecutors following the recent violent death of content creator "JP" during a live-streamed event. The France-based streamer Raphael Graven, who went by the online alias "Jean Pormanove" or simply "JP," died this month after he endured about 10 days of apparent violent and humiliating acts with sleep deprivation during a streaming. On Tuesday, prosecutors in Paris said its inquiry into Kick will determine if it knowingly broadcast videos of "deliberate attacks on personal integrity" in violation of the European Union's landmark Digital Services Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graven, a 46-year-old Army veteran, reportedly died at a property near Nice in the village of Contes just miles from the Mediterranean Sea and the French Riviera's Principality of Monaco. The complaint was filed against Kick for "dissemination of content constituting criminal offenses," said French Digital Minister Clara Chappaz. The company previously said its officials would "cooperate fully" with French authorities. A Kick spokesperson confirmed the company was duly aware of the French investigation and was collecting legal advice. "We remain fully committed to cooperating with the relevant authorities with any ongoing investigation," Kick told the BCC and Politico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kick stated on Aug. 20 in a social media post it had terminated collaboration with its former French social media manager and were "undertaking a comprehensive review of our French content." Graven was a tall, slim man with glasses who had more than 1 million followers and was known for live-streaming extreme challenges. Meanwhile, it was revealed that "JP" previously had been in discussions with detectives and and "firmly denied" victimhood. He further claimed online stunts were staged for financial gain and to "create a buzz." PARIS (Reuters) -France on Tuesday returned three colonial-era skulls held in a Paris museum to Madagascar 128 years after they were taken to France, including one believed to be that of a Malagasy king killed by French troops. The skull, presumed to be that of King Toera and two others from the Sakalava ethnic group, were formally handed over at a ceremony held at the French Culture Ministry. France has sought to confront its colonial past by returning artifacts and human remains from its museums to their countries of origin. This is the first restitution under a law passed in 2023 that facilitates the return of human remains from France's public collections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French Culture Minister Rachida Dati described the return of the skulls that had been stored at the Museum of National History in Paris as an "historic event" between France and Madagascar. "This ceremony also symbolises the completion of a historical, scientific, and memorial process between our two nations," she added. Her Madagascar counterpart, Volamiranty Donna Mara, hailed the return of the skulls as "a significant moment for the Sakalava community and the nation," saying the remains had great cultural and emotional importance. "They are not collectors' items; they are the invisible and indelible link that unites our present to our past," Mara said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Their absence has been - for more than a century, 128 years - an open wound in the hearts of the Big Island and particularly of the Sakalava community of Menabe," Mara added. Mara said the Malagasy government plans to honour the remains in a tribute coinciding with the anniversary of King Toera's execution in late August 1897 at Ambiky during France's colonisation of the Indian Ocean island. (Reporting by Clotaire Achi; Writing by Lauren Bacquie and Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Sharon Singleton) The Man Who Invented Conservatism The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer by Daniel J. Flynn Encounter, 544 pp., $41.99 (hardcover) FRANK MEYER DESERVED A COMPREHENSIVE BIOGRAPHY, but I thought it would be impossible to write one about him.1 For historians of American conservatism, Meyer is often a stand-in figure. He represents a libertarian-leaning conservative mainstream against Burkean, traditionalist, or other alternatives. In clunky prose, Meyer laid out conservative dogma from his perch at National Review as well as in a handful of books or edited collections. For someone writing intellectual history, if Meyer hadnt existed, it would almost be necessary to invent him. Every other conservative luminary has a dedicated biography telling their life story. Sometimes two or three. So why not Meyer? There just wasnt the right material. As a young graduate student, I trekked out to Palo Alto in the summer of 2016. The Hoover Institutions archives contained the papers of a number of major conservative figures, and I was performing research that would become the basis of my doctoral dissertation. Such archival work is all-important for biographers and historians: Private notes and correspondence can really bring historical figures to life. I requested Meyers papers, and, much to my dismay, there was very little worthwhile: Instead of the letters and notebooks I had hoped to find, there was just Meyers research collection with some occasional marginalia. He must have burned his papers, I thought. These things happen, but what a shame. I moved on to other sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To his immense credit, Daniel J. Flynn, a senior editor at the American Spectator, refused to accept this dead end. He performed an archival miracle and found fifteen unprocessed boxes of Meyers correspondence languishing in a warehouse. Out of this incredible trove, Flynn has produced the first biography to tackle the totality of this critical figure in the history of intellectual conservatism. Get 30 day free trial BORN IN NEW JERSEY IN 1909, Frank Straus Meyer studied at Princeton then Balliol College at Oxford University. He became a youthful Communist and dedicated his life to the party. Upon returning to the United States, Meyer worked for the party, teaching classes about communism. One of his students, a young married woman named Elsie, fell in love with him; in 1940, she divorced her husband of five years and a week later married Meyer. By the mid-1940s he broke with the party. In part because he feared reprisals, he remade his lifeand his familys lifeby adopting nocturnal habits. As he moved to the right intellectually, Meyer began to write for conservative magazines, becoming a senior editor at National Review, where he long edited the books and arts section. He waged intellectual battles left and right, and was especially associated with conservative fusionism. A lifelong chain-smoker, he died of lung cancer, aged 62, in 1972. Thats the capsule biography of Meyer that will be more or less familiar to anyone who has encountered him before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flynn deepens the story dramatically. Hes especially strong on Meyers youth and young adulthood. I had no idea, for instance, that Meyer came from relative wealth and enjoyed a privileged wastrel youth. The Meyer that emerges is a libidinous gadabout and skeptic. He experienced antisemitism while entering Princeton. While there, his skepticism toward authority led him to poetically explore Miltons Satan. What is this but an exposition of some of the noblest qualities known to man? the young man wrote of Paradise Losts sympathetic villain. Frank did not merely disbelieve in God. He despised God, writes Flynn. After leaving Princeton, it took time and expensively purchased tutoring for Meyer to gain entrance to Balliol, where he gave himself over to the Communist Party. Flynn gives us a lively portrait of the professional activist barely maintaining his studies (or not at all). He draws on an impressive range of transnational sources, including declassified MI5 reports on Meyer, to illuminate both Meyers personal life in the 1930s as well as the British Communist Party. Join now With mountains of detail, Flynn traces Meyers role back stateside in the Communist Party USA. While he had been something of a radical firebrand in Britain, back home, Meyer found himself becoming more American. In the intra-Communist disputes, Meyer aligned with the faction of Earl Browder, chairman of the CPUSA, who sought to Americanize the party. Most intriguingly, Flynn suggests that Meyer, who later equated his vision of conservatism with the American political tradition, first developed this strategy while finding communism deep in American institutions. A peoples America and a socialist America must be presented all the timenot simply as an occasional article or on the 4th of Julyas a natural, integral outgrowth of our whole past history, and presented in terms of our tradition, he wrote. Meyer wanted a fusion between Communism and the American Founding. He attempted to force Marxism upon the American tradition. But this fanatic had grown wiser and more prudent since he had written those articles. He was no longer the hyperventilating, Marx-quoting nutter described in Oxford student newspapers. An honest inquiry into whether actual history meshed with this desire could not help but show that the two clashed. Meyer broke with the Communist Party over the course of the 1940s. He, his beloved Elsie, and their two sons, John and Eugene, lived a life of bohemian intellectuals on family money. Gradually, Meyer began to think of himself as a libertarian and to find work for right-wing magazines. I hadnt realized the relative paucity of Meyers above-ground intellectual record before the 1950s: He had a lifelong tendency to begin but not complete projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually Meyer landed at National Review, where he edited the Books, Arts, and Manners section. Really, though, he just commissioned the reviews, Flynn reveals, and Elsie Meyer did the editing. From this perch, Flynn argues, Meyer built a startlingly impressive back of the bookan argument made with less insistence and more nuance elsewhere. More importantly, Flynn posits Meyer as the man who invented conservatismat least as we know it, the Reaganite fusion of tradition, liberty, and strident anti-communism. In the 1950s, the nascent conservative movement was made up primarily of anti-modern traditionalists and anti-statist libertarians (and some ultra-hawks who thought liberal anti-communism was a contradiction in terms). Despite the considerable gulfs in their worldviews, libertarians and traditionalists were united by opposition to the New Deal welfare state. Fusionisma term Meyer never really likedposited that libertarianism and traditionalism were complementary, actually. Meyer argued that the traditionalist branch of conservatism and the libertarian one had once been a unified, Western tradition that had split sometime in the nineteenth century. Share Its certainly true that Meyer was a leader in the intraconservative process of defining conservatism as a philosophical exercise, especially in essays and columns in National Review and Modern Age. But the idea that traditionalism and libertarianism were complementary had already become the working assumption of conservative activists outside the circle of ideas-first scribblers. Meyer actively participated in all of this, but he wasnt alone, and in some ways his thinking followed the times. His most important contribution to fusionism, the essay Freedom, Tradition, and Conservatism, appeared smack between two other fusionist building blocks, Barry Goldwaters The Conscience of a Conservative and the Sharon Statement from the Young Americans for Freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Flynn, as a true-blue conservative himself, uncritically accepts the conventional narrative that conservative intellectuals have told themselvesthat fusionism, or, really, conservatism, is a coherent philosophy. He doesnt grapple with the messier reality that Meyers fusionism simply doesnt have the depth or sophistication to truly stand as a political philosophy. Indeed, Meyer himself worried conservatives had constructed a demonology to contemplate rather than an avant garde to move forward, theorize, and explore. Flynn insists Meyers 1962 book In Defense of Freedom became a conservative classic despite its meager sales recorda theoretical equivalent of the Velvet Underground. But Flynn offers no evidence for this, and you would be hard pressed to find conservative intellectuals of any generation who considered the book a major influence. Meyers columns and essays were important to the debates of the early 1960s, but In Defense of Freedom simply was not. If the man who invented conservatism refers to fusionist conservatism, then Flynn overstates the case. At the same time, Flynns centering of Meyer in the history of the conservative movement is convincing in another way. From his home in rural Woodstock, New York, Meyer participated in a bevy of conservative counter-institutionsfrom the Conservative Party of New York to the American Conservative Union to the Philadelphia Society. Ex-Communists, Frank and Elsie Meyer saw the molding of conservatives as one of their critical functions. They imbued their charges with a sense of discipline, mission, and apocalypticism. Many of the young people shaped by Meyer manned the key institutions of the American Rightnone more so than his son Eugene Meyer, cofounder of the Federalist Society. How the bohemian intellectuals that constituted the wider National Review circle begat a strident political movement is a fascinating puzzle to which Flynn has contributed. Share The Bulwark FLYNN IS A FRUSTRATING WRITER. At times, his desire to withhold the identity of a character for the sake of drama ends up confusing the plot. Other times, his exposition of an event is so convoluted I could only follow it if I already knew the contours of the story, such as during some internal National Review fights over Barry Goldwater. Flynn also comes across as overly impressed by the cleverness of his own turns of phrase; he seems never to have written a bon mot he didnt want to shoehorn into the text. Within two pages, Flynn writes: The daughters preoccupations had little to do with her fathers occupation and The Show Me State student showed little and guarded much and Not for the first time through a movement did a misfit fit in. Later, Flynn jokes about Communists that Party people were not party people. Thanks, Dad. The rate of these quips is genuinely distracting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a larger quandary here, tooa problem shared by other biographies of conservative icons written by partisan conservatives. It is a problem of critical distance. I dont mean to impugn Flynns research: Its exhaustive and genuinely impressive. I learned a lot about Meyers life, including about some of his contributions to conservatism I wasnt aware of. Indeed, Flynn describes a moment where one conservative luminaryWillmoore Kendallcomplained about Meyer in a letter while both were at Oxford. Neither Kendall nor Meyer seems to have recalled that interaction decades later when they became close at National Review. But Flynn did. However, I question the balance of the biography. Nearly 60 percent of the book is dedicated to exhaustingly analyzing Meyers activities in the conservative movement. As another National Review editor wrote when providing feedback on a James Burnham biography in the works, I think some cutting would be in order. The reader does not have to hear Jims analysis of absolutely everything. The same is true here. Flynn seemingly spells out every last twist and turn behind the scenes at National Review. For those who thought Sam Tanenhaus skimped on NR lore in his new biography of William F. Buckley, this is the book for them. Otherwise, the minutiae simply overwhelm. Get 30 day free trial Flynn is almost duty-bound to provide as much detail as he can: He is a conservative writing a book about a conservative icon under contract to a conservative press. Perhaps its what his audience wants. It warps the book, though. One wonders whether there might have been more to say about Meyers extraordinary engagement with both the British and American Communist Parties, whether it shaped their longer-term trajectories, and what it says about the attraction of the party in the 1930s. But one also wonders whether Flynn, who tendentiously labels Soviet Socialists and National Socialists as ideological cousins, has the patience or sophistication to handle Meyers pre-conservative life adroitly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Likewise, when conservatives write about icons of the movement, they face the temptation toward hagiography. The Man Who Invented Conservatism is hardly the worst offender in this regard (ahem), but Flynns instinct is to defend Meyer. For instance, he normalizes Meyers extreme views, including his equation of the New Deal welfare state with totalitarianism, that represent some of his major contributions to conservatism. In this vein, Flynn struggles with the racist subtext of some of Meyers work, especially in the mid-to-late 1960s. Contrast this with the portrait of late-in-life Meyer found in Garry Willss autobiographical Confessions of a Conservative (1979). Wills describes how Elsie could no longer argue and laugh with the aging and dying Meyer to get him out of his antiblack outbursts. Flynn is obviously aware of the allegations on this front. He insists Meyers critique of the civil rights movement did not stem from racial animus; evidence of such an inclination is absent from his tens of thousands of extant letters. It may be true that Meyer doesnt stoop to naked racism in his private correspondence, but its impossible to disentangle Meyers catastrophist thinking on civil rights from race. This is a man who looked at Freedom Summer in 1963 and saw the threat of revolutionary attack on the American system of government. Meyer even acknowledged that compared to other conservatives he may be seeing developments more luridly dramatic than we will have to face. Flynn does show how, in response to black and student radicalism, Meyers libertarianism gave way toward greater emphasis on order in the 1960s. But what Flynn cant confront is that Meyers racial assumptions contributed to this hardening. For instance, Meyer told an audience at the Philadelphia Society that conservatives had to reckon with the basic problems involved in a peopleblackswho have never produced a civilization making up 10 percent of the United States population. Conservatives need to stop being afraid to consider reality, he intoned. What he called the Negro-genetic Question fascinated Meyer enough for him to collect research and clippings on it before his death, including material by controversial scientists like Arthur Jensen and the racist writers Henry Garrett and Carleton Putnam. On race and intelligence, Meyer no doubt borrowed from his friend and neighbor, Nathaniel Weylanother Communist-turned-conservative, but also a scientific racist from whom Meyer commissioned articles, including on questions of race, until his death. I cant shake the feeling that if there were other unsavory aspects in Meyers thought or life following his conservative conversion, Flynn mightnt be the one to surface it, or even think to. It would be insufficient to write off Meyer as a racist and move on. But perhaps a biography written by a non-conservative, or at least an author with more disinterested detachment, would have engaged with the interplay of Meyers political thought and racially charged assumptions rather than simply assert that he approached the civil rights movement from a dispassionate, constitutional perspective that moved further from fashion as time passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Man Who Invented Conservatism is a fascinating portrait of a striking figure, but one that also exposes the limits of conservative auto-biography. Pop this review into a friends inbox or post it to social media: Share 1 Correction (August 26, 2025, 11:00 p.m. EDT): As originally published, this review described Daniel Flynns book as the first published biography of Frank Meyer. In fact, the first biography of Meyer was Principles and Heresies: Frank S. Meyer and the Shaping of the American Conservative Movement by Kevin J. Smant (ISI Books, 2002). Focused on Meyers ideas and activities as a conservative intellectual, it lacks the scope and archival basis of Flynns cradle-to-grave biography. A handful of sentences in this review have been modified to remove the claim about Flynns priority. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Franklin County has paused $4 million of anticipated funding for the Greater Columbus Arts Council. GCAC helps fund programs around the community and some are now in danger of being cut. The future of two youth art programs in Columbus is at risk and program leaders have already started to scale back. Its not just about creating art, Central Community House Executive Director Tamar Forrest said. Its about that process of developing social-emotional learning and soft skills to be successful in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delta adds new nonstop flight from John Glenn Columbus International Airport Central Community House, a neighborhood center on the Far East side, runs a program called Transit Arts for people ages 12 to 21. Participants try multiple art forms through workshops, performances, and exhibits. It really is about supporting youth during a period of time in their lives that can be challenging, Forrest said. The other program at risk, called Art in the House, is for elementary school kids. Its in four settlement houses across Columbus, including Central Community House. We see when kids want to come to our after-school programs, theyre going to go to school, too, and we see that when they enjoy what theyre doing, their attendance improves at school, and they look forward to being here, Forrest said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between Transit Arts and Art in the House, kids of all ages are eligible. Chick-fil-A plans 25 to 30 new Ohio locations by 2027, including six in Columbus area Teacher-artist Duarte Brown works with both programs and said they teach much more than art. Just how to reason, you know, how to navigate and survive, Brown said. You use maybe some art supplies to get those points across, but realistically, its the relationship that happens. With funding cuts to GCAC, the plan is to scale back the number of teachers in the classroom and reduce the number of days the programs are offered. We are trying to hold on to pieces of it, but when you only hold on to pieces of it, you lose that model thats successful, and were really worried about the impact on youth when you do that, Forrest said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hope a miracle comes through, Brown said. We always just hope. Central Ohio gas prices surge after Indiana refinery goes offline GCACs funding is currently on pause, but the councils Chief Creative Officer, Jami Goldstein, said there is a chance to get some of the money back. Were going to go back to the county in the fall and hopefully be able to secure some of these funds, Goldstein said. You know, were not sure what 2026 is going to bring. Were going to be budgeting very conservatively. Central Community House is trying to pull together some funding to keep the programs going. Forrest remains optimistic that Franklin County officials will want to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PARIS (Reuters) -Paris prosecutors have launched an investigation into the Australian-owned video platform Kick following the online death of Frenchman Raphael Graven who endured days of livestreamed abuse. They said they would examine whether Kick knowingly provided illegal services by broadcasting videos of deliberate attacks and whether Kick complied with European digital services regulations to report any risk of harm to life or personal safety. A June 2025 law makes it a criminal offence in France to provide an illicit online platform. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of 1 million euros when committed by an organised gang, the Paris prosecutor's office statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, prosecutors in Nice opened a separate investigation into the 46-year-old's death in the village of Contes, in southern France. An autopsy showed Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove, did not die from impact trauma and that the probable causes of death appeared to be medical or toxicological in origin. A spokesperson for Kick said on Tuesday the company had been informed of further developments in France in relation to its platform and would cooperate with the relevant authorities with any ongoing investigation. French digital communication regulator Arcom has also launched a probe into the case and the government has said it would tighten regulations if necessary. (Reporting by Geert De Clercq; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta, Makini Brice, Ros Russell and Alison Williams) By Elizabeth Pineau PARIS (Reuters) -France found itself mired in yet another crisis on Tuesday, after Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's gamble to win backing for his deeply unpopular debt-reduction plan backfired, plunging the country deeper into political and financial instability. French markets tumbled after Bayrou jolted the political establishment out of its summer slumber on Monday with his unexpected move to seek a September 8 confidence vote on his debt-cutting plan. His proposal was roundly rejected by opposition parties, who said they would relish the opportunity to cut short his minority government's time in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a symbolic moment that underlined his predicament, Bayrou tripped and nearly went flying as he took to the stage on Tuesday to deliver his first comments since the previous night's announcement. He said lawmakers must now choose between "chaos" and "responsibility," and urged the French to pressure their representatives to make a prudent choice ahead of September 8. "I am not asking anyone to change his mind but one can think it over," Bayrou later told journalists. If Bayrou falls, Macron could dissolve parliament and hold fresh legislative elections - a move he has previously rejected - or install a new government. However, neither course of action is likely to solve France's budget issues or political gridlock. A source in a key ministry said they expected Macron to opt for a new prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The French prime minister's decision to call an early vote of confidence is most likely to trigger his replacement with yet another prime minister or (less likely) fresh legislative elections," Capital Economics analysts wrote. "Either way, France's budget deficit will remain well above the level needed to stabilize the debt ratio." Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who leads the conservative Republicans, said it would be "irresponsible" and "against France's interests" to vote for the government to fall. Others disagreed. The far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, said it wants Macron to call a snap parliamentary election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't see what new prime minister wouldn't be immediately censured," a source close to Le Pen told Reuters. The Socialists, whose vote will be crucial, also said they would vote against Bayrou. "We need a different prime minister and, above all, a different policy," lead Socialist lawmaker Boris Vallaud wrote on X. The confidence vote will be held two days before protests called by various groups on social media and backed by leftist parties and some unions, recalling the Yellow Vest unrest that erupted in 2018 over fuel price hikes and the cost of living. "Unless Francois Bayrou is confirmed in office - which is a hypothesis today that appears unlikely - we will enter a new phase which will be a phase of destabilisation," said pollster Jean-Daniel Levy, predicting negative consequences for the economy and France's image abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT NEXT? A source close to Bayrou said his government was open to negotiation on the details of his budget proposals, though they were adamant that a budget squeeze is necessary. Bayrou said on Tuesday he would ask high-income taxpayers to make a special effort to help curb the deficit. Bayrou knew a no-confidence vote would eventually be tabled over the budget and decided to get ahead of the opposition, the source said. France's blue chip CAC40 index was down 1.5% on Tuesday, having fallen 1.6% late on Monday. Banking giants BNP Paribas and Societe Generale slid more than 6% each. Meanwhile, 10-year French government bond yields briefly rose to 3.53%, the highest since March, before steadying at 3.50%. When a bond's yield rises, its price falls. (Additional reporting by Dominique Vidalon Leigh Thomas, Sudip Kar-Gupta, Lucien Libert, Clotaire Achi and Gabriel Stargardter; writing by Ingrid Melander; editing by Bernadette Baum, Andrew Heavens, Hugh Lawson and Mark Heinrich) Credit: @thibaees/Instagram via Reuters A firefighter helicopter has crashed into a pond while collecting water to put out wildfires in France. Video showed the aircraft lowering itself towards the surface to scoop water into a bambi bucket, a flexible container installed under the fuselage of the aircraft. But during the operation, the helicopter appeared to descend too quickly, sending it into a tailspin before crashing into the water on its side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pilot and firefighter onboard were able to extract themselves from the wreckage and were helped ashore. The local prefecture said both were safe and sound. The helicopter crashed while attempting to fill up a bucket of water - Instagram In an interview with France3, local resident Thibault, 22, said he was enjoying a Sunday afternoon with his friends in the commune of Rosporden in Finistere when the helicopter appeared nearby. He grabbed his phone, thinking he would capture an impressive scooping operation, but instead caught the helicopter crash. After I took the video, a friend of mine takes his paddleboard and starts going over to them. They got out and said were not hurt, everythings fine, the bystander told French news channel BFMTV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident occurred at around 7pm on Sunday evening, after the helicopter had already made 27 drops earlier in the day. It was extinguishing vegetation fires in the Finistere department of Beuzec-Cap-Sizun. The last dispatch was to extinguish a fire that was threatening a home in the Rosporden area. The French Civil Aviation Authority has opened a safety investigation into the incident. The Morane 29 helicopter has been leased by the department every summer since 2023 to fight fires. It was deployed 33 times this year, carrying out 154 drops. 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 French government led by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is on the verge of collapse after opposition parties across the political spectrum said they would not back him in a vote of confidence next month. One day after Bayrou announced his intention to hold a vote of confidence on September 8 over his budgetary plans, his opponents on the left and from Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally said on Tuesday that they would not support the motion. Bayrou has been leading a minority government since December, following President Emmanuel Macron's surprise decision to call snap parliamentary elections last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With France facing a serious budgetary shortfall, the centre-right government's plans for 2026 include savings of 43.8 billion ($51.1 billion), but the austerity measures have caused an uproar. The Socialists, Greens, Communists and the hard-left France Unbowed party have all confirmed they will vote against Bayrou, amid mounting calls for a general strike on September 10 over the plans. Bayrou last survived a vote of no confidence in July after National Rally refused to back a Socialist-led motion. But the far-right party has said it will not save the prime minister this time. A dissolution of the National Assembly and new elections following the confidence vote are conceivable. "The president does not want that, but it cannot be ruled out. Anything is possible," Bayrou was quoted by the TF1/LCI and BFMTV channels as saying. Benjamin Haddad, Frances Minister Delegate for European Affairs, has held a meeting with the heads of Ukraines anti-corruption agencies, who are visiting Brussels. Source: Haddad on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Haddad said he had met with Semen Kryvonos, Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), and Oleksandr Klymenko, Head of the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I reaffirmed our support for the fight against corruption and the independence of anti-corruption institutions an essential part of Ukraines European path," Haddad added, without providing any further details. Previously: Earlier, European Pravda learned that Klymenko and Kryvonos are holding meetings with European officials in Brussels this week. On Tuesday, they are scheduled to meet with EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, among others. Background: On 22 July, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) voted in favour of bill 12414, which made NABU and SAPO dependent on the decisions of the prosecutor general. Afterwards, the European Union delivered a warning to Kyiv via diplomatic channels, stating that unless the Ukrainian parliament fully revoked the provisions of bill 12414, financial support would be suspended. On 31 July, the Verkhovna Rada adopted President Volodymyr Zelenskyys bill 13533, which aimed to restore NABU and SAPO's independence. The president signed it into law shortly afterwards. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! No frills Frontier Airlines is offering fares from Detroit as low as $49 as part of a promotion to tout that it is adding six new routes to and from Detroit Metro Airport and compete with Spirit Airlines. "Frontier is not just about delivering low fares," airline CEO Barry Biffle said Aug 28 in prepared remarks to the Free Press. "Weve made major enhancements, from product upgrades to the most rewarding loyalty program, and investments in technology and service, as part of The New Frontier." The airline plans to add more planes and routes. The new ones to and from Detroit include Charlotte, North Carolina; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Houston; Miami; New Orleans and Cancun, Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frontiers Josh Flyr, a vice president, added the airline is "aiming to be the leading low-fare carrier in the top 20 metros in the U.S., and are thrilled to announce these new routes from Detroit as a key step toward that mission." More than offering discount flights, however, the Denver, Colorado-based airline is targeting Spirit Airlines, another low-cost competitor, which is financially vulnerable, in what some news outlets are describing as shaky footing. Spirit, with its highlighter yellow planes, is based in Miramar, Florida between Miami and Fort Lauderdale emerged from bankruptcy protection earlier this year. Spirit, which last year reported a net loss of $1.2 billion, sought bankruptcy protection after years of losses, debt and failed merger proposals, which it may be forced to consider again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is, however, some fine print on the Frontier fare offers. More: 52 pounds of primate meat, 11 pounds of rodent meat intercepted at Detroit Metro Airport More: TSA bans new items from checked luggage, but these odd things are just fine The tickets, the company said, must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. Sep. 1; the fares are valid for non-stop travel on select days of the week from Oct. 20 to Jan. 5, with blackout dates that include: Nov. 23-30, Dec. 1, 21-31, and Jan. 1-2. Frontiers new routes add pressure to Spirit, which rejected a $2.16 billion bid Frontier acquisition offer. The two airlines announced merger plans in 2022, but the deal was scuttled by a federal judge concerned about higher fares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frontier CEOs public remarks Tuesday seemed aimed at blunting those concerns by adding: "As industry capacity adjusts, we want to ensure consumers in those markets continue to have affordable flight options." Spirit recently secured a $275 million revolving loan facility from Citibank to stabilize its financial position, but it is unclear whether the company will run out of money, and Frontier appears to be betting on that. The "new" in Frontier Airlines marketing was aimed at Spirit, which also is trying to upgrade its low-low service reputation by offering more loyalty benefits, upgrades and other higher-end features. Frontier is doing the same thing. Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 orfwitsil@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Frontier Airlines announces new routes, fares and takes aim at Spirit New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told Attorney General Pam Bondi that the city does not need the Trump administration to deploy the National Guard to tackle crime, according to a report. Tisch met with Bondi Monday for 30 minutes at the NYPD headquarters in Manhattan, where she made a case about the citys declining crime rate, The New York Times reports. The commissioner also hailed the police departments drone technology to solve crimes, according to the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The high-stakes meeting comes as President Donald Trump issued an executive order Monday directing the Defense Department to step up its role in domestic law enforcement by quelling civil disturbances across states. Trumps order states that specially trained National Guard units in all 50 states and the District of Columbia should be mobilized quickly to ensure public safety and order. Tisch met with Bondi for 30 minutes at the Police Department headquarters in Manhattan, where she made a case about the citys declining crime rate. (Getty Images) Chicago, New York and Baltimore are among some of the targets on Trumps hit list following his federal takeover of Washington, D.C. last month, where National Guard troops were deployed on the streets to tackle what he called out of control crime. When ready, we will start in Chicago Chicago is a mess, Trump said, and added that the administration will help with New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has contacted the New York Police Department and the Justice Department for comment. Tisch and New York City Mayor Eric Adams touted a 5.6 percent drop in overall crime in July, the same week four people were gunned down in a Manhattan office building. As we reflect on the month of July, we are exceptionally proud that overall crime continues to topple leading off our SEVENTH consecutive quarter of crime reductions with some of our most violent crimes at record lows across the city, Adams said in a statement earlier this month. July saw the lowest number of shooting incidents and shooting victims in recorded history. Meanwhile, Illinois leaders have also pushed back and warned Trump not to deploy military troops to Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do not come to Chicago, said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker at a press conference Monday. Chicago, New York and Baltimore are among some of the targets on Trumps hit list following his federal takeover of Washington, D.C. last month, where National Guard troops were deployed on the streets to tackle what he called out of control crime. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) New York officials also took issue with Trumps threats to withhold or revoke federal funding to local and state governments that offer cashless bail, arguing that it is a threat to public safety. No cash. Come back in a couple of months, we'll give you a trial. You never see the person again, he said, moments before signing Mondays executive order. Bondi must submit a list of jurisdictions that have substantially eliminated cash bail as a potential condition of pretrial release from custody for crimes that pose a clear threat to public safety and order within 30 days, as stipulated in the order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents of eliminating cash bail describe it as a penalty on poverty, suggesting that the wealthy can pay their way out of jail to await trial while those with fewer financial resources have to sit it out behind bars. Critics of the cashless route have argued that bail is a time-honored way to ensure defendants released from jail show up for court proceedings. They warn that violent criminals will be released pending trial, giving them license to commit other crimes. New York Governor Kathy Hochuls office issued a statement Monday, calling the threat reckless. President Trump has no concept of how the law works in New York, Hochuls spokeswoman Jen Goodman said. The Associated Press contributed reporting SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) An event happening this weekend in Lackawanna County is all steam ahead, getting ready to celebrate railroading in our region. Learning all the bells and whistles at Steamtown National Historic Site. This is the Baldwin 26 060. This was made in 1929 in Eddystone, Pennsylvania, explained Christian Mazzocchi, heavy mobile equipment mechanic at the Steamtown National Historic Site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its something thats part of Mazzocchis job as a heavy mobile equipment mechanic. We do everything from fabricating to welding to rail ops, said Mazzocchi. But you can get all aboard with a look at the steam engine and many others at this weekends annual Railfest in Scranton. You can ride trains, you can enjoy static exhibits, you can see partner displays, demonstrations, explained Megan Stevens, park ranger/gateway community coordinator, at the Steamtown National Historic Site. Firefighters honored for saving teenage boy A lot of work goes into preservation projects, bringing them to life, as seen in the Bullard number two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is an oil-fired steam locomotive, which is unique, and then in addition, it was designed to be operated by just one person, so the engineer and the fireman are the same person, explained Jeremy Komasz, superintendent at the Steamtown National Historic Site. Steamtown superintendent Jeremy Komasz says its important for people to learn about the history of trains, not just locally, but nationally. It was railroading that allowed the United States to be settled as fast as we did and to move things across the country. Even to this day, railroading moves a lot of the stuff that we use every day in the United States, said Komasz. Opening Friday and running through Sunday, Railfest will fill the roundhouse with tons of locomotives through the use of its operational turntable from the 1940s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A perfect way to celebrate railroadings past, present, and future. Grandparents coming and sharing the history of railroading from their own experiences when they were younger and now being able to share that with their grandkids and their families, said Stevens. Steamtowns Railfest will begin Friday morning with an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Running through the weekend, the event will also have free colts shuttles between the historic site and La Festa happening in downtown Scranton. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. The Fulton County Board of Commissioners has been ordered to pay $10,000 per day until its members vote to approve the appointment of a pair of controversial Republican nominees to the countys board of Registration and Elections. Superior Court Judge David Emerson issued his ruling Wednesday afternoon following a contentious morning hearing in which attorneys for the commissioners and the Fulton County Republican Party presented their arguments in front of a packed courtroom gallery. The court does find that the respondent Board of Commissioners has been stubbornly litigious and acted in bad faith in its conduct prior to this litigation by its failure to comply with clear local legislation which forced the plaintiff to file this action, Emerson wrote in his ruling. The court further finds that it has caused the plaintiff unnecessary difficulty in the conduct of this litigation by its failure to comply with the courts order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling means county commissioners were found in contempt of court for failing to comply with the judges previous order issued earlier this month. The $10,000 per day fine is set to begin at noon on Friday and continue indefinitely until the commissioners comply with Judge Emersons order. Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. wasnt present for the Aug. 20 vote, but told Capital B Atlanta earlier this week he too would have voted against appointing Adams and Frazier. Arrington Jr. is recovering from hip replacement surgery and didnt attend Wednesdays morning court hearing. He expressed disbelief by Judge Emersons contempt ruling during a follow up interview. I dont know what to say. Im overwhelmed, Arrington said. Traditionally it is incumbent upon the [political parties] to nominate someone that they believe can get the four votes. I hate to see the county and the taxpayers being fined because the Republican Party has nominated someone who cannot meet approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrington Jr. said he doesnt intend to vote to approve Frazier or Adams, regardless of the hefty accruing fine. He expressed hope that the funds can be recovered by the county if and when the commissioners win their appeal. I believe that these two people are obstructionists, Arrington said. I do not believe they have good intentions. Im not going to change the way I vote or my thoughts on these two nominees. Im just not. On Monday, Arrington told Capital B Atlanta hes willing to risk jail time. I pray that it doesnt come to that, but yes [Im willing to go to jail], Arrington told Capital B Atlanta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 53-year-old attorney, who is running to be the next chair of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, weighed in on the controversy surrounding his fellow Democratic commissioners refusal to approve the appointment of Republicans Jason Frazier and Julie Adams to the countys Board of Elections. Voting rights advocates say Adams and Frazier could present obstacles to having free and fair elections in Georgia at the behest of the Republican National Committee and other supporters of President Donald Trump during a pivotal 2026 midterm election cycle. Georgias elections next year are expected to play a role in deciding the balance of power between Democrats and Republicans on Capitol Hill as well as the Gold Dome. Read More: Mass Registration Cancellation Puts Black Georgians Voting Rights at Risk U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Georgia, is up for reelection next year. Hes been identified as Democrats most vulnerable U.S. Senate incumbent in a state that Trump won narrowly by more than 2 percentage points in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams is an incumbent election board member who was appointed in January 2024 to serve the remainder of a two-year term that ended on June 30. Shes also the GOP member of the board who abstained from certifying last years primary election results over concerns she had about their accuracy. Frazier is the chairman of the Georgia Republican Assemblys Election Integrity Action group, an organization that has filed thousands of voter registration challenges in Fulton County since the 2020 election. He said he believes the Republican National Committee should play a crucial role in preventing discrepancies and ensuring fair elections, according to his campaign website. With my balanced skills and dedication, I am prepared to lead strategic actions that ensure our victories, Fraziers campaign website states. Neither Adams nor Frazier has responded to repeated requests for comment from Capital B Atlanta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, commissioners voted 5-2 to reject Frazier and Adams nominations due to concerns about their past actions questioning the integrity of election results and the legitimacy of peoples voter registrations. More than 60 lawsuits filed in courts in battleground states, including Georgia, presented little to no evidence of widespread voter fraud taking place during the 2020 election. In Georgia, a risk-limiting audit led by GOP Secretary of State Brad Raffenspergers office ultimately determined the states original machine count accurately portrayed the winner [Joe Biden] of the 2020 election. A separate state election board investigation found allegations made against Fulton County election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss were false and unsubstantiated. The Republican Party filed a lawsuit against the county after the vote to force commissioners to accept the nominations. Judge Emerson told commissioners in writing earlier this month that state law requires them to approve the GOP Board of Elections nominees. Read More: Black Georgians Overrepresented in Mass Voter Registration Purge, Fair Fight Says In his ruling, Emerson said he may hold the commissioners in contempt for refusing to approve Frazier and Adams, resulting in potential fines and jail time. Fulton County Election Board member Julie Adams at the countys Election Hub and Operation Center in Atlanta. (John Bazemore/Associated Press) The commission voted 2-2 along party lines last Wednesday to ultimately deny Frazier and Adams their respective spots on the Board of Elections despite Emersons ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have said the commissioners are violating a judges lawful order by refusing to appoint Frazier and Adams. Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoons expressed his desire for commissioners to be put behind bars for refusing to comply with the judges order. I hope the judge will consider not only a fine but jail time for the unlawful defiance of a lawful court order! McKoons wrote Wednesday on X. Commissioners Mo Ivory and Dana Barrett, both Democrats, voted against Adams and Fraziers appointment, telling The Atlanta Journal-Constitution theyd be willing to go to jail over the matter. Arrington was one of three Fulton County commissioners who didnt show up to Wednesdays meeting when Adams and Frazier failed to secure the required four-member majority vote to be appointed to the countys Board of Elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chairman Robb Pitts and District 6 Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman were also absent from the meeting. Arrington told Capital B Atlanta he was at the hospital recovering from a hip replacement surgery when the meeting took place on Wednesday. Read More: How to Keep Your Voter Registration Active Amidst Georgias Massive Purge On Monday, Arrington added that he has a right to vote his conscience as a commissioner, and that in his view, state law doesnt require commissioners to appoint Board of Elections members that they believe are problematic. I dont think theres anything as commissioners that we have to do thats mandatory, he said. If the Legislature wanted the parties to nominate and appoint themselves, then they should not have given that power to the commissioners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrington described Adams and Frazier as obstructionists doing the bidding of their MAGA supporters, adding that the effort to force county commissioners in one of Georgias bluest and Blackest counties is another alleged attempt by Trump supporters to undermine democracy. I think democracy is under attack at all levels, he said. We have to stand up and fight for democracy. This story was updated August 27, 2025. The post Judge Fines Fulton Commission $10K a Day for Blocking MAGA Election Picks appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Two people were airlifted to the hospital Monday morning after a garbage truck and pickup truck collided at the intersection of State Route 96 and State Route 414 in the town of Romulus, according to the Seneca County Sheriffs Office. Deputies said the garbage truck, driven by a 35-year-old Geneva man, was heading north on Route 96 around 9:30 a.m. when a pickup truck, driven by a 59-year-old Roslyn Heights man, attempted to turn left onto the highway from Route 414 and failed to yield. The vehicles collided, causing heavy damage. The 59-year-old driver was trapped and had to be extricated by firefighters. He and a 53-year-old female passenger were seriously injured and flown to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse by Mercy Flight and LifeNet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The garbage truck driver was not injured but was evaluated at the scene. Route 96 was closed for several hours while the Sheriffs Office accident reconstruction team investigated. The crash remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. As Gavin Newsom emerges as President Donald Trumps chief Democratic antagonist, he has some surprising boosters: white nationalists and the far right. And occasionally, Newsom has played along. Whether via trolling or in sincere flattery, many far-right accounts owned by racists, neo-Nazis and so-called Groypers have posted memes about the California governor, who has become a frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most famously, last week, Newsom quote-tweeted an image from an account called @YungPut1n that contrasted a young Vice President JD Vance in his high school yearbook with his female classmates posing at the urinals versus Newsom with coifed hair and a scarf reading a newspaper. I miss that scarf, Newsom posted. Some hard-right white nationalists and racist accounts have boosted California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whether sincerely or ironically. (Getty) This is not the first time that the far right has embraced a Democrat. In 2020, Richard Spencer, the white nationalist, endorsed Joe Biden for the presidency. It is also difficult to see if white nationalists are sincere in their support for Newsom or are simply trolling for attention. Much of the trolling surrounds a potential match-up between Vance and Newsom given the fact Newsoms family is white while Vances wife Usha is the child of Indian immigrants and their children are biracial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement X, the social networking site owned by Elon Musk, blew up with a video of Nick Fuentes praising Newsom. That led to Fuentes a white nationalist who brought Kanye West to dine with Trump in 2022 putting out a cleanup video where he said that he would always vote Republican despite his disagreements, particularly on support for Israel. I miss that scarf. https://t.co/SPPkYRrV6U Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 18, 2025 I will never vote for a Democrat, I would never consider it, he said. It doesn't matter how bad the Republican Party abuses me, betrays me. It doesn't matter that they're owned by Israel. It doesn't matter that they're owned by Wall Street and Silicon Valley. It doesn't matter that the party is run by women and Jews and gay people and atheists. At the same time, he praised an image showing Newsom and his family compared with Vances. His wife is also white, he said. She's tall, she's good looking. His children, four of them are beautiful, and they're all white with blue eyes and blonde hair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By contrast, he mocked Vances physical appearance. I just watched a video where Nick Fuentes praised Gavin Newsom because he was white-also hes been a homosexual for over 30 years and changed just before he became governor-why is nick going so hard for newscum? Homos stick together. Punt intended. pic.twitter.com/SbVdOFR7mV DonQ (@DonQvegan) August 20, 2025 Look at this Aryan -Nick Fuentes Were voting for Newsom 2028 pic.twitter.com/tRfsAcY0EE . (@TheeDrGroyper) May 18, 2025 He's visibly obese and very ugly, he said, trolling the vice presidents physical appearance the way Trump trashes Rosie ODonnell. Let's make some other observations, his wife and kids are not white. Other accounts, like Dr. Groyper which had an avatar of Pepe the Frog, a cartoon character who has become a symbol for white nationalists posted a video of Fuentes fawning over Newsom at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Look at this Aryan, Fuentes said. In response, the account said: Were voting for Newsom 2028. Newsom would likely never wear the support, ironic it may be, with pride. But it does show how his trolling of Trump has made him impossible to avoid. Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday that said anyone caught burning an American flag would get one year in jail. President Trump signs executive order on flag burning: "All over the country they're burning flags...through a very sad court...they called it freedom of speech...When you burn the American flag it incites riots...You burn a flag, you get one year in jail." pic.twitter.com/TSDTh8cleG CSPAN (@cspan) August 25, 2025 cspan/Twitter: @cspan But not so fast, according to the New York Times the problem with this order is that a 1989 Supreme Court decision said flag burning was covered by the First Amendment. Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images Related: JD Vances Old Epstein Tweets Are Coming Back To Haunt Him In A Big Way People on social media are pointing out other contradictions about this whole thing, like how Donald Trump is selling a $180 American flag pickleball paddle. 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" But mostly people are posting about that whole Jan. 6 thing. Brent Stirton / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yup. JOSEPH PREZIOSO / AFP via Getty Images Related: Hillary Clinton Just Hit On One Of Donald Trump's Biggest Insecurities With Three Words Rep. Jamie Raskin from Maryland is going viral for this tweet: "If Trump wants to throw the book at people who commit 'violent crime' while desecrating the American flag, why did he pardon people who on Jan. 6, 2021 violently assaulted our cops with American flags-on-poles, calling them heroes and rewarding their bloody flag desecration?" And, of course, Gavin Newsom had something to say about it: "Clearly, Donald Trump really cares about the American flag." Related: "Can A Trump Supporter Explain": 49 Brutal, Brutal, Brutal Political Tweets Of The Month Thoughts about this whole thing? Bloomberg / Bloomberg via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: MAGA Is (Loudly) Regretting Their Votes After Witnessing ICE Raids Across The Nation, And It's Reallyyyy Not Looking Good For Trump Read it on BuzzFeed.com OSLO, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Norway's wealth fund on Monday named six companies it has excluded from its portfolio, citing an "unacceptable risk" that the firms contribute to serious violations of individual rights in situations of war and conflict. The excluded firms are Israeli and U.S. companies, Norges Bank Investment Management, which oversees the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, said in a press release. They are First International Bank of Israel Ltd, the holding company FIBI Holdings Ltd, Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM, Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd, Bank Hapoalim BM, and Caterpillar Inc. The decision follows recommendations from the Council on Ethics dated June 25 and July 2. Last week, the bank's executive board decided to exclude six companies following an ethics review of operations in the West Bank and Gaza. In a statement dated Aug. 11, Norges Bank Investment Management said it has sold 11 companies that were outside the fund's equity benchmark index, and "for the time being" will refrain from investing in Israeli companies outside that index. The fund launched an urgent review earlier this month after reports found that it had invested in an Israeli jet engine group that provides services to Israel's armed forces. Critics said the fund could only avoid potential ethical breaches by fully divesting from Israeli companies. Bibles, hats, flags and mugs California Gov. Gavin Newsom has released new merchandise, parodying the designs of President Donald Trump. Newsom announced the opening of the patriot shop on Sunday. The offerings include an undershirt that says Trump Is Not Hot, $32 hats that say Newsom Was Right About Everything! and Real Patriot, and Dont Poke The Bear stickers and yard signs. One of the hats was inspired by a design Trump wore on Friday, suggesting Newsoms team is working fast. Newsom redefines MAGA Like Trump, Newsom is term-limited from running again. But that isnt stopping him from selling Newsom 2026 mugs, taking a shot at Trump joking about running for a third term in the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Union Printed and Made-In-USA Bibles sold out a few hours after the launch. These $100 Bibles, signed by Newsom, revisit the God Bless the USA Bible Trump promoted last year. Newsoms Campaign for Democracy PAC is associated with the products. MANY PEOPLE ARE SAYING THIS IS THE GREATEST MERCHANDISE EVER MADE, Newsom wrote in a Sunday X post. He also announced he will release his own MAGA flag Make America Gavin Again. All these tactics are in addition to Newsom mimicking Trump on X by writing posts like the president, as the Deseret News previously reported. It started two weeks ago. In an effort to provoke the Trump White House amid gerrymandering efforts in Texas, Newsoms press account posted this: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DONALD TRUMP, IF YOU DO NOT STAND DOWN, WE WILL BE FORCED TO LEAD AN EFFORT TO REDRAW THE MAPS IN CA TO OFFSET THE RIGGING OF MAPS IN RED STATES. BUT IF THE OTHER STATES CALL OFF THEIR REDISTRICTING EFFORTS, WE WILL DO THE SAME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER! The account, managed by a team of four or five people, per Politico, takes a meme-driven approach that stirs reactions from Democrats and Republicans alike, oftentimes writing in all caps and attaching artificially generated images to the post. Newsom told reporters he is just following the presidents example. If you have issues with what Im putting out, you sure as hell should have concerns with what hes putting out as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many political commentators on the left appreciate Newsoms newfound audacity. Radio host Charlamagne Tha God, on his show Breakfast Club, said hes wanted a Democrat to do what Newsoms doing for a long time. Hes matching energy and I like it, Charlamagne said. Comedian Bill Maher also praised Newsom in a recent episode of his HBO show Real Time with Bill Maher. Ive never seen a Democrat do this, I think its very funny, the comedian said, as USA Today reported. Maher added, I feel like Gavin has grasped the essential thing about American culture in this day and age. Dont try to outsmart people. You have to out-stupid them. Newsoms fight with Trump comes with risk A more high-stakes battle is unfolding behind the scenes over the congressional maps in California and Texas. After Trump pushed Texas to redraw its maps, Newsom challenged the president by saying he would do the same in his state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In hopes of using the redistricting for political gain, other states are following Newsoms lead and considering changing their maps, too. A win in Novembers special election could cement Newsoms place at the top of Democratic candidates who want to run for president in 2028, allowing him to fulfill his long-time speculated ambitions for the White House. On the other hand, a loss could not only hurt his personal climbing, but it could affect the credibility Democrats have with their voters, as The Associated Press reported. Trump has a similar plan to establish a Republican supermajority in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Florida, Indiana, and others are looking to do the same, he said, of redistricting, on Truth Social last week. More seats equals less Crime, a great Economy and a STRONG SECOND AMENDMENT. But redistricting has other consequences for the American people. As The New York Times reported, these efforts can amplify the trend of one party gaining a stranglehold on state congressional delegations, intensifying the deep polarization that has helped to paralyze Congress in recent years. California Gov. Gavin Newsom checked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday after he took aim at Newsoms leadership in the state on Fox News. DeSantis, in an interview with Sean Hannity, claimed that his state was ranked number one for its economy, new business, higher education before rattling off a number of things that California ranks first in. Theyre number one in homelessness, theyre number one in public defecation, theyre number one in tent cities on sidewalks and in public places. Yes, theyre number one for highest income tax, theyre number one for highest sales tax, number one for highest gas tax and they have the highest electricity rates in the continental United States, DeSantis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So they are number one in a lot of things, just not the things youd want to be number one in, he added. Related: DOGE Minions Created Dangerous Live Copy Of Social Security Data, Whistleblower Claims Newsom responded to Hannitys clip of DeSantis comments on X, taking issue with his caption that his state may be number one but only in all the wrong categories. wrong categories - 4th largest economy in the world - #1 in manufacturing - #1 in farming - #1 in new business starts. - #1 for tech and VC investments - #1 for Fortune 500 companies - #1 public higher education system, he wrote. "wrong categories" - 4th largest economy in the world - #1 in manufacturing - #1 in farming - #1 in new business starts. - #1 for tech and VC investments - #1 for Fortune 500 companies - #1 public higher education system https://t.co/LeqY6Pkhkj Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 26, 2025 In another clip from the interview, DeSantis who was once rocked by the California governor in a debate hosted by Hannity in 2023 responded to the Fox News hosts suggestion that its time for another debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Would that be fair? You up for it? Hannity asked. Oh, of course itd be fair, itd be fun. I know hes not going to do that. I think he is settled into this being a troller of President Trump, DeSantis said. It seems to get him some notoriety with kind of their far left base. Newsom had a simple response to the debate challenge, Hahahhahahahahaha. Related: The New Democratic Governor Getting Under Donald Trump's Skin Newsoms team in a separate, Trump-like post to his @GovPressOffice account on X shared a clip of Hannity jokingly praising the California governor. WOW! SEAN HANNITY: GAVIN, YOURE DOING GREAT. IM PROUD OF YOU! EVEN FOX NEWS AGREES THAT I, GAVIN C. NEWSOM AM THE #1 GOVERNOR IN U.S. HISTORY. ONLY I CAN CHANGE HEARTS, MINDS, AND FOXS AWFUL RATINGS! AN HONOR!!! GCN, read the post. WOW! SEAN HANNITY: GAVIN, YOURE DOING GREAT. IM PROUD OF YOU! EVEN FOX NEWS AGREES THAT I, GAVIN C. NEWSOM AM THE #1 GOVERNOR IN U.S. HISTORY. ONLY I CAN CHANGE HEARTS, MINDS, AND FOXS AWFUL RATINGS! AN HONOR!!! GCN pic.twitter.com/F8vuBIddsL Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) August 26, 2025 Related... Read the original on HuffPost Gen Z is changing the rules of work, and the results are redefining what professional success looks like in 2025. According to a new Glassdoor report, career minimalism is at the heart of this shift: Younger workers see their jobs as a means to financial stability, saving real passion and ambition for hours off the clock and increasingly lucrative side hustles. Forget the corner office. Glassdoors latest survey, canvassing more than 1,000 professionals in the U.S., revealed that the younger cohort of workers is skeptical of the concept of management. A striking 68% of Gen Z respondents said they wouldnt pursue management if it werent for paycheck or title. To be sure, more money and a higher title have always been powerful draws for workers to go into management, but this still signals a rejection of the traditional corporate climb favored by boomers and millennials and a sentiment that management is seen as something of a poisoned chalice. Gen Z, after all, is the generation that brought the concepts of quiet quitting and conscious unbossing into the zeitgeist. Weve traded the rigid career ladder for the career lily pad, said Morgan Sanner, Glassdoors Gen Z career expert and founder of Resume Official, calling it a path where we can jump to whatever opportunity fits best at the moment. In the long run, that kind of flexibility is more sustainable, more realistic, and better suited to todays workplace realities. Gen Z isnt actually avoiding management The survey, however, is somewhat at odds with other data collected by Glassdoor. Daniel Zhao, chief economist for the company, told Fortune in a late July interview that Glassdoors biannual Worklife Trends report had found Gen Z to be entering the ranks of management at the same rates that millennials and other generations did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zhao referenced the idea of conscious unbossing and younger generations eschewing management because they dont view it as a good path anymore, adding that you dont really see any evidence of that in the data. The report, which found that millennials had become the majority of managers for the first time ever, also found Gen Z accounting for roughly 10% of managers. Management is not for everybody, and thats okay, Zhao told Fortune in late July, but it is still seen as the best path for climbing the career ladder. Zhao told Fortune in a more recent interview that its important not to generalize about whole generations or cohorts of people, but at the same time, many younger workers and Gen Z feel like the job market isnt working for them, so some of these more traditional paths to success feel like they arent open in the same way that they might have been 10 to 20 years ago. What the new survey suggests, however, is that management is now overwhelmingly seen as a career-ladder move, not something intrinsically good in its own right. This tallies with other surveys of Gen Z from two members of the Big Four consulting firms. EY found that Gen Z is notably pragmatic, and they approach lifes traditional milestones with a kind of reasoned skepticism. KPMG, meanwhile, surveyed its own Gen Z employees on attitudes about work, and found that they are hungry for mentorship and welcome in-office collaboration yet also desire the death of the nine-to-five mentality and embrace flexibility. Overall, they have a bit of a show me mentality, Derek Thomas, national partner in charge of university talent acquisition, told Fortune. It amounts to, Okay, youre telling me its going to be good for me, but is it really? A true side hustle generation If Gen Z isnt less ambitious but also isnt thrilled about corporate management, wheres that energy going? The report cited Harris Poll findings that 57% of Gen Z currently have a side hustle compared to 48% of millennials, 31% of Gen Xers, and 21% of boomers and said Gen Z is a true side hustle generation where work identity lives outside of traditional employment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Side hustles arent viewed as distractions or fallback options; they are central to Gen Zs identity, offering creative, entrepreneurial, or activist outlets that main jobs cannot supply. For many, the day job simply finances the passion projectas one Glassdoor community member, an Iowa high school teacher, put it: I always joke that I dont dream of laborIf people were truly passionate about their job, it wouldnt pay anything. Passion is for your five-nine after the nine-five. A research analyst offered, While having a job that youre passionate about is really cool, its important to have other interests that are not tied to your work life. And what kind of side hustles do Gen Zers actually want? The Glassdoor report doesnt dive into that, but FlexJobs tackled the topic in January, finding that nurse practitioner was the top remote side hustle for 2024, pulling down $56 an hour. Another popular side hustle is therapist, making roughly $30 an hour. In the $20-per-hour range were translator ($24/hour), accountant ($23/hour), content writer ($22/hour), and graphic designer ($20/hour). Remote work listings are very popular, as evidenced by 2024 data from LinkedIn, which found that only 10% of open job positions were remote as of December 2023, but they received 46% of all applications. Management looks different from a Gen Z perspective When Gen Zers do move into management, Glassdoor finds that theyre rewriting the traditional playbook. Work-life balance is nonnegotiable, not a perk: 58% reportedly dial down work in the summer, compared to 39% of older peers, while 31% expect flexible hours from Gen Z managers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gen Z is reconsidering what it means to be successful at work in this moment, Zhao said in the report. He added, Theyre not rejecting ambitiontheyre redirecting it toward sustainable career paths that prioritize both financial security and personal fulfillment. In conversation with Fortune, Zhao said there is ample evidence of workers feeling anxious, overworked, and burned out. This is not because of laziness, he said. What the data suggests, he added, is that Gen Z is making a rational turn away from a job market that hasnt treated them well. Its not because people arent capable. Its because in this current moment, many workers feel like they arent being rewarded for the level of effort and performance that theyre putting out there. While critics accuse Gen Z of laziness or entitlement, Glassdoors findings paint a more nuanced picture. Gen Zers are setting boundaries, diversifying their professional portfolios, and putting mental health ahead of relentless advancement. They view AI as both a pathway and a potential threat, adapting to rapid disruption with agility and skepticism. The Glassdoor report suggests that older generations have more than a few things to learn from Gen Z and this trend toward career minimalism, writing that it isnt about doing less work. Its about being strategic about where you invest your energy. In other words, this could be a preview of the future for everyone. The future of work Gen Zs approach offers a new answer to the question: What if theres a better way? Their formula is simple: stable jobs for security, side hustles for passion, and strict boundaries for sustainability. Professional success no longer demands that work eclipse every other aspect of life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the workplace continues to change, the rise of career minimalismfueled by Gen Zs valueswill reshape not only how people define success, but also how they experience fulfillment. The future of work, it seems, may belong not to the climbers, but to those content to hop from interest to interest with purpose and self-awareness. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com The Gen Z stare is a hot topic. The internet is in an uproar with claims that the generation born between 1997 and 2012 is greeting everyone with the Gen Z stare, defined as a blank and utterly disinterested expression, in professional, retail, restaurant and customer-service related professions. Maybe youve been a victim of the stare. Maybe youve even done it yourself. As much as I want to pay no heed to TikTok videos about generational mannerisms, I think this particular phenomenon might actually be real. While I don't experience it often, there certainly have been instances where Ive been hit with the infamous stare. And as a Gen Zer myself, I certainly hope that I haven't given anyone else the stare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More from Sadia Khatri: Indiana's war on 'useless' degrees hurts all students But whats driving this generation-specific expression? Some argue that its just another manifestation of the look customer service workers use when dealing with exasperating customers who have absurd demands. But I think its just another symptom of Gen Zs commitment to nonchalance. It's not a response toward frustrating customers; its Gen Zs unfazed attitude, which shows up in the workplace, social settings, friendships and much more. Digital upbringing shapes Gen Z's communication style Amanda Stevenson-Holmes, a Butler University instructor for strategic communications, told me Gen Z's social expectations and norms have been heavily influenced by the internet. Gen Z's online presence has impacted how they view relationships, whether interpersonal or professional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's not unusual for a generation to have peculiar communication quirks, Stevenson-Holmes said. Generations share a very specific place in history, Stevenson-Holmes said. Each generation has developed its own kind of unique personality, and it does have a big difference in how this group of people views the world. More from Sadia Khatri: I'm a PBS Kid at heart. Trump's cuts threaten what made me who I am today. The Gen Z stare might just be ingrained in my generations personality, shaped by a heavy online presence, especially considering the role virtual schooling played during the pandemic. Communicating through a screen makes it difficult to practice traditional eye contact, Stevenson-Holmes noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Going years without face-to-face interaction is likely part of the reason why some of Gen Z struggles with social interactions. The workplace is one area where Gen Zs informality can really backfire. As Gen Z transitions into the job market, those behaviors will impact how the generation is perceived professionally. Workplace success requires connection Its possible to improve communication patterns. I talked with Tatiana Kolovou, a professor in the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, whose coursework helps prepare students for professional life. This particular generation has less of a pedigree in interpersonal communication, Kolovou said. No one teaches you to nod when someone is speaking ... or show me theres some reaction. Nowhere is it written that this is kinda how we behave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growing up online, and then moving into an all-digital world without in-person classes during the pandemic, stunted our social skills. I remember how easy it was to zone out when classes were held via video. It was easy to stare nowhere in particular, especially when cameras werent required to be on. More from Sadia Khatri: Purdue, IU abandon student newspapers, diminishing campus voices Its the responsibility of professors, managers and mentors to guide Gen Z, Kolovou said. In her experience, Gen Z is willing and eager to grow when given the right tools and opportunities. But the generation also faces anxiety. Kolovou has noticed that the stress of being seen as cringey drives Gen Z's behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre gonna be too cool for school and nonchalant because they dont want to look stupid, Kolovou said. While nonchalance and informality might work in some situations, Gen Z is due for change. Its easy to deflect and choose to be casual because it requires almost no effort. But choosing to care especially when the people around you are busy being nonchalant is a tough task. Both Stevenson-Holmes and Kolovou urge Gen Z to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Its an age-old adage, but its worth keeping in mind. Caring makes us more connected, both with the physical world around us and each other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's time for the era of nonchalance to come to an end. Contact IndyStar opinion fellow Sadia Khatri at sadia.khatri@indystar.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Gen Z stare: How digital upbringing hurts workplace skills | Opinion Ukraine's General Staff has confirmed that Ukrainian troops are engaged in fighting near the villages of Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, though it indicated that these settlements have not fallen to Russian forces. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts Quote: "Regarding the operational situation on the border of Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines defence forces have stopped the advance of the Russian invaders and continue to maintain control of the village of Zaporizke, despite all the enemys efforts to seize it. Intense fighting is also continuing near the village of Novoheorhiivka, where our soldiers are inflicting heavy losses on the enemy, killing dozens of occupiers every day. Reports claiming that the Russians have occupied both of these settlements do not correspond to reality." Details: DeepState reported that Russian forces have been conducting combat operations along Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and on its territory for some time. For several weeks now, heavy fighting has been raging near the village of Maliivka, where the Russians have been advancing in an attempt to establish a foothold as far as the village of Vorone. Furthermore, Ukrainian soldiers from the 225th Separate Assault Regiment have been carrying out mop-up operations near Maliivka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These developments have been compounded by Russian forces entering two additional settlements, where they are consolidating positions and assembling infantry for further advances. The Russians are exerting pressure on Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka from the direction of the villages of Zelen Pole and Temyrivka. Ukrainian defence forces are taking all measures to hold back Russian troops, stabilise the situation and prevent their further advances. However, DeepState analysts noted that the Russians, seeing potential for success, continue to deploy large numbers of infantry in repeat assaults. Background: On 26 August, DeepState claimed that Russian forces had occupied Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Extraordinarily effective Hamas propaganda has delegitimized Israels right of self-defense by confirming for a world that scorns Israel that its demon is engaged in genocide. It is not, but the same cannot be said of Hamas, the aggressor which has largely avoided that opprobrium. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, there are 5.5 million Palestinians in the Palestinian state, principally the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The bureau estimates that in the last 12 months, Gazas population declined by 15,423 to 2,114,201, while Palestines total population grew by 1.17% in 2024, and is projected to grow by 1.75% in 2025. According to the bureau, the principal factors in Gazas population decline were emigration, war casualties, and a declining birth rate. Though the Gaza Ministry of Healths war casualty reports are statistically implausible, and quietly rejected by the UN, the worlds media uncritically repeat the lies. Most recently, the media disseminated the ministrys claim that war deaths exceed 60,000, reducing Gazas population by 10%. The actual comparison was to "projected growth"; 60,000 is 2.6%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many outlets presented the ministrys disinformation and malinformation as their objective reporting. For example, PBS explained that the "ministry is staffed by medical professionals. The United Nations and other independent experts view its figures as the most reliable count of casualties. Israels offensive has destroyed vast areas of Gaza, displaced around 90% of the population and caused a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with experts warning of famine," adding, "Israels offensive and its blockade have also gutted Gazas health system, with several hospitals having shut down and others only partially functioning as they receive waves of war-wounded." Jaundiced by radical ideologies and antisemitism, and empowered by Hamas misdirection, at least 38 countries, the EUs second-ranking official, the International Criminal Court, International Court of Justice, 14 members of Congress, and many others accuse Israel of genocide. If Goebbels had Hamas propagandists on his side, we might all be shouting "Heil Hitler!" In November, a UN Special Committee found Israels operations in Gaza "consistent" with genocide, including its alleged use of "starvation as weapon of war." Last month, the UN dishonestly announced that Gaza met two of the three criteria for famine. To reach that conclusion, the UN, which has battered Israel for years, rigged the numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 27, the World Health Organization warned that "malnutrition is on a dangerous trajectory in the Gaza Strip," with 74 malnutrition-related deaths so far in 2025, most occurring in July. According to WHO, "The crisis remains entirely preventable. Deliberate blocking and delay of large-scale food, health, and humanitarian aid has cost many lives." But just one week later, a UN agency reported that Palestinian mobs and terrorists are stealing 89% of aid shipments. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee added that "Hamas made half a billion dollars last year stealing food [and] selling it on the black market in order to finance their activities." On August 22, IPC, a partnership of 25 organizations including UN agencies, announced there is "reasonable evidence" of famine in Gaza since August 15. An Israeli response observed that "the declaration was issued not only without evidence that would justify it under the IPCs own criteria, but also in contradiction to more recent data that was publicly available." Though the IPC report cited the interception of aid, it justified that as the "desperation" of residents. Other studies (including the UNs) have not found widespread famine, a deliberate starvation strategy, or systematic attacks by Israel on civilians. Most deaths attributed to malnutrition are caused by severe pre-existing medical conditions. Hamas propaganda deceives with pictures that are staged, taken in other countries, or years ago, or of children with genetic defects. It also promotes fabricated claims of Israeli attacks on Gazans seeking aid, including the untrue tale of a Gazan boy allegedly killed by the IDF at an aid distribution site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Except for an approximately three-month blockade, Israel has facilitated aid. It warns civilians of pending attacks, set up hundreds of food distribution centers and aid packages, and supports airdrops of up to 130 tons of food per day. Last month, Israel announced additional actions, including lengthy combat pauses to coordinate aid delivery with the UN and other organizations. The UN charter guarantees the "inherent" right of defense. The UN Genocide Convention defines "genocide" as killing "with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group." If Israel wanted to destroy the Palestinian people it would have done so. Instead, the claimed dead, including Hamas human shields and those executed by Hamas, total under 1.1% of Palestines population, which continues to grow. According to West Points John Spencer, the leading expert on urban warfare, no military has ever done more than Israel to avoid civilian casualties. Israels increasingly precise targeting of combatants has achieved a lower civilian death rate than most wars over the last 100 years. Hamas charter states that Israel must be "obliterated" and that "Moslems must fight Jews and kill them." Hamas targeted civilians on Oct. 7, 2023, and in thousands of rocket attacks since then. If leftists and antisemites prevent Israel and Jews from fighting an aggressor who has pledged to destroy them, targets civilians, and takes and murders hostages, who is complicit in genocide? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kenin M. Spivak is founder and chairman of SMI Group LLC, an international consulting firm and investment bank. He is the author of fiction and non-fiction books and a frequent speaker and contributor to media, including RealClearPolitics, The American Mind, National Review, television, radio, and podcasts. US tech giant Apple must withdraw advertisements in Germany that claim its smartwatches are "carbon neutral" after a court ruled on Tuesday that the company's claims are misleading. The Frankfurt Regional Court accepted a cease-and-desist order from the Environmental Action Germany (DUH) campaign group, which described Apple's advertisements as "blatant greenwashing." The judgement is not yet legally binding as the company could still appeal, but it may not use the controversial statements until a decision has been made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court imposed a fine of 250,000 ($290,000) per case for violations. Since 2023, the company has advertised three of its Apple Watch models as "carbon neutral." The majority of emissions are reportedly avoided during manufacturing and transport, with a small remainder offset through nature-based compensation projects, according to the advertisements. Court expresses doubts In the initial hearing in June, the court indicated that it does not consider some of Apple's listed compensation projects to be sufficiently long-term. The company admitted that in a reforestation project in Paraguay, only 25% of the area is secured long-term, and some areas are only leased until 2029. The court, however, believes that consumers expect a timeframe until 2045 or 2050. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DUH doubts any positive climate effect from the plantings. According to DUH's federal managing director, Jurgen Resch, the eucalyptus plantation wood is harvested every 14 years and predominantly burned. The association believes that forest projects require a duration of several hundred years to genuinely bind carbon dioxide (CO2) released elsewhere in the long term. Apple stands by its claims Despite the criticism, Apple stands by its claims of the Apple Watch's carbon neutrality and defends them, the company said. "Our carbon-neutral products are the result of industry-leading innovations in clean energy and low-carbon designs that significantly reduce emissions," a spokesman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the same time, we are investing in carefully selected nature-based projects." He said that they have reduced the emissions of the Apple Watch by more than 75% and invested significantly in nature-based projects to remove hundreds of thousands of metric tons of carbon from the air. The DUH's lawsuits complicate the necessary climate measures, he said. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul believes that Russias actions cast doubt on Russian leader Vladimir Putins willingness to achieve a just peace in Ukraine. Source: Wadephul on Monday 25 August at a meeting with his Croatian counterpart Gordan Grlic Radman in Zagreb, as quoted by German international broadcaster and media outlet DW Details: Wadephul urged Putin to hold bilateral talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as soon as possible, warning Moscow of new sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wadephul declared that if Putin thought he could simply play for time, then he was mistaken. Wadephul also said that pressure on Russia must continue, which is why the European Union is preparing its 19th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation. He insisted that it is now up to Putin to prove he is genuinely ready to work towards achieving a just peace in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Wadephul noted that after everything they had witnessed, there were serious doubts about this, adding that Kyiv had already taken a step forward by agreeing to peace talks without any additional preconditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, he stressed that one thing was clear: no negotiations would be conducted behind the backs of Ukrainians, and that this was a shared European promise. Background: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently stated that diplomatic efforts to end Russias war in Ukraine are still facing significant obstacles. The majority of German citizens do not believe that their Chancellor can meaningfully influence the US president on issues related to the war in Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Germany's armed forces, the Bundeswehr, dismissed 90 soldiers for right-wing extremist behaviour last year and took action against six more, the defence ministry in Berlin said on Tuesday. A total of 280 extremist incidents were confirmed in the military's ranks last year, markedly more than in the previous year, which saw 205, the ministry said in response to a parliamentary inquiry from The Left party. A list of cases for both years showed that soldiers were let go for various transgressions of a far right-wing character. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These included displaying the Hitler salute, singing racist slogans or making anti-Semitic and "National Socialist statements," the ministry said, using an abbreviated reference to the former Nazi party. According to the response, 72 soldiers had to leave the military in 2023 in connection with such incidents. Left Party member of parliament Zada Salihovic called the increase alarming. The ministry in turn noted that when measured against the total number of employees in the Bundeswehr, these represented only a very small number of cases. However, every case of extremism is one too many and should not be tolerated, it stressed. The Bundeswehr currently has more than 260,000 personnel, including women and men in uniform as well as civilian staff. BRUSSELS, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) reaffirmed on Tuesday that regulating economic activities, including rules affecting major technology firms, is its sovereign right. "It is the sovereign right of the EU and its member states to regulate economic activities on our territory, which are consistent with our democratic values," European Commission chief spokesperson Paula Pinho told reporters. The remarks came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose "substantial additional tariffs" and export restrictions on countries that adopt digital taxes or regulations targeting U.S. tech giants. "Digital Taxes, Digital Services Legislation, and Digital Markets Regulations are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology...This must end, and end NOW!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday. However, Pinho added that the issue was not part of the EU's recent framework agreement with Washington, describing the two matters as "separate questions." The bloc's tech spokesman Thomas Regnier also dismissed the criticism, stressing that the EU's rules apply broadly and do not single out U.S. firms. German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan on Tuesday visited Arab-majority areas in the West Bank under threat from Israeli settlement and housing policies, as she made her inaugural trip to Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories. "It is important for us to see what is happening here," Alabali Radovan said after visiting a destroyed house in the village of al-Judaira in the occupied West Bank. Germany has "closed its eyes in recent years" to the construction of illegal Israeli settlements in the territory, said German lawmaker Adis Ahmetovic, who accompanied the minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local resident Mohammed Abdelhamid Eid, 51, showed the visitors the ruins of his house, which, according to UN staff, was demolished by the Israeli civil administration on August 4. He tried for four years to obtain a permit to build a house on his property without success before starting construction, continually asking for permission, but never receiving a reliable answer. The mechanic, his wife and their 10-year-old daughter Tulien have not yet digested the shock. "I only had 15 minutes to pack my things," said the child. "When my uncles came to help us, they pointed their guns at my uncles." Bediako Buahene from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) explained that the destruction of homes and community facilities in the Palestinian territories does not follow a clear pattern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is particularly gruelling for the local population, as they never know "who will be affected next." The atmosphere was tense as the delegation talked to members of Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa's Cabinet in Ramallah, with Israeli soldiers conducting a raid in the city centre that resulted in dozens of injuries. The Palestinian Authority is seen by German as in need of reform, but capable of playing an important role in administering Gaza after the end of the war between Israel and Hamas. The Palestinian minister for social development, Samah Hamad, invited partners from the Gaza Strip to join a video conference to inform the German delegation at first hand how desperate the situation is in the sealed-off coastal strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabali Radovan said the German government has ordered emergency accommodation for around 400 families, with the shelters due to be brought to the Gaza Strip as soon as the situation allows. "We want to help turn rubble into a home again," she explained, but the aid requires a permanent ceasefire. The Israeli government must stop fighting, Hamas must lay down its weapons and the hostages must be released unconditionally, she urged. Similar tale in East Jerusalem The minister earlier toured East Jerusalem's Silwan neighbourhood, whose Arab residents told her they rarely receive permits to renovate or expand their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since October 2023, 33 houses have been demolished by the city administration, according to local residents. Resident Fakhri Abu Diab showed her his family house which was destroyed in 2024. He had lived there with his family for decades. "The fact that Israel is not held accountable has led to the demolition of my house and the homes of other families," he said. He said his concerns extend beyond his family and neighbourhood to the fate of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. During her three-day trip, Alabali Radovan plans to meet representatives of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and speak with relatives of Israeli hostages who were abducted to the Gaza Strip during the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023. Construction and destruction Although Alabali Radovan had never visited Israel or the Palestinian territories before, her ministry has supported numerous development projects in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank over the past decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the facilities that Germany once financed in Gaza now lie in ruins. In the West Bank, the unstable situation and restricted mobility make it difficult to implement projects successfully. The previous German government launched an employment initiative in April 2024 designed to create about 25,000 jobs in the West Bank and East Jerusalem within three years and to help preserve existing employment. To date, only a few hundred jobs have been created, though 3,000 people are expected to find work by year's end, the ministry said. Alabali Radovan also condemned violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. The German government has consistently emphasized that settler violence is a violation of international law, Alabali Radovan said, noting that Germany continues to support the two-state solution. German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan on Tuesday visited Arab-majority areas in East Jerusalem under threat from Israeli settlement and housing policies, as she made her inaugural trip to Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories. The minister toured East Jerusalem's Silwan neighbourhood, whose Arab residents told her they rarely receive permits to renovate or expand their homes. Since October 2023, 33 houses have been demolished by the city administration, according to local residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resident Fakhri Abu Diab showed her his family house which was destroyed in 2024. He had lived there with his family for decades. "The fact that Israel is not held accountable has led to the demolition of my house and the homes of other families," he said. He said his concerns extend beyond his family and neighbourhood to the fate of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. During her three-day trip, Alabali Radovan plans to meet representatives of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and speak with relatives of Israeli hostages who were abducted to the Gaza Strip during the Islamist Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023. Construction and destruction Although Alabali Radovan had never visited Israel or the Palestinian territories before, her ministry has supported numerous development projects in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank over the past decades. Some of the facilities that Germany once financed in Gaza now lie in ruins. In the West Bank, the unstable situation and restricted mobility make it difficult to implement projects successfully. Reem Alabali-Radovan, Germany's Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, visits a youth center in the Silwan district of East Jerusalem, where girls perform music for her on traditional qanun instruments. Katharina Kausche/dpa Reem Alabali Radovan (R), German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, visits the Silwan neighborhood in East Jerusalem. Katharina Kausche/dpa Reem Alabali Radovan (R), German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, talks to local resident Fachri Abu Dijab in front of his destroyed house at the Silwan neighborhood. Katharina Kausche/dpa Reem Alabali Radovan (R), German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, visits the Silwan neighborhood and looks at a destroyed house during her trip. Katharina Kausche/dpa Advertisement Advertisement German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan on Tuesday visited Arab-majority areas in East Jerusalem under threat from Israeli settlement and housing policies, as she made her inaugural trip to Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territories. The minister toured East Jerusalem's Silwan neighbourhood, whose Arab residents told her they rarely receive permits to renovate or expand their homes. Since October 2023, 33 houses have been demolished by the city administration, according to local residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resident Fakhri Abu Diab showed her his family house which was destroyed in 2024. He had lived there with his family for decades. "The fact that Israel is not held accountable has led to the demolition of my house and the homes of other families," he said. He said his concerns extend beyond his family and neighbourhood to the fate of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. During her three-day trip, Alabali Radovan plans to meet representatives of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and speak with relatives of Israeli hostages who were abducted to the Gaza Strip during the Islamist Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023. Construction and destruction Although Alabali Radovan had never visited Israel or the Palestinian territories before, her ministry has supported numerous development projects in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank over the past decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the facilities that Germany once financed in Gaza now lie in ruins. In the West Bank, the unstable situation and restricted mobility make it difficult to implement projects successfully. The previous German government launched an employment initiative in April 2024 designed to create about 25,000 jobs in the West Bank and East Jerusalem within three years and to help preserve existing employment. To date, only a few hundred jobs have been created, though 3,000 people are expected to find work by year's end, the ministry said. Alabali Radovan also condemned violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians. The German government has consistently emphasized that settler violence is a violation of international law, Alabali Radovan said, noting that Germany continues to support the two-state solution. Reem Alabali Radovan (R), German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, visits the Silwan neighborhood in East Jerusalem. Katharina Kausche/dpa German prosecutors have charged a man who drove into a workers' rights demonstration in Munich in February, causing multiple deaths and injuries, officials said on Tuesday. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office in the city of Karlsruhe accuse the then 24-year-old Afghan man of two counts of murder and 44 counts of attempted murder, among other crimes. "The accused committed the crime out of excessive religious motivation," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He felt compelled to attack and kill randomly selected people in Germany in response to the suffering of Muslims in Islamic countries." On February 13, ten days before national elections, the man drove into demonstrators at a trade union event in the southern German city. A few days later, a 37-year-old woman and her 2-year-old daughter among the victims of the attack succumbed to their injuries. "Forty-four other people suffered injuries, some of them life-threatening or serious," the prosecutor's office said. There was suspicion that the crime was religiously motivated and was an attack on the free democratic basic order, the federal prosecutors said when taking over the case from the Munich Public Prosecutor's Office due to its significance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is therefore likely to undermine the internal security of the Federal Republic of Germany," they added. The Munich Higher Regional Court must decide whether to allow the indictment. In a further step, it would set dates for a trial. German prosecutors have charged a man who drove into a workers' rights demonstration in Munich in February, causing multiple deaths and injuries, officials said on Tuesday. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office in the city of Karlsruhe accuse the then 24-year-old Afghan man of two counts of murder and 44 counts of attempted murder, among other crimes. "The accused committed the crime out of excessive religious motivation," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He felt compelled to attack and kill randomly selected people in Germany in response to the suffering of Muslims in Islamic countries." On February 13, ten days before national elections, the man drove into demonstrators at a trade union event in the southern German city. A few days later, a 37-year-old woman and her 2-year-old daughter among the victims of the attack succumbed to their injuries. "Forty-four other people suffered injuries, some of them life-threatening or serious," the prosecutor's office said. There was suspicion that the crime was religiously motivated and was an attack on the free democratic basic order, the federal prosecutors said when taking over the case from the Munich Public Prosecutor's Office due to its significance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is therefore likely to undermine the internal security of the Federal Republic of Germany," they added. The Munich Higher Regional Court must decide whether to allow the indictment. In a further step, it would set dates for a trial. Gabriele Tilmann, the top prosecutor at the Central Office for Combating Extremism and Terrorism (ZET) of the Munich Public Prosecutor's Office, told journalists the day after the incident that after the attack, the man shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great) and prayed. During his interrogation, he "admitted to deliberately driving into the participants of the demonstration march," Tilmann said. The man remains in pre-trial detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no evidence at the time that he was involved in a subversive network. Investigators also found no evidence of any connection to, for example, the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS), or any attempt to radicalize him before the attack. Gabriele Tilmann, the top prosecutor at the Central Office for Combating Extremism and Terrorism (ZET) of the Munich Public Prosecutor's Office, told journalists the day after the incident that after the attack, the man shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great) and prayed. During his interrogation, he "admitted to deliberately driving into the participants of the demonstration march," Tilmann said. The man remains in pre-trial detention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no evidence at the time that he was involved in a subversive network. Investigators also found no evidence of any connection to, for example, the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS), or any attempt to radicalize him before the attack. (This story was updated to add new information.) The principal of a Germantown elementary school is on a leave of absence and will not return, according to a letter to parents from the school board's president. In an undated letter to MacArthur Elementary School parents, Germantown School Board President Russell Ewert said MacArthur Elementary principal Tony Gonzalez is on a leave of absence and will not return as the school's principal. The letter did not provide any reasons for Gonzalez's leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At this time, we cannot provide additional information regarding this personnel matter. However, we are confident that the interim replacement for the next few weeks, while we solidify a long-term principal, is in the best interest of MacArthur and the Germantown School District," Ewert said in the letter. Alejandra Ovalle-Krolick, who is currently the Germantown School District's curriculum, assessment and instructional services coordinator, will serve as MacArthur Elementary's interim principal. Ewert said Ovalle-Krolick has previous experience as an elementary principal and middle school assistant principal."The Germantown School District strives for transparency and maintains a commitment to timely communication. We appreciate your understanding as we work through these personnel transitions, and we will share updates regarding these matters as soon as possible," Ewert said in his letter. At the Germantown School Board's Aug. 19 meeting, Ewert said in a prepared statement that when the district's administration believes an administrator has engaged in misconduct or failed to meet performance expectations in a way that termination is warranted, the district's superintendent can recommend to the board that the administrator's employment contract be terminated. He said the board would consider the termination of one of the district's administrators Aug. 26, but did not say whether it was related to Gonzalez. Ewert said the board is ensuring the administrator's full due process through a pre-trial evidentiary hearing. There, the administrator has the right to legal representation, the right to call witnesses, present evidence or testimony on their own behalf and to cross-examine the district's witnesses. The school board will then deliberate to determine if the allegations against the administrator are sufficient and whether terminating the administrator's employment is appropriate, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To honor the due process being afforded to the administrator in this case, the district is limited to the information it can provide at this time, and it would not be appropriate to comment on this matter further until the board has made a final decision based on the evidentiary proceedings at the August 26 hearing," Ewert said at the meeting. Also at the meeting, parents, as well as a current MacArthur Elementary student and former MacArthur student, spoke in support of Gonzalez. Some parents also criticized the district for what they said was a lack of communication and transparency about the situation. Closed session hearing set for Aug. 26 A pre-termination hearing was originally scheduled to be held in open session before the Germantown School Board went into closed session for deliberations at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at Germantown High School's Performing Arts Center, W180 N11501 River Lane. However, the agenda was revised Aug. 25, and there is no longer a pre-termination hearing scheduled. Instead, there will be a closed session regarding "consideration of the Administrator's resignation," before the board returns to open session for possible action. The time and place of the meeting remain the same, according to the agenda. The agenda did not specify whether the hearing was related to Gonzalez. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District superintendent Chris Reuter did not respond to a reporter's questions about why Gonzalez is on leave. Ewert also did not respond to a reporter's phone or email messages seeking more information. MacArthur Elementary had an enrollment of 486 students in the 2024-25 school year, according to Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction data. Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Germantown elementary principal on leave of absence Germany and Belgium are sceptical about seizing Russian central bank assets that are currently frozen in the European Union. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever agreed on the issue during a meeting in Berlin. "It's not that simple from a legal point of view," said De Wever. Merz also warned of negative effects on the capital market. Other countries could then also withdraw their state funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the European Commission, around 210 billion ($245 billion) from the Russian central bank has been frozen in the EU due to the invasion of Ukraine. The interest income is now being used to finance weapons and ammunition for Ukraine. Proposals to use the money directly through an expropriation order, however, are controversial. De Wever argued in favour of retaining the current approach and using the interest from the frozen central bank funds. "It's like a goose that lays golden eggs," he explained. "We should keep this goose." Only when a peace treaty is negotiated between Russia and Ukraine "can the goose be put on the table." German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil pledged continued support for Ukraine during an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Aug. 25, underscoring Berlins commitment to military and financial assistance as Russias full-scale invasion grinds on. "As long as this war continues, we will stand by Ukraine's side," Klingbeil said, standing alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to Deutsche Welle. He confirmed that Germany plans to allocate 9 billion euros (roughly $10.5 billion) in aid to Kyiv across 2025 and 2026. Klingbeil emphasized that Germany will not duck its responsibility in supporting Ukraine, and reiterated that Berlin remains Kyivs second-largest backer globally and its largest within Europe. Ukraine can continue to rely on Germany, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Germany has provided Ukraine with aid worth just under 44 billion euros ($51 billion). During the visit, Klingbeil stressed the importance of a capable and modern Ukrainian military as a foundation for lasting peace: "It is important to have a really strong Ukrainian army that is also capable of defense. And the second thing is that armaments production is also being ramped up here in Ukraine as well, thereby putting Ukraine in a position to defend itself and deter (aggressors)." Klingbeil also visited memorial sites with Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko to honor soldiers who have died in Russias war against Ukraine. Germany continues to work with international partners on long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Klingbeil said those commitments should ensure that "Ukraine is no longer attacked and that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin no longer dares to attack Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called for security arrangements that would not only guarantee peace in Ukraine but also reinforce European stability. "It is about Ukrainian, but also European security," Klingbeil said. "We need reliable security guarantees that ensure lasting peace for Ukraine." Klingbeil made clear that Putin should have "no illusions" about weakening Western resolve. Klingbeils comments followed the recent Alaska summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which did not result in a ceasefire agreement. Over the weekend, U.S. Vice President JD Vance claimed that negotiations had progressed and that Moscow was prepared to make "substantial concessions." In Kyiv, Klingbeil urged Putin to show genuine interest in peace and criticized Ukraines exclusion from the Alaska talks. He called for a ceasefire and stressed that any future negotiations must fully involve the Ukrainian side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Analysis: Why JD Vance is very wrong about Russian concessions in Ukraine peace talks Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Riham Alkousaa BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany is set to lift its months-long ban on the entry of vulnerable Afghan nationals it had pledged to admit, a foreign ministry official said on Tuesday, after mounting legal pressure at home and a deportation push by Pakistan. Around 2,000 Afghans approved for relocation to Germany under a programme for those deemed at risk under Taliban rule have been stranded in neighbouring Pakistan for months, after Berlin froze the scheme amid a pledge to curb migration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In Pakistan, individuals are at different stages of the departure process. The various verification procedures are currently resuming," the official said. "Personnel from the competent authorities are on the ground in Pakistan to continue the admission procedures." The decision comes following several lawsuits by groups and dozens of affected Afghans challenging the freeze. The interior ministry, which had put the programme on hold in the first place and was blocking its resumption, said Afghan nationals who were promised admission under earlier programs were undergoing individual case reviews. "Afghans for whom the Federal Republic of Germany has been legally obliged by binding court decisions to issue visas and allow entry will gradually be admitted to Germany," a ministry official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only Afghans with binding admission approvals will be allowed in after security checks, the official said, noting that numbers were unclear and exit permits from Pakistan would still be required. Matthias Lehnert, a lawyer representing Afghans who had challenged the suspension, told Reuters he had informed the affected families of the news and that they were "overjoyed". "These are all proceedings that were enforced through the courts. In that sense, the federal government is doing the absolute minimum," Lehnert added. URGENCY The sense of urgency has increased as Pakistan moves to expel Afghan refugees ahead of a September 1 deadline, including those in Germany's relocation programme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lehnert, who won four cases against the government, said the courts had ruled in principle that people could rely on Berlin's admission commitments and were at serious risk of deportation to Afghanistan if not flown to Germany. "That's why it's really scandalous that the government isn't acting in all the other cases and continues to drag things out." Families with court rulings will be flying out of Pakistan soon but the details have not yet been disclosed, said Eva Beyer, media and advocacy officer for aid organisation Kabul Luftbruecke (Kabul Air Bridge). "Some of them have been waiting for many, many months, some even for years, to be able to leave (Pakistan)," she told Reuters, adding that the Afghans would be flown to Germany on regular commercial airlines, not charter flights. (Reporting by Riham AlkousaaEditing by Miranda Murray and Gareth Jones) Germany's chancellor defended Israeli strike on Khan Yunis hospital, supporting assertions that the IDF was not intentionally targeting innocents. German ChancellorFriedrich Merz said on Tuesday that he did not believe at this time that an Israeli attack on a hospital in Gaza that killed at least 20 people was targeting journalists. "But the Israeli army and the Israeli government have both promised to launch a comprehensive investigation into this incident," said Merz at a press conference in Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And I would like to wait for the results of this investigation before making a final judgment," he added. Israel struck Nasser hospital in the south of the Gaza Strip on Monday, killing at least 20 people, including five journalists who worked for Reuters, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and others. Palestinians live among the ruins of homes destroyed during an Israeli military operation in the city of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, July 21, 2025. (credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90) Who were the journalists killed? Cameraman Hussam al-Masri, one of the journalists killed in the strikes, was a contractor for Reuters. Photographer Hatem Khaled, also a Reuters contractor, was wounded. The officials in Gaza named the three other journalists as Mariam Abu Dagga, who the Associated Press said freelanced for the AP and other outlets since the start of the Gaza conflict; Mohammed Salama, who Qatar-based Al Jazeera said worked for the broadcaster; and Moaz Abu Taha. A rescue worker was also among those killed, the health officials added. WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- More than 180 current and former employees of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a public letter on Monday warning that recent U.S. policy changes and leadership decisions are weakening the agency's ability to respond to disasters, raising the risks of catastrophes similar to Hurricane Katrina. The letter, titled "Katrina Declaration and Petition to Congress," was prompted in response to the Trump administration's "dismantling cuts" and "devastating attacks" on FEMA programs and missions. "Since January 2025, FEMA has been under the leadership of individuals lacking legal qualifications, Senate approval, and the demonstrated background required of a FEMA Administrator," said the letter. It said recent decisions made by senior U.S. officials "erode" the capacity of FEMA, hinder the swift execution of FEMA's mission, and dismiss experienced staff whose institutional knowledge and relationships are vital to ensure effective emergency management. "Our shared commitment to our country, our oaths of office, and our mission of helping people before, during, and after disasters compel us to warn Congress and the American people of the cascading effects of decisions made by the current administration," the letter said. The letter voiced oppositions to the reduction in FEMA's capability to perform its missions, the ongoing failure to appoint a qualified FEMA administrator, the elimination of life- and cost-saving risk reduction programs, interference with preparedness programs that build capacity for FEMA's state, local, tribal and territorial partners, censorship of climate science and environmental protection efforts, and the reduction in FEMA's disaster workforce. About one-third of FEMA's full-time staff have left the agency, according to the letter. The employees requested the U.S. Congress to establish FEMA as a cabinet-level independent agency in the executive branch, protect FEMA employees from politically motivated firings, ensure protection under merit-based personnel systems, and demand transparency on employment policies and future agency reductions. A total of 181 people signed the letter, which was addressed to members of the FEMA Review Council and also sent to multiple Congressional committees, including 146 anonymous signatories who "choose not to identify themselves due to the culture of fear and suppression cultivated by this administration," according to the letter. The letter was released on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which claimed more than 1,800 lives, left millions homeless, and caused damage of about 161 billion U.S. dollars. German defence giant Thyssenkrupp is competing for a major submarine order from Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is due to visit the Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) site in Kiel on Tuesday after meetings with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin. Carney said TKMS is one of two companies on the shortlist for Canada's upcoming purchase of submarines. He is set to visit the rival supplier in South Korea in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TKMS says it is the world market leader for non-nuclear-powered submarines. Germany and Norway have already jointly ordered 10 submarines of the 212CD class with the company, and Ottawa is mulling joining the initiative. Merz said that a standardization of systems would be "a very strong signal" for joint security in the North Atlantic. Two years before itscontroversial videotaped capture of a giant manta ray last month, a Florida company seized two more of the rare creatures for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, one of which died in captivity, according to new records obtained by the Orlando Sentinel. The documents shed more light on the video that went viral last month and sparked debate over whether Florida should allow the apprehending of the threatened species from its waters, a practice permitted by no other state. State wildlife officials confirmed in July the Florida Keys-based aquarium supplier Dynasty Marine Associates had a special license to capture the manta for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, located about 7,800 miles away from its Florida home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video showed a crew pulling the creature from the sea off Panama City Beach and lowering it into a pool on their boat deck. Florida allowed capture of threatened giant manta ray for overseas aquarium The company captured two additional manta rays for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in 2023, but one had to be euthanized after its health declined in a holding tank in the Florida Keys, the newly released records from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission show. The manta ray died at a Dynasty Marine facility before it could be shipped overseas, according to an email sent to state wildlife officials by Frank Young, Dynastys chief operating officer. The other manta ray was successfully sent to the marine park, along with 12 smaller lesser devil rays, Youngs email said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The manta ray that was euthanized was an immature, moribund male, and it wasnt immediately clear why its health declined, according to an Oct. 4, 2023, report from Stephen Kajiura, a marine biologist at Florida Atlantic University. Overall, the animal appeared to be in good health, and there was no obvious reason for its demise, he wrote. I was not able to directly observe the animal prior to my arrival, but was told that it was swimming and feeding normally for several weeks and then experienced a dramatic decline in a short period of time. 11-foot shark found dead in Florida waters. Clue was in its mouth, experts say SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the theme parks parent company and Dynasty Marine have not responded to requests for comment from the Orlando Sentinel, so the fate of the manta ray captured in July is unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other overseas aquariums also have sought to capture a manta ray in Florida waters in the past five years, the records show. State wildlife officials have granted licenses to the Nausicaa Centre National de la Mer in France, Chongqing Andover Ocean Park in China and another facility in the United Arab Emirates, The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi. So far, none of those aquariums have obtained manta rays under the licenses issued over the past five years, wildlife officials said. The Georgia Aquarium, the only U.S. aquarium to showcase the manta ray, received a license, too, but a spokesman said it has no plans to acquire another manta ray. Its permit was revised this month to remove the manta ray from the list of species the aquarium was seeking. Opened in May 2023, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi bills itself as the worlds largest indoor marine life theme park. On its website, it promises that it is committed to providing the highest standard of animal welfare and is dedicated to marine research, conservation and education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nicknamed the angel of the sea, the giant manta ray is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. It has a wingspan up to 26 feet and can grow to 5,300 pounds, about as much as a car. Just a handful of aquariums in the world display them, and Florida is the only U.S. state that allows their harvest, according to a 2024 federal report. The special license allows for the capture of marine life for educational, exhibition and research purposes with the objective of increasing the publics knowledge and awareness of Floridas marine resources. But Jessica Pate, founder of the Florida Manta Project, said she thinks manta rays should be left in the wild, given their intelligence and migratory patterns. Manta rays can travel hundreds of miles during seasonal migrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While I think aquariums can be a great way to educate the public, I dont support taking highly mobile, endangered species from the wild, she said. Newly hatched sea turtles slaughtered on Florida beach The Georgia Aquarium keeps three manta rays in a massive 6.3 million-gallon habitat, including two that were acquired ethically and humanely from Florida about 15 years ago, said Chris Coco, the aquariums vice president of aquatic sustainability. The third was an injured, rescued, and rehabilitated manta ray that came to the aquarium in 2010 from South Africa, he said in a statement. Keeping the manta rays allows research to be conducted that will boost conservation efforts, he added. Scientists, for example, designed and tested multiple types of satellite tags, allowing them to be refined before being deployed in the ocean. These manta rays not only serve as ocean ambassadors, providing exceptional public education benefits, but crucially, they also directly contribute to innovative conservation research that is helping protect manta rays in Florida waters, Coco said. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A global nonprofit honored fallen Dona Ana County Sheriffs Office Deputy Antonio Aleman by sending thoughtful gifts to his family and deputies who served closely with him, according to a news release. Dog-tag necklaces Point 27 director, US Army (Ret.) Col. Dodd Pendant necklaces Fallen Dona Ana County Deputy Antonio Aleman Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As KTSM previously reported, Aleman died in the line of duty on July 8 after his patrol vehicle collided with the back of a semi-truck on Interstate 10 in Las Cruces. UPDATE: Dona Ana County Sheriffs Office deputy dies in crash To honor Aleman, Point 27 sent gifts of thin blue line shields of strength dog-tag necklaces inscribed with Matthew 5:9, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God to the Dona Ana County Sheriffs Office for Alemans partner and the deputies who served closely with him; and keepsake folded flag pendant necklaces inscribed with John 15:13, Greater love has no one than this: to lay down ones life for ones friends for his family. The face of the thin blue line shields of strength shows an engraved silver American flag face designed with one flag stripe of metallic blue. The design and scripture were chosen by law enforcement officers, according to Point 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want law enforcement officers and their families to know we value them and their sacrifices, that God loves them, and that they are never alone, Point 27 director, US Army (Ret.) Col. Dodd, said. Dodd commanded a battalion of the first troops deployed to Afghanistan following 911. He wore a Shield of Strength inscribed with Joshua 1:9 next to his government-issued dog tags; and equipped each of the soldiers in his command with a Shield of Strength before they deployed, read the news release. Dodd, who served 27 years and four deployments in the military, founded Point 27 in 2014 after his retirement to share the scripture-inscribed dog tags that encouraged him and his troops with members of the military and veterans, according to the news release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Air Force Global Strike Command on Monday resumed using its Sig Sauer M18 pistols after a command-wide inspection of the firearms, with additional inspection processes. Global Strike temporarily halted the use of the M18 and ordered their inspection after an airman, Brayden Lovan, was fatally shot with one of the pistols on July 20 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. Another airman was arrested earlier this month in connection with the death and charged with making a false official statement, obstruction of justice and involuntary manslaughter. The command announced in a Sunday statement that the weapons were deemed safe and reliable, and planned for the resumption of their use by security forces airmen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is paramount that our airmen trust their weapon systems, Global Strike commander Gen. Thomas Bussiere said in the statement. This thorough inspection ensures the M18s in our inventory are in optimal working order, providing our defenders with safe, reliable and effective systems to accomplish their mission. During the inspection of Global Strikes entire inventory of 7,970 M18 pistols, 191 were found to have discrepancies such as component wear, often on their safety levers, striker assemblies or sears. Those weapons are now being repaired. Global Strike also studied data on the weapons and their use, and found no discharges that could be attributed to malfunctions of the M18. The command has also put stronger inspection procedures in place for the M18, including additional criteria for the areas of the pistol where potential problems were found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By incorporating these added measures, we assess that any issues found with the safety lever, striker assembly and sear will be identified during semi-annual and annual inspections, Lt. Col. George Hern, Global Strikes chief of security forces, said in the statement. As we execute M18 inspections in the future, we will be taking a particular interest in these components to ensure these methods address the issues we found and make adjustments as needed. Security forces squadron commanders, senior enlisted leaders and combat arms training and maintenance personnel are also planning to meet with airmen to discuss the findings on the M18 and explain the additional inspection procedures. The leaders will also emphasize the importance of muzzle discipline and review reporting procedures for weapons that may have problems, the command said. The M18 is a derivative of Sig Sauers P320, also used in the Army. Some have alleged the P320 pistol is prone to accidental firings without the trigger being pulled, though Sig Sauer strongly denies those allegations.

STORY: :: Brisbane, Australia

:: December 12, 2025

:: Australia says it will stand firm against a legal bid by Reddit to overturn the country's social media ban

:: Mark Butler, Australian Health Minister

Let's be clear, that should come as no surprise. Across our history, when our governments have taken strong action to protect citizens against highly addictive, highly damaging products, they have usually been challenged in the courts by the companies that profit most from them. But the idea that this is some action by Reddit to protect the political freedoms of young people is a complete crock.

Its action we saw time and time again by Big Tobacco against tobacco control, and we are seeing it now by some social media or Big Tech giants taking it against these world-leading social media reforms that are going to do so much to improve the social skills, the learning skills and, importantly, the mental health of young Australians.

The San Francisco-based firm, which ranks Australia among its biggest markets, said in a High Court filing that the ban should be declared invalid because it interfered with free political communication implied by the country's constitution - setting the stage for a protracted legal battle.

The lawsuit, two days into the rollout of the world-first nationwide ban on people under 16 accessing social media, is the second such challenge after two teenagers representing an Australian libertarian group filed suit last month.

California Republicans have launched new legal action to block Governor Gavin Newsoms redistricting ballot measure from appearing in the November election. On Monday, GOP state senator Tony Strickland and other Republican leaders filed an emergency petition with the California Supreme Court seeking to stop Proposition 50 from going before voters. Proposition 50 proposes pausing the states independent Citizens Redistricting Commission through 2030 and instead implementing a new congressional map. Critics argue the map would shift five traditionally Republican districts into Democratic-leaning districts, effectively giving Democrats an advantage in picking up U.S. House seats statewide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Strickland described the effort as a fight to try to preserve democracy in California, and vowed to challenge the plan in court. He and other Republicans claim Newsoms measure violates the state constitution, noting that the plan was rushed through the legislature in less than a week, rather than following the constitutionally required 30-day public review period. They also argue that Democratic politicians and consultants were improperly involved in drawing the map, even though the constitution currently limits that power to the independent redistricting commission. Mike Columbo, a partner at the Dhillon Law Group, emphasized that the legislature and other officials are exercising powers they do not have, calling the process already them exercising a power they do not have. This latest legal effort comes after the state Supreme Court declined to hear a previous emergency petition last week. The courts chief justice said the petitioners had failed to meet their burden of establishing a basis for relief at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of Proposition 50 have pushed back on the new petition. A spokesperson for the Yes on 50 campaign accused Republicans of trying to protect President Donald Trumps influence, saying, Trumps toadies already got destroyed once in court. Now, they are trying again to protect Trumps power grab and prevent the voters from having their say on Prop 50. They will lose. President Donald Trump also weighed in, hinting at his own legal action against Newsoms plan. Speaking from the Oval Office, he said, I think Im gonna be filing a lawsuit. Pretty soon. And I think were going to be very successful in it. As for the next steps, the California Supreme Court could decide as soon as this week whether it will take up the Republicans emergency petition, potentially determining whether Proposition 50 remains on the November 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 KTLA. Aug. 25SANTA FE With the future of three federal immigration detention centers in New Mexico possibly hanging in the balance, several Republican legislators said Monday they were impressed by the conditions they saw while touring one of the facilities. Several of the nine legislators who took part in the tour of the Otero County Processing Center described the facility as humane, saying it featured video games, a library and a sound-proof room for detained migrants to hold virtual meetings with immigration attorneys. "I don't think anyone can disagree the facilities were very clean," said Sen. Crystal Brantley, R-Elephant Butte, who helped arrange the tour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was happy to see it was not as much of a prison environment as I expected," she added. She also said legislators were allowed to visit with some of the roughly 1,000 people at the processing center, though she acknowledged translation issues made communication difficult. During his tour of the Otero County facility last month, U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., said he was not allowed to meet any of the detainees. Vasquez also said at the time of his visit the facility was bursting at the seams, but GOP legislators said Monday that description was at odds with their observations. Rep. Andrea Reeb, R-Clovis, said there were some empty beds in the Otero County facility, while describing it as "safe, clean and well maintained." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was pretty impressed with the way they tried to be humane and care for these people," Reeb told the Journal. The tour comes as lawmakers are preparing for a possible special session in which legislation banning New Mexico local governments from entering into contracts with federal agencies to detain immigrants for civil violations could be among the items on the agenda. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has not yet set a date for the special session, but her chief legal counsel told a legislative panel last month she was considering adding such a bill to the special session mix. The governor did not attend Monday's tour, citing scheduling conflicts. Of the nine legislators who took part in Monday's tour, eight were Republicans. The lone Democrat was Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe, who was among the lead sponsors of legislation during this year's 60-day session that would have forced the three immigrant detention facilities in the state to close down. That bill passed the House, but ultimately stalled in a Senate committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the tour, Romero said during a Monday afternoon committee hearing she felt compelled to attend the tour but did not specifically discuss her observations. Another Democrat, Rep. Christine Chandler of Los Alamos said she thought it was "disrespectful" for Republicans to schedule the tour on the first day of the three-day Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee hearing in Las Cruces. "It was a date that clearly interfered with (the committee hearing)," Chandler said. The committee is scheduled to hear presentations about the immigration detention facilities from several county officials Tuesday. The governor's top attorney, Holly Agajanian, is also scheduled to testify. New Mexico currently has three private detention centers in Torrance, Cibola and Otero counties that operate via intergovernmental service agreements between local counties and the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Jillian Schranz, a Hoosier living in Indiana's 1st Congressional District, protests against a redistricting proposal at the Indiana Statehouse on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) A small, but growing, number of Hoosier Republicans have voiced their support for a mid-cycle redistricting effort. And up to 80 GOP lawmakers could be heading to the White House today, Aug. 26, for a meeting with officials and cabinet secretaries to discuss the effort, along with other topics. On Monday, Rep. Andrew Ireland, a Republican from Indianapolis, posted on X that he, fully support(s) Congressional redistricting in Indiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats havent won the support of everyday Hoosier voters for more than a decade, and they have no business representing us in Washington he continued. I fully support Congressional redistricting in Indiana. Democrats havent won the support of everyday Hoosier voters for more than a decade, and they have no business representing us in Washington Andrew Ireland (@AndrewIrelandIN) August 25, 2025 Democrats havent won a statewide office since 2012, though vote counts for statewide races are typically 40-60 in favor of Republicans. Voting rights advocates, some of whom have already vowed to challenge any new maps, emphasize that any process should be transparent and respect current laws and regulations. We shouldnt discount that these civil rights protections and voting rights protections still exist, still bind state legislatures and map makers to respect the rights of Black voters and voters of color, warned attorney Ami Gandhi. And we wont accept any type of unjust redistricting just because of the current political fight in our state and in our country when these tools do still, in fact, exist for the benefit of voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans havent yet publicly announced whether they would try to redistrict Indiana to net two more GOP seats in Congress, though theyve considered the subject behind closed doors and outside polls are attempting to measure Hoosier support. Doing so would require Gov. Mike Braun, who hasnt made his preference public, to call a special session. Gandhi is the director of the Midwest voting rights program for the Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights. She, and other advocates, have expressed concerns that redistricting in 2025 could dilute the voting power of communities of color. Responding to questions from the Indiana Capital Chronicle, Gandhi shared a high-level perspective on what to consider when it came to racial gerrymandering and potential violations of the Voting Rights Act. Racial gerrymandering is a constitutional violation, with the motivation to prevent a racial minority group or community of color from electing the candidates of their choice, Gandhi summarized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another legal tactic to challenge maps would be a claim under section two of the Voting Rights Act, a monumental, 60-year-old law that transformed voting nationwide. This method would partly rely on a mathematical analysis to determine if the voting power of communities of color was diluted under a new map. The two broad categories of race-based redistricting considerations can have overlapping criteria, but offer distinct advantages should voting rights advocates feel inclined to pursue such a challenge. The Voting Rights Act In the decades since the Voting Rights Act became law, some states have been directed to create majority-Black districts to protect the voice of minority voters. But one Louisiana case before the U.S. Supreme Court could upend that precedent. Black Louisianans make up one-third of the state, which has two majority-Black districts out of six total House seats, as detailed by Politico. A previous map had just one majority-black seat and is the subject of the case before the nations highest court now. The decision to rehear the case after 80 minutes of arguments in the spring has some academics worried about the future of the Voting Rights Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last several years, undoubtedly, voting rights have been eroded by (U.S.) Supreme Court decisions and the jurisprudence of the federal courts more generally that has been quite discouraging for voters, especially communities of color and civil rights advocates like myself, Gandhi said. Ami Gandhi, Director of the Midwest Voting Rights Program Chicago Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Future rulings could further limit these voting rights protections, she said, potentially triggering the need for a new law or state-level action. The Brennan Center for Justice, an organization focused on voting rights, proposes a modernized version of the Voting Rights Act named after civil rights activist John R. Lewis. It would retain federal approval of state actions in areas with a history of voting discrimination something the Supreme Court ended over a decade ago but also allow these jurisdictions to bail out with a certain filing, rather than a lawsuit. The above act is a potential answer for the centers vision for voting rights protections. Following a 2013 case that struck the federal approval, the (Supreme) Court has also made it harder to win suits challenging discrimination in voting. The result: new restrictive state voting laws are passing at a record pace and participation by voters of color is declining. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to actions in Texas to redistrict, Brennan Center analysts have pushed for Congress to take action on gerrymandering, saying it leads to less choice, less representation for voters, and less accountability for politicians. It also produces more polarization, as party voters rather than general election voters have the loudest say. And voters of color all too often suffer the most as their communities are cynically sliced and diced to engineer partisan advantage. But Gandhi emphasized that voting rights advocates will continue to use the tools at their disposal. We definitely havent given up. And we still do utilize civil rights and voting rights protections to advocate for our communities, Gandhi said. Public input and data Should new maps be drafted, Gandhi called on map makers to release any numbers used to inform their lines. A very hasty attempt to redistrict outside of the traditional timeline can cause several different issues, she said, especially if it isnt data driven and doesnt have robust public participation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The public deserves more information and data about the populations at issue. And if, hypothetically, the state were making an argument that Black voters and voters of color in Indiana are not entitled to protections in redistricting, then they should show their cards and share specific demographic data to justify any such assertion, Gandhi said. Additionally, any information about voting patterns or other pertinent analysis should also be made publicly available, she added. If they got to the point where they were asserting that there doesnt need to be a particular type of district then they shouldnt be scared in the least of sharing the data on demographics and on voting patterns that would lead them to such a conclusion, Gandhi said. Demographically speaking, the 7th Congressional District is the only district in the state where less than half of the area, or 47%, is white, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Black Hoosiers, the second-largest racial group behind white Hoosiers, made up less than one-third of the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 1st district, 63% of residents identified as white in a 2023 survey compared to the 17% who identified as Black. The share of minority voters in the other seven districts which are all held by Republicans ranges from 23% to 12%. In comparison, Louisianas 2nd Congressional District contains portions of New Orleans and Baton Rouge and is nearly 50% Black. As a whole, the state grew by roughly 2% between 2020 and 2024, or 137,688 people. But following the inauguration of President Donald Trump, over 1 million immigrants have left the country causing the countrys foreign-born population to decline for the first time since the 1960s, according to Pew Research Center. Should Republicans opt to pursue redistricting, Gandhi cautioned that data shouldnt be the only consideration and public input should also be incorporated into any final maps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Numbers alone never tell the full story when it comes to voting rights of people of color and voting power, Gandhi said. theres also no substitute for line drawers hearing from voters who are looking to elect candidates of their choice. She added that such public input should come at the formative stages of map drawing, with shared drafts and opportunities for review or feedback with changes meaningfully incorporated before final passage. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The UCLA and UC San Francisco medical schools have been given two weeks to submit years of internal documents to a Republican-led congressional committee about alleged antisemitism and how the schools responded, widening the federal government's far-reaching investigations into the University of California. The demands from House Education and Workforce Committee Chair Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) cited reports of Jewish people "experiencing hostility and fear" at each campus and that universities had not proved that they "meaningfully responded." Walberg's letters said the committee would be investigating whether the schools violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: UC marks red lines as it moves to negotiate with Trump administration over $1-billion fine The additional investigation comes as top UC officials and the Justice Department have begun negotiations over allegations that the UCLA campus overall has been hostile to Jewish students, staff and faculty. The federal government has suspended more than $500 million in health, medical and energy research grants from UCLA and is seeking $1 billion and major campus changes before restoring the funds. The Trump administration cited alleged Title VI violations when pulling the money. The House committee said Monday it wanted "all documents and communications" since Sept. 1, 2021, tied to complaints of antisemitic incidents at UCLA and UC San Francisco. A similar letter was also sent to the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some UCLA medical school faculty are members of a broader campus organization, the Jewish Faculty Resilience Group, that has aired complaints publicly for months at UC regents meetings about antisemitism. The group's chair, medical school assistant clinical professor of psychiatry Kira Stein, is mentioned in the Monday letter to UCLA as a faculty member who has reported anti-Jewish incidents. "Federal lawmakers, in their letter released today, echoed what many of us have experienced firsthand: Antisemitism at UCLA is common, corrosive, and continues to be met with silence and inaction from the university administration and local leaders," Stein said in a statement Monday. The committee has asked for communications with UCLA's medical school dean, administrators who work on diversity or restorative justice-related programs, and several other positions as well as data on specific events and courses, including one on "structural racism and health equity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also asked for emails from administrators "referring or relating to antisemitism or the terms Jewish, Israel, Israeli, Palestine, or Palestinian." And it requested information about a January report focused on the medical school that a UCLA task force on anti-Palestinian, anti-Muslim and anti-Arab racism prepared. That 35-page report said "students, residents and faculty in the David Geffen School of Medicine who express support for Palestinian human rights, and who offer any criticism of Israels violation of them, face harassment from within and outside the medical school." The House committee has asked for "all documents and communications since October 7, 2023 in the possession of the office of the executive vice chancellor" UCLA Provost Darnell Hunt related to that task force. Members of the task force have accused UCLA of not taking complaints of bias incidents against Muslims, Arab Americans and Palestinian Americans as seriously as it has reports of antisemitism. Walberg said that, in addition to Title VI enforcement, he would use the documents to "aid the committee in considering whether potential legislative changes, including legislation to specifically address antisemitic discrimination, are needed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UCLA medical school is also under a Department of Health and Human Services investigation over accusations that it "discriminates on the basis of race, color, or national origin in its admissions." UCLA denied the charges and the department has not formally announced the results of its investigation that began in late March. But when it canceled hundreds of millions in grants to UCLA last month, the Trump administration said the action was due in part to its belief that the university illegally uses race in admissions. Read more: UCLA students and faculty raise alarm on antisemitic and anti-Palestinian hate amid ongoing protests In a Monday statement, a spokesperson for the UCLA medical school said it opposed antisemitism. "Antisemitism has no place at UCLAs medical school. Protecting the civil rights of our Jewish community members remains a top priority," the statement said. "We are committed to fair processes in all our educational programs and activities, consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination laws and continue to take specific steps to foster an environment free of antisemitism and other forms of discrimination and harassment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for UC San Francisco did not respond to a request for comment. Tense disagreements have erupted at the UCLA medical school between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian students, faculty and staff since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and Israel's ensuing war in Gaza. Each has accused the other of discrimination, doxxing and harassment. Incidents at the school have been cited by two UCLA task forces, one that looked at antisemitism and anti-Israeli bias and the other that researched anti-Palestinian, anti-Muslim and anti-Arab racism. 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. COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) Gov. Kay Ivey announced a grant for sewer upgrades in Colbert County. The $500,000 grant will improve sewer infrastructure and create jobs in Colbert County. The City of Sheffield received the grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), a federal-state partnership program. According to state officials, the grant will be used to provide sewer improvements on the former Tennessee Valley Authority reservation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The improvements are needed to upgrade services in the area where several businesses have located or plan to locate. The reservation will house the corporate headquarters of Bank Independent, which plans to add 100 new jobs. Also, the Colbert County EMA and the Colbert County Justice Center are located on the property as well as the headquarters of the International Fertilizer Development Center. Bringing new life and new development to the former TVA site is a win for Sheffield and the surrounding area, Gov. Ivey said. I am pleased to announce this project which will benefit Sheffield, Colbert County and the Shoals as a whole. The project will involve replacing a sewer pump station that is more than 50 years old and adding new sewer lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the ARC program in Alabama. The Appalachian Regional Commission has been a valued partner in the Alabama ARC region since its creation by Congress in the 1960s, ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. This project will benefit both private and public entities by providing services and jobs in the Shoals region. Thirty-seven Alabama counties, including Colbert County, are part of the ARC region and are eligible for funds. Gov. Ivey notified Sheffield Mayor Steve Stanley that the grant had been approved. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing "additional specific actions" to "further crack down on crime" in Washington, D.C., while signaling nationwide deployment of the National Guard. The order directs the secretary of defense to create a "specialized D.C. National Guard unit" trained to ensure public safety and order in the nation's capital, when its activation becomes necessary, and "ensure state National Guards are similarly trained and ready to assist in quelling civil disturbances nationwide." Further, the secretary of defense will ensure the availability of a National Guard quick reaction force for "rapid nationwide deployment" when circumstances warrant, according to the order. The order also instructs the National Park Service to "hire additional United States Park Police officers" to support public safety in Washington, D.C., and directs the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia to "hire additional prosecutors" to focus on violent and property crimes. CNN called the order "the clearest sign yet he intends to expand the U.S. military's role in domestic law enforcement activities across the country." The report, meanwhile, noted that these forces primarily perform their mission under the command and control of governors, and the executive order does not specify what authority the units outside of Washington, D.C. would report to if a state's governor does not wish to use them. The order was signed just a few days after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered National Guard members patrolling the streets of Washington to begin carrying their service weapons. Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday that Chicago could be the next city the federal government targets in its crime crackdown, following several days of action in Washington, D.C. He later mentioned New York, along with Chicago, as cities he'd like the National Guard to help tackle crime. On Sunday, Trump threatened to expand military deployment to Baltimore in a clash with Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who criticized the deployment of National Guard in Washington, D.C., and invited Trump to visit his state and discuss public safety. On Aug. 11, when Trump announced at a White House press conference that he is deploying the National Guard to assist in restoring law and order and public safety in D.C., he also cited Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore and Oakland as troubled cities -- all Democratic-led cities. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) Governor Josh Stein has lifted the Hurricane Erin State of Emergency as the storm has moved away from North Carolina. The State Emergency Response Team is commended for their work in preparing for the storm, keeping people safe, and reopening roadways. The state will continue to support local needs as crews clean up and assess the full scope of damage caused by Hurricane Erin. Governor Josh Stein released the following statement on lifting the Hurricane Erin State of Emergency: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane Erin has moved away from North Carolina and remained offshore throughout the weekend, so a State of Emergency is no longer necessary. I am grateful to our State Emergency Response Team for all the work to prepare for the storm, keep people safe, and reopen roadways. We will continue to support local needs as crews clean up and assess the full scope of damage Hurricane Erin caused. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALBANY, New York Gov. Kathy Hochuls war on shoplifting is starting to show results just as President Donald Trump is using the weight of the federal government to crack down on urban crime in blue states. Hochul today will announce her efforts to combat retail theft bolstered penalties and more money for cops and prosecutors have paid dividends. Retail theft dropped 12 percent in New York City between January and August compared to the same period a year ago. Shoplifting incidents declined by 5 percent elsewhere in the state over those months, her office said. Democrats across the country last year pushed to address shoplifting, a tangible concern for voters anytime they tried to purchase locked-away toiletries or watched viral social media videos of swarming thieves robbing luxury retailers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retail theft spiked nationally following the onset of the pandemic, and incidents in New York are still above pre-Covid levels. But as Republicans continue to tie Democrats to crime and voters consistently raise concerns over public safety, Hochul has stressed the statistics show her efforts to fight crime are working. "Protecting business owners and retail workers is crucial to maintaining safety and security in New York. Since enacting protections to crack down on retail theft, weve seen a significant reduction in crime, Hochul said in a statement. And while its clear our investments are making an impact, the work is not done yet. Addressing crime has become a political imperative for the New York governor, who has struggled with middling poll numbers. Public safety concerns were wielded against Hochul in 2022, when she ran for her first full term. Republicans focused almost exclusively on crime in their campaigns, and GOP gubernatorial nominee Lee Zeldin came within 6 points of winning an unusually tight margin in a deep blue state. Alleviating voter concerns over crime next year will be an imperative for New York Democrats, as the party is also fighting to retain several first-term House members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor in recent days has touted a drop in shootings and a record-safe month on the citys mass transit system. A decrease in crime comes at a politically crucial moment for Hochul, who runs for reelection next year. Trump on Monday signed an executive order meant to eliminate so-called cashless bail laws around the country a move that goes to the heart of a package of left-leaning criminal justice measures signed into law six years ago by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Hochul has pressed to limit the scope of the bail law to include more criminal offenses and give judges more discretion. That has not stopped her Republican foes from pressing the issue. Rep. Elise Stefanik, who is mulling a run for governor next year, cheered Trumps executive order. For too long, New Yorkers have suffered violent crimes and even lost their lives due to Kathy Hochul and single party Democrat rules dangerous anti-police, pro-criminal policies, Stefanik said. New Yorkers want law and order and tough on crime policies to bring safety back to our great state." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president, meanwhile, has not ruled out deploying the National Guard to Chicago and New York City amid a federalized interagency push to address street crime in Washington. We go in, we will solve Chicago within one week, maybe less, Trump said Monday. But within one week well have no crime in Chicago, like no crime in D.C. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WKBN) Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed legislation that will limit Sunday hunting in state parks and allow full access in state forests. The phased approach for the 2025-2026 season aims to prioritize safety and allows staff to adjust operations for a smooth rollout. Hunting in state parks will be limited to three dates: Nov. 16, 23, and 30. State forests will allow hunting on all Sundays approved by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC). The PGC-approved dates for 2025 are Sept. 14, 21, and 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, and 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, and Dec. 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunting has always been a cornerstone of Pennsylvanias outdoor heritage, and it remains one of our most important tools for managing healthy forests and wildlife, said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. With the expansion of Sunday hunting, we have a responsibility to roll out these opportunities in a way that reflects the many ways Pennsylvanians use our public lands. By 2026-2027, DCNR hopes to expand Sunday hunting to most state parks that currently allow hunting, with decisions being made on a park-by-park basis. Hunters are encouraged to follow all regulations and use extreme caution. Park visitors are encouraged to stick to established hiking trails, avoid hiking during dawn and dusk, and wear fluorescent orange that can easily be seen by hunters. More information about hunting in Pennsylvania can be found on DCNRs website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. AUSTIN (KXAN) In a Monday press release, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that he wants the state legislature to tackle more topics during the ongoing special session. Texas House Republicans vote against retroactive punishments for quorum breakers The brief release said that his latest goals would improve public safety and the security of Texas elections. Specifically, Abbott called for: Legislation banning same-day voter registration Legislation to allow contracts with sheriffs and constables for the provision of law enforcement services and legislation relating to the appropriation or transfer of funds to or from a law enforcement agency Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The additions set a new record for Abbotts special sessions. In addition to three other topics added to the session last week by Abbott, the Legislature has 24 topics up for consideration, according to the Legislative Reference Library. In 2017, Abbott called a session with 21 topics. The largest special session of this millennium was former Gov. Rick Perrys first called session of 2003 with 30 topics. But former Gov. William Pettus Hobby still holds the record with 253 topics in a 1919 special session. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. After sending the National Guard to DC, Donald Trump announced that he's thinking about sending them to Chicago next. Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images Trump said people were "screaming" for them to come to Chicago, explaining, "They're wearing red hats just like this one... African American ladies, beautiful ladies, are saying, 'Please, President Trump, come to Chicago. Please.'" Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images Related: JD Vances Old Epstein Tweets Are Coming Back To Haunt Him In A Big Way The Governor of Illinois, JB Pritzker, wasn't enthused! Patrick Mcdermott / Getty Images Pritzker responded, "If you hurt my people, nothing will stop me not time or political circumstance from making sure you face justice under our constitutional rule of law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump clearly has a grudge against Pritzker because he went after him in the Oval Office, "I hate to barge in on a city and then be treated horribly by corrupt politicians and bad politicians like a guy like Pritzker. He ought to spend more time in the gym, actually." Trump on Pritzker: "He ought to spend more time in the gym." pic.twitter.com/Yt6pJWFm4f Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 25, 2025 atrupar/Twitter: @atrupar Related: Trump Appeared Completely Stumped When Asked About Deportation Plans, And His Answer Has Everyone Sighing Loudly Welllll, Pritzker responded to the "He ought to spend more time in the gym" part, and now that's going viral. Scott Olson / Getty Images "From my perspective, it takes one to know one on the weight question. And the president, of course, himself is not in good shape. So he ought to respond to that from me," he said. "I would say also that his personal attacks on me are just evidence of a guy still living in fifth grade. He's the kind of bully that throws invectives at people because he knows that what he's saying is actually commentary on himself." BREAKING: JB Pritzker just perfectly responded to Donald Trumps comments regarding his weight. This is how you fight back. pic.twitter.com/ww8U53i2Fn Democratic Wins Media (@DemocraticWins) August 25, 2025 DemocraticWins/Twitter: @DemocraticWins Related: Hillary Clinton Just Hit On One Of Donald Trump's Biggest Insecurities With Three Words People in the replies are agreeing with the governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Trump is a schoolyard bully! Small, petty, and not too bright," one person said. Another person commented, "My governor is so, so good at going for the jugular with class." Related: "Can A Trump Supporter Explain": 49 Brutal, Brutal, Brutal Political Tweets Of The Month And we have this person comparing him to Gavin Newsom: "This guy is the real deal. Two Dem leaders (Newsom also) will be living in Trump's head rent free, and I'm here for it!" 2028 is going to be interesting! Cbs Photo Archive / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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: Trump Can't Stop Talking About Pete Buttigieg, And Pete Responded With One Simple Tweet Also in In the News: MAGA Is (Loudly) Regretting Their Votes After Witnessing ICE Raids Across The Nation, And It's Reallyyyy Not Looking Good For Trump Read it on BuzzFeed.com Aug. 25GRAND FORKS The Grand Forks Public School District raised school meal prices by 20 cents for the coming school year. School Board members heard from District Business Manager Brandon Baumbach and District Child Nutrition Director Wendy Mankie and approved the increase a the regularly scheduled board meeting on Aug. 25. Baumbach said the increase is to ensure the district maintains a fund balance as nutrition costs increase. "We have a healthy fund balance," Baumbach said. "... We just want to make an incremental increase to make sure we stay ahead of food price increases." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the course of a year, the increase will cost each student an additional $17.40. Baumbach said the funding for school meal programs is separate from the district's general fund because the district participates in the USDA National School Lunch Program. While it is not required for the district to raise prices for the 2025-2026 school year, since it had a positive fund balance ending the 2024 year, Baumbach said the increase ensures the district maintains that balance. The district has not adjusted school meal prices since the 2017-2018 school year, yet food prices in the district have increased over $425,000 since the 2021-2022 school year. For the coming year, the USDA reported that food prices will increase an additional 3%. "It's been fantastic. We've been able to keep (costs) right where they are at," Baumbach said. "But we do want to maintain our fund's health and keep that up." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baumbach said Grand Forks has the lowest school meal costs in the state. Board members were presented with the district's school meal prices compared with nearby districts and the Grand Forks' prices were below the average in every category except for adult lunch and extra milk costs. "I've been in enough school districts where the food program ... has just been the demise of the board and we've had to use dollars from the general fund to support it," board member Sherry Houdek said. "We're doing so well from what I've witnessed in other programs. ... I applaud (Mankie)." Elementary breakfast, elementary lunch, secondary breakfast, secondary lunch, and adult breakfast will all be increased by 20 cents each. Adult lunch and extra milk costs will stay the same. These price raises will not affect students who are eligible for free or reduced-priced meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other news, the board: * Approved the General Fund Financial Statement for the Grand Forks School District for the period of July 1-31. The total general fund revenues were $8 million and total general fund expenditures were $2.8 million, which resulted in $5.2 million in revenue over expenses for the first month of the fiscal year 2025-2026. * Heard updates on federal title programs grant funding with total funding for the Grand Forks Public School District being $3.8 million for the 2025-2026 school year. * Reviewed the policy committee's School Board member compensation policy ($5,000 for general board members, $6,000 for president and vice president) and compared it with other School Board compensation policies in nearby districts. The School Board member compensation policy will be reviewed again and voted on at the school board meeting on Monday, Sept. 11, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Approved the resignation of fourth-grade teacher Lindsey Hanson at Winship Elementary School effective Aug. 8, 2025. * Approved the resignation of special education teacher Justin Lill at Valley Middle School effective Aug. 7, 2025. JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) A woman was arrested by Washington County, Tennessee sheriffs deputies on three counts of assault against first responders. According to a news release from the Washington County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to a domestic disturbance around midnight Aug. 23 on Hales Chapel Road. While speaking with the complainants, Helton allegedly came out of the residence and began confronting one of the complainants. When a deputy told Helton to return to the home, she struck a deputy with a closed fist in the temple, according to the sheriffs office. Deputies tried to restrain Helton, who reportedly resisted by kicking, scratching, and grabbing them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All deputies reportedly sustained injuries while taking Helton into custody. Helton is being held in the Washington County Detention Center on a $5,000 bond. She will appear in court on 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Greece is ready to discuss participation in future security guarantees for Ukraine, but rules out the possibility of deploying a military contingent. Source: Greek newspaper Kathimerini, as reported by European Pravda Details: Diplomatic sources told Kathimerini that Greece sees potential involvement in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine as a politically contentious issue that could undermine the readiness of the Hellenic Armed Forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Athens also prefers to refrain from commenting on the willingness of Turkiye its longtime geopolitical rival to send troops to Ukraine, citing the fact that discussions are at a very early stage. "We do not know whether peacekeeping forces will be sent, in what format they will be present, or who will take part," Kathimerinis source said. "However, one thing is certain. Some countries are more willing than others to send their troops if such a decision is made." Greek authorities are waiting for more clarity on the structure of future security guarantees for Ukraine, particularly whether they would involve other forms of military assistance, Kathimerini said. Background: European officials are also discussing a plan to send British and French military personnel to Ukraine as part of a peace agreement. Around 10 countries are prepared to provide troops. Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty recently expressed confidence in Canadas ability to send troops to Ukraine after the war if needed. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Rob Sand is a gun-toting Christian from rural Iowa who goes deer hunting, drives a white Ford F-150 pickup, and opens speeches by quoting the Bible. He is also a rising Democratic star whose run for governor is spooking Republicans in the ruby red state. The father of two, 43, is the only Democrat to currently hold statewide office in Iowa and could hold the recipe for winning over voters in pro-Trump states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Sand kicks off his campaign events by asking attendees to sing verses of America the Beautiful and he is not afraid of espousing opinions that Democrats have tied themselves in knots over. For example, he does not believe people born male should compete in womens sports. Rob Sand is the only Democrat to currently hold statewide office in Iowa - Jerry Mennenga/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Mr Sand launched his bid for the governors mansion in May, describing himself as a governor for all. His campaign material mimics this by eschewing partisan Democrat blue branding in favour of green and orange. Promotional T-shirts sold online read truer, better, in black, with bluer, redder crossed out and Mr Sand describes himself as a public servant, not a politician. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In between campaigning, Mr Sand finds time to post reviews of hefty sandwiches and brisket sliders. His similarities to some Republican politicians has unsettled a number of GOP voters within the state. The truer better shirts on sale on Mr Sands website - Rob Sand Bob Vander Plaats, an Iowa Christian conservative leader, said Mr Sand was a very real opponent, adding: Churchgoer, gun-toter, state auditor, taxpayers watchdog. Sounds a little bit like us, right? Iowa has voted for Mr Trump in the past three elections, with the US president beating Kamala Harris by 13 per cent in 2024, meaning Mr Sand is by no means in for an easy ride. He is running to replace Kim Reynolds, the incumbent Republican governor, who has held office since 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state has not had a Democratic governor since 2011, but the Cook Political Report, a non-partisan political analysis group, shifted the Iowa contest rating from solid Republican to lean Republican in response to Mr Sands bid. It said he was easily the strongest contender his party could have recruited. Mr Sand holding one of his guns Born to a doctor and a physical therapist for disabled children, Mr Sand grew up in Decorah, Iowa, before studying political science at Brown University. Despite his rural-American image, he did some fashion modelling at university and appeared in runway shows in Paris and Milan. He also did not touch his first drink until he was 22, and abstained for more than a decade to support a friend with alcoholism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Sand claims he chose the University of Iowa over Harvard Law for his law degree and his wifes brothers call him Baby Jesus owing to his devout opinions. He registered as a Democrat in 2004 because of his Lutheran faith, saying the party does a better job of looking out for those that are on the bottom rungs of society. Mr Sand worked as an assistant Iowa attorney general and Iowas chief public corruption prosecutor where he took on scammers and violent criminals. He was elected as state auditor in 2018 and ensured he appointed a Republican, a Democrat, and an independent to serve on his leadership team in the auditors office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His campaigns have largely been funded by his wealthy relatives. Last year he raised $8.4m (6.2m), trouncing incumbent governor Ms Reynoldss $1.8m (1.3m). But according to filings $7m (5.2m) came from his family, his report shows, including $3m (2.2m) from his wife, Christine Sand. Mr Sand with his wife Christine Sand and his children His in-laws Nixon and Nancy Lauridsen donated $4m (3m). Mrs Sand is the chief executive of the family firm The Lauridsen Group, which manages several human and animal health and nutrition companies. Mr Sand was the only successful Democrat in 2022 in statewide elections. He refused to back a Democratic candidate in the 2020 primary, saying his endorsement would hardly move the dial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also does not appear to have endorsed Kamala Harris or Joe Biden during the 2024 campaign. Mr Sand has said he does not believe Iowa is a deeply red state, but that residents dislike career politicians. When we went for Barack Obama twice and then Donald Trump three times, its not because Iowa changed, it is because those two guys were the same: They were people who said Im going to do things differently, Mr Sand told the Wall Street Journal. While he may not appear the typical Democrat in some respects, Mr Sand supports abortion rights and civil rights for transgender people. Explaining why he is a Democrat, he said: Jesus is for the little guy. Jesus is for the outcast. And the Democratic Party is for the little guy. 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. Anchorage Digital, valued at $3 billion from its December 2021 Series D funding round, is stepping into venture investing, looking specifically at early-stage onchain protocols. Applications are already open, with a review planned for September, and approved candidates are expected to present a demo at Token2049, Singapore, happening on the first two days of October 2025. According to the official announcement, Anchorage Digital Ventures aims to give protocol teams more than just money. It is intended to be a true partnership, including hands-on help with product development, engineering, and go-to-market plans. Furthermore, teams can also get assistance with picking market makers and building liquidity strategies. If the protocols integrate with Anchorage later, they gain access to its institutional clients right away. Nathan McCauley, co-founder and CEO of Anchorage Digital, shared notable excitement on X regarding the launch of his new venture arm, mentioning the previous experience with Anchorage. Based on McCauleys post, this new endeavor is the first institutional edge for protocol founders building the onchain future. Anchorage Digital, a $3 Billion Crypto Unicorn The firm, founded in 2017 and backed by investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Goldman Sachs, holds a federal bank charter through Anchorage Digital Bank N.A. It provides services such as custody, trading, and staking to institutions. In December 2021, the crypto unicorn was valued at $3 billion, raising $350 million from 16 investors in a Series D funding round, according to recent data from CryptoRank. The startup raised $80 million, $40 million, and $17 million in previous rounds, for a total of $487 million raised. Interestingly, the current $3 billion valuation marks a 516% growth for the company. This recent venture push follows similar efforts by firms like Coinbase and Circle, which have set up arms to invest in ecosystem growth. Teams working on foundational tech or solving institutional hurdles in crypto are encouraged to apply via the Anchorage website. A select demo day will happen during Token2049 in Singapore, with ongoing announcements starting in October 2025. Anchorage Ventures is favoring projects building on Bitcoin DeFi (BTC Fi, or BitFi), real-world assets (RWAs), and decentralized identity. For more on crypto funding trends, see our coverage of crypto VC funding monthly growth in March 2025, despite a yearly accumulated loss of 35%. As reported, February 2025 saw crypto VC funding surge to $951 million with 98 deals, focusing heavily on stablecoin projects and payment solutions. Read original story $3 Billion-Anchorage Digital Launches Venture Arm to Back Early Onchain Protocols by Vini Barbosa at Coinspeaker.com (Reuters) -Hamas denied on Tuesday that any of the Palestinians killed in Israel's attack on Gaza's Nasser hospital on Monday were militants. Earlier, Israel said it had killed six militants in the attack but it was investigating how civilians, including five journalists, were killed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as a "tragic mishap." The Hamas government media office said in a statement that one of the six Palestinians who Israel alleged were militants was killed in al-Mawasi some distance from the hospital, and another was killed elsewhere at a different time. The Hamas statement did not clarify whether the two who were killed elsewhere were also civilians. (Reporting by Howard Goller; Editing by Leslie Adler) From left to right: New Hampshire Magistrates Jaye Duncan, Stephanie Johnson, and Frank Weeks being sworn into office, Dec. 2, 2024. (Courtesy | New Hampshire Judicial Branch) Two of New Hampshires three magistrates are no longer in their positions, the state Judicial Branch said Tuesday, though it is not clear why they left. In a statement, Judicial Branch spokesman Av Harris said that neither Stephanie Johnson nor Jaye Duncan are employees of the Judicial Branch. He declined to comment on when they left their positions and why, adding: We do not discuss personnel matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson had been the subject of numerous calls to resign by Republican politicians in recent months, after her decision on April 27 to allow Michael Gleason, Jr. to be released on $5,000 cash bail after being charged with felonious sexual assault, kidnapping and theft against his wife, Marisol Fuentes-Huaracha. Six weeks later, Gleason fatally shot Fuentes-Huaracha outside the Berlin restaurant where she worked and then fatally shot himself. Johnson was not the only court official to allow Gleason to be released. The day after Johnsons bail order, Circuit Court Judge Janet Jay Subers agreed that Gleason did not meet the clear and convincing standard of dangerousness required for bail to be denied, after being presented the same evidence. An internal Judicial Branch review published Monday criticized both Johnsons and Subers decisions to allow bail in that case, pointing to a number of factors that suggested Gleason was dangerous at the time. But Republican politicians, who included Gov. Kelly Ayotte, have focused their criticism on Johnson in particular. Johnson was one of three magistrates created by a compromise bail law in 2024 that sought, in part, to make the bail system more efficient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents of the fledgling magistrate system said it would allow people accused of dangerous crimes to have their bail set by a trained attorney during after-hours times when they could not be seen by a sitting judge, improving due process. The system required a judge to hold an arraignment and decide whether to continue the magistrates bail decision. After the 2024 law passed, some Republicans said the magistrate system was unnecessary and that it would lead to people being released on bail who should be held in preventive detention. Ayotte criticized it while campaigning for governor. The system officially launched in January with a trio of magistrates selected by the Judicial Branch. That included Johnson, a private attorney who previously served as assistant county attorney in Rockingham; Duncan, another former assistant county attorney who also worked as a public defender; and Frank Weeks, a former police captain with the University of New Hampshire Police Department in Durham. In February, Johnson attracted criticism from opponents of the new magistrate system after she released Kyle Bisson on bail after police accused him of stabbing another man in Manchester. Bisson has said the stabbing was in self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 27, Ayotte signed a law intended to tighten the bail system and undo the bail reform law in 2018. That law also required the end of the magistrate system in September. Weeks is the only magistrate still serving, Harris said in the statement. The magistrate system will end Sept. 20, at which point Weeks will stop hearing cases. The departure of Johnson and Duncan comes as advocates for domestic violence victims say the court needs to do much more to address systemic gaps, especially in the wake of the Fuentes-Huaracha murder. Mondays report contained a number of recommendations, including new laws to ensure firearms are removed from people subject to protective orders, trainings for judges on bail considerations in domestic violence cases, and better information sharing between court systems to help spot dangerous behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the release of that report, Ayotte again called for Johnsons resignation. She did not answer questions about the reports other recommendations. Reacting to the report, Lyn Schollett, executive director of the Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence said the court system needed broad improvements. The defendant in this case was ordered four times to relinquish his firearms and still had access to a gun that he used to kill Marisol, Schollett said in a statement Tuesday. This is unacceptable and New Hampshire has a responsibility to do better. Internal reviews of domestic violence cases should be conducted routinely, not just when there has been a tragic outcome resulting in death or injury. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A new state law set to take effect next month marks the end of New Hampshire's flirtation with offshore wind at least for now. The measure, signed into law by Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte, shortens the name of the Office of Offshore Wind Industry Development and Energy Innovation to simply the Office of Energy Innovation. As the name change suggests, the legislation also removes the offices mandate to support offshore wind development, and dissolves two efforts to create workforce training programs and develop ports serving the offshore wind industry. Its definitely discouraging, practically and symbolically, when it comes to our region moving toward offshore wind as a meaningful part of the energy mix, said Mireille Bejjani, co-executive director of New England-based environmental advocacy group Slingshot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move comes as President Donald Trump attempts to stop the emerging offshore wind industry in its tracks. On his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order pausing all permitting and lease sales for new projects, and in the months that followed his administration has attempted to halt the construction of fully permitted offshore wind developments, including, most recently, the nearly complete Revolution Wind project off Rhode Island. Other governors in New England, a region that has been counting on offshore wind for climate action and grid reliability, have been resolute in pushing projects forward. In fact, every coastal New England state aside from New Hampshire is party to a lawsuit seeking to overturn Trumps offshore wind executive order. The law marks a shift from the stance taken by previous governor, Republican Chris Sununu, who was in office from 2017 to 2025. Swing state New Hampshire has long been a libertarian-leaning outlier in deeply Democratic New England. On climate and energy issues, New Hampshire has generally been less aggressive than neighboring states: It doesnt have legally mandated greenhouse gas reduction targets, has pulled back on energy-efficiency goals and programming, and recently all but drained its renewable energy fund to pay for other state needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a time, however, the state seemed on the verge of embracing offshore wind. In 2019, Sununu asked the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to convene a task force to facilitate regional cooperation and discussion about the potential for wind development in the Gulf of Maine. The next year, the state created a commission to study offshore wind and port development, and in 2021 the Office of Offshore Wind Industry Development and Energy Innovation was formed and funded. In 2022, the state released an in-depth report that found offshore wind could accelerate the reduction of carbon emissions and create good-paying jobs. Offshore wind has the potential to realize many positive economic, energy, and environmental impacts for New Hampshire and our neighboring states, Sununu wrote in the introduction to the report. This years legislative session, however, saw a flurry of bills aimed at keeping the New Hampshire government out of the business of offshore wind. One proposal even sought to ban its development outright. The recently signed law is less aggressive, pulling away from offshore wind without prohibiting it. To soften the blow further, the state Senate, led by Democratic state Sen. David Watters, amended the legislation to make it clear that the energy innovation office would still have the authority to do work related to offshore wind if interest is revived in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill as it finally passed still kept a toehold in state government for being able to respond to or prepare for future offshore wind development, Watters said. During the legislative process, however, it was clear that many interested parties saw the bill as a referendum on offshore wind in general, not merely the structure of government offices and committees. Public comments during a House hearing on the bill in February dwelled heavily on the perceived dangers of offshore wind, including potential threats to wildlife, possible hikes in electricity prices, and concerns about the intermittent nature of wind power. The movement against offshore wind, observers said, is driven by a mix of national conservative hostility toward renewable energy and New Hampshires unique character. The state Senate is reasonably open to renewables, Watters said. However, the 400-member House the largest state legislative body in the country, by a wide margin is far more averse, he said. Furthermore, the state has always been fiscally conservative, priding itself on its lack of sales and personal income taxes. It was always unlikely to offer tax incentives, like neighboring states, or take the risk of getting locked into a power purchase agreement at prices that could exceed market rates, said Sam Evans-Brown, executive director of Clean Energy New Hampshire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Hampshire was never going to be the state that drove the offshore wind industry, he said. Still, some clean energy advocates are concerned that the offshore wind law is a troublesome step backwards when the state needs to be charging ahead on renewables. There is widespread agreement that New England needs more power supply to help control soaring electricity prices and maintain grid reliability. At the same time, observers said, restraints on natural gas supplies make more gas-fired power generation unlikely, and building new nuclear facilities would be contentious; either option would take years to begin sending electrons into the grid. Now, the Trump administration continues to throw up as many roadblocks as possible to offshore wind, potentially scuttling what may be the regions best and speediest chance to build large-scale energy generation. It makes no sense to let ideological objections to renewable energy get in the way of considering all available resources, said Nick Krakoff, senior attorney for the Conservation Law Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They'll say they are for all-of-the-above energy, but dont even want to consider offshore wind, he said. Theyre not really looking at the full picture. For others, the new law is a reasonable response to political realities in New Hampshire. If the state was never going to be a major supporter of offshore wind, it makes sense to focus the Office of Energy Innovation on measures that might actually have a fighting chance, Evans-Brown said, pointing to microgrids, battery developments, demand-flexibility programs, and electrification as promising options that would help the state make the most of the power production it has. Advocates and policymakers across the board, however, are holding on to hope that while the state explores other courses of action, the development of offshore wind is merely delayed. I do think [it] is likely to come back, Watters said. But I am a very pragmatic legislator: Were just going to have to have a pause on offshore wind. COLFAX COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) The New Mexico Environment Department issued a warning Monday about a harmful algae bloom in Eagle Nest Lake near Angel Fire. High flash flooding risk, muggy, & gusty NMED and the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department are urging visitors to the lake to take the following precautions: Do not drink untreated surface water. Avoid swimming in algae blooms and keep pets out of the water. Supervise children and pets, as they are more likely to ingest water. If you suspect an algae-related illness, call the New Mexico Poison Information Center at (800) 222-1222. For illness in animals, call (888) 426-4435. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harmful algae blooms occur when certain algae overgrow in water, posing a potential health risk to people and animals. They can appear blue, bright green, brown, or red and resemble scum on the waters surface, NMED said. The algae responsible for this bloom is Aphanizomenon, which tends to look like grass clippings floating in the water. NMED and State Parks are actively monitoring conditions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Republican lawmakers continue to face skeptical crowds at their town halls, with Donald Trumps signature legislation emerging as a popular flashpoint. At a Monday night meeting in Bolivar, Missouri, Rep. Mark Alford encountered pointed criticism from constituents who accused him of putting Trumps agenda over local needs. One voter, Fred Higginbotham, told Alford he was pissed at both him and the president, calling Trump a dictator who knows nothing about what he talks about. You need to take your head out of Trumps a** and start doing your representation of us, Higginbotham said, to cheers. Constituent: I am pissed, and I am pissed at you. The man is a dictator. He knows nothing about what he talks about. You need to take your head out of Trumps ass. pic.twitter.com/B5m3Sx6qve Acyn (@Acyn) August 26, 2025 You know nothing about what a working-class citizen does, he added. Come down here and start trying to pay your medical insurance. Come down here and walk into Costco to try to feed your family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the loudest pushback came when Alford tried to defend Trumps Big Beautiful Bill. Calling by the jargony name of HR1, Alford argued that the measure benefited working-class families and that cuts to SNAP were necessary. The audience responded with groans and laughter. Analyses have found that the law disproportionately benefits high-income households and will result in millions of people losing their health insurance. Another constituent asked Alford whether he had challenged Trumps depiction of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the aggressor in the war between Russia and Ukraine. I dont have a close personal relationship with President Trump where I can go into the Oval Office and say, Look, President, I hope you know that Vladimir Putin is the aggressor in this, he said. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Amid growing backlash, the Republican Party apparatus has urged its members to refrain from holding in-person town halls with constituents. The town halls that are held have become the scene of contentious and viral exchanges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb., was accused of supporting a fascist machine at a town hall earlier this month. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., was ruthlessly heckled at his first town hall in nearly a decade. The post Take your head out of Trumps a**: Constituents plead with Alford at town hall appeared first on Salon.com. Healey, Wu respond to Trumps threat to send National Guard troops to other cities Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu criticized President Donald Trumps deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., after he threatened to target other cities with a military presence. Some National Guard units patrolling the nations capital have started carrying firearms at the direction of Trump, who has indicated that other Democratic-led cities, including Baltimore, Chicago, and New York, might be potential next cities for troop deployment. Armed members of the South Carolina National Guard are positioned outside of Union Station in Washington, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.) While Trump has made no mention of Boston seeing troops in the future, the deployment in D.C. comes amid ongoing disputes between Massachusetts and the White House over issues such as immigration and federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Healey and Wu on Monday expressed concern about the implications of federal actions for cities like Boston, particularly regarding the deployment of armed National Guard troops. If Donald Trump really cared about public safety, he wouldnt be cutting funding for local law enforcement, which hes done, Healey said. He wouldnt be cutting funding for community policing, which hes done. Wu added, Our city represents everything that showcases why theyre wrong. Theyre wrong on the law, theyre wrong on safety. Trump has openly talked about his desire to expand his use of military forces to target local crime, calling Chicago a mess and saying residents there are screaming for us to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago and Boston recently landed on the Justice Departments published list of 35 sanctuary jurisdictions," and the Trump administration has threatened to cut off federal funding over sanctuary policies. Wu has defended Bostons sanctuary policies, asserting they do not hinder immigration enforcement. We will not back away from our community that has made us the safest major city in the country and a leading example of why cities around the country make this country safer, healthier, and more prosperous for all Americans, Wu said last week. U.S. District Judge William Orrick recently extended a preliminary injunction that prevents the federal government from withholding funds from sanctuary jurisdictions. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW FAIRMONT Republican budget cuts will take away an in-person option for people who need help signing up for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act in September. The grant-funded WV Navigator program provides free health care insurance enrollment assistance to people who are uninsured. The program sent an email to clients on Monday announcing that substantial budget cuts would reduce health enrollment assistance services. As a result, the program is closing four of its five offices around the state, including one in Fairmont. "We're going to see the uninsurance rate go from one of the best, lowest uninsured rates in history back to what it was like 15 years ago, 18-20% uninsured rates," Ellen Allen, executive director of West Virginians for Affordable Health Care, said. "That's just really incomprehensible to me. Instead of claiming one of the best achievements in health care by endorsing ACA and Medicaid expansion, where we got more West Virginians covered than at any time in our history, we're undoing that. It's unconscionable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The WV Navigator program did not return a phone call by press time. The program receives funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In February, CMS announced a 90% reduction in funding for the ACA Navigator program, which is the West Virginia entity's parent organization. In its email, the WV Navigator program said since 2015, the program has helped more than 10,000 state residents connect to high quality health coverage. West Virginia received over $1 million for WV Navigator in 2024. "Over the years, our team has walked alongside families through major life events welcoming new babies, navigating job transitions and ensuring care during unexpected health needs," the program said in its email. The program said although its closing its offices in Fairmont, Beckley, Martinsburg and Huntington, the program is not going way. The Charleston office will continue to assist people across the state by phone and through scheduled appointments. However, the email indicates the program will have overall fewer staff to assist residents with health care enrollment due to the loss of staff and locations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen said the WV Navigator program is a lifeline for many West Virginians who don't have access to health care through their employers. Enrolling in health coverage can be a complex process because it differs based on an individual's ZIP code and income. What makes the Navigator program so useful is that the program is well positioned geographically throughout the state and navigators, workers who specialize in knowing the ins and outs of the health marketplace, can help residents who are otherwise not well versed in health care find policies that meet the needs of the individual. The individual who forwarded WV Navigator's email to the Times West Virginian said they paid $1,800 out of pocket in health coverage per month. With the help of the Navigators, they received a $1,500 a month credit. The individual asked for their name to be withheld. Mariah Plante, a child health advocate and storyteller with West Virginians for Affordable Health Care, said she went an entire year without health coverage after she turned 26 and was kicked off of her parent's insurance. That time period coincided with the COVID pandemic. She said the portal was overwhelming and clunky, and it was hard to tell which plan was going to provide the right type of coverage. The Navigator program is what finally helped her get back on health coverage, due to the help provided by a real person. Moreover, since the program isn't paid for by an insurance company, Plante received unbiased advice for which plan made the most sense for her budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think a lot of people without this assistance are either going to make choices that are uninformed and ultimately more expensive for them," Plante said. "Their plans are going to cost more money than they need to, or they're not going to have the services that they need covered, or they're simply going to get fed up by the overwhelming nature of the process and the trouble they have with the portal and they're not going to sign up for health insurance." Allen said the reduction of navigation assistance dovetails with the changes made to Medicaid under President Donald Trump's Big Beautiful Bill. She said the process to sign up for Medicaid will require more data and income verification than has been required in the past. If it's not done correctly the first time, citizens who rely on Medicaid won't even get a chance to redo it. This isn't the first time the Navigator program has faced reduction under President Trump. The president also drastically reduced the program's funding by 84% in his first term. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services justified the funding reduction as a way to pursue efficiency. CMS said in a press release that the Navigators enrolled 92,000 consumers while receiving $98 million in funding in 2024 making up 0.6% of plan selections through the exchanges. In 2019, Navigators also enrolled the same percentage at a cost of $10 million. The Trump administration argued defunding the program will save $360 million over the next four years and lower premiums for consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Kaye Pestaina, writing for the Kaiser Family Foundation, pointed out the quality of the service the Navigator program provides to consumers year round is the key measure of their value, not simply the number of individuals they enroll in an ACA plan. Navigators not only help people enroll in Medicaid who are determined not eligible for Marketplace coverage, but also assist with assembling documents needed for ACA income verification for subsidies. Pestaina also wrote the funding cuts do not reference the 292,000 people who Navigators help enroll in Medicaid or the millions of individuals helped with post-enrollment and health insurance literacy assistance. Plante pointed out it takes about 30-40 minutes for a Navigator to fill out a person's application. It's less time than it would take her if she was just doing it alone, but there's only so much time for any one Navigator in a day to work with people. Allen expects that the loss of staff to handle applications will result in delays and long wait times. The organization already has waiting periods for people who need help obtaining medical coverage. "The Navigator Program is a lifeline for so many West Virginians who lack essential health literacy and lack the ability to have an informed conversation with insurance brokers and companies," Plante said. "Taking away that bridge, that go between, is going to be really detrimental. I think it's a shame they want to frame it like it's a waste of money to help these people." With 2.2 million Floridians at risk of losing health coverage, concern is mounting among Florida organizations urging the Republican-controlled Congress to reinstate Obamacare tax credits set to expire at years end. About 4.7 million Floridians receive health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, the most of any state in the nation. Close to half of them are able to have coverage because they pay lower costs with the tax credits now in place, experts say. But if these enhanced premium tax credits go away, that cost will rise and many now covered are expected to drop health insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among them is Crystal Sexton of Lake City. If that goes away, I wont be able to work, Sexton said of the credits. And if Im unable to work, Ill lose everything said Sexton, a custodian who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and whose private insurance costs are eased by the tax credit she gains because of her income level. Theyre so beneficial to so many tax-paying Floridians, she added. Insurance costs will climb without credits Analysis by KFF, the national health policy organization, found that proposed private insurance increases could run as high as 75% if the credits vanish. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that permanently extending the enhanced premium tax credits would cost $370 billion over the next 10 years. President Trump, who unsuccessfully pushed for repealing Obamacare for years, has expressed no support for extending the tax credits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, politically red states, including Florida and Texas, have huge populations who have gained health coverage only with the credits. Floridas 20 Republican members of Congress, out of a 28-person state delegation, have been largely silent on the issue. But a variety of groups now are clamoring for Republicans to continue the credits, fearing a spike in uninsured Americans next year. Florida Voices for Health, a community advocacy group, brought together Aug. 25 some Floridians now benefiting from the tax credits. Just a couple of weeks earlier, a coalition of business leaders, under the banner Florida Conservatives for Affordable Care, also called on Congress to renew the credits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservatives clamor... Florida business leaders warn GOP on looming health coverage loss Worries since Trump Day 1... With Florida leading the nation in Obamacare enrollment, GOP changes could hit state hard Associated Industries of Florida, a prominent business lobby active in Republican politics, and the Florida Hospital Association were among the organizations warning that the state will suffer economically if millions of Floridians lose health coverage. Florida businesses have been helped by having covered workforce Valamere Mikler, an adjunct college instructor from Hollywood, relies on tax credits to gain health coverage. She gets no insurance from her employer, a situation common across Florida and which has gotten the attention of businesses helped by having a workforce insured with support from the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without the federal assistance, Mikler says she couldnt afford coverage. Id go back to skipping my medical visits and I couldnt afford my prescriptions, she said. The enhanced premium tax credits, approved under legislation signed by President Biden, have helped drive both Floridas and the nations number of uninsured to their lowest levels in decades. While aimed at working families and those with lower- to middle-incomes, a family of four can still earn a credit if the cost of a benchmark health insurance plan tops 8.5% of the household's income. A family of four earning $64,000 a year, now may pay $5,440 annually with the credits. But that could go up $2,571 without them, according to various analysts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While a KFF poll earlier this summer showed that overwhelming majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents support extending the tax credits, when told the cost, GOP support fades. Fewer than half, 42% of Republicans surveyed agreed that the extension was needed; but support among MAGA followers dropped from 56% to 35%, the survey found. 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 Tallahassee Democrat: Health coverage at risk for millions if Congress lets tax credits fade Patients have their blood pressure checked at an intake triage at a clinic in Grundy, Va. Rural residents will be hardest hit by looming health insurance premium increases, according to a new report. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) A combination of Trump administration policies will make health care coverage more expensive for people who purchase plans from health insurance marketplaces and rural residents will be hit the hardest, according to a new analysis. Researchers from the Century Foundation say Trump administration policies especially its refusal to ask Congress to extend Biden-era tax credits that are set to expire at the end of this year will boost out-of-pocket premiums by 93% in the 32 states that allow the federal government to operate their Affordable Care Act insurance marketplaces. New rules and tariffs will have a smaller impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rural county residents in those states will see an increase of 107%, while residents of urban counties will pay 89% more, according to the analysis by the Century Foundation, a left-leaning research nonprofit. Insurers participating in the Affordable Care Act marketplaces are proposing a median premium increase of 18% for 2026 the biggest jump since 2018 and 11 points more than the growth from 2024 to this year. That bump would come on top of the increase resulting from the expiration of the tax credits and the other policy changes. About 2.8 million people who are enrolled in marketplace plans in the 32 states live in rural counties, including 776,000 adults between the ages of 55 to 64 and more than 223,000 children, according to the Century Foundation. In Oklahoma, 116,800 rural marketplace enrollees face price spikes, the analysis found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rural residents tend to be older. They may be more likely to have chronic illness at the same time, said Jeanne Lambrew, director of health care reform at the foundation. It costs more, both because they have somewhat greater needs and less access to health care. The researchers calculated that average annual premiums for rural residents will increase by $760 28% more than the expected average increase for urban residents. States where rural enrollees are expected to see the highest cost increases are Wyoming ($1,943), Alaska ($1,835), and Illinois ($1,700). Many of the states with a large number of rural residents have chosen not to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, meaning many people who earn between 100% and 138% of the federal poverty level, between $15,650 and $21,597 for an individual, get their coverage from an insurance marketplace, Lambrew said. Of the seven states where 10% or more of rural residents are enrolled in marketplace plans (Alabama, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Wyoming), only two Nebraska and North Carolina have expanded Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials in Pennsylvania recently advised residents who use the marketplace that they should closely examine the plans that are available. This year, even more than previous years, Pennsylvanians should consider shopping around to find the best plans to meet their individual needs, at a price that makes sense for their current financial situation, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys said in a statement released at the beginning of this month. Lambrew said the increases will force many people to forgo insurance altogether. Its harmful for those individuals in terms of their own health and life expectancy. Its harmful for our providers, because theyre now dealing with people who are sicker and in the wrong settings, and its kind of expensive for our society, Lambrew said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know health insurance matters, so having these large potential increases on uninsured Americans is distressing. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE After a months-long investigation, authorities have arrested a Hemet woman of suspicion of extracting nearly $200,000 in a Ponzi scheme involving her wholesale avocado business. In late April, Riverside County sheriff's deputies spoke with victims who alerted them to a potential investment fraud by Consuelo Carrasco-Ramirez, a 53-year-old Hemet resident, who ran a wholesale avocado business, according to a sheriff's news release. Authorities said they spoke with seven victims who claimed Carrasco-Ramirez had coerced them into collectively investing $195,000 into her business since 2023 and often threatened to have Latino community members deported to make them invest more. However, sheriff's deputies say Carrasco-Ramirez engaged in a Ponzi scheme with the investment fund a scam wherein earlier investors are paid off not with company profits but with the cash of later investors, which creates a false impression of growth and leads to additional investment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The iconic California avocado is in trouble, and this farmer is fighting to save it Instead of investing the victim's money as promised, Carrasco-Ramirez used the money for personal benefit, the release said. On Aug. 20, Carrasco-Ramirez was arrested and booked into the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center in the French Valley on suspicion of grand theft, theft by false pretenses and passing counterfeit checks. Her bail was set at $193,000. Sheriff's deputies believe there may be additional victims and encouraged anyone with information regarding the case to contact Master Investigator Lance Colmer through Riverside sheriff's dispatch at (951) 776-1099 or the Perris sheriff's station at (951) 210-1000. 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. By Sabrina Valle NEW YORK (Reuters) -Two major rail operators have taken themselves out of the merger game that has gripped the industry for the past month, reshaping the competitive landscape and raising the regulatory stakes for Union Pacific's proposed $85 billion tie-up with Norfolk Southern . Canadian Pacific Kansas City joined Warren Buffett's BNSF Railway BNSF Railway on Tuesday in publicly rejecting participation in any near-term rail industry consolidation. The move makes it less likely that a proposed $85 billion merger last month between top U.S. railroad operator Union Pacific and Norfolk would lead to more corporate marriages. The merger would create the first east-west U.S. railroad operator, reshaping the movement of goods ranging from grains to autos across the country. The news raised concerns about market concentration and prompted heated speculation that rivals would need to join forces to remain competitive. REGIONAL DUOPOLY The U.S. rail industry has already undergone significant consolidation in recent decades, shrinking from dozens of carriers to six major class I railroads. The U.S. freight rail industry is dominated by four top U.S.-based carriers - two in the west and two in the east. That means shippers have only two carrier options considering the point of origin. Top railroad operator Union Pacific, which primarily operates in the west, proposed to join Norfolk, which has a strong foothold in the east. Initially, this prompted speculation that the other two U.S.-based railroad operators - BNSF Railway in the west and CSX in the east - could merge to stay competitive against a coast-to-coast giant. That game has changed in the past days. First, Buffett-backed BNSF dropped out. Two large Canadian railroad companies also operate in the United States. Canadian Pacific, the only one with a tri-national network, would be the next viable candidate to merge with CSX. But Tuesday's announcement left CSX without a viable partner for a large merger. HIGHER REGULATORY RISKS The reduced chances of a consolidation wave raises the regulatory risks for Union Pacific's attempt to buy Norfolk and go coast-to-coast. If this was the only deal under review by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, regulators would have greater concerns because a single large operator could muscle out smaller regional operators. Expectations were different last month. When Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern disclosed they were in talks last month, board officials were gearing up to review two megamerger proposals, a person close to the discussions previously told Reuters. An oil refinery under the heat of the sun. Credit - Brandon BellGetty Images Misti Leon doesnt check the weather or listen to the news when its hot outside. This time of year is very difficult for me, Leon says. Temperatures have touched the triple digits in many parts of the U.S. this summer, breaking longstanding heat records; and June and July were both the third warmest on record since 1850. She avoids any mention of the term heat dome, which describes a weather phenomenon when the atmosphere traps hot air, raising temperatures. It was during a record-breaking heat dome in Washington in 2021, when temperatures climbed up to 108F, that Misti lost her mom, Juliana Leon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julie, as everyone called her, was driving home from a doctors appointment on June 28, 2021 with the windows rolled down when the heat began to hit her. She pulled off the highway onto a residential street before losing consciousness, and was found two hours later. The official cause of Julies death was hyperthermia; her internal temperature was 110F when she died. Mistis mother died at 65, on the hottest day ever recorded in Washington state, during a heat wave that was not natural. An international team of scientists found in 2022 that the heat experienced that day was virtually impossible without human-caused climate change. The heat dome, which stretched on from mid-June to early July, caused more than 250 deaths in the United States and 400 in Canada. Now Misti is suing seven major oil companiesincluding Shell, Chevron, and ExxonMobil for wrongful death, alleging that their knowledge that the use of fossil fuels was causing catastrophic harm to the environment, and failure to adequately warn the public, created the conditions that lead to her mothers death. This is information that these companies had and they knew, and they had an opportunity to share and to potentially mitigate, and because of the choices that they made of not being open and honest about it, there's been deaths, and that includes my mom, Leon says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2024 study from the Carbon Majors Database found that 80% of the worlds global fossil CO2 emissions since 2016, after the Paris climate agreement was signed, can be traced back to just 57 oil, gas, coal, and cement producers. Because of this, oil companies have faced their fair share of climate lawsuits over the years. Over the past decade, oil and gas companies have faced dozens of lawsuits in the U.S. filed by cities and states and counties that allege that the oil and gas industry covered up what it knew about climate change for decades and misled the public about the problem, says Ben Franta, associate professor of climate litigation at the Oxford sustainable law program, who is not involved with the lawsuit. California, Minnesota, and Delaware are among the states that have filed cases against Big Oil around climate deception, though no case has gone to trial yet. But the suit filed May 29 on behalf of Julie Leon is the first suit against oil companies based on an individual dying from an event that was driven by climate change. They knew, decades ago, very accurately what our climate would be like today, and then they deliberately deceived the public, not just in Washington state, not just in the United States, but worldwide, about their knowledge of what their role in climate alteration is. And so we're alleging that they're responsible for that change, says Mistis attorney, Timothy Bechtold. That alteration is what they're responsible for. And that alteration is ultimately, what we allege, is the cause of death of Mistis mom. The stakes are enormous, says Franta, who likens the case to precedent-setting lawsuits lodged against tobacco and opioid companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit, which was filed in the Superior Court of Washington for Kings County, is the first personal tort suit to be brought against big oil companies for personal losswith Mistis legal team seeking direct compensation for a wrongful death. The suit also claims that companies are liable for failure to warn under Washingtons product liability act, and public nuisance laws. BP, which manages the Olympic Pipeline Company, ConocoPhillips, and Phillips 66 said they do not comment on pending litigation. Shell declined to comment. Exxon Mobil did not respond to TIMEs request for comment. In a statement to TIME, Chevron Corporations counsel, Theodore J. Boutrous, Jr. of Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher LLP, wrote: Exploiting a personal tragedy to promote politicized climate tort litigation is contrary to law, science, and common sense. The court should add this far-fetched claim to the growing list of meritless climate lawsuits that state and federal courts have already dismissed. Leon's suit alleges that as early as the 1950s, the decade Julie Leon was born, oil companies were aware of how burning fossil fuels would impact the environmentbut downplayed and withheld that information from the public. By the end of the 1970s, the American Petroleum Institute and major fossil fuel companies, like Exxon, had internal research programs on climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were monitoring climate science and predicting when the world would notice climate change was happening, and predicting many of the impacts that we see today, says Franta. By the 1990s, companies began a media blitz that carried on into the early 2000s, publishing advertisements cloaked as editorials in major newspapers. Internal memos show Exxons strategy was to, emphasize the uncertainty in scientific conclusions about climate change. Today, major oil companies acknowledge the climate crisis, but they have also faced accusations of greenwashing. A 2022 study published in the journal PLOS One examined the records of ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, and BP and found that the companies actions on climate change very rarely matched their pledges. For Misti, the suit is about holding oil companies accountable for what they knew about climate changeand the impact concealing it had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can't bring my mom back. No matter what happens, that loss will forever be there. However, hopefully, with enough awareness and knowledge and accountability, we can keep this from happening to other people and for other people to have to experience this kind of loss, she says. Unfortunately, I was affected in a very deep way. But I'm not the only one, and that's what keeps my focus on accountability. Write to Simmone Shah at simmone.shah@time.com. For a second year, Wisconsin students from lower-income families can apply online for funding to cover the cost of a driver's education program. Here's how it works. How do you apply for free driver's education in Wisconsin? Wisconsin high school students can visit the state Department of Transportation website, or tinyurl.com/DriverEdGrant, to apply online for a grant that covers the cost of driver's education classes. Students who are accepted will receive a coupon number, which can be shared with any driving school that is registered with the Wisconsin DMV. A map of driving schools across the state is available on the DMV's website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant covers tuition costs for 30 hours of classroom coursework, six hours of observation and six hours of behind-the-wheel training. Who is eligible for free driver's education in Wisconsin? To receive a state grant for driver's education, a student must: Be a Wisconsin resident who is 14 to 19 years old. Qualify for free or reduced school lunches by having a family income under federal thresholds. Never have held a driver's license previously. Where does the funding come from? The efforts to secure funding stem from a 2022 campaign by Common Ground, a Milwaukee community organization, that initially called on insurance companies to fund driver's education courses to reduce reckless driving and increase opportunities for students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The insurance companies referred the group to the Wisconsin Insurance Alliance, said Jennifer O'Hear, executive director of Common Ground. The alliance suggested using state funds for the program, drawing on fees that insurance companies were already paying to the state. With support from the insurance industry and Milwaukee city officials, a state bill by Republican Rep. Bob Donovan gained bipartisan support to allocate $6 million in grants to cover driver's education programs. It was the first time the state provided funding for driver's education since 2004. What happens if students don't get funding right away? Grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until funding runs out. Every three months, $1.5 million in funding will be released. If students don't receive funding right away, they can sign up to receive an email notification when applications open again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The notification list resets after each funding cycle, so if students don't receive a grant that round, they should add their name to the next notification list, the state Department of Transportation said. How many students have received grants so far? Since the program launched in September 2024, more than 10,000 students have received grants. The program reached capacity in the first month it was available. In March, 4,874 students were on the wait list. Combatting reckless driving across our state has been a bipartisan priority over the last few years, and teaching our kids the skills they need to be safe drivers is another important step toward cracking down on unsafe driving," Gov. Tony Evers said in an Aug. 25 news release. One-time funding initially supported the program, but the newly signed state budget created an ongoing source of funds. Each year, $6 million will become available for the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact Rory Linnane at rory.linnane@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @RoryLinnane. Contact Hope Karnopp at HKarnopp@gannett.com or on X at @hopekarnopp. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Here's how Wisconsin students can get free driver's education classes A former San Bernardino County school bus driver has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for possessing thousands of child sexual abuse materials. A federal judge in Riverside handed down a 78-month sentence to Donal James Seaver, 51, of Hesperia. Seaver will also serve 20 years of supervised release following his prison term. A restitution hearing is scheduled for Oct. 27. Seaver pleaded guilty on April 28 to one count of possession of child pornography. Prosecutors said he knowingly downloaded more than 10,000 images and 13 videos of child pornography, including material depicting children younger than 12 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his plea agreement, Seaver admitted that he knew the files showed minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The material was located on four devices seized from his bedroom, including a Samsung tablet that had been frequently wiped or reset to delete data. Seaver, a former bus driver for a private company, was responsible for driving 10 elementary school students with special needs. He has been in federal custody since his arrest in March 2024. He was initially charged in state court before the federal case was filed. The guilty plea followed a year of court proceedings. On March 28, the Justice Department announced federal charges against Seaver, detailing the search warrant executed at his Hesperia home earlier that month. Authorities seized devices containing the images and videos. At the time, Seaver was ordered jailed without bond and arraigned on April 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Documents show the Samsung tablet at the center of the case had been factory reset multiple times, with the most recent reset occurring on Feb. 27, just days before his home was searched. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HONOLULU (KHON2) The Honolulu Fire Department extinguished an Ewa Beach residential building soon after 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 26. Firefighters were first made aware of the blaze at 12:18 a.m., where they arrived within 10 minutes to fight the fire that was on the second floor of a single-family residence. Kunia fire deemed no accident, intentionally set: HPD All occupants were able to evacuate the building safely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HFDs investigator was able to determine that the fire had ignited from an unattended candle, ruling the nature of the fire as accidental. As a result, the fire caused approximately $180,000 in damages. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The Red Cross was requested to aid the occupants of the home, who have since been displaced due to the fire. It is best practice to extinguish all candles before going to bed or leaving a room, HFD said. Additionally, keep candles at least one foot away from any flammable objects, or utilize flameless candles. For more fire safety tips, visit HFDs website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. (WJW) A Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Tuesday afternoon for portions of Northeast Ohio as the National Weather Service warns of a high risk of rip currents and possible waterspouts on Lake Erie. The advisory issued includes Lorain, Cuyahoga, Lake, and Ashtabula Lakeshore counties in Ohio, along with Northern Erie County in Pennsylvania. Atwood Lake deaths of Amish father, 4-year-old child preceded by spiritual delusion, said sheriff Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Small Craft Advisory is also in place for the area. According to FOX 8 Weather, waves could be up to several feet. Swimmers should not enter the water, NWS said in a statement. Bait shop auction to clear out inventory The combination of weather conditions could also be favorable for waterspouts, which are extremely common on Lake Erie. The Beach Hazards Statement is set to expire at 8 p.m. 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) A portion of M-34 in Hillsdale County has been dedicated to Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr., who was shot and killed during a traffic stop last year, with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signing Senate Bill 70 into law Tuesday. Fallen Hillsdale deputy William Butler. (Photo courtesy Rondee Butcher) The bill was first introduced in the Senate and dedicates 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 in rural Hillsdale County. 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. Hiker falls onto rocks at Blacks Beach SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) A hiker was airlifted Monday to a hospital after a fall onto rocks near Flat Rock at Blacks Beach. Around 7:30 a.m., San Diego Fire-Rescue crews responded to reports of a hiker who had possibly suffered a hip fracture from the fall, the department said in a Facebook post at 7:46 p.m. Fiery crash on I-15 in Temecula kills 4, including teens When first responders arrived, the victim was treated on scene and a medical helicopter took them to a hospital for further care, according to authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SDFD advises the public to be aware and extra cautious of coastal rocks as they can be slippery and dangerous. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HILLSBORO, Ore. (KOIN) Lindsey Danner is set to begin her senior year at Liberty High School in Hillsboro. The district is among those in Oregon that have already implemented the off and away policy for cell phones during school hours. Danner sees the pros and cons to the policy. You should be, like, fully focused and everything, she told KOIN 6 News. But like someone like me, I personally get my work done really quickly and I tend to not have other work. So Im like, I dont really have anything to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The off and away policy which is also used within Portland Public Schools, North Clackamas and Beaverton means cell phones are put away in a bag or locker during school hours. Living in squalor: Evergreen support staff on strike Hillsboro school leaders say this is the best policy. We really need to make sure that were utilizing our time wisely with students and that theyre getting the most out of their education, and that they can feel freer to talk to one another and, again, not be judged by the fact that theyre not sitting there on their phone. Nobody is, said Hillsboro School District spokesperson Beth Graser. And so it puts everybody in the same circumstance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the summer, Gov. Tina Kotek signed an executive order to ban student cell phone use during the school day in Oregons K-12 public schools. Kotek said schools have until January to fully enforce their cell phone bans. Kotek said the ban is intended to help kids focus and improve their safety and mental health so they can learn better. Mystery over: Diver finds remains, artifacts in Martin Family car Many schools already have their cell phone bans in place, and have for a while. Some districts tried using and still use Yondr Pouches, which students locked their phones in during the day and unlocked them at the end of the school day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Hillsboro is one of the districts putting their off and away policy in place for the first day of the 2025-26 school year. KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this issue 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 KOIN.com. Responding to heightened campus antisemitism, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will sign legislation on Tuesday afternoon that requires all colleges in the state to designate anti-discrimination coordinators to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, her office confirmed to Jewish Insider. The new bill, which passed the New York State Legislature unanimously in June, was introduced by Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and state Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky, both Democrats from Queens, amid an uptick in antisemitism on college campuses in the aftermath of Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. By placing Title VI coordinators on all college campuses, New York is combating antisemitism and all forms of discrimination head-on, Hochul, a Democrat, told JI. No one should fear for their safety while trying to get an education. Its my top priority to ensure every New York student feels safe at school, and I will continue to take action against campus discrimination and use every tool at my disposal to eliminate hate and bias from our school communities. The legislation centralizes colleges enforcement of Title VI, which prohibits discrimination in federally funded programs based on race, color and national origin, by mandating a designated Title VI coordinator to address student complaints and directing the New York State Division of Human Rights to develop training to support such efforts. It was backed by several Jewish groups including the Anti-Defamation League, UJA-Federation of New York and the American Jewish Committee. Ted Deutch, chief executive of the AJC, called the legislation a significant step in protecting Jewish students across the state. This bipartisan legislation signed by Gov. Hochul will combat the alarming rise of antisemitism and ensure Jewish students concerns are heard and taken seriously, he said in a statement. By requiring every college and university in the state to have a properly trained Title VI Coordinator, this law is a meaningful tool to make our campuses places where students can learn without fear of discrimination. The bill comes as Democrats have faced criticism nationally from Republicans over their approach to countering antisemitism and supporting Israel amid its war in Gaza. It also comes as President Donald Trump has moved to dismantle the Department of Education an effort that has raised questions among Jewish leaders over the governments ability to investigate Title VI complaints and to hold schools accountable for incidents of antisemitism. In anticipation of the bill and amid the Trump administrations ongoing crackdown on campus antisemitism, some schools in the state, including Columbia University, New York University and the State University of New York system, have already announced commitments to hire designated Title VI coordinators. Hochul, who is facing a potentially competitive reelection campaign as she seeks a second full term, has tackled the issue of rising campus antisemitism during her time in office, meeting with hundreds of college officials last year to address the matter, among other efforts. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), a Republican whose viral questioning of university leaders over their handling of campus antisemitism seized the national spotlight, is mulling a challenge to Hochul in next years election. HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) Holyoke Community College has named Angela O. Cardenas, MUP, as its new Chief of Operations in the Office of the President. Cardenas began her position on August 18. She brings more than 25 years of executive-level leadership experience to the role, including service as a U.S. Career Diplomat and Public Servant who lived and worked in countries around the world. First-ever pinning ceremony held for HCC campus police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her career has focused on change management, policy creation, strategy development, grant and contract design, fund development, and financial management. She is recognized for fostering solution-oriented, collaborative work environments rooted in cultural humility. Angela O. Cardenas (Photo courtesy of Holyoke Community College) Cardenas has lived and worked in countries around the globe, including Nicaragua, Afghanistan, Egypt, Tanzania, and the Dominican Republic. In 2008, she joined USAID as a private enterprise officer and, since then, has also worked as a land reform advisor, agriculture team leader, and education office director and coordinator of USAIDs Young African Leaders Initiative. I wanted to find a place where I could make positive contributions and use my passion, which is creating the next generation of globally minded leaders, Cardenas said. I am happy to continue my work in higher education and look forward to working for an institution that aligns with my personal values. Angelas extensive experience and dedication to student success will be invaluable as we continue advancing the mission of HCC, the college announced in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cardenas holds a bachelors degree in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a masters in urban planning from Texas A&M University. She is currently pursuing a Ph. D. in applied social justice at Dominican University. In her new position, she will serve as a senior representative of the Office of the President, working with senior leadership and acting as a primary liaison between the presidents office and the Board of Trustees. Cardenas is also joining HCCs Cabinet and will engage with internal stakeholders, community leaders, government entities, and external partners to support institutional priorities. Passionate about student success and preparing the next generation of globally minded leaders, Cardenas recently relocated to western Massachusetts from Houston, Texas, with her husband, Daniel Garcia, and their two sons, Cristian and Diego. I was looking for a place where I could be part of a great leadership team and work for a transformational leader, said Cardenas. Ive been fortunate to work for exceptional people who make positive change in the communities they serve, and been lucky to work with people who want to see you succeed. When I met with President Timmons, I could tell he was that kind of person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The HCC community is invited to welcome Cardenas in person at the Office of the President, located on the third floor of the Frost Building. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Four years since the pandemic sent people home to work, companies have been intensifying their desire for a return to the office. Yet for many workers, flexible work arrangements are a must-have. Peter Cappelli, a professor of management at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, has a new book co-written with Ranya Nehmeh, a workplace strategist. "In Praise of the Office: The Limits to Hybrid and Remote Work" lays out the business case for employers pushing for workers to get back to the office. Here are edited excerpts from my recent conversation with Cappelli: Kerry Hannon: Why has the case for in-office work never been stronger? Peter Cappelli: We've gone through this period where there's been big debates about remote work and a lot of companies have persisted in various kinds of remote, but mainly hybrid. At the moment, the recognition is growing across employers that it hasn't worked so well. When business returned and things became a little more normal, it became easier to start to see some of the drawbacks. It wasn't enough just to keep the wheels going. We're at this inflection point now where companies really have to decide if they ever want to get people back. The longer you wait, the harder it is to ever get people to come back without a big fight. Right now, people might be saying, I will quit if I have to go back to the office, but it turns out they don't mean it. The reason, of course, is it's one thing to say that you will quit; it's another to actually walk away from a paycheck. Sign up for the Mind Your Money weekly newsletter By subscribing, you are agreeing to Yahoo's CGU and Politique de confidentialite Sabonner Whats wrong with a hybrid work arrangement? People just don't come in. Thats maybe the single biggest factor. There is a growing awareness that people are really never there on their anchor days. If you want that for your company, you have to manage that attendance. Thats on the shoulders of the managers themselves. It's not that we don't think you could have hybrid work, but if you're going to do it, it requires a lot of effort on the part of management. Lots of employers trumpeted the success of remote work not that long ago. What changed? One thing that changed is the labor market softened. It's not the case that people are job hopping right now because there just aren't very many jobs offered. The number of jobs that are being offered with some kind of remote possibility is declining. At the CEO level, immediately after the pandemic they were glad things were still running at all. Expectations were really low. What's changed is the CEOs are now thinking we're losing something, and the employee resistance to return to the office has weakened. That's why we're seeing the push right now. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 19-year-old man was arrested and charged with DWI after he was allegedly involved in a motor-vehicle crash in Horizon City, Horizon Police said. Gerardo Montalvo, 19, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, Horizon Police said. His bond was set at $2,000. At about 4:15 a.m. on Aug. 14, Horizon Police were called out about a crash along the 14000 block of Horizon Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When they arrived, they said the driver, identified as Montalvo, showed multiple signs of intoxication. Montalvo agreed to perform standardized field sobriety tests, which confirmed signs of his impairment, police said. He later provided a breath specimen at HCPD headquarters, which returned a result above the legal limit, Horizon Police said. The Horizon City Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving and illegal drug possession pose serious risks to community safety. If you see a suspected impaired driver, call 911 immediately. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 21-year-old man who was wanted by U.S. marshals was arrested during a traffic stop over the weekend, Horizon City Police said. Jonathan Jose Macias, 21, was arrested on Friday, Aug. 22 after officers did a traffic stop and learned that he had a warrant for probation violation related to migrant smuggling. Horizon Police said that they conducted a traffic stop just before 7 a.m. on Aug. 22 along the 14000 block of Horizon Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers then conducted a warrants check of the driver, identified as Macias. Macias was cited for the traffic violation and placed under arrest. The U.S. Marshals Service requested custody, and the Horizon City Police Department transferred Macias without incident. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving and routine enforcement in keeping our community secure. Traffic stops not only address roadway safety but can also help identify individuals wanted on serious charges, Horizon Police said. If you ever see suspicious or unsafe activity, you can report it to the Horizon City Police Department at (915) 852-1047. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Horry County authorities have charged a sixth person they say is tied to a combined murder and human-trafficking investigation involving 11-year-old Akyri Bell. Alexandria Iman Thomas, 20, was arrested Friday and charged with placing a child in her custody or care at risk, as authorities build their case against a half-dozen people connected to the larger murder and human-trafficking case. Bell died on June 13 at a Carolina Forest hospital from head injuries, after being taken there from a Sago Palm Drive home, authorities said. Warrants say she was unresponsive when paramedics arrived at the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities arrested Camisha McGaskey, 31, on June 18 and charged her with obstruction of justice. The charges were later upgraded to murder, five counts of human trafficking, criminal conspiracy and three counts of unlawful contact toward a child. Horry County police said she was Bells guardian and a distant cousin, The additional charges against McGaskey, who is being held without bond at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, came after authorities began looking into allegations of forced underage labor following Bells death. News13 spoke to McGaskey in June, shortly after Bells death. She claimed racial profiling led to her arrest and that Bell had a history of fainting spells. Authorities say Alexandria Thomas, along with Margaret Roberson, Lakesha Burnett, Darnell Dearmas and Alantis Thomas, all stood by and watched at various times between Jan. 1 and July 11 while McGaskey allegedly beat Bell and a half-dozen other minors inside the home. Some of their own children witnessed the beatings, which they did not report to authorities, according to arrest warrants released on Aug. 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alexandria Thomas posted a $10,000 bond after her arrest and was placed on home detention. Among the other suspects: Roberson, 56, remains in jail without bond after being arrested on July 28. She is charged with five counts of trafficking in persons, criminal conspiracy, two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child. Burnett, 34, was arrested on Aug. 12 and charged with two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child and contempt of court. She remains in jail on a $40,000 bond. Dearmas, 20, was also arrested on Aug. 12 and charged with unlawful conduct toward a child. He posted a bond and was placed on home detention. Alantis Thomas, 21, was also arrested on Aug. 12 and charged with two counts of unlawful conduct toward a child. She postsed a $40,000 bond and was placed on home detention. * * * Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Artificial intelligence is everywhere, including the classroom. After testing it out last year, Horry County Schools is using an AI program to lighten the load for teachers. Amid the rise of AI programs like Chat GPT, the debate over artificial intelligence is ongoing, especially when it comes to the classroom. Through an AI program called Magic School, Horry County Public Schools is hoping to make teachers jobs easier. It will make them more efficient. It will make their planning more efficient, Interim Chief Academics Officer Lee James said. It will make their differentiation more efficient. It will do a lot of the work that will take teachers hours to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HCS is using Magic School to help teachers create personalized assignments and lesson plans. This is not going to replace the expertise of the teacher. Teachers will just take that and just implement it as is, James said. Theyre going to use their specific knowledge of the content standards of the content that theyre teaching, and be able to really look and make sure that this lesson thats being generated for them is going to meet the specific lesson objectives. Lee said the program can even customize assignments and worksheets to suit individual students needs. A teacher can upload a specific activity or specific resource and have it be the artificial intelligence tool accommodate students needs within that, James said. If you have a student who has a specific need here or a specific performance level, the artificial intelligence will actually help customize these assignments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district still sets limits on AI. Students and staff are not allowed to use generative AI programs like Chat GPT, which is blocked on school Wi-fi and devices. James said HCS is looking to eventually roll out a student version of Magic School. We will make sure you do that responsibly and ethically by first teaching students about responsible use of AI, the limitations and some of the pitfalls that weve heard discussed across the nation, he said. Were going to handle that training and those modules first, and then begin using it in our classrooms for students sometime this year; thats our goal. HCS is also using AI to monitor student and faculty devices on school Wi-Fi, and scan for weapons when students enter the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Shelby Martin is a multimedia journalist who joined the News13 team in May 2025. Shelby is from Orange County, California, and graduated in 2023 from California State University, Fullerton. You can read more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford, Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson, and U.S. Rep. Dina Titus attend an LGBTQ+ roundtable about the attacks on the trans community. (Photo: Michael Lyle/Nevada Current) As President Donald Trump has intensified policy assaults on the transgender community such as blocking support for gender-affirming care and banning trans service members from the military, some Democrats have declined to push back against attacks. Democratic U.S. Reps. Steven Horsford and Dina Titus joined the Human Rights Campaign, LGBTQ+ organizations, and trans locals on Sunday to hear about the impact of Trumps policies, and assure them they arent fighting alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the things that I think is so important is to be in conversation and to be able to hear directly about the lived experience of how youre feeling, Horsford told the roundtable. If not, were leaving that to you to figure out alone, and no one should feel alone at this moment. Las Vegas was among the stops of the Human Rights Campaigns American Dreams tour, a nationwide effort to bring LGBTQ+ people together to share stories and engage with local and federal elected leaders. Organizers have hosted roundtables in Columbus and Dallas so far, and have events planned in Atlanta, the District of Colombia, and Nashville in the fall. The tour comes as the LGBTQ+ community, in particular trans people, have seen a Trump-fueled wave of anti-trans demonization and policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has issued several anti-trans orders, including one to block federal support for gender-affirming medical care to patients younger than 19, and another to end the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988, which specialized in support for LGBTQ+ youth. Trump has also threatened to withhold federal funding from states that allow transgender children to play school sports. Recent reporting also found the Trump administration also sought Social Security numbers and names of children who received gender-affirming care at a hospital in Philadelphia showing efforts arent letting up anytime soon. The policies from the White House have emboldened broader anti-trans rhetoric and behavior in society. Titus admonished Republican congressmembers who have harassed U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride of Delaware, the nations first elected transgender member of Congress, by continuing to misgender her during committee meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Juhl, the communications Director of Communications and Campaigns for the ACLU of Nevada, said the constant attacks show there is an existential crisis for our community. Rhetoric really is taking aim at the foundational principles from the queer liberation movement in such a very specific way, Juhl said, referring to the movement for LGBTQ+ equality starting in the 60s. I think the way that they talk about us now, it sounds to me like the way they talked about us back when being queer was a mental illness that would get you institutionalized. The administration and its backers want to make it seem like somehow being a person of color, being an immigrant, being queer, trans, is antithetical to being an American or being part of the American dream, said Kelley Robinson, the president of the Human Rights Campaign. I, for one, am not willing to cede this country that my community has put our blood, literally, sweat and tears, into, she said. Im certainly not willing to cede our power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The roundtable focused on actions by Trump and Republicans, but many prominent Democrats have also parroted anti-trans talking points. Third Way, a DC-based think tank that is attempting to push Democrats rightward, recently sent a memo listing words Democrats should abandon that included to LGBTQIA+ and cisgender. Robinson said fighting for trans rights shouldnt be partisan and is about affirming basic human rights. These are basic civil rights everyone deserves, Robinson said. We have never gotten ahead by sacrificing members of the community under the bus. Horsford said that conservative-backed political groups are trying to pit trans people against other groups, including Black voters. The GOP unleashed countless ads targeting trans people during the 2024 election though Democrats rarely, if ever, campaign on trans protections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Horsford was the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, he said he hosted meetings with HRC to have a conversation with some of the Black leaders in Congress to talk about this issue, because we understood that the trans issue was being directly targeted to Black voters and others to try to divide us. I do think its important for all of us to be more supportive, to declare publicly more support, and to not shy away from difficult conversations, Horsford said. Hearts and mind, laws and policies The roundtable featured a mix of trans and queer locals as well as providers and nonprofits that provide services to the LGBTQ+ community, who shared a sense of hope tempered by uncertainty. Robinson said it was important to highlight, and share, all stories, to give weight to the humanity of our experiences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the HIV epidemic to the attacks on marriage, weve always seen how our stories can not only shift hearts and minds but shape laws and policies, she said. Torri Shack, the head of programs at the LGBTQ+ Center of Southern Nevada, said with curtailment of resources for LGBTQ+ youth, such as mental health and gender-affirming care services, he is worried about a potential rise in suicide. The bottom line is that hostile rhetoric fuels the crisis and (gender) affirming care and inclusive policies save lives, Shack said. Some hoped to see more positive media coverage to really underscore the humanity of trans people. Others spoke of the frustration that what were dealing with is that our governments completely not ours anymore. I truly believe resilience is the way that were going to get through this, Shack said. Sitting aside on the sidelines, watching all this stuff happening, feeling sad and blue and staying in our house. That is not an option anymore. If you have the Hostess Ding Dongs in your cupboard, youre going to want to check the Best By date and UPC number. The company this week issued a voluntary recall over concerns that mold could develop. The announcement to stores that might sell the product was made by Hostess parent company, J.M. Smucker Company, which said it is a withdrawal of just select batches of Ding Dongs. The problem, per the announcement, began with a mechanical issue with a piece of equipment that created conditions that could support the development of mold in the product prior to the expiration date. That problem was fixed promptly, the company said, so the recall is limited. No other products were affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recalled Ding Dongs have the Best if Used By dates of August 30, August 31, September 1, September 2 and September 3. Those Ding Dongs can be thrown away or returned to the store where they were purchased for a refund or replacement. Medical experts told FOX Business that its not safe to just cut off the mold, as harmful toxins can be left behind. The recalled products are: Hostess Chocolate Ding Dong Single Serve ; two-count; UPC: 8-88109-01002 Hostess Chocolate Ding Dong; 10-count; UPC: 8-88109-11061 Hostess Chocolate Ding Dong Family Pack; 16-count; UPC: 8-88109-11092 We are committed to your health and safety, and we follow best practices to ensure the quality and safety of the products we sell. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, the company said, noting that for any questions or concerns, people can contact customer service center at 1-800-451-8500. The attached video shows a short portion of testimony given on Aug. 23 about Senate Bill 8. AUSTIN (KXAN) The Texas House of Representatives State Affairs Committee voted Monday night to advance a controversial bill to floor consideration, just two hours after a 5 p.m. deadline for public comment closed. The public submitted over 400 pages of comments, with the majority of those opposed to the bill. That bill, Senate Bill 8, would require state agencies and local governments to take every reasonable step to ensure an individual whose sex is opposite to the sex designated for a multiple-occupancy private space does not enter the private space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt specify what those steps are, but SB 8 sponsor Rep. Angelia Orr said on Aug. 23 that the remedy for most facilities would be to put up signs. The bill wouldnt create a criminal offense or allow for civil lawsuits against private persons. The Monday night committee meeting was held in the Capitols Agricultural Museum at 7 p.m. Typically, meetings held there are not live streamed. The only notice about the meeting came Monday afternoon; no notice was posted online until after 3 p.m. An amendment was considered by the committee, but was not added to bill. Texas Tribune reporter Ayden Runnels reported that the amendment would have removed language from the bill aimed at giving the bill legal insulation. The bill passed by a vote of nine to three, with three members absent from the meeting. While how each member voted isnt yet available in the online record, it likely fell along party lines the committee has nine Republican members and six Democrats. What about those comments? Committee Chair Rep. Ken King announced Mondays public comment deadline during a meeting of the committee on Aug. 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That meeting was the first time the committee has heard testimony on a bathroom bill since 2017. However, King limited public comments during it to only two hours, despite the hundreds who registered to testify. Previous: Committee leaves transgender restroom ban bill pending after 2 hours of tense testimony A document with the public comments was released by the Texas House at 8:55 p.m. Monday. Over 1,900 people filed comments to the House committee. The majority were opposed to SB 8. The first 315 pages of public comments had 1,367 commentsapproximately 1,001 opposed and 366 in support. Rev. Jennifer Bates, a Denton-area minister, suggested that lawmakers would ignore the publics comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know my comments will not make a difference because you all dont care about the opinions of Texans. If you did you would have listened the over 100 voices that spoke out on this bill last week and the voices of women who have said this bill will not protect them, Bates wrote. Williamson County Republican Party chair Michelle Evans said the bill is necessary, as men present a physical and emotional danger to women. They are overwhelmingly responsible for a vast majority of violent crimes, including sexual assault and partner homicide, and this tendency toward criminality and victimization of females begins with the cascade of testosterone in the womb and continues through puberty, Evans wrote. It simply cannot be avoided by identifying out of it. It cannot be avoided even with wrong sex hormones. If you wait until assaults and rapes occur to pass this bill, you are complicit, she concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sexual assault and assault are long-standing crimes. However, the bills advocates havent shown examples of men pretending to be transgender women in order to commit those crimes while in sex-segregated spaces. Most sexual assaults against women are perpetrated by someone she knows (91.9%), according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. The bill now goes to the Texas House for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 House Oversight Committee issued a subpoena to the estate of Jeffrey Epstein as part of its investigation into the disgraced late financier's case. The committee also said former Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, who oversaw Epstein's non-prosecution agreement in 2008 as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, would appear for an interview in September. MSNBC's Jason Johnson reports on The Beat. We came across a bullish thesis on Baidu, Inc. on Coughlin Capitals Substack by Brian Coughlin. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on BIDU. Baidu, Inc.'s share was trading at $90.13 as of August 18th. BIDUs trailing and forward P/E were 8.91 and 12.00, respectively according to Yahoo Finance. Baidus (BIDU) New AI Tool Turns Images into Videos Heres What You Need to Know Gil C / Shutterstock.com Baidus core business, long overshadowed by its AI and robotaxi initiatives, remains its search and performance marketing engine, anchored by the Baidu App that integrates search, news, and other content. While it no longer enjoys the hype surrounding AI, this segment continues to generate the bulk of the companys revenue, making it central to near-term earnings. Recent data suggests the environment for this business is improving. Chinas digital ad market has shown renewed strength, with QuestMobile reporting Q2 internet ad spend of roughly RMB 200 billion, up 6.8% year-on-year. Notably, more than a third of hard ad buyerscovering search, display, and video pre-rollspent over RMB 10 million in the first half, and June alone accounted for nearly 18% of H1 ad spend during the 618 shopping festival, signaling significant advertiser demand. Tencents results provide an early read on where this money is flowing: its marketing services revenue jumped 20% year-on-year to RMB 35.8 billion, with Video Accounts and Mini Programsprime e-commerce ad real estateseeing revenue surge nearly 50%. Such growth at scale indicates that advertisers are spending aggressively and that the broader economy may be healthier than commonly assumed. This improving backdrop suggests that Baidus core advertising business could see a meaningful lift in near-term performance, providing a stable foundation beneath the companys more headline-grabbing initiatives. With Chinas digital ad budgets expanding and large-scale campaigns becoming more concentrated, Baidu is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, making the companys underlying earnings engine both resilient and increasingly relevant for investors assessing upcoming results. Previously, we covered a bullish thesis on Baidu, Inc. (BIDU) by Alexandru Dragut in November 2024, highlighting its growth in AI Cloud, autonomous ride-hailing, and a strong developer ecosystem, supported by solid financials. The stock has appreciated roughly 7% since our coverage. The thesis remains valid as growth drivers persist. Brian Coughlin shares a similar focus but emphasizes near-term strength in Baidus core search and advertising business. Baidu, Inc. is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 56 hedge fund portfolios held BIDU at the end of the first quarter which was 50 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of BIDU 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. HIGH POINT The new library at High Point University will span from having an extensive collection of rare books that date back centuries to hosting discussions in the 21st century social media creation of the podcast. More than 200 people gathered on the HPU campus Monday for the groundbreaking of the library, the latest manifestation of the growth of the school under President Nido Qubein. The 150,000-square-foot John and Lorraine Charman Library, a $100 million project, will be a 4-story, state-of-the-art building next to the R.G. Wanek Center on Panther Drive. Completion of the library is scheduled for 2027. Qubein told the guests gathered for the ceremony that the building will stand at the highest point on campus, with the dome of the structure visible across the university grounds. Construction crews will build an exquisite library befitting the stature of our university, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Sen. Ted Budd said the new library will give students what they need to meet their full potential. The library is named after John and Lorraine Charman of Palm Beach, Florida, and Bermuda, who contributed $30 million toward the project. John Charman worked in the insurance field while Lorraine Charman has a background in human resources and finance. John Charman told the audience that the couples daughter, Olivia, blossomed during her time at HPU and has become a successful young woman living in Charlotte. The confidence and education she gained at HPU is a primary reason that the couple have become supporters of the university, Charman said. This magnificent building will become the very heart and soul of a vibrant, successful and joyous HPU, a sanctuary for learning, debating and scholarly thinking, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The library will focus on innovation and collaboration, with sizable study space. The library will feature digital databases, textbooks, private study areas and a space where students can create podcasts. The new building will give the library a space to display its collection of rare books, including a second edition of A Christman Carol by Charles Dickens, said HPU Director of Library Services David Bryden. Bryden said a library has been a fixture of the campus since the university opened 101 years ago, evolving over time to meet the needs of students and researchers. A powerful storm kicked up a towering wall of dust that rolled through metro Phoenix on Monday, darkening the sky, blinding drivers, knocking out power and grounding flights at one of the nation's busiest airports. Bernae Boykin Hitesman was driving her son and daughter, ages 9 and 11, home from school when the storm, known as a haboob, arrived late in the afternoon in Arizona City, about 60 miles southeast of Phoenix. She had to quickly pull over as the storm engulfed her car. "I couldn't see my hand in front of my face if I put my hand outside," she said. A giant dust storm approaches the Phoenix metro area as a monsoon storm pushes the dust into the air, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Phoenix. / Credit: Ross D. Franklin / AP Boykin Hitesman said she could taste the dust and feel the strong wind rattling her car until it finally passed about 15 minutes later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was nervous," she said. "My kids were really, really scared, so I was trying to be brave for them." A haboob is a dust storm pushed by the wind produced by a weather front or thunderstorm and typically occurs in flat, arid areas. Heavy rain and wind followed Monday's haboob, delaying flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and causing some damage to a terminal roof. By 9:30 p.m., there were more than 200 delays reported at the airport, KPHO-TV reported. Video sent in to the station showed damage to the roof in Terminal 4. "Crews have been identifying leaks and attempting to clean up water where it has collected in passenger areas," Heather Shelbrack, the airport's deputy aviation director for public relations, said in an email. This photo provided by the City of Phoenix shows a towering cloud of dust at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. More than 15,000 people lost power, most in Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, according to PowerOutage.us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Ahwatukee Foothills area, strong winds caused a traffic sign to fall onto the road, CBS affiliate KPHO-TV reported. In Chandler, the station witnessed a tree that fell on top of a house, and the homeowner reported roof damage. Richard Filley, a retired university professor who lives in Gilbert, said the dust storm caused the trees to sway and knocked bird feeders to the ground. Fine dust found its way through "every little crack and space" into his house, he said. "The windstorm part of it, I'm glad it's gone," he said. "You look at the photos of haboobs and they are a spectacular natural phenomenon. They are kind of beautiful in their own way." Phoenix has been drier than usual during the monsoon season, while parts of southeast and north-central Arizona have had a fair amount of rain, said Mark O'Malley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But that's typical for a monsoon, very hit and miss," he said. The forecast for metro Phoenix calls for a 40% chance of rain Tuesday before drying out, O'Malley said. Meanwhile in Nevada, a dust storm hammered the opening weekend of the Burning Man Festival, with wind gusts of up to 50 mph toppling campers' tents and porta potties. Organizers warned people in Black Rock City to "secure your structures and belongings" amid the winds, and for people to not drive if they can't see. Video shows armed National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. Why a judge blocked Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation to Uganda Democrats rally at DNC summer meeting A human case of a flesh-eating parasite, called New World screwworm, was reported in the US this month, the US Department of Health and Human Services said on Sunday. USDA Agricultural Research Service via Associated Press The case involved a patient who returned to Maryland after traveling to El Salvador, HHS told Reuters. The CDC confirmed the diagnosis on August 4, the publication reported. Its the first US case linked to travel from a country with a current outbreak. Maryland health officials told the Associated Press that the patient has recovered and that no transmissions to other people or animals were found. A New World screwworm infestation occurs when a NWS fly larva infests the living flesh of a warm-blooded animal, according to the CDC, which adds that female screwworm flies lay their eggs on and in open wounds and mucous membranes, and they can lay 200 to 300 eggs at a time. Related: JD Vances Old Epstein Tweets Are Coming Back To Haunt Him In A Big Way The agency adds that the flys larva causes extensive damage by burrowing into its hosts tissue with sharp mouth hooks. Isabel Mateos / AP The wound can become larger and deeper as more larvae hatch and feed on living tissue, the CDC states. As a result, NWS can cause serious damage to the animal or person it infests. Bacterial superinfection can also occur because of the NWS infestation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Livestock are most commonly affected, and infestations in humans, which the CDC describes as very painful, are rare. Countries in Central America and Mexico have reported recent cases of infestations in animals and humans, the agency states. Anadolu / Getty Images Related: Trump Appeared Completely Stumped When Asked About Deportation Plans, And His Answer Has Everyone Sighing Loudly Overall, HHS spokesman Andrew G. Nixon told Reuters that the risk to public health in the United States from this introduction is very low. The US largely eradicated screwworm populations over 50 years ago by using the technique of breeding and dispersing sterile male screwworms to mate with female flies. US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced earlier this month that the department will construct a sterile fly facility in Edinburg, Texas, to continue its efforts to eradicate the pest. So, how concerned should we be about human cases of screwworm infestations? Laurel Bristow, an infectious disease researcher at Emory Universitys Rollins School of Public Health, told HuffPost that she doesnt think the infestation case from the patient who returned from El Salvador should give people a lot of concern about there being more cases in the United States right now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont currently have the fly in the United States, she said, before pointing out that health officials are in contact with the person in Maryland, who will receive treatment. Ramdan Fatoni / Getty Images You just dont want the flies to move through the larval stage in which they deposit themselves into soil in the United States, and then start to grow here, she said. So I think with this case its not particularly concerning that it will sprout more cases of the flies or of infestation. And even still, Bristow, a science communications influencer who hosts the radio show Health Wanted, emphasized that the predominant, big concern is with livestock and with wild animals. Related: Hillary Clinton Just Hit On One Of Donald Trump's Biggest Insecurities With Three Words Dr. Sheldon Campbell, an infectious diseases specialist and professor at Yale School of Medicine, told HuffPost that when it comes to concerns about more human cases of screwworm infestations, there should be no spread in the US following this case report. Happysloth / Getty Images The maggots would have to complete their life cycle in the patient, drop off, and mature into flies, find mates, and ultimately lay eggs in animals or people, he said. Though I didnt see the details in the case report, this is pretty unlikely in a human patient. What are some good precautions to take when traveling to an area with a screwworm outbreak? Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told HuffPost that one should cover any open wounds, avoid sleeping outdoors, and use insect repellents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The risk is primarily in areas in which the fly is present (close proximity to livestock), so rural areas are where [the] fly is more prevalent, he said. Campbell said that prevention is key. Keep open wounds clean and covered. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and socks to limit areas where you could get bitten, he said. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent. Daniel Balakov / Getty Images Related: "Can A Trump Supporter Explain": 49 Brutal, Brutal, Brutal Political Tweets Of The Month Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, he continued, before recommending that you sleep indoors or in rooms with screens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bristow said that overall, human cases of screwworm infestations are still exceedingly rare, so at this point she believes its sufficient to take the same precautions you would for preventing mosquito-borne diseases. And Bristow emphasized, again, that the real concern with New World screwworm coming to the US would be how it would impact livestock particularly the beef industry, she said. Isabel Mateos / AP As for what signs of a screwworm infestation may look like in humans, Bristow said: If you have a wound that is beginning to show signs of maggots, or getting bigger or not healing, that would be a good indication to go to the doctor. The CDC says that the only way to treat New World screwworms is to physically remove the larvae from the infested tissue, and that health care providers should remove larvae from the site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article originally appeared on HuffPost. 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: Trump Can't Stop Talking About Pete Buttigieg, And Pete Responded With One Simple Tweet Also in In the News: MAGA Is (Loudly) Regretting Their Votes After Witnessing ICE Raids Across The Nation, And It's Reallyyyy Not Looking Good For Trump Read it on BuzzFeed.com A human case of a flesh-eating parasite, called New World screwworm, was reported in the U.S. this month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said on Sunday. The case involved a patient who returned to Maryland after traveling to El Salvador, HHS told Reuters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the diagnosis on Aug. 4, the publication reported. Its the first U.S. case linked to travel from a country with a current outbreak. Maryland health officials told The Associated Press that the patient has recovered and that no transmissions to other people or animals were found. Health: West Nile Virus Is Being Reported In Multiple States Here's What To Know A New World screwworm infestation occurs when a NWS fly larva infests the living flesh of a warm-blooded animal, according to the CDC, which adds that female screwworm flies lay their eggs on and in open wounds and mucous membranes, and they can lay 200 to 300 eggs at a time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency adds that the flys larva causes extensive damage by burrowing into its hosts tissue with sharp mouth hooks. The wound can become larger and deeper as more larvae hatch and feed on living tissue, the CDC states. As a result, NWS can cause serious damage to the animal or person it infests. Bacterial superinfection can also occur because of the NWS infestation. Livestock are most commonly affected, and infestations in humans, which the CDC describes as very painful, are rare. Countries in Central America and Mexico have reported recent cases of infestations in animals and humans, the agency states. Life: 6 Signs Of A Happy Dog, According To Veterinarians Overall, HHS spokesman Andrew G. Nixon told Reuters that the risk to public health in the United States from this introduction is very low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. largely eradicated screwworm populations over 50 years ago by using the technique of breeding and dispersing sterile male screwworms to mate with female flies. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced earlier this month that the department will construct a sterile fly facility in Edinburg, Texas, to continue its efforts to eradicate the pest. So, how concerned should we be about human cases of screwworm infestations? Laurel Bristow, an infectious disease researcher at Emory Universitys Rollins School of Public Health, told HuffPost that she doesnt think the infestation case from the patient who returned from El Salvador should give people a lot of concern about there being more cases in the United States right now. We dont currently have the fly in the United States, she said, before pointing out that health officials are in contact with the person in Maryland, who will receive treatment. Health: We're Infectious Disease Experts. Here's How Soon Bird Flu Could Cause A Pandemic. You just dont want the flies to move through the larval stage in which they deposit themselves into soil in the United States, and then start to grow here, she said. So I think with this case its not particularly concerning that it will sprout more cases of the flies or of infestation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And even still, Bristow, a science communications influencer who hosts the radio show Health Wanted, emphasized that the predominant, big concern is with livestock and with wild animals. Dr. Sheldon Campbell, a laboratory medicine specialist and professor at Yale School of Medicine, told HuffPost that when it comes to concerns about more human cases of screwworm infestations, there should be no spread in the U.S. following this case report. The maggots would have to complete their life cycle in the patient, drop off, and mature into flies, find mates, and ultimately lay eggs in animals or people, he said. Though I didnt see the details in the case report, this is pretty unlikely in a human patient. Life: What Is Hantavirus, The Disease That Killed Gene Hackman's Wife? What are some good precautions to take when traveling to an area with a screwworm outbreak? Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told HuffPost that one should cover any open wounds, avoid sleeping outdoors and use insect repellents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The risk is primarily in areas in which the fly is present (close proximity to livestock) so rural areas are where [the] fly is more prevalent, he said. Campbell said that prevention is key. Keep open wounds clean and covered. Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and socks to limit areas where you could get bitten, he said. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent. Life: The Funniest Posts From Women This Week (Aug. 30-Sept. 5) Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, he continued, before recommending that you sleep indoors or in rooms with screens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bristow said that overall, human cases of screwworm infestations are still exceedingly rare, so at this point she believes its sufficient to take the same precautions you would for preventing mosquito-borne diseases. And Bristow emphasized, again, that the real concern with New World screwworm coming to the U.S. would be how it would impact livestock particularly the beef industry, she said. As for what signs of a screwworm infestation may look like in humans, Bristow said: If you have a wound that is beginning to show signs of maggots, or getting bigger or not healing, that would be a good indication to go to the doctor. The CDC says that the only way to treat New World screwworms is to physically remove the larvae from the infested tissue, and that health care providers should remove larvae from the site. Related... Read the original on HuffPost A human case of flesh-eating screwworm was detected in the United States related to the latest outbreak of the parasite in Central America, according to officials. The patient had recently returned to Maryland after traveling to El Salvador, Andrew G. Nixon, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, told Reuters in an email. On Aug. 4, the Maryland Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the parasite as a New World screwworm, but said it is travel-related. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The risk to public health in the United States from this introduction is very low," Nixon said. While the chance of people contracting the parasite in the United States is low, here's what to know about the New World screwworm. Larvae of the screwworm fly, collected from infected cows, are observed at the COPEG sterile fly production plant, which fights the spread of the cattle screwworm, in Pacora, Panama, June 11, 2025. Dangerous waters: What to know about the flesh-eating bacteria and brain-eating amoebas What is a New World screwworm? The larva of the New World screwworm flies feed on living tissue, and mainly impacts animals and livestock. But humans can also become infested by the larva, according to the CDC. The fly was eradicated in the United States in the 1960s and in Mexico in the 1970s. But Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras have recently documented cases despite the parasite also being eradicated in Central America in the early 2000s. Who will be impacted most by the New World screwworm? Travel-related cases of screwworm pose a low threat to the public health of the United States, and the government has not confirmed any cases of screwworm infesting animals in the United States in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case, however, will likely shake the cattle ranchers, beef producers and livestock traders who were already put on alert about potential screwworm infestations, according to Reuters. The parasite has since moved into southern Mexico from Central America, causing concern for potential infestation if the fly continues to move northward. An outbreak in the United States would impact the cattle in the country and raise already record-high beef prices. A sample of screwworms collected in the morning are displayed at the veterinary clinic as the Mexican government and ranchers struggle to control the spread of this flesh-eating pest, in Tapachula, Chiapas state, Mexico July 4, 2025. Combatting the screwworm The U.S. Department of Agriculture will build a facility in Texas, the largest cattle-producing state, that will produce sterile flies to try and keep the flies' population from growing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department will spend up to $750 million on the facility, according to Reuters. Texas ranchers are anticipating the return of the parasite for the first time in decades. How was the screwworm eradicated before? In the 20th century, the United States eliminated the screwworm by flying planes over hotspots and dropping boxes of the sterile flies in hotpots, according to Reuters. (This story was updated to meet our standards.) Contributing: Reuters Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New World Screwworm case in human detected in US. What to know By Tom Polansek and Leah Douglas DECATUR, Illinois (Reuters) -The human case of screwworm reported this week by U.S. health officials is the country's only one so far this year and poses no risk to the farm sector, a U.S. Department of Agriculture official said on Tuesday. Screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that eats its hosts alive, has moved northward through Central America and southern Mexico, putting the U.S. cattle industry on high alert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A screwworm infestation can be fatal to livestock if untreated. An outbreak could cost the economy of Texas, the top cattle-producing state, nearly $2 billion, according to U.S. estimates. The human case in a person who had traveled from El Salvador to Maryland was confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on August 4, but the agency did not publicly disclose it until Reuters exclusively reported on the case on August 24. The affected person fully recovered and there was no sign of spread to other people or animals, Maryland state health officials told Reuters. In the USDA's first remarks on the subject, Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden said on Tuesday at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, that the agency had only recently learned of the case. "I dont know the exact date that she learned about it, but we found out about it I think it was over the weekend," he said, referring to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked why the case was not announced sooner, Vaden said he was not familiar with the CDC's notification process and added that the human case poses no risk to U.S. agriculture. Following Vaden's comments, the USDA released a statement late on Tuesday, saying the CDC has been leading the response to the human case. In support of that response, the USDA initiated targeted screwworm surveillance in a 20-mile (32 km) radius including parts of Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, which had so far not detected the pest. The release did not clarify when the agency learned of the human case or initiated its surveillance. The USDA did not immediately respond to a request to clarify the sequence of events or whether Rollins has communicated with CDC about the case. The release also said the risk to U.S. public health from the human case is very low and that there have been previous travel-associated human cases of screwworm. The USDA has not detected screwworm in livestock or other animals since 2017, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservation and cattle groups previously told Reuters that the CDC's delay in publicly reporting the case erodes trust between producers and government agencies. The USDA is investing $750 million to build a Texas facility that would produce and distribute sterile flies to mate with the wild screwworm population and drive down their numbers. Vaden said the plant will open in about 18 months. Rollins previously said it could take two to three years for such a facility to come online. Animal health experts have told Reuters that a number exponentially greater than the current supply of sterile flies would be needed to stop the spread of screwworm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The USDA has also been working closely with Mexican officials to combat the spread of the pest, though the U.S. decision to keep its border mostly closed to Mexican cattle imports since May has injected some fresh tension into the countries' ongoing trade deal negotiations. There is still no timeline to reopen the border, and the USDA is sending a team to Mexico in two weeks to verify that Mexico is following protocol to prevent screwworm's northern spread, Vaden said. (Reporting by Tom Polansek in Decatur, Illinois, and Leah Douglas in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Bill Berkrot) Aug. 25More than 250 firefighters alongside a fleet of apparatus continued to attack a wildfire that sparked up last week just east of Paradise along the Flathead River north of Montana 200. The Knowles Fire was estimated at 3,638 acres on Monday, Aug. 25, with containment estimated at 16%. The Western Montana All-Hazards Incident Management Team assumed leadership over the incident, with Ken Parks as commander. The fire was first reported Aug. 17 near the Full Curl Wildlife Management Area in Sanders County. It started in a grass field and expanded into an area of timber litter and tall grass that contributed to the fire's rapid spread. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause remained unknown as of Monday. A pre-evacuation notice remained in place for residents in the McLaughlin Creek area. About 784 structures were considered threatened by the fire, but none had been destroyed. The total personnel tally was around 260 firefighters, including seven engines, two Hotshot crews and five hand crews, as well as multiple pieces of heavy equipment. The estimated cost to fight the fire hit $3 million over the weekend. Firefighters were building and strengthening containment lines on the northwest flank where fire activity remained most active, according to a report issued Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Helicopters were hitting the blaze with water drops to cool the fire's edge and provide safer access for firefighters on the ground. Along the northern perimeter, crews were expanding containment lines following a burn operation. In the south, firefighters attempted to extinguish hot spots. "The terrain in this area is steep and rocky, making access challenging," the report noted. Fire growth has been minimal on the east flank. On the Flathead National Forest, the Squeezer Creek Fire was detected on Friday, Aug. 22 and was approximately 8 acres as of Monday. The fire is burning in the Squeezer Creek drainage, northeast of Van Lake on the Swan Lake Ranger District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has shown minimal fire behavior over the past couple days, but smoke may be visible from Montana 83 near the Swan Peak overlook. The Pot Mountain Fire burning on the Bob Marshall Wilderness was estimated at 404 acres with no containment. A number of trails in the area were closed for public safety. About six miles southwest of Frenchtown, the Corral Creek Fire was estimated at 408 acres on Monday. About 180 firefighters were on the incident that was started by lightning on Aug. 20. The fire was 0% contained. Some forest roads are closed within the 9 Mile Ranger District, but no evacuation had been issued, and no structures are threatened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The total cost to fight the fire was $1.8 million as of Monday. A bulldozer cuts a fireline to help contain the Knowles Fire in Sanders County on Aug. 22, 2025. Crews are using ground equipment to reinforce control lines and improve access in steep, forested areas. (Inciweb photo) CSKT Division of Fire personnel joined aerial observation flights to assess fire behavior and terrain on the Knowles Fire in Sanders County on Aug. 21, 2025. (Inciweb photo) Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has once again alluded to the possibility that his country could cut electricity supplies to Ukraine after Kyiv launched strikes on the Druzhba oil pipeline. Source: Hungarian news portal Vasarnap with reference to the Harcosok oraja (Warriors' Hour) programme, as reported by European Pravda Details: Szijjarto lamented that Ukraine is pursuing what he called a "very open anti-Hungarian policy". According to him, Ukrainians expect "Brussels and its Hungarian proxies" to put enough pressure on Hungary to force it into a position favourable to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The minister noted that Hungary provides 30-40% of Ukraines electricity imports and suggested that the Hungarian government could create difficulties for Ukraine in this sector. "Let the Ukrainians keep this in mind when they sit down at various planning tables to discuss whether or not to bomb the Druzhba oil pipeline. They ought not to forget it," he said. Meanwhile, he claimed that "we don't want anything bad for the Ukrainian people and Ukrainian families, we're better than that". This is not the first time Szijjarto has spoken in such terms: on 18 August, he indicated that Hungary could stop providing electricity to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is worth noting that electricity deliveries to Ukraine are carried out by Hungarian traders under commercial agreements, not as aid. Background: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban also said that remarks made by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the Druzhba pipeline will have long-term consequences. On 24 August, Zelenskyy confirmed European Pravdas version of the link between the strikes on Druzhba which supplies oil to Hungary and the Ukrainian-Hungarian dialogue, where the main issue is Orbans veto on EU decisions related to Ukraines accession process. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has described Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys remarks about the Druzhba oil pipeline as "blackmail and threats", adding that they would have "long-term consequences". Source: major Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet with reference to Orbans post in the closed Facebook group Harcosok Klubja, as reported by European Pravda Details: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that it had been an eventful weekend and claimed that President Zelenskyy had openly threatened Hungary. He added that Zelenskyy had admitted that they were striking the Druzhba pipeline because Hungary did not support Ukraines accession to the EU and argued that this showed Hungarians had made the right decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orban also stated that blackmail, bombings and threats would not bring anyone into the EU, warning that Zelenskyys words would have long-term consequences. According to a recent European Pravda article, Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces under Robert "Magyar" Brovdi, who had struck a Druzhba pumping station twice in recent days, were exerting strong pressure on Orban. The article noted that until now Kyiv had refrained from targeting Druzhba, primarily to avoid damaging relations with Hungary. It added that Orbans new course had left Ukraine with no choice, and while Ukraine would not officially admit a link between the strikes and the accession process, the number of coincidences left little doubt. Background: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On 24 August, Zelenskyy confirmed European Pravdas version of the link between the strikes on Druzhba which supplies oil to Hungary and the Ukrainian-Hungarian dialogue, where the main issue is Orbans veto on EU decisions related to Ukraines accession process. "We have always supported friendship between Ukraine and Hungary. And now the existence of Druzhba [which means 'friendship' in Ukrainian ed.] depends on Hungarys position," Zelenskyy said. Orban also decided to write to US President Donald Trump regarding Ukraines attack on Druzhba, and Trump supposedly replied that he was angry. The European Commission confirmed that it was aware of the temporary suspension of oil supplies through Druzhba to Slovakia and Hungary and that it had received a corresponding letter from their authorities. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Key Points Druckenmiller made headlines a couple of years ago after admitting that he sold Nvidia stock too early. Since then, he appears to have taken an interest in one of Nvidia's key partners: chip foundry TSMC. While TSMC's growth has been explosive, long-term tailwinds suggest its future remains bright. 10 stocks we like better than Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Following the end of each quarter, investment firms that manage over $100 million are required to file a form 13F with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These filings document the stocks that investment funds bought and sold during the most recent quarter -- providing investors with an idea of where "smart money" is looking for value and growth. In recent years, billionaire money manager Stanley Druckenmiller of the Duquesne Family Office came into the spotlight after the investor admitted he exited semiconductor powerhouse Nvidia far too early -- calling his decision a "big mistake." Image source: Getty Images. Since then, Druckenmiller has reentered the chip landscape -- this time plowing into a key beneficiary of the artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure boom beyond the usual suspects like Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices, or Broadcom. Over the past year, Duquesne has built a solid position in foundry specialist Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM). During Q2, Druckenmiller increased his firm's stake in Taiwan Semi by 28% -- bringing its total exposure to roughly 765,000 shares. Let's unpack what makes TSMC such a compelling AI chip stock, and assess if now is a good opportunity for you to follow Druckenmiller's lead. Taiwan Semi is rolling on all cylinders, and... The chart below highlights revenue and gross profit margin trends throughout the AI revolution for TSMC. With an estimated 68% share of the global foundry market, Taiwan Semi is operating on a level far above rivals like Samsung or Intel -- giving the company the ability to exercise substantial pricing power for its services. ...its momentum isn't slowing down At first glance, investors might worry that TSMC's steep revenue growth and expanding profit margins are nearing a peak. But the data suggests otherwise. Enterprise spending on AI infrastructure is accelerating, led by cloud hyperscalers Amazon, Alphabet, and Microsoft, which are in the midst of a historic capital expenditure (capex) spree to acquire GPUs and networking equipment for next-generation data centers. And it's not just the cloud giants. Meta Platforms, Apple, and Tesla are also investing heavily to advance ambitions in robotics, autonomous driving, and consumer electronics. KANSAS CITY, Kan. In the wake of tragedy, members of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department are paying tribute and remembering fallen officer Hunter Simoncic, who was struck and killed by a driver during a police chase early Tuesday morning. According to KCKPD, Officer Simonsic was a 26-year-old native of Galesburg, Kansas, who graduated from the police academy in November 2023. KCK police officer dies after being hit by driver during police chase Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before coming to the metro and training at the KCKPD Academy, he received a Bachelor of Science in sociology from Pittsburg State University and a Masters in forensic science from Oklahoma State University. While at the academy, KCK Police Chief Karl Oakman said all trainees had to write a short excerpt describing why they wanted to join the force. I want to take what I have learned in life to make positive changes in a community I believe truly deserves it, Simoncics excerpt read. And according to Chief Oakman, he did just that. As an officer, Simoncic dedicated his time to the youth of Kansas City, Kansas, by working at the Southeast Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center as a shift supervisor. In his spare time, he volunteered with Lead to Read KC, reading to students every week at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are just really going to miss his presence, his supportive nature and him being that role model, Executive Director of Lead to Read Kansas City Rhea Legrande said. She said Simoncic signed up to be a reading mentor last fall. Hes known for being extra patient and extraordinarily kind, Legrande said. Ofc. Hunter is one of those people who, of course, showed up for his community, but showed up with a lot of kindness and compassion. Legrande said the impact of reading mentors is clear, students grow their skills much faster than without a mentor. She said the 26-year-old was one of their youngest reading mentors. Simoncic signed up to work with the same student again this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When our reading mentors go back, the kiddos they had last year, can often be seen obviously looking for them in the halls and getting excited, Legrande said. So, that kiddos going to be looking for Ofc. Hunter and hes not going to be there, and not by his choice, but because his life was taken from him so harshly way too soon. While at the academy, Simoncic attributed much of his success and drive to his family. According to Chief Oakman, Simoncic thanked his parents for installing ethics, such as character, hard work and grit, as well as life tools he needed to pursue his career. In addition to Chief Oakmans statement, KCK Mayor Tyrone Garner also shared a few words about the fallen officer at a news conference on Tuesday. He described Simonsic as not just a police officer, but A member of our community, our neighbor, our friend. Mayor Garner added, Lets not forget his sacrifice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets not forget his sacrifice: Mayor speaks on KCK police officer killed in line of duty Weve got a pretty inclusive community. We wanted everyone to come here and want to be here and feel loved while we are here, Mission Barbell Club Owner Jay Fleer said Tuesday. It started hitting me as soon as I had found out. Hes going to be really missed. Simonsic was a member of the Mission Barbell Club, in Mission, Kansas. He was here just about every single day, Fleer shared with FOX4 Tuesday. I thought manplease tell me thats not Hunter. Fleer said the gym and its members became a second family to Simonsic when he moved to the Kansas City Metro a few years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We just loved him so much. We loved having him here. He was funny. He made us laugh, he shared. He had a significant stutter, and despite that, he volunteered for a program and read for kids. Fleer described Simonsic as competitive and brave. Because kids can kind of be mean. Secondly, that speaks to his heart, making sure that other kids that had similar speech problems knew that it was ok, it was ok to have that. Fleer, retired from law enforcement now, has three decades as an officer under his belt. He most recently served in Mission, Kansas. Every call could be the last call you go to, he said on the dangers of the job. While you cant go into every call scared and paranoid that thats the last call you go to. You have to go into every call prepared for whatever is going to come up. Sometimes the things that come up are beyond imagination and sometimes way more deadly than we expect them to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News of the 26-year-old officers death comes exactly 30 days after Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming was shot and killed in the line of duty. Shawn Harris, the man accused of killing him, faces the death penalty. Its just a sad situation, KCK resident Debbie Kenney said. So young, had so much life ahead of him. She remembers last month, when the community was grieving Deputy Ming. My heart goes out to them and their families, Kenney said. In the case of Simoncics death, Dennis Edward Mitchell III has been arrested and is currently being held in the Wyandotte County jail awaiting multiple charges, including first-degree murder, vehicular homicide, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, theft, criminal possession of a firearm and aggravated failure to appear. However, formal charges are pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Big Brothers Big Sisters KC released a statement following Simoncics death: We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Officer Hunter Simoncic. Officer Simoncic was not only a dedicated public servant, but also a remarkable mentor in our Big Brothers Big Sisters program. For a year, he poured his time and heart into his role as a Big Brother, building a strong bond with his 16-year-old Little Brother and spending meaningful time together each month. His commitment to making a difference in a young persons life is a reflection of his character and generosity. We remain committed to supporting his Little Brother through this heartbreaking time, and our thoughts and hearts are with Officer Simoncics family, loved ones, and the entire community mourning his loss. At this time, donation opportunities for Simoncics family have been created by KCKPD. According to officers, you can support his family through the KCK Fraternal Order of Police/Lodge #4 Memorial Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donations can be made to: KCK FOP Memorial Fund c/o Simoncic Family at any Public Safety Credit Union location. All proceeds collected will be donated directly to the family. In a final statement from KCKPD, the agency said: Godspeed Hunter. You and Elijah rest easy; we will take it from here. Related stories Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. ST. LOUIS This week marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf of Mexico as a category 3 storm. Among the impacted towns was Biloxi, Mississippi. Scott Melton, a former Biloxi resident, moved to Missouri after the storm. It was just town after town after town, miles of destruction, Melton said. Melton chose to ride out the storm, expecting little impact. While residents were warned, some lacked the means to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News When you get so many minor hurricanes, eventually its almost like the boy who cried wolf, Melton said. So I decided to stay for Katrina and that was the one I should have left for. Melton, his friend and his friends girlfriend were asleep when power was cut to the town. When Melton awoke, conditions had worsened, and he doubted the house would hold up. I opened my front door; there was no ground, no sidewalk, no road, Melton said. It looked like I was in the middle of a lake; it was already that high with the water, and maybe an hour or so later, it was up on my porch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melton and his friends tried escaping the floodwater as they crept in the house, making their way to the attic and eventually the roof. Religious leaders indicted; ran forced labor call centers in Missouri and elsewhere A sailboat floating by was a miracle for Melton and his friends as they clung to it for safety. After being separated from his friends, leaving behind his dog and everything he owned, Melton was in a shelter at a nearby elementary school. He was not able to get ahold of any family for days with power lines down. He was presumed missing before he was finally able to reach his father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melton said this event was one that shook the town and the coast to its core, and no matter how much time passes, the memories of the floods, wind, and rain will be with him forever. That was probably one of the worst days in my life and the scariest Ive ever had to fight so hard to stay alive, Melton said. Melton now lives in Belleville, Illinois, with his wife. He had returned to Biloxi after the storm and continued to live there before ultimately moving 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 FOX 2. Jemmy Jimenez Rosa (left) was detained at Logan International Airport in front of her husband, Marcel Rosa (right), and three of her four children on Aug. 11 after a family trip to Mexico. Marcel Rosa Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained a mother of four earlier this month after she traveled back into the U.S. with her passport and valid green card. Jemmy Jimenez Rosa, who was born in Peru but has been a lawful permanent U.S. resident for 33 years, was detained at Bostons Logan International Airport in front of her husband and three of her four children on Aug. 11 after a family trip to Mexico. Todd Pomerleau, her attorney, claims that she, her family and her legal team were not given any justification for her detainment except a misdemeanor marijuana conviction from two decades ago that had been pardoned. During her 10-day detainment, Jimenez Rosa was hospitalized twice because she was not given any of her prescribed medications, moved around to multiple facilities, including one only for men, and denied her access to her legal team, her attorney told HuffPost. All the while, her family and legal team struggled to get information about her whereabouts and why she was detained. Related: 'Mr. President, Do Not Come To Chicago': JB Pritzker Issues Blistering Warning To Trump Jimenez Rosa was released on Aug. 20 with no charges after a judge vacated her decades-old conviction. However, authorities did not allow Jimenez Rosa to wait inside the detention facility to be picked up and did not notify her husband and attorneys of the details, her attorney said. Instead, she walked through a rainstorm for about a half mile to the Burlington Mall, where a stranger allowed an exhausted and depleted Jimenez Rosa to use their phone and let her husband know of her whereabouts, the attorney said. Her family and legal team then met her at the mall, which was about thirty miles away from home. Jemmy Jimenez Rosa (left) was detained at Logan International Airport in front of her husband, Marcel Rosa (right), and three of her four children on Aug. 11 after a family trip to Mexico. Marcel Rosa The arbitrary detainment, inhumane treatment and careless release that Jimenez Rosas attorney says she experienced are just the latest caused by a racist, anti-immigration agenda pushed by the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump and his administration have repeatedly claimed that their immigration crackdown and corresponding mass deportations are an effort to detain dangerous criminals and the worst of the worst. But Jimenez Rosa has no criminal record aside from pleading guilty to a marijuana possession misdemeanor in 2003. However, that charge was dismissed by Gov. Maura Healey (D), who granted mass pardons for marijuana possession misdemeanor convictions across the state of Massachusetts in March 2024. Moreover, as of Aug. 10, 70.4% of immigration detainees, or 41,822 out of 59,380 detainees, do not have a criminal record, according to Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a nonpartisan research organization tracking immigration data. People who are entitled to immigration court hearings and due process just end up outside of the country and have been disappeared with no respect for the constitutional and statutory rights, Pomerleau told HuffPost on Monday. We had a strong concern that she may have been disappeared. She was held for several days, no written notice, no access to a phone call, and when three lawyers from my office went there to meet her, [they] were told she doesnt have a right to counsel. A Customs and Border Protection spokesperson gave HuffPost a boilerplate statement when asked about Jimenez Rosas detainment: 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 spokesperson wrote in an email. Regardless, Pomerleau told HuffPost that her detention was unlawful. He brought the case before a judge, who vacated her already pardoned marijuana conviction. I was demanding to know why she was detained. I still dont know for sure, but they suggested, after I vacated her conviction, that was why; thats the only acknowledgment I ever got, Pomerleau said of immigration officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorney added he doesnt know if Jimenez Rosa and her family will ever recover from the experience. Related: 6-Year-Old With Leukemia In Immigration Detention After Familys Arrest At Courthouse: Lawsuit Ive never seen such an egregious set of facts in my career. It was totally unnecessary and uncalled for. There was no legal justification for this. It was inhumane, Pomerleau said. Marcel Rosa, her husband, told HuffPost he felt ambushed when he, Jimenez Rosa and their daughters, ages 3, 6 and 7, returned to the U.S. When the family went through customs at the airport, Jimenez Rosa was made to do additional questioning despite having both her passport and green card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You would have to be in that room while things were transpiring to really understand how I felt. I came from going on vacation, had a great time with my family, had the greatest vacation that you can ask for, he said. When you look at my daughters, how they was, when you looked at my wife, how she was sunk into the chair. Her whole soul was gone. And I just looked at the Customs Border Patrol agent that was making the decisions, and he was acting as if this was a nothingburger, and he was literally destroying my family for no reason. Since his wifes release, Rosa said his family is struggling to go back to normal. My wife just consistently keeps crying. She doesnt want to talk to anyone. Shes paranoid. I mean, everyones paranoid, to be honest. I think shes permanently damaged, he said. At the time of writing, the family has raised more than $26,046 through a GoFundMe fundraiser for emergency legal fees and other expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We went through a lot in 10 days a lot of unnecessary things that happened. And right now is my main concern is just the mental health of my family, my kids. You know everything happened right in front of them, Rosa said. I really dont know the amount of damage that was done to them. He also warned that people who are not U.S. citizens should be wary of traveling right now. If you have a vacation planned and youre not a U.S. citizen, you should cancel the vacation. You should literally cancel the vacation, even if you lose your money. Its really not worth the nightmare, he said. It can happen to anyone. And then once you get caught up in the system, its very hard to get out. Related... Read the original on HuffPost BALTIMORE, Md. (DC News Now) Kilmar Abrego Garcia remains held in an unidentified detention center in Virginia, as his deportation is on hold after U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis extended her order blocking his deportation to Uganda until further notice. Shes concerned there are no assurances from that country that Abrego Garcia would be able to move about there freely. A media frenzy surrounded Abrego Garcia and his family as they entered the federal building for his meeting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His wife left about 45 minutes later, as one of their attorneys delivered the news to supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Abrego Garcia was taken into custody by ICE this morning, said Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, one of the familys attorneys. Court documents: Kilmar Abrego Garcias team challenges Trump administrations plan to deport him to Uganda Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the arrest. President Trump will not allow this illegal alien, who is an MS-13 gang member, human trafficker, serial domestic abuser and child predator, to terrorize American citizens any longer, Noem said on social media. Abrego Garcia and his supporters deny the allegations. I have come to know how the community has stood up with so much support, and has hugged me with so much solidarity, Abrego Garcia said through an interpreter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His arrest followed a brief reunion of the Abrego Garcia family, as he returned to their home in Beltsville, Md. Friday night, just hours after his release in Tennessee, where he faces federal human trafficking charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. Aug. 25Immigration officers must have a warrant to enter a permitted event on most public property in Spokane if organizers request protection and go through the proper steps to receive it, the city council voted Monday. The law, which went through months of delays to satisfy the concerns of enough council members to pass, did not come soon enough this summer to save Tacos and Tequila, an annual event celebrating Spokane's Latino community that would have typically taken place last weekend on a closed city street downtown but was canceled for fear of targeted raids by immigration officials. "We just don't feel like it's safe right now to hold a Latino festival because we are being targeted right now," said Fernanda Mazcot, executive director of Nuestras Raices Community Center, when the event was canceled in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But bill sponsor Councilman Paul Dillon and supporters hope the new law will provide some level of reassurance for future event planners and their attendees. "Words cannot fully describe the way your blood freezes or the way your entire nervous system becomes an active live wire when you think you may have to be the person who stands against injustice and holds federal agents accountable," said Nicole Ruiz, an organizer for Nuestras Raices Community Center a nonprofit serving the Latino community in Eastern Washington that hosts events like Tacos and Tequila. "However, there is also something powerful when you know you are backed by the law," Ruiz added. "Despite the fear, you stand a little straighter." The "Safe and Welcome in Spokane" law, originally proposed to impact public events in city parks, now potentially includes any event on public property outside of parks, following the independent city park board's refusal to take responsibility for enforcement or administration. To qualify, organizers must coordinate with the city permitting office, clearly define the borders of the event with signage or barriers and give attendees "express permission" to enter, such as with a ticket or verbal permission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The original version of the law was proposed in May as one of the last major legislative actions by former Councilwoman Lili Navarrete, who resigned in late June citing health concerns, but the proposal faltered amid concerns from the park board. Dillon took up the effort in June shortly after mass protests over immigration arrests, modifying the law so that it no longer included city parks. The ordinance again faced headwinds after Council President Betsy Wilkerson worried it would prevent typical law enforcement from entering if a crime occurred at a protected event. Though Dillon has insisted the law only impacts immigration officers, the law approved Monday also explicitly allows local, county and state law enforcement to enforce laws relevant to their jurisdictions. The ordinance was approved Monday 5-2, with Councilmen Jonathan Bingle and Michael Cathcart voting in opposition. Since May, Cathcart has argued the ordinance was more performance than protection, believing that federal law enforcement would not be discouraged from entering an event in violation of the municipal law, and they may actively surveil the perimeter of events that sought such protections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police Chief Kevin Hall, asked Monday what officers would do in response to a 911 call about immigration officers violating the city's law, was clear: observe, attempt to keep the peace, and otherwise do nothing. "SPD cannot and will not interfere with a federal law enforcement officer," Hall said. Instead, the law would potentially give residents the ability to sue the federal government and other parties for violations, similar to a 2018 city law that prohibited warrantless immigration searches at the downtown Greyhound station. In 2021, Greyhound agreed to a $2.2 million settlement with Washington state for frequently allowing warrantless immigration services just before the first court hearing for a lawsuit brought by then-Attorney General Bob Ferguson. This lawsuit was based on violations of anti-discrimination and other state-level laws, not the 2018 city law, however. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cathcart disputed that cities had the power to grant residents a right to sue the federal government over alleged violations, which would leave the ordinance toothless. Other opponents of the law argued that the city should be supportive of federal immigration officials and the White House's deportation initiative. "The law is clear that invaders need to be repelled," said Larry Andrews, owner of HVAC company Andrews Mechanical and a frequent critic of the council. "And the problem with our city right now is we're in a deficit ... and by doing what you're doing, you're going to make it even worse, because the (federal) administration is following the laws, and they're going to pull all of your funding for sure." Police are searching for the driver of a white van seen on surveillance video crashing into a Walk of Fame statue in Hollywood on Monday. The incident was reported shortly before 6 p.m. on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea Avenue when the van was seen driving through a group of statues known as the Four Ladies of Hollywood and then striking another vehicle as it turned the corner. The statue of pioneering actress Anna May Wong, known as the first Chinese-American movie star, was left damaged by the van. The statue of Anna May Wong was damaged in a hit-and-run crash on Hollywoods Walk of Fame on Aug. 25, 2025. (KTLA) The statue of Anna May Wong was damaged in a hit-and-run crash on Hollywoods Walk of Fame on Aug. 25, 2025. (KTLA) The statue of Anna May Wong was damaged in a hit-and-run crash on Hollywoods Walk of Fame on Aug. 25, 2025. (KTLA) The statue of Anna May Wong was damaged in a hit-and-run crash on Hollywoods Walk of Fame on Aug. 25, 2025. (KTLA) Police are searching for the driver of a white van that crashed into a statue of Anna May Wong on Hollywoods Walk of Fame on Aug. 25, 2025. (KTLA) Although the statue was still standing, a lower portion of it had been sheared off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The van was gone from the scene when police arrived, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to KTLA. The crash was being investigated as a hit-and-run. It was unclear if anyone in the other vehicle was injured in the crash. Police are searching for the driver of a white van that crashed into a statue of Anna May Wong on Hollywoods Walk of Fame on Aug. 25, 2025. (KTLA) The Four Ladies of Hollywood sculpture was commissioned in 1993 and also includes statues of Mae West, Dorothy Dandridge and Dolores Del Rio. KTLAs Elizabeth Chapman 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. President Donald Trump signs the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on the South Lawn of the White House, on July 4, 2025, during the 4th of July picnic. U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, attended the ceremony. (Photo by Daniel Torok/Official White House photo) U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, is urging supporters and business leaders to push back against messaging from legacy media regarding the major tax and spending law passed by Congress in July. Crapo spoke to a group of about 50 people Thursday morning in Boise at a breakfast held by Americans For Prosperity, or AFP, an advocacy organization founded by billionaires Charles and the late David Koch. The private event at a downtown hotel highlighted the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is now a law and was supported by AFP through a $20 million campaign effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Undeniably, AFP was the biggest ally we had in getting the One Big Beautiful Bill across the finish line, Crapo said Thursday. Crapo chairs the Senate Finance Committee, which, among its many areas of oversight, is charged with crafting tax policy. The Idaho senator played a key role in crafting the legislation. He lauded AFP for going to the districts of lawmakers reluctant to vote for the bill. And it wasnt because those House members and Senate members didnt want to vote for the bill, Crapo said, its because their constituents were listening to the legacy media message about the bill and didnt understand what it did, and AFP helped us there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attendees included Idaho Gov. Brad Little, Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield, state House Majority Leader Jason Monks, R-Meridian, and Boise City Councilmember Luci Willits. Protestors call for open public meetings Around 30 people protested the event outside, calling for public, free town halls instead. The protest was organized by the Idaho 50501 movement, which was also behind the No Kings Day protest in June, and Idaho Women in Action. Senator Crapos recent votes to restrict Medicaid and reduce funding for SNAP directly impact families across the state, said in an Idaho 50501 press release. Idaho 50501 and Idaho Women In Action believe these decisions should be discussed openly, with input from those most affected. Crapo had no public town halls scheduled as of Thursday, and a page on his offices website with a calendar and map of town halls listed an August 2022 event as the most recent one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokespeople for Idahos other members of Congress, Sen. Jim Risch and Rep. Mike Simpson, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on if they plan to hold town halls. As our townhall events, including tele-townhalls are organized and scheduled, we will update via our official office platforms, constituent emails, press releases and such, a spokesperson for Idaho U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher said. Crapo highlights laws deficit impact, tax cut extensions The Idaho senator said Thursday he was defensive of the narrative hes heard that the tax and spending bill which among many things made cuts to Medicaid and food assistance, extended tax cuts passed in 2017, added temporary cuts to taxes on overtime pay and tips, and increased spending for immigration enforcement and border security. An analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that the total bill would raise the federal deficit by around $3 trillion in the next 10 years, FOX Business reported, and the law raised the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, which increases the legal limit on the amount the U.S. Treasury can borrow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crapo countered that analysis, arguing that the office should have used the baseline revenue with the tax cuts enacted in 2017 that were set to expire this year. His office requested that CBO score the bill, using the current tax policy as a baseline; that request shows a $1.2 trillion deficit decrease over the next decade. Thats where we needed help from AFP to get our colleagues to agree to take this hit because they were attacked as a gimmick, he said. I dont think most Idahoans think its a gimmick to say that the refusal to raise taxes is not increasing the deficit. He also said it wasnt just wealthy Americans and businesses who benefited from the tax cuts, noting, billionaires are paying the same taxes this year that they paid last year. A larger percentage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was made permanent in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act go to the wealthiest Americans, according to analyses by the Tax Policy Center, Economic Policy Institute, and the Bipartisan Policy Center. On average, all income groups receive a tax benefit from the extension or would have seen a tax increase had the cuts not been made permanent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bottom 20% of household incomes would likely see an average increase of .5% in after-tax income as a result of the extension of the child credit and larger standard deduction, according to the Tax Policy Center. The highest-income taxpayers would see net tax cuts of 2% of after-tax income for those in the top quintile. The Council on Economic Advisors, an office under the office of the president, estimated that the average Idaho resident would see a raise in wages by $3,400 to $6,400 in the next four years as a result of the legislation. Another reconciliation bill may be coming Crapo underscored that while the massive law addressed many of President Donald Trumps main priorities, it did not satisfy all of them. He said the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus also wanted to see larger spending reductions. Of Trumps eight or nine priorities, Crapo said, the law accomplished three or four of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As chairman of the Finance Committee, Crapo was present when Trump signed the bill into law in July. He said the president called him out as knowing more about taxes than anybody, but said he and Crapo didnt always agree. Thats because he didnt get all eight of his things, and he only got them for a number of years, Crapo said with a laugh. U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, said he wanted another major bill to continue the work, Politico reported. To pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, lawmakers used whats called the reconciliation process. Through this process, lawmakers avoid the filibuster in the Senate and only need a simple majority of votes rather than 60. Reconciliation can only address tax policy and certain types of spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So we are going to do another reconciliation bill, Crapo said. The politics of that one are going to be much, much more difficult because we dont have the (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) engine driving it. And the pressure in that one will be spending reductions, and any kind of spending reform in Washington is an intense battle, so look for that and keep saying nice things about me when we start cutting more. This article was first published by Idaho Capital Sun, 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. NEED TO KNOW The food delivery Xana Kernodle ordered from DoorDash on the night she was murdered is among a new batch of crime scene photos released by Idaho State Police Investigators believe that Kernodle heard Kohberger upstairs while eating her food, and encountered him in the bedroom of roommate Madison Mogen Kernodle is thought to have then fled, at which point Kohberger followed her downstairs, forgetting to retrieve his knife sheath New crime scene photos show the half-eaten final meal of Xana Kernodle. The photos of the DoorDash delivery that the 20-year-old University of Idaho student collected just minutes before she was murdered by Bryan Kohberger are among the more than 350 images released by Idaho State Police and obtained by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These new images suggest Kernodle was eating her food in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022, when she realized someone was inside the house. Idaho State Police Xana Kernodle's DoorDash delivery Xana Kernodle's DoorDash delivery Idaho State Police Lt. Darren Gilbertson has said in interviews that investigators believe Kernodle likely took her DoorDash delivery to the kitchen after collecting it from the front door of the house. Then, while eating her food from Jack-in-the-Box, she heard a commotion of some sort above her on the third floor. When Kernodle went upstairs to see what was happening, investigators believe that she likely came upon Kohberger in her roommate's bedroom. 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. Investigators believe that Kernodle then turned and fled, forcing Kohberger to follow after her down the stairs and leave behind his knife sheath. They believe this is when Kohberger could be overheard by surviving roommate Dylan Mortensen saying, "It's okay, I'm here to help you," according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kohberger eventually caught up with Kernodle just as she reached the doorway of her bedroom. Blood spatter at the scene suggests it was there that he began attacking her. The one mystery that remains, however, is when Kohberger gained entry to the home, and where Kernodle was at that time. Records show that Kernodle's delivery was placed outside the front door of the home at 3:59 a.m. by a DoorDash driver, while surveillance footage shows that Kohberger parked his car in a small lot overlooking the home at 4:06 a.m. Investigators also know that Kernodle was on her phone looking at TikTok until 4:12 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is around that time when Mortensen told authorities she heard a person say that someone was in the home, followed by footsteps running up or down the stairs between the third and second floors. Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, both 21, were murdered in Mogen's bedroom on the third floor, while Kernodle was stabbed over 50 times after Kohberger caught up with her that night. He also murdered her sleeping boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20, whose injuries would have left him unable to render help to Kernodle. Idaho State Police Kernodle's delivery from Jack-in-the Box Kernodle's delivery from Jack-in-the Box At 4:17 a.m., a surveillance camera located approximately 50 feet from the Moscow home picked up the sounds of whimpering followed by a loud thud. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And at 4:20 a.m., Kohberger can be seen racing out of the neighborhood in his car at a high rate of speed. The new images do not show any of the victims or their bedrooms, rather they show the Jack-in-the-Box bag on a kitchen table cluttered with dirty dishes, an open jug of orange juice and stacks of red Solo cups. On the front of the bag is a large sticker that reads: "Order prepared for: Xana." There were discarded Jack-in-the-Box food wrappers on the table as well as in the bag, and a half-eaten order of french fries on the opposite counter of the kitchen that Kernodle was likely eating when she went upstairs to check on her roommates. Read the original article on People State health officials say the cuts to doctor pay rates through Idaho Medicaid are meant to reduce rapidly rising costs. (Getty Images) Idaho will cut reimbursement rates for providers who treat Medicaid patients by 4%. The cuts coupled with another Medicaid program set to end soon could push some doctors offices to stop accepting Medicaid, one health leader says. State health officials say the cuts are meant to reduce rapidly rising Medicaid costs, but more cuts could come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare told medical providers about the cuts Friday. A week earlier, Idaho Gov. Brad Little ordered state agencies to cut budgets mid-year by 3% ahead of an $80 million projected budget shortfall. In a letter announcing the Medicaid cuts, Idaho Medicaid Deputy Director Juliet Charron said Medicaids budget is projected to grow by 19% more than twice as sharp as state lawmakers on the budget committee anticipated when they set the budget. Health and Welfare must take action to reduce the (trustee and benefit) trendline, which is driving the budget growth, she wrote. Over the coming months, Health and Welfare will continue to evaluate the need for additional actions and will keep providers and stakeholders apprised of any next steps. Medicaid, which already pays less than other health insurance, is a largely federally funded public assistance program that covers people with low incomes, disabilities, pregnant moms and some seniors. About 354,000 Idahoans are enrolled in Medicaid, figures from the Department of Health and Welfare show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cuts could push Idaho Medicaid patients into an access to care crisis, said Idaho Medical Association CEO Susie Keller. This additional 4% payment cut on top of an already major funding cut will likely push many physician practices over the edge, she told the Sun in a written statement. And if this happens, Idaho Medicaid patients will face an access to care crisis, especially in rural and underserved areas of the state. Rep. Josh Tanner, a state lawmaker from Eagle who serves in Republican legislative leadership, acknowledged the cuts put providers in a tough position. But he said he wasnt sure if the cuts would be enough. The Idaho governors office could not be immediately reached for comment. Idaho Reports first reported on the Medicaid cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX How the Medicaid provider cuts work Starting Sept. 1, Medicaid will cut reimbursement rates for all provider types and services by 4%. Heres how that will work, according to Health and Welfares letter: The providers: That includes hospitals, nursing and intermediate care facilities, home and community-based services for people with disabilities, hospice, ambulatory surgical centers, school-based services and more. Pharmacy benefit rates will also face 4% cuts. Tribal providers will be exempt from the cuts, since they are reimbursed entirely with federal funds when serving tribal members. Managed care: Payments to private companies that manage Medicaid benefits will also be cut by 4%. The cuts to those payments, called capitation rates, may come through provider rate reductions or changes to optional covered costs. Some Idaho Medicaid services like mental health care, medical transportation and dental care are run by private managed care organizations. Idaho hopes to shift all Medicaid benefits to managed care by 2029, under a state law passed this year. Medicaid is trying to identify any opportunities to save funds internally on operating expenses and contracts, Charron wrote. But since 96% of Idaho Medicaids budget goes to trustee and benefit costs, which is fueling budget growth, it is not possible to offset budget increase through internal actions alone, she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Waiting until the Legislature meets in January could have led to steeper cuts, wrote Charron, who will become the director of the Department of Health and Welfare next month. Health and Welfare has been evaluating this trend and started to examine the need to address the increase earlier this summer, with the anticipation of needing to take action within the (state fiscal year), agency spokesperson AJ McWhorter told the Idaho Capital Sun. He said many other states are seeing unsustainable growth trends in Medicaid and are considering or have made similar cuts. North Carolina and Washington recently announced Medicaid rate reductions, he said. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health and Welfare estimates the cuts will save $36.8 million in fiscal year 2026, McWhorter said. If future cuts are needed, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare plans to focus on having little or no impact on services, McWhorter said. Should we see continued growth in areas, we will examine necessary options in coordination with these offices with the goal to continue to provide accessible care to Medicaid covered individuals, he said. Health and Welfare is evaluating potential general fund reductions agency-wide across all divisions and programs, with the focus on little to no impact to services for Idahoans. Some Idaho doctors were already at a tipping point from Medicaid cuts, Idaho Medical Association CEO says Idaho doctors were already bracing for a Medicaid primary care program, called Healthy Connections, to end following a Medicaid cost cutting law passed by the Legislature this year. Providers might have to limit or stop seeing Medicaid patients when the program ends, the Idaho Statesman recently reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This impending significant revenue loss has caused many practices to evaluate their ability to continue to care for Medicaid patients, Keller, with the Idaho Medical Association, told the Sun. Some physicians are at a tipping point and are forced to consider reducing office hours, letting go of clinical staff, or other measures that could limit patient access to care. Asked how the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare would retain providers under the new cuts to provider pay rates, McWhorter said the agency must submit a plan to federal regulators after the public comment period on the cuts ends. Health and Welfare values our provider network and access to care for participants, he said. Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities Executive Director Christine Pisani said cuts to school-based Medicaid services mean special education students wont have the same access to public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The council hopes that Medicaid has planned for additional oversight of seniors and people with disabilities when services are cut and people are displaced, she added. Idaho Hospital Association Vice President Toni Lawson said the situation will be difficult. We appreciate Governor Little acting now so that the impact would not be worse later, she said in a written statement. Like the Governor, Idaho hospital leaders are grappling with how best to deal with less than expected revenue. And like the Governor, Idaho hospital leaders will have to make some tough decisions on where to allocate scarce healthcare resources in their communities. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Chairman Jim Risch, R-Idaho, speaks during a confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on July 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) This opinion column was first published by the Lewiston Tribune on Aug. 20, 2025. Bulletin: On or about March 21, U.S. Sen. James Elroy Risch, R-Idaho, announced his candidacy for reelection in an undated news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I may be the first to share this news with you. His declaration did not occur in the usual fashion of news conferences, a statewide tour or venues with supporters, balloons, swag and family. It was not orchestrated for an in-depth, Idaho-wide delivery. Rather it was a binary strategy with President Donald Trump, who provided a generic endorsement. Rischs perfunctory news release without the customary hoopla was narrowly cast to target Idaho GOP insiders and right-wing faithful (redundant?). Risch avoided any direct outreach with the general public and the media in his benign campaign launch. Whats going on here? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets look at the numbers. Risch is 82. He is Idahos oldest serving U.S. senator ever. Presently, only U.S. Senate colleagues Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, who is 91, Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who is 83, and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who is also 83, are older than Risch. If reelected next year, Risch will be 89 at the end of his next six-year term. Closest to Risch in age are his colleagues Sen. Mike Crapo and Congressman Mike Simpson, both R-Idaho and both 74, as well as Sen. William E. Borah, R-Idaho, who was 74 when he died in office in 1940. The oldest serving Idaho politician was former Idaho Secretary of State Pete Cenarrusa. He left office at 85. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Risch has been in office since 1970. There were a couple of gap years, but he has essentially been an elected official since the height of the Vietnam War (Risch had ulcers and avoided the draft). Risch creates a whole new category of career politician in Idaho. He is the seventh richest U.S. senator, serving today with an estimated net worth of $54.5 million. As of June 30, Risch had a whopping $2.85 million cash on hand in his campaign account. You can be certain any Republican with a heartbeat contemplating a run for the U.S. Senate would consult the Federal Elections Commission website and be dissuaded from running because of this war chest, as well as Trumps endorsement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with these numbers and factors in mind, I can only conclude that Risch is gaslighting us. Rischs age, wealth, shallow record and campaign war chest are key factors that point to a retirement at age 83. His reelection announcement is a ruse, a feint, a smokescreen. But he is reluctant to share that news with us at this time. Lets drill down on other key factors. The Idaho GOP is at war with itself. There have been numerous censures of sitting Idaho GOP legislators, ugly primary elections and overwhelming influence of outside-of-Idaho groups feeding legislation to right-wing lawmakers eager to curry favor with national funders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kootenai County Republican Central Committee unanimously endorsed the John Birch Society, and county central committees are fighting with local legislators over strict adherence to platforms drafted by ultra-right groups. In that context, Rischs reelection announcement points to an avoidance of a political explosion comparable to the release of the Yellowstone Caldera. The lid to this erupting political volcano is the combination of Risch having $2.8 million in campaign cash on hand and Trumps endorsement. All is quiet for now. The Idaho glitterati at the highest levels of political influence are buying time with Rischs perfunctory announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Think for one minute about what a retirement announcement from Risch would mean. It would unleash the Idaho GOP civil war in its ugliest forms. There would be multiple candidates appearing out of the woodwork to run for a coveted six-year seat. In the process, elected officials would abandon their seats to run for higher office and create another tranche of 2026 right-wing ugliness. It would make the 1978, six-way GOP primary contest for governor look tame. As a cherry on top of this political sundae, consider if Congressman Simpson and Risch both announce retirements. Whoa! At that point, the political caldera really explodes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only way to minimize this mess is for delayed announcements, now underway, followed by a controlled process to avoid multiple candidate primaries. I see a path forward based on Rischs so-called 2026 candidacy. He can suddenly accept a nomination from Trump to fill one of 104 ambassadorial vacancies based on his 100% sycophancy. His confirmation would be guaranteed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee he now chairs. Rischs penchant for foreign affairs took him to many overseas venues. His $2.8 million campaign account could be dedicated to establishing an institute in his name at a university or a think tank to memorialize his lifetime political career. Gov. Brad Little could, in turn, appoint himself to Rischs Senate seat and Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke would ascend to governor, thereby blocking Attorney General Raul Labrador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve seen a version of this movie before. In 1990, U.S. Sen. Jim McClure delayed his retirement announcement to pave the way for Congressman Larry Craig to move seamlessly into the nomination. Simultaneously, popular GOP State Sen. Skip Smyser became the unopposed primary candidate for Craigs congressional seat. You may think Im smoking something with this conjecture. Well know Im wrong when Risch comes home to Idaho and holds in-person town hall meetings and news conferences. However, he cannot nuance his age, wealth, record or authoritarian demeanor. And Ive seen polls with his approval numbers in the tank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until then, the independent-minded Idaho voter will have something to think about when it comes to the 2026 U.S. Senate race. It may all be up for grabs. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By Riham Alkousaa BERLIN (Reuters) -Canada is working with its allies to potentially fund critical mineral transactions, similar to what the U.S. government did with MP Materials to diversify the supply chain from China, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson told Reuters on Tuesday. The key target, Hodgson said, would be minerals subject to China's export restriction, which is challenging the production of important types of mineral products in G7 and NATO countries. "I think you'll see us looking at similar types of transactions, working with our allies," Hodgson said. "The difference between the MP Materials deal is all of the output goes to the United States there. We are interested in doing these sorts of deals in partnership with our allies to share the output with our allies," he said. MP Materials said on July 10 that it had entered into a public-private partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense to build out a domestic rare earth magnet supply chain and reduce foreign dependency. (Reporting by Riham Alkousaa in Berlin; writing by Divya Rajagopal in Toronto; Editing by Leslie Adler) IDF sources told The 'Post' that the meeting clarified which appointments are already in consensus between the two top defense officials. Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir issued a joint statement on Tuesday, saying that they had met to discuss appointing new brigadier-generals and colonels, which are senior ranks below the IDFs high command level. On the one hand, their meeting represents real progress toward resolving the appointments dispute that erupted between them two weeks ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then again, the official statement provided almost no details about the specific appointments or the expected process or time frame for approving future promotions. However, IDF sources told The Jerusalem Post that the meeting did clarify which appointments are already in consensus between the two top defense officials and which appointments will be debated and may even lead Katz to press Zamir to reach a different decision. Defense Minister Israel Katz with IDF soldiers in the West Bank; illustrative. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X/ISRAEL KATZ) In that vein, IDF sources remain uncertain about the defense ministers time frame for final approvals, specifically. The dispute broke out against the backdrop of a much larger and more significant one between Zamir and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, this appointments dispute has nothing to do with new appointees or the relationship between the two men. How one disagreement created friction Both got along great for a whole year in two separate capacities until the chief of staff contradicted Netanyahus narrative, which is in favor of invading Gaza City and potentially taking over the entire enclave. Following Zamirs sin of speaking his mind about a new policy that most defense officials believe will either lead to the deaths of the remaining hostages, the deaths of many more soldiers and Palestinian civilians harming Israels legitimacy without really weakening Hamas in the process or all of the above, he appeared to have turned into the prime ministers main scapegoat. This was basically pulling out the same playbook that Netanyahu and Katz used to pummel Zamirs predecessor, Herzi Halevi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time, it happened faster than it did with Halevi. It occurred before Zamir had actually made any mistakes that anyone could attribute to him, shortly after he spearheaded a historic win against Iran and conquered 75% of Gaza, and even though he was Netanyahus top pick (among the multiple reasons as to why the prime minister never liked Halevi was that Benny Gantz had picked him). The positions at stake are not typically ones where the defense minister weighs in. Usually, he weighs in more on high command appointments, but these are beneath that level, and whoever is in Katzs position usually just signs off. Mainly, the reason is that these officers are usually too far down the military food chain for a defense minister to have gotten to know any of them or their competitors in any meaningful way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In contrast, the IDF chief makes it his job to get to know colonels and higher, as well as lieutenant colonels and above. When Katz blocked Halevis appointments, it was to force Halevi to publish the October 7 IDF failures report and to compel him to resign. But the report has been out since February. Katz did not request any new significant resignations after the announcement, except for Halevi, then-IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, and the IDF Southern Command chief at the time, Yaron Finkelman all of whom resigned voluntarily. All of the officers that Zamir wants to promote were key to Israeli victories against Hamas and others since October 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are precisely the kind of battle-hardened officers one would expect to find in leading positions. This is not the first time that a defense minister has clashed with an IDF chief of staff over appointments. When Ehud Barak clashed with Gabi Ashkenazi as defense minister vs the IDF chief of staff over public credit for being Israels Mr. Security, he blocked some appointments. And once again, Katz used this process to oust Halevi, but Halevi had the October 7 failure hanging over him. Regarding Katzs initial claim that Zamir failed to consult with him, it later emerged that the IDF chief had attempted to meet with Katz about the issue but was stonewalled. Undercover Duvdevan, then IDF reservists, seized terror funds in Ramallah; Around 20 Palestinians were reportedly injured. The IDF on Tuesday busted a Palestinian bank in Ramallah, the last exchange bank in the West Bank that launders terror funds, the military told The Jerusalem Post. In a meticulously pre-planned operation, first, the undercover Duvdevan special forces, and later, IDF reservist units for the Binyamin Region, as well as border police, seized hundreds of thousands of terror funds and arrested a few individuals connected to those funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the military seemed to view the gunfire on certain Palestinians as justified in self-defense, it also said that wounds to non-violent or nearby uninvolved Palestinians from the tear gas were being probed. New buildings stand around the Israeli settlement Eli near Ramallah. (credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD) Local media reports said that as many as around 20 Palestinians were wounded. This brigade-level operation comes two months after a larger division-level operation against the rest of those banks a few months earlier. According to the IDF, the goal of the operation is to further suck the oxygen out of the terror campaign in the West Bank. The operation comes days after a recent terror attack in the general vicinity that almost killed an Israeli civilian. Recent terror near Ramallah It also comes over two weeks after Defense Minister Israel Katz, in a post on X/Twitter, said that the number of terror attack threats in the West Bank has dropped by 80%. The minister mentioned refugee camps such as Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams as hotbeds of terrorism built with Iranian financing, arms, and guidance. Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker slammed President Donald Trump for planning to bring National Guard troops to Chicago while defunding state and local law enforcement. During a press conference Monday, the Democratic lawmaker said that Trumps plan to replicate his takeover of Washington D.C., and bring federal forces to the Midwest wasnt a response to rising crime. Crime is dropping in Chicago. Murders are down 32 percent compared to last year, and nearly cut in half since 2021. Shootings are down 37 percent since last year, and 57 percent from four years ago, Pritzker said, adding that property crimes in Chicago had also decreased in the last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, in case there was any doubt as to the motivation behind Trumps military occupations, take note. Thirteen of the top 20 cities in homicide rate have Republican governors. None of these cities is Chicago, Pritzker said. Eight of the top ten states with the highest homicide rates are led by Republicans. None of those states is Illinois. The governor continued, pointing out that cities in Tennessee and Mississippi have higher crime rates than Chicago. And yet Donald Trump is sending troops here? And not there? Ask yourself why, he said. Pritzker accused the president and Republicans of cutting more than $800 million in public safety and crime prevention grants nationally. He added that Trump had cut $158 million in funding to Illinois for violence prevention programs, $71 million for law enforcement grants, and $137 million for child protection measures. Trump is defunding the police, Pritzker said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While speaking to reporters earlier Monday, the president balked when asked whether he would consider sending National Guard troops to Republican-led cities and states that experience high rates of crime. In Newsweeks recent list of the 30 U.S. cities (with at least 100,000 residents) that had the highest number of violent crimes against people, more than half of those cities were in states led by Republican governors. Pritzker told Trump to stay out of Chicago. You are neither wanted here, nor needed here. Your remarks about this effort over the last several weeks have betrayed a continuing slip in your mental faculties, and are not fit for the auspicious office that you occupy, he said. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) A new Illinois law will require some everyday products to remove forever chemicals by 2032. Gov. JB Pritzker signed the measure into law last week. It will tackle the problem of how to regulate the chemicals, known by their acronym PFAS, are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are dubbed forever chemicals because they are made of long-last molecules that are hard to break down. Worse, the chemicals can remain in a persons bloodstream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High levels of the chemicals have been linked to cancer, diabetes and other severe illnesses. The new law hopes to remove the substances from certain products such as dental floss, menstrual products, childrens items, cosmetics and intimate apparel. State Sen. Julie Morrison was one of the main sponsors of the legislation in the Illinois Senate. She said this is the first step Illinois has taken in reducing exposure to these chemicals. Dental floss, we never think about that as being something injurious to us, said the Lake Forest Democrat. But some of those chemicals are literally going into your body and it takes years and years for them to break down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other products that have forever chemicals on them include clothes and non-stick frying pans. These items are not in the ban list. The laws effective date is 2032. It was set that far out after negotiations with retailers and manufacturers and will give those groups enough time to replace their PFAS products with suitable replacements. One of the easiest ways for PFAS to enter the body is through the water. According to the U.S. EPA, much of the earths water supply has forever chemicals in it. Its extremely expensive to tackle it from the water treatment end, said Jennifer Walling with the Illinois Environmental Council. We would be better off with not using it so it just doesnt end up in the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That it might be expensive to that particular manufacturer to reformulate their product, but its going to be less expensive to the Illinoisan, she said. Some water filters can filter out PFAS but for now, the measure, proponents say, is the first big step by Illinois to reduce such exposure. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Record hotel tax revenues reported Illinois tourism numbers for 2024 saw an all-time high for hotel tax revenue. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunitys Office of Tourism announced the state welcomed 113 million domestic and international visitors who spent more than $48 billion. Total hotel tax revenue came in at $367 million, a 14% increase from the previous year. Grocer sentenced for SNAP, WIC fraud Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The owner of a Chicago grocery store has been sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison for fraudulently redeeming millions of dollars in benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. Yousef Abu Alhawa, 50, of Lockport was also ordered to pay $8.9 million in restitution to the U.S. Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service, and the state of Illinois. Alhawa pleaded guilty to wire fraud and tax charges last year. Meth dealers sentenced The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Illinois has announced sentences for eight methamphetamine dealers in Effingham County and indictments for three other individuals accused of drug distribution. Prison sentences of those convicted range from 60 to 144 months. No-cash bail has been a point of political discussion for years. The system lets people accused of lesser crimes stay out of jail while they wait for trial without posting bond. But President Donald Trump says it increases crime rates around the county: That was when the big crime in this country started. Sen. Mike Halpin (photo submitted) One executive order tasks the attorney general with identifying areas arond the country that have cashless-bail policies,, then withhold or revoke federal funding in those area. Illinois implemented the no-cash bail in 2023 under the SAFE-T Act, becoming the first to implement it statewide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We heard for two years actually for more than two years, probably about four years that ending cash bail in Illinois was going to cause the purge. And you were going to see skyrocketing rates of crime here in Illinois. It simply hasnt happened, said Sen. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island. Data on the correlation of crime rates and cashless bail remains inconclusive. Halpin says the system is designed to keep people in jail who pose a threat to the public, not by how much money they make. Back when we had cash bail, people could commit robbery, they could commit violent offenses, and as long as you posted bond, you could be out of jail and free in the community to potentially commit other crimes, Halpin said. And likewise, you could commit relatively minor offenses but still have to stay in jail because you couldnt afford 300 bucks to get yourself out. The Presidents second Executive Order impacts only people arrested in Washington, D.C. Cashless bail were ending it, but were starting by ending it in DC. And that we have the right to do through federalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Halpin is confident that Illinois will not be affected: It doesnt have the ability to change Illinois law as far as Im concerned. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Two Honduran immigrants will serve prison sentences exceeding 15 years one nearly 20 years for bringing underage girls to Putnam County for sex, a federal judge has ordered. Fredi Agustin-Vasquez y Guardado, 22, and Marlon Trochez, 26, both worked at a dairy farm in Melrose and briefly shared a mobile home with other undocumented immigrants before a search for a missing 15-year-old girl led to their arrests, according to court records. Each man pleaded guilty in May to transporting a minor to engage in sexual activity, although they had traveled different routes to Florida Agustin-Vasquez from Texas, Trochez from South Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Facing the potential of life behind bars, Agustin-Vasquez was sentenced Aug. 25 to 19 years and seven months in prison after lawyers told U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger that he transported a 13-year-old girl whose mother had permitted them to leave Texas as a couple in April 2024. More: Pair of immigrants charged in Jacksonville with bringing underage girls to Florida for sex These facts are really bad, Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor told the judge. He knew it was illegal. He knew she was a child. There really isnt much more to say about this case. Berger said she also sentenced Agustin-Vasquez to 10 years of supervised release after prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender and have no contact with minors because there is a chance you might not be deported after finishing his term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That chance seems very remote, since deportation is routine for immigrants convicted of major crimes. Trochez was sentenced to 15 years and eight months after his public-defender attorney argued that her clients illegal relationship with a 15-year-old here is commonplace in Honduras. The age of consent for sex in Honduras is 14, Assistant Federal Defender Kathryn Sheldon had noted in an Aug. 18 sentencing memo. That memo, which had argued for a sentence of 11 years and three months, said that Trochez lived in an insular, largely undocumented Spanish-speaking community in North Augusta, S.C., and did not understand the ramifications of his illegal conduct until it was far too late. Prosecutors wanted a sentence similar to Agustin-Vasquez, noting that the family of the girl who left town with Trochez in September 2024 didnt know where she had gone for more than two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheldons sentencing memo said that ended after because Trochez saw an ad on Facebook describing the girl with him as a runaway juvenile and he quit his dairy job and began driving the two of them back to South Carolina. Sheriffs deputies in Clay County stopped Trochezs car, however, and information from interviews after his arrest led to authorities searching the mobile home where they found Agustin-Vasquez. This story was updated to correct U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger's middle initial. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Immigrants get prison for bringing underage girls to Florida for sex Just days before undergoing major spinal fusion surgery, Hassan Elzeneiny lost the person he depended on most. Shes my first good PCA, Elzeneiny said of Marie, a Haitian refugee and trained nurse who had been helping him at home since February. She actually moved towns in order to get closer to me. Personal care attendants, or PCAs, support people with disabilities and chronic health conditions with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, preparing meals, administering medications, and cleaning. They enable people to continue living at home and potentially avoid or delay costly institutional care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But earlier this month, Marie was abruptly terminated from her job after the Executive Office of Health and Human Services determined her work permit had lapsed not because she failed to apply for a renewal, but because a typo in her immigration paperwork left her stuck in a bureaucratic limbo for 10 months, she said. She is one of 185 PCAs who have received termination notices from MassHealth, the Massachusetts Medicaid program. Many, like Marie, are immigrants caught in the ever-shifting currents of federal immigration policy. I cant work anymore because I dont have my permit, Marie said. State House News Service agreed not to use her full name due to her ongoing immigration process. While Gov. Maura Healey has publicly criticized federal immigration law enforcement under President Donald Trump, her administration has moved to align the states program with federal requirements citing the need to protect the PCA program from possible scrutiny or penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The notices requesting information about work permit statuses began arriving this spring, triggered by an effort by the Healey administration to ensure all PCAs have up-to-date work authorization. The push comes as Trumps administration ends a Biden-era immigration policy that allowed vetted immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) to enter the U.S. legally under humanitarian parole. The CHNV program brought thousands of immigrants to Massachusetts between 2022 and 2024, many of whom filled critical roles in health care, especially as PCAs, a workforce long dominated by women of color and immigrants. According to a 2018 state report, 38% of PCAs were foreign-born, a number that has only grown. But now, hundreds are in legal limbo. Termination letters sent out A June notice to consumer-employers like Elzeneiny, sent by Tempus Unlimited the states fiscal intermediary stated that Maries employment could only continue if updated work authorization documents were received within 30 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite Marie having applied for an extension to her work permit last fall, her case stalled because her lawyer misspelled her name on the application. Look, I cant make the State Department move faster. I cant meet the 30-day deadline, and I got a lot of misinformation along the way, Elzeneiny said. Im on the phone with Tempus on July 1, July 3, on August 9, on August 15. I sent them faxes. And every time they come back with a different person giving me a different instruction. He described the information he and Marie received from the state, Tempus and U.S. immigration department as contradictory and difficult to understand. They cannot meet the states timeline until the State Department processes her paperwork, he said. [Being a PCA] is a really low-paying job. It doesnt require a lot of English. But damn it, negotiating with the United States Department of State does, he said. Imagine trying to get through to your lawyer who made the mistake and them saying, Im sorry. My workload is overwhelming. I dont have time to correct spelling mistakes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maries termination letter, signed by MassHealths PCA employment manager Geralyn Smith Coryat, reads: Specifically, you were terminated because you did not provide valid employment authorization documentation that demonstrates you are authorized to work in the United States. Its dated Aug. 12, 10 days before Elzeneinys surgery. A similar letter was sent to the PCA of Dianna Hu, a software engineer and chair of the Boston Center for Independent Living. Hus PCA has valid work authorization through 2029, but still received the notice of sanction and termination in August. The letter, bearing the names of Healey, former Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh and Assistant Secretary for MassHealth Mike Levine, stated: EOHHS has determined... that your continued participation in MassHealth during the pendency of any appeal could reasonably be expected to compromise the integrity of MassHealth. Hu told State House News Service she didnt know why she and her PCA got the letters in the first place, as Tempus had documentation showing that the work authorization was valid until 2029. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She had previously sent the documentation via email, which she said was an accepted way to send documentation. She guesses that Tempus changed course and now requires a mailed version of the same information. My guessed reason does not feel acceptable to me as a reason to terminate her employment or my care. It also does not feel acceptable to me that despite mailing the documentation ten days before the deadline, we still received the Initial Notice of Sanction and Termination letter - resulting in no small amount of panic and frustration for both my PCA and me, she told the News Service. When Hu told her story at a PCA workforce Council meeting last Tuesday, Rebecca Gutman of 1199 SEIU which represents many of the PCAs expressed alarm. Does that not cause concern to other people? she asked. She said it was incredibly concerning to me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MassHealths Smith Coryat, who was at the council meeting to discuss this issue, responded, We cant make the assumption, we understand that the documentation that they submitted may have been valid, but there may have been a request for something else... I would have to research. Tempus did not respond to questions about how many consumers and PCAs are affected, what kinds of problems they are hearing on their hotline, and specific steps they are advising callers to take. A quiet enforcement amid public opposition As attorney general during Trumps first administration, Healey consistently challenged Trumps immigration agenda with lawsuits and strong words. But as governor, her rhetoric has softened, even saying this spring that some of the presidents border policies made sense. Behind the scenes, her administration is quietly enforcing those immigration policies to protect state programs from federal retaliation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to ensure that we are protecting the program and to ensure that we are able to continue to provide services for 50,000 consumers, Sherri Hannigan, director of the PCA program, told the PCA Workforce Council during their meeting last Tuesday. On MSNBC in November, Healey addressed how Trumps immigration policies might affect states. I do think it is important that we all recognize that there is going to be a lot of pressure on states and state officials, she said on the nationally broadcast interview. ... I think the key here is that, you know, every tool in the toolbox has to be used to protect our citizens, to protect our residents. Smith Coryat said a first batch of notices went out to 671 PCAs who were flagged for expired documentation to submit their documents within 30 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that deadline, they received another 30-day initial notice of sanction and termination. Another wave targeted those whose authorizations are nearing expiration. In all, MassHealth issued requests for work authorization information to 1,540 PCAs. MassHealth confirmed that as of Monday, they sent 185 termination notices. What I can tell you is that it was a small proportion of the full PCA workforce that was identified, she said during the Workforce Council meeting, when pressed on how many total PCAs were affected. Hannigan told the council that EOHHS cannot try and, you know, have our own extension policy due to State Department delays in processing immigration paperwork. Unfortunately, were just not able to do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cannot be responsible for what the State Department does or does not do. And we have to ensure that the workforce is legally authorized to work in the country based upon the documentation that you have in hand, she said. Elzeneiny, who attended the meeting, expressed frustration. Health care needs to be managed with humanity and intelligence, he told the News Service in a later interview. I was very disappointed when the manager of the program gets onto the screen and says to me, I have to preserve the program for the state. We are in a very tough spot making sure that we dont get penalized or give any excuse to mess with the program, said Workforce Council Vice Chair Justin Graceffa. The council is independent from the administration, though chaired by EOHHS Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. Kiame Mahaniah. In a statement to State House News Service, MassHealth spokesperson Stacey Nee pointed to the Trump administrations constantly changing immigration policies that she said were causing immense uncertainty and disruption to our workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an effort to minimize any disruption in services for MassHealth members, MassHealth conducted a review of PCA work authorizations to ensure work authorization information is up to date. MassHealth must act to protect members and ensure compliance with federal law. MassHealth is committed to ensuring that our members have access to the services they need and are here to support our members in navigating this challenging time, Nees statement said. The system is already stretched Chris Hoeh, a PCA Workforce Council member and a consumer-employer himself, said the documentation issue may not always be about expired work permits but clerical errors by consumer-employers who have to file paperwork for their PCAs but may not be tech-savvy themselves. I think its not necessarily that their paperwork wasnt up to date. It was that consumer employers had not checked the box. When we hire someone, we have to check their status, Hoeh said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that most PCAs hired through MassHealth are employed by people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid, and are often living in poverty. Many dont use computers or struggle with navigating bureaucratic systems, he said. Gutman said 1199 SEIU has been trying to help workers connect with immigration support. The states push to enforce worker permit compliance in the PCA program comes at a time when the workforce is already critically short. The health care system in Massachusetts, our hospitals and home care, is so dependent on immigrants, including people who work in peoples homes who came here with full work authorization from Haiti, in particular, and who were invited here to work, Hoeh said. And I dont know how the system is going to work without those people. The system is already stretched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 50,000 people across the state receive services from PCAs. Losing just a few hundred could significantly disrupt care for the elderly and people with disabilities. Theres fear throughout all of our communities, Hoeh added, especially people who rely on federal dollar Medicaid and are in Massachusetts, which is a state that will be targeted, to make sure that nothing can be used as an excuse to further cut money or services. I help him to do everything ... Thats why I would like to continue working. For Elzeneiny, the loss of Marie is more than a bureaucratic issue its a devastating personal blow. Marie had been working with him since February. I help him to do everything. He will have an operation on Friday. Thats why I would like to continue working, because he cant do some things by himself, she said in a phone interview before Elzeneinys surgery. Asked what kind of resolution she hopes for, she said, I would like USCIS to process my case. I like [to] help people. I studied nursing in my country. I worked in the hospital in my country. I like my boss, Hassan; he is very nice with me, Marie said. Following his spinal fusion at a Boston hospital, Elzeneiny told the News Service the surgery went well and he is hoping to relocate home to western Massachusetts soon. Marie, no longer employed by Elzeneiny, visited him in the hospital at her own expense. With respect to not being worried about my surgery, [its] because I have such a loyal PCA, Elzeneiny told State House News Service. And because shes an immigrant, she knows what its like to be abandoned by society and doesnt want that for her patients. Im very lucky. More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. BOSTON (SHNS) Just days before undergoing major spinal fusion surgery, Hassan Elzeneiny lost the person he depended on most. Shes my first good PCA, Elzeneiny said of Marie, a Haitian refugee and trained nurse who had been helping him at home since February. She actually moved towns in order to get closer to me. Personal care attendants, or PCAs, support people with disabilities and chronic health conditions with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, preparing meals, administering medications, and cleaning. They enable people to continue living at home and potentially avoid or delay costly institutional care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But earlier this month, Marie was abruptly terminated from her job after the Executive Office of Health and Human Services determined her work permit had lapsed not because she failed to apply for a renewal, but because a typo in her immigration paperwork left her stuck in a bureaucratic limbo for 10 months, she said. She is one of 185 PCAs who have received termination notices from MassHealth, the Massachusetts Medicaid program. Many, like Marie, are immigrants caught in the ever-shifting currents of federal immigration policy. I cant work anymore because I dont have my permit, Marie said. The News Service agreed to not use her full name due to her ongoing immigration process. While Gov. Maura Healey has publicly criticized federal immigration law enforcement under President Donald Trump, her administration has moved to align the states program with federal requirements citing the need to protect the PCA program from possible scrutiny or penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The notices requesting information about work permit statuses began arriving this spring, triggered by an effort by the Healey administration to ensure all PCAs have up-to-date work authorization. The push comes as Trumps administration ends a Biden-era immigration policy that allowed vetted immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela (CHNV) to enter the U.S. legally under humanitarian parole. The CHNV program brought thousands of immigrants to Massachusetts between 2022 and 2024, many of whom filled critical roles in health care, especially as PCAs, a workforce long dominated by women of color and immigrants. According to a 2018 state report, 38% of PCAs were foreign-born, a number that has only grown. But now, hundreds are in legal limbo. Termination letters sent out A June notice to consumer-employers like Elzeneiny, sent by Tempus Unlimited the states fiscal intermediary stated that Maries employment could only continue if updated work authorization documents were received within 30 days. Despite Marie having applied for an extension to her work permit last fall, her case stalled because her lawyer misspelled her name on the application. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look, I cant make the State Department move faster. I cant meet the 30-day deadline, and I got a lot of misinformation along the way, Elzeneiny said. Im on the phone with Tempus on July 1, July 3, on August 9, on August 15. I sent them faxes. And every time they come back with a different person giving me a different instruction. He described the information he and Marie received from the state, Tempus and U.S. immigration department as contradictory and difficult to understand. They cannot meet the states timeline until the State Department processes her paperwork, he said. [Being a PCA] is a really low-paying job. It doesnt require a lot of English. But damn it, negotiating with the United States Department of State does, he said. Imagine trying to get through to your lawyer who made the mistake and them saying, Im sorry. My workload is overwhelming. I dont have time to correct spelling mistakes.' Maries termination letter, signed by MassHealths PCA employment manager Geralyn Smith Coryat, reads: Specifically, you were terminated because you did not provide valid employment authorization documentation that demonstrates you are authorized to work in the United States. Its dated Aug. 12, 10 days before Elzeneinys surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A similar letter was sent to the PCA of Dianna Hu, a software engineer and chair of the Boston Center for Independent Living. Hus PCA has valid work authorization through 2029, but still received the notice of sanction and termination in August. The letter, bearing the names of Healey, former Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh and Assistant Secretary for MassHealth Mike Levine, stated: EOHHS has determined that your continued participation in MassHealth during the pendency of any appeal could reasonably be expected to compromise the integrity of MassHealth. Hu told the News Service she didnt know why she and her PCA got the letters in the first place, as Tempus had documentation showing that the work authorization was valid until 2029. She had previously sent the documentation via email, which she said was an accepted way to send documentation. She guesses that Tempus changed course and now requires a mailed version of the same information. My guessed reason does not feel acceptable to me as a reason to terminate her employment or my care. It also does not feel acceptable to me that despite mailing the documentation ten days before the deadline, we still received the Initial Notice of Sanction and Termination letter resulting in no small amount of panic and frustration for both my PCA and me, she told the News Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Hu told her story at a PCA workforce Council meeting last Tuesday, Rebecca Gutman of 1199 SEIU which represents many of the PCAs expressed alarm. Does that not cause concern to other people? she asked. She said it was it incredibly concerning to me. MassHealths Smith Coryat, who was at the council meeting to discuss this issue, responded, We cant make the assumption, we understand that the documentation that they submitted may have been valid, but there may have been a request for something else I would have to research. Tempus did not respond to questions about how many consumers and PCAs are affected, what kinds of problems they are hearing on their hotline, and specific steps they are advising callers to take. A quiet enforcement amid public opposition As attorney general during Trumps first administration, Healey consistently challenged Trumps immigration agenda with lawsuits and strong words. But as governor, her rhetoric has softened, even saying this spring that some of the presidents border policies made sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Behind the scenes, her administration is quietly enforcing those immigration policies in order to protect state programs from federal retaliation. We have to ensure that we are protecting the program and to ensure that we are able to continue to provide services for 50,000 consumers, Sherri Hannigan, director of the PCA program, told the PCA Workforce Council during their meeting last Tuesday. On MSNBC in November, Healey addressed how Trumps immigration policies might affect states. I do think it is important that we all recognize that there is going to be a lot of pressure on states and state officials, she said on the nationally broadcast interview. I think the key here is that, you know, every tool in the toolbox has to be used to protect our citizens, to protect our residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith Coryat said a first batch of notices went out to 671 PCAs who were flagged for expired documentation to submit their documents within 30 days. After that deadline, they received another 30-day initial notice of sanction and termination. Another wave targeted those whose authorizations are nearing expiration. In total, MassHealth issued requests for work authorization information to 1,540 PCAs. MassHealth confirmed that as of Monday, they sent 185 termination notices. What I can tell you is that it was a small proportion of the full PCA workforce that was identified, she said during the Workforce Council meeting, when pressed on how many total PCAs were affected. Hannigan told the council that EOHHS cannot try and, you know, have our own extension policy due to State Department delays in processing immigration paperwork. Unfortunately, were just not able to do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cannot be responsible for what the State Department does or does not do. And we have to ensure that the workforce is legally authorized to work in the country based upon the documentation that you have in hand, she said. Elzeneiny, who attended Tuesdays meeting, expressed frustration. Health care needs to be managed with humanity and intelligence, he told the News Service in a later interview. I was very disappointed when the manager of the program gets onto the screen and says to me, I have to preserve the program for the state.' We are in a very tough spot making sure that we dont get penalized or give any excuse to mess with the program, said Workforce Council Vice Chair Justin Graceffa. The council is independent from the administration, though chaired by EOHHS Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. Kiame Mahaniah. In a statement sent to the News Service Monday night, MassHealth spokesperson Stacey Nee pointed to the Trump administrations constantly changing immigration policies that she said were causing immense uncertainty and disruption to our workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an effort to minimize any disruption in services for MassHealth members, MassHealth conducted a review of PCA work authorizations to ensure work authorization information is up to date. MassHealth must act to protect members and ensure compliance with federal law. MassHealth is committed to ensuring that our members have access to the services they need and are here to support our members in navigating this challenging time, Nees statement said. The system is already stretched Chris Hoeh, a PCA Workforce Council member and a consumer-employer himself, said the documentation issue may not always be about expired work permits but clerical errors by consumer-employers who have to file paperwork for their PCAs but may not be tech-savvy themselves. I think its not necessarily that their paperwork wasnt up to date. It was that consumer employers had not checked the box. When we hire someone, we have to check their status, Hoeh said. He noted that most PCAs hired through MassHealth are employed by people with disabilities who rely on Medicaid, and are often living in poverty. Many dont use computers or struggle with navigating bureaucratic systems, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gutman said 1199 SEIU has been trying to help workers connect with immigration support. The states push to enforce worker permit compliance in the PCA program comes at a time when the workforce is already critically short. The health care system in Massachusetts, our hospitals and home care, is so dependent on immigrants including people who work in peoples homes who came here with full work authorization from Haiti, in particular, and who were invited here to work, Hoeh said. And I dont know how the system is going to work without those people. The system is already stretched. Over 50,000 people across the state receive services from PCAs. Losing just a few hundred could significantly disrupt care for the elderly and people with disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres fear throughout all of our communities, Hoeh added, especially people who rely on federal dollar Medicaid and are in Massachusetts, which is a state that will be targeted, to make sure that nothing can be used as an excuse to further cut money or services. I help him to do everything Thats why I would like to continue working. For Elzeneiny, the loss of Marie is more than a bureaucratic issue its a devastating personal blow. Marie had been working with him since February. I help him to do everything. He will have an operation on Friday. Thats why I would like to continue working, because he cant do some things by himself, she said in a phone interview prior to Elzeneinys surgery. Asked what kind of resolution she hopes for, she said, I would like USCIS to process my case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I like [to] help people. I studied nursing in my country. I worked in the hospital in my country. I like my boss, Hassan, he is very nice with me, Marie said. Following his spinal fusion at a Boston hospital, Elzeneiny told the News Service the surgery went well and he is hoping to relocate home to western Massachusetts soon. Marie, no longer employed by Elzeneiny, visited him in the hospital at her own expense. With respect to not being worried about my surgery, [its] because I have such a loyal PCA, Elzeneiny told the News Service. And because shes an immigrant she knows what its like to be abandoned by society and doesnt want that for her patients. Im very lucky. BOSTON ( Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. He gave a short speech to quell the efforts to pressure Biden to drop out of the race after his disastrous debate in Atlanta. I wrote at the time that the visit was oddly constructed. Here was the governor of California, an ambitious man clearly interested in pursuing the office himself one day, sandwiched into a second-floor law office in a strip mall off the beaten path. Worse yet, the crowd was made up of Democrats, people who already would have supported Biden rather than gettable voters. That visit was followed by another private visit with Service Employees International Union grassroots activists in Pittsburgh, the most active and furthest left in the party, yet nothing was done to win over new voters. One year later, with Newsom's party struggling, more than many ever expected, he and his party have learned little about what the results of last year's election meant, what they got wrong, and how they reengage with gettable voters. It is as though he is viewing America through a cracked mirror: He can't see who he or what his party is, let alone who the public is, and perhaps more importantly, what the people want in a leader. Having just returned from a 4,000-mile cross-country road trip, during which I visited with voters of all stripes, I can assure you that what Newsom has been doing on social media isn't it. Politico wrote his all-caps X is holding a mirror up to MAGA and MAGA doesn't like what it sees. But conservative populist voters don't care at all. The press and Democrats have been making fun of them for years, and they just shrug. Democrats in Pennsylvania find it bizarre and unhelpful for races they are trying to win. They also find it inauthentic when their voters crave authenticity. These voters don't want a Democrat to mirror President Donald Trump. They want someone who can forge his or her own path with results and accomplishments. No Democrat or Republican will ever be like Trump, and there is no need to go there. Hudson Institute's Paul Sracic, who spent decades examining the heart of the political earthquake, the Mahoning Valley, where he taught American politics as a professor at Youngstown State University, said it never fails to amaze him that even after nearly a decade, Democrats still don't understand Trump. "The latest example of this can be found nearly every day on Gavin Newsom's Twitter account. I'm sure some brilliant Democratic strategist pulled a muscle patting themselves on the back for coming up with a strategy where the erstwhile 2028 presidential candidate would try to troll Trump using all caps and ending with THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.' But the joke's on the governor. Newsom's biggest obstacle is the fact that he reeks of inauthenticity. He comes off like a typical phony politician. Worse yet, he seems unaware of how obvious this is to others," he explained. That might be cute on X, but it is not going to resonate with voters in Pennsylvania or in the Mahoning Valley, places where you actually have to win over voters to win presidential elections. To that point, Fox News host Dana Perino, who was a top press aide and communications specialist in former President George W. Bush's administration, gave him likely the best advice possible on the network's program The Five when she said Newsom and his team running the state press office "have to stop it with the Twitter thing." Perino added to the growing speculation that he is running for president in 2028. "He's got a big job as governor of California. But if he wants an even bigger job, he has to be a little bit more serious," Perino said. "DANA DING DONG' PERINO (NEVER HEARD OF HER UNTIL TODAY!) IS MELTING DOWN BECAUSE OF ME, GAVIN C. NEWSOM!" the governor's press office account posted Tuesday. "FOX HATES THAT I AM AMERICA'S MOST FAVORITE GOVERNOR (RATINGS KING') SAVING AMERICA WHILE TRUMP CAN'T 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." I understand social media and the D.C. press are amused by this. However, I would caution them to consider that other governors' styles, such as Pennsylvania's Josh Shapiro showing up, "getting s*** done" and governing, are much more appealing to gettable voters needed to win a presidential election than this. Perhaps it is because Newsom has never had to win over Republicans, independents, or centrist Democrats to win in California that he does not understand that. Perhaps it is because those advising him politically, as well as those running his social media accounts, have never had to do that either that they all think this is the way. As one former Democratic elected official in Pennsylvania told me, "This is not how you win Pennsylvania, and you have to think long term in your strategy. Trump will never be replicated by a Democrat candidate or a Republican candidate. He is one of a kind." Sracic said Trump's superpower, well before he ever ran for president, is his self-awareness. "Think Trump's hair is funny? He's aware and is willing to play along," he said. Remember, there were plenty of real estate developers in New York City in the 1980s and '90s. Trump wanted to stand out. "Trump created a product known as The Donald.' He was over the top in everything he did. He worked relentlessly to get into the media, and he was good at it," he said. Trump embraced it, especially as he morphed into the confident boss in The Apprentice. As it turned out, playing a successful businessman on TV for 14 years didn't hurt Trump's chances of getting elected to head the executive branch of government. Sracic said Trump brought something else with him when he began his campaign in 2015: large and lengthy rallies. "Trump, of course, didn't invent the political rally. What he did differently was to make them entertaining. He was funny and instinctively knew how to play off the audience. Did he insult others? Yes. But Trump's jokes are often about the lack of self-awareness in others. When he called Elizabeth Warren 'Pocahontas,' he didn't do it because she was Native American. He did it because she wouldn't acknowledge pretending to be something she wasn't to get ahead," he said. It is an element and nuance missing from the Newsom X posts. He is trolling the president, trying to be the president. However, when you don't embody the characteristics of what has frustrated voters for over a decade, then you come across as a troll, not someone who understands why voters left the Democrats to begin with. (COMMENT, BELOW) Salena Zito is a CNN political analyst, and a staff reporter and columnist for the Washington Examiner. She reaches the Everyman and Everywoman through shoe-leather journalism, traveling from Main Street to the beltway and all places in between. By Nivedita Balu TORONTO (Reuters) -Canada's big banks are expected to have lowered loan-loss provisions in the third quarter from the prior quarter as U.S. tariffs have likely hurt their loan portfolios less than feared. Canada's big six banks are expected to set aside a total of C$5.22 billion in loan-loss provisions for the third quarter, compared to C$6.37 billion in the second quarter, according to data compiled by LSEG. The banks ramped up provisions over the past few quarters, bracing for potential bad loans in the belief that a possible North American trade war would hurt the economy and cause defaults on commercial loans, credit cards and mortgages. About 92% of Canadian exports by value entered the U.S. tariff-free in June because they were exempt from tariffs under the North American free trade agreement, data from the U.S. Census Bureau showed. Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday removed some retaliatory tariffs Canada had imposed on the United States. "Three months later, we believe cooler heads may be prevailing with manageable reciprocal tariffs implemented between the CUSMA-bound countries," Canaccord Genuity analyst Matthew Lee said, referring to the Canada, U.S. and Mexico trade zone. Lee and other analysts expected the banks to benefit from a sequential decline in loan-loss provisions but for loan growth to remain weak due to low demand. The Canadian banks will kick off earnings season on Tuesday beginning with Bank of Montreal and Bank of Nova Scotia. Net interest income - the difference between what banks make on loans and pay out on deposits - is expected to grow between 9.3% and 57%. Analysts expected the banks to get a boost from capital markets and wealth management segments, which benefit from fee income and rising demand. The Canadian banks, traditionally some of the most well capitalized banks in the world, have built excess capital but have limited options to invest at home. They have turned to stock buybacks, deploying about C$4 billion cumulatively in the third quarter. "Given the robust capital positions, we look forward to commentary on capital deployment plans by the banks' management teams that can help the bank meet its medium-term financial targets," Veritas analyst Shalabh Garg said. The banks have expanded in the U.S. over the years as growth at home is limited in a saturated market and have also invested to build their wealth management business. (Reporting by Nivedita Balu in Toronto; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) PHOENIX The Customs and Border Protection aircraft circled the desert northeast of Phoenix until agents spotted their target getting into a white sedan. Officers on the ground converged and arrested the driver. His crime: shooting a rifle within the boundaries of Tonto National Forest. After he was stopped, the man, Alejandro Antelo Corrales, admitted to being in the country illegally. He would become one of 15 people arrested since May and charged with having a firearm or ammunition while being in the country without authorization, a federal felony. Each person likely faces deportation after their criminal case is done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the country, immigration agents have targeted restaurant kitchens. In California, agents have picked up day laborers waiting for work outside Home Depot stores. National forests represent a unique hunting ground for immigration patrols. U.S. Forest Service officers would typically be on the lookout for target shooters who could spark a forest fire, but it is not clear why immigration authorities would be involved in such an operation. The archives of The Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network, do not contain an account of a similar immigration enforcement action centered on target shooters. Immigration agents part of joint federal operation All but one of the arrests since May took place in the Tonto National Forest, an area popular with off-road enthusiasts and target shooters. Six of the arrests took place on weekend nights, with one as late as 11:55 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spanish-speaking off-road enthusiasts have planned desert parties on social media, with some fliers making clear that weapons are prohibited. It is not clear if these arrests came in the aftermath of one of those events. Neither the Border Patrol nor Homeland Security Investigations would comment on the extent of the agencies patrols in the area. Neither would the United States Department of Agriculture, the agency that oversees the U.S. Forest Service officers who have made some of the arrests. Senator posts ICE locations: Here's why Arizona Sen Ortiz's social posts are protected An attorney who is representing one of the men arrested said the patrols turned Forest Service officers into quasi-immigration agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its creative, Ill give them that, said attorney Joshua Kolsrud, who spent 14 years as a prosecutor before becoming a defense attorney in 2021. Kolsrud said the arrests would be used to bolster fears of dangerous immigrants on the loose within the community. Theyll make that argument going forward, he said. Were not just removing or deporting regular Joe Blow, but dangerous people because theyre possessing firearms. Kolsrud said his client, Adalberto Contreras-Regalado, was not dangerous. He was a husband and businessman who, like many Arizonans, enjoyed target shooting in the desert on his days off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contreras-Regalado joined other men who have been arrested in joint operations involving the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Homeland Security agents and Border Patrol agents, according to court records. The criminal complaints say the men arrested first captured the attention of law enforcement because they were shooting recklessly in the desert. It is not clear why immigration authorities were in the area, waiting to take the shooters into custody. Shooting restrictions meant to limit forest fires Fire restrictions are in place as the Sand Stone Fire burns near Highway 87 on Aug. 1, 2024, in Fort McDowell, Ariz. Certain activities in Tonto National Forest were restricted starting May 1 because of severe drought. Among the prohibited activities were campfires and target shooting. Signs saying so were placed near the entrance to the recreational area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bullets can cause blazes. Someone firing a weapon started the Bullet Fire in June 2023, which charred 3,240 acres in Tonto National Forest. That blaze, which took place in the same area where these immigration arrests are taking place, briefly closed the state highway and necessitated the evacuation of two camping areas. Forest Service rangers, officially called law enforcement officers, have the primary mission of protecting natural resources and visitors, according to the agency website. Other parts of their job, according to the website, include investigating timber theft, enforcing traffic laws on forest roads and aiding with search and rescue missions. Their job would naturally extend to patrols to enforce shooting restrictions put in place to prevent forest fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not clear why immigration authorities have become interested in people whose initial crime was target shooting. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the air support was provided at the request of the U.S. Forest Service but would not say why. A fact sheet for the air unit says it concentrates on preventing acts of terrorism and stopping the flow of contraband. Another section of the website says it aids in search and rescue operations and events designated as national security priorities. The website contains a photo above a stadium hosting a Super Bowl. A spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Yasmeen Pitts OKeefe, said that the agency partnered with other federal agencies since it was created in furtherance of public safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She did not specifically comment on a July arrest made by what was described in a criminal complaint as a joint patrol of the U.S. Forest Service and Homeland Security Investigations. The U.S. Forest Service released a statement that said it routinely notifies other agencies if it comes across violations. The office did not address how often it has conducted joint patrols with immigration authorities. The enforcement comes during a year when President Donald Trump has vowed a mass deportation effort with a goal of 1 million deportations this year. Trump and immigration officials have vowed to prioritize public safety threats. Supreme Court: Trump can end status for migrants from these nations. What it means in Arizona Target shooters face arrest, trial, likely deportation The first immigration-related arrests for target shooting came May 3. Four officers with the U.S. Forest Service saw a group of five people target shooting on pits created by recreational users for that purpose, according to court papers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One agent told the men, in Spanish, that target shooting was prohibited because of an order that had taken effect two days before. The men said they had used the area for target shooting several times before, according to the complaint. When questioned, each man told the agents what guns they owned, according to the court papers. Each, when asked, also handed an agent a Mexican identification card when asked for ID, the court record says. Each man also told the agent they were in the country illegally, the court record shows, with two of them volunteering that they had been deported before. Each was taken into ICE custody and subsequently charged with a felony for illegally possessing a weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another arrest came after agents with the Bureau of Land Management in February reported seeing a man shooting weapons in what they described in court papers was an unsafe manner. That man showed rangers the five rifles he had in the bed of his pickup truck, court papers say. Rangers seized one, and let him leave the area, located outside of Phoenix, with the other four. Nearly three months later, agents from three agencies the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the FBI and the IRS converged on the mans Glendale home. The man, Contreras-Regalado, opened a safe for agents, who seized the eight weapons inside, according to the criminal complaint filed in court. Asked why he had so many weapons, the man said that he enjoyed shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contreras-Regalados attorney, Kolsrud, said that the government likely trained so many agencies on the house expecting to find a kingpin committing financial crimes. But it didnt turn out that way for them, Kolsrud said. Theres no reason to bring out every three-letter agency to search someones house unless you think hes a high-level operative. Contreras-Regalado was charged with illegally possessing a firearm. His trial is scheduled for September. More arrests took place on patrols on separate nights in July and August. The criminal complaint in each of the cases mentioned a joint- or multi-agency operation. Court records related to three arrests on Aug. 2 mentioned use of a Customs and Border Protection air unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another man wanted for possessing a weapon despite being in the country illegally has a warrant out for his arrest. On May 25, Forest Service rangers saw the man shooting near the dry creek bed in the Tonto National Forest. Rangers spoke with the mans girlfriend, who allowed a search of their vehicle. Rangers, according to court documents, found ammunition she said her boyfriend purchased earlier that day. Months later, a grand jury presented with the evidence returned a two-count indictment against the man. But he has not faced the charges. As rangers approached, according to a court document, he walked into the desert and could not be found. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ICE agents have a new way to target and capture immigrants Asylum seekers entering Britain could be sent to Albania under plans being drawn up by Labour. That, by the way, is not a new policy but a story that I wrote in this newspaper in March 2003, which goes to show that there is nothing new under the political sun. At the time, the Labour government was under huge pressure to do something about the influx of illegal immigrants. Tony Blair, the prime minister, told colleagues and officials that the issue could cost the party the next election, though he would soon be focussed on the ill-starred invasion of Iraq. For several years, the Home Secretary David Blunkett, had struggled to get a grip on the policy, engineering a deal with the French to shut the Sangatte Red Cross camp. He not only suggested the Albanian plan but at one point even mulled over suspending some parts of the European Convention on Human Rights to expedite deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was shot down by the then Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, who reportedly told the Home Secretary and Mr Blair: I dont know why you guys dont just adopt the Zimbabwean constitution and have done with it. It was pointed out by Lord Goldsmith, the attorney general, that membership of the ECHR was a condition of EU membership, at which point the idea was dropped. Recently released papers from the period show that establishing a detention camp on the Isle of Mull was also contemplated. So here we are, more than 20 years later, with the now Lord Blunkett proposing that Sir Keir Starmer should suspend parts of the ECHR in order to deport thousands of rejected asylum seekers while ministers look at plans for detention camps. On BBC radio the other day, Lord Blunkett said a radical approach was needed to give the Government time to get a grip on the crisis amid the backlash over the use of hotels to house some 32,000 asylum seekers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plus ca change, plus cest la meme chose, as they say on the French beaches. But things are not the same. The big difference between now and then is the presence of a Right-wing party outflanking Labour and the Conservatives with a series of ambitious pledges that it will not have to implement for at least four years and which it will probably not be able to even if it makes it into office. Nigel Farage said the Channel crisis began in 2018 but that is not the case. It really started 25 years ago but was just not visible because most immigrants came in the backs of lorries or on trains. In 1997, Labours first year in power, more than 100,000 asylum applications were made and such a backlog soon built up that many migrants simply stayed on and were given leave to remain without their asylum status ever being tested. Mr Farage, his voice echoing around a cavernous aircraft hangar in Oxfordshire, said he feared for public order if the numbers were not reduced and those who have arrived illegally were not deported. The system was unfair and massively costly, he added. There will be little in that analysis with which the Government would disagree. The question is what to do about it. Mr Farage says we have to leave the ECHR entirely, not just suspend parts of it, repeal the Human Rights Act and disapply the 1951 Refugee Convention for a five-year period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, it is this latter convention that is the main barrier to deportations, not the ECHR, since it contains the principle of non refoulement, meaning no-one can be returned to a place where they may be in danger. Mr Farage said his proposals would be popular in the country and no doubt he is right about that. The polls show illegal migration (and legal for that matter) is now the top issue among voters. He also has the great advantage of not having a record to defend. The Conservatives are miffed that Reform UK has stolen some of the ideas they were going to launch at their party conference in October. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: His immigration plan looks very similar to the Conservatives Deportation Bill which we introduced in parliament a few weeks ago. The problem for the Tories is that, fairly or not, no-one believes them, trusts them or is even listening to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Labours obvious difficulty is that this crisis is happening on their watch and the response so far has been ineffective and half-baked. Mr Farage said we are the only party to be trusted on this. Which is true but only because they havent had to deal with it directly. The solution is not difficult. It is the lack of political will that is the problem, he added. This is a plan that will work. The only way we will stop the boats is by detaining and deporting anyone who comes by the route. That will stop the traffic in days. It would certainly be a deterrent to deport people immediately; but the practicalities of doing so are by no means simple, as past governments have found. For instance, as Mr Farage pointed out, many of the young men in dinghies dispose of their passports and mobile phones so it is hard to say where they come from, even if returns agreements were to be reached with countries like Afghanistan or Eritrea. Moreover, the next election is not due until 2029 despite all the mutterings about the need for an early poll. Why would Labour vote itself out of office to certain defeat? The legislation needed to get the new laws through parliament would take another year. Can the country really survive the toxic atmosphere that has built up in recent weeks for another five years? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The answer is obviously not, so the Government is going to have to do something more drastic than it has so far contemplated, just as Lord Blunkett has suggested. The country expects nothing less from its elected leaders. It is they, not Reform, who can actually do something about it now. Sir Keir will need to go against his own legalistic instincts and take on vested interests in his party, not least Lord Hermer, the Attorney General. But he has now been asked a direct, and toxic, question by the leader of the party that threatens him most: Whose side are you on? If he fails to answer it satisfactorily his party faces oblivion. Just look at what happened to the Conservatives. 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. For months now, Jenifer Zimmer has seen a greater demand for the services her organization provides. Zimmer is the founder and executive director for Helping Hands and Caring Hearts, a nonprofit organization that provides food, clothing and other items to people in need. The organization opened an expanded food pantry at its facility in Monrovia about a month ago, and will host an official opening on Sept. 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zimmer said high food prices are driving more and more people to use the facility, with 170 people stopping by on Monday. Its just the need. The need is growing like crazy, Zimmer said. The new facility, which is about 1,000 square feet, has a commercial refrigerator and freezer, with another of each on the way. Helping Hands and Caring Hearts has been around for about three years, providing free food, clothing, shoes, toys, and other items. Zimmer was a social worker for more than 20 years, but sees the organization as a way to provide more tangible help for people. The food pantry is located at 12428 Fingerboard Road in Monrovia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zimmer also has locations in downtown Frederick, Thurmont, and Greencastle, Pa., as well as a 24-foot bus that provides clothing, non-perishable food, and other items. Assisting Hands Home Care relocates Assisting Hands Home Care will host a grand-reopening for its new location in downtown Frederick on Sept. 3, for an office that serves Frederick, Carroll, and Washington counties. The new location at 614 W. Patrick St. will provide more room for the companys staff, said Troy Rudy, who owns the company with his wife Jodee Rudy. We were bursting at the seams before, Troy Rudy said Monday, of the previous space at 328 W. Patrick St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the approximately 70 employees work out in the field, providing home care for seniors, veterans, people with chronic conditions or disabilities, and others, he said. The Rudys began the company in 2019, and were inspired by their experience of caring for Jodees mother after she was diagnosed with dementia, according to a release announcing the reopening. A ribbon cutting for the new office will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 3. Thurmont named active vacation destination Frederick Countians have known about the hiking and biking opportunities around Thurmont for years. But the town in northern Frederick County was recently named as one of the top 100 destinations in the United States for active vacations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survey by BetterNurse.org, a nursing career and education platform, recently named Thurmont and nearby Catoctin Mountain Park the 77th best location in the U.S. for trips that involve hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. The news pleased Thurmont Mayor John Kinnaird, who said the town has worked hard to develop its park system. Weve put a lot of time and effort into it, and Im glad to see someones recognizing it, he said Monday. Along with the parks and and other activities in the town and surrounding area, the annual Colorfest draws tens of thousands people over two days in October, Kinnaird said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, the festival is scheduled for Oct. 11 and 12. The areas attractions draw a lot of hikers and bikers, as well as motorcycle and car clubs who drive through the mountains, Kinnaird said. Local covered bridges are also popular with bicyclists. Overall, its just a great area for people who enjoy the outdoors, Kinnaird said. At the Wisconsin Indian Gaming Regulatory Association (WIGRA) Conference on July 31, hosted at Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee, the Oneida Gaming Commission recognized Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. for his 24 years of leadership and service to tribal gaming. The tribute aligned with the release of the National Indian Gaming Commissions (NIGC) 2024 fiscal year report, which highlighted a historic high in gross gaming revenues, totaling $43.9 billion across tribal gaming operations in the United States. The event brought together tribal leaders, regulators, and industry professionals to celebrate Chairman Stevens enduring impact on tribal sovereignty, regulatory collaboration, and economic progress through Indian gaming. Under his guidance, the Indian Gaming Association has played a key role in fortifying the regulatory landscape and advancing initiatives that support tribal self-governance and prosperity. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recognition was part of the WIGRA annual conference, which gathers representatives from Wisconsins eleven tribal gaming commissions to engage in discussions on regulatory practices, governance, and industry trends. This years agenda featured notable keynote speakers, including former NIGC Chairman Jonodev Chaudhuri and IGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. Additionally, Sharon Avery, Acting Chairwoman of the NIGC, shared that tribal gaming achieved a new financial benchmark in Fiscal Year 2024, with gross revenues reaching $43.9 billiona $2 billion increase from the previous year and a 4.6% growth overall. This achievement underscores the continued strength and economic significance of Indian gaming within tribal communities nationwide. Gaming revenues remain a cornerstone of economic stability for many tribal nations, often accounting for up to 90% of total tribal government income. These funds are essential for delivering critical services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and community developmentkey drivers of self-determination and improved living conditions on tribal lands. The 2024 NIGC report includes financial data from 532 tribally operated gaming facilities, representing 243 federally recognized tribes across 29 states. This breadth illustrates the wide-reaching impact and diversity of tribal gaming in the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his address at the conference, Chairman Ernie Stevens shared heartfelt appreciation for the recognition and underscored the progress tribal gaming has made over the years. He noted the sectors continued expansion and its essential role in strengthening tribal communities. Chairman Stevens also credited the industrys success to the steadfast leadership of tribal governments, as well as the professionalism and integrity of gaming employees, regulators, and commissioners who uphold rigorous standards across operations. Despite the momentum, he emphasized that much work remains ahead. With federal policymakers relying on current data to shape national policy, tribal leaders must remain proactive in defending their sovereign rights and advocating for policies that align with tribal priorities. He also stressed the necessity of engaging decision-makers at all levels, ensuring they understand the unique role of tribal government gaming and the broader consequences of harmful regulatory changesconsequences that could extend well beyond the gaming floor and into essential community services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In reaffirming his commitment, Chairman Stevens vowed to continue supporting tribal governments and championing their voices in national conversations. His message centered on unity, perseverance, and the shared responsibility of advancing tribal sovereignty through continued engagement and advocacy. The celebration of Chairman Stevens leadershippaired with the historic revenue figures reported for 2024marks a significant chapter for Indian gaming. As tribal nations confront ongoing political and regulatory challenges, their collective efforts to educate, advocate, and lead remain vital to securing long-term success and sovereignty for future generations. 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 Indiana Senate and House Democratic members held a press conference Tuesday morning at the Indianapolis International Airport to denounce Indiana Republican legislators trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with President Donald Trump about redistricting. They went for one reason: To help a greedy Donald Trump. To help Donald Trump and his allies rig Indianas Congressional map because seven out of the nine seats arent enough, said Senate Democratic Leader Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington. This is a blatant attempt to cheat Indiana voters. Indiana Republicans were scheduled to meet with Trump and White House officials on Tuesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump and national Republicans have been pressuring red states to change their congressional maps before the 2026 election to increase Republican control of the U.S. House. Last week, Texas lawmakers approved redistricted maps to include five new districts that would favor Republicans. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Saturday promised to quickly sign off on the new maps. In California, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved a special election to take place in November for residents to vote on a redrawn congressional map designed to help Democrats win five more House seats next year. Meanwhile, Trump has pushed other Republican-controlled states, including Indiana and Missouri, to also revise their maps to add more winnable Republican seats. Ohio Republicans were also already scheduled to revise their maps to make them more partisan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unusual for redistricting to take place in the middle of the decade and typically occurs once at the beginning of each decade to coincide with the census. Vice President JD Vance came to Indianapolis Aug. 7 to talk to Gov. Mike Braun and other Republican state leaders about redistricting. The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs sent an email invitation on July 28 before Vance came to Indiana but after the Texas special session was slated inviting the states entire Republican legislative caucus to the White House. The email, which the Indiana Capital Chronicle obtained, said the meeting would be an opportunity for Indianas elected officials to hear directly from senior White House officials and cabinet secretaries to learn how to partner with the administration to implement President Trumps agenda at the state and local level. The majority of Northwest Indianas Republican legislators told the Post-Tribune they wont attend the meeting. State. Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville, and Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso, did not respond to multiple requests for comment, individually and through their spokespeople. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Braun told reporters last week that he remained noncommittal on whether to call a special session for redistricting, adding that the decision will depend on consensus within the legislature. Im not going to call one unless there is going to be general agreement that we need to, Braun told reporters, noting a session could cost taxpayers roughly $150,000. A 2022 special session, during which the legislature passed a near-total abortion ban, cost about $240,000. Braun acknowledged the national political pressure but emphasized that Indiana is already solidly Republican. Yes, there will be political pressure put on, and it will be cranked up, probably closer you get to the finish line of when theyd like to get it done, Braun said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana was last redistricted in 2021, which left Congressional Republicans with seven seats and Democrats two seats. The two Democratic seats are the first district, held by U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, and the seventh district, held by U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, D-Indianapolis. Mrvan wrote Tuesday morning on his campaign Twitter/X account that while Indiana GOP leaders were in Washington, DC, Ill be in Northwest Indiana working on behalf of the people of Indianas First Congressional District. Yoder said the Indiana Republican supermajority has been following the Trump administration playbook around public education, healthcare and tax increases for the poor and tax breaks for the rich. Now, she said, the state supermajority will look to give Trump two more Republican congressional seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A rigged nine to zero, not because voters asked for it but because they are scared of what happens when voters catch on, Yoder said, This isnt redistricting, this is rigging, this is cheating, this is throwing our most important American value into the garbage. They are running scared or flying scared (because) they know Hoosiers are catching on. State Rep. Mitch Gore, D-Indianapolis, said to further redistrict Indiana in favor of Republicans would require carving up communities of color, which would further dilute their voices. Theres nothing conservative about tearing up 250 years of constitutional practice. Theres nothing patriotic about silencing Black and brown voters, Gore said. Senate Assistant Democratic Leader Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, called on Republican legislators to forgo their daily pay if a special session on redistricting is called. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your taxpayer dollars are going to be needed to defend this GOP manipulation of our civil rights, Hunley said. Its time to put your money where your mouth is, not just the taxpayers dime. House Democratic Floor Leader Cherrish Pryor, D-Indianapolis, said redistricting mid-census is un-American, and an attempt for Republicans to maintain control amid failed policies. This is voter suppression on steroids, Pryor said. Northwest Indiana and Indianapolis are not just two Democratic congressional seats, they are two areas with the largest number of minority voters. State Rep. Gregory Porter, D-Indianapolis, said he was embarrassed that state Republicans were headed to Washington to defend something thats been toxic for our community. When redistricting occurred after the 2020 census, state Republicans supported the maps, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are bowing down to (Trump) at the expense of the people, Porter said. State Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond, said she doesnt believe Indiana needs to be redistricted. I think its flat out wrong. Its a move to cheat. Its a move to steal and its shameful, Jackson said. It shows they have no morals at all. State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, said anyone who values the Constitution and democracy should be opposed to the Republican effort to redistrict mid-census. The whole process troubles me, Smith said. (Trump) knows hes in trouble so they came up with a scheme to counter what they know is going to happen in the next general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within a Republican supermajority, Jackson, D-Hammond, said Indiana Democrats dont have the power to vote down any proposed redistricting maps. But she said Democrats can show up to oppose the measure. We can speak up. We can let our voices be heard, that they would be disenfranchising so many voters, Jackson said. Smith said he would speak out against redistricting if a special session was called, but the Republican supermajority has control and the votes when it comes to redistricting. They are totally in charge and they can do what they want to do, Smith said. akukulka@post-trib.com TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Vigo County lawmakers are celebrating a historic increase in third-grade literacy rates for Hoosier students following the results of this years IREAD assessments. The Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment is designed to test Indiana third-graders reading proficiency. This years IREAD data indicates about 87.3% of Indianas third-graders exhibit proficiency in foundational reading skills. State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) said this proficiency rating is an improvement of five percentage points compared to last years scores, which is the largest single-year increase since Indiana launched IREAD in 2013. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Literacy is the cornerstone of a quality education, and these results show our investments in early reading are paying off, Borders said. This is a win for Hoosier kids and their futures. State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) and State Rep. Tim Yocum (R-Clinton) also commented on the improvement in IREAD scores. These latest scores are proof of whats possible when educators, parents and communities work together, Heaton said. Our students are capable of great things when we give them the tools they need to thrive. Early literacy sets the stage for lifelong success, Yocum said. We must continue working to ensure every Hoosier child has the opportunity to excel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years scores also put Indianas literacy rate at this grade level back to pre-pandemic levels. IN lawmakers comment on historic increase in literacy rates in ILEARN assessment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com. Some of Indiana's Republican state lawmakers will visit Washington, D.C., today to meet with members of the Trump administration. While the White House invitation, which was sent to lawmakers in late July, does not include redistricting as a topic of discussion, the visit comes just weeks after Vice President JD Vance visited the Indiana Statehouse to speak with Gov. Mike Braun and Republican legislative leaders about redrawing the Hoosier State's congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. There are few public details at this point about what GOP lawmakers plan to attend the meeting and how much Hoosier taxpayers will have to cover of legislators' travel costs. Heres what you need to know about the Aug. 26 meeting. Why are Republican lawmakers invited to Washington, D.C.? The Trump administration invited Indianas Republican state lawmakers to Washington, D.C., for the purpose of discussing President Donald Trumps agenda. The invite came in late July, prior to Vice President JD Vances Aug. 7 visit to the Indiana Statehouse to discuss redistricting with Gov. Mike Braun and GOP legislative leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An invitation obtained by IndyStar shows the meeting will take place from 1-5 p.m. at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The visit is an opportunity for Indianas elected officials to hear directly from senior White House Officials and Cabinet Secretaries to learn how to partner with the Administration to implement President Trumps Agenda at the state and local level," the invitation states. A spokesperson for Senate Republicans previously said the White House invite is consistent with the Trump Administration inviting several other states out to D.C. for the same purpose and that redistricting was not a topic included in the invitation. Though mid-decade redistricting isn't technically on the agenda, state Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, indicated to IndyStar he wouldn't be surprised if it came up. Lucas is in D.C. for the meeting. "The coincidence is kind of intriguing," said Lucas, who has so far opposed the prospect of redistricting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It doesn't pass the smell test," he said of the issue on Aug. 25. "My biggest fear is the precedent this would set moving forward. Once we open that Pandora's Box, where does it end?" Who is going to the White House? Its not clear how many of the 110 Republican state lawmakers are visiting the White House today. Only 80 spots were available, according to the invite sent to lawmakers, and members were required to RSVP by Aug. 19. Spokespeople for the House and Senate GOP caucuses last week told IndyStar they did not have a list of names or the number of elected officials who would make the trip to Washington, D.C., as lawmakers were individually invited by the White House. An email sent to the White House press office about Indiana legislators who RSVP'd for the event was not immediately returned on Aug. 25. "I'm excited," Lucas said. "Anytime you get an opportunity to possibly meet the president. That's not been confirmed (but) that's an honor." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the region: What Northwest Indiana voters, a target for redistricting, think about President Trump's push Whos paying for the lawmakers who visit the White House? Hoosiers may cover the travel costs for some Republican lawmakers that make the trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with Trump administration officials. State lawmakers can get reimbursed for "reasonable travel expenses" for one policy forum or conference each year they are in office. Spokespeople for the House and Senate Republicans said any members that have not already been reimbursed for such an event can get their travel costs covered for the White House visit. On a Tuesday three weeks out, the cheapest round trip flight is a $198 pair of flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com. Contact IndyStar senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@indystar.com. Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, curated by IndyStar politics and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What to know as Indiana Statehouse Republicans visit Washington, D.C. FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) A new study done by the pet insurance comparison site Pet Insurance Deals reveals the states most in demand for veterinarians. The need was calculated by examining which states were searching for 153 different veterinarian-related terms on Google. An example of some of the searches might be Mobile vet near me, 24-hour emergency vet, and Signs your dog needs a vet, looked for across the United States. Indiana ranked 17th overall with 96,788 average monthly searches across the state, which equates to 1,410 searches per 100,000 residents. That puts Indiana 9% higher than the national average of 1,285 searches per 100,000 people. The highest-ranking state of Indianas neighbors is actually Michigan, landing a spot in the top 10 at #9 with 1,499 searches per 100,000 people. Next is Ohio at #12 with 1,455.35 searches per 100,000 residents, then Illinois at #21 with 1,354.81 searches, and Kentucky at #25 with 1,318.63 searches. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state with the most demand seems to be Colorado, with 1,726 searches per 100,000 people. The top term was vet near me, which they believe indicates a large percentage of people either dont have a regular vet or Colorado is experiencing a surge in first-time pet owners. Hawaii ranked the lowest in veterinary search interest in the country, with only 822 searches per 100,000 residents. Nationally, reactive terms like vet near me with 1.6 million searches a month, and emergency animal hospital with 745,000 searches received the highest number of searches per month, whereas proactive ones ranked much lower. The data in this study reveals the states looking for veterinarian services the most, and it appears to paint a clear pattern, said Tom Sadler, Managing Director at Pet Insurance Deals. Pet owners should consider being more proactive with their pets care. Not only will your pet be at a lower risk of health concerns with regular vet checkups, but keeping up to date with vaccinations can help to lower insurance premiums. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Credit - Photoillustration by TIME; Source images: Naresh Sharma, Kryssia Campos/Getty Images Methodology: How TIME and Statista Determined the Best Employers TIME and Statista launched the inaugural list of the Best Employers of 2025, based on independent employee surveys conducted in countries around the world, beginning with India, Brazil, and Australia. In India, 800,000 employer evaluations were gathered, and the 600 companies that employees were most willing to recommend were ranked on the list. The top three industries on the list are IT, software and services; followed by banking and financial services; then construction, chemicals, and raw materials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year, the top employer in India is real estate services provider CBRE, which has been in India for more than 30 years as the first international real estate consultancy to set up in the country. CBRE, which has over 13,000 employees in India across 17 offices, works with governments, institutions, and companies on real estate and infrastructure projects, providing, for example, business research for places like airports. We started this career in professional real estate services in India. In the initial days, it was very difficult to attract talent, says Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO for India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa at CBRE. It started improving because we started hiring professionals, creating awareness, but it was in tandem with India coming into the global market and multinational firms coming into the country. CBRE offers internships and other programs to attract talent, but Magazine also recognizes the importance of retention, and upgrading the skills of current employees, who it partners with local universities to train so they can keep pace as the real estate market is being changed by factors like AI and ESG. See the full list below. Write to Charlotte Hu at charlotte.hu@time.com. We came across a bullish thesis on Caseys General Stores, Inc. on Stock Analysis Compilations Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on CASY. Caseys General Stores, Inc.'s share was trading at $507.84 as of August 15th. CASYs trailing and forward P/E were 34.69 and 31.75, respectively according to Yahoo Finance. Maplebear (CART) Nosedives 11.5% as Traders Book Gains. Copyright: stocking / 123RF Stock Photo Caseys General Stores presents a compelling investment opportunity driven by its distinctive business model, strong growth prospects, and effective management strategy. Operating approximately 2,900 locations, Caseys ranks as the third-largest convenience store chain in the U.S. by store count and the fifth-largest pizza chain. The company differentiates itself through a focus on fresh food offerings, moving beyond traditional convenience store products like gas and cigarettes, which has enhanced both customer experience and profitability. Employee retention is a standout strength, with the company employing 40% more staff than industry norms, creating meaningful career opportunities in rural communities and fostering a loyal, community-centric customer base. Product innovations, including recent additions such as chicken wings, indicate further upside for sales growth. Caseys expansion strategy, supported by accretive M&A, has been demonstrated through its acquisition of 200 stores from Fikes, signaling ongoing potential for unit growth, particularly in high-opportunity markets like Texas. The companys stock has already appreciated approximately 30% this year, reflecting investor recognition of its unique positioning and execution capabilities. With a management team experienced in profitable expansion and M&A, Caseys is well-positioned to sustain long-term growth while maintaining high operational standards. Its combination of innovative offerings, strong human capital, and disciplined strategic execution suggests the company could deliver continued shareholder value, making the current market opportunity attractive for investors seeking a differentiated play in the U.S. convenience and food retail sector. Overall, Caseys demonstrates a robust risk/reward profile, underpinned by operational excellence, growth potential, and community-focused brand strength. Previously we covered a bullish thesis on Caseys General Stores, Inc. (CASY) by Two Natural Capital in May 2025, which highlighted its rural dominance, fresh food-first strategy, and growth through accretive M&A. The stock has appreciated approximately 8.98% since our coverage. The thesis still stands as Caseys expands and retains employees. Stock Analysis Compilation shares a similar perspective but emphasizes community-centric brand strength. INDEPENDENCE, Mo. An Independence baby is finally home after spending more than four months in the NICU. The one pound, four ounce little boy was born almost four months early at 23 weeks and two days. Other than the oxygen tubes in his nose, Osiris Steffens looks just about like any other seven pound newborn resting comfortably in his mothers arms, enjoying a beautiful day outside his Independence home. But both he and his mom are pretty lucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chiefs appear on red carpet for The Kingdom premiere So relieved. Its been a long time waiting. He was just way too excited to come into this Earth apparently, his mother Mikala Steffens said. Steffens suffered from HELLP syndrome and severe preeclampsia, and had to be airlifted to Overland Park Regional Medical Center when the babys gestational age was just 23 weeks and two days. They told me if I didnt call the ambulance for myself, I probably would not have made it another hour, Steffens said. She had an emergency C-section and delivered a 10-inch, one pound, four ounce baby boy. Very tiny, we called him baby bean for so long because he was just so tiny and his skin wasnt finished forming, Steffens said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shed discover how relatively rare micropreemies of that age were by the reaction of hospital staff. Thats the baby we told you about and they were like Wow, 23 weeks, wow, look how he small is!' she recalled staff members remarking who visited the NICU room. She was able to stay at a nearby Ronald McDonald House, but spent the majority of the past 128 days in the NICU of the Kansas hospital watching little Oz, as hes also called, get 13 blood transfusions and learn to breathe on his own with the initial help of a CPAP machine. Hes gone through almost everything you could ever think of and hes just popped back like its nothing. Hes definitely the strongest human being Ive ever met in my life and hes just the tiniest thing too, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The advancements in medical technology, especially for premature babies is just crazy lately, boyfriend Nick Paden said. FOX4s Brea Love and family welcome baby girl Doctors at Overland Park Regional Medical Center agree. They cite medical advancements in neonatal care including respiration and nutrition for significantly improving survival rates for micropreemie babies. The couple are thankful for the NICU nurses and doctors that got them ready to go home two weeks after his original due date. They did what my body couldnt. They made sure my son was alive, they made sure he was doing his milestones, they made sure he was feeding correctly, breathing correctly and babying correctly. I dont know how you couldnt have the utmost respect for people like that, she 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 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) An inmate was left in serious condition after an altercation at Kern Valley State Prison Monday morning. Staff at the prison observed two inmates at Kern Valley State Prison striking each other in a yard around 11 a.m., according to officials. The two stopped with verbal orders from staff. One of the inmates sustained injuries and was taken to an outside medical facility for a higher level of care. The victim is in serious condition and the suspect was placed on restricted housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said one improvised weapon was found. No staff were injured. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DENVER (KDVR) The Colorado Department of Transportation wants the communitys input on a couple of major proposed projects in downtown Denver that will replace two bridges over Interstate 25 and alter the on and off ramps near them. The two bridges in question are at Speer Boulevard and 23rd Avenue, where they cross over I-25. While both CDOT and residents agree the bridges need to be replaced, discussion over the on and off ramps has led to disagreement. Colorado fire departments need thousands more firefighters, millions in equipment: report Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen Cowgill, who lives in Sloans Lake, knows the 23rd Avenue bridge well. Its a bridge I bike over a bunch throughout the year to get into downtown and the Cherry Creek Trail and the Platte River, Cowgill said. That bridge, and the one on Speer Boulevard, are both targeted for replacement as signs of aging show. They were built a long time ago, as you probably can tell, CDOT spokesperson Tamara Rollison said. CDOT sought public input on the proposed replacement projects at an open house Cowgill attended Monday night. Cowgill agrees the bridges need to be replaced. If youve been in the neighborhood for even a few years, you know that semi-trucks hit them on a regular basis because theyre too low, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he has concern over the rest of the project, which would reconfigure the on and off ramps at each bridge. Rollison says they would change to what they call a braided ramp, saying it will improve access and merging distance on and off 25. Youll have more room, youll have more time to make those merges, Rollison said. But Cowgill wants to see the ramps at 23rd Avenue go away entirely. He says the community agrees with him, largely because of biker and pedestrian safety concerns increasing with more traffic on new ramps. Right now its not really safe to do so and I think the option they chose will result in it being less safe than if they close the ramps, Cowgill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cowgill feels his communitys voice was ignored in favor of businesses in the area, who he says want the ramps open. Rollison says that in making the proposal, CDOT considered many opinions. Kitchen fire closes Fort Collins homeless shelter after causing extensive damage We have to balance the needs of the community, of businesses, of residents, of the public, Rollison said. Of all people who are impacted, who travel on this stretch of roadway, regardless of how they travel. Cowgill hopes that in the end, hell be able to keep enjoying riding his bike safely along the bridge. Thats why north Denver is great, its a super walkable, bikeable neighborhood, Cowgill said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CDOT says that safety considerations are in place despite keeping the 23rd Avenue ramps open, including separated bike paths and expanded sidewalks along the proposed new bridge. If you missed the open house on Monday, you can still provide your feedback on the proposal until Sept. 5 online at CDOTs website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. WASHINGTON (AP) A watchdog investigation into former special counsel Jack Smith over his prosecutions of President Donald Trump is based on an imaginary and unfounded premise, Smith's lawyers wrote in a letter obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday. The letter marks the first response by Smith and his legal team to news that the Office of Special Counsel, an independent watchdog office, had launched an investigation into whether Smith engaged in improper political activity through his criminal inquiries into Trump. The attorneys told Jamieson Greer, the acting head of the office, that his investigation into Smith was wholly without merit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Smiths actions as Special Counsel were consistent with the decisions of a prosecutor who has devoted his career to following the facts and the law, without fear or favor and without regard for the political consequences, not because of them, wrote Smith's lawyers, Lanny Breuer and Peter Koski. The Office of Special Counsel, which is totally distinct from the Justice Department special counsel position that Smith held for more than two years starting in November 2022, confirmed the investigation following a request from Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who asked it to examine Smith's activities for potential violations of the Hatch Act, a federal law that bans certain public officials from engaging in political activity. Cotton had alleged that Smith sought to interfere in the 2024 presidential election through his prosecutions and sought to effectively fast-track the cases toward resolution, including by asking the Supreme Court to weigh in on a key legal question before a lower court had a chance to review the issue. But Smith's lawyers say that argument is contradicted by the facts and note that no court ruling or other authority prohibits prosecutors from investigating allegations of criminal conducts against candidates for office. Politics, they say, played no part in the decision to bring the cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A review of the record and procedural history demonstrates the opposite Mr. Smith was fiercely committed to making prosecutorial decisions based solely on the evidence, he steadfastly followed applicable Department of Justice guidelines and the Principles of Federal Prosecution, and he did not let the pending election influence his investigative or prosecutorial decision-making, Smith's lawyers wrote. The predicate for this investigation, they added, is imaginary and unfounded. Smith, who was appointed special counsel under the Biden administration, brought two cases against Donald Trump, one accusing him of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and the other of hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Both were brought in 2023, well over a year before the 2024 presidential election, and indictments in the two cases cited what Smith and his team described as clear violations of well-established federal law. Both cases were abandoned by Smith after Trumps November win, with the prosecutor citing longstanding Justice Department policy prohibiting the indictment of a sitting president. SCRANTON, Pa. (WHTM) The state budget is still not done, and one of the issues being discussed is adult-use cannabis. Supporters of legalized weed say the product would be taxed, regulated and controlled under the law, which makes it safer. Only medical marijuana is legal in Pennsylvania, and it is grown and manufactured in facilities across the state. abc27s Dennis Owens got an exclusive look inside Pennsylvania Medical Solutions, a former Scranton rag factory that is now a legal marijuana production plant owned by Jushi Holdings. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania These marijuana facilities, which are typically based inside nondescript warehouses, treat their plants like royalty. They are grown in a completely controlled atmosphere, harvested and turned into a product. Its a legal marijuana company that produces plants to help with the medical industry, said Brian Nicholof, the facilitys security manager. Im not allowed to say exactly how many cameras we have, but we can pretty much tell when an ant is crawling around. Each plant is inspected and lab tested twice during the process to make sure there are no toxins and that its THC levels are appropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im always surprised at how clean and sterile and secure these facilities are every time I come. You know, people think about growing cannabis plants, and theyre imagining some guy with some lights in the closet, or they imagine fields of cannabis plants, and thats not what were doing here in Pennsylvania at all, State Rep. Abby Major (R-60) said. Major, a Republican, is partnering with Democrats on a bill that aims to legalize adult-use cannabis in the state. She said she knows most Republicans do not support the legalization of recreational marijuana, citing risks to public health and safety, but all of Jushis products are closely tested and evaluated. Peace of mind, knowing that all the genetics are here coming through clean, that everything is getting tested and is regulated, sets out a peace of mind to just knowing that what youre putting in, in your inhaling and what youre eating obviously is clean, said Adam Avila, the facilitys director of operations. We even vet our third-party testing labs, every single one in the state we have vetted to make sure that, you know, their methods are validated, said Christine Luongo, the facilitys air quality and sanitation manager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is an emphasis on science and security, but the focus, workers say, is on patients using the product Somebody is helping their rheumatoid arthritis, said Luongo. The other person whos helping their PTSD, this other person is helping their severe anxiety. It has so many medical benefits. People think about growing cannabis plants, and theyre imagining some guy with some lights in the closet, or they imagine fields of cannabis plants, and thats not what were doing here in Pennsylvania at all, said Major. Major wants to legalize, tax and regulate adult-use marijuana and require it to come from Jushis facilities. She also wants to crack down on hemp products, sold in vape stores, often mistaken for marijuana. They are legal, but Major insists that their numerous unknown ingredients are not safe, even though they are marketed to children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A woman brought me one of these vapes and told me that it made her sick, and another woman gave me a vape, said Major. I dont remember which one is which, and she told me that she had a seizure after using it. Majors bill would ban that and put hemp under the same requirements as medical marijuana. She knows most Republicans are opposed, as well as the Pennsylvania Family Institute. There are more marijuana stores in Colorado than there are Starbucks and McDonalds combined, so it becomes ubiquitous, said Michael Geer of the PA Family Institute. Its on every corner, and then young people are told the message, This is okay to use, and then you get the damaging effects of psychoses, of addiction, of DUIs. However, with a state budget addicted to cash and surrounding states already legalizing, many say its only a matter of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Honestly, its basically already legal here in Pennsylvania, said Major. Im just trying to make sure that we do it safely and responsibly. Gov. Josh Shapiro said on Monday that everything is still on the table, budget-wise. He said legalizing marijuana would generate hundreds of millions of dollars. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) As part of our Back to School coverage, 12 News is conducting a series of in-depth discussions with administrators, health officials and other experts. These interviews will air exclusively on the free WPRI 12+ TV app each day at 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. How to download the WPRI 12+ smart TV app On Monday, 12 News anchor Mike Montecalvo sat down with William Klements, the Diocese of Providences superintendent of Catholic schools, as well as St. Joseph School Principal Julie Capirchio and Hendricken Assistant Principal Natalie Kessimian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They talked at length about the state of Catholic education in Rhode Island, from how enrollment has changed to the Dioceses efforts to expand an inclusive program that educates students with special needs. Hear their full discussion in the player above. Stay with 12 News for more Back to School stories and special reports all this week and next. Full Coverage: Back to School 2025 Submit your childs First Day of School photo Donate to our Back to School Supply Drive 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 Special Coverage & Notices Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A man is recovering in the hospital Tuesday morning after he was found shot in the Petworth neighborhood in Northwest D.C. At around 4:40 a.m. on Aug. 26, officers responded to the 3800 block of Georgia Ave., NW, for a reported shooting. Once there, police found a man suffering from gunshot wounds, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Officers noted that the man was conscious and breathing, and that medics took him to the hospital for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deadly shooting marks DCs first homicide in 12 days; 1 killed As of Tuesday morning, police have not made any arrests, and there is no word on the mans condition. Investigators urge anyone with information to call D.C. police at 202-727-9099 or text a tip to 50411. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. A new report by a Detroit law firm alleges that three Hamtramck officials engaged in misconduct and should be disciplined. The 59-page report claims that Hamtramck Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri and Officer David Adamczyk, currently on leave, "engaged in significant misconduct that warrants corrective action beyond their current administrative leave." The report by law firm Miller Johnson, dated Aug. 24, also alleges that Hamtramck city manager Max Garbarino failed to "take timely corrective action with respect toAltaheri, which was "inconsistent with his duties as city manager and affords a basis for discipline." Hamtramck City Hall and Police Department in Hamtramck on August 25, 2021. The report by Miller Johnson was requested by city officials after accusations were made in May against city officials. The report was not released publicly by Miller Johnson and is currently not posted on a city website, but Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib confirmed to the Free Press that there is a report by Miller Johnson that has been completed and was posted on a website and on Facebook. City manager Odey Meroueh also provided the Free Press with a copy of the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the allegations is that Altaheri had problems with alcohol and drove drunk to a strip club with other officers in September. City employees said he often came to work reeking of alcohol, according to Garbarino, the report said. "The investigation substantiated a widely known instance of Altaheri driving recklessly in his city-issued truck after consuming alcohol," the report said. "The evidence established that on September 19, 2024, after attending an officer appreciation party and consuming alcohol, Altaheri drove to and from a strip club, with other officers riding with him, in his city-issued truck. He activated his police lights to run red lights and drove erratically. Multiple witnesses observed him consuming significant amounts of alcohol and/or appearing inebriated before driving that night." The report also alleges Altaheri and Adamczyk were involved in recovering a stolen car, outside of police procedures. "The investigation substantiated that Altaheri participated in the recovery of a vehicle that had been reported as stolen without following standard police practices and procedures," Miller Johnson said. "The vehicle, an expensive Mercedes Benz, was in the possession of one of Altaheris acquaintances. ... Although there were differing accounts as to whose idea this escapade was, with Altaheri and Adamczyk pointing fingers at each other, it is undisputed that both of them participated in the conduct and failed to follow basic police procedures governing the recovery of a stolen car." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another claim is that Altaheri tried to use police officers to help him in a custody dispute involving a 2-year-old son. In a statement to the Free Press, Altaheri said: "I strongly dispute many of the conclusions drawn within it. ... I ask the public to withhold judgment until all facts are fairly considered, and due process is completed. Altaheri, hired in February 2024, was the first minority to be police chief in Hamtramck and has been praised by many residents for his outreach to the city's diverse communities. Hamtramck has the highest percentage of immigrants among cities in Michigan. His supporters have said at recent City Council meetings that the accusations against Altaheri, a Muslim immigrant from Yemen, are rooted in bias against Arab Americans and Muslims as they acquire more political power. In the past, residents have complained that Hamtramck police were out of touch with its diverse residents. To connect with communities, Altaheri started Hamtramck's first Police Citizens Academy, which was praised by Arab American, Bangladeshi American and faith leaders. The report alleges that a sex offender was one of the members of the Citizens Academy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "None of the Citizens Academy members were required to undergo background checks, resulting in a sex offender becoming a member of the Citizens Academy and being issued a Hamtramck ID for it," the report said. The report does not name the sex offender. "As police chief, I have always worked to build stronger ties between our officers and the community we serve," Altaheri said in his statement. "Under my leadership, we have expanded community outreach, modernized operations of the department, and made important strides in public safety. It is unfortunate that these positive contributions are absent from the report." Altaheri added that he understands "the seriousness of the concerns raised. I am committed to working with the mayor, city council, and the citys legal team to address those concerns in a way that strengthens our department and the city we serve with pride and honor. I believe that accountability and fairness must go hand in hand." Garbarino could not be reached for comment. He and Adamczyk filed a lawsuit in June against city officials, alleging wrongdoing by Altaheri and bias against them because they are white. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also criticized Adamczyk's behavior, accusing him of trying "to rig the sergeants examination," secretly recording conversations with other officers and Altaheri. The report says the officer was using the recordings and manipulating the exam to gain leverage and power for himself. Adamczyk also committed overtime abuse, the report said. Adamczyk could not be reached for comment. The report also alleges that Altaheri tried to help obtain a police ID for Mark Zarkin, who owns Steven Lelli's Inn On the Green restaurant in Farmington Hills and was the former deputy chief of the Wayne County sheriffs reserve officers unit. Zarkin was once convicted of and served time in jail for sexual assault and was previously listed on Michigans sex offender registry, the Free Press reported in 2019. A memo in May, believed to have been written by Adamczyk and obtained by the Free Press, alleges that Zarkin and Altaheri had worked on trying to get a pardon from President Donald Trump for a wealthy acquaintance of Altaheri in New York City convicted of financial crimes. The claims about the pardon were also alleged in the lawsuit filed in June by Garbarino and Adamczyk. Mark Zarkin, a Farmington Hills restaurateur, is the former deputy chief of the Wayne County Sheriffs reserve officers unit. Miller Johnson report alleges the police chief of Hamtramck gave Zarkin, who did jail time for sexual assault, a police ID. "The investigation established that at least two City ID cards were created for Mark Zarkin for some unknown reason," the Miller Johnson report said, but added "that conduct does not appear to have violated any existing policies or procedures, or employment expectations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, "Altaheri called the evidence technician and offered him overtime to make another ID for Zarkin," the report said. "This time, at Altaheris request, the evidence technician made an ID for Zarkin using the HPD (Hamtramck Police Department) template that said 'Chief Director of Political and Community Affairs.'" The title of Zarkin on the ID was later changed to just say "Chief Director." "Creating any Hamtramck ID card for Zarkin showed poor judgment," the report said. "Zarkin was not employed by the city in any capacity, much less in a police role. He did not pass a background check; he was previously terminated from a law enforcement position because of a since-vacated conviction for criminal sexual conduct; and providing him a city or HPD (Hamtramck Police Department) ID risked creating a misimpression among city employees or third parties about what his role or authority might be. It is not difficult to imagine that someone in Zarkins shoes, once provided with such an ID, might use it falsely to identify himself as a police officer in violation of Michigan law." A woman who returned a message left with Zarkins restaurant seeking comment from him said to call later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report did not take a position on the pardon allegations. "One of the allegations raised by Adamczyk involved a pardon-related scheme," the report said. "Given the inherent limitations on this internal investigation, as well as the possible involvement of law enforcement, this investigation did not address those allegations and expresses no opinion on them." While the Miller Johnson report recommended punishment for the three officials, it said the city "should be mindful of applicable procedural requirements and litigation risk," urging the city to follow collective bargaining agreements, city employment agreements and charter rules. Adamczyk is part of the city's collective bargaining agreement, while Altaheri and Garbarino are at-will employees. The report is to be discussed at the Hamtramck council meeting tonight, Aug. 26, according to the council's agenda. Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com, X @nwarikoo or Facebook @nwarikoo This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Miller Johnson report alleges misconduct by Hamtramck officials MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)- It has now been sixteen years since the murders of Virginia Tech students Heidi Childs, 18, and David Metzler, 18. Their bodies were discovered by a man walking his dog on August 27, 2009, in the Caldwell Fields Recreational Area of the Jefferson National Forest in Montgomery County (near the Craig County line). The remote location is situated off Route 621. Investigators determined Childs and Metzler were shot to death the night before, between 8:25 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. According to the Virginia State Police, some of Childs things were missing, but Metzlers guitar was still in his vehicle, a 1992 Toyota Camry, navy in color. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Childs was from Bedford County, and Metzler was from Campbell County. They met through their church youth group while they were both still in high school. Police said the couple didnt start dating until they were attending Virginia Tech. Childs and Metzler were in their sophomore year. Man accused in murder of Roanoke aging director enters guilty plea in court The investigation into the cold case is still ongoing. There continues to be a $100,000 reward for any tips that lead to an arrest. The VSP in Salem can be contacted at 540-375-9589. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WARNING: The video and photos in this post may contain graphic imagery. Viewer discretion is advised. CARBON COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) Livestock investigators are seeking information after a livestock owner found a bull dead and its reproductive organs mutilated. According to Director of Animal Industry at Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) Leann Hunting, on or around July 3, a livestock owner found a dead bull in a field. It was on Bureau of Land Management land within his allotment, and he thought something was off about the incident, so he contacted East Carbon Law Enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 97 dogs and one tortoise rescued from hoarder home in Salt Lake City East Carbon Law Enforcement contacted the Carbon County Sheriffs Department, who has been conducting the investigation. Hunting said that any livestock crimes are investigated by law enforcement agencies, and the UDAFs Livestock Division is available to assist in those cases. Investigators found very suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the bull, with signs of mutilation in the form of its reproductive organs being removed. Mutilated bull found in Carbon County, courtesy: UDAF One piece of the reproductive organ has not been recovered. Another piece was found just a ways away from the animal, but there were no tracks around the animal, or tracks leading up to the animal, Hunting described. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Livestock Brand Inspection Division of the UDAF and Carbon County Sheriffs Department are asking anyone with information about this case or any other livestock criminal cases to contact them with that information. They are offering a reward for any information that leads to a conviction or arrest. Livestock crime takes place statewide, not just in rural areas, and the UDAF works on those cases fairly regularly, Hunting said. Whether livestock has been stolen, we had some incidents where livestock had been shot a few years back, particularly when cattle prices are high, we see more cases related to theft, but as far as mutilation is concerned, very rarely do we have a case that we can rule out other factors and say that it was mutilation, Hunting explained. Those other factors are other animals feeding on a carcass, where they will usually eat the softest tissue first, which can be the reproductive organs. Hunting said that investigators also determine whether the animal died of natural causes or was intentionally killed before other animals fed on the carcass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this case, those other factors are not present, and so it is a mutilation case, which Hunting said is extremely rare. 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. Based in Illinois, Deere operates globally, with manufacturing plants located across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Latin America, India, South Africa, and other regions. Deere designs, builds, and supports a broad portfolio that includes tractors, combines, sprayers, forestry machinery, construction equipment, and residential lawn equipment, as well as financial services. Deere & Company, better known by its brand name John Deere, is an iconic U.S. manufacturer of agricultural, construction, forestry, and turf equipment. Founded in 1837 by blacksmith John Deere, who invented the first commercially successful self-scouring steel plow, the company combines nearly two centuries of heritage with modern innovation. It has long been recognized for its iconic green and yellow machinery. So, with Wood taking a bullish stance on DE stock, is now the right time for investors to jump in as well? The Industrial giant is a dominant force in the agricultural and construction equipment market, although its growth has naturally slowed in recent years as a mature, well-established firm. That said, while its not a fast-growing tech disruptor, Deere has been investing heavily in AI-driven automation to improve crop yields and efficiency, which appears to have drawn Woods interest. These latest transactions signal Wood's conviction in Deeres long-term potential despite recent market weakness. On Aug. 14, Woods flagship ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) made a big bet on Deere, scooping up 64,789 shares worth about $33.3 million, the largest ARK purchase in dollar value that day. And Cathie Wood wasnt done. Over the next three consecutive trading sessions, ARK continued to add to its Deere stake, taking advantage of the stocks selloff following the company's latest earnings report. What makes this move even more interesting is how different Deere looks compared to ARKs usual holdings. Cathie Wood, the founder and CEO of ARK Invest, is best known for chasing high-growth opportunities in disruptive technologies before they go mainstream. Thats exactly why her latest move stands out. Instead of doubling down on genomics, fintech, or artificial intelligence (AI) startups, this high-profile investor has turned to a more traditional blue-chip name: Deere & Company (DE), also known as John Deere. Story Continues Over recent years, Deere & Company has been reinventing itself as a technology leader, investing heavily in AI, automation, and precision agriculture to drive the future of farming. Its innovations include the autonomous 8R tractor, introduced in 2022, which operates without a driver using AI, sensors, and GPS. Meanwhile, the John Deere Operations Center enables farmers to make smarter, more informed decisions by turning data into actionable insights. Valued at about $134 billion by market capitalization, this agricultural and construction equipment maker has been a strong performer. Over the past year, the stock has soared an impressive 32%, outshining the broader S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 16% return during the same stretch. So far this year, DE stock is up 17%, once again sailing past the broader index, which has surged roughly 10% year-to-date (YTD). www.barchart.com Alongside its strong share performance, Deere continues to deliver steady income to investors through its dividend payments. On Aug. 8, the company paid a quarterly dividend of $1.62 per share. The companys forward annualized dividend of $6.48 per share translates to a modest yield of 1.28%. Why Did Deere Tumble After Q3 Earnings? Shares of Deere stock crashed almost 7% on Aug. 14 after the agricultural equipment giant posted its fiscal 2025 third-quarter results. While the numbers werent a total miss, the report revealed enough red flags to shake investor confidence. Worldwide net sales and revenues totaled $12.02 billion, representing a 9% decrease year-over-year (YOY). Net sales of $10.36 billion also declined 9% annually, though they managed to edge past Wall Streets $10.26 billion estimate. On the profit side, things looked even weaker. Net income dropped a notable 26% annually to $1.3 billion, while EPS fell 24.5% to $4.75. That said, EPS still came in slightly above Wall Streets expectations of $4.62. The cracks became even clearer when breaking down the divisions. Production and precision agriculture sales sank 16% YOY, while small agriculture and turf equipment slipped 1%. Construction and forestry sales also contracted, down 5% annually. Deere pointed to ongoing tariff headwinds and intense competition in the North American construction market as major culprits. In fact, during the companys Q3 earnings call, Director of Investor Relations John Beal revealed that Deere absorbed around $200 million in tariff costs in the third quarter alone, bringing the YTD total to $300 million. Key pain points included higher tariff rates on Europe and India, as well as on steel and aluminum. Looking ahead, Deere now expects fiscal 2025 net income to be in the range of $4.75 billion to $5.25 billion, trimming the top end from $5.50 billion previously. Management also warned that tariff costs could reach as high as $600 million for the full year, further rattling investor confidence. What Do Analysts Think About Deere Stock? Despite the post-earnings selloff, Wall Street is not turning its back on DE stock, maintaining a consensus Moderate Buy rating overall. Of the 22 analysts offering recommendations, 11 advocate for a Strong Buy, one leans toward a Moderate Buy, and the remaining 10 analysts urge investors to Hold. The average analyst price target of $538.90 represents potential upside of 9% from current market prices. However, the Street-high target of $750 suggests an impressive 51% rally from current levels. That kind of potential is rare for a blue-chip industrial powerhouse like Deere, whose stability often limits such explosive upside projections. What makes DE stock even more compelling now is the stamp of approval from a high-profile investor like Cathie Wood, whose recent purchase of shares has brought the industrial giant into the spotlight for growth-focused investors who typically overlook traditional machinery plays. With the backing of innovation-driven money, Deeres blend of AI-powered automation and long-term growth potential makes the stock look like a smart bet right now. www.barchart.com On the date of publication, Anushka Mukherji 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 HINTON, Iowa (KCAU) Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has been visiting different parts of the state to check out agriculture, also on behalf of a website promoting different businesses. On Monday, he visited with Lance and Rachel Bollmeyer, owners of Heritage Bison Ranches, just outside of Hinton, to discuss how best to help their market and business grow. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reason we built the Choose Iowa brand is to really create an umbrella. Folks can go to ChooseIowa.com, and when you get to that page, you can look at the over 300 members that we have. The point is, these things are happening all across the state. And what we want is to ultimately help promote these farms and these businesses, said Naig. The owners of Heritage Bison Ranches started in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. They are now looking to continue to expand their clientele. We know there is a much, much larger market out there and thats where, I think, not just ourselves but a number of businesses that do what we do could really use assistance, said Rachel Bollmeyer. Naig made three stops on Monday and will continue on Tuesday, hitting five more in northwest Iowa. This is part of his annual 99-county tour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visit the Choose Iowa website to learn more about Iowa businesses and agriculture, as well as the Heritage Farms website to learn more about them. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused Iran of organizing two antisemitic attacks in Australia and said the country was cutting off diplomatic relations with Tehran in response on Tuesday. The Australian Security Intelligence Organization, or ASIO, concluded that Iran had directed arson attacks on the Lewis Continental Kitchen, a kosher food company in Sydney, in October 2024 and on Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue two months later, Albanese said. Shortly before the announcement, the Australian government told Irans Ambassador to Australia Ahmad Sadeghi that he will be expelled. It also withdrew Australian diplomats posted in Iran to a third country, Albanese said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An alert to Australians in Iran noted the embassys closure and urged them to strongly consider leaving as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so. Foreigners in Iran, including Australians and dual Australian-Iranian nationals, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest, the warning read. Australia updated its warning to travelers to its highest level: Do not travel to Iran. Irans government denied the allegations, while its foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, called Albanese a weak politician. Iran is paying the price for the Australian peoples support for Palestine, Araghchi wrote on the social platform X. Canberra should know better than to attempt to appease a regime led by war criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also branded Albanese a weak politician who had betrayed Israel after an Aug. 11 announcement by Albanese that his governments recognition of a Palestinian state will be formalized at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Dangerous acts of aggression Police have already arrested at least one suspect in the Sydney cafe fire investigation and two suspects directly accused of torching the Melbourne synagogue. Sayed Mohammed Moosawi, a 32-year-old Sydney-based former chapter president of the Nomads biker gang, has been charged with directing the fire bombings of the Sydney cafe as well as the nearby Curly Lewis Brewery. The brewery was apparently confused for the cafe and mistakenly targeted three days earlier for an antisemitic attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giovanni Laulu, a 21-year-old man from Melbourne, was charged last month with being one of three masked arsonists who caused extensive damage to the synagogue in December. A second alleged arsonist, a 20-year-old man also from Melbourne, is expected to appear in court Wednesday, a police statement said. He has not been publicly named. ASIO has now gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion, Albanese told reporters. The Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks. Iran has sought to disguise its involvement but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks. These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil, he said. They were attempts to undermine social cohesion and sow discord in our community. It is totally unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australias Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that Canberra would keep some diplomatic lines open to Tehran to advance Australias interests. She added that it was the first time Australia has expelled an ambassador since World War II. Terrorist organization Albanese said that Australia will legislate to list Irans Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. Australias law makes providing support to a listed terrorist organization a crime. The government has previously rejected calls to list the Revolutionary Guard under existing terrorism laws because it is a government entity. Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has been accused of carrying out attacks abroad in the past, though it broadly denies any involvement. The Guards Quds, or Jerusalem, Force is its expeditionary arm and is accused by Western nations of using local militants and criminals in the past to target dissidents and Israelis abroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomed the terrorist designation for the Revolutionary Guard, adding in a statement that the group was outraged that a foreign actor was behind the crimes. Foremost, these were attacks that deliberately targeted Jewish Australians, destroyed a sacred house of worship, caused millions of dollars of damage, and terrified our community, the statement said. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, Israel has arrested several people on charges they had been paid or encouraged by Iran to carry out vandalism and monitor potential targets there. 'A matter of community cohesion' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran denied Australias allegations through its Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, who tried to link it to the challenges Australia faced with Israel after announcing it would recognize a Palestinian state. It looks like that the action, which is against Iran, diplomacy and the relations between the two nations, is a compensation for the criticism that the Australians had against the Zionist regime, Baghaei claimed. Albanese previously resisted calls to expel Iran's envoy to Canberra before, analysts said, including in 2024 when Sadeghi was summoned for meetings with foreign ministry officials over his social media posts. Michael Shoebridge, a former Australian defense and security official and director of the think tank Strategic Analysis Australia, said he didnt believe the move was prompted by Israel's complaints. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think thats a matter of Australia-Israel relations, but a matter of community cohesion here in Australia, he said. Suspected foreign actors There has been a steep rise in antisemitic incidents in Sydney and Melbourne since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023. Australian authorities have previously said they suspect that foreign actors are paying local criminals-for-hire to carry out attacks in the country. Neither ASIO director-general Mike Burgess nor Albanese explained what evidence there was of Iranian involvement. Burgess said no Iranian diplomats in Australia were involved. This was directed by the IRGC through a series of overseas cut-out facilitators to coordinators that found their way to tasking Australians, Burgess said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While antisemitic incidents increased in Australian after the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7 2023, Iran was responsible for a transition in October last year when the violence more directly targeted people, businesses and places of worship, Burgess said. Iran started the first of those, Burgess said. ___ Previous versions of this story incorrectly reported that Albanese accused Iran of directing an attack on a Melbourne mosque rather than a Melbourne synagogue, and incorrectly spelled the name of that synagogue. It was the Adass Israel Synagogue. ___ Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Charlotte Graham-McLay in Wellington, New Zealand; and Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran contributed to this report. Irans Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has said that Tehran warned Europes top three powers that reimposing United Nations sanctions on the country will have consequences, as senior officials met to discuss the renewal of nuclear inspections in Iran to avoid an economic sanctions snapback mechanism after they were lifted under the previous 2015 accord. Baghaei said Iran told Europeans during a meeting in Geneva on Tuesday that they do not have the right to trigger the mechanism, but that both sides would continue nuclear talks in the coming days. The talks between senior foreign ministry officials from Iran and France, the United Kingdom and Germany known as the E3 came as the European grouping has long threatened to reinstate sanctions at the UN Security Council by October, when the nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers expires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After meeting with the E3, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Iran remained committed to diplomacy and a mutually beneficial solution. The European Union, which serves as coordinator of the 2015 deal was also attending. Tuesdays meeting marked the second round of talks between Iranian and European diplomats since Israel struck Iran in a 12-day war in mid-June. The war derailed Tehrans nuclear negotiations with the United States and prompted Iran to suspend cooperation with the UNs nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Under the terms of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran committed to regular inspections of its nuclear energy programme in return for relief on some Western sanctions. The nuclear deal was torpedoed in 2018 when Donald Trump, during his first term as president, unilaterally withdrew the US and slapped crippling sanctions on Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The E3, who remain parties to the deal brokered by then US President Barack Obama, have threatened to trigger the accords snapback mechanism by the end of August in response to Irans retaliatory move to halt inspections. The window for activating the mechanism closes in October, after which the UN sanctions would be permanently removed. Tehran has warned of a harsh response if sanctions are reinstated. Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said during a weekly news conference that Tehrans focus was on preventing actions or incidents that may be costly for the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that Tehran was negotiating with all our might in advance of the planned talks. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently said Tehran was working with its allies China and Russia who are also parties to the JCPOA to prevent the reimposition of sanctions. Just before Israel launched its surprise attacks on Iran, Tehran held five rounds of talks with Washington with the aim of reaching a new deal on Irans nuclear programme. Israels offensive killed top commanders, nuclear scientists and hundreds of civilians, striking both military facilities and residential areas. The conflict also saw the US intervene on Israels behalf by carrying out massive strikes against Irans nuclear facilities before it ended in a ceasefire on June 24. The UNs nuclear watchdog, IAEA, says Iran is the only non-nuclear-armed country currently enriching uranium to 60 percent far beyond the 3.67 percent cap set by the 2015 accord. Ninety percent enrichment is required for a nuclear weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran has repeatedly denied it is seeking a nuclear weapon, insisting its programme is solely for civilian purposes such as energy production. The JCPOA allowed Iran to enrich its own uranium but limited it to the 3.7 percent enrichment levels required for a nuclear reactor to generate electricity. At Israels behest, Trump abandoned the agreement in 2018, and Iran walked away from it a year later. France, Britain, and Germany, known as the E3, have long threatened to trigger the "snapback" of sanctions at the United Nations Security Council by October 18. Senior officials from Iran and Europe's top three powers are due to meet in Geneva on Tuesday to discuss the Westerners' demand that Iran revive nuclear inspections and diplomacy or face the reimposition of sanctions that were lifted under a 2015 deal. France, Britain, and Germany, known as the E3, have long threatened to trigger the "snapback" of sanctions at the United Nations Security Council by October 18, when a now largely defunct nuclear deal struck 10 years ago between Tehran and major powers expires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have more recently said they plan to decide by the end of August unless Iran offers concessions that could convince them to hold off for a short time, often referred to as an extension. Talks are tense as Iran is furious at the bombing of its nuclear facilities by the US and Israel, the E3's allies. "We are going to see whether the Iranians are credible about an extension or whether they are messing us around. We want to see whether they have made any progress on the conditions we set to extend," one E3 official said. Those conditions are the resumption of inspections, including accounting for Iran's large stock of enriched uranium, and engaging in diplomacy, including with the United States. Iran has repeatedly ruled out direct talks with Washington. A satellite view shows an overview of Fordow underground complex, after the U.S. struck the underground nuclear facility, near Qom, Iran June 22, 2025. (credit: Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS ) Israel and the United States have said they needed to strike Iran's uranium enrichment sites because it was making such rapid advances towards being able to produce a nuclear weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tehran denies any intent to develop atomic bombs. Iran has been enriching uranium to up to 60% purity, a short step from the roughly 90% of weapons-grade, and had enough material enriched to that level, if enriched further, for six nuclear weapons before the strikes started on June 13. Actually producing a weapon would take more time, however, and the International Atomic Energy Agency has said that, while it cannot guarantee Tehran's nuclear program is entirely peaceful, it has no credible indication of a coordinated weapons program in Iran. Iran refuses to grant access to IAEA for inspection While Iran's enrichment facilities have been badly damaged or destroyed, Iran has not granted the IAEA access to them since they were attacked, arguing that it is not safe for inspectors. The status and whereabouts of Iran's large stockpile of enriched uranium are also unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Due to the damage to our nuclear sites, we need to agree on a new plan with the agency and weve conveyed that to IAEA officials," one Iranian official said. Western officials have said they suspect Iran has returned to negotiating tactics aimed at buying time and dragging talks out. The E3 will aim to determine in their talks on Tuesday whether that is now the case. Tehran has warned of a "harsh response" if sanctions are revived. Iran faces a renewal of UN-mandated sanctions within weeks unless it returns to negotiations on the future of its nuclear program and allows international inspections of its facilities. The process for restoring sanctions that were lifted a decade ago under a landmark nuclear deal could begin at the end of the month if a meeting on Tuesday between Iran and three European nations fails to make progress. France, Germany and the United Kingdom have told the United Nations they will move to reimpose sanctions through whats known as the snapback mechanism if Iran continues to violate its obligations under the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The snapback was built into the 2015 nuclear pact reached by Iran, the US and the Europeans. Under the deal, Iran was granted sanctions relief in return for strict and verifiable limits on its nuclear program. But after US President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal, known as the JCPOA, during his first term in office, Iran scaled back compliance by accelerating its uranium enrichment close to weapons grade. In a letter to the UN Security Council last week, foreign ministers of the three European nations, known as the E3, said Iran had violated the near entirety of its JCPOA commitments. We have made clear that if Iran is not willing to reach a diplomatic solution before the end of August 2025, or does not seize the opportunity of an extension, E3 are prepared to trigger the snapback mechanism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran suspended nuclear negotiations with the US, which were aimed at curbing its enrichment program, after the US and Israel bombed its nuclear sites during a 12-day war in June. Since then, inspectors from the UNs nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have been unable to access Irans nuclear installations. The snapback automatically reimposes all UN Security Council sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 deal. Those sanctions, introduced between 2006 and 2010, include an arms embargo, restrictions on uranium enrichment, and bans on Iran acquiring technology related to its ballistic missile program. The measures also contributed to severe pressure on Irans oil and financial sectors. The snapback process takes 30 days, and the Europeans are aware that Russia assumes the presidency of the Security Council in October and may obstruct the process. Representatives of Iran and six major powers meet in Vienna, Austria on April 24, 2015, seeking to finalise a historic deal curbing Irans nuclear program three weeks after reaching a framework agreement in Lausanne, Swizerland. - DDieter Nagl/AFP/Getty Images Iran prepares for measures against European nations In a phone call with his counterparts from the UK, France and Germany on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that triggering the snapback mechanism would carry serious consequences, state-run Press TV reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iran is preparing for the worst scenarios, an Iranian official told CNN last week, taking it for granted that the E3 are set to exhaust their sole remaining leverage to please President Trump. The source said that among the options Iran is considering are more limitations on Tehrans cooperation with the IAEA, a withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and putting the E3 on hostile states lists, which would allow the Iranian armed forces to inspect vessels that are flagged, bound or owned by the European states in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. The E3 is further reducing their role into irrelevance by nagging like a frustrated kid. They have lost their moral and political compass failing to appreciate their status versus those of Americans in West Asian power politics, the source said. Tuesdays meeting will be held at the deputy foreign minister level, Press TV reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysts say the reimposition of sanctions triggered by the snapback would damage the already beleaguered Iranian economy. In the short term, snapback will hurt the Iranian economy, largely by creating problems for euro liquidity, which is important for Irans ability to reliably buy essential goods, like pharmaceuticals. The sanctions will also hit consumer and business confidence in Iran, according to analyst Esfandyar Batmanghelidj. But he expects China will continue to purchase Iranian oil. The (United Arab Emirates) will continue to facilitate trade for Iranian importers. Iraq will continue to act as a market for Iranian exporters. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com VIENNA (AP) France, Britain and Germany have initiated the process of triggering the snapback mechanism that automatically reimposes all United Nations sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, saying Iran has willfully departed from their 2015 nuclear deal that lifted the measures. The U.N. sanctions that were in effect before the 2015 deal included a conventional arms embargo, restrictions on ballistic missile development, asset freezes, travel bans and a ban on producing nuclear-related technology. The European countries, known as the E3, offered Iran a delay of the snapback during talks in July if Iran met three conditions: resuming negotiations with the United States over its nuclear program, allowing U.N. nuclear inspectors access to its nuclear sites, and accounting for the over 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium the U.N. watchdog says it has. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tehran, which now enriches uranium at near weapons-grade levels, has rejected that proposal. The U.S. and Iran tried to reach a new nuclear deal earlier this year, but those talks have not resumed since the 12-day Israeli bombardment of Iran's nuclear and military sites and the U.S. bombardment on June 22. How snapback works Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action reached between world powers and Iran in 2015, Iran agreed to limit uranium enrichment to levels necessary for civilian nuclear power in exchange for lifted economic sanctions. The International Atomic Energy Agency was tasked with monitoring Irans nuclear program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The snapback mechanisms purpose is to swiftly reimpose all pre-deal sanctions without being vetoed by U.N. Security Council members, including permanent members Russia and China. The process began Thursday, when the E3 formally notified the U.N. secretary-general and Security Council president about Irans significant nonperformance of commitments. That triggers a 30-day window during which a new resolution to continue sanctions relief must be adopted. Since that's unlikely, as the U.S., Britain and France would veto such a resolution, all U.N. sanctions automatically snap back. At this stage, no further vote is needed and no Security Council member can block reimposition. The mechanism expires in October Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Europeans agreed with the U.S. earlier this year to set an end-of-August deadline for triggering the snapback mechanism if no agreement is reached with Iran. The U.S. itself cannot activate the snapback since U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the nuclear deal in 2018. Two factors drive the approaching deadline. First, the power to automatically snap back sanctions expires on Oct. 18. After that, sanctions efforts could face vetoes from China and Russia, which have provided some support to Iran in the past. Second, Europeans want to trigger the mechanism under South Koreas Security Council presidency in September, before Russia takes over in October. While Russia cannot veto the reimposition of sanctions under the mechanism, diplomats say Moscow could use procedural delaying tactics until the nuclear deal expires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The E3s position European nations assert that Iran has willfully and publicly departed from the nuclear deals commitments. In May, the IAEA said Iran had amassed 408.6 kilograms (900.8 pounds) of uranium enriched up to 60% purity. If it is enriched to 90%, it would be enough to make nine nuclear weapons, according to an IAEA yardstick, though a weapon would require other expertise, such as a detonation device. The IAEA also estimated that as of May 17, Irans overall stockpile of enriched uranium stood at 9,247.6 kilograms (20,387.4 pounds). The amounts far exceed the limits set out in the nuclear deal, under which Iran was allowed to enrich uranium up to 3.67% and maintain a uranium stockpile of 300 kilograms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, in 2022, Iran removed most monitoring equipment, including IAEA cameras. A year later, Iran barred some of the agencys most experienced inspectors. Irans position Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes only. Tehran also argues that it has the right to abandon the nuclear deals limits because Washington withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed its own sanctions. Before 2019, when Iran gradually began to breach the deals limits, the IAEA confirmed Tehran adhered to all commitments. Iran contends there is no legal basis for the Europeans to reimpose U.N. sanctions, claiming the countries failed to uphold the accord after the U.S. exit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tehran has also threatened to withdraw from the global Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons if snapback is triggered. By ratifying the NPT in 1970, Iran committed to not developing nuclear weapons. Other options Once the snapback mechanism is triggered, there remains a slim chance for a diplomatic solution, said Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group. If the West and Iran reach a diplomatic agreement within the 30-day window, a resolution could be introduced to push back the mechanism's Oct. 18 expiration date, he said. The timing is, in one sense, auspicious because it overlaps with the U.N. General Assemblys annual high-level week, which will bring to New York high-level leaders who could huddle over ways to head off execution, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he added that the issue is likely to resurface unless Washington and Tehran can hammer out a new nuclear deal. ___ The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ___ Follow AP coverage: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/ Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Tuesday after the meeting that Tehran remained committed to diplomacy and a mutually beneficial solution. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Tuesday that Tehran told Europe's top three powers the revival of the "snapback" mechanism, re-mposing UN sanctions on Iran, will have consequences. Baghaei said Tehran told Europeans during a meeting in Geneva they do not have the right to trigger the mechanism, adding both sides would continue nuclear talks in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior officials from Iran and Europe's top three powers met in Geneva on Tuesday to discuss the Westerners' demand that Iran revive nuclear inspections and diplomacy or face the reimposition of sanctions that were lifted under a 2015 deal. France, Britain and Germany, known as the E3, have long threatened to trigger the "snapback" of sanctions at the United Nations Security Council by October, when the now largely defunct nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers expires. They have more recently said they plan to decide by the end of August unless Iran offers concessions that could convince them to hold off for a short time, often referred to as an extension. Talks are tense as Iran is furious at the bombing in June of its nuclear facilities by the US and Israel, the E3's allies. "We are going to see whether the Iranians are credible about an extension or whether they are messing us around. We want to see whether they have made any progress on the conditions we set to extend," one E3 official said. General view of the Iranian Consulate where Iran holds nuclear talks with so-called E3 group of France, Britain and Germany, in Istanbul, Turkey, July 25, 2025. (credit: DILARA SENKAYA/REUTERS) Those conditions are the resumption of UN inspections, including accounting for Iran's large stock of enriched uranium, and engaging in diplomacy, including with the United States. Iran has repeatedly ruled out direct talks with Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Tuesday after the meeting that Tehran remained committed to diplomacy and a mutually beneficial solution. "It is time for the E3 and the UN Security Council to make the right choice and give diplomacy the time and space it needs," he said in a post on X. Officials in Geneva said they did not expect public statements to be made there during the meeting. The European Union, which serves as coordinator of the 2015 deal, was also due to attend. Israel and the United States have said they needed to strike Iran's uranium enrichment sites because it was making such rapid advances towards being able to produce a nuclear weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tehran denies any intention to develop atomic bombs. Enrichment drive Iran has been enriching uranium to up to 60% fissile purity, a short step from the roughly 90% of weapons-grade, and had enough material enriched to that level, if refined further, for six nuclear weapons before the strikes started on June 13. Actually producing a weapon would take more time, however, and the International Atomic Energy Agency has said that, while it cannot guarantee Tehran's nuclear program is entirely peaceful, it has no credible indication of a coordinated weapons project in the Islamic Republic. While Iran's enrichment plants were badly damaged or destroyed in the June war, Tehran has not granted the IAEA access to them since then, arguing that it is not safe for inspectors. The status and whereabouts of Iran's large stockpile of enriched uranium are also unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Due to the damage to our nuclear sites, we need to agree on a new plan with the agency and weve conveyed that to IAEA officials," one Iranian official said. Western officials have said they suspect Iran has returned to negotiating tactics aimed at buying time and dragging talks out. The E3 will seek to determine in their talks on Tuesday whether that is now the case. Tehran has warned of a "harsh response" if sanctions are reinstated. Iran has promised reciprocal action following Australias decision to expel its ambassador in Canberra over accusations that Tehran was behind anti-Jewish attacks in the country. On Tuesday, Irans Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei absolutely rejected Australias accusations, saying any inappropriate and unjustified action on a diplomatic level will have a reciprocal reaction. Baghaei also said the measures appeared to be influenced by internal developments in Australia, including weekend protests across the country against Israels war on Gaza, which organisers said were the largest pro-Palestine demonstrations in Australias history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems that this action is taken in order to compensate for the limited criticism the Australian side has directed at the Zionist regime [Israel], he added. Earlier on Tuesday, Australias Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Iran was behind the torching of a kosher cafe in Sydney last October and directed a major arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne in December. There were no casualties in either of the attacks where assailants set fire to the properties, causing extensive damage. Al Jazeeras Tohid Asadi, reporting from Tehran, said Iran sees Australias actions as a continuation of hostile actions by the Australian side over the past years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australia has imposed several sanctions [on Iran], for example, in 2024 after Irans retaliatory action to attack the Israeli territory, he said, adding that Tehran sees these latest moves as another sign of Australia siding with the Israelis. Expelled ambassador vocal in his support for the Palestinian cause Australia declared the Iranian ambassador, Ahmad Sadeghi, persona non grata and ordered him and three other officials to leave the country within seven days. Australias Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the move marked the first time Australia has expelled an ambassador since World War II. Australia also withdrew its ambassador to Iran and suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran, which opened in 1968. Wong added that the government will continue to maintain some diplomatic lines with Iran to advance Canberras interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sadeghi was vocal in his support for the Palestinian cause, Foad Izadi, a world studies professor at the University of Tehran, told Al Jazeera. That is the main reason for Australias decision to expel him. Just a few days ago, we saw the largest pro-Palestine demonstrations in many Australian cities. Expelling a countrys ambassador is rarely done, and the fact that the Australian government has done this is an indication that theyre afraid of their own population and theyre afraid of the demands this population [makes] when it comes to the issue of genocide in Palestine. PM Albanese also said, the government will legislate to list Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC, as a terrorist organisation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation is investigating possible IRGC involvement in other anti-Jewish attacks since Israels war on Gaza began in October 2023. Izadi rejected those claims, saying it has not provided any evidence. He believes the Australian government has taken these decisions as it is worried about the fact that the Australian people are seriously questioning Australias support for Israel and demanding that the government be more active in opposing the genocide in Palestine. Australias moves against Iran come as the countrys ties with Israel plummet over its criticism of Israeli-imposed famine and the war on Gaza, as well as its decision to join France, the United Kingdom and Canada in recognising a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Last week, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Albanese a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australias Jews. The Australian government has hit back at Netanyahu, with Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke saying that strength was not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry. The foreigners appear to be mostly arrested on charges of being affiliated with ISIS or being members of families of ISIS members. Iraq is weighing deporting hundreds of foreigners it has detained since the war on ISIS. The foreigners appear to be mostly arrested on charges of being affiliated with ISIS or being members of families of ISIS members. According to AFP, Iraq wants to return hundreds of foreign women and their children detained in the country, though two foreign diplomats told AFP on Monday the process would be a lengthy one. The report says that most of these people come from Turkey, Russia, and Azerbaijan. During the ISIS war, an estimated 50,000 people from around the world flocked to Syria and Iraq to join the group. ISIS captured Mosul in August 2024, eleven years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After it captured Mosul in northern Iraq, it began massacring minorities such as Yazidis. Many foreign volunteers were inspired by ISIS's success. They wanted to come to Syria and Iraq for the chance to live under the ISIS caliphate and also join in its Jihadist war of extermination against minorities. Some of those who came to join specifically hoped they could acquire women slaves that ISIS had kidnapped. When the ISIS caliphate fell apart in Iraq in 2017 with the defeat of the group in Mosul, some of the foreigners were detained by the Iraqi government. Over the next several years, more extremists were detained. The number of detainees in Iraq is smaller than in Syria, where tens of thousands of foreign ISIS family members remain at Al-Hol and other camps. In fact, the camps in Syria continue to contain Iraqis who were members of ISIS, and Iraq has only slowly accepted them back. Many countries in Europe refused to allow their citizens to return after joining ISIS. It is not clear if Turkey or Russia will enable Iraq to send citizens back. A member loyal to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) waves an ISIL flag in Raqqa June 29, 2014 (credit: REUTERS/STRINGER) Around 625 foreigners and 60 children are held in prisons in Iraq The report at AFP says that around 625 foreigners and 60 of their children are held in prisons in Iraq, a judicial source said, most of them linked to ISIS. The decision by Iraq would seek to send back those who have not been given the death penalty. The goal is to deport those convicted of lesser crimes. For those involved in ISIS crimes against humanity, they will likely remain in Iraq. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also says there are two French women jailed in Iraq for their crimes related to ISIS. The Iraqi authorities created a committee "charged with establishing a plan for the repatriation of foreign and Arab detainees, as well as their children", Iraqi justice ministry spokesman Ahmed Laibi said on Saturday, the report said. "We have hundreds of women and children in our penitentiary establishments," the official added. Iraq has a prisoner problem that is dictating this decision. Iraqi prisons are overcrowded. Many of the foreigners appear to be women and children. Iraq hopes that foreign governments will be flexible and take their people back. "I'm not sure this can happen very quickly," one European diplomat told AFP. This is an ironic answer, considering European countries have refused to take back their citizens for eight years. Iraq didnt ask that it happen quickly. Iraq has been waiting a long time. The same issue faces the Syrian authorities in eastern Syria. The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces also have thousands of ISIS detainees. European countries have not accepted back their ISIS-supporting citizens. They preferred to foist the problem on one of the poorest areas of the Middle East, which is eastern Syria. They got away with this because eastern Syria is not a recognized government. Now there are talks for the SDF to hand over the detainees to the Damascus administration. This would then put pressure on foreign countries to address the issue of their citizens in Syria. Once a thriving, vibrant neighbourhood in Gaza City, Zeitoun was known for its bustling markets, olive groves, and tight-knit community. Generations of families lived here, building lives, memories, and futures. Today, Zeitoun is unrecognisable. Entire blocks have been flattened. Homes reduced to rubble, Al Jazeeras Hani Mahmoud has been speaking with Palestinians who once called the neighbourhood home. We were sleeping, and at midnight, the roof collapsed on our heads, and the pieces were all over us. We woke up terrified. I put on my prayer gown and started to call my children. I called their names Ibrahim, Mahdi, Mohamed, Sanad. But I couldnt see them because of all the rubble and the dust, said Feryal Ahmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has completely destroyed more than 1,000 buildings in the Zeitoun and Sabra neighbourhoods of Gaza City since it started its sustained assault on the city on August 6, trapping hundreds under the rubble, the Palestinian Civil Defence said earlier this month. Israeli tanks have been rolling into the Sabra neighbourhood as Israel moves to fully occupy Gaza City, forcing close to 1 million Palestinians southwards to concentration zones. The scale of destruction is staggering. What was once alive with sound and colour is now silent, grey, and buried in dust. Everything in Zeitoun was beautiful I will never forget Zeitoun as long as Im still breathing. It is a tragedy. I am hurt by what the Israelis are doing to the neighbourhood Everything in Zeitoun was beautiful the birds, the water, the greenery, the farmlands, the olive trees, said Mahdi Awad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbours who once gathered for meals in each others homes now sleep in the open, grieving and uncertain of tomorrow. A number of houses were hit in Gaza City, which has been under severe attack specifically its Zeitoun and Sabra neighbourhoods for about a week now. Beneath the mounds of debris and concrete lies a deeper wound: the displacement of families, the silencing of neighbourhoods, and the loss of history. The destruction is far greater than just the buildings in this neighbourhood. Most of the infrastructure and residential areas, schools, mosques, waterways and even pipelines and water networks have been severely damaged, which makes life and living here almost impossible, said Asem al-Nabih, a Gaza municipality spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many young Palestinians, Zeitoun is not just a place on the map; it is the only home they have ever known. I learned there, I grew up there. Im one of the children of the neighbourhood. I wish I could wake up and be told to go back. Even if my house has been bombed and Im sure it has or if everything is gone, I still want to go back, said Mahdi Khaled, a young Palestinian resident. Despite the devastation, this longing is stronger than the fear of bombardment. From life to rubble, and from rubble to longing the story of Zeitoun lives on in its people. For them, home is not just walls and a roof; it is memory, belonging, and the determination to return. Chartered Accountants Ireland has expressed its approval of the government's newly released Action Plan to Support Market Diversification. Reacting to the plan, Chartered Accountants Ireland Members and Advocacy director Crona Clohisey said that the Irish businesses are currently facing unprecedented challenges due to US tariffs. The extensive nature of the plan, which includes more than 100 actions, underscores the significant challenges ahead and the necessity for a unified national approach. The initiative also reaffirms a commitment to bolstering indigenous enterprises, which the institute supports. With a substantial portion of the institutes nearly 40,000 members engaged in business, many are actively involved with Irelands small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While foreign direct investment continues to constitute a key part of Irelands economic mix, these home-grown businesses (particularly SMEs) form the backbone of the Irish economy. Ensuring they are equipped to diversify, innovate and compete internationally should rightly now be a primary policy objective, Clohisey stated. A survey conducted by Chartered Accountants Ireland in May 2025, in collaboration with GRID Finance, revealed that many SMEs find existing government support initiatives either too time-consuming or resource-intensive to access, resulting in lower-than-expected uptake. While the breadth of supports is positive, further steps need to be taken to ensure that business reliefs are not overly complex or difficult to claim. Simplifying application processes and reducing administrative burdens will be key to ensuring that any new supports reach the businesses that need them most, Clohisey added. The action plan also indicates an intention to expedite visa options to facilitate quicker entry for skilled workers in high-demand sectors. Chartered Accountants, already included on the Governments Critical Skills List, are among the most in-demand professionals whose expertise will be essential to guiding businesses through the current uncertain landscape, Clohisey remarked. Our research consistently shows that in times of economic uncertainty, Chartered Accountants are heavily relied upon to help businesses navigate crises. We fulfilled this important role as trusted business leaders during the Brexit transition, the Covid-19 pandemic, and more recently, during the cost-of-living crisis. Any new fast-track visa scheme should therefore reflect the importance of chartered accountants alongside other in-demand skills. Overall, todays announcement represents a positive step toward safeguarding Irelands economic resilience. The challenge now is to ensure that ambition translates into action, and that the supports offered are not only comprehensive but also genuinely accessible and impactful for the businesses that rely on them, Clohisey concluded. Israel's decision to withdraw the application for an ambassador came after Brazil refused to approve Gali Dagan as the new ambassador from Israel. Diplomatic relations between Israel and Brazil are now operating at a low level, after Brazil refused to approve Gali Dagan as the new ambassador from Israel, prompting the Jewish state to withdraw its request, the foreign ministry confirmed. After Brazil, unusually, refrained from replying to Ambassador Dagans request for agrement, Israel withdrew the request, and relations between the countries are now being conducted at a lower diplomatic level, the foreign ministry stated. The ministry further added that the critical and hostile line that Brazil has displayed toward Israel has worsened since Hamas ignited the war with its terror attack in 2023 and was further intensified by comments made throughout the duration of the war by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Brazil's declining relationship with Israel Lula has been declared persona non grata after he accused Israel of carrying out a genocide in Gaza, drawing on Holocaust references to illustrate his claim. The country also joined South Africas case against Israel at the Hague, formalizing Lulas accusations of genocide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, Brazil withdrew from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, where it had served as an observer member since 2021. Brazil, a member of BRICS, also has relations with Iran despite its attacks against the Jewish state, including civilian populations, and a long record of human rights abuses. Brazil has not had an ambassador in Israel since it withdrew the former ambassador last year. Andre Lajst, Executive Director of StandWithUs Brazil, commented: "The Brazilian governments refusal to authorize the appointment of Israels ambassador is yet another step that deepens the countrys international isolation and damages its relationship with one of its most important allies in the Middle East. Instead of promoting dialogue and cooperation in diplomacy, trade, and culture, the government chooses unilateral measures that weaken Brazils standing on the global stage. We urge the government to return to a path of responsibility and constructive engagement with Israel and the international community." Amichai Stein contributed to this report. Israel has downgraded its diplomatic relations with Brazil after the Brazilian government refused to approve the appointment of Israel's new ambassador, a spokeswoman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem said on Tuesday. "The critical and hostile course Brazil has taken towards Israel since October 7 (2023) escalated when its president compared Israel's actions to those of the Nazis," the statement said. Brazil's Lula compares Israel's Gaza operation to the Holocaust The dispute between the two countries over the Gaza war has escalated since last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva compared Israel's military operation in Gaza to the Holocaust. In response, Israel's then Foreign Minister Israel Katz declared him a persona non grata and summoned Ambassador Frederico Meyer to the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial. This was perceived by the Brazilian government as a public humiliation, prompting it to recall Meyer. The country refused to approve Gali Dagan as Israel's new ambassador to Brasilia. The Israeli Foreign Ministry spokeswoman stressed that despite the incidents, the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem continues to maintain "close contacts with Israel's many friends in Brazil." The spokesperson also claimed that the deal Hamas agreed to is consistent with what Israel had agreed to in the past. Israel must respond to the ceasefire-hostage deal proposal currently on the table, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said on Tuesday. "[Israel] does not seem interested in doing so," he added. He also claimed that the deal Hamas agreed to is consistent with what Israel had agreed to in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a statement earlier on Tuesday, saying, "It is deeply disappointing that on the very day when masses of Israelis take to the streets demanding the return of all hostages and an end to the war, the government continues to delay progress on the agreement, contrary to the people's will. "The government lacks a public mandate to continue this prolonged conflict while our loved ones remain captive. There is only one answer: people filling the streets - until everyone comes home." The Israeli security cabinet meets to discuss the full military takeover of the Gaza Strip. (credit: Avi Ohayon/GPO) Proposal on the table will reportedly not be brought to cabinet meeting The statement came following reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not bring the proposal by the mediators to the upcoming securty cabinet meeting, and that the agreement "has been on the government's table for over a week, yet the cabinet has not been convened to discuss it." This is a developing story. The Israeli military is pushing deeper into Gaza City, destroying entire neighbourhoods and leaving Palestinian families with nowhere safe to go, as it seeks to seize the Strips largest urban centre, while an Israeli-induced famine grips the besieged enclave. An attack on a popular market east of Gaza City on Tuesday killed at least five Palestinians and injured many others. Sources at al-Ahli Arab Hospital told Al Jazeera that two women were among those killed. Videos verified by Al Jazeera showed Palestinians fleeing the as-Saftawi area, north of Gaza City, as Israel attempts to force close to 1 million residents southwards to concentration zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The footage captured long lines of men, women and children moving along dusty and ravaged streets, many carrying bags, blankets and mattresses. Some pushed carts piled with belongings while others held children by the hand as they moved westward on foot. Israel has completely destroyed more than 1,000 buildings in the Zeitoun and Sabra neighbourhoods of Gaza City since it started its sustained assault on the city on August 6, according to estimates by the Palestinian Civil Defence. Gaza City resident and writer Sara Awad said Palestinian families had to choose between braving Israels intense bombardment at home or being displaced yet again. All the time, Im wondering why I must flee and live in a tent, while my [home] is here, Awad said. Every day, she sees more Palestinian families packing up their belongings despite having nowhere to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt make sense to leave my home while they are treating us not as human beings, she said. Yet, she said she believed Palestinians were living in [their] final days in Gaza City. At least 64 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza since dawn, hospital sources told Al Jazeera, including 13 people who were killed seeking desperately needed aid. Since the United States- and Israeli-backed GHF took over aid operations in late May, more than 2,100 Palestinians have been killed seeking aid, according to Gazas Ministry of Health. The United Nations humanitarian office (OCHA) warned in its latest update of worsening starvation, mounting casualties and collapsing services across the Gaza Strip. Gazas Health Ministry said three more hunger-related deaths were recorded in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of people who starved to death since October 7, 2023, to 303, including 117 children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mustafa Barghouti, the secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, told Al Jazeera that Israel was seeking to eliminate and annihilate the Palestinian people by conducting not only genocide, but also ethnic cleansing. He argued that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was pushing to remap the Middle East and create economic hegemony, political hegemony [and] intelligence hegemony over the whole Middle East. Condemnation continues after Nasser Hospital attack Legal experts have been calling for Israel to be investigated over its double-tap attack on Gazas Nasser Hospital on Monday, which killed at least 21 people, including five journalists. So-called double-tap attacks entail striking a target and waiting for emergency responders and journalists to arrive on the scene before bombing it a second time. Netanyahu said in a statement released in English only that Israel deeply regretted what he characterised as a tragic mishap, without explaining how Israel had hit the same hospital not once but twice in apparent error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Human Rights Lawyer Geoffrey Nice said Israels admission of error was very interesting. [This] means they should now not only be investigated, but investigated with absolute ferocity, in order to produce all the documents that would explain what theyd intended to do and how things went wrong, Nice told Al Jazeera. If they cant justify a mistake in terms of [hitting a] proper target with an assessed level of collateral damage, then theyve committed a war crime. Abd Raouf Shaat, a photo and video journalist working in Gaza, expressed his grief at the onslaught of Palestinian media workers and resolved to continue his work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every day, we are saying farewell to a journalist, he told Al Jazeera. But we will continue their work and their message. Several of those wounded in the attack are receiving treatment for serious injuries. Palestinian television cameraman Jamal Badah who was heavily wounded during the Israeli attack on Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, receives medical treatment at a hospital in Gaza on August 26, 2025 [Abdallah FS Alattar/Anadolu] Human rights groups have accused the Israeli military of committing war crimes in its indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza. Leaked Israeli intelligence has revealed that 83 percent of all those killed since Israel began its war on the enclave have been civilians, one of the highest civilian tolls in modern conflicts. Several of the journalists killed in the bombing of Nasser Hospital worked for the international news agencies Reuters and The Associated Press. One of them, Mohammad Salama, worked for Al Jazeera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has now killed more than 270 journalists and media workers in Gaza since its war started in October 2023, according to an Al Jazeera tally. In preliminary findings released on Tuesday, the Israeli military claimed an inquiry into the incident suggested the target had been a camera positioned in the area by Hamas to surveil Israeli troops. In light of this, the force acted to destroy the camera, the army said. Israel routinely justifies its deadly attacks across the Gaza Strip by claiming it was targeting Hamas. Hamas called the accusation baseless and said Israel lacked any evidence. It added that the claim was merely aimed at evading legal and moral responsibility for a full-fledged massacre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has attacked hospitals multiple times throughout nearly two years of its genocidal war on Gaza, asserting that Hamas embeds itself in and around the facilities, without providing any verifiable evidence. Activities of 810th Brigade Troops on Mount Hermon (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT) Katz added that the IDF will also continue to protect the Druze in Syria. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that the IDF will remain at the peak of Mount Hermon and in the buffer zone, citing threats from Syria and protecting residents of the Golan Heights. Katz called the decision necessary to protect the Golan Heights settlements from threats looming from the Syrian side as a central lesson that weve learned from October 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will continue to protect the Druze in Syria as well, he added. The IDF took over the peak almost immediately after the collapse of the former president Bashar al-Assads regime in December 2024. On Monday, a source told The Jerusalem Post that the Trump administration is working to bring about an announcement by Israel and Syria on agreed security arrangements by the time the UN General Assembly convenes in September. Defense Minister Israel Katz with IDF soldiers in the West Bank; illustrative. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X/ISRAEL KATZ) Also on Monday, Syria said that Israel had sent 60 soldiers to take control of an area inside the Syrian border around the mountain, adding that the operation violated its sovereignty and posed a further threat to regional security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Syrian state TV, 11 military vehicles and over 60 IDF soldiers entered the Beit Jinn area, located in southern Syria on the outskirts of Damascus. Israel issues no comment to Syrian accusation Israel did not immediately comment on the accusation by Syrias Foreign Ministry, which comes as the two countries engage in US-mediated talks on de-escalating their conflict in southern Syria. Last month, Katz told US Senator Ted Cruz that he didnt trust Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, saying that the allegedly reformed Islamist would use jihadist groups against Israel in the future. Amichai Stein and Reuters contributed to this report. Israel's military issued a statement Tuesday saying its preliminary investigation into a strike the previous day that killed at least 20 people, including five journalists, at the Nasser Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip had targeted a camera that it said was being used by Hamas for surveillance. The Israel Defense Forces said troops in Khan Younis identified a camera "being used to observe the activity of IDF troops, in order to direct terrorist activities against them." The IDF did not provide evidence to back the assertion, but said it was "further supported" by previously documented Hamas usage of hospitals "by the terrorist organizations throughout the war, and by intelligence confirming Hamas' use of the Nasser Hospital to carry out terrorist activities since the start of the war." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military's explanation contrasted with a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a few hours after the incident, expressing regret for what he called a "tragic mishap," with no suggestion of a specific Hamas target at the hospital. "Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians," Netanyahu's office said in the statement released on social media. "The military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Our war is with Hamas terrorists. Our just goals are defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home." A funeral ceremony is held in the courtyard of Nasser Hospital, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, for Reuters photojournalist Hossam al-Masri, Al Jazeera cameraman Mohammed Salama, freelance journalist Maryam Abu Daqqa, who worked with several media outlets including the AP, and freelance journalist Moaz Abu Taha, all of whom were killed in an Israeli attack on the hospital on Aug. 25, 2025. / Credit: Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu/Getty In what witnesses described as a double-tap strike by Israeli drones with one missile striking the hospital followed by another as people gathered to assess the damage and attend to the wounded five Palestinian journalists were killed on Monday. Their identities were confirmed as Hossam al-Masri, who worked for the Reuters news agency, Mohammed Salama, who worked for Al Jazeera, and freelance journalists Maryam Abu Daqqa, Moaz Abu Taha and Ahmad Abu Aziz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press' news director for the Middle East, Jon Gambrell, said in a social media post that Abu Daqqa had "freelanced for the AP since the Gaza war began." Middle East Eye, a U.K.-based media outlet focusing on the region, said Abu Aziz had been working for the organization. The strike was among the deadliest of several that have hit hospitals and journalists over the course of the 22-month war in Gaza, and it came as Israel plans to widen its offensive to heavily populated areas in the densely populated Palestinian territory. The first strike hit a top floor of a building at Nasser Hospital. Minutes later, as journalists and rescuers in orange vests rushed up an external staircase to reach the scene of the first blast, a second missile hit, said Dr. Ahmed al-Farra, head of Nasser's pediatrics department. A photo shows the fourth floor of a building at Nasser Hospital that was damaged by an Israeli strike, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, Aug. 25, 2025. / Credit: Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu/Getty In a statement issued Monday, the Foreign Press Association, which represents journalists working in Israel and the Palestinian territories, said it was "outraged and in shock" over the killings of media workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is among the deadliest Israeli attacks on journalists working for international media since the Gaza war began," the organization said. "These strikes hit the exterior staircase of the hospital where journalists frequently stationed themselves with their cameras. The strikes came with no warning." The IDF, in its Tuesday statement, said Israeli forces, having identified the alleged surveillance camera, "operated to remove the threat by striking and dismantling the camera and the inquiry showed that the troops operated to remove the threat." The IDF said six of those killed in the attack "were terrorists, one of whom took part in the infiltration into Israeli territory on October 7th. At the same time, the Chief of the General Staff regrets any harm caused to civilians." People mourn over the bodies of Palestinian journalists Moaz Abu Taha (L), photojournalist Hussam al-Masri and Al-Jazeera photojournalist Mohamed Salama (R), who were killed in an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, ahead of their funeral, Aug. 25, 2025. / Credit: AFP via Getty The IDF did not identify the alleged terrorists killed in the strike, or explain the evidence used to make the determination that they were terrorists. Nor did the IDF suggest anything had been deliberately targeted in the strike other than the purported camera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military said the chief of staff had ordered further investigation into both "the authorization process prior to the strike, including the ammunition approved for the strike and the timing of the authorization," and the "decision making process in the field." President Trump, asked about the deadly strike on Monday, said he had been unaware until the question was put to him. "When did this happen?" Mr. Trump asked a reporter in the White House. "I didn't know that. Well, I'm not happy about it. I don't want to see it. At the same time, we have to end that whole nightmare." Israel has come under mounting pressure over the number of journalists being killed in its military operations in Gaza including in targeted strikes against individuals whom Israeli officials claim were Hamas operatives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least 197 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza, the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and in Lebanon since Israel launched its war against Hamas in Gaza in retaliation for the Hamas-orchestrated terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. That war has killed more than 60,000 people in Gaza, according to the Palestinian enclave's Hamas-run Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its figures. The Hamas-led attack almost two years ago killed 1,200 people in southern Israel and saw 251 others taken as hostages into Gaza. Extreme weather slams the West with dust storms and wildfires Video shows armed National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. Pickett Fire now 17% contained in California wine country, vineyards concerned about smoke The Israeli attack on the Nasser Hospital in the Gaza Strip aimed to destroy a surveillance camera installed by the Palestinian militant organization Hamas, a preliminary investigation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday. The camera, they said, had been placed on the hospital grounds to monitor Israeli troops during their operations and ultimately to carry out terrorist activities against them, the military stated. After the troops discovered the camera, they proceeded "to remove the threat by striking and dismantling the camera," it was further reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Palestinian sources, 20 people were killed in the attack on the hospital on Monday in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Among the dead were also five journalists, some of whom worked for international media. The reports indicated that paramedics also died in the attack on the hospital. The incident sparked widespread international outrage. Following the incident, the Israeli military announced a thorough investigation. Eyewitnesses reported that there was initially an attack on the fourth floor of the hospital's reception building, where the journalists were located. When paramedics and civil defence workers rushed to the rescue, there was another attack on the site. Some questions remain open The preliminary investigation did not reveal what ammunition was used in the attack. Initially, it was suspected to have been an airstrike. Media reported that it was likely tank attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israeli Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly ordered further investigation into several unresolved issues, including the approval process for the attack and the ammunition used. The military stated that Hamas had used Nasser Hospital for their terrorist activities throughout the Gaza war. The investigation also found that six of the people killed in the attack were terrorists, one of whom was allegedly involved in the massacre on October 7, 2023. These claims could not be independently verified. Chief of General Staff Zamir expressed regret over civilian casualties. The army, he said, directs its operations exclusively against military targets. Israeli opposition leader, Yair Lapid, urged the right-wing religious government on Tuesday to conclude an agreement with the Palestinian Islamist organization Hamas to end the war and secure the release of the remaining hostages. Lapid told the Israeli news portal ynet that a senior representative from one of the mediating countries had informed him that Israel still owed a response to the latest proposal. According to Lapid, the proposal contains 98% of what US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had previously conveyed. This plan includes a 60-day ceasefire, during which initially 10 living hostages would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel had accepted the original Witkoff proposal in the spring, but Hamas rejected it at the time, insisting on a deal to end the war. Just over a week ago, however, the Islamists responded "positively" to the new proposal. Now, Israel is indicating that it is not interested in a partial agreement. Lapid said that the deal could be concluded based on the latest mediation proposal. The mediator had told him, "We do not understand why Israel has not even got back to us." The former prime minister said, "Our hostages are slowly dying in the tunnels, from hunger and suffocation, and the Israeli government has 'more important things' to do." Critics accuse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political reasons. His far-right coalition partners, on whom his political survival depends, are against a ceasefire. Qatar, Egypt and the United States are mediating the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening to show solidarity with hostages held by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip for nearly two years and to put pressure on the Israeli government to end the war. According to organizers, about 350,000 people filled Hostage Square in central Tel Aviv demanding both the release of the hostages and an end to the Gaza conflict. Earlier in the day, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum had called for various protest actions under the slogan "Israel stands together." Demonstrations and road blockades were reported across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A major highway near Tel Aviv was blocked, while protesters burned tyres on a road north of the coastal city, according to a dpa photojournalist. Demonstrators accuse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political reasons. His far-right coalition partners, on whom his political survival depends, oppose a ceasefire. In a statement released during the evening rally, the organizers said: "More than 350,000 people at the rally ... sent a clear message: The government must sign the agreement currently on the table. The entire nation demands an end to the war and the return of all hostages." Just over a week ago, hundreds of thousands of Israelis joined similar mass protests in solidarity with the hostages. A total of 50 hostages are still being held in the Gaza Strip, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas announced recently that it has agreed to a new proposal for a ceasefire put forward by Egypt and Qatar, who are mediating the conflict. According to media reports, this is a revised version of a previously negotiated proposal by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The plan includes a 60-day ceasefire, during which 10 living hostages would initially be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli opposition leader, Yair Lapid, urged the right-wing religious government to conclude an agreement with Hamas to end the war and secure the release of the remaining hostages. Israeli protesters gather for a a protest at the hostage square, to demand the immediate release of all the hostages hel by Hamas and an end to the war in the Gaza Strip. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Israeli protesters gather for a a protest at the hostage square, to demand the immediate release of all the hostages held by Hamas and an end to the war in the Gaza Strip. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Israelis took to the streets on Tuesday in a major day of protests to demand the immediate release of hostages and an end to the Gaza war. Demonstrations and road blockades have taken place across the country. A major highway near Tel Aviv was blocked, while protesters burned tyres on a road north of the coastal city, according to a dpa photojournalist. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum had called for various protest actions under the slogan "Israel stands together." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A large rally is planned for the evening at Hostage Square in central Tel Aviv. Demonstrators accuse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political reasons. His far-right coalition partners, on whom his political survival depends, oppose a ceasefire. Just over a week ago, hundreds of thousands of Israelis expressed their solidarity with the hostages during a mass protest. A total of 50 hostages are still being held in the Gaza Strip, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. The Islamist terrorist organization Hamas announced just over a week ago that it has agreed to a new proposal for a ceasefire put forward from Egypt and Qatar, who are mediating the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to media reports, this is a revised version of a previously negotiated proposal by US special envoy Steve Witkoff. The plan includes a 60-day ceasefire, during which 10 living hostages would initially be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Former hostage Keith Siegel addressed US President Trump in a video statement from the Western Wall, where he urged the president to push for a deal to free the 50 remaining hostages. Israelis gathered for slihot prayers dedicated to the 50 hostages held in Gaza at the Western Wall on Monday night, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced on Tuesday. The prayer was held with the participation of the Rabbi of the Western Wall and Holy Sites Shmuel Rabinowitz as well as captivity survivors and families of hostages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 690 days of forgiveness - forgive us that you are not yet with us - join us in one shared prayer for your return, the forums statement read. Additionally, former hostage Keith Siegel addressed US President Donald Trump in a video statement from the Western Wall, where he urged the president to reach a deal. President Trump, I am standing here in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, the holiest place on earth for the Jewish people, the Western Wall, where tens of thousands of people have gathered tonight to pray for the safe return of all of the hostages, the hostages that are alive, the deceased hostages. Siegel thanks Trump for securing his release, urges president to push deal for remaining hostages In his statement, Siegel thanked Trump for pushing through on the agreement to bring him home, adding, I am standing here because you brought me home...I am eternally grateful to you for that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Siegel called on the US president to bring an agreement together with Israel, the Israeli government. I trust that you can reach an agreement that will bring all of the 50 hostages home as soon as possible. Thank you. Keith Siegel was abducted from Kibbutz Kfar Aza along with his wife Aviva on October 7. Aviva Siegel was released during the November 2023 ceasefire, while Keith Siegel was held in Hamas captivity for 484 days before his release in a deal brokered earlier this year. Thousands of others came to the Western Wall for the first day of slihot - prayers and liturgical poems recited in Jewish tradition, most prominently around the High Holidays. Sephardi Jews begin saying slihot during the whole month of Elul, which began on Monday, leading up to Rosh Hashana. Israeli protesters block a main highway in central Israel as they demand the immediate release of the hostages and an end to the Israel-Hamas war near the town of Yakum, Israel, on Aug. 26, 2025. Credit - Ilia YefimovichGetty Images Protesters took to streets across Israel as part of the nationwide day of struggle demonstrations, during which they called for an immediate cease-fire to end the Israel-Hamas war and the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum displayed a large Israeli flag adorned with photos of hostages in front of the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv on Tuesday. Crowds of protesters reportedly gathered outside the headquarters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office in Jerusalem, while other activists staged road-block demonstrations, with one taking place near Habonim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although peaceful protesting was encouraged by the organizations advocating for action, demonstrations on roads north of Tel Aviv and on a highway near the town of Pardes Hanna-Karkur saw some protesters burning tires. The protests culminated in a march through central Tel Aviv to a public plaza now known as Hostages Square, with a rally following thereafter. Read More: As the Families of Murdered Hostages, Our Message to People in Power Is Simple: Act Holocaust survivors addressed the crowds at Hostages Square, reiterating calls for the release of those held captive in Gaza. Hamas took around 250 hostages when it launched a terror attack on Israel on Oct. 7. 2023. Of the estimated 250 hostages, 140 have been released during negotiations, eight have been rescued, and the bodies of 57 who died in captivity or during rescue attempts have been recovered. Its thought that 20 living hostages are still being held by Hamas and other militants. Hagit and Ruby Chen, the parents of Israeli hostage Itay Chen, and Yehuda Cohen, the father of hostage Nimrod Cohen, deliver statements in Tel Aviv on Aug. 26, 2025. Jack GuezGetty Images "Israel stands together. The people of Israel stand for the hostages... Today, on day 690 [of the Israel-Hamas war] we demand that the Israeli government [make] a deal and release all the hostages, said Yehuda Cohen, the father of hostage Nimrod Cohen, in a statement the Hostages and Missing Families Forum shared with TIME. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The forum also expressed its disappointment after reports circulated that Netanyahu would not be raising the topic of a cease-fire deal at a security cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening. "It is deeply disappointing that on the very day when masses of Israelis take to the streets demanding the return of all hostages and an end to the war, the government continues to delay progress on the agreement, contrary to the people's will, the group said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar, one of the primary mediators for negotiations between Israel and Hamas, alleged on Tuesday that Israel has not yet replied to a cease-fire proposal that was accepted by Hamas last week. TIME has reached out to Netanyahus office for comment. Israeli protesters block the road during a demonstration demanding an agreement for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and a cease-fire on Aug. 26 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Mostafa AlkharoufGetty Images. Netanyahu and his government are facing mounting global pressure and criticism on account of Israels expansion of military operations in Gaza City, which come in the midst of a U.N.-backed report confirming famine in Gaza for the first time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read More: World Leaders React as U.N.-Backed Report Confirms Famine in Gaza World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, and humanitarian organizations were united in their condemnation of Israeli strikes on the Al Nasser hospital in Gaza that killed at least 20 people on Monday, including five journalists and medical workers. A statement from Netanyahus office said Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred and that the country values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians. The military authorities are said to be conducting a thorough investigation as to what took place. The International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) called the strikes unacceptable, imploring that medical facilities, civilians, journalists, and first responders must be protected. Protesters rally near Kibbutz Ami'ad in northern Israel on Aug. 26, 2025. Jalaa MareyGetty Images The Israel-Hamas war started after Hamas launched a terror attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing over 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the absence of independent monitoring on the ground, the ministry is the primary source for casualty data relied upon by humanitarian groups, journalists, and international bodies. Its figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants and cannot be independently verified by TIME. Data from the IDF suggests a Palestinian civilian death rate of 83%. Contact us at letters@time.com. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) An initiative in Jackson will focus on addressing gun violence. The social action involving student leaders with the Jackson State University (JSU) Votes group birthed the Girls Against Gun Violence coalition two years ago. Today, those members met at Jackson City Hall with a plan of action. The mission of Girls Against Gun Violence is to assist law enforcement in developing innovative ways to combat gun violence while improving societal relationships within stricken communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally, this group of students began fighting voter apathy and voter antipathy until a socio-political issue plagued them. And that was my opportunity to explain. This is why Im teaching you why voting is important. Because the people that are on the ballot to vote for serve civilly can help you devise solutions to this problem, said Jacobi Grant, an adjunct professor at JSU. Jackson City Council votes to ban ski masks in public The organization has developed partnerships that expand throughout the capital city. As mayor, my top priority is the safety of our residents, especially our youth. We must be proactive and creative in our coming up with solutions. Due to Mississippis open carry laws, access to guns is a contributing factor to crime in Jackson, Mississippi. So, this event aims to foster healing, understanding and practical solutions for our community, said Jackson Mayor John Hohrn. An initiative in Jackson will focus on addressing gun violence. (WJTV) An initiative in Jackson will focus on addressing gun violence. (WJTV) An initiative in Jackson will focus on addressing gun violence. (WJTV) An initiative in Jackson will focus on addressing gun violence. (WJTV) An initiative in Jackson will focus on addressing gun violence. (WJTV) The Girls Against Gun Violence formed a series of Labor Day weekend events called Nights of No Violence. Friday, August 29 One Night in Vegas: Glitz, Glam, & No Guns Gala Time: 7:30 p.m. 12:00 a.m. Location: Jackson State University Student Center, 1400 John R. Lynch St. Features: Live music, free food, roulette with prizes, card and board games, and positive engagement between youth and law enforcement in a Gatsby-themed environment. Sunday, August 31 Sunday Brunch & Culture Discussion Time: 12:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Location: Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, 222 North St #2205 Includes: A museum tour highlighting the history of violence against minorities, followed by a community brunch and dialogue on reducing self-inflicted violence in African American communities, with support from faith-based institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plans for additional events lead into the following year, including a discussion tour within the Jackson Public School District (JPS). What are the resources available for Mississippi crime victims? We are hoping that this initiative will happen all around the world. Were hoping that this will be the start for this initiative to create on to other campuses in other communities. Gun violence is not only in Jackson, its all over the world. So, were hoping that everyone will come together and see this as a jumpstart to that initiative, said Angel Edwards, a JSU student and member of Girls Against Gun Violence. Support services will be available to those who attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. JANESVILLE, Wis. (WTVO) A Janesville teen has been accused of possession of child pornography after authorities said it was the result of a six-month-long investigation. According to police, numerous search warrants were served on electronic service providers during that time to gather evidence on Yazmani Rugerio-Castro, 18. At 5 a.m. on Tuesday, officers with the Janesville Police Department raided a home in the 1500 block of Primrose Lane and arrested Rugerio-Castro after K9 Maui, an Electronic Storage Detection Canine, assisted with the search. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rugerio-Castro was booked into the Rock County Jail. Maui is one of eight K9s in Wisconsin with this special skill. The K9 and his handler often travel around Wisconsin. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) Johnson City City Manager Cathy Ball addressed a range of criticisms in an interview with News Channel 11 Monday including calls for her ouster in a recent online petition. Ball has been the main focal point of increasing criticisms of the city government, ranging from its recent handling of a decision to move last call at city bars to 1 a.m. from 3 a.m. to public relations over the Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) and its handling of sexual assault cases. JC bar owner planning for changes coming with last call ordinance Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A recently posted change.org petition has picked up more than 1,500 signatures, and additional online criticism of Ball flared over the weekend. I am very frustrated with this, Ball said Monday. Having said this, I am going to continue to serve this community. They can sign the petitions, but I am here. I am here for this community because there are 75,000 people, and I mean well for this community, and I am committed to Johnson City. Im committed to doing good. Im committed to doing good for people who dont even know that. Ball addressed a variety of topics over which shes received criticism, saying she understands peoples frustrations. Weve just tackled a lot of items that people are frustrated and theyve been hard, Ball said. And I understand that with the lawsuit (civil lawsuits against the city over its handling of the Sean Williams case), I understand that with the alcohol sales, people are frustrated. And I think a lot of that is directed at me. Sean Williams case brought first major criticism Ball wasnt city manager for most of alleged serial rapist and downtown resident Sean Williamss residency in Johnson City, but she faced her first round of serious public criticism as a result of the case. It came Aug. 25 2023, when she faced cameras to explain that the city had filed an answer to the Jane Doe federal civil lawsuit filed on behalf of alleged Williams victims in June 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a media conference just days after News Channel 11 broke the story that Williams had allegedly photographed or filmed well over 50 sexual assaults and rapes that hed allegedly committed in his downtown apartment, Ball said the city might use comparative fault as a defense. There are allegations that are made by Jane Does, and in that factual information that they provide it indicates that they consumed and partook of illegal drugs during the course of that time period with visit, and that is contained within the information that they provided in the lawsuit, Ball said. So as part of the defense under a civil lawsuit, our attorneys are using comparative fault as a fact that is included within that. That unleashed a firestorm of criticism that Ball was victim-blaming. The plaintiffs requested that Ball be prohibited from further comments about the case, and the judge himself called the statements lamentable at best. Criticisms about that continued as late as a city roundtable in spring 2024, and at a February 2024 news conference featuring some of the victims in Knoxville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, a year ago, reporting on the Jane Does case, which was settled for $28 million early this year, revealed that Ball had been under contract to buy Williamss downtown condo when he was on the run from the law in mid-2022. Plaintiffs attorneys subpoenaed text messages they claimed showed Ball lied about details of that period, which ended in someone else buying the condo and two others Williams owned in the same building. Asked whether she would have accepted the city manager post had she known the Williams case lay in the citys (and her) future, she said she would have. I would have, she said. I believe theres a purpose and a place for things to happen, and so I believe Im in the right place at the right time, at the right moment for the right reason. I dont know what it is, but it will be revealed at some point in time, but I dont shy away from where Im at now. Learning of petition for removal was hurtful More recently, Ball along with city commissioners has faced backlash for the effort to get a special dispensation from the state to cut off alcohol sales at downtown bars earlier than the normal state last call time of 3 a.m. City commissioners just approved a final reading of an ordinance changing the time to 1 a.m., and expanded the area to include all bars within the city limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision and Balls perceived role in both the decision and its rollout feature prominently in the petition, currently with 1,687 signatures, calling for city leaders to Remove Cathy Ball for ignoring the will of the people. That petition calls for a vote of no confidence in Ball and asks for a pause before any change in downtown alcohol service hours pending real collaboration between police, the sheriffs department, downtown business owners and city leaders. It was hurtful, but I know that people were upset about the changes, Ball said Monday. But she said the final decision belonged to the five city commissioners. For some reason there are some people who believe that I initiated this and have the belief that this is something that I wanted to have happen, and so I understand their frustration, Ball said. And I also understand that people have built their lives around their businesses. And so I have a lot of sympathy for people who are afraid right now about what this change is going to mean to their business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked why the city included a breakout question about downtown alcohol sales and safety on its citizen survey that went out in late 2024, Ball said Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) leaders and city management had been looking for two or three years whether or not we should change that based on data we had for violent crimes. We knew we had a problem with late-night hours and safety, and so with doing that, we said, lets put that on the survey as an optional question to see what the general public feels about it.' Those who answered, it turned out, were close to split down the middle on the issue leaning slightly toward favoring earlier last call. By the time the city released the results, leaders had already approached the General Assembly and gotten state law changed to allow it. If people want to choose a narrative, I cant change their mind Asked what she thought might change growing levels of criticism against her, Ball said she wasnt sure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think if people want to choose a narrative, I cant change their mind, Ball said. Im going to continue doing the right thing in public service. We live in glass houses and Ive always known that and its been fair game. Ball said some of the claims that have been shared about her are not truthful statements, adding that you go through periods of your career where people dont like what you do and you do it for the greater good. News Channel 11 also interviewed local civic activist David Adams, following the interview with Ball. Adams has his own criticisms of Ball, but said the petition for removal of an appointed position may not be the most effective way to achieve her ouster. The city manager is, Id say the highest role that is not elected, Adams said. You know, the, city commission, the remedy for that already exists. If you dont like the direction of the city commission, you may vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Adams did, without prompting, bring up the Sean Williams case and Balls now inextricable role in it. Its a little like beating a dead horse, but its one of those things that I dont think has been fully resolved with the public, Adams said. This frustration really started near the beginning of her tenure with the Sean Williams case. It started right off the bat, with the controversy around Sean Williamss condo, which ultimately, she is correct that she did not end up purchasing it, but shes on the record saying some things that werent entirely true. Even if there wasnt nefarious intent behind that, starting off your tenure with documented untruths is not a great way to start. It kind of gets the ball rolling of distrust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams said from his perspective, Johnson City exhibits less transparency than it did a decade ago. Even if theres not ill intent, it just breeds this kind of distrust of our local officials. Adams said he was part of one meeting with Ball about the downtown alcohol issue where we tried to offer data and go offer concerns about it. He said a follow-up meeting was planned but hasnt occurred, at least not yet. I firmly believe that a whole lot of issues we have around town right now could be resolved by sitting down at a table and discussing things openly and level-headed, Adams said. You know, it doesnt all have to come to a head like this, but that has not happened. I know the city would like to say that that happens, but the truth is, it doesnt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams also added that he does not condone threats made towards Ball or her family members. For her part, Ball said she wants to carry out the good of the public as a whole including the people who are attacking me. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MADISON Vice President JD Vance will visit a steel fabrication facility in western Wisconsin this week to tout the Trump administration's sweeping tax and spending law, highlighting its effects on the manufacturing industry. Vance is set to deliver remarks in La Crosse on Aug. 28, according to a source familiar with the vice president's plans. President Donald Trump signed the "One Big Beautiful Bill" into law on July 4. Vance has since traveled to Georgia, Pennsylvania and Ohio to celebrate its passage. He also made a similar visit to a South Carolina steel mill in May, heralding an "industrial renaissance" and a "golden age of manufacturing" ushered in with the start of Trump's second term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Trump has been diligently fulfilling his campaign promises to the American people by providing working families historic tax relief, no taxes on tips and no taxes on overtime," a Vance spokesman said in a statement. "Thanks to President Trump, the tax code is fairer and now rewards American companies when they invest in domestic production and create American jobs." In his visit to Canton, Ohio, last month, Vance told steelworkers the "One Big Beautiful Bill" will allow them to keep more of their paychecks for themselves. Democrats have sought to capitalize on the bill's unpopular elements, framing it as a law that will primarily benefit the wealthy while hurting the poor much of that disparity stemming from its changes to Medicaid and other assistance programs. Vance is no stranger to this battleground state, having last visited La Crosse just one day before the 2024 election to make a final case to voters. He made frequent visits in the months ahead of the election, with stops in Eau Claire, Kenosha, Waukesha, Racine and Wausau. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Vance won Wisconsin in 2024 by less than 1%. Trump lost the state to Democratic former President Joe Biden in 2020, having previously won it in 2016 all by razor-thin margins. A Marquette University Law School poll of national voters released last month showed Trump with a 45% approval rating. Similarly, 41% of voters had a favorable view of the federal budget bill. Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: JD Vance coming to Wisconsin to tout the One Big Beautiful Bill Vice President JD Vance has been mocked for claiming World War 2 ended with some kind of negotiation. Vance made the slip while speaking with Kristen Welker on NBC's Meet the Press Sunday, while discussing Donald Trumps efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. If you go back to World War Two, if you go back to World War One, if you go back to every major conflict win human history, they all end with some kind of negotiation, Vance incorrectly stated. JD Vance inaccurately claimed World War 2 ended by negotiations (Getty Images) Viewers on X were quick to give Vance a history lesson, pointing out that World War 2 actually ended in 1945 with the unconditional surrenders of Germany and Japan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No, World War 2 was ended by the UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER of the countries that started it! one wrote. Another added: I really expected better from Vance. I made the mistake of seeing him as an educated, truthful man with whom I had some disagreements. The entire administration consists of people with the intellect of a caterpillar. Donald doesn't want to risk being corrected. JD is an ignoramus. A third poster wrote: LOL. WWII ended with a negotiation? Tell that to the citizens of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. To the citizens of Berlin. To the citizens of Carthage and Rome. Like everything else MAGA, Vance is stuck in the 1920s. Vance was mocked for unknowingly appearing to rally for his Democratic rivals in August 2024 (Fox News) It is not the first time Vance has made a gaffe on the international stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, during a visit to the Vatican City in Rome, the vice president was criticized for having a picture taken with his son in the Sistine Chapel, where photography is strictly banned to preserve Michelangelos artwork, People reported. The president himself has also made a number of mistakes when discussing overseas conflicts in recent weeks. Earlier this month Trump became tongue tied when referring to a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan, referring instead to Albania and Aberbaijan. The bar for securing indictments in criminal cases is relatively low so low that theres a saying that prosecutors could indict a ham sandwich. But prosecutors in the nations capital have failed a shocking three times to get grand jurors approval for a felony case to move forward in an alleged assault against a federal agent. As the Trump administration seeks a show of force in Democratic-led cities (and not in Republican-led cities with higher crime rates), the rare serial rebuke is a reminder of the limits of government power on matters of crime and punishment. The rejection came in the case of Sidney Reid, who prosecutors in Washington alleged last month had forcefully pushed an FBI agents hand against a cement wall and caused lacerations on the agents hand during an immigration enforcement protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initial complaint filed against her, which didnt require grand jury approval, charged the same crime that D.C. prosecutors have alleged against the famous sandwich thrower, Sean Charles Dunn, which raises the prospect that his case might not make it past the grand jury stage, either. Last week, a federal magistrate judge held a preliminary hearing and found probable cause that Reid violated the assault law, 18 U.S.C. Section 111(a)(1). The judge gave the government until Monday afternoon to secure an indictment. Monday afternoon came and the government filed not an indictment but a notice to the court. It said not only that an Indictment has not been returned in this case but, incredibly, that a third grand jury returned a no true bill. A true bill is when the grand jury votes to indict. This is not normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, its unusual for a grand jury not to indict any case, though it happens. Twice is rarer still. Three times is a sign that things are fully off the rails. Its worth noting that this is only a preliminary phase of the case, and if it moves forward to trial, prosecutors must prove it to the people of D.C. beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. Theres a general line of thinking that, however embarrassing it is for a grand jury to return a no true bill, in those rare times that happens, grand jurors have done prosecutors a favor of sorts by keeping a potentially shaky case from a trial jury. Still, three times might be a sign that the message shouldve been received at least the second time. But the U.S. Attorneys Office led by former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro isnt giving up. Not completely. Though prosecutors are apparently no longer trying to make it a felony case, they filed whats called an information that charges Reid with a misdemeanor assault. That lets them move the case a hobbled version of it, anyway forward without grand jury approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet this might be only a temporary reprieve for the government (if you could call it that, and Im not sure you can). Reids lawyers with the federal public defenders office said theyre anxious to present the misdemeanor case to a jury and to quickly clear Ms. Reids name. In a potent reminder for this case and others, they said Pirro can try to concoct crimes to quiet the people, but in our criminal justice system, the citizens have the last word. 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 island of Jeju, often referred to as the Hawaii of South Korea, has issued a multi-language guide warning international visitors to behave following a string of viral tourist incidents and cases of disorderly conduct. Last year, more than 13 million people were lured to the island, famed for its sparkling blue waters, green tea fields and snow-covered shield volcano, Halla-san. In fact, Seoul to Jeju is now the worlds busiest flight path, with more than 13 million passengers making the 1 hour and 15 minute trip between the island and South Koreas capital last year, according to the International Air Transport Associations 2024 World Air Transport Statistics report. Since the Covid-19 pandemic ended, the yearly total of foreign tourists visiting Jeju Island has almost quadrupled to 1.9 million in 2024, according to the Jeju Tourism Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to that growth and the difficulties that have accompanied it officials on South Koreas magical island have printed 8,000 copies of the guides, which outline minor offenses that misbehaving tourists can be fined for. Written in Korean, English and Chinese, the guide is aimed at informing foreign visitors who may lack knowledge of local regulations and culture, say officials. Sparkling blue waters and basalt by the coastline in Jocheon-eup, Jeju Island. - Gawon Bae/CNN For instance, smoking in non-designated areas, jaywalking, littering and damaging the environment could each result in a 50,000 KRW ($35.77) fine. The violation of the above-mentioned offenses shall also be punishable by misdemeanor imprisonment or by a minor fine, warns the guide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the post-Covid boom, as planes and cruises started bringing more tourists to the island province, Jeju residents began to complain about misdeeds committed by foreign tourists, some sharing their frustrations online. For example, a video showing a foreign tourist smoking on a bus in Jeju went viral online in April, prompting anger among South Korean commenters. Deport and fine that person right now. If they dont pay the fine, ban them from purchasing a flight ticket, one commented under the Instagram video. Isnt this basically ignoring our country? another wrote. A screenshot of the multi-language guide issued by the Jeju Provincial Police. - Jeju Provincial Police Last summer, a photo of a foreign child defecating on a sidewalk in Jeju also stirred fury online, with many calling for heavier fines on international tourists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeju Island is one of several spots in the region to face overtourism challenges following the pandemic. South Koreas historical Bukchon Hanok Village introduced a strict curfew last year for non-residents following complaints from locals about the noise level. Japan has been handing out etiquette guides and issuing warnings to foreign tourists for cultural missteps for years. Last year, Kyotos historic neighborhood of Gion took action against foreign tourists who were reportedly ignoring the rules and taking photos of geisha in prohibited areas. Bali, Indonesias most popular tourist island, has grappled with the issue of bad tourist behavior for years, too. Meanwhile, discussions about the pitfalls of overtourism have exploded in Europe. In countries like Spain, Greece and Italy, fed-up locals have taken to the streets to protest. Last summer, images of local Barcelona residents shooting water pistols at tourists went viral around the world. It was more of the same this year, with protestors taking to the streets across Spain and Italy, including Venice, while in Paris, staff at the Louvre went on a spontaneous strike in response to what they felt were unmanageable crowds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruben Santopietro, CEO of Visit Italy, a marketing company for various destinations across the country, says respecting the goodwill of residents is just as important as tackling the crowds. A city where residents are not satisfied is a city that doesnt work, he told CNN in a recent interview. It loses its identity completely. Residents feel excluded and neighborhoods become touristic. This story includes reporting from CNNs Julia Buckley. Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travels weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) You could call it a pageant with a purpose: Miss Mission USA. This newcomer in the field of pageants focuses on celebrating women whose goal is to improve the lives of others. Organizers look for the most exceptional women around the country to represent their culture, their country, and their advocacy. And this year, Miss Mission Georgia is from right here in the CSRA. Abigail Mongillo is a 21-year-old young woman from Martinez. She is the eldest of 8 children 5 of whom were adopted privately and through foster care. She talks with Jennie before heading to the national competition in Orlando, Florida. Mongillo is using her platform to advocate for foster care and adoption. She is passionate about connecting children with the right families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She says a national adoption organization, Adoption-Share, has revolutionized the process. Waiting families can fill out a very extensive form and then these social workers are also filling that out for the child. And the social workers say this person matches everything on this extensive list. We work with the creators at eHarmony to create this. So its a very extensive matching program and it has honestly revolutionized it. Weve had so many adoptions happen from this program. It was that little puzzle piece that was missing. Watch the clip above for the full 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 WJBF. A New Jersey doctor was struck by a boat hed just been tossed out of by rough waters over the weekend. Karl Chen, 56, and another man were thrown from their 27-foot vessel when it hit a wake in Little Egg Harbor Township Sunday morning, according to NJ.com. State Police reportedly found that Chen was hit by that boat as it circled Barnegat Bay. The other passenger suffered minor injuries. An apparent friend of Captain Seasick posted a message on Facebook honoring Chen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement RIP Karl Chen Friend, Father, Familyman, fellow Fisherman and amazing physician. You will never be forgotten, wrote Mike Formichella. Thoughts and prayers for your amazing family. You will be missed Capt. Seasick. St. Peters Healthcare Systems reportedly confirmed the tragic death of the physician whod been a member of Saint Peters University Hospitals medical staff for 25 years. A passenger was thrown off a boat in Barnegat Bay in August when his boat hit a 20-foot whale, according to radio station New Jersey 101.5. The boater survived, but the whale was reportedly found dead in the bay. This comes just weeks after the same graffiti was found sprayed on the Western Wall, with many Israeli sites linking the two events. A Jerusalem resident was arrested on suspicion of spraying the phrase There is a Holocaust in Gaza on one of the walls of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel Police confirmed on Tuesday. This comes just weeks after the same graffiti was found sprayed on the Western Wall, with many Israeli sites linking the two events and claiming that the 27-year-old man could be the author in both instances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police report explained that a suspicious man was seen wandering near one of the entrances of the Old City and was later arrested near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre with a paint spray in his possession. The police also informed that, thanks to Jerusalems surveillance cameras, it was able to identify him as the author of a graffiti made inside the church that read, There is a Holocaust in Gaza. The suspect was taken into custody with a pending court case, while an investigation was opened into the matter. A 27-year-old was arrested for painting in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. (credit: ISRAEL POLICE, walla!) Second Holocaust graffiti in weeks The preliminary findings of the investigation determined that the arrested 27-year-old was the same that sprayed the Western Wall with similar graffiti at the beginning of August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On that occasion, a Jerusalem Magistrate's Court judge denied a request from Israel Police to extend the detention of the suspect involved in the recent graffiti incident at the Western Wall and the Great Synagogue. The judge emphasized that there was no need to delay the investigation while the defendant remained in custody. The police initially requested five more days of detention, citing concerns about the suspect's danger and possible disruption. However, a statement from the police indicated that the 27-year-old suspect, a resident of Ramot in Jerusalem and the son of an ultra-Orthodox family, would be released under restrictive conditions. Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, rabbi of the Western Wall and the Holy Sites, condemned this act of desecration. A holy place is not a place to express protests, he said, adding that the police should locate the perpetrator and act appropriately. Joanie Margulies contributed to this report. Several major Jewish organizations are expected to call on the Senate to swiftly confirm President Donald Trumps nominees for special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism and international religious freedom ambassador. The groups, led by the Jewish Federations of North America, are writing in a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) that filling the roles is of utmost importance in fighting growing antisemitism and ensuring freedom of religion or belief worldwide, according to a draft obtained by Jewish Insider. The letter is set to be sent on Tuesday, according to a source with knowledge of the draft. We dare not delay in filling these critical positions that protect human rights around the world, the letter states. To that end we strongly urge you to prioritize filling these positions, sending a powerful signal to governments around the world that the United States upholds our constitutionally guaranteed rights to life and liberty, to freedom of religion and belief, and calls on them to do the same. In April, Trump tapped Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, an Orthodox businessman and Chabad rabbi who served as a campaign surrogate, to serve as the next U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism. In the Biden administration, that role was filled by Deborah Lipstadt, a Holocaust historian at Emory University. In May, the two authored a joint op-ed, with former antisemitism envoy Elan Carr, calling for action after two Israeli Embassy staffers were killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington. Trump named former Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) as the U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. Both positions require Senate confirmation, and neither has had a confirmation hearing yet. We believe that these ambassador-at-large positions are crucial to protecting vital human rights, promoting religious freedom and vigorously confronting the global surge in antisemitism, the Jewish organizations wrote. JFNA CEO Eric Fingerhut told JI on Tuesday that the positions must be filled to help Jewish organizations combat rising antisemitism. The 141 Jewish Federations across our system are on the front lines of responding to and combatting antisemitism, and every single day we hear from them about the elevated levels of antisemitism our communities are facing, Fingerhut said. The government is a critical partner in our fight against antisemitism, both at home and around the world, so we must make sure that these roles do not remain vacant. A spokesperson for Thune did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Schumer referred to the hold the Senate minority leader currently has on dozens of Trump nominees, and Trumps recent message to Schumer to go to hell after bipartisan negotiations broke down. The spokesperson declined to comment specifically on Kaploun or Walker. President Trump has focused on promoting religious freedom and fighting antisemitism in a historic way, White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly told JI in a statement. He wants all of his nominees confirmed as quickly as possible, including Yehuda Kaploun and Mark Walker, whose roles will be critically important to protecting Americans of faith. Current signatories to the letter include the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the Anti-Defamation League, the Orthodox Union, the Israeli-American Council, the Zionist Organization of America, Hadassah, American Jewish Committee, Agudath Israel, Bnai Brith International, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, NORPAC, Combat Antisemitism Movement, Religious Zionists of America and the American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists. A White House spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. This story was updated at 9:35 a.m. ET on Aug. 27, 2025. A Jewish teenager was shot with an air rifle and swastikas were daubed on a rabbis home in a series of anti-Semitic attacks. The teenager was shot from a passing car as he was walking to a synagogue in the East Cliff area of Bournemouth, Dorset, on Saturday afternoon. The attacker shouted obscenities before shooting the teenager, who was not seriously hurt, in the forehead. Elsewhere, swastikas were graffitied on to the homes of Jewish community leaders in an overnight attack reported to police on Saturday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rabbi Benzion Alperowitz spotted the black Nazi symbol on his home as he walked out with his children on Sunday morning. He said: We discovered that some cowards had visited our home and decorated it [with swastikas]. Were okay, thank God were okay. Obviously, its a big shock, but its brought out our resolve were going to increase our activities, promoting goodness and kindness. My grandparents came here after the war and they were welcomed, that was real Britain. Our country isnt a bad place, and we should see this as a calling to intensify all areas of goodness, kindness and positivity. We wont be sent into hiding. Its no secret theres been an increase in anti-Semitism around the country in the last two years. I dont think this is a Bournemouth issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We wont buckle down, we wont be afraid. They wont get anywhere with their hate. People are terrified across the UK Several other homes on Manor Road were graffitied in the same manner. Dorset Police are treating both incidents as a hate crime. Rabbi Alan Lewis, of the Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation, claimed the attacks left the community shocked. He said: The young man who was shot is a religious Jew who was wearing a skull cap. It was very obvious he was Jewish. Then several people living on Manor Road woke up to find that swastikas had been painted on their homes. The homes had a mezuzah outside so it was obvious that Jewish people lived there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bournemouths East Cliff area is home to a large Jewish community. Maurice Michaels, former Rabbi at Bournemouth Reform Synagogue, said: Its frightening, its sickening. The Jewish community here is feeling very pressurised and anxious. Were getting terrified calls from people across the UK asking, is this really happening in Bournemouth? Id never go out wearing my usual skull cap, I dont show outward signs of being Jewish. I know community members who have even removed their mezuzah from their front door. If I had to use one word, it would be cowardice. It happens at night, from a passing car so they cant be recognised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a measure of whats going on across the country, demonstrations where people cover their faces. They dont want to be recognised because they know what theyre doing is wrong. We do the best we can to secure our safety. But when people attack our homes, when they shoot pellets it gets to a point where its no longer a manageable situation. Were frightened. Perpetrators must face full force of law Andrew Gilbert, vice-president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said: These hateful attacks on people and property in Bournemouth are extremely concerning. We have been informed that the police are investigating and hope that the perpetrators will be arrested and face the full force of the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Dorset Police spokesman said: At around 2.50pm on August 23, two people were walking in Manor Road in Bournemouth when the driver of a car stopped and made offensive comments toward them. It is reported that one of the people a teenage boy was subsequently shot at with an air weapon. He sustained a minor head injury. Detectives are leading the investigation to locate the occupants of the vehicle and to establish the full circumstances of the incident. The incident is being treated as a hate crime. Police also confirmed four reports of criminal damage relating to anti-Semitic graffiti and confirmed an investigation was underway. A spokesman added: Enquiries are being carried out to establish whether the incidents are linked. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Joe Batcheller is entering the race to become the next mayor of Sioux Falls. Crews respond to crash in central Sioux Falls The former leader of Downtown Sioux Falls announced he would enter the race during an event on Tuesday at Cherapa Place Plaza. KELOLAND News was at Tuesdays announcement and will have more coverage on why Batcheller is looking to replace Mayor Paul TenHaken who is term-limited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Batcheller joins Christine Erickson, Jamie Smith and David Zokaites who have announced theyll seek to be on the ballot for mayor of South Dakotas largest city. The city election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, which is the same day as the statewide primary election. Erickson, Smith and Zokaites have filed municipal candidate committees, according to the city clerks 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 KELOLAND.com. On Monday, Donald Trump took time out of his meeting with South Koreas new president, Lee Jae Myung, to boast about his great relationship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. I understand him, Trump told reporters at the White House. I spent a lot of free time with him, talking about things that we probably arent supposed to talk about. And, you know, I just, I get along with him really well. The president also called North Korea a country of great potential and said he hoped to meet with Kim later this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesdays Morning Joe, co-host Joe Scarborough reacted to Trumps comments, saying: Its a country of great potential because North Korea is perhaps one of the most backwards countries on the planet because of that leader right there [Kim] and his father. Scarborough said conservatives real conservatives, the type of people that used to be in the Republican Party when I was back there previously didnt share Trumps admiration for the communist country and its leader. Scarborough continued: Hes the most brutal dictator one of the most brutal dictators on the planet, which leads to the question ... what is it about Kim Jong Un that Donald Trump just cant quit? What is it about Kim Jong Un that has the president of the United States bringing up the dictator, the worlds worst dictator, when hes meeting with our long-term ally? Morning Joe co-host Jonathan Lemire agreed with Scarboroughs criticism and noted Trumps fascination with Kim Jong Un has lasted more than a decade, adding the pair have sat down for three summits over the years with no real progress made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lemire also theorized there could be a fresh motivation behind Trumps latest effort to sit down with the communist leader: As we know, President Trump is casting about to try to find a way to get a Nobel Peace Prize. It seems like perhaps this is the new venue. You can watch Scarboroughs and Lemires full comments in the clip at the top of the page. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Former national security adviser John Bolton lashed out at President Donald Trump in his first comments following the shocking FBI raid of his home and office on Friday. Bolton, a former Trump administration official who is now a frequent critic of the president, referenced the raid on his home in Bethesda, Maryland, and office in Washington, D.C., in an op-ed Monday criticizing Trumps chaotic handling of the Russia-Ukraine war. Donald Trumps Ukraine policy today is no more coherent than it was last Friday when his administration executed search warrants against my home and office, Bolton wrote in the Washington Examiner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collapsing in confusion and haste, Trumps negotiations may be in their last throes, along with his Nobel Peace Prize campaign. Alluding to Trump rolling out the red carpet in Alaska for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Bolton went on to characterize the furious pace at which Trump has recently moved to secure a peace deal as one of several significant mistakes. In another jab at the president, Bolton said the Trump administration has tried to camouflage its disarray behind social media posts and referenced Trump comparing his summit to then-Vice President Richard Nixons pointed discussions with Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev in the 1950s. Related: Democrats' Latest Move On The Gaza War Sparks Backlash And Backtracking Why Trump wants to be compared to the only president who resigned in disgrace is unclear, Bolton wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He finished by suggesting the presidents efforts over the last two-plus weeks may have left us further from peace and a just settlement for Ukraine than before. Bolton, who served as Trumps national security adviser for 17 months, became a target of the president following the release of his 2020 memoir. Trump previously called for Bolton to go to jail over the book and revoked his Secret Service protection in January. FBI agents carry empty boxes to former national security adviser John Bolton's house in Bethesda, Maryland. via Associated Press The Department of Justice launched an investigation into Bolton in 2020, looking into whether his book contained classified national security information. The DOJ ended that probe under President Joe Biden the following year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation involving the book has since resumed, a source told CNN. Related: President Of What??? Trump Mocked Over 'Totally Delusional' Title He Just Gave Himself Following the raid, Trump described Bolton as not a smart guy who could be very unpatriotic. But he suggested that he knew nothing about the raid, adding that while hes the chief law enforcement officer, itd be better for the DOJ to handle the details. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Baron Funds, an investment management company, released its Baron FinTech Fund second quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In the second quarter, the fund returned 9.26% (Institutional Shares) compared to a 13.82% return for the FactSet Global FinTech Index (Benchmark). Since its inception, the fund has appreciated at an annualized rate of 12.53%, compared to a 4.55% return for the Benchmark. The fund managed gains in a period of heightened volatility. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its second-quarter 2025 investor letter, Baron FinTech Fund highlighted stocks such as Visa Inc. (NYSE:V). Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is a payment technology company. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) shares returned -0.70% over the past month and appreciated by 28.85% over the last 12 months. On August 25, 2025, Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) stock closed at $348.82 per share, with a market capitalization of $677.039 billion. Baron FinTech Fund stated the following regarding Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter: "Global payment networks Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) and Mastercard Incorporated were up slightly but underperformed on a relative basis after performing well earlier in the year. Underperformance reflected concerns about the competitive threat from stablecoins given the blowout returns of stablecoin issuer Circle Internet Group following its IPO in June. We believe such concerns are overdone and remain confident in the networks growth prospects and competitive advantages." Is Visa Inc. (V) the Best Blue Chip Stock to Buy for 2025? A close-up of a credit card being swiped on a payment terminal, reflecting the company's payments technology. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is in 6th position on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 167 hedge fund portfolios held Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) at the end of the second quarter, which was 165 in the previous quarter. In the fiscal third quarter of 2025, Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) reported $10.2 billion in net revenue, up 14% year-over-year. While we acknowledge the potential of Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) 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. In another article, we covered Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) and shared the list of top stocks to buy and hold forever. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q2 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors. John Deere announced a fleet of its engines can now run on a higher blend of biodiesel fuel. (Photo via Deere & Co.) John Deere announced Tuesday all of its Tier 4 diesel engines were approved for B30 fuels, a fuel blend with up to 30% biodiesel. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association called the action a major step toward renewable fuel adoption, especially for producers in Iowa who have several B30 incentive programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The adoption means that farmers can use the higher-blend fuel in their agricultural equipment like tractors and combines, which typically use the heavy-duty engines. Previously, John Deere rated these tier-4 engines for B20, or 20% biodiesel, fuel blends. IRFA executive director Monte Shaw said in a press release that John Deere has always been a leader in promoting renewable fuels. The tier rating is a system designed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate and reduce emissions. Pierre Guyot, senior vice president of John Deere Power Systems, said the company is committed to growing its use of renewable fuels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lower-tier John Deere engines are rated for higher fuel blends, up 100% biodiesel. We believe strongly in the role that renewable fuels play in supporting the agriculture economy and are excited to offer our customers including those who grow the very crops used to make renewable fuels the opportunity to leverage higher blends of fuels like biodiesel in their own equipment, Guyot said in a press release. In 2024 Iowa produced an estimated 350 million gallons of biodiesel, and the industry had an estimated economic contribution of $2.2 billion, according to IRFA. In May, Iowa gained a first-of-its-kind biodiesel pump at a station in Urbandale, to fuel PepsiCo trucks with B99 fuel. Iowa offers a $0.10 per gallon tax-credit to fuel retailers that sell B30 or higher blends. In addition to the state program, Iowa Renewable Fuels Association offers a biodiesel fuel credit to farmers who fill up with biodiesel blends. Blends above 20% can get $0.50 per gallon in credits, up to $500. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These programs make biodiesel more accessible and affordable for Iowa farmers, while supporting the states leadership in renewable energy, Lisa Coffelt, IRFAs marketing director said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Twp.) speaks at an Oct. 2 campaign event with Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance in Auburn Hills. | Kyle Davidson U.S. Rep. John James is facing mounting criticism for allegedly using government resources to promote a campaign event. An ethics complaint filed against the Shelby Township Republican, who is running for governor, cites a MIRS report that James office sent an advisory from a U.S. House email address, with the Congressional seal displayed at the top, for a backpack giveaway being hosted at Jimmy Johns Field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos from the event, however, show the backpacks surrounded by signs for his campaign for governor. A social media post from Jimmy Johns Field is watermarked with James office logo while showing the James campaign signs hanging on the wall behind the backpacks. Screenshot of video showing John James for Governor sign during backpack distribution promoted by his congressional office. Aug. 21, 2025 | Screenshot MIRS reports they were told by Hannah Osantowske, who serves as both James office and campaign spokesperson, that it was an official event and they would not legally be able to cover any political issues. The complaint was filed by Joel Rutherford, former chair of the Michigan Democratic Partys 10th Congressional District. It says the event violates the trust of Michigan taxpayers by using their hard-earned money not for the public good but for the private benefit of the already-wealthy Congressman John James. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Truscott, a former aide to Republican Gov. John Engler, told MIRS that it was just beyond stupidity. They not only did it with the signs being there, but then his spokesperson is working for the official office and the campaign, Truscott said. You cant do that either. The one thing you dont want to do in a campaign is have self-inflicted wounds, Truscott continued. I mean, theyve basically taken a gun and pointed at their own head with this kind of thing. A request for comment was made by Michigan Advance to Osantowske, but has yet to be returned. Michigan election attorney Mark Brewer, former chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, told the Democratic Governors Association that the violation was not complicated to understand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [James] was illegally and unethically using federal government resources for campaign purposes in support of his run for governor of Michigan. Its as simple as that, Brewer said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Judge awaits update on Alison Lawrence, accused of drowning her dog in an airport bathroom A judge is expected to receive an update today on the case of Alison Lawrence, who is accused of drowning her dog in an airport bathroom at Orlando International Airport. Lawrence allegedly attempted to board a flight last year without the proper paperwork for her dog. When she was unable to take the dog with her, prosecutors claim she drowned the animal in a bathroom and left it in a trash can. Alison Lawrence is facing charges of aggravated animal abuse. Today, a status hearing is scheduled to take place, which will provide updates on the progress of the legal proceedings against Lawrence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the case progresses, the status hearing today will be crucial in determining the next steps in the legal process against Lawrence Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Traffic flows in both directions on Interstate 195 on the eastbound side of the Washington Bridge on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at 12:08 p.m. Demolition work to remove the piers that supported the westbound bridge began July 1. (Photo via Rhode Island Department of Transportation Traffic Camera) The states lawsuit against the 13 firms accused of doing negligent work on the westbound Washington Bridge can proceed to a 2027 trial date, a Rhode Island Superior Court judge has ruled. Judge Brian Stern on Monday denied motions from four subcontractors to dismiss the case, ruling that allegations by the state could make the defendants liable for structural deficiencies that led to the westbound highways abrupt closure in December 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sterns decision comes nearly three weeks after a hearing in his Providence courtroom when lawyers for the four engineering and construction vendors argued they had no contractual obligation to prevent or detect the infrastructure problems that put the bridge over the Seekonk River at risk of collapse. The motions asking the judge to throw out the claims against them were filed by Steere Engineering, Inc.; Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.; Aries Support Services, Inc.; and Commonwealth Engineers & Consultants, Inc. Attorneys for the four firms did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Their arguments hinged on the economic loss doctrine, the legal theory that contractors cant be found responsible for damages or negligence outside the terms of a contract. A similar case was made in February by seven of 13 bridge vendors who pushed to have the case tossed. Stern ultimately rejected their arguments due to insufficient evidence to meet the high legal standard needed for a dismissal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he said the states initial August 2024 complaint failed to identify specific physical damages beyond the bridge itself. Stern gave state officials 30 days to amend its lawsuit, which they did in April, when they claimed the eastbound Washington Bridge has sustained added wear and tear since absorbing westbound traffic in December 2023. That seemed to contradict transportation officials assurances that the eastbound bridge is still safe for two-way travel. The states updated 53-page complaint doesnt specify what damage has been caused to the eastbound highway, only that maintenance and repairs are now required on a much more frequent basis and that transportation officials had to install sensors to monitor the structural health of the bridge. But the states response was enough for Stern to let the case proceed. Viewing the allegations in the light most favorable to the plaintiff, the damage to the eastbound Washington Bridge is an extraordinary example of physical wear and tear, and the State has sufficiently alleged harm to other property beyond mere loss of use, Stern wrote in Mondays ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the motions denied, the case now heads toward a trial estimated to last approximately six to eight weeks. Both sides have until May 16, 2027, to complete discovery the exchange of documents and expert testimony under the courts tentative schedule for the lawsuit. The trial itself is slated to start in November 2027 one year before the expected completion date of the new, westbound Washington Bridge. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said hes ready for the long road ahead. Rhode Islanders deserve accountability in the Washington Bridge case, and we look forward to continuing our work on behalf of them, he said in a statement Tuesday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MAGA influencer and gun rights activist Kyle Rittenhouse re-emerged from a self-imposed social media exile to announce his marriage to his gun-toting bride. Im back on social media, Im back in the fight, and im here to stay, wrote Rittenhouse, 22, on X Wednesday. For a quick update, 6 months ago I made the best decision of my life and married my best friend. @BellRittenhouse, I couldnt be happier. I love you beautiful. Kyles wife is Bella Nelson Rittenhouse, a 22-year-old native of Defu By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A Utah judge ruled on Monday that the state must redraw its congressional map ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, saying Utah's Republican-controlled legislature had overstepped in overruling an earlier ballot measure passed by voters against drawing districts to favor any party. "Plaintiffs have proven, as a matter of law, that the Legislature unconstitutionally repealed Proposition 4, and enacted SB 200, in violation of the people's fundamental right to reform redistricting in Utah and to prohibit partisan gerrymandering," Third District Court Judge Dianna Gibson said in the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 2018 ballot proposition had created an independent redistricting commission to recommend congressional maps. The current map in Utah was adopted in 2021. The judge ruled on Monday that the state legislature overstepped when it repealed and replaced the 2018 ballot initiative. The U.S. is witnessing a nationwide scramble for advantage in the 2026 elections. President Donald Trump is asking several Republican-led states to redraw their congressional maps ahead of next year's midterm elections in an effort to retain control of the House of Representatives. Democrats have made an effort to rework California's congressional maps in response to Texas Republicans pushing through new congressional maps in that state to give themselves more seats in Congress. Attorneys for the Utah Legislature had indicated that if Gibson did not rule in their favor, they would appeal to the Utah Supreme Court and possibly the U.S. Supreme Court, the Utah News Dispatch reported on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic National Committee welcomed Monday's ruling. Before the 2021 maps were adopted, one of Utah's four U.S. House seats was competitive for Democrats and currently Republicans consistently dominate all four, according to the Utah News Dispatch. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the House of Representatives as well as a majority in the U.S. Senate. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Stephen Coates) Plaintiffs in an anti-gerrymandering lawsuit hold a news conference outside the Matheson Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City on Aug. 25, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) A judge has ruled the Utah Legislature overstepped when it repealed and replaced a 2018 ballot initiative creating an independent redistricting commission. Now, shes ordering lawmakers to draw new congressional maps in time for the 2026 election. Third District Court Judge Dianna Gibson handed down the ruling Monday evening a major development in a complex, yearslong court case that has major implications for the future of Utahs federal political landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs have proven, as a matter of law, that the Legislature unconstitutionally repealed Proposition 4, and enacted SB 200, in violation of the peoples fundamental right to reform redistricting in Utah and to prohibit partisan gerrymandering, Gibson wrote in the ruling. The judge also enjoined the states 2021 congressional map and directed the Legislature to design and enact a remedial congressional redistricting map in conformity with the 2018 ballot initiative known as Better Boundaries and its mandatory independent requirements. The ruling comes during a time when debate over redistricting is at the forefront on the national stage and it now propels Utah into the fray. While redistricting efforts in Texas, California and other states are playing out mid-decade fueled by President Donald Trumps aim to bolster the U.S. Houses slim GOP majority in the 2026 midterm elections Utahs effort for an independent and nonpartisan process is court ordered. The ruling if allowed to stand could force the Republican-controlled Utah Legislature to redraw maps for its congressional boundaries that it last set in 2021. Before those maps were adopted, one of Utahs four U.S. House seats was competitive for Democrats. Today, Republicans consistently dominate all four. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, that all depends on the final outcome of the case which isnt over. Attorneys for the Utah Legislature have indicated that if Gibson didnt rule in their favor, theyd appeal to the Utah Supreme Court and possibly the U.S. Supreme Court. Utahs top Republican legislative leaders left the door open Monday to additional legal or legislative maneuvering. While disappointed by the courts decision, we remain committed to protecting the voices of Utahns and upholding the Legislatures state and federal constitutional authority to draw congressional districts, House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, and Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, said in a joint statement. We will carefully review the ruling and consider our next steps. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox issued a short statement saying he disagreed with an earlier Utah Supreme Court ruling that sent the redistricting case back to Gibsons court room last July. In that unanimous opinion, Utahs highest court ruled Gibson erred when she initially dismissed the claim that the Legislature overstepped when it repealed and replaced Proposition 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todays decision is not a surprise after the Supreme Courts ruling last summer, Cox said. While I respect the role of the courts in our system, I continue to disagree with that decision. Gibsons ruling sides with the plaintiffs which include the groups League of Women Voters of Utah, Mormon Women for Ethical Government and the Campaign Legal Center in an anti-gerrymanding lawsuit thats stretched on for more than two years over an issue that dates back even further. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Now, with Gibsons ruling, the court has reinstated the language of Proposition 4, the 2018 ballot initiative that requires redistricting maps to comply with a set of specific standards meant to prevent partisan gerrymandering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To remedy the 2021 congressional map thats now been deemed unconstitutional, Gibson proposed a timeline to govern additional court proceedings between now and Nov. 1, giving the Legislature 30 days to draw a new congressional map that complies with the mandatory redistricting standards and requirements originally established under Proposition 4. The Legislative Defendants are ordered to make their chosen remedial map available to Plaintiffs and the Court no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 24, 2025 or within 24 hours of enacting the new congressional map, whichever occurs earlier, the judge wrote. The judge said plaintiffs and other third parties may also submit proposed remedial maps to the court on Sept. 24 if the Legislature doesnt enact a map that complies with Proposition 4 by its deadline or if the plaintiffs contend that the remedial map fails to abide by and conform to Proposition 4. Watershed moment The lawsuits plaintiffs and leaders of Better Boundaries were elated by Mondays ruling. They chatted excitedly and hugged each other as they gathered outside the Matheson Courthouse in Salt Lake City for a news conference as evening fell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elizabeth Rasmussen, executive director of Better Boundaries, called the ruling a major win, not just for the plaintiffs, but for the voters of Utah and for the future of citizen-led reform in this state. We are thrilled that the court has reaffirmed what we have known all along that the people have co-equal lawmaking authority with the Legislature. That the Legislature violated the Utah Constitution when they overturned Proposition 4. And that Utahns deserve fair, independent maps they voted for almost seven years ago, she said. The plaintiffs attorney David Reymann said the ruling was a watershed moment in Utah for the voices of Utah voters. We have maintained from the start that the Legislature in this state is not king, that their power derives from the people, Reymann said. Today, the voice of Utah voters was vindicated by the district court, which held that the Legislature cannot ignore what the Utah voters enact without consequence. Plaintiffs in an anti-gerrymandering lawsuit pose for a photo outside the Matheson Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City on Aug. 25, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) Reymann said the judge has also set up a process that will allow us to give to voters what they voted for so many years ago, which is a map that is not stacked in favor of one party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emma Petty Addams, co-executive director of Mormon Women for Ethical Government and one of the plaintiffs, called the ruling a significant and meaningful victory for every Utahn who believes that government should serve the people. The court today reaffirmed that citizens have both the right and the responsibility to reform unjust systems. That this right cannot be discarded by elected officials for their own political convenience, Addams said. To Utahs state leaders, Addams issued a call to work together rather than continue to fight. Lets work together to create a more representative government. The people have spoken. The courts have spoken. Now is the time to move forward with cooperation and respect for the rule of law, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katharine Biele, president of the League of Women Voters of Utah, said the league couldnt be happier with the ruling. We believe in representative government. We hope it sends a message to the Legislature that we want to work with them, Biele said. We want to work hand in hand with them, because representatives should represent their voters. It is not the other way around. Thats what we have been fighting for since 2018. Ryan Bell, a member of Better Boundaries board of directors, said we are ecstatic especially with one of the lines in the ruling that said Proposition 4 is the law in Utah. I also loved what the court wrote about the shared power, Bell said. The court stated that redistricting is an act of legislating. And legislating is equally shared between the Legislature and the people. This is a wonderful innovation of Democratic representative government, and I am grateful to live in a land where that is respected and will be enforced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bell said the courts decision shows the Constitution works. Checks and balances work. Our judicial system works. And our time-tested system of representative democratic government is going to remain strong after today. We respect the power that the Legislature has. We expect the Legislature to respect the power that the people have, Bell said. Giving a nod to the redistricting debate now happening across the nation, Bell said this is something larger than Utah. What this means is that we will have more free and fair elections in Utah, and we will send to our Congress people more accountable and less extreme, Bell said. Utah will be responsible for having a less polarized Congress. I hope that Utah will become a beacon to many other states that pass similar laws, fight gerrymandering, and have fair election maps so we can have more balanced and representative and accountable Congress, just as the founders envisioned so long ago. Plaintiffs in an anti-gerrymandering lawsuit hold a news conference outside the Matheson Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City on Aug. 25, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) Utah Democrats also celebrated the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah is now on the front lines of this national struggle, where the integrity of our democracy and the principle of fair representation are under direct attack, Utah House Democrats said in a prepared statement. This decision is a powerful affirmation that voters of all backgrounds deserve a voice in the democratic process. Utah Senate Democrats issued a statement calling on their Republican counterparts to embrace this ruling and work together to create fair congressional maps that reflect the will of the people. Progressive political consultants also lauded the ruling as crucial to making the Republican-controlled state of Utah more representative and competitive for Democrats. For years, the Utah Legislature has governed through manipulation, not representation, said Jackie Morgan, senior partner at Elevate Strategies, a Utah-based political consulting firm. That era ends today. Fair maps will restore real competition to Utah politics and national observers should take note: Utah is no longer off the map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan added this isnt just a courtroom victory, its a turning point. Utah is one of the youngest, fastest-growing, and most politically dynamic states in the country, she said. With these new maps, were going to see emerging leaders, energized voters, and, for the first time in a generation, a real contest for power. This is the foothold that could shift control of Congress. How did we get here? In 2018, the anti-gerrymandering group Better Boundaries successfully pursued a ballot initiative known as Proposition 4 to create an independent redistricting commission that would have drawn proposed boundaries for Utahs congressional, legislative, and state school board districts based on a set of standards that the Legislature would be required to consider. Voters narrowly approved that initiative, with 50.3% of the vote. However, in 2020, the Utah Legislature repealed and replaced Proposition 4 with SB200, a law that turned the independent redistricting commission into an advisory body that lawmakers could ultimately ignore. The next year, lawmakers did just that ignored the independently-drawn maps and adopted their own, despite protests that the maps cracked Democratic strongholds in an otherwise staunchly conservative state. In 2022, the nonpartisan groups League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government sued, alleging the Utah Legislature violated Utahns constitutional right to alter and reform their government when lawmakers repealed and replaced Proposition 4. They also alleged the congressional map was an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander that favored Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case wound its way to the Utah Supreme Court, which last year on July 11 issued a groundbreaking ruling that prompted celebration from the plaintiffs and dismay from Utahs Republican legislative leaders. That unanimous opinion reversed a previous decision issued by Gibson dismissing the claim that the Legislature overstepped when it repealed and replaced Prop 4. The Utah Supreme Courts ruling made clear that lawmakers do not have unfettered power to repeal or change all types of ballot initiatives, and that if they make changes that impair a government reform initiative, they must show its narrowly tailored to advance a compelling government interest. The Supreme Courts ruling sent the case back to Gibsons courtroom to determine whether the Legislature met that compelling government interest standard to repeal and replace Prop 4. If not, the court would also need to decide a process to fix it. In January, Gibson heard more than three hours of oral arguments on the issue. During that hearing, Tyler Green, an attorney representing the Utah Legislature, argued the Legislature repealed Proposition 4 with SB200 the law that turned the independent redistricting commission into an advisory body to address concerns that enacting Proposition 4 would have violated the Utah Constitution, which states the Legislature shall divide the state into congressional, legislative and other districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proposition 4s independent commission created a constitutional conundrum, Green argued, because it would insert itself into the legislative process and force the Utah Legislature to act based on a new set of rules that strays from the Legislatures regular legislative process. Thats the crux of the constitutional problem, he argued. Aseem Mulji, an attorney for the Campaign Legal Center, which is also representing the plaintiffs in the case, argued there is no dispute that SB200 impaired Proposition 4. He also argued legislative attorneys have failed to show that their replacement of the ballot initiative was narrowly tailored enough to survive a constitutional challenge. Mulji also argued that just because lawmakers disagreed with the criteria required in Proposition 4, that doesnt justify repealing and replacing the voter-approved law that harnessed the peoples constitutional right to alter and reform their government. If they dont like it, thats not a good enough reason to impair a reform enacted by the people, he said. The plaintiffs asked the judge to stop enforcement of SB200 and invalidate Utahs current congressional maps ahead of the 2026 primary and general elections. They hoped that the court would in effect revive Proposition 4 and simultaneously invalidate the current congressional map while also allowing a process to proceed in 2026 to create a new map. Plaintiffs had encouraged the judge to make a decision sooner rather than later because a new congressional map would need to be drawn by November 2025, ahead of the 2026 election. document-71 SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SALT LAKE CITY (AP) The Utah Legislature will need to rapidly redraw the states congressional boundaries after a judge ruled Monday that the Republican-controlled body circumvented safeguards put in place by voters to ensure districts arent drawn to favor any party. The current map, adopted in 2021, divides Salt Lake County Utah's population center and a Democratic stronghold among the states four congressional districts, all of which have since elected Republicans by wide margins. District Court Judge Dianna Gibson made few judgments on the content of the map but declared it unlawful because lawmakers had weakened and ignored an independent commission established by voters to prevent partisan gerrymandering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The nature of the violation lies in the Legislatures refusal to respect the peoples exercise of their constitutional lawmaking power and to honor the peoples right to reform their government, Gibson said in the ruling. New maps will need to be drawn quickly, before candidates start filing in early January for the 2026 midterm elections. The ruling gives lawmakers a deadline of Sept. 24 and allows voting rights groups involved in the legal challenge to submit alternate proposals to the court. But appeals expected from Republican officials could help them run out the clock to possibly delay adopting new maps until 2028. Redistricting battle could shift the balance in Congress Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling creates uncertainty in a state that was thought to be a clean sweep for the GOP as the party is preparing to defend its slim majority in the U.S. House. Nationally, Democrats need to net three seats next year to take control of the chamber. The sitting presidents party tends to lose seats in the midterms, as was the case for President Donald Trump in 2018. Trump has urged several Republican-led states to add winnable seats for the GOP. In Texas, a plan awaiting Gov. Greg Abbotts approval includes five new districts that would favor Republicans. Ohio Republicans already were scheduled to revise their maps to make them more partisan, and Indiana, Florida and Missouri may choose to make changes. Some Democrat-led states say they may enter the redistricting arms race, but so far only California has taken action to offset GOP gains in Texas. The U.S. Supreme Court is unlikely to intervene, and the Utah Supreme Court may be hesitant to entertain an appeal of Mondays ruling after it had sent the case back to Gibson for her to decide. The nations high court in 2019 ruled that claims of partisan gerrymandering for congressional and legislative districts are outside the purview of federal courts and should be decided by states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voting rights groups celebrate legal victory David Reymann, an attorney for the voting rights advocates who challenged the map, called the ruling a watershed moment for the voices of Utah voters. The Legislature in this state is not king, Reymann told reporters Monday evening. Leaders from the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee applauded the ruling as a victory for democracy. Republican Gov. Spencer Cox said he disagrees with the decision but holds respect for Utah's judiciary. Meanwhile, the states GOP Chairman, Robert Axson, dismissed the ruling as judicial activism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah's Republican legislative leaders, Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz, said in a joint statement that they are disappointed by the ruling and are carefully considering their next steps. In 2018, voters narrowly approved a ballot initiative that created an independent redistricting commission to draw boundaries for Utahs legislative and congressional districts, which the Legislature was required to consider. Lawmakers repealed the initiative in 2020 and replaced it with a law that transformed the commission into an advisory board that they could choose to ignore. The following year, lawmakers disregarded a congressional map proposal from the commission and drew one of their own that carved up Salt Lake County among four reliably Republican districts. Voting rights advocates sued, arguing the map drawn by lawmakers constituted partisan gerrymandering that favored Republicans. They also said the Legislature violated the rights of voters when it repealed and replaced the 2018 initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case made its way to the Utah Supreme Court, which ruled that the Legislature cannot change laws approved through ballot initiatives except to reinforce them, or to advance a compelling government interest. The five-member panel sent the case back to Gibson in the lower court to decide whether lawmakers would have to redraw boundaries set as part of a redistricting process that happens every 10 years. Lawmakers and voters clash over redistricting The ruling Monday reinstates the voter-approved redistricting standards that lawmakers had overturned. Utah was one of four states where voters approved measures designed to reduce partisan gerrymandering in 2018. As in Utah, Missouris Republican-led Legislature quickly sought to repeal key provisions. Missouri voters approved the Legislatures revisions in 2020, before the original plan was ever used. Independent commissions approved by Colorado and Michigan voters remained in place and were used after the 2020 census. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The redistricting measures arent the only instances where state lawmakers have altered voter-approved measures. Earlier this year, Missouri lawmakers repealed a paid sick leave law passed by voters and referred a proposed repeal of an abortion rights amendment to the ballot. In South Dakota, voters approved a public campaign finance system, tightened lobbying laws and created an ethics commission in 2016. Lawmakers repealed and replaced the measure the next year with a narrower government watchdog board and looser limits on lobbyist gifts to public officials. ___ Associated Press writer David Lieb contributed from Jefferson City, Missouri. In a court ruling issued late Monday, 3rd District Court Judge Dianna Gibson said the Utah Legislatures 2021 congressional maps violate the state constitution. In her ruling, Gibson said the maps made in 2021 diluted the political power of Salt Lake County residents by splitting them into four districts and ordered Utah lawmakers to draw a new one. The core issue before the Court is whether the Utah State Legislatures enactment of S.B. 200 unconstitutionally impaired Proposition 4, a citizen initiative designed to reform the redistricting process in Utah and prohibit partisan gerrymandering, she wrote. The Legislature is directed to design and enact a remedial congressional redistricting map in conformity with Proposition 4s mandatory redistricting standards and requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only did she strike down the states maps, but she also gave strict guidelines moving forward: Lawmakers must pass a new congressional map that meets the voter-approved standards of Proposition 4 by Sept. 24, 2025. If they do not, or if the map is challenged as noncompliant, plaintiffs and other groups can submit their own proposed maps to the court on the same day. All parties then have until Oct. 3, 2025, to file objections. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled between Oct. 9-14, 2025, to decide the outcome. Laura Eyi, public relations manager for Mormon Women for Ethical Government, left, shakes hands with Ryan Bell, Better Boundaries board member at the Matheson Courthouse in Salt Lake City, Monday Aug. 25, 2025. A judge ruled that the Utah Legislatures 2021 congressional maps violate the state constitution. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Neither the U.S. Constitution nor the Utah Constitution grants sole and exclusive authority over redistricting to the Legislature. Because legislative power is shared co-equally and co-extensively between the Legislature and the people, and because redistricting is legislative, the people have the fundamental constitutional right and authority to propose redistricting legislation that is binding on the Legislature, Gibson wrote. A hearing to discuss scheduling will take place on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During oral arguments in February, Gibson said she would come to a ruling as quickly as possible due to Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Hendersons request to have the 2026 congressional election electoral maps finalized by Nov. 1 of this year. No matter the outcome, both parties were expected to appeal to the Utah Supreme Court if they lost, and the case could ultimately make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. And with back-and-forth appeals likely to occur, it remains to be seen if Hendersons date for finalized 2026 congressional election electoral maps will stay on schedule. Ryan Bell, Better Boundaries board member celebrates at the Matheson Courthouse in Salt Lake City, Monday Aug. 25, 2025. A judge ruled that the Utah Legislatures 2021 congressional maps violate the state constitution. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News During a media conference held by the plaintiffs outside of the Third District Courthouse in Salt Lake City, Katharine Biele, president of the League of Women Voters, said she hopes the ruling sends a message to state lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hope it sends a message to the legislature that we want to work with them. We want to work hand in hand with them, because representatives should represent their voters. It is not the other way around. That is what we have been fighting for since 2018, she said. Ryan Bell, a member of the Better Boundaries Board of Directors, said that Gibsons ruling demonstrates effective government power in action. We see tonight that the Constitution works. Checks and balances work, our judicial system works, and our time-tested system of representative democratic government is going to remain strong after today, Bell said. We respect the power that the legislature has. We expect the legislature to respect the power that the people have. Gerrymandering lawsuit background Redistricting has been at the forefront of national news, with the ongoing conflict between red Texas and blue California though its been a yearslong issue in the state of Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Texas Republicans made efforts to draw more GOP-friendly districts, California and its Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, argued that the state must meet fire with fire by moving forward with plans to redraw its congressional maps in an effort to counteract possible GOP gains in Texas in next years midterm elections. The custody battle for legislative seats has sparked a national reaction, with states like New York and Florida also threatening to redraw maps to gain seats. The gerrymandering issue in Utah is different. Back in 2018, Utah voters passed Proposition 4, a ballot initiative created by the group Better Boundaries to ensure fair voting maps in Republican-dominated Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the 2020 legislative session, the bill SB200 was introduced and passed to address provisions in the proposition. The bill transformed the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission into an advisory body. So when new congressional district maps were drawn in 2021, the League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government filed a case in Utahs 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City, against the Utah legislature for diluting voter strength across the state and for repealing Proposition 4 in 2020, which violated the peoples constitutionally guaranteed lawmaking power and right to alter and reform their government. Better Boundaries supported the lawsuit against the state legislature, claiming its actions rewriting the proposition were unconstitutional, and last year the Utah Supreme Court agreed. After hearing oral arguments on whether state law allowed courts to rule on partisan gerrymandering and whether the legislatures repeal of Proposition 4 was unconstitutional, the states highest court concluded that, The peoples right to alter or reform the government through an initiative is constitutionally protected from government infringement, including legislative amendment, repeal, or replacement of the initiative in a manner that impairs the reform enacted by the people. Thus, an alleged violation of the peoples exercise of these rights presents a legally cognizable claim on which relief may be granted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, we still believe that people should pick their politicians, not the other way around, Better Boundaries said in an email to the Deseret News. Ahead of the ruling Monday, Better Boundaries Executive Director Elizabeth Rasmussen told KUTV that when we gerrymander, we put certain political parties or certain groups together that we want to see represented. And so youre really not representing what the actual communities look like. Overall, gerrymandering is about partisanship, she added, And it just creates a bigger divide. And so here in Utah, were just wanting to take the politics out of the map-drawing process and make it so that Utahns actually feel like they have a voice. Not everyone sees it that way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, posted on X ahead of the ruling that almost anything promoted as an independent commission is often a strategy to give Democrats an edge they cant win through fair elections. This is especially true for legislative redistricting, the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries. He added, In essence, the U.S. Constitution already designates a form of redistricting commission: state legislatures. Theres little justification for transferring that power to unelected and unaccountable individuals, such as those on independent commissions. If you live in a Republican-led stateone with a GOP governor and legislaturekeep this in mind: Almost anything promoted as an independent commission is often a strategy to give Democrats an edge they cant win through fair elections. This is especially true for legislative https://t.co/WeRXX6TeDw Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) August 25, 2025 Reactions to the ruling Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz released a joint statement about the ruling. While disappointed by the courts decision, we remain committed to protecting the voices of Utahns and upholding the Legislatures state and federal constitutional authority to draw congressional districts. We will carefully review the ruling and consider our next steps, they said. Jackie Morgan, senior partner at Elevate Strategies, told the Deseret News that Gibsons ruling was the beginning of a new era in Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt just a courtroom victory, its a turning point. Utah is one of the youngest, fastest-growing, and most politically dynamic states in the country, she said. With these new maps, were going to see emerging leaders, energized voters, and, for the first time in a generation, a real contest for power. This is the foothold that could shift control of Congress. Brian King, Chair of the Utah Democratic Party, said in a press release that Todays district court ruling is a major victory for voters, and a major blow to extreme, out-of-touch politicians. Finally, despite the best efforts of the legislative supermajority, Utahns will be getting fair maps and real representation, something they voted for nearly eight years ago. Utah Democrats are ready to hit the ground running next year, and we look forward to holding Republicans accountable to their constituents in these new, fairly-drawn districts. Utahs GOP Chair Rob Axson countered in an emailed press release, Once again, certain members of Utahs judiciary abandon the principles of our Constitutional Republic. Using earlier flawed rulings to justify their opinions over the principles of our founding is a special kind of hubris Judicial Activism in Action! OMAHA, Neb. (AP) The prospects for additional consolidation in the rail industry derailed this week when both of CSX's potential partners said they weren't interested in a deal. Investors widely speculated that CSX would be an acquisition target once rumors of merger talks between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern emerged over the summer, because of the challenge of competing against a nationwide railroad. CSX's stock nearly hit a new 52-week high last week at $37.25 before falling to $32.31 Tuesday after it became clear that neither BNSF nor CPKC railroads is pursuing the Jacksonville, Florida-based railroad, one of the six remaining major freight railroads in North America. The Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern deal still faces a lengthy review by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board that is likely to stretch on for at least two years. When Canadian Pacific acquired Kansas City Southern two years ago in the first major rail merger in more than two decades the board also spent two years reviewing that deal. If the $85 billion megamerger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern does get approved that might change the calculus about whether a deal makes sense. But in the meantime, CSX and the other major freight railroads seem focused on finding ways to cooperate more to improve service without merging. Just last week, CSX and BNSF announced an agreement to deliver some shipments seamlessly coast-to-coast without handing them off. Last month, CPKC and CSX announced a similar agreement to streamline shipments between Mexico, Texas and the Southeast. CPKC CEO Keith Creel said he thinks the industry should be more focused on agreements like that and efforts to improve service on each individual railroad. We believe that a transcontinental merger would trigger permanent restructuring of the industry and result in a disproportionately large railway whose size and scope would require others to take action, Creel said. This will likely result in an unnecessary wave of railway mergers that today is not the best way to support American businesses nor the public interest, and has the potential to create more issues than it solves. Indeed, the STB adopted a high standard for rail mergers in 2001 after a series of prolonged disruptions and delayed shipments that followed major deals in the 1990s. A merger between Union Pacific and Southern Pacific in 1996 led to an extended period of snarled traffic on U.S. rails. Three years later, Conrail was divvied up by Norfolk Southern and CSX, creating serious backups in the East. A federal judge slammed the lawlessness of the arrest of a Black man inside of a Trader Joes in Washington, D.C. amid President Donald Trumps federal takeover of the nations capital. Trump signed an August 11 executive order that federalized the Metropolitan Police Department as he declared a crime emergency in the nations capital. In the latest show of force, the local police arrested a Black man in a Trader Joes after finding he was carrying guns in a search that a judge has branded illegal. It is without a doubt the most illegal search I've ever seen in my life," U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui said on Monday, according to NPR. "I'm absolutely flabbergasted at what has happened. A high school student would know this was an illegal search." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While patrolling the area near Union Market, the Metropolitan Police Department on August 18 arrested Torez Riley, a Black male wearing a gray hoodie, dark jeans, a white skull cap, and a black crossbody satchel, outside of a Trader Joes, according to court records. After observing Riley grab the upper strap of his satchel and pull it closer to him as he looked at the police vehicle, officers followed him into the Trader Joes. There, an officer asked Riley if he had a license to carry a concealed firearm in D.C.; the man said he wasnt carrying anything. Torez Riley was arrested in a Washington, D.C. Trader Joe's after what a federal judge called an 'illegal search' following Trump's federal takeover of the nation's capital (US District Court for the District of Columbia) Riley said he was adjusting the bag because his chest hurt. Officers noticed the bag appeared to be heavy, as if an object was weighing it down, a court filing states. Believing his actions were consistent with that of an individual concealing an illegal firearm, the officers then patted down the satchel, finding two firearms inside. After looking into Riley, officers discovered he had previously been convicted of carrying a pistol without a license. He was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Faruqui said the police had no reason to stop Riley other than the color of his skin, HuffPost reported. The Sixth Amendment doesnt get thrown out the window because the government has decided to make a show of arresting people, the judge said, seemingly referring to Trumps federal takeover of the nations capital. The local police have been under federal control for three weeks since Trump began his crime crackdown in the nations capital, despite a 30-year low in violent crime in the city. Hes also deployed thousands of National Guard troops, who, as of this week, began carrying firearms. As of Tuesday, there have been more than 1,000 arrests in D.C. since the federal takeover began, with 115 illegal guns seized, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi. The judge noted that evidence in other searches have been suppressed since Trumps federal takeover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawlessness cannot come from the government, the judge slammed. Were pushing the boundaries here. Were beyond the boundaries and something is going to have to break. The government asked the court to throw out the case after it determined that dismissal of this matter is in the interests of justice, a Monday filing states. More than 1,000 people have been arrested after President Donald Trump federalized the Metropolitan Police Department and deployed the National Guard in the nations capital (REUTERS) A Justice Department spokesperson told The Independent that U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro ordered to dismiss the charges after she was shown body camera footage of the arrest on Friday. This judge has a long history of bending over backwards to release dangerous felons in possession of firearms and on frequent occasions he has downplayed the seriousness of felons who possess illegal firearms and the danger they pose to our community, Pirro told The Independent in a statement. The comments he made here are no different than those he makes in other cases involving dangerous criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has reached out to the Justice Department, Pirros office and Trader Joes for comment. The judge warned of racial profiling, addressing Riley in court. The police are out there looking for everybody, and it seems theyre looking for people that look like you, Faruqui said, according to HuffPost. You cant go into a grocery store without getting stopped and illegally searched. Do you understand? Rileys lawyer said: He was just walking into Trader Joes to get some food. Washington A federal judge on Tuesday threw out the Trump administration's challenge to a standing order issued by a U.S. district court in Maryland that bars federal immigration officials from immediately removing migrants who are challenging the legality of their detentions. The decision from U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen came in a novel and unprecedented lawsuit that the Trump administration filed against all 15 judges on the Maryland court in June. The Justice Department had argued that the standing order issued by Chief Judge George Russell in May was unlawful and outside the authority of the court. The judges, represented by Paul Clement, who served as solicitor general under former President George W. Bush, sought to dismiss the lawsuit. They argued that the suit presented a dispute between two co-equal branches of government that could not be decided by the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 37-page decision, Cullen agreed with the judges in finding that the Trump administration's challenge should be dismissed because, in part, the U.S. does not have the legal right to sue and the judges are absolute immune from the suit. "Much as the Executive fights the characterization, a lawsuit by the executive branch of government against the judicial branch for the exercise of judicial power is not ordinary," he wrote. "The Executive's lawsuit will be dismissed, and its motion for preliminary injunction denied as moot. Whatever the merits of its grievance with the judges of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, the Executive must find a proper way to raise those concerns." Cullen said that if the Trump administration "truly believes" that the standing orders violate the law, it should pursue the paths laid out by Congress. "Any fair reading of the legal authorities cited by Defendants leads to the ineluctable conclusion that this court has no alternative but to dismiss," he wrote. "To hold otherwise would run counter to overwhelming precedent, depart from longstanding constitutional tradition, and offend the rule of law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department plans to appeal the decision. While the suit was filed in federal district court in Maryland, Cullen, who was appointed by President Trump to serve on the U.S. district court in Roanoke, Virginia, was assigned to preside over the case. Cullen's ruling was not a surprise. In a hearing earlier this month in Maryland, the judge previewed his decision, telling Justice Department attorneys that the "far less destructive" move by the Justice Department would be to appeal the standing order in one of the cases where it had been issued, rather than sue another branch of the government to "accomplish its institutional interests." He echoed that position in his decision, writing that "under normal circumstances," it would not be a surprise if the government raised its concerns about the legality of the standing order through the mechanisms laid out by Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But as events over the past several months have revealed, these are not normal times at least regarding the interplay between the Executive and this coordinate branch of government," Cullen wrote. "It's no surprise that the Executive chose a different, and more confrontational, path entirely. Instead of appealing any one of the affected habeas cases or filing a rules challenge with the Judicial Council, the Executive decided to sue and in a big way." In a footnote in his decision, Cullen criticized the Trump administration's repeated attacks on members of the federal judiciary who have ruled against the president's agenda. "Although some tension between the coordinate branches of government is a hallmark of our constitutional system, this concerted effort by the Executive to smear and impugn individual judges who rule against it is both unprecedented and unfortunate," Cullen wrote. The standing order issued by Russell earlier this year prevents federal immigration officials from removing or altering the legal status of any migrant detainee who filed a habeas corpus petition for two business days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court adopted the order to address the rise in migrants in Maryland who were at risk of imminent deportation from the U.S. and sought review of their detentions. Signed by Russell, the chief judge, the order states that it aims to "preserve existing conditions and the potential jurisdiction" of the Maryland district court over pending matters, ensure immigrant petitioners can participate in court proceedings and have access to legal counsel, and guarantee the government has a "fulsome opportunity" to present its defense. Among the judges named in the Trump administration's lawsuit was U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, who is overseeing the legal cases filed by Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man who has sued twice in the district over his March deportation and, most recently, confinement by immigration authorities. On Monday, Abrego Garcia filed a habeas petition challenging the legality of his detention by immigration officials. The court issued its standing order and temporarily blocked his immediate removal to a potential third-country, Uganda, where the Trump administration is attempting to send him. Extreme weather slams the West with dust storms and wildfires Video shows armed National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. National Guard patrols D.C. streets as kids return to school Many years ago, a distinguished judge, Lord Devlin, described the jury system as the lamp that shows that freedom lives. By that, he meant that no oppressive government or judicial system could punish subjects charged with serious offences unless first convicted by a jury of 12 men and women, chosen at random. David Lammy is set to scrap the ancient right of trial by jury. Cuts to the court system after the financial crash of 2008, compounded by delays because of Covid, have led to a chronic backlog in courts. In 2019, there were 33,000 cases awaiting trial in England and Wales. Now, there are almost 77,000, leaving some defendants and victims waiting years for justice. In an independent review of the state of the criminal courts published last month, Sir Brian Leveson proposed a radical solution: removing the jury for thousands of criminal cases. Cases such as fraud and bribery could be heard in judge-only trials, he suggested, as a measure to reduce the risk of total system collapse. I would argue, however, that we must protect this ancient right now, more than ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a 25-year-old bar student in 1965, I stood on London Bridge as Winston Churchills body left Tower Pier after his funeral at St Pauls, and the dockers on the opposite bank of the Thames at Southwark memorably lowered their cranes in salute. The memory was so vivid in my mind that it was somehow fitting that some 30 years later I would be a judge sitting at Southwark Crown Court, by now built on the site of those docks. In light of the Leveson review, one of the main arguments for withdrawing the right to trial by jury is that fraud trials are too complicated for a jury to understand anyway, so they may as well be heard in a judge-only trial. I respectfully disagree. In my time at Southwark from 1992 to 2011 I heard innumerable fraud cases. Southwark was an efficiently run court with good judges and good staff in support and it became the main court for trying cases of fraud. In my experience, the jury is vital in such cases. The challenge for the prosecution is to satisfy the jury so they are sure not of some financial technicality, but that the defendant has been dishonest. Dishonesty is a concept juries are well able to understand perhaps even more so than a case-hardened judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, although juries are expressly forbidden from discussing how they reached their verdicts, there has always been a way of assessing the quality of their deliberations, especially in long fraud trials. Juries may be in retirement for days, or sometimes weeks when there are several defendants and numerous counts on the indictment. During this period they are entitled to return to court, and usually do, to ask to be reminded of parts of the evidence or a point of law. As a judge in such cases I was often struck, as were others involved in the case, that the quality and shrewdness of their questions showed they had understood very well what the trial had been about. Vital public duty Of course, the jury selection for long trials has to be considered with some care. In my career at Southwark, I often found that jurors answered a summons expecting to sit for no more than two weeks. They were often surprised to learn that, at Southwark, they may be required to sit for much longer. You might wonder whether such juries may, as a result, be largely composed of the unemployed and elderly. In my experience that was not the case; large firms and organisations realised they had a public duty to release their employees. And the recently retired, with a wealth of experience, relished the opportunity to serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impression I received at the end of a trial was that jurors usually felt satisfaction at having performed a vital public duty. One of my most satisfying moments was when, on sentencing a man for a so-called Ponzi scheme fraud, where dozens were defrauded of their savings, the whole public gallery rose and applauded as one. Of course, there are drawbacks to jury trials: one being the time and expense. Until quite recently, once jurors had been sent out, they had to remain together collectively until they had reached a verdict, and it was not unknown to suspect that, occasionally, deliberations had been prolonged in the expectation that hotel accommodation would be provided overnight. Strict warning now at the end of the day not to talk to anyone about the case overnight seems successfully to have resolved that problem and saved much public expense. Moreover, juries can choose to acquit in the face of the evidence. This may occur where juries feel overwhelming sympathy for a defendant, where they feel the police had acted unfairly or oppressively in some way, or even where there is objection to government policy. I saw this first-hand when, in 2003, the country went to war in Iraq in pursuit of weapons of mass destruction, despite overwhelming public disapproval expressed in marches and demonstrations. As a judge, I was often struck by the quality and shrewdness of juries questions - Robert Hardy One such demonstration was carried out by a young man who climbed the outside of a tall building in the City to unfurl a banner of protest. He got stuck halfway up, streets were cordoned off, traffic was halted while Londons noble fire brigade rescued him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When his feet touched the pavement, he was promptly arrested for a public order offence. He was able to elect trial by jury and some months later appeared before me and a jury at Southwark. He had absolutely no defence in law, and I had to tell the jury so, but the decision was the jurors alone. They quickly acquitted. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in light of the recent arrests of pro-Palestinian protesters at demonstrations in London, Cardiff and Manchester. I have long since retired and am aware that judges ought to be careful not to sound off too often in public. But the dilution of a right to trial by jury, once introduced as a temporary measure only, can easily become permanent. This ancient right must be protected at all costs. As told to Abigail Buchanan. This article was first published on Aug 26 2025. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. Aug. 26 (UPI) -- A Utah judge said the state must redraw its congressional districts because the state's Republicans overruled a ballot measure passed by voters to outlaw gerrymandering. Judge Dianna Gibson ruled on Monday the state can't use maps that reshaped Salt Lake City, a Democratic stronghold in an otherwise red state. It must draw new lines using an independent commission in compliance with a 2018 ballot measure approved by Utah voters. Depending on how the maps are drawn, it could mean one district in Utah could go to a Democrat. Before Utah Republicans overruled the state's independent commission and drew partisan maps in 2021, former Democratic Rep. Ben McAdams won a Salt Lake City-area district in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the 2018 ballot measure, the legislature had to either approve or disapprove those maps, and there were guardrails for how to draw new districts. One of those was a ban on partisan gerrymandering. The legislature responded in 2020 by passing a law that softened the partisan redistricting ban and removed the requirement that legislators vote on the independent commission's map, among other things. "Redistricting is not a mere exercise in political line-drawing; it strikes at the very heart of our democracy," Gibson wrote. "The way district boundaries are drawn determines whether the right to vote is meaningful, whether equal protection is honored, and whether the fundamental promises of our state and federal constitutions are upheld. How district lines are drawn can either safeguard representation and ensure accountability by elected representatives or erode public trust, silence voices and weaken the rule of law." Finding that the legislature "unconstitutionally repealed" the ballot measure, Gibson barred the state from future elections under its current congressional district lines. She directed the legislature to create a remedial map within 30 days that follows the guidelines voters passed in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah is a heavily Republican state. It backed President Donald Trump by more than 20 points, 58%-37%, in the last election. The state's House delegation has four Republicans. Republicans are trying to defend their narrow lead in Congress by redistricting heavily Republican states, like Texas and Indiana. But Democrats in states like California and Illinois are threatening to do the same to override what Republicans are doing. Guns for sale at Casos Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/New Jersey Monitor) A three-judge panel has ruled that Tennessees laws against the intent to go armed and carrying weapons in state parks are unconstitutional. In Gibson County Chancery Court, the panel ruled in favor of plaintiffs Stephen L. Hughes, Duncan OMara, Elaine Kehel, Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation in finding the statutes violate Second Amendment and state Constitution rights to bear arms. Despite the ruling, the panel stopped short of ordering the state to quit enforcing the laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group filed suit against Gov. Bill Lee in February 2023, claiming their rights to carry weapons were violated by both the states provision against carrying a firearm with the intent to go armed and rules blocking weapons in state parks. Tennessee maintains a gun permit system and the intent to go armed law even though the states permitless carry law allows eligible people to carry openly in unrestricted places, as long as they dont have felony or domestic violence convictions or outstanding domestic violence protective orders. The legislature passed Lees permitless carry bill in 2021. This ruling puts Tennesseans at greater risk by tying the hands of law enforcement officers who encounter people who are armed and potentially dangerous. Sen. London Lamar, D-Tennessee The Gun Owners Association, though, argued that one of its members who holds an enhanced carry permit is unable to lawfully carry a gun to defend his family while visiting Tennessee parks. Another of the plaintiffs who holds no carry permit said she fears prosecution if she takes a weapon to a playground, civic center or other area owned by local or state government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because state law says carrying a firearm with the intent to go armed is a criminal offense, the court said Gun Owners Association and Foundation members can be stopped and arrested anywhere in the state. This statute makes the entire state a gun-free zone for those members and supporters, the ruling says. Attorney General Jonathan Skrmettis office argued, in part, that the state can place limits on the intent to go armed because the Second Amendment doesnt protect the right of people to carry a hand grenade. Yet the judicial panel found the states arguments unpersuasive because they dont defend or address the constitutional infirmity at the heart of the statute the criminalization of the constitutional right to bear arms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, the panel found Tennessees law violates the Second Amendment and Article I of the Tennessee Constitution. It took the same view on the states prohibition on guns in parks. While courts have found that the government can prohibit carrying guns in sensitive places such as schools where children are required to attend class, the panel determined that parks dont fall into that category because parents arent forced to take their children there. Rep. Chris Todd, right, a Jackson Republican, says hes excited about the ruling that will allow gun carry in parks. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Republican state Rep. Chris Todd of Madison County said he is excited about the ruling on the Second Amendment, which he believes is affirmed by numerous Supreme Court cases. Todd noted that the ruling says those statutes are void and unenforceable but that the panel acknowledged it doesnt have the authority to place an injunction on them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In light of that, Todd said he asked the attorney general to appeal the ruling, potentially to ask for clarity. Such a move could put Skrmettis office in the precarious position of arguing against its previous stance. It should be a higher court that agrees with this ruling, and I believe they will, Todd said. Democratic Sen. London Lamar of Memphis criticized the courts ruling by saying it will make Tennessees public safety crisis worse. Memphis and Nashville have seen gun thefts from vehicles escalate since the permitless gun carry law took effect. This ruling puts Tennesseans at greater risk by tying the hands of law enforcement officers who encounter people who are armed and potentially dangerous. If police can no longer investigate someone for the intent to go armed, officers are left waiting until a crime has already been committed a failed public safety policy that puts lives on the line, said Lamar, chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus. The ruling was made by Chancellor Michael Mansfield of Trenton, Judge Wyatt Burk of Shelbyville and Judge Lisa Rice of Elizabethton. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Aug. 25GRAND FORKS After two hours of deliberation, a jury found Donald Joseph "DJ" Bartlette not guilty of murder, but instead guilty of a lesser offense manslaughter. Bartlette, 46, faces up to 10 years in prison for the Class B felony charge, as opposed to the possible life imprisonment without parole he could have been sentenced to if convicted of Class AA felony murder. In the North Dakota Century Code definition of murder used in Bartlette's trial, it says someone is guilty of murder if he "causes the death of another human being under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Century Code says someone is guilty of manslaughter "if he recklessly causes the death of another human being." A pre-sentence investigation has been ordered, which may inform Judge Jason McCarthy's sentencing decision. Bartlette's sentencing hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8. Bartlette's trial began Tuesday, Aug. 19. Throughout the rest of the week, around 20 people testified, including law enforcement, medical and forensic experts and people known to both the victim and Bartlette. All parties returned Monday morning, Aug. 25, for closing arguments, which are the defense and prosecution's final opportunity to go over the evidence presented throughout the trial and make arguments about what that evidence has or has not proven. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over approximately 30 minutes, Assistant Grand Forks County State's Attorney Megan Essig gave the prosecution's closing argument. She said throughout four days of testimony, it was made clear Bartlette recklessly caused the death of 49-year-old Anthony "Tony" James Kiehl, "a brother, lover and a friend to many." Essig said Kiehl had a hard life, and spent much of it in poverty. Throughout his adulthood, he struggled with mental health issues, alcohol and substance abuse. "Despite his struggles, he worked hard to get his own apartment at 110 Cherry St., apartment number 105, which he resided at until Oct. 24 of 2024, the day Tony had his life stolen from him by the defendant, Donald Bartlette," Essig said. She recounted many pieces of evidence, starting with the 911 call Rosetta Gourd, Kiehl's former girlfriend, made just after 9 p.m. Oct. 24, 2024. She said Kiehl wasn't breathing, didn't have a pulse and was turning blue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When law enforcement officers arrived on scene, they began life-saving efforts but, at 9:54 p.m., Kiehl was ultimately pronounced dead after being transported to Altru Hospital. His autopsy which Dr. Kevin Whaley testified to on the third day of trial showed Kiehl suffered superficial cuts, some scrapes throughout his body, bruising on his collarbone and extensive bruising on his face and head. He sustained a broken nose and fractured jaw, the latter of which was the first step in his cause of death. When Kiehl was struck in the jaw, his head spun, causing blood vessels in his brain to tear and his brain to knock around in his skull, Whaley testified. Blood began pooling, and Kiehl's brain swelled, until he eventually succumbed to his injuries. Essig also spoke about the physical evidence at the crime scene, including blood stains, broken items and a knife with apparent blood on the blade. She recalled testimony from two Federal Bureau of Investigation laboratory experts who explained the DNA and fingerprints found on items taken from the crime scene and the suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Essig also spoke to Bartlette's movements that day, which are largely known due to surveillance footage an officer testified to on the second day of trial. She said Bartlette was the only one alone with Kiehl in his apartment for an extended period of time a total of approximately 49 minutes across two separate events. The two men entered the apartment at 6:11 p.m., and Bartlette left alone at 6:45. Surveillance footage from his exit showed blood on his wrist, consistent with the stab wound Bartlette said he endured at Kiehl's hand. Bartlette was seen returning at 7:06, and was alone in the apartment with Kiehl until 7:20, when he let his co-defendant Nicholas Alexander Wride-Arnold inside. Wride-Arnold was originally believed to be involved in the murder, but Sgt. Michael Jennings the lead detective in this case said as the case progressed, it became clear Wride-Arnold had nothing to do with the violent acts that resulted in Kiehl's death. The day of his testimony, he pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence, refusal to halt and obstruction of a government function. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wride-Arnold was granted no additional jail time, and will be on unsupervised probation for one year, as outlined in his plea agreement. Essig also recounted law enforcement's efforts to apprehend Bartlette, and the statements he made at the time of his arrest as well as in the months afterwards, which include that he got the knife away from Kiehl and Wride-Arnold had nothing to do with it. She said Bartlette sprained both wrists in the altercation with Kiehl, but they were minor injuries, and "especially minor in comparison to those sustained by Tony." In his closing argument, Bartlette's attorney, Samuel Gereszek, said Wride-Arnold was the only witness who could give context to what happened inside Kiehl's apartment that evening, and he gained "tremendously" by testifying against Bartlette. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gereszek pointed out inconsistencies in Wride-Arnold's testimony, including the fact that he said when he encountered Kiehl lying on the floor, his friend looked like he needed medical attention; but later, Wride-Arnold said there was nothing he could have done to help Kiehl, since he believed his friend was dead. "One or the other," Gereszek said. "Because it's not both." Gereszek pointed out that Wride-Arnold and Kiehl knew each other for a few years, and were good friends, so the only way Wride-Arnold's inaction after finding Kiehl makes sense is if his friend appeared in some way responsive. If this is true, Gereszek said, it supports what Bartlette claims that he only left Kiehl that night because the man was breathing and had a pulse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unknown when exactly Kiehl stopped breathing, and his heart stopped beating, but Whaley testified that after sustaining his fatal injuries, it could have taken in excess of an hour for him to die. The injury itself rarely causes death, according to Whaley's testimony, so Gereszek argued Bartlette had no way of knowing what was happening to Kiehl. He believed he'd simply knocked Kiehl out, as he had done previously when Kiehl came at him with a stick, Gereszek said. That incident didn't end in a death, so how could Bartlette know this would? Gereszek also spoke about self-defense, and his belief that Bartlette responding to being stabbed by punching his attacker is reasonable. However, Essig argued Bartlette used more force than was appropriate, and Jennings previously testified self-defense is no longer a factor when the weapon is out of Kiehl's hands. Bartlette could have left, but he chose not to. By Jason Lange WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Few Americans outside President Donald Trump's Republican Party support his deployment of National Guard troops to police the streets of Washington, D.C., according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll. The three-day poll, which concluded on Sunday, found that just 38% of Americans support using troops for law enforcement in the U.S. capital, with 46% opposed. The rest were unsure or declined to answer the question. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support was strongest among Republicans, 76% of whom supported the deployments, which just 8% of Democrats supported. Among people who don't identify with either party, 28% were in favor and 51% were opposed. The split largely mirrors the partisan contours of Trump's overall popularity, with 40% of respondents in the poll saying they approve of his White House performance, holding at the lowest level of his current administration for three straight polls going back to late July. Trump's popularity has waned since his return to power in January, when 47% of Americans gave him a thumbs up. The Republican is overwhelmingly backed by members of his party and overwhelmingly disliked by Democrats. About two-thirds of independents disapprove of him. He has aggressively pursued his second-term agenda, ordering a crackdown on unauthorized immigration and a series of trade wars with other nations while he has aimed the federal justice system at his political opponents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Trump ordered National Guard troops to help police Washington, D.C., where the Democratic Party dominates local politics, and has threatened to do the same with other major cities run by Democrats. The move, which also included a federal takeover of policing in the capital, follows years of criticism from Trump that Democrats are soft on crime. Just 36% of respondents in the Reuters/Ipsos poll, including 8% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans - said they supported federal officials bringing the capital's local police under federal control. Hundreds of unarmed National Guard troops have been on Washington's streets for the past two weeks after Trump declared a crime emergency in the district. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last week authorized the troops to carry weapons. Both federal and city crime statistics show violent crime has declined precipitously since a spike in 2023 but Washington remains among the country's most violent places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats, including Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, have said the deployment was more about politics than about crime. Troops have been seen mostly in the city's safest areas frequented by tourists. Trump's approval rating on crime - at 43% - is among the strongest areas of his public opinion portfolio, matching the share that approves of his immigration policies. The Reuters/Ipsos poll gathered responses from 1,022 U.S. adults nationwide and had a 3 percentage point margin of error for all respondents. Its margin of error for Republicans and Democrats was 6 points, and 5 points for people who identify with neither party. (Reporting by Jason Lange in Washington; editing by Scott Malone and Alistair Bell) Justice Clarence Thomas has passed another longevity milestone on the U.S. Supreme Court, moving closer to becoming the longest-serving justice in history. Over the weekend, Thomas surpassed John Marshall Harlan as one of the longest-serving justices in American history. Thomas has served 33 years and 306 days on the nations highest Court, compared to Harlan, who served 33 years and 308 days between 1877 and 1911. The move places Thomas sixth on the all-time list, continuing a summer of record-breaking milestones that saw him surpass several legendary figures, including William Rehnquist, the late chief justice with whom Thomas once served, The Dallas Express previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas, 77, was appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1991 to replace civil rights icon Thurgood Marshall. Known for his originalist and textualist philosophy, Thomas has helped define the Courts Republican-appointed majority and influenced rulings on issues ranging from the Second Amendment to affirmative action to the powers of the federal bureaucracy. His writings, including concurrences and dissents, have frequently paved the way for future doctrinal shifts. John Marshall Harlan, whose record Thomas has now surpassed, was a towering figure of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Appointed by President Rutherford B. Hayes, Harlan is best remembered for his dissents in civil rights cases, most notably Plessy v. Ferguson, where he stood alone in rejecting the separate but equal doctrine that later defined decades of segregation. Later Court history ultimately vindicated his views, with many later justices citing him as an intellectual forerunner of the civil rights era. Thomas climb up the longevity ranks is drawing attention not only for its historic dimension but also for its political implications. The timing of a justices retirement often reshapes the Court, as seen when Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs 2020 death allowed then-President Donald Trump to nominate Justice Amy Coney Barrett, solidifying a 6-3 Republican-appointed majority. If Thomas remains on the bench through late summer 2028, he would surpass to become the longest-serving justice in American history. That timeline would fall just before the 2028 Presidential election, raising the possibility that his decision to stay or retire could have sweeping political and legal consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has already appointed three justices in his first tenure Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Barrett all relatively young and expected to serve for decades. Any retirement during his second term, whether by Thomas or others such as Samuel Alito or Sonia Sotomayor, could further reshape the Court for a generation. Speculation about who could possibly be the next justice on the highest Court in the land frequently becomes the topic of media attention, and some figures, such as Alabama Supreme Court Justice Bill Lewis, have recently drawn such attention, DX reported. For now, Thomas record-setting summer underscores the extraordinary durability of his career. Having joined the Court at age 43, Thomas has outlasted many colleagues and is poised to test the limits of longevity in the modern judiciary, while his influence on American law continues to unfold. Visa is reportedly at least pausing its open banking product in the U.S., drawing attention to new regulatory and financial complications surrounding data sharing. "This highlights just how unsettled the space still is. Regulatory uncertainty and the possibility of higher fees could definitely slow adoption, especially for smaller players that can't afford compliance missteps," Chris Miller, senior director at Cornerstone Advisors, told American Banker. "That said, the underlying demand for open banking and embedded payments isn't going away; consumers and businesses both expect smoother, more integrated financial experiences." Visa move was originally reported by Bloomberg . The card network did not return a request for comment. Open banking enables third parties to access banking data, payments data and other information with a customer's permission. Payment companies are pursuing open banking technology to enable real-time payments, account-to-account transfers and embedded payments. What are the rules? But regulations in the U.S. are in flux. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is revamping the rule that will govern open banking, following an earlier CFPB move to scrap the original U.S. open banking rule , called 1033. The 1033 rewrite comes while JPMorganChase considers charging fees to the data aggregators that enable open banking technology. Regulatory "assertiveness" in changing U.S. open banking rules has turned into ambiguity and enabled financial institutions to claim ownership of customer data and monetize access to it, creating uncertainty that threatens to stall progress in embedded payments and broader open banking adoption, according to Enrico Camerinelli, strategic advisor at Datos Insights. "The decision from Visa is directly connected to an unintended consequence from the U.S. regulation on open banking to loosen the regulatory requirements and give more freedom and flexibility to banks to run their business," Camerinelli said. "This has created a paradox where financial institutions claim ownership over their customers' data and demand to be paid to share this data." U.S. vs. the worldVisa plans to continue its open banking service in other markets, according to Bloomberg. Payment experts say Visa has more opportunity for open banking outside the U.S., regardless of the American regulatory situation. Uncertainty about regulation is likely part of the thinking, but the decision to pull out of the U.S. is likely more about the market and Visa's presence, or lack thereof, Aaron Press, Research Director of Worldwide Payment Strategies at IDC, told American Banker. FRANKFURT (Reuters) -A Berlin court on Tuesday gave a 16-year old who helped prepare a foiled attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna last year a suspended 1-1/2 year prison sentence under juvenile criminal law. Charges against the Syrian adolescent, who was 14 during the plot, were brought in June. At the time of the charges, he was only identified as Mohammad A. in accordance with German privacy laws. The Berlin court said on Tuesday the defendant had fully confessed and that the sentence, which can be appealed, was in line with the verdict sought by prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially radicalised by militant group Islamic State's online propaganda, the defendant sent the would-be attacker a video with bomb-building instructions and put him in contact with an Islamic State member, the court said. Police made multiple arrests over the suspected plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert in the Austrian capital's Ernst Happel Stadium, prompting the cancellation of all three of her shows there in August last year. Austria's coalition government in June agreed on a plan to enable police to monitor suspects' secure messaging in order to thwart militant attacks, ending what security officials have said is a rare and dangerous blind spot for a European Union country. (Reporting by Ludwig BurgerEditing by Madeline Chambers) TOPEKA (KSNT) The newly-appointed archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and other leaders of the Catholic faith are stepping into the ongoing debate over immigration politics. Archbishop Shawn McKnight, appointed to his position by Pope Francis in April, released a letter on Aug. 14 addressing the topics of immigration and undocumented migrants. Both the Bishop of Wichita, Carl Kemme, and Bishop of Salina, Gerald Vincke, co-signed the letter. The Catholic religious leaders address the letter to the people of God in Kansas. They assert that every debate over immigration involves families, children, workers and volunteers in the community who now call Kansas home. Treating all migrants and refugees as if they were violent criminals is simply unjust. They are human beings made in Gods image: mothers, fathers, children, and grandparents, motivated not by malice but by a desire for safety, stability, and the chance to provide for their families. Like generations before them, including our ancestors, they strengthen the fabric of our society through hard work, perseverance, and faith. Pastoral Letter on Immigration excerpt Kansas automotive shop seized for $450,000 tax debt Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bishops state that people who are fleeing poverty or violence should be treated with dignity and that nations should be welcoming to those seeking safety. They also call on public officials to treat undocumented migrants humanely and said that unnecessary raids, mass detentions, and family separations betray the values of our nation and the Gospel. We support the role of law enforcement in protecting public safety. Violent crime and unsecured borders must be addressed, no matter a persons legal status. Criminals are taking advantage of our countrys broken immigration system to abuse those most vulnerable and cause chaos in our communities. Working migrants, those volunteering in our parishes, paying taxes, sacrificing for their families and following our laws, deserve not fear and intimidation but protection, solidarity and a welcoming community. Pastoral Letter on Immigration excerpt The bishops ended the letter by asking members of the Catholic faith to create welcoming parishes that are not influenced by politics. You can find the letter issued by McKnight, Kemme and Vincke online by using this link. Kansas Lottery player wins $25,000 a year for life prize Deportations and immigration politics are a major topic of discussion in the U.S. during the second term of President Donald Trump, who has taken a hard stance against undocumented migrants. Some Kansas law enforcement agencies are also actively participating in partnerships with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to help enforce federal law in the Sunflower State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 27 News previously talked to Wabaunsee County Sheriff Eric Kirsch about what these new partnerships mean and how Kansas deputies are helping ICE perform its duties. The current list of law enforcement agencies participating in ICE partnerships in Kansas and when they signed up include the following: Participating agencies. Anderson County Sheriffs Office June 12, 2025. Cowley County Sheriffs Office March 5, 2025. Ellis County Sheriffs Office July 7, 2025. Finney County Sheriffs Office March 17, 2020. Franklin County Sheriffs Office June 17, 2025. Haskell County Sheriffs Office June 12, 2025. Jackson County Sheriffs Office July 23, 2020. Jewell County Sheriffs Office June 25, 2025. KBI Feb. 18, 2025. Reno County Sheriffs Office March 5, 2025. Rice County Sheriffs Office March 26, 2025. Rooks County Sheriffs Office July 31, 2025. Rush County Sheriffs Office July 7, 2025. Shawnee County Sheriffs Office July 2, 2025. Wabaunsee County Sheriffs Office May 28, 2025. K-State hit by swatting attack on first day of classes For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Department for Children and Families secretary Laura Howard said her agency already works with the federal government to determine waste, fraud and abuse occurring in a federally funded nutrition program. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Kansas officials refused persistent demands from the federal government for access to residents personal data solely based on the legal responsibility to protect that data, a state leader says. In the midst of political attacks and two lawsuits, Department for Children and Families secretary Laura Howard and Gov. Laura Kelly pushed back against federal demands because they dont know how Kansans personal data will be used. The release of information isnt about detecting fraud because those procedures are already in place, Howard said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state has denied requests to turn over personal information of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients, which the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food and Nutrition Service has requested since May. Since then, Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins has accused Howard and Kelly of a massive cover-up of waste, fraud and abuse because they failed to comply with federal demands. But Howard said in an interview that the federal government already monitors the Kansas SNAP program for such problems. The federal SNAP law today allows data to be shared for the administration of the program, including fraud, waste and abuse, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the law is also clear the data cannot be shared except as it relates to the administration of the program, Howard said. The first letter received from Food and Nutrition Service in May did not include information about how the data would be used, which led to DCFs initial refusal, she said. Lawsuit outcome A lawsuit was filed in June by privacy organizations arguing against the data collection, followed by a July lawsuit filed by multiple states asking the courts to stay the data request, Howard said. USDA makes this demand for the stated purpose of detecting overpayments and fraud, the state lawsuit said. Instead, the move appears to be part of the federal governments well-publicized campaign to amass enormous troves of personal and private data, including information on taxpayers and Medicaid recipients, to advance goals that have nothing to do with combating waste, fraud, or abuse in federal benefit programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howard said she is concerned about what could happen based on the lawsuit outcome. I honestly believe that if I were to release that data, then the courts find in favor of the states, then Im putting the state at liability for releasing the personal information of more than 700,000 Kansans, she said. In a legislative meeting earlier this month, state Attorney General Kris Kobach said his office is exploring whether it is legal for Kansas to withhold the information requested. Attorneys in the office of the attorney general are investigating the matter. A decision about how to proceed is expected to be made within the next three weeks, spokeswoman Danedri Herbert said Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal Register Howard said additional concerns about whether the data should be released occurred in June when the USDA published the request for data, highlighting the intention to create a SNAP information database in the Federal Register. The notice in the Federal Register talks about 10 or 12 uses of the data, and one of those talks about sharing it with other federal entities, Howard said. It talks about things to do with anything regulatory or civil or criminal. It doesnt say for the purpose of administering the SNAP program. The list is too broad and underlines DCFs concerns, Howard said. Titled Notice of a new system of records, the Federal Register notice said: The primary purposes of this system are to validate the accuracy of eligibility determinations and strengthen SNAP and government program integrity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The notice lists 11 categories of routine uses of the records. SNAP error rate A point raised by Hawkins and Senate president Ty Masterson, who want the data turned over, is that the state has a high error rate in the SNAP program and the sharing of data would help discover fraud or abuse. Hawkins has repeatedly referred to an inaccurate current error rate in the SNAP program and insists the sharing the data could help lower the rate. But that rate isnt about fraud detection, which Howard said is already occurring in the SNAP program. Hawkins did not respond to a request for comment for this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Howard said a robust fraud detection system is already in place in partnership with the USDA, and account data is freely shared for that purpose. In fact, of all federal funds processed through DCF, she said SNAP and Medicaid have the most extensive programs looking for any problems. Medicaid isnt as complicated to process as the SNAP benefits are because staff are only determining whether the applicant is eligible, Howard said. With SNAP, theyre also figuring out how much the payment should be. States are responsible for conducting these quality control processes, she said. There are samples of cases that are drawn every month. We have quality control staff that look at those cases. Theyre essentially redetermining that eligibility from scratch, and that includes verifications. Once quality control staff go through the detailed information collected from SNAP applicants, which includes income, shelter, work and household member information, they determine whether mistakes were made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then the feds look at a sample of our sample, just to verify that our quality control is accurate, Howard said. Its not about finding fraud because the error rate is attributed to mistakes, Howard said. None of its about fraud, she said. If, in the context of the original determination, if a worker believed that someone was being untruthful, then we have a separate process to refer that for a fraud investigation. Multiple factors go into determining whether someone is eligible for SNAP and how much they should receive, including all assets, income, shelter costs, whether they must be working, if roommates are contributing to utilities and much more, Howard said. Simple things like a teenager who works at a fast-food restaurant turning 18, which means their income should be added to household income, can cause eligibility errors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Error rate increases The Kansas error rate climbed in the last few years, and Howard said she wishes there was a magic bullet answer to how to correct it. The DCF team is working on retraining staff, rewriting manuals to make sure theyre clear, training staff to interview applicants, among other items. Weve done a whole root cause analysis based on our error rate, Howard said. We have to do that for the feds. States have to submit corrective action plans. We know that the areas where we see the most errors have to do with wages and income and shelter deductions. So then, based on that, you train even more in that area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency is considering automation that may help reduce errors, she said, as well as encouraging more people to use the online application form. That could help reduce data processing typos and misunderstandings that occur when staff interview someone and then enter the information. In its most recent report for 2024, the state reduced its error rate from 12% in 2023 to just under 10%. The error rate jumped after the COVID-19 pandemic, when Howard said many experienced workers who had performed eligibility work for years retired. The error rate in 2017 was 3.9%, jumping to 5.9% in 2018 and 7.1% in 2019. The target is to achieve error rates below 5%. No data is available on the USDA website for 2020 and 2021. In 2022, the rate jumped to 9%, followed by 12% in 2023, which is the highest rate in more than 15 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were very short staffed for a couple of years, Howard said. That really has started to turn around, particularly in some of our regions, and I would attribute that to a number of things. The states had some nice salary increases based on some of the market assessments, and then I think things just kind of stabilized after COVID. In 2024, there were 205 eligibility workers on average processing applications and confirming eligibility throughout the state, she said. I wish I could say, Well, were doing these three really glitzy things, Howard said. Were doing hard things. There are a lot of things going on. In reality, it comes down to worker training, making sure paperwork is filled out correctly, with the right questions being asked, and then verifying all information, she said. Katie den Daas has been promoted to senior VP of global newsgathering at ABC News, leading the editorial direction for all domestic and international newsgathering operations. Den Daas, who has been with the network since 2015, was previously vice president of newsgathering. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almin Karamehmedovic, president of ABC News, said that den Daas is an exceptional journalist and leader whose editorial vision and operational expertise have only strengthened our coverage. She has a deep understanding of the evolving news landscape and an unmatched ability to guide teams with clarity, creativity and compassion. The network also said den Daas will partner with bureau chiefs and help guide correspondents, reporters and producers during breaking news situations and daily coverage around the globe, ensuring alignment and staffing across shows, platforms and affiliates. In her tenure at ABC News, den Daas has served as executive producer for ABC News Live and London bureau chief. She returned to New York in 2023 to serve as VP of global newsgathering. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC) on Monday released the findings of investigations into three mishaps involving the troubled KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling tanker that cost the service nearly $23 million. The incidents all involved nozzle binding, a situation in which the tankers refueling boom nozzle gets stuck or binds with the receiving aircrafts receptacle. Two of the incidents occurred in 2022 and a third in 2024. A fourth mishap took place July 8, 2025 and is still being investigated, AMC stated. There were no fatalities, injuries, or civilian property damage in any of these mishaps. (USAF AIB) The first of these nozzle binding mishaps took place on Oct. 15, 2022. A KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing and operated by the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, and an F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing and operated by the 335th Fighting Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, were conducting routine air refueling operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the mishap, a nozzle binding accident occurred during a breakaway which resulted in the air-refueling boom (ARB) striking the tail section of the KC-46A, AMC said in a statement. The Accident Investigation Board (AIB) found that a preponderance of the evidence showed one cause for the mishap. Due to a limitation of the Air Refueling Boom (ARB) control system, the KC-46 boom operator inadvertently placed a radial force on the ARB that caused the nozzle to become bound in the receivers receptacle, according to the AIB. As a result, the bound forces exceeded the structural limitations of the ARB and caused a rapid upward movement of the ARB when released, striking the tail cone of the Pegasus. In addition, two other factors substantially contributed to this incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pegasus pilot failed to notify either the planes boom operator or the Strike Eagles pilot about an engine power reduction on the refueler. This action, combined with the known ARB stiffness limitation and the resulting high engine power setting on [the F-15E], resulted in a rapid forward movement of that jet relative to the Pegasus. In addition, due to a limitation of the automated boom control system, the ARB entered an uncontrollable state during its upward motion toward the aircraft tail, disabling the boom control laws which could have slowed the rate at which the ARB struck the tail cone, substantially contributing to the mishap, according to Col. Chad Cisewski, who led this AIB. The estimated damages to the aircraft were $8,307,257.93, according to AMC. Damage to the KC-46As tail section after the Oct. 15, 2022 nozzle binding mishap. (USAF AIB report) Less than a month later, on Nov. 7 2022, there was another nozzle binding incident while a KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing and operated by the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron was refueling a F-22A Raptor assigned to the 94th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. The flight was in support of a joint-force training exercise from Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the second air refueling attempt of the sortie, the KC-46A experienced a nozzle binding event during a breakaway with the F-22A, which resulted in damage to the ARB nozzle, AMC said in its statement. The bound forces exceeded the structural limitations of the ARB nozzle, damaging the nozzle beyond repair. A stock picture of a KC-46 tanker refueling an F-22 Raptor stealth fighter. (Boeing Defense) Boeing Defens The AIB determined by a preponderance of the evidence, one cause for this mishap, the report stated. The boom operator made manual control inputs to the ARB which caused a radial force to be applied to the ARB nozzle, causing it to become bound inside the receivers air refueling receptacle. As a result, the bound forces exceeded the structural limitations of the ARB nozzle, damaging the nozzle beyond repair. Two other factors substantially contributed to the mishap, according to the AIB. The first was the failure of the Raptors pilot to account for the KC-46A Stiff Boom characteristics, causing a rapid forward movement of the fighter relative to the refueler. The stiff boom probem is a long-standing issue, which you can read more about here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the boom operator was unable to verify that the ARB nozzle was clear of [the Raptors] air refueling receptacle prior to making ARB control inputs, substantially contributing to the mishap. The mishap caused an estimated $103,295.12 in damages, AMC noted. The Executive Summary of the Nov. 7, 2022 nozzle binding mishap. (USAF AIB) A third nozzle binding incident took place Aug. 21, 2024, when a KC-46A Pegasus assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing and operated by the 931st Air Refueling Wing was refueling an F-15E assigned to the 366th Fighter Wing in support Operation Noble Eagle, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) aerospace warning, control, and defense missions in North America. The aircraft were helping to enforce a temporary flight restriction related to a presidential visit. Then-President Joe Biden was reportedly vacationing in Santa Ynez, California, at the time. The tanker and one of the fighters were forced to make emergency landings the F-15E twice having to abort those recoveries before finally touching down at an alternative location. You can read more about that in our initial report here and listen to the audio below. Wild ATC audio, a lost tail boom and live missiles turns into quite the story NOBLE42 (F-15E Mountain Home AFB) had a incident with WIDE12 (Boeing KC-46 17-46028) yesterday near Santa Barbara, California while refueling during a CAP (Combat Air Patrol) which was enforcing a pic.twitter.com/VkIJJZ1OIT Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) August 23, 2024 During the fourth air refueling attempt of the sortie, the KC-46A experienced nozzle binding of the boom in the F-15E receptacle, AMC explained. Upon release, the boom rapidly flew upward, striking the bottom aft portion of the KC-46A, and violently oscillated left and right. A KC-46A Pegasus aerial refueling aircraft connects with an F-15 Strike Eagle test aircraft from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on Oct. 29, 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt Michael Jackson) The boom striking the aircraft and ensuing forceful oscillations resulted in critical failure of the boom shaft structure, portions of which detached from the KC-46A in flight, the command continued. The KC-46A crew declared an in-flight emergency and returned to Travis AFB. Emergency response personnel met the crew upon arrival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boom fell in an open field about 13 miles northeast of Santa Maria, California, with no injuries or fatalities reported, the AIB explained. The boom in the Aug. 21, 2024 mishap was later observed in an open field. (USAF AIB) The AIB found, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the cause of the mishap was the [boom operators] control inputs to the air refueling flight control system, resulting in an excessive fly-up rate of the boom, which struck the aircraft empennage and caused a critical failure of the boom shaft structure, according to the report. There were four other factors that substantially contributed to the mishap, the AIB board president ruled. Excessive closure rate and instability of the Strike Eagle. The boom operators attempted contact outside the standard [aerial refueling] envelope for the F-15E. The F-15E pilots failure to recognize and initiate immediate breakaway procedures, which further delayed positive separation from the KC-46A, and The boom operators lack of knowledge on boom flight control logic and its effects on the boom flight control surfaces prevented the [boom operator] from recognizing the influence of Flight Control Stick (FCS) inputs and programmed boom limit functions during operations, especially during nozzle binding situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The estimated damages to the aircraft were $14,381,303, according to AMC. The Auxiliary Power Units shroud was damaged during the Aug. 21, 2024 boom nozzle mishap. (USAF AIB) The Air Force did not release details about the July 9, 2025 incident. However, at the time, 2nd Lt. Samantha Bostick, deputy chief of Public Affairs for the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, told us what happened. A KC-46A Pegasus from McConnell Air Force Base declared an In-flight Emergency July 8, while operating over the eastern United States, refueling F-22s, she said. The crew had to make the decision to land at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., and has landed safely there. The aircraft will remain there for the time being. You can listen below as the crew of the KC-46, callsign FELL 81 and serial number 17-46033, alerts the U.S. Navys Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility at Virginia Capes (FACSFAC VACAPES) about losing the boom. FACSFAC VACAPES is better known by its callsign, Giant Killer, and helps monitor for threats and otherwise manage the airspace off the east coast of the United States. In general, KC-46s are no stranger to issues with their booms. The boom and the control system for it have been a source of serious and persistent technical issues for the Pegasus fleet for years now. A fix for the KC-46s particularly troublesome remote vision system (RVS), which boom operators in the tankers main cabin use to perform their work, is now unlikely to be finished before summer 2027, roughly three years behind schedule, according to Defense News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nozzle binding issue is clearly a problem in many respects, not just in terms of the dangers posed by booms breaking away or impacting the receiver or the tankers airframe, but it also poses a real danger to those on the ground. Beyond that, the reliability of any type during critical missions is always a concern, as such a mishap could curtail a high-priority mission or the risk of it occurring requires extra tankers being assigned to those operations as a contingency. What we dont know is how common this is in comparison to the KC-135 or the recently retired KC-10. Hopefully, we can get more clarity in this regard now that the findings of these mishaps are published. We will update you when we find out more. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com In 1980, Barbara Evans and her husband, Hank, spearheaded the Titusville-based grassroots group Save Our Beach after NASA threatened to shut down road access to popular Playalinda Beach for future space shuttle security purposes. Now a full 45 years later, and two years after Hank passed away Barbara Evans is again fighting to preserve Playalinda Beach access. This time, temporary closures could occur from SpaceX's future Starship-Super Heavy launches and landings from pad 39A at NASA's bordering Kennedy Space Center. Starship operations could generate the equivalent of 60 closure days per year at Playalinda Beach, per a newly released Federal Aviation Administration draft environmental impact statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This feels like double jeopardy to me. Even criminals don't have to fight for their life twice. And yes, Playalinda is our life," Evans said in a statement she prepared for FAA officials. Playalinda Beach: FAA: Starship launches could close Playalinda Beach access for equivalent of 60 days per year Tuesday afternoon, roughly 100 people attended an FAA public meeting on proposed Starship-Super Heavy environmental impacts at the Astronauts Memorial Foundation Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The FAA draft statement projected 33 to 44 Playalinda Beach full-day closures plus up to 33 half-day closures per year, totaling 60 days. Evans handed out white 1980-vintage bumper stickers to meeting attendees bearing red lettering: "Keep Playalinda Open." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also carried four photo albums filled with newspaper clippings and documentation from the original Save Our Beach battle during the early 1980s. Members and supporters were known as S.O.B.s. "We had bumper stickers. We had rallies. We mailed envelopes of Playalinda sand to the Interior department. We went up to see the National Park Service in Atlanta. Everybody was interested," Evans said. Facing public opposition, NASA officials relented on shutting down Playalinda Beach private-vehicle access along the original path of State Road 402, which passed within the three-mile security zones of KSC's shuttle pads 39A and 39B. More than a decade later, a ribbon-cutting ceremony occurred in April 1993 for a rerouted 3.7-mile stretch that led motorists about -mile to the north, further away from both pads. This roadway is used today to reach the beach. The yellow area on this map depicts the proposed Starship-Super Heavy launch-landing access restriction area surrounding pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Tuesday's afternoon meeting occurred while SpaceX crews prepped for another Starship launch attempt for the huge rocket's 10th flight test from Boca Chica, Texas. Weather, specifically an anvil cloud, triggered a scrub Monday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next, FAA officials will collect public comments on Starship environmental impacts during two more public meetings on Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Radisson Resort at the Port in Cape Canaveral. Hours are 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The address is 8701 Astronaut Blvd. The meetings will kick off with FAA PowerPoint video presentations describing Starship-Super Heavy proposed actions. Then the meetings will transition to an open-house, information-station format. That's when attendees can submit verbal comments to court reporters who will transcribe them for the record. In addition, an FAA Zoom meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 3. Gainesville resident Robyn Memphis, whose parents live in Titusville, launched a Change.org petition two weeks ago aimed at protecting Playalinda Beach public access. The petition garnered more than 3,150 signatures by Tuesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A surfer, Memphis fell in love with Playalinda Beach while living in Titusville and earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida. She drove back last week to catch waves generated by Hurricane Erin. "It's such a sanctuary. It's a place to get away from everything," Memphis said. "Other people are like, 'You can just go to another beach. You have so many of them.' It makes me question if they've ever been to Playalinda to see a completely undeveloped beach, with a beautiful drive in," she said. "This petition and talking to other people in the community has made me realize that I am not alone in feeling that way," she said. Titusville resident Barbara Evans was at the meeting with her scrapbooks, Keep Playalinda Open bumper stickers and wearing her I helped save Playalinda Beach t-shirt from 1980. Her and her husband Hank Evans fought to keep Playalinda open in the early 80s when shuttle launches were going to close the beach. On Tuesday, August 26, the FAA held a public meeting for the environmental impact statement for SpaceX Starship super heavy launch vehicle at Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center. T he meeting was held at the Astronaut Memorial Foundation building at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. FAA officials at Tuesday's meeting declined comment, referring a reporter to the 410-page draft environmental impact statement. This document noted that "launch scrubs and weather delays could affect the length and/or number of (Playalinda Beach) closures; however, the extent of these occurrences cannot be quantified at this time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of further note, "it is anticipated that, similar to other launch vehicles like Falcon, associated closure areas would reduce in size and duration as the program matures, more data is available, and the reliability of the vehicle improves." Brevard County Commissioner Thad Altman is also president and CEO of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. He chaired the commission during the Save Our Beach movement, and he said he hopes restriction zones for Starship launches and landings will eventually shrink southward away from Playalinda Beach. "As the rocket becomes more reliable and it flies more, they'll realize the safety zone doesn't have to be as broad. It will shrink," Altman said. Altman recalled lobbying for federal funding in Washington, D.C., alongside former Titusville mayor Truman Scarborough for the rerouted Playalinda Beach access road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's deja vu all over again. It didn't seem that long ago that we were getting funded for a new road," Altman said. Titusville resident Barbara Evans was featured in this September 1980 TODAY story about the grassroots group Save Our Beach celebrating NASA's decision to maintain access to Playalinda Beach during the space shuttle program. How to submit written Starship comments to the FAA Go to regulations.gov, then search for Docket No. FAA-2024-1395. Click the Comment button, enter your information, then click Submit Comment. Or, mail comments to Ms. Eva Long, FAA Environmental Protection Specialist c/o Leidos, 2877 Guardian Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. The comment period closes on Sept. 22. For the latest news from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space. Another easy way: Click here to sign up for our weekly Space newsletter. Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Playalinda Beach supporters oppose closures from SpaceX Starship launches Californias two biggest Republican names have both returned from retirement to fight Proposition 50, the mid-decade partisan gerrymander being promoted by top Democrats. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is raising money for a Stop Sacramentos Power Grab committee, while former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has backed donor Charles Munger Jr.s Protect Voters First. But the two committees are not coordinating their efforts, according to interviews with people involved in each. That distance reflects a core divide among the Republicans jumping into the fray against Gov. Gavin Newsoms Prop 50 one faction that hopes to manage President Donald Trumps involvement, one that wants to keep him far away. Youre going to see different messengers, but it's all going to be the same message, said Jessica Millan Patterson, the former California Republican Party chair now running Stop Sacramentos Power Grab. That message is: California voters decided in 2010 that they didn't want Sacramento politicians choosing who were who were their constituents. They wanted the people to have the power to decide who the representatives are, and that's why we have the Citizens Redistricting Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCarthy has said he hopes to raise $100 million for a campaign Patterson says will be aimed at a right-of-center coalition and making sure that conservative voters are turning out to vote. She says she has not made any attempt to recruit Schwarzenegger, who is his own man and I think he's going to be in his own lane talking to people. (Representatives for the former governor did not reply to requests for comment.) Munger has already given $10 million to Protect Voters First, which will invite Democrats, Republicans, and independents to oppose Prop 50s return to back-room, politician-drawn lines and to support a transparent, consensus-driven redistricting process, said a spokesperson. Californians are now starting to see differences in how the parallel campaigns will make the case for a No vote, as each launched its first voter-contact efforts in recent days. Mail that reached politically unaffiliated voters this weekend from a Patterson-affiliated group, Right Path California, has the cast of partisan messaging: it calls out Newsom by name twice, for scheming and ignoring cost-of-living issues over which Republicans have hammered Democrats for years. A mailer from Mungers Protect Voters First included testimonials from Common Cause and League of Women Voters, a quote from the chair of the Legislative Progressive Caucus and a Sacramento Bee columnist who argued that gerrymandering suppresses minority thought, and racially discriminates against Black, brown, and other politically underrepresented neighborhoods. (Common Cause issued a statement disowning Protect Voters First, claiming Newsoms map meets its fairness criteria.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those divergent arguments are also a far cry from what Californians are hearing from many national Republicans, who are currently cheerleading red states to engage in the same type of partisan gerrymandering that Newsom says provoked Prop 50. That includes Trump, who said earlier this month that his party is entitled to five more seats through a partisan gerrymander in Texas. Neither side seems eager to publicly embrace Trump, but it will probably grow more difficult for either of them to keep him out of the race. Today the president threatened to have his Justice Department sue Newsom over the redistricting plan. A third Republican faction may be about to enter the fray. Diane Abbott must be feeling terribly hard done by. Back in 2017, when she was Jeremy Corbyns shadow home secretary, she was widely ridiculed for announcing in a live radio interview that a Labour government would recruit 10,000 police officers at a cost of about 300,000. As her interviewer pointed out, this would give each of her new officers a salary of just 30 a year. In hindsight, however, I wonder whether we were all a little harsh on poor Ms Abbott. Because its now clear that theres a politician with an even shakier grasp of arithmetic. And hes the one running the country. On Saturday, Sir Keir Starmer boasted that his Government had made it cheaper to travel by bus. The 3 bus fare cap, he declared, has already cut costs for families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A curious claim. Because, under the previous Conservative government, the bus fare cap was 2. It only became 3 at the start of this year, under Labour. Now, Im no Alan Turing. But, when I was at school, Im fairly sure that three was generally considered to be a larger number than two. Admittedly, of course, that was a long time ago, and there have been many changes to the curriculum since then. Perhaps nowadays, in line with some characteristically bold educational reforms from Labour, primary school teachers stand in front of the class and say: Right, children, today were going to learn about counting. Repeat after me. One, three, two, four, five If so, its a good thing that Michael Jackson is no longer around. Otherwise hed have to sing, ABC easy as one, three, two. Which would completely ruin the rhyme. Still, regardless of whats going on in the nations primary schools, voters are bound to wonder how the Prime Minister can claim that hes made it cheaper to travel by bus, after raising the fare cap by 50 per cent. Having thoroughly appraised this perplexing mathematical conundrum, many will doubtless conclude that theres only one possible explanation: the mans a shameless liar who thinks were all idiots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But wait. Not so fast. Technically, Sir Keir is not lying. Look very carefully at his choice of words. He said the 3 bus fare cap had cut costs for families. And if you think about it, that may actually be true. After all, if raising the cap means that families can no longer afford to catch the bus to the shops, and are thus forced to walk instead, then they have, in effect, saved money because theyve spent nothing on bus fares. And if the shops are too far away for them to walk, and therefore they dont go to the shops at all, theyve saved even more money, because they havent bought anything. Which means that their costs have indeed been cut. So maybe thats what Sir Keir meant. All the same, I probably wouldnt make it the central message of his next election campaign. Labour: Making You Richer By Making You Poorer. Atlas shrugged Why is much of Africa still so gravely beset by poverty? There are various theories. But heres one Id never heard before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its all our maps fault. African nations, reports the Telegraph, have complained that world maps cruelly downplay their continents geopolitical and economic significance because they make Africa appear to be smaller than it really is. Jervin Naidoo, a political analyst at Oxford Analytics, said: The distorted representation of Africas size could lead to an underestimation of the continents vast economic potential. By accurately depicting Africas true scale, the campaign aims to reshape global perceptions, encouraging more informed investment decisions. Its a fascinating thought. None the less, I do wonder how much difference it would really make. Redrawing our maps might well make them more accurate. But Im not sure why it would lead to greater foreign investment in Africa. I mean, everyone already knows its there. Drawing it a bit bigger is unlikely to make the chief executives of global corporations exclaim: I say! Whats this mysterious new landmass in the middle of the map? Africa? Why, I had no idea such a place even existed. How incredible that, in the 21st century, mankind is still discovering brand new continents! Tell you what Ill bet its absolutely bursting with precious natural resources. Quick, lets go and colonise it, before anyone else gets there! On the whole, therefore, I fear the plan is doomed to disappointment. Still, we shouldnt knock it before its been tried. For all we know, Rachel Reeves is at this very moment on the phone to the publishers of Collins World Atlas, begging them to make Britain look bigger, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Come on, youve got loads of room. Half the page is just empty blue space... Way of the World is a twice-weekly satirical look at the headlines aiming to mock the absurdities of the modern world. It is published at 6am every Tuesday and Saturday Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Ukrainian government has granted young men up to the age of 22 permission to leave the country despite the ongoing war with Russia. "Men between the ages of 18 and 22 can cross the border unhindered during the state of war," Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote Tuesday on Telegram. The regulation applies to all conscripts in that age group. It is also important that Ukrainians who are already abroad for various reasons do not lose their connection to their homeland, Svyrydenko wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko explained that the measure is intended to give young men more opportunities to study abroad so they can later contribute to the country upon their return. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine three and a half years ago, President Volodymyr Zelensky imposed martial law, which included a travel ban for all men between 18 and 60 eligible for military service. Exceptions require special authorization. Nonetheless, thousands have fled abroad to avoid front-line duty. The new regulation will not affect the ongoing mobilization. Under current law, only men aged 25 and over can be drafted for service on the front, while younger men can only enlist as volunteers. The higher age threshold is intended to protect Ukraine's particularly small post-millennial birth cohorts. NASHVILLE (AP) Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who has become the face of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, is in a Virginia detention center facing deportation to the east African country of Uganda. The Maryland construction worker, 30, was detained Monday in Baltimore by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement after leaving a Tennessee jail on Friday. Administration officials have said he's part of the dangerous MS-13 gang, an allegation Abrego Garcia denies. The Salvadoran national's lawyers are fighting the deportation efforts in court, arguing he has the right to express fear of persecution and torture in Uganda. Abrego Garcia has also told immigration authorities he would prefer to be sent to Costa Rica if he must be removed from the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the latest twist in a long and complicated legal saga under the administrations hardline deportation policies. As his deportation proceedings and a related lawsuit move forward, heres what to know: Why does the government want to deport him? Abrego Garcia entered the U.S. without documentation when he was 16. He settled in Maryland, worked construction, married and started a family. A U.S. immigration judge deemed him eligible for deportation in 2019, but not to his native El Salvador where he faces credible threats of violence from local gangs. The Trump administration deported Abrego Garcia to El Salvador in March, in violation of the 2019 order. His American wife successfully sued to bring him back in June, and on his return he was charged with human trafficking in Tennessee charges his lawyers have called preposterous and vindictive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration is trying to deport him again before his trial saying hes a danger to the community. Confidential plea negotiations in his criminal case have become an opportunity for mudslinging on both sides. Lawyers: Uganda is punishment After the Trump administration was forced to bring Abrego Garcia back in June, ICE officials vowed to deport him to a unnamed third country. Within minutes of his release from criminal custody in Tennessee on Friday, ICE said he would be deported to Uganda. Abrego Garcia notified the U.S. government Saturday that he fears deportation to Uganda, where he believes he could be tortured. He said he also worries that Uganda will send him to El Salvador, where he said he's been tortured before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate notice, he said he would prefer to be deported to Costa Rica. The notices were included in the lawsuit filed Monday. It says the U.S. is punishing Abrego Garcia for successfully fighting his deportation to El Salvador, refusing to plead guilty to the smuggling charges and for seeking release from jail in Tennessee. Meanwhile, opposition figures and others in Uganda have criticized the agreement with the U.S. to receive deported migrants, questioning the lack of parliamentary approval and saying the deal eases political pressure on the countrys authoritarian president. Without parliamentary oversight, the whole scheme stinks, said Mathias Mpuuga, until recently the leader of the opposition in Ugandas national assembly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Uganda is already struggling to look after refugees fleeing violence in neighboring countries. It's unclear what Ugandan authorities are getting in return for accepting deportees. Costa Rica and plea negotiations The idea to deport Abrego Garcia to Costa Rica was borne of weekslong negotiations between prosecutors and defense attorneys in his human smuggling case. Abrego Garcia is accused of taking money to transport people who were in the country illegally. He has pleaded not guilty and asked the judge to dismiss the case, saying it was filed to punish him for challenging his deportation. Trial is set for January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges stem from a 2022 traffic stop for speeding in Tennessee. There were nine passengers in the SUV and Abrego Garcia had $1,400 in cash on him. While officers discussed among themselves their suspicions of smuggling, he was allowed to drive away with only a warning. A Homeland Security agent testified that he didnt begin investigating until this April, when the government was facing mounting pressure to return Abrego Garcia to the U.S. Prosecutors and defense attorneys began confidential discussions about a possible plea agreement in mid-July, according to court filings. Abrego Garcia was only interested in a deal in which he is deported to a Spanish-speaking third country in North or Central America like Mexico where he can live freely and safely after serving his sentence in the U.S. Working with the State Department, the U.S. Attorneys Office was able to secure a pledge from Costa Rica that Abrego Garcia would be welcomed there as a legal immigrant and not detained or re-deported to El Salvador. Prosecutors believed the two sides were very close to an agreement last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But within minutes of Abrego Garcia leaving jail on Friday, ICE informed his attorneys that it intended to deport him to Uganda. Abrego Garcias defense attorneys publicized details of the plea negotiations in a Saturday court filing. They said the threat of deportation to Uganda was more proof of the vindictive nature of the criminal case and more reason to dismiss it. Prosecutors shot back on Monday, defending their handling of the plea discussions and accusing defense attorneys of twisting the Governments good-faith efforts into something sinister. Reasonable fear interview In his lawsuit, Abrego Garcia's lawyers asked the court to ensure that he can exercise his constitutional rights, including immigration court proceedings and appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, Abrego Garcias lead immigration attorney, told reporters Monday that he is entitled to a reasonable fear interview, when he can express fears of persecution or torture in Uganda. If officials determine Abrego Garcia lacks reasonable fear, he should be allowed to ask a U.S. immigration judge to review that decision, his lawyer said. And if the immigration judge upholds the determination, Abrego Garcia should be able to bring it to the U.S. Court of Appeals. The Trump administration could just send Abrego Garcia to Costa Rica, which already said it would accept him, the lawsuit said. But the administration chose Uganda to punish him. ___ Finley reported from Norfolk, Virginia. Farmers Insurance, a California-based insurer, has experienced a data breach, resulting in unauthorised access to the sensitive data of more than one million customers. Precisely, the breach is said to have affected 1,071,172 policyholders. A third-party vendor alerted Farmers to suspicious activity in one of its databases containing customer data on 30 May 2025. The company said it immediately launched a probe to ascertain the nature and scope of the incident and notified appropriate law enforcement authorities. According to the company's investigation, the unauthorised actor accessed the database on 29 May 2025. The compromised data includes personal details such as name, address and date of birth, as well as driver's licence numbers and/or the last four digits of social security numbers. The company started sending written notices to impacted individuals on or around 22 August 2025. It said there was no evidence of additional personal data being accessed but asked affected customers to be vigilant. Although Farmers is unaware of any personal information involved in the incident being misused, we encourage individuals to remain vigilant against instances of identity theft and fraud by reviewing financial account statements and credit reports for any anomalies, and to notify their financial institution of any unauthorised transactions or suspected identity theft, it stated. Farmers is also providing free credit monitoring services including Cyberscout Single Bureau Credit Monitoring, Single Bureau Credit Report, and Single Bureau Credit Score for 24 months. Meanwhile, Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe, a law firm that represents shareholders, employees and consumers in class action lawsuits and derivative actions against corporations, is investigating the breach. Although the breach occurred in May 2025, Farmers Insurance did not begin notifying affected individuals until on or around 22 August 2025, which may have violated state and federal laws, it said. "Farmers Insurance data breach affects more than one million " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. Irish rap group Kneecap have cancelled their upcoming sold-out US tour, due to band member Liam Og O hAnnaidhs next court hearing in London. The band, who have been at the centre of several controversies this summer due to their outspoken support for Palestine during their live shows, were due to hit the road in the US on 1 October. In a statement, they said: To all our US-based fans, we have some bad news. Due to the close proximity of our next court hearing in London on September 26 as the British government continues its witch-hunt with the start of the US tour, we will have to cancel all 15 US tour dates in October. With every show fully sold out, this is news we are sad to deliver. But once we win our court case, which we will, we promise to embark on an even bigger tour to all you great heads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trio, who performed in Paris on Sunday night despite pro-Israel supporters attempting to disrupt their performance, did confirm that their planned Canadian shows in Vancouver and Toronto will still go ahead, and that they have a surprise in store for the US. We will be sharing something very special for US fans next week so that we can still link in with you all in October, they added. Its top secret for now but all will be revealed next week stay tuned. And remember The revolution will be no re-run, brothers. The revolution will be live. Related Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged in May after allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a London gig. He denies any wrongdoing and the case was adjourned last week at Westminster Magistrates Court in London, with Mo Chara released on unconditional bail for the second time. His next court appearance will be on 26 September. The band have repeatedly said that its members do not support Hamas or Hezbollah and denied accusations of anti-Semitism, claiming that those attacking the band weaponize the false accusation to distract, confuse, and provide cover for genocide. They have continued to use their platform at various music festivals to speak out not against the Jewish people but against Israel's war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is political policing, they wrote in May. This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story. Genocide is. Liam Og O hAnnaidh, aka Mo Chara, speaks to supporters as he departs Westminster Magistrates Court London - 20 August 2025 - AP Photo Speaking outside the court following last weeks hearing, Mo Chara thanked supporters: We know this story is more than just about me. Its more than Kneecap; this is a story about Palestine and us as a distraction from the real story. He added: We know, unfortunately, this story will end up in the media today, while Israel commits genocide at the same time. So, everybody, continue to speak about Palestine, free Palestine. Kneecap will continue to tour in Europe and have added extra dates to the French leg of their tour, with two dates in September at Paris Le Trianon (8 & 9 September) and two dates at lElysee Montmartre on 10 & 11 November. A person in Maryland was recently infected by the flesh-eating New World screwworm after traveling to El Salvador, US health officials confirmed this week. The blowflies primarily affect livestock human cases are rare. In a screwworm infestation, also known as a myiasis, female flies lay eggs in a fresh wound that quickly hatch into larvae. These maggots burrow into and feed on living tissue, potentially resulting in extensive tissue damage, bacterial infections and even death if unaddressed. An adult New World screwworm fly is seen here. These pests have become quite a problem for livestock, and in some cases, humans. AP A US Department of Health and Human Services spokesman said this week that the risk to public health in the United States from this latest case is very low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what you need to know about this parasitic disease as an outbreak rages on in Central America and Mexico. What is New World screwworm illness? Historical records show that the New World screwworm scientific name Cochliomyia hominivorax posed a problem to livestock in the US as early as 1825. A screwworm infestation killed many endangered Key deer in 2016. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services The pest became a major issue in 1933 when it migrated from the Southwest to the Southeast via a shipment of infested animals, causing widespread livestock death. In the 1960s, the US employed the sterile insect technique where millions of lab-raised sterile male flies are released to mate with wild females so they cant lay viable eggs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New World screwworm was largely eradicated in the US thanks to these efforts, until a small 2016 outbreak occurred among endangered deer in the Florida Keys. Over 188 million sterile flies eliminated that infestation in 2017. The latest outbreak began in Panama in 2023 before spreading throughout Central America and reaching Mexico. What are the symptoms? Two New World screwworm larvae are seen here. These larvae can cause major damage in open wounds. CDC Maggots in or around an open wound Unexplained skin wounds that are painful or bleeding and dont heal A wound that keeps getting larger and deeper The unnerving sensation of larvae moving in the nose, mouth or eyes A foul-smelling odor at the wound site Treatment The larvae must be removed from the wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts advise against trying to take care of them yourself, as surgery may be needed. Implications of the latest human case There was a case last year of a Florida cancer survivor who became sick from screwworms after visiting the Dominican Republic for over a week. The larva of a screwworm fly is extracted from a cow at an inspection center of Honduras Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock on May 21, 2025. REUTERS He noticed facial swelling, pain and nasal discharge. Doctors surgically removed 100 to 150 larvae that were so large that they clogged the hospitals suction machine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking extra precautions when traveling to outbreak-affected countries, especially if you have a weakened immune system. Suggestions include monitoring wounds and keeping them clean and covered, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants that have been treated with an insecticide containing 0.5% permethrin and sleeping indoors. Texas no longer allows certain undocumented students to pay in-state tuition following demands from the Trump administration to end the policy. Soon after the federal government sued Texas in June over a state law allowing the practice, Texas quickly asked the court to side with the feds and deem the law unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Reed OConnors ruling did just that and immediately blocked the law. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board instructed schools to adjust tuition for undocumented students starting this fall but did not provide further guidance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates for students say the rollout of the changes has been inconsistent. Some students have received little to no guidance from colleges, and others have been incorrectly reclassified as out-of-state students because of differing interpretations of the ruling. Its a really tricky situation that the schools and the students and those who work with them or care about them are trying to navigate, said Will Davies, director of policy and research for Breakthrough Central Texas, an organization that helps first-generation college students. Advocates urge students to press their universities or colleges for more information and to stay informed, especially since some students like those with visas or shielded from deportation could still qualify for in-state tuition. This is what we know about the ruling and its implications. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Who does this affect? Under the 2001 Texas Dream Act, Texas university and community college applicants who lived in the state three years before graduating from high school (or receiving an equivalent diploma) could seek in-state tuition, even if they were not permanent residents or U.S. citizens. To qualify, those students had to sign an affidavit stating that they would apply to become a permanent U.S. resident as soon as they were able. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 18,500 students in the state signed this affidavit in 2024, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This figure, however, includes not only undocumented students but also students with visas allowing them to legally accompany family members who have been approved to work in the U.S., according to state data. OConnors ruling specifically blocks the Texas law as applied to aliens who are not lawfully present in the United States. That means some immigrant students, such as visa holders and immigrants protected from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, still qualify for in-state tuition. In lawsuit filings over the policy change, attorneys representing Texas have acknowledged that DACA recipients still qualify for in-state tuition. [Texas universities could see fewer international students amid immigration crackdown, reports say] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Immigration Law Council has a list of people who may qualify as lawfully present, including those with Temporary Protected Status or with pending immigration adjustment applications. Because the Texas Dream Act didnt require institutions to track a students immigration presence or status, it has been unclear how many affidavit signers are undocumented students or how colleges would determine which students no longer qualify for in-state tuition. Kristin Etter, director of policy and legal services for the Texas Immigration Law Council, worries students who are not well-informed could be wrongfully denied in-state tuition. When does this go into effect? Can this be appealed? The federal ruling blocked the law immediately. The ruling was final. Since Texas asked the court to side with the federal government and deem the law unconstitutional, it is not expected that the state to appeal. A group of undocumented students, Austin Community College and the group La Union Del Pueblo Entero, asked Judge OConnor to let them intervene in the case with hopes of overturning the ruling. He rejected their request on Aug. 15, saying they sought intervention too late and lacked the legal authority to defend the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have appealed to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The 5th Circuits obviously a very conservative court, but part of that conservatism is a pretty limited view of the role the courts should play in legislation, said David Coale, a Dallas appellate lawyer. Its a tricky case for them to review. How are Texas colleges and universities responding to the ruling? Since the state has not yet provided much guidance to schools on how to implement the changes, universities and colleges have had to interpret the order on their own, said Will Davies, director of policy and research for Breakthrough Central Texas. That has also placed the burden of identifying, tracking and reclassifying students on schools, he said. We've got schools being forced into managing the fallout of a really rushed implementation without consistent standards, training, any real clarity from state agencies, Davies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some institutions like the University of Texas at Austin have requested that students submit proof of legal status, a higher bar that could prevent lawfully present immigrants like DACA recipients from paying in-state tuition rates. Section 54.009 of the Texas Education Code says schools cant raise tuition bills once students have registered for classes for that semester. The Texas Immigration Law Council recommends that students who saw their fall tuition increase but had already registered for classes and been billed for the fall semester advocate for themselves by citing this consumer protection law. [Undocumented students rethink their college dreams after Texas cuts their access to cheaper tuition] This month, The Texas Tribune asked the six four-year universities and three community college districts with the most affidavit signers how theyre determining who no longer qualifies for in-state tuition, how theyre informing students about their decisions, and how theyre supporting and protecting students during this process. They were the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, UT-Dallas, UT-Arlington, UT-Austin, Texas A&M, University of Houston, Dallas College District, Lone Star College District and Houston Community College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the schools did not respond. UT-Dallas directed the Tribune to a page on its website, which stated on Aug. 21 that the university had a residency review team that was processing documents students submitted between July 30 and Aug. 6. A spokesperson for the Texas A&M University System said officials were accepting the same documents the Texas Department of Public Safety accepts to establish lawful presence and would continue to do so until Sept. 8. A UT-RGV spokesperson declined to answer specific questions about the universitys process and reiterated its comments after the court ruling in June. Our priority and focus are on minimizing disruption to student success consistent with applicable law and helping students navigate this transition with clarity and care, the spokesperson said in a statement. What can students do? If a school doesnt have a designated team to help students affected by tuition changes or who have been misclassified, the Texas Immigration Law Council advises them to keep calling admissions and financial aid offices at their college with their questions. If an institution is unresponsive, Etter, with Texas Immigration Law Council, suggests students try to go in person. They should also review the Texas Immigration Law Councils FAQs and resources, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We're really trying to make schools aware that students need to be able to figure this out, Etter said. They need to have a designated employee that can help answer these questions and support students. Because really, at the end of the day, schools and students are left holding the bag, and they've received no guidance, no support, and they're essentially now potentially depriving thousands of students their ability to pay in-state tuition. Breakthrough Central Texas, which advises students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education, has been helping affected college students decide what to do. That has included helping students who are lawfully present in the country safely submit their documentation and helping those who may no longer qualify for in-state tuition consider their options. For students providing documentation to show their lawful presence, photocopies are always advised and permissible, Davies said, noting that universities typically dont require original documents other than transcripts. Advocates for students have created a checklist for students who need to prove lawful presence that can be found here, along with other resources. Students who are close to completing their degree or are enrolled at more affordable colleges where the increase from in-state to out-of-state tuition rates may not be as high might want to explore financial options to stay in school, Davies said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that may not be as feasible for students at more selective institutions with higher out-of-state tuition costs or for people who are just starting with their studies. Davies said those students should consider reducing the number of credit hours or classes they take per semester, exploring lower-cost online options or transferring to another public or private institution that is more affordable. His organization is also helping students understand which classes under their programs of study they must take at their college and which classes could be taken at a community college, online or elsewhere, Davies said. That's really how granular young people are needing to get in thinking about how they're going to navigate this change, he said. Private universities generally have a single tuition rate but costs can vary per student depending on tuition discounts and merit- or need-based scholarships. However, they are usually more expensive and selective, making them out of reach for most students, said Andrea Guengerich Harper, chief strategy officer at Breakthrough Central Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some private organizations, such as TheDream.US, provide scholarships for undocumented students, including in states where in-state tuition is not an option for them. Some groups, such as Rooted, an initiative that provides support for immigrant students at UT-Austin, have launched fundraising campaigns to help affected students. Students Engaged in Advancing Texas and Texas Students for DEI also launched a fundraising campaign to help students cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition for the fall semester. But the groups had to close applications on Aug. 11 after the volume of applications exceeded the funds they had raised. How much more is out-of-state tuition in Texas? How long a student has been living in Texas is one of the biggest factors in determining a students tuition, or coursework bill. (Tuition does not account for other college fees or housing and living costs.) Each college sets its own tuition residency criteria, according to the THECB. Community colleges often offer lower tuition rates to people who live within their tax district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students from outside the state or country can, in some cases, pay almost four times more than in-state students. At the UT-Austin, the states flagship university, the flat-rate tuition for the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters costs $15,848 more for an out-of-state liberal arts student taking 12 or more credit hours than it would for a student with similar coursework paying in-state tuition rates, according to the university. Tuition also costs $18,765 more for an out-of-state student studying business and $17,713 more for engineering. At Lone Star College in Houston, tuition for 12 credit hours for an out-of-state or international student costs $768 more than for an in-state student, and $2,424 more than for a student who lives within the colleges tax district, according to the community colleges 2025-26 rates. How did we get here? Since Texas became the first state to extend in-state tuition eligibility to undocumented students in 2001, Republican state lawmakers have filed at least 15 bills trying to undo the state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Immigrant rights advocates worried the push to repeal the law would gain more traction during the 2025 legislative session as the Trump administration promised to ramp up immigration enforcement and Texas sought to match its pace. Earlier this year, a bill to repeal the Texas Dream Act was voted out of committee for the first time in a decade, but failed to advance any further. Immigrant rights advocates relief was short-lived. They were caught off guard when the Justice Department sued Texas two days after the legislative session ended, arguing that Texas should not offer undocumented students any benefit not afforded to U.S. citizens (U.S. citizens living outside of Texas dont qualify for in-state tuition in the states public universities). The state agreed and asked the judge overseeing the case to side with the federal government, which he did and declared the law unconstitutional. Some legal experts have said the speedy way in which the case was resolved makes it seem like federal and state attorneys colluded to coordinate the outcome. Monica Andrade, an attorney and director of state policy and legal strategy at the Presidents Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, said the argument that undocumented students were receiving benefits denied to U.S. citizens is false and misleading because, under the Texas Dreamer Act, both groups of people needed to meet the same criteria to qualify for in-state tuition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since President Donald Trumps election in November, several states have moved to end tuition assistance for undocumented students, Inside Higher Education reported. In February, Florida passed a law that eliminated in-state tuition for undocumented students. Lawmakers in Massachusetts and Minnesota also filed similar bills to try to restrict undocumented students from receiving state assistance for college, but the bills do not appear to have passed. State officials in Minnesota and Kentucky also faced lawsuits from the Trump administration over tuition policies for undocumented college students. Those lawsuits are still ongoing. Meanwhile, some states like Indiana and New Mexico have sought to expand in-state tuition eligibility. The Trump administration and Republicans have sought to end other benefits for immigrants. In July, the Trump administration announced plans to cut undocumented immigrants access to a range of federally funded programs, including community health centers and the early child support program Head Start. Texas in recent years has increasingly mirrored Trumps aggressive immigration agenda, increasing its law enforcement presence and building its own wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Disclosure: Houston Community College, Lone Star College, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M University System, University of Houston, University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. Big news: 20 more speakers join the TribFest lineup! New additions include Margaret Spellings, former U.S. secretary of education and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center; Michael Curry, former presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church; Beto ORourke, former U.S. Representative, D-El Paso; Joe Lonsdale, entrepreneur, founder and managing partner at 8VC; and Katie Phang, journalist and trial lawyer. Get tickets. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. Correction, Aug. 26, 2025 at 2:15 p.m. : An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Michigan was one of several states where lawmakers filed proposals to restrict undocumented students from receiving state assistance for college. States that filed legislation to that effect this year include Texas, Massachusetts and Minnesota, but not Michigan. MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) Gray Squirrel hunting season begins in Vermont this Monday, September 1, Fish and Wildlife officials confirm. This multiple-month hunting season serves as an opportunity for new hunters to learn the basics of reading the landscape, making a safe and ethical shot and cooking wild game, says Hunter Education Coordinator Nicole Meier. The states gray squirrel population, which is mostly concentrated in the Champlain Valley and southern Vermont, can often be found at stands of nut-bearing trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VT Fish and Wildlife on waterfowl hunting blinds These squirrels are most often hunted with a shotgun, archery equipment or a .22 rifle, according to the department. As for what to do with your hunted squirrels, Meier notes that Gray squirrels are incredibly tasty. You can find great gray squirrel recipes in classic cookbooks, trendy culinary magazines and anywhere that publishes wild food recipes. The possession limit is eight gray squirrels, and the daily bag limit is four. Officials recommend wearing a blaze orange hat and vest while hunting. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Starting Monday, Aug. 25, Worcester voters have the chance to cast an early ballot in the preliminary election. The election will determine which 12 of the 14 candidates running for city councilor-at-large will advance to the general election. The election will also determine which two of the three candidates running for the District E School Committee seat will move on to the final round. From Monday, Aug. 25, through Friday, Aug. 29, voters can go to the Worcester Public Library to cast a ballot, according to the citys elections commission website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voting hours at the library are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Election day will take place on Sept. 2, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to the website. Registered voters in Worcester can find their polling location here. There are 14 candidates running for councilor-at-large, five of whom are incumbents. There are six councilor-at-large seats. The candidates running for councilor-at-large are as follows: Joseph Petty (incumbent) Khrystian King (incumbent) Morris Bergman (incumbent) Kate Toomey (incumbent) Donna Colorio (incumbent) Satya Mitra Cayden Davis Jermoh Kamara Charles Luster Owura-Kwaku Sarkodieh Gary Rosen Jessica Pepple Edson Montero Bernard Iandoli Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to running for councilor-at-large, Petty and King are also running for mayor, a position currently held by Petty. Any city councilor-at-large candidate who earns the most votes in the general election becomes mayor, according to the elections office. Because of this stipulation, all at-large candidates technically run for mayor but they do have the option to opt out of the mayoral race and just run for city councilor-at-large, according to the city charter. Councilor-at-large Thu Nguyen is not running for reelection this year. For the District E School Committee member race, three candidates have qualified to appear on the Sept. 2 ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The candidates are incumbent Kathleen L. Roy and challengers Noelia M. Chafoya and Nelly Medina. The candidates who earn the first and second most votes will move on to the general election. The races for Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 City Councilors already have two candidates, so there will be no preliminary election. District 2 Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson will face off against challenger Robert A. Bilotta. District 4 Councilor Luis A. Ojeda will run against Theodore A. Kostas and District 5 Councilor Etel Haxhiaj will face off against Jose A. Rivera. District 1 Councilor Jenny Pacillo and District 3 Councilor George Russell opted not to run for reelection this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keith J. Linhares and Tony J. Economou are running to replace Pacillo in District 1. John P. Fresolo and Robert F. Pazzella are running for the District 3 seat. School Committee incumbents in Districts A, B, D and F are running unopposed this year, including Vanessa Z. Alvarez for District B, Alejandro Guardiola for District D and Jermaine L. Johnson for District F. District A incumbent Molly O. McCullough was supposed to face off against challenger Ashley R. Spring but the citys board of elections ruled them ineligible to be on the ballot because they do not meet the citys residency requirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spring, who uses they/them pronouns, was also present on Eureka Street when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested a Brazilian mother of three on May 8. Spring sprayed water on a Worcester officer during the ICE arrest and faces multiple charges. The list of candidates for school committee-at-large and District C is small enough not to require a preliminary election. The two incumbent School Committee Members-at-Large, Maureen F. Binienda and Susan M. Mailman, have both qualified for the November ballot along with challenger Adwoa A. Sakyi-Lamptey. The two candidates who receive the first and second most votes in the election will be awarded the at-large seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District C incumbent Dianna Biancheria will run against Feanna S. Jattan-Singh. The general election for all offices will take place on Nov. 4. More Worcester Stories Read the original article on MassLive. The state-owned Pacific Spaceport Complex is seen on July 13, 2021, in Kodiak. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) Alaskas state-owned Pacific Spaceport Complex on Kodiak Island launched a secret U.S. Department of Defense missile last week during what observers believe was a hypersonic weapon being tested by the U.S. military. The launch, which was not disclosed beforehand, took place about 10 p.m. Thursday night and was observed by people across the Kodiak Archipelago and was visible as far away as Seward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hypersonic missiles are those that can travel at least five times the speed of sound. While long-range ballistic missiles produced since World War II frequently exceed that threshold, they cannot typically maneuver to avoid defenses and are locked on a fixed trajectory. Modern hypersonic missiles, under development by several countries, would be able to avoid anti-missile systems being deployed by the United States, Israel and other countries. KMXT-FM public radio and the Kodiak Daily Mirror first reported the launch, which was preceded by warnings to navigators and road closures on Kodiak, home to Alaskas state-owned spaceport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spaceport is owned and operated by the Alaska Aerospace Corporation, a state-owned public corporation created in the late 1990s as part of legislative efforts to diversify Alaskas economy. Officials issued a written statement the day after saying that a successful government rocket launch took place Thursday night and that it was the 35th launch from the Kodiak spaceport since its creation in 1998. The residents of Kodiak should be proud of yesterdays achievement and the significant contribution their community provides to the space legacy of the United States, the statement said in part. The corporation did not state the purpose of the launch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warning messages issued ahead of the launch are similar to those that observers saw in 2021, when the Department of Defense twice attempted and failed to launch a hypersonic missile from the Kodiak spaceport. The corporation declined to answer questions asking about the launch on Monday. John Oberst, president and CEO of the corporation, said by email, The Alaska Aerospace Corporation considers transparency with Alaskans a priority. On occasion, there are some launches, like the one last week, that do not permit us this latitude. Thank you for your interest in our business. Research scientist Dr. Marco Langebroek, who tracks space launches from his home in the Netherlands, observed that the warnings to navigators match a planned three-stage missile test splashing down near the U.S. militarys rocket site at Kwajalein, Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four years ago, the U.S. Army published documents indicating that it intended to test a hypersonic missile from Kodiak. The information in those documents matches the warning messages published ahead of last weeks flight. In 2021, a prior test launch from Kodiak failed due to problems with the booster rocket intended to lift the hypersonic weapon to a high altitude. PRISTINA (Reuters) -Kosovo's parliament on Tuesday elected a new speaker, ending a six-month legislative crisis that had blocked efforts by the outgoing Prime Minister Albin Kurti to form a new government after an inconclusive election in February. Under Kosovo's constitution, a parliamentary speaker must be voted in before the election winner can form a government, but without cross-party backing that has proved difficult, leading to a stalemate that has exposed deep divisions in Europe's newest state. In all, the parliament voted more than 50 times before they finally agreed on Dimal Basha, who is from Kurti's party, receiving 73 votes in the 120-seat house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five deputy speakers must also be elected, in a vote expected later on Tuesday. Kurti now has two weeks to reach a deal with other parties, including those representing non-Albanian minorities, or the president will hand other parties the mandate to form a government. If those efforts fail, a snap election will take place. "The parliament is the heart of our democracy, the place where the voices of all citizens are heard," Basha said after the vote. "I feel great responsibility that has been entrusted on me." Following an acrimonious campaign, Kurti's Vetevendosje party came first in the February 9 parliamentary election, but failed to secure an outright majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opposition parties have so far refused to form a coalition government with Vetevendosje. They partly blame Kurti for escalating tensions in the country's Serb-majority north that have held back Kosovo's chances of joining the EU and triggered sanctions from the bloc. (Reporting by Fatos Bytyci; Editing by Angeliki Koutantou and Alex Richardson) The Kroger Co. is set to lay off nearly 1,000 corporate workers, our news partners at WCPO reported. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A spokesperson for the company, which is headquartered in Cincinnati, said the layoffs will only include corporate administrative staff. Of those being laid off, around 200 of them work in Cincinnati, WCPO reported. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WCPO obtained an internal letter sent to employees. In it, the company said it was looking for ways to simplify the organization, shift resources closer to our customers and focus on work that creates the most value. Projects that werent helping run great stores have also been halted. In the internal letter, the company said its focus is on lower prices, new store growth, and more jobs in stores. This comes two months after Kroger announced it would be closing 60 stores over the next 18 months. While the company did not initially say which stores would be closing, a spokesperson told News Center 7 that they do not anticipate any closures in the Cincinnati-Dayton region. There are around 2,700 Kroger stores across the country. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Two weeks ago, scores of masked, gun-toting federal immigration agents assembled in front of the Japanese American National Museum in downtown Los Angeles. Inside the museum, Gov. Gavin Newsom was surrounded by nearly every powerful Democrat in California, preparing to announce that he would take on President Trumps redistricting plans with a special election campaign. Outside, Border Patrol Sector Chief Gregory Bovino was flanked by dozens of agents who looked ready for battle. Now, a number of Southern California members of Congress are demanding answers about the enforcement action outside Newsom's news conference and the decision-making process behind it in a letter sent Tuesday to Department of Homeland Security leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We just wanted to get some questions answered," said Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), who spearheaded the letter. "I was at Newsom's press conference. It was really shocking to have as many as a hundred federal officers in tactical gear just appear." The letter was sent to Bovino, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Todd Lyons and White House border advisor Tom Homan. It was signed by at least 12 other congressional Democrats, including Sen. Alex Padilla and Reps. Judy Chu (Monterey Park), Gil Cisneros (Covina), Robert Garcia (Long Beach), Luz Rivas (North Hollywood), Ted Lieu (Torrance), Nanette Diaz Barragan (San Pedro) and Brad Sherman (Sherman Oaks). Read more: Border Patrol agents stage show of force at Newsom's 'big beautiful press conference' The letter requests that answers to a number of questions be provided in writing by Sept. 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group asked who originally made the request to deploy agents outside the Japanese American National Museum on Aug. 14; whether the subject matter of Newsom's news conference was a consideration in the decision to deploy federal agents; and whether the size of the force was standard; and what operational criteria were used to determine the size and composition of the force deployed. As the agents massed outside the building, Newsom was announcing a plan to counter a Republican-led redistricting push by redrawing Californias own congressional districts to favor Democrats. Last week, the California Legislature approved a November special election where voters will decide the fate of the measure. Read more: News Analysis: Newsoms decision to fight fire with fire could have profound political consequences The letter also asks for details about the two arrests made during the Little Tokyo operation and whether Homeland Security knew those individuals would be present when it decided to conduct its immigration enforcement action. One of the individuals arrested happened to be delivering strawberries as the agents convened at the museum. He now faces deportation to Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was outrageous that Trump and his supporters called ICE on us as we were conducting our redistricting press conference," Chu said. "It was clearly an attempt to intimidate us and to send a political message that he would use his law enforcement capabilities to make us feel afraid." 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. Wayfair (W), RH (RH), and Williams-Sonoma (WSM) were among home furniture stocks getting hit on Monday after President Trump on Friday suggested furniture imports would face future tariffs at a rate "yet to be determined." Trump said in a post on Truth Social late Friday that his administration would be doing a "major Tariff Investigation on Furniture coming into the United States." "Within the next 50 days, that Investigation will be completed, and Furniture coming from other Countries into the United States will be Tariffed at a Rate yet to be determined," Trump added. President Trump announced an investigation into furniture imports on Aug. 22. Wayfair stock fell as much as 7% on Monday, while RH stock dropped as much as 6% and Williams-Sonoma fell nearly 3%. Shares of all three retailers fell late Friday following Trump's initial post on the investigation from his administration. Shares of companies that manufacture in the US rallied. La-Z-Boy (LZB) stock gained almost 1%, and Ethan Allen Interiors (ETD), which has 75% of its manufacturing in North America, also rose. Furniture sellers have been hit over the past couple of years by a stagnant housing market and a squeeze on consumer discretionary spending outside of the highest-earning cohorts. "There's no question the higher-end market is stronger than mass," Wayfair CEO Niraj Shah said during the retailer's quarterly earnings call earlier this month as he described the overall discretionary market. "I think the market is still flat to down low-single digits. And I would describe the market not as having strength, but as sort of feeling like it's bottomed out, like bumping along the bottom." Despite Monday's losses, Wayfair shares are higher year to date as the online home goods retailer has improved its cost structure and suppliers have shifted their manufacturing to other Asian countries outside of China amid Trump's evolving tariff policy. "We continue to monitor the evolving trade landscape and remain confident in our ability to adapt as needed," read a statement from Wayfair on Monday. CFRA Research analysts reiterated a Hold rating on the stock on Monday noting the Wayfair operates primarily as a marketplace, connecting buyers and sellers. "Because the assortment is largely unbranded and highly substitutable, competition among sellers is intense, and many have been reluctant to raise prices amid a multi-year downturn in the home furnishings market," wrote senior analyst Arun Sundaram. Read more: What Trump's tariffs mean for the economy and your wallet Labour has been accused of abandoning British tech firms despite Sir Keir Starmers pledge to transform the country into an artificial intelligence (AI) powerhouse. Ministers have assembled new working groups with companies in the creative and tech sectors to address concerns that the rapid growth of AI is riding roughshod over copyright laws. However, attendee lists seen by The Telegraph show that only one UK tech firm the AI video maker Synthesia has been invited to the meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a host of US tech firms including Amazon, Apple, Meta, Nvidia and ChatGPT maker OpenAI, are on the list. The disparity has sparked accusations that the Government is failing to engage with British tech firms and prioritising the interests of their larger US rivals instead. A creative industries source said: Not content with hollowing out the creative sector in favour of Big Tech, it seems the Government is choosing to favour the interests of US AI giants over UK startups and challengers. This blinkered attitude to engagement makes a mockery of the Governments supposed commitment to AI Sovereignty, with UK-based generative AI firms already put at a massive competitive disadvantage by the ability of Big Tech to seemingly ignore UK law at will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The working groups were established last month following the controversial passing of the Governments Data Bill. Credit: Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg BBC One The laws sparked a furious backlash from high-profile figures in the creative industries including Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney and Dua Lipa, who warned tech companies would be given free rein to use copyrighted material to train their AI models without paying for it. The bill was held up in the House of Lords after peers led by Baroness Kidron tried to table an amendment that would force tech firms to declare when they were using copyrighted material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the Government refused to accept the amendment, saying it was carrying out a separate consultation on copyright. Two meetings of the working groups have already taken place, with the third scheduled for early next month. The final meeting will be attended by industry lobby group TechUK, which said it would represent its members and ensure their voices were heard. Nevertheless, Baroness Kidron, a filmmaker who directed Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, said it was beyond disappointing that only one UK AI company was represented in the groups. Baroness Kidron tried to table an amendment to the Data Bill forcing tech firms to declare use of copyrighted material - David Rose She added: We cannot grow our AI sector if the Government continually offers preferential treatment to US companies. It is as if they have not understood the last two decades in which Silicon Valley transfers economic benefit offshore, nor the declared needs of UK companies to benefit from being headquartered in a data-rich, innovative and creative nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, the Government will have to find a national story for tech. At the moment they are slaves to an American narrative. Ausrine Skarnulyte, chief executive of UK AI startup Voice Swap, said: There is a real risk that the chosen US firms, with their deep funding and budgets, will end up setting the terms of debate, leaving UK companies to adapt to rules they had little hand in shaping. If the Government is serious about AI sovereignty, then UK AI businesses need to be in the room. The creative industries source added: Ethical AI firms are willing to pay for the creative content that fuels their models, but the Government seemingly isnt interested in this perspective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ignoring the UK creative and tech sectors in policy development will guarantee that the value of AI is realised, and taxed, in the US. A government spokesman denied ministers were prioritising the interests of US companies over British ones. They added: A range of British voices have been contributing to this work, as part of close engagement with both the creative industries and the AI sector to drive AI innovation and ensure robust protections for creators. We are bringing together both British and global companies, alongside voices beyond the AI and creative sectors, to ensure we can capture the broadest possible range of expert views as we consider next steps. 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. Seven months ago, the Australian Jewish Association called for the Albanese government to expel the Iranian ambassador to Australia, Ahmad Sadeghi. This was because evidence mounted of his and the Iranian regimes involvement in anti-Semitic attacks in the country. Better late than never, perhaps, as the government has now acted on a report by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (Asio), which shows that the Iranian regime was indeed behind at least two terror attacks. One was at a kosher cafe in Sydney last year in October; the other was at a synagogue in Melbourne in December. Asio head Mike Burgess said today that it had uncovered links between the alleged crimes and the commanders in Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard CorpsTheyre just using cut-outs, including people who are criminals and members of organised crime gangs to do their bidding or direct their bidding. The IRGC had used a complex web of proxies to hide its involvement in the attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of this is surprising. It has long been known how Iranian embassies and proxies across the world coordinate attacks on Jews and opponents of the regime. Here in the UK, the then security minister Tom Tugendhat told the House of Commons in 2023 that the police and security services had detected at least 15 credible threats to kill or kidnap UK citizens and residents in 2022. Iran, he said, had been gathering information about Jews as a preparation for lethal operations. He later told the Jewish Chronicle: We know that the Iranians are using non-traditional sources to carry out these operations, including organised criminal gangs. They are paying criminal gangs to conduct surveillance. The pattern is so familiar because it is the Iran regimes modus operandi abroad, with the IRGC as its terror arm. The expulsion of the Iranian ambassador from Australia has generated headlines not least because he is the first ambassador from any country expelled by the Australians since the Second World War. But its more significant that they are intending to proscribe the IRGC, which is the conduit for an extensive network of organisations that propagandise and recruit for the regime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In opposition, Labour rightly criticised the Conservative government for failing to proscribe the IRGC and pledged that it would do so. Despite being in power over a year, it has failed to act. It was striking at the time how many people decided that the appropriate response to Israel destroying Irans nuclear programme in June was to take to the streets in support of the regime. One might hope that todays confirmation that the Iranians were behind the recent attacks on Australias Jews would cause the protestors to have a rethink (not least because of how the regime treats its own people). But it would be a forlorn hope, because the nature of the regime and how it operates has been clear for decades. Everyone knows. Iran has successfully managed to take advantage of our refusal to block its operations here. And with the Australians now proscribing the IRGC, it forces a question to the front: Why wont Labour stick to its promise and do the same? 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. Just weeks after the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony at LaGuardo Elementary the 12th school built within 12 years in Wilson County and shared the importance of community in the education of the countys students. On Sunday, more than 70 people gathered at the school to officially celebrate its opening. Principal Dr. Tiffany Brown was joined by Wilson County School Board members, Superintendent Jeff Luttrell, Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto and State Rep. Clark Boyd. I know its a long time coming, and we are finally here and it was worth the wait, Brown said. [The] building is beautiful, but its the students, its the staff, its the families, its the community that makes us what we are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growth within the county was one of the driving forces behind the construction of LaGuardo Elementary. In addition to the school, other projects needed to be completed such as widening surrounding roads and considerations for traffic signals. Luttrell said since the new school opened, traffic spread around a larger area and less congestion has occurred. The only major challenge is a shortage of school bus drivers. [We] still need bus drivers. If we could find enough bus drivers that would take a lot of our pressure off, Luttrell said. Were down about eight drivers from what we need. Youre going to have drivers that are out sick, and so weve got everybody that weve got capable. Even our office people are driving. Luttrell also said that several applicants are in the training process to become bus drivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students are adjusting well to the change. The vast majority of them were rezoned from West Elementary School, so the children are around familiar people like teachers and friends. It does seem like theyve been here all along because theyve come with their friends, and theyre comfortable with one another, Brown said. The 65 acres LaGuardo Elementary sits on came from the Jenkins and Jones families. Although hesitant at first, members of the Jenkins family got to tour and expressed joy that the land is being put to good use, an investment into Wilson Countys future. Luttrell said eventually a middle school is planned to be built on the property as well. This school is the result of so many hearts, minds and people coming together to make it happen, Hutto said, taking a moment to recognize the Jenkins family after the ribbon cutting. Education is the number one reason people move to Wilson County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LaGuardo Elementary opened without a permanent sewage system. Due to licensing issues with the state, the Water and Wastewater Authority of Wilson County wasnt able to install the wastewater disposal system in time for the beginning of the school year. Until the issues can be resolved, theres a temporary pump and haul method which is taking the wastewater from the school to one of Lebanons water treatment facilities. According to school board officials, theres no interruption to school day activities with pumping and hauling. You wouldnt even know it if it had not been so public, Brown said. It doesnt affect our school day. We are able to operate like normal. Theres a lot going on behind the scenes with TDEC and [WWAWC] and then their subcontractor Adenus to get to that permanent solution, Luttrell said. We look forward to that day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Luttrell, school safety was on the school boards mind during the design process. The building is designed to serve as a facility to be utilized in times of hardship in the community, such as a destructive tornado. The hallways are FEMA-approved to serve as a tornado shelter. A generator is on site in case of power loss, and the windows are the highest rating for bullet resistance. Luttrell also said LaGuardo Elementary will be operating "for the next 100 years." LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The ongoing conservation effort to protect razorback suckers in the Colorado River will bring lower water levels in Lake Mohave over the coming months, according to a Monday news release. Boaters should use caution when navigating downstream of Hoover Dam, where water levels will be lower than normal. Lake Mohave. (KLAS) Critical habitat for the razorback sucker, which is listed as endangered, includes the river between Hoover Dam and Davis Dam. In addition, rearing ponds have been established along Lake Mohave. Lower water levels will allow gathering of tens of thousands of newly hatched larvae, which will be transferred to state and federal hatcheries throughout the Southwest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bureau of Reclamation will steadily lower the water levels, bringing the lake down by 5 feet by Oct. 5. The lake surface will then be at 637 feet above sea level. It will remain at that level for a week. The lake level will begin to rise after Oct. 12, expected to come up by about a foot by the end of October. FILE In this Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018, file photo, a Colorado River razorback sucker fish is shown swimming in a tank at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office in Lakewood, Colo. (AP Photo/Dan Elliott, File) After time to grow in the hatcheries, many of the fish are placed in lakeside rearing ponds around Lake Mohave, where they continue to grow and learn how to forage for food. In the fall, these fish are harvested from the lakeside ponds, tagged with microchips, and released back into Lake Mohave, according to the news release. A YouTube video taken underwater at Lake Mohave shows a group of about 50 razorback suckers. The microchips can be read when fish swim over PVC framed antennas like the one in the videos foreground. Razorback suckers (Xyrauchen texanus) typically grow to about 15 to 28 inches and weigh less than 7 pounds. They are dark brown to olive green on top, with bellies that are yellow to white. An abruptly rising, bony dorsal keel behind their heads is the basis for their name, according to conservation documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) The Land Trust of North Alabama will be hosting a groundbreaking ceremony of the Tollgate Greenway Project on Thursday, September 4. The event is scheduled to take place at the Bankhead Trailhead Parking Lot located at 2442 Bankhead Parkway, Huntsville, AL., at 11 a.m. The project will create a 1.2-mile paved, multi-use greenway following a segment of Toll Gate Road on Monte Sano. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning at the Land Trusts Bankhead Trailhead and connecting with the closed section of Bankhead Parkway, the greenway will provide pedestrians and cyclists with a safe route along the western slope of the mountain. The project is also set to expand access to nature for individuals with limited mobility who cant utilize traditional natural-surface trails. There is no timetable for when construction is going to begin. The greenway is expected to open in the spring 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. A landmark decision: New ruling paves the way for medical marijuana patients to purchase firearms Medical marijuana and Second Amendment advocates believe a new court ruling will prove to be the smoking gun that opens the door for medical marijuana patients to purchase firearms. For gun dealers like Ziadeh Farhat, who owns Green Acres Sporting Goods, if a customer checks the box indicating they are a medical marijuana patient on the federal firearms form, its game over. They have to either lie on the form or they just cant buy a gun, said Farhat. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] But a new ruling from a federal appeals court lays the groundwork to overturn the policy that currently blocks medical marijuana patients from purchasing firearms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a landmark decision, said Nikki Fried, Chair of the Florida Democratic Party. Fried helped spearhead the legal challenge when she served as Floridas Commissioner of Agriculture. She argued allowing medical marijuana patients to fully exercise their Second Amendment rights is an issue that crosses party lines. Making sure that those who participate in the medical marijuana program dont have to choose between their constitutional rights thats in the Florida Constitution and that of their Second Amendment rights, said Fried. The State of Florida is no longer a party to the case, after Frieds successor pulled out of the suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But plaintiffs, including military veteran medical marijuana patients, stayed on the case. The latest ruling stops short of immediately overturning the federal prohibition, but it does send the case back down to a lower court to issue a formal ruling consistent with the appellate court opinion. Farhat told Action News Jax until the ATF issues a new directive or updates the federal form, gun stores will continue operating as they have been. But he said he does believe ending the ban is overdue. I feel like at this point its no different than say, alcohol or anything else, said Farhat. So, I think if theyre a law-abiding citizen, doing everything the right way, I dont think they should be denied their Second Amendment right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear when final action on the issue may come. There are several possibilities, but if the federal government continues to appeal, Fried said it could take a ruling from the US Supreme Court before the issue if fully resolved. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A section of eastbound I-70 in Preble County will only have one lane open due to bridge work this Tuesday. According to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the work will start at 6 p.m. on Aug. 26 for the Orangeburg Road overpass. This is for routine maintenance on the bridge. The one lane restriction will run until 9 p.m. Drivers are asked to use extra caution in the area for workers safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said westbound I-70 should not be affected by the restriction. To view real-time OHGO traffic information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Lansing will host a clothing drive to provide new and lightly used winter coats, hats, and gloves to children and adults in the community, the city announced Tuesday. Item collection for the drive began this week and will run through Nov. 7, 2025. The items will be given away at Community Connect on November 20 at the Downtown CATA station. Its hard to believe were already looking ahead to winter, but now is the time to prepare, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said in a news release. Im asking Lansing residents to help those in the most need by donating cold-weather outerwear. Whether theres a coat in the back of your closet that no longer fits, or you can pick up an extra pair of gloves while shopping, making a donation is simple. We want every person to have the winter gear they need, and that can only happen when we all pitch in. Drop-off locations: Lansing City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave. Foster Community Center, 200 N. Foster Ave. Gier Community Center, 2400 Hall St. Schmidt Community Center, 5825 Wise Rd. Letts Community Center, 1220 W. Kalamazoo St. Maurers Sanitary Cleaners, 2815 E. Saginaw St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New or gently used coats, hats, and gloves will be accepted, and all sizes are needed. Donations can be dropped off in the large container located outside Lansing City Hall, as well as in bins in Lansing community centers. Our coat drive stands as a vital reminder of the warmth and dignity every individual deserves, said Kimberly Coleman, the director of Lansings Human Relations and Community Services department. By coming together as a community, we can provide not just warmth but hope and support to those facing homelessness. Every coat collected is a step toward helping our neighbors in need, demonstrating that together, we can make a difference. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Los Angeles police have apprehended a criminal ring believed to be responsible for nearly 100 burglaries across the city, officials announced Monday. The crimes spanned West LA, Pacific Division, Hollywood, Wilshire, West Valley and Topanga, with some dating back to 2022, though most occurred in 2024 and 2025. At a news conference Monday, LAPD officials revealed that 10 members of the ring had been arrested. Officials say all are repeat offenders with known gang ties and described the arrests as a major win for the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigations big break came in February when officers arrested three suspects during a pursuit. Police recognized the suspects van as being connected to a burglary the day before, which led to information about additional individuals involved in the ring. Following that lead, authorities executed simultaneous early morning search warrants on Feb. 20 at eight homes in Los Angeles, Hawthorne, Inglewood and Carson. They recovered 15 firearms, several reported stolen from residential burglaries, along with a large quantity of ammunition in various calibers, and numerous stolen valuables including high-end bracelets, designer purses, suitcases and wallets. Officials emphasized that none of the arrests are connected to a separate string of Encino burglaries this summer. Roy Noeser, president of the Encino Homeowners Association, expressed disappointment but said he hopes investigative tactics used in this bust are applied to unsolved cases in the area. It definitely gives you some hope that they are cracking these cases and solving these crimes, Noeser said, noting that some burglaries date back as far as 2022 and could take years to resolve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District Attorney Nathan Hochman added that the suspects in this large-scale burglary ring face maximum sentences under California law. Those with prior strikes could potentially receive life sentences. Police say the investigation remains active, and additional arrests could follow as authorities continue to track down individuals involved in the wider network of burglaries. The bust marks one of the largest coordinated efforts in recent Los Angeles history to target prolific residential burglary rings, underscoring ongoing efforts by law enforcement to crack down on repeat offenders with gang affiliations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Third Judicial District Attorney Fernando Macias. (Photo courtesy of the Administrative Office of the District Attorneys) The top prosecutor in Southern New Mexicos largest city wants lawmakers to help him eliminate a special rule requiring criminal cases in his jurisdiction to be resolved more quickly. Third Judicial District Attorney Fernando Macias on Monday presented data to lawmakers at a meeting in Las Cruces showing high rates of judges in his area dismissing cases because his office missed the strict deadlines under a two-year-old special rule imposed by the New Mexico Supreme Court. Macias asked lawmakers to intervene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Macias presentation to the Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee, trial court judges in his area have dismissed more than 700 cases due to missed deadlines under the high courts case management order since it went into effect in July 2023. Under this order, cases get dismissed more frequently than what they should, Macias told the committee. He said there should be a review of the case management order in his area to rethink what it is that were trying to accomplish. Macias said the case management order is strict, has very little flexibility and prosecutors must meet an exceedingly high bar to deviate from it. Macias joins other local prosecutors who told the committee this summer they want the orders either changed or lifted entirely. The most recent case management order, affecting the First Judicial District in Santa Fe, Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties, will go into effect in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Administrative Office of the Courts, the state agency that runs the court system, was not available for comment on Monday. The Law Offices of the Public Defender supports case management orders because without them, cases can languish for as long as a year, Chief Public Defender Bennet Baur told the committee. Lawyers are human beings, and human beings tend to put things off, Baur said. Case management orders dont increase the number of cases, it just makes them move more expeditiously. He said it can be difficult for both prosecutors and public defenders to transition when a case management order first comes to an area, but once they do, its swifter justice for defendants and victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Committee Chair Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces) said the Supreme Court imposes case management orders in some areas because district attorneys are doing a poor job. Sometimes these case management orders have been put in place because of some pretty strong disagreement between the judiciary and the prosecutors in certain districts, including this district in the past, and we should at least acknowledge that, Cervantes said. Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque) said every judicial district court has the discretion whether to adopt a case management order, and asked Macias what he wants lawmakers to do. He responded by saying that they could pass a memorial or a resolution asking courts to reconsider case management orders. Certainly the Legislature has that prerogative to encourage the study or reassessment, he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Crypto exchange Gemini, founded by billionaire twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, told CoinDesk it has teamed up with Ripple to roll out an XRP edition of its credit card in collaboration with Ripple, offering users crypto rewards across spending categories. The card, issued with WebBank similarly to other Gemini cashback cards, allow holders to earn up to 4% back in XRP on fuel, EV charging and rideshare purchases, 3% on dining, 2% on groceries and 1% on other transactions, according to a blog post. Gemini said it is also partnering with select merchants to provide up to 10% back on eligible purchases. "Were giving customers and the XRP Army new ways to earn XRP and express their passion, loyalty, and excitement, Tyler Winklevoss, co-founder and CEO of Gemini, said in a statement. The exchange is also broadening the use of Ripple USD (RLUSD), the $680 million U.S. dollar stablecoin issued by Ripple. The token is now available as a base currency for all spot trading pairs on the platform for U.S. users, allowing traders to move between RLUSD and other assets without extra conversion steps. "Fifty-five million Americans own crypto and that number is only increasing as more people look for easier ways to access and use it in their daily lives," Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said in a statement. With Gemini, were making everyday spending a chance to earn and connect with both XRP and RLUSD. Gemini has been ramping up offerings as the firm made preparations to go public in the U.S. In June, the exchange started offering trading with tokenized U.S. stocks. Last week, the firm obtained MiCA license in Malta to expand footprint in the region. The firm also revealed in its IPO paperwork a $75 million credit facility from Ripple and reported $282 million net loss in the first half of the year. Read more: Billionaire Winklevoss Twins-Backed Gemini Launches Self-Custodial Smart Wallet LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Las Vegas Justice Courts Mental Health Court program held its second graduation in downtown Las Vegas. Graduates walked out of the center at the Regional Justice Center on Monday morning and stepped into a new chapter, one built on recovery and resilience. The Mental Health Court program focuses on rehabilitation rather than incarceration. The journey really means a lot to me. Its a really, really big accomplishment, Brandon Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith is one of six new graduates from the Mental Health Court program. After years of homelessness and drug and alcohol abuse, Smith said the program gave him hope for a brighter future. Its very bright, said Smith. Its gonna be a good journey through sobriety, and its looking bright. The program is designed to break the cycle of incarceration, offering participants a pathway to stability. Las Vegas Justice Court judges Nadia Wood and Eric Goodman started the program last year to connect people to essential wraparound services. Getting them medication, getting them treatment, getting them stabilized in housing, so that we can get them out of the criminal justice system and get them the services they need, Wood said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To graduate, participants commit to a year of treatment, sobriety, medication, and therapy. Doing 10 days in jail is a lot easier than doing a year in this program, Wood said. The program involves a year of staying out of trouble, not picking up new cases. Housing has curfews that they have to follow. They have drug testing, often two to three times a week. Commissioner Justin Jones said the program is about celebrating solutions rather than punishing problems. This program represents a fundamental belief that it is smarter, more compassionate and more effective to treat people, to meet people where they are, rather than put them in jail, Jones said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith said he has a new outlook on life. They provided me with occupational therapy, Smith said. My goals are to get my own place to live and Im thinking about going to school. He, along with every other graduate, is a testament to what is possible when the justice system prioritizes healing people rather than processing cases. When we focus on treatment and we focus on getting people the services they need, we can get them out of the justice system, giving them the dignity and quality of life and also saving our taxpayers money, Wood said. Sixteen people have graduated from the Mental Health Court program in the last 6 months, each passing over 300 drug tests and securing stable housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Las Vegas airports are expanding as tourism rates trend downward, but aviation leaders say the construction is just in time, as federal projections show the citys airspace will soon reach capacity. Jim Chrisley, the incoming Clark County Department of Aviation Director, touted the airports effective response to tourism from Super Bowl LVIII and the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix. The success is coming ahead of major construction and expansion set to offset Las Vegas airspace reaching capacity by 2030, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. If one major airport like Harry Reid [International Airport] gets delays that trickles out to the rest of the system, Chrisley said. Which causes people to miss connections, which causes delays, so theyre trying to avoid that at all costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chrisley said the FAAs annual report projected Las Vegas air traffic would be severely congested by 2033, but there is a multilayered approach to responding to it. We work closely with our airline partners, and they track such things through scheduling, and they also will up gage aircraft, he said. Well have additional seats, which theyve known how to do, as we all know, as they continue to find ways to squeeze more seats into airplanes. Another aspect of the solution is the construction of the Ivanpah Supplemental Airport, set to be completed by 2037. The environmental impact statement phase is in progress for the 6,000-acre airport. Its commercial, other things could fall along with cargo, etcetera, Chrisley said. But the primary reason for that airport is to provide that commercial service capacity that we need to continue to support the growth, because as an airport and airport system, we never want to be the barrier to future growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the aging infrastructure at Harry Reid International Airports A and C gates is also set to be replaced, a part of the maximation effort. Weve got a roadway project on way, which is what we call as the High T, which is improving access from Tropicana into the terminals, Chrisley said. Then, on the bigger scale stuff, were also looking to that initial planning and budgeting process, because these are big projects were talking about, as we presented many times, constructing on the old terminal two site. Chrisley was asked by 8 News Now if there have been delays or what the budget is for the project. He did not address any delays and said it is too soon to discuss the budget, especially the capital plan. Were highly involved with that, and were trying to tweak to get to that planning number, and then well be ready to share as we move forward, he said. But were still in that initial planning, and providing that budget would be premature at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Las Vegas Loops airport station is also on the way as construction continues southward from the Boring Companys initial stations. Chrisley reminded excited loop-goers that it is not an airport project, but they are continuing discussions. Theres also been discussions with them on interim, he said. Is there a way for them to enter on the interim, as they finish more stations before they physically come to the airport. How [will] they would get to and from the airport? Those are things that are under discussion right now. Looking at the downward tourism numbers for Las Vegas, Chrisley said there is a reason to be optimisticif you dont count the Canadian visitors. International is actually up, if you were to take out Canadian, he said. Canada is definitely down, and thats dragging our international numbers down, but its strong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harry Reid International Airport has added Ireland as one of the primary airlines, and Chrisley said they are continuing to recruit other airlines. Obviously we would love to get a Qantas or Emirates, or any of those big style or larger international carriers, he said. But its always a work in progress. Chrisley is currently working as the senior director of aviation and has been appointed to succeed Rosemary Vassiliadis as the next director of aviation. Chrisley has been with the county department since 2015 and previously spent more than 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, according to the Clark County Department of Aviation. This is part one of a two-part interview with the new director of aviation, Jim Chrisley. Part two will cover responses to a county conflict of interest review into an aviation employee. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Pope Leo XIV said on Wednesday he supports the statement put out by the last remaining churches in Gaza City, which called for an end to the war and said they will not evacuate amid Israel's ramped-up military action and threats to destroy Gaza City. "I return today to address a strong appeal to both the parties involved and to the international community to put an end to the conflict in the Holy Land that has caused so much terror, destruction and death," the pope said in Italian on Wednesday at his weekly audience. "In particular, the obligation to protect civilians and the prohibitions on collective punishment, indiscriminate use of force and forced displacement of the population." The churches said Tuesday that the clergy and nuns have decided they will "remain and continue to care for all those who will be in the compounds," the churches said in a joint statement to the Israel Defense Forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Gaza City could be destroyed if Hamas does not agree to terms to end war, Israel's defense minister says Hundreds of civilians -- including women, children and elderly -- have been seeking refuge in the Greek Orthodox compound of Saint Porphyrius and the Holy Family compound since the outbreak of the war and the Latin compound has been hosting people with disabilities who have been under the care of the Sisters Missionaries of Charity for many years, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said in a statement Tuesday. "Like other residents of Gaza City, the refugees living in the facilities will have to decide according to their conscience what they will do. Among those who have sought shelter within the walls of the compounds, many are weakened and malnourished due to the hardships of the last months. Leaving Gaza City and trying to flee to the south would be nothing less than a death sentence. For this reason, the clergy and nuns have decided to remain and continue to care for all those who will be in the compounds," the churches said. Afp Contributor#afp/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: A displaced Palestinian girl eats chickpeas as she sits amid the destruction in Saftawi neighbourhood, west of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, August 24, 2025. Last week, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Gaza City could "turn into Rafah and Beit Hanoun," areas that were destroyed earlier in the war, unless Hamas agrees to Israel's terms for a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would approve the IDF's plan to seize Gaza City. Amir Cohen/Reuters - PHOTO: Israeli soldiers sit on top of tanks at the Israel-Gaza border, as seen from Israel, August 26, 2025. MORE: Netanyahu calls Pope Leo XIV after deadly Israeli strike on Gazan church The churches criticized Israel's plans surrounding its decision to take control of Gaza City, saying, "There can be no future based on captivity, displacement of Palestinians or revenge." "We echo what Pope Leo XIV said a few days ago: 'All peoples, even the smallest and weakest, must be respected by the powerful in their identity and rights, especially the right to live in their own lands; and no one can force them into exile,'" the churches said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The churches called for an end to the war and the "spiral of violence." "There has been enough devastation, in the territories and in people's lives. There is no reason to justify keeping civilians as prisoners and hostages in dramatic conditions. It is now time for the healing of the long-suffering families on all sides," the churches said. Amir Cohen/Reuters - PHOTO: An Israeli armored personnel carrier manoeuvres on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza, as seen from Israel, August 26, 2025. MORE: Israel begins attack on Gaza City, calling up to 60,000 reservists Israel began the first stages of its attack on Gaza City last week, calling up 50,000 to 60,000 reservists for the operation to occupy the city, according to IDF spokesman Eddie Defrin and an Israeli military official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mass protests against the military action on Gaza were seen across Israel on Tuesday, with protesters demanding the Israeli government get a ceasefire deal in Gaza that would secure the release of the remaining hostage held there. Israel is also facing criticism for Monday's attack on a hospital in Khan Younis that killed five journalists and 15 medical workers, according to their media organizations and the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. Netanyahu called the attack a "tragic mishap." The IDF released an initial report on Tuesday, which concludes that "six of the individuals killed were terrorists, one of whom took part in the infiltration into Israeli territory on October 7th." Students write at desks. (Photo by Getty Images) A Latino civil rights organization that hopes to stop the Trump administration from denying in-state college tuition rates to immigrants without permanent legal status is intervening in a challenge to a Kentucky policy. The U.S. Department of Justice sued Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky education officials earlier this summer to stop the state from granting in-state college tuition rates to immigrants who lack permanent legal status. The department said an administrative regulation that allows those immigrants in-state tuition discriminates against U.S. citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) filed a motion in the lawsuit on behalf of Kentucky Students for Affordable Tuition (KSAT). The group is an unincorporated association of college students who are immigrants lacking permanent legal status that qualify for in-state tuition. MALDEFs motion says if the regulation is overturned, the students tuition could increase up to 152%. Some of the students rates will increase from $446 to $897 per semester credit hour. The students currently attend or plan to attend Kentucky public colleges and universities this fall. The DOJs pattern of collusive lawsuits challenging affordable tuition for immigrant students is a nativist abuse of federal authority, said Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF president and general counsel, in a statement. These laws have stood for years without challenge by administrations of both parties. When the Justice Department sued Kentucky, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the lawsuit stems from a similar challenge in Texas. Since then, the department has filed lawsuits in Minnesota and Oklahoma. President Donald Trump previously signed an executive order directing administration offices to stop state and local laws that provide in-state tuition to immigrants but not out-of-state American citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MALDEF attempted to intervene in the Texas lawsuit on behalf of a group of students that faced higher tuition rates. Kentucky Republicans have criticized Beshear for not stopping the state regulation. Earlier this year, Republican state Rep. T.J Roberts, of Burlington, filed a bill to undo the Kentucky policy. It didnt get a committee hearing in the GOP-controlled state legislature. The high-powered law firm that racked up big bills working to keep the city of Los Angeles from losing control over homeless programs is now looking to increase its contract by $5 million. City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto has asked the City Council to increase the city's contract with Gibson Dunn & Crutcher to $5.9 million, up from the $900,000 approved three months ago. Gibson Dunn has been defending the city since mid-May in a lawsuit filed by the nonprofit LA Alliance for Human Rights, which resulted in a settlement agreement requiring the construction of new homeless housing and the removal of street encampments. The group alleges that the city has repeatedly violated the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Times reported last month that Gibson Dunn billed the city $1.8 million for about two weeks of work, with 15 attorneys charging $1,295 per hour and others charging lower amounts. By Aug. 8, Gibson Dunn had racked up $3.2 million in billings in the case, according to a confidential memo sent to the council by Feldstein Soto, a copy of which was reviewed by The Times. Those invoices have arrived during a difficult financial period for the city, caused in part by a surge in expensive legal payouts. Read more: Law firm in L.A. homelessness case bills the city $1.8 million for two weeks' work Much of the firm's work was focused on its preparation for, and participation in, a lengthy hearing before a federal judge who was weighing the group's request to hand control of the city's homeless initiatives over to a third party. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gibson Dunn was retained by the city one week before the hearing, which lasted seven court days, at eight or more hours per day, ending June 4. "The evidentiary hearing was more extensive than anticipated, with the plaintiffs calling more than a dozen witnesses and seeking to compel City officials to testify," Feldstein Soto wrote in her memo. The City Council is scheduled to consider Feldstein Soto's request Wednesday. An aide to Feldstein Soto declined to answer questions from The Times, saying the office "cannot comment due to work product and attorney-client privileges." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city attorney has repeatedly defended Gibson Dunn's work, saying the firm kept the city's homeless initiatives from being turned over to a receiver a move that would have stripped authority from Mayor Karen Bass and the council. Gibson Dunn also prevented several elected officials a group that includes Bass from having to take the stand, Feldstein Soto said in her memo. City Councilmember Monica Rodriguez said she would vote against a request to spend an additional $5 million on Gibson Dunn. That money would be better spent on ensuring that the city complies with its legal obligations in the case, which include the construction of 12,915 homeless beds and the removal of 9,800 encampments, she said. Rodriguez, who also voted against the initial round of funding for Gibson Dunn, said $5 million would be enough to cover "time limited" housing subsidies for at least 500 households in her northeast San Fernando Valley district for a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the end of the day, we're here to house people," she said. "So let's spend the resources housing them, rather than being in a protracted legal battle." Matthew Umhofer, an attorney who represents LA Alliance, called the request for nearly $6 million "ludicrous," saying the city should focus on compliance with the settlement agreement. "Gibson is a very good firm. Lawyers cost money. I get it," he said. "But the city has hundreds of capable lawyers, and the notion that they need to spend this kind of money to prevent a court from holding them to their obligations and their promises, it raises real questions about the decision-making in the city on this issue." "For a city that claims to be in fiscal crisis, this is nonsense," Umhofer added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her memo, Feldstein Soto said the additional $5 million would cover Gibson Dunn's work in the case through June 2027, when the city's legal settlement with the group is set to expire. Read more: Judge declines to take power over L.A. homeless programs away from city leaders During that period, Gibson Dunn would pursue an appeal of an order by U.S. District Judge David O. Carter, arguing that the judge "reinterpreted" some of the city's obligations under the settlement agreement, Feldstein Soto said in her memo. The law firm also would seek to "reform" the settlement agreement, Feldstein Soto said. Theane Evangelis, a Gibson Dunn attorney who led the firm's LA Alliance team, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Her firm has played a huge role in redefining the way cities are permitted to address homelessness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representing Grants Pass, Ore., the firm secured a landmark ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court upholding laws that prohibit homeless people from camping in public spaces. The firm brought a new, more pugnacious approach to the LA Alliance case, issuing hundreds of objections throughout the seven-day hearing and working to undermine the credibility of key witnesses. A month later, Carter issued a 62-page order declining to turn L.A.'s homeless programs over to a third party. However, he also found that the city had failed to comply with the settlement agreement. In addition to pursuing the appeal, Gibson Dunn would help produce the quarterly reports required by the settlement agreement. 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. US lawmakers are eyeing a permanent removal of sanctions on Syria before the end of the year, with plans to attach it to must-pass legislation. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H. and Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on a Middle East swing that also included stops in Jordan and Lebanon. Shaheen said the new governments No. 1 ask was for permanent repeal of Caesar Act sanctions to open Syria to more investment. She hopes to add that to the State Departments authorizing legislation, then hitch it to the National Defense Authorization Act this fall, she told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilson said sanctions legislation recently advanced in the House is 90% what we want. Notably absent from their itinerary: Israel. Shaheen, who said she was appalled by the recent Gaza bombing, said she didnt have time to make the stop. As federal funds for California's high-speed rail project remain suspended, state lawmakers urged the Legislature to approve a $1-billion-per-year investment pulled from cap-and-trade revenue while linking the future of the project to job opportunity across the state. State Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) said during a news conference Monday that the monetary commitment would ensure the project continues amid uncertainty around funding. We can't build a 21st century transportation system on one-time money alone or with limited resources that don't get us where we're trying to go, Cortese said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state's cap-and-trade program requires major polluters to buy credits to offset carbon dioxide emissions and allows those companies to buy or sell the unused credits at auctions, generating billions in state revenue. This year, Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed setting aside a large chunk of those funds for high-speed rail. Cortese and others touted the rail projects effect on small businesses and workers, highlighting its creation of nearly 15,000 jobs that have generated roughly $22 billion in economic growth. State Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), the chair of the Senate labor committee, said that when the line between Los Angeles and San Francisco is someday completed, the project is expected to create more than 1 million jobs and generate roughly $86 billion in labor income. Every investment will and must deliver for workers, for the poor, for excluded communities facing barriers to employment, Smallwood-Cuevas said. The plan to connect the state by fast train is billions of dollars over budget and decades behind schedule. The route from Southern to Northern California was originally proposed for a 2020 completion date, but so far, no stretch of the line has been finished and construction has been limited to the Central Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delays around permitting and the decision to construct the project along the east side of the San Joaquin Valley instead of the more direct route along the Interstate 5 corridor on the west side have contributed to the challenges. Adding to the project's hurdles is the Trump administration's decision to pull $4 billion in funding that was intended for construction in the Central Valley. Read more: House committee launches investigation into California's high-speed rail project High-Speed Rail Authority Chief Executive Ian Choudri said that the project now faces a crossroads and that long-term financial commitments are crucial. We can choose to let the challenges of the past define the program's future, or we can meet the moment by supporting high-speed rail with the right tools and partnerships, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roughly $13 billion has been spent on the project, whose budget was originally estimated at $33 billion but has since soared beyond that by $100 billion. Project leaders have said that the stretch between Merced and Bakersfield will be completed by 2033. The portion, which the authority is obligated to prioritize unless the Legislature says otherwise, will cost nearly $37 billion. Ridership alone wont cover the cost. If the state agrees to fund the project through 2045 via cap-and-trade, the authority said, there wouldnt be a funding gap for this portion of the line. Whether cap-and-trade would be extended after it expires in 2030 also remains a question. In a report published last week, the authority presented additional scenarios that would expand the line northwest to Gilroy by 2038 for a total cost of $54.4 billion, or would both do that expansion and lay tracks southeast to Palmdale, which would bring the total cost of the line at that point to more than $87 billion. Both options would require regional transportation to connect Gilroy to San Francisco or Palmdale to Los Angeles. If the project cannot nail down funding sources, Choudri said, it faces considerable challenges. If we have long-term funding commitments, we can finance and commercialize and monetize as quick as we can. But in a hypothetical scenario where there is no money to build the house, well, then we don't build the house, Choudri said, comparing it to any construction project that doesnt have funds to support it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cortese was quick to say that was currently an unlikely scenario. Before the Trump administration pulled funding a move that triggered a state lawsuit project leaders and advisors sounded the alarm over the trains financial viability and turned focus toward private-public partnerships beyond government funding. Cortese introduced a bill this year to commission a study on how commercial and residential developments could be leveraged along the trains line to incentivize private partnerships. Choudri said the authority has been in discussions with the private sector, which wants to see what investments the state will make in order to determine how to supplement funds. 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 Center Square) Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is defending the states new budget after lawmakers added an amendment that requires proof of citizenship to vote at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The law, which requires a citizenship database check, is under fire after pro-voting groups filed a lawsuit saying the new provision violates the National Voter Registration Act and could disenfranchise thousands of voters throughout the state. LaRose said the lawsuit is just the latest attempt by activists to disrupt Ohios voting system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both federal law and the Ohio Constitution prohibit noncitizens from voting, LaRose said. But now dark money groups represented by D.C. operatives are challenging a law that prevents noncitizens from registering to vote at the BMV. Its common sense that only U.S. citizens should be on our voter rolls. I wont apologize for, or back down from, the work we do to ensure the integrity of our voter rolls. We will win this case just like weve fought off the other baseless actions that such groups have brought against us. The suit, filed by Red Wine & Blue and the Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans, says the new rules are vague and offer no guidance on what would be considered proof of citizenship. Until now, voters could register at a BMV by stating, under penalty of perjury, that they are citizens. Opponents of the law, which went into effect June 30, say women without documents reflecting their current legal names after marriage or divorce, or senior citizens who might have lost or never received citizenship papers, could be denied the chance to register to vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps even more importantly, there is no need to require more than a sworn attestation, the lawsuit states. "There is no evidence in Ohio (or any other state) that the attestation requirement has been insufficient in preventing noncitizens from voting. The substantial criminal and immigration consequences that a noncitizen would incur from voting have long effectively prevented noncitizens from voting in U.S. elections." In a release, LaRose said Ohio is thought of as one of the nations leaders in accessible and secure elections. (The Center Square) An Oregon man is suing the Oregon Health Authority after it refused to release public data related to transgender treatments on minors. Plaintiff Paul Terdal said in a statement obtained by The Center Square: The Oregon Health Authority refuses to give me health data thats supposed to be public and that it has widely shared with others before. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is a state agency that seeks to ensure the physical, mental, and social well-being through partnerships, prevention, and access to quality, affordable health care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terdal says that the reason for [the OHA's] sudden change, according to the available evidence, is that these officials dont agree with statements I have made to the press and legislators about the prevalence and efficacy of aggressive gender treatments for children treatments that the Authoritys own experts say is lacking in evidence. For instance, as stated in the lawsuit, Terdals past use of health data led to significant public advocacy challenging and undermining the [OHAs] position on gender-identity treatments. Terdal said in the statement obtained by The Center Square: Oregons officials dont have to agree with me, but they simply cannot use the power of the state to punish me or to deny me information that will help Oregonians make up their own minds. While I continue to hope that the Authority releases these records, its denial violates the First Amendment of the Constitution, and this lawsuit was necessary to vindicate my rights, Terdal said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When reached, the Oregon Health Authority told The Center Square they do not comment on pending litigation. According to the lawsuit, Terdal requested data earlier this year as he has before through the states All Payer All Claims (APAC) program, this time to conduct research as to the efficacy and incidence of gender-related medical treatments for children. By Oregon law, health data from the OHAs public-use data reporting program APAC must be made available, the lawsuit said. The Oregon Health Authority has fulfilled requests for public-use data files for years, according to the lawsuit, but told Terdal in March 2025 that they could not give him the information he required due to discovering that OHAs data release system was in violation of HIPAA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If this were true, however, the HHS, the media, and those whose data had been exposed would need to be notified, and this has not happened, the lawsuit said. The plaintiffs allege that the Oregon Health Authority withheld data from Terdal to keep him from challenging its treatment position. The lawsuit says that the OHA decided that Oregon should take the position that these gender treatments are safe, effective, and indeed life-saving, even though the medical evidence paints a far murkier picture. By withholding the public-use data files from Terdal to skew public debate on the important issue of child gender treatments, the [OHA] is violating the First Amendment, the lawsuit said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defendants also deprived Oregon families of information they need to make the best decisions they can for their children, by withholding the data, the lawsuit said. Terdal is asking the court for a declaration that OHAs withholding of APAC public-use data files violates the First Amendment and for an injunction prohibiting OHA from withholding the data files from Terdal, according to the lawsuit. According to the lawsuit, Terdal is a liberal Democrat, managing member of a consulting company, as well as an advocate for the rights and needs of children with mental and behavioral health issues. Attorneys representing former special counsel Jack Smith hit back Tuesday at reports of a recently announced watchdog investigation into his prosecutions of President Donald Trump, describing the reasoning for the probe as baseless and partisan. "The predicate for this investigation is imaginary and unfounded," said Covington and Burling attorneys Lanny Breuer and Peter Koski in their letter to acting Office of Special Counsel Jamieson Greer, which was obtained by ABC News. The Office of Special Counsel -- which is a separate watchdog agency from the special counsel position Smith held under the auspices of the Justice Department -- confirmed late last month it was investigating Smith after receiving a referral from Republican Sen. Tom Cotton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Office of Special Counsel says it's opened Hatch Act probe of Jack Smith Cotton's complaint accused Smith of taking deliberate steps in his prosecutions of Trump, which included charges for unlawful retention of classified materials as well as a criminal conspiracy to overturn his 2020 election loss, to impact Trump's 2024 presidential campaign in violation of the Hatch Act. "A review of the record and procedural history demonstrates the opposite -- Mr. Smith was fiercely committed to making prosecutorial decisions based solely on the evidence, he steadfastly followed applicable Department of Justice guidelines and the Principles of Federal Prosecution, and he did not let the pending election influence his investigative or prosecutorial decision-making," Smith's attorneys wrote in response to the complaint. Both cases were dropped after Trump was reelected president due to a long-standing Justice Department policy that bars the prosecution of a sitting president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday's letter notes that since Greer's announcement of his office's ethics investigation of Smith, he has not yet attempted to directly contact Smith for cooperation with the probe. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Special counsel Jack Smith speaks to members of the media at the US Department of Justice building in Washington, DC, on August 1, 2023. Smith's attorneys also note the unusual nature of the investigation being led by OSC, which traditionally has no role in probing the actions of federal prosecutors. "We are aware of no court decision, prior Office of Special Counsel finding, or other authority interpreting the Hatch Act to prohibit prosecutors from investigating allegations of criminal conduct committed by former public officials or candidates for public office, or prosecuting those cases when the facts and law so dictate," the letter stated. "Application of such an unprecedented interpretation of the statute risks interfering with the Department of Justice's ability to investigate and prosecute public officials or candidates for public office," the letter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York Times was the first to report on the letter. A representative of the Office of Special Counsel did not immediately respond to a request for comment from ABC News. Tuesday's letter is the first public comment from Smith's attorneys since he moved to drop his two prosecutions of Trump following the 2024 election -- and comes amid a growing barrage of comments from the White House urging investigations of Trump's perceived political enemies. MORE: Trump has moved quickly to exact 'retribution.' More revenge could come: ANALYSIS The Justice Department has already named Smith as among the officials under scrutiny by its "Weaponization Working Group," though it's unclear whether that means he is facing any criminal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their letter to Greer Tuesday, Smith's attorneys urged the OSC to ensure they have input before the release of any finding or report on Smith's actions, which they argue were never motivated by politics. "In light of the unprecedented nature of this investigation, if you intend to go forward with this in any way, we insist that you engage with us so that any finding by the Office of Special Counsel is fully informed by the record," they wrote. Highway has introduced the Trusted Freight Exchange (TFX), powered by Triumph, a platform the companies say is designed to give brokers and carriers a more secure alternative to traditional load boards. The exchange combines Highways identity and compliance tools with Triumphs financial and rate intelligence services. Together, the two firms hope to address a growing industry concern, freight fraud. According to Highway, fraud prevention is built into each step of the TFX process. The platform uses identity proofing to block anonymous traffic and detect synthetic fraud, while broker-specific compliance rules limit which carriers can view certain loads. Highways Load Lock tool flags carriers that appear overbooked or out of range, and its Load Lock+ feature uses ELD data to confirm pickups and deliveries. On the financial side, Triumph provides credit assurance, allowing carriers to confirm a broker has the means to pay before booking a load. The exchange also incorporates Triumphs payments and rate intelligence services. Carriers can view market rate ranges based on load details at no cost, and those using Triumphs LoadPay system will soon have faster access to funds. For brokers, integration with Triumph Payments allows carriers to see payment terms in advance, while Triumph Intelligence customers gain access to rate data directly within TFX. Those not integrated with Triumph are still able to utilize the system, but will not have the same functionality as those who are Triumph customers. Jordan Graft, founder and CEO of Highway, said in a news release, Were eliminating the fraud and fragmentation of traditional load boards and creating a digital freight exchange defined by trust. This is freight the way it should be. Participation is open to brokers and carriers of all sizes but comes with requirements. Carriers must disclose capacity, insurance, and user information, while brokers must be Highway Connect customers and meet Triumphs credit standards. Highway said access to TFX will be free for qualified carriers. Highway says the exchange grew out of market feedback. Brokers, in particular, expressed frustration with traditional load boards, which they viewed as vulnerable to fraud, and with marketplace models, which often required them to give up control of execution. The company said in a statement, An exchange centers the broker as the point of orchestration, not a bystander in someone elses network. In an exchange model, brokers dont rely on the platform to execute on their behalf. Instead, they are empowered to execute with greater precision, speed, and autonomy. LAFAYETTE, LA (KLFY) Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) will host a public meeting addressing the drainage in the areas of Downtown, UL and Freetown. The meeting will be next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Public Library-Main Branch on 301 W. Congress St. At the upcoming meeting, residents, business owners and stakeholders are encouraged to attend and take part in solutions and strategies for Lafayettes long-term drainage future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the meeting officials said they will highlight planned improvements along Johnston Street that could expand drainage capacity and strengthen nearby neighborhoods. The discussion will also cover how these efforts can impact the areas of Downtown, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus, and Freetown. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Mayor-President Monique B. Boulet emphasized the importance of community involvement in this process. This project presents a fundamental shift on how we solve drainage challenges. Boulet said. Its critical that our infrastructure, especially drainage, is built to protect the commercial and residential demands for decades to come. This project gives us the opportunity to do just that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those unable to attend in person, drainage concerns can always be reported through 311 by calling 311 or clicking here. LCG will also publish any presentation materials from the meeting online for public access. Latest news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. MUNCIE, IN The League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County will host a meeting about vote centers for Delaware County on Thursday, Aug. 28, in the auditorium of Muncie Central High School. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. The current precinct polling system Delaware County uses requires citizens to vote at a specific location on Election Day. Vote centers allow voters to cast a ballot at any county location of their choice on Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early voting, which is 28 days before any primary or fall elections, would still take place at the Delaware County Building. Early voting on the two Saturdays before an election would still be at the county building, as well as one other location in the county, if vote centers are adopted in Delaware County. The conduct of elections in Indiana is up to each county with guidelines from the state. Of Indianas 92 counties, 67 have vote centers. Because voting centers make it more convenient for citizens to vote, the league has for some time supported the implementation of vote centers in Delaware County, said Linda Hanson, president of the Indiana League of Women Voters. This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Meeting on vote centers in Delaware County planned by League At least 34 government soldiers have been kidnapped by armed civilians in a jungle in southeastern Colombia after clashes that killed 11 fighters, including a commander of a dissident faction of the former FARC rebel group, Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez says. The fighting occurred on Sunday in a rural part of the El Retorno municipality in the province of Guaviare and involved members of the Central General Staff (EMC), a group of former fighters with the left-wing FARC, or Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, who rejected a 2016 peace deal with the government. Sanchez said on Tuesday that the soldiers were taken as they were evacuating the area after a military operation that killed an EMC commander and 10 other rebels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an illegal, criminal action by people in civilian clothing, Sanchez told reporters. This is a kidnapping. The jungle region is considered a strategic corridor for drug trafficking and is known for its extensive coca crops, the main ingredient used to produce cocaine. It followed a similar abduction in June when the army said 57 soldiers were seized by civilians in a southwestern mountainous area, a key zone for cocaine production and one of the most tense in the countrys ongoing security crisis. The Colombian army has maintained that the civilians in the region receive orders from the EMC, the main FARC dissident group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armed groups which fund themselves through drug trafficking, illegal mining and other crimes remain present in Colombia after a six-decade conflict that has killed more than 450,000 people despite the peace deal with the FARC nine years ago when it was Colombias largest rebel group. Last week, at least 18 people were killed and dozens injured in two attacks attributed to dissident FARC factions. In Cali, the countrys third most populous city, a vehicle packed with explosives detonated on Thursday near a military aviation school, killing six people and injuring 71, according to the mayors office. Hours earlier, a National Police Black Hawk helicopter participating in a coca crop eradication operation was downed by a drone in the municipality of Amalfi in the department of Antioquia, killing 12 police officers. President Gustavo Petro blamed the attacks on dissident factions of FARC. BOGOTA (Reuters) -At least 34 soldiers were kidnapped by armed civilians in a jungle area of southeastern Colombia after clashes that left 11 guerrillas dead, including a commander of a dissident faction of the former FARC rebel group, Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Tuesday. The clashes occurred in a rural part of the El Retorno municipality in the southeastern province of Guaviare and involved members of the Central General Staff (EMC), a group of former FARC fighters who rejected a 2016 peace deal with the government. Sanchez said the soldiers were taken as they were evacuating the area following a military operation that killed an EMC commander and 10 other rebels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is an illegal, criminal action by people in civilian clothing," Sanchez told reporters. "This is a kidnapping." The jungle region is considered a strategic corridor for drug trafficking and is known for its extensive coca crops, the main ingredient used to produce cocaine. The kidnapping follows a similar incident in June, when 57 soldierswere held captive for two days in a mountainous southwestern region, another stronghold for a FARC dissident faction. Armed groups, who fund themselves through drug trafficking, illegal mining and other crimes, remain present in Colombia after a six-decade conflict that has left over 450,000 dead, despite the peace deal with the FARC, Colombia's then-largest rebel group. (Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Editing by Brendan O'Boyle and Sarah Morland) By Jana Choukeir BEIRUT (Reuters) -Lebanon will present a plan on Sunday aimed at persuading Hezbollah to disarm, with Israel expected to submit a corresponding framework for its military withdrawal, top U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack said on Tuesday. Speaking after talks with President Joseph Aoun in Beirut, Barrack said the Lebanese proposal would not involve military coercion but would focus on efforts to encourage Hezbollah to surrender its weapons - including addressing the economic impact on fighters funded by Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Lebanese army and government are not talking about going to war. They are talking about how to convince Hezbollah to give up those arms," Barrack said. A move this month by the Lebanese cabinet to task the army with drawing up a plan to establish a state monopoly on arms has outraged heavily armed Hezbollah, which says such calls only serve Israel. Israel signalled on Monday it would scale back its military presence in southern Lebanon if Lebanon's armed forces took action to disarm the Iran-backed Shi'ite militant group. Barrack, who met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, described that development as "historic". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What Israel has now said is: we dont want to occupy Lebanon. We're happy to withdraw from Lebanon, and we will meet those withdrawal expectations with our plan as soon as we see what is the plan to actually disarm Hezbollah," he said. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, after meeting the U.S. delegation, said Lebanon had embarked on an irreversible path to place all weapons under state control, with the army due to present a comprehensive plan by next week. Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem, in a recorded speech aired on Monday, criticized the government's decision to disarm the group and urged officials to reverse it, saying pulling back "would be a virtue". While no formal proposals have been exchanged, Barrack said verbal commitments from both sides suggested a narrowing path toward implementation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ECONOMIC CONSIDERATION Hezbollah was significantly weakened in last year's war with Israel, which killed many of its top commanders and fighters. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire ending the conflict obliges the Lebanese state to disarm all non-state armed groups. Israel, meanwhile, has held on to positions inside Lebanon and its military has continued to carry out periodic air strikes it says target Hezbollah militants and weapons. Qassem rejected a step-by-step framework under which an Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah disarmament would proceed in parallel. Qassem said Hezbollah would not discuss a national defence strategy until Israel fully implemented the ceasefire agreement signed on November 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Let them implement the (ceasefire) agreement ... then after that we will discuss the defence strategy," Qassem said. Barrack stressed that any disarmament initiative must address the economic impact on tens of thousands of Hezbollah fighters and their families, many of whom rely on Iranian funding. "If were asking a portion of the Lebanese community to give up their livelihood - because when we say disarm Hezbollah, were talking about 40,000 people being paid by Iran - you cant just take their weapons and say, 'Good luck, go plant olive trees'. We have to help them." He said Gulf states, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, were prepared to support Lebanon's economy - particularly in the south, which is Hezbollah's stronghold - as part of an initiative to provide alternatives to Hezbollah's payroll system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barrack said discussions were under way to build an "economic forum" backed by the Gulf, the U.S., and Lebanese authorities that would offer sustainable livelihoods "not determined by whether Iran wants it or not". (Reporting by Jana Choukeir in Beirut and Nayera Abdallah in DubaiWriting by Jana Choukeir and Tala RamadanEditing by Peter Graff and Alison Williams) Israel will give a counterproposal when it receives Lebanon's plan, Barrack said after meeting with the Lebanese president in Beirut. Lebanon will come up with a plan on August 31 to convince Hezbollah to disarm, US Special Envoy for Syria and Lebanon Thomas Barrack said on Tuesday. Israel will give a counterproposal when it receives Lebanon's plan, Barrack said after meeting with the Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What Israel is saying is they do not want to occupy Lebanon and would be happy to withdraw from Lebanon, as soon as we see what the plans are for dismantling Hezbollah." "Israel is ready to act step by step," said Deputy Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus. "It's small steps with the Lebanese government. Every step the Lebanese government takes, we will encourage the Israeli government to act in the same way." US special envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack and Deputy Special Presidential Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus arrive to meet with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in Beirut, Lebanon, August 18, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMED AZAKIR) Past talks on calming Israeli-Lebanese tensions On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid out the possibility of a phased IDF withdrawal from Lebanon, as well as a rolling back of air force strikes there, should Hezbollah agree to the Lebanese governments order to disarm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was earlier reported that Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer informed Barrack that Israel would agree to gradually stop targeted assassination attempts and strikes, and would withdraw from several key points in southern Lebanon, but insisted that several villages on the border remain evacuated to act as a buffer zone. Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report. LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A Lebanon County judge denied a womans request for relief after she was convicted of killing a 12-year-old boy. In 2022, Kimberly Mauerer was found guilty of homicide in the 2020 death of Max Schollenberger and was sentenced to life in prison without parole, along with 10 to 20 years. In 2020, officers from the Annville Township Police Department responded to a home on White Oak Street for a report of a deceased boy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An autopsy showed that the child, identified as Schollenberger, died after a combination of blunt force trauma to the head, malnutrition, and starvation. The father, Scott Schollenberger, also pleaded guilty to keeping the child in a dark room, starving and beating him, while treating their other children well. Kimberly Mauerer recently requested relief, which helps convicted defendants challenge their cases after ordinary appeals have been exhausted. According to the Office of the Attorney General, that request was denied. The official of the Attorney General says they represented the state in arguing that Maurer had adequate representation during her 2022 trial and that the process was fair. They added that overwhelming evidence led to Maurers conviction. The acts in this case are so cruel and depraved that they are difficult to believe. Our office argued, and the presiding judge agreed, that this motion for relief was the defendants latest attempt to avoid accountability for the deliberate and intentional torture and killing of a pre-teenage child, Attorney General Sunday said. Our criminal justice system worked just as it should in this case, and the defendant appropriately will spend the rest of her life in a prison cell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lebanon County Common Pleas Judge Bradford Charles presided over the Post-Conviction Relief Act motion. The office of the AG said Judge Charles called the motion offensive and an attempt for Maurer to escape responsibility for her heinous deed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. A 45-year-old Lebanon man has been arrested on charges of possessing child sexual abuse images after fleeing the area following the issuance of an arrest warrant last year. Eric Munro was taken into custody Sunday after returning to the Lebanon area, according to the Lebanon Police Department. He faces six counts of possession of child sexual abuse images, all Class A felonies. The case began in April 2024 when the department's Cyber Crimes Unit opened an investigation into reports that someone in Lebanon possessed child sexual abuse content. Police said they identified Munro as the suspect and executed a search warrant on his electronic device, which revealed multiple illegal images. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police obtained an arrest warrant for Munro in December 2024, but he had fled the area to unknown locations, they said. He recently returned to the Lebanon area, where authorities located and arrested him. Munro is scheduled for arraignment Monday in 2nd Circuit Lebanon District Court. The Lebanon Police Department's Cyber Crimes Unit said it remains committed to investigating and prosecuting individuals who exploit children online. Lebanon has agreed to present a plan aimed at persuading Hezbollah to disarm, and Israel will submit a corresponding framework for its military withdrawal, United States envoy Tom Barrack says, as the Lebanese armed group has repeatedly made clear it has no intention of doing so while Israel continues its attacks on the country and occupies parts of the south. Speaking on Tuesday after talks with President Joseph Aoun in Beirut, Barrack said the plan would be presented on Sunday and would not involve military coercion but would focus on efforts to encourage Hezbollah to surrender its weapons. The Lebanese army and government are not talking about going to war. They are talking about how to convince Hezbollah to give up those arms, Barrack said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While no formal proposals have been exchanged, Barrack said verbal commitments from both sides suggested a narrowing path towards implementation. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon had embarked on an irreversible path to place all weapons under state control with the army due to present a comprehensive plan by next week. Earlier this month, Lebanons cabinet approved the objectives of a US proposal for ensuring that the possession of weapons is restricted solely to the state despite Hezbollah rejecting the decision and calling it a march in humiliation and surrender to Israel and the US. Speaking to journalists at Lebanons presidential palace in Baabda on Tuesday, US envoy Morgan Ortagus said Lebanese authorities must put into action their decision to disarm Hezbollah. Every step that the Lebanese government takes, we will encourage the Israeli government to make the same step, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem has refused to give up the groups weapons. In a speech aired on Monday, Qassem criticised the governments decision to disarm the group and urged officials to reverse it, saying pulling back would be a virtue. The armed group has long been the sole resistance to Israeli aggression against Lebanon. But it emerged badly weakened from last years war with Israel, with the assassination of senior leaders, including former chief Hassan Nasrallah, thousands of its fighters and Lebanese civilians killed, and tens of thousands of the Shia and other communities displaced from their destroyed homes. He also warned that Lebanons sovereignty could be achieved only by ending Israeli aggression and said the Lebanese government must first ensure Israel complies with a November ceasefire by which Israel should withdraw its troops from Lebanese territory before talks on a national defence strategy can take place. Israel has violated the November truce on a near-daily basis. Israel to withdraw from Lebanon Israel signalled on Monday that it would scale back its military presence in southern Lebanon if Lebanons armed forces took action to disarm the group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barrack, who met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, described that development as historic. What Israel has now said is We dont want to occupy Lebanon. Were happy to withdraw from Lebanon, and we will meet those withdrawal expectations with our plan as soon as we see what is the plan to actually disarm Hezbollah, he said. Al Jazeeras correspondent Ali Hashem said Israel has consolidated its presence in southern Lebanon since it agreed to the November ceasefire. There were five positions inside the Lebanese territory [at the time of the ceasefire], and we are now hearing of eight positions, Hashem said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its clear that Israel is trying to take the main hills inside Lebanon and Syria [to obtain] what it describes as an early warning system. Hashem added that Israels expansion of its presence in Lebanon was the main hurdle hampering attempts to persuade Hezbollah to give up its arms. An additional impediment was the fact that the ceasefire states that Hezbollah must disarm south of the Litani River, about 30km (20 miles) from the Israeli border, rather than in the whole country. Barrack stressed that any disarmament initiative must address the economic impact on tens of thousands of Hezbollah fighters and their families, many of whom purportedly rely on Iranian funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If were asking a portion of the Lebanese community to give up their livelihood because when we say disarm Hezbollah, were talking about 40,000 people being paid by Iran you cant just take their weapons and say, Good luck, go plant olive trees. We have to help them. He said Gulf states, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, were prepared to support Lebanons economy particularly in the south, a Hezbollah stronghold as part of an initiative to provide alternatives to Hezbollah. US envoy accused of racism Barrack triggered a firestorm in Beirut, where he was accused of racism after threatening the Lebanese news media with ending his news conference if they behaved in a way he described as uncivilised and animalistic. Be quiet for a moment, and I wanna tell you something. The moment that this starts to becoming chaotic, like animalistic, were gone, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, [if] you want to know what has happened, act civilised, act kind, act tolerant, because this is the problem with what is happening in the region. Lebanese-British journalist Hala Jaber said Barracks manner was that of a 19th-century colonial commissioner who lectures us on civilisation, & blames it all on our region, she wrote on X. Thats not just arrogance, its racism. You dont run this country, [and] you dont get to insult its people. Mohamad Hasan Sweidan, a Beirut-based columnist at The Cradle news site, says the US Department of State owes all journalists in the region an apology for Barracks dehumanising comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He dehumanised us. He was arrogant towards us, and he used colonial terms, Sweidan told Al Jazeera. Calling journalists animalistic and urging them to civilise isnt just a slip for Tom Barrack. Its a textbook colonial gesture. Later on Tuesday, the Lebanese presidency released a statement saying it regrets the remarks that were inadvertently made from its platform by one of its guests today. It is keen to reiterate its full appreciation for all journalists and accredited media representatives in particular, and extends to them all greetings for their efforts and dedication in fulfilling their professional and national duties. Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect acreage mapped by first responders on Tuesday, Aug. 26, reducing its position among Colorados largest historic fires. DENVER (KDVR) The Lee Fire is poised to become the fourth biggest wildfire in Colorado history, having burned 137,758 acres south of Meeker. Several wildfires are burning across Colorado, mainly along the Western Slope. Gov. Jared Polis made several disaster declarations and authorised the response of the National Guard to wildfires across the state. While many are still burning, the biggest active wildfire is the Lee Fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorado Wildfire Map The Lee Fire and Grease Fire were discovered on Aug. 2 after a lightning strike. The fires joined together, and since then, crews have been working to put out the Lee Fire, which is still burning 11 miles south of Meeker. After burning for over three weeks, a Monday update from InciWeb said the wildfire burned 138,844 acres, surpassing the former fourth-largest state wildfire, the Hayman Fire in 2002, which burned 137,760 acres between Colorado Springs and Denver. However, new mapping on Tuesday showed the fires acreage had dropped to 137,758 acres. Firefighter at the Elk and Lee Fire. Night fire crew at Lee and Elk fires. Night fire crew at Lee and Elk fires. Wyoming Interagency Hotshot Crew on the Lee Fire. Wyoming Interagency Hotshot Crew on the Lee Fire. The Lee Fire and Elk Fire in Rio Blanco County have burned over 130,000 acres combined as of Aug. 12, 2025. The Lee Fire near Meeker Colorado on Aug. 8, 2025. (Garfield County Sheriffs Office) The Lee Fire seen from the east. (Courtesy the Elk and Lee Fire Information page) Lee Fire near Highway 13 continues to burn in Rio Blanco County. (Curtesy: Bobby Gutierrez/Wendlls) A view of both the Lee and Grease fires burning outside of Meeker, Colorado, Aug. 3, 2025. (BLM photo by James Michels) The Lee Fire and Elk Fire in Rio Blanco County have burned over 130,000 acres combined as of Aug. 12, 2025. The Lee Fire near Meeker Colorado on Aug. 8, 2025. (Garfield County Sheriffs Office) The Lee Fire and Elk Fire in Rio Blanco County have burned over 130,000 acres combined as of Aug. 12, 2025. There are only three other wildfires in Colorado history that are bigger than the Hayman Fire: The Cameron Peak Fire, which burned 208,913 acres west of Fort Collins in 2020 and the nearby East Troublesome Fire, which burned 193,812, as well as the Pine Gulch Fire, which burned 139,007 acres in Mesa and Garfield Counties in 2020, are the three biggest wildfires in state history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They work for at least 14 days straight, Michael Burke, the incident commander for the New York City Fire Departments incident management team, told FOX31s Courtney Fromm. They are putting hard work in, they start at 6 a.m., get some breakfast, then they are out working by 7 a.m. Burke said the weather has made it difficult to get crews to the fires. Even though the weather is great for our fire control, it makes it more dangerous to put people in there to finish the containment efforts, Burke said. Im confident we have it completely contained. There would have to be a dramatic event for us to lose control of the lines we have already. The Lee Fire was at 90% containment on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are on that last 10% and sometimes its a little slow-moving because the terrain is tougher, Burke said. Sometimes due to weather or conditions, the (acre) numbers can flux a bit here and there, so its not due to more growth, its due to accurate mapping. FOX31s Heather Willard contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Nvidia (NVDA) which reports quarterly earnings later on Wednesday is the world's leading AI chipmaker. Its GPUs are found in data centers operated by the likes of Amazon (AMZN), Google (GOOG, GOOGL), Meta (META), Microsoft (MSFT), Oracle (ORCL), and xAI, generating billions in revenue. While the company's relationships with Big Tech are undoubtedly important, its connections to research universities and colleges across the country and world are no less significant to Nvidia's long-term success. That's because, as university researchers come up with new techniques for using GPUs, Nvidia, and its competitors, can take advantage of them to develop new technologies. After all, Nvidia's leadership role in AI kicked off in 2012 when researchers at the University of Toronto used the company's GPUs to develop their image recognition tool, AlexNet. This opened the door to how Nvidia's chips could be used to power AI applications and helped to turn Nvidia into what it is today. "One of [CEO Jensen Huang's] most brilliant moves early on was to start to work with researchers on the very beginnings of AI," TECHnalysis chief analyst Bob O'Donnell explained. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivers a speech during the Computex 2025 exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan, on May 19. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying, File) ASSOCIATED PRESS "He figured out early on that it was going to take a lot of work and research to do this," O'Donnell added. "So he jumped in and wholeheartedly supported academic research into AI, and all of that has paid off in spades. And so he's obviously continuing that approach, because he knows that that's where a lot of the most interesting developments are happening." Naturally, those same universities benefit in their own way, creating a kind of flywheel that continues to spin faster each day. University programs running on Nvidia tech Nvidia says it works with universities in three major ways: through infrastructure, the actual hardware necessary to run AI research and programs; its software libraries, like CUDA, which help researchers and students develop new AI applications and use cases; and hackathons, grants, and joint research projects. The University of Florida received donations from Nvidia, as well as Nvidia co-founder and University of Florida alumnus Chris Malachowsky, to help deploy its HiPerGator supercomputer in 2020. The school was the first in the US to use Nvidia's A100 and Blackwell chips and developed a program that allows all students to gain access to the high-powered system. "We launched an initiative called AI Across the Curriculum, which meant that every student at the University of Florida, all 60,000 some students ... will have the opportunity to learn about AI, work with AI at different levels of complexity, from basic to as advanced as building digital twins," University of Florida vice president and chief information officer Elias G. Eldayrie explained. Aug. 25ROCHESTER After a six-year run in northwest Rochester, Leeann Chin's has served its last order of Firecracker Shrimp in the Med City. The Minnesota-based chain restaurant at 3809 Marketplace Drive NW, was dark on Monday. The company posted signs on the front door and the drive-thru window declaring, "Thank you for the memories. We're so sad to be closing our Rochester location." The sign encouraged diners to visit one of Leeann Chin's more than 30 locations in the Twin Cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Marketplace Drive restaurant opened in the spring of 2019 as the first ever tenant in that spot in the then-new 8,780-square-foot retail center in the shadow of Rochester's Target North complex. Leeann Chin's Chief Operating Officer Mike Loney said the company was excited to open in Rochester, particularly in a space with a drive-thru window. "People are clamoring for convenience and speed these days. We certainly see this as a win for us to not only finally find the ideal spot in Rochester for us, but to do so with a drive-thru is exciting for us," said Loney in 2019. Technically, it wasn't Leeann Chin's first foray into Rochester, though it was the first entry in its traditional restaurant format. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2003, Leeann Chin experimented with a quick casual concept called Chin's Asia Fresh in Rochester's Apache Mall. The concept didn't work out as hoped and it closed in 2005. Leeann Chin's then-President Greg Creighton said the mall location just wasn't a good fit. "We concluded it was more of a real estate faux pas than anything else. If we'd opened up near SuperTarget, we believe we would've done very well," he said in 2005. The northwest Rochester building where Leeann Chin's was based houses three other tenants Spectrum, Infinity Nails and Potbelly's Sandwiches. The building was once owned by a company led by Matthew Onofrio, a former real estate investor and nurse anesthetist who pleaded guilty to bank fraud in 2023. He is still awaiting sentencing. His Northwoods Management LLC company purchased the center for the bargain price of $3.63 million on May 18, 2021. Northwoods Management sold it four days later to Criterion Capital MN LLC in Clovis, Calif. for $4.22 million and a $590,000 profit. Richfield, Minnesota-based Lunieski & Associates paid $4.24 million to Criterion in 2024 to purchase the property. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Kansas City, Kansas, mayor is speaking out after a police officer was killed during a police chase Tuesday morning. KCK officer Hunter Simoncic died at the hospital after he was hit while trying to stop a car involved in a chase. The man accused of killing Simoncic has been arrested. Kansas City-area law enforcement agencies respond to death of KCK officer Tyrone Garner the mayor of Kansas City, Kansas spoke at a news conference Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its another sad day here in Kansas City, Kansas, Garner said. I feel the chiefs pain; I feel the pain of our Kansas City, Kansas, police officers. We have a lot of good police officers here He was one of them, doing his job to keep this community safe. He called Simoncics killing senseless and unnecessary. KCK police officer dies after being hit by driver during police chase It hurts me as mayor, Garner said during Tuesdays news conference. What do you say to a family, a mother, a brother, a father grieving knowing that that life has been snuffed out and it didnt have to be. [He was] a young man that came to work and like everybody else wanted to go home. And he was denied that through senseless, unnecessary violence. Lets not forget his sacrifice The mayor said Simoncics family is devastated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont want to hear enough is enough; it needs to stop, Garner said Tuesday morning. Sometimes thoughts and prayers just isnt enough because its going to take a lot more than that. Who was Hunter Simoncic? KCK officer killed by driver in overnight police chase Outside of his time as a police officer, Garner said Simoncic would read to and mentor children in different schools. That says a lot about the type of individual he was, the mayor said. He wasnt just a police officer; he was a member of our community, our neighbor, our friend. Lets not forget his sacrifice. That life can never be brought back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simoncics killing marks the third line-of-duty death in Kansas in the past two months. One month ago, Wyandotte County Deputy Elijah Ming was shot and killed in the line of duty. Shawn Harris, the man accused of killing him, faces the death penalty. In late June, Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede was shot and killed in the line of duty. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. The same president who did nothing with the National Guard during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot by his supporters now has Washington under National Guard rule. During his campaign President Donald Trump vowed to stop the Gaza and Ukraine wars quickly, lower prices for consumers and release the Jeffrey Epstein files. He went 0 for 4. How can anyone side with Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine? Trump has absolutely no clue as to what his ever-changing tariff policy will do to the average taxpayer. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is detaining students, farm workers and other innocent parties with no criminal past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump hand-picked Elon Musk to dismantle numerous federal agencies, and now the two are archenemies. Appointing Robert F. Kennedy as secretary of health and human services is like having my electrician perform brain surgery. Republicans in Congress are gutless and afraid of Trump, approving drastically unqualified appointees and letting the One Big Beautiful Bill become law. Everything Trump does is to divert attention from the powerful people who abused underage girls in the Epstein case. This is the most corrupt administration in the history of the United States. Compared with everything Trump has done, and screwed up, they should dig up Richard Nixon and let him finish his term. Barry Sherman Exeter Township I am genuinely concerned about the impact of the recently enacted federal tax and spending bill on families in Berks County and beyond.We are being told the bill will only target those fraudulently using Medicaid and nutrition benefits, but I am not convinced. Some families rely on these programs to keep them above water; cuts will only cause them to sink fast. U.S. Reps. Dan Meuser and Rob Bresnahan have defended voting for the bill, but in their districts, thousands of constituents rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for their families. Think about the child who is about to start school but is worried about whether they will have dinner waiting for them at home. Instead of sparking independence with these cuts, they are making it harder. And the new work requirements under Medicaid will really hurt mothers and their children. Medicaid was designed to be a hand up, not a handout, but what happens to these individuals now? And who is going to pay to check eligibility for these programs, something states will now be responsible for? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rest of us hardworking taxpayers will be picking up that tab. This so-called reform bill is going to hurt the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. Rep. Bresnahan and his colleagues need to be truthful about what this bill does and tell us why they voted for this bill. Brett Rudloff Orwigsburg To the editor: The only peace deal that President Trump accomplished, and was completely responsible for, was the one in Afghanistan ( Ending the Ukraine war? Trump is the man for the job, Aug. 22). Peace, defeat, surrender or however you want to describe Afghanistans loss, that is exactly what will happen in Ukraine if Trump continues reducing support for our friends there. Russian President Vladimir Putin has a very good reason for attacking Ukraine and it has nothing to do with fearing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Russia is a failing state and needs new resources, land and, most importantly, more people. The one huge difference with any of the wars the U.S. has supported in my lifetime is that the Ukrainian people are willing to do the fighting in this one. All we have to do is give them the materials they need to defeat Putin's forces. That will also be the best way to push back on China. If China sees that military force will not work in taking over other countries, they will be less inclined to attack Taiwan or push around the Philippines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Wilterdink, Chula Vista .. To the editor: Contributing writer Josh Hammer blames former President Biden and his neoliberal blob (whatever that is) for not having a plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Well, Biden gave Ukraine warning that Russia was going to invade and supported Ukraine from the beginning; otherwise Russia would be controlling the country now. On the other hand, Trump, while running for and as president, has encouraged Putin to fight by cutting the supply of weapons to Ukraine, ridiculing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and treating Putin as a rational leader (something few others think). In fact, the bombing of Ukraine with drones and missiles has doubled in the second Trump administration. If Kamala Harris were president, Ukraine would have had much more leverage in dealing with Russia. Now, its leverage has been eroded by Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hammer has written a delusional column topped off with the statement that maybe Trump will win the Nobel Peace Prize. How, by rewarding Russia for invading Ukraine? Dave Woelfel, Tehachapi .. To the editor: Hammers description of Trump as a sober and emotionally detached realist is a stretch. So is his suggestion that recognizing Russia as owning part of Ukraine will permit the U.S. military to focus on deterring China. Rewarding the Russian invasion with recognition will entice China to attack Taiwan. Emboldening our top 21st-century geopolitical threat, as he calls China, risks the American interests he says he wants to safeguard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is obfuscation, not sobriety, to use the words land swaps and territorial compromise to describe surrendering sovereignty to an invading army. Stuart Meisner, Santa Monica .. To the editor: Hammers column could be succinctly summarized as follows: Trump can end the war in Ukraine by giving Putin everything he wants. Likely true, but hardly revelatory or worthy of an op-ed. Stephen Smith, Los Angeles .. To the editor: Hammer's paean for Trump's skills as a peacemaker bears scrutiny. Trump makes no secret of his admiration and envy of Putin's autocratic rule. He gives lip service to the need for security for Ukraine, but refuses to commit U.S. troops to be part of a peacekeeping force. In contrast, he has no compunction about deploying U.S. military forces to patrol the streets of American cities, most of which are governed by his perceived political enemies. We need real governance by a president who is knowledgeable about national and international affairs, and not one who behaves like a petulant autocrat with an undeserved amount of power at his disposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Sacks, Los Alamitos .. To the editor: Hammers column raises questions for me about so many subjects, its hard to know where to begin. So Ill stick with just one or two subjects. Why does Russia need a buffer zone against NATO on its western border? Is there a real risk that NATO is going to invade Russia absent Russian aggression against a NATO country? Or is the purpose of such a buffer to assure Putin that, if he decides the land swaps with Ukraine are not enough, he can just take over the rest of Ukraine without having to confront NATO? And what Russian land, exactly, is Russia proposing to swap for the Donbas? Or is the idea that leaving the rest of Ukraine an independent nation is somehow a land swap? If so, Hammer, Trump and Putin all need some English vocabulary lessons. June Ailin Sewell, Marina del Rey This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. UNION COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Over the past several months, the Union County Sheriffs Office, in conjunction with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, initiated an undercover chat operation targeting online predators. During the operation, Jackson Henderson, of Lexington, North Carolina, arranged to travel and meet with a 14-year-old female to engage in sexual acts. On July 25, Henderson was arrested by the Union County Sheriffs Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation at his residence in Lexington for Solicitation of a Child by Computer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henderson later satisfied the conditions of his bond and was released from custody. Investigators continued their investigation into Hendersons online activity and later discovered that he was distributing and receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material. As a result, Henderson was additionally charged with 10 counts of 2nd Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Henderson was arrested again in Davidson County on these additional charges as part of the ongoing investigation. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. A humanitarian group has claimed that the Libyan coast guard opened fire on a ship it was operating in the Mediterranean which had 87 rescued migrants onboard. In a statement on Monday, the non-profit SOS Mediterranee called the alleged attack against the MV Ocean Viking on Sunday afternoon "an outrageous and unacceptable act." None of the migrants or the crew were injured during the 20-minutes assault, according to SOS Mediterranee, who said the event happened in international waters 40 miles north of the Libyan coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Although no one was physically wounded, everyone on board feared for their lives, and crucial rescue equipment and the ship herself suffered significant damage," the NGO said. Rescue personnel of the Ocean Viking attend migrants rescued from a wooden boat in the Mediterranean Sea, 14 March, 2024 - AP Photo The charity reported that bullet holes were discovered in the bridge, the part of the ship where steering and navigation take place. Three fast rescue boats (RHIBS) and other equipment were also damaged, it said The Libyan coastguard did not respond to a request for comment on the incident. Ocean Viking, which rescued 87 migrants in the Mediterranean between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, was preparing to respond to another distress call at the time of the reported attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We demand a full investigation into the events of yesterday afternoon and that those responsible for these lifethreatening attacks be brought to justice," said Soazic Dupuy, SOS Mediterranee's operations director. Related The NGO also called for an end to the EU's ongoing collaboration with Libya, which has been repeatedly criticised by human rights groups for the way it treats migrants attempting to reach Europe. Libya, which rejects claims that it is guilty of human rights abuses against migrants, receives training, equipment and funding from the EU to intercept migrant boats travelling to Europe by sea. SOS Mediterranee said that Ocean Viking was heading north on Monday to Syracuse, its home port in Sicily, to disembark the 87 migrants and to start repair work. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) One of the nation's leading operators of automated license-plate reading systems announced Monday it has paused its operations with federal agencies because of confusion and concern including in Illinois about the purpose of their investigations. Flock Safety, whose cameras are mounted in more than 4,000 communities nationwide, put a hold last week on pilot programs with the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection and its law enforcement arm, Homeland Security Investigations, according to a statement by its founder and CEO, Garrett Langley. Among officials in other jurisdictions, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias raised concerns. He announced Monday that an audit found Customs and Border Protection had accessed Illinois data, although he didn't say that the agency was seeking immigration-related information. A 2023 law the Democrat pushed bars sharing license plate data with police investigating out-of-state abortions or undocumented immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This sharing of license plate data of motorists who drive on Illinois roads is a clear violation of the state law," Giannoulias said in a statement. "This law, passed two years ago, aimed to strengthen how data is shared and prevent this exact thing from happening, Flock Safety's cameras capture billions of photos of license plates each month. However, it doesn't own that data. The local agencies in whose jurisdictions the cameras are located do, and they're the ones who receive inquiries from other law enforcement agencies. Langley said the company had initiated pilot programs with Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations to help combat human trafficking and fentanyl distribution. The company is unaware of any immigration-related searches the agencies made, but Langley said parameters were unclear. We clearly communicated poorly. We also didnt create distinct permissions and protocols in the Flock system to ensure local compliance for federal agency users, Langley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revelation comes two months after Giannoulias announced that police in the Chicago suburb of Mount Prospect had shared data with a Texas sheriff who was seeking a missing woman. The womans family was worried because she had undergone a self-administered abortion. Although the sheriff in Johnson County, Texas, said he was simply trying to help the family locate the woman, Giannoulias demanded more vigilance from Flock Safety because of the abortion connection. In addition to halting the pilot programs, Flock has tweaked its system so that federal inquiries are clearly identified as such. And federal agencies will no longer be able to make blanket national or even statewide searches, but only one-on-one searches with particular police agencies. Asked when the federal agency had accessed Illinois data, a Giannoulias spokesperson said the investigation was ongoing. After the June incident, Flock Safety responded to Giannoulias' request that its system reject searches that includes terms such as abortion, immigration or ICE (for Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Those flag terms have been in effect since late June, a Flock Safety spokesperson said. NEW YORK (PIX11) Have you ever lost or had your license plate stolen in New York City? If youre still getting hit with tickets connected to the plate, youre able to dispute them, according to the New York City Department of Finance. In order to dispute the charges, youll need to follow the state Department of Motor Vehicles guidelines to report your plates as stolen or lost. More Local News The DMV said if your plates have been lost or stolen in New York City, you must call the NYPD and have them fill out a police report stating as such. Then, you can bring the police report to your local DMV office along with the vehicle registration to surrender it, according to the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youll be able to get a new registration and replacement plates through the DMV. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State To fight tickets, you can download the NYC Pay or Dispute app. In the app, you will be able to search for your ticket using the violation or license plate number. If you choose to dispute a ticket, you could be asked to provide the police report, DMV documentation and other information, according to the Department of Finance. For more information on disputing a ticket, click here. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) A white supremacist from Minnesota was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday for killing a Jewish inmate at an Illinois prison. In May, Brandon Simonson, 41, of Moorhead, Minnesota, was found guilty of second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, hate crime, and assault in the death of Matthew Phillips. Prosecutors said Simonson, also known as Whitey, and another prisoner, Kristopher Martin, 43, conspired to beat Phillips because he was Jewish. Both men beat Phillips while incarcerated at the Thomson Penitentiary to gain membership in a white supremacist prison gang known as the Valhalla Bound Skinheads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evidence presented at the seven-day trial in the U.S. District Court in Rockford showed that on March 2nd, 2020, Simonson punched and kicked Phillips in the face and head, even after he was unconscious. Phillips died of his injuries three days later. He had been serving a sentence for distributing heroin and money laundering. Martin, 43, of Brazil, Indiana, pleaded guilty earlier this year and will be sentenced on October 9th, 2025. Antisemitic violence has no place in our society, said U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros. Violence against people of faith is illegal and unacceptable and will not be tolerated anywhere in our district, including in our prison system. My office and our law enforcement partners will aggressively enforce federal laws to ensure that all Americans feel safe in practicing and expressing their faith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Selena Li and Scott Murdoch HONG KONG (Reuters) -HSBC has been fined HK$4.2 million ($537,683) by Hong Kong regulators over disclosure failures, the regulators said on Tuesday. The bank failed to properly disclose investment banking relationships with Hong Kong-listed companies in more than 4,200 research reports published between 2013 and 2021, the regulators said. The fine is a result of a self-report by HSBC followed by joint investigation by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the regulators said in a statement. These issues were caused by deficiencies in HSBC's data recording and mapping across systems, according to the regulators. However, there has been no evidence of client losses resulting from the disclosure issues, they said. HSBC said in a statement to Reuters that the breach "is a historic matter" and the bank has remediated its systems and controls. In 2019, the SFC fined Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) Limited and Credit Suisse AG a total of HK$2.8 million for failing to disclose their investment banking relationships in certain research reports on Hong Kong-listed securities published between 2006 and August 2016. Earlier this year, Hang Seng Bank, which is 62% owned by HSBC, was fined HK$66.4 million for overcharging its clients while selling investment products. ($1 = 7.8113 Hong Kong dollars) (Reporting by Selena Li and Scott Murdoch; Editing by Susan Fenton and Tomasz Janowski) Grammy-winning musician Lil Nas X has pleaded not guilty to four felony counts after an incident involving police last week in Los Angeles. The 26-year-old rapper, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, was arrested early Thursday after he was seen walking around L.A. in his underwear and cowboy boots. He was charged with three counts of battery with injury on a police officer and one felony count of resisting arrest. If convicted on all counts, Hill could receive more than 10 years in prison, The Associated Press reported. Los Angeles police said officers found Hill walking naked on Ventura Boulevard, a major thoroughfare, and that he charged at officers as they approached him. Citing a law enforcement source, NBC News reported last week that Hill punched an officer in the face twice and that it was unclear whether he was in mental distress or experiencing an overdose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hill was taken to a hospital and eventually to jail, where he was held over the weekend before being released Monday on $75,000 bail. As a condition of his release, he is expected to attend four Narcotics Anonymous meetings a week or enroll in an outpatient narcotics program, NBC News reported. The musician, who is originally from the Atlanta area, first rose to prominence in 2019 with his hit country-rap single Old Town Road, which set a record for the longest-running No. 1 song on Billboards Hot 100. Hills representatives did not immediately respond to MSNBCs request for comment. Assuming the allegations here are true, this is an absolute aberration in this persons life, defense attorney Christine OConnor told the court Monday, per NBC News. Nothing like this has ever happened to him. A court hearing has been set for Sept. 15. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com LITTLE ROCK, Ark. A quiet residential neighborhood in Little Rock is now at the center of a growing controversy after the citys Board of Directors voted to approve the construction of four mini-homes on Hanger Street despite vocal community opposition, traffic concerns, and a prior recommendation against the project by city planners. Phyllis Hodges, a lifelong resident of Little Rock and longtime caretaker for her mother in the Hanger Hill neighborhood, says shes watched her street change dramatically over the past several years but nothing has sparked community backlash quite like this. Proposed Little Rock affordable housing project sparks parking concerns Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do not want this to happen, said Hodges, referencing the new mini-homes going up at 1522 Hanger Street. Bumper-to-bumper traffic in the neighborhood is going to be horrible. The source of frustration for many residents isnt just the homes themselves its the lack of driveways in the design. The four tiny homes, approved by a 6-3 city board vote, will rely entirely on street parking, something neighbors say will only worsen the already congested area, which includes a nearby bus stop and narrow roads lined with parked cars. Hodges and her neighbors say they voiced their concerns repeatedly in emails, public meetings and direct calls to city leaders. The Little Rock Planning Commission agreed with the neighborhood, voting against the development earlier this year. But the Board of Directors overturned that recommendation in a June vote. I was at every last one of the public meetings. Was our voice heard? No, it was not, Hodges said. We are voters and taxpayers. We are just asking the board to see it from our perspective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents have asked the city to consider modifying the project perhaps building only two or three units instead of four or to require driveways to ease the traffic burden. So far, no changes have been made. The development has been partially enabled by a new Arkansas state law, Act 313, which significantly restricts how cities can regulate Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The law, backed by a bipartisan group of state lawmakers, aims to make it easier for property owners to build affordable, independent housing units like garage apartments, backyard cottages or mini-homes on their property. Under the law, municipalities cannot ban ADUs or impose requirements such as extra parking or architectural conformity. Little Rocks new ordinance, passed 8-1 last Tuesday, aligns the citys code with this law, allowing one ADU per single-family lot. While the four mini-homes on Hanger Street are not classified as ADUs theyre a standalone small-home development the political momentum around affordable housing and state limitations on local control have played a role in how projects like this are evaluated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Director Lance Hines, who represents Ward 5, voted in favor of the Hanger Street development and defended his decision in a public statement. People fear change, said Hines. But when the scope is small four homes in a neighborhood that needs affordable housing I think its a reasoned approach. Well revisit it down the line and see how it goes. Ribbon-cutting held for Little Rock 100 Affordable Homes initiative Hines also praised the work of developer Michael Orndorff, who has previously led revitalization efforts downtown. But not all directors agreed. Directors Capi Peck, Andrea Lewis, and Virgil Miller voted against the plan, citing concerns raised by the Planning Department and the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Hodges, the battle is about more than inconvenience. Its about safety. This street is already a danger zone, she said. We walk here. We see kids at the bus stop. We see cars trying to pass and park at the same time. Its not just frustrating its dangerous. Her mother, now the matriarch of the neighborhood, has lived on the block for over 45 years. Hodges said they are committed to staying and continuing to fight. This isnt just one block. This is from the 1600s down to the 900s on Hanger, Hodges said. And everyone is saying the same thing: No. As construction on the mini-homes moves forward, the neighborhood continues to hope for some kind of compromise and that city leaders will reconsider what community input truly means. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We put these people in office, Hodges said. And come the next election, were going to remember which ones listened, and which ones didnt. Rep. French Hill calls for investigation into mismanagement of Little Rock Housing Authority Community members can share their input about the citys new ADU ordinance via an online survey or at a public meeting scheduled for tonight. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. A personal invitation from TNT Diner reporter Kristine Sherred: Tacoma seems to forever be on the precipice ... of something. Will the midsized city that anchors the South Sound live up to the potential so many see in her? Of course I approach this question from a culinary perspective, but theres more to it than just good food, a cold drink and a sense of camaraderie that can only be accomplished through a shared meal in a public place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restaurant and hospitality industry contributes nearly $1 trillion to the U.S. economy and employs around 10% of the working population. A vast majority of restaurants are small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, and around 70% are singular operations. They are more likely than in any other industry to be owned by immigrant families, first-generation entrepreneurs and people of color. And America loves restaurants: As our lifestyles have shifted, we now spend more money than ever on food away from home, the research term to describe what we dont buy at the grocery store and prepare ourselves. Americans officially dine out whether at a full-service experience or via a pickup window most of the time. Yet the industry continues to struggle. Restaurants cant find enough staff to meet their ideal service schedules. Seasonal fluctuations have become weekly question-marks. They are burdened with seemingly ever-increasing costs and regulatory hurdles even well-meaning ones that can feel suffocating to modest family-run businesses. They must wrangle with the sometimes cruel ecosystem of online reviews and a society that seems to be getting meaner by the minute or at least much sleepier. I hear these tales in my daily conversations with local restaurant owners and workers in and around Tacoma. No city in contemporary America can thrive without a vibrant restaurant scene. But in my almost six years here, I have come to see Tacoma as stuck: told she had what it takes to become the next it place only to languish in a constant state of churn one step forward, two steps back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What does the local industry need to really shine? On Wednesday, Sept. 3, Ill dig into those questions and much more in a panel discussion with president of the Washington Hospitality Association Anthony Anton and three local business owners: Billy Beckett, co-owner of Red Star Taco Bar in Tacoma and Seattle Billy Frederick, the second-generation owner of Chalet Bowl in Tacomas Proctor District Mikey de Alwis, co-owner of Chez Lafayette Creole Brasserie in downtown Tacoma and Bourbon Street Creole Kitchen in Puyallup This event is sponsored by Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce and Washington Hospitality Association in collaboration with Downtown Tacoma Partnership and host venue Nate Jacksons Super Funny Comedy Club. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its free to attend, but advance registration is recommended at business.tacomachamber.org/events. The bar will be open for cash/card service, as will the kitchen, which serves a full menu of pub fare (wings, burger, hot chicken sandwich, salads, flatbreads and more) plus happy-hour snacks. All are welcome. I hope to see you there! Join TNT Diner reporter Kristine Sherred on Sept. 3, 4:30-6:30 p.m. (doors open at 4 p.m.) for a panel discussion on the state of Tacomas hospitality industry at Super Funny Comedy Club. The event is free to attend with registration. Reimagining Hospitality in Tacoma - Live Event VANCOUVER, Wash. (KOIN) As most students head back to class, educators with Evergreen Public Schools (EPS) are trading in their pencils for the picket line as workers are poised to strike Tuesday. Hundreds of teachers, staff, and parents held a rally outside EPS District headquarters in Vancouver Monday ahead of what would have been the start of the 2025-26 school year. However, on Friday Aug. 22 EPS administrators voted to push back the start date until at least September 2, as the district navigates negotiations with the Evergreen Chapter of Public School Employees of Washington SEIU Local 1948 (PSE). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School administrators keep close eye on temperature The union, which represents more than 1,400 specialized support staff including paraeducators, bus drivers, security officers and maintenance workers, told KOIN 6 News its members have been fighting for a fair contract since March 2025. Theyre the first employees that students see in the morning and theyre the last employees students see when they go home, said Heather Christianson, the State President of PSE of WA SEIU Local 1948. Theyre the heart and soul of our school districts. According to PSE, the core issues cited by members include low wages, lack of retention language, and unpaid work hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evergreen students deserve stable, supported schools and that starts with treating classified staff with fairness and dignity, said Mindy Troffer-Cooper, Evergreen PSE Chapter President. Our members are united, and we will not return to work until a fair contract is reached. Troffer-Cooper told KOIN 6 News staff members want students to return to class, but an agreement must be in place. We love our kids and we love our jobs. Thats why we do this work, she said. But we cant do this job and work two and three other jobs, and have members going to food banks. The impending strike comes as the Evergreen Education Association, representing teachers, agreed to not cross the picket line in solidarity with support staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Christine Moloney, EPS Superintendent, said moving the start date will give the district more time to negotiate with the union, as its current contract is set to expire on Aug. 30. This is the best college in Oregon for 2026, report finds The Board and I realize that delaying school is a major inconvenience, but we cannot conduct school safely without the staff represented by the union, including paraeducators, bus drivers, security officers and maintenance staff, Dr. Moloney wrote in a letter to families Friday. By delaying the start of school, we are giving bargaining teams from the district and the union an opportunity to reach a contract that is fair to both sides and sustainable under our current budget constraints. Parents with students at EPS told KOIN 6 News the circumstances surrounding the strike feel all too familiar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is deja vu, Angie Bunda, a parent with two kids in the district. We were here two years ago. My daughters are holding the same signs they held for the strike with the EEA union. Bunda said she would like to see more transparency, communication, and collaboration from the district. Im not gonna lie, my kids are 50/50, theyre kind of excited, kind of sad, but at the end of the day, we want to see all of our staff respected and valued and paid a fair wage, she said. Although EPS has released data regarding support staff wages, workers told KOIN 6 News pay is not on track with the cost of living. Support staff at the Evergreen Public Schools walked the picket line, August 25, 2025 (KOIN) I make less than $20,000 a year. Its not feasible, said Derek Sytsma, a Special Education Paraeducator with the district. The only way that I have groceries on my table is because Im a happily married man with a wife who can supplement that. Without that, Id be teaching your kids while living out of a cardboard box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sytsma said the discrepancy between support staff pay and the wages afforded to district administrators is another reason he is joining the picket line. When we have people on the board that are making a quarter-of-a-million dollars and getting 4.5% raises, were fighting for pennies, he said. I cant prepare the youth of tomorrow while living in squalor today. According to PSE, picket lines will operate daily from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at rotating schools throughout the district: Tuesday, August 26 Evergreen High School, Bus Barn (28th Street), Shahala Middle School Wednesday, August 27 Pacific Middle School, Endeavour Elementary, Marrion Elementary Thursday, August 28 Burton Elementary, Ellsworth Elementary, Mill Plain Elementary Friday, August 29 District Office Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evergreen PSE said members will also hold a rally Tuesday Aug. 26 at the Administrative Service Center at 4:30 p.m. ahead of the EPS Board Meeting at 5:30 p.m., which is available through this Zoom link. KOIN 6 News will continue 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 KOIN.com. Tiny lizards in New Orleans are packing the highest levels of lead any vertebrate on the planetand it doesnt seem to phase them in the least. The new record comes from a study recently published in the journal Environmental Research that measured the volume and impact of lead on brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) from two different city neighborhoods. We were shocked by the data, then it just kind of snowballed from there, says Annelise Blanchette, who worked on the study as a Ph.D. student at Tulane University in New Orleans. The fact that they are thriving is unique to [these lizards]. Monitoring anoles that carry such unprecedented levels of this heavy metal could help public health officials identify city neighborhoods with higher potential human health risks. Animals really are these sentinels that show what is there in the environment, says Jesse Berman, an environmental epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota who was not involved in the work. How lizards pick up lead Previous research from Tulane linked lead tolerance with aggression in mockingbirds around New Orleans, and Blanchette wanted to expand on this. We have a decent understanding of how heavy metals affect humans but a less well-rounded understanding of how it affects wildlife, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Why do most U.S. eagles have lead poisoning?) So Blanchette and her colleagues collected brown anoles from an older urban area uptown near Tulane University and another in Lake Shore, a more suburban area by Lake Pontchartrain. In the lab, the researchers found extremely high lead levels in the lizards blood. One individual had 3,192 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood. I remembered getting that data back and being very surprised that it was alive, Blanchette says. The lizard average was 955 micrograms per deciliterstill extremely high compared to results from other vertebrates, including humans. If you were anywhere near 10 micrograms [per deciliter], doctors would be concerned, says Blanchette, now a biologist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Levels that these lizards could tolerate would definitely be fatal for humans. The lizards in the uptown area had higher levels on average than those from the suburbs. Blanchette says this is likely due to a couple of factors. For one, the Tulane area is a little older, meaning the houses are more likely to still have lead paint. Conversely, Lake Shore has younger buildings and less lead paint, but Blanchette also notes that its yards and other green spaces have a lot more remediated soil brought in from places with less lead contamination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In neighborhoods, paint is a big source of lead. It erodes over time, and tropical storms can also knock flecks off the walls of houses into the surrounding soil. Brown anoles then ingest lead through direct contact with paint on houses or contaminated soil or by eating small arthropods. Blanchette says that industry along the Mississippi is also likely responsible in partits not just paint from old houses. The city is unfortunately a hot spot for a lot of potential avenues for contamination, but its not a problem unique to New Orleans, she says, adding that older cities likely have similarly high levels of lead contamination in the soil. Yet, even the more contaminated uptown lizards didnt seem affected by the lead in tests of balance, endurance, and sprint speed. They didnt find any significant physical differences between lizards with higher lead levels and those with lower levels. (Heavy metals give these spiders a powerful bite.) Testing lizards lead limits To determine how much lead these lizards can ingest safely, the team dosed Lake Shore lizards for 60 days at levels ranging from no lead to 500 milligrams of lead per kilogram of body weight per day. The highest two levels were too much for the lizards. They had ulcers that developed around their mouths, and they had stopped eating, Blanchette says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But those receiving daily doses between one and 10 milligrams of lead per kilogram of body weight had no discernable symptoms. At the end of the test period, one lizard from the 10 milligrams per day group had a blood level of 10,600 micrograms per deciliter. That was the highest that we could confidently say we arent seeing any negative effects, Blanchette says. Measuring only balance, speed and endurance may not be enough to definitively say these lizards can tolerate high lead exposure. Helle Bernstorf Hydesov, a wildlife veterinarian at the University of Copenhagen who has studied lead in mammals but was not involved in this recent research, says there is no such thing as safe lead exposure and questions whether its worth talking about tolerance. You can kind of say, that if youre not finding any side effects to lead, its because you haven't investigated the right health parameters, she says. For now, the numbers Blanchettes team found in the lab and in the wild put anoles in a league of their own. Marc Humphries, an analytical chemist at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg found 1,310 micrograms of lead per deciliter in one Nile crocodile in in South Africapreviously the highest ever recorded in a free-ranging vertebrate. Reptiles appear to possess a remarkable capacity to tolerate high levels of contaminant exposure with minimal apparent physiological effects, Humphries says. In both the crocodile and lizard cases, these lead concentrations would be lethal to any mammal or bird, but reptiles somehow manage to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (These lizards use bubbles to breathe underwater.) How lizards survive lead poisoning In a final test, Blanchette and her colleagues collected more anoles from Lake Shore and the Tulane area. DNA analysis a few different genes were turned on in lizards with high lead levels than those with lower levels. Its intriguing that some of the genes that expressed differently have been previously implicated with heavy metal tolerance, says Blanchette. Leaded anoles seem to express more genes related to oxygen carrying capacity, for example. Lead can interfere with the ability of cells to take in oxygen, so this may represent an adaptation in the lizards, Blanchette says. If we can understand whats happening in the cellular level in animals, then we can use that knowledge and apply it to humans, she says. Activities upcoming at Wakarusa library WAKARUSA Teens in grades six and up through adults are invited to join at the Wakarusa Public Library at 6 p.m. Tuesday for Tin Time! Registered patrons will enjoy snacks while they craft miniature bookshelves or a wallet tin. All supplies are provided. Register at 574-862-2465 or info@wakarusa.lib.in.us. First Day Back will be running on the librarys Dial-A-Story line at 574-444-2772 this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reserved hunt applications open for waterfowl, deer, gamebirds INDIANAPOLIS Hunters can apply for Indiana Department of Natural Resources reserved hunts at GoOutdoorsIN.com. Reserved hunts included in this round include Fish & Wildlife Area waterfowl, FWA and Nature Preserves deer, November Gamebird Areas and Indiana Private Lands Access hunts. The online application method is the only way to apply for the hunts listed. No late entries will be accepted. Applicants must possess a hunting license that is valid for the hunt for which they apply. A $1 tech fee is charged for each hunt application purchased. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Sept. 17. For a complete list of hunts available, see on.IN.gov/reservedhunt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jayco cats protest to be held outside prosecutors office ELKHART The Meow Mission will hold a peaceful protest on Wednesday marking the six-month anniversary of the killing of two live cats in a trash compactor by three workers at a Jayco RV plant in Middlebury. The Justice for Jayco Cats peaceful protest will be held outside the Elkhart County Prosecutors Office, 301 S. Main St., Elkhart, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday. The local nonprofit is inviting the public to speak up and attend the protest. The Meow Mission expects another strong turnout for the protest. The first protest, held in June, brought together dozens of public members who stood outside Elkhart County Prosecutor Vicki Beckers Office protesting for two hours in soaring temperatures, to demand that animal cruelty charges be refiled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protest was held in response to initial charges being dropped by Becker, citing a scriveners error, shortly after the charges were made public and the Elkhart County RV titan refuted a quote in the police report. Spend the night at Cobus Creek County Park ELKHART Family and friends are invited to an overnight campout at Cobus Creek County Park, 30680 C.R. 8, Elkhart, beginning 6 p.m. Friday. The family-oriented overnight experience will give participants the chance to try their hand at fire starting, learn about night sky constellations, and enjoy tasty treats over the fire. The following day will be full of naturalist-led activities, including learning how to throw an ancient atlatl spear, a nature scavenger hunt, themed hikes and more. The overnight event will run from 6 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Saturday. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday. If requested, a limited number of tents are also available for use during the campout. The cost is $15 per camper or $50 per family. Space is limited and registration is required by Thursday. To sign up, visit www.elkhartcountyparks.org. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) The upcoming Sioux City City Council election has another candidate. Nick Davidson, who described himself as a local community leader, officially filed election paperwork on Monday. He opened a release with, Local community leader Nick Davidson has officially announced his candidacy for Sioux City Council, running on a platform of transparency, accountability, and practical solutions for Sioux Citys future. He said his campaign centers on strengthening small businesses, revitalizing neighborhoods, and ensuring city policies prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story continues below Transitional housing for the homeless, emergency response, and construction planning are his key issues. His release read, in part, Davidson, a longtime Sioux City resident, has been deeply engaged in local initiatives, events, and economic development. His campaign centers on strengthening small businesses, revitalizing neighborhoods, and ensuring city policies prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents. You can find his full announcement here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Davison becomes the third candidate to file for the race. Three council seats are up for election. Current Mayor Pro Tem Dan Moore will announce his intentions at a Wednesday press conference. Fellow council members Alex Watters and Matthew R. OKane have not said if they will seek reelection. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Local leaders demand action following deadly stabbing on light rail Local leaders spoke out Monday after the stabbing death of a 23-year-old on the light rail in South End Friday night. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Woman flees war-torn Ukraine, killed on Charlotte light rail Iryna Zarutska, 23, escaped war-torn Ukraine, looking for a better life in Charlotte, only to die onboard the citys Blue Line in South End Friday night. Police said Decarlos Brown, 34, stabbed Zarutska to death. Hes currently in the hospital, but when hes discharged, he will go to jail on a first-degree murder charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charlotte leaders spoke as a transit referendum vote is set for this November. Clearly, our current safety policies are not enough, and with the referendum this November, Im more concerned because we cannot let fear drive people away, said Charlotte City Councilmember Dimple Ajmera. Activist Nichel Dunlap-Thompson spoke to Channel 9 on how the city can prevent violence from continuing to happen. She has long rallied for more safety measures onboard Charlotte transit. With the expansion of our transit system, we also know there is a great opportunity to improve our safety, said Dunlap-Thompson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violent crime isnt an everyday thing on Charlotte transit, but there have been several high-profile incidents. Earlier this month, a group of men beat a veteran onboard a CATS bus. In 2024, police said a man went on a stabbing spree on CATS buses, attacking three people. In 2023, a woman said another man pulled out a knife on her at random on the Blue Line. Months before, police said a man was stabbed on the Gold Line in Uptown. I would like city manager to provide us immediate steps that are being taken to ensure the safety of our riders, Ajmera said. CATS told Channel 9 the operator of the Blue Line on Friday stopped the train and kept it at the station until police arrived. CATS has not answered the question if security was onboard the Blue Line when the stabbing happened. VIDEO: Suspect, victim identified in South End stabbing "Garbage cafes" are emerging across India, per the BBC and while the moniker is admittedly not all that palatable, it also doesn't do the concept justice. Nevertheless, it's fitting. Garbage cafes in India are not a new thing. Back in July 2019, the World Economic Forum heralded the debut of India's very first such establishment in the city of Ambikapur. In that coverage, the WEF presented two relevant statistics. The first was that more than half of India's population of 1.2 billion (closer to 1.5 billion today) lived in poverty, and the second pertained to plastic pollution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It cited a Times of India article from January of that year about the staggering amount of plastic waste generated in the country each day approximately 26,000 metric tons (28,660 U.S. tons), 40% of which is "uncollected," contaminating cities and the country's waterways. At first glance, those are two distinct challenges without an obvious way to proverbially kill two birds with one stone. Garbage cafes tackle both issues in an exceptionally smart fashion. The system is as simple as it is clever: In exchange for 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of collected plastic waste, patrons receive "a full meal that includes rice, two vegetable curries, dal, roti, salad and pickles," according to the BBC. For 0.5 kilogram of plastic (a little over 1 pound), patrons can purchase breakfast, which the Ambikapur cafe's manager, Vinod Kumar Patel, said is typically "samosas or vada pav," the latter a popular potato-based street food often dubbed the "Indian burger." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garbage cafes embody the concept of a circular economy emphasizing sustainability, reducing waste, and compensating patrons with food in exchange for collecting plastic trash. Sharada Singh Patel has worked at Ambikapur's garbage cafe since it opened in 2019, and she lauded the concept for "not only helping to fill empty stomachs but also contributing to cleaning up the environment," per the BBC. Those efforts can be measured beyond the number of meals served daily, which Vinod Patel placed at about 20. Since the garbage cafe opened its doors in Ambikapur six years ago, there's been a measurable decrease in plastic waste. In all, the garbage cafe has diverted 23 metric tons of plastic waste since its inception. According to the BBC, the amount of plastic headed to landfills dropped from 5.4 metric tons a year in 2019 to 2 metric tons by 2024 (roughly 6 to 2.2 in U.S. tons). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rashmi Mondal lives near Ambikapur's garbage cafe, and she told the BBC she'd been collecting plastic daily "for years." She didn't start collecting plastic because of the cafe; prior to its establishment, she sold plastic debris to scrap dealers for literally pennies. Mondal said the garbage cafe has had a massive impact on her family's well-being, changing their lives for the better. "Now, I can get food for my family in exchange for the plastic I collect. It makes all the difference in our lives," she explained. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Local authorities in Kherson Oblast are urging residents to avoid travelling on the Kherson-Mykolaiv motorway, as Russian forces have begun actively attacking it with drones. The Russians have injured two people on the morning of 26 August. Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration; Kherson Oblast Military Administration on Telegram Quote from Prokudin: "Since yesterday evening [25 August ed.] we have observed a high level of activity by Russian drones along the M-14 Kherson-Mykolaiv motorway. The enemy is deliberately targeting civilian transport. I therefore strongly urge you not to travel on this route unless absolutely necessary." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated: Later, Kherson Oblast Military Administration reported that at around 07:00 on this road, Russian troops attacked another car with a drone between the villages of Klapaia and Chornobaivka. A 47-year-old medical director and a 38-year-old doctor from a healthcare facility were injured as a result of the Russian strike. "Early reports indicate that they sustained blast injuries. They sought medical help on their own. They are receiving the necessary medical treatment," the oblast military administration noted. Background: On the evening of 25 August, Russian forces attacked a car belonging to the prosecutors office on the Mykolaiv-Kherson motorway, leaving several people injured. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Swati Bhat and Manoj Kumar MUMBAI/NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Indian exporters are bracing for a sharp decline in U.S. orders after trade talks collapsed and Washington confirmed steep new tariffs on the South Asian nation's goods will take effect from Wednesday, escalating tension between the strategic partners. An additional 25% duty announced by President Donald Trump, confirmed in a notice by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, takes total tariffs to as much as 50%, among Washington's highest, in retaliation for New Delhi's increased buying of Russian oil. "The government has no hope for any immediate relief or delay in U.S. tariffs," said an Indian commerce ministry official, seeking anonymity for lack of authorisation to speak to media. Exporters hit by tariffs would receive financial assistance and be encouraged to diversify to markets such as China, Latin America and the Middle East, the official added. The commerce ministry did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the latest notice. The new duties will apply from 12:01 a.m. EDT on Wednesday (9:31 a.m. IST), it showed. Exceptions are shipments in transit, humanitarian aid, and items under reciprocal trade programmes. The Indian rupee fell to a three-week closing low of 87.68 against the dollar. [INR/] The benchmark equity indexes and closed down 1% each, their biggest daily declines in three months. [.BO] Wednesday's tariff move follows five rounds of failed talks. Indian officials had signalled optimism that tariffs could be capped at 15%. Officials on both sides blamed political misjudgment and missed signals for the breakdown in talks between the world's biggest and fifth-largest economies, whose two-way trade is worth more than $190 billion. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have accused India of indirectly funding Russia's war against Ukraine by boosting Russian oil purchases. This month, Bessent said India was profiteering from its sharply increased imports, making up 42% of total oil purchases, versus less than 1% before the war, a shift Washington has called unacceptable. The standoff has raised questions about the broader relationship between India and the U.S., important security partners who share concerns about China. However, on Tuesday the U.S. State Department and India's Ministry of External Affairs issued identical statements saying senior officials of the ministries and defence departments met virtually on Monday and expressed "eagerness to continue enhancing the breadth and depth of the bilateral relationship." The Common Council is moving toward adoption of a local law to govern the use of micromobility transportation e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards. A resolution on Wednesdays public meeting agenda sponsored by John Craig, 1st Ward alderman, seeks to pave the way for a city law that establishes where e-transportation devices can be ridden and penalties for infractions. Following the resolution, Craig said a public hearing will be held, most likely in October. Then well work with the chief of police and corporation counsel to craft appropriate language to amend the charter, Craig said. Terminology referring to e-bikes, e-scooters, and other non-registerable motorized vehicles will be added to the document. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York State has realized that they need more stringent laws on the books, said Steven Abbott, the citys police chief. The charter is what creates the violation and allows us to issue an appearance ticket to enforce. The resolution is the intent to do this. I think the concern is that now that theyre more visible in the community and theres been some tragic events in Clarence and Niagara Falls, that we should have some guidelines for e-bike utility, Craig said. If youre riding 20 mph down a city walkway, and someone comes out of a building, they might get hit. Two weeks ago, a Clarence teen died from head injuries after crashing his e-bike in a parking lot. Amber N. Clark, 43, of North Tonawanda, was convicted of second-degree vehicular assault and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash last September that resulted in serious physical injury after she drove her car through a red light and hit a woman riding an e-bike. The victim was hospitalized for what crash investigators called serious injuries. At a Canal Street event last week, a pair of teens on e-bikes cut through a crowd to dart down the ramp to the towpath. They passed visitors walking to the locks by less than a foot. It was exactly the type of situation that city officials want to avoid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott advised the council last week to also prohibit electric-assisted devices from parks and walkway paths for safety reasons, and to allow the police to confiscate devices and charge a fine for their return and possibly storage. Abbott said the penalties can be structured in tiers for first through third offenses. Were all concerned, said Margaret Lupo, 5th Ward alderman. We dont want to hurt anybodys mode of transportation, but we want to keep people safe. The popularity of electrical modes of transportation has climbed since COVID, along with injuries. What makes battery-enhanced wheels more hazardous, according to Harvard Health Publishing, is that because of their motor, e-bikes weigh more and approach speeds of 30 mph, so they handle differently. Lupo found that out for herself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have an e-bike, she said. Its stunning how fast you can make them go. I thought I would ride it all around the city instead of a car. But now Im scared. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website, electric assist bicycles and scooters can not be operated on a sidewalk except as authorized by local law or ordinance. Aldermen want the citys law to affirm that restriction, and empower the city police department to enforce it, and helmet use. We want to keep them off the sidewalks and the canal path along Market Street, Lupo said. Theyre going to be mostly regulated to the roads. The DMV allows the devices on highways with a posted speed limit of 30 mph or less. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbott said there are three classifications for e-bikes, which may be governed differently: class 1 provides pedal assistance and a maximum speed of 20 mph; class 2 provides throttle assisted while pedaling, with a maximum speed of 20 mph; and class 3, which is only legal in New York City and is throttle assisted with a maximum speed of 25 mph. Abbott said part of safety is following traffic laws, including stopping at intersections. Even cyclists the same rules of the road apply to them. OCEANSIDE, N.Y. (PIX11) The owner of an Oceanside pizzeria has been accused of sexual abuse following an alleged incident involving a teenage employee, according to the Nassau County Police Department. Joseph Piccolo, 61, owns Pizzaiola Oceanside at 3191 Long Beach Rd. According to detectives, Piccolo invited one of his employees, a 15-year-old girl, to his private office in the Italian restaurant on Aug. 10. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He allegedly told the employee to meet him in the back of the restaurant after work when nobody else was there, so that he could give her extra money without others noticing. Once she entered, Piccolo handed her $200 and then began touching her inappropriately, according to detectives. The employee quickly left the restaurant and told her father what had happened. The incident was then reported to the police. Piccolo was arrested on Aug. 15 by police and charged with sexual abuse, forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. If youre up late Tuesday night, youll have a chance to see three rockets streaking across the sky if youre in New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania or several other eastern states. NASA plans to launch three sounding rockets within a 5-minute span from the Wallops Flight Facility in eastern Virginia late Tuesday. The launch was originally scheduled for last week but got postponed because of impacts from Hurricane Erin. A new launch date was set for Monday night, but widespread cloud cover prompted NASA to scrub the launch at about 1 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NASA says it is now aiming for a Tuesday night launch. The launch window will open at 10:30 p.m., and the latest opportunity will be around 3 a.m. The first two rockets will launch within one minute of each other, releasing colorful vapor tracers similar to compounds used in fireworks. These tracers will allow scientists to photograph and map wind patterns in the upper atmosphere, NASA says. Approximately five minutes later, a third rocket carrying specialized equipment will launch. The map above shows areas of the United States that will have an opportunity to see the rockets high in the sky. From New Jersey, viewers will need to look into the south-southeastern sky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Wallops Visitor Center will not be open for public viewing of the rockets, NASA plans to provide a livestream on YouTube, beginning five minutes before the launch. Current weather radar Thank you for relying on us to provide the local 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) Following a massive fire on Friday at an automotive lubricant plant in southeast Louisiana, residents are reporting soot on cars and oily residue in nearby bodies of water. But Gov. Jeff Landry said that there is no indication of an immediate danger to wildlife or to human health." From what I have been told from what I can see there is no imminent danger to any life or property, other than that we have to clean up a big mess, Landry said during a press conference Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As crews neared extinguishing the blaze and many evacuated residents were allowed to return home, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was collecting samples of the soil, water and debris and setting up floating barriers along the Tangipahoa River in an effort to contain the spread of the unknown chemicals. The fire ignited Friday following multiple explosions at Smitty's Supply in Roseland, a small town around 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Baton Rouge. Officials said they are still unsure of what caused the explosions. The blaze, which amassed to 20 acres (8 hectares), forced around 800 residents to evacuate, Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller said. Miraculously, there were no injuries, Miller said. And as of Monday afternoon, the fire was 98% contained and all but seven households had been allowed to return home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials have touted the response as a success between local, parish, state and federal agencies. But residents are raising concerns about the debris and questions linger. Images shared by residents and media outlets show oily residue floating atop creeks, ponds and the Tangipahoa River, and drops of black soot left behind on cars and businesses after a rainstorm. It doesn't surprise me that we've seen the pictures that we've seen we're dealing with hydrocarbons, with petroleum-based products. We're dealing with a lot of soot. It was a big fire. It was a mess. And we're here to say that we're going to get it cleaned up, Landry said. While officials say the fire involved multiple above-ground storage tanks, drums and cylinders, it is unclear what exactly was stored in the plant during the blaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Landry, who has not spoken with Smitty's Supply, said from what I have gleaned, most of it is petroleum-based products used in lubricants. But officials have been unable to provide additional specifics. Per the companys website, Smittys Supply delivers high performance lubricants and automotive parts, including oils, brake fluid, power steering fluid and antifreeze. The company has faced scrutiny in the past, including being cited multiple times by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to records. Attempts to reach company officials have been unsuccessful. The contents of the soot, soil and water were being tested by environmental agencies. As of Monday afternoon, the results were not yet available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Landry asked the public to be patient and said that if anything changes, he will make that information available. Additionally Louisiana's Department of Environmental Quality is continuing to conduct air monitoring. As of Monday afternoon those results have not shown anything of health-based concern," said agency head Courtney Burdette. When it comes to nearby bodies of water, a section of Tangipahoa River which flows to Lake Pontchartrain, the largest inland body of water in Louisiana has been closed off. The EPA deployed about 5,900 feet (1,798 meters) of containment boom in the river. Landry said he is unaware of any tap water issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday morning, parish and town officials urged residents to avoid direct contact with soot and to wash their hands. A nearby elementary school, which was evacuated after the fire, announced that it was doing its own sanitizing ahead of its anticipated reopening on Tuesday. Crews spent Monday cleaning sidewalks, walkways, inside buildings and playgrounds. Every safety precaution has been taken to ensure that students are in a safe learning environment, read a post on the Roseland Montessori School's Facebook page. LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) Louisiana State Police discuss their partnership in the Sudden Impact program. This program aims to teach high schoolers, through visually graphic mock crashes and heartbreaking stories of loss, the importance of driving safely before they hit the road. The program was developed by University Medical Center in 1999. Since, it has been nationally recognized and has won awards. Their main goal, however, is to continue to save lives by reaching kids early, before they start driving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, we start with our class portions and teaching the kids the dangers of impaired and distracted driving and what can happen when they get behind the wheel, said Trooper First Class Peggy Bourque. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest The classroom portion involves a seven-hour course, including testimony from State Police, trauma nurses and guest speakers. These speakers, through their own experiences, stress the gravity of decisions made behind the wheel. The importance of wearing your seatbelt, not being on that cellphone behind the wheel, not driving impaired after you come back from a party or something, said Bourque. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They hope to accomplish this by putting on display the harsh consequences of impaired and distracted driving. With the help of local emergency officials and funeral homes, the program puts on a mock crash which brings to life the consequences of impaired and distracted driving. Consequences which can be life-altering or life-ending. We bring the reality to them and show them real life stories and have real parents that have lost their children to that, said Bourque. Bourque believes hearing these painful testimonies and seeing these heartbreaking visuals will make kids think twice before making bad decisions. Its really, really impactful for these students when they really see it from that side of things, because I like to talk to them not only as a state trooper, but also has a mom, said Bourque. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With State Police Troop Is partnership with Oschner Lafayette General, students are even given the opportunity to visit local hospitals. Theyre able to visit the trauma ICU after they sign that waver and see all the young people that are impacted by crashes, explained Bourque. State Police, along with its emergency response partners, has brought their Sudden Impact program to high school sophomores across Acadiana and the state. They choose high school sophomores, because theyre just starting their journey to becoming licensed drivers. Its such an important time in their lives to be able to get there and reach them prior to them making those bad decisions, Bourque said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bourque has one message she aims to send to as many young people as she can. Its not worth it, the alcohol, the texting and driving, not wearing your seatbelt, said Bourque. Theres not one thing worth the loss of life, and there is someone out there that will be absolutely devastated if youre not here tomorrow. If you would like your school to participate in any aspect of this program including the classroom instruction or mock crash demonstration visit Sudden Impact Louisiana State Police. 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. Lebanon Police arrested a Florida woman last week, charging her with crack and meth possession. According to police, in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Aug. 19, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a Honda Accord on North College Street after observing multiple violations. During the stop, K9 Falco alerted to possible drugs in the Honda, leading to a search of the vehicle. According to police, what is believed to be crack cocaine and methamphetamine were discovered. The driver, Regina Fry, 43, was arrested and charged with one count of meth possession and two counts of simple possession. SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) College is expensive, but LSU Shreveport (LSUS) is part of an effort to make it more affordable, and they are the best in the state. The university is part of the Affordable Learning LOUISiana initiative, a program in which the states libraries partner to offer and create open-access materials. LSUS student wins prestigious scholarship Open access materials, free textbooks and learning resources, can be crucial for students. That is why David Gaither, the LSUS scholarly communications and analytics librarian, leads the effort to promote those resources. Those efforts saved LSUS students $4.7 million last school year, the most of any school in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average cost of a textbook nationally is $109. Students are paying that per class, which isnt considering classes that may require multiple textbooks or supplemental materials. The average full-time undergraduate student spends over $1,200 per year on books, an extra burden during a stressful time. (Image courtesy of Caitlin LeBlanc/LSUS Media Relations) Gaither said, Its proven that students who dont have to worry about these costs perform better. Other studies show that offering open education resources creates student belief that professors and the university foster a sense of belonging and community, which fits LSUSs mission. Gaither also recognizes how open resources help professors. The benefit for professors is that these resources unshackle them from the burden of wondering whether students can afford the book. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LSU Shreveport offers free workshop for aspiring nonprofits With open access, professors have more access to teaching material. They can select the best information from multiple sources without worrying that some students will be unable to afford multiple books or that a needed book will be sold out. Some professors are hesitant to adjust. Large textbook publishers often include ancillary materials, such as PowerPoint presentations and question banks, for tests and quizzes. Despite that, LSUS has saved students $10 million since 2014 with no plans on stopping. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) SC Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette continues her Keep South Carolina Great tour Tuesday in the Upstate, with a stop at Greenville. Governor Evettes tour aims to engage with local communities and discuss her administrations achievements and future plans for South Carolina. Her visit to the Clock Drive-In on Wade Hampton Boulevard from noon to 1:15 p.m. is part of a broader effort to connect with constituents and gather support for her policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evette is scheduled to return to the Upstate on Thursday night, where she will address the Oconee GOP at the American Legion Post. This event is expected to draw local party members and supporters eager to hear her speak. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Trump administration is thinking about taking an equity stake in defense and munitions companies, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Theres a monstrous discussion about defense, he said Tuesday in an interview with CNBCs Squawk Box when asked if theres a line on government ownership of private companies. I mean, Lockheed Martin makes 97 percent of their revenue from the U.S. government. They are basically an arm of the U.S. government. His comments come after the White House reached an agreement with chipmaker Intel to take a 10 percent equity stake in the company in exchange for a $8.9 billion investment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investment came partially from grants awarded from the CHIPS Act, but not yet paid out. President Donald Trump has previously railed against the Biden-championed law, calling on Congress to get rid of it. Lutnick said the key to considering where the U.S. should take equity stakes in companies is whether the country is adding fundamental value to the business in question. If we are adding fundamental value to your business, I think its fair for Donald Trump to think about the American people, he said. He did not elaborate further on the decision making process on possible stakes in defense companies, telling CNBC that hes going to leave it to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other senior Pentagon officials: These guys are on it and they're thinking about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Commerce Department and Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Lutnicks statements. Trump has faced some criticism in his pursuit of equity stakes from Republicans who say it violates free-market principles that pre-Trump conservatives have traditionally championed. Today its Intel, tomorrow it could be any industry a future Commerce Secretary decides to control, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said in a statement Thursday to POLITICO. If conservatives endorse this now, they hand Democrats a blueprint to expand government ownership over the private sector later. Socialism is literally government control of the means of production. By Tamiyuki Kihara and Kantaro Komiya TOKYO (Reuters) -The United States will make an announcement this week on Japan's $550 billion investment in the U.S., Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, with a top Japanese trade envoy planning to visit Washington to formalise the package. "The Japanese agreement, which we're going to announce later this week, that's $550 billion at the hand of Donald Trump," Lutnick told the Ingraham Angle show on Fox News on Monday night. The Japanese funds could be used for the manufacturing of products such as semiconductors, antibiotics or rare earths in the U.S., Lutnick added. Tokyo's top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa plans to visit the U.S. this week to craft a written confirmation on the financial details of the package, such as the split of investment returns between the U.S. and Japan, a government source close to the negotiations told Reuters. Washington and Tokyo agreed in July to set a reduced 15% tariff on imports from Japan in exchange for a $550 billion package of U.S.-bound investment through government-backed loans and guarantees, but details of its contents remain obscure. While Trump has touted the package as "our money to invest" and said the U.S. would retain 90% of the profits earned, Japanese officials have stressed that the investments will be determined based on whether they will also benefit Japan. SoftBank Group's $2 billion investment in Intel announced last week was not part of the package at the moment, a Japanese government source has said. Akazawa, speaking at a regular Tuesday briefing, said his next U.S. trip was not decided and declined to comment on Lutnick's remarks. Tokyo will keep pressing Washington to implement the deal to cut U.S. tariffs on Japanese goods soon, he added. The U.S. has urged Japan to have a written agreement on the investment plans, but Japan would prefer to keep the deal less legally-binding, the Nikkei business daily reported earlier on Tuesday. The lack of a clear document on the trade agreement had created confusion in Tokyo about tariff rates until Lutnick and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified earlier this month that Japanese goods were exempt from overlapping levies and an earlier presidential order would be amended. Lutnick and Bessent also promised, during Akazawa's previous visit on August 7, that Trump would issue another order to lower tariffs on Japanese cars to 15% from 27.5%, but did not specify when. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has said Tokyo did not seek a written trade agreement with Washington because it wanted a swift resolution and to ensure Trump's tariffs on key Japanese exports such as autos were lowered quickly. By Stefanno Sulaiman and Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam JAKARTA (Reuters) -The United States has agreed in principle to exempt Indonesian exports of cocoa, palm oil and rubber from the 19% tariff imposed by President Donald Trump since August 7, Indonesia's top trade negotiator said on Tuesday. The exemption will take effect once both sides reach a final agreement, but no timeline has been set because the U.S. is busy in tariff talks with other countries, Airlangga Hartarto, who is also the chief economic minister, told Reuters. The two countries also discussed potential U.S. investment in fuel storage in Indonesia in partnership with the Southeast Asian nation's sovereign wealth fund Danantara and state energy firm Pertamina, Airlangga said in an interview. "We are waiting for their response, but during the meeting, basically, the principal (exemption) has been agreed for products not produced in the U.S., such as palm oil and cocoa and rubber ... it will be zero or close to zero," he added. The U.S. embassy in Jakarta did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Indonesia is the world's biggest exporter of palm oil and a major rubber supplier. CERTAINTY ON TARIFFS Indonesia, the region's largest economy, was among the first nations to strike a tariff deal with Trump in July, but Jakarta ended up facing the same rate as some other countries, such as Thailand and Malaysia, and just below Vietnam's figure of 20%. During the talks, Indonesia offered billions of dollars worth of investment in the U.S. and purchases of American crude, LPG, planes and farm products. It also promised zero tariffs on almost all U.S. goods entering its market. Airlangga said certainty over U.S. tariffs and recent progress in talks about a free trade agreement with the European Union could boost Indonesia's economic growth, helping the government reach a 5.4% target for 2026, up from an estimate of about 5% this year. "They bring an optimistic perception from the global market since most investors are looking for certainty and Indonesia is one of the countries that provide global certainty," he said. Jakarta wants to draw foreign investors to help develop industrial facilities, particularly in the processing of its key commodities, Airlangga said, replicating the success the country has seen in bringing Chinese investment into nickel projects. Airlangga said the government is also keen to boost investment in silica sand processing, including the production of solar panels and wafers for semiconductors. (Editing by Gayatri Suroyo; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Helen Popper) WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Schools across Pennsylvania are heading back to school this week, and social media platforms are flooded with images of children heading out on their first day. Each year, photos of children heading back to school swarm social media for the first day of school. The excitement is obvious as many young students embark on a new adventure of learning. While some post their childrens grades and basic information on social media, there are parents who post much more detailed information that could put their children and themselves in danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WATCH: Broken valve gushes water in Luzerne County I mean, everybody loves to be able to share on brag about everything thats going on in their lives with their kids, but I think its really important to know. Is that anything that we put out there can fall into the wrong hands? Sarah Brown, mother of two high school students, said. For Sarah and her kids, its an open-door policy. If her kids dont want her posting photos of them on social media, she will listen. When kids are younger, Sarah believes its up to the parents to protect their children from potential social media dangers. When theyre young, and they dont quite understand that I think we as the parents need to kinda take a step back and think if this is something that you know should be being put out there for the entire world to be able to see, Brown continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detective Jeff Gibson and Chief Richard Kotchik of the Kingston Police have yet to experience a case where social media was a main source to gather information, but its not out of the realm of possibilities. Because all of the information is all there, your address. A lot of times, people take photos, and you can see the house, you can see the actual address right online. Know your audience. Know who you are communicating with. Have your settings set to where you know the people who can get this information, Detective Gibson told 28/22 News. For Brown she never had social media when her kids first started school. Before every post, she is very concise about what is being shown and said. Just like with everything in our lives, theres a plus and a minus to social media when used appropriately. It could be a great tool. I just think we all have to use common sense and take a step back and realize what were sharing, Brown added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The social media thing is, has definitely progressed, and as you go on, it just keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger, and you know everything, anything is posted anymore, Chief Kotchik 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 28/22 News. ASHLEY, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Getting good grades is the obvious goal of students everywhere, but a Luzerne County girl has taken that task to a much greater level. Put a book in Maci Dudecks hands, and she is totally in her element. The 14-year-old from Ashley is an avid reader. How avid? Just ask her father. I think 138 books in one school year. She read all the classics, loves Greek mythology, explained Alan Dudeck, Macis father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All that reading might explain, in part, all the learning she has done to date. The seventh and eighth-grade science teacher at Bear Creek Community Charter School sure took notice of Macis abilities. One thing that makes her stand out is her desire to succeed in everything that she does. Shes not a kid thats just going to stand by and do what she has to do just to get by in school. She always goes above and beyond, said seventh and eighth-grade science teacher Shelby Kresge. Bear Creek Community Charter School nominated Maci for the prestigious Presidents Education Award. The award recognizes students graduating from elementary, middle, or high school for their achievements and hard work. 12-year-old helping kids in her community Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She really wants to make sure that shes understanding what shes learning, and she also encourages others around her to do the same, which I think is rare in a kid these days, shared Kresge. While many students nationwide are nominated for the Presidents Education Award, far fewer actually receive it. Overall, I wasnt expecting to get it that much. I didnt know they were going to hand out the award, said Maci. But as Maci was finishing eighth grade at Bear Creek before enrolling in Wilkes-Barre Area High Schools STEM Academy, she and her family got quite a surprise. We didnt know until they called her name up on stage. We had no prior knowledge of it beforehand, said Alan Dudeck, Macis father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maci proudly held the certificate naming her a Presidents Education Award recipient. It makes me very happy that I did get it. Just proud in general. Very grateful for it, too, shared Maci. Miss Kresge considers Maci a most worthy honoree. She is a quiet leader. You never have to worry about Maci doing the right or the wrong thing. Shes always going to make the right choice, said Kresge. In the past year, Maci has taken up another interest: Playing the violin. Its just an instrument that I always thought would be cool to play. I thought it might be simpler, but it really isnt as simple as I thought it was. Theres a lot to it, explained Maci. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Known for excelling in creative arts and creative thinking, its just one more thing Maci will set out to master. The ideas that she would put into place for things that she created really impressed me, and I hope that she continues to go down that path, shared Kresge. Maci will begin ninth grade at Wilkes-Barre Area High School on September 4. She says someday she plans to pursue a career working with animals or doing something science-based, or maybe even something in the legal profession. Heres to you, Maci. If you have a kid you think should be featured on Heres To You Kid!, send in a nomination online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. PANAMA CITY BEACH A Lynn Haven man faces DUI manslaughter charges after an Aug. 24 crash that killed a 64-year-old Panama City Beach motorcyclist. Alexander Blair Morrison, 26, was arrested on charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI serious bodily injury, leaving the scene resulting in death and leaving the scene resulting in serious bodily injury after the crash on Thomas Drive. According to a news release from the Florida Highway Patrol and an arrest affidavit, Jack Wood, 64, of Panama City Beach was driving a motorcycle west on Thomas Drive in Panama City about 1:20 a.m. with a 28-year-old passenger, Chastity Lindberg of Fort Walton Beach. Morrison was behind them in an SUV, and the FHP said that he failed to stop or change lanes in time, striking the rear of the motorcycle just west of Bonita Street. The collision caused the motorcycle to overturn, throwing Wood and Lindberg, with the motorcycle coming to rest in the eastbound lanes of Thomas Drive, according to the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wood was reported dead at the scene by first responders, and Lindberg was taken to Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Hospital with critical injuries. Morrison was uninjured. After the collision, Morrison continued to Joan Avenue, the FHP said. Officers with the Panama City Beach Police Department found the vehicle and detained the driver until FHP arrived. Morrison was taken to a local hospital and then to the Bay County Jail. More on Bay County crime: Panama City Beach man gets 15 years for killing pedestrian while driving drunk He remained in the Bay County Jail on a $600,000 bond. This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Lynn Haven man charged with DUI manslaughter in motorcyclist's death Macron devoted significant portions of his letter to defending his governments record in combating antisemitism. French President Emmanuel Macron issued a rare and sharply worded public letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, warning that Israel risks losing a historic opportunity for peace if it continues with its military campaign in Gaza and its settlement policies in the West Bank. The letter, dated August 26 and released by the Elysee Palace, came in response to Netanyahus earlier message accusing France of emboldening antisemitism through its recognition of a Palestinian state. Macron, in turn, rejected the allegations, calling them unacceptable and an offence to France as a whole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The French president claimed that the occupation of Gaza, the forced displacement and starvation of Palestinians, the hateful dehumanizing of discourse, and the annexation of the West Bank will never achieve victory for Israel. "On the contrary, these actions will only make your country more isolated, embolden those who use them as a pretext for anti-Semitism and endanger Jewish communities around the world", the president wrote. "I solemnly appeal to you to end the desperate race of a murderous and illegal permanent war in Gaza, causing indignity for your country and placing your people in a deadlock", the president added. FRENCH PRESIDENT Emmanuel Macron speaks in front of humanitarian aid destined for Gaza, at the Egyptian Red Crescent warehouse in Arish, Egypt, in April. Last Thursday, he announced that France would officially recognize a Palestinian state. (credit: LUDOVIC MARIN/REUTERS) Defending France's handling of antisemitism Macron devoted significant portions of his letter to defending his governments record in combating antisemitism, citing his 2017 endorsement of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition, Frances recent legislation targeting antisemitism in higher education, and the deployment of 15,000 police officers to protect Jewish sites after Hamass October 7, 2023 massacre. The fight against antisemitism must not be weaponized and will not fuel any discord between Israel and France, Macron wrote. Accusations of inaction are unacceptable and an offence to France as a whole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He stressed that antisemitism in France stems from both the far right and the far left, warning that tying its resurgence to French diplomatic positions on the Palestinians was misleading and dangerous. At the heart of Macrons message was a forceful argument that Israels long-term security can only be guaranteed by the creation of a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside Israel. We are convinced, after nearly two years of Israeli operations in Gaza, that this is today the only way to truly eradicate Hamas and ensure Israels young people are not consumed by a permanent war, Macron declared. He highlighted French and Saudi efforts at the United Nations in July to rally Arab and Western governments behind a Day After plan for Gaza one that would see international partners assume temporary security responsibilities, disarm terrorist groups, and rebuild the territory under new Palestinian leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This commitment is unprecedented, Macron said. It stems from our indignation in the face of the terrible humanitarian disaster in Gaza that nothing can justify. Your government has decided on a new phase of the offensive leading to the reoccupation of Gaza. I am convinced such a measure would impact the lives of the people of Israel for decades to come, Macron warned. The French president also underscored the urgency of securing a ceasefire to facilitate the release of all hostages. France, he noted, lost more than 50 citizens on October 7, with three French hostages dying in captivity. The barbaric images of Israeli hostage Evyatar David served as a reminder to the world that Hamas must never again be a threat to Israel, nor play any role in the future governance of Gaza, Macron wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While unequivocal in condemning Hamas, Macron urged Netanyahu to avoid falling into what he described as the groups trap of provoking irreversible decisions that would perpetuate war. Concluding his message, Macron positioned France as both Israels ally and critic. France will always be a friend of Israel and the Palestinians. I solemnly appeal to you to end the desperate race of a murderous and illegal permanent war in Gaza, and to take the outstretched hand of international partners ready to work towards peace. As the first year of Donald Trumps second term unfolds, its common to hear people ask whether there are still responsible people working within the presidents administration, who are willing to take a stand in support of Americans interests. Are all the honorable public servants gone? The answer is no and the evidence comes by way of dissent letters. In recent months, against a backdrop of White House radicalism and authoritarian ambitions, officials at a growing number of departments and agencies have signed onto joint statements that condemn what theyve seen behind the scenes. To date, these dissent letters have been issued by employees at agencies that include the National Institutes of Health, NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Science Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, the list grew longer. The New York Times reported: Employees at the Federal Emergency Management Agency wrote to Congress on Monday warning that the Trump administration had reversed much of the progress made in disaster response and recovery since Hurricane Katrina pummeled the Gulf Coast two decades ago. The letter to Congress, titled the Katrina Declaration, rebuked President Trumps plan to drastically scale down FEMA and shift more responsibility for disaster response and more costs to the states. The name of the document serves a couple of purposes: Not only was it issued around the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, but its signatories also warn that the Trump administrations agenda and plans for the agency risk creating another Katrina-level disaster in the coming months and years. Our shared commitment to our country, our oaths of office, and our mission of helping people before, during, and after disasters compel us to warn Congress and the American people of the cascading effects of decisions made by the current administration, the letter states. An Associated Press report added, The statement in it is noteworthy not only for its content but for its overall existence; a fierce approach toward critics by the Trump administration has caused many in the federal government to hesitate before locking heads with the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The developments hardly come out of nowhere. Indeed, it was just a month ago when Ken Pagurek, who led FEMAs Urban Search and Rescue branch, resigned in frustration, arguing that the agencys slow and bureaucratic response to deadly flooding in central Texas was the last straw. Its worth emphasizing that throughout his second term, the presidents line on the future of FEMA hasnt left his administration with a lot of wiggle room: As far as Trump was concerned, the agencys days were numbered. FEMA is getting in the way of everything, the Republican argued earlier this year, failing to explain what that meant. Trump soon after said he saw the agency as an unnecessary department that should be TERMINATED. Around the same time, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whose Cabinet department oversees the emergency response agency, added, Were going to eliminate FEMA. Soon after, Cameron Hamilton, a Trump-appointed FEMA chief and a lifelong conservative Republican, was fired because he testified before Congress and told lawmakers that it would be in the publics interest if FEMA continued to exist. Hamilton was replaced by David Richardson, who has no background in emergency management, and who, on his first day as the agencys acting chief, told FEMAs staff that he would run right over anyone who gets in his way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recently, the White House started hedging a bit on its plans to shutter FEMA, opening the door to an agency that might be overhauled but not necessarily terminated. But even if Team Trump allows FEMA to exist, many of those with first-hand knowledge about how the agency works believe Team Trump is setting up FEMA to fail. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Rachel Maddow looks at the big picture of high profile national security firings and the lowering of standards for entry to the FBI as part of an overall "deprofessionalizing" of the U.S. military and law enforcement, which suggests that Trump is intending to use those forces in a way that is different from what they've been trained for. Todays edition of quick hits. * It was difficult to understand why this case was even filed: A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed an unusual Trump administration lawsuit against every federal judge in Maryland over a standing order that limits the governments ability to quickly deport immigrants. * If you have a chance to watch the governors entire speech, Id recommend it: Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois has a message for President Trump: Keep the military out of Chicago. Mr. Pritzker, a Democrat, stood alongside the Chicago River on Monday afternoon, flanked by Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago, pastors, business leaders and community organizers, to push back on Mr. Trumps offhand declaration that he would send the military into the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Imposing regressive new policies on D.C.: President Donald Trump signed executive orders Monday aimed at eliminating cashless bail for suspects arrested in Washington, D.C., and in other jurisdictions around the country with similar policies, according to fact sheets describing the executive orders the White House provided to NBC News. * The economy still isnt looking great: Americans view of the U.S. economy declined modestly in August as anxiety over a weakening job market grew for the eighth straight month. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index ticked down by 1.3 points to 97.4 in August, down from Julys 98.7, but in the same narrow range of the past three months. * As intraparty pushback goes, this was quite mild: Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., appears to be at odds with President Donald Trump when it comes to deploying the National Guard in certain situations. Speaking at a town hall in his district Monday, Alford said he does not think the federal government should send troops to cities other than Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles unless governors request them. * Jeanine Pirros rough start: The bar for securing indictments in criminal cases is relatively low so low that theres a saying that prosecutors could indict a ham sandwich. But prosecutors in the nations capital have failed a shocking three times to get grand jurors approval for a felony case to move forward in an alleged assault against a federal agent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * No good will come of this policy: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Tuesday that three Democrat-led states must enforce English language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers or face federal funding cuts. Duffy singled out California, Washington and New Mexico, saying they had 30 days to comply before seeing their funds from the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program cut off. See you tomorrow. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Within weeks of Donald Trumps second inaugural, members of Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency team showed up at the Social Security Administration and started demanding access to files. The efforts were not well received: Michelle King, in her capacity as the acting Social Security commissioner, resigned after she refused a DOGE request to access sensitive government records at the agency. The underlying concern did not go away. The New York Times reported: Members of the Department of Government Efficiency uploaded a copy of a crucial Social Security database in June to a vulnerable cloud server, putting the personal information of hundreds of millions of Americans at risk of being leaked or hacked, according to a whistle-blower complaint filed by the Social Security Administrations chief data officer. The database contains records of all Social Security numbers issued by the federal government. The Times report added that the database in question includes individuals full names, addresses and birth dates, among other details that could be used to steal their identities, making it one of the nations most sensitive repositories of personal information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an open question as to why, exactly, DOGE would even want to upload such a database. (The controversial operation is ostensibly searching for fraud within the Social Security system, though its previous claims on the matter have fallen apart under scrutiny.) The whistleblower in this case is Charles Borges, the Social Security Administrations chief data officer, who alleges that DOGE members copied the highly sensitive data without any kind of independent security monitoring, which in turn created enormous vulnerabilities. Borges didnt say that the database had been breached, but his complaint added that there was no oversight to assess how and why DOGE was using the data. The Times report added: Should bad actors gain access to this cloud environment, Americans may be susceptible to widespread identity theft, may lose vital health care and food benefits, and the government may be responsible for reissuing every American a new Social Security number at great cost, Mr. Borgess complaint said. He alleged that DOGE did not involve him in discussions about the project, despite his role as chief data officer, leaving him to piece together evidence of what had happened after the fact. A spokesperson for the department said in a written statement, Commissioner [Frank] Bisignano and the Social Security Administration take all whistleblower complaints seriously. SSA stores all personal data in secure environments that have robust safeguards in place to protect vital information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data referenced in the complaint is stored in a long-standing environment used by SSA and walled off from the internet. High-level career SSA officials have administrative access to this system with oversight by SSAs Information Security team. We are not aware of any compromise to this environment and remain dedicated to protecting sensitive personal data. In recent months, a variety of federal whistleblowers have come forward, and for the most part, the congressional Republican majority has ignored them even when confirming Bisignano to lead the Social Security Administration. Whether GOP lawmakers express similar indifference to Borges remains to be seen. Watch this space. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com As President Trump continues to threaten to send various military outfits into cities across the United States, actual senior military officials are being pushed out. On Monday night, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow offered a theory as to why. Trump isnt announcing any firings, right? Everybody just gets to be an ambassador to something when they get pushed out in this term, she pointed out during her show. But in the military and national security part of the U.S. government, if you watch what theyre actually doing, it is really starting to look like mass firings of everyone with any kind of standing, everyone of consequence. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maddow then named several officials who have been dismissed, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the second in command of the Air Force, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, the Chief of Naval Operations, the deputy head of the NSA and several others. You can follow these stories one by one, or you can look at the big picture and recognize that whats happening here might be quite important, particularly in the national security sphere, she said. Right at the same time the president is repurposing all federal law enforcement agencies and the U.S. military into an armed force in some cases, a masked armed force that patrols and polices and occupies U.S. cities, he is simultaneously degrading the professional core of those entities. Degrading the professional core of federal law enforcement, the military, the intelligence agencies and even emergency response. Maddow then suggested that anyone could ask Trump specifically why he is de-professionalizing these organizations, but his answer likely wouldnt be truthful. So, she offered an explanation instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can say, if this were happening in any other country, what we would know instinctively was that the reason a leader would do something like that is because that leader wants to use those forces differently than what theyve been trained for, Maddow said. Differently than what theyve been used for. The host also pointed to the lowered recruiting standards for the FBI and the gutting of FEMA as examples. So, Maddow argued, de-professionalizing law enforcement and the military makes them more compliant. Because he wants to remove any professional restraint or internal ethics or culture that might otherwise hold those forces back from what he is now going to ask them to do, she said. You can watch Maddows full argument in the video above. The post Maddow Warns Trumps Move to Deprofressionalize the Military, Law Enforcement Aims to Make Them More Compliant | Video appeared first on TheWrap. A Catholic priest in the Diocese of Madison who was once a leader at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Catholic student center has been restricted from public ministry after he was arrested on suspicion of child sex crimes in Waupaca County. Andrew J. Showers, 37, is accused by the Clintonville Police Department of arranging to meet with a 14-year-old girl to have sex with her. Clintonville police arrested him Aug. 24 on suspicion of attempted second-degree sexual assault of a child, using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime, and child enticement, Police Chief Craig Freitag said in a statement. The Waupaca County District Attorney's Office had not yet formally charged Showers as of Aug. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Diocese of Madison learned of the arrest Aug. 25 and restricted Showers from ministry while the investigation is ongoing. The diocese said it had not previously received any allegations of misconduct connected to Showers, who was ordained in 2017. More: Former Wisconsin Lutheran teacher pleads guilty to child enticement, child pornography charges More: These Catholics are trying to work within the church to change how sexual abuse is addressed Showers had the following assignments, according to the diocese: Director of diocesan office of worship, 2024 to present; Parochial vicar for a grouping known as Pastorate 22 or Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, which collectively includes two churches, St. Raphael and Good Shepherd, and one school, St. James, all in Madison, 2023 to present; Priest in residence at All Saints in Berlin and Our Lady of the Lake in Green Lake, 2022 to 2023; Provided Spanish Mass assistance at St. John the Baptist in Waunakee, 2022; Pastor of St. Stephen in Clinton, 2020 to 2022; Parochial vicar for St. Paul's Catholic Student Center, which serves UW-Madison students, 2018 to 2020; Parochial vicar of St. Cecilia in Wisconsin Dells, summer of 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An archived version of the St. Paul's staff page said Showers was born on the east side of Madison and studied architecture at UW-Milwaukee before deciding to enter the seminary. He spent five years studying in Rome before he was ordained. The Diocese of Madison said allegations of sexual misconduct always should be brought to law enforcement, and allegations involving priests, deacons or other church personnel should also be reported to the diocese's sexual misconduct question and reporting line, at 608-821-3162, regardless of when they are said to have occurred. "The safety of children, youth, and the vulnerable remains our highest priority and we continue to work daily to maintain safety in all regards. All employees, teachers, and volunteers must pass backgroundchecks and we follow closely all diocesan policies regarding the protection of children," the diocese said in a statement. Sophie Carson is a general assignment reporter who reports on religion and faith, immigrants and refugees and more. Contact her at scarson@gannett.com or 920-323-5758. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Upset by chance of ICE coming into churches, Wisconsin clergy prepare, share information This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Madison priest arrested, accused of child sex crimes in Waupaca County Li Hongbo / VCG via Getty Images The chipmaker said the deal will have Washington purchase 433.3 million shares at $20.24 per share Key Takeaways Intel shares added to Friday's gains after the U.S. announced it was taking about a 10% stake in the firm. The chipmaker said the deal will have Washington purchase 433.3 million shares at $20.24 per share. The investment in the struggling company is part of the Trump administration's move to boost semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. Intel (INTC) shares added to their Friday gains following word the U.S. had taken about a 10% stake in the struggling chipmaker. President Donald Trump posted on his social media site, Truth Social, on Friday that he negotiated the investment with CEO Lip-Bu Tan, and that it was a "great Deal for America, and, also, a great Deal for INTEL." Trump noted the U.S. paid nothing for the shares, which he valued at $11 billion. He added that the move was part of his administration's effort to increase domestic semiconductor manufacturing. The president's post came shortly after Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnik also announced the acquisition, calling it a "historic agreement [that] strengthens U.S. leadership in semiconductors, which will both grow our economy and help secure Americas technological edge." Intel said the U.S. will acquire 433.3 million primary shares of Intel common stock at for $20.47 each, which was equivalent to a 9.9 percent stake in the company. It explained that the money would come from "the remaining $5.7 billion in grants previously awarded, but not yet paid, to Intel under the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act and $3.2 billion awarded to the company as part of the Secure Enclave program." "The deal certainly has the appearance of the government clawing back the remaining portion of the previous grant, as the government is getting equity not previously contemplated for dollars already committed," Morgan Stanley analysts wrote Monday. "The trade-off, in our view, is that the company will have the flexibility to optimize its own business model without commitment to public service objectives, which may or may not include foundry services at 14A as articulated on the last earnings call." The news lifted shares of Intel 5.5% on Friday, and they added a further 2% soon after the opening bell Monday. They have added more than a quarter of their value this year. UPDATEThis article has been updated with Morgan Stanley analysis and the latest share price information. Read the original article on Investopedia Laura Loomer has hit out at President Donald Trump over his pledge to allow 600,000 Chinese students into the U.S. and claimed that the move undermines his anti-immigration agenda. In a rare break with Trump, the right-wing commentator criticized the president publicly after he touted the very important relationship with Beijing as the administration continues to negotiate a trade agreement. We're going to allow their students to come in. It's very important, 600,000 students. It's very important. But we're going to get along with China, Trump said in a shift in tone Monday in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Loomer claimed without evidence that the 600,000 students were Chinese spies. If we are only mass deporting 1,000 illegals each day but allowing 600,000 Chinese spies to come to our country, how can we call them mass deportations? Loomer said in a post on X Monday. Do the math. (Getty Images) We will never get rid of the millions who came in under Biden. Its basic math, she added. Loomer, who has had Trumps ear in recent months, then appealed directly to White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. Paging @StephenM. Nobody, I repeat nobody, wants 600,000 more Chinese students aka Communist spies in the United States, Loomer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed in May to aggressively revoke Chinese student visas, targeting students with connections to the Chinese Communist Party and those who are studying in critical fields. Trump appears to have shifted away from the aggressive stance since then as the two countries attempt to hash out a trade deal. Loomers rage over the issue was echoed by other key MAGA figures, including Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Why are we allowing 600,000 students from China to replace our American students opportunities? Greene posted on X Monday evening. We should never allow that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president recently spoke of his fondness for Loomer, whose influence over him appears to have grown considerably since he entered office, and she has been dubbed Trumps Rasputin. We're going to allow their students to come in. It's very important, 600,000 students. It's very important. But we're going to get along with China, Trump said in a shift in tone Monday in the Oval Office. (AP) I think she's a patriot, and she gets excited because of the fact that she's a patriot, Trump said earlier this month. And she doesn't like things going on that she thinks are bad for the country. I like her. Loomer, who has courted controversy making statements in support of white nationalism, using anti-Islam rhetoric and spreading conspiracy theories, has been getting senior Trump administration officials fired by digging up old social media posts, going through their employment records, and looking at their past political donations. One of my friends said it made me sound like Trumps Rasputin, she told The Telegraph, referencing the adviser who heavily influenced the tsar during the final years of the Russian Empire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, several members of the National Security Council were fired after Loomer met with Trump. She later confirmed the meeting on social media. There are still people in and around the West Wing who are LEAKING to the hostile, left-wing media about President Trumps *confidential* and *private* meetings in the Oval Office, she posted. It was an honor to meet with President Trump and present him with my research findings, she added. Last month, the general counsel of the National Security Agency, April Falcon Doss, was fired just a day after Loomer met the president in the Oval Office. She also attacked the top vaccine regulator, Vinay Prasad, as a progressive leftist saboteur undermining President Trumps Food and Drug Administration. Prasad later left his position. President Donald Trumps supporters are railing against him after he announced plans to let 600,000 Chinese students into the United States to study amid ongoing trade talks with China. I hear so many stories that were not going to allow their students, Trump told reporters in the White House on Monday. Were going to allow their students to come in. Its very important, 600,000 students. Related: Democrats Flip Key Seat In Iowa District That Trump Won By Double Digits He added: Its very important. But were going to get along with China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps comments came on the heels of his prior restrictions on Chinese students and skyrocketing tariffs in response to what he called Chinas unfair trade practices, alongside his administrations efforts to enact mass deportations of foreigners in general. In May, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. would aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. The new policies were meant to put America first, not China, Rubio said at the time. Now, Trumps decision to welcome Chinese students into the country is being met with backlash from prominent MAGA voices who argue the president is abandoning his so-called America First ethos. Related: Karoline Leavitts Truly Unbelievable New Claim About Trump Backfires Immediately Fox News host Laura Ingraham questioned the move during an interview with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick earlier this week on The Ingraham Angle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Secretary, with all due respect, how is allowing 600,000 students from the communist country of China putting America first? she asked Lutnick. Lutnick responded that Trumps decision came from a rational economic view, which is classic Donald Trump. Well, the presidents point of view is that what would happen if you didnt have those 600,000 students is that youd empty [U.S. universities] from the top, he said, seemingly suggesting that Chinese students attend the top U.S. universities and that once they leave, American students would take their places at top schools and would leave the worst schools to close. Related: DOGE Minions Created Dangerous Live Copy Of Social Security Data, Whistleblower Claims All [American] students would go up to better schools, and the bottom 15% of universities and colleges would go out of business in America, Lutnick told Ingraham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, over on X, formerly Twitter, Trumps move caused a stir among his supporters, who fearmongered about Chinese students and communism. We should not let in 600,000 CHINESE students to attend American colleges and universities that may be loyal to the CCP, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) argued in a post. She added: Why are we allowing 600,000 students from China to replace our American students opportunities? We should never allow that. And we need more trade school graduates. Related: Trump, Again, Complaining About China While Dismantling American Soft Power Trump devotee and far-right activist Laura Loomer also slammed Trumps move in a xenophobic X post that called Chinese students communist spies and suggested that China intentionally unleashed the coronavirus on the world a narrative that fueled a surge of anti-Asian violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody, I repeat nobody, wants 600,000 more Chinese students aka Communist spies in the United States, Loomer wrote. China murdered 1.2 million Americans, she added, in an apparent reference to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now they get to replace us? This cannot happen. A separate X user complained about the hypocrisy of Trump preparing to usher in 600,000 Chinese students after previously accusing their country of stealing American jobs. He roars on stage about China stealing jobs but then rolls out the red carpet for 600,000 Chinese students like a hotel concierge desperate for a tip, the user wrote. Thats not strategy, its hypocrisy with a spray tan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House didnt immediately respond to HuffPosts requests for comment. However, another X user argued that Trumps plan is a wise decision, adding, China is the emerging superpower, so I think we should work together. Related... Read the original on HuffPost In the wake of Donald Trump seeming to ignore Supreme Court precedent and push to criminalize burning the American flag, leaders and commentators on the right are arguing that defacing LGBT+ Pride and Black Lives Matter flags and symbols should be legal. While we're talking about flags, we should work to overturn every conviction for those arrested, fined, or otherwise harassed for the hate crime of doing donuts over Pride flags painted on public streets, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk wrote on X on Monday. It should be legal to burn a rainbow or BLM flag in public, he added in a separate post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm sorry, but as long as this is the status quo, I'm not going to work myself into a state of hysteria about Trump's executive order on burning the American flag, right-wing activist and writer Christopher Rufo wrote on X, pointing to an Iowa case where a man was sentenced in 2019 to 16 years in prison for ripping a rainbow flag from an Iowa church and burning it in a nearby strip club parking lot. It is an extremely unequal standard, X billionaire and former Trump administration advisor Elon Musk wrote in response to Rufo. The Trump administration has pushed to outlaw burning the American flag, while its supporters argue burning LGBT+ Pride flags should be legal (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) I have no patience for the free speech argument for burning the American flag, added podcaster and filmmaker Matt Walsh, pointing to a recent case where a Minnesota woman is facing a misdemeanor charge for allegedly calling a young Black child a racial slur at a playground. We dont have free speech in this country. If theyre going to throw people in jail for saying a bad word, then yes I want you thrown in jail for desecrating my flag. We arent playing by two different sets of rules anymore. The complaints come after the Trump administration announced on Monday it would seek to prosecute individuals for burning the American flag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While an executive order announcing the policy suggested such prosecutions would fall in line with past Supreme Court rulings on the First Amendment, the president took things a step further, seeming to suggest all flag-burners would be punished. You burn a flag, you get one year in jail. You dont get 10 years, you dont get one month, Trump said on Monday, though he lacks authority to unilaterally determine new categories of crimes and their punishments. You get one year in jail, and it goes on your record, and you will see flag burning stopping immediately. President Trump has claimed that flag-burners will be sentenced to one year in jail (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The following day, Vice President JD Vance called the famous 1989 ruling in Texas v. Johnson protecting flag burning as political speech wrong in a post on X, echoing White House comments about its aims for the Justice Department to pursue litigation to clarify the scope of First Amendment in this area. People have been put in prison and otherwise punished for crimes related to damaging Pride and Black Lives Matter symbols in recent years, though these punishments have often related to desecrations involving trespassing or destruction of private property, rather than individuals isolated public protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the Iowa church case, a different Iowa man was convicted on a hate crime charge for leaving hand-written notes at homes with rainbow flags, urging them to burn that gay flag. Other cases cited by these commentators have led to lesser punishments. In January, a Florida teen was given two years probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor counts for defacing an LGBT+-themed crosswalk mural in Delray Beach, while Washington officials dropped a charge last year against a 19-year-old accused of leaving skid marks on a Pride mural in Spokane with an electric scooter. The Supreme Court held in 1989 that burning the U.S. flag can be considered expressive political activity protected by the First Amendment (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the right-wing Proud Boys street gang, was sentenced in 2021 to 90 days in jail on a destruction of property charge after pleading guilty to burning a Black Lives Matter banner he stole in late 2020 from a historic Black church in Washington, D.C. (The Trump administration later pardoned Tarrio for crimes related to January 6.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Free speech protections have long had exceptions, allowing prosecutions for expressive conduct directly tied to actions like inciting or committing violence. Both state and federal laws criminalize hate crimes. Following the 1989 flag-burning ruling, Congress attempted to pass a law nonetheless criminalizing burning the American flag, which the Supreme Court struck down. Flag burning and the laws against it largely emerged amid widespread protest against the Vietnam War, and the ACLU notes that the late-1980s attempts to re-criminalize the practice spurred perhaps the largest single wave of such incidents in American history. A 2006 attempt to create a new constitutional amendment on flag burning nearly passed the Senate. Anti-flag burning laws spread across the U.S. during protests against the Vietnam War (AP1965) Trump supporters, as well as the president himself, have been accused of desecrating the American flag in other ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the January 6 insurrection, Trump supporters replaced an American flag at the U.S. Capitol with a Trump flag, and one protester used Old Glory as a weapon against police officers. At the White House, the administration has replaced Hillary Clintons first lady portrait with a painting imposing Donald Trumps face over the American flag. On the 2020 campaign trail, meanwhile, Trump replaced the American flag with the police-themed Thin Blue Line flag at rallies. LA PLATA, Mo. A Maine man who vanished over a year ago was arrested in Missouri. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Gregory Heimann, 51, faked his own death to evade arrest by disappearing in a canoe near the Canadian border, and has been arrested after more than a year on the run. Police say Heimann disappeared April 19, 2024, after leaving his home with belongings in a canoe. At first, investigators believed he may have drowned. The Maine Warden Service deployed game wardens, aircraft, boats and all-terrain vehicles and searched for him for days. They later determined his disappearance had been staged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said local and federal investigators followed dozens of leads to try to find him for more than a year. His capture came after a lead from the Marshals Service in Maine alerted officers in Missouri. Heimann was taken into custody Aug. 21 at an Amtrak station in La Plata, Missouri. Heimann, who initially gave authorities a fake name, was positively identified and arrested on a federal warrant. According to WGME, Heimann is also accused of making false statements to the Department of Veteran Affairs Office, saying that he had been in a wheelchair since 2004 and could not walk or stand. However, Heimann was seen and recorded walking and standing on his own on multiple occasions in Maine. Heimann will be now taken back to Maine to face federal charges and possibly additional state charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five new Missouri laws to know that become official Thursday Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Josh Taylor said in a statement, Fugitives will find no refuge. If youre wanted, regardless of location, we will find you, you will be apprehended, and you will be brought to justice. The Marshals Service credited the Eastern District of Missouri, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, and the Maine Warden Service with assisting in the case. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. A huge blaze that gutted and partially collapsed a warehouse in the northern German port of Hamburg was finally extinguished on Tuesday by firefighters who had been in action since the previous day, officials said. Around 120 emergency workers were putting out the last pockets of flames and embers, but the largest fire on the site had been quashed. "The fire in the large hall has now been reported as out," a fire brigade spokesman told dpa at midday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the final extinguishing work was expected to take more time, and it was still too dangerous to approach the centre of the fire, which was reportedly caused by a burning car in a warehouse. "There have been further explosions caused by pressurized gas containers," said the spokesman, as the area remained cordoned off. Police fire investigators were also unable to start working at the scene due to the continuing presence of toxic gases. Six people were initially confirmed injured as a result of the fire that broke out on Monday afternoon in the Veddel district in south-east Hamburg. One is in a critical condition and a second was seriously injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, three firefighters suffered blast trauma and a motorist was injured by flying debris on the A1 motorway. Twenty-five people were rescued from the area, some by boat. Adding to the direct danger from the fire, gas pressure cylinders stored in the warehouse exploded over several hours, some of them being thrown several hundred metres through the air and igniting further fires in the surrounding area. As a result, the fire brigade was only able to start extinguishing the fire on Monday evening, hours after the first emergency call. A 400-metre exclusion zone had been set up beforehand. Around 320 firefighters were deployed, battling the flames for hours as the roof of the large warehouse hall also completely collapsed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was simply a sea of flames and it was very confusing for a long time," the spokesman said. In order to keep the situation under control, the surrounding and stacked containers were to be inspected as their contents was not yet known to the authorities and could pose further threats. The damaged warehouse will then be demolished, officials said. The member of the regional government responsible for internal affairs, Andy Grote, issued a message of gratitude to all the emergency services for their highly professional and committed work. He wished the injured a speedy and full recovery. Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani met with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Yvette Clarke and more than a dozen clergy leaders in Brooklyn Tuesday afternoon, though Jeffries has yet to announce whether hell back Mamdani. The Mamdani campaign said the hour-and-a-half meeting, which took place in a church, was productive and thoughtful. They engaged in a wide-ranging discussion on a number of issues including the urgent affordability crisis and the exodus of Black New Yorkers from the five boroughs and Zohran shared his agenda to make sure every New Yorker can afford to continue to call this city home and live a life of dignity, said Dora Pekec, a spokeswoman for Mamdani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Mamdani has won the support of many powerful unions and some party leaders since winning the June primary, some, including Jeffries, have been holding out. Jeffries has been hesitant to throw his weight behind the candidate, and he has expressed concerns about Mamdanis pro-Palestinian stance. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Gov. Hochul have also withheld their endorsements of Mamdani. I came with an open mind, Clarke told NY1 as she headed into the meeting, adding that she did not yet have a timeline for any endorsements in the mayoral race. Mamdani and Jeffries previously met in July. At the time, they said there were plans to meet again with other representatives and community leaders. The democratic socialist candidates upset primary victory shocked much of the political establishment. Since June, Mamdani has met with elected officials and business leaders to assuage their concerns about his left-leaning politics and populist campaign promises. Two men were slain in separate shootings in the Bronx on Tuesday, police said. In the early morning, a 32-year-old man was blasted in the back in a brazen daylight shooting. The victim was nearing the corner of E. 176th St. and Anthony Ave. in Morris Heights around 8:15 a.m. when a man in a black hooded sweatshirt opened fire. The victim was hit in the back, cops said. EMS rushed him to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gunman, who was also sporting black pants and blue sneakers, ran off. No arrests have been made and a motive for the shooting wasnt immediately available. Cops released surveillance footage of the suspected gunman in hopes the public will help in identifying him. In a separate shooting in the borough, a few hours later and nearly 4 miles away, 34-year-old Kelvin Mosquea was fatally gunned down outside his home at the Sack Wern Houses. Mosquea was shot in the torso at Croes and Seward Aves. in Clason Point around 1:11 p.m., cops said. EMS transported him to Jacobi Medical Center, where he later died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cops were looking for two men involved in the incident who ran away on Croes Ave. one was wearing a black-and-gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black Jordan sneakers, the other man was dressed in a gray hooded sweatshirt, black pants and carried a gray-and-red backpack with a shark mouth graphic. The slayings come amid a rash of Bronx shootings in August. On Friday afternoon, four teenagers between the ages of 13 and 15 were wounded in a shooting near a Bronx playground. In that onslaught, gunfire broke out around 4 p.m. on Tratman Ave. between St. Peters Ave. and Overing St. down the block from The Pearly Gates playground in Westchester Square. A 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl were each struck in their left leg, a 14-year-old boy was grazed in the foot by a bullet, and a 15-year-old boy was clipped in both legs, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EMS transported all four youngsters to Jacobi Hospital in stable condition. There were are at least five shots, said Victor Carrion, 61, who witnessed the onslaught. People were running away. I saw the girl on the floor. She was crying. Shed been shot in the left leg, and she was bleeding heavily. The other kids who were shot ran down the street. On Saturday, a mass shooting erupted inside a Bronx park during a basketball tournament that left one man dead, a teen clinging to life and multiple others injured. Around 50 rounds of bullets was fired about 7:25 p.m. at Haffen Park in Baychester, striking Jaceil Banks, 32, in the chest and leaving Anthonaya Campbell, 17, with a bullet lodged behind her eye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medics rushed both victims to Jacobi Medical Center, where Banks died and the teen was in critical condition. Robert Royal, 25, as well as Daeven Reyes, 20, and a 16- and 17-year-old boy were nabbed in the park. All four were charged with murder, attempted murder and gun possession. The names of the two younger suspects were not publicly released. Three other victims survived the shooting and are expected to recover. A 30-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, both shot in the back, made it to Jacobi Medical Center by private means, cops said. A 42-year-old man went to Montefiore Hospital by private means. Shootings and homicides are down citywide, including in the Bronx, compared with last year. But shootings remain elevated in the Bronx compared with other boroughs, NYPD statistics show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year through Aug. 17, there have been 64 murders in the Bronx compared with 75 at the same point last year a 17% drop. The borough has had 202 shooting victims so far this year, down from 268 in the same time frame in 2024 a 25% drop. Those numbers account for about a third of murders and almost 40% of shooting victims citywide, according to police stats. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police arrested a man Saturday accused of a string of burglaries and thefts after a robbery took place in June. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said that on June 12, around 9:35 p.m., a man walked up to a victim in the 900 block of Massachusetts Ave. NW. The man stole the victims belongings before escaping. DC man pleads guilty in Southeast double shooting that left 1 dead Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 23, MPD officers executed an arrest warrant and took 61-year-old Ronnie Bryant into custody. Police charged him with robbery (snatch). As detectives investigated, they tied Bryant to several more cases: Burglary one on May 15 in the 2400 block of Virginia Ave. NW Theft two on June 5 in the 1200 block of 22nd St. NW Burglary two of an establishment on June 12 in the 500 block of 23rd St. NW Burglary two of an establishment on June 25 in the 500 block of 23rd St. NW Burglary two of an establishment on Aug. 18 in the 1200 block of 5th St. NE Theft two and unlawful entry on Aug. 23 in the 800 block of Mt. Vernon Place NW Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Norwegian salmon farming company Grieg Seafood has appointed interim chief executive Nina Willumsen Grieg as its permanent CEO. Grieg had been working as interim CEO since March following Andreas Kvame's departure after a ten-year tenure. Previously, she was the regional director for Grieg Seafood's operations in Norway, known as Grieg Seafood Rogaland. The new was reported today (26 August) alongside the release of Grieg Seafood's second-quarter results. The company reported its sales revenue for the quarter rose by 180% in the quarter to Nkr1.01bn. Harvest volume also saw a substantial rise of 219.3%, increasing from 2,771t GWT to 8,850t GWT. Second-quarter EBIT increased from NKr28m to NKr33m. However, the company's profit before tax, while improved, remained in the red, with the group reporting a pre-tax loss of NKr65m compared to one of NKr104m in the second quarter of 2024. First-half sales revenue increased by 20.7% to Nkr1.94bn in 2025 and harvest volume rose by 33.4%, from 12,196t GWT in 2024 to 16,269t GWT in 2025. Half-year EBIT was NKr9m, down from NKr169m a year earlier. The underlying "operational EBIT" was stood at NKr291m, versus NKr368m in the first half of 2024. Grieg Seafood posted a pre-tax loss of Nkr446m in the first half of this year versus a pre-tax profit of NKr53m in the corresponding period of the year previous. Commenting on the results, Willumsen Grieg said: Grieg Seafood entered the second quarter of 2025 with a continued focus on executing our transformational journey, strengthening our balance sheet, and positioning the company for long-term, sustainable profitability. Last month, Grieg Seafood agreed to sell three salmon processing facilities to Cermaq for Nkr10.2bn. The transaction included farming operations in Finnmark, British Columbia, and Newfoundland, as well as associated sales operations in Canada, and a 50% stake in Nordnorsk Smolt. The divestment is expected to substantially strengthen Grieg Seafood's financial position and is anticipated to complete in Q4 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. Willumsen Grieg said today: Following the transaction, Rogaland will remain the cornerstone of our operations. The region continues to deliver industry-leading results, with stable growth, high survival rates, and disciplined cost control. "Interim CEO made permanent at Grieg Seafood " was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. LOWER MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) Police are searching for three suspects after a 24-year-old man was beaten and slashed in Lower Manhattan Sunday afternoon. The incident happened around 3:35 p.m. at the southwest corner of East 8th Street and Cooper Square, according to the NYPD. More Local News The three suspects allegedly approached the victim and snatched his iPhone from his hand. When the victim tried to get his phone back, the three punched him multiple times and slashed his left hand with a knife, police say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects then fled on bikes, heading east on East 8th Street. EMS transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment. The NYPD released the following photos of two of the suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police. 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). Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. PANAMA CITY A man on death row for a 2008 murder in Panama City has killed himself in prison. Matthew Caylor, 50, had served 15 years on death row, and sources say he committed suicide on the night of the execution of Kayle Bates on Aug. 19, according to the substack Tracking Florida's Death Penalty. Arrest affidavits say the offense took place at the now-bulldozed Value Lodge at 4810 U.S. 98 on July 8, 2008. Caylor had sexual intercourse with the girl, then strangled her with a telephone cord and hid the body under the motel room's bed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The intial brief by his defense from the Supreme Court of Florida says that Caylor had moved to Panama City from Georgia and had rented a room at the hotel for about two weeks before the incident. He and other residents at the motel would come together for outdoor barbecues. The girl was staying at the hotel with her mother, the mother's boyfriend, her brother and another man. They say she often found herself bored at the motel and knocked on Caylor's door asking for a cigarette. The defense claimed that the sex was consensual, adding that the murder was an extension of Caylor's aggravation from a prior situation where "two Russian girls" reportedly stole his cocaine. Caylor reportedly said he took every bit of rage that has been in my life out on her. After the murder, he fled to Chipley where he stayed for several days. Caylor was arrested for another reason and confessed to the crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The defense said that Caylor had a violent home life growing up, had attempted suicide and had actively been using drugs, including methamphetamine. Caylor had been convicted of child molestation in Georgia and came to Panama City where he and other men sold a whole lot of coke. More on crime in Bay County: Panama City Beach man gets 15 years for killing pedestrian while driving drunk Caylor was found guilty of first-degree murder, sexual battery with serious physical force and aggravated child abuse on Oct. 29, 2009. He was sentenced to death, recommended in an 8-4 jury vote. After a direct appeal in 2011, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed his conviction and death sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He appealed twice more and was resentenced to death by a trial court in February 2023. The Florida Supreme Court again affirmed his death sentence in February 2025. Caylor had a pending petition asking for a higher court to review the case. This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Man on death row for 2008 Panama City murder commits suicide CHICAGO (WGN) Authorities say a death investigation is underway after a man was killed in a stabbing on the citys Far South Side early Tuesday morning. Chicago police say the deadly stabbing unfolded just after 2:30 a.m., in the 900 block of West 78th Street, in Auburn Gresham. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines Officers said they were first called to the scene for a well-being check, but when they arrived, they found the victim, an adult male, unresponsive with multiple stab wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim, whose age remains unclear, was then taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Detectives are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and have spoken with a person of interest, though it is unclear how they are involved. It is unclear what led to the stabbing and authorities have not identified the victim killed. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Anyone with information on the stabbing is asked to contact CPD Area Two Detectives at 312-747-8273 or dial 911. Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. NEED TO KNOW A missing man was found safe two days after he disappeared in Texas on Aug. 24 He told officials that his vehicle broke down, causing him to walk almost 12 miles through a canyon The missing man was "in good spirits," officials said A man who was missing for two days was found safe after he walked almost 12 miles through a canyon in Texas, authorities said. On the evening of Sunday, Aug. 24, officials announced that Jonathon Miller had been located, the Jeff Davis County Sheriffs Office said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller told Sheriff Victor Lopez that his Jeep broke down on Friday, Aug. 22, prompting him to hike nearly 12 miles through Madera Canyon, located in Big Bend Ranch State Park. Sheriff Lopez can confirm that Jonathon is in good spirits and grateful to everyone who helped find him, said the sheriffs office, which did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further comment. He is currently undergoing a medical evaluation and will be reunited with his family shortly. Jeff Davis County Sheriff's Office Jonathon Miller's vehicle Jonathon Miller's vehicle For days, officials werent sure what had become of the man. Miller, from Reeves County, had been reported missing after failing to arrive in in Jeff Davis County, as expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the day he was found, officials sent out a public notice about his disappearance, enlisting the help of local residents for air support as well as a helicopter from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Getty Madera Canyon Madera Canyon Later that day, officials said that the missing mans vehicle had been found, but he remained missing. We will continue to provide updates as progress is made, the sheriffs office said at the time. Thank you for your support and for helping us bring him home safely. Almost six hours later, officials said that the missing person was found safe and that he was being taken into town for medical treatment. In their final announcement, the sheriffs office also included a photo of the man on a gurney, significantly sunburned, but giving a thumbs up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, Big Bend Ranch State Park, though scenic, can be dangerous during the summer months. In warm weather months, be prepared for extreme summer heat, the agency said. "Temperatures typically exceed 100 degrees by late morning and can reach as high as 130 degrees in the sun. They remain at dangerous levels even after sunset.. 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. Jeff Davis County Sheriff's Office Jonathon Miller Jonathon Miller Multiple locals responded to the news that Miller had been found with praise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to say thank you to everyone involved in this search for a missing person in our community, wrote one man. It really is wonderful to see everybody pull together and help others when there is a time of need. Read the original article on People A man was killed and several others were injured Tuesday afternoon after an SUV crashed into a Planet Fitness in New Jersey. The incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. when the vehicle careened into the gym on Newark Avenue in Elizabeth, about 15 miles west of New York City in Union County. A 72-year-old man, who was exercising inside near the front window, was pronounced dead at the scene, Elizabeth City Spokeswoman Ruby Contreras told NJ Advance Media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several others were treated for injuries sustained in the crash, including a 59-year-old man on a treadmill who suffered cuts and abrasions. The 69-year-old woman who was behind the wheel was also taken to a hospital with injuries consistent with airbag deployment, officials said. Neither the identities of the driver nor the victims had been released as of Tuesday evening. It wasnt clear exactly how many people were injured. The cause of the crash was also unclear, though the mayors office said all parties are cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Chopper footage obtained by Fox 5 showed the maroon Jeep completely inside the building, surrounded by broken glass and other debris from the damaged windows just to the left of the entrance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The building sustained structural damage and is closed until further notice. At Planet Fitness, the safety of our employees, members, and guests is a top priority, and we are extremely saddened by this tragic accident and loss of life, Planet Fitness told the Daily News. Our thoughts are with the members family and those impacted during this difficult time, and we are grateful to the first responders who provided immediate assistance. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) A man killed one of his neighbors dogs and shot another after they attacked his chickens and then him in south Abilene Tuesday morning. The incident happened at a home on the 300 block of Oxford Street around 10:30 a.m. Police at the scene say two pitbulls broke into the backyard of a neighboring home and began attacking chickens. When the resident went outside to defend his chickens, the dogs attacked him, so he fired a gun in self defense, killing one dog and injuring the other. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No criminal charges have been filed at this time, and the investigation is ongoing. Stick with BigCountryHomepage.com for any additional information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. ST. LOUIS A St. Louis man appeared in court Monday and admitted shooting and killing a man outside a Dutchtown gas station in 2023. The shooting happened on July 7, 2023, at the QuikTrip at the corner of Gravois Avenue and Chippewa Street. Police said Mohamed Abid, 45, confronted Jametric A. Steele outside the gas station before shooting him at close range. Steele attempted to run and hide behind parked cars but collapsed and died. He was 52. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents told to vacate Crestwood apartment building due to code violations The shooting was caught on surveillance video. On the day his trial was set to start, Abid pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Prosecutors reduced the prior first-degree murder count and dropped a charge of armed criminal action. The judge overseeing the case sentenced Abid to 20 years in Missouri state prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. (MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) A man convicted of sexual assault on a child in Manitou Springs has been sentenced to more than 30 years in prison. According to a spokesperson for the City of Manitou Springs, James Walter was sentenced in El Paso County District Court to 30 years to life in the Colorado Department of Corrections, with an additional 20 years to life parole. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man found guilty on several sex assault charges Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, Walter was found guilty of multiple charges, including numerous counts of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, sexual assault submission by force, and aggravated incest. Courtesy: Manitou Springs Police Department This sentencing marks the conclusion of a thorough and dedicated investigation by the Manitou Springs Police Department, the Citys spokesperson said. Over the course of two years, investigators worked tirelessly to ensure that justice was pursued with persistence and professionalism. The departments efforts, in close collaboration with prosecuting attorneys and support services, were critical in bringing this case to trial and securing a conviction. Walters estimated eligibility date for parole is January 2059. He has remained in custody since his conviction in March. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ST. LOUIS A St. Louis man was sentenced Tuesday for the 2021 murder of his ex-girlfriend. Samuel Bailey, 74, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, first-degree burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm, and three counts of armed criminal action. According to police, the murder happened on July 4, 2021, in the 5400 block of Ruskin Avenue, located in the citys Mark Twain neighborhood. The St. Louis Circuit Attorneys Office said Gail Keys called 911 to report a break-in at a home. She identified Bailey, her ex-boyfriend, as the intruder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents told to vacate Crestwood apartment building due to code violations Police arrived and accompanied Keys to her front door. As she walked inside, Bailey, who was still in the home, shot Keys. Keys died at the scene. She was 63. Officers retreated and attempted to form a perimeter around the home. Police confronted Bailey in the back of the home as he attempted to flee and took him into custody after a scuffle. Police recovered a seven-shot revolver from the gangway where Bailey was arrested. The judge overseeing the case sentenced Bailey to 20 years in Missouri state prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. This story was originally published on CFO.com. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO.com newsletter. Keurig Dr Pepper CFO Sudhanshu Priyadarshi is set to play a key role in the beverage giants newly unveiled plans to spin off a separate, publicly traded coffee company. On Monday, Keurig Dr Pepper announced plans to acquire Dutch multinational coffee company JDE Peets in a roughly $18 billion, all-cash transaction. Once that deal goes through, the company plans to cleave its coffee business into its own separate company that would be led by Priyadarshi. This will be Priyadarshis first time as a CEO. Current Keurig Dr Pepper CEO Tim Cofer, meanwhile, will lead the companys other division focused on refreshment beverages, including Dr Pepper. The new business to be led by Priyadarshi will be a new global coffee champion, Cofer said in a news release. Through the complementary combination of Keurig and JDE Peets, we are seizing an exceptional opportunity to create a global coffee giant, Cofer said in the release. This is the right time for this transaction, with KDP in a position of operational and financial strength, momentum across our evolved portfolio, and increasing coffee category resilience. By creating two sharply focused beverage companies with attractive and tailored growth propositions and capital allocation strategies, we are poised to generate significant shareholder value in both the near and long term. By revenue, the coffee side of Keurig Dr Peppers business today is notably smaller than its refreshment business. In its 2024 fiscal year, the companys U.S. coffee division pulled in $3.967 billion, down slightly from $4.071 billion in the prior year. That compares to total revenue of $9.3 billion in Keurig Dr Peppers refreshment beverages business. The coffee trade has seen rising prices due to things like inclement weather and shifting supply chains, and its existence as a staple in offices around the U.S. is currently under threat from recent legislative changes. JDE Peets itself is the result of an earlier merger coordinated by Luxembourg conglomerate JAB Holding Co. In 2012, JAB bought predecessor company Peets Coffee & Tea. Seven years later, JAB merged Peets with Jacobs Douwe Egberts and took the combined company public as JDE Peets in 2020. In an interview with CFO.com earlier this year, Priyadarshi noted that the company was continuing to navigate the effect of tariffs, like many other consumer businesses. We rely on a global supply chain like everyone else and are not immune to tariffs, but we have a lot of production for both the beverage and coffee business being done in the U.S. already, he said at the time. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) A man and a teen faces charges for their alleged connection with a shooting that occurred about a block from the Annie Jo Gordon Community Learning Center. Elijah C. Irby, 24, appeared in Peoria County Circuit Court on Monday, charged with possession of a weapon by a felon. During that hearing, a judge ordered him held pending the outcome of his case, according to online court records. In addition, a 17-year-old was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, according to , Peoria County States Attorney spokeswoman Anna Perales. The teen was charged in the juvenile division and as such, his name is not available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just after 2 a.m., officers with the Peoria Police Department responded to an alert from the ShotSpotter gunfire detection system that indicated 19 rounds were fired, according to Semone Roth, a police spokeswoman. Two men ages 23 and 31, were taken to a local hospital by a private vehicle, Roth said. They had been shot. Perales said one of the victims suffered a gunshot wound to the head and is currently in critical condition. The alert was in the 2700 block of West Trewyn Avenue and when officers arrived, they saw two people running away. They were caught about a block away on South Freidan Street, Roth said. Perales said Irby was found hiding behind a bush, where officers also recovered a firearm. The juvenile was found hiding across the street, and another firearm was discovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roth said one of the firearms was reported to be stolen. At the scene, officers located a vehicle with bullet holes, a broken window and a trail of blood leading to the street, Perales 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 CIProud.com. A man threatened to blow up his ex-wife and her new partner using homemade bombs built from materials bought on Amazon, a court has heard. James Boyd showed off the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to two friends and told them he planned to target Catherine Higgins and Alistair Black, her new partner. He insisted he was building the devices to smoke rabbits out, but a jury has now found him guilty of making threats to harm the couple. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 48-year-old has not been jailed but will be under police supervision for two years. Boyd sparked a bomb scare in the village of Glamis, in Angus, Scotland, in October 2023 after he was reported for bragging about his plans that summer. Residents were forced to evacuate after police uncovered a coffee jar and a bottle containing suspicious white powder at Boyds former home. Fire crews and bomb disposal experts were scrambled to the scene and the white powder was revealed to be potassium nitrate and sucrose, some of which had been put in toilet tubes and sealed with electrical tape. Boyd was arrested and told police he regularly made smoke bombs with ingredients bought from online retailer Amazon. He bought them from Amazon His friend Stewart Craig, 45, claimed Boyd said, Ive made a bomb, when he and his wife Kimberley visited Boyds home at some point between August nd September 2023, the court heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Craig told the High Court in Dundee: It was an old coffee jar. There was a white substance in the jar. I didnt know what it was. He just said it was a bomb but I didnt know what was actually in the jar. He was going to put them through the letterbox [of his ex-wife and her new partner]. He said he bought them from Amazon. Kimberley Craig told the court that Boyd claimed all the bombs would need was a wick to become effective. I dont know him that well so I didnt know if he intended to do anything, she said. Boyd was walking his dog on October 5, 2023 when he was arrested by police before his house was later searched. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bomb disposal experts were drafted in and believed it was appropriate for nearby residents to be evacuated while investigations were carried out. When interviewed by police, Boyd said: I have these bombs. These are my bombs. Smoke bomb for rabbit holes Discussing his relationship with Mr Craig, Boyd said: Stewart knows I make smoke bombs. Even Kimberley knows. Check my Amazon thats where I ordered it. I told him I built smoke bombs and he knows that. Hes known this for well over ten years. Its a smoke bomb that I was using for rabbit holes. During a search of the address, officers uncovered a ring-pull catapult, ball bearings and a membership card for the British Association for Shooting and Conservation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jury found Boyd guilty of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by making remarks of a threatening nature, repeatedly stating he had built a bomb and showing materials and homemade devices that he said were explosives on various occasions between 1 August and 30 September 2023. Boyd spent nearly two years on remand after his arrest and Judge Paul Brown told him he would view that as the punishment period for the offence. He placed Boyd on supervision for two years and banned him from contacting the Craigs for five years. 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. 26A man wanted in a Cleveland homicide and a rape in Summit County was arrested following a SWAT standoff in Dayton Monday. An investigation into the whereabouts of 50-year-old John L. Armstrong led the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team to an apartment building in the 3600 block of Delphos Avenue. When task force members approached the apartment building, a round was fired from inside the building toward officers, the U.S. Marshals Office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, Dayton police issued a shelter in place advisory, and SWAT and hostage negotiation team members responded to the area. The advisory started shortly before 11 a.m. and ended around 3:30 p.m. SWAT eventually arrested Armstrong, who is being held in the Montgomery County Jail. He will remain in custody in Dayton until he is extradited to Northeast Ohio. "This violent fugitive fled from northern Ohio to Dayton and then took drastic actions that put our task force members' lives at risk," said U.S. Marshal Michael Black. "Our task force members are experienced and well-trained to operate in chaotic and dangerous situations like (Monday)." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black said an officer had a minor laceration on their leg, but no one was seriously injured. Armstrong is wanted in the death of 46-year-old Juvar King. King was reported missing on Feb. 4 after he didn't pick up his daughters, according to the U.S. Marshals Office. The East Cleveland Police Department reportedly found King shot in the head on March 17. Armstrong also had a warrant for the rape of a juvenile in Summit County, according to the U.S. Marshals Office. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) A man wanted for an out-of-state charge was captured Monday afternoon in Harrisburg, according to the Dauphin County District Attorney. Dozens of police officers swarmed to the area of Peffer and N. 4th streets, blocking off the area with caution tape. Law enforcement at the scene of the police incident that blocked off the area of Peffer and N. 4th streets Police tape blocks off the area as law enforcement loo to take a wanted man into custody on a warrant out of New Jersey The man, identified as 34-year-old Daniel D. Wilson, was seen by an abc27 News crew being carried out of a home by law enforcement just before 6 p.m. He appeared to have a head wound, and part of his face was wrapped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Livestream Alerts Dauphin County DA Fran Chardo confirmed the man was wanted for charges related to an incident that occurred in Hudson County, northern New Jersey, near New York, on August 19. Online Court Documents, confirmed by DA Chardo, show the charges included attempted murder in the first degree, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and other related charges. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. ROBERTSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) Two more suspects wanted in connection with a deadly July shooting along Interstate 40 were arrested Monday. The Tennessee Highway Patrol confirmed to News 2 that the agency assisted the Metro Nashville Police Department with a manhunt in Robertson County near the Cheatham County border at around 5:30 p.m. A multi-vehicle crash was reported along Interstate 24 westbound near mile marker 23 at about 6:53 p.m. and Cheatham County residents were advised to avoid the area. A spokesperson for the MNPD said the manhunt was related to a murder suspect wanted out of Nashville. A social media post from the MNPD identified the two suspects as 24-year-old Keilon Williams and 20-year-old James Redmond. The two were wanted in connection with a July shooting on Interstate 40 in Hermitage during which 26-year-old Tyquan Jackson was killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ORIGINAL STORY | Man dead after shooting on I-40 in Hermitage On July 26, Jackson was at a sports bar on Old Hickory Boulevard when he was told that his vehicle was being broken into. He pursued the accused burglars in his vehicle, and was shot in the head as he entered the I-40 entrance ramp from Old Hickory Boulevard, reports said. In early August, two people were arrested in connection with Jacksons death: 34-year-old Hannah Crague and 20-year-old Jonathan Brewington. According to court documents, both were charged with criminal homicide after admitting to being the driver and front seat passenger in the suspect vehicle. However, they claimed their two backseat passengers Redmond and Williams had shot at Jackson. On Monday, Redmond was located by TITANS detectives, who initiated a traffic stop near the Davidson/Robertson County line. Officials said he fled on I-24 West into Robertson County until his vehicle was disabled near Pleasant View. A Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter unit followed Redmond as he stopped the vehicle in the median of I-24, got out and ran into the woods. A K9 unit with the MNPD tracked Redmond into the woods, where he was apprehended by officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee He was booked into Metro jail and charged with felony criminal homicide, felony motor vehicle burglary, felony evading arrest and misdemeanor evading arrest. His bond is set at $175,000. Metro Police said Williams was taken into custody Monday morning off Rosa L. Parks Boulevard. Officers found marijuana and a gun during his arrest. He is charged with felony motor vehicle theft and felony criminal homicide. His bond is set at $110,000. James Redmond (Source: Metro Nashville Police Department) Keilon Williams (Source: Metro Nashville Police Department) Williams arrest evidence (Source: Metro Nashville Police Department) The Robertson County Sheriffs Office also assisted in the search. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. NEED TO KNOW Authorities have confirmed that a manhunt is currently underway for a man who shot and killed two police officers in a rural Australian town A third officer was also seriously injured in the incident, which took place in Porepunkah, about 186 miles north-east of Melbourne Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush called the incident "a terribly tragic event," per the BBC A manhunt is underway after a man shot and killed two police officers in a rural town in Victoria, Australia, authorities have confirmed. On Tuesday, Aug. 26, shortly after 10:30 a.m. local time, two on-duty officers were fatally shot and a third was seriously injured after being shot in the lower body while 10 police officers were attending a property on Rayner Track in the town of Porepunkah, per a Victoria Police news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At this time, no other officers have been physically injured," police said in the release. "The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still being determined and it remains an active and ongoing situation." SIMON DALLINGER/EPA/Shutterstock Authorities are pictured near the scene in Porepunkah, Australia after two police officers were killed in a shooting Authorities are pictured near the scene in Porepunkah, Australia after two police officers were killed in a shooting "Its believed the offender has since left the property and at this time his whereabouts are unknown," police added. "A significant search is actively underway to locate the man." "We urge the public in and around the township of Porepunkah to remain indoors until further notice," the release continued. "We also ask people not to travel into the area." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The town of Porepunkah is located just over 186 miles north-east of Melbourne, close to the popular destination of Bright, per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). SIMON DALLINGER/EPA/Shutterstock Authorities are pictured near the scene in Porepunkah, Australia after two police officers were killed in a shooting Authorities are pictured near the scene in Porepunkah, Australia after two police officers were killed in a shooting According to the Herald Sun, the accused shooter has been revealed as Dezi Freeman. The suspect is on the run with hostages, the outlet noted. Freeman is a local man in his 50s and identifies himself as a "sovereign citizen," the ABC reported. Victoria Police declined to identify the suspected shooter in an email to PEOPLE, adding that officers "are yet to locate the offenders family, but nor have we confirmed he has them with him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush called the incident "a terribly tragic event" while speaking in a brief video statement, per the BBC. SIMON DALLINGER/EPA/Shutterstock A helicopter is pictured near the scene of the shooting in Porepunkah, Australia A helicopter is pictured near the scene of the shooting in Porepunkah, Australia In a further update, Bush confirmed a 59-year-old detective and a 35-year-old Senior Constable had died in the attack, according to the ABC. "The suspect for this horrific event is still at large. We believe he is armed," Bush said, insisting, "Our priority is to arrest him, to ensure he is held to account for his actions," per the outlet. Bush also commented on reports that the suspect has family members with him while speaking to reporters, stating that police "are still looking to locate his partner and two children, but he was not seen [heading] into the bush with them," according to the BBC. He said the two officers had been "murdered in cold blood," adding that the other seven officers who attended the scene are "physically okay" but obviously "very traumatized," the outlet noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chief Commissioner said the suspect is "heavily armed" and "dangerous," the BBC stated. The ABC noted that police had been executing a warrant for historical sex offences at a property near Porepunkah when the shooting occurred. Police declined to confirm why they had been at the property in an email to PEOPLE. Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, was among the many to post on social media about the tragedy. Allan wrote in a statement on X, "Victoria Police officers, and all our first responders, show extraordinary bravery and courage every single day," adding, "They are the best of us and the thoughts of all Victorians are with them today." 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. Police across Australia also paid tribute to the officers killed in the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Queensland Police Service wrote on Facebook, "On behalf of the Queensland Police Service, we extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by the tragic loss of the Victoria Police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty." New South Wales (NSW) Police Force added on the social media site, "Our heartfelt condolences go out to Victoria Police following the tragic loss of two officers today. We also send our support to the third officer who was seriously injured." "Our thoughts are with their families, friends, colleagues, and the entire community as they navigate this profoundly difficult time," the post added. Read the original article on People The Maricopa County Sheriffs Office recently brought back its public-facing mugshots webpage. The page was suspended in September 2024 in response to a federal appeals court ruling that found it unconstitutional. Brian Houston had claimed that his rights were violated by the Sheriff's Office practice of posting mugshots and personal information about pretrial detainees online. A trial court dismissed his arguments, but an appeals court ruled partly in his favor upon review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Houstons right to be free from punishment before a finding of guilt was violated. The result is public exposure and humiliation of pretrial detainees, who are presumed innocent and may not be punished before an adjudication of guilt, wrote Judge Marsha Berzon in the circuit court's opinion. Phoenix police arrested Houston in January 2022 on assault charges. His photo and personal information, including his birth date, sex, height, weight, hair color and eye color, as well as the charges on which he was arrested, were posted online by the Sheriff's Office for three days. But the charges against Houston were dropped, and he never went to trial. Maricopa County Sheriff's Office mugshot page returns with changes The new mugshots page features some key differences from the previous version, including a line at the top of the page that says, All individuals are innocent until proven guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each mugshot now features over a dozen watermarks of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office logo and physical descriptors of individuals, such as height, weight, nationality, eye color and hair color an issue the appeals court raised in last year's ruling are no longer listed. What is the public interest, for example, in publicly disclosing Houstons weight? the appeals court asked after finding such information did not promote public safety. In addition to a mugshot, the page includes a persons first and last name, their booking number, the charges they face and the arresting agency. The arresting agency was not listed on the previous mugshot page, raising a critique from the appeals court. But the Mugshot Lookup page did not contain the names of the arresting officers, the police department responsible for the arrest, whether charges were pursued or dismissed, or the jail in which Houston was held, Berzon wrote. The Mugshot Lookup posts thus shed light only on arrestees, not on the operations of the Sheriffs Office or law enforcement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Sheriff's Office spokesperson said the agency believed the mugshot page's current form complied with the law. "The changes made to the mugshot page are in accordance with the opinion of the appellate court," William Jinks said. Other Arizona county sheriff's offices have not yet brought back mugshots Three other sheriff's offices in Arizona in Cochise, Gila and Yuma counties also suspended posting mugshots after the appeals court ruling. Cochise confirmed it had not resumed the practice. "Not at this time," spokesperson Carol Capas said in a statement. "However, we make appropriate reviews with our legal advisors and will make any adjustments as directed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff's offices for Gila and Yuma counties did not respond to requests for comment on Aug. 25. Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at perry.vandell@gannett.com or 602-444-2474. Follow him on X @PerryVandell. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office publishing mugshots again Executive Councillors John Stephen and Joseph Kenney, center, hold a meeting to ask New Hampshire Supreme Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald, Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn, and Attorney General John Formella about possible improvements to the way police and courts respond to domestic violence cases, July 24, 2025. (Ethan DeWitt | New Hampshire Bulletin) This story was updated on Aug. 26 at 1:52 p.m. to include new information about the departure of magistrates Stephanie Johnson and Jaye Duncan. In the weeks before the high-profile murder of Marisol Fuentes-Huaracha in July, New Hampshire courts and police officers failed multiple opportunities to intervene, a new Judicial Branch review has concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A court magistrate released Michael Gleason Jr., Fuentes-Huarachas husband, on $5,000 bail despite credible allegations by Fuentes-Huaracha that he posed a danger to her. A circuit court judge affirmed that bail decision. The court did not revisit its bail decision even as more information came to light about Gleasons troubling pattern of behavior. And despite four separate orders requiring Gleason to relinquish his firearms, the Berlin Police Department failed to collect the weapons. In the end, six weeks after Fuentes-Huaracha first approached local police alleging domestic violence by her husband, Gleason, free from preventative detention and with access to firearms, was able to fatally shoot Fuentes-Huaracha and himself at a restaurant in Berlin, shocking many in the state. The case has prompted political rhetoric against magistrates and pleas for broader reform by domestic violence advocates. And on Monday, the Judicial Branch group tasked with reviewing the proceedings leading up to the murder suicide issued a series of sweeping recommendations of its own. Among them: train court staff and judges about what should count as dangerousness when making bail decisions in domestic violence cases; train police and attorneys how to better push for bail to be revoked in dangerous cases; improve how court systems share information about the potential dangerousness of a defendant; and improve the enforcement of firearm relinquishment orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on its review, the Committee identified facts known or available at the time of the bail determinations that were indicators of Gleasons dangerousness or of intimate partner violence, the review states. The Committee concludes that sufficient evidence existed to hold Gleason in preventive detention. In a statement Monday evening, Gov. Kelly Ayotte responded to the report by again calling for the resignation of the magistrate who issued the first bail order, Stephanie Johnson. Ayotte did not comment on the reports recommendations. Marisol Fuentes murder was tragic and preventable, and the magistrate who made the decision to grant bail to her killer should resign, Ayotte said. While we cannot undo that horrific crime, we can and must do better in the future. On Tuesday, a spokesman for the Judicial Branch said that Johnson and another magistrate, Jaye Duncan, are no longer working for the branch. That leaves just one magistrate still working: Frank Weeks. The three-person magistrate system, created by the Legislature in 2024 to reduce wait times for bail decisions, will be eliminated Sept. 20 under a repeal law passed in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Judicial Branch spokesman, Av Harris, did not provide details as to why Johnson and Duncan are no longer working for the courts, and whether they were fired or resigned. We do not discuss personnel matters, Harris said. A failure to collect firearms In the Berlin case, Fuentes-Huaracha first approached police on April 25, the day she said Gleason had sexually assaulted her and seized her phone and $8,000. That day, a circuit court issued a protective order preventing Gleason from contacting Fuentes-Huaracha and ordering him to relinquish deadly weapons. Gleason was arrested the next day and charged with felonious sexual assault, kidnapping, and theft. He was released on bail by Johnson the day after that, on the condition he avoid the marital home and, again, relinquish his weapons. The next day, April 28, a Berlin circuit court judge, Janet Jay Subers, upheld the bail order, denying a request by the prosecutor to overturn it and hold Gleason in jail ahead of the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the weeks that passed, there were multiple court hearings, including those relating to the domestic violence protective order, the felony charges, and the ongoing divorce proceedings between Gleason and Fuentes-Huaracha. But despite clear orders in multiple cases, the Berlin Police Department showed no record that Gleason surrendered any weapons to officers who served the court orders that he do so. When she first approached police, Fuentes-Huaracha had testified that Gleasons firearms and other weapons were everywhere in the house (,) in the trucks (,) in the cabinets literally in every part of the house, according to the records. And later, a week before the murder, a second person, a 17-year-old who also alleged Gleason had sexually assaulted them, testified that Gleason generally had access to guns and knives wherever hes staying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet on no visit did the police department appear to record that they retrieved any firearms, according to the Judicial Branch review of records. Instead, on the forms stating Firearms and ammunition were relinquished, the officers simply wrote N/A, and provided no further context. Meanwhile, at no point after the April 28 arraignment did the prosecutor a Berlin police officer acting as attorney file an appeal of the circuit courts bail decision or make a motion requesting that bail be revoked. Missed signs of dangerousness The internal review committee, led by Judge Ellen Christo, the administrative judge of the circuit court, found that Johnson, the magistrate, and Subers, the judge, both had enough evidence of dangerousness to deny bail to Gleason in April. The committee cited the violent and sexual nature of the charged offenses, including that he had allegedly overpowered her by force, shoved her to the ground, and given her bruises. Fuentes reported she was petrified of what would happen to her and, although she went to work directly after the incident, she left soon after arriving because she was afraid, the report states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That and other factors, such as the weapons, Gleasons theft of Fuentes-Huarachas phone, and other coercive actions, should have met the clear and convincing standard of dangerousness to others required to deny a defendants bail in New Hampshire, the review committee found. New Hampshires bail laws are set to change in September in two ways significant to the Gleason case: The magistrate system will be repealed to require all bail decisions to be made by judges, and the standard for denying a person bail will drop significantly from clear and convincing evidence of dangerousness to probable cause. In her statement Monday, Ayotte touted the law she signed that created those changes. Since Ive been in office, I have said that the magistrate system should be eliminated, and once the bail law I signed takes effect next month, it will be. I was also proud to sign laws to protect victims and prevent future tragedies with the help of our new Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee, Ayotte said. We will continue to work every day to protect victims and keep dangerous criminals behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its list of recommended reforms Monday, the review committee said judges should be aware that the standard for denying bail in domestic abuse cases is lower than the standard for proving domestic abuse. The committee also said that prosecutors, victims advocates and police departments should be better trained to appeal adverse bail decisions in domestic violence cases where there is evidence of dangerousness. They recommended that the forms filled out by officers serving protective orders and bail orders require a more clear yes or no answer as to whether the weapons were relinquished. And they urged police departments to request search warrants in cases in which a victim alleges the existence of firearms and the defendant fails to relinquish any. Ultimately, legislative changes may be necessary to adequately address the issue of effective firearm relinquishment, the report states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee said the court system should consider steps to connect victims with legal counsel sooner; in Fuentes-Huarachas case, she did not have a lawyer for a month, despite having filed multiple protective orders and related forms. And the committee said courts should have better information-sharing systems to allow judges to make better decisions regarding bail conditions. The report noted existing technical barriers currently, only docket entries about domestic violence protective orders are available electronically, not pleading and orders, and it stated the system is not likely to change soon. Still, the committee suggested other mechanisms for sharing that information on domestic violence cases. It did not elaborate on those mechanisms. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX KLA Corporation (KLAC), headquartered in Milpitas, California, is a $114.8 billion global leader in designing, manufacturing, and marketing process control, yield management, and process-enabling solutions for the semiconductor and electronics industries. The company operates through three key segments: Semiconductor Process Control, Specialty Semiconductor Process, and PCB and Component Inspection. Shares of KLAC have underperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. KLAC stock has increased 9% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied 16.2%. However, shares of KLAC are up 38.1% on a YTD basis, outpacing $SPXs 10% rise. More News from Barchart In addition, KLAC has outpaced Invesco Semiconductors ETFs (PSI) 10.1% decline over the past 52 weeks and 8.1% fall in 2025. www.barchart.com On Jul. 31, KLAC shares dipped 5% after the company released its fourth-quarter earnings. Its revenue rose 24% year-over-year to $3.18 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $9.38, exceeding expectations and guidance. Growth was driven by a 52% surge in wafer inspection sales and a 25% increase in semiconductor process control revenue, supported by AI-driven demand. For the fiscal year ending in June 2026, analysts expect KLAC's EPS to rise 3.3% year-over-year to $34.37. The company's earnings surprise history is impressive. It beat the consensus estimates in each of the last four quarters. Among the 26 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a Moderate Buy. Thats based on nine Strong Buy ratings, two Moderate Buys, and 15 Holds. www.barchart.com The current consensus is bearish than two months ago, when it had 10 Strong Buy suggestions. On Aug. 2, Citigroup Inc. (C) analyst Atif Malik reiterated a Buy rating on KLAC, raising the price target to $1,060 from $1,035. KLACs mean price target of $930.62 indicates a premium of 6.9% from the current market prices. While the Street-high target of $1,075 suggests a robust 23.5% upside potential. 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 (Reuters) -Fire has destroyed the national parliament of the Marshall Islands, fire and police officials in the Pacific Island nation said on Tuesday, adding the blaze had since been put out. The Marshall Islands Fire Department said in a telephone interview that half of the parliament building, known as the Nitijela, had been burnt down in a fire that broke out overnight. The remaining structure cannot be used, a police official told Reuters by telephone, confirming the parliament had been destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fire truck had responded to the blaze, he added. The Pacific archipelago, midway between Hawaii and Australia, has a population of around 42,000, with half living in the capital Majuro. Its major diplomatic relationships are a compact of free association with the United States, which provides economic assistance in return for military access, and diplomatic recognition of Taiwan. President Hilda Heine's spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed his condolences to the country for the fire. Taiwan will remain in communication with the Marshall Islands' government and "provide necessary assistance in a timely manner", the ministry added in a statement, without elaborating. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Taipei; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) NEED TO KNOW The Maryland Department of Health gave an update on the first-ever American to be infected with the New World screwworm. The patient contracted it after traveling to a country experiencing an outbreak of the parasite, officials said Although humans are susceptible to the parasite, livestock are its primary host, and the screwworm can kill a cow in two weeks The Maryland patient who was the first-ever American to be infected with the horrific flesh-eating parasite, New World screwworm, has recovered. The Maryland resident has recovered from the infection, and the investigation confirmed there is no indication of transmission to any other individuals or animals. Currently, the risk to public and animal health in Maryland from this introduction is very low, the Maryland Department of Health said in a statement to PEOPLE, adding that the resident had returned from a country currently experiencing a NWS outbreak. Getty Stock image of the New World screwworm fly. Stock image of the New World screwworm fly. The resident had recently traveled to El Salvador, CBS News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Screwworm is actually a fly that gets its name from how its larva infects a host. Its a flesh-eating parasite, Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, told NPR. As he explained, the fly lays its eggs on livestock, like cattle. Then, he says, the larva does exactly what the name would suggest. It screws or bores into the flesh of our cattle and, in essence, eats the animal from the inside out. It is a horrific parasite. The fly has been migrating north from South America and while it can, and does, infect humans, livestock are its primary host. The Maryland case concerned cattle producers who claimed they werent informed of the infection promptly, Reuters reported. It can kill a cow within two weeks, The New York Times reported. The only way to stop a screwworm infestation is by dropping millions of flies that have been bred to be sterile on areas where the parasite has taken hold, entomologist Edwin Burgess explained to NPR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flies are made sterile through radiation. Then, they take just the males, and then they package them up and fly them over large areas and drop these little packets out of planes. And then those adult male flies mate with the females, which only mate once in their lifetime. Its a way to crash the population, Burgess explained. Getty Stock image of cattle. Stock image of cattle. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans to build a fly sterilizing facility at Moore Air Force Base in Edinburg, Texas. It could produce 300 million sterile flies a week. A screwworm infection is indeed very painful, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control explains. It causes unexplained but painful wounds or sores that worsen over time and may bleed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those infected may feel or see maggots moving in the wound. Treatment generally involves surgery to remove the infected area. 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. Read the original article on People As kids around Washington are heading back to school, the Marysville Police Department (MPD) is urging drivers to be cautious. MPD reported issuing 553 citations for speeding in school zones and 506 violations involving school bus stop paddles last year. The department released multiple videos from cameras mounted on buses, catching cars driving past despite having the stop sign displayed and flashing. Police remind drivers that under Washington State Law, you must slow down when a school buss yellow lights flash, and stop completely when a stop paddle is extended unless there is a barrier on the opposite of the road. LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) Pakistan has evacuated tens of thousands of people to safer areas after neighboring India released water from overflowing dams and swollen rivers into low-lying border regions, officials said Tuesday. The move came a day after New Delhi alerted Islamabad about possible cross-border flooding, marking the first public diplomatic contact between the two nuclear-armed rivals in months. Pakistans National Disaster Management Authority said it had issued an advance alert to its Punjabi counterparts about a surge in the Sutlej River and the risk of flooding, and that evacuations from various districts in the eastern Punjab province were underway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, it said rescuers evacuated more than 14,000 people from Kasur, a district in Punjab province, while over 89,000 were moved to safer ground from the city of Bahawalnagar, near the Indian border. The NDMA said authorities have urged residents to stay away from rivers, streams and low-lying areas, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow alerts issued through the media, mobile phones and the NDMAs disaster alert app. The latest flood alert and evacuation drive by Pakistan comes as heavy monsoon rains continue to batter both South Asian countries. In Pakistans northwest, many residents complained this month that they had received no warning before flash floods struck Buner district, killing more than 300 people. Officials have said the devastation was caused by a sudden cloudburst, which could not have been predicted, and that many of the victims were living along natural water pathways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationwide, floods triggered by seasonal rains have killed more than 800 people in Pakistan since June 26. In Kashmir, which is split between the two sides and claimed by both in its entirety, at least 65 have also died and hundreds have been displaced in the Indian-administered Jammu area. Many of the regions rivers and tributaries eventually flow into Pakistan and the part of Kashmir it controls. On Tuesday, Indian officials said most rivers and streams were overflowing, with muddy waters inundating homes in several places and damaging roads and bridges. Water levels in multiple rivers continued to rise in the region. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, rains should persist until late Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2014, Kashmir saw its worst monsoon flooding in a century, leaving 500 people dead across the region. This week's flood alert was conveyed to Pakistan through diplomatic channels rather than the Indus Waters Commission, the permanent mechanism created under the 1960 World Bank-brokered Indus Waters Treaty, which was suspended by New Delhi after the April killing of 26 tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan says India cannot scrap the treaty unilaterally. The treaty had earlier survived two wars between the countries, in 1965 and 1971, and a major border skirmish in 1999. The suspension of treaty and scaling down of diplomatic ties by India over the killing of tourists eventually set off tit-for-tat missile strikes by the both sides in May. The exchange ended only after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he had brokered a ceasefire. Since then, the two sides have not taken steps to normalize ties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pakistan in recent months has witnessed multiple cloudburst floods and more than normal rainfall. Pakistans annual monsoon season runs from July through September. Scientists and weather forecasters have blamed climate change for heavier rains in recent years in the region. This year's heavy rains have raised fears of a repeat of the 2022 downpour, also blamed on climate change, that inundated a third of the country and killed 1,739 people. ___ Associated Press writer Aijaz Hussain contributed to this story from Srinagar, India. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is arguing that President Donald Trumps attempt to fire a Federal Reserve governor must be overturned in court. On Monday night, Trump published a letter on Truth Social stating that he would remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, effective immediately. The Federal Reserve is the central bank of the United States and is traditionally independent from the executive branch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pursuant to my authority under Article II of the Constitution of the United States and the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, as amended, you are hereby removed from your position on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, effective immediately, Trump wrote in the letter. Following Trumps letter, Warren released a statement calling the 47th presidents attempt to fire Cook illegal. Its an authoritarian power grab that blatantly violates the Federal Reserve Act, and must be overturned in court, Warren wrote. The Federal Reserve Act states that governors can only be removed from their positions for wrongdoing, also known as for cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his letter, Trump cites a criminal referral where Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte accuses Cook of committing mortgage fraud, according to NBC News. Cook, however, has not been formally charged with a crime and plans to sue the Trump administration to keep her job, according to the Boston Globe. Following Trumps letter on Monday, Cook herself said that she intends to stay on the Federal Reserve, according to NBC News. President Trump purported to fire me for cause when no cause exists under the law, and he has no authority to do so, Cook said. I will not resign. I will continue to carry out my duties to help the American economy as I have been doing since 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cooks attorney, Abbe Lowell, said Trump had no authority to fire Cook, the Globe reported. His attempt to fire her, based solely on a referral letter, lacks any factual or legal basis, Lowell said. We will be filing a lawsuit challenging this illegal action. More on Politics Read the original article on MassLive. CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. (WNCN) A large dead shark washed ashore at the North Carolina coast early Tuesday in the wake of Hurricane Erins high surf late last week. A massive hammerhead shark was discovered around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday near the northern end of Carolina Beach near the Clamshell access, according to Abby Grace Hollingsworth. The hammerhead shark appeared to be about 12 feet long with a man lying on the beach beside it to provide scale. Carolina Beach is located in New Hanover County, about five miles south of Wilmington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not known when the shark died. Staff from the North Carolina Aquarium arrived at Carolina Beach on Tuesday, Hollingsworth told CBS 17. A massive hammerhead shark was discovered around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday near the northern end of Carolina Beach near the Clamshell access. Photo courtesy: Abby Grace Hollingsworth. Crews removed the shark and plan to check for the cause of death. Hurricane Erin brought massive waves, high surf and strong currents to the North Carolina coast last week, and bad weather continued along beaches through Sunday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. After covering politics for more than three decades, Ive seen a lot of lies. But Im not sure Ive seen any uglier and more provable than the ones Gov. Ron DeSantis and his transportation stooges are telling about rainbow-colored crosswalks. They claim that they blacked out Orlandos tribute to 49 murder victims for safety and consistency. Yet, for years until they decided to take their war on all things LGBTQ to local pavement projects DeSantis Department of Transportation actually encouraged local communities to color up their crosswalks in unique ways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why? Because they knew bright, colored crosswalks were more eye-catching for drivers and could consequently save lives. In fact, this idea of decorating crosswalks with eye-popping colors was such an obviously good idea for safety that DeSantis DOT didnt just encourage local communities to do so, it actually handed out awards to communities that did. In one example, Floridas DOT honored Tampa for its Crosswalks to Classrooms Painted Crosswalk program with DeSantis director of policy planning at the DOT, saying: The innovative and collaborative efforts to combine public art and engineering treatments to improve school safety was truly inspiring. Yes, to improve school safety. Think about that. These people know colorful crosswalks help protect pedestrians. Study after study has shown drivers are more likely to see them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet DeSantis, Attorney General James Uthmeier and Republican lawmakers are so hellbent on trying to stick it to LGBTQ people, theyre willing to endanger pedestrians, including those at school crossings, to do so. Thats just sick. Theyre also lying when they claim they believe its wrong to infuse politics with transportation as DeSantis claimed when he tweeted about Orlandos crosswalk: We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes. This from the man who helped rename a highway in Hernando County Rush Limbaugh Way. What DeSantis means is that he wont allow anyone to use publicly funded roadways for any political purposes other than his. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Really, though, its pretty heartless to even refer to the rainbow-colored crosswalk near the Pulse nightclub as political. Its a tribute to 49 slaughtered souls a local communitys expression of grief and remembrance that top-down state officials are trying to erase. Imagine the reaction if the governor of New York sent a crew in the middle of the night to pave over a Manhattan street mural that paid tribute to the victims of September 11. This is depraved stuff snowflakes so triggered by rainbows that theyre willing to make roads more dangerous and take out every other creative crosswalk meant to catch drivers attention in the process. Just last year, a DOT report explained that the $4.7 million spending plan for South Orange Avenue which included a decorative sidewalk and crosswalk features in conjunction with the Pulse Memorial was meant to improve safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It appears as though Florida officials, acting on the heels of Donald Trumps transportation secretary complaining about distractions and rainbow crosswalks, didnt even really consider the costly consequences of their rush to demand black-and-white consistency. In Tampa, city officials say they must now remove more than 40 decorative designs, including a Back the Blue street mural painted near the Tampa Police Department. In Daytona, officials say a checkered-flag walkway is toast. And in Seminole County, officials are undoing what they described as high visibility trail crossings that they said were safer for cyclists, joggers, and walkers. You have to wonder if the first person struck or killed in a blacked-out crosswalk will even weigh on the consciences of the politicians pushing this colorless conformity. Numerous studies have shown that brightly colored crosswalks not only catch drivers attention, but slow them down and make them more likely to come to complete stops. One from the Knight Creative Communities Institute found that colorful crosswalks in Tallahassee slowed driver speeds by 22-24% and resulted in fewer people running stop signs. A Bloomberg Philanthropies study also found fewer safety-violations at colorful crosswalks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But come on, do you really need a study to tell you that bright colors like red or green are more likely to catch drivers eyes? More importantly, are you so gullible or so eager to have a bogus fig-leaf justification for ugly motives that youd believe thats not the case? Again, Florida officials have promoted these safety benefits in the past though they may now be trying to erase the evidence. The Orlando website Bungalower noted that one Facebook post from FDOT that had previously touted decorative elements just last month appears to have been deleted. And after I ran a Google search for FDOT posts touting colorful crosswalks, I found two that now lead to dead links. When public agencies make public posts, they are public records. And its illegal to permanently destroy public records. I requested copies of any social media posts FDOT has removed from public view recently and have not yet heard back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state has also yet to respond to requests for information about whether these hastily arranged black-out painting projects were competitively bid and how many taxpayer dollars have been spent even as the state sends DOGE teams to threaten any local government that doesnt disclose such information immediately. Any honest observer who actually looks at the facts and public records knows none of this is about efficiency or transparency. And it damn sure isnt about safety. If anything, the blackouts will make street crossings more dangerous according to the very same DOT thats now trying to gaslight you into ignoring everything it said earlier. Despite claims from President Donald Trump that crime in the Big Apple is rising, Mayor Eric Adams told ABC News on Tuesday that New York does not need more National Guard troops to keep the city safe. Adams, who is vying for a second term, discussed the city's relationship with the federal government in a wide-ranging interview, commenting on the latest scandals affecting his administration and the rise of his competitor, Democratic mayoral nominee State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. Adams rejects push for federal troops in NYC As federalized troops continue to patrol Los Angeles and the federal government aims to take control of the police force in Washington, D.C., Adams pushed back on Trump's suggestion that troops may be needed to patrol New York. Michael Nagle/Xinhua via Getty Images - PHOTO: National Guard members are on duty at a security checkpoint at Penn Station in New York, March 7, 2024. "Placing federal troops here in New York, I don't see the need for it at all. We are doing an amazing job," Adams said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump's plan to create Guard units to quell civil unrest alarms experts Adams' statements come as officials in other states -- like Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore -- take stronger stances against the president's threat to federalize the National Guard. The mayor, whose relationship with the Trump administration in part spared him from federal charges earlier this year, distanced himself from their opposition, saying his focus is on safety. ABC News - PHOTO: New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks with ABC News, Aug. 26, 2025. New Yorkers have already seen National Guard troops after Gov. Kathy Hochul deployed soldiers to patrol the subway system last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked what he would do if Trump tried to deploy additional troops or take over, Adams declined to speculate about the president's legal authority. "Now, can he physically do it or not? Those [questions] are for the legal experts. My job is to keep the city safe, and that's what we're doing," he said. Adams emphasized that the New York Police Department already coordinates with federal agencies daily. In a meeting on Monday, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi that deploying the National Guard on the streets of New York would be unnecessary. Adams said he has not spoken directly with the president about the use of the National Guard, but he added that other administration officials have coordinated with the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We know what we need to do here, and we're going to continue to do that, but I want to be clear on something else: We coordinate with our federal authorities every morning," Adams said. ABC News - PHOTO: New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks to ABC News, Aug. 26, 2025. Adams to New Yorkers: 'I'm sorry' Adams' administration has been engulfed in a series of scandals for nearly two years and many of those controversies continue to cast a shadow on the remainder of his term and re-election bid. Last week, members of Adams' inner circle got into more trouble with the law. Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Adams' former chief adviser who was a volunteer on his reelection campaign, was indicted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on four conspiracy indictments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors allege she was involved with more than $75,000 in bribes while serving as Adams' chief adviser. They also accused Lewis-Martin and Jesse Hamilton, the city's deputy commissioner for real estate services, of conspiring to fast-track development projects in exchange for renovations on their homes. MORE: Ingrid Lewis-Martin, NYC Mayor Eric Adams' former chief adviser, indicted again for alleged bribes Lewis-Martin and Hamilton have pleaded not guilty. Hamilton resigned from his city position after he was charged. Adams has not been accused of wrongdoing in these cases, however, amid the string of high-profile resignations and ongoing criminal cases, he offered a mea culpa to New Yorkers. 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. "To those New Yorkers that have to pick up their paper and read this headline, all I can say is I'm sorry, and I'm committed to this city," Adams said. Adams disavows alleged chip bag bribe incident involving former adviser The latest controversy to hit the Adams administration came last week when Winnie Greco, a former aide and campaign volunteer, met with The City reporter Katie Honan last week and handed her a bag of potato chips with an envelope with cash inside, according to the reporter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greco and her attorney claimed that the incident was a mistake. Greco has not been charged with any crimes. Adams reiterated that Greco is no longer working on the campaign and was not privy to the conversation with Honan or the incident. "I don't know what happened there. It is not something that I believe one should do. It gives a false image. It's the wrong thing that should be done," he said. Adams added that his campaign has 800 volunteers. "You don't do background checks for everyone who volunteers," he said. Mayor brushes off turmoil amid scandals Adams became the first sitting New York City mayor to be indicted on criminal charges last fall after federal prosecutors accused him of taking lavish flights and hotel stays from Turkish businessmen and officials for more than a decade. ABC News - PHOTO: New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks with ABC News, Aug. 26, 2025. While legal issues continue to follow some of his aides, the criminal case against Adams himself was dismissed earlier this year following orders from top Department of Justice officials. According to the DOJ, the decision was made without considering the strength of the case against Adams, but rather because the charges "unduly restricted Mayor Adams' ability to devote full attention and resources to the illegal immigration and violent crime." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You might be on trial now, were it not for the Trump Justice Department deciding to drop the case. Can you convince New Yorkers in a second term that you would do what they want and not what the president wants?" ABC News' Aaron Katersky asked. "The case was dropped with prejudice. That means to New York, to New Yorkers, that it won't come back again," Adams said. Five months after the case was dismissed, Adams continued to argue that the case against him was politically motivated. According to Adams, he was charged with crimes because of his "willingness to fight for the city." He added, "I didn't spend all my life in law enforcement to break the law. I've never broke the law. I never did anything to violate the trust of the people of the city." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: New York City Mayor Eric Adams' federal probe: A timeline of corruption investigation Adams dismissed the notion that the federal case negatively reflects his leadership and contended that "many administrations had to deal with scandals." "When you're focused on delivering for New Yorkers, you know, we made mistakes. There are people that we brought in government that were probably not ready to go into government, but we must forge ahead," he said. Mayor bashes Mamdani's platform Adams was asked about Mamdani, who scored an upset victory in June against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary and is leading in the polls for the general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Queens assemblyman will face off against Adams and Cuomo, who are both running on independent tickets, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. Stephanie Keith/Getty Images - PHOTO: New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani attends a campaign event on August 17, 2025 in Prospect Park in New York City. Mamdani has spent a lot of his campaign criticizing Adams administration's scandals and slamming policies that he claims don't tackle issues important to New Yorkers, such as affordability. Adams pushed back against Mamdani's claims and his opponent's embrace of Democratic socialist policies, which the mayor argued would weaken law enforcement. "His platform doesn't believe in family. They don't believe in mom and dad raising children," the mayor claimed. "We've come too far to allow his policies to take us backwards." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: After stunning NYC mayor primary upset, Mamdani tells ABC News Democrats need to focus on economic agenda The mayor also noted that Mamdani's win in June, where he had roughly 573,169 votes according to the city Department of Elections, did not represent the full voter demographic of the city, including independent and Republican voters. Adams received 404,513 votes in the 2021 Democratic mayoral primary , and 753,801 votes in the general electionfive months later, according to the city's Department of Elections. Adams mum on possible Trump endorsement Trump has also criticized Mamdani since his primary win and said that he might get involved in the election. In the past, the president has backed Adams and even called his indictment politically motivated. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump holds an image showing the size of Meta's new data center, during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, August 26, 2025. Adams declined to answer when asked if he would welcome Trump's endorsement in the race. "My most important person in this city is the voter," he said. The latest Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program test results indicate that nearly half of Marylands elementary and middle school students cannot read proficiently, and more than half are not proficient in basic math. Still, state educators and district leaders said they are pleased with the results because they show steady improvement from year to year, even as significant disparities persist between races, student groups and school districts. This progress proves that when we focus on the fundamentals, our efforts pay off. By raising expectations, sharpening curriculum, and strengthening instruction, were opening doors, because literacy and math unlock every other opportunity, Joshua Michael, State Board of Education President, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maryland 10th graders had the highest proficiency scores in English language arts of any cohort, with 59.5% proficient. Across all English tests, 50.8% of Maryland students were proficient, up from last years rate of 48.4%, according to data from the Maryland State Department of Education. Since 2023, Maryland has overall met at least 40% English proficiency at all levels. In math, Maryland 3rd graders had the highest proficiency scores between 2023 and 2025, with at least 40% proficient all three years. For all levels of math, encompassing third through eighth grade, algebra one and two and geometry, 26.5% of Maryland students were proficient. That again represents an increase overall from last year, when 24.1% of students scored proficient. Students had the lowest scores on their eighth-grade math MCAPs. Just 8.7% of Marylanders taking the test were proficient in 2025. Thats an improvement over the two previous years, when students were 7.5% and 7% proficient in 2023 and 2024. The results were announced at the state Board of Education meeting and posted on the Maryland Report Card Website on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were excited that the results are all up, said State Superintendent Carey Wright. Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program encompasses all state-wide assessments given to assess Marylands students learning comprehension. Tests are administered in elementary, middle and high school, and evaluate English language arts, math, and science comprehension. The tests, which Maryland began using in 2018, are developed by a third party vendor, whose contract is set to expire in 2026. Proficient means the student met the scoring standard set by MSDE. Educators have criticized MCAP for being biased against minority groups and not accurately representing student abilities. At Tuesdays meeting, Wright said the MCAP technical advisory committee will be working to revise the science standards and develop new math assessments, tentatively planned to launch in 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a strong need for us to come up with a brand new assessment, Wright said. You want to have the confidence that the assessment that you are administering is aligned to your standards. MCAP science assessments are taken in fifth grade, eighth grade and in high school biology. Maryland fifth graders scored better in 2023 than they did in the two subsequent years. Now, just over a quarter of those students met the benchmark, down from 34.5% in 2023. Eighth graders science scores dipped in 2024, but now are 31.4% proficient, about five percentage points higher than where they were in 2023. At the high school level, nearly 50% of students were proficient, which is 10% higher than last year. Demographic trends Girls in Maryland scored higher than boys in English language arts, with 55.2% of girls proficient and 46.5% of boys proficient. In math, the trend slightly reversed, with boys about four percentage points more proficient than girls: 28.2% versus 24.6%. Black and Latino students had the lowest levels of proficiency in English language arts when the data are separated by race. The score data show that while just over a third of Latino students and about 40% of Black students were proficient in reading, almost 70% of white students and just over three-quarters of Asian students met that benchmark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That racial inequality persisted in math, where Black and Latino students were 14.3% and 13.8% proficient, respectively. In comparison, the two highest-scoring groups, white and Asian students, were 41.2% and 55.5% proficient. Across tests, multilingual learners consistently had low levels of proficiency compared to other groups. In English language arts, multilingual students had the lowest level of proficiency at 11.1%, which was a slight improvement over last years rate of 10.7%. In math, 7.2% of multilingual learners were proficient, up from 6.3% proficient last year. And in science, they were under 2.5% proficient in science in both fifth and eighth grades for the past two years. Where are the best and worst-scoring Maryland school districts? Worcester County ranked highest in both math and reading proficiency, with 68.5% of students meeting the benchmark in reading and 47.7% in math. The county led the state in math improvement as well, with an 8.4 percentage point increase year over year. Somerset County had the lowest math scores of any district, with 10.1% proficient. Below that was The SEED School, the states public boarding school located in Baltimore City, but not in its school district, which scored 6.1% proficient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most significant gains in English language arts came in Dorchester County, where, between tests given in 2024 and 2025, proficiency rose 7.6 percentage points. Talbot County, on the other hand, lost nearly two percentage points off its English proficiency rate. Baltimore City lagged the rest of the states school districts in English, with 31.2% of students scoring proficiently, a 3.5 percentage point gain over last year. The SEED School had a lower score: 19.3% proficient, according to data from MSDE. In fifth- and eighth-grade science, SEEDs proficiency rate was the third lowest at 15.6%. Thats almost 9 points better than last year, however, the biggest gain in the state. Allegany, Dorchester and Worcester each improved more than 3 points in science. Steve Earley contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Racquel Bazos at rbazos@baltsun.com, 443-813-0770 or on X as @rzbworks. Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com or 443-690-7205. As measles surged in Texas early this year, the Trump administrations actions sowed fear and confusion among CDC scientists that kept them from performing the agencys most critical function emergency response when it mattered most, an investigation from KFF Health News shows. The outbreak soon became the worst the United States has endured in over three decades. In the month after Donald Trump took office, his administration interfered with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention communications, stalled the agencys reports, censored its data, and abruptly laid off staff. In the chaos, CDC experts felt restrained from talking openly with local public health workers, according to interviews with seven CDC officials with direct knowledge of events, as well as local health department emails obtained by KFF Health News through public records requests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CDC hasnt reached out to us locally, Katherine Wells, the public health director in Lubbock, Texas, wrote in a Feb. 5 email exchange with a colleague two weeks after children with measles were hospitalized in Lubbock. My staff feels like we are out here all alone, she added. A child would die before CDC scientists contacted Wells. All of us at CDC train for this moment, a massive outbreak, one CDC researcher told KFF Health News, which agreed not to name CDC officials who fear retaliation for speaking with the press. All this training and then we werent allowed to do anything. Delays have catastrophic consequences when measles spreads in undervaccinated communities, like many in West Texas. If a person with measles is in the same room with 10 unvaccinated people, nine will be infected, researchers estimate. If those nine go about their lives in public spaces, numbers multiply exponentially. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outbreak that unfolded in West Texas illustrates the danger the country faces under the Trump administration as vaccination rates drop, misinformation flourishes, public health budgets are cut, and science agencies are subject to political manipulation. While the Trump administration stifled CDC communications, health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fueled doubt in vaccines and exaggerated the ability of vitamins to ward off disease. Suffering followed: The Texas outbreak spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Mexicos Chihuahua state at minimum. Together these linked outbreaks have sickened more than 4,500 people, killed at least 16, and levied exorbitant costs on hospitals, health departments, and those paying medical bills. Get the data and visuals that accompany this story This is absolutely outrageous, said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University. When youre battling contagious diseases, time is everything. The CDC is stressed currently Wells was anxious the moment she learned that two unvaccinated children hospitalized in late January had the measles. Hospitals are legally required to report measles cases to health departments and the CDC, but Wells worried many children werent getting tested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think this may be very large, she wrote in a Feb. 3 email to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Wells relayed in another email what shed learned from conversations around town: According to one of the women I spoke with 55 children were absent from one school on 1/24. The women reported that there were sick children with measles symptoms as early as November. In that email and others, Wells asked state health officials to put her in touch with CDC experts who could answer complicated questions on testing, how to care for infants exposed to measles, and more. What transpired was a plodding game of telephone. One email asked whether clinics could decontaminate rooms where people with measles had just been if the clinics were too small to follow the CDCs recommendation to keep those rooms empty for two hours. Would it be possible to arrange a consultation with the CDC? Wells wrote on Feb. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It never hurts to ask the CDC, said Scott Milton, a medical officer at the Texas health department. About 25 minutes later, he told Wells that an information specialist at the CDC had echoed the guidelines advising two hours. I asked him to escalate this question to someone more qualified, Milton wrote. Of course, we know the CDC is stressed currently. A Feb. 5 email from Texas health official Scott Milton, obtained through a public records request. He wanted to reach scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who could answer urgent questions about measles from front-line workers in West Texas. Emails have been redacted to protect the privacy of individuals and facilities. Credit: Screenshot by KFF Health News Local officials resorted to advice from doctors and researchers outside the government, including those at the Immunization Partnership, a Texas nonprofit. The CDC had gone dark, said Terri Burke, executive director of the partnership. We had anticipated a measles outbreak, but we didnt expect the federal government to be in collapse when it hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Technically, the Trump administrations freeze on federal communications had ended Feb. 1. However, CDC scientists told KFF Health News that they could not speak freely for weeks after. There was a lot of confusion and nonanswers over what communications were allowed, one CDC scientist said. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, said the situation was not unique to measles. Like most public health organizations, we werent able to get ahold of our program people in February, he said. Information trickled out through the CDCs communications office, but CDC scientists gave no press briefings and went dark on their closest partners across the country. The CDC was gagged, he said. Through private conversations, Benjamin learned that CDC experts were being diverted to remove information from websites to comply with executive orders. And they were afraid to resume communication without a green light from their directors or the Department of Health and Human Services as they watched the Trump administration lay off CDC staffers in droves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not that the CDC was delinquent, Benjamin said. Its that they had their hands tied behind their backs. To work on the ground, the CDC needs an invitation from the state. But Anne Schuchat, a former CDC deputy director, said that during her 33 years with the agency, federal health officials didnt need special permission to talk freely with local health departments during outbreaks. We would always offer a conversation and ask if theres anything we could do, she said. Lara Anton, a press officer at the Texas health department, said the state never prevented the CDC from calling county officials. To learn more about the states correspondences with the CDC, KFF Health News filed a public records request to the Texas health department. The department refused to release the records. Anton called the records confidential under the Texas Health and Safety Code. Anton said the state sent vaccines, testing supplies, and staff to assist West Texas in the early weeks of February. Thats corroborated in emails from the South Plains Public Health District, which oversees Gaines County, the area hit hardest by measles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas will try to handle what it needs to before it goes to the CDC, Zach Holbrooks, the health districts executive director, told KFF Health News. Responding to an outbreak in an undervaccinated community, however, requires enormous effort. To keep numbers from exploding, public health workers ideally would notify all people exposed to an infected person and ask them to get vaccinated immediately if they werent already. If they declined, officials would try to persuade them to avoid public spaces for three weeks so that they wouldnt spread measles to others. Holbrooks said this was nearly impossible. Cases were concentrated in close-knit Mennonite communities where people relied on home remedies before seeking medical care. He said many people didnt want to be tested, didnt want to name their contacts, and didnt want to talk with the health department. It doesnt matter what resources I have if people wont avail themselves of it, Holbrooks said. Historically, Mennonites faced persecution in other countries, making them leery of interacting with authorities, Holbrooks said. A backlash against COVID restrictions deepened that mistrust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another reason Mennonites may seek to avoid authorities is that some live in the U.S. illegally, having immigrated to Texas from Canada, Mexico, and Bolivia in waves over the past 50 years. Locals guess the population of Seminole, the main city in Gaines County, is far larger than the U.S. Census count. I have no idea how many cases we might have missed, since I dont know how many people are in the community, Holbrooks said. Theres a lot of people in the shadows out here. Public health experts say the situation in Gaines sounds tough but familiar. Measles tends to take hold in undervaccinated communities, and therefore public health workers must overcome mistrust, misinformation, language barriers, and more. A Feb. 3 email from Katherine Wells to a Texas state health official, Imelda Garcia, warning of a far larger measles outbreak than case numbers suggested. KFF Health News obtained emails through Freedom of Information Act requests to local health departments. The emails have been redacted to protect the privacy of individuals and facilities. Credit: Screenshot by KFF Health News About 450 people including local health officials, CDC scientists, nurses, and volunteers helped control a measles outbreak sparked in an Eastern European immigrant community in Clark County, Washington, in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alan Melnick, Clark Countys public health director, said his team spoke with hundreds of unvaccinated people who were exposed. We were calling them basically every day to see how they were doing and ask them not to go out in public, he said. Melnick spoke with CDC scientists from the start, and the intensity of the response was buoyed by emergency declarations by the county and the state. Within a couple of months, the outbreak was largely contained. No one died, and only two people were hospitalized. In New York, hundreds of people in the citys health department responded to a larger measles outbreak in 2018 and 2019 concentrated among Orthodox Jewish communities. The work included meeting with dozens of rabbis and distributing booklets to nearly 30,000 households to combat vaccine misinformation. The effort cost more than $7 million, but Jane Zucker, New York Citys assistant health commissioner at the time, said it yielded immense savings. The average medical bill for measles hospitalizations is roughly $18,500, according to data from prior outbreaks. Then theres the cost of diverting hospital resources, of children missing school, of parents staying home from work to care for sick kids, and the lasting toll of some measles infections, including deafness or worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think theres a price tag to put on a childs death that would otherwise be prevented, Zucker said. Local health departments in West Texas were understaffed from the start. About 18 people work at the South Plains health department, which oversees four vast rural counties. About 50 staff the department in Lubbock, where patients were hospitalized and health workers struggled to figure out who was exposed. In mid-February, Wells emailed a colleague: Im so overwhelmed. A death ignites a response On Feb. 26, Texas announced that a 6-year-old child had died of measles. Wells heard from CDC scientists for the first time the following day. Also that day, the CDC issued a brief notice on the outbreak. The notice recommended vaccines, but it worried public health specialists because it also promoted vitamin A as a treatment under medical supervision. In emails, Texas health officials privately discussed how the CDCs notice might exacerbate a problem: Doctors were treating children with measles for toxic levels of vitamin A, suggesting that parents were delaying medical care and administering the supplements at home. A local Lubbock news outlet reported on a large drugstore where vitamin A supplements and cod liver oil, which contains high levels of vitamin A, were flying off the shelf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Too much vitamin A can cause liver damage, blindness, and dire abnormalities during fetal development. A March 9 email from Katherine Wells announcing the arrival of CDC scientists in Lubbock, Texas, some six weeks after the first cases were detected. Emails obtained by KFF Health News have been redacted to protect the privacy of individuals and facilities. Credit: Screenshot by KFF Health News Milton worried that parents were listening to misinformation from anti-vaccine groups including one founded by Kennedy that diminished the need for vaccination by inaccurately claiming that vitamin A staved off the diseases worst outcomes. How many people will choose Vitamin A and not a vaccine because it appears to them there are two options? Milton asked in an email. Scientists at the CDC privately fretted, too. HHS pressed us to insert vitamin A into all of our communications with clinicians and health officials, one CDC scientist told KFF Health News, referring to the agencys notices and alerts. If pregnant women took too much vitamin A during the outbreak, their babies could be profoundly disabled. We havent seen those babies born yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another CDC official said theyve had to walk a fine line between protecting the public based on scientific evidence and aligning with HHS. While CDC scientists held their tongues, Kennedy exaggerated the power of nutrition and vitamin A while furthering mistrust in vaccines. Were providing vitamin A, Kennedy said in an interview on Fox News. There are many studies, some showing 87% effectiveness, he claimed, against serious disease and death. The studies Kennedy referenced were conducted in low-income countries where children are malnourished. Evidence suggests that vitamin A supplementation is seldom useful against measles in the United States, because deficiency is exceedingly rare. Kennedy deflected criticism from those who call him anti-vaccine, saying that any parent in Texas who wants a measles vaccine can get one. He followed this with dangerously inaccurate statements. There are adverse events from the vaccine. It does cause deaths every year, he said. It causes all the illnesses that measles itself causes, encephalitis and blindness, et cetera. There is no evidence that measles vaccines cause deaths every year. Scores of studies show that the vaccine doesnt cause encephalitis, that most potential side effects resolve quickly on their own, and serious adverse reactions are far rarer than measles complications. In another interview, Kennedy said, The MMR vaccine contains a lot of aborted fetus debris. The measles, mumps, and rubella, or MMR, vaccine does not contain an iota of fetal cells. HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon and spokespeople at the CDC did not respond to queries from KFF Health News. Staff are exhausted Despite national attention after the countrys first measles death in a decade, West Texas was overwhelmed. In late February and March, hospital administrators and health officials exchanged emails about how to lobby for resources. Local hospitals are at capacity, wrote Jeffrey Hill, a senior vice president at the University Medical Center Health System in Lubbock. The state reports emergency funds that typically cover a response like the measles outbreak are not available from the federal government right now, he added. I am writing to express our urgent need for additional staff and funding, Ronald Cook, medical director for Lubbock, said in an email, drafted with other Lubbock health authorities, to the deputy city manager. Our Capacity is Stretched Thin: The health department has been operating seven days a week since February 2nd. Staff are exhausted. The city of Lubbock fronted money to help the local health department hire temporary staff. The state did not provide money, but it asked the CDC to send epidemiologists. Some came to Texas in early March. Then Texas requested federal funds. None arrived, even as the outbreak approached 500 cases. It spread to Mexico when an unvaccinated Mennonite child returned home after visiting family in Seminole. This would fuel the largest outbreak Mexico has seen in decades, with at least 3,700 cases and 13 deaths in the state of Chihuahua. Then another child in West Texas died of measles. In a rare moment of openness, CDC scientist David Sugarman mentioned the outbreak at a vaccine advisory meeting in late April. There are quite a number of resource requests coming in, in particular from Texas, Sugarman said. We are scraping to find the resources and personnel needed to provide support to Texas and other jurisdictions. Federal funds arrived in Texas on May 21, said Anton, the state health department spokesperson. By then, the crisis was fading. The outbreak seemed to have burned until every unvaccinated person in Seminole was infected, said Richard Eby, a doctor at Permian Regional Medical Center who treated some measles patients. Hundreds, if not thousands, of cases have probably gone undetected, he said. A lot of people presumed their kids had measles, he said, and didnt see the need to confirm it. On Aug. 18, health officials declared the West Texas outbreak over, but the consequences of the catastrophe will be lasting. The outbreaks it sparked across the U.S. and Mexico are still spreading. More are inevitable, Nuzzo said. A growing number of parents are deciding not to vaccinate their kids, worried over unfounded rumors about the shots. Misinformation is flourishing, especially after Kennedy fired vaccine experts who advise the CDC and replaced them with doctors and researchers on the fringes of the scientific establishment. For example, one of his recent appointees, Robert Malone, blamed the deaths of children with measles on medical mismanagement, without evidence. At the same time, states are downsizing programs for emergency response, disease surveillance, and immunization after the Trump administration clawed back more than $11 billion in public health funds earlier this year. Amid Lubbocks toughest months, Wells sent an email to the departments exhausted staff. The future is uncertain, and I know this is an unsettling time for many of us, she wrote. Every day we show up and do our jobs is an act of resilience. 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. Bethesda, Maryland-based Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) specializes in manufacturing and designing fighter aircraft and missiles. Its popularly known for its fighter aircrafts like the F-16 Falcon, F-22 Raptor, and F-35 Lightning. With a market cap of $104.2 billion, Lockheed Martin operates through Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space segments. The defense giant has significantly underperformed the broader market over the past year. LMT stock prices have plummeted 19.9% over the past 52 weeks and 8.2% on a YTD basis, compared to the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 16.1% gain over the past year and 10% surge in 2025. More News from Barchart Narrowing the focus, LMT has also underperformed the sector-focused Industrial Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLI) 19.6% surge over the past 52 weeks and 16.2% gains in 2025. www.barchart.com Lockheed Martins stock prices plummeted 10.8% in the trading session following the release of its disappointing Q2 results on Jul. 22. The companys topline for the quarter inched up by a modest 18 bps year-over-year to $18.2 billion, missing the Street expectations by 2.2%. Meanwhile, its net earnings declined by a massive 79.2% year-over-year to $342 million. Its free cash flows came in at negative $150 million, down from the positive $1.5 billion in the year-ago quarter. On an even more concerning note, Lockheed Martins backlog in the aeronautics segment stood at $52.2 billion at the end of Q2, significantly down from $62.8 billion in the year-ago quarter. For the full fiscal 2025, ending in December, analysts expect LMT to deliver an EPS of $27.66, down 2.9% year-over-year. The company has a solid earnings surprise history. It has surpassed the Streets bottom-line projections in each of the past four quarters. The stock has a consensus Moderate Buy rating overall. Of the 24 analysts covering the stock, opinions include nine Strong Buys, 14 Holds, and one Strong Sell. www.barchart.com This configuration is notably less optimistic than two months ago, when 11 analysts gave Strong Buy recommendations on LMT. On Jul. 24, UBS (UBS) analyst Gavin Parsons maintained a Neutral rating on LMT and lowered the price target from $498 to $453. My name is Sofia Estudillo, and I am a senior at Bellarmine Preparatory School. Politicians have always played a major role in my life as from a young age I can recount waking up in the morning to help elect my father as a judge for the Grant County Superior Court before he eventually got nominated for the position hes in today as a District Court Judge for the Western District of Washington. When talking to my father, I am always reminded of how humble beginnings can get you anywhere. Despite being an immigrant from Mexico and coming to the US as illiterate, my grandfather was still able to keep a stable job and even buy a house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its due to these conversations that I myself hold my own interest in national politics, immigration rights and other issues. Preparing to meet Rep. Michelle Caldier, Ill admit I was quite nervous. I imagined an uneasy environment, meeting a woman who was only interested in talking to boost her campaign. Instead, I was surprised to see that she was eager to hear the questions of curious teens. She was adamant about placing the right people into positions of power. She spoke about how often in the house there could be a lot of coercion and punishment for people who wish to go against their partys outline to do what they see is right. Adamantly, Caldier stated, If youre afraid you shouldnt be there. She wants instead for more legislators to be for the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later in the night I got the chance to ask Caldier about our present day immigration crisis. As Washington is a sanctuary, I wondered what was being done to support the families of individuals taken by ICE. Unfortunately I was told that not much could be done at the state level as immigration is a federal issue. However, she did cite where she saw the origins of our issue stemming from, stating, We allowed undocumented immigrants to be here because we needed a less expensive work force. Despite not receiving the answers I was looking for, I did walk out with new knowledge. I learned about the need for financial transparency when the state funds programs, and the need to know where the money lands. After talking to Caldier, its clear to see that she is not only a woman who stands for the people, but an individual who deeply wants to support our community. Sitting down with Sen. Deb Krishnadasan I was able to tell she was very knowledgeable about all the issues she sees as key to our area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since being appointed to office, Krishnadasan has constantly pushed for a bill, SB5186, to change the threshold of passing a school bond to be a simple majority instead of a supermajority. Krishnadasan stated, Im just asking for it to be fair. Often bonds do not pass due to the 40% minority of a community holding a district back, causing many districts to have never passed a school bond. Krishnadasan has also seen how the classrooms of today are often outdated and overcrowded. She said that in todays age, there is often a big push for academics, but this often can leave many less driven students behind. Krishnadasans solution for this has been to extend funding to career and technical education (CTE). CTE opens doors for high school students to gain real-world skills, explore career pathways, and graduate prepared for both college and the workforce, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One such center is West Sound Technical in Bremerton, which teaches trades to up to one thousand students and even connects them to jobs at the Bremerton shipyard. When talking to Krishnadasan, it was obvious that she was deeply interested in hearing the issues of everyone. Krishnadasan not only asked me what I thought was important, but she made sure to ask these same questions to every citizen whose doorbell she rang. When seeing neighbors in need after their garage burnt down in a fire, she asked to be of assistance, and when speaking with teachers she drew from her past on the school board. In short, if youre looking for a person to hear your own personal issues, connect you with any legislative help, and fund education for the future, Krishnadasan is the woman for you. By getting to meet these state congresswomen, I hope to be an unbiased voice that not only adds to what readers already know about their politicians, but also encourages more people to vote in their local elections, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented. This is one in a series of five op-eds submitted by students of private teacher Mimmi Beck, who interviewed local politicians. First lady Melania Trump is urging students across the country to unleash their imagination and showcase the spirit of American innovation by participating in a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence (AI) competition. Are you ready for an AI challenge? Take part in this nationwide initiative to discover, develop and expand AIs potential, she said in a video released Tuesday. The nationwide competition open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade is aimed at bringing young people and educators together to solve real-world problems in their communities using AI-powered solutions with an opportunity to showcase their solutions at a national level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students, led by educators and supervisors, work in teams to tackle how AI technologies can be utilized to help address challenges in their schools or communities. All participants will receive a certificate, and national champions will be recognized with cash prizes, cloud credits and eligibility to be considered for an invitation to showcase their work at the White House. Just as America once led the world into the skies, we are poised to lead again, this time in the age of AI, Melania Trump said. In May, Trump announced the release of an audiobook version of her memoir, Melania, created entirely with artificial intelligence audio technology. The book was created using an AI-generated replica of her voice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The challenge comes after President Trump signed an executive order in April aimed at incorporating AI into classrooms around the U.S. and prioritizing federal funds to help incorporate it into all subjects. AI is where it seems to be at, the president said during the signing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. As the ice glaciers are melting, they're revealing things underneath. In Pakistan, a chance encounter uncovered a body that had been lost almost three decades ago. According to First Post, Naseeruddin went missing 28 years ago in Pakistan, and on Aug. 1, a shepherd came across his body after glaciers had melted. What's happening? In 1997, Naseeruddin and his brother Kaseeruddin of the Saleh Khel tribe were forced to migrate from Palas Valley to Alai tehsil in Pakistan after a family feud. They went through the Supat Valley, but took an unusual route through the mountains to avoid trouble. Unfortunately, after arriving in Lady Valley of Kohistan in the morning, later that afternoon, they heard gunshots that led Naseeruddin into a cave where he was never seen again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fast forward to 2025, a combination of unprecedented temperatures and less snowfall led to the sun melting the glaciers where Naseeruddin's body was found, with his ID. According to First Post, the shepherd who found him told BBC Urdu: "The body was intact. The clothes were not even torn." Comstats University Abbottabad professor Dr. Muhammad Bilal explained to the Express Tribune how this would be possible. He said that snow cover, low oxygen and humidity, and extreme cold temperatures in glaciers led to a mummification process that preserved the body. It can actually preserve it for decades or centuries. Why is melting glaciers concerning? While the discovery of a long-lost person is good news, the melting of these glaciers is anything but. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Upper Kalam's Oshu village in Pakistan is feeling the effects of this firsthand. The village experienced flooding after heavy rain accelerated the melting of the ice. The glaciers were used as a source of irrigation for farming, but they are losing entire crops due to sudden flooding or droughts. Melting glaciers don't just affect crops; they're also a vital supply of drinking water, and when they melt and disappear, so does the drinking water supply. Tech investor and journalist Molly Wood explained in a blog post that extreme weather events, such as droughts, rain, and flooding, were always going to occur, but the warm temperatures are intensifying them. What's being done about glaciers melting? Some scientists, including those from West Virginia University, are working on ways to prepare communities for flash flooding. Researchers at this university have developed the West Virginia Flood Resiliency Framework to help communities strategize better for disaster response, qualify for mitigation grants, and receive FEMA support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mitigating the fallout for communities due to melting glaciers is a complex problem, and that's why it's vital to explore critical climate issues to better understand how to tackle them. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man who founded Memphiss first black-owned sightseeing business has died after battling pneumonia, family members say. Melvin Bledsoe started Blues City Tours with one church van in 1988 and turned it into a thriving business with eight buses. He died last week at the age of 70. Bledsoe got his start transporting visitors to Graceland before venturing out on his own. His daughter Monica Holley said her father loved showing off his city to tourists. Every day he will come to work, I mean, he worked until he couldnt work, said Holley. He ended up in the hospital about three or four weeks ago, but even then, he was still trying to get his way back to the office. Hes just that type of person, you know. Always dedicated to his business, serving the community, and making sure that he got to put Memphis out there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holley said her father worked with the University of Memphis and St Jude Childrens Research Hospital. She said he helped out with events at the National Civil Rights Museum, transporting civil rights icons. When the Civil Rights Museum opened, he was asked to help move some of the civil rights leaders when they came to town to visit the museum. He transported Rosa Parks, among others, to the Civil Rights Museum, Jesse Jackson, and Andrew Young, Holley said. Hes a big pillar in the city and a lot of people recognize him in the industry as well, just in the city altogether. In 2009, Bledsoe was thrust into the national spotlight after his son opened fire at an Army recruiting center in Little Rock, killing one person and wounding another. Bledsoe and his family later learned that Carlos Bledsoe, who went by Abdul-Hakim Mohammad, had been radicalized by Islamic extremists in the United States and then in Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bledsoe told WREG he had no idea his son had been brainwashed and trained to kill. In 2015, he co-founded Parents for Peace, a Boston-based helpline designed to help families spot the warning signs of extremism. Memphis family tries to help others after sons 2009 terrorist attack We just basically started the organization because we were hurting because of what happened to my brother, said Holley. My father didnt want another family to go through what we were going through. We never thought it would be as big as it is. She said the group is now working with the White House and the federal government to help identify extremists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holley runs Blues City Tours, and said they are not going anywhere. My dad worked very hard, and we are here to stay and welcome all Memphis tourists to the city, and take them from Graceland to the Civil Rights Museum and in between, she said. Bledsoes funeral is Saturday at New Hope Baptist Church. Visitation begins at 8 a.m., the service starts at 11 a.m., and it is open to the public. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. BANDA ACEH, Indonesia (AP) Two men in Indonesias conservative Aceh province were among a group of people publicly caned on Tuesday after an Islamic Shariah court convicted them of violating Islamic law by hugging and kissing, which the court ruled can lead to banned sexual relations. An audience of about 100 people witnessed the caning on a stage in Bustanussalatin city park in Banda Aceh on Tuesday. The men, aged 20 and 21, were whipped across their backs with a rattan cane dozens of times by a group of people wearing robes and hoods. Aceh allows up to 100 lashes for morality offenses including gay sex and sex between unmarried people. Caning is also a punishment in Aceh for gambling, drinking alcohol, women who wear tight clothes and men who do not attend Friday prayers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court in Aceh sentenced the men to 80 strikes each after Islamic religious police said they caught them engaged in what the court deemed were the sexual acts of hugging and kissing in a bathroom of a public park, court records said. Eight other people were publicly caned Tuesday for adultery and gambling. The men were arrested in April at Taman Sari city park in Banda Aceh after residents told a police patrol they saw the men enter the same park bathroom. The police found the men inside kissing and hugging. Prior to meeting in the park, the pair made contact through an online dating app, court records said. Aceh is the only province in Indonesia to practice Shariah law. There have been four previous canings for cases related to homosexuality since the province implemented Islamic law and established a religious police and court system in 2006. The change was a concession by the national government to end a long-running separatist uprising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indonesias national criminal code does not regulate homosexuality but the central government cannot strike down Shariah law in Aceh. However, the central government previously pressured Aceh officials to drop an earlier version of a law calling for people to be stoned to death for adultery. Aceh expanded its Islamic bylaws and criminal code in 2015, extending Shariah law to non-Muslims, who account for about 1% of the province's population. Two other men were publicly caned in February at the same Aceh park after a Shariah court convicted them of having sex. A coalition of human rights groups filed a petition to Indonesias Supreme Court in 2016 seeking a review of Acehs regional regulations allowing caning, but the request was rejected. Indonesia's Ministry of Home Affairs issued a letter in 2016 to Aceh's governor about caning, noting regional laws in Indonesia should be enforced for minor crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canning is a corporal punishment and Indonesia has ratified a convention mandating the abolition of inhumane punishments, said Maidina Rahmawati, acting executive director of the Institute for Criminal Justice Reform in Indonesia. That public caning, even the act of caning itself, is contrary to various laws and regulations and also contrary to human rights interests in Indonesia because its exposure is not good for Indonesia, Rahmawati said. Shifting political dynamics played a role in the implementation of the policy, Rahmawati said. Because it seemed like this was the right thing to do, it had to be done, it had to be narrated to support the Sharia-based government in Aceh, Rahmawati said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amnesty International issued a statement Tuesday calling the caning of the two men a disturbing act of state-sanctioned discrimination and cruelty." This punishment is a horrifying reminder of the institutionalized stigma and abuse faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Aceh. Intimate relationships between consenting adults should never be criminalized, Amnestys Regional Research Director Montse Ferrer said in the statement. Aulia Saputra, a Banda Aceh resident who attended the caning, said the punishment may prevent other violations of Shariah law. I hope that with the implementation of this caning punishment, it can serve as a lesson for the offender and also create a deterrent effect, so that such incidents do not happen again in the future, Saputra said. ___ Tarigan reported from Jakarta, Indonesia. ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) As summer comes to a close, some students are excited to head back into the classroom, while others are filled with stress and anxiety. When you go back to school, theres a lot of different stressors that come with back to school, new actual schools like our kids that transition from Elementary school to our middle schoolers transitioning to high school for the first time, said Annie Sumrall, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. There are a lot of different mental health issues that a child may notice they are experiencing before the first day of school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York schools mandate vaccines for new school year The most common ones that we tend to see kind of like that situational anxiety that back-to-school jitters of transitioning back into that uncertainty, so anxiety is definitely a big one, said Sumrall. Health officials say parents should look for abnormal behaviors in their children. I think one of the bigger indicators is just your child isnt behaving in the way that they normally do, a lot of times youll see like withdrawals or irritability, just shorter fuses that theyll have both with the other people in the home, their siblings, or even just parents, said Sumrall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brookdale Painted Post hosts carnival for Senior Citizens Day Students can try to prevent the severity of the mental health effects in many ways. Trying to establish and sticking to a good routine is super important, and I dont just mean a school routine, I mean as far as like sleep goes, practicing good sleep hygiene, staying on schedule with your sleep, increasing proper nutrition, balanced meals, said Sumrall. Mental health officials say a parent can never check in with their child about their mental health enough. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Germany and Canada are set to cooperate more closely in the mining of critical raw materials. At a meeting in Berlin on Tuesday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the issue. "This is a good step towards strengthening our economies," said Merz following the talks. Carney referred to his country's great wealth of raw materials, highlighting deposits of lithium and rare earth minerals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, Beijing triggered global concern with export controls on seven rare earths. China is by far the world market leader for these raw materials, which are considered indispensable for electric motors and laptops. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (R) and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hold a joint press conference following their meeting. Britta Pedersen/dpa Germany and Canada have signed a deal to collaborate more closely in the extraction of key raw materials used in the production of batteries, electric motors and wind turbines. German Minister for Economic Affairs Katherina Reiche and Canadian Energy Minister Tim Hodgson signed a joint declaration of intent in Berlin on Tuesday. Reiche described it as a signal for supply security and competitiveness. Stable and reliable supply chains are of central importance for companies in both countries, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the signing of the agreement shortly after a discussion. "This is a good step towards strengthening our economies," Merz said. Carney pointed to his country's vast wealth of such critical raw materials, mentioning lithium and rare earths. Expanding cooperation further Reiche said that German companies are already working with Canadian partners in raw material extraction. "We want to specifically expand this cooperation further," she said. According to her ministry, raw material projects are to be promoted through an improved framework. The focus is also on processing technologies and stronger networking between companies in both countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, Beijing triggered global concern with export limits on seven rare earths. China is by far the world market leader for these raw materials, which are considered indispensable for electric motors and laptops. Carney visits Thyssenkrupp, which is competing for submarine order Carney visited the Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) site in the northern port city of Kiel on Tuesday after meeting Merz. Carney said TKMS is one of two companies on the shortlist for Canada's upcoming purchase of submarines. The shipyard said the contract would involve the construction of eight to 12 submarines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney is set to visit the rival supplier in South Korea in October. Shipyard chief Oliver Burkhard provided the delegation - which included Carney, his Defence Minister David McGuinty and German counterpart Boris Pistorius, and Schleswig-Holstein Premier Daniel Gunther - with insights into the 212CD programme of Thyssenkrupp's marine division on Tuesday afternoon. "We are pleased with this positive message and are available as a reliable partner for Canada's security and interoperability," said Burkhard. However, he noted that it will take several months before Canada's final decision is made. "We were able to clearly demonstrate why one might indeed suspect that in Kiel you really get the best technology you can look for in the submarine sector," said Burkhard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He pointed to Canada's geographical location on the Pacific and Atlantic. "They currently have only four submarines, but I would say they are not comparable to the standards we have here today." Canada aims to have the first new submarines operational by 2035, said Burkhard. If TKMS is awarded the contract, the submarines are to be built both at the main site in Kiel and at the second shipyard in Wismar, in the north-eastern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Gunther, whose state Schleswig-Holstein is host to TKMS in its capital Kiel, described Carney's visit to the north as a great honour. Schleswig-Holstein, as a region between the North and Baltic Seas, has significant security policy importance and boasts a strong defence industry, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With TKMS, Kiel has "a true flagship company that delivers highly professional work and has also grown significantly in recent years," Gunther said, adding that the shipyard "actually has hardly any competition worldwide." Full order books TKMS says it is the world market leader for non-nuclear-powered submarines. Germany and Norway have already jointly ordered 10 submarines of the 212CD class from the company, and Ottawa is mulling joining the initiative. The Canadians may possibly join this German-Norwegian initiative. Merz said that a standardization of systems would be "a very strong signal" for joint security in the North Atlantic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letters CD stand for common design. This uniformity is intended to reduce costs and enable easy cooperation between Norway and Germany. The new submarines are about 72 metres long, making them slightly longer than the existing German 212A class boats. The new submarines feature improved sensors and are designed to operate with 30 crew members. According to TKMS, the boats are specifically designed for use in the Arctic and under ice. The order books of the Kiel shipyard group are in a healthy condition. According to TKMS, the company has orders worth 18.5 billion ($21.6 billion). In addition to its main shipyard in Kiel, the defence group also has a shipyard in Wismar, which is to be upgraded for 220 million and is expected to provide about 1,500 jobs by 2029, Burkhard said. In total, TKMS employs some 8,500 people. There is no major rift within Germany's ruling coalition on a possible reintroduction of military service, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday. "We agree on the objective," Merz said at a press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Berlin, stressing that there is "no fundamental disagreement" between the coalition partners. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is due to present a draft bill to the Cabinet on Wednesday, focusing initially on voluntary recruitment for the Bundeswehr, the German military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faced with the threat to Europe from Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and its harsh anti-Western rhetoric, Germany and other NATO members have committed to upgrading their defence capabilities. Some countries like Lithuania are increasing their focus on conscription, either by reintroducing it or expanding existing programs, to ensure sufficient numbers of military personnel. Merz's conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and their Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), must also resolve a difference of views over the issue with the Social Democrats (SDP), the junior partner in the coalition. The CDU would have liked to see a bill be passed more quickly. "But this obviously also comes up against objective limits of feasibility," Merz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chancellor pointed out that training capacities for reactivating compulsory military service, which was suspended in Germany in 2011, are not yet available. The coalition agrees that these must first be created. However, Merz also emphasized: "If we see that we are not reaching the numbers we need, then the next step will have to follow starting with a military census." There is no major rift within Germany's ruling coalition on a possible reintroduction of military service, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday. "We agree on the objective," Merz said at a press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Berlin, stressing that there is "no fundamental disagreement" between the coalition partners. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is due to present a draft bill to the Cabinet on Wednesday, focusing initially on voluntary recruitment for the Bundeswehr, the German military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faced with the threat to Europe from Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and its harsh anti-Western rhetoric, Germany and other NATO members have committed to upgrading their defence capabilities. Some countries like Lithuania are increasing their focus on conscription, either by reintroducing it or expanding existing programs, to ensure sufficient numbers of military personnel. Merz's conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and their Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), must also resolve a difference of views over the issue with the Social Democrats (SDP), the junior partner in the coalition. The CDU would have liked to see a bill be passed more quickly. "But this obviously also comes up against objective limits of feasibility," Merz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chancellor pointed out that training capacities for reactivating compulsory military service, which was suspended in Germany in 2011, are not yet available. The coalition agrees that these must first be created. However, Merz also emphasized: "If we see that we are not reaching the numbers we need, then the next step will have to follow starting with a military census." The Bundeswehr, needs around 80,000 additional active soldiers, under NATO plans. If the expansion progresses too slowly, Pistorius reserves the right to reintroduce compulsory service. The draft bill does not specify concrete targets for troop expansion. However, CDU/CSU representatives in parliament are vehemently demanding that such targets be set. BERLIN (Reuters) -German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday Germany would not join an initiative of western allies to recognise the Palestinian state at next month's United Nations General Assembly. Merz was speaking at a joint news conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who said last month that Canada planned to recognise the state of Palestine at the General Assembly, following similar announcements by France and Britain. "The position of the federal government is clear, as far as the possible recognition of the state of Palestine is concerned," Merz said. "Canada knows this. We will not join this initiative. We don't see the requirements met." (Reporting by Sarah Marsh and Riham Alkousaa, Editing by Friederike Heine) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday accused Moscow of a "delaying strategy" when it comes to reaching a peace agreement with Ukraine. At a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Berlin, he said Russian President Vladimir Putin is intentionally holding up a meeting with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky to end the war. "Putin believes it is right to tie this meeting to preconditions that, from Ukraine's perspective, and also from ours [and] from my personal point of view, are completely unaccetable," said Merz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the meeting with Putin in Alaska and then in Washington with Zelensky and European partners earlier this month, US President Donald Trump has given the impression that he was close to brokering a peace solution, Merz said. A meeting between Putin and Zelensky was due to follow within the next two weeks, but the deadline expires in a few days with little sign that a breakthrough is close. Merz said the ball is now in Moscow's court. "If the Russian side fails to take this step, then even more pressure will be needed." The European Union is already working on further sanctions, he said. "If a meeting like the one agreed between Trump and Putin does not take place, then the ball is back in our court." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A trilateral meeting between Merz, Trump and Zelensky would be "the logical next step," Merz said. Carney also accused Putin of being afraid of a meeting with Zelensky. He said Canada wants to help ensure peace and security in Ukraine, which is only possible through strength and sanctions against Russia. SACRAMENTO, California Meta is preparing to pour tens of millions of dollars into a new California political arm to back candidates with a light-touch approach to tech regulation, especially AI, in Silicon Valleys home state. The tech giant plans to launch Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (Meta) California, a super PAC that will support candidates for state offices regardless of party who favor AI innovation over stringent regulation, according to details shared first with POLITICO. Metas initial spending commitment, although imprecise, promises to vault the already-influential company into the upper echelon of political spenders in California ahead of a crowded 2026 race for governor. It mirrors the campaign-focused, multimillion-dollar strategies that tech firms Uber and Airbnb have used to build clout in Sacramento. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PAC is a show of Metas deepening political presence in a state that has emerged as the most active and ambitious in attempting to regulate AI. The company has spent months poaching talent from industry rivals and investing billions of dollars to rebrand itself as a top competitor in the space. Sacramentos regulatory environment could stifle innovation, block AI progress, and put Californias technology leadership at risk, said Meta Vice President of Public Policy Brian Rice, who is slated to head the PAC alongside fellow policy executive Greg Maurer. This is why we are launching a California super PAC. Meta shelled out more than $518,000 on its state lobbying operation this spring as it urged lawmakers to water down bills like state Sen. Scott Wieners (D-San Francisco) SB 53, which would hold developers of large AI models to safety and transparency standards. The company has also lobbied on bills aimed at protecting kids safety on social media. Over the first half of this year, Meta put $219,800 toward its campaign spending in California, with the largest contributions going to other political committees, such as the Asian Pacific Islander Leadership PAC and Bay Area Legislative Leadership PAC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its already written checks to various down-ballot candidates from both parties, including Assemblymember James Gallagher, the outgoing Republican minority leader, for lieutenant governor; state Sen. Anna Caballero (D-Merced) for state treasurer; and Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) for the Board of Equalization, which is charged with tax administration. But with its own PAC, Meta would potentially be stepping into electoral politics at the highest level statewide. There is an open lane for them in the race for Californias next governor, where nearly all the biggest tech companies have stayed on the sidelines and only a few Silicon Valley donors have chipped in. Meta didnt rule out donating to the contest, and the PAC may release candidate slates ahead of the 2026 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Silicon Valley interests have recently started expressing a desire to escalate their involvement in statewide elections and building out their campaign machinery as part of a strategy to tilt the field toward industry-friendly policies. Thats continued even as many of the regions same companies rush to cultivate newfound relationships in Washington, a competing sphere of influence controlled by Republicans. Airbnb, which has had a California PAC since 2021, told POLITICO this month that it is just getting started in the state. It loaded $15 million into the PAC this year, with plans for significant contributions to 2026 candidates who boost Californias tourism industry and enable residents to rent out their homes. A new super PAC network, known as Leading the Future, launched on Monday with more than $100 million committed from venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz; OpenAI President Greg Brockman; Perplexity, angel investor Ron Conway; Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale; and others. The network hopes to act as a counterforce against the AI safety movement in California and three other states by emulating Fairshake. Fairshake, a super PAC group funded by crypto firms, successfully directed millions toward tanking the campaigns of skeptics like former Rep. and California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter. Leading the Future is being spearheaded by Fairshake spokesperson Josh Vlasto and Zac Moffatt, the founder of consulting firm Targeted Victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI safety advocates, too, are getting ready to assert themselves more aggressively in the political arena. Earlier this year, Encode formed a statewide PAC, Californians for Responsible Artificial Intelligence, that has mainly secured donations from AI researchers. The advocacy group became known in the state for sponsoring measures like SB 53, criticizing OpenAIs plans to change its business structure and organizing opposition to Hill Republicans defeated proposal for a 10-year moratorium on state AI regulation. By Jaspreet Singh (Reuters) -Meta said on Tuesday it will launch a California-focused political action committee to back state-level candidates favoring lighter regulation of technology, particularly artificial intelligence. The group, named "Mobilizing Economic Transformation Across (Meta) California," will support candidates for state offices from either party who advocate AI innovation over stringent rules, the company said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Facebook and Instagram parent plans to spend tens of millions of dollars through the PAC, potentially positioning the company among the state's top political spenders ahead of the 2026 governor race. California will elect its next governor in November 2026. Governor Gavin Newsom's national profile has surged amid a series of confrontations with President Donald Trump, positioning him as a high-visibility Democratic figure. "The Governor takes a balanced approach to ensure that as the AI industry continues to grow, it does so with appropriate guardrails to protect the public," a spokesperson for the office of the California governor said in an emailed response. Meta's move to back candidates who favor AI-friendly policies aligns with its business interests, as the social media company is pouring billions to better compete in Silicon Valley's intensifying AI race and develop new cash flows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sacramento's regulatory environment could stifle innovation, block AI progress, and put California's technology leadership at risk," said Brian Rice, Meta vice president of public policy. California has been among the most aggressive states in pursuing AI and social media regulation and state officials will shape rules on safety, transparency and consumer protection that could impact tech companies' products. Rice will head the PAC alongside fellow public policy VP Greg Maurer as principal officers, according to a company spokesperson. Companies such as Uber and Airbnb have used such campaign-focused, multi-million dollar strategies to build clout in Sacramento, according to Politico, which first reported the development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Venture-capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI President Greg Brockman are among those helping launch and fund Leading the Future, a new super PAC network focused on AI, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. (Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Mohammed Safi Shamsi and Alan Barona) Large methane leaks at oil and gas facilities across the United States not only unleash massive plumes of the potent greenhouse gas, but also carry a toxic mix of air pollutants that jeopardize the health of communities nearby, according to new research. Over the course of 20 years, methane is capable of warming the atmosphere around 80 times more than carbon dioxide. Yet when methane seeps out of fossil-fuel extraction wells or storage tanks, it's almost always commingled with a medley of toxic chemicals, such as cancer-causing benzene, according to a new analysis by PSE Healthy Energy. A new interactive map launched this week by the Oakland-based nonprofit research institute examines the health risk associated with more than 1,300 large methane releases nationwide, including 32 in California, that occurred from 2016 to 2025. The tool estimates the concentrations of airborne pollutants and outlines at-risk areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers say more than 126,000 people lived within two miles of these large methane leaks, sometimes referred to as "super-emitter" events, across the country, including roughly 24,100 Californians. And in almost every case, the levels of benzene the most toxic hazardous pollutant associated with methane leaks exceeded California's health risk benchmarks. "Natural gas is not just methane," said Seth Shonkoff, executive director of PSE Healthy Energy. "It's actually closer to a chemical soup." Read more: How California plans to boost EVs with no federal help Methane is a naturally odorless and invisible gas, and it's virtually impossible to detect these leaks of it without specialized equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "How do people know that this is happening? Usually, they don't," said Sofia Bisogno, an air quality scientist with PSE Healthy Energy. "That's one of the most impactful things that I found from this. Any event that you see on this tool is likely not covered by local media sources because we don't know that they exist. We don't know that they're happening." The map is not an exhaustive analysis of methane leaks from oil and gas facilities. Nevertheless, the researchers believe that the mapping tool can provide residents with a better understanding of air quality effects from methane-leak episodes. "People are not made aware that these things are potentially impacting their communities, like this tank emitting right next to a bunch of residences," said Bisogno, pointing to a benzene plume emanating from an oil storage tank near a mobile home park in Weld County, Colo. The tool comes amid growing concerns from environmentalists that President Trump's deregulation of the oil and gas industry could result in more methane releases across the country. In California, that's been compounded by Gov. Gavin Newsom's recent proposal to streamline oil and gas permits in order to boost declining fossil fuel production and ease rising gas prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PSE Healthy Energy assessed 32 methane releases in California and all of them were in the San Joaquin Valley, the epicenter of the state's oil and gas production. Six of those occurred at a facility on the western edge of the Kern River Oil Field, just outside Bakersfield. One particularly notable incident there, according to the new data, occurred in 2016, when the facility released levels of benzene that were more than 400 times higher than the state's short-term standard. The plume could have enveloped 3.5 square miles, including a nearby preschool and elementary school, exposing the area's roughly 5,600 residents to elevated levels of benzene. Prolonged exposure to benzene has been linked with an increased risk of some cancers, including leukemia. The short-term effects also are dangerous and include dizziness, headaches and an irregular heartbeat. Researchers were able to model the concentration of toxic chemicals based on gas samples provided by facilities in multiple states, including Texas and Colorado. However, researchers said California does not require that information, leaving uncertainties about levels of toxic substances in natural gas that fossil fuel producers extract across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is very challenging to plan and execute effective risk management without understanding what is being emitted," Shonkoff said. "Armed with that type of information, regulatory agencies, risk managers and others will be able to make better decisions that will protect more lives and keep people safe." Read more: As Trump's EPA reverses landmark climate policy, California could lead a resistance Cesar Aguirre, an organizer with the Central California Environmental Justice Network, has tried to raise awareness about the dangers of methane leaks near Bakersfield. Over the last two years, Aguirre and his colleagues have inspected local oil and gas wells and storage tanks with infrared cameras that can capture leaks of methane and other harmful fumes. From October 2023 to September 2024, they found leaks at 19 of 62 sites they surveyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one of the most notable incidents, they encountered a massive release at a refinery near the unincorporated community of Fuller Acres. "There was a huge cloud the size of a tower, like several stories high that was just coming out of the refinery," Aguirre recalled. "And we could see it through the camera. And then shortly after, we started hearing alarms." Aguirre said he has tried to use their surveys to inform residents and notify regulators of the risks of these sorts of events, but problems persist. "It's frustrating for us, not just as community advocates, but as community members," Aguirre said, "that we can find something very egregious and they go unfixed or unchecked." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Guns for sale at Casos Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/New Jersey Monitor) New Mexico will ask a federal appeals court to reconsider its pause on the states seven-day waiting period to purchase a firearm. A three-judge panel of the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver on Aug. 19 enjoined New Mexicos seven-day waiting period, which became law in May 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico intends to file a petition asking for all 19 of the courts judges to decide the case, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams Communications Director Michael Coleman told Source NM on Monday. Lujan Grishams Deputy General Counsel Kyle Duffy told the interim legislative Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee on Monday morning about the states intentions to file the petition but due to audio problems with the Legislatures webcast, Source was unable to hear the presentation. New Mexico Department of Justice Spokesperson Lauren Rodriguez confirmed to Source on Tuesday that Attorney General Raul Torrez intends to ask the full court to reconsider the case. We are actively working with the Governors office on the petition for rehearing, Rodriguez said in an emailed statement. Duffy told the committee in the meantime, the waiting-period law remains in effect, Coleman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These kinds of requests for an entire federal appeals court to reconsider a smaller panels decisions are generally reserved for exceptionally important cases, in which decisions conflict with one another or when the circuit court tries to keep its decisions consistent, according to a presentation to the committee by Brandon Cummings, the district legislative aide to Chair Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces). Coleman told Source that Duffy said the panels split decision goes against a prior Tenth Circuit ruling that upheld Colorados law barring gun purchases by anyone under the age of 21, or a law that requires 18-year-olds to wait three years to purchase a weapon. Judge Scott M. Mathesons dissenting opinion also points to this inconsistency. As of Tuesday morning, New Mexico had not yet filed the petition for rehearing, according to court records. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The bacteria which causes the plague, Yersinia pestis, circulates in rodent populations such as mice, rats, prairie dogs, ground squirrels or rabbits throughout the Western U.S. and can spread to people and animals (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Health officials on Monday reported New Mexicos first human case of plague in a 43-year-old Valencia County man. Plague, a fast-moving bacterial infection that can impact the lungs, blood or bodies lymphatic symptoms, is a risk throughout the Western U.S. Infections are classed by the affected parts of the body. The most common infection is bubonic plague in the lymph nodes. Other types include plague in the lungs, called pneumatic, or blood infections, called septicemic plague. Plague spreads by fleas infected with bacteria that circulate in rodent populations such as mice, rats, prairie dogs or rabbits. It is most often transmitted to people and other domestic animals through infected fleas, but also through direct contact with infected animals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man, who was hospitalized and later released, received antibiotic treatments for both bubonic and septicemic plagues. The source of the plague remains unclear, health officials said, noting the man had camped in Rio Arriba County and may have been exposed there. People who live or spend time near wild rodent populations in rural areas of the state should be aware of the risk of plague that is present, New Mexico State Public Health Veterinarian Erin Phipps told Source NM. Since 1970, approximately half of the U.S. plague cases have occurred within New Mexico 250 infections during that time period according to data from the New Mexico Department of Health. The most recent infection was a fatal case, killing a Lincoln County man in 2024. Map of reported human plague cases in the United States, 1970-2023. New Mexico accounts for half of the cases since 1970. (Courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Human plague symptoms include a sudden fever, chills, headache or weakness, often accompanied by a painful swelling in the groin, armpit or neck. Plague symptoms in pet cats and dogs include lethargy, loss of appetite or a swelling under the jaw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phipps said plague prevention includes avoiding contact with sick or dead rodents or rabbits; clearing up debris to prevent rodent infestations; using insect repellent while outdoors; talking to veterinarians about flea control for pets; and removing pet food and water to prevent wildlife access. Phipps urged New Mexicans to see a doctor if they experience a sudden or severe fever, saying that while antibiotics are most effective at the beginning of an infection. The challenge with plague often is starting that treatment quickly, because plague can progress and become very severe, very rapidly, Phipps said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NEW MEXICO (KRQE) New Mexico has seen its fair share of power lines igniting wildfires, and wildfires have also caused outages and damage to the electric grid. That has local researches looking at how to prevent both. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heat, wind and drought has been a terrible combo for New Mexico during wildfire season. The impacts of these wildfires, the loss of life, the impacts to society, loss of property the damage to critical infrastructure is significant and businesses as well, said Brian Pierre with Sandia National Labs. On Monday, Pierre presented to lawmakers how wildfires impact the electric grid and the ways they are looking to prevent outages. Our wildfire electric grid security program, we primarily break it up into four different areas, said Pierre. Pierre said those four areas are pre-fire, during, post-fire and planning for future fires hoping to make it easier to turn back on for families and businesses after the fire is put out. For the electric infrastructure, there is some components that are very hard to get especially large scale transformers that if they are knocked out of service or damaged it can take years to find replacements, said Pierre. Theres also the issue of powerlines sparking fires, including the massive Las Conchas fire after wind caused a tree to fall on a powerline in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pierre said some larger utility companies around the US are looking to move underground in high fire risk areas in order to avoid the problem altogether but not everyone can foot the bill for the millions of dollars it would cost. A small co-op in a forested region stood up and mentioned, theres no way we can underground all of our distribution for the forest because the cost is just far too much, said Pierre. There are other ways to work around the concern including monitoring vegetation and incorporating AI. If theres an abnormality they are quickly going to quickly identify it and de-energize that section of the line, said Pierre. Pierre said thats already being tested in eastern New Mexico. Our protective relay sits in parallel with traditional protection methods so we can compare the t Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Michel Odent, who has died aged 95, was a French obstetrician who devoted his life to campaigning to end unnecessary intervention in childbirth. In the 1970s he introduced the concept of home-like birth centres in hospitals and birthing pools, arguing that, during labour, women were more relaxed and comfortable in homely environments and in (warm) water. In interviews and in numerous books and papers, Odent maintained that the processes and environment of childbirth had become over-medicalised and masculinised, to the detriment of mother and child. Sophisticated machinery had invaded the delivery room high technology being a male symbol and he deplored the fashion for fathers to attend births, which had almost overnight became a doctrine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When a woman gives birth, she needs to lose herself in the primitive part of her brain, he said. The presence of an anxious father-to-be disturbs her mental state, stimulating the intellectual part of her brain and interfering with the natural birthing process. He believed the experience could lead to marriages breaking up as sexual relationships deteriorate. Ideally, birthing rooms should be private with no strangers present and little use of language; midwives and obstetricians should be women (his ideal birth companion was one knitting midwife or doula or lay midwife) who have given birth vaginally and undisturbed. Odents theories revolved round a notion of a cocktail of love hormones primarily oxytocin produced by a woman who gives birth naturally in a warm and calm environment; it is a process that can be disrupted by such procedures as elective Caesareans and artificially induced labour. In an elective Caesarean, without labour, no oxytocin is produced, while during an induced birth, mothers are given synthetic oxytocin, which suppresses the natural version. As a result, Odent claimed, babies are born with an impaired capacity to love, which can manifest itself in a variety of ways in later life, such as a tendency towards violence, or autism, or even anorexia nervosa and suicide. Michel Odent demonstrates his method of preparing the body for pregnancy on a volunteer, Tara Turgoose So convinced was Odent of his theories that he admitted to checking the Caesarean-section rate of countries he visited, to assess whether it was safe to go out at night: Look at the cultural differences between Amsterdam, which has a 10 per cent Caesarean rate, and Sao Paulo in Brazil, where eight out of 10 babies are born by Caesarean. Anyone can walk at night in the streets of Amsterdam. It would be suicidal to do so in Sao Paulo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the early 1980s Odent moved to London, where he founded the Primal Health Research Centre and established a data bank to focus on the long-term consequences of early experiences. He was the first to document newborns crawling to find a breast (he advocated breastfeeding until the age of five), triggering the initiation of lactation in the hour following birth. Some dismissed him as a crank or a romantic whose modus operandi, according to one critic, was to gather together anecdotes and, through heroic leaps of imagination, construct general theories based on them. Certainly his work often seemed to be more faith than science, and Odent himself readily admitted that his early book, Primal Health, first published in 1986 and containing many theories about the critical period between conception and a childs first birthday, was originally a book of ideas: I started with feelings. Yet a remarkable number of Odents innovations entered the mainstream. Home-like birth centres in hospitals and birthing pools have become standard in maternity units throughout the world, while the early hours, days weeks and months of life, once given scant attention, have become seen as crucial in a childs physical and emotional development. By 2002, when Primal Health was republished for a new audience, hundreds of studies had borne out many of Odents theories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michel Odent was born on July 7 1930, the elder of two sons, and brought up in the quiet French village of Bresles, 55 miles north of Paris, where his mother, Madeleine, was headmistress of the village school and his father, Robert, ran the accounts at a local sugar factory. After studying medicine at the Sorbonne, he trained as a surgeon, and as a young man was sent to operate on wounded soldiers in the Algerian war of independence. Afterwards he was for many years a general surgeon working at the state hospital in the Loire town of Pithiviers; in 1999 he would be described in The Lancet as one of the last real general surgeons. The course of his life was set when the colleague in charge of the maternity unit at the hospital left and he was asked to take over. He always emphasised that the impetus for his theories on childbirth came from the small team of midwives he worked with in Pithiviers. In Britain Odent shot to fame in 1982 when BBC Twos Forty Minutes documentary strand broadcast Birth Reborn (also the title of Odents first book), showing how, at a time when the process of childbirth was becoming increasingly medicalised, women in the maternity unit at Pithiviers Hospital were being encouraged by doctors and midwives to give birth in an upright position without using drugs and with minimal medical intervention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The film showed Odent standing behind a woman and supporting her under her shoulders to let gravity help the baby descend through the birth canal. This would be the signature manoeuvre he taught in workshops. Some women in the film spent part of their labour in a birthing pool, and although he became known as the water birth doctor, he regarded the pool as mainly useful for relieving pain and sending a woman to another planet during labour rather than providing an ideal setting for the birth itself, though there was no problem if it happened. Before long Odent found himself in demand as a speaker, and in 1983, after meeting Judy Graham, a television journalist, he moved to London. In 1985 they had a son, who was born at home. He was married, to Nicole, but by this time they were leading separate lives; they had two children: a son, who predeceased him, and a daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judy Graham helped Odent gain fluency in English, though he retained a strong French accent (like Charles Aznavour, according to one interviewer). Based in the UK, he travelled the world to give keynote speeches, run workshops and discuss his theories with doctors and midwives. A sprightly, long-limbed, handsome man, he always attracted a throng of female followers. After registering with the General Medical Council, he was able to attend home births, zipping around London in his Peugeot 108. To ward off hunger he often ate a banana en route, discarding the skins on the car floor so passengers would have to contend with a carpet of blackened skins. In 1999, Odent teamed up with Liliana Lammers, a doula who supported women having home births. She became his partner, personal and professional, and together they ran workshops all over the world and online. Michel Odent, born July 7 1930, died August 19 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. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan health system, "cowardly" and "shameful" for yielding to pressure from the Trump administration and halting gender-affirming treatment puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender people under 19 years of age. In an Aug. 26 media statement, Nessel said: The announcement from the University of Michigan that they will no longer provide their transgender patients with all of the healthcare options available is shameful, dangerous, and potentially illegal." She added: "This cowardly acquiescence to political pressure from this president and his administration is not what patients have come to expect from an institution that has labeled itself, the leaders and the best, and my department will be considering all of our options if they violate Michigan law. More: Under pressure from Trump, Michigan Medicine halts gender-affirming care for trans youths Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gender-affirming treatment for trans young people is legal in Michigan. It is unclear if Michigan Medicine plans to discontinue hormone or puberty blocker treatments for cis gender people people who identify with the gender assigned at birth and sometimes receive medications to block early puberty. But offering those types of treatments for cis gender young people and not for transgender young people, could potentially be in violation of state law. In an open letter to patients and providers, Nessel said: "Refusing healthcare services to a class of individuals based on their protected status, such as withholding the availability of services from transgender individuals based on their gender identity or their diagnosis of gender dysphoria, while offering such services to cisgender individuals, may constitute discrimination under Michigan law. Michigan Medicine said it made the decision to drop the care after receiving a federal subpoena as part of a criminal and civil investigation into gender-affirming care for minors. "In light of that investigation, and given escalating external threats and risks, we will no longer provide gender-affirming hormonal therapies and puberty blocker medications for minors," a Michigan Medicine spokeswoman said. More: How Trump's executive orders have forced these Michiganders to change Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump has made the transgender community a target, signing executive orders declaring the United States government recognizes two genders and those were assigned at birth and threatening to withhold federal funding from providers and hospital systems that offer gender-affirming care for people under 19. This administration draws most of its power from the willingness of its targets to capitulate without a fight, abandoning their own principles and interests, and throwing disfavored populations under the bus, Nessel said. Despite repeated successful legal challenges to actions by this administration, UM has chosen instead to sacrifice the health, well-being, and likely the very lives of Michigan children, to protect itself from the ire of an administration who, oftentimes, engages in unlawful actions itself. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: AG: U-M cowardly for halting gender-affirming care for young people Everyone makes mistakes, and hindsight is 20/20, but being in my late 30s, I have a few regrets when it comes to my finances. While I cant go back in time and convince myself to make some changes to how I handle my money, I may be able to help those looking for advice. Read on to learn about the steps I should have taken sooner to avoid financial mishaps. Learn More: Heres How to Build an Emergency Fund Without Blowing Your Budget Read Next: 6 Hybrid Vehicles To Stay Away From in Retirement Maxed Out Retirement Funds When I was young and just entering the workforce, retirement felt like an eternity away. While its still a ways off, I look back and think about how much better prepared I would be now if Id maxed out my funds sooner. I opened a Roth IRA when I was in my early 20s, but I only contributed to it when I remembered I had one. Roth IRAs are retirement funds you can contribute to with already-taxed money. This money can then grow within the account tax-free for years. When you withdraw your funds in retirement, you dont have to pay any taxes. The catch with a Roth IRA is that you cant put as much money in as you may want. The government limits your contributions to $7,000 per year if youre under 50 years old and $8,000 if youre 50 or older. I think back at how much tax-free savings I missed out on because I didnt max out my annual contributions. I also wish I had maxed out my 401(k) retirement funds, or at least contributed as much as my employer would match. A 401(k) is another type of tax-advantaged retirement account, but it works a bit differently than a Roth IRA. With a 401(k), your contributions come straight from your paycheck before taxes. Then, when you withdraw money in retirement, its taxed as regular income. One of the biggest advantages of a 401(k) is the employer match. Depending on your employer, when you contribute a certain monthly amount to your 401(k), they will match what you put in, effectively doubling it. Ramit Sethi, author of the New York Times bestselling book I Will Teach You to Be Rich, says it best: That is free money! Because my 401(k) was money I wouldnt be able to touch for years, it didnt seem as important at the time. Now I realize I missed out on a lot of retirement savings by not maxing out my employer matches. Find Out: 3 Best Ways to Prioritize Your Savings Goals Paid Off Debts Quickly Like many students entering college, I didnt put much thought into what having student loans actually meant. I figured I would graduate from college and get a high-paying job, and my loans would magically disappear over a year or two. This wasnt the case, and once I began working and paying down my debts, I realized it would take me a very long time. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Michigan gas prices have jumped 18 cents from last week as the Labor Day weekend approaches, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). AAA reports that Michigan drivers are now paying an average of $3.30 per gallon for regular unleaded gas. This price is up 1 cent from this time last month and down 19 cents from this time last year. Drivers are paying an average of $49 for a 15-gallon tank of gas, a discount of about $8 from last years highest price, which occurred in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the slight decrease in demand, Michigan motorists are seeing much higher prices at the pump, said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson, AAA-The Auto Club Group, in a news release sent to 6 News. With Labor Day quickly approaching, gas prices may hold steady or increase ahead of the holiday weekend. Most expensive gas price averages in Michigan: Traverse City $3.34 Ann Arbor $3.33 Lansing $3.32 Least expensive gas price averages in Michigan: Flint $3.23 Marquette $3.24 Benton Harbor $3.29 The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that gas demand decreased from 9 million barrels per day (b/d) to 8.84 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 226.3 million barrels to 223.6 million, and gas production decreased to 9.6 million b/d. On Wednesday, the WTI increased by 86 cents, placing the price per barrel at $63.21. Daily national, state, and metro gas price averages can be found on the AAA 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 WLNS 6 News. In an era when finding common ground can be difficult, there is one thing all Michiganders agree on: We deserve better roads. We know this, because we hear it from our constituents every day. As the leaders of Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties, we have the most roads in the state and, unfortunately, some of the worst. Residents want action and were ready to do our part, but the law limits how far we can go on our own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why state leadership is so critical. But were still waiting on a road funding plan from Lansing. Encouragingly, both Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican House leadership have put serious road funding plans on the table. While their proposals may differ in how to reach the goal, that goal remains the same: rebuilding and maintaining Michigans roads for the long term. Now, the Senates leadership must play a key role in bringing this home. Cars drive through West Big Beaver Road in Troy on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. More from Freep Opinion: Michigan finally considering real proposals to fix the damn roads Roads and bridges dont vote red or blue, but Lansing must Roads and infrastructure arent partisan, and we need both parties in Lansing to forge a bipartisan solution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our roads serve the needs of all Michigan residents, regardless of party affiliation. Roads are how our kids get to school, how ambulances reach emergencies, how families travel to work and home. Strong infrastructure supports public safety, job growth and economic development. Crumbling roads threaten all of that. Potholes may be a punchline, but they are no joke. The consequences are serious: damaged vehicles, delayed response times, missed opportunities for investment, and risks to public safety. What makes the challenge even more urgent is that time is running out on funding. More from Freep Opinion: Did Dan Gilbert keep Detroit subsidy promises? The Freep is suing to find out. Whitmers bonds bought time, but Michigan needs a permanent fix Whitmers $3.5 billion bonding program has jump-started progress, but without a long-term, sustainable plan to replace it, we risk sliding back to the days of neglect and patchwork repairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the bonding program, only 20% of our roads were rated good. Thats now risen to 25%, but three-quarters of Michigan roads, nearly 100,000 miles, are still rated fair or poor. With the right plan, we can continue improving those numbers year after year. To truly fix Michigans roads, estimates call for up to $3.9 billion in annual investment. Thats less than 5% of our states $80 billion budget. Its a smart investment in safety, jobs and our future. And the benefits go far beyond smoother commutes. Infrastructure work supports thousands of high-paying union jobs across skilled trades, engineering, materials, logistics, and more. Reliable funding would not only keep our workforce employed but also train the next generation of Michigan workers. A modern, well-maintained road network supports business growth and strengthens state and local revenues that fund vital services that support and protect our citizens. So now is the time for bipartisan compromise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is critical that we get this done before the current funding runs out. Our economy, safety, and future depend on it. David Coulter is the Oakland County executive. Warren C. Evans is the Wayne County executive. Mark Hackel is the Macomb County executive. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online and in print. Like what you're reading? Please consider supporting local journalism and getting unlimited digital access with a Detroit Free Press subscription. We depend on readers like you. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Whitmer, GOP offer road repair plans but Senate action lags | Opinion Nigel Farages speech on illegal migration today was not the first time that politicians have set out plans to end the flow of migrants across the English Channel. It was the first time, however, that the leader of a party riding so high in the polls did so in such absolute terms. Mr Farage pledged, if elected, to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, repeal the Human Rights Act, and disapply the 1951 Refugee Convention, the UN Convention Against Torture, and the Anti-Trafficking Convention. He promised massive detention centres, returns agreements with countries around the world, and up to 600,000 migrants deported in his first term. In providing these answers to the problem of illegal migration, Mr Farage has raised at least as many questions over practicality the use of Ascension Island as a fallback for those who cannot be sent elsewhere raised eyebrows and his partys ability to navigate what could well be a protracted legal and parliamentary battle. Equally, it remains to be seen which sites would be chosen for the detention estate central to the plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Conservative Party argued that many of these ideas were merely reheated versions of those they had put forward earlier in the year. Labour, in turn, may yet seize on the idea of negotiating agreements with the Taliban. As Philip Johnston argues, there is likely to be little dispute in Westminster with the diagnosis: something has to change. The latest figures from YouGov show that 57 per cent of the public now believe immigration is one of the most important issues facing Britain. This is the highest level since December 2015, when mounting public discontent was followed six months later with the political rupture that was the vote for Brexit. Mr Farage said in his speech that should the status quo continue, we faced a genuine threat to public order as a result of the despair and anger of an electorate confronted with a Government seemingly powerless to address the people smugglers. Sir Keir Starmer is no doubt acutely aware of this, just as he is of the challenge in persuading his own party that action will be necessary. Regardless of whether Mr Farages plan turns out to be practicable, it could well prove the long-term direction of travel for the British state. It is a deep shame that public support for the asylum system has been so catastrophically undermined by its abuse, and by the politicians who allowed this situation to persist. 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. NEED TO KNOW Phoenix and other cities in Arizona were affected by a dramatic dust storm called a haboob on Monday, Aug. 25 The storm was accompanied by heavy rain and winds, leaving thousands without power and temporarily grounding flights at one of the nation's busiest airports A haboob can send dust flying 10,000 feet into the air and reduces visibility to near-zero Parts of Arizona were brought to a standstill after being hit by a massive dust storm, called a haboob, earlier this week. The storm, followed by heavy rains and wind, swept over Phoenix and Arizona City on Monday, Aug. 25, according to NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox Weather reported that gusts of wind ranging from 60 to 66 mph were measured across the area. One video shared by NBC showed the storm "stretching for miles into the distance." The weather knocked out power for as many as 15,000 people on Monday evening, according to NBC News and the Associated Press. CITY OF PHOENIX, AZ A massive dust storm, called a haboob, sweeps across Phoenix A massive dust storm, called a haboob, sweeps across Phoenix Speaking to the AP, Bernae Boykin Hitesman recalled being stuck in her car with her two young children when the storm hit. They were surrounded by harrowing conditions for around 15 minutes, left unable to see and tasting dust through the closed windows. I couldnt see my hand in front of my face if I put my hand outside, Boykin Hitesman said, adding that she "was nervous" but tried "to be brave" for her children, who are 9 and 11. ABC15ARIZONA A massive dust storm, known as a haboob, sweeps across Arizona A massive dust storm, known as a haboob, sweeps across Arizona Police in nearby Gilbert, Ariz., issued a statement on X urging people not to travel unless absolutely necessary, citing "traffic light outages and downed trees across town." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you must travel, please drive with caution as we are working diligently to restore lights and clear roadways," authorities wrote. A terminal roof at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport one of the busiest in the United States was damaged in the storm, according to the AP. The airport was forced to delay flights and The New York Times reported that planes were stopped from taking off for around an hour. ABC15ARIZONA A massive dust storm, called a haboob, sweeps Arizona A massive dust storm, called a haboob, sweeps Arizona Homes were also affected by the storm, with Fox Weather reporting that at least one property lost a roof in Marana, Ariz. Richard Filley from Gilbert said that his residence was showered in the dust, which found its way inside through "every little crack and space," according to the AP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the devastation, he described the storm as "a spectacular natural phenomenon," adding, "They are kind of beautiful in their own way." The windstorm part of it, Im glad its gone, he said. CITY OF PHOENIX, AZ A massive dust storm, called a haboob, sweeps across Phoenix A massive dust storm, called a haboob, sweeps across Phoenix 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 term haboob has its roots in Arabic, translating to "strong wind" or "gale," according to the BBC. The dust storms are most common in "arid, wide open spaces," NBC reported, and are caused by "intense downdrafts from nearby thunderstorms," according to Fox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although usually short-lived, the dust from the storms can travel up to 10,000 feet into the air and can cause extreme issues with visibility, making them "extremely dangerous along freeways and highways." Read the original article on People MILFORD Milford Food Bank recently received a $10,000 donation from Doug Kauffman, a longtime supporter of the food banks ministry; his most recent gift will directly help the food bank serve local organizations. We are so grateful for Dougs generosity and his continued commitment to supporting our mission, said Angie Deak, Milford Food Bank development manager. Milford Food Bank relies on the support of individuals, organizations and donors to serve its organization partners who are caring for the growing number of people facing food insecurity. With this contribution, the food bank can continue its vital work of rescuing excess food and bridging the gap between food waste and the many hungry neighbors across northern Indiana and southern Michigan, organizers said. Milford Food Bank is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing food and hope to individuals and families across Michiana by ensuring local food pantries, recovery facilities, shelters, schools and churches have access to food and essential support. Learn more at www.milfordfoodbank.org. (WJET/WFXP) The Millcreek Township man at the center of a 2024 armed standoff with police pleaded guilty in federal court, with sentencing set for early 2026. Timothy Tressler, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of criminal possession of a machine gun in U.S. District Court before Judge Susan Paradise Baxter on Friday, August 21, waiving his right to indictment in the process. Millcreek Police, Homeland Security involved in standoff, one in custody Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With that, a federal grand jury cannot issue an indictment in before being prosecuted, and federal prosecutors can proceed with the information already submitted to the court by them. Tressler was arrested in May 2024 after a 25-minute standoff with Millcreek police outside his West 12th Street home, who later found several rifles and auto sear devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic ones. The full list of items found includes the following: Manuals for converting weapons into fully automatic machine guns DNA Guns lower Receiver for a 5.56 caliber rifle with an auto sear installed BCP lower receiver for an F15 rifle with an auto-sear installed 4 bump stock kits 1 assembled bump stock for an unspecified weapon 2 complete Hoffman Super Safety kits 1 AR-15 bump stock 12 Hoffman Tactical Super Safety cam and levers 11 glock switches to turn the pistol into a machine gun 4 drop in auto-sears 8 lightning links and 11 associated sear trip tabs which would make eight machinegun converted devices (MCD) Criminal complaint unsealed for Millcreek standoff suspect Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sentencing has been set for January 9, 2026, at the Erie County Courthouse. Tressler faces up to 10 years in federal prison and or a $250,000 fine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. The Milwaukee Downtown Employee Appreciation Week would be better titled Downtown Marketing Week with its focus on sponsorships for all the events and giveaways (Feeling appreciated, Aug. 19) . The companies offering up their swag each have a limited audience how many employees can take time throughout the day to jog all around downtown to the different events on the schedule? When I worked downtown, my only free time was one hour for lunch. Other than that I was stuck at my desk and couldnt get away for games or freebies there was a limited radius that I could reach and get back to the office within an hour. This special week is great for people who both work and live downtown and can make it to the events. The rest of us have to face a traffic jam commuting in and out. Not all of us can afford to live downtown, so Milwaukee city officials need to keep downtown accessible and need to make it attractive for more people to work downtown, the object of Downtown Employee Appreciation Week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Letters: Trump backs off tough guy act when it comes to China, Russia The citys Connec+ing: MKE Downtown Plan 2040 does not bode well for commuters going downtown to work, many of whom already face seven years of construction on the I-94 stadium freeway, which is going to double down on the time-sucking commute. Kimberly Barth, Milwaukee Opinion: Meet new face of cancer in Wisconsin: She's under 50. We can't wait to act. Tips for getting your letter to the editor published Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state: Please include your name, street address and daytime phone. Generally, we limit letters to 200 words. Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter. Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing. Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person. We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions. We don't publish poetry, anonymous or open letters. Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months. All letters are subject to editing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@jrn.com or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Downtown Milwaukee needs to more accessible for commuters | Letter The Milwaukee Police Department released bodycam footage on Aug. 25 of a fatal shooting involving four officers two weeks earlier. The shooting took place at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 in the 2700 block of North 60th Street. The man who died in the incident was identified by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office as 31-year-old Dandre McIntosh. The incident began with police investigating a vehicle related to multiple business robberies that was found at the rear of a residence, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While in the rear of the home, McIntosh appeared from the second-floor balcony with a gun. "He's got a gun!" officers can be heard yelling in the video. "Drop the gun!" Seconds later, gunfire erupts. It's not clear from the released videos if McIntosh fired the gun at officers, but the police department said its news release that "gunfire was exchanged between the suspect and officers." The police department said no officers were struck. Milwaukee police didn't immediately respond to questions on Aug. 25. The department said four officers fired their weapons in the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As McIntosh lay wounded from officers' gunfire on the balcony, officers yelled commands of "Drop the gun!" An officer can be heard on the video saying, "He shot himself in the head. ... He just shot himself." The video was indistinct if McIntosh fired off a self-inflicted round. Chief Jeffrey Norman said at a late-night news conference on Aug. 9 that it was unclear whether McIntosh died from officers' gunfire or a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The medical examiner's office's Aug. 11 demographic report, a document with information on someone who died and the cause of death, classified McIntosh's death as a homicide. The office classifies homicide as any death caused by the intentional act of another person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIntosh can still be seen in the video moving on the balcony. "He's still alive!" that same officer yells. "He's still moving. He's still got the gun in his hands. Drop the gun!" "Stop moving!" the officer said as more gunfire goes off. It's unclear if that gunfire was from officers or McIntosh. "Put your hands up, dude," the officer yells. "But we can't come to you as long as you still got that gun." McIntosh sustained fatal injuries and a gun was recovered next to him, police said. The officers have only been identified as the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 46-year-old man with over 21 years of service A 36-year-old man with over eight years of service A 30-year-old man with over five years of service A 29-year-old man with over 11 years of service. The Brookfield Police Department is leading the investigation to satisfy state law requiring an outside agency. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee police release bodycam footage of fatal shooting Aug. 9 The senior pastor of a Kernersville church has been arrested and accused of having sex with a 15-year-old girl 24 years ago. Brett Martin Kitko, 50, of Salem Landing Drive in Winston-Salem was arrested Aug. 19 and charged with statutory rape and two counts of indecent liberties with a child, court records show. The arrest warrant lists the date of the offense as Aug. 1, 2001, when Kitko would have been 27. The Forsyth County District Attorneys Office confirmed Kitkos employment as senior pastor at The Phoenix at Century Park Church, WGHP reported. Kitko was released Friday, Aug. 22, after posting $300,000 unsecured bond. (The Center Square) Minnesota is seeking assistance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to end its Housing Stabilization Services program, citing large-scale fraud as the reason for termination. The Minnesota Housing and Stabilization Services program (HSS) is run by the states Department of Human Services (DHS) and is a new Minnesota Medical Assistance benefit to help people with disabilities, including mental illness and substance use disorder, and seniors find and keep housing, according to a DHS webpage. When reached, the HSS told The Center Square that the DHS intends to redesign and relaunch the benefit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toward that effort, DHS will work with the legislature, providers, community partners, and CMS to fully redesign the program with robust program integrity and service quality requirements to prevent bad actors from entering the program and enhance care, the HSS said. Once that work is complete, DHS will then work with CMS to submit a new program framework for approval, the HSS said. The HSS said that despite forthcoming changes, eligible HSS providers can continue to deliver services to enrolled individuals and individuals may continue applying to the program at this time. DHS decided to terminate and rework its HSS program due to large-scale fraud found by DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) data analysis and investigatory work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DHS Temporary Commissioner Shireen Gandhi sent a letter to CMS on August 1 requesting the centers assistance in ending the HSS program. This action is necessary to safeguard Medicaid enrollees and protect the fiscal integrity of Minnesotas Medicaid program, Shireen wrote. CMS did not respond to TCSs request for comment. When reached, Minnesota Deputy Communications Director DHS Sarah Berg referred The Center Square to portions of a press release on behalf of the department as well as DHS Temporary Commissioner Shireen Gandhi and DHS Inspector General James Clark. In the press release, Shireen Gandhi said DHS is rooting out fraud wherever we find it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cannot allow one more cent of taxpayer money going out the door to providers who claim to serve Minnesotans in need of stable housing while lining their pockets for personal gain, Gandhi said. As I made clear in my letter to CMS, our own data analysis has shown that this program does not have the necessary controls to stop bad actors, and we are urging CMS to approve our request to end this program as swiftly as possible, Gandhi said. Inspector General James Clark said in the release the termination of this program, while regrettable for those who need these services, is the necessary step at this time. As our OIG data and investigations have revealed, too many fraudulent, unqualified bad actors have likely stolen money from our states taxpayers, and also cheated Minnesotans who need housing services, Clark said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota state Rep. Kristin Robbins called the shutdown in a statement a stunning admission of just how deeply broken this program has become under the Walz administrations watch. HSS termination confirms what we feared all along: this fraud goes far deeper than the few raids and arrests made public so far, Robbins said. This was a program initially expected to cost taxpayers just $2.6 million a year, yet it ballooned to over $100 million, with fraud so rampant that the agency now admits it cannot guarantee basic program integrity, Robbins said. DHS has failed in its duty to protect taxpayers and vulnerable Minnesotans, and there must be full accountability for the mismanagement that allowed this to happen, Robbins said. Neither Robbins nor Minnesota Rep. and House Speaker Lisa Demuth have responded to The Center Squares multiple requests for comment. DHS recently launched an FAQ page on HSS termination. Thankfully, there are ways you can make money on the current real estate market without having to buy a home, pay property taxes, or deal with the responsibilities of managing rental properties and tenants. According to the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.), a minimum annual income of $218,000 was needed to afford the median-priced home in California in the first quarter of 2025. Youd have to pay all those taxes, said Cuban, nodding to the high property tax rates in California. Cuban emphasizes the importance of considering the complete financial picture when thinking about homeownership. While you might believe you can afford the initial down payment, there can be significant ongoing expenses to maintain the property. The California housing market has soared to unprecedented levels, with the median sale price reaching a staggering $906,500 as of August, according to Forbes Advisor. Heres why Cuban cautioned Altoff plus some options worth considering if youre priced out of buying a home in California (or any other state) but still want to invest in the lucrative U.S. real estate market. Despite finding common ground over their shared birthday and lactose intolerance, Cuban cautioned Althoff that even with a multi-million dollar handout, California living would still be beyond her means. I would have given you $5 million for nothing, replied the Shark Tank star. Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake heres what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how You could give me a billion dollars right now and it probably wouldnt even affect you, Altoff quipped, negotiating with Cuban. Fine $5 million, well go small. I could buy a house in Southern California. During the 58-minute interview, Althoff used her awkward yet engaging tactics and got Cuban to open up about a range of topics from the Mavericks to Shark Tank and even asking him for $5 million to buy a home. Last summer, Mark Cuban found himself seated on a warehouse floor alongside viral sensation Bobbi Althoff, as a guest on her popular podcast, The Really Good Podcast. Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Story Continues For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors. With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property. With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets. If you are looking to make a larger real estate investment, First National Realty Partners (FNRP) might be the right choice for you. FNRP is a private equity firm where accredited investors can access institutional-quality, grocery-anchored commercial real estate deals, without the need to source or manage the deals themselves. Their experienced team has established connections with some of the nation's largest essential-needs brands, such as Kroger, Walmart, and Whole Foods, giving them access to prime commercial properties both on and off the market. They handle the entire deal process from start to finish, so you can enjoy the benefits of investing in necessity-based real estate without the hassle of buying or managing the property yourself. If youre not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allow you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100. Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allow accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part. Mogul is a real estate investment platform offering fractional ownership in blue-chip rental properties, which gives investors monthly rental income, real-time appreciation and tax benefits without the need for a $250,000 down payment or 3 A.M. tenant calls. Founded by former Goldman Sachs real estate investors, the team hand-picks the top 1% of single-family rental homes nationwide, guided by proprietary underwriting and market analytics typically used by large institutions. Each property undergoes a vetting process, requiring a minimum 12% return even in downside scenarios. Across the board, the platform features an average annual IRR of 18.8%. Their cash-on-cash yields, meanwhile, average between 10-12% annually. Every investment is secured by real assets, not dependent on the platforms viability. Each property is held in a standalone Propco LLC, so investors own the property not the platform. Blockchain-based fractionalization adds a layer of safety, ensuring a permanent, verifiable record of each stake. Getting started is a quick and easy process. All you need to do is sign up for an account and then browse available properties. Once you verify your information with their team, you can invest in the properties of your choice in as little as 30 seconds. Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching stocks here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead How would you invest a large cash windfall? In classic Bobbi Althoff fashion, she not only asked for a $5 million handout from Cuban, but she pitched him on investing in her podcast. I dont know that Id invest in a podcast, responded Cuban, despite Althoff mentioning her $20,000 debt related to her podcast. High-net-worth individuals like Mark Cuban might buy and sell large quantities of stocks, giving them the power to offset their gains with strategic losses to maximize their overall returns through tax savings. If you have no appetite for the ups and downs of the stock market and you have a large stash of cash you want to invest, there is an array of lucrative alternative assets open to you. One option is fine art, a private asset that has historically been available exclusively for billionaires like Cuban. But with Masterworks, that isnt the case anymore. Through their easy-to-use online platform, you can now invest in artwork by iconic artists from Banksy to Basquiat without having to get all dressed up to attend an auction to pay the sticker price for a painting. Masterworks makes artwork accessible to more investors by offering fractional shares of famous artwork. Simply choose your favorites from an array of artwork, as well as how many shares youd like to buy, and Masterworks takes care of everything else. Whether youre buying stocks or investing in alternative assets, having the guidance of a financial advisor is essential. A vetted financial advisor through WiserAdvisor can help tailor an investment strategy that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation, ensuring your windfall works hard for you without unnecessary risks. Thats probably why three in four Americans with an advisor (75%) believe that they will be financially prepared to retire, compared to just 45% without an advisor. WiserAdvisor is a free matching service that helps you find an advisor who can help you reach your financial goals by matching you with a pre-screened financial advisor from their database of thousands. All it takes is a few minutes to answer some questions about yourself, and WiserAdvisor will provide you with a personalized match of two to three advisors. From there, you can book a free, no-obligation consultation to confirm if your match is right for you. 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. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Minnesota prosecutors filed misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges Tuesday against a woman accused of using a racist slur against a Black child at a playground an incident the woman has since used to raise more than $800,000 after she appealed for help with relocating. Defendant wrongfully and unlawfully engaged in offensive, obscene, abusive, boisterous, or noisy conduct, or in offensive, obscene, or abusive language that would reasonably tend to arouse alarm, anger or resentment in others, the criminal complaint alleges. A social media video of the April incident, in which the woman admitted to using the slur, has garnered millions of views. It showed a man confronting her for using the slur toward the child. She then appeared to double down on the racist term and held up a middle finger to the man who challenged her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Tuesday, she had raised over $800,000 on the Christian fundraising platform GiveSendGo including many donations that came in after the charges were announced with a stated goal of $1 million. In her last update, in June, the woman claimed she was the victim of silly misinformation. Big things are happening regarding our future," she wrote. "Life-changing events are at play, and we have all of YOU to thank for that! I wont go into specifics, but just know that all is well on our end. ... Keep standing up for yourselves, and keep fighting for the First Amendment!" The woman was charged by summons with three counts of disorderly conduct. Each count carries a maximum potential penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, though actual sentences in Minnesota tend to be lighter. Her arraignment was set for Oct. 29. This was a situation that deeply affected many people, especially our communities of color, and caused real turmoil in our community, Mayor Kim Norton said in a statement. We acknowledge the lasting impact this incident has had, not only on those directly involved and across our community, but also in the broader conversations happening at the state and national level." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the complaint lists a Rochester address for the defendant, it wasn't immediately clear if she was still living there, given her stated intention to relocate. The complaint indicated that police attempts to make contact with her were unsuccessful. Court records said she was representing herself. Initial reports said the young victim was 5 years old, but the criminal complaint said he was 8. The child's father told police his son is autistic, and due to his disability, he doesn't understand typical social boundaries and requires intensive parental supervision. At some point while at the park in Rochester, the child took an applesauce pouch from someone else's diaper bag, it said. The father saw this and chased him to try to retrieve the food pouch. The defendant also saw it and chased the child, who climbed on playground equipment to try to get away. She repeatedly called him the racial epithet, the complaint said, and grabbed the food item from him. A different person, who recorded the confrontation on his phone, asked her why she used the slur. The complaint said she admitted to using it and said she could if he acts like one. When pressed, the complaint said, she turned her anger to the witness, called him the same epithet, and when confronted about her hate speech, she used expletives to indicate she didn't care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Given the sensitive and complicated nature of this case, along with the high level of public attention, completing the necessary reviews and conversations with the victims family took longer than usual, the office of City Attorney Michael Spindler-Krage said in the statement explaining the lengthy investigation. The NAACP Rochester chapter started its own fundraising campaign for the childs family. The GoFundMe page had raised $340,000 when it was closed in May, per the family's wishes. The organization has been working with the family to pursue legal action against the woman in the video, said the chapters president Wale Elegbede. Their child was victimized and traumatized with the racist and hateful rhetoric and actions, he said. Its not just the child; the family was impacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elegbede commended the city attorneys office for bringing charges, calling it the first step to pursue justice and accountability. If you have a child and youre going to the park, you want to enjoy the park, he said. And if the child does something, a responsible adult will talk to the child with empathy, not with hate and vitriol. And thats where she chose to take it. And when she had opportunities, there was no remorse whatsoever. ___ Associated Press writer Sarah Raza contributed to this story from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. NEED TO KNOW Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old boy with a severe brain condition, has been found dead An urgent search was launched for the boy who was reported missing on Thursday, Aug. 14 On Tuesday, Aug. 26, his remains were found in a lagoon Bryan Vasquez, a 12-year-old boy with a severe brain condition who went missing from his New Orleans home 12 days ago, has been found dead in a lagoon. Vasquez's body was found on Tuesday, Aug. 26, after a "thermal drone picked up a heat signature" and "found human remains out in the marsh," Brian Trascher, the vice president and spokesperson for the United Cajun Navy, tells PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the discovery, the nonprofit sent the coordinates to state police so a boat could be sent to recover the remains. Later that day, police confirmed that the body was that of the 12-year-old child. "This is indeed a profoundly sad day, but a day for some closure," New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Ann Kirkpatrick said at a press conference aired by FOX affiliate WVUE. Kirkpatrick confirmed that the United Cajun Navy's drone located his remains about 200 yards into the marsh, not far from where he was reported missing. She said that she'd personally spoken with the boy's mother and "extended our apologies, as well as our condolences." She also addressed the fact that there was a five-hour gap between the first report that Vasquez was missing and when the New Orleans Police Department responded, according to NBC affiliate WDSU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We know that we had a five-hour delay," Kirkpatrick said. "We immediately opened up an internal investigation, which is a formal investigation on ourselves for that time delay." "I have said to the public that I will get back with the outcome of that investigation," she continued, according to WVUE. "I have never shied away from difficult situations, or difficult topics, or difficult questions. And I plan to answer all questions, but we must have facts in context before I know fully what actually happened." An investigation into the boy's death is ongoing and foul play has not been ruled out, Kirkpatrick said. In a press release sent around later that day, police said they will be looking into "all circumstances" surrounding his death, which remains unclassified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An autopsy will be performed by the Orleans Parish Coroner to determine his exact cause of death. The New Orleans Police Department and Orleans Parish Coroner's Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's requests for comment. New Orleans Police Department Bryan Vasquez. Bryan Vasquez. Authorities said Vasquez was discovered missing from his home after he climbed out of his bedroom window around 10 a.m. on Aug. 14. Police did not respond until 3 p.m. that day, WVUE reported. Vasquez, who had a neurodevelopmental disorder and did not understand English or Spanish, was last seen wearing only an adult diaper, according to the Times-Picayune and a Louisiana State Police press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance video showed him less than a mile from his house on Sevres Street. His family had recently moved to a different home in the neighborhood and Bryan was known to try to escape, according to the Times-Picayune. His mother had not yet put the same security measures in place that were used at their previous home as she cared for three other children, including a newborn, the outlet reported. As search efforts continued, police asked neighbors to review home surveillance and check sheds or other places a child might try to hide. Four or five days into the search, the United Cajun Navy joined the search operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We had canine dogs, we had drones, we had sonar equipment on boats," says Trascher, whose team dragged the lagoon over the weekend. "We were kind of perplexed as to why the dogs were hitting this one spot," he says. "We just couldn't find anything." Then, they brought in the thermal drone, resulting in the end of the days-long search. Although Trascher says he knows "exactly where" the boy went into the water, the circumstances around his death remain unclear. He believes an alligator was involved, but he can't say for sure. "I can surmise what happened to him then. I don't know if he panicked and started splashing and the gator got to him and dragged him off, or if he drowned first," he said. "I don't know." 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, the City of New Orleans remembered Vasquez as "a beloved child whose life, though far too short, left a lasting impression on all who knew him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Bryan was a bright, charismatic, and energetic young boy whose joy and spirit touched the lives of his family, friends, and community," the city continued, extending its thanks to the many agencies and volunteers who helped look for the little boy. "Bryans memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him, and his light will continue to shine as a reminder of resilience, innocence, and love," officials wrote. "May he rest in Gods eternal peace." Read the original article on People SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A missing girl whose disappearance prompted a state advisory in South Dakota is safe. Per the office of South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, the 16-year-old who was last seen in Fort Pierre, S.D. Friday night was found safe in Colorado. Jackley says such an advisory is relatively rare, but Saturdays case called for it. Young basketball players pick corn for food giveaway Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its especially concerning because her age, shes 16, she has medications that she didnt take with her, and shes not responding to her cell phone, Jackley said in an interview Monday afternoon before the childs safety was announced. So based upon that, we were concerned enough to get, to have the alert issued, and the hope is somebody in the public can give us some more information. The nonprofit organization Call to Freedom, which supports people impacted by human trafficking, shared an advisory about the missing girl on Facebook. President and CEO Becky Rasmussen says there was certainly reason for concern. We do know when kids are missing that they are in danger of being physical and sexually abused, addiction, homelessness and also sex trafficking, Rasmussen said Monday afternoon in an interview also done before the girls safety was known. And we know that we have a small window of time to really get them on the radar and keep their case high-profile. The public can help out, Rasmussen says, by sharing on social media and by remembering familiar, common-sense advice: if you see something, say something. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically, if you identify the car in your community or youve seen this young girl, every tip matters to making sure that shes found, Rasmussen said. Time is of the essence, so 911, Jackley said. Let local law enforcement know immediately so that we can act upon that information. Interested recipients can sign up for endangered alerts here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. A missing womans remains were discovered in a storage locker in Oregon over a year after she vanished in Washington, police said. Someone reported a suspicious circumstance July 29 at a storage unit, The Dalles Police Department said in an Aug. 25 news release. Investigators found human remains in a storage box within a unit, police said. The remains were identified as Meihong He, 39, who went by Kiki, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meihong was last seen in Glenwood, Washington, on May 25, 2024, police said. Glenwood is in Klickitat County. Originally from China, she lived in Butte, Montana, but she was staying with her fiance in Glenwood, police said. Her fiance had dropped her off to go fishing with her friends near Underwood, police said. Police said they arrested a 59-year-old person of interest on Aug. 25 from The Dalles who also spent time in Klickitat County, Washington. The man was arrested in Larimer County, Colorado, on a warrant accusing him of failing to register as a sex offender, police said. His extradition to Oregon is pending, and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the case can contact the police at 541-296-2613 or 541-296-2233. The police can also be emailed at Policecontact@ci.the-dalles.or.us or an online tip can be submitted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dalles is off the Columbia River, which divides Oregon from Washington. Its an 85-mile drive east from Portland. Girl missed bus, so annoyed mom hit her with car at school drop off, TN cops say Boyfriend stabbed pregnant 18-year-old and buried her in yard, MA officials say Girl kidnapped by fake animal control worker while looking for dog, CA cops say (FOX 5/KUSI) The question of RV parking in Mission Bay is a tangled issue of court-ordered injunctions and police enforcement, and how it ends is anyones guess. From July 2 to 25, San Diego police handed out over $21,000 worth of tickets for oversized vehicles parking overnight along the bay. People who dont want us here, they take pictures every day of what they think is not right for this parking lot, said Billy Hogg, a Navy veteran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hogg says once the police find out he is a vet, they are respectful, but tickets show up in the middle of the night without warning, each one for $112. What damage am I doing in this car spot with my van? You dont see any trash around it, said Hogg. Many RV owners are now forced to drive from Mission Bay to H barracks near the airport for a handful of hours, only to be forced to drive back. Police are not doing what they are supposed to be doing, which is inquire about whether its reasonable for them, and when people say, Its really not reasonable for me, officer, they say Well, you gotta go there or you are going to get ticketed, said Ann Menasche. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say public complaints about the RVs from tourists and the public come in constantly. They dont really bother me, but in all fairness, this shouldnt be an RV park, said Ton Nelson, a Mission Bay walker. Menasche says the October settlement for RV residents might not hold up to the court order. And for vets like Hogg who served and call San Diego home, leaving town isnt an option. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Mississippi has declared a public health emergency after new data revealed a heartbreaking truth: babies in the state are dying before their first birthdays at nearly twice the national average. In 2024, 9.7 infants died for every 1,000 live births, compared to the U.S. average of 5.6 deaths per 1,000, according to the Mississippi Department of Health. The declaration underscores how serious this crisis has become. Since 2014, more than 3,500 Mississippi infants have died before their first birthday. Each number represents a baby lost, a grieving family, and a community forever changed. While this emergency is focused on Mississippi, experts warn its also a warning sign for families across the country. The U.S. continues to face one of the highest infant mortality rates among wealthy nations, and families of color shoulder a disproportionate share of the loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: The infant mortality rate in the U.S. is rising for the first time in over 22 years Disparities that cannot be ignored Behind Mississippis high overall infant mortality rate are stark racial disparities. Black infants in the state are more than twice as likely as White infants to die before their first birthday, according to the Mississippi Department of Health. And this inequity isnt unique to the South. In Boston, a city with some of the nations best hospitals, local data show Black infants still die at more than double the rate of the citywide average, and triple the rate of White infants. Experts stress that these losses are not just about individual medical circumstances. So much of what we see in neonatal intensive care units reflects challenges that moms face long before delivery poverty, access to healthcare, housing, even transportation, said Dr. Stephen Patrick, a neonatologist and professor at Emory University told CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Rebekah Gee, former Louisiana health secretary, also told CBS News, Healthy babies come from healthy moms. If women cant get continuous healthcare before, during, and after pregnancy, it is no surprise their babies are dying at higher rates. These perspectives point to a hard truth: infant mortality is deeply shaped by systemic inequities, and addressing it requires solutions that extend beyond hospital walls. Related: Infant mortality rates are dropping, but sleep-related deaths are rising Why Mississippi declared a public health emergency Declaring a public health emergency for infant mortality is highly unusual. Mississippi officials said the move was necessary to accelerate action and coordinate resources across hospitals, state agencies, and community groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan includes expanding prenatal services in counties without obstetric providers, creating a regional obstetric care system to improve emergency transfers, and strengthening home-visiting and community health worker programs, according to the Mississippi Department of Health. Experts say this level of urgency is warranted. This is a novel and necessary step, Dr. Michael Warren, Chief Medical and Health Officer at March of Dimes, told CBS News, It elevates infant mortality to the level of urgent crisis response, which it truly is. Other leaders emphasize that while medical care is part of the solution, broader maternal health gaps must also be addressed. Improving maternal health is the best way to reduce infant mortality, said Dr. Dan Edney, Mississippis State Health Officer. Taken together, these responses highlight an important shift: tackling infant mortality means not only treating sick babies, but also investing in the health and wellbeing of mothers and families before and after birth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Having more Black doctors and midwives could be the key to reducing Black maternal mortality rates The role of Medicaid and federal programs Mississippis emergency plan is a step forward, but experts warn it wont work if national programs lose support. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention program that has tracked maternal and infant health for nearly 40 years, faces elimination. Similarly, the long-running Safe to Sleep campaign, which educated parents on reducing risks of sleep-related infant deaths, has been targeted for cuts. Without these resources, states like Mississippi may lose the very tools they need to measure risks and respond effectively. For many parents in Mississippi, Medicaid is the difference between care and going without it. The program finances nearly 6 in 10 births in the state, far higher than the national average, according to KFF Health News analysis of government data. In 2023, postpartum coverage was extended to a year but without full Medicaid expansion, many women remain uninsured before or between pregnancies. Experts say these gaps make it harder to keep moms healthy, and by extension, their babies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bottom line: programs like PRAMS, Safe to Sleep, and Medicaid provide families with essential care and information, helping more babies reach their first birthday. What parents can do While the biggest solutions must come from systemic change, there are steps families can take to help protect their babies: Follow safe sleep practices Place babies on their backs, use a firm mattress, and keep the crib free of pillows, blankets, and toys. Learn more from the CDC Safe to Sleep campaign. Prioritize prenatal and postpartum care Regular checkups help monitor both maternal and infant health, catch complications early, and connect families to local resources. Ask about home visiting programs Many communities offer nurses or health workers who can visit your home, answer questions, and provide support in the first year. Know its not all on you Even the most attentive parents cant offset gaps in healthcare access or housing. Experts emphasize that families need strong systems of support and thats why protecting programs like Medicaid and PRAMS is so critical. A national call to action Mississippis emergency is a warning for families across the U.S. Experts say real change requires coordinated action at every level, from state programs to federal policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protecting initiatives like PRAMS and the Safe to Sleep campaign gives families the tools to prevent infant deaths, while expanding Medicaid coverage before, during, and after pregnancy helps moms stay healthy and healthy moms are more likely to have healthy babies. Parents can stay informed, prioritize care for their own families, and raise their voices in conversations about maternal and infant health, whether by contacting local representatives, supporting maternal health organizations, or sharing trusted resources in their communities. As Mississippis State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney told CBS News, It will take all of us working together to give every child the chance to live, thrive, and celebrate their first birthday. Sources: NEWTON COUNTY, Mo. Newton County Assessor, Cheryle Perkins continues to oppose a request by the Missouri Tax Commission. Others like her are taking notice and taking a stand, asking lawmakers for tax reform. Perkins went to the Missouri state capital over the weekend to discuss the need for tax reform. Theyre not very receptive to what were doing, because in their eyes were going against state statute, said Perkins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perkins is talking about the Missouri State Tax Commission and her decision to reject their order to increase property value assessments by about 13%. She says the increase is too much for a single tax year, and others agree. More than a dozen county assessors in Missouri have joined Perkins in rejecting the Missouri Tax Commissions request. It makes it a lot more important because I feel like I have somebody behind me. Im not just fighting a battle by myself and everybodys like, Well, let me know if you need anything. Theyre actually there, and theyre fighting with us, said Perkins. Many state lawmakers also back Perkins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love the fact that Cheryle Perkins has been doing it long enough that she knew how to stand her ground, but the governor is also concerned about those tax commissioners and kind of that thumb that they were putting on our local assessors that were elected by us, said Missouri State Representative, Cathy Jo Loy of District 163. It has been a hot topic, as the House Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform holds public hearings around the state. Missouri law says assessments must fall within 90-to-110% of market value. Newton County is currently at 77%. Until they fix the program I cant go up. Its got to get fixed, said Perkins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, the tax commission isnt budging and is withholding $100,000 from the Newton County Assessors office funding crucial for paying for salaries, supplies, and vehicles. Perkins says shes hopeful the legislature will step in with reforms, including a yearly cap on increases. Its probably too late to do anything for 25, but in 26 we really need to get it done so that when 27 comes around, and we do reassessments, we already have a game plan going, said Perkins. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By: Euphenie Andre COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 843 school bus crashes statewide, resulting in seven deaths in 2024. According to the MSHPs latest report: Small School Buses: * 145 crashes statewide * 118 with property damage * 26 with injuries * 1 fatal Large School Buses: * 679 crashes statewide * 560+ with property damage * 113 with injuries * 2 fatalities Troop F Breakdown: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * 37 large school bus crashes: mostly property damage, 7 with injuries, no fatalities * School zone crashes: 5 total, 4 with property damage, 1 with injury * Drivers ignoring school bus stop signals: 2 cases with property damage * Statewide stop-signal violations: 68 reported, including 18 injuries and 2 deaths. Former Hickman Assistant Principal Jerome Sally said drivers should respect school buses and their passengers. Give a bus a lot of room, number one. If you see a bus slowing down, dont try to pass it. When they put the sign out or the lights are flashing, respect the lights and realize that theres a young person getting on and off that bus who is more valuable than what you have to do, Sally said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troopers remind drivers to stay alert in school zones, near playgrounds, and at crosswalks. Vehicles traveling in both directions must stop when a school bus is loading or unloading children with its lights flashing. The MSHP also noted that most accidents occur between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., around the time school lets out. Parents and students with safety concerns can report them confidentially through the Courage2ReportMO program, a safe way for students to voice issues in real time. Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, has reportedly ignored four phone calls from Donald Trump amid escalating tariff tensions. The report came as Washington on Monday announced an additional 25 per cent tariff on India in retaliation for New Delhis increased buying of Russian oil, taking total tariffs on the country to as much as 50 per cent, Trump has tried four times in recent weeks to get Modi on the phone. But Modi refuses to take the call, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), a German magazine, claimed. The report did not name the sources. Both Washington and New Delhi have declined to confirm the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kitchen psychology is very popular in India these days, the FAZ article begins. It is said on the subcontinent that Narendra Modi suffers from a trauma trigger called Trump. On Aug 24, Nikkei Asia, a Japan-based news magazine, quoted Indian diplomatic experts as saying: Trump recently attempted multiple times to call Modi in search of a compromise. But the Indian leader has consistently refused to take the calls, further heightening Trumps frustration. Indian exporters are bracing for a sharp decline in US orders after trade talks collapsed and Washington confirmed steep new tariffs on Indias goods. A 25 per cent tariff has already come into effect, while the remaining 25 per cent is set to be enforced from Aug 27, as confirmed in a Monday notice by the homeland security department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, the US president described India and Russias economies as dead and accused India of not caring about those killed in the conflict in Ukraine. Theyre fuelling the war machine, and if theyre going to do that, then Im not happy, Mr Trump told CNBC in the first week of August. A planned visit by US trade negotiators to New Delhi from Aug 25 to Aug 29 was called off, further triggering a trade crisis between the countries. However, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Indias foreign minister, said on Saturday that trade negotiations with Washington are continuing, but there are lines that New Delhi needs to defend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the 2022 invasion, Russian oil accounted for just 0.2 per cent of Indias imports but today it accounts for 45 per cent around two million barrels a day bringing Moscow 41bn in revenue last year, according to Delhis Global Trade Research Initiative. Despite Mr Trumps warm personal ties with Mr Modi, US relations with India have soured in recent months. Trade negotiations have stalled, frustrating the US president. Mr Modi was also reportedly incensed when Pakistan praised Mr Trumps mediation during Mays brief conflict with India, and even nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize. Tensions escalated between India and Pakistan in May as attacks broke out along the border between the two countries - Narinder Nanu/Getty Images On Monday, senior Indian and American officials held talks under the framework of 2+2 Intercessional Dialogue, and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region through the Quad initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also discussed bilateral ties in the areas of trade and investment, critical minerals, and energy security, including strengthening civil nuclear cooperation. 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. CHISINAU (Reuters) -Electoral authorities in Moldova closed registration on Tuesday for next month's parliamentary election focused on gauging how well public support has held up for President Maia Sandu's drive for the ex-Soviet state to join the European Union by 2030. The Central Election Commission issued a list of 21 authorised participants in the September 28 poll on the eve of Moldova's independence Day celebrations, with three European leaders due to attend and endorse Sandu's pro-European drive. Sandu's Party of Action and Solidarity now holds 61 seats in the 101-member assembly. But according to an opinion poll published last week, it is likely to win no more than 41 seats in next month's poll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sandu, a fierce critic of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, told a reception on Monday evening ahead of the holiday that Moldova's path to EU membership was "irreversible". "We are moving decisively towards becoming a member state by the end of the decade," she said. "We have the historic chance to become part of the safest and most prosperous space of peace, freedom and justice." Scheduled to join Sandu at Wednesday's celebrations are French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Among the 21 groups registered by the Election Commission are two blocs with broad support. The Patriotic Bloc, including Socialists and Communists who want closer ties with Russia, is projected to win 36 seats, while the Alternative Bloc, accused by the government of concealing a pro-Kremlin bias, is projected to win 13 seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the leaders of Alternative, former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo, wrote on Telegram on Tuesday that the West would soon lose interest in Moldova once the war in neighbouring Ukraine has ended. Sandu won reelection last year over Stoianoglo by a 10-point margin, but had to rely heavily on the votes of Moldovans living and working outside the country. A referendum endorsing her EU membership campaign cleared 50% by a narrow margin. Sandu has warned of attempts by Russia to influence the poll, last week saying that Moscow intended to funnel some $100 million into the country in cryptocurrency alone to help pro-Russian political forces. An openly pro-Russian bloc overseen by a fugitive Moldovan business magnate has been banned from taking part in the poll. (Reporting by Alexander Tanas; Writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by Bill Berkrot) It's been the year of AI advances and education upheaval from a new administration in the White House. And with it, new territory for educational book publisher McGraw Hill. "For us, in some states they see it [Department of Education wind down] as a benefit because you're removing some of the bureaucracy. And for us, in many ways, our focus is always at the local level," McGraw Hill CEO Simon Allen told me on Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid. "So to us, it's kind of a nonevent as it relates to the performance of our company," he added. The Trump administration has moved like a bull in a china shop to change the US education system. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon told me at the Milken conference in May that the department was aiming to close in 2026. "It's the right call" to shutter the DOE, McMahon said at the time. This comes on top of Trump's attacks on higher learning institutions such as Harvard University. Meanwhile, his administration has floated $12 billion in cuts to public education in fiscal year 2026. The cuts would span higher education, research, and data collection. "We're pretty much immune from any changes that you see there because every school, every student needs learning materials, every teacher needs the material," Allen explained. Still, the DOE's shutdown and the budget cuts could stunt demand for McGraw Hill's physical books and digital offerings. Factor in declining US birth rates, fewer high schoolers signing up for college, and the proliferation of AI tools like ChatGPT, and it's no small wonder McGraw Hill's IPO was met with a yawn. McGraw Hill stock opened at $17 on its July 24 IPO day. The company had priced it at $17 after targeting a range of $19 to $22. It ended up raising $414.6 million. "Generative AI systems, such as ChatGPT, appear to be proficient at generating quality text and may be used to create various learning materials, potentially lowering the demand for McGraw Hill's products. Furthermore, educators are also increasingly asking that publishers develop digital tools with embedded AI functionality, and the inability to offer competitive AI solutions may result in the loss of some of the contracts currently serviced by McGraw Hill," JPMorgan analyst David Karnovsky warned. Shares have continued to trek lower since the IPO despite the summer stock rally and what looked to be a solid quarter reported on Aug. 14. Shares currently change hands around $14.50. McGraw Hill said fiscal first quarter sales rose 2.4% year over year to $535.7 million. Adjusted operating profits advanced 7.2% from the prior year to $191.4 million. It has over 26 million digital users. Editor's note: The article was updated with statements from the Ukrainian military. Russian forces failed to capture the villages of Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, but active fighting is ongoing in the region, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Aug. 26. The statement comes after the DeepState monitoring group said that the two small settlements lying near the administrative borders between the Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts were occupied by Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This marked the first time the battlefield monitors reported Russia taking control of settlements in the central-eastern region that Moscow's forces sought to penetrate for the past few months. "The Ukrainian Defense Forces have stopped the advance of the Russian invaders and continue to control the village of Zaporizke, despite all the efforts of... (Russian forces), who (are) trying to capture this settlement," the General Staff said in a statement on social media. "Active hostilities are also ongoing in the area of the village of Novoheorhiivka," the military said, adding that Russia is losing "dozens" of soldiers every day. Victor Tregubov, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Dnipro group of forces, told the Kyiv Independent that claims about the capture of Zaporizke appeared already on Aug. 25 and were not confirmed by Ukraine at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have captured the villages as of Aug. 25. Talking to the BBC, Tregubov added that this is the "first attack of such a large scale" in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The estimated Russian advance (red) near the villages of Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast as of Aug. 25, 2025. (DeepState/OpenStreetMaps) Previously, Russian forces attempted to enter the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast village of Dachne on several occasions but were repelled, the Ukrainian military has said. DeepState shows Dachne mostly in the "gray zone," an area contested between Russian and Ukrainian forces. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian state media in June that Russian forces were conducting operations in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast as part of efforts to create a so-called "buffer zone" on Ukrainian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The central-eastern region suffers daily Russian aerial and artillery attacks and borders Donetsk Oblast, a focal point of Russia's invasion since 2014 and a major battleground since the full-scale invasion in 2022. Read also: Ukraine has upgraded its Neptune missile heres what we know Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A gray wolf. (Photo courtesy of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) After more than six hours of public comment and debate, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission at its Aug. 21 meeting adopted new wolf hunting and trapping regulations that significantly increase the number of wolves hunters and trappers can kill statewide. Under the new hunting and trapping regulations, a 452-animal quota now exists for much of the state, with a few carveouts of more stringent regional quotas. That statewide quota is higher than harvest numbers for the last few seasons hunters and trappers killed 297 wolves last season, while the most killed in a season was 326 during 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move follows a contentious legislative session this spring that saw several debates about Republican lawmakers intent to decrease the states population of roughly 1,100 wolves, though ultimately legislators fell short of more aggressive proposals for the state. I support the management plan that you had today before you as amended, because it is a step in the right direction, said Rep. Paul Fielder, R-Thompson Falls. But youre not done yet. Montana commission debates amendments to hunting, fishing regulations The commission debated several amendments to the formal package of hunting and fishing regulations recommended by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and unanimously approved the following: A statewide quota of 452 wolves, A three-wolf quota for two wolf management units north of Yellowstone National Park, A 60-wolf quote for Region 3, covering Southwestern Montana, Hunters and trappers will be able to take 15 wolves on a single hunting or trapping license 30 in total as long as five are hunted and five are trapped in Regions 1 or 2, and The use of infrared scopes, and thermal imagery scopes on private land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fielder and other Republican legislators, including Reps. Jedidiah Hinkle, chairman of the Fish and Game Committee, and Shannon Maness, said that going back to the 2021 session, it has been the intent of the Legislature to reduce the wolf population down to around 450 animals, enough to support 15 breeding pairs. In the years since that law was passed, the statewide population has barely dropped. We are not getting desired results, Maness said, adding that the Legislature would continue the debate in 2027 if that status quo continued. But opponents to the new hunting regulations, which included some legislators and conservation groups that opposed wolf hunting bills during the legislative session, argued during the meeting that the commission was going too far in establishing its new quotas and using politics, instead of science, as a basis. The department is bringing us, quite frankly, a proposal that looks a lot like those bills that were voted down in the legislative session. I will say, its frustrating, said Karrie Kahle, conservation director for the Park County Environmental Council. Quota doesnt work, and its not going to work. We have regions. We have commissioners from regions who should be working within their regions to figure out what those quotas should be, and talking with their stakeholders and constituents and looking at the science. Environmental groups, wildlife advocates urge commission to consider economic impact of wolves The environmental council and other opponents including Gallatin Wildlife Association, Wild Livelihoods Business Coalition, also argued for the commission to consider the economic impacts wolves have in the areas near Yellowstone National Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a 2022 study by the University of Montanas Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research, wolf centric ecotourism the Yellowstone region brings in more than $82.7 million to local economies. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Representing the Wild Livelihoods Business Coalition as a guide, business owner and biologist Cara McGary said that continuing to limit the number of wolves that can be killed outside of Yellowstone is a vital part of the regulations. The commission had proposed keeping a three-wolf quota in two hunting districts just north of the park. This is crucial for protecting the product that attracts many visitors to my area, enables us to have really great jobs, while enabling a few locals in my area who want to hunt and trap wolves to also do that, McGary said. Montana is big and diverse. There seems to be a lot of frustration around a lack of definition of what a sustainable wolf population is. I really hope the department works on defining that. What is the best method for estimating wolf populations? Some opponents also brought up issues with the model the state uses to estimate wolf populations. That model, known as iPOM, was criticized in a recent federal court ruling for potentially giving inaccurate data. The ruling in the lawsuit now requires the federal government to reconsider whether gray wolves should be given protections under the Endangered Species Act again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the legislators who spoke in favor of reducing wolf populations, representatives from several organizations including the Foundation of Wildlife Management, the Montana Stockgrowers Association and the Montana Trappers Association favored the more aggressive harvest regulations, as populations have remained relatively steady ever since hunting and trapping were legalized in the state. According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks data, the population of wolves peaked in 2011 and has declined slightly in the last decade due to hunting, trapping and management actions. Daily Montanan, like the Idaho 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. Daily Montanan maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Darrell Ehrlick for questions: info@dailymontanan.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE DANVILLE Montour County hotel tax was a lifesaver for the recreation commission amid a budget impasse. Montour Area Recreation Commission Executive Director Bob Stoudt said the Pennsylvania budget impasse is holding up the countys typical $25,000 contribution, so the quarter two disbursement of the countys hotel tax grant funds was especially important. The recreation commission received $73,064.26 in Montour County hotel tax grant funds last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Aug. 22, 2025, all Montour County Hotel Tax grant funds have been allocated toward previously incurred expenses, Stoudt reported. No grant funds remain earmarked in MARCs accounts. Recreation Commission Treasurer John Bulger said the grant fund disbursement was more than in years past. For the same quarter last year, the commission received $68,592. Stoudt said the recreation commission will pause the update of its strategic plan pending the completion of Montour Countys update. According to Stoudt, who is on the board for the county plan, Montour County will roll out its strategic plan in January 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well put pause on ours until we have the new Montour County strategic plan in hand, Stoudt said. The public can look for the Montour Area Recreation Commissions 2026 2030 Strategic Plan update in February 2026, Stoudt said. Zeyad Kadur, uncle of Mohammed Ibrahim, spoke in Tampa on Aug. 26, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix) TAMPA More than 100 human-rights, faith, and civil-rights groups are calling on U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to secure the release of Mohammed Ibrahim, a 16-year-old American Palestinian from Brevard County who has been in an Israeli prison for more than six months on allegations of rock throwing. We want him home, said Zeyad Kadur, Ibrahims uncle, during a press conference held at the office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Tampa on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to his attorneys, Ibrahim is being held in Israels Megiddo Prison, where they say he has contracted scabies but been denied medical treatment. Since his detention more than six months ago he has since lost more than 25 pounds, they said. Hes not on Ozempic, hes getting starved, said Kadur. Scabies from his feet to his fingertips, begging for ointment to treat him. U.S. Embassy getting denied access because of how contagious it is. This is not politics, added Hiba Rahim, CAIR-FL deputy executive director. This is the life of an American teenager whos being held in an Israeli prison. One that is notorious for abuses. And regardless of what type of prison it is, he needs to be back with his family. Hes a 16-year-old young American man. Were asking for help to bring him back. Ibrahims family resides in Palm Bay in Brevard County on Floridas east coast. They are represented in Congress by Republican Mike Haridopolos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kadur said on Tuesday that he has personally contacted Haridopolos office seven times in the past six months at least four times by email and three times by phone but says he has never heard back. George Alderman, communications director for Haridopolos Washington, D.C., office, told the Phoenix when asked about Mohammed Ibrahim that this is constituent case work. Theres not much to talk about because it is confidential. The details of it, he said. All were able to confirm from the office is that we are in contact with the family of Mohammed Ibrahim. Among those speaking out during the press conference in Tampa was Samuel Ronen, with the Progressive Jewish Coalition of Tampa Bay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If this child had my name, looked a little bit more like me. Believe as I believe. Would he be home already? he asked. I think we all know what that answer is. Ibrahim is a cousin of Sayfollah Musallet, the 20-year-old Palestinian American and Tampa resident who was beaten to death by Israeli settlers in the West Bank in July. Home raid According to the letter sent to Rubio on Tuesday, more than two dozen Israeli soldiers broke into Ibrahims family home in the West Bank in February during the middle of the night and took Ibrahim to an Israeli military prison. He was 15 years old at the time. The Guardian has reported that the Israel Defense Forces have not responded to their inquiries about the allegations against Ibrahim, directing questions to the Israel Prison Service, which manages the Megiddo prison. The IPS has not responded to requests for comment, the Guardian has reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about Ibrahim, an official with the U.S. State Department sent a statement without referring specifically to Mohammed Ibrahims situation. We have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens, the statement began. If we become aware of an arrest of any U.S citizen, including a minor, we will provide consular services, including prison visits to ensure safety and security and communication with family as appropriate, the spokesperson said. Whenever a U.S. citizen is detained abroad, the Department works to provide consular assistance in accordance with U.S. and international law. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE More than 20,000 cans of 7Up Zero have been recalled after they were wrongly labeled as zero sugar, the Food and Drug Administration has announced. The 1,954 cases of 7Up Zero Sugar Tropical Soda actually contained full sugar, an enforcement report said, with some 23,448 cans affected. The recall has been categorized by the FDA as Class II, which means a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bottlers Buffalo Rock Company initiated the recall on July 31, for lot numbers XXXXBR062156 and XXXXBR062256. The 12-pack drinks had a use-by date of March 23, 2026. The cases of 7Up Zero Sugar Tropical Soda were recalled for containing full sugar (7Up) A spokesperson for 7Up manufacturer Keurig Dr Pepper told Newsweek, "the safety and quality of our products is our top priority," and added that the company was working with Buffalo Rock on the recall. Only the 7Up Tropical variety produced by the bottler company, based in Birmingham, Alabama, is affected by the recall. The products were shipped to retailers in Alabama and Florida. Consumers are encouraged to contact the Keurig Dr Pepper Consumer Care team (866-824-1711) with any questions or concerns, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the first time that supposedly zero-sugar drinks have been recalled due to a labeling problem. Earlier this year, a recall was issued on cases of Dr Pepper due to a similar issue. In May, the FDA and Dr Pepper announced a voluntary recall on 19,203 12-pack and 24-pack cases of 12-ounce cans of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar. Although the cans, produced by Jacksonville, Florida-based Pepsi Beverages Company, were labeled zero sugar, they were found to contain the full amount of sugar that is in a regular can, which is around 39 grams. It was also a categorized as a Class II recall by the FDA. The Independent contacted Keurig Dr Pepper and Buffalo Rock Company for comment. Related video: How patients and doctors can reduce healthcare costs. (COLORADO) Earlier this year, the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) launched a one-year analysis of the usage of the 988 line, revealing that over half of English-speaking callers and 80% of Spanish-speaking callers are men. While this might sound alarming, it is a positive statistic because this means more men than ever are seeking out mental healthcare. According to a 2023 study from the Colorado Health Institute, one in four people in Colorado reported struggling with their mental health. In its 2025 Pulse on Mental Health Report, Thriveworks found the top three reasons Americans seek mental health support are personal finances, family relationships and dynamics, and political or global events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the study also found that 61% of their 2,000 surveyees would feel comfortable telling their family that theyre in some form of mental health treatment, this number drops to 54% for telling their spouse, and 45% felt comfortable sharing this information with friends. Meaning, roughly half of Americans still feel they cannot share their mental health struggles. According to Sydney Gomez, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado Springs, barriers like these are harder to overcome for men. Cultural expectations of masculinity continue to limit men in their ability to experience and express emotions in a healthy way. Often referred to as toxic masculinity, this internalized concept has been shown to cause increased depression and anxiety, increased risk of substance abuse, issues within interpersonal relationships, and a decreased likelihood of seeking help, according to research, said Gomez. Gomez also said that the previously mentioned reasons, like lack of time and money to actually afford seeing a professional, also make mental healthcare seem like an impossibility for men. That is where services like the 988 line come into play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Gomez, the easy and real-time access of 988 support can address some common barriers to seeking mental health support, like financial concerns around the cost of service or feeling as though there isnt enough time to seek treatment. It also opens the door for methods of communication that may feel more comfortable, such as chat. It may feel intimidating to share these thoughts and feelings face-to-face, and that can be a deterrent. The 988 lines barrier-reducing structure, in combination with higher life stressors in general, has likely contributed to the increase in men seeking support. Colorados Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) has also provided a list of resources for men in Colorado who find themselves in need of mental healthcare or support: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; this service provides 24/7 confidential support for anyone in crisis or emotional distress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Spirit Halloween, America's largest retailer for cute costumes and terrifying animatronics, is opening more locations around Indiana, with stores in Noblesville, Kokomo, Bloomington and Evansville. The New Jersey-headquartered company, founded in 1983, operates upwards of 1,500 seasonal locations throughout the country and helps raise money for pediatric hospitals. Here's what we know about Spirit Halloween stores across the Hoosier State. What Spirit Halloween stores are open now in Indianapolis? Spirit Halloween outlets around Indianapolis include Clearwater Village, Greenwood Place and Traders Point. Store hours at each location are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of other Spirit Halloween stores dot the map around Central Indiana. Here's where you can find them. Greenwood Spirit Halloween Spirit Halloween Greenwood Pavillion: (Opens August) Former Buy Buy Baby - 1230 U.S. 31 North, Suite A, Greenwood, IN 46142 Indianapolis Spirit Halloween locations Noblesville Spirit Halloween Spirit Halloween, Noblesville: (Coming soon) Next to OReilly Auto Parts. 2350 Conner Street. Noblesville, IN 46060. Speedway Spirit Halloween Spirit Halloween, Speedway: (Opens in September) Former American Freight and Furniture - 6022 Crawfordsville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46224 Terre Haute Spirit Halloween Spirit Halloween, Terre Haute: (Coming soon) Former Big Lots - 4650 S. U.S. 41, Terre Haute, IN 47802 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story continues after photo gallery. More Spirit Halloween stores will be opening across Indiana soon. Here's a list of their locations and the opening dates listed on the company's website. Anderson, Indiana: Where is Spirit Halloween? Spirit Halloween Anderson IN: (Opens August) Former Big Lots - 4358 S. Scatterfield Road, Anderson, IN 46013 Bloomington, Indiana: Where is Spirit Halloween? Spirit Halloween Bloomington: (Opens August) Former CVS - 510 S. College Mall Road. Bloomington, IN 47401. Clarksville, Indiana: Where is Spirit Halloween? Spirit Halloween Clarksville: (OPEN) Former Big Lots - 706 E Lewis Clark Pkwy, Clarksville, IN 47129. Columbus, Indiana: Where is Spirit Halloween? Spirit Halloween Columbus: (Opens August) Former Party City - 1171 N. National Avenue, Columbus, IN 47201 Evansville, Indiana: Where is Spirit Halloween? Spirit Halloween Evansville: (OPEN) Former Big Lots - 730 S Green River Rd. Evansville, IN 47715. (855) 704-2669. Fort Wayne, Indiana: Where is Spirit Halloween? Spirit Halloween, Glenbrook : (Opens August), Former Party City - 283 East Coliseum Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Spirit Halloween, Parkwest Center: (OPEN) Former Big Lots - 3958 Illinois Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804. Goshen, Indiana: Where is Spirit Halloween? Spirit Halloween, Goshen IN: (Coming soon). Next to Auto Zone - 4024 Elkhart Road, 25, Goshen, IN 46526 Granger, Indiana: Where is Spirit Halloween? Spirit Halloween, Mishawaka IN: (Coming soon) Former Marshalls - 355 East University Drive, Granger, IN 46530 Highland, Indiana: Where is Spirit Halloween? Spirit Halloween, Highland: (OPEN) Former Party City - 10300 Indianapolis Boulevard, 14, Highland, IN 46322. Kokomo, Indiana: Where is Spirit Halloween? Spirit Halloween, Kokomo: (Coming soon) Next to Majestic Foot Spa - 2240 East Markland Avenue. Kokomo, IN 46901. Lafayette, Indiana: Where is Spirit Halloween? Spirit Halloween, Lafayette IN : ( OPEN ) Next to Citi Trends - 2577 Maple Point Drive, Lafayette, IN 47905 Spirit Halloween, Lafayette IN II: (Coming soon) Former JoAnn Fabrics - 311 Sagamore Parkway N., Lafayette, IN 47904 Merrillville, Indiana: Where is Spirit Halloween? Spirit Halloween, Merrillville: (Opens August). Former Party City - 2565 East 80th Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410 Michigan City, Indiana: Where is Spirit Halloween? Spirit Halloween, Michigan City: (OPEN). Former JoAnns Fabrics - 4333 Franklin Street, Michigan City, IN 46360. South Bend, Indiana: Where is Spirit Halloween? Spirit Halloween, Erskine Village South Bend: (OPEN), Next to Old Navy - 1290 East Ireland Road, South Bend, IN 46614 Valparaiso, Indiana: Where is Spirit Halloween? Spirit Halloween, Valparaiso: (OPEN). Former Justice - 510 Porters Vale Boulevard, 140 and 160, Valparaiso, IN 46383 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To see the full Indiana location map, visit Stores.SpiritHalloween.com/in. Wondering where else to get a giant skeleton? See this photo gallery of Halloween merch from Home Depot. Katie Wiseman covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman. John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: More Spirit Halloween stores are opening in Indiana. See the latest list Morning Joe questioned President Donald Trumps plan to deploy the National Guard onto the streets of Chicago on Tuesday despite Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and other city officials denouncing the move. Co-host Joe Scarborough kicked off the conversation by expressing mild confusion over the presidents decision to zero in on Chicago when there are a lot of cities that need help elsewhere. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of red-state cities. If you look at most crime charts, seven, eight of the top 10 deadliest cities in America, big cities, are usually in red states, Scarborough said, adding of Speaker Mike Johnsons home state that Americans are 400 times more likely to be killed in Louisiana than in California. The Morning Joe remarks came after Trump set plans to send the National Guard to Chicago, citing heightening crime rates and once again pushing to override the authority of a governor. He recently sent troops to Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles (against the will of California Gov. Gavin Newsom), and said on Friday that Chicago would be next. I think Chicago will be our next, and then well help with New York, Trump said at the time, calling the city a mess. Watch the Morning Joe segment below: Like Newsoms rejection of federal armed forces in Los Angeles, Gov. Pritzker slammed Trumps proposal for Chicago in a press conference Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is exactly the type of overreach that our countrys founders warned against, and its the reason that they established a federal system with a separation of powers built on checks and balances, Pritzker said. What President Trump is doing is unprecedented and unwarranted. It is illegal. It is unconstitutional. It is un-American. After Scarborough pointed to red-state cities as populaces deserving of Trumps attention, panelist Willie Geist chimed in to share that while he agrees there is an issue of violence in Chicago, Trump doesnt need to resort to using the military to clear it out. You dont want to minimize whats happening in Chicago it is a generational problem with gun violence. Been going on for generations, Geist said. But youre right, why Chicago? Why Baltimore? Why Los Angeles? Is he picking these states and not Louisiana? Geist continued: I think what these cities would love to actually partner with the president on is what weve talked about, give us more funding. Let us hire more cops. Lets put people in the streets. We want to do that. We just dont need the federal military in our streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch the full clip via MSNBCs YouTube channel above. The post Morning Joe Says Chicago Crime Is Generational Problem, but Slams Trump Military Tactics: More Likely to Be Killed in Louisiana | Video appeared first on TheWrap. The most dangerous roads on Labor Day Weekend If Labor Day weekend is anything like last year, more than half of all Americans will travel over the holiday weekend. Drivers should be diligent when hitting the road, as the holiday is one of the most dangerous days of the year for driving. Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, researchers at TruckInfo.net discovered a few worrying trends for Labor Day drivers. Drunk driving is a major issue over Labor Day weekend Like many other holidays, drunk driving is a major issue over Labor Day weekend, and fatalities from drunk driving spike by nearly a fifth. Data chart showing the causes of driving facilities on Labor Day vs. the rest of the year. - TruckInfo.net Labor Day driving fatalities in urban areas have spiked in recent years Historically speaking, the majority of driving fatalities have occurred in rural areas. However, this trend reversed in 2017. Over the past decade, driving fatalities in urban areas have increased by 1.5 times. Data graph showing rural vs. urban driving facilities on Labor Day weekend. - TruckInfo.net Wyoming, Montana, and Mississippi are the most dangerous states for driving over Labor Day weekend While the majority of fatalities occur in urban areas, Wyoming, Montana, and Mississippi are the most dangerous states for driving with nearly three times as many fatalities per capita as the U.S. as a whole. On the flip side, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington have the fewest driving fatalities. Data map of the U.S. showing where most Labor Day driving fatalities occur by state. - TruckInfo.net Data map of the U.S. showing where most Labor Day driving fatalities occur by state (total from 2004-2023). - TruckInfo.net Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six of the most dangerous roads are outside of populated metro areas Table showing the six most dangerous roads outside of populated metro areas. - TruckInfo.net The most dangerous counties for driving on Labor Day weekend from 2004 to 2023 Infographic map highlighting the Los Angeles county in the state of California. - TruckInfo.net 1. Los Angeles County, California Labor Day Weekend Driving Fatalities: 140 Population: 9,731,837 Infographic map highlighting the Cook county in the state of Illinois. - TruckInfo.net 2. Cook County, Illinois Labor Day Weekend Driving Fatalities: 81 Population: 5,142,522 Infographic map highlighting the San Bernardino county in the state of California. - TruckInfo.net Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 3. San Bernardino County, California Labor Day Weekend Driving Fatalities: 76 Population: 2,200,805 Infographic map highlighting the Dallas county in the state of Texas. - TruckInfo.net 4. Dallas County, Texas Labor Day Weekend Driving Fatalities: 75 Population: 2,636,254 Infographic map highlighting the Harris county in the state of Texas. - TruckInfo.net 5. Harris County, Texas Labor Day Weekend Driving Fatalities: 73 Population: 4,903,450 Infographic map highlighting the Maricopa county in the state of Arizona. - TruckInfo.net 6. Maricopa County, Arizona Labor Day Weekend Driving Fatalities: 62 Population: 4,615,625 Infographic map highlighting the Miami-Dade county in the state of Florida. - TruckInfo.net Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 7. Miami-Dade County, Florida Labor Day Weekend Driving Fatalities: 52 Population: 2,774,250 Infographic map highlighting the Kern county in the state of California. - TruckInfo.net 8. Kern County, California Labor Day Weekend Driving Fatalities: 51 Population: 916,646 Infographic map highlighting the Riverside county in the state of California. - TruckInfo.net 9. Riverside County, California Labor Day Weekend Driving Fatalities: 51 Population: 2,503,549 Infographic map highlighting the Broward county in the state of Florida. - TruckInfo.net 10. Broward County, Florida Labor Day Weekend Driving Fatalities: 48 Population: 2,002,786 Full Data and Methodology Fatal accident statistics were sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for 2004 through 2023. Population data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau. Large counties were defined as those with populations greater than 500,000, midsize counties as those with populations between 150,000 and 500,000, and small counties as those with a population under 150,000. Comparing Year over Year In 2022, the average daily driving fatalities due to drunk driving were 29%, while on Labor Day alone, the rate rose to 38%meaning that if there were 100 driving fatalities on Labor Day, 38 were caused by drunk driving. In 2023, the daily average inched up to 30%, while Labor Days rate dropped to 36%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the decades, urban driving fatalities were nearly twice as high from 2013 to 2022, but from 2014 to 2023, the increase eased to about 1.5 times. In contrast, rural fatalities saw a much sharper decline over the same period. The number of roads in less-populated metro areas (with under 500,000 residents) that made it to the top 10 most dangerous roads list increased from four in 2022 to six in 2023. For the ranking of the most dangerous counties during Labor Day, Harris County, Texas, moved down from fourth place in 2022 to fifth place in 2023, swapping positions with Dallas County, Texas, which rose from fifth to fourth. Similarly, Riverside County, California, climbed from 10th to ninth, exchanging places with Broward County, Florida, which dropped from ninth to 10th. Table ranking of the most dangerous counties during Labor Day. - TruckInfo.net This story was produced by TruckInfo.net and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. (NewsNation) Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, marks the fourth anniversary of the suicide bombing that killed 13 service members and nearly 200 Afghans in 2021 during the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan. Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, 20, was one of the service members killed in the Abbey Gate bombing. His mother, Shana Chappell, told NewsNation that on the anniversary of the bombing, she thinks about everything Kareems missed out on in the last four years and how that could have been prevented. Trump signs proclamation honoring those killed at Abbey Gate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chappell expressed frustration with the lack of information surrounding the bombing, stating that not knowing the whole story and being lied to has made it a lot harder. In May, Defense Secretary Pete Hagseth announced the Department of Defense would be conducting another review of the tragic bombing. Were going into everything to get an understanding of what happened, said Hagseth. Man accused of offering info on US military to China Chappell expressed support for the review: Finally getting some answers, I think, will help. On Monday, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation to honor the service members who lost their lives in the tragic event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps Chicago National Guard plans unconstitutional: Pritzker Trump has consistently criticized the Biden administration for its withdrawal, especially regarding the Abbey Gate bombing, referring to it in the proclamation as the single most embarrassing display of American foreign policy in our nations history. When asked directly about what accountability for her sons loss would look like, Chappell said, people going to prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. By Iain Withers and Anton Bridge LONDON/TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese banks Mizuho and MUFG are targeting buying or partnering with overseas money managers, they told Reuters, joining other Japanese financial companies aiming for a larger share of the global investing market. Mizuho is prioritising a tie-up with a private asset specialist in Europe or the United States to give it a foothold in areas such as the booming credit market or infrastructure financing, an executive told Reuters. MUFG, meanwhile, has identified overseas asset management - particularly in the United States and Europe - as a priority area for potential deals, the company said. The banks, two of the largest in Japan, collectively manage about $1.3 trillion through their asset management arms, largely for local clients. They declined to comment on whether discussions with target companies had already taken place and there is no certainty transactions will happen. Japan's largest financial groups have become increasingly acquisitive overseas as they contend with sluggish growth at home due to an ageing and shrinking population. The government and regulators are also pursuing reforms aimed at establishing Japan as a leading asset management centre, with the relatively stable fee income on offer from money management proving a key selling point. Nomura acquired Macquarie Group's U.S. and European public asset management businesses for $1.8 billion in April. Insurers Dai-ichi Life and Meiji Yasuda have also acquired or taken stakes in overseas firms this year. Mizuho and MUFG's investment divisions - which offer a mix of passive and actively-managed funds - currently have limited international operations focused primarily on distributing Japanese equities funds. "We definitely are keeping an eye on any potential opportunities... It might be a partnership, it might be an acquisition, nothing is decided as of this point," said Oleg Kapinos, London-based head of global distribution strategy for Mizuho's investments arm AM One, which manages about $489 billion. JOINING THE FRAY IN PRIVATE MARKETS The Japanese companies could face challenges executing successful deals in an investment industry that has seen many takeovers go awry. There is also fierce competition for prized assets in hot sectors such as private markets, where deep-pocketed giants like BlackRock are active. "The buying opportunities are fairly rare and when there is an attractive asset it is likely to attract a lot of attention," Kapinos said. MUFG Asset Management (MUFG AM) is looking for "attractive non-organic growth opportunities" alongside growing in the first place its existing business, a spokesperson said. Just a fifth of its 120.7 trillion yen ($818 billion) of assets under management are from outside Japan, the company said. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The mother of Rosie Tapia, a girl who was found dead in a Salt Lake City canal 30 years ago, is hoping for closure now that Salt Lake City Police are seeking information based on a new lead in her case. Its been just over 30 years since 6-year-old Rosie Tapia was kidnapped and murdered. Now, Salt Lake City Police are asking for help identifying two teenage boys who may have more information on the case. Rosies mother, Lewine Tapia, said that she is hoping for closure. It would take a big burden off me knowing we finally got the person that did it, and were going to make them pay for it, she told ABC4.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUSLY: SLCPD seeks help finding two men possibly connected to 1995 kidnapping and murder of Rosie Tapia Detective Michael Ruff with the Salt Lake City Police said that their main priority is to get this case solved so that they can provide closure to Rosies family. Theres nothing worse than not knowing what happened to your loved one, he said. A witness reportedly told police that two Hispanic males, estimated to be ages 16 to 20, were at the Tapia apartment visiting some babysitters the night Rosie went missing, on August 12, 1995. They also may have had ties with the 21st Street Gang. Now, police are hoping that someone can identify them so that they can talk to them. The parents of Rosie Tapia did not know or give permission for these individuals to be at the apartment, but we believe that they were there, and were hoping to identify them, Ruff said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the police, the individuals are most likely in their 40s or 50s by now. Ruff said, Were hoping somebody out there knows who they are or that the individuals themselves will come forward and let us know what they know about this case. Lewine Tapia is frustrated. She said that Rosies case was actually never closed, despite what people may assume, but there was a long time where police werent keeping her updated on what was going on in the case. This new information was a surprise for her. I feel kind of mad, because it should have come out a long time ago, she said. Rosie was kidnapped from her bedroom. Her body was later found floating in a canal, and an autopsy revealed that she had been sexually assaulted and that her cause of death was drowning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: Murder of six-year-old Rosie Tapia remains unsolved after thirty years I would like to see this person eye to eye and ask him why he did it, and why he came to the window and took her from us that night, and what he did to her, Tapia said. Tapia misses her daughter and remembers her incredibly fondly. I just keep her in my memory, how she was. Her smile, and how she used to sit and watch cartoons during the weekend. Her long black hair and big brown eyes She was a very special person to me and my husband, and she was excited to start first grade, and she didnt make it, she said. Tapia is hopeful that now that there are a new police chief and new detectives, there will be a breakthrough. Although its now been 30 years, police dont consider Rosies case to be a cold case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont consider it to be a cold case, because we keep working on them, Ruff explained. We have a different detective that will take a look at it. They rotate through as we get other people in the unit to replace other people. Fresh set of eyes get new information to hopefully get that closure for the family and the community. While people today may think that technology is how police solve old cases, its actually word of mouth, Ruff said. Its somebody who has that little piece of information that they may not think was significant, but it turns out to be the one piece that turns a case. Tapias family are also offering a $100,000 reward for anyone who comes forward with information that helps solve Rosies murder. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call 801-799-3000 or submit an anonymous tip using the CityProtect App and reference case number 95-119190. 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. FORT PAYNE, Ala. (WHNT) A motorcyclist was killed after a crash that happened in Fort Payne on Tuesday. According to Fort Payne Police, officers responded to a traffic accident involving a deceased individual around 4:45 a.m. Fort Payne Police told News 19 that the crash between a vehicle and a motorcycle happened near Greenhill Blvd and Smith Gap Rd. The driver of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene and was identified as Juan Jose Mendoza, 26, of Valley Head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash remains under investigation by the Fort Payne Police Departments Traffic Homicide Unit. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is also assisting with the crash. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Terence Tao, one of the worlds foremost mathematicians, who is often called the Mozart of Math, would rather not talk politics. I do scientific research, Tao said. I vote, I sign a petition, but I dont consider myself an activist. But after the July suspension of $584 million in federal grants at UCLA, which he joined as a faculty member at age 20, Tao said he feels forced to speak out against what he views as indiscriminate cuts to science that could drive scientists away from the U.S., including himself, if trends continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I find that this administration in particular has been extremely radical with how it is changing the scientific ecosystem in a way that even the first Trump administration was not, Tao said. This is not normal, and I think a lot of people dont see the damage that is being done. Tao is one of the most prominent mathematicians and academics to publicly oppose the administrations actions, calling them an existential threat to his field, and academic science, more broadly. He said public advocacy is a priority over his research, for now. The United States is the largest funder of scientific research in the world, and the Administration remains committed to cementing Americas innovative dominance. Federal research funding, however, is not a constitutional right, White House spokesman Kush Desai said. The Administration has a responsibility to ensure that taxpayer-funded research aligns with the priorities of the American people. The Trump administration targeted UCLA for reform by suspending federal grants across the university, alleging racial discrimination and failing to promote a research environment free of antisemitism and bias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About three decades ago, Tao immigrated to the U.S. at age 16 already a math prodigy. The Australian American researcher built a career at UCLA and was awarded the 2016 Fields Medal, the equivalent of a Nobel Prize in mathematics. Tao has also won a MacArthur fellowship and a Breakthrough Prize, among other awards. The National Science Foundation, as part of a broader federal action aimed at UCLA, suspended two of Taos grants, including one that directly supported Taos work at UCLA and another for the universitys Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics (IPAM), where Tao oversees special projects. On Aug. 12, U.S. District Judge Rita F. Lin ordered the universitys NSF grants be restored, enforcing a previous preliminary injunction in a legal battle that is ongoing. The ruling only applies to NSF grants at UCLA, including Taos. Federal grants from other agencies, like the National Institutes of Health and the Energy Department, remain suspended. The U.S. National Science Foundation has reinstated the suspended awards to the University of California Los Angeles, an NSF spokesperson said in a statement, declining further comment about Taos remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long term, funding for IPAM which was founded in 2000 and built to foster collaborations between mathematicians, industry and engineers remains uncertain. The grant expires next year and is awaiting renewal. The institute is almost entirely funded by NSF, and the Trump administration has proposed a 57% budget cut to NSF, according to its request for fiscal year 2026. Taos NSF-funded research centers on a technical branch of mathematics that is focused on determining if and when patterns are occurring in long sequences of numbers. It is basic research without a direct application in mind, but Tao said his findings could have implications for cryptographic protocols for security. Research out of IPAM, however, has more obvious public benefits. Two decades ago, Tao collaborated with scientists focused on signal processing problems in medical imaging. One of the algorithms we developed at IPAM is used routinely in modern MRI machines to speed up MRI scans by a factor of 10 in some cases, Tao said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has used cuts or suspensions to grant funding as leverage as it seeks reform at university campuses. Its approach has been multipronged: The administration first attempted to slash funding for science by reducing federal reimbursements for indirect costs like equipment, maintenance and office staff. Then, it targeted specific types of grants, such as those involving diversity, equity and inclusion or gender identity, among other topics. It also targeted specific institutions, like Harvard University, Columbia University and more recently UCLA, over allegations of racism and antisemitism. Lawsuits have followed many of these funding actions, and the subsequent back-and-forth legal battles have left some grants vacillating between canceled and reinstated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tao said the recent funding disruption to his project forced him to defer some of his own salary to continue paying his graduate students. Hes spent the past several weeks working not on math, but in emergency meetings with university administrators, fundraising meetings with donors and writing opinion pieces to oppose the cuts. This is time that I would normally have down for my own research, but this takes priority, Tao said. Hes increasingly concerned about the bigger picture: He thinks the administrations actions are increasingly pushing young scientists to leave the U.S., and if trends continue, Tao said he could not rule out leaving, too. From his perch at UCLA, Tao said hes noticed graduate students and postdoctoral students are increasingly choosing to pursue opportunities outside of the U.S. as uncertainty around funding grows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been past periods of history where other countries with a great scientific tradition have experienced great turmoil or war and many of them fled to the United States as a safe haven, Tao said. Its kind of ironic that there may now be a reverse process where other countries may start picking up talent which is currently in the U.S. One year ago, Tao said he would have never considered leaving UCLA or the United States, but hes received a handful of recruiting inquiries and hes no longer confident hell stay in the United States, if trends continue. I have roots here. I raised my family here, so it would take a fair amount to uproot me, but these days, its really hard to make predictions now, Tao said. I was not thinking about moving at all. This wasnt even on the radar, and now, for better or for worse, every possibility has to be considered. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) condemned President Donald Trumps threats to send National Guard troops to Chicago and plainly warned him against proceeding in a set of blistering remarks on Monday. Mr. President, do not come to Chicago, Pritzker said while surrounded by dozens of Democratic lawmakers and community leaders, including Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. You are neither wanted here nor needed here. Pritzkers statements add to vocal pushback from state and local leaders in the wake of a Saturday Washington Post report, which revealed that the Pentagon has been preparing to deploy troops to Chicago for weeks. On Friday, Trump suggested that Chicago could be the next city to see federal intervention after he sent the National Guard to Washington, D.C., for a purported crackdown on crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker and Johnson have repeatedly stressed that they have not asked for such intervention, that the city doesnt need it and that the White House hasnt consulted local leaders at all in its efforts. Related: Trump Ran On A Promise Of Revenge And Hes Making Good On It We have made no requests for federal intervention. None, Pritzker said, while emphasizing that crime rates in Chicago have declined significantly compared to last year. According to data from the city and the police department, overall violent crime in Chicago is down roughly 22% compared to 2024, and incidents including homicides and robberies have seen significant declines as well. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, center, speaks during a news conference at River Point Park, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Chicago. AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh Pritzker also questioned why Trump was targeting Chicago when a number of cities in Republican-led states, including Memphis, Tennessee, have far worse crime rates. Pritzer said this dynamic was clear evidence that Trumps actions are politically motivated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not about fighting crime. This is about Donald Trump searching for any justification to deploy the military in a blue city in a blue state to try and intimidate his political rivals, Pritzker said. Pritzker also called on Republican governors who would help supply National Guard troops for a Chicago deployment to reflect on how they would be failing [their] constituents and [their] country by doing so. In a statement, a White House spokesperson insisted the National Guard deployments were about crime. Related: JB Pritzker Goads Trump Over His Crime Crackdown: 'Where Are The Epstein Files?' If these Democrats spent half as much time addressing crime in their cities as they did going on cable news to complain about President Trump, their residents would be a lot safer, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzkers fiery response comes as Democrats from across the country are increasingly standing up to Trump and refusing to bow to pressure to submit to his immigration enforcement policies or to accept partisan redistricting without responding in kind. The state of Illinois is ready to stand against this military deployment with every peaceful tool we have. We will see the Trump administration in court, Pritzker said. Related... Read the original on HuffPost DES MOINES, Iowa Last week the Des Moines City Council approved a hike to the franchise fee to help keep DART buses running. Despite the additional expense to utility bills, DART still plans to cut some services to balance its budget. The plan to reimagine DART could determine the organizations cut of the increased franchise fee. So far we know that if you have a $100 a month utility bill youll likely pay about $30 more annually but when that will hit and how much of it will go toward public transit is unclear. WHO 13s Katie Kaplan spoke with Mayor Connie Boesen Monday evening and she says theres still a lot to get worked out. The first step is coming next week when DART issues its rough draft of its reimagine plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caitlin Clark becomes a Nike signature athlete with shoe coming out next year Erin Hockman, DARTs chief strategy officer, said the plan will be an all-new bus network with fewer routes that operate more frequently, all day and all week long. Its possible that someone might have to walk a little bit further but some of the benefits of that is that when you walk a little bit further the bus isnt stopping as often. And so were hoping with some of the changes that were proposing to really increase overall travel times so people can get where they need to go faster and they can also reach more places, Hockman said. Big changes are coming with the new design. Public input will be solicited on it during September. The goal is to have it finalized toward the end of the year. So, the mayor says that extra bump on your bill could come as soon as November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats also when well have a better idea of how much of the franchise fee will be allocated to DART. The other avenue is to put some of the money toward paying down the levy. Whatever the end result, the route changes wont be made until early next summer 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. TITUS COUNTY, Texas (KETK) A multi-agency operation resulted in the arrest of two men, with one still on the run for a string of vehicle burglaries across two East Texas counties. Teen arrested for fatal shooting in Henderson County According to the Titus County Sheriffs Office, during the early morning hours of Aug. 15, burglars stole from unlocked vehicles parked at houses in three different areas, including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Near the Mount Pleasant Country Club Walker Street Subdivision in Camp County East Lake Tankersly Officials said the burglars were able to steal a significant amount of cash and at least two handguns. The burglaries of unlocked vehicles continued until one homeowner discovered the activity, the sheriffs office said. The homeowner fired a warning shot, and one of the burglars ran to an awaiting vehicle. Investigators believe that before leaving, the suspects un-justifiably returned fire in the general direction of the residence they had just been scared away from. Mugshot of Zadarrius Gamble, courtesy of Titus County Sheriffs Office Victim remains in serious condition after Sunday morning shooting in Marshall Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After an intense investigation by the Mount Pleasant Police Department, Titus County Sheriffs Office and Camp County Sheriffs Office, 25-year-old Zadarrius Tremaine Gamble was arrested on Aug. 20 for the following charges: Three counts of engaging in organized criminal activity One count of deadly conduct, discharge a firearm Two counts of theft of a firearm Three counts of burglary of a vehicle Gamble is currently being held at the Titus County Jail on a $957,500 bond. Officials said more charges are expected as the investigation continues. Mugshot of Jaquilon Veasley, courtesy of Titus County Sheriffs Office On Tuesday, 18-year-old Jaquilon Kevon Veasley of Titus County was arrested for the following charges: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two counts of organized criminal activity One count of deadly conduct One count of theft of a firearm Three counts of burglary of a vehicle Veasley was booked into the Titus County Jail on Wednesday morning and is awaiting arraignment. Authorities said they are still searching for 18-year-old Roykeice Jalyil Farrier of Titus County, who is wanted for the vehicle burglaries. If anyone has any information about Farriers whereabouts, they are asked to contact the Titus County Sheriffs Office. People are encouraged by the sheriffs office to lock the doors to their vehicles and to remove valuable items, especially firearms. 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. LEBANON, N.H. (ABC22/FOX44) Lebanon police on Monday announced two separate arrests on drug charges, and said that tips from neighbors played a role in both investigations. The Lebanon Police Department thanks the community for its continued partnership in keeping neighborhoods safe. On Saturday, a residence on Village Lane was searched following a community tip. According to police reports, Eric Gorman, 32, from West Hartford, Conn., fled from police and was charged with resisting arrest after police used a taser to subdue him. Officers then reported that they found several weapons, cash, and more than 12 ounces of cocaine at an apartment at the residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dartmouth-Hitchcock hospital expansion underway This followed an August 15 arrest of Thomas Stevens-Metcalf, 34, from Piermont, after community reports of drug dealing near Railroad Yard. He was charged with transporting drugs as well as possessing cocaine and suboxone. According to police, further charges are expected. Lebanon police said that residents can always share information by calling (603) 448-1212 or submitting an anonymous 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 ABC22 & FOX44. UPDATE 10:30a.m.: All lanes at all locations mentioned are back open. END UPDATE The Florida Highway Patrol reported multiple crashes on Tuesday morning, causing delays throughout the area. I-95 SouthBound A crash involving a motorcycle and a JTA bus left one person with life-threatening injuries, according to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. All lanes remain closed; vehicles are being diverted to Emerson Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read: All I-95 south lanes closed in Jacksonville at Emerson Street due motorcycle vs. JTA bus crash I-10 East, before Hammond Boulevard Three right lanes are closed due to a multi-vehicle crash. No injuries were reported, JFRD says. SR-9B North, at E-town Parkway Left shoulder blocked due to a multi-vehicle crash. SR-9B South, ramp to I-95 Southbound The right lane is blocked after a multi-vehicle crash. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. OFALLON, Ill. The OFallon Police Department is emphasizing safety after multiple fights and reports of shooting involving minors broke out during City Fest this past weekend. In a news release, police say the frequency of the disturbances was severe, forcing many businesses around the festival to close until crowd members dispersed. Law enforcement agencies from Belleville, Fairview Heights, and Shiloh, as well as the Illinois State Police, assisted in crowd control measures, which included shutting off U.S. Highway 50 at Hilgard and Lincoln. Police also directed unaccompanied minors to leave the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had maybe 100 or more juveniles moving toward the rides looking like a fight. People had their phones out to video tape. We made the decision to have the unsupervised juveniles leave. As we did those seven or eight fights broke out in the park and surrounding businesses, said Kirk Brueggeman, OFallon Police Chief. Religious leaders indicted; ran forced labor call centers in Missouri and elsewhere Despite these controlled measures, OFallon Police say two officers were injured. About 17 arrests were made on Friday and Saturday. Sixteen of those arrests involved minors. In one incident, officers say they had to deploy pepper spray and pepper balls to de-escalate a series of fights involving teens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One 14-year-old was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by the States Attorney Office for allegedly shooting a gun behind a Community Financial. Four minors, regarding the shooting incident reported above, were released without charges, according to OFallon Police. This years City Fest has shown that nostalgia for how events were once held cannot outweigh the responsibility of keeping our community safe. Public safety must always come first, and moving forward, every festival or gathering will be planned with that priority at the forefront, OFallon Police 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 FOX 2. LORAIN, Ohio (WJW) Charges have been filed against a man accused of fatally shooting another man during a home invasion late last year. According to the Lorain Police Department, police were called to a home on West 14th Street the night of Nov. 25, 2024. Suspect charged with murder after planned drug deal ended in mans death At the scene, officers found 39-year-old Leonard McCall, who had been shot multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation determined that this incident was a targeted home invasion, during which the suspect fired shots at two residents, fatally striking Mr. McCall, reads a news release from the Lorain Police Department. 77-year-old man charged in shooting at Washington Square restaurant in North Canton Donte Parker, 24, was identified as the primary suspect, according to police, and on Aug. 22, 2025, an arrest warrant was issued and served on Parker for aggravated murder, felonious assault and aggravated burglary. Parker was already in custody at the Lorain County jail on unrelated charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. TAHLEQUAH A resolution brought forward for a vote by the Muscogee Nation Tribal Council supporting the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians has been paused. The resolution called upon Congress to refrain from interfering, either through appropriations or authorizing legislation, with the administration's review of Memorandum Opinion M-37084, and that the federal courts be permitted to hear the dispute, including all final appeals. An article titled, "Muscogee Nation tribal council pauses resolution involving Cherokee jurisdictional fight," published Aug. 26 on KOSU.org, stated the Muscogee Nation chose to stay neutral in the dispute between the Cherokee Nation and UKB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of the Interior issued whats known as an M-Opinion in January, stating the UKB and the Cherokee Nation have concurrent jurisdiction over the Cherokee reservation in Northeast Oklahoma, giving the UKB more momentum to re-establish a casino in Tahlequah, states the KSOU article. Tahlequah Daily Press on Aug. 8 published an article on this situation, titled, "Latest dustup between UKB, CN over Mullin's addition to appropriations bill." The sixth proviso under Operation of Indians Programs in Public Law 102-154 for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1992, as amended by public law 105-277 for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1999 has been put forward by Mullin to be repealed, states the TDP article. Provided further, that no funds appropriated under this or any other Act shall be used to take land into trust within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation reservation in Oklahoma without the written consent of the Cherokee Nation, states the proposed language submitted by Mullin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Except as provided, no other Indian tribe than the CN shall possess tribal jurisdiction over such reservation or any portion thereof under any provision of law, including the treaties with the CN referenced in section 602(3) of Public Law 103-331, 116 Stat. 2845, reads the proposed language. That the two preceding provisos shall not: No. 1: prevent any such other Indian tribe from exercising any jurisdiction that such Indian tribe may have over any parcel of land within that reservation which was acquired in trust for such other Indian tribe by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to 25 C.F.R. part 151 prior to the date of enactment of the [insert short title of the appropriations bill that will include this language], reads the proposed language. No. 2, which the two preceding provisos wont affect, involves the validity of the acquisition of a parcel of land in trust for any other Indian tribe provided any use of a parcel of land shall be for non-gaming purposes only, reads the proposed language. Klint Cowan, UKB attorney, said Mullin is a Cherokee Nation citizen and is trying to circumvent allowing the courts to decide whether the UKB can have gaming operations on land the tribe holds in trust, states the article on KOSU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cowan said Mullin submitted the legislation to the Department of the Interior for technical assistance, but claims the aim is to attach it to an appropriations bill and "essentially terminate the UKB." He states, as reported in the KOSU article, the aim is to terminate the UKB, because the tribe would no longer have the right to have land interest, for gaming or otherwise. "[This] would completely deprive us of the ability to do economic development and raise revenue to provide services for our members, Cowan said in the KOSU article. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. wrote in his weekly Chief Chat column in early August, and published in TDP, that as an act of fairness to the UKB, he has asked Congress to allow the 76 acres containing the UKBs government complex to remain in trust, as reported in the TDP article Aug. 8. The legislation does nothing to undermine the authority of the UKB as a band of Indians authorized in 1946, Hoskin said. It simply serves as a check on the UKBs claims; notwithstanding its 20th century origins, it somehow possesses Cherokee Nation treaty rights and governing authority established in the 19th century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoskin said the UKB has fabricated claims of possessing CNs treaty rights and history for decades. Fortunately, neither the Congress, the courts, nor the federal executive branch have agreed with the UKBs phony narrative, Hoskin said. We respect the fact that UKB is a federally recognized tribe that traces its roots to a 1946 Act of Congress, declaring it a band and granting it no rights to jurisdiction or other treaty rights. The Cherokee Nation will not stand by while UKB claims otherwise, putting the public at risk in the process through its baseless assertion of criminal justice authority, Hoskin wrote. We appreciate Sen. Mullin, a proven defender of tribal sovereignty, advancing the legislation, and we look forward to it being signed into law, Hoskin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After President Donald J. Trump took office in his second term, he suspended all opinions made under the Biden administration for further review. That includes the M-Opinion, states the KOSU article. That M-Opinion is not a final agency action, Cowan said. So the idea is the opinion will tee up a federal decision so that the Cherokee Nation can sue, and we can go to court, and the courts will resolve all this. Sen. Mullin is now trying to circumvent that legal process. Muscogee National Council Representative Sandra Golden, Akfvske District-Seat B, said the resolution appeared to make the tribe choose one over the other, as reported in the KOSU article. "And we should never be doing that. That congressman in Washington, D.C., is trying to get us to fight each other," Golden said. "We've got to stop doing that. When we fight each other, we lose our sovereignty." CASCADE LOCKS, Ore. (KOIN) For more than 66 years, the mystery of what happened to the Martin Family of Northeast Portland lingered over the region. But now it appears the mystery is over. Artifacts and images recovered by diver Archer Mayo in recent months have seemingly confirmed the suspicions: Ken and Barbara Martin and their three daughters Virginia, Sue and Barbie plunged to their deaths in December 1958 while taking a drive in the Columbia River Gorge. TIMELINE: What we know about the 1958 Martin family disappearance Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last March, KOIN 6 News broke the story on the discovery of a vehicle in the waters of Cascade Locks matching Martins car. But when a crane lifted it, the chassis broke off and left most of the car buried in silt and mud. On Monday, Mayo made his last dive to recover any final remains and artifacts from the Martins 1954 Ford station wagon. During this summer, Mayo returned to the wreckage and carefully excavated the interior of the car, bringing human bones and various items to the surface. On this final dive, Mayo brought up what appear to be the remnants of shoes Barbara Martin was wearing. The rubber soles are intact but the canvas disintegrated over the years. Diver Archer Mayo holds items recovered in a dive that found the Martin Familys 1954 Ford Station Wagon at Cascade Locks, August 25, 2025 (KOIN) Diver Archer Mayo holds the remnants of a shoe believed to be Barbara Martins, recovered in a dive that found the Martin Familys 1954 Ford Station Wagon at Cascade Locks, August 25, 2025 (KOIN) Diver Archer Mayo recovered a case with Ken Martins name and address in a dive that found the Martin Familys 1954 Ford Station Wagon at Cascade Locks, August 2025 (Archer Mayo) Diver Archer Mayo holds seat belt buckles recovered in a dive that found the Martin Familys 1954 Ford Station Wagon at Cascade Locks, August 25, 2025 (KOIN) Diver Archer Mayo displayed window cranks recovered in a dive that found the Martin Familys 1954 Ford Station Wagon at Cascade Locks, August 25, 2025 (KOIN) Diver Archer Mayo took one final dive at the Martin Family car site in Cascade Locks, August 25, 2025 (KOIN) Diver Archer Mayo emerges from a dive at the Martin Family car site in Cascade Locks, August 25, 2025 (KOIN) Theres a wooden suitcase in the back, but the woods all collapsed and thats the handle off of it, Mayo said as he showed the items he brought up. And then these were. Barb, these are the remains of Barbaras shoes, the mother, which I was able to get most of her body out of there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also found seat belts. Theres two of these. So the seat belts were aftermarket. And so people would have bought them at Sears or Montgomery Wards and put them in their car, because the cars didnt have them, he said. And so these are two of the buckles that were from the back seat. And then the dome light of the car and then a broken, just a broken window crank. Old newspaper clippings about the Martin Family disappearance in 1958 (KOIN, file) Gloria Graven, the daughter of Detective Walter Graven, talks about the 1958 disappearance of the Martin Family in Cascade Locks, March 7, 2025 (KOIN) A partial license plate, likely from the missing Martin Family car from 1958, was found in Cascade Locks, March 7, 2025 (Archer Mayo) The emblem from a Ford, likely from the missing Martin Family car from 1958, was found in Cascade Locks, March 7, 2025 (Archer Mayo) Car parts, including the engine, likely connected to the Martin Family car missing since 1958 was taken to a Hood River County crime lab, March 7, 2025 (KOIN) A giant crane pulled up an engine from what is likely the Martin Family car missing since 1958 in Cascade Locks, March 7, 2025 (KOIN) Diver Archer Mayo discovered the wreckage of what is likely the Martin Family car missing since 1958 in the Cascade Locks, March 7, 2025 (KOIN) Pieces of a station wagon believed to be tied to the Martin Family disappearance in 1958 being pulled from the Columbia River on Friday, March 7, 2025. (Credit: KOIN) Investigators continue the search for what is believed to be the Martin family car on Mar. 7, 2025. (KOIN) A barge arrives to pull what investigators believe to be the Martin family car out of the Columbia River, Mar. 6, 2025. (KOIN) The underwater remains of a car believed to belong to the Martin family, who disappeared in 1958. March 2025. (Archer Mayo) Detective Walter Graven (left) speaks to Don Martin when he returns to Portland to settle the family estate. (Graven family) A report from the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office detailing the discovery of a girls body near Bonneville Dam. The body is later identified as Virginia Martin. (Graven family) A gas station receipt from a Chevron station in Cascade Locks shows Ken Martin purchased five gallons of gas on the afternoon the family vanished. (KOIN Archives) Aerial photo of Cascade Locks, Ore. taken in 1958. According to the official report, the Ken Martin accidentally backed the family car into the river here on the afternoon of Dec. 7, 1958. (KOIN Archives) Coverage of the search for the Martin Family features pictures of Barbara, Virginia and Susan Martin in the Oregon Journal. (Oregon Journal) Coverage of the search for the Martin Family in the Columbia River near Cascade Locks from the Oregon Journal. (Oregon Journal) Seen here in his Navy uniform, Don Martin was somewhat estranged from his family and living on the East Coast when his father, mother and three sisters vanished. (Graven family) An undated photo of the 1954 Ford Country Station Wagon the Martins drove into the Columbia River Gorge on Dec. 7, 1958. (KOIN Archives) The Martin family loved Christmas. Barbara, Virginia and Susan Martin sit in a sleigh during a neighborhood Christmas celebration. (KOIN Archives) The Martin family loved Christmas. Barbara, Virginia and Susan Martin sing carols during a neighborhood Christmas celebration. (KOIN Archives) The Martin family loved Christmas. Ken Martin is seen here dressed as Santa Clause with two unidentified boys. (KOIN Archives) A glimpse of the Martin Family home in Northeast Portland taken during the investigation into the familys disappearance. (Graven Family) In this undated photo, Ken and Barbara Martin sit on the couch in their living room with son Don and the three girls. (KOIN Archives) Mayo also recovered a camera and case with Ken Martins name and address on it, as well as a pair of what are believed to be his shoes. He also recovered more human remains and handed those over to a Hood River sheriffs deputy. The remains are now in the hands of the Oregon state forensic investigators who will examine them to see if there are any clues as to why the Martin family ended up in the bottom of the Cascade Locks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, the car rolled quite a bit on its way into the pit. And so there was quite a bit of damage. Things were really disheveled, Mayo told KOIN 6 News. There were many theories about what happened to the Martins. But Mayo has always believed they accidentally drove into the waters at Cascade Locks. The Hood River County Sheriffs Office hasnt yet said much, only that the case remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Apparently, Dynzell Sigers would rather die than be a short king ... because the Georgia man went through months of pain and therapy to have his limbs dramatically lengthened to be taller. In the U.S., the process is usually only expected to add 3 inches. Over $150 million in federal education funds for New Jersey schools were unfrozen Monday after the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office reached an agreement with the Trump administration, the attorney generals office said. The agreement ends a suit brought by New Jersey and 23 other states last month against the administration for freezing $158 million in essential funding for school programs that support immigrant children, as well as students with special needs. The decision comes as schools prepare for the opening of the 2025-26 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the beginning, we made clear that the Trump Administrations freeze of funding for after-school programs, children with special needs, and other critical programs was blatantly illegal, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement. In resolving this lawsuit today, we are proud to fully restore this funding and deliver a quick and favorable resolution for our state ahead of the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Per the agreement, the remaining funding owed to the state must be released no later than Oct. 3, Platkin said. The withheld funds jeopardized key programs for after-school and summer learning, teacher preparation, and English language learners. Nationwide, districts lost access to over $6 billion in federal funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other states listed on the suit are: California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, and the Governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) is facing backlash after she posted a photo of a man she falsely described as a campus shooter following reports of an active shooting at the University of South Carolinas campus on Sunday. The university sent out an alert Sunday around 6:30 p.m. to its students and staff about an active shooter who had been reportedly seen near the Thomas Cooper Library. School officials initially described the suspect as 6 ft tall white male with black pants in an alert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mace, whose child attends the university, warned in a since-deleted post Sunday that the alleged shooter was a white male wearing black shorts, grey t-shirt, backpack, according to multipleoutlets.Alongside the post, she included a photo of a man walking on campus with an object in his hand. But that image was never released by police, and it turned out there was never a shooter at all. Related: JD Vance Schooled Over Clueless Historical Claim: Does He Know Anything? Another university alert sent out around 7:10 p.m. said there was no evidence of an active shooter, though police were still searching the area. The active shooter reports turned out to be part of a swatting hoax, a school spokesperson later told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man in the photo that Mace shared was later determined to be holding an umbrella. Though there was no gunfire, the false reports caused panic. School officials confirmed that several students were treated by first responders for minor injuries that occurred during evacuation. And Maces erroneous image sparked outrage from some social media users for how it contributed to the situation. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., arrives for a Republican caucus meeting in Washington, Oct. 20, 2023. AP Photo/Alex Brandon Right-wing commentator Matt Walsh mocked Mace, sarcastically writing, Really grateful for Nancy Mace. She bravely alerted the public to the dangers of a guy carrying an umbrella. Another X user called out Mace for being irresponsible, writing, She deleted it but my God how irresponsible can Nancy Mace be? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Someone else argued that Maces sharing of the photo couldve turned deadly. South Carolina police say there is no shooter on the campus of USC. The image shared by @NancyMace was obtained from X, and was of a student carrying an umbrella, they wrote. The image was not released by law enforcement or an official authority, and could have resulted in him being killed. A separate user slammed Mace for never apologizing for her dangerous mistake. If you thought Nancy Mace was going to apologize after spending her day falsely accusing a kid with an umbrella of being a school shooter, you thought wrong, they wrote. Related: Rep. Nancy Mace Threatens Media For Reporting On Handshake She Says Was Assault Mace followed up her X post by calling the incident a terrifying experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Real, or a hoax, or a mistake, now would be an appropriate time to talk about hardened security at schools of all grades, colleges and universities, she wrote Sunday. This was a terrifying experience for students on campus and their families. Mace added: Many are confused after being told there was an active shooter. Some are even afraid to return. A spokesperson for Mace didnt immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment. In a separate post, Mace said she had been frantically calling her child, who attends the university, during the incident. She also thanked law enforcement for their fast and professional response. Related... Read the original on HuffPost (The Center Square) A resolution by the Democratic National Committee, similar to one by North Carolina Democrats calling for an embargo of military aid to Israel, has been voted down. Another without the military embargo was withdrawn after passing, leaving the national party without a full official position. For now, at least. On Tuesday in Minneapolis, the expected thrust forward with a position on the Middle East war between Hamas and Israel derailed. Two resolutions were debated, one inclusive of the arms embargo, and the dust settled with Chairman Ken Martin withdrawing his proposal that had passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Executive Committee for the North Carolina Democratic Party on June 28 adopted a resolution declaring Israel guilty of apartheid against Palestinians; genocide in Gaza; and using American weapons in self defense against hospitals, schools, homes, refugee camps, mosques, churches, journalists and humanitarian aid workers. The resolution calls for an immediate embargo on all military aid, weapons shipments and military logistical support from the United States to Israel. The language says the embargo would be supported until Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Btselem certify that Israel is no longer engaged in apartheid rule. The United States has long been an ally of Israel in the Middle East, including being the first to recognize it as an independent state in 1948 under President Harry Truman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Center Square has waited for more than a month on responses via email getting an answer of being in support or against the state party resolution from Democratic U.S. Reps. Alma Adams, Valerie Foushee, Deborah Ross or Don Davis. Also checked were Democrats on the Council of State Gov. Josh Stein, Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt, Attorney General Jeff Jackson, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and Public Instruction Superintendent Mo Green. Former Gov. Roy Cooper, Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate race in 2026, is quiet as well. The Center Square was unsuccessful via email getting comment from the office of Morgan Jackson, a managing partner at Nexus Strategies that handles political consulting for Cooper. Two helicopters faced off against an F-15D Eagle fighter aircraft above water in an unprecedented combat defense test conducted by the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and U.S. Navy. The test saw an HH-60W Jolly Green and an HH-60G Pave Hawk defend against attacks by an F-15D in a maritime setting. The attacks were staged to simulate real-world scenarios in which U.S. rescue helicopters were fired upon at sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The HH-60W has never undergone this type of evaluation. This test data will help us determine how effective U.S. countermeasures are against fighter aircraft over water, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Don Smith, AATC HH-60 Division deputy director, said in a service release. Two Air National Guard units from California took part in the tests, with the F-15D flown by Guardsmen of the 144th Fighter Wing and the HH-60G Pave Hawk piloted by Guardsmen of the 129th Rescue Wing. The HH-60W Jolly Green helicopter belongs to the Air Force Reserves 305th Rescue Squadron based in Arizona. This test was the first of its kind, and will provide a basis for improving the survivability of rescue helicopters should they come under attack by enemy air forces. The exercise comes amid increasing focus on training U.S. units for maritime operations in the Indo-Pacific. This month, the Air Force conducted a month-long series of exercises in the Indo-Pacific in what was the largest-scale exercise of U.S. airpower in the region since the Cold War. A NatWest bank manager who spent more than eight years stealing 344,000 from his branchs cash machines has avoided jail. John Toms, 44, stole from ATMs at the Moorgate branch in the City of London, where he was the senior manager with exclusive access. He stole bundles of cash between January 2016 and April 2024, covering his tracks by forging signatures, falsifying records and creeping into the branch in the early hours of the morning to switch the money back into the bank registers, which were checked daily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After an internal investigation, Toms admitted he had been stealing the cash to fund his gambling addiction, Southwark Crown Court was told. Alexander Matic, prosecuting, said: He worked with NatWest from 2003 to 2023. He was in a senior role ... he was on a salary of 47,000 per year when he departed. The court heard Toms falsified cash figures recorded in the ATM when he balanced the machines - Central News Toms was aware that senior staff would conduct checks of the cash machines every two to three months, but he exploited his ability to access them directly in the interim. The court heard he falsified cash figures recorded in the ATM when he balanced the machines, to make it appear that all cash was present. Toms would calculate how much money was missing and take the relevant amount from elsewhere in the branchs holdings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Matic said: At the end of the day, virtually daily, he would take money from the registers. He would then come in early the next morning before others arrived, access the ATMs, take the precise amount he had taken the night before from the ATMs and put them in the cash register. On the last day Toms worked at the branch, a reconciliation found a total of 344,410 had been left unaccounted for. Two internal investigations were conducted with Toms, in which he admitted he had been stealing for around six years and that he had acted alone. Remorse for what hes done The court heard most of the money was spent on gambling and that he had apologised to NatWest. Although some repayments have been made by Toms, the bank is still short of nearly 250,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Siddick Gokhool, defence counsel, previously told the court that Toms is remorseful and he is not only remorseful for what he has done, but also for NatWest and mainly for his family. He added: Toms told police he was happy for his pension to be taken for repayment but conceded there was a big gap between his clients 100,000 pension and the 344,000 theft. The court was told the bank manager has been diagnosed with cancer. Toms, of Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow, pleaded guilty to theft by an employee and false accounting. Judge Tony Baumgartner sentenced Toms to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years. He must also complete unpaid work and a rehabilitation programme within 12 months. 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. Law enforcement and university officials evacuated a library on the campus of Northern Arizona University after receiving a report that a person with a gun entered the building. More than two hours later Aug. 25, the situation at Cline Library on the Flagstaff Mountain Campus was determined to be a hoax, the school said in a news release. It was the latest in a string of false reports about gunfire or armed people directed at several universities in recent days as many start the fall semester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report was determined to be a hoax, and at no time was there an active threat to the NAU community, the university said in a statement posted on social media. NAU swiftly activated emergency notifications, evacuated the building, and, in partnership with local law enforcement, conducted a thorough search. The NAU Police Department received the initial threat, and several other agencies were involved in the rapid and coordinated response that followed, the school said. News alerts in your inbox: Don't miss the important news of the day. Sign up for azcentral newsletter alerts to be in the know. They included the Arizona Department of Public Safety; the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Coconino County Sheriff's Office; Flagstaff Police Department; Guardian Medical Transport; and U.S. Marshals Service, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation was initiated with assistance from the FBI, the school said. Universities across the country receive similar threats Around 1 p.m. Aug. 25, the Knoxville Police Department received a phone call alerting them about a person with a weapon at a library on the campus of the University of Tennessee, police said in a social media post. University police arrived on the scene within a minute, assisted by Knoxville police, but a review of cameras in and around the library revealed there was no threat, according to police. Police further searched the building, and no injuries were reported, police said. A threat called in about a person with a gun at the library at the University of Tennessee turned out to be a hoax. Police responded within a minute, they said, as seen in this Aug. 25, 2025 photo. An active shooter was reported near the Mullins Library on the University of Arkansas campus around 12:30 p.m. Aug. 25, according to a social media post from the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police responded to multiple reports around campus, but roughly two hours after the first alert, they determined that there were no active threats, the school said. Classes were canceled for the rest of the day. The University of South Carolina Police Department received two reports of gunfire around 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at a library on the Columbia campus, according to a post on social media. Law enforcement responded quickly to the scene, and university officials sent an alert advising the public to avoid the area and shelter in place, the post said. The library remained closed for a while after the order was rescinded, according to the school. Two people had minor injuries related to the evacuation of the building, the post said. They were taken to the hospital but later released, an update said. "Both calls were initiated by an unknown male and included background noise that mimicked gunfire. There is currently no evidence that the calls originated on campus," the school said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police believed the active shooter alert was part of a swatting hoax, according to the school. Villanova University in suburban Philadelphia was subjected to two such hoaxes, the latest occurring Aug. 24 around 11 a.m. at a dormitory, according to the Radnor Township Police Department. That followed a report of an active shooter on campus during new student orientation Aug. 21, when students and other visitors were advised to move to secure locations and lock and barricade doors, according to alerts from the school. "We are thankful to confirm that there is no evidence of an active shooter incident or victims," the Radnor Township Police Department said in a statement. Why is swatting such a big problem? Hoaxes such as these, reported to disrupt gatherings of large crowds and elicit a large response from law enforcement personnel, including SWAT, are sometimes referred to as swatting incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoaxes not only disrupt schools and businesses, but they also drain police, fire and emergency medical resources that race to the scene. "We have to treat each one as real until we know it's a hoax," Kelly Smith, former assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's Seattle office, said in an agency video about the problem. "We direct law enforcement resources away from other active investigations, and that causes a significant strain on the resources of both our agency and our local police departments." It also causes trauma for students, parents and communities, said John DeCarlo, a former police chief who has responded to hoaxes and who is now a professor at the University of New Havens Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences. "While the call itself may be a lie, the panic and trauma it creates are very real." Hoax calls also can land innocent bystanders in dangerous situations. Four Black undergraduate students at Harvard University wound up being held at gunpoint during a swatting incident at the Ivy League school in 2023, according to reporting by The Harvard Crimson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reach the writer at russ.wiles@arizonarepublic.com. USA TODAY's Michael Loria and Amanda Lee Myers contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Library at NAU evacuated after a false report of a person with a gun On Thursday, August 21, the Naabikiyati Committee approved Legislation No. 0178-25, extending a limited waiver of the Navajo Nations sovereign immunity through September 30, 2029. The waiver allows the Navajo Nation to be sued only in federal district court for matters related to compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)a requirement imposed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for releasing grant funding for housing projects. 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 This extension continues a policy first adopted by the Navajo Nation in 2000 and reaffirmed by subsequent Council actions. It authorizes the Navajo Nation President to legally sign HUD Form 7015.15, a critical step in accessing federal housing funds under NEPA. Without this waiver, HUD cannot release funding, effectively halting housing construction and rehabilitation efforts aimed at addressing urgent housing needs across the Nation. Importantly, the waiver does not diminish the Navajo Nations broader sovereignty. It is a narrowly defined, temporary provision that applies only to NEPA compliance related to HUD grants. By accepting limited federal court jurisdiction in this context, the Nation preserves local control over housing initiatives while ensuring timely access to critical funding. This is about delivering homes to our people. HUD requires NEPA compliance to fund these projects, and that compliance requires this limited waiver. Its not a surrender of our sovereignty its an exercise of it. We are choosing to take on these responsibilities so that our communities dont wait years for the housing they need now, Council Delegate Jesus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Navajo Housing Authority (NHA), which oversees federal housing grants for the Nation, strongly supported the legislation. Its Board recognized the waiver as essential to moving forward with projects to build, rehabilitate, and modernize homesefforts that would otherwise be delayed, leaving many families in overcrowded or substandard conditions. The resolution also empowers the Navajo Nation President to act as the certifying official under NEPA, helping streamline the release of federal funds and the implementation of housing programs. Legislation No. 0178-25 was approved on the consent agenda with a vote of 15 in favor, 2 opposed. 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 By Arsheeya Bajwa (Reuters) -Nvidia's business in China will be the focus of investors when the AI chipmaker reports earnings on Wednesday, following an unusual deal with the Trump administration and Beijing's subsequent efforts to stall imports. Caught in the crossfire of Washington and Beijing's ongoing trade war, the fate of Nvidia's China business hangs on where the world's two largest economies land on tariff talks and chip trade curbs. The artificial intelligence chip pioneer recently agreed to pay the U.S. federal government 15% of the sales it made it China in exchange for export licenses, a move that has drawn bipartisan criticism. Beijing - despite huge appetite for Nvidia's chips in China - has urged domestic companies to limit purchases over apparent security concerns. Reports have emerged that Nvidia has told some suppliers to suspend production of its China-special H20 chips. But Reuters has reported that Nvidia is developing a new and more powerful chip for China. "We've got to get clarity on these two governments first, whether China wants the chips and whether the administration is going to allow it," said Jamie Meyers, senior analyst at Nvidia shareholder Laffer Tengler Investments. "And if so, how is that going to work?" Last year, China accounted for 13% of Nvidia's revenue. For the second quarter ended July 2025, many analysts did not factor in any revenue from H20 sales in that country given the US approval came late in the quarter, while China's pushback complicates forecast calculations for the year. In May, Nvidia had said the curbs would shave off $8 billion in sales from the July quarter. The curbs led to a $4.5 billion charge in the previous three-month period. Overall, the company is expected to report that second-quarter revenue jumped 53.2% to $46.02 billion, according to LSEG data, a far cry from the triple-digit growth it witnessed for many quarters. But analysts said the overall AI chip business is booming, with strong demand pouring in from tech giants such as Meta and Microsoft , who have expanded their capital budgets. Still, positive commentary on demand from CEO Jensen Huang could boost AI stocks that have sold off recently on worries that investors may be valuing them too highly. Nvidia shares have gained more than a third so far in 2025, a smaller gain for the period than the previous two years. This still outpaces a more than 15% gain in the broader chip index and the benchmark S&P 500 Index's near 10% year-to-date rise. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro on Tuesday accused former national security adviser John Bolton of profiteering off of Americas secrets days after federal agents searched Boltons home and office. Navarro, writing an op-ed in The Hill, took aim at Bolton over some of the information included in his 2020 book, The Room Where It Happened. Bolton, who served for 17 months as President Trumps national security adviser during his first term, is reportedly facing an investigation over his handling of classified information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Bolton wrote his book, The Room Where It Happened, he wasnt just dishing gossip, Navarro wrote in The Hill. He was trafficking in Oval Office conversations and national security intelligence that should have stayed secret either by law or under executive privilege. Navarro cited 2020 comments from a federal judge, who said there was little he could do to stop the publication of Boltons book because the horse seems to be out of the barn. Trumps top trade adviser, who has clashed throughout his time in Trumps orbit with other White House officials, also pointed to a handful of specific examples in Boltons book that he argued crossed the line. Navarro pointed to Boltons description of deliberations on how to address Nicolas Maduros regime in Venezuela; his description of negotiations with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un; and his recounting of what NATO allies said behind closed doors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That isnt service. That isnt patriotism. Thats profiteering off of Americas secrets, Navarro wrote. The op-ed was published after federal agents last Friday searched Boltons home. Bolton has been an outspoken critic of the president, particularly on matters of foreign policy. Neither Bolton nor a spokesperson has commented publicly on the search, though an op-ed penned by Bolton on Trumps handling of the war in Ukraine was published Monday in the Washington Examiner. The search has raised alarms among Democrats and Trump critics, who have expressed concerns it is a case of retribution against someone the president does not like. Trump has said he was not aware of the search beforehand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Navarro last year served a four-month sentence for refusing to comply with a congressional subpoena related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Nearly 20,000 Pittsburgh Public School students returned to the classroom Monday for the new school year. Its an incredibly energizing moment for us in the Pittsburgh Public Schools Its the first day of the school year, happy to see students, happy to see their joy, their faces, said Dr. Wayne Walters, Superintendent of PPS. Students also shared in the excitement, like Camera Jackson. Im excited for meeting my teachers and making new friends, said Jackson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PPS also has a new curriculum that the district hopes will have a positive impact on students. We have our new ethnic studies course, which is a new graduation requirement. Its about the history and identity of Pittsburgh, said Dr. Walters. Hanging over the district is a proposed plan to close a handful of schools over enrollment and financial challenges. If the proposal is approved by the PPS Board of Directors, changes will not be made until after the 2025-2026 school year. Its an opportunity to bring equity to our schools, create a district of excellence and not just pockets of excellence and really use our resources wisely, said Dr. Walters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, Dr. Walters says the district is in the midst of the 90-day public-input period. The district will provide the Board of Directors with an implementation plan. Dr. Walters says the Board of Directors will then vote on the matter. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks with reporters Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, about the overdue state budget. (Photo by Ian Karbal/Capital-Star) Eight weeks after the constitutionally mandated deadline for the legislature to pass the next state budget, Gov. Josh Shapiro says the gap between Democrats and Republicans is narrowing. But it isnt closed yet. While Shapiro told reporters at a press conference Monday that he had a particularly busy weekend talking with leaders of the House Democratic and Senate Republican majorities, more work remains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are real differences between the parties, and real tugs on the parties in different directions, Shapiro said. But we have proven an ability to do that because we have found common ground. Its a message thats been repeated over the last few months, and Shapiro largely declined to provide any new details on the issues still dividing Democrats, who have a majority in the state House, and Republicans, who control the Senate. However, Shapiro accused some Republicans of play[ing] politics and stalling the budget. I think its unfortunate that some in this building seemingly want to play politics now just to slow this process now, he said. When they seek to slow this process down to hurt me politically, all it does is hurt the good people of Pennsylvania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement comes just over a week after Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced a bid to challenge Shapiro in the 2026 gubernatorial race. Garrity is widely seen among Republican insiders as the strongest candidate to challenge Shapiro when he seeks reelection. In 2024, she won reelection by the widest vote margin of any candidate in a row office race. Republican leaders in the statehouse, including Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana), Senate president Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) and House Minority Leader Jesse Topper (R-Beford), endorsed Garrity on Monday, even as their colleague, Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin), teases a potential primary bid of his own. Mastriano won the Republican gubernatorial primary in 2022, but lost to Shapiro by almost 15% of the vote in the general election. A spokesperson for Pittman did not respond to specific questions from the Capital-Star, including about Shapiros accusation. She referred instead to a social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negotiations continue as we work to reach consensus on a final budget product that puts our commonwealth on a stable spending path for future years, Pittman said. Points of contention As it stands, a particular point of contention between Democrats and Republicans has been how to fund the states mass transit authorities, which operate trains, buses and shared ride services in all 67 Pennsylvania counties. On Sunday, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), which operates in the Philadelphia area, enacted a 20% service cut it called a direct result of legislative inaction. Other transportation authorities, operating in urban, suburban and rural areas, say they may have to follow suit if additional funding isnt made available to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, the divide between House Democrats and Senate Republicans over how to fund transit authorities spilled out into the open, with both chambers passing bills, but no agreement ultimately reached. Republicans in the Senate passed a stop-gap solution, which would see the state dip into the public transportation trust fund, which typically funds long-term capital and maintenance projects, to shore up transit authorities through 2026, and divert some of those funds for road and bridge repair. Democrats in the House passed a standalone transit funding bill that would direct an additional 1.75% of the states sales tax revenue to transit authorities, a solution they say could support transit authorities for the next decade. It also included Republican-backed measures designed to ensure transit authorities are addressing issues like fare evasion and working to bring in additional private revenue. But the Senate rejected the plan, and the House rejected the Senates. Shapiro, however, said he was open to diverting funds from the public transportation trust fund, as long as its paired with other recurring funding. Asked whether Senate Republicans had any flexibility on their proposal, a spokesperson for Pittman referred again to his statement on the social media site, X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Senate advanced a mass transit and transportation infrastructure bill earlier this month, which would have prevented any of SEPTAs cuts, Pittman wrote. The use of excess money in the Public Transportation Trust Fund is a responsible approach to address transportation needs across PA right now, while respecting taxpayers and ensuring safety and accountability in transit operations. Another source of division between Senate Republicans and House Democrats is over how much new funding K-12 public schools should receive. Last year, lawmakers passed a budget that included roughly $1 billion in new funding for Pennsylvanias public schools, following a Commonwealth Court ruling that found the funding gap between the states richest and poorest schools was unconstitutionally inequitable. A bipartisan commission convened to recommend a solution proposed increasing education spending by $5.4 billion over seven years. The additional money is to be doled out through whats called an adequacy formula taking into account factors like poverty levels and the number of students learning English as a second language in a given school district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, lawmakers agreed to include the adequacy formula in their budget, sending out roughly $500 million through it. While Democrats hope to double that amount this year, Senate Republicans want to keep that spending flat. Some have even called for modifying the formula altogether. Earlier this month, Senate Appropriations Chair Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) told reporters We need a much fairer system. Its going to be changing because our demographics change. He cited declining kindergarten enrollment, and broader population changes around the commonwealth PA Schools Work, a coalition of non-profits that advocate for public education, told the Capital-Star earlier this month, that failing to increase education funding would be a failure to meet schools needs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg, a senior attorney at the Public Interest Law Center, a coalition member and a leader of the lawsuit that led to the Commonwealth Court ruling, said in a statement following Martins comments, Senate Republicans budget proposal isnt just inadequate it amounts to a massive education cut that betrays Pennsylvania students and leaves them holding the bag. School districts across the commonwealth have said that, if no budget is passed in the next few months, some will have to cut services or forego purchases of classroom supplies and textbooks. Counties across Pennsylvania are also scrambling to ensure that safety net services remain active without state funds that are held up until a budget is signed by Shapiro. Some contractors who are hired to run county-backed services like child welfare enforcement and senior citizen programs, have already had to dip into reserves or cut staff pay. Zooming out further, Republicans and Democrats have been divided over a more fundamental issue: how much the state should plan to spend in the coming year. Democrats have advocated for dipping into the states reserve funding, pointing to a $3 billion surplus and the $7 billion rainy day fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans, however, are aiming to close the states structural deficit, a result of the state planning to spend more out of its general fund than it takes in over the last several years. In February, Shapiro unveiled a plan to spend $51.5 billion in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, roughly $4.5 billion more than his office projected the state would bring in. In July, the Democratic-led House passed a budget bill that would have cut Shapiros proposal by $1 billion, though the measure has stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate. To offset the deficit, Shapiro has proposed legalizing and taxing recreational marijuana, and placing a tax on so-called skill games, slot machine-like devices that have popped up in bars and corner stores across Pennsylvania. While Republican leaders have previously rejected legalizing recreational cannabis this year, and disagreements remain in the caucus over how to regulate skill games, Shapiro said Monday, Im not going to concede on any of those fronts I think well be able to pass a fiscally responsible budget that cuts taxes and makes significant investments. Adj. Gen. Craig Strong who oversees the Nebraska National Guard and Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, right, joins Gov. Jim Pillen at a news conference to celebrate legislation for Guard recruitment and retention. Dec. 10, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Editors note: The Nebraska Governors Office on Tuesday specified where the Nebraska National Guard members will be serving. The story has been updated. OMAHA Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen says the Nebraska National Guards new role in assisting federal immigration authorities will be administrative and not law enforcement. His office followed up Tuesday to say the Guard will be headed to Omaha, Grand Island and North Platte, not McCook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor answered questions about the Guards role during a news conference on a separate topic Monday in Douglas County. He said the 20 troops assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations will do DNA swabs, fingerprint detainees and similar work. He said he asked the Guard for volunteers and said the 20 who stepped forward will not be doing any arresting. He said their work will be administrative support for ICE. He also said the ICE immigration detention facility at the McCook Work Ethic Camp, which will be run by Nebraska Department of Correctional Services personnel, would come online for immigration use within 45 days. We feel really, really proud that were able to play a part in that, to make sure were safe, Pillen said of Nebraska. This is about safety, not immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics have described the state-run federal detention facilities and increased immigration raids as inhumane and said they are part of a national effort by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to get migrants swept up in stings to self-deport rather than fight their cases in court. Pillen was asked about a Fox News report that said several states, including Nebraska, were about to send National Guard troops to help in immigration and in some cases policing roles in major cities. He said Nebraskas help is in McCook and around the state with ICE. Pillen said he and Nebraska Guard leaders had not discussed assisting the Trump administration in a criminal justice capacity in Washington, D.C., Chicago or other targeted Democratic-led cities. Were a state of 2 million people, he said. Were out-kicking our coverage here, but we cant do everything. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NEED TO KNOW A University of Idaho student spoke to state police about an incident on Nov. 13, 2022, when he heard someone tapping on his window This happened at approximately 5 a.m. at his home, less than an hour after Bryan Kohberger murdered four college students at 1122 King Road This young man was a neighbor of the victims, and spoke with Idaho State Police thinking it could have been Kohberger, 30, at his window that morning A neighbor of the four University of Idaho students murdered by Bryan Kohberger told investigators that he believes the killer also came to his home in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022. That neighbor is also a college student, and told officials that he had been playing video games with his fraternity brothers until 4:30 a.m., according to an Idaho State Police report obtained by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told police that he drove home that night, parked his car just to the east of 1122 King Road and took his dog for a walk down the street. The neighbor said in his interview with police that there was "another dog barking in the area" and he could hear music playing, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The walk stopped at a dead end, which placed the young man directly to the south of 1122 King Road. Unbeknownst to him, four of his fellow college students had just been stabbed to death inside that house. Angela Palermo/Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service via Getty Images 1122 King Road And that dog he heard barking was likely Murphy, the Goldendoodle owned by victim Kaylee Goncalves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The young man told police he arrived home from his walk at 5 a.m. and went to bed. "About two minutes after getting in bed, he heard a tapping on the window next to the front door. He peered through the blinds on the window but didn't see anyone," read the report. 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. It went on to say that the neighbor contacted ISP because after learning about the murders, he thought the person outside his home might have been Kohberger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This interview was conducted after the release of the probable cause affidavit, which said Kohberger was seen on a Ring camera speeding out of the neighborhood at 4:20 a.m. The affidavit also placed Kohberger in Uniontown at 5 a.m. that morning, a small town in Washington located approximately 15 miles southwest of Moscow. Kohberger also pinged a cell phone tower 15 miles due south of Moscow in the farm town of Genesee just before 5 a.m. when he turned his phone back on for the first time. He would spend much of that day on the phone, incessantly calling his mother starting just after 6 a.m. Kohberger even called her as he drove back to the murder scene that morning, speaking with her for over three hours. Police did not appear to follow up on the neighbor's report, but they did enter the interview into evidence. Read the original article on People The Nevada state government was forced to cancel all in-person services and shut down its public website after suffering an unspecified "network security incident". The office of Governor Joe Lombardo said on Monday afternoon that it was working to restore its computer systems and investigate the reason why it had been compromised. It said that all state offices would be closed to in-person visits throughout Monday, but that emergency call-taking and "essential services" such as 911 remained available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Affected services included the Nevada DMV, the Public Utilities Commission, the dispatch phone lines of the State Police and Highway Patrol, and various other phone lines and online systems. The Nevada government's website was still offline as of 9 p.m. local time. Authorities have said little about the nature or causes of the incident (ANP/AFP via Getty Images) "On early Sunday morning, the State of Nevada identified a network security incident and immediately engaged in 24/7 recovery services. The matter is still under active investigation," Lombardo's office said on X, the social network. "The state is focused on restoring services safely and validating systems before returning them to normal operation... Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At this time, there is no evidence that any personally identifiable information was compromised." The office added that Nevadans should be wary of "unsolicited calls, emails, or texts" exploiting the situation by asking for "personal information or payments." Nothing more was revealed about the cause of the incident, including whether it was malicious and who or what may have been responsible. In a prior statement on Sunday, the Governor's Technology Office said the incident had started around 1:52 a.m. on Sunday and that some services might be "hard to reach or briefly down". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If that happens, the Office advised, users should try again later. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said it was "actively tracking this network security incident" and "collaborating with the State of Nevada to offer assistance." The FBI's Las Vegas field office also confirmed that it was helping with the investigation. (NewsNation) Lawyers on Tuesday are expected to create a timeline for proceedings in the latest deportation efforts against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man who was mistakenly sent to El Salvador earlier this year. When he was detained Monday during a check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in Baltimore, the 72-hour countdown began for Abrego Garcias potential deportation to Uganda. Kilmar Abrego Garcia to remain in jail as lawyers argue his future Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abrego Garcia filed a new lawsuit in the states federal district court shortly after he was detained. Later that same day, Judge Paula Xinis said she would issue an order to keep him in the country while she reviewed the challenge. He will remain in the custody of U.S. Marshals as lawyers for him and the U.S. Justice Department argue whether he will be deported upon his release from federal custody. Another hearing in the case is tentatively scheduled for Friday, though exact details are not yet known. Kilmar Abrego Garcia released from jail Abrego Garcias detainment and his teams effort to challenge it is far from his first. The Maryland father returned to the United States in June after his mistaken deportation to El Salvadors notorious CECOT prison in March a violation of a court order preventing him from being returned to his home country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration resisted initial legal orders to bring Abrego Garcia back to the U.S., but he was eventually returned and is now facing federal charges for human smuggling. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, accompanied by his wife Jennifer Vasquez Sura, looks up after a prayer vigil before he enters a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office on Aug. 25, 2025, in Baltimore. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) This courtroom sketch depicts Kilmar Abrego Garcia sitting in court during his detention hearing on June 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (Diego Fishburn via AP) Supporters of Kilmar Abrego Garcia rally outside the U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, Md., where a hearing was scheduled to be held on returning him to Maryland on July 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Church message on immigration a reality check for South Texas congregation He remained in a Tennessee jail until last week, when a judge ordered his release. Days later, Abrego Garcia is once again in federal custody and awaiting news about his future. Naresh Gehi, founder and principal attorney at Gehi and Associates in New York, told NewsNation the back-to-back detainments are meant to wear Abrego Garcia down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what the government typically does they will try to keep him in jail as much as possible just to basically break his spirit and to make sure he gives up, Gehi said. Its a test of patience. NewsNations Anna Kutz, Jeff Arnold, Jordan Perkins and Steph Whiteside 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. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Angelo State University (ASU) announced in a press release that it has launched a new Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence (AI-COE) with the goal to integrate and infuse artificial intelligence (AI) across every academic discipline and operational unit on campus, as well as into the greater West Texas community. The AI-COE will be located in The Nexus at Angelo State. Its development is supported by $5 million in non-formula funding recently approved by the Texas Legislature, to be split over the next two fiscal years. The funding will allow the AI-COE to expand its auspices well beyond just the Computer Science Department to initially also include Information Technology, the Innovation and Research Hub and the College of Graduate Studies and Research stated the press release. ASU stated that eventually it will also involve faculty and staff from across campus, as well as local business owners and outside researchers, who are looking at potential uses of AI in many different areas. ASU acquires former USAA Building and renames it The Nexus at Angelo State Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The press release contained this statement from ASUs President Ronnie Hawkins: Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of our world from how we learn and teach to how we work and live, said Hawkins. Angelo State is committed to preparing our students, faculty and community to thrive in this new era with innovation, integrity and purpose. Our vision is to provide world-class instruction and equipment to lead West Texas in AI education and industry collaboration. But as we embrace the promise of AI, we must also proceed with caution and care. Ethics, transparency and community engagement will be the cornerstones of our approach. ASU recently added new bachelors and masters degrees in AI that can be completed 100% online. They have also added an online Certificate in AI Policy and Ethics stated the 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com. A New Jersey woman beat her boyfriends 4-year-old daughter to death, and the boyfriend helped her try to get away with it, authorities said Tuesday. Ashanti Givens, 21, was charged with first-degree murder for the little girls death, according to the Passaic County Prosecutors Office. She and her boyfriend, 21-year-old Givenchy Stewart, were both charged with child endangerment and hindering apprehension. Stewarts daughter, who has not been publicly identified, was found unresponsive at around 8:45 p.m. on May 6 inside Givens apartment in Paterson, about 13 miles west of Manhattan. The girl was transported to Saint Josephs University Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 9:33 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An initial investigation determined that Stewart and Givens had left the girl by herself for significant periods of time on May 5 and May 6, prosecutors said. Both were charged with child endangerment back in May for that decision. Prosecutors said when the couple was interviewed afterward, they lied about their actions and the circumstances surrounding the girls death, according to NJ.com. An autopsy later determined she died from blunt force trauma, and investigators determined Givens was the one who beat her to death. Givens and Stewart are scheduled for a joint arraignment on Sept. 8. Givens faces 30 year to life in prison on the first-degree murder charge. The death of Stewarts daughter was not the only violent incident involving a 4-year-old girl in Paterson in the past 13 months. In August 2024, another 4-year-old girl was stabbed multiple times, allegedly by her aunt. She survived the attack. The AI rocket ship has turned Nvidia into an investing gold mine. A $1,000 investment in 2015 would be worth $349,960 today, according to Yahoo Finance data. The same $1,000 in Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) would've yielded $96,190, compared to $3,422 from the S&P 500 (^GSPC). However, $1,000 into the then-industry leader Intel (INTC) would become only $1,145 as the once-dominant chipmaker misses out on the AI train. If you have $1,000 to invest in chip stocks today, it's no surprise that the pick for many analysts is still Nvidia. Goldman Sachs analyst James Schneider noted that despite growing talk of "peak concerns," the company has further upside due to its product leadership, diversified customer base, and an "attractive valuation" relative to growth prospects. The firm reiterated its Buy rating and $185 price target. Broadcom (AVGO) is another top pick. The California-based chipmaker has become a leader in custom silicon for hyperscalers like Google (GOOG) and Meta (META). Schneider said Broadcom will continue generating steady, growing profitability in its infrastructure business and estimated AI will account for more than 40% of the company's revenue by 2026. Wedbush analyst Matt Bryson told Yahoo Finance that Nvidia and Broadcom, whose stock has jumped nearly 3,500% in the past 10 years, have the clearest path to continued growth. "Nvidia is going to remain the share leader in AI for the next three to five years partly due to the moat they've created," he said. "I think Broadcom is going to remain the key provider in basics." AMD has also gained market share and positioned itself as a rival in GPUs. Despite strong execution in traditional computing, AMD's stock upside is likely "capped" given its more limited share in AI, Schneider wrote in a recent note. "I would argue they [AMD] have the greatest growth potential, but also potentially the greatest risk to their growth potential," Bryson said. He noted that AMD's solution is the closest to Nvidia's, but the company would need to grow its AI market share to high single digits to deliver meaningful stock gains. Meanwhile, some smaller players are hovering under the radar. Silicon Motion (SIMO) has quietly emerged as a potential AI-era beneficiary. The company designs and manufactures controllers used in solid-state drives (SSDs), smartphones, and automotive storage. According to Bryson, Silicon Motion has historically traded like a memory company, with lower valuations compared to design-focused peers like Nvidia. But as it expands into enterprise storage controllers, its growth profile could improve, possibly leading to higher valuation multiples. PATERSON, N.J. (PIX11) A woman is accused of killing her boyfriends 4-year-old daughter after the child was found unresponsive in a New Jersey apartment a few months ago, authorities said Tuesday. Ashanti Givens, 21, was charged with murder, endangering the welfare of a child, and hindering apprehension in connection with the incident on May 6, according to the Passaic County Prosecutors Office. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl was found unresponsive in the apartment near Pearl and Carroll streets in Paterson at around 8:45 p.m., prosecutors said. She was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved. The autopsy revealed the child died from blunt force trauma to the head. Givens and the girls father, 21-year-old Givenchy Stewart, are accused of leaving the girl alone in the apartment for long stretches between May 5 and May 6, authorities said. The couple was nabbed about a week later. Stewart was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and hindering apprehension, according to prosecutors. Givens is facing 30 years to life in prison if convicted of the murder charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Passaic County Prosecutors Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident or other incidents regarding this individual to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO. Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The man accused of killing a 26-year-old woman in Sunland Park last month in a hit-and-run crash is back behind bars after being arrested on a new DWI charge. Vicente Vasquez Jr., 61, went before a judge in Dona Ana County on Monday, Aug. 25, where prosecutors asked the court to revoke his bond and keep him in custody. The judge did not issue a ruling and set another hearing within the week to determine whether Vasquez will remain detained until trial. Suspect in fatal Sunland Park hit-and-run faces new DWI charge Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records show Vasquez was arrested on Aug. 19 for aggravated DWI while driving on a suspended license. At the time of his arrest, he was already out on bond in connection with a deadly July 3 crash in Sunland Park that killed 26-year-old Graciela Citlali-Tonazin Sahs and seriously injured a man. Vasquez was initially released on an unsecured bond. In a statement to KTSM, the Dona Ana County District Attorneys Office for Fernando Macias said it was not aware of Vasquezs multiple prior DWI convictions in Texas at the time of his initial court appearance. At the time of the initial hearing on the original vehicular homicide case, the District Attorneys Office was unaware of Mr. Vasquezs multiple prior DWI convictions in Texas, the office said. His last known DWI offense in New Mexico was in 2005, and based on the information available at that time, the case did not meet the legal threshold to request pretrial detention under New Mexico law. However, after the hearing, we became aware of his out-of-state DWI history. Mr. Vasquez is now back in custody and we are pursuing felony-level charges for the new DWI offense. The DAs office adds that it will request he remain detained until his cases are resolved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family members of Sahs told KTSM they are frustrated that Vasquez was released on bond after the fatal crash. He killed my child. And you let him go for $1,000. To me, that was like, so my childs life was worth $1,000? Is that all she was worth? said her mother, Jennifer Nava-Sahs. Vasquez has multiple prior DWI convictions in both Texas and New Mexico. Court records show he was sentenced to eight years by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in 2017. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. In a settlement agreement announced on Aug. 25, 2025, New Mexico State University agreed to implement mandatory consent and sexual assault training for all students beginning in the fall 2025 semester. (Photo by Danielle Prokop / Source NM) All New Mexico State University students must undergo consent and sexual assault training this fall and each year forward, following a $1 million settlement announced Monday. The settlement stems from a civil lawsuit filed last year by an NMSU student following what she said was the schools lack of response after she reported being raped in her dorm room in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Monday news release announcing the settlement, Albuquerque-based law firm McGinn, Montoya, Love, Curry & Sievers said even though the NMSU Police Department contacted the university about the sexual assault, the school failed to take the survivors report seriously and did not complete its investigation for more than an entire school year. In addition, the school was notified that the Third Judicial District Court in September 2022 had granted a temporary restraining order against the alleged perpetrator and then made the restraining order effective for 40 years in January 2023, but took no reasonable steps to enforce the order of protection on campus and took insufficient steps to keep the alleged perpetrator from violating it, according to the lawsuit. State prosecutors ultimately charged Aizen Robert Saucedo with three counts of criminal sexual penetration against the woman. A jury in July 2024 found him not guilty on all three counts, according to court records. Under the July 10 settlement agreement, NMSU agreed to implement mandatory consent and sexual assault training for all students beginning in the fall 2025 semester. In a statement, the plaintiff said NMSUs willingness to implement the training is a meaningful step in improving campus safety and reducing the risk of sexual assaults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the suit, between 2019 and April 2022, prior to the womans assault, NMSU knew of at least 22 reports of criminal sexual penetration on campus, with at least 12 reports occurring inside on-campus student housing. We stand with our client in affirming that obtaining justice is not only about her own case, but also about changing the systems that failed her, so that future students are protected and believed, the womans attorneys Elicia Montoya, Katie Curry and Cameron Bell told Source in an emailed statement on Monday. Her battle was hard fought, the attorneys added. NMSU Communications & Media Relations Director Amanda Bradford told Source that NMSU takes sexual assault allegations seriously. We share the plaintiffs stated commitment to reducing the number of sexual assaults committed on campus in the future, and have expanded mandatory consent and sexual assault training for all students beginning this fall, Bradford told Source in an emailed statement. This mandatory training is the latest in NMSUs ongoing efforts to heighten awareness, enhance safety, and support students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The required online course, RespectEdu for College, covers topics such as: building and maintaining healthy relationships; understanding consent and respect; practicing bystander intervention to help others; and promoting a community of care, dignity, and responsibility, Bradford said. If students do not participate, they may be prohibited from registering for classes until they do, Bradford said. She said NMSU also offers training, guidance, screenings and resources related to sexual assault and violence prevention, bystander intervention, intimate partner violence and other health topics through its Office of Health Promotion. New Mexico in 2024 required all state-funded colleges to include affirmative consent in their policies and procedures on sexual activity. The New Mexico Sexual Assault Helpline is available 24/7 by phone or text: 1-844-667-2457 or nmsahelp.org SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) No bail as been set for Noel Trevino, the man accused of killing 71-year-old Wanda Taylor in her National City home last week. In court Monday, a judge deemed Trevino a danger to the community. Prosecutors say 30-year-old Trevino posed as a salesman with a clipboard and name badge last Wednesday morning. They say he made contact with the victim at her home on Division Street before leaving the area for a short time. Fathers murder in Lincoln Park still unsolved nearly two decades later Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say the victim left her home briefly, and during that time, Trevino returned. Surveillance video captures him walking around the home trying to open the doors to get inside. When Taylor returned home, prosecutors say Trevino took a softball-sized rock and hit her over the head twice as she entered her home, then used two kitchen knives to stab her to death. 7-month-old Emmanuel Haros parents arrested on suspicion of murder Investigators say he ransacked the home and stayed inside until the victims husband, Ernest Taylor, arrived home later that day and made the discovery. Prosecutors say Trevino has no ties to San Diego and are asking the public for any information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile Taylors family has started a GoFundMe to help during this difficult time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Next year will be the 100th for the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. Its first program was broadcast on WKBN radio, which was also in its first year. Over the weekend, musicians in the symphony questioned if there would be a 100th year. Usually by this time, the symphonys season schedule would have been released, but it hasnt been so far this year. Concerns about the upcoming concert season became public on Saturday morning by way of a short social media post by the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra Musicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The symphonys musicians have two concerns. First, the 2025-26 concert schedule has not been released, and their contract states the schedule must be released by Aug. 1. Second, the union contract expires Aug. 31, and according to the social media post, there has been no response from the Board of the Symphony Society to start negotiations. The Youngstown Symphony Society Board of Directors has continually failed us time and time again. They have proved themselves to be committed to only the maintenance of the DeYor Performing Arts Center and clearly not the world class musicians that grace the Power Auditorium Stage, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First News requested an interview with a musician but was told the social media post was the only comment at this time. Youngstown Symphony Society issued a statement Monday evening that said, The Youngstown Symphony Society and the Henry H. Stambaugh Auditorium Association are in negotiations regarding the continued operation of the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra (YSO). An announcement regarding the 2025/2026 YSO Season and the music director position will be made if an agreement is reached. The parties are contributing significant efforts to continue the long history of the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. The Youngstown Symphony has been in a state of flux since the death of music director and coordinator Randall Fleischer five years ago. Last year, Sergey Bogza was hired as the new music director and conductor, but Bogza resigned for personal reasons before getting started. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A noise variance moved forward Tuesday morning ahead of planned construction on the Martin Luther King Jr. Street bridge in Grand Rapids. The $30 million project, which is slated for 2026, will rebuild about 700 feet of the bridge, from the northbound US-131 ramps east to Buchanan Avenue. MDOT: $30M project planned to replace part of MLK Jr. Street bridge Grand Rapids City Engineer Tim Burkman said the plan is to complete the replacement within one construction season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major construction activities are generally not allowed between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., but the Michigan Department of Transportation requested a noise variance to allow some construction work on up to 45 nights during the construction period, from March 30, 2026 to Nov. 20, 2026. Night work could include demolition, beam setting and pavement removal and other construction work, but officials say sheet pile driving and other extremely loud operations would not be allowed. The Grand Rapids Community Development Committee considered the noise variance at its Tuesday morning meeting. You did hold a hearing of public necessity at your last meeting on August 12 and there were no comments made, so we recommend your approval in granting this request to MDOT, Burkman said to the committee. With little discussion, the committee recommended adopting a resolution granting the request and it passed in city commission Tuesday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents and hospitals within 600 feet were informed of a previous hearing and will continue to be updated as the project moves along, according to Burkman. MDOT previously held a design meeting and will hold a pre-construction meeting, Burkman 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. Two Milwaukee apartment buildings that once paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in property taxes stopped doing so after being acquired by a nonprofit with close ties to a New York-based real estate investment firm, Public Investigator found. The nonprofit, known as Harmony Housing, had obtained a property tax exemption meant to help charitable organizations develop affordable housing. However, the nonprofit's overlap with the for-profit real estate firm Greystone has led accounting experts to question both the validity of the exemptions and whether the arrangement honors the spirit of what nonprofits are meant to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is absolutely not what the nonprofit tax exemption was meant for, said Jennifer Mosley, a University of Chicago professor and nonprofit policy expert. As a result of the tax exemptions, the City of Milwaukee has missed out on an estimated $600,000 since 2022, based on the properties' most recent tax payments in public records. Neither Greystone nor Harmony Housing have been charged or accused of wrongdoing by authorities. After Harmony Housing sold the buildings to a different real estate company in 2023, the properties stayed tax-exempt. The new owner, a for-profit group called The Michaels Organization, said that was an oversight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two properties the north side Wesley Scott senior apartments and the south side Knitting Loft Factory apartments saw a surge in complaints of neglect and safety issues after being acquired by Harmony Housing, according to Department of Neighborhood Services records. Since 2021, the Wesley Scott apartments have seen police calls rise more than 600%, Public Investigator previously reported. Residents say the building, once an anchor in the Metcalfe Park neighborhood, has been overwhelmed by trespassers and disrepair. At the Knitting Factory Lofts, tenants complained of pest infestations and broken heaters after Harmony Housing acquired the property in 2020, city inspection records show. In both buildings, the number of complaints rose after Harmony Housing bought the properties, but continued to increase after the properties were sold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to questions about Greystone's relationship with Harmony Housing, Greystone spokesperson Alyson Nikulicz said only that the investment firm does not own the nonprofit or its properties. She added: "In Milwaukee, the City Tax Assessor determines which properties qualify for a real estate tax exemption." Property taxes fund essential services like garbage collection, police and public schools. When buildings become tax-exempt, the share that other property owners have to pay gets bigger. Deborah Thrope, deputy director of the National Housing Law Project, said complicated ownership structures in affordable housing are common and can obscure who is really accountable for property conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes, that means property owners can sidestep taxes while leaving tenants to deal with neglect. It can leave tenants in a really tough spot, Thrope said. Experts question whether nonprofit owners had legitimate charitable mission There are two requirements to qualify for an affordable housing tax exemption in Wisconsin. First, 75% of the buildings units must be set aside for low-income tenants. Second, the property owner has to be a "benevolent" nonprofit. That means the nonprofit should be dedicated to helping those in need, according to state law. In addition, the IRS requires nonprofits to operate solely for charitable purposes, and not allow their earnings to benefit a private individual or company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts say that raises major questions in this case. On paper, the Milwaukee apartment buildings qualified for the tax exemption because they were owned by a nonprofit. Nikulicz, Greystone's spokesperson, said in an email that Harmony Housings mission is to preserve and provide affordable housing for low-income families. However, tax records show little separation between Harmony Housing and Greystone, the real estate investment firm. In its tax filings, the nonprofit lists the same address and many of the same leaders as the for-profit Greystone. Shared leadership includes the president of the nonprofit, Jim O'Connell, who is also Greystone's executive managing director. The CEO of Greystone, Stephen Rosenberg, is also listed in tax records as one of the nonprofit's directors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tax filings from 2022 and 2023 also show that Harmony sent more than $13 million to Greystone for contracted services each year. David Super, professor of law and economics at Georgetown University, called the figures "striking." While the tax filings aren't enough to determine whether the organization is complying with its charitable mission, as required by federal tax law, Super said he finds the arrangement "very troubling." The Knitting Factory Lofts in Milwaukee. Harmony Housing's most recent tax filing shows it generated about $237 million in rental income from its properties across the country in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although there are no strict rules on how much money a nonprofit can make, its philanthropic mission should be clear, said Brian Mittendorf, a nonprofit accounting expert at Ohio State University. If a nonprofit says its charitable purpose is to provide affordable housing, consistently generating profits from rentals "would make it hard to justify that the organization is working towards those goals, particularly if they are poorly maintaining the rental units, Mittendorf said. Greystone and Harmony Housing have not been formally accused of any wrongdoing. Current owners promise to start paying property taxes In early 2023, Harmony Housing sold the buildings as part of a $1.2 billion nationwide portfolio sale to The Michaels Organization, one of the largest affordable housing companies in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The properties remained tax-exempt, despite the fact that The Michaels Organization is a for-profit company. When asked, Michaels Organization spokesperson Laura Zaner initially said it was never the companys intention to avoid property taxes. We did not apply for a new exemption, do not intend to apply for an exemption, and do not believe the property qualifies for any exemption, Zaner wrote in an email. However, records show that The Michaels Organization filed state-required tax exemption reports in 2024, indicating it believed the properties still qualified. In a follow-up, The Michaels Organization clarified that both of the properties qualified for the tax break in 2024 because they were still owned by a nonprofit on Jan. 1, 2023 the date used for that years assessment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We don't expect any of them to remain tax exempt now that the nonprofit is no longer involved, and have notified the tax assessors of the same," Zaner said on July 28. Super, the Georgetown University professor, said real estate companies normally try to update property records as soon as possible to secure their ownership. That's why the failure to update records here is puzzling, he said. No government agencies have accused The Michaels Organization of improper tax exemptions. The Milwaukee City Assessor's Office confirmed The Michaels Organization has since updated its paperwork, and the properties will now be taxed. Milwaukee City Assessor Nicole Larsen The office is permitted to correct errors retroactively up to two years back. Milwaukee City Assessor Nicole Larsen said tax bills will be issued for both 2025 and 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Larsen said the office is reviewing the records Michaels provided and will set an assessment value once that review is complete. The Knitting Factory Loft Apartments, which span two parcels at 2100 and 2102 W. Pierce St., became tax exempt in 2021 after they were purchased by Harmony Housing, according to city records. In previous years, the parcels generated around $101,000 to $130,000 a year in property taxes. The Wesley Scott Apartments at 2800 W. Wright St. were declared tax-exempt in 2022, the year after Harmony Housing acquired the property. Previously, it contributed between $53,000 to $56,000 in property taxes per year. Mayor Cavalier Johnsons spokesperson Jeff Fleming acknowledged concerns about the citys ongoing tracking of tax-exempt properties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Fleming said the three parcels make up a small share of Milwaukees total property value. "The impact on an average households tax bill if these properties were on the tax roll is minimal, he said. That said, we want every property that is taxable to be on the tax rolls and thats certainly the goal of the Assessors Office." 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: Experts question tax exemption for nonprofit-owned Milwaukee buildings An off-duty North Andover police officer who was shot and wounded during an armed confrontation with police trying to serve a restraining order at her home earlier this summer has been indicted by a grand jury. Kelsey Fitzsimmons, 28, was indicted for assault by means of a dangerous weapon by an Essex County grand jury on Monday, a spokesman for the Essex District Attorneys Office confirmed to Boston 25 News. An Essex Superior Court judge also denied Fitzsimmons second bail appeal, noting that the court has not been presented with a satisfactory release plan, according to the DAs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fitzsimmons was arraigned in early August from her hospital bed on charges of armed assault with intent to murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. She pleaded not guilty to all charges and was ordered held without bail on the grounds of dangerousness. Fitzsimmons was shot by police once in the chest in the incident on Phillips Brooks Road around 6 p.m. on June 30, according to Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker and her attorney. Three officers were carrying out a court-ordered restraining order at Fitzsimmons home when the shooting happened, prosecutors said. Fitzsimmons was the subject of the restraining order. When one of the officers was escorting Ms. Fitzsimmons during the service of the court order, an armed confrontation took place, Tucker said after the shooting. One of the standard boxes to check is the retrieval of any firearms in the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order, obtained by Fitzsimmons fiancee and the father of their four-month-old baby, came by surprise in an ex parte fashion, seeking to take the child away from her, her attorney, Tim Bradl, said last month. I am in trouble and have a gunshot wound to my chest because in that awful, isolated moment, I no longer had the will to live, Fitzsimmons said in her first public comment on the incident, adding that she was diagnosed with postpartum depression soon after giving birth to her son in February. Fitzsimmons is next due to appear in court for a probable cause hearing on Aug. 28. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Theres no sugarcoating it: A new North Carolina law unraveling utility Duke Energys climate goals is a massive setback for the states clean energy transition, and its being exacerbated by the Trump administrations full-scale assault on wind and solar power across the country. Yet many observers believe that in the short term the renewable energy sector will bend but not break buoyed by the realities of rising electricity demand and the increasingly bleak economics of fossil fuels. The Republican-led legislature passed Senate Bill 266 last month, overriding the veto of Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat. The legislation erases a 2030 deadline by which Duke must cut its carbon emissions by 70% compared to 2005 levels, though it retains a mandate for the utility to decarbonize by midcentury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those deadlines were set into state law in resounding bipartisan fashion only four years ago, with just over two dozen no votes in the GOP-controlled House and Senate combined. But it was a different era politically. Democrat Joe Biden had just won the presidency, spurred in part by voters animated by the climate crisis. Then-Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, had made promoting the clean energy economy a signature of his administration, and his party held enough seats in both chambers to sustain his veto. Elected in 2024, Stein has made no secret of his support for clean energy, but his focus to date has been recovery after Hurricane Helene, which struck the state nearly a year ago. Republicans in the General Assembly are only one vote shy of a supermajority. President Donald Trumps stunning attack on wind, solar, and climate science has given license to like-minded allies in his party and in powerful state industrial groups to follow his lead. The utility landscape has also shifted dramatically. In 2021, Duke, ever-influential with lawmakers, was willing to compromise on a wide-ranging energy bill to secure approval for a long-sought multiyear ratemaking scheme. Before a cleantech manufacturing resurgence and the explosion of AI, the company also faced relatively flat electric demand. State utility regulators, all but one appointed by Cooper, appeared inclined toward climate action, even if they sometimes frustrated advocates. A new political and energy reality Today, Republican-appointed members including one with an apparent axe to grind against solar comprise the majority on the Utilities Commission. After the passage of SB 266, the panel wasted no time in ordering Duke to stop near-term planning for cutting its carbon emissions by 70%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duke still must zero out its climate-warming pollution by 2050, and its latest plan for doing so is due Oct. 1. But if predictions from Public Staff, the state-sanctioned customer advocate, are any indication, removing the near-term goal could mean seismic changes to the companys forecast for the next decade. With the blessing of regulators, the company was already on pace to miss the interim target by five years. Without any midway goal, Duke could build about 12 fewer gigawatts of new power capacity by 2035 and lean harder on aging fossil-fuel plants and purchased power instead. The forgone generation includes 4.4 gigawatts of solar, 2.8 gigawatts of battery storage, and 4.5 gigawatts of wind, according to Public Staff. Advocates are working hard to make sure those predictions dont come true. One dynamic that may help is the urgency of rising electricity demand. According to June figures from Duke, new economic development projects in the form of data centers and other large customers could require roughly 6 new gigawatts of capacity by 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet wait times for new natural gas turbines are as long as seven years, according to S&P Global. And Duke plans to be a so-called second mover on small modular nuclear reactors meaning it doesnt foresee becoming the first U.S. utility to put the nascent resource into service. A new reactor wont come online for at least 10 years, per the company. Its a matter of meeting a deficit Even if the most extreme predictions about new economic development dont pan out, solar and battery storage, and even onshore wind, are all poised to fill a need left by these delays, advocates say. It's a matter of meeting a deficit a potential deficit in energy demand, said Karly Brownfield, a senior program manager with Southeastern Wind Coalition, a nonprofit that advocates for the industry. With similar development timelines as gas and a well-established and tested permitting process in the state, she said, I think onshore wind is definitely going to continue to move to the front. Another factor favoring renewables: cost. While the tax and spending bill signed by Trump this summer indubitably scrambles the calculus on wind and solar by phasing out tax incentives more quickly than before and making them harder for developers to access, these resources are still cheaper than new fossil-fueled plants even without subsidies. The cost of battery storage, meanwhile, continues to decline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the specter of rising natural gas prices should loom large, says Josh Brooks, chief of policy strategy and innovation with the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association. The passage of SB 266 puts into sharp focus retail ratepayer exposure to fuel-price volatility, he said. The best and quickest opportunity to address that risk is through distributed renewables especially solar paired with storage. Brownfield is also not giving up on offshore wind, despite the Trump administrations aggressive antipathy for ocean-based turbines and Dukes recent decision not to solicit any offshore projects in the near term. The three developers who hold leases off North Carolinas coast have spent relatively little on their projects so far, Brownfield said. They can bide their time until the politics and the economics become more favorable. Theyre early enough in the process that they feel like they can mitigate that risk over the next couple of years, Brownfield said. The conversation about offshore wind is not going to go away. Advocates also point to the colossal economic development impact of renewables in the state from the farmers who increase their profit margins by leasing land for turbines or solar panels to the county commissioners looking to fund public schools. An analysis released just before lawmakers passed SB 266 showed the law could cut investment in power plant construction by more than $47.2 billion between 2030 and 2035, and reduce tax revenue by more than $1.4 billion mostly because of forgone renewable energy development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In hurricane-prone North Carolina, resiliency concerns loom large, too, said Brooks, who noted the success of solar microgrids and other climatetech in the wake of Helenes devastation. There's no doubt about it that that was the quickest way to respond to Helene, he said. As incidents like that increase, we're only going to see more need for the utility to think about decentralized assets. Regulatory decisions on the horizon Even without the 2030 carbon goal, clean energy advocates will have several chances over the next year to advance these arguments before the Utilities Commission. An analysis of Dukes large load growth projections is ongoing, and an expert witness hearing is scheduled for October. The companys latest draft plan for phasing out climate-warming emissions comes this fall and must be finalized by the end of 2026. Whats more, Duke is proposing to merge its two separate utilities in North Carolina, and could soon proffer another three-year rate increase to begin in 2027. Theres going to be tens of billions of dollars of investment decisions made at the regulatory level in the next year, said Will Scott, Southeast climate and clean energy director for Environmental Defense Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regulators have also directed the company to test gas-fired plants that can be fueled with hydrogen. If that experiment ultimately proves unworkable, it could force Duke to abandon its apparent plan to convert its fossil-fueled plants to hydrogen at the last minute to comply with the midcentury carbon deadline. Given how big a piece hydrogen was in their 2050 plan, in terms of reducing emissions from the new proposed gas units, thats going to be good to keep an eye on, Scott said. Still, the immediate future of renewables is likely to depend most on Duke itself, whose sway with regulators appears steadfast as ever. And the companys shareholders, who per one Wall Street firm secured a more predictable earnings trajectory from the passage of SB 266, could pull away from wind and solar and toward more robust investments in fossil fuels. Whats more, the current political climate, as set by the White House, could embolden anti-clean-energy lawmakers to push to eliminate Dukes carbon goals entirely before possible Republican losses in next years midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates are clear-eyed about that risk. But they also point to electric bills that are already rising and predicted to climb even more under SB 266, especially for households. That could create the impetus for bipartisan legislation to course correct. I can easily foresee a world where we do not have to engage much to get parts of this bill overturned in a future session once the economic realities of it hit the ratepayers, Brooks said. China-Arab TV: Israeli forces attacked Nasser Hospital in Gaza yesterday, leading to the death of multiple medical workers who were trying to save lives and of multiple journalists. Whats Chinas comment? Guo Jiakun: We are shocked by the tragic death of medical workers and journalists yet again in the Gaza conflict. We condemn the attack, mourn for the victims and express sympathies for the families of the victims. China is closely following what is happening in Gaza. We oppose and condemn all moves that harm civilians, damage civilian facilities and violate international law, including those violent moves that target journalists. Israel should stop its military operation in Gaza at once, realize a full and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible, fully resume access to humanitarian supplies, avoid a humanitarian crisis of a greater scale, and cool down the situation as soon as possible. AFP: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he expects to visit China this year or shortly afterwards. Is China open to a visit from Donald Trump? Guo Jiakun: China always follows the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation to handle and grow its relations with the U.S. We will also firmly safeguard our sovereignty, security and development interests. We hope the U.S. will work with us to jointly promote the steady, sound and sustainable development of bilateral ties. Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable and strategic guiding role in China-U.S. relations. The presidents of the two countries maintain close interactions and communication. Global Times: It was reported on August 24 that according to diplomatic sources, the Japanese government asked European and Asian countries through diplomatic channels to refrain from attending events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression that will be held on September 3 in Beijing. Japan conveyed to other nations through its embassies abroad that the commemorative events focus too much on history and have anti-Japanese overtones, and that the participation of leaders should be carefully considered. Whats Chinas comment? Guo Jiakun: China noted this and has lodged protests with Japan and asked for clarification. The Chinese government will host the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War to remember history, honor the martyrs, cherish peace and usher in a brighter future. Countries that face up to history honestly and sincerely, learn from history, and truly commit themselves to peaceful development will not have misgivings about the events or even raise objection. To view and treat history correctly is an important prerequisite for Japans post-war return to the international community. It is the political foundation of Japans relations with neighboring countries, and more importantly, a yardstick for Japans commitment to peaceful development. If Japan truly wants to turn this page on historical issues, it should face squarely and reflect on its history of aggression with sincerity, make a clean break with militarism, stick to the path of peaceful development, and respect the sentiments of people from China and other victim countries, so as to earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community. Bloomberg: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media that Chinese leader sent him a note of congratulations. This happened to be on the 34th anniversary of Ukraines independence. Can you confirm that and give us any more details? Guo Jiakun: China develops friendly ties with countries in the world under the principles of mutual respect and win-win cooperation. DPA: German federal prosecutors said yesterday that they have charged a U.S. citizen with offering to provide sensitive U.S. military information to Chinese intelligence service. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this? Guo Jiakun: Im not aware of what you mentioned. Bloomberg: China is sending Vice Commerce Minister to meet officials in the U.S. Can you tell us who he will meet, what will be discussed and if you have any more details to add? Guo Jiakun: For anything specific, Id refer you to competent authorities. Bloomberg: President Donald Trump said the U.S. has more leverage over China on trade than the other way around. He pointed to airplane parts as a key item Washington has to counter Beijings restrictions on rare earth. Trump also spoke about an expected meeting hosted by Chinese leader. Would the ministry like to comment on any of these things? Guo Jiakun: I just answered relevant questions. Let me reiterate that China always follows the principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation to handle and grow its relations with the U.S. We will also firmly safeguard our sovereignty, security and development interests. We hope the U.S. will work with us to jointly promote the steady, sound and sustainable development of bilateral ties. AFP: I got a question on Japan and East China Sea. Japan protested to China after saying Beijing was trying to develop gas fields in the East China Sea waters. Do you have any comment to that? Guo Jiakun: Chinas oil and gas exploration activities in the East China Sea are conducted in undisputed waters under Chinas jurisdiction. The matter falls completely within Chinas sovereign rights and jurisdiction. China doesnt accept Japans groundless accusations and has refuted the so-called protests from the Japanese side. China is committed to comprehensively and effectively implementing the principled consensus on the East China Sea issue. This position has not changed. We hope Japan will work with China to play a constructive role in the early resumption of intergovernmental negotiations between the two countries. DPA: U.S. President Donald Trump said China has to give the U.S. rare earth magnets or will be charged with 200 percent tariffs. Whats the Foreign Ministrys comment? Guo Jiakun: Weve made clear Chinas position on tariffs more than once. In this weeks newsletter, we will take a quick look at some of the critical figures and data in the energy markets this week. We will then look at some of the key market movers early this week before providing you with the latest analysis of the top news events taking place in the global energy complex over the past few days. We hope you enjoy. Seoul Mates in Energy: U.S. Powers Up South Korea - The official visit of South Koreas President Lee Jae-myung to the US marked one of the highlights of Trumps tariff deals as the two sides formally upheld South Koreas $100 billion commitment to buy US-origin energy over the next four years. - South Korea is already the largest buyer of US crude in Asia, ramping up imports every year since 2020 and reaching 460-470 kbd currently such a pace of imports would equate to $12-14 billion per year, or half the promised commitment. - South Koreas imports of US LNG peaked in 2021 at 8.9 million tonnes and have been on a declining trend since, as the countrys importers prefer shorter-haul options from Australia and Qatar. - Similarly, 2018 marked the peak of coal shipments from the United States to Korea at 3.7 million tonnes, dropping to a mere 1.4 million tonnes last year and staging a gradual recovery since. Market Movers - Canadas leading oil producer Cenovus Energy (NYSE:CVE) agreed to buy oil sands peer MEG Energy (TSE:MEG) for $5.7 billion in a cash and stock deal, sending Cenovus stock up almost 8% on Friday. - Norways state oil firm Equinor (NYSE:EQNR) delayed development drilling at the UKs largest untapped oil field Rosebank to Q1 2026 after the UK government demanded additional emissions documentation. - US upstream firm Crescent Energy (NYSE:CRGY) agreed to purchase peer shale producer Vital Energy (NYSE:VTLE) in an all-stock deal worth $3.1 billion, adding some 70,000 b/d of oil production to its portfolio. - Japans leading gas importer Tokyo Gas (TYO:9531) is reportedly in talks with US LNG developer Venture Global (NYSE:VG) to buy 1 million tonnes of LNG per year from the Calcasieu Pass 2 facility, starting from 2028. Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Russia-Ukraine has been dominating oil headlines recently, even if President Trumps involvement has notably declined over the past week as Kyivs European allies discuss security guarantees with their US counterparts. Drone strikes on Russian refineries have had minimal impact on oil prices, with ICE Brent futures correcting back to $68 per barrel. Putin Wants US Majors Back. Russian and American officials have reportedly discussed the return of US oil majors to Russia as part of a wider post-Ukraine diplomatic arrangement, with Moscow offering ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) to re-enter Sakhalin I and sell equipment to the Arctic LNG 2 plant. Donald Trump Demands Chinese Magnets. Further escalating of the US-China trade war, Donald Trump stated that China ought to provide the United States magnets as soon as possible, hinting at inadequate rare earth exports lately, absent which the White House will slap a 200% tariff on Beijing. NORTHEAST TENN. (WJHL) The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development recently released statistics for last years economic impact of tourism in the Volunteer State. The Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association highlighted spending numbers reported in the region, compiling 2024 data such as tax revenue, labor income and more. According to a news release from the association, visitors in Northeast Tennessee generated $927,182,500 in spending in 2024, representing a nearly 7% increase from the previous year. I-26 East bridge fully reopens in Unicoi Co. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A breakdown provided by the association can be found below: Direct visitor spending in Northeast Tennessee generated $56,557,800 in state tax revenue and $35,885,400 in local tax revenue. If it were not for state and local taxes generated by tourism, each household in Northeast Tennessee would pay $425 more in state and local taxes. This truly highlights the incredible vitality and economic power of the tourism industry in Northeast Tennessee, Northeast Tennessee Tourism Executive Director Alicia Phelps said in the release. The growth weve seen is outstanding, with direct visitor spending increasing from $580 million in 2020 to nearly $930 million in 2024. This isnt just about impressive numbers; its about the tangible benefits our communities feel every day, from supporting over 7,200 jobs to generating more than $92 million in combined state and local taxes. We are immensely proud of these results, which reflect the hard work of partners across our eight counties and the enduring appeal of our region as a premier travel destination. 2024 Northeast Regional SnapshotDownload Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im so grateful to our amazing tourism and hospitality industry for these remarkable results, said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. The Tennessee Tourism team has been able to leverage bigger tourism budgets to help grow visitor spending over 36% in these last six years. We are leading the nation as one of just a few states that are aggressively growing tax revenue from non-Tennessee residents to benefit all seven million Tennesseans. According to the release, Tennessees statewide tourism industry broke records for the fourth year in a row last year by generating $31.66 billion in direct visitor spending and seeing 147 million visitors. Washington County awarded $3.7M TEMA grant for Helene recovery Below are some highlights that the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association provided for statewide data from 2024: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee saw a 12% year-over-year increase in international travel spending. This is notable because the report does not consider impacts from new direct flights from Iceland and Ireland added in Spring 2025. Those impacts will not appear until next years report. 74 out of 95 counties saw year-over-year growth. Tennessee direct visitor spending has grown 36.6% over 2018 compared to the US AVG growth of 17.4% per data from Tourism Economics. More information about Tennessees statewide tourism statistics 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. NORTHERN CAMBRIA, Pa. (WTAJ) A central Pennsylvania school district is planning a restructuring of the district that would eliminate the middle school and make changes to the elementary and high school levels. The Northern Cambria School District looks to reconfigure by having grades into a kindergarten through sixth-grade elementary school and then a seventh through 12th-grade high school, according to our media partners at The Tribune-Democrat. Officials held a special meeting on Aug. 26 to allow parents and the general public to comment on the proposed restructure. No community members attended. In three months, the school directors can now take official action to put the restructuring in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, students within the district are all under one roof at the elementary and middle school, with a new high school wing of the building that opened last week. Board members pointed to the purpose of the restructuring as to make the operation efficient, as well as to help teachers share curriculum and work together better, according to Superintendent Alan Johnson and board member Norma Krug. Solicitor Toby McIlwain says the Pennsylvania Department of Education has already marked the middle school as an inactive educational center starting this 2025-2026 school year, and the board had previously approved the closing of the high school as of Aug. 15 at their June meeting. Mondays meeting was the second of two required public meetings by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the restructuring process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO (WGN) On Monday, Illinois leaders slammed a potential National Guard deployment in Chicago, proposed as part of the Trump administrations plan to increase safety in U.S. cities. Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. You are neither wanted here nor needed here, Gov. JB Pritzker said. During an Oval Office press conference on Friday, Trump spoke about his recent attempt to crack down on crime in Washington DC by deploying National Guard troops to the nations capital. He eventually signaled his willingness to deploy troops to Chicago next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A report from the Washington Post says the Pentagon has been planning a military deployment to Chicago for weeks, and thousands of National Guard members could be in the city as soon as September. This is exactly the type of overreach our countrys founders warned against and is the reason they established a federal system with a separation of powers built on checks and balances, Pritzker said. Pritzker says he nor Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have received any communication from the White House on the threat. No one from the White House or Executive Branch has reached out to me or the mayor. No one has reached out to our staff. No effort has been made to coordinate or ask for our assistance in identifying any actions that might be helpful to us. Local law enforcement has not been contacted, Pritzker said. We found out what Donald Trump is planning the same way all of you did we read a story in the Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Trump signed off on an executive order for additional National Guard units, which means troops could be headed to Chicago. Trump executive order could bring National Guard troops to Chicago Chicago is a disaster and the governor of Illinois should say, president, would you do us the honor of cleaning up our city? We need help. They need help, they need help. We may wait, we may or may not. We may just go in and do it, which is probably what we should do. The problem is, its not nice when you go in and do it and when someone else is standing there saying, as we give great results, saying we dont want the military, Trump said. But in Mondays press conference, Pritzker stressed that he feels there is no emergency to warrant the president sending troops to the city. He claimed Trump is attempting to manufacture a crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If this was really about fighting crime and making the streets safe, what possible justification could the White House have for planning such an exceptional action without any conversations or consultations with the governor, the mayor or police? This is not about fighting crime, this is about Donald Trump searching for any justification to deploy the military in a blue city in a blue state to intimidate his political rivals, Pritzker said. Both Pritzker and Johnson pointed out that cities like Memphis, Tennessee, and Hattiesburg, Mississippi, have much higher crime rates, saying eight of the top 10 most violent cities in the United States are in red states. If we have seen consistent, historic reductions in crime and violence across our city over the past two years, and if we are not even in the top 25 most dangerous cities, why are we being targeted by the Trump administration for a military occupation? Johnson said. In the first six months of 2025, Johnson says Chicago has seen a 22% drop in overall violent crime with homicides down 32%. Overall, shootings are down 37% and carjackings are down nearly 50%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres how a military mobilization in Chicago would be different than D.C. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul feels there are no legal grounds to send federal troops to Chicago. It is a dangerous step towards authoritarianism, Raoul said. The Posse Comitatus Act limits the federal governments ability to use the military for domestic law enforcement. None of the prerequisites for National Guard deployment exist here because there is no emergency here. Raoul says since troops have not been deployed yet, there are no plans to preemptively file any type of lawsuit, but he wont rule anything out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Defense Department says it wont speculate on further military operations outside of Washington, DC. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. A 70-year-old Florida man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly assaulting two kids who were fishing a neighborhood pond. Daniel Lukas, of Naples, was booked Wednesday in the Collier County Jail and charged with one count of battery, a misdemeanor. He has since been released on bond. Authorities allege that Lukas yelled at the two kids, aged 12 and 14, for fishing a community pond behind his house. Lukas chased them down the street to a neighboring driveway, where he allegedly pushed the 12-year-old, Aiden Minkov, and grabbed him by the back of his neck. Aidens father, Max Minkov, says he saw a video of the alleged assault that the 14-year-old, Alexis Disabato, recorded on her cell phone. As a parent, watching a video [of] your son getting assaulted for fishing is, its pretty heartbreaking, Max told WINK News. Hes a big kid and everything, but hes still a child. I mean, hes 12 years old thats just, you dont do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to an arrest report filed by the Collier County Sheriffs Office, the arresting officer responded to the battery call inside the Riverstone Preserve neighborhood around 6:45 p.m. on Aug. 20. The report notes that all three parties, including the kids, are residents of the same Naples community, which is built around a series of small lakes. Aiden told the officer that he and Disabato were fishing the pond located behind Lukas house on Saginaw Bay Dr., when Lukas yelled at them to get off his property. Aiden said they were grabbing their poles to leave when Lukas approached them. [Minkov] and [Disabato] began to walk away heading northbound along the lake and exited into the street located at 3407 Pacific Drive, the report reads. [Disabato] walked towards the left and [Minkov] was walking to the driveway when [Lukas] grabbed [Minkov] by the back of his neck with both hands and [started] pushing him. At that point, according to the report, Disabato pulled out her cell phone to film. While she was videoing, Lukas wife approached and told her to stop. She then grabbed Disabatos phone and threw it onto the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CCSO says that after hearing Lukas side of the story, he was deemed the primary aggressor and placed under arrest. Minkovs parents had arrived by that point, and his mother told the officer they would press charges against the man. Theyre supposed to be a neighbor. Its not very neighborly, Carolyn Minkov told reporters. Read Next: Watch: Irate Homeowner Confronts Boys Fishing Private Pond, Snaps Their $200 Rod Aiden told the local news outlet he has fished other ponds in his neighborhood before, and that a friend had tipped him off about that particular pond. The small waterbody is surrounded by homes, including Lukas, but it is owned and managed by the Riverstone Homeowners Association, according to both onX and the HOA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The HOAs rules and regulations dictate that all neighborhood residents, along with their guests, are permitted to engage in catch and release fishing in the lakes. Owners who do not have lakefront lots, however, can only access the lakes through an easement of some kind. Its unclear if the lake behind Lukas residence has such an easement, or if the two young anglers broke HOA rules while accessing or fishing it. When Outdoor Life contacted the HOA property manager for clarification, the manager said no comment and hung up the phone. Applications from American citizens registering for refugee status in Canada have spiked since Donald Trumps return to office, with more filed in the first half of 2025 than in all of last year. Data released by Canadas Immigration and Refugee Board last week on claims of alleged persecution by the country revealed that there were 245 refugee applications made by U.S. citizens in the first six months of this year. It marks a stark uptick in claims, with 204 referrals filed by Americans in the whole of 2024. The number of U.S. citizens applying for refugee status in Canada this year surpassed full-year figures since 2019. While the number has surged, it represents only a fraction of the more than 55,000 total claims filed through June, with claimants from India accounting for almost a fifth of that total. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canadas acceptance of U.S. refugees has also historically been low. Applicants must convince Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board that no part of the U.S. offers them safety to gain asylum. More Americans have applied for asylum in Canada in the first six months of 2025 than in all of 2024 (Middle East Images) The data does not specify why Americans are seeking refugee status north of the border, a nation Trump wants to become the 51st U.S. state. However, the trend reflects a growing perception among some Americans that their safety and rights are at risk due to the Trump administrations policies, ranging from a rollback of LGBTQ+ rights and attacks against academic institutions. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told Reuters that Americans claiming refugee status in Canada would free up room for individuals facing actual fear and persecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight lawyers told the news agency they are hearing from more trans Americans wanting to leave the U.S. under the presidents crackdown on transgender rights. Trump signed an executive order barring transgender athletes from competing in womens sports in February (AP) In March, Kaitlyn and Ted Berg of Illinois told CBC that they were awaiting a decision from a Canadian tribunal to seek asylum after the presidents claims that there are only two genders. One of the Bergs older children is transgender and another identifies as gender fluid, they told the Canadian outlet. Hannah Kreager, a transgender woman from Arizona, also applied for asylum in Canada in June, in hopes of finding safety, security and the freedom to continue to live my life, she wrote on a GoFundMe campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Claims from the U.S. also rose during the first Trump administration. When Trump first took office in 2017, thousands of asylum-seekers crossed into Canada between formal border points to file refugee claims, until Canada and the U.S. expanded a bilateral agreement requiring them to apply for asylum in the first safe country they entered. By the end of the year, some 2,550 U.S. citizens applied for asylum in Canada, an increase of more than sixfold from 2016 and the highest number of applicants since records began. Several dozen business owners rallied behind Mayor Eric Adams' reelection campaign on Monday, as the mayor promised to double the number of small businesses in New York City in his next term. Were going to take that approximately 200,000 businesses and double it to 400,000 businesses in the next few years, to ensure that the city becomes the center of small businesses in the entire country, Adams said from the steps of City Hall. The mayor didnt provide more details on that plan in his remarks, instead speaking on the importance of small businesses and how technology could help them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They cut red tape, they move all the challenges for small businesses to thrive, Savio Chan, CEO of the American AI Leadership Institute, said of the Adams administration. Small business is not just the economy. We are New York. So I hope you support him, his administration, and Im proud to stand next to him today. The mayor is running an uphill bid for a second term, with a recent round of corruption charges against former top aide Ingrid Louis-Martin adding a new threat to his chances. Adams is facing off against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the November general election. _____ The NYPD detective accidentally shot by at least one other cop while helping to take down a would-be carjacker in Queens last week received a round of applause as he left Jamaica Hospital on Monday morning. Wounded officer Corey Fisher was surrounded by loved ones and fellow Finest, including NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, as he was wheeled out of the medical center sitting up on a stretcher. We are grateful Detective Fisher is going home to his family today, and for the outstanding care he received at Jamaica Hospital, Tisch tweeted. NYPD Detective Corey Fisher leaves Jamaica Hospital on Monday. James Keivom Fisher was shot while trying to stop a violent carjacker in Queens a career criminal who has terrorized victims for nearly a decade, the commish added in another social-media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect may not have pulled the trigger himself, but make no mistake: Detective Fisher was shot because of the violence this man unleashed. Thats the danger our officers confront every tour, Tisch said. Fisher received a heros welcome from this fellow Finest. James Keivom Fisher survived gunshot wounds to his left leg and right hand during the chaotic moment and had casts on both appendages when he left the hospital. The 12-year veteran of the department was assigned to a Queens unit when he and other officers swarmed repeat criminal offender Kevin Dubuisson during a reported car robbery. Fisher was shot in a friendly-fire incident. James Keivom The 28-year-old suspect was hit with a slew of charges over the weekend tied to his alleged crime spree that ended with the gunfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dubuissons accused string of attempted carjackings began when he allegedly tried to swipe a car parked at a gas station around 8:40 a.m. but was scared off by a worker there, authorities said. He then allegedly tried to steal a car from a 32-year-old woman while putting a fist in his waistband, appearing to grab a gun. He went on to ambush a 52-year-old Uber driver on the service road next to the Whitestone expressway, according to prosecutors. The suspect allegedly flashed a crowbar at the driver, police said. As he tried to escape with the stolen Toyota Highlander, Dubuisson allegedly smashed into another vehicle that knocked a woman and her mother, 87, to the ground as the elderly victim was being helped out of the car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police caught up to Dubuisson and surrounded him shortly before 9 a.m. Three officers opened fire on the suspect, who was not armed, with two bullets striking Fisher. Officials have said Fisher, who has worked for the Queens North Warrants Squad, is expected to make a full recovery. Dubuisson is facing charges of robbery, assault, grand larceny and other crimes, the Queens District Attorneys Office said. NEW YORK (PIX11) The New York City Police Department is looking to hire assistant school safety agents for the upcoming school year. Applicants do not have to take a civil service exam, nor need to have a college degree. More Local News Job duties include greeting students, assisting in periodic inspections throughout the building and grounds to examine doors, windows, gates, locks, and equipment, and answering phones and doorbells on school premises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The salary is $37,339. Applicants must pass medical and physical requirements. The jobs are listed on the official careers website of the City of New York. Click here to learn more or to apply. Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. NEW YORK (PIX11) NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch told U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Monday that the National Guard is not needed in New York City, sources told PIX11 News. Sources said that in a 30-minute meeting held at One Police Plaza, Tisch told Bondi that the NYPD has crime under control citing lower crime numbers, including declining gun violence. More Local News President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday allowing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to bulk up each states National Guard with specifically trained units equipped to deal with public order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Guard is being used in Washington, D.C., with 2,200 armed forces visible near national monuments and train stations. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Trump said liberal cities dealing with public order issues could see National Guard troops on the ground soon. There is no confirmed plan to bring armed forces to New York at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIMEs politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox. When Barack Obama said in 2013 he was no dictator, it felt oddly reassuring, a moment of humility when the President bowed to reality that he was not in total control of Washington and could not browbeat his political opponents into submission. When Donald Trump said the same thing on Monday, the context couldnt have been more different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am not a dictator, Obama said in the White House briefing room more than a decade ago, responding to a question about not getting what he wanted out of Congress. Im the President. Just this week, Trump offered his own version of that: Im not a dictator. Im a man with great common sense and a smart person. Similar words. Completely different timbre. In the last week alone, Trump has dispatched roving armed patrols of Washington while suggesting Chicago and New York are next; one of his former National Security Advisers, who has emerged as a persistent critic, saw his office sacked; and another Trump-ally-turned-skeptic, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, faced the threat of a federal investigation into events from over a decade ago. Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who in March was wrongfully expelled to his birthplace of El Salvador and then returned to the United States to face criminal charges, got nabbed again on Monday and may soon be deported to Uganda. The Smithsonian was put on notice about which exhibits needed a President-approved reprogramminga primo example of warping a national narrative to fit a leaders preferred politics. Trump also said he was firing Lisa Cook, a governor of the politically independent Federal Reserve, a move destined to face a test in courts but in the meantime undermines trust in the most influential central bank in the world. In the same arena, Trump signed an executive order that seemed intended to set off a Supreme Court fight over flag burning. He also wrongly suggested he could take ABC and NBC off the air, and announced the United States was taking an $11 billion piece of chip maker Intel on behalf of the American people, his latest claw for a government stake in a private company. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is, it must be said, not how a healthy democracy functions. Yet here we are. Across the country, universities and major law firms are trying to dodge Trumps ire, offering up millions in concessions in the forms of kickbacks and pro bono hours of lawyering. In Washington, menacing military vehicles are parked outside Union Station, the transportation hub whose main entrance is known for sending visitors out onto a park with postcard-worthy views of the U.S. Capitol, while roving trios of National Guard members patrol the popular retail stretch of 14th Street Northwest. Caravans of law enforcement vehicles are looping around neighborhoods, while parents are wary of what federal law enforcement might do outside their kids schools. And, unprompted, Trump on Mondaywhile sitting with the nuclear-threatened South Korean President at the White Houseoffered praise for the dictator running North Korea. I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong-un in the appropriate future, Trump said. Taken as a sum, we are in a moment where not just the rules but even many laws governing Washington seem to be fungible. Twelve years ago, Obama was mocking his critics when he said he was no dictator. Trump? Hes trolling, but in a completely different register. While insisting on Monday that hes not a dictator, Trump noted A lot of people are saying, Maybe we like a dictator. A day later, during a Cabinet meeting, he mused, "The line is that I'm a dictatorbut I stop crime. So if thats the case, I'd rather have a dictator. But I'm not a dictator, I just know how to stop crime." Trump began hinting that dictatorships might not be so bad since an early leg of his most recent campaign. We love this guy, Trump said during a Fox News appearance then. He says, Youre not going to be a dictator, are you? I said: No, no, no, other than day one. Were closing the border, and were drilling, drilling, drilling. After that, Im not a dictator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, we are long past day one but the fear of autocracy has not faded. From the start of his successful return to power, Trump has tinged his remarks with a tint of vengeance. In 2016, I declared I am your voice. Today, I add, I am your warrior. I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution, he said in 2023. Those close to Trump have long predicted this dystopian hellscape. Trump really only cares about retribution for himself, and it will consume much of a second term, wrote John Bolton, the National Security Adviser who last week had his Maryland home raided. Piling on, Christie told ABC News that Americans were warned. You were told this. You were told that this was what he was going to do. And not by me, by Donald Trump during the 2024 campaign, the former New Jersey Governor said. He told you that he was going to do this, that he was going to have a Justice Department that acted as his personal legal representation. Doubt it? Just ask California Congressman Adam Schiff, who led the first of two impeachment trials of Trump, or New York Attorney General Letitia James, who successfully prosecuted Trump in a civil-fraud case; both now have federal cases open against them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For his part, Trump has never denied the aim. Well, revenge does take time. I will say that, Trump told talk show host Dr. Phil in June of last year. And sometimes revenge can be justified. Trumps authoritarian flexing has snowballed to the point where its hard to keep track. There are moments of ridiculous vibes, like when Trump suggests he could rename the Kennedy Center in his honor. But there are also moments that demand pause, such as when he wants the Pentagon renamed to the Department of War. The fact that we are even debating how far the country has shifted says volumes. When Richard Nixon in 1973 told newspaper editors gathered at Disney that he was no crook, the world shrugged. A half-century later when Trump says he is not an autocrat, audiences are left wondering if hes making a promise or protesting too much. Make sense of what matters in Washington. Sign up for the D.C. Brief newsletter. Write to Philip Elliott at philip.elliott@time.com. By Matt Tracy (Reuters) -Ratings agency S&P Global put a negative credit outlook on U.S. soft drinks giant Keurig Dr Pepper after the company announced Monday it will buy Dutch coffee group JDE Peet's. In a Monday note accompanying their credit outlook downturn on the popular soda seller, S&P analysts highlighted the increased debt profile of Keurig following the announcement of its $18 billion takeover of Peet's. The analysts noted Keurig's post-deal leverage will likely lie in the mid-to-high 5x range, well above its 4x leverage at the end of June. Keurig announced early Monday morning its agreement to buy JDE Peet's in a deal offering a 20% premium to Peet's closing market price on Friday. Keurig expects to split the merged entity into two separate publicly traded U.S. companies - a firm focused on coffee operations and a second business focused on other beverages. S&P said it currently expects to officially downgrade Keurig's credit rating just one notch to BBB-, or the lower end of investment-grade, closer to the deal's closing date. Analysts at S&P noted that they anticipate the combined company will lower its leverage back down to the low 4x range roughly two years after the deal closing, given their forecast it will "prioritize debt repayment, profit growth, and synergy realization such that credit metrics strengthen materially." (Reporting by Matt Tracy; Editing by Hugh Lawson) On August 24, 2025, JoAnn Churchill OCallaghan faithfully walked into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We can only imagine the celebration there was in Heaven as she was finally reunited with her husband of 67 years, Robert Bob OCallaghan. JoAnn was born on Aug. 3, 1936, to Della and Richard Churchill in St. Joseph. She grew up in a devout catholic family, often telling stories from her school days at St. Francis, roller skating with her siblings, and the origin of her lifelong distaste of anything fishy. At the age of 12, she met a tall, dark and handsome boy who would later become the love of her life. What began as a simple trip to the drug store for ice cream turned into a love story spanning more than seven decades. On her parents wedding anniversary, Sept. 17th, 1953, at just 17 years old, she married Bob, and together they built a life filled with faith, family, and an immense love for one another. They enjoyed years of traveling, family vacations to Branson, hunting for treasures at garage sales, and proudly wearing matching t-shirts wherever they went. They were faithful members of St. Joseph Church of the Nazarene and later Faith Bible Church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JoAnn was an avid prayer warrior, known for having signs reminding her to pray for each of her grandchildren scattered throughout her home. For over 20 years, she shared her love of Jesus as a teacher and later director of Peter Pan Play School at the Church of the Nazarene. Mrs. JoAnn especially loved reading The Little Red Hen and pouring into the lives of both the children and their parents. Family was at the center of JoAnns heart. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great- grandmother. Sundays often meant piling as many grandchildren they could fit into the car with her and Bob as they headed to church. And if you were lucky enough to be picked up from school by them, you could always count on grandma waiting with a Ding-Dong or Twinkie. Together, Grandma and Grandpas love and devotion created a family legacy that continues to grow. She is survived by her children: Terry (Steve) Fisher, Mike (Juanita) OCallaghan, Robin (Jim) Longnecker, and Donna (Chuck) Adkins; her grandchildren: Stephanie (Robbie) Riggs, Andy (Megan) Fisher, Shawn (Jennifer) Fisher, Courtney (Clint) OCallaghan, Heather (Brad) Taylor, Amy (Neil) Stangeland, Aubrey (Timmy) Tucker, Ashley (Nathan) Sosa, and Chauncey (Jacob) Grubb; her great-grandchildren: Kyle, Kelsey, Scott, Kaythlyn, Clareece, Seth, Hunter, Gage, Katie, Andrea, Steven, Maylee, Ryker, KJ, Sebastian, Liam, Ariel, Kayden, Jensen, Brock, Dalton, Annelise, and Luke; her great-great-grandchildren: Barrett, Lynnox, Brilynn, Beckette, Blaykley and with two more grandbabies on the way. She is also survived by her sister, Bernie (Kenny) Springs. JoAnn was preceded in death by her loving husband Bob; her parents, Della and Richard; her siblings, Mary, Martha Rose, Donna Mae, Dean, Elmer, and Frankie; and her precious grandbaby, Chance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her husband and family, her steadfast prayers, and most of all, her deep faith in Christ. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Funeral services and public live stream 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Savannah Cemetery. Memorials are requested to the Faith Bible Church. Online condolences, obituary and public live stream at www.ruppfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press. ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Ector Countys oldest home, the White Pool House Museum, is hosting a 2025 Youth Art and Essay contest for kids across the Basin. This contest is being launched to engage students and bring awareness to their heritage, leading up to the 140th anniversary of the Historic Museum and the 100th anniversary of the City of Odessa. For years, we get locals through that have never heard about this place. So we represent early Odessa, before it was even Odessa, Christine Holcomb, Executive At-Large, White Pool House, said. Originally, it was Wells Point, it was a stop on the railroad. But we want to stop this. I didnt even know this was here. We want people to be aware of their own history, their own heritage. What makes Odessa authentic? What is our flavor, if you will? The contest is broken up into three age groups. Six to eight years old for 250 words minimum. Nine to 12 years old for 325 words minimum. 13 to 16 years old for 500 words minimum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All essays and art submissions are due September 30th, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 24th, 2025, at the White-Pool House Barn. 100 dollars will be awarded to the winners of each categorys age division. Must be present to win. Send entries to: The Historic White-Pool House 12 E. Martin Luther King Jr. St. Odessa, TX 79761 Or you can email your essay to whitepoolhouse@outook.com Head over to this link for more information. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1361227506008691&set=a.748575653940549 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 26The following construction and maintenance projects are anticipated to affect highways in Lawrence County next week. All outlined work is weather permitting. Oakley C. Collins Bridge Annual Inspection The Oakley C. Collins Memorial Bridge will be closed from 8 a.m. 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3 and Thursday, Sept. 4 for its annual bridge inspection. Traffic heading to Kentucky will detour to Park Street east on U.S. 52, south over the Ohio River on the Ben Williamson Memorial Bridge (12th Street), and west on Winchester Avenue (U.S. 23) in Ashland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trending * 'Hero' Boza just wanted to help his friends * State seeks repayment from Scioto County mental health and addiction services provider Traffic from Kentucky into Ohio will detour via Winchester Avenue (U.S. 23) to the Simeon Willis Memorial Bridge (13th Street), west on U.S. 52, and south on Park Street (State Route 93). U.S. 52 exit ramp maintenance A maintenance project on the westbound U.S. 52 exit ramp to State Route 141. The westbound U.S. 52 exit ramp to State Route. 141 will be closed for the duration of the project. Traffic will be detoured via State Route. 93. Estimated completion: Sept. 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Route 243 Bridge Replacement A bridge replacement project on State Route 243 between Leatherwood Road and Sutton Mt. Tabor Ridge Road. State Route 243 will be reduced to one lane using temporary signals. Estimated completion: Summer. State Route 93 Intersection Improvement An intersection improvement project on State Route 93 at the State Route 93 and Porter Gap Road. At least one lane will be maintained in each direction for the duration of the project. Trending * New year, new leader * KofC, Players Poker Room team up for event Estimated completion: Fall 2025 State Route 7 Chesapeake Bypass Phase 2 Project will construct the western half of the Chesapeake Bypass between the State Route 527/ State Route 7 interchange in Chesapeake to State Route 775 in Proctorville. County Road 68 (Shafertown Road) will be closed indefinitely between Eaton Road and the State Route 243 intersection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Route 217 Slide Repair A slide repair project on State Route 217 between Deering Bald Knob Road and County Road 61. State Route 217 will be closed for the duration of the project. Traffic will be detoured via State Route 141 to State Route 378. Estimated completion: Spring. State Route 141 Resurfacing A resurfacing project on State Route 141 between State Route 775 and State Route 217. At least one lane will be maintained using flaggers. Estimated completion: Summer. To help ensure the safety of the construction workers as well as the traveling public, motorists should remain alert, reduce their speed, and watch for stopped traffic while passing through the work zone. Remember, move over or slow down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more detailed traffic information, download the OHGO app or visit OHGO.com. You Might Like Ashland, KY Following his dream Gallery An international experience Columnists Danny Tyree: Men, are you reading enough fiction? News Marking five years A 26-year-old Kansas police officer was killed when police say a suspect intentionally plowed into him while fleeing authorities during a pursuit. Kansas City, Kansas, Police Officer Hunter Simoncic was deploying stop sticks in response to the pursuit early Tuesday when the suspect drove toward him and struck him, then continued to flee the area, police said. Simoncic was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Officer killed in Midtown Manhattan shooting wrote he 'got inspired' to join force after moving to US The suspect -- Dennis Mitchell III, 31, of Kansas City -- was taken into custody after crashing the vehicle and was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. "This was an intentional act, a willful act, to evade custody by striking the officer," Kansas City Police Chief Karl Oakman said during a press briefing Tuesday, calling the death of the officer "devastating." "It's just difficult. It makes no sense," he said. "I have no words for it." KMBC - PHOTO: Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer Hunter Simoncic is seen in a photo shown during a police press briefing on Aug. 26, 2025. The incident unfolded shortly around 12:30 a.m., when officers with the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department were dispatched to a call of shots fired, according to the KBI. Officers shortly found Mitchell unconscious in the driver's seat of a truck, the KBI said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As officers approached the driver, he woke up and fled the scene," the KBI said in a release. Mitchell abandoned the vehicle for another truck that was "stashed in the woods" and continued fleeing from officers, Oakman said. MORE: Officer killed, suspect identified in shooting near CDC headquarters, Emory University campus During the pursuit, Simoncic exited his vehicle to stage stop sticks, in an attempt to safely puncture and deflate the tires on the fleeing vehicle, police said. "The suspect continued through the stop sticks and veered his vehicle directly at Officer Simoncic, striking him at the scene," Oakman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly before 1 a.m., Mitchell crashed the truck, KBI said. He was taken into custody and treated at an area hospital before being booked into the Wyandotte County Jail, according to the KBI. He also faces charges of vehicular homicide, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, theft, criminal possession of a firearm, and aggravated failure to appear, the KBI said. Formal charges are pending, police said. It is unclear if he has an attorney at this time. Kansas Bureau of Investigation - PHOTO: A photo of Dennis Mitchell III. Police later learned that both trucks driven by the suspect had been reported stolen, according to the KBI. Oakman said the suspect has several outstanding warrants, but did not go into detail amid the investigation, which is being conducted by the KBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simoncic was following protocol in deploying the stage sticks, the police chief said. "This was a situation that we do across the metro thousands of times a year, deploying stop sticks, and this individual felt the need to run Hunter down and kill him," Oakman said. "That is not a vehicle accident. This was an intentional act of homicide on a police officer." Simoncic, who was from Galesburg, Kansas, graduated from the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department Police Academy in 2023. He is survived by his mother, father and brother, Oakman said. MORE: Officer dies after gunman opens fire in 'ambush attack' in Ohio: Police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas City, Kansas, Mayor Tyrone Garner condemned the "shameful acts of violence" in the community. "I went to the hospital -- what words do you say to a family, a brother, a mother and a father, grieving, knowing that that life has been snuffed out and it didn't have to be?" Garner said during the press briefing. Simoncic volunteered to read and mentor children in local schools, the mayor said, adding, "That says a lot about the type of individual he was." "My heart hurts for this police department, for our chief, for his command staff, for all the men and women of the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department, for all our public safety professionals, for our community," Garner said. "I just don't have a lot of words to say to comfort this community. And sometimes, saying, 'Thoughts and prayers,' just isn't enough. It's just going to take a lot more than that." Boston officers fatally shoot dog that mauled woman, attacked first responders, police say Officers shot and killed a dog accused of mauling a woman and attacking first responders on Monday night. According to Boston Police, a woman was being attacked by a dog in the area of 7 Howe Terrace. Authorities say EMS couldnt get close to help the victim because of the vicious animal. Two responding service units tried distracting the dog, but investigators claim the dog turned and attacked them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both officers shot and fatally wounded the dog, according to police. The woman was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries, although they are not considered to be life threatening. 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 State officials in Massachusetts are considering a plan to restore properties in high-risk flood zones to natural marshland. If approved, the voluntary buyout program would provide homeowners with resources to move to safer places. What's happening? As the New Bedford Light reported, Massachusetts' new draft plan addresses rising tides along the waterfront and increasing risks to coastal communities. Rising sea levels due to steadily rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are putting Massachusetts coastal residents in danger. The state's proposal involves conducting a feasibility study within the next year or two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the proposed plan, coastal homeowners in high-risk areas could sell their properties back to their towns so that the land can be returned to its natural state and conserved. In return, homeowners would receive resources to leave their established homes and move to safer areas. Why are coastal buyback programs important? The goal of land buyback programs like the one proposed in Massachusetts is to restore vulnerable coasts while protecting residents from harm and property damage. However, critics of the proposed plan are concerned that the resources promised to homeowners won't be adequate for them to rebuild their lives elsewhere. Meanwhile, many residents are resistant to moving and leaving the places they love and call home. "It signals to people that things are changing," said a local environmental policy professor, Chad McGuire. "We wouldn't be doing this, obviously, unless there's a problem." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, some course of action is needed to protect coastal residents who live in high-risk floodplain areas prone to extreme storms and erosion that's worsening each year. What's being done to protect coastal residents? In Massachusetts and other coastal communities, nonprofit and conservation organizations are working to educate residents about the risks where they live and offer options to protect themselves. Homeowner buyouts may work well in some communities, yet not in others. Another solution involves transferring developing rights within municipalities to discourage development on vulnerable lands. Wherever you live, you can boost your own climate resilience by switching to solar power and installing solar panels paired with battery storage for your home. EnergySage helps homeowners find the best solar installation deals by comparing local installer quotes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can also look into preventative measures like reinforcing your home with flood-resistant materials, elevating your house, and building seawalls. At the same time, it's beneficial to stay updated on critical climate issues in your area so that you can be as prepared as possible for future intense storms. 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. Over 1,000 acres were charred on the first day of a fire that ignited in California's Napa Valley. The Pickett Fire, which erupted Aug. 21 in rugged terrain about a mile northeast of Calistoga, California, forced evacuations from wineries and neighborhoods in the eastern portion of wine country. There were over 19,000 wildland firefighters and support personnel battling blazes nationwide at the start of the last week of August. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported 403 crews, more than 1,000 engines, 105 helicopters, four Modular Airborne Firefighting System airtankers, and six U.S. Army helicopters were deployed to fight wildfires on Monday. It was another busy day during an active wildfire season for the U.S. Most of these efforts were directed at 55 large fires that were burning across portions of at least 14 states on Monday, according to the NIFC. Firefighters in California were battling six of them, including one of the state's newest fires burning in the hillsides of eastern Napa Valley. The Pickett Fire had scorched 6,803 acres and was only 13% contained as of Monday morning. It was the largest fire burning at the beginning of the week in California that was less than 90% contained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters face challenging conditions as they try to control the fire, including hot temperatures and rugged terrain. "Due to the remote, steep, and rugged terrain, some firefighters are being flown in to access the fire," noted a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) situation summary. "Night-flying helicopters have also been deployed." The Eureka National Weather Service office's forecast discussion for Monday mentioned the potential for dry thunderstorms that could produce gusty winds at the surface of around 40 miles per hour and threaten to ignite new fires. Red flag warnings were in effect for over 750 thousand people across portions of California, Oregon, and Washington. Smoke from the Pickett Fire prompted the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to issue an air quality advisory near Calistoga. Smoke was expected to impact not only Napa County, but also Solano and Sonoma Counties through Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is important that Bay Area residents protect their health by avoiding exposure," cautions the advisory. "If possible, and temperatures allow, stay inside with windows and doors closed until smoke levels subside." "Elevated particulate matter in the air can trigger wheezing in those who suffer from asthma, emphysema or COPD," the advisory adds. "Elderly persons, children and individuals with respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure." CAL FIRE reported there have been 5,543 wildfires that have burned over 371,000 acres across the state so far this year. Those fires have destroyed over 16,000 structures and killed 31 people. Most of the deaths were from fires that ravaged Los Angeles County in January. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association says the actual deaths may exceed the official count by hundreds. Over the past 20 years, extreme wildfires have doubled in frequency and severity on our overheating planet, per a 2024 study. At the same time, non-profit Climate Central documents more days nationwide with weather conducive to fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A company that specializes in aerial firefighting and wildfire management services noted that it had its earliest deployment to fight wildfires this year since its founding in 2014. 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 Stamford, Connecticut, Board of Representatives has approved an ordinance banning single-use plastics by restaurants, as reported by News 12 Long Island. Mayor Caroline Simmons said: "The goal is to make Stamford a sustainable city, so this is a step in the right direction." The ban includes plastic utensils, straws, and food containers. The first parts of the plan will go into effect after nine months, and the complete ban will be rolled out over the next three years. Public schools in Stamford will be required to phase out single-use plastics in 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Single-use plastics have proved to be quite harmful to the environment, so reducing their use is a step toward sustainability. Since these plastics are designed to be used only once and then thrown away, they contribute a great deal of waste to landfills. They take decades to break down, and once they do break down, they turn into microplastics tiny fragments that enter the soil, water, and air and disrupt the balance of ecosystems. Millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans each year. Microplastics are easily ingested by wildlife and humans, and larger pieces can be choking hazards for animals that mistake them for food or inadvertently ingest them. They can also lead to starvation if their digestive systems become blocked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some plastics contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to human health. When single-use plastics are disposed of, they can release these chemicals into the soil and water supply, causing further health concerns. Some Stamford restaurant owners are supportive of the ban, while others are not happy about the inconvenience and potential financial impact. Andres Oyola, an assistant manager at a local coffee bar, said that their establishment uses plastic because the biodegradable materials currently on the market melt. "There's so many other things that are contributing to the environment," he said, per News 12 Long Island. "Just a couple cups won't make a difference." That is to be debated, but one could argue that the ban is a step in the right direction for 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. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is pre-deploying firefighters to at-risk areas ahead of adverse weather conditions, KTLA reported. What's happening? On Tuesday, August 19, Gov. Newsom issued a press release announcing that the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) approved the pre-deployment of firefighters and firefighting resources. Citing "elevated heat and critical fire weather conditions" anticipated across Southern California in the coming days, Newsom's office dispatched teams and equipment to Los Angeles, Kern, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Bernardino Counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier that day, Newsom's office published a separate press release pre-deploying firefighters and resources to the counties in question. With the additional resources, the Governor's Office confirmed that 32 fire engines, nine water tenders, nine bulldozers, five helicopters, nine hand crews, 13 dispatchers, and two Incident Management Teams were deployed to the five counties. In the initial release, Newsom attributed the decision to act in advance to extreme weather conditions. "Extreme summer weather is returning to California this week. Now is the time to check the forecasts for your area and prepare for higher temperatures and dangerous fire weather," he began. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While the best thing we can all do is prepare now, the state is also pre-deploying resources to protect communities from catastrophic wildfire," Newsom explained. As of Aug. 20, the National Weather Service (NWS) indicated Los Angeles was under five separate "Watches, Warnings, & Advisories:" an Extreme Heat Warning, a Gale Warning, a Heat Advisory, a Small Craft Advisory, and a Red Flag Warning. What is a "Red Flag Warning," and why is it concerning? The NWS has nearly 50 specific weather-related advisory levels, one of which is a Red Flag Warning. A Red Flag Warning is issued by the NWS to alert officials to "potentially dangerous fire weather conditions within the next 12 to 24 hours." They're issued when all three of the following conditions are met low humidity, high winds, and the presence of "dry fuels" like vegetation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wildfires aren't weather per se, but they fall under the definition of extreme weather. Hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and extreme heat have always occurred, but extreme weather is a distinct phenomenon. As average temperatures climb, shifting climate conditions supercharge weather patterns, making extreme weather more frequent, more violent, costlier, and deadlier. For example, Los Angeles and its surrounding areas were devastated by deadly, unseasonal wildfires in January, causing massive destruction and killing dozens. After flash floods cratered Kerrville, Texas, in July, local meteorologist Travis Herzog explained the basics of extreme weather in a Facebook post. "Warmer oceans release more moisture into the atmosphere, and warmer air also holds more moisture. This enhances rainfall amounts above and beyond what would happen in a cooler world with cooler oceans," Herzog wrote. What's being done about it? Gov. Newsom's decision to prepare in advance underscores the necessity to be aware of climate-related risks like extreme weather. As Southern California braces for potential wildfires as Hurricane Erin approaches the East Coast, individual steps like packing a go bag can save precious time in the event of sudden evacuation orders. 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. HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK) The Henderson County Sheriffs Office has arrested an 18-year-old for the fatal shooting that happened on Monday night near Chandler. According to the sheriffs office, around 8:54 p.m., deputies responded to Shady Trail in Westwood Beach south of Chandler, where they found 35-year-old Cory Starnes with gunshot wounds. Victim remains in serious condition after Sunday morning shooting in Marshall Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said that despite life-saving efforts by first responders and witnesses, Starnes died from his injuries on the scene. Investigators determined that an altercation had occurred earlier between Starnes and Chuck Brady Norris, 18, at Starnes residence, the sheriffs office said. During the dispute, Norris retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and fatally shot Starnes before fleeing the scene. Mugshot of Chuck Norris, courtesy of Henderson County Sheriffs Office Later, Norris contacted the sheriffs office from a convenience store in Frankston, saying that he wanted to surrender. He was then arrested for murder and transported to the Henderson County Jail. Palestine man arrested after 40 firearms discovered in home, vehicle Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We appreciate the collaborative efforts of the Henderson County District Attorneys Office, Texas Rangers, Smith County Sheriffs Office and Lamar County Sheriffs Office in assisting with this investigation, the sheriffs office said. This remains an active case. Updates will be provided as appropriate. 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. Shawbrook Bank is currently in exclusive discussions to purchase ThinCats, a lending company that serves medium-sized businesses, reported Sky News. The potential deal, which is reported to be valued at approximately 180m, follows an auction process managed by Fenchurch Advisory Partners. The exclusivity period for the negotiations is expected to end soon. If Shawbrook acquires ThinCats, it will bolster its lending services to SMEs. ThinCats has a track record of supporting businesses with funding, having provided 381m in the year ending 30th June, which is a slight increase from the 378m funded in the previous year. ThinCats has experienced a notable surge in lending to owner-managed businesses, particularly after the autumn budget last November, the report said. To date, the company has extended over 2bn in loans to UK businesses, with its assets under management approaching 1bn. The company is led by CEO Amany Attia, who also holds a stake in the business. In 2021, ThinCats announced 160m investment from Wafra Capital Partners, an investment firm based in New York and affiliated with an entity of the Kuwaiti state. Neither ThinCats nor Shawbrook have provided comments on the ongoing discussions, the report added. Earlier this year, Shawbrook made headlines with its intention to go public. However, market volatility has delayed the timing of its anticipated 2bn flotation on the London Stock Exchange, Sky News added. The acquisition of ThinCats would enhance Shawbrook's alternative financing offerings as it prepares for its market debut, the news publication added. Shawbrook, which has a workforce of nearly 1,600 and serves over 500,000 customers, was founded in 2011. It began as a specialist in savings and lending, offering products such as home improvement and wedding loans, in addition to business and real estate financing. In recent years, Shawbrook has considered various corporate moves, including potential mergers and acquisitions involving Metro Bank, Starling Bank, and the Co-operative Bank. The bank is equally owned by BC Partners and Pollen Street, with the management team holding a minority interest. Marcelino Castrillo is the chief executive officer of Shawbrook Bank. "Shawbrook Bank reportedly in talks to acquire ThinCats " was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. Invasive mussels are an ongoing issue in the waterways of Canada, but one talented dog is sniffing them out and stopping their spread one boat at a time. At the Wabamun Lake Provincial Park in Alberta, Hilo the sniffer dog helps inspect watercraft, a job he's held for 10 years. Cindy Sawchuk, who leads the aquatic invasive species program with the provincial government, told CTV News that mussels like to hide in cool, damp, and dark places that are often hard for humans to spot. But thanks to Hilo's nose, they've been able to catch potential threats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A dog's nose and a human's eyes together create a really clear picture of what could be on that watercraft," Sawchuk told the outlet. Mandatory inspections have been implemented in the province to combat the "devastating" rate of invasive mussels, such as the zebra mussel, spreading throughout the country's waters. They cause millions of dollars in damage every year by clogging "intake structures in power stations and water treatment plants," according to the government of Canada's official website. Mussels also spread rapidly, disrupting the ecosystem and threatening native species. Hilo is not the only dog helping battle invasive species. In Washington, a dog named Fin alerts trackers to mussels coming in from the Great Lakes region, while Tilia the chocolate Labrador is trained to hunt invasive parsnip species in Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Canines are going to start to play a huge role in the conservation field just because of their amazing detection skills, especially when resources are limited, staff is limited, and you have to search potentially thousands of acres or miles of shoreline or whatever," Cory Gritzmacher, director of operations at the Mequon Nature Preserve told Wisconsin Life in 2021. Working dogs offer an ethical, low-tech way to work within the community to take action to protect the environment, whether hunting invasive species or protecting vulnerable ones. And while they're helping people, the dogs also get a chance to exercise and use their natural instincts in a healthy way. Plus, extra treats, toys, and pets don't hurt either. 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. An Ohio car dealership owner pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with altering the odometers on vehicles he sold. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Simon C. Nwaru, Jr., 38, of Columbus, was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2025 and pleaded guilty last week, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Southern District of Ohio. Since October 2014, its estimated that approximately 60 percent of all vehicles sold by Nwaru at his dealership in Whitehall had their odometers tampered with or replaced to fraudulently reflect lower mileage. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the plea agreement, a review of vehicle sales between January 2021 and January 2023 documented at least 300 vehicles sold with rolled back odometers, accounting for at least 31 million miles being removed. Court documents also revealed that Nwaru listed false sales prices on documents submitted to the State of Ohio, causing a loss of tax revenue. Odometer fraud is a federal crime punishable by up to three years in prison. Nwarus sentencing has not been scheduled at this time. The case was investigated by the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations (NHTSA) Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation, and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Investigations Section. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Gov. Mike DeWine wants to designate kratom, a popular herbal extract, as an illegal drug and require that it be removed from stores in Ohio. DeWine on Aug. 25 asked the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to designate all natural and synthetic versions of kratom as illegal. If approved, Ohio would be the first state in the country to do so. Made from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree, kratom is pitched as a treatment for chronic pain, opioid dependence, anxiety, depression and other disorders. It's sold online and in stores as powders, gummies and drinks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it has gained popularity in recent years, kratom can be modified into highly addictive synthetic versions that cause psychosis, seizures, hallucinations and death. Kratom caused more than 200 unintentional overdose deaths in Ohio between 2019 and 2024, according to Ohio Department of Health data. These modified kratom products, sold online and in stores, are essentially legal, over-the-counter opiates that anyone including kids can buy with just a few bucks, DeWine said in a written statement. There is no accepted medical use for kratom in Ohio, and it is an imminent public health risk. The Ohio Board of Pharmacy should act with urgency to schedule all kratom compounds and future alterations of them as Schedule I illegal drugs. Do you think Ohio should ban kratom? This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Is kratom legal in Ohio? It is for now The Oklahoma City Council has approved a six-month agreement with Cleveland County that will allow the city to house some OKC detainees in Norman at the Cleveland County Detention Center. The agreement was shortened from its original one-year term when it was first proposed in July. Valerie Littlejohn, spokesperson for the Oklahoma City Police Department, said people who are arrested on municipal charges in Oklahoma City, within Cleveland County, could be housed at the detention center in Norman. About 125 square miles of Oklahoma City is in Cleveland County, which makes the agreement practical and strategic, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By expanding its detention capacity through this partnership, the department is better positioned to meet current and future demands while continuing to uphold its mission of protecting and serving the community, Littlejohn said. She added the agreement provides an additional alternative to the Oklahoma County Detention Center. Signage for the Cleveland County jail is pictured, with the facility in the background. The cost to Oklahoma City is about $68 per day for each inmate for a total estimated cost of $12,240. The contract is retroactive to July 1, 2025, and would be active through Jan. 5, 2026. The agreement does not mention renewal options as the original agreement proposed. Council members did not comment on the agreement during the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in August, the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners approved the contract in a 2 to 1 vote. District 3 Commissioner Rusty Grissom proposed the motion and longtime District 1 Commissioner Rod Cleveland seconded, while District 2 Commissioner Jacob McHughes voted no. The Cleveland County jail is funded by the taxpayers, and its purpose is to serve the residents of Cleveland County, Grissom said. In six months, we can bring (the agreement) back. After six months, theyll reevaluate, said Melissa Smuzynski, director of communications for Cleveland County. Theyll speak to local law enforcement to make sure that this has not created any type of additional strain on public resources or social services and determine whether they want to continue with the same terms of the contract (and) potentially expand it to accept detainees from other areas of Oklahoma City municipality. Both jails have history of issues Both the Oklahoma County and Cleveland County jails have been beset by issues in recent years, including an increase of in-custody deaths, state health inspection failures, and allegations of civil rights violations. Cleveland County Sheriff Chris Amason, who oversees Cleveland County jail operations, also has been accused of overspending his budget, as shown by a state audit of his recent years in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current Oklahoma County jail is infamous as one of the deadliest in the nation, long plagued over the past three decades by problems of overcrowding, personnel issues, state inspection failures, in-custody deaths and persistent allegations of civil rights violations. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Some OKC detainees could be held in Cleveland County, per agreement Storms will bring disruptions to the interior West this week, while heavy rainfall and an increased risk of flooding target areas from the eastern Rockies to the Mississippi Valley, according to AccuWeather meteorologists. End-of-summer campers could be especially at risk in the Ozark Mountains. "Clusters of thunderstorms moving across southeastern Kansas will track into northeastern Oklahoma, southwestern Missouri and northern Arkansas into Friday" AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Carl Erickson said. "Repeated downpours may result in an elevated flash flood risk." AccuWeather.com "Very warm, humid air streaming north from the Gulf will help fuel these storms," Erickson said. "With abundant moisture in the atmosphere, any storm will be capable of producing a large amount of rain in a short period." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are forecast across much of the region, with most of the rain falling in 12 to 24 hours-or less in some areas. There is a substantial stripe where 4-8 inches of rain is forecast. The AccuWeather Local StormMax for this event is 12 inches. AccuWeather.com Urban flooding and travel disruptions may affect cities including Coffeyville, Kansas; Joplin, Missouri; Ponca City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Fayetteville and Little Rock, Arkansas. Hilly terrain in the Ozark Mountains, in part of the rain zone, may substantially raise the flash flood threat. People camping in the region for an extended holiday heading into the Labor Day weekend should use extreme caution along small streams, which could be prone to rapidly rising water levels. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the region is experiencing abnormally dry or drought conditions, so rainfall may bring some benefits. However, excessive rainfall in a short time could overwhelm the landscape and drainage systems, increasing the risk of flooding. AccuWeather.com While heavy rain targets the Plains and Mississippi Valley, thunderstorms and downpours are expected to continue across much of the interior West into the weekend. In areas where rainfall is limited, lightning strikes could spark new wildfires. Some dry, gusty thunderstorms may also generate large dust clouds, creating hazards for motorists. A large dust storm, or haboob, swept through the Phoenix, Arizona, area Monday. Over the weekend, another dust storm affected the Burning Man Festival in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. AccuWeather.com While the core zone of heavy rain is forecast to break up and shift heading into the extended Labor Day weekend, additional storms could still disrupt travel and outdoor plans across parts of the Rockies, Great Basin and Southeast. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. Remington Park in Oklahoma City hosts a meeting of the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission on Tuesday. (Photo by Barbara Hoberock/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission governing board on Tuesday tapped an executive assistant to serve as acting head of the agency and created a committee to find a permanent leader. The panel named Amanda English acting executive director after John Chancey resigned Thursday following months of turmoil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement English, who has been with the agency for 18 months, served as Chanceys executive assistant. English said she will oversee the daily operations of the agency until a permanent executive director is named. She said she is not seeking the job. Englishs salary was not immediately available. The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission on Tuesday named Amanda English as acting executive director following the resignation of John Chancey. (Photo by Barbara Hoberock/Oklahoma Voice) After her appointment, English acknowledged there has been some internal strife in the office, but said the employees are very tight knit. Each employee has their own strengths and their own piece of the agency that they are responsible for and I look forward to fostering those relationships with my colleagues, English said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The small state agency, which regulates horse racing and gaming, is facing an Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation probe, an external forensic audit and recently had at least three Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints filed against it. The nine-member governing board on Tuesday also appointed five of its members to a selection committee. The committee will prepare a job description, solicit resumes and applications. I think we are going to work as diligently as possible to find somebody quickly, but were also going to be very careful about the selection process, said Brian Burget, the boards chairman. Chancey, a veterinarian, was appointed as interim executive director on Feb. 23, 2023, and appointed to the role permanently a few months later. Since then, the panel met about seven times behind closed doors to discuss his employment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chanceys resignation came the same day the governing board had scheduled an executive session to review his employment. Chancey submitted a handwritten note to the governing boards chairman and wrote that he was resigning effective immediately as executive director. Every organization is going to have challenges from time to time, Burget said. The commission is going to work through those challenges and ultimately make it the best racing commission in this country. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Editors Note: The story has been updated to correct the percentages of households that dont have broadband service. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahoma plans to return $225 million in federal broadband funds after shifting to lower-cost wireless solutions under a new federal directive, a move officials say will cut costs while critics warn it will leave many rural residents with inferior service and send Oklahoma tax dollars to other states. The Oklahoma Broadband Office says it can expand internet service using cheaper wireless options and doesnt need all of the money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some worry Oklahoma tax dollars will now benefit other states, while leaving many rural residents with subpar internet options. It used to be considered to have high-speed Internet a luxury. Not anymore, Oklahoma Broadband Office Director Mike Sanders said. Whether it be for education purposes, health care purposes, economic development, what a great tool. Legionella bacteria found in water at Rose State College For the majority of Oklahomans who live in rural areas, getting a reliable connection has long been difficult. I found myself having to go to McDonalds and set up and do my work from a McDonalds parking lot, former Republican state representative Logan Phillips said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phillips said thats why he jumped at the opportunity to help start the Oklahoma Broadband Office. That office helped secure $1.3 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act and the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to expand high-speed internet access to every Oklahoman, regardless of where they live. It would set us up to be the hub of technology for the next phase of manufacturing, the next wave, Phillips said. On Monday, Sanders submitted a final proposal detailing how the broadband office plans to spend the money. His proposal says Oklahoma plans to send $225 million back to the federal government. Sanders said thats because President Trumps administration recently mandated states only expand internet access using the lowest-cost option possibleeven if that means not laying cables anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This allows for more technologies, allow different technologies to drive down the cost, Sanders said. Because of that, the broadband office will now only lay high-speed internet fiber to 65% of households currently without it. The other 45% will rely on cheaper wireless internet options, including satellite services like Elon Musks Starlink and Amazons Project Kuiper. And thats all were doing here, is to make sure that other forms have an even playing field, Sanders said. Thats what weve done. Phillips said that doesnt really level things, because wireless internet service doesnt compare to the speeds fiber provides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a gold standard in fiber, Phillips said. Until every Oklahoma house has a fiber-like connection to it and the jobs not done. He called this not only a missed opportunity, but a mistake. A once-in-a-100-year opportunity that we worked for years to create the office for work, for years to get the money to the office, Phillips said. He also argued Oklahomans are giving away money theyve already paid. Oklahomans take out of their paychecks. They paid into this, this is Oklahoma dollars that are being taken back from the feds, back from the big pot, to be spent in Oklahoma, that are now being told, Eh, we dont need it. Other states, California, you guys seem like you need a little bit more. Why dont you send it and spend it over there? Phillips said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanders and the Oklahoma Broadband Office pointed out that Oklahoma is not the only state sending money back. They noted that Arkansas, Louisiana, and Colorado all decreased their proposed broadband spending by much larger shares than Oklahomas roughly 30% reduction. The plan is not final. The broadband office is accepting public comment through its website through September 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Germany's Olympic long jump champion Malaika Mihambo has criticized United States President Donald Trump due to his climate protection policy. Under the Trump government, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to revoke a key scientific assessment on the dangers of greenhouse gases. In view of that, Mihambo, who's also an environmental science student, told broadcaster Sport1: "This is of course very worrying, because it is completely unrealistic to make such decisions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The landmark "endangerment finding," passed under former president Barack Obama's administration, is set to be repealed, EPA head Lee Zeldin told the conservative Ruthless podcast last month. He praised the plans as the "largest deregulatory action in the history of America." The scientific finding, which argues that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare, forms the legal basis for many climate protection measures in the United States. Mihambo believes the move is alarming and hopes for a turnaround. "Otherwise, we are heading for disaster with our eyes wide open," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mihambo added that global resource consumption currently stands at around 1.7 Earths. "That means we are using 70% more per year than the Earth can sustainably provide." If consumption everywhere were as high as in Germany, Mihambo said we would need around three Earths. "But we don't have that many Earths." Adrian got off to a rocky start in fourth grade last year, missing school frequently, setting him down a path that, research suggests, would lead to academic struggles and, in the long term, a less successful career and possibly worse health. But Loma Vista Elementary and the South Whittier School District were tracking Adrian's attendance and moved in quickly to provide positive attention and family help, an approach overwhelmingly favored by most experts. Students across the nation have been missing a lot of school. In California the percentage of students chronically absent was on the rise before the COVID-19 pandemic and then it soared, from 12.1% in 2018-19 to 30% in 2021-22. A student is considered chronically absent for missing 10% or more of a school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The numbers were worse in school districts where more students already were struggling and where COVID hit hardest in terms of economic impact, illness and death. In Los Angeles Unified, which serves mostly low-income families, the chronic absenteeism rate spiked to 46% in 2021-22. L.A. school Supt. Alberto Carvalho, upon his arrival in February 2022, notably reversed cautionary messaging that had been advising parents to keep sick children home to avoid spreading COVID. Mild, cold-like symptoms should not keep kids off campus, he said, while also ramping up outreach promoting good attendance. Read more: As immigration fears surge, LAUSD compassion fund to support families amid return to school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chronic absenteeism rate for L.A. Unified last year was well below the pandemic peak, about 29%. That's still far above what it was less than 10 years ago, when it was under 13%. How one school district took action In South Whittier, Adrian's school was having a difficult time connecting with his single father, who was juggling work and parenting. But the school's attendance team got to work. Such teams typically include the principal, school secretary, community liaison, a child welfare and attendance clerk, and a social worker. Adrian did not go unseen because his school analyzes data, sets goals and intervenes early with incentives and supports. "The team built trust and listened to the father's needs," said South Whittier Supt. Gary Gonzales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adrian's father, because of his work schedule, had trouble getting his son to school. The solution was to help Adrian's father arrange for other family members and also other families with children at the same school to give Adrian a ride as needed. Read more: Campus patrols, volunteer escorts: Fears of immigration raids cloud LAUSDs first day of school Meanwhile, the school involved Adrian in a school-wide attendance challenge, which allowed him to connect with adults. "He knew he was valued and seen every day he was on campus," Gonzales said. More empathy pays off The attendance crisis at L.A. Unified and South Whittier has been mirrored in many places. And many school systems have responded aggressively in concert with state and county officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People got used to staying out of school," said Pomona Unified Supt. Darren Knowles. The county education office, working with the county health department, has released a new toolkit to help schools plan campaigns to improve attendance. The state also has released new guidance. "Improving attendance is everyones responsibility," the toolkit asserts. "A whole-child, all-hands-on-deck approach isnt optional, its essential for creating lasting change." "Every day that a student misses school, they miss out on the opportunity not only to learn, but to connect, to receive care," said Debra Duardo, superintendent of the L.A. County Office of Education, which provides services for the county's 80 school districts. "Students miss meals. They miss mental health support that is provided at schools and those trusted adults that they get to engage with." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County health Director Barbara Ferrer called attendance "a critical public health issue." "Decades of research confirmed that education is one of the strongest predictors of long-term health," Ferrer said. Read more: L.A. student seized by immigration agents alleges they bragged of $1,500 arrest payment The messaging and strategies have changed dramatically since educators and policymakers began focusing intensively on attendance in the mid-1970s. For decades, there was a frequent emphasis on punishment. Students faced grade penalties for missed days or assignments. Older students faced fines or a suspended driver's license for truancy. Parents were fined and even prosecuted for not getting children to school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current prevailing view is that those methods may have had short-term effects but were long-term failures. "Every absence has a story, and sometimes it's a student who misses the bus because mom is working two jobs," said Maggie Cunin, a child welfare and attendance specialist for the Folsom Cordova Unified School District. State officials this month recognized her school system, just east of Sacramento, for reducing chronic absenteeism from 23.5% to 14.5%. "Sometimes it's a family that's struggling to find stable housing, or a student stepping in to care for siblings," Cunin said. "These aren't statistics; they are lives. And when we really stop and listen, what we hear isn't a lack of caring. ... Families want their students in school, and it's our responsibility to walk alongside them and help remove the barriers." 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. Old Towne Orange with its neat row of vintage shops and Victorian houses built around a grand town square and landmark fountain looks so Americana that Hollywood studios have flocked there for generations to use as backdrops for small-town America. It was the stand-in for a Midwestern town in Tom Hanks' "That Thing You Do" and for a southern burg in "Big Mama's House," among many others. But increasingly, the peace and safety of its landmark fountain has come under threat from a far more modern culprit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Time and time again, speeding cars have plowed through Plaza Park's grassy expanses and vibrant rosebushes, demolishing wood benches and slamming into the beloved 88-year-old fountain. "The whole plaza people consider that the jewel of Orange," said Jeff Frankel, a resident of the Old Towne neighborhood in the Orange County city. "Now is it treated that way? Sometimes I don't think so." The water feature has suffered its share of abuse over the decades, but the collisions in the last few years have been particularly damaging. They've left officials and residents puzzling over an intractable question: What can be done to stop people from crashing into the fountain? Orange Plaza Park, near the historic fountain at the center of the circle, is surrounded by the Orange Circle where Glassell Street and Chapman Avenue meet at the Old Towne Orange.) (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) Early Sunday, the fountain got into its first scrape of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just after 2:20 a.m., a driver failed to navigate the turn at the roundabout where Glassell Street meets Chapman Avenue and plowed through bushes and barriers surrounding the water feature before scraping the tile on the fountain. The motorist, who was on probation from a prior DUI charge, was not injured but was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, said Orange Police Lt. Phil McMullin. Residents say, if history is any indication, the crash won't be the last. Cars battered the plaza four times in 2023 one of the incidents was DUI related and once in 2024 after the fountain had undergone a massive restoration project, authorities said. The driver in the 2023 incident suffered moderate injuries, but survived the crash. The most severe crash in recent memory happened in March 2023 when a man driving a stolen vehicle was fleeing police and slammed into the fountain. The car flipped and went airborne before landing on the grass in what Councilmember Arriana Barrios called a crash straight out of an episode of "The Dukes of Hazzard." It crushed the side of the fountain, causing roughly $225,000 in damage and forcing its closure for months. When the Plaza reopened in April 2024, the City Council celebrated the occasion by tossing coins into the fountain. In a fun twist of fate, Mark McCandless, the grandson of the original tile designer, installed the red and blue stoneware on the fountain using his grandfather's tools. Caution tape marks the area at the center of the circle in Old Towne Orange that was damaged by a suspected DUI driver. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) City officials, apparently anticipating future damage, purchased extra tiles. The city will likely need to purchase more tiles for repairs after this week's crash, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of last year's restoration, the city also installed bollards at the entrances to Plaza Park, changed the lighting and modified the entrances of the traffic circle to deter vehicles from speeding. But it hasn't kept cars from flying in. In November 2024, an 18-year-old plowed a vehicle into the park, hitting the fountain and destroying some of the tiles, resulting in about $7,000 worth of damage. The driver, who was not seriously injured, managed to avoid the bollards that had been installed to prevent such incidents. "Unsurprisingly or surprisingly, I'm not sure which one it is, quite honestly somehow all these fools keep getting around the bollards," Barrios said. "They're coming in sideways, going through the rosebushes. ... It's just absolutely bizarre." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And it's not just cars that have damaged the fountain. In 2008, a group of scantily clad Chapman University students frolicked in the water fixture during the college's biannual Undie Run, a tradition where students strip off their clothes and run through downtown to blow off steam during finals week. The fountain was damaged and, though the university doesn't sanction the student event, it picked up the tab for the repairs. Now, the city blocks off access to the fountain during the Undie Run to avoid any future mishaps. Plaza Park has been home to a water feature since March 1887, when a prominent women's group raised funds to place a three-tiered cast-iron fountain at the center of the park. The fountain quickly became a gathering place in the growing commercial district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1937, the current fountain, by Westinghouse Electric Co., replaced the cast-iron version, with the original fountain eventually finding a home at the Orange Public Library. Department stores, antiques shops and an old-fashioned soda fountain visited by generations have come and gone from the city's historic core, but the park and its electric tile fountain have endured. The area is known as a go-to spot for filming movies, TV and commercials. Location scouts have said its charm is versatile enough to stand in for different parts of the country. Among the varied movies shot there are "The Man Who Wasn't There," "Small Soldiers," and "First Daughter." It's the site of generations of prom photos and engagement pictures, gatherings for weddings and people coming together as a community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's the heart and soul of the city," said Rob Boice, president of the Old Towne Preservation Assn. "People that come to Orange to see the plaza and the area around it are really looking back in time. It's an amazing thing that we were able to hold onto it while other cities bulldoze their old downtowns." Residents and city officials have for years been throwing out ideas to protect the public space. Some have suggested adding additional bollards, but the large concrete barriers could turn a high-speed crash into a fatal incident. Others have proposed speed bumps or rumble strips to slow drivers down. The idea of turning it into a pedestrian-only paseo has been floated but rejected by many residents who say it would compound parking problems in the area. Doug Redding, an Orange traffic commissioner who has lived in the city for two decades, suspects installing traffic lights a block away from the circle could slow motorists as they enter the roundabout and lessen the possibility of significant damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a weird trade-off between literally preserving Old Towne Orange and not making the fountain look like a fortress versus concern over personal injury to protect property," he said. "We can't have some sort of metal or cement post that's going to rip right through a car and hurt someone. So, it's kind of tough to find that balance." Officials seem far from a solution. But after the most recent incident, Redding had one thing he knew he could check off his to-do list. He updated the sign that he created when the crashes started happening with uncanny frequency. In an image on Facebook, in a group for Old Towne residents, he stands next to the fountain with a sign that says: "This Old Towne Plaza Park has survived __ days without a car crash accident." Using Photoshop, he fills in the number of days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much to his chagrin, this week the number on the sign is back to zero. 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. Key Points Taiwan Semiconductor plans to launch a new chip node later this year. The stock trades around the same price tag as the broader market. Several top tech companies are key clients. 10 stocks we like better than Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing The market is full of fantastic investment opportunities, and if you've got $1,000 waiting to deploy, I think there are several compelling stocks available right now. While this stock should already be a part of a well-diversified portfolio, buying $1,000 worth of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) shares today looks like a genius move. TSMC, as it is better known, stands to benefit greatly from a massive, marketwide trend, as it is a top operator in its industry. It's growing rapidly and shows no signs of slowing down, and it is priced at a reasonable level. I think it's one of the top stocks to buy in the market today, and should make investors a healthy profit if they can keep a long-term mindset. Image source: Getty Images. TSMC is a key part of the AI supply chain TSMC is a semiconductor chip manufacturer that contracts to produce chips for companies with chip design operations that lack large-scale in-house production capabilities. That's nearly all of big tech today, and companies like Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices, and Apple all use TSMC as their primary chip producer. This is a key investment point for TSMC: It doesn't compete against its clients -- it just provides valuable fabrication services for them (chip production at scale is a notoriously complex process that requires expertise to do well). This is a key selling point in its business too, as clients don't have to worry about TSMC stealing their designs and launching competing chips. Another reason why TSMC is a top choice in this space is its high yields. TSMC's most advanced chip available is its 3nm (nanometer) chips. Reportedly, TSMC has achieved greater than a 90% yield for this node, while competitor Samsung hasn't cracked 50% (yield represents the percentage of chips produced that are fully functional). This is a big deal, as it drives prices up when the yield is low. Even though TSMC has one of the top processes in the 3nm chip node, it isn't stopping there. TSMC has plans to launch a 2nm chip later this year, and plans are in place for further innovation after that. The 2nm chip is already seeing massive demand, thanks to its improved efficiency. 2nm chips can be configured to run at the same speed as their 3nm counterparts, but consume 25% to 30% less power. With energy consumption in high-powered computing applications being a large concern for many, this is a welcome improvement and will drive massive demand for this product. CITY OF YORK, Pa. (WHTM) A shooting hospitalized one person with life-threatening injuries in York yesterday. According to the York City Police Department, on August 25, at around 8:53 p.m., authorities were called to the 100 block of S. Pershing Avenue for a report of a shooting victim. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Alerts Upon arrival, police encountered a 41-year-old male who had been shot once. The male was immediately transported to York Hospital for a life-threatening injury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement YCPD Captain Daniel Lentz reported to abc27 that the male is expected to survive. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the York City Police Department. Email Detective Commander Andy Baez at abaez@yorkcity.org, call the YCPD Tip Line at 717-849-2204, or submit a tip through Crimewatch. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Protecting data privacy and protecting childrens online safety are well-intentioned goals that lawmakers should hesitate to legislate. Legislative solutions are often ill-thought-out, relying on external people to figure out how to solve an impossible problem: data privacy with no trade-offs. The very mechanism of providing data privacy or protection often involves aggregating and collecting that very same data in a thoroughly insecure manner. Proponents of government actions mandating data protection are left with solutions that are either so ineffectual they can be bypassed or methods so effective they violate the very privacy theyre meant to protect. A few examples can illustrate this principle. The Teais a women-only app meant to protect women who may be cautious of online strangers by providing a place to discuss men, without repercussions, who may have red flags. Its privacy method involves requiring verification of all users by collecting identification information upon registration; the promise of a safe space for women, guaranteed. Unfortunately, this service relied on a legacy data storage system, which was recently hacked, and very quickly, online communities have been able to spread the private details of these women, even creating geographic maps of where these individuals live. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a major tragedy for those who signed up for this service, and illustrates the inherent risks of verification via data aggregation. Now consider that most policy proposals rely on third-party data storage, and the downsides of laws that use this kind of verification become apparent. The United Kingdoms Online Safety Act, meant to protect children online, just took effect and suffers from the same problem. While protecting children from age-inappropriate material is a laudable goal, the means by which this is achieved requires U.K. citizens to store their identification data on foreign servers with varying degrees of security. Furthermore, the requirements are easy to bypass children raised in the digital age are savvy. Depending on the content being accessed, users can provide fake or readily available online IDs to bypass the verification process, use grandfathered email accounts whose digital footprint predates the user, or simply use one of the many VPN options to spoof a foreign location for the user. Ironically, using VPNs has been a market-oriented way for users to protect their data, but the Labour government is considering implementing a VPN ban that it previously supported. The U.K. is demonstrating in real time the paradox of a security law that puts citizens privacy at risk while also being so easy to bypass that it provides no real security. The lack of consideration for these secondary effects is not limited to our friends across the pond, either. This last legislative session, Washington state lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 5708 to protect children from addictive social media feeds. Washington Policy Center highlighted an included provision that would have notified children who were being monitored online, including by their parents. This caused the provision to be removed, but it demonstrates the tradeoffs involved with privacy and data protection laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In many cases, lawmakers try to outsource the mechanisms of their goals to external actors, but this leaves the root problem unaddressed. Either data monitoring and privacy laws preserve a level of anonymity for citizens and can be skirted easily, or they work as intended but require the surrender of all privacy rights to the government. Even totalitarian solutions like Chinas internet firewall have cracks, and lawmakers should learn the lessons that well-intended policies dont come without unintended consequences. By trying to regulate privacy, you may just as well be violating the very principle of privacy. Donald Kimball is the communications manager and Tech Exchange editor for the Washington Policy Center. A Silicon Valley super PAC backed by OpenAI President Greg Brockman and VC heavyweight Andreessen Horowitz is putting $100 million toward supporting AI-friendly politicians. The super PAC will align with White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks proprivate industry stance on regulation and will back both Democrats and Republicans. Silicon Valley is seeking to block cumbersome AI regulation with a new fund backed by OpenAI President Greg Brockman and VC firm Andreessen Horowitz that will support AI-friendly politicians. The new $100 million super PAC network, dubbed Leading the Future (LTF), will use campaign donations and digital ads to support friendly Democrats and Republicans on both the national and state level with an eye on the 2026 midterms. It will also oppose politicians that the group sees as holding back the AI industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LTF and its affiliated organizations will oppose policies that stifle innovation, enable China to gain global AI superiority, or make it harder to bring AIs benefits into the world, and those who support that agenda, according to a press release. The groups position will mostly align with that of White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks, the Wall Street Journal reported. Sacks has criticized AI doomers and has previously said the private sector will lead the U.S. to victory over China in the AI race. There is a vast force out there thats looking to slow down AI deployment, prevent the American worker from benefiting from the U.S. leading in global innovation and job creation, and erect a patchwork of regulation, said the groups leaders Josh Vlasto and Zac Moffatt in a joint statement to WSJ. This is the ecosystem that is going to be the counterforce going into next year. Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI were both previously supportive of a 10-year moratorium on states passing their own AI regulations that was proposed in the version of the One Big Beautiful Bill passed by the House earlier this year. The moratorium was killed in the Senate after facing bipartisan opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a post on X, Andreessen Horowitzs head of government affairs, Collin McCune, said through LTF the firm aims to support politicians who understand the promise of AI. If we dont have the right policies, we risk ceding the future of AIand with it, Americas economic strength and national security, McCune wrote. OpenAI did not immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment. LTF hopes to parallel the success of the pro-crypto super PAC Fairshake, which counted Andreessen Horowitz among its largest donors. In 2024, Fairshake played a role in unseating former U.S. senator and crypto skeptic Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) as well as spending $10 million to oppose Katie Porters senate primary bid in California, which she ultimately lost to U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vlasto, one of the groups leaders, is also a spokesman and media strategist for Fairshake and has political experience working for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The groups other leader, Moffatt, previously worked as a digital director for Mitt Romneys campaign and is CEO of conservative consulting and public relations firm Targeted Victory, which counts the Republic National Committee as a client. The pro-AI super PAC will also help counter the narrative of proAI regulation spread by well-known researchers, including Godfather of AI Geoffrey Hinton and his fellow Turing-award recipient Yoshua Bengio. Both have warned about the risks of more powerful AI. Leading the Future will start its operations this year in New York, California, Illinois, and Ohio, according to a press release. Other LTF supporters are VC and Palantir cofounder Joe Lonsdale, AI software company Perplexity, and angel investor Ron Conway. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Six years ago, in Timbs v. Indiana, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote a majority opinion that pointed out the origins of the Eighth Amendments Excessive Fines Clause and the original intent that it be a shield for the weakest Americans. Bans on excessive fines, Justice Ginsburg noted, date back to Magna Carta, which required that fines be proportioned to the wrong and not be so large as to deprive someone of his livelihood. Centuries later, legal scholar William Blackstone said this rule forbade imposing fines on a person heftier than his circumstances or personal estate will bear. Early Americans quickly adopted their own bans on excessive fines. President Donald Trump certainly should not be the poster boy for the Excessive Fines Clause. Though his half-billion-dollar win in New York courts is dominating the headlines, its protections are most important for more ordinary Americans. Even so, on Thursday, a New York appellate court, citing that clause, struck down a $500 million fine against the president for filing dishonest business records. Regardless of whether Trumps case was decided rightly or wrongly, it isnt typical, and focus on it threatens to obscure the clauses role in protecting everyday Americans. Blackstone had much more modest circumstances in mind when he wrote that fines could not deprive landowners of their land, merchants of their businesses, or farmers of their animals and equipment. A court imposing a fine had to recognize that what is ruin to one mans fortune, may be matter of indifference to anothers and adjust the amount accordingly. We should all be thankful that such a clause exists and that it prohibits excessive fines even if in addition to protecting people with average assets, it also protects people with great fortunes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though the clause has been in the Constitution since the adoption of the Bill of Rights, worries about excessive fines crushing people with little took on new importance after the Civil War. Unable to legally maintain slavery, Southern states enacted Black Codes, tyrannical laws that included imposing draconian fines on emancipated people for violating ill-defined laws, like those banning vagrancy. To take examples from the Justice Ginsburg opinion in Timbs v. Indiana mentioned above, Mississippi gave unemployed freedmen five days to pay $50 fines or they would be forced into involuntary labor. One congressman accused Alabama of almost reenacting slavery using harsh fines, while a senator condemned a $1,000 fine that sells a negro for his life. Congress responded to such oppression by passing the 14th Amendment, which applies key constitutional protections to abuses committed by state governments. Despite this protection, excessive fines have continued to oppress Americans. In the Timbs v. Indiana case, the libertarian Cato Institute (where I work) joined with the Southern Poverty Law Center to file a legal brief explaining that 10 million people currently hold criminal debt, totaling more than $50 billion. Both the total amount of fines and the number of people burdened with paying them have multiplied in recent decades. One study found that the average family of a formerly incarcerated person incurs $13,607 in court-related fines and fees. Fines amount to more than just dollars and cents. They push people re-entering society after a conviction into hard choices: pay a fine or keep up with child support? Send a check to a court or secure safe housing? Most troublingly for society earn lawful wages with garnishments, or turn back to crime? The costs that fines place on individuals spell trouble for entire communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For all this, fines hardly repay governments. The federal government collects just $4 billion in criminal debt annually. Still, fines are often a convenient (and not transparent) way to fill budget potholes. Back in the 2010s, around the time it became a focus point for nationwide civil rights protests, the city of Ferguson, Missouri, boasted of fining residents over $100 for weeds/high-grass violations (while other locales fined just $5 for this offense). Local police officers there competed to see who could charge the most fines in every stop they conducted. Governments like Fergusons started seeing city residents as piggy banks they could shake down for loose change. A New York appeals court says the $464 million "disgorgement order" in Trump's civil fraud case violated the Eighth Amendment's ban on "excessive fines." https://t.co/724d1gXeQu Jacob Sullum (@jacobsullum) August 25, 2025 These wrongs never fell equally on all Americans. The NAACP called out state and local governments for disparately imposing these fines against Black Americans and other people of color re-enacting the very sort of discriminatory punishment that inspired the 14th Amendment 150 years ago. Reversing the fine imposed on President Trump is not a great milestone along the way to uprooting these injustices. But it does confirm that the Excessive Fines Clause has teeth. The clause also has the potential to do more for ordinary Americans, rather than just becoming another tool the richest individuals in the U.S. can use to escape responsibility for their actions. The Supreme Court has yet to adopt Blackstones respect for peoples resources and needs as an Eighth Amendment requirement. While the Trump case will hardly be an occasion for it to do so, it is a good occasion to remember that the Excessive Fines clause is meant to protect not just titanic fortunes, but commonplace living not just the most well-off, but those trying to rebuild from nothing. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Heres where I agree with a recent opinion piece in The Hill about antisemitism and teachers unions: Schools should be safe places for all students and all teachers. Antisemitism, like all forms of hate, should be opposed and educated against. It has no place in our schools. Where I disagree is that teachers unions are harbingers of the situation the story characterizes. At the American Federation of Teachers, where I am president, we prioritize fighting hatred of all kinds. As a Jewish woman married to a rabbi, I take antisemitism extremely seriously. And I know that since Oct. 7, the situation in our schools has only gotten worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violence against Jews, efforts to call out or marginalize Jewish students or teachers, making students feel unsafe on campuses or in the community are unconscionable acts that must be challenged. This hatred has paralleled a rise in hate and extremism overall, alongside the rise of anti-democratic actions fostered by President Trump himself. I believe that everyone in the Jewish community is safer in an America that is firmly democratic. Thats why I have spent my entire career in supporting the strengthening of our democracy, as well as promoting inclusivity in our classrooms. Its why I have proactively led the American Federation of Teachers in a unique partnership with the Jewish Council for Public Affairs to teach our teachers how to ensure safe and welcoming classrooms and to build relationships between our union locals, the local Jewish community and communal leaders. Teachers unions continue to be blamed for school curricula, but this simply doesnt hold up. In most instances, it is the local Board of Education, state and local elected officials and those who run municipal or state education departments that determine curriculum not the teachers unions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where teachers partner with local officials, they often give critical feedback, but ignoring how education decision-making actually happens to score anti-union political points wont help keep any student or teacher safe. And, where the American Federation of Teachers can influence curriculum, we educate against antisemitism and all forms of hatred. For example, we offer a special Share My Lesson curriculum on fighting antisemitism and promoting Holocaust education that is readily available to all teachers online. At the same time, we are dismayed that the Trump administration is destroying the very institutions and tools we need to protect Jewish and all vulnerable students. Secretary Linda McMahon claims to prioritize the fight against antisemitism, but in seeking to shutter the Department of Education, she is gutting its Office for Civil Rights. I would welcome critics partnership in fighting to keep the department and this critical office open. But so far, the same critics who go after the teachers unions have not raised their voices to support the remedies we need to protect our students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Office of Civil Rights is the office where Jewish students could seek assistance, yet the administration, while embracing the rhetoric of the fight against antisemitism, is taking away the tools that all of us need to ensure safe classrooms for all kids. Instead of wheeling out the same old tired attacks on those of us who are dedicated to teaching and protecting children, why not join with us in ensuring safe and nurturing environments? There is a famous concept in the Talmud that whoever saves one life, saves an entire world. Each child in the classroom is like an entire world. This is a precept I take with me each day in my job. It inspires me to do what I do help our nearly 2 million members engage in public service for this and future generations. Randi Weingarten is president of the American Federation of Teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 recent decades, debates over gun violence have followed a predictable pattern. Theres a mass shooting or a spike in crime (either perceived or real). Progressives push for stricter gun laws, while conservatives invoke the right to bear arms as a protection against government overreach. Now, with President Donald Trump preparing to send the National Guard into American cities under the flimsy guise of fighting crime, that overreach is no longer theoretical. Americans of all stripes must resist this illegal and dangerous action. As controversy continued to swirl around the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., on Friday, Trump said he was considering following suit in other cities, starting with Chicago. Reports quickly surfaced that Pentagon officials were developing a plan to deploy guardsmen or possibly active-duty military to Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the scope of the planned deployment remains uncertain, the presidents comments and social media posts have focused on claims of rampant crime in Chicago and (perhaps not coincidentally) other Democratic-led cities such as New York, Baltimore and Oakland. Those assertions mirror Trumps Aug. 11 executive order regarding D.C., which alleged contrary to official statistics that crime there is out of control. Trumps push to deploy troops in other U.S. cities rests on a trifecta of flawed facts, dubious legality and obvious partisanship. Crime data from the first half of 2025 shows gun violence in Chicago is down 25% compared with 2024, and its down 41% from the average reported between 2020 and 2024. The city has seen a significant reduction in homicides in 2025, as well. To put it into even clearer context, Chicagos violent crime rates are below the 2019 levels that preceded the nationwide increase in 2020-2021 associated with the Covid pandemic. Crime still exists, of course, but the trends are largely moving in the right direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, the National Guard is not a suitable instrument for policing American societies. The National Guard is trained primarily for military operations and disaster relief, not for civilian policing. By contrast, Chicago police officers undergo six months of intensive training before gaining years of valuable experience walking the beat. Throwing guardsmen into law enforcement roles sets them up for failure by diverting them from the missions they are best equipped to achieve. There is also scant legal authority for Trumps plan. The National Guard has a dual mission, serving state and federal roles. While governors primarily command their states guard to address emergencies within their borders, federal law allows the president to activate them for federal missions. However, there is no authority to federalize a states guard to reduce violent crime, which is a state and local issue. As Elizabeth Goitein, a leading scholar on national security and presidential emergency powers at the Brennan Center for Justice, observed, in Chicago Trump is on even thinner legal ice with this plan than he is in Los Angeles and D.C. In fact, the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 prohibits the use of the military for domestic law enforcement. Federal law makes it a crime, punishable by two years of prison, for willfully using any part of the military as a posse comitatus a group to enforce the law. The act has narrow exceptions, most notably the Insurrection Act of 1807, which permits the president to use the military or federalize the National Guard in limited circumstances. But interpreting the Insurrection Act to apply to local crime would pervert the law and violate state sovereignty principles that date to our nations founding. The presidents plans are nakedly partisan. Trump has openly targeted so-called Democratic cities while assailing the leadership of blue states. Meanwhile, cities with some of the highest violent crime rates in the country, such as Memphis, St. Louis and Cleveland, have been conspicuously spared his threats of federal takeover, presumably because they are in states that voted for Trump in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Predictably, Trump rushed to declare victory in D.C., boasting that he had made the city safe again in just four days. On Monday, as he signed an executive order that expands the use of the National Guard for law enforcement purposes, Trump bragged he could solve Chicago within one week, maybe less. But within one week well have no crime in Chicago, like no crime in D.C. This cycle of fear, self-promotion and fiction is classic Trump: Invent a crisis, declare himself the savior, then take a victory lap for fixing a problem that never existed to the degree he claimed. In just seven months, the Trump administration has already dragged us to numerous constitutional crises: from ignoring laws passed by Congress to defying federal courts to trying to rewrite the Constitutions definition of citizenship. But now he is using the military to encroach on states rights and individual liberty. That goes to the heart of the Founding Fathers concerns about tyranny. Indeed, this threat is precisely the original purpose of the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms expressly for a well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State. In 1833, Justice Joseph Story described the right to bear arms as the most vital safeguard of liberty a strong moral check against the usurpation and arbitrary power of rulers. More recently, in District of Columbia v. Heller, Justice Antonin Scalia explained how the Second Amendment guaranteed an individual right to bear arms as a critical safeguard against tyranny. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet, the same voices that cry tyranny when Congress debates assault-rifle restrictions as well as Covid vaccines, mask mandates or climate change policy are silent as federal troops are sent into cities against the will of their states. The irony is inescapable. As was always going to be the case, we instead must rely on the real guardrails of our democracy: constitutional limits, checks and balances and civilian control of the military. This is not about Chicago or any single city. Nor is it about crime and how we can further the universal goal of increasing public safety. It is about whether the president can continue to trample on the Constitution and ignore the rule of law to enact his policy and more often his political objectives. Each time we normalize that overreach, the line between democracy and authoritarianism grows fainter. Until one day perhaps when we see the military patrolling the streets of American cities it disappears. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com I went to prison for defending the Constitutional separation of powers. John Bolton (an occasional contributor to The Hill) may well wind up in prison, too if investigators uncover evidence and prosecutors decide to bring charges over his alleged classified disclosures. When Bolton wrote his book, The Room Where It Happened reportedly receiving a $2 million advance he wasnt just dishing gossip. He was sharing information about Oval Office conversations and national security that should have stayed secret either by law or under executive privilege. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge already spelled this out in black and white. In June 2020, Judge Royce Lamberth warned that Bolton had likely jeopardized national security by disclosing classified information in violation of his nondisclosure agreement obligations. The judge only allowed the book to hit shelves because the horse is already out of the barn, given the publication of excerpts and the shipment of 200,000 copies of the book. Lamberth went further in his ruling, stressing that Bolton had gambled with the national security of the United States and that the government was likely to succeed on the merits of proving he unlawfully disclosed classified material. Translation: Bolton didnt just break trust he may have also broken the law. I served with Bolton, and he was far too frequently a loose cannon, bent on bombings and coups Doctor Strangelove with a mustache. He agitated for airstrikes, pushed regime-change fantasies, and obsessed over military solutions when diplomacy was working. Then, instead of honoring executive privilege and confidential debate, Bolton acknowledged that in writing his memoir he relied on the copious notes he had conspicuously taken inside the White House. That isnt service. That isnt patriotism. Thats profiteering off of Americas secrets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, Bolton described confidential U.S. deliberations on how to fracture Nicolas Maduros control and prompt military defections. That kind of blueprint isnt something you hand to the public or to Maduros intelligence services. Such a disclosure of national-defense information without authorization can constitute a crime. Bolton puffed himself up as the great strategist of Caracas, but in reality, his disclosures were reckless speculation. No covert plan was exposed, no law broken by President Trump, and no evidence of U.S. misconduct was ever substantiated. Another case pertained to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkeys Halkbank. In 2019, the U.S. Justice Department charged Halkbank with helping Iran evade American sanctions by funneling oil and gas revenues through front companies and falsifying records. Bolton recounts a conversation in his book where Turkeys strongman pressed Trump to back off. But that wasnt a colorful anecdote it was an active criminal matter even at the time he published, which subsequently went all the way to the Supreme Court. Under federal law, removing or retaining classified drafts or notes of such a meeting can be punishable by prison time. Moreover, in the end, Boltons claims amounted to nothing but bluster. There was no Justice Department retreat on Halkbank, no evidence whatsoever that the prosecution was derailed, and no Trump misconduct. On North Korea, Bolton revealed the inside playbook of U.S. negotiations with Kim Jong-un and consultations with South Korea. Seoul publicly blasted him for breaking trust. Allied intelligence, if documented in notes taken outside secure channels, could implicate either of two sections of the U.S. code covering unauthorized disclosure of communications intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boltons book also exposed the advice and concerns of Britain, France, and other NATO partners during closed-door consultations. Foreign-government information is automatically classified under U.S. law. Publishing it didnt just humiliate our allies; it shredded trust. Not only that, but his sensationalized speculation about Trump breaching the NATO treaty proved to be just that. These arent minor indiscretions. They are statutory minefields. Collectively, these and other Big Reveals in Boltons book create a trove of national defense intelligence scattered by someone who took an oath of office to guard it. I said it plainly on Newsmax when Boltons disclosures were under fresh scrutiny: Hey, John, the difference between you and a president is that presidents can take anything they want and declassify it. And brother, you cant. I know the stakes because Ive paid the price. Steve Bannon and I both went to prison for defending the Constitution and our system of separation of powers. If evidence is found and indictments made, Bolton may one day go to prison for shredding that Constitution, defying executive privilege, and trampling safeguards meant to protect Americas security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If that happens, Bolton wont be remembered for his book tour. Hell be remembered for the sequel he writes in prison. Peter Navarro, an adviser to President Trump in both of his terms, is the author of I Went to Prison So You Wont Have To. His personal views do not necessarily reflect those of the Trump administration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. In the battle over redistricting congressional maps, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has sounded the alarm on the very survival of our democracy. Its not the first time he has wrapped himself in the term. When President Trump deployed troops to quell unrest in Los Angeles, he declared, democracy is under assault right before our eyes. Newsom even launched a Campaign for Democracy, purportedly to curb authoritarian leaders who are so hell-bent on gaining power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Newsom, this threat to democracy line isnt just an overused trope it increasingly looks like projection. Consider the following: Americans oppose electric vehicle mandates nearly two-to-one. But, when bipartisan majorities of both chambers of Congress passed and Trump signed legislative repeals of Californias EV mandates, rather than celebrate democracy in action, the Newsom administration sued to subvert the will of the people. This month, my organization moved to intervene in the Northern District of California to stop Newsoms attack against democracy, arguing that Californias claims are meritless. Newsoms rule is not just a threat to long-suffering California motorists. Setting aside his national political ambitions for 2028, Californias EV mandates carry major implications stretching well beyond the Golden State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsoms EV mandate phases out conventional vehicles, completely banning the sale of new internal-combustion engine passenger cars and light trucks in California starting in 2035. At that point, all new sales must be of so-called zero-emission vehicles. Under a quirk of the Clean Air Act, California alone is empowered to request a waiver of federal preemption from the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce stricter emissions regulations than those from Washington, D.C. Once the EPA gives its blessing, every other state in the country can opt to follow Californias rules. In December, as the Biden administration was careening to its merciful conclusion, the EPA granted last-minute waivers green-lighting Californias request to enforce its EV mandates and to export them to 11 other states. If this is allowed to stand, sales of new internal-combustion engine cars and light trucks would be banned in roughly 30 percent of the U.S. market in less than a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunately, bipartisan majorities in Congress disagreed and passed three Congressional Review Act resolutions repealing those waivers. Enacted in 1996, the Congressional Review Act allows Congress to overturn rules issued by government agencies through an expedited legislative process. Under the law, only a majority vote, not the 60-vote threshold required to surpass a filibuster in the U.S. Senate, is required. As the Supreme Court has already noted in a decision joined by one of the liberal justices, by using this procedure, Congress enacted legislation that block[s] [these] California regulations. Yet within hours of Trumps signature on June 12, California, along with 10 other progressive states that have adopted these EV mandates, sued. Their theory is that they were somehow entitled to the Senate filibusters 60-vote threshold because Congress failed to follow the advice of two unelected Democrats who provide non-binding advice to Congress the comptroller of the Government Accountability Office and the Senate Parliamentarian. Not only was Congress right in how it interpreted the Congressional Review Act, but, more fundamentally, whether and how to use the procedures provided under the act, or any other procedures to pass laws, is a determination the Constitution reserves to Congress. The courts are powerless to second guess it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is why the Congressional Review Act expressly shields any aspect of the acts process from judicial review. Newsom would know this if he were truly steeped in the principles of the democracy whose future he claims to be representing. On electric vehicles, as with many other facets of everyday life, common sense has prevailed over climate extremism. Meritless claims and hopes for judicial resistance may play well with the activist class, but they alienate ordinary working Americans. A Democratic Party shut out of power and grappling with approval ratings at a 35-year low should take note, especially as it desperately seeks a leader to guide it from the abyss. Before turning their lonely eyes to Newsom, Democrats would be wise to think twice. Not only are his policies misguided and his state unaffordable, but his red-faced rhetoric about democracy fails to pass a basic constitutional smell test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bill McGinley is the president of the Center for Legal Action, the litigation arm of the American Free Enterprise Chamber of Commerce. He previously served as assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary in President Donald Trumps first-term White House. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A firefighter from Keizer, Ore., died in the line of duty while battling the Bivens Creek Fire in Montana over the weekend. Ruben Gonzales Romero was in Madison County, Mont., working with a 20-person crew as a sawyer or a firefighter who cuts trees and brush with a chainsaw when he died Aug. 24, according to the Northern Rockies Team. Human remains discovered in The Dalles storage unit, sex offender IDd as person of interest Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said he had more than 20 years of experience and brought significant experience and wisdom to the fire line and the people with whom he worked. We rest a little more comfortable knowing that he died doing what he loved, the Northern Rockies Team said. Rubens family is in route to Montana and an honor guard made up of incident and local firefighters will remain with Ruben until his body is carried back home. The Bivens Creek Fire has been burning since Aug. 13 in the Tobacco Root Mountains. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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's U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz on July 25, 2025, at the 2025 Eastern Oregon Economic Summit in Pendleton. (Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle) By the time Oregons seven Congressional Democrats return to work in Washington D.C. on Sept. 2 following their August recess, they will have collectively clocked more than six dozen public town halls, roundtables, constituent meetings and tours across the state, according to schedules shared with the Capital Chronicle. The states lone Republican in Congress, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, of Oregons 2nd Congressional District, has no publicly scheduled events until Monday, Sept. 8, when hell hold a telephone town hall he announced last week. Hes so far shared little about his schedule over the recess that began July 24, and his spokespersons did not respond to multiple emails over three weeks from the Capital Chronicle, requesting details about how he would spend the nearly six-weeks hes away from D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The August recess, mandated since 1970, is typically a one-month window for members of Congress to leave D.C. and return to their home states to meet with and hear directly from constituents. But Bentz and Republicans have been discouraged by their partys chair since earlier this year from holding town halls, where members have faced heated questions over Trump administration policies, federal budget and staff cuts, and the recent GOP tax and spending measure passed by Congress. After holding four in-person town halls in February where he was met with protest, Bentz has held just one, virtual, town hall since. The current recess is longer than most. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson called for his chambers recess to begin a week early to prevent a vote on a measure requiring the U.S. Department of Justice to provide Congress with materials from the agencys investigation into convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. From July 24 to Sept. 2, Oregons Democratic U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley, and Democratic U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Janelle Bynum, Maxine Dexter, Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas will hold or have held 16 town halls, 17 roundtables and 47 constituent meetings and tours. Bynum, who recently spoke at an event in Madras hosted by the Oregon Nurses Association, called out the missing Bentz, who had also been invited but did not attend. He represents Madras in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I mean, where you at, boi? she said at the event. Rep. Bentz At the beginning of the recess on July 25, Bentz attended the private Eastern Oregon Economic Summit in Pendeleton, where he gave a rambling speech about what he said are the benefits of consolidated Republican power across Congress. According to his posts on X, formerly Twitter, Bentz on Aug. 20 met with Dalles Mayor Rich Mays to discuss the areas drinking water, and spoke at a meeting of the local Rotary Club in The Dalles, where he told Oregon Public Broadcasting that he would visit 10 counties before returning to D.C. to meet with small groups and to meet privately with representatives of hospitals in his district. Between Aug. 2 and those posts on Aug. 20, Bentz did not post on X anything about Oregon meetings or events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 21, he posted that he met with staff at the Deschutes Rim Health Clinic in Maupin and with local outfitters along the Deschutes River. The next day he posted photos of a meeting with the chair of the Wasco County Commission and photos from a visit to a 25th Anniversary celebration of the Madras Airshow. On Aug. 22 he visited the Redmond Air Base, and on Monday, posted a photo of himself with Mt. Vernon Mayor Kenny Delano, and he said they discussed the recent tax and spending bill passed by Congress and its impact on small communities. In addition to his telephone town hall scheduled for Monday Sept. 8, Bentz has scheduled a telephone town hall for Weds. Sept. 17. Dems join forces Many of Oregons Congressional democrats have joined forces to host events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dexter, of Oregons 3rd Congressional District and Salinas, of Oregons 6th Congressional District, joined Wyden to hold a press conference and meet with the CEO of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette to talk about cuts to the healthcare provider under the Republican budget bill. Dexter and Bonamici, who represents Oregons 1st Congressional District, toured the Port of Portland to get updates on the cleanup at the Portland Harbor Superfund Site. Wyden, Dexter, Merkley, Salinas and Bonamici joined one anothers various roundtables and town halls on immigration issues, impacts of President Donald Trumps tariff policies, and impacts to health care and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, in Oregon from the Republican budget. Rep. Bonamici Since July 28, Bonamici has held two roundtables, nearly 30 constituent meetings and tours, and one town hall. Shes met with veterans in Portland, school superintendents from across the state, officials at the Port of Portland, at the Oregon Head Start Association and staff at the Oregon Food Bank and a food bank in St. Helens. She met with Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty at a senior housing project being built in the city, met with officials at two medical clinics in Hillsboro, spoke with staff at Woodfold Manufacturing in Forest Grove and visited the Adelante Mujeres Farmers Market in Forest Grove, among other events. Rep. Bynum Beyond attending the event hosted by the Oregon Nurses Association in Madras, Bynums August schedule includes a telephone town hall, an in-person town hall in Molalla, a tour with staff of the Redmond Air Center a U.S. Forest Service hub for wildland firefighting a tour of the Mompano solar farm in Beavercreek, a farm tour in Molalla, and roundtables with labor unions and small businesses. Rep. Dexter Dexter arguably has the most packed recess schedule. Shes participated or is participating in four roundtables, three town halls and shes joined more than 20 constituent events and tours, including an aerial tour of her district to oversee examples of forest clearcutting, and visited the Portland Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dexter met with veterans in an arts program in Portland and visited the Veterans Affairs clinic in Fairview, visited a mental health clinic and recovery center in Portland and two affordable housing communities in southeast and north Portland. She toured the Danner Boot factory in northeast Portland, met with the Hood River Sheriff to discuss rural search and rescue needs, and is currently on a four-day fact-finding trek on Mt. Hood with tribal leaders, conservation advocates and policy makers that will be rounded out by a town hall in Government Camp. Rep. Hoyle Hoyle held her 16th town hall of the year in Eugene during the August recess. She also hosted a roundtable with the nonprofits Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon and Food for Lane County to discuss impacts of Republican spending cuts to SNAP, and met with the Port of Coos Bay Intermodal Project team to discuss the potential to build a new shipping container terminal there. Rep. Salinas Salinas by Sept. 2 will have logged three roundtables, two townhalls and 10 constituent meetings and tours. Those include meetings with staff at medical clinics in Aumsville and Tigard, a police ride-along in Newburg, roundtables with farmers at Pape Machinery and the farm bank AgWest, and visits with small businesses and the Woodburn Rotary Club. Sen. Merkley Merkley this recess hosted two roundtables in central Oregon, one in Eugene and hosted one town hall. The roundtables, in Bend and La Pine and Eugene, were with local community health centers to discuss the impacts of the Congressional Republicans budget bill, as well as impacts of Trumps tariff policies on businesses and manufacturers. Merkley is currently on a tour of Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, and Egypt with U.S. Sen. Chris Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, to observe humanitarian aid efforts to Gaza and press for an end to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Sen. Wyden Wyden will have hosted four roundtables, four town halls and 15 constituent meetings by Sept. 2. Many are focused on tariff impacts, cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, and wildfire preparedness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Correction: The story has been updated to clarify that Merkley did not join Hoyle at her Eugene town hall and that Bynum visited a solar farm in Beavercreek, not Beaverton. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Smithfield Fresh Meats allegedly refused to accommodate a pregnant employee, forced her to take unpaid leave and fired her on the basis of her pregnancy, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission charged in an Aug. 19 lawsuit. Per the complaint in EEOC v. Smithfield Fresh Meats Corp., the employee worked as a general laborer at a North Carolina facility. Following a workplace accident, she experienced substantial pregnancy-related bleeding and was diagnosed with a subchorionic hematoma, according to the record. The employee submitted doctors notes requesting two weeks of light duty, lifting limited to not more than 10 pounds, no excessive bending or twisting and 15-minute breaks every two hours. In response, Smithfield told her it didnt provide pregnancy-related accommodations, EEOC alleged. Dive Insight: After the hematoma was confirmed, the employee submitted a third doctors note requesting that she be relieved of all lifting due to pregnancy-related bleeding and allowed to use the restroom as needed. In response, Smithfield allegedly told her it didnt have an accommodation for her and required her to take unpaid leave, the complaint said. Smithfield fired the employee two weeks later, according to the EEOC. Despite its alleged assertion of not being able to accommodate her, it had vacant positions available that she was qualified to perform, met her restrictions and which she could have been assigned to, the lawsuit alleged. EEOC sued Smithfield for violating the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act by allegedly failing to accommodate the employee. It also alleged that Smithfield violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by discriminating against her because of her pregnancy. A representative for Smithfield told HR Dive in an email that as a matter of policy, the company doesnt comment on pending legal matters. The PWFA, which took effect in June 2023, requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for an employees or an applicants known pregnancy-related physical or mental limitations, according to EEOC guidance. The statute borrows from the Americans with Disabilities Act in a few ways, including that it excuses employers from providing reasonable accommodations that impose an undue hardship (i.e., substantial difficulty or expense), the guidance explains. Importantly, under the PWFA, employees may not be forced to take leave if the employer can provide another reasonable accommodation to keep them working, EEOC says. Light duty, relief from lifting requirements, additional or longer bathroom breaks and temporary reassignment accommodations raised in the Smithfield case are considered reasonable. Lawmakers will meet on Friday to take up a proposal in a special session to increase vehicle registration fees and gas and payroll taxes to maintain the Oregon Department of Transportation at its current levels and bring in future revenue. (Courtesy of Oregon Department of Transportation) Julie Murray is one of nearly 500 people who work for the Oregon Department of Transportation who will be laid off if the state Legislature does not provide funding to fill the agencys $350 million budget gap. The drone pilot and video producer has filmed wildfires, landslides and construction projects to keep Oregonians informed during emergencies, and about major highway and transportation infrastructure work. The department trusts her to be in the most extreme conditions while filming, and its invested in dozens of drone, artificial intelligence and safety trainings for her, she told lawmakers Monday at the Capitol in Salem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency developed me, molded me into a perfect fit, and the layoff will throw all that away, she said. My coworkers on the layoff list are also all trained up. ODOT is set to lose them to the private sector and will spend years retraining and rebuilding. We are investments worth keeping. Murray along with more than 60 others speakers shared testimony with the Joint Interim Committee on Transportation Funding during a three-hour public hearing on Gov. Tina Koteks transportation funding proposal thats meant to prevent department layoffs, preserve how the state splits its highway funds with counties and cities and modernize transportation funding. Lawmakers will meet on Friday in Salem to discuss and take a vote on the proposal. Many special sessions last one day, but some take several days or up to several weeks to reach a conclusion. The package would increase vehicle registration fees and gas and payroll taxes raising nearly $800 million in the 2025-27 budget cycle alone but its a significantly scaled-down version of what lawmakers originally proposed in June during the 2025 legislative session. Democratic lawmakers initially floated a funding package that would have raised $14.6 billion over the next 10 years, but then scaled their proposal back to a version that would have raised $11.7 billion after receiving backlash from Republicans and some Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal lawmakers are now considering ahead of a special session would raise $5.8 billion over the next 10 years, according to the Legislative Revenue Office. Most of the revenue would flow to the State Highway Fund, and from there, 50% would go to the state transportation department, 30% would go to counties and 20% to cities. The millions raised from the increase in the payroll tax would go toward local public transit districts. What fees and taxes would change under the proposed transportation package? A gas tax increase from $0.40 to $0.46, effective Jan. 1, 2026 is expected to raise $90 million a year. An increase in annual registration fees from $43 to $85 for passenger vehicles; $63 to $105 for utility vehicles, light trailers, low-speed vehicles and medium-speed electric vehicles; and $44 to $86 for mopeds and motorcycles. Increasing title fees for passenger vehicles from $77 to $216. Doubling the payroll tax used to support public transit from 0.1% to 0.2%. An increase to registration surcharges for electric and highly fuel-efficient vehicles, from $35 to $65 annually for cars with a 40+ miles-per-gallon rating, and from $115 to $145 annually for electric vehicles. Phasing in a mandatory road usage charge program for electric vehicles by 2031. Electric vehicle drivers have been able to opt into the OReGO program and pay 2 cents per mile in exchange for lower registration fees, and the proposed change would mandate electric vehicle drivers participate in that program or pay a flat $340 annual fee. Committee receives mixed testimony The transportation committee Monday spent the first 45 minutes listening to legislative staff present on the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without additional resources at current funding levels, drivers and transit providers will experience impacts of fewer snow plows, more potholes, more snow and ice on major roads, longer traffic closures because maintenance teams need to travel farther away, more trash and graffiti, slower responses to crashes and other incidents, closed rest areas and reductions in transit service, Koteks transportation and infrastructure advisor, Kelly Brooks, told the committee. Most of those who testified in person, including transportation employees, city and county officials and union leaders, urged lawmakers to support the legislation. The bill received support from local officials from Umatilla, Wallowa, Hood River and Columbia counties and from Beaverton, Tigard, Albany and Portland. Jana Jarvis, president of the trade group Oregon Trucking Association, also spoke in favor of the bill for its provision simplifying Oregons complex diesel tax rates, which would reduce the weight-mile tax rates heavy trucks pay from 85 different rates to just 10 rates. A handful of others criticized lawmakers and the transportation department for money mismanagement and raising taxes. This includes Jake Seavert, a Union County Commissioner, who said the county he represents largely opposes tax and fee increases. The additional fee increases with vehicle registration further exacerbates the financial stress to every household, especially those households with more than two vehicles, to every business, small and large that utilizes vehicles for transportation of goods and services and employees, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the time the meeting had ended, nearly 2,200 Oregonians had submitted written testimony to the committee, with most of those writing in opposition to the legislation. Some expressed discomfort with raising transportation costs but still supported the proposal. Im not looking forward to paying higher taxes any more than anyone else, but to me, the greater danger right now is the safety of people on our highways especially highways going through the Cascades, Detroit mayor Jim Trett, who spoke in favor of the bill, told the committee. CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct a previous version of the story that incorrectly said most legislative sessions last one day, and to include more information about the written opposition to the bill. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (The Center Square) Before Hurricane Katrina ravaged the coast, the New Orleans population was about 460,000. Twenty years later, the city has dropped to about 380,000 as it continues to rebuild. Katrina still ranks as one of the deadliest and costliest storms to hit the United States in history. With more than 1 million displaced and 1,833 deaths, the population in New Orleans was severely impacted by the natural disaster. "The city suffered moderate damage from the hurricane itself, but enormous damage from extensive flooding caused by breaks in several levees, said Narayan Sastry within a pilot study of displaced New Orleans residents after Katrina. "The population of New Orleans was reduced to fewer than several thousand people by the end of the first week of September 2005." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A report by Data Commons, sourced from Census.gov, shows that the city's population was around 455,000 to 462,000 between 2004 and 2005, before Katrina struck. In 2006, that number dropped drastically to 209,000. To this day, New Orleans has not regained its pre-Katrina population numbers. The most recent report shows that in 2024, the city reported 363,000 people, nearly 100,000 fewer. The Lower Ninth Ward and others are among the many areas still seeing the effects of population decline since the storms destruction. The U.S. Census in 2020 gave the city a population of more than 383,000. It's estimated just below that more recently in 2022 and 2024. The citys peak population since 2005 was just before COVID-19 made its way to the United States. In 2018, New Orleans reported 392,000 in population, but that number has continued to steadily drop since the city was hit by the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With population loss, especially after a natural disaster, come other areas of loss for the city, including tax dollars, funding, loss of businesses and school enrollment. The number of people employed is lower than it was before Katrina hit. In 2005, the city had 186,000 people employed, and dropped to 93,500 after Katrina. Roughly 169,000 people were employed in New Orleans as of this year, a 17,000 difference in employment numbers over the last 20 years. As the city continues to increase these numbers, there are still fewer people employed in 2025 than before the storm. Erasing history is a deeply Orwellian thing to do. (Altayb/iStock / Getty Images Plus) When people use the term Orwellian, its not a good sign. It usually characterizes an action, an individual or a society that is suppressing freedom, particularly the freedom of expression. It can also describe something perverted by tyrannical power. Its a term used primarily to describe the present, but whose implications inevitably connect to both the future and the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his second term, President Donald Trump has revealed his ambitions to rewrite Americas official history to, in the words of the Organization of American Historians, reflect a glorified narrative while suppressing the voices of historically excluded groups. This ambition was manifested in efforts by the Department of Education to eradicate a DEI agenda from school curricula. It also included a high-profile assault on what detractors saw as woke universities, which culminated in Columbia Universitys agreement to submit to a review of the faculty and curriculum of its Middle Eastern Studies department, with the aim of eradicating alleged pro-Palestinian bias. Now, the administration has shifted its sights from formal educational institutions to one of the key sites of public history-making: the Smithsonian, a collection of 21 museums, the National Zoo and associated research centers, principally centered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. On Aug. 12, 2025, the Smithsonians director, Lonnie Bunch III, received a letter from the White House announcing its intent to carry out a systematic review of the institutions holdings and exhibitions in the advance of the nations 250th anniversary in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reviews stated aim is to ensure that museum content adequately reflects Americanism through a commitment to celebrate American exceptionalism, [and] remove divisive or partisan narratives. On Aug. 19, 2025, Trump escalated his attack on the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was he wrote in a Truth Social post. Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future. We are not going to allow this to happen. Such ambitions may sound benign, but they are deeply Orwellian. Heres how. Winners write the history Author George Orwell believed in objective, historical truth. Writing in 1946, he attributed his youthful desire to become an author in part to a historical impulse, or the desire to see things as they are, to find out true facts and store them up for the use of posterity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But while Orwell believed in the existence of an objective truth about history, he did not necessarily believe that truth would prevail. Truth, Orwell recognized, was best served by free speech and dialogue. Yet absolute power, Orwell appreciated, allowed those who possessed it to silence or censor opposing narratives, quashing the possibility of productive dialogue about history that could ultimately allow truth to come out. As Orwell wrote in 1984, his final, dystopian novel, Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past. Historian Malgorzata Rymsza-Pawlowska has written about Americas bicentennial celebrations that took place in 1976. Then, she says, Americans across the nation helped contribute to a pluralistic and inclusive commemoration using it as a moment to question who had been left out of the legacies of the American Revolution, to tell more inclusive stories about the history of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was an example of the kind of productive dialogue encouraged in a free society. By contrast, writes Rymsza-Pawlowska, the 250th is shaping up to be a top-down affair that advances a relatively narrow and celebratory idea of Americanism. The newly announced Smithsonian review aims to purge counternarratives that challenge that celebratory idea. The Ministry of Truth The desire to eradicate counternarratives drives Winston Smiths job at the ironically named Ministry of Truth in 1984. The novel is set in Oceania, a geographical entity covering North America and the British Isles and which governs much of the Global South. Oceania is an absolute tyranny governed by Big Brother, the leader of a political party whose only goal is the perpetuation of its own power. In this society, truth is what Big Brother and the party say it is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regime imposes near total censorship so that not only dissident speech but subversive private reflection, or thought crime, is viciously prosecuted. In this way, it controls the present. But it also controls the past. As the partys protean policy evolves, Smith and his colleagues are tasked with systematically destroying any historical records that conflict with the current version of history. Smith literally disposes of artifacts of inexpedient history by throwing them down memory holes, where they are wiped out of existence and out of memory. At a key point in the novel, Smith recalls briefly holding on to a newspaper clipping that proved that an enemy of the regime had not actually committed the crime he had been accused of. Smith recognizes the power over the regime that this clipping gives him, but he simultaneously fears that power will make him a target. In the end, fear of retaliation leads him to drop the slip of newsprint down a memory hole. The contemporary U.S. is a far cry from Orwells Oceania. Yet the Trump administration is doing its best to exert control over the present and the past. Down the memory hole Even before the Trump administration announced its review of the Smithsonian, officials in departments across government had taken unprecedented steps to rewrite the nations official history, attempting to purge parts of the historical narrative down Orwellian memory holes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Comically, those efforts included the temporary removal from government websites of information about the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the atomic bomb over Hiroshima. The plane was unwittingly caught up in a mass purge of references to gay and LGBTQ+ content on government websites. Other erasures have included the deletion of content on government sites related to the life ofHarriet Tubman, the Maryland woman who escaped slavery and then played a pioneering role as a conductor of the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape to freedom. Public outcry led to the restoration of most of the deleted content. Over at the Smithsonian, which earlier in the year had been criticized by Trump for its divisive, race-centered ideology, staff removed a temporary placard with references to President Trumps two impeachment trials from a display case on impeachment that formed part of the National Museum of American History exhibition on the American presidency. The references to Trumps two impeachments were modified, with some details removed, in a newly installed placard in the updated display. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding to questions, the Smithsonian stated that the placards removal was not in response to political pressure: The placard, which was meant to be a temporary addition to a 25-year-old exhibition, did not meet the museums standards in appearance, location, timeline, and overall presentation. Repressing thought Orwells 1984 ends with an appendix on the history of Newspeak, Oceanias official language, which, while it had not yet superseded Oldspeak or standard English, was rapidly gaining ground as both a written and spoken dialect. According to the appendix, The purpose of Newspeak was not only to provide a medium of expression for the worldview and mental habits proper to the devotees of [the Party], but to make all other modes of thought impossible. Orwell, as so often in his writing, makes the abstract theory concrete: The word free still existed in Newspeak, but it could only be used in such statements as This dog is free from lice or This field is free from weeds. political and intellectual freedom no longer existed even as concepts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal of this language streamlining was total control over past, present and future. If it is illegal to even speak of systemic racism, for example, let alone discuss its causes and possible remedies, it constrains the potential for, even prohibits, social change. It has become a cliche that those who do not understand history are bound to repeat it. As George Orwell appreciated, the correlate is that social and historical progress require an awareness of, and receptivity to, both historical fact and competing historical narratives. This article is an updated version of an article originally published on June 9, 2025. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. OLIVE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) Ottawa County commissioners are restarting their search for a new county administrator, a position that has been vacant for 18 months. The board met Tuesday morning to narrow down the list of more than 50 candidates who applied before the Aug. 11 deadline. Commissioners chose five candidates to continue in the interviewing process, with two alternates in case of any withdrawals. Ottawa County sets new timeline to hire administrator Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im guessing since the beginning of the year, when we started this process, weve had over 70 people apply, Commission Chair John Teeples said. It was incredible. It was just a really deep pool were gonna be really pleased. Im just thrilled. The final five, whose names were not released, needed at least six votes to move forward in the process. Before that vote, a motion to go into closed session to discuss the hiring of an administrator failed. The hiring process will be public and the names of the final candidates will be released. Their names were initially withheld to protect their privacy early on in the screening process. The county nearly filled the job in June with U.S. Army Col. Michael Tremblay, the lone finalist after four others withdrew. Commissioners chose instead to reopen the search in July. Ottawa County commissioners hold off on administrator decision Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last permanent administrator was John Gibbs, hired in January 2023 with support from then-board chair Joe Moss and the Ottawa Impact majority. Gibbs was fired 13 months later for what commissioners called inappropriate conduct and neglect of duties. Gibbs denied the claims and sued the county. The case was settled with a nearly $200,000 payout. Weve had a lot of controversy in Ottawa County that were trying to overcome this year and its a process. We went through a process with the previous search and it didnt work out, Teeples said. We learn from it, we come together. We figure out what we need to do and we did. Ottawa County board settles ex-administrator John Gibbs lawsuit for $190,000 Teeples says interviews are expected to take place in September and an administrator could be announced by the middle of the month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OTTAWA The people who work for Ottawas top watchdog are quietly sounding the alarm on their own office. Investigations by the Office of the Auditor General consistently flag cost overruns, broken systems and fishy contracts in offices and programs across the Canadian government. But now hundreds of employees in the OAG have signaled their lack of confidence in senior management, a stinging takeaway POLITICO has uncovered in a federal employee survey conducted late last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Few departments or agencies fared worse on that score than the OAG in the most recent Public Service Employee Survey, a regular temperature check of the bureaucracy with questions about well-being, mobility, compensation and how the bosses are doing. The findings, published online earlier this year, raise serious questions about the work culture at the OAG, a federal agency that scrutinizes billions in spending every year and reports to Parliament. No watchdog has more reach into the work of the Canadian government. A 2003 audit of a federal sponsorship program eventually sank the Liberal government of the day and led to jail time for a handful of figures connected to the scandal. Karen Hogan has helmed the office since 2020, following the death of her predecessor Michael Ferguson a year earlier. In March 2024, federal records indicate the OAG employed 836 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement POLITICO requested an interview with the OAG. In a statement, a spokesperson said the results "deeply affected the senior management group." Five hundred and seventy employees in the office filled out the 2024 survey, which ran from Oct. 28 to Dec. 31. (Overall, more than 186,000 employees across 93 federal departments and agencies responded a rate of 50.5 per cent.) Alisha Kang, the national president of the Union of National Employees that represents audit support workers in the OAG, said members were tightlipped when she asked about their worklife in response to survey findings. "The atmosphere was one of extreme nervousness to answer the very pointed questions I was asking," Kang told POLITICO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The questions on senior management revealed a clear four-year trend, which traces to Hogan's earliest days as auditor general. A mere 27 percent "have confidence in the senior management" down from 50 percent in 2022 and 80 percent in 2020. Only 49 percent of OAG employees say their senior managers "lead by example in ethical behavior" down from 71 percent in 2022 and 90 percent in 2020. Less than one in five (19 percent) said "information flows effectively to staff," a decline from 42 percent in 2022 and 73 percent in 2020. And less than one in six (16 percent) said senior management "makes effective and timely decisions" another marked decline from 37 percent in 2022 and 65 percent in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The numbers decline further among respondents from teams in the office responsible for "performance audits" and "audit services." Pandemic bumpy ride The OAG's workload has expanded in recent years. In 2021-22, the office completed 12 "performance audits." That output doubled to 24 a year later. Auditors eventually examined a pile of pandemic spending programs whipped up by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government and delivered at unprecedented speeds. In 2021 and 2022, the OAG's unionized employees went on strike for 128 days for better pay. (They eventually got a deal.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, the office acknowledged to POLITICO following the 2022 employee survey that the strike "had a significant impact across our organization" and committed to a "workplace initiative" to address lingering issues. Employee confidence in senior managers has only dropped since then. In a statement to POLITICO about the 2024 survey, the OAG acknowledged the results offer a "clear indication" that the office's earlier efforts "did not have the intended impact for all employees." The OAG said Hogan has recently hosted "a series of engagement sessions across the organization, creating opportunities for open dialogue and feedback for employees." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kang told POLITICO those sessions did not address the survey. "If you're going to make claims that meetings were about a subject, and we know that they were not about that subject, it makes it even harder to have confidence in management," she said. Tough transition The OAG is adamant the survey results "do not describe the causes" of the apparent rifts between senior managers and the rest of the staff. Still, the office offered context on what could be disrupting the workplace. "We recognize the significant changes employees have been experiencing with their work tools, our office space, and the decisions that we have made to increase the volume and value of our work for Parliament and the northern legislatures," read the statement, which noted Hogan's role as auditor for the governments of Canada's northern territories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The auditor general's office has recently adopted a hybrid work model, renovated its workspace in Ottawa and "launched a project" to update its audit management software. The OAG has committed to "a series of in-house pulse surveys in the coming year to monitor the impact of changes." Kang says she'll read future audits with a skeptical eye. "If I thought that things were going well and the staff felt comfortable and safe with senior management, I would not be questioning what was coming out of there," she said. "But with the steep decline, which has been ongoing for at least a good four years, this really concerns me in terms of the data that Canadians are receiving." Automation station More workplace changes are likely to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Mark Carneys Cabinet has asked federal departments and agencies to identify by the end of the summer spending reductions of 15 percent to be rolled out by 2028. The OAG is not immune from that process. "The federal government will be undergoing significant transformation, and we will also be seeking more efficiencies and increasing productivity to conduct the most effective and efficient audits possible," read a statement. That appears to mean less of a human touch in places that is, more automation. The OAG is looking at "automating auditing processes to increase efficiencies, and leveraging technology to identify the right audits and generate insights that can improve public services and programs for Canadians." For the fifth year in a row, the University of Oklahoma welcomed the largest freshman class in the state, according to a press release. Starting the school year with the annual Class Kickoff Sunday, the university welcomed 6,251 incoming students and freshman enrollment has increased more than 30% in three years, the release said. Total enrollment at OU has grown to over 36,500 students. Our focus on affordable excellence and investment in our Lead On, University Strategic Plan is driving measurable results, said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. The Class of 2029 symbolizes the unmatched value of an OU education that is rapidly drawing students and families from across Oklahoma and beyond. We are excited to champion another outstanding freshman class as they begin the life-changing journey that comes with earning an OU education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release added that the university has seen double-digit growth in first-year students over the past two years. OU is on track to reach 40,000 students by 2030, a challenge the university received from Governor Kevin Stitt in 2023. The freshman class has a collective high school GPA of 3.64 with 711 students achieving a 4.0 or better. This class has 330 students who graduated first in their high school class a 39% increase from last year and saw a 16% increase in Oklahoma State Scholars students. This historic freshman class marks more than just a record; its a powerful signal of OUs momentum and the bright future were building together, said Jeff Blahnik, vice president for Enrollment Management and Chief Enrollment Officer. As we welcome the class, were energized by the potential they bring and the success theyll achieve both inside and outside the classroom. These students are joining a university deeply committed to preparing them for impactful careers, lifelong learning, and leadership in a rapidly evolving world. Their decision to choose OU speaks to the lasting value of an education that leads to real-world success and a life of purpose. To accommodate the ever-growing student population, OU opened McCasland Hall, a new residence hall for first-year students, this fall and a second residence hall is scheduled to open next year. OU is also preparing to break ground on a new Life Sciences Laboratories Building. (FOX 5/KUSI) Several vehicles were damaged in a fire overnight at a rental car facility near San Diego International Airport late Monday. According to Harbor Police, the call came in at 11:57 p.m., reporting a fire at the old Hertz car center lot near Harbor Drive and Harbor Island Drive. Thousands of lightning bolts streak across the San Diego County sky Officials who arrived found several vehicles on fire near charging stations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five vehicles that were charging sustained damage, with two of them fully engulfed, Harbor Police told FOX 5/KUSI. Hazmat crews responded to the site, and no people were injured, Harbor Police said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. NEED TO KNOW The owners of a dog boarding facility in upstate New York were arrested this week after authorities allegedly discovered 21 dead dogs at the business The animals appeared to die from a lack of water and ventilation, according to police Robert Palulis, 48, and Anastasia Palulis, 38, were charged with 22 misdemeanor counts of animal torture and failing to provide proper sustenance The owners of an upstate New York dog boarding facility have been arrested and charged with animal torture after police allege 21 dogs died while under their care this past weekend. The Washington County Sheriffs Department announced the charges against Robert Palulis and Anastasia Palulis on Tuesday, writing in a news release that the two owners have been charged with 22 misdemeanor counts of overdriving, torturing, and injuring animals, as well as failure to provide proper sustenance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges were filed after the couple was arrested at Anastasias Acres Dog Boarding business in Argyle, New York on Sunday. Washington County Sheriff Jeffrey J. Murphy said in the offices news release this week that police were called to the location on Sunday to check up on a report of deceased dogs at the facility. Upon investigation it was determined that 21 dogs in total were found deceased and one was taken to an emergency animal clinic for care, the sheriffs department said in its initial news release Sunday before charges were filed. Officials said that a veterinarian was on scene assisting investigators along with the Animal Control Officers for the Town of Argyle, while detectives began investigating what led to the dogs deaths. 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 investifgation concluded the owners had "failed to provide adequate water and ventilation for the animals," the sheriff's department said in its update on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said Robert, 48, and Anastasia, 38, have since been released and are due to appear back in municipal court at a later date. PEOPLE has reached out to the animal facility for comment but did not receive a response on Tuesday. The boarding facility's website also appears to have been taken down as of Tuesday afternoon. Read the original article on People About a year ago, Frank from South Carolina cosigned a car loan for his brother-in-law against his wifes wishes and his own better judgment. Now his brother-in-law is going away for a very long time on a vacation a.k.a. in jail. Frank told The Ramsey Show that his brother-in-law had $20,000 to put down on a new Chrysler 300 and asked if Frank could co-sign the car loan. His brother-in-law is a big, dumb animal that he loves dearly, so he obliged. Don't miss But now his brother-in-law is in prison and Frank is on the hook for the loan. He doesnt want or need the car. The buyout is $62,000, but if he goes through a private seller, he might get around $50,000. That would leave him about $12,000 underwater. Now Frank is wondering if he should let the car go into voluntary repossession. But The Ramsey Show hosts say theres only one way out of this mess and its going to hurt. A spiraling problem Frank is stuck with a $1,100 monthly car payment but to make matters worse, hes behind on his payments by $5,200 and the car (which is in Arizona) has gone up for repossession. Youre gonna have Dog the Bounty Hunter at your door, man, said co-host George Kamel. This is not the way you want to go, Frank. Read more: Do you own rental properties in the US? These 6 hacks can help you boost your income and lower your tax burden If he lets the car go into voluntary repossession, it will go to auction and hell get much less than he would through a private sale. Youll be lucky if they sell for 30 [grand], said Kamel. Theyre going to sell it for bottom dollar at auction because they dont give a rip and theyre going to put you on the hook for the difference plus fees. This is known as negative equity (subtracting the amount you could get through a private sale from the amount you still owe on the car). Frank has about $10,000 to $12,000 in savings, so he doesnt have enough money to cover his negative equity, though he could at least catch up on the monthly car payments. But his wife isnt onside with that. Shes mad at you, said co-host Rachel Cruze. After all, his wife told him not to co-sign the loan, but he did it anyway. HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (WKBN) Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday has joined a bipartisan coalition of 47 attorneys general to call on search engine and payment app companies to stop the spread of computer-generated deepfake videos. Nonconsensual intimate imagery (NCII), often referred to as deepfakes or revenge porn, harms both the people depicted in the videos and young people who are exposed to the explicit content, according to Sunday. The rise of artificial intelligence has unfortunately enabled the widespread dissemination of deepfakes and other illicit digital content that has a direct impact on the mental health and well-being of Pennsylvanians, particularly our young people, Sunday said. And the reality is, these mega search engine companies and pay apps are reaping profits from the existence of this despicable and dehumanizing content. It is time those companies are accountable for their complicity in this content being so rampantly available online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coalition sent letters to major search engine companies, including Google and Bing, highlighting their failures to control the spread of and limit the creation of deepfake videos. They also sent letters to online payment companies, urging them to remove payment authorizations for nonconsensual deepfake sexual imagery. In their letters, the coalition mentioned that search engines limit access to harmful search content like how to build a bomb and how to kill yourself and suggested that they take similar action for searches related to deepfake imagery. The letters also called on payment platform companies to deny their services to sellers with ties to NCII creation tools. You can read the letters 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 WKBN.com. By Asif Shahzad LAHORE, Pakistan (Reuters) -Pakistan said on Tuesday its Punjab region, including the second largest city of Lahore, faced a "very high to exceptionally high" danger of flooding due to a combination of heavy rains and India's decision to release waters from two dams. Arch-rivals India and Pakistan have been ravaged by intense monsoon rains and flooding in recent weeks. The release of excess water from India's dams threatens to further flood parts of Pakistan's Punjab province, which serves as the country's breadbasket and is home to half of its 240 million people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nuclear-armed nations have been in a tense stand-off since a brief conflict in May, their worst fighting in decades, and any flooding blamed on India could inflame ties. Pakistan's Provincial Disaster Management Authority said late on Tuesday that India had opened all the gates of its Thein Dam on the Ravi River. India's water resources ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The announcement came a day after Pakistan received a second warning from India that it intended to release water from the rapidly filling Madhopur Dam. Both dams are located on the Ravi River, which flows from Indian Punjab into Pakistan. "The flood situation is grave," said Irfan Ali Kathia, an official at the authority in Punjab. "The next 48 hours will be critical." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, a spokesperson for Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority said its assessment of satellite pictures of Thein Dam showed that it was 97% full and could release water at any time. India routinely releases water from its dams when they get too full, with the excess flowing into Pakistan, as the two nations share rivers. Punjab province was split between the two countries when they gained independence in 1947. Earlier in the day, an Indian government source said they had not mentioned a specific dam but that the intense rain had led them to share the second warning in two days with Pakistan, through diplomatic channels. Asked if more warnings could be issued, the source said it was possible. Another Indian source said New Delhi was sharing the information with Islamabad on "humanitarian grounds" to help avert catastrophe as the rains have caused havoc in India too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EVACUATIONS Pakistan started forced evacuations on Friday. The number of displaced people in Pakistani Punjab now exceeds 150,000, including nearly 35,000 people who left voluntarily following flood warnings since August 14, the national authority said. Authorities are evacuating people from hundreds of villages in the vicinity of three rivers - the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab - in Punjab province and evacuations are continuing, helped by army troops, it said. The three rivers are so far seeing medium to high flooding, though further heavy rainfall is expected in both Punjab and Pakistani Kashmir in the next 12 to 24 hours, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sixteen villages are currently at risk of flooding, said Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar Ali after visiting Pasrur city near the Indian border. Arrangements for food, medicines, washrooms, and other necessities have been made in relief camps set up in the area, she said. "Due to climate change, eastern rivers are experiencing heavier rainfall compared to the past," said Kazim Raza Pirzada, the Punjab province irrigation minister. The death toll caused by flooding in Pakistan since the start of the monsoon season in late June now stands at 802, half of them in this month alone. An estimated 68 people have died in Indian Kashmir this month, including eight on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The northern Pakistani region of Gilgit Baltistan has suffered accelerated glacial melting, while the southern city of Karachi was partly submerged by floods last week. (Reporting by Mubasher Bukhari in Lahore and Asif Shahzad in Islamabad; Additional reporting by Krishna N Das and Sakshi Dayal in New Delhi; Editing by Saad Sayeed and Sophie Walker) Pakistani officials have started evacuating tens of thousands of people after neighbouring India released water from overflowing dams and swollen rivers into low-lying border regions. The move on Tuesday came a day after New Delhi alerted Islamabad about possible cross-border flooding, the first public diplomatic contact between the two countries since a four-day war in May. The latest flood alert and evacuation drive by Pakistan comes as heavy monsoon rains continue to batter both South Asian countries, with at least 800 people reported killed in Pakistan since late June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pakistans National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said it had issued an advance alert to officials in Punjab province about a surge in the Sutlej River and the risk of flooding, and that evacuations from various districts in the eastern parts of the province were under way. In a statement, it said rescuers evacuated more than 14,000 people from Kasur, while about 89,000 were moved to safer ground from the city of Bahawalnagar, near the border with India. In this photo released by Pakistans National Disaster Management Authority, rescue workers help a villager after evacuating him [Pakistans National Disaster Management Authority via AP] It also warned that heavy rainfall was forecast across several Indian states, which could swell rivers and streams flowing towards Pakistan, Pakistans Geo News TV channel reported. The flood alert was conveyed to Pakistan through diplomatic channels rather than the Indus Waters Commission, the permanent mechanism created under the 1960 World Bank-brokered Indus Waters Treaty, which India walked out of after it blamed Pakistan for the April killing of 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move and scaling down of diplomatic ties by India eventually set off missile strikes by both sides in May. Pakistan, a country very susceptible to the effects of climate change, in recent months has witnessed multiple cloudburst floods and more than normal rainfall. In the countrys northwest, many residents complained this month that they had received no warning before flash floods struck Buner district, killing more than 300 people. Officials have said the devastation was caused by a sudden cloudburst, which could not have been predicted, and that many of the victims were living along natural water pathways. Islamabad, Pakistan As a new wave of cloudbursts, monsoon rains and floods cause havoc across Pakistan, Iqbal Solangi sits in his small house in the southern coastal city of Karachi, feeling the pain of those who lost their loved ones, land and livestock. Since late June, a heavier-than-usual monsoon, followed by floods and landslides, has killed more than 800 people, damaged at least 7,225 houses, and washed away over 5,500 livestock in addition to the widespread destruction of crops across the country. While the exact cause of the floods is yet to be determined, several factors could have contributed to the deluge, including climate change. Pakistan ranks among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable nations, but it contributes less than 1 percent of global emissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Solangi had ended his climate-change-forced exile from farming in 2022, but ended up losing his rice crop due to the flooding for a third time after the 2010 and 2012 floods, and found himself under a huge pile of debt yet again. In 2012, he had moved from a tiny village on the border of the Sindh and Balochistan provinces to Karachi because climate change had made the profession of his forefathers unsustainable. The displacement brought to a temporary end three decades of farming. When my house and land were flooded and I was sitting high up watching it all being washed away, I decided I would never go back to it, Solangi told Al Jazeera, talking about the 2022 floods, which affected 33 million people and inundated 4 million hectares (9.9 million acres) of agricultural land. Locals collect wood from Noseri Dam near Muzaffarabad a day after flash floods [File: Sajjad Qayyum/AFP] The Climate Rate Index report in 2025 placed Pakistan at the top of the list of the most affected countries based on 2022 data. Extensive flooding then submerged approximately a third of the country, killed more than 1,700 people, caused $14.8bn worth of damage, as well as $15.2bn of economic losses, and pushed nine million people into poverty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an article in August, Pakistans Dawn newspaper wrote: In todays Pakistan, the monsoon has transformed from a symbol of beauty and renewal into a harbinger of chaos and despair. What was once awaited with excitement is now approached with dread. Last year, more floods affected thousands, and a heatwave killed almost 600 people. The gradual rise in temperatures is also forcing the melting of the 13,000-plus glaciers in Pakistan, increasing the risk of flooding, damage to infrastructure, loss of life and land, threat to communities, and water scarcity. Agriculture remains a key contributor to Pakistans economy, contributing approximately 24 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), according to Pakistans Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The livelihood of some 40 million people is also linked with agriculture, which employs more than 37 percent of the labour force. In an interview with Al Jazeera earlier this year, Pakistans climate change minister warned that the effect of melting glaciers on the river and canal networks would have catastrophic consequences for Pakistans agricultural economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These people [working on agriculture] have no economic security, and given our current economic development stage, the government lacks the wherewithal to provide for such a large segment of the population if these gushing floods wash away our infrastructure and devastate agricultural lands. From an economic and agricultural standpoint alone, the potential for devastation is immense, Musadiq Malik said. This year, the agriculture sector has posted a modest growth of 0.6 percent, falling well short of the 2 percent target and significantly below last years announced growth of 6.4 percent. A recent study published in the Nature journal says the Indus Plain in Pakistan experienced 19 flood disasters between 1950 and 2012, affecting an area of almost 600,000sq km (231,661.3sq miles), causing 11,239 deaths and resulting in economic damage exceeding $39bn. Half of those events took place after 2000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Figures shared by PBS show a rise in the number of farmlands across Pakistan over the last few years, from 8.6 million in 2010 to 11.7 million last year, increasing in all provinces bar Punjab. However, changes in rain patterns have also impacted farmers immensely. In the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Basharat Jamal still tills his land but says his crop has almost vanished over the past decade due to droughts. Jamal runs a small business to supplement his income but explains that the shift from agricultural practices has landed the region in double jeopardy. The income and produce have reduced significantly, with many farmers moving to urban centres for work. In addition, some farmers now own livestock, which, due to a lack of fodder, destroy their unprotected crops. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, major crops, such as wheat and cotton, contracted by 13.5 percent, restricting the overall GDP growth rate by 0.6 percent. Farming now is like gambling with nature For Muhammad Hashim, a farmer in Pakistans largest province, Balochistan, farming in an unpredictable climate is like gambling with nature due to the frequent floods and droughts that have forced him to migrate multiple times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He has stuck to farming despite watching helplessly our crops withering and failing year after year. Ten years ago, we had no choice but to leave our ancestral land and migrate in search of survival, said Hashim. Then came the devastating floods of 2022. Everything we had rebuilt was washed away. Our fields were destroyed again. The next year, we moved again. For a brief time, we found some peace. I worked on my farm and at a shop. Our children were back in school, and life started to feel normal. According to the Migration Policy Institute, more than eight million people were displaced by the 2022 floods, including farmers who gave up on their lands and moved to cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report on the 2022 floods said: 2022 will be remembered as a critical, trying year for Pakistan, with growing macroeconomic and fiscal concerns, a cost of living crisis impacting the most vulnerable, and cataclysmic floods whose threats were multiplied by climate change. However, soon after, drought forced him to move again, but the situation is worse than ever. One year its floods, the next its drought, he said, adding that if this pattern continued, his farming days would be over. This story was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center. The report at Al-Akhbar claimed that weapons were handed over in the Burj al-Shamali and Al-Bass camps. The Lebanese Armed Forces received the first handover of weapons from representatives of Palestinians in two camps in Lebanon. According to Beiruts Al-Akhbar, the weapons were handed over in the Burj al-Shamali and Al-Bass Palestinian refugee camps. This follows reports last week that some armaments were also collected at the Burj al-Barajneh camp in Beirut. There are twelve recognized Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, most dating back to 1948. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This collecting of weapons from the Palestinian camps is a critical test case to see if Beirut can also gather munitions from Hezbollah. At the moment, the Lebanese government is trying to tell the US that it will move forward with disarming Hezbollah. The Palestinian refugee camps are the low-hanging fruit and a test case. As such, this is a trust but verify moment for Beirut. Demonstrators carry flags as they take part in a protest against the hunger crisis in Gaza, in Sidon, Lebanon July 25, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/AZIZ TAHER) Per the emerging reports at Al-Akhbar, which is a pro-Iranian publication, the new handovers in the two camps took place near Tyre. The weapons delivery process comes within the framework of the agreement between the Lebanese government and the Palestinian Authority to disarm the Palestinian camps, the report said. Fatah, which is the leading party within the PA, has played a key role in this process. Other Palestinian factions, such as Hamas, exist in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reiterated Lebanons full commitment to the November 27 declaration of a cessation of hostilities with Israel. The comments came in meetings with a US delegation that included US Sen. Lindsey Graham and US envoys Tom Barrack and Morgan Ortagus. Ortagus and Barrack were recently in Israel. The latter had gone to Syria and then Lebanon for the meetings. Plans to disarm Hezbollah to end this month Reports at the Cradle, which is critical of Israel and the US, said that American and Lebanese officials met on Tuesday, August 26, and discussed disarmament plans for Hezbollah and an economic zone in southern Lebanon. The current model being pushed by Israel is that Hezbollah will need to disarm first, and then Israel will withdraw forces from several points along the Lebanese border. These are points Israel captured in the clashes with Hezbollah in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Ain media in the UAE said that a plan to disarm Hezbollah is expected at the end of this month. However, the terrorist organizations leader, Naim Qassem, has warned about a clash with the government if this happens. Nevertheless, Lebanon may actually try to begin the disarmament of Hezbollah this year. Israel has appreciated the steps taken by the new government of Lebanon to do so. In a meeting this month, the Lebanese cabinet approved the restriction of arms to the state and called on the army to develop a plan for implementing this restriction by the end of next month, to complete the mission before the end of the year, Al-Ain noted. It now also appears more likely that the UNIFIL mandate will be extended. Lebanons government wants the UNs role in that regard to continue. Aug. 26PALMER Palmer police say they are reviewing an incident Sunday at the Alaska State Fair in which several officers used force against a man holding a small child after forcibly removing the toddler from the man's arms. The Palmer Police Department said officers arrested 22-year-old Jeffry Cook-Reed on Sunday on a $300 warrant for failing to appear at a court hearing on a fourth-degree assault charge. Videos of the incident began circulating on social media Monday to hundreds of critical reactions as viewers denounced what looked like a violent takedown that traumatized the child. The videos show officers grappling with Cook-Reed, the child in his arms, before putting him in a chokehold, punching him, and shocking him with a Taser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palmer police commander Luke Szipszky said Tuesday that officers "were responding to the fair for a disturbance involving a man with a child." In a statement, police said a 911 caller around 8 p.m. Sunday reported a man, later identified as Cook-Reed, was causing a disturbance near the Purple Gate of the fair. The caller described Cook-Reed as "walking away with a baby while screaming and yelling" and that he had been drinking, the statement said. The caller also told dispatchers that Cook-Reed was threatening people in the area and attempting to leave with the child "and appeared to be harming the child," police said. Officers on scene confirmed the active warrant. Cook-Reed, in an interview Tuesday, said he was at the fair with his 20-month-old daughter when the officers converged on him. The girl was not injured, he said, though she was emotionally shaken. Cook-Reed said he was walking out of the fair gate to return the baby to her mother when other family members in the area "caused a commotion" that triggered the police call that sent officers his way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They came up out of nowhere, asked me to give them my kid," Cook-Reed said. "Didn't say they had a warrant or why they were arresting me. They just kind of jumped on me, punched me in my ribs, tased me, sat on my feet. Scared the hell out of my daughter." Videos posted on social media show Cook-Reed holding the child as he talks with one police officer before more officers appear. Initially, he can be seen standing near a van and the back of a small building in what appears to be an argumentative posture with one officer who then gets on her radio. The officer "tried to get the baby to be taken away from me. I didn't know why. I refused," Cook-Reed said Tuesday, asked about that part of the encounter. "I was in protective mode." He said he didn't realize there was still an active bench warrant for his arrest. He thought an online database said it had been "quashed" or lifted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The person filming the most broadly viewed video of what happened next is standing next to a sled-dog exhibit along the fair's perimeter when the clip begins. The video shows Cook-Reed, holding the child, interacting with two or three officers. Cook-Reed appears to start walking away and two officers block his exit. At that point, one officer puts Cook-Reed in a chokehold and several start wrestling him to the ground. As the officer who first encountered Cook-Reed pulls the child from his arms, another officer starts punching him. The girl appears frightened, crying as the violent motions of the altercation jerk her around. Someone takes the child. A small crowd has gathered as the situation escalates. People shout at the officers. "His hands are free!" the woman filming can be heard yelling. Two officers hold Cook-Reed down and one uses the Taser as another man with the word "SUPERVISOR" on his jacket stands on both of his ankles. Cook-Reed cries out in pain and asks for his child. Szipszky said he couldn't comment on the specifics of the incident involving Cook-Reed because of the ongoing review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What you saw in the video is what we're investigating," he said. The man in the supervisor jacket is not a police department employee but someone who works for fair security, according to Szipszky. The department statement, issued around noon Tuesday, provides more information. Officers "attempted to intervene" when Cook-Reed tried to pass them due to "the nature of the 911 reports, concern for the child's welfare, and the active warrant," the department's statement said. "Officers separated the child from JEFFRY and initiated an arrest. During the arrest, both officers and JEFFRY went to the ground. One officer was able to safely secure the child." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook-Reed said he did not fight the officers once it became clear they planned to arrest him. "No, no, no. I was trying to keep my baby in my hands because I had no idea what was going on," he said. "As soon as I got down to the ground and they made it known they were really going to arrest me, I put my hands in the air. I wasn't resisting anything." He was arrested and taken into custody at Mat-Su Pretrial Facility before bailing out just after midnight Monday, Cook-Reed said. On Tuesday, he said he had sore ribs and legs and two Taser marks on his back. The police department on Monday evening posted an initial statement: "The Palmer Police Department is aware of the incident/complaints from the Alaska State Fair last evening. The administration will be conducting a review of all the information/videos/eye witness reports regarding the incident." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department's post on Facebook had nearly 1,000 comments on Tuesday. [From 2024: Alaska state troopers used 'unreasonable' force, including police dog and Taser, in arrest of wrong man, assault charges say] Court filings in the assault case against Cook-Reed indicate he was arrested in February after confronting a woman at a Palmer apartment while he looked for her daughter. The woman said Cook-Reed pounded on the door and cursed at her, and tried unsuccessfully to push his way in, according to a sworn affidavit, which was filed by one of the officers involved in Sunday's incident. A judge issued a warrant for his arrest in April. That same month, in a bid to quash the warrant, Cook-Reed said he misunderstood the court date and had to work. He appeared at a mid-June hearing. Filings indicate the warrant was reissued this month after Cook-Reed didn't appear for a pre-trial conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Szipszky on Tuesday said he doesn't know how long the police review will take. He said reports that the department's chief was involved in Sunday's incident are not accurate. Additional witnesses and people with knowledge of the situation were coming forward Tuesday, Szipszky said. He called the review a top priority given the "high visibility nature" of the incident. Researchers at King's College London have examined over a dozen cases of people spiraling into paranoid and delusional behavior after obsessively using a chatbot. Their findings, as detailed in a new study awaiting peer review, reveal striking patterns between these instances of so-called "AI psychosis" that parallel other forms of mental health crises but also identified at least one key difference that sets them apart from the accepted understanding of psychosis. As lead author Hamilton Morrin explained to Scientific American, the analysis found that the users showed obvious signs of delusional beliefs, but none of the symptoms "that would be in keeping with a more chronic psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia," like hallucinations and disordered thoughts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's a finding that could complicate our understanding of AI psychosis as a novel phenomenon within a clinical context. But that shouldn't undermine the seriousness of the trend, reports of which appear to be growing. Indeed, it feels impossible to deny that AI chatbots have a uniquely persuasive power, more so than any other widely available technology. They can act like a "sort of echo chamber for one," Morrin, a doctoral fellow at King's College, told the magazine. Not only are they able to generate a human-like response to virtually any question, but they're typically designed to be sycophantic and agreeable. Meanwhile, the very label of "AI" insinuates to users that they're talking to an intelligent being, an illusion that tech companies are gladly willing to maintain. Morrin and his colleagues found three types of chatbot-driven spirals. Some suffering these breaks believe that they're having some kind of spiritual awakening or are on a messianic mission, or otherwise uncovering a hidden truth about reality. Others believe they're interacting with a sentient or even god-like being. Or the user may develop an intense emotional or even romantic attachment to the AI. "A distinct trajectory also appears across some of these cases, involving a progression from benign practical use to a pathological and/or consuming fixation," the authors wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It first starts with the AI being used for mundane tasks. Then as the user builds trust with the chatbot, they feel comfortable making personal and emotional queries. This quickly escalates as the AI's ruthless drive to maximize engagement creates a "slippery slope" effect, the researchers found, resulting in a self-perpetuating process that leads to the user being increasingly "unmoored" from reality. Morrin says that new technologies have inspired delusional thinking in the past. But "the difference now is that current AI can truly be said to be agential," Morrin told SciAm, meaning that it has its own built-in goals including, crucially, validating a user's beliefs. "This feedback loop may potentially deepen and sustain delusions in a way we have not seen before," he added. Reports from horrified family members and loved ones keep trickling in. One man was hospitalized on multiple occasions after ChatGPT convinced him he could bend time. Another man was encouraged by the chatbot to assassinate OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman, before he was himself killed in a confrontation with police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adding to the concerns, chatbots have persistently broken their own guardrails, giving dangerous advice on how to build bombs or on how to self-harm, even to users who identified as minors. Leading chatbots have even encouraged suicide to users who expressed a desire to take their own life. OpenAI has acknowledged ChatGPT's obsequiousness, rolling back an update in the spring that made it too sycophantic. And in August, the company finally admitted that ChatGPT "fell short in recognizing signs of delusion or emotional dependency" in some user interactions, implementing notifications that remind users to take breaks. Stunningly, though, OpenAI then backtracked by saying it would make its latest version of ChatGPT more sycophantic yet again a desperate bid to propitiate its rabid fans who fumed that the much-maligned GPT-5 update had made the bot too cold and formal. As it stands, however, some experts aren't convinced that AI psychosis represents a unique kind of cognitive disorder maybe AI is just a new way of triggering underlying psychosis symptoms (though it's worth noting that many sufferers of AI psychosis had no documented history of mental illness.) "I think both can be true," Stevie Chancellor, a computer scientist at the University of Minnesota who was not involved in the study, told SciAm. "AI can spark the downward spiral. But AI does not make the biological conditions for someone to be prone to delusions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an emerging phenomenon, and it's too early to definitively declare exactly what AI is doing to our brains. Whatever's going on, we're likely only seeing it in its nascent form and with AI here to stay, that's worrying. More on AI: Experts Horrified by AI-Powered Toys for Children LOMA GRANDE, Paraguay (AP) When it came time to choose a wedding venue, Margarita Gayoso and her partner Christian Ojeda knew exactly where they wanted to go. Despite living in Spain, the couple traveled to their long-missed hometown in Paraguay for a ceremony officiated in their ancestors language. Everyone was crying because everything feels so profound in Guarani, Gayoso said. Its as if the pronunciation pours out of your soul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guarani is one of Paraguays two official languages alongside Spanish. But linguists warn that fluency among younger generations is slipping, so nationwide preservation efforts are underway. Many Paraguayans believe that Guarani carries a deep emotional significance. Yet because the languages use remains primarily oral, it rarely appears in official documents, government records and literary works. Even finding a Catholic priest who could preside over Gayoso's wedding ceremony in Guarani proved difficult. Still, it was worth the extra effort. Some guests told her that it was the first local wedding they had attended that was conducted entirely in their mother tongue. Why Guarani remains at the heart of Paraguay Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the countrys 6.9 million people, about 1.6 million reported Guarani as their main language, according to Paraguays official 2024 data. Whereas, 1.5 million use Spanish, and 2.1 million identify as bilingual. Other Indigenous languages account for the rest. The Guarani spoken today differs from the version that Europeans first encountered during the Latin American conquests in the 1500s. Still, its survival in a region where most countries shifted to Spanish is remarkable. Why has it managed to remain dominant? In the Guarani culture, language is synonymous with soul, said Arnaldo Casco, a researcher from Paraguays Department of Linguistics. The word is what the Lord bestowed on men, so we believe that, for the Guarani people, losing their language was like losing their soul. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reflecting this deep connection to their language, the Guarani people fiercely resisted learning Spanish. Thats why early European missionaries saw no other option but to learn Guarani for evangelization purposes. A language preserved yet punished Jesuit and Franciscan priests produced Guaranis first written records in Paraguay. The alphabet and dictionary they developed became essential for delivering sermons and helped preserve the language from extinction. Still, those efforts were not enough to shield Guarani from centuries of marginalization that followed. Casco said that close to 90% of the population were primarily Guarani speakers by the early 19th century. But as the country regained its independence from Spain in 1811, efforts to promote its widespread use have been erratic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While its use was encouraged to promote national unity during wartime in the 1930s, a postwar decree prevented teachers and students from using it in schools. My parents and other parents were tortured for not speaking Spanish, said Miguel Angel Veron, a linguistics researcher whose father was beaten in the mouth for communicating in Guarani. Why was not speaking Spanish his fault? He and my uncles ended up abandoning school. Spanish-Guarani bilingual education became mandatory in 1992. Both languages are required in classrooms, but the law does not guarantee textbooks in Guarani or foster widespread awareness of the need to preserve it. Both Casco and Veron said that dozens of families no longer speak to their children in Guarani. They fear the use of their mother tongue might hold them back from success, so they encourage them to learn English instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paraguay continues to suffer from a deep linguistic wound, Veron said. It might be easy to pass a law, but shifting our attitudes requires so much more. What language entails Those working to preserve the language contend theres more to Guarani than words. The fundamental human values that we Paraguayans hold come from it, Veron said. Solidarity, reciprocity and a sacred respect towards nature. Jaryi, for example, is a Guarani word that has no Spanish translation. It describes god-like protectors of the land, which according to some people like Verons father, needs years of rest in order to regain its wisdom and strength between harvests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you destroy a forest to eat, you wont be in any trouble. But if you do it just for the sake of it or to earn money, the jaryi will come, Veron said. Casco, too, learned various lessons from a medicine man that cured people in his hometown. Knowing that prayer can heal is a legacy from the Indigenous people, he said. Across Paraguays rural areas, hundreds of other testimonies link language with faith. Yet no written records of those beliefs had been produced until now. To create a register of those collective memories, Casco leads a project to interview Guarani speakers over 60 years of age. His team has spoken to 72 people so far and the interviews will be published on the Department of Linguistics' website when the transcripts are done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our goal is to rescue the connection that we have with our roots and history through language, Casco said. Rescuing Guarani Several interviewees live in Loma Grande, the town where Ojeda and Gayoso wed. Juana Gimenez, 83, possesses a deep understanding of medicinal plants. Desperate parents with crying babies used to take their children to her. And Gimenez, with a mix of herbs, smoke and prayer, helped reduce the stomach inflammation that so regularly brought them to tears. Marta Duarte, 73, learned Spanish and moved to the capital city Asuncion to work as a tailor for years. She came back to Loma Grande in her 30s and currently helps at the local church, where attendees read the Bible in Spanish and she discusses the passages in Guarani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carlos Kurt, an 85-year-old descendant of German immigrants, fell in love with Paraguayan ancestral words at a young age. He still laughs as he recalls the day his second-grade teacher sent a note to his German-speaking parents: Your boy is a good student, but he speaks way too much in Guarani. I just loved the language, he said. I learned it and nothing escaped me. Now my grandson does not speak it. He doesnt like it. Other Paraguayans echoed how their descendants are letting go of the language, but Sofia Rattazzi is an exception. She lives in Asuncion with her mother and grandmother, Nancy Vera, to whom she speaks only in Guarani. Following Veras beliefs in a concept known as yvyguy" treasure gold hidden by rich Paraguayans during wartime in the 1800s the family regularly digs up holes in their backyard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vera has always had a particular closeness to the land, Rattazzi said, as it has previously signaled to her where jewelry might be. She discovered places where the earth and water break and there lay rings and other stuff, she said. Rattazzi said her grandmother doubted participating in the language project, not knowing what good may come from the interviews. But she encouraged her. I want her to see how her own history matters, Rattazzi said. Now something will be left from her once she is gone. ___ 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. NEED TO KNOW Jake and Rebecca Haro have been charged with the murder of 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro The couple claimed kidnappers stole Emmanuel from Rebecca, 41, outside a strip mall in California on Aug. 14 Court records obtained by PEOPLE show that Jake, 32, was previously convicted of willful child neglect after his 10-week-old son exhibited signs of severe abuse The parents of missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro have been charged with felony murder. Jake Haro, 32, and his wife Rebecca Haro, 41, are also facing an additional misdemeanor charge of making a false police report, the Riverside County District Attorney's Office announced on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records obtained by PEOPLE show that both parents are being held on $1 million bail. The couple had claimed their son was kidnapped from a Big 5 in Yucaipa on Aug. 14, after Rebecca was attacked in the parking lot. Rebecca made a tearful, public plea urging the kidnappers to return her son, but the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said that the couple became increasingly uncooperative throughout the investigation. Authorities are presuming Emmanuel is dead, according to officials. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court records obtained by PEOPLE show that Jake was previously convicted on a charge of willful child cruelty after a 2018 incident involving his then 10-week-old son with a different woman. Jake claimed to have dropped the child in the sink while washing him, but doctors later reported the child had a brain hemorrhage, multiple rib fractures, a cervical spine injury, retinal hemorrhages and had suffered at least two seizures. In 2023, Jake entered a guilty plea to a single count of willful child neglect and was sentenced to 72 months in prison, which was then suspended. In July 2024, he was charged with violating his probation when he was allegedly discovered with a firearm. Jake and Rebecca both maintain their innocence and neither has a lawyer listed on their court docket. Read the original article on People By Hyunjoo Jin and Joyce Lee SEOUL (Reuters) -A top South Korean official said on Monday that the U.S. and South Korea had decided to establish a non-binding agreement to define the operation and structure of $350 billion in investment funds agreed as part of a July trade deal. Seoul agreed with Washington last month on a trade deal to cut U.S. tariffs in exchange for pledging the investments, though differences emerged on how the sides interpreted details of the plan, including how profits would be distributed. Presidential policy adviser Kim Yong-beom said on Monday the two sides were making progress in reaching an agreement in broad terms during his visit to Washington for the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. During his trip, Kim said he had held a separate meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for two hours. Kim said that the U.S. hoped to agree a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to oversee the investment plan as soon as possible. The "financial package" would be used to support strategic industries such as key minerals, batteries, chips, pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence and quantum computing, Kim said. He reiterated that up to $150 billion had also been earmarked for shipbuilding. Seoul would create a task force to work on detailed implementation plans, led by the finance ministry and joined by state-funded banks, Kim said. South Korean officials previously disputed Lutnick's remarks suggesting the U.S. would take 90% of the profits from the investments. Officials in Seoul also said equity investments would account for a small part, while loans and guarantees would make up a majority of the funds. In July, Trump said South Korea would invest in projects "owned and controlled by the United States" and selected by him. South Korean officials have said a safety mechanism would be added to reduce financing risk, including U.S. commitments to buy products from the projects and invest in commercially feasible projects. (Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin and Joyce Lee Editing by Ed Davies) Four children were murdered by their parents over the weekend in the Dominican Republic, police said Monday in the Caribbean country, which has suffered a spate of such killings. A 36-year-old woman living on the outskirts of the capital Santa Domingo killed her three children aged 7, 9 and 11 by poisoning their fruit juice on Sunday before taking her own life by ingesting the liquid, police said. Officers found a handwritten note at the scene believed to have been left by the woman but have not disclosed the contents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the same day in the capital, a man was arrested on suspicion of suffocating his toddler son, aged 1 year and 8 months. At least two other cases of suspected filicide when a parent intentionally kills their child have been reported on the island of nearly 11 million inhabitants so far this month. A couple was arrested last week in the capital, accused of causing the death of a 7-year-old girl in their care, who showed "signs of physical abuse and barbarity," according to authorities. Days earlier, on Aug. 11, a man allegedly hanged his 2-year-old son and then took his own life in the northeastern city of Nagua. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a paper published in the National Library of Medicine, 90% of filicide cases worldwide involve biological parents and 10% involve stepparents. In the United States, roughly 2.5% of all homicide arrests were for parents who killed their children, according to a 2014 analysis, which amounts to an average of about 500 filicide arrests each year. Filicides are believed to account for roughly two-thirds of fatal child abuse cases, according to the analysis. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here. For more information about mental health care resources and support, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org. Video shows armed National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. New economic data shows slight consumer confidence drop in August Why a judge blocked Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation to Uganda RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) The parents of a missing 7-month-old boy in Southern California have been charged with murder. The Riverside County District Attorneys office charged Jake Haro, 32, and his wife, Rebecca Haro, 41, in the death of their son Emmanuel, according to court papers filed Tuesday. They are also charged with filing a false police report, which is a misdemeanor. The boy hasnt been found, and authorities said they believe he is dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Haros were scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, but their arraignment was delayed until Sept. 4. Each is being held on $1 million bail, online court records show. A message was left for Brian Cosgrove, who was listed as the defense attorney in the case records. Riverside County prosecutors said they would not release additional information until a press conference on Wednesday. Last week, the couple urged the public to help find their son. They were arrested Friday, a little more than a week after Rebecca Haro told authorities she was changing her son's diaper outside a store in the San Bernardino County community of Yucaipa when she was assaulted and left unconscious. She told deputies that when she awoke, her son was gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said in a statement that they later confronted Rebecca Haro about inconsistencies in her account and that she refused to cooperate. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department declined to discuss what these inconsistencies were. Authorities searched the family's home in the Riverside County community of Cabazon. Over the weekend, they also searched for the boys body near a freeway while his father, wearing a jail jumpsuit, was present. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said it wouldn't describe Jake Haro's presence during the search as providing assistance, but it declined to provide additional information Jake Haro was convicted of child cruelty in 2023 and was required to enroll in a child abuse treatment program, court records show. His attorney in that case, Vincent Hughes, told the Sun newspaper last week that he didnt believe the Haros were responsible for their son's disappearance. Hughes didn't immediately respond to Tuesdays messages from The Associated Press seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebecca Haro told the Press-Enterprise in a jailhouse interview last weekend that her husband wouldnt hurt an infant, and that she wanted to find her son. I want to be out looking for my baby, she said. Murder charges were filed on Tuesday as Jake and Rebecca Haro, the parents of missing and presumed dead 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro, were scheduled to make their first court appearance. The document filed by the Riverside County District Attorneys Office states that the couple did willfully and unlawfully commit murder in the case, although the body of Emmanuel Haro has not been found. Jake and Rebecca Haro, who were arrested at their Cabazon home on Friday, were also charged with a misdemeanor count of making a false police report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebecca Haro, 41, reported her son missing on Aug. 14 after she claimed Emmanuel was kidnapped from the parking lot of a Yucaipa Big 5 Sporting Goods during an assault that left her with a black eye. The Haros, Jake, 32, and Rebecca, 41, residents of Cabazon were arrested Aug. 15 in connection with the disappearance and alleged death of Emmanuel Haro, their 7-month-old child. (SBCSD) Emmanuel Haro, a missing 7-month-old baby from Yucaipa, is seen in an image provided by the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. Emmanuel Haro was last seen on the 34000 block of Yucaipa Boulevard in Yucaipa before he went missing in a suspected kidnapping on Aug. 14, 2025. (KTLA) Jake and Rebecca Haro were arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the disappearance of their 7-month-old son, Emmanuel Haro. Authorities surrdounded their Cabazon home on Aug. 22, 2025. (San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department) Jake Haro, father of missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro, seen helping investigators search for the boys remains in Moreno Valley Aug. 24, 2025. (RMG News) Jake and Rebecca Haro at press availability where they pleaded for the sons safe return. (KTLA) A candlelight vigil was held by community members for Emmanuel Haro outside his Cabazon home on Aug. 22, 2025. (KTLA) In the days following the alleged kidnapping, investigators indicated that they noticed inconsistencies in her account of the events and said the couple was being uncooperative. Officials have also said that the Haros 2-year-old had been removed from their custody and that Jake Haro had a previous felony conviction for willful child cruelty. On Sunday, Jake Haro, 32, was seen in Moreno Valley assisting San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department detectives as they searched a remote stretch of the 60 Freeway near Gilman Springs Road for the childs remains, but Emmanuels body has not been found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebecca Haro has maintained her innocence while in custody, telling a group of reporters on Sunday that she isnt giving up on her baby and that she wishes she were out searching for him. Both parents are being held without bail. They are scheduled for arraignment at the Riverside Hall of Justice on Tuesday afternoon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Families of children in special education classes scored a big win in court this month after New Jersey officials agreed to better uphold the rights of parents battling public school districts over their kids educations, advocates say. After a lengthy court battle, three families who said they encountered many flaws in the states special education law system agreed to a settlement with the New Jersey Department of Education and the Office of Administrative Law. The 22-page settlement approved Aug. 14 in federal court clarifies the system New Jersey families can use to dispute how children receiving special education services are being educated. That includes parents battling school officials over their kids special education class placements and IEPs, or Individualized Education Programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The settlement says the state and administrative law judges must handle cases the way they were supposed to be handled under the law all along, said Robert Thurston, the attorney representing the three families who filed the lawsuit. You just have to enforce the law the way its written, he said of the settlements primary message. The key elements of the settlement and the judges consent order include: The stay put rule which says students must be left in their current special education program or placement until a familys dispute with a school is resolved must be treated like a court order. State administrative law judges and mediators, who handle disputes between schools and students families, must adhere more closely to the rules that protect the rights of parents and kids with disabilities. That includes rules about pre-hearing conferences, mediation, access to student records and a 45-day time limit for most cases to be resolved. All mediators and administrative law judges must receive proper training and education on federal laws and regulations before handling special education cases. Families who believe their rights are being violated can file form through the state Department of Education or on the settlement website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials from the state Department of Education and state Office of Administrative Law declined to comment on the settlement. The case began when Thurston filed a nearly 100-page complaint on behalf parents who said the states special education legal system has long failed families. The original plaintiff in the case was 11 years old when her school changed her Individualized Education Program, known as an IEP, without her parents input, the lawsuit said. When the parents learned the school had lowered the bar for the childs learning goals, they filed a due process complaint in court. Over the course of several years, the girls parents filed three other due process complaints as they tried to make sure their child, who is autistic and has an auditory processing disorder, was given an appropriate learning plan, their attorney said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four different state administrative law judges were assigned to the girls cases and several rules and procedures were violated over the years, Thurston said. The due process system for special education students has been broken for decades and, unfortunately, the families in New Jersey have really suffered, Thurston said. Two other plaintiffs joined the case, including a student who was denied special education services entirely in a completely wrong decision, Thurston said. The three families agreed when Thurston asked if they were willing to battle in court to solve some of the larger problems with the states system, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said, Absolutely, were happy to do that, he said. Advocates for students with disabilities said the settlement will have an impact on families in disputes with their schools over special education services. Its certainly a win for families, said Peg Kinsell, director of public policy at SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, an organization that supports families of students in special education and the staff that work with them. Kinsells organization receives funding from the federal government to provide parents of special education students with the information they need to navigate advocating for their child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve had issues for a long time with robust enforcement of parents procedural safeguards, she said. Stay put the rule that says students should keep their current IEP and stay in their educational placement until disputes are resolved was one of the rules the judges werent enforcing, Kinsell said. To ensure stay put and other procedural laws are observed, the settlement includes a compliance monitor who will monitor families reports of violations. The monitor will report to the state it there is a pattern in families complaints. If the state doesnt resolve the issue, the federal judge who approved the settlement, U.S. District Court Judge Edward S. Kiel, will get involved in the case, according to the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The settlement is similar to another special education case settled last year that requires administrative law judges to make due process decisions within 45 days of when a complaint was filed. The state Office of Administrative Law was not a defendant in the 45-day case but because of the latest settlement, it has also agreed to better comply with aspects of special education law, Thurston said. Special education cases are very, very unique. Its its own body of federal law and they have to be handled a very specific way, Thurston said. The state has agreed to increase the amount of time judges spend learning about special education law, Thurston added. Hes hoping better informed judges will lead to more wins for families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents or guardians who do not hire a lawyer to represent them in their due process hearings have historically lost special education due process cases 90% of the time, Thurston says. The number dropped to 70% when a lawyer was hired. We knew something was wrong because it shouldnt be that skewed, maybe 50/50, maybe even 60/40 at the worst, he said. Courts consistently sided with school districts in special education cases partly because of a lack of understanding or a lack of enforcement of laws and procedures, Thurston said. Parents who hire attorneys to file winning disputes often dont pay anything because the state can be ordered to pay the plaintiffs lawyers fees. The fees can range from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the length and complexity of the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they do not win, the financial burden often falls to the family, unless theyve hired a pro-bono lawyer who agreed to work for free. A few organizations take pro-bono cases, including Legal Services in New Jersey, New Jersey Protection and Advocacy and The Community Health Law Project, Kinsell said. However, she expects federal funding cuts will impact the availability of pro-bono legal support in New Jersey. Other lawyers, including Thurston, are low-bono, he said. That means they charge a percentage of what the state would need to pay him if he wins the case. He is hoping the settlement will change the way parents view their rights when it comes to advocating for the services their children need and deserve in school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he is putting together a settlement website to explain the details of the agreement. He hopes it will make parents better aware of best legal practices and their rights. If youve got a good case, file your case, Thurston said. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Liz Rosenberg may be reached at lrosenberg@njadvancemedia.com. An intoxicated Brooklyn artist arrested on charges she assaulted a fellow passenger aboard a Southwest Airlines plane, pulling the astonished victims hair before spitting in her face, is now facing further legal woes stemming from the ugly altercation. In a lawsuit filed Monday in New York State Supreme Court and obtained first by The Independent, Kansas resident Livia Rombola says Leanna Perry not only injured her physically in the wild incident, but left her emotionally distressed and psychologically traumatized after bystander video of the brawl went viral. The footage shows Perry, 32, yelling that she doesnt want to sit next to a f**king fat lady, denigrating Rombola as a fat-ass b***h, and an ugly-ass b***h. The horrifying situation only ended when Perry was zip-tied, placed on a gurney, and hauled off the aircraft by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the aftermath, repeated exposure to the footage, along with myriad news articles and online commentary, have caused Rombola acute distress, along with reputational harm, professional embarrassment, and social stigma, according to her complaint. Leanna Perry, seen here in video footage that went viral earlier this summer, is facing a lawsuit, in addition to criminal charges, over an ugly brawl aboard Southwest Airlines (TikTok/@leahkay1010) The lawsuit also names the low-cost airline as a defendant, blaming its policy of unassigned seating for encouraging the chaos. On Tuesday, Rombolas attorney, Joel J. Turney, told The Independent, The plaintiff has a strong case against Southwest, especially with respect to their unusual free-for-all seating policy, which was a substantial factor in the cause of the incident. Perry did not respond to multiple requests for comment. A Southwest spokeswoman declined to comment. Rombolas complaint argues that open-seating was a clear departure from the industry standards of other airlines, and that the system created a foreseeable hazard of passenger conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southwests lack of proactive seat assignment directly contributed to the confrontation, according to the complaint, saying it benefits only the airline but expos[es] passengers to potential issues such as the one between Perry and Rombola. A Southwest plane on the tarmac (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Although the open-seating approach was popular with some, the stress of jockeying for a spot was too much for many and has led to brawls between travelers. Last month, Southwest announced it would be phasing out the policy in January 2026, saying 80 percent of its customers preferred an assigned seat. In a statement at the time, a Southwest Airlines spokesperson told the New York Post, The customer involved in the incident was removed from the flight and denied boarding. We commend our team for their professionalism during the incident. So far in 2025, federal authorities have fielded 1,058 reports of unruly passengers aboard commercial aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack onboard the Southwest flight occurred on June 17, shortly after 1 a.m., according to Rombolas complaint. During boarding, the complaint says an erratic Perry initially caused a disruption by rejecting an available seat near a different individual. Perry then proceeded through the cabin and ultimately chose to sit near [Rombola], where she initiated a violent and unprovoked confrontation, involving physical assault, battery, spitting, and the use of slurs. In video of the incident posted online, Perry can be seen standing by Rombola and sneering, Yeah, Im sorry I didnt want to sit next to a f*****g fat lady. Leanna Perry was drunk when she boarded the plane, according to court filings, and only stopped her wild harangue after she was physically restrained (TikTok/leahkay1010) Perry, an illustrator who has done work for top brands including Adidas, Hot Topic, and Maybelline, appeared to be possessed during the epic meltdown, witnesses said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perry was drunk, and never should have been permitted to get on flight number 779 from LaGuardia Airport in Queens to Kansas City, Missouri, according to the complaint. FAA regulations prohibit commercial carriers from allowing intoxicated passengers onboard. The confrontation soon spiraled out of control, with Perry yelling, Shut the f**k up, dont f**king touch me! while concerned crew members and bystanders tried to intervene. Let go of her hair! one crew member instructs Perry, who ignores the command. Perry continued her harangue, shrieking, Look at this fat-ass b****h, you cant even see her stomach, as Rombola sits by quietly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your boyfriends d**k is like, two inches big, Perry shouts at Rombola. Its embarrassing. Im so sorry about your boyfriend. Leanna Perry was zip-tied and brought to the cabin floor by crewmembers and passengers, after which police arrived and wheeled the 32-year-old off the plane on a gurney. The passenger on the receiving end of the assault is now suing (TikTok/leahkay1010) This went on for several minutes, the video shows, with Perry calling Rombola an ugly-ass b***h, until members of the cabin crew, along with a couple of helpful passengers, managed to zip-tie Perrys hands behind her back. Perry is then brought down to the floor, after which she begins kicking her legs in the air and screaming, F**k you, f**k you, f**k you! When police arrived, they strapped Perry down and wheeled her off the plane, after which she was charged with numerous misdemeanors that each carry up to a year in jail: obstructing governmental administration; three counts of attempted assault with intent to cause physical injury; disorderly conduct; and three counts of harassment. Appearing before a judge later that morning for arraignment, Perry pleaded not guilty to the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perrys lawyer in the criminal case, Legal Aid attorney Carl Tropnas, did not respond on Tuesday to a request for comment. Rombola is seeking an award of damages to be determined in court. Perry, who now has roughly three weeks to respond to Rombolas lawsuit, is due back in Queens Criminal Court on September 3. CONCORD, NH A woman from Penacook was arrested recently and held without bail after being accused of stalking a neighbor and violating her bail provisions earlier this month. Around 9 p.m. on Aug. 5, an officer was requested to investigate a report of a stalking temporary order of protection violation on Riverhill Avenue. Another woman who lives on the street accused Monica Spinazola, 60, of putting up vulgar signs, acting manic, and throwing things around her yard. The victim said, she had been to court dealing with Spinazola earlier in the day, calling her behavior pretty scary, a report said. That evening, she was watering her plants and believed Spinazola was outside on her porch, but ignored her. Later, after receiving a delivery, the woman exited her home to pick up the package and noticed signs outside, facing her home. The notes read ER is closed, Court is closed, Lock down Covid-19, and another about an ambulance, the affidavit said. The victim said she was in the emergency room two days before and believed the ER and court comments were a direct communication toward her and in violation of a protective order. When asked how Spinazola would know she was at the emergency room, the woman said she did not know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the day, the signs were not up, the report said. Editor's note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Concord Police Department and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the process for requesting the removal of a name from New Hampshire Patch police reports. The complainant also accused Spinazola of throwing solar power lights around her yard and tossing one into the street. She called the behavior erratic, the report said. When asked if she heard Spinazola say anything, she said she was inside observing the behavior and did not hear her voice. The officer arrived at the scene and confirmed the signs on Spinazolas property, including one that also read, Zoo closed, the report said. The officer took pictures and reviewed video footage with the victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer then went to speak with Spinazola, but there was no answer at the door, the report stated. They reviewed and confirmed the stalking protection order, which banned any contact with the victim. On Aug. 9, a watch commander informed the officer of Spinazolas bail conditions from June 6. They were active through Sept. 30, which is when a hearing was scheduled in Concord District Court. A warrant was then requested for Spinazolas arrest on stalking and breach of bail charges on Aug. 10. She was arrested and held on preventative detention with a hearing scheduled for Aug. 12. She was assigned a public defender on Aug. 14. Spinazolas criminal history in New Hampshire dates back more than two decades, after she was charged with driving under the influence, acts prohibited, and other charges after an incident in Kingston in April 2004, according to court records. All the charges were dismissed in 2006. Spinazola was charged with acts prohibited in December 2006 after an incident in Danville in September 2006. That charge, too, was dismissed in July 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June 2011, while serving time in the Rockingham County Jail for an unknown reason, she was accused of assault by a prisoner and simple assault. In August 2011, she was charged with being a habitual offender in Londonderry. She pleaded guilty to the assault charge in January 2012 and received a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years, with 60 days of time served. Spinazola also pleaded guilty to one count of habitual offender in January 2012 and received a $500 fine and a 12-month sentence suspended for two years. In February 2012, she was charged with four counts of habitual offender as well as other charges from incidents in November and October 2011 in Raymond. All the charges were dismissed in April 2013 due to Spinazolas incompetence, according to court documents. According to posts on Patch, Spinazola was also arrested in May on a disorderly conduct charge, three stalking charges on June 5, and stalking and breach charges on June 12. Do you have a news tip? Please email it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella's YouTube or Rumble channels. Patch in New Hampshire is now in 190 communities. Also, follow Patch on Google Discover. Penacook Woman Accused Of Stalking Riverhill Avenue Neighbor, Violating Concord Court Order originally appeared on the Concord Patch Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) requested that Pennsylvania turn over its voter registration list. State officials denied the request, setting off a debate over the role of federal versus state government in managing elections. The first thing to know is that the Department of Justice and the White House do not run elections in this country, said Jessie Allen, a professor of law at the University of Pittsburgh. According to the U.S. Constitution, elections are administered by state and local officials, not the federal government. Allen described the DOJs request as unusual. She explained that Pennsylvanias election system is bipartisan, and the states voter registration database is already considered public record. The list contains information such as voter ID numbers, names, addresses, dates of birth, sex, party affiliation, registration dates, and a record of when and where individuals have voted. However, sensitive personal data, such as drivers license and Social Security numbers, are not public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen emphasized that these identifiers were part of what the DOJ sought, but that the federal government had not provided a clear explanation for why it wanted them. To collect the Social Security number and drivers number of every person in the state of Pennsylvania with no legal authorizationno, she said. Some Pennsylvania voters also voiced concern about the request. Brooke Walker, a local voter, said she believes data collection should only serve the public good. We want to be able to make sure that if they are collecting information, its used for the best of society, not just for their own personal gain, Walker said. Another voter, Ella, said she worried that sharing such information could weaken trust in the system. I think that they are relatively secure right now, but I think that this could make them pretty insecure, she said. In a statement, the DOJ said the requests are part of a nationwide effort to monitor compliance with federal laws, including the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act. At this time, it is unclear whether the federal government plans to resubmit its request. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Media powerhouse Penske Media Corporation (PMC) has announced two key executive appointments, with both moves affecting its Women's Wear Daily publication. Eugenia Richman has been named vice president of editorial innovation, based in New York. In this newly created role, Richman will be responsible for the implementation of innovative editorial projects and developing new content initiatives through video series, subscription, and podcast offerings. Reporting to Tom Finn, PMC's EVP of strategy and operations, Richman will oversee the strategic development of various content and studio initiatives, as well as implementing tools for revenue growth across PMC's portfolio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Eugenia is a visionary leader and a proven digital innovator with a keen understanding of PMC's brands and operations," said Finn. "Throughout her time at PMC, she has consistently driven growth through new technologies, launched impactful editorial initiatives, and evolved our iconic brands. Her expertise and leadership will be instrumental in shaping the company's next phase of content innovation." Richman added, "I am proud to be at a company that embraces ingenuity while honoring the history of its brands, and proud to be part of the future of media." Prior to this promotion, Richman was editor in chief of WWD, a role that will now be overseen by Michael Atmore, who will also remain chief brand officer of Fairchild Media Group, a division of PMC. At WWD, he will lead its editorial team and guide the brand's continuing evolution across print, digital, social, video, and ecommerce platforms. Other added responsibilities include overseeing FMG's team responsible for live events, summits, and experiences. Before that, Atmore was the editorial director of Footwear News, where the editorial team will continue to report to him. He will report directly to CEO Amanda Smith and James Fallon, COO of Fairchild Media Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Michael's leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping Fairchild Media's decades of innovation and success. His dedication to the Fairchild company, its brands, and its people have been nothing short of extraordinary," said Jay Penske, chairman and CEO of PMC. "I am confident that he will uphold excellence across FMG, and under his guidance, WWD will continue to set the benchmark in fashion, beauty, and business media." Atmore added, "I am honored to lead the incredible WWD team, the undeniable voices of authority, and to guide the legendary title into the next chapter with forward-looking content that amplifies our reach across multiple platforms in an ever-evolving fashion landscape." In addition to WWD and Footwear News, FMGs portfolio includes Beauty Inc., Sourcing Journal, a global live events division that produces over 30 thought leader and consumer experiences, and Fairchild Studio, a multi-platform content production team that executes more than 250 brand partner programs annually. SPRINGFIELD The state guarantees the right of the people to protest at the new Hampden County courthouse even though the planned justice center will be private property leased to the state. The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance announced amendments Tuesday to bid documents for the proposed Hampden County Justice Center. The amendment adds that the protection will still be subject to the commonwealths reasonable time, place and manner restrictions. A year ago, the Division of Capital Asset Management DCAM switched the states strategy for replacing the decrepit existing Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse from a new state-owned building to soliciting bids from developers who would build and own the courthouse and lease it to the state for as long as 60 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proposals are due Oct. 16. That ownership arrangement touted by the state as a way to save time and money got Springfield resident Karen Lee thinking. Could the landlord ban people from protesting? She asked the question last month at a public hearing attended mostly by potential bidders and their architects and engineers aligned with a few public officials. If this were five years ago, I probably wouldnt have said anything, Lee said in an interview. But headlines made her speak out. Because we are in a climate of political uncertainty, nothing is off the table, she said. The existing Ireland Courthouse at 50 State St. is an occasional site for protests, pickets and press conferences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes people take to the public square at 50 State to complain about the courthouse building itself. The 52-year-old courthouse is described as a sick building plagued with mold, dust and contamination. Workers have a high incidence of disease, including cancer and Lou Gehrigs disease, also called ALS. Lee also asked about financing for the new courthouse. She wants only U.S. backers, fearing that if a foreign bank lends the money and the owner defaults, a foreign bank would own the courthouse. In a response, DECAM said it cannot restrict financing options. The state is shopping for 244,000 usable square feet of space within a half a mile of transit and, preferably, in Springfields downtown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the response posted by DECAM over the past few weeks address brick-and-mortar issues like the placement and arrangements of jury deliberation rooms, judges chambers and prisoner lockups. DCAM included in its recent response photos of the squad cars, vans and small buses agencies typically use to transport prisoners so driveways and drive-in doors can be built to the right specs. The project will not fall under prevailing wage laws but the new courthouse will not require a project labor agreement guaranteeing union construction workers, according to the DCAM response. Stories by Jim Kinney Read the original article on MassLive. PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) By a 4-3 vote, the Peoria Public Schools Board of Education selected a Texas-based firm to help them pick their next superintendent. The vote, which came during the boards Monday night meeting, was for From the Heart of Arlington, Texas. The goal is to find a person to replace retiring Sharon Desmoulin Kherat by the end of the current school year. Voting for the firm was board president Gregory Wilson and board members Lynne Costic, Martha Ross and Larry Ivory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Usually a noncontroversial part of the process, the board received backlash after what community members said was a lack of transparency in deciding the firm. That led to the board tabling the measure from its last meeting two weeks ago. But Mondays meeting still had audience members criticizing the school board, urging members to vote for a different search firm. Without an explanation, the rumors of board members having a conflict of interest and the allegation that a superintendent has already been selected, and this is just some sort of kabuki theater to continue to linger in this community cant happen, said Andres Diaz, a community activist. In the meeting were allegations that board member Martha Ross had ties to From the Heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This caused another board member, Cristina Rose, to ask the attorney if Ross should recuse herself from the vote. The attorney said she didnt have enough information to make that call, and it was up to Ross to decide if she should recuse herself. Ross did not recuse herself and voted on the firm. Other search firms discussed included BYP Associates and the boards last search firm, the Illinois Association of School Boards. Ross said they did not have a good experience with their former search firm. That firm only received two votes in Mondays meeting. From the Heart will look for possible candidates they recommend to fill the superintendent position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 version of this story appeared in The Guidance newsletter on August 25. Sign up here. Hey all, Liam here. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is making his boldest bet yet on the American economy. The 63-year-old former hedge fund manager is banking on stablecoin issuers, such as Tether and Circle, to help soak up the countrys turgid debt woes, according to reporting by the Financial Times. Thats because dollar-token issuers are typically net buyers of US debt in the form of treasuries. With the passage of landmark stablecoin legislation this summer, the sector is expected to rise as high as $3.7 trillion in the next five years as new and old players pile in, according to some estimates. But is it enough to right the American fiscal ship? It doesnt hurt! Garett Jones, chief economist at stablecoin ratings agency Bluechip, told DL News. But having, say, 10% more demand for treasuries isnt going to paper over the USs long-term fiscal problems. A growing problem Still, with the countrys massive debt load careening out of control, Bessent will take anything he can get. Thanks to US President Donald Trumps massive spending bill passed in July, government debt is expected to grow by another $2.8 trillion by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office estimates. Today, the entire stablecoin market is worth over $277 billion, according to DefiLlama. Indeed, stablecoin businesses offer something of a large plastic bucket to battle whats turning out to be a fiscal tsunami. While this is certainly helpful and the programmatic reinvestment of reserves creates predictable demand, its nowhere near enough to offset structural deficits on a $35 trillion debt stack, Kevin Lehtiniitty, CEO of stablecoin upstart Borderless.xyz, told DL News. Stablecoin behemoths Meanwhile, it could put the US in an awkward position should some of these private issuers go bust, especially if they start outpacing G7 economies which Tether has already done. Companies are typically more fragile than nation-states, Ben Reynolds, the managing director of stablecoins at BitGo, told DL News. A private company could fall into economic trouble and have to liquidate a large treasury position in a small amount of time. Additionally, the US will have fewer options to navigate should the American fiscal picture turn a darker hue. Its a real risk, said Bluechips Jones. The biggest stablecoin projects will be too big to fail, so if the US is ever thinking about using a partial default to get out of its fiscal problems, these stablecoin projects wont be a good group to default on, he said. WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Authorities have made an arrest in the death of a 4-month-old boy who died Monday after being left alone in a car, Kingstree Police Chief Kimberly Marlow said. Armina Lavette Seal-Middleton, 52, of Salters, South Carolina, was charged with homicide by child abuse. She was booked into the Williamsburg County Detention Center. Kingstree police responded to Dollar General on Monday to assist Williamsburg County EMS with a call involving an unresponsive infant who was found in a car that wasnt running, according to a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williamsburg County Coroner Ivori Henryhand told News13 that the baby died after being taken to MUSC Health Black River Medical Center on Monday. The investigation, which is still ongoing, revealed the baby was in the care of Seal-Middleton when the incident happened. Kingstree police and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division are investigating. No other details were immediately available. This is a developing story. 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 * * * 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. * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. A person was found dead inside a mobile home that caught fire in Tampa Monday night. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue crews responded about 11:30 p.m. to reports of a house fire on Clubhouse Lane, in the Countryside Village community off Sheldon Road, and found a mobile home engulfed in flames, according to the department. The fire had also spread to a neighboring home. Crews put out the fires, searched both homes and found an adult dead inside the first house. The department has not released the persons name. Investigators are trying to determine the cause of the fire. Key Points Viva Raw is recalling certain lots of frozen dog and cat food due to possible salmonella and listeria contamination. The contaminated food can cause illness in both pets and humans, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and in severe cases, serious or fatal infections in vulnerable groups. No illnesses have been reported so far; consumers should discard recalled products safely, sanitize surfaces and utensils, and contact Viva Raw for a refund. If you feed your pet raw food, check your freezer. Viva Raw of Charlotte, N.C., is recalling two lots of dog and cat food due to salmonella and listeria contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recalled products include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Viva Ground Beef for Dogs and Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies with lot number 21495 Viva Ground Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chunked Chicken for Dogs, Viva Chicken for Cats, and Viva Pure Chicken with lot number 21975 The products were distributed between July 2 and August 21 and sold directly to consumers nationwide as well as to a small number of select retailers in New York, Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Kansas, California, and Arizona. The food is sold in frozen 1-pound bricks in clear vacuum-sealed packaging with the lot number printed on the top of the packaging. According to the FDA, salmonella and listeria can negatively affect animals who consume contaminated food. Pets with infections caused by either of these bacteria may be lethargic, have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea and a fever, and experience vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever, and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has any of these symptoms, contact your vet. There's also a risk to humans who handle the contaminated products, especially if they do not thoroughly wash their hands after coming into contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to the raw pet food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Healthy people infected with salmonella or listeria should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever, per the FDA. Salmonella or listeria infections can, on rare occasions, result in arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. It can also cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, adults aged 65 or older, and others with weakened immune systems, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infected pregnant women may experience mild, flu-like symptoms, with some infections leading to premature delivery and stillbirths, the agency warns. If you are exhibiting any symptoms after handling these products, contact your healthcare provider. So far, no illnesses in dogs, cats, or humans related to these products have been reported. If you have any of the recalled products, contact Viva Raw at info@vivarawpets.com for a refund on any remaining product, then dispose of the food. Make sure children, pets, and wildlife cannot access the discarded items. Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers, and wash and sanitize your hands after handling any recalled food or any utensils that come in contact with it. If you have any questions, call or text Viva Raw at 919-371-8882, 9 a.m.5 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday. Read the original article on Martha Stewart Mary Hennigan/States Newsroom Resident activists with the group Protect Augusta Township submitted 957 signatures at the township hall Monday as they seek a referendum on recent zoning changes, which were made to accommodate a billion dollar data center development proposal led by the New York City-based firm Thor Equities. Supporters say the data center would earn the township and local schools millions of dollars a year in sorely needed tax revenue. Critics say theyre worried about the possibility of persistent low-level noise pollution, or that the township, located in the southeast corner of Washtenaw County, could lose its bucolic charm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The project is one of three data center development proposals in the early stages of development in Washtenaw County alone, with interest in developing AI technologies driving billions of dollars of data center investment globally. Thor Equities announced last week it had acquired a 221 acre parcel in northwest Ohio for another data center. To make room for the data center in Augusta Township, trustees in late July unanimously approved the rezoning of 522 of the 810 acres Thor is seeking to build on rezoning the land from agricultural to industrial. Shortly after, Protect Augusta Township formed and began gathering signatures to petition for a referendum on the rezoning. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A public relations firm representing Thor started another campaign advocating for the project, called Project Augusta. Travis Matts, a Protect Augusta Township signature gatherer, said hes proud of the groups success gathering 957 petition signatures, well over the 561 needed to trigger a township-wide vote. I feel like we killed it, Matts said. This was such a boots on the ground, grassroots effort. And without the volunteers, we would have never been successful. it just goes to show, people feel strongly about this. Petition signatures need to be verified by the township clerk. Washtenaw County Clerk Lawrence Kestenbaum said the May election would be the soonest the referendum vote could take place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thor Equities spokesperson John Sellek said he believes many residents may have signed the petition because they wanted more time to discuss the project, not necessarily because they were opposed to it. What hasnt changed is the fact that the data center represents a tremendous opportunity for Augusta Township, Sellek said. Thats why the elected officials chosen by residents voted 7-0 to support the millions of dollars in public investment the project will bring The investment offers solutions for challenges the township has faced for years. Township Trustee Keith Gipfert says new revenue is sorely needed to maintain aging bridge infrastructure. He said he was surprised that Protect Augusta Township turned in more than 900 signatures. Were a democracy in this country. Let it play out, Gipfert said. If it gets voted down, it gets voted down. Then we as a board have to figure out how to pay for infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gipfert says aging culverts and bridges are a top concern. He says repairs needed over the next several years far outsize the townships annual budget. Advocates, including the economic development group Ann Arbor SPARK, say data centers can generate millions of dollars annually in economic activity and tax revenues for local schools and government. Additionally, they say local utilities have affirmed they have the water and electricity supply to meet the data centers demand. Its expected to use more than a million gallons of water per day. Ann Arbor SPARK declined to comment about the submission of Protect Augusta Townships petition signatures. Getty Images The data center project is in such early stages, site review hasnt begun, and there isnt a lot of concrete public information about the project for residents to assess. Gipfert says its difficult now, for example, to calculate exactly how much tax revenue the data center would generate for the township, but he expects it would be well over a million dollars annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Township resident Dominik DeSanto supports the data center project for the tax revenue it could generate. But he dislikes the tenor of the social media discourse about the project, saying it mirrors the toxicity of state and national politics. Its all hate, DeSanto said. In this township, Ive never seen so much hate. Thor has offered some details in the face of resident concerns about noise from the data center, and the massive energy demands of keeping a billion dollar bay of computer equipment running around the clock. According to Mlive, Thor says it plans to build on only 20% of the 810 acres, leaving the rest as an undeveloped buffer. Eileen Cosner with Protect Augusta Township said she doesnt trust Thor to stand by its word. However she is confident that the petition will have enough signatures, once verified, to put a referendum on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be nice if the board [of Trustees], Thor, and [Ann Arbor SPARK] respected the wishes of the residents in Augusta Township and left us alone, Cosner said. There is an ongoing wave of capital investment in data center development across the country. The facilities house computing systems and related components to power the digital infrastructure needs of web-based services, as well as investor and industry excitement about artificial intelligence, all of which requires a lot of computing power. In Washtenaw County alone, the University of Michigan has partnered with the Los Alamos National Laboratory on a data center project sited for Ypsilanti. MLive reports the university is considering an alternative site close to Willow Run Airport in the face of pushback, and Saline Township leaders are also considering a different data center development. Appearing on MSNBC in 2024, Thor Equities Chairman and CEO Joe Sitt spoke about AI fueling increased demand for data center development. The voracious appetite for this new technology [AI] or the advancing of this technology is ginormous (sic), Sitt said. (Photo by Getty Images) A physician assistant charged with incompetence and overprescribing opioids will be allowed to keep his license under the terms of a deal with state regulators. The Iowa Board of Physician Assistants recently alleged that licensee Chad Walker violated several state regulations at some undisclosed time in the past. According to the board, Walker was working at the Burgess Family Clinic in Mapleton when he allegedly engaged in the inappropriate prescribing of narcotics, benzodiazepines and amphetamines. He also is alleged to have overprescribed controlled substances, including opioids, to a patient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In addition, the board alleges Walker failed to follow guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when prescribing controlled substances; failed to perform annual drug screens on patients in accordance with polices on controlled substances; failed to have checked the Prescription Monitoring Program on a regular basis for the names of his patients; and failed to prescribe a drug the board identifies as nalozone the drug naloxone is commonly used to reverse the effect of an opioid overdose for patients who had received high doses of opioids with concurrent use of benzodiazepines. The board also alleges Walker created documents and signed (them) on behalf of his supervising physician without her permission or knowledge. The publicly available board documents give no indication as to whether any patients were harmed by Walkers alleged conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the allegations, the board charged Walker with professional incompetence, prescribing opioids in dosages that exceeded what would be prescribed by a reasonably prudent licensee, and unethical conduct. Although the board has not disclosed when any of the alleged violations took place, board documents indicate the case against Walker was initiated in 2023. The Burgess Health Centers website indicates Walker joined the Burgess Family Clinic in Mapleton in late 2016. In order to settle the matter, Walker and the board recently agreed to a settlement that calls for Walkers license to placed on probation for two years, during which time he can continue to practice subject to restrictions imposed by the board. Those restrictions call for Walker to complete eight hours of educational training in Drug Enforcement Administration narcotics, and to complete a course of unspecified duration in ethics and prescribing. Walker will also be required to meet with a worksite monitor for at least one hour each week. The monitor will review 20% of Walkers patient charts each month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the board has issued a formal warning to Walker, informing him that any future violations may result in additional sanctions. Walker is currently affiliated with Sioux Citys Thrive Wellness Center as a direct care provider. He said Tuesday the charges against him represent an unfortunate situation that I guess I feel I was, like, put into, and said he chose to resolve the case with a settlement so he could move on with his practice. I certainly did have a few patients on higher dosages of an opioid kind of stuff, but most all of the patients that I had on those medications I had inherited from another provider who had left the practice and it kind of got all dumped onto me, he said. Editors note: This story has been updated to include comments from Chad Walker. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Idaho WWAMI medical students learn through a combination of classroom education at the University of Idaho campus in Moscow and clinical clerkships at clinics and hospitals throughout the state. (Courtesy of the University of Idaho) A major limiting factor in Idahos effort to expand medical education is the lack of available physicians willing to take on medical students in addition to their patient workload. The solution to this problem may likely require more money and designated time for those providers doing the training. The Idaho Medical Education Working Group a committee of lawmakers and stakeholders looking into expanding medical education in the state on Tuesday heard from some of these physicians who train medical students, and the themes of doctors needing more time, space and money to be motivated or able to take on the education role arose again and again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My challenge is, as an ER doctor, when I have students, is that I cant control whats going on in the emergency department, said Kanan Silvas, an emergency room doctor in Coeur dAlene. Its obviously very chaotic. I cant decide that Im going to see less people today or Im going to take care of less people. So oftentimes, I have to slow down. More than 30% of surveyed Idaho hospitals dont provide any medical undergraduate training Brian Whitlock, president and CEO of the Idaho Hospital Association, told working group members Tuesday that in a survey of 34 hospital systems in the state many of which have several hospitals and clinics within them around two-thirds said they provided some sort of undergraduate medical education. Around 36% of those surveyed do not provide any of this training, he said. I was pleased that two thirds of our folks are seeing the value and the importance of being part of the education system for these students, Whitlock said. Within medical training, undergraduate education includes when students are still in medical school and must complete what are called clerkships, where they rotate among practitioners to receive real-world training in different fields of medicine. Graduate medical education refers to training provided once students graduate medical school and must complete a residency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The physicians who oversee the undergraduate training are called preceptors. Many of the hospital and clinic leaders and physicians who serve as preceptors had a similar message: It takes a lot of time to provide training to a medical student, and time away from patients can often mean the physician is not getting paid as much. For many providers, their pay is tied to their caseload, and there are not many programs to offset that time lost for teaching. When Idaho is last in the nation in doctors per capita, many physicians may also not see it as an option to take fewer patients anyway, because the needs are so high, speakers said. Weve built a system that relies on volunteerism and altruism, and I think were seeing some of those limits, said Lisa Nelson, a physician and director of graduate medical education at Saint Alphonsus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nelson said training a medical student can sometimes mean it doubles the providers time to see a patient. If you see fewer patients, to really do a good job of teaching, your bottom line is affected, she said, and some people just dont want to do more work for less money. Other challenges include a lack of space for students to see patients or use a computer without displacing a practitioner or housing constraints that prevent students from being able to live near the clinics where training might be provided. Idaho doctors suggest solutions to add more preceptors, expand medical education Another reason physicians may not want to take on students, according to several speakers on Tuesday, is they were trained to be doctors, not teachers. Many dont feel comfortable or feel as if they have the skills to teach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple preceptors suggested a collaborative virtual training program that could be offered to preceptors that includes multiple medical schools that offer medical education in Idaho, such as the University of Washington medical school, the private Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the University of Utah. Idaho does not have a public medical school, although Idaho State University is researching the potential purchase of the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, known as ICOM, Idaho Education News reported. Idaho medical students have access to 40 state-supported seats at the UW through the WWAMI partnership, which stands for Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho; and 10 state-supported seats at the University of Utah. Several preceptors and hospital leaders also mentioned financial incentives, such as additional loan repayment support or tax credits, to those who take on medical students. Andrea Christopher, a physician and medical educator at the Boise Veterans Affairs Medical Center, suggested tying potential incentives to metrics, to ensure the quality of education is better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several preceptors also highlighted the support of residencies the graduate medical education as helping all levels of medical education and keeping more doctors in the state. I think for keeping physicians in Idaho, that residency spots are going to be key, said Alex Tanabe, a doctor at St. Lukes Medicine in Boise. The desire to not prioritize quantity of preceptors over quality of care or education was echoed by Maureen Ferguson, a doctor at St. Lukes in McCall. I still really believe that this is going to be a slow roll, because the most important thing for me in all of this is maintaining the quality that we have had thus far in terms of preceptors, educators, students, Ferguson said, and so I continue to just want to slow it down a little bit so we can maintain quality, rather than get a quantity of providers out there. Clarification: this story was updated at 3:45 p.m. on Aug. 27 to reflect that Andrea Christopher is also a physician. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The hot and dry weather in the West creates the perfect conditions for wildfires. One currently burning in central Oregon, the Flat Fire, is threatening nearly 4,000 homes at least four have been destroyed, officials say. Another wildfire is threatening vineyards in Northern California. The Pickett Fire, the largest wildfire in the San Francisco Bay Area this year, started on Thursday and has burned more than 10 square miles. Even if flames don't reach the orchards, smoke will impact the economic lifeblood of Napa Valley. More than 2,000 people have been dispatched to fight the fires, according to Cal Fire. They have so far managed to keep homes and businesses from burning, but winery owner Chris Jambois says he's concerned about how often wildfires appear to occur. Chris Jambois of Black Sears Winery in Angwin, California, takes CBS News correspondent Carter Evans on a tour of his crop. / Credit: CBS News "It's obviously alarming to have to go through this so frequently," Jambois told CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He owns Black Sears Winery, where memories of the Glass Fire are still fresh. The 2020 wildfire destroyed several wineries and more than 1,500 structures in the area. The Glass Fire covered more than 67,000 acres in Napa and Sonoma counties, about a two-hour drive north of San Francisco. The Pickett Fire, while smaller at nearly 7,000 acres, has taken a similar path. Map of the Glass Fire (2020, left) and the Pickett Fire (August 2025, right). / Credit: Cal Fire Jambois said he learned that even if vineyards are spared from the fire, smoke could still affect the grapes. "We lost two vintages 2018 and 2020 to smoke," Jambois said, referring to the year the grapes were harvested. "Once we made it into wine, it was a bit of a disaster. We ended up having to dump it down the drain ... I mean, it tasted like licking an ashtray." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, much of the western parts of the United States are enduring a relentless heat wave, which contributes to fire activity. Wildfire in Napa County in 2020. / Credit: CBS News The Flat Fire in Oregon's Jefferson County was at 5% containment as of Monday, according to fire officials. It sparked on Thursday and has burned nearly 22,000 acres, Central Oregon Fire Info said. The wildfire is one of 55 large fires burning across the country, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. A major concern in Napa Valley is how quickly the Pickett Fire grew. Jambois said he doesn't know whether he or his business can keep up. "If we do end up losing this crop, it'll be three out of the last eight years ... We'll have some serious soul searching to do," he said. Minneapolis Catholic school shooter identified Extreme weather slams the West with dust storms and wildfires Cracker Barrel scrapping new logo, returning to old one after backlash Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson speaks as State Sen. Kathleen Kauth, State Sen. Bob Hallstrom of Syracuse and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen look on. Aug. 25, 2025. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) OMAHA Gov. Jim Pillen ceremonially signed a criminal justice package Monday that Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson and Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine celebrated as needed changes for public safety in Nebraskas largest cities. State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha. Aug. 13, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) State Sen. Carolyn Bosn, a former Lancaster County prosecutor who steered parts of Legislative Bill 530 to passage, touted its tougher penalties for fentanyl poisoning and law enforcement access to sealed records on gun crimes by juveniles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This bill prioritized the tools those kiddos need, Bosn said. This package of bills was designed to improve community safety, public safety, improve communication, having the right hand and the left hand work together. But critics of the change allowing detention of kids as young as 11 years old for committing serious crimes say it will result in the months-long detainment of some teens with troubled pasts. Many of those kids might benefit from group-home placements, but few, if any, group homes are willing to accept them. Former State Sen. Justin Wayne, an Omaha lawyer who works cases in juvenile court and who led the Legislatures Judiciary Committee until he was term-limited in January, says parts of LB 530 make a system thats already struggling to deliver services worse. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine speaks during a news conference about LB 530, including juvenile justice reforms. Aug. 25, 2025. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner. So what happens to a young man who is just sitting in DCYC [Douglas County Youth Center] for a year or more? Wayne asked. I mean, we dont even have a trial. We have no type of thing that he can look forward to. Nobodys asking whats next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pillen, Hanson and Kleine acknowledged the need to balance public safety with whats best for teen offenders, young people who Pillen said were growing up in families that leave them with diminished hopes. Its much needed work to keep us safe, but it breaks my heart when were talking about kids, Pillen said. Hanson said state senators would need to focus attention soon on funding more secure group home placements for such teens, because the answer cant just be keeping kids locked up. You are starting to see states that are implementing secure group home options, secure placement options for high-risk kids, so that they dont continue in the cycle of committing worse and worse crimes, Hanson said. State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln. Jan. 8, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Kleine and Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon made clear that they believe their teams need the more controversial tools in the new law, particularly when dealing with younger offenders committing violent crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kleine pointed to the Omaha-area death of an Uber driver last year that he said involved several teens, including one age 13 and another age 11. He said such younger teens needed to be treated more seriously by the system. Hanson and Kleine said the juvenile justice reforms the state has adopted in recent years are working for the vast majority of kids, but that the system was failing some of the most serious offenders. Theres a lot of people that have ideas and try and tell us how we should do things that have never set foot in the juvenile court system, Kleine said. These senators listened. They listened to law enforcement, and we got this done. Wayne said Pillen, Kleine and others pushing for the changes do not seem to care about adding to an already stressed system that now will have to try and safely keep pre-teens away from older youths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked how the state would protect pre-teens mixing in a juvenile justice detention setting, Pillen said, No were not going to have an 11-year-old with a 17-year old. Were going to have people in a system to get them back to a productive life. Said Wayne: This is a short-sighted, politically driven bill that will only cause more damage to a broken system. Nobody understands the scope of this problem until theyre in it. But they always want to play political games with the kids. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX According to Reuters, car finance providers Startline and Blue Motor Finance could soon be up for sale following a UK Supreme Court ruling that has significantly reduced the potential compensation burden facing the sector. Analysts and advisers also told the news agency that larger lenders such as Aldermore and Close Brothers may draw interest from buyers as confidence returns. The August ruling overturned much of a lower court decision on car loan sales practices, with several advisers estimating the final industry bill could be less than half the original 30 billion ($41 billion) projection. This is the real activity that will start now, Hyder Jumabhoy, a partner at White & Case, told Reuters, saying owners now have enough clarity to begin preparing [lenders] for sale even as they await details of the final redress scheme. Cabot Square Capital has already hired BNP Paribas to handle a sale of Blue Motor Finance, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Blue Motor posted an 8.5 million loss on 53 million in revenue in 2023. Startline, owned by US hedge fund The Baupost Group, could also come to market, with its latest accounts showing 100.3 million of income and a 4.25 million loss. Theres a series of highly attractive assets which have sat in private equity portfolios for longer than expected, Elliot Reader, director at Houlihan Lokey, told Reuters, adding that regulatory or macro reasons had delayed exits until now. The ruling has also prompted speculation about larger players. Moodys analysts noted in June that specialist lenders such as Aldermore (owned by South Africa's FirstRand) and Close Brothers could be acquisition targets. Both firms were closely involved in the legal challenge that led to the Supreme Courts 1 August decision. Close Brothers shares have jumped about 25% since the ruling. Still, some remain cautious. Does [the ruling] pave the way for future M&A activity in the motor finance space given recent inactivity? Yes, but I'd expect any meaningful movement to emerge throughout 2026, Antony Walsh, partner at Eversheds Sutherland, told Reuters. Benjamin Toms (RBC Capital Markets) cautioned that banks may still hold off until the redress issue is fully resolved. The Financial Conduct Authority is now designing a compensation scheme for car loans involving discretionary commission arrangements, with mid-range estimates of 9-18 billion now seen as more realistic. Despite this, the UK motor finance market remains robust. Around 80% of all new cars sold to consumers in the 12 months to April were financed, with total outstanding point-of-sale contracts valued at roughly 86 billion as of June, according to the Finance & Leasing Association. PinPoint Alert: Heres when the heat wave will subside Were off to another mild start this morning with partly cloudy skies and moderate air quality. Its our last PinPoint Alert Day for the heat, with some cooler conditions on the way for tomorrow. Today, however, will be hot yet again. Air quality is in the moderate range in many spots in Western Washington. While hazy skies are the rule, that is typical during a summer heat wave, and only somewhat worsened by smoke from distant wildfires. Smoke from the Bear Gulch fire in Mason County is causing some worsening air quality in the immediate vicinity, with some other impact to air quality in spots from Tacoma southward. Expect hazy skies and moderate air quality through Tuesday, though some spots will dip to the unhealthy for sensitive groups category. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High temperatures will be in the upper 80s for the Seattle area and touching 90 or a little hotter from around Tacoma south. The Heat Advisory for Western Washington will go until 8 p.m. tonight. There will be a slight increase in humidity and a change to a southerly wind flow aloft. Those changes could bring the chance for a few isolated thunderstorms, mainly in the south Cascades late Tuesday, but a slightly better chance (still fairly low) for Wednesday. Some of that moisture could move over lowland areas of Western Washington late Wednesday and into early Thursday. Wednesday is also when well see our highs drop to the low 80s for the Seattle area an end to the heat wave. However, it stays warmer than normal the rest of the week with highs in the 80s, only dropping to highs in the upper 70s in Seattle this weekend. The long-range outlook for Labor Day calls for above-normal temperatures (though perhaps no more heat waves) and above-average chance for precipitation, likely more in the form of chances for afternoon and evening mountain showers and storms. PITTSBURG, Kan. A Pittsburg man makes his first court appearance on kidnapping and rape charges. Damien Yarbrough, 50, appeared in a Crawford County courtroom this morning. Damien Yarbrough, 50 Hes charged with rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and kidnapping. Yarbrough is being held in the Crawford County Jail on a $500,000 bond. Police arrested him Saturday just before 6:00 P.M. at Americas Best Value Inn on North Broadway after receiving a report about a sexual assault that had just happened between Yarbrough and a young woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say Yarbrough met the woman while they were both staying at the hotel and then took her back to his room, where they say he held her against her will and sexually assaulted her. Pittsburg Police say the woman and her family were interviewed about the incident, and she was referred to local medical providers for further attention. Detectives with the police departments Criminal Investigations Division assisted with the case. PPD says they searched Yarbroughs hotel room and collected evidence in the case. They say Yarbrough was attempting to leave the hotel with his luggage when he was arrested. FOUR STATES CRIME Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PITTSBURGH (WKBN) The Pittsburgh Pirates released the 2026 regular season schedule on Tuesday afternoon. The Pirates will open the 2026 campaign in New York with a three-game series against the Mets from March 26-29. The first road trip will conclude with three games in Cincinnati against the Reds from March 30-April 1. It marks the earliest the Pirates have ever started a season. The Pirates will host the Baltimore Orioles in the home opener on April 3. It is the second home opener against the Orioles in the last three seasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complete 2026 Pittsburgh Pirates schedule 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 WKBN.com. NEW YORK (PIX11) PIX on Politics host and managing editor Dan Mannarino speaks with Dr. Michelle Morse, Acting Health Commissioner and Chief Medical Officer of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, about the Legionnaires disease outbreak in Central Harlem. Dan also sits down with Jersey City Council Member James Solomon to discuss his campaign for mayor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Pizza-flavored soda, dill pickle Goldfish, coconut Red Bull, cotton candy Hot Tamales and Mojito Pepsi. These rare snacks and sodas, many from across the world, are some of the offerings available at the latest addition to the Bayshore shopping mall in Glendale, which opened Aug. 19, according to a news release from the mall. The new shop, called Exotic Snack Guys, has a rotating treasure trove of limited edition twists on classic favorites and international candies, chips, cookies, and drinks from over 30 countries, including Japan, Lebanon, South Korea, India, Italy, England, Mexico, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates, according to the business' website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other offerings include seaweed-flavored Lays, giant Skittles, Oreo-flavored Coca Cola and Coca Cola-flavored Oreos. The business was founded in June 2023 by Jimmy Singh, a man with a passion for international snacks, according to the business' website. He scoured international marketplaces for unique and limited snack items, and launched the first store in Chicago. Just two years later, the business has grown into a thriving chain with locations across Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, Indiana and Iowa. The Glendale shop is the business' 38th location. In Wisconsin, Exotic Snack Guys shops can be found in Greendale, Appleton, Green Bay, Kenosha, Madison and near Cooper Park in Milwaukee, according to the website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to rare snacks and drinks, the business also sells mystery boxes containing a handpicked assortment of items for adventurous shoppers looking to try something new. Were thrilled to bring our brand to Bayshore and share the fun and exciting flavors with the North Shore community, Singh said in the release. "Our aim is to be a convenient destination for anyone who loves trying something new. Contact Claudia Levens at clevens@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @levensc13. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Exotic Snack Guys, featuring rare snacks, now open at Bayshore The Ten Commandments were on display in a classroom in the Conway School District in August 2025 in adherence to a state law requiring the religious display in taxpayer-funded public buildings, including school classrooms. (Screenshot from court documents) The plaintiffs challenging Arkansas law mandating a display of the Ten Commandments in schools asked a federal court Friday to allow them to sue an additional school district in the ongoing litigation. Act 573 of 2025 requires that a durable poster or framed copy of a historical representation of the Ten Commandments be prominently displayed in taxpayer-funded public buildings, including school classrooms and libraries and colleges and universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks temporarily blocked Act 573 in response to a June lawsuit from seven multifaith families with children in the Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville and Siloam Springs school districts. Brooks issued his ruling Aug. 4, the day before the laws effective date. On Monday, the plaintiffs filed a motion for the courts permission to add the Conway School District as a defendant and to add two families from the district to the case as plaintiffs. In a filing later Monday, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin asked the court to deny the motion, saying the court lacks jurisdiction and the plaintiffs waited too long to add particpants. The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas asked every school district in the state on Aug. 5 not to comply with Act 573 in response to Brooks ruling, but the Conway School District nevertheless pressed forward with posting the Ten Commandments in every classroom, infringing the constitutional rights of students and parents, the ACLU wrote in a Monday news release. The Conway districts decision demonstrates a chilling disregard for the law, ACLU of Arkansas Legal Director John Williams said in the release, and the organization will not allow [districts] to get away with trampling families First Amendment rights. In Brooks 35-page ruling, the judge agreed with the plaintiffs that Act 573 likely violates two First Amendment provisions: the Establishment Clause, which guarantees that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, and the Free Exercise Clause, which guarantees that Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise [of religion]. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican lawmakers and conservative activists insisted on Aug. 12 that Act 573 is constitutional and based on historical tradition rather than religion. They cited a 2019 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that presumes Christian symbols and monuments are constitutional if they can be shown to be historical and traditional. The Northwest Arkansas plaintiffs identify as Jewish, Unitarian Universalist, Humanist, agnostic, atheist and nonreligious, according to their June complaint. Mondays news release included a copy of the proposed amended complaint to be filed if Brooks grants Fridays request from the plaintiffs. Julee Jaeger, one of the potential Conway plaintiffs, is raising her child in a nonreligious household and does not want the government to push any particular religion or religious morality on her child, the amended complaint states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jaeger asked the Conway School Board via email to remove the Ten Commandments posters from district classrooms, and board member Trip Leach responded, To answer your question, NO I do not think I will, according to the complaint. The other potential Conway plaintiffs are Kyle and April Berry, who are raising their two children as Christians but do not believe in or teach their children the specific language of the state-mandated Ten Commandments in Act 573, which they find objectionable, the complaint states. 79-1_-_proposed_amended_complaint In fact, the Ten Commandments is not scripture that the Berrys or their faith community tend to focus on, the complaint states. Instead, they focus their religious instruction of children more on teachings found in the New Testament, such as the teaching to love your neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Berrys also believe that people must be respectful of other peoples religions or lack thereof and that religious beliefs and practices should not be imposed on non-adherents, and Act 573 conflicts with this value, according to the complaint. Brooks ruling noted that Arkansas law is most likely [a] part of a coordinated strategy among several states to inject Christian religious doctrine into public-school classrooms. Education news outlet The 74 reported last month that a data analysis of 28 bills similar to Act 573 exposes how their language, structure and requirements are inherently identical. The plaintiffs against Act 573 are represented by the ACLU of Arkansas, the national ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, with New York-based Simpson Thacher Bartlett serving as pro bono counsel. Aug. 25PLAINVIEW Plainview-Elgin-Millville's school for students in pre-k through third grade has received a grant that will fund the construction of a new adaptive playground. The $160,000 grant was secured by the Plainview Lion's Club from Foresight Bank, in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. "We are so excited and thankful to FHLB for contributing matching funds to the Foresight Bank donation! A huge THANK YOU to the Plainview Lions," said Cassie Harrington, president of Foresight Bank, wrote in a press release. "We are lucky to have such an active Lions Club in Plainview volunteering their time and talents to make projects like this happen." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The adaptive and inclusive playground is designed to serve children of all mobilities, including those who use wheelchairs and those with autism or other sensory processing challenges, according to a press release about the grant. The plan is to replace the existing two playground structures located behind the PreK-3 Elementary School building to provide an environment for children of all abilities that is accessible, inclusive, and opens opportunities for shared experiences. The playground will feature accessible equipment, sensory-friendly zones, ramps, adaptive swings, quiet corners, and engaging textures. Foresight Bank is a locally owned community bank with locations in Plainview, Rochester and Eyota. FHLB Des Moines provides funding solutions to more than 1,200 members to support mortgage lending, economic development and affordable housing in the communities it serves. The Member Impact Fund provides FHLB Des Moines members up to $3 for every $1 in matching grant donations to strengthen the ability of not-for-profits or government entities to support the needs of their communities. "The Member Impact Fund continues to be a powerful resource in supporting our members as they expand access to affordable housing and drive community development," says Kris Williams, president and CEO of FHLB Des Moines. "It's inspiring to see the partnerships centered around improving local communities in such a variety of ways." President Donald Trump served quite the White House word salad Monday during a press conference with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, as he was asked about potentially reviving talks with North Koreas Kim Jong Un only to start rambling about magnets. Trump told reporters that he would like to meet with the North Korean dictator for a fourth time, but then began discussing his precarious trade truce with China. He warned of steeper tariffs if Chinas rare-earth magnet exports were curbed when the diatribe truly began. China intelligently went and they sort of took a monopoly of the worlds magnets, Trump said Monday. And nobody needed magnets until they convinced everybody 20 years ago, Lets all do magnets. There were many other ways that the world could have gone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Itll take us probably a year to have em, he continued. Were heavy into the world of magnets now. Only from a national security standpoint, but we have a powerful thing. Trump announced a sweeping 10% baseline tariff in April on all U.S. imports, with levies on dozens of countries set even higher. China responded by limiting magnet and rare-earth mineral exports, resulting in a 90-day trade truce agreed on earlier this month. Related: Ex-Trump White House Lawyer's Deadpan Response To John Bolton Raid Has NPR Host Howling The U.S. relies on these resources for the automotive, electronics and renewable energy industries, and while China dominates the worlds rare-earth magnet production, it also reportedly needs airplanes and is currently negotiating buying a sizable fleet from Boeing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said Monday that hes sent them all of the parts so their planes can fly. I could have held them back, he added. I didnt do that because of the relationship I have. And their planes are now flying. Two hundred of their planes were unable to fly because we were not giving them Boeing parts purposefully because they werent giving us magnets. Trump: "China intelligently went in and they sort of took a monopoly of the world's magnets. Nobody needed magnets until they convinced everybody 20 years ago, 'let's all do magnets.' There were many other ways that the world could have gone ... we're heavily into the world of pic.twitter.com/TqQ4dMpWPb Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 25, 2025 Trump argued his tariffs are a much more powerful thing, however, and said the U.S. now has tremendous power over China. He concluded that were going to have a lot of magnets soon so many, in fact, that we wont know what to do with them. His digression on the magnet situation spawned pained reactions on social media. Related: Trump Now Says Tariffs On China Will Be Much Lower Than 145% While one user explicitly begged, Please make it stop, others noted that the president has perplexingly discussed magnets before and falsely claimed in January that they dont work underwater. "Magnets. How do they work?" https://t.co/lqGtQGjhsP James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) August 26, 2025 We should just play clown music in the background every single time Captain Tang opens his mouth. Milenka~ (@MilenaAmit) August 25, 2025 LETS ALL DO MAGNETS. NOBODY KNOWS MAGNETS BETTER THAN ME. CHINA CONVINCED EVERYONE TO GO INTO MAGNETS 20 YEARS AGO. ITS WHEN ELECTRICITY WAS FIRST DISCOVERED. CanadaFirstRB (@TrueNorthWit) August 25, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China has to give us magnets. If they don't, we charge a 200% tariff or something. Nobody needed magnets until they convinced everybody 20 years ago lets all do magnets." - Trump ????? pic.twitter.com/hI91SCnwjd Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) August 25, 2025 Sometimes I watch these and think; Oh another AI fake video, but no, the really scary thing is this is real and the World is being influenced by this simpleton, my God even Forrest Gump would be better! Graham Jones (@GrahamJones1959) August 25, 2025 Related... Read the original on HuffPost The driver of a U.S. Postal Service mail truck struck several vehicles and a pedestrian at a gas station in East Longmeadow Tuesday before driving away, only to crash into a nearby bank, police said. Robert OSullivan, 54, is charged with operating under the influence of alcohol while causing serious bodily injury, according to a statement by the East Longmeadow Police Department. His arraignment was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in Palmer District Court. Around 9:40 a.m., dispatchers at Westcomm Regional Dispatch fielded several calls from people who said they watched as the driver of a mail truck struck a person near the pumps of the Pride gas station near the rotary, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mail truck driver also hit several vehicles and narrowly missed striking the witnesses and employees there as they were fleeing the scene, the statement said. The driver drove up Elm Street. Another report came in: A mail truck struck the PeoplesBank at 201 North Main St., about a half-mile away. Police responding to the gas station found the pedestrian with serious injuries, and they began first aid. The person was taken to Baystate Medical Center and while their condition remains serious, they are stable, police said. Officers responded to the PeoplesBank and located the driver of the mail truck, confirmed to be a postal service employee, the statement from police said. After further investigation at that scene, the operator of that mail truck was determined to be the same one that had struck the pedestrian at the Pride station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement East Longmeadow police said its detectives and State Police detectives with the Hampden County District Attorneys Office are continuing to investigate the incident. Steve Doherty, spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service, said the incident happened when the employee was on the clock, out delivering mail at the time. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is also investigating the incident, he said. A teller at PeoplesBank said Tuesday afternoon that no one was available to speak about the incident. A large swath of plywood covered one of the buildings windows. Evidence flags stuck in a flower bed delineated what appeared to be tire tracks. A mangled entrance sign lay in the mulch, and a stop sign rested facedown in the grass. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Down the road, drivers were filling their vehicles at the pumps of the Pride gas station, which had reopened after closing temporarily Tuesday. One clerk said they were not working at the time of the incident. A second declined comment. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Yarmouth police are investigating repeated incidents during which American flags honoring a local Purple Heart recipient were torn down from a bridge overpass. Twice now this summer, flags placed on the Lance Corporal William Joseph Donovan Jr. Memorial Bridge on West Yarmouth Road in honor of the bridges namesake have been torn down and/or destroyed, Yarmouth police said in a Facebook post. The first vandalism happened in July, but Donovans father later replaced them. Officers were again called to the bridge early Monday morning for a report that the flags had been damaged again, police said. There, they found that eight flags had been torn down and three had been ripped apart at the seams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yarmouth police are actively investigating the incidents and ask that anyone with information contact them. A Yarmouth native, William Joseph Donovan Jr. served in the U.S. Marines from 2001 to 2014 and was wounded in action during Operation Enduring Freedom in Iraq, according to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. He died in a motorcycle crash in 2015 at age 27, and the bridge was dedicated to him three years later, WCVB reported. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. By Elizabeth Howcroft (Reuters) -A group representing the world's biggest stock exchanges has called on securities regulators to clamp down on so-called tokenised stocks, arguing that the blockchain-based tokens create new risks for investors and could harm market integrity, a letter seen by Reuters shows. Tokenised equities are blockchain-based tokens created to represent shares in companies. The tokens represent ownership of the securities but investors do not become shareholders in the underlying company. Crypto exchange Coinbase and broker Robinhood are among those making a push into the nascent sector that could shake up the securities investing landscape. Proponents say tokenised equities can cut trading costs, speed up settlement and facilitate around-the-clock trading. The World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), in a letter sent to three regulatory bodies last Friday, said it was concerned the tokens "mimic" equities without providing the same rights or trading safeguards. The letter was sent to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Crypto Task Force, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), and global securities watchdog IOSCO's Fintech Task Force. "We are alarmed at the plethora of brokers and crypto-trading platforms offering or intending to offer so-called tokenised U.S. stocks," the WFE, a UK-based industry association for exchanges and clearing houses, said in the letter seen by Reuters. "These products are marketed as stock tokens or the equivalent to stocks when they are not." The WFE declined to name which brokers and trading platforms it was referring to. Issuers of stock - the companies whose stock is being mimicked - could suffer reputational damage if the tokens fail, the WFE said. The WFE's position reflects the concerns of market infrastructure players and the broader financial sector, WFE CEO Nandini Sukumar told Reuters, adding that some share issuers had expressed concerns to their exchanges. Regulators should apply securities rules to tokenised assets, clarify legal frameworks for ownership and custody, and prevent them being marketed as equivalent to stocks, the WFE said. The SEC and IOSCO did not immediately respond to requests for comment. ESMA declined to comment. An SEC commissioner said in July tokenised securities must still meet securities regulations. In June, trading platform Robinhood launched tokenised equities for EU customers, and said it also planned to offer tokens representing shares in privately-held companies, including OpenAI. PITTSBURG, Kan. (KSNW) Pittsburg police say a man is accused of sexually assaulting a juvenile at a motel. Major Adan Nance says the department was called to a motel in the 3100 block of N. Broadway in Pittsburg shortly before 6 p.m. on Saturday after receiving a report of a sexual assault that had just taken place. When officers arrived, they were informed that a juvenile had just been assaulted by a man identified as Damien Yarbrough, 50, of Pittsburg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major Nance says Yarbrough had his luggage gathered and was attempting to leave when police detained him. Police interviewed the victim and their family and obtained a search warrant to search Yarbroughs motel room, and evidence was recovered. Kansas man dies after crash at Concordia airport Yarbrough was booked into the Crawford County Jail and made his first appearance in court Monday morning, where he was charged with rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and kidnapping. Hes being held on a $500,000 bond. His next court date has not been set. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. Police in Massachusetts have charged a New York man with child rape and other sexual offenses against minors. New York State Police arrested 29-year-old Hicksville resident Geoffrey Gerber on an arrest warrant out of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, following a five-month investigation by Bridgewater detectives into crimes against a local minor, according to a press release from Bridgewater police. Gerber is charged with aggravated rape of a child involving a 10-year age difference, exhibiting a child performing a sexual act, enticement of a child under 16, disseminating obscene material to a minor and making obscene telephone calls, Bridgewater police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Aug. 14, Bridgewater detectives took Gerber into their custody at the Nassau County Sheriffs Department in New York where he was being held, Bridgewater police said. He was then transported back to Massachusetts, charged at the Bridgewater Police Department and held at Plymouth County Correctional Facility. Bridgewater police did not include many details about Gerbers alleged crimes, but said that he had made contact with the victim through multiple social media platforms. The department began investigating Gerber after they were contacted by the victim. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. TOPEKA (KSNT) First responders are at the scene of a rollover crash in southwest Topeka Tuesday afternoon. City of Topeka spokesman Dan Garrett told 27 News that officers were called around 1:20 p.m. on Aug. 26 to the intersection of Southwest 21st Street and Southwest Morningside Road for reports of a rollover crash. He said minor injuries were reported and two vehicles were involved in the crash. Police shut down the eastbound lane from Southwest 21st Street and Southwest Edgewater Terrace to Southwest 21st Street and Southwest Prairie Road. A fire hydrant was also damaged during the crash. (Photo By: Tim Schoepflin) (Photo By: Tim Schoepflin) (Photo By: Tim Schoepflin) (Photo By: Tim Schoepflin) Kansas Lottery player wins $25,000 a year for life prize Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. The Polish government has announced its next steps after President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a law concerning assistance for Ukrainians. Source: Polish government spokesperson Adam Szapka, quoted by Polish news portal RMF 24, as reported by European Pravda Details: Szapka said that by the next sitting of the Sejm, the lower chamber of the Polish parliament, scheduled for 8 September, "the government will prepare another bill that will regulate all these issues". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that "further proposals for solutions will protect us from the chaos that the presidents veto could cause". "The Council of Ministers is working on a solution that will regulate the provision of assistance to all foreigners in Poland," the spokesperson added. The amendment to the Law on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine in Connection with the War proposed extending the temporary protection granted to Ukrainians who fled the war, setting the new end date at 4 March 2026. This amendment was a result of the EU Councils decision of 25 June 2024. Background: Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Zbigniew Bogucki, head of Polish President Karol Nawrockis office, has argued that the presidential veto of a law on support for Ukrainians would not deprive Ukraine of Starlink internet funded by Poland. Source: Bogucki on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: The day before, Polands Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said that by vetoing the law on aid for Ukrainians, Nawrocki had ensured "the end of Starlink internet that Poland is providing to war-torn Ukraine". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bogucki denied this and accused Gawkowski of playing along with Russian disinformation. He stated that Poland would continue to pay for Starlink for Ukraine, provided that parliament approves the presidents bill instead of the vetoed one. Quote: "President Nawrockis veto would not switch off Starlink internet for Ukraine because the costs of this connection are financed under the provisions of the current law, and the bill submitted by the president of Poland to the Sejm [Polish parliament] preserves this arrangement. It is enough to consider this presidential initiative swiftly in the Polish parliament in September." He added that the situation is the same regarding support for storing Ukrainian administration data in a secure location. Background: On 25 August, Nawrocki vetoed a bill on assistance to Ukrainians and announced he would propose his own, which would set fair conditions for Poles. Nawrocki said that "Poles in their own country should be on at least an equal footing with our guests from Ukraine.". In March, the Polish government said Poland had spent nearly US$83 million on Starlink for Ukraine during the full-scale war. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Polish President Karol Nawrocki's veto of a bill extending support for Ukrainian refugees will not cut off Ukraine's access to the Starlink communications network, Nawrocki's head of office, Zbigniew Bogucki, said on Aug. 25. Bogucki refuted Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski's accusations that the veto would effectively end Polish support for the Starlink Internet for Ukraine as of Oct. 1 and the storage of Ukrainian administration data. "President (Karol Nawrocki's) veto does not disconnect Ukraine from the Starlink Internet, as the costs of this connectivity are funded based on the currently applicable law," the official said on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bogucki clarified that the bill submitted by Nawrocki to the parliament preserves the current arrangement, and lawmakers only need to approve it next month. Legislation proposed by the president also included granting benefits only to Ukrainians who are employed in Poland, extending the period needed to obtain Polish citizenship, harsher penalties for illegal border crossings, and equating the "Bandera symbols" with Nazi and Communist symbols in Poland's criminal code. Ukraine relies heavily on Starlink, the satellite internet system developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX, to maintain connectivity in front-line areas and support government communications. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has received over 50,000 Starlink terminals, with Poland providing nearly 30,000 the largest contribution by any single country, Ukraine's Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You had almost a year and a half to present a law that would be fair, primarily from the Polish perspective, but also for those Ukrainians who honestly participate in the Polish socio-economic system," Bogucki said in a statement addressed to the Polish government. "You did not do this, as with many other things, despite making promises. That is why the Polish president is now stepping in to address this." Nawrocki, a conservative backed by the opposition Law and Justice party, narrowly won Poland's presidential election on June 1 with 50.89% of the vote, defeating Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, backed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk's ruling coalition. A historian-turned-politician, Nawrocki's ascent to the presidential office signals growing challenges for Polish-Ukrainian relations. While the new head of state affirmed support for Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression, he also spoke out against Kyiv's EU and NATO aspirations, often drawing attention to past historical grievances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conservative's victory also maintains the ideological divide between the Polish Presidential Office and Tusk's centrist government. Read also: Ukraine has upgraded its Neptune missile heres what we know Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A poll of Republican voters in Comgressional District 7 shows four candidates in a dead heat. (Photo: Getty Images) A poll released Tuesday shows a dead heat between the top four Republican candidates vying to succeed former U.S. Rep. Mark Green in Tennessees 7th Congressional District. The poll, conducted by Spry Strategies for Americans for Prosperity Tennessee a conservative political advocacy group polled 500 registered voters in the district who said they plan to vote in the Oct. 7 primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williamson County state Reps. Gino Bulso of Brentwood and Lee Reeves of Franklin tied with 19.9% each when respondents were asked to select their preference during the Aug, 19 to Aug. 23 polling period. Dickson Rep. Jody Barrett followed with 18.6% and Matt Van Epps, former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, came in fourth with 15.9%. There was significant dropoff after Van Epps, with Montgomery County Commissioner Jason Knight coming in next with 7.9%. The poll has a 4.4% margin of error. Eleven Republicans, four Democrats and four independent candidates are competing for the chance to replace Green in Congress. The winners of the primary elections and all the independents, who arent on the primary ballot will face off in the Dec. 2 general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 7th District is made up of portions of Davidson, Williamson and Montgomery counties as well as 11 other counties in Middle and West Tennessee. Its considered heavily favorable to Republicans even after 2021 redistricting drew in portions of traditionally Democratic Davidson County: President Donald Trump won the district in 2024 by 22.3%. Typically, special elections draw lighter turnout than regularly-scheduled ones and wins are often predicated on how well a candidate turns their supporters out. Across the nation, Democrats have been faring well in special elections. When asked what issue they most want the next congressman to focus on, respondents ranked government corruption and the deep state highest, with 22.7% of respondents citing it. The AFP poll was released in conjunction with Supertalk 99.7 WTN, which features nationally syndicated conservative talk shows. The two will host a debate among the Republican candidates on Sept. 5 in Nashville. AFPFTN CD7 Poll SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Tragedy has struck New York's nightlife community after influencer and fashion content creator Ariela La Langosta was gunned down in what police are calling a "targeted" attack. The 33-year-old, whose real name was Ariela Mejia-Polanco, was found dead in the driver's seat of her car on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester County around 8 a.m. on August 17. Authorities confirmed Ariela La Langosta had been shot multiple times while behind the wheel. Nightlife Star Ariela La Langosta Murdered In New York Westchester County Police Chief James Luciano told CBS New York that investigators believe the killing was deliberate. "Investigation to date, we do believe she was targeted at this time," Luciano said, stressing the violence was not random. Detectives believe Mejia-Polanco was shot while driving and only pulled over after being struck. Authorities are now retracing her final steps before the shooting, working closely with the NYPD and FBI Safe Streets Task Force. Tekashi 6ix9ine Pays Tribute Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, a close friend of Ariela's, took to Instagram to share emotional tributes, posting personal videos and calling her a "tremendous woman" he considered "like a sister." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "NY won't ever be the same," he wrote. "I loved you." The influencer, who amassed more than 550,000 Instagram followers, had appeared as a dancer in 6ix9ine's 2023 music video for "Wapae." Ariela La Langosta Remembered By Her Community The news of Ariela's murder has devastated New York's nightlife community. Her workplace, Ikon restaurant and lounge, remembered her as a "shining star" and announced it would temporarily close in her honor. "Thank you for giving so much love and support to our home, which also became yours," the venue wrote. "To Ariela's family, we are here for anything you need. We still can't believe it you were our smile, our happiness. We love you and we will miss you forever." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Queens-based lounge Starlets of NY also issued a statement, describing Ariela as "a one-of-a-kind soul, a beautiful friend, loving mother, and daughter whose smile and energy lit up every room she entered." "She will be deeply missed by all of us," the post continued. "Her energy will forever be missed, but her spirit will always live on with us." Known for her style, vibrant personality, and generous spirit, Ariela La Langosta was a rising figure in both fashion and nightlife. Her sudden death has left friends, colleagues, and fans reeling. Fans Conspire On Her Final Instagram Post In the wake of Ariela's tragic death, fans have flocked to her latest Instagram post, leaving thousands of comments ranging from grief to speculation. While many expressed heartbreak, "RIP amiga" and "She literally posted a story 23 hours ago, tomorrow really is not promised," others began questioning the circumstances surrounding her murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One user bluntly asked, "Did they kill her because she was 69's girl??" while another suggested she was targeted due to her lifestyle, writing, "Hanging around the wrong men will get you ladies killedchoose wisely who you call friend or boyfriend, cause their consequences can always reach you too." Some speculated jealousy and betrayal may have played a role. "She was flashing her money and cars, and her luxuries. Someone in that circle probably grew jealous of her and targeted her," one comment read. Another wrote, "When you hang around the wrong crowd that secretly looks down on your success, you get killed for it." Fans Urge 'Put God First' As Others Defend Ariela La Langosta After Tragic Death Others urged followers to see Ariela's death as a warning, with several comments focusing on faith and repentance. "Here today, gone tomorrow is why EVERYBODY needs to repent and live for GOD," one user declared, while another added, "This could be any of us. Put God first." Still, many came to Ariela's defense, slamming the negativity and reminding commenters that she was also a mother and daughter. "It doesn't matter what her lifestyle was; no one deserves to die like this. Be mindful, she was human," one fan wrote. On the morning of August 26, 2025, President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan had a cordial meeting with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk at Zhongnanhai. President Xi Jinping expressed his warm welcome to King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk for visiting China again, and welcomed King Norodom Sihamonis attendance at the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. President Xi noted that during his state visit to Cambodia in April this year, he was accorded a warm and friendly reception by the King and the Cambodian people, of which he still has fond memories. The China-Cambodia relations have withstood the test of the shifting international landscape, and the two countries have forged an ironclad friendship featuring mutual assistance in trying times. The relationship has become a valuable asset for the two peoples and should be held dear by both sides. At a time of transformation and turbulence, it is important for China and Cambodia to stand together more firmly, carry forward the long-standing friendship, enhance solidarity and collaboration, accelerate the building of an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, and bring more benefits to the two peoples. China firmly supports the Cambodian people in following a development path that fits its national conditions and realizing lasting peace and security in the country. King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk expressed their great pleasure to visit China again and attend upon invitation the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Chinese people made significant contributions to safeguarding world peace, which should always be remembered. President Xi paid a historic state visit to Cambodia in April, in which the two sides reviewed their friendship, discussed cooperation, and achieved important outcomes. Cambodia always views its relations with China from a strategic perspective, and is ready to carry forward the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries and work with China to build an all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era. Wang Yi attended the meeting. Valued at a market cap of $94 billion, Synopsys, Inc. (SNPS) is a global leader in electronic design automation (EDA), silicon IP, and system simulation solutions, providing tools for chip design, verification, and manufacturing analytics. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, it plays a critical role in advancing AI-driven chip innovation across industries, like automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. Shares of SNPS have underperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. SNPS has dropped 10.7% over this period, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has gained 16.1%. However, shares of SNPS are up 25% on a YTD basis, outpacing SPXs 10% rise during the same time frame. More News from Barchart Looking closer, Synopsys has also lagged behind the Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF Funds (XLK) 19.1% rise over the past 52 weeks and 12.9% gain in 2025. www.barchart.com On July 17, SNPS shares soared 1.4% after the company completed its acquisition of Ansys, creating a combined leader in silicon design, IP, and simulation solutions. The deal strengthens Synopsys ability to drive AI-powered product innovation and expands its total addressable market to $31 billion. For the fiscal year ending in October 2025, analysts expect SNPS adjusted EPS to increase 6.2% year-over-year to $10.88. The company's earnings surprise history is robust. It beat the consensus estimates in the past four quarters. Among the 20 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a Strong Buy. Thats based on 16 Strong Buy ratings, one Moderate Buy, and three Holds. www.barchart.com The current consensus is bullish than two months ago when the stock had 15 Strong Buy suggestions. On Aug. 11, Morgan Stanley analyst Lee Simpson reiterated an Overweight rating on Synopsys and raised the price target from $540 to $715, which is the Street-high target. The mean price target of $646.84 represents a premium of 6.6% over current price levels. 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 Coal pile in Portland's West End neighborhood. (Photo by Lauren McCauley/Maine Morning Star) Rather than asking voters, the Portland City Council adopted an ordinance to help eliminate coal dust in the city to stem public health and environmental concerns. The topic came before the council during its meeting Monday night as a citizens initiative, but instead of putting it on the November ballot, the council unanimously opted to pass the ordinance. The new rule will require the 45,000-ton coal pile stored on the citys waterfront to be put under permanent covering by 2027. From there, it will phase out the storage of more than one ton of coal in the city by 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This isnt something that we need in our city, said Councilor Regina Phillips. She added that she toured the area near the coal pile in Portlands West End and saw how the dust covers windowsills and even comes inside the nearby buildings. Whenever a citizens initiative comes before the council, it can move forward in one of three ways, explained the citys attorney Michael Goldman: The council can choose to put the initiative on the ballot for voters to decide, adopt the ordinance outright or come up with a competing measure to put on the ballot alongside the citizens proposal. Though those options are available any time a citizens initiative comes forward, Goldman and City Manager Danielle West couldnt recall a time when the council chose to adopt the policy rather than send it to voters. During the council meeting, multiple members of the public spoke in favor of the proposal, specifically highlighting the health risks associated with coal dust, especially since three schools and three health centers sit within a mile of the pile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coal dust, also referred to as fugitive coal dust when it comes from such a storage pile, is linked to various respiratory issues including worsening asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and more, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to parents whose children attend those schools, nonprofits including the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and Defend Our Health, a Portland-based public health nonprofit, asked the city council to take action on coal dust to protect their neighbors. You cannot ask people to walk, bike or roll if the very air that they breathe along those routes is polluted with coal dust, said Andrew Zarro, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. Clean, breathable air is as essential for safe transportation as would be bike lanes, sidewalks or crosswalks. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE By Laurie Chen BEIJING (Reuters) -President Xi Jinping will gather more than 20 world leaders at a regional security forum in China next week in a powerful show of Global South solidarity in the age of Donald Trump while also helping sanctions-hit Russia pull off another diplomatic coup. Aside from Russian President Vladimir Putin, leaders from Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia have been invited to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, to be held in the northern port city of Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The summit will feature Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first visit to China in more than seven years as the two neighbours work on further defusing tensions roiled by deadly border clashes in 2020. Modi last shared the same stage with Xi and Putin at last year's BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, even as Western leaders turned their backs on the Russian leader amid the war in Ukraine. Russian embassy officials in New Delhi last week said Moscow hopes trilateral talks with China and India will take place soon. "Xi will want to use the summit as an opportunity to showcase what a post-American-led international order begins to look like and that all White House efforts since January to counter China, Iran, Russia, and now India have not had the intended effect," said Eric Olander, editor-in-chief of The China-Global South Project, a research agency. "Just look at how much BRICS has rattled (U.S. President) Donald Trump, which is precisely what these groups are designed to do." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year's summit will be the largest since the SCO was founded in 2001, a Chinese foreign ministry official said last week, calling the bloc an "important force in building a new type of international relations". The security-focused bloc, which began as a group of six Eurasian nations, has expanded to 10 permanent members and 16 dialogue and observer countries in recent years. Its remit has also enlarged from security and counter-terrorism to economic and military cooperation. 'FUZZY' IMPLEMENTATION Analysts say expansion is high on the agenda for many countries attending, but agree the bloc has not delivered substantial cooperation outcomes over the years and that China values the optics of Global South solidarity against the United States at a time of erratic policymaking and geopolitical flux. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What is the precise vision that the SCO represents and its practical implementation are rather fuzzy. It is a platform that has increasing convening power, which helps in narrative projection," said Manoj Kewalramani, chairperson of the Indo-Pacific Research Programme at the Takshashila Institution thinktank in Bangalore. "But the SCO's effectiveness in addressing substantial security issues remains very limited." Frictions remain between core members India and Pakistan. The June SCO defence ministers' meeting was unable to adopt a joint statement after India raised objections, saying it omitted reference to the deadly April 22 attack on Hindu tourists in Indian Kashmir which led to the worst fighting in decades between India and Pakistan. New Delhi also refused to join the SCO's condemnation of Israeli attacks on Iran, a member state, earlier in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the recent detente between India and China after five years of heightened border frictions, as well as renewed tariff pressure on New Delhi from the Trump administration, are driving expectations for a positive meeting between Xi and Modi on the sidelines of the summit. "It's likely (New Delhi) will swallow their pride and put this year's SCO problems behind them in a bid to maintain momentum in the detente with China, which is a key Modi priority right now," said Olander. India's priorities at the SCO include trade, connectivity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, said Indian foreign ministry official Tanmaya Lal. Modi is also likely to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. Analysts expect India and China to announce further incremental border measures such as troop withdrawals, the easing of trade and visa restrictions, cooperation in new fields including climate, and broader government and people-to-people engagement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the lack of substantive policy announcements expected at the summit, experts warn that the bloc's appeal to Global South countries should not be underestimated. "This summit is about optics, really powerful optics," added Olander. Modi is expected to depart from China after the summit, while Putin will stay on for a World War Two military parade in Beijing later in the week for an unusually long spell outside of Russia. (Reporting by Laurie Chen; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) Aug. 25Presbyterian Health Plan, the insurance arm of Presbyterian Healthcare Services, will get new leadership this fall. Heather Thiltgen, former president and CEO of WellSense Health Plan, Boston Medical Center's nonprofit health insurance system, will replace Tony Hernandez as president of Presbyterian's insurance division starting Nov. 4, the organization said in a news release. Hernandez served as interim president of the health insurance system for the last 10 months, according to Presbyterian spokesperson Kourtney Munoz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Presbyterian Healthcare Services CEO Rishi Sikka called Thiltgen a "purpose-driven leader" who understands the organization's "commitment to caring for New Mexicans, as well as the critical role we play in helping our state meet the needs of the communities we serve." "I am thrilled to announce that Heather will be our next health plan president," Sikka said. Thiltgen has 28 years of leadership experience in insurance, according to the release. Presbyterian Health Plan is one of New Mexico's four managed care organizations authorized to run the state's massive Medicaid program. Presbyterian insures more than 540,000 total patients statewide, almost two-thirds of them through Medicaid and around a tenth through Medicare, Munoz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is a challenging, dynamic time in health care and I am excited to work alongside an incredible team as we make a difference for our community," Thiltgen said in a statement. The Presbyterian system includes nine hospitals, as well as urgent care and specialty clinics throughout the state. Presbyterian is the state's largest private employer, with approximately 14,000 employees, according to hospital officials. MARYNEAL, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) In Nolan County, one family is facing the hardships of eminent domain as Oncor Electric moves to build a new substation on their land. Its a modern-day David and Goliath story, one that families across the nation are confronting more and more often. Imagine someone waltzing into your home, taking your property, and then telling you that its all perfectly legal. Its called Eminent Domain, and its exactly what the Hale family in the small Nolan County community of Maryneal is facing. $5.9M expansion to boost Abilenes economy by $252M Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eminent domain is the governments power to take private property for public use, a process known as condemnation, which requires providing compensation to the property owner as mandated by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Historically, this clause is used for projects such as roads and schools, but eminent domain has also been used for economic development and infrastructure, though this has faced controversy and led to state-level reforms. The Hale family received a letter from Oncor Energy, stating that Oncor would use eminent domain to take a 13-acre portion of their farm, which has been in their family for more than 120 years, to build an electric substation. Kyle Hale of the Hale family said that the portion chosen by ONCORE is currently used in Hales cattle business and would be a large detriment to the business if that acreage were taken. We actually grass finish, which out here in West Texas, it gets crazy anyway because you run out of grass a lot of years. Weve had a lot of lean years. So, every blade of grass we can save, you know, we need it, Hale shared. The eminent domain claim has brought the Hales to the Nolan County Courthouse in Sweetwater for a hearing between the family and Oncor representatives. Attorney for the Hale family, Jacob Lederle, spoke to the possible outcomes for these types of situations. An eminent domain process in Texas is really a two-pronged process. You have the special commissioners hearing, which we had today, and they determined the value that the companies would have to pay for taking these folks land. And after that, either side can appeal it, and we can go to a full jury trial, Lederle explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CASH REWARD: Police seek suspect in south Abilene truck theft The interest for the Hale family goes beyond mere land, as this property was where their only son Joshua would spend a great amount of time on the family farm visiting his great-grandmother. Joshua is now enlisted in the United States Navy, and after his great-grandmothers death, a home on the property was left to him as a home port. Now Joshuas parents, Kyle and Reica Hale, fear that their son wont be able to return to the home he once knew and grew up in, as his mother, Reica, described. Its his home. I mean, that is his place of residence, and hes not here to fight for it. So, we have to, Reica shared. The Hale family said they have attempted to work with Oncor to negotiate a location on the family property that would not affect the family cattle business for the substation, but the Hales say that their efforts so far have not been successful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sweetwaters past: From the Blue Goose to the WASP program At the conclusion of the hearing between Oncor Energy and the Hale family, some numbers regarding compensation for the familys land were discussed and set, but the Hale family plans to appeal this eminent domain clause in hopes of moving it to another section of their property or choosing an entirely new location altogether. KTAB/KRBC reached out to Oncor Energy regarding this situation, but representatives declined to offer any comments at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. President Donald Trump appeared to waver Monday on whether he would attempt to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, saying Gov. JB Pritzker should be asking for the help a request the second-term Democrat has made clear isnt forthcoming. We may wait. We may or may not. We may just go in and do it, which is probably what we should do, Trump said. You know, I hate to barge in on a city and then be treated horribly by corrupt politicians and bad politicians like a guy like Pritzker, Trump added, mocking the Illinois governors weight and labeling him a disaster. Following the presidents comments, Pritzker indeed made it clear he wasnt inviting Trump to send the National Guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier today, in the Oval Office, Donald Trump looked at the assembled cameras and asked for me personally to say, Mr. President, can you do us the honor of protecting our city? Pritzker said during a news conference overlooking the Chicago River downtown. Instead, I say: Mr. President, do not come to Chicago.' Emphasizing that there is no ongoing emergency that would justify deploying the Guard, the governor said such an action would infringe on Illinois sovereignty. This is exactly the type of overreach that our countrys founders warned against, and its the reason that they established a federal system with a separation of powers built on checks and balances, Pritzker said. Still, Pritzker and other officials acknowledged there are few, if any, steps the city or state could take to head off a deployment if the president were to choose that route. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps comments signaling he might be hedging his position about sending Guard personnel to Chicago came as he signed an executive order targeting Illinois and other jurisdictions that have adopted policies eliminating money as a consideration in determining whether someone charged with a crime should be released from jail while awaiting trial. On Friday, Trump raised the idea of using the Guard in Chicago, as he previously did in Los Angeles and currently is doing in Washington, D.C. In addition, The Washington Post reported late Saturday that the Pentagon has been working on such plans for weeks. The Friday comments and the media reports drew swift rebukes from Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Trump said Monday he was rethinking the deployment because I have a slob like Pritzker criticizing us before we even go there. I made the statement that next should be Chicago, because, as you all know, Chicago is a killing field right now, and they dont acknowledge it, and they say we dont need them. Freedom. Freedom. Hes a dictator. Hes a dictator. A lot of people are saying, Maybe wed like a dictator. I dont like a dictator. Im not a dictator, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im a man with great common sense and a smart person, and when I see whats happening to our cities, and then you send in troops, instead of being praised, theyre saying, Youre trying to take over the republic. These people are sick. But Im really saying, and I say this to all of you in a certain way, we should wait to be asked, because they have cities that are so under control, out of control. So we go in and fix it. They take the full credit for it, said Trump, who noted Pritzkers possible White House aspirations. Should Trump move forward with deploying Guard personnel to Chicago, it remains unclear how exactly that would work. Unlike Washington, where Trump has faced fewer legal challenges in deploying the National Guard, Chicago is not subject to federal oversight. Whether Trump acted with proper legal authority when federalizing the California Guard earlier this summer in response to protests over his immigration policies is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit. Pritzker on Monday delivered his own personal attack on Trump, saying the presidents remarks about this effort over the last several weeks have betrayed a continuing slip in your mental faculties and are not fit for the auspicious office that you occupy. Johnson and Pritzker, who is running for a third term as governor, have highlighted that crime is dropping in Chicago from its post-pandemic peak, seeking to undercut Trumps pretext for sending troops to the city. Neither the governors office nor City Hall has had any formal communication with the Trump administration about federalizing the Illinois National Guard, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far this year, shootings in Chicago are down 36% and homicides 31% after peaking in 2021 to levels not seen in over two decades, according to Chicago police data. Johnson has attributed that progress to the leadership of his handpicked Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling, as well as his administrations spending on youth employment and anti-violence programs. Attempting to counter that message, the White House on Monday issued its version of a police blotter using local news headlines to back up its contention Chicago has a serious crime problem, including that Chicago has repeatedly had more annual homicides than New York City and Los Angeles. Many other cities, however, have higher homicide rates per capita. At the riverfront news conference, Pritzker, Johnson and the states two U.S. senators sought to portray a unified presence against a Trump troop deployment, backed by a large swath of the city and states business, civil rights and community leaders. During the event, the mayor said Trump is fixated on Chicago because the city has fought his agenda. We are being targeted because of what and who we represent, Johnson said, referring to the citys history of being pro-working class, pro-immigration and pro-labor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the mayor did not directly answer questions about what instructions Chicago police would receive should federal troops touch ground, other than saying, Were going to use every tool at our disposal. So the Police Department is under direction of my leadership, my superintendent, Superintendent Larry Snelling, Johnson said. We have our own autonomy in terms of how we protect our city. Pritzker also didnt provide many details when asked what the state would do to stop Trumps efforts. The governor did vow that the state would use every lever at our disposal to protect the people of Illinois and their rights as he also acknowledged that Illinois National Guard members could face legal consequences if they refused the call to duty. The state of Illinois is ready to stand against this military deployment with every peaceful tool we have, Pritzker said. We will see the Trump administration in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, whose office has been involved in dozens of lawsuits against the Trump administration, said there isnt any preemptive legal action the state could take to stop the president from federalizing the Guard or sending troops to Chicago. We dont know exactly the exact circumstances in which the deployment would take place, so a preemptive lawsuit couldnt be targeted to a specific targeting of the military, so we dont anticipate that, Raoul said. Johnson, meanwhile, repeated a line he used earlier this summer, accusing Trump of terrorism. Any attempt to intimidate our people from being able to live their lives, that is the quintessential example of terrorism, and we will not bend, break or bow to that type of tyranny, the mayor said, while also asking Chicago protesters to do it in a very peaceful way because the Trump administration, they are trying to incite and provoke violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with several other speakers, Johnson said that if the federal government wants to combat crime in Chicago, it could begin with restoring $158 million in violence prevention funding for the city and increasing spending on affordable housing and schools. As the mayor of this city, I can tell you that Chicagoans are not calling for a military occupation, Johnson said. They are calling for the same thing that weve been calling for for some time, and thats investment. Pritzker also issued a warning to Trump administration officials who are complicit in this scheme, to the public servants who have forsaken their oath to the Constitution to serve the petty whims of an arrogant little man, to any federal official who would come to Chicago and try to incite my people into violence as a pretext for something darker and more dangerous: We are watching and we are taking names. In response to a reporter seeking to clarify those comments, Pritzker said, It simply means that people who are breaking the law, who are acting in unconstitutional fashion, including White House staff members, will be held accountable must be held accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois moribund Republican Party, still without a prominent candidate to challenge Pritzker or most other Democratic statewide officeholders for reelection, firmly sided with Trump in a fundraising email. The state GOP compared Chicago to a war zone and said, If Illinois Republicans dont step up, the national media and Democratic machine will spin this as an attack instead of the lifesaving mission it is. Chicago has been a favorite target of Trump throughout his political career, particularly on issues related to crime and illegal immigration. In the early months of his first term, for example, Trump proclaimed in a social media post that he would send in the Feds! in response to gun violence in the city. Then-police Superintendent Eddie Johnson told the Tribune at the time that Trumps statement was so broad that Johnson had no idea what hes talking about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the president of the United States called in the military domestically The executive order Trump signed Monday, in addition to a separate order aiming to end cashless bail in Washington, D.C., orders the attorney general to identify other jurisdictions that have substantially eliminated cash bail as a potential condition of pretrial release from custody for crimes that pose a clear threat to public safety and order and directs other agencies to identify grants and other federal funds those jurisdictions currently received that may be suspended or terminated, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law. At the White House, Trump deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller called cashless bail policies a key driver of the disorder we see on city streets all over America and said Illinois would be a great example. In fact, Chicagos crime rate has declined since the states cashless bail system went into effect nearly two years ago. The decline is in line with the trend in other major cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Robert Peters, a Chicago Democrat who championed the policy in the state legislature, said it isnt a coincidence Trump signed an executive order targeting cashless bail as hes raising the specter of sending troops to the city. These two things arent separate. Hes attacking the Pretrial Fairness Act and threatening to send troops. Theyre literally tied together, Peters said. _____ President Trump appeared to lose patience with a White House staffer after a noisy phone interrupted his remarks at the Oval Office on Monday. While signing a series of executive orders, Trump, 79, stopped midway through a question about the government buying a stake in Intel to kick the staffer out of the room. As you know the stock market went up almost a thousand points on Friday and it went up not because of Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hello, who is that? he asked. Who is that back there? Alright, get out of the room. As some people laugh, Trump does not smile and a door can be heard closing. The staffer in question is unclear based on the available footage, but the Daily Mail reported it was White House staff secretary Will Scharf, one of Trumps former personal attorneys and a losing candidate for Missouri attorney general. The president has asked staffers to leave the room in the past. During a TV interview during his first term, Trump ordered acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney out of the Oval Office for coughing. I dont like that, you know, I dont like that, Trump said, as George Stephanopoulos noted the cough is from your chief of staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre going to cough, please leave the room. You just cant, you just cant cough, Trump said, shaking his head. Boy, oh boy. Mondays incident occurred during a lengthy session in the Oval Office where Trump once again appeared with a bruised hand, leading to questions about the presidents health. Last month, the White House announced Trump had been diagnosed with a vein condition chronic venous insufficiency which causes ankle swelling. CONCOURSE, The Bronx (PIX11) With pen strokes loud enough to be heard by the microphones surrounding him, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders in the Oval Office on Monday that he said would fight crime, including the first one placed before him on the Resolute Desk, calling for an end to cashless bail. Trump said that cashless bail, the practice that allows someone accused of certain crimes to be released without having to pay money for bail, results in a situation where Somebody kills somebody, they go and dont worry about it. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, studies of data regarding bail reform and its effect on crime indicate that the numbers dont support the presidents assessment. His executive order, while it does call for cashless bail to end, doesnt necessarily cause it to stop. It orders U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to compile a list of cities and states that have cashless bail systems, and for her to look at federal funds, including grants and contracts, directed at those jurisdictions. The presidents order directs Bondi to then cut off that funding to those states. New York State is among those with cashless bail. New Jersey also has a cashless bail system, but President Trump singled out the Empire State in his executive order signing on Monday morning. A major inspiration for New Yorks adoption of the system was the case of Kalief Browder. The Bronx teen spent three years on Rikers Island 700 days of which were in solitary confinement waiting for trial for allegedly stealing a backpack containing valuables. He was exonerated, but died by suicide in 2015, two years after being released from jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Browders case was heard at criminal court in the Bronx, where on Monday, PIX11 News encountered various people who reacted to the presidents executive order. I dont really agree, said a man who did not want to be identified. He said that hed been given cashless bail in an assault case, and showed documentation indicating that his case had been dropped after hed returned to court for a second hearing. If its a petty crime, he continued, I dont agree with [ending cashless bail]. He also said, It depends on the charge. Under state law, a list of more than 100 violent and non-violent offenses is eligible for a judge to set bail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State What that means, said Renee Hill, a 30-year veteran criminal defense attorney, You have to look at every case individually. Shed just finished proceedings in the courthouse when PIX11 News interviewed her. Every case does not require a cash bail, she continued. The purpose of bail is to ensure that the defendant is going to come back to court. Research bears that out. Detailed analysis by John Jay Colleges Data Collective for Justice shows that re-arrest rates have actually declined, from 41.3 percent to 40.7 percent, since cashless bail was implemented statewide six years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, people accused of crimes are less likely to commit them, now that bail reform has been adopted. The exception to that decline is among the small minority of repeat suspects, according to the John Jay DCJ analysis. Among repeat suspects, the rate of recidivism has increased, from 60 percent before cashless bail to 66 percent since the system was implemented. Still, said Rene Ropac, a senior research associate at DCJ, who worked on the study, the data suggest that keeping cashless bail is more beneficial than ending it. Without it, In the aggregate, he said, what wed see is an increase in recidivism from low-risk individuals who really do not benefit from being locked up at Rikers, pre-trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Supporting the John Jay findings have been analyzed by University at Albany researchers. At the universitys Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, an examination of New York States statistics on crime and bail reform concludes that outside of a spike in crime nationwide during the depths of the COVID pandemic, theres been no measurable increase in crime since the state adopted cashless bail. In fact, said Shawn Bushway, an economist who researches bail reform at U.Albanys Rockefeller College, said that the data show that cashless bail helps to reduce inequity in the states justice system. There is some racial disparity in convictions, Professor Bushway said, and a lot of it is due to the fact that African Americans are more likely to be detained pre-trial, and theyre more likely to take a plea deal. Cashless bail, said Bushway, reverses a general trend in non-violent, non-felony criminal cases. People who are detained pre-trial are more likely to get convicted than other people with the same amount of evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 25This story has been updated to better reflect Attorney General Raul Torrez's past position on pretrial detention. President Donald Trump took aim at pretrial detention programs that don't utilize cash bail with executive orders he signed Monday morning. Trump on Monday signed an executive order that targets Washington, D.C., specifically, asking agency heads to "identify appropriate actions to press" D.C. to change its cashless bail policies if the city keeps them in place. The nation's capital eliminated cash bail in 1992. Given Congress's constitutional control over Washington, D.C., making changes for the district is much easier for the federal government than in any state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president signed a second executive order that directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to create a list of states and local jurisdictions that have substantially eliminated cash bail as a condition of pretrial release for crimes that pose a "clear threat to public safety and order." It also asks department and agency heads to identify federal funds, including grants and contracts, to the jurisdictions on that list that could be withheld. This order could affect New Mexico, where voters overhauled the bail system almost nine years ago. "No cash. Come back in a couple of months, we'll give you a trial. You never see the person again," Trump said, moments before signing the order. Critics of the cashless route say that bail is a time-honored way to ensure defendants released from jail show up for court proceedings. They warn that violent criminals will be released pending trial, giving them license to commit other crimes. The White House pointed to a 2022 report from the district attorney's office in Yolo County, California, that looked at how a temporary cashless bail system implemented across the state to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks in courts and jails impacted recidivism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents of eliminating cash bail describe it as a penalty on poverty, suggesting that the wealthy can pay their way out of jail to await trial while those with fewer financial resources have to sit it out behind bars. Other studies show the jury is still out on the effect of cashless bail on crime. Loyola University of Chicago's Center for Criminal Justice published a 2024 report on Illinois' new cashless bail policy, one year after it went into effect. It acknowledges that there is not yet enough data to know what impact the law has had on crime, but that crime in Illinois did not increase after its implementation. Violent and property crime declined in some counties. New Mexican response Not unsurprisingly, New Mexico's leaders largely reacted along party lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Effective public safety requires evidence-based solutions tailored to local needs, not federal mandates that undermine state sovereignty and threaten to politicize our judicial systems," Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's spokesman Michael Coleman said in response to Monday's orders. Lujan Grisham has proposed changes to New Mexico's system like pretrial detention and no-bond holds for repeat felony offenders "because the system went from discriminating against poor defendants to one that now requires better protection for victims of repeat crime," Coleman said. New Mexico Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe, who was one of the architects of the 2016 measure approved by voters, said the old system was unconstitutional. "The bail reforms voters overwhelmingly approved in 2016 give judges the ability to hold dangerous defendants in jail before trial," Wirth said in a statement. "Any punitive action from the federal level is a clear overreach and a misguided attempt to undermine New Mexico's Constitution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And New Mexico Chief Public Defender Ben Baur said Monday that many defendants spent months in jail under the state's old system because they couldn't come up with $50 to post bail. "Cashless bail is a term that does not apply to New Mexico," Baur said in a statement. "What we have is bail reform." The Republican Party of New Mexico lauded the executive order. "This order takes decisive action to restore accountability, protect law-abiding citizens, and stop the revolving door of crime that undermines both safety and trust in the justice system," Republican Party of New Mexico Chair Amy Barela said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico's bail system has been a politically contentious issue for the last decade if not longer. State voters overwhelmingly approved the 2016 constitutional amendment that overhauled New Mexico's cash bond system and replaced it with one that allows judges to keep defendants in custody if prosecutors can show they pose a danger to the public. But the implementation of the new system has drawn criticism, along with repeated attempts to make it easier for judges to hold defendants behind bars until trial. Under the current system, New Mexico judges can still impose cash bail in certain cases if a defendant is deemed to be a flight risk. But it's more common for judges, who use a tool to determine whether a defendant should be released pending trial, to order certain conditions of release like ankle monitoring or drug testing if a defendant is released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Potential impact on New Mexico "What the Trump administration is trying to do, or it looks like they're trying to do, is to unconstitutionally coerce states to do something, and that something is to reinstall cash bail," said Joshua Kastenberg, a University of New Mexico law professor. Other attempts to withhold federal dollars from states as a tactic for pressuring them to align with the president's agenda have been challenged in the courts. On Friday, a U.S. district judge barred the Trump administration from denying funds to 34 so-called sanctuary cities, including Albuquerque. Whether the latest order will end up in court likely depends on what the Trump administration does next. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration is allowed to collect information, Kastenberg said, which is all the broader order directs. And if that information is given to Congress, then Congress could penalize future funding to try and pressure states to re-implement cash bail. It's a tactic that has been used in the past. During the Reagan administration, Congress authorized the White House to withhold 5% of state highway funds if states did not set a 55 mph speed limit. But if the president unilaterally decides to withhold funding from states without cash bail, a court challenge seems more likely. "When a state determines that cash bail is no longer viable and will outlaw it, that is a democratic process, and it's supposed to be free from federal interference," Kastenberg said. A history of pretrial detention in New Mexico Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the passage of bail reform in New Mexico, the issue of pretrial detention has remained a contentious one. New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez, who was the Bernalillo County district attorney before being elected attorney general in 2022, pushed unsuccessfully at the Legislature in his previous position to expand the grounds for pretrial detention. As district attorney, Torrez also advocated for creating a new legal principle in certain criminal cases that would shift the burden for determining whether a defendant should be held pending trial from the prosecution to defense attorneys. But such proposals were staunchly opposed by public defenders and other groups and failed to win approval at the Roundhouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, Lujan Grisham has also pushed to change New Mexico's pretrial detention system but the Democratic-controlled Legislature has shown little appetite for such legislation. Sen. Joseph Cervantes, D-Las Cruces, the influential chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, in 2023 described presumption of guilt as an "unconstitutional shortcut" and said the current system was working largely as intended. Still, if Trump gets his way, the system may be in for another seismic change. CLINTONVILLE, Wis. (WFRV) A Madison priest has been arrested after allegedly arranging to meet a 14-year-old girl in Clintonville for sex. Police say 37-year-old Andrew J. Showers of Madison was taken into custody on Sunday evening, August 24, around 7:30 p.m. Officers say he had traveled to Clintonville to meet the teen. Showers was booked into the Waupaca County jail on charges of child enticement, use of a computer to facilitate a child sex crime, and attempted second-degree sexual assault of a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fond du Lac County Sheriffs Office seeks motorcyclist who fled deputies at speeds over 100mph The Waupaca County District Attorneys Office is reviewing the case and will decide on formal charges. Clintonville Police say they worked with the Wisconsin Department of Justin, with Madison Police Department, and the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center on the investigation. Authorities remind the public that Showers is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. No further information was provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ILLINOIS (WCIA) First it was Los Angeles then it was Washington D.C. Lately, its looking like Chicago might be the next stop for the National Guard. What possible justification could the White House have for planning such an exceptional action without any conversations or consultations with the governor, the mayor or the police? Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said at a news conference in Chicago on Monday. Federal surveillance of Illinois drivers sparks state crack down on license plate data Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent weeks, President Donald Trump has said he is considering invoking the Insurrection Act of the Constitution to quell civil unrest. That would allow him to deploy the National Guard to major cities to clean up violent crime. Trump has used a similar strategy in his mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. In that case, he used the centuries old Alien Enemies act to justify surging ICE budgets and operations. This will just do more harm and put more people at risk. Not only the National Guard people or soldiers that would be sent there, but also community members who dont want to live under the boot of armed military personnel outside their door, Ed Yohnka, with the ACLU of Illinois, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But on Monday Trump appeared to soften his stance on sending the National Guard. He isnt backing down on claims that they would stop violent crime in Chicago but he did say he was awaiting the governors request before sending troops. Budzinski roundtable discusses Big Beautiful Bill Medicaid impacts in Champaign Pritzker quickly shot down that possibility. Instead, I say Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. Pritzker said at Mondays news conference. Even with the president appearing to soften his stance, Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson arent ignoring the possibility of guardsmen being deployed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday Pritzker called for any potential protests to remain peaceful and promised the state is ready to respond with lawsuits if troops are sent. He also promised the president that any harm done to Chicago or Illinois wouldnt be ignored. If you hurt my people, nothing will stop me. Not time or political circumstance from making sure that you face justice under our constitutional rule of law, Pritzker 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 WCIA.com. A zoo owned by Asias richest family is under investigation over claims of illegally importing animals and abusing the endangered species in its care. Vantara, a 3,000-acre private sanctuary in Indias western state of Gujarat, is home to more than 200 elephants, 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards and 900 crocodiles, according to the Central Zoo Authority. It is controlled by Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Asias richest man, Mukesh Ambani, the billionaire head of multinational conglomerate Reliance Industries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Indias Supreme Court established a Special Investigation Team (SIT), made up of retired judges, to probe claims of wrongdoing at the zoo, which claims to house more than 150,000 rescued animals from endangered species. Anant Ambani, pictured at his wedding in Mumbai last year, controls the animal rescue centre under investigation - Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Billing itself as the worlds largest wild animal rescue centre, Vantara was the site of Anants pre-wedding celebrations last year, with celebrity guests asked to wear jungle fever outfits. Animal rights groups have long accused the facility of acting as a private zoo for the Ambani family, allegations it strongly denies. They claim the centre is keeping endangered species on scorched plains beside Reliances oil refinery, with no clear strategy for their release into the wild. We consider it appropriate in the ends of justice to call for an independent factual appraisal which may establish the violation, as alleged, if any, reads the order of the two-judge bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Prasanna B. Varale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SIT will examine whether Vantara complied with the Wildlife Protection Act and international trade rules under International Convention on Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). It must also scrutinise standard of veterinary care, breeding programmes, animal deaths in captivity and allegations that sanctuary was being used as a private vanity project. Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, at Vantaras inauguration in March - Andolu/Andolu The court also said it was hearing two petitions alleging unlawful acquisition of animals from India and abroad, mistreatment of the animals in captivity, financial irregularities and money laundering. The petitioners accuse statutory authorities including Central Zoo Authority and Indias CITES management of turning a blind eye. In March, a coalition of South African wildlife groups raised concerns that large numbers of wild animals were being sent to Vantara, with critically endangered species amongst them. The SIT has been given three weeks to report back, with the Supreme Court due to consider its finding on September 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, Mr Ambani faced public protests after officials transferred a revered temple elephant to Vantara following a court order. In March, the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung reported that Vantara imported roughly 39,000 animals in 2024, including from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela. Inaugurated by the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi in March 2025, the facility has cutting-edge infrastructure such as MRI and CT scanners, surgical theatres, quarantine units, hydrotherapy pools and specialised elephant hospitals complete with an elephant jacuzzi for arthritis treatment. Kirby Furtado, a Reliance spokesman, said: We acknowledge the order of the Honble Supreme Court with utmost regard. Vantara remains committed to transparency, compassion and full compliance with the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our mission and focus continues to be the rescue, rehabilitation and care of animals. We will extend full cooperation to the Special Investigation Team and continue our work sincerely, always placing the welfare of animals at the heart of all our efforts. He added: We request that the process be allowed to take place without speculation and in the best interest of the animals we serve. 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. 7 Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested after breaching Microsoft HQ The Redmond Police Department (RPD) says a group of pro-Palestinian protesters breached the executive offices at Microsofts Headquarters. Seven people have been arrested. According to Microsoft president Brad Smith, the group locked itself inside his office. That kind of contact is not necessary in order to get us to pay attention, but more importantly, perhaps it distracts from the real dialog that we must sustain with the different employee groups, said Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were also about 20 other people protesting peacefully outside the building. An organizer for the Pro-Palestine group No Azure for Apartheid, says they were calling on Microsoft to cut their ties with the Israeli government. Gaza for us is something that we are willing to give our employment, our livelihood, our bodies, put them on the line, said Abdo Mohamed, a former Microsoft employee and organizer for No Azure for Apartheid. Smith says two of the protesters are current Microsoft employees and one is a former Google employee. No injuries were reported. Smith said Microsoft is looking to see how these protesters got inside the offices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We did get a report yesterday afternoon from an employee that someone from the activist group, No Azure for Apartheid, was calling around and seeking a floor plan of this floor. So obviously one way or another. They figured out how to get in, well adapt our security accordingly, Smith explained. Smith said he supports freedom of expression, as long as its done lawfully. Its essential that we maintain the safety and security of our campus and our facilities. Well do that as well. And I think its fair and its appropriate at the end of the day to reflect on the fact that sometimes people look at a big company and they think its some anonymous creation or creature. In fact, everyone who works here is a person and we call care about whats happening in the Middle East, Smith said. This comes almost a week after 18 people were arrested outside Microsofts HQ in Redmond on August 20 when pro-Palestinian protesters were trespassed by police and allegedly became aggressive and damaged property. As long as Microsoft continues to do its business with the Israeli military and government, we will not stop. We will not rest until divestment happens, Mohamed added. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) Project MKC is hosting its first-ever Wrap Battle to support its Diaper Bank. The event, which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13, from noon to 5 p.m., will be held at the Project MKC Warehouse at 6961 Southern Blvd. Suite A in Boardman. Teams of four will compete in timed challenges to determine who will win the title of Youngstowns Fastest Diaper Wrapper. Tickets are on sale for $12 pre-sale or $20 at the door. Admission includes one drink provided by Birdfish Brewing Co., Noble Creature, and Sundog Ciderhouse. Bartells Take on Tokyo House Food Truck will have food available to purchase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every diaper wrapped at the Wrap Battle represents more than just a fun competition it represents dignity, comfort, and relief for families right here in our community, said Shelly Marlowe, co-president of Project MKC. Were excited to bring people together in a new and creative way to highlight the importance of supporting our Diaper Bank. The Diaper Bank distributes over 150,000 diapers and supplies to families in the Mahoning Valley every month. To learn more about tickets, team registration, and sponsorship inquiries, visit givebutter.com/wrapbattle. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Texas House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would tighten how youth camps are penalized for safety deficiencies and that would diminish the industrys influence on a state advisory committee. House Bill 265, filed by state Rep. Lacey Hull, R-Houston, advanced to the Senate 128-3 late Thursday. While Senate Bill 1 passed last week created a series of new emergency preparedness reforms for youth camps following the tragic flooding deaths of 27 Camp Mystic campers and counselors, HB 265 works to reduce the influence of camp owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, when the 375 state youth camps now licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services are inspected each year, they are allowed to immediately correct any noted violations of state health code and avoid being penalized. Hull said her bill, which the House Public Health Committee voted unanimously to advance to the House floor Monday, would remove a camps ability to correct violations during the inspection process. It would also reduce the number of camp operators that serve on the DSHS Youth Camp Advisory Committee, from a maximum of seven members to two. The committee, which discusses policy and issues facing operators, will remain at nine members. In addition to the two members from the camp industry, two others must be from the general public. The other five members can include the following: an emergency management coordinator, a law enforcement professional, a pediatrician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant, a child abuse prevention expert, a parent or legal guardian of a child who attended camp within two years of the appointment date, and a child psychologist. It also provides greater flexibility to DSHS and setting rules for enforcement by removing the prohibition on issuing violations during inspections, so that repeat, grievous violations can be penalized, and removes the statutory cap on fines, Hull told the committee last week during a hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hulls bill was filed after The Texas Tribune reported on the little-known committee that advises DSHS and currently has six members who are affiliated with some of the states largest youth camps. While the committee cannot create rules, they can influence how much a rule impacts them and shield camps from blanket regulations. Testifying last week in support of the bill was Kori DelaPena of Jonestown, whose daughter drowned in 2018 while attending a day camp. She told the Tribune that in her attempt to advocate for legislation that would force all youth camps to comply with stricter water safety rules, members of the camp industry were able to get themselves carved out of the bill that ultimately passed. When a camp chooses to accept a responsibility must also accept the responsibility of keeping them safe, she said during the hearing. 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. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins has been outspoken about justice in Ohio, fighting for legislators to clear a path to allow the Ohio Department of Corrections to once again carry out Ohios death penalty, and now, for lawmakers to enact civil confinement of sexual predators. Watkins said that civil commitment is a legal process where sexually violent predators, typically after serving their criminal sentences, can be held in civil confinement if deemed likely to re-offend due to mental abnormality or personality disorder. Watkins renewed calls for civil confinement reignited following the recent release of Scott Grant in Lake County, who served a 40-year sentence for raping and murdering a 17-year-old girl, cutting off her legs and burying her body. Watkins also cited the local release in 2009 of Juan Wade, who served 23 of 25 years for raping three children ages 6 to 7 in Warren. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Wade, who was found to be an Axis I Pedophile by two different forensic experts and was deemed a high risk to engage in sexually oriented offenses in the future according to Watkins, and he doesnt want to offenders such as Wade and Grant to be directly released into communities and that civil confienment is the answer. Watkins reiterated that civil commitment legislation is needed more now than ever to keep potential victims, especially children, safe. He said that former Ohio State Senator Keith Faber, who is now Ohios auditor, co-sponsored legislation for civil confinement, but the legislation did not pass, though it was supported by the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, law enforcement and victims groups. For too long, we have in Ohio shown inertia in enforcing and passing tough laws to incapacitate violent people while at the same time protect the most vulnerable and innocent in our state, Watkins said. We locally backed legislators like former Sen. Keith Faber and others who supported a Constitutionally upheld process to confine sexually violent predators with the approval of civil commitment legislation. Twenty states have civil commitment laws, including Pennsylvania, Illinois, Virginia and Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. In June this year, Paul Henderson received test results showing elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels. In this weekly diary, he will be sharing what life is like in the weeks that follow: the tests, the scans, the fear and what its like when you have to sit down with your loved ones to discuss the possibility of cancer. Relief was the last thing I expected to feel when I finally got my cancer diagnosis. But, strange as it is to say, I really was relieved. Because after months of uncertainty and waiting for appointments and test results, I finally knew what I was dealing with. And although my Gleason score was moderate-high (4+3), indicating a medium to high risk of the cancer spreading, the fact that I was Stage 2 had given me a surge of optimism. Unlike in the case of Sir Chris Hoy, who was diagnosed with incurable Stage 4 cancer, the doctors were pretty sure the tumours in my prostate hadnt spread and that my condition was treatable. However, to be sure, I needed a bone scan. How prostate cancer spreads With prostate cancer, a common place for the cells to spread is to your bones and, although the procedure sounds dramatic, it is quite painless. Attending the Nuclear Medicine department at Whipps Cross Hospital, I was injected with a radioactive tracer through a cannula in my hand, and then placed on a bed beneath a scanner. My first thought was that I might emerge with Marvel-esque superhero powers, but in truth I was just hoping that the cancer hadnt progressed. I was informed I would get the result at my meeting with the oncology doctors at St Barts at the start of July. My treatment options Given my diagnosis, I was offered two options: surgery or radiotherapy. Both are highly effective treatments if the cancer is localised, but there are significant differences. With surgery, the prostate gland is removed, whereas radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to kill the cancer cells. And both have significant side effects such as incontinence, erectile dysfunction and infertility. It felt a little like being between a rock and a hard place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To compare both treatments, I tried to find out as much as I could. And it was overwhelming. I looked online, spoke to people at Prostate Cancer UK, Maggies and Macmillan, watched YouTube videos and even read scientific papers. It was really empowering to have the decision in my own hands, but I felt a huge pressure to make the right choice. I used my wife, Marilyn, as a sounding board as I ran through my thought processes. Eventually, I made the decision that felt right for me. Now all I needed was the professional opinion of a specialist. At the start of July, my wife and I met with Prabhakar Rajan, a professor of urology and robotic surgery at St Barts, to talk things through. And his first words gave us both a real boost. Your bone scan has come back negative, he said, almost matter-of-factly. So thats good. Getting the good news Marilyn and I gripped each others hands tightly. Good? Its bloody great! I said. He laughed and agreed. Then we got down to business. He outlined what the surgery would entail, explaining the process, the recovery and the risks involved. He then asked if I had any thoughts on what treatment path to take. After a pause, I said I was leaning towards surgery but that what I really wanted was his opinion. Thats definitely the right answer, he said with a confident smile. Given that you are young (I am 56), in good health and fairly fit, in my professional opinion choosing surgery is the correct choice. You should meet the radiologist, of course, but as a team our advice is to have it removed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the first time in months, I was starting to feel hopeful. After talking with Rajan, we had a meeting with a member of the radiotherapy team who again detailed the treatment, but it was clear we were all in agreement. I would have a nerve sparing robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. You should get a date for surgery within five to six weeks, he assured me. So just wait for a call from the registrar and we will book you in. Pre-surgery prep I was advised to stop drinking alcohol, eat healthily and keep active. I was also encouraged to start doing kegel exercises to strengthen my pelvic floor, as this would improve bladder control and aid sexual rehabilitation post-surgery. I downloaded the NHSs Squeezy app that afternoon and got to work. A few days later I was sent a link to a video that detailed what I should expect from my stay in hospital and invited in for a pre-op health assessment. But to my surprise, I then received a follow up call informing me that Rajan had availability for surgery the following week. Almost three months to the day that I had received my first PSA result of 18.1, I would be having my prostate removed at the University of Central London (UCLH). It was daunting and I was nervous, but I was also looking forward to it. FAQs By Lara Reilly and Holly Knight, specialist nurses at Prostate Cancer UK What exactly happens during a nerve sparing robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy? A nerve sparing robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is essentially surgery to remove the entire prostate, due to a prostate cancer diagnosis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robotic assisted means that the surgeon doesnt directly hold the instruments which are doing the operation, the robotic arms do this. The surgeon will use their own arms and legs to guide the robots arms making very fine, precise movements. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy means the removal of the prostate gland using a keyhole method. The surgeon will make five to six small cuts (approximately 1cm long) across the lower stomach, and then a slightly larger cut (a few cm long) near your belly button. Nerve sparing is where are two very fine bundles of nerves wrapped around the prostate that help men to get an erection. These nerves are spared if it is safe to do so, dependent upon where the cancer is in the prostate and how close the cancer might be to those nerves. If the nerves are spared, this is called nerve sparing surgery. Sadly, sometimes the cancer is too close to one bundle on one side or too close to both bundles and therefore the nerves may need to be removed, this is often referred to as partial nerve sparing or non-nerve sparing. Are there any side effects? Removing the prostate is major surgery. Recovery time can be from six to 12 weeks, with factors such as wound healing and initially requiring a catheter to consider. Side effects will vary from man to man, but you can ask your medical team for statistics around side effects based on your individual situation. There is a lot of support available for the side effects mentioned so please dont feel that you are alone as you go through this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the surgery a urinary catheter will have been inserted, this is short term and is usually in place for around seven to 10 days after the operation. When this is removed, many men will experience a degree of urinary incontinence which will vary from man to man, but can range from leaking a few drops when active, or coughing and sneezing, to leaking into pads with little bladder control initially. Most men see gradual improvements, with many recovering somewhere between one to six months. Very few men may go on to have longer term issues with incontinence but there are often ways to manage this and things which may help. Changes to sexual function include erectile dysfunction and a change in orgasm as you would no longer ejaculate fluid, known as a dry orgasm. The loss of ejaculation would also have implications if you wanted to have children so this is something to carefully think about before the operation, however you could think about storing your sperm beforehand. The stress of your diagnosis and undergoing major treatment may affect your libido or desire for sex and there can be changes in penis size and shape. If a bone scan were to show a mestatised cancer, whats the next step? The typical next steps might include additional imaging tests, such as a CT, MRI or PET scan to confirm the presence and extent of the bone metastases. An assessment of any symptoms the person is experiencing, such as bone pain, would also be important in helping to determine any need for symptom management at this stage. Then discussions would be needed around suitable treatment options. For a person with metastatic prostate cancer, these may include hormone therapy and chemotherapy which can both help to slow down the growth of the cancer, as well as radiotherapy, which can be given to relieve pain or treat isolated areas of bone metastases. Some people might also be interested in any suitable clinical trials they would be able to take part in at this stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As this means a persons prostate cancer is now at an advanced, or incurable stage, this is often a suitable time for them to start thinking about their wishes and preferences for the future with both their loved ones and healthcare professionals, so that they can ensure that all their care is approached in a sensitive, timely and patient centred manner. Are there other types of prostate surgery available? There are three types of surgery to remove the entire prostate after a prostate cancer diagnosis. These are keyhole surgery, either by hand or robot assisted as previously discussed, and open surgery. Whilst it is most common to have robot-assisted surgery these days, studies have shown that all three techniques are as good as each other for treating prostate cancer and have similar rates of side effects such as urinary and erection problems. The advantages of keyhole surgery, both by hand and robot-assisted, are that you are likely to have less pain, lose less blood, spend less time in hospital and heal and return to normal activities more quickly than with open surgery. What does choosing your treatment pathway mean? And is there information patients should read before making that decision? Choosing your treatment pathway involves selecting the most appropriate treatment option based on the specifics of your diagnosis, as well as personal preferences, lifestyle and possibly other health conditions you might also be living with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Therefore, in terms of the best information to read, this would include that which enables you to gain a good understanding of your diagnosis, including the stage and grade of your cancer, details on each of the treatments that are being offered and how they work, possible side effects and the impact this might have on your day to day and quality of life. Gathering information on the experiences and outcomes of other patients and success rates is helpful. At Prostate Cancer UK, as well as our Specialist Nurse helpline, we offer a one to one service where we can connect men who are making decisions around their treatment pathway, with trained volunteers who can provide insight into what to expect from certain treatments, as well as additional support. It is important to reach out for help, information and support as much as you need to during this process in order to help you come to the most comfortable decision. This might be through utilising cancer specific organisations for information, nurse led support helplines and speaking with your medical team, as well as support from loved ones. If you are feeling overwhelmed, sometimes talking to a trained professional such as a counsellor can help you process your emotions and manage stress. Whats the advice on how to prepare for prostate surgery? And why? You will have a pre-op assessment appointment at the hospital to make sure you are fit and well enough for surgery. This involves some tests, which might include blood and urine tests, an electrocardiograph (ECG) to check how well your heart is working, a physical examination, as well as your heart rate, blood pressure and scans such as a chest X-ray. The nurse will also discuss any allergies you might have, as well as any current medication you are taking. They might advise you to stop taking drugs known as blood thinners (such as warfarin or aspirin) if you are taking these. Not drinking alcohol before the surgery can help reduce the risk of bleeding both during and after surgery, as well as helping to improve the bodys overall state of health and ability to heal fully following the operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can also be a good idea to start doing pelvic floor muscle exercises for a few weeks before you have your operation, to help you recover quicker from any urinary problems, once your catheter is removed following surgery. 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. Video footage of protests sees demonstrators holding up signs saying "We'll stop when everyone returns," as well as bonfires being lit up in the street. Protesters blocked the southern Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv and other intersections on Tuesday morning, as hostage families urged Israelis to take to the streets and demand the government stop the war in Gaza and take steps to reach a deal to free the remaining 50 hostages. One person was arrested in Tel Aviv, and a smoke grenade was found in her possession. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel Police said that all roads across Israel are open to traffic, after reports said that protesters were seen blocking Highway 443, as well as Highway 1, which was also closed to traffic due to protests. Video footage of protests sees demonstrators holding up signs saying "We'll stop when everyone returns," as well as bonfires lit in the street. Police report, 'No roads blocked' An Israeli Police statement said that "no roads were currently blocked," and explained how those "closed were reopened quickly by officers deployed across all major routes." "Most demonstrations so far have proceeded without unusual incidents. Officers allow brief, localized road closures to enable lawful protest and expression, and in locations where public order was disrupted, appropriate action was taken," the statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police also emphasized that " lighting fires in public areas or on roads is not a form of protest, but a dangerous and criminal act that could endanger human life." "The public is urged to follow police instructions. The Israel Police will not tolerate disruptions of public order and will act firmly against anyone violating the law or endangering the public," the statement ended. Hostage families urge immediate deal Around the same time, at Hostages' Square, Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for "dragging his feet" rather than reaching a deal. Israelis block a main road near Ra'anana, while attending a protest calling for the release of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, August 26, 2025. (credit: Tal Gal/Flash90) "Netanyahu, why are you dragging your feet? If it is important for him to end the war, he should set applicable principles for ending it. But instead, he continues on a campaign to thwart deals. This government is waging a war without a clear goal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hagit Chen, the mother of American-Israeli hostage Itay Chen, was quoted by KAN, saying, "What we are seeing now is a trap door in the making. The people are with us, the power is in our hands. We cannot be ignored. The people can bring the hostages back home." Dozens also demonstrated in front of Education Minister Yoav Kisch's home in Hod Hasharon and in front of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's home in Ness Ziona, according to Ynet. At a demonstration at Ibn Gabirol Street in Tel Aviv, Democratic MK Gilad Kariv said, "Without a protest for the hostages, there would have been no prior deals. We will not give up, we will shake the country, we will end the war, and we will bring everyone home." Tuesday marks the second week in a row that hostage families have called for a national strike throughout Israel. On Sunday of last week, nearly half a million Israelis gathered at Hostages Square and surrounding streets in Tel Aviv, also demanding an end to the war and a deal to bring back the hostages. Demonstrators returned to the Pulse site Monday for the fifth straight day, continuing their fight to keep a rainbow crosswalk in place. Protesters have been coloring the crosswalk with chalk after the Florida Department of Transportation painted over the rainbow at least twice last week. Weve come every single day to rechalk it because were not allowed to repaint it, protester Ziggy Owen said. The protests have drawn a constant law enforcement presence, with troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol and officers from the Orlando Police Department watching closely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retired FHP Chief Joe Lopez said troopers are simply following orders. We dont have opinions in our daily work. Were following the law, were following instructions, were following orders, Lopez said. On Monday, police briefly shut down the area after a suspicious package was delivered to the site. The bomb squad investigated but determined the package was only a box of chalk. Video obtained by Channel 9 shows FDOT workers painting over the rainbow crosswalk last Thursday. Since then, protesters have returned to restore the colors, while FDOT has repainted over them multiple times. The back-and-forth has raised questions about the cost to taxpayers. Channel 9 reached out to FHP but has not heard back. Lopez said the repeated enforcement could be costly.This would not be part of the budget, and this could get expensive for the highway patrol, Lopez said, adding that troopers earn between $30 and $50 an hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elected leaders remain divided. Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said the city was in compliance when the crosswalk was installed in 2017. Im a little angry. We followed all the FDOT regulations and rules when we installed this crosswalk, Sheehan said, noting that the citys legal department is working to resolve the issue. Lopez said he was not sure if there was a written agreement in place, but Sheehan insists a contract exists. Meanwhile, some state officials blame the protesters for the ongoing use of resources.As long as you give them attention, theyll continue to do it, Congressman Randy Fine said. What Ive learned in the protest that happened to me is the minute the cameras go away, so do they. City leaders said anyone who paints the crosswalk without permission could face a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Officials are still reviewing legal options to bring the rainbow crosswalk back. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. BELL COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) Kentucky State Police is searching for a pair of inmates who escaped from custody Monday night in Bell County. Trooper Jacobs of KSP posted on Facebook that just before 9 p.m., Billy Potter, 32, and Steven Spencer, 22, escaped from the Bell County Forestry Camp. Billy Potter and Steven Spencer (Trooper Jacobs) LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Jacobs, Potter is 6 feet tall and weighs 239 pounds with black hair and hazel eyes. Spencer is 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs 132 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. KSP said the public should not approach these individuals, and anyone who sees them should contact Post 10 or call 911. This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 56 News for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. AT&T will spend $23 billion to acquire certain wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar, a significant expansion of AT&Ts low- and mid-band coverage networks. AT&T said Tuesday that the licenses cover virtually every U.S. market more than 400 total which the company plans to deploy as soon as possible to lure more home internet subscribers and meet its growth goals. The deal also fortifies the long-term services agreement between AT&T and EchoStar, enabling the latter to operate as a hybrid mobile network operator providing wireless service under its Boost Mobile brand. AT&T will be the primary network services partner to EchoStar. Shares of EchoStar, based in Englewood, Colorado, soared 76% at the opening bell Tuesday. This acquisition bolsters and expands our spectrum portfolio while enhancing customers 5G wireless and home internet experience in even more markets, said AT&T CEO John Stankey. Were adding fuel to our winning strategy of investing in valuable wireless and broadband assets to become Americas best connectivity provider. Late in 2024, AT&T said it would expand its fiber broadband network to more than 50 million locations by the end of 2029, while actively working to exit its legacy copper network operations across most of its wireline footprint. AT&T expects to have largely completed the modernization of its 5G wireless network with open technology by 2027. The company said the network will be able to support super-fast download speeds and serve as a platform for new product and GenAI innovation. In its most recent earnings report in July, AT&T said it expected to realize up to $8 billion of cash tax savings from 2025 to 2027 due to tax provisions in the Republicans' One Big Beautiful Bill Act. AT&T estimated that it would invest $3.5 billion of those savings into its network to accelerate its fiber internet build-out. Shares of AT&T Inc., based in Dallas, rose less than 1% Tuesday. MEMPHIS, Tenn. The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) is hosting an open house and public hearing on Tuesday, August 26 to discuss the coal ash cleanup at the Tennessee Valley Authoritys old facility in Memphis. The event will focus on the West Ash Pond, where coal ash was previously stored in an unlined pit. Although the coal ash has been removed from the soil, the shallow groundwater still contains arsenic and molybdenum, which poses a potential risk to the local water supply. The public hearing will take place at the Riverview Community Center, starting with an informational session at 5:30 p.m., followed by the hearing at 6:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the cleanup efforts and to voice any questions or concerns regarding the ongoing transportation of coal ash through South Memphis. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) announced that the Try Transit program will be extended through June 2026, providing free fares for fixed route bus and paratransit services. In a news release sent to 22News from PVTA, no fares or passes will be needed for the Try Transit program through June 30, 2026. The premium service for B79, the Amersy/Worcester commute, does not apply. New initiative to enhance safety at Springfield Union Station Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PVTA provides vital transportation services in our community, offering equitable mobility options that help people get to work, school, medical appointments, shopping centers, events, social outings and more. Extending the Try Transit program is beneficial to our riders, our region, and a great time for people to experience the benefits of taking public transportation, said Brandy Pelletier, PVTAs spokesperson. In addition, Springfield officials have launched the Safe Travels Initiative at Union Station, a collaborative effort between the Springfield Police Department and the Hampden County Sheriffs Department to enhance public safety and hospitality. The initiative, announced by Mayor Domenic Sarno, aims to provide a safer and more welcoming environment for the thousands of visitors and commuters who pass through Union Station daily. The station serves as a major transportation hub in the region, offering amenities such as Subway, Dunkin Donuts, and connections to PVTA, Peter Pan Bus, and Amtrak services. For bus schedules and changes, visit PVTA.com. 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. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) A local restaurant is raising funds for Mercy Chefs starting Tuesday. Quemar, a Latin American and Mexican restaurant, will host the Dine For a Cause event that encourages customers to dine in and support the non-profits mission. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the non-profit. The event will be on 1201 Laskin Road in Virginia Beach from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday. According to its website, Mercy Chefs is a Portsmouth-based disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that provides professionally prepared, restaurant-quality meals to victims, volunteers, and first responders in natural disasters and emergencies. 10 On Your Side shared Mercy Chefs story in July when volunteers made hot meals in Texas for those impacted by the deadly flooding in Kerr County. For more information on the event, you can follow Quemar on Facebook. Download the WAVY News App to keep up with the latest news, weather and sports from WAVY-TV 10. Available in both the Apple and Google Play stores. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Robert Oliver and Mark Heller (R) hold hands, draped in flags, as they celebrate the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage on June 26, 2015 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) Virginia is about to enter the unofficial final lap of its long race to determine the next tenant of its Executive Mansion. The escalating television ads, the direct mail, the social media bombardments are just starting. Campaign signs sprout on lawns like toadstools. But its the races at the bottom of Novembers ballot for all 100 seats in the House of Delegates that could portend heartbreaking consequences: potentially the forced dissolution of many thousands of same-sex marriages and the families built on them across the commonwealth. How, you ask? The Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriages 10 years ago in Obergefell v. Hodges. Its settled law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roe v. Wade stood for 49 years, guaranteeing a federal legal right to abortions, until a conservative court supermajority, cemented during President Donald Trumps first term, overturned it in 2022 and made reproductive rights a state-by-state determination. Now, the justices are considering a request to reconsider and reverse Obergefell from a former Kentucky court clerk once jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The courts most fringe-right justice, Clarence Thomas, is blunt about his dream of reversing rulings that legalized not only gay marriage but also contraception and even sexual intimacy between consenting adults of the same gender. Should the court hear the case and, sometime next year, grant Thomass sadistic fantasy, the legality of identical-gender marriages would likely devolve to the state legislatures, just as it did with abortion. Virginia is the only state in the former Confederacy that has resisted severe limits or outright bans on abortion, but its not without close calls or for a lack of Virginia Republicans trying. Just a few thousand votes in key legislative races preserved abortion rights in Virginia for the past two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Gov. Glenn Youngkins gubernatorial PAC raised and spent record sums in his bid to win a Senate majority from the Democrats and retain or expand a thin GOP House majority. But Youngkin also proposed banning abortions after 15 weeks of gestation to the lasting dismay of vulnerable Republicans in decisive races. Democrats kept the Senate and won the narrowest possible House majority: 51 of the 100 seats. Five House races were decided by margins of 2 percentage points or fewer. In case youre wondering what this has to do with 2025 House races, lets review Virginias governmental processes. If Obergefell is overturned, then Article 1, Section 15-A of the Virginia Constitution would control the issue of gay marriage, superseding statutory law. The provision, ratified by voters in 2006, dictates that only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this Commonwealth and its political subdivisions. It prevails unless its nullified by a subsequent constitutional amendment that specifically permits marriages between individuals of the same sex like the one working its way through Virginias legislative process now. The process for amending Virginias Constitution requires that a resolution establishing the amendment be passed without alteration twice by the state Senate and House with an intervening legislative election between each enactment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Joint Resolution 1 passed the House 51-48 and the Senate 21-18 in January on party line votes. The next step is to enact the resolution anew, word-for-word, in the 2026 session, after this falls House election. Should the identical measure pass both chambers again, it would be subject to voter ratification in a statewide referendum in the November 2026 election. Should it fail and should the Supreme Court eliminate protections for same-sex marriage, it could end or hopelessly cloud the marital status for more than 16,000 couples in Virginia, perhaps more. Those numbers are the most recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureaus 2023 American Community Survey. Because the survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 1,923, the figure could be as high as just over 18,000 couples or just over 14,000. There are 1,500 more married same-sex couples in Virginia than there are unmarried, cohabiting same-gender couples, the data show. We are contributing members of society. Were married and are raising a child. My wife is a public servant. I dont understand how anyone is threatened by our marriage. Sheila Kunz, a Richmond-area resident, speaking on her decade-old same-sex marriage. The numbers, however, feel sterile unless you know some of the couples whose households could be crushed. For Virginia same-sex spouses like Alex and Sheila, or like Rick and Jay, the prospect of the government stripping away the legal foundation for their union with the most beloved person in their lives is terrifying, flagrantly unjust and cruel beyond reason. Rick Olson, left, Jay Timmons, right, and their children, from left: Ellie, Jacob and Catherine. (Photo provided by the family) We are contributing members of society. Were married and are raising a child. My wife is a public servant. I dont understand how anyone is threatened by our marriage, said Sheila, who married Alex 10 years ago, shortly after Obergefell. They live in the Richmond area where Sheila is a human resources professional and Alex is a longtime law-enforcement officer. We spoke for this column last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My wife and I befriended Alex and Sheila Kunz 13 years ago and have adored their daughter all of her 12 years. Theyre rock-solid, thoughtful neighbors. We rejoiced when Obergefell allowed them to marry. They have instilled character, kindness and a sense of duty and personal responsibility within their child, now a middle-schooler. Were just like you. We have jobs like you. We go to barbecues like you. Were not weird, you know? Alex said. Now, this (discrimination) coming back is not surprising because, unfortunately its people picking up on the bandwagon of hatred. Its giving the most extreme reason to hate another group of people. Ive known and respected Jay Timmons for more than 30 years, when he was chief of staff to fellow Reagan Republican George Allen when he was Virginias 67th governor in the mid-1990s and, beginning in 2001, its U.S. senator. Now the president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, Jays focus is policy, not politics, yet he and Rick Olson feel cornered by the stifling intolerance of todays GOP. He and Olson married in California 17 years ago and reside in Fairfax County with their two daughters and a son. After the Obergefell ruling, they dared believe that threats to their marriage were over. But the specter has returned, and they again live dreading events outside their control that opposite-sex couples never feel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The question is when is it settled, Timmons said in an interview last week. Its not even separate-but-equal, its discrimination based on sex, Olson said, referring to the rationale for racially segregated public schools that the Supreme Court rejected in its 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision. Families come in all shapes and sizes. There are single-parent households, there are two-parent households some same-gender, some opposite-gender. There are households of mixed races (and) mixed religions, Timmons said. I think one of the things that really makes us unique as humans is that we have the ability to learn and see other perspectives, he said. I really dont judge those people who have a different perspective culturally. I just ask that they let us live our lives. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX RADFORD, Va. (WFXR) Radford University has received a $60,000 grant from the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI), marking the universitys second award from the organization. Officials say the funding will support the continuation and expansion of the Professional Accelerated Cyber Education (PACE) program, a workforce development initiative led by the universitys Vinod Chachra IMPACT Lab. This award reflects our continued commitment to addressing the cybersecurity workforce shortage in Virginia, especially in rural and underserved regions, said Tom Bennett II, the senior director of business operations and planning for the division of economic development and corporate education, who has served as the interim executive director of the IMPACT Lab. By expanding access to affordable, on-demand cyber education, were strengthening not just individual career pathways, but the digital resilience of the region as a whole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PACE program, initially launched in 2024 with CCI seed funding, provides flexible, online, competency-based cybersecurity training to working professionals across Southwest Virginia. In its first year, the program enrolled 62 participants in an introductory course aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity, according to officials. With the 2025 continuation funding, PACE aims to scale its efforts by advancing a portion of those completers into the full 18-credit cybersecurity certificate stack, preparing them for industry-recognized credentials such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and SANS GIAC GPEN. CCI SWVA is proud to continue our partnership with Radford University and the Vinod Chachra IMPACT Lab, said Dr. Gretchen Matthews, director of the CCI southwest node. The success of the initial PACE project made the decision to extend our support an easy one. We believe the program will continue to make a meaningful impact on cybersecurity workforce development across the region. Officials say the 2025 continuation also includes a stakeholder engagement component, with a workshop planned to assess employer and learner feedback on the programs effectiveness and relevance to the job market. Through this initiative, Radford aims to institutionalize PACE as a scalable model for regional cybersecurity education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program aligns directly with CCIs workforce development priorities by offering: Accelerated, flexible online delivery Competency-based instruction and credential alignment A targeted focus on Southwest Virginias workforce and employers Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Every dollar makes a differenceand if youre thinking about grabbing lunch Tuesday, consider stopping by Raising Canes. The restaurant is hosting an all-day fundraiser where $1 from every Box Combo sold will help fund a once-in-a-lifetime trip for families in need. The event supports Kidds Kids mission of sending children with life-altering or life-threatening conditions on all-expenses-paid trips to Disney World. Restaurant Leader Judah Gaudin said this partnership between Kidds Kids and Raising Canes has been happening for the past 14 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were hoping to raise $75,000 this year. In fact, through the length of our partnership, weve been able to raise over a million dollars, said Gaudin. This fundraiser applies to every Box Combo bought on Aug. 26, in-store and in the restaurants app or website. There are over 50 participating Raising Canes locations in Louisiana. List: Heres where new Raising Canes restaurants are opening soon 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 New World screwworm larvae. Credit - USDA Agricultural Research Service/AP The U.S. has confirmed a rare human case of New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that typically infects livestock but can be deadly to people too. A Maryland resident suffered an infestation of the screwworm after traveling to El Salvador, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) told TIME in an email. Reuters first reported the news. Central America is currently grappling with outbreaks of the destructive pest, which have been threatening livestock and infecting people. The U.S. embassy in Nicaragua said in July that more than 120 human cases of screwworm infestation had been reported in the last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the Maryland case on Aug. 4 after reviewing images of the insect causing the infestation, HHS said. This is the first human case of travel-associated New World screwworm [infestation] from an outbreak-affected country identified in the United States, the agency said. Currently, the risk to public health in the United States from this introduction is very low. Read More: You Might Be Hosting a Parasite Right Now. Heres How to Tell The U.S. cattle and livestock industry has reportedly been shaken by the news of the human case. Screwworm can spread rapidly and can kill fully grown cows in seven to 10 days, according to the National Cattlemens Beef Association. The pest threatens $100 billion of U.S. economic activity tied to the cattle and livestock industry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New World screwworm is a type of fly that lays eggs in the open wounds or mucous membranes, such as nasal passages, of mammals and birds. When the eggs hatch, maggots emerge, which then feast on healthy tissue, according to the CDC. The name screwworm refers to the way the maggots burrow into flesh with their sharp mouth hooks. The screwworms can cause extensive tissue damage and bacterial superinfection, the CDC says. Infestations are very painful and can be deadly if not treated promptly. There is no approved human treatment for screwworm infestations. Maggots, which can number in the hundreds, have to be removed manually by a medical provider. Limited information has been made public about the Maryland resident who suffered the screwworm infestation, but state health officials said the person has recovered, The Herald-Mail reported. A Maryland health department spokesman told the outlet that there was no indication that the persons infestation had spread to other people or animals. News of the Maryland case comes just days after the U.S. government announced steps to prevent screwworm outbreaks and protect the U.S. cattle and livestock industry from the pest. These measures include allowing the emergency use of veterinary drugs to treat or prevent infestations in animals and the building of a sterile fly facility in Texas. New World screwworm was eradicated from the U.S. in the 1960s after the release of swarms of sterilized male screwworm flies that mated with wild female screwworms, which then produced infertile eggs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same technique was used to control a small screwworm outbreak in Florida in 2017. Though screwworm infections in people are rare in the U.S., there have been a handful of cases in recent years involving travelers returning to the country from areas where the pest is endemic. In 2023, a traveler with a surgical wound returned to Arkansas with a screwworm infestation after visiting Argentina and Brazil, according to the CDC. Last year, a traveler returned to Florida with an infestation they had acquired on vacation in the Dominican Republic. Contact us at letters@time.com. The number of Britons on jobless benefits has hit a record 6.5 million after jumping by 500,000 under Labour. The tally of people receiving some form of worklessness welfare surpassed six million for the first time after Sir Keir Starmer came to power last summer and has risen by more than half a million since then, according to official figures. Out-of-work benefits are made up of incapacity benefits, unemployment support and Universal Credit payments to people without a job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of working-age adults on one of these welfare payments has now surged by 79pc since early 2018 and has surpassed the peak of 5.9 million hit during the pandemic. More than 15pc of the working-age population were on out-of-work benefits as of February 2025, according to the latest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures, up from 9pc a decade earlier. It comes despite Sir Keir Starmers election campaign promise to get Britain working and achieve the highest employment rate in the G7. The figures are particularly embarrassing for Chancellor Rachel Reeves who was forced to scrap many of her planned benefits reforms earlier this year after a revolt from Labour backbench MPs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Griffith, shadow business secretary, said: This shows Britain has a worklessness crisis which Labour seems determined to make even worse with more tax rises and additional employment red tape. Rather than watch it spiral out of control, Labour need to U-turn now. The number of adults on out-of-work benefits last peaked at 5.9m in February 2021 before declining steadily. However, the figure began rising again in May 2022 and has climbed by nearly 9pc since Labour came to power last summer. The fresh record came to light after the DWP quietly updated official statistics on benefits payments. In some parts of the UK, more than a quarter of working-age adults are now on out-of-work benefits. In Blackpool, the share is 27pc, according to analysis by Fraser Nelson on his Substack newsletter. In Birmingham, Liverpool and Glasgow, the respective shares were 25pc, 23pc and 22pc. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A key factor driving the rise is a sharp increase in the number of young people claiming sickness benefits, often for mental health reasons. The number of under-25s claiming sickness benefits has jumped by 52pc since the start of 2020 to a record 235,000. Sickness benefits can be paid to those still in work but experts have warned that people too often end up out of the workforce when they go to the doctor. Sir Charlie Mayfield, the former John Lewis boss leading a government review into worklessness, told The Telegraph fit notes were acting like a force field, creating a barrier between employers and their staff. Telegraph analysis of official figures earlier this month showed that Labour had parked more than a million working-age Britons on jobless benefits that have no requirement for them to look for work. Nationally, there are 3.7m working-age adults who are claiming Universal Credit (UC) but are exempt from trying to find a job, up from 2.67m in July 2024 when Labour won the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the number of people required to look for a job as a condition of receiving their benefits has actually fallen from 1.65m to 1.6m over the same period. A spokesman for DWP said: These figures are yet more evidence of the broken welfare system we inherited that is denying people the support they need to get into work and get on at work. Thats why we are rebalancing the rate of Universal Credit to increase work incentives, while also investing 3.8bn over this parliament to genuinely help sick or disabled people into jobs, while ensuring there is always a safety net for the most vulnerable. 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 U.S. Coast Guard offloaded a historic quantity of cocaine, worth hundreds of millions, on Monday, Aug. 25, marking the largest amount of drugs ever offloaded by the agency. On Aug. 25, the Coast Guard announced in a news release that it captured 76,140 pounds of illicit narcotics valued at approximately $473 million in Port Everglades, a seaport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The drugs included roughly 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of marijuana. "To put this into perspective, the potential 23 million lethal doses of cocaine seized by the U.S. Coast Guard and our partners, are enough to fatally overdose the entire population of the state of Florida," Rear Adm. Adam Chamie, commander of the Coast Guards Southeast District, said in the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chamie noted the feat underscored "the immense threat posed by transnational drug trafficking in our nation." The Coast Guard was assisted by the Royal Netherlands Navy ship HNLMS Friesland, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Air and Marine Operations, in addition to other military segments. The Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton, one of four 418-foot Legend-class national security cutters homeported in Charleston, South Carolina, brought the illegal drugs to port. "Team Hamilton with our partners, worked incredibly hard the last several months to safeguard the American public from the dangers of illicit narcotics entering the United States," Capt. John B. McWhite, commanding officer, Hamilton, said in the release. When did the seizures occur? The seizures, which occurred between June 26 and Aug. 18, resulted from 19 interdictions in international waters in the Eastern Pacific Coast and the Caribbean Sea, the Coast Guard said. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton detained 34 suspected drug traffickers and stopped 11 go-fast vessels throughout the interdictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drug seizures deny criminal organizations over half of a billion dollars in revenue, according to the Coast Guard's release. Authorities released videos of the seizures showing what occurred during two separate interceptions. In one instance, officials stopped a go-fast vessel approximately 40 miles southwest of Haiti on Friday, Aug. 15. The boat had been detected by a maritime patrol aircraft, and that interdiction resulted in the seizure of more than 1,615 pounds of marijuana. In another incident, Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton intercepted two go-fast vessels suspected of drug smuggling southeast of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, on Thursday, June 26. In that instance, officials seized more than 4,475 pounds of cocaine. About 80% of drugs are interdicted on the high seas, according to the Coast Guard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coast Guard says record cocaine bust had enough to overdose Florida You can find original article here Wealthmanagement. Subscribe to our free daily Wealthmanagement newsletter. Two advisory teams have broken away from Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch and combined to create a new independent firm with more than $2 billion in assets under advisement on the Arkadios Capital platform. Longleaf Capital Group, based in Dothan, Ala., consists of six founding directors. The advisors joining from Merrill Lynch include Todd P. Thornell Sr., a former managing director and senior financial advisor with the wirehouse, and Cory A. Singletary, a former senior financial advisor with Merrill Lynch. The team from Morgan Stanley includes C. Thomas Lee, a former senior vice president and wealth advisor at the wirehouse; George M. Liddon, a former senior vice president and wealth advisor; Jonathan D. Lee, a former first vice president and senior portfolio manager; and Lee E. Forehand, a retirement plan consultant and former Morgan Stanley corporate retirement director. By joining forces, weve combined complementary expertise in wealth management, personal financial planning, tax planning, institutional retirement planning and estate planning strategies under one roof, said Jonathan D. Lee, managing director, Longleaf Capital Group. Lee says they chose Arkadios for its infrastructure and resources. The Atlanta-based hybrid broker/dealer has had much recruiting success in recent years with its RIA-friendly approach. The firm has 75 offices nationwide and more than $14 billion in assets under advisement. David Millican, CEO of Arkadios, said the companys lack of private equity backing and 100% employee ownership are draws for advisors. Longleaf provides financial and retirement planning, institutional retirement plan consulting, estate and tax strategies, alternative investments, insurance solutions, liquidity event planning and philanthropic advisory. A US Coast Guard cutter on Monday unloaded a record haul of illegal drugs that, if it had made it to the streets, would represent around 23 million deadly doses of cocaine, the service said. The cutter Hamilton offloaded about 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of marijuana at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, around 30 miles north of Miami, in what is the largest quantity of drugs offloaded in Coast Guard history, a Coast Guard statement said. The total value of the seized drugs was put at $473 million. Thats enough to fatally overdose the entire population of the state of Florida, underscoring the immense threat posed by transnational drug trafficking to our nation, Rear Adm. Adam Chamie said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The seizures were made in 19 separate interdictions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea between June 26 and August 18 and involved three US Coast Guard cutters, two US Navy warships and a Netherlands warship as well as Coast Guard helicopter units, US Customs and Border Patrol units, and Joint Interagency Task Force units, the statement said. Capt. John B. McWhite, commanding officer of the Hamilton, said crews aboard the national security cutter were responsible for seizing a record 47,000 pounds of cocaine during the interdiction of 11 go-fast vessels, speedy boats used by traffickers to move the drugs to US markets. The crew detained 34 suspected drug traffickers, it said. The Hamiltons on-board drone unit was instrumental in spotting many of the traffickers boats, the Coast Guard statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since January, the Coast Guard has seized $2.2 billion of drugs headed to the US, a service video released Monday said. These drugs fuel and enable cartels and transnational criminal organizations to produce and traffic illegal fentanyl, threatening the United States, the Coast Guard statement said. President Donald Trump has made the fight against fentanyl one of the top priorities of his administration. Trump in July signed The Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, strengthening prison sentences for fentanyl traffickers, which passed both the Senate and the House with bipartisan support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president has claimed the illicit flow of fentanyl is one of the underlying reasons for his tariff threats against Canada, Mexico and China. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Reform UK would pay the Taliban money to take back migrants who entered Britain illegally, Zia Yusuf has admitted. The former party chairman said he thinks it is quite reasonable for the British government to hand money to the regime in order to agree a returns agreement with the country. It comes as Nigel Farage prepares to unveil Reform UKs bid to tackle illegal migration with an overhaul of human rights law and mass deportations. Those who come to the UK on small boats would have no right to claim asylum under Reforms plans (PA) The Reform leader has pledged to leave the European Convention on Human Rights and scrap the Human Rights Act and replace them with a British Bill of Rights, which would only apply to British citizens and those who have a legal right to live in the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who come to the UK on small boats and other unauthorised routes would meanwhile have no right to claim asylum. Reform would aim to house them in facilities at old military bases, before they were deported to their country of origin, or to third countries such as Rwanda or Albania. Asked about how returns would work in practice, Mr Yusuf - who leads Reforms department of government efficiency, modelled on Donald Trumps DOGE - told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Well, we have a 2bn budget to offer countries. When it was put to him the 2bn would be a drop in the ocean to some countries, Mr Yusuf responded: It's not a drop in the ocean to Afghanistan, certainly not a drop in the ocean for Eritrea, the two countries that are top of the list of boat crossings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked whether he was talking about handing money to the Taliban, he said: This country already gives 151m a year to Afghanistan in the form of foreign aid. I think it's quite reasonable. When it was put to him that the government is not handing that money to the Taliban to take people back, he said: I think it is quite reasonable. Again, British people have had enough of their goodwill being taken advantage of. The notion that Afghans topped the list in terms of foreign nationals crossing the Channel illegally, the majority of them fighting age males into this country, while this country gives 151m of aid to Afghanistan. We don't think that's fair. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook dismissed Reforms plans as something that had been put together on the back of a fag packet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to Sky News, he added: This government has secured returns agreements, including groundbreaking pilot agreement with France. We're seeking to secure others, but, frankly, the idea that Nigel Farage and the circus that is Reform can come in and secure those agreements, I think is for the birds. Zia Yusuf is the partys government efficiency chief (PA) But Mr Yusuf insisted the partys plan to tackle illegal migration is realistic after they estimated it will cost 10 billion over a five-year period. Asked to explain the budget when latest Home Office figures suggest the UKs asylum system currently costs around 5bn a year to run, Mr Yusuf said: Thats just the Home Office number. That cut doesnt come close to the total cost of asylum and illegal migration into this country, takes nothing into account for Border Force, takes nothing into account on the strain on the NHS or welfare or Universal Credit, or ultimately a state pension. It doesnt count any of those things, which is why our program will actually, by deporting people who are in this country legally, save the British taxpayer hundreds of billions of pounds in the decades to come. The skeletal remains of a missing 81-year-old have been found near an overpass, Washington police said. Kent officers went to the overpass on Aug. 18 and found human remains, according to an Aug. 26 Facebook post by the police department. The King County Medical Examiners Office identified the remains as Larry Martinez, who went missing in 2022, officers said. Martinez, who had signs of dementia, went missing on June 8, 2022, after walking away from a business, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I married him at 19 and he is the focus of my life, his wife, Linda Martinez, told KING 5 in 2022. We have been married for 60 years, we have had an amazing life, were very old. Officials dont believe any foul play was involved in Martinezs death, police said. While this is not the outcome any of us wanted, we are hopeful that locating Mr. Martinezs remains will bring some closure to his family and friends, police said. Kent is about a 20-mile drive south from Seattle. Body found in woods now identified as woman who vanished in 1974, NH officials say 20-year-old killed in 1975 gas station robbery, CO cops say. Suspect now IDd 18-year-olds body found along river leads to arrest 40 years later, ME cops say This story was originally posted on MyNorthwest.com The remains of a woman from Washington who was missing for a year have been found in a storage locker in The Dalles, Oregon. According to The Tacoma News Tribune, the remains were identified as 39-year-old Meihong, He. Meihong was originally from China, but had been staying in the Klickitat County town of Glenwood until her disappearance. The discovery came from a caller who reported a suspicious circumstance. Responding officers determined that there was sufficient evidence to warrant a multi-agency law enforcement response. Woman found in Oregon storage locker The Oregon State Police Crime Lab opened a storage box that was located within the storage locker, and found human remains within. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remains were positively identified as those of Meihong, He, known as Kiki, the City of The Dalles Police Department wrote. She was 39 years old. She was a resident of the Mid-Columbia area and originally from China. Her next of kin have been informed of her death. Richard Michael Robinson, a 59-year-old man from The Dalles, was identified as a person of interest in this case. He had also spent time in Klickitat County. Robinson was arrested on Aug. 25 by the U.S. Marshalls Service in Berthoud, Colorado on a warrant for failure to register as a sex offender. He is currently being held in the Larimer County Jail, pending extradition to Oregon. This case is still under active investigation. This is a developing story, check back for updates Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here. Springfield authorities have confirmed a leg found near a creek in July belongs to a man accused in a wrongful death lawsuit, filed a month before the severed appendage was discovered, of murdering a mother and daughter at the center of one of Robertson County's most prolific cold cases. Springfield spokesperson Zachary Clark said in an Aug. 25 email that decomposed leg remains found July 4 at Sulphur Fork Creek belonged to 68-year-old Joseph Frank Benton. The remains were found about 10 miles from Benton's Owens Chapel Road home. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation confirmed with The Tennessean on Aug. 25 that they made the identification through a DNA analysis. Joseph Benton's DNA was found through the nationwide Combined DNA Index System after he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of prohibited weapons in June 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 68-year-old is the father of William Joseph "Joey" Benton, who was the boyfriend of Jennifer Wix at the time she and her daughter Adrianna were reported missing in 2004. A spokesperson with the Robertson County Sheriff said there were no missing person reports on file for Joseph Frank Benton despite his wife saying she hadn't seen him in months. Attempts to reach members of the Benton family for comment on this case were not successful. Who is leading the investigation? It's not clear who's leading the investigation into the Benton case. TBI spokesperson Josh DeVine said Robertson County law enforcement was leading the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked for comment, the Robertson County Sheriff's Office said Springfield Police was the lead investigator. "We are assisting the Springfield Police Department as well as the TBI in the (case), but we are not the lead agency," sheriff's office spokesperson Jessica Drake said in a statement, sent via email Aug. 25. Springfield City spokesman Clark said the Robertson County Sheriff's Office and 19th Judicial District Attorney General's Office were leading the investigation. A call to the 19th District Attorney's Office was not returned. The case of the missing Wix and her daughter On March 25, 2004, Joey Benton told authorities his girlfriend, Wix, 22, and her 2-year-old daughter Adrianna got into a white four-door sedan at a gas station in Cross Plains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mother and daughter were reported missing by their family on March 27, 2004. They were never seen again. Wix, Adrianna and Joey Benton were living with his parents at the time of their disappearance. Adrianna was not Joey Benton's daughter. The case was reclassified from missing persons to homicide in 2013. Joey Benton gave investigators two accounts of what happened on March 25, 2004, records show. At first, he said he last saw Wix when she left with a friend he didn't know. He then said he took the pair to a Cross Plains grocery store at Wixs request. He left them at a local Exxon afterward and watched as they got into the white car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the years since Wix and Adrianna's disappearance, several searches were conducted on 100 acres of land owned by the Benton family along Owens Chapel Road. That's where Wix and Adrianna lived at the time they were reported missing. In 2021, scent and cadaver dogs roamed 51 acres of the property in search of possible human remains, the Wix family told The Tennessean in February. Cadaver dog alerts and ground-penetrating radar led to a dig that resulted in a shelf of clay being found, but no remains. Lawsuit against Benton family sheds new light on Wix case Wix's mother, Kathy Nale, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Joseph Benton, his wife, Cynthia Benton, and Joey Benton on June 5 in Robertson County Circuit Court seeking a jury trial for damages in connection with her daughter and granddaughter's deaths. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The wrongful acts of William (Joey) Benton, Joseph Benton and Cynthia Benton, including the acts of killing Jennifer and Adrianna Wix, of hiding their bodies and of otherwise hiding or destroying evidence to impede the investigation into their deaths have been intentional, fraudulent, reckless and malicious," the lawsuit said. Wix's sister, Casey Robinson, declined to comment on the lawsuit. She also declined to comment on the Joseph Benton remains case. The lawsuit says that Joey Benton told Wix's family that his parents killed Wix and her daughter and he helped cover it up. The lawsuit also lays out several details in the Wix case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the fall of 2003, it says Joey Benton pulled out a gun and pointed it at himself, Wix and Adrianna and threatened he would kill all of them. Wix and the child left the Benton home to stay with family, the lawsuit said. Wix and Benton reconciled in December, and mother and daughter returned to the Benton home. On March 24, 2004, during a phone call with Wix, Nale could hear screaming in the background and was told by Wix that Cynthia Benton had thrown Wix and Adrianna's dinner outside and told them they could eat like dogs, the lawsuit said. The day the two went missing, Wix called her father and told him she was scared of her boyfriend's mother and that she was "acting weird," the lawsuit says. It also notes that Wix broke up with Joey Benton while the three were driving, and he dropped her off at a gas station to be picked up by a friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a July 9 filing responding to the lawsuit, Cynthia Benton and Joey Benton denied the allegations, saying they had no knowledge of, involvement in or connection with the disappearance of Wix or Adrianna. Cynthia Benton counter-filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, saying it failed to show how she and Joey Benton caused injury or harm to Wix and Adrianna. Joey Benton said in his response to the lawsuit that Wix and Adrianna left the Benton home on their own. Cynthia Benton said she has not communicated with Joseph Benton since his release from jail in March and did not know where he was. 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: Authorities ID remains found in Springfield, make ties to Wix case There are growing concerns and calls for answers about whats happening inside the largest ICE detention facility in the northeast. Its not far away. The Moshannon Valley Processing Center is a privately owned and operated facility located in Clearfield County. That is about three hours from Pittsburgh. It houses nearly two thousand detainees. One of them recently died by suicide. Thats led to protests - including one over the weekend Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, local congresswoman Summer Lee tried to visit the facility. She says she waited in the parking lot for an hour before she was denied access. Were just here today to see if we cant get in. They left us sitting - first of all - for over an hour, Lee, who sits on the House Oversight Committee, says Congress has a role in ensuring safe and humane conditions inside the facility. Right now, she has lots of questions and few answers: Where people are coming from, whether or not they were moved from one detention center, from where have they come, how long is the average stay, whether or not folks have received medical treatment, Lee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee says shes not sure how many people from Western PA are being detained at the facility. The protests come on the heels of the death by suicide in August of a 32-year-old man-- Chaofeng Ge Chow Feng Ji from China- who was being held at the facility. He is the 12th detainee to die while in ICE custody this year... the first to die in ICE custody at Moshannon Valley in 2025. ICE says Moshannon Valley has met or exceeded all standards for such a facility. A spokesperson said in a statement. ICE takes the safety and security of those housed in our detention centers very seriously. Human rights activist Yannick Gill says many of the people are being detained, with families left in the dark Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When folks are snatched off the roads, snatched off the streets and their homespart of the problem [is that] there isnt a clear answer where they are taken, Gill said. We reached out to ICE for a statement specifically on Congresswoman Lees visit to Moshannon Valley. A spokesperson said they are working to put a response together. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (left) introduced legislation Aug. 25, 2025 at Clive Behavioral Health to address the nursing shortage. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch) U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn was at Clive Behavioral Health Monday to introduce legislation he said could help more students earn nursing degrees and allow veteran nurses to become mentors for the next generation all with the intent of making a dent in the national nursing shortage. The Train More Nurses Act, introduced during the 2023-2024 legislative session, would direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Labor to review all grants offered by either division relating to the nurse workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The departments would then develop a report recommending changes to these grant programs to aim them toward any of three goals listed in the legislation to increase nursing faculty, especially in underserved areas; create routes for nurses with at least 10 years of experience to teach in nursing programs and strengthening the pipeline for licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses. For folks, whether its mental health or whether its critical frontline health, having a nurse on the floor is one of the best ways to not only drive down health care risk for the patient, but also ensure that we have successful communities marching forward, Nunn said. Sasha Khosravi, chief medical officer of Clive Behavioral Health, described nurses as the true heartbeat of any hospital, as they spend nearly all of their time with patients, communicating and taking care of them. I rely a lot on the nursing staff here, Khosravi said. They truly do a lot of work thats tremendously important for the healing of our patients here. Clive Behavioral Health is a 100-bed facility that offers treatment to children and adults struggling with behavioral health disorders. In the five years since its opening, CEO Kevin Pettit said the clinic has grown familiar with the strain that having a limited nursing staff can cause among employees and the facility itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Nunn first announced the legislation in October 2023 and said Monday it has passed through one chamber of Congress and the fact that the nursing shortage is an issue both sides of the aisle can get behind will hopefully help it see passage in the future. Nunn said the President Donald Trump has indicated to him that he is very in favor of focusing on workforce development this year. According to data from the American Nurses Association cited by Nunn, there is a 100,000-nurse shortfall in the across the country, and in Iowa around 70% of health care facilities report problems in filling open nursing positions. Most of the frontline nurses working in Iowa are over the age of 50, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The challenges faced by the health care industry with the nursing shortage come from multiple directions, Nunn said, and can be at least partially addressed by expanding access to education. There is a chokepoint present in nursing education, Nunn said, where students interested in pursuing a career in the field cant get into a program because there arent enough faculty to teach them. By pointing grant dollars toward helping nurses advance their careers while assisting others getting into the profession, Nunn said more early-career nurses will be able to fill the gaps in the workforce. Kendra Richards, who works as a nurse in the behavioral health centers intake department, said education is key to solving problems in the nursing workforce. Many nurses are leaving the bedside of patients due to staffing shortages, she said. It puts a lot of hardships on the nurses that are there and willing to provide excellent care, and so I think this act will hopefully encourage other nurses that are going through school and that kind of thing to really get excited about nursing again, Richards said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A pair of judges has concluded that Michael Gleason Jr. should have been held in preventative detention rather than released on $5,000 cash bail less than two months before he fatally shot his estranged wife and himself at a Berlin restaurant in July. Court report: Murder victim had warned court her estranged husband could 'kill her' The report from two judges revealed Marisol Fuentes (pictured) had written in her petition for a domestic violence restraining order that she feared her estranged husband, Michael Gleason, could 'kill her." Ten weeks later, Gleason came to the restaurant where Marisol worked and shot them both to death.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 29-page report noted that in her April 28 petition for protection due to domestic violence, Marisol Fuentes, his wife, had written that she thought Gleason was capable of seriously harming or killing her if he had the chance and that she was afraid he would retaliate against her for going to police. On July 6, Gleason killed Fuentes and himself at the La Casita Mexican Restaurant. Four days earlier, an unnamed 17-year-old filed a civil stalking complaint alleging that Gleason had sexually assaulted her several times since February. The committee concludes that sufficient evidence existed to hold Gleason in preventative detention, said the report, written by Supreme Court Associate Justice Melissa Countway and Circuit Court Administrative Judge Ellen Christo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A little more than a week after the murder-suicide, Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald named the two judges to investigate the case and report as soon as possible. The judges also called for five reforms to prevent such failures in the future. The report found that both Court Magistrate Stephanie Johnson and Circuit Court Judge Charles Greenhalgh had enough evidence before them during separate hearings that Gleason, 50, should have been held without bail pending trial. Gleason Final Report, Aug. 25, 2025 In addition to the very serious charges against him, Gleason attempted to flee from arresting officers and was found in possession of Fuentess phone when he was arrested, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the first hearing before Magistrate Johnson, the Berlin Police Departments request for preventative detention was denied. The same request was not made of Circuit Judge Greenhalgh during the probable cause hearing. Gov. Kelly Ayotte, who supported bail-reform measures passed by the Legislature this year, pointed a finger at Magistrate Johnson. Marisol Fuentes murder was tragic and preventable, and the magistrate who made the decision to grant bail to her killer should resign, Ayotte said in a statement. Guns everywhere In her domestic-violence petition, Fuentes also maintained that after he assaulted her, Gleason had taken many of her personal items from their house including her immigration paperwork, debit card, car title and medication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report evaluated four separate cases involving Gleason in the court system from late April until days before the killing. Gleason was arrested April 25 and charged with felony aggravated sexual assault, kidnapping and theft. (Fuentes accused him of stealing $8,000 in cash from her.) Court report: Judge and magistrate should not have released Berlin man Court Magistrate Stephanie Johnson should not have released Michael Gleason Jr. on $5,000 bail two months before he shot his estranged wife to death and killed himself, a judicial report released Monday concludes. In her petition for protection, Fuentes said Gleason had guns everywhere in the house, in the trucks, in the cabinets literally in every part of the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In subsequent hearings, both Greenhalgh and Johnson ordered Gleason to surrender all his guns and any other dangerous weapons and to stay away from Fuentes. It is, however, unclear on the face of the court records whether Gleason actually relinquished firearms, ammunition or other weapons, the report said. In addition, the bail amount was even less than the money Gleason reportedly stole from Fuentes, the report noted. In court filings, Fuentes alleged that Gleason used some of that stolen money to pay his defense lawyer. Judge Greenhalgh had ordered Gleason to prove that the money came from his own funds, but the murder-suicide occurred before Gleason responded to that request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 21, Greenhalgh found there was probable cause to bind Gleason over for trial in superior court. On the same day, Fuente filed a petition for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. Recommendations Fuentes had no lawyer advising her. The report called that a systemic problem. In 2024, 16% of plaintiffs in domestic violence cases and only 5% of those who brought stalking cases had legal counsel. The lack of representation has a substantial, tangible impact: Research supports that litigants who are represented by counsel are more likely to obtain favorable outcomes than those who are self-represented, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Executive Councilor John Stephen, R-Manchester, maintained the case revealed a gap in real-time information sharing between the courts and law enforcement. In that regard, the report pointed out that during the probable-cause hearing, Judge Greenhalgh did not have access to the civil domestic violence petition Fuentes filed which stated Gleason had access to numerous guns. These are the other reforms of the court system the report called for, including: Train court staff and judges about making bail determinations when there are allegations of domestic violence. Support training for lawyers, victim advocates and police on existing ways parties can seek to amend, revoke or appeal bail decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consider changing the forms for domestic violence and stalking complaints and criminal bail protective orders to more quickly enforce orders that compel individuals to relinquish firearms and any other dangerous weapons. Explore ways to enhance information sharing and to flag warning signs of escalating dangerousness of individuals processed through the court system. klandrigan@unionleader.com A report of shots fired on West Virginia Universitys campus was determined to be a hoax. WVU Police responded to the false report of shots fired on Tuesday near the Downtown Library. Police said there was and is no threat to the campus. Officers continue to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at 304-293-3136. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Key Points Parcel volume and revenue have fallen domestically as the company struggles to find its footing post-pandemic. UPS is in the midst of an efficiency plan that could save it billions although results are slow to materialize. Two growth sectors -- healthcare and B2B -- could help UPS transition to routes with higher margins. 10 stocks we like better than United Parcel Service Investors in United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS) have had little to cheer in 2025. Share prices are down almost 30% on the year, as daily package volume continues to slide domestically, and international trade (especially with China) has weakened significantly. UPS' stock has now lost more than half its value since hitting a closing high of $230 in early February 2022. And things aren't getting easier for the brown box giant, either. Weaker discretionary spending, coupled with a cautious outlook for businesses during tariff uncertainty, have hurt regional demand for deliveries. The near-term situation looks so uncertain that management has withdrawn full-year 2025 guidance for the second quarter in a row. What's going on here, and can UPS turn this ship around? Yes, I think it can. But expect this year and next to be choppy. Here's what potential investors should know about this staple industrial stock. Image source: Getty Images. Why 2025 looks so rough First, let's look at some recent numbers. Warning, UPS investors: This might hurt your eyes. In the second quarter, domestic package volume fell 7.3% year over year, with residential deliveries dropping nearly 11%. Internationally, its key China-to-U.S. lane plunged almost 35% as tariffs and weak consumer demand hit that high-margin route hard. For a company that relies heavily on density per route to manage costs, that's a one-two punch. Looking at the chart above, you can see the disconnect that's been dogging UPS for years. Revenue has had some ups and downs, but is mostly flat, while net income has sagged slightly. Meanwhile, share price (purple) has dropped sharply since late 2022, a clear indication that investors aren't buying into the company's long-term stability without clear profit growth. Zooming out, things don't look all that bad for the parcel market -- just not for UPS. Parcel volumes reached about $24 billion last year, an increase of 4% year over year, but competition with regional couriers and in-house delivery networks (aka Amazon Logistics) has siphoned away the e-commerce packages that once powered UPS' pandemic boom. The trouble with getting lean To keep up with this changing landscape, UPS is in the midst of a major network overhaul. Its plan, called Efficiency Reimagined, will depend less on manual labor and more on automation, potentially saving the company billions over a few years. (The Center Square) The two largest U.S. teachers unions have donated over $40 million to progressive organizations and initiatives, a new report found. Since 2022, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association together have given $43.5 million to leftwing organizations like the Trevor Project, an LGBTQ+ suicide hotline, according to a new report by Defending Education. The report outlines that AFT and NEA donated to pro-gender ideology groups, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, among others. The report states that $29,500 went to Gender Inclusivity LLC, $30,000 to the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network and $60,000 to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. The union reportedly sent $200,000 to the Black Progressive Action Coalition, $17,941 to the National Equity Project and $110,663 to Politico LLC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unions also allocated $600,000 to organizations supporting Democratic candidates, such as the Democratic Governors Association, and $9.3 million to the For Our Future Action Fund, a progressive political action committee, the report said. It is clear that the teachers' unions priorities are advancing far-left politics and radical social justice issues, not the education of children. This is a slap in the face to families and teachers who want to focus on helping students improve their reading and math skills, said Rhyen Staley, a researcher at Defending Education and the driving force behind the report. It is time that Congress acts to stop this obscene redistribution of public monies to advance leftwing identity politics. Since the Trump administration has taken steps to reduce federal education funding, eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and scale back DEI programs, teachers unions have voiced strong opposition. Nothing is more important than the success of students. Americas educators and parents wont be silent as Donald Trump, with the support of the MAGA Supreme Court, strips our students, our families, and our communities of protections and funding that Congress has mandated, said NEA President Becky Pringle, following the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to allow the dismantling of the Education Department. Gutting the Department of Education has already harmed students and communities. Todays ruling withholding relief that the lower courts ordered will only compound the harm." The Center Square reached out to both AFT and NEA for a comment, but has yet to receive a response. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG Should Stacy Garrity win the Republican nod to run for Pennsylvania governor next year, shell need to vie for the financial support of many of the same donors who contributed to Democrat Josh Shapiros electoral success. Garrity won races for Pennsylvania treasurer during the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections without facing primary challengers. In those efforts, she raised a combined $3.7 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By comparison, former Gov. Tom Wolf and the three Republicans who wanted to deny him reelection in 2018 collectively raised $57.4 million. Observers expect that Garritys mostly untested ability to raise major funds could be a key litmus test of her capacity to run a competitive campaign in 2026. I dont think you have to outraise [Shapiro] to win or be competitive, Sam Chen, a Lehigh Valley-based GOP consultant, told Spotlight PA. But if shes not in the $25 to $30 million range, I dont think its a race. Garrity, who announced her candidacy last week, faces a tough race against Shapiro, a popular incumbent running in a midterm expected to benefit the party that does not hold the presidency, if American political traditions hold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At least one other GOP candidate may be waiting in the wings to challenge Garrity for the nomination archconservative state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R., Franklin), who thrashed a well-funded field of establishment candidates in 2022 due to his deep grassroots support among the partys base. But lacking institutional support, including access to big campaign checks, he went on to lose by double digits to Shapiro in November. Its an outcome few in the GOP wish to repeat. In her campaigns for treasurer, Garrity raised money from traditional Republican sources, including business leaders, energy firms, and utility companies. Wealthy party stalwarts from across the GOPs ideological spectrum have also been contributors, including former gubernatorial candidates Scott Wagner and Dave White, as well as old school power brokers Bob Asher and Andrew Reilly, and Trump acolytes such as Jim Worthington and Ted Christian. Treasurer Garrity plans to do exactly what she did in her previous races: run a strong, disciplined campaign that resonates with voters and raises the resources needed to win, a spokesperson said in an email to Spotlight PA. She understands this will be an expensive race and shes prepared to raise the funds necessary to compete and win. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Garrity has also historically benefited from donations that, in a head-to-head match-up, will likely favor Shapiro. Take organized labor. Unions, including those for laborers, steamfitters, and electricians, have provided Garrity with roughly $320,000 since 2020 almost 9% of the campaign cash she has received during her political career. If forced to choose between the two, the states unions will likely pick Shapiro, a point that Philadelphia labor leader Ryan Boyer recently made clear. The full force of our membership and resources will be deployed to defeat her efforts if Garrity runs against our friend Shapiro, he wrote in a social media statement on behalf of the Philadelphia Building Trades Council last month after Garrity announced. Boyers announcement wasnt particularly surprising. Organized labor tends to back Democrats over Republicans. Almost all of the 33 unions that donated to Garrity have also donated to Shapiro since 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Labor wont be the only class of Garrity donors that may have to pick sides. She has also received nearly $200,000 from Harrisburg lobbyists or their firms, which often gravitate toward influential and rising state politicians in both parties, such as Shapiro and top legislative leaders. Twenty-one out of 33 lobbyists or firms that gave to Garrity have also given to Shapiro. Her single biggest lobby shop donor is GSL Public Affairs and Communications, an affiliate of Reading-based law firm Stevens & Lee; it represents a mix of energy companies, public utilities, health systems, and tech firms. The firm and its lobbyists have given Garrity $84,000, including paying for her to host a 2023 fundraiser at a suburban Harrisburg country club. Playing both sides is normal in political giving, said Christopher Borick, a political science professor at Muhlenberg College, especially for individuals and organizations that are less ideological. It seems almost odd that you would write a check to people competing against each other, Borick said. But its often engaged in because its seen as a way to protect yourself and your interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Money alone doesnt win races. But it does allow candidates to hire staff, pay for political ads, and fund the travel that smoothes the path to a statewide electoral victory. Pennsylvania law places no limits on the amount that individuals and political committees can donate to political campaigns. Neither Garrity nor Shapiro must file new campaign finance reports under state law until next February. Small donor support While the loss of dollars to Shapiro would leave a hole, Garrity may have a few strengths in her quest for cash. First, there may be national donors and other big spenders, like Pennsylvania billionaire stock trader Jeff Yass, willing to step up. Her two biggest donors since 2020 are the Commonwealth Leaders Fund and Commonwealth Childrens Choice Fund, part of the network of political committees mostly financed by Yass. Combined, theyve provided Garrity with $720,000 since 2020. Thats roughly 20% of her total fundraising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yass, a registered libertarian who backs alternatives to public schools, has funneled tens of millions of dollars into state politics in recent years. He usually backs Republicans in statewide races, and Garrity has already expressed support for school choice initiatives. But it isnt guaranteed that Yass will spend on the race. Groups funded by him were notably quiet in the 2022 gubernatorial race against Shapiro, who is a rare Democratic supporter of using public resources to send students to private schools. A spokesperson for Commonwealth Partners, a conservative organization that often serves as a funnel for Yass political dollars, did not reply to a request for comment. Beyond Yass, a cavalcade of other national GOP groups and donors will also likely express interest in the race. These groups, likely drawn by a chance to ding Shapiros brand ahead of his rumored run for president in the future, could also fill gaps in Garritys existing fundraising network, Chen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are already a few signs of this. Among Garritys donors is Adam Kidan, a Florida-based GOP donor (and convicted accomplice of DC lobbyist Jack Abramoff). According to LNP | LancasterOnline, Kidan has close relationships with Trump and other national GOP donors. Billionaire hedge fund manager Daniel Och and heiress Margaretta Taylor are also among Garritys supporters with deep pockets. Garrity has also been backed by individuals linked to small Pennsylvania manufacturers of everything from suction cups to ribbons, as well as individuals linked to metal production, the field in which she used to be an executive. According to a Spotlight PA analysis, shes received almost $100,000 from such donors. David Taylor, chief executive of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association, has personally donated $3,000 to Garrity, while his organizations PAC has chipped in another $5,000. He told Spotlight PA that the commonwealths business owners see Garrity as one of their own, and the sort of leader they havent had in state government in a long time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garrity has also raked in small checks from local Republican organizations, some 30 and counting, and other individual donors. Donations of less than $250 have counted for about 12% of her fundraising. Often, lower-profile state candidates struggle to raise funds from these sources. For a candidate whose highest-profile race has so far been for a state row office, Chen argued this shows some genuine grassroots enthusiasm for Garrity that shes earned through a busy schedule of barnstorming. Everyone in GOP politics knows if you need a keynote, call Stacy Garrity, Chen said. Shapiro is a notoriously strong fundraiser. His campaign set records in 2022, topping $68 million raised, and he entered 2025 with $11 million in the bank about six times what former Gov. Tom Wolf had at this point before his 2018 reelection campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A mix of small donors, established state interests, and national megadonors, like former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg and venture capitalist Reid Hoffman, have contributed. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. California Republicans again asked the state Supreme Court on Monday to block Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting plan from the November ballot, arguing that the hastily assembled initiative violates the state Constitution. In a 432-page lawsuit, Republican lawmakers said the effort by Democrats to unwind the state's nonpartisan congressional districts is a violation of Californians' rights to fair and nonpartisan electoral maps. The party made a similar argument last week in an emergency petition to the court that was denied without a hearing. The ballot measure was crafted by Democrats as a retaliatory strike against the GOP-led Texas Legislature, which has passed new congressional districts that would help Republicans pick up five seats in the 2026 midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The California plan, which is headed to voters Nov. 4 under the name Proposition 50, would throw out the state's nonpartisan maps in favor of boundaries that would tilt the scales for Democrats. The lawsuit filed Monday against California Secretary of State Shirley Weber and the state Legislature argues that the ballot measure is actually asking voters to answer two questions: first, whether Congress should amend the U.S. Constitution to require independent redistricting nationwide; and second, whether to scrap the nonpartisan districts in the 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections in favor of partisan lines that help Democrats. That double-barreled question is an "illegal, take-it-or-leave-it choice," said Michael Columbo, an attorney for the plaintiffs, that "forces a person in favor of independent commissions into a conundrum" and violates the state Constitution, which limits ballot measures to a single issue. That argument is weak, said David A. Carrillo, the executive director of Berkeley Law's California Constitution Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The common subject here obviously is redistricting," Carrillo said. President Trump said Monday that the Justice Department will sue California over the plan "pretty soon, and I think we're going to be very successful in it." He didn't explain what legal standing the administration would have to challenge the state Legislature. In a post on the social media site X, Newsom said of the Trump threat: "BRING IT." A spokesperson for Weber said the department had no comment on the lawsuit. "Trump's toadies already got destroyed once in court," Hannah Milgrom, a spokesperson for the Yes on 50 campaign, said in a statement. "Now they are trying again, to protect Trump's power grab and prevent voters from having their say on Prop 50. They will lose." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit also argues that the state Legislature violated the state Constitution by proposing new congressional districts, despite the fact that voters in 2010 passed a measure giving that power to an independent panel. Republicans argue that in order to comply with the state's current redistricting laws, Democrats should have first asked voters to suspend independent redistricting, then passed new maps afterward. At the heart of the legal fight, Carrillo said, is voters' tremendous power to amend the California Constitution, including who drafts the state's congressional districts. "Voters gave this power to the commission they created," Carrillo said. "The voters can therefore modify or withdraw the power they conferred." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The California Supreme Court has occasionally removed voter initiatives from the ballot, Carrillo said, but it's rare and controversial and reserved for the most extreme cases. It's "very unlikely the court would reach for the nuclear option," he said. Also Monday, opponents of the ballot measure filed a public records act request with state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta, seeking communications among his office, Newsom and prominent Democratic strategists about how Proposition 50 will appear on the ballot. The group, formed by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) and run by former California GOP chair Jessica Millan Patterson, said Democrats had called for transparency and ought to provide it too. "Voters deserve to know if these top Democrats are actively trying to put their thumb on the scale for how their partisan power grab will be portrayed in what should be an impartial analysis," Patterson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Sydney Meeks, NextGen regional organizing director, and Logan Parke, Chapel Hill field organizer, talk to a UNC-CH student during a National Voter Registration Day campus visit. (Photo by Lynn Bonner/NC Newsline) Requiring people who register to vote to reveal their full Social Security numbers, as North Carolina legislators have proposed, would violate a 50-year-old federal law, election and privacy experts told NC Newsline. The requirement that voter applicants supply all nine digits of Social Security numbers to register is in the latest version of House bill 958, a sweeping bill on election changes moving through the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal Privacy Act of 1974 makes it unlawful for any local or state government or the federal government to deny a right, privilege, or benefit because a person refuses to provide his or her Social Security number, according to a 2023 report on Congress prepared by the Congressional Research Service. Under this federal law, North Carolina cannot deny voting rights to people who do not supply the full number. North Carolina cant carve out a new exception for itself in 2025, John Davisson, senior counsel and director of litigation at the Electronic Privacy Information Center, or EPIC, said in an email. He continued: Thats for good reason: States have other ways to verify a voters identity that are far less hazardous to privacy, including drivers license numbers and the last four digits of a registrants Social Security number. Existing law requires applicants supply one of those identifiers. At a July committee meeting on the bill, Rep. Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford) warned that the Social Security provision violated federal privacy law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke) and Rep. Sarah Stevens (R-Surry), the bills sponsors, mentioned that the applicants for social welfare programs supply full Social Security numbers and the DMV requires them. A federal law from 1976 allows state and local tax agencies, social welfare offices, and DMVs to require Social Security numbers. In an interview last week, Blackwell would not offer a reason why full Social Security should be required of people registering to vote. Blackwell called the bill a work in progress and said the best time for him to offer a justification is when legislators have a finished product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More research is going into determining if there are federal, constitutional, or other issues we need to factor into the decision, he said. The bill has moved through two House committees and is next slated for a hearing in the House Rules Committee. No date has been set for that meeting. Five states are allowed to ask for full Social Security numbers because they were grandfathered in before 1974, Lata Nott, director of Voting Rights Policy at the Campaign Legal Center said in an interview. However, only two of those five Virginia and Tennessee make supplying the full number a registration requirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Carolina makes it optional. New Mexico is permitted to ask for the full number, but doesnt. Kentucky requires it, but that states registration instructions say, No person shall be denied the right to register because of failure to include social security number. Two Georgia voters won a federal lawsuit against Georgia filed in 2000 over the requirement that they provide their Social Security numbers as part of their voter registration. Georgia makes providing the full number optional. If North Carolina legislators push forward with seeking full Social Security numbers, the state would need to have the Election Assistance Commission, which develops the national voter registration form, change the state-specific instructions for North Carolina, said Sean Morales-Doyle, director of the voting rights program at the Brennan Center for Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legal hurdles to requesting Social Security numbers are in place to make sure states dont collect the numbers unless they need them and to ensure they have the infrastructure to make sure its done right, he said. Republican legislators interest in securing full Social Security numbers on voter forms comes as the Trump administration has dialed back its support for election security. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency ended support for election security and a partnership states had relied on, Votebeat has reported. Last week, Arizonas two U.S. Senators sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem asking what security help the agency would provide in light of the hacking attack into that states election website that changed candidate profile pictures to one of Iranian Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Votebeat reported. At the last North Carolina House committee meeting on the bill, voters protested the Social Security number requirement, saying it would create another potential source for leaks of private data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the clean voter rolls is a policy interest, so is keeping this very personal information secure, Nott said. The executive director of You Can Vote, a nonprofit organization that sponsors voter registration drives, told the committee that potential voters would be reluctant to put their full Social Security numbers on forms they would then hand to people they dont know. Common Cause of North Carolina opposes the provision requiring full Social Security numbers, said Bob Phillips, the organizations executive director. It is a huge identity theft risk, he said in an interview. There seems to be no valid reason to do it other than to put up another barrier to voter registration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Carolina has a sad legacy of making voting and registration harder, he said. Phillips said he was encouraged that Blackwell indicated that committee members were willing to listen to concerns about the bill. I hope this is not set in stone, that they actually will listen to reason, Phillips said. I dont think it provides any additional security. Residents express concerns over potential new Clark County Jail site Clark County Commissioners are focusing on a site where they plan to build a new county jail. Voters will have a say on potential funding for the project in November. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] News Center 7s John Bedell spent part of his day in Clark County on Tuesday talking to the sheriff, county commissioners, and people who are not happy about the plan in the works near their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cynthia and James Parsley have lived along State Route 72 just south of Interstate 70 in Springfield Township for decades. Weve been here 35 years, James said. TRENDING STORIES: The couple says they love the bucolic setting and the views from their backyard. We like sitting out here in the back and just the peace and comfort, Cynthia said. We enjoy that. But lately, they say, word has started to spread among neighbors about the new county jail construction proposal in the works for the property that borders their backyards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hate the thought of it, the Parsleys next-door neighbor, Monica Upton, of Springfield Township, said. My safety. Our property values, the children in the area with criminals in our backyard. I dont know what else to say, I think its just terrible. The Parsleys said they also learned about the plan in a personalized letter from the Clark County Sheriffs Office, and signed by Sheriff Christopher Clark, that came in the mail this past Saturday. The Parsleys now know the view from their backyard could soon be changing. Were not happy, Cynthia said. Not at all. Just last week, Clark County Commissioners approved a purchase agreement for nearly 30 acres of farm field that borders the Parsleys and Uptons property. The parcels of land sit within Springfield city limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If everything goes the way wed like, we will build an entire public safety complex there, Clark County Sheriff Christopher Clark told News Center 7 on Tuesday. Sheriff Clark said that public safety complex would include a new Clark County Sheriffs Office headquarters and a new Clark County jail. Bedell asked the sheriff, Why do you feel you need a new jail here in Clark County? Clark said theres a conglomeration of all kinds of things that show that we need a new facility, but chief among those reasons is, he says, his agency has outgrown the current jail and administrative offices in downtown Springfield. That building opened in 1980. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have 180 beds, Clark said of the jail his office operates. But the state of Ohio recognizes that I have capacity for 167 inmates. We are at 207 (as of) this morning. So were way over capacity. Clark said, We want to be good neighbors at the new site along State Route 72 and confirmed an in-person meeting on the block this week to hear concerns from residents. Theres other places they could put it, James Parsley said. My concern is our property value. Is it going to drop our property down? In a phone interview Tuesday, Clark County Commissioner Charles Patterson told News Center 7 the board of commissioners has studied property values around other new jails recently built in the Miami Valley, including Warren Countys new jail in Lebanon, and is confident property values wont drop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We as a commission are committed to making sure that we put a top-quality product on that site, Patterson said. And we are aware of the fact that there are neighbors there. We will be providing appropriate screening and making sure were continuing to talk to them throughout the process to make sure that we hear their concerns. Its not going to stop the project from moving forward, but we are going to involve them in the process. I know the sheriff already has a meeting coming up with some of them. As commissioners, weve talked with several of the people already and have committed to continuing that dialog as we move forward so that we have the best outcome for everyone. Clark County voters will be able to give their input when it comes to the question of how to potentially produce funding for the project. Voters will see a 20-year, 0.5% sales tax levy increase on the November ballot. Currently, the sales tax in Clark County is 7.25%, which includes the county sales tax of 1.5% and Ohios state sales tax of 5.75%. If voters approve the measure this fall, it would increase the sales tax in Clark County to 7.75%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patterson told News Center 7 on Tuesday that if the measure passes, it would fund around $82, $83 million of the estimated $100 million project. Sheriff Clark told WHIO the county would look for other funding sources, including state grant money, to bankroll the remainder of the project. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story and let you know what voters decide in November. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Reuters and The Associated Press issued a joint letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, demanding answers after five journalists were among the 20 people killed in an airstrike on a hospital in Gaza earlier that day. Signed by Reuters editor-in-chief Alessandra Galloni and AP executive editor/SVP Julie Pace, the news agencies said they are outraged that Mariam Dagga, Moaz Abu Taha and Hussam al-Masri were among the dead. Mohammed Salam and Ahmed Abu Aziz were also killed in the attacks on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on the Gaza Strip. More from TheWrap In their letter, The AP and Reuters noted that its against international law for the Israel Defense Forces to target journalists and once again urged the country to allow media unimpeded access into the region. Furthermore, they questioned the response to the airstrikes, after the IDF told The AP it regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and does not target journalists as such. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred today at the Nasser Hospital in Gaza. Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff and all civilians. The military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation, Netanyahu and his team said on Monday. Our war is with Hamas terrorists. Our just goals are defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home. The news agencies also noted that 197 journalists have reportedly been killed in the area 189 of them Palestinian since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Read the full joint letter, below: Dear Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Director of the Government Press Office Nitzan Chen: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are writing to demand a clear explanation for the airstrikes that hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Aug. 25, 2025, killing several journalists, including those working for the Associated Press and Reuters. Freelance visual journalists Mariam Dagga and Moaz Abu Taha had worked for AP and Reuters, respectively, as well other outlets during the war. Cameraman Hussam al-Masri was a contractor for Reuters. Photographer Hatem Khaled, who is also a contractor for Reuters, was wounded. We are outraged that independent journalists were among the victims of this strike on the hospital, a location that is protected under international law. These journalists were present in their professional capacity, doing critical work bearing witness. Their work is especially vital in light of Israels nearly two-year ban on foreign journalists entering Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces has acknowledged conducting the strikes and says it is investigating. In a statement, the IDF said it does not target journalists as such. Unfortunately, we have found the IDFs willingness and ability to investigate itself in past incidents to rarely result in clarity and action, raising serious questions including whether Israel is deliberately targeting live feeds in order to suppress information. We hope this probe will be quick, thorough and provide clear answers. These deaths demand urgent and transparent accountability. The IDF has a duty under international law to protect journalists and civilians and to take all feasible precautions to prevent harm. Striking a hospital, followed by a second strike while journalists and rescuers were responding, raises urgent questions about whether these obligations were upheld. In all, the Committee to Protect Journalists says 197 journalists and media workers have been killed in the region since Oct. 7, 2023, 189 of them Palestinian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are doing everything we can to keep our journalists in Gaza safe as they continue to deliver crucial eyewitness reporting under extremely dangerous conditions. We once again urge Israeli authorities to allow independent journalists safe, unimpeded access into and out of Gaza, and to uphold their obligations to ensure press freedom and protection. We are available to discuss this further and reiterate our call for a full and transparent accounting of what occurred. The post Reuters and AP Demand Israel Explain Airstrike That Killed 5 Journalists at Gaza Hospital appeared first on TheWrap. Reuters and the Associated Press issued a joint letter to Israels government on Monday night, demanding answers over an Israeli airstrike on a hospital in Gaza that led to the death of 20 people, among them five journalists, including Mariam Dagga and Moaz Abu Taha, who had both worked for AP and Reuters and cameraman Hussam al-Masri, who was a contractor with Reuters. The letter, signed by Reuters editor-in-chief Alessandra Galloni and APs executive editor and svp Julie Pace, called on Israels leaders for a clear explanation for the airstrikes that hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The letter added that the news organizations were outraged that independent journalists were among the victims of this strike on the hospital, a location that is protected under international law. These journalists were present in their professional capacity, doing critical work bearing witness. Their work is especially vital in light of Israels nearly two-year ban on foreign journalists entering Gaza. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Reuters and AP acknowledged that the IDF were conducting an investigation into the incident, but the letter stated that, Unfortunately, we have found the IDFs willingness and ability to investigate itself in past incidents to rarely result in clarity and action, raising serious questions including whether Israel is deliberately targeting live feeds in order to suppress information. The letter pointed out that the IDF has a duty under international law to protect journalists and civilians and to take all feasible precautions to prevent harm. Striking a hospital, followed by a second strike while journalists and rescuers were responding, raises urgent questions about whether these obligations were upheld. Galloni and Pace added that, in all, the Committee to Protect Journalists says 197 journalists and media workers have been killed in the region since Oct. 7, 2023, 189 of them Palestinian. Both news organizations urged Israel to allow independent journalists safe, unimpeded access into and out of Gaza, and to uphold their obligations to ensure press freedom and protection. The full joint letter from Reuters and AP is below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Director of the Government Press Office Nitzan Chen: We are writing to demand a clear explanation for the airstrikes that hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Aug. 25, 2025, killing several journalists, including those working for the Associated Press and Reuters. Freelance visual journalists Mariam Dagga and Moaz Abu Taha had worked for AP and Reuters, respectively, as well other outlets during the war. Cameraman Hussam al-Masri was a contractor for Reuters. Photographer Hatem Khaled, who is also a contractor for Reuters, was wounded. We are outraged that independent journalists were among the victims of this strike on the hospital, a location that is protected under international law. These journalists were present in their professional capacity, doing critical work bearing witness. Their work is especially vital in light of Israels nearly two-year ban on foreign journalists entering Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces has acknowledged conducting the strikes and says it is investigating. In a statement, the IDF said it does not target journalists as such. Unfortunately, we have found the IDFs willingness and ability to investigate itself in past incidents to rarely result in clarity and action, raising serious questions including whether Israel is deliberately targeting live feeds in order to suppress information. We hope this probe will be quick, thorough and provide clear answers. These deaths demand urgent and transparent accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF has a duty under international law to protect journalists and civilians and to take all feasible precautions to prevent harm. Striking a hospital, followed by a second strike while journalists and rescuers were responding, raises urgent questions about whether these obligations were upheld. In all, the Committee to Protect Journalists says 197 journalists and media workers have been killed in the region since Oct. 7, 2023, 189 of them Palestinian. We are doing everything we can to keep our journalists in Gaza safe as they continue to deliver crucial eyewitness reporting under extremely dangerous conditions. We once again urge Israeli authorities to allow independent journalists safe, unimpeded access into and out of Gaza, and to uphold their obligations to ensure press freedom and protection. We are available to discuss this further and reiterate our call for a full and transparent accounting of what occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sincerely, Alessandra Galloni Editor-in-Chief Reuters Julie Pace Executive Editor and Senior Vice President The Associated Press Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) A review by the entire Board of Parole Hearings has upheld a decision earlier this year to grant parole to a Shafter man convicted of murdering a 2-year-old boy. The decision affirming the grant of parole to 49-year-old Josue Daniel Palma Herrera was made last week, according to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Theres a note on the CDCR website stating Herrera who is serving 25 years to life will first become eligible for release in August 2033, at which point hell have spent 25 years in custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 10, 2008, Herreras girlfriends son was taken to Kern Medical, where hospital staff discovered skull fractures and bruising on his head, arms and legs. The child, Guillermo, was transported to Childrens Medical Center in Madera, where doctors found hed also suffered detached retinas and bleeding in both eyes. He died. Herrera, whod been alone with the child while the boys mother was at work, first said Guillermo hurt himself while jumping on a bed, according to court filings. He later claimed the child fell in the shower or on the bathroom floor. A forensic pathologist determined the injuries were too severe to have been caused by a fall. And Guillermos mother said she began noticing injuries about a month earlier soon after Herrera moved in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2010, Herrera was found guilty of second-degree murder and child abuse. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (WCMH) A 58-year-old man was arrested in Reynoldsburg after a child living in his home told police she had been sold to the suspect to have sex. According to court records, Daniel L. Sisk is facing one charge of third-degree felony gross sexual imposition; Sisk was arrested on Aug. 22. Former Ohio State QB Art Schlichter pleads guilty, sentenced in latest drug charge Police were alerted to the case by an anonymous tip that reported a 7-year-old girl had been brought to Reynoldsburg from North Carolina and was being sexually abused by a man who had possession of her but not any legal rights, court records state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Detectives were able to make contact with the child, who told investigators that she had been sold and that her mother gave her to Dan, my dad, to have sex, according to court records. The child told police about the sexual acts Sisk allegedly did daily for more than a month. When investigators spoke with the childs legal guardian, the woman told police that the girls mother who was her daughter visited with the girl on July 12 but had not returned with the child; court records state that on July 13, Sisk allegedly left with the girl. Delta adds new nonstop flight from John Glenn Columbus International Airport Sisk allegedly admitted to police that the child did sleep in the bed with him, but stopped when he thought better of it. He also allegedly admitted that, despite the child being 7 years old, he bathed her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sisk remains in police custody after being given a $2 million bond, with additional charges possible, according to court records. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 4. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. By Pete Schroeder WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The completed merger between Capital One and Discover Financial weighed down bank profits in the second quarter, as the sector reported $69.9 billion in profits, down 1% from the quarter prior. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation said accounting rules required the merged institution to set aside a relatively large amount of provision expense. Absent that one-time cost, industry profits would have been up for the quarter on higher net interest and noninterest income, the regulator said. The merged bank, which completed its deal in May, was the main contributor to a 33.7% increase in provision expenses for the quarter, which rose $7.6 billion. Bank profits were down $677.3 million for the quarter. In a prepared statement, Acting FDIC Chairman Travis Hill noted that domestic deposits increased for the fourth straight quarter and loan growth accelerated. The FDIC said asset quality metrics for banks remained fairly good, but noted continued weakness in some portfolios, most notably commercial real estate and credit cards, which have overdue rates higher than the pre-pandemic average. (Reporting by Pete Schroeder; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama ) PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) A Rhode Island state prosecutor was put on unpaid leave for six months after she was captured on police body camera footage warning one of the officers who were arresting her on a trespassing charge that he was gonna regret it. Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan was given the punishment Monday. It stemmed from her Aug. 14 trespassing arrest outside of a restaurant in Newport, the state attorney general, Peter Neronha, said Tuesday. We hold our attorneys to the highest personal and professional standards, and Ms. Flanagan plainly did not meet those standards here, Neronha said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neronha met with the officers involved in Flanagan's arrest on Monday and apologized, said Tim Rondeau, a spokesman for the attorney general's office. Flanagan also sent apology letters to the individual officers, he said. Flanagan and a friend were arrested after they were asked to leave the Clarke Cooke House and refused, according to police. The police footage shows Flanagan asking an officer multiple times to turn off his body camera and then repeatedly saying Im an AG. It shows the officers approaching someone from the restaurant and asking if they want them trespassed. The person clasps his hands and responds saying, Trespass, yeah. Cuff em, please. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the officer says Flanagan and people who were with her are trespassing, she says Were not trespassing, you havent notified us that were trespassing. What did I just say to you? Youre trespassing, says the officer, who is not identified in the video. Im an AG. Im an AG, Flanagan later says. Good for you, the officer says. Eventually, Flanagan is put in a patrol vehicle and says, Buddy, youre gonna regret this. Youre gonna regret it. In Rhode Island, a conviction for misdemeanor willful trespass is punishable by up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. It is unclear whether, if convicted, Flanagan would still be able to work in the attorney general's office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flanagan's attorney, Kevin Hagan, declined to comment. In his statement announcing Flanagan was placed on leave, Neronha said he hopes she reflects on the seriousness of her conduct and makes corrective changes in her life. She has a long road ahead of her, but I believe that in the long run, our worst moments can inspire us to become better people, he said. According to the attorney generals office, Flanagan has worked for the states top legal office for nearly seven years and was assigned to the criminal divisions appellate unit at the time of her arrest. BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A Rogers man in prison for shaking his newborn son in 2009 and facing a murder charge after his son died last year has pleaded not guilty, according to court documents. Zachary Campbell, 34, is facing one count of capital murder. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Aug. 25. Zachary Campbell, 34 (Courtesy: Benton County Detention Center) A pretrial hearing in the case has been scheduled for Sept. 29 at the Benton County Courthouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A probable cause affidavit filed on July 11 said Campbell was convicted of first-degree battery in 2010 for shaking his newborn son five times over a two-week period in 2009. The affidavit says the newborn had a brain injury, swollen lips and a darkened right eye with other bruising when he was admitted to the hospital. Campbell was arrested and charged with first-degree battery in December 2009, which he eventually pleaded guilty to. He was sentenced to 32 years in prison for the crime in August 2010. University of Arkansas among colleges with active shooter hoaxes in August The child was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, a broken clavicle and multiple bruises to the lips and eyes. The newborn started having seizures and had to be intubated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was then diagnosed with cerebral palsy and had to use a feeding tube. The affidavit says the child was placed with a foster family and later adopted by an unrelated family who cared for him until he died three months before his 15th birthday in July 2024. Along with cerebral palsy, the child had spastic quadriplegia and moderate seizure activity. The affidavit said the child needed constant care. The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory ruled the manner of death a homicide due to complications of a remote traumatic brain injury. The autopsy also showed the child had microcephaly, which led to underdevelopment of his brain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campbell is currently being held at the Benton County Detention Center on no bond. He was serving his 32-year sentence at the Wrightsville Unit of the Arkansas Department of Corrections in central Arkansas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Muhammad Rezwan was 21 when he walked hundreds of miles to flee attacks on his home by the Myanmar army in 2017, a military campaign that UN experts have characterised as a genocide. Eight years later, he is kept awake at night not by immediate threats to his safety, but by the thought of raising his two daughters aged two and four in the worlds largest refugee camp in Bangladesh. It is almost a decade since I fled with hundreds of people in my village for a better future. But the situation is still grim. The future of my young daughters is at stake, Rezwan tells The Independent. Bangladesh is sheltering around 1.2 million Rohingya Muslim refugees half of them children who have fled waves of violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. Of these, some 700,000 came in a huge exodus beginning on 25 August 2017, travelling by foot and by boat amid indiscriminate shelling, massacres, and the torching of entire villages in Rakhine state, where Myanmars army was fighting the Arakan Army insurgent group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military crackdown in Rakhine came at a time when Aung San Suu Kyi was in power as state counsellor. She infamously defended the military against allegations of genocide in 2019 at the International Court of Justice, before she was deposed by those same generals in a 2021 coup detat. The Independents documentary Cancelled: The Rise and Fall of Aung San Suu Kyi explores that episode as well as Suu Kyis continued imprisonment. While the Bangladesh government and the UN have long campaigned for the safe return of the Rohingya refugees, the situation inside Myanmar has remained volatile, especially in Rakhine with locals facing a battle for survival only complicated by recent aid cuts imposed by US president Donald Trump. Rohingya refugees gather in the rain, with a flag of Myanmar, centre, to demand safe return to Myanmars Rakhine state as they mark the anniversary of their mass exodus at their refugee camp at Kutupalong in the Coxs Bazar district, Bangladesh (AP) Trumps aid cuts are already having a dramatic impact on the camps in Bangladesh, with food rations being hit, says Alexander Matheou, the Asia Pacific regional director of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). If people dont have enough to eat, the camps will not be a safe place to be with very unpredictable consequences, he tells The Independent. Besides food, the soap rations will stop flowing, which will have a massive impact on hygiene and public health. Educational services will also close in 2025, affecting around 250,000 children, says Matheou. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an international crisis, he says, adding that the solution should come from neighbouring countries in south and southeast Asia. The IFRC provides relief and fireproof shelters, among other services, to the refugees in the camps, to prevent their lives from crumbling every few months because of repeated natural disasters in the storm-prone region. Recently, the Rohingya refugees staged a protest at Kutupalong, one of the largest of more than 30 camps in Coxs Bazar, to express their frustration over the ongoing civil war in Myanmar and uncertainty over their return. We are here today because the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army committed genocide against our community. We are here today to remember the people who lost their lives and who sacrificed their lives for being Muslim, Nur Aziz, 19, told the Associated Press. We want to go back to our country with equal rights like other ethnic groups in Myanmar. The rights they are enjoying in Myanmar as citizens of the country, we too want to enjoy the same rights, he said. A newly arrived Rohingya refugee walks to the beach after the local community decided to allow them to land temporarily to access water and food in Ulee Madon, Aceh province, Indonesia (AFP/Getty) Despite a sharp rise in arrivals over the past 18 months, funding for the camps has been cut substantially. The UN refugee agency UNHCR says it needs about $256m (189m) to support the displaced Rohingya Muslims this year. The amount is the lowest in six years, but the agency has only been pledged enough funding to cover around 38 per cent of the total. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rokeya Bibi, mother to a seven-year-old boy, shares a single semi-permanent structure with her family of four. She is among the thousands of mothers who worry about their childrens lack of access to education in the camps. My son sits idle all day. Without proper education, without proper means of livelihood, he could end up doing something illegal in the future, she tells The Independent. No one even bats an eye about our situation. Are our lives not as important as those in other part of the world? she rues. Rohingya Muslims form the largest concentration of stateless people who lack economic power or the means to guarantee their own security and wellbeing. It is very much an international responsibility to find a solution to the crisis, says Matheou. The responsibility is not Bangladeshs alone, he says, adding that the country has already done the most important thing by providing protection. Bangladesh has no scope to allocate more resources to Rohingya refugees, announced Muhammad Yunus, the de facto leader of the south Asian country, urging the international community to find a sustainable solution to the crisis. A man inspects his damaged home in Coxs Bazar following the landfall of Cyclone Hamoon in October 2023 (AFP/Getty) We dont foresee any scope whatsoever for further mobilisation of resources from domestic sources, given our numerous challenges, Yunus said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He called on the international community to draft a practical roadmap for the Rohingya to return to Myanmar. The Rohingya issue and its sustainable resolution must be kept alive on the global agenda, as they need our support until they return home. Since 2017, Bangladesh has attempted at least twice to send back the refugees, and has urged the international community to build pressure on Myanmars government to establish a peaceful environment that could assist their repatriation. Successive governments in Bangladesh have also sought repatriation support from China. Its a collective responsibility to try to manage this well. And thats partly a responsibility of financing wellbeing in the short term. Its partly a responsibility around providing third-party repatriation for some of the most vulnerable people, Matheou says. The original idea was to find a way of managing safe and voluntary repatriation, and at the same time to try to mobilise commitment to manage support in the meantime, because you cant repatriate so many people so quickly, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the deterioration of the security situation in the Rakhine, its unlikely to achieve its original objectives. So Im sure the government of Bangladesh will want the objective to be backed up as an aspiration and not dropped, but ultimately thats what everyone should work for, especially those governments that have influence over the Arakan Army and over Myanmar generally. This article is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project VIENNA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) New York State Police are investigating a drowning incident that resulted in the death of a Rome man on Monday. Police were called to Fish Creek near the Treasure Isle RV Park in the town of Vienna on Monday, August 25. Upon their arrival, Troopers located and recovered a body from nearby Fish Creek. Preliminary investigatons found that the man was 44-year-old James Baker of Rome. Baker was pronounced dead at the scene. A preliminary investigation into the cause of Bakers death was that he died as a result of an accidental drowning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Autopsy results from the Oneida County Medical Examiners Office are still pending. State Police were assisted at the scene by the Vienna Fire Department, AmCare Ambulance in Rome, and the Oneida County Sheriffs Office Marine Unit. This is an ongoing investigation. Eyewitness News and CNYHomepage will provide more information as it becomes 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 WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. ROSELAND, La. (WGNO) The American Lung Association issued health guidance for residents impacted by the Smittys Supply plant explosion in Roseland. They said this information is particularly important for people living with lung problems. The Louisiana State Police said air monitoring continues to show safe air quality. But just in case, here are some tips to stay safe. Roseland evacuation zone following fire, explosion reduced Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keep windows closed and pets indoors, especially those who live downwind from the fire. Use the recirculation setting on air conditioners to avoid outdoor air circulation. Using whole house fans is not recommended because they can allow unfiltered air into the home. Close car windows and vents when driving through smoky areas and set air conditioning to recirculate to avoid exposure to outside air. Monitor symptoms. If you experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness, contact a healthcare provider. Seek emergency care if symptoms are severe, such as difficult or painful breathing or if fingernails or lips are turning blue. People living with certain medical conditions such as asthma, COPD or cardiovascular disease may be at a higher risk of health effects. The American Lung Association says to take extra precautions for kids, who are more susceptible to harm. Their lungs are still developing, and they breathe in more air for their size than adults. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont count on a mask. Dust masks, designed only to filter out particles, do not provide adequate protection and allow gases and more dangerous smaller particles to pass through. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Thanks to fellow racers and first responders, a Michigan runner is alive after falling into cardiac arrest during a race. The Genesee County Sheriffs Office says a man named Paul from Grand Blanc went into cardiac arrest on Saturday during the eighth mile of the 10-mile run at the Crim Festival of Races in Flint. Sign up for the News 8 daily newsletter Almost immediately after going down, other runners started CPR on Paul. Paramedics staged at the race took over and he was rushed to a nearby hospital to be stabilized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We couldnt have done it without the other race participants, the health care providers on the course, that provided very quick bystander CPR and were able to start that continuing care that got Paul all the way to Hurley Medical Center, Sgt. Sean Clayton said in a social media video. The GCSO also shared video of a deputy presenting Paul with his race medal, informing him that they picked up where he left off and finished the race for him. Both Clayton and emergency physician Dr. Ryan Reece at Hurley Medical Center shared the story to emphasize the importance of knowing CPR. You could be the difference in somebodys life, Reece said. You can save a life today by doing that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. RUSSELL The seventh annual Russell Police Association Family Fun Day at Strathmore Park on Saturday, Aug. 23, saw a record crowd of around 1,000, which was by far the biggest theyve had, said Police Chief Kevin Hennessey. Over 130 classic cars were parked in the field, with awards given out in six categories at the end of the event. The cars were joined by the LifeStar helicopter, which made several return trips during the day, to the delight of the children attending the free event, who also played in the bounce house, water slide and other games. Hennessey also took a turn getting dunked in the water throw, and $1,000 was raised throughout the day for the opportunity to soak him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a large presence from area police departments and emergency responders. Hennessey said Among them were the Westfield Cadets directing traffic, and vehicles from Tolland, Granville and the Hampden County Mounted Unit among others, along with local vendors and artisans. John Fitzgibbons and Zachary Demers of the Westfield Police Department Drone Unit, which also includes Christopher Gage and is led by Detective Todd Edwards, demonstrated its large search and rescue drone and a smaller Aveta drone. Fitzgibbons and Demers said the search and rescue drone, an S&R Matrice 300, is used to find missing persons, runaways and vehicles in the woods, and is equipped with thermals and night vision to transmit video of its searches. The Avata drone can be used for building searches, active shooter special response and to clear rooms. A newer search and rescue drone is on order for the department. Kittie & the Beard played live music in the pavilion, where food was prepared and served by the all-volunteer Boomers Pit Crew, without whom Hennessey said the event could not happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hilltown Community Church and its new pastor were making ice slushies for children and giving out information on services at the church, located at 55 Main St. in Russell. Rev. Dr. Robert Perreault began his tenure in June. With him were his wife Elaine Perreault, church elder Nelson Hodges, Carin Impronbato of Westfield and Susan Bodurtha, Mark Bodurtha, also a church elder, of Montgomery. Perreault, who lives in South Hadley, is from the Springfield area, had previously filled in a couple of times at the church. We love it, he said. The Southern Hilltown Domestic Violence Task Force, which works closely with emergency responders, also gave out information on how people can be safe in their homes. The Hilltown Community Ambulance had its ambulance open for children to explore. President Mary Ann Pease and paramedic Robert Latson were also selling tickets for their annual drawing to raise money for the non-profit ambulance, the only ambulance service in the southern hilltowns. Tickets for the Hilltown Heat raffle cost $10 each to win $400 toward a heating bill, and will be drawn Dec. 1. Also selling tickets at the Russell Family Fun Day was the Russell Police Association, raising money for equipment for the department. Hennessey said this year they will be purchasing a portable breath tester and money towards tactical rifle vests and ballistic shields for cruisers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said some of the funds raised will be donated back to the town, depending on its needs. They previously donated a freezer from the proceeds to the town. The next event that the Russell Police Association will host is Haunted Strathmore at the park on the evenings of Oct. 24 and 25. Hennessey said the first night, which will include a Haunted Hay Ride, will be for older kids and adults. On Saturday evening, there will be a hay ride, haunted cemetery and trunk or treat for younger kids and adults. Both evenings start at 5 p.m. Read the original article on MassLive. Russian forces carried out a series of drone attacks on several hromadas in Sumy Oblast on the night of 25-26 August. The strikes caused a fire, damaged residential and non-residential buildings, cut part of the population off from the power grid and resulted in casualties. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Source: Oleh Hryhorov, Head of Sumy Oblast Military Administration Details: Shortly after 01:00, a drone strike on the Shostka hromada left some consumers without power and damaged a residential building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 03:00, the Russians attacked the Sumy and Bezdryk hromadas. The strikes sparked a fire and damaged residential and farm buildings. Two women from the Bezdryk hromada also required medical assistance: a 51-year-old was taken to hospital, while a 63-year-old was treated at the scene. In addition, the Russians damaged non-residential premises and equipment in the Putyvl hromada. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian forces again attacked civilian infrastructure in the Shostka hromada in Sumy Oblast on the morning of 26 August. The strikes resulted in casualties and damage to energy facilities. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Source: Oleh Hryhorov, Head of Sumy Oblast Military Administration Details: Three men, aged 35, 44 and 48, were injured and taken to hospital, receiving necessary medical care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack also left part of the Shostka hromada cut off from the power grid. Critical infrastructure has been switched to backup power and communication outages have been reported. Invincibility centres have been set up in the area and restoration work is underway. [An invincibility centre is a heated premises stocked with food and power banks to assist residents facing hardships due to power cuts ed.] Background: On the night of 25-26 August, Russian forces carried out a series of drone attacks on several hromadas in Sumy Oblast. The strikes caused fires, damaged residential and non-residential buildings, left some residents without power and resulted in casualties. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski has said that "Russia rejoices" at a decision by Polish President Karol Nawrocki to veto the law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens. Source: Gawkowski on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Gawkowski also called Nawrockis stance a "humiliation" of the pro-Ukraine policy pursued by his predecessor Andrzej Duda. Quote: "Russians rejoice at President Nawrockis position of blocking support for Ukraine! Hundreds of Russian trolls are applauding under posts from the Chancellery and trying to dissuade Poland from helping Ukraine in its fight for independence." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Gawkowski noted that Russians "praise Poland for changing its attitude towards its neighbour, and Putin has gained a new ally in Europe". "We did not have to wait long for the new president to act in support of Russian imperialism. But Poland will never join the axis of evil, no matter how much Karol Nawrocki and his hatred-blinded entourage want it," Gawkowski stressed. Background: Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! This story was originally published on Manufacturing Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Manufacturing Dive newsletter. The U.S. government has agreed to purchase an $8.9 billion ownership stake in Intel Corp. to support the semiconductor companys manufacturing and expansion plans. The equity stake will be funded with the remaining $5.7 billion in unpaid grants that were previously awarded to Intel under the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act, as well as $3.2 billion in funding awarded through the Secure Enclave program, the Santa Clara, California-based company said Friday afternoon. The government has agreed to buy 433.3 million shares of Intel common stock at a discounted price of $20.47 per share, according to an 8-K investor filing. This would give it a 9.9% stake in the company. The closing date is scheduled for Aug. 26 or soon after. President Donald Trump took credit for the deal, posting on his Truth Social platform on Friday that he helped negotiate the terms with Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan. In total, the government has committed $11.1 billion to Intel in recent years, accounting for the equity stake and the $2.2 billion in CHIPS grants already received. This is a great deal for America and, also, a great Deal for INTEL, Trump wrote. Last year, Intel pledged to invest more than $100 billion in the United States over the next five years to expand chipmaking capacity and emerging technologies. Under the Biden administration, the Department of Commerce earmarked $8.5 billion as part of the commitment to fund Intels projects in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio and Oregon. Unconfirmed reports of a pending government stake in Intel were circulating last week as Softbank agreed to invest $2 billion in the company to support advanced technology. To address the rumors, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick appeared on CNBCs Squawk on the Street on Aug. 19, saying the idea is to turn the money that Biden was going to just give away and turn that into equity for the American people. The government will have passive ownership of Intel with its equity stake, with no board representation or governance rights, according to the deal. It will, however, be able to vote with the companys board of directors on matters requiring shareholder approval, with limited exceptions. We are grateful for the confidence the President and the Administration have placed in Intel, and we look forward to working to advance U.S. technology and manufacturing leadership, Tan said in prepared remarks. Russian attacks against Ukraine killed one civilian and injured 15 others over the past day, regional authorities said on Aug. 26. Ukrainian forces downed 47 out of the 59 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones and decoys, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. A 66-year-old woman was injured in a Russian attack on the village of Saltyne in Kharkiv Oblast, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia targeted Zaporizhzhia Oblast, injuring a man near the city of Zaporizhzhia, Governor Ivan Fedorov said. A 77-year-old man and two women, aged 51 and 63, were injured in Russian drone attacks on Sumy Oblast, the region's military administration reported. One person was killed in the village of Yampil in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. Six more people suffered injuries in the region over the past day. In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces targeted 32 settlements, including the regional center of Kherson. Four people were injured, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Read also: Ukraine has upgraded its Neptune missile heres what we know Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces attacked the Synelnykove and Nikopol districts of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast over 40 times on 26 August, injuring a woman. Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration Quote: "The Synelnykove district. A 65-year-old woman was injured after guided aerial bombs struck the Malomykhailivka hromada. She was provided with medical assistance but did not require hospitalisation. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three houses and a gas pipeline were damaged. Russian forces used a drone to hit the Mezhova hromada, causing a fire in a house. A petrol station was damaged in the Slovianka hromada." Details: In the Nikopol district, Russian forces struck the city of Nikopol as well as the Marhanets, Myrove, Chervonohryhorivka and Pokrovske hromadas. The Russians deployed heavy artillery and drones to attack populated areas in the Nikopol district. Two houses, outbuildings and a car were damaged. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian troops have pushed into the Dnipropetrovsk region of central Ukraine, Ukrainian military analysts said on Tuesday. Experts from the Deepstate situation map service marked the towns of Zaporizke and Novoheorhiyivka in the region as Russian-occupied. Moscow has been talking for weeks about advancing into the area west of the hard-contested Donetsk region. The Ukrainian army denied the latest claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Ukrainian armed forces have stopped the advance of the Russian invaders and continue to control the village of Zaporizke," the Dnipro army group responsible for the section of the front posted on Telegram. Fighting for the neighbouring hamlet of Novoheorhiyivka is said to be continuing. "The information about the occupation of both localities by the Russians does not correspond to the facts," the military stressed. Meanwhile, war veterans and active soldiers are increasingly criticizing commanders for writing embellished situation reports, meaning the army leadership is not always aware of the real situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian troops have been advancing in eastern Ukraine for months, and have now reached the southern borders of the Donetsk region. Further to the north-west, however, Moscow's forces are making slow headway, largely held back by a ring of major fortifications. According to media reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made the surrender of this strip of land a condition for freezing the front line elsewhere. KYIV (Reuters) -Russia has captured two villages in Ukraine's southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukrainian open-source researchers confirmed on Tuesday, as Kremlin troops press an offensive amid a stalling diplomatic effort to end the war. Ukraine's outmanned and outgunned military has struggled to fend off grinding Russian advances in much of the east as Moscow increases pressure on Kyiv to give up territory in any peace negotiations. Russian forces now occupy the villages of Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka, according to DeepState, a group tracking battlefield developments. Moscow's defence ministry had previously reported capturing both villages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's military on Tuesday dismissed reports that Russian troops had occupied the villages as false. "Russians have entered (there) and are attempting to establish a foothold," Ukrainian military spokesperson Viktor Trehubov told Reuters, referring to Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka. "Our forces are fighting to maintain their positions." Russian forces said in July they had taken their first village in Dnipropetrovsk, which is not among the five Ukrainian regions Russia has claimed as its own territory. DeepState's map shows at least two other Dnipropetrovsk villages either occupied or the site of fighting, comparatively minuscule areas in the region of over 31,000 square kilometres. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had previously dismissed the significance of Russia's push into the region, describing it last month as aimed at achieving a "media victory". (Reporting by Dan Peleschuk and Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Aidan Lewis) Over the course of a week, Russian forces attacked Kherson Oblast with 1,964 drones, 77% of which were destroyed by Ukrainian defenders. Source: Kherson Oblast Military Administration; Senior Lieutenant Pavlo Drohal, spokesperson for the 30th Marine Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as reported by Ukrinform news agency Quote from Drohal: "Russian occupiers continue cynically attacking civilians both in the city of Kherson itself and in the settlements across the oblast. In particular, the enemy conducted 448 strikes on positions of Ukrainian defenders and civilian infrastructure. Russian invaders also conducted eight airstrikes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: The spokesperson said that civilians and critical infrastructure of the oblast are suffering the most from the attacks. Within the Kherson hromada alone, 612 FPV drone attacks were recorded, of which 439 were destroyed or suppressed by electronic warfare systems. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] In total, between 18 and 24 August, out of the 1,964 drones launched by Russian forces, Ukrainian defenders managed to destroy or suppress 1,522. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! On 26 August, the DeepState analytical project reported that Russian forces had occupied the settlements of Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Source: DeepState Details: Analysts reported that Russian forces established control over Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka and also advanced near Shevchenko, Bila Hora and Oleksandro-Shultyne. For reference: Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka lie at the junction of the borders of Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. They became the first villages in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to come under Russian control. Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: DeepState map Background: Intelligence from NATO member states indicates that Russia is not planning a major offensive in either Sumy or Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. At the same time, the Russians have repeatedly claimed they have entered Dnipropetrovsk Oblast; however, Ukraines General Staff refuted this. Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, asserted that for the city of Dnipro the threat is limited to Russian missile and drone attacks, and that combat operations are taking place only along the contours of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. On 2 July, the General Staff stated that the settlement of Dachne in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast had not been captured by the Russians, as Russian propagandists claimed, and remains under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On 5 July, DeepState reported that Russian forces had captured the settlements of Zelenyi Kut and Novoukrainka near the administrative border between Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk oblasts and were attempting to advance further. On 11 August, DeepState reported that Russian troops had recently intensified their push on the Dobropillia front, trying, in particular, to establish positions near the DobropilliaKramatorsk motorway. The Dnipro Operational Strategic Group added that in this area the Russians are infiltrating in small groups past the first line of Ukrainian positions. Read also: Russia's summer frontline offensive: where will they advance, and what factors weaken the Ukrainian defence forces' positions? Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Igor Krasnov, Russia's Prosecutor General known for his pivotal role in the Kremlin's crackdown on dissent, is set to become the new head of the countrys Supreme Court, the Moscow Times reported on Aug. 25. Krasnov, 49, submitted his application to lead the court on Aug. 25, following the death of Irina Podnosova, Russian President Vladimir Putin's former classmate who chaired the court from April 2024 until she died of cancer in July 2025. The chief prosecutor is the only candidate for the position, and the application process is now closed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previously a senior investigator at Russias Investigative Committee, Krasnov gained national attention after leading the probe into the 2015 murder of opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, one of the most prominent political enemies of Putin. Nemtsov co-led the opposition to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, which began in 2014. He was shot dead near the Kremlin in 2015. In 2020, Krasnov was appointed Prosecutor General. During his tenure, Krasnov oversaw the arrest of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny when he returned from Germany in 2021, and later helped label all organizations linked to Navalny as "extremist," according to the Moscow Times. Navalny died under unclear circumstances in prison in February 2024, with Western governments and human rights organizations accusing Putin of being responsible for his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Krasnov also moved to blacklist the British Council as "undesirable," declare the so-called "LGBT movement" as extremist, and supported banning certain books from sale. The Supreme Court is Russia's court of final appeal. Its 115 members are nominated by the Russian president and appointed by the Federation Council, the upper chamber of the country's parliament. Human rights experts say that Russia's judicial system is tightly controlled by the government, often used to repress political opponents. Read also: Analysis: Why JD Vance is very wrong about Russian concessions in Ukraine peace talks Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. GREEN LAKE - A man who made national headlines for faking his own death in a Wisconsin lake before fleeing the country was sentenced to 89 days in jail the same length of time he continued his deception, Green Lake County Circuit Court Judge Mark Slate said. Ryan Borgwardt, 45, pleaded no contest Aug. 26 to a misdemeanor count of obstructing an officer. As part of the plea deal, Borgwardt paid $30,000 before the hearing. The money was divided between the Green Lake County Sheriff's Office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, to help reimburse the departments for some of the resources spent on finding Borgwardt across a 58-day period, before authorities learned he was alive overseas, Green Lake County District Attorney Gerise LaSpisa said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was only part of the more than $51,000 owed to the two departments, she said. Borgwardt's is an unusual case in part because Wisconsin doesn't have a crime for faking a death, Slate said at the hearing. Its up to the state Legislature to determine if that should be a crime, and what penalty it should carry, he said. The obstruction charge addresses Borgwardt planting physical evidence to mislead authorities into believing he had drowned. The judge gave Borgwardt a jail term longer than the 45-day joint recommendation made by the prosecution and defense. Slate said Borgwardt should sit for the length of time that he knowingly wasted resources, limiting law enforcement's ability to perform other duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He could have come forward before that time, but he decided not to," Slate said. During the prosecution's sentencing argument, LaSpisa said Borgwardt chose "to serve his own selfish desires" and be with the woman he met online, while devastating his family, who believed him dead. However, she said, Borgwardt's plan hadn't accounted for the determination of local law enforcement and the Green Lake community to locate him. While a misdemeanor conviction and payment of fines cannot begin to fix the damage he has done, it tells our community that we will hold individuals accountable and may also act as a deterrent to future destructive plans such as this," LaSpisa said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Borgwardt was given the opportunity to speak at the sentencing, he shared just one sentence. "I deeply regret the actions that I did that night and all the pain that I caused my family and friends," he said. His attorney, Erik Johnson, said that, while Borgwardt made decisions that he "deeply regrets," he has since "made some very good and positive decisions," including deciding to return to the United States and turn himself in. After the hearing, Borgwardt and Johnson declined to provide comment to media. Borgwardt, who was formerly a Watertown resident but has been living in Grand Chute since January, has 60 days to report to the Green Lake County Jail to begin serving his sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was reported missing Aug. 12, 2024, after he didn't return home to his wife and children from a kayak trip on Green Lake. Authorities launched a search of the lake, with help from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Bruce's Legacy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to locating drowning victims. A nearly two-month search involving underwater drones, sonar, divers and three canine cadaver teams failed to locate any sign of Borgwardt's body. Then, in October, authorities learned Borgwardt had used a passport in Canada on Aug. 13 the day after he was reported missing. Their investigation pivoted. At a November news conference, Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll revealed that the sheriff's office had made contact with Borgwardt and had spoken with him almost daily over the course of 10 days, trying to convince him to return home to his family. The sheriff said Borgwardt was "alive and well," but that law enforcement wasn't sure of his exact whereabouts, beyond that he was somewhere in Europe. At the news conference, the sheriff's office played a video of Borgwardt, in which he films himself in a room that he describes as his apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am safe, secure, no problem," Borgwardt said in the video. As part of the investigation, investigators conducted a digital forensic analysis of Borgwardt's laptop, through which they determined that the hard drive had been replaced, browsers had been cleared the day of Borgwardt's disappearance, inquiries had been made about moving funds to foreign banks, an airline gift card had been purchased and a new $375,000 life insurance policy had been taken out, Podoll said. The analysis also found evidence that Borgwardt had been in communication with a woman from Uzbekistan before his disappearance. According to authorities, after law enforcement got into contact with Borgwardt, he explained that his plan to fake his death involved: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Choosing Green Lake due to its depth and his belief that it would be believable for a body to not resurface Stashing an eBike near a Green Lake boat launch Paddling a kayak and small inflatable boat onto the lake Overturning the kayak, leaving a life vest and dropping his phone in the lake Returning to shore in the inflatable boat, then taking the eBike to Madison Boarding a bus in Madison to Detroit, then from Detroit to Canada Getting on a plane in Toronto RELATED: Volunteer search team says Ryan Borgwardt wasted its time and money, but doesn't plan to seek compensation The investigation later determined that Borgwardt had traveled to Canada, then France, then "a country in Asia," before he landed in the European country of Georgia, according to a criminal complaint. In December, Podoll announced at a news conference that Borgwardt had returned to the United States and was cooperating with authorities. Podoll said Borgwardt's family was the reason he gave for deciding to return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Borgwardt made his initial appearance in Green Lake County Circuit Court Dec. 11. He was released that day from Green Lake County Jail on a $500 signature bond, according to court records. Justin Marville of the Oshkosh Northwestern contributed to this report. Contact Kelli Arseneau at (920) 213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @ArseneauKelli. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Wisconsin kayaker who faked death sentenced to 89 days in jail EAST SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Those getting gas at BJs this week will find a notice on the gas pumps saying the gas station will be closed for six weeks for renovations starting Sept. 15. The gas stations pumps have brought in many customers, but as a result, lines of cars waiting for the pumps have flowed out into public roads and blocked traffic. DeWitt Police said there have been nearly 100 collisions in the area from 2024 to 2025. Eight were in the gas area. 76 were in the parking lot or nearby. Here are the collision numbers from DeWitt Police In 2024, there were 42 total motor vehicle collisions within or immediately adjacent to BJs Wholesale Club. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5 were in the gas area. 37 were in the general parking lot area/adjacent areas. Accident Type: 34 damage only, no injuries. 8 the vehicle at fault left the scene prior to police arrival. 0 collisions with injuries. In 2025, so far, there have been 42 (coincidentally same number as above), total motor vehicle collisions within or immediately adjacent to BJs Wholesale Club. 3 were in the gas area. 39 were in the general parking lot area/adjacent areas. Accident Type 26 damage only, no injuries. 14 the vehicle at fault left the scene prior to police arrival. 2 collisions with injuries. Safety is the first concern and we want to help BJs do business, Ron Gustafson, chairman for the Village of East Syracuse Planning Board, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blueprints below show the changes that will made to the gas station and surrounding area. All the pumps are being replaced with new ones that run faster. There will also be two new pumps that will let four more cars fuel up. Theyre adding pumps so there wont be much backup, and they are re-routing [traffic] so it will all be internally on their property, Gustafson said. It will be very, very unlikely that there is a jam on public roads. The site will also have another entrance and more lanes for cars to wait in as they approach. Youll be able to go straight, immediately into the BJs area and veer off to the left to get gas, Gustafson said. There will be two lanes going in. Getting closer to the pumps, there will be three lanes. Right now, there is only one lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsChannel 9 has reached out BJs to see if theyll offer a rebate to members who wont be able to get gas during those six weeks. We have not heard back 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 WSYR. With a market cap of $71.3 billion, Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV) is an Indiana-based managed healthcare and insurance provider. Through brands like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Carelon, and Wellpoint, the company offers a wide range of services including medical, behavioral health, pharmacy benefit management, dental, and long-term care. Shares of ELV have fallen behind the broader market. ELV stock has declined 41.7% over the past 52 weeks and has dipped 14.2% on a YTD basis. In comparison, the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has returned 16.1% over the past year and declined 10% in 2025. More News from Barchart Narrowing the focus, ELV has also lagged behind the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLV) 10.7% fall over the past 52 weeks and a marginal rise on a YTD basis. www.barchart.com On Jul. 17, Elevance Health released its second-quarter earnings and its shares dipped 12.2%. It posted a revenue growth of 14% year over year to $49.4 billion but saw earnings pressured by rising ACA and Medicaid costs, with adjusted EPS dropping to $8.84 from $10.30 a year earlier and net income falling 24% to $1.74 billion. The companys medical loss ratio worsened to 88.9%, though cost controls improved its operating expense ratio to 10% and boosted operating cash flow to $2.1 billion. For the current year ending in December, analysts expect ELVs EPS to decline 9.6% year over year to $29.88. Moreover, the company has surpassed or met analysts consensus estimates in two of the past four quarters, while missing on two other occasions. Among the 21 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a Moderate Buy. Thats based on 13 Strong Buy ratings, one Moderate Buy, four Holds, and one Strong Sell. www.barchart.com The current overall consensus is bearish than two months ago when the stock had a Strong Buy rating. On Aug. 15, Wells Fargo analyst Stephen Baxter reiterated an Overweight rating on Elevance Health but lowered the price target from $400 to $330, reflecting a more cautious outlook despite maintaining a positive stance on the stock. ELVs mean price target of $366.33 indicates a premium of 15.7% from the current market prices. Its Street-high target of $478 suggests a robust 51% upside potential from current price levels. 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 SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) During the evening of Aug. 25, San Angelo Independant School District (SAISD) held a school board meeting where they confirmed a lower tax rate, addressed the lunch situation at Lake View High School and the F ratings from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). At the meeting, the school board confirmed a slightly lower tax rate and budget for the incoming year. Click the link below to see what those look like exactly. SAISD to consider adopting 2025-2026 budget, lower tax rate Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were rumors online complaining about Lake View High School and their lunch situation. At the meeting the school board members took time to listen to complaints from the families of the students at Lake View High School. These families had concerns about the campuses new closed lunch policy that started this semester. After the meeting SAISDs Superintendent Dr. Chris Moran was interviewed by KLST-TV and provided these statements about the lunch concerns: The food issue last week was a nonissue, said Moran. Our school nutrition staff did a great job of responding to that and thats a nonissue. We definitely want to help our students with seating and addition serving. He mentioned in the interview that more bistro style tables have been ordered, and they are going to add a new line to help with crowding and serving time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He lastly addressed the F ratings from TEA that several schools in the district received. He believes that the new curriculum that they added this semester will improve those ratings. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SALEM, Ohio (WKBN) The Salem Community Theatre has announced the launch of a capital campaign to renovate its 103-year-old theater. The campaign will fund infrastructure repairs, safety enhancements, and renovations to improve the experience for actors, volunteers, and audiences. Were not just repairing a building, said Kathleen Lassiter, fundraising chair. Were investing in the future of the arts in Salem ensuring our theatre continues to be a space for storytelling, creativity, and connection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salem Community Theatre will host numerous fundraising events and performances in its upcoming season to support the campaign. Individuals, families, and businesses are also encouraged to sponsor specific projects, and sponsors will receive special recognition on the theatres website, playbills, and social media. The campaign will launch on Saturday, Sept. 6, with an open house from 2-4 p.m. The event is open to the public and will include guided tours, refreshments, and information about the renovation project. To learn more about the campaign, visit salemcommunitytheatre.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 WKBN.com. A lottery player in Salem will receive $200 a week for the rest of their life from a winning scratch ticket. The prize was from $200 A Week For Life, a $2 scratch ticket game released in February. The winning ticket was sold at Arges Liquors in Salem. Additionally, two $100,000 prizes were claimed on Monday. One of the winning tickets a Diamond Deluxe was sold at Plymouth Food Mart in Plymouth, while the other was a $15,000,000 Colossal Millions ticket sold at Pams Market in Dedham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, at least 716 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Monday, including 13 in Springfield, 28 in Worcester and 70 in Boston. The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600. The two largest lottery prizes won so far in 2025 were each worth $15 million. One of the prizes was from a winning Diamond Deluxe scratch ticket sold in Holyoke, and the other was from a 300X scratch ticket sold on Cape Cod. Massachusetts State Lottery Read the original article on MassLive. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Ruth Jordan, a San Angelo woman who is a recipient of the Governors Lifetime Achievement award, will be honored with a flag rededication and raising ceremony soon. SAPD: 1 arrested in $51M-loss case after San Angelo elderly scam The public is openly invited to celebrate Jordans achievements with the State Park and for being a dedicated community leader. She is also a retired teacher and has been active with many organizations in the Concho Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. on September 8 at the San Angelo State Park. Representative Drew Darby will be in attendance, and he also donated the flag that will be flown in Jordans honor. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) What started as one man playing music for friends at Golden Hill Park turned into a weekly gathering of hundreds, until the city shut it down. Daniel Joseph Hernandez, who has been DJing since he was 14-years-old, said his deep connection to Golden Hill inspired him to bring music to the park last year. Within months, his casual hangouts grew into events he would promote on social media, drawing 500 people every Friday night. Yoga instructors sue city of San Diego again over beachside class crackdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It became such a cool thing, and really felt like a community, Hernandez said. People were close, they were sharing food, dogs were running around it was so much fun. But the gatherings ended earlier this month when park rangers told Hernandez he needed a city permit, along with insurance, security and even portable restrooms. Officials also said Hernandez was responsible for the large crowds because he promoted the events on TikTok. So many people already enjoy this park on a Friday without the music, he said. Its hard to really say the entire crowd was me. The shutdown follows similar enforcement against Winyl Club, a group that hosted free community music nights in Balboa Park and Kate Sessions Park. One of the founders, Derek Larson, said the group isnt making money from its events and criticized the permitting costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Controversial 23-story high-rise sparks fresh outcry in Pacific Beach All of our tax money already goes to parks, Larson said. For us to pay double just trying to have a safe space for people makes no sense to me. Both Hernandez and Winyl Club say they want a compromise with the city that would allow them to keep hosting free music events without the high costs of permits. The city confirmed in an email that amplified sound and large gatherings require permits to ensure one group doesnt take over public space. This is something the community craves, Hernandez said. They need to be outside, they need to connect with people, and I want to help bring that back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Parking rates around Petco Park will increase during special events starting next Monday. The City of San Diego began installing signs marking the newly designated Special Event Parking Zone in early August. Starting Sept. 1, people who park within approximately half a mile of Petco Park will have to pay the special event rate of $10 per hour during large events, which include Padres games, concerts and other events with over 10,000 attendees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspected smugglers using car batteries to hide drugs, Border Patrol says The increased parking rates begin about two hours before events are scheduled to begin and will stay in effect until four hours after the events start time. For example, for the Padres game on Tuesday, Sept. 2, which is scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m., the special event rate hours will be in effect from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. A full schedule of upcoming special events at Petco Park can be found on the citys website here. According to the city, the decision to implement a Special Event Parking Zone was made to free up more parking spaces downtown and also to reduce congestion by discouraging drivers from circling near the stadium to search for cheaper or free parking options. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citys decision was met with backlash from the Padres, whose home stadium is Petco Park. A spokesperson on behalf of the team sent a statement to FOX 5/KUSI after the parking rate increases were announced, saying they would make it more expensive for fans, workers and residents who park in the streets around the ballpark. However, San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava has stated that establishing the Special Event Parking Zone is a good opportunity to fix what everybody complains about downtown. The city said the increased revenues from the parking meters will also be used to make improvements within the zone. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Georgia will soon have new lunch options at 15 locations, mostly around Atlanta. Potbelly Sandwich Works announced last year that it had partnered with franchising giant Royal Restaurant Group, which will bring the locations to Georgia beginning in 2026. The sandwich restaurant plans to begin development on three locations at the beginning of 2026 and is anticipated to open three locations each year over a five-year period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What to know about the neighborhood sandwich shop. What is Potbelly Sandwich Works? Nearly 450 Potbelly Sandwich Works locations dot the map, with 113 locations in Illinois, the home state of the Chicago-based corporation. Restaurants have begun spreading south, with nine locations in North Carolina and new restaurants in Nashville, Tenn., and Olive Branch, Miss. Texas follows Illinois with 63 locations while Virginia has 29. The shop serves typical sub sandwiches like smoked ham and swiss, turkey and swiss, grilled chicken and cheddar, Cubans, Italians and meatball subs. It also serves salads, soups, mac and cheese, combos, cookies and milkshakes. Where is Potbelly Sandwiches coming to Georgia? The 15 locations will be in the greater-Atlanta region, the corporation announced, but specific locations were not mentioned in the company's press release. It states that restaurants will primarily be in the central and northern Atlanta markets, hinting at openings in places such as Alpharetta, Roswell, Marietta and Duluth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The signing of this development agreement marks a significant step forward in the execution against our long-term plans for growth and expansion, as it marks our entrance into the Atlanta market and the great state of Georgia, said Bob Wright, President and CEO of Potbelly. Ryne Dennis is the Deep South Connect Team Editor for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X @RyneDennis and email at rdennis@onlineathens.com. This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Potbelly Sandwich Works coming to Georgia. When will it open 15 stores? SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) Drivers in Sangamon County have the chance to shape the future of their roads. IDOT is working with communities across the state to develop comprehensive safety action plans to help build safer roads. If you live in Sangamon County you can take a brief survey detailing your safety experiences while walking, driving, or biking. Illinois Athletes, UIPD add metal detectors to Memorial Stadium for 2025 season Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative is funded by a U.S. Department of Transportation grant and is part of the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All program. Visit Illinois Safety Action Plan online to find the survey. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Timothy Stengel has always enjoyed putting pieces together in service of the big picture. His penchant for leaving no stone unturned led Stengel to law school, a private practice in Philadelphia, and eventually, a role as deputy chief of the violent crime unit of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. I prosecuted a whole bunch of different cases, Stengel said. Violent crime cases, organized crime, drug trafficking, some corruption and fraud cases, as well as some national security matters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former federal prosecutor Timothy Stengel was recently hired at Saxton and Stump. (Courtesy of Saxton and Stump) He said he remembers being in law school and listening to a presentation by a former U.S. district attorney. I remember thinking, as that person described what they did, wow, that really sounds like something I would like to do, Stengel said. I just really like the workstarting with an allegation, talking to people, reviewing documents, eventually figuring out what happened, articulating what the evidence demonstrated what that was. As deputy chief, Stengel supervised a team of nearly 30 prosecutors on high profile investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His resume includes the conviction of Rafael Vega-Rodriguez, who, in 2020 in Reading, drew a handgun and opened fire on a trio of FBI agents while they attempted to arrest him for violating parole. When you work so closely with law enforcement agents, you know how federal law enforcement puts themselves in harms way, Stengel said. It meant a lot to put that case up. Another case Stengel oversaw involved Gregory Dow, 61, of Lancaster County in 2021. Dow was sentenced to nearly 16 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing four minors in an orphanage he and his wife operated in Kenya. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That case had international components and whole lot going on, Stengel said. It was complicated, and it was tough to get to the finish line, but it was really worth it. Stengel said it was fulfilling to see prosecutors in his unit take a major case to trial. I am nothing but a team player, and I felt such pride watching people on the team do such good work, Stengel said. Now, the Lancaster native is bringing his wealth of experience and team-oriented mindset to a position closer to home. In August, Stengel began his new role as co-chair of the investigations, white collar, and criminal defense group at Saxton & Stump, a private law firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saxton & Stump has ten offices located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and South Carolina. Stengel works out of the groups Lancaster and Philadelphia offices, leading a growing team that guides clients through internal investigations, government inquiries, regulatory scrutiny, and criminal defense matters. Were in court a lot, we try some cases, but most of what youre doing is building cases, Stengel said of his time as a prosecutor. That type of work is equally applicable to private practiceIf a company gets wind of a problem within its walls, the leadership has to figure out what happened, so they know how to react. Getting to the bottom of the facts is the kind of work Stengel has spent the past eight years doing in the U.S. attorneys office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the type of work that Im really looking forward to doing at Saxton & Stump, Stengel said. Stengel said his role includes navigating internal investigations for government or private entities, as well as a more traditional white-collar defense. When charges are brought or enforcement action is filed, youve got to be ready and willing to defend your client, Stengel said. Stengel said a major reason he decided to transition to Saxton & Stump is the organizations commitment to growing its team. That team includes former federal and state judges, former prosecutors, defense attorneys, and professionals with backgrounds in law enforcement, healthcare, and corporate compliance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the growth that Saxton has experienced comes depth, Stengel said. Say a client needs an investigation into an employment matterYou can take someone who is experienced in conducting investigations and partner with someone in another practice group area, like our employment groupSo its not just a team of investigators, youre partnering with other people throughout the firm, and Saxton certainly now has the depth to do that. Saxton and Stump has an office on Granite Run Drive in Lancaster. (Courtesy of Saxton and Stump) Stengels co-chairs include Mark E. Cedrone, a white collar defense attorney, and Hon. Christopher C. Conner, former chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Tim is an outstanding addition to our group, Judge Conner said. His breadth of experience makes him uniquely qualified to help us lead this practice forward and serve clients facing sensitive and high-stakes issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stengel said hes been continually impressed with his new colleagues. They seem to be good people who want to do good work, Stengel said. That was very important to me. Another reason for Stengels transition is Saxton & Stumps footprint in areas that he has a connection, including Philadelphia, where he went to school and practiced law, and his hometown, Lancaster. Im just a Lancaster boy, Stengel said. Very happy to have both feet under me in Lancaster but still keep my connection with and work in the Philadelphia area. Stengel is the second former prosecutor to arrive at Saxton & Stump in August the firm welcomed Cody J. Groeber, a seasoned federal public defender with 20 years of experience, as a shareholder in the Charleston, S.C., office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These strategic hires reflect the firms investment in expanding its national investigations and enforcement practice in response to rising client demand across healthcare, education, government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors, Saxton & Stump said in a press release. The firm, founded in 2015, employs nearly 300 professionals, including 150 attorneys. Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) is one of the Most Undervalued US Stocks According to Wall Street Analysts. On August 5, Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) announced the sale of its Copper & Kings American Brandy Company to Bourdon Spirits Company, which is a family-owned business in Louisville. Copper & Kings is a well-known brand famous for high-quality American brandy and innovative bourbon. The production of brandy will continue at the Copper & Kings distillery in Kentucky following the acquisition. This comes as another divestment move from Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) after it sold Svedka vodka to Sazerac in December. Management noted that this is another step towards a higher-end wine and spirit brand. The deal closed on August 5, and the financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. How is Wall Street Reacting To Constellation Brands' (STZ) Divestment of Copper & Kings? A winemaker examining a glass of red wine from a barrel in a cellar. Since the announcement, Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) is down nearly 2%. Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) produces and markets beer, wine, and spirits. The company owns well-known brands like Corona Extra and Robert Mondavi Winery. While we acknowledge the potential of STZ as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. A view of the marsh along the half-mile Pockoy Island Trail to Botany Bay's boneyard beach. (Photo by Seanna Adcox/SC Daily Gazette) COLUMBIA A potential new state forest, an expansion to South Carolinas most popular heritage preserve, and a smaller campground than expected at a state park are among projects under consideration after approval from state legislators. Altogether, the conservation projects total more than 3,200 new acres. The plans received an initial OK last week by the Joint Bond Review Committee, a legislative panel that reviews state purchases. More state approvals are needed before plans can officially advance. New state forest A new state forest could be in the works as the state Forestry Commission examines 2,800 acres spanning Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties, according to meeting documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The possible forest, which was the largest conservation project on the agenda, was in a prime spot for development. The Buckfield property, as officials called it, is near Interstate 95 and two state highways in a fast-growing part of the state. Conservation in that area has been underway, including the nearby Coosawhatchie Heritage Preserve, a nearly 11,000-acre expanse of preserved land that opened to the public last September. The state would pay an estimated $8 million for the land, which conservation nonprofit Open Space Institute would buy for $20 million before selling it to the Forestry Commission at that reduced price, according to documents submitted to the committee. Like in the existing five state forests, the commission would use sustainable methods to continue harvesting trees. The forest would also open for researchers and visitors looking to enjoy some time in nature, according to the meeting documents. Conservation groups have proposed two other tracts of land as possible state forests this year. The Nature Conservancy bought a property in Jasper County in May with plans to sell it to the Forestry Commission. A week later, Open Space Institute bought 1,644 acres in Dorchester County, also with plans to open them as a state forest, the group said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last time a new state forest opened was in 2004, when the Forestry Commission acquired 12,000-acre Wee Tee State Forest in Williamsburg and Georgetown counties. The deal is far from complete. The Forestry Commission must still survey the land to determine whether it would be a good fit for the state, as well as receive further approvals from state officials to move forward with any sort of purchase. Campsite plans reduced Rising construction costs could mean fewer new campsites at Lake Warren State Park, according to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The department received approval last October to use $1 million for 10 to 15 campsites, but that money wont go as far as anticipated. The number has shrunk to four, according to the revised plans. Plans for two camper cabins, which include beds, heating, air-conditioning and lights, were also scrapped, according to an adjusted plan. A bathhouse is still in the works, giving campers access to restrooms and showers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Camping is already available at Lake Warren State Park for $22 per night, but the department describes it as VERY primitive. The only amenity to the camping is drinkable water, according to the parks website. A campsite with access to power, water and sewer would be a step up for an estimated 42,000 people who visit the park annually, often to fish, boat on the 440-acre lake or watch birds, department officials wrote in their initial request. There is a large amount of potential with this park, but it is presently a day use park that would benefit from a campground that could help to increase visitation within the county, the request read. This may also help to alleviate pressure on other parks within the South Carolina State Park System. Heritage preserve expansions Two state-owned preserves could get bigger following approvals from the committee. Live oaks create a canopy over Botany Bay Road to the entrance of the preserve on Edisto Island. (Photo by Seanna Adcox/SC Daily Gazette) Charleston Countys Botany Bay Heritage Preserve, the most popular of more than 70 such preserves statewide, is expected to grow by about 180 acres to 3,543 acres total after the committee approved a slight adjustment to the total acreage the Department of Natural Resources expects to receive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Open Space Institute bought the land on Edisto Island in 2022 before donating it to the Department of Natural Resources following surveys. It includes more than one mile of frontage along Botany Bay Road and Highway 174, a National Scenic Byway. The donation secures the entrance to one of the most beloved and heavily visited nature preserves in the state, Open Space Institute said in a news release at the time. Protecting the property will help the agency protect one of the streams flowing into the heritage preserve, allowing as little pollution as possible to enter the area, according to the nonprofit. The expansion will also create more opportunities for people to explore the area and watch the songbirds that migrate through the forest, according to the department. Private lands available for outdoor activities continue to diminish; therefore, demand for public lands to engage in these activities continue to increase, the department wrote in its request for approval. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also slated for expansion is the Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve. The $1 million purchase of about 300 acres will bring the preserve up to a total of 2,000 acres. As its name suggests, the land is a prime spot for gopher tortoises, which are in danger of going extinct in the state. The spotted turtle, which is threatened in the state, has also been seen in the area, and 11 rare plants found on nearby properties are expected to grow there as well, according to the department. After receiving the go-ahead to consider the land in November, officials will be able to move forward with the $1 million purchase following last weeks approval. TEXARKANA, Ark. (KTAL/KMSS) The Texarkana, Arkansas, police are issuing a warning regarding a new scam that involves unexpected packages and QR codes in this weeks Scam of the Week. You may receive an unexpected package in the mail without a return address or any sender information, the only accessible information that could give you a clue about the source is a QR code. Police say, whatever you do, do not scan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scam typically involves sending an item of little to no value inside the package, encouraging the recipient to scan the QR code to discover who the package may have come from. Once scanned, however, the code directs a recipient to a website designed to steal personal information. Not only this, but the website may also install harmful malware onto the users device. Authorities recommend exercising caution if you receive an unrequested package, especially when it lacks clear sender details. They are suggesting the following safety measures: Be Cautious: Treat any unexpected package with suspicion, especially if it has no clear sender information. Avoid Unknown QR Codes: Never scan a QR code from an untrusted or unknown source, as cybercriminals can utilize them to redirect victims to harmful websites. Limit Data Access: Be wary of providing websites and applications access to personal data after scanning a QR code, as these can be used to compromise your information further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rise of such scams highlight the importance of remaining vigilant in todays digital landscape. Protecting personal data and devices is crucial in preventing cybercriminals from exploiting unsuspecting individuals. If you believe you are subject to a scam contact your local police department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. Aug. 25As the school year nears for 1.1 million public school students in Washington, most of them will start the year with some sort of sweeping restriction on when, where and how they can use their cellphones on campus. A survey by the state authority on public schools, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, found that most of Washington's 295 school districts are starting the year with a phone ban in some fashion. Many policies are new this year, some only a year or two old. Three-fourths of all districts have an updated policy, the survey found, with over half of those prohibiting use during class time and around 30% barring use for the entire school day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our young people are navigating a deeply connected online world where they have 24/7 access right at their fingertips," wrote state superintendent Chris Reykdal, who last year implored all schools to tighten their phone policies. "There are benefits to these powerful technologies if used responsibly. There are also tremendous risks. Studies have found negative impacts on mental health, learning, sleep, and more. I'm proud of our school district leaders who are tackling this problem head-on." Around Spokane County this summer, school boards have been following each other like dominoes in altering cellphone policies to limit use of phones in schools. The first domino in the sequence was the rural Reardan-Edwall School District, which enrolls around 730 students at two schools. The district cracked down on phone use ahead of the 2023-24 school year, which was used as a case study for OSPI when implementing guidance for schools. Phones had to be kept in a locker or a cubby, with high schoolers allowed access during lunch and breaks. Superintendent Eric Sobotta spoke highly of the policy in 2024, when he testified at a hearing for a bill that would have restricted phones in schools across Washington. It didn't pass in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The kids are more engaged with each other and more engaged with the staff. They're more engaged with their learning in the classrooms," Sobotta said in 2024 at the bill's hearing. "Middle school students actually have to talk to each other at lunch rather than on their phones playing games, and students say 'Hi' to me now when I see them in the hall." Below are the other dominoes to follow Reardan-Edwall's lead in recent years. Spokane Public Schools The highest-enrolled school district in the county and third-highest in the state was the first of its size to restrict phones. Students in middle and elementary schools can only use them before and after school. High schoolers have access at lunch and between classes. The school board made the revisions after much contemplation last summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district's 29,000 kids had a mix of emotions going into the school year, some excited and some reluctant. The end of the school year also reflected differing opinions, some middle schoolers missing their phone at lunch time and the solitude scrolling offered them in the lunchroom. Others found it was easier to relate to their peers, and reduced phone attachment outside of school as well. "The habits that they're teaching us to believe in now will help us know the value in human interactions and the value in ourselves," Sacajawea Middle Schooler Amelia Mejia said in June. "I think that sometimes phones almost dehumanize us; they take us away from who we are and how connected we are." Central Valley School District Central Valley's 15,000 students will start their year with a new phone policy after the board adopted restrictions in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's a key detail that sets apart Central Valley's policy from neighboring districts: High schoolers can use their phone during lunchtime, but not between classes, as is the case for many others on this list. The restrictions on middle and elementary schoolers are the same as those at SPS, limiting phone use to before and after school hours. "Our kids might not be focusing in the classroom as they're thinking about the next time their phone is in their hand in the hallways," Central Valley board member Anneice Barker said the first time the policy recommendation was before the board. "Then they have to go to their next class and basically go through detox, and then they get their fix, and then detox again." Concerned with enforcing the five-minute spells as kids move from class to class, the district created a new position at each of the three high schoolers: a hall monitor to prowl for contraband phones in the halls so teachers don't have to take on the task. Mead School District Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokane's northern neighbor cracked down on phone use among its 10,400 students in August 2024 with perhaps the strictest policy in the region. Mead's policy prohibits phone use during the entire school day for each school level, and schools can't make their own policies when it comes to phone use. According to OSPI's survey, Mead reported their community is satisfied with the approach to restricting phone use. Cheney Public Schools The board for Cheney Public Schools adopted the phone restriction for its more than 5,000 students in June after surveying students, staff and parents, and consulting with other districts that had tightened their policies. The consensus, Ferney said, was that a change was in order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Overall, it just came to a point where we thought, 'How can we limit screen-time use and teach the time and place to use cellphones?'" Ferney said. Cheney's adopted policy mirrors Spokane's, altered last summer, in that it restricts phone use for elementary and middle schoolers to before and after school, while high schoolers can use their devices at lunch and between classes. East Valley School District East Valley is unusual in that its approach allows for each building to police phones differently, per the district's response to the OSPI survey. East Valley's 3,600 pupils learn at one of eight schools, including one high school, one middle school, four elementary schools and two option schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board's policy, last reviewed in April , requires phones to be off and away during instructional time only, and are otherwise permitted outside of class. According to the survey, the community is "satisfied" with East Valley's approach to cellphone restrictions. West Valley School District The West Valley School Board is poised to adopt a revised cell phone policy for its 3,400 students at its Wednesday meeting that's "kinda like spreading peanut butter," Superintendent Kyle Rydell said on Monday. "I think it truly is going to create a consistent environment across our schools," Rydell said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current policy has been unaltered since 2006, and contains references to beepers and pagers. Rydell said it wasn't enforced districtwide or even schoolwide, with each teacher deciding their own rules in the classroom. The new policy would also give a nod to others like Spokane and Cheney, barring middle and elementary use to before and after school while allowing high schoolers to use their phones during lunch and passing period. "We want kids to be adult-ish," he said, adding that kids can ask their teachers to use their devices in emergencies or with administrative approval if it fits with curriculum, like photography class. The updated policy would technically be adopted after the first day of school, but Rydell expects staff will still enforce the districtwide restriction as it's in line with current policy, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When teachers know that there's a consistent policy across the district, then it's easier for teachers to enforce," he said. Deer Park School District One of the county's northernmost districts serving some 2,800 pupils reported to OSPI that its board adjusted their cell phone policy ahead of the school year. Deer Park prevents use only during instructional time and gives each school the discretion to enforce the policy as they see fit. The Deer Park community is "satisfied" with the policy so far, according to the district's response to the OSPI survey. Riverside School District Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other of the county's northern-most school districts serving Elk and Chattaroy reported the same responses to the OSPI survey as Deer Park, that the district's 1,600 students are to put away their phones only during class time. Unlike Deer Park, Riverside said the community is "very satisfied" with the policy so far. Medical Lake School District Akin to Riverside and Deer Park, Medical Lake prevents phone use for its 1,900 students during class only, and made updates to its policies ahead of the school year. Medical Lake told OSPI its community is "neutral" about its approach to phones, the survey said. Elena Perry's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor. CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) Massachusetts State Police are investigating after a crash involving a Chicopee Public School bus on I-391 in Chicopee on Tuesday morning. Plan ahead: AAA predicts busy roads for Labor Day weekend The Massachusetts State Police told 22News that a car rear-ended the bus at the 2.6-mile marker at approximately 7:30 a.m. Several Massachusetts State Police cruisers were stationed along the side of the bus, with a second school bus and multiple ambulances at the scene of the crash. Two students were taken to the hospital as a precaution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No Chicopee Public Schools students were on the bus, according to the Chicopee Public Schools spokesperson. Brittany Murphys spokesperson told 22News that they were students from Hampden Charter East. MAP: I-391, Chicopee Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) Students across the state are back in the classroom for the first day of the traditional school year on Monday and there are new laws directly impacting their schools. One of those laws impacts students before they even step foot in the classroom. Starting in October, Senate Bill 391 lets counties install cameras in school zones to catch people speeding. On Raleighs Six Forks Road, a notoriously busy school zone, Lt. David Davis with the Raleigh Police Department said they have officers posted up every day and still see people speeding often. Hes hopeful cameras will help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically theres going to be a lot of crosswalks through here, Davis said of school zones. Thats why we want you to slow down as much as possible, so you have an opportunity to slow down if somebody is in a crosswalk. Across the country, law enforcement is having that struggle with retention and making sure our staffing numbers are up, he said. If we had cameras out at some of these spots and those warning signs were up everywhere, Im sure that would help us. Gov. Josh Stein is taking steps to help students learn inside of the classroom too. He signed a law that requires students to have cellphones turned off during instructional time. Cellphones are a major source of distraction for students and disruption for our educators, Stein said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stein vetoed a bill that allows staff inside of private schools to be armed, but the Republican-led General Assembly overrode the veto, also making it a law. Inside and out of the classroom. Davis said its everyones responsibility to keep students safe. [Students] are the future, he said. It is so important to protect our future, our leaders of our city, our state, our country. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. While most of us take the ground beneath our feet for granted, written within its complex layers, like the pages of a book, is Earth's history. Our history. Research shows there are little-known chapters in that history, deep within Earth's past. In fact, Earth's inner core appears to have another even more inner core within it. "Traditionally we've been taught the Earth has four main layers: the crust, the mantle, the outer core and the inner core," Australian National University geophysicist Joanne Stephenson explained in 2021. Related: Earth's Inner Core Is Mysteriously Changing Shape, Study Reveals Our knowledge of what lies beneath Earth's crust has been inferred mostly from what volcanoes have divulged and what seismic waves have whispered. YouTube Thumbnail From these indirect observations, scientists have calculated that the scorchingly hot inner core, with temperatures surpassing 5,000 degrees Celsius (9,000 Fahrenheit), makes up only 1 percent of Earth's total volume. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a few years ago, Stephenson and colleagues found evidence Earth's inner core may actually have two distinct layers. "It's very exciting and might mean we have to re-write the textbooks!" Stephenson explained at the time. The team used a search algorithm to trawl through and match thousands of models of the inner core with observed data across many decades about how long seismic waves take to travel through Earth, gathered by the International Seismological Centre. Differences in seismic wave paths through layers of Earth. (Stephenson xxxxxx) Differences in seismic wave paths through layers of Earth. (Stephenson et al., Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 2021) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So what's down there? The team looked at some models of the inner core's anisotropy how differences in the make-up of its material alters the properties of seismic waves and found some were more likely than others. While some models suggest the material of the inner core channels seismic waves faster parallel to the equator, others indicate the mix of materials allows for faster waves more parallel to Earth's rotational axis. Even then, there are arguments about the exact degree of difference at certain angles. The study here didn't show much variation with depth in the inner core, but it did find there was a change in the slow direction to a 54-degree angle, with the faster direction of waves running parallel to the axis. Earth's inner core may actually have two distinct layers. (alexlmx/Canva Pro) "We found evidence that may indicate a change in the structure of iron, which suggests perhaps two separate cooling events in Earth's history," Stephenson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The details of this big event are still a bit of a mystery, but we've added another piece of the puzzle when it comes to our knowledge of the Earth's inner core." These findings may explain why some experimental evidence has been inconsistent with our current models of Earth's structure. The presence of an innermost layer has been suspected before, with hints that iron crystals that compose the inner core have different structural alignments. "We are limited by the distribution of global earthquakes and receivers, especially at polar antipodes," the team writes in their paper, explaining the missing data decreases the certainty of their conclusions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But their conclusions align with other studies on the anisotropy of the innermost inner core. Future research may fill in some of these data gaps and allow scientists to corroborate or contradict their findings, and hopefully translate more stories written within this early layer of Earth's history. This research was published in the Journal of Geophysical Research. An earlier version of this article was published in March 2021. Related News Those who believe in Scottish exceptionalism will be delighted by a recent poll by Lord Ashcroft that suggests that at the next general election, Reform UK will sweep all before it right up to the border between Scotland and England. But no further. North of Carlisle, Nigel Farages party will win not a single seat, with the SNP taking the biggest advantage over the predicted collapse in the UK Labour vote. How gratifying that must be for Scottish nationalists who, after all, have had precious little to boast about in recent years. Scotland remains, in their eyes, far more progressive and generally nicer than those damned English. Well, we must wait for the next major electoral test of Scottish opinion before being able to draw any hard and fast conclusions on that score, and such a test will be with us next May when all 129 seats in the Scottish Parliament 56 of them elected by a form of proportional representation will be up for grabs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, we have one or two indicators that Scotland isnt as different from the rest of the country as some pretend it to be. The protests outside asylum hotels, for example, have not been confined to England. At least three have recently taken place in Scotland in Perth, Aberdeen and Falkirk. The latter of which was at least partly motivated by the case of Sadeq Nikzad, an asylum seeker from Afghanistan who was jailed for nine years in June for raping a 15-year-old girl in Falkirk in 2023; he claimed in his defence that he didnt know about significant cultural differences between the UK and his home country. Such protests are small and can be easily dismissed by critics as racist and far-Right. But anger at the influx of undocumented asylum seekers from culturally backwards countries is at least understandable or should be even by those who would rather local people just shut up and quietly accept however many asylum seekers their political leaders choose to accommodate near them. Meanwhile, Scotlands largest city is suffering related problems arising from the two biggest political parties attempts to virtue signal to their electorates. In 1999, Glasgow City Council volunteered as the first Scottish local authority to take part in the Home Offices asylum seeker dispersal scheme. This was aimed at relieving some of the stress on London where the majority of new arrivals end up. The move at the time was welcomed by various (publicly-funded) civic Scotland bodies as progressive and compassionate. But subsequent legislation by the SNP Scottish Government changed the rules by which local authorities allocate available accommodation, abolishing the previous criteria that prioritised families, pregnant women and people with disabilities. Since then, single men have been as entitled to accommodation as anyone else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has created a headache for the cash-strapped council, which now accommodates 4193 asylum seekers more than any other local authority in the UK. That comes at a cost, estimated to be 66 million next year. Even the SNP leaders of the council are sounding the alarm bells, warning of increased levels of community tension. In Scotland? Surely not? As with successive governments decision to welcome a remarkably large number of legal migrants into Britain, the political decisions that have transformed the city and made life even harder for the worst off were made with absolutely no consultation with, or recourse to, the electorate. Nationally and locally, this behaviour looks increasingly to be what in fact it is: a deep distrust by politicians of the people to take the correct decisions and to harbour the right opinions about immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recent hoist the flag phenomenon in England is, of course, familiar to Scots, who have been putting up with exactly the same thing since the long, drawn-out independence referendum between 2012 and 2014. While the motivation of those hoisting the St George and Union flags across England and those who have been doing the same with the St Andrews flag in Scotland are identical a statement of pride in ones nationality the media have chosen to label the practice rather differently north and south of the border, with the former eliciting virtually no response whatever and the latter exciting a series of shrieking headlines about the onset of fascism. Immigration has surged in the last two years to become a key issue for 21 per cent of Scots up from four per cent in May 2023. This is not a corner of the UK with different values or priorities from the rest of the country. And it is fertile territory for Nigel Farage and Reform, should they wish to take advantage of the fact. 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. Zohran Mamdani has been mocked by his New York mayoral rivals over his bench press attempt on the campaign trail. Eric Adams, the incumbent mayor, goaded Mr Mamdani after the Democratic candidate required help from a spotter while attempting two 135-pound lifts. At a Mens Day event in Brooklyn the 33-year-old mayor candidate was filmed taking his blazer off and lying down on the bench amid cheers from the crowd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One onlooker shouted we got the future mayor out here, before Mr Mamdani performed two bench presses with the assistance of a man standing over him. Mayoral hopeful joked the bench press had been a combined effort - Derek French/Shutterstock After he finished, he stood up and embraced the man, before admitting it had been a combined effort. Mr Adams, who is trailing Mr Mandani in the polls, shared a video of himself also taking part in the same exercise at the event, during which he managed considerably more lifts than Mr Mamdani: 64 vs. 33. A lifetime of hard work vs. a silver spoon. The results speak for themselves. The weight of the job is too heavy for "Mamscrawny." The only thing he can lift is your taxes. pic.twitter.com/HR6fDPKn0B Eric Adams (@ericadamsfornyc) August 24, 2025 Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor who Mr Mamdani beat in a landslide victory in the Democratic primary, also attacked Mr Mamdani for his physical performance: It's easy to talk, it's hard to carry the burden. This guy can't bench his own body weight, let alone carry the weight of leading the most important city in the world. https://t.co/kKB61LGojY Andrew Cuomo (@andrewcuomo) August 24, 2025 It came after Mr Mamdani mocked Mr Adams over the weekend after one of his close advisers was suspended from his campaign for giving a journalist a bag of sour cream and onion crisps stuffed with cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winnie Greco allegedly pressed an opened bag of Herrs sour cream and onion ripple potato chips holding more than $100 in a red envelope inside, into a reporters hand after an event for Mr Adamss campaign in Harlem. On Saturday, Mr Mamdani shared a video of himself eating a packet of Herrs crisps while promoting a scavenger hunt. At the final stop, youll find a special surprise not a wad of cash, he says during the video, which was viewed 14.7million times. Steven Brill, Ms Grecos lawyer, said last week the situation was being blown out of proportion and that she had made the gesture out of fondness for the reporter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 as a volunteer from the campaign and Mr Adams had no prior knowledge of this 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) The Ascension Parish Sheriffs Office arrested three men after an investigation into a drug-dealing operation involving a suspect identified as Yezzun Ammuri. Yezzun Adel Ammuri, 27, faces several charges, including: distribution/possession with intent to distribute marijuana warrant (2 counts) distribution/possession with intent to distribute marijuana distribution/possession with intent to distribute cocaine (schedule II controlled dangerous substance) distribution/possession with intent to distribute schedule I controlled dangerous substance distribution/possession with intent to distribute amphetamine/adderall (schedule II controlled dangerous substance) drug paraphernalia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Omar Adel Ammuri, 25, has been charged with: distribution/distribution/possession with intent to distribute marijuana distribution/possession with intent to distribute psilocybin mushrooms unlawful possession, production, or distribution of kratom distribution/possession with intent to distribute schedule I controlled dangerous substance illegal carrying of weapons in presence of controlled dangerous substance illegal possession of stolen firearms Saleh K. Alkhativ, 33, has been charged with: distribution/possession with intent to distribute marijuana distribution/possession with intent to distribute psilocybin mushrooms unlawful possession, production, or distribution of kratom distribution/possession with intent to distribute schedule I controlled dangerous substance illegal carrying of weapons in presence of controlled dangerous substance illegal possession of stolen firearms On August 19, detectives executed four search warrants at locations tied to the operation, including Almighty Storage in Prairieville, Diganja Smoke Shop in Geismar, an apartment in Gonzales, and a home in Geismar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the searches, deputies seized marijuana, cocaine, THC vape products, kratom, psilocybin mushrooms, prescription medication, additional controlled substances, and an undisclosed amount of cash. Two guns were found, one of which was reported stolen. The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control also confiscated 676 unapproved products at the Diganja Smoke Shop. All three suspects were booked into the Ascension Parish jail. Crash involving motorcycle in Baton Rouge leaves 1 dead; driver arrested 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. Taxpayer spending to protect Gov. Ron DeSantis, his family, and visiting dignitaries remained high last year continuing a surge that began during his presidential campaign according to newly released reports from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. For the 2024-25 fiscal year that ended June 30, security costs for DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, their three children and for the Capitol and Governors Mansion grounds ran to nearly $10.7 million. That was down from the prior year, which captured his presidential run, including several trips to Iowa and other early GOP primary battleground states, when the costs came to more than $12 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, DeSantis security price tag was $5.94 million, then it sprang to $9.4 million in 2023. The FDLE, which provides DeSantis security, compiles the report each year, but didnt release the 2023-24 report when the USA TODAY NETWORK Florida Capital Bureau requested it in September 2024. The bureau since independently obtained the reports for both years. Presidential run boosted DeSantis profile and threat level A DeSantis spokesperson didnt return an email seeking comment Aug. 25, but in the past his office has attributed the spike in security costs to his increased threats he attained after winning reelection by a wide margin in 2022 a down year for Republicans outside of Florida, and helping to boost his national profile and spur a presidential run. DeSantis record as the most effective conservative governor in American history has also earned him an elevated threat profile, and FDLE has increased the number of protective agents to ensure the governor and his family remain safe, Jeremy Redfern, DeSantis spokesman at the time, told Politico in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers in 2023, as DeSantis geared up to run for president, passed a bill shielding his travel records from the public. The bill was retroactive, blocking public access to information on trips he already took. U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Naples, the frontrunner for the GOP nomination to succeed the term-limited DeSantis next year, told Politico on Aug. 12 he supports overturning that law. The reports also show the cost for FDLE to help provide security for visiting dignitaries from other states, U.S. territories and foreign countries. In 2024, the cost was $244,181, and in 2025 the cost rose to $439,352. The largest single expense for security for visiting dignitaries each year was to protect governors who attended the Republican Governor Association and Democratic Governor Association meetings that were held in Florida. The cost for the RGA meeting from Nov. 18-22, 2024 was $185,643. Two DGA meetings in 2024 and 2025 ran to $151,952 combined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other major expenses include: $10,766 to protect Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves and his family for one week in June 2024. $10,794 for security for then-Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz for three days in May 2024. $10,455 to protect former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, who visited the Capitol in Tallahassee for events with GOP House leaders for two days in January 2024. Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Spending on DeSantis protection still high, state reports show Birkenstock is continuing its U.S. retail expansion with its first Midwestern store in the Chicago suburb of Naperville, Ill. According to the German footwear brand, the new store is located at 20 W. Jefferson Avenue and offers Birkenstocks full footwear collection for men, woman and kids, along with the Care Essentials line of premium, all-natural foot care products. More from WWD David Kahan, president of Birkenstock Americas, told FN that the company decided to open this location after hosting a pop-up at local retailer Naperville Running Company a few years ago. [The pop-up] gave us our first glimpse into just how special the local community is, Kahan said. The passion and dedication of our fans, particularly around the post-run sport world was truly inspiring. It highlighted the opportunity to connect in a bigger way throughout the year, and were excited to return with a dedicated space to share the full Birkenstock collection with Naperville. The Naperville store joins Birkenstocks expanding U.S. retail footprint, which includes locations in New York City, Brooklyn, Venice Beach, Miami, Marin County, Austin, Houston, Nashville and Boston. This news comes after the German footwear firm reported earlier this month that total company revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 increased 12 percent to 635.0 million euros, up from 564.8 million euros the same time last year. In the Americas segment, Birkenstock noted that it delivered third quarter revenue growth of 10 percent on a reported basis to 312.3 million euros, up from 282.9 million euros the prior year. The company added that both wholesale and direct-to-consumer grew at a strong double-digit pace in constant currency in the region. Plus, the company opened three new stores in the quarter, bringing the total number of own stores in the Americas segment to 13. On the companys third quarter earnings call earlier this month Oliver Reichert, chief executive officer of Birkenstock Holding, told analysts that its wholesale business in the Americas region is especially strong. Importantly, we saw no pushback or cancellations following the July 1 price increases implemented in response to tariffs, Reichert said. In a flat U.S. market, retail revenue at our top 10 wholesale partners was up 25 percent. As you do your channel checks for back-to-school, you will hear that Birkenstock is the winner with very strong sellout and fast inventory turns. Best of WWD Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Seminole State College in Central Florida is celebrating its 60th anniversary today, coinciding with the first day of classes for the new academic year. The college, which serves 24,000 students annually, has grown to encompass four campuses located in Oviedo, Lake Mary, Altamonte, and Heathrow, along with a training center in Geneva. We are now four campuses strong all the way from Oviedo to Lake Mary to Altamonte, Heathrow and amazing training center in Geneva, said Loretta Ovueraye, a representative of Seminole State College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seminole State College has been recognized as a top 10 finalist for a national prize for community college excellence. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Gov. Phil Murphy speaking to reporters after touring flood-damaged Berkeley Heights on July 15, 2025. (Photo courtesy of the governors office) Federal lawmakers are exploring changes to the National Flood Insurance Program ahead of a reauthorization deadline next month, and lawmakers want to know how the program should change. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) are soliciting feedback from the public on how to improve the programs coverage and help keep it affordable and solvent ahead of the Sept. 30 reauthorization deadline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an urgent pocketbook issue for many in our state, and as Republicans and Democrats come together to work on this important legislation, I encourage New Jerseyans to provide us with their input, Booker said in a statement. Senate lawmakers are soliciting feedback on proposed changes to the program through an online form that will remain open until Sept. 15. Lawmakers are considering lowering caps to annual premium increases, allowing policyholders to pay monthly premiums rather than annual ones, and higher coverage limits for flood damage, among other changes. Under current law, National Flood Insurance premiums can increase by no more than 18% a year. Some lawmakers have suggested reducing that cap to 9%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Flood Insurance Program is distressed by premiums driven by a small share of extremely high-risk properties that repeatedly flood. As premiums rise, more policyholders move to private plans or forgo flood insurance because they can no longer afford it. Smaller subscriber pools inflate risk and drive up premiums, pushing more policyholders away in a vicious cycle not unlike the one faced by New Jerseys State Health Benefits Program for local government workers. Further distress in the federal flood insurance program could expose New Jersey to a slew of weather-related economic risks. The program provides more than $52.8 billion in flood coverage to nearly 200,000 New Jersey properties, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency data. New Jersey has seen a slew of flash floods this summer, including July floods in Plainfield and North Plainfield that left five dead, and the state has faced billions of dollars in economic damages following severe storms like Hurricanes Sandy and Ida in past years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter sent to interested parties, the senators requested input on a range of topics, including whether the federal government should be required to update flood maps more often, whether to expand buyouts of properties that repeatedly flood, and how to handle the programs more than $22.5 billion debts, among dozens of others. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) rolled into Lansing on his motorcycle Monday, marking his ninth bike tour across Michigan and meeting with voters and advocates about various issues. Mondays visit focused on programs like Medicaid and Head Start. Sen. Gary Peters (WLNS) Head Start is a federally funded early childhood education program geared towards low-income children and families. Head Start not only prepared my son for school, but also supported our entire family, said Zhamilya Yessirkepova, mother of three who says her family benefited greatly from the Capital Area Head Start program. Zhamilya Yessirkepova (WLNS) Yessirkepova now also serves as the policy council chair for the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In our agency, almost 100% of families heavily rely on Medicaid, she said. They rely on it for mental health support, early intervention services for children with special needs, and comprehensive coverage for expecting mothers, including dental, vision, and childbirth classesEvery Head Start program has family advocates who partner with families and connect them to community resources based on the familys needs. Senator Peters used his love for motorcycle riding to deliver his message to Mid-Michigan. (WLNS) Its important to know that its going to impact people right here, right in this neighborhood, right in the neighborhood next to us and the one after that, said Peters. This is a problem thats truly a local problem. Peters says cuts made in President Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill make no sense and make financial deficits worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every dollar that you invest in a child before school in Head Start, if you look at the economists who study it, actually saves about seven dollars of taxpayer money down the road because people are able to sustain themselves, lead the kind of life that we all want, and be a part of the middle class and have those aspirations, said Peters. The senator says he will be speaking with his Republican counterparts about these issues as soon as they return from recess. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Center Square) - When it comes to artificial intelligence - and the data centers required to power it - Pennsylvania has been full steam ahead. Eagerness to capitalize on the growing industry has been a rare point of agreement between Democrats and Republicans in the state. That eagerness is reflected in a bipartisan Senate bill fast tracking data center development. On Tuesday, however, one of the bills cosponsors, Democratic Sen. Marty Flynn, Scranton, announced an amendment responding to public concerns about the technologys rapid proliferation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A press release from Flynns office states that the amendment will ensure that local residents and elected officials have a say in the process. The amendment would give local bodies final approval through a majority vote at publicly advertised meetings. This amendment is about putting power back in the hands of local governments and the people they represent, said Flynn. Communities deserve transparency and a voice in decisions that could impact everything from infrastructure to quality of life. Some of those concerns have borne out in public discourse over the last few months as Amazon has promised billions toward projects in the state. Residents raise concerns about the demand on the states energy grid, new reliance on fossil fuels, water consumption, and noise and light pollution. Amazon has worked to allay such fears with carbon zero and water positive pledges for 2040 and 2030 respectively. The company emphasizes its role in the local communities where it operates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regulatory sandbox proposed in SB 939 would designate the entire state a Commonwealth Opportunity Zone, incentivizing AI businesses to set up shop. It promises to eliminate unnecessary and irrelevant red tape while preserving local control over development decisions. Data centers in Luzerne and Bucks Counties came into fruition after months of negotiations with Gov. Josh Shapiros offices. The deals demonstrated cooperation between state and federal officials and Amazon executives. When announced, some community members protested. My amendment makes sure residents wont be left out of the process when it comes to high-impact development, said Flynn. NEED TO KNOW Brent Blackburn, a 68-year-old senior missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died after a lawn mower he was riding overturned in Missouri The incident occurred on Saturday, Aug. 23, according to a church spokesperson The church also offered condolences and prayers to Blackburn's wife, Carolyn, and their family A 68-year-old senior missionary was killed in a lawn mower accident in Missouri over the weekend, according to a spokesperson for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brent Blackburn died on Saturday, Aug. 23, after a lawn mower he was riding on a side hill overturned, Sam Penrod, a church spokesperson said in a statement. The fatal incident occurred on a historic site called Adam-ondi-Ahman, which is owned by the church. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional details were not shared. Blackburn and his wife Carolyn, originally from Utah, had been temporarily volunteering for the church in that area since April 2025, Penrod said. "Our condolences and prayers are with Sister Blackburn and their family at this difficult time. We pray that all who are affected by this will feel the peace and comfort of our loving Heavenly Father as they honor the life and faithful service of Elder Blackburn," Penrod added. In the Mormon church, young adult men volunteer to leave home for proselytizing missions for two years and young women serve for 18 months. During that time, they can be assigned to a domestic or international region chosen for them by church leadership. 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. Similarly, church members over the age of 40 can serve as senior missionaries, with lengths of service typically ranging from about one to two years. Read the original article on People SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Here are this mornings top stories for KELOLAND On the Go. It has been nearly three years since Darrian Johnson shot and killed Kaisean Tyler in a Sioux Falls apartment. Monday, family and friends thought they would learn Johnsons fate for the violent crime, but that didnt happen. Convicted murderers sentencing delayed A child abuse charge was dropped, and the owner of a former Sioux Falls day care walked out of court with a $100 fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Child abuse charge dropped in Wildflower Academy case An extensive restoration project began Monday on a century-old church in Canton, South Dakota. Restoring radiance at Canton Lutheran Church Chances of rain appear for a few mid-week showers and early Labor Day weekend. Scattered rain ahead; Unsettled pattern for Labor Day 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. By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) -Victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and the August 7, 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in East Africa cannot seize $3.5 billion of Afghanistan central bank assets to address the Taliban's role in the attacks, a divided federal appeals court ruled on Thursday. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) was shielded under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) from having to give up assets blocked at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, because it qualified as an agency or instrumentality of Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attack victims also failed to show DAB was liable as a Taliban agency or instrumentality under the federal Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, though that law abrogated immunity that DAB had under the FSIA. Thursday's 2-1 decision is a defeat for several groups of victims that sued many defendants including al-Qaeda over the attacks, and sought half of the $7 billion of DAB funds that U.S. President Joe Biden froze in August 2021. Some victims sought to attach the assets, while others obtained default judgments after the defendants failed to show up in court. Circuit Judge Jose Cabranes said that as of August 15, 2021, the day Kabul fell and the assets were blocked, there was no evidence DAB was aiding or controlled by the Taliban. Only later did the Taliban install new leadership at the bank, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for many of the plaintiffs had no immediate comment. Circuit Judge Richard Sullivan dissented, saying the decision defeated TRIA's objective of making "any assets available" to terrorism victims. He also said Afghanistan no longer qualified as a foreign state under the FSIA, and thus DAB funds were not covered. Two lower court judges had ruled against the plaintiffs in 2023. The U.S. government considers the Taliban a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Biden ordered that the other $3.5 billion of frozen DAB funds be set aside for the Afghan people. Nearly 3,000 people died on September 11, 2001, when planes were flown into New York's World Trade Center, the Pentagon in northern Virginia, and a Pennsylvania field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two hundred and twenty-four people died on August 7, 1998 when truck bombs exploded in front of the U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The cases are Havlish et al v The Taliban, 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Nos. 23-258, 23-263, 23-304, 23-346 and 23-444; and Estate of Aliganga et al v Taliban in the same court, Nos. 23-354 and 23-797. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Alistair Bell) Daylight is fading fast. Mornings and evenings will look dramatically different across the United States in the coming weeks, as there is more daylight lost in September than in any other month of the year. In northern areas of the U.S., more than 100 minutes of sunlight will vanish over the course of the month as nights become much longer. This substantial shift is due to the Earth's tilt on its axis and the way the planet orbits the sun. Areas farther north see the biggest swings in daylight around the equinox, but even in areas farther south, the later sunrises and earlier sunsets will become noticeable. AccuWeather.com How much daylight is lost in September? Miami: 43 minutes Austin: 52 minutes San Diego: 58 minutes Raleigh, North Carolina: 64 minutes Kansas City: 72 minutes Philadelphia: 75 minutes New York City: 77 minutes Portland, Oregon: 91 minutes Seattle: 98 minutes International Falls, Minnesota: 102 minutes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is an even bigger shift across Alaska due to its proximity to the North Pole, with there being 193 fewer minutes of daylight on Sept. 30 compared to Sept. 1. In Hawaii, the change in the amount of daylight in September isn't as big, but still notable, with the last day of the month being 34 minutes shorter than the first of the month. Flash forward: By Halloween, sunsets will occur before 6 p.m. in parts of the U.S., including Chicago, Phoenix and Denver. Serbia and its government remain committed to dialogue despite demonstrators' refusal to accept his offers for public debate or early elections, the Western Balkan country and EU membership hopeful's President Aleksandar Vucic told Euronews in Belgrade on Monday. To that end, he has again reiterated his offer to the demonstrators to sit down for a public debate in an open conversation, which he said he has put on the table many times before. "This was not my first call. Actually, it was my fifth or sixth call for a dialogue, for an open conversation," Vucic explained. "I offered them even an open TV debate. They can pick the premise, they can pick the studio." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And I was ready to discuss it publicly because I believe that talks, conversation, dialogue have no alternative at all." Despite the fact that his latest offer for a public parley was rejected, he said the extended olive branch still stands. "My offer will remain until they accept it because one day they will have to speak to someone." The series of protests across Serbia was initially in response to the accident in the northern regional capital of Novi Sad, where a train station awning collapsed in November 2024, resulting in the deaths of 16 people. The demonstrations, led mainly by university students, were largely peaceful, but have grown violent in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In mid-August, an uptick in physical confrontations between protesters and the police, amid the destruction of Vucic's SNS party offices in places like Novi Sad and the city of Valjevo, resulted in scores of injured police officers and dozens of arrests. "Any kind of violence that we saw in the streets, is not good for this country," Vucic told Euronews. "If you see someone setting fire or throwing stones against the premises of the ruling party or attacking people which were sitting inside and discussing their own issues, this is not a good image." "This is not a good situation for Serbia in order to attract new investments, in order to attract new tourists, to say, come on, we are one of the safest countries in Europe, come to our place. These are not good." Despite accusations of law enforcement using excessive force to quell the unrest and destruction of property, Vucic backed the police, saying they remained calm despite direct threats of violence by the protesters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The reaction of Serbian police to that of other big EU police (forces) is almost incomparable," Vucic explained. "I'm very proud of the behaviour and stances that were taken by our police and their patience, and I think that it's a miracle that, having in mind the level of aggressiveness of protesters, we kept the situation in a way that there were no casualties, that there are no dead people in nine months," he pointed out. "And we hope that we'll be an example of democratic and peaceful resolution of all these issues." 'There will be a new president and new leadership' The Novi Sad train station accident also raised questions of systemic corruption, with demonstrators claiming that the awning collapse was the direct result of botched reconstruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Vucic's view, corruption has become a go-to argument and an easy way to air out grievances, even if they are unrelated. "No doubt, there is corruption everywhere, all over the world, in every single country. And that's the easiest topic that someone can pick and say, 'Okay, there is corruption,'" Vucic said. "But putting that aside, of course, there is a lot of corruption, and we need to fight it much stronger. And I am very much dedicated, very much devoted to lead that fight, to lead the struggle," he explained. One of the protesters' requests included demands for snap elections which Vucic said he offered at least three times in the past six months, along with a referendum in January on his presidency, when he stated he would resign if he did not have the backing of the people. Yet, according to him, all his offers were ultimately refused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We wanted to fulfil all their requirements, all their requests, all their demands," the Serbian president said. "They were saying, no, that's treason, that is a betrayal." "We have a lot to do, many things to do. And you know, you have to work from time to time. It cannot always be elections and elections. And now they say the only thing we need is elections," he pointed out. Euronews' Jane Witherspoon speaks to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, 25 August 2025 - Euronews Prime Minister Milos Vucevic who hails from Vucic's party handed in his resignation in January, following unrest in his native Novi Sad. The former mayor of the northern city was replaced by uro Macut in April. Further allegations came to the surface of Vucic whose second presidential mandate ends in May 2027 looking to change the constitution to allow him to remain in that post for an unprecedented third time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he has flatly rejected that possibility. "I'm going to be the president for a year, a year and a half, not more than that. There will be a new president and new leadership. I'm not going to change any kind of constitution to play these kinds of games," he explained. 'Serbia will remain very firmly on EU path' Meanwhile, Vucic reiterated that Serbia's path to full European Union membership remains his top priority as that is where his country belongs. "Until I leave the place, Serbia will remain very firmly on EU path, committed and dedicated to that path, conducting and implementing necessary reforms," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I know thousands of things which we are going to gain joining the EU. And it's not only economy ... long-term stability, safety and security as well," Vucic added. "It can guarantee to its people peace for many decades, which is of an utmost importance. And also observance and respect of basic democratic and human rights." Asked about his relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Vucic said they remain cordial, and that in his view, the Russian leader is open to ending his ongoing all-out war in Ukraine in a peace agreement. Furthermore, Vucic said that he would welcome both Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy for peace talks in the Serbian capital, if the two so desire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I know that there are thousands of people and at least tens of countries that are offering their space for that meeting," Vucic explained. "I cannot compete with those bigger and smarter and whatever, but they are always very welcome ... and Serbia can provide good hospitality and a very secure place for both of them," he concluded. Following a bipartisan trip to Jordan, U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said that countrys cooperation with the West is critical to delivering humanitarian assistance to Gaza and to achieving a lasting peace in neighboring Syria. Shaheen and U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-South Carolina, led a delegation of House and Senate members that had a series of meetings including one with King Abdullah II. Shaheen thanked Abdullah for that countrys assistance to U.S. troops during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel last June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group also met with Jordan Prince Rashid bin El Hassan while visiting a U.S.-supported warehouse operated by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization. The nonprofit has been a critical planning and distribution point for relief throughout the region including in Gaza. As the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Shaheen said she also met with Jordan Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to discuss the worsening crisis in Gaza, insecurity in the West Bank and to seek stability in Syria following the downfall last December of President Bashar al-Assad. Jordan is a major non-NATO ally and the U.S. and Jordan have a longstanding partnership that has been a cornerstone of regional stability. Jordan is instrumental in facilitating aid throughout the region, especially during the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Shaheen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Jordanians are also playing a crucial role in advancing stability in Syria and throughout the wider Middle East. I thank his Majesty King Abdullah II for his leadership and for his reliable and consistent support of the United States. Critical of Israel on Sunday morning talk show During her visit, Shaheen appeared from Amman, Jordan, on Face The Nation, the CBS Sunday morning news program, where she was critical of Israels refusal to permit more humanitarian aid to reach Gaza to prevent what independent groups have dubbed a man-created famine. The reality is that we have people dying because they are systematically being starved to death, because Israel is refusing to allow in the humanitarian aid that people need to stay alive. This is unacceptable; the world needs to speak out, Shaheen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think its very important that we allow that humanitarian aid in, to the people who are starving. She declined to answer program anchor Margaret Brennans question about whether the actions of Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amount to a war crime. I think it is a shameful black mark on humanity that the world has allowed this to happen and that Israel has allowed this to happen, Shaheen responded. She was also critical about the firing of career military officials in the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. One of the strengths of Americas military are the professional military leaders who have come up through the ranks who have the training and expertise to do the job. We dont want political people in those jobs who wont give honest assessments of the military situation wherever they may be, Shaheen added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Shaheen and Wilson brought the delegation to Syria for a series of meetings that included a session with President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. Shaheen became the first member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to visit Syria since al-Assad was overthrown, which had been a policy goal of the U.S. for decades. Todays meeting with leaders from many faiths was a testament to the Syrian peoples common cause: a country free from violence where people of many backgrounds can work together toward a brighter future, Shaheen added in a statement. A Syria that can stand on its own after ridding itself of the Assad regime will be a cornerstone for regional stability in the Middle East. America is ready to be a partner to a new Syria that moves in the right direction. I will keep fighting for lasting peace and prosperity. Shaheen is supporting bipartisan legislation to end the Assad-era U.S. sanctions against Syria. During the trip, Shaheen led a series of meetings with domestic, military and religious leaders in the country. klandrigan@unionleader.com By Laman Ismayilova The Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, in collaboration with the Office of the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Lachin District, will celebrate Lachin City Day on August 26 for the third time. The celebration will be held with great grandeur. The event will be attended by Lachin returnees, as well as officials, cultural figures, and other guests. In addition, a spectacular concert program will be presented with the participation of Azerbaijan's renowned artists and performing groups. As is known, the year 2025 is especially significant for Lachin city. According to the decision of the CIS Humanitarian Cooperation Council dated October 8, 2024, Lachin will carry out the mission of "CIS Cultural Capital" this year. Sheetz is celebrating the grand opening of its 800th store with freebies for customers. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] To commemorate the opening of its 800th store in Raleigh, Sheetz is offering two free hot dogs with any purchase from August 28 to September 2, 2025, available at all locations through the Sheetz app. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheetz has seen significant growth since opening its 700th store in Columbus, Ohio, on September 12, 2023. The company has expanded into markets, including Dayton, Detroit, and Toledo, with plans for further expansion in southeast Michigan. Sheetzs locations offer a Made-to-Order menu, allowing customers to order customized specialty drinks or food items. Sheetz said they are aiming to reach 1,000 stores. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Shelby woman forced to leave US after months in ICE custody A Shelby woman who came to the U.S. when she was 8 years old is being deported after six months of being in ICE custody in Georgia. 7 arrested in ICE operation at Kings Mountain plant had been deported before Allison Bustillo, now 20, said she is being forced to leave, alone. Bustillo decided on Tuesday in court to withdraw her asylum case and self-deport back to Honduras. Bustillo graduated as an academic scholar from Crest High School two years ago. I am going to ask for mercy, Bustillo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Channel 9s sister station, Telemundo Charlotte, spoke with Bustillo exclusively last weekend from the Stewart Detention Center in Georgia where shes been held since late February. ICE agents arrested Bustillo in her east Charlotte apartment where she lived with her mother and three brothers, one of whom has autism. Channel 9 couldnt find a criminal record for Bustillo. She told Telemundo she is a nursing student on scholarship at Gardner-Webb University. Im not a criminal, Bustillo said. I literally came here when I was 8 years old to look for a better life, and this is how they are treating me. Bustillos mother, Kelly Chinchilla, said her daughter was desperate after being imprisoned for more than six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have fought all this time so that she could be released and return home, but as a mother, I also understand her, because she is at a point where she is desperate, Chinchilla said. Bustillos attorney, Martin Rosenbluth, was able to get her a voluntary departure despite not qualifying for it. Technically, under the law, she wasnt eligible, said Rosenbluth. That means she will leave the country without a deportation order. Her mother said thats not justice and her daughter going to Honduras would be terrifying. The only memory my daughter has of Honduras is when someone put a gun to our heads, the mother said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Telemundo said Bustillo will now leave the country on a commercial flight. Bustillo said ICE agents arrested her after officers came to her house looking for someone who wasnt living there anymore. The head of ICE has said agents will arrest anyone they find in the country who is undocumented even if they dont have a criminal record. The Homeland Security secretary said 1.6 million undocumented immigrants have left the U.S. in her first 200 days on the job. VIDEO: Parents express fear over ICE presence near Charlotte schools Watch the full press conference in the video player above. UPDATE: WEDNESDAY 8/27/2025 1:40 p.m. (EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) EPSO reported that the investigation has shown that the deceased victim, a man who was the passenger of the white pickup truck, was the victim of a homicide. EPSO is asking that community members who were driving near Highway 24 and Blue Gill Drive between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26, or who work or live in the area to review their dashboard cameras or home or business security, or Ring cameras for footage of suspicious people on foot or in a white pickup towing a black trailer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with relevant information should call EPSOs Tip Line at (719)520-7777. UPDATE: TUESDAY 8/26/2025 4:08 p.m. According to EPSO, Highway 24 has reopened to traffic. UPDATE: TUESDAY 8/26/2025 2:10 p.m. The El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPSO) held a press conference to inform the public about the fatal crash on Highway 24 on Tuesday, Aug. 26. According to EPSO, they received a call at 8:10 a.m. about a crash involving three vehicles near the intersection of Hwy 24 and Blue Gill, near Judge Orr Road, in unincorporated El Paso County. One of the people on the scene told EPSO that a passenger of a white pickup truck towing a black trailer was seriously injured but died despite help being attempted. The driver of the white truck left the scene, leaving their dead passenger. Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe Courtesy: FOX21 News Chief Photojournalist Dez Rowe EPSO deputies and Colorado State Patrol (CSP) Troopers determined the wounds were inconsistent with injuries typically seen in crashes, spurring a criminal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EPSO is investigating the death, and CSP is handling the crash investigation. Hwy 24 will remain closed from Judge Orr Rd to Woodmen Road for the next several hours for further investigation and cleanup. EPSO requests anyone with information or video of the incident to call the non-emergency line: (719) 390-5555. Detectives are also requesting related dash camera or Ring doorbell footage. Community members willing to share this information should contact the non-emergency line as well. ORIGINAL HEADLINE: Highway 24 between Woodmen and Judge Orr roads closed TUESDAY 8/26/2025 10:04 a.m. The El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPSO) reported on Tuesday, Aug. 26, at around 9:30 a.m., that Highway 24 is closed in both directions between Woodmen Road to Judge Orr Road due to a crash investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to EPSO, Hwy 24 will be closed for the foreseeable future. There is no estimated time frame for the highway to reopen. Drivers should expect delays and are asked to use alternate routes. According to the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), the crash involved three vehicles, and one person sustained minor injuries. CSP was not able to provide additional information on others involved. EPSO will host a media briefing scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and FOX21 News will live stream the press conference in the video player above once it begins. This is a breaking news incident, and FOX21 News has a crew at the scene. This article will be updated when new information is 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 FOX21 News Colorado. NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) Police have located a 62-year-old woman who was reported missing out of Newport Monday. The Silver Alert for Laura Hance Rodriguez was canceled around 11 p.m. Her condition is currently unknown. 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. Key points Findings published by researchers in China reveal that boiling water can be an effective way to remove microplastics from the liquid. When water is boiled, naturally occurring minerals like calcium carbonate form crystals and trap nano- and microplastic particles, causing them to precipitate. This makes it easy to separate the particles from the water and could potentially remove up to 90% of microplastics from mineral-rich, hard tap waters. Although they're tiny, microplastics are becoming big news. In the 20 years since scientists first used the term microplastics a word that describes small plastic particles less than five millimeters in length a growing body of research has revealed how omnipresent they are, floating in our oceans, soil, and even in the human brain. As we become more aware of where microplastics are and the effects they can have on human health, we're also learning about how we can reduce our exposure to them. And according to new research, when it comes to our drinking water, that may be easier than you think. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early 2024, researchers from Guangzhou Medical University and Jinan University in China published the findings of a study on eliminating microplastics from tap water in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters, and the solution might come down to one simple step: boiling water. To analyze the effects of boiling water that contains microplastics, the team spiked tap water with three common plastics: polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene. The researchers observed that when the water hit a roiling boil, naturally occurring minerals like calcium carbonate began forming solid crystals. Those crystals surrounded and trapped the plastic particles in the water before settling at the bottom of the liquid. Scientists then allowed the water to cool and separated out the deposits of minerals and microplastics. According to their findings, boiling and filtering out these crystals can remove up to 90% of the nano- and microplastic particles (NMPs) present. However, it's critical to note that the water needed to have a high mineral content defined as "hard water" for the boiling to prove this effective. In soft water with a lower mineral content, the team saw reductions of around 25% of microplastics. "This simple boiling-water strategy can 'decontaminate' NMPs from household tap water and has the potential for harmlessly alleviating human intake of NMPs through water consumption," the authors explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because the mineral content and amount of microplastics in tap water can vary so greatly around the world, researchers approximated that the amount of microplastics ingested on a daily basis from boiled water could range between two to five times less than that of regular tap water, depending on where the water is sourced from. Related: Scientists Say Microplastics in Food May Be Causing Liver Damage These results present a promising and affordable way to reduce microplastic exposure around the world. Although more research with a greater sample size is needed, scientists pointed out that, "our results have ratified a highly feasible strategy to reduce human NMP exposure and established the foundation for further investigations..." If you're worried about exposure to microplastics through food and drink, there are a few other simple steps you can take to diminish the presence of these particles in your kitchen, including swapping out plastic cutting boards for wooden cutting boards or replacing plastic utensils with materials like metal, wood, and silicone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another easy substitution? Check the material makeup of your cleaning rags. As Lisa Erdle, PhD a biologist, ecotoxicologist, and the director of science and innovation at the 5 Gyres Institute, a nonprofit focused on reducing plastic pollution previously advised, opting for home textiles made from natural fibers [like cotton] instead of synthetic is an easy way to lessen the spread of microplastics. While we await more research on the impact of microplastics and how to avoid them, at least existing information shows that many of us can easily implement a few strategies to decrease the presence of these particles at home. 3 ways to reduce microplastics in your home Want to reduce your exposure without putting in a ton of work? Here are a few simple swaps to start with. Replace nonstick pans: While artificially nonstick pans may be easier to clean, they're often coated in polytetrafluoroethylene, a plastic coating that degrades and releases particles into your food over time. Instead, you can opt for materials like cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, and some ceramic skillets. Swap single-use plastic storage: Invest in glass or stainless steel storage containers and ditch those single-use plastic storage bags for your leftovers. This will reduce your exposure to microplastics and save you money in the long run. Avoid takeout containers: Whenever possible, avoid plastic takeout containers, which not only shed microplastics but may also leach chemicals that could be harmful to your heart health. Read the original article on Food & Wine YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) The Simply Slavic committee announced its 2025 scholarship winners at a recent festival volunteer dinner. Two Youngstown State University (YSU) students Lucas Mazur, an Applied Science in Information Technology major from Poland, and Daniel Gray, a Financial Management major from McDonald were awarded $1,000 grants as a part of a collaboration with Warrens Modern Methods Brewing Co. In 2018, Simply Slavic and Modern Methods collaborated to create Rodina, a Czech amber lager. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the beer is allocated from Modern Methods to the scholarship fund each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2012, Simply Slavic has presented scholarships to undergraduate YSU students who express interest in Slavic culture or history. Recipients of the scholarship can use the funds for tuition, study materials, and study abroad programs. To learn more about Simply Slavic, visit simplyslavic.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 WKBN.com. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A one-year moratorium in Sioux City auto sales, rentals, and service locations could be coming off city books four months early. On Monday, the four-to-one vote had city council members approve the first reading of an ordinance change that would make that happen. Mayor Bob Scott was the one to vote against it. In January, city staff, along with several other groups, were directed by the council to work on finding an effective way to control the growth of auto sales locations. Council decided that a one-year moratorium on car lots would be the best way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story continues below The updated ordinance language is what came before council members on Monday. It required potential business owners to do more than just park cars on a lot and put sale signs in the window. Basically, theres a limitation on cars. You have to be able to drive through the lot. You have to do some landscaping. You have to have hard surfaces. You have to have a minimum number of square footage for the lot. You have to have a building on the lot, Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott said. Ill give the staff and planning and zoning commission, they did a great job of that. I just still think we have too many car dealerships in town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the new ordinance adds requirements for new car lot owners, it does not cap the number of new lots in the city. The proposed ordinance still has to make two additional readings before taking effect. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A Sioux City woman has been sentenced for shooting and killing a man. Court documents indicate that Katrina Barnes, 35, will serve 10 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter, along with 10 years for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. Both sentences will be served consecutively, totaling 20 years in prison. This comes after Barnes entered a plea agreement in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their stories did not match the evidence: 2 arrested after deadly Sioux City shooting In 2022, police responded to a shooting call in the 500 block of 9th Street. Officials said Dolorean Wade, 32, suffered a gunshot wound and later died at a local hospital. Authorities said Wade argued with Barnes all day before the shooting occurred. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) As part of Mondays City Council agenda, council members voted on more than $500,000 in grant funding for improvements at Sioux Gateway Airport. The vote ended unanimously. The money will target a south ramp reconstruction project and terminal roof replacement. Sioux Gateway will also soon enjoy a 50% increase in flight capacity. A second daily nonstop flight to Denver will be added on January 6, 2026, through SkyWest Airlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Story continues below The additional flight will better connect Siouxland with United Airlines global network, hubbed in Denver. The new Denver flight will complement Sioux Gateways existing nonstop service to Chicago OHare. Passengers and demand locally have been asking for it for a long time, said Interim Sioux City City Manager Mike Collette. It just takes time for SkyWest to build a flight; they recognized our demand and finally received confirmation that we have another flight coming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collette said the additional flight will give Sioux Gateway a morning, midday, and evening flight, adding flexibility for flyers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) One of the sisters accused of setting a fire that killed a five-year-old boy pleaded guilty Tuesday morning. Tiakayla Hendrix accepted a plea offer of second-degree arson from the DAs Office, which carries a 12-year prison sentence with five years of post-release supervision. If she breaks the agreement, she could be sentenced to up to 25 years. Furthermore, she waived her right to appeal and agreed to testify in future trials. The DA told News 8 that the agreement was amenable to the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July 2024, Tiakayla and Taquida Hendrix were accused of using a flammable substance to start a fire on the porch of a home on Portland Avenue. Five-year-old Malakai Stovall was trapped on the second floor of the home. Firefighters were able to get him out, but he had burns over most of his body. Three days later, Malaklai died from his injuries. Taquida Hendrix is currently facing charges of second-degree murder and first-degree arson. Tiakayla is expected to return to court on September 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 RochesterFirst. A fire in one of Waukesha's largest apartment complexes displaced six families and caused an estimated $200,000 in damage to one building on Aug. 25. The Waukesha Fire Department, aided by area firefighters, was called to The Meadows apartments shortly after 4 p.m., when two units in the building at 2408 Springdale Road were found engulfed by fire on separate floors. The blaze also spread into the attic of the building, one of at least 16 multifamily buildings in the complex, increasing the level of damage. All residents had evacuated without assistance from firefighters, and there were no known injuries, WFD Battalion Chief Scott Purdy said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire started in a first-floor unit and moved upward into the unit above and then the attic, he said. Contact reporter Jim Riccioli at james.riccioli@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fire at The Meadows apartments in Waukesha displaces 6 families Numerous IDF officials had already slammed the decision to use tank fire on a hospital, as opposed to other precise targeting measures and operations. The IDF on Tuesday revealed that six of the around 20 Palestinians killed in the militarys tank shelling of Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis on Monday morning were Hamas terrorists. However, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir did not make this declaration to clear the military of mistakes in the operation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather, this was only the second release of additional details, with more probing necessary into why tank shells were mistakenly approved for the operation and who gave the order. Curiously, the IDF statement distinguished between potential errors made by commanders in the field as well as commanders back atIDF Southern Command Headquarters in Beersheba. Numerous IDF officials had already slammed the decision to use tank fire on a hospital, as opposed to other precise targeting measures and operations, which have been used more often in the last two years. The site of an Israeli airstrike at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, August 25, 2025 (credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90) Also curiously, Zamir said that the target was a video surveillance camera and not the six terrorists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, while there have been reports that the IDF Golani soldiers in the field had seen suspicious movements, the order to fire was given without knowing for sure that there were Hamas forces there, how many there were, or who they were. So far, the IDF has also not presented all of its information regarding which of the six were terrorists, though information about some of those killed has already leaked unofficially. According to the IDF, one of the six terrorists was also involved in aspects of the October 7 invasion, although videos have shown the individual carrying a flag into Israel, not specifically carrying out any of the around 1,200 murders. The IDF already admitted that the attack, or how it was carried out and its results, was a mistake early Monday afternoon. The issue immediately swelled to major global media coverage, partially because well-known journalists, including from Reuters, were killed in the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the IDF message on Tuesday, clearly some, and likely the majority, of these journalists were not Hamas. The military said it did not intend to harm journalists or innocent Palestinian civilians. Earlier on Monday, IDF sources told The Jerusalem Post that the Israel Air Force was not in charge of any operation in that area. They said the address for managing any such attack would have been IDF Southern Command, which is headed by Maj.-Gen. Yaniv Asor, although different levels of officials approve targets of varying levels of sensitivity. In addition, the IDF did not deny that there were two separate rounds of fire on the hospital. The second round caused additional deadly harm to medical and media officials who came to the scene to assist after the first strike. The militarys message on Tuesday did not address the justification for the second round of shelling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The likelihood that there were two rounds of shell firing was condemned even more strongly in global media coverage and appeared to be an issue that would be even harder to explain. Reuters, AP journalists killed in Gaza strike were not 'a target,' IDF Intl. spox. says Two journalists for Reuters and the Associated Press who were killed in an Israeli attack on a Gaza hospital were not "a target of the strike," a military spokesperson told Reuters on Tuesday, adding the army chief had ordered a further inquiry into how the decision to strike the hospital was made. "We can confirm that the Reuters and AP journalists were not a target of the strike," the IDF's international spokesperson Lt.-Col. Nadav Shoshani told Reuters on Tuesday. Three other journalists were also killed in the strike. Using its own camera equipment, Reuters has frequently broadcast a feed from Nasser hospital during the Gaza war. For the past several weeks the news agency had been delivering daily feeds from the hospital position that was hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the same time, the Chief of the General Staff regrets any harm caused to civilians," the statement said, adding that the Israeli military directs its activities solely toward military targets. Hamas claimed in a statement that one of the six Palestinians whom Israel alleged were terrorists was killed in al-Mawasi, some distance from the hospital, and another was killed elsewhere at a different time. The Hamas statement did not clarify whether the two who were killed elsewhere were also civilians. The written Israeli military statement identified what it called "several gaps" that Israel's Chief of the General Staff had instructed be further examined: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Firstly, a further examination of the authorization process prior to the strike, including the ammunition approved for the strike and the timing of the authorization. "Secondly, an examination of the decision-making process in the field." Strikes on hospitals require senior authorization Generally, higher-level officials must approve an attack on a hospital, even if there is a terrorist in the vicinity. The IDF tries to avoid striking civilians, IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin said on Monday night, adding that it must sometimes pursue Hamas terrorists even when they hide in hospitals. Oddly enough, Defrin gave no specific information about the Hamas assets that were struck during the incident. That led to speculation that there were disagreements within the IDF about what the target was and whether it was negligent to fire using shells as opposed to a more surgical and precise strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Asor took command of IDF operations in Gaza in March, sources in the IAF have periodically slammed him for being less thorough in avoiding civilian casualties than his predecessor, Maj.-Gen. Yaron Finkelman. IDF's civilian-to-terrorist ratio likely the worst since October 7 The IDFs recent ratios of civilians harmed compared with terrorists have likely been the worst since the start of the war. For much of the war, a ratio of 60% civilians to 40% terrorists harmed seemed broadly accurate, various IDF officers said off the record. That would have put Israel in good standing compared with other countries that had to fight terrorists in urban areas with the systematic use of human shields. But this was at the stage when the IDF was sometimes killing thousands of Hamas terrorists per week or month. In contrast, over the past half year, the IDF has said it had killed more than 2,000 Hamas terrorists. According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, about 11,000 Gazans have been killed during that same period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDF has cited numerous examples of Hamas exaggerating or downright inventing nonexistent mass civilian casualty incidents. But the IDF has not tossed Hamass estimates completely out the window, and it has declined to provide its own estimated civilian casualty tally, something that it always did in prior conflicts in Gaza. Cameraman Hussam al-Masri, one of the journalists killed in the strikes, was a contractor for Reuters. Photographer Hatem Khaled, also a Reuters contractor, was wounded. The officials in Gaza named the three other journalists as Mariam Abu Dagga, who the Associated Press said freelanced for the AP and other outlets since the start of the Gaza conflict; Mohammed Salama, who Qatar-based Al Jazeera said worked for the broadcaster; and Moaz Abu Taha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A rescue worker was also among those killed, the Gaza health officials said. The hospital was reportedly operating at full capacity, treating more than 1,000 patients at the time of the strikes, Nasser Hospital Director Atef al-Hout told Al-Arabiya TV. More than 50 people were wounded, he said. (Reuters) -Six Syrian soldiers were killed in Israeli drone strikes in the Damascus countryside, state-run El Ekhbariya TV reported early on Wednesday. Syria and Israel are engaged in U.S.-mediated talks on easing tensions in southern Syria, with Damascus seeking a security deal that could open the door to wider political negotiations. Syria said on Monday that Israel had sent 60 soldiers into its territory near Mount Hermon in a violation of its sovereignty, while the Israeli military said its troops carried out a routine operation in southern Syria but not in Beit Jinn, an area close to the border with Lebanon and near Mount Hermon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syria's foreign ministry on Tuesday condemned the recent Israeli attacks on its territory, saying they pose a direct threat to regional peace and security. Israel has repeatedly cited its own security concerns in its military interventions inside Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad last December, including what it sees as its obligation to protect members of the Druze minority in southern Syria. In January, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli troops would remain on the summit of Mount Hermon indefinitely. (Reporting by Enas Alashray in Cairo; Editing by Leslie Adler and Edmund Klamann) ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) Property owners requesting safety checks of their businesses by the St. Joseph Police Department are now seeing extra signs of security from officers. SJPD has enhanced its existing service by adding a new program called Shield Check". Business owners have been able to ask for monitoring of their property when closed, to watch for suspicious activity or any signs of forced entry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police are now placing door hangers at properties that have been checked, which include the name of the officer, the time and the date of the visit. Business owners will be notified of any concerns. The Shield Check door hangers are intended to provide property owners with extra assurance that officers have been there. To request monitoring of a business, residents can call 816-271-4777 or fill out a request online by going to stjosephmo.gov and navigating to SJPD's page under "government". The watch residence/business form can be found by clicking "forms and requests. SJPD also offers free business site security assessments. Those interested can email crimeprevention@stjosephmo.gov or call 816-236-1473. Border police in southeastern Bulgaria have detained two Georgian men after intercepting a van carrying 24 migrants from Afghanistan who each paid thousands of euros to be smuggled into Western Europe, local media reported. Authorities in the village of Lozenets situated on the country's Black Sea coast, about 60km from the Turkish border attempted to stop the van for inspection at a police checkpoint on Saturday night, according to the newspaper 24 Chasa. The driver reportedly ignored the request, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into parked cars before fleeing the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police discovered 24 Afghan migrants inside the van, most of whom were dehydrated and unconscious, according to local media. The migrants were reportedly examined and treated by emergency responders before being taken to Bulgaria's main asylum centre. The driver of the van and the driver of a separate pilot car both Georgian citizens were later detained by Bulgarian police, the BTA news agency reported. One of the Afghan migrants told 24 Chasa that they had each paid 4,000 to be smuggled from Turkey, and had been trying to reach Western Europe. Related Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police chief commissioner Anton Zlatanov told television station bTV that authorities were intercepting groups of migrants on a daily basis. "In many parts of that area, the border between Bulgaria and Turkey is a river. Right now, the water level is very low and migrants are crossing through the river", he told bTV. Another vehicle carrying several migrants was intercepted near Lozenets on Sunday evening, according to bTV. The driver was reportedly a Bulgarian national but there were no details about the origin of the migrants. Despite the recent incidents in Lozenets, Bulgaria has seen a sharp drop this year in irregular migrants trying to enter the country compared to 2023, which was a record year for such attempts, Zlatanov told bTV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is due to improved border security and stronger cooperation with authorities in neighbouring countries, the police chief commissioner said. Bulgaria is located on a major route for migrants from the Middle East and Afghanistan seeking to enter Europe from Turkey. In June, Europol said 18 people in the Balkan country had been arrested for smuggling mainly Syrian migrants from Turkey to Western Europe following an operation led by local authorities. Separately, Bulgarian customs officers said on Monday they had seized nearly 70 small inflatable boats, which are used by smugglers in the English Channel, at the Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint on the Bulgarian-Turkish border since the start of the year. (KRON) A prolific tagger responsible for graffiti at various locations in Sonoma County was arrested in Rohnert Park on Aug. 21, according to the Santa Rosa Police Department. The suspect, 23-year-old Fabian Manriquez Lopez, and his alleged accomplice, 20-year-old Alexis Smith, both from Santa Rosa, now face vandalism and conspiracy charges. The pair was arrested after the Santa Rosa Police Department used Snapchat to investigate $10,000 in graffiti-related damages in the region. As part of the investigation, PCI detectives authored search warrants for two Snapchat social media accounts, SRPD said. Those search warrants revealed significant digital evidence including videos and images of vandalism occurring and details to clearly identify the account users. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Concord high schools football field destroyed by fire Evidence shows that Lopez was primarily responsible for the tagging and Smith filmed the crimes, SRPD said. The areas damaged by the graffiti include the Santa Rosa Plaza parking garage, Sierra Meadows Park, Stanislaus Drive in Santa Rosa and the Forest Hills-Hacienda Bridge in Forestville. In recent years, platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok have become central to how offenders document and promote their work, SRPD said. These individuals often record themselves actively committing graffiti vandalism or pose in front of freshly painted pieces to demonstrate their skill and show off their work. Photo courtesy of the Santa Rosa Police Department. Whippits ban? San Mateo County supervisors to discuss prohibiting the sale of nitrous oxide Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although some tagging is done as an act of artistic expression, graffiti is illegal and causes costly damages to property, police said. Public infrastructure, small businesses, and residential properties are frequently targeted, leaving property owners with the responsibility and financial burden of removing or painting over the vandalism, SRPD said. Many surfaces require professional cleaning services or sandblasting, especially when spray paint is applied to porous materials like brick or concrete. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda appointed the Social Democrat Inga Ruginiene as the country's new prime minister on Tuesday. The 44-year-old former minister of social affairs and labour was earlier confirmed by the Lithuanian parliament in Vilnius. Ruginiene, who was nominated by Nauseda as a candidate for the premiership two weeks ago, received 78 votes in favour, with 35 votes against and 14 abstentions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruginiene now has 15 days to form a new government, whose members must be formally confirmed by Nauseda. After that, she must face another vote in parliament with her Cabinet and government programme. Ruginiene succeeds Gintautas Paluckas, who resigned at the beginning of August following allegations of dubious business dealings and conflicts of interest. A long-standing leader of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation, Ruginiene said she would continue the government's support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia. She also intends to stick to her predecessor's plan to spend between 5% and 6% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence in the coming years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lithuania, a member of the European Union and NATO, is to be home to an armoured brigade of the German military. Protests against government alliance The Social Democrat is relying on a new centre-left coalition with the populist Dawn of Nemunas, the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union and the Electoral Action of Poles in Lithuania - Christian Families Alliance. The four-party alliance, which signed a coalition agreement at the beginning of the week, holds 82 seats in the 141-seat parliament. In Vilnius, several thousand people demonstrated again after Ruginiene's confirmation to express their concerns about the new government coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the organizers, it includes politicians who use rhetoric to question the validity of the state and have dubious loyalties. They also doubted the suitability of Ruginiene, who has been criticized as politically inexperienced, to reconcile the various interests of the coalition partners. Son facing murder charges in mothers stabbing death in Jacksonville A 24-year-old man has been arrested and is facing charges in the murder of his mother Saturday on Peach Drive in Jacksonville. Jacksonville police responded to a home where they discovered 55-year-old Lilian Ochoa-Menjivar with multiple stab wounds. Her death was ruled a homicide by the Medical Examiners Office. The investigation was promptly initiated by Jacksonville Sheriffs Offices homicide unit, alongside District 2 Patrol and the Crime Scene Unit. Detectives identified the victims son, Hector Munoz-Ochoa, as the suspect. Munoz-Ochoa was arrested and is currently detained at the Duval County jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< According to court records, Munoz-Ochoa was arrested in 2020 for threatening to kill his mother with a knife. The case was dropped. A year later he was arrested for aggravated battery and found incompetent to stand trial, according to court records. He was placed in a mental health facility for two years. Hector Munoz-Ochoa is charged in the stabbing death of his mother, 55-year-old Lilian Ochoa-Menjivar. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) South Dakota is joining 43 other Attorneys General that are demanding artificial intelligence companies to stop aiming inappropriate content toward children. In a news release, the 44 Attorneys General sent a letter to 13 companies, including Meta and Apple, reporting about AI chatbots engaging in sexually explicit conversations. Wildflower Academy owner arrested for child abuse Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Documents revealed AI chatbots were told to engage with children as young as eight. I will not allow AI to threaten the safety and well-being of our children, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said in a news release. AI developers must act with integrity and caution when young users engage with their products. The letter also cited cases where bots encouraged dangerous behavior targeted toward teens, including suicide. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. South Korean President Lee Jae-myungs first summit with his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump, was in rough water even before it began. Ahead of the meeting, Trump dropped an ominous post on Truth Social, asking WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOUTH KOREA? with vague references to a purge or revolution. Lees staff worried he could face a Zelenskyy momentan Oval Office ambush similar to what Ukraines leader received in February. In the end, Lee put the meeting back on an even keel with a time-honored tactic when it comes to dealing with Trump: obsequious flattery. He praised everything from the Oval Offices new interior to Trumps relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But behind the spectacle, Seoul has a more substantive strategy: helping the U.S. salvage its struggling shipbuilding industry. As part of a trade deal reached last month, Lees government pledged $350 billion in new investments in the United States, $150 billion of which will go to shipbuilding ventures. Cognizant of the benefits of appealing to Trumps ego, Lee even dubbed the plan Make America Shipbuilding Great Again. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. The decline of U.S. shipbuilding capacity is a perennial concern among defense policymakers and elected officials of both parties in Washington. Take a look at the numbers and its easy to see why: U.S. shipyards, suffering from decades of underinvestment and chronic labor shortages, accounted for a negligible 0.04 percent of global commercial vessel production last year, according to U.N. data. Meanwhile, China produced more than half. And the Peoples Liberation Army Navy has already surpassed the U.S. Navy to become the largest maritime fighting force in the world. The decline of U.S. shipbuilding capacity is a perennial concern among defense policymakers and elected officials of both parties in Washington. A recent report from the RAND Corporation put it bluntly: The United States cannot compete with China alone. If it wants to keep pace, it has no choice but to partner with East Asian allies South Korea and Japan, both shipbuilding powerhouses with 30 percent and 10 percent of global market share, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lees trip to the U.S. includes a stop in Philadelphia to visit the Philly Shipyard, which was acquired by Hanwha Ocean, one of South Koreas top three shipbuilders, last year. Hanwha says it plans to increase production at Philly from one to two ships annually to around 20. But modernizing and updating the facility will be neither quick nor easy. As Reuters reported, citing South Korean industry sources, training new workers alone could take four to five years. And current U.S. legislation limits foreign participation in the U.S. shipbuilding industry on national security grounds, though some lawmakers have proposed reforms to address this. From South Koreas standpoint, cooperation on shipbuilding is an important area of cooperation in an alliance that has become strained on other fronts. As Trump later clarified, his vague Truth Social post ahead of the meeting with Lee concerned reports that South Korean authorities had conducted raids on churches and military facilities as part of their investigations into former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was arrested in January after being removed from office over his controversial declaration of martial law. Trump has also requested that Lees government transfer ownership of the land in South Korea where U.S. military bases are locateda nearly impossible ask. It is reminiscent of Trumps first term, when he upended the alliance by demanding that Seoul pay a greater share of the costs of supporting U.S. military facilities in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee was upbeat following his summit with Trump, telling a think tank audience that it turned out beyond my expectations as the meeting went over its allotted time. However, some analysts pointed to the absence of a customary joint statement as indicating unresolved issues. Valuable cooperation on shipbuilding aside, Trumps second term may wind up being just as rocky for the U.S.-South Korea alliance as his first. Elliot Waldman is World Politics Reviews editor-in-chief. The post South Korea Hopes Shipbuilding Can Shore Up Its Alliance With the U.S. appeared first on World Politics Review. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said his Monday meeting with President Trump exceeded expectations despite concerns that he could face a Zelensky moment, referring to the public blowup between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump in the Oval Office earlier this year. Before I met with President Trump today, he posted on Truth Social a very threatening post, which I felt. And then during the press gaggle, he mentioned about the Korean governments investigations regarding the previous government, and he mentioned that he would look into the search and seizure of U.S. bases, Lee said later Monday during remarks at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). And so, my staff was worried that we might face a Zelensky moment. But I already knew that I would not face that kind of situation, he added, noting he studied for their conversation by reading the presidents 1987 book, The Art of the Deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the day, Trump said tensions were brewing in Seoul. WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOUTH KOREA? Seems like a Purge or Revolution. We cant have that and do business there, the president posted on Truth Social ahead of the meeting. I am seeing the new President today at the White House, he continued. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!! His comments come months after the former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was ousted after attempting to invoke martial law. The nations Parliament ultimately blocked the measure and a constitutional court removed him from office. Despite protests that drew global attention and criticism, Lee said he arrived in Washington prepared to negotiate tariff rates, defense collaboration for the Korean peninsula and corporate partnerships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump said, as a technique in negotiating, that he presents conditions that are hard to accept for the opponent, Lee told reporters at the CSIS event. But at the final stage, he does not come to an unreasonable conclusion. And this was the pattern that I observed in his previous negotiations with other countries, he continued. And because of the importance of the Korea-U.S. alliance, I was confident that he would not inflict a wound to our alliance. The U.S. and South Korea agreed to a 15 percent tariff rate for exports from Seoul with $100 billion in energy investments. Trump told reporters the nations leaders found some qualms with the deal, but he stuck to his guns on the terms of agreement. We are going to, theyre going to make the deal that they agreed to make, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee said he hopes to maintain more prosperous relations with the U.S. and to expand the bilateral partnership in three main areas: security, economy and technology. A future-oriented, comprehensive strategic alliance is firmly rooted in the three pillars of security, economy, and advanced technology. And this ironclad alliance, founded on pragmatism and national interest for our people, will shine brightly, the leader told reporters. The golden era of the ROK-U.S. alliance has yet to come, not because we lack in something, but because we have unlimited potential to realize, he added. Together, we can achieve even greater things. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. South Korean President Lee Jae-men, elected in June, has revealed that his staff were "worried that we might face a Zelenskyy moment" during his first meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on 25 August. Earlier that day Trump had posted on social media questioning democracy in South Korea. Source: Politico, citing Lees remarks at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington Details: Lee said he personally had been confident he would not encounter a situation like the one that befell Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy when Trump and Vice-President JD Vance confronted him live in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Thats because I had read President Trumps book The Art of the Deal," Lee explained. He said the conversation with Trump turned out "better than he expected". According to Lee, he came away with a better understanding of Trump, received encouragement, and the meeting ran longer than scheduled. Politico notes that ahead of the meeting, Trump sought to inject drama by posting on Truth Social on the morning of 25 August: "WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOUTH KOREA? Seems like a Purge or Revolution. We cant have that and do business there. I am seeing the new President today at the White House. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!" He later told the press he had "heard bad things" about the domestic situation in South Korea. Lee said on Monday evening that the two leaders focused their discussion on strengthening economic ties and on how to "modernise our bilateral alliance to be more reciprocal and future-oriented in line with the changing security landscape". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did not give details of an oral trade agreement he said he reached with Trump last month that sets a 15% tariff on the countrys goods in exchange for commitments to invest over US$350 billion and to purchase an additional US$100 billion of energy supplies. In the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said the South Korean side had hoped to revisit some terms of that trade arrangement. Later the same day, he said the US would not yield. "They had some problems with it, but we stuck to our guns. We are going to, theyre going to make the deal that they agreed to make," Trump said. News then emerged throughout the day about South Korean investment in the US. Amazon announced it would partner with South Korean firms to help roll out small nuclear reactors nationwide via the start-up X-energy, in what the companies said would be a US$50 billion investment. Boeing and GE Aerospace signed a US$50 billion agreement with Korean Air to purchase 103 Boeing aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was also reported that on 26 August Lee is to visit a Philadelphia shipyard acquired by a South Korean firm in December one of the areas where the US administration is counting on South Korean investment to help revive US industry that has fallen behind global standards. "The K-shipbuilding industry, equipped with the worlds strongest capabilities, will bring about a renaissance of the US shipbuilding industry and create a new historic turning point for mutual prosperity," Lee said. He also underlined the importance of the USSouth Korea military alliance in countering what he called the growing nuclear threat from North Korea. Lee said Seoul does not intend to develop its own nuclear deterrent but warned that Pyongyangs drive to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads poses an increasing international threat. At the same time, the South Korean president did not shift on his countrys relations with China, avoiding any suggestion of severing ties with the worlds second-largest economy and major Asian geopolitical player. "Korea is currently kind of distanced from Americas export controls and supply chain controls regarding China. But because we are geographically very closely located to China, we are maintaining our relationship with China," Lee said. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has proposed a possible meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year if Trump comes to South Korea for a regional forum meeting, Lee's office said. Lee and Trump had a "pleasant" meeting where the two leaders exchanged praises and talked about assassination attempts against them, Kang Yu-jung, Lee's spokesperson, said. The two did not discuss Washington's demand over Seoul's opening to agricultural products, Kang added. (Reporting by Ju-min Park, Joyce Lee; Editing by Leslie Adler) (Reuters) -South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Monday that he and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed modernizing the two countries' alliance during their summit talks. Lee also said South Korea would expand its defense budget to transform the country's military into a smart military that will prevail in future warfare. His comments at a forum at Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) came after Lee and Trump held their first summit meeting. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom, Ju-min Park; Editing by Leslie Adler) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Monday night that his staff were worried that we might face a 'Zelenskyy moment during his first meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House Monday, after Trump raised questions about South Korean democracy on social media earlier in the day. But Lee said his meeting with Trump turned out beyond my expectations, telling an audience at a Washington think tank that he increased his understanding with Trump, received encouragement, and that their meeting went beyond its allotted time. The new South Korean president, who was elected in June, said he was confident going into the meeting with Trump that he would not face that kind of a situation that Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy infamously did earlier this year, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance confronted the Ukrainian leader on live television from the Oval Office. Thats because I had read President Trumps book, The Art of the Deal, Lee said in remarks at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump had heightened the drama going into the meeting by sharing a post on the social media platform Truth Social Monday morning asking, WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOUTH KOREA? Seems like a Purge or Revolution. We cant have that and do business there. I am seeing the new President today at the White House. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!" He then told the press that he had heard bad things about the domestic political situation. But Lee said Monday night that the two leaders focused their conversation on strengthening the U.S.-South Korea economic ties as well as how to modernize our bilateral alliance to be more reciprocal and future-oriented in line with the changing security landscape. He remained vague on the details, however, of the verbal trade agreement he struck with Trump last month, which set a 15 percent tariff rate on the countrys goods in exchange for a pledge of more than $350 billion in investments and an additional $100 billion in energy purchases. Trump indicated in the Oval Office Monday that the South Koreans had hoped to renegotiate some of the terms of that trade deal. But later in the afternoon, Trump said the U.S. wouldnt budge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They had some problems with it, but we stuck to our guns, Trump told reporters. We are going to, they're going to make the deal that they agreed to make." Throughout the day, news trickled out of investments that South Korean companies were making in the U.S. Amazon announced that it would team up with South Korean companies to help launch small nuclear reactors throughout the country with the startup X-energy, in what the companies said would be a $50 billion investment. And Boeing and GE Aerospace signed a $50 billion deal with Korean Air to purchase 103 Boeing aircraft. Those investment pledges come on top of Lees planned visit Tuesday to a shipyard in Philadelphia, which was purchased in December by a South Korean firm. Thats one area where the administration is counting on South Korean investment to help revitalize a U.S. industry that has fallen far below world standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The K-shipbuilding industry, equipped with the worlds strongest capabilities, will bring about a renaissance of the U.S. shipbuilding industry and create a new historic turning point for mutual prosperity, Lee said Monday night. Lee also underscored the importance of the U.S.-South Korea military alliance in facing down what he called a growing nuclear weapons threat from North Korea. Lee said that Seoul has no intentions of developing its own nuclear deterrent, but warned that Pyongyangs drive to develop nuclear warhead-equipped intercontinental ballistic missiles posed a growing international menace. There is a balance of fear on the Korean peninsula, but the situation is deteriorating, Lee said. But, as he courted the mercurial American president, Lee didnt budge when it came to his countrys ties with China, avoiding any mention of decoupling from the worlds second largest economy and the biggest geopolitical power player in Asia. Korea is currently kind of distanced from America's export controls and supply chain controls regarding China, Lee said. But because we are geographically very closely located to China, we are maintaining our relationship with China." Phelim Kine contributed to this report. This story will update. A portion of I-69 southbound in Fishers will be closed until at least 11 a.m. on Aug. 26 as state police respond to a serious crash under the 116th Street bridge. Exit 210, adjacent to the IKEA store, is closed. The Indiana State Police crash reconstruction team is responding to the area. Police have not given any information about the condition of people involved in the crash. Southbound I-69 is closed as police respond to a serious crash under the 116th Street bridge on Aug. 26, 2025 in Fishers. #TrafficAlert I-69 southbound is closed at exit 210 for a serious crash. The crash is under 116th Street in the southbound lanes of I-69 ISP crash reconstruction team is responding Expect delays in the area for the next two hours Sgt. John Perrine (@ISPIndianapolis) August 26, 2025 Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@indystar.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Southbound I-69 in Fishers closed as police respond to serious crash AUSTIN (KXAN) All lanes are back open on Interstate 35 after a crash that happened at Lakeway Drive in Georgetown left a 24-year-old man dead, according to the Georgetown Police Department. The Texas Department of Transportation posted on X around 1:48 p.m., saying, Southbound I-35 at Lakeway Drive, all lanes closed due to police activity. Police said it appears a car hit a person who jumped from the Lakeway bridge. If you are in distress and need someone to talk to, please call 988, text HELLO to 741741, or visit the crisis hotlines website. For LGBTQ-specific support for ages 13-24, call The Trevor Project at 866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said they would not be releasing the name of the man who died. First responders are working a crash investigation on southbound I-35 near the Lakeway bridge on Aug. 26, 2025, according to Georgetown Police. (KXAN Photo/Nabil Remadna) First responders are working a crash investigation on southbound I-35 near the Lakeway bridge on Aug. 26, 2025, according to Georgetown Police. (KXAN Photo/Nabil Remadna) First responders are working a crash investigation on southbound I-35 near the Lakeway bridge on Aug. 26, 2025, according to Georgetown Police. (KXAN Photo/Nabil Remadna) Shortly before 4:30 p.m., TxDOT said all lanes were back open. KXAN reached out to the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Georgetown Police Department for details on the investigation and will update the story when that information is 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 KXAN Austin. Ventura County officials on Tuesday announced that nine people have been charged in what theyre calling the largest Home Depot theft case in the nation. Sheriff James Fryhoff told KTLAs Annie Rose Ramos that the thieves took more than $10 million worth of merchandise from more than 70 Home Depot stores during more than 500 thefts in the past five or six months alone. About $3.7 million in merchandise was recovered in raids earlier this month, but the rest of the stolen loot was likely sold, either to contractors or other businesses for cash or, in some cases, sold on Amazon or eBay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The level of sophistication for this crew is something that weve never seen They were stealing daily. They never took a day off, Fryhoff said. Fryhoff said the crew hit every Home Depot in Ventura County every day, taking $6,000 to $10,000 in merchandise each time. But it wasnt just Ventura County that was hit, Fryhoff added. From San Luis Obispo south, this went all the way to San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino counties, he said. This crew was relentless in their willingness to steal from all of our businesses and then sell it on either eBay or Amazon or out of their warehouse for straight cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials identified the alleged ringleader as 59-year-old David Ahl of Woodland Hills, who is accused of directing theft crews to steal high-end electrical merchandise, such as dimmer switches, circuit breakers, and outlets, that he then resold through Arya Wholesale, his Tarzana business, according to a news release from the Ventura County District Attorneys Office. He faces 45 felony counts, including grand theft, organized retail theft, criminal conspiracy and money laundering, and he is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail. Also charged are three of his associates: Omid Abrishamkar, a 35-year-old from Calabasas, Ahls brother-in-law who faces 11 felony counts Lorena Solis, a 54-year-old from Downey, Ahls ex-wife who faces eight felony counts Enrique Neira Moreno, a 59-year-old from Downey, is Solis current partner who also faces eight felony counts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those accused of being in the organized theft crews are: Jose Banuelos Guerroro, a 60-year-old from South Gate Edwin Rivera, a 32-year-old from Los Angeles Eber Bonilla-Lopez, a 39-year-old from Pomona Erlin Lopez-Hernandez, a 28-year-old from Pomona Denny Gomez, a 33-year-old from Pomona All five alleged members of the theft crews face felony charges including grand theft, organized retail theft and conspiracy. Bonilla-Lopez is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail, while the others bail has been set at $250,000 each. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Southwest Airlines has updated its policy for travelers who may require more seat space. As the airline moves to implement a wave of changes, such as the switch from open seating to assigned seats, which goes into effect for travel on or after Jan. 27, 2026, the Dallas-based carrier is updating its "Customer of Size" policy for passengers "who require more than one seat." Southwest Airlines updated an article on its website about seating, stating that its longstanding policy will no longer guarantee customers a day-of complimentary additional seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional seat is available," the airline states, adding that it will refund the extra seat purchase "upon request once travel is complete." "The purchase of additional seats serves as a notification of a special seating request and helps us ensure we can accommodate you on the flight," Southwest states. "Most importantly, it ensures that all Customers onboard have access to safe and comfortable seating." Mike188/Wirestock Creators/Adobe - PHOTO: Stock photo Those who purchase an extra seat on or before Jan. 26, 2026 -- while the airline's open seating policy is still in place -- are directed to see a Southwest customer service agent at their gate on the day of travel to obtain a "Seat Reserved document," which can then be placed on the adjoining seat. The airline notes that customers "may not purchase more than one seat for the sole purpose of keeping the seat next to the Customer empty." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southwest customers traveling on or after Jan. 27, 2026 -- when assigned seating takes effect -- will be required to "proactively" purchase an additional adjacent seat if they "encroach upon the neighboring seat(s)," the airline states. Under the new policy, those who do not purchase an additional seat or seats prior to arriving at the airport "will be required to purchase an additional seat and pay any applicable seat fee at the airport." Department of Transportation approves new Blue Sky partnership between JetBlue, United Airlines "If the flight is sold out or adjacent seats are not available on your flight, we will rebook you on an alternate flight to your destination on which adjacent seats are available," Southwest's website reads. "To avoid the need for purchasing a seat at the last minute or rebooking, we encourage you to purchase your second seat when you make your initial reservation." The airline says it will refund extra seat purchases once travel is complete, so long as the request is made within 90 days of travel. Additionally, flights "must depart with at least one open seat," according to the airline, and "both seats should be purchased in the same fare class." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The carrier's decadeslong "Customer of Size" policy previously allowed those who preferred not to purchase an additional seat in advance of time to buy a single seat and discuss their seating needs with a gate agent ahead of departure. If it was determined that a second or third seat was needed, the airline would accommodate them with a complimentary additional seat the day of travel. According to the airline's updated policy, additional seats purchased by customers "traveling on an itinerary that includes a partner carrier" are non-refundable. A representative for Southwest Airlines told ABC News on Tuesday, "We are updating many policies as we prepare our operation, Employees, and Customers for assigned seating on January 27, 2026. To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy they should purchase it at booking." For years, Southwest Airlines was praised for their size-inclusive seating policies, which allowed plus-sized passengers to either pay for an extra seat and receive a refund after the flight, or request a free additional seat at the airport. However, that policy is set to change starting Jan. 27, 2026, according to an update on Southwests website. The change will coincide with the airline's shift to assigned seating, as it moves away from its current open-seating system and starts implementing seat assignments like other airlines. At present, passengers choose their seats upon boarding and can pay for early boarding to secure a preferred spot. To ensure space, we are communicating to Customers who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking, Southwest said in a statement regarding the policy change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the new policy, some passengers may still qualify for a refund on the additional seat but it will no longer be guaranteed. The updated guidelines state: "Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional, adjacent seat is available. The armrest is considered to be the definitive boundary between seats. While the Southwest does list seat dimensions on its website, beginning Jan. 27, passengers will no longer be able to request a free additional seat at the gate if they require it. Instead, they will need to purchase the extra seat (priced at whatever the day of fare is) or risk being rebooked on another flight where an adjacent seat is available. To avoid the need for purchasing a seat at the last minute or rebooking, we encourage you to purchase your second seat when you make your initial reservation, the website advises. To be eligible for a refund on the extra seat after Jan. 27, the following conditions must be met: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flight must depart with at least one open seat. Both seats must be in the same fare class. The refund request must be made within 90 days of travel. With seat assignments becoming available at booking, customers should be able to select two adjacent seats. If that isn't possible during the booking process, Southwest recommends reaching out to customer service right away. This latest update follows a series of policy changes that have impacted longtime Southwest customers. More recently, the airline ended its popular "two bags fly free" policy earlier this summer, a move that was met with backlash from loyal flyers. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Citizens affected by the devastating forest and bush fires in Spain in recent weeks are set to receive rapid state financial assistance. At its first meeting after the summer recess, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Cabinet declared numerous regions disaster zones, the government in Madrid announced on Tuesday. This designation allows residents to apply for reconstruction aid under the Civil Protection Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The support is intended not only for victims of the 113 forest fires that have swept across the country this summer, particularly since early August, but also for those hit by five severe storms that caused flooding, including flash floods. Although the situation has eased since the weekend, many fires are still burning. Currently, 15 major blazes are active, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska told reporters. Three fires in the provinces of Zamora, Leon, and Lugo in north-western Spain are considered especially serious. Officials have described the wildfires as the most severe in decades. Northern and western Spain have been particularly hard hit since August 5 during an unusually long heatwave. No official damage assessment is available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the latest estimate by the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), more than 4,100 square kilometres of land has been destroyed in Spain since the beginning of the year. Since the beginning of August, about 3,500 square kilometres has burnt. Neighbouring Portugal experienced fierce fires in August. According to EFFIS, some 2,700 square kilometres of land has been destroyed, mostly in sparsely populated areas. Both Spain and Portugal reported four fatalities each. As in Spain, numerous fires were still burning in Portugal on Tuesday. SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) A Spartanburg County man accused of distributing child sexual abuse materials has been located an arrested in Delaware, according to local officials. The Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office said on Tuesday that Theron Robert Littlefield, of Lyman, has been arrested by the Delaware Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and is awaiting extradition to South Carolina. According to the sheriffs office, after receiving a tip related to the distribution of child sex abuse materials, investigators executed a search warrant on Littlefields home on August 22. The sheriffs office said it found several electronic devices, three guns he was not legally permitted to own and ammunition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of the search, Littlefield was located in Delaware. He has been charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of domestic violence. He is currently being held at the Sussex Correctional Institution in Delaware. In a separate incident, the sheriffs office said it has arrested Dudley Paul Bishop in connection with an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation which began on August 3. Bishop has been charged with luring a child and criminal solicitation of a minor. The sheriffs office said the investigation began after a child told a parent Bishop used social media to communicate with them and solicit the child for sexual activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We commend this childs courage in coming forward. We also encourage all parents to talk with their children about the safe use of social media apps and to report any concerning communications to law enforcement, said the sheriffs office in a media release. Bishop was booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Miceala Morano scrambled for cover behind a green screen in the University of Arkansas broadcast room after she received a campuswide alert about an active shooter. As officers outside donned bullet proof vests and searched for an intruder, the 21-year-old journalism student called her grandmother, telling her, As of right now, Im safe. I love you." Monday's threat turned out to be part of a rash of hoax calls about active shooters on college campuses some featuring gunshots sounding in the background that have sent waves of fear among students around the nation as the school year begins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The calls prompted universities to issue texts to run, hide, fight. Students and teachers rushed for cover, often cowering in classrooms and under desks for safety. Officers swarmed over campuses, seeking out any threat. That the threats turned out to be false doesn't much matter in the moment for terrified students. Theres just these few minutes where all you really feel is fear, whether the threats there or not, said Morano, whose childhood active shooter drills taught her to stack chairs blocking the classroom door and to climb into the ceiling as a last resort. The hoaxes and false alarms have hit at least a dozen college campuses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday alone, law enforcement responded to calls claiming active shooters at Arkansas, Northern Arizona University, Iowa State, Kansas State, the University of Colorado-Boulder and the University of New Hampshire. More calls were made Tuesday at the University of Kentucky, West Virginia University and Central Georgia Technical College. Latest wave of swatting calls began in Pennsylvania, Tennessee At Villanova University, students were attending Thursday's Orientation Mass when law enforcement received multiple calls about a man opening fire on campus with an AR-15 style weapon. Sounds of gunfire could be heard in the background of the calls. Chairs banged together and bags dropped as students fled, recalled Ryan Scanlon, who was in eighth grade at a neighboring school when the mass shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now a Villanova senior, he joined others sheltering in the school library, waiting with little news for about an hour before police arrived to clear out buildings. Its really not funny, Scanlon said. If you experience that real thing, you never know what can happen next. Hours earlier, Tennessee authorities received similar false calls reporting an active shooter with an AR-15 style rifle at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and four persons shot. Dispatchers reported hearing multiple gunshots on the calls. This incident was a criminal act, intended to be disruptive and cause chaos, the school said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University of South Carolina also received two calls Sunday reporting an active shooter at the schools library, with the sound of gunshots in the background. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said authorities must find whoever was behind the calls, comparing them to yelling fire in a crowded theater. It could have been a lot worse than it was. Maybe next time it will be worse, McMaster told reporters. Swatting causes terror The goal of swatting is to get authorities, particularly a SWAT team, to respond to an address. In an era of mass shootings, the calls create a climate of fear, sap law enforcement resources and can lead to deadly mistakes. In 2017, for instance, a police officer in Wichita, Kansas, shot and killed a man while responding to a hoax emergency call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI provided no information about a motive, but said Tuesday that it was working with law enforcement on the swatting cases on college campuses, which come as such false reports surge nationwide. A wave of threats three years ago was believed to have come from outside the country, the FBI said at the time. The agency provided few details about the recent campus threats, including whether they are coordinated, but the calls appear to share similar traits. Most involved multiple calls about an active shooter or shooting, and at least four included the sound of gunshots in the background. Fred Posner, a telephoning consultant at LOD.com, said advances in technology have made it easier for people making such swatting calls to conceal their identities. Posner said law enforcement also faces the challenge of how easy phone carriers have made it for people to obtain a number. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only way for this to stop is to have some sort of enforcement and crackdown against the carriers that continually allow this to occur, Posner said. Experts fear hoaxes may make students dismiss warnings The worry is that hoaxes will create complacency at campuses where active shooter alerts and drills have become a regular part of life. We live in tornado alley where people go hear a tornado warning and go outside to look, said Mya Norman, a chemistry instructor at Arkansas who hid trembling under her desk as the Fayetteville campus remained on lockdown. So it does concern me that we could end up with that kind of an effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ken Trump, president of National School Safety and Security Services, said campus officials face a delicate balance in keeping students and teachers on guard, but not panicked, for any real threats in the future. For many, he said, panic lingers weeks and even months after the hoaxes. Norman is still haunted by what happened. As she tried to reassure her son and husband, her thoughts raced. Its kind of rotten but in some ways I thought well its our turn, she said. Casey Mann, a 19-year-old who joined Morano in hiding behind a green screen, said she couldnt sleep until 2 a.m. after the Arkansas lockdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just a scary reality the time were living in right now, she said, her voice choking up. It just makes me wonder what were supposed to expect in the future. ___ DeMillo reported from Little Rock, Arkansas, and Hollingsworth reported from Mission, Kansas. Associated Press Writers Kate Brumback in Atlanta; Jack Dura in Bismarck, North Dakota; Michael Casey in Boston; Matthew Brown in Billings, Montana; Kristin Hall in Nashville and Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report. A sustainable coffee chain in the Boston area that focuses on working directly with farmers has opened a new cafe. George Howell Coffee opened its newest location at Lyrik in Back Bay on Tuesday. The opening marked the companys sixth location in the Boston area. Other cafes are located at The Godfrey in Downtown Crossing, Boston Public Market, Lovestruck Books in Cambridge and Newtonville. George Howell Coffee has a Roastery in Action. To celebrate its grand opening, the Lyrik cafe will offer $1 small cups of hot, iced and cold brew coffee from 12 to 2 p.m. Tuesday. In addition, the first 100 customers will get a complimentary limited-release George Howell Coffee Lyrik tote bag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At George Howell Coffee, we are not just roasters; we are interpreters of the intricate symphony created by farmers and nature, George Howell, founder of George Howell Coffee, said in a written statement. Lyriks dedication to art and culture mirrors our own, making it the perfect home for our newest cafe. Howell, who founded the coffee chain in 2004, has focused on sourcing and roasting the highest quality coffee for 50 years. Howell has taken hundreds of trips around the world to meet with coffee farmers and members of their communities since 1975. Today, Georges daughter Jenny carries on this legacy by continuing to forge strong relationships with farmers from around the globe. Opening at Lyrik is not only a full-circle moment for our family, its an exciting opportunity to continue my fathers legacy in the heart of Boston with partners who share our passion for creating places where culture and community collide, she said in the statement. This new space allows us to continue sharing the incredible craftsmanship of the producers that we work with, many of whom have become close friends and extensions of our family. George Howell Coffees Lyrik cafe serves the brands signature specialty beverages from cold brew to espresso drinks. Limited roasts are also available, as well as bagged coffee, pastries, sandwiches and toasts. Desserts are expected to make their debut later this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lyrik location will be open 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. destinations Read the original article on MassLive. Aug. 25Though test results have yet to confirm it, a Spokane County child has almost certainly contracted measles, according to local health officials. The first case of measles in a Spokane County resident this year, the presumed diagnosis comes after two cases were identified in North Idaho earlier this month. One of those individuals traveled from Bonner County to Providence Sacred Heart hospital in Spokane to receive treatment before they were diagnosed. It was during this visit where the Spokane County individual was likely infected. On Sunday, they received treatment for measles-like symptoms. Results from a measles test will not be available until Wednesday. Having been in an area previously identified as a high risk for measles exposure and experiencing symptoms that are consistent with those of the illness, the child is presumed to be positive for the highly contagious disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We felt confident this person has measles," Spokane Regional Health District spokesperson Kelli Hawkins said. The Spokane County resident is a child under 10. Their vaccination status is unknown, Hawkins said. The case comes with a whole new set of exposures that may have taken place when the child received treatment Sunday. Anyone who was at the Providence Sacred Heart emergency department on Sunday, Aug. 24 between 6:08 a.m. and 10:41 a.m. was possibly exposed. The following locations of potential measles exposure relate to the previous Bonner County, Idaho , case. * Tuesday, Aug. 12, 11:14 a.m.-5:27 p.m., Providence Sacred Heart Pediatric and Adult Emergency Departments Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * . * Wednesday, Aug. 13, 6:02 p.m.-12:54 a.m., Providence Sacred Heart Pediatric and Adult Emergency Departments. * Friday, Aug. 15, 9:30 a.m.-8:27 p.m., Providence Sacred Heart Pediatric Oncology & Hematology Specialty Clinic. According to Hawkins, the Spokane County child was not in any other public place since when they could have been infectious. Asked if more measles cases are likely in Spokane County, Hawkins said that"would not be surprising." Measles often presents with a high fever, runny nose and a cough. But it is distinguished by a rash that appears three to five days after initial symptoms starting on the face and then moving down the body. The disease is so infectious because someone can spread it for more than a week before they exhibit symptoms. Symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If an unvaccinated individual is exposed to measles, the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine can still provide protection within 72 hours of exposure. Within six days, a person can be given immunoglobulin that can prevent infection. If you're experiencing symptoms associated with measles and may have been exposed, health officials say to call ahead to your medical provider before going in person and potentially spreading the disease. (The Center Square) Sitting on another unpaid jail bill, the city of Spokane may backfill the account responsible for covering its costs from the general fund despite an approximately $13.4 million deficit. Chief Financial Officer Matt Boston told the Spokane City Council on Monday that the Criminal Justice Assistance Fund is now insolvent. Established in 2007, city officials initially planned to use the fund to pay the monthly jail bills from the county, but recently drained the account with one-time transfers. As originally reported by The Center Square, the city diverted over $6 million from the jail fund during the pandemic, decimating reserves by approximately 50% from 2022 to 2023. Budget staff claims the citys costs are rising disproportionately compared to the countys, but data paints a different picture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taxpayers from unincorporated areas of Spokane County already foot the bill for nearly 2,500 felony offenders arrested within city limits. The city also logged 21.8% more total inmate days in 2024 than when the pandemic started in 2019, while the countys share of inmate days is still 9% less than then. This is something that weve talked about at length over the last several months, Boston told the city council on Monday. Not only do we have to find the delta to house the expenses that are specific to jail costs, but we also have to find a funding source for the other expenses that were in there. The city also used the CJA fund for other one-time transfers related to law enforcement from 2020 to 2025, totaling $6.7 million in addition to the more than $6 million diverted for homelessness services. Those one-time transfers kept departments relying on the general fund afloat during several years of deficits under former Mayor Nadine Wooward and now Mayor Lisa Brown. While Brown inherited a $25 million shortfall that her new administration balanced in 2024, she now faces a $13.4 million deficit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boston and Brown have both recognized that a tough budget cycle with some significant cuts is ahead. The $13.4 million deficit is an imbalance between revenues and expenditures next year, so the city is on track for the most part through 2025. Communications Director Erin Hut told The Center Square that a $2 million transfer from the general fund should keep the CJA account afloat through next year. Boston said the issue is that declining sales tax revenue growth hasnt kept pace with projections over the last few years. The CJA fund may have stabilized had growth matched the citys rising costs, but it plateaued after the city drained its reserves, leaving no other option than to backfill the jail account. Based on our estimations and the current billing and [Average Daily Population] reports, Hut told The Center Square, Were anticipating there will be just enough to get us through the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spokane County Spokesperson Pat Bell told The Center Square that the city still hasnt paid its August jail bill. Detention Services hadnt received payments for the June and July bills until Aug. 8, a week after The Center Squares initial coverage, and sent the city another bill for this month on Aug. 5. Hut said the city usually pays its bill at the end of the month once it receives another chunk of sales tax revenue; however, Spokane also waited until the end of July to pay the county for the June bill. This funds cash balance has reached insolvency, wherein the sales tax collected is not enough to pay the monthly allocated bill from the county, according to the councils committee meeting agenda. The Criminal Justice Assistance Fund needs an influx of funding to survive 2025, let alone future years. The council is expected to vote on the $2 million transfer to backfill the CJA fund with the general fund by the end of September. Aug. 25With their contract set to expire at the end of summer, representatives from Spokane Public Schools and union Spokane Education Association have reached a tentative agreement for a new three-year contract. Union membership will vote on the bargained contract at a general assembly meeting on Tuesday. If membership approves the new terms and the contract is finalized, the district will release more information about the contract with staff and families, according to an email from district spokesperson Ryan Lancaster. The union and the district have been bargaining since May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The contract in question would apply to all certificated employees working in the district, including teachers, school counselors, psychologists, librarians and any other nonadministrator who holds a certificate. The extensive contract details conditions of these employees' work, including salaries and additional pay, work hours, calendars, class size and more. Elena Perry's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor. A Sri Lankan court has granted bail to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was arrested last week over allegations that he misused state funds while in office. Wickremesinghe, 76, joined the court hearing on Tuesday via Zoom from a state-run hospital where he was admitted over health concerns. The case against him is based on an investigation into a visit he made to Britain in 2023 in which he spent $55,000 of government funds to attend a graduation lunch as part of celebrations of his wifes honorary professorship at a university there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura ordered Wickremesinghes release on a 5-million-rupee ($16,600) bond after a lengthy hearing held under tight security. Hundreds of supporters, protesters and opposition politicians gathered outside the court in central Colombo before the hearing. Police restrain supporters of Wickremesinghe during a protest on a street leading to the Colombo Fort Magistrate Court in Colombo on August 26, 2025 [AFP] One protester, Samarasiri Kuruwitaarachchi, 69, told The Associated Press news agency that the government has failed to deliver on the promises it made before last years presidential election and is now trying to hunt down the political opponents. Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, deputy leader of Wickremesinghes United National Party (UNP), told reporters outside the court that the demonstrations are a sign of the independence of our judiciary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We came out in support of democracy and due process. The government should continue measures to fight against corruption. We have no objection to that, Kariyawasam said. The UNP has said Wickremesinghe, who lost power in last years election, is innocent and suggested that the case against him is politically motivated, which Sri Lankas ruling party, headed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, denies. A lawyer by profession, Wickremesinghe also served as Sri Lankas prime minister a record six times before becoming president in 2022. The former president maintains that his wifes travel expenses in Britain were met by her personally and no state funds were used for the visit. Dissanayake has led a campaign to stamp out endemic corruption on the island nation, which is still emerging from its worst economic crisis in 2022. Its back-to-school season, but not everyone has the time and budget for new backpacks or a stop at the barber shop. One solution: Host an event that brings the two together, make it free and make it fun. The National Black Police Association of Minnesota, Black Firefighters United and others partnered with The Sanneh Foundation, Greater Twin Cities United Way to host the 10th annual Backpacks and Barbers event Monday at the the Conway Recreation Center in St. Paul, providing children with free haircuts, backpacks, school supplies, food and more. It helps them to be able to take some of that burden off of their families, Sanneh Foundation marketing coordinator Sophia Hayden said. And everybody needs a fresh haircut. You look good, you feel good. So we want to get those kids ready to have their first day of school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another hope for the event is that while officers engage with community and show them they care, some of the kids, especially those from underrepresented communities, will be inspired to see law enforcement as a career path in the future. Representation is very important for the Black Police Association, so kids in the community can look up and say, Hey, these people can do it. You know what, I can do it too, because were actually really underrepresented in Minnesota, Association President and St. Paul Officer Brad Chin said. According to the association, 273 out of the total 10,505 police officers in Minnesota are Black. Chin said the association wants to change this to better serve their communities. First time attendee and mother of six Dominiques Perkins brought her two boys, fifth-grader Damari and third-grader Dontrez, out on Tuesday. The event was an opportunity to save some money and be surrounded by community members, she said, looking at the rows of young kids getting their hair cut by professional local barbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another first timer, Akona Joaj, a special education educator, brought two young family members who are refugees from South Sudan and had never before had their hair cut, she said. The two boys came to Minnesota early this year and were all smiles as they sat across from each other. It brings the community together and is so helpful for kids, Joaj said. Even if you cant afford it, you still deserve to feel good and look good for school. Related Articles Erik Brynjolfsson, a co-author of the report, participates in a panel on September 21, 2022 in New York City. Credit - Roy RochlinGetty Images/Unfinished Live Welcome back to In the Loop, TIMEs new twice-weekly newsletter about AI. We're publishing these editions both as stories on Time.com and as emails. If you're reading this in your browser, why not subscribe to have the next one delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe to In the Loop What to Know: Economists Say AI is Harming the Labor Market for Young People Warning signs Is AI stealing jobs from early-career workers? A new report from the Stanford Digital Economy Lab finds that in the professions most exposed to AI automation, including software engineering and customer service, employment for 22- to 25-year-olds has declined significantly. The numbers back up mounting anecdotal evidence of college graduates in certain fields struggling to find jobsand serve as canaries in the coal mine, the reports authors write, warning of the potentially destabilizing effects that AI could have on the labor market going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Stanford paper, which was published today, draws upon data from ADP, the largest payroll software provider in the United States, which tracks millions of workers across tens of thousands of firms. While other previous studies have been narrower in scope, this is the largest scale, most real-time effort to quantify AIs impact on labor markets so far, co-author Erik Brynjolfsson, an award-winning economist and the director of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab, tells TIME. A new Stanford study shows that AI is harming some types of jobs more than others. Stanford Digital Economy Lab Diverging paths The data shows that since late 2022when OpenAIs ChatGPT stormed to the mainstreamoverall employment has grown robustly. But early career workers in the most AI-exposed occupationslike software engineering, marketing, and customer servicehave experienced a 16% relative decline in employment, even after controlling for firm-level impacts. In contrast, workers in more hands-on professions, including health aides, maintenance workers, and taxi drivers, have seen employment hold steady or actually grow. It was really striking to see such a sharp effect for certain categories and not others, Brynjolfsson says. Brynjolfsson refrained from directly saying that AI was definitely causing unemployment. But he says that he and his researchers were able to rule out other hypotheses, including that the changes were being driven by COVID-19-induced remote work, for example, or changes in education. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that AI is having this effect [on the labor market], especially for entry-level workers, says co-author Bharat Chandar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A path forward Stanfords report isnt all doom and gloom. The ADP data shows that the employment rates of older workers in high AI-exposure fields are holding strong. For workers aged 30 and over, for example, employment in the highest AI-exposure categories grew between 6-12% from late 2022 to May 2025. This could suggest that older workers have tacit knowledge that AIs struggle to replicateor they have more power in their organizational structures and are therefore harder to fire. The researchers also found that employment is growing in professions where AI is used to augment workers rather than automate their tasks. For instance, workers who use AI to learn about topics or validate their work once completed seem less susceptible to being replaced than those who are asked to delegate entire tasks to AI. For Brynjolfsson, this is a sign that AI, if deployed shrewdly, could lead to positive economic results. I think it's fair to say that technology has always been destroying jobs and always been creating jobs, he says. If we want to create not just higher productivity, but widely shared prosperity, using AI to augment and not just automate work is a good direction to go. AI in Action Brynjolfsson and Chandar say they used AI throughout the process of writing their aforementioned paper: to write code in order to process and clean the ADP data; to provide references with which they could check their claims; and help with some of the writing, Chandar says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also used AI to create and edit the visual graphs in the paper. Every time we made a graph, I or another reader would have a suggestion, "What if you did this way? Brynjolfsson says. In the olden days, that would have been a real pain. But with AI, you do it a lot faster. He added: One of the reasons we're able to do this paper quite quickly and efficiently is because we were ourselves using AI. This was definitely an augmentative use of it. Stanford Digital Economy Lab Who to Know: Josh Vlasto Persuasion tactics In 2024, the crypto industry made a big bet: That by dumping over $100 million into congressional races and putting maximum pressure on candidates to support crypto, they could spark industry-friendly legislation. The strategy proved wildly successful: many of their favored candidates won, and the crypto-friendly bills have advanced through Congress this year. Now, several key figures in that movement are running similar playbooks in AI. They include Chris Lehane, who now runs global policy at OpenAI, and the political strategist Vlasto. Vlasto is a leader at Fairshake, the crypto super PAC at the center of the industrys political push. He is now co-leading Leading the Future, an analogous AI super PAC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI tug of war Leading the Future will support candidates aligned with the pro-AI agenda and oppose policies that stifle innovation, reads a statement that Vlasto sent to TIME. The organization already has $100 million in initial funding, from backers including Andreessen Horowitza major backer of Fairshakeand OpenAI president Greg Brockman. Many crypto critics viewed Fairshakes political operation as a perfect example of regulatory capture post-Citizens United: in which a small minority with a huge financial stake in a fringe tech turned it into a legislative priority. But their efforts were undeniably successfuland now, AI has the money and the expertise to try to pass favorable rules. Across the states, many legislative efforts are underway to rein in AI companies and mitigate AIs harms. Vlasto and his colleagues will no doubt try to use their massive war chest and political savvy to counter their efforts. What Were Reading Citizen Is Using AI to Generate Crime Alerts With No Human Review. Its Making a Lot of Mistakes, by Joseph Cox, 404 Media Many Americans use the app Citizen to track crime in their area. But the app recently fired more than a dozen employees and has been turning to AI to write alertswhich has led to factual inaccuracies and the exposure of sensitive data like names and license plates, Cox writes. AI sometimes just gets stuff horribly wrong and you scratch your head wondering how it got there, a source told Cox. Contact us at letters@time.com. Recent startup HOPE Hydration is bringing clean drinking water to an event near you but where does the funding come from? According to Science.org, over 4 billion people lack access to safe drinking water. HOPE's 8-foot-tall water refill stations aim to change that. How does one fund such a massive task? As thousands of people swarm to water refill stations at large events like Cannes Lions, SXSW, and Formula 1 races, there is nothing to do but watch the 55-inch screen on the station promote ad campaigns for partners like Nike, Yei, and Liquid IV, allowing companies to reach target consumers while providing a necessary service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HOPE Hydration has Jorge Richardson, who made Forbes' 30 Under 30 marketing and advertising list in 2022, as CEO and cofounder. Through fundraising, they have brought the company's funding to $26 million, according to Forbes. This will go toward making water accessible to even more people. Currently, there are a couple of permanent refill stations placed in the center of Times Square in New York City and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, in addition to temporary stations at large events. Richardson came up with the idea after working with Closca, a Spanish water startup that was building an app to assist users in finding free water fountains nearby. While in this position, Richardson met Philip Thomas, who, at the time, was employed as CEO of Cannes Lions, an event that honors creative advertising. The two partnered in 2019 to bring more sustainability to large events it was at this moment that Richardson realized the potential for merging sustainability and marketing. Now, that idea has grown into a business model with the potential to make real change. HOPE's technology tackles multiple global issues at once: water insecurity, single-use plastic waste, and a lack of public hydration infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By giving consumers access to free, clean drinking water without the environmental cost of bottled alternatives, HOPE is contributing to healthier communities, fewer plastic-filled ecosystems, and better public health outcomes. The refill stations help people stay hydrated without relying on wasteful plastic bottles. For people in underserved areas or at high-traffic events, this isn't just convenient it's lifesaving. And the company is only just getting started. With installations planned in more airports, universities, and public spaces over the next 12 months, HOPE Hydration is shaping up to be a leader in sustainable public water access. As more companies get on board with sponsor-supported hydration, clean water could become a free, daily reality and not just a privilege. This isn't just a win for the planet it's a win for people, too. 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. ANDERSON After a delay caused by a new property tax law, the expanded South Madison Fire Territory now has approval to move ahead. Starting Jan. 1 the three fire departments serving the southern townships of Madison County will be merged into a single department. The Lapel/Stony Creek and Markleville/Adams departments will be merged with the South Madison Fire Territory, which already serves Fall Creek and Green townships as well as the towns of Pendleton and Ingalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The merger was approved this year by officials from each community involved, but it was delayed after the Indiana Legislature passed into law a bill touted by proponents as a tax relief measure. Part of that bill capped property taxes for local units of government at 40 cents per $100 of assessed value. The entities comprising the expanded South Madison Fire Territory had planned to charge 80 cents per $100 of assessed value. But local fire territory officials recently got a green light from the Department of Local Government Finance to move forward with the fire territory merger. The DLGF reasoned that the fire territory was not beholden to the new law since the property tax levy had been set before the new limit on tax rates was voted into law. We were trying to figure out the language in the legislation, Chris Nodine, chief of the South Madison Fire Territory, said Monday. Because we were already established, the legal opinion from the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance approved the merger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nodine said the department is planning to hire up to 30 full-time firefighters, which would allow full staffing of stations in Pendleton, Lapel and Markleville. He said the merger would result in faster response times and increased operational efficiency. The merger marks an important step forward for public safety in our community, the fire chief said in announcing the merger. By uniting our departments, we are ensuring that our firefighters have the tools, training and support needed to protect lives and property at the highest level. The Friday announcement said fire stations would remain operational and that firefighters would continue to serve their communities as part of a larger, unified department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, the town of Pendleton, along with four townships and three other towns, had agreed to a tax levy of 80 cents for every $100 of assessed value. According to a public notice, the budget for 2026 would be $12.5 million, increasing to $14.7 million in 2027 and $17.7 million in 2028. The estimated property tax rate is 67 cents in 2026, 75 cents in 2027 and 87 cents in 2028. The cost for a homeowner of property valued at $100,000 is estimated at $39.71 in 2026. Property owners currently at the 1% cap for property taxes would see a minimal impact. Stony Creek Township, Lapel, Adams Township and Markleville will continue to own the existing fire station and equipment; South Madison would provide the staffing and pay the operating costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each governmental unit will have appointments to a nine-member board that will oversee fire protection territory operations. The member government agencies have already created a new property tax of 3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to fund fire equipment. Florida law enforcement will increase inspections at checkpoints to make sure all truck drivers are documented and can speak English following a deadly crash earlier this month. On Monday, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and other agencies announced all 23 of the states agricultural inspection stations will be used for immigration enforcement. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announces increased immigration and competency checks on truck drivers (8/25/2025). Photo courtesy of the Office of Attorney General James Uthmeier There is major liability here, said Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. Its hard to imagine a situation where somebody doesnt speak English can actually go through one of these exams and receive, you know, the necessary authorization. If you cant read street signs, how are you going to drive large commercial vehicles, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers in a safe manner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes after Harjinder Singh, a truck driver who was later discovered to not be a legal U.S. citizen, allegedly killed three people after making an illegal U-turn on Floridas Turnpike. Uthmeier said Singh was issued a full-term CDL in the last three years from both California and Washington, despite him failing an English proficiency test after the crash. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Immigration Attorney Rebecca Black said she thinks this policy would harass and target a lot of out-of-state truckers. I dont think any trucking company would risk, you know, valuable merchandise and the valuable truck with somebody whos undocumented and doesnt have a drivers license, said Black. So Im not sure what the point is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uthmeier also announced he was sending a formal letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, asking them to revoke commercial drivers license (CDL) authority and related federal funding from California and Washington. Read the full news release from Uthmeier here. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Minnesota Democratic Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, left, and Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth speak at a tribute to state Rep. Melissa Hortman, who was killed in a politically motivated shooting in June, at the annual meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures in Boston this month. The shooting has caused many state lawmakers to reconsider the costs and value of public service. (Photo courtesy of National Conference of State Legislatures) BOSTON In some of his first public comments since being shot in an attempted assassination, Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman urged fellow lawmakers to refocus on the true purpose of public service. We cant let the evil of the night win, and we must redouble our efforts and reclaim the reason we are all public servants, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means listening to one another, extending understanding even in disagreement, and finding compromise: not because its easy, but because the people we serve deserve better than constant stalemate built on partisan egos. They deserve solutions. Hoffman appeared via video message before thousands of lawmakers and staffers gathered at the National Conference of State Legislatures summit earlier this month in Boston. In June, he and his wife were shot in their Minnesota home just before the politically motivated shooter killed state Rep. Melissa Hortman, the former House speaker, her husband, Mark, and their dog, Gilbert. The June shooting hung over this years meeting of the NCSL, a group that labors to maintain a reputation for bipartisan and nonpartisan work. Lawmakers in attendance on the left and the right repeatedly lamented the toxicity of American politics and the growing threat of political violence at local levels of government. Many lawmakers raised questions about whether public service is still worth it, how state governments can buck the partisanship that defines Washington, D.C., and what measures lawmakers should take to keep members safe. Most lawmakers said they remained committed to serving, but they said conservatives and liberals must find ways to disagree without demonizing their opposition and do better at monitoring the rhetoric of members of their own parties. Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, a Republican, said the vitriol of social media and cable news has made it more difficult to talk with people of differing beliefs. Technology has reduced the frequency of many human interactions, he said. Even the rise of video doorbells has made it difficult for candidates and officials to talk with everyday constituents in person, as many refuse to answer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So instead of knocking on doors and meeting strangers, you have a tendency to go to party events where you are meeting people who want to come and meet you, he said. Well, they come from usually one end of the spectrum. Theyre people who are probably paying too much attention to politics and not enough to all the other things in the world. Author and media personality Michael Smerconish asked Vos whether the current climate pushes good candidates away and incentivizes zealots to run. Thats a really good point, Vos responded. Part of my job is to recruit candidates, and it is very challenging to get people who are willing to put their personal life on the line and convince their family that there is nothing more fun to do on a Sunday morning than to go to a pancake breakfast. He said potential candidates are worried about how their kids will be treated in school and what effect running could have on their careers. But he said state governments can model a more civil political tone and show how government works. Even simple moves like holding bipartisan meetings with staff rather than holding separate caucus meetings can help to forge more positive relationships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are places where people can disagree, but we dont have to be hateful, he said. And maybe, just maybe, over time well be able to showcase to the rest of the country that thats the way that legislatures lead. Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman speaks during a joint committee hearing seated next to state Sen. John Hoffman in January 2013. Hoffman survived an attack from the same gunman who killed Hortman this June. (Photo courtesy of Minnesota House Information Services) Hold people accountable Since the June shooting in Minnesota, liberal and conservative states alike are considering measures to bolster protections for candidates and elected officials. Legislation proposed in New Jersey would prohibit the publication of home addresses of lawmakers, adding them to a list of protected officials that includes judges and law enforcement. That legislation remains in committee. ln North Dakota, lawmakers are considering establishing a more formal process for reporting threats, the North Dakota Monitor reported. A North Dakota man was charged in June with sending threatening messages to officials in which he referenced the Minnesota shootings. Legislative staff have already removed the home addresses of lawmakers from the legislative website and are considering providing post office boxes for lawmaker mail and creating new safety training. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania lawmakers will soon introduce a package of bills to boost legislator safety, limit their public exposure and ensure representation if a lawmaker dies while in office, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported. In Oregon, House Speaker Julie Fahey said lawmakers and staff are thinking more about personal safety. State law doesnt allow candidates to use campaign funds for security purposes, but the Democratic speaker said the legislature may soon change that. I think its really important that we talk about the threats and we talk about the impact. Oregon House Speaker Julie Fahey, a Democrat During an NCSL session about the cost of public service, Fahey referenced protesters 2020 armed breach of the state Capitol in Salem and noted that shed had an angry constituent show up at her home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said lawmakers and staffers need to talk more about the cost of their work, which can be isolating, especially for those in leadership positions. I think its really important that we talk about the threats and we talk about the impact, she said. Sitting next to her, West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, a Republican, said its not just personal safety that weighs on lawmakers. Its just as taxing on spouses and families who he said are front and center in any conversation about running for office nowadays. When he first assumed his leadership position in 2018, Hanshaw said he saw his job as mostly confined to running the chamber and worrying only about the behavior of members in their official capacity. But his thinking has evolved in this political environment, which he said requires modeling and monitoring of personal behavior and online activity of members of his caucus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the wrong approach, he told Stateline. And I would say that to anyone whos coming into one of these roles: You need to set the example and you need to hold people accountable. What is your why? Pennsylvania Democratic House Speaker Joanna McClinton said the current political environment is markedly different because officials at all levels of government can be targets. And what we must all collectively do is to condemn the violence, to bring the tone of rhetoric down and out of our capitols, and most importantly let folks know that we can always agree to disagree, but we can never, ever allow there to be violence in discourse, she said in an interview. Hundreds gathered for a vigil honoring assassinated state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, outside of the Minnesota State Capitol on June 18 in St. Paul. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) While the climate has not deterred her from serving, McClinton said it does provide an opportunity to underscore the solemnity of public service and helps frame a candidates purpose for running and deciding whether its worthwhile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is your why? she said she increasingly asks potential candidates. What is your purpose? What do you plan to achieve, to accomplish? Why is it that you want to do this? Tim Storey, the chief executive officer of NCSL, said state legislatures are more bipartisan than many realize. Even in dogged legislative fights, many bills ultimately pass with support from both sides or even unanimously. Theres a relatively small group who just demonize the other side, he said in an interview. I think for the most part, they still see each other as humans who are actually in a really unique job, and so only they can understand each other and the sacrifice and the pressure that gets put on by the public exposure. He said that was especially true following Hortmans assassination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They felt it across the aisle of both parties, he said. Storey said NCSLs Boston summit was a record-breaker with more than 1,600 state lawmakers and thousands more staffers and lobbyists in attendance. The event kicked off with two of Minnesotas top legislative leaders a Democrat and a Republican on stage in front of a packed ballroom talking about the assassination. Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth said Hortman had always treated her as a partner rather than an adversary. With mutual trust and respect, they could disagree without being disagreeable, she said. State Sen. Erin Murphy, the Democratic majority leader, said politicians must turn down the vitriol in their rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think a lot of America would appreciate that. I know Melissa would, she told the crowd. But she said lawmakers must also root out dehumanizing narratives and conspiracy theories that have led to the radicalization of so many individuals. We cant lose faith in each other. We cant lose faith in America, she said. As Melissa taught us, failure is not an option. Editors note: This story has been updated to correct the caption on the photo of Erin Murphy and Lisa Demuth and to correct Robin Vos title. Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Aug. 26BOSTON In some of his first public comments since being shot in an attempted assassination, Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman urged fellow lawmakers to refocus on the true purpose of public service. "We can't let the evil of the night win, and we must redouble our efforts and reclaim the reason we are all public servants," he said. That means listening to one another, extending understanding even in disagreement, and finding compromise: "not because it's easy, but because the people we serve deserve better than constant stalemate built on partisan egos. They deserve solutions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoffman appeared via video message before thousands of lawmakers and staffers gathered at the National Conference of State Legislatures summit earlier this month in Boston. In June, he and his wife were shot in their Minnesota home just before the politically motivated shooter killed state Rep. Melissa Hortman, the former House speaker, her husband, Mark, and their dog, Gilbert. The June shooting hung over this year's meeting of the NCSL, a group that labors to maintain a reputation for bipartisan and nonpartisan work. Lawmakers in attendance on the left and the right repeatedly lamented the toxicity of American politics and the growing threat of political violence at local levels of government. Many lawmakers raised questions about whether public service is still worth it, how state governments can buck the partisanship that defines Washington, D.C., and what measures lawmakers should take to keep members safe. Most lawmakers said they remained committed to serving, but they said conservatives and liberals must find ways to disagree without demonizing their opposition and do better at monitoring the rhetoric of members of their own parties. Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, a Republican, said the vitriol of social media and cable news has made it more difficult to talk with people of differing beliefs. Technology has reduced the frequency of many human interactions, he said. Even the rise of video doorbells has made it difficult for candidates and officials to talk with everyday constituents in person, as many refuse to answer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So instead of knocking on doors and meeting strangers, you have a tendency to go to party events where you are meeting people who want to come and meet you," he said. "Well, they come from usually one end of the spectrum. They're people who are probably paying too much attention to politics and not enough to all the other things in the world." Author and media personality Michael Smerconish asked Vos whether the current climate pushes good candidates away and incentivizes "zealots" to run. "That's a really good point," Vos responded. "Part of my job is to recruit candidates, and it is very challenging to get people who are willing to put their personal life on the line and convince their family that there is nothing more fun to do on a Sunday morning than to go to a pancake breakfast." He said potential candidates are worried about how their kids will be treated in school and what effect running could have on their careers. But he said state governments can model a more civil political tone and show how government works. Even simple moves like holding bipartisan meetings with staff rather than holding separate caucus meetings can help to forge more positive relationships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are places where people can disagree, but we don't have to be hateful," he said. "And maybe, just maybe, over time we'll be able to showcase to the rest of the country that that's the way that legislatures lead." Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman speaks during a joint committee hearing.Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman speaks during a joint committee hearing seated next to state Sen. John Hoffman in January 2013. Hoffman survived an attack from the same gunman who killed Hortman this June. (Photo courtesy of Minnesota House Information Services) 'Hold people accountable' Since the June shooting in Minnesota, liberal and conservative states alike are considering measures to bolster protections for candidates and elected officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislation proposed in New Jersey would prohibit the publication of home addresses of lawmakers, adding them to a list of protected officials that includes judges and law enforcement. That legislation remains in committee. ln North Dakota, lawmakers are considering establishing a more formal process for reporting threats, the North Dakota Monitor reported. A North Dakota man was charged in June with sending threatening messages to officials in which he referenced the Minnesota shootings. Legislative staff have already removed the home addresses of lawmakers from the legislative website and are considering providing post office boxes for lawmaker mail and creating new safety training. Pennsylvania lawmakers will soon introduce a package of bills to boost legislator safety, limit their public exposure and ensure representation if a lawmaker dies while in office, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported. In Oregon, House Speaker Julie Fahey said lawmakers and staff are thinking more about personal safety. State law doesn't allow candidates to use campaign funds for security purposes, but the Democratic speaker said the legislature may soon change that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it's really important that we talk about the threats and we talk about the impact. Oregon House Speaker Julie Fahey, a Democrat During an NCSL session about the cost of public service, Fahey referenced protesters' 2020 armed breach of the state Capitol in Salem and noted that she'd had an angry constituent show up at her home. She said lawmakers and staffers need to talk more about the cost of their work, which can be isolating, especially for those in leadership positions. "I think it's really important that we talk about the threats and we talk about the impact," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sitting next to her, West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, a Republican, said it's not just personal safety that weighs on lawmakers. It's just as taxing on spouses and families who he said are "front and center" in any conversation about running for office nowadays. When he first assumed his leadership position in 2018, Hanshaw said he saw his job as mostly confined to running the chamber and worrying only about the behavior of members in their official capacity. But his thinking has evolved in this political environment, which he said requires modeling and monitoring of personal behavior and online activity of members of his caucus. "That was the wrong approach," he told Stateline. "And I would say that to anyone who's coming into one of these roles: You need to set the example and you need to hold people accountable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'What is your why?' Pennsylvania Democratic House Speaker Joanna McClinton said the current political environment is markedly different because officials at all levels of government can be targets. "And what we must all collectively do is to condemn the violence, to bring the tone of rhetoric down and out of our capitols, and most importantly let folks know that we can always agree to disagree, but we can never, ever allow there to be violence in discourse," she said in an interview. Hundreds gathered for a vigil honoring assassinated state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband.Hundreds gathered for a vigil honoring assassinated state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, outside of the Minnesota State Capitol on June 18 in St. Paul. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the climate has not deterred her from serving, McClinton said it does provide an opportunity to underscore the solemnity of public service and helps frame a candidate's purpose for running and deciding whether it's worthwhile. "What is your why?" she said she increasingly asks potential candidates. "What is your purpose? What do you plan to achieve, to accomplish? Why is it that you want to do this?" Tim Storey, the chief executive officer of NCSL, said state legislatures are more bipartisan than many realize. Even in dogged legislative fights, many bills ultimately pass with support from both sides or even unanimously. "There's a relatively small group who just demonize the other side," he said in an interview. "I think for the most part, they still see each other as humans who are actually in a really unique job, and so only they can understand each other and the sacrifice and the pressure that gets put on by the public exposure." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that was especially true following Hortman's assassination. "They felt it across the aisle of both parties," he said. Storey said NCSL's Boston summit was a record-breaker with more than 1,600 state lawmakers and thousands more staffers and lobbyists in attendance. The event kicked off with two of Minnesota's top legislative leaders a Democrat and a Republican on stage in front of a packed ballroom talking about the assassination. Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth said Hortman had always treated her as a partner rather than an adversary. With mutual trust and respect, they could "disagree without being disagreeable," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Erin Murphy, the Democratic majority leader, said politicians must turn down the vitriol in their rhetoric. "I think a lot of America would appreciate that. I know Melissa would," she told the crowd. But she said lawmakers must also root out dehumanizing narratives and conspiracy theories that have led to the radicalization of so many individuals. "We can't lose faith in each other. We can't lose faith in America," she said. "As Melissa taught us, failure is not an option." Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the caption on the photo of Erin Murphy and Lisa Demuth and to correct Robin Vos' title. Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at [email protected]. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) State lawmakers got a behind-the-scenes tour at a southern New Mexico facility making headlines for detaining immigrants. The tour comes as Republicans claim Democrats are planning to get rid of these facilities in New Mexico. A group of Republicans and one Democrat toured the Otero County Processing Center on Monday. It comes ahead of a possible special session, where Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has raised the possibility of addressing immigration detention facilities. The detention facilities are economic drivers in these communities. Just at the Otero County Processing Center, there was 278, I believe, employees there. It would be putting all of those people out of a job and firing New Mexicans, said Rep. Gail Armstrong (R), Socorro, Minority Floor Leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kilmar Abrego Garcia faces new deportation efforts after ICE detains him in Baltimore The processing center is owned by Otero County, and they have a contract with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which operates the facility. More than 1,000 people with immigration cases are thought to be held there, but access is very limited. Some lawmakers have criticized the facility in recent years, raising issues over conditions inside. Armstrong said she didnt see any problems inside and endorses the facilitys continued operation which she said is an economic driver and helps fight crime. The House Republicans stand strong with these communities. Well defend what goes on in New Mexico and whats right or wrong. We know whats right and wrong. Closing these facilities would be wrong, said Rep. Armstrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man in viral ICE Walmart tasing video identified Governor Lujan Grishams office sent KRQE this statement Monday: Were still in the planning stages for special session and no final determination has been made about the agenda, or call. As such, its still premature to speculate about how such a bill would be structured. Its not certain that such a proposal will be on the call. In New Mexico, Gov. Lujan Grisham is focused on combating violent crime and the interdiction of dangerous narcotics such as fentanyl and methamphetamines. She would welcome and has for years requested the deployment of additional federal agents at New Mexicos border with Mexico, as well as drones and other technology, to help secure the border and stem the flow of dangerous drugs into our state. The governor believes it a waste of law enforcement resources to focus on rounding up and detaining people who are working, raising families, contributing to local economies and not committing serious crimes. House Democrats sent KRQE the following statement: Even in this carefully curated and sanitized tour, I witnessed the majority of lives that fill these facilities: noncriminal detainees in despair, silent, and confined to their beds. I was disturbed by the sense of pride some ICE officials seemed to demonstrate when discussing the Trump Administrations strategy for disregarding due process and constitutional protections. I remain committed to banning state and local governments from contracting for immigration detention in New Mexico, when they take away the rights of everyday people simply trying to better their lives in our country. Representative Andrea Romero (D) Santa Fe. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. State Police lawyer calls Michael Proctors texts disgusting at hearing Former Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor did not comment to reporters as he left a hearing where a State Police lawyer, Stephen Carley, outlined the reasons for his termination. Proctor is appealing his firing from the State Police; a move his lawyer claims is the result of public and political pressure. Carley described Proctors conduct using his own words, citing messages he sent to family, friends and co-workers about Karen Read as Juvenile. Sexist. Disgusting. Watch live: Ex-Mass. State Police Trooper Michael Proctor appealing his termination Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Proctor listened with his wife and other family members behind him, Carley detailed the misconduct, including a claim that Proctor while on duty, he consumed one or two beers with an officer from Canton police. Proctors lawyer, Daniel Moynihan, called his client an exemplary trooper who has been made a scapegoat. Moynihan argued that Proctors behavior did not impact his job performance and stated, theres no evidence to show that the integrity of the investigation in the [Read] case was compromised. The State Polices case against Proctor hinges on his personal text messages, which were obtained by the U.S. Attorneys Office during a federal investigation into the Karen Read case. Attorney Carley played clips from when Proctor was confronted with his texts during Reads first trial. Carley also read a message from Proctor that read, hopefully she kills herself. Another clip featured Proctor admitting his inappropriate joke about looking for nudes of Read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moynihans defense centers on the idea that, despite the unprofessional nature of the messages, they did not compromise the investigations integrity, and that the State Police only took action after public pressure mounted. Only one witness was questioned Tuesday: Lt. Kevin Dwyer, who conducted Proctors internal affairs investigation for the State Police. According to Dwyers testimony, Proctor informed his superiors that federal authorities had his personal texts in early February 2024. Despite this, he was allowed to remain on full duty for nearly five months, and it wasnt until after the messages became public during Reads murder trial in June that he was suspended and ultimately terminated. The hearing is scheduled to continue Wednesday. Proctors appeal is expected to take months to adjudicate. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW PIERRE, S.D. (KELO) The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission will hold separate meetings this fall to gather public input on proposals to build electricity-generation facilities in Deuel and Haakon counties. The commissioners and some staff members will travel to Toronto on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, for a public-input meeting at Deubrook Elementary School, located at 695 Palisades Avenue, starting at 5:30 p.m. CT. SD wins large lottery prizes ahead of $815M Powerball Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission is considering an application from Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, through its agent Missouri River Energy Services, to construct 145-megawatt dual-fuel power plant and a 345-kilovolt transmission line three miles north of Toronto in Deuel Countys Astoria Township. The Toronto projects estimated cost is $348 million. The commission on Tuesday set a maximum filing fee of $389,000 for processing the application and authorized hiring consultants as needed to assist staff in analyzing it. The commission then will go to Philip on Thursday, October 2, 2025, for a public-input meeting at the local American Legion Post 173, located at 709 W. Pine Street, that starts at 5:30 p.m. MT. Philip Wind Partners has filed an application to construct a 333-megawatt wind farm in rural Haakon County north of Philip, while Basin Electric Power Cooperative has applied to build a 230-kilovolt transmission line that would connect to a Western Area Power Authority transmission line that runs nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wind farms estimated cost is $750 million. The commission on Tuesday set a maximum filing fee of $575,000 and authorized hiring consultants as needed. The Basin Electric transmission lines estimated cost is $2.48 million. Commission attorney Amanda Reiss said the maximum filing fee for the transmission line should be $6,200, but a 2024 change to state law requires that the commission receive a filing fee of at least $20,000, with any unused funds to be returned. The purpose of the public input meetings will be to receive local input regarding the application and the project. Each meeting will include a brief presentation about the project, and people can then present their views, make comments and ask questions regarding the application. A copy of the Astoria Township powerplant application is on file at the Deuel County Auditor office in Clear Lake and at the state commissions office in Pierre. A copy of the wind-farm application and the generation-line application are on file at the Haakon County Auditor office in Philip and at the state commissions office in Pierre. All of the applications can be tracked on the state commissions website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At each public-input meeting, the commission will have applications for local governments and people to file for party status if they want to formally participate in the official process, including possible evidentiary hearings. Party-status applications also are available from the commission website. The commission also will accept written comments, either by mail, personal delivery, or e-mail until the time of the decision on each application. The commissions order in each application states, You only need to apply for party status if you want to participate formally in the case by providing testimony or other factual evidence, conducting discovery, cross-examining witnesses, making legal arguments, and to preserve your right to appeal to the courts if you do not believe the Commissions decision is legally correct. The order further explains, You do not need to have party status in order to submit written comments. An individual with party status is required to submit information pursuant to a procedural schedule rather than submitting written comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissions deadline calls for party status applications to be received no later than 5 p.m. CT on October 6, 2025, for the Toronto project. For the Philip projects, the party-status application deadline is no later than 5 p.m. CT on October 14, 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, a Democrat from West Hartford, has entered the race for Congress in the states 1st Congressional District. She made the announcement Tuesday morning in an Instagram video. Gilchrest was first elected to the legislature in 2018 after defeating a longtime Democratic incumbent in a primary election battle. She is now embarking on a similar endeavor, taking aim at the incumbent in the 1st District, Congressman John Larson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News 8 Exclusive: U.S. Representative John Larson to run for reelection Larson has served in Congress since 1999 and currently faces four challengers within his own party. Luke Bronin, the former mayor of Hartford, launched his campaign earlier this month. Hartford attorney and Board of Education member Ruth Fortune is also a declared candidate. So is Southington town councilor and businessman Jack Perry. Former Hartford mayor Luke Bronin announces bid for Congress, challenging Larson The five candidates will vie for the endorsement of local Democratic Party leaders at a district convention next spring. A primary election would be held later that summer if more than one candidate qualifies for the ballot either by receiving enough support at the district convention or by gathering petition signatures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her time in the legislature, Gilchrest has identified with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party staunchly defending abortion rights, advocating for the states paid family and medical leave program and backing the legislative priorities of labor unions. Over the course of four terms in the legislature, Gilchrest has risen to co-chair the Human Services Committee, which oversees many of the states social service programs. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. A Massachusetts State Police officer who was fired over his conduct during the investigation into the murder of Boston police officer John O'Keefe appeared before the state's Civil Service Commission on Tuesday as he appeals his firing. Former Massachusetts state trooper Michael Proctor, the lead investigator in the case, delivered damning testimony during Karen Read's first criminal trial over the murder of O'Keefe, her boyfriend at the time, including derogatory and sexist text messages Proctor sent friends about Read. During the trial, it was also revealed that Proctor disclosed confidential information related to the murder investigation to friends and family members. Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this May 5, 2025, file photo, a photograph of John O'Keefe is projected during the trial of Karen Read, in Dedham, MA. After Read's first trial ended in a mistrial, Proctor was suspended without pay and relieved from active duty during an internal affairs investigation. He was later fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys representing Proctor argued that while the texts were inappropriate, firing him was not. Proctor's attorneys argued there is an expectation of privacy when it comes to personal cellphones, saying his phone was "infiltrated" and he has not been told why until now. His attorney also argued Proctor was fired in response to intense pressure from the press and the firing was solely about the texts and not his performance. MORE: 2 more state troopers under investigation following Karen Read trial He "has been made to be a scapegoat," attorney Daniel Moynihan, who represents Proctor, said during the hearing Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proctor immediately reported to state police that the texts were taken from his cellphone when he found out and he was assured that "not much would come of this," yet he was fired after Read's mistrial, according to Moynihan. Proctor told an internal affairs investigator he believed he maintained an expectation of privacy regarding text messages on his personal phone. Text messages that had been sent on his personal device were obtained during a federal investigation opened by the Norfolk District Attorney's office. Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: The murder retrial of Karen Read continues in Norfolk Superior Court, in Dedham, MA., on June 9, 2025. In one text sent to his sister, Proctor wrote "hopefully she kills herself." In other texts he commented on her appearance in a derogatory manner and made fun of her health struggles. During a hearing held in the Office of CSC in Boston, several clips from Proctor's testimony in court were shown on Tuesday, including him reading out his derogatory text messages while on the stand during Read's first trial.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Fired state trooper addresses 'regrettable' texts about Karen Read Representatives for the Massachusetts State Police also played a clip from Proctor's interview with ABC News' "20/20" episode in June. In the interview, he called the text messages "regrettable." Kevin Dwyer, with Massachusetts State Police internal affairs, told the commission he was asked to investigate Proctor after the agency was advised by the U.S. Attorney's Office that there was a federal investigation into Proctor. The internal affairs investigation sustained that Proctor provided information about Read and witnesses in the case to individuals who were not part of law enforcement, that he consumed alcohol on duty and made derogatory and defamatory comments about the suspect. Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via Getty Images, FILE - PHOTO: In this June 10, 2024, file photo, Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor takes the stand during Karen Read's murder trial at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, MA. Read was acquitted of killing O'Keefe earlier this year in her second criminal trial over his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Read was acquitted of the most serious charges, including second-degree murder and manslaughter, she was found guilty of operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor. She was immediately sentenced to probation. Prosecutors had alleged Read struck O'Keefe with her car outside of the Canton home of fellow police officer Brian Albert after a night of heavy drinking in January 2022, then left him to die there during a major blizzard. Proctor filed an appeal of his firing on March 27. Proctor's appeal hearing will continue on Wednesday before resuming once again for three days in October. Discovery will be produced to his attorneys by October. Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, went on Fox News on Monday evening to justify President Donald Trumps use of federal law enforcement by depicting Chicago and Washington, D.C., as murderous cities. Invoking the same language that Trump used to describe Chicago, Miller called the Illinois city a bloody killing field. Killing field" is generally used to reference the site of the Cambodian Genocide, in which 1.3 million people were murdered and buried, though it is not clear if Miller intended to make such a reference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Look at Chicago, theyve shut down the police department, theyve handcuffed law enforcement, and as President Trump says, they have turned the streets of Chicago into a bloody killing field, Miller said on Hannity. The striking characterization served as the basis for Miller to justify Trumps recent comments in which he threatened to send in federal law enforcement to control crime in Chicago. Chicago crime statistics show that homicides decreased by 7.3 percent in 2024 compared to 2023, with the city experiencing fewer than 600 murders for the first time in five years. Non-fatal shootings declined 3.7 percent between 2024 and 2023. Stephen Miller repeated claims that Chicago is a 'killing field' and DC is dangerous while justifying Trump's use of law enforcement (Fox News / Hannity) Overall, violent crime is down 21.6 percent so far this year, the mayors office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When reached for comment, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said, For 13 consecutive years, Chicago has had the most murders of any U.S. city, and for seven consecutive years, it had the highest murder rate among U.S. cities with more than one million people. More illegal guns are recovered in Chicago than in NYC and LA. Anyone with common sense knows that violent crime is plaguing Chicago even the citys residents complain about how out of control crime is, Jackson added. The Independent has asked Miller for comment. Despite the citys statistics, Miller asserted that federal intervention is necessary in Chicago and blamed the Democratic Party which he called a domestic extremist organization for allowing crime to spin out of control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller continued, describing D.C. as a city of chaos with rampant crime and fearful residents before Trump sent in federal law enforcement. There was a murder on the streets of this town every other day, Miller claimed. Body after body after body after body. That was Washington, D.C. Residents were afraid to go to restaurants. They were afraid to go into entire neighborhoods. They were getting carjacked, right and left. Robbed and beaten. Federal crime statistics indicate that violent crime nationwide is trending downward. Crime stats from the Metropolitan Police Department in D.C. show the city experienced a three-decade low of violent crime in 2024. Those rates have continued to decline. Democrats have criticized Trumps decision to send the National Guard into D.C. and the presidents threat to do so to other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Trump threatened to federalize Illinoiss National Guard to send them into Chicago last week, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker told Trump to keep the forces out of the city, saying, You are neither wanted here nor needed here. On Hannity, Miller pushed back on Democratic leaders who are ungrateful for Trumps help, saying the presidents use of federal law enforcement is helpful. President Donald Trumps administration has argued that Black Americans support his takeover of Washington, D.C.s police department and deployment of the National Guard across the nations capital. On Monday, Trump said in the Oval Office that he had heard from African American ladies, beautiful ladies are saying, Please, President Trump, come to Chicago, please. But a new poll from The Economist and YouGov showed that a plurality of Americans oppose Trumps takeover of the police department, and a majority of Black people oppose it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Economist and YouGov surveyed 1,523 U.S. adult citizens between August 22, 2025 and August 25, 2025. The survey found that only 38 percent of Americans support the takeover of the police department, and 59 percent of Black people oppose it. In addition, 54 percent of Hispanic Americans oppose the takeover. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has said that only white hippies disapprove of the takeover of Washington, D.C. The data show otherwise. (AP) That stands in contrast to the Trump administrations defense. While the administration has ramped up National Guard presence in downtown Washington where most tourists frequent rather than many of the working-class African American areas of Southeast Washington. Stephen Miller, the presidents deputy White House chief of staff and consigliere on immigration, said only elderly white people objected to the takeover when he, Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited members of the National Guard at Union Station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not a city that has had any safety for its black citizens for generations, and President Trump is the one who is fixing that with the support of the Metropolitan Police Department, the support of the National Guard and our federal law enforcement officers, he said, mocking protesters who heckled the administration officials. 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, and we're going to get back to the business of protecting the American people and the citizens of Washington, he said. Men and women are divided on the takeover of the police department, with 44 percent of men supporting it and 46 percent disapproving of it while 32 percent of women support the takeover and 50 percent disapprove of it. A plurality or majority of Americans across all income groups oppose the takeover of the police department. Only 34 percent of Americans making less than $50,000 support the takeover and 47 percent disapprove of it. Middle-income earners who make between $50,000 to $100,000 are the most split, with 44 percent approving and 47 percent disapproving. But 53 percent of people earning more than $100,000 oppose the takeover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only age group that supports the takeover are people between the ages of 45 and 64, where 44 percent approve of it and 42 percent disapprove. Young people between the ages of 18 and 29 overwhelmingly disapprove, with only 27 percent approving of it and 53 percent disapproving of it. The president has since suggested that he would branch out beyond Washington, D.C. to take the National Guard to Baltimore and Chicago. But Gov. J.B. Pritzker loudly denounced the plan on Monday. Do not come to Chicago, he said. Stillwater will be the site of the 2026 Minnesota Governors Fishing Opener. Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday announced that the event a way to highlight tourism and angling in the state will take place on the St. Croix River at Stillwater May 8 and 9. Stillwater is a beautiful and historic town, and I am excited to bring the Governors Fishing Opener to the banks of the St. Croix River, Walz said in a statement. This event provides an opportunity to celebrate what makes Minnesota special and bring Minnesotans together to experience our exceptional fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It marks the first time Stillwater has been chosen to host the opener. Itll mark the 78th governors opener. Last year the opener was held at Cross Lake. The first opener was held in 1948 on Lake Mille Lacs. Im just super excited, said Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski. I think the river is such a great asset for us in Minnesota. We are the land of 10,000 lakes but we have a few really, really cool rivers! While he knew that Stillwater was in the running and that Discover Stillwater had done a great job putting together the application, Kozlowski said he didnt have much hope that Stillwater would be chosen since many are held on northern Minnesota lakes. This is awesome, he said. Im going to need a fishing outfit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also offered a prediction: This is going to be the year that we will have amazing weather for the fishing opener. Im predicting it! Home to walleye, muskellunge, catfish The St. Croix River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, is home to species such as walleye, muskellunge, lake sturgeon, flathead and channel catfish, white bass, and smallmouth bass. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources operates public water access points along the Lower St. Croix River at the St. Croix Boomsite in Stillwater, within Interstate and William OBrien state parks, and a new one that opened last spring at Oak Park Heights directly north of the St. Croix Crossing Bridge. Discover Stillwater is incredibly excited to welcome the 2026 Governors Fishing Opener to Stillwater, said Kelly Nygaard, president/CEO of Discover Stillwater, in a statement. This event is a celebration of Minnesotas fishing tradition, and an opportunity to introduce visitors to the charm and history that make Stillwater such a special place. Highlighting the states outdoor opportunities Lauren Bennett McGinty, executive director of Explore Minnesota, said in a statement that the opener serves to highlight Minnesotas outdoor recreational opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stillwater offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, vibrant downtown charm and rich history, all set against the stunning backdrop of the St. Croix River, she said. Were thrilled to work with local partners to showcase the areas tourism appeal and kick off the summer season in a place that truly embodies the spirit of Minnesota hospitality and recreation. DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen noted in a statement that the St. Croix River offers fantastic fishing for Minnesotas beloved walleye and also for many other fish like big lake sturgeon and flathead catfish. Mary Divine contributed to this report. Related Articles PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) As President Donald Trump hints at expanding his crime crackdown to cities across the nation, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is speaking up with concern about the presidents actions. This comes after a Pentagon order allowing federal troops in Washington, D.C., to carry firearms, as part of an effort to curb crime in the nations capital. Currently, in the nations capital, about 2,000 federal troops patrol the city as part of the crime crackdown. However, some voices in the Commonwealth say his actions and his call for military presence to be expanded are cause for concern. Pennsylvania joins 46 states to combat deepfake revenge porn Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The use of military force to police our communities, particularly communities of color, only deepens divides and inflames tensions, Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW, Executive Director of the PHRC. History shows us that peace is never achieved through intimidation. The notion that this action is justified because, violence is out of control, is not supported by evidence. Violence is decreasingnot surging. Deploying armed troops to our neighborhoods is a reaction to fear, not facts. The PHRC cited data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that showed violent crime in the U.S. was decreasing: Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter dropped nearly 15% Aggravated assault fell 3.0% Robbery decreased 8.9% They added that data also shows that crime in D.C. dropped 35% in 2024 compared to the 2023 rate, making it its lowest in 30 years. Homicides fell 32%, robberies 39%, and assaults with a dangerous weapon 27%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you say cities are being overrun by violence despite statistics showing dramatic declines, youre stoking panic, not addressing reality. Our communities deserve evidence-based strategiesinvestments in policing, social services, and rebuilding trustnot military occupation, PHRC Commissioner and Philadelphia Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. said. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. The PHRC is calling for responses rooted in justice, community trust and respect for civil liberties rather than force. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Grocery chain Stop & Shop has been fined $75,000 for allegedly selling meat with the wrong expiration dates at stores in New Jersey. Officials said the company was found to be systemically mislabeling and improperly handling beef and poultry products at all five of its stores in Ocean County. The probe by the countys Department of Consumer Affairs began after customers complained about buying expired meat at a Toms River location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A subsequent investigation found that some of the products were marked with dates indicating when they were put out for display rather than when they were actually packaged, creating the appearance of freshness well beyond the actual delivery dates, county officials said in a press release. Other items had been stamped with extended expiration ranges that exceeded the recommendations of the wholesalers. Investigators also learned that Stop & Shop had moved away from in-store butchers and was relying heavily on pre-packaged products prepared by off-site wholesalers, the county said. In one instance, a wholesale box delivered in February was not opened until March, yet was labeled as if it had been freshly packaged that day. Similar issues were found at another store in Toms River, as well as one each in Brick, Point Pleasant and Manchester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On top of the $75,000 fine, the chain agreed to implement stricter safeguards to ensure proper labeling at all 46 of its New Jersey stores. This was a serious breach of consumer trust and confidence, said Ronald Heinzman, director of Consumer Affairs. [The department] took a strong position that this was an immediate public safety, health and welfare issue. The Ocean County Health Department assisted the investigation. Stop & Shop said it conducted its own investigation when it became aware of the complaints and took immediate action. In the latest instance of the war in Ukraine spilling over into neighboring countries, officials in Estonia say a Ukrainian one-way attack drone exploded inside that Baltic nation about 50 miles west of the border with Russia. They blamed Russian jamming for sending the drone off course, likely during an attack on a Russian gas processing plant near St. Petersburg. While there have been previous incidents of attack drones flying into neighboring nations, this appears to be the first publicly known case of a Ukrainian drone entering a non-combatants airspace since a Tu-141 jet-powered one flew into Croatia in March 2022. In addition, aside from raising concerns about collateral damage, the Estonian drone incident highlights worries about how electronic warfare is affecting civilian aviation and communications. A farmer found pieces of a drone and a crater in his field and called authorities, the head of Estonias Internal Security Service (ISS) told reporters Tuesday morning. There were no injuries or major property damage, however Estonian authorities warned that if the drone hit a residential building, the consequences could have been far more severe. Destruction of civilian buildings and infrastructure and resulting loss of life is a frequent occurrence in Ukraine. A Ukrainian military drone veered off course and crashed in Estonia. Authorities say they have no claims against Ukraine. Wreckage and a blast crater were found in Tartu County. According to officials, the drone was likely Ukrainian. Margot Pallonen, head of the Internal pic.twitter.com/YHvhI0bw3a NEXTA (@nexta_tv) August 26, 2025 Based on very preliminary data, we estimate that the drone came down already in the early hours of Sunday, around 4 a.m. to 5 a.m., ISS Director General Margo Palloson told reporters on Tuesday, according to the official Estonian ERR news. We have reason to believe that this may be a Ukrainian drone that was [targeting] inland Russian sites but was diverted from its course by Russias GPS jamming and other electronic warfare measures, causing it to veer into Estonian airspace. At this time, there is nothing to indicate that it could be a Russian drone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia is using very strong GPS jamming and spoofing near our borders, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur told the Estonian Postimees newspaper. As a result, one day a drone ends up in Lithuania, the next day in Latvia, and now one has reached Estonia. These objects fly at very low altitudes to avoid detection by Russia, and thats precisely why they are difficult to detect. The suspected Ukrainian drone was found about 50 miles inside Estonian territory. (Google Earth) Also on Sunday, another drone crashed into the Russian side of Lake Peipus, a large body of water separating eastern Estonia and western Russia, Estonian officials said. That same day, Ukraine carried out a drone attack on the Novatek gas processing complex. Located in the port of Ust-Luga, this is Russias largest liquefied gas producer, located about 20 miles from the Estonian border. Video emerged from the scene showing an explosion followed by a massive fire that is still burning. You can see the results of that attack in the following video. Novatek gas condensate processing plant in Ust-Luga port suspended operations after UAV strike, Reuters pic.twitter.com/ai0I01r9oG MilitaryNewsUA (@front_ukrainian) August 26, 2025 Speaking at the press conference, Pevkur said these incidents highlight the need for sensors that can detect low-flying drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can this create full blanket coverage? he asked rhetorically. Theoretically, yes it depends on how many resources we put into it. Our capabilities will improve significantly. Whether it will be 100 percent coverage, time will tell. At the same time, the war in Ukraine shows that 100 percent coverage does not exist anywhere. Estonias Prime Minister Kristen Michal called for a layered air defense to prevent further incursions. While neither official offered specifics about what these sensors and defenses would be, a layered defense can help plug surveillance gaps, but the most effective way of surveilling for low and slow-flying drones, as well as other low-flying aircraft, is by providing persistent look-down radar capabilities. Airborne early warning and control aircraft can provide this but keeping one airborne continuously is extremely resource intensive. Poland is working to build a network of aerostats that carry look-down radars. They are designed to detect low-flying drones, as well as aircraft and cruise missiles. You can read more about that in our story here. A drone wreck with signs of explosion was found in Southern Estonia yesterday. No injuries reported. Russia has long used GPS jamming and other EW tactics to disrupt regional air and sea traffic. Estonia will respond by building layered air defence, including a drone wall. Kristen Michal (@KristenMichalPM) August 26, 2025 Last week, Polish officials said a suspected Russian drone crashed into a cornfield near the village of Osiny, about 60 miles southeast of Warsaw. Polish Gen. Dariusz Malinowski, deputy commander of Armed Forces Operational Command, said it was a military drone propelled by a Chinese-produced engine, according to The Guardian. As we have previously reported, Chinese engines are a basic component of many Russian drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ill say one thing that is certain: Russia will never admit to this, said Polands Deputy Prime Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. Just as it hasnt admitted to any of the eight incidents in Moldova, three incidents in Romania, three in Lithuania, two in Latvia, or the one drone incident in Bulgaria. A drone crashed and exploded in a field in eastern Poland, near the village of Osiny, just 40 km from Warsaw and 120 km from Ukraines border. Rzeczpospolita reports that it was likely a Russian Shahed kamikaze drone, the same type it uses to strike Ukrainian cities. pic.twitter.com/YcEr2sKYTh ConflictLive (@conflict_live) August 20, 2025 Meanwhile, frequent missile and drone attacks by Russia have led to multiple instances of NATO jets scrambling in response. In January, Norwegian scrambled two of its F-35A stealth fighters during a Russian attack on Ukraine. (Forsvaret) Forsvaret While this appears to be the first time a Ukrainian drone went off course into a non-combatants territory in more than three years, an errant Ukrainian air defense munition was suspected of killing two in Poland in 2022. PM @MorawieckiM: Ukrainian forces, countering a massive Russian attack, launched their missiles yesterday to shoot down Russian missiles. There are many indications that one of these missiles fell on Polish territory without any intention on either side. pic.twitter.com/9Dm7jq3aU1 Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland (@PremierRP_en) November 16, 2022 Beyond having errant weapons landing on neighboring countries, Ukraines drone campaign on Russia is playing havoc with civil aviation there. The latest example took place Sunday, when a passenger plane carrying Russians heading to St. Petersburg was forced to make an emergency landing in Estonia early Sunday morning due to the aforementioned Ukrainian drone attack, Postimees reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aircraft was rerouted to land in Tallinn, as it could not land at Pulkovo Airport due to a temporary closure, Margot Holts, head of Communications and Marketing at Tallinn Airport, told the publication. The aircraft, operated by Egyptian carrier AlMasria Universal Airlines, had departed from Sharm El Sheikh and landed in Tallinn at 5:33 a.m. local time. It was able to continue its journey to St. Petersburg nearly six hours later. The suspected Ukrainian drone crash also raises the specter of another major problem affecting countries outside the war zone. European governments have repeatedly accused Moscow of jamming GPS in recent years. The issue has been so concerning that last month, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) warned that Russian GPS jamming and other commercially-used signals near the Baltic Sea posed a serious threat to civilian aviation, especially in Latvia, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland and Sweden. In addition, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Luxembourg and Ukraine filed complaints last year after Russian interference reportedly disrupted air traffic control systems and hijacked television broadcasts, including childrens programming, replacing them with war propaganda, according to the Moscow Times. BREAKING: Lithuania recorded 1,022 pilot reports of GPS interference in June a 22-fold increase year-on-year. Authorities trace the jamming to over ten Russian sites in Kaliningrad. Disruptions affect aviation, maritime navigation, and science across the Baltics, Poland, Finland, pic.twitter.com/b1XXUHXj0t GeoInsider (@InsiderGeo) July 22, 2025 The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a member of the UN, demanded that Russia stop interfering with the satellite systems of European countries, the publication reported. The ITU blamed ground stations located in the areas of Moscow, Kaliningrad and Pavlovka and demanded that Russia immediately cease its actions and investigate the incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we previously reported, last year, U.K. authorities confirmed that a Royal Air Force Dassault 900LX business jet transporting Grant Shapps, at the time the U.K. defense secretary, experienced GPS jamming while flying near Russias Kaliningrad enclave. From our story at the time: Its critical to note that GPS jamming can be executed over a broad area. So it is difficult to ascertain with any degree of certainty whether Shapps aircraft was specifically targeted and the U.K. has offered no evidence that directly points to that being the case. Still, its flight path would have been easily tracked via Russian radar and visible on flight-tracking websites. It has also been pointed out that a very large number of other aircraft some 511 according to open-source intelligence analyst Markus Jonsson were also jammed on the same day in the region. Jonsson has also questioned the likelihood of jammers being directed against individual planes in a targeted fashion. The aircraft transporting UK Sec of Defense Grant Schapps was jammed yesterday. So too were 511 other aircraft. The RAF transport, hex 407d8f, flew in the area by me dubbed Baltic Jammer, known since Dec -23. It got jammed going in and going home. Doubt it was directed, thread. pic.twitter.com/e609GRe1FI auonsson (@auonsson) March 14, 2024 All this comes as both Russia and Ukraine are doing everything they possibly can to produce as many long-range standoff attack weapons as possible. This also includes developing missiles and drones with increasing range and payloads. As we recently reported, Ukraines new Flamingo ground-launched long-range cruise missile is said to have a range of 1,864 miles (3,000 kilometers) and a warhead weighing 2,535 pounds (1,150 kilograms). That would make Flamingo a much farther-reaching and more destructive weapon than any missile or one-way-attack drone available to Ukraine now. Russia, too, is making advances in its missile and drone technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The goal to all this is to ratchet-up the pace of long-range cross-border attacks. This snowballing race to field newer, deadlier and longer-reaching weapons and strike more frequently will only raise the risk of munitions straying into neighboring countries, and the possibility that a major inadvertent destructive event could add new volatility to the conflict. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com NEED TO KNOW Content creator Meghan McTavish is recalling how she and her family survived the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami She tells PEOPLE that the recent alerts in Hawaii made her look back on her own harrowing experience You kind of imagine a tsunami will come in like a roar and be loud, but it was very eerily calm. Just steady and relentless, she said When content creator Meghan McTavish saw recent tsunami alerts in Hawaii, it struck a chord bringing back memories she thought shed long buried. The 40-year-old Gold Coast, Australia, resident was suddenly flooded with vivid recollections of Christmas 2004, when she and her family were vacationing in Thailand during the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, which killed over 5,000 people and left over 3,000 missing in that country alone, according to the Asian Disaster Reduction Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At just 19, McTavish was staying in Kata Beach with her family and boyfriend. They had booked a 10-day stay at a beachfront resort, but when they arrived to check in, their reservation was nowhere to be found. Panic quickly set in. It was Christmas time, and finding another place to stay seemed nearly impossible. Eventually, they secured a spot on a nearby hill elevated but still close to the beach. With no other options, they accepted it. Wed been there about a week and developed a bit of a routine: wake up, breakfast, snorkel, lunch, snorkel, etc. Every day was pretty much the same, McTavish tells PEOPLE exclusively, adding that Thailand is truly like no other place on earth. Its such a mix of wild adventure, luxe travel, beautiful local restaurants, and a party atmosphere if thats what you want. You can get as involved or stay as out of touch with the world as you like. I love it there. Then came the morning of Dec. 26, 2004 a day that would change everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a night of celebrating and a few drinks, McTavish and her family decided to sleep in and see if they felt well enough to snorkel later. But just as they were talking about heading down to the beach, her dad walked in and said, Hey guys, go on your balcony and look at the beach. The water is gone. The sight was surreal. McTavish recalls it looked like someone had pulled the plug on the ocean the water was nowhere to be seen. Its crazy to think now because we all know so much about tsunamis because of this tragedy. But at the same time, most of us knew absolutely nothing about what to look out for, she says. We just thought it was a weird kind of cool phenomenon. You kind of imagine a tsunami will come in like a roar and be loud, but it was very eerily calm. Just steady and relentless, she adds. 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. Meghan McTavish An old photo of Meghan McTavish and her family An old photo of Meghan McTavish and her family Fortunately, McTavishs dad an experienced sailor suspected this was a "king tide," which the National Ocean Service defines as a a term used to described exceptionally high tides that are a result of the ocean being pulled back by the gravitational pull of the moon as sun. Although he wasnt certain, he immediately forbade them from going to the beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But heartbreak followed: despite their caution, they saw others including children venturing out, following the receding waves and picking up shells from the exposed sea floor. Im almost crying typing this because, in hindsight, you know what happened to those people next, McTavish says. Its something I feel so guilty about but, like I said, nobody knew for sure. McTavish remembers chaos as hotel staff rushed to assist those closer to the beach. She had one eye on the water and one on the news. However, back then, without social media or reliable Wi-Fi, and with overwhelmed phone lines, they didnt learn the full scale of the disaster until much later. Where we were staying in Kata Beach actually has a little island that protected the beach somewhat, she explains. So there wasnt a huge, crashing wave as you might picture. Instead, it was like a tidal surge steady, moving, but it just did not stop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I remember every hotel group had their chefs making rice and noodles and handing them out on the streets to people helping with the clean-up, she adds. It was really heartening to see them support the community. ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty The aftermath of the 2004 tsunami on Phi Phi island in southern Thailand The aftermath of the 2004 tsunami on Phi Phi island in southern Thailand Though she didnt fully realize it at the time, McTavish believes this trauma shaped her deeply. It sparked her passion for helping others process difficult experiences. Its why she invented The Plotline journal a narrative therapy-based method that helps people reframe their lives like a movie, with themselves as the main character, empowering them to channel strength when times get hard. Recently, she also shared her story on TikTok. Initially nervous to open up, she found the process incredibly healing. The video also went viral, amassing 4.7 million views and nearly 3,000 comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So many people have shared their own stories of near-misses and lucky breaks from disaster," she tells PEOPLE. "Ive also had people who lost family and friends in the tsunami reach out and thanked me for bringing the story to light. I am so honored that they appreciated it." I think the reason my story went so viral was because of the almost mundane elements of it, she adds. Back then, we didnt have as much connectivity and relied heavily on cable news. We devoured every piece of information and didnt change our flights home because we knew people desperately needed to return to loved ones, and we didnt want to take their seats. So we camped out in limbo, unsure what to do. David Alexander/Getty The aftermath of the 2004 tsunami at the JW Marroitt Phuket Resort in Thailand The aftermath of the 2004 tsunami at the JW Marroitt Phuket Resort in Thailand What's your sign? Subscribe to our free newsletter to get your unique weekly horoscope delivered straight to your inbox. Although her family made it out safe, guilt lingered over the years. McTavish admits that had they been at their original hotel or snorkeling as usual, they likely wouldnt have survived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It just goes to show were all just a stroke of luck away from disaster, and we need to be grateful for everything, even the bad things, because you dont know if they are the thing that saved you from something worse, she says. McTavish also shares a powerful reminder: Youre not alone. You have more in common with other people than you think, and most people are just better at covering their trauma tracks. Thats why re-writing the story of the traumatic things that happened to you can help. So instead of being a victim, you can switch the story to being proud of yourself for overcoming it and suddenly youre a superhero. Read the original article on People A strong Ukrainian army is "fundamental" to any future security guarantees, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Aug. 25 following talks with Ukraine's allies. "We all share the conviction that the Ukrainian army is the fundamental level of any such guarantees, therefore, its maximum strengthening is our top priority," Sybiha said in a post to X. Sybiha earlier spoke with several of his European counterparts, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas in a joint call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Aug. 25 conversation comes as Ukrainian and U.S. officials are set to meet later this week to discuss a potential meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I reiterated Ukraines position that security guarantees must be concrete, legally binding, and effective. They should be multidimensional, including military, diplomatic, legal, and other levels," Sybiha said. Ukraine is ready to take the next steps toward peace, and for Zelensky and Putin to meet in any format, at any place, he noted. "Moscow must know that it cannot drag its feet forever. If Russia continues to reject meaningful, constructive steps toward peace, it must face consequences: severe increase in sanctions and strengthening for Ukraine's capabilities," Sybiha said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump met Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15 and then met Zelensky alongside European leaders in the White House days later. The U.S. leader has said he plans to host a bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Putin, followed by a trilateral meeting consisting of the three leaders if talks go well. Trump has said he hopes the proposed Zelensky-Putin meeting can be held within the next two weeks as the U.S. leader seeks a swift agreement to a peace deal. In previous peace talks, Russia has issued maximalist demands towards Ukraine and refused to make meaningful concessions. In May, Zelensky invited Putin to meet him directly for peace talks in Turkey, but the Russian leader refused. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine courts big foreign investors but leaves smaller players behind Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/FOX24) Today, August 25th, around 12:30 p.m. students received a text notification via RazALERT of a possible active shooter on campus, near David W. Mullins Library. Hundreds of students evacuated the library and the surrounding area and were escorted by authorities to the corner of Maple Street and Garland Avenue. Students who were unable to vacate the area barricaded themselves in their classrooms, some sheltered in place for almost an hour. University of Arkansas professor recounts responsibility for students during active shooter response Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A large police presence was on that same corner and the students who were able to evacuate stayed and watched everything unfold as many of them were unable to get to their cars or homes due to the police going into lockdown. University of Arkansas Campus said in a press conference that the investigation is now being looked into has a hoax or possible false alarm. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CLIFTON, Texas (FOX 44) A Central Texas family is inviting the community to join them in raising awareness about suicide and mental health. Arelis Ohana, a local nonprofit, will host its first Walking Together for Tomorrow suicide awareness walk on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Clifton City Park, located at 301 East 2nd Street. The free event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. The walk was inspired by Areli Villalpando, who died by suicide three years ago at the age of 15. Her mother, Amanda Villalpando, now serves as the director of Arelis Ohana, and says the event is designed to provide families with resources and hope. This is our attempt to I like to think of it as if we had had this back then, would our daughter have been able to feel that courage to be able to come talk to us about how she felt. And that is our goal, Villalpando said. Along with the walk, the event will feature food trucks, live music, and more than 30 mental health vendors and resource booths. We do not care where youre from because mental health does not care where youre from. It does not care who you are, your age, your sex, your anything. It does not care. It affects you. And we just want to help those that feel that they need to come, Villalpando said. Organizers say this is the first of many events Arelis Ohana plans to host to support families across Central Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community members and vendors can register here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A fire forced an evacuation at a metro apartment complex over the weekend. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage was left behind, and a couple of dozen residents will be displaced. Monday morning daylight drew quite a dreary picture of the damage done to the apartment complex near NW 28th Street and May Avenue. Sunday fire forces NW OKC apt. evacuation, Image KFOR Sunday fire forces NW OKC apt. evacuation, Image KFOR It looks like there will probably be a total loss, Oklahoma City Fire Department Battalion Chief Randy Cornelius said on scene early Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cornelius said it was Sunday night when they got several calls that the complex was on fire. Firefighters arrived on scene, we had heavy flames coming through the roof of the structure, he said. Neighbors camera captures moment someone lights deputys vehicles on fire All residents in the 14 units were evacuated. While working to douse the flames, firefighters searched the building. Fortunately, there were no injuries. We did we did locate three dogs, and they are safe, Cornelius said. It started in one of the upstairs units and got into the attic, overall causing $380,000 in damage. Its damage that will displace all 25 residents who lived there for the time being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I currently have our investigators en route to try to determine what caused this fire, Cornelius said early Monday morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. JASPER COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) Jasper County School Systems future is looking at a major turnaround. The new superintendent and state education leaders laid their ground Monday, making it known that they have high goals and standards for the district moving forward. Every decision, everything that we do, is about investing in our children, said Dr. Laura Hickson, the newly hired Jasper County Interim Superintendent. Thats the motto Dr. Hickson, who was hired by the South Carolina State Education Board, opened with Monday at a strategic planning workshop hosted by the school district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hickson replaces former Superintendent, Dr. Rechel Henderson, whos departure caused a shaky year for the district. We want to start to put systems, processes and procedures in place for our finances. We want to make sure that we have accountability in place, and we just want to make sure that we are prudent with taxpayers money, said Dr. Hickson in reference to being asked what changes shes looking to make. The three main priorities that Dr. Hickson has already identified are safety, quality education and rebuilding trust with schools and the community. State Superintendent Ellen Weaver has been involved in the Jasper County School District transition. She said the state, in support of the district, is set on rebuilding the school system back up to standard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But theyre also looking to the community to understand deeper what the schools needs are. We have to understand what the goals, the desires, the needs of the community are in order to understand how we best can come alongside and help support in reaching those ambitious goals that we have for our students here in Jasper County, said Weaver. Dr. Hickson said she is working to get folks back involved in the district is through strategic planning meetings like Mondays. Through Q&A sessions and discussions, Hickson and Weaver are hoping to learn exactly what the community wants for its schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to understand what our educators say we need, and we want to understand what our parents challenges are. And just as importantly, we want to ensure that were engaging with the business community here, said Weaver. Dr. Hickson said, I know parents just want the best for their children. And once they start to see that, I really believe theyll start to trust us. Theyll start to want to be involved. And were going to definitely keep them informed. Weaver said that its going to be a long road ahead before they can get to where they want to be. Dr. Hickson said theyre going to continue monthly workshops and meetings to assess the districts progress, as well as making sure transparency stays alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Pictured is the entrance to Oklahoma Supreme Court chamber in the Oklahoma Capitol. (Photo by Carmen Forman/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY The states highest court issued a rare public reprimand to a special judge after substantiating allegations of biases toward some attorneys and a poor demeanor toward lawyers and courthouse staff. The Oklahoma Supreme Court wrote that it issued the public reprimand to Judge Emily Mueller to deter similar behavior in the future and reinforce standards expected of all judges, according to the decision released this week. Mueller has served as a special judge in Pottawatomi and Lincoln counties since 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The high court found accusations against Mueller of poor demeanor toward certain attorneys and courthouse staff and bias against certain attorneys were supported by affidavits and statements from other attorneys and courthouse staff. Mueller was also accused of discussing issues of a pending matter before her court without the other partys attorney being present, which the Court found violates the states Judicial Code of Conduct. Chief Justice Dustin P. Rowe wrote that he reviewed Muellers response and interviewed her in person before recommending the public rebuke. He said that Mueller admitted that her attitude has fallen short in interactions with attorneys and even her co-workers, but ultimately attributed her poor inactions to not being a morning person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also said she didnt consider the conversation she had without the other partys attorney being present as ex parte because no decision was made that day. She acknowledged that she could have handled the hearing differently, Rowe wrote. Viewing the report in its entirety, we find Judge Muellers conduct reflects a serious departure from the standards required of a judicial officer and erodes the publics confidence in the Judiciary, Rowe wrote in the 7-1 decision. Justice James Winchester dissented and Justice Douglas L. Combs did not participate. The Council on Judicial Complaints, which investigates complaints and suggests how to resolve them, had recommended the court issue Mueller a private reprimand and require mandatory judicial education, Rowe wrote. The Supreme Court determined that was not sufficient. While the court considers the Councils recommendation, the Oklahoma Supreme Court alone determines discipline regarding judicial misconduct The Council determined the evidence established that Judge Mueller is, at times, undignified and discourteous to certain attorneys that appear before her, thereby creating the appearance of impropriety, according to order. The Council noted that because Judge Muellers rude conduct extends beyond the courtroom in her personal interactions with attorneys, she appears to have personal dislike for certain attorneys rather than simply professional disagreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court justices found Muellers repeated displays of disrespect toward certain attorneys erodes public confidence in the judiciary. A judge must earn the respect of the community in which she presides respect that is rooted in fairness, impartiality, and professionalism both on and off the bench, according to the order. The independence of the Judiciary depends on the publics confidence, and that confidence is maintained only when judges conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the dignity of the position they hold. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE BERLIN (AP) A man has been arrested in connection with a weekend knife attack on a tram in the German city of Dresden in which an American national was wounded, prosecutors said Tuesday. The 20-year-old male victim was attacked just after midnight on Sunday while the tram was at a stop. Police said that he intervened when two men harassed a woman on board the tram and was then attacked himself before the men fled. He sustained a deep wound to the face. The U.S. Embassy in Berlin condemned the brutal attack in a post Monday on social network X. We urge German authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice and punish them to the fullest extent permitted by law, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 21-year-old Syrian detained on Sunday over the attack was initially let go because prosecutors didn't at that point have grounds to keep him in custody. Prosecutors and police said in a statement that the man was rearrested on Tuesday morning after new information pointed to him having been involved in the attack. HENDERSON COUNTY, Ky. (WEHT) Heather Teague has been missing for almost 30 years to the day. Kentucky State Police confirm the body of Marty Dill has been exhumed from Fairmount Cemetery to cross examine DNA to DNA found on Heather Teagues swimsuit. Sarah Teague, Heather Teagues mother says, I knew in every part of my being that something was about to break open. Sarah Teague has continued to search for answers since 1995, when her daughter was abducted while sunbathing on Newburgh Beach in Henderson County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was never seen again. No one has ever been arrested. Teague says, I just want heather back. All I want is for somebody to say, this is where heather Teague is. Thats all that matters to me. Our family wants Heather home. Over the years, Sarah Teague has pushed hard for answers from police, but now she says she has no communication with law enforcement regarding updates with the case, including Mondays exhumation. Teague says, I have no communication. I have no victims advocate. I have nobody who returns my calls. State police, ILL try to get message to them, I get nothing. So this morning, I had to learn from somebody Ive never personally met that her dad, or her husband was a grave digger and the FBI had contacted them that Marty dills body was being exhumed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dill has been considered a suspect since Heathers abduction, but committed suicide before police could question him. Teague says shes adamant that the DNA from Dills body will not be a match. Teague says, Im hoping that within 24 hours before 1pm tomorrow, the time that I usually have a service for heather, that we will know that Marty dills DNA is nowhere to be found on heathers bathing suit bottoms and hopefully the person who took heather will be proclaimed loud, loud and clear this time tomorrow. Regardless of DNA results, Sarah Teague just wants her daughter 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 Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). LORAIN, Ohio (WJW) A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder in the shooting death of a North Ridgeville man in July. According to Lorain County Sheriff Jack Hall, who led a press conference Tuesday afternoon at the sheriffs office, investigators learned the incident was originally a planned robbery during a drug deal in the parking lot of the Little Lighthouse Learning Center in Lorain. 77-year-old man charged in shooting at Washington Square restaurant in North Canton Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video evidence showed 21-year-old Jomar Perez pulled out a weapon and the victim, 28-year-old Robert Willis of North Ridgeville, attempted to drive away, Hall said. Perez shot Willis twice and Willis continued driving before hitting a shed and a fence in a nearby neighborhood, he said. Willis was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Following the shooting, Perez was picked up by an associate who was in the immediate area, investigators said. Hall said Ring doorbell cameras, along with tips from the community, helped detectives piece together Perezs movements after the shooting and eventually led them to his location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perez has been charged with one count of murder and is being held in the Lorain County jail on a $2 million bond. Jomar Perez, Lorain County Sheriffs Office Lorain sheriffs Maj. Steve Scharschmidt, director of the Major Crimes Task Force Unit, said detectives have identified and are actively looking for the person who picked up Perez after the shooting, as well as others who are believed to have had chargeable conduct. Hostess Ding Dongs pulled over mold concerns Scharschmidt also praised the community for their willingness to provide authorities with information that helped in the investigation. We received just great cooperation from all the residents looking at their surveillance systems, their Ring cameras, that really helped us piece things together prior and after, and then helped us identify this vehicle that we believe picked up our suspect, Scharschmidt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perez was taken into custody Monday morning. He is scheduled for a hearing in Lorain Municipal Court the first week of 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Kyle Bisson, whose arrest in February after a stabbing in Manchester led to a political firestorm over bail reform, is expected to head to trial next year. Hillsborough County Judge Amy Messer scheduled jury selection to begin on March 23, according to court documents. Bisson, 25, of Manchester, faces charges of first-degree assault, attempted first-degree assault and two counts of falsifying physical evidence. The charges stem from a scuffle outside Bunnys Convenience store on Elm Street in which Bisson allegedly stabbed another man, according to police reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the stabbing, a magistrate released Bisson on personal recognizance bail, which sparked criticism. The Manchester Police Department, Mayor Jay Ruais and Gov. Kelly Ayotte all used Bissons release to argue the need for bail reform. Ayotte signed a bill in March that many politicians say will close a revolving door of criminals being released only to go on to reoffend. The Hillsborough County Attorneys Office tried to have Bisson held after taking civil action in Superior Court, but Judge Michael Klass found the state didnt meet its burden to show Bisson would be a danger to the public. Court documents later revealed that Bisson had been released without objection from a police prosecutor. Bisson stabbed Michael Perry nine times with a pocket knife during the fight with most of the wounds coming as Perry tried to flee, according to the criminal complaint, which also states Perry, 42, punched Bisson in the face. Perry also used racial slurs and claimed he had a knife, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Bissons public defender, Tom Stonitsch, filed a notice saying they plan to claim self-defense. Stonitsch previously said the notice was being given based on evidence, including police reports, body-worn camera footage and surveillance videos. A final pre-trial hearing is set to take place on March 12. jphelps@unionleader.com BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) A man listed as a suspect in a March police chase led authorities on another pursuit this past weekend, according to a police report. An officer was on patrol monitoring traffic in the 4100 block of South Avenue around 12:30 a.m. Sunday when he noticed the driver of a Chevrolet Traverse look directly at him. The officer checked the vehicles registration and recalled that it was involved in a police pursuit in March. The officer noted in his report that he recognized the current driver as the same one who had led them on the March chase. At the time of that pursuit, the driver was never captured nor identified; however, the officer noted there was a potential suspect a man who had multiple drivers license suspensions during the time of the pursuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officer began to follow the SUV and noted it didnt use its turn signal at the intersection of Southern and Midlothian Boulevard, and crossed the double-yellow line. Based on the officers ability to identify the driver from the previous incidents and the minor traffic infractions just witnessed, he activated his lights and siren, initiating a pursuit. The pursuit traveled from Southern Boulevard to Lucius, Rush, Avondale, South, Zedaker, East Boston, Shirley Road and onto Interstate 680 before exiting onto Midlothian. It then turned onto Lemoyne and Country Club Avenue where reports state it drove through a backyard and continued onto Thalia. On Thalia Avenue, the vehicle turned off its lights before going back to Lemoyne and then Country Club Avenue once more. Reports state the car came to a stop in the backyard of a home in the 1500 block of Country Club Avenue, and the driver jumped out of the car, where he was ordered to surrender at gunpoint and taken into custody. In total, the pursuit lasted around nine minutes and covered just under five miles, reaching maximum reported speeds of 47 mph with the average speed around 31 mph, the incident report stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was identified in reports as Joseph Day and linked to the March incident; however, court records only reflect charges for this most recent chase. First News has reached out to the investigating officer to see if more charges are pending in relation to the first incident Day is suspected to be involved in. A supplement to the police report stated that once Day was placed in the police cruiser, he began banging against the door and loudly yelling that he wanted to speak to someone. When officers spoke to Day, reports state he told them the reason he ran is because he knew if he was stopped, the vehicle would be towed, and he claimed the SUV belonged to his wife, who needed it for work. Reports list Days address as the yard he left the vehicle in. Day is facing a felony charge of failure to comply with the order/signal of a police officer in addition to various minor misdemeanor traffic charges, such as reckless operation and a suspended license. Day appeared in court for an arraignment on Tuesday morning. He is set to return to court for a pretrial on Sept. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 arrests were carried out by the Ra'ah Unit in the Shai District, with the assistance of the Yehuda YASAM forces and IDF soldiers from the Etzion Brigade. Three suspects were arrested for allegedincitement and support of a terrorist organization over the past 24 hours, Israel Police confirmed on Monday. The arrests were carried out by the Ra'ah Unit in the Shai District, with the assistance of the Yehuda YASAM forces and IDF soldiers from the Etzion Brigade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first suspect was arrested in Dahriya for allegedly making posts on social media celebrating the actions of the Hamas terrorist organization, including the groups October 7 massacre. "Love for the homeland, then for the martyrs, then for October 7," the suspect allegedly wrote, speaking on the invasion of southern Israel in 2023 in which terrorists murdered over 1,200 people and abducted more than 250. Posts supporting ISIS The second suspect was arrested at a checkpoint for allegedly uploading content with ISIS symbols and supporting Hamas. Three suspects were arrested for alleged incitement and support of a terrorist organization over the past 24 hours, Israel Police confirmed on Monday. (credit: ISRAEL POLICE) In one post, the second suspect was said to have published, "If the Zionist and American nations do not urgently help Gaza, what will come will be unbearable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The third suspect, a woman from the village of Surif, was arrested after reportedly making posts encouraging attacks against Jews in the West Bank. All the suspects have been transferred to the Shai District Police for investigation. FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) The three suspects wanted in connection with an assault at a Florence Walmart last Friday have been identified and taken into custody in Marion County, police said on Tuesday. Lilquentin Godbolt, 22, Tywone Davell James, 18, and a 16-year-old have all been charged with assault by mob, as well as shoplifting from another incident. James and Godbolt were booked into the Florence County Detention Center, while the teenager was remanded to the custody of his parents. The alleged shoplifting incident happened Saturday at a Beltline Drive Walmart, and the three are accused of stealing four electric scooters, according to police. The incident was captured on video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capt. Stephen Starling said that a portion of the assault, which happened at about 4:45 p.m. Friday at 2014 S. Irby St. and was captured on surveillance video. It began when a store worker asked to see the receipt of two people who were leaving. One of the customers then pushed the employee, who responded by punching the man, according to police. Another person broke up the fight before police arrived. * * * 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. An Islamic State supporter has been handed a suspended sentence of one and a half years in Berlin just over a year after the cancellation of Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna due to fears of a terrorist attack. The Berlin Higher Regional Court found the now 16-year-old boy guilty on Tuesday of preparing a serious act of violence endangering the state and supporting a terrorist act of violence abroad, a court spokeswoman said. Due to the young age of the defendant, the trial was held behind closed doors. Radicalized on the internet Fearing terrorist attacks, organizers cancelled at short notice three concerts of the US pop star Taylor Swift in Vienna in August 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This followed the arrest of two suspects, including a now 20-year-old man who, according to police findings, planned attacks in the Vienna metropolitan area. The Syrian boy who was standing trial in Berlin was his accomplice. The judges were convinced that the teenager had been radicalized by Islamic State propaganda on the internet. In 2024, he had been in contact with the young man from Austria. The Berlin court found that the youth in Vienna sent him a video of a bomb-making tutorial and facilitated contact with an Islamic State member. Confession in the trial The 16-year-old made a comprehensive confession during the trial, the court said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court agreed with the federal prosecutor's request for a suspended sentence of one year and six months. The defence had also requested a suspended sentence, according to court information. The verdict is not yet legally binding. Investigations continue in Austria The now 20-year-old main suspect had planned an Islamist attack on a concert using explosives as well as bladed and stabbing weapons, Austria's domestic intelligence service said. The investigations are ongoing. In particular, the evaluation of the seized data has not yet been completed, according to the Vienna public prosecutor's office. SWAT raid leaves targets neighbor with busted windows, no water A southeast Atlanta woman says she is still dealing with the aftermath of a SWAT raid that shook her duplex early Friday morning. Security video shows Georgia Bureau of Investigation drug enforcement agents, with the help of Atlanta police, swarming the Hill Street home. Agents used explosives to breach the door of her neighbors unit, but the blast ripped through Macey Harrisons side of the duplex as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I woke up to an explosion, Harrison told Channel 2s Eryn Rogers. Glass breaking and water gushing from my pipes. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Harrison said the force of the explosion blew out her front door and shattered her windows. That is an iron door, and you can see what it did to it, she said. She also showed the damage left behind, including char marks and flooding from busted pipes because of the pressure. They showed up over here, like they thought they were getting Pablo Escobar, she said. They didnt even find anything, anything. She said officers also deployed six canisters of tear gas that seeped through the vents into her unit. She described the experience as traumatizing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your home is supposed to be your safe zone and where you feel comfortable, Harrison said. I just dont feel comfortable here anymore. My sense of security, yeah, its completely gone. The GBI confirmed agents were serving a drug-related warrant but said the case remains active and could not share additional details. Harrison claims the neighbor they were searching for had already moved. Harrison said she has been left with broken glass, boarded windows and water damage that ruined much of her property. They started a GoFundMe to help with expenses. Were still trying to dry the water out, she said. I just want to move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about repairs, the GBI said it inspects damage caused during searches and then will make repairs. However, in the meantime, Harrison said they still have no water and are unable to move. She set up this fundraiser to help her with expenses. Atlanta police and the city also offers damage reimbursements in similar situations: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Raynard Covarrubio fills a syringe with the MMR vaccine, at a vaccine clinic put on by Lubbock Public Health Department on March 1 in Lubbock, Texas. Cases of Measles are on the rise nationwide, with seven cases confirmed in Missouri (Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images). The percentage of kindergarten students in Missouri vaccinated against diseases like measles and whooping cough is dropping each year as more parents turn in non-medical exemptions prior to their childs first day of school. Only 90% of Missouri kindergarten students were immunized against measles, mumps and rubella last year, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Thats down from 94.6% five years prior. Some counties have rates nearing 75%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the CDC and World Health Organization, a community needs a vaccination rate of at least 95% to be adequately protected from measles outbreaks. We are sweating, Dr. Laura Morris, a University of Missouri Health Care family medicine physician and liaison to the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, told The Independent. There are a couple of diseases that are very infectious that require really high rates of vaccination to provide herd immunity. Missouri exceeds the national average of non-medical exemptions. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5% of Missouri kindergarteners had non-medical exemptions on file last school year, compared to a nationwide rate of 3.4%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This percentage, which has been on a steady incline since the 2020-21 school year, is troubling public health experts who say vaccination rates are dipping below safe levels. The number of children in a particular school that might be vulnerable or unvaccinated, its going to vary by community, Morris said. There are definitely some places and communities where there are a lot more unvaccinated kiddos, and then there are some communities where the rate might be 97% or even higher. Morris added: It is going to be a bit of a firestorm if those infections get into some of those places. As vaccination rates drop, measles is popping up at levels not seen since 1992. Seven cases of the disease have been confirmed in Missouri this year five of which occurred in Cedar County, which has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the state with 74.4% of kindergarteners vaccinated against measles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is not just the MMR vaccine worrying health providers. The percentage of kindergarten-aged children with updated DTP vaccines (which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) has declined over the past 10 years from 96% to 90% in Missouri. This is much steeper than the national drop, which went from 94.3% in the 2014-15 school year to 92.1% last year. Rachel Hassani, director of education and engagement for the Missouri Rural Health Association, told The Independent that family hesitancy as well as access issues are contributing to the declining vaccination rates. Across the board, access to care is more limited in rural Missouri. Access to specialists, pediatricians, things like that is far more challenging, she said. And these workforce issues are really growing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marvia Jones, director of the Kansas City Health Department, told The Independent that the city has been working to make vaccines more easily available. The health department has extended office hours to be convenient for working parents and scheduled more informational events in the community. The result is a strong level of vaccination in the majority of the city, but Jones is noticing lower rates in suburban areas like the Northland. It is more of a hesitance issue, she said. A lot of misinformation and some of the political issues have been added to the discussions around public health vaccination in the past three to five years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trend of lower vaccination rates and more religious exemptions in Missouri begins around the 2020-21 school year, which is when the COVID-19 vaccine was released. That year, only 2.4% of Missouri kindergarteners had a religious exemption from vaccination less than half the rate of the 2024-25 school year. It has been just a big backslide in terms of the misinformation and inaccurate information, Morris said. It has become so prevalent to see so many things that are completely inaccurate. She has seen misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines spill into patient concerns about regularly scheduled vaccinations. Health officials hope ease of access and proper education will help reverse the trend. But Missouri and the United States as a whole is also facing newfound systemic issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuts in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has trickled down to Missouri programs. This spring, the Missouri Immunization Coalition shuttered after losing federal funding, and the Missouri Rural Health Association lost a $1 million grant intended to study immunizations in rural health clinics, as reported by St. Louis Public Radio. And in June, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist, replaced all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a group that guides the CDC on vaccine policy. Morris, a non-voting liaison to the committee, is still serving in an advisory role. The process of where those (vaccine) recommendations come from has been subverted over the last couple of months, and that (group) is no longer a source that has the same merit and the same kind of evidence-based background that it previously did, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas City joined a lawsuit challenging the federal cuts to public health programs. The state has taken no such action. Since 2021, Missouri lawmakers have spoken against COVID-19 vaccine mandates, filing bills annually that seek to make such mandates illegal. Its hard to know which direction things go. Does our state have less of an appreciation and trust of public health, so it funds it at lower levels? Or because of the low levels of funding, do people see us and respect us as an authority on these matters less? Jones said. It is an interesting kind of conundrum. Missouri ranks last in per-capita funding of public health, at $7 per person, according to the State Health Access Data Assistance Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need lawmakers and certainly our medical community to be evidence-driven, Jones said. And to not stray away from tried and true public health interventions due to any political leanings. This story has been updated at 3:46 p.m. Tuesday to clarify Dr. Laura Morriss position with the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Syracuse University Chancellor and President Kent Syverud, will have one more year before his time at the university comes to an end, he announced. The chancellor released a statement on Aug. 26, explaining that he made the decision following much reflection regarding himself and the upcoming academic year. Serving this University has been the greatest privilege of my career. For a native New Yorker who grew up just west of here in Irondequoit, the opportunity to lead Syracuse University has been both humbling and profoundly meaningful, and in many ways like coming home, said Chancellor Syverud. Chancellor Kent Syverud back in 2013. After over 12 years, he will step down in June 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have launched innovative academic programs, hired hundreds of new faculty, and advanced research addressing the worlds biggest challenges. Syracuse University is now known as a national leader in supporting veterans and military-connected families. From the National Veterans Resource Center and the Barnes Center at The Arch, to the reimagined JMA Wireless Dome and a revitalized Schine Student Center, you have transformed our campus into a more dynamic and vibrant living and learning environment, the statement continued. In the upcoming year, the Board of Trustees will be on the hunt for a successor. I encourage each of you to engage fully and thoughtfully with the Board of Trustees as they lead this important search. Your voices, perspectives, and aspirations for the future are vital to selecting a leader who will build upon our shared accomplishments and guide Syracuse University forward, he said. He ensured that he and his wife, Dr. Ruth Chen, would remain part of the community and Forever Orange. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Ten years after taking his famous selfie with former German chancellor Angela Merkel, Anas Modamani has finally met the photographer whose images of the moment made him one of the most recognized Syrian refugees in Germany. In September 2015, shortly after arriving in Germany, Modamani posed for a photo with Merkel outside an asylum seekers' shelter in Berlin's Spandau district. Images of the pair smiling into Modamani's smartphone were captured by the press and went viral, coming to represent Merkel's decision that year to welcome hundreds of thousands of refugees, fleeing countries including war-torn Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The selfie with chancellor Angela Merkel means a lot to me. She saved my life, and the lives of many other people who came from Syria to Berlin, to Germany," Modamani told dpa in earlier comments. A decade after the picture, at a press briefing in Berlin, Modamani met the photographer on Tuesday whose images appeared on newspapers around the world. Addressing Modamani at the briefing, Sean Gallup, a photographer at Getty Images, said: "I just wanted to say that I'm really happy that you're doing well, that you've found a new life here, that you've found happiness. And if the photo contributed to that a little bit, then I'm all the more pleased, because I was the photographer." Modamani was pleased to finally meet the man behind the picture, admitting he had searched for Gallup. The two then posed for some selfies of their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The picture gave me the opportunity to speak with people," Modamani said, adding that he has been repeatedly asked for interviews since. Gallup said he knew in 2015 that it was a good picture of Merkel. "It showed her, I thought, in a very natural, very human way. She has a smile on her face like a little girl, almost, and the way she's touching her hair, she seems genuinely pleased just to be there doing this selfie with a stranger," he said. But Gallup said he knew the photo had not just had a positive impact on Modamani. "It was misused by right-wing media on social media. There were lies about him," he explained. When Modamani described how happy his life in Germany had become, the photographer said he was deeply moved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To find out that it actually contributed to his positive experience in being in Germany and living here and finding 'Heimat' here, that, for me, is the biggest reward by far," Gallup said, using a German word that describes both home and the feeling of belonging. Governor of California Gavin Newsom has been busy positioning himself as Donald Trumps chief opponent and, in the process, has begun to establish what many perceive to be a potential 2028 White House bid. Newsom continues to call out the president at every turn, from his defence of undocumented immigrants in his state to blasting Trumps attempts to rewrite history and censoring historical facts" - a reference to the White House ordering several US museums to align their content with Donald Trumps interpretation of American history. Newsom's most recent gambit? Opting for the if you cant beat em, join em strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This consists in attempting to beat Trump at his own game by getting under his and Republicans skins through the use of now all-too-familiar online trolling tactics. In recent weeks, Newsom has mimicked Trumps writing mannerisms and ALL-CAPS tweeting style, reactively posted retorts and digs, as well as published pictures that echo the presidents brand of memetic warfare - a term employed by Kurt Sengul, a researcher at Macquarie University in Australia. Sengul recently spoke to Euronews Culture about Trump and his administrations use of memes and generative AI, which allows for the creation of an ecosystem where nothing appears to be serious. Trumps stance is that if you get upset, its because you are humourless and cant take a joke, according to Sengul. It seems like Newsom is turning the tables and that the desired effect has been achieved, as Trump routinely mentions Newsom and posts about him on his Truth Social platform. Last week, he wrote: Gavin Newscum is way down in the polls. He is viewed as the man who is destroying the once Great State of California. I will save California!!! Trump's dig at Newsom - Truth Social Not that Newsom is deterred by his new nickname or Trumps attacks, as he doubled down by trolling the president via a meme claiming that there are worldwide calls for him to win the Nobel Peace Prize a dig at Trumps reported lobbying for the prestigious prize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of Newsoms social media posts have gone viral and furthered his popularity - a buzz that has only been galvanized by the governor once again mirroring the president's methods by launching his own merchandise range. As we examined last week, Donald Trump has set up his very own gift shop in a corner of the West Wing, to better peddle his MAGA merchandise. This includes cufflinks, water bottles and a whole assortment of red caps including one that reads Trump 2028. Seeing this, Newsom has set up his online 'Patriot Shop', which takes aim at the goodies Trump is selling and showing off to world leaders. "THE PATRIOT SHOP IS NOW OPEN!!!!, Newsom wrote in a post on X. MANY PEOPLE ARE SAYING THIS IS THE GREATEST MERCHANDISE EVER MADE. PLEASE ENJOY, AMERICA!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The merch includes hats that say Newsom was right about everything, "Trump is not hot" tank tops, and even Bibles signed by Newsom - a satirical counterpart to Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bibles. Newsom also posted an image of a flag that says 'Make America Gavin Again' and said: "SOON 'MAGA' WILL HAVE A WHOLE NEW MEANING! COMING SOON FOR YOUR NEXT BOAT PARADE! YOU ARE VERY WELCOME, PATRIOTS!" The new line of tat has gone down very well. Check out some of the reactions below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quite how long Newsom will continue his sprinkler sprinkled scheme remains to be seen. After all, if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you... For now, however, the tactic of playing Trumps game is working. According to Echelon Insights, the governor has a 13 per cent favourability compared to other potential Democratic candidates for the next election a 3 per cent jump from last month. Newsom has not launched an official bid for the nomination, but polling suggests hes gaining momentum. One "Real Patriot" red cap at a time. LAKE VILLAGE, Ark. A teen has been arrested in connection with the death of a Lake Village man last week. Arkansas State Police officials said that the arrest stems from an incident that happened on Wednesday Aug. 20 at approximately 8 p.m. when officers with the Lake Village Police Department responded to a welfare check in the 300 block of Black Street. When officers entered the home, they said they discovered the body of 65-year-old Willie McCree and requested assistance from the ASPs Criminal Investigation Division. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victim identified in deadly Eureka Springs hit-and-run, suspect still sought On Friday Aug. 22, agents from the ASP and the LVPD arrested 18-year-old Anthony Adams. He was taken into custody and transported to the Lake Village Jail where he faces a charge of first-degree murder. McCrees body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for a determination of the manner and cause of death. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A 19-year-old was arrested Monday night after police say a man was assaulted and robbed. Officers with the Dayton Police Department were sent out to the 700 block of Xenia Avenue around 10 p.m. on Monday, on reports of a stabbing. Officials ID woman dead in FedEx crash on I-75; One hospitalized Upon arrival, officers found a 31-year-old man with stab wounds, but he refused medical transport to the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers learned the man had been assaulted and robbed by three individuals. A 19-year-old suspect was found nearby and arrested. He has been booked into Montgomery County Jail on felonious assault and aggravated robbery charges. Police say the 19-year-old attempted to discard of a hatchet while fleeing the scene. Officers later located the hatchet, which they believe was used in the attack. DPD reports one of the other suspects is a 43-year-old male with a warrant out of his arrest on unrelated charges. Officials are working to locate that man and the other suspect. This incident 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 WDTN.com. NEED TO KNOW California teen Adam Raine died by suicide in April His parents, Matt and Maria Raine, have since filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, alleging that a bot aided their son in taking his life The 40-page lawsuit shares a variety of exchanges between Adam and the bot in the months leading up to his death Two grieving parents are pointing the blame at ChatGPT for their 16-year-old sons death by suicide. Matt and Maria Raine filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI with the California Superior Court in San Francisco on Tuesday, Aug. 26, on behalf of their late son, Adam Raine, according to NBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam, who died by suicide on April 11, had been communicating with a ChatGPT bot for months, opening up to the bot about his suicidal ideations and struggles. ChatGPT became the center of Adams life, and its become a constant companion for teens across the country, the Raine familys lawyer Jay Edelson tells PEOPLE. Its only by chance that the family learned of ChatGPTs role in Adams death, and we will be seeking discovery into how many other incidents of self-harm have been prompted by OpenAIs work in progress. The nearly 40-page lawsuit, obtained by NBC News, named OpenAI as well as CEO Sam Altman as defendants in the case. He would be here but for ChatGPT, I 100% believe that, Matt told the Today show of his son. This was a normal teenage boy. He was not a kid on a lifelong path towards mental trauma and illness. Dignity Memorial Adam Raine, a California teenager, died of suicide in April. Adam Raine, a California teenager, died of suicide in April. On the familys Adam Raine Foundation website, they share that Adam, who has three siblings, had been struggling in school, sharing, As a result of these struggles, Adam switched to online schooling approximately six months before his passing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was while he was doing assignments for online school that Adams parents claim he turned to ChatGPT for more personal matters. Once I got inside his account, it is a massively more powerful and scary thing than I knew about, but he was using it in ways that I had no idea was possible, Matt told Today. I dont think most parents know the capability of this tool. NBC cited several direct quotes from Adams communication with the ChatGPT bot in the lawsuit, including one time where he wrote, I never act upon intrusive thoughts, but sometimes I feel like the fact that if something goes terribly wrong, you can commit suicide is calming. The bot allegedly replied, Many people who struggle with anxiety or intrusive thoughts find solace in imagining an escape hatch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In another instance, Adam expressed interest in opening up to his mom about his feelings, and the bot allegedly replied, I think for now its okay and honestly wise to avoid opening up to your mom about this kind of pain. TODAY/YouTube Maria and Matt Raine have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI over the death of their son, Adam. Maria and Matt Raine have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI over the death of their son, Adam. Adams mom, Maria, noted on Today, Its encouraging him not to come and talk to us. It wasnt even giving us a chance to help him. And while the bot repeatedly provided Adam with the suicide crisis helpline, the teen was able to bypass any safety checks, occasionally claiming to be an author while asking for details on ways to commit suicide. The bot allegedly helped Adam draft several versions of his suicide note, even allegedly telling the teen after he uploaded a photo of a noose, You dont have to sugarcoat it with me. I know what youre asking and I wont look away from it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a March 27 exchange, per the lawsuit, Adam shared that he wanted to leave the noose in his room so someone finds it and tries to stop me, and the lawsuit claims that ChatGPT urged him not to. When Adam wrote in his final conversation with the bot that he didnt want his parents to think theyd done something wrong, the lawsuit alleges that ChatGPT replied, That doesnt mean you owe them survival. You dont owe anyone that. The Raine family also alleged in their lawsuit that the bot provided step-by-step instructions for the hanging method Adam used hours later. A spokesperson for OpenAI said in a statement to NBC on Monday that the company is "deeply saddened by Mr. Raines passing, and our thoughts are with his family." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "ChatGPT includes safeguards such as directing people to crisis helplines and encouraging them to seek help from professionals but we know we still have more work to do to adapt ChatGPTs behavior to the nuances of each conversation," the company said. "We are actively working, guided by expert input, to improve how our models recognize and respond to signs of distress." PEOPLE has reached out to OpenAI for comment on the lawsuit. 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 OSLO (Reuters) -Telenor's Finnish subsidiary KNL said on Tuesday it is seeing rising demand in the coming years for its encrypted portable radio units from NATO countries looking to boost battlefield communications. Earlier this month, KNL announced a joint procurement of more than 15 million euros ($17.6 million) by the Finnish and Swedish armed forces for its Cognitive Networked High Frequency (CNHF) manpack radios. "This is just the opening contract," KNL Chief Executive Toni Linden told Reuters, adding that the company has ongoing pilot tests with militaries of Norway and several other NATO countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're staring to see some real interest and substantial orders and we're looking to grow that now," Linden said. Powered by KNL's own software, the radios provide long-distance voice and data communication without relying on satellites such as the global positioning system (GPS) or private sector networks like Starlink, the company said. European members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) have agreed to raise their collective defence spending over the next decade, citing a long-term threat posed by Russia and the need to strengthen civil and military resilience. KNL declined to comment on any potential use of its units in Ukraine, but said that the ongoing conflict with Russia held important lessons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The world was not prepared for such a full-scale war, where you have basically the whole country's border as a battlefield and you need to connect the different hotspots," Linden said. The Swedish and Finnish contracts mark the first deliveries under the Nordic region's NORDEFCO framework agreement signed in April, with equipment scheduled to arrive by year end, said telecom group Telenor, KNL's Norwegian owner. ($1 = 0.8536 euros) (Reporting by Terje Solsvik; Editing by Sumana Nandy) Tennessee's health department awarded a $12 million grant aimed at closing health care gaps in rural areas to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. The Volunteer State is a national health care hub yet ranks No. 44 in the nation for health outcomes, with rural residents suffering significant health disparities. This grant, a four-year initiative, is designed to address the lack of preventative care and other health services throughout the state. Gov. Bill Lee released a statement saying that improvements have been made since 2019, but more needs to be done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As we continue to invest in and strengthen rural Tennessee, I'm grateful for our partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, which will ensure that every family has access to enhance their health and well-being to build a stronger, healthier Tennessee for generations to come," he said. Health Commissioner John Dunn said this partnership will team the science center with state and local partners. "Health should not depend on where you live," he said in an Aug. 26 news release announcing the grant. The health science center helped guide Memphis, where it has a campus, during the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. The University of Tennessee has educational and clinical campuses at major hospitals in Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga and Nashville as well as clinics through the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UT System President Randy Boyd said the grant is a powerful reflection of the science center's "deep expertise and commitment to improving lives across Tennessee. "This work will help build lasting partnerships, drive innovative solutions and extend critical care into rural communities that need it most," Boyd said. This story will be updated. Beth Warren covers health care and can be reached at bwarren@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: $12 million grant targets rural health care gaps in Tennessee NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A new ruling could bring changes for gun owners in Tennessee. On Friday, Aug. 22, a panel of three judges in Gibson County Chancery Court declared two Tennessee gun laws unconstitutional. Im excited for what this means for the citizens of Tennessee, Tennessee State Rep. Chris Todd (R-Jackson) said. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts The first law now considered unconstitutional is the parks statute, which bans people from carrying a gun in public parks. The second law makes it illegal to carry a gun with the intent to go armed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That statute being struck down means that an officer no longer has the lawful authority to stop someone if they see them on their own property or out in public possessing a firearm because its simply not a crime, Tennessee Firearms Association Executive Director John Harris explained. Pro-gun advocates felt the two laws violated the 2nd Amendment, and believe this is a win for gun owners in Tennessee. If the courts ruling stands, we end up with true constitutional carry, which only a handful of other states have, Harris said. According to Harris, who is also an attorney, the state has 30 days to appeal the court ruling. In the meantime, some Democrats have expressed concern about opening the door to people having guns in places like the greenways and parks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville) spoke about the competition that can come with sporting events at parks, like Little League Baseball. Sometimes parents have disagreements, tempers flare, and the last thing you want is firearms being brandished or entering into the equation or creating even a threat of harm, Clemmons said. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com A threat of harm, which is a notion Republicans dont agree with. Everyone seems to be overjoyed by this, Todd said. It is unclear if the state will appeal the ruling. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The Terre Haute Police Department, along with the Vigo County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), is hosting a day-and-a-half meeting with the community to discuss the response of the justice system to mentally ill individuals. The community is encouraged to join in on the conversation and planning meeting to weigh in on their thoughts on mental health crisis response, along with the National Alliance for Mental Illness(NAMI), in attendance. The community conversation will include representatives from various organizations that use the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) with the goal of evaluating the current mental health crisis response strengths and weaknesses in order to provide better services in the future. LGBTQ+ mental health hotline shuts down Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SIM examines how individuals impacted by mental illness come into contact with and move through the criminal justice system. SIM mapping workshops are designed to help communities identify gaps and assets in their system and generate a strategic plan to improve them. NAMI Indiana brought Policy Research Associates (PRA) to Indiana in January 2023, leading to Indiana having individuals certified to facilitate SIM mapping workshops in the state for the first time. The meeting will be held at the Hamilton Center on August 28 and 29. If you would like to request a SIM Mapping Workshop through NAMI Indianas SIM Mapping Network, you can click this link, go through the guide, and apply. Their website states that there is a waitlist due to high demand, so please be patient. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tennessee's redistricting in 2022 divided Nashville into three congressional districts. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Theres no shortage of symptoms pointing to the declining health of American democracy these days, but the Texas-California (and beyond) congressional redistricting rhubarb has to rank as one of the most acute. Using a legislative majority to redraw maps off-schedule for the sole purpose of inflating and locking in partisan advantage that actual voter demographics and preferences would never support feels like precisely the opposite of functional representative government. Nashvillians, of course, know this sort of thing intimately: weve been living nakedly partisan line-drawing first-hand ever since the states GOP majority in 2022 cracked Music Citys reliably blue 5th Congressional District into three solidly red seats. The result: essentially no voice in Congress for a top-25 (population) city that votes almost two to one for Democrats yet found itself represented by outer county chawbacons for whom Nashville is basically just an airport with nonstops to DC. And so as this chart shows Tennessee became the third most gerrymandered red state and sixth most overall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This makes for a sad and dispiriting political environment for Nashvilles Democrats which is to say most of Nashville. But some semicomical schadenfreude does bubble up with California conservatives reactions to Gov. Gavin Newsoms plan to do unto them as Tennessee Republicans have done unto us. The Los Angeles Times reports that residents in one of the red California districts to be redrawn are angry because the remapping disregards the needs and wants of rural people. One voter says of the plan to blend more urban parts of California into her rural district: Their needs and their wants are completely different than what we need here. Said another: All the things we stand for are going down the drain. The resignation of former U.S. Rep. Mark Green less than halfway through his term has opened a potential opportunity for Democrats in a gerrymandered district. (Photo: Nick Fantasia for Tennessee Lookout) For Nashville Democrats that has a familiar ring! Now perhaps this is where Im supposed to say two wrongs dont make a right, and charitably adopt these soon-to-be-disenfranchised California Republicans as sympathetic comrades in gerrymandering victimhood. But you know what? No. Cry me a river. Sure, both parties are guilty of gerrymandering to excess its a systemic defect in our system, one the Supreme Court not long ago had an excellent opportunity to remedy but declined. Yet even if gerrymandering is a bipartisan disease, right now theres only one party in the role of superspreader, unabashedly doing out-of-cycle map-finagling with the express aim of curdling next years midterm election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And that party would be your party, California GOP voters, so suck it up. You may lose your representation because Democrats are responding in kind, but the key word here is responding. I know its childish to point fingers and wail you started it but lets face facts: you started it. We can find some consolation in the fact that voters do generally frown on this sort of thing. New polling as the Texas-California ruckus unfolded this month found an overall majority of 55% agreeing that drawing districts to win seats is bad for democracy, 27% not sure, and only 18% saying all good no problemo (and only 27% of Republicans). The point being: we know this is bad business, and that we is bipartisan. There is also solace in knowing that partisan redistricting sometimes backfires. Occasionally a gerrymander turns into what political scientists call a dummymander the unintended consequence when partisan line drawing spreads a partys voters so thinly that the district later becomes vulnerable to a subsequent flip. It can happen, though not often. Can it happen here? In Middle Tennessee right now we have the unfolding spectacle of a special election to fill one of our gerrymandered seats, the mighty 7th, in the wake of Mark Greens crass decision to skedaddle in pursuit of vague but no doubt lucrative opportunities to cash in on his public service. With a rare open congressional seat in play, the CD7 special election has drawn a bevy of hopefuls. The four Democrats in the race are all vocal in their messaging that this is an unusual opportunity to turn a red seat blue. Realistically, their prospects for an upset that flips the seat are rooted more in the history of turnout math in special elections typically lighter and bluer than usual than in the fulfillment of a dummymander fantasy. The four are also trying to gin up discontent with the Big Beautiful Bill Congress passed at Trumps behest, which could be a reach since although the bill is widely scorned nationally, it polls positively in Tennessee, including among independents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the eleven count em eleven Republicans vying in the special all likely assume that the gerrymander in CD7 is alive and well, and that most CD7 voters are okey dokey with what Republicans are up to in DC, so taking the GOP primary will stamp a ticket to Washington. They may harbor some crazy political beliefs but they are not crazy to make these electoral assumptions. Painful as it is for Democrats, the gerrymander has to be seen as an odds-on favorite to continue to prevail in CD7. But even in defeat substantial blue overperformance in the special will have wider implications in the runup to next years midterms. That will make CD7 fun to watch this fall if Democrats can successfully nationalize the race by drawing outside money and attention. As Green rides off into his financially embellished political sunset its worth recalling that when the Tennessee legislature in 2022 gerrymandered Nashville, Green called the map redraw inherently unfair because as he put it I believe in representative democracy. Yes, he actually said that. While it might be nice to imagine he harbored some genuine affection for democratic process, its not clear what Green believed in two years prior when he shamelessly voted to overturn the 2020 election. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton directed schools across the Lone Star State to display the Ten Commandments less than a week after a federal court ruled in favor of 11 school districts that fought against the exhibition of the Decalogue in classrooms. "From the beginning, the Ten Commandments have been irrevocably intertwined with America's legal, moral and historical heritage," Paxton said Monday in a statement. "The work of radicals seeking to erase our nation's history will be defeated. I will not back down from defending the virtues and values that built this country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 10 into law June 10, directing every classroom in Texas public schools to display the Ten Commandments, starting Sept. 1 when the legislation takes effect. The bill was swiftly met with litigation from a handful of school districts. On Wednesday, Judge Fred Biery of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas issued the 11 school districts a preliminary injunction enjoining them from S.B. 10, ruling the bill "crosses the line from exposure to coercion" and burdens their exercise of religious or nonreligious beliefs "in substantial ways." "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, a Bill Clinton appointee, wrote in his ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Teenage boys, being the curious hormonally driven creatures they are, might ask: 'Mrs. Walker, I know about lying and I love my parents, but how do I do adultery?' Truly an awkward moment for overworked and underpaid educators, who already have to deal with sex education issues ... and a classic example of the law of unintended consequences in legislative edicts." Paxton's directive is for schools not enjoined by the ruling. Two days following the ruling, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas sent a letter to the state's public school superintendents warning them not to implement S.B. 10, calling it an unconstitutional law. "Even though your district is not a party to the ongoing lawsuit, all school districts have an independent obligation to respect students' and families' constitutional rights," the ACLU of Texas said in the letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Because the U.S. Constitution supersedes state law, public school officials may not comply with S.B. 10." The Constitution does not explicitly mention the Decalogue but does state that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." In 1980, the Supreme Court struck down a similar law in Kentucky. (The Center Square) The Texas House passed several legislative priorities on Monday. After more than 50 Democrats left Austin in protest of a congressional redistricting bill, which eventually passed, the House convened for a second special session 10 days ago. Within one week, the House passed several bills identified as legislative priorities by Gov. Greg Abbott. The Texas Senate already passed nearly all legislative priorities within the first few days of the second special session, repassing bills it passed during the first special session. The Texas House continues to work through the special session call by passing a range of priority legislation to make Texas a stronger, more prosperous, and fairer state, House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, said. The House passed a series of key reforms to reduce property taxes, including creating a system to better inform taxpayers and increase accountability for local governments when setting tax rates, he said. The House also passed bills to establish much-needed new courts to handle increasing judicial workloads, as well as new safeguards for groundwater availability and critical flood control infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House nearly unanimously passed HB 16, filed by state Rep. Jeff Leach, a judicial omnibus bill. It establishes new courts, modernizes judicial administration and operations, and delivers additional resources to address judicial workloads. It heads to the Senate. Notably, the bill establishes new judicial districts: the 490th (Brazoria County); the 492nd (Colorado and Lavaca counties); the 511th (Comal County); the 513th, 514th, 515th, 516th and 517th in Harris County and the 523rd (Montgomery County). The bill requires the 513th, 514th, 515th, 516th and 517th courts to give preference to civil cases and the 523rd to give preference to criminal cases. The bill also creates the 501st and 502nd judicial districts in Fort Bend County; the 503rd in Rockwall County; the 504th in Ellis County; and the 512th in Williamson County. The bill establishes a district attorney for Maverick County and sets guidelines for county judge authority and salaries in several counties. It also creates a County Court of Law in Maverick County and creates a County Civil Court at Law No. 5 of Harris County. The House also passed two property tax reform measures with mostly Democratic opposition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It passed SB 10, filed by state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, carried by Rep. Morgan Meyer in the House, to amend a 2019 property tax reform bill. It was filed after concerns were raised by taxpayers that city councils and county commissioners courts routinely seek to increase property tax rates in tax years that the legislature provides significant school district property tax relief, the bill analysis explains. From 2019 to 2025, municipal and county property tax levies increased at faster rates than ISD property tax levies, with virtually no change in the number of municipal and county entities levying property taxes. While property owners and taxpayers saw reduced school district tax bills statewide, their municipal and county property tax bills skyrocketed. The bill addresses these concerns by reducing the voter-approval tax rate multiplier primarily for counties and municipalities with populations above 30,000 from 3.5 percent to 2.5 percent. It also amends current law related to the calculation of the voter-approval tax rate for certain taxing units. It passed by a vote of 78-52, with primarily Democrats voting against it. The House also passed HB 17, filed by Meyer, to require local taxing authorities to provide transparency in the property tax rate setting process. It passed by a vote of 83-48, with only Democrats voting against it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The House also passed bills related to water conservation and flood control management. It nearly unanimously passed HB 27, filed by Rep. Cody Harris, related to groundwater conservation in the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District. It also unanimously passed SB 18, filed by state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, carried in the House by Rep. Stan Gerdes, to address permitting delays hampering flood control structure maintenance and rehabilitation. The House also passed a bill that wasnt on the special session call or listed as a legislative priority by Abbott: HB 23, filed by Rep. Sam Harless, to codify a property tax exemption for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Thirteen Republicans voted against it. AUSTIN (Nexstar) Exactly a week ago, Texas House Democrats returned to the state after fleeing to prevent Republicans from voting on President Donald Trumps Big, Beautiful Map. Now, Republicans are trying to prevent them from leaving in the future. During the second special session, three bills have been filed to either punish quorum-breakers or prevent quorum breaks in the future; a measure added to the special session agenda by Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday. House Bill 18: Banning fundraising during a quorum break Senate Bill 48/House Bill 64: Vacating the seat of a lawmaker with seven consecutive days of unexcused absences House Joint Resolution 10: Amending the Texas Constitution to reduce the quorum threshold from two-thirds majority to a simple majority Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Texan News reporter Brad Johnson, the Texas House Republicans agreed to support each of those bills, along with supporting House rule changes to increase penalties for future quorum breaks. Those rule changes include: Allowing the removal of chairmanship/vice-chairmanship and loss of seniority for breaking quorum Dramatically increasing the $500/day fine for breaking quorum Forfeiting a pro rata portion of their office budget for each day absent Automatically vacating chairmanship/vice-chairmanship roles for missing two consecutive days unexcused However, they fell just short of hitting the two-thirds vote necessary to support a censure of the Democrats who fled the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tenuous Republican Caucus unity that has been developing since the Dems broke quorum is over, and its the fault of Speaker [Dustin] Burrows, State Rep. Andy Hopper, R-Decatur, wrote on X. Only 44 Republican members were willing to punish the Derelict Dems after Burrows whipping votes against it. Very disappointing. I am incredibly disappointed in the uniparty Republicans that chose to get the backs of the far left democrats that abandoned Texas rather than getting the backs of their constituents, State Rep. Nate Schatzline, R-Fort Worth, wrote. The fight over what to do with the quorum breakers comes after the Texas House revealed the fines accrued by the quorum breakers last week. State Rep. Venton Jones, D-Dallas, shared a letter from the Committee on House Administration to his office charging him $9,354.25 for the quorum break. Fees included $7,000 worth of fines House rules fine members gone for a quorum break $500 a day along with a $2,354.25 fine to cover the expenses to have the Texas Department of Public Safety attempt to bring Democrats back to Austin. The letter states $124,943.25 was spent towards the latter purpose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Texas House Democrats, most members who broke quorum incurred a fine of the same amount or very, very similar. Push for banning fundraising during a special session On Friday, the Texas Senate stopped a last-ditch measure by State Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston, to stall the Big, Beautiful Map, even further through a filibuster. At around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, accused Alvarado of using her seat for fundraising, calling it unethical and potentially unlawful. Currently, lawmakers are prevented from raising campaign funds during regular session, but are allowed to fundraise during any subsequent special sessions. I thought it was a lame excuse, and I thought it was just, you know, overreaching, trying to shut down a filibuster, something thats been a Senate tradition for as long as I know, Alvarado said. They didnt say what rule was broken, what law was broken, because there wasnt any, and I think it was just a way to yet again, silence voices. On social media, State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, then called for a ban on special session fundraising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the whole furor over the fundraising filibuster brought this to the surface. Because what happens if somebody does send out a email that says, Im going to filibuster, and you need to watch, and not only watch, you need to rush donations to me,' Bettencourt said. And thats something the Senate had never seen before. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick followed up by saying a special session fundraising moratorium could hinder future quorum breaks. [Bettencourts proposal] greatly reduces quorum breaks because outsiders will not be able to fund the costs to travel outside Texas, Patrick wrote. It will cut down on the number of special sessions and their length. Members want to complete their work quickly and effectively, so they can return home to their families and regular jobs. The most important result is that this bill will keep legislators on task and save taxpayer money. Alvarado said she supports Bettencourt and Patricks attempt to ban special session fundraising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign me up, Ill be the first one to joint author, Alvarado said. I know I have at least one bipartisan vote, Bettencourt said after Alvarado posted her support on social media. That much is for sure. Bettencourt said his fundraising ban would also extend to the Governors office as the Governor is the only one who has the power to call special sessions. I think well get clear special sessions, Bettencourt said. Weve had nine special sessions in four years it starts turning everything into mini-legislative sessions as opposed to what special sessions were designed to befixing specific problems and getting them fixed and get out of (Austin) as soon as you can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hours after Patrick and Bettencourt called for the special session fundraising ban on social media, Abbott added two items to the second special session. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Alimat Aliyeva The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into over 1.4 million Honda and Acura vehicles in the U.S. over potential engine failures. The regulator received 414 complaints regarding issues with the connecting rod bearings in the vehicles' 3.5-liter V6 engines, which could lead to complete engine failure if not addressed, Azernews reports, citing foreign media. The investigation covers several popular models, including the Acura TLX (20182020), Acura MDX (20162020), Honda Pilot (20162020), Honda Odyssey (20182020), and Honda Ridgeline (20172019). NHTSA stated that the goal of the probe is to "more thoroughly evaluate the scope and severity of the potential issue." The agency also highlighted that the high volume of complaints in models that were not part of a previous investigation indicates a potential safety risk that necessitates a deeper inquiry. This investigation comes at a challenging time for Honda, which has faced weaker earnings this year, partly due to the effects of U.S. tariffs. The outcome of this probe could have significant implications for Honda's reputation and its financial performance in the U.S. market, especially as automakers globally are under increasing scrutiny for safety-related issues. Authorities in Dallas arrested a 36-year old man who the Department of Homeland Security says issued bomb threats against an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility on Monday. Shortly after 6:30 p.m. Monday, Bratton Dean Wilkinson allegedly approached security officers and showed them what he claimed to be a "detonator" on his wrist, prompting a shelter-in-place for ICE's Dallas Field Office, according to a senior DHS official. The Dallas resident allegedly approached the entrance of the facility and claimed he had a bomb in his backpack. An officer with the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Protective Services who was stationed outside the field office called 911, according to a senior DHS official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Dallas Police Department dispatched a bomb squad to the scene, later arresting the man on charges of allegedly making terroristic threats. According to law enforcement officials, Wilkinson was transferred to the Dallas County Jail. Police issued an all-clear at 7:19 p.m. local time, less than an hour after the incident began. Dallas Police Spokesperson Michael Dennis told CBS News that Wilkinson was charged with false reporting to induce an emergency response, a class A misdemeanor. Law enforcement officials tell CBS News the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Northern District of Texas is looking into pursuing federal charges. CBS News has reached out to Wilkinson for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident comes just two weeks after a threatening letter with a non-hazardous white powdery substance was sent to an ICE office in New York City. Sources told CBS News New York there were a total of five envelopes received with letters containing "anti-ICE rhetoric." Last Wednesday, an anti-ICE protester was charged with assault and destruction of federal property in San Francisco after the man allegedly slashed the tire of a government vehicle and threatened to stab a law enforcement officer during a targeted law enforcement operation. According to court filings, 35-year-old Adrian Guerrero of Oakland, California, made repeated threats against law enforcement in San Francisco, allegedly warning, "I'm going to f*ck you up," and "I'm going to go after your family." The Department of Homeland Security said Guerrero was part of a group of roughly 15 to 20 violent rioters who assaulted, grabbed, punched, and pepper sprayed ICE agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE says law enforcement officials within the agency have faced a 1,000% increase in assaults against them since the beginning of the Trump administration, as President Trump looks to dramatically ramp up arrests. ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons told CBS News on Friday that the increase in violent protests targeting ICE officials has impacted the way immigration agents train and prepare for targeted operations. "We have to look at all those scenarios," Lyons said. "We're seeing obviously different tactics being employed by these protesters, so we have to reevaluate given these actual assaults see what the cause of it was, and then retool our training to ensure that the next officer is prepared for any type of situation that can come up." Lyons defended his agents' decision to wear masks while performing law enforcement duties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you look at the last administration, they didn't have to wear them," Lyons said in an interview last week. "The beginning of this administration we didn't have to wear them. But the toll that it's taken on the officers from the doxing, from the crazy rhetoric of threats against ICE, against their families. While I'm not a proponent of it, I'm not going to stop our agents from doing something that's going to keep them safe and their families safe. To me, that's number one priority." Extreme weather slams the West with dust storms and wildfires Cracker Barrel scrapping new logo, returning to old one after backlash Trump speaks with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz after Catholic school shooting BLUEFIELD, WV (WVNS) A Texas man pleaded guilty to destruction of government property after reportedly throwing objects at a federal building in Mercer County. According to a press release from the United States Department of Justice, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 48-year-old Will Adrian Samuels, of Jefferson, Texas, pleaded guilty to destruction of government property. Kanawha County woman found guilty of shoplifting in Mercer County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thee press release stated that according to statements made in court, Samuels repeatedly threw objects at two glass exterior doors located at the front of the Elizabeth Kee Federal Building in the Bluefield area of Mercer County, which resulted in more than $1,000 in damage. According to the press release, Samuels sentencing is scheduled for December 8, 2025, and he faces up to 10 years in prison, a maximum of three years of parole, and a $250,000 fine. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston, who thanked the Mercer County Sheriffs Office, United States Marshals Service (USMS), and the Wytheville, Virginia Police Department for their work on the investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Democrats were forced into a generational fight in Texas and the next younger generation won. As Texas Republicans pressed forward with a mid-decade redistricting plan to shore up the GOPs miniscule House minority, Democrats scrambled to gain an edge in a potential member-on-member matchup. For weeks, three-decade incumbent Rep. Lloyd Doggett, 78, publicly insisted he was going to run in the redrawn 37th District while urging 36-year-old Rep. Greg Casar to run for a redder version of his current seat. But Doggett, a veteran of previous redistricting fights, ultimately announced last week he wouldnt seek reelection in a newly configured Austin-area district opting against an expensive, messy fight against a rising star. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think in the last two weeks Lloyd Doggett thought that some of the folks who would be with him money, marbles, and chalk were, in fact, with Greg, and that gave him great pause as to what his chances were, said Mark Littlefield, an Austin-based political strategist, using what he called an old Texas political aphorism. The staredown between the two politicians which played out before a primary campaign fully kicked off came as Democrats have been grappling with a broader reckoning over seniority and age. The party has experienced a swell of anti-incumbent sentiment since President Joe Biden was pushed off the ticket last year, and many Democrats are steeling themselves for messy primaries. Casar, who was elected to the House in 2022 and has earned national attention for his meteoric climb to become chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, appeared poised to tap into the partys thirst for fresh talent in any race against Doggett. Publicly, Casar managed to stay out of the spotlight and above the fray; behind the scenes, however, he was quietly starting to collect endorsements and fundraising commitments. Meanwhile, Doggett prompted some hand-wringing in the party after he urged Casar to run in a different district. Both Doggett and Casar declined to comment. Before Doggett reversed course, Casar was prepared to time his official entry into the primary contest with the rollout of an endorsement slate containing half of the Austin City Council and more than a dozen members of Congress from a diverse cross-section of the Democratic Caucus, according to a person granted anonymity to share private campaign details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Casars allies had already prepared $1.5 million in outside spending to boost him in a potential primary, with more expected to land as energetic grassroots groups mobilized. Outside progressive groups like End Citizens United and the Working Families Party were gearing up to support Casar, too. There's no question where we stand, and will continue to stand. We would have stood with Greg, said Maurice Mitchell, national director of the Working Families Party. Some buzzy figures in Democratic politics were maneuvering to shore up Casar's standing. Strategist and philanthropist Luis A. Miranda Jr., also the father of Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, even hosted a Latinos for Greg fundraiser along with Democratic fundraiser Regina Montoya. Democratic activist and actress Jane Fonda was scheduled to hold an event on Casars behalf, too, said the person familiar with the campaign. Organizations like BOLD PAC, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus political arm, would have been prepared to support Casar, the child of Mexican immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BOLD PAC spokesperson Valeria Ojeda-Avitia denounced the Texas gerrymandering as racist and partisan and said the group is prepared to go all in to defend our incumbents and ensure Latino communities have the representation they deserve. Casar was also already ready to launch a campaign with a formidable national team, including Molly Murphy and Madeline Conway of Impact Research. He had a launch video produced by Morris Katz, an advisor to Zohran Mamdani, ready to go. Only adding to the pressure was an op-ed authored by a slate of Texas political veterans calling on Doggett to pass the torch, which helped signal that many of Doggetts longtime backers might not stick with him through another tough race. Despite all this, Doggetts announcement took some Democrats by surprise: Hes the dean of the Texas delegation with $6.2 million in the bank and a seat on one of the most influential Congressional committees, the taxwriting Ways and Means panel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Democrats had privately blanched at the prospect of the member-on-member contest, especially between two lawmakers so closely aligned on progressive politics that could test allegiances. Most Democrats still wish they hadnt been forced to choose between the two men, especially with Doggetts longstanding ties to the party. This redistricting mid-decade is really fucked up, said Tory Gavito, president of Way to Win, which was set to back Casar. When I found out that I was going to have to push toward the primary, I literally cried. It's just not a position I wanted to be in." Yet even with the potential matchup in the 37th district clear, Democrats are still facing other messy contests in the wake of Republicans' new map that could net the GOP up to five new seats. Casar and Doggett arent the only two Democratic incumbents being drawn into the same district, with other incumbents having to choose which of a shrinking number of Democratic or competitive seats they want to run for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Jasmine Crockett, an outspoken voice in the party, has signaled she might run for a redrawn seat currently held by the more centrist Rep. Marc Veasey, who himself was drawn out of his Fort Worth home. If Veasey moves to one of the two redrawn Democratic Dallas-area seats, this could result in a potential matchup between Crockett and first-term Rep. Julie Johnson , whose current Dallas-area district was redrawn into a sprawling red seat. And in Houston, longtime Rep. Al Green could opt to run for the vacant seat held by the late Rep. Sylvester Turner after the district turned redder. Greens office did not respond to a request for comment. But doing so would put him on a collision course with the victor in an ambitious field of Democrats now running in a special November special election for the current district. Thailand is considering copying Japan by offering long-haul international visitors a free domestic flight in its latest bid to boost its flagging tourism industry following a significant drop in arrival numbers this year. The idea is to give 200,000 fares on the house to tourists who arrive on long-haul flights on airlines that operate domestically in the Southeast Asian kingdom, where tourism typically makes up around 10% or more of annual gross domestic product. The Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights initiative, which is to run from September to November if approved by the government, is facing opposition from within the tourism industry, with representatives arguing that the proposal would better fit the so-called low season between May and September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the months being holiday time in Western countries, travellers from Thailand's neighbours - including China, its biggest source of tourists - are less willing to brave the near-daily monsoon downpours that can make sightseeing difficult. Others have pointed out that it is short notice for many travellers, especially those who have long since booked flights for the proposed incentive period. The government says the initiative will apply to those who have yet to book their flight to the country and on airlines that codeshare with domestic carriers. The offering is part of a wider plan to drive foreign arrival numbers close to 40 million a year, according to the government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arrivals up to August this year were down 7% on the same period in 2024, going by the latest official data released on August 26, worsening a near-6% decline recorded for the first half of the year. The Tuesday update followed recent fighting between Thailand and Cambodia that killed dozens of people, left tens of thousands displaced and saw usually busy border crossings closed. Thailand last month postponed the planned imposition of a $9 border fee or tourism levy following the drop in arrival numbers for the first six months of the year. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) Huntsville Hospital Health System provides a variety of therapies, but one in particular helps children navigate the grief that comes with losing a parent or loved one. Paxton is their four-legged friend with a big heart and calming presence. He is a golden retriever, he is almost four years old, and a facility dog, said Cammie Payne. She is a child life specialist and facility handler at the Caring House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Paxton is working, you can find him at the Caring House. Its a place that offers a special form of therapy for kids dealing with grief. We provide individual sessions for children and families, as well as family sessions and group support, said Payne. That way children and teens can understand the death of their loved one as well as gain the coping skills to be able to process what happened. Jill Falling is a grief and trauma therapist and manager at the Caring House. She shares the story of one of their 7-year-old patients, Olivia, who had a hard time opening up after the death of her father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She did not want to interact with us, said Jill Falling. Falling is and grief and trauma therapist and the manager at the Caring House. She did not want to talk to us. She barely would mark on the chalkboard yes or no to answer questions, so we decided, What happens if we bring Paxton into the equation and see if we could kind of use him as an ice breaker?' Falling said she started answering her therapy questions to the dog, and the bond changed everything. She bounces into the door, Falling said. She is beaming, and she is a completely different child, and that is because of the relationship between Paxton and the handler and the work that they do to help our children. When kids cant see Paxton directly, they are pen pals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We decided to come up with a mailbox that was just for Paxton, Falling said. This became a great tool that we have used with other children as well, where they can write letters to Paxton and then he will write them back. And it isnt just within the walls of Caring House that Paxton helps. This year, hell head to schools across Madison County as well. Were excited about our school groups through Huntsville City, Madison City and Madison County schools, she said. If you would like to help Huntsville Hospital and its mission, you can donate to The Caring House on Huntsville Hospitals website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) A third bat in two weeks has tested positive for rabies in the Utica area, according to the Oneida County Department of Health. On Tuesday, August 26, the Department of Health has announced a bat tested positive in South Utica. The bat was sent to the State Department of Healths Wadsworth Center in Albany on Thursday, July 21 and positive results were The Department of Health says that two people and one cat were exposed to the bat. Both people received post-exposure treatment, while the cat received a rabies booster vaccination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the second bat to test positive in South Utica in the last week, and the third in the Utica area over the last two weeks. A bat also tested positive in New Hartford on Friday, August 15. The Health Department warned residents to keep watch of the signs of rabies, which include: The animal acting strangely, mad, or shy, The animal is getting unusually close The animal is foaming or drooling from the mouth. The department warned residents to stay away from any wild or stray animals. If, despite your best efforts, you are bitten or come into contact with saliva, seek medical attention and contact the Oneida County Health Department to determine the next steps. If you see any animal acting strangely, the Health Department encourages you to call your local animal control officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Health Department also warned people that it is New York State law that all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated for rabies. Unvaccinated pets in contact with wildlife that is suspected or confirmed to be infected must be euthanized or strictly quarantined at the owners expense. All dogs and cats must be vaccinated for rabies at 4 months old, one year following the initial dose, and then every three years following. Ferrets must receive their initial dose by four months old, then booster shots every year following. There is one rabies clinic in the area over the next two months: at the Trenton Town Hall on Wednesday, October 1, from 5 pm to 7 pm. For more information on rabies prevention or to schedule a vaccination, you are encouraged to visit the countys website at ocgov.net/rabies. If you have questions or are concerned about possible exposure, you are asked to contact the Oneida County Health Department 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 315-798-5064. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. With fresh painted walls as a backdrop, Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius helps set up the third-grade classroom of MPS teacher Isabelle Day at Auer Avenue School on Aug. 25. Cassellius is starting her first full school year with MPS. She has her work cut out for her as the district faces numerous challenges. A violent weekend dust storm wreaked havoc on the annual Burning Man festival as it swept through Nevadas Black Rock Desert, but organizers reopened gates Monday to festivalgoers amid new threats of wild weather. News accounts described delays of as long as nine hours Monday for the thousands expected to descend on Black Rock City for the annual communing in the Nevada desert about 120 miles north of Reno. Despite the gusting winds, blinding dust storms, thunderstorms and grinding delays, more than 40,000 people were in attendance by 11:30 a.m. Monday, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal. Thunderstorms and hefty blowing gusts upward of 50 mph like ones that wrecked campsites and installations Saturday and Sunday were expected again Monday and through the rest of week, said Edan Lindaman, a forecaster at the National Weather Service in Reno. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gusts topping 50 mph churned up dust storms over the weekend, Lindaman said, overwhelming campsites, shrinking visibility and threatening to thwart the festivals opening. Among the casualties, the immense, interactive Black Cloud installation by Ukraine artist Oleksiy Sai with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and in partnership with the Ukrainian Institute. Burning Man began Sunday, Ukraines independence day. Sundays dust storms tore through the installation, meant to symbolize global threats and looming catastrophes, said the Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco in a Facebook post. As Russias war on Ukraine rages on, consulate officials in the post found hope in the projects destruction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm destroyed the piece but left a quiet hope that the threats were carried away with it, the Ukraine consulates post read. True independence is not about avoiding storms its about knowing how to rise after each one. Burning Man officials said that four minor injuries have been reported as a result of the wind and dust, and the livestream webcast is down, according to the Gazette-Journal. Thousands more emails related to the 2022 school massacre in Uvalde, Texas, are to be released after a lawyer said a mistake had been made in withholding them. The error was admitted at an emotional school board meeting Monday night, where elected officials and audience members alike demanded answers following CNNs exclusive reporting that documents had not been published despite a court order, including some that discussed classroom security. Robb D. Decker of Walsh Gallegos said his firm did not realize there was a problem until complaints were made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We, our firm, went back and re-looked at the data that we had received from the district from the beginning and realized that they were correct and that we were wrong. We had not released all of the responsive information. That was an error in our side, he said. The board of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD) had voted weeks ago to release the public records it held that related to the May 24, 2022, massacre that killed 19 fourth graders and two of their teachers. It was the worst school shooting in a decade and saw hundreds of law enforcement officers wait outside the classrooms for more than an hour while dead, dying and traumatized victims were left with the gunman. Board members, some of them in tears, apologized and stressed they played no part in the records not being released and appeared angry at their lawyers. We want to make sure that we do not have any more errors. I appreciate the people that did speak up to show us that there was errors, said school board trustee Jaclyn Gonzales. Theres no way for us to know that its the public that recognized it, and thats what is helping us call this error out. But we absolutely want to be transparent. We know what it means to the families, she added, speaking to a surviving teacher who called 911, as well as the grandfather of one of the little girls killed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said about 26,000 pages, made up of about 8,600 emails, would be published. Not one of us on the board had anything to do with this, said Jesse Rizo, the uncle of 9-year-old victim Jackie Cazares. He called for new legal counsel to be hired. When we use the word error, thats putting it very lightly, he said. The word negligent comes to mind. He also addressed the audience, some of whom had called him and his fellow board members liars for their pledge of transparency. My hearts all in it. I didnt lie to anybody, he said. I didnt lie to my brother, didnt lie to family members. We all thought we were doing right. Amy Franco speaks to the Uvalde CISD School Board during a meeting on Monday. - Uvalde CISD School Board In a particularly emotionally moment, Rizo apologized directly to Amy Franco, the teacher from Robb Elementary who called for help and was at the meeting, and to his own family. Im sorry, Amy, he said. Brother, Im sorry, his voice quivering as he choked up, apparently unable to say more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minutes later, Rizo, proposed a motion to authorize the superintendent and council to release all documents related to the shooting at Robb Elementary, including attorney-client privileged information, with the only exception being safety plans. The motion was passed unanimously. CNNs reporting last week showed some of the unreleased communications between officials covered classroom security and discussions about a payout to the sacked police chief. The material that was released much of it covering events and issues that CNN had already reported independently followed a court ruling upheld after an appeal that the public had a right to know. CNN is part of a coalition of media organizations that sued for the records, and whose lawyers complained that there were glaring omissions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coalitions legal team sent the school district a letter noting 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. Mondays board meeting was a significant night in Uvalde for families who have had very few wins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there are still holes for some. Decker, the attorney, said the hallway surveillance camera footage could not be released by the school district, because it had been taken in the days immediately following the massacre by the Texas Department of Public Safety, which was now refusing to return it. They are still currently in litigation about an open records request, and they have advised us that they are not going to release that information back to the district, Decker said. CNNs Leigh Waldman contributed to this story. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PATERSON, N.J. (PIX11) A boil water advisory remains in place until further notice for thousands of New Jersey residents after a second major water main break over the weekend in Paterson. The advisory pertains to residents in parts of Haledon, North Haledon, Fair Lawn, Prospect Park, and Paterson. More Local News The owner of The Yard restaurant in Haledon has been shelling out extra cash for weeks to stay open. A thousand dollars a week, easy, said Anthony Kingslow. Easily about a thousand a week just for soda and ice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His business is one of many still under a boil water advisory stemming from a massive water main break in Paterson on August 8th. A second, but unrelated, break happened on Saturday when a 42-inch water main ruptured, also in Paterson. The second break forced repair crews to pause flushing out the system, something that must be done before the boil water advisory is lifted. Barbie Thomas, a bartender at The Yard, said shes noticed her local corner stores are price-gauging gallons of water. It used to be $1.50, said Thomas. I know for a fact because I used to buy them all the time. Now, its $3 each, so its costing me a pretty penny. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Purified Alka Water in Haledon has been trying to do the opposite for its customers. We lowered our prices to $1 per five-gallon container just to try and help people out, said owner Michelle Rose. Rose said she has had multiple customers come to buy bottled water after noticing plastic-like particles in the water they boil. It looks like theres some type of particles or something thats kind of showing in the water once its boiled, said Rose. They dont want to consume it, and I would totally agree with them. Haledon Mayor Michael Johnson told PIX11 News he is aware of those complaints and is looking into them. A spokesperson for the Passaic Valley Water Commission said it has received no such reports and that the water is safe to drink if properly boiled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Voters return to their car after voting at Optimist Park on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 in Huntsville, Ala. Three Republicans and one Democrat have qualified to run in a special election next year for House District 38, which includes southern Chambers County and most of eastern Lee County. (Eric Schultz for Alabama Reflector) Three Republicans and one Democrat qualified for the House District 38 special election last week. The district covers southeastern Chambers County and most of eastern Lee County in east Alabama. It was held by Rep. Debbie Wood, R-Valley, until she resigned this summer to move near the Florida panhandle. Garrett Dixon, Micah Messer and Kristin Nelson will face each other in the GOP primary on Oct. 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Messages seeking comment were left with Dixon and his campaign manager last week and Monday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Messer, 31, said in an interview Friday that he is running to ensure true conservative values are represented in the state house. He said his priorities if elected are to cut government waste and reduce taxes. We need to make sure were being the most efficient with the taxpayer dollars as we can be, Messer said. I want to reduce our taxes, and that includes working towards removing property taxes for your primary residence and lowering the state income tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also wants to sponsor an election audit bill to ensure election integrity in the state. Wood sponsored a similar bill in 2025. It passed the House in March, but was never considered by the Senate. According to the Movement Advance Project, seven states do not have a law requiring an election audit. There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud or voter fraud reaching levels to overturn an election. According to the Heritage Foundation, a conservative leaning think tank that tracks election fraud, there have been 39 cases of election deceit in Alabama in the past 25 years. Over 2.2 million Alabamians voted in the 2024 presidential election. A certain number of precincts would be randomly selected to be checked to see if the elections were done correctly, and that all the ballots were counted correctly. That would include a hand count of the paper ballots, he said. Were not talking about like 50% of the states precincts here, but just something that we can put in place that would regularly check the elections to verify the integrity of the election. Messer, who ran in the 2022 GOP primary against Wood, said he had not decided if he would run in the 2026 midterm election for the seat. If he wins the special election, he said he would run for reelection, but would not if he lost. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think whoever wins this race deserves to have the full opportunity of at least having four years, he said. The business owner said voters should choose him because he is an outsider to Alabama politics. Im an outsider. Im not part of the crew. Im not part of the Montgomery establishment, Messer said. I am just an everyday small business owner that believes that we need change in Montgomery. Nelson, 41, said in an interview Friday afternoon that she would also prioritize reducing income tax. Alabamas income tax rates are set by a 1933 constitutional amendment. Nelson said shed change it the same way it was created. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We would have to go back in and make that amendment, she said. Obviously not having served in the Legislature at this point, I dont know all the details and formalities of what that looks like, but I do think that it is something that is very needed. Ultimately thats the Legislatures role, is to make those amendments when needed. She also wants all public and private K-12 schools to have a resource officer and wants the state to continue to invest in K-12 education. She has homeschooled her children since 2015, and supports policies like the CHOOSE Act so that parents can make the best decision for their childrens education. It just has that trickle effect of we make our schools safer, we make our community safer, we have less crime, and overall, we make our state safer, Nelson said. God gives us children as gifts, and we need to be able to educate them how we see fit and whats best for them and exactly what they need. Nelson previously said she was not sure about running for office in 2026, but in a text message Saturday said she would since learning about the Democratic candidate in the special election Hazel Floyd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the Nelson home we have a philosophy of, If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Every day we strive to be problem solvers, critical thinkers, and great neighbors, Nelson wrote in a text message. I want to lead by example, face the problems head on, and be willing to sit at the table to get to a resolution even when we may not all agree. Floyd, 21, said in an interview on Thursday that she is running to give her community a young voice in the Legislature. If elected, she said she wants to boost business development beyond Valley city limits, strengthen public education funding and support farmers. When you drive around District 38, you really only notice that Valley is booming. Some of our other cities are more rural areas, theyre lacking and losing businesses, Floyd said. Floyd graduated from the University of Alabama in May after attending Alabama public schools for her childhood education. She said that, because of her experience in public school, she wants more state funding to go to public schools, rather than private schools. The CHOOSE Act, a voucher-like program that can be used for private school tuition using state funding, was appropriated $180 million from the Education Trust Fund (ETF) for FY 2026. The state budget is intended to fund public education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know a lot of students that I would be representing, since I represent all ages in our district, a lot of students are worried about safety, she said. I would also like to be able to vote on bills that allow students to feel safer in schools, without feeling trapped. In a statement on Dixons campaign website, the cotton and peanut farmer said he understood the issues that rural Alabamians face. With a heart for service and a history of stewardship, Garrett Dixon is ready to stand up and be a voice for the district hes always called home, the statement said. The primary election is on Oct. 21, with a runoff election on Nov. 18, if needed. The general election will be on Feb. 3, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Legislature has seen several departures this year, triggering special elections. Voters in Cullman County will go to the polls Tuesday and again in October to choose Alabama House representatives. In addition to House District 38, special elections will also take place early next year for House districts in Walker and Tuscaloosa counties. Rep. Matt Woods, R-Jasper, won a special election in June for a Senate seat previously held by former Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, R-Jasper, leading to the Walker House special election. The Tuscaloosa seat opened up after Ivey appointed former Rep. Cynthia Almond, R-Tuscaloosa, president of the Alabama Public Service Commission. Meet the Candidates Micah Messer Micah Messer, a Republican candidate for the House District 38 special election. (courtesy of candidate) Age: 31 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residence: Smiths Station Occupation: Business owner Education: B.S. Computer Information Systems, University of South Alabama, 2016 Party: Republican Previous political experience: Second-time candidate in HD 38 Kristin Nelson Kristin Nelson is one of three Republican candidates for the House District 38 special election. (courtesy of candidate) Age: 41 Residence: Lanett Occupation: Stay-at-home mom, part time at an engineering consulting firm Education: Associates degree, Southern Union Community College, 2004; B.S. Business Administration, Troy University, 2007; M.S. Education, Troy University, 2011 Party: Republican Previous political experience: First-time candidate Hazel Floyd Hazel Floyd, a Democratic candidate for the House District 38 special election. (courtesy of candidate) Age: 21 Residence: Valley Occupation: unemployed Education: B.A. Political Science and Philosophy, the University of Alabama, 2025 Party: Democrat Previous political experience: First-time candidate Thunderstorms prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to issue ground stops Monday afternoon at three major Southern California airports. The FAA said operations at Los Angeles International Airport are halted until 3:45 p.m., while flights at Long Beach Airport and John Wayne Airport in Orange County are paused until 4 p.m. It was not immediately clear how many flights were affected. Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued earlier in the day for parts of Riverside County and northern Los Angeles County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In San Bernardino County, a flash flood warning was issued for the Twentynine Palms area. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) Tim Armstead, a West Virginia Supreme Court justice who also served as Republican speaker of the House of Delegates during a 20-year legislative career, died Tuesday, the court announced. He was 60. Armstead died following a brief hospitalization, the court said in a statement without elaborating. Armstead was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2018 to fill a vacancy by the retirement of Justice Menis Ketchum. Armstead won a special election later that year to serve the remainder of Ketchum's term. Ketchum later was sentenced in federal court to probation on a felony fraud count related to his personal use of a state vehicle and gas fuel card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armstead then was elected to a full 12-year term on the court in 2020. He served as the court's rotating chief justice in 2020 and 2024. In a statement, Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Armstead was a good and decent man who always tried to set the right ethical tone in all of his actions. Born in Charleston, Armstead graduated from the University of Charleston and earned a law degree from West Virginia University. He served on the staffs of U.S. District Judge David Faber and Govs. Arch A. Moore Jr. and Cecil Underwood. Underwood appointed Armstead to a vacant seat on the House of Delegates in 1998 and he was elected later that year. He was named House speaker in 2015. Republican Delegate Roger Hanshaw replaced Armstead as House speaker and remains in the position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Virginia lost a very special person today, and I lost another wonderful friend, Hanshaw said. I will miss the wise counsel he often gave me in times of tough decisions. When he ran for the 12-year Supreme Court seat in 2020, Armstead said the court had become more open and transparent following a 2018 impeachment scandal and that restoring confidence in the court among residents was a priority. House lawmakers impeached several justices over questions involving more than $3 million in renovations to the justices offices included one justices $32,000 blue suede couch and expanded to broader accusations of corruption, incompetence and neglect of duty. The scandal prompted an extraordinary move by one branch of government to essentially fire another. But five acting justices later derailed the impeachment trials. In 2019 the U.S. Supreme Court left that decision in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armstead had recused himself from the 2018 House debate over the impeachment articles because he had expressed interest in the court, whose elections became nonpartisan in 2016. Last year Armstead appointed an advisory committee to propose revisions to the state Code of Judicial Conduct. The committee will issue its recommendations to the Supreme Court for review later this year. Current Chief Justice Bill Wooton said Armstead's colleagues "looked to Tims example on thorny ethical issues. Likewise, his knowledge of state finances has been an invaluable resource to the West Virginia judicial system. Armstead is survived by his wife, Anna, a daughter and two grandchildren. Community tips have led to two arrests and the seizure of drugs, weapons and cash in West Lebanon, police said Monday. Thomas Stevens-Metcalf, 34, of Piermont, was arrested Aug. 15 near 15 Railroad Yard following reports of drug activity at that address, the Lebanon Police Department said. Stevens-Metcalf was charged with transporting drugs in a motor vehicle and two felony counts of possessing crack cocaine and Suboxone, in addition to two outstanding bench warrants. Police seized cash during the arrest and later executed a search warrant on Stevens-Metcalf's vehicle, discovering additional illegal drugs, they said. The case remains under investigation and additional charges are expected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eight days later, another community tip brought officers to 19 Village Lane, where they encountered Eric Gorman, 32, of West Hartford, Connecticut. Gorman fled on foot during an investigative stop, police said, but was apprehended after police deployed a Taser. Gorman was arrested on charges of resisting arrest and detention. A subsequent search warrant at the Village Lane apartment turned up several weapons, including one confirmed stolen, more than 12 ounces of cocaine and cash, police said. The Lebanon Police Department encouraged residents to continue reporting suspicious activity by calling dispatch at 603-448-1212 or submitting anonymous tips through the department's website. Topeka city leader explains Fairlawn Road construction TOPEKA (KSNT) Between much-needed street, stormwater, waterline and sanitary sewer projects, heavy-duty construction is about to start on Fairlawn Road. While everything south of 25th St. will be open to a single lane in each direction, theres a hard closure between 22nd Pl. and 25th St. The road closed this morning, theyve been doing saw cuts, theyre moving in equipment, it takes a day or two to get mobilized to actually do the removals and youre going to see a lot of action here starting this week, Topeka Public Works Director Steve Groen said. Kansas State Fiddling & Picking Championship 2025 recap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, 27 News talked to nearby residents of the project who expressed their frustrations with the closure. Working for you, we asked the city why they have to implement a hard closure between 22nd and 25th St. When youre getting into large utilities and the deep excavations, the excavations on Fairlawn are going to be 15 feet deep in areas, Groen said. Its just almost impossible to work that deep and have that much of the road torn apart and still be able to maintain traffic. Whenever we can, are goal is going to be to keep the roads open, but sometimes you just cant avoid closing a road. With the first phase including utility work on the sanitary sewer, followed by water main and storm sewer pipe, Groen says its a great opportunity to work on the street as well, so the city doesnt have to backtrack on previous work. Trade war threatens Kansas soy industry, despite record yields Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of instances in the past where, after building a road, water mains would break, sewers would fail, and they would be digging up the road, Groen said. The utility department and the public works department have been working very hard to try and coordinate our projects so that when theres utility work to be done, were going to go ahead and get the street fixed, widened, and modernized at the same time and thats what youre seeing on Fairlawn. Even though the hard closure started a week late, the city does not expect the project to be extended and plans for it to be finished by October 2026. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) There is an effort underway to formally change the name of a City of Binghamton park. The Broome-Tioga NAACP is seeking the publics input on whether to rename Columbus Park on Carroll Street downtown. The name is controversial among liberal activists because of the explorers role in the colonization of the Western Hemisphere by European settlers. For many years, local progressive groups have taken to calling it Assata Shakur Park. Shakur is a convicted cop killer who escaped from prison and lives in exile in Cuba. Her supporters allege that Shakur, who was a member of the Black Liberation Army in the 1970s, was wrongfully convicted and was herself a victim in the shootout that took the life of a New Jersey State Trooper and a fellow BLA member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The NAACP is inviting the public to discuss a potential name change at a town hall that will take place at the parks recreation center on Monday September 9th at 6 p.m. There is also a survey asking the public to weigh in, although it does not mention any alternative names. Click here to access the survey. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BLUEFIELD, Va. Bluefield, Va. officials are actively seeking a second tenant for a downtown structure that will soon be renovated. The town was recently awarded $245,000 in Industrial Revitalization Funds from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to purchase and renovate the former Graham Jewelry building in downtown Bluefield, Va. The structure, which is located at 542 Virginia Avenue, is currently vacant. While Bluefield University has expressed an interest in operating a podcasting site for students on the top floor of the structure, a tenant is being sought for the first floor, possibly a restaurant, according to Lori Stacy, communications director for the town and secretary for the Bluefield, Va. Industrial Development Authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IDA is currently seeking an interested entrepreneur or business owner willing to operate a restaurant or other business on the first floor of the structure once it is renovated. Stacy said the goal is to attract a business that will help with downtown growth, support local jobs and serve the community. We are grateful to DHCD to receive this grant and to be able to breathe new life into a building that has long been a part of Bluefield Virginias history, IDA Chairman Danny Smith said. This investment not only helps to preserve an important piece of our downtown but will open the door to new economic development opportunities. Stacy said the project will soon be under contract with the Department of Housing and Community Development, which gives the IDA about 18 months to find a tenant for the first floor of the structure. Stacy said it doesnt have to be a restaurant, adding that the town and the IDA is willing to talk to any prospective business or entrepreneur about the soon to be newly renovated site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By restoring the well-known building that most recently served as a jewelry store, Stacy said the IDA hopes to create opportunities for growth and community engagement. Bluefield University has expressed an interest in using the second floor of the structure as a podcasting site for students in the communications field. That in return would help in bringing young people back to the downtown area, Bluefield, Va. Town Manager Andrew Hanson said in an earlier interview. Dr. Steve Peterson, president of Bluefield University, said in an earlier interview that the university had talked to the town about possibly using the site as a podcast lab for students. Podcasts are a way to provide information online, which is popular with youth. Stacy said the town has a letter of interest from Bluefield University for the second story of the structure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The downstairs is really what we are after right now, she said. We feel like with the deadline of 18 months, we need to get that out on the streets. Any prospective business or entrepreneur that would be interested in utilizing the downtown structure can contact Stacy at commdirector@bluefieldva.org. Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com SOUTH AMHERST, Ohio (WJW) A 28-year-old Elyria man was struck and killed early Tuesday morning along State Route 113 in Lorain County . FOX 8s Patty Harken said the incident happened at about 4:30 a.m. Sheriff: Spiritual delusion led to lake deaths Pedestrian struck : SR 113 CLOSED Baumhart Rd. Quarry Rd. Patty Harken (@HarkenPatty) August 26, 2025 According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a Ford Explorer and Honda Civic were both going east on state Route 113. A pedestrian, identified as Brandon McKenna, was walking on the westbound side of the road, then crossed into the eastbound lanes where he was hit by the Explorer and then the Civic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Powerball jackpot climbs to historic level McKenna was pronounced dead at the scene. The road was closed for hours while police investigated the scene. The Ohio Department of Transportation reported the area reopened to traffic shortly before 8 a.m. The incident remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Yet another case of animal smuggling has been seized by authorities, this time in Nelspruit, South Africa. The smuggler's cargo? Innocent barn owls. What's happening? As IOL reported, South African authorities arrested a 48-year-old after discovering that he was attempting to sell owls out of a local shopping center. According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the man was caught in possession of four live owls, which he was selling for about 1,000 rands, or $57. These sales were made without permits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The arrest followed an operation where officials seized both the man's car and the animals themselves. The birds have since been transferred to the Mpumalanga Parks Board for care. The suspect is facing charges under the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act and for the unlawful keeping and transport of live game. Since this arrest, officials have stressed that wildlife trafficking is a serious offense. Brigadier Danie Hall, acting provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, said, per IOL: "When we take care of our wildlife, we safeguard our heritage for future generations." Why is illegal wildlife trade concerning? Beyond just the immediate harm to individual animals, illegal wildlife trade can destabilize ecosystems, introduce invasive species, and undermine conservation work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this case, barn owls play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations. A disruption in their numbers can ripple through the food chain, affecting both agricultural yields and natural habitats. By eroding biodiversity, illegal wildlife trade is harmful to ecosystems and can push some species to extinction. What's being done about wildlife trafficking? Conservation organizations are relentlessly pushing for more resources to combat the trade, including better training for law enforcement, stricter border controls, and public awareness campaigns. Everyday citizens can help by reporting suspicious wildlife sales to local authorities, refusing to purchase wild animals or their parts, and supporting organizations that rescue and rehabilitate trafficked species. 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. Isn't it the best feeling to rediscover something you thought was lost or hadn't seen in years? That sense of hope and renewal may be exactly what conservationists felt when trail cameras recently captured the first clear images of the elusive marbled cat in India's Kakoi Reserve Forest. In summer 2024, researchers set up eight trail cameras in the Himalayan foothills, as the Miami Herald reported. Over 28 days, the cameras captured the first clear images of the marbled cat in the area, a discovery announced in 2025. The cameras were placed strategically, with researchers noting they "were configured for high sensitivity, with a delay of one second between photographs," to ensure they captured even the slightest movements. This rare, shy feline is "near threatened" because of habitat loss and hunting, so spotting it is a big win for conservationists. Trail cameras let scientists track wildlife without disturbing them, giving valuable information to protect animals and their habitats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When wildlife thrives, local communities benefit too. Healthy forests support better crops and food security for farmers and herders. Protecting species means protecting the environment people depend on, creating a safer, cleaner future for everyone. Discoveries such as this one show how technology helps us protect wildlife while supporting everyday people. For farmers and herders living near the Kakoi Reserve, a healthy forest means more reliable crops, fewer pests, and cleaner water. When animals thrive, it's a sign the ecosystem is balanced, something that benefits both nature and communities. By using trail cameras, conservationists can better understand these animals' needs and ensure their habitats are safe. This helps prevent poaching and habitat loss, which can harm local livelihoods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the long run, protecting wildlife supports a stable environment that provides food, clean air, and water, essentials for healthy and thriving communities. 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. Nearly three months into the investigation of the murders of three young girls in Washington state, the FBI is leading a new search for clues in hopes of finding the girls' father and suspect in their killings, Travis Decker, the local sheriff said Monday. The search is taking place near Rock Island Campground outside of Leavenworth, Washington, where the bodies of the girls and Decker's truck were found on June 2. Chelan County Sheriff Michael Morrison described the search area as "rugged and heavily forested terrain." "The areas being searched are extremely challenging with steep hillsides, dense brush, minimal cell service, and unpredictable conditions," he said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The search for Decker so far has not produced conclusive evidence to indicate if he is alive or dead, the sheriff said. DNA testing confirmed earlier this month that Decker, a former Army soldier, is the sole suspect in the murders of 9-year-old Paityn, 8-year-old Evelyn and 5-year-old Olivia. He has been wanted since he failed to return them to their mother on time after a planned visitation, prompting her to call police. The FBI's search is expected to last through Tuesday, the sheriff said. It will include nearly 100 personnel, including special agents, intelligence analysts and experts from the FBI's Critical Incident Response Group, he said. "These resources demonstrate the seriousness with which every agency is approaching this case," Morrison said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You can't be too thorough in a search like this," Peter Orth, the FBI's supervisory senior resident agent in Yakima, told CBS affiliate KIRO-TV. "It is such incredibly dense vegetation that anybody who walks down one of these trails could walk 10 meters off the trail and no one would ever know they're there." Morrison thanked the public for its cooperation as the search has closed roads, trails and campgrounds. He also acknowledged the pain this case has caused. "Please know that your sheriff's office and every agency involved has been and remains committed to doing everything in our power to find the person responsible and to deliver justice for Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia," he said. A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information leading to Decker's arrest. Welcome to New Orleans Maryland Gov. Wes Moore calls Trump D.C. National Guard deployment "unconstitutional" Video shows armed National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. TREASURE ISLAND A few hours before sunset, a circle of people begins taking shape around a stick spiked into the sand. Its a fringe gathering on the fringe of the state, just before the endless-seeming Gulf. Close to 400 people congregate there behind the public parking lot, spontaneously for the purposes of not needing a city permit, though this gathering has somehow happened every Sunday for decades. There are tourists, curious beach-walkers and locals who wanted their out-of-town visitors to see something memorable. Then theres the large core of regulars, drawn week after week to the place they call church and the people they call family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most importantly at the Treasure Island drum circle, there are drums, big like trash cans, small like pie pans, sideways across laps and strapped over shoulders. All slapped, pounded and thumped with nothing less than total enthusiasm and varying degrees of technical skill. Some are playing buckets, pots, pans, a xylophone, a saxophone, a textured metal necktie scraped like a washboard. Some are howling like wolves. The drumbeat grows massive, changes and then dies down to almost nothing. The drummers find each other by instinct, clumsily at first, and then magically, suddenly, they are in unison, the rhythm roaring again. Its almost like when birds fly in the air and get synchronized, said Desiree Garcia, a Hillsborough County teacher and one of the core drummers. Those who arent drumming dance or leap like theyre doing karate. A man with a third eye, a googly one stuck to his forehead, offers stickers. A woman kneels in front of the stick and rolls her head around on her neck. A toddler builds a sandcastle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A hint of skunky cannabis blows by, but more faintly than at circles past. Three Treasure Island Police officers sit in SUVs watching, a reminder that three months ago it seemed like this decades-long tradition was set to be shut down. In May, Treasure Island police chief John Barkley called upon the city to guide his department in dealing with the drum circle, which he described as a serious problem. At a city commission meeting, he said the circle drew people who disregarded ordinances against smoking, bringing dogs onto the beach and selling things without a permit. Ive seen this grow, he said. The incidents that Ive seen since Ive been chief include and are definitely not limited to sexual assault, rampant drug use, Marchman acts which is when somebody gets too drunk that they cannot take care of themselves or are a danger for themselves or others. There arent enough officers in tiny Treasure Island to safely enter the circle to enforce the law, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Capt. Dan Savarese talked about fights, narcotics, domestics and child neglect cases. At one point, he said, the department brought in outside agencies to deal with a gang problem. Both men spoke of an incident in which an officer making an arrest was punched in the head by another attendee. That officer, they said, was forced to medically retire due to his injuries. In my opinion, the drum circle should have stopped there, Barkley said. A well-known beach cleanup volunteer whod planned to lobby the chief in the circles defense had changed her mind after visiting, Barkley said, telling him she saw people having relations in the dunes. A lot of times when weve made arrests, the people are screaming, you cant tell us what to do on the beach, Savarese said. So were asking for direction. We can absolutely come up with a plan and take care of the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the audience, Enna Salveter was reeling. The 28-year-old pet nutritionist had first visited the circle with a friend three years earlier. The sense of community she found blew her mind. What she was hearing didnt sound like the circle she knew. Sure, things happened on the beach sometimes, whether they were part of the circle or not, especially the smoking anddogs, but this sounded like utter chaos. Like something to be scared of. It also sounded like the circle would soon be over. My opinion is you do what you gotta do to disperse it, said one commissioner, who found it appalling that the gathering was advertised on the Visit St. Pete-Clearwater site. I agree, said another. It sounds like you have the full support of the commission to go forth with your plan, a third member told the chief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were all, the mayoradded,saying the same thing. Maybe the drum circle could continue, they said, if organizers got a permit and insurance and paid for police security like any other event. That would require someone stepping up as the circles owner and leader, which no one actually expected to happen. When the floor opened, Salveter nervously and tearfully read the words shed written on her phone. I found a home, family, loving community and my form of church, she said. Ive met incredible people from around the world who have come to Treasure Island specifically to come and experience the love and the light that circle provides. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She asked the police to simply tell her how she could help save the thing she loved. Still, she figured that was that. A circle has no beginning and no end, but Treasure Island drum circle attendees often say theirs began about 40 years ago. It actually started in 2001, when Christine Marie Loving, an energy healer who needed a project for a leadership course she was taking, teamed with a belly dancer named Johanna Zenobia Taylor. They gathered dancers and a band and put up fliers. Loving wanted people to be fully self-expressed, in their authenticity and in their essence, without drugs and alcohol. They took inspiration from a circle on Siesta Key. Drumming had been a thing in American counterculture hotbeds like Berkeley and Greenwich Village since the 1960s. Communal drum circles formed outside Grateful Dead concerts since at least the early 1980s. But the burgeoning new age movement of the 1990s brought an explosion of hand drums and drumming classes nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drum fever is sweeping the country, read a 1993 article in the Palm Beach Post. Nuns were using drums to enliven religious retreats. Tech companies held drum circles for corporate team building. GratefulDead drummer Mickey Hart was bringing them into nursing homes. Florida was said to be at the forefront. Circles formed on Ybor City sidewalks where people banged on coffee cans and tortoise shells. Circles formed on beaches in Miami, Nokomis, Sarasota. The 90s peak of mainstream new age may have faded, like mall-shopping for rain sticks at Earthbound Trading Co.to a soundtrack of Enya, but the circles persist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1994, Desiree Garcia, the high school reading teacher who drums at Treasure Island, had just come home to Tampa from Alaska. She was pregnant, worried and feeling lost. Her boyfriend helped her craft a drum and brought her to her first circle on Clearwater Beach. She was hooked. She later took lessons with the Kuumba dance and drum troupe in Tampa. Its just so relaxing, meditative, she said. For me, there is a spiritual aspect. Attendees said the circle makes Treasure Island special and draws business to nearby bars and restaurants. Like with any revelry, there can be issues, Garcia said. She welcomed collaboration with police, she said, even if she felt the complaints misrepresented the circles character. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why Treasure Islands police chief chose that particular week in May to lay out the problems with the circle remains unclear. He did not respond to requests for an interview. Police records alone cant tell the full story, but the past years log of calls for service showed mostly minor incidents like parking tickets and unleashed dogs. In April, an officer intervened in a brief, uneventful altercation over bubbles blown in someones face. The most seriousrecent situation appears to have involveda man arguing with another attendee over accidentally getting sand in their drink. The man was so intoxicated, police said, that they took him to jail under the Marchman Act for safety. The punch that seriously injured an officer happened eight years ago. The task force to deal with the alleged gang activity came in 2012. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The beach cleanup leader whod been held up as an opponent told the Tampa Bay Times she actually supports the gathering, as long as people pick up trash. As for the public sex, she clarified that it wasnt during the circle, it was the morning after. This summer, Garcia spoke to Chief Barkley and Capt. Savarese, hoping to change their perception. She found them warm and open to her ideas. They mostly wanted someone, she said, to be accountable. If the circle had any unwritten rule, it was that no one was in charge. Garcia didnt want to lead, but she could be accountable, she thought. She organized a half-dozen drummers via text, including Salveter. They workshopped wording for guidelines and made signs. They bought a megaphone. They began walking around the circle asking people not to smoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most people, like 90%, are very cooperative, very cool, she said. We say, Hey, the police are going to shut us down if we dont clean up our act. Salveter, who operates a Facebook page dedicated to the circle, has been diligent about posting remindersabout acceptable behavior. A couple times, when someone got mad, Garcia asked police officers for help, not without discomfort. A couple times, she asked for the drumming to stop until an offender complied. Some people have bristled at rules intruding upon agathering dedicated to unbridled expression. In late July, police arrested a 6-foot-8, 300-pound Treasure Island resident named Duncan Small. He is in jail, accused of delivering letters to city commissioners homes reading, We know where you all live, quit f--king with the Drum Circle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crowds have been slightly smaller, perhaps due in part to the police shutting down afterparties that used to draw DJs with portable gear. The circle no longer produces a powerful smell of weed detectable far down the beach. A spokesperson for the city said cooperation has improved, and there are no plans to shut it down. Every so many years, these things happen. Drummers on Treasure Island used to play late into the night. About 10 years ago, city leaders looking to crack down on noise entered into informal negotiations with another group of non-leader leaders. After that, the drumming ended at sunset another compromise to keep the music going. Sunset is coming. The beat is thumping. Salveter stands near the watersedge taking in a glowing cantaloupe sky. She leans her head back, closes her eyes, and says to herself, There is literally nothing like this moment right now. She inhales the salt air. I dont have a family, but out here I have three moms, she said. I just feel so loved. The drumming stops. The crowd applauds the sun dropping under the horizon. The circlers hold hands and chant, om, om, om. They join in a massive group hug. As one regular walks toward the parking lot, he shouts, I love you. I love all of yall, I swear. Passing one of the police SUVs, he says, Johnny Law, I love you, too. I swear to God I love you. The officer reaches out through the window so they can bump fists and says, I love you, too. Florida House Democrat Jared Moskowitz on Aug. 25 urged U.S. President Donald Trump to toughen his stance on Russia as the U.S. leader has done in other cases. "Maybe just treat them like youre treating Washington, D.C., or how you treated Greenland when you came into office, or how you treated Canada when you came into office," Moskowitz said in an interview. The U.S. leader has criticized policing and crime in Washington, D.C. Trump has mobilized the U.S. National Guard to the city and taken over the D.C. Metro Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has intensified efforts to broker a peace deal to end Russia's war against Ukraine, but has largely held back criticism of Moscow despite continued strikes on Ukrainian cities. The Florida Democrat criticized Trump for not being tough on Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting the U.S. leader has the "tools" to do so. "Like, where is that President Trump with the Russians? It seems like hes tougher on these other things. And hes tougher on Chicago than he is dealing with Putin. So maybe just take that attitude," Moskowitz said. Trump met Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15 and then met President Volodymyr Zelensky alongside European leaders in the White House days later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. leader has said he plans to host a bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Putin, followed by a trilateral meeting consisting of the three leaders if talks go well. Read also: Analysis: Why JD Vance is very wrong about Russian concessions in Ukraine peace talks Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The truck driver accused of causing a fatal Florida Turnpike crash that killed three people earlier this month told his story Tuesday for the first time through an advocacy group, which is offering $100,00 to the victims. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a human rights attorney and general counsel to Sikhs for Justice, spoke with Harjinder Singh, 28, at the St. Lucie County Jail, where he is being held pending trial on his manslaughter and vehicular homicide charges. I saw sorrow and suffering in his eyes, said Pannun, who is not representing him legally. It is important to note that Harjinders case is one of tragic misjudgment and not of an intentional or malicious act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sikhs for Justice is committing $100,000 to the families of the deceased, Pannun said. The three killed in the Aug. 12 crash were identified as driver Herby Dufresne, 30, and passengers Faniola Joseph, 37, and Rodrigue Dor, 54. Dufresne died at the hospital, while Joseph and Dor died at the scene. The three victims were part of South Floridas Haitian community. Dors niece told CBS4, the Heralds news partner, that she did not know him. Nothing can replace the lives that were taken, and we bow our heads in grief, said Pannun, who said he hasnt had direct contact with the family. Singh caused the deadly crash when he tried to make a U-turn at an official use only area of the Florida Turnpike about 19 miles north of Fort Pierce, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Video recorded from inside the cabin of the big rig shows the Chrysler Town & Country minivan crumpling underneath the 18-wheelers trailer as Singh turned across the two-lane stretch of the highway from the right lane, blocking both lanes of the Turnpike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through Pannun, Singh said that immediately after the crash, he went to the minivan and held one of the victims hands through a broken window. Singh was allowed to leave the scene of the crash without being charged. The initial crash did not raise any flags for troopers to check Singhs immigration status, his arrest report read. Singh had a valid commercial drivers license from California. Troopers later announced that he had illegally entered the U.S. through Mexico. Pannun said Singh was fleeing persecution in India. Harjinder came to America to build a new life with hard work and dignity, Pannun said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case has drawn national attention, becoming a flashpoint in immigration and licensing debates. The Department of Homeland Security blasted Californias policy of issuing commercial drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants. California officials countered that Singh obtained his license legally after receiving a federal work permit in 2021. Singh flew to Sacramento on Aug. 13, the day after the crash. He was arrested in Stockton, California, on Aug. 16 and extradited to Florida on Thursday, Aug. 21. Singh told Pannun that authorities did not give him instructions to stay in the state and allowed him to leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Singh was initially charged with three vehicular homicide charges. At his bond hearing Saturday in St. Lucie County, where the accident occurred, prosecutors added three additional manslaughter counts. He appeared before Judge Lauren Sweet, who denied Singhs bond, saying he was an unauthorized alien and a substantial flight risk. A petition for Singh has garnered support from the advocacy group Collective Punjabi Youth, which is urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to seek fair sentencing. More than 3 million people have signed the petition on Change.org. The petition, like Pannun, noted the crash was not a deliberate act but a tragic accident. Pannun also fears that growing anti-immigration sentiment will cause a backlash against Sikh truck drivers. Of course, this has taken a political turn, but ultimately it will be the American court system that is going to decide the case, he said. But having said that, I do feel that there is a certain element that there will be more prejudice toward Sikh drivers. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man the Trump administration wrongfully deported in March then brought back to the U.S. to face criminal charges, cannot be moved again or deported from the U.S. in the near future, a federal judge ruled on Monday. The order comes as the Trump administration has said it intends to deport Abrego Garcia to Uganda, a threat his lawyers allege is part of a coercive negotiating tactic to get the immigrant to either plead guilty to criminal smuggling charges, which he denies, or leave the country to a nation where he doesnt speak the language or have any ties. Your clients are absolutely forbidden at this juncture to remove Mr. Abrego Garcia from the continental United States, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis reportedly told Deputy Assistant Attorney General Drew Ensign during a hearing on Monday, making a point to ask the official if he understood her order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Your honor, yes, Ensign said. We certainly understand that. Abrego Garcia will not be moved until a hearing, as soon as this week, determines whether the Trump administration is following the law surrounding his potential removal, according to the judge. A judge has barred the Trump administration from moving or deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man it wrongly deported in March to El Salvador, then brought back to the U.S. to face a new set criminal smuggling charges (REUTERS) The Trump administration was accused of flouting a different federal judges oral order in March to turn around deportation flights to El Salvador that were bound for CECOT, the same notorious prison where Abrego Garcia was temporarily held. Judge Xinis previously sparred with federal officials over Abrego Garcias detention there, accusing the government of failing to comply with multiple court orders to return him from the facility, where he says he was severely beaten. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abrego Garcia, who federal officials accuse of being a violent gang member involved in human smuggling, was released from federal criminal custody in Tennessee on Friday, after a court found that prosecutors failed to show any evidence that his history or arguments against him warrant his ongoing detention. He was arrested again on Monday, under 72 hours later, by immigration officials during a check-in at an ICE office in Baltimore. Kilmar Abrego Garcia was arrested on Monday during a check-in with immigration officials (AFP via Getty Images) Regardless of what happens today with ICE, promise me this, that you will keep fighting, praying, believing in dignity and liberty, not just for me but for all, Abrego Garcia told supporters outside the ICE office before being arrested. Federal officials argued Abrego Garcias team was being misleading when describing the threat of deportation to Uganda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plea negotiations had been ongoing since July, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Robert E. McGuire wrote in a filing on Monday. The Salvadoran mans attorneys have filed a variety of legal challenges against his ongoing detention and criminal case, including a petition challenging his Monday arrest. Abrego Garcia has also requested an interview with an asylum officer, and is seeking to reopen his immigration case, arguing the government deporting him unlawfully in March could now qualify him for asylum. The Trump administration has accused Kilmar Abrego Garcia of being a gang member and human smuggler, seeking criminal charges against him at the same time it pursues a deportation attempt (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Separately, the Salvadoran man has challenged the criminal smuggling case against him, which stems from a 2022 traffic stop where police pressed no charges at the time. Abrego Garcias attorneys have argued the case is a vindictive prosecution launched because the father had the audacity to fight back, rather than accept a brutal injustice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abrego Garcia entered the country illegally as a teen, fleeing gang violence in El Salvador. He was wrongly deported to his home country this March, despite an order barring his removal to El Salvador over fears of persecution. The federal government initially declined to bring Abrego Garcia back from El Salvador even after the Supreme Court unanimously declared the deportation illegal and ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the mans release. Federal officials have accused him of being a member of the MS-13 gang, which he denies. Homeland Security has also publicly referred to him as a wife beater and child predator, though federal officials have not charged him with any crimes related to these claims. His wife obtained a temporary protective order against him in 2021, accusing him of physical violence, though she later said she and her husband went to counseling and described Abrego Garcia as a loving partner and father. The federal government has struck an agreement with 24 states, including Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia, to release the remainder of $6.8 billion in education funds frozen earlier this summer. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) The federal government has struck an agreement with 24 states, including Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia, to release the remainder of $6.8 billion in education funds frozen earlier this summer. The U.S. Department of Education agreed to release any remaining funds between Oct. 1 and Oct. 3 to resolve a lawsuit co-led by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha and his counterparts in California, Colorado, and Massachusetts. The suit was filed July 14 in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhode Island stood to lose around $29 million under the freeze, funds that were supposed to cover programs like after school and summer offerings, teachers professional development, English language acquisition, and adult education. Neronha praised the multistate coalitions success in a Tuesday statement. Because of our lawsuit and immense public pressure, billions in critical education funding will rightfully be restored to fund a wide range of important educational programs, without which the growth and enrichment of our young people would be stifled, Neronha said. That said, our victory in this case must be put into context: this funding was not the Presidents to withhold in the first place. The joint agreement appears to conclude a saga that began on June 30, when federal officials notified state-level school departments nationwide that the funds were being clawed back. On July 13, the day before the lawsuits filing, the feds relented slightly and released about $1.3 billion tied to Title IV-B grants, the only federal funding source for afterschool and summer learning programs. About $6.5 million of that money went to Rhode Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The feds promised to release the remainder of the funds by July 25, with disbursements expected to arrive sometime over the week of July 28. The new joint agreement notes that the First Tranche of funds did arrive the week of July 28, and it ensures that any remaining funds, which it labels the Second Tranche of subsidies, will arrive by the dates specified in October. But, the agreement text makes it clear, the feds and Neronha do not see eye to eye on the original withholdings legality. Defendants do not concede that any of Plaintiffs claims are meritorious, but nevertheless intend to make the Second Tranche of funds available on or about October 1, 2025, but no later than October 3, 2025, the agreement reads. The Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education the governing body which oversees the Rhode Island Department of Education, effectively regulating all public K-12 education in the state is set to discuss the lawsuits outcome in executive session at its Tuesday night meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was Neronhas 26th lawsuit against President Donald Trumps administration. The most recent, and Neronhas 33rd overall, saw the Rhode Island AG join 20 other states in an Aug. 18 filing against new federal stipulations Victims of Crime Act grants. We have built the biggest and best law firm in the country, and we go to work every day for one client: the American people, Neronha said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The federal government has struck an agreement with 24 states, including Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia, to release the remainder of $6.8 billion in education funds frozen earlier this summer. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) The federal government has struck an agreement with 24 states, including Arizona, and the District of Columbia, to release the remainder of $6.8 billion in education funds frozen earlier this summer. The U.S. Department of Education agreed to release any remaining funds between Oct. 1 and Oct. 3 to resolve a lawsuit joined by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and dozens of other states with Democratic leadership, including California, Colorado, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The suit was filed July 14 in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arizona stood to lose $132 million under the freeze, funds that were supposed to cover programs like after school and summer offerings, teachers professional development, English language acquisition, and adult education. Mayes praised the multistate coalitions success in a Tuesday statement. Im glad to dismiss one of the twenty-five lawsuits Ive had to file against the Trump administration for breaking the law and essentially stealing from the people of Arizona, like in this case, funding for our public schools, Mayes said. If the President stops acting like hes above the law and harming Arizonans, these lawsuits will stop accordingly. Unfortunately, it doesnt seem like hes stopping. The joint agreement appears to conclude a saga that began on June 30, when federal officials notified state-level school departments nationwide that the funds were being clawed back. On July 13, the day before the lawsuits filing, the feds relented slightly and released about $1.3 billion tied to Title IV-B grants, the only federal funding source for afterschool and summer learning programs. About $6.5 million of that money went to Rhode Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The feds promised to release the remainder of the funds by July 25, with disbursements expected to arrive sometime over the week of July 28. The new joint agreement notes that the First Tranche of funds did arrive the week of July 28, and it ensures that any remaining funds, which it labels the Second Tranche of subsidies, will arrive by the dates specified in October. But the agreement text makes it clear the feds and Neronha do not see eye to eye on the original withholdings legality. Defendants do not concede that any of Plaintiffs claims are meritorious, but nevertheless intend to make the Second Tranche of funds available on or about October 1, 2025, but no later than October 3, 2025, the agreement reads. Rhode Island Current is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Rhode Island Current maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janine L. Weisman for questions: info@rhodeislandcurrent.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The federal government has struck an agreement with 24 states, including Maine, and the District of Columbia, to release the remainder of $6.8 billion in education funds frozen earlier this summer. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) The federal government has struck an agreement with 24 states, including Maine, and the District of Columbia, to release the remainder of $6.8 billion in education funds frozen earlier this summer. The U.S. Department of Education agreed to release any remaining funds between Oct. 1 and Oct. 3 to resolve a lawsuit co-led by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha and his counterparts in California, Colorado, and Massachusetts. The suit was filed July 14 in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhode Island stood to lose around $29 million under the freeze, funds that were supposed to cover programs like after school and summer offerings, teachers professional development, English language acquisition, and adult education. Neronha praised the multistate coalitions success in a Tuesday statement. Because of our lawsuit and immense public pressure, billions in critical education funding will rightfully be restored to fund a wide range of important educational programs, without which the growth and enrichment of our young people would be stifled, Neronha said. That said, our victory in this case must be put into context: this funding was not the Presidents to withhold in the first place. The joint agreement appears to conclude a saga that began on June 30, when federal officials notified state-level school departments nationwide that the funds were being clawed back. On July 13, the day before the lawsuits filing, the feds relented slightly and released about $1.3 billion tied to Title IV-B grants, the only federal funding source for afterschool and summer learning programs. About $6.5 million of that money went to Rhode Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The feds promised to release the remainder of the funds by July 25, with disbursements expected to arrive sometime over the week of July 28. The new joint agreement notes that the First Tranche of funds did arrive the week of July 28, and it ensures that any remaining funds, which it labels the Second Tranche of subsidies, will arrive by the dates specified in October. But, the agreement text makes it clear, the feds and Neronha do not see eye to eye on the original withholdings legality. Defendants do not concede that any of Plaintiffs claims are meritorious, but nevertheless intend to make the Second Tranche of funds available on or about October 1, 2025, but no later than October 3, 2025, the agreement reads. The Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education the governing body which oversees the Rhode Island Department of Education, effectively regulating all public K-12 education in the state is set to discuss the lawsuits outcome in executive session at its Tuesday night meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was Neronhas 26th lawsuit against President Donald Trumps administration. The most recent, and Neronhas 33rd overall, saw the Rhode Island AG join 20 other states in an Aug. 18 filing against new federal stipulations Victims of Crime Act grants. We have built the biggest and best law firm in the country, and we go to work every day for one client: the American people, Neronha said. This story was originally published by Rhode Island Current. Like Maine Morning Star, Rhode Island Current is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Rhode Island Current maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janine L. Weisman for questions: info@rhodeislandcurrent.com. By Nate Raymond (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday to intervene in its efforts to withhold billions of dollars from foreign aid organizations and lift an injunction that is forcing it to keep making payments. The U.S. Department of Justice in an emergency filing with the 6-3 conservative majority court noted that a 2-1 panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit earlier this month ruled the injunction should be overturned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite that ruling, the injunction issued by Washington-based U.S. District Judge Amir Ali remains in effect, after the full federal appeals court last week declined to put it on hold. Ali rejected a similar request on Monday. Trump imposed a 90-day pause on all foreign aid on January 20, the day that he was inaugurated for a second term in the White House. His executive order was followed by aggressive moves to gut USAID, the main U.S. foreign aid agency, including placing much of its staff on leave and exploring bringing the formerly independent agency under the State Department. Two nonprofit groups that receive federal funding, AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and Journalism Development Network, brought litigation alleging Trump's funding freeze was unlawful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration in its filing to the Supreme Court said the congressionally appropriated funds subject to the injunction comprise tens of billions of dollars, some $12 billion of which would need to be spent by the U.S. Department of State before September 30, when they expire. The Republican president's administration said that without the justices' intervention, it will be forced to keep making payments before the expiration date, "overriding the Executive Branchs foreign-policy judgments regarding whether to pursue rescissions and thwarting interbranch dialogue." Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Ali, an appointee of Democratic President Joe Biden, ordered the Trump administration to pay nearly $2 billion in outstanding aid to its humanitarian partners worldwide. The U.S. Supreme Court in March by a 5-4 vote declined to let the administration avoid making those payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the D.C. Circuit panel ruled that the nonprofit groups failed to satisfy the requirements for an injunction. U.S. Circuit Judge Karen Henderson, writing for the majority, said only the U.S. Government Accountability Office, a watchdog agency, could challenge Trump's efforts to withhold the funding. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Leslie Adler) Photo by Abadonian | iStock/Getty Images Plus Customs and Border Protection has enacted a temporary flight restriction around a large portion of southern Arizona that disallows drones to be flown without a permit. The TFR mitigation zone began Aug. 8 and will be in place until Feb. 9, 2026. It encompasses a large area of land just north of Nogales. The listed reason by the Federal Aviation Administration is for Special Security Reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FAA referred questions to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which took two weeks to respond. Since Day One, President Trump has created the most secure Southern border in American historyfrom both land and air. The Presidents Executive Order implemented a five-mile Mitigation Zone near Rio Rico to combat drug cartels weaponizing drones, delivering contraband, surveilling law enforcement, and endangering the public, an unnamed CBP spokesman said in an emailed response to the Arizona Mirrors questions. Because Nogales was outside of the five-mile perimeter, CBP requested a Temporary Flight Restriction to keep the area as a mitigation zone. President Trump and Secretary (Kristi) Noem will use every tool available to keep the American people safe from drug cartels. Trumps first move upon entering the White House was to declare a national emergency at the southern border and, in doing so, create a five-mile perimeter around the border specifically to combat drones. The TFR states that no UAS, or unmanned aerial system, can be operated in the area unless it is supporting the military, DHS, law enforcement, disaster response, firefighting or is a commercial drone with a valid permit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who want to use a drone in the area would have to apply for what is called a special government interest waiver. As we dont fly drones for our camera work, these TFRs do not impact us directly, but they do impact the ability of folks to document the construction of the border wall, Eamon Harrity, the border wildlife study lead at the Tucson-based Sky Island Alliance, told the Mirror. The new border wall construction across the Santa Cruz River falls within the TFR near Nogales and Kino Springs, so reporters, etc., wont be able to fly drones to monitor the construction activities. CBP and DHS did not respond to additional questions on how they intend to ensure that the TFR does not impact humanitarian work or First Amendment-protected activities in the area. A special government interest waiver does apply to news media but must first be approved by the FAA. Airspace around borders is heavily controlled and monitored by the U.S. military and the FAA. NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command, has previously reported that drone incursions at the southern border have seen a marked increase as inexpensive consumer drones have proliferated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has taken a hardline stance on the border, creating a National Defense Area that militarizes large areas of land along the border and creating new legal challenges. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Californias Clean Truck Check (CTC) rule, also known as the Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance regulation, is the latest Golden State mandate under fire from the Trump administration. In a prepared statement released Monday, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin said the agency is proposing to disapprove the rule. The headline on the prepared statement from the EPA described the CTC as the latest illegal power grab on heavy-duty vehicles. CTC is relatively recent but is not new. The first mandate came at the end of 2023 when trucks needed to register with the state. Enforcement of the rule, which requires downloading data from a trucks onboard diagnostic equipment, began in mid-2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CTC itself does not appear to be at risk as a regulation in-state trucks must follow. Rather, the EPAs targets are the CTC inspections that California has mandated for out-of-state trucks operating in the state. They are subject to CTC and can be fined for violations of the clean air rules the CTC is designed to help enforce. Not a GHG rule The CTC does not target a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions like the states Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule. Rather, it is focused on pollutants that can create smog or increase the level of particulate matter in the atmosphere. Unlike ACT or the states Omnibus NOx rules, the CTC did not require an EPA waiver to be implemented. The EPA statement does not allege that it did. Rather, the issue is one of whether the rule can apply to trucks that are not based in California but cross state lines to do business there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EPA is proposing to deny these actions due to concerns that this requirement violates the U.S. Constitutions Commerce Clause, the agency said in a prepared statement. The EPA also said Californias actions may violate section 110 of the Clean Air Act, which deals with the State Implementation Plans (SIPs) that govern the interplay between state clean air actions and the federal government. The California Air Resources Board (CARB), in past published statements on the CTC, said its goal was to ensure heavy-duty vehicles operating in California are well-maintained and repaired rapidly when needed, and promote a level playing field for the businesses that operate them. CARB also called it one of the most impactful regulations approved in recent CARB history. Its specific projections were that CTC would cut California NOx emissions by more than 81 tons per day and emissions of particulate matter by 0.7 tons per day in 2037. Together, these emissions reductions will result in over 7,500 avoided premature deaths, it said. Required SIP filing is targeted by EPA The SIP is an ongoing regulation rather than a required deadline filing, according to Craig Segall, the former deputy executive officer and assistant chief counsel of CARB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Segall said states need to regularly make submissions to EPA under their respective SIPs. Approval by EPA for state actions filed under their SIP grants states the ability to implement their proposed ruleslike the CTCand can protect the state in legal actions, Seagall said. EPA can disallow part of it under the SIP, as theyre proposing to do here, Segall said. But the broader CTC that would impact California-based trucks will still be in place. He also said EPA publishes its plans regarding actions on a states SIP in the Federal Register. The most they can do here is to say, we dont have to approve that part about enforcing CTC against out-of-state trucks. The CTC exists, Segall added, because EPA spent years telling California that it needed to focus more on smog and particulates. Thats what this is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In two recent actions by the Trump administration against Californias environmental rules, Congress first targeted EPA waivers granted for the ACT and the Omnibus NOx rule through the Congressional Review Act. It then filed suit against the states Clean Truck Partnership through the Justice Department earlier this month. To battle the CTC, the EPA is proposing a rulemaking process. EPA said in its statement that its Federal Register notice would have proposed partial disapproval and partial approval. It would be open for comments, as are all Federal Register rulemaking notices. Compared to some of the regulations that have been targeted by various federal government agencies in recent weeks, such as ACT and the Omnibus NOx rule, the CTC has been described as less onerous than those other regulations that the federal government says are now dead but which California is fighting to keep alive. A quick data download Tom Bray, an industry business advisor with JJ Keller, a safety and regulatory compliance consulting company, said the onboard diagnostic download required under CTC generally takes about five minutes to perform. The current requirement is that it be done twice a year though the rule eventually will boost that to four times annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out-of-state companies licensed to do so can perform the diagnostic download, Bray added. It does not need to be performed in California. Newer trucks with cleaner engines, Bray said, should have no problems at all, unless its been tampered with. Failing the diagnostics standards under CTC is more likely with older model engines, Bray added. But despite that relative operational ease, the CTC is not popular, according to Bray. There has been no obvious push from any trucking associations to gut the law, he said, but this has been very unpopular with a lot of carriers. So somebody complained to somebody. Thats likely how the sequence went. There are carriers that just dont like this, Bray said. Its another thing they have to do that they dont want to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CARB, under pressure on numerous fronts from the Trump administration, issued a statement late Monday with familiar themes. Todays announcement by the U.S. EPA is just another proposal by the current federal administration to evade its obligations under the law and illegally interfere with states lawful authority to act within their borders to improve air quality for the benefit and protection of its residents, the statement said. California will not be deterred in its fight to provide the basic right of clean air to its people and to use the tools needed to attain federal clean air standards. The statement added that the CTC remains in effect for heavy duty vehicles over more than 14,000 pounds operating in the state. More articles by John Kingston Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NFI driver misclassification case in New Jersey could reach individual payouts of $50k New Jersey truckers awaitwith dreadpossible changes in states independent contractor law American Trucking Associations hit with allegations of employment and race discrimination The post Trump administration has a new California target: out-of-state mandate for its Clean Truck Check appeared first on FreightWaves. A simulation of what the US Wind windfarm might look like from 84th Street in Ocean City. (Screengrab courtesy US Wind) The Trump administration said Monday it plans to revoke the key federal permit issued to US Wind for a wind farm proposed off the coast of Ocean City. In a court filing Monday, the government said that the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management which issued the critical construction and operations permit near the end of President Joe Bidens (D) administration is in the process of reconsidering its prior approval for the wind project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal government is intending to move no later than September 12 to remand and, separately, to vacate the approval document, read the court filing in the U.S. District Court of Maryland. The governments proposal to rescind the construction and operations plan permit it issued in December was filed jointly with Ocean City which had sued the government last year in an attempt to block the wind farm. The reversal by the government left the project developer, US Wind, fighting to keep the previously approved permit in place. In a statement Monday, US Wind Vice President of External Affairs Nancy Sopko said that the company still believes in the validity of its 2024 federal permit. Our construction and operations plan approval is the subject of ongoing litigation, but we remain confident that the federal permits we secured after a multi-year and rigorous public review process are legally sound, Sopkos statement said. Oceantic Network, a Baltimore nonprofit representing the offshore wind industry, echoed US Wind, arguing that the federal permit is valid, and that the project would be an economic boon to Maryland, thanks in part to a related steel facility planned for Baltimore Countys Sparrows Point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once completed, the Maryland project and Sparrows Point Steel will enhance our national security and economic freedom by directly supporting steel mill investments and bring back important steel fabrication capabilities to America, said Sam Salustro, Oceantics senior vice president for policy and market affairs, in a statement. When the federal government gave a greenlight to Baltimore-based US Winds construction and operations plan in December, it marked a big victory in a permitting process about a decade in the making. While the election of President Donald Trump (R) raised questions about the future of renewable energy projects, the US Wind project seemed more secure than others since it was federally permitted. Now, that crucial permit is officially in jeopardy. It wouldnt be the first time the Trump administration has intervened to slow construction on an offshore wind farm that had already received its federal permits. On Friday, the administration issued a stop work order to Revolution Wind in Rhode Island, which was 80% complete, according to builder rsted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since receiving its federal approval, the US Wind project has continued to progress, receiving an air pollution permit from the Maryland Department of the Environment in June. The project has a vocal critic in the town of Ocean City, which took to the courts to challenge both the federal permit and, most recently, the state permit. Town officials believe the farm would hamper tourism by impeding scenic beach views, harm local fishermen and injure wildlife. State Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-Lower Shore) said in a statement that the decision is good news and that she is grateful that our voices are being heard by the Trump Administration. But she added that the coalition of project opponents, named Stop Offshore Wind, wont stop fighting until the Maryland offshore wind project is completely dead. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2017, we have been making the case that the costly industrialization of the ocean off Marylands Coast would harm the environment, economy and national security, plus drive up costs with an unreliable energy source, Carozzas statement said. The proposed project would consist of up to 121 wind turbines about 10 nautical miles from shore, in addition to four offshore substations and one meteorological tower. The completed project would be able to generate 2,200 megawatts of energy, according to the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, enough to power more than 718,000 homes. In a statement Tuesday, Republicans in Marylands House of Delegates expressed hope that the loss of its federal permit could spell the end of the Ocean City project. Hopefully, this is the last page in a very challenging chapter of our communitys history, said Delegate Wayne Hartman (R-Lower Shore), who represents Ocean City. This story was updated on Tuesday, Aug. 26, to include reaction from Republican lawmakers. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reports that the Trump administration will be required to release the remaining education funding for programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education by October, following a multi-state lawsuit. On July 14, Nessel and other attorneys general from across the country sued the Trump administration over its unconstitutional, unlawful, and arbitrary decision to freeze funding for education programs shortly before the school year was set to begin. On July 18, Michigan received notice from the U.S. Department of Education that the agency would begin releasing the initial portion of the withheld funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nessel says that approximately $171 million in federal education funding was withheld from the state. The Michigan Department of Attorney General reports that the coalition of attorneys general and the Trump administration has filed to dismiss the lawsuit under the agreement that the remaining funds would be released by October 3. I am relieved that these unlawfully held funds will finally be released to schools as students return to the classroom, Nessel said in a news release sent to 6 News. This agreement is yet another example of how these lawsuits are making a real difference to Michigan families. I remain committed to working alongside my fellow Democratic attorneys general across the country to stand up against illegal federal actions and to fight on behalf of our residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A copy of the motion to dismiss with stipulations is available below: ECF No. 58 Joint Motion to Dismiss the Complaint Without Prejudice Subject to the Terms of the Parties StipulationDownload Sen. Gary Peters and Sen. Elissa Slotkin also sent a letter to President Trump, urging him to send disaster aid to the affected areas. In a letter, the lawmakers raised concerns about the limited federal response to the storms. The full letter is available below: letter_of_support_for_mi_fema_assistanceDownload Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 25 (UPI) -- The Trump administration has issued a stop-work order, over national security concerns, on a nearly completed offshore wind project that would power Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Danish wind developer Orsted was ordered Friday to stop construction on its Revolution Wind offshore project to "address concerns related to the protection of national security interest of the United States," according to the acting director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Matthew Giacona, who provided no additional details. Construction on the $1.5 billion project, which is located in federal waters about 15 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, is about 80% complete with 45 of the 65 turbines installed, according to Orsted. The company's shares dropped 17% on Monday, following the announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Orsted is evaluating all options to resolve the matter expeditiously," the company said. "This includes engagement with relevant permitting agencies for any necessary clarification or resolution as well as through potential legal proceedings, with the aim being to proceed with continued project construction towards a commercial operations date in the second half of 2026." The Trump administration's stop-work order drew a strong response from Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee, a Democrat, who called it a "political move." "The Trump administration's stop-work order on Revolution Wind undermines efforts to expand our energy supply, lower costs for families and businesses, and strengthen regional reliability," McKee said. In April, the Trump administration issued a stop-work order on the Empire Wind 1 project off New York. That project was allowed to move forward after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul negotiated a natural gas compromise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Americans who live in New York and New England would see significant economic benefits and lower utility costs from increased access to reliable, affordable, clean American natural gas," Interior secretary Doug Burgum said. Once completed in 2027, Empire Wind 1 -- located off Long Island -- will become the first offshore wind project to deliver electricity directly to New York City. Throughout his campaign, President Donald Trump was clear about his opposition to wind power as he pushed for offshore fossil fuel production instead. After taking office in January, Trump signed an executive order, banning new leases for offshore wind in U.S. waters. In April, the U.S. Department of Education resolved an obscure 2013 privacy complaint a dispute so old that the student at the heart of it has almost certainly graduated by now. The Wisconsin district involved in the dispute has had two superintendents since the complaint was first filed, and the current chief said the departments finding came out of the blue. While the matter focused on a student with disabilities, Trump officials appear to have homed in on it because it addressed a separate question central to the administrations agenda: Do parents have a right to read staff emails about their children? Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter With the administration accusing districts of hiding students gender transitions from parents, experts say their answer is yes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think theres any question that theyre going to say [emails] should be available to parents, said Amelia Vance, president of the nonprofit Public Interest Privacy Center. Education Secretary Linda McMahon signaled the departments intention in March when she said districts have turned the concept of privacy on its head to facilitate ideological indoctrination without parental interference or even involvement. In a message to the Wisconsin district, a department official acknowledged the issues importance to parents, students and school officials and said that districts can expect guidance or regulations in the foreseeable future. Contacted Aug. 14, department spokeswoman Madison Biedermann had no updates on timing. Enforcing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which gives parents the right to inspect and amend their childrens education records, is a central focus of the administrations parental rights agenda. The law was enacted 50 years ago, long before the advent of digital records. In the past, courts have sided with districts that argued emails were not education records, while parents say they should be treated just like report cards or schoolwork. Districts are likely to push back on being required to disclose internal messages about students, Vance said. Not only might a search eat up staff time, but people say stupid things in emails. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related The California Mom at the Center of Trumps Crackdown on School Gender Policies Numerous requests Biedermann, the department spokeswoman, would not say why officials revived the 12-year-old complaint. But in the March letter reminding states of their responsibilities under FERPA, McMahon said schools are routinely hiding information about the mental and physical health of their students from parents. In a sign of its commitment to reshaping FERPA, the department hired Lindsay Burke in June as its deputy chief of staff for policy and programs. The author of the education section of Project 2025, a vision for Trumps second term, she contends that FERPA should offer parents the right to sue districts they think have violated their rights. Filing a complaint is currently the only option under the law. She also argues that students shouldnt be able to change their gender identity at school without a parents permission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like many districts faced with similar FERPA requests, Middleton Cross Plains, northwest of Madison, leaned on a 2002 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that many experts feel is out of step with the digital age. It suggests that communications like email are not part of a students official record unless they are printed and physically placed there. FERPA was originally intended to target records stored in file folders and cabinets, said Andrew Manna, an Indiana attorney who represents districts. There is no software that I am aware of that can sort through the digital storage of emails, so it is a hide and seek approach to trying to find the email specific to a student. Districts also say that combing through years of emails is too burdensome for staff and is likely to produce irrelevant communication. Vance suggested that argument might be outdated at this moment in time with what AI is capable of. Related Seattle-Area Schools Say Survey Saved Lives. Then They Released Student Data But while there might be more tech tools to conduct searches, theres no guarantee AI is secure, said Stephanie Jones, an attorney with a firm representing districts in Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Searching emails is both an art and a science, she said. As an example, a district she represents once had a request for emails related to a student with the last name Fridge. You wouldnt believe how many employees try to sell their college kids dorm room fridge through district email. In the Wisconsin case, Frank Miller, acting director of the Education Departments privacy office, determined that the district was simply following long-standing legal precedents on FERPA when it declined to provide a parent with staff emails about her child. Superintendent Dana Monogue wasnt in charge when the parent filed the complaint, but said she was pleased with the outcome. Like all districts, we receive numerous student record requests each year and this letter will provide useful guidance regarding our obligations, Monogue said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But while he gave the district a pass, Miller had more to say. He referenced a second court ruling, from 2009, that often guides the way districts handle requests for emails. In S.A. v Tulare County Office of Education, a federal district court in California said an email about a student is only part of the official record if the district maintains it in a central location. Emails have a fleeting nature and may be sent, received, read and deleted within moments, the judge said in that case. The department, Miller said, rejects the Tulare interpretation, even though its been widely adopted by districts. Middleton Cross Plains officials told the parent that it used Infinite Campus, a third-party, cloud-based system to store emails, and said that emails that are simply still on a server are not education records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A recent Nevada case is another sign that the legal landscape could be shifting. The state Supreme Court ruled that emails stored in an online platform are still subject to FERPA. Defies reality Jim Wheaton, an associate professor at William and Mary Law School, has little tolerance for districts that turn down parents requests for emails. Essentially, a school [or] district can simply decide not to physically put something in a file, and important, relevant discussions about a child suddenly fall outside FERPA, said Wheaton, who runs a law clinic for students who intend to work as special education advocates. The idea that files continue to be physical paper defies reality. As an alternative, some parents file public records requests to obtain emails, but districts often charge hefty fees to cover the staff time involved, and may heavily redact the documents before releasing them. Wheaton said public records laws are not an adequate FERPA substitute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I once received a letter asking me to prepay a quarter million dollars before they would do the search, he said. In 2024, Tamara Quick, a Virginia mother of five, asked the Spotsylvania school district for emails regarding her ninth-grader. Because of her dyslexia, Brennan attends a private school at the districts expense. When Quick learned teachers werent following her daughters special education plan, she hoped some email exchange between the district and the school might reveal why Brennan wasnt being challenged in reading and spelling. Any information you have about my kids, I have a right to see, she said. The Quick family has spent thousands to obtain emails from their Virginia school district about special education services for their daughter. (Courtesy of Tamara Quick) Instead, the district said it had not maintained any communications with the girls teachers and, therefore, had no education records responsive to her request. Quick ultimately took the district to court, saying she couldnt get the emails through the Virginia Freedom of Information Act either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court records, the district said she never filed a formal request. An attorney for the district said officials make every effort to produce the records parents want, but do not have time for games. The district eventually offered to look for emails for Quick and give her a cost estimate. But she didnt think she should have to pay. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Act, parents have a right to inspect their childrens records before a meeting to discuss special education services. Shes paying anyway. To this date, shes spent over $30,000 on her case, withdrawing funds from a retirement account. Obviously it would have been cheaper for me to say, OK, Ill pay $2,000 for you to search for these emails, but that would be me agreeing that was appropriate, she said. Very negative things Parents may have multiple reasons for requesting staff emails, but McMahons March letter about privacy focused primarily on gender issues. Schools, she said, promote and enable the transitioning of minor children, regardless of their mental state or their vulnerabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats what worried Amber Lavinge, a Maine parent, when she sought emails between staff members in the Great Salt Bay Community School district. It was late 2022 and she had just learned that a school social worker had given her 13-year-old daughter a chest binder to support a gender transition. But the district didnt provide what she was looking for, said Adam Shelton, an attorney with the libertarian Goldwater Institute, which is handling her lawsuit against the district. She had a lot of questions and was just trying to understand what was going on, he said. While the case, pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, doesnt focus on emails or student records, he said he has a hard time understanding how any form of communication pertaining to a student wouldnt constitute an education record. Schools exist for the sole purpose of educating children. Narrowing down which emails to release might be tricky, but Matt Cohen, a civil rights attorney in Chicago, said there are other reasons why districts avoid it. Sometimes teachers or administrators say very negative things about a child or the parents in the email that theyre not saying publicly, he said. It helps to establish that there is actual animus or discrimination going on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones, the other Illinois attorney, agrees that there can be a reputational cost for districts if they have to release embarrassing emails. Thats why she advises district staff to avoid watercooler conversations in emails something many more are likely to take seriously if they know parents might read what they write, Jones said. It has to pass the grandma test, she said. If you dont want your grandma reading it, then dont put it in an email. A federal judge appointed by Donald Trump slammed the Trump administration as he threw out a lawsuit from the Department of Justice targeting every single member of the judiciary in Maryland. Trumps concerted effort to smear and impugn individual judges who rule against it is both unprecedented and unfortunate, District Judge Thomas Cullen wrote in his order on Tuesday. The administration had sued all 15 federal judges in Maryland over an order that blocked the government from immediately deporting immigrants who tried to challenge their removal from the country in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cullen, who was appointed by Trump during his first term in 2019, called the lawsuit against an entire judicial branch not ordinary. He then wrote that the president must find a proper way to handle his grievance with judges, whatever the merits may be. A judge appointed by Trump blasted the presidents concerted effort to smear and impugn individual judges in an order that dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit targeting every single federal judge in Maryland (AP) The Justice Department claimed that the pause impedes Trumps authority to enforce immigration laws. But the judges fought back, arguing that the administrations lawsuit amounted to yet another attack against a judiciary that the president has repeatedly tried to undermine. Indeed, over the past several months, principal officers of the Executive (and their spokespersons) have described federal district judges across the country as left-wing, liberal, activists, radical, politically minded, rogue, unhinged, outrageous, overzealous, [and] unconstitutional, [c]rooked, and worse, Cullen wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judges had implemented an automatic pause in deportation proceedings earlier this year in an effort to maintain status quo in immigrants cases and ensure they are still able to participate in proceedings, giving them the fulsome opportunity to brief and present arguments in its defense, according to their order. The Trump administration has sought to rapidly remove people from the country as part of his aggressive anti-immigration agenda, facing an avalanche of lawsuits accusing the government of failing to provide adequate due process. The administration has stripped legal status from more than 1 million immigrants, ordered thousands of immigration cases to be dismissed, and arrested immigrants at courthouses and at their court-ordered check-in appointments with Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions that have radically expanded a pool of undocumented people to add to the presidents demands for mass deportations. One of the 15 judges being sued in the Maryland case, Paula Xinis, is presiding over lawsuits from Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the wrongfully deported Salvadoran immigrant who was re-arrested by ICE and threatened with removal to Uganda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Xinis told Justice Department attorneys that the government is absolutely forbidden from deporting him, for now. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, center, is suing the Trump administration yet again to stop the governments attempt to deport him from the country, this time to Uganda. A federal judge overseeing the case has temporarily blocked his removal (AP) Trump and administration officials have launched an expansive war on the courts, which are handling more than 200 lawsuits against his executive orders and other policy decisions. The president has singled out judges by name on his Truth Social platform and elsewhere, fueling more attacks from Republican officials and others that have prompted credible threats to judges and their families. In a rare public statement earlier this year, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts denounced Trumps calls to impeach the judge presiding over challenges to the presidents use of the alien Enemies Act to summarily deport Venezuelans accused of being members of the Tren de Aragua gang before theyd even had a chance to challenge the allegations. Impeachment threats are not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision, Roberts wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has also fired dozens of immigration court judges in an apparent effort to weed out judges who could derail Trumps agenda, actions that the union representing the judges called outrageous and nonsensical. Last week, attorneys for the Maryland judges called the Trump administrations lawsuit a nightmare scenario and an extraordinary action that should be dismissed. In Mondays order, Cullen agreed with the judges arguments nearly across the board. Any fair reading of the legal authorities cited by Defendants leads to the ineluctable conclusion that this court has no alternative but to dismiss, he added. To hold otherwise would run counter to overwhelming precedent, depart from longstanding constitutional tradition, and offend the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Trump truly believes that the Maryland judges order is illegal, then the administration should avail itself of the tried-and-true recourse available to all federal litigants: It should appeal. The Independent has requested comment from the Justice Department. A federal judge has forcefully rejected a highly unusual lawsuit the Trump administration filed against 15 other judges whom the Justice Department accused of hindering the presidents mass deportation agenda. In tossing out the lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen an appointee of Donald Trump lamented what he described as the White Houses months-long smear of the federal judiciary. Cullen wrote in a 39-page decision Tuesday that the lawsuit was unprecedented, defective and the wrong way for the administration to pursue its grievances against the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration filed the lawsuit in June against all 15 judges who sit on the federal district court in Maryland. The lawsuit challenged that courts policy of automatically pausing any deportation for two business days if the potential deportee files a special legal petition contesting the deportation. The policy was adopted in May in a standing order signed by the chief federal district judge in Maryland, George Russell III, an Obama appointee. The Maryland court described the policy as a way to ensure the judges have time to consider immigration cases amid rapid-fire, mass deportation efforts. The Justice Department argued that the policy operates as an illegal automatic injunction against the administrations deportation efforts. The policy is a particularly egregious example of judicial overreach interfering with Executive Branch prerogatives, the department alleged. The administrations lawsuit in Maryland came amid an avalanche of harsh verbal attacks the White House has unleashed against judges across the country who have ruled against Trumps immigration measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cullen, who is based in Virginia, denounced those attacks in his ruling on Tuesday. For months, Cullen wrote, top executive branch officials have attacked judges who rule against the administration as left-wing, liberal, activists, radical, politically minded, rogue,' unhinged, outrageous, overzealous, [and] unconstitutional, [c]rooked, and worse. Although some tension between the coordinate branches of government is a hallmark of our constitutional system, Cullen continued, this concerted effort by the Executive to smear and impugn individual judges who rule against it is both unprecedented and unfortunate. Cullen served as a Trump-appointed, Senate-confirmed U.S. attorney in Roanoke, Virginia from 2018 to 2020, before being confirmed to the district court there at the end of Trumps first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Department spokespeople did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The administration filed its lawsuit in Maryland, but all of the district judges in Maryland were forced to recuse themselves because they were named as defendants. So the case was assigned to Cullen. Cullen emphasized the extraordinary and, in his view, improper nature of the lawsuit. While Cullen did not rule that the Maryland federal courts policy is legal, he said suing the courts judges is the wrong tactic. Whatever the merits of its grievance with the judges of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, the Executive must find a proper way to raise those concerns, Cullen wrote. All of this isnt to say that the Executive is without any recourse; far from it. If the Executive truly believes that Defendants standing orders violate the law, it should avail itself of the tried-and-true recourse available to all federal litigants: It should appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cullen also used his ruling to underscore that the judiciary is a co-equal branch of government that is not subservient to the presidency. All federal district courts routinely adopt local rules and other procedural orders governing operations in those courts. Outside of Maryland, several other federal courts and many individual judges have similar practices of quickly entering short-term stays of deportations when legal challenges are filed. The novel nature of the Trump administrations lawsuit led many legal experts to predict it would be thrown out. More surprising was Cullens decision to use the ruling to challenge Trump officials vitriol against the judiciary. These are not normal times at least regarding the interplay between the Executive and this coordinate branch of government, Cullen observed. President Donald Trumps second term has been marked by his administrations attempts to bend or break the law and lashing out at judges who stand in the way. The administrations remarks against judges led one of Trumps own judicial appointees to speak out in a published opinion on Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen noted that in recent months, executive officials and their spokespeople have described federal district judges across the country as left-wing, liberal, activists, radical, politically minded, rogue, unhinged, outrageous, overzealous, [and] unconstitutional, [c]rooked, and worse. Cullen, whom Trump appointed to the federal bench in Virginia during his first term, acknowledged that there has always been some tension between the branches of government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he wrote that this concerted effort by the Executive to smear and impugn individual judges who rule against it is both unprecedented and unfortunate. The rebuke came in a footnote to his opinion rejecting an unusual lawsuit from the administration, which it filed against federal judges in Maryland for issuing orders preventing immigration officials from immediately deporting people who file habeas corpus petitions challenging their confinement. Much as the Executive fights the characterization, a lawsuit by the executive branch of government against the judicial branch for the exercise of judicial power is not ordinary, Cullen wrote in dismissing the case, adding: Whatever the merits of its grievance with the judges of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, the Executive must find a proper way to raise those concerns. Cullens ruling comes amid the administrations latest attempt to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom it illegally sent to El Salvador in March and only returned him to the U.S. in June after resisting court orders to do so. His latest litigation is now playing out in Maryland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, Cullen cited the Abrego case in his ruling Tuesday. Specifically, he cited an opinion from April by appellate Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III, a Reagan appointee who has likewise called out the administrations actions. Cullen and Wilkinson havent been the only GOP appointees to do so. Its unlikely theyll be the last. 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 In his landmark essay The Souls of White Folk published in 1910, W.E.B. Du Bois eerily previewed President Donald Trumps appeal and rise to power. This assumption that of all the hues of God whiteness alone is inherently and obviously better than brownness or tan leads to curious acts, he wrote. How easy, then, by emphasis and omission to make children believe that every great soul the world ever saw was a white mans soul; that every great thought the world ever knew was a white mans thought; that every great deed the world ever did was a white mans deed; that every great dream the world ever sang was a white mans dream. Forty-six of our 47 presidents have been white. But its becoming increasingly clear that Trump is Americas first White president. His power in that role is growing; it is inseparable from his authoritarian revolutionary project to remake American society in the image of his MAGA movement. With each passing day of his second term in office, Trump is growing even more bold and confident in his plans to rewrite the nations history, public memory and reality to fit his obscene vision. His campaign to restore truth and sanity to American history, as he put it in an executive order issued in March that targeted the countrys public monuments, memorials, statues [and] markers, is escalating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 19, after apparent pressure from the administration led the Smithsonians National Museum of American History to remove and then reinstate references to Trumps two impeachments in an exhibition, the president put the institution squarely in his crosshairs in a Truth Social post: 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. 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. He intensified his attacks again two days later when the White House posted an article aimed at seven Smithsonian museums the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of African Art, the American Art Museum, the National Museum of the American Latino and the American Womens History Museum for not being in compliance with Trumps White restoration project. As Michelle Young highlighted at The Forward, both the attack and language recalled the Nazis takeover of German society in the 1930s. She found this link especially chilling when placed in context with some of the presidents previous comments, which included writing that a lot of modern art is a con in his famous book The Art of the Deal. In 2016, Young wrote, he said of modern art shown in a Brooklyn Museum exhibition that its not art. Its absolutely gross, degenerate stuff. His use of the word degenerate was particularly significant. Degenerate art or, in German, entartete kunst was a term coined by the Nazi Party in the 1920s to describe modern art, which was seen as antithetical to the Nazi project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the art singled out by Trump as being unpatriotic and woke included Rigoberto A. Gonzalezs 2022 painting Refugees Crossing the Border Wall into South Texas, a portrait of a Black transgender Statue of Liberty by Amy Sherald, a drawing of brown migrants watching Fourth of July fireworks from the other side of the wall in Mexico and a papier-mache Statue of Liberty where Lady Liberty is holding tomatoes ostensibly to throw in protest instead of a torch. The presidents assault on the Smithsonian is serious. But his whitewashing campaign or, more precisely, his White racial erasure project does not exist in a vacuum. It extends far beyond the Smithsonian. We are witnessing a thought-crime regime that is taking control of the countrys intellectual history and collective memory, which have been deemed woke. This includes higher education, with a particular focus on elite colleges and universities; rewriting history textbooks and other educational materials; destroying public media such as PBS and NPR; restoring Confederate monuments; removing the historical context of public parks and other spaces and their connections to the color line; cutting federal funding for scientific and health research that benefits marginalized communities, including women; and ordering the Pentagon to purge officers and other leaders who are not white men, and remove the names and contributions of African-American and other nonwhite veterans as well as women and LGBTQ Americans from its libraries, website, reference materials, bases and ships. In Trumps whitewashed version of American history, White on Black chattel slavery was a happy and benevolent institution that benefited the enslaved because it civilized them through Christianity. The American Civil War was the War of Northern Aggression and not a fight to end slavery. Manifest Destiny and Western Expansion did not involve land theft and the genocide of First Nations peoples. Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only, written by Amanda Marcotte, now also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. In all, this represents one dimension of an Orwellian project, a Ministry of Truth, that engages in intellectual violence where politically inconvenient, and challenging ideas, concepts, facts and knowledge and people and groups are disappeared both literally and symbolically. This includes the unperson laws targeting the LGBTQ community, as well as Trumps mass deportation campaign to remove millions of illegal aliens and other undesirables who are deemed to be poison in the blood of the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Racism fuels [this] cleansing project of authoritarianism, said Henry A. Giroux, a prominent social theorist. Under the Trump administration, culture is not merely a reflection of political power but the very terrain on which authoritarianism takes root, creates its subjects and legitimates the warfare state. Trumps regime deploys cultural engineering as a weapon, determining what is remembered, what is erased and which values are elevated. The aim is not only to control politics but to colonize consciousness, to fashion a population that internalizes obedience, fear and amnesia. This is the logic of pedagogical terrorism: A cultural and educational apparatus that normalizes coercion, erasure and dehumanization by teaching people to accept them as common sense. Trump, Giroux noted, is [weaponizing] culture asa tool of domination. All of this leads to the following question: What is the point of even having museums or libraries, universities, schools and other institutions of learning if they are filled with lies and omissions? Do lie-filled Smithsonian museums in service to Trumpism and American authoritarianism do more harm than having no such museums at all? Damon Hewitt, the president and executive director of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law, explained that Trumps attacks on the Smithsonian and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in particular are not just revisionist history, its modern-day racism. They are attempts, he said, to rob the American people of the knowledge and lessons taught by the long Black Freedom Struggle and history of Black Americans as warriors for democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These efforts are a direct assault on the truth and an attempt to erase the lived experiences of Black people, Hewitt said. The fight for civil rights has always required endurance, and this moment underlines the need for it. The progress under attack today represents the fruits of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. The progress achieved [then] can be traced back decades prior to the Reconstruction era. This continuum is critical because racial injustice didnt end with the abolition of slavery or with the passage of civil rights laws. Racism is a shapeshifter; it evolves and adapts to challenge every piece of progress hard-won. Knowledge is power. Fascists, authoritarians and demagogues of various ilk know this intimately. History, culture and politics are rivers that flow and merge with one another. George Orwell knew that he who controls the past also controls the present and the future and Trump, along with his right-wing allies, have internalized these lessons as well. They deftly apply them every day, relentlessly. W.E.B. Du Bois famously observed that the problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color line. In the 21st century, Trumpism and the global anti-democracy project are a reminder that Du Bois wisdom and warning continue to be true and that racism remains a dagger at the heart of American democracy. The post Trumps assault on the Smithsonian is a crime against history appeared first on Salon.com. Donald Trumps move to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook for unproven allegations of mortgage fraud is unprecedented. It also raises the troubling likelihood that the administration is using a federal agency to make its way through an enemies list. In a shocking instance of presidential meddling with the central bank, Trump on Monday announced that he was removing Cook, the first Black woman on the Federal Reserve board, for cause. Cook, for her part, refused to step down and responded with a statement: President Trump purported to fire me for cause when no cause exists under the law, and he has no authority to do so, she said. I will not resign. As Georgetown Law professor Adam J. Levitin wrote Monday at the blog Credit Slips, its far from clear that the allegations against Cook (of misconduct unrelated to the carrying out of her duties) can even constitute cause. The accusations are also quite flimsy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what may be most notable is how the attempted firing of Cook came about. The allegations of mortgage fraud were laid out by Bill Pulte, the MAGA director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, who claimed Cook declared two primary residences. As Levitin observed in an earlier post calling for Pultes resignation, its unlikely that the FHFA head just happened upon the alleged fraud in some routine audit or the like. Rather, he wrote, Pulte likely directed Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to pull her applicationan unheard-of move. Taken with the Trump administrations evidently politically motivated mortgage fraud claims against Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James, Cooks corrupt firing raises the troubling possibility that Pulte is working through a list a la Richard Nixons list of political enemies to be targeted by the Internal Revenue Service. Unless Pulte somehow had particular knowledge about issues with Cooks application, which is unlikely, then one has to conclude that Pulte handed Fannie and Freddie a list of political enemies and asked for their loan files for review, Levitin wrote. Thats got to be how the DOJ indictment of Senator Adam Schiff and NY Attorney General Letitia James arose too. US President Donald Trump has justified the use of National Guard troops in Washington to fight crime and has denied that he is a dictator. Source: Axios, citing Trump in a comment to journalists at the White House on 25 August, as reported by European Pravda Details: The restrictions imposed by the US president in Washington are unprecedented and have come only a few months after an independent poll showed that most Americans consider him a "dangerous dictator". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On 25 August, Trump signed an order assigning Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responsibility for preparing a special National Guard unit intended to "ensure public safety" in Washington. "They say, We dont need him. Freedom, freedom, hes a dictator", Trump said at a White House event, suggesting that the next city to deploy the National Guard could be Chicago. "A lot of people are saying, maybe we like a dictator. But I dont like a dictator. I am not a dictator. I am a man with great common sense and a smart person," he added. Democrats call Trumps moves to deploy the military in cities a manifestation of authoritarianism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Trump is trying to militarise our cities all to distract from his sinking poll numbers. Its what dictators do. No one should be silent in the face of this administrations authoritarian actions," Democratic Senator Ed Markey tweeted on 24 August. "Trumps militarisation of Los Angeles seems to have been just the start of an authoritarian takeover of American cities," tweeted California Governor Gavin Newsom, who often clashes with Trump. Trumps long-standing dissatisfaction with the situation in Washington reached a critical point this month when he declared a state of emergency over crime. He mobilised about 2,000 National Guard troops, some of whom are permitted to carry firearms. Trump explains his actions as a fight against crime and homelessness in the capital, although data indicate that the level of violent crime in the city has decreased in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has also announced that he wants to rename the Pentagon the Department of War soon. Background: In February, Trump repeatedly called Ukraines president a dictator and said Zelenskyy must act quickly if Ukraine wants to survive as a country. Later, Trump expressed surprise that he had previously called Ukraines president a dictator several times. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Donald Trump on Monday ordered the Pentagon to create National Guard units in Washington, D.C., and across the country that would be designated to tamp down civil protests and ensure public safety -- a job that historically and legally has belonged to civilian law enforcement. Critics called Trump's desire to build a kind of rapid "reaction force" for civil unrest alarming, insisting his order pushes legal boundaries for the National Guard, an auxiliary force whose mission is to help fight foreign enemies abroad or aid Americans in times of extraordinary crisis like hurricanes and floods. In an executive order signed Monday, Trump called on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to designate Army and Air National Guard members in each state who could rapidly deploy to help federal, state and local law enforcement "in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order whenever the circumstances necessitate, as appropriate under the law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump says cities should be asking for National Guard troops as he mulls more deployments The order also called on Hegseth to begin immediately training and equipping a "specialized unit" within the D.C. National Guard "that is dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nation's Capitol." The order says members of the unit would be "deputized" to enforce federal law. Will Oliver/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: Members of the National Guard on patrol at the National Mall in Washington, August 25, 2025. When asked for comment, the Pentagon said its reviewing the order and its requirements. Retired Maj. Gen. Randy Manner, a former acting vice chief of the National Guard Bureau and vocal opponent of Trump's reliance on Guard troops to aid law enforcement, said Trump's orders were unnecessary and "100 percent political." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The administration is trying to desensitize the American people to get used to American armed soldiers in combat vehicles patrolling the streets of America," Manner said. Trump wants Guard units "whose purpose is to, quite frankly, dominate and police the American people. And that is extremely disturbing," he added. Retired Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, who led thousands of troops in Baltimore, Maryland, during the 2015 riots after the death of Freddie Gray, said the National Guard already has the ability to respond to civil unrest in times of crisis. But using activated military troops to conduct law enforcement for the long-term could have major consequences, including harming the well-being of Guard personnel if their own communities reject their mission, she warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What happens if there's an escalation and civilians are killed? Or Guardsmen are killed? I don't think we have an answer for that," said Singh, a former adjutant general for the Maryland Army National Guard. Without a plan to return policing power to local civilian authorities, "I think we are setting precedents we can't come back from," she added. Trump's latest executive order comes after the president deployed some 2,200 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., declaring crime was "out of control" even as city officials insisted it was lower than it's been in decades. Since their deployment began, troops have patrolled mostly lower crime areas, including the National Mall and several Metro rail stations. Armed with M17 pistols and some with M4 rifles, the troops are not conducting arrests, officials said. Instead, officials say, troops are calling in security incidents to local police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: National Guard in DC to carry M17 pistols, conduct law enforcement duties, task force says Guard members also could be seen posing with tourists and picking up trash around tourist spots. Administration officials have defended the move as enabling police to go into higher crime areas. Trump on Monday said he wants to replicate the deployment in other cities like Chicago. "They should be saying, 'Please come in,'" Trump told reporters of Democratic governors who object to the president's use of the Guard in their states. Will Oliver/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: A Member of the National Guard on patrol at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, August 25, 2025. Under the law, known as Posse Comitatus, the military is barred from acting as law enforcement on U.S. soil. But there are rare exceptions. As in the case of D.C., troops deployed for a federal mission but kept under the command of governors -- under a law known as Title 32 -- are exempt from Posse Comitatus. The D.C. mobilization is reliant on six Republican governors who agreed to Trump's request to send troops from their states to help police in the city, where the White House commands troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sending troops into states over the objections of the governor is more limited. In the case of California, Trump invoked a different law -- Title X -- which allows a president to use Guard resources to protect federal property and federal personnel. The National Guard already has "quick reaction forces" in every state that are able to respond quickly in times of crisis. Manner said Trump appears to be calling for something different. Instead of the capability to respond to crisis, Trump appears to want units that specialize in quelling civil unrest, much as other units might specialize in intelligence or armor. "They're going to be there to police Americans," Manner said. The White House and Pentagon have not been able to provide a cost estimate on the National Guard deployment in D.C. The name on everyones lips this week is Cracker Barrel. The restaurant chain sparked mass backlash after unveiling a new logo and in-store rebrand last week. The redesign marks Cracker Barrels first major change in 48 years. The new logo removes the man in overalls leaning on a barrel and drops the phrase old country store in favor of a minimalistic yellow-and-brown wordmark. The chain also plans to swap its Western, antique-filled interiors for lighter, modern decor. This caused conservative fans of the brand to claim it had gone woke. Interest in Cracker Barrel has surged. Google Trends shows the chain at peak popularity, and its been a trending topic on X, formerly Twitter, since Thursday. Even former President Donald Trump has now weighed in and prompted the White House to redraw the Cracker Barrel logo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early Monday, Trump posted on TruthSocial that the company should return to its old logo and capitalize on a Billion Dollars worth of free publicity. Make Cracker Barrel a WINNER again. Remember, in just a short period of time I made the United States of America the HOTTEST Country anywhere in the World. One year ago, it was DEAD. Good luck! Trump wrote. Then, on Tuesday, the official White House X account shared an image wherein an illustration of Donald Trump replaced the man in the rocker in the original Cracker Barrel logo. Inside the barrel was the phrase America First, while beneath it, they wrote, America is back. The White Houses caption? Go woke, go broke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For their part, Cracker Barrel has tried to tamp down the backlash. Youve also shown us that we couldve done a better job sharing who we are and who well always be, the company said in a statement. We also want to be sure Cracker Barrel is here for the next generation that means showing up on new platforms and in new ways. But the comments on their Instagram posts are still largely negative with many calling the apology the biggest insult and a spit in the face. The post Trump celebrates Cracker Barrel backlash appeared first on Salon.com. US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs of up to 200% on Chinese imports if Beijing fails to reliably supply the United States with magnets made from rare earth elements. Speaking at the White House on Monday during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Trump said: "They have to give us magnets. If they don't give us magnets, then we have to charge them 200% tariff or something." He acknowledged that such extreme measures would effectively halt trade with China, adding that this would be acceptable if necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rare earths are metals critical for modern technology, including smartphones, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and military equipment, with magnets being particularly important. China is the world leader in producing and processing these metals, and the US relies on imports. Beijing had previously restricted exports of rare earth metals and magnets amid the trade conflict. Trump's latest remarks contrast with his more conciliatory tone in early August, when he announced a 90-day extension of the trade truce with China. In May, both countries had agreed to suspend new punitive measures to advance discussions on trade, rare earth supply, and artificial intelligence (AI) chip access. According to the Wall Street Journal, a Chinese delegation led by negotiator Li Chenggang is expected in Washington this week for further talks. President Donald Trump this week claimed that trust scores for patients in the Veterans Affairs health care system have risen dramatically since he returned to office in January, but department data doesnt back up his claim. During an Oval Office event with military families on Monday, Trump praised the work of VA Secretary Doug Collins thus far, asserting that the department now has a 93% approval rating under his leadership. We had a great first term and it was pretty close to that then, he said. And then [President Joe Bidens administration] took over and it went down into the 30s and 20s. It went down at one point to 28% or 29%, which is terrible But now youve blown everyone away, Doug. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps boast appears to reference VAs periodic survey of veterans who have used department health care services in the last 90 days. As of the start of August, the satisfaction rate with VA medical care sat at 92.8%, the highest mark in the 30 months that the survey has been conducted. Trump, Hegseth float renaming Defense Department to Department of War When that polling began in March 2023 during the Biden administration the figure was 90.4%. It has steadily improved nearly every month for the past two and a half years, regardless of which administration was in charge. The broader VA Trust survey, conducted quarterly since early 2016, shows a similar story. At the start of Trumps first term in the White House, only about 55% of veterans said they trusted the department to fulfill our countrys commitment to veterans. By the time Trump left office at the end of 2020, the number was up to nearly 79%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VA data shows the trust score remained between 78% and 81% during Bidens entire term in office, far above the under 30% that Trump claimed on Monday. The latest department update shows that 79.2% of veterans expressed confidence in the department at the start of the summer, down about 1% from a year earlier. Department researchers also began an annual outpatient survey in fiscal 2017, during Trumps first term in office, to gauge satisfaction rates. That year, 85% of patients said they were happy with how agency staff handled their outpatient care appointments and procedures. At the end of Trumps first term in office, it had risen to 89.1%. At the end of last fiscal year the latest data available the number was up to 92%. Trump claimed the improvement in veterans perception of VA came because the previous administration gave away choice and accountability and we put them back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That claim has been at the root of continued political sparring between administration officials and Democratic critics of Trumps veterans policies. Republicans in recent weeks have pushed through a series of reforms designed to make it easier for veterans to access health care options outside the VA system, but the impact of those moves still remains to be seen. During Mondays event, Collins noted that department officials have reduced the disability claims backlog by about 40% since January. That number has also been in steady decline for the last two years, since the backlog spiked to more than 400,000 cases after the passage of the PACT Act. President Donald Trump signed an executive order focused on using the National Guard to support law enforcement, an idea that's become increasingly contentious as the president deploys the Guard aggressively in his second term. Trump's order directs the Defense secretary to designate Guard contingents in each state for the purpose of assisting policing, and create a "specialized" unit within the DC Guard "dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nations capital." It also establishes a Guard "quick reaction force" that can be deployed nationwide. Trump's use of the National Guard has prompted Democrats to accuse the president of acting like an authoritarian when he sent Guard troops to Los Angeles and the nation's capital, and threatened to send them to Chicago and other cities. Trump defended the deployments while he was signing a series of executive orders in the White House Aug. 25, declaring, "I'm not a dictator." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discussing the possibility of deploying the National Guard in Chicago next, Trump said his critics there call him a "dictator" and say they don't need federal government's intervention. "A lot of people are saying, 'Maybe we like a dictator,'" Trump added. "I dont like a dictator. Im not a dictator. I'm a man with great common sense and a smart person." A soldier in the National Guard cleared leaves with a leaf-blower on Aug. 28 at McPherson Square in Washington, D.C. Members of the Louisiana National Guard patrol the perimeter of Union Station in Washington, DC, as President Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard troops and federal takeover of Metro Police Department continues on Aug. 26, 2025. Members of the National Guard stand outside Union Station on August 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy federal officers and the National Guard to the District and also placed the DC Metropolitan Police Department under federal control. District of Columbia National Guard members positioned along with United States Capitol Police at Union Station in Washington, DC on Thursday, August 14, 2025. A person yells in protest at members of the National Guard as they stand outside Union Station on August 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. A cyclist passes a National Guard vehicle near the Lincoln Memorial on August 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. District of Columbia National Guard members patrol Washington, DC, on Aug. 14, 2025. National Guard troops patrol the National Mall on Aug. 12, 2025, in Washington, DC. U.S. Army National Guard Humvees park near the Washington Monument after President Donald Trump announced a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department under the Home Rule Act to assist with crime prevention in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., August 12, 2025. Members of the Washington DC National Guard pose for photos with a tourist near the Washington Monument on August 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. National Guard troops are deployed to the Washington Monument as part of President Trump's mobilization of law enforcement on August 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. National Guard troops walk along the National Mall on August 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers carrying boxers of MREOs (Meals Read to Eat) at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arriving at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arriving at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. The president has increasingly criticized crime in Washington even as itOs reached a 30-year low. Trump in a social media post on Aug. 10 said that the homeless in D.C. "have to move out, IMMEDIATELY," but he did not elaborate on how that will be accomplished. Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard walk out of the D.C. Armory building on August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. The president has increasingly criticized crime in Washington even as its reached a 30-year low. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive on Aug. 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across Washington, DC. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard walk out of the D.C. Armory building on August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. The president has increasingly criticized crime in Washington even as its reached a 30-year low. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. A District of Columbia National Guard soldier arrives at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. The scene in Washington, DC, as National Guard troops deploy on the streets 1 of 22 A soldier in the National Guard cleared leaves with a leaf-blower on Aug. 28 at McPherson Square in Washington, D.C. Trump declared a crime emergency in Washington, DC, to deploy the National Guard to help with public safety, despite declining violent crime numbers. He also federalized the California National Guard in response to protests over immigration raids in Los Angeles. The executive order directs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "immediately create and begin training, manning, hiring, and equipping a specialized unit within the District of Columbia National Guard... that is dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nations capital." Members of the unit could be deputized to "enforce Federal law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has broad leeway over the DC National Guard, but is "very limited" in what he can do with the Guard in other states, said Syracuse University law professor William Banks. He can only unilaterally deploy state Guards under special circumstances when they are federalized, as the president did in Los Angeles. More: Armed National Guard patrols DC as Trump warns Democratic-led cities Trump's order instructs Hegseth to ensure the National Guard in each state is trained and equipped for "quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order." It seeks to have a designated contingent of Guard members in each state "reasonably available for rapid mobilization for such purposes." The executive order appears to be preparing the guard for more domestic crime prevention efforts, said Alex Wagner, a top civilian leader in the Army and Air Force during the previous two Democratic administrations, something he argued the guard is not suited for and shouldnt engage in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think fundamentally the use of the Guard in a law enforcement capacity is not what guardsmen are trained to do and its not why people sign up for the Guard," said Wagner, who served as chief of staff for the secretary of the Army and assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs. President Donald Trump speaks as he attends U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility to meet with police and the military, after deploying National Guard troops in the nation's capital, in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 21, 2025. The National Guard has long been used to help respond to civil disturbances, Banks noted. "I would bet you dollars to donuts that its already in the guard manuals in every state... I would bet its existing policy," Banks said. "Guard forces have been trained since before there was a Guard to respond to civil disturbances. Yet Wagner said such actions by the Guard have been relatively rare over the decades, are not a "core competency" and that this is what makes the United States different than so many other countries, where we dont use our military for law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quick reaction forces are used by state National Guards to respond rapidly to emergencies. Trump's executive order directs Hegseth to "ensure the availability of a standing National Guard quick reaction force that shall be resourced, trained, and available for rapid nationwide deployment." The Washington Post reported earlier this month that the Trump administration has been evaluating whether to establish a Domestic Civil Disturbance Quick Reaction Force" of 600 troops split between bases in Alabama and Arizona. The concept was tested during the 2020 election, with troops on alert to respond to potential political violence, according to the newspaper. Wagner said a nationwide quick reaction force is "highly unusual if not unprecedented, given that the Guard is typically controlled by each state's governor." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump pushes DC National Guard into bigger public safety role By David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) -John Bolton, a former adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump who is now a persistent critic, said on Tuesday he was concerned about the withdrawal of his Secret Service protection and criticized raids on his home and office last week. Bolton, speaking at an online event assessing Trump's summit on Monday with the South Korean leader, was asked if he felt safe in the current environment, where the administration was at odds with his beliefs, and said that he had been the target of an Iranian assassination attempt in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And on ... the inauguration day, President Trump withdrew my Secret Service protection," he said. "So yeah, I feel ... concerned about that, more than anything else. But you know it's the environment we operate in, and you can either just be overwhelmed by it, or keep going. So I plan to keep going." Earlier, in a post on X, Bolton renewed his criticism of Trump, and addressed the raid on his home, saying: "Donald Trump's Ukraine policy today is no more coherent than it was last Friday when his administration executed search warrants against my home and office. Collapsing in confusion and haste, Trump's negotiations may be in their last throes, along with his Nobel Peace Prize campaign." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBI agents searched Bolton's Maryland home on Friday in what a source familiar with the matter said was part of a national security probe focused on the potential criminal release of classified information. The FBI also confirmed law enforcement activity at Bolton's Washington D.C. office. Bolton served as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and White House national security adviser during Trump's first term, but has since called Trump unfit for office. Trump vowed during his presidential campaign to use the criminal justice system against his rivals, and since returning to power his administration has arrested the Democratic mayor of a New Jersey city, filed criminal charges against a Democratic U.S. representative and started federal investigations into a Democratic U.S. senator, a Democratic state attorney general and just this week, a governor of the Federal Reserve. Trump said on Monday he was not involved in the Bolton situation. On Friday, he said he did not know about the raid, but saw it on television and said he was "not a fan of John Bolton ... He could be a very unpatriotic guy. We're going to find out." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Justice Department during Trump's first term sued Bolton and started a criminal investigation into him over allegations that he shared classified information in his 2020 book, "The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir," which painted a scathing picture of Trump's first administration. Bolton denied the allegations and accused White House officials of acting improperly to block a critical account. Bolton's protective Secret Service detail was assigned after the U.S. Justice Department said Iran had threatened his life. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Don Durfee and David Gregorio) Some African nations are striking deals to take in migrants deported from the United States. Others are refusing. The split shows how Trumps policy is reshaping Washingtons ties with the continent and raises the question of whether these agreements are made for financial gain or under pressure. Trump announced during his electoral campaign that he intended to deport "one million people a year". But while imposing new global tariffs, the White House is also scrambling to find countries willing to take in those who Washington is forcing out. Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, Gabon and Guinea-Bissau have all refused to cooperate. The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration even approached Ukraine, without success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some proposals, however, have found takers in Latin America and Africa. But are these agreements motivated by lucrative rewards, or made under duress? On the American continent, Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, Venezuela and El Salvador have agreed to take in individuals deported by the US. For most, the economic balance tips in Washingtons favour, with the 2004 CAFTA free trade agreement between Central America, the United States and the Dominican Republic serving as the main lever. Three African nations South Sudan, Eswatini and Rwanda have also agreed to take in US deportees. According to Thierry Vircoulon, of the French Institute of International Relations think tank, these are countries that want to "get into Washington's good books". "Most of them also want to avoid being victims of a total visa ban," he added. However, motivation to answer Trump's call looks different for each of the three. South Sudan On 8 July, South Sudan received eight men only one of whom was South Sudanese who had been deported from the US. Juba has expressed its willingness to accept more deportees, but has reportedly set certain conditions, according to Politico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A legal challenge in the US had halted their removal, but a Supreme Court ruling cleared the way. The country is asking Washington to reverse the revocation of visas for its nationals, which came into effect in April 2025. South Sudan is also seeking the lifting of sanctions on several senior officials, including Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, who has been accused of corruption by the US. It has further requested American support in prosecuting First Vice President Riek Machar, accused of inciting rebellion to block elections due in December 2026. None of these demands have yet been met, but South Sudan continues to present itself as an ally of the US with accepting deportees from the US seen as one way to do this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Sudan turns US deportations to its diplomatic advantage Eswatini The small monarchy of Eswatini has followed South Sudan's lead by signing a similar agreement with the US, announced on 16 July. Only five people have so far been sent to this landlocked state in Southern Africa. The five deportees who are originally from Vietnam, Jamaica, Cuba, Yemen and Laos are all said to be criminals "of unparalleled barbarity", said Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the US Department of Homeland Security. The men are being held in solitary confinement until they can be deported to their home countries, which could take up to a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government of Eswatini, like South Sudan, cited its close ties with the US as a key motivator for the agreement. According to Jean-Claude Katende, lawyer and vice-president of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the country is seeking to "polish its image in the eyes of the United States and also attract financial income". Outcry mounts in Eswatini over illegal aliens deported from US Rwanda Rwanda is preparing to receive 250 people deported by the US but this is not Kigali's first attempt at such an agreement. In 2022, a similar deal with the United Kingdom was announced, but was then invalidated the following year by the UK Supreme Court, which ruled it unlawful. This did not prevent Rwanda from receiving part of the promised financial compensation some 280 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Katende, there is a similarly "purely financial reason" for Kigali to accept the US proposal, but also an interest in "benefitting from an easy workforce paid low wages". Rwanda agrees to take migrants from US in deal that includes cash grant According to Vircoulon, Kigali is also "trying to appease the Trump administration in the context of negotiations between Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States" to end the conflict between the DRC and Rwanda negotiations in which Rwanda is far from being in a position of strength. "It's about giving Trump something, while the Congolese government is offering him access to its mining sector," said Vircoulon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Sudan, Eswatini and Rwanda, he added, "are among the poorest countries in the world and are also the source of migratory flows". "It goes without saying that the deportees they take in will leave these ultra-poor countries and return to the illegal immigration trails." Uganda The latest country to sign an agreement with Washington, a Ugandan Foreign Ministry official announced on Thursday that the country had agreed to accept third-country nationals who had not been granted asylum in the US but were unable to return to their home countries. However, there are some caveats. Uganda stressed that this was a temporary arrangement and that it would not accept anyone with a criminal record or unaccompanied minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also added in its statement Uganda would prefer to receive people with African nationalities. Uganda, a US ally, is home to 1.8 million refugees the largest number on the African continent mostly hailing from neighbouring South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, although Sudans civil war has in the past year triggered a sharp spike in arrivals. The US embassy in Uganda declined to comment on what it called diplomatic negotiations, but the US State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken by phone with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni about migration. The department said the call focused on "migration, reciprocal trade and commercial ties" and that Rubio had "thanked Uganda for providing a model of regional stability including its valuable contributions to peacekeeping in East Africa". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ugandan opposition MP Muwada Nkunyingi suggested that the deal with the US would give the Ugandan government legitimacy ahead of elections, and urged Washington not to turn a blind eye toward what he described as human rights and governance issues in Uganda. Uganda's leaders will rush into a deal to "clear their image now that we are heading into the 2026 elections," he said. Uganda has had challenges with the US after it passed an anti-homosexuality bill in 2023 that punishes consensual same-sex conduct with penalties including life imprisonment. Washington threatened consequences and the World Bank withheld some funding. In May 2024, the US imposed sanctions on Ugandas parliamentary speaker, her husband and several other officials over corruption and serious abuses of human rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Human rights lawyer Nicholas Opio likened the deportee deal to human trafficking, and said it would leave status of the deportees unclear. "Are they refugees or prisoners?" he said. "The proposed deal runs afoul of international law. We are sacrificing human beings for political expediency, in this case because Uganda wants to be in the good books of the United States," he said. "That I can keep your prisoners if you pay me... how is that different from human trafficking? (with newswires and partially adapted from this article by RFI's French service) Behind a White House effort to saddle President Trump's political foes with accusations of mortgage fraud is a 37-year-old home construction executive with a deep partisan past. Bill Pulte, a Florida native, rose in Trump's orbit toward the end of his first term. After courting Trump for years on social media and through generous donations, he now runs the Federal Housing Finance Agency a perch that has allowed him to target prominent figures who have crossed the president. In the last five months, Pulte has referred three claims of mortgage fraud against Trump's foes to the Justice Department, leveled against Letitia James, the attorney general of New York; Adam Schiff, the Democratic senator from California; and this week, Lisa Cook, a governor on the board of the Federal Reserve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each has denied wrongdoing. Trump announced on Monday night that he was moving to fire Cook. It is an unusual role for a director of the FHFA, which regulates Fannie Mae the nation's largest company by assets and Freddie Mac. The two mortgage financing organizations, which support nearly half of the U.S. residential mortgage market, were taken over by the FHFA during the 2008 economic crisis. The grandson of one of Michigan's wealthiest and most prolific home builders, Pulte made a name for himself on Twitter in 2019 with public cash giveaways to individuals in need. He dubbed himself the "inventor of Twitter philanthropy," vowing to give two cars away in exchange for a Trump retweet that year, which he received. He subsequently built a following of over 3 million. Records show Pulte donated substantially to Trump, the Republican National Committee and related super PACs leading up to the 2024 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pulte's letters to Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi have been tightly and cautiously written. But his social media posts, celebrating the targeted attacks, have not. "Trump becomes the first president ever to remove a sitting Federal Reserve governor," he wrote on X, between retweets of right-wing commentators praising the move. "Mortgage fraud can carry up to 30 years in prison." In another post on X, quoting a CNN headline, Pulte wrote that Trump's firing of Cook was "escalating his battle against the central bank" seeming to acknowledge that targeting Cook was motivated by Trump's ongoing grievances with Fed leadership. Read more: Hiltzik: Why are all these leading Democrats suddenly facing mortgage fraud charges? Guess who's behind it Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook's firing is legally dubious, and her attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement that Cook plans on suing the administration while continuing to perform her duties for the Fed. Lowell also represents James in her defense against the Justice Department case. While the Supreme Court ruled in May that Trump may fire individuals from independent federal agencies, the justices singled out the Fed as an exception, calling it a "uniquely structured, quasi-private entity." The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 states that the president may fire a member of its leadership only "for cause." But cause has not been definitively established to fire Cook, with Pulte writing in his letter to Bondi that the Fed governor had only potentially" committed mortgage fraud, accusing her of falsifying bank documents and property records to acquire more favorable loan terms. Pulte has accused Cook of listing two homes in Ann Arbor, Mich., and in Atlanta as her primary addresses within two weeks of purchasing them through financing. Cook said she would "take any questions about my financial history seriously" and was "gathering the accurate information to answer any legitimate questions and provide the facts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pulte's other accusations, against James and Schiff, have been similarly superficial, publicly accusing individuals of potential criminality before a full, independent investigation can take place. And whether those investigations will be impartial is far from clear. Earlier this month, Bondi appointed Ed Martin, a conspiracy theorist who supported the "Stop the Steal" movement after Joe Biden's election victory over Trump in 2020, as a special prosecutor to investigate the James and Schiff cases. Pulte accused James who successfully accused Trump of financial fraud in a civil suit last year of falsifying bank statements and property records to secure more favorable loan terms for homes in Virginia and New York. He made similar claims weeks later about Schiff, who maintains residences in California and the suburbs of Washington, D.C. Read more: Trump accuses Schiff of mortgage fraud, which Schiff calls false 'political retaliation' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schiff, who led a House impeachment of Trump during the presidents first term and has remained one of his most vocal and forceful political adversaries since joining the Senate, dismissed the presidents claims as a baseless attempt at political retribution. A spokesperson for Schiff said he has always been transparent about owning two homes, in part to be able to raise his children near him in Washington, and has always followed the law and advice from House counsel in arranging his mortgages. In making his claims, Trump cited an investigation by the Fannie Mae Financial Crimes Division as his source. A memorandum reviewed by The Times from Fannie Mae investigators to Pulte does not accuse Schiff of mortgage fraud. It noted that investigators had been asked by the FHFA inspector generals office for loan files and any related investigative or quality control documentation for Schiffs homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said they found that Schiff at various points identified both his home in Potomac, Md., and a Burbank unit he also owns as his primary residence. As a result, they concluded that Schiff and his wife, Eve, engaged in a sustained pattern of possible occupancy misrepresentation on their home loans between 2009 and 2020. The investigators did not say they had concluded that a crime had been committed, nor did they mention the word fraud in the memo. 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. United States Special Envoy Tom Barrack sparked outrage after telling Lebanese journalists to act civilized, not animalistic, during a news conference in the Lebanese capital Beirut on Tuesday. Barrack, joined by deputy envoy Morgan Ortagus, was in the Lebanese capital as part of US efforts to disarm the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. During the briefing, he scolded the journalists for calling out questions simultaneously a common practice in news conferences linking their behavior to what he described as a broader problem in the Middle East. Please, be quiet for a moment. And I wanna tell you something. The moment this starts becoming chaotic, like animalistic, were gone. So, you want to know whats happening? Act civilized, act kind, act tolerant, because this is the problem with whats happening in the region, he told the reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lebanon faces a delicate dilemma. It relies on crucial US support while accommodating Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the country, even as it comes under frequent Israeli military attacks. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, left, meets with Sen. Lindsey Graham and Ambassador Barrack at the presidential palace in Baabda on Tuesday. - Lebanese Presidency Press Office via AP Do you think this is fun for us? Do you think this is economically beneficial for Morgan (Ortagus) and I to be here putting up with this insanity? he told the journalists. Barrack, who is of Lebanese descent, is the special envoy to Syria and also serves as the US Ambassador to Turkey. The envoys comments angered Lebanese journalists on social media, who described the statements as racist. Tom Barrack struts into Beirut like a 19th-century colonial commissioner, calls Lebanese journalists animalistic, lectures us on civilization, & blames it all on our region. Thats not just arrogance, its racism. You dont run this country, & you dont get to insult its people, Lebanese-British journalist Hala Jaber said on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another journalist, Ali Hashem, called the comments humiliating. The level of arrogance US officials demonstrate in Lebanon is humiliating for the country. CNN has reached out to the US State Department and Barracks team for comment. Without naming Barrack, the Lebanese presidency said it regrets the statements made from its platform by one of its guests today. Barrack is leading a US delegation to Lebanon, including Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Congressman Joe Wilson, and Ortagus. The US has offered Lebanon support if its government disarms Hezbollah. The militant group was weakened significantly after months of an Israeli campaign that was launched after Hezbollah attacked Israeli-held territory in support of Hamas in October 2023. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday aimed at ending federal support for cashless bail policies, according to a White House press release. The order directs the Attorney General to compile a list of jurisdictions with cashless bail policies and instructs agencies to identify federal funding streams that may be suspended or terminated. The move fulfills a campaign promise by Trump, who has repeatedly criticized bail reform efforts as dangerous to public safety. When Im reelected, I will crack down on the left-wing jurisdictions that refuse to prosecute dangerous criminals and set loose violent felons on cashless bail, Trump said in the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the White House, a 2023 study from Yolo County, California, found its Zero Bail policy resulted in a 163% increase in rearrests overall and a 200% increase in violent crime rearrests compared to defendants who posted bail. However, The New York Times cited a 2024 study that found there was no change in fatal and nonfatal gun violence in New Jersey after substantial declines in jail incarceration under bail reform in the state in 2017. New York and New Jersey are two of more than a dozen states with cashless bail policies. An article published by the White House described cashless bail as a government-backed crime spree, citing several high-profile cases to support its position. The White House highlighted several examples of crimes tied to cashless bail, including: In 2022, a New York man executed a woman in front of her three children less than 24 hours after being released without bail for assaulting the same woman. He had a prior conviction for kidnapping his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint. A suspected Tren de Aragua gang member freed without bail after an attempted murder charge in New York, later rearrested for drug trafficking in Miami and ultimately held on sex-trafficking charges involving a minor. A repeat offender with 47 prior arrests and 28 convictions released without bail in New York. A homicide suspect in Rockford, Illinois, who walked free under the states no-cash-bail system earlier this year. Two convicted killers caught dealing drugs in broad daylight who were released without bail in New York City earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House argued such policies force police to repeatedly arrest the same individuals, wasting resources and endangering communities. The executive order represents the latest step in Trumps law-and-order agenda since returning to office. Earlier this month, he mobilized the National Guard and took control of the D.C. Metro Police Department. Cashless bail policies have gained traction in recent years as reformers argue the traditional system unfairly penalizes poor defendants who cannot afford bond. Critics like Trump contend the reforms allow dangerous criminals to reoffend while awaiting trial. Donald Trump faces a growing political threat from surging beef prices after pledging to bring down the cost of groceries. Beef prices have hit successive record highs for seven months in a row and are forecast to continue rising for the remainder of Mr Trumps presidency. It poses a political challenge for Mr Trump a noted hamburger lover after he campaigned on a promise to bring down food prices. The average American eats around 55lbs of beef each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Ortega, chair in food economics and policy at Michigan State University, said: Food prices are top of mind for many consumers, and they played a critical role in the last election. And with high beef prices, we have to keep in mind that we are a beef-consuming country. The price of eggs became a key issue in the 2024 election, with Mr Trump blaming Joe Biden for their surging costs. I won on groceries, were going to bring those prices way down, Mr Trump said after his victory. The president was rattled earlier this year when an outbreak of avian flu caused egg prices to soar. In March, he told his followers on Truth Social to shut up about egg prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cost of beef has risen by nearly a fifth since 2024 and is expected to keep rising for at least three more years, according to a forecast by Rabobank. Ranchers are grappling with a prolonged drought that has led Americas beef herd to shrink to its smallest size since 1951. The re-emergence of the New World screwworm, a fly with flesh-eating larvae that feed on livestock, has also prompted the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to suspend live cattle imports from Mexico. David Anderson, professor of livestock at Texas A&M University, said: Were producing sharply less beef, so weve got tighter supplies, and thats going to keep the pressure on for higher prices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trumps tariffs threaten to add to the problem. Brazil is a key source of beef imports, a country that the president has just imposed 50pc tariffs on. Beef prices hit $8.90 per pound in June, according to the USDA. Prices of choice beef and ground beef were up by 14.9pc and 13.8pc respectively. Lance Zimmerman, of Rabobank, said prices would continue to hit new record highs for at least the next two years, averaging $9.50 per pound across 2027 and 2028. However, in some months prices are likely to approach $10, Mr Zimmerman said. That would mean beef costs were as much as a quarter higher since Mr Trump took office. 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. Trump keeps talking about cracking down on crime, yet the biggest crime is happening right in the Oval Office, said NAACP President Derrick Johnson. President Donald Trump on Monday signed executive orders aiming to end cash bail across the United States, beginning in Washington, D.C., where he seeks to show his enduring dominance amid his declared crime emergency in the nations capital. Cashless bail, a system intended to remove poverty barriers for defendants who do not pose a risk to the community, is part of a number of bail reform policies established in states like New York, New Jersey, California and Illinois. Washington, D.C., replaced cash bail in D.C.s criminal justice system with mostly cashless bail in 1992. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the executive orders signed by Trump calls for U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to identify jurisdictions across the country that have cashless bail policies. It gives the U.S. Department of Justice authority to hold or revoke federal funds and grants for jurisdictions that do not ensure reasonable, common sense policy, said a White House official. Another executive order specifically targets D.C., instructing the DOJ to review D.C.s cashless bail policies to determine whether defendants poses a clear threat to public safety and order. The order also seeks to press D.C. to change its cashless bail policies. Before signing the executive orders inside the Oval Office on Monday, Trump suggested that cashless bail was a contributing factor to his repeated claims of spikes in crime in D.C. and around the country, despite local leaders citing record lows in crime. Somebody kills somebody. They go in, dont worry about it. No cash. Come back in a couple of months. Well give you a trial. You never see the person again. And I mean, they kill people and they get out, said Trump. The president continued, They thought it was discriminatory to make people put up money, because they just killed three people lying on the street, any street all over the country. Cashless bail, were ending it. But were starting by ending it in D.C., and that we have the right to do through federalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a report by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, there were stark racial disparities regarding cash bail that impacted Black and Latino defendants between 1970 and 2015. Black and brown individuals saw higher detention rates and financial conditions of release imposed them compared to white defendants, the commission found. The report concluded that more than 60% of defendants are detained pre-trial because they cant afford to post bail. The Bail Project argues that because of a lack of data and reporting from states on cash bail and their relation to court outcomes, the core rationale of cash bail, that a deposit is needed to ensure people will return to court, is purely speculative. Trump is breaking the levels of racial justice in DCs legal system and holding a funding gun to the heads of other city leaders to do the same, Markus Batchelor, a D.C. native and political director at People For the American Way, told theGrio. WASHINGTON, DC JUNE 22: Residents of the District of Columbia and their supporters rally for statehood near the U.S. Capitol on June 22, 2021 in Washington, DC. On Tuesday, the Senate Homeland Security & Government Operations Committee will hold a hearing on legislation that would make the District of Columbia the 51st state. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Batchelor continued, This shift to incarcerate people who cant pay is totally in line with Trumps attacks on Black people, the working poor, and the unhoused. Its a ploy to fill up jails with Americans presumed innocent under law while enriching his friends building private prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps executive orders on cashless bail comes amid his federal crackdown in D.C., which has included the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops and surging federal law enforcement to assist D.C.s local police. The president has also threatened to send military troops to other majority Black and brown cities like Chicago and Baltimore, escalating political clashes with Democratic governors and mayors, including Govs. Wes Moore, J.B. Pritzker, Gavin Newsom and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Trump on Monday said D.C. is probably the safest place in our country after his federal actions in the nations capital. The president said Democrats better get smart on crime, adding, These people are sick. In response to Trumps executive actions related to crime, NAACP President Derrick Johnson said in a statement, Were still waiting for Trumps executive order to release the Epstein files. Where is that one? Trump keeps talking about cracking down on crime, yet the biggest crime is happening right in the Oval Office. Johnson said the president doesnt even have the authority to end cashless bail since its a local issue. He continued, The truth is, this isnt about addressing crime; its about consolidating power and keeping poor people in jail to maximize the profits of private prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The civil rights leader added, Trump isnt after justice hes after us. If Trump needs something to do, he should focus on the job numbers and the economy hes tanking because of his failed policies, and stop wasting our time with these distractions. Gerren Keith Gaynor, thegrio.com Gerren Keith Gaynor is a White House Correspondent and the Managing Editor of Politics at theGrio. He is based in Washington, D.C. He covers the White House, Capitol Hill, and national politics. More must-reads: President Donald Trump has drawn criticism over his new executive order targeting flag-burning in the U.S. - even from his own supporters. On Monday, the commander-in-chief said he would clamp down with the full force of the law on anyone who burnt the national flag, deeming it uniquely offensive and provocative tool that is used to incite violence and riot. The Trump administration also accused foreign nationals of using it to impose violence against the American people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American Flag burning is also used by groups of foreign nationals as a calculated act to intimidate and threaten violence against Americans because of their nationality and place of birth, the White House executive order wrote. Those who participate in torching the flag should expect to face prosecution to the fullest extent permissible under any available authority, it added. President Trump holds up a signed executive order requiring the Justice Department to investigate instances of flag burning, in the Oval Office Monday (AP) Trump also called upon Attorney General Pam Bondi to prioritize the enforcement of the order to the fullest extent possible while being consistent with the First Amendment. However, some conservatives argue that, no matter how offensive it might be, burning the flag is an act of freedom of expression. Therefore, prohibiting Americans from doing so would be a violation of the First Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right-wing radio host Jesse Kelly slammed the order on X, writing, I would never in a million years harm the American flag. But a president telling me I cant has me as close as Ill ever be to lighting one on fire. I am a free American citizen. And if I ever feel like torching one, I will. This is garbage. Trumps order comes months follows months of anti-Trump, anti-Israel, and anti-ICE demonstrations (Getty Images) Former NRA spokesperson and radio host Dana Loesch posted: Flag burning is vile, but the government has no right to control speech or expression. And Christian broadcaster and conservative Erick Erickson called out the unconstitutional nature of the order, writing, This is actually not brilliant. While I agree with the sentiment, it is unfortunately well-settled constitutional law that burning the flag is a matter of free speech, and the executive does not get to create crimes. His comments came in response to a tweet from Nile Gardiner, a conservative contributor to British broadsheet The Telegraph, who wrote: This is brilliant from President Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you burn the American flag and hate America, you should also leave America and live somewhere else, in response to a video of Trump signing the order. During the Oval Office ceremony, Trump suggested a stiff sentence for flag burners. You burn a flag, you get one year in jail, he said. You don't get 10 years. You don't get one month. You get one year in jail. And it goes on your record, and you will see flag burning stopping immediately. President Donald Trump announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will pursue a lawsuit against California over its new congressional map. Trump declared in the Oval Office that the DOJ would file the lawsuit to challenge the California map, which would add five Democratic seats to the U.S. House if approved by voters in a special November election. I think Im going to be filing a lawsuit pretty soon, and I think were going to be very successful in it, said the President, per CNBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to be filing it through the Department of Justice. Thats going to happen. Trump did not specify the grounds under which the DOJ would file the lawsuit. Newsom quickly responded to the potential lawsuit on social media, stating that California is prepared to take on the challenges. This redistricting effort in California follows numerous warnings from Gov. Gavin Newsom that the state would take action if Texas creates a new map, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Under California law, an independent commission generally handles redistricting. Still, Newsom and the California legislature passed a bill to put a new measure on the November ballot, according to the National Review. The measure asks voters whether to temporarily suspend that commission until after the 2030 Census, allowing Democrats to redraw districts for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 election cycles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ballot initiative has split public opinion, with a recent UC Berkeley poll showing 48% in favor, 36% opposed, and 20% undecided, per the National Review. This new map also directly counters Texas Republicans mid-decade gerrymandering efforts by enabling Democrats to try to regain an electoral edge in congressional representation. These changes in California come just days after the Texas legislature announced that a new congressional map had been approved by both the Texas Senate and House of Representatives, with the responsibility now falling upon Gov. Greg Abbott to approve the changes, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. The updated Texas map would give Republicans five additional U.S. House seats, which would be offset by the five seats gained by Democrats in the new California congressional map. President Trump marked the 105th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment with a statement commemorating Womens Equality Day on Tuesday. The President honored the constitutional amendment that granted women the right to vote as a defining moment in fulfilling Americas founding principle that all humans are created equal. The annual observance commemorates the August 26, 1920, certification of the 19th Amendment, which prohibits voting discrimination based on sex. On this day 105 years ago, the 19th Amendment of the United States Constitution was officially certified forever changing the course of history and immortalizing these mighty words: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex,' the President stated. Trump characterized the amendment as fulfilling divine principles of human dignity. This Womens Equality Day, our Nation proudly celebrates the timeless truth that every American citizen is created in the holy image of God and endowed with certain unalienable rights, Trump said. The Presidential message pledged continued commitment to constitutional values. Trump vowed to uphold our countrys long-cherished principles of liberty, equal justice under the law, and the God-given dignity of the human person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Womens suffrage activists campaigned for decades before securing the passage of the constitutional amendment. The President praised these strong, patriotic American trailblazers who paved the path for womens suffrage. Trump concluded by framing the anniversary as both a historical milestone and a promise for the future. He noted that August 26, 1920, stands as an enduring reminder of Americas promise of freedom and equality while pledging to protect the blessings of liberty for generations to come. President Donald Trump is expected to attend a meeting with Indiana lawmakers in Washington today at a long-planned briefing on a range of matters delivered to other states even before the redistricting push, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told POLITICO. The meeting which was scheduled prior to Vice President JD Vance paying a visit earlier this month to Indianapolis to talk redistricting with Hoosier lawmakers comes amid increasing MAGA pressure on Indiana Republicans to undertake a mid-decade map rewrite. Tuesdays private meeting was not on his public schedule, Leavitt said. White House Intergovernmental Affairs Director Alex Meyer has been involved in a whip effort, calling Indiana lawmakers in his personal capacity, POLITICO previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear to what degree redistricting will consume the agenda, but a person planning to attend, who was granted anonymity to discuss the potentially sensitive meeting, told POLITICO it will almost certainly come up. Leavitt did not immediately respond to a question about how prominently it will feature. Some Indiana Republicans have been skeptical of the presidents involvement in redistricting with state Sen. Jim Tomes telling State Affairs that he wouldnt go to D.C. under a court order. Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston was expected at Tuesdays White House meeting. The first hint came in March. Donald Trump published an item to his social media platform that referred in passing to the Pentagon as the Department of War. A few months later, the president reiterated his interest in the name-change and even referred to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth as the secretary of war. Trump added at the time, [I]t used to be secretary of war; then we became politically correct. (Kevin Kruse, a historian at Princeton University, sarcastically replied, Yeah, when historians discuss the National Security Act of 1947, we absolutely stress how the centralization of American military power under the new Department of Defense at the dawn of the Cold War was all about being politically correct.) This week, the president started leaning into the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday morning, the Republican told reporters that he and his team are gonna change the name of the Defense Department. Soon after, he brought it up again at a different White House event. Why are we Defense? So it used to be called the Department of War, and it had a stronger sound, he said, pining for days in which we used to win wars all the time. The president added, I dont want to be defense only. We want defense, but we want offense, too. If this werent quite enough, as Monday neared its end, Trump appeared at a third White House event where a reporter reminded him that it would require an act of Congress to rename a Cabinet agency. Were just gonna do it, the president responded, in keeping with his general attitude of treating Congress like a doormat. Im sure Congress will go along if we need that. I dont think we even need that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As NBC News reported, "The War Department was initially established by George Washington. In 1947, President Harry Truman signed a law that reorganized war-related departments into the National Military Establishment, which was renamed to the Department of Defense two years later." The incumbent president apparently likes the idea of rolling back the clock. Stepping back, what were dealing with is a president eager to move in two competing directions. On one hand, hes obviously desperate to receive a Nobel Peace Prize. On the other hand, Trump has also destabilized international alliances and institutions, announced plans to acquire countries that dont appear to have any interest in joining the United States, launched a preemptive strike against Iran, militarized his own countrys capital, mused about launching military strikes against targets in Mexico and Central America, and now wants to rename the Pentagon because we want offense, too. The former and the latter are incompatible, whether Trump realizes this or not. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Trump says he is firing Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook. An Israel-approved West Bank development has Palestinians worried. Illinois governor calls Trumps threat to use the military to police Chicago a dangerous power grab. And the rise of Joshes. Heres what to know today. Trump moves to oust Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook President Donald Trump says hes firing Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook effective immediately, posting a letter informing her of the move on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump cited Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pultes "criminal referral" from Aug. 15, where Pulte accused Cook of mortgage fraud. This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your day. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the board of the Fed one of the worlds most important independent central banks challenged her firing in a defiant statement. "President Trump purported to fire me 'for cause' when no cause exists under the law, and he has no authority to do so," she said. "I will not resign. I will continue to carry out my duties to help the American economy as I have been doing since 2022." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an earlier statement responding to Pulte's allegations, Cook said she learned about them through media reports. She said she had "no intention of being bullied to step down from my position because of some questions raised in a tweet." The Trump administration has also accused Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and New York Attorney General Letitia James of mortgage fraud both outspoken critics of the president of mortgage fraud. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, the top Democrat on the Banking Committee, called Trumps actions "an authoritarian power grab that blatantly violates the Federal Reserve Act, and must be overturned in court." Read the full story here. More politics news: After the U.S. took 10% of Intel, many taxpayers are wondering what that means for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vice President JD Vance said Russia has made "significant concessions" in Ukraine talks. Russian officials' public statements have suggested the opposite. The House Oversight Committee announced that former Labor Secretary Alex Acosta will appear before the panel as part of its Jeffrey Epstein investigation. President Donald Trump said he would target former President Joe Biden's circle, calling them "evil people." Mount Rushmore is huge, but not big enough for Trump's face. Trump and Illinois political leaders clash over National Guard deployment plan As the National Guard takes post in Washington, D.C., to address what President Donald Trump called an epidemic of "crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor and worse," he said that Chicago and New York are next on his list. Illinois political leaders did not take kindly to that, asserting that deploying soldiers would be baseless and a clear case of federal overreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Donald Trump wants to use the military to occupy a U.S. city, punish his dissidents and score political points," Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said. "If this were happening in any other country, we would have no trouble calling it what it is a dangerous power grab." Pritzker said that there isnt an emergency in Chicago that warrants "armed military intervention." He said at a news conference that the number of homicides in Chicago has fallen 32% from last year, while vehicle thefts and burglaries are both down by more than 20%. The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon has spent weeks planning a military deployment to Chicago, citing officials familiar with the matter. In his response to Illinois political leaders, Trump told reporters that Chicago is a "disaster" and called Pritzker "corrupt." He also signed an executive order to create National Guard units focused on "public order issues." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the full story here. More on Trumps executive orders: President Donald Trump signed executive orders aimed at eliminating cashless bail in Washington, D.C., and in other jurisdictions around the country. Federal authorities arrested a man near the White House after he set an American flag on fire the day Trump signed an executive order intended to crack down on flag burning. Kilmar Abrego Garcia finds himself in immigration limbo again From the U.S. to El Salvador and back to the U.S., Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation status remains uncertain after U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis blocked the Trump administration's attempt to send him to Uganda. Abrego was released from federal custody last week after being deported to El Salvador in March for what officials called an "administrative error." He was taken back into custody yesterday after a check-in with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Baltimore as part of the conditions of his release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abrego's detainment was expected by his attorneys after the Trump administration announced its intentions to deport him to Uganda. Abrego filed a new lawsuit to block the move, pending his immigration proceedings. Upon his return to the U.S. on June 6, Abrego was hit with human smuggling charges in Tennessee in which the Trump administration put a plea deal on the table: Plead guilty, serve time and then get deported to Costa Rica. Abregos lawyer said his client would not accept the plea deal as Abrego "will not accept charges of which hes not guilty." Read the full story here. How a tiny strip of land could undermine Palestinian statehood When Israeli authorities approved the development of 3,400 homes on almost five square miles of land, ultranationalist lawmakers celebrated what they saw as the death of the potential of a Palestinian state and an acceleration for Israel to annex the whole of the West Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The undeveloped piece of land was once seen as a possible location for future Palestinian institutions, considering how little available real estate is left in the area. The development "practically erases the two-state delusion and consolidates the Jewish peoples hold on the heart of the Land of Israel," Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's far-right finance minister, told a news conference. When the plans were offered in the early 1990s, Israeli authorities and Jewish settlers emphasized the practical needs for new development as Jerusalem had become too crowded. But Palestinians say the area is the only undeveloped land that might host government buildings for a new state. The new development would also break any Palestinian geographic continuity between the north and south, splitting the West Bank in two and fracturing a potential Palestinian state already divided between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The U.K., France and Canada were among 21 countries that criticized the development plans as a "violation of international law" in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the full story here. Read All About It At least a half-dozen universities welcomed students to the first-day-of-fall classes with run-and-hide warnings about possible gunmen on campus. Lil Nas X was charged with four felonies after allegedly assaulting officers while wandering naked on L.A. street. The Florida Transportation Department once again painted over a rainbow crosswalk in Orlando that was part of the Pulse Memorial after protesters filled it in with multicolored chalk. Cracker Barrel reassured customers that its values have remained the same after criticism of its new logo revealed a brand refresh. The Irish rap group Kneecap canceled all of its upcoming tour dates in the U.S. because of a members court date over a terrorism-related charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Utah district judge ruled the state must redraw its congressional districts because the states Republican-controlled Legislature erred when it overruled a ballot measure passed by voters that sought to rein in partisan gerrymandering. Staff Pick: It's the golden age of 'Josh' Could multiple men named Josh soon run for president? (Tilde Oyster / NBC News) Men named John, Joe and Ed have long dominated politics, but theres a new name in town: Josh. Theres a real chance that a presidential election in 2028 could have one or even two candidates named Josh. Joshes are everywhere these days. Josh Allen could lead the Bills to the Super Bowl this year. (Fingers crossed!) Josh wine is a top-seller. And there are a record number of politicians named Josh in Congress and as governors. Its all a sign of a generational change, with the boom of Joshes now coming to power. Amanda Terkel, politics managing editor NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified Labor Day sales are already rolling in, which means deals up to 50% off at Home Depot on bedding, rugs and much more. Plus, experts weigh in on whether or not plastic baby bottles are dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week. Thanks for reading todays Morning Rundown. Todays newsletter was curated for you by Christian Orozco. If youre a fan, please send a link to your family and friends. They can sign up here. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A federal judge appointed by President Donald Trump dealt his administration a big blow on Tuesday. U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen, who normally sits on the federal court in Virginia, dismissed a lawsuit from the Justice Department against the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and all 15 of its judges for slowing down its deportation efforts. In his opinion, Cullen called the administrations effort against the judiciary unprecedented and unfortunate. He acknowledged that there will always be some tension between the coordinate branches of government, but noted that the administration is engaging in a concerted effort to smear and impugn individual judges who rule against it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, over the past several months, principal officers of the Executive (and their spokespersons) have described federal district judges across the country as left-wing, liberal, activists, radical, politically minded, rogue, unhinged, outrageous, overzealous, [and] unconstitutional, [c]rooked, and worse, Cullen wrote in a footnote, pointing to attacks from Trump and other federal officials. Cullen also noted that a lawsuit by the executive branch against the judicial branch for the exercise of judicial power is not ordinary. The Trump administrations lawsuit sought to overturn a standing order, issued by another judge in May, that requires Maryland judges to block the deportation of migrants in the state for at least two business days while a case is under review. Chief Judge George Russells measure came amid a push to accelerate removals even if defendants are unable to contest them. The Justice Department went on to sue, arguing that the order acts broadly against government action without any assessment of whether there is a valid case for a deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cullen acknowledged that the lawsuit was not made in the proper forum, and they might well get some traction if filed using the correct avenue. Whatever the merits of its grievance with the judges of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, the Executive must find a proper way to raise those concerns, Cullen wrote. But as events over the past several months have revealed, these are not normal timesat least regarding the interplay between the Executive and this coordinate branch of government. Its no surprise that the Executive chose a different, and more confrontational, path entirely," he added. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trumps escalating pressure campaign to get Indiana Republicans to gerrymander their state appeared to have some success Tuesday. Vice President JD Vance urged more than 55 Indiana Republicans to push forward with redistricting during a long-planned meeting in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, according to three people familiar with the matter and, like others in this article, was given anonymity to discuss a politically sensitive meeting. Trump then met privately in the Oval Office with Indiana House Speaker President Todd Huston and Senate President Rodric Bray, according to a White House official familiar with the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It feels like the tide is starting to turn as Indiana Republican legislators are starting to understand they can deliver a huge win that Trump and his team will not forget, said one Hoosier Republican who was in the larger meeting. Vance spoke to the lawmakers specifically about redistricting, telling them they have an opportunity to fight and support Republicans and be real Republicans, the White House official said. You could see the room coming around to the idea hearing from the vice president, the official told POLITICO. Some real movement from it. The person said some of those lawmakers who have publicly registered their disapproval asked Vance questions, and eventually they committed to reconsider. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Spokespeople for Huston and Bray did not immediately respond to requests for comment. As the meeting unfolded, Indiana Republican Attorney General Todd Rokita came out in favor of the plan to redraw the states congressional districts, which the White House considered a win, because Rokita has previously opposed the use of political data in redistricting. The shifting views of Indiana Republicans came at a pivotal moment in Trumps larger redistricting effort, as the battle turned to red states like Indiana and Ohio following moves in Texas and California. Trump and his allies have escalated their pressure campaign on Indiana, with Republicans close to the White House threatening primaries for resistant Republicans and telling POLITICO that Trump is playing for keeps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Going into Tuesdays meeting, state GOP lawmakers who backed redistricting were becoming more vocal on social media, even as they dodged broadcast reporters before departing for Washington. But Trump's efforts aren't a slam dunk. Nearly a dozen part-time Indiana Republican state lawmakers are for now opposing aggressive attempts by the professionalized MAGA political machine to force them to take up mid-decade redistricting. In an interview, Republican State Rep. Ed Clere, who overperformed Trump in his Southern Indiana district near the Ohio River by 2 percentage points, is among those opposing a special session for redistricting, calling it disturbing. Clere who was shuttling between National Conference of State Legislatures meetings in Colorado and legislative meetings back in Indianapolis this week was among those who turned down the White House's invitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple Indiana Republicans have said they are unlikely to get ahead of their Midwestern neighbor Ohio, where lawmakers face a September 30 deadline to pass a new congressional map. If Indiana agreed to follow, that could mean a pre-Thanksgiving timeline for drawing a new map. Lawmakers opposition to redistricting runs the ideological spectrum, from Clere, a Burkean conservative to state Rep. Jim Lucas, a hard-right politician who traveled to Springfield, Ohio, last year amid unfounded claims that Haitian immigrants were eating domestic animals, an echo of Trumps unsubstantiated claims on the campaign trail. Days ago, Lucas called the mid-redistricting "highly unusual and politically optically horrible. But emerging from the meeting today, a White House official described him as open minded. Lucas did not return a request for comment. For his part, Clere says he hasnt yet been contacted by the White House to ask him to reconsider his position. He remains skeptical of the urgency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How could the congressional map be in need of an emergency mid-cycle redraw, while the state legislative district maps are still fine? he said. I dont think those two things are reconcilable." Clere compared the redistricting arms race to the Cold War deterrence doctrine of mutually assured destruction. This is the political version, he told POLITICO. And there's no way to put the genie back in the bottle," he added. "And, in this case, it's an evil genie. President Trump on Tuesday said he will push for the death penalty in cases of murder in Washington, D.C., amid his crackdown on crime in the nations capital. Anybody murders something in the capital, capital punishment, capital capital punishment. If somebody kills somebody in the capital Washington, D.C. were going to be seeking the death penalty and thats a very strong preventative, Trump said at a Cabinet meeting. He continued, And, everybody thats heard it agrees with it. I dont know if were ready for it in this country. But we have no choice. So, in D.C., in Washington states are going to have to make their own decision but if somebody kills somebody, like you could have been killed, very lucky you didnt get killed, its the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He referred to Iris Tao, a journalist affiliated with the right-wing publication The Epoch Times, who earlier in the meeting shared her story of being assaulted in Washington, D.C. The death penalty is not instituted in the District of Columbia. The Supreme Court nullified capital punishment in 1972 in the District, and efforts to reinstate it in the years since have failed. The president first sent federal law enforcement into Washington on Aug. 7, and days later he deployed the National Guard to patrol the city. During the crackdown, there were no apparent homicides reported in the city for 12 days until a man was killed earlier on Tuesday in Southeast Washington. The Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement they found a man unconscious and breathing, suffering from a gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House had previously touted preliminary police data showing no homicides reported since Aug. 14. The White House on Tuesday said that more than 1,094 arrests have been made since Aug. 7. Eight gang members have been arrested, including from MS-13 and Tren de Aragua; two missing children have been rescued; 115 firearms have been seized; and 49 homeless encampments have been cleared, according to the White House. D.C. does not have the death penalty, and the D.C. Council repealed the practice in 1981. Trump ran in his 2024 campaign on restoring use of the death penalty, saying he is in favor of seeking the death penalty for lesser offenses such as drug trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) President Donald Trump is reigniting controversy over election procedures with a recent announcement that he plans to eliminate mail-in ballots a voting tool that was used by more than 1 million Ohioans last November. In an August social media post, Trump said he is pushing to end both mail-in ballots and the use of voting machines, citing unsubstantiated concerns about election integrity. While eliminating mail-in voting, a method that almost one third of Americans used in 2024, would require approval from Congress, the president argues its corrupt. We as a Republican Party are going to do everything possible that we get rid of mail-in ballots, Trump said while taking reporter questions on Aug. 18. Were going to start with an executive order thats being written right now by the best lawyers in the country to end mail-in ballots because theyre corrupt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Go woke, you go broke: Ohio faith leaders urge Kroger to abandon LGBTQ+ policies Trump supported his argument by claiming the U.S. is the only country that uses mail-in voting, a statement that has been widely refuted. According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, at least 34 countries including Australia, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom offer some form of voting by mail. How many Ohioans vote by mail? Ohioans have historically embraced early voting options, including both in-person and mail-in. According to data from Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, the November 2024 general election saw 1.1 million voters cast their ballots by mail. Among those, about 518,000 were returned by voters aged 65 and older and another 205,000 came from voters aged 55 to 64. Meanwhile, early in-person voting surged to a new state record in 2024, as 1.54 million voters cast ballots early in person at their county board of elections. Total early votes, including mail-in ballots, reached 2.53 million, the secretary of states data shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faith leaders call on DeWine to release man arrested by ICE agents Those statistics demonstrate the high level of confidence Ohioans have in the convenient and flexible voting options offered leading up to election day, said LaRose in a release announcing the certification of Ohios 2024 results. Many states look to Ohio to see how its done, LaRose said. We delivered on our promise to report 100 percent of the unofficial results on election night, while others took days or weeks to do that. Were truly the gold standard of election administration. Who would be affected? Trumps proposed changes could significantly impact several groups in Ohio, including seniors and older adults. Voters 65 and older accounted for nearly half of all mail-in ballots in 2024, making them particularly vulnerable to disruptions in access. Disabled, rural and military voters also often rely on absentee voting due to accessibility or geographic limitations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Election officials and resources would be heavily impacted, as eliminating mail-in ballots could strain early in-person voting infrastructure. Ohio already saw record-breaking in-person early voting in 2024, and absorbing an additional million voters into that system could increase costs and wait times. A politically risky move? Despite Trumps criticism of mail-in voting, data from the 2024 election suggests the issue may not cut cleanly along party lines. More Republicans than Democrats in Ohio cast absentee ballots by mail last November, the secretary of states data shows. Eliminating that option could risk disenfranchising voters in Trumps own base, particularly older and rural voters who tend to favor mail voting for its convenience and accessibility. The timing of Trumps proposal also overlaps with a critical moment in Ohio, as the state is preparing for a new round of redistricting ahead of the 2026 elections. Ohio is unique in being the only state required to redraw its congressional map in 2025, a legal consequence of the 2022 maps adoption without bipartisan support under redistricting reform laws. Such maps last only four years; the new map will govern congressional elections through 2030 and likely shape the battleground for control of the U.S. House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Ohios constitutional redistricting process, the legislature has until roughly Sept. 30 to pass a congressional map with a threefifths majority, including support from both parties. If that fails, the Ohio Redistricting Commission steps in with only a month to agree. If that also fails, the legislature makes a simplemajority map, but it then lasts only four years. Husted opens six-point lead over Brown in early U.S. Senate poll Restricting mail-in voting during a redistricting cycle could amplify its impact, particularly if newly drawn districts are more competitive. LaRose said in another release that the November 2024 election in Ohio saw several extremely close races, resulting in either a tie or a winner decided by three votes or fewer. In total, 23 local races triggered automatic recounts. Never let anyone tell you a single vote doesnt matter, which is why we continue to make sure it is both easy to vote and hard to cheat in the Buckeye State, said LaRose. By doing our part to protect the vote, we are also protecting your voice to ensure the outcome accurately reflects the will of the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. President Donald Trump is pushing to rename the Defense Department to Department of War and Utah Sen. Mike Lee said hes drafting a bill to make it happen. On multiple occasions Monday, Trump expressed displeasure with the Department of Defense current moniker. While addressing the media from the Oval Office, Trump said the Department of Defense name doesnt sound good to me. It used to be called the Department of War and it had a stronger sound, he said. And, as you know, we won World War I. We won World War II. We won everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now we have a Department of Defense were defenders, he said, with a hint of derision in his voice. During one press gathering Monday, Trump was flanked by Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The president said he was open to changing the agencys name back to what it was when we used to win wars all the time. Its coming soon, sir, replied Hegseth. Trump added that the name Department of Defense just sounded bad. I dont want to be defense only. he said. We want defense but we want offense, tooas Department of War, we won everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also spoke Monday about changing the DODs name during his meeting in the Oval Office with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Between us, I think were going to change the name, he said. President Donald Trump, right, shakes the hand of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Washington. | Alex Brandon, Associated Press The president again referenced winning both world wars under the Department of War moniker. To me, thats really what it is. Defense is a part of that. But I have a feeling were going to be changing it. Im talking to the people. Everybody likes that. We had an unbelievable history of victory when it was Department of War then we changed to the Department of Defense. Trump added that the name change would probably be made over the next week or so. Trumps repeated calls for the Department of War name change Monday was not the first time Trump has touted a Defense Department name change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the conclusion of a June 25 NATO meeting in the Netherlands, Trump introduced Hegseth as secretary of war. Trump said then that the name of the War Department, the precursor to the Defense Department, was visible on the wall of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House, where the agency was once housed. Then we became politically correct and they called it the Secretary of Defense, Trump said. Maybe well have to think about changing it. But we feel that way. The dark clouds of an approaching thunderstorm move over the Old Eisenhower Executive Office Building and the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Washington. | Alex Brandon, Associated Press And in March, Hegseth used his X account to poll followers on their opinions on the emerging Department of Defense or Department of War debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 203,000 people voted with 54% favoring the Department of War. Better name? Have my thoughtswelcome yours. #PeoplesPentagon Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) March 22, 2025 Sen. Lee: Im drafting a bill to restore the Department of War to its original name On his X account @BasedMikeLee on Monday, the Utah senator posted a video of Trump talking about changing the name of the Defense Department. Im drafting a bill to restore the Department of War to its original name the only name that captures the full range of Americas military capabilities, wrote Lee. Im drafting a bill to restore the Department of War to its original namethe only name that captures the full range of Americas military capabilitiespic.twitter.com/n1NjoEwBFZ https://t.co/4DeDDQfp3o Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) August 25, 2025 A name change would likely require an act of Congress. But Trump on Monday said he didnt anticipate that being a hurdle. Were just going to do it, he told reporters. Im sure Congress will go along if we need that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Defense (DOD) is the United States largest government agency, tracing its roots back to pre-Revolutionary times. Operating on a $841+ billion budget, the department employs approximately 3.4 million service members and civilians. The Pentagon, the headquarters for the U.S. Department of Defense, is seen from the air, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in Arlington, Va. | Alex Brandon, Associated Press The DODs mission, according to its website, is to provide the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nations security. The Department of War existed for 158 years, having been established by President George Washington in 1789. It was dissolved in the 1940s, with the different components becoming the Department of the Army and the Department of the Air Force, according to Newsweek. The DOD was then renamed in 1949. That action formally established the structure under which the Army, Navy and Air Force departments operate under a single secretary. President Donald Trump on Tuesday furthered his previous remarks about sending the National Guard to Chicago, sparking a battle with the citys mayor and conversation about the dynamic between state and local law enforcements role when it comes to federal pressure. After touting the success of the National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C., Trump has mentioned hed like to target crime in other cities, too. He has now repeatedly called out Chicago and said in public remarks Monday and Tuesday that troops should be heading to Illinois once theyre done with Washington. Armed National Guard soldiers from West Virginia patrol the Mall near the Labor Department in Washington, where a poster of President Donald Trump is displayed, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. | J. Scott Applewhite The threat has not been well received by state and local leaders in Illinois and sparked conversation about the constitutionality of the potential federal overreach, like the concerns raised earlier this year by California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Political fighting While signing executive orders in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump repeatedly brought up Chicago and the escalating tensions between him and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago, Illinois, is a disaster. I have property there. Its a disaster, Trump said, later adding, I made the statement that next should be Chicago, because, as you all know, Chicago is a killing field right now and they dont acknowledge it. The Washington Post reported over the weekend that the Pentagon has been planning a military deployment to Chicago for weeks. Pritzker said he had not been in touch with the Trump administration regarding their plans and only found out about the weekslong planning from the Posts reporting. Pritzker, a potential Democratic presidential 2028 candidate, has offered a stark warning for Trump about sending troops to Chicago. He warned that if Trump did send the National Guard to Chicago, the state would press on in a legal battle. What President Trump is doing is unprecedented and unwarranted. It is illegal, it is unconstitutional. It is un-American, Pritzker said Monday in a press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump wants to use the military to occupy a U.S. city, punish his dissidents and score political points. If this were happening in any other country, we should have no trouble calling it what it is, a dangerous power grab, he continued. Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also railed against Trumps proposal. Johnson argued theres better ways for the president to drive down crime in major cities. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks during a news conference at River Point Park, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Chicago. | Nam Y. Huh The last thing Chicagoans want is someone from the outside of our city, who doesnt know our city, trying to dictate and tell us what our city needs, he said. As the mayor of this city, I can tell you that Chicagoans are not calling for military occupation. Johnson, a first-term mayor, appeared on MSNBC on Tuesday and highlighted the citys successful efforts to reduce crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were working hard every single day to drive violence down in the city of Chicago. Since Ive been in office, theres been a precipitous decline in violent crime in every single category, he said. Just this year alone, we have a 32% reduction in homicides. Johnson argued that no mayor is specifically requesting that federal troops be deployed to reduce crime. He suggested that Trump could instead be in communication with city and state leaders to find out where the federal government could help. If this president was actually serious about driving violence down in the city of Chicago and American cities across this country, he would work with mayors to make sure that we have the necessary investments to continue to do the work that we have been doing, Johnson said. Trump addressed Pritzker and Johnsons resistance to a potential deployment during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He should be calling me and he should be saying Could you send over the troops, please? Its out of control, he said. Ramifications If Trump were to send the National Guard to Chicago, it would spark a legal battle over state rights. Earlier this year, when Trump deployed troops to Los Angeles during anti-immigration enforcement protests, he did so by declaring there was an emergency need to protect the federal buildings in the area. California National Guard are positioned at the Federal Building on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in downtown Los Angeles. | Eric Thayer While he has successfully deployed troops in Washington over the last several weeks, he did so under the District of Columbias Home Rule Act, which gives the president specific powers over the city. Armed National Guard soldiers from West Virginia patrol the Mall near the Capitol in Washington, as part of President Donald Trump's order to impose federal law enforcement in the nation's capital, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. | J. Scott Applewhite In Chicago, or any other city, it would be a different story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom pushed back hard against Trumps overreach, since it was the first time a president had deployed federal troops without the state requesting their presence. Without a clear emergency reason to send troops to Chicago, Trump would be openly defying Pritzker and plunging himself into a legal battle with one of the countrys largest Democratic-run cities. If Trump overrode Pritzker and sent troops to Chicago, it would be limited to protecting federal assets and employees. If the president wanted the forces to be able to do more, he could evoke the Insurrection Act of 1807, which allows Trump to use the troops to tame unrest, Axios reported. However, Elizabeth Goitein, an expert on presidential emergency powers and senior director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, noted that the type of crime that Trump has referenced in Chicago, including violent street crime, is overwhelmingly a matter of state and local, not federal, law. Meaning, even if Trump invoked the Insurrection Act, the troops could only execute the law in situations involving federal laws or state laws that are civil rights laws. Goitein also noted it would be an unprecedented move for Trump to ask other states to send their National Guard to Illinois and he would need to federalize them in order to do so. While it remains unclear whether Trump will actually deploy troops to Chicago, or the other Democratic-led cities hes mentioned, the issue could spiral into something more. Goitein argued it would be an unprecedented abuse of power that would violate states rights. As wildfires swept through suburban Los Angeles in January, California Governor Gavin Newsom had to battle more than just the flames. A torrent of misinformation spread online, and Newsoms office quickly recognized that pushing back on that was an important part of tackling the crisis at a grave moment for the state. Rather than ignoring misinformation, they sought to fight it head-on, whether on social media, in TV interviews and podcasts, or through other media. Their mission was to seize control of the narrative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person stoking the metaphorical fire of misinformation was none other than President Donald Trump, who at one point wrote on Truth Social: Governor Gavin Newscum refused to sign the water restoration declaration put before him that would have allowed millions of gallons of water, from excess rain and snow melt from the North, to flow daily into many parts of California, including the areas that are currently burning in a virtually apocalyptic way. This was not true. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has become troll-in-chief, punching back at President Donald Trump and other MAGA figures (Getty Images) Newsoms office wrote on X: There is no such document as the water restoration declaration that is pure fiction. The Governor is focused on protecting people, not playing politics, and making sure firefighters have all the resources they need. This pushback, in its various forms, is the origin of Newsoms current role as Americas leading internet troll. Not just countering misinformation emanating from the White House, but going on the attack and bullying the bully as Molly Jong-Fast describes it in Vanity Fair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsoms viral trolling of the president has even extended to merchandise that mocks the traditional MAGA movement aesthetic. An online store, The Patriot Shop, sells red hats emblazoned with REAL PATRIOT and a tank top with the words TRUMP IS NOT HOT in bold red type. Last week, the president appeared wearing a red hat that said, Trump was right about everything! and told reporters, I know Gavin very well. Hes an incompetent guy with a good line of bull***t. Newsom countered by selling his own red hat, which stated, Newsom was right about everything! Newsom launched 'The Patriot Shop,' which mockingly offers MAGA-red hats and $100 Holy Bibles (The Patriot Shop) The governors trolling attacks come as he responds to Texas' plan to redraw its congressional voting districts, which would eliminate five Democratic seats in favor of Republican-leaning ones. Newsom is moving ahead with a measure to do the reverse in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In leading that fight, Newsom has very quickly become the most visible Democrat on the national stage, eclipsing leaders in the House and Senate and building a firm foundation with voters should his ambitions extend to the 2028 presidential race. In national polling averages, he ranks alongside former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg as a possible Democratic nominee. While Newsoms trolling has generated headlines and captured the publics attention, there is some dispute about whether it is an effective strategy for winning over voters. Is being Trumpier than Trump the way forward for Democrats? Conservative lawyer and Trump foe George Conway said of Newsoms media strategy to Jong-Fast: This is basically what the Democrats should have been doing to Trump for the past nine years. Dont get me wrong, I love it. But its a little late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Democratic strategist Lis Smith said, Its unquestionably been effective trolling, but Democrats cant just be the anti-Trump party. Voters know what were againstthe challenge is showing them what were for. Punchy attacks on Trump have pushed Newsom to the forefront of the national stage in the Democratic Party. Is it time to Make America Gavin Again? (Getty Images) David Axelrod observed: As you know, a lot of Democrats have been deeply frustrated by what they see as a weak and feckless response to Trumps bellicosity and audacious power grabs. The redistricting battle has given Newsom a tangible platform a way to do something and he believes that the gleeful trolling will give some primal satisfaction to a base tired of Trumps unremitting nastiness. He adds: But the question is, come 28, will people be looking for an alternative to that or a guy who can match Trump cheeky post for cheeky post? The governor has also extended his trolling on X to other figures in the MAGA movement, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, correcting their statements and countering their attacks on his state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Newsom is claiming the mantle of the Democrat who can fight fire with fire and punch back against Trump, as he told Jong-Fast, he is also showing that he can do it on multiple fronts. That may be seen as an attractive prospect by voters, who might decide that its time to Make America Gavin Again as one promotion for the governors online merchandise store proclaimed. President Trump continues to let America know that he has no issue with being considered a dictator. In fact, hes embracing it. Trump spent much of his Tuesday Cabinet meeting touting his federal takeover of D.C. and lashing out at Democratic governors like Marylands Wes Moore and Californias Gavin Newsom for what he thinks is rampant crime in their major cities. [Wes Moore] goes on television and says, Oh, Trump is a dictator. So the line is that Im a dictator. But I stop crime. So a lotta people say You know, if thats the case then Id rather have a dictator, Trump said in the meeting while his Cabinet members chuckled. But Im not a dictator, I just know how to stop crime. Trump: "The line is that I'm a dictator, but I stop crime. So a lot of people say, 'You know, if that's the case, I'd rather have a dictator.'" pic.twitter.com/YZlFDZs9lq Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 26, 2025 This comes just 24 hours after he claimed that the American people actually do want a dictator while speaking on his proposal to send National Guard troops to Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lot of people are saying, Maybe wed like a dictator, Trump said on Monday. I dont like a dictator, Im not a dictator, he quickly added. Im a man with great common sense, and Im a smart person. Trump: "A lot of people are saying maybe we'd like a dictator." pic.twitter.com/2EpLkOaPZl Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 25, 2025 Trump is certainly flirting with dictatorship. He has set the National Guard loose on D.C. and L.A., criminalized flag burning, attacked his political enemies relentlessly, and consistently alluded to an unconstitutional third term for himself. He might as well just admit the obvious at this point: He certainly wants to be a dictator, and hes not that far off from it. Aug. 25 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said Monday he is considering renaming the Defense Department to the Department of War "over the next week or so." Trump revealed his plan during a White House visit by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, as the topic turned to the recent deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. "Pete Hegseth has been incredible with the, as I call it, the Department of War," Trump told reporters. "You know, we call it the Department of Defense, but between us, I think we're going to change the name. You want to know the truth? I think we're going to have some information on that maybe soon." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Probably that change will be made over the next week or so," he added. Trump met for the first time Monday with Lee, as both leaders pledged cooperation in trade and defense between the two countries, while speaking to reporters on several occasions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth looks on as President Donald Trump speaks about plans to restore the Defense Department's name to the Department of War for the first time since the 1940s. Trump said, "We want defense, but we want offense, too." Photo by Al Drago/UPI "Department of Defense, I don't want to be defense only," Trump explained. "We want defense, but we want offense, too." "It used to be called the Department of War and it had a stronger sound," the president added. "And as you know, we won World War I. We won World War II. We won everything." Trump has called Hegseth "Secretary of War" on several occasions and has vowed to restore the department's "warrior ethos." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of War was used from 1789 to 1947, but the name was changed to the Department of Defense as a result of the National Security Act of 1947, which was approved by Congress. It is unclear whether the president would be allowed to change the department's name back to the Department of War, without congressional approval. "We won World War I, World War II, and it was called the Department of War. And to me, that's really what it is," Trump said. "Everybody likes that we had an unbelievable history of victory when it was Department of War before we changed it to Department of Defense." WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump seemingly caught his loyal conservative base off-guard and sparked backlash by saying he would allow 600,000 Chinese students into American universities. That would be a departure for the Donald Trump administration after it added new vetting for student visas, moved to block foreign enrollment at Harvard and expanded the grounds for terminating international students ability to study in the United States. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has singled out China, the second highest source of international students in the U.S., saying in May that the State Department would revoke visas for students tied to the Chinese Communist Party and boost vetting of new applicants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's announcement Monday adds to the confusion about the administration's restrictive visa policies and its approach to China as the superpowers tussle over trade and intensifying tech competition. It also marks another divide with figures in Trump's Make America Great Again base, who tout an America First agenda and had contested the U.S. inserting itself in the recent Israel-Iran war. Some of Trump's most ardent supporters from U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to former adviser Steve Bannon and far-right activist Laura Loomer rejected the idea of welcoming more Chinese students. Its not immediately clear why the figure Trump cited was so high more than twice the number of Chinese students enrolled in the 2023-2024 school year. The total also has been falling in the past few years. The White House and State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Here's what to know about Trump's announcement and the reaction: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What did Trump say about Chinese students? During a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump was asked by reporters if he would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Xi would like me to come to China. Its a very important relationship. As you know, we are taking a lot of money in from China because of the tariffs and different things, he said. I hear so many stories about We are not going to allow their students, but we are going to allow their students to come in. We are going to allow it. Its very important 600,000 students. Trump doubled down at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, sitting next to Rubio, where he said he was honored to have Chinese students in the U.S. and said they help colleges stay afloat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I told this to President Xi that were honored to have their students here," Trump said. Now, with that, we check and were careful, we see who is there. The Chinese Foreign Ministry also said that Trump told Xi in a June phone call that the U.S. loves to have Chinese students coming to study in America. It was a shift after the State Department announced in late May that it would aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections with the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields." How many Chinese students come to the US? After decades of growth, the number of Chinese students in the U.S. peaked at 372,532 in the 2019-2020 academic year, just as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. The number slipped to 289,526 in 2022 and further dipped to 277,398 in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the past year, several U.S. universities, including the University of Michigan, have ended their joint partnerships with Chinese universities after Republicans raised concerns that U.S. dollars have contributed to Chinas tech advancement and military modernization. Experts say the number of students is likely to fall further because of tense U.S.-China relations and Chinas declining population. Theres growing bipartisan consensus that U.S. schools should not help train Beijing's top talent in critical fields such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence and aerospace technology. Kurt Campbell, deputy secretary of state in the Biden administration, has said he would like to see Chinese students coming to the U.S. to study humanities and social sciences, not particle physics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his first term, Trump banned Chinese graduate students who had attended schools with Chinese military ties. How are Trump's supporters reacting? Bannon, one of Trump's former advisers, criticized the announcement Tuesday, saying there should be no foreign students here for the moment." Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was asked Monday on Fox News The Ingraham Angle how such a shift would be consistent with Trumps America First push. Lutnick argued that Trump was taking a rational economic view and asserted that 15% of American universities and colleges would go out of business without those foreign students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just dont understand it for the life of me. Those are 600,000 spots that American kids wont get, host Laura Ingraham said. At Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, Trump said international students are helping keep some U.S. schools afloat. And you know what would happen if they didnt (come)? Our college system would go to hell very quickly and it wouldnt be the top colleges. It would be colleges that struggle on the bottom, Trump said. An analysis by NAFSA, an association of international educators, found that international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities contributed $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 378,175 jobs during the 2023-2024 academic year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene, the Republican congresswoman from Georgia, raised questions. If refusing to allow these Chinese students to attend our schools causes 15% of them to fail then these schools should fail anyways because they are being propped up by the CCP, Greene said, referring to the Chinese Communist Party. What is China saying about student visa restrictions? The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment. The foreign ministry has called out the U.S. for what it says is discriminatory, politically driven and selective law enforcement against Chinese students arriving in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mao Ning, a ministry spokesperson, said Friday that students have been treated unfairly and subjected to extended interrogations. Mao said some students had their visas revoked and were banned from entering the country after they were told they might endanger national security. The U.S.s moves severely violate the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals, impede the flow of people between the two countries and dampen China-U.S. people-to-people exchanges, she said. The embassy issued an advisory Monday urging Chinese students not to enter the U.S. through Houstons George Bush Intercontinental Airport, alleging several students were harassed and interrogated by customs officials. The embassy said at least one student was detained for more than 80 hours before being sent back to China. ___ This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of the commerce secretarys last name to Lutnick, instead of Lutnik. President Donald Trump said that his administration will seek the death penalty in all murder cases in Washington, DC, a move that could run into significant obstacles with city juries. Anybody murders something in the capital, capital punishment. Capital, capital punishment. If somebody kills somebody in the capital, Washington, DC, were going to be seeking the death penalty, the president said during a meeting with Cabinet members Tuesday. The president did not immediately outline any specifics, but called capital punishment a very strong preventative measure. States, he said, are going to have to make their own decision, though in the nations capital, prosecutors would seek the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have no choice, he said. Traditionally, the DC Superior Court handles the bulk of murder cases in the city, and it would be bound by the city code that does not authorize capital punishment. However, the US attorneys office in DC, which prosecutes crimes in both the local and federal court in the city unlike any other jurisdiction in the country could bring federal charges in many capital-eligible cases and seek the death penalty. We will use all legal sanctions and sentences called for by law, US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said at a press conference on Tuesday, when asked about her office seeking capital punishment in DC cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Actually getting a death sentence, though, might not be so easy, as prosecutors would have to convince jurors to sign off. Historically, prosecutors have faced challenges in convincing special juries to impose capital punishment in DC, even if they vote unanimously to convict the defendants, multiple people in Washingtons legal community have told CNN in recent weeks. Its going to be difficult to find 12 people in DC who are going to do that, said Jon Jeffress, a former federal public defender-turned-private defense lawyer in the city. The federal court in the District of Columbia hasnt held a death penalty trial since 2003, when Rodney L. Moore was convicted of 10 killings and Kevin L. Gray was convicted of 19 killings, according to multiple people familiar with the court and that case. In that case, the jurors said they couldnt agree unanimously on death sentences for the two men rather than life imprisonment, court records show. Asked about the unwillingness of juries in the past to approve the death penalty in DC cases, Pirro said: Were going to follow the law, the deliberative process, present the evidence whether DC is inclined to do it or not, its not a political issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is an issue thats sanctioned by the law, and gives us the power to do that. If not us, then who? she added. In recent months, the Justice Department has indicated in at least three cases in DCs federal court that it may seek the death penalty, according to court records. One of those cases is against Elias Rodriguez, who is accused of shooting two Israeli embassy staff members leaving a Jewish community event in May. The Department of Justice is also actively considering seeking the death penalty in DC District Court for two Mexican nationals who were charged in 2008 in a gang case and recently brought to the US, and for two young men who were indicted for a 2023 carjacking, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes at a time where the federal death row is down to three, after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of about three dozen federal inmates who had been sentenced to death. Trump has vowed since the first day of this administration to restore the use of capital punishment in the US, directing the attorney general to pursue the death penalty for crimes wherever possible. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Trump said on Truth Social that he was removing Fed Governor Lisa Cook. The president previously called on Cook to resign. She said she's not stepping down. Cook's lawyer said the president had "no authority" to fire her, and they would take legal action. President Donald Trump said he would remove a key official at the Federal Reserve after months of publicly attacking its chair, Jerome Powell. Trump said in a letter posted to Truth Social on Monday evening that he was removing Fed Governor Lisa Cook, citing recent allegations made against her by Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook responded that the president had no authority to fire her, and her lawyer said they would file a lawsuit to prevent him. Fed Governor Lisa Cook SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images Trump's attempt to fire Cook comes after he attacked Powell in recent months to pressure him to cut interest rates, calling him "too late" and a "very dumb, hardheaded person" on Truth Social. Markets reacted immediately as investors questioned the Fed's independence. The US Dollar Index fell as much as 0.4% before recovering to trade 0.1% lower. Benchmark 10-year Treasurys were also lower. Haven assets rose as investors rushed to safety. Gold was 0.4% higher at around $3,378 per ounce, and the Japanese yen was little changed after earlier gains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook's attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement that they would file a lawsuit challenging the attempted removal. "President Trump has no authority to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. His attempt to fire her, based solely on a referral letter, lacks any factual or legal basis," he said. Cook said in an earlier statement that Trump "purported to fire me 'for cause' when no cause exists under the law, and he has no authority to do so." Pulte, in a letter to the attorney general posted on X last week, accused Cook of making at least one false statement on mortgage agreements by having mortgages on two properties in two different states and describing both as her primary residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Pursuant to my authority under Article II of the Constitution of the United States and the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, as amended, you are hereby removed from your position on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, effective immediately," Trump's letter, posted to Truth Social, reads. Cook, a Joe Biden appointee, became the first Black woman to sit on the Fed board in 2022. She was previously a professor at Michigan State University. Supreme Court collision course Trump's attempt to try to fire Cook puts him on a collision course with the Supreme Court, which has so far given him the green light to fire members of independent agencies. A president can only remove a Federal Reserve governor for cause. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court allowed Trump to temporarily remove members of the National Labor Relations Board and the Merit Systems Protection Board while further litigation played out over whether presidents have the power to remove them without cause. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one of those opinions, the conservative majority said the removals would not "implicate the constitutionality of for-cause removal protections" for Federal Reserve members because of the agency's "distinct historical tradition." "The Federal Reserve is a uniquely structured, quasi-private entity that follows in the distinct historical tradition of the First and Second Banks of the United States," the unsigned opinion said. The Fed is scheduled to meet in less than a month. Its rate-setting Open Markets Committee has provisions to allow for alternate voters when a governor or a member of the panel misses a vote. It remains unclear how the Fed will proceed. Last week, Powell said that the Fed would always make rate-setting decisions solely based on the judgment of the needs of the broader economy to balance inflation and unemployment a once perfunctory message that has taken on renewed relevance amid Trump's frequent efforts to cajole the Fed into cutting rates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "FOMC members will make these decisions, based solely on their assessment of the data and its implications for the economic outlook and the balance of risks," Powell said during his closely-watched speech during an economic policy summit in Jackson Hole. 'We will never deviate from that approach." The White House and the Federal Reserve did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. Correction: August 25, 2025 This story was corrected to include the correct spelling of Bill Pulte's last name. It is Pulte, not Plute. Read the original article on Business Insider President Donald Trump has heard concerns that he behaves like a dictator. On Tuesday, he questioned whether thats such a bad thing. During a Cabinet meeting in the White House, Trump described criticisms of his decision to deploy the National Guard in Washington, D.C. So the line is that Im a dictator, but I stop crime, he said. So, a lot of people say, you know, If thats the case, Id rather have a dictator. But Im not a dictator. I just had to stop crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was the second time in as many days that Trump invoked the term. And they say, we dont need him, freedom, freedom, hes a dictator, hes a dictator. A lot of people are saying maybe we like a dictator, he said Monday, while signing an executive order directing agencies to prosecute anybody who burns an American flag. I dont like a dictator. Im not a dictator. Im a man with great common sense, and Im a smart person. Speaking on Tuesday, the president criticized Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, arguing that violent crime in Chicago was out of control and most people believe that if [Trump] can stop crime, he can be whatever he wants. Trump has repeatedly threatened to deploy other states National Guard in response to supposed crime problems in major American cities. While badmouthing Pritzker, he said hed hoped for a little gratitude from the governor after Trump suggested deploying the military on the streets of Chicago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would have much more respect for Pritzker if he called me up and said, I have a problem. Can you help me fix it? he said. It would be nice if theyd call. Pritzker has repeatedly rejected any federal intervention in Chicago. There is a law on the books, confirmed by the Constitution, called posse comitatus, Pritzker told reporters earlier this month. It means that the federal government does not have the right to send soldiers into American citiesfor any purpose. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. On Tuesday, Trump said that he has the right to do anything [he wants] to do to fight crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im the president of the United States. If I think our country is in danger, and it is in danger in these cities, I can [deploy troops], he said. Trump: "The line is that I'm a dictator, but I stop crime. So a lot of people say, 'You know, if that's the case, I'd rather have a dictator.'" pic.twitter.com/YZlFDZs9lq Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 26, 2025 The post Trump says most people would rather have a dictator in the Oval Office appeared first on Salon.com. US President Donald Trump has said that he discussed nuclear disarmament during talks with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. According to Trump, Putin "is willing to do it" and China "will follow suit". Source: Trump speaking to reporters at the White House, as reported by CNN Details: Trump said that nuclear disarmament is one of the key areas of his talks with Putin. Quote: "One of the things were trying to do with Russia and with China is denuclearisation, and its very important one of the things I discussed with President Putin there, it wasnt just that, it was also other things and I think the denuclearisation is a very, its a big game. But Russia is willing to do it, and I think China is going to be willing to do it. We cant let nuclear weapons proliferate. We have to stop nuclear weapons." [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president ed.] Background: On 1 August, Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and now Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, reacted to Trump's warning that he would sanction Russia if it did not end its war in Ukraine. Medvedev wrote on social media that Trump was "playing the ultimatum game with Russia". Medvedev also claimed that "each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war" between Russia and the US. In response, Trump announced that he had ordered two nuclear submarines to be moved to "the appropriate regions" in case Medvedev's provocative remarks turned out to be more than mere words. The US leader then said that the submarines were already closer to Russia. Afterwards, in a social media post, Medvedev mentioned the Dead Hand, the Soviet automatic nuclear strike system, and also called on Trump to "remember his favourite movies about the walking dead". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Donald Trump has ramped up his National Guard tactics in Washington, D.C., after saying he will send the troops into other cities. First up, Trump says, would be Chicago, Illinois. Trump has long criticized Chicago, the fourth-most populous city in the U.S. He has painted it as a violent place and said on multiple occasions the city is "worse than Afghanistan." Chicago violent crime is down 22% compared to the same period as last year. That mirrors a July report from the Council on Criminal Justice that shows most crime categories have also fallen in other cities around the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump insists Chicago is a "disaster" and a "killing field" that could use the National Guard, even as local leaders criticize the idea. Here is what to know: More: Trump wants to make criminal suspects pay cash bail. This state eliminated it altogether. Is Trump sending troops to Chicago, Illinois? Trump has not yet mobilized the National Guard in Chicago, though he has threatened to. Chicago's a mess," Trump said on Aug. 22. "You have an incompetent mayor. Grossly incompetent. We'll straighten that one out probably next. That'll be our next one after this, he said, referencing D.C.'s federal takeover. But asked again on Monday, Aug. 25, he acknowledged that Chicago leadership would not welcome the move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I was telling some of the people that, in a certain way, you really want to be asked to go," he said. "You know? I hate to barge in on a city and then be treated horribly by corrupt politicians and bad politicians. Like a guy like (J.B. Pritzker) ... Guy is a disaster." 'I'm not a dictator': Trump mocks Chicago's response to National Guard threat, criticizes Pritzker A Chicago police car sits in traffic outside of Trump International Hotel and Tower as U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that the U.S. military might deploy to Chicago, Illinois, U.S., August 25, 2025. Who is Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker? J.B. Pritzker was elected to the Illinois governor's office in 2018. An heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune, he is one of the wealthiest politicians in office in the U.S., according to Forbes. He has long been an outspoken critic of Trump, and has said the president's threats to send the national guard to Chicago are his attempt to "manufacture a crisis." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The safety of the people of Illinois is always my top priority," Pritzker said in an Aug. 23 news release. "There is no emergency that warrants the President of the United States federalizing the Illinois National Guard, deploying the National Guard from other states, or sending active duty military within our own borders." Trump takes aim at Pritzker in Oval Office comments Trump called Chicago a "disaster" and a "killing field" in the Oval Office on Aug. 25. He also mocked Pritzker for saying that sending the National Guard would be "an authoritarian power grab." When I have some slob like Pritzker criticizing us before we even go there I made the statement that next should be Chicago because Chicago is a killing field right now and they dont acknowledge it and they say we dont need them, freedom, freedom, freedom, hes a dictator. Hes a dictator. A lot of people are saying maybe wed like a dictator, Trump said Monday. I dont like a dictator. Im not a dictator. Im a man with great common sense and a smart person. Why did Trump deploy the National Guard in DC? Trump said he was taking over Washington, D.C., to address crime and homelessness, despite the fact that violent crime is down 26% in 2025 compared with last year. He deployed hundreds of National Guard troops and also moved to put the Metropolitan Police Department under control of the Department of Justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump does have special authority to deploy the National Guard in D.C., and he did so in 2020 as well. "We're not going to lose our cities over this. This will go further. We're starting very strongly with D.C.," Trump said, adding that he may set his sights on other cities in the future. The move drew harsh criticism from Democrats across the country. "Violent crime in D.C. is at its lowest level in 30 years. We had an unacceptable spike in 2023, so we changed our laws and strategies," Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a televised community meeting on Aug. 12. "Now, crime levels are not only down from 2023, but from before the pandemic. Our tactics are working, and we arent taking our foot off the gas." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 25, Trump also signed an executive order aimed at using the National Guard to support law enforcement. Contributing: Steven Spearie, Hannah Hudnall, Francesca Chambers, Phillip M. Bailey, Zac Anderson, USA TODAY Network Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@gannett.com. Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @kinseycrowley.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump, Pritzker fight over Chicago. Will troops be deployed? President Trump on Monday signed a proclamation to mark the fourth anniversary of the bombing at Abbey Gate that killed 13 U.S. service members during the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan. Trump met in the Oval Office with family members of some of the service members who were killed during the bombing, which the president used throughout the 2024 campaign to attack the Biden administration and accuse then-President Biden of showing a lack of compassion. There are some great souls that are looking down on you right now, and theyre very proud of their parents, and brothers, and sisters, and moms and dads especially. Thats what I seem to have dealt with mostly, Trump said before signing the proclamation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the media, I want to thank you because youve been very respectful of this group of people, and they deserve it, Trump added. They went through hell for no reason. It should have never happened. The proclamation itself calls out Biden by name multiple times and describes the Biden administrations chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan as the single most embarrassing display of American foreign policy in the history of our country. As our Nation solemnly marks 4 years since the attack at Abbey Gate, we honor the memory of the 13 brave souls and every military service member to ever die in the line of duty and we renew our resolve to protect American lives, defend American interests, and uphold American sovereignty, the proclamation states. Trump and his campaign in 2024 repeatedly attacked Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris over the Afghanistan withdrawal, and the Abbey Gate bombing in particular. Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery last year as a candidate to mark the three-year anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal. That visit was later eclipsed by controversy after Trump staffers clashed with cemetery officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Biden officials long argued that the Trump administration left them with an untenable situation and that Biden made the decision to end a war that other presidents had let drag on. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Tuesday was a deja vu day for PresidentDonald Trump as he suggested for the second day in a row that theAmerican people might want a dictator to lead the country. It happened during a Cabinet meeting when Trump got angry at Democratic governors like Marylands Wes Moore and JB Pritzker of Illinois, who arent happy hes threatening to send the military into their states cities. Trump seemed especially miffed at Moore, mainly because the governor clapped back after the president claimedMoore called him the greatest president of my lifetime during a brief meeting last December. On Monday, Moore said,Keep telling yourself that, Mr. President on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That caused the notoriously thin-skinned leader of the free world to gripe to reporters about Moore before going down the authoritarian path. Trump claimed that Moore told him, Sir, youre doing a great job. Youre doing an unbelievable job. Thank you very much, and then went on TV to declare that Trump is a dictator. Related: Trump Foes Like Fed Governor Lisa Cook Find Themselves Targeted By Top Housing Regulator Trump took that moment to suggest without evidence, of course that maybe having a dictator in the nations highest office aint such a bad thing. So the line is that Im a dictator, but I stop crime, Trump said. So a lot of people say, you know, If thats the case, Id rather have a dictator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump then insisted hes not a dictator, adding, I just had to stop crime. And you would think that Illinois would have such a problem with crime, such a bad governor. He should be calling me, and he should be saying, Could you send over the troops, please? Trump on being called a dictator: Most people are saying if he stops crime, he can be whatever he wants pic.twitter.com/SoboKmYQhs Acyn (@Acyn) August 26, 2025 Trumps comments on Tuesday mark the second day in a row that he has floated the notion that many Americanswould prefer to have a dictator leading the nation. On Monday, he brought up the dictator idea during a press conference where he griped about the reaction to his ongoing threats of deploying troops on U.S. soil. A lot of people are saying, Maybe wed like a dictator, Trump said, while insisting that hes not a dictator, but a man with great common sense. Related: Joe Rogan Turns On Trump To Shut Down His Signature Claim Many people on social media feared that Trumps comments were a trial balloon for how he really wants to run the country. No, most people prefer not to be under dictatorial rule. The Dr. - s Educated Women (@gatesisthedevil) August 26, 2025 Trump isnt hiding it anymore. Hes pitching dictatorship as a deal. Give up democracy, Ill stop crime. Thats not law and order thats tyranny in plain sight. AnatolijUkraine (@AnatoliUkraine) August 26, 2025 "The line is that I'm a dictator, but I stop crime. So a lot of people say, if that's the case, then I'd rather have a dictator. - Trump You are all frogs in a boiling pot. pic.twitter.com/kJmSjmndFB Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) August 26, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So our take is simple: this is the mask off moment. Trump isnt even hiding it anymore. Hes telling the country the plan is dictatorship, wrapped in law-and-order branding. If people shrug this off, it signals permission for the authoritarian slide to accelerate before 2026. Boss Global Radio (@BossGlobalRadio) August 26, 2025 The dictator-for-a-day sales pitch is back, this time with a 'law and order' discount. Its a classic authoritarian bargain: trade your rights for a feeling of safety, buyer's remorse guaranteed. While Trump floats this trial balloon, his admin is already acting. On Aug 25, he White House Xray (@xray_media) August 26, 2025 Who are these people that say this? Are they the voices in his rotting head? Kay F*CK PUTIN (@katelykeanon) August 26, 2025 He's not stopping crime; he's staging a coup on democracy, one photo op at a time. pic.twitter.com/5nfGgk8A7J Siegien (@margaretsiegien) August 26, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The litmus test for dictatorship isnt whether crime goes down. Its whether power is centralized, militarized, and unaccountable. SleuthyFella (@SleuthyFella) August 26, 2025 He's getting it confused - he doesn't understand which one he is. pic.twitter.com/CuVmj3MKtf The Great Gig in the Sky (@thegreatgig8) August 26, 2025 Related... Read the original on HuffPost President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday directing sweeping federal interventions to combat what the White House calls a crime emergency in Washington, D.C. The order instructs the National Park Service to increase the number of Park Police officers to enhance public safety in Washington, D.C. Additionally, it directs the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia to bring on more prosecutors who will concentrate on tackling violent and property crimes. The measures represent Trumps latest escalation in his promise to take over the horribly run capital of our nation, Washington, D.C., and clean it up, renovate it, and rebuild our capital city so that it is no longer a nightmare of murder and crime, but rather it will become the most beautiful capital anywhere in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order creates an online portal for recruiting experienced law enforcement personnel to federal agencies operating in D.C. It also directs the Defense Secretary to establish a specialized D.C. National Guard unit trained for civil disturbances. Trumps administration cited recent violence, including the May murders of two embassy staffers and Junes fatal shooting of a Congressional intern near the White House. The White House noted that a Trump administration staffer was mercilessly beaten by a violent mob weeks ago. According to the White House, Washingtons 2024 murder rate of 27.54 per 100,000 residents exceeds rates in Bogota, Mexico City, and Islamabad. The order instructs Housing and Urban Development officials to investigate crime prevention compliance at D.C. public housing. Transportation officials must inspect federally funded transit services for safety violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Attorney General will request modifications to Metropolitan Police Department procedures from the D.C. mayor to address public safety concerns. Trump established a D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force in March to restore order through increased law enforcement. The White House claims recent interventions, including National Guard mobilization, have reduced robbery by 46% and carjacking by 83%. Just like I took care of the Border, where you had ZERO Illegals coming across last month, from millions the year before, I will take care of our cherished Capital, and we will make it, truly, GREAT AGAIN! Trump stated. The President previously described Washington as suffering from the filth and the decay during his first return visit since leaving office in 2021. WASHINGTON (WGN) President Donald Trump took action Monday, targeting cities and states, including Illinois, that have eliminated cash bail. Illinois became the first state to fully implement the Pretrial Fairness Act, which ended money bonds. President Donald Trump on Monday signed a series of executive orders aimed at further cracking down on crime, however, including one order targeting cashless bail policies. Trumps move comes amid threats of pulled federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They kill people and get out. Cashless bail. They thought it was discriminatory to make people put up money, Trump said Monday, putting pen to paper on the topic of cashless bail. We are starting by ending it in Washington, D.C., which we have the right to do through federalization. The action calls on Attorney General Pam Bondi to draw up a list within 30 days of other jurisdictions with cashless bail policies. They have a great cashless bail, you dont even have to go to court sometimes, Trump remarked. Trump signs orders targeting flag burning While not true, Illinois Republicans say the elimination of monetary bail is a slap in the face for victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois State Rep. Patrick Sheehan (R-Homer Glen), who has also worked as a police officer for the better part of two decades, said there have been instances where people accused of violent crimes evade jail time. The failures of cashless bail, the catch-and-release policies, and the lack of judicial control have left nothing but victims in its wake, Sheehan said. They can be released, and they get put on ankle monitoring, and sometimes released to the comfort of their own home. Proponents of the Pretrial Fairness Act see cash bail as a penalty on poverty, where the wealthy can pay their way out of jail. We put forth a system prioritizing public safety over your financial needs and your bank account, and we are seeing positive results, said Illinois State Rep. Justin Slaughter (D-Chicago). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump executive order could bring National Guard troops to Chicago; City and state leaders speak out The president has no interest in giving working people safety. What he has an interest in is playing political games and flirting with authoritarianism, said Illinois State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago). It has nothing to do with safety Chicago doesnt even crack the top 20 in violent crime. The bill sponsors, along with multiple impact studies, show no significant relationship between bail reform and crime rates. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Monday that 13 of the top 20 cities ranked in terms of homicide rates have Republican governors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ed Yohnka, with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), suggests Trumps executive orders will lead to a showdown in court. The President of the United States cannot commandeer state and local policies by threatening to cut off funds and abandon federal responsibility, Yohnka said. It simply does not work. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. CHICAGO (AP) President Donald Trump's threats to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago sent ripples through America's third-largest city as many residents defended their home against Trump's escalating rhetoric toward its violent crime, including claims it is a killing field. The threat of federal troops stirred a mix of fear, frustration and defiance for residents as they pointed to historic drops in violent crime. Groups constantly pressing for police reform said sending troops who lack training in de-escalating violence or any knowledge about the nuances of neighborhoods still grappling with violent crime would undo progress made in recent years. The sentiment was echoed by people going about their day commuters heading to work, cyclists weaving through traffic, and friends pausing to take photos along Michigan Avenue who said the presence of troops would only heighten tensions, not ease them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a direct affront to the progress our communities have made, said Bradly Johnson, who leads BUILD Chicago. The anti-violence organization focuses its efforts on neighborhoods on the citys West Side that have seen persistent crime, even as rates overall have fallen. Its not a war zone," Johnson said. "Theyre vibrant resilient communities where young people deserve opportunities and not intimidation. Trump has focused on Chicago On Tuesday, Trump called Chicago a hell hole and repeated that Chicagoans are asking Trump to come in to reduce crime in the city. The statements echoed comments earlier this month when Trump indicated Chicago may be next for a federal crackdown, claiming Chicago is a mess and residents are screaming for us to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has long singled out Chicago, making it a recurring theme on the campaign trail in both 2016 and 2024. He has drawn controversial comparisons between the city and war zones like Afghanistan, and in 2017, he vowed to send in the feds in response to gun violence. But data paints a more nuanced picture of crime one that varies dramatically block by block and that has seen recent progress. Violent crime in Chicago dropped significantly in the first half of the year, representing the steepest decline in over a decade, according to city data. Shootings are down 37%, and homicides have dropped by 32%, while total violence crime dropped by over 22%. The empirical data is very clear that the Chicago trend is extremely positive, said John Roman, who directs the Center on Public Safety and Justice at the University of Chicago. ... Chicago is doing better than the rest of the country on a lot of really important measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the city's most ardent defenders acknowledge gun violence still plagues parts of the city in recent years, particularly in warmer months. Chicago saw about 570 homicides in 2024, according to city data. Shooting lethality the rate at which shooting victims die from being shot has increased in recent years, as has the number of high-capacity magazines recovered by Chicago police at shooting scenes, according to the University of Chicago Crime Lab. Crime in Chicago represents persistent, localized challenges, said Kimberley Smith, director of national programs for the University of Chicago Crime Lab. The neighborhoods with the highest homicide rates experience about 68 times more homicides than those with the lowest rates. Rene Cardona, a maintenance worker born and raised in Chicago, acknowledged these inequities in exposure to violent crime while maintaining that he feels safe in Chicago generally. It depends where youre at and what time it is, he said. "Overall, Chicagos a pretty good place to live ... Theres more good people than bad people here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crime has fallen in Chicago through groups' efforts Smith attributes much of the drops in violent crime to a focus in Chicago on the systemic drivers of violence, rather than the militaristic approach Trump has touted in Washington, D.C. She encouraged more federal investment in researching these types of violence-prevention strategies, calling Chicago a hub for innovation in gun violence prevention. Jahmal Cole, founder of the community organization My Block, My Hood, My City, said Trumps comments erase this work being done on the ground by local leaders, community organizations and residents themselves to combat gun violence. As for Trumps remarks, its worth remembering that rhetoric alone doesnt improve public safety," he said. We need smart, community-focused investments, not sensationalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a show of unity against the move, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a potential 2028 presidential contender, convened roughly 100 elected officials, pastors, business leaders and activists at a splashy news conference against the backdrop of gleaming skyscrapers along the Chicago River. The attendees Monday ranged from U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, the Senates No. 2 Democrat, to the Rev. Michael Pfleger, a well-known Catholic priest in the city. Take the wasted money in sending the National Guard and the wasted money used on threatening commercials by your Homeland Security secretary and use it on real violence and prevention programs that will bring peace, Pfleger said. Residents reject Trump's statements Art Jarrett, a business owner just south of downtown, also pointed to Trump's business presence in the city, saying: "He cant think its that big a killing field; he wouldnt have built a building here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He's full of crap, said Jarrett, who has felt safe in the 57 years he has lived in Chicago. Pastor Donovan Price, a local advocate for gun crime victims, said Trump unequivocally does not know what theyre talking about" when it comes to crime in Chicago. He said federal troops threaten to undo progress toward reducing crime. When things are finally starting to turn around, you have someone come up with something totally unnecessary that could perhaps change the tide, he said. Hes trying to strike the hope out of the hearts of good people in our city." Sydney Aldrich, 26, said deploying federal troops isnt the answer and hoped to challenge the harsh narrative of violence that so often defines her city in the news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a lot of community members around town that are supportive of one another, and we watch out for each other," she said. ___ Associated Press writer Ed White in Detroit contributed to this report. California, Washington and New Mexico could lose millions of dollars of federal funding if they continue failing to enforce English language requirements for truckers, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Tuesday. An investigation launched after a deadly Florida crash involving a foreign truck driver who made an illegal U-turn on Aug. 12 found what Duffy called significant failures in the way all three states are enforcing rules that took effect in June after one of President Donald Trump's executive orders. He said the department was also already reviewing states' enforcement before the crash. Truckers are supposed to be disqualified if they can't demonstrate English proficiency, and Duffy said the driver involved in the crash should not have been given a commercial driver's license because of his immigration status. The crash has become increasingly political, with the governors of California and Florida criticizing each other and Duffy highlighting the administration's immigration concerns in interviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Duffy said it is a safety issue not a political one because truckers need to be able to tell law enforcement what they are hauling if they are pulled over or what happened if there is an accident. We all use the roadway, and we need to make sure that those who are driving big rigs semis can understand the road signs, that theyve been well trained, Duffy said. Duffy says these states aren't enforcing the rules The Transportation Department said California has conducted roughly 34,000 inspections that found at least one violation since the new language standards took effect. But only one inspection involved an English language rules violation that resulted in a driver being taken out of service. And 23 drivers with violations in other states were allowed to continue driving after inspections in California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duffy cited similar statistics for the other states, with Washington finding more than 6,000 violations of safety rules during inspections, but only pulling four drivers out of service for English language violations. He said New Mexico has not placed any drivers out of service since the rules took effect. Duffy said the states will lose money from the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program if they dont comply with the rules within 30 days $33 million for California, $10.5 million for Washington and $7 million for New Mexico. California Gov. Gavin Newsom's press office said on the social platform X that the Trump administration is just trying to deflect responsibility for the crash. This is rich, it said. The Trump Administration approved the federal work permit for the man who killed 3 people and now theyre scrambling to shift blame after getting caught. Seans nonsense announcement is as big a joke as the Trump Administration itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said the state's process for issuing commercial licenses includes a mandatory English component to ensure divers can read and understand traffic signals. We are aware of recent claims regarding the enforcement of these regulations and are actively seeking more information, Michael Coleman said via email. Initial reports suggest that these claims relate to a small number of roadside incidents over a three-month period. Washingtons governor declined to comment until after officials review Duffys letter. Florida crash killed three people Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three people died when truck driver Harjinder Singh made an illegal U-turn on a highway about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of West Palm Beach and a minivan slammed into his trailer, according to Florida's Highway Patrol. Singh and his passenger were not injured. He is being held without bond after being charged with three state counts of vehicular homicide and immigration violations. Diamond R. Litty, the elected public defender in St. Lucie County, said her office was provisionally assigned to Singhs case during his initial appearance Saturday morning. Litty said her office will focus on the criminal charges against Singh, but it will also work with an immigration attorney to determine how his status affects the case. After more than three decades at her position, Litty said she cannot recall a case that garnered more attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, Mr. Singh has been caught in the crosshairs of politics, Litty said. The head of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association trade group, which represents small-business truck drivers, praised Duffy's announcement. Basic English skills are critical for safely operating a commercial motor vehicle reading road signs, following emergency instructions, and communicating with law enforcement, said Todd Spencer, the groups president. Federal officials say driver was in US illegally The Department of Homeland Security has said Singh, a native of India, was in the country illegally. So Duffy said he should not have been granted a commercial driver's license by Washington and California. He said New Mexico should have pulled Singh off the road for not speaking English after he was pulled over in July because he later failed a test given by DOT investigators after the Florida crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the governor's office in New Mexico said a body-camera video of the police stop of Singh makes it clear that he understands English. Released Tuesday, the video shows Singh speaking in broken English during the highway-side stop and commercial vehicle inspection by a New Mexico State Police officer. Singh responds to a series of instructions during the inspection, and asks how long the citation will be linked to his license. This my ticket and on my license ... how many year? Singh says. The officer issues Singh a reduced speeding citation for driving 10 mph (17 kph) above the speed limit in a 45 mph (72 kph) zone, noting Singh's explanation that he was already trying to slow down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe that a full review of the incidents in question will demonstrate that New Mexico is in full compliance with federal law and that New Mexico State Police are effectively enforcing safety regulations on our roadways, Coleman said. Currently, 19 states and the District of Columbia issue licenses regardless of immigration status. Supporters say that lets people work, visit doctors and travel safely. Newsom's office said California followed all the rules when it issued a license for Singh in July 2024, while the federal government confirmed at that time that he was in the country legally. Newsom has also said Singh obtained a work permit during Trump's first term, which Homeland Security officials disputed. Newsom said the permit was renewed in April and federal officials have not addressed that. Florida authorities have said Singh entered illegally from Mexico in 2018. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday that Singh should have never received the license. ___ Associated Press writers David Fischer, Kate Payne, Morgan Lee and Eugene Johnson contributed. President Donald Trump is threatening to send National Guard troops to Chicago and other Democratic-run cities, signing an executive order to create a specialized unit to assist local law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring public safety. Trump announced the plan during a statement Monday, citing Chicago as a disaster and promising swift action. We will solve Chicago within one week, maybe less. But within one week we will have no crime in Chicago, just like we have no crime in D.C., he said. The executive order directs the Pentagon to train National Guard troops who would then be deputized to enforce federal law. Trump did not confirm whether troops would be deployed immediately to Chicago, but he also mentioned potential deployments to Baltimore, New York City, and San Francisco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly two weeks ago, the president deployed more than 2,700 Guard troops to the nations capital in what he described as a crime emergency crackdown. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson pushed back against Trumps threats. We have made no requests for federal intervention, none, Pritzker said. He accused the president of attempting to use the military to occupy a U.S. city, punish his dissidents, and score political points. Mayor Johnson echoed the governors stance, saying, As the mayor of the city I can tell you that Chicagoans are not calling for military occupation. According to city data, violent crime in Chicago has declined dramatically this year compared with the same period last year. The announcement has sparked a heated debate over the role of the military in domestic law enforcement, particularly in cities governed by political opponents of the president. Legal experts have noted that deploying federal troops in local jurisdictions could raise constitutional questions and concerns about federal overreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps executive order comes amid rising tensions between the White House and several Democratic leaders over crime, policing, and political strategy, setting the stage for what could be a contentious national conversation in the weeks leading up to the November elections. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, delivered a speech Aug. 25, criticizing President Donald Trump's plan to send the National Guard into Chicago, as he did earlier in the month in DC. Crime is falling in Chicago, Pritzker noted, as it was in DC before Trump called in the National Guard there. Trump and Pritzker, a Democrat, have traded barbs for months, with the president calling Pritzker an "alarmist" and a "slob," and the governor calling Trump a "wannabe dictator," who is destroying American democracy. The president also called the city's Black mayor "incompetent, grossly incompetent." A soldier in the National Guard cleared leaves with a leaf-blower on Aug. 28 at McPherson Square in Washington, D.C. Members of the Louisiana National Guard patrol the perimeter of Union Station in Washington, DC, as President Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard troops and federal takeover of Metro Police Department continues on Aug. 26, 2025. Members of the National Guard stand outside Union Station on August 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump announced plans to deploy federal officers and the National Guard to the District and also placed the DC Metropolitan Police Department under federal control. District of Columbia National Guard members positioned along with United States Capitol Police at Union Station in Washington, DC on Thursday, August 14, 2025. A person yells in protest at members of the National Guard as they stand outside Union Station on August 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. A cyclist passes a National Guard vehicle near the Lincoln Memorial on August 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. District of Columbia National Guard members patrol Washington, DC, on Aug. 14, 2025. National Guard troops patrol the National Mall on Aug. 12, 2025, in Washington, DC. U.S. Army National Guard Humvees park near the Washington Monument after President Donald Trump announced a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department under the Home Rule Act to assist with crime prevention in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., August 12, 2025. Members of the Washington DC National Guard pose for photos with a tourist near the Washington Monument on August 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. National Guard troops are deployed to the Washington Monument as part of President Trump's mobilization of law enforcement on August 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. National Guard troops walk along the National Mall on August 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers carrying boxers of MREOs (Meals Read to Eat) at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arriving at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arriving at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. The president has increasingly criticized crime in Washington even as itOs reached a 30-year low. Trump in a social media post on Aug. 10 said that the homeless in D.C. "have to move out, IMMEDIATELY," but he did not elaborate on how that will be accomplished. Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard walk out of the D.C. Armory building on August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. The president has increasingly criticized crime in Washington even as its reached a 30-year low. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive on Aug. 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across Washington, DC. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard walk out of the D.C. Armory building on August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C.. The president has increasingly criticized crime in Washington even as its reached a 30-year low. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers arrive at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. A District of Columbia National Guard soldier arrives at the DC Armory on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence across the streets of Washington, D.C. The scene in Washington, DC, as National Guard troops deploy on the streets 1 of 22 A soldier in the National Guard cleared leaves with a leaf-blower on Aug. 28 at McPherson Square in Washington, D.C. Here are some key excerpts from the governor's speech. What did Gov. J.B. Pritzker say? I want to speak plainly about the moment that we are in and the actual crisis, not the manufactured one, that we are facing in this city, and as a state, and as a country. If it sounds to you like I am alarmist, that is because I am ringing an alarm, one that I hope every person listening will heed, both here in Illinois and across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the weekend, we learned from the media that Donald Trump has been planning, for quite a while now, to deploy armed military personnel to the streets of Chicago. This is exactly the type of overreach that our country's founders warned against, and it's the reason that they established a federal system with a separation of powers built on checks and balances. What President Trump is doing is unprecedented and unwarranted. It is illegal. It is unconstitutional. It is un-American. Gov. JB Pritzker answers questions from the local media June 26, 2025, at Illinois Central College's Workforce Sustainability Center in East Peoria during his four-city tour to announce his reelection. Justification for sending in the National Guard This is not about fighting crime. This is about Donald Trump searching for any justification to deploy the military in a blue city, in a blue state, to try and intimidate his political rivals. This is about the president of the United States and his complicit lackey, Stephen Miller, searching for ways to lay the groundwork to circumvent our democracy, militarize our cities and end elections. There is no crime emergency in Chicago There is no emergency in Chicago that calls for armed military intervention. There is no insurrection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not one person here today will claim we have solved all crime in Chicago, nor can that be said of any major American metro area. But calling the military into a U.S. city to invade our streets and neighborhoods and disrupt the lives of everyday people is an extraordinary action, and it should require extraordinary justification. If Donald Trump was actually serious about fighting crime in cities like Chicago, he, along with his congressional Republicans, would not be cutting over $800 million in public safety and crime prevention grants nationally, including cutting $158 million in funding to Illinois for violence prevention programs that deploy trained outreach workers to deescalate conflict on our streets. Cutting $71 million in law enforcement grants to Illinois, direct money for police departments through programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods, the state and local Antiterrorism Training Program, and the Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative, cutting $137 million in child protection measures in Illinois that protect our kids against abuse and neglect. Trump is defunding the police. Presidential powers Donald Trump wants to use the military to occupy a U.S. city, punish his dissidents, and score political points. If this were happening in any other country, we would have no trouble calling it what it is: a dangerous power grab. President Donald Trump speaks as he attends U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility to meet with police and the military, after deploying National Guard troops in the nation's capital, in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 21, 2025. Pritzker on calling up the National Guard As a governor, I've had to make the decision in the past to call up members of the National Guard into active service, and I think it's worth taking a moment to reflect on how seriously I take that responsibility, and on the many things that I consider before asking these brave men and women to leave their homes and their communities to serve in any capacity for us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As I've said many times in the past, members of the National Guard are not trained to serve as law enforcement. They are trained for the battlefield, and they're good at it. They're not trained to arrest people and read them their Miranda rights. They did not sign up for the National Guard to fight crime. And when we call them into service, we are reaching into local communities and taking people who have jobs and families away from their neighborhoods and the people who rely upon them. It is insulting to their integrity and to the extraordinary sacrifices that they make to serve in the Guard to use them as a political prop, where they could be put in situations where they will be at odds with their local communities, the ones that they seek to serve. National Guard troops patrol the National Mall on Aug. 20, 2025, in Washington, DC. Gov. J.B. Pritzker encourages peaceful protest So let me speak to all Illinoisans and to all Chicagoans right now. Hopefully the president will reconsider this dangerous and misguided encroachment upon our state and our city's sovereignty. Hopefully rational voices, if there are any left inside the White House or the Pentagon, will prevail in the coming days. If not, we are going to face an unprecedented and difficult time ahead. But I know you Chicago, and I know you are up to it. When you protest, do it peacefully. Be sure to continue Chicago's long tradition of nonviolent resistance. Remember that the members of the military and the National Guard who will be asked to walk these streets are, for the most part, here unwillingly. And remember that they can be court-martialed and their lives ruined if they resist deployment. Look to the members of the faith community standing behind me today for guidance on how to mobilize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State of Illinois is ready to stand against this military deployment with every peaceful tool we have. We will see the Trump administration in court. We will use every lever at our disposal to protect the people of Illinois and their rights. Pritzker rejects Trumps troop threat Gov. J.B. Pritzker warns that administration officials will eventually face justice Finally, to the Trump administration officials who are complicit in this scheme, to the public servants who have forsaken their oath to the Constitution to serve the petty whims of an arrogant little man, to any federal official who would come to Chicago and try to incite my people into violence as a pretext for something darker and more dangerous: we are watching and we are taking names. You can delay justice for a time, but history shows you cannot prevent it from finding you eventually. If you hurt my people, nothing will stop me, not time or political circumstance, from making sure that you face justice under our constitutional rule of law. As Dr. King once said, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." Humbly I would add, it doesn't bend on its own. History tells us we often have to apply force needed to make sure that the arc gets where it needs to go. This is one of those times. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump threatens to send troops into Chicago. Gov. Pritzker fires back. WASHINGTON President Donald Trumps deployment of the National Guard in response to a supposed crime emergency in the nations capital could be a warmup for troops patrolling other American cities. In an executive order on Monday, the president outlined plans for a specialized unit within the D.C. National Guard for fighting crime in the capital, plus similar units in every state, along with a standing National Guard quick reaction force available for quick deployment nationwide. Related: Gavin Newsom Needed Just 1 Question To Troll Trump After President Insulted Him Randy Manner, a retired major general and former acting vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, said Trump is deploying armed National Guard soldiers to further his authoritarian political ambitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will intimidate the population and desensitize Americans to the fact that its normal for uniformed, armed military to be in our streets, Manner, now with a group called National Security Leaders for America that warns of threats to democracy, told HuffPost in an interview. On Tuesday, Trump joked about the criticism that his police power grab represents a dictatorial threat. The line is that Im a dictator, but I stop crime. So a lot of people say, if thats the case, then Id rather have a dictator, Trump said during a televised cabinet meeting. But Im not a dictator, I just stop crime. Related: DC Mayor Muriel Bowser Praises Donald Trumps Police Takeover The White House has touted hundreds of arrests made with assistance from federal law enforcement officers since Trump took over the D.C. police department and surged federal agents to the city earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, the National Guard hasnt been directly assisting police as they make arrests. Instead, troops have posted up at places like Union Station and the National Mall, chatting with tourists and posing for photos, though their mission seems to shift from day to day. Over the weekend, the previously unarmed soldiers started carrying guns and also picking up trash. The D.C. Home Rule Act gives Trump control of the citys police separate from the military or federal officers for just 30 days, because a state of emergency isnt supposed to be permanent. And a longstanding federal law generally disallows the government from using the military as police. But Trumps order on Monday envisions a continued role for a new team of National Guard troops that is dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the city. Separately, it calls on the Secretary of Defense to make sure each states National Guard has a unit ready for rapid mobilization for quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order whenever the circumstances necessitate. On top of that, the order says there should be a similar team available for rapid nationwide deployment. Related: Maggie Haberman Reveals What Donald Trumps Marathon Cabinet Meeting Was Really About Its not clear if the White House intends for National Guard troops to be more directly involved in street policing or if the new units would merely offer an assuring and presumably crime-deterring presence as theyve done so far in D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump declared the crime emergency earlier this month following an attack by city youth on an administration staffer, despite statistics suggesting D.C. crime, while still high, has fallen in recent years, as it has in other big cities. The White House has defended the surge of federal officers and troops as a common-sense solution to the situation on the ground. The National Guard troops deployed in our Nations Capital are here to provide additional security for residents, visitors, and law enforcement officers from the dangerous criminals that have been allowed to murder, assault, carjack, rape, distribute deathly drugs with minimal consequences, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in an email, adding that Trumps crackdown has already restored law and order in our cherished capital. Trump previously federalized the California National Guard and sent troops into Los Angeles in response to protests against immigration enforcement. California sued, citing a federal law disallowing the military from performing law enforcement duties except under rare circumstances. The case, which is ongoing and could wind up at the Supreme Court, will test the limits of presidential power regarding the military and domestic policing. Related: Jen Psaki Makes Ominous Warning About Trump: Let That Sink In For A Second In the meantime, Trump is musing about sending troops to Chicago next, despite Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) urging him not to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We may or may not, Trump said at the White House on Monday. We may just go in and do it, which is probably what we should do. The problem is, its not nice when you go in and do it and somebody else is standing there and saying, as we give great results, [they] say, Well, we dont want the military. Matt Cleary, as associate professor of political science at Syracuse Universitys Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, said the U.S. has stricter rules against deploying troops domestically than most other countries. The mere presence of troops on American streets, however, including in the most recent instance in Washington, is not necessarily evidence of democratic backsliding in the U.S., he said. It is something that is done in other democracies when it really, really has to be done. Its never ideal, and it should only be done in the U.S. or in any other democracy when its a true emergency, when theres no other solution, and it should always be temporary, Cleary told HuffPost. But Im gonna keep my eyes open. Related: Trump Stages Appearance With Troops And Police To Tout DC Crime Crackdown Trump and his recent predecessors in the White House have sent National Guard troops to the southern border to help with immigration enforcement, but most other activations of the National Guard have been in response to major public disturbances or natural disasters, such as hurricanes or mass public protests and riots like the ones that erupted in response to police brutality in 2020. National Guard soldiers most common activities include clearing roads, transporting supplies and controlling traffic. Their most infamous deployment resulted in the shooting of unarmed student protesters at Kent State University in 1970. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crime situation in D.C. does not resemble a hurricane or a mass protest, and the large Army vehicles designed to protect soldiers from improvised explosive devices in Iraq and Afghanistan have seemed out of place parked on city sidewalks. One such mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle, or MRAP, as theyre known, ran a red light and crashed into an SUV driving on a neighborhood street last week. First responders had to use specialized equipment to pry the SUVs driver free from their crushed vehicle. Manner, the former No. 2 in charge at the National Guard Bureau, said the accident showed the inappropriateness of the way the Guard has been deployed. The vehicles theyve brought to the city were designed for moving troops through actual war zones, after all. You can barely see out of those in an urban setting to watch for cars, Manner said. These vehicles are not designed to be used in regular traffic in U.S. cities. Now, the resulting question is, Why are they using it? I can only think of one reason: Its just an intimidation factor. More on Politics Hillary Clinton Just Rebranded Trumps America With A Stinging Label Donald Trump's D.C. Takeover Has National Guard Soldiers... Picking Up Trash? Donald Trump v. America Read the original on HuffPost LONDON -- President Donald Trump again on Monday expressed frustration with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as Russian strikes on Ukraine continued despite White House efforts to broker a peace deal between the warring neighbors. "Every conversation I have with him is a good conversation," the president told reporters of Putin during an Oval Office executive order signing event. "And then unfortunately, a bomb is loaded up into Kyiv or someplace, and then I get very angry about it." Trump has repeatedly admonished Putin for Russia's nightly strikes on Ukrainian cities. Nonetheless, the president told reporters he was still hopeful of progress towards a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think we're going to get the war done," Trump said, though added, "You never know what's going to happen in a war. Strange things happen in war. The fact that [Putin] went to Alaska, our country, I think, was a big statement that he wants to get it done." MORE: Russia hits Ukraine with drones as Kyiv celebrates independence day Roman Baluk/Reuters - PHOTO: Firefighters work at the site of the Russian missile strike in the village of Sknyliv on the outskirts of Lviv, Ukraine, on Aug. 21, 2025. MORE: Why a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting matters -- and why it might not happen Both Russia and Ukraine continued long-range strikes through the weekend and into Monday. On Tuesday, Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 59 drones into the country overnight, of which 47 were shot down or suppressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The air force reported impacts of 12 drones across nine locations. Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said its forces downed at least 51 Ukrainian drones overnight into Tuesday morning, two which were en route to Moscow. Following in-person meetings with Putin in Alaska and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy -- plus a host of European leaders -- in Washington, D.C., earlier this month, Trump raised the hope of an imminent bilateral meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents. MORE: Russia launches largest attack of August on Ukraine after Trump-Zelenskyy meeting Zelenskyy has repeatedly expressed willingness to attend such a meeting. But Putin and his officials have consistently dodged the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Maybe they will, maybe they won't," the president told ABC News Monday of the potential for the two men to meet. Trump said he had spoken to Putin since Zelenskyy's visit to Washington, but declined to discuss the specifics of the call. Asked if he would act if the bilateral meeting does not materialize, Trump refused to detail possible consequences but said he may act "over the next week or two." U.S. peace efforts continued on Monday, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaking with European counterparts and Trump's Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg traveling to Kyiv to meet with Zelenskyy. MORE: US fighters intercept Russian aircraft off Alaska for 3rd time in a week 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: NATO aircraft scrambled amid overnight Russian drone strikes on Ukraine Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For both U.S. officials, the question of future security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent future Russian aggression was a key topic of discussion. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha took part in the call with Rubio. "I reiterated Ukraine's position that security guarantees must be concrete, legally binding and effective," he wrote on X after. "They should be multidimensional, including military, diplomatic, legal and other levels." Zelenskyy said his meeting with Kellogg was "productive," again expressing his thanks to Trump's efforts to broker a deal and his willingness to lend U.S. backing to security guarantees. Kellogg, meanwhile, said the U.S. side is "working very, very hard" to get "to a position where, in the near term, we have, with a lack of a better term, security guarantees. That's a work in progress." ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston, Rachel Scott, Lalee Ibssa and Will Gretsky contributed to this report. Donald Trump has vowed the toughest punishment possible for left-leaning demonstrators who commit vandalism or destruction in the nations capital. But a long-lingering case of a Black Lives Matter protester who spray-painted a slogan on the Lincoln Memorial shows that the presidents promises are a long way from reality even with his own hand-picked prosecutors at the helm. If you so much as touch, or even think about destroying, a statue or a monument in Washington, D.C., you go to jail for 10 years with no probation, no anything, Trump declared earlier this month as he announced his attempted takeover of the Washington police force and the deployment of National Guard troops to right crime in the city. You get jailed 10 years, no curtailed sentence, 10 years, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His promise echoed similar tough-sounding pledges he made during his first term, when he insisted there would be no exceptions! to the get-tough approach. So on Monday, one might have expected a stiff punishment when Washington resident Micah Avery Jr. was finally sentenced after a five-year legal saga that began during the mass protests against racism and police violence in the spring of 2020. Avery was charged with destruction of federal property for painting the words Yall not tired yet? onto one of the stone outcroppings of the Lincoln Memorial. But Avery did not get a decade or even a month in prison. Under a plea deal, he was given a year of probation, 60 hours of community service and a $500 fine. The key decisions leading to that sentence handed down in federal court Monday afternoon were made under Trump appointees: Ed Martin, the controversial interim U.S. attorney for Washington at the outset of Trumps second term, and Jeanine Pirro, Martins Senate-confirmed successor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Martin, federal prosecutors and Averys defense attorney hashed out a deal to downgrade Averys case from a felony to a misdemeanor. It is just the sort of plea bargain that Trump has repeatedly suggested would not take place. That deal was presented to and approved by U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson, an Obama appointee, in the first days of Pirros tenure. And earlier this month, Pirro and her deputies recommended that the judge give Avery probation, even though he could have received up to a year in prison under the plea deal. Court filings show that the formal offer of the plea bargain was extended to Avery in late April, as Martin was struggling to convince senators to confirm him so he could continue to serve as U.S. attorney. His effort included outreach to judges and Black community groups, but it ultimately proved unsuccessful. Trump pulled Martins nomination and picked Pirro for the post. She was confirmed earlier this month. In response to a query about the outcome of the case, Pirro said in a statement: The plea was consistent with the evidence at the time the agreement was made. We will always seek the highest penalty available, consistent with the evidence. Martin, who now heads up a Justice Department office investigating alleged weaponization of law enforcement by the Biden administration, did not respond to messages seeking comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A White House spokesperson said the outcome of Averys case was an aberration due to recordkeeping issues. Improperly kept records from a crime that was committed five years ago limited the penalties this individual was able to receive, the spokesperson said. The administration will continue to seek the highest penalty available and not tolerate any sort of vandalism or destruction of our beautiful monuments and memorials. To reach the deal with Avery, prosecutors used a tactic similar to one conservatives denounced during the Obama and Biden administrations. To downgrade the charge to a misdemeanor, prosecutors agreed that the damage was less than $1,000, even though they told the judge in a sentencing filing that it cost the National Park Service more than $9,000 to clean off the spray-painted message Avery applied. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Tepfer suggested at Mondays sentencing hearing the case was downgraded to a misdemeanor due to uncertainty in establishing the precise cost of restoration. He said the government decided to recommend probation due to Averys lack of a previous criminal record, his honorable service in the Army and sentences in other comparable cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was a significant offense targeting a significant memorial one of the most famous in our city, Tepfer said. Also mitigating the crime was that Avery tagged a plinth on the stairway leading to the memorial and that it seemed to be a spur of the moment decision rather than a premeditated act. Later in the hearing, Jackson took issue with that, noting that Avery brought a can of spray paint with him in his backpack as he marched to the memorial. In court filings, prosecutors asserted that Avery could have faced between about six and seven years in prison if convicted on the felony charge. They arrived at that range by factoring in the present-day cost of the Lincoln Memorial, which they estimated at more than $50 million. One prominent legal expert on sentencing practices, Ohio State University law professor Douglas Berman, called the governments stance in the case bizarre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is where this sort of the Kabuki theater hits its ultimate height, which is the government gets the calculation and beats its chest and says, This is a horrible crime. And look, the guidelines might even call for years upon years in prison for this, but we'll let you go in our noble graces and plead down to a misdemeanor, Berman said. Some ideologically motivated vandals have recently gotten jail terms from judges in Washington, although nothing close to the decade Trump promises. In April, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg sentenced Zaid Mahdawi, a Virginia resident, to 10 days in jail for climbing a monument outside Union Station and spray painting it with the message Hamas is comin, as well as an upside down red triangle during a Gaza-related demonstration in July 2024. The Park Service estimated the cost of clean-up and repairs of damage by Mahdawi and other protesters at $11,282. Prosecutors operating under Martin urged a 30-day jail sentence for Mahdawi, who was charged during the Biden administration and never faced the more serious felony charge Avery did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Jackson sentenced climate activist Joanna Smith to 60 days in jail after she pleaded guilty to throwing paint on a National Gallery of Art exhibit that contained an Edgar Degas sculpture. A co-defendant in that case, Timothy Martin, elected to go to trial and was convicted in April by a jury of damaging National Gallery of Art property and conspiracy. He is set to be sentenced by Jackson in October. Among the factors that Averys public defender, Eugene Ohm, cited in arguing for leniency in Averys case is that he was diagnosed with cancer in 2023, which was declared in remission earlier this year. Ohm said in an interview that the prosecution was driven by political pressure from Trump from its beginning in 2020. He noted that Avery was initially given a citation and released by the police, but a few days later he was arrested on three felony charges over the same episode. A judge threw those charges out, but prosecutors later indicted Avery for felony depredation of federal property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about Trumps vows to put demonstrators who vandalize monuments in prison for a decade, Avery said: I think as long as we have moral judges that wont happen, but as the executive and the judicial system get more intertwined, theres more and more danger of that. In his remarks earlier this month and in 2020, Trump confused some facts related to the law making it a crime to damage federal property. He claimed to have signed that statute, which dates to 1909. He did sign an executive order in June 2020 urging tougher enforcement of that law and others against those who deface or attempt to demolish monuments, but his order is replete with language watering down its impact and it specifically preserved the Justice Departments prosecutorial discretion in individual cases. BRUSSELS (AP) President Donald Trump vowed to impose new tariffs and export curbs on countries with digital taxes or regulations that affect American technology companies. Trump didn't mention specific places but his comments were taken as a threat against the European Union's digital rules to rein in companies like Google, Apple, and Meta. In a post on Truth Social late Monday, Trump said he would stand up to Countries that attack our incredible American Tech Companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Digital Taxes, Digital Services Legislation, and Digital Markets Regulations are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology. The 27-nation EU has cracked down on Big Tech companies with sweeping rules. The bloc's Digital Services Act aims to clean up social media and online platforms and its Digital Markets Act is designed to prevent digital monopolies, under threat of hefty fines for breaches. Some individual European Union countries like France, Italy and Spain have a digital services tax, as does Britain. The Trump administration has long held the EUs tech regulations in contempt and tech companies have chafed against them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also complained that big Chinese tech companies get a complete pass" from the rules. This must end, he said and vowed that unless these discriminatory actions are removed, he would impose substantial additional Tariffs on the offending nation's exports to the U.S. and also institute Export restrictions on our Highly Protected Technology and Chips. The EU's executive Commission pushed back. It is the sovereign rights of the EU and its member states to regulate economic activities on our territory, which are consistent with our democratic values, Commission spokesperson Paulo Pinho said at a regular press briefing. Trump's latest salvo comes a week after Washington and Brussels released a joint statement on their trade deal that included a pledge to "address unjustified digital trade barriers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Trump threatened to suspend trade talks with Canada forced Prime Minister Mark Carney over Ottawa's plan to impose a digital services tax on technology companies, forcing Carney to abandon the tax. ___ Chan reported from Toronto# ___ This version corrects the name of the European Commission spokesperson to Paulo Pinho. President Donald Trump and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker are each the type of foe the other loves to hate. On one level, their escalating showdown over the presidents threat to send the National Guard onto the streets of Chicago is a convenient political feud. Trump thrives when he has an enemy to target. His political appeal is based on the premise that he is stronger than anyone who tries to challenge or restrain him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzker is a potential Democratic presidential hopeful. His party is pining for someone to show defiance to Trump. And since one of his possible rivals for the 2028 Democratic nomination, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, is leading the fight back, its good politics to show hes just as tough. But this clash runs deeper than a short-term political spat. It might develop into a full-blown crisis between a Republican White House and a major Democratic-run city and state. Likely legal challenges could turn on core values of republicanism in a dispute between a president with a monarchical sense of power and a state that rejects federal duress. When Pritzker on Monday told Trump, Do not come to Chicago. You are neither wanted here nor needed here, he was echoing tensions fundamental to the American system of governance that were stirred at notable moments of US history for instance, in the run-up to the Civil War and around federal enforcement of civil rights laws. Chicago has long been a target for Trump Trump has made no secret that hes eyeing Chicago as his next test case for a law-and-order crackdown in which he dispatched troops onto the streets of Los Angeles and Washington, DC, with the performative zeal of a demagogue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say Hes a dictator. Hes a dictator, Trump said Monday. A lot of people are saying, Maybe wed like a dictator. I dont like a dictator. Im not a dictator, Trump added in remarks unlikely to ease concern over what he plans next. The presidents determination to deploy the National Guard in the Windy City feels like a calibrated escalation in his testing of the limits of executive power and a way of normalizing the idea of khaki-clad soldiers conducting domestic law enforcement. Demonstrators face California National Guard members standing guard outside the Federal Building during a protest in response to federal immigration operations in Los Angeles on June 9. - Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images When he sent the Guard into Los Angeles in June, Trump at least had the patina of an excuse that he was protecting federal buildings following demonstrations that erupted in June against his deportation sweeps. Washington, DC, is a federal district, and affords Trump significant leeway within limits he may soon test to wield power. But a decision to defy Pritzker, who commands the Illinois National Guard, and to federalize reservists in the absence of an unusual emergency would represent another step toward strongman rule. It would draw vigorous legal challenges from state and city authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What the president is proposing is military occupation of the city of Chicago and cities across America, Brandon Johnson, the citys mayor, told CNNs Anderson Cooper on Monday. Generally, the president has the authority to deploy the National Guard over the objections of a state governor only in the rarest of situations. Title 10 of the US Code allows the president to deploy the reservists in the case of invasion, to suppress rebellion or to execute the laws of the United States. None of those conditions seem to accurately describe the current situation in Chicago, Baltimore or Washington, DC. California has already challenged Trumps June federalization of the National Guard in a critical case that could have implications for other states but has yet to reach a final resolution. In his other claims of vast executive power, Trump has shown himself adept at taking steps to do exactly what he wants in a way that outraces the laborious process of litigating major constitutional questions. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks to the press while on board a water taxi passing Trump Tower on the Chicago River on Monday. - Scott Olson/Getty Images On Monday, he announced that hed signed an executive order designed to create a trained National Guard rapid response force that can be mobilized to ensure public safety and order. This envisages a far broader role for the Guard on domestic soil than has been the custom for a force mostly deployed during national disasters. While the president can federalize the guard and assume command Trumps actions raise the question of whether hed do so for political reasons and to flex personal power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is especially relevant since Trump has declared a myriad of national emergencies to unlock extra executive powers for instance to wage trade wars by imposing tariffs, impinging on policy that is normally reserved by the Constitution for Congress. Trump has long demonized Chicago he mentioned the citys murder rate in his 2016 Republican National Convention speech and has frequently portrayed it in the most sinister terms. As you all know, Chicagos a killing field right now, Trump told reporters Monday. A federal operation to use the military in local law enforcement would therefore fulfill a long-held political ambition. And it would be a strong fit with the image of a fix-it tough guy that is so appealing to his political base. Democrats challenge in pushing back Democrats are pushing back hard against Trump, who seems keen to deploy troops to several Democratic-run states. Newsom has accused the president of using the military as a private army. And Democratic Maryland Gov. Wes Moore accused Trump of seeking to attack the countrys largest cities from behind a desk. Trump responded on Monday by blasting Baltimore, Marylands largest metropolis, which has long suffered serious violent crime, as a horrible death bed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson argued that Chicago was not in the 20 most dangerous cities in the United States. But Trump doesnt care. He senses political leverage. As he so often does, the president explained his thinking in his voluminous public comments. I think this is another men-in-womens-sports thing. I think this is one of those you know, they call them 80/20 issues; I call them 97/3. I think the Democrats better get smart, he said Monday. In other words, Trump thinks he can exploit public perceptions that Republicans are tougher on crime while mining a seam to expand his own power. GOP presidents dating back at least as far as Richard Nixon, and including Ronald Reagan, have also used this trump card. Polls consistently explain why. A CNN/SSRS survey conducted in May, for example, showed that 27% of Americans saw the Democratic Party as closer to their own views on crime and policing, while 40% said the GOP was a better match for their views. Boats float down the Chicago River in Chicago on Monday. - Jim Vondruska/Reuters By forcing Democrats to argue that his actions are unconstitutional or breach the law, the president can characterize them as more concerned with technicalities than with the experiences of millions of Americans. Hed rather be seen as the president who closed Americas borders and waged a battle against criminals than play by the rules. The conundrum for Democratic governors such as Newsom, Moore and Pritzker is to portray Trumps power grabs for what they are without looking soft on crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their task is complicated because crime statistics can show one thing while peoples life experiences suggest another. While data shows that crime has been falling in cities like Washington, DC, and Chicago, there have still been 101 homicides in the capital and 262 in the Second City this year. Its not surprising that many people dont feel safe. Some may welcome a crackdown. How much of an emergency do you need after years and decades of the high crime and danger in these cities? Minnesotas former Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty asked on CNNs OutFront with Erin Burnett on Monday. Yes, crime is down a little compared to a high base from a couple of years ago, but still in our major cities across this country, public safety and not backing law enforcement is a major concern. Radical answers to reasonable questions A characteristic of Trumps political career is that he often raises vital questions that concern voters that many other political leaders have ignored, like the tide of undocumented migration or the toll of globalization in the Rust Belt. Crime may turn out to be another example. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And with his crackdown, hes implicitly asking residents of Washington, Chicago and other cities this question: Have they really been well served by Democratic leaders after high rates of crime and homelessness for decades? But his motives might raise fewer questions if he were also targeting violent cities in GOP-run states. Indeed, CNNs Marshall Cohen reported that at least 10 cities in states whose GOP governors sent Guard troops to Washington had higher rates of violent crime and homicide than the nations capital last year. But then, Trump often proposes radical solutions to reasonable questions that call into doubt his respect for the law and the Constitution. His crime crackdowns look likely to take the country up to that line again. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The New Jersey federal court system could be in turmoil for months more, according to a new legal filing that gives the most detailed accounting yet of the fallout from President Donald Trumps use of a loophole to keep Alina Habba as U.S. attorney. At least a dozen federal judges in New Jersey have delayed proceedings because of questions about whether Habba a Trump loyalist is allowed to prosecute cases, according to a six-page motion submitted Tuesday by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The matters include at least three trials, several guilty plea hearings and several sentencing hearings. Those delays occurred even before U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann ruled last week that Habba was acting illegally as the U.S. attorney for New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondis filing came as part of an appeal of that ruling to the 3rd Circuit. Some delays have been previously reported by POLITICO, including a triple-homicide trial that was being led by the career prosecutor the president fired to make way for Habba to stay in office. That trial, once scheduled for September, is now delayed until November. After Brann ruled, another judge delayed the sentencing of a CEO convicted of scheming to mislead investors during the pandemic because of questions about Habbas authority. Citing such delays, the Justice Department said it and the several criminal defendants who challenged Habbas authority hoped for a quick resolution to the appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parties also agree that these issues of exceptional public importance should be resolved as quickly as reasonably possible, the DOJ wrote in a motion submitted by Bondi, Habba, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and other officials. But quickly is in the eye of the beholder. A proposed schedule anticipates a series of back-and-forth court filings for seven weeks with oral arguments not until late October or early November. It is unclear how quickly the appeals court would rule after that, and that ruling is likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court. The longer it takes to resolve these appeals, the greater the risk that still more matters will be adjourned indefinitely, contrary to the interests of the Government, defendants, and the public in the disposition of criminal cases, the DOJ wrote. In the meantime, Habba is allowed to continue running the office, but her authority is in doubt. Amid concerns her work could taint cases, Blanche has begun co-signing some of the offices work, which is an extraordinarily level of involvement in routine proceedings for the Justice Departments No. 2 official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has been escalating his war against a longtime Senate precedent that allows home-state senators to effectively block district court and U.S. attorney nominees they oppose. Trump used a multistep process to try to keep Habba in charge of the office after a 120-day interim period expired. That effort included withdrawing her Senate nomination, which was already stalled because of opposition by New Jersey Democratic Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim. Justice Department officials have also criticized judges who had tried to block Habba staying in office by exercising a 160-year-old authority judges have to fill certain vacancies when there is not a Senate-confirmed person in the job. In July, the district court judges in New Jersey picked Desiree Leigh Grace, a longtime career prosecutor, to succeed Habba, infuriating Justice Department leaders who had hoped to keep Habba in the position. Brann ruled last week Habba had been serving unlawfully as U.S. attorney since July 1. Matt Friedman contributed to this report. US 'freedom of navigation' lacks basis 08:15, August 26, 2025 By LI MENGHAN ( Chinadaily.com.cn The United States' "freedom of navigation" contains numerous elements of so-called customary international law based on US-created concepts and self-imposed standards, which are inconsistent with international law and the practices of many nations, according to a report released on Monday. The report, titled "Legal Assessment of the United States' 'Freedom of Navigation'", was released by the Ministry of Natural Resources' China Institute for Marine Affairs. It examined the US' legal positions and actions regarding freedom of navigation and summarized the US' claims, characteristics and implications. "The report concludes that the US' 'freedom of navigation' lacks a basis in international law and seriously distorts the interpretation and development of international law," said Xu Heyun, deputy head of the China Institute for Marine Affairs. "It perpetuates the logic of 'gunboat diplomacy' and reflects the US' usual practice of using military force to pressure other countries," Xu said, adding that the so-called freedom serves the US' own national interests and geopolitical strategy, threatens regional peace and stability, and disrupts the international maritime order. Zhang Haiwen, a researcher at the institute who led the assessment for the report, said the US' freedom of navigation embodies distinctly illegal elements. "In the process of constructing its understandings of 'freedom of navigation', the US has violated the basic requirements of international law for the bona fide interpretation of treaties and customary international law," she said. Zhang emphasized that the US has abused its status as a nonparty of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and misused so-called customary international law by selectively applying treaty rules, which undermines the integral nature of the UNCLOS. She said the convention, designed to balance diverse coastal countries' interests, requires acceptance of all provisions as "a package deal", leaving no room for cherry-picking. Zhang said the US avoids being a party to the UNCLOS to facilitate the imposition of unilateral interpretation on the parties to the convention. For example, the US attempts to apply the concept of high-seas freedoms within an exclusive economic zone to conduct military activities, maintaining its hegemonic interests, she added. Huang Ying, an associate professor at Tianjin Foreign Studies University, said, "When identifying and interpreting maritime regimes, the US spares no effort to expand its rights and freedoms through the so-called customary international law, which in fact does not exist." An incomplete report on US military activities in the South China Sea in 2024, released by the Chinese think tank South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative, showed that the US military continued to strengthen its military deterrence against China last year, maintaining high-intensity operations in the South China Sea and surrounding areas. This included close reconnaissance and transits through the Taiwan Strait. Notably, large US reconnaissance aircraft conducted around 1,000 close reconnaissance flights, a significant increase compared with 2023, the report said. In the latest move, the US destroyer USS Higginsillegally entered the territorial sea of China's Huangyan Island on Aug 13 without the approval of the Chinese government. The naval forces of the People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command responded quickly, organizing forces to track, monitor and warn off the warship in accordance with the law and regulations. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) By Akbar Novruz Deputy Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan Heydar Mammadov, along with senior representatives of prosecutorial bodies from CIS member states, Turkiye, and Georgia, visited the cities of Shusha and Khankendi on August 2122. The delegation included Yuri Nikolayevich Zhdanov, Executive Secretary of the Coordination Council of Prosecutors General of CIS Member States, his deputy Abdurakhmon Khotambekov, prosecutors of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Supreme Court of Turkiye Ahmet Gokay Akta? and Mustafa Yakar, as well as Temur Tsindeliani, an official from the Georgian Prosecutor Generals Office. In Shusha, the guests, accompanied by Heydar Mammadov, visited key cultural and historical landmarks, including the Yukhari Govhar Aga Mosque, the museum-mausoleum complex of Molla Panah Vagif, and the Chidir Plain. They were deeply impressed by Shushas unique architecture, rich history, and natural beauty, describing the city as a site of outstanding cultural and historical value. The visit continued in Khankendi, where the delegation toured Victory Square and then visited Garabagh University. Rector Shahin Bayramov welcomed the guests and provided detailed information about the institutions academic work, development priorities, and future tasks. The visitors explored the universitys scientific and educational processes, praising its modern academic environment and stressing its importance for the intellectual development of the region. They also expressed openness to future cooperation with the university. Additionally, the delegation visited historical monuments, cultural centers, and landmarks across Khankendi. They commended the scale of restoration and development efforts, highlighting how the city preserves its historical heritage while integrating modern urban features. Keith Kellogg, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy for Ukraine, is so beloved locally that the US Embassy in Ukraine had to provide him with additional security during his latest visit to Kyiv. Source: The New York Post, as reported by European Pravda Details: An American official who accompanied Kellogg on his latest trip to Kyiv said the envoy was "absolutely mobbed everywhere we went by ordinary Ukrainian citizens and soldiers" who supported his efforts to help Trump find a way to end Russias aggression against the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US Embassy had to involve extra security to protect Kellogg from "hoards of fans" during the trip, the source told the NYP. Quote from the official: "In his role as a special envoy, Keith Kellogg stands in the unique position as a Trump loyalist since 2015, holds credibility with both Ukrainian and European leaders alike, and is trusted by soldiers in the field as a brother in arms." Details: The source added that Kelloggs importance lies in the fact that he is "one of the few people in Washington not looking for his next job". "Combined with his unswerving loyalty to the president [Trump ed.], that gives him the ability to say hard truths when others fear to speak up," the source noted. Background: Kellogg visited Ukraine on 24-25 August and met with the Ukrainian leadership, particularly President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the visit, Kellogg said that very complex diplomatic work on security guarantees for Ukraine is ongoing. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Images of President Donald Trump's hand, appearing to be covered in a patch of makeup, have gone viral over the past few days, after similar images of his hand were captured and circulated last month. Zoomed-in photos of the president during an Oval Office appearance on Aug. 22 show the back of one of his hands with a section of skin covered in light foundation makeup, which has sparked conjecture among social media users. On Monday, Aug. 25, bruising on Trump's right hand was apparent in photographs taken in the Oval Office during a meeting between the president and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House announced on July 17 that the Republican leader had been recently diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common vein condition, after images taken of the president showed visible swelling in his lower legs. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at the July news conference that the diagnosis came after medical tests to examine the leg swelling and bruising on the back of the president's right hand. White House physician addressed bruising on Trump's hand in July Sean Barbabella, the White House physician, described chronic venous insufficiency as "benign and common" in a memo about the president's health. Barbabella said in his July memo that recent images showing the bruising on Trump's hand were "consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking" and his use of aspirin as a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen. More: President Trump's health and chronic venous insufficiency, explained Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Trump remains in excellent health," he said. Similar images of apparent bruising on the president's hand made the rounds online after Trump's visit with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House on Feb. 24. Leavitt said in a statement to NBC News that the president's hand was bruised "because hes constantly working and shaking hands all day every day." Photos of Trump's hand covered in makeup were also seen during his July 27 meeting in Scotland with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. What is chronic venous insufficiency? Chronic venous insufficiency, which is common among people in their 70s, occurs when veins in the legs have trouble sending blood back to the heart. Leavitt said in July there was "no evidence" of more serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in the leg or arm in a deep vein) or arterial disease. Additional exams identified "no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness," Leavitt said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has not mentioned hand makeup in its updates on the president's health. Trump turned 79 on June 14. He is the second-oldest person to serve as president of the United States and the oldest to begin a term as president. Contributing: Adrianna Rodriguez and Joey Garrison, USA TODAY. 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 Palm Beach Post: Here's what the White House has said about Trump's hand makeup, bruise Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, at the podium, and State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood speak about the state's first investments toward a $1 billion pledge to build an Education Future Fund. July 26, 2023. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) Concerns about the Nebraska Legislatures commitment to public schools are again being raised. Currently, these issues revolve around the sustainability of the Education Future Fund. The sustainability of the Education Future Fund is a red herring. The Legislature is not going to reduce funding for public schools. Wringing our hands over projected shortfalls two and three years out is futile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the eight years I was in the Legislature, future fiscal projections were frequently inaccurate by hundreds of millions of dollars. There is no evidence to support fears that the Legislature will pull back its commitment to pre-K-12 public education. Actually, the facts tell quite a different story. During the 108th Legislature, the Legislature, along with Gov. Jim Pillen, greatly increased Nebraska public school funding. According to a Nebraska Examiner article from May 9, 2023, the increases is state aid would represent Nebraskas largest state investment in K-12 education since state aid to education was created in 1990. The same Legislature created the Education Future Fund, improved programs for teacher recruitment and retention, reading proficiency and technology. This additional state aid to public schools included $1,500 for every student in K-12 public schools and doubled reimbursements to 80% for school districts special education costs. Before these changes, the state only reimbursed school districts for about 42% of special education costs. This represents an annual increase of $328 million. And the new funding is in addition to the $1.6 billion the state provided before 2023. To ensure the sustainability of the new public school funding, the 108th Legislature created the $1 billion Education Future Fund. This new fund is separate and in addition to the General Fund and Nebraskas Cash Reserve Fund. It was the intent of the Legislature to appropriate an additional $250 million to the Education Future Fund in the following years, which the Legislature did in 2024 and in 2025. The current state budget contains this commitment going forward. The 108th Legislature also funded several new programs to address teacher shortages and student needs. These programs allocated $250,000 for career readiness, $500,000 for student teachers, $2.5 million for extraordinary special education costs, $10 million for teacher recruitment and retention, $1 million for teacher apprenticeships, $3.8 million for Nebraska Department of Education Innovation Grants, $1.8 million for excellence in teaching grants, $5.3 million to increase career and technical education, $500,000 for dyslexia programs, $2 million for targeted reading instruction and $2.5 million for computer science and technology training. In addition, the Legislature appropriated $525,000 for critical response mapping and investments in school safety infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Nebraska Department of Educations Annual Finance Report on school funding, the state contributed nearly $2 billion to Nebraskas public schools in fiscal year 2023-2024. The states total contribution for FY 2024-2025 is not yet available but undoubtedly will be more than $2 billion. Finally, during the 2024 special session, the Legislature, again with Pillens support, front-loaded a $750 million property tax credit that had been previously claimed as a credit toward income taxes owed. In other words, it sent $750 million directly to the schools for school property taxes to be reduced by an equal amount. With this addition, the state is contributing $2.75 billion to pre-K-12 public education. These increases represent a doubling of state aid over the past 10 years, the majority of which has happened in the last few years. Considering the Legislature has doubled its commitment to public education, it is difficult to understand public schools concerns. Especially juxtaposed against the fact that schools taxing authority remained constant even though state aid has doubled. Schools can still levy up to $1.05 per $100 valuation for their general fund, an additional three cents for safety improvements, they can access 13% of their general fund for their building fund, and finally they can ask their constituents for a levy override which some schools have done. They can also ask the public for bonding authority to improve infrastructure. In other words, public schools still have every taxing authority available that they had previously. Ironically, there were state senators who suggested some of the schools taxing authority should be reduced considering the states significant new investments in public education. School leaders asked that the Legislature trust them, and the Legislature did. It is now time to realize trust is a two-way street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Linehan, of the Elkhorn area, served in the Nebraska Legislature from 2017 until 2025. She served on the Education Committee for eight years and Chaired the Revenue Committee for six. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Richmond resident Asia Broadie speaks at an August 25 event about possible federal changes to SNAP, where U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Va. and state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmond, were also in attendance. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) Richmond resident Asia Broadie is juggling being a single parent, a restaurant worker and a nursing assistant student whose apartment rent absorbs much of her income. On Monday in Capitol Square, alongside U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, and state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Richmond, Brody said the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is essential for keeping food on her familys plates. Broadie shared her insights as the lawmakers vowed to shoulder forthcoming federal changes to SNAP which critics say could result in people getting less food assistance or dropping off the program entirely as best they can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a Republican majority in Congress passed a major reconciliation bill this summer, states are expected to potentially absorb additional costs for SNAP, and will likely impose additional verification requirements for recipients. A recent analysis from Voices for Virginias Children estimates nearly 447,000 families are at risk of losing at least some of their SNAP benefits. They frame us as lazy people, mooching off the government, Broadie said of Republicans in Congress and others who support the SNAP rollback. But I work full time plus I go to school. Ensuring her children are well-fed helps them focus better in school, Broadie added. She would like for them to be on track to pursue their dream careers someday. As for her own future, she hopes she can someday buy a house that she can pass down to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another speaker at Mondays event, The Market at 25th CEO Derek Houston, emphasized how SNAP doesnt just enable income-challenged families access to healthy foods, but also boosts the grocery stores that serve them. Church Hill, eastern and southern parts of Richmond had been identified as food deserts. The term describes an area where there are no grocery stores nearby and residents have to travel further to shop or rely on less nutritious and highly processed foods most often found in bodegas or gas stations. The lack of a local grocery store often correlates with some combination of either low density, low-income residents or the lingering effects of racial redlining a historic practice that excluded or prevented Black families from living in certain areas. So, The Market at 25th opened a few years ago in Church Hill, aware that many of its patrons would be SNAP recipients, with the mission of bringing more food to the area. Big chains werent willing to invest in putting a store in a largely lower-income neighborhood, Houston said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He and McClellan noted that SNAP also benefits grocers by helping their clients be able to buy better food. The state has a program called Virginia Fresh Match that helps SNAP recipients stretch their value with purchases of fruits and vegetables. It gives Broadie peace of mind and helps create healthy habits for her children, she said. Houston suggested state lawmakers work to protect the program and strengthen it. As chair of the Education and Health Committee, and a current lieutenant governor candidate, Hashmi is keeping a watchful eye of how federal impacts can shift state actions. Cutting food assistance funds will not make hunger go away, Hashmi said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a former state lawmaker and now a federal one, McClellan said her former colleagues like Hashmi and whoever becomes the next governor will need to deal with the effects of the reconciliation bill Congress passed this summer, which she and Democrats at the state and congressional levels opposed. She said that the state legislature is going to have to fill this hole that could be going to our public schools or to lowering the cost of childcare. Meanwhile, Gov. Glenn Youngkin has directed the state to find ways to avoid taking on extra costs. An executive order he issued this month aims to help reduce error rates a measure of overpayments and underpayments of SNAP benefits. This is because the reconciliation bill will require states with higher error rates to pay a portion of SNAP benefits to recipients, a check that the federal government has historically written. Virginias 12% error rate, outlined by Youngkin in the directive, must drop to 6% by 2027 to avoid paying $270 million annually. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The work is expected to be complicated for local governments, which administer food assistance and which will now need to use their staffs to more tightly scrutinize recipients expenses and household compositions. The extra work to catch errors could be costly or burdensome in itself, but Youngkins directive also suggests exploring public-private partnerships to free up capacity at local social service agencies so that more efforts can be directed toward reducing Virginias SNAP error rate. He added in a presentation to the state legislatures finance committees this month that he will address the recent changes to Medicaid and SNAP in his December submission to the biennium budget. As the outgoing governor, he can present a budget that the next one can use as a starting point in 2026. In the meantime, McClellan stressed that Democrats in Congress are gearing up efforts to walk back public health and nutrition components of the reconciliation bill, which she said could be devastating. Missouri Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley recently introduced a bill to prevent further Medicaid cuts, McClellan noted. Hed cautioned his party about the reconciliation bill before ultimately siding with them to pass it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The more pressure you put on my colleagues, the more likely they are to reverse these damaging cuts before they do too much damage for us to fix, McClellan said. Your advocacy is working, keep it up. Broadie, the Richmond resident, made a call to action for lawmakers to act with empathy. No one knows where life is going to take them or whether they might one day need SNAP, she said. Someone could have been in an accident and cant work. Someone could have fallen on tough times were all just trying to do the best we can. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MARSHALL, TX. (KTAL/KMSS) Texas State Technical Colleges Marshall campus honored its summer 2025 graduates with two commencement ceremonies at Memorial City Performance Hall. One ceremony was dedicated to 64 graduates of the Electrical Lineworker and Management program, with most receiving certificates of completion. Ten students earn diplomas at summer graduation ceremony The programs instructor, Mark Bayliss, said the groups collective achievement reflects a strong sense of unity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve all progressed in the program together, so its like one big family, Bayliss said in a news release. They take care of each other and help each other get jobs later down the road, so the bond that they build here lasts a lifetime. Many graduates had already secured positions with electric utility companies before walking the stage, according to a news release. One of the graduates, Trinity Abbott, was recognized with the Provosts Outstanding Achievement Award in addition to her certificate of completion. The Provosts Outstanding Achievement Award is not standardized, but a title used by different universities to recognize excellence in students or faculty. Michael McMillian, from Shreveport, Louisiana, has joined Shelton Energy Solutions and encouraged future students to be sure of their path. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (TSTC) didnt become the best lineman school in the country because it was easy, McMillian said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. NOTE: This article is now an almanac of Tuesdays weather. We have published a new forecast story for Wednesday. It felt more like early October than late August Tuesday morning with many locations waking up to temperatures in the 40s, a level well below the low to mid 60s thats typical for this time of year. Daytime highs rebounded a bit by afternoon, warming a handful of degrees over Monday but still well below normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some clouds dimmed the sunshine at times in the afternoon but we still managed to log about 65% of the possible sunshine with a peak north to northwest wind of 20-22 mph. Tuesday Highs across the Lower 48 Only 82 million at/above 90F and heading downward. Aside from some abnormal heat in the Western U.S. the vasty majority of the Lower 48 was quite comfortable for late August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday Allergy Count Bad news continue for allergy sufferers as Weed, Ragweed and Mold all continue to be a huge problem. Climate and Environment news: WGN Weather Center blog Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ISTANBUL Turkish corvette Knalada made a landmark visit to Libya with port calls in both Tripoli and Benghazi this month, the first time a Turkish Navy warship has visited the countrys rival power centers in a single deployment. According to the Turkish Ministry of Defence, Knalada visited Tripoli port on August 1718, 2025, where the crew held meetings with the senior Libyan defense officials. The ministry noted that the visit was intended to conduct naval training missions with the Libyan Navy. Both sides discussed training matters and explored expanding military cooperation into other areas such as naval, air, and air defense. Following the visit, Knalada carried out joint drills at sea with the Libyan Navys fast attack craft Shafak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knaladas next stop was Benghazi on Aug. 2021, 2025. There, Turkish and Libyan military delegations met, with the Turkish Ministry of National Defence represented by a team led by Maj. Gen. Ilkay Altndag. Libya, where US and Russia joust, could test Trump-Putin vibes The delegation paid a visit to Maj. Gen. Saddam Haftar, deputy commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA). During the talks, the parties discussed developing military and naval cooperation, as well as exchanging technical and technological expertise, under the banner of One Libya, One Army. Haftar paid a return visit to Knalada in Benghazi. According to a statement from his office, the visit underscored the deep historical relations between the Libyan and Turkish naval forces, and the mutual commitment to developing them in a way that serves regional security and stability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serhat Guvenc, an international relations professor at Kadir Has University in Istanbul, said the Benghazi port call signaled reconciliation between Turkey and Khalifa Haftars camp, which had long been in competition with the Government of National Accord (GNA) previously supported by Ankara. The visit marked the first time a Turkish naval vessel had entered a port under Haftars control, where it engaged in joint passage exercises a symbolic gesture that Turkey is no longer tied to one faction but open to relations with all of Libya. Guvenc pointed to reports that the Benghazi-based parliament, controlled by Haftar, may ratify the Memorandum of Understanding on maritime boundaries between Turkey and Libya, which was originally signed between Ankara and the GNA. Such a move would represent a direct extension of this reconciliation, institutionalizing cooperation on one of the most sensitive strategic issues between the two countries. The visits to Tripoli and Benghazi mark the culmination of long-running diplomatic efforts. During Libyas civil war, Turkey backed the UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, clashing with Haftars LNA. Turkish intervention in 2020 through advisers, equipment, and drone support enabled the GNA to repel Haftars advance and recapture key areas, including al-Watiya airbase. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkey later sought to bridge Libyas divide, beginning with its participation in the 5+5 Joint Military Commission meetings in December 2021, followed by a second round in April 2024, and subsequent technical delegation visits that laid the groundwork for closer dialogue. Building on this process, Lt. Gen. Saddam Khalifa Haftar, commander of the LNA Ground Forces, visited Ankara at the invitation of the Turkish Land Forces commander, marking a pivotal step toward military dialogue. Haftar returned to Turkey in July during the IDEF 2025 defense exhibition, where he met with Defense Minister Yasar Guler. Over time, Turkey may position itself as a supplier of defense equipment for the unified Libya. With Libya likely to require rearmament and restructuring of its armed forces if a unified government takes hold, the visit also pitched the TCG Knalada vessel as a showcase for Turkeys Ada-class corvettes. WYTHE COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) The Wythe County Sheriffs Office initiated a pursuit after a white Dodge refused to pull over on Monday, August 25, and caused safety issues. According to officers, a white Dodge Hellcat was traveling on Interstate 81 without headlights, and they attempted to pull the car over. Officials say the driver refused to pull over and started accelerating at a high speed heading north on Interstate 77. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver entered the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel at high speeds while workers were in the area, which caused extreme risks to public safety, officials say. Virginia State Police assisted in the incident, and the pursuit continued to Bland County. Police say the car crashed into a guardrail at the 64-mile marker. The two men occupying the vehicle fled on foot until they were taken into custody. According to officials, the car was stolen from Charlotte, North Carolina. The driver was identified as Jiaair James Henry of Lower Sandusky, Ohio, and is a fugitive from Texas for Assault Suffocation. Henry has been charged with the following: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Driving Suspended Operating a Motor Vehicle with Expired Registration Altering a License Plate Obscuring a License Plate Operating a Vehicle on a Highway with No Headlights Operating a Vehicle with No Taillights Reckless Driving Felony Eluding Police Possession of a Stolen Vehicle Possession of Schedule I or II Drugs The passenger was identified as Jaylon DeShawn Gear of Charlotte, North Carolina. He has been charged with: Misdemeanor Eluding Police Possession of a Stolen Vehicle Possession of Schedule I or II Drugs The officer also said they found suspected oxycodone inside the vehicle. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Lenexa City Council member Melanie Arroyo reveals during the Aug. 5, 2025, council meeting that city police investigated her citizenship status and required her to prove her citizenship. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) The fruitless investigation into Lenexa City Council member Melanie Arroyos qualifications to serve as an elected official has mercifully ended after Lenexa police, acting on a tip from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (which operates under the jurisdiction of the Attorney General), secured a copy of Arroyos naturalization certificate. Arroyo, who was naturalized in 2018, was cleared of any alleged wrongdoing regarding her immigration status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But to justify the investigation, the city claimed that Lenexa police had no choice but to investigate the matter because it is the Citys obligation to ensure that Arroyo was legally qualified to hold the position. No harm, no foul? Not exactly. The public awaits satisfactory answers to at least two burning questions. Why did the KBI forward the tip to Lenexa police? On July 8, 2025, a 74-year-old private citizen living in Lenexa left a voicemail for the KBI that mischaracterized legislative testimony Arroyo gave months earlier. As the KBI put it to Lenexa police, the tipster was concerned because Arroyos testimony advocated for giv(ing) illegals more benefits and allegedly never acknowledged whether she had become a naturalized citizen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion editor Clay Wirestone neatly unpacked the tips factual inaccuracies earlier this month. But he wasnt the first to do so. Lenexa police knew by July 23 that the tip was bogus, noting that after reading the testimony, one would assume her immigration status was satisfied. Its unclear whether anyone at the KBI read the testimony. Had the KBI spent the perfunctory amount of time it would have taken to verify Arroyos academic accomplishments, such as reading the testimony and calling the institutions at which Arroyo had studied, the agency would have learned that the tipsters concerns did not amount to even reasonable suspicion that a crime had been committed. Instead, on the grounds that the KBI does not typically investigate immigration-related matters, the agency forwarded the tip to local police to respond however you deem appropriate. Immigration issues may well be out of the KBIs wheelhouse. But on its website, the agency claims its mission includes providing timely and accurate information to the criminal justice community. Here, the agency either exercised discretion to forward an easily discredited tip or did so as a matter of course, letting the chips fall where they may. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neither approach advances the agencys stated mission to provide accurate information to its law enforcement partners. Why did Lenexa police investigate the tip? Apparently, it made no difference to Lenexa police that the tip failed to clear any evidentiary threshold. To them, receipt of the tip meant a police investigation was required. According to a police spokesperson, whenever police discover any complaint brought to our attention about matters pertaining to Lenexa City Code, the department must carr(y) out (its) duty to investigate. And as Lenexa city attorney Sean McLaughlin told Kansas Reflector, just because evidence doesnt exist doesnt mean we dont investigate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To the surprise of probably no one, the departments internal policies do not support the notion that police were mandatorily obligated to investigate the tip. According to public records obtained by Kansas Reflector and others, police described the tip internally as a complaint regarding the citizenship or naturalization status of a City of Lenexa council member in violation of a city ordinance requiring office holders to be qualified electors. But department policy is silent about how police are to handle a tip from the KBI about an alleged violation of city code. Further, that ordinance contains no criminal penalties, raising the question of whether a police investigation into allegations that did not amount to commission of a crime was ever necessary. Even so, the departments Investigations Division created an Investigative Report about an offense Arroyo was accused of committing, strongly suggesting that police were operating under the assumption that they were conducting a criminal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If so, they fell short of their own standards. Under Policy Directive 600, which covers how Lenexa police handle an initial investigation into allegations of criminal activity, officers are to advance the case only if information indicates a crime has occurred. Moreover, officers are not permitted to proceed until they have conducted at least a cursory examination of the allegations. But department records lay out a timeline that shows an order of operations that does not square with city policy governing the initial investigation. The police department received the tip from the KBI on July 16. Instead of conducting a cursory examination, Lenexa Police Chief Dawn Layman called Arroyo on July 18 to tell her an investigation was about to commence, and on July 21, police provided Arroyos identifying information to a federal Homeland Security Investigations agent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It took two more days, until July 23, for police to review Arroyos testimony, even though doing so would seem to be an essential component of completing the cursory investigation. At that point, rather than discovering evidence that a crime has occurred, police assumed Arroyo had satisfied her obligations to hold office. Still, despite no evidence showing even reasonable suspicion that Arroyo had committed a crime, the investigation continued through July 28, ending only once she turned over a copy of her naturalization certificate to police and officers verified that the name on her drivers license matched the name on the naturalization certificate. Through it all, Arroyo has held her head high, telling the Reflector that she understood why the investigation happened but also was disappointed that police were not sensitive with how to handle immigration issues. It should go without saying that expecting law enforcement to conduct investigations fairly and without bias is a sentiment shared by the public at large. The public also expects police to follow their own rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials should keep these considerations in mind the next time they think about marshaling a police investigation in response to an uncorroborated tip rife with falsehoods. Max Kautsch focuses his practice on First Amendment rights and open government law. Through its opinion section, the 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. MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A shooting in a Mount Holly neighborhood over the weekend left one man dead and a woman seriously injured, authorities confirmed. Around 1:21 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, Mount Holly Police officers responded to a call about a shooting along Tomberlin Road. When officers arrived, they found a woman at a neighboring home with a gunshot wound to her face. According to residents, she had come to their door for help after being shot next door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite her serious injuries, Mount Holly Police said the woman was conscious and breathing when officers arrived. She was rushed to a local hospital for treatment. When officers entered the home where the shooting took place, they found a man dead inside. During a safety check of the house, police also found two young girls asleep in separate bedrooms. Thankfully, both children were unharmed. Both girls have been safely released to family members, Mount Holly Police said. Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the community, and the investigation remains active. No other details have been released at this time. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM Gaston 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 Queen City News. Oysters harvested off Louisiana's coast. (Elise Plunk/Louisiana Illuminator) State officials have clarified information initially made public Tuesday about an increase in deaths and illnesses related to a flesh-eating bacteria. Most people have been infected when their open wounds have been exposed to water with the pathogen, but some cases might have involved people who ate oysters harvested in Louisiana. The Louisiana Health Department clarified that 22 Louisiana residents have been hospitalized so far this year after being infected with vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria that thrives in warm, brackish waters. Four of those illnesses resulted in the deaths of Louisiana residents, and two people from outside the state who reportedly ate Louisiana oysters died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two most recent deaths were people who had eaten Louisiana oysters at separate restaurants one in Louisiana and another in Florida according to Jennifer Armentor, molluscan shellfish program administrator from the Louisiana Department of Health. Armentor shared information about the vibrio-related deaths Tuesday during a regular meeting of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, held at New Orleans Lakefront Airport. She reiterated in a call Wednesday morning that the fatalities involved people who ate oysters, but she did not confirm whether they were the source of the vibrio infection. No information was provided on where the deceased had eaten. State officials have yet to specify whether the four Louisiana vibrio deaths involved exposure to the bacteria through open wounds or from eating raw seafood. On July 31, the state reported four deaths and 17 hospitalizations attributed to vibrio infections. The count has increased to 22 hospitalizations as of Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vibrio infections and deaths are generally rare, but cases linked to Louisiana are spiking this year above the average annual rate of seven infections and one death since 2015. Scientists say its hard to pinpoint exactly why this is happening. Numbers are typically so low, any change looks disproportionate, said Dr. Salvador Almagro-Moreno, an associate faculty member at St. Jude Childrens Hospital with expertise in vibrio infections. Nonetheless, the trend over the past few decades is quite clear: The number of cases has been steadily and consistently increasing, and from these recent outbreaks, they do not seem to be on decline. Flesh-eating bacteria in coastal waters are more common during the summer months when warmer waters provide better living conditions for vibrio. Direct wound exposure to brackish waters or eating oysters harvested from such areas increases the likelihood of coming into contact with these naturally occurring bacteria. You can almost watch it spread, Paul Gulig, professor emeritus and microbiologist at the University of Florida, said in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The infection is known as flesh-eating for good reason, he said. Nausea, vomiting and chills are all symptoms from consuming the bacteria, while wound exposure can cause severe redness and swelling, with infected patients sometimes needing limb amputation to save their lives. If you put a mark with a pen around the edge of the redness, and you came back an hour or two later, it would have moved significantly, Gulig said. Different health factors can worsen vibrio infections, including stomach and liver conditions, a weakened immune system and pregnancy, according to the state health department. Open wounds have created the biggest risk in this years vibrio infections, according to state health data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the state health department, 18 of the 22 hospitalizations for vibrio infections were people with direct wound exposure to brackish waters. Gulig confirmed this trend, saying research shows wound infections have overtaken eating raw oysters as the top way of getting infected over the past 20 years. Mitch Jurisich, chairman of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force and a Plaquemines Parish oyster farmer, said its critical for consumers to know all the risks involved. We want the public to know about safety with oysters, but theres other ways of getting [vibrio infections], Jurisich said, adding that people with certain health conditions should avoid raw seafood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Different factors such as warmer Gulf temperatures, saltwater intrusion or even more people swimming and eating oysters could be behind the spike in cases, Jurisich added It could also just be chance, according to Gulig. Just like rolling dice, sometimes you get snake eyes three times in a row and theres nothing that really explains that, other than just kind of random chance, the microbiologist said. This could be kind of a random thing. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Hundreda gather for a vigil honoring Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman outside of the Minnesota State Capitol Tuesday, June 17, 2025 in St. Paul. (Photo by Nicole Neri for the Minnesota Reformer) BOSTON In some of his first public comments since being shot in an attempted assassination, Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman urged fellow lawmakers to refocus on the true purpose of public service. We cant let the evil of the night win, and we must redouble our efforts and reclaim the reason we are all public servants, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That means listening to one another, extending understanding even in disagreement, and finding compromise: not because its easy, but because the people we serve deserve better than constant stalemate built on partisan egos. They deserve solutions. Hoffman appeared via video message before thousands of lawmakers and staffers gathered at the National Conference of State Legislatures summit earlier this month in Boston. In June, he and his wife were shot in their Minnesota home just before the politically motivated shooter killed state Rep. Melissa Hortman, the former House speaker, her husband, Mark, and their dog, Gilbert. The June shooting hung over this years meeting of the NCSL, a group that labors to maintain a reputation for bipartisan and nonpartisan work. Lawmakers in attendance on the left and the right repeatedly lamented the toxicity of American politics and the growing threat of political violence at local levels of government. Many lawmakers raised questions about whether public service is still worth it, how state governments can buck the partisanship that defines Washington, D.C., and what measures lawmakers should take to keep members safe. Most lawmakers said they remained committed to serving, but they said conservatives and liberals must find ways to disagree without demonizing their opposition and do better at monitoring the rhetoric of members of their own parties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin House Speaker Robin Vos, a Republican, said the vitriol of social media and cable news has made it more difficult to talk with people of differing beliefs. Technology has reduced the frequency of many human interactions, he said. Even the rise of video doorbells has made it difficult for candidates and officials to talk with everyday constituents in person, as many refuse to answer. So instead of knocking on doors and meeting strangers, you have a tendency to go to party events where you are meeting people who want to come and meet you, he said. Well, they come from usually one end of the spectrum. Theyre people who are probably paying too much attention to politics and not enough to all the other things in the world. Author and media personality Michael Smerconish asked Vos whether the current climate pushes good candidates away and incentivizes zealots to run. Thats a really good point, Vos responded. Part of my job is to recruit candidates, and it is very challenging to get people who are willing to put their personal life on the line and convince their family that there is nothing more fun to do on a Sunday morning than to go to a pancake breakfast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said potential candidates are worried about how their kids will be treated in school and what effect running could have on their careers. But he said state governments can model a more civil political tone and show how government works. Even simple moves like holding bipartisan meetings with staff rather than holding separate caucus meetings can help to forge more positive relationships. We are places where people can disagree, but we dont have to be hateful, he said. And maybe, just maybe, over time well be able to showcase to the rest of the country that thats the way that legislatures lead. Rep. Melissa Hortman speaks during a joint hearing of the House Energy Committee and the Senate Environment and Energy Committee Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. (Photo by Andrew Von Bank/House Information Services) Hold people accountable Since the June shooting in Minnesota, liberal and conservative states alike are considering measures to bolster protections for candidates and elected officials. Legislation proposed in New Jersey would prohibit the publication of home addresses of lawmakers, adding them to a list of protected officials that includes judges and law enforcement. That legislation remains in committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ln North Dakota, lawmakers are considering establishing a more formal process for reporting threats, the North Dakota Monitor reported. A North Dakota man was charged in June with sending threatening messages to officials in which he referenced the Minnesota shootings. Legislative staff have already removed the home addresses of lawmakers from the legislative website and are considering providing post office boxes for lawmaker mail and creating new safety training. Pennsylvania lawmakers will soon introduce a package of bills to boost legislator safety, limit their public exposure and ensure representation if a lawmaker dies while in office, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported. In Oregon, House Speaker Julie Fahey said lawmakers and staff are thinking more about personal safety. State law doesnt allow candidates to use campaign funds for security purposes, but the Democratic speaker said the legislature may soon change that. I think its really important that we talk about the threats and we talk about the impact. Oregon House Speaker Julie Fahey, a Democrat During an NCSL session about the cost of public service, Fahey referenced protesters 2020 armed breach of the state Capitol in Salem and noted that shed had an angry constituent show up at her home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said lawmakers and staffers need to talk more about the cost of their work, which can be isolating, especially for those in leadership positions. I think its really important that we talk about the threats and we talk about the impact, she said. Sitting next to her, West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, a Republican, said its not just personal safety that weighs on lawmakers. Its just as taxing on spouses and families who he said are front and center in any conversation about running for office nowadays. When he first assumed his leadership position in 2018, Hanshaw said he saw his job as mostly confined to running the chamber and worrying only about the behavior of members in their official capacity. But his thinking has evolved in this political environment, which he said requires modeling and monitoring of personal behavior and online activity of members of his caucus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was the wrong approach, he told Stateline. And I would say that to anyone whos coming into one of these roles: You need to set the example and you need to hold people accountable. Minnesota Democratic Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, left, and Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth speak at a tribute to state Rep. Lisa Hortman, who was killed in a politically motivated shooting in June, at the annual meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures in Boston this month. (Photo courtesy of National Conference of State Legislatures) What is your why? Pennsylvania Democratic House Speaker Joanna McClinton said the current political environment is markedly different because officials at all levels of government can be targets. And what we must all collectively do is to condemn the violence, to bring the tone of rhetoric down and out of our capitols, and most importantly let folks know that we can always agree to disagree, but we can never, ever allow there to be violence in discourse, she said in an interview. While the climate has not deterred her from serving, McClinton said it does provide an opportunity to underscore the solemnity of public service and helps frame a candidates purpose for running and deciding whether its worthwhile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is your why? she said she increasingly asks potential candidates. What is your purpose? What do you plan to achieve, to accomplish? Why is it that you want to do this? Tim Storey, the chief executive officer of NCSL, said state legislatures are more bipartisan than many realize. Even in dogged legislative fights, many bills ultimately pass with support from both sides or even unanimously. Theres a relatively small group who just demonize the other side, he said in an interview. I think for the most part, they still see each other as humans who are actually in a really unique job, and so only they can understand each other and the sacrifice and the pressure that gets put on by the public exposure. He said that was especially true following Hortmans assassination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They felt it across the aisle of both parties, he said. Storey said NCSLs Boston summit was a record-breaker with more than 1,600 state lawmakers and thousands more staffers and lobbyists in attendance. The event kicked off with two of Minnesotas top legislative leaders a Democrat and a Republican on stage in front of a packed ballroom talking about the assassination. Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth said Hortman had always treated her as a partner rather than an adversary. With mutual trust and respect, they could disagree without being disagreeable, she said. State Sen. Erin Murphy, the Democratic majority leader, said politicians must turn down the vitriol in their rhetoric. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think a lot of America would appreciate that. I know Melissa would, she told the crowd. But she said lawmakers must also root out dehumanizing narratives and conspiracy theories that have led to the radicalization of so many individuals. We cant lose faith in each other. We cant lose faith in America, she said. As Melissa taught us, failure is not an option. Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@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. Two police officers have been shot dead while executing an arrest warrant in the Australian state of Victoria, while a third officer was seriously injured and will require surgery, police sources told media on Tuesday. The deceased officers were 59 and 35 years old, the ABC news channel reported, citing law-enforcers. The incident occurred in the countryside near Porepunkah, about 300 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, Victoria's capital. The officers were trying to execute an arrest warrant for sexual offences, according to reports. The 56-year-old shooter was said to have been on the run with several weapons and may have family members, including children, with him, according to the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police were initially unable to confirm this. The man is a highly dangerous person, said Police Commissioner Mike Bush, adding that the suspect murdered the officers "in cold blood." A large-scale search for the suspected perpetrator involving a helicopter and dog units was launched in the afternoon. The population was urged via text message to stay at home and exercise extreme caution. The alleged perpetrator was reportedly living in a bus on the premises and is said to be a so-called sovereign citizen a member of a small subsection of the population that believes it is not subject to state laws. Victorian Police secure the scene of a shooting in the high country of Porepunkah. Parts of the rural town, including a primary school, are in lockdown after two police officers were reportedly shot dead and a third critically injured. Simon Dallinger/AAP/dpa UPDATE (Aug. 25, 5 p.m.): Weve learned more about a couple whose plane crashed in Gulf Shores over the weekend. A husband and wife from Paris, Texas, were flying to Gulf Shores in a single-engine plane. According to an FAA report, theyve both sustained serious injuries. The plane crash-landed around 2 p.m. Sunday near Highway 59 in a vacant lot between the Welcome Center and Coastal Alabama Community College. PREVIOUS REPORTING: BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) A plane crash just outside of Gulf Shores International Airport sent two people to the hospital on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say a single-engine Beechcraft crash-landed around 2 p.m. on the west side of Highway 59 in a vacant lot between the Welcome Center and Coastal Community College. News 5 News 5 The two people on board, the pilot and one passenger, were both walking around when first responders arrived. They were taken to local hospitals for evaluation. Gulf Shores spokesman Grant Brown said it appears the aircrafts wing clipped a tree and spun the plane around, causing the crash, as it was coming in for a landing west of the airport. The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and is expected to be on site Monday. Air traffic was never interrupted at the airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will continue updating this story as we learn more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) Two Utica teenagers have been arrested over the last week and another is still on the loose after a month-long investigation into a kidnapping and bank fraud. Utica Police took a report in late July from a victim who claimed they were forced against their will to withdraw money from a bank fraudulently. According to the report, the victim had met up with a group of acquaintances. During the course of the conversation, the victim was threatened with a handgun and forced to cash stolen checks from banks around the area. Initially, the transactions would not process. When the attempt to cash the checks failed, the suspects a 17-year-old juvenile, an unknown 19-year-old, and a man later identified as 18-year-old Jean Rivera of Utica took the victim to a nearby residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was allegedly held against their will until the following morning, when the attempted transactions were eventually successful. The Utica Police report that nearly $5,000 was withdrawn through the fraudulent transactions. The three suspects were identified via the Utica Police Departments Criminal Investigations Division and the Mohawk Valley Crime Analysis Center. Rivera was arrested on Friday, August 22, while the 17-year-old juvenile turned himself in on Tuesday, August 26. Both suspects are being charged with: second-degree Kidnapping, a Class B Violent Felony, third-degree Grand Larceny, a Class D Felony, third-degree Attempted Grand Larceny, a Class D Felony, second-degree Menacing, a Class A Misdemeanor, fourth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, a Class E Felony, and fourth-degree Possession of a Forged Instrument, an unknown misdemeanor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say the 19-year-old suspect is still being sought regarding the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com. An angler from Kentucky has been banned from fishing in Ontario, Canada, for six years after pleading guilty to possessing 34 walleye over his legal limit after an outing last summer. Larry Maples, of Beaver Dam, Ky., also was ordered to pay a $6,700 fine. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources released details of the court case last Friday (Aug. 22). ALSO: Yellowstone tourist has tough choice during close bison encounter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maples, who had been fishing at Greystone Lake on June 15, 2024, was cited after an inspection at the Pigeon River border crossing into Minnesota. He was found to be in possession of a cooler containing 21 bags of frozen, skinless fish, which were determined to have been walleye. Generic walleye image. Maples also pleaded guilty to possessing fish packaged in a manner that could not be easily counted. The ban means he cannot legally purchase an Ontario fishing license or engage in any type of fishing activity in the province for six years. This article originally appeared on For The Win: U.S. angler loads up on walleye in Canada, nabbed with over-limit The Trump administration is reinstating a long-dormant practice of conducting "neighborhood checks" to vet immigrants applying for U.S. citizenship, expanding its efforts to aggressively scrutinize immigration applications, according to a government memo obtained by CBS News. The neighborhood checks would involve on-the-ground investigations by officials at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that could include interviews with the neighbors and coworkers of citizenship applicants. The government investigations would be conducted to determine if applicants satisfy the requirements for American citizenship, which include showing good moral character, adhering to the U.S. Constitution and being "well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To qualify for American citizenship in the first place, applicants typically must have lived in the U.S. for three or five years as legal permanent residents. They must also not have any serious criminal records, and pass a civics and English test. The process is known as naturalization. The Trump administration's memo upends a decades-old U.S. government policy. While the neighborhood investigations for citizenship cases are outlined in U.S. law, they can also be waived, which the U.S. government has done since 1991, government records show. Since then, the government has relied mainly on background and criminal checks by the FBI to vet citizenship applicants. The USCIS memo immediately terminated the "general waiver" for neighborhood checks, directing officers to determine whether such investigations are warranted based on the information, or lack thereof, submitted by citizenship applicants. Officers retain the ability to waive the checks, according to the memo. The directive said USCIS officers will decide whether to carry out a neighborhood investigation by requesting and reviewing testimonial letters from neighbors, employers, coworkers and business associates who know the person applying for U.S. citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memo suggested that citizenship applicants should "proactively" submit testimonial letters, to avoid receiving requests for more evidence. The agency said failure or refusal to comply with a request for evidence could lead to a neighborhood investigation and "impact" applicants' ability to show they qualify for U.S. citizenship. While the Trump administration's campaign to expand arrests of immigrants living in the U.S. illegally is frequently touted by the president and his top officials, its effort to tighten access to the legal immigration system has been implemented with less fanfare. Over several months, the second Trump administration has frozen the refugee admissions program, ended Biden-era policies that allowed some migrants to enter or stay in the U.S. legally and added additional layers of vetting for legal immigrants requesting immigration benefits like green cards and U.S. citizenship. In August alone, USCIS said it would more heavily scrutinize the "good moral character" requirement for U.S. citizenship and probe "anti-American" views and activities of those applying for green cards, work permits and other immigration benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has argued the changes are needed to combat fraud and shore up U.S. immigration procedures that it believes became too lax and generous under Democratic administrations. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, who was confirmed by the Senate earlier this year, said the new memo will "ensure that only the most qualified applicants receive American citizenship." "Americans should be comforted knowing that USCIS is taking seriously its responsibility to ensure aliens are being properly vetted and are of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States," Edlow said in a statement to CBS News. But pro-immigrant advocates and critics of the Trump administration said its policies are sending a chilling effect to immigrants across the country, legal and illegal alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It sounds to me like the idea is to create a more intimidating atmosphere that discourages people from pursuing naturalization," said Doris Meissner, who oversaw the Immigration and Naturalization Service during the Clinton administration. The now-defunct INS adjudicated citizenship requests until USCIS was created in 2003. Meissner said the government had largely discontinued neighborhood checks when she became INS commissioner in the 1990s because they were labor intensive and seldom yielded useful information from neighborhoods or other sources. She also said there are other guardrails in place to prevent bad actors from becoming citizens, including background checks. "It was viewed as one of those anachronistic processes," Meissner added. Extreme weather slams the West with dust storms and wildfires Cracker Barrel scrapping new logo, returning to old one after backlash Trump speaks with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz after Catholic school shooting Sen. Chuck Grassley appeared on "Iowa Press" on Sept. 15, 2023. (Screenshot via Iowa PBS) U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, currently the longest-serving senator in Washington, D.C., is leaving the door open for another reelection bid in 2028. Speaking to the news media on Tuesday, the 91-year-old Republican told reporters to ask me the question in a couple of years, saying he would consider the same factors he has through several re-elections, and that is family considerations and whether or not I can do the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Grassley has indicated he wont say definitively whether hes planning to run for another term, Grassley has filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission for the 2028 election though this does not necessarily mean he is running for another term. Grassley, who turns 92 in September, has served in the U.S. Senate for 44 years. He is the sixth longest serving senator in U.S. history. Former Sen. Robert Byrd, a West Virginia Democrat, has the record for the longest tenure in the Senate at 51 years of service. Grassley has spent more than 50 years in Congress overall, having served in the U.S. House from 1975 to 1981 before being elected to his first term as senator. In 2022, Grassley was elected to an eighth term, winning against Democratic challenger Michael Franken with 56% of the vote a smaller margin of victory than in many of his previous elections. He will be 95 by the time his current term ends. Currently, Grassley serves as president pro tempore of the Senate, in addition to being the Senate Judiciary Committee chair. The Iowa senator has recently been entangled in a standoff with President Donald Trump over the Judiciary Committees blue slip practice which allows senators to block judicial nominees who would serve in their home states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In social media statements, Trump has repeatedly claimed he secured Grassleys re-election to the Senate when he was down, by a lot. The president has also said he plans to file a lawsuit over the century-old blue slip tradition. Grassley has routinely defended the practice, writing in a in a social media post Monday that during the Biden administration, the practice allowed Republicans to keep 30 LIBERALS OFF BENCH THAT PRES TRUMP CAN NOW FILL W CONSERVATIVES. United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain is in Cincinnati on Tuesday, Aug. 26, as a contract at GE Aerospace is set to expire and more than 600 workers are prepared to strike. Fain will participate in a rally with hundreds of UAW Local 647 workers at the Hard Rock Casino in downtown Cincinnati scheduled 32 hours before the contract ends. The rally comes just days after hundreds of the affected workers voted 84% in favor of authorizing a strike. UAW Local 647, which represents more than 600 workers at the companys facilities in Evendale, Ohio, and Erlanger, Kentucky (both Cincinnati suburbs) voted 84% in favor of authorizing a strike Aug. 22. The Ohio workers make marine and industrial engines for the U.S. Navy, while the Kentucky workers distribute parts to other GE Aerospace plants worldwide. A strike is possible this week Local aerospace workers are the largest worker group the chapter represents. Its remaining 300 members work at Hard Rock Casino and SVS Vision Optical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The authorization does not guarantee a strike but gives local union leadership the ability to call a strike if contract negotiations break down. Other possibilities include the two sides reaching a last-minute deal or agreeing to continue talks. GE Aerospace officials said they are still negotiating with the union. Company officials also noted GE Aerospace has recently inked two new labor deals: on Aug. 20, it announced a five-year contract with 550 workers in Evendale represented by the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM); and in July, it announced a four-year contract with 2,200 workers in sites in Kentucky (and Kansas, Massachusetts and New York) represented by the IUE-CWA, the industrial arm of the Communications Workers of America. GE Aerospace makes and services engines for both commercial and military aircraft. It employs 9,000 people in Greater Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: UAW president Shawn Fain is set to rally with GE Aerospace workers The big story: The University of Florida found someone with strong academic credentials to serve as its interim president, despite worries about the fallout from the politically charged rejection of the University of Michigans Santa Ono for the permanent post. Dr. Donald Landry carries the prestige of Columbia University, where he led the medical school and served as physician in chief at an associated hospital. He also brings some conservative connections, having been honored by President George W. Bush for his ethical ways to advance stem cell research, and led an academic organization that honored current National Institutes of Health director Jay Bhattacharya, who was a go-to expert for Gov. Ron DeSantis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During comments to trustees, Landry spoke against DEI initiatives, and also talked of the need for schools to remain neutral, which paradoxically, in this nation, at this moment, would be a conservative university. He additionally was critical of Columbia for how it handled pro-Palestinian protests and activities. Trustees plan to pick up their search for a permanent president in 2026. Speculation has run that officials might be looking to place a politician in the role, as they have done at several other state universities over the past few years. Read more here. Also in higher education leadership, Lake-Sumter State College trustees are set to select their schools next president on Thursday, the Daily Commercial reports. Hot topics Vaping: Charlotte County schools report a 26% decrease in vaping incidents since installing sensors in middle and high school bathrooms, WFTX reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teacher discipline: Some Gainesville High students walked out of school in support of a teacher that state officials have said should lose her certification over accusations of bullying a student over his conservative views, WCJB reports. Reading lessons: NASCAR driver Erik Jones is donating book vending machines to schools in Volusia and Flagler counties, Flagler Live reports. New schools: The Palm Beach County school district is accelerating construction of a new elementary school in the countys fastest growing area, the Palm Beach Post reports. Helping hands: Families at an Orange County elementary school are raising money to help their crossing guard pay for a new car, the Orlando Sentinel reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Enrollment: Miami-Dade County public school enrollment is more than 12,000 students lower than a year ago, Axios reports. Early learning: Palm Beach County is seeing gains in kindergarten readiness through a new prekindergarten initiative launched by the Early Learning Coalition, Stet News Palm Beach reports. Duval County leaders are seeking answers to the communitys lagging reading proficiency levels, with a focus on childrens first five years, Jacksonville Today reports. Dress code: Leaders of a Duval County high school clarified the schools uniform rule amid confusion and complaints, WJXT reports. Contract talks: Lee County teacher negotiations hit a snag over a district proposal to add nine minutes to the teacher workday, WINK reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bus safety: Hillsborough County schools report a decrease in vehicles illegally passing stopped buses over time, with fewer than 5% repeat offenders, Florida Politics reports. Brevard County schools have added AI-powered cameras to their buses to record illegal passing, WOFL reports. From the police blotter ... A Leon County high school student was arrested on accusations of having a loaded gun in a car parked on campus, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. Dont miss a story. Heres the link to yesterdays roundup. Before you go ... Have pancakes for breakfast. KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) The highest-profile detainee that the United States seeks to deport, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, appears to be headed to Uganda, where critics claim that a deal with the Trump administration eases political pressure on a president who's ruled for nearly four decades. Ugandan officials have released few details about the agreement but have said they prefer to receive deportees of African origin and don't want people with criminal records. Abrego Garcia is an El Salvador native who has been charged with human smuggling. He has pleaded not guilty. Abrego Garcia, the subject of a protracted immigration saga, was detained again Monday by immigration officials in the U.S., and the Department of Homeland Security said he is being processed for removal to Uganda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other African nations already have accepted deportees. In July, the U.S. deported five men with criminal backgrounds to the southern African kingdom of Eswatini and sent eight others to South Sudan, where civil war threatens to erupt again. Rwanda has said it will receive up to 250 migrants deported from the U.S. Opposition figures and others in Uganda on Tuesday questioned the lack of parliamentary approval for the agreement. Without such oversight, the whole scheme stinks, said Mathias Mpuuga, until recently the leader of the opposition in Ugandas national assembly. He said the agreement left him a little perplexed because Uganda already struggles to look after refugees fleeing violence in neighboring countries like Congo and South Sudan. He suggested the agreement makes sense only as a matter of economic expediency for Uganda's government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear what Uganda's government is receiving for accepting deportees, how many it might take or what its plans for Abrego Garcia might be. The country's attorney-general, as well as government ministers in charge of refugees and internal affairs, were not immediately available for comment. The day before Uganda confirmed the deal, the deputy minister in charge of international relations, Okello Oryem, asserted to The Associated Press that such an agreement was complete rubbish. Some Ugandans on Tuesday were busy speculating what benefit longtime President Yoweri Museveni might receive. The authoritarian leader has been in power since 1986. For Museveni, the deal is desirable for political and perhaps economic reasons" and might come with trade opportunities, said Marlon Agaba, the head of a leading anti-corruption group in Uganda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration is about deals, about deal-making, and any strongman would welcome that, he said. After U.S. sanctions targeted many government officials over human rights and other issues, Museveni will be happy to transact with Washington over deportees, said Ibrahim Ssemujju, a lawmaker and prominent opposition figure. He will be asking, When are you bringing them? Ssemujju asserted that the agreement is flawed without parliamentary authorization. Negotiators for the Ugandan side in the deal with the Trump administration are believed to have been reporting directly to Museveni. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For much of his time in power, Museveni was seen as a strong U.S. ally, especially for his support of counter-terrorism operations in Somalia, where he deployed troops to fight the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab. But his cachet in Washington has declined. The Biden administration piled pressure over corruption, LGBTQ+ rights concerns and alleged rights abuses. Ugandan officials sanctioned by the U.S. include the parliament speaker, the prisons chief, a former police chief, a former deputy army commander and some former government ministers. In 2023, reacting to U.S. sanctions imposed against Ugandan officials following the enactment of a law against homosexuality, Museveni told a gathering of government officials that he had no wish to visit the U.S. Brits have been experiencing unprecedented heat over the past few months, with a scorching summer seeing temperature records broken in several places. An incredible four back-to-back heatwaves have made some parts of the UK enjoyably warm at times, but also saw some health warnings as temperatures became dangerous. Temperatures are on track to almost certainly make it the hottest-ever summer recorded in the UK on average, the Met Office has confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the bank holiday weekend, temperatures reached 29.1C in the village of Hawarden in Flintshire and 24.5C in Magilligan, Londonderry. The previous record for Wales was 26.5C dating back to 1991, and 23.8C for Northern Ireland. Brits have been experiencing unprecedented heat over the past few months (PA) Many will now be wondering whether the hot weather which has shown little sign of stopping will continue into September, or if we can expect a more traditional transition towards cooler autumn climes. In the short term, an end does appear to be in sight. Forecasts for the coming week show showers and cooler temperatures, settling below 20C in most places, into September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stephen Dixon from the Met Office said: The UKs weather is transitioning to a more unsettled pattern in the coming days, with frequent showers, some longer spells of rain and even some periods of sunshine at times, while temperatures will be closer to average for the time of year. This kind of weather also looks set to continue well into September, as a low-pressure system caused by remnants of Hurricane Erin looks set to change the atmosphere. The hurricane hit the Caribbean before heading to the east coast of the US and Canada last week, before heading further north, where it is dissipating. Firefighters worked to extinguish a wildfire next to a village in Spain last week (Getty) This kind of unsettled climate looks to be the norm for September. Mr Dixon said: The current outlook shows little change in the mobile westerly regime, with periods of showers interspersed with some brighter spells and little signal in the way of any warmth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the meteorological expert also added: We know it is possible in a UK climate to see a warmth in September, particularly in the South, so its not something that can be ruled out quite yet, though theres no obvious signal in the immediate forecast. While not conclusive, the expert view is that it is unlikely the UK will see another heatwave in 2025. Looking to the future, many climate experts predict that extreme weather, such as the UKs heatwaves this year, could become the norm in the coming years. The hot weather has not just been restricted to the UK this summer, but has been felt all over Europe. This has led to some devastating impacts, with wildfires flaring up in warmer nations like Spain, France and Greece. Writing last month, Met Office climate scientist Mike Kendon said: Every year that goes by is another upward step on the warming trajectory our climate is on. Observations show that our climate in the UK is now notably different to what it was just a few decades ago. We are now seeing records being broken very frequently as we see temperature and rainfall extremes being the most affected by our changing climate. The figurehead of the populist right in the United Kingdom has pledged to deport hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers and withdraw the country from international human rights treaties. But experts say Nigel Farages plans billed as the most radical immigration overhaul in modern British politics are unlikely to ever be delivered. Farage, whose Reform UK party currently leads national opinion polls despite holding just four parliamentary seats won in last years election, said a government led by him would withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights and repeal the Human Rights Act in order to reverse a movement of people into the country that he claims threatens national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mood in the country around this issue is a mix between total despair and rising anger, Farage told reporters at a news conference on Tuesday. It is an invasion, as these young men illegally break into our country. Human rights campaigners and lawyers have criticized both the ethics and the viability of Farages proposals. Immigration has become the dominant issue for British voters, however, eclipsing the economy as an issue in recent opinion polls. In 2024, the UK received a record 108,100 asylum applications, a 20% increase from the previous year. Government figures released Monday showed that more than 28,000 people have already crossed the English Channel from France in small boats this year, a 46% rise on the same period in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Reforms policy blueprint, branded Operation Restoring Justice, envisages building detention centers on military sites to hold up to 24,000 people at a time a scale Reform claims would enable 288,000 deportations each year. The party also suggested on Tuesday that as many as 600,000 asylum seekers could be deported in the first parliament of a Reform UK government. Morally repugnant Yet Farages plans appear at odds with the law. Frankly, this is nothing more than a dangerous fantasy, Laura Smith, co-head of legal at the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants, told CNN Tuesday. Besides it being morally repugnant to send people to countries where they are at risk of torture and death, it is a mistake to consider that the government cannot do so purely because of international legal agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we were not party to such agreements, the common law history developed in the UK would step in to prevent such heinous actions by the government, she added. Roberta Haslam, a partner at Bindmans LLP, told CNN that Farages pledge was unworkable. The cost of removing hundreds of thousands of people, she said, would be astronomical. The abandoned Rwanda plan shows how difficult these arrangements can be, she added, referring to a controversial plan by the previous UK government to send asylum seekers to Rwanda that was unanimously ruled unlawful by the countrys Supreme Court in 2023. Farage on Tuesday pledged to deport hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers from the UK. - Leon Neal/Getty Images The process is likely to be very time-consuming, costly and will no doubt diminish the UKs status and influence globally on international human rights issues, Haslam added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under existing British legislation, entering the country without a visa or prior authorization is a criminal offense, punishable by up to four years in prison. However, international conventions protect anyone who immediately claims asylum on arrival. Such individuals cannot be prosecuted while their case is pending, and if their claim is successful, cannot be punished for the way they entered. In practice, arriving by small boat is only unlawful if no asylum claim is made or if that claim is ultimately rejected. Farages blueprint would go much further than the Conservative Partys failed Rwanda deportation scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking on BBC Radio 4s Today program, Zia Yusuf, the head of Reforms government efficiency department, said a Reform government would even consider paying Afghanistans Taliban ruler to accept the return of migrants who entered the UK illegally. We have a 2 billion ($2.7 billion) budget to offer countries, Yusuf said, insisting the figure was not a drop in the ocean. This country already gives 151 million a year to Afghanistan in the form of foreign aid, he added. British people have had enough of their goodwill being taken advantage of. Farage on Tuesday warned that without action on immigration he feared anger will grow in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet when pressed on which air force bases might host deportation flights a central feature of the plan he was unable to name a single site. Kolbassia Haoussou, director of UK charity Freedom from Torture, warned the plans to deport people to places where they remain at risk of torture also strike at Britons moral code. This is not who we are as a country, he said. For centuries, the UK has been a leading voice against torture, helping to shape the very international laws that Reform proposes we destroy. These laws were created in the aftermath of the Second World War to protect us all, Haoussou, added. If Britain were to abandon this legacy it would hand repressive regimes around the world a gift and undermine one of humanitys clearest moral lines. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com During a Ukraine-Benelux format meeting in Odesa, the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Luxembourg and Belgium, joined by a Dutch representative, have reaffirmed their support for Ukraines sovereignty, condemned Russian aggression and pledged to continue assistance across all areas from security and reconstruction to Euro-Atlantic integration. Source: a joint declaration by the new Ukraine-Benelux format, as reported by European Pravda Details: The Ukraine-Benelux format brought together Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Luxembourgs Xavier Bettel, Belgiums Maxime Prevot, and Heleen Bakker, Director-General for European Cooperation at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for a high-level meeting in Odesa on 26 August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They reaffirmed their support for Ukraines independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, including territorial waters. Quote from the declaration: "We condemn Russias ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms and stand united with the people of Ukraine in their courageous defence of freedom, democracy, and the rules-based international order. We stress that Russias war of aggression must be ended immediately with the restoration of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace that ensures security and stability of Ukraine and Europe, based on the norms and principles of the international law." More details: The ministers reiterated their commitment to the process of establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine They also stressed that the Benelux countries will continue to provide Ukraine with humanitarian, military, financial, political and reconstruction aid for as long as necessary. In addition, they will continue to align their actions with EU measures to support and implement restrictive measures against Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministers confirmed their support for Ukraines path to EU membership and underlined that Ukraines future lies in NATO. The countries also agreed to deepen practical cooperation in priority areas such as: security and defence, humanitarian demining, accountability, justice sector reform, energy resilience, trade and investment, connectivity, digital transformation, cybersecurity and countering hybrid threats. "The Ukraine-Benelux format underscores our shared commitment to supporting Ukraine and our commitment to regular dialogue and coordination, building on and complementing the strong, productive bilateral cooperation with each of the Benelux countries," the declaration added. For reference: Benelux was established in 1944 as a customs union of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, later becoming a political and economic union. All three are founding members of the EU and NATO. Background: On 21 July, Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced the launch of a new cooperation format with the Benelux countries. Earlier it was reported that in July and August, Ukraine's Ministry of Defence received another shipment of equipment worth a total of 10 million from the IT coalition allies supporting Ukraine in the IT sector. The supplies were financed by Luxembourg, Ireland, Belgium and Estonia. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukraine's Foreign Ministry on Aug. 25 condemned Russian plans to open seaports in occupied territory to international vessels and called on Kyiv's partners to impose "additional tough sanctions" on Moscow. "Ukraine strongly condemns and considers null and void the order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated August 22, 2025, by which the seaports of the temporarily occupied Ukrainian cities of Berdiansk and Mariupol were included in the list of Russian ports open to foreign vessels," the statement said. Russia on Aug. 22 ordered ports in the occupied cities of Berdiansk and Mariupol in southern Ukraine to be opened up to international ships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Foreign Ministry noted that Russia's plans to use Ukraine's occupied seaports to accept international vessels are a violation of international law, including the U.N. Charter and the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. "Ukraine calls on partners to introduce additional tough sanctions against all Russian individuals and legal entities, foreign companies, in case of their involvement in commercial activities in the seaports of Berdiansk and Mariupol, as well as vessels calling at ports in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine," the statement said. Berdiansk in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and Mariupol in Donetsk Oblast both have ports along southeastern Ukraine's Azov Sea coast. A map showing Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast as of 2025. (The Kyiv Independent) Ukraine called on the International Maritime Organization to remind member states to comply with its previous resolutions, which establish that Ukraine's occupied ports remain closed, and for member states to take measures against vessels that violate the resolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are convinced that Russia's gross violation of international law regarding closed ports in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine requires an adequate response from the international community regarding ports on Russian territory, in particular those involved in the functioning of the Russian military machine, and the introduction of tough sanctions against them," the statement said. Russian ships dock at occupied ports and transport stolen Ukrainian grain to Russia or abroad. Moscow began grain theft from occupied territories in 2014 when Russia first invaded Ukraine, and continues after the 2022 full-scale invasion. Russia has resumed stolen grain shipments from within occupied Crimea to Syria, transporting grain from Ukraine's occupied territories, Kateryna Yaresko reported, a journalist with the Ukrainian SeaKrime project that tracks illegal Russian shipping activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine, US to meet this week to discuss potential Zelensky-Putin talks Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine will be in contact with several countries that could serve as a platform for negotiations with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 26. "This week, there will be contacts with Turkey, with the Gulf countries, and with European countries that could serve as platforms for talks with Russia. On our part, everything will be as ready as possible to end the war. It is important that our partners confirm this," Zelensky said in his address. Zelensky has repeatedly voiced readiness for direct negotiations. On Aug. 18, he said he was prepared to discuss territorial issues with Russian President Vladimir Putin personally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "From now on, everything will depend solely on the will of world leaders, primarily the United States, to put pressure on Russia. New steps and new pressure are needed: sanctions, tariffs all of this must be on the table," Zelensky added. Switzerland, Austria, Turkey and Hungary have been floated as possible hosts for the peace talks. Turkey earlier this year hosted multiple rounds of peace talks among U.S., Russian, and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul. No actual date for direct talks between Zelensky and Putin has been set. U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is working to arrange a bilateral meeting between the two leaders, a move supported by Kyiv's European allies, but the effort has been met with resistance from Moscow. Putin is avoiding meeting with Zelensky because "he doesn't like him," Trump said on Aug. 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump separately met Putin and Zelensky earlier this month as part of his push to broker peace, but no breakthrough has been achieved, and Russia has continued striking Ukrainian cities. "Every conversation I have with him is a good conversation," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Aug. 25. "And then, unfortunately, a bomb is loaded up into Kyiv or someplace, and then I get very angry about it. I think we're going to get the war done. It's tough Strange things happen in war." Read also: Everything you need to know about the upcoming Russia-Belarus Zapad-2025 military drills Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. When Ukraine gave up the worlds third-largest nuclear arsenal in 1994, it did so in exchange for what many believed were security guarantees. The Budapest Memorandum, signed by the United States, the United Kingdom and Russia, pledged to respect Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. But when Russia invaded in 2014, and again in 2022, those pledges dissolved into thin air. Ukraine was left to defend itself and discovered what paper guarantees really meant: very little. Today, once again, both Ukraine and the West are preoccupied with the language of security guarantees. We search for memoranda, we attempt to craft formulas that resemble Natos Article 5 without truly being Article 5 something that looks like a commitment but avoids the responsibility of one. The truth is that this exercise reflects a deeper uncertainty: the West does not know what it is prepared to offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let us be realistic. No foreign soldiers will come to fight for Ukraine. History has already proved that paper promises do not stop tanks or missiles. What matters is not a memorandum but the strength of Ukraines own army. And here lies the problem: our economy has been shattered, our infrastructure devastated, and we cannot bear this burden alone. Ukrainian troops fire a 2S22 Bohdana on the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region, Aug 20 - STRINGER/EPA/Shutterstock/Shutterstock Editorial If we are speaking about guarantees, then lets be real. There are only four real security guarantees for Ukraine: a strong and modern army, steady supplies of weapons and ammunition, secure financing for the defence budget and deep integration with Western defence industries. Everything else memoranda, declarations, diplomatic formulas is rhetoric. Ukraine must preserve a powerful army. Vladimir Putin has repeatedly demanded a reduction in Ukraines forces, at one point calling for a fivefold cut to just 50,000 troops. But the reality is simple: only an army can guarantee security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, Ukraine spends about $65 billion annually on defence. This is an enormous figure for a nation under constant attack. Yet even after the war ends, we cannot radically cut defence spending. Only a growing and modernising army can provide real protection. Ukraines armed forces are among the strongest in Europe, with unique combat experience. That is why allied investments in Ukraines army are not just support for us, but an investment in their own security. It is the only way to ensure stability, long-term planning, and prevent Ukraine from ever again being left defenceless. A Ukrainian APC drives along a street in the town of Kostiantynivka, Aug 24 - Yevhen Titov/AP Military strength is impossible without reliable supplies. Ukraine needs stable and predictable deliveries of weapons and ammunition. This requires significant resources, but these supplies are what sustain the fighting capacity of our armed forces. It is crucial that deliveries are timely and consistent. They must not depend on the political will of any individual ally. Defence cooperation must remain unchanged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regular supplies not only strengthen Ukraines army but also safeguard Europe. Every missile or shell delivered to Ukraine is another step toward ensuring that Russian aggression does not spread further. Support must be stable and fixed. Partners should not only issue political statements, but also sign multi-year defence contracts with Ukraine. This means committing at least $5 billion annually to procure weapons and equipment from Europe and the United States. Such agreements ensure that American and European factories plan production with Ukraines needs in mind. They also prevent disruptions caused by changes of government or election cycles. Britain has already shown that this is possible. The UK has pledged to provide Ukraine with $3.8 billion annually in military support (both financial and equipment) until at least 2030. In 2024, this support amounted to $3.3 billion. These examples must become the standard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine must develop and sustain its own defence industry. The state should guarantee at least $5 billion annually in domestic defence contracts. This means jobs, innovation, and technological development. But this must happen in close cooperation with the West. We are already transitioning to Nato standards and Western weaponry. We have the combat experience that allows us to identify which systems perform best in real conditions and which require improvement. This kind of strategic cooperation strengthens not only Ukraines army, but the armed forces of other democratic nations as well. Moreover, if Ukraine expands its capacity, it will not only defend itself but also become a reliable arms exporter to allies. Eastern Europe, the Middle East and other regions would be natural markets. Western investors, too, will see that supporting Ukraines defence industry aligns directly with their strategic interests. Last year Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, emphasised that Brussels must regard Ukraine as part of its own system of security and defence, and take practical steps to integrate Ukraines defence industry with Europes. Such an approach would make cooperation more effective and mutually beneficial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines military has already proved that it is not only resilient but also innovative and capable. With stable funding, a strong defence industry, long-term contracts with the West, and its own strategic doctrine, Ukraine can become not a petitioner for aid but a key ally. True security guarantees are not found in diplomatic formulas, but in budgets, contracts and weapons. These are the guarantees that will ensure Ukraine, supported by the resources of its allies, not only survives but shapes Europes security for decades to come. If we look at the wider picture, we see a deadlock. The West would like to help but is unwilling or unable to take on the responsibility of true guarantees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Endless negotiations circle around words and formulas, but none of them change the fact that no one is prepared to send their own troops to fight for Ukraine. And the reality is that we do not need somebody to fight for us, we just need help to carry the fight ourselves. It is time for clarity and pragmatism. Ukraine does not need declarations; it needs resources. Every dollar invested in Ukraines defence strengthens not only our army but the security of Europe as a whole. The clock is ticking lets talk numbers. Oleksiy Goncharenko is the Ukrainian member of parliament for Odesa 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. Ukraine "will have no chance" of joining the European Union until it recognizes the Volyn tragedy as a genocide, Polish Deputy Prime Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said at a press conference on Aug. 26, the Polish Press Agency reported. "If Ukraine does not come to terms with the genocide in Volyn, if there is no exhumation or commemoration, it will have no chance of joining the European Union," Kosiniak-Kamysz said. He added, however, that "refusing to support Ukraine at war is contrary to the security interests of the Polish state" and that "helping Ukraine at war also means building a secure Poland." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1943, members of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) massacred thousands of Poles in Nazi-occupied Volyn in Poland, a region that is now part of western Ukraine. Thousands of Ukrainians were killed in retaliation. Ukrainian historian Serhii Plokhy, director of the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University, estimates that the number of Polish victims of the massacre varies from 60,000 to 90,000. The number of Ukrainians killed by Poles in the 1940s is estimated at between 10,000 and 20,000, including between 2,000 and 3,000 in Volyn, according to Polish historian Grzegorz Motyka. The Volyn massacre has been the Achilles' heel of Ukrainian-Polish relations and is now used as a political weapon by Polish politicians. Half of Poles believed Ukraine should not join NATO or the European Union until the issue of exhuming Volyn massacre victims is resolved, according to a poll published on Jan. 30. In July Polish President Karol Nawrocki urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to allow full-scale exhumations of Polish victims of the Volyn massacre, even as the long-stalled process had already resumed in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 25, Nawrocki also vetoed a bill that would have extended financial support for Ukrainian refugees. Legislation proposed by the president also included granting benefits only to Ukrainians who are employed in Poland, extending the period needed to obtain Polish citizenship, harsher penalties for illegal border crossings, and equating Ukrainian nationalist symbols with Nazi and Communist symbols in Poland's criminal code. Polish Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Hawkowski said on Aug. 26 that "Russia is delighted" with Nawrocki's decision to veto the law on aid to Ukrainian citizens. "Hundreds of Russian trolls applaud the Chancellery's posts and try to dissuade Poland from helping Ukraine, which is fighting for independence, he said on a social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nawrocki, a conservative backed by the opposition Law and Justice party, narrowly won Poland's presidential election on June 1 with 50.89% of the vote, defeating Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, backed by Prime Minister Donald Tusk's ruling coalition. A historian-turned-politician, Nawrocki's ascent to the presidential office signals growing challenges for Polish-Ukrainian relations. While the new head of state affirmed support for Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression, he also spoke out against Kyiv's EU and NATO aspirations, often drawing attention to past historical grievances. The conservative's victory also maintains the ideological divide between the Polish Presidential Office and Tusk's centrist government. Read also: Volhynian Massacre the Achilles heel of Ukrainian-Polish relations Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraines Cabinet of Ministers has revised travel rules and allowed men aged 18 to 22 to cross the border, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said on Telegram on Aug. 26. Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 have been prohibited from leaving the country since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, with some exceptions. Men aged 25 to 60 can be conscripted into the armed forces. On Aug. 12, Zelensky asked the Cabinet to relax border crossing rules for Ukrainian men aged 18 to 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 18, Svyrydenko announced that the Cabinet was working on rules that would permit men aged 18 to 22 to cross the border. On Aug. 22, a bill allowing them to cross the border was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament. Read also: Why Ukraine cant afford to demobilize its soldiers Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Editor's note: The article was updated with a confirmation by Ukraine's Special Operations Forces. Ukraine's Special Operations Forces crippled Russian logistical facilities in Crimea, the branch said on Aug. 26 after reported drone attacks against the occupied peninsula. The announcement follows the Crimean Wind Telegram channel's reporting that drones struck a substation at a railway station in the Krasnohvardiiske town in a "precise" hit, sharing footage of smoke rising above the site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pro-Ukraine Telegram channel also reported a strike against railway infrastructure in nearby Dzhankoi and a possible attack against an oil depot in the same city. The operation "disabled logistical facilities that support the operations and combat supply of Russian army units," the Special Operations Forces said in a statement. The Ukrainian military did not disclose what facilities were targeted, what types of weapons were used, or provide further details about the consequences. "We continue to destroy Russian logistics in occupied Crimea," the Special Operations Forces said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its forces intercepted eight Ukrainian drones over Crimea between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. local time, disclosing no information about possible damage. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims. Throughout the full-scale war, Kyiv's forces have repeatedly targeted Russian military facilities and logistics in Crimea, a southern Ukrainian peninsula occupied by Russia since 2014. Recent weeks also saw Ukrainian forces step up drone attacks against railway infrastructure in Russian border regions, as well as oil facilities across Russia. Read also: Analysis: Why JD Vance is very wrong about Russian concessions in Ukraine peace talks Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine has unveiled what appears to be an upgraded version of its Neptune cruise missile. The new missile has a range of over 600 miles, a much farther reach than the original version. Ukraine has used the Neptune missile to strike a range of Russian targets, including warships. Ukraine has unveiled what appears to be an upgraded version of its homegrown Neptune cruise missile, a long-range strike weapon credited with taking out both Russian warships and high-value land targets. Footage published Sunday by the state-run Zbroya weapons portal shows what looks like a larger, upgraded model of the original Neptune, among other domestically produced weapons. The video footage was released on Ukraine's Independence Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To be independent, you need to be strong. And the strong one is the one who has weapons," Zbroya wrote on social media. The R-360 Neptune is a subsonic truck-launched weapon made by the Ukrainian defense manufacturer Luch Design Bureau. It was initially designed as an anti-ship missile based on the Soviet-era Kh-35 and has since been modified to strike land targets. The original Neptune cruise missile had a range of nearly 200 miles. Kyiv, however, began working on an upgraded version amid Russia's full-scale invasion. Ukraine's former defense minister, Rustem Umerov, said last year that the munitions were being modified to strike at longer ranges and that serial production had been expanded. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced in March that the new cruise missile, which he identified as the "Long Neptune," had been tested and successfully used in combat. He said the missile had a range of 1,000 kilometers, or 620 miles, which exceeds the reach of missiles that Kyiv has received from its Western partners and came without restrictions on use. A test of a Neptune missile in April 2020. General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine The Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security, a Ukrainian government platform, released a photo on Monday of the 1,000-kilometer-range Neptune anti-ship missile. The munition seems to match the one in the Zbroya footage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has used Neptune missiles in a series of high-level strikes against Russia, including in an attack on the Black Sea Fleet flagship, the cruiser Moskva. Kyiv has also used the missile to attack air defense batteries, oil facilities, and other military assets. Ukraine has invested heavily in developing homemade long-range drones and missiles, like the Neptune, amid limitations on the use of Western weapons for strikes across the border against targets in Russia. Ukraine has used its arsenal of domestically produced drones and missiles to hit Russian bases, ammunition storage sites, energy facilities, and logistics hubs, sometimes hundreds of miles behind the front lines. Earlier this month, Ukraine revealed a new cruise missile called the Flamingo missile that is said to be able to carry a 1,000-kilogram (2,200-pound) warhead and have a range of around 1,800 miles, around three times the reach of the new Neptune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy said last week that the Flamingo missile could enter mass production by February, eventually giving Ukraine another tool in its arsenal of long-range weapons. Read the original article on Business Insider Key developments on Aug. 26: Ukrainian government allows men aged 18-22 to go abroad Monitors claim Russia captured 2 Dnipropetrovsk Oblast villages for first time Nearly 150 Ukrainian miners rescued after Russian attack on mines, 1 worker killed Next Ramstein summit scheduled for Sept. 9 in London Ukraine targets Russian logistics in occupied Crimea, military says after reported railway strikes Ukraines Cabinet of Ministers has revised travel rules and allowed men aged 18 to 22 to cross the border, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said on Telegram on Aug. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 have been prohibited from leaving the country since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, with some exceptions. Men aged 25 to 60 can be conscripted into the armed forces. On Aug. 12, Zelensky asked the Cabinet to relax border crossing rules for Ukrainian men aged 18 to 22. On Aug. 22, a bill allowing them to cross the border was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament. Read also: Russia strengthens hand in potential peace talks with steady advances in Donbas Monitors claim Russia captured 2 Dnipropetrovsk Oblast villages for first time Russian forces occupied the villages of Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, DeepState monitoring group reported on Aug. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This marks the first time the battlefield monitors report Russia taking control of settlements in the central-eastern region that Moscow's forces sought to penetrate for the past few months. The two small settlements lie near the administrative borders between the Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have captured the villages as of Aug. 25. The Ukrainian General Staff denied the occupation of the villages on Aug. 26. According to the General Staff, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have stopped the advance of the Russian forces and continue to control Zaporizhske. The General Staff also said that fighting continues in Novoheorhiivka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: As Putin, Trump debate Ukraines future borders, Donetsk Oblast residents are split on what they would accept to end the war Nearly 150 Ukrainian miners rescued after Russian attack on mines, 1 worker killed A Russian attack against a Ukrainian mine killed one worker and injured three, while 146 miners remained underground during a subsequent power outage, the DTEK energy company reported on Aug. 26. "The attack damaged the enterprise's buildings and equipment, causing a power outage," the company commented on the attack against its facility. "At that time, 146 miners were underground; their ascent to the surface is ongoing." Though DTEK did not specify the exact location of the impacted mine, lawmaker and trade union federation leader Mykhailo Volynets reported earlier the same day that some 148 miners were trapped underground after a Russian attack against mines in the Dobropillia community in Donetsk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All have been brought to the surface as of 2:30 p.m. local time, Volynets said later during the day. Read also: Security guarantees for Ukraine explained: Whats on the table and whats realistic? Next Ramstein summit scheduled for Sept. 9 in London The upcoming Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting in the Ramstein format will be held on Sept. 9 in London, Suspilne reported on Aug. 25, citing Germany's Defense Ministry spokesperson. The meeting is expected to be held in person, though the agenda remains undisclosed. The Ramstein summit will take place as Washington is trying to organize peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian presidents in its effort to end Moscow's full-scale war, while Kyiv awaits a proposed framework for security guarantees from its partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last Ramstein-format UDCG meeting took place in Brussels on June 4 under the chairmanship of London and Berlin a position previously held by the U.S. In August, NATO and Washington launched the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program, which allows participating nations to buy weapons from the United States. Kyiv aims to secure at least $1 billion a month from its allies to purchase U.S.-made weapons, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Read also: Where is Crimea? And other things you (and US presidents) should know Ukraine targets Russian logistics in occupied Crimea, military says Ukraine's Special Operations Forces crippled Russian logistical facilities in Crimea, the branch said on Aug. 26 after reported drone attacks against the occupied peninsula. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement follows the Crimean Wind Telegram channel's reporting that drones struck a substation at a railway station in the Krasnohvardiiske town in a "precise" hit, sharing footage of smoke rising above the site. The pro-Ukraine Telegram channel also reported a strike against railway infrastructure in nearby Dzhankoi and a possible attack against an oil depot in the same city. The operation "disabled logistical facilities that support the operations and combat supply of Russian army units," the Special Operations Forces said in a statement. The Ukrainian military did not disclose what facilities were targeted, what types of weapons were used, or provide further details about the consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We continue to destroy Russian logistics in occupied Crimea," the Special Operations Forces said. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its forces intercepted eight Ukrainian drones over Crimea between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. local time, disclosing no information about possible damage. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims. Read also: As Zelensky, Trump prepare to talk about peace, most Russian demands are non-starters for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday that Turkey, the Gulf States or European countries could host any talks he may hold with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskiy is pushing for direct talks with Putin to help end Russia's war in Ukraine but Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said no agenda had been prepared for such a meeting. "Now, this week there will be contacts with Turkey, contacts with the Gulf States and with European states which could host talks with the Russians," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "From our side, things will be prepared to the maximum in order to end the war." Zelenskiy spoke as his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said he and Ukraine's national security council chief were in Qatar to meet that country's defence minister. In his comments, Zelenskiy also said that moving ahead with talks depended on coordination with Ukraine's partners, primarily the United States, in ensuring that sufficient pressure was exerted on Russia. This, he said, had been discussed on Monday in Kyiv with U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg. "Everything further depends strictly on the will of world leaders, most importantly the United States of America, to put pressure on Russia," Zelenskiy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russia is only giving signals that it is going to continue to avoid real negotiations. This can only be changed by strong sanctions, strong tariffs real pressure." (Reporting by Ron Popeski and Yuliia DysaEditing by Gareth Jones) Ukrainian defence tech company Frontline has successfully integrated the Buria grenade-launcher turret for the Mk-19 automatic grenade launcher into the Combat Gereon unmanned combat ground vehicle from German autonomous military ground systems developer ARX Robotics. Source: Frontline press service Details: The Combat Gereon unmanned ground combat system has been designed based on the Unmanned First Contact concept, under which it carries out the most dangerous tasks instead of soldiers and reduces risks for troops in combat zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Frontline noted that the Buria grenade-launcher turret adds combat capabilities to the ground robot. The two products form a single combat module ready for deployment on the battlefield. Photo: Frontline press service The Ukrainian company pointed out that the combat module based on the Combat Gereon unmanned system and the Buria grenade-launcher module can be used to perform the most dangerous tasks, including providing fire support for infantry. "The Combat Gereon unmanned ground system and the Buria grenade-launcher turret combination is already in service with combat units," Frontline added. Background: The Buria grenade-launcher turret has been in service with military units since the beginning of 2025 and is already in mass production. It was previously reported that Frontline, in cooperation with Estonian robotics manufacturer Milrem Robotics, had successfully incorporated the Buria grenade-launcher turret for the 40-mm Mk-19 grenade launcher into the THeMIS unmanned ground system. Frontline noted that THeMIS was the first unmanned ground system in its class to be used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine to carry out combat missions. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A misguided Ukrainian combat drone crashed in Estonia, authorities said on Tuesday. Security police chief Margo Palloson said in Tallinn that the incident was believed to have occurred on Sunday morning. "It was a Ukrainian drone that attacked Russian targets. There is no evidence that it was a Russian drone," Palloson told Estonian radio ERR. This was the first such incident in Estonia, according to radio reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine had attacked a Russian oil and gas terminal in the Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga near the Estonian border on Saturday night. On Monday, a farmer in the Estonian county of Tartu found the wreckage of the combat drone in his field, said Palloson. There was also a clear explosion crater. The aircraft was probably misdirected by Russian electronic defence measures. It is unclear whether the drone came from Latvian or Russian airspace. Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said that the drone hit Estonia because Russia was continuing its war against Ukraine and Kiev was defending itself. The use of drones in warfare can pose a threat to neighbouring countries. In recent months, Russian drones have entered the airspace of Poland, Lithuania and Latvia via Belarus, a Russian ally. There have been similar cases in Romania and Moldova. Editor's note: The story contains graphic descriptions. Thirty-three-year-old National Guard soldier Vladyslav survived after Russian forces slit his throat and threw him into a pit, believing he was dead, Suspilne reported on Aug. 25. Vladyslav managed to climb out and spent five days crawling back to Ukrainian-controlled territory. On Aug. 17, he was taken to a hospital in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in critical condition. The soldier had lost a large amount of blood, and his wounds had begun to fester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medical staff say this is the first time in 11 years of war that they have treated injuries of this kind. The case highlights Russia's widely-reported brutal treatment of captured Ukrainian soldiers. "When someone's throat is cut, and they are bleeding to death, there is little chance of survival," said Serhii Ryzhenko, the hospital's chief doctor. "He held on until the end, but what sets him apart is that he was confident until the very end that everything would be fine." Vladyslav has since undergone surgery, but is currently unable to speak. He has written down the story of his survival in a diary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Vladyslav, his brigade lost control of a position near Pokrovsk several weeks ago. While attempting to assist his fellow soldiers, he was captured by Russian forces. The soldier said that the Russian military gouged out the eyes, cut off the lips, and cut off the male organs, ears, and noses of the first Ukrainian soldiers taken prisoner. Vladyslav was the last of eight Ukrainian soldiers thrown into a pit by Russian troops, who believed all of them were dead. Last month, Ukraine's prosecutor general said it had documented at least 273 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) who had been executed by Russia during their captivity, a war crime under the Geneva Conventions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: How Russia targets, detains and kills Ukrainian officials in occupied regions Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian strikes on 10 Russian oil refineries have disrupted at least 17% of the country's refining capacity, equivalent to 1.1 million barrels per day, Reuters reported on Aug. 25, citing its own calculations. Kyiv has targeted dozens of refineries, oil depots, and military-industrial sites since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 to disrupt Moscow's war effort. Winter drone attacks forced at least four Russian refineries to temporarily shut down. The attacks have disrupted Russias ability to process and export oil and created gasoline shortages in some Russian regions, as well as in occupied Crimea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv has increased the attacks recently ahead of potential peace talks following U.S. President Donald Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15 and with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington on Aug. 18. Most recently, Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in Russia's Samara Oblast and a gas terminal in Leningrad Oblast. Lukoil's refinery in Volgograd Oblast and a Rosneft facility in Ryazan have also come under attack in recent weeks. A massive fire also broke out at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Rostov Oblast after another drone strike on Aug. 21. It took five days to extinguish the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines military estimates that long-range strikes have cost Russia around $74.1 billion, or 4.11% of its projected gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025 alone. Read also: Analysis: Why JD Vance is very wrong about Russian concessions in Ukraine peace talks Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Oleksandr, Bohdanas mum and her younger step-sister Credit - Courtesy of Bohdana Teslenko Myroslava Melnychenko knows the village, the exact spot, where her younger brothers body lies. She has seen the grainy drone footage of him being killed in battle. But he is in a place that neither she nor the experts whose job it is to retrieve the bodies of fallen soldiers can get to, nearly three years after his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's painful that he can't be brought back, but I still hope that one day we'll manage to do it, she tells TIME. Although his family knows he is gone, Oleksii Melnychenko is counted as one of 146,000 missing people from both Ukraine and Russia in Ukraines war by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The definition includes any person who has not been accounted for, or whose remains have not been retrieved, even when there is significant evidence to show they are dead. For Melnychenko and many thousands in her position, the lack of a burial means she has been unable to honor her brother the way he deserves. Those who are listed as missing remain in a kind of limbo," she says. It's absolutely vital for Oleksii to have a place where he can be buried, so we have a place to go where you know his life and his death are acknowledged. I just don't want him to simply vanish into thin air. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The Hidden War Over Ukraines Lost Children Melnychenko, who works as a psychologist, remembers growing up that she was always the responsible one, he was more easygoing, more light. Oleksii volunteered for the Ukrainian army soon after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. At the time of his death, later that year, he was fighting on the frontline in the village of Marinka, near the eastern city of Donetsk. We knew it was such a brutal place in terms of the fighting, Melnychenko explains, adding that she still maintained regular contact with her brother at this time. Then, in January 2023, their mother was informed that Oleksii was missing. Melnychenko began years of research to confirm her brother's fate. She contacted people who knew Oleksii, her fellow soldiers, who said that he had been killed while leading a mission. They said there was Russian drone footage of the battle and of his death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His fellow soldiers didn't want me to see the video so I didnt get traumatised, but I found it myself. I watched it and I made sure it was my brother," she says. Learning that her brother's death after her long search had a huge impact on her. I was unwell for a long time. I went to the doctors, I had treatments, and I'm still trying to put myself back together, says Melnychenko. She believes bringing her brother home is an important part of her healing. What made us human wasn't any invention, but the moment we started to bury our dead," she says. Andres Rodriguez Zorro, a forensic coordinator with ICRC whose job is to coordinate the organisations humanitarian forensic response and train those involved in operations to retrieve and identify missing persons, describes the "ambiguous loss felt by families who cannot retrieve the bodies of their loved ones. Myroslava and her brother Oleksii Courtesy of Myroslava Melnychenko Can you imagine that they have this uncertainty, if their relative is alive, if they are dead, Zorro explains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says that the kind of weaponry and technology used, alongside a constantly-changing frontline, make Russias invasion a particularly unique conflict. This is the first time that we are facing volumes of hundreds of thousands of missing or killed in action, he says. We are talking about a very high level of hostilities, the conflict is very active and also because of the type of weapons, the recovery is very challengingeven if there is some kind of reduction of the hostilities to get there and recover the bodies, they [recovery personnel] are exposing their lives because there is a lot of mines and unexploded things, says Zorro, adding that many of the remains are burned, dispersed and even skeletonized, making recovery even more difficult. Zorro says that his mission in Ukraine, which he has just completed, has been very challenging but for sure my best mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He says that he consistently spent time looking for new ways to improve the recovery and identification processes. I had this opportunity to use inventiveness to adapt to these difficult challenges. How to provide the process of search and recovery, the transportation of bodiesHow to properly repatriate these bodies and support the process of proper burial, Zorro explains. The bodies of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers were returned by Russia on August 19, showing possible hope that more families can secure closure and properly bury their loved ones. In return, Ukraine also returned 19 bodies to Russia. However, tens of thousands of unaccounted bodies remain buried and out of reach on the battlefield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bohdana Teslenko is another Ukrainian left with just memories of a loved one. Her father Oleksandr, is believed to have been killed during fighting in 2023. Although his death has not been confirmed, Teslenko says she has seen photos of her fathers body. There are no words that can truly describe what it's like to see your dad, the best dad in the world, to be in that photo, she says. A view of the ruined and abandoned town of Mariinka in the Donetsk region, Russian-controlled Ukraine, on April 1, 2025. This is the town where Oleksii Melnychenko's body still lies. StringerAFP via Getty Images Teslenkos father, Oleksandr, had long worked in security when he first volunteered for the Donbas battalion in 2014 during Russias annexation of Crimea and the following Russian-backed conflict in eastern Ukraines Donbas region. In 2022, he once again volunteered for the Ukrainian army as Russias full-scale invasion began. During holidays, we would all get together and record videos saying how much we love him, how proud we are of him, and send him these kinds of videos, Teslenko recalls when her father was deployed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dad absolutely loved it. He later said that whenever he was without the internet, he would re-watch these videos, and that was actually something that gave him strength, she continues. In June 2023, Teslenko's father would return home for a short break from fighting on the frontline. Teslenko and her mother would spend the last day with him looking for a raincoat that her father would take back with him. Weeks later, on July 25, Teslenkos mother was informed that Oleksandr had been killed. Teslenko remembers: The first few hours, we cried because we didn't know what to do. We couldn't be prepared for a situation like this, says Teslenko. Three days later, they found images of Oleksandrs body on Russian telegram channels. My heart nearly stopped, and my mom and sister were with me. They were holding me, holding my hands, holding my face as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teslenko also learned of his last moments. She says that a Russian Black Hussars unit dressed in Ukrainian security uniforms advanced towards her father. Oleksandr reportedly covered his unit for their retreat. They (Russian soldiers) ripped off his Chevron, little Ukrainian flag and shoved it into his mouth and said: He tried to sneak up, so we killed him.' Teslenko has since been working with the support of the Red Cross in the search for his remains, receiving emotional support from the organization over the last two years as she tries to get her fathers body home. The 27-year-old is also planning to take part in an experimental DNA program, and has given consent for her data to be used should it go ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Teslenko is still waiting for answers. He was a hero, and it hurts so much that we still cannot retrieve his body and deal with the situationHe gave his life to save six others, and for that only, he deserves every award and all the possible recognition, she says. She believes her father would approve. Before Oleksandrs death, he spoke with Teslenkos mother about the possibility of dying on the frontline. She recalls him saying: It's terrifying to lie in the field, and it's very important for the body to be brought back. Contact us at letters@time.com. LONDON (AP) Nigel Farage, the leader of Britain's hard-right Reform UK party, said Tuesday that if he wins the next election he will leave the European Convention on Human Rights and immediately detain and deport anyone who arrives in the country illegally, including children. Farage laid out his plans following a significant rise in migrants who arrive by boat across the English Channel, and weeks of protests over the government's use of hotels to house asylum-seekers. If you come to the U.K. illegally, you will be detained and deported and never, ever allowed to stay, period," Farage told a press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mood in the country around this issue is a mix between total despair and rising anger," he added, claiming there is now a genuine threat to public order" if no action is taken. He said the issue of how we deal with children is much more complicated, but added: Women and children, everybody on arrival will be detained. Despite holding just four of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, Farage s party has gained momentum by seizing on public frustration over successive governments inability to bring down the number of migrants coming by boat. National polls have suggested that support for Reform equals or surpasses that of the ruling Labour Party and the Conservatives. The party hopes to displace the Conservatives as the countrys main party on the right by the next national election, due by 2029. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farage, who has long sought to link problems such as public health care and housing to migrant arrivals, reiterated his stance that the U.K. is being invaded by migrants. He said he would introduce policies to mass deport hundreds of thousands of people over the first five years of being in government. Reform will leave the ECHR and repeal or disapply all other rights treaties to bar all asylum claims and ensure migrants who arrive without authorization are deported, he added. It will scale up the capacity of detention facilities and secure deals with countries including Afghanistan, Eritrea and Iran to return migrants, Farage said, without offering details. Asked about the prospect of asylum-seekers being tortured or killed if they were sent back to countries they fled, Farage said: The alternative is to do nothing ... We cannot be responsible for all the sins that take place around the world." Almost 29,000 people have crossed the English Channel by boat in 2025, up about 50% from the same period last year. On Monday, 659 migrants arrived in the U.K. by boat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A much larger number of people over 111,000 applied for asylum in the U.K. in the year up to June, official figures show. Reform's deportation plans echo similar tough migration policies by Germany, which deported dozens of Afghan men to their homeland last month. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ditched the previous Conservative administrations flagship plan to send migrants who arrived by unauthorized means to Rwanda. Instead, he has pinned hopes on a deal agreed with France last month to send some migrants who cross the English Channel on dinghies and inflatable boats back to France. U.K. officials have suggested the one in, one out plan is a major breakthrough, despite the initial program involving a limited number of people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government is also looking to speed up the processing of asylum claims. Officials have housed tens of thousands of migrants awaiting their asylum outcome in hotels at public expense. Tensions over the policy have long simmered, but tipped into protests in recent weeks after a hotel resident was charged with sexual assault after he allegedly approached a 14-year-old girl and tried to kiss her. The man, 38-year-old Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, attended a court hearing Tuesday. He has denied the charges. Anti-migrant demonstrations, as well as counterprotests, have flared after local authorities won a temporary injunction last week to shut down the Bell Hotel in Epping, on the outskirts of London. Reform's plans were dismissed by other political parties as lacking in substance and condemned by rights groups. Men, women and children are coming to the U.K. looking for safety. They are fleeing the unimaginable horrors of torture in places like Afghanistan, Sudan and Iran, and they desperately need our protection," said Kolbassia Haoussou at the nonprofit Freedom from Torture. This comes after the Breslov hassidim received a framework that allows for NIS 10 million to be used in their Rosh Hashanah pilgrimages to Uman, Ukraine. MK Yitzhak Goldknopf, chairman of the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) party, demanded a new framework be put in place to enable the financing of the Chabad Hassidim's annual trip to New York with government resources and special exceptions for draft dodgers. Goldknopf asked for a similar treatment that the Breslov hassidim received with the latest framework that allows for NIS 10 million to be used in their Rosh Hashanah pilgrimages to Uman, Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would like to respectfully raise an additional request that has come up in many inquiries directed to my office from heads of yeshivas and important rabbis from the Chabad community: to expand the framework so it also includes the thousands of Chabad Hassidim who travel every year during the holidays to be with their spiritual leader, Goldknopf said in the letter. For them too, it is a spiritual experience of the highest order that has no substitute, and it is our duty to allow them the same rights granted to others, he added. Yitzhak Goldknopf at a United Torah Judaism meeting at the Knesset, Jerusalem, May 19, 2025. (credit: OREN BEN HAKOON/FLASH90) What is the framework for the Rosh Hashanah pilgrimages to Uman? The framework, Maariv reported, would allow some 5,000 draft dodgers to participate in the Rosh Hashanah pilgrimages to Uman without restriction when leaving the country. This exception would apply only to those with a military exemption related to their yeshiva enrollment and those whose status was affected by the expiration of the exemption law. Lapid: Why should our tax money fund flights to Uman? MK Yair Lapid, the opposition leader and chairman of Yesh Atid, criticized the governments decision to allow draft dodgers to fly to Moldova using public funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why should our tax money fund flights to Uman? Since when does the government fund flights abroad for private citizens? And why on earth is [Shas MK Arye] Deri demanding a plan that would allow draft dodgers to fly? The only place they need to fly to is jail, he posted on X/Twitter. Yisrael Beytenu chairman MK Avigdor Liberman also opposed the decision: A government that, during wartime, sanctifies and encourages draft evasion has no right to exist. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigans medical center, will no longer offer gender-affirming care, such as hormone therapy and puberty blockers, for patients under the age of 19. The university said this is the result of legal and regulatory pressure to the institution. The University of Michigan, including Michigan Medicine, is one of multiple institutions across the country that has received a federal subpoena as part of a criminal and civil investigation into gender-affirming care for minors, the university said in a statement Monday. In light of that investigation, and given escalating external threats and risks, we will no longer provide gender affirming hormonal therapies and puberty blocker medications for minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement continues: We recognize the gravity and impact of this decision for our patients and our community. We are working closely with all those impacted, and we will continuously support the well-being of our patients, their families, and our teams. State Rep. Emily Dievendorf, D-Lansing, decried the decision and said it creates a stigma for transgender youth. Dievendorf is Michigans first nonbinary state representative. Michigan Medicine is one of the largest and most respected health systems in the state, and this decision has an impact far beyond Ann Arbor, Dievendorf told 6 News. First and foremost, young people and families lose access to care that is essential, evidence based, and lifesaving. Even the perception that this care is being rolled back creates fear, confusion, and stigma for trans youth who are already navigating enormous barriers. They continued: A system this influential sets precedent, and other providers may feel pressured to follow suit, even though gender affirming care is still legal in Michigan. That kind of domino effect could dramatically reduce access across the state, especially in communities that already lack affirming providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salus, a Lansing-based LGBTQ+ advocacy group, who said this decision prevents transgender youth from getting the care and support they need. UM [sic] just acquired one of our most prominent hospitals, telling us it would improve care, and now theyre directly stopping our youth from getting the care and support they need as a result of federal attacks on Michigan Medicine, a spokesperson for the organization said. Make no mistake, the federal government is the root cause of this assault on young queer Michiganders. We at the Salus Center stand, as always, with 2SLGBTQIA+ people of all ages and urge the continued provision of medical care that keeps young folks alive. Kelsea Hector, a mayoral candidate for Lansing, called Michigan Medicines decision a blatant disregard for our childrens health. In Lansing, this decision will hit especially hard, Hector said. Families who are already navigating waitlists, travel barriers, and stigma now face one more closed door. Our children deserve better. They deserve to grow up in a community where their health is protected, their futures are supported, and their identities are affirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She continued: To every child and every family impacted: you are not alone. Our community will not abandon you. We will work together to build networks of care, expand access, and hold institutions accountable so no young person is denied the chance to live fully as themselves. I believe this because I have hope in our future and the capacity for our community to make the right choices. Because Michigan must be a place where all kids can imagine a future with possibility and joy. That is the Lansing we are all fighting for. Hector is nonbinary and an LGBTQ+-rights advocate. Her and incumbent Andy Schor face off in the general election Nov. 4. Gender-affirming healthcare for trans youth under 19 is still legal in Michigan. This story was updated to include statements to 6 News from Dievendorf, Salus and Kelsea Hector. 6 News reached out to Lansing Mayor Andy Schors office, and he has not yet replied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) -A team of U.N. investigators tasked with researching cases of violence by Israeli settlers and the transfer of arms to Israel for use in the Gaza war cannot complete their work because of financial constraints, a document showed. The incident shows how dire funding shortages in the U.N. system, caused by donor fatigue and belt-tightening, are harming global accountability efforts for abuses after a Congo probe was stalled earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory - established in May 2021 by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council - can provide evidence of international crimes used in pre-trial investigations by tribunals like the International Criminal Court. Last year the council approved a request from Pakistan to research additional evidence on arms transfers to Israel in the context of the Gaza war and Israeli settler violence. But Navi Pillay who heads the inquiry told the council's president in an August 6 letter that a lack of funds meant it was unable to hire staff. "The Commission has started informing the sponsors of the two resolutions that it will be unable to produce these mandated reports and present them to the Council in March 2026," said Pillay, who has served as a judge at the ICC and is a former U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has regularly criticised the commission, which has condemned actions by the Israeli military since it launched its Gaza offensive after the deadly Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. A backlog of U.N. mandatory fees, including from top donor the United States which owes around $1.5 billion, has worsened a long-running U.N. liquidity crisis. In response, the global body plans to cut its budget by 20%. Overall, 12 of the current 47 voting members on the council - set to meet in September to discuss crises in Sudan and Afghanistan - have outstanding fees, according to a tally by the International Service for Human Rights. Nada Al Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, said investigations were now running at around 50% staffing levels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Without the timely availability of funds, implementation has become and will continue to be increasingly constrained and in some cases it will simply not be possible," she said. (Reporting by Emma FargeEditing by Gareth Jones) Honolulu firefighters put out a fire at a two-story, family home in Ewa Beach overnight. The Honolulu Fire Department determined that the fire was caused by an unattended candle and has classified the cause as accidental. No injuries were reported. HFD received a 911 call at 12 :18 a.m. for a house fire on the 91-1000 block of Karayan Street in Ewa Beach. Ten units with 35 personnel responded, with the first arriving on scene seven minutes later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters found smoke coming from the second floor of the family home and began an aggressive fire attack. The fire was brought under control at 12 :29 a.m. and extinguished at 12 :38 a.m. No occupants were in the home at the time of the fire. The Red Cross was requested to assist the displaced occupants. Estimated damages are at $180, 000 to both the structure and its contents. HFD advises blowing out all candles upon leaving the room or going to bed, and keeping candles at least 1 foot away from anything that can burn. Think about using flameless candles in your home, said HFD. More safety tips are available at. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks at an Aug. 4, 2025, news conference in her Anchorage office. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) While some Alaskans are disappointed that Sen. Lisa Murkowski voted for the Big Ugly Bill, she is an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump and one of very few moderate Republicans left in the Senate. Her departure from Washington would be devastating for the entire USA. As a moderate Democrat I understand the anger and disappointment about her vote, but Alaskans need to put it in context. Republicans were ready to flip holdout libertarian Sen. Rand Paul by making more cuts to vital programs. Murkowski did score some modest wins for Alaska, but she recognized she couldnt get any more, and continuing to say no would only result in further damage to Alaska and the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 78, I have closely followed Alaska and national politics since high school, and I followed her actions since she was in the state Legislature, when she pushed through a tax on alcohol, despite strong opposition from many corners. When she was appointed to the U.S. Senate, I was skeptical like many, but when she appeared before my group of Alaska shellfish growers during her amazing write-in run for reelection to the U.S, Senate, I introduced her as Sen. Lisa M-U-R-K-O-W-S-K-I; my compatriots gave her a standing ovation. While Murkowski doesnt have the power of the purse that Sen. Ted Stevens had during his long career, she has been very influential in bringing federal dollars to Alaska. Reaching across the political aisle during the Biden administration, she brought home hundreds of million dollars for Alaska projects. Unfortunately, the Trump administration pulled back many of those projects. As an Alaska Native descendant, I am particularly impressed by her attention to the plight of rural Alaskans. I have worked closely with Native groups from Ketchikan to the Aleutians to create new economic opportunities. Climate change has hit rural Alaska very hard. I certainly dont approve of many of Murkowskis positions, such as logging in the Tongass National Forest, the Ambler Road, drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, mine after mine, and oil wells in wilderness areas. As a pragmatist, I understand why her position in the Senate benefits Alaska and our troubled nation. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Since the start of the fall semester, students at 10 U.S. colleges have gotten false reports of active shooters on campus. On August 25, students at the University of Arkansas joined that list. Just after noon on Aug. 25, University of Arkansas students received a message from the schools RazALERT informing them of a possible active shooter. Students sheltered in place on campus for more than an hour before an all-clear was given. Law enforcement officers respond to reports of a shooting on the University of Arkansas campus Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods) University of Arkansas students and employees evacuate and take shelter Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark., as police respond to reports of a shooting. (AP Photo/Michael Woods) Law enforcement officers gather in front of the library on the University of Arkansas campus while responding to reports of a shooting Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods) Law enforcement officers respond to reports of a shooting on the University of Arkansas campus Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods) Law enforcement officers gather in front of the library on the University of Arkansas campus while responding to reports of a shooting Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods) University of Arkansas students and employees evacuate and take shelter Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark., as police respond to reports of a shooting. (AP Photo/Michael Woods) During a news conference with the media, University of Arkansas Police Department Assistant Chief Matt Mills said the department received 308 landline phone calls and 38 9-1-1 calls from seven different buildings reporting a shooter on campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, police say there is no record of shots being fired, and the department believes the incident looks like swatting or a hoax call. The University of Arkansas is not alone when it comes to false reports of possible active shooters on campus. University of Arkansas professor recounts responsibility for students during active shooter response Other colleges have received active shooter alerts Since students returned to college campuses for the fall semester, at least 10 schools have received reports of an active shooter. Those alerts have been sent to students at these schools since the start of the school year: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No record of shots fired: UAPD gives update on active shooter response Are all of the false alarms connected? After the false alarm at Northern Arizona University on Monday, the school said in a statement that an investigation into the false report was underway with assistance from the FBI. An FBI spokesperson told NBC News that the bureau was aware of many of the reported incidents and was helping with investigations. The FBI continues to work with state and local partners to investigate the swatting hoaxes but cannot say at this stage whether or not the incidents are connected, the FBI said in a statement. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Michael Cummings, a professor at the University of Arkansas, was giving a presentation to students when the campus RazALERT was sent out, warning of an active shooter, he said. In the law school building just hundreds of feet from David W. Mullins Library, where the active shooter response was centered, Cummings sprang into action, barricading the door to the room with a podium, turning off the lights and the projector, prioritizing his students safety in the midst of the uncertainty. (We) tried to encourage people to be quiet so we could hear if anything was happening, Cummings said. How would you respond if somebody burst into the classroom? Especially as a faculty member with responsibility for students, you want to make sure that theyre OK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No record of shots fired: UAPD gives update on active shooter response During the hours Cummings and the group of students were sheltered in place, his mind like many who have loved ones on campus began to race, worrying about the safety of his family. I just started texting my wife, my brother, Cummings said. Shes a faculty member; hes a student here, just making sure that they were safe. The University of Arkansas becomes the latest college across the country to have a reported active shooter claim, joining Villanova and South Carolina, among others, within the last week. Its a shame that people are using that very real threat to create chaos and panic, unnecessarily, Cummings said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cummings is thankful, regardless of the credibility of the threat, for the overwhelming, swift response from police. They did everything they could to make sure that things were safe, and that if there was a situation, that it would be OK, Cummings 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 KNWA FOX24. The University of Floridas Board of Trustees has appointed Donald Landry as interim president, subject to confirmation by the Florida Board of Governors. Landry, the former chairman of Columbia Universitys Department of Medicine, is anticipated to begin his term on September 1st, pending final confirmation. Landry emphasized the importance of academic freedom, stating, Academic freedom of expression is a right, but so is the right to learn and the right to teach. One could argue that they are even more fundamental. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The universitys choice of Landry as interim president occurs amid its ongoing search for a permanent leader. The specific reasons for his appointment have not been clearly explained. If confirmed, Landry will oversee the University of Florida during the transition until a new president is appointed. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The Trump administration has strong-armed the University of Michigans statewide hospital system over its provision of transgender health care services for minors, sending a subpoena in recent weeks to University of Michigan Health, TPM has learned. The investigation has prompted the university to suspend gender-affirming care at its hospitals for those under 19, the university told TPM in an exclusive statement. The University of Michigan, including Michigan Medicine, is one of multiple institutions across the country that has received a federal subpoena as part of a criminal and civil investigation into gender-affirming care for minors, the statement reads. In light of that investigation, and given escalating external threats and risks, we will no longer provide gender affirming hormonal therapies and puberty blocker medications for minors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the Trump administration, University of Michigan Healths decision is a win. In this case, federal officials have used the prospect of a lengthy civil or criminal investigation to pressure the hospital system. One source familiar with the universitys decision-making told TPM that University of Michigan Healths leadership interpreted the subpoena as a threat that could portend criminal prosecution. Per the source, individual doctors received a hold order not to destroy documents. The demand came in the form of an administrative subpoena, per the source. The demand is similar to a subpoena received by the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and entered as an exhibit into a lawsuit earlier this month, the source said. The Department of Justice did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per an internal university memo obtained by TPM, University of Michigan Health first received a subpoena on July 14 that indicated the DOJ was pursuing a civil and criminal investigation. DOJ attorneys had indicated they were investigating the doctors on suspicion of abusing their authority to prescribe medication, among other potential charges, the source said. The source said that those at the University of Michigan Health system had heard for a few weeks that they were next in line. We recognize the gravity and impact of this decision for our patients and our community. We are working closely with all those impacted, and we will continuously support the well-being of our patients, their families, and our teams, the hospital system added in its statement to TPM. We are deeply grateful to our clinicians for their unyielding commitment to providing the highest quality care, and to all of our team members for their dedication to helping our patients, and to supporting each other, as we navigate these changes together. The targeting of the health system appears to be part of a broader salvo from the Trump administration, as it takes further steps to threaten hospitals into backing away from providing gender-affirming care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI posted a tipline on X in early June, seeking names of any hospitals, clinics, or practitioners mutilating children under the guise of gender-affirming care. Trumps DOJ announced on July 9 that it had sent more than 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics involved in performing transgender medical procedures on children. University of Michigan Health received its subpoena a few days later. The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and UChicago Medicine have been reported to be among the institutions that received subpoenas. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a multistate lawsuit on August 1 two weeks after the University of Michigan health system received its subpoena to block the administration from using threats of criminal prosecution to restrict care. Significant evidence has emerged in recent weeks that the Trump administration is aggressively pursuing investigations into other providers of transgender health care, particularly for minors. The administrative subpoena to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, filed this month in a lawsuit brought by state attorneys general, seeks a broad range of documents relating to puberty blockers, gender-related care, and other topics related to transgender care. In that case, the subpoena directed the hospital to appear before the DOJs consumer protection branch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It cited a statute that allows investigators to issue administrative subpoenas for investigations into federal health care-related offenses for use in either civil or criminal cases. For the University of Michigan hospital systems administrators and clinicians, the subpoena left little clarity on how to fight back: Theres no criminal charge that they can defend against, no new law or federal rule interpretation to challenge in court, the person familiar emphasized. All they have, the person said, is the prospect of heavy legal fees and, for the doctors, a looming fear of potentially losing their medical licenses while under the cloud of an endless investigation. The University of Michigan may have been in the Trump administrations sights already, as it had targeted the hospital system over a separate gender-affirming care-related issue earlier in the summer. Back in June, Trumps HHS launched an investigation into the case of a physicians assistant in University of Michigan Health system who claimed that she was fired after refusing to perform gender-affirming care or use patients preferred pronouns under a religious exemption. Valerie Kloostermans case was taken up by the First Liberty Institute, a right-wing law firm that sits on the advisory board of Project 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation will probe whether the health system has policies consistent with the Church Amendments for accommodating health care workers with religious beliefs or moral convictions that are contrary to certain procedures or certain health service programs, HHS Office for Civil Rights said in a press release. A federal judge dismissed Kloostermans lawsuit, ruling she had to proceed to arbitration. Her attorneys appealed, and the case is currently before the 6th Circuit. Rachel Crandall Crocker, co-founder of TransGender Michigan, told TPM that the universitys medical system is one of two transgender health care providers in the state. Losing it will massively complicate the lives of transgender Michiganders, she said. It would leave a big hole in services, Crocker told TPM. A lot of people would be out of luck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The focus on Michigan is just one front in an onslaught from an administration fixated on making health care, legal protection and self-identification much more fraught for the trans community. Its right-wing media allies have derived hours of content from the skirmishes, contributing to the souring of public opinion on trans rights. The approach now can best be described as misleading, punitive, and invasive of adults ability to make their own healthcare decisions in consultation with their providers and, for young people, of the privacy of parents, youth, and their healthcare providers, all informed by experience and expertise in the field, Suzanne Goldberg, cofounder of Columbia Law Schools Center for Gender and Sexuality Law, told TPM. Michigan Medicine | Susan J. Demas The University of Michigans statewide hospital network will stop providing medically necessary gender affirming health care service for minors, bowing to pressure from the administration of President Donald Trump. The statewide hospital network received a subpoena as part of a criminal and civil investigation into gender-affirming care for minors, TPM reported. In light of that investigation, and given escalating external threats and risks, we will no longer provide gender affirming hormonal therapies and puberty blocker medications for minors, University of Michigan Health said in a statement to TPM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University of Michigan Health first received a subpoena from the Department of Justice in July, indicating that the DOJ was investigating doctors on suspicion of abusing their authority to prescribe medication, among other potential charges, the report says. The FBI posted a tipline on X in June seeking the names of any hospitals, clinics or practitioners accused of mutilating children under the guise of gender-affirming care. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Gender-affirming care which can include things like hormone therapy and puberty blocker medication is considered by many medical experts to be medically necessary and potentially life-saving for transgender youth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transgender young people deserve healthcare that is informed by science, compassion, and respect. Gender-affirming care is backed by rigorous research, expert consensus, and patient-centered values. Studies consistently show its positive impact, including improved mental health and overall quality of life, states the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). WPATH is an international organization of health professionals whose mission is to promote evidence-based care, education, research, public policy, and respect in transgender health. They are joined by other major medical organizations in concluding that age-appropriate gender-affirming care is evidence-based and medically necessary, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Endocrine Society. University of Michigan Health said in its statement that they recognize the gravity and impact of this decision and are working closely with all those impacted, and we will continuously support the well-being of our patients, their families and our teams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that rings hollow for Equality Michigan Executive Director Erin Knott. Even in making this harmful decision, the University of Michigan appears to acknowledge the legitimacy and value of gender-affirming care, Knott said. Yet, it has chosen to retreat. This sends a chilling and damaging message to the very young people who most need affirmation, stability, and support. The Trump administrations intensifying campaign against transgender Americans access to health care has forced one of the nations largest hospital systems to retreat. The University of Michigan confirmed that it has suspended puberty blockers and hormone therapy for patients under 19 after receiving a subpoena from the Department of Justice last month. The University of Michigan, including Michigan Medicine, is one of multiple institutions across the country that has received a federal subpoena as part of a criminal and civil investigation into gender-affirming care for minors, the system said in a statement to Talking Points Memo. In light of that investigation, and given escalating external threats and risks, we will no longer provide gender affirming hormonal therapies and puberty blocker medications for minors. The July 14 subpoena warned administrators and doctors that both civil and criminal liability could follow. Physicians were instructed not to destroy records. One source told TPM the order was understood as a direct threat of prosecution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The impact in Michigan is immediate. The universitys health system is one of only two major providers of gender-affirming care in the state. It would leave a big hole in services, Rachel Crandall Crocker, cofounder of TransGender Michigan, told TPM. A lot of people would be out of luck. A broader retreat Michigans decision is part of a wider pattern. An NBC News analysis found that at least 21 hospitals and health systems have ended or restricted youth gender-affirming care since January. Some shuttered programs entirely; others removed public information about services from their websites. The common denominator is fear fear of federal subpoenas, of drawn-out investigations, and above all, of losing the federal dollars that sustain nearly every major medical system in the United States. The Justice Department has made clear that facilities accepting Medicaid or Medicare funding risk those reimbursements if they continue treating trans youth. Administrators warn that losing even a fraction of federal support could destabilize their operations. Childrens National Hospital in Washington, D.C., announced this summer it would discontinue medications for minors, citing escalating legal and regulatory risks. Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, home to one of the countrys oldest gender clinics, closed its youth program in July after leadership warned that federal agencies had already cut off hundreds of millions of dollars from U.S. academic and research institutions for noncompliance with executive orders, often with little to no warning, NBC News reports. Legislating through subpoenas Attorney General Pam Bondi announced in July that the DOJ had issued more than 20 subpoenas nationwide, accusing providers of mutilating children in the service of a warped ideology. The orders have demanded extraordinary amounts of private information. One subpoena to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia sought billing documents, doctors notes, encrypted texts, and even patients Social Security numbers and home addresses dating back to 2020. Advocates called the demands breathtakingly invasive. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a lesbian, has joined a multistate lawsuit accusing the administration of overstepping its authority and unlawfully intimidating providers. The Trump Administration is attempting to strip away lawful, essential healthcare from vulnerable youth, Nessel said in a statement announcing the suit. These orders are illegal and dangerous and have no medical or scientific basis. I will continue to protect families, defend doctors, and stop politicians from putting our kids lives at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint argues that the DOJs tactics violate the Constitution by attempting to impose a national ban where Congress has not acted, usurping states authority to regulate medical care. Equality Michigan praised the move, saying the administration was using funding as a weapon to force providers to abandon their patients and override parents rights to make health care decisions for their own children. The retreat by the University of Michigan captures the chilling reality: even in states where care is legal, the federal governments threats are pushing hospitals to abandon patients. The result is not simply a shift in policy but a profound rupture in the doctor-patient relationship, one that forces families into exile or desperation. The collapse of access is leaving families with wrenching choices. One Florida mother told NBC News she is moving to Germany so her 15-year-old daughter can continue treatment. After years of traveling across state lines to find care, the family concluded that leaving the country was the only option. Christopher Street Project executive director Tyler Hack responded to the Trump administrations ongoing threat to transgender peoples health care in a statement. The Christopher Street Project is a pro-trans political action group. Playing political games to collect and weaponize Americans private healthcare information is not just an attack on trans people it is an attack on every single American who benefits from basic patient-provider privacy and our most fundamental freedoms. Hospitals, administrators, and doctors have a moral obligation to stand up to this power grab and hold the line to protect their patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Editors note: This article has been updated with additional reporting. This article originally appeared on Advocate: University of Michigan latest hospital system to abandon trans minor patients & families after DOJ subpoena RELATED The president of George Mason University said he will not comply with a demand by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights to apologize for alleged discriminatory hiring practices. The Department of Education accused the university's first Black president, Gregory Washington, of implementing "unlawful DEI policies" at the institution. Douglas Gansler, an attorney representing Washington, is accusing the Education Department of carrying out a shoddy investigation. He said in a letter to GMU's board that the OCR investigators only spoke to two university deans before coming to the conclusion that discriminatory hiring practices were taking place at the school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OCRs letter contains gross mischaracterizations of statements made by Dr. Washington and outright omission," Gansler wrote in the letter. He also accused the OCR investigators of selectively interpreting comments made by Washington, Inside Higher Ed reports. George Mason University President Gregory Washington will not comply with a Department of Education demand that he apologize for alleged discriminatory hiring practices and unlawful DEI policies at the university (AP) To be clear, per OCRs own findings, no job applicant has been discriminated against by GMU, nor has OCR attempted to name someone who has been discriminated against by GMU in any context. Therefore, it is a legal fiction for OCR to even assert or claim that there has been a Title VI or Title IX violation here, he wrote. As part of its findings, the Department of Education has demanded changes at the college and called on the university president to apologize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, University President Gregory Washington called for expunging the so-called racist vestiges from GMUs campus, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor said in a statement last week. Without a hint of self awareness, President Washington then waged a university-wide campaign to implement unlawful DEI policies that intentionally discriminate on the basis of race. You cant make this up. Gansler argued that GMU has been responsive and quick to implement changes brought by President Donald Trump's executive orders, pointing out that at least 17 positions associated with diversity or inclusivity have been eliminated or restructured, and that several diversity-focused programs and initiatives have been shuttered since Trump took office. Well before the federal government turned its attention to GMU, the university, under Dr. Washington and the Boards leadership, undertook a robust effort to stay ahead of the curve and make many of the changes now being demanded of universities, Gansler wrote in the letter. He said that if Washington were to apologize, it would undermine the school's record of compliance. If the Board entertains OCRs demand that Dr. Washington personally apologize for promoting unlawful discriminatory practices in hiring, promotion, and tenure processes, it will undermine GMUs record of compliance," he wrote. An apology will amount to an admission that the university did something unlawful, opening GMU and the Board up to legal liability for conduct that did not occur under the Boards watch. MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) The University of Wisconsin-Madison has become the latest in a line of colleges across the nation that have been victims of a shooting hoax. According to a release from Marc Lovicott, the Executive Director of Communications for the UW-Madison Police Department, the Dane County 911 Center received a call on Monday morning before 11:30 that a person with a rifle fired two shots near Memorial Library. Ryan Borgwardt sentenced to 89 days in jail for obstructing officers after faking his death in Green Lake County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No other calls had been received by the campus police or Dane County, as UWPD officers responded immediately. Dispatchers reviewed security cameras in and around the area, which revealed normal activity. Officials quickly confirmed at the scene that there was no threat, and an alert was not sent out. If the emergency had been verified, Lovicott says the campus community wouldve immediately been notified through the WiscAlert system. Officials are investigating the incident to determine who may have sent the false report, which is similar to recent shooting hoaxes at numerous other colleges nationwide, including at Iowa State University, Villanova University and the University of South Carolina. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The University of New Mexico has launched its first-ever free bike valet service and for many students, its already changing the way they get to class. Its been a game changer for me, said Melanie Shenberger, a UNM student. Im normally really worried about my bike being there because Ive seen lots of bikes get stolen. So, this has been a huge weight off my shouldersliterallybecause now I dont have to pull my bike around campus. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new service is the result of a student-led initiative through the Student Fee Review Board, which monitors how student fees are allocated. After noticing an increase in biking and scooting to campus, the board proposed the idea to make commuting easier not just for students, but also for faculty and staff. The valet is run by student Parking and Transportation Services (PATS) employees, and is located just outside the Student Union Building. Theres been a lot of excitement. A lot of people have said its really convenient, said Nicolas St. Clair, a student employee with PATS who works at the valet. Especially commuters who bring their bikes because they dont have to bring a bike lock or buy a bike locker. Its also at central campus, right across from the Student Union Building. The service is part of a broader effort by UNMs Office of Sustainability to encourage environmentally friendly transportation options. UNM is really supportive of sustainable commuting to campus, said Anne Jakle, director of the Office of Sustainability. Were going to look for other ways in the future to help enhance people biking, walking, and scooting to campus and taking the bus. The launch of the bike valet comes as the university considers implementing a new policy restricting electric mobility devicessuch as scooters and skateboards with lithium batteriesfrom being brought inside campus buildings. This follows a fire caused by an electric skateboard battery in Mitchell Hall last November, which led to an evacuation and building-wide fumigation. The university really is moving towards making sure that electrical devicesthe ones with lithium batteriesare not brought into the building, said Shawn Arruti, director of Parking and Transportation Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jakle added that the bike valet is one solution to accommodate those devices safely. Weve seen a rise in E-bikes and E-scooters in recent years, so this is a great way to ride your bikes and scooters to campus, and have it parked in a way with enhanced oversight during the day, she said. The valet service is open Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and can handle up to 120 check-ins per day. In its first week, about 20 people used the service daily, but valet staff said interest is already picking up in the second week of the semester. We expect that as word gets out, more people will be bringing their devices into the valet, Arruti said. Jakle said the university took inspiration from bike valet programs at other campuses, as well as local events like the Downtown Growers Market and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The bike valet will operate as a pilot program through the academic year. UNM will evaluate its success before deciding whether to make it a permanent service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. In late August 2025, social media posts claimed U.S. President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. planned to ban the COVID-19 vaccine "within months." The rumor stemmed from a report published by The Daily Beast on Aug. 25, 2025, that cited Dr. Aseem Malhotra, a British cardiologist and close associate of Kennedy. Snopes was unable to independently verify the details in The Daily Beast's article. An HHS spokesperson told us the agency cannot comment on potential policy decisions. The White House did not respond to our request for comment by the time of publication. However, a White House spokesperson told The Daily Beast that "any discussion about HHS policy should be dismissed as baseless speculation" unless it's announced by the Trump administration. It's unclear exactly what would happen if the Trump administration does move to pull COVID-19 vaccines from the market. However, some public-health experts say such a move would likely face significant legal hurdles. In late August 2025, social media posts claimed U.S. President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. planned to ban the COVID-19 vaccine "within months." Many of the posts sharing the claim cited the news outlet Newsweek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "BREAKING: President Trump and HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are allegedly planning to ban the COVID vaccine 'within months,' according to an associate of Kennedy's, per Newsweek," one Aug. 25 X post (archived) read. BREAKING: President Trump and HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are allegedly planning to ban the COVID vaccine within months, according to an associate of Kennedys, per Newsweek. pic.twitter.com/oR2EJ6Y25i Leading Report (@LeadingReport) August 25, 2025 Multiple X users shared the same claim (archived here, here and here). Snopes readers also emailed us and searched our website to verify whether Trump and Kennedy were really planning to ban the COVID-19 vaccine. The claim stemmed from a report (archived) published by The Daily Beast on Aug. 25 that cited Dr. Aseem Malhotra, a British cardiologist and close associate of Kennedy. Newsweek published its own article (archived) on the same day, citing The Daily Beast's reporting. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services told Snopes the agency cannot comment on potential policy decisions. The White House did not respond to our request for comment by the time of publication. We will update this report should we receive more information. What the Daily Beast report says The Daily Beast quoted Malhotra as saying the Trump administration would move to pull the COVID-19 vaccine off the U.S. market "within months." The report did not provide a specific timeline for the alleged move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Malhotra serves as the chief medical adviser for Make American Healthy Again (MAHA) Action, a lobbying group that supports the Trump administration's health agenda. He has previously made widely disputed claims about COVID-19 vaccines, including the false claim that data from the original vaccine trials showed the shots were more harmful than the virus itself. According to The Daily Beast, Malhotra reportedly said "influential" members of Trump's family share Kennedy's stance, seemingly referring to efforts to remove the COVID-19 vaccine from the market. Malhotra also reportedly told The Daily Beast that many people close to Kennedy have told him they "cannot understand" why the vaccine continues to be prescribed. On the process of potentially pulling the vaccine from the market, The Daily Beast quoted Malhotra as saying: It could [happen] in a number of stages, including learning more about the data. But given the increased talk of vaccine injuries in the past few weeks among the administration, it could also come with one clean decision. However, Snopes was unable to independently verify the details in The Daily Beast's article. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We reached out to Malhotra to ask whether he could provide any documentation or evidence confirming that discussions about pulling the COVID-19 vaccine off the market had taken place, and whether Trump or any members of his team have communicated with him about such plans. We did not receive a response by the time of publication. We sent similar questions to MAHA Action and await a response. Kush Desai, a White House spokesperson, provided the following statement to The Daily Beast: The Administration is relying on Gold Standard Science and is committed to radical transparency to make decisions that affect all Americans. Unless announced by the Administration, however, any discussion about HHS policy should be dismissed as baseless speculation. Could Trump unilaterally 'ban' a vaccine? It's unclear exactly what would happen if the Trump administration does move to pull COVID-19 vaccines from the market. However, some public health experts say such a move would likely face significant legal hurdles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The New York Times, the president does not have the authority to unilaterally ban certain vaccines. Public health authority lies primarily with the states, not the federal government, and vaccines themselves are licensed and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as the newspaper noted. Lawrence O. Gostin, an expert in public health law at Georgetown University, told the Times that a president's attempt to unilaterally remove a lawful product from the market would likely trigger a legal fight. Experts with KFF, a nonprofit health policy organization, shared (archived) a similar sentiment about potential legal issues. They explained that the FDA can remove vaccines from the market in the event of serious safety concerns or other issues, and that the agency follows a formal process for doing so. Removing an approved vaccine without compelling new evidence of harm or other concerns would likely lead to legal challenges, the KFF experts said. New federal guidance on COVID shots On Aug. 27, 2025, the FDA approved updated COVID-19 vaccines but restricted their use to a more-limited group of people, as The Associated Press reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the AP, the new vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are approved for all seniors. But federal regulators narrowed their use for younger adults and children to people with at least one high-risk health condition, such as asthma or obesity. Previously, the U.S. had recommended yearly COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months old and older. Wind-down of mRNA vaccine development The Daily Beast's report was published after HHS announced (archived) in early August 2025 that it would wind down its mRNA vaccine development efforts under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. The move included ending 22 mRNA vaccine development projects worth nearly $500 million, according to the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy said the decision was based on data that shows the vaccines fail to effectively protect against respiratory infections like COVID-19, a claim health experts have disputed. Some final-stage mRNA contracts will continue in order to "preserve prior taxpayer investment," but "no new mRNA-based projects will be initiated," HHS said. Other uses of mRNA technology within the department were not affected by the announcement, the agency said. Public health experts have openly criticized the agency's decision, warning it will undermine preparedness for future emerging diseases and the next pandemic. Sources: Latchem, Tom. "Trump and RFK Jr. To Ban COVID-19 Vaccine 'within Months.'" The Daily Beast, 25 Aug. 2025, www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump-and-robert-f-kennedy-junior-to-ban-covid-19-vaccine-within-months/. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mordowanec, Nick. "RFK Jr. May Roll Back Major Achievement Donald Trump Called 'Monumental.'" Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025, www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-rfk-covid-vaccine-hhs-2118816. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025. Jaramillo, Catalina. "COVID-19 Vaccine Benefits Outweigh Small Risks, Contrary to Flawed Claim from U.K. Cardiologist - FactCheck.org." FactCheck.org, 8 May 2023, www.factcheck.org/2023/05/scicheck-covid-19-vaccine-benefits-outweigh-small-risks-contrary-to-flawed-claim-from-u-k-cardiologist/. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025. Stolberg, Sheryl Gay. "Trump's Embrace of RFK Jr. Puts Fluoride, Vaccines and Obamacare on the Agenda." The New York Times, 4 Nov. 2024, www.nytimes.com/2024/11/04/us/politics/trump-rfk-health-fluoride-vaccines-aca.html. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025. Kates, Jennifer, and Josh Michaud. "How HHS, FDA, and CDC Can Influence U.S. Vaccine Policy | KFF." KFF, 20 Nov. 2024, www.kff.org/covid-19/how-hhs-fda-and-cdc-can-influence-u-s-vaccine-policy/. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perrone, Matthew. "FDA Approves Updated COVID-19 Shots but with Some Limits." AP News, 27 Aug. 2025, apnews.com/article/vaccines-covid-shots-fda-kennedy-pfizer-children-9ce19908ae7afb354732aa162fd28532. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025. Updates: Aug. 27, 2025: This story was updated with information about new federal guidance on COVID-19 vaccines. A Trump-appointed federal judge just did something truly unexpected. On Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas T. Cullen dismissed the Department of Justices lawsuit challenging a Maryland judges two-day waiting period on deportationsand offered a scathing rebuke of the administrations attacks on the federal judiciary. The judge defended a previous ruling that granted immigrant detainees a 48-hour long temporary stay of removal, to provide judges with enough time to actually read their habeas petitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, Chief Judge George L. Russell III had originally ruled that the brief stay was necessary to preserve existing conditions and the potential jurisdiction of this Court over pending matters while the Court determines the scope of its authority to grant the request[ed] relief. The DOJ challenged the ruling, alleging that the court had overstepped its authority, violated local court rules, and wrongly granted automatic relief to a special class of litigants. But in his 39-page filing Tuesday, Cullen wrote that the government had gone about its grievances all wrong. Fair enough, as far as it goes. If these arguments were made in the proper forum, they might well get some traction, Cullen wrote, adding, But as events over the past several months have revealed these are not normal timesat least regarding the interplay between the Executive and this coordinate branch of government. Its no surprise that the Executive chose a different, and more confrontational, path entirely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a footnote, Cullen slammed the Trump administrations smear campaign against the federal judiciary. Indeed, over the past several months, principal officers of the Executive (and their spokespersons) have described federal district judges across the country as left-wing, liberal, activists, radical, politically minded, rogue, unhinged, outrageous, overzealous, [and] unconstitutional, c]rooked, and worse, Cullen wrote. Although some tension between the coordinate branches of government is a hallmark of our constitutional system, this concerted effort by the Executive to smear and impugn individual judges who rule against it is both unprecedented and unfortunate. Cullen wrote that there was no alternative but to dismiss the governments lawsuit. To hold otherwise would run counter to overwhelming precedent, depart from longstanding constitutional tradition, and offend the rule of law, the judge wrote. All of this isnt to say that the Executive is without any recourse; far from it. If the Executive truly believes that Defendants standing orders violate the law, it should avail itself of the tried-and-true recourse available to all federal litigants: It should appeal. Upscale Peruvian restaurant Lima Nation opened in January 2024 in the former Lolas Bistro space serving upscale dishes prepared by a chef who attended culinary school in Peru. Since then, the restaurant, which is at 2146 Collective Lane, has gained a following of local fans who love its empanadas, lomo saltado and chicken causa. The owners of Lima Nation Peruvian Kitchen are now operating a sister concept from their kitchen. Its a Peruvian sandwich ghost kitchen called The Daily Deli. But the owners recently decided that they wanted to find a way to reach customers who were less interested in upscale dining. They settled on a novel idea: selling Peruvian street food out of a ghost kitchen based in their restaurant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, the owners introduced The Daily Deli. It operates from Lima Nations kitchen and serves the type of sandwiches frequently made by Peruvian street vendors. The main menu item is the restaurants take on the popular pan con chicharron sandwich. Lima Nations version is called the Peruvian Pork Legend and is served on a French roll thats filled with crispy pork belly and topped with sweet potato chips, house-made mayonnaise and Peruvian salsa. The Peruvian Pork Legend at Lima Kitchen features crispy pork belly topped with sweet potato chips, house-made mayonnaise and Peruvian salsa on a house-made bun. The menu also includes also the Butifarra sandwich, made with slow-cooked pork shoulder; the Abuela Roast sandwich, made with slow-braised beef roast and topped with melted gouda, avocado and criolla salsa.; and the Brasa chicken sandwich featuring marinated rotisserie chicken lettuce, tomato, shoestring fries and tartar sauce. Even though it was not our main idea, the restaurant has the reputation of being a high-end concept, said Karo Barreda, the restaurants co-owner and wife of its chef, Carlos Barreda. This street food concept is really not expensive. Its really affordable. The Daily Deli sandwiches (called sanguches in Peru) are available for takeout and for delivery by third party services DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub. For now, dine-in customers also can order the sandwiches, but the owners arent sure if that will continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Daily Deli menu also offers a few more-familiar sandwiches, including a daily burger and a crispy chicken club. It also includes fries, mashed potato and coleslaw as sides. Lima Nation Peruvian Kitchens new ghost kitchen, called The Daily Deli, also offers a burger. The chef makes his own mayonnaise and bakes his own Peruvian-style French rolls for the sandwiches. We are so happy that the people who have tried them have really, really enjoyed the sandwiches, Karo Barreda said. Its another way to introduce Peruvian food into the community. The sandwiches range from $12.99 to $14.99, and sides are $2.99. They are available to try, order or pick up during the same hours that Lima Nation is open: from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Lima Nation and The Daily Deli are closed on Mondays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sandwiches can be ordered from thedailydeliwichita.com or from DoorDash, Uber Eats or Grubhub. A northeast Wichita restaurant will absorb the space next door, double its seating Owner explains why he closed two Wichita seafood restaurants, never opened third Construction on this Wichita restaurant stopped last year. Now, theres movement. Southwest Airlines will soon require travellers who dont fit within the armrests of their seat to pay for an extra one in advance, part of a string of recent changes the carrier is making. The new rule goes into effect on 27 January, the same day Southwest starts assigning seats a sweeping shift from its previous policy that allowed passengers to pick their own seats when boarding. Currently, plus-size passengers can either pay for an extra seat in advance with the option of getting that money back later, or they can request a free extra seat at the airport. Under the carriers new policy, a refund is still possible but no longer guaranteed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement on Monday, Southwest said it is updating some of its policies as it prepares for assigned seating next year. To ensure space, we are communicating to [customers] who have previously used the extra seat policy that they should purchase it at booking, the statement said. Southwest shifts away from its old identity It marks the latest change at Southwest, which had long been known for letting its passengers pick their own seats after boarding the plane, and for letting passengers fly with their bags for free, a policy which ended in May. Those perks were key to differentiating the budget carrier from its rivals. Southwest says it will still refund a second ticket under its new policy for extra seating if the flight isnt fully booked at the time of departure, and if both of the passengers tickets were purchased in the same booking class. The passenger also needs to request the refund within 90 days of the flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related If a passenger who needs an extra seat doesnt purchase one ahead of time, they will be required to buy one at the airport, according to the new policy. If the flight is full, the passenger will be rebooked onto a new flight. Low-cost carriers under pressure in Europe Southwests move comes as budget airlines worldwide are rethinking or in some cases being forced to rethink their models. In Europe, regulators have zeroed in on transparency and passenger rights. In June, the EU adopted a proposal that would give passengers the right to bring both a personal item and a cabin bag of up to seven kilogrammes free of charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Matteo Ricci, vice-president of the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism and the bills lead sponsor, called the change a step towards a fairer and more efficient system. The measure forms part of a broader push by Brussels to make flying less confusing, from requiring airlines to show the total cost of a journey earlier in the booking process to strengthening rules on compensation. But analysts have cautioned that these new protections could lead air carriers to raise fares in other ways as companies look for fresh sources of revenue. Standing seats, hidden fees and family perks That pressure has already driven some striking experiments and practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although their imminent arrival was debunked, prototypes of so-called standing seats went viral earlier this year, triggering backlash online. Hidden fees remain another sore point for travellers, with costs creeping in for everything from card payments to group bookings. A report by Tradingpedia this year found that while low-cost carriers advertise eye-catching prices, the reality is often more complicated. Fees for seat selection, baggage and even name changes on bookings are disclosed only step by step during booking rather than in the headline fare. Related Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not all changes disadvantage passengers, though. UK-based Jet2 recently announced that children under two will fly free, whether booked on package holidays or seat-only flights. The airline also scrapped excess baggage fees for prams, car seats and other infant equipment checked in the hold. Travellers voice concerns about comfort and cost As airlines adjust their policies, passengers are also weighing in on what the changes mean for comfort and fairness. Jason Vaughn, an Orlando-based travel agent who posts theme park reviews and travel tips for plus-size people on social media and his website, Fat Travel Tested, said Southwests change will likely impact travellers of all sizes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southwests current policy helped create a more comfortable flying experience for plus-size travellers, he said, while also ensuring all passengers have adequate space in their seats. Related I think its going to make the flying experience worse for everybody, he said of the new rule. Vaughn described the change as yet another letdown for Southwest loyalists like himself, likening it to US restaurant Cracker Barrels recent logo change that has angered some of the restaurants fans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have no idea anymore who their customer is, he said of the airline. They have no identity left. The airline has struggled recently and is under pressure from activist investors to boost profits and revenue. It also said last year that it would charge customers extra for more legroom and offer red-eye flights. By Chris Prentice (Reuters) -The lone Democrat on the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and one of just two remaining commissioners at the agency, said on Tuesday that she will leave the regulator on September 3. Commissioner Kristin Johnson, who announced her leaving date in a statement, had previously announced that she intended to leave the agency. Her term ended in April 2025; commissioners can continue beyond their terms. Acting Chairman Caroline Pham, a Republican who is the only other commissioner currently at the regulator, has also said she intends to leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHY IT MATTERS Leadership at the CFTC, which is expected to take on increased oversight of new markets including crypto, is in flux amid Johnson's imminent exit. The CFTC is typically led by a five-person commission of Democrats and Republicans. President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the CFTC, Brian Quintenz, is still awaiting Senate confirmation, and the Republican president has yet to name any other individuals to the open positions. KEY QUOTE "In advancing an agenda in the name of growth, it is critical not to dismantle the foundational resilience that supports financial stability and protects the broader economy," Johnson said in a statement on Tuesday. (Reporting by Chris Prentice; Editing by Leslie Adler) The US Embassy in Germany on Tuesday called for the perpetrator in a knife attack in a Dresden tram to be brought to justice swiftly after a US national was injured in the incident. "We strongly condemn the brutal attack on an American citizen in Dresden," the embassy wrote on X. "While courageously intervening to protect a fellow passenger, he was viciously attacked." "We urge German authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice and punish them to the fullest extent permitted by law," the statement added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US citizen, who had recently completed training as a paramedic, was injured in the face during the attack on Saturday night and remains in hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening. The attack occurred when the man intervened to prevent two men from harassing women on the tram, police said. He was attacked by one of the two perpetrators, who then fled. The man's family have set up a fundraiser to support his medical costs, noting he now faces a challenging recovery - physically, emotionally and financially. By early Tuesday, more than $40,000 had been donated. Police detained a 21-year-old Syrian national in connection with the case, but he was released as the Dresden public prosecutor's office determined there were no grounds for his arrest as he did not carry out the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers are investigating him and the other as yet unidentified suspect on charges including dangerous bodily harm. Investigators are looking for witnesses, especially among the many passengers travelling on the tram. The case made headlines across Germany and the United States. BEIRUT (AP) Saudi Arabia and Qatar are ready to invest in an economic zone in south Lebanon near the border with Israel that would create jobs for members of the militant Hezbollah group and its supporters once they lay down their weapons, President Donald Trumps envoy to the Middle East said Tuesday. Tom Barrack made his comments in Beirut after trips to Israel and Syria where he discussed with officials there the ongoing situation in Lebanon following this months decision by the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year. Hezbollahs leader rejected the governments plan, vowing to keep the weapons. On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces could begin withdrawing from territory they hold in southern Lebanon after the Lebanese governments momentous decision to disarm Hezbollah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S.-backed Lebanese army is preparing a plan for Hezbollahs disarmament that should be ready by the end of August. The government is expected to discuss the armys plan and approve it during a meeting scheduled for Sept. 2. We have to have money coming into the system. The money will come from the Gulf, Barrack told reporters after meeting President Joseph Aoun. Qatar and Saudi Arabia are partners and are willing to do that for the south (of Lebanon) if were asking a portion of the Lebanese community to give up their livelihood. We have 40,000 people that are being paid by Iran to fight. What are you gonna do with them? Take their weapon and say by the way, good luck planting olive trees? It cant happen. We have to help them, Barrack said. He was referring to tens of thousands of Hezbollah members who have been funded since the early 1980s by Tehran. We, all of us, the Gulf, the U.S., the Lebanese are all gonna act together to create an economic forum that is gonna produce a livelihood, Barrack said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked why the U.S. doesnt go to discuss the Hezbollah issue directly with Iran rather than traveling to Israel and Syria, Barrack said: You think thats not happening? Goodbye. Barrack then ended his news conference and walked out of the room. Speaking on the U.N. peacekeeping force that has been deployed in south Lebanon since Israel first invaded the country in 1978, Barrack said the U.S. would rather fund the Lebanese army than the force that is known as UNIFIL. Speaking about this weeks vote at the United Nations in New York, Barrack said the U.S. backs extending UNIFILs term for one year only. Conflict escalated to war in September 2024, before November ceasefire A low-level conflict between Israel and Hezbollah started a day after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack against Israel from Gaza, when Hezbollah began launching rockets across the border in support of its Palestinian ally. The conflict escalated into war in September 2024 and left more than 4,000 people dead, and caused destruction worth $11 billion in Lebanon, according to the World Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The war ended in November with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and since then Hezbollah says it has ended its presence along the border area. Israel has continued almost daily airstrikes that have killed dozens of Hezbollah members. Amnesty International in a report released Tuesday said it had identified more than 10,000 buildings that were heavily damaged or destroyed in southern Lebanon between October 2024 and January this year. Israeli forces remained in much of the border area for weeks after the ceasefire agreement went into effect and are still holding five strategic points. Amnestys report alleged that Israeli forces may have violated international law by destroying civilian property in areas they were controlling with manually laid explosives and bulldozers after the active fighting had ended and there was no longer an imperative military necessity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Barrack chides journalists before news conference, provoking ire At the start of the joint news conference with U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus, Barrack warned journalists at the presidential palace to be quiet, telling them to act civilized, act kind, act tolerant. He threatened to end the conference early otherwise. The moment that this starts becoming chaotic, like animalistic, were gone, said Barrack. He then asked: Do you think this is economically beneficial for Morgan and I to be here putting up with this insanity? None of the journalists present responded to his comments but the Lebanese press syndicate issued a statement about the inappropriate treatment that the Lebanese journalists were subjected to and called on Barrack and the State Department to apologize. It added that if no apology were made, it could escalate by calling for boycotting Barracks visits and meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Presidential Palace also issued a statement regretting the comments made by one of our guests and greeted journalists who cover news at the palace, thanking them for their hard work. ____ Associated Press writer Abby Sewell contributed to this report. By David Shepardson PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) -The head of the Federal Aviation Administration said on Tuesday the agency intends to conduct scenario-based planning, known as tabletop exercises, with Boeing before it will consider lifting the 38-plane-per-month cap on 737 MAX production. The exercises will review potential issues Boeing may face if it boosts production and aim to ensure the planemaker maintains progress on quality, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They still haven't asked us to increase the rate, and we haven't agreed to do anything," FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford told Reuters on the sidelines of an event at the Philadelphia airport on Tuesday. "We agreed that it would make sense to start to develop the process by which we would entertain a rate increase conversation." Bedford added he hopes to complete those exercises, which are still being developed, by the end of September. "Then if they want to ask us for an increase, at least, we'll have a roadmap on how we can evaluate it," Bedford said. The FAA imposed the unprecedented production cap shortly after a January 2024 mid-air emergency involving a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 missing four key bolts. Since then, the FAA has maintained enhanced in-person oversight of Boeing production. Boeing did not immediately comment. CEO Kelly Ortberg said in May the planemaker is "pretty confident" that it can increase production of its best-selling 737 MAX jets to 42 a month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bedford visited Boeing's Renton, Washington, factory on August 15, met with Ortberg, and received briefings on Boeings safety and quality initiatives and supply chain stability. He also toured the production line. The FAA in May extended by three years a program that allows Boeing to perform some tasks on the agency's behalf, such as inspections, rather than the traditional five years. Bedford praised Boeing for making a lot of enhancements and changes in the processes they have implemented in terms of quality control but there are still issues with traveled work - which are jobs completed at a later than originally planned stage. "In general, good news, cautiously optimistic, but there's still work to be done," Bedford said. (Reporting by David ShepardsonEditing by Rod Nickel) By Nate Raymond and Jan Wolfe (Reuters) -A federal judge on Tuesday threw out an unusual lawsuit the Trump administration filed against every federal judge in Maryland over an order slowing down efforts to swiftly deport people it believes are in the country illegally. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen, an appointee of Donald Trump from Roanoke, Virginia, brought in to oversee the case in Baltimore, marked a setback for the administration's battle against judicial orders stymieing the president's agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A White House spokeswoman said the Trump administration will appeal the order, calling it a "direct assault on the presidents ability to enforce the immigration laws." The ruling highlighted the judiciary's increasing frustration with the Trump administration's aggressive litigation tactics, which have included filing misconduct complaints against judges and stonewalling an order to provide details about the illegal deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an alleged gang member, to El Salvador. Cullen said dismissal of the case against the Maryland judges was clearly warranted, and that "to hold otherwise would run counter to overwhelming precedent, depart from longstanding constitutional tradition, and offend the rule of law." Cullen also said Trump administration officials have repeatedly smeared judges by using words like "rogue," "unhinged," and "radical" to describe them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Although some tension between the coordinate branches of government is a hallmark of our constitutional system, this concerted effort by the Executive to smear and impugn individual judges who rule against it is both unprecedented and unfortunate," Cullen wrote. Representatives for the Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Justice Department filed the case in June after the Maryland court in May adopted a standing order that automatically blocks for two business days the deportation of migrants in the state who file new habeas lawsuits challenging their detention. Chief U.S. District Judge George Russell issued the order as the Republican president's administration moved to fulfill Trump's pledge to conduct mass deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russell, who like most judges in the Maryland court was appointed by a Democratic president, cited a "recent influx of habeas petitions concerning alien detainees purportedly subject to improper and imminent removal from the United States." A habeas petition is a legal challenge by a person in custody to argue that their detention is unlawful and violates their constitutional rights. The Justice Department called the order an "egregious example of judicial overreach," following a series of injunctions in lawsuits that have prevented the Trump administration from fully executing his policies. Rather than challenge the policy by pursuing an appeal in one such lawsuit, the Justice Department in June sued the 15 judges and the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, arguing it was an unlawful policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cullen said the Trump administration could have made its arguments through a traditional appeal, rather than ensnaring an entire judicial body in a "novel and potentially calamitous litigation." (Reporting by Nate Raymond and Jan Wolfe; Additional reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Sophie Walker and Bill Berkrot) Syria's new president furthered his efforts at strengthening international relationships by meeting with US representatives for a fresh round of talks. US Rep. Joe Wilson and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Monday. Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, is the ranking member of the US Senates Foreign Relations Committee. For many years, she has been a key figure in Americas policy regarding Syria and the Middle East. Leading a bipartisan delegation with Rep. Wilson, a Republican from South Carolina, to Damascus, Shaheen met not only with the Syrian president but also with other Syrians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shaheen is the first member of the Senates Foreign Relations Committee to visit the country since the fall of Bashar al-Assads regime. US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack also accompanied the delegation, according to her committees statement. Ranking Member Shaheen, in her meeting with President Sharaa, discussed the progress that has been made on the security situation and other US priorities within Syria, said the statement. The senator conveyed the importance of upholding the rights of Syrians from all ethnic and religious backgrounds and inclusivity in the governance structures of Syria, it continued, adding that Shaheen discussed the senators bipartisan legislation that would lift the Assad-era Caesar Act sanctions against Syria. Sharaa was joined by several of his ministers. The senator met with Syrian Social Affairs and Labor Minister Hind Kabawat to discuss issues such as reconstruction and economic progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Shaheen met with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces Gen. Mazloum Abdi. They discussed the pathway to integrating the SDF into the Syrian Armed Forces. The senator said, Todays meeting with leaders from many faiths was a testament to the Syrian peoples common cause: a country free from violence where people of many backgrounds can work together toward a brighter future. A Syria that can stand on its own after ridding itself of the Assad regime will be a cornerstone for regional stability in the Middle East, she said. America is ready to be a partner to a new Syria that moves in the right direction. I will keep fighting for lasting peace and prosperity. As for Wilson, he has been a major supporter of the Syrian people for many years. He opposed the Assad regime and took an interest in developments in Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the regime fell, he was supportive of the transition. Wilson wrote on Monday that it was an honor to meet with Sharaa to discuss a bright, unified, and stable future for Syria. This trip was significant for me, and I am grateful for the warm reception. The time for FULL Caesar repeal is NOW. As a priority of President [Donald] Trumps administration, I remain committed to this critical and bipartisan goal. #MakeSyriaGreatAgain, he wrote on social media. Wilson then traveled to Lebanon, where he joined US envoys Barrack and Morgan Ortagus in meetings with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Shaheen and South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham also attended the meetings, illustrating the strong US engagement with Lebanon and Syria. US Congress 'ready to support Trump in supporting Lebanon' There is a great opportunity for a stable and prosperous Lebanon in what is happening in the region, and President Trump has made clear that Lebanons future will be bright if the government follows through on its policy of disarming Hezbollah. Congress is ready to support President Trump in supporting Lebanon, Wilson wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syria occupied Lebanon from 1976 to 2005, and Hezbollah backed the Assad regime during the Syrian civil war. Therefore, the two countries are closely linked. The Shaheen-Wilson delegation to Damascus comes in the wake of several other essential meetings between Syrias new president and US politicians. Earlier in August, for instance, Republican Rep. Abe Hamadeh of Arizona came to Israel and Syria. Notably, Republican Rep. Cory Mills of Florida and Republican Rep. Marlin Stutzman of Indiana, in April, were the first US members of Congress to visit Syria. An American whose face was slashed on a tram in Germany has claimed Europe has an immigration problem, echoing rhetoric used by President Donald Trump after police identified a suspect in the attack as a Syrian man. Two men were harassing a group of women on the tram in Dresden early Sunday morning when John Rudat, a paramedic and model from New York State, intervened, German police said. The 20-year-old was then stabbed, and the perpetrators fled. The attack left him with a deep facial wound that required immediate and extensive surgery, according to a GoFundMe launched to pay his medical expenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rudat told right-wing German media outlet Nius he intervened after he saw one of the men on the tram strike a woman. Rudat told the man to stop and pushed him, and the man later hit him, he recalled. Rudat said he was trying to de-escalate the situation when another man approached and slashed him across his face. The 20-year-old, described on the GoFundMe page as a kind, selfless soul, has since been hailed as a hero for his actions. Officers briefly arrested one suspect on Sunday, identified as a 21-year-old Syrian, but later released him because prosecutors didnt have grounds to keep him detained, the Associated Press reports. On Tuesday, officers re-arrested the 21-year-old on suspicion that he was involved in the attack, local prosecutors and police said. He is now in pre-trial detention. American John Rudat claims there is an immigration problem in Europe and Germany after he was attacked on a Dresden tram (GoFundMe) Rudat has since used anti-immigration rhetoric that echoes statements made by Trump, who has previously railed against European immigration policies. German police have not released any identifying details about the suspected attacker, including his immigration status. The Independent has contacted Rudat and local police for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an Instagram video shared from his hospital bed, Rudat his face still covered in bandages argued there is an immigration problem in Europe as he recounted the attack. If you all didnt think that Europe had an immigration problem, especially Germany, let me drop some knowledge on you, Rudat said in the video. He went on to claim that police had arrested a suspect but were going to release him because he's not a citizen of Germany ... he doesnt even belong in here, appearing to suggest there were different levels of justice for German citizens and foreign nationals. Rudat said he did not think Europeans got involved in knife crime (GoFundMe) He also told the U.K.-based news outlet GB News that hundreds of people have reached out to him in recent days expressing claims and stresses about, over the last 10 years, the immigration problem and the violence problem has been really rising and becoming a legitimate threat to everyday safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GB News asked Rudat if he thinks Europe should adopt immigration policies similar to those implemented by Trump, who has vowed to create the largest deportation program in American history. He replied: I think the German people would really appreciate some policies like that. I think the German people would really appreciate being able to feel safe on their own transportation systems. And I hope that Germany and the government of Germany and the people of Germany push for exactly that: more policy for more safety. Rudat, who had spent a year living in Dresden and was returning to visit his host family, said he would never have expected to be involved in a knife-related incident in Europe. He said: I never thought I'd get into a knife altercation because I'm in Europe, people don't do that here, or at least Europeans don't. Foreigners are not increasing Germanys crime rate, according to a study published in February by the Ifo Institute. The institute, using crime data from 2018 to 2023, found no correlation between an increasing share of foreigners in a district and the local crime rate, researcher Jean-Victor Alipour said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has often criticized immigration policies in Europe, even claiming last month that immigration is killing Europe. Trump also targeted Germany in his first term, writing in 2018 that crime in the nation was way up as immigration was on the rise. Trump made this claim despite federal data showing that German crime levels hit a 25-year low in 2017, The New York Times reports. President Donald Trump said last month that immigration is killing Europe (AP) Trump still doubled-down on the statement, claiming without evidence that German officials had not accurately reported crime data. Crime in Germany is up 10% plus (officials do not want to report these crimes) since migrants were accepted, he wrote on June 19, 2018. Others countries are even worse. After the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Germany accepted about a million refugees from the Middle Eastern country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps allies have also defended Germanys far-right, anti-immigrant AfD party, which is rising in popularity. Some of the partys leaders have also echoed Nazi ideology, including one leader who has been fined for using a banned Nazi slogan. Elon Musk, who was once a close ally of Trumps, wrote on X in December that only the AfD can save Germany, and has appeared remotely at AfD events. Musk appeared to do two Nazi-style salutes at one of Trump's inauguration events on January 20, although he later denied they were intended as such. Amid the uproar he tweeted: Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The everyone is Hitler attack is so tired. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio also criticized the German government after intelligence officials classified the party as a proven right-wing extremist organization in May, NBC News reports. The classification, which the AfD sued the German intelligence agency over, means intelligence officials can now use informants and other tools to monitor the partys activities, the Associated Press reports. Shortly after German officials announced the new classification, Rubio wrote on X: Germany just gave its spy agency new powers to surveil the opposition. Thats not democracyits tyranny in disguise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is truly extremist is not the popular AfDwhich took second in the recent electionbut rather the establishments deadly open border immigration policies that the AfD opposes, Rubio added. The German Foreign Office issued a direct reply to Rubios criticism: This is democracy. This decision is the result of a thorough & independent investigation to protect our Constitution & the rule of law. Vance echoed Rubios point in an interview later that month. I think that it is very, very dangerous to use the neutral institutions of state the military, the police forces ... the intel services to try to delegitimize another competing political party, Vance said, according to NBC News. I think thats especially true when that political party just got second in an election and is, depending on which poll you believe, either the [most] popular or the second-most popular party. By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States has ordered additional ships to the southern Caribbean as part of President Donald Trump's effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels, two sources briefed on the deployment said on Monday. The USS Lake Erie, a guided missile cruiser, and the USS Newport News, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, will arrive in the region by early next week, said the sources, who asked to remain anonymous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sources declined to detail the specific mission of the deployments but have said that recent movements are aimed at addressing threats to U.S. national security from specially designated "narco-terrorist organizations" in the region. Last week sources told Reuters the United States has ordered an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of the same effort. The USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale were to have arrived off the coast of Venezuela as early as Sunday. The ships are carrying 4,500 service members, including 2,200 Marines, the sources said. Trump has made cracking down on drug cartels a central goal of his administration, part of a wider effort to limit migration and secure the U.S. southern border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration designated Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel and other drug gangs as well as Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua as global terrorist organizations in February, as Trump stepped up immigration enforcement against alleged gang members. (Reporting By Steve Holland; Editing by Chris Reese) The United States has said it is prepared to provide intelligence support as part of potential security guarantees for Ukraine and to contribute to the creation of a European-led air shield for the country. Source: Financial Times, citing informed European sources, as reported by European Pravda Details: The FT has reported that US officials told their European counterparts during discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine that Washington would be prepared to contribute "strategic enablers". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), command and control assets, and air defence systems to support any deployment of European forces in Ukraine. The FTs sources added that for post-war security guarantees, the US may provide its own aircraft, logistics and ground-based radars, "supporting and enabling a European-enforced no-fly zone and air shield" for Ukraine. The US offer may still be withdrawn, and its implementation will depend on European countries willingness to deploy "tens of thousands" of troops in Ukraine, the FT said. Background: European officials are also discussing a plan to send British and French military personnel to Ukraine as part of a peace agreement. Around 10 countries are prepared to provide troops. Keith Kellogg, the US Presidents Special Envoy for Ukraine, has said that diplomatic work on security guarantees for Ukraine is ongoing and it is very complex. Read more: Security guarantees for Ukraine: main focus and challenges in Europe-Trump talks Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! U.S. and Russian officials discussed several energy-related deals in August as part of ongoing negotiations to end Moscow's full-scale war against Ukraine, Reuters reported on Aug. 26, citing five undisclosed sources. The deals were reportedly offered as incentives to push the Kremlin toward a peace agreement and to provide Washington with justification for easing certain sanctions on Russia. Although U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly warned of sanctions should Russia refuse to cease hostilities and attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, no such measures have been enacted. Russian President Vladimir Putin returned from the Alaska summit on Aug. 15 without facing additional sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The White House really wanted to put out a headline after the Alaska summit, announcing a big investment deal," one of the sources said, according to Reuters. Among the options discussed was a potential return of U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil to Sakhalin-1, a major Russian oil and gas project from which the company withdrew following the start of the all-out war, the news agency reported. Talks included the idea of letting Russia buy U.S. equipment for its liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, such as Arctic LNG 2, which is currently sanctioned. One of the sources told Reuters that Washington wants Russia to rely on American, rather than Chinese, technology a move aimed at weakening growing ties between Moscow and Beijing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The talks took place during U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoffs visit to Moscow in early August, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, Reuters reported. The ideas were also reportedly discussed at the White House with Trump, two of the sources said. The potential energy deals were also briefly raised during the Alaska meeting, Reuters wrote. Since Trump took office, the U.S. and Russia have held several rounds of talks that focused on peace efforts in Ukraine and the resumption of bilateral ties. Read also: Ukraine targets Russian logistics in occupied Crimea, military says after reported railway strikes Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A US envoy said on Tuesday that Qatar and Saudia Arabia intend to provide economic support for the Lebanese population as part of the planned disarmament of the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. "We have to have money coming into the system," US special envoy Tom Barrack said after meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut. "The money will come from the Gulf, he added. Qatar and Saudi Arabia are partners and are willing to do that," he added, noting that the disarmament plan is "asking a portion of the Lebanese community to give up their livelihood. Barrack: Around 40,000 fighters funded by Iran Barrack emphasized that disarming Hezbollah would not be easy, as around 40,000 fighters are funded by Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What are you gonna do with them? Take their weapon and say By the way, good luck, go plant more olive trees? It cant happen. We have to help them." He said the United States, the Gulf nations and "the Lebanese are all gonna act together in creating an economic forum that will produce a livelihood" independent of Iran. "That's the idea." Lebanon's government had approved a US plan in early August that calls for the complete disarmament of the Iranian-backed Shiite militia Hezbollah by the end of the year. The national army is expected to develop a concrete implementation plan for this highly challenging and politically sensitive endeavour by the end of the month. Hezbollah has stated that it will only agree to disarmament if Israel halts its attacks in Lebanon and withdraws its remaining troops from the south of the country. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (R) meets with US Democratic senator Jeanne Shaheen (C) and Republican senator Lindsey Graham in Beirut. Talks focused on efforts to disarm Hezbollah and plans for an economic zone in south Lebanon supported by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Marwan Naamani/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Transportation Department said Tuesday it will withhold federal funding from California, Washington State, and New Mexico unless they adopt English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a series of steps to address concerns about foreign truck drivers who do not speak English, and last week Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was immediately pausing the issuance of all worker visas for commercial truck drivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, Trump signed an executive order directing enforcement of a rule requiring commercial drivers in the U.S. to meet English proficiency standards. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the department could withhold about $50 million in federal funding if the states do not comply in 30 days and could take further action. Washington State said its state patrol was currently reviewing the matter with its state transportation partners and will have a detailed response soon. New Mexico's Transportation Department did not immediately respond. A spokesperson for California Governor Gavin Newsom said the Trump Administration was "scrambling to shift blame" after it had approved the federal work permit for a driver who killed three people in a truck crash in Florida on Aug. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Duffy said the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has launched an investigation into the crash, which involved an Indian national who did not speak English or have legal authorization to be in the United States, according to Florida and U.S. officials. Duffy said the investigation found the three states were not enforcing the English proficiency rules. Driver Harjinder Singh has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide. Police said he attempted to make an illegal U-turn through an Official Use Only access point, blocking traffic and causing the fatal crash after a minivan struck his truck. While the English-proficiency standard for truckers was already longstanding U.S. law, Trump's executive order in April reversed 2016 guidance that inspectors should not place commercial drivers out of service if their only violation was lack of English. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duffy said 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. American Trucking Associations CEO Chris Spear praised Duffy's announcement, saying "Every commercial driver operating in the United States must be able to read road signs, communicate with law enforcement, and understand safety instructions." (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Hugh Lawson and Michael Perry) COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) Students at the University of South Carolina are attempting to get back to normal. Reports of an active shooter disturbed the first week back to school for students and faculty, putting campus on lock down for hours Sunday evening. Sunday night at around 6:30, students at USC received a text message said Active shooter at Thomas Cooper Library on Columbia campus. Many students said they were told to stay put. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The universitys police department said they believe the active shooter alert issued was part of a swatting hoax, also happening at other college campuses in recent weeks. Some students are not yet ready to come back to campus. I just didnt I didnt feel safe going back today, and I just needed to take a day to, like, process my thoughts, said Makenly Powers, a USC student who hid in the Thomas Cooper Library. Classes resumed Monday and USC Police said there is no threat on campus. All of us upstairs, there was probably eight of us. We all, hit the ground because we dont know what to do, said Powers. We were all texting our parents, saying, I love you. If I die, I love you because thats how real it was to us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No shooter was found when law enforcement searched the campus. There are a lot of students here at the library and campus, Monday. Im just trying to get through all my classes throughout the week, said Shaun Rhodes, a sophomore. I mean, this is the first Monday as well I guess for me, today just feels like any other normal day. As youre hearing, that everything was all clear, so I might as well just treat it like one. Not everyone agreed. We got alerts that there was an active shooter six times, and then all of a sudden they were just like, oh, its all clear, and nothing happened, Powers said. Then you had all of the EMS, firefighters, all the law enforcement out, but now were just supposed to act like nothing happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some teachers cancelled class, some said class was optional, and some said students had to show up on Monday. She said it was okay if you did not show up to class. She got it. She understood the seriousness of the situation that happened yesterday, said Xavier Meares, a student. I know a lot of my friends also didnt feel safe going to class today, but their professors were like, Im still taking attendance because the university said so,' Powers said. The university said they are providing counseling to those need it and they are directing those students, faculty, and staff to the center for health and wellbeing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USCPD also confirmed there were two minor injuries from the evacuation of the library, USC said both people were hospitalized and have been released. The investigation in conjunction with SLED is still ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins hugs Gov. Bill Lee during the Future Farmers of America breakfast in Lebanon, Tenn. on Aug. 18, 2025. (Photo: John Partipilo/ Tennessee Lookout) The U.S. Department of Agriculture invested $89 million mostly in loans to rural Tennessee communities to support improvements to electric utilities, critical infrastructure and education. The Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, a Shelbyville-based electric cooperative serving nearly 83,000 customers across 17 counties, will receive the lions share of the investment through a $64.7 million loan. The loan will help the utility build and improve 239 miles of line to connect an additional 7,230 customers, according to the USDA. The electric cooperative previously partnered with the USDAs Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program to administer pass-through funding for projects supporting job growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USDAs Rural Development programs aim to support prosperity in rural communities by bolstering infrastructure, utilities, business, healthcare, education, and housing, according to the department. The remaining $24.3 million in loans and grants will help Tennessee communities improve water lines and pump stations, repave streets, and bolster wastewater treatment systems. Life Christian Academy in Sumner County will receive $3.4 million in loans to expand its daycare program through fifth grade. In Hamilton County, Ivy Academy will use a $5.1 million loan to build a high school career technology center to support student careers in mechanical, electrical, plumbing and automotive fields. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the batch of investments while visiting Tennessee on Aug. 18 for the Future Farmers of America breakfast in Lebanon. Rollins also announced an initiative to stop solar panel subsidies and defended more than $31 million in federal funding cuts to agricultural research at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rollins said the grant clawbacks were made to programs that did not align with the presidents vision of putting farmers first. One of the grants affected was a $30 million project that aimed to expand markets for climate-smart beef, dairy and small grazing animals. Other USDA investments in rural Tennessee communities include: A $2.3 million loan for Cunningham Utility District in Montgomery County to extend water lines to serve 70 more households A $2 million loan for Celina in Clay County to repave city streets A $2.75 million loan for the Marshall County Emergency Communications District to build a new 911 dispatch and call center A $5.4 million loan for the Hallsdale Powell Utility District in Knox County for wastewater line replacement and system improvements A $729,000 grant and $530,000 loan for the Cooper Basin Utility District in Polk County to build 4,000 feet of water line and build a booster pump station A $316,000 grant and $397,000 loan for the Webb Creek Utility District in Sevier County to replace concrete wastewater lines with larger iron lines A $600,000 grant and $1 million loan to Selmer in McNairy County to repair the pump station at McNairy County Jail $30,000 each in Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) grants for Erin (Houston County, wastewater improvement engineering), Vanleer (Dickson County, planning to upgrade the towns water system), and Gallaway (Fayette County, evaluating wastewater treatment improvement options). Sam Stockard contributed. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A Utah judge has ordered the the states congressional maps are redrawn ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, after finding that GOP lawmakers unlawfully carved up its districts. With parts of the country embroiled in a bitter redistricting fight, Judge Dianna Gibson on Monday struck down Utahs GOP-drawn 2021 map, ruling that lawmakers had undermined and disregarded an independent commission created by voters to curb partisan gerrymandering. In a 79-page order, Gibson wrote that the Legislature has until September 24 to adopt new boundaries in compliance with a 2018 ballot measure approved by Utah voters, just months before candidates start filing for the 2026 midterms in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge wrote that the Legislature intentionally stripped away all of the commissions core redistricting standards and procedures that were binding on it. The nature of the violation lies in the Legislatures refusal to respect the peoples exercise of their constitutional lawmaking power and to honor the peoples right to reform their government, she added. Utah must redraw its congressional maps before the 2026 midterm elections, a judge ruled (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The current map divides up Salt Lake City, a blue stronghold in an otherwise red state, among Utahs four congressional districts, each held by Republicans. An independent redraw of the states congressional districts could give the Democrats a fighting chance in at least one seat. In 2018, former Democratic Representative Ben McAdams won a Salt Lake City-area district before Utah Republicans drew partisan maps in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement GOP lawmakers in the state have already signaled a plan to appeal which could cause the case to head for the Utah Supreme Court and, possibly, the U.S. Supreme Court. The ruling marked a major victory for anti-gerrymandering advocates who have battled for years to restore fairer representation in the states redistricting process. House Speaker Mike Schultz (pictured) said he was disappointed by Judge Dianna Gibsons decision (Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News 2024) Utah Democratic Party chair and former Utah House Majority Leader Brian King celebrated the decision on Monday evening, writing in a statement that Utahns will be getting fair maps and real representation nearly eight years after they voted for it. Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz said in a joint statement that they are disappointed by Mondays ruling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We remain committed to protecting the voices of Utahns and upholding the legislature's state and federal constitutional authority to draw congressional districts, they continued. The decision propels Utah into a broader redistricting battle ignited by Donald Trumps demand that Texas Republicans approve a new congressional map aimed at flipping five Democrat-held districts to Republican control, which was passed last week. In retaliation against the presidents push for aggressive partisan redistricting in Texas, California Governor Gavin Newsom said he aims to redraw Californias U.S. House maps before the midterms. Newsom has asked the state Legislature to place his proposition, the Election Rigging Response Act, to alter Californias map on Novembers Uniform District Election ballot that could lead to five new blue-majority districts. A Utah judge ruled the state must redraw its congressional maps before the 2026 midterms, creating uncertainty about districts that have favored Republicans as both parties seek to reshape political boundaries. Judge Dianna Gibson ruled on Monday the state can no longer use maps that carved up Salt Lake City, a Democratic stronghold in an otherwise red state, and must draw new lines using an independent commission in compliance with a 2018 ballot measure approved by Utah voters. The decision thrusts the state into a nationwide redistricting fight ignited by President Donald Trumps demand that Texas Republicans carve out five new districts to favor the party ahead of the midterms. That in turn drove California Democrats, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom, to ask voters in the state to approve a new political map that may lead to five new blue-majority districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An independent redraw of Utahs four congressional districts could make one seat competitive for Democrats, depending on how the maps are drawn. Before Utah Republicans overruled the states independent commission and drew partisan maps in 2021, former Democratic Rep. Ben McAdams won a Salt Lake City-area district in 2018. Still, Republicans are expected to maintain a majority of the congressional seats in the state, where Trump won nearly 60 percent of the vote last year. Suzan DelBene, the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, called the ruling a victory for democracy in a statement calling for quickly creating new districts that comply with the judges order. In throwing out the current, gerrymandered congressional map, voters in Utah will now have an opportunity to elect leaders that best represent their values, and not have their representation dictated by politicians, DelBene said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gibson asked the states Legislature to submit remedial maps for consideration in 30 days and allowed new proposals for districts from the groups that sued to nullify the states maps as well as third-party organizations. The Utah Democratic Party heralded the ruling as a victory and projected optimism about the chances of competing in newly drawn Utah congressional districts. Finally, despite the best efforts of the legislative supermajority, Utahns will be getting fair maps and real representation, something they voted for nearly eight years ago, Utah Democratic Party chair Brian King said in a statement. Utah Democrats are ready to hit the ground running next year, and we look forward to holding Republicans accountable to their constituents in these new, fairly-drawn districts. The potential for independently drawn maps could give Democrats another avenue to counter Republicans who have pushed governors in Indiana, Missouri and Florida to take up mid-decade redistricting ahead of the midterms. Democrats have fewer opportunities to gain new Democratic-leaning districts through redistricting, although New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore have indicated an openness to redrawing the maps in their states. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The Utah National Guard are expected to assist ICE in deportation efforts beginning in mid-September. Details are still being hammered out, but they are expecting to assist with transportation and administration rather than arrests. The Trump administration plans to deploy 1,700 National Guard members to help federal immigration officers. White House border czar Tom Homan said that the troops will be deployed across 19 states, including Utah. Court rules Utah must redraw its congressional districts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt. Col. Chris Kroeber with the National Guard told ABC4.com that the request from the Trump administration is standard for them. We do our best to support where we can, he said. We have a requirement to support where we can, and we do our best to do that. He said that they have some ideas of what the support will look like, possibly transportation or administrative tasks, but the details are still being worked out. Our missions are very complex. The people in the National Guard have full time jobs outside of their training. Thats the traditional commitment of a guardsman, Kroeber explained. They can be deployed to support where we can. He added that if the mission is small enough, they try not to send the whole unit, and instead they request volunteers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kroeber said that the Utah National Guard is coordinating with the governors office, and they anticipate starting missions in the middle of September. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A new move by a Utah judge ordering the Legislature to redraw its congressional maps is the latest turn in an ongoing saga over redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. And this latest development could help Democrats. Back in 2018, Utah voters narrowly passed a ballot measure known as Proposition 4. The effort focused on bringing about an independent redistricting commission while also putting in place "requirements on the Legislature's redistricting process." At the same time, it also prohibited "the commission or Legislature from favoring or disfavoring incumbent elected officials or from considering partisan political information," according to voter information documents from the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At issue in the case decided Monday, according to court filings, was whether a bipartisan state law passed in 2020 had "unconstitutionally impaired" the voter-passed proposition. Utah Judge Dianna Gibson ruled against the Legislature Monday, writing in a decision that "the Legislature is directed to design and enact a remedial congressional redistricting map in conformity with Proposition 4's mandatory redistricting standards and requirements." The latest ruling sets up a short window this fall to make changes, although it's unclear how appeals may impact that process and final deadline. Although it's unrelated, the ruling comes amid redistricting battles across the country that were jumpstarted by the GOP effort this summer to try and help President Trump by making it easier for Republicans to maintain control of the U.S. House for the final years of his second term. What could the Utah ruling mean for control of the U.S. House? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah has four U.S. House seats, all of which are represented by Republicans. But during the 2018 midterms, voters in one Utah district narrowly sent a Democrat to the House. The House Democrats' campaign arm immediately reacted to Monday's news about the ruling. "In throwing out the current, gerrymandered congressional map, voters in Utah will now have an opportunity to elect leaders that best represent their values, and not have their representation dictated by politicians," Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair Suzan DelBene said in a statement. It remains to be seen how the redistricting back and forth between Republicans and Democrats will affect campaigns, but the GOP majority at the moment is incredibly narrow. If the same lines used in the 2024 election were used again, Democrats could gain control of the House by winning back as few as three seats in the 2026 midterms. Partisan tensions over congressional lines have been rising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah's senior GOP U.S. Sen. Mike Lee on Monday lambasted the court's decision, saying in a lengthy social media thread, "This is a great day for Utah's Democratswho haven't controlled the Utah legislature in many, many decades (because most Utah voters don't like what the Democratic Party is selling), and have found a clever way to even the score by enlisting the help of their judicial allies." "But it's a terrible day for everyone elseand for the rule of law," Lee said. The case that led to Monday's ruling started long before this summer's national redistricting drama but is now a part of the discussion. Last week Texas Republicans followed through on a quest to please Mr. Trump by passing redrawn congressional lines that take five Democratic seats in the state and make them more favorable to Republicans. The GOP quest isn't limited to Texas, though. Republicans in Indiana and Missouri are also facing a push to redraw their maps, where smaller pickup opportunities of Democratic districts are possible if changes are made to favor Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Democrats, led Gov. Gavin Newsom, have responded by asking voters this fall to help redraw congressional lines in the state that would shift five GOP held seats and change them in ways that could help Democrats win some or all of them in next fall's midterms. The back and forth has made it more difficult to assess how the races for the House may play out next year. What's certain, however, is that the House is viewed by Democrats as their best chance at winning back power for the final two years of Mr. Trump's second term in Washington. And given how close the margin for control has been between Democrats and Republicans in the House in recent years, every winnable seat could make a difference. Extreme weather slams the West with dust storms and wildfires Video shows armed National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. SpaceX Super Heavy-Starship lifts off from Texas on 10th test flight Gov. Spencer Cox speaks to reporters during the last night of the legislative session at the Utah State Capitol, Friday, March 7, 2025. (Photo by Alex Goodlett for Utah News Dispatch) Utah signed a new memorandum of understanding with TerraPower, a nuclear energy company founded by Bill Gates, to explore a potential site for a reactor and an energy storage plant in the state. The agreement establishes a non-binding framework for cooperation between the Utah Office of Energy Development, TerraPower and Flagship Companies, a developer, aiming to bring a project to Utah similar to one under construction near Kemmerer, Wyoming a sodium-cooled fast reactor known as Natrium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Preliminary site recommendations will come by the end of 2025, according to a news release from the Utah Office of Energy Development. The state and the companies will consider factors like community support, the physical characteristics of the site, the ability of the site to obtain a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and access to existing infrastructure. Gov. Spencer Cox praised the projects prospects, saying it aligns with Operation Gigawatt, his plan to double the states energy production over the next decade. Operation Gigawatt is about adding capacity from diverse sources nuclear, natural gas, geothermal and more so families and businesses have power that is affordable, reliable and clean, Cox said in a statement. This agreement with TerraPower will help keep rates low, strengthen our grid and ensure Utahs future can be as strong as our past. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement also adds to a list of memorandums of understanding the state has signed with other nuclear energy developers in its quest to lead in the countrys nuclear renaissance. TerraPower CEO Chris Levesque said in an interview with Bloomberg Podcasts that new technologies, like Natrium, will be essential to upscale nuclear energy in the country, since they are cheaper and safer than current plants. Let us know what you think... Its still a fission reactor. We break uranium atoms to release a lot of heat and boil water to make steam and drive turbines to make electricity the old fashioned way, Levesque said. But by cooling the reactor with liquid sodium, it allows us to have a low pressure plant, which is going to be safer. The company has already made progress with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for its first plant in Wyoming, Levesque said. After thats cleared, the timeline for the construction of a Natrium reactor could be about three years, which is much shorter than todays technologies that require all of the steel and concrete, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Cox, the project represents an important step in the countrys advancement of nuclear technology, which he said has stalled for the last 50 years. Building more energy resources is in the nations best interest, he added, especially with the emergence of power-hungry AI and data centers. Utah Republican Sen. John Curtis, who has championed green energy initiatives in Washington, D.C., is also on board with the project. Utah must lead in developing energy solutions that are affordable, reliable and clean, he said in a statement. Exploring advanced nuclear technology aligns with our commitment to energy independence and reflects the kind of forward-thinking policy our state, and nation, needs. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Editors note: This article first appeared on The War Horse, an award-winning nonprofit news organization educating the public on military service, under the headline We Need to Terminate Treatment: VA Mental Health Providers Say They Are Under Pressure to Limit Care. Subscribe to their newsletter. It was a Friday last November when Robert H. got the news: He would no longer be able to see his VA therapist. After nearly two decades as a Marine and military contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan, he had been working through PTSD with the same VA psychologist for 10 years after a suicide attempt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That one hour a month of emptying that five-gallon bucket of 10 gallons of shit was just heaven-sent, said the 49-year-old veteran who shared his story and records from his VA medical files with The War Horse but asked to be identified by his first name and last initial to protect his medical privacy. It let me reset every month. He was furious when his psychologist told him of a recent directive from management, spelled out in Roberts medical notes: We need to terminate treatment with pts [patients] who have been receiving long-term psychotherapy and are functionally stable. He could join a therapy group, but the one-on-one sessions were done. My anxiety was under control for a good time, he said, until this. An excerpt from Robert H.s VA medical records, where his doctor wrote about ending his mental health therapy sessions. (The War Horse) When The War Horse reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs to ask about Robert, a spokesperson said it was a mistake for his psychologist to have ended his care, and VA had contacted him to apologize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But mental health providers in five states tell The War Horse that VA medical centers across the country have been instituting similar limits on one-on-one mental health therapy in recent years and transitioning veterans to lower levels of treatment. The trend has led to anxietyand great debateamong both providers and patients. Mental health providers in the Northeast have even been disciplined for seeing too many patients for too long, according to documents reviewed by The War Horse. Yet when asked about the therapists concerns, a VA spokesperson insisted the claims of widespread caps on individual mental health sessions are untrue. This is false, said Susan Carter, director of media relations at VA. If the veteran still has clinical care needs, there are no limits on the number of VA appointments a veteran can have in mental health or any other areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dispute comes as a new report from VAs inspector general found psychology was the most frequently reported area for severe clinical staffing shortages at VA medical facilities. There is evidence that shorter treatments can successfully treat mental health conditions like PTSD. For many veterans, the model works welland it allows a health system that is stretched thin to see more patients. Robert is one of more than 1.7 million veterans getting mental health care at VA, with only about 10,000 psychologists and psychiatrists to treat them. He has made considerable progress, but is it enough to stop seeing his psychologist? VA clinicians and psychology experts told The War Horse that directives that limit one-on-one therapy leave no flexibility for individual patient needs and clinical judgment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think one of the obligations that we have to people who serve is to provide health care and not to limit that health care arbitrarily, said M. David Rudd, an Army veteran and professor of psychology at the University of Memphis who researches military suicide prevention. Stepped down from treatment Carter, the VA media relations director, said there is no official VA policy limiting a veterans mental health sessions. VA works with veterans over an initial eight to 15 mental health sessions and collaboratively plans any needed follow-on care, Carter said. As part of this process, veterans and their health care team decide together how to address ongoing needs, including whether to step down to other types of care and self-maintenance, or continue with VA therapy. If you are struggling with your mental health, help is available. Contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 then Press 1, or text 838255. But six current and two former VA mental health providers who spoke to The War Horse insisted that they have been told to stop seeing veterans for long, indeterminate periods and instead move towards a limited number of sessions before referring the veteran to group therapy, primary care, or discharging them altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VAs response is kind of maddening, said Stephen Long, a former psychologist and psychoanalyst at the Northport VA Medical Center on Long Island who retired in 2024 primarily because he was being told to limit individual therapy sessions. Most of the people who are on the ground in clinics, they see this happening, this is their lived experience. Clinicians who spoke to The War Horse said they were pressured to cut off individual therapy in most cases after anywhere from six to 24 sessions, depending on the medical center. At a VA in the Northeast, mental health providers said they have been told to discharge patients after a maximum of 24 sessions and refer them to group therapy or primary care. The thing thats scary is were going to get rid of people who need care, who are maintaining [stability] because theyre in ongoing care, and whats going to happen to them in a few months, in a few weeks, in a few years? said one provider, who feared retaliation for speaking out and asked not to be identified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A provider at a VA on the West Coast said there has been a push in their medical center over the last seven months to step down veterans who have been utilizing more than 12 to 15 one-on-one mental health sessions. The provider, who also feared retaliation and asked not to be identified, described a revolving door for veterans to get in, get quick care, hopefully get stabilized and then get out, because were just not going to have the number of clinicians to provide the care that ultimately they need. At a VA in Temple, Texas, therapists were instructed to limit individual therapy to six sessions, one every other month, according to Mark Jorges, an Army veteran and mental health counselor who said he left the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System in May due to frustrations over wait times and leadership. For some veterans, Jorges said, six sessions were enough. But the majority that I saw, they needed more than six sessions, he said. Its kind of a wide spectrum that youre dealing with in mental health. So putting a cap on it at six is inappropriate clinically. A VA spokesperson said there are no caps on mental health appointments for veterans, but providers at multiple medical centers say theyve been pressured to limit individual sessions. (Photo by G. Edward Johnson) Multiple providers told The War Horse that shortening wait times and opening new mental health appointments for more veterans was one reason they were instructed to limit the number of therapy sessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, it takes an average of 19 days for a new patient to get an individual mental health appointment at VA nationally, according to data provided by a VA spokesperson, though time varies by region. As of Aug. 25, wait times at the San Francisco VA Medical Center for new mental health patients was 45 days, while the wait time at the VA Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware, was 12 days. These are much lower than wait times for the general population, where more than half of psychologists dont have new patient openings, and it can take approximately two months to see a psychiatrist in person. VA is facing a different problem, however: It is quickly shedding mental health providers. According to VA workforce data published in late July, the Department has lost a net total of nearly 150 psychologists in the 2025 fiscal year so far. One solution is obvious, said Russell Lemle, a senior policy analyst for the Veterans Healthcare Policy Institute and former chief psychologist at the San Francisco VA Health Care System: The right answer is just to hire enough psychologists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 10,000 VA employees are resigning in September. Heres the list Can fewer sessions work? Despite the frustrations of providers and veterans, there is evidence that short-term treatments do work for many veterans. For years, VA has followed what it calls evidence-based guidelines for mental health treatment practices supported by decades of rigorous research, much of which has been funded by VA. And the research is clear: Short bursts of specialized therapies can effectively treat PTSD for vast swathes of veterans. VAs work in suicide prevention is also very effective suicide rates were lower for veterans who received care at VA compared to those who were treated by outside providers through VAs community care program, according to a VA report. Alan Peterson, an Air Force veteran and psychologist at UT Health San Antonio who researches PTSD in veterans and service members, said there are a few evidence-based PTSD treatments that work particularly well. Two of the most common are prolonged exposure therapy, which uses talking and breathing techniques to confront past trauma, and cognitive processing therapy, which uses writing and talking to confront negative thought patterns about trauma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many veterans, a short course of sessions should be sufficient, Peterson said, assuming the therapist is properly trained and the patient completes all sessions. In fact, Peterson has studied ways to make the treatments shorter and more intensive so that service members can participate in them while still on active duty, allowing even more access to mental health treatment. The psychologist who developed cognitive processing therapy, Patricia Resick, told The War Horse that veterans often have more trouble than civilians when it comes to successfully healing from PTSD. People get them ready to go to war, but they dont get them ready to be at home, she said, so they keep that sense of always being in danger. Resick, now a professor emeritus in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University School of Medicine, agreed that CPT for veterans can effectively be done in short courses of treatment. However, she said, many people with PTSD also grapple with other issues like substance use, depression, and eating disorders. Even if you treat the PTSD, they may need more sessions, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rudd, the psychologist who researches military suicide prevention, said some veterans with complex PTSD may need treatment for even longer. For people with complex or chronic PTSD, they need ongoing and oftentimes lifetime support to be able to manage the upset and distress thats associated with the trauma, particularly when theyre non-responsive to treatment, he said. Robert H. has suffered from PTSD since his time as a Marine and military contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo courtesy of Robert H.) Robert H., the Marine veteran, appears to fall into that category, according to his medical notes. It is not expected that Mr. [H.] will enter full or partial recovery nor remission, wrote a VA medical center assistant chief of mental health in a medical letter reviewed by The War Horse. Roberts PTSD got worse when he was forced to return to the office for his job as a Department of Defense security specialist, where a firing range nearby shook his building and rattled his nerves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont like to go into crowded places, he said, noting that he only goes into town once or twice a month since taking DODs deferred resignation option in the spring, and I wouldnt do that if I could get Walmart to deliver my groceries. When Robert was mistakenly stepped down and offered group therapy, he turned it down. You want me to be honest? You want me to rip off Band-Aids and scabs? I aint doing it in the middle of a group, he said. Asked about Roberts case, Peter Kasperowicz, VAs press secretary, told The War Horse, Its clear episodes of care best practices were not properly followedand VA has contacted him to correct the situation and apologize. Robert said he did get a call from a social worker offering to book him with a new VA therapist in several weeks. He also got a letter offering appointments with a psychologist in the community on VAs dime. A recent VA announcement extended the authorization of community care mental health services for a year, making it easier to see the same provider for longer. But Robert isnt sure what he wants to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not gonna say Im surviving just fine, he said. Its a broken system. Are you a VA mental health provider or patient who would like to share your story? Reach out to our reporter via email at leah.rosenbaum@thewarhorse.org or leah.rosenbaum@proton.me, or on Signal atleahrosenbaum.01. Sonner Kehrt contributed reporting to this story. It was edited by Mike Frankel, fact-checked by Jess Rohan, and copy-edited by Mitchell Hansen-Dewar. Hrisanthi Pickett wrote the headlines. CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) Venezuela will send military vessels to the Caribbean Sea and other waters to combat drug trafficking, the country's defense minister announced Tuesday. The move comes as tensions with the U.S. simmer over the deployment of three warships to the region. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said the vessels will patrol the Gulf of Venezuela as well as the country's territorial waters in the Caribbean. In an Instagram reel, Padrino added that about 15,000 members of the armed forces will participate in efforts on land and at sea to fight the armed, terrorist, drug-trafficking groups operating on the border with Colombia. Padrino announced the operation more than a week after the U.S. government announced the deployment of three guided-missile destroyers to the waters off Venezuela to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels. Venezuela's initial response to the deployment was to call on Venezuelans to enlist in a volunteer militia meant to assist the armed forces in the defense of external and domestic attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move to deploy U.S. destroyers and personnel comes as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes for using the 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. On Monday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro insisted during a weekly television show that his country, unlike neighboring Colombia, is free of coca leaf crops and free of cocaine production. He also criticized the U.S. government for not addressing the drug consumption within its borders. In a separate announcement Tuesday, Padrino said an ongoing operation in Venezuela's northeastern corner had resulted in the dismantling of shipyards where criminals intended to manufacture semisubmersibles and boats to transport drugs by sea to markets in Europe and North America. Venezuela has announced the deployment of 15,000 troops to its border with Colombia to fight drug trafficking, as the United States was reported to have sent two additional navy ships to the southern Caribbean as part of an operation against Latin American drug cartels. Venezuelan Minister of the Popular Power for Interior Diosdado Cabello announced on Monday that Caracas would deploy 15,000 troops to bolster security in Zulia and Tachira states, which border Colombia. Here, we do fight drug trafficking; here, we do fight drug cartels on all fronts, the minister said, while also announcing the seizure of 53 tonnes of drugs so far this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cabello said the increased security on the border with Colombia, to combat criminal groups, would also involve aircraft, drones and riverine security, according to local media outlet Noticias Venevision, as he called on Colombian authorities to do the same to ensure peace along the entire axis. The reinforcement of Venezuelan troops on the Colombian border comes after the Trump administration accused Venezuelas left-wing president, Nicolas Maduro, of being involved in cocaine trafficking and working with drug cartels. Officials in Washington, DC, have accused both Maduro and Cabello of working with the Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) drug trafficking organisation, which Washington has designated a terrorist group. The accusations were made as the US announced last week that it had doubled a reward to $50m for the capture of Maduro on drug charges. The US earlier this year increased a reward for Cabellos arrest or prosecution from $10m to $25m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maduro has accused the US of attempting to foment regime change in Venezuela, and launched a nationwide drive to sign up thousands of militia members to strengthen national security in the country amid the threats from Washington. I am confident that we will overcome this test that life has imposed on us, this imperialist threat to the peace of the continent and to our country, Maduro was quoted as saying in local media on Monday. The Reuters news agency also reported on Monday that the USS Lake Erie, a guided missile cruiser, and the USS Newport News, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, will arrive in the southern Caribbean by early next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Citing two sources briefed on the deployment, Reuters said the missile cruiser and attack submarine would join the US amphibious squadron that was due to arrive off the coast of Venezuela on Sunday. The squadron includes the USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale, and is said to be carrying 4,500 US service members, including 2,200 Marines, according to reports. Trump has made the targeting of Latin American drug cartels a central focus of his administration, and has designated Mexicos Sinaloa Cartel and other drug gangs, including Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua, as global terrorist organisations. VENICE, Italy (AP) As the Venice Film Festival kicks off this week, activists hope to redirect the spotlight from the Hollywood stars arriving on the Lido to Gaza, with an anti-war demonstration planned for one of the festivals biggest nights. The group Venice4Palestine has called on the festival and its parent organization, the Venice Biennale, to end partnerships with groups supporting the Israeli government and withdraw invitations to actors Gerard Butler and Gal Gadot. On the festival's opening day on Wednesday, protesters will hold a news conference in the morning front of the famed red carpet. Protesters also plan to march Saturday evening toward the festival, which is hosting the world premiere of Guillermo del Toros Frankenstein that night. Filmmakers Ken Loach and Alice Rohrwacher were among the hundreds of signatories to the Venice4Palestine letter. Festival director Alberto Barbera told The Associated Press on Tuesday that while they feel for the victims in Gaza, the Biennale does not make political statements and does not boycott artists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are a space for debate, for conversation, Barbera said. We are absolutely open to any kind of debate about this unacceptable situation in Palestine. Several reports suggested Gadot had dropped out of the festival following the scrutiny, but Barbera said the Snow White star was never planning to attend. Representatives for Gadot could not immediately be reached for comment. Gadot and Butler are among the cast of Julian Schnabels film, In the Hand of Dante, which premieres at the festival out of competition Sept. 3. Butler has not publicly commented on the war in Gaza but attended a Friends of the IDF Western Region Gala in 2018. Barbera said that he is still waiting to hear about Butlers attendance. The Scottish actors representatives did not immediately respond to request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the festival and the Biennale arent making political statements on Gaza, they are hosting the world premiere of Kaouther Ben Hanias The Voice of Hind Rajab, about the death of a 6-year-old girl attempting to flee Gaza City with her family in early 2024. The film is playing in the main competition. Last year, the festival programmed a showing in one of its sidebar sections of Israeli director Dani Rosenbergs docudrama, Of Dogs and Men, about the aftermath of the Hamas 2023 attack into Israel. We are living in very complicated and dangerous and frightening times, Barbera said. And cinema reflects this kind of situation. A lot of filmmakers are so sensible to talk about these huge and dramatic problems and issues. On Monday, Israel struck one of the main hospitals in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 20 people including five journalists and wounding scores more. It was among the deadliest of multiple Israeli strikes that have hit both hospitals and journalists over the course of the 22-month war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Health Ministry said Sunday that at least 62,686 Palestinians have been killed in the war. The war began when Hamas-led militants abducted 251 hostages and killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack. Most of the hostages have been released in ceasefires or other deals, but 50 remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed to be alive. Last year, facing the threat of protests, the artist and curators representing Israel at the Venice Biennale kept the Israeli pavilion exhibit closed, saying they would only open it if there were a ceasefire in Gaza. ___ For coverage of the 2025 Venice Film Festival, visit https://apnews.com/hub/venice-film-festival. A demonstrator who identified himself as a disabled combat veteran was arrested Monday after burning an American flag in protest of President Donald Trumps latest executive order. Speaking through a megaphone to the onlookers outside of the White House, the protester explained that Trumps latest decree penalizing flag burning was an affront to the First Amendment. I fought for every single one of your rights to express yourself in however you feel that you may want to express yourself, the protester said, in a video shared to social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No president can make a lawperiodno Congress can make a law infringing on First Amendment rights, he added. Im burning this flag as a protest of that illegal fascist president that sits in that house! The protester then lit the flag on fire. Despite Trumps claim that burning the American flag incites riots at a level weve never seen, no such riot materialized. The protester was promptly arrested by the Secret Service. The Secret Service released a statement that it detained the man for igniting an object and that he was turned over to Park Police, who said theyd arrested him for violating a statute that prohibits lighting a fire in a public park, according to NBC News. Trumps blatant attack on free speech built on fictitious grounds is an affront to the U.S. Constitution, and the Supreme Court, which ruled 5-4 in 1989 that flag burning was protected speech under the First Amendment. A wild coyote that had been struck by a car was brought to a veterinary practice in Palm Springs, California. After needing amputation of a broken leg, Athena, as the coyote has now been named, is having a difficult time finding a forever home at a wildlife sanctuary or rehabilitation center. Dr. David Jeffery, the veterinarian who cared for the coyote, has desperately reached out to facilities across California, knowing that if they can't find it a home, euthanasia may be the only option. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We need some attention on this case to try to get her the best chances possible," he told KMIR. Jeffery explained that wildlife conservation centers are underfunded, which hinders their ability to take in injured animals in need of care. Defenders of Wildlife mentioned that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is facing $37 million in budget cuts in the wake of already chronically underfunded services. While coyotes are not listed as endangered animals, they still deserve the care necessary to balance ecosystems and create a safe, healthy environment. Robert Dewey, the vice president of government relations at Defenders, has condemned the Trump administration for the extra layer of cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This budget proposal is another clear signal of how far this administration is willing to go to demolish the critical infrastructure that supports our cherished public lands and wildlife," he said. Still, Athena's recovery marks a clear significance for services that protect animals. Without infrastructure in place to support the health and safety of wildlife, ecosystems can impact both wildlife and human health. "What a brave girl," Jeffery said of Athena, per NBC Palm Springs. With enough attention to the story, the potential of finding a long-term home for her increases. 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. GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE @STARADVERTISER.COM Accused in the Aug. 8 acid attack in Chinatown, Marquis Johnson appeared virtually before Circuit Court Ronald Johnson today. GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE @STARADVERTISER.COM Accused in the Aug. 8 acid attack in Chinatown, Marquis Johnson appeared virtually before Circuit Court Ronald Johnson today. A judge said the Aug. 8 acid attack in Chinatown appears to have been premeditated, revealing new details during the arraignment today of the man accused of carrying it out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Circuit Court Judge Ronald Johnson said Marquis A. Johnson, 34, selected the individual in the attack, indicating it was not random. The individual, 30-year-old cook Lathson Robert, was working late at Livestock Tavern when he was approached by Marquis Johnson and allegedly doused with acid. Police have said Robert told investigators that he did not know his assailant. Johnson appeared by video today from the Oahu Community Correctional Center as his attorney, Rick Sing, entered a not guilty plea to first-degree assault. The judge kept Johnsons bail at $500, 000. See more : 37 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . When Ryan Roman was arrested by the Burbank Police Department earlier this year, those from whom hed allegedly stolen cameras and other audiovisual equipment breathed a sigh of relief. But many of them then started asking the same question: Why did the Los Angeles Police Department fail to act on numerous tips and reports when the BPD had him in custody within weeks? In conversations with KTLA, eight victims all of whom were granted anonymity to protect against possible retaliation said the criminal justice system failed them, allowing a thief to continue targeting unaware small business owners and fleece them out of their lifes savings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple members of the LAPD and Roman himself were asked to comment on or respond to the allegations in this story. Police officers either declined to comment or did not return answers to a list of emailed questions, while Roman did not respond to a letter sent to him in jail. Allegations against Roman Roman was arrested in February, about two months after the Burbank PD received a report that hed allegedly rented gear from a private dealer, rescinded his payment for the rental and failed to return it to the owner. Those who rented gear to Roman say he presented himself as a filmmaker in a crunch, needing high-end equipment in a short time frame and willing to pay a premium for it. Ryan Levon Roman is shown in an undated photo provided by the Burbank Police Department. He provided his real drivers license and insurance paperwork, and he sometimes even offered the person who owned the gear a job working on his fictitious projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once he had the gear, though, victims say the payment would never fully hit their account, prompting them to reach out to Roman for another form of payment. At this point, Roman typically remained responsive, promising to get them their money and return the gear by the due date, or at least as soon as he could. Often, neither occurred. Sooner or later, the owner of the equipment would reach the end of their patience, but when they head to a police station to make a report, they encountered a Kafkaesque twist. LAPD wont take reports Several of those who spoke with KTLA said they had significant trouble simply reporting the theft of their equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LAPD officers wouldnt take a crime report, saying the existence of a rental agreement makes the matter civil, not criminal, and thus out of their hands. Others told victims they could file a report, but only at other precincts. Some victims were able to make a report, but it wasnt an easy process. In at least one case, a victim had to contact a family friend who was a longtime LAPD officer to work his connections inside the department so an officer would even take a report. KTLA legal analyst Alison Triessl disputed the arguments allegedly made by the LAPD as to why they couldnt take a report, noting that if the rental payment wasnt made or if the deadline for return had passed, the keeping of a camera or other equipment is legally theft, and police departments have to take a police report from you. This was not a civil matter; this was a criminal matter. This man allegedly stole from them, so be persistent with law enforcement, Triessl advised others in a similar situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some victims attributed their reporting troubles to the LAPD being stretched too thin or officers seeking to pass the buck to someone else. Regardless of the reason, though, the victims often expressed belief that Roman knew police wouldnt want to investigate. The truth is and I dont want to give [Roman] too much credit hes not dumb, one victim said. Hes done his research. Hes done this many, many, many times. Parallel investigation moves much more quickly Burbank Detective Elina Arias said she had enough evidence to determine Roman was the suspect of a crime committed in Burbank, and the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office reaffirmed that decision when they filed grand theft charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My case involved a rental agreement. The case was not complicated by the agreement, Arias said. I cannot speculate on any nuances other agencies may encounter with other rental agreements. A press release from the BPD indicates they were alerted to Romans alleged crimes in December 2024. He was arrested on Feb. 26, 2025, in the Westwood Village area of Los Angeles. At that point, he was already on probation for previous thefts, though he had been out of compliance with the terms of his probation as of August 2024. Arias did not comment on what might have been different in the BPD and LAPD investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cannot speculate on any cases filed with any other police agency, Arias said. The aftermath Though the alleged thief has been arrested and some victims got their gear back, others say they cant find what was taken and they dont have a way to replace it. Some thought insurance would cover their losses, but theyve since discovered that their policies dont cover items that were willfully rented out, even if they were stolen in the process. That leaves the victims with no choice but to try to track down what was taken from them, but theyve found much of it has vanished. And even when it is found, reclaiming their cameras, lenses and other gear is more complicated than they thought. Much of it is in pawn shops, and the owners of those shops dont easily give back expensive items theyve purchased or are holding as collateral for loans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some cases, that means victims have spent thousands to buy back their own gear. I just spent four months of my life focused on this and spent $5,000 [to get my camera back], one victim said. I just want to move on. But despite that additional cost, some victims said they willingly paid it. After all, paying out $5,000 is much cheaper than trying to buy a new a high-end camera, which can cost up to about $100,000 or more. Often, victims spent the bulk of their lifes savings to buy the first camera, hoping to rent it out for money on which to live. Without that camera, theyre without an income stream and one of their most valuable assets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One victim who said they paid $8,000 to a pawn shop to get their gear back said the theft ruined my business. I had to sell the camera off after that to my business partner and his company, because I just couldnt afford everything, they said. So he has it now. I lost my camera from it all. Tips for equipment rental businesses Experts who spoke to KTLA offered tips for others who rent out cameras, equipment and other costly gear. Triessl suggested rental companies perform thorough background checks on potential customers, and she also suggested businesses confirm that their policy covers losses from renting equipment, not just for their own use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre going to be in the business of renting out your property to a third party, you need to make sure your insurance covers that, or buy an additional policy if thats how you intend to make money, she said. Arias, the Burbank detective, agreed with that advice and offered up some additional general tips that might help those who rent out cameras avoid similar thefts in the future. Covert GPS tracking devices have also proven useful in the recovery of stolen equipment, she said. Victims have had mixed success using that method, with some locating their equipment and others discovering that Roman had found their AirTags or other trackers and used the devices to throw them off his scent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But every person who spoke with KTLA for this story, including victims, experts and another independent filmmaker who happens to also be named Ryan Roman, had the same advice: Be careful. The other Roman, whos based on the East Coast and does not typically rent cameras himself, said hes been contacted multiple times by people either accusing him of being the Roman who allegedly stole cameras or to let him know someone else is using his name. In the cases of those whove already been scammed, Roman said they sometimes Googled his name and found the East Coast Romans website, where they could have noticed that the two men dont look alike. He advised that anyone renting out expensive equipment like this be thorough to be 100% sure the person taking their equipment is worthy of their trust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Definitely be careful and double, triple verify who youre renting your equipment to, especially the independent renters, he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Bay of Aarhus, Denmark Below the dark blue waters of the Bay of Aarhus in northern Denmark, archaeologists search for coastal settlements swallowed by rising sea levels more than 8,500 years ago. This summer, divers descended about 26 feet below the waves close to Aarhus, Denmark's second-biggest city, and collected evidence of a Stone Age settlement from the seabed. It's part of a $15.5 million six-year international project to map parts of the seabed in the Baltic and North Seas, funded by the European Union, that includes researchers in Aarhus as well as from the U.K.'s University of Bradford and the Lower Saxony Institute for Historical Coastal Research in Germany. The goal is to explore sunken Northern European landscapes and uncover lost Mesolithic settlements as offshore wind farms and other sea infrastructure expand. A diver excavates an 8,500-year-old Stone Age coastal settlement, submerged by sea level rise in the Bay of Aarhus, Denmark. Aug.8, 2025. / Credit: Sren Christian Bech/AP Most evidence of such settlements so far has been found at locations inland from the Stone Age coast, said underwater archaeologist Peter Moe Astrup, who's leading underwater excavations in Denmark. "Here, we actually have an old coastline. We have a settlement that was positioned directly at the coastline," he said. "What we actually try to find out here is how was life at a coastal settlement." After the last ice age, huge ice sheets melted and global sea levels rose, submerging Stone Age settlements and forcing the hunter-gatherer human population inland. About 8,500 years ago, sea levels rose by about 6.5 feet per century, Moe Astrup said. Moe Astrup and colleagues at the Moesgaard Museum in Hjbjerg, just outside Aarhus, have excavated an area of about 430 square feet at the small settlement they discovered just off today's coast. Early dives uncovered animal bones, stones tools, arrowheads, a seal tooth, and a small piece of worked wood, likely a simple tool. The researchers are combing the site meter by meter using a kind of underwater vacuum cleaner to collect material for future analysis. Underwater archaeologist Peter Moe Astrup holds a piece of worked wood, likely a simple tool, discovered at an 8,500-year-old Stone Age coastal settlement submerged by sea level rise in the Bay of Aarhus, Denmark. Aug.18, 2025. / Credit: James Brooks/AP They hope further excavations will find harpoons, fishhooks or traces of fishing structures. "It's like a time capsule," Moe Astrup said. "When sea level rose, everything was preserved in an oxygen-free environment time just stops." "We find completely well-preserved wood," he added. "We find hazelnut. ... Everything is well preserved." Excavations in the relatively calm and shallow Bay of Aarhus and dives off the coast of Germany will be followed by later work at two locations in the more inhospitable North Sea. The sea level rise thousands of years ago submerged, among other things, a vast area known as Doggerland that connected Britain with continental Europe and now lies underneath the southern North Sea. To build a picture of the rapid rise of the waters, Danish researchers are using dendrochronology, the study of tree rings. Submerged tree stumps preserved in mud and sediment can be dated precisely, revealing when rising tides drowned coastal forests. "We can say very precisely when these trees died at the coastlines," Moesgaard Museum dendrochronologist Jonas Ogdal Jensen said as he peered at a section of Stone Age tree trunk through a microscope. "That tells us something about how the sea level changed through time." As today's world faces rising sea levels driven by climate change, the researchers hope to shed light on how Stone Age societies adapted to shifting coastlines more than eight millennia ago. "It's hard to answer exactly what it meant to people," Moe Astrup said. "But it clearly had a huge impact in the long run because it completely changed the landscape." Sea levels rose by a global average of around 1.7 inches in the decade up to 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denmark has seen several significant archaeological discoveries in recent years, including a metal detectorist's stunning find early last year of gold ring set with a red semi-precious stone that researchers hoped would shed light on the country's history during the early middle ages. Officials at the National Museum of Denmark announced that find after the centuries-old ring, believed to have been owned by a member of the royal family some 1,400 years ago, was transferred from a different museum nearer to the discovery site in the south, near the German border. That discovery came just weeks after archaeologists found a small knife inscribed with runic letters dated to the first or second century AD, or almost 2,000 years ago. It was the oldest trace of writing ever found in Denmark, according to the Museum Odense. Runes, or runic letters, are the oldest alphabet known to have been used in Scandinavia, having been in use for about 1,000 years until they were largely replaced by the Latin alphabet when Christians started spreading their belief system in the 10th century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, officials announced that a piece of fossilized vomit, dating back to when dinosaurs roamed the earth, was discovered in Denmark. Video shows armed National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announce engagement Democrats voting on key resolutions at summer meeting VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) The city of Virginia Beach is hosting multiple pop-up educational tables throughout the week to help provide Virginia Beach residents with more opportunities to learn about the upcoming referendum question. City of Virginia Beach to inform voters of 10-1 system during Nov. 4 election The referendum question will be added to the upcoming Nov. 4 election and will ask voters if the city should continue to use the 10-1 voting system or to go back to the previous 7-3-1 voting system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 10-1 system, which was used most recently in 2022 and 2024, splits the resort city into 10 districts. The voters of each district would then elect a single council member, with the mayor being elected at-large. VB council votes down putting 10-1 voting system into charter The 7-3-1 system, which was used prior to the 10-1 system, splits the resort city into seven districts. Voters of each district would then elect a single council member, with three council members and the mayor being elected at-large. For the upcoming election, a yes vote would be in favor of the 10-1 system, and a no vote would be in favor of the 7-3-1 system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, a U.S. District Judge ruled that the 7-3-1 system disenfranchised minority voters, saying that the system denies Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians equal access to the electoral and political process. Those in favor of the system, however, said it gives a single voter more power by having a say on more than one race for city council. VB voters weigh in on possible referendum to change 10-1 voting system Those in favor of the 10-1 system, though, believe it will help to create the most diverse version of a city council. Ahead of the election, Virginia Beach will be holding multiple pop-up educational tables to help provide voters with more information on the referendum question. The dates for the pop-up tables can be found below: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday, Aug. 26 5-7 p.m. at Princess Anne Recreation Center Wednesday, Aug. 27 9-11 a.m. at Pungo-Blackwater Library 10 a.m. noon at Great Neck Area Library 10 a.m. noon at Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library 3-5 p.m. at Great Neck Recreation Center Thursday, Aug. 28 9-11 a.m. at Bow Creek Recreation Center 2-4 p.m. at Wahab Public Law Library 4-7 p.m. at Williams Farm Recreation Center Friday, Aug. 29 9 a.m. noon at Joint-Use Library For more information on the referendum question, click here. 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. With a proposed ceasefire on the table, brokered by Egypt and apparently agreed upon by Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is intent, still, on more war, and more killing in Gaza. Last week, his government approved the battle plan of an extremely reluctant army chief to head into a full takeover of Gaza City. This move will likely lead to more hostage deaths. And Monday morning, Israel bombed a Gaza hospital twice, killing 20 people, including first responders and five journalists who raced to the scene. Street protests, led by the hostage families, are compounding. According to Israeli news reports, only about a half or less of reservists are showing up when called to fight. Its the clearest sign yet of the deep divide between the government and the Israeli people. All polls show that an overwhelming majority of Israelis want an agreement and an end to the war, all except for a hard-right faction that happens to rule the government. (One far-right minister said after the new offensive was announced that unless Israels pronounced goal was to eradicate Hamas, rather than save the hostages, her small but pivotal party would leave the coalition, though centrist Benny Gantz has offered to step in to the coalition to get to a yes for a hostage release and ceasefire, which Netanyahu is so far dismissing.) The soldiers are reluctant warriors at best right now. During my last week in Israel this summer, there were seven reported suicides by active-duty soldiers. There have been more than 18 reported suicides in 2025. Gaza is a hell for the Palestinians who live there; it is also a moonscape of horror for those sent to fight there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is almost impossible to convey in words the sadness that engulfs most Israelis; it hangs over the country like a heavy netting, as Netanyahu plays whack-a-mole with his public. The contempt in which he holds the Israeli people is matched only by the contemptand then somein which he holds the Palestinian people and, for that matter, Israels longtime global allies. Right now, the only person outside of his inner family-dominated circle who matters whatsoever is Donald Trump. So far, Trump, despite a few rhetorical warnings, is allowing Bibi free rein. The presence of the hostage families is everywhere in Israel, impossible to ignore, yet Netanyahu does just that. The community where I lived for part of the summer had an installation at the entrance50 yellow chairs (the hostage campaigns color), with a daily ticker written by hand on poster board of how many hundreds of days its been for their captivity (as of this writing, 688 days), and their oversized photos. Similar displays are everywhereon office buildings, freeway billboards, bridge overpasses. Most evenings, the families protest in front of the Defense Ministry; sometimes, they try to halt traffic with their bodies. The country knows these parents, siblings, partners, like they are rock stars. They are revered by their fellow citizens; reviled by their government. It is a haunting and shocking situation, one that puts the very future of Israel in peril as it rips apart the social fabric of a society dependent on social solidarity. Last week began with a massive national strike that culminated in a rally to end the war that included around 500,000 people. Another day of action is planned for this week. Historian and peace activist Fania Oz-Salzberger, with whom I spoke after the day of action, told me: It was an enormous show of strength, albeit one that for now Netanyahu will probably ignore. It is a message we are sending to each other and to the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She continued: It is first and foremost a message to the families of the hostages and the bereaved families and the survivors that are surrounded by millions of their co-citizens in support and help. Israel, liberal Israel, secular Israel, rational Israel, is essentially talking to itself, which is not a bad thing. We can see how strong we are, how numerous we are. At this point, nearly every sector of Israeli society outside of the hard right base of Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox is organized against the government. There are statements by artists, academics, business leaders, youth leaders, trade unionists, and more to make a deal to bring home all the hostages and end the war. What people must understand today, and American liberals ought to understand it even better than others, is that this is not a normal government of Israel, Oz-Salzberger said. This is a rogue government, led by a rogue prime minister. I always said this is a Latin American situation, except that its also a North American situation these days. Thats why Oz-Salzberger thinks that American liberals and progressives should start supporting Israeli civil society rather than the government A growing number of Israeli liberals, of middle-of-the-road Israelis, of decent Israelis are saying the same: not in my name. Whats going on in Gaza now, even the hardest-to-awaken Israelis are seeing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, if you are a friend of Israel abroad I tell my American friends, Jewish and non-Jewish, if you are a friend, a true friend of Israel, you must become an enemy of the current government of Israel. Ive never said that about previous Netanyahu governments. Never voted for him but always considered him totally legitimate. Not anymore. Oz-Salzbergers father was the noted novelist and left peace activist Amos Oz, who, she reminds me, used to say, Im not pro-Israel. Im not pro-Palestine. Im pro-peace. Thats where, she thinks, the global progressive community should land. And, to her, that means not only promoting justice for the Palestinians, but peace for both peoples. If you are pro-Palestinian, she suggests, you must consider if you would like the justice of the graveyard, which is what is going to happen, or the peace of compromise. But the current pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel activism is not the answer. What you cannot do is erase and eradicate a nuclear power made of 7.1 million Jews and two million Arabs. How? How will you annihilate us you must rethink not from an ideal, platonic ideal of ultimate justice, but from some very complex, very nuanced groundwork for allowing both people to live here. Bottom line, if you are not a friend of Israel, at least be a realistic friend of the Palestinians. Do not tell them that they will get it all. In the meantime, Oz-Salzberger has strong demands for world leaders: I think every single minister in Netanyahus government, including Netanyahu himself, should be outcast from the international community. Just the way Australia has now done by revoking the visa of [Knesset Member] Simcha Rothman (a hard-right minister who is leading the legal coup and who advocates for return to settlement by Israelis in Gaza). [Homeland Security Minister Itamar] Ben Gvir and [Finance Minister Bezalel] Smotrich should be considered criminals. And then definitely Netanyahu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the streets are bloated with anti-government protesters, the Knesset is a stronghold for Netanyahu. As Oz-Salzberger noted to me, he hand-picked all his parliamentarians so that there is nearly no chance of a break away that would topple his government. Indeed, the left-wing opposition in the Knesset can be counted on one hand. Its leading figure is Gilad Kariv, of the Democrats Party, whom I profiled in 2023 for this magazine. Just before I saw him recently in Tel Aviv, he went with a delegation of liberal rabbis (he is himself a Reform rabbi), to pay respects in the familys mourning tent for Awda Hathaleen, a consultant on the Oscar-winning film No Other Land, who was murdered on July 28 by an Israeli Jewish settler in Hebron who to this day has not been held accountable. There were three murders by settlers of Palestinians in the West Bank in the three and a half weeks I was in Israel. All have gone unpunished, including the killing of American Palestinian Saif Musallet on his familys land. The family, with whom I met in Ramallah, told me that the State Department said that it expected Israel to investigate. So far, nothing. Kariv characterizes Netanyahu as almost an observer in his own government: Forces much more extreme are designing the reality. It creates a dramatic risk to the hostages and to the IDF soldiers, and it definitely creates this unprecedented humanitarian crisis and terrible reality for the Palestinians. He continued: It is quite clear that the more extreme right-wing forces in the government and in the coalition are using the public awareness to the war in Gaza and to the hostages, in order to promote extreme policies in the West Bank, in order to enable extreme settlers to set facts on the ground, even if it involves violent acts against the Palestinians. Those policies of the extreme far right components of the coalition are to create a de facto annexation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kariv calls for the war to end, especially after this weeks bombing at the hospital in Khan Yunis. The IDF itself has already announced that Hamas has been defeated as a military force, he said after the bombing. The continuation and expansion of the war will bring along countless more incidents of this kind. Israel cannot afford this, not morally, ethically, or diplomatically. The war must not be expanded. It must be brought to a swift end. Yet there is no sign that Netanyahu will end this war. I have been to Israel four times since October 7, 2023. Each time, I felt a palpable sadness, but nothing like this summer. A profoundly unpopular government is at war with its own people. It is corrupt, immoral, and taking Israel to a place of extremes, where there is might at the expense of morals; messianism at the expense of humanity and hope. Israel is more globally isolated than ever before; it will take yearsmaybe decadesto recover, if at all. But there is significant pushback that is truly extraordinary, considering how profoundly exhausted the public isit is massive and impressive and forthright. It deserves global support. Meanwhile, those in the government who are most extreme dont even register in the electoral polls, and yet the damage they are doing, along with their leader Netanyahu, will mark Israeland Israelisfor decades to come. WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, a Democrat from West Hartford, announced in an Instagram video Tuesday morning that she has entered the race for Congress in Connecticuts 1st District. Gilchrest was first elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in 2018, after defeating a longtime Democratic incumbent in a primary election battle. She is now embarking on a similar endeavor, taking aim at the incumbent in the 1st District, Rep. John Larson (D). I first ran for office because I wasnt willing to wait to bring the change Connecticut needed, Gilchrest said on Tuesday. I feel that same urgency today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Larson has served in Congress since 1999 and currently faces four challengers within his own party. Luke Bronin, former mayor of Hartford, launched his campaign earlier this month. Hartford attorney and Board of Education member Ruth Fortune is also a declared candidate, as is Southington town councilor and businessman Jack Perry. Responding to the news of a fourth challenger in the race, Larson issued a brief comment. Its a democracy, Larsons statement read. We welcome anyone who wants to run. Im focused on fighting Trump and doing the work for the people of this district every day. Over the course of four terms in the legislature, Gilchrest has risen to co-chair the Human Services Committee, which oversees many of the states social service programs. Shes strongly identified with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party staunchly defending abortion rights and advocating for the states paid family and medical leave program, as well as backing the legislative priorities of labor unions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said shed continue those fights if elected to Congress, with a particular emphasis on expanding the federal social safety net. Folks are struggling, Gilchrest said. Their wages are too low for the cost of living. Healthcare costs are astronomical and were seeing the wealthy just doing better and better and the everyday person falling farther and farther behind. The five candidates will vie for the endorsement of local Democratic Party leaders at a district convention next spring. A primary election would be held later that summer if more than one candidate qualifies for the ballot either by receiving enough support at the district convention or by gathering petition signatures. Connecticut leaders asking questions of ICE in wake of increased activity statewide Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to his campaign, Bronin has raised more than $800,000 since launching his campaign earlier this month and has travelled the district in earnest. The arrival of Gilchrest into the race means Larson now faces two challengers with established political ties across the region and experience running in competitive primary races. Perry and Fortune are lesser known among the community of Democratic party figures, who will play a major role in determining who will ultimately clinch the partys nomination. The Bronin campaign said Gilchrests announcement echoed his own belief that their party is looking for a new generation of voices. Larson just turned 77, Bronin and Gilchrest are both in their forties. The fact that new candidates are testing the waters against John Larson reinforces the point that Lukes been making, which is that theres a deep desire for change in the Democratic Party and everyone can feel it, a Bronin campaign spokesperson said. On that point, the two potential rivals seem to agree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need new voices in Washington, Gilchrest said. What weve been doing is obviously not working, and so we need to elect new people. Connecticuts 1st Congressional District is centered around Hartford and West Hartford, spanning east toward Manchester and south toward Middletown and Southington. The district snakes northwest from Hartford toward upper Litchfield County and the Connecticut-Massachusetts border, forming an infamous lobster claw shape which hooks around Avon and Simsbury and then turns south toward Torrington. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Volunteers in the United Kingdom are preventing unnecessary waste while helping those in need, according to the BBC. The charities Herts for Refugees and Emmaus Hertfordshire together recovered 260 tents and 150 sleeping bags from the Isle of Wight Festival this summer. These items will go to people without housing. Emmaus Hertfordshire's business development manager, Gemma Beckett, said the recovery will "provide essential shelter and warmth to displaced people," per the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Herts for Refugees engaged in similar recovery operations for the same festival in 2023 and 2024 and for Boomtown in Hampshire in 2022. Similar piles of trash have been left behind at Bonnaroo, Reading, and Electric Forest. One estimate suggests that 250,000 tents are abandoned at music festivals in the U.K. every summer. Besides being a tacky imposition on those doing cleanup, abandoned tents and sleeping bags pose a significant environmental threat. When left to decompose, tents shed microplastics like any other synthetic fabric. These particles find their way into the food we eat. When humans ingest them, they can introduce endocrine, immune, digestive, and reproductive issues. Fabrics also emit methane as they decompose. This atmospheric pollutant worsens destructive weather patterns such as floods and droughts. Among other things, it indirectly contributes to agricultural challenges and increases in home insurance rates. Luckily, festival trash can occasionally find its way back to use. Some organizations have funneled towels to animal rescues, while others have upcycled abandoned tents into scrunchies and totes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the good work these organizations are doing, it's only scratching the surface of the wider issue of abandonment at festivals. "The bigger picture environmentally has to be considered. ... We can only take such a small amount compared to what's left behind," said Herts for Refugees CEO Angus Clark, per the BBC. 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. Voters in Cullman and Blount counties will choose between Democrat Alex Braswell (left) and Republican Heath Allbright (right) in a special election for House District 11 on Tuesday. (Photos courtesy of candidates. Graphic Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector) Voters in Cullman and Blount counties go to the polls Tuesday to choose a representative in a special election for House District 11. Voters will choose between Republican Heath Allbright and Democrat Alex Braswell, the first time in nearly 20 years the seat has been contested by a Democrat. Allbright, a small business owner and former member of the Cullman County Board of Education, won a May primary against veteran Don Fallin with 54.3% of votes. Braswell, an American Sign Language Interpreter, is the first woman to campaign for the seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The district covers part of Cullman and Blount counties. When do polls open? Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Where do I find my polling place? The Alabama Secretary of States website allows you to check voter registration and the location of your polling place. You can find it here. Municipal elections are also Tuesday, but some voters may have to go to two polling locations for each election. What do I need to vote? Voters must present a valid photo ID before voting. Valid forms of ID include: Alabama drivers license (not expired or expired less than 60 days) Alabama Law Enforcement Agency digital drivers license Alabama Non-Driver ID (not expired or expired less than 60 days) Alabama Photo Voter ID card State-issued ID (Alabama or any other state) Federal-issued ID U.S. Passport Employee ID from the federal government; state of Alabama; county; municipality, board or other entity of Alabama Student or employee ID from a public or private post-secondary educational institution in Alabama or other states (including colleges, universities, postgraduate technical and professional schools) Digital student or employee ID from a public or private post-secondary educational institution in Alabama or other states (including colleges, universities, postgraduate technical and professional schools) Military ID Tribal ID Where is the district located? The district covers part of Cullman and Blount counties, including Snead, Oneota, Hanceville and Blountsville. How did the seat become vacant? The seat became vacant after former Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview, resigned on Feb. 17 to be Senate Pro Tem Garland Gudgers director of constituent affairs. Does the seat have a partisan lean? District 11 is solidly Republican. Shedd, who won the seat in a 2013 special election, never faced opposition in any subsequent general election. What issues dominate the race? SB 322, sponsored by Sen. Jabo Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills, was signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on May 7. The law allows the city of Cullman to annex a resort in Cullman County, a dry county, in order for the resort to serve alcohol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law drew criticism from Democratic and Republican candidates in this election and the House District 12 election, scheduled for Oct. 28. Cullman County did not have representation in the House after Shedd resigned in February and Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope, stepped down in April. Braswell and Allbright have opposed the legislation. Allbright said in a previous interview that his issue was the timing and lack of Cullman representation in the House. Gudger, who co-sponsored the legislation, pre-filed a bill on Aug. 1 to repeal the law, which goes into effect on Oct. 1. The Legislature will not be able to take it up until it reconvenes in January, but local officials say they have not gotten any requests that would fall within the scope of the law. What happens after today? The winner will represent the district in the Alabama House of Representatives in the 2026 legislative session. The seat will be contested, like all Alabama House seats, in next years state elections. Will the results alter control of the Legislature? No. Republicans currently hold 72 of the 105 seats in the Alabama House, after three resignations after the end of the 2025 session in May. Rep. Cynthia Almond, R-Tuscaloosa, was appointed president of the Public Service Commission in June. Rep. Matt Woods, R-Jasper, was elected to the State Senate on June 24. Rep. Debbie Wood, R-Valley, announced her resignation and move to the Florida panhandle last week. Republicans hold 27 of the 35 seats in the Alabama Senate. Meet the Candidates Heath Allbright House District 11 candidate Heath Allbright. (courtesy of Allbright) Age: 39 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residence: Holly Pond Occupation: Farmer/Business owner Education: Associates degree, Agricultural Science, Snead State Community College, 2005 Party: Republican Previous political experience: Cullman County Board of Education 2016-2024 Campaign fundraising: Allbright had raised $128,501.57 as of Aug. 25 and spent $118,065.30. Alex Braswell House District 11 Democratic nominee Alex Braswell laughing at a town hall in Hanceville, Alabama, on July 30, 2025. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector) Age: 31 Residence: Cullman Occupation: American Sign Language interpreter Education: B.S. American Sign Language, Troy University, 2023 Party: Democrat Previous political experience: First-time candidate Campaign fundraising: Braswell had raised $14,686.47 as of Aug. 25 and spent $10,557.33. NEED TO KNOW A West Virginia man is behind bars after being accused of leaving an 8-year-old boy alone in a garage for a week, say authorities Juan Jose Benitez-Chacon, 34, allegedly left the child without food, water, a bathroom or supervision The boy told deputies he didn't know when Benitez-Chacon was going to return, according to authorities A West Virginia man is facing criminal charges after he was accused of leaving an 8-year-old boy alone in a garage for a week without food, water or a bathroom, while he traveled to Florida, according to authorities. On Monday, Aug. 25, Juan Jose Benitez-Chacon, 34, of Anmoore, was arrested and charged with gross neglect of a child creating substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury a felony, according to online court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 15, deputies with the Harrison County Sheriffs Office received a tip about a child who was left alone in a garage for approximately one week, according to a criminal complaint obtained by 12WBOY. The deputies allegedly found the child inside a small garage, with no water or food, according to the criminal complaint also obtained by WDTV. The child then told the deputies that he didnt know when Benitez-Chacon would return, according to the complaint, WV Metro News reports. He told the deputies that neighbors helped him during the day, but not at night, per the outlet. Neighbors could not see or hear the boy in case of an emergency, the complaint alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaving the boy alone without food, water or supervision created an extremely unsafe situation for him, officials wrote in the complaint, per WDTV. Authorities did not specify whether the boy is Benitez-Chacon's son or what their relationship is. He remains held at the North Central Regional Jail on a $100,000 bond, according to online jail records, and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 3. It is unclear whether he has retained an attorney who can speak on his behalf. Read the original article on People Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove is seen during a press conference on Aug. 26, 2025, at the High Point Trailhead on Tiger Mountain, near Issaquah. (Photo by Emily Fitzgerald/Washington State Standard) Eight months after Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove entered office and paused logging sales in older forests on state land, Washingtons Department of Natural Resources has identified 77,000 acres to set aside for conservation. Called structurally complex forests by the Department of Natural Resources and legacy forests by some conservationists, these older forests arent quite old enough to qualify for old-growth protections but are biologically diverse and naturally resistant to wildfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Upthegroves plan, 29,000 acres of the forests will remain available for harvest. Most of the roughly two-dozen timber sales paused will proceed. Upthegrove touted the plan as Washingtons biggest step forward in forest conservation in a generation. Doing this will allow us to continue to nurture and steward these forests, but in innovative and diverse ways that do more for climate, more for habitat, and more for the communities we serve, he said in an interview ahead of signing Tuesdays directive. Timber industry groups and some conservation activists were both dissatisfied with the commissioners order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upthegrove campaigned last year on protecting this class of forests. His ideas drew support from environmental advocates who argue that swaths of these older trees are dwindling in western Washington. But industry was opposed, making a case that larger, older timber is needed for certain wood products, like power poles, and that pulling lands back from logging would hurt jobs and mills. Nothing short of devastating On Tuesday, the Legacy Forest Defense Coalition, one of the leading groups calling for protection of structurally complex forests, described Upthegroves plan as a disappointment. This is essentially a continuation of the status quo under the guise of a conservation victory, said Joshua Wright, a spokesperson for the coalition. The group has sued repeatedly to stop logging sales on state land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Legacy Forest Defense Coalition supports conservation of the 77,000 acres, the 29,000 acres made available for logging include plots that the group has fought to keep intact. These include shrinking tracts of complex forest land in the Capitol State Forest south of Olympia, the Chehalis River Basin and Willapa Hills. The majority of forests that we were most concerned about are going to be logged by this plan, and that is nothing short of devastating, Wright said. He said that the Legacy Forest Defense Coalition is still open to working with the Department of Natural Resources. Industry opposition Logging industry advocates raised concerns that the plan would take too much land out of rotation for timber sales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Removing these acres from sustainable harvest will mean less revenue for schools, fire districts, hospitals, and libraries that depend on trust land funds, and fewer family-wage jobs in Washingtons forest sector, said Travis Joseph, president of the American Forest Resource Council, a regional trade organization. The 29,000 acres of complex forests made available for sale should be enough to fulfill all of the Department of Natural Resources financial commitments to local governments for the next decade, according to the agency. In the meantime, the Department of Natural Resources will work on different strategies to generate revenue from the 77,000 acres set aside for conservation, including the possible sale of credits on carbon markets. The Department of Natural Resources oversees nearly 6 million acres of state public land, including about 3 million acres of trust lands that produce revenue mostly from logging for schools, counties and other parts of government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department has already set aside 1.2 million acres of its trust lands as part of the Washington Habitat Connectivity Action Plan. The 77,000 acres set aside as part of Upthegroves order is 12% of what was left over, according to Heath Heikkila, a lobbyist for the American Forest Resource Council. Legacy Forest Defense Coalition takes issue with the 1.2 million-acre figure, arguing it includes strips of forest along streams and other trees that are not part of continuous blocks of forest, diminishing the benefits for wildlife and the environment. The American Forest Resource Council estimates that the logging value of the 77,000 acres that were set aside is about $2.3 billion. The estimated economic activity that would come from logging those acres is $6 billion, the group says. Heikkila and American Forest Resource Council spokesperson Nick Smith said Tuesday that they were concerned Upthegrove acted without completing a public process or going through the Board of Natural Resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Natural Resources says it doesnt need approval from the board or the Legislature to set aside the forestland. American Forest Resource Council intends to work with the board and lawmakers to address the fallout for industry. Washington Forest Protection Association, which represents private forest landowners, was also critical of the new plan, noting guardrails around logging that the state already has in place. Artificially blocking forest management harms the environment and our local economies, said Jason Spadaro, executive director of the group. As a state, we need to ensure that decisions on forest management are steeped in science, not politics. Other groups voice support Other environmental groups, including Conservation Northwest and Washington Conservation Action, commended Upthegroves approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The order is an important step towards more sustainable, cost-effective and climate-smart forest management, said Dave Werntz, science and conservation senior director, for Conservation Northwest. Upthegroves order gives the Department of Natural Resources room to consider aspects of forest management other than maximizing revenue, Wentz said. Its an acknowledgement that theres more ways to manage DNR lands other than timber harvests, he said. Washington Conservation Action CEO Alyssa Macy spoke in support of Upthegroves order at the press conference where he signed it on Tuesday, at Tiger Mountain, near Issaquah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With climate change upon us, we need a new vision for forestry, one that takes a more holistic view, Macy said. We must recognize the economic value of timber, but also of the clean air, the clean water, wildlife habitat, carbon storage and cultural value of the forest lands for which our state is famous. Thurston County Commission Chair Tye Menser also applauded Upthegroves move, pointing to parts of Capitol State Forest that constituents have said they want to see protected. We are thrilled to hear that Thurston Countys voice has been heard, Menser said. We are also happy to hear that DNR is committed to continuing to meet its responsibilities to counties, schools, libraries and fire districts as they struggle with uncertain budgets, he added. Lengthy process Upthegrove said the Department of Natural Resources intends to ask the Legislature this upcoming session for more explicit authority to sell carbon market credits tied to state forests. The department will also look at ways to acquire new timberland, Upthegrove said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years pause on timber sales gave Department of Natural Resources staff time to finish an inventory project identifying and mapping older trees and structurally complex forests. The project was initially scheduled to be finished by the end of the year, but was moved up to a June deadline. Staff ended up needing an extra month-and-a-half to complete their work, Upthegrove said. It gives us a much higher confidence in how many of these forests we have and where theyre located, Upthegrove said of the mapping and analysis. Its a much more responsible starting place for the whole discussion. Correction: A previous version of this article said that the American Forest Resource Council estimates that the logging value of the 77,000 acres that were set aside is about $2.3 million. The groups estimate is $2.3 billion. The figure has been updated. (The Center Square) A group of Washington state Republican senators, including 31st Legislative District Sen. Phil Fortunato of Auburn, are calling for the repeal of a state law that limits law enforcement's cooperation with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. The Keep Washington Working Act, adopted in 2019, restricts local law enforcement from using local resources to help federal officials enforce immigration law and prevents local law enforcement from sharing nonpublic information with federal officials in most cases. As previously reported by The Center Square, Gov. Bob Ferguson has vowed to defend Washingtons sanctuary policies against federal challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Pam Bondi has indicated the Trump administration will withhold federal funds from what the Department of Justice terms sanctuary jurisdictions and regulations that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws. In a letter to Ferguson, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and others, Bondi wrote that under President Donald Trump, full cooperation by state and local governments in immigration enforcement efforts is a top priority. This ends now. In his response, Ferguson said he was prepared to defend the sanctuary legislation against a potential challenge and would seek "all appropriate costs and fees." In a press conference last week, responding to the DOJ letter, Ferguson said, It is all posturing. Thats all it is. Its all threats. Thats all it is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunato had a different take. Here you have a guy [who] was the attorney general of Washington state, the senator said. The guy that's supposed to understand what the law is. In a Friday interview with The Center Square, Fortunato said he reached out to Fergusons office to find out how many illegal immigrants are currently incarcerated in Washington prisons. They got back to me, and they said two, he said. So, I asked ICE, How many people do you have identified in our prisons? They said 310. Fortunatos staff sent The Center Square an April 8 email from the Department of Homeland Security breaking down the list of Washington DOC inmates with immigration detainers and the crimes they are being held for: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sex Offense: 130Homicide: 94Assault: 38Robbery: 22Drugs: 12Weapon Possession: 8Kidnapping: 2DUI: 1Fraud: 1Forgery: 1Arson: 1 So basically, all around solid citizens, Fortunato sarcastically quipped. If you want to do this sanctuary policy and you want to pretend that these people are just mowing your lawn, you could go on and pretend that, right? But they're raping our women and our children, and these are the people that you are adamant about protecting. I don't get it. I just don't get it. Depending on the facility, each inmate in DOC custody costs Washington taxpayers about $75,000 a year. That translated into those 310 illegal immigrants costing Washington more than $23 million in 2024. In a Monday email soliciting contributions, state Democrats wrote, We need to show Bondi, Trump, and every extremist watching that Washington Democrats will NOT be intimidated by bullies and cowards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fortunato said hes not holding his breath that pressure from lawmakers or anyone else will result in Ferguson complying with the Trump administration's directive to work with ICE. Hes not going to change his mind, he said. This is about letting people know that somebody agrees that we want these criminals out of here and that this is crazy policy. (The Center Square) Washington Solicitor General Noah Purcell is the focus of a Washington State Bar Association complaint alleging misconduct for responding on Attorney General Nick Browns behalf in a separate bar complaint, and directly communicating with private law firm Perkins Coie without its attorneys consent. The complaint comes right after news broke that Brown faces an inquiry by the bar association over an amicus brief filed in support of Perkins Coie, The Center Square reported this month. Although WSBA is a private organization and the complaints are made against individuals as private attorneys, both these complaints concern activities by attorneys in public offices who have used taxpayer resources to respond to at least one complaint, making communications regarding the inquiry subject to public disclosure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, several Washington AGO attorneys including Purcell communicated via email with Perkins Coie attorneys regarding an amicus brief the AGO was working on in support of the law firms motion for a temporary restraining order against President Donald Trumps executive orders cancelling the firms federal contracts and revoking its security clearance. The amicus brief, signed by 20 other state attorneys general, was filed in federal court the day after Perkins Coie filed its motion, which was ultimately granted. The complaint itself is in the process of appeal by the Trump administration. The emails sent to and from Purcell, a former Perkins Coie attorney, along with Deputy Solicitor General Emma Grunberg concerned drafts for both the amicus brief as well as the complaint, in addition to AGO suggestions on where and when to file the lawsuit. Although Grunberg ultimately signed the amicus brief, along with Brown, Purcell did not sign it. However, not included in any of those communications between the AGO and Perkins Coie was Williams & Connolly, a D.C.-based law firm that Perkins Coie hired to represent the firm in its lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perkin Coies complaint filed in federal court was signed by Dane Butswinkas, a partner at Williams & Connolly. There was no communication between the Washington AGO and anyone at Williams & Connolly regarding the amicus brief in records obtained by The Center Square subject to an open records request. A provision in Washington states Rule of Professional Conduct is "Communication with Person Represented by Counsel, which states the following: "In representing a client, a lawyer shall not communicate about the subject of the representation with a person the lawyer knows to be represented by another lawyer in the matter, unless the lawyer has the consent of the other lawyer or is authorized to do so by law or a court order." The ethics complaint filed against Purcell with the WSBA argues that if the Perkins recipients were not acting as litigation counsel in that matter, these direct discussions circumvented counsel of record... Even if some recipients were lawyers, there is no indication W&C consented to direct contacts or designated those individuals as litigation counsel. When The Center Square reached out to the WSBA for comment, Chief Communications and Outreach Officer Sara Niegowski wrote that an attorney communicating with another attorneys client without their consent can be unethical, but there are many elements that require careful case-by-case analysis in actual situations, such as the nature of the representation and/or the lawyers state of mind and/or subject matter of the communication. The rule says what it says, and that must be interpreted in light of all the case-specific facts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Center Square reached out to Butswinkas to inquire whether he was aware of the communications between the AGO and Perkins Coie and if he had consented to the direct communications. He did not respond. The Center Square also reached out to the Washington AGO as to whether it received permission from Williams & Connolly to directly communicate with Perkins Coie, but did not receive a response. When asked about the AGOs email communication with Perkins Coie, Niegowski declined to comment. The WSBA complaint against Purcell also concerns a response he wrote to the WSBA on behalf of Brown and the State Attorney Generals Office regarding a complaint filed after The Center Square broke the story that Perkins Coie had 10 active contracts with the AGO that were not disclosed in the amicus brief. The response was sent to WSBA almost a month after it threatened Brown with an interim suspension of his license to practice law for failing to initially respond. Purcell's response came a day after The Center Square reached out to the WSBA for comment on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Purcell did not state he was privately retained by Mr. Brown, the Aug. 23 complaint states. The WSBA disciplinary matter is personal to Mr. Brown and the AGO is not a party. Mr. Purcell is a necessary and material fact witness regarding the amicus drafting and coordination with Perkins Coie. These matters are central to the grievance against Mr. Brown. Acting as an advocate and representing the respondent attorney in the related disciplinary matter would be improper if this proceeds to a hearing or related litigation where Mr. Purcell is a likely necessary witness." The complaint also noted that AGO resources (letterhead, systems, and personnel) were used to prepare and transmit the ODC (office of Disciplinary Counsel) response for Mr. Browns personal disciplinary matter. As the wait for federal aid continues, the American Red Cross will begin providing financial assistance to Milwaukee-area residents with severely flood-damaged homes. After spending weeks providing aid and supplies on-the-ground, the Red Cross has opened up applications for financial assistance for residents with destroyed or severely damaged homes. As of Aug. 25, the organization has received more than 700 applications, according to Red Cross spokesperson Isis Chaverri. "We are just here to help the community as they recover from this life-changing event," Chaverri said. "If anyone wants to join and help the community, we are always welcoming volunteers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early damage estimates from this month's historic floods put the loses in Milwaukee County alone at more than $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, officials said. Chaverri said the organization could not provide numbers yet on how much aid residents in Milwaukee will receive. Here's who is eligible for Red Cross flood aid and how to apply: Who is eligible for Red Cross assistance after Milwaukee floods? Residents of homes that have been destroyed or severely damaged can apply for Red Cross financial assistance. Eligibility is determined based on reports from Red Cross volunteers in the field and the visibility of damage on a home. In some cases, volunteers have already invited residents of destroyed homes to apply for assistance, Chaverri said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Red Cross website also includes the following examples of eligible homes: Homes with damage so significant that they are permanently or temporarily uninhabitable, and residents will have to move away permanently or for an extended amount of time Homes with more than 18 inches of water in the first-floor living space Homes where water damage has covered the floor system and entered the living space Homes where flood waters have reached the roofline Ebony Martin from the Northside of Milwaukee talks about how the Red Cross shelter has helped her recover from flooding in her home. When will financial assistance be available after applying? Residents should expect to hear back about their eligibility within about one week of submitting an application, Chaverri said. For qualifying residents, the funds will be made available within hours of the Red Cross team confirming eligibility. How to apply for Red Cross assistance after Milwaukee floods If your home has been severely damaged by the floods, you can apply for assistance online at disasterforms.redcross.org/f/2025MilwaukeeFloods or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The online form will prompt you to enter your name, home address, contact information and the number of people in your household. Only one person should fill out a form per household. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How to apply for Red Cross financial aid for Milwaukee flood damage Waldo County officials are struggling to explain their use of public funds as locals have begun questioning oddities in the county commissions records. Missing minutes, short staffing and foggy memories in the rural midcoast county have prevented officials from answering repeated questions about how the county commission spent more than $100,000 of opioid settlement funds and filled a $580,000 error in the county jail budget last year. Maines counties have been receiving opioid settlement funds since 2022, with millions more set to be disbursed over the next 13 years. Some Waldo County residents took an interest in the commissions work as The Maine Monitor reported that the county had spent thousands in opioid funds without disclosing where the money went. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opioid settlement money is meant to be used to abate the harms of addiction, and the state has outlined a long list of accepted uses. Funds are not meant to go toward general budget support, but there are no spending disclosure requirements attached to the settlement. Belfast resident Eric Buch first began paying attention to his countys government when he hoped to apply for American Rescue Plan Act funds on behalf of a local organization. He found that the countys funds had already been committed, and felt the commission had not done enough to inform the public that federal dollars were on the way. When the county began spending opioid settlement money, Buch made sure to pay attention. He found record-keeping was lacking. The county is not very transparent about what it does, he said. They don't do much in the way of engaging members of the wider community in participating or understanding what it is that they provide to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said after months of asking around, he is still unsure of how the opioid funds were spent. Minutes for twelve county commissioner meetings this year and last were missing from the countys website as of mid-August. When asked for copies of the missing minutes, county clerk Barbara Arseneau provided seven; five documents from 2024 have yet to be transcribed due to employee turnover and short-staffing and could not be provided. Without clear descriptions of what happened at the meetings, which typically occur twice a month, it is difficult to reconstruct how public funds were used. What does appear in minutes from February 2024 is the fact that an error was discovered in that years jail budget. It totaled $580,544.34, but no explanation of what caused the discrepancy was made in the minutes. No recording of the meeting exists either; the minutes cite technical issues as the reason for this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Budget documents suggest the missing money was the result of anticipated revenue from the state that never came through. Its not clear what funds were expected or why they never arrived. County corrections directed inquiries to the Waldo County Sheriffs Office; the office has not responded to repeated requests for comment. At the February meeting, commissioners discussed using money from its opioid settlement fund account to cover the budget shortfall, but this motion failed. According to the minutes, then-commissioner Amy Fowler argued that moving the funds would not fix the problem. Fowler could not be reached for comment. Minutes from October reveal that $140,272.15 was moved from the opioid account to the corrections budget. After a lengthy executive session, the commissioners unanimously approved the transfer to update the correction from the 2024 Jail budget to make that whole. Commission Chair Betty Johnson, the only current commissioner who was present at the meeting, declined to comment on the transfer or the purpose of the executive session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We were looking at accounts and so forth, she said. Thats all Im saying. Nothing more. Thomas Wagner was the chair of the county budget committee for the 2024 budget season. He confirmed there was a budget hole and that it was filled, but said he didnt remember the details and could not comment further. Boy, youre rattling some old brain cells, he said over the phone. Another person could be heard in the background, urging him not to speak about the matter. Commissioners Betty Johnson (center) and Kevin Kelley (right) have struggled to explain what caused a $580,000 hole in the jail budget and how it was filled. Photo by Daniel O'Connor. Johnson also said she did not recall the shortfall in the corrections budget clearly and referred all questions to Commissioner Kevin Kelley, who joined the commission in January. Several other county officials also directed requests for comment to Kelley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelley, who was not on the commission at the time the budget decisions were made, said the opioid funds transfer was not connected to the corrections budget hole. Kelley acknowledged that there was a payment from the countys opioid settlement fund to the corrections department and said funds went to supporting Volunteers for America, a recovery center and the countys contributions to Two Bridges Regional Jail. He could not specify how much went to each, or when the decision was made. A May report by the Maine County Commissioners Association compiled uses of opioid money across the state. While most counties outlined specific purposes for the funds, often medication assisted treatment for substance abuse, the report lists Waldo County as spending $140,272.15 on jail expenses. Kelley, then a candidate for the commission, was present at the February 2024 meeting when the shortfall was revealed and the possibility of filling it with opioid funds was first discussed. He acknowledged the shortfall, but was not aware of how it was filled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since joining the commission, Kelley has pushed the county to establish a process for determining how future opioid funds will be distributed. Earlier this month, the commission set up an ad hoc committee to select members for a standing opioid committee that will decide how to use future funds. This move reflects Waldo Countys commitment to ensuring that opioid settlement funds are allocated in a way that directly supports prevention, recovery, treatment and harm reduction within the community, the commissioners said in a press release published Thursday. The standing Opioid Committee will collaborate with local organizations, physicians, addiction specialists and educators. The state has also pushed for governments to organize their opioid fund disbursement process. It set up the Maine Opioid Settlement Support Center specifically to help guide local governments on spending. As of early August, only a few jurisdictions receiving opioid money had not yet been in touch with the center for guidance; Waldo County first contacted the center last week after officials were asked about the program by The Monitor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buch is not rushing for a spot on the countys opioid committee. He said spots should go to those with more knowledge of addiction who are better equipped to guide spending. He said he hopes his fellow concerned citizens get on board. The time has come where there needs to be much greater attention to what county government does and a greater effort to hold them accountable, he said. Daniel OConnor is a Report for America corps member who covers rural politics as part of the partnership between The Maine Monitor and the Bangor Daily News, with additional support from BDN and Monitor readers. State Superintendent Ryan Walters sits at the head of the table during an April 24 meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education in Oklahoma City. Walters has said he intends to require teachers to take an "America First" assessment if they are moving from a progressive state, like California or New York. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY The Oklahoma State Department of Education likely would contradict state law if it implements an ideological test for teachers coming from certain states, said the leader of another state agency that oversees teacher assessments. Requiring an America First assessment for teachers moving from progressive states like California and New York, as state Superintendent Ryan Walters pledged to do, would step outside the authority Oklahoma law grants to the state Department of Education, wrote Megan Oftedal, executive director of the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability, in an email to her agencys governing board on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the first instance in which (the state Department of Education) has acted in ways that appear to exceed its legal authority, and the pattern raises ongoing concerns about governance and the proper exercise of statutory responsibility, Oftedal wrote in the email, which Oklahoma Voice obtained through a records request. A spokesperson for Walters administration, Quinton Hitchcock, said Tuesday that neither the state Legislature nor the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability, which governs Oftedals agency, has any control over teacher certifications. State law and the Education Departments own website would disagree. Both acknowledge the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability is responsible for adopting competency tests that teachers must pass to become certified in Oklahoma. The Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability meets March 12 in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) Gov. Kevin Stitts education secretary, Nellie Tayloe Sanders, leads the commission. The Governors Office did not return a request for comment from Sanders about Walters teacher assessment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state Legislature also has an integral role in teacher certification. Legislators write the laws that determine the certification process and can add new testing requirements. The state recently added a new Foundations of Reading assessment to earn a certification in early childhood, elementary or special education after the Legislature required that teacher candidates demonstrate knowledge of the core elements of reading instruction. The Legislature also approved a proposal from Walters this year to have newly certified teachers take a written version of the U.S. Naturalization Test. Legislators declined to apply the requirement to veteran teachers renewing their certification. Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa, said Oklahoma schools already face an educator workforce shortage and shoulder too many burdensome requirements without adding in Walters test targeting blue states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its silly to impose any requirements on out-of-state teachers in the middle of a massive teacher shortage, said Waldron, the chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party and a former teacher. Secondly, its silly to presume that teachers are scrambling to get here from California and New York to promote woke ideologies in Oklahoma. Thirdly, its simply not legal. Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa, pictured Feb. 26 at the state Capitol, said it would be silly and illegal for Oklahoma to target teachers moving from blue states with an ideological test. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) Walters has yet to publicly show the full America First test, despite announcing it more than a month ago and touting it in several local and national media appearances. His spokesperson, Hitchcock, declined to provide a copy of it to Oklahoma Voice, saying the assessment is not available to be shared yet. Hitchcock also declined to disclose the number of California and New York teachers who have become certified in Oklahoma over the past five years. Walters has said the new test would keep woke agendas and leftist propaganda out of Oklahoma schools by asking questions about fundamental biological differences between boys and girls, American exceptionalism and the U.S. Constitution. He said he is developing the test with the media entity PragerU, whose conservative content hes promoted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state superintendent has faced questions multiple times in recent months about whether he overstepped his authority while announcing major changes to state policy. Last month, he ordered all public schools to provide cafeteria meals at no cost to students, despite no state law enabling such a mandate, and he announced a wholesale change to Oklahomas student testing system before getting permission from the U.S. Department of Education. After consulting her agencys legal counsel, Oftedal raised similar doubts about the legal basis for Walters teacher assessment. State law on the matter is straightforward. The Oklahoma State Board of Education shall issue a certificate to teach to a person who holds a valid out-of-state certificate, according to statute. A certified teacher coming from out of state also must pass a background check. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aspiring educators coming from out of state who arent yet certified can earn an Oklahoma teaching license by passing a competency exam used in a majority of the other states and clearing a background check, according to state law. Competency exams review a teaching candidates grasp of the subject area they want to teach and their professional knowledge of working in education. A teacher shouldnt be kept out of the classroom because of their personal political views, Waldron said. Waldron, who formerly taught high school history, said students should learn different viewpoints, even their teachers, while being allowed to develop their own opinions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You shouldnt sanitize the classroom, Waldron said. You should let students know that there are different points of view, and you should teach them (methods of) argument. Its a natural inclination of teenagers, anyway, and then they use their reasoning skills to form their own opinions. Thats democracy. What this state superintendent is practicing is not democracy. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A wannabe MS-13 member who used his girlfriend to lure a 17-year-old boy to his death in Queens got 45 years behind bars Tuesday, after a judge savaged his lawyers argument that he was the least culpable person in the teens gory death. Juan Amaya-Ramirez was 20 years old and hoping a murder would earn him a spot in the notorious gang when he and two others beat, choked and stabbed teen victim Andy Peralta to death on April 13, 2018. But his lawyer, Richard Palma, tried to downplay his clients seemingly half-hearted attempts at choking the victim, despite an autopsy showing Peralta died of manual strangulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is mind-blowing to this court that you could argue that, when that young man died of strangulation, and your client strangled him, Brooklyn Federal Court Judge Lashann DeArcy Hall said Tuesday. He put his hands around his throat, and he strangled him to death. Amaya-Ramierez, now 27, savored his role in Peraltas slaughter, keeping a photo of the body on his phone, which he showed to his gangbanger pals, and repeatedly bragged about the killing so he could get into MS-13, federal prosecutors said. This was a plot to kill a child, someone who was a stranger, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Siegel told Brooklyn Federal Court Judge LaShann Dearcy Hall on Tuesday. No one ordered them to do this. There was no clique leader, there was no clique. There were no orders from El Salvador. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors were seeking a 50-year sentence, while Palma was hoping for a more lenient 30-year term. As part of his plea deal, Amaya-Ramierez could have received between 30 years and life. Peraltas parents, who sat in the courtroom, huddled close as they watched the proceedings, both asked the judge to hand down a harsh sentence. To kill a person in the way that he did, I wouldnt wish that on anyone, the teens mother, Rosa Jaramillo, said. As a mother, its so painful for me to arrive at home and not see him there I just want everyone to understand the pain that I suffer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a teen, Peralta hung out with young members of the rival 18th Street Gang at school, but stepped away from them when he found a girlfriend. They got matching tattoos, him a blue kings crown, her a red queens crown, on their chests, according to prosecutors. In June 2017, before distancing himself from the gang, Peraltas friends took a Facebook Live video of him and others singing in a car. He made an 18th Street Gang sign in the video. Somehow, Amaya-Ramirezs accomplice Oscar Flores-Mejia got his hands on the video, and that led to the aspiring MS-13 members to target Peralta for death. Flores-Mejia is set to be sentenced Wednesday. Amaya-Ramirezs girlfriend Leyla Carranza agreed to chat up Peralta on social media and lure him to Kissena Park with the promise of a romantic hookup. Shes serving a 22-year sentence for her role in the killing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Peralta arrived, Carranza took his phone and led him to his death. Amaya-Ramirez, Flores-Mejia and a third man, Juan Lazo-Villa surrounded the teen, and Carranza left to wait in her boyfriends car. The trio beat him until they became tired, then beat him again when he got up from the ground, the feds said. After that, Amaya-Ramirez, whose nickname is Cadaver, choked Peralta while the other two beat and stomped him, and the teen screamed and begged for his parents with his last breaths, prosecutors said. Flores-Mejia shoved dirt in Peraltas mouth to keep him quiet, stabbed him in the back with a kitchen knife and slashed off his crown tattoo on his chest, then handed the knife to Lazo-Villa for him to stab Peralta as well, prosecutors. They then took a photo of themselves posing with MS-13 hand signs over Peraltas body, then dragged the teen by his hands to a small body of water and left him facedown in the mud, the feds allege. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his sentencing submission, Palma denied that Amaya-Ramirez bragged about the killing, and said he was following the lead of one of his accomplices, Oscar Flores-Mejia, who had dreams of starting his own clique within the MS-13 organization. It was Flores-Mejia who pulled Amaya-Ramirezs girlfriend, Leyla Carranza, into the plot, and she was a willing recruit, Palma said in a letter to the judge. To be sure, the choice Amaya-Ramirez made was catastrophic, but, rather than by any misanthropic malice, it was motivated by his desire to do for his girlfriend who no man had ever done for his mother or sisters, support her choices, consequences be damned, Palma wrote. That line, like many of Peraltas arguments Thursday, backfired before the judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we all know here is that he was not playing hero to Ms. Carranza, she said. He was not the great defender of women that you would like me to believe in your submission. The judge pointed out that Amaya-Ramirez was part of the plot before the girlfriend was roped into it. If you want to persist with arguments that are patently disproven by the evidence, you can certainly go ahead. I dont see how it serves your client. DeArcy Hall called Palmas arguments an inexplicable minimization of Amaya-Ramirezs role, and I cant let it go. Aug. 26A wanted man at the center of an hourslong standoff in July that prompted a widespread alert has been indicted. Denzelle Lamar Pouncy, 33, of Cincinnati was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Warren County Common Pleas Court. A county grand jury indicted him on felony charges of disrupting public services and inducing panic. The July 26 SWAT standoff led to an emergency alert to "secure doors and windows. Remain inside with doors secured" meant for the Landen area of Deerfield Twp. However, the message was sent to cellphones across Warren County and others in surrounding counties without further information regarding the location and reason for the alert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warren County Emergency Management Agency officials initially said a "technical malfunction" led the alert to go to a wider area without the full messaging. However, the EMA said following an investigation, it was determined the error was "human-caused" and that the agency would conduct more in-depth training on the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System. Pouncy was wanted for the alleged strangulation and assault of his girlfriend on July 25, according to the Warren County Sheriff's Office. The Ohio Adult Parole Authority told the sheriff's office that Pouncy's ankle monitor had been tampered with and that it indicated he was at a house in the 3700 block of Spring Mill Way in Deerfield Twp. Law enforcement officers responded around noon July 26 with the arrest warrant, and the Warren County Tactical Response unit was requested to assist with the apprehension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After several hours of Pouncy reportedly refusing to cooperate, the sheriff's office said the tactical team breached the front door and took Pouncy into custody. He reportedly entered the house without permission, took a cellphone and hung up during a 911 call and prevented those inside including a person with autism who is nonverbal from leaving during the standoff, affidavits filed in the case said. Pouncy is being held on a $500,000 bond in the Warren County Jail. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) The Warren Police Department took a man into custody after a high-speed police pursuit Sunday night. Around 10:30 p.m., police noticed Javontai Harris in a vehicle passing them eastbound on Atlantic Street NW. Police were advised that Harris had a suspended drivers license. When officers tried to conduct a traffic stop, Harris drove slowly before accelerating at higher rates of speed and driving through a stop sign, according to a police report. The chase went down several streets, and Harriss speed reportedly topped 85 mph, the report stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Harris was able to get away from officers until officers noticed him near his house on Oak Knoll Avenue. Officers saw him get out of his car and run on Colonial Street SE toward Hazelwood Avenue SE. Police chased him down on foot and took Harris into custody. Reports said that Harris told police that he ran from the car because he thought he had a warrant. Harris pleaded not guilty to a third-degree felony of failure to comply with the order of a police officer at his arraignment on Monday. His next court date is Thursday at 10:15 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 WKBN.com. Senate President Warren Petersen at a May 2025 campaign event for U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs' 2026 campaign for governor. Photo by Gage Skidmore | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0 Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen appeared on a talk show published by a disgraced and openly racist former state lawmaker who has faced child sex charges. Petersen, who is seeking the GOP nomination in next years race for attorney general, appeared on Prescott Talks over the weekend, which is published by David Stringer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Although Stringer didnt interview Petersen guest host Elizabeth Ham, who has run campaigns for a few Republicans in Maricopa County in recent years, was the programs host it is published by Prescott eNews, the online news site that Stringer owns, and he has hosted the program many times. Stringer served in the Arizona House of Representatives before he resigned from the legislature in disgrace in 2019 after refusing to cooperate with an ethics investigation into child sex crime charges he faced in 1983. Stringer took a plea deal on charges that he had repeated sexual contact with two boys younger than 15 years old, including one who was intellectually disabled. Prior to that, Stringer had faced pressure to resign after racist comments hed made became public. Additional comments emerged after the Prescott Republican won reelection in November 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stringer has long cozied up to white nationalists and espoused nakedly racist views. He has published his xenophobic views on immigration on Prescott eNews over the years, espousing views that have their roots in unabashedly racist organizations like Stormfront, and he has said there arent enough white kids to go around and that immigration was an existential threat to America. Petersen, who did not respond to a request for comment, served alongside Stringer for several years in the state House of Representatives. Petersens campaign also did not respond. In recent months, Stringer and Prescott eNews have been facing pointed criticism for publishing multiple AI-generated political cartoons that depict Prescott Valley Republican lawmaker Quang Nguyen in a racist manner. Nguyen has also filed a complaint with the Arizona State Bar Association regarding the cartoons. Nguyens family fled communist Vietnam when he was a child and immigrated to the United States and he became a naturalized citizen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cartoons take aim at Nguyen for being an immigrant and question his loyalty to America. One cartoon suggested he was falsely claiming to be a naturalized citizen. They also traffic in other racist stereotypes. In a cartoon titled Going To The Dogs, Nguyen is depicted being investigated by the police for stealing and eating neighborhood pets, a racist anti-immigrant trope that dates back to anti-Chinese immigrant rhetoric of the 1880s. Republicans in 2024 employed the racist trope against Haitian immigrants, even as they acknowledged it was untrue. ***CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified David Stringer as the regular host of the Prescott Talks show. Stringer is the publisher and owner of Prescott eNews, which produces and publishes the talk show, and he has served as a guest host of the show over the years. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Homebuyers are canceling their planned purchases at a record rate across the United States and Fort Lauderdale was among the areas where those agreements were most likely to fall through, a new report says. About 58,000 home-purchase agreements were canceled last month in the U.S., the highest July rate on record, according to recent data from Redfin, a real estate data and service provider. This amounts to about one in every seven U.S. home sales. Out of more than 44 of the U.S.s most populated metro areas, Fort Lauderdale was one of two in Florida that had more cancellations this year than at the same time last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fort Lauderdale in July had 21.3% of pending sales that fell out of contract, up from 20% in July last year. Jacksonville had only slightly more cancellations this year, with 19.9% in July this year compared with 19.8% in July 2024. Redfin analysts said there are many contributing factors, including: High home prices. High mortgage rates. High inventory. Natural disasters, such as hurricanes. Also playing a role is uncertainty. I recently had an older first-time buyer get cold feet the week before the deal was supposed to close, Redfin premier real estate agent Bonnie Phillips said in a news release. It was a beautiful house. We got it for the price she wanted, and there were no issues in the inspection. But her neighbors convinced her that owning is too much of a hassle and she should rent instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four other Florida regions Miami, Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach saw fewer cancellations, according to Redfin. George Colony with Keyes Realty hasnt experienced a wave of cancellations himself, but said some would-be buyers in the U.S. are lacking confidence in their purchases. It would be simple if I could say, Heres your down payment, and heres your monthly payment a month if you buy this home. They cant count on that though, can they? Coloney said. Because insurance rates go up, taxes are going up, so you cant ever get your feet square on the ground as far as how long will I be able to do this? Can I do it to start with? The prices are out of sight here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coloney recalled the hardships faced during the Great Recession many years ago, after losses on subprime mortgages led to a housing market crash. Nobody had any money and the prices were low. Today, people got money, but the prices are high, so people are listing their houses, and its not realistic, especially when it comes to any investment-type property, he said. Last month, the median sale price for a single-family home was $620,000 in Broward County and $613,250 in Palm Beach County, according to the Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors. These figures have slightly dipped since July 2024, which could be in part because the number of active listings has increased in both counties. In Broward County, the inventory of single-family homes went up by about 31% and 26% for townhomes and condominiums. In Palm Beach County, the inventory of single-family homes went up by 16% and nearly 15% for townhomes and condos. These supply upticks also help explain the cancellation trend. Buyers also have more homes to choose from than in the past, which means they hold the negotiating power in many markets and often arent in a rush, Redfin analysts wrote. They may back out during the inspection period if a better home comes up for sale or they discover an issue they dont want to fix. (The Center Square) Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker continues sounding the alarm over federal health care subsidies as the White House insists it's shoring up benefits for those who deserve them. Pritzker took part in a roundtable discussion Friday in Southern Illinois and said people will die because of estimated reductions in health care subsidies. And its all because they want to provide a massive tax cut for the wealthiest people in the country, Pritzker said. I just dont understand the thinking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week in Georgia, Vice President J.D. Vance was asked about Democrats criticism that the law will remove people from the health care subsidies. Vance said the law President Donald Trump signed is meant to preserve benefits for those who deserve them. The only people that we say should not get free government health care benefits are illegal aliens and those who refuse to try to even look for a job, Vance said. Its very common sense. The federal law includes a $50 billion fund for rural hospitals nationwide to utilize for equipment they need to continue operation. Vance said those with concerns should take note. We put a lot of resources and a lot of changes and regulations to make it possible for our rural hospitals to stay open despite what the Biden administration did to them for four years, Vance said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois Hospital Association President and CEO A.J. Wilhelmi acknowledged the $50 billion fund for rural hospitals. But I think we would all agree that when were talking about $50 billion out of a trillion dollars in cuts to Medicaid, that is woefully inadequate, Wilhelmi said sitting next to Pritzker Friday. "Nevertheless, these funds are critically important to rural hospitals and providers in this room and across the state of Illinois. According to the IHA, Illinois has 86 small and rural hospitals in the state, making up 38% of all hospitals statewide. (The Center Square) In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares some of the debate around President Donald Trump's executive order ending federal tax funds for cashless bail policies like Illinois' and the push back from proponents of the state's Pretrial Fairness Act. Bishop also airs the back-and-forth over whether President Donald Trump will send in the National Guard to Chicago, as he hedges whether to wait for officials to ask. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson responded. Finally, Bishop talks live with Illinois state Rep. Patrick Sheehan, R-Homer Glen, about the impact of Illinois' cashless bail policies on public safety and police moral, and what Republicans think should happen with the law. 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. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) San Francisco is allowing ride-hailing companies to return to Market Street starting Tuesday. Mayor Daniel Luries office said the change is all about bringing people back downtown to support the citys economic recovery. Opponents argue it will put pedestrians in harms way. Waymo and a limited number of Uber Black and Lyft Black will be allowed to operate on Market Street. There are seven designated ride-hailing loading zones on Market Street, as shown in the map below: There are seven ride-hailing loading zones on Market Street. (KRON4) According to the mayors office, services will be allowed to run during off-peak hours. For Waymo, thats from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Uber Black and Lyft Black will operate at night from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hours and locations may change in the months ahead. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency will start evaluating ride-hailing companies on Market Street starting Tuesday. The agency will be looking at safety data, customer experience and demand. Pedestrian safety advocates said the rollout will hurt Muni ridership and will lead to more people being hit by cars. According to Walk SF, banning private cars on Market Street in 2020 was a big win for safety, and bringing autonomous cars back would be a step in the wrong direction. Merchants on Market Street tell a different story. Tonya Pitts at One Market Restaurant said people will have more access and opportunity to come down to the Financial District and down to the Ferry Plaza and enjoy the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. A Wilson County deputy was commended by the community and her workplace for her quick action to help a person injured on one of the rides at the fair last week. Authorities say a man was injured Thursday evening on one of the rides known as the spaceship. Although it was a minor injury, enough blood was present for his wife to be concerned and seek help. None of the fair workers nearby had a radio on hand to call for medical help, but Deputy Halle Mathis was nearby and jumped in to help the couple while notifying medics. I guess when the gravity shifted up, he had a head injury from where his head hit the top of the ride, Mathis said. I was at the Midway aisle at that time, and his wife came up to me and was like 'hey, I need some help,' and I went over there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was transported to the medical tent where he was treated. It was an injury that looked worse than it actually was. Never take our officers for granted, the woman said on Facebook. I know a lot of them personally, but I made a new friend tonight. I really wish in the panicking I would have gotten her name. Not long after her post, community members shared it and even the WCSO Facebook page took a moment to congratulate Mathis. This is just one of many highlights weve seen while serving the attendees of the Wilson County Tennessee State Fair, WCSOs post read. Our deputies are here to protect, assist and serve not just in emergencies, but in everyday moments where a helping hand is needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mathis said the experience was very humbling and a reminder of how moments of appreciation help law enforcement keep good spirits while working a stressful job. I woke up the next morning at four oclock, and Im like whats going on, and it kind of just blew up from there, Mathis said. It was super nice. She didnt have to do that. The next time Mathis walked through the gates of the fairgrounds, she said within 10 minutes, four people came up to her thanking her for her service. As officers, we dont [always] get commended for the work that we actually do, Mathis continued. I think its very heartwarming to know theres still people out there that appreciate the littlest thing we do. Were proud of Deputy Mathis and all of our deputies who continue to make a difference each and every day, WCSO said in its post. Thank you to the public for recognizing their efforts and for supporting the men and women of the Wilson County Sheriffs Office. WEATHERSFIELD, Ohio (WKBN) The project to rehabilitate the historic Ohltown Viaduct in Weathersfield will be put back out to bid. Deputy engineer Gary Shaffer says the Trumbull County Engineers Office received no bids when the project was originally posted in May. Shaffer says the plan is to put it back out to bid in September or October. Itll include revised cost estimates and a more flexible construction time frame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We originally wanted the contractor to start this year, which would have split construction seasons, so allowing more flexibility in that, whether they start in February, March or April, well leave that up to the contractor, Shaffer said. Ultimately, we just want to get a good contractor at a good price to get the work completed. The 1,100-foot bridge over the Meander Reservoir is more than 90 years old. The rehabilitation project includes concrete repairs, a new roadway surface and new railings with a look to mimic whats already there. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Waco, TX (FOX 44) Baylor University opened its doors for the fall semester on Monday. Students were sprawled all over campus, taking in their new home. Along with the students, faculty were hard at work welcoming all the new arrivals. We are so excited to be back with our students, said Dr. Sharra Hynes, Vice President of Student Life. Weve had a great first several days, with Welcome Week activitiesit has been an awesome beginning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students were also eager to share their excitement for the new semester. Incoming out-of-state student Olivia Kerber said, Im super excited to be with all my friends, my new friendswere not from Texas. Getting used to the heat, kind of. It was the first day of many for the incoming class. Good luck Bears! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. Wells Fargo allegedly violated the National Labor Relations Act by secretly recording union negotiations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, according to representatives from Wells Fargo Workers United-Communication Workers of America. WFWU-CWA filed an unfair labor practice charge against the bank Friday, roughly six weeks after a July 18 bargaining meeting during which the group alleges the bank surreptitiously used virtual meeting software with recording capabilities during in person bargaining, which violates the NLRA according to a recent memo by National Labor Relations Board Acting General Counsel William Cowen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the meeting, WFWU members said a voice determined to be that of Stan Sherrill, Wells Fargos head of labor relations, transmitted from the laptop of a Littler Mendelson attorney representing the bank. Workers told American Banker it was a moment in which bank representatives looked as if theyd gotten their hand caught in the cookie jar. To secretly have an executive like Stan Sherrill listening in on contract negotiations clearly shows that Wells Fargo management think that theyre above labor law theres no telling how many sessions could have been discussed behind closed doors, or recorded without our knowledge or consent," Nick Weiner, organizing director at the Committee for Better Banks, said in a prepared statement, adding that WFWU members have been prohibited from attending negotiations virtually. Last month, workers alleged Sherrill had been visiting unionized branches to interrogate workers and coercing them to decertify their union. The bank denied such claims. Wells Fargo spokesperson Rachel Wall told Banking Dive that the call was not recorded and that, by default, the bank expressly prohibits the recording or transcription of meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wall called the July 18 incident a simple mistake. As we shared with the union at the time, this was a simple mistake a laptop left connected to an internal meeting regarding the ongoing negotiations, she said via email. The caller was briefly a part of the online meeting, unaware that in-person negotiations were underway, and the online meeting was promptly disconnected once the error was recognized. Wall added that the banks goal is fair contracts for all involved. Recommended Reading Israel has been widely condemned for an attack its forces conducted on Nasser Hospital in southern Gazas Khan Younis that killed at least 21 people, including five journalists, one of whom worked for Al Jazeera. The attack on Monday consisted of two strikes or a double tap the second of which was captured on camera, showing journalists and rescuers on a staircase being directly hit. Israel has now killed more than 270 journalists and media workers in Gaza since its war started in October 2023. The journalists killed in the Nasser Hospital attack were not even all of those killed by Israel on Monday a sixth journalist, Hassan Douhan, who worked as a correspondent for Al-Hayat al-Jadida newspaper, was killed in a separate incident in Khan Younis later on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The journalists killed were part of an increasingly close-knit but dwindling media community in Gaza. They had already endured almost two years of war, which had affected not just their work but also their personal lives. Ahmed Abu Aziz Palestinian journalist Ahmed Abu Aziz, who was killed in Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza on August 25, 2025, takes a selfie [Ahmed Abu Aziz via Facebook via Reuters] Ahmed Abu Aziz, 29, was known among colleagues for his quiet demeanour, humility and kindness. Capable of writing and filming, Ahmed was well-respected among Gazas media community, and he worked with a number of outlets and organisations, including Middle East Eye, Quds Feed and the Independent Commission for Human Rights. The difficulty of travelling around Gaza during the war did not stop Ahmed. He would often travel long distances across the Gaza Strip on foot to chase stories and document Israeli war crimes against Palestinian civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahmed married in July last year and was also pursuing a doctorate at the Institute of Press and Information Sciences in Tunisia, which mourned his killing and condemned the targeting of journalists in Gaza. Hussam al-Masri Palestinian cameraman Hussam al-Masri, who was a contractor for the Reuters news agency, works at Nasser Hospital, where he was killed on August 25, 2025 [Reuters] Hussam al-Masri, 49, was a photojournalist with Palestine TV and also worked as a contractor for the Reuters news agency. Hussam operated a live video feed for Reuters from Nasser Hospital, which the news agency said suddenly shut down at the moment of the initial [Israeli] strike. Hussams dedication to his work came even as he carried personal burdens. Writing on Instagram after Hussam had been killed, journalist Amr Tabash recalled that days earlier, Hussam had asked him in a broken voice: Can you help me evacuate my wife? Her illness is consuming her, and I can no longer bear to watch her suffer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amr described Hussam as tireless in helping others and said he had been among the last to leave Nasser Hospital during an Israeli siege in December. Amr asked that people help Hussams wife now that he is no longer able to. Hussam is gone, and his wife remains, fighting cancer alone, carrying double the pain after losing her partner and support, Amr wrote. For Hussams sake, for the mission he devoted his life to, and for his children, do not let his wife face death in silence. Mariam Abu Daqqa Freelancer Mariam Abu Daqqa, 33, who worked for The Associated Press and other outlets during the Gaza war, in Khan Younis on June 14, 2024 [Jehad Alshrafi/AP Photo] Mariam Abu Daqqa was a 33-year-old Palestinian journalist and mother of a 13-year-old boy named Ghaith. Out of fear for Ghaiths safety during the war, Mariam sent him to live with his father in the United Arab Emirates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mariam was a freelance photographer working with several international agencies, including The Associated Press, and contributed to Independent Arabia. She was well known among her colleagues for her dedication and relentless drive to document the suffering of the Palestinian people. She stood on the front lines, among the journalists covering the war at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, even under repeated Israeli assaults on Gaza. Mariam documented many human stories that revealed what Palestinians are enduring under siege and bombardment. Mariam was also devoted to her family. She had previously donated one of her kidneys to save her father, who had kidney failure. But she could not save her mother, who died from cancer four months ago due to a lack of treatment available in Gaza. Mohammad Salama Al Jazeera journalist Mohammad Salama was killed in Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital on August 25, 2025 [Handout via Reuters] Mohammad Salama was a 24-year-old photojournalist and cameraman with Al Jazeera in Gaza. Born in Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Younis, he grew up and studied in the towns schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He joined Al Jazeera as a cameraman in February 2024. He was known among his colleagues for his professionalism, dedication, cheerful smile and light-hearted spirit, even in the darkest circumstances. Mohammad lost his mother in childhood and lived with his father and relatives. In November on his birthday he got engaged to fellow journalist Hala Asfour, hoping to hold a wedding once there was a truce or ceasefire. Mohammad studied at a vocational college, earning a diploma in photography. From a young age, he was passionate about photojournalism, taking numerous courses and shadowing veteran journalists to hone his skills. He was one of a few journalists left in Khan Younis after an Israeli operation in the city in December 2023, but he was temporarily forced to leave the following February when Israeli forces stormed Nasser Hospital, expelling displaced civilians, journalists and medical teams at gunpoint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He would later be killed at the same hospital, the 10th Al Jazeera journalist killed in the war. Moaz Abu Taha Moaz Abu Taha worked with some Palestinian and international outlets [AFP] Moaz Abu Taha was a 27-year-old Palestinian freelance video journalist. One of the younger generation of photojournalists, Moaz documented the devastation of Gaza until his life was cut short alongside his colleagues. He was deeply shaken by the killing of fellow Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif two weeks earlier, writing on Facebook: By God, our strength is gone. Moaz was known for his humour, kindness and humanity and often helped patients, the needy and children. His brother, journalist Adly Abu Taha, called him up after hearing about the initial strike on Nasser Hospital: I called him immediately. He answered and said, Im fine, but Hussam al-Masri has been killed. I told him, May God have mercy on him, and begged him to leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said, Ill just finish filming Hussam. Then Ill go. Minutes later, another strike hit. I called again. His phone was off. I rushed to the hospital, searched everywhere, even in the morgue, until I found him, without a head. I recognised him only from his clothes. (This story was updated to add new information.) A 75-year-old man is dead after a shooting on the morning of Aug. 26 in a neighborhood near Bak Middle School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, and his daughter is facing a first-degree murder charge. Police identified the person who died as Leroy Scott and said they had arrested 43-year-old Leah Scott in connection to the fatal shooting. Besides the murder charge, Leah Scott is facing one count of discharging a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators took her into custody at about 10 a.m. after being located about 2 miles from the shooting scene, police said. Officers responded at about 8:20 a.m. to reports of a shooting along the 4100 block of Haden Avenue, off Congress Avenue south of 45th Street. They found Leroy Scott dead from a gunshot wound, police said. West Palm Beach: After watching tower after tower rise, Northwood residents get cap on building height In a message to parents, Bak Principal Sally Rozanski said the shooting occurred off campus and did not involve either students or staff members. The school was placed on a temporary lockdown as a precaution. Students were later permitted to have limited movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Man, 75, dead in shooting near Bak Middle School in West Palm Beach EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) A Westfield mail carrier is facing drunk driving charges after striking a pedestrian and a building in East Longmeadow on Tuesday. East Longmeadow Police Chief Mark Williams stated that at approximately 9:39 a.m. on Tuesday, Westcomm Regional Dispatch received multiple 911 calls regarding a crash near the Pride gas station at the center rotary in East Longmeadow. School bus involved in crash with car on I-391 in Chicopee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reports stated that the crash involved a U.S. Postal Service mail truck and a pedestrian. The driver of the mail truck had allegedly left the area of the crash heading north on Elm Street. Officers arriving at the gas station began to administer first aid to the victim, who had sustained serious injuries from the crash. When the 22News crew arrived at the gas station, caution tape was seen around the gas pumps, and at least three cars had sustained damage. The victim was brought by the Longmeadow Fire Department to Baystate Medical Center to be treated, and they are currently in serious but stable condition. Witnesses stated that the mail truck reportedly hit multiple other vehicles and narrowly missed crashing into gas station employees and other pedestrians who were running from the area. A witness who called 911 said she is not used to seeing incidents like this in East Longmeadow. Its more likely in Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee, said witness Latieya Palmer. Never here, never in this area. But its just weird how something happened down there and then here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement East Longmeadow Police said that a short time later, Peoples Bank in East Longmeadow reported that a mail truck had crashed into the building. Officers arrived at the bank, located at 201 North Main Street, and confirmed that the driver was a postal worker. The driver was also confirmed to be the same suspect involved in the crash at the Pride gas station. Up near the bank, I saw when the post office driver lost control of the car and it look like he was coming out of the gas station and he like swerved and went pass another car and went into the other car and went right into the bank, said Palmer. Hampden County Sheriffs Office East Longmeadow Police Department The suspect was identified as 54-year-old Robert OSullivan of Westfield and arrested. He was charged with multiple offenses, including operating under the influence of alcohol while causing serious bodily injury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OUI Attorney Joe Benard is now defending OSullivan. I am now the lawyer for Mr. OSullivan. So more will be revealed as I spend more time on the case, said Bernard. Now that Attorney Bernard has taken over the case, he told 22News that there wasnt enough evidence to prove that OSullivan was indeed drunk. Because Massachusetts has implemented a rule that you can only utilize that particular test by bringing in a medical doctor. 95% of all cases never use horizontal gaze nystagmus, said Bernard. The police report states that OSullivan has trouble maintaining his balance, his eyes were glassy and bloodshot, and officers detected the smell of alcohol on his breath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You see, you can have alcohol on breath, and that does not necessarily mean that the person was under the influence of alcohol. Under our laws, there couldve been a heart attack a diabetic, said Bernard. O Sullivans bail was set at $10,000 cash. Hes due back in court on September 19th. The incident is being investigated by the East Longmeadow Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden County District Attorneys Office. MAP: Pride in East Longmeadow 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. Lyle and Erik Menendez have been behind bars for 35 years, and when both brothers were denied parole last week, their case reached another barricade. But the brothers still have three potential paths to freedom: Parole The brothers were initially sentenced to life without parole for the 1989 shotgun killings of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez. Lyle Menendez, then 21, and Erik Menendez, then 18, said they committed the murders in self-defense after years of sexual abuse by their father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This May, a judge resentenced them to 50 years to life in prison, making them immediately eligible for parole under youth offender parole laws. The judge said he was moved by the supportive letters from prison guards and was amazed by the work the brothers had accomplished to better the lives of their fellow inmates. At their first parole hearings last week, both Lyle and Erik Menendez were denied release. California Department Of Corrections via Reuters - PHOTO: Lyle Menendez attends his Board of Parole hearing online from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, Calif., August 22, 2025. MORE: What the Menendez brothers said about the murders at their parole hearings In separate hearings, commissioners stressed how the brothers repeatedly broke rules in prison, like illegal cellphone use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "While cellphones may seem like something innocuous," ABC News legal contributor Brian Buckmire said, the parole commissioners focused on "the criminality that allowed those cellphones to get into the prison," like smuggling and bribes. "The money that was associated with trying to get those cellphones in oftentimes go to gangs within the prison," Buckmire explained. The brothers can apply for parole again in three years. With good behavior in prison, that wait can potentially be shortened to 18 months. California Department Of Corrections via Reuters - PHOTO: Erik Menendez attends his Board of Parole hearing online from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, Calif., August 21, 2025. MORE: Lyle Menendez also denied parole, will stay in prison with Erik Menendez Clemency A second possible path to release is clemency, which California Gov. Gavin Newsom can grant at any time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He can provide clemency in the form of commutation, further reducing the sentence of the brothers, making them eligible for release even today," Buckmire said. "Or, a pardon, giving them a full forgiveness of the crime." "That has some political undertones," Buckmire continued, "and no one knows just yet what information the governor will take from this parole hearing to use to either grant clemency or not." CDCR - PHOTO: This combination of two booking photos provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez. Bid for a new trial The third path is the brothers' habeas corpus petition, which they submitted in 2023 to try to get another trial based on new evidence not originally presented in court. The petition presents two pieces of new evidence. One is allegations from a former member of the boy band Menudo, who revealed in the 2023 docuseries "Menendez + Menudo: Boys Betrayed" that he was raped by Jose Menendez. The second is a letter Erik Menendez wrote to his cousin eight months before the murders detailing his alleged abuse; the cousin testified about the alleged abuse at trial, but the letter -- which would have corroborated the cousin's testimony -- wasn't unearthed until several years ago, according to the brothers' attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense attorneys argue that the "newfound information ... would have resulted in a lesser penalty at trial," Buckmire said. MORE: Menendez brothers timeline: From the 1989 murders to their new fight for freedom Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who is firmly opposed to the brothers' release, filed a response to the habeas corpus petition this month, stating that he "concluded that this petition does not come close to meeting the factual or legal standard to warrant a new trial." "The central defense of the Menendez brothers at trial has always been self-defense, not sexual abuse. The jury rejected this self-defense defense in finding them guilty of the horrific murders they perpetrated; five different appellate state and federal courts have affirmed those convictions, and nothing in the so-called 'new' evidence challenges any of those determinations," Hochman said in a statement. "Our opposition to this 'Hail Mary' effort to obtain a new trial over 30 years later makes clear that justice, the facts, and the law demand the convictions stand." The petition is pending. The final decision will be made by a judge. Ugandans have criticised an agreement with United States President Donald Trumps administration to receive deportees from the US, questioning the lack of approval from the East African countrys parliament and suggesting the deal is a means to ease political pressure on President Yoweri Museveni. After facing sanctions from Washington that have targeted many government officials, including the parliamentary speaker, Museveni will be happy to transact with the US, said Ibrahim Ssemujju, a lawmaker who is a prominent opposition figure. He will be asking, When are you bringing them?' Ugandan officials have released few details about the agreement although they have stated that they prefer to take deportees of African origin and do not want people with criminal records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the country is being pushed as a deportation location for high-profile detainee Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man and an El Salvador native charged with human smuggling. Abrego Garcia has become the face of Trumps hardline anti-immigration policies. He has an American wife and children, has lived in the US state of Maryland for years and has been under protected legal status since 2019 when a judge ruled he could not be deported to El Salvador because he could be harmed in his home country. He was detained on Monday by immigration officials in Baltimore. The US Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that Abrego Garcia is being processed for removal to Uganda. He already has been deported as one of more than 200 people the Trump administration sent this year to El Salvadors CECOT mega-prison as part of Trumps crackdown on refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers in the US. His case remains a major flashpoint for the Trump administration in its anti-immigration crackdown. Department of Justice lawyers admitted that the Salvadoran citizen had been wrongly deported due to an administrative error. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abrego Garcia was severely beaten and subjected to psychological torture in the El Salvador prison, his lawyers say. The whole scheme stinks Without parliamentary oversight, the whole scheme stinks, said Mathias Mpuuga, until recently the leader of the opposition in Ugandas Parliament. He said the agreement with the US left him a little perplexed because Uganda is struggling to look after refugees fleeing conflicts in neighbouring countries, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Sudan. The agreement, some Ugandans said, makes sense only as a matter of economic expediency for the Ugandan government. But it remains unclear precisely what Ugandan authorities are getting in return for accepting deportees. Analysts speculated that Uganda is seeking better trade deals and wants to be in Trumps good books. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Okello Oryem, the deputy minister in charge of international relations, told The Associated Press news agency that such a deal was complete rubbish. He made the comments a day before his permanent secretary confirmed an agreement was in place to accept individuals who are reluctant to or may have concerns about returning to their countries of origin. Negotiators for Uganda are believed to have been reporting directly to Museveni, who has been in power in the country for four decades and who, human rights groups said, oversees a government that conducts unlawful killings, arrests of opposition members and attacks on journalists. For much of his time in power, Museveni was widely seen as a strong US ally, especially for his support of counterterrorism operations in Somalia when he deployed troops there to fight the al-Qaeda-linked group al-Shabab. But his stock in Washington has seen steep falls in recent years. Former President Joe Bidens administration piled pressure on his government over corruption, LGBTQ rights concerns and other rights abuses, and a growing list of Ugandan officials faced sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ugandas LGBTQ community is facing intensified persecution after the enactment of a harsh anti-gay law two years ago, according to a report released in May by Human Rights Watch, which said Ugandan authorities have perpetrated widespread discrimination and violence and spread misinformation and hatred against LGBT people since the 2023 law was enacted. In addition to Speaker Anita Among, a key ally of Musevenis, Ugandan officials sanctioned by the US include the current prisons chief, a former police chief, a former deputy army commander and former government ministers. For Museveni, the deal with the US to accept deportees is desirable for political and perhaps economic reasons, said Marlon Agaba, the head of a leading anticorruption group in Uganda. The deal eases pressure on Museveni and may come with trade opportunities, said Agaba, executive director of the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration is about deals, about deal-making, and any strongman would welcome that, he said. In July, the US deported five men with criminal backgrounds to the Southern African kingdom of Eswatini and sent eight more to South Sudan. Rwanda has also said it will receive up to 250 deportees from the US. Billie Sutton, during his run for governor of South Dakota in 2018. (Courtesy of Kevin Woster) Sometimes a guy gets so desperate for a little balance in South Dakota politics he comes up with some delusional ideas. Like my idea on how Billie Sutton could be governor. Sutton, I might remind you, is a Democrat. And a Democrat hasnt been elected governor in South Dakota since just this side of the Pleistocene era or, more specifically, 1974. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dont get me wrong, Sutton is a really good candidate, even with a D after his name. And the rancher, banker, former saddle-bronc rider and state senator from Burke came close to the governors chair in 2018, when he lost to Republican Kristi Noem by just three percentage points. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem delivers her 2025 State of the State address to lawmakers at the Capitol in Pierre on Jan. 14, 2025. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight) Thats a miraculously close statewide finish for a Democrat in South Dakota these days. And its likely Sutton would have beaten Noem without help from John Thune and his team and other Republicans in South Dakota. But there were some GOP visitors from out of state who helped make the difference, including President Trump. He flew into Sioux Falls in early September of 2018 for a Noem fundraiser. South Carolina Sen. Lindsay Graham also made a late-campaign stop for Noem in South Dakota. And so did Mike Pence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With all that help, Noem pulled out the win. Now, seven years later, I think were even more conservative than we were in 2018. More, well, Trumpish. And even less likely to elect a Democrat to any statewide office. So, it would be a harder run for Sutton, if he were interested. And last time I talked to him, he wasnt. But his name still comes up regularly, and wistfully, when Democrats and others hoping for a change in state leadership think about possibilities. Thats how I ended up gleefully considering a path to the governors office for Sutton. And the idea all hinged on Toby Doeden. Election 2026 News and commentary on statewide races and ballot questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read the latest > If Toby Doeden won the Republican primary, Billie Sutton could beat Doeden in the general, I said confidently over coffee with a couple of friends. I repeated it to another friend, a traditional South Dakota conservative, a week or so later. If Dusty Johnson wins the primary, Billie wouldnt have a chance, I said. Larry Rhoden? Well, I think Billie would have a chance, but probably not win. But Doeden? Yeah, Billie would beat Doeden. I didnt mention Jon Hansen, a Republican state lawmaker and lawyer from Dell Rapids who is in the race. I guess I think his chances of winning the primary are so slim (no offense, Jon) he didnt figure into my speculation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rhoden, of course, is a credible Republican candidate who happens to be the governor now, having stepped up from his lieutenant governors spot when Noem left in January for the Trump administration. Rhoden hasnt made his campaign official quite yet, but he will. And as the weeks and months have passed, Rhoden has looked more and more gubernatorial. Doeden is the wild card. The Aberdeen businessman with a history of fringe ideas has personal wealth to spend, and has already been spending it on TV ads and mailers that are professional, smartly tailored to highlight Trump and likely to be effective among Republican primary voters. In a limited-turnout primary, a higher percent of GOP voters tend to lean to the right of where most South Dakota Republicans are, or used to be, at least. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond that, Doeden has been managing to come off as reasonable, which has been a surprise to me. He slips sometimes, like when he called Dusty Johnson evil. Which was, well, crazy talk. Johnson is a 48-year-old fourth-term congressman who previously served as chief of staff to Gov. Dennis Daugaard and before that was twice elected to the state Public Utilities Commission. A proven winner in six statewide elections, hes running for governor now, of course, and he has a nice pile of campaign cash. Id have to call him the favorite. Oh, and hes not evil, by the way. You can disagree with Johnsons politics or rhetoric or how he votes, but its ludicrous in a mean-spirited sort of way to call him evil. Yet Doeden told KELO TV reporter Dan Santella: Im light. Im good. Dustys dark. Dustys evil. Those are going to be the two choices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Id been Santella, I might have asked: Um, are you being serious right now? First, primary voters will almost certainly have more than two choices. Beyond that, a candidate who calls another candidate evil seems like a very beatable candidate, if not necessarily in a primary certainly in a general election. At least thats what I was thinking when I arrived at my Doeden-beats-Johnson, Sutton-beats-Doeden equation. But after feeling good for a few days, I remembered something. Someone, actually: Trump. Doeden has been banging the pro-Trump drum loudly and pretty smartly since he started his campaign. And if Doeden were to beat Johnson, its obvious that Trump would endorse Doeden. Hes certainly not going to stand by and watch a Democrat win that seat. If needed, hed likely show up here and campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So much for my Sutton formula. The Trump formula is what matters, especially in the GOP primary but probably even in the general. Trump got 61.53% of the general election vote in South Dakota in 2016 and 61.77% in 2020. Then he lied about the 2020 election results and inspired an attack on the nations Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Did that reduce his win percentage here in South Dakota in 2024? No, it went up to 63.43%. Thats Trump. And thats the powerful hold he has on his supporters. So much for my delusional hopes for balance in our politics. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Nigel Farage has unveiled radical plans for the mass deportation of asylum seekers, including children, to address what he claimed was a rising anger among the British public towards the UKs small boats crisis. At a press conference in London, he claimed the party would remove 600,000 asylum seekers under the first parliament of a Reform government, should they win power. He also pledged to scale up detention capacity for asylum seekers to 24,000 and secure deals with countries such as Afghanistan, Eritrea and Iran to return migrants to their countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reform claims the plan which would require the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and replace the Human Rights Act with a British Bill of Rights will cost 10bn to implement but save 7bn currently spent on illegal migration during the first five years. Reform leader Nigel Farage announcing his immigration plan today in Oxford airport (AP) The party has said it would also ban anyone who arrives illegally from being able to claim asylum and allow asylum seekers to be detained until deportation. The plans were condemned by the Refugee Council, which said toxic narratives were fuelling fear and division and real public concerns are being exploited for political gain, while Labour minister Matthew Pennycook said the plans were like something put together on the back of a fag packet. Lawyers and campaigners have also criticised plans to quit the ECHR, with the proposals being dubbed both legally extreme and a gift to repressive regimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reforms latest intervention comes as Labour desperately attempts to get a grip on the migration narrative, as small boat crossings hit record highs, and the UK has seen a string of violent protests in response to the housing of migrants in hotels. How has Reform calculated its costs? Reform claims its plan will cost around 10bn over five years, at an average of 2bn a year. But an analysis by The Independent, based on the latest cost estimates, found that it could mean spending 6.3bn each year on deportation flights alone and 3.6bn a year on converting detention facilities, as well as the unknown costs of a deal with third-party countries that agree to take in migrants deported from the UK. The party has claimed that the current illegal immigration system costs 7bn a year, though it is unclear how this figure has been calculated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former chair Zia Yusuf and self-styled head of the partys Department of Government Efficiency made in the image of Elon Musks controversial cost-cutting Doge in the US has claimed that Reforms plan would save 7bn over the first five years. He claimed this would quickly jump to 42bn saved over a decade, but the party did not give any breakdown of where these savings would come from. Deportation central Reform is pledging to carry out five deportation flights a day, which would mark an unprecedented shift in the UKs removal policy. That would total 1,825 chartered flights a year a 3,967 per cent increase on current levels. The Labour government has only chartered 46 flights since coming into power, according to Home Office figures from March. These figures are in line with those under the previous Tory government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exact costs of deportations are unknown and vary significantly, but previous Home Office figures range from 8,000 to 15,000 per person. A 2023 impact assessment, the latest available, estimated that flight and escorting costs would be as high as 22,000 per person for those being deported under the Tories failed Rwanda scheme. This does not include costs of detention, Home Office expenses from handling cases or enforcement costs. Labour has chartered 46 deportation flights since coming into power (Home Office) If these prices still hold, then the cost of deporting up to 288,000 illegal migrants a year as claimed by Mr Farage today could be as high as 6.3bn for flights alone. Detention is expensive A key part of Reforms plan is to detain asylum seekers as soon as they arrive in the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the cost of detaining migrants, in prison-style conditions, is more expensive than housing asylum seekers in other accommodation, averaging 133.51 per day, according to the latest Home Office figures. Detention requires round-the-clock security and enforcement, leading to higher costs than temporary accommodation. By comparison, it cost 77.05 per day on average to house asylum seekers in 2024-25, Migration Observatory figures show, and 118.87 per person, per night for migrant hotels in March. Reforms aim would likely be to offset this by holding migrants for short periods before deportation, while current asylum wait lists are often over six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it is hard to guarantee that officials would be able to handle the high levels of processing needed to speed up deportations, meaning that the average stay for a detainee would be unknown. Cost of converting RAF bases Ramping up immigration detention will also require a significant investment in new facilities. Reform plans to convert RAF bases into secure immigration removal centres, which would involve building two-person rooms, canteens, and medical suites. The cost of similar facilities, such as the former RAF base in Wethersfield, which is now used as asylum housing, has been criticised for its eye-watering costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in 2024, the National Audit Office (NAO) warned that using large accommodation sites, like the Bibby Stockholm barge, cost the government 46m more than hotels. The Home Office currently houses some asylum seekers in former RAF bases in Wethersfield, though at high cost (PA) Wethersfield costs over 100m a year but can house fewer than 600 people, according to a report last year by the Helen Bamber Foundation. Reform is hoping that these converted facilities would house up to 24,000 people, up from the 2,500 housed at similar sites last spring. If the costs of Wethersfield are anything to go by, Reform could end up spending up to 3.6bn a year for the new detention facilities. Another Rwanda scheme? Mr Farage also floated the idea of third-country deportations, which could include possible deals with Rwanda and Albania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though no cost was provided for these third-country deals, the previous governments Rwanda scheme cost 700m, according to the home secretary, Yvette Cooper with just four people deported. A 2023 impact assessment estimated that third-party countries would bear the cost of up to 100,000 for every relocated migrant. Reform would therefore have to make any arrangement worth their while. Legal worries Leaving the ECHR would require parliamentary approval to repeal the Human Rights Act 1998, which incorporates ECHR rights into UK law. But such a move would also breach the Good Friday Agreement the 1998 peace accord that ended decades of conflict in Northern Ireland as this guarantees the conventions enforceability in Northern Ireland. Farage has proposed leaving the European Court of Human Rights to enable his immigration strategy (AP) There are fears that such a move would undermine the UKs international standing, with Downing Street saying it would put Britain in the same camp as Russia and Belarus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dominic Grieve, co-president of European Movement UK and former attorney general, told The Independent that quitting the ECHR would lead to a whole host of political problems. He warned: It would unravel the Good Friday Agreement, destabilise our devolution settlements, and collapse our security and trade deal with the EU undermining data sharing, extradition, and policing cooperation that keep us safe, he said, warning it would lead to a profound loss of influence, security and stability. Kolbassia Haoussou from Freedom from Torture dubbed the plans a gift to repressive regimes and said Britain would be abandoning one of humanitys clearest moral lines. Adam Wagner KC, a human rights lawyer, said Mr Farages proposals were both legally extreme and misleading. A lot of the rights contained in the European convention come from British common law: the right to a fair trial, freedom of religion, and the right not to be tortured, he told The Guardian. Plague doesn't just loom large in historyit still exists today. California health officials recently confirmed that a South Lake Tahoe resident has tested positive for plague, likely after being bitten by an infected flea while camping in the region. Although plague may not be the threat it once was, the disease that killed as many as 200 million people and wiped out half of 14th century Europes population was never eradicated. Plague still circulates among mammals such as prairie dogs, jackrabbits, coyotes, black-footed ferrets, and even domestic pets. Its found on every continent except Oceania and Antarctica, and is particularly common in Madagascar, Peru, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Plague bacteria Yersinia pestis darken a rat flea's gut; if the flea bites another animal, the plague washes into the wound and infects the new host. CDC, Nat Geo Image Collection In the western United States, there's a seasonal uptick of plague outbreaks from late spring to early fall, particularly in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, California, Oregon, and Nevada. Most of these outbreaks occur in wildlife but there are rare occasions when the disease makes a jump to humans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Why plague doctors wore those strange beaked masks.) Today the U.S. sees an average of seven human cases of plague a year, mostly bubonic plague, which is contracted from flea bites and is marked by the development of swollen, painful lymph nodes called buboes. Its an extremely rare infection, says Dave Wagner, director of the Biodefense and Disease Ecology Center at Northern Arizona Universitys Pathogen & Microbiome Institute. I always tell people, look both ways before you cross the street before you worry about plague. Still, what drives these outbreaksand how serious is the risk to humans today? Heres what you need to know. What animals can spread plague? Caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, plague is a zoonotic disease, which means animals can pass it to humans. In addition to bubonic plague, other forms include septicemic plague, which travels in the bloodstream, and pneumonic plague, which develops in the lungs and is the only form that humans can transmit to one another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black ratsyour average house rathave been blamed for historys most horrific plague pandemics. But, Wagner says, theyre far from the only culprits. Its primarily a disease of rodents and their fleas, he says. Fleas live off the blood of mammals, and they especially love attaching themselves to rodentsnot just black rats. When a rodent gets infected with Y. pestis, it promptly passes the pathogen to its fleas. And when the rodent dies, the fleas jump to their next hostwhich may be a human. A 2018 study concluded that plague historically spread widely in Europe not through rats, but via fleas and lice that lived on humans. (Heres how infections jump from animals to people.) Scientists arent certain what makes rodents such good hosts for Y. pestis. Wagner says it likely has something to do with their tendency to live in burrows where fleas are plentiful. Rodents also likely have a high density of the bacteria in their blood, at least compared to other mammals. Wagner points out that fleas can only sip very small amounts of blood so there has to be a lot of bacteria in that sip for a host to infect the flea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The species that carry the plague vary by region. In Madagascar, for example, black rats are still the most common host. In North America, however, plague is most commonly seen in prairie dogs, as well as other native rodents such as wood rats and squirrels. Scientists also have found evidence of plague among wild animals other than rodents, including rabbits, deer, black-footed ferrets, mountain lions, coyotesand even among domestic cats and dogs. Some of these animals may contract the disease from eating an infected animal, while others may simply be in the wrong place at the wrong time when an infected flea is looking for a new host. Imagine what a dog is going to do if all the prairie dogs have died [of plague] down in their burrows and it smells delicious, Wagner says. Theyre going to go dig around in the burrow. But scientists say that its difficult to unravel whether these wild animals have simply contracted plague from rodentsor whether theyre also responsible for keeping plague alive. Perhaps prairie dogs just get the blame because its particularly obvious when plague has infected their typically active, dense colonies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the prairie dogs disappear, the number one suspect is going to be plague, Wagner says. Where do plague outbreaks in the U.S. typically occur? Black rats likely brought the plague to North America in 1900, when the continents first case was recorded in San Francisco. Historical records and genetic studies of that specific Y. pestis strain suggest that stowaway rats arrived in the port aboard a steamship from Hong Kong, then scurried into the city where they mingled with the local rodents. The bacteria spread throughout the western U.S., where it began to circulate among small native rodents. But it never spread much farther than that. Today, cases are typically recorded west of the 100th meridian, the longitudinal line stretching from North Dakota to Texas at the edge of the Great Plains. (Bubonic plague may have originated in ancient Egypt.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear why. Paul Mead, chief of the bacterial diseases branch of the CDCs Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, told National Geographic in 2022 that there were early outbreaks in eastern port cities. Florida and other parts of the South also had outbreaks, but plague never managed to establish itself there long-term. Scientists suspect it might be related to the differences in the soil in the West combined with the burrowing lifestyles of local rodents. The hypothesis is that these provide an ecologic niche in which [plague] can persist and exist, Mead said. Its possible that the arid western soil makes for a better home for plague or for the amoebae that help it replicate and survive. But he and other experts say its ultimately still a mystery why plague is only seen in the western U.S. Modern outbreaks are mostly seen in rural areas, where rodent colonies tend to be larger, Mead said. Improved sanitation and building codes in cities have also helped urban rates decrease. Outbreaks in cities do still occur, howeverincluding a 2007 outbreak among tree squirrels in Denvers City Park. There are typically a dozen or so reports of plague in animals each year, typically during the summer, according to Mead. But its not clear what drives infections. There seems to be some sort of environmental cue where the conditions are right that it erupts from the reservoir, whatever that is, into these more conspicuous species, Wagner says. How risky is plague to humans? Its highly unlikely for humans to fall ill with plague, but if they do, the disease is no longer a death sentence for those who have access to the wide variety of antibiotics that treat it. Although some worry about the potential for antibiotic-resistant strains to change that calculus, scientists say that the current risk remains low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (Plague was one of historys deadliest diseasesuntil we found a cure.) Plague also poses a low risk to people living in Western countries like the U.S. because they typically dont spend a lot of time in flea-infested areas. Most flea species have a preferred species to feed off. Once theyve found a host of that species, theyre unlikely to jump to another animal until that host dies. You therefore might face some risk of being bitten by an infected flea if you happen to walk through a prairie dog colony with individuals that have recently died from plague. But unless youre living next to a prairie dog colony in the western U.S., I think your risk is essentially zero, Wagner says. There are some very rare circumstances in which humans can be infected by an intermediary animal. Dogs, for example, can bring infected fleas back to their humans. Domestic cats, which are especially susceptible to the respiratory form of plague, can infect people around them through sneezes and other respiratory droplets, much like how colds, the flu, and COVID-19 are spread. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To prevent infection, Mead says its important for people who live in rural parts of western states to be aware of their surroundings. Report large prairie dog die-offs to local health authorities. Always give pets flea prevention treatments, and dont allow them to roam in areas with prairie dog colonies. Why havent we tried to eliminate plague? While risk to humans is low, its more of a danger to certain at-risk speciesparticularly the endangered black-footed ferret. Plague is one of the major threats to the survival of the species, which feeds on prairie dogs. In recent years, conservationists have launched pioneering efforts to save these ferrets by vaccinating them against plague. But Mead points out that in order to eradicate a disease, there needs to be a thorough understanding of how it spreads. Plague is endemic now in the western U.S., and scientists still dont know how it persists during times when there arent any outbreaks. It could be living in the soil or perhaps being passed around among wildlife whose outbreaks are more difficult to detect. You might suppress plague in one area through vaccination only for it to pop up somewhere else. Its a little bit like grassfires, Mead says. The bottom line is that we in the West will have plague around as a low-level risk probably for quite some time. Editor's note: This story originally published on June 24, 2022. It has been updated. WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump says the Senates century-old tradition of allowing home state senators to sign off on some federal judge and U.S. attorney nominees is old and outdated. Republican senators disagree. Donald Trump has been complaining about what's called the blue slip process for weeks and has pushed Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, to abandon the practice. But the veteran senator hasnt budged. On Monday, Trump said he may sue, arguing that he can only get weak judges approved in states that have at least one Democratic senator. This is based on an old custom. Its not based on a law. And I think its unconstitutional, Trump told reporters. And Ill probably be filing a suit on that pretty soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A look at the blue slip process and why Republicans are holding on to it, for now: Trump faces rare pushback from Republicans Its unclear who Trump would sue or how such a lawsuit would work since the Senate sets its own rules. And Senate Republicans have been unbowed, arguing that they used the process to their own benefit when Democrat Joe Biden was president. They say they will want the practice to be in place if they are in the minority again. Republicans also note that judges who dont receive approval from their home state senators are unlikely to have enough votes for confirmation, anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Biden admin Republicans kept 30 LIBERALS OFF BENCH THAT PRES TRUMP CAN NOW FILL W CONSERVATIVES, Grassley posted on X shortly after Trumps remarks on Monday. North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican member of the judiciary committee, posted on X that getting rid of the blue slip is a terrible, short-sighted ploy that paves the path for Democrats to ram through extremist liberal judges in red states over the long-term. Republicans shouldnt fall for it, Tillis wrote. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has also defended blue slips, saying in the past that he had used the process himself and worked with the Biden administration when there was a judicial vacancy in South Dakota. I dont sense any rush to change it, Thune said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a longstanding practice, though its evolved The blue slip is a blue-colored form that is submitted to the two home state senators after the president nominates someone to become a district judge or U.S. attorney, among other federal positions that are contained within one state. The home state senators can individually return the slips with a positive or negative response. If there is a negative response, or if the form is not returned, the chairman of the judiciary panel can choose not to move forward. Democrats have opposed several of Trumps nominees this year, including Alina Habba, a nominee for U.S. attorney in New Jersey, and two prosecutors nominated in New York who have been blocked by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blue slip tradition has been in place since at least 1918, according to the Congressional Research Service. But like many Senate traditions, it has evolved over the years to become more partisan. Until 2017, at the beginning of Trumps first term, blue slips were also honored for nominees to the circuit court, which oversee multiple states. But the Republican-led judiciary panel, also led then by Grassley, did away with that tradition. In the past, the White House has often worked with home state senators as they decide who to nominate. But Trump and Democrats have shown little interest in working with each other. Trump is growing frustrated Trump has focused his ire on Grassley, a longtime ally who is the senior-most Senate Republican. In a July post on social media, Trump called on Grassley to have the courage to stop honoring the blue slips. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chuck Grassley, who I got re-elected to the U.S. Senate when he was down, by a lot, in the Great State of Iowa, could solve the Blue Slip problem, Trump posted. Grassley responded by defending the practice, and he said he was offended by what the president said, and Im disappointed that it would result in personal insults. Trump revived his complaints this week, culminating with the threat to sue. On Sunday, he posted that "I have a Consultational Right to appoint Judges and U.S. Attorneys, but that RIGHT has been completely taken away from me in States that have just one Democrat United States Senator. It's all part of a broader nominations fight Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as Republicans have defied Trump on blue slips, they have agreed with him that the nominations process needs to move faster especially as Democrats have slowed votes on all of his nominees. Trump and Republicans pressured Senate Democrats to lift some of their holds on nominees ahead of the traditional August recess, threatening to force them to remain in session all month. But the effort was unsuccessful, and the Senate left town anyway, with Trump posting on social media that Schumer can GO TO HELL! After that standoff, Thune said the chamber will consider in the fall Senate rule changes that would make it harder for Democrats to block or slow votes on nominations. I think that the last six months have demonstrated that this process, nominations, is broken, Thune said. And so I expect there will be some good robust conversations about that. ___ Follow the AP's coverage of President Donald Trump at https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump. Rod Sias remembers how deeply hurt he was when Louisiana lost its second majority-Black congressional district in the 1990s. Because of a federal court ruling, the 56-year-old Opelousas resident said, Black Louisianans were denied an opportunity to elect another U.S. representative who might advocate for them in Congress. Cleo Fields, the representative who had been redistricted out of office, had directed federal dollars to improving the mostly Black citys water system, Sias said. Black Louisianans might be in for a repeat, he fears. The states congressional map was redrawn to include a second majority-Black district and comply with a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision that found that a similarly unrepresentative map in Alabama likely violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The 60th anniversary of the laws passage was this month. And this coming year, the court will decide whether taking race into account when designing a map is a violation of the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The battle in the Bayou State comes as Texas enacts a new congressional map of its own. The new map, promoted by President Donald Trump, is expected to give the Republican Party five more seats in the U.S. House. Advocates say that the map will dilute Black and brown voting power. Texas House Democrats used every tool at their disposal, including fleeing the state, to try to block this redistricting from taking place outside the standard 10-year cycle. But the Texas State Legislature still passed the map. The Louisiana case and the Texas redistricting change are just two examples illustrating the growing uncertainty around Black access to the ballot box. This concern has been growing since 2013, when the Supreme Court, in a landmark case, gutted a section of the Voting Rights Act that prevented states with histories of discriminating against Black voters from changing their maps or enacting new election laws without first getting federal approval, or preclearance. I think that the old map was fundamentally unfair, and the epitome of systemic racism, Sias told Capital B. He was referring to how, before the map was redrawn, only one of Louisianas six congressional districts was majority Black, even though the states voting-age population is 33% Black. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody deserves responsive and accountable leadership, he continued. Because it has a ripple effect: It can help to increase health care access. It can help to remedy disparities in education. It can help to improve infrastructure. Since the court weakened the federal oversight requirement, many states have passed restrictive measures, from unrepresentative voting maps to narrow voter ID requirements. An analysis from the Brennan Center for Justice gives a few figures: At least 31 states have passed 115 restrictive voting laws since the 2013 decision this includes at least 44 laws in states that once needed the federal green light. Additionally, Trump this month threatened to sign an executive order getting rid of mail ballots and voting machines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The Constitution gives presidents no authority to do so. There are all of these issues percolating around the Voting Rights Act, said Valencia Richardson, legal counsel for the Campaign Legal Centers voting rights division. And they raise these existential questions about the future of the greatest voting rights legislation this country has ever passed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jarvis Dortch, the executive director of the ACLU of Mississippi, noted that its a future thats increasingly bleak without a renewed commitment from lawmakers and the courts to protect the voices of marginalized groups at the ballot box. The Jackson native told Capital B that the array of issues beleaguering Black voters ought to be evidence that the Voting Rights Act is no less essential today than it was 60 years ago. Some states dont voluntarily correct past problems, Dortch said. If you dont correct those problems, they continue to exist even if the racism isnt as blatant as it used to be. Here are what experts and advocates say are three of the greatest challenges facing Black Americans right to vote. Unrepresentative voting maps Richardson, of the Campaign Legal Center, told Capital B that there are a number of redistricting attempts that have been made possible only because of the 2013 decision, known as Shelby County v. Holder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2024, the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that Black and Latino voters in Galveston County, Texas the birthplace of Juneteenth cant sue as a coalition district. These districts allow marginalized groups that reside in the same area, share similar histories of discrimination, and make up a majority within that district to elect political candidates who might best represent their interests. Theyre basically trying to strip away our power, to take away our seat at the table, Lucille McGaskey, a Galveston County resident and community leader, previously told Capital B. In May 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in favor of Republicans in a case involving South Carolinas congressional map. The conservative majority upheld the GOP-friendly map, saying that a partisan gerrymander is legal, even though a lower court found earlier that the map had caused the bleaching of African American voters from a district. Basically, they can racially gerrymander as long as they throw a party label in there and say, We arent doing this because theyre Black. Were doing it because theyre Democrats, Cliff Albright, the co-founder of Black Voters Matter, told Capital B. And thats apparently supposed to make it OK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was the first time since the 2013 decision that Texas and South Carolina didnt have to prove that the changes to their maps wouldnt result in racial discrimination. Voters of the 11th Congressional District cast ballots at the Fairfax County Government Center on June 28 in Fairfax, Virginia. (Craig Hudson for The Washington Post via Getty Images) In the more than a decade since that change, Albright added, theres been a flood of attacks on the right to vote, including unrepresentative maps. And he worries, he said, about the toll it will take on Black communities how an entire process might be delegitimized in some peoples eyes and result in a form of self-suppression. The immediate effect is that it keeps people or whole communities from voting, but I also wonder what these attacks do psychologically when it comes to people being motivated to vote, Albright said. When we go out there to get people to vote and they tell us, My vote isnt really going to count, I cant tell them that theyre making that up because they see whats happening theres truth to that. Limited voter assistance Another area where voting rights are being undermined, according to Richardson, involves voter assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the 2020 presidential election, Trump contended, without evidence, that he was cheated out of the victory, and he unsuccessfully attempted to overturn the race. Since then, a number of officials from states that once needed federal approval have sought to place restrictions on voter assistance. In May 2024, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed a law that makes it illegal to help more than one person fill out, mail, or witness an absentee ballot unless those offering assistance are part of that persons immediate family. Caregivers at group facilities, including nursing homes, could face criminal penalties for aiding patients with their ballots. Similarly restrictive laws exist in many former Confederate states. Alabama has maybe the worst absentee ballot application assistance restriction in the country, with criminal penalties of up to two decades in prison, Richardson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was referring to a law that Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed in March 2024. Though a federal judge blocked a portion of the measure last year, it still punishes people with up to 10 years in prison if they knowingly receive payment for distributing, ordering, requesting, collecting, completing, prefilling, obtaining or delivering an absentee ballot application. The law also punishes people with up to 20 years in prison if they knowingly pay or provide a gift to a third party to distribute, order, request, collect, prefill, complete, obtain or deliver. The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and other civil rights groups sued Alabama in April 2024 in an effort to prevent the law from going into effect. They argued that volunteers could be punished for something as innocuous as passing out a sticker to their neighbor. [The law] is something that Im really not sure could have happened if Alabama had still been subject to preclearance, Richardson said. It so impacts minority voters, particularly in the Black Belt, who receive assistance in voting because theyre elderly or have a disability. Disorder at polling places The widespread lack of oversight at polling locations in many states is another significant problem, Richardson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mississippi, she continued, has had major issues with polling place access that have only gotten worse since the 2013 decision. In November 2023, during the states most competitive gubernatorial race in years, some polling places in Hinds County ran out of ballots. People had two choices: They could either wait for the ballots to be replenished, or they could leave without voting. Located in the state capital of Jackson, Hinds is the largest county in Mississippi, and is approximately 73% Black. Its frustrating, and it sort of makes you feel like something was being rigged or something, Otis Wells, a Black resident who waited for about an hour to vote with his wife, told the Associated Press at the time. A similar problem occurred in Louisiana this past June. Some voters were turned away in a rare special election for a seat on a state conservation board because there werent enough ballots in parts of majority-Black New Orleans and its suburbs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are the sorts of issues that would have been subject to federal approval so that Black voters dont fall through the cracks, Richardson said. One of the benefits prior to the 2013 decision was that there was oversight of things such as polling place restrictions, which are incredibly decentralized decisions they usually happen at the county level, Richardson added. Spotting issues before they happen is like playing Whac-A-Mole, she said, noting that federal oversight allowed us to stop those changes before they had a discriminatory impact. But that has gone away just totally gone away. Sias, the Opelousas resident, echoed some of Richardsons sentiments. He underscored that he doesnt have much confidence that the voting rights landscape will improve on its own. But he explained that he does have faith in the potential of people to join together and topple the obstacles standing in their way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were fighting for basic democracy, he said. And its going to take a coalition of good people to save it. I have some hope that people will come together and beat these forces back. Capital B staff writer Aallyah Wright contributed to this report. The post Why Voting Is Becoming Harder for Black Americans in Southern States appeared first on Capital B News. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Happy Tuesday, Utah! After our summer months delivered below average precipitation, August has changed its weather story with a solid monsoon setup and the chance for scattered thunderstorms and showers through different portions of the state today. We started to see an increase in moisture potential late last week, and with ample moisture potential in place now, we are going to see active skies. A small low-pressure system, called a mesoscale convective vortex, is on the move today and is pushing from Southern Utah to Northern Utah. This disturbance, which is essentially a cluster of storms, will actually allow for wet weather and storms a lot earlier than we normally see storms along the Wasatch Front during a monsoon push. Expectations for today should include unsettled conditions, heavy downpours with developing storms, gusty winds and lightning. We will also see temperatures running below average with cloud cover and wet weather. You can expect low to mid 80s along the Wasatch Front, mid 70s to low 80s throughout central Utah and only mid to upper 80s in Washington County. With the expectation of heavy rain, our flash flood potential is probable for our National Parks and surrounding areas where flash flooding is monitored. This includes Red Cliffs in Washington County, Grand Staircase, Natural Bridges, Grand Gulch and all our National Parks. The San Rafael Swell has a flash flood risk Tuesday of possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drier air starts to push back into Southern Utah by the midweek, and that will push further north into Thursday. A drying trend will set up heading into the close of the work week and into the weekend. Lingering moisture will allow for an isolated storm through Friday along the Wasatch Front, but a sharp decline in active skies should be expected. Well keep you posted on the latest updates in our 4Warn Weather forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah! Nocturnal storms/shower Widespread Tuesdasy storms/showers Storms push from south to north through the day Increased flash flood threat in the south Excessive rainfall chance along the Wasatch Front & in N. Utah Below average temps Drying in the south wed/ slowly drying in the north Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rep. Ken Walsh speaks during a bill signing ceremony at the Jens exit of I-90 near Goldcreek, Montana on Monday, Aug. 26, 2025. (Jordan Hansen / Daily Montanan) Montana motorists have a higher risk of hitting an animal while driving the states roads than almost anywhere else in the country and two new laws seek to address the problem. Research from State Farm indicates Montanans have the second-highest chance of striking an animal of any state in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wildlife crossings over and under roads have been a solution some states in the Western U.S. look to. Sometimes those crossings are bridges with grasses and bushes on them, and other times theyre small pipes underneath roadways that turtles can wander through. House Bill 855 and House Bill 932, tandem legislation, created an account dedicated to wildlife crossing work and a mechanism to fund it. Gov. Greg Gianforte signed the bills on Monday, surrounded by members of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Department of Transportation, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. The signing was near the Jens exit of I-90, where MDT recently completed a fencing project to push elk into the underpass instead of crossing the interstate. Gianforte said Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will administer the account and support construction of needed crossings. HB 855, which created the Big Game and Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account, also creates a new speciality license plate. Money raised from the plates will go to building and maintaining wildlife crossings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These collisions hurt animal populations, including animals that are endangered and that we would like to see delisted, Rep. Katie Zolnikov, R-Billings, said during a March hearing for HB 855, which she carried. It hurts opportunities for Montanans who like to hunt. It creates public safety problems, and it raises the cost for Montanans through repairs on their vehicles and through higher insurance premiums. Theres currently a contest going on for the artwork on the plate and those submissions are due Oct. 17. Rep. Ken Walsh, R-Twin Bridges, carried HB 932 and spoke at the event, saying revenue from that bill which stems from recreational cannabis sales will be sustainable long term. I think well be able to continue these projects long into the future and hopefully save a lot of vehicles and save a lot of wildlife, Walsh said during the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to know exactly how many animals are killed by cars in Montana each year, said Kylie Paul, an ecologist with the Center for Large Landscape Conservation. Paul has been working on the issue for 20 years and went to graduate school to specialize in wildlife crossings. There are thousands of carcasses each year however, she said. For elk enthusiasts, seeing a dead animal hit by a car is a little tough. Ryan Bronson, the director of government affairs for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, said better tracking of animals has given them a sense of where the bottlenecks are, which helps them decide on locations for projects. Habitat for the animals is fragmented across the west and elk need to migrate around. In an easy to conceptualize example, the City of Missoula closes down Mount Jumbo each year to allow elk to return to their winter range without human interference. Weve been working for quite a while as part of that whole migration effort to get to those bottlenecks and open them up and give wildlife a chance to be able to get across those barriers so that they can go on to where they want to be for the winter, Bronson said. And so highway crossings is part of that. Theres also federal legislation on this issue thats up for renewal, Bronson added. While Montanas legislation targets vehicles including single cars and large semis, in a similar vein, railroad companies have also been working to reduce animal strikes on their tracks an issue that led to a lawsuit in 2023. WASHINGTON, Ark. (KTAL/KMSS) A watermelon weigh-off competition is being held at the Old Washington Farmers Market for the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth in Washington, Arkansas. The top three largest watermelons will receive cash prizes of $600, $400, and $300, respectively. A youth category will award $100, $75, and $50 for the same placings. Shreveport Kickoff Classic is more than just football Entries are limited to one watermelon per farmer or team, with no preregistration required. The weigh-off will take place on Saturday, August 30, at 11 a.m. behind City Hall in Washington, Arkansas, across from Williams Tavern Restaurant of Historic Washington State Park. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn more about the weigh-off, contact Josh Williams at 870-703-8256 or at joshuawilliams14@hotmail.com. Local farmers can also set up shop at the Old Washington Farmers Market to sell any produce they have. To learn more or become a vendor, contact the market at oldwashingtonfarmersmarket@gmail.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) WIN Energy REMC received a 4th-place finish among 35 teams in last weekends Indiana Electric Cooperative Lineman Rodeo. The two-day event was held in Danville on August 21 and 22. The rodeo showcases the skills and safety training of the different electric cooperatives lineworkers. The linemen compete in events such as pole climbing, hurt man rescue, and safety changing electric line hardware. Severe storms leave behind damage and thousands without power in Knox County Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 35 teams competed, consisting of 131 individuals from 26 different energy cooperatives from across the Hoosier state. Seven Win Energy REMC employees competed in this years rodeo. The team received 3rd place in transformer changeout but managed to land a 4th place finish overall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Gov. Greg Gianforte receives a brief from fire officials at the Windy Rock fire near Drummond, Montana, on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. GOLDCREEK A giant, deeply detailed, map is currently tacked up in a barn just outside the small community of Goldcreek. It shows the spread of the Windy Rock and Devil Mountain fires, and you can see smoke in the background. The barn is usually an event space, but right now its part of a large fire camp just off I-90. About 500 personnel were working the fire on Monday afternoon, and more are expected in the coming days, fire officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday, the fire was listed at 3,368 acres and 0% contained. Closer to the interstate, fire trucks fill up their tanks out of a nearby creek outside the fire camp. Trailers and trucks are parked around the camp and for sleeping, a number of tents. While the tents are out in fields, the command structure now Northwest Team 2, which handles large incidents is busy setting up shop in another event space. The team took over for the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, although DNRC resources are still on the scene. Maps and computers are everywhere, sectioned out into departments, such as finance. They were pretty much set up when Gov. Greg Gianforte visited the incident on Monday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor talked with fire officials about the spread of the fire, as well as where structures were and what the plan of attack for the fire was. Montana has had about 1,800 wildland fire incidents this year, but theres been a silver lining. The state had roughly the same number of fires at this point last year, but they burned about 150,000 acres. Its been just about 50,000 to date this year, Gianforte said. Weve burned only 1/3 of the acres, Gianforte told the Daily Montanan. And I really attribute that to two things. One, we had a bunch of precipitation in July, which was a godsend. Two, the tremendous work by our firefighters. Weve pursued a policy of aggressive attack on all fires, as long as we dont put wildland firefighters health and safety at risk. The 2025 fire season in Montana has gone in ebbs and flows. The state dealt with a spate of fires in May and June that fire crews noted, at the time, were early. Much of the state saw precipitation in July, but dry conditions over the past two weeks have heightened fire worries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lighting has caused several fires, including the Windy Rock fire. Its burning mostly in timber, though there are some clearings and scree which firefighters have been able to use to strengthen fire lines. Fire officials told Gianforte that some bulldozer lines have been on private ranch land, and that the conversations have been productive as crews continue to try to contain the blaze. Much of the initial attack on the fire was done by the states Type-3 Incident Command Team, which they call the DNRC County Assist Team. That team has been around for about 40 years and has been commanded by David Hamilton since 2014. The handover happened on Monday morning. The fire is technically being managed by the DNRC, Bureau of Land Management and Northwest Team 2. Fire information is displayed near the Jens exit of I-90 on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (Jordan Hansen / Daily Montanan) Everything that we do kind of leading it to that transition really is helping them determine what resources are on scene, Hamilton said. And helping them start to get their situational awareness about the fire, the resources, what has been working, what hasnt been working, and really then just try to hand off a really nice product to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamilton said the County Assist Team is usually called in when a fire outgrows what local services can handle. A number of similar teams are based in Montana, and they move around a lot. Hamilton said they put a few miles on their trucks over the fire season, which is maybe to be expected. They were outside of Billings when they got the call to head 15 miles northeast of Drummond. We were actually on a fire in eastern Montana that was pretty well in wrap-up mode, Hamilton said on Saturday. And the decision was made that this fire was a higher priority from a team standpoint. And so we turned around and drove all the way back across the state again. Thats sort of the life for the 20 to 30 people who get called into help the County Assist Team, who refer to themselves as CAT. There were about 50 on the Windy Rock fire before it got handed off to the larger team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Terrain and topography have been an issue for fire crews, Hamilton said, as has fuel. Its burning in a lot of lodgepole pine and alpine fir, and theres a heavy dead and downed component. When firefighters say that, it means a couple things. First, heavy brush is hard to move through and does not lend itself to easy escape routes, which wildland firefighters need. Second, hazard trees called snags can be another issue for firefighters. Third, dead and downed trees also can burn differently, smouldering sometimes for days on end, Hamilton said before flaring up again. This can lead, especially in windy conditions, to new spot fires, or small fires outside of the main fire, which can be dangerous and complicated to tamp down. All of a sudden, it just kind of takes off, Hamilton said. And then once it takes off and it gets a little bit of heat built up in it and it then spreads from the spotting, it happens out of this particular fuel model, alpine fir. In an attempt to avoid dangers for hand crews, some areas may be turned over to heavy equipment. Its safer, but does add time to containment efforts, Hamilton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aerial resources have been used throughout the week, and some very large air tankers have been used on the fire. Some were even flying over as the governor spoke with fire officials on Monday. I would just say to folks, these firefighters are doing heroic work, Gianforte said Monday. Theyre out in very hot conditions, protecting both the landscape, property and lives. Be careful when youre out in the woods. Its going to be hot and dry here for a few more weeks, were praying for rain, and hopefully thatll give us an upper hand on these fires. A sign acknowledging Stewardship program support at Firemen's Park in Verona. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner) Democrats in the Wisconsin state Legislature released their proposal for saving the broadly popular Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant program from lapsing next year. The bill marks the latest step in a legislative effort to save the conservation program a goal for which members of both political parties have expressed optimism. The stewardship grant program through the Department of Natural Resources allows the state to fund the purchase and maintenance of public lands. Created 35 years ago, the program is supported by a large swathe of Wisconsin voters, but a subset of Republicans in the Legislature have grown increasingly hostile to its continuation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those Republicans argue the burden of land conservation falls largely on their rural districts in northern Wisconsin, which has the most land available for recreational purposes but the state purchasing that land takes it off the property tax rolls. Republicans have also complained that the program lacks legislative oversight since the state Supreme Court ruled in a 6-1 decision last year that the Legislatures Joint Finance Committee doesnt have the authority to hold up projects through the program. Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk), one of the programs strongest critics, has suggested shed support re-authorizing the program if it included provisions that capped the amount of government-owned land in a county or allowed counties to sell off existing conservation land. Without action, the program will end next summer. In his initial budget proposal, Gov. Tony Evers had asked for the program to be provided $100 million per year for 10 years. The version of the budget signed into law in July did not include the programs re-authorization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another bill authored by Republican Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) and Sen. Patrick Testin (R-Stevens Point) would re-authorize the program for six years at $28 million per year. To gain the support of the Republicans who want more oversight of the program, the bill would require that any land acquisitions that cost more than $1 million be approved by the full Legislature. Tuesdays proposal from Democrats would re-authorize the program for six years at $72 million per year. The bill would also create an independent board with oversight authority over the program. The 17-member board would include members of the majority and minority in both chambers of the Legislature; two representatives from environmental organizations; two representatives of hunting, fishing or trapping interests; two DNR representatives, including one member from the Natural Resources Board; one representative from the Department of Tourism; one representative of the outdoor recreation industry; one representative from the Ice Age Trail Alliance; a representative of a federally recognized Native American tribe in the state; one local government representative and two members of the public. Members of the board would serve staggered three-year terms. Under the bill, the board would meet at least quarterly and have the authority to advise the DNR on all projects through the program. On projects involving grants of more than $2.5 million, the board would have full approval authority. If the board doesnt meet to vote on a project within 120 days, it would be automatically approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic proposal has been co-sponsored by all 60 Democrats in the Assembly and Senate, signaling the broad support for the bill among the Democratic caucuses. Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin (D-Whitefish Bay) tells the Wisconsin Examiner that the proposal involves a lot of thoughtful effort from Democrats trying to make a good faith effort to answer Republican concerns about oversight over the program while getting it re-authorized. Our intent in introducing these companion bills in the Senate and the Assembly was premised on a great deal of thought and seriousness, she says. That we have the expectation that Republican legislators will take it seriously, because, like us, they have been hearing from their constituents and constituents from across the state. This is an issue that people in Wisconsin 90% approve and they want action, and they want legislators to demonstrate that they can work together and lead with our shared values to get something done. In a statement, a spokesperson for Kurtz said his intention remains working to find a bipartisan solution to re-authorizing the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its always been our intention to find a bipartisan path forward to ensuring the Stewardship Programs future, the spokesperson said. We havent reviewed their proposal yet, but look forward to continued discussions on this important issue this fall. Charles Carlin, the director of strategic initiatives at the non-profit land trust organization Gathering Waters, says the fate of the program is now up to Republican leaders and their ability to compromise. Carlin points out that its clear there arent 17 Republican votes in the Senate to support reauthorization. As far as anybody can tell, theres not 17 Republican senators that are going to vote to reauthorize Knowles-Nelson, he says. If they were to choose that strategy of trying to do this with only Republican votes, my fear and expectation is the bill would wind up becoming so weighed down with poison pills and anti-conservation measures, it would wind up not being a workable proposal. On the other hand if leaders in the Senate were willing to say OK, this can be a bipartisan exercise, nobodys going to get quite what they want, I think were going to see there are 15 Democratic senators eager to find a solution and we could get a decent bill passed with pretty overwhelming support from both parties. Carlin says he sees the Democrats oversight board idea as a good way to avoid the Joint Finance Committee veto fiasco that previously held up projects through the program while allowing the board to make smart, educated and informed decisions separate from the political games of the legislative process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However in recent years under Wisconsins divided government, legislative proposals have been met with hopes for bipartisan compromise only to end in partisan bickering. Last session, a proposal to get $125 million out the door to clean up PFAS contamination across the state died after initial optimism after Democrats and Republicans couldnt agree on the bills language. Thats a real concern. Where we had the most heartburn and worry coming out of the state budget, this Legislature does not have a good track record of getting things done, Carlin says. Even though there were promises made that legislators would come back to work and get Knowles-Nelson done, theres not a lot of precedent for legislators working together. There are folks on the Republican Senate side who are simply not going to work in good faith to get this done. He says Felzkowskis ideas on the subject are not serious proposals but that there are 10 or 12 Republicans in the Senate who value conservation and understand how important it is to the states voters. If they really engage with the Democrats proposal and find middle ground, we can find that success without too much heartache, he says. We do know that everybodys constituents want to see this get done. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX (The Center Square) A group of Wisconsin Democrats are pushing to fund the states Knowles-Nelson Stewardship public land purchasing program with $72 million each year for the next six years while creating a new board to oversee future land purchases. The program has become the subject of a power struggle between Gov. Tony Evers and legislative Republicans over who should oversee what is purchased and how the programs funds are spent. No new funding for the program was authorized in the recent two-year state budget and funding for the program is set to end in July 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evers had put $100 million for the program in his initial budget proposal while a pair of Republican lawmakers proposed funding for the program in a separate bill in June. That proposal would include a requirement that all future land purchases over $1 million go into an annual proposal that must be approved by the full Legislature, something that Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin, D-Whitefish Bay, said would not prove workable in most circumstances and would create partisan gridlock. Habush Sinykin said that the Democratic proposal is funded between Evers $100 million proposal and $28.5 million in the Republican proposal. Democrats on Tuesday called their proposal the start of a conversation and not a finished product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We hope our colleagues across the aisle will see this important gesture, said Rep. Vincent Miresse, D-Stevens Point. Republicans have pushed back on the program, saying that too much land has been purchased while not enough maintenance has been done on current public-owned land and parks. The program has acquired 646,000 acres of land in the state, according to Badger Institute, with three-fourths of the land in northern counties, including 60,000 acres in Oneida County and 16% of all land in Iron County. Overall, the state holds about 5.9 million acres, one-sixth of the state, in undeveloped government-owned land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You live in this beautiful area of the state, Senate President Mary Felzkowski, R-Tomahawk, told Badger Institute. Well, yeah, we do, but we still need to pave our roads. We still need to educate our children. The Knowles-Nelson team put out a statement on the process, saying that it was concerned about the Republican proposal for full Legislature approvals of purchases. "This standalone legislation has some positive elementsit provides stable funding for land trusts and local governments, offers four-year planning certainty, and creates new grants to help manage already-protected lands," the team said. "However, it also includes concerning provisions that could make it harder to protect new land by always prioritizing management over acquisition. The proposed oversight process for major purchases lacks clear timelines or guarantees that projects will even get a vote." Instead, the team said that it prefers a process with a bipartisan advisory board to approve purchases. WAUZEKA, Wis. (WFRV) A Wisconsin man was arrested after allegedly driving under the influence of a controlled substance in a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 60. According to the Crawford County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded Monday to a crash on Highway 60 near Hummingbird Lane in the township of Wauzeka. UPDATE: Green Bay man charged in toddlers death waives preliminary hearing Authorities say 60-year-old Edward Pitzer of Wauzeka was traveling east and preparing to make a right turn when his vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle driven by 25-year-old Wyatt Myers of Boscobel. The collision caused Myers vehicle to overturn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All lanes of I-41 North in Brown County closed due to crash Pitzer, Myers, and Myers child passenger all escaped without serious injuries. Myers was arrested on charges of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance with a child passenger, operating with a suspended drivers license, operating without insurance, and possession of THC. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MADISON, Wis. (AP) A Wisconsin man who faked his own drowning while kayaking and left his wife and three children to meet a woman in the country of Georgia was convicted Tuesday of obstructing an officer and sentenced to 89 days in jail, which was the amount of time he successfully misled law enforcement about his whereabouts. The sentence given to Ryan Borgwardt was nearly twice as long as what was recommended under a plea deal reached with prosecutors. Borgwardt, 45, initially pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor that stemmed from his elaborate escape from the country last August. But under the plea deal unveiled Tuesday, Borgwardt changed his plea to no contest and agreed to pay $30,000 in restitution to law enforcement to cover what was spent trying to locate him. A no contest plea isn't an admission of guilt but is treated as such for the purposes of sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I deeply regret the actions I did that night and all the pain I caused my family, friends, Borgwardt said in court before being sentenced. Prosecutors asked Green Lake County Circuit Judge Mark Slate to sentence Borgwardt to just 45 days in jail. But the judge nearly doubled it to 89 days. That is the number of days from when he was declared missing until the sheriff's department made contact with him overseas, the judge said. He obstructed law enforcement for a total of 89 days, Slate said. The longer sentence can serve as a deterrent to anyone else who may be considering faking their death and misleading law enforcement, the judge said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Borgwardt was reported missing on Aug. 12, 2024, after telling his wife the night before that he was kayaking on Green Lake, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Milwaukee. His disappearance was first investigated as a possible drowning. But after failing to find his body following a 58-day search, the investigation broadened. Subsequent clues, including that he obtained a new passport three months before he disappeared, led investigators to speculate that Borgwardt had faked his death to meet up with a woman from Uzbekistan he had been communicating with. Investigators made contact with Borgwardt in November and convinced him to return to the U.S. in December. He turned himself in and was charged with obstructing the search for his body. His wife of 22 years divorced him four months later. According to the criminal complaint, Borgwardt traveled 50 miles (80 kilometers) from his familys home in Watertown to Green Lake on Aug. 11, 2024. During the night, he overturned his kayak on the lake, paddled back to shore in an inflatable raft that he brought with him dumping his identification in the lake along the way and rode an electric bicycle 70 miles (112) kilometers) to Madison. From there he caught a bus to Toronto, flew to Paris and then to a country in Asia, before he landed in the European country of Georgia, according to the criminal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told investigators that a woman picked him up and they spent several days in a hotel before he took up residency in Georgia, according to the complaint. His entire plan to fake his death to devastate his family in order to serve his own selfish desires hinged on him dying in the lake and selling his death to the world, Green Lake County District Attorney Gerise LaSpisa said ahead of sentencing. She noted that he took out a life insurance policy, applied for a replacement passport and reversed his vasectomy before faking his death to meet a woman he met online just months earlier. The defendant did not count on the determination and dedication of our law enforcement, LaSpisa said. Borgwardt's attorney, Erik Johnson, said Borgwardt deeply regrets his actions, and that he returned to the country to make amends. He noted that Borgwardt paid the $30,000 in restitution last week. (WFRV) The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is recognizing Womens Equality Day, marking 105 years since the 19th Amendment guaranteed women the right to vote. Wisconsin played a historic role in the fight for voting rights, becoming the first state to ratify the amendment. On June 10, 1919, it became the first state in the nation to do so, just hours after Congress passed it and sent it to the states approval. Wisconsins vote was so swift that state officials immediately sent their ratification papers by train to Washington D.C., arriving before any stats documents. That action secured Wisconsins reputation as a leader in the fight for womens suffrage. But, DWD officials noted, the work toward full gender equality continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pictured below: Theodora Youmans, President Wisconsin Womens Suffrage Association Circa 1915 Image courtesy of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Historic recognition effort advances for Milwaukee LGBTQ+ landmark This Is It bar That means ensuring equal access to jobs, fair pay, representation in decision-making, and breaking down systemic barriers that still exist in 2025. Through its Equal Rights Division, DWD investigates complaints of discrimination relative to sex, pregnancy, harassment, family leave, and pay. The department also works with employers to promote equal opportunity and supports apprenticeship programs that encourages the recruitment and advancement of women. Wisconsin wins when women work in an environment that supports their success. When women succeed, communities prosper, families are lifted out of poverty, and talent stays in state. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development DWD says it remains committed to carrying forward the fight for equality started by the suffragettes more than a century ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationally, Womens Equality Day is observed on August 26 to honor the certification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Its a day to reflect on the continuing struggle for gender equality. The Wisconsin Womens Network (WWN) is hosting its annual Womens Equality Day fundraiser and celebration in Madison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Holding a photo of her son, Jen Heiling begged in court for the woman accused of killing her son to face trial. In July, 19-year-old Brady Heiling was driving home from a Coldplay concert with his girlfriend, 18-year-old Hallie Helgeson, when they were struck and killed by a wrong-way driver on Highway I-90 in Madison. Driving the other car was 30-year-old Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila, with a blood alcohol level over twice the legal limit, according to prosecutors. She was charged with six felonies and three misdemeanors, including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of us want Noelia to own up to her bad decisions, Jen Heiling told the judge on Aug. 15. The only complication: Martinez-Avila could be deported before she faces her charges. As federal immigration officers rush to carry out President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement efforts, local prosecutors are increasingly concerned that immigrants accused of serious crimes in Wisconsin could be deported before they stand trial or serve their sentences. Since January, when the Trump administration ramped up its arrest quotas, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have quadrupled arrests of people in Wisconsin with pending criminal cases, according to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics say the strategy denies justice to crime victims and makes communities vulnerable to offenders who may re-enter the country and commit crimes again. Generally, immigrants with pending charges who get deported to another country are allowed to go free, unless they also have charges in that country. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment. In May, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told the New York Times that the agency was going to make thoughtful decisions in each case and do whatever is most likely to keep the American people safe. However, if someone is out on bail, she said the department will choose deportation. We think victims would rather their assailants not roam Americas streets, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Martinez-Avilas case, federal immigration officials arrested her within an hour of her posting bail. That prompted local prosecutors to file an emergency motion to force ICE to return her to local custody to prevent her early deportation. In a statement, Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne acknowledged that federal immigration enforcement efforts have sometimes clashed with local criminal justice priorities. When individuals are taken into custody and are likely to be sent out of our country, it is almost certain we will not have an ability to hold some offenders accountable for their actions, Ozanne wrote. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said premature ICE deportations can make it harder for local law enforcement officials to prosecute offenders. Milwaukee defendants have also been arrested by ICE in ongoing cases Milwaukee has faced similar conflicts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kevin Lopez, a 36-year-old Mexican citizen charged with sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old, was part of a string of people arrested by immigration officers at the Milwaukee County Courthouse earlier this year. As with Martinez-Avilas case, prosecutors filed a motion to return Lopez to local custody to prevent his premature deportation. They argued that deporting Lopez would show a lack of respect for his alleged victims and deny them closure. We did have pretrial conditional release options that were working, Assistant District Attorney Katrina Voge told a judge on May 13. ICE has completely changed that. It is either we move forward this way and I prosecute his case, or he is gone, and he is deported. The judge sided with prosecutors, ordering ICE agents to return Lopez to Milwaukee County Jail without bail. Lopezs jury trial is scheduled for Dec. 8. Kevin Lopez arrives for his Milwaukee court hearing on May 15. Lopez is accused of sexually assaulting a woman and 14-year-old girl after a small gathering at an east side restaurant he co-owned. He was detained by federal immigration agents on May 7, complicating his local case. In the past, undocumented immigrants accused of crimes typically would not be deported until after they were convicted and served their sentences, according to Jeffrey Cohen, a Boston College law professor and former federal prosecutor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ideally, ICE should work with local law enforcement officials to ensure that defendants are not deported too soon, he said. "If the defendant's not present, there's not gonna be a trial," Cohen said. "So the victims are left without any justice." In April, 31-year-old undocumented immigrant Eduardo Flores-Ruiz was also arrested at the courthouse, where he was appearing on domestic violence charges stemming from a fight with roommates. His arrest amassed national attention after federal prosecutors accused Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan of directing Flores-Ruiz out of a side hallway to avoid the agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the arrest, federal prosecutors charged Flores-Ruiz with illegally re-entering the country. He entered a plea agreement on June 20, agreeing to be deported after he serves his federal sentence. As a result, Flores-Ruiz could be sent out of the country before his domestic violence case concludes. Attorney Julius Andriusis, who represents Flores-Ruiz's alleged victims, said his clients prefer to see Flores-Ruiz face his state charges instead of being deported. Milwaukee Chief Deputy District Attorney Jeffrey Altenburg said in an email that the office is working with impacted victims, the U.S. Attorneys Office, and federal immigration officials on such cases to try to achieve accountability and finality for victims and the greater Milwaukee community prior to deportation. Immigration arrests have included crime victims and witnesses, not just defendants In at least one local case, federal immigration authorities have moved to deport a crime victim and key witness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On May 22, 54-year-old Ramon Morales-Reyes was arrested by ICE agents after federal officials accused him of threatening to assassinate Trump in a letter. Ramon Morales-Reyes Local law enforcement officials quickly concluded Morales-Reyes had been framed by Demetric Scott, a 52-year-old man with a long criminal record including battery, disorderly conduct and sexual assault. Morales-Reyes is the alleged victim and key witness in an armed robbery case against Scott. The trial is set for Oct. 27. However, the Department of Homeland Security is still seeking to deport Morales-Reyes, which throws the upcoming trial into question, according to Kime Abduli, Morales-Reyes' attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ultimately, if there is no finding of guilt, then justice really wouldn't be served," Abduli said. "So it kind of defeats the purpose of having these proceedings if you don't have access to the witnesses that are material." Immigration attorney Kime Abduli speaks at a press conference regarding the arrest of Ramon Morales Reyes by immigration agents on May 30, 2025 in Milwaukee. Under former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, ICE explicitly ordered immigration agents not to deport crime witnesses and victims involved in pending cases. But under Trump, ICE agents are no longer required to find out whether the person they are arresting is a crime victim or assisting in a criminal case, according to a memo issued in January. Prosecutors in several parts of the country say the federal governments change in tactics could deter victims and witnesses from reporting crimes. Families want Martinez-Avila to be prosecuted first, not deported The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has focused special attention on Martinez-Avilas case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a string of press releases and social media posts, the department called for her deportation and accused Dane County of being soft on murderers and other heinous criminals. Hallie Helgeson and Brady Heiling had their whole lives ahead of them and they would still be alive today if it werent for Noelia Saray Martinez-Avila, McLaughlin said in one news release. The Helgeson and Heiling families declined to discuss how the case has become a flashpoint over immigration policies. We were given a life sentence without them, Jen Heiling, Brady Heiling's mother, told the Journal Sentinel. Hallie and Brady were given a death sentence. Nothing about this is fair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jen Heiling said the Department of Homeland Security has not been in touch with her. Joseph Helgeson, Hallie Helgesons father, said he has been in contact with the department. Both families spoke in court Aug. 15 in favor of forcing Martinez-Avila to face charges in Dane County, rather than be deported. Circuit Judge Dianne Schlipper sided with them, ordering ICE agents to return Martinez-Avila to the local jail and setting her bail at $5 million. Under Wisconsin law, she would have to pay the full amount to be released on supervision. At the hearing, Martinez-Avilas lawyer Anthony Delyea advocated for her to stay in ICE custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview, Delyea said it would be easier for Martinez-Avila to be released on bond if she were under ICE detention. In that case, Martinez-Avila would only need to pay 10% of the bail amount. Victor Hansen, a former military prosecutor and professor at the New England Law School, said the Trump administrations narrow focus on deportations fails to take the rights of crime victims into account. On the one hand, theres this claim of being tough on crime, Hansen said. But really, whats happening is that cases arent getting prosecuted. "(ICE is) skipping all that and going straight for deportation," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporters Gina Castro and Molly Beck contributed to this story. Eva Wen is a reporter with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at qwen@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Prosecutors are worried ICE arrests will complicate victim justice SPRINGFIELD In January, American International College said it was on the verge of becoming a Hispanic-serving institution, a designation it had strived to attain as part of a five-year strategic plan in 2022. Achieving this designation will allow us to strengthen our support for Hispanic and Latino/Latina students while further fostering the inclusive campus environment where every student can thrive, declared Nicolle Cestero, now AICs 13th president. But that goal may be imperiled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal lawsuit filed in Tennessee challenges the Hispanic-serving institution programs constitutionality. And the Department of Justice recently made the unusual move of declaring it would not defend the program in court, leaving a national education association to champion it. A higher-education institution is declared Hispanic-serving when at least 25% of its student body is Hispanic. AIC said about 27% of its student body is Hispanic. The designation would allow AIC to seek specific grants from the federal government and foundations, the college said in its January statement. The process to attain the designation from the Department of Education is supposed to take AIC two years. With the designation, AIC would join a handful of schools locally and across the state that hold the Hispanic-serving institution status, some of whom said Monday the grants received through the designation help them serve all students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As AIC prepares for move-in day later this week, officials at the school were unavailable on Monday. As an HSI, American International College is focused on supporting all students and ensuring equitable access to higher education, AIC spokesperson Denise Vozella said in a statement, in response to questions. We cannot comment on ongoing litigation or decisions by the Department of Justice. The lawsuit in Tennessee In June, the state of Tennessee, along with an organization that successfully challenged Harvards affirmative action admission policies, asked a federal judge to declare the Hispanic-serving institution grant program unconstitutional. Tennessees college and university system educates Hispanic students. And while many of its students are low-income, the state cannot access the Hispanic-serving institution funds, according to the complaint filed against the U.S. Department of Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why? Because they dont have the right mix of ethnicities on campus, Tennessees complaint says. Joining Tennessee is the group Students for Fair Admissions, founded by conservative activist Edward Blum, who helped bring lawsuits against Harvard and the University of North Carolina in which the U.S. Supreme Court decided to strike down affirmative action in college admissions, according to the Associated Press. Reached by email Monday, Blum wrote that an organization moved to intervene in the case, and None of the parties have objected. On July 24, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, the organization that originally lobbied Congress in the early 1990s to recognize Hispanic-serving institutions, intervened in the case in order to defend the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This lawsuit is a direct attempt to erase programs that remedy racial and ethnic disparities and strip away essential resources from institutions that serve Latino students, said Francisca Fajana, director of Racial Justice Strategy with LatinoJustice PRLDEF, the organization representing the association. In an affidavit filed in the case, Antonio Flores, president of the association, said, the HSI designation is not an anomaly. He pointed to the nations Historically Black College or University designation, for instance. Federal funding obtained by HSIs provides capacity building and infrastructure support and promotes student success and readiness for the nations economy, Flores said. Students are accepted to and educated by HSIs without regard to their race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, disability, or any other characteristic. The next day, U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson saying the Department of Justice would not defend against Tennessees lawsuit. The Department of Justice has determined that those provisions violate the equal-protection component of the Fifth Amendments Due Process Clause, Sauer wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Associated Press reported on Sauers letter Friday. Hispanic-serving schools in Mass. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities said about 11 institutions educating 30,762 students in the 2023-2024 school year were Hispanic-serving in Massachusetts. The association considers 24 more as emerging Hispanic-serving institutions, where their Hispanic student populations are approaching, but have not reached, 25%. However, not every institution listed by the association is recognized by the Department of Education. For instance, a spokesperson for Bay Path University said Monday the school does not have the designation. Salem State University, whose student body of about 4,000 was 23.6% Hispanic in the 2023-2024 school year, according to the association, was seeking to become the first four-year state school to achieve the designation in Massachusetts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salem State University, as a public university serving several gateway cities with growing Hispanic and Latino populations, is committed to serving its students and improving not just access to higher education, but also outcomes for all students who enroll, Dustin Luca, spokesperson for the university, said in a statement. Springfield Technical Community College attained its Hispanic-serving designation in 2015. In the time since, the percentage of students who identify as Hispanic has grown to 40%, according to a statement Monday by the college. Under the program, STCC received a $3.4 million grant in 2021 that runs until 2026 aimed at boosting Hispanic enrollment in STEM fields. The college remains hopeful that investment in access institutions like STCC remains a priority, especially given ongoing workforce needs in fields that include cybersecurity, precision manufacturing, HVAC, and quantum technology, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Holyoke Community College attained the designation in 2016. Through the program, it was able to obtain $1 million from the National Science Foundation that helped provide scholarships to eligible students. The grant helped fund internships, mentoring and research. About 33% of the HCC student body is Hispanic, the college said. Since about half of residents in Holyoke and Springfield are Hispanic, the designation shows that HCC is serving its community, the college said. Being an HSI means our students receive the support essential to achieve academic success, advancement, and a sense of belonging, HCC President George Timmons said in a statement. We are demonstrating our commitment to the population that we serve. more news from Western Massachusetts Read the original article on MassLive. Aug. 26A Trenton woman accused of embezzling thousands from her job at Cincinnati Premium Outlets in Monroe will avoid jail as part of a diversion program. Tara Nicole Burt, 38, pleaded guilty last week before Warren County Common Pleas Judge Robert Peeler to one felony count of theft. She faced up to one year in prison but instead will be on probation as part of a diversion program, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burt reportedly used customer return receipts to take cash for herself from her job at Skechers, 828 Premium Outlets Drive, according to an affidavit filed by the Monroe Police Department in Lebanon Municipal Court. "The incident started on Nov. 6, 2024, and did not stop occurring until Jan. 31, 2025. In total, Tara stole $6,317.07 from the company," the affidavit read. A 43-year-old woman allegedly shot her father to death Tuesday morning near a middle school in West Palm Beach, police said. The shooting happened shortly before 8:30 a.m. in the 4100 block of Haden Avenue, West Palm Beach Police said in a news release, which is in a neighborhood near Bak Middle School of the Arts. Officers found Leroy Scott, 75, had been shot multiple times and pronounced him dead shortly after trying to give him medical aid. His daughter Leah Scott was arrested about two miles away an hour-and-a-half later, the police department said. The news release did not provide details about the preliminary investigation leading to her arrest or where she was found when officers arrested her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott is facing one count of first-degree murder and one count of discharging a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, the department said. WPEC-Ch. 12, the South Florida Sun Sentinels news partner, reported that the school districts police department first alerted West Palm Beach Police to the shooting. The police department did not provide further information about where the shooting happened along Haden Avenue. The shooting happened about five minutes before the start of school. Ch.12 reported that the campus was placed on a temporary code yellow lockdown. This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox. NEED TO KNOW A Texas woman was charged with capital murder in connection with the death of a newborn found in a dumpster and is being held on $500,000 bail The infant was found in the dumpster in Fort Worth last July, a year before a suspect was arrested Minor was allegedly seen rolling the suitcase that was later found in the dumpster containing a baby A year after a newborn baby was found dead in a dumpster in Texas, the child's mother has been charged with capital murder in connection with the infant's death. In July 2024, the infant was found in a suitcase that had been discarded in a dumpster in Fort Worth, Texas, the city's police department said, according to reports from WFAA, NBCDFW and CBS Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forth Worth police told PEOPLE said the mother, Courtney Minor, was arrested in connection with the incident. The outlets reported that police said Minor was seen rolling the suitcase to a dumpster, the outlets reported. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Minor allegedly confessed to throwing the suitcase containing the baby who was still alive at the time into the dumpster, police told PEOPLE. Jail records indicate that Minor is being held on $500,000 bail. She is charged with capital murder of a child under the age of 10 and abuse of a corpse without legal authority. It is not immediately clear if Minor has entered a plea or retained an attorney. Read the original article on People Aug. 26Alaska State Troopers say a woman was attacked by a bear near her Kenai Peninsula home Tuesday morning, the latest in a series of dangerous encounters with bruins in Southcentral Alaska. The 36-year-old was medevaced with serious injuries after the attack, which occurred just past her driveway in the area of Chinook Drive in Kenai, troopers spokesman Tim DeSpain said. Troopers are urging nearby residents, especially parents with children at bus stops, to "be on high alert" as authorities look for the bear. The incident occurred at about 5:45 a.m., DeSpain said. "A neighbor located the injured woman and did not see the bear," he said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the Kenai Police Department, Alaska Wildlife Troopers and Alaska Department of Fish and Game are looking for the bear, which will be killed if found, DeSpain said. He said the bear is suspected to be a brown bear but that hasn't been verified. Chinook Drive is near the Kenai River, which experienced a record sockeye run this summer. The attack marks the latest in a series of maulings and sightings of aggressive bears this season. Biologists say spawning salmon in unusually large numbers are drawing bears to areas by rivers. In Anchorage, a woman suffered head, neck and arm injuries on July 22 after being dragged by a brown bear while hiking alone on the Dome Trail near the Basher neighborhood. Less than a week later, an Eagle River man was hospitalized with arm injuries after he was mauled by a brown bear on a trail. Several trails are closed near the Eagle River Nature Center due to bear activity, which is customary this time of year. The Rodak Trail has been closed by Chugach State Park and the Department of Fish and Game due to the salmon run, increased bear activity and gathering crowds, according to a notice. Troopers asked people in the area of the Kenai attack to "remain vigilant when outdoors, supervise children and pets closely, and secure attractants such as trash, pet food and bird feeders." Anyone who encounters a bear should keep a safe distance. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A woman migrant from Ecuador was struck by at least two vehicles and was killed while trying to cross the Border Highway earlier this month, according to Customs and Border Protection. The incident happened at about 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 17. A supervisory Border Patrol agent, performing patrol duties about a half-mile west of the Bridge of the Americas, saw a man near a concertina wire barricade next to the Rio Grande. The agent called out to the man, but he ran away into the grass near the river, CBP said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few moments later, the agent returned to his vehicle and got out his binoculars. The agent observed another person exit from a nearby canal and run toward a fence by the Border Highway. The person was later identified as an adult woman citizen of Ecuador. The agent, speaking in Spanish, ordered her to stop, but she ignored him and climbed over the fence. The agent saw her run across the eastbound lanes of the Border Highway. When she tried to cross the westbound lanes, she was hit by a car, CBP said. The agent requested emergency medical services and directed additional Border Patrol agents to respond to the crash scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Border Patrol agents arrived at the location where the woman was hit and saw a vehicle approaching her body. A Border Patrol agent attempted to get the drivers attention by waving his hands, but was unsuccessful, as the driver ran over the body, CBP said. The driver did not stop and caused significant additional injuries to the woman, CBP said. The woman was declared dead at the scene. The El Paso Police Department is investigating the incident, and the CBP Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) A woman pleaded guilty and was sentenced in a Liberty County courtroom on Monday in connection to a crash that killed a man in 2021. Megan Jacobs pleaded guilty to three counts of homicide by vehicle in the first degree, three counts of driving under the influence, involuntary manslaughter and driving on the wrong side of a roadway. Jacobs was sentenced to four years in prison with eight years of probation and was ordered to complete a substance abuse program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash occurred in February of 2021 in Long County, Georgia. Tarius Allen, of Allenhurst, Georgia, was killed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. A woman wanted in Vermont for assault and robbery charges has been arrested in Flagler County. Taylor Crowningshield, identified by Flagler County investigators, was a suspect in thefts at local smoke shops before authorities discovered her outstanding charges in Vermont. Flagler County Sheriffs Office said deputies tracked Crowningshield to a smoke shop, where she attempted to evade capture twice, as shown on their body camera footage. Deputies said she was eventually arrested at her home in Palm Coast. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. NEED TO KNOW Jessica McCormack's decomposing remains were found on a Missouri highway in 2019 Her boyfriend Mahamud Tooxoow Mahamed was accused of disappearing with her three children after she was last seen alive Mahamed allegedly took the children, including McCormack's then 6-month-old, to his cousin's home in Iowa, before briefly fleeing the country A Missouri man has pleaded guilty to kidnapping his girlfriend, resulting in her death, years after he allegedly disappeared with her three children and her decomposing body was found on a highway. Jessica McCormack's body was found with her legs sticking out of a pink suitcase on a highway between Lanagan, Mo., and Noel, Mo., in July 2019, the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Missouri said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mahamud Tooxoow Mahamed, who was identified by a local store owner as the person who bought a pink suitcase days prior, has now pleaded guilty to kidnapping resulting in death, the Attorney's Office said in a statement this week. Mahamed also allegedly disappeared with McCormack's three daughters aged 4 years old, 2 years old, and 6 months old before the children were rescued from his cousin's home in Iowa days later, authorities said at the time. McCormack was last seen on July 19, 2019, when she told officers responding to a 911 call that Mahamed had held her at knife point and attempted to forcefully engage in sexual activity with her, per the Attorney's Office. She repeatedly expressed fear to the operator that Mahamed would harm her, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCormack, along with her three children, were reported missing the following day. Days later, around July 28 or 29, officials allege, Mahamed called his cousin to tell her he was bringing McCormack's daughters to her because "something bad had happened and he could be in trouble." McDonald County Sheriff's Office Mahamud Tooxoow Mahamed. Mahamud Tooxoow Mahamed. The missing children's mother was found, her body "severely decomposed," on July 29. The children were rescued days later on Aug. 8, 2019, after Mahamed left his cousin's home and fled the country, per authorities. 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. Mahamed, a permanent U.S. resident from Somalia, returned to the U.S. after being expelled from Guatemala, and was indicted last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to being charged with kidnapping resulting in death, Mahamed was also indicted at the time on charges of stalking resulting in death and kidnapping a minor, per the Attorney's Office. It wasn't immediately clear if he is still facing those accusations or what pleas were entered regarding those charges. He faces life in prison without parole. 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. 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 CUMBERLAND Tessa Gibson-Thoele regularly attended peaceful protests and helped volunteer at local election polls. Ella Valentine gave an impassioned speech about LGBTQ youth mental health in front of the Rotary Club of Cumberland. Eowyn Hansrote completed a community service project with Trans Maryland. All three were in their senior year of high school when the Allegany County Womens Action Coalition awarded its annual Changemaker scholarship to them. Other seniors have received honorable mentions over the last three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through the scholarship, the coalition hopes to support graduating high school seniors from Allegany County who actively engage in their community. We want to lift up young people who are willing to take stands, working, whether locally or nationally, whatever way they want, just to make things better, more positive, Cherie Snyder, who oversees the scholarship committee, said. Snyder said the committee looks for unconventional leaders. We dont exclude, but we really are looking for maybe those folks whose contribution is overlooked because its not typical, Snyder said. Were really looking for someone who may not be the typical outstanding leader they could be but we also want to find those young people who, maybe through art or poetry or music or dance, are promoting and supporting the greater good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Applications for this years scholarship will be available by the end of the year for high school seniors in Allegany County. Recipients, who the coalition will select in March, will receive $1,000, Snyder said. It doesnt have to go toward funding college, Snyder said. It doesnt really matter to us, but we see this as supporting their future as changemakers, whether in work or on a volunteer basis. The scholarship recipients agreed that there are many reasons to be active in the community. Gibson-Thoele, the 2023 recipient of the award, said she finds it important to be civically engaged to ensure everyones voices are heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really believe that everyone should have a voice, Gibson-Thoele said. Everyone should have their voice heard, and we just need to stand up for each other and help those whose voices are not as strong as yours. In the future, Gibson-Thoele hopes to empower student voices as a teacher. One of the reasons why I want to be a teacher is so I can help the next generation find their voice and make sure that kids who are a little bit different from what people call the norm can also find their voice, Gibson-Thoele said. Valentine, who was the second recipient of the award in 2024 and helped to found the Mountain Ridge Gender and Sexuality Alliance club, said having tough conversations is crucial to improving the community, especially in rural Western Maryland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People dont know, because we dont talk about things, and especially in an area like this, Valentine said. After giving a speech on the topic, Valentine was surprised that older generations especially took her message about LGBTQ mental health to heart. I had multiple people come up to me afterward and just tell me, Hey, my grandkid is trans. This means a lot, or, Thank you for this. I didnt know a lot of it, Valentine said. Hansrote, this years recipient who also served as the Allegany County Public Schools student board member, said that just because high schoolers are young doesnt mean they cant have a big impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love trying to be a positive in someones life and trying to always help somebody out, Hansrote said. I think it can make a difference. Valentine agreed. It helps older generations realize that there is a future, Valentine said. There is a bright future. Woody Allen is on the defense amid the backlash that has followed his participation in a Russian film festival, as the the communist country continues its raging war with Ukraine. The Oscar-winning director of films like Annie Hall, Hannah and Her Sisters, and Blue Jasmine appeared via video at the Moscow International Film Week on Sunday in a session moderated by prominent Russian filmmaker Fyodor Bondarchuk. The Ukrainian foreign ministry blasted Allens appearance on social media Monday, calling it a disgrace and an insult to the sacrifice of Ukrainian actors and filmmakers who have been killed or injured by Russian war criminals in their ongoing war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the strong rebuke, Allen issued a statement defending his involvement while also slamming Russian President Vladimir Putin. When it comes to the conflict in Ukraine, I believe strongly that Vladimir Putin is totally in the wrong. The war he has caused is appalling, he said in a statement to CNN. But, whatever politicians have done, I dont feel cutting off artistic conversations is ever a good way to help. The 89-year-old auteur was billed as one of Moscow International Film Weeks headline attractions, alongside American actor and martial artist Mark Dacascos and Serbian director Emir Kusturica. First held in the Russian capital in August 2024, the event has seemingly satiated cinephiles appetites after the long-running Moscow International Film Festival was stripped of its accreditation by the International Federation of Film Producers Association following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen, who hinted at retirement last year, has used Russian literature and history as inspiration for several of his films, including 1975s Love and Death and 1989s Crimes and Misdemeanors. But for decades, the Bronx natives star status in America has diminished due to the allegations of molestation from his adopted stepdaughter Dylan Farrow. BRANSON, Mo. Leo King says she was working on Thursday, August 21, when she heard screaming in downtown Branson. All of a sudden, I hear this, like, super loud scream and then someone yelling, get me out of here, King said. I come outside and theres just water rushing everywhere out of this hole, and it looks like almost like a whirlpool. What King was seeing was the result of a water main breaking during construction in the downtown Branson area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She says she watched as workers tried to get to safety and called 911. Im calling 911 and to talk to dispatch, let them know what was going on and stayed on the line while theyre all trying to pull them up, and next thing you know, you got an Amazon driver whos run over there and trying to help, King said. According to Emery Sapp & Sons, two workers were injured in the incident, but one worker, Jacob Seiler III, died from his injuries while working to help a coworker. Ive met him a couple of times, just with him being out here. Hes a really funny guy, likes crack jokes, King said. In a statement on social media, ESS says, Jake acted heroically to help a coworker and was a valued member of the ESS family. He will be deeply missed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That heroism is echoed by Hoss Braden, a former coworker of Seiler III. Braden says for several years, Seiler played a baldknobber at Shepherd of the Hills, a local attraction in Branson, before getting into construction. Braden tells Ozarks First, [Seilers] wish was to become Tom, the same Baldknobber character his father played in years past, and in 2000 he got the chance. Jake was someone who made folks want to believe in heroes again. The City of Branson responded to Ozarks Firsts request for comment, saying, On behalf of the City of Branson, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to everyone impacted. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected workers, their families, and first responders during this difficult time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King says theres a somber atmosphere in downtown Branson. I cant imagine how hard it must be for them having to show back up here every day. Thats kind of what sticks with me here, King said. ESS posted on social media that a visitation for Seiler is being held on August 27, and a funeral is planned for August 28. Ozarks First reached out to ESS for an update on the other worker who was injured, but has not heard back at the time this article was published. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KYIV (Reuters) -One miner was killed and three were injured in a Russian attack on a coal mine owned by Ukraine's largest energy company DTEK near front lines in the eastern Donetsk region, DTEK said on Tuesday. Russian invasion forces have in recent weeks stepped up their offensive in eastern Ukraine, where most of the country's coal mines are located. "The attack damaged the company's buildings and equipment and caused a power outage. At the time, 146 miners were underground, and efforts to bring them to the surface are ongoing," DTEK said in a post on Telegram messenger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It did not specify the location of the targeted mine or say how Russian forces hit it. Ukraine said this month small groups of Russian infantry had thrust some 10 kilometres (six miles) towards the main defensive line near the eastern town of Dobropillia, raising fears of a wider breakthrough that would further threaten key cities. Later, Ukrainian officials said Kyiv's troops had stabilised the battlefield in an area of the east where Russian forces had made a sudden push to pierce Ukrainian defences. (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk; editing by Mark Heinrich) John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center in Fairmont, West Virginia, is one of four state-owned hospitals being sold by Gov. Patrick Morrisey. (Photo by Kristian Thacker/West Virginia Watch) Four state-owned hospitals in West Virginia often house and take care of elderly patients some with complex medical problems and disabilities who have nowhere else to go. Many patients rely on Medicaid and cant afford private care. Gov. Patrick Morrisey is selling the facilities for $60 million, saying New York-based Marx Development Group is buying the properties in Beckley, Fairmont, Terra Alta and West Columbia, and will retain the elderly patients and improve their care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community members and state leaders are hoping Morriseys promises are true but worry what it could mean for elderly patients now and in the future. The hospitals, which need millions of dollars in repairs, could be torn down and rebuilt in other locations, removing patients from their communities and eliminating local jobs. Cathie Methenys mother has lived for seven years as a Medicaid-reliant patient at John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center in Fairmont. She had a list of compliments for the centers staff. She is completely dependent on them for everything. She is unable to speak, unable to walk. She has dementia, said Metheny, who visits the center nearly every day to feed her mother and spend time with patients she has come to know over the years. I just keep waiting for assurance that these people are going to be OK, Metheny said. Theres no transparency going on. It makes me wonder what theyre going to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states contract with Marx Development Group hasnt yet been released to lawmakers interviewed for this story or to the media. West Virginia Watch submitted a Freedom of Information Act Request to the governors office for the document. Del. Michael DeVault, R-Marion The devil is going to be in the details, said Del. Mike DeVault, R-Marion, whose district includes the John Manchin hospital. The ones that are in the system are going to be taken care of, but the needs of the future is the big one I want to know about, he said. Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston Senate President Randy Smiths district includes Hopemont Hospital, one of the facilities being sold. He found out about the sale about 10 minutes before Morriseys public announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive fought against the closing of them for several years, because I always felt that the patients we had in these facilities were more wards of the state than anything, Smith said. Some of them just dont have family [and] no place to go, and that has always been my biggest concern. The elderly patient population in these hospitals have significant mental or physical disabilities, according to Mike Folio, legal director for Disability Rights West Virginia. The reality of it all is if these individuals were attractive to private nursing homes, they would already be in private nursing homes, Folio said. The states geriatric and Medicaid-reliant population will continue to grow, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres going to be an increasing need for a safety net that the current long-term care facilities provide. The problem is that the state doesnt have the resources to provide the care necessary in a safe and humane manner, Folio added. Smith said taking care of people is imperative as the sale is expected to close next month. We just have to make sure that we just dont become a state where we have no compassion for people, he said. Hopemont Hospital in Preston County, Lakin Hospital in Mason County and Jackie Withrow in Raleigh County are three of the four hospitals being sold by Gov. Patrick Morriseys administration for $60 million. (West Virginia Department of Health photos) Locations of new long-term care hospitals unknown State lawmakers for years have considered off-loading state-owned hospitals, citing their growing price tag and staffing issues. The states four long-term care facilities, which have 511 licensed beds, operate at a combined $6 million annual loss, according to Morrisey. A legislative audit published last year found the state spent $284 million on contract nursing staff since 2015 contract positions pay more than the states own full-time nursing jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were patient care concerns, and, early last year, a non-verbal elderly man died after being left too long in a whirlpool of scalding water at Hopemont Hospital. A state investigation found the water had been too hot for days before his death. Sen. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam Theres always been the question of the quality of service that we can provide [at the hospitals], said Sen. Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, who supported Morriseys decision to sell. Now we have a provider that has that expertise, and its their business model to do it, and theyre looking for opportunities to provide more of those services Instead of where the state was, it was just a last resort, and they had to start their own. The facilities need an estimated $100 million in renovations, Morrisey said. While the governor said the group will build three to five new hospitals with West Virginia labor and materials, Smith emphasized that there was no requirement that the new hospitals be located in the same location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a concern, Smith said, adding Hopemont is the local water and sewer systems biggest customer. Its also a major employer in the rural area. Del. Jonathan Pinson, R-Mason In Mason County, Lakin Hospital is one of the long-term care hospitals being sold by Morrisey. Del. Jonathan Pinson, R-Mason, worried that a potential new hospital would go elsewhere, despite the areas projected population growth due to the new Nucor steel mill and other high-profile business investments. If were going to build brand new facilities, then I want those facilities to be built right here in Mason County, Pinson said. The staff that we have here and the patients we have here can just stay right at home. Devault said that he feels confident in the governors plan so far, but expressed concerns about the future location of the hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cant guarantee that were going to build here The market dictates that, he said. The last thing I want someone to say is, Well, I had to put my parent in a nursing home, and the closest one that would take her because of her condition Im being just hypothetical is four hours away. Chelsey Gheyara is vice president of growth and experience for Majestic Care, a subsidiary of Marx Development Group that will operate the hospitals in West Virginia. In an email, she said their priority right now was ensuring continuity of care for residents in the current facilities and supporting the staff. Over time, as we evaluate opportunities to invest in newer infrastructure, well work closely with local leaders, families and staff to determine the best locations. No decisions have been made, and any future plans will be discussed openly with the communities we serve, she said. Companys subsidiaries accused of discrimination Marx Development Groups subsidiaries have been accused of allegedly prohibiting elderly people who use wheelchairs from living in two of its New York assisted living facilities and allegedly discouraged applications from individuals with incontinence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drew Galang, spokesperson for Morrisey, said the allegation is not against the company which will be operating West Virginias health facilities and a separate subsidiary of MDG. The company was thoroughly vetted, he said in an email. The contract between the state of West Virginia and MDG stipulates all federal and state laws must be followed and we have no reason to believe there will be any regulatory concerns, Galang wrote. Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion Morrisey said he didnt need lawmakers approval for the sale due to a 2023 bill that split up the former massive state Department of Health and Human Resources and gave authority to the newly formed Department of Health Facilities. Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, is opposed to the sale for multiple reasons, including fearing Medicaid patients would be left without options and questioned the legality of Morriseys decision. He referenced a state code that mandates West Virginia maintain and run seven facilities by name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im investigating and in communication with constituents about whether the governors actions have authorization or are legitimate, Garcia said. He continued, Theres so many questions that the governors office has spoken platitudes about but has not given us a written agreement. He has not alleviated the concerns that we would have. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Tim Armstead died at 60 on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. (West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals photo) West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Justice Tim Armstead died on Tuesday after a brief hospitalization in Morgantown, according to statements from the state Supreme Court of Appeals and multiple elected officials. Armstead, 60, had been battling a cancer diagnosis for a year prior to his death, according to a spokesperson with the state Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Kanawha County native, Armstead was appointed to the states highest court in 2018 by former Gov. Jim Justice. He won an election that year to serve the remainder of that term. In 2020, he won an election to serve a full 12-year term on the bench. In 2020 and 2024, Armstead sat as chief justice for the states Supreme Court of Appeals. Tim Armstead is a sterling example of the best of West Virginia, said state Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Wooton in an emailed statement. In an all-to-short life his public service accomplishments are legendary His abilities, talents and character were recognized by his colleagues, his neighbors and his fellow West Virginians. Armstead began his public service career in 1985 when he worked as a press intern for then-Gov. Arch Moore. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he worked in a variety of governmental positions. In 1998, he was appointed to serve in the state House of Delegates, where he won 10 consecutive elections to retain his seat. In 2006, when Democrats controlled the Legislature, Armstead became minority leader of the Republican caucus in the House, a position previously held by now-Supreme Court Justice Charlie Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From 2015 until joining the Supreme Court, Armstead served as House speaker following Republicans taking over legislative control in 2014. He was the first Republican speaker of the House in 83 years. In a statement Tuesday, Trump said his former legislative and judicial colleagues work reflected his great integrity and love for West Virginia and her people. His leadership will be sorely missed here at the Court. As a lawmaker, Armstead was known as a fiscal conservative. While in legislative leadership, he oversaw the passage of numerous bills that have become instrumental in the states political landscape, including right-to-work and tort reform for the states legal system. He was also a staunch supporter of increased transparency and accountability in government. Under his leadership in 2016, the state House passed a bundle of ethics reform bills that gained near-unanimous support from members of both political parties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the courts, Armstead continued his fiscally conservative ideals; in 2020, while serving as chief justice, he proposed cutting the states highest courts budget by nearly $4 million to ensure that the judiciarys budget sets the right priorities and spends the taxpayers hard-earned money more efficiently. This was just two years after every sitting member of the state Supreme Court of Appeals faced articles of impeachment from the House due to unnecessary and lavish spending of state taxpayer dollars to renovate their offices, among other charges. A temporary state Supreme Court later stopped those impeachment proceedings from continuing. In his last few years on the Supreme Court, Armstead spent time trying to recruit more attorneys to provide guardian ad litem services to children in abuse and neglect cases throughout the state. He started partnerships with numerous organizations to try and encourage law students and other attorneys to take on the cases. Armstead was heavily involved in his home community of Elkview, advocating for legislation to help the region after tragic flooding hit in 2016 and starting new law education programs for students at Herbert Hoover High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is survived by his wife, Anna, their daughter, Katie, and two grandchildren. Elected leaders mourn Armstead, reflect on his legacy When news broke of Armsteads death on Tuesday, memorials rolled in from elected officials throughout West Virginia government. They remarked on his life while sharing heartfelt condolences for the family he leaves behind. Gov. Patrick Morrisey called him an incredible trailblazer as well as a good and decent man who always tried to set the right ethical tone in all of his actions. House Speaker Roger Hanshaw who succeeded Armstead in the Houses highest position and who worked with him for several years in the Legislature said West Virginia lost a very wonderful person with Armsteads death while he personally lost a wonderful friend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hanshaw, R-Clay, said Armstead was a man of infectious optimism. He saw the good in everything and everybody good that was too often hard for others, including me, to see. I always admired his near-total ability to forgive and forget, even when others again, including me didnt want him to, Hanshaw said. I will miss Tim Armstead, he continued. I will miss the wise counsel he often gave me in times of tough decisions. I will miss the lighthearted jokes he told me when I visited his chambers after a long day on the House floor, and I will miss that no matter whatever else I encountered in my career, I could always take comfort knowing there was a man at the highest levels of service to our society who was guided by nothing more than a sincere desire to do the right thing. Most of all, I will miss my friend. Senate President Randy Smith, who first served with Armstead in the House in 2013, said Armstead set an example of honesty, integrity, faith and service that was second to none. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All who were blessed to call him a friend and colleague are better people because of him, Smith continued. My heart is with his family during their time of grief, and I pray they find comfort in our Lords arms. West Virginia Democratic Party Chairman Del. Mike Pushkin called Armstead a dedicated public servant. Pushkin, D-Kanawha, served in the minority party under Armstead while he was speaker. [Armstead] was a man of deep faith, strong convictions and quiet dignity. As Speaker, he worked hard to foster an environment of collegiality and respect, Pushkin said. He viewed public service as a high honor, and his example reflected that commitment. U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va, said Armstead was a dear friend and a compassionate, strong, and loyal leader. She said she will always treasure his friendship and the example he set. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., called Armstead a thoughtful, steady presence in both the Supreme Court and as Speaker of the West Virginia House. Above all, he cared deeply about West Virginia and our people, Justice continued. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) There have been confirmed cases of hemorrhagic disease in several West Virginia counties, but according to the Division of Natural Resources, there is no long-term threat. The West Virginia DNR said in a press release Tuesday that cases of hemorrhagic disease have been confirmed in Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie and Wood counties. The viral disease is spread by tiny biting flies and can cause some infected deer to die, but DNR officials said that it is natural. While seeing sick or dead deer may be concerning, we want to assure the public that HD is a natural, seasonal disease that occurs in deer populations, WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said in the press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the release, there have been 75 reports of suspected HD in West Virginia this year, including at least 65 deer deaths. However, HD cannot be spread from deer to deer and poses no known health risk to humans or household pets, the WVDNR said. Invasive spotted lanternfly spread continues in West Virginia: Squash it immediately! These outbreaks should not discourage hunters from enjoying West Virginias fall hunting opportunities for deer and other game species, McMillion said in the release. The WVDNR does not recommend that hunters consume any animal that was sick, but the release clarified that venison from healthy deer that have recovered from HD poses no human health risks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any suspected diseased deer, either with HD or the more dangerous chronic wasting disease which has been confirmed in West Virginias eastern panhandle, should be reported to the WVDNR. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WPRI) A federal detainee at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility was sentenced Tuesday to 12 months in prison for having contraband, according to acting U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Anthony Whyte, 50, pleaded guilty in May to charges of conspiracy and providing and possessing contraband in prison. In May 2023, Whyte took multiple documents from a visitor which appeared to be contaminated with a substance, prosecutors said. One page was later found to contain synthetic cannabinoids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities seized the papers and envelope moments after he received them. Prosecutors said Whyte arranged for the pages to be delivered during calls from inside the detention center. He was originally being held on unrelated criminal charges out of Connecticut. READ ALSO: Attorney, detainee plead guilty to smuggling drugs into Wyatt Detention Facility Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 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. All New York college campuses will soon have to appoint anti-discrimination Title VI coordinators, delivering on a major ask of Jewish groups since the pro-Palestinian protests and encampments of spring 2024. On Tuesday, Gov. Hochul signed the new requirement into law, which will take effect a year from now. Title VI of the federal civil rights law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics. By placing Title VI coordinators on all college campuses, New York is combating antisemitism and all forms of discrimination head-on, Hochul said in a statement. No one should fear for their safety while trying to get an education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jewish groups had been pushing for Title VI coordinators to serve as clear points of contact to report discrimination or harassment. Their duties include documenting and investigating complaints, issuing reports and launching trainings and resources, according to the bill co-sponsored by state Sen. Toby Stavisky and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, Queens Democrats. The role mirrors a similar post, Title IX coordinators, which exists on college campuses across the country to protect students from sex and gender-based discrimination. Last summer, New York University became one of the first major universities to announce a Title VI coordinator to settle a federal lawsuit with Jewish students. In April, the State University of New York directed each of its campuses to appoint a coordinator, who may be an existing administrator, ahead of this fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It sends a powerful message that New York will not tolerate bias or hate in higher education, Jewish Community Relations Council of New York CEO Mark Treyger said. Amid rising antisemitism on campuses, JCRC-NY and our partners at the UJA-Federation of New York have long prioritized the creation of Title VI coordinators to protect students, and we are thrilled to see this now becoming a reality. The new law comes as campus antisemitism has become a flash point in political discourse, with critics accusing the Trump administration of using the issue as pretext to cancel federal research grants and strike deals with elite institutions. New York Democrats, however, attempted to draw a contrast between their responses. While the federal government uses institutions of higher learning to push ideology, stifle dissent and dissuade diversity and identity from campus life, New York is focused on actually addressing issues, said Assemblywoman Karines Reyes (D-Bronx). NEW YORK All New York college campuses will soon have to appoint anti-discrimination Title VI coordinators, delivering on a major ask of Jewish groups since the pro-Palestinian protests and encampments of spring 2024. On Tuesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the new requirement into law, which will take effect a year from now. Title VI of the federal civil rights law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics. By placing Title VI coordinators on all college campuses, New York is combating antisemitism and all forms of discrimination head-on, Hochul said in a statement. No one should fear for their safety while trying to get an education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jewish groups had been pushing for Title VI coordinators to serve as clear points of contact to report discrimination or harassment. Their duties include documenting and investigating complaints, issuing reports and launching trainings and resources, according to the bill co-sponsored by state Sen. Toby Stavisky and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, Queens Democrats. The role mirrors a similar post, Title IX coordinators, which exists on college campuses across the country to protect students from sex and gender-based discrimination. Last summer, New York University became one of the first major universities to announce a Title VI coordinator to settle a federal lawsuit with Jewish students. In April, the State University of New York directed each of its campuses to appoint a coordinator, who may be an existing administrator, ahead of this fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It sends a powerful message that New York will not tolerate bias or hate in higher education, Jewish Community Relations Council of New York CEO Mark Treyger said. Amid rising antisemitism on campuses, JCRC-NY and our partners at the UJA-Federation of New York have long prioritized the creation of Title VI coordinators to protect students, and we are thrilled to see this now becoming a reality. The new law comes as campus antisemitism has become a flash point in political discourse, with critics accusing the Trump administration of using the issue as pretext to cancel federal research grants and strike deals with elite institutions. New York Democrats, however, attempted to draw a contrast between their responses. While the federal government uses institutions of higher learning to push ideology, stifle dissent and dissuade diversity and identity from campus life, New York is focused on actually addressing issues, said Assemblywoman Karines Reyes, D-Bronx. _____ An innovative alternative to cement is making headway in Central Asia, according to Tech Xplore. Twenty-seven-year-old Nursultan Taabaldyev has built 300 houses in Kyrgyzstan over five years using compressed bricks of waste organic matter. Initially, this matter was sawdust, but he has since moved to rice husks. About 40% of the bricks are composed of clay, cement, and glue. "This idea came to me as a child, while doing carpentry with my father," said Taabaldyev, per AFP. "Rice waste is thrown into the fields, slowly burns, harms the environment, and is not used as fertilizer. So we decided to recycle it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using rice husks also prevents a fire risk, generated as the waste accumulates. Kyrgyzstan residents have been receptive to the homes being made with these bricks. "In terms of insulation, cost, as well as for builders, it turned out to be convenient," said homeowner Akmatbek Uraimov, per AFP. "People didn't know about it. Now they see it, they are interested, they call." Cement is a major contributor to global atmospheric pollution, accounting for roughly 4% of carbon dioxide emissions. These emissions contribute to increasingly destructive weather patterns such as floods and droughts. Among other negative consequences, these patterns raise grocery prices and home insurance premiums. These costs have driven many people to advocate for low-carbon cement alternatives using materials such as glass manufacturing waste, eggshells, and mycelium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good news is that cement can sequester about 30% of the emissions created during production in a process called carbonatation. This is done by the formation of calcium carbonate in concrete, but it depends on its porosity and moisture level. Still, Taabaldyev is showing no sign of slowing down his operations in alternative building materials. He's hoping to expand in geography and product types. "I want to go to Kazakhstan to make bricks from crushed reed and straw," said Taabaldyev, per AFP. 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. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) YSUs plan to expand into Jefferson County is moving forward. President Bill Johnson says after months of work, there is a framework in place to eventually reopen the Eastern Gateway Community College campus in Steubenville. Johnson said hes cautiously optimistic that the university could be offering classes there as early as the spring semester. The key will be obtaining the needed funding to support the campus from the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are still some outstanding issues. We have to work with the state on how this operation is going to be funded. Weve been very, very clear about that, Johnson said. Youngstown State is not going to go in the red to do thisthey are going to have to work with us to make sure that we have operating funding. Johnson stresses that YSU is not taking over for Eastern Gateway Community College; rather, the university will serve as a replacement to help serve students in that part of southeastern Ohio EGCC closed its campuses almost two years ago because of financial problems. Many of the students there have since transferred to YSU. YSU President Bill Johnson also said Tuesday the university has no interest in the former EGCC building downtown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, First News reported the Western Reserve Port Authority wanted the buildings, and the board offered the state $800,000. WRPA Director Anthony Trevena says the sale could close in weeks. Plans include moving the Mocha House into an EGCC building. The parking deck would be demolished. WRPA would then work with developers on the sites 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 WKBN.com. This week, Ukraine will make contact with several countries that could potentially host talks with the Russians, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address Quote: "This week, we will engage with Turkiye, Gulf states and European countries that could host talks with the Russians. We'll do everything on our side to bring the war to an end. It's important that our partners confirm this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And from then on, everything will depend solely on the will of world leaders first and foremost on the United States of America to put pressure on Russia. New steps are needed, new pressure: sanctions, tariffs all of this must be on the table." Background: On 25 August, US President Donald Trump said the reason why Russian leader Vladimir Putin does not want to meet with Zelenskyy is that Putin doesnt like him. Prior to this, Trump said that he would prefer not to take part in a potential meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Support Local News Reporting Journalists at the Yakima Herald-Republic bring you timely, in-depth and credible local news. Your generous donation supports their work. Wenatchee-based organization Fiestas Mexicanas is one of more than 900 Washington organizations receiving funding from a $10 million grant program from ArtsFund and Allen Family Philanthropies. (Fiestas Mexicanas) The government has decided to extend mandatory caps on a range of food and non-food products until November 30, Gergely Gulyas, the head of the Prime Minister's Office, said at a weekly press briefing. The government rolled out a 10pc cap on markups for the food products and a 15pc cap on the non-food products in the spring. The measure was set to expire on August 31. Gulyas said "unjustified" price increases had no place on the "normal" market. He added that the ten food products with the biggest weights in the consumer basket affected by the measure would be 35pc dearer without the markups cap. Gulyas said the government was compelled to discuss the attacks on the Druzhba crude pipeline at the cabinet meeting on Thursday. He added that the prime minister and the foreign minister had said their "firm warning" to Ukraine was to stop endangering the security of Hungary's energy supply and to cease attacks on Hungary's energy delivery route. The government also expects Brussels to weigh in on the matter, he said. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. The 50,000th visitor was welcomed to this special Ice Age exhibition in Szeged on Monday. Retired teacher Maria Hoffman arrived at the exhibition with her grandchildren who live in Budapest. Museum director Otto Fogas said the exhibition is one of the most successful exhibitions in the public collection to date. The exhibition presenting Ice Age man opened on May 9, while the exhibition entitled The 'Mysterious Ice Age' exhibition has been open since the 'Night of Museums' in June. In recent years, the museum has been striving to put together exhibitions that deal with a single theme, consisting of several units, but that can be interpreted on their own. According to the plans, the Ice Age exhibition, which can be visited until the end of the year, will welcome visitors in more than a thousand square meters in seven rooms of the Palace of Culture. In addition to the unit displaying Ice Age man and the fauna of the period with spectacular animal and skeletal reconstructions, the exhibition will also have a separate section comparing the climate of the past and the present - the museologist said. The exhibition was preceded by several years of preparation, and there was a time when 30-40 people worked on putting together the exhibition. In organizing this Ice Age exhibition, some of the exhibition material was borrowed from domestic and foreign museums, and the animal reconstructions arriving in Szeged from China. The largest group of guests are those from Csongrad-Csanad County, who combine their visit to the museum with some other program in Szeged, followed by Szeged residents. Most of the visitors are families with small children - many return several times. The moving, sound-making mammoth in front of the museum building and the animal reconstructions in the exhibition space are popular. The weekend gift tours continue to be a great success, the director noted. The largest group of visitors from further afield is from Budapest, numbering tens of thousands annually. According to questionnaires, the vast majority of them come to Szeged specifically for the museum's exhibitions, visit other tourist attractions and often stay in the city for several days, said Otto Fogas. More: moramuzeum.hu 6720 Szeged, Roosevelt ter 1-3 ********************************* 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. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has condemned the ED raids on AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj, alleging the Aam Aadmi Party is being targeted for being the "most vocal voice" against the Modi government. Human rights group reports a sharp rise in child rape cases in Bangladesh with many incidents unreported due to social stigma and weak legal action. Musk, whose relationship with Trump deteriorated earlier this year, initially defended the H-1B visa system but reversed course within a day, calling for major reform of what he described as a broken programme. In a rare move, Israels army chief signals support for a Hamas deal, challenging Prime Minister Netanyahus hardline stance amid mounting pressure over hostages and war strategy. Amid these setbacks, there is some relief for the BlackCaps as pacer Ben Sears has recovered from the side strain. The T20I series against Australia is set to begin on October 1 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. Head coac.h Rob Walter expressed his disappointment Russias growing labour shortage opens vast opportunities for skilled Indian workers, with new consulates set to support the influx. COMPANY NEWS: Iconic resources company streamlines operations and accelerates its path to a modernised data management platform with a solution from TechConnect; Industry-leading data analytics solution simplifies data access and reporting in the first phase of a longer plan to create a single data source of truth; mission-critical data queries now take seconds. TechConnect, a globally recognised data management and Cloud Managed Services provider, has enabled Idemitsu Australia to achieve significant improvements in managing mission-critical data. Idemitsu Australia is the Australian subsidiary of Japanese company Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. The company has a long history of supporting regional Australian economies through the operation of coal mines, including its Boggabri Coal Mine in New South Wales. Idemitsu Australia is a valued provider of high-quality thermal and metallurgical coal for energy generation and steelmaking in Asia and Europe. Data management is key to Idemitsus commitment to productivity and efficiency, as well as playing an increasingly important role in innovation and, over time, sustainability. In 2024, Idemitsu Australia undertook a review of its data management platforms ability to support efficiency and cost minimisation at its Boggabri operation. Issues identified included siloed and fragmented production data; limited accessibility, including to critical production data; high and complex licensing costs; limited support across legacy systems and, in general, system incompatibility and increased risk. Early wins The project, established in 2023 and in its first phase of a multi-year delivery, has already provided the strategically important foundation of an analytics platform. This has included enabling some complex data queries that were previously unable to execute due to resource constraints to now complete in seconds. By consolidating data into a single pane view, Idemitsu Australia has been able to reduce licensing costs associated with multiple legacy systems, while also simplifying data governance and maintenance. The centralisation of data has also allowed for the scaling of reporting needs more efficiently without the overhead of managing disparate systems. Automation of reporting has substantially reduced the effort and time required to prepare regular reports (both management reporting as well as regulatory reporting), while providing improved accuracy. While in the early stages of a long-term collaboration between TechConnect and Idemitsu Australia, the project is envisaged to provide operation wide improvements in data visibility and therefore, gains in decision-making capabilities. Clint Thompson, Director at TechConnect said; We are excited to be working with such an iconic organisation as Idemitsu and to play a role in helping them improve the way they understand and apply data to business strategy. Being able to provide a solution which, for example, enables them to query data in seconds is a substantial and important development. But there is a lot more to do, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Idemitsu Australia. Current project enhancements are focussed on ingesting near real-time operational data to support operational decision making. It is also envisaged that TechConnects solutions will, in the longer term, contribute to Idemitsu Australias application of data to support its investments in sustainable energy development and critical minerals. About Idemitsu Australia Idemitsu Australia has been operating in Australia since 1978 as a subsidiary of Japanese company Idemitsu Kosan Co. Ltd. For more than 45 years, Idemitsu Australia has proudly produced resources that have supported local communities, contributed to economic growth, and assisted customers in achieving their goals. Headquartered in Queensland, and with mining and post-mining operations in New South Wales, Idemitsu Australias Boggabri coal mine produces about 7 million tonnes per year of semi-soft, PCI and thermal coals for export. Deeply committed to sustainability and innovation, Idemitsu Australia continues to meet global energy demands through the supply of high-quality metallurgical and thermal coal, while actively diversifying and decarbonising its energy portfolio to pursue a sustainable resources future. Idemitsu Australia is proud to invest in sustainable energy development through its pumped hydro and solar projects at its Muswellbrook and Boggabri sites, while also exploring sustainable fuel opportunities. Idemitsu Australias critical minerals investments in lithium, vanadium and graphite will also support clean energy storage solutions for the future. About TechConnect Founded in 2011 and based on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, TechConnect is a globally innovative and multi award-winning data management and Cloud Managed Services provider. By recognising that Information Technology is a strategic enabler, TechConnect collaborates closely with its long-term partners and customers. We deploy disruptive cloud-based solutions which reduce costs, drive efficiency and spur innovation and agility at an exponential rate enabling customers to achieve their vision sooner. K-Pop Demon Hunters (Courtesy of Netflix) The Netflix animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters (2025) sparked a global K-content sensation upon its release, captivating audiences in over 30 countries. Blending the dazzling visuals of K-pop with shamanism and traditional Korean folktales, the film has opened a new window into the rich depths of Korean culture. Lets dive into the cultural elements woven into the story and explore travel destinations where you can experience their lasting resonance. 1. Korean Culture Through Characters Messengers of Good Fortune: The Tiger and Magpie Jakhodo (Paintings of tigers and magpies) (National Museum of Korea ) Hojong & Kawoo (Korea Tourism Organization) The tiger Derpy and the magpie Sussie steal the show with their mysterious aura and playful charm. These two messengers, who connect the hunter Rumi and the evil spirit Jinu, were directly inspired by Jakhodo, a genre of traditional Korean folk painting that features tigers and magpies. In Korean culture, tigers are seen as mystical beings that ward off evil and misfortune, while magpies are considered bringers of good news. The Korea Tourism Organizations beloved mascots, Hojong the tiger and Kawoo the magpie, are also inspired from these symbolic animals. SAjA Boys & Demons: A Modern Take on Korean Spirits Grim Reaper (Jeoseung saja) (National Folk Museum of Korea) Figures of the Deceased (Sijasang) (National Folk Museum of Korea) The name of the fictional idol group SAjA Boys subtly reveals their true identity. In Korean, saja can mean messenger of death or refer to the dead, which directly connects to the concept that the members are not living humans but spirits. Their roleleading fans souls to the afterlifealso mirrors that of the jeoseung saja, Koreas traditional grim reapers. These reapers, according to folklore, are agents of King of the Underworld, who escort souls to the realm of the dead. Roof Tile with Dokkaebi Motif (Gyeongju National Museum) Evil Spirit in the Form of a Dokkaebi (National Folk Museum of Korea) What inspired Gwima, the ruler of the underworld, and the evil spirits who battle the Huntrix? The closest parallel is the dokkaebiKoreas mischievous goblins. These supernatural beings are said to emerge from old, discarded objects. Though not inherently evil, they are known for their unpredictable behavior and immense strength, often bringing mischief to the human world. Despite their fierce appearance, they love music and dancingjust like the spirits in the film. Recommended Travel Destinations Magpie and Tiger Badge (Museum Shop, National Museum Foundation of Korea) Black Gat-String Pen ( Museum Shop, National Museum Foundation of Korea) Your journey into the heart of Korean culture should begin at the National Museum of Korea. The ongoing special exhibition, Art of Early Joseon: Masterpieces from the 15th and 16th Centuries, showcases over 400 works from the early Joseon dynasty, including National Treasures and Treasures. Dont forget to stop by the MU:DS Shopa concept store combining museum and goodswhere youll find an array of creatively reimagined items inspired by characters from K-Pop Demon Hunters (2025). Among them, the magpie and tiger badgestrikingly similar to the characters Derpy and Sussieis especially popular. Black Gat (Heuknip), a Hat for Aristocrats (Yeongcheon History Museum) Gannil (Horsehair Hat Making) at Jeju Gat Exhibition Hall (Jeju Special Self-Governing Province) The hat worn by the SAjA Boys in their demon form is a traditional Korean gat. This black hat was traditionally worn by Joseon-era noble scholars, symbolizing dignity, integrity, and the lofty spirit of the Confucian literati. For a deeper look into this cultural item, visit the Jeju Gat Exhibition Hall, where you can see original gats and the intricate hat-making process behind them. Here, visitors can also view various types of gat, along with gannil (horsehair hat making), which has been designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. [National Museum of Korea] Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul ( 137) Operating hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays 10:0018:00 / Wed & Sat 10:0021:00 Contact: +82-2-2077-9000 Website: www.museum.go.kr/MUSEUM [Jeju Gat Exhibition Hall] Address: 1904 Namjo-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju ( 1904) Operating hours: Summer 10:00-18:00 / Winter 10:0017:00 Closed: Sundays and Mondays Inquiries: +82-64-782-8778 Website: www.visitjeju.net 2. Korean Culture Reflected in the Setting Korean Shamanism and Folk Beliefs Nongak (community band music, dance and rituals), a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (Clipart Korea) Village Community Ritual (Getty Images Bank) Huntrixs performance goes beyond mere singing and dancingit is a modern reinterpretation of gut, a traditional Korean shamanic ritual that connects humans with the divine. In a gut, a mudang (shaman) acts as a spiritual mediator, appeasing restless spirits and praying for the communitys well-being through music, dance, and song. It is both a sacred rite and a comprehensive form of cultural expression. The Dangsan tree that appears in the film symbolizes a sacred space. These trees, often located at the entrance or center of a village, are venerated by the local community and believed to guard the area. The strips of obangsaek (five cardinal colors) cloth tied to the tree branches carry deep spiritual meaningthey are believed to ward off misfortune from all directions while inviting blessings and good fortune. Traditional Ritual Implements to Ward Off Evil Saingeom (Korea Military Academy) Shinkal (National Folk Museum of Korea) The Saingeom (Four-Tiger Sword) wielded by the hunter Rumi is a rare blade, said to be forged only once every 60 yearswhen the year, month, day, and hour align in perfect harmony. Engraved with East Asian constellations, it is revered as a powerful symbol of exorcism. Joys Daeshinkal (Blade Wielded in Divine Authority) is a traditional ritual implement used by shamans in gut ceremonies. It is believed to cut away invisible forces of misfortune and malevolent energy. Mira carries a Gokdo (Curved Ritual Blade) with a spiral edge, a ceremonial weapon inspired by swords from Gaya Confederacy, one of Koreas early kingdoms. Traditional crafts imbued with earnest hopes Samjak Norigae (National Museum of Korea) Dancheong of Hyangiram Hermitage (Korea Tourism Organization Photo Korea - Kim Ji-ho) The norigae accessories worn by the members of Huntrix are traditional ornaments that decorates womens hanbok. These accessories also function as amulets, embodying wishes for happiness and prosperity within the household. Their vivid colors and intricate knots are believed to symbolize hopes for longevity, fertility, and wealth. The floral patterns on the stage floor during Huntrixs performance are inspired by dancheong, the colorful decorative painting commonly seen on traditional Korean wooden architecture. Dancheong, a traditional Korean architectural art based on obangsaek enhances the dignity of the structure while protecting its wooden framework. Irworobongdo (Painting of the Sun, Moon, and Five Peaks) (National Palace Museum of Korea) The powerful backdrop behind Huntrixs golden stage features Irworobongdo, a traditional Korean folding screen painting. This piece, commonly placed behind the royal throne during the Joseon dynasty, depicts the sun, the moon, and five mountain peaks. The sun and moon represent the harmony of yin and yang, while the five peaks symbolize the natural cosmic order. One striking feature of the painting is the simultaneous depiction of the sun and moon, arranged in perfectly left-right symmetry. This unique composition is a hallmark of Joseon court artdistinctly Korean and not seen in the palace paintings of China or Japan. Recommended Travel Destinations Gyeongbokgung Palace (Clipart Korea) Bukchon Hanok Village (Clipart Korea) Gyeongbokgung Palace, featured in Jinus flashback scene, was the beopgungthe principal royal palace and spiritual heart of the Joseon dynasty. Today, it remains one of the best places to experience the elegance of dancheong, Koreas colorful traditional architectural painting, and to immerse oneself in Koreas royal court culture. At Geunjeongjeon Hall, once the venue for state ceremonies, visitors can also admire the majestic Irworobongdo. Located between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional Korean houses, or hanok. This charming neighborhood served as the backdrop for the emotional moment in the film when Rumi and Jinu sing together and come to understand each other. Renting a hanbok and strolling through its picturesque alleyways offers an unforgettable glimpse into Koreas traditional charm. [Gyeongbokgung Palace] Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul ( 161) Operating hours: 9:0018:30 Closed: Tuesdays Website: royal.khs.go.kr/gbg [Bukchon Hanok Village] Address: 37 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul ( 37) Operating hours: 10:0017:00 Website: hanok.seoul.go.kr 3. Seoul: Where the Everyday Korean Life Comes Alive Seoul Night View (Clipart Korea) The world of the film isnt confined to myths and legends. Another main character in K-Pop Demon Hunters (2025) is none other than the vibrant, modern city of Seoul. Stepping out of the world of spirits and folklore, we now enter the lively streets where the heartbeat of K-pop resonatesSeoul itself. Namsan Seoul Tower (Seoul Tourism Archive) Naksan Park (Korea Tourism Organization Photo Korea - Lee Geum-seon) Namsan Seoul Tower serves as the setting for the films climactic final performance. While the stage shown in the movie is fictional, the tower is a real-life landmark of Seoul. Visitors can take the cable car up to the tower and enjoy sweeping views of the citya favorite destination for tourists year-round. Naksan Park, where Rumi and Jinu secretly meet, is a hidden gem for enjoying Seouls nighttime skyline. A peaceful stroll along the softly lit fortress wall offers a memorable experience, with the twinkling city lights spread out below. Myeong-dong Street Food (Getty Images Bank) COEX K-pop Square (Gangnam District Office) Myeong-dong, where the SAjA Boys hold a surprise guerrilla performance, is a bustling hotspot for shopping and street food. From tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes) to gyeranppang (egg bread) and tornado potatoes, its the perfect place to soak up the citys vibrant energy while enjoying K-food just like the characters in the film. COEX K-pop Square, where Huntrixs Golden music video was revealed, is a media plaza dedicated to K-pop content. If youre lucky, you might catch one of its signature 3D media art displaysa popular photo spot for visitors to Seoul. [Namsan Seoul Tower] Address: 105 Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul ( 105) Operating hours: 10:00-22:30 Website: www.seoultower.co.kr [Myeong-dong] Address: Myeongdong-gil Area, Jung-gu, Seoul ( ) [Naksan Park] Address: 41 Naksan-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul ( 41) [COEX K-pop Square] Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul ( 513) TIP. Still Haunted by the SAjA Boys? 1. Go Ghost-HuntingK-Style [Korean Folk Village] A living museum that faithfully recreates the daily life and culture of the Joseon dynasty. During the summer, it transforms into Simya Gongpochon, a haunted village experience themed around traditional Korean ghosts. Event period: Ongoing until August 24, 2025 Address: 90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do ( 90) [Baekje Cultural Land] Explore palaces and homes from the ancient Baekje Kingdomthen date to enter Hyeolchon, a chilling horror experience set amid the royal grounds. Pose with Korean ghosts in your rented hanbok for a truly memorable photo. Event period: Ongoing until October 31, 2025 Address: 455 Baekjemun-ro, Gyuam-myeon, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do ( 455) Website: www.bhm.or.kr 2. Visit K-Occult Hotspots in Seoul Experience Spooky Charm in Seoul! 4 K-Occult Hot Spots >> 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 1330 Text Chat: https://m.site.naver.com/1rEid (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian) Comparta este articulo Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, 75, co-founder and historical leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, pleaded guilty on Monday in a federal court in New York to two counts of drug trafficking, money laundering, and weapons use. Zambada, who was accused of 17 charges, acknowledged having led a criminal organization, the Sinaloa Cartel, from 1989 until 2024 and having conspired under the RICO Act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act), given his participation in money laundering, murders, and kidnappings related to drug trafficking. Hence, "El Mayo" avoided being prosecuted in a public trial, but lost his right to revoke the sentence. Judge Brian M. Cogan emphasized that each of the crimes to which Zambada pleaded guilty carries a life sentence, which could be confirmed when the sentence is read on Jan. 13, 2026. ALSO READ: Scandal over congressman and wife violating austerity law in Mexico Judge Cogan added that the US Government valued Zamabadas assets and properties at 15 billion dollars, and established that he would now have to contribute to US justice. In principle, "El Mayo" is expected to provide useful information to US authorities in exchange for prison benefits as a result of a cooperation agreement between the parties. Efe However, Zambada's lead attorney, Frank Perez, denied this hypothesis upon leaving the court. "The agreement that he reached with the US authorities is a matter of public record. It is not a cooperation agreement, and I can state categorically that there is no deal under which he is cooperating with the United States Government or any other government," Perez said. Guilty plea Zambada, in an extensive guilty plea, said the organization he led promoted corruption (...) by paying police, military commanders and politicians. I recognize the great harm illegal drugs have done to the people in the United States and Mexico. I apologize for all of it, and I take responsibility for my actions, he added. "El Mayo" also detailed that he trafficked at least 1,500 tons of cocaine since he began in the world of 'narco' and that these earned him hundreds of millions of dollars each year. ALSO READ: Mexican Army knew about La Familia Michoacanas extortion in the State of Mexico since 2017: Guacama Zambada admitted in court he "directed people under my control to kill others to further the interests of my organization" during the Mexican drug wars of the 1980s and 1990s, and conceded "many innocent people" were killed. The hearing in the New York court lasted around 45 minutes, with about 30 journalists present and dozens of DEA agents and court officials. Zambada was detained in July 2024 after landing at the Santa Teresa airport (New Mexico, USA) in a small plane with Joaquin Guzman Lopez, one of "El Chapo's" sons, who, according to "El Mayo", set a trap for him to take him to the United States and hand him over to the authorities. djh On 25 August Nicaraguan opposition groups such as Union Democratica Renovadora (Unamos) denounced the death in state custody of Mauricio Alonso, an opposition figure abducted on 18 July. End of preview - This article contains approximately 400 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options On 25 August Sebastian Casanello, the Argentine federal judge investigating the alleged bribery case at the national disability agency, Agencia Nacional de Discapacidad (Andis), ordered the sealing of safe deposit boxes associated with the individuals implicated in the case. End of preview - This article contains approximately 362 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options A fire broke out early Sunday in an Areia Preta apartment building, forcing the evacuation of about 60 residents and sending a man in his 50s to the hospital with smoke inhalation, after a faulty power bank reportedly ignited flames in a second-floor unit. Initial investigations indicate the fire may have been caused by a faulty power bank. At around 2 a.m., a female tenant of the unit noticed the fire in her room, immediately called the police for help, and fled the scene. Firefighters arrived to find flames in the room. They used water from nearby buildings and street hoses to extinguish the fire. During the incident, about 60 residents evacuated on their own and waited outside the building in a safe area. After the fire was extinguished, firefighters used a smoke exhaust machine to remove the thick smoke. They then entered the unit to investigate the cause of the fire, which had spread over approximately 90 square feet. Once safety was ensured, firefighters, along with police officers on the scene, began arranging for residents to return to their units. Reports from the scene indicated that one of the rooms had sustained significant damage, with a mattress burned down to its springs and the air conditioner unit also damaged. With product quality of power banks varying widely, mainland China now requires 3C certification for these devices. Authorities urged residents to choose certified products and follow safety guidelines, adding that when charging or powering devices, users should avoid placing power banks on soft surfaces, in humid conditions, or in extreme temperatures. Times Reporter Like this: Like Loading... To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the SAR government launched a month-long themed exhibition yesterday, with Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai emphasizing the opportunity to promote a national spirit centered on patriotism as the One country, two systems policy enters a new stage of development. The exhibition was unveiled at 10 a.m. yesterday morning at Forum Macao and opened to the public at 3 p.m. It will run until September 24. In his opening speech, the Chief Executive reflected on Macaus support during the War of Resistance Against Japan, emphasizing the ongoing exhibition that showcases the close ties between Macau and the Chinese people. He noted that 80 years ago, the Chinese and their global allies displayed extraordinary courage and resolve, enduring fierce battles to secure victory against Japan and fascism. Throughout the 14-year conflict, the people of Macau remained closely connected to the motherland, playing an irreplaceable role and making significant contributions, including forming patriotic organizations and supporting the war effort from the outset of the Mukden Incident. He emphasized that Macaus resistance exemplified both patriotism and international humanitarianism. The photo exhibition was organized to honor historical figures like anti-Japanese pioneer Ye Ting and musicians such as Sinn Sing Hoi, as well as medical staff and young patriots who rushed to the battlefields. We will vigorously promote the national spirit centered on patriotism, targeting the broad masses of Macau compatriots, especially the younger generation. We will continue to organize a series of commemorative activities to [] honor the contributions and sacrifices of our forebears, and transform historical memory into spiritual strength for contemporary people, Sam stated. The victory of the War of Resistance marked a pivotal moment for the Chinese nation, transitioning from suffering to rejuvenation, and it continues to inspire us as we pursue national rejuvenation today. In the face of unprecedented challenges, we must draw strength from that spirit, remain committed to our love for our country and Macau. The exhibition was also inaugurated by Zheng Xincong, director of the Liaison Office of the Central Peoples Government in the Macau Special Administrative Region. In his speech, he emphasized that young people are the hope and future of Macau, serving as a vital force for both the region and the nation. He encouraged them to carry forward the red gene, uphold aspirations for a strong country, bravely embrace the responsibilities of national rejuvenation, and act as builders and successors of the One country, two systems framework. This exhibition is not only a heartfelt reflection on the tumultuous years of the past but also an expression of our commitment to peace. Let us use history as a mirror, look to the future, and fully implement the One country, two systems policy with unwavering determination. We must resolutely safeguard the hard-won peaceful development environment and work together to write a new chapter in the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation in Macau, Zheng stated. He urged all sectors of Macau society to inherit and promote the great spirit of the War of Resistance, leverage the institutional advantages of the One country, two systems policy, firmly safeguard national security and Macaus stability, and focus on economic development and planning to continuously open new prospects for the high-quality development of the One country, two systems cause. Working group established to promote patriotism The Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government has formed a cross-departmental working group under the theme Honoring History, Remembering the Martyrs, Cherishing Peace, and Striving for a Better Future to organize activities for the 80th anniversary of the War of Resistance Against Japan. Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai emphasized that the groups mission is to help residents understand and embody the spirit of the War of Resistance. The initiatives aim to draw on local historical resources, promote patriotism, and inspire the younger generation to align with the motherland for personal and national development. Like this: Like Loading... The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) recently conducted on-site inspections and cleaning campaigns to remove and restore public furniture that had been targeted with hashtag stickers by alleged social media influencers. Responding to the Times inquiry, the IAM said that the bureau has not received any complaints. However, IAM has sent staff to conduct an on-site inspection and remove the stickers as a follow-up, the bureau said in a written response. Although no one has yet been held responsible for the placement of stickers in various public spaces around Macau, including benches, walls, lampposts, and handrails, the IAM reminded the public that Anyone affixing advertisements, stickers, etc. in public places without permission or authorization will be in violation of the relevant regulations in the General Regulations Governing Public Places and the List of Infringements, and will be liable to a fine of MOP600. The bureau also noted that it will continue to strengthen street inspections and handle any offences found in accordance with the law. According to several citizens, social media influencers in Macau recently started a new trend. The trend involves placing stickers with hashtags in locations frequently used for photos by influencers from the mainland, and it is reported on the Chinese social networking and e-commerce platform RedNote. As witnesses who spoke with the Times described, these alleged influencers bring the stickers while traveling to Macau and place them on street benches, walls, and other public spaces. They then use them to take photos and upload them to the popular social media platform to mark down the location or create a check-in point. Local citizens claim that the practice damages public furniture and walls, creates glue residue, and peels paint from public spaces when removal is attempted. In at least one case presented by the Times to the IAM, bureau staff had to scrape off the stickers and then repaint the street bench. Like this: Like Loading... The Macao Chamber of Commerce (ACM) has proposed a series of measures targeting the elderly to the government. According to the ACM, the proposals aim to boost investment in the so-called silver economy, as Macaus population is aging and seniors are playing an increasingly important role in society. In an interview with public broadcaster TDM, U Kin Cho, vice president of the ACM, said the proposals were presented to the government during a recent meeting with Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai as part of preparations for next years Policy Address. It is important to develop a 10-year plan for the silver economy as soon as possible. This plan should outline specific measures for development and recommend that the government establish a silver economy development fund. This fund would encourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop niche products or industries such as home appliances and smart home technologies, helping the elderly adapt to their lifestyles, U said. Another proposal concerns the creation of a reverse mortgage system for the elderly. Additionally, it is hoped that the financial sector will develop flexible mortgage options, ensuring that the elderly have adequate financial security for their retirement, U said. A reverse mortgage is a loan, usually secured by residential property, that enables the borrower to access the propertys value. Unlike a regular mortgage, it does not require monthly repayments; instead, the borrower receives monthly payments from the bank as a form of retirement income. The loan remains valid while the homeowners are alive. When they pass away, their family or heirs may choose either to repay the mortgage and keep the property or transfer it to the bank to settle the debt. This system is in place in several countries and regions, including neighboring Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Insurance Limited (HKMCI), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited, operates the Reverse Mortgage Programme, which allows people aged 55 or above to use their residential properties as security to obtain reverse mortgage loans. Under this program, borrowers can receive monthly payouts over a fixed term or for life. They may also apply for lump-sum payouts to meet personal needs. Generally, repayment is not required during the borrowers lifetime unless the agreement is terminated under specific conditions. When a reverse mortgage is terminated, the property owner (or their representative) can redeem the mortgaged property by repaying the outstanding loan. If not, the lender will sell the property to recover the owed amount. In cases of shortfall, the HKMCI covers the difference through insurance, while any surplus is returned to the property owner (or their representative). Like this: Like Loading... Organized by MGM, the 8th MGM Golden Lion Summer Camp was held from August 13 to 15, marking its first edition in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. Themed Unleashing Youth Potential, the three-day, two-night program combined training activities with site visits to key national livelihood projects, including the BY-HEALTH Transparent Factory and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Industrial Park. According to the gaming operator, the initiative aimed to help young participants explore their potential, expand their social networks, and strengthen their skills. This years camp attracted 200 junior and high school students from over 40 local schools, setting new records for both participation and school representation. Participants engaged in a variety of integrated activities, including outdoor orienteering, team-building exercises, and creative problem-solving challenges. Like this: Like Loading... Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces could start withdrawing from territory they hold in southern Lebanon after the Lebanese cabinets momentous decision earlier this month to work towards the disarmament of the militant group Hezbollah by the end of 2025. Netanyahu said yesterday that if Lebanon takes the necessary steps to disarm Hezbollah, then Israel will respond with reciprocal measures, including a phased reduction of the Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon. Since the Israel-Hezbollah war ended in November 2024 with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, Hezbollah officials have said the group will not discuss its disarmament until Israel withdraws from five hills it controls inside Lebanon and stops almost daily airstrikes that have killed or wounded hundreds of people, most of them Hezbollah members. There was no immediate response by Lebanese authorities to Netanyahus statement. Beirut is under U.S. pressure to disarm the group that recently fought a 14-month war with Israel and was left gravely weakened, with many of its political and military leaders dead. The announcement comes after a visit to Israel by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack, who has been attempting to solidify the ceasefire and to push Lebanon to move ahead with disarmament of Hezbollah. During a visit to Lebanon last week, Barrack said the Lebanese government has done their part and now what we need is for Israel to comply with that equal handshake. Lebanon needs international support to rebuild after last years war, which left large swathes of southern and eastern Lebanon in ruins and caused an estimated $11.1 billion in damages, according to the World Bank. International aid is likely to be contingent on Hezbollah disarming. However, the Lebanese government must move cautiously to avoid an internal explosion of unrest. Naim Kassem, Hezbollahs secretary-general, has vowed to fight efforts to disarm the group by force, sowing fears of civil conflict in the country. Hezbollahs leadership has vowed not to disarm, saying the national governments decisionto remove the Iran-backed groups weapons by the end of the year serves Israels interests. Israel has accused Hezbollah of trying to rebuild its military capabilities, and its military has said the five locations in Lebanon provide vantage points or are located across from communities in northern Israel, where about 60,000 Israelis were displaced during the war. Since the war ended, Hezbollah has withdrawn most of its fighters and weapons from the area along the border with Israel south of the Litani river. The ceasefire agreement it vague how Hezbollahs weapons and military facilities north of the Litani river should be treated, saying Lebanese authorities should dismantle unauthorized facilities starting with the area south of the river. Hezbollah maintains that the deal only covers the area south of the Litani, while Israel and the U.S. say it mandates disarmament of the group throughout Lebanon. A low-level conflict between Israel and Hezbollah started a day after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack against Israel from Gaza, when Hezbollah began launching rockets across the border in support of its Palestinian ally. The conflict escalated into war in September 2024 and left more than 4,000 people dead. MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Amid concerns over escalating demand for hospital rehabilitation services linked to Macaus rapidly aging population, the Health Bureau (SSM) recently announced that in the first half of 2025, waiting times for first-time consultations in physical, occupational, and speech therapy clinics dropped by nearly 50% compared to the same period last year. In a written response to lawmaker Ella Lei, deputy director Kuok Cheong U revealed that outpatient visits to rehabilitation clinics have remained steady at around 10,000 annually. He stated that despite stable patient numbers, the average waiting time for specialist outpatient consultations shortened from about three weeks in early 2024 to approximately 1.6 weeks in the first half of 2025, reflecting significant improvements in service efficiency. Referring to DSECs Macau Population Projection 20222041, Lei warned that demand for these therapies will surge as Macau approaches a super-aged society by 2029. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy professionals play an indispensable role in community health promotion, long-term care, and rehabilitation services, she wrote. The increasing need for rehabilitation is especially critical for elderly individuals recovering from illness or injury, or living with chronic diseases or disabilities. These therapies help patients improve strength, regain confidence, and maintain independence. Inpatient rehabilitation often requires hospital stays ranging from one week to a month, with most patients participating in at least three hours of therapy daily. According to the SSM, Macau currently employs 34 physiotherapists, 35 occupational therapists, and 12 speech therapists across hospital departments, providing approximately 150 rehabilitation beds dedicated to geriatric care. In its response it also stated that subsidized rehabilitation centers add nearly 240 beds to support these services. Community and long-term care facilities, funded by the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS), also contribute to meeting demand. In its response, the bureau noted that these centers employ 36 physiotherapists, 11 occupational therapists, and two speech therapists, serving roughly 3,800 users. To further address future needs, the SSM highlighted that the government is building a 300-bed rehabilitation hospital at the Islands Healthcare Complex Macao Medical Center in Cotai. The SSM wrote, To ensure service quality and efficiency, the SAR government will comprehensively consider the buildings opening schedule, overall medical resource allocation, and the aging population trend, formulating a scientific therapist staffing plan to meet actual needs. Efforts to strengthen workforce capacity have also been accelerated. The bureau said that it has doubled accreditation exams and internships to expedite new graduates entry into rehabilitation professions. It also noted that it recognizes overseas training and offers programs that support continued educational development as well as providing pre-employment guidance. Citing the need for long-term strategic planning, Lei urged authorities to continue optimizing rehabilitation services and workforce development. She recommended that officials optimize Macaus rehabilitation service system as soon as possible, especially formulating mid- to long-term development plans for the reserve of the three types of therapists. In 2024, Macau had 531 registered Category III therapists, with about 50 therapists expected to graduate annually through 2027, which the SSM said would help address human resourcing needs. Like this: Like Loading... The Public Security Police carried out a two-day Thunderbolt operation from Aug. 24 to 25, deploying 37 officers to inspect karaoke bars, hotels, guesthouses, and other venues across Macau. A man suspected of violating foreign labor employment laws was referred to the relevant department for follow-up. Police also conducted random road checks, stopping 37 vehicles and issuing three citations for offenses including carrying a passenger with less than one year of motorcycle driving experience, failing to use headlights, and lacking rearview mirrors. Like this: Like Loading... Strong winds and heavy rain whipped southern Chinas Hainan island and nearby parts of Guangdong province on Sunday, as Typhoon Kajiki passed over open waters to the south and headed toward Vietnams central coast. About 20,000 people were evacuated from potentially hazardous areas ahead of the storm, Chinas official Xinhua News Agency said. Fishing boats returned to port and more than 21,000 crew members came onshore. A short video posted online by Guangdong Radio and Television showed winds snapping off tree branches and heavily rocking a docked boat and sending waves sliding over the pier. Kajiki gained strength as it moved west over the sea with maximum sustained winds of 162 kilometers per hour, Chinas National Meteorological Center said. Rainfall of 25 to 35 centimeters was forecast for southern parts of Hainan island including Sanya, a popular beach resort. Sanya shut down businesses and scenic tourist areas and halted public transportation and shipping, Xinhua said. A social media post by the city urged residents not to go out unless necessary. Kajiki, which can mean spearfish or swordfish in Japanese, was expected to make landfall on Vietnams coast yesterday afternoon. Farmers in the city of Hue were rushing to harvest their rice crops before the arrival of the storm, the official Vietnam News Agency said. Coastal provinces have banned ships from going out to sea starting yesterday and were calling in those already out, the news agency said. Authorities have asked provinces and cities to reinforce dykes, reservoirs and irrigation systems. MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Indonesia and the United States began annual joint military exercises yesterday together with forces from a dozen other countries, as the U.S. pushes its allies to take threats from China more seriously. Hosted by the Indonesian National Armed Forces, this years Super Garuda Shield focused on strengthening regional ties in an increasingly unstable global landscape, said Gen. Tandyo Budi Revita, the militarys Deputy Commander. It serves as a joint exercise where we stand together to respond every challenge quickly and precisely. he said in his speech at kick-off ceremony along with Admiral Samuel Paparo, the Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The exercise has been held annually in Jakarta by U.S. and Indonesian soldiers since 2009. The list of participants expanded since 2022 to include Australia, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Brazil and South Korea, bringing the total number of troops taking part in the drill to 6,500. Paparo said the expanded participants symbolizes a commitment to partnership and to the sovereignty of each country through mutual respect. It represents deterring anyone that would hope to change the facts on the ground using violence with the collective determination of all participants to uphold the principles of sovereignty, Paparo said. Jakarta has expressed concern about what it sees as Chinese encroachment on its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, while maintaining generally positive ties with Beijing. Several Asian countries also sent observers to the 11-day combat exercise in Jakarta and on Sumatra island. They will end on Sept. 4 with a combined live-fire drill. The expanded drills have sparked concern from China, which accused the U.S. of trying to build an Asian NATO to limit Chinas growing military and diplomatic influence in the region. During a recent speech in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegsethcautioned that seeking U.S. military support while relying on Chinese economic support carries risk. Hegseth said Washington has been strengthening an arc of military alliances in the Indo-Pacific to reassure allies alarmed by Beijings increasing military and economic pressure from China and provocative actions in the disputed South China Sea. Despite increased activities by Chinese coast guard vessels and fishing boats in the area have unnerved Jakarta, Indonesia has sought to avoid confrontation and continued economic initiatives with China. Jakartas decision to sidestep the issue is consistent with its longstanding policy of keeping friction with Beijing behind closed doors, especially given the scale of Chinese trade and investment in the Indonesian economy, said Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama, researchers at the Center of Economic and Law Studies or CELIOS. This dual-track diplomacy might seem inconsistent. But for Jakarta, it is strategic. Indonesia is embracing defense diversification, not alignment, said Rakhmat of CELIOS. The country has remained committed to Super Garuda Shield and continued purchasing U.S. and French arms and developing interoperability with Western militaries, he added. In a region defined by rising tensions and great power rivalry, Indonesias refusal to choose sides, at least in defense, might be its strongest asset, Rakhmat said. MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Armed men killed four villagers and left another missing in northeastern Ivory Coast near Burkina Faso, the army said Tuesday. The attack comes amid fears of a spillover of the Sahel regions jihadist insurgencies towards coastal West Africa, with Benin and Togo also experiencing a spike in violence. An attack by unidentified armed men has killed four villagers and left another missing in northeastern Ivory Coast near Burkina Faso, the army said Tuesday, in the West African countrys first such deadly attack since 2021. Ivory Coast shares a border spanning nearly 600 kilometres (around 370 miles) with Burkina Faso, where jihadist groups are active across much of the junta-run country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attack comes as fears grow of a spillover of the Sahel regions jihadist insurgencies towards coastal west Africa, with Benin and Togo also experiencing a spike in violence. Read more54 soldiers killed in suspected Jihadist attack in Benin It took place in the small village of Difita, two kilometres from the Burkinabe border during the night of Sunday to Monday, the Ivorian armys chief of staff, General Lassina Doumbia, said in a statement. The toll is four farmers killed, one resident missing, a woman seriously burnt, he said, adding that several huts had been set on fire and livestock taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contacted by AFP, an Ivorian government source raised the possibility that the assault was a revenge attack targeted at people suspected of bringing support to Burkina Fasos Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland. The civilian volunteer force supports the Burkinabe army deployed in the countrys anti-jihadist fight, and are often accused of rights abuses against civilians. The Ivorian army said it had deployed air and ground troops against the attackers, who fled before the troops arrived. Read moreArmed attack in Niger kills 34 soldiers near Mali border Worrying but under control An attack in northern Ivory Coast in June 2020 left 14 army personnel dead in Kafolo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two soldiers were also killed in March 2021. Clashes between jihadists and Burkina Fasos Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP) can sometimes take place just a few kilometres over the border from Ivory Coast. The Burkina Faso-Ivory Coast frontier is itself poorly marked and porous to the various traffickers who criss-cross between the two countries. Earlier this month, Defence Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara acknowledged that Ivory Coast faced many challenges, including in matters of security. The situation is worrying but under control, he added in an interview with the Fraternite Matin daily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ivory Coast has had tense relations with neighbouring Burkina Faso since a military coup brought Captain Ibrahim Traore to power in the Sahel nation in 2022. Both countries have traded accusations of attempted destabilisation, with Traore blaming Ivory Coast for harbouring his opponents. Burkina Faso has been battling jihadist fighters linked to Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State group for more than a decade. Ivory Coast experienced its first deadly jihadist attack in March 2016, when fighters killed 19 people in an assault on Grand-Bassam, a seaside resort near the economic capital Abidjan. (FRANCE 24 with AFP) The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared Kenya free of sleeping sickness, a fatal parasitic disease transmitted by the tsetse fly. This milestone makes Kenya the 10th African country to eliminate the illness as a public health threat, following decades of surveillance, treatment, and investment in healthcare systems. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus hailed the achievement as a critical step towards eradicating neglected tropical diseases across the continent, praising Kenyas government and communities for their resilience. Sleeping sickness, or human African trypanosomiasis, has long haunted rural populations who depend on farming, fishing, hunting, or livestock. The disease, caused by the parasite *Trypanosoma brucei*, devastates the nervous system, leading to confusion, poor coordination, and disrupted sleep cycles, often proving fatal without treatment. Once a widespread scourge, the illness caused nearly 40,000 reported cases annually in the late 1990s. However, through global partnerships, improved diagnostics, safer therapies, and localised surveillance, cases have fallen dramatically to under 1,000 across Africa each year since 2018. Kenya joins Benin, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Cote dIvoire, Rwanda, Togo, and Uganda in achieving elimination status, contributing to the WHOs goal of ridding the continent of sleeping sickness by 2030. Health Secretary Dr Aden Duale described the validation as a turning point for Kenya, noting that beyond protecting citizens, the elimination of the disease would also foster renewed economic stability and prosperity. Experts emphasise that while some African nations remain vulnerable, Kenyas progress signals a broader continental shift towards defeating one of historys deadliest tropical diseases. 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 COVID-19 is once again climbing to troubling levels in Californiaa worrying trend as health officials attempt to navigate a vaccine landscape thrown into uncertainty by delays and decisions from the Trump administration. Public health departments in Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties have reported jumps in the coronavirus concentrations detected in wastewater in recent weeks. L.A. County has also reported a small increase in patients hospitalized with COVID. "There is a lot of COVID out there," said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at UC San Francisco. "COVID is coming a little bit later than last year." The rate at which COVID lab tests came back positive in L.A. County is 12.6% for the week that ended Aug. 16, up from 7.6% a month earlier. In Orange County, it's 14.4%, up from 8.1%. "We are seeing outpatient cases increase," said Dr. Elizabeth E. Hudson, the regional physician chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California. "With back-to-school season in full swing ... we are expecting to see an uptick in COVID in children over the next few weeks and this is already being seen in some parts of the country." In a blog post, Dr. Matt Willis, former public health officer for Marin County, wrote that "California's in the middle of a COVID-19 wave, and statewide rates are among the highest in the nation." Among senior-age residents in Orange County, emergency room visits for COVID-like illness, as well as hospitalizations for COVID, are also on the upswing, said Dr. Christopher Zimmerman, a physician with the Orange County Health Care Agency's Communicable Disease and Control Division, and Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, the county's health officer. Hudson said the coronavirus subvariant XFG, nicknamed stratus, accounts for the vast majority of variants seen in wastewater. "This is another omicron subvariant, so previous infections with other omicron variants may offer some residual protection, but, as we know, that protection is not complete, so you can certainly be reinfected," Hudson said. It does seem that this summer, the COVID season has been less intense than last year. In L.A. County, for instance, current COVID hospitalizations for the week that ended Aug. 16 are about half the level seen during the same week last year. And in Orange County, emergency room visits related to COVID-like illness are less than half what they were last summer. "Last summer's COVID surge was the largest since 2022, so this year's surge is more on par with our less-severe summer surges," Hudson said. "People are definitely getting COVID this summer, but the intensity is much less than in 2024." The rise in COVID comes as the Trump administration has delayed the rollout of the updated vaccine for the fall. Last year, the federal government had fully green-lighted the annual reformulation of the vaccine by June, in time for a rollout that began in September. This year, however, the Department of Health and Human Services, led by vaccine skeptic Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has in effect delayed the rollout of this fall's COVID shot. "Updated COVID-19 vaccines have been delayed this year due to federal policy changes, and we are awaiting [Food and Drug Administration] licensure of this season's products," the L.A. County Department of Public Health said in a statement to The Times. "This means availability in September may be later than what people experienced last fall." County health officials noted that the FDA could further revise or limit who can get an annual COVID shotas the agency signaled in May"though current evidence continues to show that the vaccines are safe and effective across all ages." The California Department of Public Health also warned that because the federal government hasn't made decisions on licensure approvals and recommendations, "availability and timing of specific COVID-19 vaccine products may be more limited and occur on a later schedule." "We're in an unfortunate limbo, created by an administration that's uncommitted to vaccines, between the slow shutting down of '24'25 vaccine availability and access to the '25'26 version," Willis wrote in the "Your Local Epidemiologist in California" blog. Chin-Hong said that the timing of the vaccine rollout is in such flux and he recommends anyone at risk for severe complications from COVID who hasn't been vaccinated in more than a year to get inoculated now. People at severe risk for COVID illness include those 65 and older, those who have compromised immune systems, those who are pregnant, and all infants and children aged 6 months to 23 months. (Children aged 2 to 5 are also at greater risk for complications from COVID compared with older children.) "If they haven't gotten it in a year, just go ahead, maybe, get it now," Chin-Hong said. "Because also, the vaccine that's being proposed [for this fall] is relatively the same formula as last year. ... It's less important to wait." It might also be easier to get the COVID-19 vaccine now ahead of potential changes in federal recommendations and approvals later this year. Chin-Hong called the delay in formulating a COVID vaccine game plan for this fall "just weird," as "usually in public health, preparation is everything." At this point in previous summers, health officials typically would already be urging people to make plans to get a fall COVID vaccine. But this time around, "Nobody knows details about who's going to be eligible, exactly," Chin-Hong said, except for those aged 65 and up and younger people with chronic health conditions. "We have a whole new discussion, like, 'When is it coming? Who is it going to be eligible for? ... Do kids have to talk to their pediatrician first? Would pharmacists actually allow them to get it? ... Would healthy pregnant people [be able] to get it?'" Chin-Hong said. It's as if officials are talking about a new vaccine and a new illness, but the COVID-19 vaccine has been around for more than four years, Chin-Hong said. But the federal government's treatment of COVID shots is not happening in a vacuum. Kennedy has maligned mRNA vaccine technologythe basis for the most commonly administered COVID shotsand ordered the firing of all 17 experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's influential vaccine advisory committee. One person who will lead a committee to review the safety of COVID vaccines for the CDC has described the shots as "the most failing medical product in the history of medical products," the New York Times reported Friday. COVID-19 vaccinations averted 2.5 million deaths globally from 2020 to 2024, according to a report published in the journal JAMA Health Forum in July. The vaccine-skeptic leadership of Kennedy over the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the FDA and CDC, has prompted such a split in the medical community that mainstream organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics are issuing their own recommendations concerning vaccines. The CDC, for instance, earlier this year asked that parents talk with a health care provider before getting the COVID vaccine for healthy children. That's an extra step parents may need to take to get their children vaccinated, and could end up being a "super big barrier" for vaccination, Chin-Hong said. Previously, the CDC recommended everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID vaccine in the fall. The CDC also recently offered "no guidance" as to whether healthy pregnant women should get the COVID vaccine. On Friday, by contrast, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended that people "receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine or 'booster' at any point during pregnancy, when planning to become pregnant, in the postpartum period, or when lactating." "The COVID-19 vaccines are particularly effective at reducing morbidity from COVID-19 complications in pregnant patients and their infants," the organization said. "Data also supports the benefit of vaccination in reducing pregnancy complications, such as severe maternal morbidity, preterm birth, and stillbirth." And the American Academy of Pediatrics on Aug. 19 recommended that infants and children aged 6 months to 23 months get the updated COVID vaccine, since they "are at high risk." The group also said that children aged 2 and older should be offered the latest COVID vaccine if their parent or guardian wishes. "The COVID vaccine situation is unsettling. ... Differences in guidance from the CDC and other medical professional groups will be challenging for the public," the Orange County communicable disease control team said. 2025 Los Angeles 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: Clinically actionable genomic changes in TNBC from AA women. Donut plots of actionable alterations in TNBC from AA women. Numbers in the plots are percentage of cases classified to each category. a, HRD defined on the basis of germline and somatic mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, and an HRD score 42, which predicts response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. b, Classification of actionable somatic mutations, CNAs or fusion events based on OncoKB database. Level 1, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-recognized biomarker predictive of response to an FDA-approved drug; level 2, standard care biomarkers predictive of response to an FDA-approved drug; level 3a, compelling clinical evidence for the biomarker predictive of response to a drug; level 3b, standard care of investigational biomarker predictive of response to an FDA-approved or investigational drug; level 4, compelling biological evidence for the biomarker predictive of response to a drug. Credit: Nature Genetics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-025-02322-y Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the deadliest breast cancer subtype, disproportionately affects African American womenbut until now, they have been underrepresented in genomic studies aimed at identifying the genetic mutations driving the disease. A study led by researchers at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and collaborating institutions fills that knowledge gap. Song Yao, MD, Ph.D., Professor of Oncology at Roswell Park, is lead author of the study, titled "Mutational Landscape of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in African American Women," which appears in Nature Genetics. Using whole-exome and RNA sequencing, investigators created the largest and most detailed mutational profile of 462 African American women with TNBC and found it was largely similar to that of Asian American and non-Hispanic white women, with no evidence of association with African ancestry. The team found that mutations in the TP53 gene were present in almost all African American TNBC patientsmuch more prevalent than previously realized. "There is a long-standing question in the field of TNBC epidemiology about whether the disproportionately high incidence of TNBC in African American women is a result of different cancer biology or socio-environmental exposures," says Dr. Yao. "Our data do not support major racial differences in TNBC biology at the level of somatic mutations, which are not inherited but acquired by cancer cells during disease development and progression." The researchers also identified two main pathways of disease development in this population. One, occurring more often in younger patients, is related to genetic predisposition and faulty DNA damage repair; the other, found more often in older patients, is related to aging and the effects of obesity. "This is quite fascinating," says Dr. Yao. "We tend to link TNBC with deficiency in DNA damage repair and with younger women, but now we see evidence that aging and obesity may play a role in the development of TNBC as well." This study is a result of close collaboration among investigators at Roswell Park, including Christine Ambrosone, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Population Sciences, and several other institutions, including John Carpten, Ph.D., at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center; Wei Zheng, MD, Ph.D., MPH, at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center; and Julie Palmer, ScD, at Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University. The Bioinformatics team at Roswell Park, headed by Song Liu, Ph.D., MBA, Vice Chair, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, and colleagues Lei Wei, Ph.D., and Qiang Hu, MD, Ph.D., led the bioinformatics analysis of the massive dataset. The study was made possible by pooling resources from the Women's Circle of Health Study (WCHS), the Black Women's Health Study (BWHS) and the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS), with patient volunteers from across the country who donated their time, efforts and samples. More information Song Yao et al, Mutational landscape of triple-negative breast cancer in African American women, Nature Genetics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-025-02322-y Journal information: Nature Genetics Provided by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Trump says he hopes to meet Kim Jong Un this year Xinhua) 08:15, August 26, 2025 WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that he hopes to meet with Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), later this year. Speaking to reporters at the White House during the outset of his meeting with visiting South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Trump said he maintains a "very good relationship" with Kim and looks forward to meeting him again. "I get along with him really well. I think he has a country of great potential, tremendous potential," Trump said. During Trump's first presidential term, he and Kim first met in Singapore in June 2018, marking the first-ever U.S.-DPRK summit. They met again in Hanoi, Vietnam in February 2019, and later that June in the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) 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: Sleep quality in total, good or bad. Credit: GEOME / EPFL Scientists from EPFL and Haute Ecole d'Ingenierie et de Gestion du Canton de Vaud (HEIG-VD), working in partnership with the City of Yverdon-les-Bains, have analyzed the sleep quality of a sample of the city's residents. They discovered that sleep disorders are much more common there than elsewhere in the country. Study participants were asked to complete an online psychometric questionnaire about their sleeping patterns. Some 90% of respondents were found to have diminished sleep quality, while around 15% reported daytime sleepiness. These are just two key findings of the study, published recently in the Journal of Affective Disorders. "These figures should serve as a wake-up call for public health officials," says Philippe Voruz, the study's first author and a postdoc in the Geospatial Molecular Epidemiology (GEOME) research group within EPFL's Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry. "Poor sleep quality can be the result of a broader health condition like depression, or of external factors such as stress, financial worries, air pollution and traffic noise." Voruz, a practicing neuropsychologist, and his colleagues plan to recruit additional study participants in the coming years to flesh out their findings. A nationwide problem According to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP), a third of Swiss residents suffer from sleep disordersa percentage that's been rising steadily for the past 25 years. Chronic insomnia alone costs the country CHF 10 billion per year, and it's just one type of sleep disorder. A study similar to the one in Yverdon-les-Bains was carried out in Geneva Canton between 2021 and 2023 and revealed that 50% to 60% of the population there suffered from sleep deficiency. That study was led by the Geographic Information Research and Analysis in Population Health (GIRAPH) Laboratory, co-founded by Stephane Joost, one of the Yverdon-les-Bains study's authors. Joost is a researcher at the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) Unit of Population Epidemiology and a senior scientist at EPFL. Real vs. perceived sleep quality As part of the Yverdon-les-Bains study, the scientists combined the questionnaire data (which included participants' addresses) with maps of Yverdon-les-Bains in order to identify clusters of sleep disturbances. This showed that the problem is spread across the city and affects all demographic groups. Some neighborhoods were found to have a higher prevalence of sleep disorders than others; these were generally lower-income areas with little public transport and high levels of traffic noise. "Yet the residents of these neighborhoods are the ones who reported having better sleep quality than the others," says Voruz. "They're also those who attest to taking more sleeping pills and who have a longer sleep latency. This suggests there's a gap between perceived sleep quality and the results of more objective measures." The scientists' map provides useful insights for city officials who want to improve the well-being of their residents. It also gives objective evidence that social inequality can lead to a relatively lower quality of life, which can ultimately take its toll on people's health. What's more, the map shows exactly where officials should target efforts to reduce traffic noise and air pollution in order to tackle the problem of poor sleep. Early detection The research team stresses that early detection is crucial to preventing sleep disorders from becoming chronicespecially since chronic sleep disorders are known to increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment. "The next step will be to work closely with Yverdon-les-Bains city officials to hold information sessions and workshops for people in the at-risk neighborhoods we identified," says Voruz. "Then we'll run the survey again, one year later, to see if those measures were effective. There are a lot of misconceptions about what constitutes a good night's sleep. Our goal is to give people the tools to improve their quality of life where it's really needed." A citizen science initiative In addition to participating in this study, Yverdon-les-Bains city officials have taken other proactive measures to improve their residents' well-being. Policymakers began measuring the impact of urban environments on public health in 2019, initially through a regional health evaluation and subsequently through the Urbasan citizen science initiative. Urbasan, developed jointly by EPFL, HEIG-VD, HUG and Unisante, is open to municipal officials who want to address urban health issues. Promoting public health EPFL introduced a new master's program in Urban Systems this year with a possible specialization in "Health and well-being in the urban environment." This specialization teaches students how georeferenced data can be coupled with data on public health and the urban environment to design targeted prevention measureslike those explored in the Yverdon-les-Bains studyand implement them. Self-reported sleep quality The questionnaire used in the study was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a self-assessment form asking participants to evaluate their sleeping patterns over a one-month period. The PSQI is available online for free. The PSQI measures the following seven factors: Subjective sleep quality Sleep latency Sleep duration Habitual sleep efficiency Sleep disorders Use of sleeping pills Daytime dysfunction More information Philippe Voruz et al, Cluster-specific urban contexts associated with high levels of sleep impairment and daytime sleepiness: Findings from the Urbasan collaborative study, Journal of Affective Disorders (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.04.133 Journal information: Journal of Affective Disorders 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. Justice Department has demanded numerous health care providers hand over sensitive records on care provided for young transgender patients, a court filing revealed last week. Twenty-seven states ban most or all gender treatment for minors. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a ban on such care in Tennessee in June. That's the same month, according to The Washington Post, that Children's Hospital of Philadelphia received a subpoena for "every writing or record of whatever type" that its doctors have made on such care dating to January 2020even before hormone therapy, puberty blockers and gender transition had been banned in any state. "The subpoena is a breathtakingly invasive government overreach," Jennifer Levi, senior director of transgender and queer rights at the legal advocacy group GLAD Law, told The Post. "It's specifically and strategically designed to intimidate health care providers and health care institutions into abandoning their patients." In July, Attorney General Pam Bondi said publicly that more than 20 subpoenas had been issued, but would not identify the recipients, what information was being sought or any potential law violations. The aim, she said, was to hold to account "medical professionals and organizations that mutilated children in the service of a warped ideology." Seven people who spoke anonymously to The Post because they feared retribution, said the subpoenas targeted care for patients under age 19. Providers who received them were not only in states where gender care for minors has been banned but also in some where it is legal. The moves suggest federal officials are trying to build a case against providers, alleging they may have violated criminal and civil statutes while providing care that was not illegal in their states. In the subpoenas' wake, more than a dozen hospitals nationwide have ended or scaled back gender transition programs for people under age 19, according to The Post. Most are in blue states. Meanwhile, some doctors who treat young trans patients where the care remains legal are wary they may face prosecution. "Frankly, I'm looking over my shoulder driving home," a Midwestern doctor said, after surrendering a work cellphone to supervisors after their hospital received a subpoena. The Post reported that "dozens of hospitals, doctors and small clinics" contacted by the paper would not say if they had been subpoenaed and that some had received violent threats. Others were fearful of government backlash. The subpoena to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was filed in court by the attorney general of Washington state, Nick Brown. He successfully sued earlier this year over a pair of executive orders from President Donald Trump that aimed to withhold federal funding from institutions that offer gender care to minors. In legal documents, Brown said he added the subpoena to the court record because Trump has "only escalated" his attack on this care since a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction in March. Meanwhile, 16 Democratic state attorneys general filed a lawsuit earlier this month, The Post reported, accusing the administration of unlawfully intimidating providers to end access to care in states where it remains legal. An analysis of gender-affirming care published in JAMA Pediatrics reported that fewer than 3,000 teens across the U.S. receive puberty blockers or hormone treatments. Even fewer undergo gender-transition surgery. Trump administration officials say endorsements of such care from major U.S. medical groups expose youth to permanent body changes they may not be old enough to understand fully. Bondi's chief of staff, Chad Mizelle, said last month that prosecutors would work to thwart what he described as "one of the greatest frauds on the American public." The Justice Department would not comment on its plans. Key medical concepts Hormone Therapy Copyright 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: Overview of experimental design: Nine ISF stimulation conditions with frequencies varying from 3644 Hz in 1 Hz increments were repeated five times in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Within each block, the nine frequency conditions were shown once. The stimulation trials had a duration of 30 seconds and were separated by a three second inter-trial interval. Before and after the RCBD, a 1-minute resting-state baseline was recorded30 seconds with eyes closed and 30 seconds with eyes open. Credit: PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0321633 Researchers have developed a new light technology that appears to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients in clinical trials. The hope is that the idea can be developed into ordinary lamps that people can install to prevent the disease. Researchers at DTU and UC Berkeley, together with spin-out company OptoCeutics, have invented a non-medical form of therapy that can improve brain activity: light-based deep brain stimulation that induces a specific type of brain wave that Alzheimer's patients benefit from. An article on the technology is published in the journal PLOS One. Clinical trials conducted by doctors at Zealand University Hospital in Roskilde have shown a beneficial effect in preliminary studies on people with Alzheimer's where these gamma brain waves were induced: The results suggest that patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's experienced improved cognitive abilities in relation to, e.g., speech and memory. A study involving more participants is underway to confirm the results. DTU Professor Paul Michael Petersen, one of the inventors of the technology, says that the idea for the device is based on research from MIT. Nearly 10 years ago, their research showed that when mice with Alzheimer's were exposed to blinking lights, gamma brain waves were induced, which in turn reduced plaque caused by beta-amyloid proteins in the brain. The brains of Alzheimer's patients are often characterized by the presence of plaque, which is harmful to nerve cells and can cause inflammatory changes in brain tissue. "However, blinking lights are not particularly sound because they can cause discomfort and, in the worst case, epileptic seizures, so we wanted to investigate whether we could achieve the same effect but in a gentler way," Petersen explains. The professor, who is an expert in light, came up with the idea of developing a device that had the same effect as blinking lights, but where users would not detect that the light was blinking. The technology they developed achieves a beneficial effect on the brain while avoiding several negative side effects. Good results The device was first tested on healthy individuals to confirm that it could induce the desired brain waves, and then in trials where people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease spent 30 minutes daily over a period of either six or 12 weeks in front of one of the new light devices or a placebo lamp. In the double-blind clinical trials, neither patients nor doctors knew what type of treatment the Alzheimer's patients were getting. At the conclusion of both the short and long trials, doctors were able to detect an improvement in cognitive functioni.e., the ability to perform tests that indicate brain problemsamong patients who used the newly developed light technology. Scans also revealed that the brains of those who received the active treatment in the longer trial showed signs of improvement. "In the patients who were given the placebo lamp, that part of the brain deteriorated, while we actually saw a small increase in volume in those who used an active lamp," Petersen says. Many factors can affect the cognitive abilities of Alzheimer's patients. OptoCeutics is therefore now conducting a much larger study to document the effect of using the device on patients. Stronger clinical evidence could pave the way for the devices, which are already on the market, to be marketed and sold to more hospitals and clinics working with Alzheimer's disease. Great potential The professor is eagerly awaiting the results of the ongoing trial. "If we can stimulate patients' brains so they avoid secondary diseases and see an improvement in their daily lives by reducing the consequences of losing their memory and not being able to orient themselves or speak, then that's huge!" he says. In the long term, Petersen envisions that the idea behind the device could be further developed and become an alternative to ordinary light sources that people can use as a preventive measure in their homes. "And perhaps it could be particularly relevant in retirement homes, where dementia is so prevalent." Inclusive innovation The Danish-American partnership was established during DTU Professor Jes Broeng's stay at UC Berkeley in 2017, where the innovation expert established a connection between brain researchers there and light experts at DTU. "Jes Broeng contacted me, and we quickly developed the idea together and decided to submit a joint patent application and quickly verify whether the idea was viable," Petersen says. The first electrical circuit using new LED technology, from which the light device originated, was developed that same year during a three-week course by Marcus Carstensen, who was a master's student at the time. He has since helped to further develop the light deviceinitially in his master's project and then as a Ph.D. student at DTU Electro. Today, he is Chief Technology Officer at OptoCeutics. "Marcus was an incredibly talented DTU student, and he quickly advanced the technology. In fact, this is a really good example of how DTU's technical knowledge can be of benefit to society and why young engineers and students are so important and can make such a big difference," Petersen says. About Alzheimer's Dementia is the fourth leading cause of death in Denmark and Alzheimer's disease is by far the most common form of dementia. Yet there are still only a few drugs available to treat Alzheimer's, and they only have a temporary stabilizing effect on the disease. The Danish Dementia Research Center estimates the number of elderly people in Denmark diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease to be about 25,000. In most cases, the disease is not hereditary but occurs without any known cause. More information Mark Alexander Henney et al, Re-evaluating the choice of gamma stimulation frequency for the potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Novel invisible spectral flicker evokes gamma responses at various frequencies, PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0321633 Journal information: PLoS ONE PNN Dubai [UAE], August 26: With over two decades in marketing and advertising, Neel Pandya has navigated the industry from multiple vantage points as a brand marketer, media leader, and tech CEO. His journey spans leadership roles at L'Oreal, Vodafone, and GroupM (Unilever), and most recently as CEO of Pixis, where he capitalised on the early wave of AI to scale the company to a $225M-funded global brand. Recognized as a 'Top Global Inspirational Leader' and 'Most Powerful Influencer', Pandya has also headed the Society of Advertisers' Media Forum, further solidifying his influence in the domain. Now, Neel is riding the next dual wave of transformation - Agentic AI and Climate Tech - to build a solution modern CMOs truly need. As Founder & Global CEO of Climaty AI, he is addressing the very challenges he encountered during his marketing stints, delivering a SaaS platform that blends carbon responsibility and high-performing media campaigns. "After years of working on performance optimization via global brands, agencies, and AI platforms, I felt a responsibility to lead the next critical shift where marketing intelligence integrates environmental impact," said Neel. "I believe the future of marketing lies in AI-powered automation, measurable outcomes, and purpose." Unlike point solutions or ESG add-ons, Climaty AI delivers the industry's first end-to-end CliMarTech stack that combines: - Cross-Media Carbon Intelligence: The world's first engine to measure ad emissions across all media touchpoints and recommend AI-driven strategies to cut footprints substantially. - Agentic AI Suite: Autonomous AI agents that streamline workflows, personalize creatives, deliver real-time intelligence, and drive continuous optimization. - Programmatic+: Premium, MFA-free inventory with direct publisher deals and carbon-aware bidding. - Ad Net Zero Pathway: Offsets emissions via verified carbon credit projects. With operations launching across APAC, GCC, EU, UK, and North America, Climaty AI aims to become the default climate layer for all media decisions. "Climaty AI is the answer to every CMO asking, 'How do I grow responsibly?' With Agentic AI at the core and sustainability at the heart, we're not just solving problems but re-engineering the operating system of modern marketing." About Climaty AI Climaty AI is a global marketing and climate-tech company helping marketers run smarter, more responsible campaigns. Its platform combines automation, media buying tools, and built-in carbon tracking, so brands can drive results while monitoring environmental impact. Website: climaty.ai Media Contact: Ethan@climaty.ai (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) VMPL New Delhi [India], August 26: In the sanctified atmosphere of the NSCI Dome, Worli, Mumbai, seekers from across the globe have gathered to immerse themselves in the sacred tide of Paryushan Mahaparva 2025. This most venerated festival of the Jain tradition commenced on 20th August, and over the course of eight transformative days, it is uniting aspirants in a profound journey of devotion, reflection, and inner elevation. With the blessings of Param Krupalu Dev and under the compassionate guidance of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, each dawn and dusk is unfolding as an opportunity to nurture the soul, deepen scriptural understanding, and rejoice in the eternal glory of Dharma. Sacred Mornings Every morning begins with the Snatra Puja at 7:30 am, a puja that commemorates the auspicious birth of Tirthankar Bhagwan. To stand amidst a sea of devotees counting above 8000, watching the rituals unfold with puja and heartfelt devotion, is to feel time dissolve into something eternal. On each day so far, the hall resonates with chants that rise like waves, washing over the assembly with reverence and joy. From 8:30 to 10:00 am, the mornings carry seekers into the profound depth of Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji's discourses on the Natak Samaysaar - Samvar Dwar. This timeless composition by Shri Banarasidasji, where the nine fundamentals of Jainism converse with the soul as the central figure, feels alive in the Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji's voice. Evenings of Devotion and Celebration As dusk descends, the Dome transforms again, this time into a stage of devotion, creativity, and celebration. The evenings begin with a special cultural presentation from 7:30 to 8:30 pm, followed by Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji's discourses. These sessions beautifully weave together expressions of bhakti and deep spiritual insight. * On Day 1, the evening commenced with Vadhaviye Paryushan Mahaparva, a melodious offering that sang the glory of Jainism. * Day 2 gifted us with a captivating drama, Ek Atmarasi ki Anokhi Kahani, based on the life of Pandit Banarasidasji, the very author of Natak Samaysaar. The play transported seekers into another era, where courage, intellect, and devotion coexisted in perfect balance. * On Day 3, anticipation was fulfilled as the children of Shrimad Rajchandra Divinetouch offered Galaxy of Grace. Their innocence, coupled with heartfelt devotion, touched every soul present. The simplicity of their expression carried a power beyond words, reminding all that the light of faith shines brightest in pure hearts. * On day 4, the evening celebration unfolded as Vidyatman - A New Era of Education with Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care. The atmosphere was alive with anticipation, and seekers witnessed a unique offering that highlighted the power of education to uplift lives. * On day 5, seekers witnessed a celebration of extraordinary significance: the Janmotsav of Bhagwan Mahavir. As evening approached, seekers embraced the sanctified moment when Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji gently rocked the divine cradle, filling the place with an atmosphere of joy and reverence. The sacred cradle's rope was then passed through the seekers, allowing each devotee to hold it and share in this profound ritual, weaving together a collective bond of devotion and unity. * And now, on Day 6, the celebration turns inward through "Jayveeray Sutra Parayan". This evening invites seekers into a prayerful atmosphere, a gentle space to reflect, recite, and immerse in the spirit of devotion. Every cultural presentation so far has carried devotion in its own way, and tonight blossoms as a serene jewel of the Paryushan Mahaparv, guiding hearts into the depth of feeling and the stillness of true inner worship. Pravachans Guiding the Soul Each evening, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji's discourses based on the writing of Shrimad Rajchandraji, titled "Cure the Disease of Transmigration", have been no less impactful. On Day 1, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji revealed the "Dharma of the Dispassionate," urging seekers to rise above attachments and taste the purity of detachment. On Day 2, the Pravachan illuminated the "Peaceful and Blissful Dharma," showing how inner calm naturally blossoms when one walks the path of truth. On Day 3, His wisdom revolved around the "Two Essential Factors - Upadan and Nimitt", helping seekers recognise how The Guru's grace and personal effort work hand in hand on the path of liberation. On Day 4, seekers gathered with deep anticipation for the discourse on The Glory of Satsang. The evening became a soulful reminder of how the company of the enlightened nurtures wisdom, strengthens faith, and transforms lives. On Day 5, seekers gathered to absorb the discourse on Determining the Supreme Essence. The evening offered clarity on how to discern what is truly lasting amidst life's fleeting experiences. Now, as Day 6 dawns, attention turns to the theme of Suffering of Worldliness. The days ahead hold yet more treasures: * Day 7 - Let Go of Lethargy * Day 8 - Importance of the Guru's Command Witnessing Grace in Action What is most touching over these four days is the atmosphere itself that has an air of purity, devotion, and shared reverence. Every seeker, whether seasoned or new, seems carried by the same current of grace. It feels as though this Paryushan Mahaparv is not just being celebrated, but truly lived. As devotees await tonight's cultural presentation and Pravachan, they are reminded that Paryushan is far more than an annual festival. It is a mirror, held gently before the soul, urging one to see beyond the world's distractions and to rediscover what lies within. This is only Day 6, and two sacred days still lie ahead. There is yet a chance for every seeker, whether Jain or from any path, to step into this atmosphere of grace. If you are searching for an impetus to your inner journey, this Paryushan Mahaparv is for you. Words can only point the way, as the true essence lies in experiencing it yourself. (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) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that the Government of India will conduct the sale (re-issue) of two dated securities aggregating Rs 32,000 crore through auctions scheduled for August 29, 2025. According to a press release on Monday, the notified amount will be equally divided between two securities, of 6.68 per cent Government Security (GS) 2040 and 6.90 per cent GS 2065, each worth Rs 16,000 crore. The settlement date for the auction is September 1, 2025. The central bank stated that the government will have the option to retain additional subscriptions of up to Rs 2,000 crore against both securities. The auction will be conducted by the RBI Mumbai Office using the multiple price method. "Both competitive and non-competitive bids for the auction should be submitted electronically on the RBI's Core Banking Solution (e-Kuber) system on August 29, 2025," the statement said. Non-competitive bids can be submitted between 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., while competitive bids can be placed until 11:30 a.m. Results will be announced the same day, and successful bidders to make payments by September 1, 2025. Underwriting of the Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) portion can be undertaken by primary dealers, with bids to be submitted between 09:00 a.m. and 09:30 a.m. on the same day through the e-Kuber system. The central bank further informed that the stocks will be eligible for "When Issued" trading from August 26 to August 29, 2025, in line with existing guidelines. Investors can participate through both competitive bidding and the non-competitive bidding facility, which reserves up to 5 per cent of the notified amount for eligible individuals and institutions. The minimum bid size for the auction will be Rs 10,000 and in multiples thereof. Individual investors can also participate in the non-competitive segment through the RBI's Retail Direct portal. The successful bids under the non-competitive segment will be allotted at the weighted average rate of yield or price emerging from the competitive auction. (ANI) BusinessWire India Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 26: The Habitats Trust (THT) today announced the recipients of its eighth edition of The Habitats Trust Grants, awarding INR 3.8 crore- the largest private funding of its kind- to eight conservation projects across India. The grants focus on protecting lesser-known species and critical habitats, and for the first time, include the THT Research Grant to support interdisciplinary research combining ecological, social, and technological approaches. Since its inception in 2018, the THT Grants programme has supported over 31 projects across 25 States and UTs, disbursing more than INR 12.93 crore. Projects funded have included species recovery, habitat restoration, applied research, and community-led conservation. Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Founder and Trustee, The Habitats Trust, said, "The ecological security of our nation depends not only on charismatic species, but more importantly on lesser-known species and fragile habitats that often remain overlooked. Through THT Grants, we seek to advance the conservation of these critical yet neglected components of biodiversity, while strengthening and supporting grassroots organisations that are instrumental in this endeavour, ensuring a resilient future for India's natural heritage." Rushikesh Chavan, Director, The Habitats Trust, said, "India's conservation challenges increasingly require science-led, interdisciplinary solutions. From the Tibetan Sand Fox of the Trans-Himalayas to community-managed forests in Assam, the THT Grants continue to support overlooked species and habitats, while our new Research Grant enables practitioners to bridge critical knowledge gaps and translate them into on-ground action." 2025 Grant Categories and Recipients THT Conservation Grant - Supports organisations addressing India's conservation challenges, with a focus on lesser-known species and critical habitats. * Grameen Sahara (Assam) - To strengthen governance and management of 10,000 hectares of community forests in Assam through Community Conserved Areas (CCAs). * HUME Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology (Western Ghats, Kerala) - Conserving the endemic Banasura Laughingthrush through community-led action. THT Action Grant - Supports urgent, on-ground projects for lesser-known species and habitats requiring immediate intervention. * Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (Kanchenjunga Landscape) - Scaling up conservation of critically endangered Chinese Pangolins. * Bryan Miranda (Goa & Chennai coast) - Mapping habitats of critically endangered Guitarfish. * Noel Giri (Darjeeling) - Conservation of Himalayan Salamander. * Sunil Harsana (Delhi NCR) - Studying Striped Hyenas in Aravalli Hills, a critical wildlife corridor. THT Research Grant (New in 2025) - Supports interdisciplinary research that informs on-ground conservation action strategies. * Coastal Conservation Foundation (Mumbai) - Developing a conservation framework for Indian Ocean humpback dolphin. * Wildlife Institute of India (Trans-Himalayas) - First-ever study on the ecology of the Tibetan Sand Fox. This year, THT received 119 applications of which 36 were shortlisted and field-evaluated of which 12 were presented to the Jury, through a rigorous four-stage evaluation process assessing relevance, scalability, sustainability, and measurable impact. The jury comprised - * Bahar Dutt - Wildlife biologist & environmental journalist * Brian Heath - Founder & CEO, Mara Conservancy, Kenya * Dr. M. K. Ranjitsinh - Wildlife expert & architect of India's Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 * Roshni Nadar Malhotra - Chairperson, HCLTech, and Founder & Trustee, The Habitats Trust The 2025 grants reaffirm The Habitats Trust's commitment to addressing India's most pressing and underfunded conservation priorities. By combining immediate on-ground action with research-driven insight, THT aims to create scalable, sustainable solutions that protect biodiversity while empowering local communities and conservation practitioners (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 26: L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Limited, one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in the country, has forged a partnership with Google Pay to offer Personal Loan products to its eligible users through its Google Pay platform. This partnership is in line with LTF's product diversification strategy and makes credit more accessible for consumers in a fast, seamless, and digital manner. Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Sudipta Roy, Managing Director & CEO, L&T Finance Ltd., said, "The future of financial services is about creating powerful, customer-centric ecosystems. Through our collaboration with Google Pay, we are fundamentally enhancing our ability to serve the Indian consumer. We are embedding our financial products into high-engagement ecosystems, creating a distribution model that is not only efficient but also perfectly aligned with contemporary consumer expectations." Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Manish Kumar Gupta, Chief Executive - Urban Unsecured Assets, Payments & Digital Partnerships at L&T Finance Ltd., said, "Our partnership with Google Pay is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts of becoming a digitally native lender. At LTF, our focus is on leveraging technology to serve our customers' needs. Google Pay's wide user base in urban and rural alike would help in aligning with our Company's Lakshya strategy of enhancing customer acquisition. We are confident that this synergy will help us strengthen our position in the Personal Loans landscape." In the financial year 2025 (FY25), LTF had announced partnerships with fintech platforms- PhonePe, CRED, and Amazon Pay. LTF's customer-focused approach and partnerships with customer acquisition channels have driven the growth of its Personal Loans business. Its book size grew a notable 41% year-on-year to Rs 9,383 Crore during the first quarter ended June 30, 2025 (Q1FY26), while disbursements for the quarter reached Rs. 1,942 Crore, a growth of 65%. LTF's Personal Loans business is expected to continue growing, fuelled by various factors such as partnerships and collaborations, expansion into new geographies, and customer retention, among others. This collaboration brings together LTF's financial expertise with Google Pay's extensive reach and user-friendly interface, enabling customers to access simple and reliable credit solutions tailored to their unique needs. The synergy is poised to not only enhance convenience but also play a pivotal role in advancing digital financial inclusion across India, empowering consumers to fulfil their financial aspirations with responsible credit. L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) ( www.LTFINANCE.com ) formerly known as L&T Finance Holdings Ltd., (LTFH) is a leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), offering a range of financial products and services. Headquartered in Mumbai, the Company has been rated 'AAA' -- the highest credit rating for NBFCs -- by four leading rating agencies. It has also received leadership scores and ratings by global and national Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating providers for its sustainability performance. The Company has been certified as a Great Place To Work and has also won many prestigious awards for its flagship CSR project - "Digital Sakhi"- which focuses on women's empowerment and digital and financial inclusion. Under Right to Win, being in the 'right businesses' has helped the Company become one of the leading financiers in key Retail products. The Company is focused on creating a top-class, digitally enabled, Retail finance company as part of the Lakshya 2026 plan. The goal is to move the emphasis from product focus to customer focus and establish a robust Retail portfolio with quality assets, thus creating a Fintech@Scale while keeping ESG at the core. Fintech@Scale is one of the pillars of the Company's strategic roadmap - Lakshya 2026. The Company has over 2.6 Crore customer database, which is being leveraged to cross-sell, up-sell, and identify new customers. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LnTFS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lntfinance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lntfinance/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ltfinance X: https://x.com/LnTFinance (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) VMPL New Delhi [India], August 26: For a long time, Indian companies have gravitated toward global enterprise software brands, often assuming their size and reputation automatically guarantee superior results. That perception is shifting. In the last ten years, Indian enterprise software companies have undergone a remarkable evolution--delivering capabilities on par with, and in some areas surpassing, those of global players, especially in addressing the distinct operational and regulatory demands of the Indian market. The real question today is not whether a product is foreign or Indian, but whether it is the right fit--capable of delivering measurable business outcomes, adapting quickly to change, and offering sustained value over time. Local Context, Global Standards India's business environment is a complex mix: supply chains that stretch from metros to remote towns, diverse compliance rules across states, multiple languages in daily operations, and the need for mobile-first tools that work even in low-connectivity regions. Many global platforms were designed for markets with uniform regulations and stable infrastructure. Adapting them to India's operational diversity can be expensive, slow, and sometimes incomplete. Indian enterprise software, on the other hand, is purpose-built for this environment from the ground up--factoring in GST rules, e-invoicing, state-specific taxes, and local labour laws as standard features rather than costly customisations. Eazy Business Solutions, for example, offers an integrated suite--ERP, CRM, Distribution Management, payroll, asset tracking, and sector-specific applications--built to handle these variations effortlessly while maintaining global-quality performance. Future-Proofing Through Agility Regulatory and compliance requirements in India can shift with little notice. A system that takes months to adjust risks leaving businesses exposed or scrambling for temporary fixes. Indian-built platforms tend to be far more responsive to these changes. Development teams follow local policy updates closely, delivering quick, seamless updates that keep operations compliant without workflow disruption. For manufacturers, distributors, and MSMEs, this agility can be the difference between smooth continuity and costly downtime. Support That Works at Your Speed The strength of any enterprise solution isn't just in its code--it's in the support behind it. International vendors often operate with limited on-ground presence in India, meaning service requests can take longer to resolve. Indian providers are embedded in the same market as their customers, with teams that understand both the urgency of a production-line delay and the nuances of sector-specific requirements. The result is faster resolutions, smoother rollouts, and higher adoption rates among end-users. The Business Case for Choosing Indian Selecting an Indian enterprise platform is not about turning away from global brands--it's about choosing the option that delivers the best operational fit. That means: - Alignment with Indian compliance and industry practices. - Rapid adaptability to changes. - Accessible customer support. - Strong functionality at competitive pricing. Yes, these choices also strengthen India's tech ecosystem and reduce over-dependence on imported products. But that's a positive side effect, not the driving reason for adoption. Competitive Advantage in the Digital Age India's growth story will increasingly be shaped by how well businesses harness technology. Operational agility, regulatory readiness, and customer responsiveness will determine which companies thrive in competitive markets. Today's Indian enterprise software can deliver the scale, security, and sophistication once associated only with global products--while offering an unmatched understanding of local needs. The smartest decision is no longer about "buying global" or "buying local." It's about buying what works best for your business. About Author Kunal Singhal - Founder & Managing Director, Eazy Business SolutionsKunal Singhal is the Founder & MD of Eazy Business Solutions, a leading Indian enterprise software company transforming how manufacturing and distribution-led businesses operate. A Chartered Accountant turned tech entrepreneur, he launched India's first Tally-integrated ERP in 2007 and has since scaled Eazy into a unified ERP-DMS-SFA platform serving 650+ clients across India, Africa, and the Middle East. A strong advocate of "Make in India" software, Kunal blends business acumen with technical expertise to build intelligent, multilingual, and AI-powered solutions for real business challenges. (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) NewsVoir Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], August 26: Wibmo, a PayU company, has been recognized as a Category Leader in the prestigious Chartis RiskTech Quadrant 2025 for both Fraud Platforms and Payment Fraud Solutions. This recognition reflects Wibmo's robustness in safeguarding the digital payments ecosystem and sharp focus on innovation. The Chartis RiskTech Quadrant, widely regarded as a trusted guide for decision-makers in financial risk and technology, evaluates solution providers based on completeness of offering and market potential. Being featured among the leaders in this space signals not just technological capability but also strategic relevance and proven market success. Wibmo's flagship Trident FRM has been setting the gold standard for next-generation fraud risk management. Trusted by major banks and institutions across global markets, Trident delivers intelligent protection without compromising speed or user experience. Capabilities & Performance Highlights - AI-powered behavioral analytics and anomaly detection: continuously evolving models that catch fraud patterns early while enhancing customer experience through accurate fraud detection with minimal false positives - Fast Sub-100ms response times: real-time protection that maintains seamless customer journeys without transaction delays - Comprehensive Cross-channel fraud protection: coverage for acquiring, issuing, and banking channels across financial and non-financial transaction fraud types across cards, digital payments, and wallets - Real-time hyper-scale processing: handles millions of transactions monthly with minimal latency - Regulatory compliance framework: configurable compliance tools with automated reporting capabilities and comprehensive audit trails to support adherence to applicable financial regulations - Powerful Zero-code agility: In-built fraud prevention intelligence, DIY Rule Builder enabling instant threat response while streamlining risk operations and compliance workflows "As reflected in our latest anti-fraud quadrants, Wibmo has emerged as a strong contender in the areas of payment fraud and platforms," said Sid Dash, Chief Researcher at Chartis. "It has achieved this with a solution that offers exceptional scalability and real-time response, alongside multichannel support and - a key strategic theme - advanced modelling capabilities (including no-code extendibility)." Shailesh Paul, CEO of Wibmo, said, "We're proud to be featured as a Category Leader for Fraud Platforms and Payment Fraud Solutions in this year's Chartis RiskTech Quadrants. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to building scalable, data-driven, intelligent and adaptive fraud prevention tools. Wibmo's Trident FRM is future ready - empowering financial institutions to stay one step ahead in an ever-changing threat landscape." You can access the full Chartis RiskTech Quadrant report here. For more details on how Trident FRM is transforming fraud detection, visit www.wibmo.co. Wibmo, a PayU company, operates across entities in India, the US, and Indonesia. As a global full-stack PayTech company and an industry leader in payment security and digital payments in emerging markets, Wibmo stands out for its innovation and impact. In addition to being India's largest authentication service provider in one of the leading digital payment markets globally, Wibmo offers comprehensive fraud and risk management solutions, digital financial services, prepaid solutions, and a broad range of merchant-acquiring services. We proudly collaborate with 200+ banks across 30+ countries. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], August 26: Choosing to move to a new country is a significant and thrilling step for anyone chasing their dreams, but the process can also feel exhausting and overwhelming at the same time. That's why having trusted visa consultancy by your side is so important -- so people can have someone to handle every part of the process. At the same time, they focus on packing bags, planning a new life, and making the most of this incredible opportunity without wasting any time. Here, Aptech Global Immigration Services Pvt. Ltd., also known as Aptech Visa, steps in as your reliable source. It reaffirms its reputation as a reliable, trustworthy, transparent and effortless immigration consultancy. Aptech Visa has earned recognition as one of the best immigration consultants with a proud reputation. Whether it's an individual, a family, or a corporate firm, anyone who reaches out to Aptech Visa receives comprehensive care for their immigration procedure, with full assistance, and is handled by the experts. Monika Thapak, Aptech visa India's Leading Immigration Consultants Transforming Global Aspirations into Reality Aptech Visa stands out with a legacy of thousands of victorious applications, ICCRC-competitive consultants, and client-oriented solutions. Aptech Visa strives to set new benchmarks in the global immigration sector. It has firmly established its place as a trusted authority for various countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many more. 1) Delivering excellence in Immigration consulting: Aptech Visa was founded with a great mission and a very powerful vision, which has given this company the wings to fly higher and reach new heights in the immigration industry. Aptech Visa is a trusted name for the clients who are aiming for permanent residency, Dependent family Visas (spouse, parents and children visas) and visitor or Tourist visas, many more. Nothing has ever stopped Aptech Visa from following its principles by helping clients to achieve their immigration goals. 2) History of solving the unsolved cases: Aptech Visa likes challenging and complex cases and has the strength to solve them. If the Aptech Visa can't solve it, nobody can. Mr. Yogesh Shukla firmly believes that, "Our 98% success rate is a testament to our commitment and the trust our clients place in us". The company's exceptional and brilliant in-depth knowledge is the reason it has been the first choice without a second thought. The company ensures that every client receives the best care & up-to-date guidance. Weather is an absolute null case. Just rely on the Aptech Visa. This company always has some good news for their clients. 3) Understanding the Growing Demand for Migration: Here are some facts that people would like to check and ease their minds, so that they can make decisions wisely. According to United Nations records, over 281 million people worldwide live outside their nation of birth, highlighting the growing importance of trustworthy immigration services. * Canada's enterprising plan to include nearly 1.5 million immigrants by 2026 and * Australia's annual target of 190,000 permanent migrants. Possibilities for skilled specialists and families eager to build a brighter future abroad. As the largest migration globally, millions of Indian people look for better futures abroad, and Aptech Visa, among the immigration consultants, is committed to supporting them in achieving those goals with expert guidance. Mr. Shukla Says: "Immigration is more than paperwork; it's a life-changing decision." "At Aptech Visa, we direct our clients with compassion, accuracy, and professionalism. We understand that every profile is uncommon, and that's why our professionals take the time to evaluate each case positively and deliver tailor-made solutions." 4) A Client-Centric Technique That Delivers Results : Aptech Visa Consultancy follows the principles of complete transparency -- from eligibility assessment to application submission. Their practice focuses on proven methods, ensuring that clients are never left in the dark. Personalised case managers provide frequent updates, and clients can monitor their application status at every step. 5) Company Commitment: "Aptech Visa is not just a consultancy; it's a partner in every immigrant's journey. Our goal is to make the complex straightforward, providing clarity, integrity, and success." Aptech Visa. This statement may seem simple, but it holds more significance and promise than you might realise. Trust the process & techniques of Aptech Visa and see the results without delay. Why Choose Aptech Visa as Your immigration consultant to Turn Immigration Dreams into Reality * High Success Rate -- A track record of 98% success in securing visas across categories speaks to Aptech Visa's excellence and reliability. * Personalised Recommendation -- Custom scenarios for every profile, whether an IT professional, healthcare worker, engineer, or student. * Smart Technology -- A modern online platform for document uploads, status tracking & real-time updates. * Pan-India Reach -- With headquarters in New Delhi and services available across India & Globe, Aptech Visa serves clients nationwide. * Affordable & Transparent Fees -- Clear, genuine pricing without hidden costs, helping clients budget effectively. Aptech visa - as an Immigration consultancy, Comprehensive Services Easy, Reliable & Clear Guidance for Your Immigration Journey Aptech Visa's team of certified consultants offers a complete suite of immigration services, including: * Canada Immigration -- Specialising in Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Family visas, Visitor visas, Tourist visas. * Australia Immigration -- Expert guidance for 189 visa Australia, 190 visa Australia, 491 (Regional), family visas, skill assessment, and visitor visas procedures. * New Zealand Immigration -- Comprehensive support for Skilled Migrant Category visas, family reunification, and visitor visas. * Schengen / UK/USA visas -- Helping families or facilitating travellers to explore Europe, UK, USA visas. Aptech Visa works with many clients at a time, and each case is carefully handled by skilled professionals who plan everything based on the client's education, work background, and immigration purposes. That makes Aptech Visa a one-stop destination for aspiring immigrants. So, let Aptech Visa take care of your immigration journey, and make it successful in every way. For more information, please contact us at +91-7503832132, email us at info@aptechvisa.com, or visit our success stories here. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) States and Union Territories mobilized Rs 28,892 crore through the auction of State Government Securities (SGS) on Tuesday, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). However, the total notified amount for the auction was Rs 34,150 crore, but bids worth nearly Rs 5,258 crore were not accepted.RBI's auction results showed major contributions from states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, and West Bengal, while Maharashtra refrained from accepting any bids in its four proposed issuances.Madhya Pradesh raised Rs 4,800 crore through two issuances, of Rs 2,300 crore at a cut-off yield of 7.57 per cent for an 18-year tenor and Rs 2,500 crore at the same yield for a 20-year tenor.Rajasthan raised Rs 5,000 crore across three securities of Rs 2,000 crore at 7.49 per cent for 10 years, Rs 1,500 crore at 7.57 per cent for 18 years, and Rs 1,500 crore at 7.54 per cent for 28 years, the longest tenor in the auction.Haryana accepted Rs 2,000 crore in two segments, including a fresh 14-year issuance at 7.52 per cent and a re-issue of 8.44 per cent Haryana SDL 2034 at a price of Rs 106.22 and a yield of 7.4409 per cent. Kerala raised Rs 1,988 crore, with Rs 988.007 crore accepted for 8-year securities at 7.52 per cent and Rs 1,000 crore for 25-year securities at 7.58 per cent.West Bengal borrowed Rs 3,500 crore, accepting Rs 2,000 crore at 7.77 per cent for 21 years and Rs 1,500 crore at 7.75 per cent for 22 years, among the higher yields in this auction.However, Maharashtra did not accept any bids in the proposed 4-year, 8-year, 9-year, and 10-year securities. Tamil Nadu raised Rs 3,000 crore through three tranches of Rs 1,000 crore each in 4-year (6.84 per cent), 6-year (7 per cent), and a re-issue of 2035 bonds at a yield of 7.3112 per cent. Telangana accepted Rs 2,000 crore through longer tenors of 26-year, 28-year, and 30-year securities, all priced at 7.54 per cent.Other notable borrowers were Gujarat, which raised Rs 2,000 crore at 7.25 per cent for 9 years, while Odisha borrowed Rs 1,000 crore at 7.5 per cent for an 8-year tenor. Punjab accepted Rs 1,500 crore via a re-issue of 2050 bonds at 7.6088 per cent yield. Smaller states such as Assam, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir also participated, with Goa's 12-year security at 7.40 per cent of Rs 100 crore and J&K's 17-year issuance at the highest yield of 7.82 per cent for Ra 300 crore in this auction. (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], August 26: Terumo India, the Indian subsidiary of Terumo Corporation (TSE: 4543), a global leader in medical technology, has launched Terufusion Advanced Infusion Systems in India for the first time. This connected infusion system comprises a Smart Syringe Pump, Smart Infusion Pump (volumetric), and Pump Monitoring System software. Designed to enhance drug delivery accuracy, improve patient safety, and optimise clinical workflows, Terufusion Advanced Infusion Systems combine Terumo's trusted global infusion technology with intelligent digital capabilities including remote monitoring, customizable dose modes, and an integrated drug library. As India's critical care infrastructure evolves with over 95,000 ICU beds and increasing investment in high-dependency care, there is a growing demand for smarter, safer, and more efficient drug delivery systems. Commenting on the launch, Shishir Agarwal, President and Managing Director, Terumo India, said, "At Terumo India, our Brand Promise has always been about 'Unwavering Commitment to Patients'. With this launch, we are taking a meaningful step forward in bringing global innovation to support India's critical care infrastructure. Expanding into smart, connected technologies is a natural progression of our commitment to serve patients and healthcare providers more holistically, and to play a deeper role in advancing healthcare systems that are future-ready, inclusive, and clinically impactful." The Terufusion Advanced Infusion Systems are designed to address the everyday challenges faced by nursing staff by providing greater control, visibility, and confidence in drug delivery. This advanced technology streamlines critical care workflows, reduces manual errors, and simplifies pump management, enhancing workflow efficiency for nursing staff while supporting hospitals in their transition toward smarter, more transparent ICU operations. Terumo India is actively engaging with leading hospitals across the country to implement the Terufusion Advanced Infusion System capabilities in advanced critical care management. Dharampal Singh Rawat, Senior Director - Cardiovascular, Terumo Aortic and Medication Management, added "With evolving disease patterns and treatment timescales, clinicians are required to make faster decisions, and technology must support them in doing so. There is an increasing need for solutions that blend precision with simplicity, and intelligence with ease of use in critical care settings. Terufusion Advanced Infusion Systems with Pump Monitoring System was developed with this in mind, to help nurses and healthcare professionals deliver safer, more efficient care with greater confidence." With the launch of Terufusion Advanced Infusion Systems, Terumo India reinforces its commitment to equipping hospitals with intelligent, high-precision technologies that address the growing complexity of critical care. The company remains focused on delivering meaningful innovations that empower clinical teams, enhance patient safety, and support the transformation of healthcare delivery in India. In the past two years, the company has brought to market several key innovations, including the TREO Abdominal Stent-Graft System, the Ultimaster Nagomi Drug-Eluting Stent, and more, demonstrating its continued focus on supporting clinicians with world-class, patient-centric solutions. About Terumo India Terumo India is a rapidly growing medical devices company dedicated to advancing access to high-quality cardiac, vascular, and other medical devices for patients and healthcare practitioners in India. As part of Terumo Corporation, a global leader in medical technology headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Terumo India upholds a mission rooted in 100 years of history: 'Contributing to Society through Healthcare.' Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Gurgaon, NCR Delhi, Terumo India has touched over 100,000 lives. The company is four times Great Place to Work certified and was also recognized as one of India's Top 15 Workplaces in Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, and Biotech in 2022. Terumo India also runs several acclaimed training and development programs, collaborating closely with customers and academic partners to address the skilling needs of India's healthcare system. For more information, visit https://terumoindia.com/ About Terumo Terumo (TSE: 4543) is a global leader in medical technology and has been committed to "Contributing to Society through Healthcare" for 100 years. Based in Tokyo and operating globally, Terumo employs more than 30,000 associates worldwide to provide innovative medical solutions in more than 160 countries and regions. The company started as a Japanese thermometer manufacturer and has been supporting healthcare ever since. Now, its extensive business portfolio ranges from vascular intervention and cardio-surgical solutions, blood transfusion and cell therapy technology, to medical products essential for daily clinical practice such as transfusion systems, diabetes care, and peritoneal dialysis treatments. Terumo will further strive to be of value to patients, medical professionals, and society at large. For more information, visit https://www.terumo.com/ (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) NewsVoir New Delhi [India], August 26: Bollywood's fashion icon Ananya Panday is all set to host an exclusive, one-of-a-kind fashion and glow up experience, the "Ananya's Style Edit," only on Airbnb. Designed to offer fashion enthusiasts, glam seekers and Ananya's biggest fans behind-the-scenes access to her signature style universe, this experience will be available to a maximum of four guests. Guests will get a chance to step inside a reimagined version of Ananya's dream closet and vanity space, brought to life inside one of Delhi's most stunning Airbnb homes. From her walk-in wardrobe to her vanity zone, the space has been completely transformed into a playful fashion playground. Joining Ananya is her expert A-team, offering guests the ultimate glow-up, where they'll be styled by her go-to stylist, glammed up by her trusted beauty squad, and snapped by her go to photographer. Think major glow-up, big fashion energy, and total main character vibes. "I'm so excited to welcome guests into my world of glitz and glam through "Ananya's Style Edit," an Airbnb Originals curated and hosted by me. Fashion and self-expression are such a big part of who I am as an actor, and getting to share that in such a personal, hands-on way, with guests is truly special. I can't wait to meet the guests, swap stories, and create unforgettable memories together in this one-of-a-kind experience," said host, Ananya Panday. "We're excited to introduce Airbnb Originals in India with Ananya Panday, a Gen Z cultural icon. Originals is a series of extraordinary experiences hosted by the world's most interesting people and designed exclusively for Airbnb - and Ananya's Style Edit is a perfect example of that. Ananya's unique sense of style and strong connection with young audiences across Bollywood-loving nations make this collaboration truly special. We're proud to offer guests a chance to experience her glam world up close, in a way that's intimate, immersive, and truly unforgettable," said Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb's Country Head for India and Southeast Asia. About Ananya's Style Edit ExperienceCurated and led by Ananya Panday with her A-team, this 4-hour experience hosted at an Airbnb in New Delhi will include: - Fashion Reboot: A personalized styling session with celebrity fashion stylist Ami Patel to recreate an Ananya-inspired look - complete with expert outfit guidance. - Slay & Spray: An opportunity to get glammed up by the duo behind Ananya's iconic looks. Expect fabulous hair flips courtesy of her go-to hairstylist Aanchal Morwani and a beauty transformation that's spotlight-ready, by her makeup artist Riddhima Sharma. (Warning: dramatic mirror moments ahead). - Pose & Shine: Feature in a high-energy fashion shoot with Ananya Panday, shot by ace photographer Rahul Jhangiani & team, who's worked his magic on some of Bollywood's biggest stars. He'll capture your new look in a series of stunning, editorial-style portraits that belong on a billboard - or at least your Instagram grid. - Coffee with Ananya: To wrap up this unforgettable day, enjoy a relaxed coffee chat with Ananya herself. Hear her personal fashion stories, go-to beauty hacks, and confidence-boosting tips; straight from the heart. - Slay the Day Giveaway: Each guest will leave with a special goodie bag curated by Ananya, handpicked with her style essentials, along with a signed memento. Note that this exclusive experience is not a competition, those making a booking must have an active Airbnb profile and have a history of positive reviews on the platform. All guests who request to book must be able to provide a government-issued ID. Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays, experiences, and services that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way. (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) The Women Empowerment vertical of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI WE) has announced the third edition of its flagship Global Women Leadership Programme (GWLP). The programme seeks to provide mentorship to women in business and professional fields from BRICS+ nations and partner countries. As per a release, the programme, launched with Nippon Paint India as the Lead Programme Partner, is designed to build leadership skills as well as encourage cross-border collaborations. In this year's edition, three top global participants will receive a fully funded trip to India to attend the Convocation Ceremony. Additionally, the best project applying the "Nudge Theory" will be awarded a trophy during the BRICS CCI WE Annual Summit & Felicitations 2026, supported by the Cheistha Kochhar Foundation. Highlighting the intent behind the initiative, BRICS CCI WE President Ruby Sinha said, "Global research shows that mentored entrepreneurs are twice as likely to succeed, and for women, this guidance is often the difference between staying small and scaling globally. Through the Global Women Leadership Programme, our objective is to equip women with the global mindset, mentorship, and networks they need to thrive across borders as leaders." Echoing this sentiment, Sharad Malhotra, Director, Nippon Paint India, emphasised the importance of continuity in supporting women leaders. "Our ongoing association with the Global Women Leadership Programme reflects a shared vision to create an enabling ecosystem where women's leadership is nurtured, scaled and celebrated. Each edition of GWLP has strengthened our conviction that when women are given the right platform and support, they rise, not just individually, but collectively, driving sustainable and inclusive growth across industries and geographies," he noted. Over the past editions, GWLP has brought together mentors and mentees from across BRICS+ countries, including India, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, and the UAE, offering what participants describe as life-changing experiences. The 2024 winner, Mahadi Mosia from South Africa, was later recognised among 18 global winners from over 1,000 women entrepreneurs in the BRICS Women's Startup Contest. The current edition will span over four months in a hybrid format, combining online mentorship sessions with in-person networking opportunities. Participants will engage in learning modules covering leadership principles, sustainability narratives, entrepreneurial versus managerial leadership, and the application of behavioural science tools such as Nudge Theory. The programme will culminate in two key events, the Ideas Pitch Fest, where participants present ventures to investors, and the Convocation Ceremony, coinciding with International Women's Day. (ANI) New Delhi [India], August 26: As financial regulations intensify and compliance demands expand, startups are under growing pressure to optimize operations while scaling. To address this gap, Chartered Accountant Shivansh Mehra has introduced the PSOG Framework (Plan, Save, Optimise, Grow) -- a structured approach to financial management designed to help businesses scale sustainably without the cost of a full-time CFO. With more than 12 years of experience guiding businesses across sectors, Mehra has seen how financial missteps can derail even promising ventures. "Modern businesses fail not because they lack vision, but because they lack the financial infrastructure to support their ambitions," he says. The PSOG Framework offers systematic interventions across four phases: Plan - Strategic financial planning and tax structuring, crucial once revenues cross the 10 crore mark where complexity spikes. Save - Implementing compliance-based savings such as GST input credit optimization and Section 80-IAC deductions. Optimise - Streamlining cash flow, MIS reporting, and transaction structuring to improve efficiency. Grow - Preparing for funding, strengthening investor relations, and building robust financial systems to support scale. This methodology has already been validated through collaborations with Chambers of Commerce and government bodies, and applied across startups, manufacturing units, and export-driven businesses. According to Mehra, the need for expert financial guidance becomes especially critical during milestone moments: securing growth funding, crossing revenue thresholds, or navigating compliance-heavy sectors. He warns that a single compliance error can cost more than years of professional fees -- making proactive management not just advisable, but essential. By bridging the gap between business vision and financial execution, the PSOG framework positions itself as a practical roadmap for companies chasing both growth and sustainability. For India's expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem, Mehra believes, strategic financial discipline will determine who scales and who struggles. What gets measured, gets improved! (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) NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 26: Impact Guru, India's leading crowdfunding platform, has launched a campaign to support Achintya Bose, the acclaimed dancer-actor who rose to fame in Netflix's Yeh Ballet, as he raises funds to complete his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). The fundraiser, titled "I Don't Have a Plan B," originally targeted USD 80,114 (INR 68.9 lakh). Thanks to the kindness of donors, including those who contributed travel support and tickets, the goal has already been reduced significantly. Now, only USD 14,000 (INR 12.27 lakh) remains to be raised to cover his tuition fees for the final semester. This brings the current campaign goal to USD 44,488 (INR 39.0 lakh), which will cover his stay and living expenses. Your support is more critical than ever. Achintya must deposit his tuition fees within the stipulated time to retain his seat at CalArts and continue his F-1 visa status. Without this, the years of dedication, training, and accolades that have built his life purpose may face an abrupt halt. Every contribution - big or small - brings him closer to fulfilling his dream of graduating from CalArts and representing India on the global dance stage. Achintya's story is one of resilience and talent. Raised by a single mother, he trained at Danceworx while supporting himself, taking on roles in admissions and training. Under prima ballerina Cindy Jourdain and director Sooni Taraporevala, he developed into a promising ballet artist. His acceptance into CalArts marked a new milestone. Fast-tracking his BFA into three years with a stellar GPA of 3.9-4.0, Achintya has also received invitations to prestigious programs, including Amsterdam's elite dance workshops and Boston Dance Theatre's Summer Immersion Program. "Every step of this journey has been a fight, but CalArts has given me the chance to dream bigger than I ever imagined," said Achintya Bose. "I'm so close to finishing my degree, and with your support, I hope to represent India on the world stage. I am forever grateful to my well-wishers, donors, and Impact Guru - my many miracles - who have had my back throughout." "Achintya's portrayal of 'Asif' in Yeh Ballet inspired many, but his real-life determination is even more remarkable," said Piyush Jain, Co-founder and CEO at Impact Guru and CarePal Group. "This fundraiser is a chance for the community to rally behind a young artist who reflects India's immense talent on the global stage. We urge everyone to donate and share Achintya's story to help him finish his CalArts journey." His director, Sooni Taraporevala, calls him her "Miracle Boy," a sentiment echoed by producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, who shared, "I think the world of Achintya. I have known him since his Yeh Ballet auditions and seen him surpass expectations - as an artist and as a human being. Over the years, he has honed his skills with grit and determination. I have no doubt that his tribe of supporters will only keep growing as he spreads his art worldwide." The fundraiser is live on Impact Guru's platform. Supporters can contribute and share Achintya's story at: www.impactguru.com/fundraiser/help-achintya-bose (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) VMPL Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 26: This Onam, award-winning Kerala specialty restaurant, Kappa Chakka Kandhari (Chennai & Bengaluru) invites you to celebrate Kerala's most cherished harvest festival in the comfort of your home, surrounded by your loved ones. Known for its authentic and time-honoured recipes, Kappa Chakka Kandhari presents its grand Onasadhya 2025, a traditional vegetarian feast of 26 dishes, prepared with the highest-quality ingredients sourced from Kerala and cooked by expert chefs. Some festivals are meant to be celebrated where they truly belong, at home. This year, Kappa Chakka Kandhari is introducing a pre-booked take-away service for Onasadhya, allowing families to enjoy the festival without the stress of cooking. Each order, priced at 8,000, is craftfully packed in traditional stainless-steel tiffin boxes and serves 5-6 people, making it perfect for family gatherings. Delivered fresh, hot and ready-to-serve, the Onasadhya ensures that the essence of Onam is celebrated right at your dining table. From Uppu, Sharkara Varatty, Kondattams and Achars to Kerala staples like Avial, Olan, Koottu Kari, Kalan, Sambar, Rasam, Thoran, Nei-Parippu, Rice and Pappadam, the feast brings together the flavours of tradition and nostalgia. And no Onam is complete without Payasam - the grand finale of every sadhya. Guests can also pre-order from Payasam classics such as Palada Payasam, Ada Pradhaman, Chakka Pradhaman, and Parippu Payasam, available in 500ml bottles (500-700 each) or as a combo pack of four varieties (offer 2,000). Adding sweetness to the celebrations, Kappa Chakka Kandhari also offers a specially curated Onam Gift Box (1,900/-). This thoughtfully assembled box carries the taste of Kerala with Marayur Jaggery, Kodam Puli, Mace, Cloves, Pepper, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Inji Puli, along with 2 KCK Gift Vouchers of 750/- each. Perfect as a festive present, it's a gift that truly tantalises the senses and brings joy, warmth, and flavour to loved ones. What better way to express love this Onam than by gifting food? Bulk Orders for sadhya and payasam at home or at your workplace would also be on offer during the Onam season and beyond. Whether it's sending an Onasadhya meal to a loved family, a bottle of freshly made Payasam, or the specially curated KCK Onam Gift Box, the restaurant makes it possible to share authentic Kerala flavours with those who matter most. Festivals, after all, are best celebrated in the warmth of home, with food that nourishes both body and spirit. While the focus this year is on home celebrations, Kappa Chakka Kandhari's restaurants in Chennai and Bengaluru will remain open on Onam, serving our regular a la carte menu for those who wish to dine out. "Festivals in India are about togetherness, family and food. This year, we want to make it easier for families to celebrate Onam at home while we take care of your meal. With our Onasadhya all you need to do is gather your loved ones and enjoy the feast," says the team at Kappa Chakka Kandhari. Celebrate the return of King Mahabali with a feast befitting royalty: authentic, abundant, and cooked with love. Limited orders will be accepted, and advance booking is mandatory. Orders are taken only for September 4 - 5, 2025. Bookings for Onasadhya only on: www.kckonam.com Booking Details: Chennai: 9858591010 Bengaluru: 6364671010 Pick-up Points: Chennai: IHMCT, P.O, 4 th Cross Street, C.I.T Campus, TTTI, Tharamani, Chennai - 600113 * Votive Shrine Church, 63 Halls Road,Kilpauk, Chennai - 600010* QFarmers Organic Store, Hiranandani Gateway House, OMR Road, Chennai - 600130 Bengaluru: * WINGS ELIM Camping and Convention Centre, Collinwood Estate, Whitefield, Bengaluru - 560066 * St. John's Auditorium,18th Main Rd, John Nagar, Koramangala, Bengaluru - 560034 * Srikanteswara Bhavana, No.74, 5th cross, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru - 560003 (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) VMPL New Delhi [India], August 26: The RAHSS Association, in collaboration with AMIEE Association, CMAOI Association, and the Department of CSE (AI & DS), Padmabhooshan Vasantraodada Patil Institute of Technology (PVPIT), Budhgaon, Maharashtra, has announced a One Week Online Faculty Development Program (FDP) and Workshop on "Artificial Intelligence for Research, Innovation, and Societal Impact". Scheduled from 8th - 12th September 2025, the event aims to equip participants with advanced knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in shaping innovation, solving real-world challenges, and encouraging interdisciplinary research. The program will feature expert-led sessions, case studies, and interactive discussions, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of how AI is transforming industries, academia, and society. Students will benefit by gaining exposure to the latest trends and practical applications of AI, learning directly from renowned experts and researchers, and exploring career prospects in AI-driven industries. The program is also designed to enhance their research and project skills, making them more future-ready. For academia, the FDP offers significant capacity-building opportunities, helping faculty strengthen their teaching and research practices through AI. It also encourages interdisciplinary collaborations that bring together technology, commerce, and social sciences, while providing a platform to network with fellow academicians and professionals for future partnerships. Industry professionals stand to gain access to cutting-edge academic research and AI-driven innovations that can be applied to real-world challenges. The program opens avenues for collaboration with faculty and researchers on applied projects, thus strengthening the link between academic knowledge and industrial practice. The initiative is supported by three leading associations. The AMIEE Association (Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Innovative Entrepreneurs & Engineers Association) is committed to advancing AI and ML research while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The CMAOI Association (Commerce and Management Association for Industry Experts and Academic Professionals) serves as a bridge between academia and industry in the fields of commerce and management. The RAHSS Association (Research and Advancement in Humanities and Social Sciences Association) promotes excellence in humanities and social sciences research, with a strong focus on societal relevance. This collaborative FDP and workshop reflects the collective commitment of academia and industry to develop future-ready skills, inspire innovation, and nurture cross-disciplinary expertise. For further details, visit: www.amiee.in | www.rahss.org | www.cmaoi.org (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) With the United States set to impose a steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian textile and apparel exports starting August 27, the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has called for urgent government intervention to mitigate the impact on the sector. "The government has been discussing with industry on how it can come to our aid during this critical juncture. But given the gravity of the situation, it is our expectation that concrete measures in the form of fiscal support and policy decisions related to raw material availability would be taken immediately," CITI Chairman Rakesh Mehra said. "At stake are not just the future of India's textile and apparel exporters and consequent loss of foreign exchange earnings for the country, but also at risk are countless jobs in the textile and apparel sector and the chances of achieving the national target of textile and apparel exports worth USD 100 billion by 2030." Mehra added. India's textile and apparel sector contributes around 2 per cent to the country's GDP and is also one of the biggest providers of jobs and livelihoods. The US is the single-largest market for India's textile and apparel items. Almost 28% of India's textile and apparel exports go to the United States. India's exports of textile and apparel products to the US in the financial year 2024-25 were close to USD 11 billion. China is the biggest supplier of textile and apparel items to the US, followed by Vietnam, India and Bangladesh. At 20% each, the current US tariff rates for Vietnam and Bangladesh are significantly lower than those of India. Recently, the government has taken some steps to help the textile sector become more competitive. Mehra said that Indian textile companies are already engaged in diversification efforts to reduce their dependence on the US market. "The industry is doing all it can to mitigate the impact of the high US tariff, but then again, developing new markets and new clients takes time and cannot be done overnight," Shri Mehra pointed out. "The importance of the US for our textile and apparel exporters can never be undermined," Mehra added. In July, India signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the UK, which would ensure that India's textile and apparel exports will no longer face a duty disadvantage in the UK market. The CETA is expected to be operational in 2026. (ANI) India needs to work on a two-pronged strategy to secure a strategic position in the critical mineral space, said Abhishek Bhatia, Managing Director and Partner, Boston Consulting Group (BCG). BCG's Abhishek Bhatia suggested that India can become self-reliant in critical minerals through two approaches: first, by promoting domestic mining of these minerals, and second, by securing strategic partnerships with countries that have abundant rare earth resources. "As the Prime Minister has said, we need to be self-reliant and up-to-date on these rare earth minerals as well, whether it is mining in India or taking strategic stakes in countries which have these rare earth vendors. I think both things India needs to do," Bhatia said, speaking to ANI. Bhatia said that when it comes to minerals, it's a two-fold story. He noted that India is already strong in base minerals like bauxite and iron ore, which is positive. However, with the rise of electric vehicle adoption, rare earth minerals have become far more important. He pointed out the recent developments around China imposing controls on rare earth minerals and emphasised, echoing the Prime Minister, that India needs to be self-reliant and up-to-date in securing these rare earth minerals, whether through domestic mining or other means. Bhatia cited recent high-level diplomatic engagements with Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile--nations forming the "Lithium Triangle"--as crucial steps toward securing India's future energy needs. "This triangle is critical for lithium, a key component for EV batteries. India's outreach to these countries signals a clear strategic intent," he said. "Prime Minister visit to Argentina and Bolivia and Chile is an extremely important triangle for lithium, which is a critical element for electric vehicle batteries, which is this other. So I think this is something which is again going to be a game changer as we go forward," he added. For context, early this April, China announced a decision to implement export controls on certain rare earth-related items, pushing a supply shortage across the world, including India. However, in recent developments, China has surprisingly assured India of an unrestricted supply of critical mineral elements. China's overwhelming control of global rare earth processing - commanding over 90 per cent of the world's magnet production capacity - has created significant vulnerabilities for industries worldwide. These materials are critical across multiple sectors, including automobiles, home appliances, and clean energy systems. Beyond China, there are only a few alternative suppliers of critical minerals. The Union Cabinet in January 2025 approved the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with an expenditure of Rs 16,300 crore and an expected investment of Rs 18,000 crore by Public Sector Undertakings. Recently, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the central government is actively encouraging private companies to mine and explore critical minerals overseas and bring them back into the country to serve the needs of the domestic industry. (ANI) As India pushes for its energy future, unlocking the potential of critical minerals will be vital not only for clean energy but also for India's ambition of self-reliance, with uranium emerging as a key focus. At the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) 3rd Energy Summit, R. Srikanth, Dean of the School of Natural Sciences & Engineering, explained that nuclear power holds a unique place in this mission. "For the private sector to come in, we need actually the two acts to be totally recast into a new act which permits the private sector to mine uranium, to process uranium, to set up nuclear power plants, and operate nuclear power plants," he said in an interview with ANI. Srikanth stressed that current laws, particularly the Atomic Energy Act and the Liability Act, prevent such participation. He pointed out that India, now the third largest emitter of carbon dioxide globally, must quickly ramp up nuclear power capacity, something not possible without private sector involvement. "Nuclear power is basically very critical to counter climate change. Really speaking, there is no other source of power which can supply electricity on a 24/7 basis and is also basically free from CO2 emissions," he said. He urged that uranium be recognized as a critical mineral, similar to how it is treated in the United States. "We are highly import dependent on that. And this is going to continue for a long time in the future," Srikanth observed. According to him, India has reserves, but production has stagnated due to monopoly and misconceptions. He argued that Indo-U.S. collaboration and private sector entry into uranium mining would help unlock reserves and attract technology needed for better recovery of critical minerals like uranium, lithium, and cobalt. Reforms and partnerships are urgent for India's energy security. Nuclear energy can help India address the energy challenges it will face as it progresses toward becoming a developed nation. (ANI) A full stop has been put to Kevin Williamson's crime drama series 'The Waterfront'. As per Deadline, Netflix will not be proceeding with a second season of 'The Waterfront'. Williamson has reportedly told the cast about the streamer's decision, and crew members also have been informed that there would be no Season 2. The news, which comes about two months after The Waterfront's June 19 release, is surprising because the twisted tale about North Carolina's influential Buckley family did solid business, spending five weeks in Netflix's global Top 10 for English-language series, including a rare three-peat at No.1, peaking at 11.6M views for its first full week of release. The Waterfront did significantly better than the two other dramas Netflix has canceled so far this year after one season, Pulse and The Residence, which both spent four weeks in the Top 10, peaking at No. 3 with 8.5M views and No. 2 with 8.8M views, respectively, as per Deadline. The Waterfront - featuring Holt McCallany, Jake Weary, Melissa Benoist, and Maria Bello--is a character-focused family drama. They are among the string of new Netflix scripted series to get a second season over the past eight months, along with the Warner Bros. TV-produced Untamed and Running Point, 20th Television's Nobody Wants This as well as Dept. Q, Beauty In Black, Ransom Canyon, Forever, North of North, The Vince Staples Show, the animated Devil May Cry and Canadian entries Bet and Geek Girl. Overall, Netflix has renewed almost 20 scripted shows over that period. (ANI) Actor Jessica Chastain, best known for her performances in 'Zero Dark Thirty', 'Interstellar', and 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye', will soon be felicitated with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. As per Variety, Jessica is set to receive this special honour on September 4. It was 2008 when Jessica made her feature film acting debut in the drama Jolene, in which she essayed the lead role. Her previous professional work includes a stage debut as Juliet in 1998 and television roles in series like ER and Veronica Mars in 2004. She is also a recipient of an Academy Award. In 2022, Jessica bagged Oscar for Best Actress for her role in 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' at the 94th Academy Awards. Recently, Jessica surprised her fans after the news of her enrolment at Harvard Kennedy School surfaced online. A source told Variety that Jessica has been enrolled in the two-year Master in Public Administration program at The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. "The Master in Public Administration Program is for aspiring leaders with real-world experience and graduate-level coursework in economics, public policy, or management," according to Harvard's website. "The Master in Public Administration (MPA) curriculum is flexible. You create a study plan that reflects your academic interests, focuses on your personal and professional aspirations, and integrates across disciplines." Chastain attended Sacramento City College and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She graduated from the Juilliard School in 2003 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama. She received an honorary doctorate from Juilliard in 2024 for her "outstanding contributions" to the fields of film and theatre. (ANI) American rapper Lil Nas X has pleaded not guilty to the four felony charges filed against him after he was spotted wandering the streets of Los Angeles nearly naked. Lil Nas X was charged with three counts of battery against a police officer and one count of resisting an executive officer, according to LA Superior Court records. He was detained through the weekend and was arraigned this morning in front of Judge Sarah Ellenberg in Van Nuys, with bail set at USD 75,000, as per Variety. Lil Nas X pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and was freed from jail on Monday afternoon, according to court records. The case is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on September 15, and if found guilty, he could receive a prison sentence of up to five years. "Attacking police officers is more than just a crime against those individuals but a direct threat to public safety," said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman in a statement. "Anyone who assaults law enforcement will face serious consequences, no matter who they are or how famous they may be." (ANI) Anupam Kher and Kirron Kher on Tuesday celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary by pouring their heart out for each other. The couple took to their respective Instagram handles and penned love-filled messages. Kirron's post read, "Happy Anniversary dearest @anupampkher. My best friend and partner. Thank you for all the wonderful years. My life's best years are with you. We travelled the world together, laughed and enjoyed every moment. God bless you always. Lots of love and a happy anniversary. She also shared a beautiful picture with Anupam from one of the award events. Anupam took a stroll down memory lane, sharing a throwback video of international actors Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe sending best wishes to Kirron while she was battlingng health issues. "Dearest Kirron! HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY! Wow! Feels like a lifetime! In our case it IS a lifetime! 10 years of beautiful friendship and 40Yrs of marriage! We have had our share of tough times. But we have survived these years with lot of grace, dignity and love! For many initial years we gave each other gifts and then it has been a bouquet of flowers. But when you fell ill, at that time your favourite series was #OUTLANDER! You will watch every episode again and again," he wrote. "And you were in love with the lead pair of the series- #Claire and #JamieFraser. That year I did something very special and I feel happy about it! Through my agent in London #RuthYoung I somehow reached out to actors #CaitrionaBalfe and #SamHeughan playing your favourite characters for a personalised video for you to 'get well soon'! The video brought a big smile on your face in those tough times. Can't thank @samheughan and @caitrionabalfe enough for this wonderful human gesture! Since I have run out of our pics together, here is that video. Hope it brings a smile on your face even today. Love and prayers always! #HappyAnniversary #40th," Kher added. https://www.instagram.com/p/DNzV4ruRLhV/ Anupam and Kirron tied the knot in 1985. She was previously married to Gautam Berry and had a son Sikandar Kher in 1981. Meanwhile, on the professional front, Anupam recently came up with his directorial 'Tanvi The Great'. It is focused on the Indian Army and autism, telling the story of a young girl who lives with her mother and grandfather. Inspired by her late father, the girl aspires to join the forces.Besides Kher, the film's cast features Shubhangi Dutt, Boman Irani, Karan Tacker, Jackie Shroff, Arvind Swami, Nasser, and British actor Iain Glen. Anupam will ne next be seen in Vivek Agnihotri's 'The Bengal Files'. The actor is set to play the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the film. (ANI) Actor Alia Bhatt has urged social media users not to share videos and images of her "under-construction" bungalow in Mumbai. After videos of her and actor Ranbir Kapoor's new residence in Mumbai allegedly went viral, the 'Jigra' actress penned a long note on her Instagram handle on Tuesday, reprimanding the video and photo circulation of her new home on social media. While calling it an "invasion of privacy" and a "serious security" issue, Alia Bhatt claimed that the videos of her new home, still under construction, were allegedly circulated without her consent. "I understand that in a city ike Mumbai, space is limited - sometimes the view from your window is another person's home. But that does not give anyone the right to invade private residences and push those videos online. A video of our home, still under construction, has been recorded and circulated by multiple publications, without our knowledge or consent," she wrote. In the long note, the 'Jigra' actress presented her strong stance against the normalisation of filming or photographing someone's personal space without permission. "This is a clear invasion of privacy and a serious security issue. Filming or photographing someone's personal space without permission is not "content" - it's a violation. It should never be normalised," wrote Ali Bhatt. She requested that netizens stop circulating the videos of her new bungalow. "So here's a humble but firm request - if you come across such content online, please don't forward it or share it further," she added. https://www.instagram.com/p/DN0NN54Zk-T/? On the work front, Alia Bhatt was last seen in 'Jigra', directed by Vasan Bala. The film also featured Vedang Raina in a key role. Up next, she will appear in Yash Raj Films' spy universe project, 'Alpha'. Actress Sharvari is also a part of this movie. (ANI) The Bollywood celebs are all excited to welcome Lord Ganesha at their homes on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi 2025. With a day away from Ganesh Chaturthi, festive preparations are in full swing across the country, including in the film industry. The festival holds a special place in the hearts of many Bollywood celebrities. Bollywood actor Sonu Sood welcomed the Lord Ganesh idol at his home after performing the necessary pooja rituals in Mumbai. While talking to the media, Sonu Sood extended his best wishes on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi and shared his excitement for the upcoming festival. "Very excited and Bappa will give blessings. Keep everyone happy. Just wishing everyone a happy Ganesh Chaturthi," said Sonu Sood. Comedian Bharti Singh and his husband Harsh Limbachiyaa also welcomed Lord Ganesha idol at their home. Along with her son Laksh, Bharti and Harsh performed the pooja, followed by a celebratory dance at the roadside in Mumbai. Bharti expressed her happiness for Ganesh Chaturthi, saying that festivals like Holi and Diwali mark the celebratory atmosphere at her home, thanks to her son, Laksh. While talking about her son, Laksh, Bharti said, "My son becomes extremely happy when it comes to festivals. Be it Holi, Diwali or Ganesh Chaturthi, he loves every festival. I want every festival to arrive as soon as possible." Actress Ankita Lokhande also brought the Ganpati Bappa idol to her home while chanting Ganpati Bappa Morya. The actress interacted with the media and expressed her excitement for the festival. "Every year, I feel so excited for Ganesh Chaturthi. I love every festival. I wish Lord Ganesha bless everyone with happiness and health," said Ankita Lokhande. Actor Shakti Anand and his wife, Sai Deodhar, also welcomed the Ganpati Bappa idol at their home on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi on Tuesday. Ganesh Chaturthi, a ten-day festival that starts on the fourth day of the Hindu lunisolar calendar month 'Bhadrapada', will begin on August 27 this year. This auspicious ten-day festival starts with 'Chaturthi' and ends on 'Anantha Chaturdashi'.The festive period is also known as 'Vinayak Chaturthi' or 'Vinayak Chavithi'. The festival celebrates Ganesha as the 'God of New Beginnings' and the 'Remover of Obstacles' as well as the god of wisdom and intelligence. While it is celebrated across the country, in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, it is celebrated with much joy, fervour and fanfare, with lakhs of devotees converging into mandals to seek blessings from Lord Ganesh. For the festivities, people bring Lord Ganesh idols to their homes, observe fasts, prepare mouth-watering delicacies, and visit pandals during the festival. (ANI) The red carpet has been rolled out in front of the Lido's sparkling white, freshly renovated Palazzo del Cinema, where numerous stars will be arriving when the festival kicks off on Wednesday. Actress Julia Roberts will be making her debut at the Venice Film Festival this year, reported Variety. Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri are all confirmed to be attending for Luca Guadagnino's #MeToo-themed film 'After the Hunt'. The movie's trailer was recently released by the makers, according to the outlet. Actors George Clooney and Adam Sandler will be attending the festival for Noah Baumbach's 'Jay Kelly', in which Clooney plays a movie star undergoing an identity crisis. Emma Stone is confirmed to be Lido-bound for "Bugonia", her latest collaboration with Yorgos Lanthimos, reported Variety. Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt will be making the trek for Benny Safdie's 'The Smashing Machine', featuring Johnson as two-time UFC heavyweight champ Mark Kerr and Blunt as his wife Dawn. Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac will also be arriving at the festival for Guillermo del Toro's new take on 'Frankenstein.' Isaac is doing double duty, since he also toplines Julian Schnabel's time-travelling thriller "In 'The Hand of Dante.' Netflix -- as has been the case in the past -- will have a robust Venice presence with a trio of high-profile movies, all in competition. The streaming giant's Lido launches comprise 'Jay Kelly', 'Frankenstein' and Kathryn Bigelow's politically charged 'A House of Dynamite', set during a fictional national security crisis at the White House, reported Variety. Italian Oscar-winning Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty) will open this year's festival with La Grazia (Grace), a love story starring his long-time collaborator Toni Servillo, as per The Hollywood Reporter. La Grazia, co-starring Diamonds actor Anna Ferzetti, will premiere in competition on August 27. (ANI) Uttarakhand is set to expand its heli connectivity, with a new helicopter service between Pithoragarh and Munsyari expected to start by September 30 under the Udan scheme. The central government has selected Heritage Aviation to operate the service on this route. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had recently sought cooperation from Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu in expanding heli services in the state. In this sequence, the Union Minister has written a letter to the Chief Minister informing that Heritage Aviation has been selected for the Pithoragarh-Munsyari-Pithoragarh heli service under the Udan scheme. Similarly, preparations are being made for heli service on the Pithoragarh-Dharchula-Pithoragarh route under the Udan scheme, for which land is required to build a helipad in Dharchula. Heritage Aviation has been given preliminary consent to operate the service on this route as well. Similarly, if the proposal for operating the service between Pithoragarh and Delhi under the Udan scheme comes from the airlines, it will be considered positively. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has written a letter to the Chief Minister informing them that the Ministry is conducting a feasibility study for operating the Achhnera-Tanakpur special train as per the demand of the state government; further action will be taken in this sequence. The Chief Minister has expressed his gratitude to both the Union Ministers for the expansion of the heli and rail network. Meanwhile earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the ongoing rescue and relief operations in the Tharali area of Chamoli district, where a disaster struck on the intervening night of August 22-23. Speaking at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Dehradun, Dhami said that he has directed officials to constitute a committee of experts and scientists from reputed agencies to study the pattern of recent disasters in Tharali, Saiji (Pauri) and Dharali. The Chief Minister instructed the Chamoli District Magistrate to immediately release Rs 5 lakh as assistance for damaged houses and Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He also stressed that arrangements must be made at the earliest to drain water from the temporary lake formed at Syanachatti. (ANI) Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh (retd) visited the disaster-affected areas of Dharali, Harsil and Mukhaba in Uttarkashi district and met the affected families. He also took stock of the situation of relief and security operations. During his visit to Mukhaba, the Governor on Monday held discussions with officials from the District Administration, Army, NDRF, SDRF and other security agencies. He also received detailed information about the progress of disaster management, relief, and security operations. The Governor met the affected families from Dharali Harshil in Mukhaba and assured them of all possible cooperation and assistance. He said that in this hour of crisis, the state government and the entire administration are standing firmly with them. Singh directed officials to prepare a concrete, long-term action plan for assisting and rehabilitating disaster-affected families, enabling them to return to normal life soon. The Governor praised the coordination among District Administration, Army, NDRF, SDRF and other agencies working in the affected area. He said that relief and rescue operations gained momentum due to their dedication, hard work and prompt action. In particular, the Governor praised the soldiers of 14 Rajputana Regiment, who, despite being affected by the disaster themselves, actively contributed to the relief and rescue operations. He described it as an inspiring example of true service to humanity and courageous devotion to duty. Earlier, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reviewed the ongoing rescue and relief operations in the Tharali area of Chamoli district, where a disaster struck on the intervening night of August 22-23.Speaking at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Dehradun, Dhami said that he has directed officials to constitute a committee of experts and scientists from reputed agencies to study the pattern of recent disasters in Tharali, Saiji (Pauri) and Dharali. The Chief Minister instructed the Chamoli District Magistrate to immediately release Rs 5 lakh as assistance for damaged houses and Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He also stressed that arrangements must be made at the earliest to drain water from the temporary lake formed at Syanachatti. (ANI) Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has raised questions on the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led State government and sought to know why, despite the BJP government being in power for nearly a decade there were infiltrators entering the State. "They have been in power for 10 years, and with border security under their watch, if infiltrators are still coming, then who is responsible?" Gogoi said. The Congress leader stated that his party's stance was clear- no Bangladeshi should be illegally residing in the state. "The Congress party's position is clear, no Bangladeshi should stay illegally in Assam. It is the duty of both the Assam government and the central government to ensure this. They have been in power for 10 years, and with border security under their watch, if infiltrators are still coming, then who is responsible? If there are any suspected individuals, why is the government not taking action and instead only playing politics? Our stance is clear, and the people are more aware than Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. Just as his politics on infiltration failed in Jharkhand, it will also fail in Assam," Gogoi told ANI. A day earlier, Assam Chief Minister Sarma hit out at the former Planning Commissioner member Syeda Hameed over her remarks suggesting that "Bangladeshis can live in India," accusing her of legitimising illegal infiltrators in the state. The Chief Minister asserted that Bangladeshis are not welcome in Assam, and said those sympathising with them may accommodate them in their own backyards. In a post on X, Sarma wrote, "People like Syeda Hameed, a close confidant of the Gandhi family, legitimise illegal infiltrators, as they seek to realise Jinnah's dream of making Assam a part of Pakistan. Today, Assamese identity is on the brink of extinction because of the tacit support of people like her. But we are the sons and daughters of Lachit Barphukan, WE WILL FIGHT till the last drop of our blood to save our State and our identity." "Let me make it very clear, Bangladeshis are not welcome in Assam, it is not their land. Anyone sympathising with them may accommodate them in their own backyards. Assam is not up for grabs by illegal infiltrators, NOT NOW, NOT EVER," he further wrote. The remarks came a day after a public meeting was organised by Assam Civil Society and other social groups, which was addressed by Harsh Mander, Prashant Bhushan, and other dignitaries. In that meeting, Syeda Hameed remarks to media persons drew criticism. (ANI) Biju Janata Dal Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra, while addressing the issue of the 130th Amendment Bill, said that the Opposition has been very critical about the issue and that the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is the "appropriate" body to deliberate on the matter. Speaking to ANI on Monday, Mishra said that the BJD will clear its stance on the bill once it is confirmed if it will remain in its present form or will be modified. "Many opposition parties are critical about the bill. JPC is the appropriate body to deliberate on it before it is considered by Parliament," Debi Prasad Mishra said, adding BJD can make a response only after the JPC's remark on the bill. The Constitution Amendment Bill provides for the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Minister or any other Minister in the Central or a state government if he/she is arrested and detained in custody on account of serious criminal offences for 30 consecutive days. Two more bills with similar provisions in Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir were also introduced in the Lok Sabha. The three bills will be examined by a JPC. Earlier in an interview with ANI, Union Home Minister Amit Shah lashed out at the 'Black Bill' protests against the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill by Opposition parties and stated that both he and the BJP "completely reject" the idea that the country "cannot be governed without the person" who has been jailed. He asked whether a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or any leader could run the country from jail. Amit Shah said, "I want to ask the entire nation and the Opposition, can a Chief Minister, Prime Minister, or any leader run the country from jail? Does that suit the dignity of our democracy?" "Even today, they are trying that if they ever have to go to jail, they will easily form the government from jail. The jail will be made CM House, PM House and the DGP, Chief Secretary, Cabinet Secretary or Home Secretary will take orders from the jail. My party and I completely reject the idea that this country cannot be governed without the person who is sitting there. This will not affect anyone's majority in the Parliament or the Assembly. One member will go, other members of the party will run the government, and when they get bail, they can come and take the oath again. What is the objection in this?" he said. (ANI) Union Minister JP Nadda lauded the Ayushman Bharat Scheme while addressing a gathering in Jabalpur terming it as a "holistic" health policy. The Union Minister on Monday said that the government has emphasised making the Ayushman Bharat scheme a "preventive, promotive and curative" healthcare solution. "A new health policy has been formulated under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, which is a holistic health policy. In this health policy, we have emphasised for the first time that it should include preventive, promotive and curative healthcare. Our concern should be that a person should not fall ill in the first place," Nadda. Nadda and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav jointly launched several public welfare initiatives yesterday aiming to strengthen health services in Madhya Pradesh at a program organised in Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Cultural Information Centre, Jabalpur. According to an official statement, Nadda and Chief Minster Yadav virtually inaugurated the newly constructed Government Medical Colleges in Sheopur and Singrauli districts, and agreements were signed with private investors to establish new government medical colleges in Betul, Panna, Dhar, and Katni under the PPP model in their presence on the occasion. The distribution of 'Vay Vandana Cards' for 8 lakh senior citizens, symbolically handing over PVC cards to five elderly beneficiaries from the stage was also held yesterday. They also launched the 'Ayushman Sakhi' Smart Chatbot, the ASHA Dialogue program, released maternal nutrition awareness materials, and inaugurated the Mother-Child Safety Card. Under the state government's "Healthy Liver Mission", liver screening of 1 crore people has been successfully completed, the statement said. Nadda also handed over the Letter of Permission for admission of 100 MBBS seats each at newly inaugurated medical colleges, enabling their immediate functioning. The Union Minister stated that India's new health policy shifts its focus from curative care (treatment after falling ill) to preventive and promotive healthcare. "We are writing a new story of growth and expansion in the total healthcare sector," he said, adding that India has become the first country in the world to provide annual health coverage of Rs 5 lakh to the majority of its population under the Ayushman Bharat-Niramayam Yojana. (ANI) The son of Dashrath Manjhi, popularly known as the 'Mountain Man', Bhagirath Manjhi, expressed gratitude towards Lok Sabha MP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, as he has built a pucca house for his family in Bihar's Gaya. Speaking to ANI yesterday, Bhagirath said, "...When I met Rahul Gandhi in Patna, I told Rahul Gandhi to come and see the path that my father had carved using a hammer and chisel...So, he came. Rahul Gandhi and I sat together on the cot, drank coconut water, and had a meal...He asked the village children if they studied or not." Bhagirath further said that he never asked Rahul Gandhi to build a house for him. "We came later to know about it...He got the house ready in a month...Later, he handed over the keys of the house during his visit to Gaya," he added. Bhagirath further said, "There are 5 rooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and everything is ready. There was a water problem before, but now it has been resolved. Fans have also been installed in all the rooms." "Now there is no problem. I am happy that Rahul Gandhi built this house... We are very grateful to Rahul Gandhi," he added. The Mountain Man lived in Gehlaur village, near Gaya. As per the Bihar Government, Manjhi carved a path 110 m long (360 ft), 9.1 m (30 ft) wide and 7.7 m (25 ft) deep through a ridge of hills using only a hammer and chisel. After 22 years of work, Dashrath shortened the travel between the Atri and Wazirganj blocks of Gaya town from 55 km to 15 km. He breathed his last on August 17, 2007, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The Government of Bihar gave him a state funeral, proposed his name for the Padma Shri award in 2006 in the social service sector and released a stamp by the India Post in the 'Personalities of Bihar' series on December 26, 2016. Rahul Gandhi earlier paid tribute to Dashrath Manjhi on his death anniversary. He highlighted that Manjhi's determination and passion to accomplish his goals will continue to inspire everyone. In his message on X, Gandhi stated, "I offer humble tributes to Mountain Man Dashrath Manjhi Ji on his death anniversary. His struggle reminds us that if intentions are strong, no obstacle is too big .His determination and passion to accomplish what he set out to do will always continue to inspire us all." Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi and the Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, are leading the 'Voter Adhikaar Yatra' in Bihar. "We are on the Yatra with Rahul Gandhi, and we are connecting with the people. The people are enthusiastic. The Mahagathbandhan is garnering significant support from the people, which has irked the NDA," he said. Resuming on Day 10 from Husain Chowk in Saharsa, the Yatra will move via Kishanpur, Jhanjharpur and Sakri to reach Darbhanga. Led by Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, the 16-day 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' opposes the alleged "vote theft" and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Bihar. (ANI) Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan on Tuesday said that India needs to be armed, secure and self-reliant to fulfil the vision of Viksit Bharat. Addressing the Run Samwad, the first Tri-Services Seminar at Army War College, in Madhya Pradesh's Dr Ambedkar Nagar, CDS Gen Chauhan called for academic pursuits on analysing the techniques and tactics of a war. He said, "As a Viksit Bharat, we also need to be 'Sashastra' (armed), 'Suraksit' (secure) and 'Aatmanirbhar' (self-reliant), not only in technology, but also in ideas and in practice. Hence, there is a need to increase awareness on all fragments of our society on doctrinal and conceptual aspects, that's the academic pursuits of how war is fought and practical and actual war fighting techniques and tactics." In the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, the CDS said that India is a peace-loving nation but cannot be a "pacifist". He said, "India has always stood on the side of peace. We are a peace-loving nation, but don't get mistaken, we cannot be pacifists. I think peace without power is utopian. I like to state a Latin quote which translates as, 'if you want peace, prepare for war'." Citing examples from history, the CDS emphasised the importance of wisdom along with weapons during war. "We have always spoken about 'Shastra' and 'Shaastra' in the same breath. They are actually the two blades of the same sword. We know that a combination of military strategy and warriors is essential to win, and the foremost and best example of this are the Mahabharata and the Gita. We are aware that Arjuna was the greatest warrior, yet he needed a Krishna to guide him towards victory. Similarly, we had Chandragupta who needed the wisdom of Chanakya," he said. Gen Chuahan added, "India has been a land of Gautam Buddha, Mahavir Jain and Mahatma Gandhi, all champions of non-violence." Further, he asked contemporary military scholars to engage in discourse on military strategy and operations in all dimensions of a war. "India has been a fountainhead of knowledge and ideas in ancient times. In contemporary times, we have literature on the history of wars being fought by us, but very little literature on scholarly analysis of these wars for scholarly discourse on strategy and operations. Serious research needs to be done on all dimensions of war," the Chief of Defence Staff said. CDS Gen Chauhan called for harmony between the technological ideas brought in by the young generation and the experience of the veterans. "Today's generation is much more aware of technological advancements and the tactics; it is necessary to hear their point of view. We need harmony between the old and the new. New ideas which are tempered by the experience of the veterans. Ran Samvad must encourage debate," he said. Ran Samwad 2025 is a two-day Tri-service dialogue on war, warfare and warfighting held at the Army War College in Dr Ambedkar Nagar. The event will bring serving military professionals to the forefront of strategic dialogue, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivering the plenary address on the final day, according to a press release. A few Joint Doctrines and the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap will also be released during the event. The event has been curated by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and Centre for Joint Warfare Studies, in conjunction with the Army Training Command, under the guidance of CDS. The event is expected to feature the participation of top military leadership from all three Services, alongside renowned defence experts, leaders from the defence industry and international security professionals. (ANI) Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that India has not allowed the import of farm products despite recent tariff hikes by the United States, in order to protect the interests and welfare of the country's farmers and farming sector. Addressing the convocation ceremony of the 'Indian Institute of Science, Education, and Research' (IISER) on Monday, Chouhan said, "The economy is at the 4th position. Very soon we will reach number 3...We have to complete the aim of Viksit Bharat by 2047." Elaborating on the country not allowing import of farm products from the US, Chouhan said, "Bharat decided in national interest first. No agreement will be against the country's interest. We won't compromise with the interest of farmers, fishermen and people of other farming sectors". Chouhan also said PM Modi had appealed to 144 crore citizens to use Indian products. "The US wants us to open our doors for their agricultural products...They farm on hectares of land with GM seeds and get subsidies. Our small farmers couldn't have withstood the competition...The US thought we would be scared. But this is today's Bharat, which is brimming with confidence." Further, the Agriculture Minister urged graduating researchers to invent a device to check the quality of pesticides and fertilizers for the farmers. He said, "We ran an agricultural resolution campaign. Farmers have informed us that, many times, it is unclear whether the fertilisers and pesticides that come with them contain the necessary ingredients or not." He said that he came to learn that nearly 30,000 products were being sold in India, on the claim of being bio-stimulants that boosted farm produce.There was no protocol or scientific evidence to support the claims, he said. Chouhan stated, "We then established a protocol requiring scientists to demonstrate that these medicines can support crop growth. Out of 30,000 products, 22,000 samples were never sent for testing by the respective companies. And out of the remaining, only 642 products were found to be effective in raising the production of crops..." The Agriculture Minister further emphasised that people should use products made in India, as this will generate employment opportunities for the Indian people and strengthen the economy. Highlighting India's talent, Chouhan added, "India is not a modern nation, it is a thousand years old. When the world was in darkness, India gave light. Our science and technology were highly advanced. The country had a Pushpak aerial vehicle, which is mentioned in the Mahabharata." Addressing mediapersons on Sunday, Chouhan said, "It is my fortune that I got the opportunity to take part in the Gayatri family's event. Good powers are working to build the nation and ward off the negativities of the society, be it anti-drug campaign, gender equality, environment, organic farming... Completion of 100 years of Guru Ma Bhagwati's birth is also nearing." (ANI) Authorities in Shimla ordered the closure of educational institutions on Tuesday after heavy overnight rainfall caused landslides, uprooted trees, and blocked several roads across the district. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, in an official order, stated that all government and private schools, colleges, ITIs, polytechnics, nursing institutes, and Anganwadi centres will remain closed today in view of the safety of students. The decision comes after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted heavy downpours in the region over the next 24 hours. All concerned Heads of the Departments are directed to ensure strict compliance with this order in the interest of the safety and security of the students, said the official. Meanwhile, in Mandi, the water level of the Beas River has risen sharply following continuous rainfall. The IMD has issued a red alert for Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi districts, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms over the next two days. Officials earlier stated that schools and colleges, excluding residential institutions, were closed in Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Una, and Solan districts following the alert. On Monday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in three districts of Himachal Pradesh, Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi, for the next 48 hours. Orange and yellow alerts have also been issued for several other districts in the state. According to the IMD's latest forecast, a red alert has been issued for Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi on August 25. For August 26, the red alert remains in place for Chamba and Kangra, while Mandi moves to orange alert along with Kullu. An orange alert has also been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Kullu for August 25, while a yellow alert is in effect for Solan and Shimla. Senior Scientist at IMD Himachal Pradesh, Sandeep Kumar Sharma, told ANI that the monsoon has remained active in the state over the past 24 hours, particularly in Una, Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, and Solan districts, with isolated areas receiving heavy to very heavy rainfall. "The highest activity was recorded in Bilaspur district, where five to six stations reported very heavy rainfall. The highest was 190 mm at Kongo, followed by 160 mm at Jot in Chamba district. Heavy rain was also recorded in Nadaun and Sundernagar," Sharma said. He said rainfall will continue across Himachal Pradesh from August 25 to 31, with the most intense spells expected between August 25 and 27. Some districts may experience extremely heavy rainfall during this period. (ANI) Indian National Developmental Alliance (INDI) Alliance leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav undertook their 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Supaul on Tuesday. Congress's Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru said that had there been no "vote chori", Congress would have been the ruling party. "The public's blessings are with Congress party and other opposition parties. If there were no 'vote chori', the PM would not have become the PM. We have shown evidence that due to vote theft, BJP candidates won in every constituency. This is the reason we say 'vote chor' - 'gaddi chor'. Many senior leaders of the INDIA alliance, including Akhilesh Yadav ji, Jharkhand CM, Tamil Nadu CM and other senior leaders, will join the yatra in the coming days..." Allavaru told ANI. The 16-day 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, involving Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, aims to raise awareness about alleged irregularities in the voter list, which opposition leaders have termed a case of 'vote chori' vote theft. Covering over 1,300 km across 20 districts, the yatra is scheduled to conclude in Patna on September 1. Bihar Assembly elections are expected later this year, although the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date. Earlier on August 24, Tejashwi Yadav stated that the "Voter Adhikar Yatra," had become a "historic journey," claiming that it had exposed the reality of both the BJP and the Election Commission before the people. "A historic journey is underway; the reality of the BJP and the Election Commission has been exposed before the public," he told reporters. RJD leader targeted the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging it was functioning like a "cell" of Bharatiya Janata Party. Addressing a press conference during the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Araria, Tejashwi said that the commission has lost credibility among the people. "Election Commission has become 'Godi Commission' now and is working like the BJP's cell. Rahul Gandhi and I have embarked on this Yatra to save democracy, the Constitution and the right to vote. On the ground level, even in villages, EC's credibility is over," he said. (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi alleged that the "ridiculous" raids by the Enforcement Directorate on party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj's residence on Tuesday morning were "100 per cent fake" and a strategy to divert attention from the row over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's education degree. "These raids are 100% fake because at the time when this matter pertained, Saurabh Bharadwaj was not even a minister. He became a minister two years later. This is ridiculous... These raids are fake and a strategy to divert attention from PM Modi's fake degree issue. This is to threaten the AAP. The AAP has not committed a single rupee of corruption... No matter how many raids are conducted, AAP is 'Kattar Imaandar'... We are not scared of these raids..." Atishi said while addressing a press conference in the national capital today. Atishi further asked why Delhi University did not want to take pride in the PM being their alumni. "An RTI activist got an order from the CIC that the Delhi University must show PM Modi's degree. Instead of showing the degree, the university went to the High Court against the CIC order... The entire nation wants to know why the university does not take pride in the fact that its student is the Prime Minister... The entire nation was talking about this. To divert attention from this issue, fake ED raids are being conducted at Saurabh Bharadwaj's residence..." she further said. The ED today conducted searches at the residence of former Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj in connection with a money laundering probe linked to alleged irregularities in hospital construction projects in the national capital. The raids began early morning at 13 locations, including Bhardwaj's residence, across the Delhi-NCR region, based on a certain tip-off in connection with the case. The search operations were carried out under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). (ANI) BJP leader Boora Narsaiah Goud on Tuesday targeted the Congress party over their vote theft allegations against the Election Commission, stating that the 'Vote Chor, gaddi chhod' slogan will end up burning the Congress. Referring to a recent statement from Telangana Congress president regarding BJP MLAs winning in the State through vote theft, Goud said that the same Election Commission conducted elections when Revanth Reddy became Chief Minister. The BJP leader further asked the Chief Minister to resign if Congress doesn't have faith in the ECI. "Regarding Rahul Gandhi and Congress' slogan of 'Vote Chor, gaddi chhod' is going to burn the Congress... Recently, in Telangana, TPCC President said that 8 MPs of the BJP in Telangana won because of 'Vote chori'... Here in Telangana, Revant Reddy's Congress government came into power because of the same Election Commission... The people of Telangana will question Congress. If you don't believe in EC and the democratic process, then first you resign", Goud told ANI. The 16-day 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, involving Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, aims to raise awareness about alleged irregularities in the voter list, which opposition leaders have termed a case of 'vote chori' vote theft. Covering over 1,300 km across 20 districts, the yatra is scheduled to conclude in Patna on September 1. The INDIA bloc leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav undertook their Voter Adhikar Yatra in Supaul on Tuesday. Congress's Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru said that had there been no "vote chori", Congress would have been the ruling party. "The public's blessings are with Congress party and other opposition parties. If there were no 'vote chori', the PM would not have become the PM. We have shown evidence that due to vote theft, BJP candidates won in every constituency. This is the reason we say 'vote chor' - 'gaddi chor'. Many senior leaders of the INDIA alliance, including Akhilesh Yadav ji, Jharkhand CM, Tamil Nadu CM and other senior leaders, will join the yatra in the coming days..." Allavaru told ANI. Bihar Assembly elections are expected later this year, although the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date. (ANI) Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty on Tuesday said the resignation of MLA Rahul Mamkootathil as Youth Congress state president is merely an "adjustment" arranged with the Congress leaders, and cannot be seen as punishment for his wrongdoings. The Congress MLA Mamkootathi is currently facing allegations of obscene conduct filed by writer Honey Bhaskaran and model Rini Ann George. Consequently, he has resigned from his position as the State President of the Youth Congress. The Congress party has also suspended the Palakkad MLA from the party's primary membership. However, he will continue to serve as a legislator. "The current action against Rahul Mamkootathil cannot be seen as punishment for his wrongdoing; it is merely an adjustment between him and Congress leaders. When the party was about to take stern action, Rahul resorted to threats, and leaders softened their stance," Kerala Education Minister said while addresing reporters. Sivankutty said that the justified step would be Mamkootathil's expulsion from Congress. He further sought his resignation from the MLA post. He said, "The people of Palakkad demand his resignation from the MLA post. A criminal syndicate led by Rahul Mamkootathil is operating, and they are behind the cyberattacks. The avoidance of his resignation from the MLA post is purely due to Congress's fear of a Palakkad by-election." Meanwhile, 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 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. Meanwhile, Kerala Congress President Sunny Joseph confirmed on Monday that Palakkad MLA is no longer entitled to continue as a member of the Congress Legislator Party following 'obscene conduct' allegations. As a result, Mamkootathil can no longer participate in legislative decisions as a representative of the Congress party. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Communist Party of India (CPI) have been protesting and demanding the resignation of Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil over the allegations of 'obscene conduct.' On Sunday, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), carried out a protest march in Kerala's Palakkad, demanding the resignation of Rahul Mamkootathil from his MLA post. (ANI) Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said that two people were rescued near Drass in Ladakh after their vehicle fell into a river. Rijiju shared a post on his official 'X' handle stating that his convoy was on the way to reach Drass during which the incident took place. He said that the two people who were inside the vehicle were safely rescued. "Before reaching Drass in Ladakh, one vehicle fell into the river just ahead of our convoy. Luckily, we were on time and both persons survived," Rijiju wrote on 'X'. The Union Minister hailed the wonderful reception and experience he received in Sonmarg of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. The Union Minister expressed gratitude to the district administrations of Ganderbal and Kargil. He also thanked his guide, Mohammad Sidiq Mir, for the warm welcome and stated that development in the State is taking place. "On the way to Kargil I had memorable moment at Sonmarg. Grateful to both administrations of Ganderbal and Kargil. Thanks to senior guide Mohammad Sidiq Mir and other friends of Sonmarg for the wonderful company! Real development is happening now. Common people of Kashmir are great hosts & they are dead against the violence perpetrated by the enemies," Rijiju wrote on 'X'. Meanwhile, Rijiju had sharply criticised activist and former Planning Commission member Syeda Hameed over her remarks suggesting that Bangladeshis can live in India.Condemning her remarks, the Union Minister accused her of misleading people in the "name of humanity" and suggested she should not support illegal migrants. Syeda Hameed was a member of the Planning Commission of India during the UPA government. In a social media post on X, Rijiju shared her video and captioned, "Misleading in the name of humanity. It's about our land and identity. Why the minority Buddhists, Christians, Hindus & Sikhs in Bangladesh and Pakistan are persecuted & tortured? Sayeda Hameed may be closest to Sonia Gandhi & Rahul Gandhi but shouldn't support illegal migrants." (ANI) Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with President of the Council of States of Switzerland Andrea Caroni at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji met with Andrea Caroni, President of the Council of States of Switzerland, in Beijing on Tuesday. Zhao, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland 75 years ago, the bilateral relations have developed steadily, vividly illustrating a spirit of cooperation that features "equality, innovation and win-win outcomes." China is willing to work with Switzerland to take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and promote the continuous development of the China-Switzerland innovative strategic partnership, Zhao said. He called on the two countries to make proper use of exchange mechanisms in various fields, deepen their understanding of each other's national conditions and domestic and foreign policies, and further enhance strategic mutual trust. Noting the Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, Zhao said it is hoped that the Swiss side will abide by the one-China principle and support China's efforts to achieve national reunification. Since the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement came into effect, it has played a significant role in promoting the growth of bilateral investment and trade, Zhao said. He added that both sides will hopefully accelerate negotiations on upgrading the agreement and speed up the cultivation of growth points for cooperation in emerging fields. Zhao said China is willing to work with Switzerland to jointly maintain the stability and smoothness of the multilateral trading system and industrial and supply chains, and to foster an open and cooperative international environment. He also called on the two countries to take the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th founding anniversary of the United Nations, to enhance multilateral cooperation, maintain world peace and stability, and join hands to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. Zhao pointed out that the NPC of China is willing to work with the Swiss Federal Parliament to enhance friendly exchanges among high-level legislative bodies, special committees, bilateral friendship groups, and their deputies. Both parties aim to leverage their respective characteristics and advantages to promote and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields. Zhao introduced the relevant situation of China's commitment to the development concepts of innovation, coordination, green development, openness, and sharing, and its promotion of sustainable development. He indicated that in terms of development concepts, China and Switzerland share many similarities and commonalities. It is hoped that both sides will enhance exchanges and mutual learning to further inject stability and positive energy into a world intertwined with chaos. Caroni said China is an important participant in the world economy and global governance, and an important partner of Switzerland. The relationship between the two countries is of strategic significance. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and China 75 years ago, the two sides have always adhered to mutual respect and carried out fruitful cooperation in a wide range of fields. Switzerland adheres to the one-China policy. The Council of States of Switzerland is willing to enhance friendly exchanges with the NPC of China, promote cooperation in various fields between the two countries, advance the negotiations on upgrading the free trade agreement, and strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries, Caroni said. Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with President of the Council of States of Switzerland Andrea Caroni at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) Emphasising that battlefields of tomorrow will not recognise service boundaries, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has called for swift and decisive joint responses across domains to ensure victory in future wars. According to a release from the Ministry of Defence, he was delivering the keynote address at 'Ran Samwad', a first-of-its-kind Tri-service seminar on war, warfare & warfighting, on the theme 'Impact of Technology on Warfare' at the Army War College in Dr Ambedkar Nagar, Madhya Pradesh, on August 26. Terming Aatmanirbharta in defence and integrated logistics as key to emerge victorious in the wars to come, the CDS reaffirmed that 'jointness' is foundational to India's transformation. He underscored the need to institutionalise joint training and absorb constantly evolving technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber and Quantum to enhance operational capability. For a robust civil-military integration, he voiced the importance & commitment to develop Sudarshan Chakra (India's Own Iron Dome) which will act as both 'A Shield and A Sword', and said that developing capabilities in multiple domains is central for attaining victory in future wars. Citing Kautilya, General Anil Chauhan stated that India has been a fountainhead of ideas and knowledge since ancient times; however, very little literature on Scholarly Analysis of Indian Wars or academic discourse on strategy exists. "Serious research needs to be done on various dimensions of war, leadership, motivation, morale and technology. India needs to be Sashakt, Surakshit, Aatmanirbhar and Viksit. This can only be achieved when all stakeholders participate collectively in the process of building future-ready forces," he said. The CDS pointed out that the idea of RAN SAMWAD is to create space for actual practitioners, especially young and middle-level officers, who are aware of technological advancements. He stated that there is a need to hear their point of view thus creating an ecosystem wherein symphony and harmony among new ideas co-exist with the experience provided by the personnel. The two-day seminar brings serving military professionals to the forefront of strategic dialogue. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh will deliver the plenary address on the second and final day. A few Joint Doctrines and the Technology Perspective & Capability Roadmap will also be released during the event. (ANI) This year, on Vijayadashami, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) completes 100 years. To mark the centenary, the organisation is hosting a series of programs across the country. As part of this, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday launched the centenary events with a three-day lecture series at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The series starts on August 26 and will end on August 28, featuring evening discussions each day. The main objective of these events is to present a comprehensive picture of the RSS to society. At Vigyan Bhawan, Bhagwat will speak on the theme "100 Years of RSS Journey: New Horizons". He will highlight how Swayamsevaks view themselves and address misconceptions about the organisation, while also reaching out to groups that have kept a distance from the RSS. According to RSS sources, diplomats from several countries have been invited. The discussions will bring together people from diverse fields, categorised into 17 main groups and 138 sub-categories--including art, sports, judiciary, bureaucracy, diplomacy, politics, thought leaders, media, startups, and influencers. Around 2,000 people are expected to attend. On the first day (August 26), the focus will be on the 100-year journey of RSS. The second day will explore its future vision, while the third day will feature an interactive question-and-answer session with Mohan Bhagwat. RSS has invited over 50 foreign embassies, including those of the US, UK, Germany, Japan, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, and several Muslim-majority countries. However, Pakistan and Bangladesh embassies have not been invited. Notably, the guest list also includes leaders beyond the BJP's traditional circles. These include Union Ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and Jyotiraditya Scindia, Apna Dal leader and Union minister Anupriya Patel, JDU leaders KC Tyagi and Sanjay Jha, and TDP's Union Aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu. Invitations have also gone out to opposition leaders, including those from the Congress. The RSS has reached out to minority communities as well, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Buddhists, who have been invited. A senior RSS functionary said, "We have invited leaders of every political party, including the Congress." Alongside the events in Delhi, Mohan Bhagwat will deliver a series of four lectures in major Indian cities as part of the centenary outreach, Bengaluru in November, Kolkata thereafter, and Mumbai in February. (ANI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped up its preparations for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders launching a series of constituency-level conferences across the state. According to party sources, the campaign, which began on August 23, is being carried out in two phases. In the first phase, conferences are being held in constituencies where the NDA secured victories in the 2020 assembly elections. The second phase will target constituencies where NDA candidates lost by a narrow margin. BJP sources said that from August 23 to 25, conferences were conducted in 41 constituencies, while the next round is scheduled between August 28 and 30. The exercise will continue until September 14, covering all 243 assembly seats. Senior BJP leaders and national spokespersons are also scheduled to address press conferences in 38 districts to highlight the achievements of both the central and state governments, and to showcase the transformation in Bihar under the NDA's governance. The BJP aims to educate people about industrialisation and welfare schemes benefiting the people of Bihar. They're also countering the opposition's false claims on various issues. NDA leaders have already strategised and formed a plan, which includes setting up 14 teams to coordinate these conferences. In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, the BJP, Janata Dal (United), Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP), and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) contested as allies. The BJP won 74 seats while JD(U) secured 43, together enabling the NDA to form the government. The party source added that after the completion of the first phase, the second phase will cover 52 constituencies where NDA candidates narrowly lost in 2020. Meanwhile, in the previous assembly elections, the LJP (Paswan) was not part of the NDA alliance. At that time, LJP (Paswan) fielded candidates in 134 seats but could only win one. This time, they are part of the NDA. The BJP leader said that the conferences will highlight the work done by the Bihar government and explain how the NDA government has restored law and order in Bihar. Notably, Bihar elections are expected to be held later this year in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date. While the NDA, comprising the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, aims to continue its tenure in Bihar, the INDIA bloc, comprising the RJD, Congress, and left parties, seeks to oust Nitish Kumar. In the current Bihar Assembly of 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131 with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U)-45, HAM(S)-4, with the support of 2 Independent Candidates. The Opposition's INDIA Bloc has a strength of 111 members with RJD leading with 77 MLAs, Congress-19, CPI(ML)-11, CPI(M)-2 and CPI-2. (ANI) After inaugurating a lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility for strong hybrid electric vehicles in Ahmedabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasised that a "new chapter" has been added to India's journey of 'Make in India'. The Prime Minister said that it is a "big leap" towards India's goal of 'Make in India and 'Make for the World'. He stressed that India will now export electric vehicles to 100 countries and that hybrid battery electrolyte manufacturing has begun in the country. "In this fervour of Ganesh Utsav, today a new chapter is being added to India's 'Make in India' journey. This is a big leap towards our goal of 'Make in India, Make for the World'. From today, electric vehicles made in India will be exported to 100 countries. Along with this, hybrid battery electrolyte manufacturing is also starting today," the Prime Minister said. "This day is also giving a new dimension to the friendship between India and Japan," PM Modi said in his address to the gathering. He inaugurated the localized production of hybrid battery electrodes and flagged off Battery electric vehicle exports to 100 countries at Hansalpur in Ahmedabad today. "This day is also giving a new dimension to the friendship between India and Japan. In a way, 13 years mark the beginning of teenage and teenage is the period of spreading wings. It is the period of letting dreams take flight, and a lot of dreams emerge in teenage... I am happy that today Maruti is entering its teenage years. Gujarat's Maruti is entering its teens, meaning that in the coming days, Maruti will spread new wings and it will move ahead with new zeal and enthusiasm. PM Modi said that during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Suzuki was allotted land for their plant in Hansalpur in 2012. "The seeds of India's success story were sown about 13 years ago. In 2012, when I was the Chief Minister here, we had allotted land to Maruti Suzuki in Hansalpur...", the Prime Minister recalled. He stressed that India has the power of democracy and the advantage of demography. PM Modi emphasised that the country has a large pool of Skilled Workforce, which creates a "Win-Win Situation" for every Indian partner. "India has the power of Democracy. India has the advantage of Demography. We also have a very large pool of Skilled Workforce. Therefore, this creates a Win-Win Situation for every Partner of ours," the Prime Minister said. PM Modi stated that Suzuki Japan is manufacturing in India and the cars which are made in the country are exported back to Japan. He termed it a symbol of strength between India and Japan relationship, also a reflection of the global confidence in India. "This is not only a symbol of the strength of the relationship between India and Japan, but also reflects the global confidence in India. In a way, companies like Maruti Suzuki have become brand ambassadors of Make in India... Now, the EVs that will run in dozens of countries around the world will have written on them- Made In India," PM Modi said. "India has the power of Democracy. India has the advantage of Demography. We also have a very large pool of Skilled Workforce. Therefore, this creates a Win-Win Situation for every Partner of ours. Today, Suzuki Japan is manufacturing in India, and the cars made here are being exported back to Japan. This is not only a symbol of the strength of the relationship between India and Japan, but also reflects the global confidence in India. In a way, companies like Maruti Suzuki have become brand ambassadors of Make in India... Now, the EVs that will run in dozens of countries around the world will have written on them- Made In India..." (ANI) The Chairman of the All India Bar Association (AIBA), Adish C Aggarwala, has strongly opposed the statement issued by 18 retired judges who criticised the Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent comments regarding the candidature of Justice B Sudershan Reddy for the post of Vice President of India. The AIBA chief, Adish C Aggarwala, who is also a senior advocate and a former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, said that once a judge retires and chooses to join politics, he cannot expect the same immunity and respect that comes with judicial office. According to him, such individuals must be open to fair criticism for their political views and actions. "Protecting a retired judge from public scrutiny after entering politics amounts to demanding a privilege that does not exist," he stated. He clarified that the Home Minister's observations were neither personal nor insulting. Instead, they should be seen as a reminder that judges, while in service, must always remain careful that their judgments and pronouncements do not compromise the country's unity, security, or sovereignty. Highlighting the broader issue, the AIBA chairman stressed that judicial independence is essential. However, he added that judicial decisions often carry consequences beyond the courtroom, particularly in areas linked to national security and public order. He said it was disappointing that some retired judges were attempting to politicise what he described as a "fair and balanced" comment by a senior constitutional authority, as this could weaken public trust in the judiciary's impartiality. Reiterating the AIBA's position, he said the association stands for judicial accountability, protection of national security, and the principle that no individual, whether a judge, politician, or public figure, should be above fair criticism. Earlier, Amit Shah targeted the INDIA bloc for nominating Retired Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy, saying that the latter's judgment on Salwa Judum was the sole reason that Left Wing Extremism managed to survive for over two decades. In an interview with ANI, Shah also took aim at Rahul Gandhi and demanded that the Congress leader should give an explanation for the Opposition alliance deciding to pick a nominee who "sympathised with left-wing ideology" and whose ruling that "disbanded" the "armed civilian vigilante group" prevented the eradication of Naxals before 2020. Shah said after the judgement, "Schools that were destroyed due to Naxals, the CRPF and security forces were deployed there. They were ousted within the night with the help of the order. Security forces were attacked in many places. More than Sudershan Reddy, Rahul Gandhi must answer on this, as this is the reason he (Reddy) has been picked - the left-wing ideology. Due to this judgment, the Naxals have been protected." (ANI) Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Karthik Yellapragada on Tuesday accused the Andhra Pradesh coalition government of a "calculated betrayal" involving Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) lands. He accused the Andhra coalition government of orchestrating the "biggest conspiracy" against the sanctity of Lord Venkateshwara's temple lands and accused the coalition government of conspiring to surrender 20 acres of TTD land worth Rs 1500 crore to Oberoi Hotels. Yellapragada said, "The coalition government is getting exposed on the biggest conspiracy against the sanctity of Lord Venkateshwara's temple lands. This is just not an administrative decision. It's a calculated betrayal. At the heart of the scheme, Chief Minister Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and TTD Chairman BR Naidu, together, are masterminding a plan to surrender 20 acres of priceless Tirumla Tirupati Devasthanam lands, valued at Rs 1500 crore. They're giving all of this to a private giant, Oberoi Hotels." He criticised the government for engineering the land transfer under the "convenient cover of land exchange," wherein the temple receives rural tracts deemed "worthless." "All of this is being done under a convenient cover of land exchange. But what are we getting in return? The worthless rural tracts from the tourism department. This is just not an exchange. This is a barter system where the TTD temple is losing over a 1000 crore." Yellapragada alleged that the government order was issued without even mentioning land valuation, which he called "daylight robbery." "The process reveals the conspiracy... On May 7, a special meeting was conducted with just a single agenda and a government order was issued without even mentioning land valuation. This is nothing short of daylight robbery," the YSRCP said. The YSRCP leader questioned as to why "a temple land, when acres of government land are unused". He warned, "Why attack the TTD property that belongs to Lord Venkateshwara and his devotees? This is not an issue of development. This is a direct assault on Hindu Dharma." Demanding a rollback, he said that the move is ruling government's "attempt to commercialise the divine property for private interests." Yellapragada said, "We demand an immediate rollback of this betrayal. We call upon devotees across the world to rise and protest to safeguard the legacy of TTD lands. This conspiracy must not succeed. The sanctity of Tirumala cannot be sold." (ANI) Delhi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Virendra Sachdeva on Tuesday said that stated that all members of the Aam Aadmi Party had been corrupt, and said that the public shall also witness how the party looted everyone. His remarks were made following raids conducted by Directorate of Enforcement (ED) at the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bharadwaj. "Today, the investigative agency raided the house of AAP Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj...The corruption they committed included building hospitals, purchasing medicines, and equipment... BJP has been continuously complaining about it. We believe that whether it is Saurabh Bharadwaj, Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, or Satyendra Jain, all of them are corrupt... The investigative agency is conducting a probe...The public will also see how they looted all..." Sachdeva told ANI. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi alleged that the ED raids were "ridiculous" raids were "100 per cent fake" and a strategy to divert attention from the row over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's education degree. "These raids are 100% fake because at the time when this matter pertained, Saurabh Bharadwaj was not even a minister. He became a minister two years later. This is ridiculous... These raids are fake and a strategy to divert attention from PM Modi's fake degree issue. This is to threaten the AAP. The AAP has not committed a single rupee of corruption... No matter how many raids are conducted, AAP is 'Kattar Imaandar'... We are not scared of these raids..." Atishi said while addressing a press conference in the national capital today. Atishi further asked why Delhi University did not want to take pride in the PM being their alumni."An RTI activist got an order from the CIC that the Delhi University must show PM Modi's degree. Instead of showing the degree, the university went to the High Court against the CIC order... The entire nation wants to know why the university does not take pride in the fact that its student is the Prime Minister... The entire nation was talking about this. To divert attention from this issue, fake ED raids are being conducted at Saurabh Bharadwaj's residence..." she further said. The ED today conducted searches at the residence of former Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj in connection with a money laundering probe linked to alleged irregularities in hospital construction projects in the national capital. The raids began early morning at 13 locations, including Bhardwaj's residence, across the Delhi-NCR region, based on a certain tip-off in connection with the case. The search operations were carried out under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday termed the relationship between India and Japan as a bond of culture and trust. Addressing a gathering in Ahmedabad after flagging off the 'e-VITARA', Suzuki's first global strategic Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), at the Suzuki Motor plant in Hansalpur in Ahmedabad, the Prime Minister said that India's relationship with Suzuki has reached "bullet train speed." He inaugurated a lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility for strong hybrid electric vehicles, which is a joint venture of Toshiba, Denso and Suzuki. "Next week I am going to Japan. The relationship between India and Japan goes far beyond diplomatic ties, it is a bond of culture and trust. We see our progress reflected in each other's growth. The journey we began with Maruti Suzuki has now reached the speed of a bullet train," the Prime Minister said. "The major initiative to realize the industrial potential of the India-Japan partnership began right here in Gujarat. I remember, when we started the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 20 years ago, Japan was a key partner. Just think, a small state of a developing country attracting investment with a developed country like Japan as its partner, this shows how strong the foundation of India-Japan relations is...," the Prime Minister said. "In the beginning, when our Japanese partners used to visit, I was just starting to understand them, and my understanding kept growing. I realized that Japanese people have a nature where their cultural ecosystem is their first priority. They prefer Japanese food. Gujaratis have their own habits, when they are in Gujarat, they may eat food from restaurants, but when outside, they still prefer Gujarati cuisine..." he said. Expressing his heartfelt remembrance of the late Osamu Suzuki, the Prime Minister stated that the Government of India had the honour of conferring the Padma Vibhushan upon him. He said that he is pleased to witness the vast expansion of the vision Osamu Suzuki had envisioned for Maruti Suzuki India. Underlining that the most critical component of the EV ecosystem is the battery, the Prime Minister said that until a few years ago, batteries in India were entirely imported. He added that to strengthen EV manufacturing, it was essential for India to begin domestic battery production. PM Modi recalled that in 2017, the foundation of the TDSG battery plant was laid with this vision. He announced that under a new initiative by TDSG, three Japanese companies -Suzuki, Toshiba, and Denso- will jointly manufacture battery cells in India for the first time. He added that battery cell electrodes will also be produced locally within India. The Prime Minister emphasized that this localization will empower India's self-reliance. He remarked that this will accelerate the growth of the hybrid electric vehicle sector. "India's ongoing efforts are strengthening the people-to-people connect between India and Japan. Both nations are now able to meet each other's needs in skill development and human resources", highlighted the Prime Minister. PM Modi urged companies like Maruti Suzuki to actively participate in such initiatives and promote youth exchange programmes. Prime Minister inaugurated and flagged off the "e VITARA", Suzuki's first global strategic Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). The Made-in-India BEVs will be exported to more than one hundred countries, including advanced markets such as Europe and Japan. With this milestone, India will now serve as Suzuki's global manufacturing hub for electric vehicles. Prime Minister also inaugurated the next phase of India's battery ecosystem with the start of local production of hybrid battery electrodes at TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant in Gujarat. The plant, a joint venture of Toshiba, Denso and Suzuki, will boost domestic manufacturing and clean energy innovation. This development ensures that more than eighty per cent of the battery value will now be manufactured within India. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister will visit Japan from August 29-30 participate in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. This will be Prime Minister Modi's eighth visit to Japan, and the first Summit with Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba. (ANI) Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in a meeting at his official residence on Tuesday, directed the officials to promote the use of goods manufactured in the state. According to a release from the Chief Minister's Office, he said that it is "our resolve that the people of the state should be motivated to use local products, so that the faith in Swadeshi is strengthened and the economy of the state can get new momentum and strength." The Chief Minister said, "I have full faith that all the people of the state will give priority to goods manufactured in the country by assimilating the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will not only increase employment and self-employment opportunities for our youth, but we will also all participate in realising the dream of a self-reliant India." Meanwhile, Uttarakhand is set to expand its heli connectivity, with a new helicopter service between Pithoragarh and Munsyari expected to start by September 30 under the Udan scheme. The central government has selected Heritage Aviation to operate the service on this route. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had recently sought cooperation from Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu in expanding heli services in the state. In this sequence, the Union Minister has written a letter to the Chief Minister informing that Heritage Aviation has been selected for the Pithoragarh-Munsyari-Pithoragarh heli service under the Udan scheme. Similarly, preparations are being made for heli service on the Pithoragarh-Dharchula-Pithoragarh route under the Udan scheme, for which land is required to build a helipad in Dharchula. Heritage Aviation has been given preliminary consent to operate the service on this route as well. Similarly, if the proposal for operating the service between Pithoragarh and Delhi under the Udan scheme comes from the airlines, it will be considered positively. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has written a letter to the Chief Minister informing them that the Ministry is conducting a feasibility study for operating the Achhnera-Tanakpur special train as per the demand of the state government; further action will be taken in this sequence. The Chief Minister has expressed his gratitude to both the Union Ministers for the expansion of the heli and rail network. (ANI) Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday met and extended his greetings to the INDIA bloc's Vice-Presidential nominee and former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy. Earlier today, Sudershan Reddy was welcomed at the Lucknow Airport amid rousing uproar by supporters. On August 21, Opposition INDIA bloc's Vice-Presidential nominee and former Supreme Court Judge B. Sudershan Reddy 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 submitted 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. 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 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. Recently, Sudershan Reddy said that the election for the Vice President is not a battle but a clash of ideology, while highlighting that he disagrees with the ideology and not C.P. Radhakrishnan, the NDA candidate for the position. While talking to ANI, Sudershan Reddy said, "This is not a battle, it is a clash of ideas... The other side was propagating that there is a person here who has been a full member of the RSS all his life, so I disagree with that ideology, not with C.P. Radhakrishnan ji." He added that he has nothing personal against NDA candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan, "There is nothing personal between C.P. Radhakrishnan and me. We have never even met each other. So I wanted this to be a decent contest, not between individuals but between two different ideologies..." (ANI) Lil Nas X could face years behind bars after he was charged with four felonies including three counts of battery on police officers following his naked public outburst in Los Angeles. Lil Nas X has been charged with four felonies including three counts of battery on police officers following a naked public outburst in Los Angeles The 26-year-old musician, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, was arrested by Los Angeles police officers early on Thursday (21.08.25) morning after being seen behaving erratically on Ventura Boulevard. According to the LAPD, he shouted song lyrics, made hand gestures at passing cars and then charged at police. Initially dressed in white western boots and underwear, he was later taken into custody fully nude. Police told NBC4 Montero struck out at officers, leading to what they described as a necessary use of force to restrain him. He was forced to the ground and charged with misdemeanor battery on a police officer before being transported to hospital for what authorities believed could be a drug overdose. The rapper was later returned to custody. A felony complaint filed on Monday (25.08.25) shows Montero now faces three counts of battery with injury on a peace officer and one count of resisting an executive officer, according to documents obtained by the Daily Mail. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to five years in state prison, the Los Angeles County district attorneys office confirmed. Montero appeared at Los Angeles superior court on Monday in a blue jumpsuit alongside his attorney, Christy OConnor. He pleaded not guilty and had his bail set at $75,000. The performer was seen making his way out of a Los Angeles-area courthouse on Monday as he made his bail, leading to his release from custody after spending more than three days in jail after his battery arrest. TMZ previously reported if he did secure bail he will be required to avoid illegal narcotics and enrol in an outpatient programme. In a statement, Los Angeles County district attorney Nathan J Hochman said: Attacking police officers is more than just a crime against those individuals but a direct threat to public safety. Anyone who assaults law enforcement will face serious consequences, no matter who they are or how famous they may be. Video footage of the incident published by TMZ appeared to show Montero realising he was being recorded before turning towards the camera, exposing himself and rapping Nicki Minajs verse from Kanye Wests 2010 track Monster. Other footage appeared to show him earlier at the Short Stories Hotel in jeans, a shirt and cowboy hat before he stripped down to underwear and boots, at one point placing a traffic cone on his head and telling a bystander he was going to a party. TMZ also reported jail sources said Montero had been keeping a low profile since being booked, with no behavioural issues. He was described as occupying himself with books, board games and television. Officials said he was receiving three meals a day, including cereal, chicken dishes and bean-and-cheese burritos. Last week, Montero posted several videos and selfies to Instagram, seemingly from home. In one clip, wearing a bathrobe, he played a tambourine and sang beside a pile of household items, writing: FREE THE PEOPLE! NOW! In another post he appeared in a fur coat and cowboy hat with a tiara, captioning: OH NO sHES GONE MAD! CRAZY I TELL U! Fans have flooded his page with supportive comments. One said: Your music has helped me come to terms with my queer identity and helped me walk away from people who claimed to be my friends, but never really heard me. I wish you healing. Please be okay. We are here hoping for peace. Another added: Just know were all here for you with love and support. Mental health matters, your mental health matter. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a meeting with police and senior officials at his official residence on Tuesday morning and directed the Anti-Narcotic Task Force to take strict action against drug peddlers. Sharing an X post, CM Dhami wrote, "In the morning, a meeting was held with the police and senior officials at the official residence to realise the resolve of 'Drug Free Uttarakhand'." "During this, instructions were given to ensure the strictest action against drug peddlers and mafias across the state, along with strengthening the Anti-Narcotic Task Force further, increasing the number of night checks throughout the state, and ensuring special vigilance and strict checks in border areas," the X post added. The Chief Minister directed the officials to promote the drug-free helpline number '1933'. He wrote, "In the meeting, officials were also directed to widely publicise and promote the '1933' drug-free helpline number so that more and more people can connect with this initiative and register complaints promptly. Instructions were given to make extensive public awareness and drug awareness programmes in the state even more robust and effective." The health, education, police, social welfare, and youth welfare departments were also instructed to organise joint workshops. "Along with this, officials were instructed to organise joint workshops of all related departments--health, education, police, social welfare, and youth welfare--to make the state drug-free. Officials were also directed to increase the number of de-addiction centres and equip them with modern facilities," the X post read. Meanwhile, the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led government is running the Operation Kalanemi aimed at tightening the noose on those anti-social elements who were hiding their identity and committing fraud and playing with religious sentiments. The police and administration have so far verified more than 4,000 people in the state, out of which more than 300 people have been arrested, the statement by CMO said. The campaign has been most effective in districts where outside elements had been active. Haridwar has seen 2,300 verifications and 162 arrests, Dehradun 865 verifications and 113 arrests, and Udham Singh Nagar 167 verifications with 17 arrests. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday received a cheque of Rs 27,76,159 from Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh towards the "Aapda Rahat Kosh". Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Board Bhawani Singh Pathania, along with MLAs Ram Kumar, Sanjay Awasthi and Sudarshan Bablu, were also present on the occasion. Meanwhile, on August 15, CM Sukhu had announced the release of an additional Rs 100 crore for disaster-hit families to provide prompt relief, along with the launch of a Rs 3,000 crore project aimed at disaster mitigation and protecting livelihoods in affected areas, a release had said. The Chief Minister had expressed concern over the growing impact of global warming on Himachal Pradesh, noting that frequent disasters had caused heavy losses to life and property in the State. Referring to the 2023 disaster in which the State had suffered damages worth Rs 10,000 crore, he alleged that despite the Central Government's assessment, Himachal had received only Rs 1,500 crore, that too after two years. He had added that that year's disasters had once again caused severe losses, particularly in Mandi district, and claimed that the State had not received any financial assistance from the Centre till then. He had said that the State Government had already disbursed Rs 360.42 crore from its own resources to aid affected families. He had expressed hope that the Centre would soon extend financial support for the disaster-affected families. "Compensation for fully damaged houses had been increased from Rs 1.3 lakh to Rs 7 lakh, while for partially damaged houses it had been raised from Rs 12,500 to Rs 1 lakh. Houses rendered uninhabitable would also be treated as fully damaged for compensation purposes," he had added. (ANI) Kerala Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan said that the Congress had set a "shining example" in Kerala's political history by suspending MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, even though no complaint had been filed either with the party or with the police. Addressing reporters at the District Congress Office in Kozhikode on Tuesday, Satheesan challenged mediapersons to question Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan about "sex offenders in the Chief Minister's Office." He alleged that several CPI(M) leaders continue to hold positions despite multiple complaints about their misconduct. "Congress has shown moral courage. Now it is time for Vijayan to follow that example," Satheesan said. Congress MLA, Mamkootathi, is currently facing allegations of obscene conduct filed by writer Honey Bhaskaran and model Rini Ann George. Consequently, he has resigned from his position as the State President of the Youth Congress. The Congress party has also suspended the Palakkad MLA from the party's primary membership. However, he will continue to serve as a legislator. The Kerala LoP warned Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI (M), saying, "CPI(M) should not play too much with this issue. A lot is yet to come out. If it does, Kerala will be shocked. There is no need to wait until the elections for that. Consider it a threat if you want." "I have something special to tell the BJP people," Satheesan said. "BJP workers demonstrated with a bull at the Cantonment House. Don't let that bull go. The very next day, you will have to demonstrate with that bull at Rajeev Chandrasekhar's house. Just wait," he said. On Rahul Mamkootathil's allegations, Satheesan accused CPI(M) of double standards, and said, "The CPI(M) has no response to the serious allegations against M.V. Govindan's son. The allegation that hawala money was given to CPI(M) leaders and ministers is serious. This issue is being raised only to hide it. CPI(M) should ask its own MLA accused in a rape case to resign." He asked, "How many ministers are still in office despite facing sexual harassment allegations?" Satheesan also alleged that even those accused of sexual misconduct within the Chief Minister's office were being protected, and that CPI(M)'s current campaign was a deliberate attempt to shield the party's state secretary MV Govindan and cover up the hawala controversy. On Congress' action on Rahul Mamkootathil, Kerala LoP said, "Rahul Mamkootathil's issue is closed. We took action that no other party in Kerala has ever taken. We acted against our own colleague with great pain, not based on his face or relationship, but based on principle. The party adopted a pro-women stance because it was convinced and because it respects women." "The media should ask Pinarayi Vijayan about those he continues to protect. But they will not get a chance. There will be no more real press conferences, and even if they are held, only a few curated questions will be allowed," he alleged. "The CPI(M) should continue its protest. But the people of Kerala are calling us every day to express support for our action. They say this decision is a landmark in Kerala's political history," Satheesan said. He added, "The man who insulted even an IAS officer is still sitting as a minister." (ANI) Continuous rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir has led to a sharp rise in water levels of several rivers and streams, triggering flash floods in parts of Jammu region. The Meteorological Department (MET) has issued an advisory on the matter. "Possibility of intense/heavy to very heavy Rain/thunder at scattered places & extremely heavy rain at isolated places of JMU Div & moderate to heavy rain in South KMR during 26 Aug. Cloud burst/flash floods at few vulnerable places with landslides/mudslides/shooting stones etc. stay away from water bodies/nallas/river embankments/loose structures etc. Waterlogging/flooding in the low-lying areas of JMU Div. All concerned are advised to stay alert/updated," the advisory read. A bridge over the Sahar Khad river near the Jammu-Pathankot Highway in Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Kathua has been damaged after the river began flowing in spate due to continuous rains in the region. The incident has disrupted traffic on the highway, a key arterial route. Local administration teams are monitoring the situation closely. The Jammu region has been experiencing intense monsoon showers for the past few days, causing rivers to swell, triggering landslides, and disrupting normal life in low-lying and hilly areas. Earlier, seven people lost their lives and 11 others were injured in a cloudburst that struck Kathua district in Jammu & Kashmir on August 17. The sudden deluge triggered massive landslides and flooding, causing the tragic loss of lives and extensive damage to infrastructure. Reacting with urgency, Army relief columns with an Engineer detachment were immediately pressed into action to the worst-affected regions of Jhor Khad and Bagra villages. A cloudburst during the Machail Mata Yatra on August 14 led to flash floods that killed at least 55 people in Kishtwar. Following the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on August 19 that it might be impossible to find anyone survivors. He said that the disaster took place due to a cloudburst rather than a breach of glacial lakes. (ANI) The Himachal Pradesh Assembly witnessed heated exchanges on Tuesday during Question Hour over the state of industries, culminating in slogan-shouting by the Opposition and a walkout from the House. BJP MLA Bikram Singh Thakur had raised the issue of industrial investment and the state of industries in the past three years. Replying, the Industries Minister said that 2,853 new units had been set up in this period, while 115 units had shut down. The Opposition alleged that "wrong policies" and corruption under the Congress government were driving industries out of the state, worsening unemployment. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu countered, accusing the previous BJP government of "selling the state's interests" in the name of customised packages and allotting land for free. His remarks triggered slogan-shouting from the Opposition benches, leading to their walkout. Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly after the walkout, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur said that the industry sector in the state is on the verge of an end after Congress has taken over in the state. "After the Congress government came to power, it has destroyed the industrial sector. During the BJP government's tenure, Himachal got the Medical Devices Park and Bulk Drug Park. But the present government has completely failed to save industries. Not a single major industry has been established in the past three years. Instead, steep hikes in electricity tariffs are forcing industries to move out of Himachal. People in the government are involved in corruption. Big industrialists are afraid to invest here because the families of Congress leaders are engaged in extortion and pressure tactics," said Thakur. BJP MLA and former Industry Minister Bikram Singh Thakur stated that the industry is migrating from the state due to the anti-industry policy, which is forcing industrialists to flee. "Industries are migrating because of the Congress government's anti-industry approach. Policies have been framed in such a way that entrepreneurs are finding it difficult to survive in the state," said the BJP MLA. BJP MLA and former power Minister Sukhram Chaudhary said that the Congress government in the state is harassing the industrial sector. He said that neither the interest of the people of the state nor the industrial sector is being protected. "The government is not serious about promoting industry. Industrialists who invested in Himachal are being harassed instead of being supported," he said. Meanwhile, while addressing the issue in the Assembly, the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu blamed the Opposition and alleged that the previous government had sold the interests of the state. The Monsoon Session is currently in its seventh day, with the Opposition and treasury benches locking horns repeatedly over economic and governance issues. (ANI) The officials have apprehended four people, including two juveniles and seized two pistols and ammunition from their custody. "Preliminary investigations have revealed their links with foreign-based Nishan Singh (r/o Jaurrian), Shamsher Singh @ Shera Mann @ Honey (r/o Mann), and Sajan Masih @ Goru (r/o Veroke, PS Dera Baba Nanak)," the statement read. The police officials have unearthed important leads regarding other criminal activities across the state during the investigation. An FIR has also been registered at the State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar in the matter. The Barnala police on Monday apprehended four associates of the Devinder Bambiha Gang in a major crackdown, while they were planning to commit a robbery, police said. The apprehended associates include: Satnam Singh alias Satti, Gurpreet alias Guri, Sarm Singh alias Rinku and Deepak Singh. "During a naka operation, the accused opened fire on the police party, our personnel overpowered the assailants and arrested them along with their vehicle," as per the 'X' post from DGP Punjab Police. The police officials recovered four weapons from their custody, including one Zigana pistol, three pistols (.30 & .32 bore) with live cartridges. According to he police, Satnam Singh is a habitual offender with over 22 previous cases registered against him. These include murder, attempt to murder, Arms Act & NDPS Act.Sarm Singh and Deepak Singh are also linked to the narcotics trade. The agencies are conducting an investigation and interrogation of the apprehended. (ANI) Legislators of the INDIA bloc staged a protest outside the Jharkhand Assembly on Tuesday against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging voter suppression ahead of the upcoming elections. Leader of Opposition in Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, criticised the INDIA bloc's protest, stating, "I think they must not be understanding what SIR is, but only causing confusion. Their leader (Congress MP & LoP Rahul Gandhi) is roaming there (Bihar). All issues raised by their leader were not picked up. SIR will happen in the entire country. It is most required to be done in Jharkhand as the demography is changing in the state. Rahul Gandhi has not been able to find another solution yet." Jharkhand Minister and Congress MLA Deepika Pandey Singh defended the protest, saying, "Rahul ji has exposed with facts and data how the Election Commission has manipulated the election rolls. Now that this issue is in the public domain and there is proof and evidence of valid voters being removed from the election rolls, we want the government to take action, and there should be a debate on this in Parliament." Jharkhand Minister Dr Irfan Ansari also hit out at the BJP, alleging, "BJP has made the country a puppet and made fun of the public. Will you snatch people's right to vote? They (BJP) should not think of doing such a thing in Jharkhand. They will not get Bihar now that Rahul Gandhi has gone there. They have cut the votes of Muslims and Dalits. Congress party's connect with the public has risen, and you will see its result." Meanwhile, the protest in Jharkhand comes in the wake of similar demonstrations in Bihar, where opposition parties have accused the Election Commission of manipulating voter lists. The Congress has launched a 16-day 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, led by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. The yatra aims to raise awareness over alleged irregularities in the voter list, which opposition leaders have described as 'vote chori' (vote theft). Covering over 1,300 km across 20 districts, the yatra is scheduled to conclude in Patna on September 1. (ANI) Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, on Tuesday slammed Congress' 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar and said that the Opposition cannot turn lies into truth. Speaking to reporters, Giriraj Singh called the allegations of "vote theft" a falsehood. "They are on a Bihar tour, so let them do the tour, that's their job, but they cannot turn lies into truth. 'Vote Chori' is a falsehood. Today is 26th August, why couldn't they register even a single voter? This proves that they want to turn lies into truth," he said. Earlier today, Indian National Developmental Alliance (INDI) Alliance leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, undertook their 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Supaul. Congress's Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru said that had there been no "vote chori", Congress would have been the ruling party. "The public's blessings are with the Congress party and other opposition parties. If there were no 'vote chori', the PM would not have become the PM. We have shown evidence that due to vote theft, BJP candidates won in every constituency. This is the reason we say 'vote chor' - 'gaddi chor'. Many senior leaders of the INDIA alliance, including Akhilesh Yadav ji, Jharkhand CM, Tamil Nadu CM and other senior leaders, will join the yatra in the coming days..." Allavaru told ANI. The 16-day 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, involving Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, aims to raise awareness about alleged irregularities in the voter list, which Opposition leaders have termed a case of 'vote chori' vote theft. The Opposition has also flagged the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in the state. Covering over 1,300 km across 20 districts, the Yatra is scheduled to conclude in Patna on September 1. (ANI) Inaugurating the three-day "Rozgar Mahakumbh 2025" in Lucknow on Tuesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that every youth employed in Uttar Pradesh will be assured minimum wages, ending any scope for worker exploitation. He said companies must pay their employees fairly, while the state government will bear any additional burden. This initiative, he stressed, will guarantee dignified employment, job security, and complete protection of workers' rights. Chief Minister Yogi stated that Uttar Pradesh is set to become the first state in the country to guarantee minimum wages and salaries for every working youth. Describing the youth as a reservoir of immense energy, he said that the state's greatest strength lies in its vast young population. CM Yogi added, "Today, UP's talent is in high demand both across India and globally, and the state, which once suffered the pain of mass migration for jobs, is now creating employment within its borders." The Chief Minister recalled that once, entire villages migrated for work, but today, the same Uttar Pradesh is offering opportunities within the state itself--a transformation made possible by the well-planned efforts of the past eight years. CM said, "This event reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Mission Rojgar and Viksit Bharat, ensuring that every youth gets work according to their skills and qualifications. Wherever given opportunities, UP's youth have consistently proven their talent and capabilities." Highlighting the success of the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, CM Yogi said, "It has given traditional industries a new global identity." He informed that 96 lakh MSME units are active in the state, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, when more than 40 lakh migrant workers returned, 90% were absorbed into these MSMEs, many of whom continue to be associated with them today. The Chief Minister also underlined that the state government has extended an insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh to registered MSME entrepreneurs. With each unit employing anywhere between 2 to 10 youth, lakhs of people are securing dignified livelihoods across Uttar Pradesh. He said these initiatives are turning Prime Minister Modi's dream of 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' into reality. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked further that the "Vishwakarma Shram Samman" and "PM Vishwakarma" schemes have been launched to honour and empower traditional artisans and craftsmen. Skilled workers such as carpenters, masons, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, cobblers, and barbers are being provided free toolkits, affordable loans, and specialized training. These initiatives have enabled lakhs of people to secure both employment and dignity. He further said, "Under the 'CM Yuva Udyami Scheme', launched on 24 January 2025, interest-free loans without collateral are being provided to youth between 21 and 40 years of age." The facility, he emphasized, is not determined by caste, creed, religion, or identity, but solely by an individual's interest and ambition. So far, more than 70,000 youth have successfully established their own enterprises through this scheme. The Chief Minister highlighted that in the last eight years, over 8.5 lakh youth have been provided government jobs with complete transparency. CM Yogi added, "A significant number of appointments were made in the police, education, health, agriculture, PWD, and universities. Uttar Pradesh today is recognized as the leading state in the country for providing the highest number of government jobs in such a short period." CM Yogi underlined that the state's zero-tolerance policy towards crime and criminals has made Uttar Pradesh the preferred destination for investors. Yogi added, "In the past eight years, more than 33 sectoral policies have been introduced, while a transparent system has been created through the 'Invest UP' Portal, 'Nivesh Mitra', and Single Window Platform. As a result, the state has witnessed investments exceeding 15 lakh crore, generating employment for 60 lakh youth." He added that through the Uttar Pradesh Startup Mission and Skill Development Mission, youth are being trained in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Drone Technology, Robotics, and the Internet of Things. With the support of Tata Technologies, new labs and courses have been launched in ITIs and polytechnics. The government is also focusing on language training for youth going abroad--German for those heading to Germany, Japanese for those going to Japan, and similar training for other countries--ensuring they face no barriers in skill application or communication overseas. He remarked that technology constantly evolves, and it is essential to update skills in line with the changing needs of society. Speaking on labour reforms, the Chief Minister said that labour laws are being modernised to protect workers' rights while ensuring industries operate smoothly. He assured that no outsourcing company will be allowed to exploit workers. Every worker will receive their full salary, while the government itself will bear any additional costs. Calling the 'Rozgar Mahakumbh' a bridge between youth and industry, CM Yogi said, "The event is not just about providing jobs but also about aligning training and courses with new technological demands." He concluded by saying, "When workers and food providers are content, the state and the nation prosper. Once this is ensured, no power in the world can stop the vision of Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Uttar Pradesh." (ANI) Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah addressed the inauguration session of the two-day Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) workshop as the chief guest, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a release on Tuesday. The workshop is being organised by the Border Management Division, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in New Delhi. On this occasion, Amit Shah also launched the logo of the Vibrant Villages Program. Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Home Secretary, Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), Border Management Secretary, Chief Secretaries of border states included in the first and second phase of VVP, Directors General of security forces deployed for border protection, and District Magistrates of the concerned districts, along with many other dignitaries, were present. In his address, Shah stated that the Vibrant Villages Programme is based on three key points: preventing migration from border villages, ensuring that every citizen of border villages receives cent per cent benefits of central and state government schemes, and developing the villages under VVP into strong tools to strengthen border and national security. He said that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the idea of the Vibrant Villages Programme, it was decided that it would be implemented in a phased manner. Not only would every border village be equipped with all facilities, but every citizen living in these border villages would be provided with all the schemes of the Government of India and state governments to improve the lives of the people living there. Additionally, these villages would be developed as strong tools for the security of the country and its borders. He further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, by designating the last village of the country as the first village, has changed our perspective towards border villages. Amit Shah said that the villages identified early under the Vibrant Villages Programme in a few years will prove to be very significant tools in the security of our country and its borders. He stated that through this programme, efforts have been made to promote infrastructure development, preserve and enhance culture, generate employment through tourism, and make village life vibrant in every way, with a vision of multi-dimensional and multi-sectoral development. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that it is the responsibility of the Chief Secretaries of state governments, District Collectors of villages included in the VVP, and all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to not limit themselves to the VVP alone and to consider what additional steps can be taken beyond the programme to achieve its objectives. He emphasised that to fulfil the goals of the VVP, it is essential for all departments of the Government of India and state governments to work together to transform these border villages into truly significant tools for security. Amit Shah stated that to realise the vision of the Vibrant Villages Programme, it is necessary to achieve 100 per cent saturation of government schemes, promote essential public facilities for tourism, and encourage cooperative institutions to create employment opportunities. He said that if initiatives like homestays are extended to border villages and state tourism departments make proper arrangements for bookings, every household in these border villages will have employment. Shah emphasised that the rural development departments of states must work towards establishing the pride of these villages, with District Collectors playing a crucial role in this effort. He noted that if villages have all the facilities and employment opportunities, local residents will not wish to migrate. The Home Minister further stated that young District Collectors should ensure that, despite challenging geographical conditions, citizens do not abandon their villages, migration is prevented, and the village population also increases. Union Home Minister said that after implementing the Vibrant Villages Program in Arunachal Pradesh, the population in many border villages has increased. This is a message for all our country's border villages that this trend of reverse migration to these villages is moving in the right direction. Home Minister Amit Shah said that on the occasion of Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said from the ramparts of the Red Fort that demographic changes are a matter of concern. He said that the collectors of districts included in the Vibrant Villages Program need to address this issue with seriousness and attention to detail. Demographic changes in border areas directly impact the security of the country and its borders. The Home Minister said that it should not be assumed that this is happening due to geographical conditions; rather, it is occurring as part of a deliberate design. He added that the Chief Secretaries of states and the CAPFs also need to pay attention to this issue. Amit Shah said that for achieving 100% saturation of government schemes, district collectors should consider whether they can coordinate with the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). He said that the CAPFs can provide assistance in the areas of health, sports, and education. Shah said that in Arunachal Pradesh, the ITBP has successfully experimented with purchasing daily essentials such as milk, vegetables, eggs, and grains from Vibrant Villages. He emphasised the need to implement this experiment on the ground in every border village. Shah also said that the army deployed at the borders should take responsibility for generating employment in Vibrant Villages in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Defence. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, said that it is the responsibility of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and district collectors to establish dairy cooperatives to meet the milk requirements of the CAPFs and the army directly from the villages. This will aid in employment generation. Shah said that this experiment should be developed as an effective model and implemented in every Vibrant Village, with the Ministry of Home Affairs, all CAPFs, the army through the Ministry of Defence, and district collectors taking the lead. He added that employment generation will automatically curb migration. Amit Shah said that border villages should have facilities for telecommunications, road connectivity, education, healthcare, and clean drinking water. He emphasised that the Vibrant Villages Program (VVP) should not remain just a government program but should become the spirit of administration. The Home Minister said that the program's objective can only be achieved when it becomes ingrained in the administrative ethos. He suggested that under the VVP, possibilities such as constructing new ponds under MGNREGA, intensive afforestation, and building permanent infrastructure should also be considered. Union Home Minister said that in Vibrant Villages Program-1, efforts were limited to the program itself, but in Vibrant Villages Program-2, there is a need to change the administrative approach. He urged collectors of border districts to take appropriate action to remove illegal religious encroachments, stating that these encroachments are part of a deliberate design. He stressed that all illegal encroachments within at least a 30-kilometre radius from the border should be removed. Shah highlighted that Gujarat has done commendable work in this regard, having cleared numerous encroachments along both maritime and land borders. (ANI) 20 Palestinians, including 5 journalists, killed in Israeli attack on hospital in S. Gaza Xinhua) 08:18, August 26, 2025 Palestinians inspect the damage after an Israeli airstrike in the Al-Rimal area, west of Gaza City, on Aug. 8, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) GAZA/JERUSALEM, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 Palestinians, including five journalists, were killed on Monday in an Israeli attack on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. The Israeli army said it launched "an initial inquiry" into the incident. Gaza-based health authorities said in a press statement that Israeli warplanes targeted the fourth floor of Nasser Hospital, killing 20 and injuring several others. The authorities condemned the airstrike on the only functioning public hospital in southern Gaza, describing the attack as "a continuation of the systematic destruction" of the health system, and calling on the international community to take immediate and urgent action to protect humanitarian personnel in Gaza. Palestinian security sources reported that Israeli warplanes targeted the hospital with at least one missile, followed by a second attack as medical crews arrived to retrieve the dead and wounded. The Hamas media office announced in a statement that the attack on the hospital resulted in the deaths of five journalists who were on a "journalistic reporting mission." According to the statement, the latest deaths have brought the total number of journalists killed by Israeli army fire in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023 to 245. In addition, a Civil Defense personnel was killed, and seven others wounded while attempting to rescue the injured and retrieve the dead in the airstrike, bringing the total number of Civil Defense personnel killed by the Israeli army since the conflict began to 139, the authority said. In a statement, the Israeli military acknowledged targeting Nasser Hospital in Gaza, and expressed regret that the strike resulted in civilian casualties. "Earlier today, IDF (Israel Defense Forces) troops carried out a strike in the area of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis," southern Gaza, the Israeli military said, without elaborating on the reason for the attack. "The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and does not target journalists as such," it said. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate said in a statement that the Israeli army committed a "horrific massacre against journalists" while they were carrying out their professional duty covering the ongoing "aggression" on the Gaza Strip. The statement held the Israeli army fully responsible for the incident, calling on the International Federation of Journalists to take practical steps to halt "the systematic killing" against journalists in Gaza. Hamas, in a statement, considered the killing of the journalists "a war crime and a horrific massacre aimed at discouraging journalists from reporting the truth," calling on the international community and the United Nations to take immediate and serious action. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called in a statement for the formation of a UN peacekeeping force to protect Palestinian civilians and ensure the sustainable delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip. Turkiye also slammed the killing of the journalists. "Press freedom and human values have been targeted once again, in the shadow of genocide, amid the cries of pain from the innocent," Burhanettin Duran, head of the country's communications directorate, said in a post on social media platform X. "Israel, which continues its oppression without regard for any humanitarian or legal principles, believes it can prevent the truth from being reported through systematic attacks on journalists," Duran said. Palestinians wait to receive free food at a camp for displaced people in southwest Gaza City, on Aug. 24, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Meanwhile, airdrops of aid packages continued on Monday, Israel said, as famine claimed the lives of 11 more people, according to Gaza health authorities. In a statement, Israel's military said that Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, and Indonesia airdropped 116 aid packages containing food. However, aid agencies and experts say the airdrops are insufficient, unsafe, and ineffective in stopping hunger in the Palestinian enclave. They have called on Israel to allow more truck convoys and to enable the rebuilding of Gaza's health system, which airstrikes have largely destroyed. Gaza health authorities reported that as of Monday, at least 300 people -- including 117 children -- had died of hunger in Gaza. Meanwhile, as Israeli troops continued their onslaught throughout Gaza, at least 58 people were killed by strikes and gunfire over the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 62,744, with 158,259 others injured since Oct. 7, 2023, the authorities added. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Mayim Bialik has hinted she's done with acting after Disney "cancelled" plans for a Blossom reboot. Mayim Bialik has claimed Disney scrapped plans for a Blossom reboot The former Big Bang Theory actress - who played the title role of Blossom Russo in the sitcom from 1991 to 1995 - and creator Don Reo were keen to revive the show, but needed Disney's permission to bring the idea to life. In a lengthy essay on her Substack, Mayim wrote: "We approached Disney as I was on the cusp of starting Call Me Kat; and was working on Jeopardy! and we simply did not have the time to develop the show but tried to lock it in quickly. "Time ran out and I did three seasons of Call Me Kat, 2 seasons as co-host of Jeopardy! and when both of those ended, Don and I could not let the possibility of revisiting Blossom go." The 49-year-old star insisted Disney "seemed to love it", and the duo "felt certain this was moving forward" after meeting with the studio. Following mergers and changes in the TV industry, Mayim and Don re-pitched the plan to a new team at Disney. She added: "Unfortunately, and for no particularly reason, we were told 'no.' " The pair then asked if they could look into obtaining the rights themselves and try to shop the idea to other studios, in a bid to "let the market decide if audiences might want to see these characters all these years later". Unfortunately, she has claimed Disney refused to hand over the rights to the show. She continued: "We will likely never know (unless Disney or 20th Century Studios reads my Substack and feels compelled to chime in and comment) why they would not let us bring these beautiful stories to people who love 90s nostalgia and who have a special place in their hearts for Blossom." Meanwhile, Mayim admitted that Blossom Russo as a character she "wants to play more than any other". Now, she said: "My desire to continue to pursue on-camera roles as waned." She insisted she does not take her career "for granted", and she is grateful for the "incredible" roles she's enjoyed to date. However, she is "certain Disney got this wrong", even if "it is possible no one wants a Blossom reboot". She said: "The sun is gonna surely shine. Maybe not the way Don and I intended, but this door closed. "While we didn't want it to, we are powerless over every aspect of it except what we know to be true: we loved this possibility with all that we have and we are so so sorry we couldn't get it to happen." Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday strongly criticised state Congress president Jitu Patwari over his remark alleging that women in Madhya Pradesh consume more liquor than those in any other state, calling it an "insult to the sisters of the entire state" and demanding an apology. "The state government is continuously working for the Ladli Behans and many schemes were started by our previous governments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also gave 33 per cent reservation to women to contest elections in parliamentary and assembly polls. However, the Congress government never provided reservations, never gave importance to sisters, and never ran any schemes for women. On the contrary, calling the sisters drunkards by the Congress is an insult to the sisters of the entire state. I think the Congress President should apologise...This is very unfortunate," CM Yadav told ANI. CM Yadav also claimed that the Congress government never gave importance to women in the state, and on the contrary, made such a remark, which is an insult to them. Meanwhile, addressing a press conference in Bhopal on Monday, Patwari had said that women in Madhya Pradesh consume the maximum liquor in comparison to other states and blamed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for the state's unemployment situation. "...If your son is unemployed, if your son is coming home in an inebriated state, then I am saying this with 100% confidence that the BJP, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Mohan Yadav are responsible for this. The women in Madhya Pradesh consume the maximum alcohol in comparison to any other state in the country. This is what the BJP has done in the state. The highest consumption of alcohol in the country is in Madhya Pradesh," Patwari said. Reacting to Patwari's comments, Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya also slammed the Congress leader, calling the statement "foolish" and demanding an apology from the entire party. "I don't know where he got this data from; this is a very foolish statement, and it is an insult to women. Insulting women has been the habit of Congress... And this habit has made Jitu Patwari think that women of Madhya Pradesh drink more alcohol. It is a completely foolish remark. I believe that women of Madhya Pradesh are more religious. The atmosphere in Madhya Pradesh is virtuous, so making such remarks is an insult to women. The entire Congress should apologise to women," Vijayvargiya said. (ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday slammed the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state, accusing its leaders of politicising the Dharmasthala issue. He appealed to Rajya Sabha MP Veerendra Heggade not to allow politics in the name of religion. Heggade is the Dharmadhikari (hereditary administrator) of the Dharmasthala temple and is a BJP-nominated member of the upper house of Parliament. "BJP is doing Dharma war, doing politics in the name of religion. When we formed the SIT (Special Investigation Team) to probe the (Dharmasthala) matter, they all welcomed it. I appeal to Dharmadhikari of the Dharmasthala temple, Veerendra Heggade, please don't allow this politics to happen there. The place should not be spoiled," Shivakumar said while addressing a press conference here. As the BJP calls for a 'Dharmasthala Chalo' rally on Sept 1, the Deputy CM alleged a conspiracy in the Dharmasthala case, claiming that it was the BJP that was trying to "destabilise Dharmasthala". "This conspiracy is happening because of the internal fight between the BJP, a fight between two groups. So their party is the one that is trying to destabilise Dharmasthala. They are going there on the 1st and doing the meeting. You do it in Bengaluru. Why not in Bengaluru? Why are they going to Dharmasthala despite the sanctity of that holy place? They are doing it there to do politics," Shivakumar argued. "We don't want any fame out of it. We don't want to demolish anyone's image. We believe in all religions, all faiths. And again, I appeal that politics should not be done there unnecessarily; they are spoiling peace in the area. Already, they have made that area very disturbed. Don't spoil the sanctity," he further stated. On renowned Kannada writer and activist Banu Mushtaq inaugurating Mysuru Dasara, Shivakumar defended the government's decision to invite her and said that the Hindu festival of Dasara was celebrated by all religions. "Dasara is a festival for all. In all Hindu temples, minorities also visit. We go to Masjids and Churches. Who can stop it? It's a government decision. We've invited her. Dasara is being celebrated by all religions. It's everyone's belief," the Deputy CM said. The BJP has demanded that the ongoing investigation into the alleged mass burial incident at Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The case is currently being probed by an SIT. Announcing a large-scale 'Dharmasthala Chalo' rally on September 1, the BJP said the event aims to mobilise public support and press for an NIA probe. Addressing a press conference at the party's state office, Jagannath Bhavan, Karnataka BJP president and MLA BY Vijayendra said an NIA investigation would instil public confidence and ensure transparency. He called upon the entire Hindu community across the state to participate in this event to protest against actions that have allegedly hurt Hindu sentiments and to demand an NIA investigation. On September 1, devotees are requested to visit local temples in their towns and villages, offer prayers, and participate in processions before heading to Dharmasthala. According to the party's statement, a massive gathering will take place at 2:00 PM in Dharmasthala to raise awareness about the issue and issue a warning to the state government. (ANI) Lawyers staged a protest in the national capital on Tuesday against a notification issued by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, which designates video conferencing rooms in police stations as authorised locations for recording evidence. The advocates, gathered in large numbers, raised slogans and held placards reading 'Kala Kanoon Wapas Lo' (Take this black law back), expressing strong opposition to the new directive. Meanwhile, on Monday, Representatives from the Coordination Committee of All District Bar Associations met with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta regarding their ongoing demands. Lawyers affiliated with various District Bar Associations in Delhi have been on strike since August 22. The Bar Council of India (BCI) has come out in support of Delhi's bar associations, opposing the Lieutenant Governor's recent order that allows police officials to give their testimony from police stations through video conferencing. In a strongly worded letter to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, the BCI said the August 13 notification strikes at the heart of the principles of natural justice and undermines the right to a fair trial. The Council, led by Rajya Sabha member Manan Kumar Mishra, along with Co-Chairman Ved Prakash Sharma, urged the LG to withdraw the order with immediate effect. While acknowledging that technology can play a constructive role in speeding up criminal trials, the BCI said recording testimonies from police stations institutions controlled by the investigating agency itself risks eroding the credibility and independence of witness statements. "Evidence can only be recorded in the court in the physical presence of the witness," the Council wrote, stressing that the presence of police witnesses in a neutral courtroom is integral to ensuring fairness and transparency in criminal proceedings. The letter underlined three main objections. First, the right to a fair trial demands that testimony be given in an environment free from influence. Second, effective cross-examination, considered the "heart of criminal trial", is impaired when a witness is examined via video link, as lawyers lose the ability to properly confront documents, observe demeanour, and assess body language. Third, shifting depositions out of the courtroom reduces judicial oversight and heightens the risk of procedural errors. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended the interim bail to Vikas Yadav, who is serving a 25-year jail term in the 2002 Nitish Katara murder case, by a week. A division bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice AG Masih said the matter should be heard by the bench headed by Justice MM Sundresh, who passed the July 29 order extending Yadav's interim bail till August 26. Yadav had approached the apex court against an August 22 order of the Delhi High Court, which refused to grant an extension of his interim bail granted by the top court on July 29. Yadav, 54, who has been in jail for over 23 years, sought interim bail on the grounds that his marriage was fixed for September 5. The High Court, however, doubted whether it had the power to extend the interim bail granted by the top court and posted his matter for further hearing on September 2. As his interim bail was expiring today, the SC bench extended it by a week. The top court also noted that Yadav had completed 23 years of his imprisonment in the case. Yadav had earlier sought interim bail, saying that his mother's condition was serious, and his assistance and presence were needed. The apex court had granted Yadav interim bail to enable him to attend to his ailing mother, who had undergone surgery. On April 24, the apex court had granted interim bail to Yadav and said he shall reside only at his residence in Ghaziabad. His bail was later extended for four weeks. Granting interim bail to Yadav, the top court had said he shall not make any contact with the witness who deposed against him and Neelam Katara, the mother of Nitish Katara. It had also asked the Uttarakhand and Delhi police to provide security to witnesses and Neelam Katara. A trial court in May 2008 held Vikas Yadav guilty of murdering Nitish Katara for being in a relationship with his sister. On October 3, 2016, the apex court gave jail terms without any benefit of remission to Vikas Yadav, son of controversial Uttar Pradesh politician DP Yadav, and his cousin Vishal Yadav for their role in the kidnapping and killing of business executive Katara. They kidnapped Katara from a marriage party on the intervening night of February 16-17, 2002 and then killed him for his alleged affair with Vikas' sister Bharti Yadav. Bharti was the daughter of Uttar Pradesh politician DP Yadav. Meanwhile, Yadav's plea, which raises the issue of denial of remission benefit to him, has also been pending before the apex court. (ANI) Soon after the Centre cleared a Rs 62,000 crore deal to buy 97 more LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft, India is close to signing a deal of around USD one billion with the American firm GE for supplying 113 more GE-404 engines for the indigenous combat aircraft. Indian state-owned firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has already inked a deal for 99 GE-404 engines with the American firm for the initial 83 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets ordered by the Indian Air Force and these 113 would be in addition to that. The negotiations are almost finalised for buying 113 more GE-404 engines from the American firm GE for the 97 LCAs. The deal is likely to be finalised by September this year, defence officials told ANI. The deal is expected to help HAL to get its complete requirement of 212 GE-404 engines in continuity, avoiding any types of delays in engine supplies. The HAL is working to supply the first 83 aircraft by the end of 2029-30 and the next batch of 97 LCA Mark 1As by 2033-34, they said. American GE is expected to supply two engines per month from now on to fulfill its commitment for the Indian programme. The HAL is also negotiating a deal with GE for buying its GE-414 engines with 80 per cent transfer of technology. The Indian side requires 200 GE-414 engines for its LCA Mark 2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The around USD 1.5 billion deal is likely to be signed in the next few months, and negotiations for it have been going on for a long time now, the officials said. The Indian side requires 162 engines for the LCA Mark 2 aircraft and 10 others for the five prototypes of the AMCA. The programme will help the IAF to replace its fleet of MiG-21s, which are finally being phased out by the government in the next few weeks. The indigenous fighter jet project is fully backed by the Defence Ministry, and Air Headquarters and is set to be a big boost for promoting indigenisation as well as give major business to the small and medium enterprises engaged in defence business across the country, defence officials said. India is already working on an indigenous fighter aircraft engine project and will be working with the French firm Safran for it. India aims to achieve self-reliance in the defence sector through indigenisation and is also acquiring technologies from various global sources. (ANI) According to the notification issued by the Assam State Election Commission, the last date for filing nominations is September 2. Scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on September 4, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is September 6. A total of 26,57,937 voters across the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), comprising five districts, Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri and Tamulpur, will cast their votes at 3,359 polling stations. Of the total electorate, 13,23,399 are male voters, 13,34,521 are female voters and 17 belong to the other category. In the 2020 BTC elections, the total number of voters stood at 23,87,046, reflecting an 11.35 per cent increase in the current electoral roll. In the previous BTC elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) had jointly formed the Bodoland Territorial Council government. Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma had attended several election campaign rallies in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), which is constituted with five districts - Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri and Tamulpur. This time, both the BJP and UPPL will contest the elections independently. Hagrama Mohilary-led Bodoland People's Party (BPF), Congress and other regional parties will also fight in this election. Of the total 40 council constituencies, 30 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST), five for non-STs, and the remaining five are unreserved. On Wednesday, August 13, the Assam State Election Commission published the final photo electoral rolls for 40 Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) constituencies, containing 26.58 lakh voters. According to the Assam State Election Commission, there are 3279 polling stations in 40 Bodoland Territorial Council constituencies. Earlier this month, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed confidence in the outcome of the upcoming Bodaland Territorial elections, stating that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would achieve good results in the polls. "BJP is in a very good position and we will get good results in the upcoming Bodoland elections," CM Sarma told reporters. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating Maruti-Suzuki's first battery electric vehicle and lithium-ion battery production at Hansalpur in Ahmedabad district on Tuesday, described the friendship between India and Japan as "Made for Each Other," a release from the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. He said that from now on, when electric vehicles travel across more than 100 countries with "Made in India" written on them, it will be a matter of pride for all of us. While encouraging "Vocal for Local" and defining "Swadeshi," he said that no matter which country invests, if the hard work belongs to any Indian citizen and the product is largely made on Indian soil, then for us, it is Swadeshi. At the Suzuki Motor Plant, PM flagged off the battery electric vehicle (BEV) "e VITARA," reflecting the commitment to "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" while highlighting India's emergence as a global hub for green mobility. At the TDSG lithium-ion battery plant, he also inaugurated the local production facility of hybrid battery electrodes. This plant will accelerate clean energy and ensure that 80 per cent of the total batteries produced will be manufactured in India. On this occasion, he said that in the festive spirit of Ganesh Utsav, a new chapter is being added today to India's Make in India journey. This is a major leap toward our goal of "Make in India, Make for the World." He added that from today, electric vehicles made in India will be exported to around 100 countries, and the production of hybrid battery electrodes beginning today will give a new dimension to India-Japan friendship. He said that nearly thirteen years ago, the foundation of Suzuki's Hansalpur plant was laid in Gujarat, making this the plant's thirteenth year, which he described as the beginning of its "teenage." This is the phase of spreading wings and taking flight toward dreams. He expressed confidence that in the coming years, this Maruti plant will spread its wings with renewed enthusiasm and move forward. He added that in 2012, during his tenure as Chief Minister, he had sown the seeds of development by providing land to Maruti Suzuki with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. The Maruti-Suzuki company is carrying this vision and faith forward. The Prime Minister also recalled the contribution of the late Osamu Suzuki of the Suzuki Company in strengthening India-Japan friendship and said that today's achievement is the outcome of his vision. PM, referring to the exceptional capabilities and skills of Indian citizens, said that India has the advantage of both democracy and demography. Every company coming to India for production benefits from this skilled workforce. In this regard, he added, it is a "win-win situation" for every partner country investing and producing here. He mentioned that Maruti-Suzuki exports cars made in India to Japan as well as other countries. This reflects the mutual trust between Japan and India. Maruti-Suzuki has today become the brand ambassador of Make in India, and from today, EV exports will also be taken to the same level. Today, companies like Maruti-Suzuki are among the largest car exporters from India. Not only that, from today, electric vehicles of Maruti-Suzuki running across countries of the world will have "Made in India" inscribed on them. This is a matter of pride for the entire nation. The Prime Minister said that batteries are crucial for EVs and were once largely imported. To establish India as an EV manufacturing hub, domestic production became essential. In 2017, Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki set up the TDSG battery plant in Gujarat, where batteries and electrodes are now manufactured locally, strengthening India's self-reliance. Referring to his visit to Singapore, the Prime Minister said he proposed converting old vehicles and ambulances into hybrid EVs. Maruti-Suzuki met this challenge by developing a working hybrid ambulance prototype within six months. This innovation aligns seamlessly with approximately Rs 11 thousand crore PM E-DRIVE scheme, which includes provisions for e-ambulances. Prime Minister emphasised that clean energy and mobility represent the future, with hybrid EVs playing a key role in reducing pollution and positioning India as a trusted global hub. He highlighted that policies introduced over the past decade have driven significant industrial growth. Since 2014, the 'Make in India' initiative has fostered a supportive ecosystem for domestic and international manufacturers. Complementary measures, including industrial corridors, logistics parks, and production-linked incentives, have been introduced, alongside reforms aimed at removing legacy hurdles and improving ease of doing business. Highlighting the benefits of these policies, the Prime Minister said that electronics production has increased by nearly 500 per cent, while mobile phone manufacturing has surged by about 2,700% compared to 2014. Similarly, defence production has also grown by over 200%. Prime Minister said that such policies by the central government motivate every state, creating healthy competition that benefits the entire nation. States have been advised to adopt proactive, pro-development policies, enable single-window clearances, and make laws more investor-friendly. These measures build investor confidence in states with such policies. At a time when the world is looking towards India, he urged all states to compete in reforms, good governance, and development to contribute to building a Viksit Bharat@ 2047. He noted that although several states have performed well across various sectors, there is still room for greater achievement. Emphasising the need to focus on future-driven industries, he highlighted India's significant strides in the semiconductor sector. Currently, six semiconductor plants are being set up nationwide, with plans to further accelerate this progress. Speaking about the need for rare earth elements, the Prime Minister said the central government has launched the National Critical Minerals Mission to address challenges in this sector. Under this initiative, approximately 1,200 exploration campaigns will be conducted nationwide to identify and locate these elements. Speaking about his upcoming visit to Japan, the Prime Minister said that the friendship between India and Japan is not just diplomatic but also cultural, with both nations supporting each other's progress. What began with Suzuki has now extended to the Bullet Train project. The initiative to realise India-Japan industrial potential started in Gujarat. Since the launch of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 20 years ago, Japan has been a key partner of Gujarat, which reflects their strong partnership. Emphasising the need to advance in all major sectors in the coming years, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that today's efforts will not only strengthen the foundation for a Viksit Bharat@2047 but also make the India-Japan partnership long-lasting. Speaking on this occasion, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi views industries not merely as a source of economic investment and employment, but as a vital driver of socio-economic development. Referring to Suzuki Motor's announcement of hybrid battery electrode manufacturing at Hansalpur and the export of battery electric vehicles to over 100 countries, the Chief Minister described it as a decisive step towards Viksit Bharat. He said that Gujarat has always embraced the path of growth and progress, and this move by Suzuki Motors marks a new golden chapter in the state's industrial journey. He further added that the Special Investment Regions, such as Sanand and Mandal-Becharaji, developed under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, exemplify the vision for a Viksit Bharat. Chief Minister said that a comprehensive automobile ecosystem has taken shape in this region and expressed confidence that, under the Prime Minister's guidance, these clusters will play a pivotal role in establishing Gujarat as a global automotive hub. He further said that the relationship between Gujarat and Japan is built on trust, trade, and shared values. The choice of global companies like Suzuki, Toshiba, and DENSO to invest in Gujarat stands as the strongest testament to this trust. Chief Minister said that Gujarat, under the Prime Minister's visionary leadership, has demonstrated how the right policies, state-of-the-art infrastructure, ease of doing business, and proactive governance can transform a state into a global industrial hub. Speaking about the Vibrant Summit initiated by the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister said it has positioned Gujarat firmly on the global industrial map and opened new avenues for industries and investments in the state. He also expressed confidence that, under the Prime Minister's guidance, Gujarat's automotive sector will set new directions for the world in the coming years. Beginning his address in Gujarati, Japan's Ambassador, ONO Keiichi, said that India-Japan industrial relations have long fostered peace and prosperity. He expressed pride that electric cars made in Gujarat will now be exported to over 100 countries and noted that the projects launched today will significantly advance sustainable and clean mobility. He noted that many Japanese companies are already operating successfully in Gujarat and across India. He further added that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Japan will further strengthen industrial ties between the two nations. T Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, in his welcome address, welcomed everyone to the inauguration of these historic projects at the Suzuki plant. (ANI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that demographic changes have become a threat to the indigenous people of Assam. He also said that those who came before 1971 don't have any enmity with us. "Demographic changes have become a threat to the indigenous people of Assam. Just compare the 1972 voter list with today's voter list. Comparing Bilasipara town in 1972 with its current state, and Dhubri's situation at that time and its current state. Those who came before 1971, we don't have any enmity with them," the Assam Chief Minister told the media at Parbatjhora in Kokrajhar district on Tuesday. He further said that those who came before 1971 were welcomed by the Assamese people. "So what is the reason to hate us. We have given an affidavit in court that those who came before 1971 are Indian. Even yesterday, we also turned away 26 people. The Miya people shouldn't allow to enter to those who are constantly coming. According to the law, if you look at it legally. In the forest area, it is not like that we are only evicting the Miya people," the Assam Chief Minister said. "In Uriamghat, where the eviction drive was conducted, there were some other caste people also, and they were also evicted. It is not like that only the Miya people are being evicted. However, only the Miya people have protested, as they don't want to follow the law. India is a country formed on the basis of law. A person grabbed 300 bighas of land, and someone has 200 bighas of land. If someone owns 300 bighas, 200 bighas of land, won't people get angry?" he added. On the other hand, talking about the shoot-at-sight order in Dhubri, which was enforced earlier following communal tension, the Assam Chief Minister said that the shoot-at-sight order will remain in force in Dhubri during the Durga Puja time as well. "We haven't withdrawn the order yet. If anyone attempts to create unrest in Dhubri, they will face severe consequences," the Chief Minister said. (ANI) A group of people, including members of the Hindu Sena, disrupted an event in Delhi attended by former Planning Commission member Syeda Hameed, protesting against her reported remark that "Bangladeshis can stay in India." The protesters, carrying placards, entered the venue of the event, chanting slogans of 'Bharat Mata ki jai', 'Vande Mataram, 'Jai Sri Ram', 'Bangladeshion ko bahar nikalo' and so on, forcing a brief commotion. Reacting to the disruption, Hameed said, "A crowd had entered here...I was a small kid at the time of the partition, but the intensity of that crowd (that entered the venue)....Constitution Club is such a dignified surrounding, and a crowd suddenly burst in. The flashback of what my parents and all experienced in Panipat when the crowd came at the time of partition. I fear if this would spread out to the whole of India. That is something which we have to be very conscious of..." Her remarks that went viral on social media on Sunday have drawn sharp criticism. In the viral video, Hameed is heard saying, "What is wrong in being Bangladeshi? Bangladeshis are humans too, and the world is so big; they can live here (in India). They are not depriving anyone of their rights. Saying that they are depriving someone of their rights is troublesome, extremely mischievous and detrimental to humanity." When asked at the event about her recent comments, Hameed declined to elaborate. The remark has sparked controversy and triggered protests at her public appearance in the capital. Earlier on Monday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju sharply criticised Syeda Hameed over her remarks suggesting that Bangladeshis can live in India. Condemning her remarks, the Union Minister accused her of misleading people in the "name of humanity" and suggested she should not support illegal migrants. Syeda Hameed was a member of the Planning Commission of India during the UPA government. In a social media post on X, Rijiju shared her video and captioned, "Misleading in the name of humanity. It's about our land and identity. Why the minority Buddhists, Christians, Hindus & Sikhs in Bangladesh and Pakistan are persecuted & tortured? Sayeda Hameed may be closest to Sonia Gandhi & Rahul Gandhi, but shouldn't support illegal migrants." Apart from this, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday hit out at former Syeda Hameed over her remarks, accusing her of legitimising illegal infiltrators in the state. The Chief Minister asserted that Bangladeshis are not welcome in Assam, and said those sympathising with them may accommodate them in their own backyards. In a post on X, Sarma wrote, "People like Syeda Hameed, a close confidant of the Gandhi family, legitimise illegal infiltrators, as they seek to realise Jinnah's dream of making Assam a part of Pakistan. Today, Assamese identity is on the brink of extinction because of the tacit support of people like her. But we are the sons and daughters of Lachit Barphukan, WE WILL FIGHT till the last drop of our blood to save our State and our identity." "Let me make it very clear, Bangladeshis are not welcome in Assam, it is not their land. Anyone sympathising with them may accommodate them in their own backyards. Assam is not up for grabs by illegal infiltrators, NOT NOW, NOT EVER," he further wrote. (ANI) Noah Centineo shared a shirtless selfie displaying his body transformation from the set of Street Fighter. Noah Centineo shared a shirtless selfie displaying his body transformation from the set of Street Fighter The 29-year-old actor wowed fans by posting an image on Monday (25.08.25) showing him sporting a dramatically more muscular torso and flexing his biceps and abs for his 16.1 million social media followers. It has now been reported by the Daily Mail the snap was taken in Sydney as he prepares to play Ken Masters in the upcoming reboot. He captioned the post with a reference to fighting, saying: Road brawler. According to Deadline, Noah has replaced Patrick Schwarzenegger in the role of Ken the friend and rival of Ryu who first appeared in the hit 1987 Street Fighter Capcom video game. Noah is thought to have been transforming his body since March when he attended the LA premiere of his film Warfare. He also looks to have shaved off his beard for Kitao Sakurais upcoming action film, which began principal photography on 18 August and is scheduled for release in 2026. The new project is the latest adaptation of the long-running franchise. Damian Chapa first played Ken in the 1994 Street Fighter film, while Christian Howard took on the role in the spin-off series Street Fighter: Assassins Fist (2014) and Street Fighter: Resurrection (2016.) The character was absent from Andrzej Bartkowiaks 2009 sequel Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li. Behind-the-scenes updates have been shared by other cast members as it shoots. Andrew Schulz, who plays Dan Hibiki, posted a photograph of Noah alongside Curtis 50 Cent Jackson, who is portraying Balrog. Callina Liang, who stars as Chun-Li, uploaded an Instagram story of herself with Orville Peck, who plays Vega, captioning it: They hate to see us coming! The ensemble cast also features Jason Momoa, David Dastmalchian, Andrew Koji, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Hirooki Goto, Vidyut Jammwal and Joe Anoai. Noahs upcoming films also include Oscar Boysons dramedy Our Hero, Balthazar, Adam Meeks drama Union County, Brian Birchs thriller Listen,and Veljko Popovics animated short Meta. He previously appeared in Disney Channel series Austin and Ally, Shake It Up, Jessie and How to Build a Better Boy. Away from Street Fighter, Noah has been cast in Jalmari Helanders John Rambo prequel, shooting in Thailand next year. He will play a younger version of Sylvester Stallones Vietnam veteran. Sylvester, 79, recently said on The Tonight Show about how he wanted a major A-lister to take the role of Rambo after him: I met (Ryan Gosling) at a dinner and obviously were opposites. Hes good-looking Im not. Thats how it works. But he goes, I was fascinated by Rambo, and I used to go to school dressed as Rambo and people would chase me away and I still didnt stop. If I ever pass the baton, Ill pass it on to him because he loves the character. Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said that 80 crore people were provided with 5 kilograms of ration free of cost under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's scheme, while stressing that India needed to boost food production to meet future demands. The Union Minister was addressing the "64th All India Wheat and Barley Research Workers Seminar" at the Agricultural University in Gwalior, where he interacted with scientists, farmers and representatives from various states. Highlighting achievements in agriculture, Chouhan said, "Under Modi ji's leadership, wheat, paddy, maize and soybean have the biggest record till date. The credit for this achievement goes to the intelligence of scientists, talent of farmers, their hard work and the policies of the PM Modi government." He informed that India's wheat production reached 117 million tonnes this year, the highest ever recorded. However, he cautioned that future demand would require even greater output. "But now further till 2030, because today we have full reserves, but in the coming days our need for it is going to increase. The target by 2030 is 125 million," he said. Chouhan also pointed out that gluten in wheat was harmful for some people, saying, "How can we control its quantity? We are working on making it useful. Wheat is very important for food security. There was a time when we had to import red wheat from America. Today we are self-sufficient." The minister said the government was also working to increase pulses and oilseed production. He stressed that crop-based conferences were being organised across India, including on cotton in Coimbatore, soybean in Indore, and maize in Ludhiana. "Our effort is that we people related to crops should come together and discuss how to increase the production of crops, its cost loss, increasing temperature, climate change, how to deal with the challenges that are standing in front of us today, how to deal with the attack of balanced bacteria," Chouhan said. The minister also announced that a national roadmap for Rabi crops will be prepared in Delhi on September 14 and 15, with participation from agriculture ministers, scientists, and officials from all states. "Today I am very happy that wheat production has increased to 117 million tonnes this year. We have continuously increased it. Such record production has never happened to date," he said. Chouhan said the government had launched the Pradhan Mantri Dhanyavad Krishi Yojana, aimed at improving agricultural productivity in low-yield areas through a six-point strategy. He also emphasised the importance of protecting soil health through natural farming practices. The minister said the government had tightened regulations on bio-stimulants to prevent farmers from being misled."Farmers are sacrificed in the name of bio-stimulants, production will increase through this, but 30,000 such medicines were being sold in the country right now for which no protocol was decided, whether it will be beneficial scientifically or not," he said. He said the Modi government had made it mandatory for three ICR scientists or an agriculture university to certify the products before approval. Investigations found 642 companies whose products were scientifically proven, while many others faced scrutiny. The minister also assured farmers that the Government of India had constantly arranged for fertilisers and ensured the required quantity was being supplied. Chouhan reaffirmed the government's commitment to increasing farmer income and strengthening food security so that India would never face shortages of food, fruits, or vegetables. (ANI) Assam Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Piyush Hazarika on Tuesday defended the disruption of an event in Delhi attended by former Planning Commission member Syeda Hameed, who has come under fire for her remarks on Bangladeshis. A group of people, including members of the Hindu Sena, stormed the venue of the event, carrying placards and chanting slogans such as "Bharat Mata ki Jai," "Jai Shri Ram," and "Bangladeshiyon ko bahar nikalo," and so on, forcing a brief commotion. Former IAS officer Harsh Mander was also present at the event, organised at the Constitution Club of India by a "People's Tribunal" on Assam. Hazarika, in a post on X, labelled Syeda Hameed and Harsh Mander as Congress "loyalists" and "sympathisers" of Bangladeshi migrants. He alleged they were part of an ecosystem that sought to "change the demography of Assam by legitimising infiltrators." "Heartening to see our Sanatani and Nationalist friends in Delhi standing up to INC Assam loyalists and Bangladeshi sympathisers like Syeda Hameed and Harsh Mandar. They are the very Cong ecosystem that is out to change the demography of Assam by legitimising infiltrators," Hazarika wrote. Hameed's remarks, made earlier in a video, had triggered the controversy. In the viral video, Hameed is heard saying, "What is wrong with being Bangladeshi? Bangladeshis are humans too, and the world is so big; they can live here (in India). They are not depriving anyone of their rights. Saying that they are depriving someone of their rights is troublesome, extremely mischievous and detrimental to humanity." Earlier on Monday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju sharply criticised Syeda Hameed over her remarks. In a post on X, Rijiju shared her video and captioned, "Misleading in the name of humanity. It's about our land and identity. Why the minority Buddhists, Christians, Hindus & Sikhs in Bangladesh and Pakistan are persecuted & tortured? Sayeda Hameed may be closest to Sonia Gandhi & Rahul Gandhi, but shouldn't support illegal migrants." Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also hit out at Hameed over her remarks, accusing her of legitimising illegal infiltrators in the state. "People like Syeda Hameed, a close confidant of the Gandhi family, legitimise illegal infiltrators, as they seek to realise Jinnah's dream of making Assam a part of Pakistan. Today, Assamese identity is on the brink of extinction because of the tacit support of people like her. But we are the sons and daughters of Lachit Barphukan, WE WILL FIGHT till the last drop of our blood to save our State and our identity," Sarma wrote in a post on X. "Let me make it very clear, Bangladeshis are not welcome in Assam, it is not their land. Anyone sympathising with them may accommodate them in their own backyards. Assam is not up for grabs by illegal infiltrators, NOT NOW, NOT EVER," he added. Her remarks that went viral on social media on Sunday have drawn sharp criticism. Responding to the ruckus created by the protesters on Tuesday, Syeda Hameed said that there was a need to remain conscious while fearing the spread of such a crowd, causing disruptions. "A crowd had entered here. I was a small kid at the time of the partition, but the intensity of that crowd (that entered the venue)... Constitution Club is such a dignified setting, and then a crowd suddenly burst in, giving me a flashback of what my parents and others experienced in Panipat during the partition. I fear that this will spread to the whole of India. That is something which we have to be very conscious of," Hameed later said while addressing a press conference. (ANI) Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over their silence on his presser, in which he alleged "vote theft" during assembly elections. Addressing the gathering on the ninth day of 'Voter Adhikaar Yatra', Gandhi questioned the silence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that its leaders comment on every issue, but refuse to comment on his previously held press conference. "We did a press conference, which cleared everything up. Typically, BJP leaders comment on everything, but not a single leader from their party commented on my press conference. PM Modi and Amit Shah did not say a word. A thief always remains silent because he knows that he has been caught," Gandhi said, adding that Congress was winning the (assembly) elections in six constituencies under Bengaluru central. Highlighting the significance of the right to vote, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha said the Constitution will have no meaning if people's right to vote is ended. "The day you end the right to vote, the Constitution has no meaning. The constitution is empowered by the people's right to vote. The people of RSS never used to salute before the Tricolour. Today, they do, but inside, they have some other feelings. Because they understand that this document (the constitution) grants rights to the OBCs, EBCs, Dalits, and women. They are trying to destroy the constitution by indulging in vote chori," Gandhi said. He further stated that the dreams of Babasaheb Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi can't be realised without the right to vote, guaranteed under the constitution. "Without the right to vote, we cannot realise the dreams of Ambedkar and Gandhi. Mene bhashano main kaha jo 50 per cent reservation ki deewar hai use hum tod denge, par bina vote ke nahi tod sakte (We can't extend reservations beyond 50 per cent without the right to vote). If the right to vote goes away, RSS will have control of India's institutions and the required development will not occur," Gandhi said. "Once your right to vote vanishes, your ration card, housing, and land will also go away. The farmers are able to fight Adani-Ambani, who try to take away their land because of the constitution and the right to vote. Without the constitution, farmers and labourers can't do anything. The Constitution says that every Indian has the right to vote. Without the Constitution, you have no rights," he added. (ANI) The Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker on Tuesday rejected a proposed privilege motion against Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, filed by Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma, citing procedural shortcomings. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania said he had received only a DO note from Sharma, which did not qualify as a formal notice under assembly rules. "To bring a privilege motion, a notice must be submitted with a reference to the relevant rules, which has not been done," Pathania clarified in the assembly. Undeterred by the rejection, Sharma announced he would resubmit the notice in the correct format. "I have no personal fight with the Chief Minister. The issue is that the CM has spoken untruths in the House. In the interest of the unemployed and employees, I am giving this privilege motion against him," said Sudhir Sharma, MLA, Dharamshala. Speaking to reporters in the Assembly complex, Sharma stressed that this was the first time in Himachal Pradesh's history that a privilege motion had been brought against a sitting Chief Minister. "This motion is based entirely on facts. The figures I have cited match the data presented in the Assembly itself. The CM has misled the House by changing figures giving one set of data at one time, then altering it later. Why is this happening? Is it due to some administrative lapse, or is the Chief Minister doing this knowingly? These facts are already part of the Assembly's proceedings, not taken from any news clipping. Under the Assembly's provisions, a privilege motion can be moved on such grounds, and I have done so. Now it is under the Speaker's purview, and as the custodian of the House, he will act as he deems fit," Sharma said. He added that his submission included all relevant documents addressed directly to the Speaker and urged that the motion be accepted and discussed. Chief Minister Sukhu dismissed the move, alleging it was politically motivated. "The notice has been given only to grab newspaper headlines. There is no truth in it," the CM said. The privilege motion controversy comes amid an already tense monsoon session, marked by repeated opposition treasury clashes. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday said that they are progressing rapidly towards expanding Pantnagar and Dehradun Airports to an international level and stressed that Chinyalisaur Airport is crucial from a Char Dham Yatra point of view. "We are progressing rapidly towards expanding Pantnagar and Dehradun Airports to an international level... Chinyalisaur Airport is important from the perspective of Char Dham Yatra, and when the army develops it, it will be useful for the people," Dhami said on Tuesday. His statement comes a day after it was announced that the Indian Air Force will operate the airstrips of Chinyalisaur (Uttarkashi) and Gauchar (Chamoli). Pithoragarh airport will be operated by the Airport Authority of India and the government is also going to expand Pithoragarh Airport, which will cost Rs 450 crore. The state government is emphasising expanding air services in the border districts. With this, the strategic needs, along with the local residents, can also be met. In this sequence, the state government has given in-principle consent to hand over the operation of the airstrips located in Chinyalisaur (Uttarkashi) and Gauchar (Chamoli) to the Indian Air Force, according to a statement by the Uttarakhand Chief Ministers Office. Dhami today visited the state assembly, conducted an inspection, and engaged with the staff to discuss ongoing activities. He said, "I visited various offices and observed what arrangements can be made to address public issues." In a meeting at his official residence today he directed the officials to promote the use of goods manufactured in the state. He also held a meeting with police and senior officials at his official residence this morning to realize the resolution of "Drugs Free Uttarakhand According to a release from the Chief Minister's Office, he said that it is "our resolve that the people of the state should be motivated to use local products, so that the faith in Swadeshi is strengthened and the economy of the state can get new momentum and strength. "The Chief Minister said, "I have full faith that all the people of the state will give priority to goods manufactured in the country by assimilating the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will not only increase employment and self-employment opportunities for our youth, but we will also all participate in realising the dream of a self-reliant India." Meanwhile, Uttarakhand is set to expand its heli connectivity, with a new helicopter service between Pithoragarh and Munsyari expected to start by September 30 under the Udan scheme. The central government has selected Heritage Aviation to operate the service on this route. Dhami had recently sought cooperation from Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu in expanding heli services in the state. In this sequence, the Union Minister has written a letter to the Chief Minister informing that Heritage Aviation has been selected for the Pithoragarh-Munsyari-Pithoragarh heli service under the Udan scheme. (ANI) Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday claimed that the Centre wants to snatch people's right to vote and land, and assured that it will not be allowed. "Your vote is your right. Ambani and Adani do not need votes, but the youth, farmers, labourers, the poor, and the backwards class of Bihar need the right to vote. They want to snatch everything from you. First, they are snatching your votes, then they will snatch your ration card, land, and after that, every right will be snatched. We will never let this happen," Rahul Gandhi said while addressing the gathering on the ninth day of the 'Voter Adhikaar Yatra'. He further asserted that the alleged vote theft that occurred in states like Maharashtra, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh will not be allowed in Bihar. "With the help of the Election Commission, the BJP stole the election of Maharashtra and Haryana; before that, they stole the elections of Madhya Pradesh. Our message is clear: we won't let vote theft happen in Bihar," Gandhi said. He added that the 50 per cent reservation barrier across the nation will be "broken" once the opposition comes to power. "The youth of Bihar have shown their strength in the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'. We will break the 50 per cent reservation barrier across the nation. On the national level, we will do the caste census," Gandhi said. Earlier in the day, Gandhi took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over their silence on his presser, in which he alleged "vote theft" during the assembly elections. Addressing the gathering on the ninth day of 'Voter Adhikaar Yatra', Gandhi questioned the silence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that its leaders comment on every issue, but refuse to comment on his previously held press conference. "We did a press conference, which cleared everything up. Typically, BJP leaders comment on everything, but not a single leader from their party commented on my press conference. PM Modi and Amit Shah did not say a word. A thief always remains silent because he knows that he has been caught," Gandhi said. The 16-day 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav at its forefront, aims to raise awareness about alleged irregularities in the voter list, which opposition leaders have termed a case of vote chori (vote theft). Covering over 1,300 km across 20 districts, the yatra is scheduled to conclude in Patna on September 1. Bihar Assembly elections are expected later this year, although the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not announced an official date. While the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), consisting of the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, aims to retain power in Bihar, the INDIA bloc, consisting of the RJD, Congress, and left parties, is seeking to unseat Nitish Kumar. In the current Bihar Assembly of 243 members, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) consists of 131, with the BJP having 80 MLAs, JD(U)-45, and HAM(S)-4, with the support of 2 Independent Candidates. The Opposition's INDIA Bloc comprises 111 members, with the RJD leading with 77 MLAs, followed by Congress with 19, CPI(ML) with 11, CPI(M) with 2, and CPI with 2. (ANI) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who played a key role in stellar victory of Congress in the assembly elections in 2023, has seemingly risen in stature within the party in nearly 19 months of his stewardship of the state government with the central leadership highlighting some of the initiatives as a role model including the caste census. Revanth Reddy is among the ongress Chief Ministers and leaders who have joined Rahul Gandhi during his ongoing Voter Adhikar Yatra in poll-bound Bihar. He was in Supaul, Bihar, on Tuesday. Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly lauded the Telangana government's caste survey initiative, describing it as a "historic step" and a "blueprint for Social Justice 2.0." The survey, which recommended 42% OBC reservations, has been praised for its data-driven approach to inclusive governance. The Telangana government passed bills in March for 42 per cent reservation for OBCs in education, employment, and local bodies. The caste survey and the bills have given a thrust to the Congress's "OBC" pitch for the upcoming assembly elections, as also the next Lok Sabha polls Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly raised the issue of the caste census. The Centre has included caste enumeration in the upcoming population census. Rahul Gandhi has lauded Telangana's efforts to expand the ambit of reservations and its measures for the welfare of gig workers, who face a lot of struggles. During a consultation meeting held in Rahul Gandhi's presence, Revanth Reddy had assured him that Telangana would deliver on every commitment made by the Congress leadership. He emphasised that his government functions as "soldiers of Rahul Gandhi," driven by shared ideals of social justice. Congress leaders said that Revanth Reddy regularly meets party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to provide updates on Telangana's performance. Revanth Reddy responded positively to Rahul Gandhi's suggestion for enacting the Rohith Vemula Act. Ahead of the assembly polls, Congress leadership put its trust in a young Revanth Reddy for his forthrightness in taking up issues. Having been out of power in Telangana for 10 years, despite being instrumental in its creation, the state was vital for Congress. The sweepstakes were high with the BJP gaining ground in the southern state, which was regarded as a strong base of Congress. Revanth Reddy helped the party come to power with his strategy and aggressive campaigning and was made the Chief Minister. Congress leaders also talk of the party government's achievements in Telangana in other poll-bound states. (ANI) Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya on Tuesday attended 'Rishta Sainik Se', an event organized by the Directorate of Sainik Welfare at Assam Administrative Staff College in Guwahati to address the needs and concerns of ex-servicemen and their families in the state. As a part of the programme, the ex-servicemen and Veer Naris of Assam were apprised of various welfare schemes of the Central and State Governments. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor paying rich tributes to the fallen soldiers said, "Rishta Sainik Se, is not just an event. It is a reflection of the national spirit, that signifies respect, gratitude, and responsibility towards the country's protectors. India has a glorious tradition that whenever the nation faces any crisis, brave soldiers sacrificed everything for its defence. For them, duty is not just a word, but a pledge of life. Soldiers have upheld national interests not only at the borders but also during disasters, crises etc". The Governor further highlighted that the Government of Assam has implemented a two percent reservation in Group-A government jobs, the first such initiative in the country. In addition, opportunities have been created for the families of martyrs in government services, along with a 75 percent exemption on registration fees for house or land purchase, a 100 percent waiver of municipal taxes, and enhancement of ex-gratia for war martyrs from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. Governor Acharya observed that the discipline, restraint, and patriotism of soldiers are living ideals, and the youth must draw inspiration from their lives. He emphasized that the valor displayed by them on the battlefield is a true identity of a soldier. He moreover said that through the "Rasjtriya Kritagyata evam Jagrookta Yojana," Raj Bhavan, Assam has connected youth in 265 schools and colleges with the experiences of soldiers, ensuring that the new generation understands the values of sacrifice and patriotism. He further said that the sacrifices of brave soldiers will not remain confined to battlefields alone; they will also be shared in classrooms across schools and universities. Their immortal tales of sacrifice, service, discipline, and resolve will inspire the younger generation, ignite patriotism, and instill the true spirit of nation-building. He further said that every youth must realize that true heroism lies not merely in winning wars but in living life with unshakable moral ideals, discipline, and national values under all circumstances. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Tuesday that Rs 5 lakh financial assistance would be provided to those whose houses were completely damaged in the recent disaster in Pauri district. Additionally, Rs 5 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased, with funds allocated from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the Chief Minister's Discretionary Fund. He directed the administration to act swiftly to deliver this aid, emphasising the government's commitment to supporting the affected with all possible resources. During a review meeting of the Disaster Management Department on Tuesday, the Chief Minister praised the district administrations of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pauri for their commendable response to disasters in areas like Dharali, Tharali, Syanachatti, and Pauri. He highlighted that relief and rescue operations were conducted efficiently, ensuring swift action. The district administration promptly relocated affected families from Saanji and Raidul villages in Pauri tehsil, where heavy rains and landslides on August 6 caused extensive damage to residential buildings and agricultural land, providing them with safe accommodation, food, and basic necessities. Dhami assured that the state government, alongside the central government, stands firmly with the disaster-affected, promising comprehensive rehabilitation efforts. He instructed that no effort be spared in supporting those impacted, stating, "The disaster-affected are our own people." To address recurring disasters, the Chief Minister directed a team of experts to investigate the causes of the August 22 disaster in Tharali. He emphasised the need for a thorough survey to understand why such incidents occur in the Himalayan region, particularly the large amounts of debris accompanying water flows. Secretary of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Vinod Kumar Suman confirmed that experts from the Geological Survey of India, the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, the Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre, the Central Water Commission, and the Irrigation Department will visit Tharali. On Tuesday, Additional Secretary/Additional Chief Executive Officer, Administration, Anand Swaroop, sent a letter to these institutions, requesting one subject expert from each to study the causes of floods and landslides in Tharali's Tehsil office at Radibag, Nagar Panchayat's residential complex, Kotdeep, Tharali market, and Chapdon and Sagwada areas. The experts are tasked with suggesting mitigation measures and reporting immediately to the District Magistrate of Chamoli. (ANI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted searches at Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bhardwaj's residence, with AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha accusing the agency of harassing Bhardwaj's family in what he described as "political revenge." Jha said that the searches had been ongoing for 17 hours and questioned the purpose of the investigation. Speaking to ANI, Sanjeev Jha said, "...It has been 17 hours and the ED team is carrying out the search...What is the ED investigating?... They want to scare us... Family of (Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bhardwaj) is being harassed only out of political revenge..." Delhi AAP State General Secretary Adil Ahmad Khan questioned the purpose of the investigation and accused the BJP of plotting against Saurabh Bhardwaj. Khan said the party will not be intimidated, and said that they will never be able to suppress the voice of AAP. "ED has been raiding the residence of Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bhardwaj for the last 16-17 hours... What are they investigating?... Is BJP plotting against Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bhardwaj?... We will not be afraid... They will never be able to suppress the voice of AAP," Khan said. Earlier, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi also alleged that the "ridiculous" raids by the Enforcement Directorate on party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj's residence were "100 per cent fake" and a strategy to divert attention from the row over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's education degree. "These raids are 100% fake because at the time when this matter pertained, Saurabh Bharadwaj was not even a minister. He became a minister two years later. This is ridiculous... These raids are fake and a strategy to divert attention from PM Modi's fake degree issue. This is to threaten the AAP. The AAP has not committed a single rupee of corruption... No matter how many raids are conducted, AAP is 'Kattar Imaandar'... We are not scared of these raids..." Atishi said while addressing a press conference in the national capital. Earlier, on Tuesday, the Central Agency conducted searches at the residence of former Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj in connection with a money laundering probe linked to alleged irregularities in hospital construction projects in the national capital. The raids began early morning at 13 locations, including Bhardwaj's residence, across the Delhi-NCR region, based on a certain tip-off in connection with the case. The search operations were carried out under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). (ANI) Noah Centineo has wowed fans by revealing a dramatic body transformation. Noah Centineo has wowed fans by revealing a dramatic body transformation In a shirtless photo posted to Instagram, Noah, 29, who is best known for his role as Peter Kavinsky in Netflixs To All the Boys Ive Loved Before trilogy, shared the picture of his massive muscular overhaul on Monday (25.08.25) alongside the caption: Road brawler. The actor was photographed flexing his biceps and showing defined abs while wearing black sweatpants over bright pink underwear. His long curly hair was tied back with a headband, and the selfie was taken in a modest room in Sydney, Australia, with a guitar visible on the bed behind him. The post prompted a flood of comments from surprised fans. One user wrote: Did I miss a chapter??, while another added: Grew his hair out. Bulked up. Whattttt we all missed the entire season? Others questioned his new look, with one writing: This is not the Noah Centineo I remember. Another asked: Hold up a second.what???!!!.when did bro get so jacked??!! Anorther fan referenced his earlier character, saying: I want Peter Kavinsky to be back!:( Actress Rachel Zegler, 23, also commented on the photo, writing: NOW HANG ON . Several fans speculated Noahs transformation is linked to his upcoming role as John Rambo in a Rambo prequel. According to Deadline, the film is being developed by Millennium Media and will be directed by Jalmari Helander, 48, with production scheduled to begin in Thailand in early 2026. Noah has previously starred in films such as The Perfect Date (2019) and the Netflix series The Recruit (2022), but he does not frequently update his Instagram, leaving the timeline of his physical change unclear. His personal life has also drawn attention in recent months. In March, Noah was seen leaving a Los Angeles restaurant with Zoe Kravitz, 36, sparking dating rumours. By May, Page Six reported the pair had enjoyed a brunch together at Chez Ma Tante, a cafe in Brooklyns Greenpoint neighbourhood. A source told the outlet: I dont think they were showing too much PDA. They just tried to blend in and have a normal brunch. Zoe has since been linked to Austin Butler, 34, and Harry Styles, 31, while previously calling off her engagement to Channing Tatum, 45, in late 2024. Noah was earlier in a relationship with 28-year-old model Alexis Ren. United States President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) signed a proclamation marking the four-year anniversary of the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan. He recalled the tragic day and stressed that the incident reflected the incompetence of the previous administration's withdrawal plan. "Thank you very much. This is a very special group of people. I've been with them from the beginning. Abbey Gate, you know, Abbey Gate. One of the dumbest days in the history of our country by a previous administration, getting out of a place that we shouldn't have been. At a minimum, they should have been at Bagram, the big field where we have hundreds of acres around it. Nobody's going to get near it," Trump said. "They've been with me, and I've been with them 100%, and we meet more than once a year. Actually, I think our all-time meeting was in Bedminster when we played music late into the night. They thought I'd be there maybe for five minutes, maybe not at all, and I showed up for like four hours. We were listening to music all night long, and they were all crying because they lost their loved ones," he added. The President continued, "It's a four-year anniversary, so we're signing a proclamation honouring them and honouring you and honouring your loved one." "We're four years now into this nightmare, just a nightmare. I think that that date also helped start the war with Putin and Ukraine, because he saw how incompetent our military was under Biden and under Milley and all these dopes, these dopey people, and that's not our military. You see what our military is now; we knock the hell out of people if we have to, or we settle because they don't want to play games with us, but I just want to say I'm really honoured to be with you again ... and your loved ones are looking down, and they're very proud." Trump also touched upon redecorating the Oval Office, saying, "We had an Oval Office which was still the Oval Office, so I don't want to disrespect it, but now it's very special." Referring to a recent initiative, he said, "We did a little thing with Pete [Hegseth] about Secretary of War today, and it seemed to be well received. We'll do it a couple of more times, and if everyone likes it, we'll make that change. Pete, you'll decide." Responding to a question on the ongoing review of the Afghanistan withdrawal, Secretary Pete Hegseth said, "As far as what happened in Afghanistan, the military needs to answer for what's happened in Afghanistan. So upon the President's direction, immediately, we initiated an investigation, which showed that there needed an even deeper dive. So Sean Parnell, our Pentagon spokesman, who himself is an Afghanistan veteran, is leading this effort. I would anticipate middle of 2026, that's how thorough of a review we're doing, hopefully a little bit sooner, but we're going into everything in understanding what happened." Vice President JD Vance said, "We're so proud of your loved ones for giving their life for our country. I think importantly today, this is a rectification of a wrong, the fact that the President of the United States lost your loved ones through incompetence but never acknowledged it, and your government never actually put pen to paper to say we're grateful for your sacrifice. We correct that wrong today, and we're gonna keep on fighting to understand, as Pete said, what happened so it never happens to another family again." In his meeting with South Korean President Lee, Trump said, "Yeah, I think we have a deal done. They had some problems with it, but we stuck to our guns. We are going to, they're going to make the deal that they agreed to make. It's the biggest deal they've ever made by far, but it's one of the biggest deals ever made. The biggest deal ever made is the one with the European nations. As you know, the Europe deal is the biggest deal ever made. I think it's the biggest deal ever made, period. And, they pay us $950 billion coming into this country and lots of other things. They're going to buy $750 billion worth of our oil and gas and all of the other things." He added, "We're just doing the right thing, and it's making our country rich and beautiful, and it's very important. I felt so foolish for years watching this take place. You know, we did it in my first term with China. We took in hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs, but when covid came back, we focused on that." On care for veterans affected by burn pits, Trump said, "We take good care of our vets. Nobody loves our vets more than me." VA Secretary Doug Collins stated, "We're streamlining following Congress' direction, but we're also adding more services ... we're streamlining our backlog under Trump's direction... That backlog under Biden was up over 260,000. We're down now. Mr President, I can tell you that we're down under 150,000 in just a little over six months... streamlining it so they get that care quicker." On the proposed renaming of the Department of Defense, Trump told NewsNation, "We're just gonna do it. I'm sure Congress will go along if we need that I don't think we even need that, but uh, if we need that I'm sure Congress will go along. You know that was the name when we won WW1, we WW2, we won everything. To me, seems like a much more appropriate... The other is defense is too defensive. We want defensive, but we want to be offensive too if we have to be. So it just sounded better to me." (ANI) In a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Korea, US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) highlighted his engagement with North Korea and the progress made in inter-Korean relations. Trump said, "Kim Jong Un and I have a very good relationship... If Hilary Clinton had won the election, it would have been a disaster. We think we can do something with regard to North and South Korea, and you are much more prone to doing that than other leaders from South Korea that I have been working with..." He also recalled the 2018 Winter Olympics, noting, "I remember when you were doing the Olympics and there was a great time of hostility with North Korea, you were not selling tickets because nobody would want to be blown up in the stadium during the opening ceremony... Then I received a call from North Korea, stating they wanted to participate in the Olympics and actually field teams... Immediately, after that, you started selling tickets and it turned out to be a tremendous success..." Trump highlighted that this success was acknowledged by former South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who credited him with playing a key role in making the 2018 Winter Olympic Games a triumph. Reflecting on that period, he also touched upon the ongoing North Korean nuclear threat, CNN reported. "President Moon of South Korea said without Donald Trump the Olympics would have been a total failure," Trump said. "It's true, true. You know. Might as well say it." He added, "It's a little hard to sell tickets when you think you're going to be nuked." CNN reported that these remarks came during a 2018 rally in Pennsylvania. Speaking at the same rally, Trump also praised South Korea for doing "a great job" with the Olympic Games and highlighted the demonstration of unity between North and South Korea. "It was great to see North Korea going and participating," Trump said. "And there was a nice unity. It was really a nice thing," CNN noted. Earlier, Trump and South Korea had announced that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had made a direct overture for talks between leaders of all three countries, a move seen as a potentially significant development in the ongoing nuclear standoff in the region, CNN reported. (ANI) The Prime Minister's Office of Israel on Monday expressed deep regret over the tragic mishap at the Nasser Hospital in Gaza. In a post on X, the office said, "Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred today at the Nasser Hospital in Gaza. Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians." The statement came as Israel struck Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, killing at least 21 people, including five journalists, medics, and rescue workers, in a "double-tap" attack, amid intensifying Israeli offensives in the besieged enclave. Among the journalists killed were Al Jazeera's Mohammad Salama, Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri, and Mariam Abu Daqqa, a freelance journalist working for AP at the time. Al Jazeera's Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Deir el-Balah, said the attack "has sent the entire area into an absolute sense of chaos and panic... not only for passers-by or people living in the vicinity of the hospital, but for the patients themselves, who are receiving treatment in one of the areas that must be protected under... international humanitarian law." Dr Ahmed al-Farra, head of the paediatrics department at Nasser Hospital, described the attack as a "double-tap," saying the first strike hit the top floor of the building, followed minutes later by a second projectile as journalists and rescuers rushed up an external staircase. Al Jazeera condemned the attack as "a clear intent to bury the truth." The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate called it "an open war against free media, with the aim of terrorising journalists and preventing them from fulfilling their professional duty of exposing its crimes to the world." Francesca Albanese, UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, said, "Rescuers killed in line of duty. Scenes like this unfold every moment in Gaza, often unseen, largely undocumented... I beg states: how much more must be witnessed before you act to stop this carnage? Break the blockade. Impose an Arms Embargo. Impose Sanctions." Israeli attacks across Gaza have killed at least 61 people since dawn Monday, including seven seeking aid. Gaza's Civil Defence said Israel has destroyed 1,000 buildings in Gaza City since August 6, trapping hundreds under rubble, while ongoing shelling and blocked access routes have prevented rescue and aid operations. The al-Awda Hospital reported Israeli gunfire killed six aid seekers in central Gaza and wounded 15 others. Al-Shifa Hospital said three Palestinians, including a child, were killed in a separate strike. Al Jazeera reported that Gaza's Ministry of Health confirmed over 2,000 Palestinians have been killed and around 13,500 wounded while seeking aid at distribution points or along UN and aid convoy routes. UN humanitarian office OCHA warned of deepening malnutrition among children, saying, "With famine conditions now confirmed in Gaza governorate, hunger and malnutrition among children are deepening... without proper nutrition, water and care, their condition worsens more quickly." Chris McIntosh, Oxfam's humanitarian response adviser in Gaza, described the situation as "truly a singular humanitarian disaster and the worst crisis that I've ever been part of... by far." Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump predicted the war could see a "conclusive end" within two to three weeks, adding, "It's got to get over with because between the hunger and all of the other problems - worse than hunger, death, pure death - people [are] being killed." Al Jazeera's coverage has highlighted the growing toll on civilians and journalists, underscoring repeated targeted attacks on media and healthcare facilities. (ANI) US President Donald Trump, during a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Korea, said he was proud of having prevented multiple conflicts, including one between India and Pakistan that he claimed was close to turning nuclear. "I stopped 7 wars that were raging... including India and Pakistan that was probably two weeks away from being a nuclear war. They were shooting down airplanes all over the place. I am very proud of that..." Trump said. Linking his approach to conflict prevention, President Trump said he used tariffs and trade measures to stop wars, claiming that several conflicts were avoided during his presidency. "Of the 7 wars I stopped, 4 were because I had tariffs and trade, and I was able to say, 'If you go fight and want to kill everybody, that is okay, but I am going to charge you each a 100% tariff when you trade with us.' They all gave up..." Trump said. He added, "We are taking trillions of dollars in tariffs and stopping wars due to tariffs... Other countries did it to us and now we are doing it to other countries." Trump's remarks came as US Vice President JD Vance defended the imposition of secondary sanctions and tariffs on India, calling them part of Washington's strategy to apply "aggressive economic leverage" against Russia over the war in Ukraine. Speaking to NBC News' Meet the Press, Vance said the Trump administration is making it harder for Moscow to profit from its oil economy through measures that include tariffs on India. "I think this question betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of where we are. The President has applied aggressive economic leverage, for example, the secondary tariffs on India, to try to make it harder for the Russians to get rich from their oil economy. He has tried to make it clear that Russia can be reintegrated into the world economy if it stops the killing, but they are going to continue to be isolated if it doesn't," Vance said. On Secretary Marco Rubio's doubts that sanctions would force Russian President Vladimir Putin into a ceasefire, Vance said sanctions remain an option. "Sanctions are not off the table, but we are going to make these determinations on a case-by-case basis. What we do think is actually going to exert the right kind of leverage to bring the Russians to the table? You said sanctions were not going to lead to a ceasefire, I think that's obviously correct. If we look at the way Russians have concluded themselves, they don't want a ceasefire. They don't want to cease for complicated reasons," he said. Vance said the US still has "a lot of cards left to play" and stressed that the Trump administration has already applied more economic pressure on Moscow than previous governments. Responding to criticism that Washington has not imposed similar measures on China, the largest buyer of Russian oil, Vance said, "We have 54 per cent tariff on PRC right now, so we have already applied pretty hefty sanctions on the Chinese and we have had a number of conversations at all levels of government to try to encourage the Chinese to be better partners in bringing this war to a close." Vance also suggested that the US could reduce tariffs on some countries if progress is made with Russia, or increase them further if needed. "We are applying aggressive economic pressure to bring this war to a close. Maybe we will apply additional pressure, or maybe we feel like we are making progress, and we will dial that pressure back," he said. On Russia-Ukraine negotiations and guarantees for Ukraine, the Vice President underlined Washington's commitments. "It is providing the Ukrainians the kind of security guarantees that ensure the country is not going to be invaded again. This is why I think we have made a lot of progress, even though we are not there yet," Vance said. Highlighting US diplomatic efforts, he added, "We are trying to negotiate as much as we can with both the Russians and the Ukrainians to find a middle ground to stop the killing. I think what the President has tried to do here is try to engage in very aggressive, very energetic diplomacy because this war is not in anyone's interest. It's not in Europe's or the United States' interest. We don't think it's in Russia's or Ukraine's interest to keep going, so we're going to keep on pushing for a diplomatic solution." (ANI) India will gift 12 agricultural drones and two mobile soil testing laboratories to Fiji. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a press statement with visiting Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. "In our extensive discussions today, we made several important decisions. We believe that only a healthy nation can be a prosperous one. Therefore, a 100-bed super speciality hospital will be built in Suva. Dialysis units and sea ambulances will also be sent. Jan Aushadhi Kendras will be opened to provide affordable, high-quality medicines to every home. To ensure that no one is held back in the race for their dreams, a 'Jaipur Foot' camp will also be organised in Fiji," PM Modi said. "In the field of agriculture, cowpea seeds sent from India are growing very well in Fiji's soil. India will also gift 12 agri-drones and two mobile soil testing labs. We applaud the Fijian government for approving Indian ghee in Fiji," he added. The joint statement issued by the two countries also spoke of growing cooperation between the two countries, including in agriculture. "Prime Minister Modi announced the gift of 12 agricultural drones and two mobile soil testing laboratories under India's Grant-in-Aid Programme, which will promote innovation and enhance productivity in Fiji's sugar sector. To further support the sector, Prime Minister Modi announced the intention to send an ITEC expert to the Fiji Sugar Corporation, along with the organisation of specialised ITEC training programmes for Fijian sugar sector professionals," it said. "The leaders recognised the significance of agriculture and food security as key areas for bilateral cooperation," it added. Fijian Prime Minister Rabuka thanked PM Modi for the assistance of 5 MT of high-quality cowpea seeds sent by India to support food security and agricultural resilience in Fiji. Both leaders welcomed the signing of MoUs aimed at deepening cooperation in key sectors. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) of India to enhance collaboration in rural development, agricultural financing and financial inclusion. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Cooperation in the field of Standardisation between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards (DNTMS) of Fiji. There was a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), India, and Pacific Polytechnic, Fiji, for cooperation in the field of human capacity building, skilling, and upskilling; a Memorandum of Understanding between the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) to further economic and commercial ties; and an agreement between HLL Lifecare Ltd and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Republic of Fiji, on the supply of medicines under the Jan Aushadhi Scheme. The leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments and reiterated their shared commitment to peace, climate justice, inclusive development, and amplifying the voice of the Global South. PM Rabuka appreciated the leadership role of India in the Global South and expressed appreciation for the valued mutual support extended in multilateral forums. (ANI) Constant rains and raging floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have destroyed large parts of infrastructure and agricultural land, including hundreds of houses, roads, and bridges, while washing away livestock, according to Dawn. The affected population is now facing an increased risk of waterborne and other diseases, alongside psychological trauma. Government health authorities and non-governmental organisations have set up makeshift clinics and medical camps across KP to tackle outbreaks of several waterborne and skin diseases. Rains and flood-related accidents have already killed more than 400 people across the province since August 15, reported the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Dawn added. "Post-floods situation is even more dangerous, as the lurking threat of outbreak can kill more people than floods did," warned Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, secretary general of the Pakistan Medical Association. Speaking to Anadolu and quoted by Dawn, he called for an immediate "prevention plan" involving the provision of basic health necessities, including clean drinking water and hygiene, to reduce the danger. "Considering the given hygiene conditions, we cannot fully contain the outbreak and possible deaths, but a smart prevention plan can reduce the volume of a secondary disaster to a good extent," Shoro said, Dawn reported. Mohammad Zahid Latif, head of the health division of Al-Khidmat Foundation, said waterborne and skin diseases are already on the rise in flood-stricken areas. "Thousands of people, mainly children, have arrived with complaints of diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, dengue fever, malaria and skin issues. Thousands more [with similar complaints] are still stranded on the outskirts due to the blockade of roads and washing away of bridges," he told Anadolu, as reported by Dawn. Reproductive and mental health needs are also rising among the affected population. "Many affected people have been brought to us with severe trauma and stress disorder because of the disaster they have gone through," Latif said, adding that physical injuries may heal in weeks or months, but mental trauma will take much longer, Dawn reported. Endorsing this, Ataullah Khan, a spokesman for the KP Health Department, said the government had already taken steps to contain the issue. "In addition to communicable diseases, people are also facing trauma and acute stress disorder. To handle the issue, the provincial government has sent trained psychiatrists to the flood-hit areas in collaboration with psychiatrist associations," Khan told Anadolu, Dawn added. Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur chaired a meeting on district-wise review of progress on payments of compensation to flood victims. He issued a six-day deadline to officials for payments of all types of compensation. "The pace of work on payments of compensation to victims should be further accelerated, ensuring payments of all types of compensation to victims by the upcoming Sunday. A feasible mechanism should be devised for payments of compensation to those minor children of deceased individuals who cannot have identity cards and bank accounts made," Gandapur said in a statement on his X account, Dawn reported. Gandapur also directed that compensation payments should be made to relatives of missing individuals. He said the amount required by PDMA for compensation and rehabilitation works should be released immediately and added that cash payments should be made to migrating families in Bajaur instead of non-food items. He further instructed that additional teams from the health department be deployed to expedite verification of injured individuals and affected homes and shops. "Work should be started on collecting data for homes destroyed on waterways, discussions should be initiated with victims for constructing homes at safe locations for owners of such homes, arrangements should be made to pay 100,000 rupees per household for cleaning homes to those whose homes have floodwater and debris entered," Gandapur said. "The process of compensation payments to victims should be completed within the stipulated time so that we can start the early rehabilitation process. There is no shortage of resources for compensation payments to victims and rehabilitation. Complete transparency should be ensured in the use of funds for compensation payments to victims and rehabilitation works, for this purpose, the monitoring process should be made more effective," he added. Dawn reported that authorities are working to ensure timely payments and rehabilitation as the province grapples with widespread flood devastation and the looming threat of disease outbreaks. (ANI) US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that his intervention stopped a potential nuclear war between India and Pakistan, saying that seven fighter jets were shot down during the "raging" hostilities, a figure he had earlier put at five, and that he used trade pressure to halt the hostilities. "I have stopped all of these wars. A big one would have been India and Pakistan..." Trump said during a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Korea. He added, "The war with India and Pakistan was the next level that was going to be a nuclear war... They already shot down 7 jets - that was raging. I said, 'You want to trade? We are not doing any trade or anything with you if you keep fighting, you've got 24 hours to settle it'. They said, 'Well, there's no more war going on.' I used that on numerous occasions. I used trade and whatever I had to use..." Trump has brought up the India-Pakistan conflict several times before. In July, he had claimed that five fighter jets were shot down before the two sides ceased hostilities, though he did not specify which side's aircraft were downed or what the jets were. Trump's new reference to "7 jets" comes weeks after Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh confirmed that India had taken down at least five Pakistani fighter aircraft during Operation Sindoor, along with a large surveillance plane. Delivering the keynote address at the 16th edition of the Air Chief Marshal Memorial Lecture on August 10, the IAF Chief said, "We have at least five fighters confirmed kills and one large aircraft, which could be either an ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) aircraft or an AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft, which was taken on at a distance of about 300 kilometres. This is actually the largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill that we can talk about." He detailed the operation further, adding, "We were able to get at least two command and control centres, like Murid and Chaklala. At least six radars, some of them big, some of them small. Two SAGW systems that is in Lahore and Okara. We attacked three hangars. One was the Sukkur UAV hangar, the Bholari hangar and the Jacobabad F-16 hangar. We have an indication of at least one AEW&C in that AEW&C hangar and a few F-16s, which were under maintenance there." This was the first time a top-ranking officer had specified the number of Pakistani aircraft destroyed in the conflict. The IAF Chief credited the success of Operation Sindoor to "political will". "A key reason for success was the presence of political will. There was very clear political will and very clear directions given to us. No restrictions were put on us... If there were any constraints, they were self-made. The forces decided what the rules of engagement would be. We decided how we wanted to control the escalation. We had full freedom to plan and execute," he said. He added, "There was a synchronisation between the three forces... The post of CDS made a real difference. He was there to get us together. NSA also played a big role in getting all the agencies." India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people were killed. The Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the death of over 100 terrorists. India also repelled Pakistan's retaliation and struck its airbases. Trump, meanwhile, has continued to insist that his intervention was key in preventing the hostilities from spiralling into a nuclear war. (ANI) The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted temporary relief to 18 Afghan nationals facing deportation after their Proof of Registration (PoR) cards expired, according to a report by Khaama Press. Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar issued the directive in response to petitions filed by the individuals, who, as per Khaama Press, are reportedly linked to the family of the late Fazlur Rahman. Rahman had sought Pakistani citizenship in 2008 after completing the legal requirements. The ruling prevents their deportation until further orders, while notices have been issued to the Interior Ministry, the Immigration Department, and the Federal Investigation Agency. The order comes at a time when Pakistan is moving ahead with its "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan," under which Afghan refugees holding PoR cards that expired on June 30 were directed to leave voluntarily between August 4 and August 31. Deportations are set to begin from September 1, raising fears among refugees and rights groups. Human rights bodies and the UNHCR have voiced concern that forced returns could violate the principle of non-refoulement. Rights advocates warn that such measures will deeply impact Afghan families who have lived in Pakistan for decades and built strong community ties. While the IHC's decision provides a reprieve to a small group, it underscores the broader uncertainty faced by over a million PoR cardholders who remain vulnerable to expulsion. In parallel with the court proceedings, authorities have intensified enforcement. Police in Peshawar, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have been conducting coordinated operations to identify undocumented Afghan migrants. According to Khaama Press, a significant number of migrants have been detained in recent days, with officials also claiming to have seized weapons and narcotics. The operations, carried out in areas including Kacha Garhi, Nasir Bagh, and Regi, are part of a wider crackdown on Afghans without valid documents. Reports further indicate that Pakistan's campaign has accelerated in recent months, with arrests and deportations often involving house-to-house searches. The suspension of visa renewals for Afghan nationals for over a month has compounded the problem, leaving many previously legal residents undocumented and at risk of removal. Adding to these measures, the federal government announced on August 13 the formation of a special committee comprising police and intelligence officials to track and repatriate Afghans holding PoR cards. This committee has been tasked with gathering and sharing data across agencies to facilitate enforcement actions. Meanwhile, the UNHCR has expressed concern that Pakistan's stringent policies have left thousands of Afghans homeless, with many alleging threats, coercion, and mistreatment by law enforcement agencies. Rights advocates caution that the continuation of such actions risks deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis, forcing vulnerable Afghan families into greater displacement, loss of livelihood, and insecurity. (ANI) Aboul Gheit said in a statement today that the massacre that targeted the Nasser Medical Complex, killing 20 people, including 5 journalists, is just a new chapter in a series of deliberate crimes against civilians. He explained that more than 12 journalists have been assassinated in the past two weeks, while the number of journalist casualties has exceeded hundreds since the beginning of the war. He stressed that Israel seeks to erase the truth and silence every free voice reporting the atrocities taking place in Gaza. The Secretary-General called on the international community to "break the global silence" regarding the ongoing crimes, noting that the past 24 hours alone saw 11 deaths from starvation and malnutrition. (ANI/WAM) Libya's coast guard fired upon a European humanitarian vessel while it was searching for a refugee and migrant boat in distress in the Mediterranean Sea, Al Jazeera reported, citing the non-profit SOS Mediterranee. The confrontation occurred a day earlier, about 40 nautical miles (74 km) north of the Libyan coast, SOS Mediterranee told Al Jazeera on Monday, releasing details and images of the incident. No casualties were reported, although the group said the vessel sustained significant damage. SOS Mediterranee charters the Norwegian-flagged Ocean Viking in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The attack appeared to be one of the most violent, involving a European rescue ship and the Libyan coast guard, which receives training, equipment and funding from the European Union, Al Jazeera reported. The patrol boat used in the attack was a 2023 gift from Italy to the Libyan coast guard as part of the EU's border management programme, SOS Mediterranee said. Before the attack, the Ocean Viking had rescued 87 people from two boats, including many from war-torn Sudan, and was on its way to Italy. While searching for a third boat in distress, the vessel was approached by a Libyan patrol vessel in international waters, Angelo Selim, the search-and-rescue coordinator on board, told Al Jazeera. "When they were very close, they started shooting for 15 to 20 minutes," Selim said. "In the beginning, I didn't understand the noise of the shots. But when the first windows exploded on my head, we all got on the floor." He added that some of the shots appeared to come from automatic weapons. Selim said he instructed the refugees and migrants and non-essential crew members to lock themselves inside the safety room while he and the captain remained on the bridge. Eventually, the shooting stopped, but the threats continued. Selim described the Libyan coast guard warning the Ocean Viking in Arabic over the radio: "If you don't leave the area, we will come and kill you all." In video and photos of the incident released by SOS Mediterranee, two men can be seen pointing weapons at the boat, and several rounds of gunfire are heard. Broken windows and damaged equipment are also visible. "This incident was not only an outrageous and unacceptable act," SOS Mediterranee said in a statement Monday. "This is far from isolated: the Libyan Coast Guard has a long history of reckless behaviour that endangers people at sea, flagrantly violates human rights and shows total disregard for international maritime law," Al Jazeera reported. Frontex, the EU's border protection agency, called the incident "deeply concerning" and urged "the proper authorities to investigate the events swiftly and thoroughly." While Italian officials have not yet responded, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government has vowed to block refugee and migrant sea journeys from Africa and passed measures against human smugglers, including tougher jail terms. The government has also urged allies to do more to curb migration attempts, Al Jazeera reported. Maritime disasters involving people travelling from Libya and crossing the Mediterranean are frequent. Rights groups and United Nations agencies have documented systematic abuse against refugees and migrants in Libya, including torture, rape, and extortion. In February, Libyan authorities uncovered nearly 50 bodies from two mass graves in the country's southeastern desert, in the latest horror involving people seeking to reach Europe through North Africa, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI) Blake Lively has described the ongoing pressure she feels from what she calls a smear campaign by her former It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni and his team. Blake Lively The 37-year-old actress made the admission during a deposition in New York City, according to a transcript released after a court order. According to People, which obtained a section of the deposition, she was asked by an unnamed lawyer for Justin: When did the smear campaign end? Blake replies: It doesn't feel like it's ended. When the lawyer follows up by asking: Its still ongoing?, Blake replies: It feels that way, yes. The attorney then asks: Who do you believe is involved in the ongoing smear campaign? Gossip Girl actress Blake answers: I believe outside of what I know through attorneys I believe that the defendants are involved. And when the attorney asks her Which ones?" Blake says: All of them. And I believe you are. She also tells the attorney: I believe the act of a retaliatory lawsuit and the press that you have done and the statements that you have made about me and my character have felt incredibly retaliatory. The deposition took place on Wednesday, 30 July, and the full transcript is reported to span nearly 300 pages. A portion was made public following Judge Lewis J. Limans order from 8 August, revealing the tense exchange between Blake and a lawyer representing Justin, 41. The deposition came after Blake filed a lawsuit in December against Justin and his Wayfarer Studios team, along with their publicist and crisis PR representatives, alleging sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign. The defendants have denied the allegations. Justins $400 million countersuit was dismissed by the judge in June. Bryan Freedman, Justins attorney, told TMZ at the time that he would question Blake under oath. He added: Im gonna ask her questions under penalty of perjury, and shes gonna have to provide evidence, and shes gonna have to provide the truth of the stories. Mr Freedman added Justin is seeking to be vindicated and wants the truth to come out, and he wants to do that in the appropriate way. The lawyer added: Hes waiting for his day in court, where he can speak out to tell the truth. A spokesperson for Blake said in a statement from 7 August they were pleased with the outcome of her deposition and now look forward to deposing Justin Baldoni and each of the co-defendants in short order. Filings show Blakes lawyers accused Justins team of leaking deposition details to create a media circus and advance a narrative of a direct confrontation. Multiple defendants and eight attorneys were present at her deposition. Justins lawyers have countered any leaks could have originated from Blake, her actor husband Ryan Reynolds, her attorneys or staff. The trial in the case is scheduled for March 2026. Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, on Monday, reviewed the Guard of Honour and held discussions on further strengthening the bilateral defence ties between India and Algeria, during his official visit to the country. The COAS also interacted with Lieutenant General Mostefa SMAALI, Commander of the Land Forces of Algeria. The leaders discussed further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. Sharing the details in a post on X, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI), Indian Army said, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, during his ongoing visit to Algeria reviewed the Guard of Honour at Headquarters Land Forces Command, Algiers. COAS also interacted with Lieutenant General Mostefa SMAALI, Commander of the Land Forces, Algeria. The discussions were aimed at aspects of bilateral Defence Cooperation, further nurturing the military bond between both the Armies and enhancing mutual commitment towards peace & security. https://x.com/adgpi/status/1959995203491967379 On Monday, COAS General Dwivedi began his visit with a welcome dinner hosted by Ambassador Dr Swati Vijay Kulkarni. This was attended by Algerian dignitaries, Ambassadors, Defence Attaches, Heads of Algerian chambers of commerce, think tanks, and academia. The visit comes close on the heels of the recent visits by the President of India and the Chief of Defence Staff, underlining the importance accorded to strengthening India-Algeria relations, as per the statement. As a precursor to the visit, Indian defence industries had showcased their capabilities at the Defence Seminar in Algiers from July 30 to August 1, laying the foundation for defence industry and technology collaboration, as per an official statement. Notably, this is General Upendra Dwivedi's first overseas visit after the triumph in Operation Sindoor, underscoring the Army's growing role in strengthening India's strategic engagements abroad. Operation Sindoor, a punitive and targeted campaign to dismantle the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and deeper inside Pakistan, was initiated on May 7 in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 innocent civilians were killed in the name of religion. The Indian Army had noted in a statement that while discussions would take place on strengthening Army-to-Army ties, other areas include- expanding training exchanges, and enhancing capability development initiatives. As Algeria operates with predominantly similar equipment, India is well-positioned to share operational expertise, provide maintenance and training support, and promote collaboration in defence technologies, the statement observed. It highlighted that the two sides are also expected to explore opportunities for defence industrial partnership, especially in the areas of modernisation, logistics, and equipment support. "General Dwivedi will also share India's strategic vision of zero tolerance for terrorism and exchange perspectives on regional and global security challenges. These deliberations are expected to contribute to building trust, interoperability, and practical cooperation between the two militaries," the statement added. (ANI) Sharing the details in a post on X, the MND further said that 1 out of 6 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. It wrote on X, "6 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 out of 6 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1960145175075819839 On Monday, MND had detected nine sorties of Chinese military aircraft and six Chinese naval vessels operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time) on Monday. According to MND, of the nine sorties, five crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. Earlier, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has named China a "regional troublemaker" after the Solomon Islands barred Taiwan and other dialogue partners, including the US, from the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders' Meeting, Taipei Times reported, citing an Australian daily. Citing the "Pacific Way" of inclusiveness, Lin warned that excluding dialogue partners undermines the forum's ability to address common challenges, as per Taipei Times. Rejecting Beijing's claims over Taiwan, Lin underlined that the People's Republic of China "has never ruled Taiwan for even a single day," and noted that UN Resolution 2758 makes no reference to Taiwan, according to Taipei Times. Calling China's narrative "the emperor's new clothes," he said, "Telling a lie 100 times does not make it true." Lin added that Taiwan is pushing back against Beijing's suppression through deeper international cooperation, practical contributions, and sustained diplomatic outreach. (ANI) Venezuela on Tuesday announced the deployment of 15,000 troops to its border with Colombia to fight drug trafficking, as the US has reportedly sentsent two additional navy ships to the southern Caribbean as part of an operation against Latin American drug cartels, according to Al Jazeera. Venezuelan Minister of the Popular Power for Interior Diosdado Cabello announced on Monday that Caracas would deploy 15,000 troops to bolster security in Zulia and Tachira states, which border Colombia. "Here, we do fight drug trafficking; here, we do fight drug cartels on all fronts," the minister said, while also announcing the seizure of 53 tonnes of drugs so far this year, as per Al Jazeera. Cabello said the increased security on the border with Colombia, to "combat criminal groups", would also involve aircraft, drones and riverine security, according to local media outlet Noticias Venevision, as he called on Colombian authorities to do the same to "ensure peace along the entire axis". The reinforcement of Venezuelan troops on the Colombian border comes after the Trump administration accused Venezuela's left-wing president, Nicolas Maduro, of being involved in cocaine trafficking and working with drug cartels, Al Jazeera reported. Maduro has accused the US of attempting to foment regime change in Venezuela, and launched a nationwide drive to sign up thousands of militia members to strengthen national security in the country amid the threats from Washington. "I am confident that we will overcome this test that life has imposed on us, this imperialist threat to the peace of the continent and to our country," Maduro was quoted by Al Jazeera as saying in local media on Monday. Officials in Washington have accused both Maduro and Cabello of working with the Cartel de los Soles ("Cartel of the Suns") drug trafficking organisation, which Washington has designated a terrorist group. The accusations were made as the US announced last week that it had doubled a reward to USD 50 million for the capture of Maduro on drug charges. The US earlier this year increased a reward for Cabello's arrest or prosecution from USD 10 million to USD 25 million. (ANI) Several human rights groups from across the world have jointly addressed a letter to Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, calling for immediate action to relocate over 2000 Afghan refugees from Pakistan, Khaama Press reported on Monday. As per the report by Khaama Press, over 2,000 Afghan refugees in Pakistan face deportation. Rights groups urge Germany to act quickly, reduce visa delays, and ensure safe relocation to avoid further danger. Amnesty International, Reporters Without Borders, Caritas, the German Bar Association, and Doctors Without Borders are among the several organisations which have jointly addressed a letter to Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, calling for immediate action to ensure the safe transfer of these vulnerable individuals. The signatories urged the German government to drastically shorten the duration of security screenings and visa processing. They are also demanding rapid evacuation of Afghan refugees who have already been promised protection and resettlement in Germany, Khaama Press reported. Referring to these organisations, Khaama Press highlighted that Germany holds a special responsibility toward these individuals. Several of these refugees face threats due to their past involvement in promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Afghanistan. Their trust in Germany, the letter states, must not be betrayed. The letter gave a call for closer cooperation to prevent further deportations and arbitrary detentions. It stressed the importance of securing a safe and humane exit for those facing imminent danger. However, Khaama Press reported that Germany's Interior Minister has cited security concerns as a reason in the delay of immediate relocations. It also referred to reports indicating Pakistani police of having raided refugee shelters and forcibly returning some Afghans to Afghanistan, thereby putting them at serious risk. (ANI) The Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced that it would lead a national "day of struggle" on Tuesday aimed at calling for a deal to secure the release of their loved ones from captivity in Gaza, The Times of Israel reported. "An absolute majority of the Israeli people want to bring our loved ones home," the forum said in its announcement on Sunday, as per The Times of Israel. "The deliberate delay in signing a deal for their return goes against the will of the people and our fundamental values -- mutual responsibility and friendship. This is the Israeli ethos -- this is our duty." The day of action will begin at 6:29 am (local time)-- the time Hamas launched its October 7 attack -- when protesters will unfurl Israeli flags outside the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, followed by protests at major junctions across the country. At 10 am (local time), a "mothers and strollers" protest is planned for Hostages Square, while marches nationwide are slated to kick off at 2 pm (local time), followed by an exhibition of drawings made by former hostages two hours later. At 5 pm (local time), the protesters will gather in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv and write notes to send to the prime minister and the IDF chief of staff. The day is set to culminate in the evening with a big march from the Savidor Train Station in Tel Aviv to Hostages Square, where a final protest will take place. Last Sunday, hundreds of thousands of people were estimated to have taken part in nationwide protests calling for an end to the war and a deal that would see all of the hostages freed from Gaza. The day of protests came alongside a major strike, which was joined by hundreds of local authorities, businesses, universities, tech companies and other organisations, though Israel's central labour union, the Histadrut, did not join the effort. Fifty hostages remain captive in Gaza -- 49 of the 251 taken hostage on October 7, and the body of a soldier who was killed in 2014. Israeli officials have declared that 28 of them are dead, while 20 are believed to be alive and there are grave concerns for the well-being of two others, as per The Times of Israel. (ANI) At least three individuals have allegedly become victims of enforced disappearance in separate incidents spanning Karachi and Balochistan's Kech district, raising serious concerns among rights groups and families. According to The Balochistan Post, the latest cases highlight the ongoing issue of involuntary abductions attributed to Pakistani security agencies. Local sources told The Balochistan Post that on August 24, security forces allegedly picked up two men from Karachi's Malir area. The victims were identified as Dad Kareem, son of Mullah Bakhsh, and Shoaib Ahmed, son of Wahid Bakhsh. Both men, originally from Gebun in Kech district, belong to the same family. Their relatives claim that they were whisked away by military personnel and taken to an undisclosed location, with no official acknowledgement of their detention. On the very same day, Usman Maqbool, a man who had already endured enforced disappearance in 2019 and was released after two years in 2021, was again allegedly detained. His family has appealed to authorities for information regarding his whereabouts, while activists stress the urgent need for accountability. The 'Balochistan Post' reported that enforced disappearances remain a recurring human rights challenge in Balochistan, with families of the missing enduring uncertainty and trauma for years. Advocacy groups say the pattern of detentions without due process undermines both the justice system and public trust. According to 'The Balochistan Post' the families of Kareem, Ahmed, and Maqbool have demanded immediate disclosure of their loved ones' locations and called on the government to ensure their safe release. Human rights organizations have also urged international attention, warning that the practice of enforced disappearance continues to erode fundamental freedoms in the region. (ANI) Nepali Hindu women are observing the festival of Teej, sharing pain and anxiety through songs along with a fast and praying for a prosperous life and perpetual luck. Hundreds of fasting Hindu women on Tuesday thronged the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, paying obeisance to Lord Shiva, following the age-old tradition. "For the Teej, we took a bath and started fasting past midnight; before that, we ate only those foods considered sacred. Today, on the day of Teej, all fasting Hindu women refrain from eating or drinking anything, not even water, in observance of the long life of their husbands, a tradition that has continued for ages. As per the scriptures, Goddess Parvati also kept a similar kind of fast. Following our religious scripture, which mentions the fasting by Goddess Parvati and our grandmothers, mothers have been following this tradition, which we have continued," Bhima Subedi, a fasting Nepali Hindu devotee, told ANI. Women on this third day of dark half of the lunar month that falls in the Nepali month of Bhadra observe fasting and wish for a prosperous life while observing the festival. Soon after performing rituals at the temple, hundreds of fasting Nepali women gathered in the outer square, singing and dancing. Through the songs, women share their pain and sorrow about the hardships they have faced, accompanied by a blend of melody. "We have kept fasting after bath and only having the foods that are considered pure. The fast will continue throughout the day, tomorrow morning we will break the fast," Parbati Panta, another fasting devotee, told ANI. "Throughout the day we sing and dance, sisters scattered all across gather at one place, we would feast and share sorrows and pain with each other," Panta added. The 'Teej' festival is also celebrated as 'Haritalika', Hindu Nepalese women offer prayers and worship at Pashupatinath Temple and other temples of Lord Shiva in other parts of the country. According to the 'Skanda Puran' (a religious scripture of the Hindus), this festival got the name 'Haritalika Teej' as it was on this very day in the 'Satya Yug' (golden epoch of truth) that the daughter of the Himalayas, Parvati, was hidden by her maids because of her refusal to marry Lord Vishnu. A day before 'Teej' on the night of the second day of the fortnight in the month of Bhadau, women enjoy a variety of delicious dishes known as 'Dar' at their parental home where they are especially invited for this purpose. The women on the day of 'Teej' are seen engrossed in jubilant dancing and singing in a carefree mood. Women put on bangles, 'Pote' (a necklace made of glass beads), 'Tilahari' and 'Sindur' (crimson powder) considered the symbols of good luck and dress themselves up in red saris or other red outfits and adorn themselves with different kinds of ornaments. Women in the morning today take ritual baths and offer worship while in the evening they pay homage to Lord Shiva, light lamps and spend the night awake. The next day, the last day of the festival is marked by the women performing religious and traditional rituals such as the use of 108 stems of 'Datiwan' (a kind of holy plant) while bathing using mud. They also worship the legendary 'Saptarishis' (seven sages) and offer alms, thus completing the fast. Both married and unmarried women perform various 'pujas' (worships) and observe fasting, praying for fulfillment of their wish for a happy and prosperous married life. As per the tradition, married women celebrate this festival wishing long life for their husbands while the unmarried women who worship Lord Shiva and Parvati are believed to find an eligible groom. (ANI) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on an official visit to Japan on the evening of August 28. He will be in Japan on the August 29-30 for holding the 15th India Japan, annual summit with the Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba. It is Prime Minister Modi's first annual summit with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This is his eighth visit to Japan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Japan and China from August 29 to September 1, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba, PM Modi will travel to Japan from August 29-30 to participate in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit. This will be Prime Minister Modi's eighth visit to Japan and his first summit with Ishiba, the MEA added. During the visit, the two leaders will review the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan, covering defence and security, trade and economy, technology and innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. They will also discuss issues of regional and global importance. The visit is expected to reaffirm the longstanding bond of friendship between the two countries, the MEA said. In the second leg of his visit, at the invitation of China's President Xi Jinping, PM Modi will travel to China from August 31 to September 1 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. On the sidelines of the Summit, the Prime Minister is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several leaders attending the Summit. India has been a member of the SCO since 2017 and held the presidency of the Council of Heads of State of the organisation during 2022-23, the MEA noted. In a continuation of ongoing engagement, earlier this week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and handed over a message and an invitation from President Xi Jinping for the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. (ANI) Tensions are running high in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), where traders have intensified a sit-in protest at the Sost point, a strategic hub on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Led by local trade unions and supported by residents, the movement seeks to challenge what protesters describe as illegitimate taxation and decades of exploitation by Pakistan. Attempts by authorities to disperse the demonstrators with tear gas and stun grenades have failed, only fuelling further anger. Protesters allege that security forces even opened live fire, leaving some injured. Yet, in a striking show of humanity, locals say they rushed injured policemen to the hospital reflecting the contrast between state aggression and community solidarity. "We have video evidence of it. Straight fire was opened, some of our people were hit as well. And our character was such that those very policemen who shelled us, who fired live rounds at us, when they fell and got injured, we took them to the hospital. This is what we were taught," said one protester. Protest leaders have also raised deeper questions about the region's political status and long-standing neglect. Trader Rehan Shah reminded that Pakistan itself has declared Gilgit-Baltistan a "disputed territory" under its own constitution. He accused Islamabad of systematically suppressing the region for over 78 years while exploiting its resources without granting fundamental rights. "We have a two-point agenda regarding the future of the youth in Gilgit-Baltistan. You have declared this region disputed, your constitution, your law, all affirm this. For 78 years, you have kept us oppressed and subjugated, and we did not even utter a word," he said. With livelihoods threatened by taxation policies that protesters call unjust, the agitation has transformed into a larger struggle for justice and dignity. For decades, Pakistan has systematically exploited Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) while denying its people basic political, economic, and social rights. Despite being rich in natural resources like gold, gemstones, forests, and vast hydropower potential, the region has been kept outside Pakistan's constitutional framework. Locals accuse Pakistan of extracting minerals, timber, and hydropower from PoGB without reinvesting in the region, leaving residents to face poverty, unemployment, and even electricity shortages while their resources fuel Pakistan's economy. (ANI) China plans to stage a parade on September 3 to commemorate the end of World War Two, 80 years ago. The spectacle is expected to feature tens of thousands of participants and showcase the People's Liberation Army's most advanced military equipment. According to the Taipei Times, the South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has declined Xi Jinping's invitation, though he will send National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo in his place. Whether such actions will be acceptable to key allies like the US and Japan remains uncertain, Shen said. So far, Slovakia is the only European Union member state confirmed to take part. Shen urged free and democratic nations to boycott or even publicly condemn the event, stressing that China could seize the moment to drive wedges between like-minded governments, the Taipei Times stated. Shen further emphasised that China's military and economic growth highlights its growing threat in the Indo-Pacific. The Taiwan-based media outlet also reported that while the US once outspent China in defence by a wide margin, Beijing has rapidly closed the gap. Nearly 90 per cent of China's defence spending is concentrated in the Indo-Pacific, particularly along the India-China border, a fact Shen said underscores why Washington and its allies must remain vigilant. Meanwhile, the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) handled 94 incidents between January and last month concerning the personal safety of Taiwanese businesspeople in China, according to a report by the Taipei Times. The cases involved issues such as restrictions on freedom due to legal disputes, medical evacuations, lost or expired documents, and even matters related to funerals and compensation.(ANI) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex felt "inauthentic" wearing tights to conform to the royal family's dress code. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex didn't enjoy conforming to the royal family's dress code The Duchess - who stepped down as a working member of the British royal family alongside her husband Prince Harry in 2020 and relocated to California - lamented how she felt restricted during her time living in the UK and how she "couldn't be as vocal" about things that matter to her. Asked if she felt pressure trying to be "relatable" In an interview with Bloomberg to mark the launch of the second season of her Netflix show With Love, Meghan, the 44-year-old royal said: "No... I'm just being myself. "It was different a few years ago, where I couldn't be as vocal. I had to wear nude pantyhose all the time. Let's be honest, that was not very 'myself'. "I hadn't seen pantyhose since movies in the 1980s. When they came in the little egg? That felt a little bit inauthentic." The former Suits actress - who was known as Meghan Markle before she married Prince Harry in 2018 - continued: "That's a silly example, but it is an example of when you're able to dress the way you want to dress and say the things that are true, and you're able to show up in a space really organically and authentically, that's being comfortable in your own skin. And that's, of course, had different chapters in my life." Meghan now lives in Montecito, California, with Harry and their children Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, and explained how she and her husband are doing their best to try and "normalise" the lives of the youngsters as much as possible despite the privilege they have. She said: "We normalise as much as we can. "In spite of all the privileges our children have access to... I think from our standpoint it all comes back to values. What do we want to raise? Great human beings, kind people, present and aware citizens, people who want to help the world and make things better. "And where does that start? It starts in your kitchen, in your home, taking your plate to the sink and contributing and not expecting things will just be taken care off for you or handed to you." Meghan has previously been critical of US President Donald Trump and suggested that it is an "interesting time" for the planet when questioned about America's direction during Trump's second term in the White House. She said: "I think right now it's a really interesting time for the whole world. I hope people can maintain the values that feel important to them, feel safe, and to remember our humanity with each other." Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan will be an opportunity to launch several new initiatives aimed at strengthening India-Japan relations. Addressing a special briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on the Prime Minister's visit to Japan and China, Misri said the visit would help open new avenues of cooperation and enhance resilience in the Indo-Pacific region. "This will also be an opportunity to launch several new initiatives in order to build greater resilience in the relationship and to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges. Overall, the visit will consolidate our longstanding friendship. It will open fresh avenues of cooperation and reaffirm our shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and stability, both for the two countries as well as in our shared Indo-Pacific region and beyond," he said. Misri also noted that PM Modi will hold engagements outside of Tokyo as part of the annual India-Japan summit. "One of the features of the annual summit between India and Japan is an engagement between the two leaders outside the capital, and on this occasion as well, the program includes a visit outside Tokyo, which is again going to be something to look forward to for the two leaders," he added. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to participate in a business leaders' forum involving top industry representatives from both countries. "The program also includes interactions of the Prime Minister with several other political leaders from Japan, as also with Friends of India in Japan. The Prime Minister will also participate in a business leaders' forum with captains of Japanese and Indian industry. These interactions are aimed at deepening the very important trade, investment and technology relationship between the two countries," Misri said. Highlighting the growing state-level cooperation, Misri said a dedicated engagement on India-Japan prefectural partnerships is also part of the agenda. "We have also seen in recent years an intensification of the engagement between Indian states and Japanese prefectures. And an engagement focused on this particular aspect has also been planned for during the visit," he said. (ANI) Government employees in Sindh Province, Pakistan, staged sit-ins and rallies after boycotting work in several towns. The protest came after the Sindh Employees Alliance called for a province-wide demonstration against pension cuts introduced under the new policy, as reported by Dawn. According to Dawn, protest leaders stated that the new policy deprived them of pension entitlements, the Disparity Reduction Allowance, and the payment of group insurance upon retirement. They demanded the immediate reversal of the proposed reforms in the Sindh Civil Servants (Amendment) Act, 2024, along with the reinstatement of job quotas for the families of deceased employees and the restoration of group insurance benefits. Dawn reported that protesters warned they would continue the protest until their demands were accepted and the provincial government issued a formal notification. In Hyderabad, employees from various departments, predominantly from the education sector, held a large rally outside the local press club. The protesters, including a significant number of female teachers, observed a strike and marched from Sindh University's old campus to the press club, said Dawn. Dawn reported that representatives from the Government Secondary Teachers Association (GSTA) Sindh, All Pakistan Clerks Association (APCA), Primary Teachers Association (PTA), and other alliance leaders who led the demonstration called on the government to withdraw the proposed amendments to pension laws. They stated that while the government was increasing perks and privileges for parliamentarians, it was simultaneously cutting the salaries and pension benefits of its employees. They condemned the move as a grave injustice and warned that if the government failed to reverse its decision, they would bring all government operations to a standstill, said Dawn. According to the Dawn report, in Badin, government employees went on strike, bringing educational and administrative activities to a standstill. Local alliance leaders, who led the protest, reiterated their demands, stating that employees in Sindh were being denied the rights and facilities afforded to their counterparts in other provinces. Dawn reported that protesters vowed to continue their struggle until their demands were met and a formal government notification to that effect was issued. In the districts of Nawabshah, Sanghar, and Naushahro Feroze, government employees also observed a strike, held rallies, and staged demonstrations. They called for the immediate reversal of the proposed reforms, the reinstatement of job quotas for the families of deceased employees, group insurance, and other benefits. The protesters locked schools, colleges, and government offices, wore black armbands, and took to the streets. They stated that the new law discriminated against lower-ranking employees, according to Dawn. (ANI) The mutilated body of a youth reportedly subjected to enforced disappearance was recovered in Kech district of Pakistan's Balochistan on Tuesday. The body of Usman Maqbool, who was allegedly abducted from Turbat on August 24, was found in the Pidrak area on the morning of August 26, as reported by The Balochistan Post. The Balochistan Post had earlier reported on Maqbool's disappearance, alongside two other similar cases in Karachi and Kech. Maqbool, a resident of Pidrak, had previously been abducted in 2019 from Pidrak and held incommunicado for two years before being released in 2021. His detention and death have not been addressed by Pakistani authorities, who have yet to issue an official statement on the case. "On 26 August 2025, the mutilated body of Usman Maqbool was recovered from Banuk Chadhai in the Pidrak area of Turbat, Balochistan. He had been forcibly disappeared by Pakistani military forces just two days earlier, on 24 August, from Turbat, district Kech. Usman, a resident of Pidark, had previously been abducted in 2019 from Pedarak and held incommunicado for two years before being released in 2021," PAANK posted on X. https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1960268811057148089 PAANK's post additionally condemned the killing and held the Pakistani state responsible for the ongoing campaign of enforced disappearances and targeted killings of Baloch civilians, using the hashtag #StopBalochGenocide. The Balochistan Post notes that Usman Maqbool's case is part of a broader pattern of reported human rights violations in Balochistan, where thousands of people have reportedly gone missing over the past two decades. Many of the disappeared have later been found dead under suspicious circumstances, often showing signs of torture. Families of victims reportedly face harassment and intimidation while seeking information and justice. Investigations into such cases, when carried out, are rarely concluded and seldom result in prosecutions, according to The Balochistan Post. (ANI) The incident occurred around 10:30 am (local time) on Tuesday when 10 police officers attended the property, located about 300km northeast of Melbourne, Victoria police confirmed in a statement, according to Al Jazeera. Authorities have urged the public in and around Porepunkah to stay indoors until further notice and advised against travelling to the area. Victoria police said, "The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still being determined, and it remains an active and ongoing situation." "It's believed the offender has since left the property, and at this time his whereabouts are unknown. A significant search is actively underway to locate the man," the statement added. Local media reports identify the suspect in the police shooting incident as Dezi Freeman, According to these reports, the police officers were at the property in Porepunkah to execute a warrant related to alleged historical sex offences when the incident occurred. Alex Caruana, president of the Australian Federal Police Association, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased officers, as per Al Jazeera. "Policing is dangerous and unpredictable work, and what has happened in Porepunkah is a reminder of the risks officers face every day in keeping the community safe," Caruana said in a statement. Gun-related fatalities are relatively rare in Australia, which introduced strict restrictions on firearms in response to the 1996 Port Arthur mass shooting, which killed 35 people and injured 23 others. The last time an Australian police officer was shot dead in the line of duty was November 2023, when Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig was killed while responding to a call at a property in South Australia, according to the National Police Memorial. (ANI) Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday was granted bail after being named a suspect in an ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds for a private overseas trip involving ten individuals, Daily Mirror Online reported. According to the Sri Lankan-based newspaper, Daily Mirror, Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura released him on three sureties of LKR 5 million each, with the next court hearing scheduled for October 29. He was arrested on the alleged charges of misuse of government funds amounting to LKR 16.6 million. Earlier on Friday, Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested on allegations of state funds' misuse, as reported by Newswire Lanka. As per Newswire, his arrest is linked to allegations of using state funds to cover the expenses for a private visit to London, where he had attended a university graduation ceremony. It was further reported that the investigators claim the trip, which formed part of a wider overseas tour, was not an official engagement but was financed with government money. Following his remand, he was initially placed in the prison hospital due to reported health issues but was later transferred to the National Hospital after further medical evaluation. Earlier on Monday, the Daily Mirror reported that the former Sri Lankan President would not be able to appear in court on Tuesday due to ill health. It stated that Wickremesinghe was scheduled to be brought before the Colombo Fort Magistrate on Tuesday. However, hospital officials said that his prevailing health conditions would prevent him from appearing in court on Tuesday. Referring to a senior official of the Colombo National Hospital (CNH), Daily Mirror reported that the former Sri Lankan President has been advised to take medication and rest for the next three days. He was reported to be dehydrated on the previous day, which had caused an increased heart rate. Medical tests also revealed elevated kidney parameters, along with symptoms such as headache. As a precautionary measure, doctors have decided to transfer him to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Daily Mirror said. According to the Daily Mirror, Wickremesinghe was initially admitted to the prison hospital on Sunday, following his remand, but was later transferred to Colombo National Hospital after medical assessments indicated the need for specialist treatment unavailable at the prison facility. Ranil Wickremesinghe, a six-time prime minister, assumed office as Sri Lanka's interim president in July 2022 following Gotabaya Rajapaksa's removal. He lost the Presidential Elections to Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of National People's Power, in September 2024. (ANI) According to a post on X by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), the meeting underscored the deepening defence cooperation between the two nations, aimed at enhancing regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Both leaders marked the meeting with a warm handshake set against the backdrop of the US and INDOPACOM flags. The HQ IDS also highlighted discussions on avenues to strengthen defence collaboration, including operational opportunities and joint initiatives. "Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff CISC, HQ IDS India, held bilateral discussions with Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander US INDOPACOM on the sidelines of CHOD2025. Avenues for strengthening Defence Cooperation including operational opportunities, were discussed. India-USA Defence engagements underscore mutual resolve towards regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific," HQ IDS stated in a post on X. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit is currently in Thailand to participate in the annual Chiefs of Defence Conference from August 26 to August 28. The event is being jointly hosted by the US Indo-Pacific Command and the Royal Thai Armed Forces. According to the Ministry of Defence, the conference is a premier multilateral forum that brings together the Chiefs of Defence from nations across the Indo-Pacific region to deliberate on the evolving regional and global security challenges, cooperative frameworks and avenues for strengthening military-to-military engagements. The 2025 edition is expected to focus on maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber resilience, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and fostering stability in the Indo-Pacific. During the conference, Air Marshal Dixit is expected to engage with participating counterparts to exchange perspectives on enhancing joint preparedness, interoperability and strategic partnerships aimed at addressing common security concerns, the Ministry of Defence stated in the release. The visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening regional security frameworks, enhancing multilateral cooperation and fostering a stable, rules-based and inclusive Indo-Pacific. (ANI) At least three people have died and 13 others have been injured after Typhoon Kajiki struck northern and central Vietnam on Monday, bringing devastating winds and torrential rains, Al Jazeera reported, citing Vietnamese authorities on Tuesday. According to Al Jazeera, citing the Vietnamese government, the typhoon, which made landfall with wind speeds reaching 130 km/h, caused significant destruction, damaging nearly 7,000 homes, submerging over 28,000 hectares of rice fields, and uprooting around 18,000 trees. The storm also knocked down 331 power poles, triggering widespread blackouts in several provinces, including Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Thai Nguyen, and Phu Tho. As per Al Jazeera, citing local media, the scenes of flooding in the capital, Hanoi, are described as absolutely terrifying, where relentless rainfall has submerged streets, stalled vehicles, and disrupted traffic. The storm has since moved westward, into Laos, weakening into a tropical depression, but Vietnam's national weather agency warned of continued heavy rains, forecasting up to 150 mm of rain in six hours in some areas, with risks of flash floods and landslides remaining high, Al Jazeera reported. Ahead of the storm, authorities undertook large-scale evacuations, moving more than 44,000 people to safety across five provinces and recalling all fishing vessels to harbour. The military deployed over 346,000 personnel and more than 8,200 vehicles, including aircraft, to assist with relief efforts and respond to potential secondary disasters, Al Jazeera reported, citing Viet Nam News. Meanwhile, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) raised alarm over the repeated impact of severe storms on children in the region. In a statement, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, June Kunugi, noted that children in the region are facing climate hazards six times more frequently than previous generations. "With disasters striking so often, children and families barely have time to recover before their homes, schools, and sense of safety are disrupted again. Each new storm compounds the damage of the last, leaving children increasingly vulnerable," June Kunugi said, as quoted by Al Jazeera. According to the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, natural disasters in Vietnam have already claimed over 100 lives or left people missing in the first seven months of 2025, with economic losses exceeding USD 21 million. Last year, Typhoon Yagi caused an estimated USD 3.3 billion in damages and impacted more than six million children, Al Jazeera reported. UNICEF warned that Kajiki adds to the compounding effects of repeated climate shocks, which are increasingly putting children's health, education, and well-being at risk. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], August 26 (ANI/TPS): Five suspects were arrested and a serious indicted Wednesday morning on charges over what the Israel Police called a "serious case" of defrauding the elderly by a Georgian criminal gang. The fraud totalled over 1.5 million Shekels (USD 446,000). The police said that after an investigation, they were able to locate and compile about 100 cases of fraud from all over the country with similar criminal characteristics, suspected to be linked to the same gang, in which complaints were filed by elderly people. The investigation revealed that the members of the gang acted systematically, with some of them squeezing against an elderly man or woman on a bus, while another gang member pocketed their wallet and mobile phone. The suspects then withdrew money from the victims' bank accounts using various methods, totalling over one and a half million shekels. (ANI/TPS) Criticising the additional 25 per cent tariffs to be imposed by the US on Indian goods as "grossly unfortunate and highly condemnable", CPI(M) MP John Brittas on Tuesday stated that Washington is treating India like a colony, noting that the tariffs were either " a sanction or an embargo". Speaking to ANI, Brittas accused the US of "virtually" imposing a "trade blockade" on India while criticising the Indian government for its perceived subservience to American pressure. "It's grossly unfortunate and highly condemnable that the US is treating India as a colony. In fact, this is not a tariff; it is a sanction or an embargo. So, virtually, it is a trade blockade on India," Brittas said. He claimed that India is currently paying a price for its over-reliance on the US market, a strategy he believes the opposition has long cautioned against. "We are paying the price for putting all the eggs in the US basket. We have always been telling the Indian government to be prudent and consider having an egalitarian and equitable foreign policy," he added. The CPI(M) MP's remark came after the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a draft notice earlier today on the implementation of additional duties on products imported from India, following US President Donald Trump's announcement to increase tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent. According to the notice, the additional tariffs are being imposed to give effect to President's Executive Order 14329 of August 6, which specifies a new rate of duty on imports of articles that are products of India. The draft notice, scheduled to be published on August 27, states that the US Secretary of Homeland Security has determined it necessary to modify the Harmonised Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) in line with the executive order, with the CBP further clarifying that the new duties will come into effect on August 27. From 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on that day, the higher tariffs will apply to all Indian products that are either entered for consumption in the United States or withdrawn from warehouses for consumption. The CPI(M) leader in his remark also aimed at the BJP-led NDA government, accusing it of being "servile to the United States" despite what he termed the US's "high-handed fashion" in imposing tariffs. Brittas further urged the government to adopt a firm stance against the US decision, asserting that India should "not cave in to the pressure of the United States." "The Indian government has been servile to the United States despite the US behaving in a high-handed fashion, accusing India of importing oil from Russia... The Indian government has to stand upright and challenge and oppose this monstrous decision of the United States. India is an independent, sovereign country. We should not cave in to the pressure of the United States," he stated. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained firm on Monday ahead of the 50 per cent US tariffs on Indian goods, effective August 27, saying his government will find a way out regardless of the economic pressure from Washington. (ANI) Authorities, however, provided no details as to the identities of those arrested. The arrests were made when, on Monday, Border Police forces and Central District police officers carried out what was described as two "targeted operational activities" against such crime in the city. In the first operation, forces raided a residential complex after spotting a suspect who climbed a ladder into an abandoned area, then rode an electric scooter toward the city centre. The suspect was arrested while he was in possession of drugs. In the second action, police operated in another compound in the city, and during the searches, they were able to uncover a Glock pistol on the roof of the house, and during another search, the force located another pistol. During this action, three suspects were arrested and transferred to the Lod police station for questioning. (ANI/TPS) The Prince and Princess of Wales upcoming new neighbours have raised privacy concerns about their house move. The Prince and Princess of Wales upcoming new neighbours have raised privacy concerns about their house move William and his wife Catherine, both 43, are preparing to move into Forest Lodge in Windsor with their three children and residents have said they hope the couple will be able to live quietly with their kids, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Prince Louis. The Waleses are relocating from Adelaide Cottage, also within Windsor Great Park, to the larger eight-bedroom property and residents at Cranbourne Hall Residential Park are expected to be among the closest to the royal couple. Jean Reeve, 87, told the Daily Mail: I welcome them. But I hope the public allow them to live there quietly as a family. Its a less private spot than their previous home, from what I know about the location. So Id hate for people to always be going past and saying, Oh, thats where they live. They have young children after all. They deserve privacy. According to the Daily Mail, security measures are being put in place around the property, including a metal fence with black mesh privacy screens and new shrubbery at the front of the house. The outlet also reported two households close to Forest Lodge were asked to move earlier this summer. People magazine said there were no formal eviction notices and that tenants were relocated to similar or improved Crown Estate properties within Windsor Great Park. A source told the Daily Mail: Those houses are very close to the lodge, so theyre not going to want any Tom, Dick or Harry living in those houses if there are going to be royals there. People also reported William and Catherine will continue not to have live-in staff at Forest Lodge. Their childrens longtime nanny Maria Turrion Borrallo and housekeepers are expected to live in smaller homes nearby. Cynthia Sullivan, 72, who has lived in Cranbourne for 16 years, told the Daily Mail the move will bring the couple closer to two local pubs The Duke of Edinburgh and The Rose. Another neighbour, Nicola Berry, 50, said she expected the couple to keep visiting the Windsor Farm Shop and noted that a late run once the farm shop is closed could be made to another nearby shop. Speaking at the Irish Guards St Patricks Day parade on 17 March, Catherine told soldiers: We are in Windsor at the moment. We were in London but moved there for more green space. Its close enough to London, not too far away. The move is understood to be intended as a long-term base for the family, even after William eventually accedes to the throne. The couple first relocated to Windsor from London in 2022. Their fresh start at Forest Lodge follows a challenging period for the royal family, including the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and cancer diagnoses for both Catherine and King Charles in 2024. At the meeting, the two finalized the IDF's procedure for senior appointments, which will continue to include prior consultation with the defense minister out of a "commitment to full cooperation, maintaining continuity of command, and strengthening the IDF's capabilities in dealing with security challenges." "The IDF's appointment process is a cornerstone in the care of people, and we will continue to do everything to advance it smoothly and professionally," the two said in a statement. The meeting came after there were numerous reports of discord between the two men on the matter of senior promotions as well as military policies. (ANI/TPS) Montevideo [Uruguay], August 26 (ANI/WAM): Saeed Abdullah Al Qamzi, UAE Ambassador to the Argentine Republic and Non-Resident Ambassador to the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, met with Yamandu Orsi, President of Uruguay, in the presence of Mario Lubetkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, within the framework of enhancing bilateral relations between the countries. Al Qamzi conveyed the greetings of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, to President Orsi, along with their congratulations on the occasion of the 200th National Day of Uruguay, and their wishes for further progress and prosperity for the government and people of Uruguay. For his part, President Orsi conveyed his greetings to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and expressed his wishes for further development and growth for the government and people of the UAE. President Orsi commended the progress of relations between the two countries across areas of mutual interest, and the UAE's pioneering developmental achievements, and affirmed his country's aspirations to strengthen cooperation with the UAE across all fields. For his part, Al Qamzi affirmed the UAE's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Uruguay, in a way that serves common interests and deepens ties between the two countries and peoples. The meeting reflected both sides' commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation and strengthening coordination on issues of common interest, with the aim of advancing the development of both countries. (ANI/WAM) Gaza [Palestine], August 26 (ANI/WAM): The United Arab Emirates is continuing its humanitarian support for the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip by carrying out today the 81st airdrop of aid under the 'Birds of Goodness Operation', in cooperation with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and with the participation of Germany 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 4,076 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) US President Donald Trump announced that 600,000 Chinese students would be allowed to study in American colleges, even as trade negotiations with Beijing continue. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the decision was crucial for maintaining ties between the two nations. "I hear so many stories that we're not going to allow their students," Trump told reporters. "We're going to allow their students to come in. It's very important, 600,000 students. It's very important. But we're going to get along with China," he added. Reinforcing his stance on US-China relations, Trump, during a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, stressed that the United States would maintain a "great relationship" with China, while making it clear he would not take actions that could destroy the country. "We are going to have a great relationship with China...They have some cards. We have incredible cards, but I don't want to play those cards. If I play those cards, that would destroy China. I am not going to play those cards," Trump said. His remarks came as he signed an executive order "further modifying reciprocal tariff rates to reflect ongoing discussions with the People's Republic of China (PRC)." Citing authority under the Constitution and several US laws, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act, Trump said the measure was necessary due to continuing talks with China to address "the lack of trade reciprocity in our economic relationship and our resulting national and economic security concerns." The order builds on Executive Order 14257 of April 2, in which Trump had declared that "conditions reflected in large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits... constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and economy of the United States," imposing certain ad valorem duties. Subsequent orders in April 2025, Executive Orders 14259 and 14266, raised tariff rates on PRC imports after Beijing announced retaliatory measures. In May 2025, through Executive Order 14298, Trump suspended the additional ad valorem duties on the PRC for 90 days, replacing them with a revised rate of duty. That suspension was due to expire at 12:01 a.m. EDT on August 12, 2025. According to the new order, "the PRC continues to take significant steps toward remedying non-reciprocal trade arrangements and addressing the concerns of the United States relating to economic and national security matters." Based on recommendations from senior officials, Trump determined "that it is necessary and appropriate to continue the suspension effectuated by Executive Order 14298 until 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 10, 2025." The order specifies that "heading 9903.01.63 and subdivision (v)(xiv)(10) of U.S. note 2 to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS shall continue to be suspended" until that date. The Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative, "in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Senior Counselor to the President for Trade and Manufacturing, the Chair of the United States International Trade Commission, and the Postmaster General," have been directed to take all necessary actions to implement the order. Trump further noted that the measure "shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations" and clarified it "is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit... enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States." (ANI) Ugandans have criticised an agreement with United States President Donald Trump's administration to receive deportees from the US, questioning the absence of parliamentary approval and suggesting the deal is intended to ease political pressure on President Yoweri Museveni, Al Jazeera reported. After facing sanctions from Washington that have targeted several government officials, including the parliamentary speaker, opposition lawmaker Ibrahim Ssemujju said, "Museveni will be happy" to transact with the US. "He will be asking, 'When are you bringing them?'" according to Al Jazeera. Ugandan officials have released few details about the arrangement, but said they preferred deportees of African origin and would not accept individuals with criminal records. However, Uganda is being pushed as a deportation destination for high-profile detainee Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident and El Salvador native charged with human smuggling, Al Jazeera reported. Abrego Garcia, who has lived in the US for years with his American wife and children, has been under protected legal status since a judge ruled he could not be deported to El Salvador because of safety concerns. He was detained in Baltimore and the US Department of Homeland Security said he "is being processed for removal to Uganda". His lawyers said he was severely beaten and psychologically tortured after being wrongly deported to El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison earlier this year, due to what US Justice Department lawyers admitted was an "administrative error", Al Jazeera reported. Criticism has also come from within Uganda's political establishment. "Without parliamentary oversight, the whole scheme stinks," said Mathias Mpuuga, until recently the leader of the opposition in Uganda's Parliament. He added that the deal left him "a little perplexed" given Uganda's existing struggles to host refugees from neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Sudan. Al Jazeera further reported that analysts believe Uganda's agreement with Washington is driven by "economic expediency" and a desire to secure trade opportunities. "For political and perhaps economic reasons," Museveni views the arrangement as beneficial, said Marlon Agaba, executive director of the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda. "The Trump administration is about deals, about deal-making, and any strongman would welcome that." Uganda's deputy foreign minister Okello Oryem dismissed reports of such a deal as "complete rubbish". But a day later, his permanent secretary confirmed that an agreement was in place to accept individuals "reluctant to or may have concerns about returning to their countries of origin", according to Al Jazeera. Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for four decades, was once regarded as a strong US ally for his support of counterterrorism efforts in Somalia. But his standing in Washington has declined in recent years due to corruption, LGBTQ rights concerns and human rights abuses, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI) The World Trade Organization has highlighted Moroccos significant contributions to the multilateral trading system in two major reports published this month, recognizing the kingdoms active participation and positive influence since the historic 1994 Marrakech Agreement that established the organization. Moroccos 2024 trade policy review earned praise from the WTO for the countrys dynamic engagement in critical debates covering plastic pollution, environmental sustainability, investment facilitation, small business support, and services trade. The organization particularly commended Moroccos practical initiatives that demonstrate how international trade can drive local development and social empowerment. The WTOs annual report spotlighted the Doum for Women cooperative in Marrakech as an emblematic Moroccan success story. This initiative employs over 250 rural women, enabling financial independence through the production of eco-friendly artisanal products for international markets. The cooperative exemplifies Moroccos approach to leveraging trade for womens empowerment and sustainable development. Morocco was also selected for a video series titled Tracing the Spirit of Marrakesh, showcasing inspiring trade success stories and reinforcing the countrys historical importance to the WTOs foundation and continued influence. This recognition underscores Moroccos central role in shaping global trade governance since hosting the organizations founding agreement. The reports note that while merchandise trade growth in Africa remained the weakest outside Europe in 2024, Morocco can access various WTO support mechanisms including the Aid for Trade initiative, the Fund for Women Exporters in the Digital Economy, and specialized training programs for government officials. New digital commerce regulations could reduce global trade costs by over $125 billion annually, while the extension of the moratorium on electronic transmission duties until 2026 benefits Moroccos growing digital economy. The new Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, supported by nearly ninety developing countries, aims to attract foreign investment for sustainable development projects. By shifting its Africa policy from humanitarian aid to commercial diplomacy, the Trump administration has signaled a dramatic reorientation of US engagement in the Sahel. Centered on trade, security cooperation, and access to strategic minerals, this pivot marks a departure from decades of aid-focused partnerships and reflects broader geopolitical recalibrations in a region increasingly courted by rival powers, notably China and Russia. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have endured successive military coups between 2020 and 2023, leading to the suspension of US development aid and military cooperation. These countries, plagued by persistent jihadist violence linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, have struggled to stabilize their territories despite years of international support. In response to these upheavals, the Sahel military regimes have distanced themselves from traditional Western allies- most notably France- and embraced new partnerships with Russia, including its private military contractor Wagner (now rebranded as Africa Corps). This realignment has opened the door for alternative global actors to assert influence in the region. Under President Trump, the US has adopted a pragmatic, transactional approach to Africa. Senior officials have visited Bamako, Ouagadougou, and Niamey in recent months, offering counterterrorism assistance and promoting American private investment. The message is clear: the U.S. is willing to help combat terrorism, but in exchange for access to valuable natural resources. Malis lithium and gold, Nigers uranium, and Burkina Fasos gold reserves have become central to Washingtons strategic calculus. According to Ulf Laessing of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, U.S. officials have proposed targeted operations against jihadist leaders in return for mining concessions. This reflects a broader trend in Trump-era diplomacy, where mineral access has featured prominently in negotiations with countries like Ukraine and in peace talks between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite their nationalist rhetoric and emphasis on sovereignty, the military regimes of the Sahel have welcomed this shift. Malis Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop praised the convergence of views between Bamako and Washington, emphasizing the importance of investment and economic potential. This alignment comes at a time when US diplomatic presence in the region is under review. Some State Department officials, concerned about embassy closures and the end of USAID programs, have advocated for continued engagement, citing the regions resource wealth and the growing influence of Russia and China. Moroccos Ministry of Agriculture has completed a nationwide livestock census revealing a total of 32,832,573 head of cattle across the kingdom. The census was conducted between June 26 and August 11, 2025, as part of royal directives to reconstruct national herds following years of drought. The census documented 23,158,248 sheep (including 16,348,449 females), 7,474,172 goats (5,293,805 females), 2,094,109 cattle (1,556,842 females), and 106,044 camels (91,432 females). This comprehensive data collection establishes an accurate baseline for agricultural planning and food security strategies. While overall livestock numbers showed increases, cattle and camel populations declined approximately 30% from historical averages. Cattle numbers fell from typical levels of 3-3.2 million due to pandemic-related restrictions and irrigation suspensions in agricultural zones. Camel populations, normally around 150,000 head, suffered from consecutive drought years affecting pastoral regions. The government has mobilized 11 billion dirhams in direct financial support for livestock farmers, covering animal feed acquisition, preservation of breeding females, debt relief, vaccination campaigns, and technical assistance programs. Aid distribution will be determined based on census results, with identified animals receiving numbered tags for tracking purposes. Based on these statistics, authorities announced that import duty suspensions on sheep and goats, along with powdered milk, will be lifted by late September 2025. However, import duty exemptions for cattle will continue to support gradual herd reconstruction efforts. The census operation represents a critical component of Moroccos agricultural resilience strategy, providing essential data for improving sector productivity and sustainability. The initiative aims to enhance national food sovereignty while supporting rural livelihoods dependent on livestock farming across the kingdoms diverse ecological zones. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a $200 million loan to support Moroccos resilience efforts to mitigate the social and economic impacts of climate change. The loan is part of a co-financing programme with the World Bank, which has already committed $350 million. The funding will enable Morocco cut greenhouse emissions, carry out environment protection projects and enhance water infrastructure and resilience of economic sectors affected by global warming. The program will focus on two strategic pillars. The first is strengthening climate-related infrastructure, including the acquisition of all-weather meteorological radars to improve real-time forecasting, risk management, and environmental monitoring. The second pillar will target the resilience of oasis ecosystems by supporting agricultural cooperatives, bolstering the date palm sector, and introducing climate-resilient species such as argan, cactus, carob, olive, almond, and caper. The program, involving several national institutions, will also fund the restoration of traditional hydraulic systems. The program is expected to generate joint benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening rural value chains, creating green jobs, and consolidating institutional coordination in climate finance and risk management. This funding comes as Morocco is among the countries most exposed to the impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures causing more frequent and severe extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and floods. Prolonged hot periods and water scarcity affect almost every aspect of Moroccos socioeconomic future, with the most devastating impact in rural areas, jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions of rural households and deteriorating vital ecosystems (such as forests and oases) and lower-income families, women, youth, and rural populations are disproportionally exposed to climate-induced shocks. Morocco joined the Beijing-based AIIB in 2019. This financial institution funds infrastructure projects in 110 regional and non-regional member countries, including 19 from Africa. US President Donald Trump said Monday he hoped again to meet North Korea's leaders as he fired off an extraordinary attack against the South's leader hours before opening talks with him. Trump, who met Kim Jong Un three times in his first term, hailed their relationship and that he knew him "better than anybody, almost, other than his sister." "Someday I'll see him. I look forward to seeing him. He was very good with me," Trump told reporters. Trump contended that North Korea has been firing fewer rockets since he returned to the White House on January 20. Trump has boasted that he has solved seven wars in as many months back in the job -- a claim that is contested -- but has been quiet on North Korea despite the unusually personal diplomacy during his 2017-2021 tenure. Trump once said that he and Kim "fell in love." Their meetings reduced tensions but failed to produce a lasting agreement. Since then, Kim has forged a close relationship with Russia, including sending troops to fight against Ukraine, and has dug in on refusing any dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear program. South Korea's new President Lee Jae Myung is a progressive who supports dialogue with North Korea, a potential area in common with Trump. But hours before starting what he hoped would be a friendly first White House meeting, Trump took to social media to launch a surprise attack that was extraordinary even by the standards of the volatile US leader -- who acknowledged he did not know if his claims were true. "WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOUTH KOREA? Seems like a Purge or Revolution. We can't have that and do business there," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. He did not initially specify to what he was referring. Asked later by a reporter at the White House for clarification, Trump said: "Well, I heard that there were raids on churches over the last few days." "Very vicious raids on churches by the new government in South Korea, that they even went into our military base and got information. They probably shouldn't have done that," he said. "I heard bad things. I don't know if it's true or not. I'll be finding out." He said he looked forward to seeing Lee, but added: "We won't stand for that." Trump did not explain further but South Korea last month carried out raids on locations connected to the Unification Church, the religious movement often referred to by the derogatory term Moonies. Known for mass weddings, the church was founded by the late Sun Myung Moon, who was an avid supporter of conservative causes both in South Korea and the United States. The church, which has also come under fire in Japan, is under investigation for allegedly offering luxury items as part of lobbying efforts in Seoul. Prosecutors are investigating whether a shaman passed along a diamond necklace and designer handbag on behalf of the Unification Church to the wife of impeached former president Yoon Suk Yeol. South Korean prosecutors have also probed a far-right pastor accused of inciting a riot against a court that ordered the arrest of Yoon. Yoon, a conservative with close ties with the United States, was impeached after he briefly imposed martial law in December in a massive expansion of power in the face of a deadlock in parliament. His tactic was a throwback to South Korea's earlier era of military rule and was swiftly reversed after an impromptu popular revolt. Trump has tested the limits of his own presidential authority, sending troops into both Washington and Los Angeles. It is not the first time Trump has stunned an unsuspecting foreign leader with a disputable claim. In May, Trump ambushed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in a White House meeting by alleging a "genocide" against white farmers by the post-apartheid government, which denies any such campaign. With lots of speculation and little information on the whereabouts of President Abdelmajid Tebboune, his mysterious lengthy absence starts raising serious questions about possible political manoeuvres taking place behind the scenes of the opaque military-intelligence regime. In an attempt to reassure both Algerian and international public opinion, Tebbounes ministers are trying hard to keep up appearances, giving the false impression that things are under control and doing business as usual. The sudden disappearance from public view of the Head of State comes at a time the Algerian rulers started feeling the heat over the Sahara issue is fueling tension and uncertainty across the country, which is becoming more and more like an open-air prison. In its latest report on human rights situation, the State Department decried increased repression, notably of the freedom of expression and association. The 19-page country report cites alarming human rights issues including disappearances; torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment; arbitrary arrest and detention; serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, including violence or threats of violence against journalists, unjustified arrests and prosecutions of journalists, and censorship; restrictions of religious freedom; trafficking in persons, including forced labor; and violence or threats against labor activists or union members. Amid these serious human rights violations and sufferings from acute shortage of basic needs and declining economic activities due to restrictions imposed by authorities on imports to save depleting hard currency reserves, Algerians rushed massively to social media networks to post millions of videos expressing their concerns and asking where their president is. Some foreign intelligence reports suspect the ruling military junta to be behind his unexplained disappearance as President Tebboune was planning to dismiss army chief Said Chengriha and appoint pro-West General Mohamed Kaidi in his place. Kaidi is one of the few Algerian generals who speaks English. More importantly, he has a crucial relationship with France, having served as Algerias special military attache to France and being in the Elysee in January 2013. It was Kaidi who arranged Algerian overfly rights and other logistical arrangements on behalf of Paris to enable France to launch a military intervention in Mali that year. His importance caused tension and jealousy with Chengriha, who saw Kaidi as someone who might replace him. Kaidis dismissal was announced on 10 November 2021, exactly two weeks after he represented Algeria at the 5+5 Chiefs of Staff Defense meeting held in Nouakchott. The 5+5 grouping includes representatives from the five states of the north shore of the Western Mediterranean (Spain, France, Italy, Malta, and Portugal) and those of the South Shore (Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Tunisia). During his address at that meeting, Kaidi had expressed a desire to strengthen Algerias military and security arrangements with European and Western powers. He had also alluded that Algiers would not trigger any hostile military action against Morocco, insisting on the importance of a good neighborly foreign policy, brushing aside the current regimes aggressive and warlike language towards Morocco, France and the EU. He had also voiced a commitment to a new modernist vision that seeks to bring Algeria closer to the West that would entail a new cooperation offering new opportunities. He was generally regarded as the logical successor to the late General Ahmed Gaid Salah as the Chief of Army Staff. However, he was dismissed in November 2021 on the orders of Chengriha, and was arrested a month later. Kaidis release and reinstatement was one of the key demands made by US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman during her 10 March 2022 visit to Algiers, and again by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his 30 March visit to Algiers the same year. Now with the mounting pressure on the Algerian regime from all sides, especially from Washington and France, Kaidis name pops up again, while Tebboune is nowhere in sight. But for how long! The latest report by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the Sahara conflict marks a decisive shift in favor of Moroccos autonomy plan. Covering developments from July 2024 to June 2025, the report- submitted to the UN General Assembly- abandons the decades-old fixation on a referendum and instead highlights growing international support for Moroccos autonomy initiative. This evolution reflects not only geopolitical realism but also a recognition of the plans viability as the only path toward a durable political solution. One of the most striking aspects of the Guterres report is what it omits: any mention of a referendum on self-determination. Long used by Algeria and its Polisario proxies as a cover, the unfeasible referendum option has become a relic of a bygone era. Its absence from the Secretary-Generals assessment signals a quiet but firm departure from a framework that has proven unworkable for decades. Instead, the report underscores the growing consensus around Moroccos autonomy proposal. France and the United Kingdom, two permanent members of the Security Council, are cited as endorsing the plan as the most credible and pragmatic basis for resolving the conflict together with the United States which has reiterated recognition of Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara. The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was originally tasked with organizing a vote on the territorys future. But as the referendum option fades, MINURSOs mandate is quietly being redefined. Guterres calls for a change of course without delay, a phrase that suggests the mission may soon pivot toward facilitating negotiations rather than maintaining a status quo that no longer reflects political realities. The report also sheds light on the worsening humanitarian situation in the Tindouf refugee camps in Algeria, where the Polisario maintains its base of operations and holds thousands of Sahrawis hostage, denying them right to be registered, in violation of refugee rights. International aid has declined sharply, and malnutrition rates have reached alarming levels as Algerian officials and the Polisario militias continue to embezzle international assistance. With donor fatigue setting in and Algeria failing to fill the gaps, the viability of the Polisarios governance model in the Tindouf camps is increasingly in question. Taken together, the Guterres report reflects a broader diplomatic momentum in favor of Moroccos autonomy plan. It aligns with the positions of key global actors and acknowledges the need for a realistic, negotiated solution. As the UN approaches the fiftieth anniversary of the Sahara conflict, Guterres signals that the time has come to embrace the autonomy plan. The political storm surrounding French LFI MEP Rima Hassan has laid bare a long-obscured truth among European leftists: Algeria is the principal architect and enforcer of the separatist narrative in the Sahara conflict. Rima Hassan, once hailed as the voice of Palestine in European politics and an echo of Algerian positions on the Sahara, now finds herself vilified by the very regime she once championed. Her crime? A single sentence posted on Instagram on August 21 when she said that the Sahara issue should never be compared to the Palestinian struggle. This statement, seemingly simple, shattered decades of Algerian propaganda that sought to conflate the Palestinian struggle with the separatist plot it has hatched in vain in Moroccos south. It was a rupture not just with rhetoric, but with a system that demands absolute ideological submission. Rima Hassans trajectory is emblematic. During the European elections, she marched in Paris with Polisario members, keffieh around her neck, signaling her alignment with Algerias separatist agenda. Her first official trip as an MEP was to Algiers. She even voted against a European resolution condemning Algerias imprisonment of writer Boulem Sansal. But her recent statements acknowledging historical ties between Saharan tribes and Morocco and questioning the feasibility of the referendum while highlighting Moroccos investments in the region, marked a shift toward historical accuracy. That shift was intolerable to Algiers. The Algerian regime responded with fury. State-aligned media accused Rima Hassan of betrayal, with Algerie Patriotique likening her to a Zionist. La Patrie News claimed she was sacrificed by Melenchon to appease Morocco and Israel. Online trolls, the infamous electronic flies, launched coordinated attacks, accusing her of ingratitude and threatening to destroy her reputation. This reaction reveals that Algeria does not merely support the Polisario, it owns the narrative. The regimes outrage stems not from Rima Hassans facts, but from her refusal to perpetuate a separatist chimera in southern Morocco. Rima Hassans case exposes Algerias central role. For decades, Algiers has denied being a party to the conflict, insisting it merely supports self-determination. Yet it hosts, funds, arms, and diplomatically defends the Polisario. It controls the refugee camps in Tindouf. It blocks UN efforts to reach a political solution. It has reacted to sovereign decisions by Spain and France recognizing the Sahara as part of Morocco. Now, it punishes even its allies who dare to deviate from its script. Rimas downfall proves that Algeria demands not solidarity, but submission. Even intellectual sympathy is not enough. Japan has decided to expel Polisarios representatives from its territory and banned them from engaging in any political activity outside the African Union delegation that took part in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) held from 19 to 23 August. The decision confirms Tokyos firm position of not recognizing the Polisario separatist group and respecting Moroccos territorial integrity, dealing a hard blow to the Polisario backers, mainly Algeria and South Africa. During the 9th TICAD conference held in Yokohama, the Japanese authorities did not issue accreditation badges for Polisario delegation, prohibited them from speaking or participating in any of the events meetings, while their movements were under strict security controls. Yet, the deceitful Polisario delegation was planning to hold a press conference at Tokyo Press Club but the event was cancelled by Japanese authorities and declared the Polisario members persona non grata. They were ordered to leave the country three days before their planned departure. Morocco lowered the level of its diplomatic representation in TIGAD conference following the scandalous participation of Polisario militias. 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 separatists availed the opportunity of their presence in Japan, cooked up by Algiers and Pretoria, and tried to hold political and propaganda activities on a lost separatist cause. But the Japanese diplomacy foiled the Polisarios attempts, affirming that red-lines cannot be crossed. Last week, oil traders cut their bullish bets on crude to the lowest in 16 years on expectations of a glut. Mostly because many forecasters were reporting a looming glut. Yet the moment something threatens any portion of the worlds oil supply, prices jump. So, wheres the glut? Mostly, the glut is in the forecasts published by the International Energy Agency and various net-zero organizations. The problem with these forecasts is that they often ignore data that contradicts their message that the transition to net zero is advancing. Or they use computer models that produce misleading data because they have been fed with inaccurate data, which is what has repeatedly happened with the International Energy Agency. Brent crude is trading around $67 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate is at less than $65not because the world is consuming less oil than three years ago when crude shot up above $100 per barrel. Oil demand has grown steadily since the 2020 slump caused by the pandemic lockdownsdespite price changes. The only reason all these forecasters, and most notably the International Energy Agency, are predicting a glut is because thats what fits in with their models. It is a fact that the pace of growth in oil demand in the key Asian market, more specifically China, is slowing. Chinas oil demand has been growing at insane rates for decades. Assuming it would continue growing at the same rate forever would have been eccentric, to put it mildly, especially as the county sought ways to reduce its dependence on imported energy commodities and found electrification was one way it could do it. Yet at the same time China has been putting a lot of effort into developing its domestic oiland gasreserves, suggesting that even at a slower rate, its oil demand is still climbing. Meanwhile, so is oil demand in Europe, the flagman of the energy transition, which has a deadline for oil demand growth in the form of a ban on internal combustion engine cars. Yet it recently had to rethink that ban because EV sales were not going where the planners in Brussels and national capitals wanted them to go. Now, Europe is facing a potential jet fuel shortage because of healthy demanddespite all the flight shaming that appears to be all the rage on the continent. Meanwhile, the U.S. Energy Information Administration is forecasting that global demand for liquid fuels will rise by a rather impressive 1.6 million barrels daily in the current half of the year, compared to the first six months, quite contrary to the predictions of a glut. In that, the EIA has joined OPEC and Standard Chartered as forecasters bucking the trend by basing their forecasts on observed changes in oils fundamentals rather than computer models. Speaking of OPEC, the group was instrumental in pushing international oil prices lower and motivating traders to cut their bullish positions on the commodity repeatedly by deciding to end its production cuts. Yet prices, predicted by some to slump as far down as $50 and even lower, did not change all that much after the initial shock. Thats because it emerged that not all OPEC members that cut production were able to bring it back as fast as they planned towhich immediately hinted at the possibility of a shortage down the road. The fact that prices swing so wildly on a mere hint of tight supplyor new sanctions on Russia that could jeopardize close to 2 million barrels daily in oil tradesuggests that the balance in crude oils fundamentals is not at all as tipped towards an oversupply as all those forecasters tend to assume in their model-based reports. Last week was a case in point. Prices tanked after the meeting between the presidents of Russia and the United States on Friday, as the two signaled readiness for a peace deal. Then, the EU and Zelensky meeting took place on Monday, and the prospects of a peace deal began to evaporate, to be replaced by the prospect of more sanctions on Moscows energy industry. Result: oil prices gained 2.9% over that single week. Another case in point is the International Energy Agency. In the spring of 2021, the IEA stated, in all seriousness, that the world would not require any new investments in oil and gas beyond the end of that year. Several months later, it was calling on every oil producer in the world to invest in new production because prices were climbing, and fast. Now, the IEA is once again calling for increased investment in oil and gas to secure sufficient supply, despite its prediction that demand growth is expected to peak before the decade is over. Oil speculators change their bets on a daily basis. Thats the essence of commodity speculation. It does not, however, necessarily reflect the current state of the physical marketand neither do model-based forecasts. The only reliable indicators of demand and supply are the respective physical data. It is usually after the release of such physical data that the IEA changes its tune on demand projections and starts calling for more oil investments. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Diosdado Cabello, vice president of Venezuela's ruling party and Minister of Interior, confirmed on Monday that 15,000 troops will be deployed along the border with Colombia amid heightened tensions with the United States and ongoing disputes about the country's role in drug-trafficking in the region. Cabello said the operation involves drones, aircraft, river patrols, and rapid-response units, which will initially focus on border states Zulia and Tachira states in what he called "Zona de Paz #1" ("Peace Zone #1). He framed the deployment as an effort to protect sovereignty and disrupt narcotrafficking routes. "Those who try to transport drugs through Venezuela will receive a forceful response," he stated. Cabello also insisted that Venezuela accounts for about 5% of global trafficking flows, citing a United Nations report, and rejected claims that the government is linked to cartels, as the Trump administration is claiming. On Thursday, the head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Terry Cole, accused Venezuela of collaborating with Colombian guerrilla groups to ship "record amounts of cocaine" to Mexican cartels trafficking into the United States. Officials are also claiming this merits the decision to send troops off its coast. #MUNDO Diosdado Cabello, ministro de Interior de Venezuela, informa que Nicolas Maduro aumentara su despliegue militar en la frontera con Colombia con 15 mil hombres, drones, refuerzos fluviales y aereos. Nuestro presidente ha decidido activar de manera inmediata la zona de pic.twitter.com/Gp8gr66ioH UltimaHoraCaracol (@UltimaHoraCR) August 25, 2025 During the same press conference, Cabello repeated accusations that opposition leader Maria Corina Machado maintains ties with Colombian and Mexican criminal groups, including the Jalisco cartel, through political allies such as former Colombian presidents Alvaro Uribe and Ivan Duque. "It is her who has contact with narcotraffickers, not the government," Cabell said. ULTIMA HORA | Diosdado Cabello niega vinculacion con el Cartel de Sinaloa. El cartel de Jalisco tiene contacto es con ella (Maria Corina Machado) no era con el Gobierno. Las bandas narcotraficantes y paramilitares colombianos tiene contacto con ella https://t.co/7uCuQkJICE pic.twitter.com/VTZQqGACHY AlbertoRodNews (@AlbertoRodNews) August 25, 2025 The announcements follow President Nicolas Maduro's call last week for millions of Venezuelans to join "combat ranks" to defend national sovereignty after the U.S. deployed three Navy destroyers along with an amphibious squadron off the coast of the South American nation, a move Maduro has characterized as a prelude to invasion. Thousands of people reportedly signed up during the weekend. Colombian president Gustavo Petro has been publicly weighing on the deployment of U.S. warships, saying on Wednesday that "gringos are mad if they think that invading Venezuela will solve their problems." "They are dragging Venezuela into a Syria-like situation, with the problem that they are dragging Colombia too," he added. "I told Trump through his emissaries that it would be the worst mistake." Originally published on Latin Times In this weeks newsletter, we will take a quick look at some of the critical figures and data in the energy markets this week. We will then look at some of the key market movers early this week before providing you with the latest analysis of the top news events taking place in the global energy complex over the past few days. We hope you enjoy. Seoul Mates in Energy: U.S. Powers Up South Korea - The official visit of South Koreas President Lee Jae-myung to the US marked one of the highlights of Trumps tariff deals as the two sides formally upheld South Koreas $100 billion commitment to buy US-origin energy over the next four years. - South Korea is already the largest buyer of US crude in Asia, ramping up imports every year since 2020 and reaching 460-470 kbd currently such a pace of imports would equate to $12-14 billion per year, or half the promised commitment. - South Koreas imports of US LNG peaked in 2021 at 8.9 million tonnes and have been on a declining trend since, as the countrys importers prefer shorter-haul options from Australia and Qatar. - Similarly, 2018 marked the peak of coal shipments from the United States to Korea at 3.7 million tonnes, dropping to a mere 1.4 million tonnes last year and staging a gradual recovery since. Market Movers - Canadas leading oil producer Cenovus Energy (NYSE:CVE) agreed to buy oil sands peer MEG Energy (TSE:MEG) for $5.7 billion in a cash and stock deal, sending Cenovus stock up almost 8% on Friday. - Norways state oil firm Equinor (NYSE:EQNR) delayed development drilling at the UKs largest untapped oil field Rosebank to Q1 2026 after the UK government demanded additional emissions documentation. - US upstream firm Crescent Energy (NYSE:CRGY) agreed to purchase peer shale producer Vital Energy (NYSE:VTLE) in an all-stock deal worth $3.1 billion, adding some 70,000 b/d of oil production to its portfolio. - Japans leading gas importer Tokyo Gas (TYO:9531) is reportedly in talks with US LNG developer Venture Global (NYSE:VG) to buy 1 million tonnes of LNG per year from the Calcasieu Pass 2 facility, starting from 2028. Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Russia-Ukraine has been dominating oil headlines recently, even if President Trumps involvement has notably declined over the past week as Kyivs European allies discuss security guarantees with their US counterparts. Drone strikes on Russian refineries have had minimal impact on oil prices, with ICE Brent futures correcting back to $68 per barrel. Putin Wants US Majors Back. Russian and American officials have reportedly discussed the return of US oil majors to Russia as part of a wider post-Ukraine diplomatic arrangement, with Moscow offering ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) to re-enter Sakhalin I and sell equipment to the Arctic LNG 2 plant. Donald Trump Demands Chinese Magnets. Further escalating of the US-China trade war, Donald Trump stated that China ought to provide the United States magnets as soon as possible, hinting at inadequate rare earth exports lately, absent which the White House will slap a 200% tariff on Beijing. Iran's Crude Output Roars Back to Peak Levels. According to Irans national oil company NIOC, the countrys oil production soared to the highest level since May 2018, reaching 3.24 million b/d in July, mostly driven by the West Karun and Arvandan projects in the western province of Khuzestan. Trump Keeps on Burying Wind Companies. The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a work-stop order for the $1.5 billion Revolution Wind project offshore Rhode Island, with shares of Danish wind developer Orsted (CPH:ORSTED) plunging by 17% on Monday. Chinas Oil Giant Sells Off Bankrupt Refineries. Chinese state oil company Sinochem agreed to divest two bankrupt refineries (Zhenghe and Huaxing) in Shandong province legacy of its 2021 merger with ChemChina to regional refiners, alongside a 26-million-barrel quota for the rest of 2025. Iron Ore Prices Jump on Mine Closure. Iron ore futures traded at Chinas key Dalian exchange jumped to $110 per metric tonne this week after Australian mining giant Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) was forced to suspend all mining activities at its SimFer mine in Guinea, due to a contractors death. Pakistan Asks for LNG Supply Deferrals. The government of Pakistan is seeking to delay delivery of its contracted liquefied natural gas cargoes from Qatar, citing weak domestic demand and rising import costs, having so far imported only 4.6 million tonnes in 2025 to date, down 14% year-on-year. Libya Courts US Oil Majors. Seeking to ramp up production capacity to 2 million b/d by 2028, Libyas state-run National Oil Corporation (NOC) said it would soon host a Libya-US Energy forum to help clinch new exploration deals, just as Tripoli invited ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) back to the country. Elliott Emerges as Top Contender for Citgo. The distressed assets of US refiner Citgo Petroleum might be up for grabs for activist investor Elliott Investment Management after a Delaware court officer said its bid was the best on offer, giving three days to competing Gold Reserve to match. Refinery Strikes Spur Russian Oil Surge. Russia has increased its crude export plan this month by 200,000 b/d, reacting to widespread downstream damage as Ukrainian drones continue to target the countrys refineries, with markets fearing a flooding of markets with September loadings. Rare Earth Prices Shoot Through the Roof. Prices of neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) soared to their highest since March 2023, up 40% month-on-month at $88 per kg, as US miner MP Materials (NYSE:MP) halted raw material exports to magnet producers in China, selling output domestically. Canada Courts Japanese Refiners. Authorities in Canadas main oil-producing province of Alberta are mulling ways to invest in Japans refining sector as oil sands producers want to market their heavy bituminous crude in the Asian country, proposing to jointly construct a coking unit. BPs Massive Outage Rocks Midwest. The one-week outage of the 440,000 b/d Whiting refinery operated by UK oil major BP (NYSE:BP) has lifted gasoline prices across main PADD 2 states by $0.27 per gallon from a week ago, further pressuring Midwest gasoline stocks below the 5-year range. By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Despite the benefits, the uneven distribution of solar power is hurting the poorest citizens who cannot afford their own systems, leading to increased energy inequality. Pakistan is undergoing an energy revolution fuelled by a sharp rise in solar-plus-battery systems. This rapid evolution and decentralization of power grids is helping to shore up the nations energy security and meet international decarbonization pledges. However, while the solar boom is helping to keep the lights on for many Pakistanis, it is also hurting the poorest citizens. Pakistan has long struggled with rolling blackouts, power shortages, and crippling energy costs, and like many emerging economies around the world took a particularly hard toll during the 2022-23 energy crisis due to a heavy reliance on energy imports. While oil and gas are still the backbone of the national energy mix, wind and solar power are quickly gaining ground. In particular, energy insecurity and high-cost electricity have pushed residences and businesses away from traditional energy models toward decentralized systems, most notably rooftop solar combined with battery energy storage systems, according to the World Bank. As this trend picks up speed, Pakistan has quickly become one of the world's largest new adopters of solar power, according to reporting from NPR based on data from Ember, a global energy think tank. "The scale of solar being deployed in such a short period of time has not been seen, I think, anywhere ever before, says Jan Rosenow, who leads the Environmental Change Institutes energy program at the University of Oxford. In 2024, Pakistans solar imports more-than tripled compared to 2023, reaching nearly $2.1 billion. Based on current growth trends, solar-plus-battery systems could provide over a quarter of Pakistans peak energy demand as well as most daytime electricity needs by 2030. However, the distribution of these new power sources is uneven, and is squeezing families that are too poor to install their own solar power systems or batteries. As other users reduce their reliance on the grid using these methods, the utilitys fixed costs for maintaining generation and transmission are spread across a shrinking pool of customers, reports the World Bank. What is more, more than 40 million people across Pakistan lack access to electricity altogether. As energy prices rise, closing that gap grows more and more difficult. The scale of the challenge is great, as 45% of Pakistani families live below the poverty line, a number that could grow as rates of energy poverty increase. High-income consumers go solar while nonsolar users absorb the costs, Hasnat Khan, senior vice chairman of the Pakistan Solar Association, told the Washington Post. Its a death spiral. Relief may be hard to come by. The national power sector is buckling under $5.6 billion of debt, and is reacting by squeezing customers and getting tough on electricity theft and outstanding payments. But much of the burden has been passed on to consumers, fueling energy inequality and what critics contend is a glaring double standard, reports the Washington Post. Even as government officials urge Pakistanis not to disconnect from the national grid, many have installed solar panels atop their own mansions, which tower over tall walls topped with barbed wire and are clearly visible from the streets. To work toward a more equitable and comprehensive energy transition, the World Bank argues that Pakistan will need financing mechanisms to reduce the initial costs for new users and fund grid improvements for the entire system. This could include low-interest credit and guarantees to reduce lending risks, solar and battery solutions. And Pakistan wont be able to do it alone. The approach will have to be a blended financing mechanism, which uses public and philanthropic capital to attract private investment. Development banks like the ADB and GCF are already facilitating this through projects such as the Pakistan Distributed Solar Project, which helps finance solar installations for various sectors. The World Bank also warns that the growing energy imbalance in Pakistan should serve as a cautionary tale to other emerging economies looking to employ a similar model, or who might have one thrust upon them as disenfranchised residents and businesses take matter into their own hands and onto their rooftops. By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com There has been much excitement in recent days among those who know nothing much worth knowing about the issue that the long-running ban on oil sales from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) to Turkey may be lifted soon. Supposedly, the government of the Erbil-based semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan (the KRG) and the Baghdad-based Federal Government of Iraq (FGI) have agreed on a new mechanism for oil exports from the Kurdistan Region to the Turkish port of Ceyhan. Under the agreement, 50,000 barrels per day (bpd) will be reserved for domestic use within the Kurdistan Region, with the remainder to be delivered to the FGIs State Oil Marketing Organisation (SOMO) for export. In reality, there are several major problems with this deal, not the least of which is the fact that Turkey has not agreed to it. It should be remembered that it was Turkey in the first place that shut down the key crude oil pipeline that runs from Kirkuk in Iraq to Ceyhan in Turkey (the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, also known as the Iraq-Turkey Crude Oil Pipeline, ITP) on 25 March 2023. At that point, Turkey was pumping around 450,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Iraqi oil, including around 370,000 bpd of Kurdish crude, via this pipeline to Ceyhan, as detailed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order. It shut it down after the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) ordered Turkey to pay the Federal Government of Iraq around US$1.5 billion in damages for unauthorised exports between 2014 and 2018. This judgement was the latest move after the Federal Government of Iraq filed for ICC arbitration in 2014, alleging Turkeys complicity in enabling oil exports from the Kurdistan Region without the consent of Baghdad. The ICC ruled that the Federal Government of Iraq should indeed have the right to exercise control over crude oil exports at Ceyhan and ordered Turkey to pay 50% of the discount at which the Kurdistan Region had sold the oil. The original amount claimed in this regard by the Federal Government of Iraq in Baghdad was US$33 billion, which was reduced by the ICC to the current US$1.5 billion. Related: Oil Jumps 2% on Fed Easing Signals, Ukraine Drone Strikes The settling of this international legal impasse remains the key to unlocking the resumption of oil flows for the Kurdistan Region, and it can legally only be resolved between the government of Turkey and the Federal Government of Iraq -- which does not involve in any way, shape, or form, the Kurdistan Region. Consequently, the only question worth asking relating to this situation is: Does Turkey and/or the Federal Government of Iraq want the Kurdistan Region to be able to sell its oil through its key export route, the ITP? Or to put it another way: Does Turkey and/or the Federal Government of Iraq want the Kurdistan Region to continue to exist with any form of independence? Ankara knows that the [Iraqi] Kurds want full independence and that the money coming from oil exports is their means to achieve this, a senior energy industry source who works closely with Iraqs Oil Ministry exclusively told OilPrice.com last week. It [Ankara] also knows that if the Iraqi Kurds get this [full independence] then it is likely to spark similar demands from Turkeys own big Kurdish population [around 18% of its population], which could well feature a stepping up in aggressive actions across the country that would be supported by the newly independent sovereign state of Kurdistan, or whatever they call it, he said. This is exactly why Turkey went in so hard after the [Iraqi Kurdistan] independence referendum, he added. And it is also exactly why Turkey has said that any new agreement between it and the Federal Government of Iraq that replaces the 52-year-old agreement it terminated last month should be for full usage of the ITP, which Ankara knows is an impossible demand, he underlined. Indeed, this would involve 1.5 million bpd through the pipeline, while around 80% of Iraqs total 3.5 million bpd goes in the opposite direction to Asia. In this context, September 2017 saw Iraqi Kurdistan hold a referendum on whether it wanted full independence from Iraq, as also detailed in my latest book. This vote had effectively been promised to it by Washington as a reward for its Peshmerga army playing a pivotal on-the-ground role in combating the rampant Islamic States rise across the region. Although the referendum was not legally binding, the fact that over 90% of the electorate voted in favour of full independence caused alarm bells to ring not just in Baghdad, but in Ankara and Tehran too, with Iran also having a sizeable Kurdish population (around 15% of its total). Almost immediately after the referendum result had come in, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an threatened to invade the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and added even back then that Turkey could cut off Kurdistans crude oil flow through the ITP. As a corollary of this, Turkeys then-Prime Minister, Binali Yildirim, reiterated that his country had agreed to deal exclusively with the Federal Government of Iraq over exports of the crude oil sourced in the Kurdish region. Irans reaction was equally robust, with Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi then a top military adviser to Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei calling on the four neighbouring countries to block land borders with the Iraqi Kurdistan region. The Federal Government of Iraq itself also wasted no time in showing what it thought of the idea of any meaningful independence for its Kurdistan Region, with then-Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi beginning by calling the vote unconstitutional. He added that on this basis Baghdad would take control of official border crossings linking the Kurdistan Region with neighbouring countries and restricting international flights to and from the regions Erbil and Sulaymaniyah airports. Additionally, Iraqs parliament was mandated by al-Abadi to send troops to the disputed oil-rich region of Kirkuk over which the Federal Government of Iraq maintained it held sovereignty, despite it being recaptured by Kurdish Peshmerga troops in 2014 and called on neighbouring countries and countries of the world to stop buying crude oil directly from Kurdistan, and only to deal with the Federal Government of Iraq in Baghdad. This built on earlier statements by al-Abadi that the Oil Ministry must mobilise all its legal resources to prevent all ships in the future from off-loading all crude oil exports by the Kurdistan Region, to any destination, after several incidents in which Kurdish oil had been loaded onto tankers for export. Baghdads current view on any independence for the Kurdistan Region including its current semi-autonomous position was made crystal when Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Al-Sudani, stated that the new unified Oil Law -- run, in every way that matters, out of Baghdad -- will govern all oil and gas production and investments in both Iraq and the Kurdistan region and will constitute a strong factor for Iraqs unity. As of right now, a new understanding has been reached between Turkey, Iran, and Iraq pertaining to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and the degree of authority the Kurds can exercise there, according to the Iraq source last week. From Baghdads perspective, the KRG has shown itself to be unreliable in its adherence to previously agreed arrangements on sending oil to Baghdad in exchange for budget payments, so the Federal Government has no real interest in continuing with any such deals over time, he said. Iran sees the KRG as a de facto puppet of Washington that repeatedly has gathered intelligence for DC on Iranian-linked paramilitary groups, so Tehran has no interest in the KRG continuing to exercise any power at all, he added. And Turkey has similar issues with the KRG using the Kurdish groups in Southern Turkey as an instrument to extract concessions from Ankara regarding pipelines, oil, money, and the reining in of their army units, he said. Consequently, he outlined, at a series of high-level meetings in April and May of this year on the issue of the KRG and its future status, the following was agreed between Baghdad, Ankara and Tehran. First: On the issue of oil and other minerals in the [Iraqi Kurdistan] Territory, it is in the interest of the Triangle [Federal Government of Iraq, Iran, and Turkey] to support the authority of Baghdad as the supreme authority in issuing oil licenses, overseeing production and distributing the revenues. Second: The Triangle agrees to support Baghdad in exerting its full authority in maintaining borders with Turkey and Iran, and the Kurdistan region will no longer be entitled to conduct and control border-related activities. Third: Any newly discovered energy and lithium in the Territory will be managed through the authority of Baghdad, including all previously signed agreements by the KRG. And fourth: A new agreement with Baghdad will decide the share of the KRG from oil and other natural resources. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com When a swarm of 39 Russian drones attacked a compressor station in southern Ukraine this month, it was a sign of how Russia has shifted the focus of its attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure. The attack came less than two weeks after Ukraine signed a deal to buy natural gas from Azerbaijan for the first time. The target was critical for importing the fuel from southern Europe along the Trans-Balkan corridor and into the country. It was the latest in a series of attacks on Ukraines natural gas infrastructure this year, a sharp departure from the first three years of the war when Moscow focused on crippling the countrys electric power grid. Ukraine Scrambles For Gas The shift has forced Kyiv to scramble for imports, including from Azerbaijan and -- indirectly -- the United States, pressuring its finances. State-owned Naftogaz, the countrys largest gas producer and supplier, said its infrastructure has been struck more than 100 times in nine separate air assaults in 2025. Those attacks account for nearly half of all attacks on the company since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. In February, when daily average temperatures in Ukraine were below the freezing point, Russia temporarily knocked out almost half of Ukraines gas production, forcing Kyiv to import 0.8 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas. Ukraine is now racing to fill underground storage to 13.2 bcm ahead of the winter heating season. About one-third must come from imports. Oleksandr Kharchenko, managing director of the Energy Industry Research Center, a Kyiv-based consulting company, told RFE/RL that the domestic gas situation was difficult but under control. The challenge is not securing supply but financing it. Ukraines National Bank estimated in April the country may need to spend as much as $2.9 billion on gas imports in 2025. Russia's Gas Attack Pivot The natural gas infrastructure wasn't really the target the first several years, but now everything is game, said Olga Khakova, an energy analyst at the Atlantic Council in Washington. It is an effort to destabilize energy security, not just in Ukraine, but in Europe overall. It is to create chaos within the energy industry. Moscows increased attacks on Ukrainian natural gas infrastructure have come since Russias contract to ship the fuel to Europe via Ukrainian pipelines -- long a contentious issue even during peaceful times -- ended on January 1. Volodymyr Omelchenko, director of energy programs at the Razumkov Center, a think tank, told RFE/RL that the strikes are designed to undermine Ukraine ahead of winter. The Russian General Staff clearly understands that the greatest threat for Ukraine this winter is a shortage of natural gas, because Ukrainian gas storage facilities currently lack sufficient volumes, Omelchenko said. Kyiv-based political analyst Oleh Saakian said the strikes are also part of a broader Russian strategy to gain leverage as peace talks progress. They are attempting to create a favorable informational, propagandistic, and ideological backdrop for negotiations, he told RFE/RL. This is nothing but pressure on the civilian population and psychological pressure on the Ukrainian authorities. American LNG 'A No-Brainer' That Russian strategy has increased the urgency for Kyiv to import and diversify suppliers. Aside from Azerbaijan, Kyiv has also signaled interest in buying US LNG, a politically sensitive move as President Donald Trump has made LNG exports a signature issue and has pressed Ukraine to reimburse the United States for military aid. Andrew Favorov, a US-based businessman who has long worked in Ukraines gas industry, said signing long-term LNG contracts with US suppliers seems like a no brainer for Kyiv, given the potential diplomatic benefits. He suggested Ukraine could seek financing from the Development Finance Corporation, Washingtons investment arm, to secure cheap credit. In a statement to RFE/RL, Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk said Ukraine is in talks with US firms but gave no details on volumes or contract length. She noted that the Odesa compressor station attacked in August is part of the infrastructure needed to import US LNG from ports in Southern Europe. The United States is already the worlds largest exporter of natural gas, with most of the fuel shipped abroad in the form of LNG. US LNG exports are expected to surge by the end of the decade as new facilities come online. Deals In The Making DTEK, Ukraines largest privately owned energy company, said earlier this year it was in talks with US LNG companies on long-term contracts. DTEK imported US LNG for the first time in December. Naftogaz has contracted so far this year to buy 0.44 bcm of US LNG from Polish energy firm Orlen. Hinson Peters, strategic communications manager for the Center for LNG, a US trade group, confirmed there is commercial interest from Ukrainian buyers for long-term contracts. In the meantime, Europeans are stepping up to help Ukraine finance the purchase of fuel for the upcoming winter. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development earlier this month announced a $580-million loan to Naftogaz for natural gas purchases. Norway, the largest supplier of natural gas to Europe, pledged an additional 100 million dollars to Naftogaz for the same purpose. How much more funding Ukraine will need this year to cover its domestic gas needs will depend on whether Russia continues to target its gas production, storage, and transportation assets with drones and missiles. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The new TRIPP route is expected to become a prime East Asia-Europe transit corridor, potentially overshadowing the existing Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, which has faced operational challenges and underperformed its freight transit projections. While Turkey has secured a significant 2.4 billion external financing package for the project, questions remain regarding its construction timeline, the awarding of contracts, and the overall feasibility of the estimated $3.4 billion project. Turkey has begun construction on a new 224-km rail line from Kars to Dilucu, a key component of the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity" (TRIPP) transit corridor, designed to link Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan exclave through Armenia. The Turkish government is moving quickly to capitalize on new economic opportunities created by US President Donald Trumps peace plan for Armenia and Azerbaijan. Turkish officials held a groundbreaking ceremony on August 22 for a new 224-km rail line stretching from the eastern Turkish hub of Kars to Dilucu at the frontier with Azerbaijans Nakhchivan exclave. The Kars-Dilucu rail line is envisioned as the largest section of a new transit corridor that is the centerpiece of the Trump peace plan. The new route would be initially capable of handling up to 15 million metric tons of freight and 5.5 million passengers per year. The possibilities opened up by the Trump plan will increase economic cooperation in the South Caucasus and accelerate the opening of borders and the normalization of diplomatic relations, Turkeys minister for transport and infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, said at the groundbreaking festivities, reading a message from Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Uraloglu also described the rail link as an international bond of steel that will further strengthen the socio-economic relations between Asia and Europe, extending from China to Europe. Provided the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process is finalized, the Kars-Dilucu railway will connect to an existing rail line in Nakhchivan, which, in turn, will link up with the planned Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), an envisioned transit corridor connecting Azerbaijan proper and the exclave, traversing Armenian territory. Once completed, TRIPP would become perhaps the prime route in the developing Middle Corridor network of transit routes connecting East Asia and Europe. (Photo: Turkey's Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure) Many questions remaining While Turkey may have officially broken ground on the Kars-Dilucu segment, much remains unclear, including a construction timeline. Uraloglu in his speech hinted the project would take four to five years, but political analysts in Turkey are wondering whether the groundbreaking ceremony actually marked the start of construction or was merely a symbolic gesture tied to Turkeys domestic political agenda. Ankara did conduct tenders for consultancy work on the Kars-Dilucu route in late 2024, but according to Turkeys state tendering and contract database, contracts have yet to be awarded. And there is no sign yet of a tender for actual construction work on the line. The project does officially exist. It has been listed in Turkeys investment program since 2022 at an estimated cost of $3.4 billion, of which $2.7 billion is expected to come from external credit. But of those totals, only $61 million has so far been allocated, of which $50 million is designated as external credit. A significant amount of external credit appears to have been lined up. In late July, Ankara announced that the project had secured a 2.4 billion external financing package led by Japans Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, MUFG Bank, in partnership with Swedens EKN Export Credit Agency and the OeKB export credit agency of Austria and the Islamic Development Bank. The international financial institutions have not yet confirmed the deals separately. Existing rail lines to be reopened? Also unclear is what will happen to the existing rail links between Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan? Prior to the Soviet collapse and the outbreak of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict in the late 1980s, there was a direct rail link from Kars to the Armenian capital Yerevan and from Yerevan to the Azerbaijani capital Baku. The bulk of those lines are believed to be still operational requiring only border sections to be refurbished and reopened. According to the Joint Declaration on August 8 signed by Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Trump, Azerbaijan recognized Armenias right to reopen all transportation routes. Accordingly, these existing rail routes could be revived, but the declaration does not indicate whether they will play a significant role within the Middle Corridor context. Questions are already being raised over the role of an existing Middle Corridor route through Georgia, which only began operating in 2017, following the construction of a new rail line from Kars to the Georgian border. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars line (BTK), as it is known, has not proved to be as popular a freight transit route as originally projected, and is expected to lose much of its Middle Corridor traffic to TRIPP. BTK was designed to have a freight transit capacity of up to 6.5 million metric tons per year, with the possibility of expanding annual volume to 17 million metric tons if the route proved profitable. However, by May 2023, the railway had handled a total of only 1.47 million tons. A combination of factors has contributed to the underwhelming results, including the poor condition of the Georgian rail network and the mountainous Georgian terrain through which the line passes. The line was closed to freight traffic for a year until May 2024 to allow for urgent maintenance work and the reconstruction of some sections to ease transit. The future of the route was discussed in a meeting August 8 between Erdogan and Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili with Erdogan noting the importance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars line and the need for it to operate at full capacity. But the Turkish leader did not offer any ideas on how BTK could realize its potential. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Shares of Shuangdeng Group surged in their Hong Kong debut this week, underscoring investor enthusiasm for Chinese battery makers as demand for electric vehicles and energy storage continues to climb. Trading under the ticker 6960, the stock opened at HK$22.50, a 55% premium to its issue price of HK$14.51, making it one of the most successful IPOs in the city this year. Chairman Yang Rui celebrated the listing on August 26 by striking the ceremonial gong, declaring that Shuangdeng was lucky to be riding two tremendous waves - artificial intelligence and overseas expansion. The company is betting that the electrification boom will be amplified by AI-driven demand for high-performance data centers and telecom infrastructure, where reliable storage is critical. Founded in 2011, Shuangdeng has built its reputation in supplying batteries for telecom base stations and data centers, and it now holds an 11% global market share in that niche. Its clients include China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, alongside an expanding roster in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Hong Kong has re-emerged in 2025 as the worlds most active fundraising hub for Chinese companies, with 46 Chinese companies raising $16.5 billion through IPOs so far, according to Bloomberg. Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), the worlds largest battery maker, drew international attention in May when it raised $4.6 billion in a secondary listing, the citys largest deal this year. The robust pipeline is continuing, with battery supplier Sunwoda and energy storage specialist Hithium preparing their own listings. This resurgence comes as global markets wrestle with slowing growth, U.S. election uncertainty, and shifting capital flows. Hong Kongs exchange operator has tightened its clawback mechanism, reducing retail allocations in oversubscribed IPOs. The move has only fueled first-day rallies, as investors scramble to buy shares they couldnt secure during subscription. Retail demand for Shuangdengs shares was enormous. Bids were lodged for 3,300 times the number of shares available. State-owned Sanshui Venture Capital also came in as a cornerstone investor, pledging 220 million yuan ($31 million) and committing to hold its stake for a year. Shuangdeng plans to channel the IPO windfall into aggressive expansion. Roughly 40% of proceeds will fund a new lithium-ion battery plant in Southeast Asia, 35% will support an R&D hub in Taizhou, and the rest will back international marketing and sales. The strategy reflects Chinas push to diversify its industrial footprint beyond its borders, while also cementing technological leadership in next-generation storage. The timing of Shuangdengs IPO reflects both opportunity and pressure. Global demand for energy storage is climbing rapidly as renewable energy penetration rises and grids strain under record summer heatwaves in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where Shuangdeng aims to expand, are emerging as hotspots for storage buildouts. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com A company affiliated with hedge fund Elliott Management has emerged as the frontrunner in the bidding for the parent company of U.S.-based Citgo, the Venezuelan refiner that has been locked in disputes for years now. Amber Energy has made a better bid than the previous frontrunner, a consortium led by mining company Gold Reserve, Reuters reported, citing court documents. Now, the consortium must improve its bid to match Amber Energys or lose its chance of acquiring PDV Holding. The Gold Reserve-led bid amounted to $7.4 billion in total. Court officer Robert Pincus endorsed the $7.38 billion bid as the best and highest, significantly topping the courts $3.7 billion floor price. If finalized, it was going to mark one of the most consequential creditor seizures of a refining asset in U.S. history. Citgo, with 770,000 barrels per day of refining capacity across Louisiana, Texas, and Illinois, is a strategic player in the U.S. fuel market. Amber Energys bid, on the other hand, offered $5.86 billion to PDV Holding creditors plus another $2.86 billion in settlements for claims made by the holders of a bond, on which PDV Holdings parent, Venezuelas PDVSA, defaulted. The Amber Energy bid was made unsolicited earlier this month. When the submission of the bid was reported, the name of the bidder was withheld, with media calling it Bidder B and noting that the company had been involved in the bidding process since July. Citgo management continues to resist the takeover and the emergence of a competing bidder may delay the courts final decisionor drive the final price even higher. This would go towards compensating 15 creditors who have been looking for ways to recoup their losses incurred from Venezuelas nationalization drive under Hugo Chavez and debt defaults over the period since 2017. The total that creditors are asking for is $19 billion. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Indias state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), the biggest oil and gas producer in the country, plans to launch a trading unit for crude and refined petroleum products for its subsidiaries and affiliates, according to a senior executive. ONGCs idea to create a trading unit is still at an early stage, and an internal group has been formed to discuss and look into the modalities, including legal issues, Rajarshi Gupta, managing director at ONGC Videsh, said on Tuesday, as carried by Reuters. We control about 100 million tonnes of oil within the group, Gupta told the audience at an energy industry event in New Delhi. ONGC Videsh is the overseas unit of ONGC, developing acreages outside India, including exploration, development, and production of oil and gas. ONGC Videsh says it is the second largest petroleum company of India, next only to its parent ONGC. ONGCs annual crude oil production is about 42 million tons. The corporations refining subsidiaries Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) combined import about 45-50 million tons of oil per year. ONGC booked a lower net profit for the April-June quarter from a year earlier on the back of falling oil prices and basically flat production. Oil prices slumped in April to June by about 10% amid high volatility due to the U.S. tariff policies and the Israel-Iran war. ONGCs crude realizations slumped to $67.87 per barrel from $80.64 per barrel in April-June 2024. As a result, net profit fell to $917 million (80.24 billion Indian rupees) for the first quarter of its 2025/2026 fiscal year, down by 10% compared to the same period of the previous financial year. ONGC, which produces some 70% of Indias crude oil and 84% of its natural gas, has recently started a campaign to boost oil and gas production through well optimization and accelerating the start of production at recently made discoveries. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com PetroChina has agreed to buy three natural gas storage facilities from its state-owned parent CNPC for 40 billion (US$5.59 billion), adding nearly 11 billion cubic meters of working capacity to its portfolio. Its a deal that looks less like housekeeping between affiliates and more like a signal of where Chinas biggest oil and gas firm sees the energy market heading. The companys timing is no accident. PetroChina reported first-half 2025 profit of US$11.75 billion, down 5.4% year-on-year as weaker crude prices and slumping gasoline and diesel demand ate into earnings. The average realized crude price fell 14.5% to $66.21 per barrel, while refining revenues dropped 12.8%. Gas, however, was the bright spot: the segment booked 18.6 billion in earnings, stronger than last year and a rare area of growth. By snapping up CNPCs Xinjiang, Xiangguosi, and Liaohe gas storage sites, PetroChina is bulking up capacity and tightening control of the full gas chain at a moment when Beijing is leaning hard into the fuel as both a security hedge and a lower-emission bridge. Gas use has been stable even as EVs chew away at road fuel sales, and CNPC expects demand to accelerate through the second half of the decade. The broader context matters. Chinas oil consumption is flattening: gasoline and diesel are capped by EV penetration and LNG-fueled heavy trucks. Petrochemicals still grow, which is why PetroChina just greenlit a $9.6 billion Dalian refinery revamp geared toward plastics and chemicals rather than bulk fuels. Gas, though, is the strategic hedgesecuring winter heating, balancing renewables, and supplying power-hungry sectors like AI data centers. Globally, the deal has ripple effects. More Chinese domestic storage capacity reduces short-term import volatility but doesnt eliminate it. Beijing will still buy Russian pipeline gassanctions or notbecause its cheap and available. LNG imports from the U.S. and Qatar will remain in the mix, though Washingtons tariffs and Trumps trade brinkmanship could make those flows more political. For PetroChina, the move is about shoring up its balance in a market where crude revenues are slipping and refining margins are thin. Storage gives it flexibilitymore room to smooth seasonal swings, more leverage in negotiations, and a bigger role in meeting Beijings call for energy security. Gas may not deliver the fat margins of the oil boom years, but right now its the part of the business with the clearest growth story. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russias fuel oil shipments went mostly to Saudi Arabia and India in July as Asia and the Middle East remain the key outlets for Moscows fuel oil and vacuum gasoil (VGO) amid import bans and embargoes in the West. Russias oil products have been banned in the EU and other Western countries since 2023, so Moscow has redirected most of the shipments to Asia and the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, which runs fuel oil in power plants to meet soaring air-conditioning demand in the desert summer, and India, whose refiners run fuel oil as a cheap alternative of Russia Urals grade, were the largest buyers of fuel oil from Russia last month, Reuters reported on Tuesday, quoting LSEG data and trade sources. Fuel oil shipments from Russia to Saudi Arabia were around 1.1 million metric tons last month, essentially flat compared to June, according to LSEG data cited by Reuters. Saudi Arabia has established itself as the top importer of Russian fuel oil as it prefers to use low-cost petroleum products in power plants, which leaves more of its own crude for exports. India, for its part, saw last month a jump in fuel oil shipments from Russia. Departures of fuel oil and VGO cargoes from Russian posts with destination in India jumped to about 600,000 tons, up by 65% compared to June, per the LSEG data. Indian refiners use fuel oil and vacuum gasoil as alternatives for feedstock at refineries. The spike in July shipments from Russia could be partially due to the narrowed discount of Urals to Brent last month. The price gap that once made Russian Urals crude a go-to for Indian refiners was falling for most of July, with traders saying the discount on Urals oil for August delivery to India had narrowed to just $1.70$2.00 per barrel below dated Brentthe tightest spread since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The World Food Programme warned Tuesday that the aid Israel is allowing to enter Gaza remains a "drop in the ocean", days after famine was formally declared in the war-torn Palestinian territory. The United Nations declared a famine in Gaza on Friday, blaming the "systematic obstruction" of aid by Israel during its nearly two-year war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Carl Skau, WFP's chief operating officer, said that over the past two weeks, there has been a "slight uptick" in aid entering, averaging around 100 trucks per day. "That's still a drop in the ocean when we're talking about assisting some 2.1 million people," Skau told AFP during a visit to New Delhi. "We need a completely different level of assistance to be able to turn this trajectory of famine around." The Rome-based Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Initiative (IPC) said famine was affecting 500,000 people in Gaza. It defines famine as when 20 percent of households face extreme food shortages, more than 30 percent of children under five are acutely malnourished, and there is an excess mortality threshold of at least two in 10,000 people a day. Skau painted a grim picture of Gaza. "The levels of desperation are so high that people keep grabbing the food off our trucks," the former Swedish diplomat said. "And when we're not able to do proper orderly distributions, we're not sure that we're reaching the most vulnerable -- the women and the children furthest out in the camps," he said. "And they're the ones we really need to reach now, if we want to avoid a full-scale catastrophe." But Skau also warned that Gaza was only one of many global crises, with multiple famine zones emerging simultaneously as donor funding collapses. Some 320 million people globally are now acutely food insecure -- nearly triple the figure from five years ago. At the same time, WFP funding has dropped by 40 percent compared with last year. "Right now, we're seeing a number of crises that, at any other time in history, would have gotten the headlines and been the top issue discussed," he said. That includes Sudan, where 25 million people are "acutely food insecure", including 10 million in what Skau called "the starvation phase". "It's the largest hunger and humanitarian crisis that we probably have seen in decades -- since the end of the 1980s with the Ethiopia famine," he said. "We have 10 spots in Sudan where famine has been confirmed. It's a disaster of unimaginable magnitude." He detailed how a UN aid convoy in June tried to break the siege by paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of Sudan's city of El-Fasher in Darfur, only for the truck convoy to be hit by a deadly drone attack. Neighbouring South Sudan is also struggling, he said, suggesting "there might well be a third confirmation of a famine". "That will be unprecedented", he said, citing "extremely expensive" operations in the young nation's Upper Nile state, where, with few roads, aid must be delivered by helicopters or airdrops. "This is maybe the number one crisis where you have on one hand staggering needs and, frankly, no resources available", he said. At the same time, traditional donors have cut aid. US President Donald Trump slashed foreign aid after taking office, dealing a heavy blow to humanitarian operations worldwide. "We are in a funding crunch, and the challenge here is that the needs keep going up", Skau said. While conflict is the "main driver" of rising hunger levels, other causes include "extreme weather events due to climate change" and the economic shock of trade wars. "Our worry is that we are now cutting from the hungry to give to the starving," he said. Skau said the organisation was actively seeking new donors. "We're engaging countries like India, Indonesia, Brazil, and others, beyond the more traditional donors, to see how they can also assist". Crude oil trade has started to see the effect of a recent ban by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on cargoes originating from Sudan, after the two countries severed ties earlier this year. In May this year, Sudan severed ties with the UAE, having repeatedly accused it of backing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group which took up arms against the Sudanese army in the latest conflict in Sudan that erupted in April 2023. Sudan accused the Gulf state and key OPEC oil producer of ongoing aggression in the civil war in the country. The UAE has rejected the accusations. After the diplomatic ties were cut, the UAE earlier this month imposed a maritime trade embargo on vessels coming from Sudans key Port Sudan on the Red Sea. The UAEs Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure earlier in August quietly issued a directive banning maritime interactions with Port Sudan to protect the strategic interest of the UAE, MEES news outlet reported last week, citing the directive it has seen. The UAE has effectively banned all its ports from exporting or importing cargo to and from Port Sudan, including oil cargoes. As a result of the ban, oil tankers now need to change destinations. For example, at least one vessel carrying crude oil has been unable to call at the key UAE oil port of Fujairah, after departing from Sudan, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing shipping agreements and tanker-tracking data. The Suezmax ship, the Pola, is carrying a cargo of the Dar Blend crude of South SudanSudans landlocked neighbor which uses a pipeline through Sudan and Port Sudan to export its oil. The tanker, which was last anchored off Oman, about 62 miles from the UAEs Fujairah, could now move toward the Singapore Strait and seek to offload there, traders familiar with the market told Bloomberg. Dar Blend cargoes are being mostly shipped to Fujairah, Malaysia, and Singapore, and cutting off Fujairah would alter part of the trade flows between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Senior U.S. and Russian officials discussed bilateral energy deals on the sidelines of the talks on reaching a peace agreement in Ukraine earlier in August, sources with knowledge of the negotiations told Reuters on Tuesday. According to some of these sources, the potential energy agreements between the U.S. and Russia were proposed as an incentive for Putin to agree to a peace in Ukraine and a path forward for the United States to ease sanctions on Moscow. The potential deals were discussed during the visit of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow in early August, when he met with Vladimir Putin ahead of the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska on August 15. The potential deals that were discussed, including briefly at the Alaska summit, included ExxonMobil returning to the Sakhalin-1 oil and gas development project, which the U.S. supermajor quit after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the anonymous sources told Reuters. The U.S. and Russian officials also discussed Russia potentially buying U.S. equipment for its LNG projects, including the heavily sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project thats struggling to take off and find buyers. To coincide with the Trump-Putin meeting, the Russian President amended his decree from 2022 giving full Russian ownership to Sakhlain-1, and opened the door to a return of foreign companies to the oil and gas project. However, since the Alaska summit, no breakthrough in the peace talks has been achieved, much to the frustration of President Trump, who threatens o-and-off severe consequences and new sanctions against Russia if Putin continues to reject peace talks. A much-hyped Putin-Zelenskyy meeting is not happening anytime soon, analysts say. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov doesnt see such a meeting as possible in the immediate future, either. Putin is ready to meet with Zelenskyy, when the agenda would be ready for a summit, Lavrov told NBC News Meet the Press program that aired Sunday. And this agenda is not ready at all, Lavrov said. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The article also highlights India's recommendation for a phased three-year import tariff on select steel products from China, and mentions other countries like Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam also targeting Chinese steel imports. Canada defends its measures by citing global steel overproduction and existing U.S. tariffs, while experts suggest China's WTO appeal aims to deter other Western economies from implementing similar restrictions. China has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against Canada's 25% surtax and tariff rate quotas on steel imports, arguing they are discriminatory and violate WTO rules. Via Metal Miner Chinas decision to file a complaint in the World Trade Organization against Canadian tariffs and the steel tariff rate quota has re-focused the spotlight on what many have dubbed an already-strained trade relationship between the two countries. A few years ago, both nations resorted to tit-for-tat measures, including tariffs on everything from canola to electric vehicles. As it has with other countries, China has accused Canada of discriminatory trade practices. The move by Chinas Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), thus marks another chapter in a long history of China-Canada trade tensions. To stay up to date on the World Trade Organization situation with Canada and other important, global metal price drivers, opt into MetalMiners weekly newsletter. Chinas Appeal to the World Trade Organization Since last year, Canada has mirrored U.S. trade protectionist measures against China, prompting repeated objections from Beijing. In fact, this latest lawsuit adds to a growing list of World Trade Organization disputes involving Chinese steel exports. MOFCOM has charged that Canada is in violation of WTO rules, having imposed discriminatory tariffs and steel tariff rate quotas. This assertion references a 25% surtax that now applies to imports containing steel melted and poured in China, excluding U.S. imports. According to reports, China has dubbed these measures unilateral and protectionist, claiming they disrupt global supply chains and infringe on its trade rights. The new rules took effect on August 1, and target imports that exceed quota limits. Now the decision must face the scrutiny of the World Trade Organization. A report by news agency Reuters said Chinas argument is that Canadas restrictions would eventually disrupt the global steel supply chain. If upheld, the complaint could deter other countries from adopting similar origin-based tariffs. Beijing claims this could also influence how nations define melted and poured origin rules, which are increasingly used to trace and restrict imports. Canada Cites Overproduction and Tariffs in Response Meanwhile, Canadas Department of Finance has countered Chinas claims. That organization points to global steel overproduction and U.S. tariffs as reasons for tightening quotas and expanding surtaxes. Some experts say that by filing the complaint, China is trying to send a message to other Western economies considering similar restrictions that they should expect legal retaliation. It also puts China in the lead place as a nation that defends the multilateral trading system, despite the criticism surrounding many of its trade practices. The World Trade Organization complaint initiates a formal dispute resolution process, which could potentially lead to consultations and a panel ruling if unresolved. Many sector experts feel the move may allow Canada to justify these measures under international trade law. Some say it could also put the WTOs dispute resolution mechanism in the spotlight at a time when its authority has been questioned on a global level. China Has More Coming Canada is not the only tariff-related problem facing China. A recent report revealed that India has recommended a phased three-year import tariff on select steel products to curb surging shipments from China and protect its domestic industry. According to Reuters, Indias Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) issued the proposal following a sharp rise in steel imports that it says threatens serious injury to Indian producers. If the Indian government proceeds with the proposal, the import duty will initially be 12%. From there, it will be reduced to 11.5% in the second year, and further eased to 11% in the final year. The DGTR cited a recent, sudden, sharp and significant increase in imports from China as the impetus for the proposal. However, the recommendation also builds on the temporary 12% safeguard duty introduced in April, which was applied for 200 days in response to an earlier surge in steel imports. This latest move formalizes the push for sustained protective measures over a three-year period. Other Countries Take Aim at Chinese Trade Practices Global steel oversupply, exacerbated by 50% U.S. tariffs and similar measures elsewhere, has left manufacturers with excess inventory, prompting aggressive export strategies. That said, the DGTR emphasized that the proposed safeguard duty is not only a response to current injury but also a preventive measure against future threats to the domestic steel sector. This supports the idea that Chinas long-held steel policy of exporting most of its steel to other countries at cheaper than local market rates is finally facing a concerted challenge from other nations. Recently, Japans steel lobby also called for stronger anti-dumping enforcement. Countries like South Korea and Vietnam have already imposed levies on Chinese steel, following the precedent set by former U.S. President Donald Trump. By Sohrab Darabshaw More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Intervention by Sri Lanka at the Sixth Meeting of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), 11-22 August 2025, in Geneva Measures on International Cooperation and Assistance (ICA), 12 August 2025 Mr Chair, As this the first time that my delegation is taking the floor, Sri Lanka joins others in expressing sincere gratitude to you, Mr. Chair, for your leadership of this Working Group on strengthening the BWC, one of the cornerstones of the global disarmament architecture. Please be assured of the fullest support and cooperation of Sri Lanka for the success of the deliberations at this session. I also take this opportunity to thank the Friends of Chair groups, members of the ISU for their comprehensive work carried out so far in an inclusive approach. Sri Lanka welcomes the rolling text and recognizes the value of its proposals while being mindful of the related financial implications. Article X of the BWC is crucial for the Convention's implementation because it promotes international cooperation and the peaceful use of biological science. The peaceful use of biological science and technology holds immense potential for human advancement, from disease prevention to food security. With regard to the Section A of the rolling text, we recognize that the promoting bio-security education and capacity building is critical for all States, particularly for developing and least developed countries which are yet to acquire the necessary resources, technologies, equipment, knowledge and capacities to face bio-security risks and global health challenges. Therefore, improving the proposed measures and synchronizing their implementation together with ICA mechanism in a pragmatic way while understanding the specific needs for developing countries and ensuring equal access to developing and least developed countries will be vital in strengthening the Convention and its effective and universal implementation. Towards this end, it is also important to identify complementarities and synergies of the activities by other relevant international and regional organizations with focus on bio-safety and bio-security for necessary collaboration while being mindful of avoiding duplication of the initiatives. We wish to continue our engagement in discussing the relevant sections of the rolling text. Thank you. Measures on Compliance and Verification, 18 August 2025 Mr. Chair My delegation wishes to thank you for presenting the proposed text on Measures on Compliance and Verification under section D of the rolling text. Sri Lanka supports negotiating a legally binding verification mechanism. Absence of a robust verification mechanism, could lead to disparities in national compliance practices and national implementation process. Sri Lanka also emphasizes that the verification mechanism should be applied to all States without any discrimination. Therefore, Sri Lanka underlines the urgency and importance of negotiating a legally binding verification regime. Sri Lanka is annually submitting its Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and values the Transparency and Confidence Building Measures, which could be complementary to the future verification mechanism. However, Sri Lanka emphasizes that the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) should not substitute a robust legally binding verification mechanism under the BWC. Thank you Measures on National Implementation of the Convention, 20 August 2025 Mr. Chair, First of all, my delegation would like to thank you for presenting the proposed measures for national implementation under section E of the rolling text and also to the Friends of Chair for their comprehensive work. Sri Lanka also wishes to thank the ISU for all the efforts in encouraging and facilitating national implementation through workshops for national focal points, training, sponsorships, technical assistance, and creating e-CBM Platform etc. Mr. Chair, National implementation remains a cornerstone of the Convention in its real-world operation across different continents. Biological agents and toxins have no boundaries, and they affect all countries regardless of their capacities to respond. Therefore, Sri Lanka perceives national implementation as a priority, particularly for developing countries which are vulnerable to biological threats, accidents, risks and global health challenges. Translating the BWC commitments into effective domestic laws and regulations in developing and least developed countries directly strengthens their public health systems, and their preparedness to respond to public health emergencies. While noting that the BWC has near-universal adherence and most member states are from the Global South, facilitating developing and least developed countries for robust national implementation warrants more attention and assistance through the work of this Convention according to its mandate. In this direction, my delegation believes that para 32 to 36 should capture the exact obligation under Article IV of the Convention to take necessary measures to prohibit and prevent the development, production, stockpiling, acquisition or retention of the agents, toxins, weapons, equipment as specified in the Article IV. Further it is important to capture the obligation under Article X to correctly reflect the broader aspects of peaceful uses of biological agents and toxins and international cooperation and assistance. My delegation supports the establishment of national focal points in para 33 which is currently in effect and also the providing necessary resources to ISU to support national implementation efforts in para 36. Mr. Chair, National implementation is a primary way that developing countries can uphold their commitments under the BWC. However, the developing and least developed countries are facing significant challenges in national implementation due to limited resources and lack of technical expertise. In the current context, digitalization, collecting data, establishment of efficient laboratory networks, storage of data, linking with different national authorities and establishing legal frameworks are important and remain as challenges to most of the developing states. Therefore, supporting the national implementation of the BWC by the ISU mentioned in para 36 should also capture diversified and concrete methods to assist States while understanding the challenges of the developing countries. Let me also highlight a few ongoing initiatives by Sri Lanka in its national implementation to understand the importance of collaboration between developed and developing countries as well as with the ISU. The National Inventory of Dangerous Pathogens (NIDP) which is a key step of national implementation in Sri Lanka was developed in 2022 with the technical and consultancy support extended by UNODA and the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) of the Netherlands and with financial support of the European Union (EU). Plans are underway to expand the National Inventory of Dangerous Pathogens (NIDP) into laboratories across all sectors and across the island. As part of strengthening the domestic legal framework, the National Policy on Biosafety and Biosecurity has been finalized and awaiting approval by the Cabinet of Ministers. The Disaster Preparedness and Response Unit of the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka has also proposed to establish a National Secretariat for BWC in the future. Mr. Chair, It is obvious that Cooperation and Assistance with the UN and other International Organizations and Member States significantly enhance the process of national implementation of the BWC, particularly in developing countries. Therefore, we encourage strengthening networks and partnerships with developing and least developed countries to realize the objectives of the Convention at regional levels which could ultimately contribute to the universal implementation of the Convention. My delegation also believes that establishment of the International Cooperation and Assistance (ICA) mechanism and Science and Technology (S & T) Review Mechanism are vital to strengthen national implementation efforts under the Convention. Thank you. Measures on Science and Technological development related to the Convention,21 August 2025 Mr. Chair Sri Lanka wishes to share a few general comments on the measures on science and technological development related to the Convention based on the text that you have shared with us today. Sri Lanka supports the fact that the members of the Science and Technology Reporting Committee are serving in their individual capacity and the Committee considers gender and geographical balance. We believe that the Committee should operate in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner in a balanced approach. It is also important to ensure the sustainability of the operation of the Committee. In this direction, necessary flexibility may be required in striking the balance between numbers against balancing several criteria like geographical distribution, gender, level of expertise and qualification etc. Sri Lanka believes that a clear pre-defined selection criteria for experts is required to avoid any conflict of interest and the experts should be free from influence of the nominating government. As my delegation also highlighted before, Sri Lanka is of the view that the voice of the developing countries needs to be heard adequately by the Committee even if these countries are not in a position to nominate experts in the relevant fields. Given the rapid development in science and technology, we perceive the importance of nominating experts from diversified fields in a multidisciplinary approach. Thank you View PDF By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Oregon journalist Andy Ngo reports on a Washington flyer advertising an anarchist bake sale and craft fair to help raise money for Texas rioters. Read Andys post and follow/support him here. Antifa and far-left extremists in Olympia, Wash. are organizing a fundraiser to benefit the 16 terrorism suspects in Texas accused of being part of the conspiracy to shoot up an ICE facility. One officer was shot in the neck in the ambush attack. Their event requires masking. https://t.co/gY0wglh91R Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) August 25, 2025 By U.S. Congressman Cliff Bentz, Congressman Cliff Bentz issued the following statement in response to Governor Tina Koteks recent comments regarding the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) on SNAP and Medicaid: Governor Kotek recently discussed the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). Her comments are misleading and leave out key facts about what this legislation does for Oregon. While the Governor portrays the OBBB as a wholesale attack on children, families, and working people, the reality is far different. Democrats in Oregon have ignored the majority of the provisions in the bill and instead focused on the bills healthcare and nutrition assistance reforms. Here is the truth: this bill protects Medicaid for those it was meant to serve: seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families. The bill DOES NOT touch Medicare. Instead, it slows unchecked spending and begins the process of fixing billion-dollar loopholes in Medicaid that states have exploited for years. And like the Medicaid provisions, the reforms to SNAP (Food Stamps) are not aimed at cutting coverage but instead focus on state and individual accountability. For example, Oregon is currently the only state in the nation that provides most adult Medicaid recipients with more than two years of continuous eligibility. As a result, even when people get jobs with access to employer-sponsored insurance or earn far in excess of 130% if the Federal Poverty Level, many stay on Medicaid. Studies have found that Oregon leads the nation in the percentage of people retaining Medicaid coverage. Why pay for insurance if you can get the federal government and state to pay for your coverage? The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently reported that more than 2.8 million Americans are potentially enrolled in both Medicaid and ACA exchange plans at the same time, costing taxpayers billions in duplicate coverage. This needs to change. Starting in 2027, the OBBB will require that states conduct eligibility redeterminations twice annually for ACA expansion enrollees (able-bodied adults), replacing the patchwork of state schedules with a clear six-month standard. State programs will be able to automate verifications using federal data, such as Social Security numbers and death records, eliminating repetitive paperwork and catching cases of fraud. The bill invests $250 million in system upgrades to support these changes. Taken together, these reforms reduce administrative layers, speed benefit processing, and give states the resources they need for efficient, accountable implementation. The bill takes long-overdue steps to restore integrity to the SNAP (Food Stamp) program. In 2024, Oregon once again had one of the worst SNAP error rates in the nation, with an error rate of 14.06%. Oregons performance was so bad that the state was fined millions of dollars by the federal government, but just a fraction of the actual amount the state had lost. SNAP error rates are a misuse of taxpayer funds because they pay out benefits incorrectly, wasting money that should go only to eligible recipients. The only way to get a states attention is to levy a penalty when the state fails to do its job. Under this bill, states with error rates above 5% will be required to contribute up to 20% of the cost of the SNAP state benefit unless corrective action is taken. States that stay below a 5% error rate will not be penalized. The Governor failed to mention literally dozens of provisions in the bill beneficial to Oregonians, including: $10 billion in tax cuts for our farmers and ranchers, disaster relief funding, stronger crop insurance, and higher wheat reference prices. She failed to mention the extensions of the 2017 Trump tax cuts, which prevented a 22% tax hike on millions of families, and new deductions for tips, overtime pay, Social Security benefits, and U.S.-made vehicles. She failed to mention that increasing timber harvest on federal lands as provided in the bill will create jobs and reduces wildfire risk. She failed to mention the 12.5 billion invested in improving our air traffic control systems. She failed to mention the increase in the child tax credit or the childcare tax benefits to employers. She failed to mention the added funding for the military, the funding for completion of the border wall, the funding for the addition of thousands more border patrol agents guarding the border against fentanyl and other drugs. She failed to mention opportunity zones, deductibility of investments in manufacturing, and increased support for energy development. Overall, the Governors remarks failed to account for economic growth, higher wages, and reduced waste that these reforms will bring. The Governors failures to mention any of these things, even though they mean so much to Oregonians, may be due to the fact that not one Democrat Congressman/woman from Oregon, including our Senators and all five of Oregons Democrat congresswomen, voted for this bill. Silence on these important matters is one thing- but pushing out misleading and fear generating statements regarding the Bill is quite another. I do hope that the voters in Oregon will take the time to look at summaries of the OBBB and draw their own conclusions as to its value to them and to our nation. 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: Melissa Kennedy In July 2025, after a decade of litigation, the native title rights of Ngintait, Nyeri Nyeri and Latji Latji peoples were recognized in Victoria's north-westwhich included billabongs and wetlands connected to the Murray River. The Federal Court found that their connection to and responsibility for their ancestral lands and waters remains strong, "despite the devastating effects of European colonization, including killings, dispossession and systematic removal from Country and family." It's a consent determination that represents a defining moment in Australian native title law in its application in Victoria, as it includes exclusive rights over some parcels of land. Unlike previous Victorian determinations that recognized only non-exclusive native title, with shared access rights, this ruling gives Traditional Owners more power to say who can and cannot enter specific areas on their Country. Exclusive possession native title is the right to possession, occupation, use and enjoyment of the relevant determination area to the exclusion of all others. It is the strongest form of native title that can be recognized. To date, the vast majority of exclusive possession native title (more than 90%) is found in Western Australia. Land rights don't bring water rights But here's the catch. While Traditional Owners now control the land, Australia's legal system treats water as a commodity separate to land. This colonial-era division means that, despite holding exclusive rights to parts of Countryexclusive rights to land does not include exclusive rights to water. State and territory water laws vest the right to control the flow and use of water in the Crown (the settler colonial government). In 2002, the High Court declared that this provision in state water laws meant that exclusive native title rights to water were extinguished. And this decision continues to perpetuate colonial water theftknown as aqua nulliuswhich has resulted in Traditional Owners holding less than 0.2% of water rights in Victoria. The water that has sustained their cultures for millennia remains locked behind colonial-era regulations. And as climate change intensifies pressure on Australia's water systems, questions about who controls this precious resource become increasingly urgent. 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. Pathways to water acquisition and use The water in the Murray-Darling Basin is considered "fully allocated," which means that any water made available to Traditional Owners must come from water savings or water purchase. Needless to say, both are extremely expensive. The federal government has committed $AU100 million to acquire water for Traditional Owners through the water market in the Murray-Darling Basin, but even this sum represents only 0.3% of the total value of entitlements in the southern Basin alone. The Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program has now commenced water purchases, but it's a very slow processand meanwhile, water prices continue to rise. Native title and other agreements in Victoria typically enable the use of water for personal, domestic and non-commercial communal uses only. Once Traditional Owners have access to water rights, they must still apply for state government permits to use water for economic development. One of the confounding factors here is land tenure, as there may be a mix of public and private land managers who must agree to enable cultural flows. However, in this case, once water rights are available, the exclusive rights to land now held by Ngintait, Nyeri Nyeri and Latji Latji peoples will make it easier to use water for cultural purposes, including economic development. The First Peoples of Millewa Mallee Corporation, on behalf of Ngintait, Nyeri Nyeri and Latji Latji, has already developed water-related business cases, and this determination should make it easier to bring these ideas to life. Native title can't fix aqua nulliusso governments need to For Traditional Owners in Victoria, this determination represents both a triumph and a frustration. The Millewa-Mallee determination may open the door to a new era of Indigenous land rights, but true water sovereignty remains frustratingly out of reach. The fundamental separation of land and water rights embedded in Australian law will need to be reconsidered if Indigenous water justice is to become reality. The Victorian settler state government must fully embrace the recommendations of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, including a meaningful recognition of water sovereignty that can genuinely address the theft of aqua nullius (recommendation 37) and removing barriers and supporting access to water for cultural economies (recommendation 38). Water is a vital living part of Country and we all need water laws that acknowledge and address the problems created by aqua nullius. This article was first published on Pursuit. Read the original article here. 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: Contaminated sewage water enters the ocean from submarine groundwater discharge. More than 1,000 discharge sites have been mapped along the west Hawai'i coastline alone. Credit: ASU Global Airborne Observatory A new Arizona State University study reveals the extent to which sewage pollution threatens the fragile coral reef ecosystems of west Hawaii Island. The study identifies exactly where sewage-contaminated water is entering the ocean, further damaging coral reefs already impacted by climate change and endangering human health. Researchers with the ASU Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science used advanced airborne mapping techniques aboard the ASU Global Airborne Observatory, along with comprehensive field sampling and sophisticated statistical models, to pinpoint locations where high levels of fecal bacteria associated with populated coastal areas are driving worsening contamination. The study, published today in Frontiers in Marine Science, provides the data needed by government officials and local communities to mitigate this threat and protect the health and biodiversity of coastal ecosystems. "Its concerning how many sites we tested were contaminated, but not surprising when we consider statewide, 55 million gallons of wastewater effluent enters the ground each daymuch of that within a few hundred yards of the coast," said Kelly Hondula, the study's first author and an associate research scientist with the Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science in the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory. ASU research scientist Kelly Hondula gathers water samples from submarine groundwater discharge sites along west Hawaii Island. In 42% of sampled sites, the team found elevated levels of a key fecal indicator bacteria, which identifies sewage contamination. Of these sites, 23% exceeded health risk thresholds, which means the water poses a direct threat to human health and the environment. Credit: Greg Asner "The results are clear. The high number of cesspools and faulty wastewater systems, and the amount of land development along the coast, are highly predictive of whether the water is contaminated," she said. Much of the contaminated water entering the ocean comes from submarine groundwater dischargebasically, groundwater that flows directly into the ocean from the land instead of through rivers or streams. The water seeps through sediment and porous rocks along coastlines, bringing with it contaminants from tens of thousands of cesspools, leaking septic systems, and overbuilt coastal urban areas. According to the state of Hawaiis Department of Health, there are more than 88,000 cesspools in the state, with approximately 55,000 on the Big Island alone. Tens of thousands of cesspools and other leaking wastewater systems pose a risk to local water resources and coral ecosystems. More than 1,000 discharge sites along the west Hawaii coastline were mapped in 2024. Fixing the problem requires converting outdated wastewater systems to more advanced wastewater treatment units. However, pinpointing specific locations to prioritize for mitigation has been a challenge for officials, especially in the context of submarine groundwater discharge that moves contaminants into the coral reef system. Understanding more precisely where this discharge occurs, and how contaminated it is, is difficult to study. The research team collected water samples from 47 sites along 120 miles of the west Hawaii coastline from finely mapped locations of submarine groundwater discharge. Then they used landscape-scale statistical models to identify areas susceptible to contamination through the coastal groundwater-connected system. Highlights from the study show that contaminated submarine groundwater discharge varies but is influenced by even small increases in infrastructure near the coastlines. Here, the reef can be seen alongside a Puako neighborhood. Credit: ASU Global Airborne Observatory 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. Key findings In 42% of the 47 sampled sites, the team found elevated levels of Enterococcus, a key fecal indicator bacteria that identifies sewage contamination. Of these sites, 23% exceeded health risk thresholds, which means the water poses a direct threat to human health as well as to the environment. The researchers also found two clearly linked factors causing the contamination: the presence of inland on-site sewage systems (mostly cesspools and septic systems) and the prevalence of high-density land cover near the coastlineparticularly coastal urban development. Additionally, the study confirms that submarine groundwater discharge acts as a major conduit that delivers sewage-contaminated groundwater directly onto some of west Hawaii's most vulnerable coral reefs. Highlights from the study show that contaminated submarine groundwater discharge varies but is influenced by even small increases in infrastructure near the coastlines. ASU researchers found two clearly linked factors causing ocean contamination: the presence of inland on-site sewage systems and the prevalence of high-density land cover near the coastlineparticularly coastal urban development. Submarine groundwater discharge acts as a major conduit that delivers sewage-contaminated groundwater directly onto some of west Hawai'i's most vulnerable coral reefs. Here, coral reef at Puako are seen in declining health. Credit: Greg Asner In the southern portion of the study area, a region called South Kona is especially vulnerable to water contamination because of increased coastal development and because it has a porous, volcanic land base that allows sewage to travel quickly through the underground natural water system. The South Kona area is a critical environmental area for both coral and fish populations. The good news "This study provides crucial insight into the impacts of development on our coastal ecosystems that will help us prioritize upgrades to our wastewater infrastructure," said Kimo Alameda, mayor of the county of Hawaii. "We are grateful to the ASU research team for their commitment to this important work. Their findings will play an important role in helping us protect our coral reefs for future generations." The team's landscape-scale statistical model can predict the likelihood of sewage and bacterial contamination for each submarine groundwater discharge site mapped along the west Hawaii coastline. The model, which considers upstream land cover and known sewage sites, can help inform state policymakers and decisionmakers, and guide restoration. ASU researchers use advanced mapping techniques, along with field sampling and sophisticated statistical models, to pinpoint locations where high levels of fecal bacteria are driving ocean contamination. Credit: ASU Global Airborne Observatory "The findings not only provide tactical information for government- and community-based interventions on land, they indicate where interventions are most needed as part of our reef restoration program here in Hawaii," said Greg Asner, senior author of the study, professor in the ASU School of Ocean Futures and director of the Akoakoa Reef Restoration Program. "Restoration is not just about planting corals, it involves a spectrum of land management, reef interventions and education effort." The research team encourages a multifaceted approach to mitigating sewage pollution, including continuing to replace cesspools and septic tanks with newer, more effective wastewater treatment systems, targeting restoration in the areas most likely to protect coral reefs and human health, and implementing new, advanced green infrastructure to reduce the impact of coastal development on groundwater quality. More information: Kelly L. Hondula et al, Variability in contamination of submarine groundwater discharge into West Hawai'i coral reefs, Frontiers in Marine Science (2025). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2025.1634234 Journal information: Frontiers in Marine 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: The ruler tramples a man (lying). The two round circular areas behind this are not balls, but rather decapitated heads. Credit: Johann Thiele Today a desertas far as the eye can see. However, anyone looking more closely will discover hundreds of images carved into the rock. This ancient Egyptian graffiti attests to the fact that a new claim to sovereignty emerged here on the periphery over 5,000 years ago. One of these kings was known as Scorpion. He demonstrated his power with portrayals of himself as a divine ruler and with brutal depictions of violence. Together with Mohamed Abdelhay Abu Bakr, Egyptologist Prof. Dr. Ludwig Morenz from the University of Bonn has now published in his book the latest findings concerning the visualization of claims to sovereignty in pre-Pharaonic Egypt. The landscape in the desert around Wadi el Malik to the east of Aswan has so far been the subject of little archaeological research. There are hundreds of images here and some particularly early hieroglyphs, which originate from the time before the dynasties from the late fourth millennium BC were formed. "The Egyptian state emerged during this period," says Egyptologist Prof. Dr. Ludwig Morenz from the University of Bonn. "This was the world's first territorial state." It has been known for some time that the north-south extension of Egypt at that time was already around 800 kilometers. One of the rulers over 5,000 years ago bore the name Scorpion. Little is known about him. His name is written alongside three other hieroglyphs in a rock inscription from a side wadi of the Wadi Abu Subeira to the east of Aswan: "Domain of the Horus King Scorpion." A circular hieroglyph indicates that it is a place name. Morenz interpreted the inscription as the "world's oldest known place name sign" several years ago. This news caused a sensation and was considered newsworthy by many media outlets. Alongside Mohamed Abdelhay Abu Bakr, he is now presenting his latest findings relating to this rocky landscape with its millennia-old inscriptions in his new book, "Culture and Power in Pre-Pharaonic Egypt, Visualizing Claims to Sovereignty in the Socio-Cultural Periphery of Wadi el Malik and Wadi Na'am during the Fourth Millennium." The ruler tramples a man (lying). The two round circular areas behind this are not balls, but rather decapitated heads. Credit: Johann Thiele Royal rock art tableau Scorpion was not the first ruler and is not the only person marked on the rock. Morenz speaks of a "royal rock art tableau," as several rulers who reigned one after the other are linked here with their names and the image of a distinctive animal in a kind of matrix. Alongside Scorpion, the Protodynastic kings depicted also include King "Bull," who reigned before him. The royal line begins with King Horus-Falcon. "Most early ruler names refer to dangerous animals that embody authority," says the Egyptologist. Even before these rulers, it was "Scolopendra," named after the venomous, and thus dangerous, centipede. This ruler's name was discovered by Morenz. Over 5,000 years ago, the region was a transit area for expeditions, contained mineral resources, and was also a sought-after hunting ground in those wetter times. "It is actually all about a grandiose presentation of the claim to sovereignty," says Morenz, referring to the abundant rock carvings in this region. Wadi el Malik lay in the socio-cultural periphery of the Nile Valley and was evidently claimed as the domain for the still very new territorial state at that time. The rulers were not simply "gods," but instead portrayed themselves as earthly representatives with a connection to the main gods. In the case of Scorpion, Bat and Min were the central divine couple in the Nile Valley in the second half of the 4th millennium. Bat was understood to be a celestial cowdepicted as a cow's head with starsand Min a man. Morenz says, "They formed a divine couple, with Bat associated with the fertile land along the Nile and Min with the peripheral regions as a kind of hunting god." The inscription of King "Bull" is on the top, the one with the placename in front. Credit: Photo: Ludwig Morenz 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. 'Pharaoh-fashioning' as a divine portrayal The Egyptologist refers to this as "pharaoh-fashioning," by which he means the visualization of distinct rulership. "The territorial state was still brand new at that time. As a result, ways to present such an unusual claim to sovereignty in images and text had to be found," he says. Depicting victory over enemies was central to the ideology of sovereignty. Dominance was visualized within the rock art in scenes of violenceusing the striking pattern of depicting oneself in stone as invincible while showing one's enemies as small, subjugated figures. "The most extreme scene is the one showing the ruler trampling an enemy, with two decapitated heads visible in the background," says the Egyptologist, indicating an image that he has recently discovered and interpreted. The 'boat of the gods' carved into the rock also relates more specifically to religion. This is an extensive depiction of a boat hauled by 25 men. According to the researcher, the boat represents sacred processions that established the link between regions, specifically the Nile Valley and the desert wadi in this case. Combined with the motif of defeating enemies. Credit: Johann Thiele/ Matthias Lang edited with GigaMesh New digital methods The researchers used new digital technologies that analyze numerous photographs taken from various angles with a high level of computing power to reveal contours of the rock carvings that cannot be seen on site. The Egyptologist from the University of Bonn believes that research in this region is still in its infancy. "This is an important region when it comes to our understanding of the emergence of the state at the socio-cultural periphery in the late fourth millennium," says Morenz. "We generally know much less about this than about the cultural centers." The researcher is hoping for a large-scale project aiming at further archaeological research within this region. When it comes to rock carvings, it is not only about the depictions themselves but also, as in an overall work of art, about their positioning in the surrounding landscape. "I consider this so important that this hot spot should also be made accessible to interested parties with tours and a visitor center," says Morenz. More information: Mohamed Abdelhay Abu Bakr, Culture and Power in Pre-Pharaonic Egypt, Visualizing Claims to Sovereignty in the Socio-Cultural Periphery of Wadi el Malik and Wadi Na'am during the Fourth Millennium 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: We now not only have the community of nodes represented by red, blue and yellow clusters with conventional community detection, but we also can detect a second type of community represented by the directional arrows green, orange and purple. Credit: EPFL As summer winds down, many of us in continental Europe are heading back north. The long return journeys from the beaches of southern France, Spain, and Italy once again clog alpine tunnels and Mediterranean coastal routes during the infamous Black Saturday bottlenecks. This annual migration, like many systems in our world, forms a networknot just of connections, but of communities shaped by shared patterns of origin and destination. This is where network scienceand in particular, community detectioncomes in. For decades, researchers have developed powerful tools to uncover communities in networks: clusters of tightly interconnected nodes. But these tools work best for undirected networks, where connections are mutual. Graphically, the node maps may look familiar. These clusters can mean that a group of people are all friends on Facebook, follow different sport accounts on X, or all live in the same city. Using a standard modularity algorithm, we can then find connections between different communities and begin to draw useful conclusions. Perhaps users in the fly-fishing community also show up as followers of nonalcoholic beer enthusiasts in Geneva. This type of information extraction, impossible without community analysis, is a layer of meaning that can be leveraged to sell beer or even nefariously influence elections. When it comes to directed networkswhere influence, information, or traffic flows from one point to anotherthe concept of a "community" becomes much harder to define. Existing methods often ignore direction or use it inconsistently. A new work out of EPFL and University of Geneva redefines what a community means in a directed graphcapturing both who belongs together and how information flows between them. Enter bimodularity. By using a clever mathematical maneuver, researchers at Dimitri Van De Ville's Laboratory of Medical Image Processing and Analysis have broken the code. In one elegant, algorithmic sweep, they have added the ever-elusive directionality to network analysis. In other words, they could now detect not only which cities empty out in summer, but where these communities tend to go to find a beach and parasol. "With bimodularity, we can finally distinguish senders from receivers in a network. That means finer-grained detail in how communities interactwho's sending, and who's receiving," says Van de Ville. And when we can detect who is sending and receiving, we can discover where someone is goingor who is following and who is being followed. The work is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers at EPFL and the University of Geneva have developed a new algorithm that cracks an outstanding challenge in network science: dealing with directionality to detect communities. From neuroscience to social media and traffic patterns, this breakthrough reveals not just who's connectedbut who's leading the pack. Credit: EPFL Bimodularity allows for bicommunity detection "What truly sets this method apart is how it identifies communitiesnot by clustering nodes, as is typically done, but by clustering edges," says Van de Ville. In other words, instead of asking which individuals belong together, the algorithm asks which interactions behave similarly in terms of directionality. This edge-based approach allows the researchers to reveal pairs of communities: one that sends information and one that receives ita new organizational structure they call bicommunities. We now not only have the community of nodes represented by red, blue and yellow clusters with conventional community detection, but we can also detect a second type of community represented by the directional arrows green, orange and purple. This is an important new layer of information, for we can now know who is connected in each community as well as if they are equally part of another community of senders or receivers, influencers or followers, commuters or vacationers. And while this new discovery has not arrived in time to save us this year from the summer traffic jams, the researchers are optimistic about its imminent implementation in network analysis for a wide swath of applications. To test the theory, they applied it to a well-known data set of neuronal activity that comes from the roundworm C. elegans. The new algorithm not only organized the neural network in a way that perfectly lines up with the anatomical data, but it also even revealed certain new groupings of neurons that shed light on functionality within the nervous system. "What's exciting is that bimodularity doesn't just confirm the known flow from sensory input to motionit also reveals the intermediate steps in between, like sensory to processing and processing to motion. These could point to causal pathways, which opens up new possibilities for interpreting how information moves through the nervous system. It could, for example, help us understand how brain plasticity reorganizes the network to restore function after a stroke," says first author and Ph.D. student Alexandre Cionca. More information: Alexandre Cionca et al, Community detection for directed networks revisited using bimodularity, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2500571122 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Dr Jake Robinson, from the Restoration Genomics and Biodiversity-Health Connections research group at Flinders. Credit: Flinders University Flinders University experts are exploring evidence that microbes in the soil and the environments around us can affect human microbiota and the "gut-brain axis," potentially shaping emotional states and relationship dynamicsincluding aspects of romantic love. College of Science and Engineering biology researchers Dr. Jake Robinson, Ondi Crino and Associate Professor Martin Breed, with UK neuroscientist Araceli Camargo, outline the idea in a review article in mSystems proposing how the human gut microbiome might influence hormonal pathways involved in emotions commonly associated with love. "We're not claiming microbes 'cause' love," says Dr. Robinson. "Our aim is to map plausible biological routes, grounded in microbiology and endocrinology, that researchers can now evaluate with rigorous human studies." The mini-review, "Does a microbial-endocrine interplay shape love-associated emotions in humans? A hypothesis," synthesizes evidence that microbes can modulate hormones and key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. "We are exploring how the evolutionary underpinnings of microbial-endocrine interactions could provide important insights into how microbes influence emotions beyond love, including hate and aggression. "If these pathways are confirmed, the findings could open avenues for microbiome-informed strategies to support mental health and relational well-being. For now, it provides a roadmap for careful, hypothesis-driven science." As part of his research, Dr. Robinson and colleagues are also mapping the complex web of interactions between biological, environmental and social systemsfocusing on the potentially powerful role of soils in this network. Credit: Flinders University "As well as emitting important chemical and microbial signals, healthy soils support vegetation that improves air quality, buffer noise and moderate temperature to create immersive environments that affect our nervous, endocrine and immune system," adds Associate Professor Breed. "Conversely, soil degradation can increase unhealthy airborne particulates and reduce the richness of the aerobiome, with possible downstream effects on inflammation and mental well-being." Dr. Robinson, the author of nature ecology books "Invisible Friends," "Treewilding" and the new "Nature of Pandemics," (due out in October), is launching a new national initiative to raise awareness of the need for soil health and to change people's perceptions and knowledge of food systems. In their latest study, Dr. Robinson and Associate Professor Breed were involved in an investigation where soil biodiversity in urban greenspaces was measured in 13 cities across China. The study, "Unforeseen high continental-scale soil microbiome homogenization in urban greenspaces," published in Nature Cities, found that cities tend to boost local soil biodiversity but make soils more homogeneous across regions, reducing large-scale diversity and stability. "In all, our research group is calling for cross-sector collaboration in restoration, urban planning and public health to design environments that are not just biodiverse, but biocompatible," says Dr. Robinson. More information: Jake M. Robinson et al, Does a microbial-endocrine interplay shape love-associated emotions in humans? A hypothesis, mSystems (2025). DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00415-25 Xin Sun et al, Unforeseen high continental-scale soil microbiome homogenization in urban greenspaces, Nature Cities (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s44284-025-00294-y Journal information: mSystems , Nature Cities China, Russia eye enhancing parliamentary cooperation 08:21, August 26, 2025 By Zhao Yusha ( Global Times China's top legislator Zhao Leji on Monday called on China's National People's Congress (NPC) and the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to fully leverage cooperation mechanisms and platforms, and continuously enhance exchanges and cooperation, Xinhua reported. Zhao, chairman of China's NPC Standing Committee, made the remarks while hosting the 10th meeting of the China-Russia committee for parliamentary cooperation with Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Russian State Duma, in Beijing. Zhao said under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era has consistently maintained a healthy, stable, and high-level development momentum. It has been proven that China-Russia cooperation features complementary strengths and immense potential, representing a strategic choice made by both sides based on their respective development and revitalization goals, Zhao added. Efforts should be made to expand the content and forms of mechanism exchanges to meet the development needs of China-Russia relations in the new era, Zhao said. He added that the legislative bodies of the two countries should engage in mutual learning of governance experience, legislation and supervision to support the development and revitalization of their respective countries. Volodin said the Russian State Duma is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with China's NPC. Focused on implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, it aims to leverage the mechanism and platform of the Russia-China committee for parliamentary cooperation, making contributions to promoting comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, optimizing the business environment, deepening cultural exchanges, jointly upholding a correct historical perspective on WWII, and safeguarding multilateralism. Volodin's visit, amid US tariff wars, underscored the importance for China and Russia to deepen traditional areas of collaboration and advance pragmatic cooperation to ensure that bilateral economic ties continue to move forward, Yang Jin, an associate research fellow from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Volodin's visit comes days before SCO Summit in Tianjin, and the gathering 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 which is scheduled for September 3. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) 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 map shows nitrogen surplus in Europe, clustered into four categories. Regions in orange (C1) are dominated by nitrogen inputs from animal manure, while blue areas (C2) rely heavily on synthetic fertilizer. Purple regions (C3) reflect a moderate combination of both manure and fertilizer use, and yellow areas (C4) represent more natural landscapes with minimal agricultural inputs. Credit: Masooma Batool / UFZ The high nitrogen pollution in Europe has many negative consequences: nitrogen dioxide and ammonia worsen air quality, nitrogen deposition in soils reduces biodiversity and leads to the eutrophication and acidification of lakes and seas, and nitrate pollute groundwater. But how can the amount of nitrogen in the environment be reduced? Under the "Farm to Fork" (F2F) strategy of the "Green Deal," the EU Commission aims to reduce nutrient losses by 50% by 2030 by requiring EU countries to cut chemical fertilizer use by 20%. As published in Nature Food, a research team from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) has calculated that such a uniform reduction in fertilizer use would not be sufficient. Nitrogen is essential for lifefor plants, animals, humans, and the ecosystem as a whole. But excess nitrogen in the environment becomes a problem. Over-fertilization can lead to a lack of oxygen in lakes, rivers, or seas. This results in the mortality of fish, the loss of species, and a decline in bathing water quality. Sensitive plants that depend on nitrogen-poor soils disappear. Nitrogen oxides from traffic and industry produce ground-level ozone and particulate matter while the use of fertilizer releases nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Excess nitrate from agriculture enters drinking water via the groundwater while nitrogen compounds such as ammonium and nitrate acidify soils and water bodies. Excess nitrogen in the environment is reflected in the soil surplus, which is calculated as the difference between inputs (e.g. fertilizers, animal manure, or atmospheric deposition) and outputs (e.g. plant growth). This nitrogen surplus has increased rapidly in Europe as shown by data first published by a UFZ research team in a study in Scientific Data in 2022. "While the nitrogen surplus was relatively low until the mid-20th century, it increased considerably after the Second World War and reached its peak in the mid-1980s because of the increased use of synthetic fertilizers," says Masooma Batool, UFZ data analyst and lead author of both the current paper and a related study published three years earlier. At the end of the 1980s, the nitrogen surplus decreased noticeably as a result of the EU Nitrates Directive, reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and economic and political changes. There have also been technological advances such as more precise fertilization. However, the nitrogen surplus has remained at a high level since the 2010s. The origin and extent of the nitrogen surplus vary greatly from region to region For the current study, the UFZ researchers analyzed the annual nitrogen surplus in Europe between 1850 and 2019 and clustered it into four categories based on its origin and extent. According to this classification, countries such as the Netherlands and Denmark belong to the "manure" category because high livestock densities lead to dominant manure inputs and a high nitrogen surplus. Central European countries such as Germany and France, where more mineral fertilizer is applied than animal manure, belong to the "synthetic fertilizer" category. Many Eastern European and Mediterranean countries fall into the "Moderate use of manure and synthetic fertilizers" category, while Northern European countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland, where less mineral fertilizer and animal manure are applied than elsewhere, belong to the "Natural landscapes" category. "By delineating these four categories, we can assess how effective the Farm to Fork strategy of the EU is," says Ph.D. student Batool. Centennial evolution of N surplus in Europe. Credit: Nature Food (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43016-025-01210-2 Are the EU targets sufficient to halve the nutrient surplus by 2030? To find out, the researchers developed future scenarios for the four regional categories. Their calculations are based on the nitrogen surpluses for 20152019 and the existing requirements of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN or the Green Deal. 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. According to the calculations, if EU states implemented the F2F strategy with at least a 20% reduction in the use of mineral fertilizers, the nitrogen surplus in soils would be reducednot by half as hoped but rather only by 1016%. In none of the four regional categories is the nitrogen surplus reduced by the desired 50%. According to Dr. Rohini Kumar, co-author and UFZ hydrosystem modeler, "The agricultural regions of Europe differ in terms of land use, the intensity of nitrogen use, and the technologies used. Therefore, according to our calculations, a uniform EU-wide reduction in mineral fertilizers as anchored in the F2F strategy will not lead to the desired result." Even the most ambitious scenario of the FAO, which stipulates an EU-wide reduction of 43% in synthetic fertilizers and 4% in animal manurecombined with modern technologies and management measureswould reduce the nitrogen surplus by only 3045%. "According to our calculations, five countriesSweden, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, and the Czech Republicwould halve their nitrogen surplus in this scenario," says Dr. Andreas Musolff, UFZ hydrogeologist and co-author. On the other hand, countries with a high nitrogen surplus (e.g. Germany and the Netherlands) would be well below the target of 50%. But how could countries like Germany halve the nitrogen surplus? "According to our calculations, German farmers would have to reduce mineral fertilizer use by 20% and manure use by an additional 50% provided that modern technologies and management measures are used," says Batool. If they do not modernize technologies and cultivation, they would have to spread 67% less animal manure. However, this reduction would also entail yield losses17% with modern technologies and management measures and 25% with the current ones. This means that less food and feed would be produced. "With these scenarios, decision-makers can analyze the consequences of the gradual reduction of mineral fertilizer and/or animal manure on the production of food and animal feed if the nitrogen surplus is to be halved," says Kumar. This would enable them to develop strategies for achieving environmental goals and ensuring sufficient agricultural production. More information: Masooma Batool et al, Scenario analysis of nitrogen surplus typologies in Europe shows that a 20% fertilizer reduction may fall short of 2030 EU Green Deal goals, Nature Food (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43016-025-01210-2 Journal information: Nature Food , Scientific Data 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 Hurricane Katrinawhich made landfall in Louisiana in August 2005is among the worst natural disasters to ever hit the United States, devastating communities across the Gulf Coast and forcing more than 1.5 million residents to evacuate their homes. It's well established that the destruction and grief caused by hurricanes and other natural disasters can harm mental health in the short -term. A new analysis co-authored by NYU School of Global Public Health's Jonathan Purtle found that suicides and drug overdoses spiked among local residents right after the Maui wildfires, and other studies have shown an uptick in psychiatric medications prescribed to Californians in the six weeks after nearby wildfires. But what happens after the cameras leave and federal assistance and recovery programs end? And why is it that some people can recover quickly after a disaster, while others struggle for years? These questions are central to research led by Alexis Merdjanoff, the director of the environmental public health program and assistant professor of social and behavioral sciences at NYU School of Global Public Health. As a sociologist, Merdjanoff focuses on the long-term recovery and resilience in populations affected by disasters, from Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Ian to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. "Recovery programming is often focused on the first three to six months after a disaster, but people still need help after that time," says Merdjanoff. "They may not realize what they need until their housing is settled and their kids are back in school. After those more immediate needs are met, they may require a small business loan or mental health services." For the past 15 years, Merdjanoff has been analyzing data from the Gulf Coast Child and Family Health Study, a longitudinal research study led by NYU School of Global Public Health's David Abramson of more than a thousand families in Louisiana and Mississippi who were displaced or experienced major disruptions due to Hurricane Katrina. Now, two decades after the storm, she reflects on what researchers have learned from these residents and how their findings can help communities recover from future disasters. Lessons from lasting aftermaths Studies show that having strong social ties and community support increases resiliency and people's ability to recover after disasters. In contrast, being displaced from one's home can have a range of negative effects, from hurting employment prospects to harming mental health. Using survey data from New Orleans residents, Merdjanoff's research found that housing damage and being a renter (rather than a homeowner) were linked to greater emotional distress. These poor mental health outcomes often persisted for more than a decade after the hurricane; in fact, a delayed onset of PTSD symptoms was common after Hurricane Katrina, which short-term disaster programs fail to address. Many Gulf Coast residents were able to return to their homes after Katrina, with studies showing better mental health outcomes for this group than for those who relocated or were unstably housed. But others never returned, permanently relocating to other areas. In a new study published in Traumatology, Merdjanoff found three factors that came up in conversations with New Orleans residents in determining whether to return to the city or relocate: post-Katrina housing affordability and the cost of living, including increases in insurance and taxes in New Orleans; family ties and social support influencing both relocation and returning to New Orleans; and a strong attachment to New Orleans. 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. Merdjanoff believes we can learn lessons from the long-term impact of Hurricane Katrina and use the research findings to predict future mental health needs following other disasters, like the recent California wildfires and Texas floods. For instance, she argues that mental health services should be available to residents at least a year after a disaster, not just a few months. Moreover, disaster programs can provide targeted mental health support for those displaced from their homes for extended periods. And while recovery programs at the federal level need longer-term models and investments, focusing at the community level is also critically important. This includes leveraging trusted community organizations in the recovery processfor instance by embedding mental health programs in institutions like schools, as was done in New Orleans after Katrina, or providing housing resources and assistance through existing community organizations. "A lot of the work has to be done at the community level, because so much of disaster recovery is about social cohesion," says Merdjanoff. Aging in place when your place is vulnerable While a significant amount of disaster research has focused on families and children, a growing area of research for Merdjanoff is the impact of disasters on older adults. "People like to age in areas that are at risk for hurricanes, heat waves, flooding, and wildfires," she says of the common goal of retiring to beach towns and warm-weather communities across the country. "While some embrace the idea of moving people away from vulnerable areas, if you know anything about older adults, they don't want to leave their homes. If that's the reality we're dealing with, what do older adults need to be able to age in areas that are at risk for frequent climate-related disasters?" To answer this question, Merdjanoff has spent a lot of time talking with older adults in Louisiana in the decades since Hurricane Katrina, in coastal areas of New Jersey and New York affected by Hurricane Sandy, and in the line of Hurricane Ian in Florida. Through interviews, focus groups, and surveys, she listens to their stories and personal experiences with disasters and the challenges they've faced in recovering. Merdjanoff has learned that disasters pose a heightened risk to older adults, and not just because of health challenges or social isolation. Older adults are also particularly at risk of being scammedby predatory contractors, people posing as FEMA officials, or fraudsters stealing identities to collect insurance funds or recovery assistance. While she sees some geographic differencesfor example, older adults in New York City are less lonely than those in other areas, although housing is far less affordableshe also has found shared experiences across disasters and locations. These common challenges and solutions have led Merdjanoff to develop a pilot program to increase disaster resilience among older adults. The program, which she plans to test in New York City, the Jersey shore, and Florida, will partner older adults with young people to work through a series of exercises around disaster preparedness, memory sharing, and identifying and avoiding scams. Along the way, the pairs will build social cohesion and learn from one anotherbecause this is not just about older adults getting help from their younger counterparts. Older adults are often framed as victims during disasters, but they bring valuable experience to difficult situations that may actually increase their resiliency. "Older adults have lived through a lot. They may have lost a spouse or friends, or recovered from illness themselves," says Merdjanoff. "They've experienced enough to put things in perspective. How do we tap into this perspective for others and use older adults as a resource?" While natural disasters are inevitable, their outcomes are not. Merdjanoff hopes that a deeper understanding of their long-term impact on people across the lifespan will help communities to stop making the same mistakes. "It's frustrating to see that the same things that happened in Hurricane Katrina also happened in Sandy and Ian and the recent floods in Texas," says Merdjanoff. "We need to think creatively about what we take from the important lessons of Katrina to make sure people don't suffer the same consequences." More information: Sofia Curdumi Pendley et al, Drivers of return migration and permanent relocation among Hurricane Katrina survivors: A qualitative analysis., Traumatology (2025). DOI: 10.1037/trm0000608 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: Anthropological remains from the burial: overall skeleton (left) and detailed views (right) showing A: sphenoid bone with open foramen ovale, B: left temporal bone with partial fusion of tympanic ring, C: pars basilaris with similar height and width, D: right pubis with undeveloped subpubic ramus and incomplete pubic symphysis development. Credit: Fernandez-Viejo et al. 2025 A recent study by Marta Fernandez-Viejo and her colleagues from the laboratory of Human Evolution of the University of Burgos and University of Leon, published in Childhood in the Past, examined the possible first-ever infant burial in a Roman military context discovered in the Iberian Peninsula. The castrum of Legio VI Victrix was part of the earliest Roman occupation of the site, located in Leon, Spain. It was excavated in 2006 as part of emergency excavations being conducted at the sacristy of the Siervas de Jesus convent and on Francisco Regueral Street in Leon. Legio VI Victrix was founded by Augustus in 41 BCE and deployed to Hispania Tarraconensis in 29 BCE. The camp was located at key passes which led through the Asturian mountains and near the confluence of the Bernesga and Torio rivers. During the excavation of Sector 1, a perinatal burial was discovered, located near a doorway in a tegula (Roman roof tile) under the floor. Tegulae for infant interments were not unusual, especially for perinatal burials, and are a well-established tradition in Roman funerary rites. However, infant burials in military contexts were unusual. Typically, infants were buried either in domestic spaces, typically beneath the floor, near ovens and hearths, or within cemeteries. While some infant burials are known, notably at Hadrian's Wall forts, these were typically found in external cemeteries, in villas outside of the military forts, and in surrounding settlements (canabae). The burial at Legio VI Victrix is unique for being located within the contubernium workshop, a space typically associated with the daily activities of lower-ranking soldiers. To determine the cause of the infant's death as well as its possible purpose, the remains and burial context were analyzed by Marta Fernandez-Viejo and her colleagues. While no teeth were found, age estimations could be made based on the femoral length. This suggests the infant had been between 40.54 (3842) weeks old when it died. Interestingly, analysis of the skull (tympanic ring and sphenoid bones), the hip bone (pubis), and the base of the skull (pars basilaris of the occipital bone) indicates that the infant was incompletely developed relative to the estimated gestational age of 3842 weeks. This may indicate the infant experienced poor nutrition, illness, or stress during gestation. Additionally, no signs of external physical trauma were observed on the infant, possibly indicating it was not the victim of infanticide. However, the researchers note that some external forces, such as smothering, drowning, and exposure, would not have left marks on the bones. Based on radiocarbon dates of the remains, the infant had been buried around 47 BCE61 CE. This coincides with reforms implemented by Augustus, which regulated the presence of women and children in legionary fortresses. "The Augustan legislation relevant to military camps did not take the form of a single law, but rather a set of regulations and imperial practices. Under Augustus, Roman soldiers were officially prohibited from marrying during their term of service (Lex Julia et Papia), thus forbidding the formation of legitimate families within the army. "As a result, the presence of wives and children in military camps was, in theory, strictly prohibited. Nevertheless, archaeological and documentary evidence from frontier provinces such as Britannia and Germania indicates that these laws were not strictly enforced. 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. "Artifacts and remains associated with women and children, such as footwear, personal items, and domestic objects, have been discovered within the boundaries of military forts and their vicinities (e.g., Vindolanda, Birdoswald Roman Fort)," explained Fernandez-Viejo. The researchers propose that the presence of an infant may indicate it lived during a transitional phase, as older customs allowing women and children within legionary fortresses persisted despite new laws. Or perhaps, the infant's presence may indicate a deliberate act to navigate the ambiguities of enforcement at the frontier of the empire. In terms of its burial, the researchers suggest its placement may have to do with Roman beliefs about the spirits of the deceased, especially those who died prematurely or in infancy. According to these beliefs, these perinatals were especially powerful spirits capable of influencing the lives of the living. It is possible that the infant was buried in the contubernium workshop to safeguard the workplace and ensure the success of the soldier's endeavors. Moreover, it is possible the infant formed part of a foundation burial. Typically, these depositions of animal or human remains beneath new buildings would be done at the threshold or entrances, where the deposits could secure divine protection and mark the transition from a space of the profane to one of the sacred. These types of rituals in the Roman world are commonly linked together, and the perinatal burial presented at the same time reflects the duality of both beliefs. Considering the infant was interred during the earliest stage of the site's use near a doorway, it is possible it served as a foundational burial. The burial changes traditional assumptions about the strict separation of military and domestic and religious life in Roman legionary forces, while also suggesting that, despite Augustus's reforms, women and children may have remained present in such contexts at least during the initial transitional periods. The infant burial provides new insights into the intersection of military life, family dynamics, and ritual practices at the frontiers of the Roman Empire. Written for you by our author Sandee Oster, edited by Gaby Clark, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you. More information: Fernandez-Viejo Marta et al, Uncovering Childhood in the Roman Army: A Perinatal Burial from the Roman Castrum of the Legio VI in Leon, Childhood in the Past (2025). DOI: 10.1080/17585716.2025.2538923 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Map of respondents. Each dot indicates the location of a respondent, based on IP-address. Dark gray areas indicate coastal states, where coastal refers to the ocean coast (Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Washington, DC). Credit: Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-14170-1 Wind alone does not account for all hurricane-related fatalities. Storm surge and rainfall do as well. Yet the current warning systemthe Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scalemeasures a storm's strength solely by wind speed. A new research paper published in Nature Scientific Reports and co-authored by Jennifer Collins, a hurricane researcher and University of South Florida geosciences professor, argues that in order to keep people safe, it's time for a change. The authors propose replacing the SSHWS with the Tropical Cyclone Severity Scale, which incorporates storm surge and rainfall in addition to wind. "Frequently, people use the storm's category to decide whether to evacuate," Collins said. "That's incredibly dangerous because if they hear it's only a tropical storm or Category 1, too often no alarm bells go off, and they see no cause for concern." The paper cites hurricanes Katrina and Florence as examples. In 2005, Katrina was listed as a Category 3 based on wind speed, but most of the 1,800 deaths and $125 billion in damage were caused by storm surge and rainfall. Similarly, in 2018, Florence made landfall as a Category 1, yet its massive flooding killed 55 people. It also cites a 2014 study by Edward Rappaport, then-deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, that stated wind is responsible for 8% of hurricane-related fatalities, while storm surge accounts for 49% and rainfall 27%. "There have been too many instances of incredible loss of life and destruction because a low category number on the SSHWS, or even if it's listed as a tropical storm, did not match the danger of the storm," Collins said. "Based on our research, we now know that people are more likely to evacuate if they understand the dangers from rainfall and storm surge in addition to wind." Here's how the TCSS works: Wind, rain and storm surge are each given a number from 1 to 5 based on predicted severity, but the final combined number can reach as high as 6 to communicate the additional risk from multiple extreme hazards. If one hazard is worse than the others, the hurricane's final category is at least that high. For example, if wind and rainfall are rated 2 but storm surge is 4, the final category is at least 4. If two hazards are rated Category 3 or higher, the final number increases by one. So, if storm surge is 4 but wind and rainfall are 5, the hurricane is predicted as Category 6. The TCSS will then list the hazard-specific categories, as well as an overall category. To test public response to these warnings, Collins and her research team conducted an online experiment with 4,000 residents along the Gulf and East coastsregions frequently threatened by hurricanes. Participants received forecasts for 10 fictional hurricanes affecting their communities; half received warnings using the SSHWS, and half using the TCSS. 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. "We were interested in whether better identification of the main hazard would improve precautionary measures," the paper explains, "and whether the overall category difference would increase evacuation intent for more dangerous storms." Questions the participants were asked included: What is the main danger of the stormwind, rain or storm surge? On a scale of 15, how risky would it be to stay in your home? On a scale of 15, would you evacuate? Those who received the TCSS were more likely to correctly identify the main hazard and significantly more likely to evacuate for non-wind hazards. "The higher category is important," Collins said. "According to my evacuation research, many people base their decision to evacuate on that number, not just on the details of the hazard." The National Hurricane Center began using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale in 1971, utilizing pressure, storm surge and wind measurements. But in 2012, that was modified to include only the wind component and was named the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. "Without satisfactory and complete information, individuals are likely to miscalculate their personal risk or even be moved to inaction," the paper reads. Collins, a native of England who moved from Pennsylvania to Florida in 2005, longed to study evacuation behavior during hurricanes. After an approximately 10-year lull in hurricanes impacting Florida, she was able to conduct her studies due to Hurricane Matthew in 2016, and then subsequent hurricanes including Irma in 2017 and Ian in 2022. In 2024, hurricanes Helene and Milton provided ample opportunity for her team to study hurricane evacuation behavior in Florida. At a 2017 hurricane conference, she met University of Amsterdam co-author Nadia Bloemendaal, who shared similar interests. Together with the other co-authors, Jantse Mol from the University of Amsterdam and Hans de and Dianna Amasino of Tilburg University, they developed the TCSS, publishing their findings in 2021 and moving on to testing its effectiveness. Next, Collins and her co-authors plan to present their research to the National Hurricane Center. While others have suggested changes to the hurricane scale, Collins believes their work offers strong evidence supporting such a shift. "Change is hard for any institution that's been doing the same thing for years," Collins said. "But I'm fairly optimistic that now is the time. We now know many people make decisions based on the category messaging, so we need to ensure that we are communicating with a scale which is more realistic of the severity of the hurricane, considering other hazards which commonly occur, particularly from storm surge and rainfall flooding, which is considered in our scale." More information: Jantsje M. Mol et al, An experimental test of risk perceptions under a new hurricane classification system, Scientific Reports (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-14170-1 Journal information: Scientific Reports 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: Technical principle diagram of mode division control realized by mode MUX/DEMUX. Credit: Dr. Hu Guijun From precision machining to advanced microscopy, the demand for higher-power, ultrafast lasers continues to grow. Traditionally, researchers have relied on single-mode fibers to build these lasers, but they face a fundamental physical limit on energy output. To break through this bottleneck, we have turned to multimode fibers, which can carry many light modesessentially different shapes of lightat once, a technique known as spatiotemporal mode-locking (STML). However, getting these different modes to work together in harmony has been a significant challenge. In our latest research, published in Optics Letters, we have developed a new technique that allows us to precisely and independently control each of these transverse modes, leading to a dramatic boost in laser power and versatility. The core problem we faced is known as intermodal dispersion. In a multimode fiber, different light modes travel at slightly different speeds. This velocity mismatch causes the laser pulses to spread out and separate in time and space, preventing the formation of stable, high-power pulses. Previous STML techniques typically used a method called spatial filtering to compensate for this dispersion, but this approach limits the number of modes that can be locked together, thereby capping the potential power enhancement. To solve this, we proposed a transverse modes division control technique. Our approach is straightforward: We use a device called a mode multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX/DEMUX) to separate the mixed beam inside the multimode fiber into individual channels, one for each mode. Once separated, we can manage the dispersion (i.e., the travel delay) for each mode independently by adding precise lengths of compensating fiber to each channel. After optimizing each mode, we recombine them with a multiplexer into a single, powerful, and coherent beam. This method theoretically allows us to lock any number of modes, maximizing the energy potential of the fiber. We implemented our technique in a figure-eight, Yb-doped, all-fiber, spatiotemporal, mode-locked laser. The experimental results were highly encouraging. By locking four transverse modes (LP01, LP11, LP21, and LP02) simultaneously, we achieved dissipative soliton pulses with 15 nJ of energy at a repetition rate of 14.49 MHz. Crucially, we demonstrated that the output power scales with the number of participating modes. When four modes were locked simultaneously, the laser's slope efficiencya measure of how efficiently it converts pump power to output powerreached 7.9%, which is more than double the 3.79% efficiency of single-mode operation. Furthermore, our technique offers unprecedented beam-shaping capabilities. By dynamically selecting the combination of modes involved in the mode-locking, we successfully generated a quasi-flat-top beam with a uniform intensity profile. This specialized beam achieved an average output power of 150 mW and a single pulse energy of 10.4 nJ at a pump power of 3 W. Our laser also demonstrated excellent long-term stability, with minimal center-frequency drift after 12 hours of continuous operation. In conclusion, we have developed and experimentally validated a new control technique that overcomes the core power-scalability bottleneck in STML fiber lasers. By independently controlling the dispersion of each transverse mode, our scheme provides a viable path to synchronizing any number of modes and maximizing energy extraction. We believe this universal framework for multi-mode spatiotemporal dynamics control paves the way for the next generation of ultrafast light sources, promising impactful applications in precision fabrication, nonlinear microscopy, and attosecond science. This story is part of Science X Dialog, where researchers can report findings from their published research articles. Visit this page for information about Science X Dialog and how to participate. More information: Wenqi Ma et al, High-power spatiotemporal mode-locked Yb-doped fiber laser based on transverse modes division control, Optics Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1364/OL.568362 Journal information: Optics Letters Dr. Hu Guijun is a professor, doctoral supervisor, Tang Aoqing Distinguished Professor at Jilin University, project leader of the National Key R&D Program, and project leader of the National Natural Science Foundation of China's major scientific research instrument development project. He has been a visiting scholar and senior research scholar at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, the Optical Center of the University of Central Florida, and Bangor University, U.K. He has been engaged in research in optical communications and optoelectronic devices. 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) Observed seasonal-average number of days with at least one cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flash in 1 1 grid cells during JuneSeptember (19952022) from the National Lightning Detection Network, and (b) predicted number of CG lightning days using convolutional neural networks applied to CESM2, obtained from the average of 50 ensemble members. Inset text in (b) is the spatial correlation between observed and predicted CG lightning days. (c) Biases in CG lightning days between observations and CESM2 predictions. Ecoprovince names are provided in adjoining table along with percentage biases between observations and predictions for each ecoprovince. Credit: Earth's Future (2025). DOI: 10.1029/2025EF006108 The Northwest can expect a widespread increase in days with cloud-to-ground lightning in the years to come, along with heightened wildfire risk, according to projections made with a unique machine-learning approach developed at Washington State University. A study published in the journal Earth's Future offers detailed projections of lightning across the Western U.S. for the mid-21st century. The largest change in lightning is expected in parts of Idaho, Washington and Oregon, with four to 12 more days of lightning per year in some parts of the Rocky Mountains. Researchers also matched those lightning projections with future wildfire risk to calculate the changes in daily risk of lightning-caused fires. Although there is variability across the region in the projections, the trend was clear: a heightened risk of lightning-caused wildfires across 98% of Western lands susceptible to fire. "The Northwest is emerging, in this study as well as in others, as the region where fire- and fire-related hazards are likely to increase substantially more than in other parts of the western U.S.," said Deepti Singh, an associate professor in the School of the Environment at WSU Vancouver and co-author of the paper. The study adds urgency to the need to manage forests for wildfire risk and prepare at-risk communities for fires, as the planet continues to warm and wildfires grow in size and severity, the researchers said. Lightning already accounts for more than two-thirds of the acreage burned in wildfires across the West, but current global climate models are unable to directly simulate future lightning because they rely on geographic resolutions too coarse to capture the conditions that create it. The machine-learning models developed in this study zoom in to create the most detailed picture yet of future lightning patterns and lightning-caused fire risk across the West. "There are already a lot of studies that say future wildfire activity will increase in the Western U.S., and that's without even considering potential lightning increasing, which we're showing is going to happen in many areas," said Dmitri Kalashnikov, lead author of the paper. "We're also making projections for the near-term future2031 to 2060. That period starts in just a few years, so it's on our doorstep." Kalashnikov led the project while completing his Ph.D. at WSU and is now a post-doctoral fellow at the University of California, Merced. Co-authors included researchers from UC Merced, Colorado State University, Portland State University and other institutions. To make these projections, Kalashnikov applied a machine learning technique known as a convolutional neural network. These neural network-based predictive models were tailor-made for each grid cell of 1 degree by 1 degree across the Western U.S. That's an area of roughly 69 miles on each side, which is the typical spatial resolution of climate models. This approach allowed for targeted lightning projections at finer geographic scales than previous studies. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. These neural-network-based predictive models were the subject of a paper published in 2024, led by Kalashnikov and co-authored by Singh, among others. In the current project, the team used data from three key meteorological variables conducive to lightning from the summers of 19952022 to train the network in each grid box to make mid-century projections. "Instead of developing one model to predict lightning everywhere, we really went in on a finer scale to predict lightning at each 1-degree box," Kalashnikov said. The models identified days where cloud-to-ground lightning would be likely for each grid; researchers also quantified how many of these days are expected to be high fire-weather weather days, using the Fire Weather Index, a measure of wildfire risk based on weather and climate conditions. Critically, the authors found that most locations will experience an increased risk of lightning-caused fires due to increases in the Fire Weather Index, even in places where lightning occurrence might not increase. An increase in lightning days does not result in a 1-to-1 increase in fire risk, however, because fire risk depends on other variables, such as temperature, rainfall or wind and vegetation dryness. Across the Rockies, for example, the number of days with a high likelihood of lightning-caused fires is expected to grow by three or more days by the mid-21st century, though the overall increase in lightning days is larger. On the other hand, parts of Utah and Arizona showed a reduction in lightning daysbut an increase in days of potential lightning-caused fires, due to higher wildfire risk in general. The Southwest showed fewer projected increases in lightning daysand even declines in some areasbut the region is still expected to see a rise in days with a likelihood of wildfires ignited by lightning. More information: Dmitri A. Kalashnikov et al, Projections of LightningIgnited Wildfire Risk in the Western United States, Earth's Future (2025). DOI: 10.1029/2025EF006108 Journal information: Earth's Future 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: Spatial distribution of microtubule filaments. Credit: Nature Physics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-025-02980-z In wound healing, immune response, and cancer metastasis, cells migrate through the bodyoften squeezing through narrow, confined spaces. Together with experimental collaborators, Professor David Bruckner at the University of Basel, Switzerland, has discovered that cells possess a kind of memory: they can "remember" how they previously navigated such constrictions. This allows them to move more quickly and efficiently through complex tissues. The human body is composed of trillions of cells. Most of them, such as skin cells, remain in place throughout their lifespan. But there are some exceptions: embryonic cells, immune cells, and those involved in wound healing travel through the body. Cancer cells also share this ability, spreading from the primary tumor to form metastases in distant regions. To move from one place to another, cells must squeeze through narrow gaps in the tissueoften smaller than the cells themselves. This requires them to change shape, a process that consumes both time and energy. Professor David Bruckner at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel and researchers led by Prof. Sylvain Gabriele from the University of Mons in Belgium have discovered that migrating cells maintain a mechanical memory. They can "remember" the shape they adopted when passing through a constriction. The memory allows them to retain that shape instead of reshaping each time they encounter an unconfined space, enabling them to move faster and more efficiently in complex environments. The study, published in Nature Physics, sheds light on the biophysical mechanisms underlying this behavior. As a theoretical physicist, Bruckner developed a mathematical model describing the dynamics of cell migration. Time-lapse sequences showing the back-and-forth motion of an individual MCF-10A epithelial cell on dumbbell-shaped fibronectin micropatterns with bridge lengths of 40 m, 80 m, 120 m, 160 m and 320 m and square ends measuring 40 m 40 m. The cell is imaged in differential interference contrast (DIC) mode, with the micropattern labelled with rhodamine-conjugated fibronectin and the nucleus stained with Hoechst. The scale bar represents 20 m and 50 m for 320 m bridge length, the frame rate is 3 min per frame. Credit: Nature Physics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-025-02980-z Changing shape The researchers studied the behavior of individual cells within specially designed dumbbell-shaped micropatterns on a chip: two small wells in the shape of a square connected by a narrow channel or "bridge" mimicking tight tissue spaces. "Cells use protrusionsmicroscopic arm-like extensionsto move in these structures," explains Bruckner. "Cancer cells are particularly mobile, constantly migrating back and forth across the bridge." During confined migration, cells switch between two distinct shapes: elongated and compacted morphologies. When a cell enters the confined bridge, two protrusions pull in opposite directions. So, at first, the cell explores its options and stretches out. The longer it remains confined, the more likely it is to switch into the compact shape. "In this state, the cell has just a single guiding protrusion, dragging its body like a sack behind," says first author of the study, Yohalie Kalukula from the University of Mons. "The cell uses its energy to move in one direction." Compact shape even after leaving confinement Surprisingly, most cells that have been confined for an extended period retain their compact shape even after leaving the narrow bridge. This makes them better prepared for the next constriction. "Apparently, the cells remember that they have already passed through narrow spaces and anticipate more ahead, so they stay compact," explains Kalukula. "However, in some cases, the cells return to their elongated shape. Presumably, staying compact and moving in a single direction is not always advantageous in real tissue environments, as it increases the risk of hitting dead ends and getting stuck." 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. Memory effects The researchers have revealed that this mechanical memory is encoded in the organization of the cytoskeleton, specifically the actin cortex, which determines the cell's shape and structural integrity. When cells are confined for long periods, they remodel their actin cortex. This structure becomes thicker and more robust, thus enabling the cell to maintain its compact shape even in unconfined environments. "But remodeling the actin cortex takes timethat's what gives rise to this memory effect," says Bruckner. The study's findings suggest that mechanical memory helps migrating cells navigate complex environments more efficiently. This could be beneficial in processes such as wound healing and immune defense. However, this memory effect may also have a downside: it could help tumor cells spread more rapidly throughout the body. More information: Yohalie Kalukula et al, The actin cortex acts as a mechanical memory of morphology in confined migrating cells, Nature Physics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-025-02980-z 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: NASA and IBM led the development of a groundbreaking new heliophysics AI model, validated by a team of scientists from eight American institutions led by Southwest Research Institute's Dr. Andres Munoz-Jaramillo. This powerful tool uses ground-truth SDO data to forecast solar evolution. These images compare the ground-truth data (right) with model output (center) for solar flares the events behind most space weather. Preliminary results suggest that Surya has learned enough physics to predict the structure and evolution of a solar flare by looking at its beginning phase (left). Credit: NASA/SDO/IBM/Marshall Space Flight Center NASA has launched Surya, its new heliophysics artificial intelligence foundation model to empower solar scientists with tools to enhance research and space weather forecasting. Southwest Research Institute's Dr. Andres Munoz-Jaramillo led a team of scientists from several institutions and universities who played a crucial role in tailoring the scientific data and validating a powerful application to predict solar activity such as coronal mass ejections and other space weather events. "Surya is like the visual GPT (generative pretrained transformer) for heliophysics," said Munoz-Jaramillo, a solar scientist fluent in project leadership and machine learning. He works in SwRI's Solar System Science and Exploration Division in Boulder, Colorado. "We trained the model using vast amounts of high-resolution Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) data. This beautiful imagery reveals the activity of the sun and provides insight into the underlying physics creating it." NASA's SDO is designed to understand the causes of solar variability and its impacts on Earth by studying the solar atmosphere on small scales of space and time and in many wavelengths simultaneously. Developed by NASA in partnership with IBM and others, Surya is an important step forward in helping predict space weather, which can severely affect power, communication, aviation and agricultural operations. "The sun contains a variety of structures, all governed by the same basic yet complex physics," Munoz-Jaramillo said. "If you look at a movie of the sun, you start recognizing elements such as active regions that are bright in ultraviolet or dark in visible light. You see loops and coronal holes. These structures repeat because they are produced by the same physics. "With Surya, we are training an AI model to learn the visual language of the sun, to establish relationships between various structures to better understand the overall solar environment." For the last 15 years, SDO has been continuously collecting high-resolution data using three instruments across multiple wavelengths to better understand solar activity and its effect on space weather. The only feasible way to truly exploit such massive data is with AI models. NASA is encouraging 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. Surya is part of NASA's Chief Science Data Officer's 5+1 strategy for AI, building foundation models for each science division, plus one large language model tying them together to accelerate discovery and decision-making. NASA's Interagency Implementation and Advanced Concepts Team (IMPACT) AI under the Office of Data Science and Informatics at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, jointly developed Surya's AI architecture with IBM and a collaborative science team. "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, in a NASA article. "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." "The 12 members of the science team developed performance metrics, while the overall Surya team leveraged the experience of building IMPACT AI's first foundation model for Earth science data, focused on satellite imagery about climate and landmasses," Munoz-Jaramillo said. "Improving on the first model, the heliophysics model included scientists at every step in the development process, as well as changing the task used to teach the model from filling gaps to predicting the future." Southwest Research Institute's Dr. Andres Munoz-Jaramillo led science team efforts to validate Surya, a first-of-its-kind heliophysics foundation AI model using a wide range of scientific downstream applications. The goal is to provide the heliophysics community with a powerful tool enhancing the ability to predict and understand complex solar phenomena that impact technological society and life on Earth. The model uses ground-truth SDO data to forecast solar evolution. Credit: NASA/SDO The system was trained using nine years' worth of data from SDO's Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) instrument. The science team enhanced full resolution data, correcting for instrument degradation or other data anomalies, while ensuring that it was temporally and spatially 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. "Surya uses transformer AI model architecture to revolutionize and add meaning to the data," Munoz-Jaramillo said. The goal is to determine how the sun's magnetic field is generated and structured and how its stored magnetic energy is converted and released into the heliosphere and geospace in the form of solar wind, energetic particles and variations in the solar irradiance. Ultimately, Surya could be extended beyond solar imagery to incorporate magnetograms, irradiance, and other heliophysics datasetslaying the foundation for a unified AI model of the sunheliosphere system. "Translating the visual language may be kind of like translating a GPT from Spanish to Portuguese, languages that are very similar," Munoz-Jaramillo said. "It requires work, but it can be done." The science team, assembled by NASA Headquarters, included experts from SwRI; the University of Alabama in Huntsville; the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado; Georgia State University in Atlanta; Princeton University in New Jersey; NASA's SMD's Heliophysics Division; NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California; and the SETI Institute in Mountain View, California. NASA is providing open access to the model and the code. 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: Trees provide an aesthetic amenity and can reduce urban heat islands, absorb storm runoff, and stabilize the soil, yielding benefits for both property owners and community members. Credit: Envato. In densely populated urban areas, trees may be the leafy secret to an increase in property values. Through a novel meta-analysis, Pamplin College of Business researchers used multiple data sets to confirm that in urban areas, trees add value to a property, but it depends on where those trees are. Homes tend to be worth more when trees are nearby to provide shade and improve the look of the neighborhood. But on-site trees are not always desirable because they come with downsides such as maintenance or safety concerns, the study found. "While tree cover supports owners' property values, their tree cover benefits the greater community property values," said Kevin Boyle, the Willis Blackwood Professor of Real Estate in the Blackwood Department of Real Estate. The study, done in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, analyzed geographic information system data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for nine metropolitan areas to assess the value of tree coverage near properties. The study used distances of less than 330 feet, between 330 feet and one-third of a mile, and one-third to two-thirds of a mile to represent the distance from property to nearby trees. The data shows property values based on tree coverage vary by city. For comparison, Fresno, California, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, were used to represent the lowest and highest property values affected by tree cover. In Fresno, the existing tree cover on or near a property only adds about $9 to an average-priced property. In Milwaukee, that same tree cover adds roughly $3,500. Increase the number of trees on or near a property by 10%, and that property in Frisco would decline in value by $114, or 0.1%. Put those trees between one-third of a mile and two-thirds of a mile, and the home's value increases by $6,751, or 3.2%. By contrast, the Milwaukee home's value would increase by $39,701, or 24%, with more tree coverage within 330 feet. Distant tree cover, between one-third and two-thirds of a mile, adds another $27,194 to the home's value, a 16% increase. The study, published in Ecological Economics, explains that community members support trees when they can benefit from the shade when walking or aesthetics when driving. It also notes the complexities of community trees because most urban property is privately owned. That means community leaders may have to entice property owners to retain and plant trees for the public good, even if it means taking on maintenance responsibilities. The findings also consider the good and bad environmental impacts of trees in weather events such as high temperatures or severe storms. During storms, trees could damage homes and property. But trees also work to reduce urban heat islands, absorb storm runoff, and more, bringing benefits for both property owners and community members. "Our analysis of multiple datasets and the associated findings can be used by community leaders to understand the benefits of tree coverage," Boyle said. "It can also educate community members that their actions in support of tree coverage can help not only the greater community, but themselves as well through enhanced property values. It is important to strategically maintain tree cover while recognizing the concerns of property owners and community members." More information: Shyamani D. Siriwardena et al, Capitalization of urban tree cover: An internal meta-analysis, Ecological Economics (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2025.108709 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 firefighter battles the Canyon Fire on Aug. 7, 2025, in Hasley Canyon, Calif. Credit: AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File Two key documents from the Trump administration aimed at revoking the long-standing finding that climate change is dangerous were filled with errors, bias and distortions, according to dozens of scientists surveyed by The Associated Press. One of the reports argues that sea ice decline in the Arctic has been small, but uses data from the Antarctic to make the point. It uses a French-focused study on climate-related crop losses for a claim about the U.S.a generalization the author said didn't work because of significant differences in climate and agriculture. And after saying decades-old wildfire statistics aren't reliable, the report reproduces them in a graphic anyway, making it appear fires were worse a century ago than they have been more recently. Scientists noted those basic errors, but the most common critique from the vast majority of the 64 who answered AP's questions was that the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy ignored, twisted or cherry-picked information to manufacture doubt about the severity and threat of climate change. Jennifer Marlon, director of data science at the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, was among those. "The work and conclusions appear biased. The data and graphs use classic mis- and disinformation techniques," she said. "It is almost a user's guide on how to lie with figures." The Trump administration in July proposed revoking a 2009 government finding that climate change is a threat to public health and welfare, a concept known as the "endangerment" finding that is backed by mainstream science. Overturning it could pave the way for cutting a range of rules that limit pollution from cars, power plants and other sources. One of the Trump administration reports, by the Department of Energy, suggests climate models used by scientists to predict warming have overreached, that long-term trends for disasters generally don't show much change and that climate has little impact on the economy. The DOE document also said there are advantages to a world with more carbon, like increased plant growth. AP reached out to some 350 scientists by emailnearly all the lead authors of research cited in the Trump administration's work, plus another 139 climate experts in science, health and economics who are prominent in the field. Fifty-three of the 64 scientists who respondedincluding outside researchers not mentioned by the reportsgave the EPA and DOE documents a negative review. Seven praised them. The remaining four took no clear position. In 15 cases, scientists whose work was cited said it was misused, misinterpreted or taken out of context. When EPA was asked to respond to the scientists' critiques, the agency said it had considered a variety of sources and information in assessing whether the predictions and assumptions baked into the 2009 finding that climate change is a public threat are "accurate and consistent." The Energy Department said it was committed to "a more thoughtful and science-based conversation." A home sits near the Gen. James Gavin Power Plant, a coal-fired power plant, April 14, 2025, in Cheshire, Ohio. Credit: AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel, File White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said the Trump administration "is producing Gold Standard Science research driven by verifiable data" and that the endangerment finding had long been misused to justify expensive regulations "that have jeopardized our economic and national security." The public has until Sept. 2 to comment on the Energy Department report and until Sept. 22 for the EPA's proposal to revoke the endangerment finding. Then the Trump administration must consider that feedback before a final decision. Overturning the finding could undermine environmental standards such as a rule that requires reducing emissions from some coal-fired power plants by 90%, or one limiting methane releases from the heaviest polluting oil and gas wells. Another regulation at stake is a requirement that new car emissions be cut roughly in half by the 2032 model year. Environmental groups are already challenging the documents in court. 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 Trump administration argues that climate science is alarmist The EPA's report arguing to overturn the endangerment finding relied heavily on the Energy Department's work. That DOE report is what most scientists surveyed by the AP focused on. Together, the two Trump administration documents maintain that while climate change is real, its future effects are unclear and likely weaker than projected by many mainstream scientists. The administration also contends that U.S. cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, which largely come from burning fuels like oil and coal, would mean little globally. Marlon, the Yale researcher, singled out the flawed wildfire data and said the proper thing for scientists to do is not to show such information. "The report instead plots this unreliable data," she said. The document also erroneously claimed that the area burned by wildfire in the U.S. hadn't increased since 2007. Marlon ran the data herself to confirm that it had, though more slowly than in prior years. Data from the National Interagency Fire Center shows that the 10-year average annual burn rate was 6.5 million acres in 2007; in 2024, it was almost 7.6 million acres. When discussing sea ice, the Trump reports refer to the wrong part of the world. "Arctic sea ice extent has declined by about 5% since 1980," the Energy Department report said. But the report linked to a National Snow and Ice Data Center chart for the Southern Hemisphere, which means Antarctica. Antarctic sea ice has in fact declined about 5% in that time, but Arctic sea ice shrank by more than 40%. "It suggests sloppy work," said data center senior scientist Walt Meier. Vehicles drive along a highway July 30, 2025, in Cincinnati. Credit: AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel, File Report authors respond to criticism That error and any others that are found will be corrected, the report authors said. "The report's preface states clearly that it is not meant to be a comprehensive review of climate science but rather is focused on important data and topics that have been underreported or overlooked in media and political discussions," the DOE report's authors said in a joint statement provided by co-author Ross McKitrick, a professor at the University of Guelph in Canada specializing in environmental economics. "Generic accusations of bias or cherry-picking are not helpful for serious scientific discussions," they said. The EPA's report drew heavily on the Energy Department document for its science, citing it twice as often as it cited the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which has hundreds of scientists and editors that produce a massive document written over several years and was a key source for the 2009 endangerment finding. The Energy Department document was begun in March and published in July. Its preface says the aim is to "include evidence and perspectives that challenge the mainstream consensus." Pat Parenteau, an environmental law expert and former director of the Environmental Law School at Vermont Law & Graduate School, said agencies are required to make a "reasoned analysis" when they reverse a policy like the endangerment finding. "Reasoned means objective. I don't know how it could mean anything else other than that," he said, adding that he didn't believe the Trump administration reports were objective. The National Academy of Sciences, a collection of private, nonprofit institutions set up to provide independent and objective analysis for policymakers, says it's preparing a fast-tracked special report on the latest evidence on whether greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health. Many experts said the reports were biased Nineteen scientists used variations of the phrase "cherry pick" to describe the administration's reports. Pieces of ice move through the sea in Qoornoq Island, near Nuuk, Greenland on Feb. 17, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File "I will surely not be alone in saying these reports cherry-pick information to minimize the threat of climate change," said Steven Sherwood, a professor and climate researcher at the University of New South Wales. He said the reports were well written and easy to understand, then added, "But being biased in selecting what to show, they are not honest efforts to portray the broader picture, but instead read as efforts to persuade against concern about carbon emissions." Francois Bareille, a French economist whose work was referenced in the Energy Department's report, said the work was fundamentally flawed. "These documents do not reflect genuine scientific rigor, but rather a misleading reinterpretation of peer-reviewed research." Bareille said the Energy report misused his research on French agriculture, which concluded that previous research on climate-related crop losses was overly pessimistic. Bareille said his findings "cannot be generalized to other regions, such as the U.S., where both climate conditions and agricultural systems differ significantly." One portion of the Energy report argued that ocean acidification should more accurately be called "ocean neutralization." The authors reasoned that ocean life "appear to be resilient" to such changes. Ocean acidification happens as waters absorb rising carbon dioxide, which damages marine life with shells, such as coral, oysters and mollusks. That harm risks disrupting food webs. Stony Brook University's Stephen Schwartz, former chief scientist of the Department of Energy's Atmospheric Science Program, said using a more benign term such as "neutralization" would be "ludicrous." And Waleed Abdalati, who served as NASA chief scientist during the Obama administration, said, "The simple fact is that carbon dioxide is making the oceans more acidic, which carries harmful effects." Tim Gallaudet, chief of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration during the first Trump administration, praised the recent administration reports and singled out the issue of ocean acidification. He agreed with the word "neutralization" and said recent studies have shown smaller or nonexistent harms when compared with previous science. One economics expert cited in the report praised it, saying it departed from unnecessarily alarmist findings of other national and international climate assessments. "The problem is that mainstream 'climate science' is pretty worthless. Hopelessly politicized, mired in groupthink and virtue signaling," said James Davidson, a professor at the University of Exeter. His work was cited to dispute the mainstream scientific finding that rising carbon dioxide levels in the past drove warming. Davidson said the Department of Energy's authors are skeptical of the current consensus and hold beliefs that previously would have been ignored. "In other words, they and the so-called 'mainstream' have changed places for the moment," he said. Environmental Protection Agency employees take part in a national march against actions taken by the Trump administration March 25, 2025, in Philadelphia. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File Scientists grade the reports from A to F Asked to grade the administration documents as if they were produced by undergraduates, 19 of the 42 scientists who responded to that question assigned the work an F, for failing. The reports earned five As along with an A-minus. Some criticized the question as silly or ridiculous, with one saying it suggests "your goal here is not journalism but team sport." "I would give them both a D on truth and an A on deviousness," wrote climate scientist Jennifer Francis of the Woodwell Climate Research Center. She said the analysis was twisted to support the desired narrative. "The EPA report gets an 'R' for ridiculous," she said. The DOE report argues that worst-case climate models often used by scientists to describe the consequences of doing nothing to reduce emissions exaggerate how much the world has already warmed and how much more it will heat up. In that section, the Energy Department report cited climate scientist Zeke Hausfather four times, including a graphic of his. Hausfather wrote in a blog that the report used one less important figure "to reinforce the point they were trying to make, and never actually referred to the broader conclusion of the paper that old models had by-and-large performed quite well," Hausfather wrote. "The actual content of my paper went counter to the narrative they were trying to present, and thus was ignored." He added, "That's why I've publicly called this process a farce." When asked to respond, a DOE spokesperson encouraged Hausfather to submit his concerns as part of the public comment process. 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: DynamiX, the equipment used to detect hidden movement in materials. Credit: Andres-Felipe Escobar-Rincon Researchers have shown for the first time how hidden motions could control how granular materials such as soil and snow slip and slide, confirming a long-suspected hypothesis. The knowledge could help in understanding how landslides and avalanches work and even help the construction industry in the future. Scientists have found sneaky swirls and loops of movement in materials such as soil and snow could influence how materials move. The knowledge could be invaluable in understanding how avalanches and landslides on Earth and Mars speed up or slow down. Understanding this phenomenon could also benefit various industries, from construction to the operation of silos during grain filling and discharge. The findings, published in Nature Communications, are a milestone in the field of granular physics. Just like atoms in a river, when particles move in snow or soil, they do not always follow the path of their neighbors. It has long been theorized among researchers that underneath the surface of such materials, there are hidden currents and eddies that could impact the destructive power of avalanches and landslides. Called "secondary flow," the process has never been observed under the surface, as it was not possible to see through the materials as they flow. An international team of scientists led by the University of Sydney has now successfully mapped and captured this phenomenon within the bulk of flowing grains for the first time. This was achieved using DynamiX, a unique X-ray radiation technology built by the researchers to uncover the existence of secondary flow. DynamiX in action, moving glass beads, around the instrument are three X-ray cameras to detect hidden movement inside the material. Credit: Andres-Felipe Escobar-Rincon The team used a simultaneous three-directional X-ray system to look inside flowing soil masses in real-time. Specially designed algorithms were developed to process data and map the movement. "Granular materials are everywhere. It's important to understand the physics of how they flow and interact: from tiny grains of sand or snow, or even pieces of rocks in minerals processing, granular materials can either behave like solids and flow like fluids, such as during landslides or when we discharge silos," said senior researcher Professor Itai Einav, from the University's School of Civil Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering. "The existence of secondary flow has been an enduring theory in granular physics, but it has never been confirmed in 3D and in real-time. Uncovering secondary flow and understanding how it influences the movement of granular media will open new possibilities for industry and research," said Professor Einav, who is also director of the Sydney Centre in Geomechanics and Mining Materials (SciGEM). X-ray detectors as part of DynamiX could reveal movement of grains underneath the surface. Credit: Andres-Felipe Escobar-Rincon Home-grown tech solving a mystery nearly a decade in the making Behind an immense lead-lined door in a quiet corner of the School of Civil Engineering is an instrument custom-built to analyze granular physics, which played a key role in confirming secondary granular flow. "We were determined to understand the fast flow of granular media, but there wasn't any equipment available on the market, so we decided to build it ourselves," said Professor Einav. DynamiX was built over five years, but the idea came to Professor Einav's team nearly a decade ago. A set of three perpendicular X-ray tubes and detectors mounted on a modular frame allows positioning of the X-ray pairs to examine any vessel of grains that is transparent to X-ray radiography. With DynamiX, the team can study almost any kind of flowing mixed material, from glass beads, soil to foams, wet or dry. X-ray detectors as part of DynamiX could reveal movement of grains underneath the surface. Credit: Andres-Felipe Escobar-Rincon For the experiment, the team used a conveyor belt to drive a pile of glass beads against a wall, seeing how surface bumps and dips were formed. The lead-lined door protects researchers from the radiation emitted by DynamiX's three powerful X-ray tube-detector pairs that pointed at the particle vessel, to reveal movements hidden inside the material. Observing from a control room, researchers watched as the grains swirled and rolled in complex 3D patterns underneath the flow's surface. 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. Professor Einav believes DynamiX is the only instrument of its kind to study granular flows both in real time and in 3D. "The next mystery to solve is the secondary flow's origin, and whether its strength is influenced by the properties of the flowing material. Our goal is to develop models that can explain these questions mathematically," said Professor Einav. High angle of DynamiX during an experiment. Credit: Andres-Felipe Escobar-Rincon First author Dr. Andres-Felipe Escobar-Rincon said the team initially wanted to study how granular flows (like avalanches or landslides) behave when they hit an obstacle, such as a retaining wall. "However, once we noticed variations on the surface and examined their internal velocities with X-rays, we realized we were looking at complex interactions that occur beyond avalanches and landslides," said Dr. Escobar-Rincon. He conducted the study as part of his Ph.D. at the University of Sydney, in collaboration with the Universite Grenoble Alpes, where he is now based. "Now we are curious about what drives them," he said. More information: Experimental confirmation of secondary flows in granular media, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62669-y 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: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain SpaceX has lined up its massive Starship and Super Heavy rocket for what would be its 10th suborbital test flight, aiming to complete goals that have fallen short so far in 2025. Monday weather, though, forced another scrub one day after ground systems stymied chances for liftoff from SpaceX's Texas launch site Starbase. It had been aiming for a 7:59 p.m. liftoff amid a one-hour launch window, but anvil clouds in the area forced a hold with T-40 seconds on the clock and teams ultimately called off the attempt for the day. A new launch attempt is set for Tuesday during a one-hour window that opens at 7:30 p.m. EDT. This would be Starship's fourth launch in 2025. The first two launch attempts this year had explosive ends to its upper stage that painted the skies with destructive debris seen from Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. A third launch had the upper stage lost over the Indian Ocean. The booster, at least, has seen some success this year, including the second ever catch at the launch site, and then a reflight of that booster. There will be no attempt to catch the booster back for the 10th flight, though. Instead, SpaceX will try for a controlled landing over the Gulf waters, testing out some extreme emergency landing profiles, while the upper stage will try again to complete tasks attempted without success on the three previous launches. That includes the first payload deployment by sending out a side hatch eight mass simulators that mirror the size of the company's Starlink satellites. The flight path aims once again to send the upper stage more than halfway around the Earth with a landing in the Indian Ocean off the western coast of Australia. The flight also looks to relight one of the upper stage's six Raptor engines during its suborbital flight. "The flight test includes several experiments focused on enabling Starship's upper stage to return to the launch site," reads a post on the SpaceX website. "A significant number of tiles have been removed from Starship to stress-test vulnerable areas across the vehicle during reentry." That includes multiple metallic tile options, including one with active cooling in the company's effort to try out alternative materials for heat protection during reentry. Despite some explosive endings this year, the company could still see some sort of demise. "Starship's reentry profile is designed to intentionally stress the structural limits of the upper stage's rear flaps while at the point of maximum entry dynamic pressure," the company stated. "Flight tests continue to provide valuable learnings to inform the design of the next generation Starship and Super Heavy vehicles." While all test flights so far have been from Texas, SpaceX is pursuing two Starship launch sites on the Space Coast. At more than 400 feet tall and with the booster producing more than 16 million pounds of thrust at liftoff, Starship is the biggest and most powerful rocket that has made it to space, although it has yet to perform an orbital launch. 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 tower is already under construction at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39-A, adjacent to where it currently flies Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. SpaceX has also been leading the removal of United Launch Alliance's launch site infrastructure from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Space Launch Complex 37, which ULA vacated after the final Delta IV Heavy launch in 2024. It aims to build a Starship launch site there while keeping its Canaveral site for Falcon 9 launches at Space Launch Complex 40. SpaceX is awaiting the completion of a pair of environmental impact statements before it can move forward with its Florida plans. In the meantime, work continues at KSC on a new manufacturing site to fabricate the Starship upper stages and Super Heavy boosters, part of a $1.8 billion infrastructure improvement project. Texas will continue to be the testbed launch site, but SpaceX plans for operational Starship flights from the two Space Coast sites, with as many as 120 launches per year. 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: Wave interference (interferometry) images of beer bubbles, superimposed onto a glass of foamy beer. Credit: AIP/Chatzigiannakis et al. Beer is one of the world's most popular drinks, and one of the clearest signs of a good brew is a big head of foam at the top of a poured glass. Even brewers will use the quality of foam as an indicator of a beer having completed the fermentation process. However, despite its importance, what makes a large, stable foam is not entirely understood. In Physics of Fluids, researchers from ETH Zurich and Eindhoven University of Technology investigated the stability of beer foams, examining multiple types of beer at different stages of the fermentation process. Like any other foam, beer foam is made of many small bubbles of air, separated from each other by thin films of liquid. These thin films must remain stable, or the bubbles will pop, and the foam will collapse. What holds these thin films together may be conglomerates of proteins, surface viscosity, or the presence of surfactants, which are molecules that can reduce surface tension and are found in soaps and detergents. While the researchers have spent years studying the formation of foams, they realized beer could serve as a perfect testing ground. "The idea was to directly study what happens in the thin film that separates two neighboring bubbles," said author Emmanouil Chatzigiannakis. "And the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of bubbles and foams is beer." Turning to a collection of scientific imaging and rheometry techniques, the team was able to determine how these thin films could hold together to make a stable foam. "We can directly visualize what's happening when two bubbles come into close proximity," said Chatzigiannakis. "We can directly see the bubble's protein aggregates, their interface, and their structure." They found that for single fermentation beers, foams are held together primarily through the surface viscosity of the beer. However, for double-fermented beers, the proteins in the beer come together to form a two-dimensional structure, giving the thin films an elastic quality that keeps them intact longer. With the multiple different ways beer foams hold together, the researchers believe that beer provides an excellent platform to study the stability of foams in general, with applications in everything from oil separation to firefighting chemicals and treating varicose veins. "This is an inspiration for other types of materials design, where we can start thinking about the most material-efficient ways [of creating stable foams]," said author Jan Vermant. "If we can't use classical surfactants, can we mimic the 2D networks that double-fermented beers have?" The authors also hope that their work will make its way to the brewers that inspired them, and that in the future the team will identify ways to increase or decrease the amount of foam so everyone can pour a perfect glass of beer every time. More information: The hidden subtlety of beer foam stability: A blueprint for advanced foam formulations, Physics of Fluids (2025). DOI: 10.1063/5.0274943 Journal information: Physics of Fluids 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: Vultures at carcass. Credit: Jon A. Juarez / Leibniz-IZW Mortalities at poisoned carcasses significantly contribute to the population decline of many vulture species. As vultures employ social strategies and follow each other in their search for food, one poisoned carcass can kill hundreds of individuals of endangered species such as the white-backed vulture. Scientists from the GAIA Initiative at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) have now shown that tagging vultures allows for the early detection of poisoning events and for the carcass to be removed. The findings are published in the Journal of Applied Ecology. As scavengers, vultures are resistant to many pathogens found in the environment. They fulfill, among other things, the ecologically important function of ridding landscapes of the pathogens present in carcasses such as Bacillus anthracis, which causes anthrax. However, they are extremely susceptible to anthropogenic poisons such as agricultural pesticides and often die immediately after ingestion, for example via a poisoned carcass in the landscape. Poisoned carcasses are not uncommon; they are deployed, for example, in human-wildlife conflicts to control predators on farmland or to conceal illegal activities such as poaching. Whether vultures are collateral damage or the direct target of poisoning, the effect is often a mass death of birds at a single location. These events play a major role in the dramatic population decline in some species; for example, by up to 90% within three generations in the white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus). Tagging 5% of vultures can prevent 45% of further mortalities Scientists from the GAIA Initiative have now identified an effective approach for mitigating the mass mortality of vultures from poisoned carcasses. Using data from white-backed vultures in Etosha National Park in Namibia, they demonstrated that the analysis of data from animal tags enables the early detection of cases of poisoning and rapid intervention. If the poisoned carcass is removed within two hours, a considerable proportion of subsequent deaths can be avoided. The scientists calculated the cost-benefit ratio. "According to our model tailored at our study system and species, tracking approximately 5% of the population (25 individuals in our system) offers a good balance between cost and effectiveness," says Teja Curk, scientist at the Leibniz-IZW and first author of the study. "This approach can prevent 45% of poisoning-related deaths if intervention takes place within two hours. Our results therefore show that equipping only a small proportion of the vulture population with animal tags, which would act as a sentinel for the rest of the population, is sufficient to significantly reduce poisoning-related mortality." The shorter the time it takes to remove the carcass, the more deaths can be preventedif action is taken within an hour, more than 50% of deaths can be prevented; with a response time of 12 hours, this drops to 25%. In addition, the correlation between the proportion of vultures with animal tags and the number of animals potentially saved is not linear, meaning, for example, that with twice the effort (vultures with tags), considerably less than twice the benefit (avoided deaths) is achieved. Vultures at carcass. Credit: Jon A. Juarez / Leibniz-IZW 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. Analyses combine animal tag data, behavioral observations and simulations The analyses are based on data from 30 white-backed vultures equipped with tags in Namibia over a period of 13 months. The tags recorded position data (GPS) and movement data via the so-called ACC sensor every minute. ACC data is acceleration data in three spatial dimensions and allows very precise conclusions to be drawn about the body movements of the animals at a particular position. "With the analysis methods developed by the GAIA initiative, which are based on artificial intelligence, it was possible to reliably deduce both the behavior of the vultures (e.g. feeding) and the position of carcasses in the landscape," says GAIA project head Jorg Melzheimer, scientist at the Leibniz-IZW. Using these carcass locations, vulture GPS trajectories, and information from previous vulture studies, the scientists simulated the vultures' foraging behavior in so-called agent-based models. Among other things, the models took into account the size of the foraging area of the Etosha population of white-backed vultures, the daily activity patterns, flight movements of the animals while searching for food and different scenarios of social foraging behavior. Carcasses and vultures were randomly distributed in the landscape at the beginning of a simulation and randomly classified as poisoned/not poisoned or as tagged/not tagged in pre-defined shares. The scientists ran the models a total of 360 times with different parameterizations and then analyzed the results. Social foraging strategies make vultures more susceptible to mass poisoning The level of social behavior of vultures during foraging has a strong effect on the individual risk of poisoning. This was proven by three different models for three foraging strategies: non-social foraging, where every vulture relies on spotting carcasses in the landscape by itself; the "local enhancement" strategy, where vultures are attracted by directly observing conspecifics that are feeding in addition to detecting carcasses on their own; and the "chain of vultures" strategy, where vultures also sequentially follow other vultures in the sky that are potentially on their way to a carcass site. In a previous study, the GAIA team demonstrated that social foraging strategies have more advantages than disadvantages for vulturesbut in terms of poisoning risk, co-operation and interaction are a disadvantage, as the current study details. Both social strategies resulted in almost all vultures feeding on a carcass after one day, compared to only around 60% of vultures in the non-social model. This resulted in significantly higher proportions of poisoned vultures, regardless of the proportion of poisoned carcasses in the simulation. "In recent decades, the populations of many vulture species have declined sharply and are now acutely threatened with extinction," says Ortwin Aschenborn, GAIA project head at the Leibniz-IZW. "The main causes are the loss of habitat and food in landscapes shaped by humans as well as a high number of direct or indirect incidences of poisoning. "The population of the white-backed vulture, for example, declined by around 90% in just three generationsequivalent to an average decline of 4% per year." The conservation status of the African white-backed vulture was reassessed from "least concern" to "near threatened" in the 2007 IUCN Red List. Only five years later, the species was further "upgraded" to "endangered," and in October 2015, its status was changed to "critically endangered" as the actual, continuing decline was more severe than previously expected. More information: Teja Curk et al, Using animal tracking for early detection of mass poisoning events, Journal of Applied Ecology (2025). DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.70128 Journal information: Journal of Applied Ecology 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 home sits near the Gen. James Gavin Power Plant, a coal-fired power plant, April 14, 2025, in Point Pleasant, W.Va. Credit: AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel, File A Trump administration proposal to reverse a landmark finding that climate change is dangerous to the public relies heavily on a report from the Department of Energy that dozens of scientists say is flawed. The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking to use the DOE's work to overturn the climate concept known as the "endangerment finding." If the administration succeeds, many laws and rules aimed at reducing or restricting greenhouse gas emissions could be eliminated. The Associated Press surveyed scientists for their views. Here are some key takeaways from those who responded to AP's questions: The work included some silly errors, but far more complaints were about bias and distortion The most common critique from 64 scientists who responded to questions from AP was that the administration's reports ignored, twisted or cherry-picked information to manufacture doubt about the severity and threat of climate change. Fifty-three of the 64 scientists criticized the quality of the reports. The Department of Energy report said Arctic sea ice has declined about 5% since 1980. That number is accurate for Antarctica, while Artic sea ice actually declined more than 40% in the period. Jennifer Marlon, director of data science at the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, highlighted a section on U.S. wildfires that acknowledged that fire data from before 1960 isn't reliable for comparisons. Yet the administration used that unreliable data in a chart going back to 1920, leaving readers with the impression that wildfire rates were higher many decades ago than they are now, Marlon said. Environmental Protection Agency employees and their supporters take part in a national march against actions taken by the Trump administration March 25, 2025, in Philadelphia. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File What scientists said was evidence of 'cherry-picking' Experts repeatedly said the reports were biased. Nineteen scientists used variations of the phrase "cherry pick" to describe citations in the administration reports. Francois Bareille, a French economist, has done work concluding that previous estimates about climate-related crop losses in French agriculture were overly pessimistic. The administration's reports cited that work, but Bareille said it shouldn't have because it's wrong to generalize his findings to other regions. Climate scientist Zeke Hausfather said the reports pulled a single figure from his work on climate modeling to build a case that the models scientists use are often overly pessimistic. Hausfather said his research actually concluded that climate models have performed quite well. He called the government's process a "farce." What do the report's authors and the government say? The authors of the report said any errors found will be corrected. In a joint statement, authors of the Energy Department report said the document clearly says it's not meant to be a comprehensive review of climate science. Instead, the authors said, it's focused on data and topics that the media and others have underreported and overlooked. A few scientists strongly back what's in the report A handful of scientists contacted by AP spoke positively about the report. One expert cited in the work praised it, saying it departed from unnecessarily alarmist findings of other national and international climate assessments. James Davidson, a professor at the University of Exeter focused on economics, has published work that disputes the mainstream consensus that rising carbon dioxide levels in the past caused warming. He said the Department of Energy report is giving voice to beliefs that were previously shut out. What scientists are doing and what citizens can do Mainstream scientists have already mobilized to respond. A few have voiced criticism on social media. The National Academy of Sciences, a collection of private, nonprofit institutions set up to provide independent and objective analysis, is preparing a fast-tracked special report on the latest evidence about whether greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health. The Energy Department is taking public comments on its work until Sept. 2. The EPA is holding several days of public hearings, with comments due by Sept. 22. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Lusaka, Zambia (PANA) - African ministers of health gathering for the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa on Monday adopted a pivotal framework to accelerate efforts to address oral health diseases that affect around 42% of the regions population Cozumel captains reported lost at sea from Key West to Isla Mujeres rescued by passing cargo ship Isla Mujeres, Q.R. UPDATED: Two men onboard a missing vessel from Key West to Isla Mujeres have been reported found alive. A search began for the men after the Isla Mujeres Harbor Masters Office issued a lost at sea alert. A photo of their boat taken from aboard the cargo ship that rescued the men Monday night. The pair, both from the island of Cozumel, set sail from Key West, Florida August 20. The men were scheduled to arrive at Isla Mujeres August 22, but did not. Air and sea searches failed to locate the missing men. The pair were rescued by a cargo ship in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday night after running out of fuel around 28 miles from the island. Captains Jorge Arcadio Aragon Aceves and Ricardo Argaez Jimenez were rescued by the passing ship after running out of fuel and becoming adrift. The Navy launched an intensive search operation using an interceptor patrol boat, a Defender vessel from the Isla Mujeres Maritime Search, Rescue and Surveillance Station (ENSAR), and an aircraft equipped with tracking technology after issuing a lost at sea alert for the men. The operation also included the collaboration of the United States Coast Guard and the Cuban government who authorized overflights in their respective zone, however, it was the crew of a cargo ship who located the missing captains on Monday. Both men were found still on their vessel that had stalled due to a lack of fuel. The missing men recorded a short video for friends and family that they were alive and well. The men recorded a short video late Monday confirming their rescue. We were close to Isla Mujeres, very close but we ran out of gas, and from there we drifted about 220 miles. But were fine, said Jorge Arcadio Aragon Aceves. The Navy of Mexico is scheduled to meet the cargo vessel early Tuesday to return the men to the island. UPDATED: Jorge Aragon and Ricardo Argaez, the two captains rescued adrift in the Gulf of Mexico, arrived at the Puerto Juarez naval base at 8:00 a.m. Thursday. The men were located and rescued by a Polish ship in the Gulf after being swept away by the ocean current when they were 28 miles from Isla Mujeres. Both men have been reunited with their families on the island of Cozumel. Isla Mujeres kidnapper who kept demanding ransom after killing victim captured in Nuevo Leon Isla Mujeres, Q.R. A criminal gang member who kept demanding ransom after killing his victim has been captured. Authorities say Eloy N was located and arrested in the state of Nuevo Leon and returned to Quintana Roo. He is facing charges of aggravated kidnapping. According to the Quintana Roo Attorney Generals Office, Eloy N, is a suspected member of a criminal group that, on November 5, 2024, deprived a man of his liberty and forced him to leave his home in the Monte los Olivos neighborhood of mainland of Isla Mujeres. The following day, the perpetrators demanded 3,000 pesos from a relative of the victim in exchange for his release. The victims relative made the first deposit, but the victim was not released. The alleged perpetrators later demanded an additional 5,000 pesos. On November 9, 2024, they sent a photograph of the victim via WhatsApp as proof of life and warned that if payment was not received, they would kill him. According to their preliminary investigations, the victim was killed by strangulation on November 7, 2024, however, the alleged perpetrators continued to demand ransom payments and later buried the body in a grave located in the backyard of a property. Eloy N, during the mans captivity, inserted the victims chip into his cell phone to send the extortion messages, they said. Through technological, field and office investigations, Eloy N was located in the state of Nuevo Leon. In coordination with local authorities, they captured him and subsequently transferred him Cancun to face charges. Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The UN human rights chief urged Cairo on Tuesday to end a practice of arbitrary detention used to silence critics of the regime Mexicana de Aviacion lands new E2 plane at Tulum International Tulum, Q.R Mexicos Mexicana de Aviacion landed at the Tulum International Airport Monday for the first time. The flight arrived full with 132 passengers arrived from the Felipe Angeles airport terminal (AIFA). It was the first flight from the fleet of the airlines new planes to land at the Tulum airport. Mexicana de Aviacion currently has three of the 20 new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft ordered. According to Governor Mara Lezama, since the Tulum airport began operations on December 1, 2023, it has established itself as a dynamic airport for the Mexican Caribbean, transporting more than two million passengers. Lezama report that the Mexicana flight also left Tulum at full capacity, representing another step in strengthening air connectivity to the state, directly contributing to economic development, job creation and the diversification of tourism markets. The Quintana Roo government recognizes Mexicana de Aviacions commitment to expanding its fleet and opening new routes that efficiently connect to the states main destinations. These types of actions are key to consolidating the Mexican Caribbean as one of the most important and competitive destinations nationally and internationally. Bernardo Cueto Riestra, head of the State Secretariat of Tourism, also acknowledged the airlines route. We will continue working hand in hand with airlines and tourism sector stakeholders to ensure robust and sustainable air connectivity that boosts tourism, strengthens local communities, and maintains Quintana Roo as a leader in the industry, as established in the New Era of Tourism. Last week, Mexicana de Aviacion announced their new route to Tulum starting August 25 using the airlines Embraer E2 from the Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA). The airline offers a mid-morning departure, 10:00 a.m., from AIFA, landing at Tulum International 1 hour and 55 minutes later. Benghazi, Libya (PANA) - The Charge d'affaires of the US embassy in Libya, Jeremy Brent, spoke with the Chief of General Staff of the Libyan National Army based in the east, General Khaled Zing, about the security partnership between the two countries How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Jessica and Rich here. Its anonymous! Dear How to Do It, I am a 44-year-old cis, pansexual woman whos married to a cis, hetero male partner, sans children. There are few things in life that I am confident about, but Ive always felt a Mata Hari-esque femme allure when it comes to my sexuality. Im blessed to say my husband is, hands down, the best lover Ive ever had and he knows exactly how to please me. However, Ive always had to be careful with his 8-inch penis, as my vagina canal is quite short, but the last six months have been different! All of a sudden, my cervix is throwing caution to the wind and I can fit all 8 inches without any discomfort. In the past, Ive experienced vaginal and clitoral orgasms, but lately, its as though I could orgasm for hours, and it feels like Im cumming from new depths. The entire time hes in me, its an intense roller coaster of toe-curling orgasmic sensation. Hes a champ when it comes to holding back for my climax, but Ive started to feel greedy when I see no end in sight to my orgasmic blissso I let him know its OK to finish before me. Until now, clitoral climax was as easy as flipping a switch, but now it takes an intense amount of energy and stimulation, and when I climax, I feel like my head is going to pop off. Although I have yet to time myself, Ive been able to orgasm consecutively for probably 15 to 20 minutes, and I could probably go longer, but at a certain point, it gets too intense and tiring. I thought Id almost seen it all, but I dont understand what is happening physiologically right now. My husbands libido seems totally normal for a fella in his 40s, but Im starting to feel like a Peg Bundy. I need to explore new toys, and Im by no means complaining. But I am curious and a bit confused, and oddly feel a little alienated at this moment. What is turbo-charging my middle-aged orgasms? Mid-Aged Power Puss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Mid-Aged Power Puss, When it comes to womens sexuality, most of what does get studied relates to a low libido or reasons a womans desire might decrease and how to reach, or return to, what has historically been considered normal. Im resisting the urge to wax critical about the many reasons why this is unfortunate, so that I can get directly to the way this affects you. We dont really know why a persons experience of sex might suddenly go from great to earthshattering. Perimenopause or menopause might be a factor. As much as we mostly hear about vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and declining interest in sex, the process is different for everyone. Plenty of women experience an increase or simply a difference in their arousal and satisfaction. In lieu of concrete answers, I encourage you to engage the curiosity youre feeling. Did anything change approximately six months ago? Did your work get more or less stressful? Has anything significant shifted in your relationship with your husband? What about your relationship to your body or to perceptions other peopleincluding your partnermight have of you? Youve always been confident, but maybe something further increased your self-assuredness? Have you changed your physical activities, especially anything that might affect your pelvic floor or even your general abdominal area? Also consider any changes in medications, supplements, and substances. Advertisement Advertisement Applying that same curiosity to your body might alleviate some of the alienation youre describing. And, please, give yourself permission to complain (at least, in appropriate contexts). Your body has suddenly been rewired. Even though the outcome is the kind of orgasms people often strive for, you get to feel however youre feelingwhether thats confused, unsettled, or even frustrated. Take some time to get to know yourself again. If clitoral stimulation and penetration have swapped places in your hierarchy of effectiveness, and your vaginal canal is significantly deeper, what else might have changed? A pleasure mapping activity can help you explore in a methodical and thorough manner. Saachi Guptas description of a hands-on pleasure mapping session does a great job of illustrating the level of detail that is ideal for the practice. Barbara Carrellas Urban Tantra contains a step-by-step guide that might be useful, too. However you decide to proceed, know that its OK to have complicated feelings about this change. Advertisement Advertisement Get sex advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear How to Do It, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to How to Do It following up) Submit Dear How to Do It, Im pretty good at masturbating and knowing how to get off. Like most cis women, this doesnt always translate well to partnered sex. Ive noticed that I often find myself having to clenchhardwhen I masturbate as if something internal needs to be touching for an orgasm to happen. (Sometimes I even get a charley horse in my legs from that!) When I have partnered sex, I feel like that clenching sometimes pushes a guy out. So I find myself consciously trying to stay relaxed and open, which then makes it harder for me to come. Advertisement Advertisement Im not that experienced with partnered sex, but I read your column a lot and it often talks about squeezing to make things tighter. Is it a good thing and I dont actually have a real problem (just one in my head)? Or is there a case when it can be too much (like in my case)? Any advice on how to balance the clench? Open Versus Closed Advertisement Dear Open Versus Closed, Im wondering whether harder to come means that you might not have an orgasm at all if you stay relaxed and open. Im also wondering whether your orgasms are different in some way when youre clenched compared to open, and if that difference means one way feels better than the other. Sometimes people feel pressure to orgasm and then force the issue, as it were, when an orgasm thats allowed to essentially sneak up can be just as good. Its great to know exactly what will reliably get us over the precipice, but its worth remembering that pleasure is the point. Staying flexible and patient can make the whole experience much richer and more interesting. Advertisement To answer your final question, no, in theory, clenching to come isnt necessarily a problem. It is, however, causing penises to occasionally pop out, and that can result in anything ranging from mild annoyance to significant injury. The first strategy to mitigate these risks is accepting that sex is full of bloopers. Things happen. Both porn films and sex scenes in mainstream media are part of the problem herewe have very few opportunities to see people having sex where minor mishaps occur. Cindy Gallops MakeLoveNotPorn tries to fill the gap, but the available library changes often, and while they do have a tag for coitus interruptus, they dont appear to have one specifically for blippy little blunders. When your partners penis does get pushed out, the best move is for both of you to take a breath and then resume penetration. This will greatly decrease the risk of a fractured penis or surprise anal (which can cause damage to your sphincter). The second strategy is to consider the context of your clenching. The closer your pubic bone is to theirs, the less likely it is that youll push them out. When youre starting to clench, go for more of a grinding motion than an in-and-out movement. Youll be best off if you have a conversation with your partners about this, so youre on the same page about what youre doing and why. Advertisement Advertisement Then theres the matter of charley horses. It absolutely may be the case that you need to clench a large section of your body in order to have the most satisfying orgasm you can achieve. But its also possible that you can be more precise, so I encourage you to explore that. Kegel exercises are the main way people develop an awareness of and control over their pelvic floor muscles. As the linked article advises, getting initial instruction from a pelvic floor therapist is ideal. A little bit of co-pay now can help you avoid causing yourself trouble in your quest to perfect your approach to orgasm. Stay away from jade eggs or any other device that cant be sterilized, and be wary of electronic units with sensorsmy experience with those gadgets has thus far been expensive yet disappointing, and some reviews describe malfunctions that sound painful. Some people can only squeeze the top portion of their vagina, or only the opening. (Think jazz isolations, but in your pelvic bowl.) Whatever level of fine vaginal skills youre willingand ableto develop, you can leverage that control to work toward the balance youre asking about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Send Us Your Questions About the Workplace! The columnists behind our advice column, Good Job, want to help you navigate your social dynamics at work. Does your colleague constantly bug you after hours? Has an ill-advised work romance gone awry? Ask us your question here! Dear How to Do It, My husband and I recently had a jacuzzi installed in our home, and I am eager for us to make love in it. The problem is that each time, he hasnt been able to get it up when weve been in the water. We are in our mid-50s, and he functions perfectly well in the bedroom. Whats going on that he cant get hard in the hot tub? The Waters Hot, Hes Not Dear the Waters Hot, Ask your husband whats going on. He might be anxious about all the reasons not to have sex in a hot tub (including the fact that while water washes away natural and manmade lubrication, its still slippery enough to pose a safety hazard during physical activity). He might be reminded of one of many different kinds of possible negative experiences from his past or something he saw in a movie that stuck with him. He may be put off by the sensation of the jets. His butt bones might simply be uncomfortable. Advertisement Advertisement Depending on how the two of you usually relate to each other, especially around the subject of sex, you can ask directly or approach him gently. If he doesnt immediately know whats going on, you can help him figure it out by asking questions and listening. Stay open to the possibility, though, that he doesnt know, and wont ever really know. If thats the case, propose a compromise. Maybe thats him stimulating you with other parts of his body, or with toys. Maybe he holds you while you masturbate. Itll be helpful if you can articulate what youre hoping for out of hot tub sexwhat sensations, which emotions, and whether theres a particular fantasy involved. If you approach this as a team, share information, and look for feasible ways to achieve what you want, I think youll be able to find something satisfying. Jessica More Advice From Slate Recently I had sex with a man who said he had a 10-inch penis. It was, indeed, huge. But when I told my (gay) friend about this guys endowment, he told me that specific measurement was statistically very, very unlikely, and that the guy was probably just getting away with it because people have a skewed perspective (mostly because guys lie constantly, making people think smaller sizes are bigger). Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Last week, President Donald Trump announced that he wanted to fundamentally change the way Americans vote. He wants to prohibit absentee ballots, mail ballots, early in-person voting, and the use of voting machines. He wants all voting to take place on Election Day and all ballots to be paper ballots. He claims that such changes will make elections more honest by preventing voter fraud. This is an extraordinarily dubious claim. Indeed, moving to paper ballots is likely to increase voter fraud. The classic American phrase Stuffing the ballot box comes from the age of paper ballots, when voters put a ballot into a box. It was often simple and easy to put in a second or third ballot into the box, thus stuffing it. This phrase dovetails with the other classic American election phrase Vote early and often. It reflected an age when urban machine politiciansRepublicans and Democratswould send party loyalists from one polling station to another, pretending to be a voter in each precinct. The days of such shenanigans are long gone, in part because modern voting machineswhat Trump wants to get rid ofcant be stuffed and in part because voter registration is much more professionalized. Every study shows the same thing: There is very little voter fraud in the nation, and there is none tied to machines. A study of voting in six swing states in 2020 found under 500 claims of fraud out of some 25 million votes cast. There were almost no cases of mistakes in counting votes due to machine error, and almost no instances of voter impersonation. One study found only 31 instances of this kind of fraud between 2000 and 2014, when more than 1 billion ballots were cast. Studies of the 2016 election showed only four cases of voter impersonation in the entire nation. Furthermore, there are no recorded instances of noncitizens illegally voting. It just does not happen. Mail voting is equally safe, although sometimes the post office fails to deliver the mail on time, and sometimes the mail gets temporarily misplaced. There have been a few instances when mail carriers threw away mail that included ballots. But these instances of criminal behavior by post office employees are extremely rare, and very few ballots were involved along with large amounts of other mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we return to paper ballots, we are likely to see far more errors in counting votes. Lets face it: Machines do a better job of counting votes than humans do. Where I live, I sign my name on an iPad, the staff compares the signatures, and I get my ballot. No ID is needed, and it takes only a minute or two. I am given a single ballot, in the form of a Scantron sheet. I fill in the little bubbles and feed the form into a machine, which records my vote. There are no lost ballots, no fraudulent ballots, and no cheating. Ultimately, the precinct has the vote totals, and it always matches the total number of voters for that day. All the ballots are preserved in case someone thinks something is amiss. Absentee ballots are fed into machines as well, and early voting, done at the board of elections, is the same as in-person voting. Both use a Scantron sheet. Advertisement Trump has been complaining about voter fraud since 2016, but there has been no proof of fraud or irregularities in 2016, 2020, and 2024. What we do get is occasional human errorsuch as when mail ballots are in the wrong place and someone forgot to open them. This is not common and has not changed the outcome of any election. (It is worth noting that for all his complaints about the voting system, Trump won two elections when Democratic presidents were in office, in 2016 and 2024, and lost when he himself was in office.) So why the fear of mail ballots, absentee ballots, and early voting? I think it is not fear but the desire of the president to reduce the number of voters, a move he thinks will help his party. Advertisement A brief look at the history of absentee and mail ballots helps us understand who will suffer from Trumps guidelines if he is able to impose them. The first absentee balloting in the United States took place during the Civil War, in the 1864 presidential election. Nineteen states (out of the 25 in the Union) passed laws allowing soldiers in the field to vote, and the ballots were sent back to their home states. It was a great success, allowing those who had risked their lives to save the nation, to participate in the democratic process. Most soldiers voted for Abraham Lincoln, who was campaigning to stay the course, defeat the Confederacy, preserve the Union, and end slavery. Their marching song, the Battle Hymn of the Republic, said it all: As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free. (The peace candidate, who wanted to end the war and reverse the Emancipation Proclamation, was Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, whom Lincoln dismissed for his incompetence.) Advertisement Advertisement In World War I, with some 3 million men in uniform, almost all states allowed soldiers to vote with absentee ballots. The federal Soldier Voting acts of 1942 and 1944 guaranteed the right of men and women in uniform to vote. After the war, absentee ballots became increasingly common, as voters could not always be home on Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Trump would take away the ballot from our service members who are not in their home county when an election takes place. He would deny them the right to cast an absentee vote. A service member about to go overseas, or to serve on a ship about to leave, could not vote early before departing. The president, who constantly wants to honor his version of American history, should learn from soldiers voting in every election since 1864: Absentee voting and, now, early voting are as American as apple pie. It is patriotic. The administration claims that, despite Trumps categorical opposition to absentee ballots, there will be some sort of accommodation for people in the military, but we know no further details. Will it apply only to people overseas? Will it work on ships? Or will a service member from one state, based in another, be able to mail a ballot back home? None of this is clear. Of course, we also wonder if it will also apply to a diplomat overseas, a nonuniformed person working for the federal government on assignment elsewhere. And if all these people are allowed to vote absentee, why not an airline pilot, an Amtrak worker, or anyone else away from home on Election Day? Advertisement Advertisement Elderly voters love to cast their ballots by mail. Many, especially in Florida and Arizona, are Republicans. They do not want to stand in long lines in the hot sun to vote. Florida went for Trump three times, and Arizona voted for him twice, with huge numbers of mail ballots. But the president wants to disenfranchise these voters, many of whom supported him. (Ironically, in 2020, Trump himself gave a ballot to someone in Florida to cast for him in a primary and voted in the presidential election with a mailed absentee ballot.) Advertisement Rural Americans often vote by mail because of the distance to polling places. Trump did well among rural voters, but his successor would lose votes without mail ballots. This issue is especially pronounced with Native Americans, for whom distances on tribal lands can be enormous. Some Navajo live more than 200 miles from the nearest polling place. Others are as far as 95 miles away (190 miles round trip) from their polling places. (Most Native American voters did not support Trump, but the issue of ballot access should not be restricted to the winningor losingparty.) Advertisement Blue-collar workers, putting in long days at a factory, mine, or warehouse, benefit from mail ballots and early voting. So too do oil field workers and those on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. Add to this list truck drivers, airline personnel, train crews, and many who work in the corporate world, who regularly travel and may not be home on Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Going to paper ballots will slow down elections, creating long lines at polling places. Abolishing mail ballots and early voting will do the same, because more people will be voting in person. Who will be less harmed by abolishing mail, absentee, and early voting and slowing down the voting process by getting rid of machines? Middle-class and upper-class professionals will be able to take time off from work, but hourly employees may not be able to, especially if the lines are lengthy, given the cumbersome system of handing out paper ballots. Teachers, professors, and government employees in many states will be given time off to vote. But first responders, police, fire, and EMT personnel may not have that luxury. The director of a hospital will be able to schedule time to cast their ballot; the doctors, nurses, and orderlies in the emergency room may not be able to vote. The manager and maybe the employees of a feed and grain store in a small rural town can vote, but the farmers may not be able to break free. In the large rural county in upstate New York where I grew up (Elise Stefaniks district), the people in town will still easily be able to vote, but out in the county it will be touch and go. An early snowstorm might stop a lot of voters who would otherwise have mailed a ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps plan will not make elections saferthey are already extraordinarily safe and secureand it will not make them more honest. They are already incredibly honest. Rather, it will suppress voters and make it a privilege, a luxury, for those who can take the time to stand in line to vote. It will harm those in Arizona who cannot withstand the heat, and it will harm those in Michigans Upper Peninsula who cannot stand the cold or snow. As the paper ballot process inches slowly forward, voters may just go home. The irony here is that if Trump succeeds, he will undermine our political system and our democracy. But he may also disfranchise more Republicans than Democrats. Be careful what you wish for, Mr. Presidentyou might get it. Michael Robert Murphy, 72, of Owings, Maryland, passed away on August 24, 2025, at his home. He was born on October 4, 1952 in Arlington, Virginia, to Anna Louise (Englert) and John S. Murphy. His family moved to Mt. Ranier where he spent his childhood and graduated from Northwestern Senior High School in 1971. He was drafted into the United States Army in October of 1972, honorably serving our Country for two years in Schweinfurt, Germany. Upon his discharge from the Army, he became a licensed stationery engineer, first working at the National Press Building in Washington, D.C. and next working at Briggs & Co. followed by Giant Food Warehouse. He was recruited to work for the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 99 as a Business Representative and then elected to Business Manager, totaling over 26 years. He retired in January of 2016. He amassed many awards and achievements with the union and was recently bestowed the Community Service Agency Legacy Award for over 25+ years of service. His joy and happy place were spending time with family and friends at their lakehouse at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Helen Murphy of Owings; his daughters, Christie Welch and her husband William, and Diana Gribble and her husband Donnie; grandchildren Hayden, Austin, and Abigail; sisters Rita Lloyd, Mary Grace Panebianco, Jean Murvine, and Maggie Kaplan, along with his brother Ray Murphy. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Murphy, and by his brothers, John, Patrick, Paul, and Kevin Murphy. A memorial service celebrating the life of this incredible man will be held on Saturday, August 30 at Dunkirk Baptist Church, 11275 Southern Maryland Blvd., Dunkirk, MD at 12 Noon. The family will receive visitors from 11:00 a.m. to noon. A reception will be held at the American Legion Post 206 located at 3330 Chesapeake Beach Road in Chesapeake Beach from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. FILE - Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, right, talks to Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands before the qualifying session ahead of Sunday's Formula One Italian Grand Prix auto race, at the Monza racetrack, in Monza, Italy, Sept. 2, 2023. (Christian Bruna/Pool via AP File) The new Cadillac F1 team strongly denied reports it was considering hiring fired Red Bull team principal Christian Horner to become part of what will be the 11th team on the Formula 1 grid next season. Horner was abruptly fired following the British Grand Prix last month with no reason given for his termination. The dismissal ended a 20-year stint that included eight F1 drivers titles and recent turmoil that followed the team on and off the track. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent reports claimed that Horner was going to land at Cadillac, which will debut next season. But Dan Towriss, CEO of the Cadillac Formula 1 team and TWG Motorsports, said while announcing his driver lineup of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez that he was not hiring Horner. There have been no talks with Christian Horner. No plans to do that, Towriss said. I'd like to officially shut down that rumor. He then praised Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac's current team principal. Our support backing is 100% in Graeme Lowdon, Towriss said. Horner had been Red Bull team principal since it entered F1 as a full constructor in 2005. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Horner oversaw eight F1 drivers titles four for Sebastian Vettel and four for Verstappen and six constructors titles during his time with the team. But McLaren has dominated this season in F1, while Red Bulls performance has dipped, though defending champion Verstappen remains third in the standings and the team is fourth. ___ AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing The start of classes for students attending Evergreen Public Schools has been delayed at least a week amid a potential strike by employees. The leaders of the Evergreen Public Schools employees union announced the failure to come to a new contract agreement with the district on Thursday night. The two groups have been negotiating the contract since March. Delay of Start of Classes Classes across the district were originally scheduled to start on Tuesday, Aug. 26, but have since been pushed back to Sept. 2, giving both sides more time to talk. In her announcement, Evergreen School District Superintendent Christine Moloney said that she and the board are aware that the delay is a major inconvenience. However, she noted that they are not able to conduct school safely without the staff represented by the union. The latter includes paraeducators, bus drivers, campus security, maintenance staff, and mechanics. The union of school staff is demanding higher compensation for roughly 1,400 classified staff in its membership. The school district has 38 elementary, middle, high, and specialty schools scattered across East Vancouver and enrolls over 20,000 students, according to OPB. Many Evergreen parents have gone through starting the year with a strike, as two years ago, the district also delayed the start of classes when teachers took to picket lines and union leaders continued contract negotiations with administrators. One parent, Mindy Troffer-Cooper, who is the president of the Evergreen Chapter of the Public School Employees of Washington SEIU Local 1948, said that they have "such a turnover in this district, it's terrible." Troffer-Cooper added that their members have already made their voices clear and are saying, "Enough is enough." She said they are united, ready, and will do whatever it takes to win a contract that reflects their value and ensures that students get quality services that they deserve, KGW8 reported. Addressing Employee Issues Incoming Evergreen PSE vice president Angie Waudy said that the current situation is about "respect." She argued that paraeducators and drivers are choosing to leave their jobs because the district refuses to address issues with retention. In the union's strike vote, workers agreed to stop working starting on Tuesday if they had not reached an agreement with the district. Additionally, a news release noted that the teachers' union will honor the picket line. Moloney noted that the decision to delay the start of classes will allow both sides to reach a contract that is fair for either side and is sustainable under current budget constraints, as per The Columbian. LOS ANGELES (AP) Emmet Sheehan tossed seven innings of two-hit ball with a career high-tying 10 strikeouts, Andy Pages homered twice and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cincinnati Reds 7-0 on Monday night to regain sole possession of first in the NL West. San Diego dropped a game behind the Dodgers with a 9-6 loss at Seattle after taking two of three from them last weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheehan (5-2) gave up a double to former Dodger Gavin Lux in the second and a single to Austin Hays in the seventh, the longest outing of his career. He walked one. Pages homered into the Dodgers bullpen in left leading off the third against Hunter Greene (5-4). Michael Conforto doubled leading off the fifth and Pages followed with another shot to left for a 3-0 lead. The Dodgers added two runs in the sixth. Freddie Freeman doubled and Will Smith walked. Pages reached when the ball rolled through the legs of shortstop Elly De La Cruz for an error and left fielder Hays airmailed the throw to the plate for an error, scoring Freeman and Smith. Mookie Betts extended the lead to 6-0 with a solo shot off Sam Moll in the seventh. Pages' sacrifice fly scored the Dodgers' final run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Key moments Dodgers left fielder Conforto and right fielder Teoscar Hernandez two of the team's most maligned players lately took away four extra base hits with terrific defense. Conforto caught Spencer Steer's fly at the top of the wall and Hernandez also went to the wall to rob Ke'Bryan Hayes in the second. Hernandez snared Jose Trevino's liner in the webbing of his glove on a one-handed grab with his back to the plate in the third. He ran into the scoreboard chasing down Matt McLain's fly in the fifth. Key stat Freeman's 33rd double was the 541st of his career, moving him into a tie for 37th all-time with Hall of Famer and two-time MVP Rogers Hornsby. Up next Reds RHP Nick Martinez (10-9, 4.59 ERA) starts Tuesday against Dodgers LHP Clayton Kershaw (8-2, 3.13). ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB Fashion Frenzie returned to victory Iane in the $42,000 Preferred Trot on Monday, Aug. 25 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Safe Conduct (Chris Christoforou) was the first to the lead with an opening fraction set in :27. Fashion Frenzie (Louis-Philippe Roy) tracked the leader in second before sweeping to the top. Roy and the Eric Nadeau trainee maintained a 1-1/2-length lead through the half in :55.1 and three-quarters in 1:23.3. Continuing his momentum, Fashion Frenzie scored by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:51.4. Safe Conduct was second and Amigo Volo (James MacDonald) was third. Fashion Frenzie is a seven-year-old gelded son of Archangel and the Striking Sahbra mare Striking Fashion. Ecurie Francis Richard Inc., Gestion Mario Bourgea Inc., Pierre Guillemette and Sylvain Richard co-own the winner of five races this year in 15 starts and career winner of 32-11-12 in 72 starts. He pushed his lifetime sum to $1,441,307. Fashion Frenzie paid $3.60 to win. There were two $17,000 divisions of a Pop-Up Series for non-winners of $50,000 (fillies and mares $62,500) in 2025 with also eligible starters for a purse of $11,000 or less in one of last three starts. Flirty Dancer ($5.40) and James MacDonald took the first division by 4-3/4 lengths in 1:53.4. Paul Reid trains the Lookslikeachpndale-Hola Lola four-year-old mare, who he co-owns with Brian Kleinberg, Richard Beinhauer and Megan Martin. Myretirementdream ($5.70) and Tyler Borth won in gate-to-wire fashion in 1:54.3 by three-quarters of a length. Eli Wagler bred, owns and trains the Il Sogno Dream-Myretirementticket four-year-old. To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park. (Standardbred Canada) The parents of an 11-year-old girl from Oklahoma were arrested and charged after their young child was forced to give birth at home without the presence of a doctor. Authorities revealed that 33-year-old Cherie Walker and 34-year-old Dustin Walker were arrested after allegedly failing to provide supervision or medical assistance for their daughter. The 11-year-old girl was said to have delivered a full-term baby on Aug. 16. Parents Arrested After 11-Year-Old Daughter Gives Birth The Muskogee County Assistant District Attorney Janet Hutson added that the girl's parents claimed that they had no idea she was even pregnant. Court documents also showed that the 11-year-old has been carrying her baby for around 36 weeks. Investigators said that the young girl had not seen a doctor in more than a year and did not receive any prenatal care. Officials only learned about the case after the 11-year-old was brought to the hospital after giving birth at home. Both of the young girl's mother and stepfather have been charged with felony child neglect and are being held in the Muskogee County Jail on a $100,000 bond each. They are both scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 3, according to the Independent. Hutson said that officials may file additional charges against the suspects and are currently waiting for paternity test results to determine who the father of the 11-year-old girl's baby is. The district attorney noted that the young girl is "traumatized" by the entire incident. She added that they believe the 11-year-old girl may have been homeschooled, along with several other children. The child's grandmother spoke out in defense of the couple, saying that none of them knew what exactly was happening. Charged With Child Neglect The grandmother said that authorities made her daughter and son-in-law look like monsters, adding that she hopes to see her grandchildren again. Hutson reminded the public that there are many ways to report suspected child neglect to help victims, People reported. The district attorney said there are many resources available that allow people to reach out to law enforcement, the Department of Human Services, or the district attorney's office. They can then report when they see instances of abuse or neglect. One neighbor, Cheryl Adkins, said that the 11-year-old girl and her five siblings were exposed to unstable and unsanitary conditions inside their home. She said that the family had no running water for the last two or three years, forcing her to make several calls to police and authorities, as per the Daily Mail. Price Control took control of the $34,247 Open Handicap Pace and never looked back before winning the Monday (Aug. 25) afternoon feature at Plainridge Park. Price Control and Mitchell Cushing led a short six-horse field unchallenged through quarters of :26.2, :54.1 and 1:21.3 before entering the final turn ahead by 1-1/2 lengths. Price Control then spun into the stretch on top by two, but had to hold off Heinikin Bythebay (Matty Athearn) and Stonebridge Reef (Brett Beckwith), who made late lunges that came up short by three-quarters of a length as Price Control got across in 1:50. The triumph was the second straight win for Price Control ($8.00) who is owned by Ray Lasky, Matthew Little and his driver, Cushing, who also trains the winner. In the days first race, which was a $23,973 non-winners event for two- to five-year-olds, Poker Sy (Brett Beckwith) destroyed the field by 14-lengths and stopped the clock in 1:49.1 to become tied as the fastest pacer ever bred in the state of Massachusetts. He matched the mile time of Mullinax who went in 1:49.1 at the Meadowlands in 2022. Poker Sy ($5.00) is owned by the Jesmeral Stable and trained by Christie Collins. Poker Sy was one of four wins for Beckwith, who led all drivers for wins on Monday. On the training side, one might say it was Eaton good in the neighborhood as Mike Eaton sent two winners to post as did his daughter, Julia Eaton. When Bruce Ranger won the eighth race with Tuffenuftowearpink (1:51, $23.00), he eclipsed the $50 million USD mark in career driving earnings. A native of Portland, Maine, the 65-year-old Ranger started his driving career in 1979 at the Skowhegan Fair, where he scored his first victory. From there, his career path went through Massachusetts at both Foxboro and Plainridge Park as well as Florida, where he was a legendary star and the all-time dash win leader at Pompano Park. After momentarily retiring in 2015, he returned to action at Scarborough Downs in the fall of 2018, and hes been on a roll ever since. Since climbing back into the bike, Ranger has been competing at every track in Maine along with being a regular at Plainridge Park, where he has won multiple dash titles. At the current Plainridge meet, Ranger is the second leading dash driver with 74 wins and $878,652 USD in purses out of 434 starts, with 49 seconds and 53 thirds. Overall this year to date, he has 620 starts with 117 wins, 71 seconds and 81 thirds with $1,084,818 USD in earnings. Rangers overall career numbers are eye-popping. He has amassed 10,592 wins, 8,292 seconds and 6,785 thirds from 52,212 starts that pushed him to the $50 million USD mark. His win total puts him 19th on the North American all-time driving wins list with only 13 drivers ahead of him who are still active. Ranger has won in excess of $1 million USD in a single season 14 times in his career and has won in excess of $2 million USD in purses seven times. Plus Ranger has always been a very high-percentage driver, boasting a career Universal Driver Rating of .337. Ranger ended his big day by donning a hat for his three wins on the card. Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Tuesday (Aug. 26) at 4 p.m. with a $1,259 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in race six. (Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts) Edinburg, Virginia native John Pence is an avid supporter and fan of the Shenandoah County Fair, which kicked off its 106th edition Monday, Aug. 25 and continues at the grounds in Woodstock, Virginia through Saturday, Aug. 30. Pence is so avid in fact that he hasn't missed a day at the fair in 60 years. And he's not just an attendee. Since 1974 -- when the head of the fair's harness racing committee told him to get on a tractor and "go for it" -- Pence has been an integral part of the track crew that prepares the half-mile oval for four days of harness racing every August. This week, he will celebrate 50 years in that role. "My parents were avid fairgoers and that just extended to me," he said. "That's the way we were raised. Not just me, but lots of people around here. The fair was a big deal. It may not be as exciting as it used to be but it's still very nice to come to the fair. Back in the '60s and '70s, I could tell you everybody that walked up and down the midway. Now, if I know two to four per cent of the people, that would be a lot, but that's mainly because the area has grown. It's still the biggest get-together in this county and needs to keep getting bigger and better. "People's attitudes about fairs are changing," he continued. "I don't believe people are as serious about them as they used to be. There's still a lot of kids that want to be involved and they need to have every opportunity to participate. The roots of the fair are in agriculture and we need to hang onto that. It's like a summary of the year as far how good you've done raising your crops and livestock. You get a chance to show off what you've accomplished and the work involved. Kids need to focus on things like that, especially in today's world. Interest in the fair needs to be cultivated. The people I grew up around a set work ethic and I've always tried to follow that." Harness racing has a rich county fair tradition in Woodstock that goes back 106 years at its current location -- and even several decades prior when races were held pre-fair. Pence is five decades into his track crew duties, but interestingly, he was never a big horse or even a horse racing fan per se. "I've sold horse trailers and worked on the track," he said, "but never rode a horse." Purses for fair harness races have risen from $150 when Pence started, to $2,000 per race now. The Virginia Equine Alliance, which conducts the Shenandoah Downs spring and fall pari-mutuel meets at the fairgrounds and has invested over $1 million into the track surface itself over the last 10 years, pays out an average $60,000 a day in purse money. Pence has been intimately involved with the Downs operation too, helping out with the track and grounds upkeep since 2017. "Track upkeep is hard work," said Pence. "I have enjoyed the challenge of keeping it in shape for horsemen so they can go out and do well. That is a very gratifying aspect. When we set the Shenandoah Downs track record here in 1:51.4, I felt I was a part of that. Of course you've got to have a good horse, but if the track was right, we did our job." Pence was asked about racing-specific changes he's seen in his five decades. "It's hard to explain," he said. "Back in the day, the demolition derby and tractor pull were both held on the track the two evenings before four days of harness racing started. We'd finally get to start prepping the track Tuesday night after the demolition derby was over -- with very little equipment. It was a long night. Once or twice, we had to start the harness races late the next day because I was behind. It was a different world back then. It was just the water truck man and me and that was the extent of it. Most of the participants then were local farmers and the purses were $150 or $200. They were all good people and it was like a family. Today, horsemen travel from many miles away to race here. It's a different ballgame. It's still like a family now but it's not as close as it was back then. It's more competitive because there's more money involved. Farmers that raced here were tickled to death when they won. It was a source of pride when you won, more so than the purse money." The Shenandoah County Fair is the only fair in the state of Virginia that hosts harness racing during its annual weeklong run. The Wednesday through Saturday racing schedule has been a staple for decades. "There's definitely a sense of pride in that too," said Pence. "The fact that Woodstock has been the summer home of harness racing for so long means something. Changes happen though and that's just the way of life. People change, the fair changes, purse money changes, everything changes. But after all these years, it's still the fair and it's still the racetrack." Pence will be recognized for his service between harness races during the Wednesday, Aug. 27 program. The eight-race card goes to post at 12 noon. The fair meet continues with daily cards on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Acclaimed race caller Roger Huston will call the action the first three days. One lucky fan each day will win a chance to "Own a Horse for a Day" courtesy of the Virginia Harness Horse Association. Winners will return on Sunday, Sept. 14 during the Shenandoah Downs' opening weekend and will each "own" a horse in a $5,000 USD race -- and keep the purse money it earns. Details are at shenandoahdowns.com. (Shenandoah County Fair) For the second year in a row, Plainridge Park is teaming up with the American Cancer Society and Men Wear Pink of Boston to raise funds for their Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign. The Plainridge Park event is called "Men Wear Pink: A Sulky Social" and it will be held on Labour Day Monday, Sept. 1 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the racing side of Plainridge Park Casino. Men Wear Pink is a distinguished group of community leaders, determined to raise awareness and money to support a mission to save more lives than ever from breast cancer. When communities unite to fight breast cancer, great things happen. By tapping into the power of pink, Men Wear Pink has raised more than $40 million USD since its inception which fuels a live 24/7 helpline for answers and support, breakthrough breast research and so much more. Plainridge Park Casinos General Manager, North Grounsell, is a Men Wear Pink of Boston Ambassador and he is stepping up and using the power of wearing pink to raise funds and work to end breast cancer as we know it. Every dollar raised at the Sulky Social will help the American Cancer Society save more lives from breast cancer through early detection and prevention, breakthrough breast cancer discovery and research, and lifesaving patient support. At the track, attendees can enjoy delicious food selections from the on-site food truck including specials like rose poached shrimp cocktail and pink vodka lobster ravioli, along with drinks at the bar. Attendees will also have a chance at winning some big prizes. While watching the races at the Sulky Social, attendees can go to the casino and swipe their Penn Play card to get an entry to deposit at any of the promotional kiosks for a chance to win. Five lucky people will be drawn at 6 p.m. to win up to $250 USD in Penn Slot Play. Full rules are available at the track. Every dollar makes a difference in the fight against this disease and horsemen, horsewomen and the horse organizations involved with harness racing at Plainridge Park stepped up to the plate last year to show their support and make a real impact with their contributions. As a strong kick-start towards this year's goal, substantial monetary donations have already been pledged by Plainridge Park, the Harness Horsemans Association of New England (HHANE), the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts (SOMINC) and the New England Amateur Harness Drivers Association. Last years total raised was $22,000 USD. This years goal is $30,000 USD. The track strongly encourages donations be made by the connections of every horse racing that day. This year, it will be a lot easier for the connections do that by simply filling out one of the provided forms prior to their race and indicating the percentage or amount of their purse they want to contribute, and it will automatically be taken out of the disbursement before its sent. Those forms are available at the track. Fans attending the races that day will also have the opportunity to donate during the event. (Plainridge Park) Children were among the 76 freed hostages in Nigeria following the local military's airstrikes targeting militants in the region's northwest. Authorities launched the airstrikes on targets located around Pauwa Hill, which is in the Kankara area of Katsina state, in the early hours of Saturday. The state's commissioner for internal security, Nasir Mu'azu, said that the air assault was launched in a manhunt for a notorious kidnapper. Nigerian Children Among Freed Hostages The commissioner added that the hostages who were rescued include some of the people who were forcefully taken during an attack on a mosque in Unguwan Mantau, which resulted in the death of at least 50 individuals. In the past few months, officials have seen an increase in attacks on communities in the northwest and north-central regions of Nigeria. The region is where farmers typically clash over limited access to both land and water. The situation comes after an attack last month that killed 150 people, according to the Daily Journal. The conflict has become increasingly deadly in the past few years, with authorities and analysts warning that more herdsmen are taking up more sophisticated arms. Commissioner Mu'azu said that the recent air assault is part of a "broader strategy" that aims to dismantle criminal hideouts, weaken their networks, and end the cycle of killings, kidnappings, and extortion. On top of these issues, the West African country is also plagued by insurgency in its northeast region. The United Nations said this particular problem has already resulted in the death of roughly 35,000 civilians and the displacement of more than 2 million others. Military Airstrikes on Militants The latest news comes as separate airstrikes on Saturday in the northwest of Nigeria killed 35 militants in what local officials called a "targeted attack." Despite President Bola Tinubu's government's efforts to curb jidahi attacks in the region, the militancy has continued to persist, ABC News reported. One of the tragic incidents in the region involved kidnappers who killed 35 hostages in July despite a ransom being paid. The assailants originally abducted the individuals from a village in northern Zamfara state. This particular incident involves a group of gunmen who demanded a ransom of roughly $655 per captive. Local government chairman Manniru Haidara Kaura noted most of the people who were killed were young individuals who "were slaughtered like rams." Residents also noted that three pregnant women who were among the hostages gave birth while in captivity. However, all of the newborn children died because of a lack of care, as per BBC. By Raphael Satter WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The governor of Nevada said that state offices have closed, websites are offline and phone lines are patchy following an unspecified "network security incident." The office of Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo said in a post on X that "some state websites or phone lines may be slow or briefly unavailable during recovery." Reuters was unable to reach the governor's website, along with several other Nevada state sites, late Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nature of the incident wasn't disclosed, but outages of this nature are consistent with attacks from ransom-seeking hackers, whose practice of locking up victims' computer networks often leads to widespread disruption. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said in a statement that it was "actively tracking this network security incident and together with our partners, we are collaborating with the State of Nevada to offer our assistance." The FBI declined to comment. (Reporting by Raphael Satter; Editing by Michael Perry) A Somali national who fled the country after kidnapping a Missouri woman whose body was found stuffed in a suitcase had pleaded guilty to federal charges. Mahamud Tooxoow Mahamed, 43, was living in Missouri in July 2019 when he kidnapped 25-year-old Jessica McCormack and her three children. McCormack's body was found on July 29, stuffed in a suitcase near Highway 59 between Lanagan and Noel, Missouri. Her legs were sticking out of it and were seen by a passerby, prosecutors said. Mahamed pled guilty to one count of kidnapping resulting in death. Federal prosecutors said that McCormack was last seen alive on July 16 when she called 911. She told officers that Mahamed had held her at knifepoint and tried to force her to have sex with him. In the 911 call, McCormack also said that she feared Mahamed would harm her three children, aged four, two, and six months. McCormack and her children were reported missing the next day. In late July, Mahamed called a cousin in Minnesota and told the cousin he was bringing McCormack's children to her. Federal prosecutors said that when he was asked why he was doing that, Mahamed replied that "something bad had happened and he could be in trouble." Mahamed ended up going to a home of someone he knew in Des Moines, Iowa, on Aug. 5. That person reported to police that they woke up on Aug. 8 to discover that Mahamed had left, abandoning the children there, prosecutors said. Mahamed then fled the country and was considered a fugitive. Mahamed was taken into custody in July 2021 after being expelled from Guatemala. Mahamed faces a potential sentence of life in prison. Originally published on Lawyer Herald You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles).